bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship between temperature and Anopheles gambiae sensu lato mosquitoes' susceptibility to pyrethroids and expression of metabolic enzymes
Authors: Agyekum Thomas Peprah , Arko-Mensah John , Botwe Paul Kingsley , Hogarh Jonathan Nartey , Issah Ibrahim , Dadzie Samuel Kweku , Dwomoh Duah , Billah Maxwell Kelvin , Robins Thomas , Fobil Julius Najah
Published: May 2022

Background

Malaria remains one of the most devastating diseases globally, and the control of mosquitoes as the vector is mainly dependent on chemical insecticides. Elevated temperatures associated with future warmer climates could affect mosquitoes' metabolic enzyme expression and increase insecticide resistance, making vector control difficult. Understanding how mosquito rearing temperatures influence their susceptibility to insecticide and expression of metabolic enzymes could aid in the development of novel tools and strategies to control mosquitoes in a future warmer climate. This study evaluated the effects of temperature on the susceptibility of Anopheles gambiae sensu lato (s.l.) mosquitoes to pyrethroids and their expression of metabolic enzymes.

Methods

Anopheles gambiae s.l. eggs obtained from laboratory-established colonies were reared under eight temperature regimes (25, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 38, and 40 °C). Upon adult emergence, 3- to 5-day-old female non-blood-fed mosquitoes were used for susceptibility tests following the World Health Organization (WHO) bioassay protocol. Batches of 20–25 mosquitoes from each temperature regime (25–34 °C) were exposed to two pyrethroid insecticides (0.75% permethrin and 0.05% deltamethrin). In addition, the levels of four metabolic enzymes (α-esterase, β-esterase, glutathione S-transferase [GST], and mixed-function oxidase [MFO]) were examined in mosquitoes that were not exposed and those that were exposed to pyrethroids.

Results

Mortality in An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes exposed to deltamethrin and permethrin decreased at temperatures above 28 °C. In addition, mosquitoes reared at higher temperatures were more resistant and had more elevated enzyme levels than those raised at low temperatures. Overall, mosquitoes that survived after being exposed to pyrethroids had higher levels of metabolic enzymes than those that were not exposed to pyrethroids.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that elevated temperatures decreased An. gambiae s.l. mosquitoes' susceptibility to pyrethroids and increased the expression of metabolic enzymes. This evidence suggests that elevated temperatures projected in a future warmer climate could increase mosquitoes' resistance to insecticides and complicate malaria vector control measures. This study therefore provides vital information, and suggests useful areas of future research, on the effects of temperature variability on mosquitoes that could guide vector control measures in a future warmer climate.

Graphical Abstract
Microbiological profile and infection potential of different cryopreserved skull flaps after decompressive hemicraniectomy. Is cryopreservation at − 80 ℃ better?
Authors: Agrawal R. , Rompf C. , Pranada A. B. , Vollmar P. , De Lorenzo A. , Hoyer A. , Gousias K.
Published: May 2022

Objective

Patterns of cryopreservation of explanted skull bone flaps have long been a matter of debate, in particular the appropriate temperature of storage. To the best of our knowledge no study to date has compared the microbiological profile and the infection potential of skull bone flaps cryostored at the same institution at disparate degrees for neurosurgical purposes. In the context of our clinical trial DRKS00023283, we performed a bacterial culture of explanted skull bone flaps, which were cryopreserved lege artis at a temperature of either − 23 °C or − 80 °C after a decompressive hemicraniectomy. In a further step, we contaminated the bone fragments in a s uspension with specific pathogens (S. aureus, S. epidermidis and C. acnes, Colony forming unit CFU 103/ml) over 24 h and conducted a second culture.

Results

A total of 17 cryopreserved skull flaps (8: − 23 °C; 9: − 80 °C) explanted during decompressive hemicraniectomies performed between 2019 and 2020 as well as 2 computer-aided-designed skulls (1 vancomycin-soaked) were analyzed. Median duration of cryopreservation was 10.5 months (2–17 months). No microorganisms were detected at the normal bacterial culture. After active contamination of our skull flaps, all samples showed similar bacterial growth of above-mentioned pathogens; thus, our study did not reveal an influence of the storage temperature upon infectious dynamic of the skulls.
Improving medical research in the United Kingdom
Authors: Bradley Stephen H. , DeVito Nicholas J. , Lloyd Kelly E. , Logullo Patricia , Butler Jessica E.
Published: May 2022

Poor quality medical research causes serious harms by misleading healthcare professionals and policymakers, decreasing trust in science and medicine, and wasting public funds. Here we outline underlying problems including insufficient transparency, dysfunctional incentives, and reporting biases. We make the following recommendations to address these problems: Journals and funders should ensure authors fulfil their obligation to share detailed study protocols, analytical code, and (as far as possible) research data. Funders and journals should incentivise uptake of registered reports and establish funding pathways which integrate evaluation of funding proposals with initial peer review of registered reports. A mandatory national register of interests for all those who are involved in medical research in the UK should be established, with an expectation that individuals maintain the accuracy of their declarations and regularly update them. Funders and institutions should stop using metrics such as citations and journal’s impact factor to assess research and researchers and instead evaluate based on quality, reproducibility, and societal value. Employers and non-academic training programmes for health professionals (clinicians hired for patient care, not to do research) should not select based on number of research publications. Promotions based on publication should be restricted to those hired to do research.
Genotyping data of French wild boar populations using porcine genome-wide genotyping array
Authors: Iannuccelli Nathalie , Mary Nicolas , Bonnet Nathalie , Petit Geoffrey , Valle Carine , Ducos Alain , Riquet Juliette
Published: May 2022

Objective

The admixture of domestic pig into wild boar populations is controlled until now, by cytogenetic analysis. Even if a first-generation hybrid animal is discernable because of its 37-chromosome karyotype, the cytogenetic method is not applicable in the case of advanced intercrosses. The aim of this study is therefore to evaluate the use of SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphism) markers as an alternative technology to characterize recent or past hybridization between the two sub-species. The final goal would be to develop a molecular diagnostic tool.

Data description

The Geneseek Genomic Profiler High-Density porcine beadchip (GGP70KHD, Illumina, USA), comprising 68,516 porcine SNPs, was used on a set of 362 wild boars with diverse chromosomal statuses collected from different areas and breeding environments in France. We generated approximately 62,192–64,046 genotypes per wild boar. The present dataset might be useful for the community (i) for developing molecular tools to evaluate the admixture of domestic pig into wild boar populations, and (ii) for genetic diversity studies including wild boar species or phylogeny analyses of Suidae populations.

Raw data files and a processed matrix data file were deposited in the ArrayExpress at European Molecular Biology Laboratory-European Bioinformatics Institute (EMBL-EBI) data portal under accession number E-MTAB-10591.
Early diagnosis of sepsis using an E-health application for a clinical early warning system outside of the intensive care unit: a case report
Authors: Ghazali Daniel Aiham , Kenway Philippe , Choquet Christophe , Casalino Enrique
Published: May 2022

Background

Elderly and frail patients who are unable to call for help in case of vital distress can develop complications during their hospitalization. As a supplement to clinical monitoring by the nursing staff, these patients can also be monitored in real time, with the Sensium E-health technology. An application notifies clinical staff of any change in their vital signs (heart rate, respiratory rate, temperature) outside of normal ranges, suggestive of physiological decline. Nurses and physicians are notified of these abnormal changes by email and also via mobile application (iPhone or iPad), allowing early intervention to prevent further deterioration.

Case presentation

An 86-year-old Caucasian female, with chronic kidney disease, was hospitalized in our medical unit for pyelonephritis associated with a moderate deterioration of serum creatinine. Remote continuous monitoring allowed us to diagnose clinical deterioration early and adjust her treatment. The treatment improved her clinical condition and amended the secondary sepsis with circulation failure in 2 days.

Conclusions

The prognosis for patients with acute complicated pyelonephritis is much worse than for those with uncomplicated pyelonephritis. Remote continuous monitoring might be helpful to early diagnose urosepsis. This technology leads to improved prognosis of patients without initial vital distress, allowing early treatment and admission to intensive care unit.
Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their exosome in acute liver failure (ALF): a comprehensive review
Authors: Shokravi Samin , Borisov Vitaliy , Zaman Burhan Abdullah , Niazvand Firoozeh , Hazrati Raheleh , Khah Meysam Mohammadi , Thangavelu Lakshmi , Marzban Sima , Sohrabi Armin , Zamani Amir
Published: May 2022

Recently, mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) and their derivative exosome have become a promising approach in the context of liver diseases therapy, in particular, acute liver failure (ALF). In addition to their differentiation into hepatocytes in vivo, which is partially involved in liver regeneration, MSCs support liver regeneration as a result of their appreciated competencies, such as antiapoptotic, immunomodulatory, antifibrotic, and also antioxidant attributes. Further, MSCs-secreted molecules inspire hepatocyte proliferation in vivo, facilitating damaged tissue recovery in ALF. Given these properties, various MSCs-based approaches have evolved and resulted in encouraging outcomes in ALF animal models and also displayed safety and also modest efficacy in human studies, providing a new avenue for ALF therapy. Irrespective of MSCs-derived exosome, MSCs-based strategies in ALF include administration of native MSCs, genetically modified MSCs, pretreated MSCs, MSCs delivery using biomaterials, and also MSCs in combination with and other therapeutic molecules or modalities. Herein, we will deliver an overview regarding the therapeutic effects of the MSCs and their exosomes in ALF. As well, we will discuss recent progress in preclinical and clinical studies and current challenges in MSCs-based therapies in ALF, with a special focus on in vivo reports.
SemClinBr - a multi-institutional and multi-specialty semantically annotated corpus for Portuguese clinical NLP tasks
Authors: Oliveira Lucas Emanuel Silva e , Peters Ana Carolina , da Silva Adalniza Moura Pucca , Gebeluca Caroline Pilatti , Gumiel Yohan Bonescki , Cintho Lilian Mie Mukai , Carvalho Deborah Ribeiro , Al Hasan Sadid , Moro Claudia Maria Cabral
Published: May 2022

Background

The high volume of research focusing on extracting patient information from electronic health records (EHRs) has led to an increase in the demand for annotated corpora, which are a precious resource for both the development and evaluation of natural language processing (NLP) algorithms. The absence of a multipurpose clinical corpus outside the scope of the English language, especially in Brazilian Portuguese, is glaring and severely impacts scientific progress in the biomedical NLP field.

Methods

In this study, a semantically annotated corpus was developed using clinical text from multiple medical specialties, document types, and institutions. In addition, we present, (1) a survey listing common aspects, differences, and lessons learned from previous research, (2) a fine-grained annotation schema that can be replicated to guide other annotation initiatives, (3) a web-based annotation tool focusing on an annotation suggestion feature, and (4) both intrinsic and extrinsic evaluation of the annotations.

Results

This study resulted in SemClinBr, a corpus that has 1000 clinical notes, labeled with 65,117 entities and 11,263 relations. In addition, both negation cues and medical abbreviation dictionaries were generated from the annotations. The average annotator agreement score varied from 0.71 (applying strict match) to 0.92 (considering a relaxed match) while accepting partial overlaps and hierarchically related semantic types. The extrinsic evaluation, when applying the corpus to two downstream NLP tasks, demonstrated the reliability and usefulness of annotations, with the systems achieving results that were consistent with the agreement scores.

Conclusion

The SemClinBr corpus and other resources produced in this work can support clinical NLP studies, providing a common development and evaluation resource for the research community, boosting the utilization of EHRs in both clinical practice and biomedical research. To the best of our knowledge, SemClinBr is the first available Portuguese clinical corpus.
Monitoring of circulating monocyte HLA-DR expression in a large cohort of intensive care patients: relation with secondary infections
Authors: de Roquetaillade C. , Dupuis C. , Faivre V. , Lukaszewicz A. C. , Brumpt C. , Payen D.
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The reports of an early and profound acquired immunodepression syndrome (AIDs) in ICU patients had gained sufficient credence to modify the paradigm of acute inflammation. However, despite several articles published on AIDs and its assessment by monocytic HLA-DR monitoring, several missing informations remained: 1—Which patients’ are more prone to benefit from mHLA-DR measurement, 2—Is the nadir or the duration of the low mHLA-DR expression the main parameter to consider? 3—What are the compared performances of leukocytes’ count analyses (lymphocyte, monocyte).

Material and method

We conducted an observational study in a surgical ICU of a French tertiary hospital. A first mHLA-DR measurement (fixed flow cytometry protocol) was performed within the first 3 days following admission and a 2nd, between day 5 and 10. The other collected parameters were: SAPS II and SOFA scores, sex, age, comorbidities, mortality and ICU-acquired infections (IAI). The associations between mHLA-DR and outcomes were tested by adjusted Fine and Gray subdistribution competing risk models.

Results

1053 patients were included in the study, of whom 592 had a 2nd mHLA-DR measurement. In this cohort, 223 patients (37.7%) complicated by IAI. The initial decrement in mHLA-DR was not associated with the later occurrence of IAI, (p = 0.721), however, the persistence of a low mHLA-DR (< 8000 AB/C), measured between day 5 and day 7, was associated with the later occurrence of IAI (p = 0.01). Similarly, a negative slope between the first and the second value was significantly associated with subsequent IAI (p = 0.009). The best performance of selected markers was obtained with the combination of the second mHLA-DR measurement with SAPSII on admission. Persisting lymphopenia and monocytopenia were not associated with later occurrence of IAI.

Conclusion

Downregulation of mHLA-DR following admission is observed in a vast number of patients whatever the initial motif for admission. IAI mostly occurs among patients with a high severity score on admission suggesting that immune monitoring should be reserved to the most severe patients. The initial downregulation did not preclude the later development of IAI. A decreasing or a persisting low mHLA-DR expression below 8000AB/C within the first 7 days of ICU admission was independently and reliably associated with subsequent IAI among ICU patients with performances superior to leukocyte subsets count alone.
A Caputo discrete fractional-order thermostat model with one and two sensors fractional boundary conditions depending on positive parameters by using the Lipschitz-type inequality
Authors: Alzabut Jehad , Selvam A. George Maria , Dhineshbabu Raghupathi , Tyagi Swati , Ghaderi Mehran , Rezapour Shahram
Published: May 2022

A thermostat model described by a second-order fractional difference equation is proposed in this paper with one sensor and two sensors fractional boundary conditions depending on positive parameters by using the Lipschitz-type inequality. By means of well-known contraction mapping and the Brouwer fixed-point theorem, we provide new results on the existence and uniqueness of solutions. In this work by use of the Caputo fractional difference operator and Hyer–Ulam stability definitions we check the sufficient conditions and solution of the equations to be stable, while most researchers have examined the necessary conditions in different ways. Further, we also establish some results regarding Hyers–Ulam, generalized Hyers–Ulam, Hyers–Ulam–Rassias, and generalized Hyers–Ulam–Rassias stability for our discrete fractional-order thermostat models. To support the theoretical results, we present suitable examples describing the thermostat models that are illustrated by graphical representation.
OpenIaC: open infrastructure as code - the network is my computer
Authors: Rong Chunming , Geng Jiahui , Hacker Thomas J. , Bryhni Haakon , Jaatun Martin G.
Published: May 2022

Modern information systems are built fron a complex composition of networks, infrastructure, devices, services, and applications, interconnected by data flows that are often private and financially sensitive. The 5G networks, which can create hyperlocalized services, have highlighted many of the deficiencies of current practices in use today to create and operate information systems. Emerging cloud computing techniques, such as Infrastructure-as-Code (IaC) and elastic computing, offer a path for a future re-imagining of how we create, deploy, secure, operate, and retire information systems. In this paper, we articulate the position that a comprehensive new approach is needed for all OSI layers from layer 2 up to applications that are built on underlying principles that include reproducibility, continuous integration/continuous delivery, auditability, and versioning. There are obvious needs to redesign and optimize the protocols from the network layer to the application layer. Our vision seeks to augment existing Cloud Computing and Networking solutions with support for multiple cloud infrastructures and seamless integration of cloud-based microservices. To address these issues, we propose an approach named Open Infrastructure as Code (OpenIaC), which is an attempt to provide a common open forum to integrate and build on advances in cloud computing and blockchain to address the needs of modern information architectures. The main mission of our OpenIaC approach is to provide services based on the principles of Zero Trust Architecture (ZTA) among the federation of connected resources based on Decentralized Identity (DID). Our objectives include the creation of an open-source hub with fine-grained access control for an open and connected infrastructure of shared resources (sensing, storage, computing, 3D printing, etc.) managed by blockchains and federations. Our proposed approach has the potential to provide a path for developing new platforms, business models, and a modernized information ecosystem necessary for 5G networks.
Impulsiveness as potential moderators of the relation between social media dependence and eating disorders risk
Authors: He Zhonghua , Yang Weili
Published: May 2022

Background

Social media dependence (SMD) and eating disorders (ED) risk are often thought to be inextricably linked. Because social media dependence often precedes an ED, predicts poor outcome, and persists even after recovery from an ED, it is important to examine whether certain factors have the ability to potentially attenuate or intensify SMD’s effect on eating disorders.

Methods

In the current study, we examined one possible moderating factor: impulsiveness. 767 undergraduates (mean age = 18.78 years, SD = 1.20) in Shaanxi province of China, completed anonymous questionnaires regarding social media dependence, eating disorders, impulsiveness.

Results

Revealed that non-planned impulsiveness (NPI) moderated the relation between SMD and ED risk. Individuals who were low in SMD and who reported low levels of NPI reported much lower levels of ED risk than those with low SMD and high NPI. However, Individuals who were high in SMD and who reported low levels of NPI reported much higher levels of ED risk than those with high SMD and high NPI. Contrary to our hypotheses, Motor impulsiveness and cognitive impulsiveness did not emerge as moderators of the relation between SMD and ED risk.

Conclusions

Results provide growing support that factors that interact with SMD can lessen or aggravate SMD’s effect on ED risk. These findings can be beneficial to our understanding of how and when social media dependence impacts undergraduates’ eating disorders risk.
Sestrin2 in cancer: a foe or a friend?
Authors: Ala Moein
Published: May 2022

Sestrin2 is a conserved antioxidant, metabolism regulator, and downstream of P53. Sestrin2 can suppress oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby preventing the development and progression of cancer. However, Sestrin2 attenuates severe oxidative stress by activating nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), thereby enhancing cancer cells survival and chemoresistance. Sestrin2 inhibits endoplasmic reticulum stress and activates autophagy and apoptosis in cancer cells. Attenuation of endoplasmic reticulum stress and augmentation of autophagy hinders cancer development but can either expedite or impede cancer progression under specific conditions. Furthermore, Sestrin2 can vigorously inhibit oncogenic signaling pathways through downregulation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) and hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α). Conversely, Sestrin2 decreases the cytotoxic activity of T cells and natural killer cells which helps tumor cells immune evasion. Sestrin2 can enhance tumor cells viability in stress conditions such as glucose or glutamine deficiency. Cancer cells can also upregulate Sestrin2 during chemotherapy or radiotherapy to attenuate severe oxidative stress and ER stress, augment autophagy and resist the treatment. Recent studies unveiled that Sestrin2 is involved in the development and progression of several types of human cancer. The effect of Sestrin2 may differ depending on the type of tumor, for instance, several studies revealed that Sestrin2 protects against colorectal cancer, whereas results are controversial regarding lung cancer. Furthermore, Sestrin2 expression correlates with metastasis and survival in several types of human cancer such as colorectal cancer, lung cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Targeted therapy for Sestrin2 or regulation of its expression by new techniques such as non-coding RNAs delivery and vector systems may improve cancer chemotherapy and overcome chemoresistance, metastasis and immune evasion that should be investigated by future trials.
Accuracy of deep learning-based integrated tooth models by merging intraoral scans and CBCT scans for 3D evaluation of root position during orthodontic treatment
Authors: Lee Suk-Cheol , Hwang Hyeon-Shik , Lee Kyungmin Clara
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the accuracy of deep learning-based integrated tooth models (ITMs) by merging intraoral scans and cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) scans for three-dimensional (3D) evaluation of root position during orthodontic treatment and to compare the fabrication process of integrated tooth models (ITMs) with manual method.

Material and methods

Intraoral scans and corresponding CBCT scans before and after treatment were obtained from 15 patients who completed orthodontic treatment with premolar extraction. A total of 600 ITMs were generated using deep learning technology and manual methods by merging the intraoral scans and CBCT scans at pretreatment. Posttreatment intraoral scans were integrated into the tooth model, and the resulting estimated root positions were compared with the actual root position at posttreatment CBCT. Discrepancies between the estimated and actual root position including average surface differences, arch widths, inter-root distances, and root axis angles were obtained in both the deep learning and manual method, and these measurements were compared between the two methods.

Results

The average surface differences of estimated and actual ITMs in the manual method were 0.02 mm and 0.03 mm for the maxillary and mandibular arches, respectively. In the deep learning method, the discrepancies were 0.07 mm and 0.08 mm for the maxillary and mandibular arches, respectively. For the measurements of arch widths, inter-root distances, and root axis angles, there were no significant differences between estimated and actual models both in the manual and in the deep learning methods, except for some measurements. Comparing the two methods, only three measurements showed significant differences. The procedure times taken to obtain the measurements were longer in the manual method than in the deep learning method.

Conclusion

Both deep learning and manual methods showed similar accuracy in the integration of intraoral scans and CBCT images. Considering time and efficiency, the deep learning automatic method for ITMs is highly recommended for clinical practice.
Classification of mastoid air cells by CT scan images using deep learning method
Authors: Khosravi Mohammad , Jabbari Moghaddam Yalda , Esmaeili Mahdad , Keshtkar Ahmad , Jalili Javad , Tayefi Nasrabadi Hamid
Published: May 2022

Purpose

Mastoid abnormalities show different types of ear illnesses, however inadequacy of experts and low accuracy of diagnostic demand a new approach to detect these abnormalities and reduce human mistakes. The manual analysis of mastoid CT scans is time-consuming and labor-intensive. In this paper the first and robust deep learning-based approaches is introduced to diagnose mastoid abnormalities using a large database of CT images obtained in the clinical center with remarkable accuracy.

Methods

In this paper, mastoid abnormalities are classified using the Xception based Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) model, with optimizer Adamax into five categories (Complete pneumatized, Opacification in pneumatization, Partial pneumatization, Opacification in partial pneumatization, None pneumatized). For this reason, a total of 24,800 slides of 152 patients were selected that include the mastoid from most upper to the lowest part of the middle ear cavity to complete the construction of the proposed deep neural network model.

Results

The proposed model had the best accuracy of 87.80% (based on grader 1) and 88.44% (based on grader 2) on the 20th epoch and 87.70% (based on grader 1) and 87.56% (based on grader 2) on average and also significantly faster than other types of implemented architectures in terms of the computer running time (in seconds). The 99% confidence interval of the average accuracy was 0.012 which means that the true accuracy is 87.80% and 87.56% ± 1.2% that indicates the power of the model.

Conclusions

The manual analysis of ear cavity CT scans is often time-consuming and prone to errors due to various inter- or intra operator variability studies. The proposed method can be used to automatically analyze the middle ear cavity to classify mastoid abnormalities, which is markedly faster than most types of models with the highest accuracy.
Monte Carlo modelling of a compact CZT-based gamma camera with application to 177Lu imaging
Authors: Roth Daniel , Larsson Erik , Ljungberg Michael , Sjögreen Gleisner Katarina
Published: May 2022

Background

Semiconductor gamma-camera systems based on cadmium zinc telluride (CZT) detectors present new challenges due to an energy-response that includes effects of low-energy tailing. In particular, such energy tails produce effects that need to be considered when imaging radionuclides with multiple emissions such as $$^{177}{\mathrm {Lu}}$$

177

Lu

. Monte Carlo simulation can be used to investigate the behaviour of such systems and optimise their use, provided that the detector model closely reflects the real physical detector. The aim of this work is to develop a CZT model applicable for simulation of CZT-based gamma cameras.

Methods

The equations describing the charge transport and signal induction are considered in three dimensions and are solved numerically, and the CZT model is then realised by coupling the detector-response to the photon-transport handled by the SIMIND Monte Carlo program. The CZT model is tuned to reproduce experimentally measured energy spectra of a hand-held gamma camera system for multiple radionuclides ($$^{99\mathrm {m}}{\mathrm {Tc}}$$

99
m

Tc

, $$^{123}{\mathrm {I}}$$

123

I

and $$^{177}{\mathrm {Lu}}$$

177

Lu

) and parallel-hole collimators (MEGP, LEHR) as well as an uncollimated system.

Results

Overall, the model results agree well with measurements across the range of experimental conditions. The applicability of the model is demonstrated by separating energy spectra into components to investigate the interference of high-energy photons on lower energy-windows, where pronounced effects of low-energy tailing for $$^{177}{\mathrm {Lu}}$$

177

Lu

are observed.

Conclusions

The developed model provides understanding of the specifics of the camera response and is expected to be helpful for future optimisation of gamma camera applications.
Standardizing the measurement and classification of quality of life using the Keratoconus End-Points Assessment Questionnaire (KEPAQ): the ABCDEF keratoconus classification
Authors: Balparda Kepa , Herrera-Chalarca Tatiana , Cano-Bustamante Melissa
Published: May 2022

Background

Measuring quality of life is of importance in keratoconus. So far, the Keratoconus End-Points Assessment Questionnaire (KEPAQ) is the only keratoconus-specific scale to measure emotional well-being along with functional compromise in this population. Nevertheless, there is still a lack of clarity and standardization as to how KEPAQ scores should be computed and reported. There are also no guidelines for interpretation of classification of quality of life when using this instrument. The purpose of this study is to provide a specific framework on how to grade and classify keratoconus by using the KEPAQ and propose an extension of current classification to encompass subjective compromise.

Methods

A group of patients with a confirmed diagnosis of keratoconus underwent application of the KEPAQ. First, a Rasch modeling was performed to evaluate the psychometric characteristics of both sub-scales of the instrument. Then, a linear transformation was performed to turn data into a more relatable scale ranging from 0 to 100. Finally, by using Tukey’s Hinges, scores of the KEPAQ were divided in a 1-to-4 scale, allowing for an easy E&F classification system.

Results

A total of 386 applications of the KEPAQ were included. Analysis provided evidence of the KEPAQ being unidimensional, well-fitted to the Rasch Model, and provided adequate interval-level scores. Linear transformation resulted in a user-friendly final score ranging from 0 to 100, where a higher score translates to having a better quality of life. Two methods of easily computing final score, one by hand and the other one by an Excel file, were constructed. An E&F 1-to-4 classification was proposed, which may work well with the current ABCD classification of keratoconus.

Conclusions

The KEPAQ is a psychometrically robust scale, which confidently measures both emotional-related and functional-related quality of life in patients with keratoconus. It can be easily computed, and the results are interpretable and classified in a manner similar to that used in the ABCD keratoconus classification, by adding letters ‘E’ for emotional and ‘F’ for functional compromise.
A putatively new family of alphaproteobacterial chloromethane degraders from a deciduous forest soil revealed by stable isotope probing and metagenomics
Authors: Kröber Eileen , Kanukollu Saranya , Wende Sonja , Bringel Françoise , Kolb Steffen
Published: May 2022

Background

Chloromethane (CH3Cl) is the most abundant halogenated organic compound in the atmosphere and substantially responsible for the destruction of the stratospheric ozone layer. Since anthropogenic CH3Cl sources have become negligible with the application of the Montreal Protocol (1987), natural sources, such as vegetation and soils, have increased proportionally in the global budget. CH3Cl-degrading methylotrophs occurring in soils might be an important and overlooked sink.

Results and conclusions

The objective of our study was to link the biotic CH3Cl sink with the identity of active microorganisms and their biochemical pathways for CH3Cl degradation in a deciduous forest soil. When tested in laboratory microcosms, biological CH3Cl consumption occurred in leaf litter, senescent leaves, and organic and mineral soil horizons. Highest consumption rates, around 2 mmol CH3Cl g−1 dry weight h−1, were measured in organic soil and senescent leaves, suggesting that top soil layers are active (micro-)biological CH3Cl degradation compartments of forest ecosystems. The DNA of these [13C]-CH3Cl-degrading microbial communities was labelled using stable isotope probing (SIP), and the corresponding taxa and their metabolic pathways studied using high-throughput metagenomics sequencing analysis. [13C]-labelled Metagenome-Assembled Genome closely related to the family Beijerinckiaceae may represent a new methylotroph family of Alphaproteobacteria, which is found in metagenome databases of forest soils samples worldwide. Gene markers of the only known pathway for aerobic CH3Cl degradation, via the methyltransferase system encoded by the CH3Cl utilisation genes (cmu), were undetected in the DNA-SIP metagenome data, suggesting that biological CH3Cl sink in this deciduous forest soil operates by a cmu-independent metabolism.
The impact of annotation on concrete and abstract visual representations in science education: testing the expertise reversal effect
Authors: Zheng Robert , Cordner Holly , Spears Jeffrey
Published: May 2022

This study investigates the effects of annotation on abstract and concrete visual representations in science education. Two studies were conducted: Study 1 investigated the interaction between annotation and visual representations. The results of this study demonstrated that in science learning, annotation with abstract visual representations was superior to annotation with concrete visual representations. Study 2 tested the expertise reversal effect in a three-factor design where the interaction among annotation, visual representation, and prior knowledge was measured. The findings showed that high-prior-knowledge learners performed better in the annotation-abstract visual condition than in the annotation-concrete visual condition where low-prior-knowledge learners showed the opposite outcome—confirming that the expertise reversal effect is at play in how science learners utilize visual information. The study has clarified the roles of prior knowledge, visual representation, and instructional strategy on learner cognitive processing in science education. This knowledge should prove useful for educators as they engage in the design and development of computer-based science learning.
Perceptions of mothers on child well-being, changes in everyday life and social sustainability: lessons learned from a community-based health promotion programme in Anuradhapura District, Sri Lanka
Authors: Guruge Najith Duminda Galmangoda , Arhelger Adam , Abhayasinghe Kalpani
Published: May 2022

Background

From 2012 to 2015, a health promotion intervention (under a project called HADP) aiming to improve children’s well-being was implemented in Horowpathana, Sri Lanka. The donor organization reports positive results regarding children’s well-being and behaviour changes, but mixed results regarding its sustainability. A need for a complementary evaluation was therefore identified.

The current study intended to provide a complementary evaluation at four months after the programme closure and to assess the sustainability of the HP intervention from the perspective of mothers who participated in the HADP. Ethical approval for this study was obtained from the ethics review subcommittee of Faculty of Applied Sciences, RUSL.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was carried out using in-depth, semi-structured interviews with a convenient sample of 15 mothers who previously participated in HADP. Data analysis was done using the content analysis method.

Results

Mothers attributed diverse perceptions in line with the theme of “health literacy”. Two sub-themes emerged: transformation for betterment and sustainability. The sub-theme of transformation for betterment consists of three categories: individual-level transformation, family-level transformation and social/community-level transformation. Sub-theme sustainability consists of two categories: (1) drivers/adaptations for continuation and (2) determinants that hinder the continuation.

Conclusions

The mothers’ perspectives were strongly related to the definition of health literacy, which emphasizes people’s ability to use health information to make “well-informed” decisions that incorporate a public health perspective. They also acknowledged the responsibility of social organizations to address health literacy. From a health promotion perspective, the findings of our study indicate that people and organizations can use their health literacy skills to improve the health and well-being of their community and its members. Further research is necessary to explore the factors that affect the sustainability of health promotion interventions in the long run.
Simulation-based procedure training (SBPT) in rarely performed procedures: a blueprint for theory-informed design considerations
Authors: Gent David , Kainth Ranjev
Published: May 2022

Simulation-based procedure training is now integrated within health professions education with literature demonstrating increased performance and translational patient-level outcomes. The focus of published work has been centered around description of such procedural training and the creation of realistic part-task models. There has been little attention with regards to design consideration, specifically around how simulation and educational theory should directly inform programme creation. Using a case-based approach in cardiology as an example, we present a blueprint for theory-informed simulation-based procedure training linking learning needs analysis and defining suitable objectives to matched fidelity. We press the importance of understanding how to implement and utilise task competence benchmarking in practice, and the role of feedback and debriefing in cycles of repeated practice. We conclude with evaluation and argue why this should be considered part of the initial design process rather than an after-thought following education delivery.
Scale effects on efficiency and profitability in the Swiss banking sector
Authors: Blatter Marc , Fuster Andreas
Published: May 2022

This paper analyzes efficiency and profitability in the Swiss banking sector over the period 1997–2019. We find strong evidence for scale economies: for most banks in the sample, efficiency and profitability increase with bank size. Using an instrumental variables strategy for a subset of geographically restrained banks, we find that the effect of size on efficiency and profitability is likely causal. Scale economies have been more pronounced since 2010 than in the years prior to the global financial crisis. There is little evidence for scale economies for the largest (systemically important) banks; their relatively lower efficiency and lower profitability appear driven by certain aspects of their business model. Our results further indicate that good capitalization and high efficiency and profitability are compatible.
Psychological effects of, and compliance with, self-isolation among COVID-19 patients in South Batinah Governorate, Oman: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Almayahi Zayid K. , Al Lamki Nasser
Published: May 2022

Background

Covid-19 pandemic has left deep psychological impacts, especially among infected patients. It is extremely important to understand the extent of those effects, while improving the compliance with isolation measures at the same time.

Objectives

To detect prevalence of stress using two psychological scales and examine the stress associated factors, also to identify self-isolation compliance rates among COVID-19 patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional research was conducted from 15 November to 22 December 2020, involving 379 patient participants selected via systematic random sampling. Kessler 10 Psychological Distress (K10) and the impact of event scale-revised (IES-R) tests were used to ascertain the levels of distress.

Results

K10 measure revealed elevated stress amongst 121 (31.9%) of participants, whereas IES_R indicated the level was 37.7%. Using the K10 indicated the multivariate analysis was significant for females (OR = 2.482, 95% CI: 1.532–4.021), patients with financial problems (OR = 2.332, 95% CI: 1.270–4.282) and patients experiencing shortages of essentials (OR = 4.920, 95% CI: 2.524–9.590). The IES-R scale indicated that only female and patients experiencing shortages scored significantly in multivariate analysis, (OR = 1.895, 95% CI: 1.1223–2.935) and (OR = 2.928, 95% CI: 1.1580–5.424), respectively. Those undergoing shorter isolation periods reported lower levels of stress on both K10, p=0.016 and IES-R, p=0.002. Approximately 90% of patients used their own towels during isolation. Moreover, 80.2% slept in separate rooms and 74% used masks in the presence of other family members. Essential supply shortages were reported by 14.2% of respondents.

Conclusions

Self-compliance rates were not optimal, while psychological distress was more prevalent among some groups. Intervention is imperative to minimize stress and improve self-isolation compliance.
Predominant domains and associated demographic and clinical characteristics in multiple sclerosis-related cognitive impairment in mildly disabled patients
Authors: Talebi Mahnaz , Sadigh-Eteghad Saeed , Talebi Malihe , Naseri Amirreza , Zafarani Fatemeh
Published: May 2022

Background

Cognitive impairment (CI) is a common finding in multiple sclerosis (MS); however, there is a limited information about its prevalence in mildly disabled cases. We aimed to determine the most affected domains, and also the relation between the demographic factors and cognitive outcomes in mildly disabled relapsing–remitting MS (RRMS).

Results

Ninety-one mildly disabled RRMS patients with expanded disability status scale (EDSS) < 4 and literacy level above 9 years, were recruited. Based on Minimal Assessment of Cognitive Function in MS (MACFIMS) battery, CI was observed in 19.8% of the patients while 40.60% of the patients had at least one failure in cognitive tests. The most common impaired cognitive domain was information processing speed and working memory (27.5%). There was no significant difference between men and women in terms of CI in our sample (p-values > 0.05). Disease duration (p = 0.01), EDSS (p = 0.01), and education (p < 0.01) were significantly different between CI and non-CI patients, while age (p = 0.72), sex (p = 0.50), diagnostic gap (p = 0.89), and frequency of relapses (p = 0.22), did not differ considerably.

Conclusions

RRMS patients experience some degrees of CI that may present even before the onset of remarkable physical disability; nevertheless, a higher EDSS score and longer disease duration increases the risk of CI. These findings suggest routine cognitive assessment of MS patients.
Peripheral inflammation and neurodegeneration; a potential for therapeutic intervention in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Authors: Hanna Lourdes , Poluyi Edward , Ikwuegbuenyi Chibuikem , Morgan Eghosa , Imaguezegie Grace
Published: May 2022

Background

Degeneration of the central nervous system (CNS), also known as neurodegeneration, describes an age-associated progressive loss of the structure and function of neuronal materials, leading to functional and mental impairments.

Main body

Neuroinflammation contributes to the continuous worsening of neurodegenerative states which are characterised by functional and mental impairments due to the progressive loss of the structure and function of neuronal materials. Some of the most common neurodegenerative diseases include Alzheimer’s disease (AD), Parkinson’s disease (PD) and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Whilst neuroinflammation is a key contributor to the progression of such disease states, it is not the single cause as there are multiple factors which contribute. Theoretically, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) have potential to target neuroinflammation to reduce the severity of disease states. Whilst some animal models investigating the effects of NSAIDs on the risk of neurodegenerative diseases have shown a beneficial effect, this is not always the case and a large number of clinical trials have not shown the same finding.

Conclusion

Further investigation using more advanced research methods is required to better understand neuroinflammatory pathways and understand if there is still a potential window for NSAID efficacy.
A comparative study between ultrasound-guided serratus anterior plane block and conventional IV analgesics for post-operative pain management in modified radical mastectomy
Authors: Abdel Rahman Mennat-Alla Ahmed Fouad , Salama Hala Gomaa , Razik Rehab Abdel Fattah Abdel , Galal Reham Fathy , Farag Hanan M.
Published: May 2022

Background

Surgery is the first line of treatment for early, localized, or operable breast cancer and it is associated with severe post-operative pain. Although opioids have been the mainstay for managing post-operative pain, they have undesirable side effects. A variety of methods, including thoracic epidural, paravertebral, and intercostal blocks have been used to manage breast surgery pain; however, each of these blocks has some drawbacks. Serratus anterior plane block is a relatively novel technique that can block the lateral cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves as well as the long thoracic nerve. This study compares between the effect of serratus anterior plane block and conventional IV analgesia on post-operative pain after modified radical mastectomy.

Results

Post-operative pain scores were significantly lower in the SAPB group in the first 8 h compared to the control group (P < 0.05), the time to the first rescue analgesic was significantly longer in the SAPB group with a mean 354 min compared to the control group; the mean is 17.8 min, the total dose of rescue analgesic was significantly lower in the SAPB group with a mean 50 mg in the first 24 h compared to a mean of 212.5 mg in the control group. The patient’s satisfaction scores were higher, the incidence of post-operative nausea and vomiting was significantly lower among the SAPB group compared to the control group. No other complications were recorded in either group.

Conclusions

The serratus anterior plane block can be used as one of the modalities in managing the pain of patients undergoing MRM surgery. This procedure was effective in reducing the need for post-operative opioids usage, better patient satisfaction with fewer side effects as post-operative nausea and vomiting. It is simple and easy-to-learn technique.