bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between physicians’ characteristics and their knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding advance care planning: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Sakamoto Ayaka , Inokuchi Ryota , Iwagami Masao , Hanari Kyoko , Tamiya Nanako
Published: August 2023

Background: Despite physicians’ vital role in advance care planning, a limited number of physicians practice it. This study assessed factors associated with physicians’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices regarding advance care planning.
Methods: This cross-sectional study used data from an anonymous survey conducted by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.
Questionnaires were mailed to 4500 physicians in November and December 2022. Data from 1260 respondents were analyzed.
Results: Of the respondents, 46.4%, 77.0%, and 82.0% reported good knowledge of advance care planning, agreed with promoting it, and with its provision by medical/care staff, respectively. Male physicians were significantly less likely to support advance care planning (odds ratio: 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.35–0.84) or agree to its provision by medical/care staff (odds ratio: 0.47, 95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.78) but significantly more likely to practice it (odds ratio: 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.05–2.36). Physicians specialized in surgery or internal/general/palliative medicine were more knowledgeable about advance care planning and more likely to practice it. Physicians working in clinics were significantly less knowledgeable (odds ratio: 0.33, 95% confidence interval: 0.25–0.44) about advance care planning and less likely to support it (odds ratio: 0.37, 95% confidence interval: 0.27–0.50), agree with its provision by medical/care staff (odds ratio: 0.54, 95% confidence interval: 0.39–0.75), or to practice it (odds ratio: 0.16, 95% confidence interval: 0.12–0.22).
Conclusions: Physicians working in clinics had less knowledge of advance care planning, less supportive attitudes, and less likely to practice it. Knowledge, attitudes and practice also varied by gender and specialty. Interventions should target physicians working in clinics.
Exploring the causal relationship between BMI and psychiatric disorders using two-sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: ZHANG Le , Zou Jing , Wang Zhen , Ning Jinghua , Jiang Bei , Liang Yi , ZHANG YuZhe
Published: August 2023

Background
The study aimed to assess the causal relationship using two-sample Mendelian randomization analyses of BMI and five classic psychiatric disorders (depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorder) in sequence.
Methods
Data related to BMI, depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, autism, and anxiety disorders were downloaded from the GWAS database, and based on the genetic variation associated with each data were analyzed by utilizing five methods: MR Egger, Weighted median, Inverse variance weighted, Simple mode, Weighted mode, and five methods, while Mendelian randomization analysis between two samples was performed.
Results
Under IVW analysis, a positive causal relationship was found between BMI and depression (OR: 1.009, 95% CI: 1.002–1.016, P = 0.009) as well as bipolar disorder (OR: 1.001, 95% CI: 1.001–1.002, P = 0.002). Additionally, a negative causal relationship was found between BMI and schizophrenia (OR: 0.702, 95% CI: 0.560–0.881, P = 0.002). However, no causal relationship was found between BMI and autism (OR: 1.114, 95% CI: 0.972–1.278, P = 0.120) or anxiety disorders (OR: 1.000, 95% CI: 0.998–1.001, P = 0.630).
Conclusion
A causal relationship between BMI in depression, bipolar disorder, and schizophrenia. Maintaining BMI within the range of normal indicators is important not only for physical health care, but also for the prevention of psychiatric disorders.
Antimicrobial Resistance Characterization of staphylococcus aureus from Different Animal Food Origins in Jimma, South Western Ethiopia
Authors: Taddese Diriba , Abdurahaman Mukarim , Debelo Motuma , Shumi Eshetu , Urgessa Gelana , Kefyalew Dase , Melaku Moa , Kebeta Tadele , Abafaji Gazali
Published: August 2023

Background
Staphylococcal infection is one of the most prevalent foodborne diseases worldwide. Furthermore, antimicrobial resistance in Staphylococcus aureus, poses a significant problem for food safety. Therefore, the aim of this study was to phenotypically characterize Staphylococcus aureus and assess its antimicrobial resistance from various animal food sources.
Methods
A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Jimma zone district towns from 2022 to 2023. Samples of animal-origin foods, including milk, beef meat, poultry eggs, and cheese, were collected. These samples were processed, cultured on selective media, and identified using biochemical tests. Antimicrobial testing was performed on the isolated strains.
Results
Out of a total of 480 samples of animal-origin food analyzed, the overall prevalence rate (8.54%) of Staphylococcus aureus was recorded. Among these Staphylococcus aureus, 12 (12.5%) were obtained from beef meat, 12 (12.5%) from milk, 6 (6.3%) from cheese, 9 (9.4%) from eggshells and 2 (2.1%) from egg content. The mean prevalence rates of Staphylococcus aureus in each sample were found to be statistically different, except for beef meat and milk samples. Regarding antimicrobial resistance, 39.0% of the isolates exhibited resistance to Kanamycin, followed by Tetracycline observed in 36.6% of the isolates. The lowest occurrence of antibiotic resistance was observed against Cefoxitin (7.3%). Additionally, Ciprofloxacin, Trimethoprim, and Ceftaroline collectively displayed resistance in 14.6% of the isolates. No resistance was observed against Imipenem. Out of the 41 Staphylococcus aureus isolates, 10 (24.4%) showed multidrug resistance. Notably, milk samples had the highest number of multidrug-resistant isolates.
Conclusion
The study highlights the prevalence of Staphylococcus aureus in various animal-origin food samples and reveals concerning levels of antimicrobial resistance among the isolates. These findings emphasize the importance of food safety measures, responsible antibiotic use, and continued surveillance of antimicrobial resistance in animal food sources to protect public health.
Systemic inflammation reaction associated with 90-day mortality in patients with HBV related acute on chronic liver failure without infection
Authors: Chen Jing , Guan Chongdan , Peng Yuhui , Li Hui , Liu Xiaoyan , Li Chen , Yan Lilong , Ning Peng , Hu Jinhua , Su Haibin
Published: August 2023

Background
Acute on chronic liver failure (ACLF) is the final and the most fatal stage of acute decompensated cirrhosis which affects most organs and systems of the body. Systemic inflammation plays an important role in the pathogenesis of ACLF. Systemic inflammation reaction syndrome (SIRS) is a marker of ongoing inflammation. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the relationship of sterile SIRS with HBV related ACLF (HBV-ACLF) without infection.
Methods
Patients with HBV-ACLF without infection who were hospitalized in December 2016 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were followed up until 90 days and monitored for the presence and development of SIRS. Risk factors associated with 90-day mortality and SIRS development were studied.
Results
Of 151 HBV-ACLF patients without infection, 37 patients (24.5%) presented and developed SIRS within the 7 days after admission. 23 and 40 patients died in HBVACLF patients with and without SIRS (62.2% vs 35.1%, p=0.004) during 90 days follow up. On univariate analysis, older age, higher TBIL, INR, presence of SIRS, MELD score, presence of complications and organ failures associated with 90-day mortality. The presence of SIRS was an independent risk factor for 90-day mortality in multivariate analyses. In the individual component of SIRS, patients who fulfilled the criterion of heart rate was the most (56, 37.09%). Patients who fulfilled the criterion of heart rate or temperature had lower 90-day survival rate than those who did not (46.4% vs 65.3%, p=0.020;16.7% vs 60.0%, p=0.020). Of 114 patients without SIRS at admission, 21 patients developed SIRS within 7 days after admission. WBC and TBIL levels were risk factors associated with SIRS development. Patients with SIRS developed after admission still showed lower 90-day survival rate than non-SIRS group (23.8% vs 64.9%, p < 0.0001).
Conclusions
SIRS presented in HBV-ACLF patients even without infection that was closely associated with prognosis. HBV-ACLF patients with sterile SIRS had a high mortality than those without. Target the pathway of systemic inflammation reaction may be an effective way to treat patients with HBV-ACLF.
Diagnostic value of liver stiffness measurement combined with risk Scores for esophagogastric variceal bleeding in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis
Authors: Huang Ling-Ling , Lin Li-Yan , Zeng Da-Wu , Liu Yu-Rui , Zhu Yue-Yong
Published: August 2023

Liver stiffness measurement (LSM) by transient elastography is a noninvasive test, but its accuracy is easily affected by various factors. This study aimed to assess the predictive value of LSM combined with three bleeding risk scoring systems, namely pre-endoscopy Rockall score (PRS), Glasgow Blatchford score (GBS), and AIMS65 score, for esophagogastric varices bleeding (EGVB) occurrence in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis during hospitalization. We retrospectively analyzed 210 patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis, who were categorized into a bleeding group (70 cases) and a non-bleeding group (140 cases) according to whether EGVB occurred during hospitalization. Significant differences were observed between the two groups in systolic blood pressure, platelet count, albumin, urea nitrogen, LSM, pre-endoscopic Rockall score (PRS), Glasgow-Blatchford score (GBS), and AIMS65 score (all P < 0.05). The correlation analysis showed that LSM had significant positive relationship with PRS, GBS and AIMS65 score. Logistic regression analysis revealed that LSM and GBS score were independent risk factors for the occurrence of EGVB during hospitalization. ROC curve analysis showed that the combined prediction model of LSM and GBS score had the best prediction performance for EGVB occurrence, with an ROC curve area of 0.811, which was significantly better than the three risk scoring systems (P < 0.05), but similar to the predicted value of LSM (P = 0.335). Therefore, the combined use of LSM and GBS score can significantly improve the predictive effect of EGVB occurrence in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis during hospitalization, and has important clinical significance for patients' prognosis.
The optimal approach for retrieving systematic reviews was achieved when searching MEDLINE and Epistemonikos in addition to reference checking: A methodological validation study
Authors: Heinen Lena , Goossen Käthe , Lunny Carole , Hirt Julian , Puljak Livia , Pieper Dawid
Published: August 2023

Background
Systematic reviews (SRs) are used to inform clinical practice guidelines and healthcare decision making by synthesising the results of primary studies. Efficiently retrieving as many relevant SRs as possible is challenging with a minimum number of databases, as there is currently no guidance on how to do this optimally. In a previous study, we determined which individual databases contain the most SRs, and which combination of databases retrieved the most SRs. In this study, we aimed to validate those previous results by using a different, larger, and more recent set of SRs.
Methods
We obtained a set of 100 Overviews of Reviews that included a total of 2276 SRs. SR inclusion was assessed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Epistemonikos. The mean inclusion rates (% of included SRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals were calculated for each database individually, as well as for combinations of MEDLINE with each other database and reference checking. Features of SRs not identified by the best database combination were reviewed qualitatively.
Results
Inclusion rates of SRs were similar in all three databases (mean inclusion rates in % with 95% confidence intervals: 94.3 [93.9–94.8] for MEDLINE, 94.4 [94.0-94.9] for Embase, and 94.4 [93.9–94.9] for Epistemonikos). Adding reference checking to MEDLINE increased the inclusion rate to 95.5 [95.1–96.0]. The best combination of two databases plus reference checking consisted of MEDLINE and Epistemonikos (98.1 [97.7–98.5]). Among the 44/2276 SRs not identified by this combination, 34 were published in journals from China, four were other journal publications, three were health agency reports, two were dissertations, and one was a preprint. When discounting the journal publications from China, the SR inclusion rate in the recommended combination (MEDLINE, Epistemonikos and reference checking) was even higher than in the previous study (99.6 vs. 99.2%).
Conclusions
A combination of databases and reference checking was the best approach to searching for biomedical SRs. MEDLINE and Epistemonikos, complemented by checking the references of the included studies, was the most efficient and produced the highest recall. However, our results point to the presence of geographical bias, because some publications in journals from China were not identified.
Study Registration
: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/R5EAS (Open Science Framework).
Detecting Cognitive Traits and Occupational Proficiency Using EEG and Statistical Inference
Authors: Mikheev Ilya , Martynova Olga , Steiner Helen
Published: August 2023

Machine learning (ML) is widely used in classification tasks aimed at detecting various cognitive states or neurological diseasesusing noninvasive electroencephalogram (EEG) time series. However, successfully detecting specific cognitive skills in ahealthy population, independent of subject, remains challenging. This study compared the subject-independent classificationperformance of three different pipelines: supervised and Riemann projections with logistic regression and handcrafted powerspectral features with light gradient boosting machine (LightGBM). 128-channel EEGs were recorded from 26 healthy volunteerswhile they solved arithmetic, logical, and verbal tasks. The participants were divided into two groups based on their highereducation and occupation: specialists in mathematics and humanities. The balanced accuracy of the education type wassignificantly above chance for all pipelines: 0.848-0.886, 0.855-0.880, and 0.861-0.880 for each type of task, respectively. All threepipelines allowed us to distinguish mathematical proficiency based on learning experience with different trade-offs betweenperformance and explainability. Our results suggest that ML approaches could also be effective for recognizing individualcognitive traits using EEG
Children’s Emotional Reactivity and Negative Affect Predict Future ADHD Symptom Severity Beyond Initial ADHD Symptom Severity: A Longitudinal and Momentary Analysis
Authors: Alacha Helena , Rosen Paul , Bufferd Sara
Published: August 2023

Children with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) often experience significant emotion dysregulation. However, there is limited longitudinal data on associations between multiple aspects of emotion dysregulation and ADHD symptoms. Additionally, given substantial evidence that increased levels and variability of negative affect (NA) are identified in children with ADHD, it is important to examine the role of NA in this relationship. The present study used momentary and longitudinal data to examine the relation between two aspects of emotion dysregulation (emotional lability and emotional reactivity), the two ADHD symptom clusters separately (inattentive and hyperactive/impulsive), total ADHD symptom severity, and NA variability over a period of six months. Participants (N = 68) were parents of children aged 7–12 years old (M = 9.80, SD = 1.34) who completed baseline and 6-month follow-up reports of children’s ADHD symptoms and emotion dysregulation as well as ecological momentary assessments (EMA) of their children’s NA for one week. Results were threefold: (1) children’s emotional reactivity predicted inattentive, hyperactive/impulsive, and total ADHD symptom severity above and beyond initial ADHD symptom severity, but emotional lability did not significantly predict severity of any ADHD symptom cluster; (2) NA variability predicted hyperactive/impulsive and total ADHD symptom severity, but not inattentive severity; and (3) initial ADHD symptom severity did not estimate emotion dysregulation at follow-up. The current study provides novel insight regarding the longitudinal influence of specific aspects of emotion dysregulation and NA on ADHD symptom severity in children and suggests that targeting emotional reactivity could minimize ADHD symptom severity.
Development, Characterization, and Radiation Dosimetry Studies of 18F-BMS-986229, a 18F-Labeled PD-L1 Macrocyclic Peptide PET Tracer
Authors: KIM JOONYOUNG , Donnelly David J , Pena Adrienne , Shorts Andrea Olga , Petrone Thomas V , Zhang Yunhui , Boy Kenneth M , Scola Paul M , Tenney Daniel J , Poss Michael A , Soars Matthew G , Bonacorsi Samuel J , Cole Erin L , Grootendorst Diederik J , Chow Patrick L , Meanwell Nicholas A , Du Shuyan
Published: August 2023

Purpose:In cancer immunotherapy, the blockade of the interaction between programmed death-1 and its ligand (PD-1:PD-L1) has proven to be one of the most promising strategies. However, as mechanisms of resistance to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition include variability in tumor cell PD-L1 expression in addition to standard tumor biopsy PD-L1 immunohistochemistry (IHC), a comprehensive and quantitative approach for measuring PD-L1 expression is required. Herein, we report the development and characterization of an18F-PD-L1-binding macrocyclic peptide as a PET tracer for the comprehensive evaluation of tumor PD-L1 expression in cancer patients.Procedures:18F-BMS-986229 was characterized for PD-L1 expression assessment by autoradiography or PET imaging.18F-BMS-986229 was utilized to evaluate tumor PD-L1 target engagement in competition with a macrocyclic peptide inhibitor of PD-L1 (BMS-986189) over a range of doses using PET imaging. A whole-body radiation dosimetry study of18F-BMS-986229 in healthy non-human primates (NHPs) was performed.Results:In vitroautoradiography showed an 8:1 binding ratio in L2987(PD-L1+) vs. HT-29 (PD-L1-) tumors, more than 90% of which could be blocked with 1 nM of BMS-986189.Ex vivoautoradiography showed that18F-BMS-986229 detection was penetrant over a series of sections spanning the entire L2987 tumor.In vivoPET imaging in mice demonstrated a 5:1 tracer uptake ratio (at 90-100 minutes after tracer administration) in L2987 vs. HT-29 tumors and demonstrated 83%-93% specific binding of BMS-986189 within those dose ranges. In a healthy NHP dosimetry study, the resultant whole-body effective dose was 0.025 mSv/MBq.Conclusion:18F-BMS-986229 has been preclinically characterized and exhibits high target specificity, low background uptake, and a short blood half-life supportive of same day imaging in the clinic. As the PET tracer,18F-BMS-986229 shows promise in the quantification of PD-L1 expression, and its use in monitoring longitudinal changes in patients may provide insights into PD-1:PD-L1 immuno-therapy treatment outcomes.
The relationship between stress and social anxiety in high social anxiety freshmen: a moderating mediation model
Authors: Zeng Cong , Huo Shuhui , Jin Xi , Li Mengtian , Yin Fei , Yang Xiaoyan , Cao Jianqin
Published: August 2023

Background
High social anxiety ( HSA ) freshmen often more experience stress, intolerance of uncertainty and school maladaptation than no HSA freshmen. Nevertheless the association between these factors on social anxiety are unclear. The current study aims to clarify the relationship between these factors on social anxiety in HSA freshmen.
Methods
1708 freshmen complete PSS ( Perceived Stress Scale ), LSAS ( Liebowitz Social Anxiety Scale ), IU ( The Intolerance of Uncertainty Scale ), and school maladaptation questionnaires in 2022 and 13.52% of them were identified as HSA freshmen.
Results
Chi-square ( χ2 ) test results show that there is no significant difference in gender between HSA freshmen and no HSA freshmen( p = 0.09). The PSS, IU, school maladaptation and LSAS of HSA freshmen are significantly higher than that in no HSA freshmen ( PSS: t = 12.29, p < 0.01; IU: t = 15.21, p < 0.01; school maladaptation: t = 15.64, p < 0.01; LSAS: t = 46.61, p < 0.01 ). The PSS do not directly predict the LSAS ( β = 0.20, p = 0.38 ), but IU plays a mediating role in the pathway between the PSS and LSAS in HSA freshmen ( indirect mediating effect/total mediating effect = 64.00% ). School maladaptation plays a moderating effect in the pathway between PSS and IU in HSA freshmen, school maladaptation strengthening the positive relationship between PSS and IU ( school maladaptation × PSS: β = 0.07, se = 0.03, t = 2.22, R2 = 0.02, F = 4.92, p = 0.03 ).
Conclusion
This study indicate that the stress has an effect on social anxiety, and IU and school maladaptation have an impact on the pathways between stress and social anxiety in HSA freshmen. The interventions to deal with social anxiety may consider the intolerance of uncertainty and school maladaptation of HSA freshmen.
Diagnosis of Coronary Artery Disease in Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease and Occupational Exposures to Coronary Hazards - One of the Key Issues to Prevent Cardiac Karoshi
Authors: Wang Jenn Yeu , Chiang Ming Chun , Hwang Betau , Lin Yuh Feng
Published: August 2023

Background:
The incidence of cardiovascular disease is very high in chronic kidney disease (CKD) and explains poor prognosis and almost half of deaths in these patients. Besides, exposure to occupational coronary hazards predisposes workers to coronary artery disease (CAD). We aim to explore the pattern of case benefits due to death from Bureau of Labor Insurance from 2019 and 2021 and secondary prevention of CAD.
Methods:
Database of PubMed, Document delivery service of Library of Taipei City Hospital, and Google scholar were searched for relevant key words. We also retrieved data from data.gov.tw of our government using creative commons and public license.
Results:
Cardiovascular disease progresses at twice the rate in CKD and is related to death before end stage renal disease. Patients with CKD are prone to cardiac Karoshi. Occupational hazards include overwork, ionizing radiation, dimethylformamide, high temperature work, carbon disulfide, and alkyl lead. High prevalence of exercise intolerance, atypical presentations, and abnormalities of baseline electrocardiogram contribute to difficulty in early diagnosis in patients with CKD. Thus, stress tests other than exercise electrocardiogram are needed in diagnosis of CAD in patients with CKD. Disadvantages, advantages, performance and criteria of screening tests were reviewed. Cerebrovascular and cardiovascular disorder (CCVD) plays an important role of case benefits due to death from Labor of insurance from 2019 and 2021.
Conclusion:
Occupational health physicians should be familiar with occupational exposures of coronary hazards and screening tests and play a key role in early diagnosis of CAD in CKD in order to avoid karoshi due to acute myocardial infarction and cardiac sudden death.
The Features of Thymic Hyperplasia in Graves' Diseases: Relationships between Serum Thyroid Hormones and TRAb
Authors: He Mengfan , Zhang Lu , Zhang Xu , Liu Hai xia
Published: August 2023

Background This study aimed to analyze the clinical features of Graves' Diseases (GD) with and without thymic hyperplasia (TH).Methods Between 2018 and 2020, we reviewed 257 patients with GD. Based on thyroid evaluations and radiological, clinical, and serological findings, the patients were divided into the TH + group (GD patients with disorders in their thymus glands) or group TH- (GD patients with normal thymus glands). Then we compared the differences in clinical and serological features between groups.Results Of the 257 GD patients, 151 (58.75%) were classified into the TH + group. There was no significant difference in gender distribution between the two groups. The patients with TH showed an evident low age preponderance. The family history of autoimmune thyroid diseases (AITD), smoking history, Graves' Ophthalmopathy (GO) incidence, and periodic paralysis was not different.In the TH + group, body mass index (BMI) and TSH were significantly lower than those in TH- group, while levels of free T3, free T4, and TRAb of the TH + group were higher than those in the TH- group. The groups did not differ in levels of TPOAb and TGAb. The significant risk factors for TH in GD patients were free T3 and age. In comparison, free T3 was an essential and independent factor for TH.Conclusion Over half of GD patients are complicated by TH. Patients with TH are younger and exhibits the characteristic of significant hyperthyroid and TRAb-positive status. Free T3 was an essential and independent factor for TH.
Sexual selection on a female copulatory device in an insect with nuptial gifts
Authors: Browne Jessica H , Gwynne Darryl
Published: August 2023

Male genitalia are rapidly evolving structures, often driven sexual selection to increase fertilization success. Although sexual selection on females can be strong in systems where males provide offspring care or feed their mates, sometimes resulting in the evolution of female ornamentation, there are no actual estimates of direct sexual selection on female genitalia. In a New Zealand ground weta, Hemiandrus pallitarsis (Orthoptera: Ensifera, Anostostomatidae), females possess a genitalic device (the accessory organ) that is necessary for successful copulation and the acquisition of glandular food-gifts from males. These nutritious gifts are known to result in sexual competition among females in other ensiferan species. In ground weta, the gifts are probably important in avoiding starvation during a months-long period when caring for (their lifetime production of) eggs and offspring. Here, we test the hypothesis that the accessory organ is a sexually selected device in H. pallitarsis by measuring the female Bateman gradient and directional sexual selection on the accessory organ. Using newly developed and characterized microsatellite loci, we analyze offspring and/or stored sperm to estimate female mating frequency for the first time in ground weta. As predicted, we found positive Bateman gradients for females, and some evidence of directional sexual selection on accessory organ length. Although organ length does not correlate well with female fecundity, it may increase mating success by indicating her condition and thus quality of her offspring care.
Repellent activity of Salix alba bark extract and Guava oil-based Formulation against Fruit Fly, Bactrocera dorsalis (Diptera: Tephritidae) to protect Guava from infestation under laboratory and semi-field conditions.
Authors: Ramniwas Seema , Bilal Tanveer , Sharma Aanchal
Published: August 2023

Bactrocera dorsalis (DIPTERA: TEPHRITIDAE), the primary pest of guava (Psidium guajava), damages numerous horticulture fruits in tropical and subtropical regions. Use of insecticides adversely affects agro-ecosystem and has environmental consequences. The repellent activity of Salix alba (Willow) bark extract and a Guava oil-based formulation was investigated to protect guava fruit from infestation by the Fruit Fly, B. dorsalis. In laboratory and semi-field experiments, the efficacy of these natural repellents was assessed. B. dorsalis significantly deterred guava fruit treated with S. alba formulation as compared to the extract alone, which exhibited significant anti-feeding activity, and caused a decline in fecundity rate by 60% and larval mortality rate by 90%. When females were allowed to oviposit on guava fruits in laboratory and field after mating, these flies preferred fruits for oviposition that were not sprayed with S. alba-guava oil formulation. GC-MS analysis showed esters and terpenes as the main components for exhibiting repellent property in S. alba-based formulation. Hence, guava oil formulation of S. alba showed a complete protection of guava fruits against B. dorsalis in the laboratory and semi-field conditions to control infestation by B. dorsalis. Further research and field trials are warranted to optimize the application methods and assess the long-term effects on crop yield and overall fruit quality.
Does Eating Disorders and Flexible Dietary Control Effects the Food Craving Arise?
Authors: Ayhan Busra , Mortas Hande , Kose Suleyman , Varlı Semra Navruz , Bilici Saniye
Published: August 2023

Background It is a hypothesis often thought that food craving may be associated with particularly strict dietary control. However, it is often not thought that a similar situation can be associated with flexible diet control, and even that it can even lead to eating disorder. Therefore, research on flexible diet control and food craving has been very limited to date. Method This study was planned on 500 voluntary adults to determine the relationship of eating disorders with flexible diet control and food craving in adults. Data was collected via Scoff Eating Disorders Scale, Flexible Control of Eating Behavior and, Food Craving Questionnaire. Results Among the participants 27% of women and 19.5% of men are in a position to be considered at risk for eating disorders and totally 55.8% of the participants are not predominantly inclined to flexible diet. As the number of skipping meals increased, the score obtained from the Food Craving Questionnaire score increased by 5,120 while the number of dieting increases, the score obtained from the SCOFF scale increases by 0.322. There was a decrease of 18.766 in the Food Craving Questionnaire score, 1.492 in the Flexible Control of Eating Behavior score, and 0.998 in the SCOFF score in individuals who had been on a diet before. Conclusion It would be advisable to elicit cravings by means of manipulations able to modulate affective states, feelings of control over eating. The goal would be to elicit and extinguish the craving dimensions that might be most relevant to food craving, negative affect and lack of control according to the present research.
Treatment Outcomes for Response-based Radiotherapy in Children and Adolescents with Central Nervous System Germinoma: a Prospective Study
Authors: Zeng Chengong , Yang Qunying , Li Zhuoran , Wei Zhiqing , Chen Tingting , Deng Meiling , Wang Jian , Wang Juan , Sun Feifei , Huang Junting , Lu Suying , Zhu Jia , Sun Xiaofei , Zhen Zijun
Published: August 2023

Purpose
The optimal dose and range of radiotherapy for central nervous system (CNS) germinoma have not yet been established. This study aimed to investigate the effects of individualized radiotherapy on the prognosis of patients with germinoma.
Methods
Based on imaging examination, tumor markers, and pathologic results, patients with germinoma received different radiotherapy strategies, including R1 (24 Gy whole ventricular irradiation and 40 Gy tumor-bed boost), R2 (24–30 Gy craniospinal irradiation and 54 Gy tumor-bed boost), R3 (24 Gy craniospinal irradiation and 40 Gy tumor-bed boost), and R4 (30 Gy craniospinal irradiation and 54 Gy tumor-bed boost with 45 Gy to metastatic spinal lesions).
Results
A total of 77 patients were enrolled in this study between January 2015 and March 2021. The 3-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) of the whole cohort were 94.7% ± 2.6% and 96.0% ± 2.3%, respectively. The 3-year EFS for patients with localized and metastatic disease were 96.6% ± 2.4% and 89.2% ± 7.2%, respectively. The 3-year EFS of patients receiving R1, R2, R3, and R4 radiotherapy were 100%, 94.1% ± 5.7%, 100%, and 86.2% ± 9.1%, respectively.
Conclusion
Compared to previous studies, radiotherapy intensities were decreased without compromising the treatment outcomes in selected patients. This study suggests that an individualized radiotherapy strategy in patients with germinoma based on the response to induction chemotherapy and surgery is feasible and could decrease radiotherapy-related side effects in specific patients.
Health Impact of Armed Conflict - Evidence from Ukraine
Authors: ADEOYE LUCAS
Published: August 2023

Armed conflicts impose substantial costs on the civilian population. We empirically measure the impact of the armed conflict in Eastern Ukraine from 2014 to 2016 by exploring the channels through which people’s physical health is affected when conflict breaks out. Specifically, this research focuses on the effects of the conflict. Using the Ukrainian Household Budget Survey (UHBS) data set from 2003 to 2016, we employed a modified difference-in-difference estimation technique and find evidence that armed conflict has two contrasting effects on health. First, we argue that armed conflict has a negative impact on people’s physical health. In particular, the self-reported health status of individuals shows significant deterioration due to violent conflict. The effect is stronger for the population closer to the conflict. On the other hand, we find that access to healthcare services improves based on proximity to the conflict zone. That is, the closer an individual is to armed conflict, the more access to healthcare services they have. We did not find an effect of the conflict on chronic disease.
Sediment bed morphology in the wake of wall mounted deformable plate
Authors: Suresh Dhanush Bhamitipadi , Wood Daniel , Jin Yaqing
Published: August 2023

The distinctive sediment bed morphology modulated by the wake flow of a wall-mounted deformable plate across various structural aspect ratio and incoming flow speeds was investigated experimentally in a water channel. A surface scanner was implemented to quantify bed topography, and a tomographic particle image velocimetry system was used to characterize the three-dimensional wake flows. Results show that due to the deflection of incoming flow, the velocity magnitude enhanced at lateral sides of the plate, which produced distinctive scour holes in these regions. The level of velocity magnitude enhancement was highly correlated to postures of deformable plate. At a given flow speed, plate with lower aspect ratio exhibited smaller deformation, which produced more distinctive near-bed velocity enhancement in wake deflection zone and therefore led to higher erosion volume. Further inspection indicated that when deformation of the plate was small, the larger velocity enhancement close to bed can be attributed to higher plate drag coefficient and stronger flow mixing with high momentum flows away from bed. Supported with measurements, a basic formulation was established to quantify the shear stress acting on sedimentary bed as a function of incoming flow speed and plate aspect ratio.
Comparison of Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Atezolizumab and Durvalumab in Combination with Chemotherapy for First-Line Treatment of Extensive-Stage Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Igata Fumiyasu , Inoue Hiroyuki , Ikeda Takato , Nakao Akira , Ebi Noriyuki , Fujita Masaki
Published: August 2023

Purpose: The combination of programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors and platinum-based chemotherapy has become the standard treatment for first-line therapy in extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). This study compared the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab plus chemotherapy and durvalumab plus chemotherapy in the treatment of ES-SCLC in clinical practice.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 40 patients with ES-SCLC treated with atezolizumab plus chemotherapy or durvalumab plus platinum-based chemotherapy at our hospital between October 2019 and November 2022.
Results: Among the 40 patients, 20 were treated with atezolizumab and 20 were treated with durvalumab. There was no significant difference in patient characteristics between the two groups; five patients who received atezolizumab and one who received durvalumab showed a performance status of 2 or higher. The median progression-free survival of the patients who received atezolizumab or durvalumab was 5.6 and 5.4 months, respectively (p=0.881). The median overall survival of the patients who received atezolizumab or durvalumab was 10.0 and 17.1 months, respectively (p=0.163). The objective response rate of the patients who received atezolizumab or durvalumab was 80.0% and 85.0%, respectively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of immune-related adverse events between the groups.
Conclusion: This retrospective study was the first to compare the efficacy and safety of PD-L1 antibody, atezolizumab or durvalumab, in combination with carboplatin and etoposide in treatment-naïve ES-SCLC Japanese patients in a real-world setting. Both regimens, atezolizumab or durvalumab with carboplatin and etoposide, were effective and well-tolerated in Japanese ES-SCLC patients, aligning with clinical trial findings.
Cytoprotective effect of chloroquine against metal(loid)s and PM 2.5 toxicity in the A549 lung cell line
Authors: Debray-García Yazmin , Andrade-Oliva María de los Angeles , García-Cante Victoria , Diaz-Godoy Raúl Venancio , López-Monroy José , Sierra-Vargas Martha Patricia , Aztatzi-Aguilar Octavio Gamaliel
Published: August 2023

The airborne particulate matter (PM) is associated with acute and/or chronic health adverse effects. Metal(loid)s are the main chemical species present in the PM and they can induce oxidative stress (OxS) and cytotoxicity. For this reason, the present study explores a possible alternative to prevent this problem through pharmacological treatments. Chloroquine (CQ) is an antimalarial drug used also as a chemo-, radio-sensitizing, and anti-inflammatory. This work evaluates the effect of individual metal(loid)s founded in PM2.5 and the complete PM2.5, and the CQ cytoprotective effect to these in the A549 lung cell line. Cell viability was evaluated using the MTT assay, the OxS was evaluated by measuring the biochemical assay to glutathione S-transferase (GST), malondialdehyde (MDA), Advanced Oxidation Protein Products (AOPP), and the expression of the surfactant protein SPD by Western blot. Based on the composition of PM2.5 reported to Toluca Valley, State of Mexico (2017-2018), eight metals were established. The non-cytotoxic concentration of CQ was chosen to evaluate cytoprotective activity to metal(loid)s or PM2.5 exposures. Simultaneous exposure to CQ-metal(loid)s and CQ-PM2.5, in addition to CQ pretreatment before PM2.5 treatment at 24 h were tested. Data of CQ/metal(loid)s exposure showed that CQ favors cell viability independently of the metal(loid). However, OxS biomarkers suggest damage with differential response metal(loid)-dependent. There are differences between simultaneous and pretreatment with CQ. CQ has a cytoprotective effect towards metal(loid) on cell viability mainly due to GST and surfactant proteins induction; but is not enough to reduce lipoperoxidation, this effect is reproducible to PM2.5 treatment.
Retinal Injury from a Laser Skin Resurfacing Device during Medical Tourism: A Public Health Concern
Authors: Lambert Lester H. , Tompkins Brett L. , Uber Ian C. , Kapoor Kapil G. , Ramsey David J.
Published: August 2023

Background:
Laser skin resurfacing is a popular cosmetic procedure for noninvasive skin rejuvenation. Since health insurance plans often do not cover these types of procedures, patients often pay out of pocket. Consequently, there is an incentive to go abroad where prices are more affordable. However, some destination countries fall short on rigorous regulatory oversight and the licensing of practitioners or devices, especially those used for "cosmetic" procedures. In certain cases, this can lead to tragic outcomes, especially when underqualified practitioners operate such devices.
Case presentation:
A 29-year-old woman suffered a retinal burn from a handheld Q-switched neodymium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet (Nd:YAG) laser pulse device used to perform skin resurfacing treatment at a medical spa in Vietnam. The patient was not adequately informed about the potential risk to her vision and was not provided with any eye protection. A momentary, unintended laser exposure to the patient's right eye led to irreversible vision loss due to a macular burn. This incident caused immediate pain, followed by the sudden appearance of floaters along with retinal and vitreous hemorrhaging. Despite treatment with off-label bevacizumab for the development of a choroidal neovascular membrane, vision remained at the level of counting fingers due to the presence of the macular scar.
Conclusion:
When utilizing laser-based devices, it is crucial to employ safety measures, such as the wearing of safety goggles or the use of eye shields to protect ocular tissues from potential damage. The growing availability of cosmetic laser devices presents a substantial public health risk, as numerous operators lack adequate training in essential safety standards or neglect to follow them. Furthermore, patients seeking services abroad are subject to the regulatory practices of the destination country, which may not always enforce the requisite safety standards. Further research is needed to determine regional and global incidence of laser-related injuries to help direct educational and regulatory efforts.
Collaborative learning in older age and the role of familiarity: Evidence from the Map Task
Authors: Wolfe Kelly , Crompton Catherine J. , Hoffman Paul , Wolters Maria K. , MacPherson Sarah E.
Published: August 2023

As we age, learning new knowledge and skills becomes more difficult due to age-related changes to cognition. Learning collaboratively could counteract these changes, and perhaps more so when working with someone familiar. This study examined whether collaborative learning is affected by age and partner familiarity. Forty-eight participants (younger n = 24, older n = 24) completed the Map Task with a familiar and unfamiliar same-age partner. Participants became more efficient at completing the Map Task over time, regardless of age and partner familiarity. There was no age difference in immediate or 1-hour recall, but younger adults recalled more after 7 days than older adults. Overall, results suggest that collaborative learning outcomes are unaffected by age or partner familiarity, and that collaborative learning has short-term protective effects on memory, with age-related declines only emerging after 7 days.
Joint superpixel and Transformer for high resolution remote sensing image classification
Authors: Dang Guangpu , Mao Zhongan , Zhang Tingyu , Liu Tao , Wang Tao , Li Liangzhi , Gao Yu , Tian Runqing , Wang Kun , Han Ling
Published: August 2023

Deep neural networks combined with superpixel segmentation have proven to be superior to high-resolution remote sensingimage (HRI) classification. Currently, most HRI classification methods that combine deep learning and superpixel segmentationuse stacking on multiple scales to extract contextual information from segmented objects. However, this approach does nottake into account the contextual dependencies between each segmented object. To solve this problem, a joint superpixel andTransformer (JST) framework is proposed for HRI classification. In JST, HRI is first segmented into superpixel objects as input,and Transformer is used to model the long-range dependencies. The contextual relationship between each input superpixelobject is obtained and the class of analyzed objects is output by designing an encoding and decoding Transformer. Additionally,we explore the effect of semantic range on classification accuracy. JST is also tested by using two HRI datasets with overallclassification accuracy, average accuracy and Kappa coefficients of 0.79, 0.70, 0.78 and 0.91, 0.85, 0.89, respectively. Theeffectiveness of the proposed method is compared qualitatively and quantitatively, and the results achieve competitive andconsistently better than the benchmark comparison method.
Cardiopulmonary function in pediatric post-COVID-19 A Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Schoeffl Isabelle , Raming Roman , Tratzky Jan-Philipp , Regensburger Adrian P. , Kraus Calvin , Waellisch Wolfgang , Trollmann Regina , Woelfle Joachim , Dittrich Sven , Heiß Rafael , Knieling Ferdinand , Weigelt Annika
Published: August 2023

Purpose
Recently the importance of post-COVID-19 in children has been recognized in surveys and retrospective chart analysis. However, objective data in the form of CPET as performed in adults suffering from this condition are still lacking. This study aims to investigate the cardiopulmonary effects of post-COVID-19 on children and adolescents.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study (the FASCINATE study) children fulfilling the criteria of post-COVID-19 and an age- and sex-matched control group underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing on a treadmill and completed a questionnaire with regards to physical activity before, during and after the infection with SARS-CoV-2.
Results
We were able to recruit 20 children suffering from post-COVID-19 (mean age: 12.8 ± 2.4 years, 60% females) and 28 control children (mean age: 11.7 ± 3.5 years, 50% females). All participants completed a maximal treadmill test with a significantly lower (V̇O2peak) in the post-COVID-19 group (37.4 ± 8.8 ml/kg/min vs. 43.0 ± 6.7 ml/kg/min). This significance did not persist when comparing the achieved (V̇O2peak) percent of predicted norms. There were no significant differences for oxygen pulse, heart rate, minute ventilation or breathing frequency.
Conclusions
This is the first study to investigate post-COVID-19 in children using CPET. Although there was a significantly reduced (V̇O2peak) in the post-COVID-19 group, this was not true for the percent of predicted values. No pathological findings with respect to cardiac or pulmonary functions could be discerned. Deconditioning remained as the only plausible cause for the symptoms experienced.
Inequalities and trends in under-five mortality between formal and informal settlements in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso
Authors: Lankoande Yempabou Bruno , Compaoré Yacouba , Dianou Kassoum , Sanogo Souleymane , Soura Abdramane , Maïga Abdoulaye , Amouzou Agbessi
Published: August 2023

The expansion dynamic of the city of Ouagadougou through the establishment of spontaneous habitat zones faded in 2015 by the banning of subdivision operations. This ban has been coupled with a strategy of servicing these urban spaces and the implementation of social policies such as free health care. It is in this context that this research tests the convergence of infant and child mortality levels between formal and informal neighbourhoods in the city. It is based on all-cause mortality data collected prospectively in the Ouagadougou Population Observatory (OPO) over the period 2010-2018. Analyses of these data are based on the calculation of allcause and cause mortality rates and a Poisson regression model. Over the entire period considered, children in formal neighbourhoods enjoy a health advantage compared to those in formal neighbourhoods. However, these inequalities have decreased over time, especially at the end of the (2016-2018) period, due to a more sustained decline in mortality in informal settlements. This sharp decline in mortality in informal settlements is explained by a rapid decline in deaths from malaria and respiratory infections. The pursuit of policies for the maintenance of informal settlements and the implementation of social policies targeting the poorest is likely to accelerate the mortality transition at the scale of the city of Ouagadougou.