bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Experimental study of a slit in the presence of a bias flow under medium- and high-level acoustic excitations
Authors: Aulitto Alessia , Hirschberg Avraham , Lopez Arteaga Ines , Saxena Vertika
Published: April 2023

This work presents an experimental investigation of the acoustic properties of a slit in the presence of a bias flow under moderate- and high-acoustic excitations. Impedance tube experiments are discussed for a geometry inspired by deep punching resulting in a cut in the plate. The acoustic transfer impedance of the plate is discussed for several bias flow velocities, acoustic excitation, and different frequencies. In the range considered for this study, a bias flow appears to have two main effects, globally enhancing the sound absorption of the plate and creating a protective layer downstream of the plate due to the interaction between the slits. A maximum of the enhancement factor is found at a specific ratio between the acoustic velocity and the bias flow velocity. Two simple asymptotic behaviors are found, dominated by the flow or by the acoustic excitation, respectively. The behavior of the inertance is complex. Globally the inertance decreases with decreasing flow Strouhal number while its dependency on the amplitude of the acoustic velocity is less obvious.
Psychological Distance Increases Conceptual Generalization
Authors: Ram Hadar , Liberman Nira , Unkelbach Christian
Published: April 2023

We predicted and found in three experiments that psychological distance increases conceptual generalization. We manipulated psychological distance by describing a medicine as being either domestic (proximal) or foreign (distal) and examined generalization by testing how information about initial experience (positive vs. negative) with this medicine influences evaluations of similar products. In all three experiments, and across both Israeli and German participants, we found that people generalized from experience with products that are distal (foreign) more than from proximal (domestic) products. We explain the relation between distance and generalization in terms of the accuracy–applicability trade-off inherent in generalization and discuss how it aligns with construal-level theory.
Cerebral venous sinus thrombosis following ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine
Authors: Sharma Shyam S , Gulli Giosue , Sharma Pankaj
Published: April 2023

A woman in her mid-twenties was admitted with headache, ultimately leading to a diagnosis of cerebral venous sinus thrombosis 10 days after receiving a first dose of the AstraZeneca ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine (Vaxzevria). We report this case from clinical investigations to outcomes and discuss the issues raised by it regarding the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccine.
Technology Management (TM) on Corporate Sustainability Performance (CSP): The Moderating Role of Total Quality Management (TQM)
Authors: Biswas Debasish , Manna Atanu , Pahari Subhajit
Published: April 2023

In today’s world, corporate sustainability has become a crucial aspect of doing business. Manufacturing industries are giving more emphasis on technology management (TM) and corporate sustainability performance (CSP) due to the growing need for recognition to operate in environmentally and socially responsible ways and remain economically viable. By focusing on TM and CSP, companies can reduce environmental impacts, and improve social performance, while enhancing long-term financial stability. In the modern era, the advantages of technology and Total Quality Management (TQM) practices are well-known, but their role in CSP is not clearly explored. This study aims to assess the impact of TM and TQM on CSP with respect to the Iron and Steel industry in India. A multistage sampling technique was adopted, and data was collected from 514 respondents for this study. Structural equation modelling technique was used to determine the interrelations among TM, TQM and CSP. The study finds that TQM and TM substantially impact CSP and each dimension of CSP (environmental, social and economic). Furthermore, path analysis was performed considering TQM as a moderator. The result reveals that TQM considerably moderates the link between TM and CSP in the Iron and Steel industry. Finally, the study offers practical implications for the executives who are mainly accountable for implementing sustainability with regard to TQM and TM.
Comparison of the Effects of Nano Micelles Curcumin and Ibuprofen on Pain Reduction After Initial Arch Wire Placement: A Double-Blind Randomized Clinical Trial Study
Authors: Shafaee Hooman , Ghiasi Mohammadparsa , Rahimi Hamidreza , Rangrazi Abdolrasoul
Published: April 2023

Aim:

To compare the effect of nano micelles curcumin and ibuprofen on pain reduction after primary arch wire placement in orthodontic patients.

Materials and Methods:

In this double-blind randomized clinical trial study, 60 female patients between the ages of 14 and 30 years who had moderate tooth crowding and were candidates for fixed orthodontic treatment were examined. The subjects were divided into four groups ( n = 15) of nano micelles curcumin (SinaCurcumin), ibuprofen, placebo of SinaCurcumin, and placebo of ibuprofen. Each patient received a questionnaire and a rectangular, flexible cube of silicone to record the severity of their pain under each of the three situations (biting posterior teeth together, fitting anterior teeth together, and without fitting the teeth together) at the designated time points (2 h, 6 h, bedtime, the second, third, and seventh days after archwire placement). The obtained outcomes were statistically verified and analyzed by the employment of SPSS Statistics Version 22.

Results:

despite the lack of any significant differences among the four groups in terms of pain severity upon biting by the anterior teeth 2 h after the intervention, there was a considerable difference in the cases of 6 h, bedtime, and the second, third, and seventh days subsequent of the placement of archwire. Our data indicated a lower rate of pain severity for SinaCurcumin group than the placebo of SinaCurcumin and ibuprofen groups at 6 h after the archwire placement. However, the pain severity of SinaCurcumin group at bedtime was significantly lower than ibuprofen group, which also resulted in a notably lower rate than the other groups at the second, third, and seventh days after the placement of archwire.

Conclusion:

These findings support the effectiveness of curcumin in reducing the pain severity of orthodontic patients. Nevertheless, it is a necessity to conduct further confirmation trials on this latter.
A diagnostic comparison of Spanish and Turkish middle school students’ proportional reasoning
Authors: Martínez-Juste Sergio , Arıcan Muhammet , Muñoz-Escolano José M. , Oller-Marcén Antonio M.
Published: April 2023

This small-scale comparative study investigated Spanish and Turkish middle school students’ mastery of four core cognitive skills required for proportional reasoning using the log-linear cognitive diagnosis model. We compared students in the two samples for their proportional reasoning and provided a diagnostic assessment of their strengths and weaknesses. The study included 314 Spanish eighth grade and 282 Turkish seventh grade students. The students were administered a proportional reasoning test with 22 multiple-choice items. We found significant differences between the two samples in two of the cognitive skills. While the Spanish sample were better at understanding nonproportional relationships, the Turkish sample were better at understanding the concept of ratio. Furthermore, while the Spanish sample had a more dispersed distribution of students among different attribute profiles, the Turkish sample mostly consisted of either low-performing or high-performing students. To better understand the similarities and differences between the two samples, we compared students’ performance on some specific test items. The study shows how cognitive diagnostic models, which are not widely used in small-scale comparative studies, can be very useful in revealing similarities and differences between two samples that cannot be detected by traditional psychometric models.
Alemtuzumab and CXCL9 levels predict likelihood of sustained engraftment after reduced-intensity conditioning HCT
Authors: Geerlinks Ashley V. , Scull Brooks , Krupski Christa , Fleischmann Ryan , Pulsipher Michael A. , Eapen Mary , Connelly James A. , Bollard Catherine M. , Pai Sung-Yun , Duncan Christine N. , Kean Leslie S. , Baker K. Scott , Burroughs Lauri M. , Andolina Jeffrey R. , Shenoy Shalini , Roehrs Philip , Hanna Rabi , Talano Julie-An , Schultz Kirk R. , Stenger Elizabeth O. , Lin Howard , Zoref-Lorenz Adi , McClain Kenneth L. , Jordan Michael B. , Man Tsz-Kwong , Allen Carl E. , Marsh Rebecca A.
Published: April 2023

Overall survival after reduced-intensity conditioning (RIC) allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) using alemtuzumab, fludarabine, and melphalan is associated with high rates of mixed chimerism (MC) and secondary graft failure (GF). We hypothesized that peritransplantation alemtuzumab levels or specific patterns of inflammation would predict these risks. We assessed samples from the Bone Marrow Transplant Clinical Trials Network 1204 (NCT01998633) to study the impact of alemtuzumab levels and cytokine patterns on MC and impending or established secondary GF (defined as donor chimerism <5% after initial engraftment and/or requirement of cellular intervention). Thirty-three patients with hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (n = 25) and other IEIs (n = 8) who underwent HCTs with T-cell–replete grafts were included. Patients with day 0 alemtuzumab levels ≤0.32 μg/mL had a markedly lower incidence of MC, 14.3%, vs 90.9% in patients with levels >0.32 μg/mL (P = .008). Impending or established secondary GF was only observed in patients with day 0 alemtuzumab levels >0.32 μg/mL (P = .08). Unexpectedly, patients with impending or established secondary GF had lower CXCL9 levels. The cumulative incidence of impending or established secondary GF in patients with a day 14+ CXCL9 level ≤2394 pg/mL (day 14+ median) was 73.6% vs 0% in patients with a level >2394 pg/mL (P = .002). CXCL9 levels inversely correlated with alemtuzumab levels. These data suggest a model in which higher levels of alemtuzumab at day 0 deplete donor T cells, inhibit the graft-versus-marrow reaction (thereby suppressing CXCL9 levels), and adversely affect sustained engraftment in the nonmyeloablative HCT setting. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT01998633
Primary healthcare competencies needed in the management of person-centred integrated care for chronic illness and multimorbidity: Results of a scoping review
Authors: Michielsen Leslie , Bischoff Erik W.M.A. , Schermer Tjard , Laurant Miranda
Published: April 2023

Background

Chronic disease management is important in primary care. Disease management programmes focus primarily on the respective diseases. The occurrence of multimorbidity and social problems is addressed to a limited extent. Person-centred integrated care (PC-IC) is an alternative approach, putting the patient at the centre of care. This asks for additional competencies for healthcare professionals involved in the execution of PC-IC. In this scoping review we researched which competencies are necessary for healthcare professionals working in collaborative teams where the focus lies within the concept of PC-IC. We also explored how these competencies can be acquired.

Methods

Six literature databases and grey literature were searched for guidelines and peer-reviewed articles on chronic illness and multimorbidity in primary care. A data synthesis was carried out resulting in an overview of the competencies that healthcare professionals need to deliver PC-IC.

Results

Four guidelines and 21 studies were included and four core competencies could be derived through the synthesis: 1. interprofessional communication, 2, interprofessional collaborative teamwork, 3. leadership and 4. patient-centred communication. Included papers mostly lack a clear description of the competencies in terms of knowledge, skills and attitudes which are necessary for a PC-IC approach and on how these competencies can be acquired.

Conclusion

This review provides insight on competencies necessary to provide PC-IC within primary care. Research is needed in more depth on core concepts of these competencies which will then benefit educational programmes to ensure that healthcare professionals in primary care are better equipped to deliver PC-IC for patients with chronic illness and multimorbidity.
Unmet needs with antipsychotic treatment in schizophrenia and bipolar I disorder: patient perspectives from qualitative focus groups
Authors: Doane Michael J. , Raymond Kimberly , Saucier Cory , Bessonova Leona , O’Sullivan Amy K. , White Michelle K. , Foster April Mitchell , LaGasse Kaitlin , Carpenter-Conlin Julia , Sajatovic Martha , Velligan Dawn I.
Published: April 2023

Background

Schizophrenia (SZ) and bipolar I disorder (BD-I) are chronic mental health disorders often treated with antipsychotic medications. This qualitative study sought to better understand disease burden and treatment experiences with oral antipsychotic medications in participants living with SZ or BD-I.

Methods

Six 90-min focus groups were conducted with participants diagnosed with SZ or BD-I. Trained moderators facilitated discussions using a semistructured guide. Participants described symptoms, impacts of disease, and experiences with oral antipsychotic medications, whether favourable or unfavourable.

Results

Among participants with SZ (n = 15; 3 groups, 5 per group), 53% were male and 33% were white, with a mean of 18.6 years since diagnosis. Of participants with BD-I (n = 24; 3 groups, 8 per group), 33% were male and 42% were white, with a mean of 13.0 years since diagnosis. Participants described numerous symptoms of their illnesses that impacted relationships and daily life, including effects on emotional health, the ability to work, and encounters with law enforcement. Previous antipsychotic medications were deemed effective by 14/15 (93%) participants with SZ and 12/16 (75%) participants with BD-I. Most participants with SZ (13/15; 87%) or with BD-I (16/24; 67%) reported discontinuing their antipsychotic medication at some point. Side effects were a common reason for discontinuing or switching medications for participants with SZ (8/15; 53%) and for those with BD-I (11/24; 46%). The most common side effects reported in both cohorts were weight gain, drowsiness, sexual problems, and neurologic symptoms. Side effects negatively affected quality of life, leading to serious health problems and issues with self-esteem.

Conclusions

People living with SZ or BD-I cited a range of favourable and unfavourable experiences with oral antipsychotic medications. Most participants reported that their antipsychotics were effective at controlling their symptoms, but multiple side effects impacted their quality of life, caused additional serious health problems, and often led to discontinuation of or switching antipsychotics. Findings from this study contribute to a better understanding of patients’ experiences with antipsychotics and highlight a need for new medications with favourable benefit/risk profiles.
Investigating the effect of multimedia education based on the health belief model in preventing COVID-19 in pregnant women
Authors: Shakerinejad Ghodratollah , Navak Tayebeh , Hatemzadeh Nasser , Haghi Mehdi , Haghigizadeh Mohammad Hossein
Published: April 2023

Background

Pregnant women are considered one of the high-risk groups during the COVID-19 pandemic, so paying attention to preventive behaviors among them is highly important. This study aimed to examine the effect of multimedia education based on the Health Belief Model (HBM) in preventing COVID-19 among pregnant women.

Methods

This quasi-experimental intervention study was conducted on 120 pregnant women referring to Comprehensive Health Services Centers affiliated with East and West health centres of Ahvaz city, Iran, in 2021. Participants were divided into two control (n = 60) and intervention (n = 60) groups. A researcher-made questionnaire was used for data collection. The intervention group was given the required educational content using social networks virtually and multimedia in 12 sessions. Both groups were reinvestigated after two months. Data were analyzed using SPSS software version 24, independent t-test and paired t-test tests.

Results

The mean age and mean gestational age of participants were estimated at 28 years old and 18 weeks, respectively. Before the educational intervention, there was no significant difference in mean constructs of HBM. In contrast, the mean of all constructs increased significantly in the intervention group after intervention. The greatest change was related to the constructs of self-efficacy and perceived susceptibility, and the lowest change was related to the perceived barriers construct.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest multimedia education using the HBM to COVID-19 preventive behaviors among pregnant women can benefit behavior change.
Bangpungtongsung-san for patients with major depressive disorder: study protocol for a randomized controlled phase II clinical trial
Authors: Kim Yunna , Choi Yujin , Lee Mi Young , Cho Seung-Hun , Jung In Chul , Kang Dong-Hoon , Yang Changsop
Published: April 2023

Background

Bangpungtongsung-san (BTS) is a representative herbal medicine that has been widely used for patients with obesity in east Asian countries. Various preclinical studies have demonstrated the anti-depressive effect of BTS granules in various animal models of depression. This phase II trial aimed to explore the efficacy and safety of BTS in human patients with depression.

Methods

A total of 126 patients diagnosed with major depressive disorder and who are not underweight (body mass index ≥ 18.5 kg/m2) will be enrolled in this study. Eligible participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: the high-dose BTS, low-dose BTS, and placebo groups in a 1:1:1 ratio. BTS or placebo granules will be orally administered twice a day for 8 weeks. The BTS and placebo granules will be made to have identical color, scent, and shape, and participants and investigators will be blinded to the allocation. The primary efficacy endpoint is the change from baseline of the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale total score at 8 weeks. The superiority of the high- and low-dose BTS granules to the placebo granules will be tested.

Discussion

The results of this clinical trial will provide evidence on the efficacy and safety of BTS for patients with major depressive disorder. This study will be conducted in accordance with ethical and regulatory guidelines, and the results will be submitted and published in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

CRIS registration Number: KCT0007571; registered on 2022/07/26 (https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/23192).
Exploring medical students’ perceptions of family medicine in Kyrgyzstan: a mixed method study
Authors: Heller Olivia , Ismailova Zhyldyz , Mambetalieva Damira , Brimkulov Nurlan , Beran David , Nendaz Mathieu , Vu Nu V. , Loutan Louis , Baroffio Anne
Published: April 2023

Background

Despite knowing that health systems with strong primary care improve overall health outcomes within a population, many countries are facing a global trend of declining interest and shortage of family doctors. This is the case of the Kyrgyz Republic, in which rural areas are struggling to attract and retain family medicine (FM) doctors. This study aims to explore how Kyrgyz medical students perceive FM and the factors that influence their specialty choice.

Methods

This study used a cross-sectional explanatory sequential design, including quantitative survey and focus group discussions that were carried out at the Kyrgyz State Medical Academy (KSMA) in Bishkek in 2017. Overall, 66% (953 out of 1449) of medical undergraduate students registered in year 1, 4 and 6 completed the survey, and 42 participated in the focus groups. The results were organized around 7 factors influencing perceptions and attitudes towards FM identified through a qualitative systematic review.

Results

The interest of Kyrgyz students for FM was the lowest of all specialties. Access to high medical technologies, career opportunities, salary, patient interaction and possibility to work abroad were the five most important factors influencing specialty choice. FM was perceived as a difficult profession, yet with poor prestige, insufficient remuneration, limited career possibilities and poor working conditions, especially in rural areas. The academic discourse, which disregards FM specialty had a negative influence on student’s perceptions and prevented students’ ability to identify with the practice of family medicine. However, students’ awareness of their social accountability arose as a positive leverage to increase the choice of FM, provided other problems were solved.

Conclusion

This study highlighted key factors responsible for the low number of students choosing to become FM in Kyrgyzstan. The first major factor, presumably specific to many low- and lower-middle- income countries was the poor working conditions in remote areas. The second factor, common to many countries, was the distorted image of FM and its specialty transmitted through the medical schools’ institutional culture which does not value FM through positive role models. This study served as a basis to establish a strategy to promote FM within the KSMA and potentially at National level.
Objective structured clinical examination as a competency assessment tool of students’ readiness for advanced pharmacy practice experiences in South Korea: a pilot study
Authors: Song Yun-Kyoung , Chung Eun Kyoung , Lee Young Sook , Yoon Jeong-Hyun , Kim Hyunah
Published: April 2023

Background

The assessment of pharmacy students’ readiness to begin the education of an advanced pharmacy practice experience (APPE) in clinical pharmacy settings continues to gain increasing attention. This study aimed to develop an objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) in the core domains acquired through an introductory pharmacy practice experience (IPPE), for evaluating its appropriateness as a tool of assessing clinical pharmacist competency for APPEs in Korean pharmacy students throughout a pilot study.

Methods

OSCE’s core competency domains and case scenarios were developed through a literature review, ideation by researchers, and external experts’ consensus by a Delphi method. A prospective single-arm pilot test was conducted to implement the OSCE for Korean pharmacy students who completed a 60-h course of in-class simulation IPPE. Their competencies were assessed by four assessors in each OSCE station with a pass-fail grading system accompanied by a scoring rubric.

Results

OSCE competency areas including patient counseling, provision of drug information, over-the-counter (OTC) counseling, and pharmaceutical care services were developed with four interactive and one non-interactive cases. Twenty pharmacy students participated in the OSCE pilot test, and their competencies were evaluated by 20 assessors. The performance rate was the lowest in the area of patient counseling for a respiratory inhaler (32.1%) and the highest (79.7%) in OTC counseling for constipation. The students had an average performance rate of 60.4% in their communication skills. Most participants agreed on the appropriateness, necessity, and effectiveness of the OSCE in evaluating pharmacy students’ clinical performance and communication skills.

Conclusions

The OSCE model can be used to assess pharmacy students’ readiness for off-campus clinical pharmacy practice experience. Our pilot study suggests the necessity of conducting an OSCE domain-based adjustment of difficulty levels, and strengthening simulation-based IPPE education.
Descriptive study: the novel “full spectrum people-with-opioid-use-disorder care model”
Authors: Gadomski Richard , Bhatt Snehal , Gross Jessica , Dixon Juan Antonio , Fiuty Phillip , Shapiro Max , Fernandez-Mancha Rafael , Salvador Julie
Published: April 2023

Background

People with Opioid Use Disorder (PWOUD) represent an underserved and marginalized population for whom treatment gaps exist. Low-barrier programs like mobile care units and street outreach programs have yielded increased access to buprenorphine and social services, however, OUD pertinent co-occurring behavioral health and medical conditions are frequently left unaddressed. A novel, tailored, comprehensive care delivery model may reduce disparities and improve access to care across a range of pathologies in this historically difficult to reach population and enhance efforts to provide universal treatment access in a harm reduction setting.

Methods

Descriptive data were collected and analyzed regarding patient demographics, retention in treatment and services rendered at a new, wrap-around, low-barrier buprenorphine clinic established at an existing harm reduction site in New Mexico between August 1, 2020, and August 31, 2021.

Results

203 people used any service at the newly implemented program, 137 of whom specifically obtained medical and/or behavioral health care services including prescriptions for buprenorphine at least once from the physician onsite. Thirty-seven unique medical and psychiatric conditions were treated, representing a total of 565 separate encounters. The most common service utilized was buprenorphine treatment for opioid use disorder (81%), followed by treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder (62%), anxiety (44.5%) and depression (40.9%). Retention in buprenorphine treatment was 31.2% at 6 months.

Conclusions

An innovative, multidisciplinary, buprenorphine-centric care model, which targets a wide range of OUD pertinent pathologies while employing a harm reduction approach, can enhance utilization of these services among an underserved PWOUD population in a manner which moves our health system toward universal OUD treatment access thereby potentially reducing overdose and existing disparities.
COVID-19 vaccination uptake and safety profile among germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers in Singapore
Authors: Zhang Zewen , Ishak Nur Diana Binte , Que Frances Victoria Fajardo , Chua Zi Yang , Chan Sock Hoai , Chiang Jianbang , Yie Joanne Ngeow Yuen
Published: April 2023

Background

Although Singapore is one of the highest vaccinated countries in the world, vaccine hesitancy remains in a subpopulation, including individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes. At the Cancer Genetics Service National Cancer Centre Singapore, we see patients with germline genetic alterations, most being BRCA1/2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant (PV/LPV) carriers. While reported safe for cancer patients, there are limited studies addressing the safety profile and outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination among individuals with germline PV/LPV in cancer predisposition genes such as BRCA1/2. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination among germline PV/LPV carriers in BRCA1/2.

Methods

We conducted a phone call survey of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and toxicity in a prospective cohort of 189 participants with germline BRCA1/2 PV/LPV between 1st Sept 2021 and 30th Sept 2021. We collected demographics data including gender, race, age, history of cancer, types of cancer, and number of cancers. Statistical difference in baseline demographics between responders with history of cancer and those without were assessed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and independent t-test analysis. Logistic regression was used to evaluate effect of demographics on the occurrence of post-vaccination side effects.

Results

Among 189 BRCA1/2 PV/LPV carriers responded, 97 carried PV/LPV in BRCA1 and 92 in BRCA2. Majority were vaccinated (89.5%) and had completed the two-dose vaccine schedule, with 7 (4.1%) received only one dose. The most common post-vaccination side effects was myalgia (56.5%) followed by fever (40.2%), headache (16.3%) and fatigue (11.2%). There were no major severe side events. Evaluation by logistic regression showed that the occurrence of side effects was not affected by PV/LPV gene (BRCA1 or BRCA2), gender, race, age or history of cancer.

Conclusion

The post-vaccination side effects profile among individuals with germline PV/LPV in BRCA1/2 is consistent with the Singaporean general population, hence recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination for these individuals should not differ from non-carriers and should be encouraged by their healthcare providers.
CEU-Net: ensemble semantic segmentation of hyperspectral images using clustering
Authors: Soucy Nicholas , Sekeh Salimeh Yasaei
Published: April 2023

Most semantic segmentation approaches of big data hyperspectral images use and require preprocessing steps in the form of patching to accurately classify diversified land cover in remotely sensed images. These approaches use patching to incorporate the rich spatial neighborhood information in images and exploit the simplicity and segmentability of the most common datasets. In contrast, most landmasses in the world consist of overlapping and diffused classes, making neighborhood information weaker than what is seen in common datasets. To combat this common issue and generalize the segmentation models to more complex and diverse hyperspectral datasets, in this work, we propose a novel flagship model: Clustering Ensemble U-Net. Our model uses the ensemble method to combine spectral information extracted from convolutional neural network training on a cluster of landscape pixels. Our model outperforms existing state-of-the-art hyperspectral semantic segmentation methods and gets competitive performance with and without patching when compared to baseline models. We highlight our model’s high performance across six popular hyperspectral datasets including Kennedy Space Center, Houston, and Indian Pines, then compare them to current top-performing models.
Investigating the factors affecting myopia in retinopathy of prematurity after laser treatment
Authors: Asano Shotaro , Inoue Tatsuya , Kure Kana , Kitano Marie , Fujita Asahi , Nagahara Miyuki , Asaoka Ryo , Obata Ryo
Published: April 2023

Background

We investigated the effect of the number of laser shots applied on the myopic variables to elucidate the mechanism of myopia development in laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) eyes.

Methods

A total of 33 eyes of 17 infants with ROP who underwent laser treatment were included in the analysis. Cycloplegic retinoscopic refraction testing was carried out and the spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated. Relationships between SE and various variables (including the number of laser shots applied) were examined. In addition, an age-matched control group without ROP was prepared and ocular structural parameters were compared.

Results

Although there was no statistical difference in axial length (AL) between two groups (p = 0.88), SE was significantly more myopic in the ROP group (p < 0.001). SE was associated with AL, corneal refraction (CR), and crystalline lens power (CLP) in the ROP group. Of these three factors (AL, CR, and CLP), CLP and the number of laser shots applied were significantly correlated (p = 0.003); however, no correlations were observed between the number of laser shots and AL or CR (p = 0.15 and 0.10, respectively). Very similar tendency was observed in the analysis of the difference between right and left eyes in each child.

Conclusions

In laser-treated ROP eyes, AL, CR, and CLP were related to the degree of myopia. Moreover, the number of shots applied also affected the myopic status in laser-treated ROP eyes. Among AL, CR, and CLP, only CLP was correlated with the laser shots applied.
Polymerase chain reaction test for diagnosis of infectious uveitis
Authors: Fekri Sahba , Barzanouni Ehsan , Samiee Shahram , Soheilian Masoud
Published: April 2023

Background

To study the clinical utility of broad-range real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay in patients suspected for infectious uveitis and to analyze the clinical relevance.

Methods

Medical records of patients with uveitis were assessed in whom PCR analysis of intraocular fluids was performed between January 2018 and February 2021. Intraocular samples were investigated for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2 (HSV1,2), human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Toxoplasma gondii and also for bacterial 16 S and fungal 18 S/28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA).

Results

Aqueous paracentesis and vitreous sampling was done for 151 (81.2%) and 35 (18.8%) patients, respectively. Most of the patients had panuveitis (61.3%). PCR results were positive in 69 out of 186 patients (37%) according to the following order: CMV (18 cases), VZV (18 cases), fungal 18s/28s rDNA (17 cases), HSV (9 cases), bacterial 16s rDNA (3 cases), HTLV-1 (2 cases), and Toxoplasma gondii (2 cases). PCR positivity rate was 5.8% in patients with undifferentiated panuveitis. EBV was not detected at all. Initial treatment was changed in 38 patients (20%) based on PCR results. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PCR test for aqueous samples was 82%, 91%, 96%, and 87%, respectively. No significant adverse effect related to sampling was reported.

Conclusion

PCR analysis of intraocular fluids in patients with suspected infectious uveitis plays an important role in confirming diagnosis or changing treatment with good predictive value. However, routine PCR test in patients with undifferentiated panuveitis in order to rule out possible underlying infectious etiology had low benefit.
Discussion of field effects after intraovarian injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma
Authors: Sills E. Scott , Wood Samuel H.
Published: April 2023

Background

In the pre-menopausal ovary, the oocyte does not develop in isolation. Stroma, perivascular cells, immune cells, granulosa cells and endothelium are unequivocally active, and compelling evidence are also available placing germline stem cells within this milieu. Indeed, the local cytoarchitecture network of collagen, proteoglycans, polysaccharides, and fibrous proteins jointly influence endocrine, nutrient, and osmotic fluid movement vital to eggs. After transiting basal lamina, these moieties can directly determine follicular growth and oocyte metabolism.

Main body of the abstract

Over time, this support apparatus changes to dampen crucial biochemical inputs and eventually disconnects the oocyte from its own regulatory grid. Background factors extrinsic to the oocyte such as stroma and extracellular matrix thus contribute to overall reproductive fitness. Both menopause and infertility are thus distinct clinical manifestations of a common knock-down of ovarian competence. While treatments for symptomatic menopause and infertility traditionally depend on standard hormone replacement therapy or synthetic gonadotropins, autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) has arrived as an alternative method to improve ovarian reserve.

Short conclusion

Intraovarian PRP is usually considered to interact mainly with follicles or oocyte precursors, although other ovarian components also respond to platelet cytokines. Cross-discipline PRP effects measured in similar (non-reproductive) stroma and tissue matrix systems are examined here, with a view to promote greater research bandwidth for intraovarian PRP.
Dynamic linkages between tourism, economic growth, trade, energy demand and carbon emission: evidence from EU
Authors: Nwaeze Nnamdi Chinwendu , Okere Kingsley Ikechukwu , Ogbodo Izuchukwu , Muoneke Obumneke Bob , Ngini Ifeoma Nwakaego Sandra , Ani Samuel Uchezuike
Published: April 2023

At the heart of the post-COP26 era and the European Green deal lies the underlying goals in Europe targeting climate neutrality and zero pollution through tourism developments and promotion of economic well-being of regions. This study empirically investigates the dynamic linkages among tourism developments and emission while controlling for the influence of economic growth, trade, energy demand under the framework of Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) using the top 12 tourist countries in the EU from 1995 to 2018. The findings are as follows: First, the study found that trade openness negatively influences emissions. Second, economic growth, tourism, and energy use positively and significantly influence emissions. Third, energy demand positively and significantly influences economic growth and tourism development in the short and long run. The study recommends additional tourism and energy development policies along with structures that rapidly drive economic activities to turn carbon-intensive economies into green economies.
Intimate partner violence perpetration and mental health service use in England: analysis of nationally representative survey data
Authors: Bhavsar Vishal , McManus Sally , Saunders Katherine , Howard Louise M.
Published: April 2023

Background

Intimate partner violence perpetration (IPVP) is associated with psychiatric disorders, but an association with mental health service use has not been fully established and is relevant for policy. Mental health service contact by perpetrators of intimate partner violence presents an opportunity for reducing harmful behaviours.

Aims

To examine the association between IPVP and mental health service use.

Method

Analysis of national probability sample data from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, testing for associations between lifetime IPVP and mental health service use. We assessed the impact of missing data with multiple imputation and examined misreporting using probabilistic bias analysis.

Results

The prevalence of reported lifetime IPVP was similar for men (8.0%) and women (8.6%). Before adjustments, IPVP was associated with mental health service use (odds ratio (OR) for any mental health service use in the past year for men: 2.8 (95% CI: 1.8–4.2), for women: 2.8 (95% CI: 2.1–3.8)). Adjustments for intimate partner violence victimisation and other life adversities had an attenuative influence. Associations remained on restricting comparisons with those without criminal justice involvement (OR for any mental health service use in the past year for men: 2.9 (95% CI: 1.7–4.8), for women: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.7–3.2)).

Conclusion

The strong association of IPVP with mental health service use is partly attributable to the concurrent presence of intimate partner violence victimisation and other life adversities. Efforts to improve the identification and assessment of IPVP in mental health services could benefit population health.
Outpatient Treatment With Gabapentin in Women With Severe Acute Pain After Cesarean Delivery Is Ineffective: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fowler Cedar , Chu Amy W. , Guo Nan , Ansari Jessica R. , Shafer Steven L. , Flood Pamela D.
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Most of the 1.1 million women who deliver by cesarean in the United States each year have an uncomplicated recovery. However, severe pain resistant to standard multimodal therapy within the first days after surgery is associated with an increased risk for prolonged pain and opioid use. The best outpatient management for parturients with severe resistant early onset pain is not known.

METHODS:

We performed a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of up to 12 weeks of outpatient treatment with gabapentin to evaluate its effectiveness to facilitate opioid cessation in women with at least 2 reports of severe pain during the immediate postpartum period resistant to standard multimodal pain management. Time to opioid cessation was the primary outcome. Time to pain resolution; time to discontinuation of gabapentin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen; time to self-reported recovery; and National Institute of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes System (PROMIS) surveys for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and physical function were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS:

There was no difference in time to opioid cessation between patients who were randomly assigned to be treated with gabapentin (Kaplan-Meier estimated median of 2 [25th–75th percentiles of 1–3] weeks, n = 35) versus those who were treated with placebo (2 [1–3] weeks, n = 35). The hazard ratio was 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–1.8), P = .65. There were no differences in any secondary end points between the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS:

Outpatient supplementation with gabapentin did not reduce time to opioid cessation, pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, or improve physical function in women with severe pain after cesarean delivery. Gabapentin should not be routinely added to the standard outpatient multimodal regimen of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and opioids.
Ctenogobius boleosoma (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae), the northwesternmost record of an alien goby in the Mediterranean Sea, and a review of Mediterranean alien gobies
Authors: KOVAČIĆ MARCELO , SACCHETTI STEFANO
Published: April 2023

The Western Atlantic goby Ctenogobius boleosoma (Jordan & Gilbert, 1882) was found at the Agri River mouth, south Italy. It is the northwesternmost record of an alien goby recorded in the Mediterranean Sea. The present record confirms the presence of C. boleosoma in the Mediterranean Sea, recently reported only by the DNA barcoding of larvae collected in the mesopelagic depths of the Levant Sea. The present record of adult individuals, including ripe females, indicates an established population present in shallow estuarine waters matching the species’ native habitat conditions. The morphology and coloration of Mediterranean C. boleosoma are described and discussed. A detailed description of the cephalic lateral-line system of C. boleosoma is given for the first time. Ten species of the Mediterranean alien gobies are most likely Lessepsian migrants. Three gobiid aliens are Indo-Pacific gobies not present in the Red Sea and probably introduced by shipping. The alien gobies include only one Atlantic species and the Eastern Atlantic ingression component is lacking compared to the other alien fishes in the Mediterranean Sea. Indo-Pacific gobies have been quite successful in the colonization in Mediterranean and in the establishment of the Levant populations. However, contrary to other alien fishes, gobies show limited distribution across the Mediterranean Sea, with almost all alien gobies still being restricted to the Levant.
Phylogenetic placement of whole genome duplications in yeasts through quantitative analysis of hierarchical orthologous groups
Authors: Moix Samuel , Glover Natasha , Majidian Sina
Published: April 2023

Background: Whole genome duplications (WGD) are genomic events leading to formation of polyploid organisms. Resulting duplicated genes play important roles in driving species evolution and diversification. After such events, the initial ploidy is usually restored, complicating their detection across evolution. With the advance of bioinformatics and the rising number of new well-assembled genomes, new detection methods are ongoingly being developed to overcome the weaknesses of different approaches.

Results: Here we propose a novel method for detecting WGD in yeast lineages based on the quantitative and comparative analysis of hierarchical orthologous groups (HOGs) of duplicated genes for a given set of organisms. We reconstruct ancestral genomes to obtain evolutionary information for each phylogenetic branch. This reconstruction relies on the inference of HOGs from the selected species’ proteomes. To estimate WGD events, the number of HOGs of duplicated genes across all taxonomic ranges are adjusted according to the molecular clock hypothesis and by the average genome size. Branches with a significant increase in the adjusted number of duplicated gene families are kept as candidates for WGD placement. The developed method was tested on two real datasets and showed promising results in phylogenetic WGD placements on the yeast lineage.
Effectiveness of seasonal malaria chemoprevention administered in a mass campaign in the Kedougou region of Senegal in 2016: a case-control study
Authors: Manga Isaac Akhenaton , Tairou Fassiatou , Seck Amadou , Kouevidjin Ekoue , Sylla Khadime , Sow Doudou , Gueye Alioune Babara , Ba Mady , Ndiaye Magatte , Tine Roger Clément Kouly , Gaye Omar , Faye Babacar , Ndiaye Jean Louis Abdourahim
Published: April 2023

Background: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) is a malaria prevention strategy recommended since 2012 by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children under 5 years. In Senegal, the scaling up of SMC started in 2013 in the south-eastern regions of the country with an extension of the target to 10 years old children. The scaling up of SMC requires regular evaluation of the strategy as recommended by the WHO. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of SMC.

Methods: A case-control study was conducted in some villages of the health districts of Saraya and Kedougou in the Kedougou region from July to December 2016. A case was a sick child, aged 3 months to 10 years, seen in consultation and with a positive malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The control was a child of the same age group with a negative RDT and living in the same compound as the case or in a neighbouring compound. Each case was matched with two controls. Exposure to SMC was assessed by interviewing the mothers/caretakers and by checking the SMC administration card.

Results: Overall, 492 children, including 164 cases and 328 controls, were recruited in our study. Their mean ages were 5.32 (+/- 2.15) and 4.44 (+/-2.25) years for cases and controls, respectively. The number of boys was higher in both cases (55.49%; CI 95%=47.54-63.24%) and controls (51,22%; CI 95%=45.83-56.58%). Net ownership was 85.80% among cases and 90.85% among controls (p=0,053). The proportion of controls who received SMC was higher than that of cases (98.17% vs 85.98% and p=1.10-7). The protective effectiveness of SMC was 89% (OR= 0.12 (CI 95%=0.04-0.28)).

Conclusions: SMC is an effective strategy in the control of malaria in children. Case-control studies are a good approach for monitoring the efficacy of drugs administered during SMC.
The genome sequence of the Buff-tailed Bumblebee, Bombus terrestris (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Sivell Olga , Sivell Duncan ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Natural History Museum Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: April 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Bombus terrestris (the Buff-tailed Bumblebee; Arthropoda; Insecta; Hymenoptera; Apidae). The genome sequence is 393.0 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 18 chromosomal pseudomolecules. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 24.7 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 14,435 protein coding genes.
Civil law
Authors: Karpychev Mihail , Huzhin Al'fir , Il'in Igor' , Malyutina Oksana , Pchelkin Aleksndr , Sokova Zinaida , Pershina Irina , Ershov Nikandr , Mursalimov Kamil'
Published: April 2023

The second volume of the textbook, prepared in accordance with the curriculum on the discipline "Civil Law" for educational institutions of higher education, examines the issues of contractual and non-contractual obligations, inheritance law and intellectual property rights. The normative material is given as of May 1 , 2022 .
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
For students, cadets, teachers, postgraduates, adjuncts and anyone interested in issues of modern civil law.