bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Follow-up on Patients with Initial Negative mpMRI Target and Systematic Biopsy for PI-RADS ≥3 Lesions – An EAU-YAU Study Enhancing Prostate Cancer Detection.
Authors: Zattoni Fabio , Gandaglia Giorgio , Bergh Roderick van den , Marra Giancarlo , Valerio Massimo , Martini Alberto , OLIVIER Jonathan , Puche-Sanz Ignacio , Rajwa Pawel , Maggi Martina , Campi Riccardo , Nicoletti Rossella , Amparore Daniele , De Cillis Sabrina , Zhuang Junlong , Guo Hongqian , Fuschi Andrea , veccia alessandro , Ditonno Francesco , Pereira Leonor Paulino , Marquis Alessandro , Barletta Francesco , Leni Riccardo , Kasivisvanathan Veeru , Antonelli Alessandro , Rivas Juan Gomez , Remmers Sebastiaan , Roobol Monique , Briganti Alberto , Moro Fabrizio Dal , Novara Giacomo
Published: May 2024

Purpose
To investigate the detection and predictors of prostate cancer (PCA) and clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA) in patients with positive multiparametric MRI (mpMRI) followed by a negative MRI – guided target biopsy (TB) and systematic biopsy (SB).
Materials and Methods
This retrospective multicenter study included 694 patients from 10 tertiary referral centers with an initial positive mpMRI (PI-RADS ≥ 3) and negative results on both MRI-TB and SB. Patients were classified into three groups based on follow-up: Group 1 (prostate re-biopsy without new mpMRI), Group 2 (standardized second prostate mpMRI and subsequent re-biopsy), and Group 3 (follow-up with mpMRIs and biopsy based on clinical and radiological triggers). The primary outcomes were the detection of any PCA and csPCA during follow up. Study groups were compared according to their probability of PCA and csPCA assessed with the ERSPC-MRI risk calculator. Statistical analysis included Kaplan – Meier analysis, Cox regression, and multivariable analysis for the detection of (cs)PCa.
Results
The overall detection of PCA and csPCA was 26.8% and 19.3%, respectively, with varying rates in different PI-RADS groups. Group 3 had the highest 2 – year and 5 – year PCA – free survival (94% and 84%) and csPCA – free survival (96% and 86%). Multivariable analysis revealed a significantly higher risk of PCA and csPCA in Group 1 and 2 compared to Group 3. Clinical and radiological predictors for PCA and csPCA included higher age, prostate volume, PI-RADS score, the presence of atypical small acinar proliferation (ASAP), and a smaller number of TB and SB performed during the initial biopsy. Study limitations, include the retrospective design and reliance on clinical and radiological triggers for follow – up decisions.
Conclusions
Patients with positive mpMRI but negative TB and SB results exhibit varying rates of PCA and csPCA depending on the follow up scheme. Tailored follow-up strategies are essential for optimal management in this clinical scenario.
Heat analysis and characterization method of 110kV cable joint under crimp defect
Authors: Zhu he , Wang Yang
Published: May 2024

In view of the frequent explosion accidents of 110kV cable joints, the temperature field of cable joints with crimping defects was analyzed, and the degree of crimping defects was quantitatively characterized. COMSOL finite element software is used to establish the cable joint temperature field model. Through the analysis of simulation data, it is found that when there is extra contact resistance, the cable joint will produce abnormal temperature rise, but it has little influence on the temperature of the remote cable body. On this basis, the influence of ambient temperature and current load on core and skin temperature of cable joint under different working conditions is studied, which provides a data basis for subsequent characterization of crimping degree. Finally, the simulation data under different working conditions were fitted to obtain the representation equation of crimping coefficient based on the surface temperature difference method. The calculation method can calculate the cable core temperature quickly and accurately, and provide a basis for the temperature monitoring and state evaluation of the cable middle joint.
Environmental complexity impacts anxiety in broiler chickens depending on genetic strain and body weight
Authors: Ulans Alexandra , Brooks George , Jacobs Leonie
Published: May 2024

The objective was to assess the impact of environmental complexity on affective state (anxiety) in fast- and slow-growing broilers (Gallus gallus domesticus) as they gain weight. Six hundred fast-growing broilers (Ross 708; “fast-growers”) and 600 slow-growing broilers (Hubbard Redbro Mini; “slow-growers”) were raised in 24 pens with simple (standard; SE) or complex (permanent and temporary enrichments; CE) environments. Six birds/pen underwent the attention bias test on day 23 (fast-growers only), 28–29, 35–36, 42–43, and 56–57 (slow-growers only), with individuals only tested once (n = 576). Proportion of birds feeding, time spent vigilant and latencies to eat and step were recorded. Greater vigilance and longer latencies indicate more anxiety. Slow-growers fed more (p = 0.001), were less vigilant (p = 0.003), and stepped sooner than fast-growers (p = 0.007). For both strains, likelihood of feeding was unrelated to weight in SE, but decreased with increasing weight in CE (p = 0.048). Birds in CE stepped sooner than birds in SE (p = 0.030). Vigilance increased with body weight (p = 0.024). These results indicate that affective state (anxiety) can change as birds gain weight, depending on complexity and genetic strain. Although slow-growers showed reduced anxiety compared to fast-growers, their affect was not consistently better across housing treatments or weights.
Influence of probiotic Bacillus cereus. Supplemented feed on growth and survival of the ornamental fish, gold fish (Carassius auratus)
Authors: S Mahadevi , B Deivasigamani , T Suthin Raj , P Keerthika , N Padmini , H Ann Suji
Published: May 2024

Marine sediment sample was collected and the total aerobic population was counted and probiotic Bacillus cereus was isolated. Then it was mixed with formulated feed by spraying, while control diet was purchased from a local aquarium. 30 days of feeding experiment was conducted. Carassius auratus fishes were randomly divided into two experimental groups in rectangular tanks. The first group served as a control in which fishes were fed with commercial feed. The second group of fish were fed with probiotic incorporated feed. After 40 days, their survival and growth performance were detected. Bacillus cereus incorporated feed significantly yielded higher survival rate of the fish compared to control. Food conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly lower than the control group. The main aim of this work is to investigate the effect of a marine probiotic bacteria, Bacillus cereus on the survival and growth performance of gold fish Carassius auratus.
Personality and Self-efficacy for Illness Management in Cancer
Authors: Peyser Tristen , Perry Laura M. , Mossman Brenna , Xu Kenneth , Kim Seowoo , Moran James B. , Hoerger Michael
Published: May 2024

Objectives
Self-efficacy for illness management is increasingly recognized as important for outcomes in cancer. We examined whether The Big Five personality dimensions were associated with self-efficacy for illness management and hypothesized that patients who were less neurotic and more conscientious would have better self-efficacy.
Methods
Adults with cancer completed a cross-sectional survey that included the Mini-International Personality Item Pool (IPIP) and three subscales of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Self-Efficacy for Chronic Conditions: managing emotions, managing symptoms, and managing treatment and medication. Linear regressions were used to test the hypotheses, while controlling for covariates.
Results
The personality and PROMIS self-efficacy measures demonstrated good evidence of reliability (median Cronbach’s alpha = .78, range of .69-.92) and validity (intercorrelations). As hypothesized, patients who were less neurotic or more conscientious had higher levels of illness self-efficacy overall and on each of the three subscales (all ps < .001). Openness was associated with better self-management of symptoms (p = .013) and emotions (p = .040). Extraversion was associated with better self-management of emotions (p = .024).
Conclusions
Personality plays a vital role in illness self-efficacy for patients with cancer.
Practice Implications:
As a part of multidisciplinary care teams, psychosocial experts can use these findings to help patients better manage their illness.
Tethered Cord Prevalence among Patients with Prenatal or Postnatal Myelomeningocele Repair
Authors: Alavi Seyed Ahmad Naseri , Fluss Rose , Lehner Kurt , Judy Brendan , Groves Mari , Cohen Alan , Kobets Andrew J.
Published: May 2024

Background:
Myelomeningocele (MMC) is a severe form of spina bifida characterized by spinal cord extrusion into a cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) filled sac which may lead to lifelong disability. Repair of these lesions have classically occurred shortly after birth, but more recently, prenatal myelomeningocele repair techniques have been elucidated. This study aimed to investigate the outcome of surgery, particularly with subsequent spinal cord tethering, in patients with prenatal myelomeningocele closure and those with postnatal repair surgery.
Materials and methods:
In this retrospective study which assessed patients from April 2002 to April 2020, the data of 18 total patients with MMC were reviewed. Nine patients from each group were included, closed prenatally or postnatally, respectively. Demographic information including age and sex, birth week, infant comorbidities, presence of dermoid or lipoma, cutaneous stigmata, total number and timing of detethering procedures, presence of Chiari malformation, and need for VPS was obtained.
Results:
Eighteen patients including 9 infants closed prenatally and 9 infants with myelomeningoceles closed postnatally were reviewed. The mean age was 4 ± 3 years and 6.22 ± 2.4 in prenatal and postnatal retrospectively. There was a significant relationship between the number of detethering procedures (p.value = 0.03) and the need for a ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) (p.value = 0.01) between the groups, with the prenatal closure group having lower rates of each. There was no significant difference between the groups in regard to the mean age at the detethering procedure (p = 0.4), sex (p = 0.09), birth week (p = 0.8), comorbidities (p = 0.8), presence of intraspinal dermoid or lipoma (p = 0.09), presence of cutaneous stigma (p = 0.08), Chiari (p = 0.6), Fatty filum (p = 0.08), syrinx (p = 0.4), bone anomaly (p = 0.4), and spina bifida neurological scale (p = 0.66).
Conclusion:
There was a significant relationship between the two groups in terms of the number of detethering procedures, and the need for VPS. Our data represents a possible difference in the need for detethering surgeries and ventriculoperitoneal shunt placements between patients with prenatal and postnatal myelomeningocele closures.
Validity and Reliability of the Thai Version Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems In-Centre Hemodialysis (Thai CAHPS-ICH) Survey for Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Phuphanitcharoenkun Jirawat , Narongkiatikhun Phoom , Ophascharoensuk Vuddhidej
Published: May 2024

Background
Patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) are important tools for evaluating the quality of care from patients' perspectives. Nevertheless, no validated PREMs exist for maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients in Thailand. This study aimed to develop a Thai version of the Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and System In-center Hemodialysis (CAHPS-ICH) survey and assess its validity and reliability.
Method
We translated the original CAHPS-ICH® survey into Thai and administered it to MHD patients at the hemodialysis center of Chiang Mai University Hospital. Correlation analysis was employed to evaluate the construct validity of each domain (Nephrologists’ communication and caring [NCC], quality of dialysis center cares and operation [QoC] and providing information to patients [PI]) and the global rating scales. Internal consistency and test-retest reliability were assessed using Cronbach's alpha coefficient (α) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), respectively.
Results
A total of 189 patients were recruited. The NCC domain exhibited the strongest correlation with the doctor global rating scale (r = 0.60) and displayed good internal consistency (α = 0.86). The QoC domain indicated positive correlations with the staff and center rating scales (r = 0.65 and 0.58, respectively) and demonstrated acceptable internal consistency (α = 0.78). The PI domain showed a moderate association with the center global rating scales (r = 0.31), but its internal consistency was not demonstrated (α = 0.53). Most multi-item scale questions showed satisfactory test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.50–0.85).
Conclusion
The “Thai CAHPS-ICH” survey proves to be a valid and reliable tool for assessing the patient experience among MHD patients at Chiang Mai University Hospital.
Self-reported mental health in school-aged children using the Dominic interactive questionnaire in the French Enabee 2022 study
Authors: Seconda Louise , Kovess Viviane , Bessonneau Pascal , Pognon Damien , Decio Valentina , Perrine Anne-Laure , Haddad Maria El , Richard Jean-Baptiste , Saoudi Abdessattar , Delorme Richard , Motreff Yvon , Monnier-Besnard Stephanie , Regnault Nolwenn
Published: May 2024

The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need to develop rigorous epidemiological monitoring of children’s mental health in France. The Dominic Interactive (DI) assesses children’s perceptions of their own mental health using illustrated questions, which reflect situations associated with symptoms of common disorders. Although many studies have used the DI, the last time its psychometric properties were assessed on school-aged children in France was in 2004. In the Enabee 2022 study, as part of a novel homonymous epidemiological monitoring project 15,206 child attending school in metropolitan France filled in the DI.
Using data from Enabee 2022, the present study aimed to examine the psychometric properties of DI (internal consistency and factorial structure) and to assess the self-reported prevalence of mental health problems in children.
The Cronbach alpha and Mc Donald’s Omega were acceptable for all DI subscales assessing a specific mental health disorder. The initial factor structure was confirmed for each subscale. Overall, 28.7% of the study sample had reported at least one probable mental health disorder. Phobias and separation anxiety disorder were the most frequent disorders (9.4% and 10.7%, respectively), especially among girls (13.6% and 12.6%). In contrast, although major depression was the least reported disorder (5.5%), it had the strongest correlations with other disorders.
This study provides the first results for self-reported mental health in children within the framework of the novel French mental health surveillance system Enabee. Integrating the DI in this system assures that children’s self-reported symptoms can be taken into consideration when assessing their mental health.
Interdisciplinary endodontic treatment of a Molar-Incisor Malformation-affected molar using a 3D printing model based on cone-beam computed tomography: A case report and literature review
Authors: Brizuela Claudia , Ferrada Juan Pablo , Cabrera Carolina , Bravo Marta , Gutiérrez Mario Felipe , Castillo Mónica , Vega Carlos , Concha Guillermo , Jara Daniel , Eyzaguirre Alfredo , Dezerega Andrea , Osorio Constanza
Published: May 2024

Background
Molar-Incisor Malformation (MIM) represents a complex dental anomaly entwined with patients’ medical histories, characterized by intricate root canal structures. This study unveils an innovative interdisciplinary digital strategy for managing MIM, accompanied by an extensive literature review.
Case presentation
The case involves a 7-year-old Caucasian female patient who was referred by the orthodontist for a significant apical lesion detected in the permanent left mandibular first molar (tooth #36). Thorough clinical, radiographic and CBCT examinations the clinical diagnosis definitively identified a MIM in tooth #36 with symptomatic apical periodontitis. Employing Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and a meticulously crafted virtual three-dimensional (3D) printed scaled tooth guide model, an endodontic procedure was performed on tooth #36 in a patient with MIM. A one-year follow-up showcased a reduction in the size of the apical lesion, demonstrating a healing process.
Conclusions
This case underscores the potential of interdisciplinary and technology-driven strategies in effectively managing MIM. Nonetheless, there´s a crucial need of research focusing on higher QoE to identify the most effective approaches for treating MIM-affected teeth.
Experiences of conflicting decision-making by Surrogate decision-makers in Neurocritical care in China: a descriptive qualitative study
Authors: Mao Sailu , Cao Qianqian , Li Qihong , Wu Yawen , Zhang XinYu , Jiang Jinxia , Zeng Li
Published: May 2024

Background: Decision-makers who act on behalf of patients in critical neurosurgical care play a crucial role in medical decision-making. However, there is limited exploration into the complexities of decision conflict within this group.
Objectives: This study aims to understand the experiences of decision-making conflict among surrogate decision-makers for neurosurgical critical care patients, with the goal of informing the development of clinical decision support programs.
Methods: Between April 2023 and June 2023, we conducted semi-structured, in-depth interviews with 15 surrogate decision-makers for neurosurgical critical care patients, using a convenience sampling method. The interviews were meticulously transcribed, and the data underwent detailed analysis using the Colaizzi 7-step method to extract and refine thematic insights.
Results: The study reveals that surrogate decision-makers for critically ill neurosurgical patients grapple with decision conflict across three main themes: (a) Various Aspects of Decision-Making Conflict: Conflicts arise between considerations of quality versus length of life, patient preferences versus those of the decision-maker, and expectations of treatment versus reality. (b) Complex Causes of Decision-Making Conflict: Challenges include the complexity of decision-making in critical care settings, limited access to information, and societal and cultural pressures. (c) Diverse Consequences of Decision-Making Conflict: These include emotional distress for decision-makers, delays in patient treatment, and risks to patient-physician trust.
Conclusions: The research findings highlight that surrogate decision-makers for critically ill neurosurgical patients encounter a range of complex conflicts with various negative impacts in clinical settings. These insights emphasize the importance of medical professionals identifying surrogate decision-makers prone to conflict early in the care journey and offering evidence-based decision-making support to minimize conflicts and improve decision-making quality.
Enhancing Musculoskeletal Healthcare through Mobile Application-Integrated Infrared Thermography: A Promising Approach for Diagnosis and Monitoring
Authors: SALEH MOHAMMED ABOO SALEH MOHAMMED ABOO
Published: May 2024

Musculoskeletal injuries, encompassing conditions affecting muscles, bones, ligaments, tendons, and joints, pose significant diagnostic and treatment challenges, often requiring subjective assessments by healthcare providers. In this study, an innovative approach was employed using infrared imaging technology integrated with a mobile application to enhance objective assessment, particularly during massage therapy. Thermal imaging captures of patients' backs during pre- and post-therapy sessions were conducted via the developed app to identify abnormal temperature patterns indicative of underlying conditions. This novel method of diagnosis offers a departure from traditional subjective assessments by providing quantitative thermal data for analysis. The utilization of deep learning algorithms and thermal image processing techniques further facilitated data management and analysis, offering a more precise diagnostic approach. The application's diagnostic capabilities, coupled with its ability to streamline data management, distinguish it from conventional diagnostic methods, offering potential advancements in musculoskeletal injury diagnosis and treatment. This paper elucidates the methods employed, highlights the observed results, underscores the potential of integrating advanced technologies for musculoskeletal injury diagnosis and treatment, and provides a brief overview of musculoskeletal injuries to contextualize the study.
The impact of depression on cervical spondylosis is mediated by smoking and insomnia: Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Qian Jiaming , Li Yumei , Wang Xiaole , Fang Ting , Zhou Maoshen , Liu Fushui
Published: May 2024

Patients with cervical spondylosis are often accompanied by a series of mental disorders, but there is no direct evidence of causal relationship and the mediation factors are not clear. Our purpose is to use the aggregated data of the large-scale genome-wide association study (GWAS) to explore the causal relationship between mental disorders and cervical spondylosis by using Mendelian randomization analysis, and further explore the mediation factors, to provide theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis. Data on cervical spondylosis, mental disorders (depression, anxiety and schizophrenia), and living habits (smoking, insomnia, drinking, exercise, and time spent watching TV) were collected from the aggregated data of GWAS. In the univariable MR, inverse variance weighted (IVW) method was adopted as the main method, MR-Egger-based regression method, weighted median (WME) method, simple mode method, and weighted mode (WM) method were adopted as the complementary methods to evaluate the causal relationship between mental disorders and cervical spondylosis. Cochran's Q test, MR-Egger intercept test, and MR pleiotropy residual sum and outlier (MR-PRESSO)test were used to verify the reliability of the analysis results as sensitivity analysis. In the multivariable MR, IVW was used to analyze the causal relationship between the three mental disorders and cervical spondylosis after adjustment. In the mediation MR analysis, according to the steps of exposure to mediation and mediation to outcome, the qualified mediation factors in living habits were screened out, and the P-value of mediation effect was calculated by coefficient product test. The confidence interval was estimated by Delta method, and the proportion mediated was calculated. The univariable analysis (OR=1.398, 95%CI:1.085-1.803, P=0.010) indicated that depression was a risk factor for cervical spondylosis. The multivariable analysis showed that depression still has positive causal relationship with cervical spondylosis after adjustment for anxiety and schizophrenia (OR=1.343, 95%CI:1.06-1.70, P=0.013). The mediation MR analysis showed that from depression to living habits, “time spent watching TV” was excluded. From living habits to cervical spondylosis, “exercise” was excluded. Drinking was also excluded by the results of coefficient product test. The mediation MR analysis showed that the causal relationship between depression and cervical spondylosis was partly mediated by smoking and insomnia, and the proportion mediated was 15.98% and 41.70%. Our study shows that there is a positive causal relationship between depression and cervical spondylosis, which is partly mediated by smoking and insomnia, and the finding may be helpful for the prevention and treatment of cervical spondylosis.
Comparison of three objective nutritional screening tools for identifying GLIM-defined malnutrition in patients with gastric cancer
Authors: Junbo Zuo , Junbo Zuo , Yan Huang , Yan Huang , Zhenhua Huang , Zhenhua Huang , Zhang JingXin , Zhang JingXin , Hou Wenji , Hou Wenji , Wang Chen , Wang Chen , Wang Xiuhua , Wang Xiuhua , Xuefeng Bu , Xuefeng Bu
Published: May 2024

Objective
This study aimed to compare three objective nutritional screening tools for identifying GLIM-defined malnutrition in patients with gastric cancer (GC).
Method
Objective nutritional screening tools including geriatric nutritional risk index (GNRI), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), and controlling nutritional status (CONUT) score, were evaluated in patients with GC at our institution. Malnutrition was diagnosed according to the GLIM criteria. The diagnostic value of GNRI, PNI, and COUNT scores in identifying GLIM-defined malnutrition was assessed by conducting Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curves and calculating the area under the curve (AUC). Additionally, sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) were determined. The Kappa coefficient (k) was used to assess agreement between three objective nutritional screening tools and GLIM criteria.
Results
A total of 316 patients were enrolled in this study, and malnutrition was diagnosed in 151 patients (47.8%) based on the GLIM criteria. The GNRI demonstrated good diagnostic accuracy (AUC = 0.805, 95% CI: 0.758–0.852) for detecting GLIM-defined malnutrition, while the PNI and COUNT score showed poor diagnostic accuracy with AUCs of 0.699 (95% CI: 0.641–0.757) and 0.665 (95% CI: 0.605–0.725) respectively. Among these objective nutritional screening tools, the GNRI-based malnutrition risk assessment demonstrated the highest specificity (80.0%), accuracy (72.8%), PPV (74.8%), NPV (71.4%), and consistency (k = 0.452) with GLIM-defined malnutrition.
Conclusions
Compared to PNI and COUNT scores, GNRI demonstrated superior performance as an objective nutritional screening tool for identifying GLIM-defined malnutrition in GC patients.
Phenotypical divergence between self-reported and clinically ascertained autism
Authors: Banker Sarah M. , Schafer Mathew , Harrington Miles , Na Soojung , Barkley Sarah , Trayvick Jadyn , Peters Arabella W. , Thinakaran Abigaël , Foss-Feig Jennifer H. , Schiller Daniela , Gu Xiaosi
Published: May 2024

While allowing for rapid recruitment of large samples, online psychiatric and neurodevelopmental research relies heavily on participants’ self-report of neuropsychiatric symptoms, foregoing the rigorous clinical characterization of laboratory settings. Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) research is one example where the clinical validity of such an approach remains elusive. Here, we compared participants characterized online via self-reports against in-person participants evaluated by clinicians. Despite having comparable self-reported autism symptoms, the online high-trait group reported significantly more social anxiety and avoidant behavior than in-person ASD subjects. Within the in-person sample, there was no relationship between self-rated and clinician-rated autism symptoms, suggesting these approaches may capture different aspects of ASD. The online high-trait and in-person ASD participants also differed in their behavior in well-validated social decision-making tasks: the in-person group perceived having less social control and acted less affiliative towards virtual characters. Our study aimed to draw comparisons at three levels: methodological platform (online versus in-person), symptom measurement (self- versus clinician-report), and social behavior. We identified a lack of agreement between self- and clinician-rated measures of symptoms and divergent social tendencies in groups ascertained by each method, highlighting the need for differentiation between in-person versus online samples in autism research.
Evaluation of Laboratory Request Form Variables as Filled by Clinicians at Msambweni County Referral Hospital, Kwale County, Kenya.
Authors: Nyamu Gibson Waweru , Ochieng' Onesmus Oduori , Wahome Peter Kitemi , Odhiambo Frendrick Odhiambo , King’oo Jacintah Mueni , Wigina Ronald Nyarambe
Published: May 2024

Background
Communication between clinicians and the laboratory staff occur via laboratory request forms (LRFs). Proper utilization of these forms enhances operational efficiency in healthcare by providing patients' samples along with their bio data and clinical details. This study aimed to assess the level of completion of LRFs at Msambweni County Referral Hospital- clinical laboratory (MCRHCL).
Methods
This study assessed the variables entered on LRFs that were sent to the MCRHCL during the month of February 2022. The checklist was used to audit the presence or absent of the following variables; patient name, sex, age, telephone contact of patient and requesting clinician, patients’ hospital number, patient residence, destination (clinicians’ location), name of doctor, type of specimen, time and date of collection, investigation required, clinical history and provisional diagnosis in LRFs. Data was collected and analyzed using in Epi Info 7 where descriptive statistics were calculated.
Results
Out of 272 sampled LRFs, none contained complete information for all required parameters. Patient name and requested test fields were fully and accurately completed for all patients. Patient age, gender, and the name of the requesting clinician were provided and accurately recorded on over 98% of the LRFs. However, there was a notable deficiency in recording the time of specimen collection, with percentages of 0.0%, for patient and clinician telephone contacts, 0.74%, and 1.47%, respectively.
Conclusion
Clinicians may lack awareness of the significance of completing LRFs adequately. Therefore, regular orientation programs should be implemented to enhance the effectiveness of LRFs completion.
Utilising activity patterns of a complex biophysical network model to optimise intra-striatal deep brain stimulation
Authors: Spiliotis Konstantinos , Appali Revathi , Gomes Anna Karina Fontes , Payonk Jan Philipp , Adrian Simon , Rienen Ursula van , Starke Jens , Köhling Rüdiger
Published: May 2024

In this study, we develop a large-scale biophysical network model for the isolated striatal body to optimise potential intrastriatal deep brain stimulation applied in, e.g. obsessive-compulsive disorder by using spatiotemporal patterns produced by the network. The model uses modified Hodgkin-Huxley models on small-world connectivity, while the spatial information, i.e. the positions of neurons, is obtained from a detailed human atlas. The model produces neuronal activity patterns segregating healthy from pathological conditions. Three indices were used for the optimisation of stimulation protocols regarding stimulation frequency, amplitude and localisation: the mean activity of the entire network, the mean activity of the ventral striatal area (emerging as a defined community using modularity detection algorithms), and the frequency spectrum of the entire network activity. By minimising the deviation of the aforementioned indices from the normal state, we guide the optimisation of deep brain stimulation parameters regarding position, amplitude and frequency.
Quantitative Assessment of Multi-Scenario High-Elevation and Long-Runout Debris Flow Hazard and Risk: A Case Study of Cuojiu Valley, South-eastern Qinghai-Tibet Plateau
Authors: ZHU Tanfang , WANG Tao , ZHANG Shuai , XIN Peng , XING Xinfu
Published: May 2024

In recent years, the impacts of climate change have significantly increased the susceptibility southeastern Tibet to various geological hazards, characterized by high-elevation and long-runout geological events. These hazards pose significant long-term implications for the development and maintenance of critical railways in the vicinity. Consequently, the implementation of an effective quantitative assessment method for geological hazards becomes paramount for disaster prevention and mitigation. This study introduces a novel method integrating remote sensing, drone-based oblique photogrammetry, and onsite field investigation for effectively identifying geological hazards, and presents a risk quantification technique tailored for high mountain regions under varied rainfall possibilities. By applying this innovative approach, a comprehensive investigation was conducted to assess the characteristics and impacts of rainfall-induced debris flow in the Cuojiu Valley, southeastern Tibet, under varying rainfall probabilities. The study examines the effects of these debris flow on the regional railway, based on the maximum accumulated thickness and the highest affected height triggered by rainfall. The analysis revealed that severe rainfall events act as triggers for these hazardous occurrences. Importantly, the study highlights that the safety of critical railways in the region is compromised by the identified debris flow risk in the Cuojiu Valley during extreme rainfall events. This study's novelty lies in identifying the distribution of geological hazard sources through the proposed method and conducting a quantitative assessment of multi-scenario high-elevation and long-runout debris flows in the Cuojiu Valley. This provides valuable insights for preventing geological hazards in high-elevation valleys.
Screening for Chronic Renal Insufficiency Should Focus on People with Diabetes, Insulin Resistance or Advanced Fibrosis in MASLD
Authors: Yang Tianyuan , Yang Bingqing , Yin Jingya , Hou Chenxue , Wang Qi
Published: May 2024

Aims
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a recognized extra-hepatic disease of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). With the redefinition of NAFLD as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), the importance of cardiovascular metabolic factors in MASLD has been highlighted. However, whether MASLD remains independently associated with the prevalence of CKD is yet to be determined.
Method
We analyzed data from 6,567 non-pregnant adults from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2017–2020. MASLD was identified using liver ultrasound transient elastography and five cardiovascular risk factors. Multivariate logistic regression, subgroup analysis, and restricted cubic splines were employed to explore the associations and interactions within the data.
Results
The prevalence of CKD across MASLD subgroups with different combinations of cardiometabolic risk factors varied. Univariate regression analysis indicated a significant association between MASLD and CKD (OR: 1.68, P < .001). This association was not significant after adjusting for diabetes (OR: 0.94, P = .74) or insulin resistance (OR: 1.00, P = .98) and was not significant in the fully adjusted model (OR: 0.87, P = .64). Subgroup analysis confirmed insulin resistance as a modifier in the MASLD-CKD relationship (P for interaction = .02). LSM values show an S-shaped correlation with CKD, with risk increasing above the 8.612 kPa threshold.
Conclusions
This study suggests that the direct relationship between MASLD and CKD diminished when accounting for diabetes or insulin resistance. Nevertheless, liver fibrosis emerges as an independent CKD risk factor, emphasizing the critical need for targeted CKD screening among MASLD patients, particularly those with diabetes, insulin resistance, or advanced fibrosis.
Padua Prediction Score and Hospital Acquired Proximal and Isolated Distal Deep Vein Thrombosis
Authors: Sartori Michelangelo , Soldati Mario , Fiocca Mriam , Borgese Laura , Favaretto Elisabetta , Cosmi Benilde
Published: May 2024

Hospital acquired deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is an important cause of morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of lower limb proximal DVT and isolated distal DVT (IDDVT) and the relationship with the Padua Prediction score (PPS) in acutely ill hospitalized medical patients.
In a single center cross-sectional study, all inpatients from medical departments with suspected lower-extremity DVT were evaluated with whole-leg ultrasonography during 183 days from 2016 to 2017. Among the 507 inpatients (age 78.0±13.3 y, females 59.2%) from medical departments, 204 (40.2%) had PPS ≥4, but only 54.4% of them underwent pharmacological thrombo-prophylaxis. Whole leg ultrasonography detected 47 proximal DVTs (9.3%) and 65 IDDVTs (12.8%). Proximal DVT prevalence was higher in patients with high PPS vs those with low PPS (12.7% vs. 7.0% p=0.029, respectively), whereas IDDVT prevalence was similar in patients with high and low PPS score (14.7% vs. 11.6% p=0.311, respectively). The area under the receiver operating curve (AUC) for the PPS was 0.62±0.03 for all DVTs, 0.64±0.04 for proximal DVT, 0.58±0.04 for IDDVT.
In hospitalized patients, IDDVT has a similar prevalence regardless of PPS risk stratification. Adherence to thrombo-prophylaxis in medical patients was still far from optimal.
Cost-utility analysis of community-based interventions for hypertension control in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Viet , Ha Duc Anh , Tran Oanh Mai , Nguyen Hoa L. , Goldberg Robert J , Allison Jeroan J. , Fleming Neil S. , Nguyen Phuong Khanh
Published: May 2024

Between 2010 and 2011, stakeholders implemented a multi-faceted community-based intervention in response to the escalating issue of uncontrolled hypertension in Hung Yen province, Vietnam. This initiative integrated expanded community health worker services, home blood pressure self-monitoring, and a unique "storytelling intervention" into routine clinical care. From the limited societal perspective, our study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of this intervention using a Markov model with a one-year cycle over a lifetime horizon. The analysis, based on a cohort of 671 patients, reveals a lifetime incremental cost of approximately VND 90.37 million (USD 3,930) per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. With a willingness to pay at three times GDP (VND 259.2 million per QALY), the intervention proves cost-effective 80% of the time. This research underscores the potential of the community-based approach to effectively control hypertension, offering valuable insights into its broader implications for public health.
There are only finitely many Lucas-Carmichael numbers in the sequence {2np-1}n≥1
Authors: Muthukrishnan Subramani , Tamilvanan Sridhar
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we prove that the sequence {2np − 1}n≥1 contains only finitely many Lucas-Carmichael numbers for a fixed odd prime p.
MSC Classification: 11A51 , 11Y55 , 11N25 , 11B39
Responses to seasonal time constraints under global change across life stages: facilitated by warming but counteracted by invasive alien predators
Authors: Szymon Sniegula , Robby Stoks , Golab Maria J.
Published: May 2024

In seasonal environments, organisms with complex life cycles not only contend with seasonal time constraints (TC) but also increasingly face global change stressors that may interfere with responses to TC. Here, we tested how warming and predator stress imposed during the egg and larval stages shaped life history and behavioural responses to TC in the temperate damselfly Ischnura elegans. Eggs from early and late (TC) clutches in the season were subjected to current and 4°C warming temperature and the presence or absence of predator cues from native perch and invasive alien signal crayfish (IAP). After hatching, larvae were retained at the same thermal regime, and the predator treatment was continued or not up to emergence. The TC decreased egg development time, especially under warming and when not exposed to predator cues. However, the TC increased egg development time when exposed to predator cues, especially IAP cues. The TC decreased survival of larvae that were as eggs exposed to IAP cues, indicating a carry-over effect from the IAP. The TC and warming additively reduced larval development time to emergence. Independent of the TC, predator cue effects on development time were stronger during the egg than during the larval stage. The TC caused a lower mass at emergence, which mirrored the size difference between field-collected mothers. Warming caused a higher mass at emergence. The TC caused increased boldness and a higher number of moves, whereas warming caused a decreased boldness. There was no predator cue effect on larval behaviour. The results indicate that TC individuals compensate for late season egg laying, which is facilitated under warming but counteracted under predation risk, especially when imposed by the IAP.
Early or delayed entry in inter-firm network agreements: evidence on performance and markup of Italian firms
Authors: Correani Luca , Morganti Patrizio
Published: May 2024

Inter-firm network agreements (IFNA) are policy instruments which stimulate collaboration among companies allowing them to share several economic, financial, and managerial benefits. Using a sample of 16463 Italian firms that joined a network during the period 2013–2021, the goal of this paper is to empirically investigate whether the early or delayed entrance of firms in IFNA may influence their performance and markup. The results show that early entering firms exhibit on average i) a reduction in markup, ii) an increase in added value, and iii) an increase in revenues, with respect to those firms that will join a network later. This study contributes to the network literature by providing additional empirical evidence on IFNA as instruments to foster cooperation, innovation, and internationalization among firms with no geographical bound.
JEL codes: L1, L14
Alginate-kaolinite beads incorporated with agrochemicals: new baits for leaf-cutting ants control
Authors: Duarte Valber G. O. , Leite Victor , Nobre Danúbia A. C. , Silva Renê C. , Constantino Vera R.L. , Castro Gustavo F. , Fernandes Flávio L. , Tronto Jairo
Published: May 2024

Insect pests such as leaf-cutting ants (genera Atta spp. and Acromyrmex spp.) are a major problem in tropical countries because they can cause significant damage to crops, resulting in substantial production losses. These insects have been controlled chemically using granular baits. Although these granules are cheap, they can pose some problems due to their low resistance to humidity. Therefore, developing new formulations that present environmental resistance, sustained release of the active chemical, and good ant-killing efficacy can expand the management options. This work aimed to produce new baits in bead form to control leaf-cutting ants (Atta sexdens). The beads are derived from the interaction between organic and inorganic materials, synthesized from mixtures of alginate polymer, kaolinite clay, sodium tetraborate, Beauveria bassiana spores, and chlorpyrifos. X-ray Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis Coupled with Differential Scanning Calorimetry and Mass Spectrometry, and Scanning Electron Microscopy provided important information about the structure and composition of the produced baits. For all baits, the data of the "in vitro" release study of boron were adjusted according to Higuchi's kinetic model. The results of boron leaching in soil columns experiments showed that for some baits, 100% of B leached after 15 days. According to the laboratory and field bioassays results, the beads showed good attractiveness and efficiency in controlling leaf-cutting ants. The synthesis of new beads of alginate-kaolinite containing agrochemicals proved to be a suitable bait with ant-killing potential and efficient for the chemical control of A. sexdens.
Unified interpolative of Reich–Rus– Ćirić type contraction in relational metric space with an application
Authors: Prasad Koti N. V. V. Vara , Mishra Vinay , Mitrovic Zoran , Santina Dania , Mlaiki Nabil
Published: May 2024

In this paper, we introduce the notion of unified interpolative contractions of the Reich–Rus– Ćirić type and give some results about the fixed pointsfor these mappings in the framework of relational metric spaces. We present examples where the results of some previous research are not relevant. Also, weapply our results to solving problems related to nonlinear matrix equations, emphasizing their practical importance
Mathematics Subject Classification (2010). 47H10, 54H25
The Association Between Diet Quality Scores with Inflammation and Treatment Outcomes in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia; A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: jamali Mehrdad , Behroz Maryam , Pam Pedram , Ghorbani Hosna , Tavakolifar Yousef , Feizi Abbasali Hosseinpour , Ghoreyshi Zohreh
Published: May 2024

Background
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia is the most common childhood cancer. Considering the importance of diet in the treatment process of cancer patients, the purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between diet quality and inflammatory/therapeutic outcomes.
Methods
In this cross-sectional study, 147-item Food Frequency Questionnaire was used to collect dietary data from patients. Diet quality was evaluated by the Healthy Eating Index 2015 (HEI-2015), Dietary Diversity Score (DDS), Dietary Acid Load (DAL), and Planet Base Diet Index (PDI). Linear regression analysis was then employed to explore potential associations between dietary scores and the C-reactive protein (CRP), Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (NLR), Monocyte-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (MLR), Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio (PLR), Prognostic Nutrition Index (PNI), Prognostic Index (PI), Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), Febrile neutropenia (FN), and Hospitalization duration outcomes.
Result
In this study with 54 patients, we found that a higher DDS score is linked to a reduction in NLR (ß: -0.30, P-value: 0.057) and an increase in PNI among women (ß: 3.90, P-value: 0.01). Furthermore, an inverse relationship was observed between the PDI score and both CRP (ß: -0.63, P-value: 0.02) and GPS (ß: -0.02, P-value: 0.052) in men. However, the length of hospital stay was seen to rise with an increase in PDI, both in crude models (ß: 0.36, P-value: 0.03) and when adjusted for other factors (ß: 0.40, P-value: 0.02). No additional significant links were discovered between food scores and the outcomes studied.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a diet that is both higher in quality and more varied leads to a reduction in inflammation-related outcomes. Furthermore, closely following PDI guidelines is linked to longer hospital stays. To achieve more dependable findings, further research in this area is necessary.
Molecular epidemiologic characteristics and transmission clusters of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Dai Bohao , Peng Xiaorong , Sun Jia , Zhu Xueling , Liu Xiang , Xiong Ye , Wan Zhikai , Xiang Dairong , Hui Jiangjin , Ying Chenxi , Liu Huiting , Zhu Biao
Published: May 2024

Background
HIV-1 CRF01_AE is becoming the predominant HIV-1 subtype among patients in China.The distribution and molecular epidemiologic characteristics of transmission clusters of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Zhejiang,China remains unclear.This study analyzed the molecular epidemiologic characteristics and transmission clusters of HIV-1 CRF01_AE in Zhejiang.
Methods
Plasma samples obtained from 152 patients with HIV-1 CRF01_AE infection not undergoing ART were used to amplify HIV-1 pol and env. CRF01_AE drug resistance mutations (DRM) prevalence was analysed using Stanford University’s HIV Drug Resistance Database. A phylogenetic tree was constructed using FastTree (version 2.1.11) based on the GTR nucleotide substitution model and visualized using Figtree (version 1.4.4) and The Interactive Tree of Life; the Chinese HIV Gene Sequence Data Platform was used to construct genetic transmission networks.
Result
Most samples could be grouped into CRF01_AE transmission Clusters 1 (11.18%), 4 (64.5%), and 5 (7.24%). The CD4 + T-cell counts associated with Clusters 1, 4a, 4b, and 5 were 15, 38, 30, and 248 cells/mm3, respectively ( P < 0.05). DRM rates in Clusters 4a and 4b were 25.45% and 17.65%, respectively (P < 0.05), whereas they were 17.65% and 18.18% in Clusters 1 and 5, respectively. The high X4 tropism rates were 13.2%, 11.8%, 20%, and 0% in Clusters 1, 4a, 4b, and 5, respectively. In total, 24 transmission genetic networks, comprising 72 sequences and 61 links, were discovered; of them, 61.2%, 11.7%, and 18.2% were from Clusters 4, 1, and 5, respectively (P < 0.05).
Conclusions
In Zhejiang, different CRF01_AE clusters exhibited disease progression and outcome differences. The surveillance of molecular epidemiology of HIV-1 should be enhanced to improve prognosis of the disease and minimize its transmission.