bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cost-effectiveness of Human Papillomavirus Self-collection Intervention on Cervical Cancer Screening Uptake among Underscreened U.S. Persons with a Cervix
Authors: Spees Lisa P. , Biddell Caitlin B. , Smith Jennifer S. , Des Marais Andrea C. , Hudgens Michael G. , Sanusi Busola , Jackson Sarah , Brewer Noel T. , Wheeler Stephanie B.
Published: May 2023

Background:

We evaluate the cost-effectiveness of human papillomavirus (HPV) self-collection (followed by scheduling assistance for those who were HPV+ or inconclusive) compared with scheduling assistance only and usual care among underscreened persons with a cervix (PWAC).

Methods:

A decision tree analysis was used to estimate the incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICER), or the cost per additional PWAC screened, from the Medicaid/state and clinic perspectives. A hypothetical cohort represented 90,807 low-income, underscreened individuals. Costs and health outcomes were derived from the MyBodyMyTest-3 randomized trial except the usual care health outcomes were derived from literature. We performed probabilistic sensitivity analyses (PSA) to evaluate model uncertainty.

Results:

Screening uptake was highest in the self-collection alternative (n = 65,721), followed by the scheduling assistance alternative (n = 34,003) and usual care (n = 18,161). The self-collection alternative costs less and was more effective than the scheduling assistance alternative from the Medicaid/state perspective. Comparing the self-collection alternative with usual care, the ICERs were $284 per additional PWAC screened from the Medicaid/state perspective and $298 per additional PWAC screened from the clinic perspective. PSAs demonstrated that the self-collection alternative was cost-effective compared with usual care at a willingness-to-pay threshold of $300 per additional PWAC screened in 66% of simulations from the Medicaid/state perspective and 58% of simulations from the clinic perspective.

Conclusions:

Compared with usual care and scheduling assistance, mailing HPV self-collection kits to underscreened individuals appears to be cost-effective in increasing screening uptake.

Impact:

This is the first analysis to demonstrate the cost-effectiveness of mailed self-collection in the United States.
Optimum-cost-based renewable energy chart considering micro-hydro, solar-PV, and hybrid systems using HOMER suitable for eastern Himalayan regions of India
Authors: Parida Adikanda , Lomdak Bikuk
Published: May 2023

The climatic change issues can only be addressed by adding more and more renewable energy into the energy chart for any region. However, the criteria for the composition of the chart shall be based on availability, cost-effectiveness, complementary nature, and optimally fit with the load curve. Based on the geographical diversity and availability of renewable energy in India, the energy chart is different for different regions. In this paper, an attempt has been made to prepare a renewable energy chart based on the equality constraint optimization technique for economical load sharing between the locally available renewable energy sources. The HOMER-based software platform has been utilized for cost analysis purposes. Based on locally available renewable energy sources, micro-hydro, and solar-PV are considered for analysis. In this paper, the electrical load of an educational institution situated in the eastern Himalayan region is considered for the case study. The data received from the case study has been utilized for the preparation of an appropriate and economically viable renewable energy chart for the mentioned region. Even though the analysis model applies to a particular region, it can be suitably modified for other regions also.
Quality analysis of the defect location information in transmission line outages caused by fires
Authors: Costa Tito Ricardo Vaz da , Vale Ailton Teixeira do , Lima Clarissa Melo , Goncalez Joaquim Carlos
Published: May 2023

This paper analyzed the quality of the information regarding power outages caused by fires in the Brazilian transmission system in the years 2018 and 2019. Six transmission line trunks with asymmetrical performance regarding fire-related outages in the period were selected. The selected trunks correspond to twelve 500 kV transmission lines with a total length of 3,998 km. Outage, geospatial transmission line data and fire outbreak information was compared for twelve transmission lines of interest, all located in regions with a high incidence of fires. The results suggest that the data provided by the transmission line fault locating equipment is not accurate when compared to the fire outbreak data provided by satellites.
Design and development of dual mode on-board battery charger for electric vehicle
Authors: Nanjappa Hemalatha Jeekanahalli , Channaiah Sunanda
Published: May 2023

In recent days there is growing interest in electric vehicle (EVs) technologies because of concern about global warming, energy crisis and security. Charging configurations of EVs play a vital role in the development of automobile transformation. Hence in an automobile industry increased demand of EVs require an efficient and reliable system for recharging the battery. This paper presents a topology that interface the two types of charging systems i.e. slow charging and fast charging as required by the user. TESLA S60 battery model is taken as an example for validation of the proposed topology in simulation. Cuk converter is designed and implemented for charging the battery in two modes. The MATLAB/Simulink software is used to simulate and analyze the performance of the system. The prototype hardware model of the charger is developed and results are validated with simulation. The results show that the slow charging 86% and fast charging efficiency is more than 82%.
AMÉRICA LATINA: TERRITÓRIOS, FRONTEIRAS E IDENTIDADES
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Programa de Pós-graduação em Integração da América Latina, Suzuki Júlio César , Araújo Gilvan Charles Cerqueira de ,   Universidade de São Paulo. Programa de Pós-graduação em Integração da América Latina
Published: May 2023

A formação territorial latino-americana é o principal mote temático que guia a presente obra, formada por reflexões teóricas, metodológicas, analíticas, experiências e vivências de estudos envolvendo a diversidade e singularidades latino-americanas. Os capítulos foram elaborados a partir da disciplina de Agricultura e Urbanização, ministrada no Programa de Pós-Graduação em Integração da América Latina da Universidade de São Paulo, em 2020. O agrupamento destes estudos permitiu a composição do livro que agora apresentamos sob o título de América Latina: Territórios, Fronteiras e Identidades de forma interdisciplinar, dialógica e colaborativa entre os autores e capítulos apresentados. As diferentes perspectivas apresentas no livro possuem a correção de pensar e viver a América Latina considerando sua uni-diversidade. O uno e múltiplo permite um olhar sobre as contradições, semelhanças, diferenças, aproximações e distanciamentos entre os povos latino-americanos, suas identidades, fronteiras, diferenciação de formação territorial, culturas, modos de vida etc. Esta proposição teórico-metodológica, analítico-conceitual e de experiências em relação a América Latina possui como premissa um olhar dialógico, inclusivo, crítico e propositivo envolvendo suas práticas, saberes e fazeres latino-americanos. Propõe-se, ao longo dos trabalhos desta obra, uma leitura e aprofundamento de questões culturais, econômicas, culturais, jurídicas, geográficas, étnico-raciais e de identidade nos diferentes países e povos latino-americanos. A tríplice orientação categorial que (com)forma a titulação do E-Book subjaz a sua unidade temática, ou seja, os territórios, fronteiras e identidades da América Latina são tanto apresentados como, também, desenvolvidos de forma diferenciada em cada um dos seus capítulos.
A Cidades MIL : indicadores, métricas e casos = Media and information literacy (MIL): indicators, metrics and cases
Authors:   Faculdade Casper Libero
Published: May 2023

Esta obra reúne produções voltadas à proposta das Cidades MIL da UNESCO, que envolve educar uma cidade inteira e seus bairros com a participação de seus diferentes atores sociais, os chamados ‘agentes de inovação social’: representantes do governo, professores, pesquisadores e estudantes, gestores e empresários, artistas e cidadãos. O livro traz textos de autores que trabalharam em profunda integração em equipe, na abordagem de suas principais questões associadas à cidade, em toda sua complexidade e multidisciplinaridade. Temas essenciais, disruptivos e até futuristas são mostrados neste trabalho, como os indicadores e métricas para avaliar as cidades seguindo esse paradigma, os diversos modelos de cidade mais estudados e difundidos por organizações internacionais como UNESCO, ONU, OMS; Objetivos e Metas da Comunicação Integrada para Cidades Sabias MIL, Cidades Universitárias MIL, Conscientização da cidadania midiática, o papel do cidadão nos diferentes paradigmas da cidade, desenvolvimento integral da Alfabetização Midiática no setor corporativo e veicular de comunicação transmidiática; e novas formas de se trabalhar nas Cidades MIL, educação digital como ferramenta contra a desinformação, Ética na educação; a filosofia pós-humana que está por trás de todo esse arcabouço da UNESCO e a metodologia das 20 Barreiras Culturais à Comunicação (BCC) e cinco dimensões da Criatividade (recomendada pela UNESCO), mostrando casos interessantes de como utilizá-la para o diagnóstico das dificuldades que grupos vulneráveis enfrentam.
Apresentação dossiê História das Ciências
Authors: Paula Eurípedes Simões de
Published: May 2023

Temos a grande satisfação em apresentar ao público leitor esta coletânea de artigos sobre História das Ciências que, reunidos, formam o volume XLVI da Coleção da Revista de História
A química na Antiguidade
Authors: Mathias Simão
Published: May 2023

(1º parágrafo do artigo)

Dificilmente se pode dizer que a química, como ciência, tenha se iniciado antes do século XVI. Foi nessa época que se começou a distinguir o estudo das substâncias individuais e suas transformações sob a influência do calor, dos solventes ou reagentes, das outras transformações que ocorrem na natureza. Foi nessa época que surgiu a idéia de que tais transformações po-diam ser consideradas como um assunto de estudo especial, como o compor-tamento das estreias, a natureza dos números e as doenças do organismo humano.
Sobre a formação da mecânica newtoniana
Authors: Motoyama Yoshinori , Taketani Mituo , Motoyama Shozo
Published: May 2023

(1º parágrafo do artigo)
Um mil seicentos e quarenta de dois... Uma semente madura cai e um rebento de risonho futuro brota. O centro da História Ocidental desloca-se. Do Mediterrâneo inquisitorial, medroso da nova luz da humanidade e do país devastado pela guerra que matou de fome o estabelecedor das leis do céu, translada-se para o país do Oceano Atlântico que considerou como glória nacional o construtor da Ciência, aquele que trouxe ao lume dentro da palma da sua mão a identidade das leis do céu e da terra.
Aspectos metodológicos da formação da mecânica clássica
Authors: Motoyama Shozo
Published: May 2023

(1º parágrafo do artigo)
No Renascimento a busca de um novo método científico assumiu ansiosas proporções. Os livros que marcaram época, fosse qual fosse o ramo traziam ao menos uma alusão sobre o método. Essa procura se revestia de grande importância. No caos borbulhante dessa época de transição, o caráter da ciência estava também em transformação. Ela não estava mais dirigida ao conhecimento em si e a revelação. Cada vez mais o conhecimento tomava as cores de potência, de ação dinâmica e de poder tecnológico.  Controlar a natureza era a ordem do dia. Para isso nada adiantava salvar as aparências. Na pesquisa do seu dia a dia, mestres como Copérnico, Gilbert, Stevin, Kepler, ...Galileo e Newton estavam em busca de uma bússola para a orientação. E arautos como Bacon, Bruno e Descartes fizeram apologia do seu método. O século XVI pode ser caracterizado como o da procura de um novo método.
Radiação: sua utilidade e perigo
Authors: Watanabe Shigueo
Published: May 2023

(1º parágrafo do artigo)
O interesse pelo conhecimento da constituição da matéria data da época dos gregos. Anaxágoras, Leucippo e Demócrito postularam que a matéria é constituída de aglomeração de partículas, que foram chamadas de átomos, para indicar a sua suposta indivisibilidade. Através dos séculos que seguiram, vários filósofos especularam sobre a estrutura da matéria. No começo do século XIX, as pesquisas sobre os pesos e os volumes de substâncias em reação química, realizadas por John Dalton e seus contemporâneos, conduziram estes ao enunciado, em base experimental, da teoria atômica da matéria. A
Aspectos da biofísica
Authors: Isotani Sadao
Published: May 2023

(1º parágrafo do artigo)

Um dos aspectos mais fascinantes dos estudos naturais é o estudo da vida em seus múltiplos e variados aspectos. A natureza e a origem da vida tem sido objeto de atenção da curiosidade humana através dos séculos. Filósofos, teólogos e cientistas tem procurado dar explicações para este fenômeno, sem contudo chegarem a um consenso. Definições para a vida, vão desde as místicas, proferidas pelos santos, até as mais simplórias oriundas do senso comum. Para alguns é o sopro do Criador que dá forma ao pó. Para outros, é um complexo mecanismo bioquímico, cujo objetivo e finalidade ainda não nos é dado a conhecer. Estas idéias sobre a vida, frequentemente se revelam de pouca ou nenhuma utilidade para o pesquisador que se interessa pela natureza e origem da vida.
InSCIt: Information-Seeking Conversations with Mixed-Initiative Interactions
Authors: Wu Zeqiu , Parish Ryu , Cheng Hao , Min Sewon , Ammanabrolu Prithviraj , Ostendorf Mari , Hajishirzi Hannaneh
Published: May 2023

In an information-seeking conversation, a user may ask questions that are under-specified or unanswerable. An ideal agent would interact by initiating different response types according to the available knowledge sources. However, most current studies either fail to or artificially incorporate such agent-side initiative. This work presents InSCIt, a dataset for Information-Seeking Conversations with mixed-initiative Interactions. It contains 4.7K user-agent turns from 805 human-human conversations where the agent searches over Wikipedia and either directly answers, asks for clarification, or provides relevant information to address user queries. The data supports two subtasks, evidence passage identification and response generation, as well as a human evaluation protocol to assess model performance. We report results of two systems based on state-of-the-art models of conversational knowledge identification and open-domain question answering. Both systems significantly underperform humans, suggesting ample room for improvement in future studies.1
Doubt, Despair and the Conditions of Left Hegelian Critical Theory
Authors: Murthy Viren
Published: May 2023

This essay examines two readings of Hegel, namely Robyn Marasco’s The Highway of Despair: Critical Theory After Hegel and Stephen Houlgate’s Hegel On Being to construct a Hegelian political theory. From radically different perspectives, both books ask what it means to be “critical.” Some interpret being critical as implying avoiding ontological claims. Against this, I argue that Marxists should guard against reducing philosophy to history because this blinds us to the ontological conditions of historical narratives. Drawing on Houlgate’s book, the essay argues that by investigating general ontological conditions, one could construct a new critical theory of forms of consciousness. For example, through reading Hegel’s Logic and Phenomenology the essay suggests that recent experiences of despair might be connected to what Hegel calls the “unhappy consciousness,” which stems from both misunderstanding ontology and specific historical conditions. Radical political theories can mobilize despair when they understand its ontological and social conditions.
Zamia multidentata (Cycadales, Zamiaceae), a new arborescent species of Zamia from Acre, Brazil
Authors: SEGALLA ROSANE , PIMENTA RICARDO SOARES , CALONJE MICHAEL
Published: May 2023

Zamia multidentata is described and illustrated here as a new species from the Amazon basin, state of Acre, Brazil. The new species shares morphological similarities with the Amazonian species Z. hymenophyllidia, and Z. urep, to which it is compared. The combination of slender (to 6.2 cm) caulescent stems, strongly serrulate elliptic leaflets with long acuminate tips and a pronounced adaxially raised longitudinal crease, as well as seed strobili with long peduncles (15 cm +) and flat megasporophylls distinguish the new species Zamia multidentata from all other known species in the genus.
Corybas hamiguitanensis (Orchidaceae), a new species from a UNESCO world heritage site in the Philippines
Authors: TANDANG DANILO N. , DOCOT RUDOLPH VALENTINO A. , GALINDON JOHN MICHAEL , REYES JR. TOMAS , TADIOSA EDWIN R. , TANDANG SUE DIXIE A. , MORAN CECILIA B. , BUSTAMANTE RENE ALFRED ANTON
Published: May 2023

A new species of helmet orchid, Corybas hamiguitanensis, is herein described and illustrated. It is the first species of the genus recorded in Mindanao Island, Philippines. This novel species occupies varied climatic zones along different altitudinal gradients ranging from lowland evergreen rainforest up to the mossy forest of Mount Hamiguitan Range Wildlife Sanctuary.
Phylogenetics of two rhizomatous epiphytic species of Cymbidium (Orchidaceae; Cymbidieae): evidence from analyses of nuclear and plastid DNA
Authors: XU SHAO-WEI , GAO XU-YONG , ZENG MENG-YAO , ZHOU CHENG-YUAN , LIU ZHONG-JIAN , LI MING-HE
Published: May 2023

The phylogenetic positions of two little-known species of Cymbidium (Cymbidiinae) with creeping rhizomatous habit, C. lii and C. repens, has previously been unclear. Here, we present a comprehensive molecular phylogenetic study of the genus based on nuclear ribosomal ITS and seven plastid regions. All analyses showed that C. lii and C. repens are sister to C. dayanum, an epiphytic species, with high support. However, many topological conflicts in inter- and intra-sectional relationships were observed in other parts of the trees, supporting existence of hybridization in Cymbidium but not affecting the taxa of interest in this study.
A preliminary catalogue of the Coleoptera (Hexapoda: Insecta) of the Monte Netto Regional Park (Lombardy NE Italy)
Authors: MOLA LIVIO , RUZZIER ENRICO , DEIACO CLAUDIO , AGOSTI MAURO , FACCOLI MASSIMO , MATĚJÍČEK JAN , FARINA LAURA , DIOTTI LUCIANO , ROCCA FRANCESCA DELLA
Published: May 2023

The Po Plain (Northern Italy) is one of the most urbanized areas in Europe. In such a territory, where ecosystem degradation reached critical levels and the agricultural matrix is prevailingly intensive, small fragments of hilly oak-hornbeam forests still persist. Examples of well preserved forests of the Po Plain are those of the Monte Netto Regional Park that represents irreplaceable refuges for both sedentary and migratory species. In this paper we present a preliminary list of Coleoptera inhabiting the Park collected during 10 years of field surveys using several sampling techniques (hand netting, beating tray, sight-collecting and collecting under bark; water nets; litter reducers, light traps; aerial sweet-bait trap; cross-vane panel trap, pitfall traps, Malaise traps, window traps, and walking transects). Specific samplings were also made in tree hollows and by car-netting. To date we have identified 834 species belonging to 531 genera and 71 families (several specimens and some families are still undetermined). Among all the species identified, 31 were non-native while 202 were included in the Red List of Italian saproxylic beetles, 12 of which were in threatened category. The high beetle richness and the presence of many endangered species recorded during this survey, emphasises the conservation value of Monte Netto. Moreover, the discovery of species linked to old and stable forest systems, such as Osmoderma eremita, Oxylaemus cylindricus, Pycnomerus terebrans or Xylotrechus antilope suggests how, despite their small size and the fact that they are surrounded by agricultural land, the remaining forest patches of Monte Netto still possess a fair level of naturalness, especially in the internal areas of the larger plots. Future targeted research, also intended to cover other parts of Monte Netto, could increase our present knowledge; however, and at least in the number of families, we do not expect a substantial increase in species richness.
The comparative effectiveness of migraine preventive drugs: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Lampl Christian , MaassenVanDenBrink Antoinette , Deligianni Christina I. , Gil-Gouveia Raquel , Jassal Tanvir , Sanchez-del-Rio Margarita , Reuter Uwe , Uluduz Derya , Versijpt Jan , Zeraatkar Dena , Sacco Simona
Published: May 2023

Objective

While there are several trials that support the efficacy of various drugs for migraine prophylaxis against placebo, there is limited evidence addressing the comparative safety and efficacy of these drugs. We conducted a systematic review and network meta-analysis to facilitate comparison between drugs for migraine prophylaxis.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and clinicaltrials.gov from inception to August 13, 2022, for randomized trials of pharmacological treatments for migraine prophylaxis in adults. Reviewers worked independently and in duplicate to screen references, extract data, and assess risk of bias. We performed a frequentist random-effects network meta-analysis and rated the certainty (quality) of evidence as either high, moderate, low, or very low using the GRADE approach.

Results

We identified 74 eligible trials, reporting on 32,990 patients. We found high certainty evidence that monoclonal antibodies acting on the calcitonin gene related peptide or its receptor (CGRP(r)mAbs), gepants, and topiramate increase the proportion of patients who experience a 50% or more reduction in monthly migraine days, compared to placebo. We found moderate certainty evidence that beta-blockers, valproate, and amitriptyline increase the proportion of patients who experience a 50% or more reduction in monthly migraine days, and low certainty evidence that gabapentin may not be different from placebo. We found high certainty evidence that, compared to placebo, valproate and amitriptyline lead to substantial adverse events leading to discontinuation, moderate certainty evidence that topiramate, beta-blockers, and gabapentin increase adverse events leading to discontinuation, and moderate to high certainty evidence that (CGRP(r)mAbs) and gepants do not increase adverse events.

Conclusions

(CGRP(r)mAbs) have the best safety and efficacy profile of all drugs for migraine prophylaxis, followed closely by gepants.
Metabolome and transcriptome profiling revealed the enhanced synthesis of volatile esters in Korla pear
Authors: Liu Yuan , Wen Huan , Yang Xiaoping , Wu Cuiyun , Ming Jiaqi , Zhang Hongyan , Chen Jiajing , Wang Jiangbo , Xu Juan
Published: May 2023

Background

Flavor contributes to the sensory quality of fruits, including taste and aroma aspects. The quality of foods is related to their flavor-associated compounds. Pear fruits have a fruity sense of smell, and esters are the main contributor of the aroma. Korla pear are well known due to its unique aroma, but the mechanism and genes related to volatile synthesis have not been fully investigated.

Results

Flavor-associated compounds, including 18 primary metabolites and 144 volatiles, were characterized in maturity fruits of ten pear cultivars from five species, respectively. Based on the varied metabolites profiles, the cultivars could be grouped into species, respectively, by using orthogonal partial least squares discrimination analysis (OPLS-DA). Simultaneously, 14 volatiles were selected as biomarkers to discriminate Korla pear (Pyrus sinkiangensis) from others. Correlation network analysis further revealed the biosynthetic pathways of the compounds in pear cultivars. Furthermore, the volatile profile in Korla pear throughout fruit development was investigated. Aldehydes were the most abundant volatiles, while numerous esters consistently accumulated especially at the maturity stages. Combined with transcriptomic and metabolic analysis, Ps5LOXL, PsADHL, and PsAATL were screened out as the key genes in ester synthesis.

Conclusion

Pear species can be distinguished by their metabolic profiles. The most diversified volatiles as well as esters was found in Korla pear, in which the enhancement of lipoxygenase pathway may lead to the high level of volatile esters at maturity stages. The study will benefit the fully usage of pear germplasm resources to serve fruit flavor breeding goals.
Combination of neutrophil/lymphocyte ratio and albumin/bilirubin grade as a prognostic predictor for hepatocellular carcinoma patients undergoing curative hepatectomy
Authors: Luo Hao , Huang Chongming , Meng Meng , Zhang Ming , Li Zigang , Huang Jun
Published: May 2023

Background and aim

Prognosis determination is essential for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patient management and treatment planning. The current study aimed to evaluate the prognosis performance of NLR, ALBI, and the combination of NLR-ALBI in determining the overall survival (OS) of HCC patients under curative hepatectomy.

Methods

144 primary HCC patients with curative hepatectomy were recruited in the retrospective study. The clinicopathologic characteristics and OS were compared between stratified groups. The predictive performance of NLR, ALBI, and the combination of NLR-ALBI was explored by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC). Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to determine the risk factors of OS.

Results

AUC determined NLR cutoff > 2.60 for predicting prognosis. The univariate analysis indicated pathological differentiation, tumor size, AFP, TNM stage, NLR score, and ALBI grade were significant indicators of OS. However, only TMN grade, AFP, NLR score, and NLR-ALBI score were identified as independent predictors of OS in the multivariable analysis. The AUC of NLR, ALBI and the combination of NLR-ALBI was 0.618(95%CI 0.56–0.710), 0.533 (95%CI 0.437–0.629), 0.679 (95%CI 0.592–0.767) respectively. Patients with higher NLR-ALBI scores presented worse outcomes than those with lower NLR-ALBI scores.

Conclusion

NLR is an independent prognostic factor of HCC and a reliable biomarker in predicting the OS of HCC patients. The combination of NLR-ALBI showed a better prognostic performance than using NLR or ALBI alone, implicating the effectiveness and feasibility of combining multiple risk factors for postoperative prognosis assessment.
Trend analysis of hepatitis B and C among patients visiting health facility of Tigrai, Ethiopia, 2014–2019
Authors: Legese Haftom , Berhe Brhane , Adhanom Gebre , Kahsay Tsega , Gebrewahd Aderajew , Gebremariam Guesh , Mardu Fitsum , Tesfay Kebede , Gebremedhin Haftay , Negash Hadush
Published: May 2023

Background

Hepatitis B and C viruses are the major public health concerns of the globe. The two hepatotropic viruses share common modes of transmission and their co-infection is common. Despite the provision of an effective prevention mechanism, the infections caused by these viruses remain a significant problem worldwide, particularly among developing countries like Ethiopia.

Methods

This institutional-based retrospective study was conducted between January 2014 December and December 2019 from documented laboratory logbooks of Adigrat general hospital serology laboratory, Tigrai, Ethiopia. data were collected and checked for completeness on a daily based, coded, entered, and cleaned using Epinfo version 7.1, exported and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Binary logistic regression analysis and Chi-square test (X2) assessed the association between dependent and independent variables. The corresponding variables with a P-value (P < 0.05) and 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.

Results

Out of 20,935 clinically suspected individuals, 20,622 were given specimens and tested for hepatitis B and C viruses with total completeness of 98.5%. The overall prevalence of hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus was found to be 3.57% (689/19,273) and 2.13% (30/1,405), respectively. The positivity rate of the hepatitis B virus was 8.0% (106/1317) and 3.24% (583/17,956) among males and females, respectively. Additionally, 2.49%( 12/481) of males and 1.94% (18/924) of females were positive for hepatitis C virus infection. The overall prevalence of co-infection for both hepatitis B and hepatitis C virus was 7.4% (4/54). Sex and age were significantly associated with hepatitis B and C virus infection.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of hepatitis B and C is low intermediate according to the WHO criteria. Although there was a fluctuating trend of hepatitis B and C through the years 2014–2019, the result shows moreover declining trend. Both hepatitis B and C share similar routes of transmission and affect all age categories but males were more highly affected than females. Therefore, awareness creation of the community about the methods of transmission, education about prevention, and control of hepatitis B and C virus infection, and improving coverage of youth-friendly services in health facilities should be strengthened.
Development and validation of a selenium metabolism regulators associated prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Huishan , Long Junyu , Zuo Bangyou , Li Yiran , Song Yu , Yu Minghang , Xun Ziyu , Wang Yanyu , Wang Xi , Sang Xinting , Zhao Haitao
Published: May 2023

Background

Selenium metabolism has been implicated in human health. This study aimed to identify a selenium metabolism regulator-based prognostic signature for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and validate the role of INMT in HCC.

Methods

Transcriptome sequencing data and clinical information related to selenium metabolism regulators in TCGA liver cancer dataset were analysed. Next, a selenium metabolism model was constructed by multiple machine learning algorithms, including univariate, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator, and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Then, the potential of this model for predicting the immune landscape of different risk groups was evaluated. Finally, INMT expression was examined in different datasets. After knockdown of INMT, cell proliferation and colony formation assays were conducted.

Results

A selenium metabolism model containing INMT and SEPSECS was established and shown to be an independent predictor of prognosis. The survival time of low-risk patients was significantly longer than that of high-risk patients. These two groups had different immune environments. In different datasets, including TCGA, GEO, and our PUMCH dataset, INMT was significantly downregulated in HCC tissues. Moreover, knockdown of INMT significantly promoted HCC cell proliferation.

Conclusions

The current study established a risk signature of selenium metabolism regulators for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients. INMT was identified as a biomarker for poor prognosis of HCC.
The dynamic changes and influencing factors of visual symptoms after small incision lenticule extraction
Authors: Chen Han , Mao Xiuyu , Xu Dongye , Guo Chenwen , Dai Jinhui
Published: May 2023

Background

To investigate the dynamic changes and influencing factors of visual symptoms after small incision lenticule extraction (SMILE).

Methods

This was a prospective observational study. Visual symptoms including glare, haloes, starbursts, hazy vision, fluctuation, blurred vision, double vision and focusing difficulties were evaluated before and 1, 3, 6 months after SMILE using a questionnaire. Generalized linear mixed models were used to assess the effects of preoperative characteristics and objective visual quality parameters on postoperative visual symptoms.

Results

73 patients/146 eyes were enrolled. Preoperatively, the most common symptoms were glare (55% of eyes), haloes (48%), starbursts (44%) and blurred vision (37%). At 1 month postoperatively, the incidence and extent scores of glare, haloes, hazy vision and fluctuation rose significantly. At 3 months, the incidence and extent scores of glare, haloes and hazy vision restored to baseline. And at 6 months, the extent scores of fluctuation returned to baseline. Other symptoms (e.g., starbursts) did not change before and 1, 3, 6 months after SMILE. Preoperative visual symptoms were associated with postoperative symptoms, as patients with a symptom preoperatively had higher postoperative scores for that symptom. Age was related to postoperative extent of double vision (coefficient = 0.12, P = 0.046). There were no significant associations between postoperative visual symptoms and preoperative SE, scotopic pupil size, angle kappa (with intraoperative adjustment), postoperative HOAs or scattering indexes.

Conclusions

The incidence and extent scores of hazy vision, glare, haloes and fluctuation increased at the first month after SMILE, and recovered to baseline at 3 or 6 months. Preoperative visual symptoms were associated with the postoperative symptoms and should be fully considered before SMILE.
Factors associated with objective and subjective cognitive impairment in Chinese patients with acute major depressive disorder
Authors: Zhu Na , Tong Jie , Pei Yu , Zhang Jie , Sun Xirong
Published: May 2023

Background

Patients diagnosed withmajor depressive disorder (MDD) usually experience impaired cognitive functioning, which might negatively impact their clinical and functional outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the association of specific clinical factors with cognitive dysfunction in a group of MDD patients.

Methods

A total of 75 subjects diagnosed with recurrent MDD were evaluated during the acute stage. Their cognitive functions were assessed using the THINC-integrated tool (THINC-it) for attention/alertness, processing speed, executive function, and working memory. Clinical psychiatric evaluations, such as the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM-A), the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D), and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index(PSQI), were used to assess patients’ levels of anxiety, depression and sleeping problems. The investigated clinical variables were age, years of education, age at onset, number of depressive episodes, disease duration, presence of depressive and anxiety symptoms, sleep problems, and number of hospitalizations.

Results

The results revealed that significant differences were observed between the two groups in the THINC-it total scores, Spotter, Codebreaker, Trails, and PDQ-5-D scores (P < 0.001). The THINC-it total scores, Spotter, Codebreaker, Trails, and Symbol Check were significantly associated with age and age at onset(P < 0.01). In addition, regression analysis found that years of education was positively associated with the Codebreaker total scores (P < 0.05). the THINC-it total scores, Symbol Check, Trails, and Codebreaker were correlated with the HAM-D total scores(P < 0.05). Additionally, the THINC-it total scores, Symbol Check, PDQ-5-D and Codebreaker significantly correlated with the PSQI total scores (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

We found a significant statistical association between almost all cognitive domains and different clinical aspects in depressive disorder, such asage, age at onset, severity of depression, years of education, and sleep problems. Additionally, education was shown to be a protective factor against processing speed impairments. Special considerations of these factors might help outline better management strategies to improve cognitive functions in MDD patients.
Suicidal behavior among inpatients with severe mental conditions in a public mental health hospital in Uganda
Authors: Abaatyo Joan , Favina Alain , Bulega Steven Elijah , Kaggwa Mark Mohan
Published: May 2023

Background

Suicidal behaviors are prevalent among inpatients with severe mental conditions and may result in many dying by suicide. Few studies have focused on the burden of suicidal behaviors among these inpatients in low-income settings, despite suicide being consistently higher in lower-income countries such as Uganda. This study, therefore, provides the prevalence and associated factors of suicidal behaviors and suicide attempts among inpatients with severe mental conditions in Uganda.

Method

This was a retrospective chart review of all individuals admitted with severe mental conditions to a large psychiatry inpatient unit in Uganda for four years (2018–2021). Two separate logistic regressions were conducted to determine the factors associated with suicidal behaviors or suicidal attempts among the admitted individuals.

Results

The prevalence of suicidal behavior and suicidal attempts among 3104 (mean age = 33, Standard deviation [SD] = 14.0; 56% were males) were 6.12% and 3.45%, respectively. Having a diagnosis of depression increased the likelihood of both suicidal behaviors (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 5.36; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.14–13.37; p =0.001) and attempts (aOR: 10.73; 95% CI: 3.44–33.50; p < 0.001). However, a diagnosis of substance-related disorder increased the likelihood of having attempted suicide (aOR: 4.14; 95% CI: 1.21–14.15; p = 0.023). The likelihood of having suicidal behavior decreased as one increased in age (aOR: 0.97; 95% CI: 0.94–0.99; p = 0.006) and increased among individuals reporting stress from financial constraints (aOR: 2.26; 95% CI: 1.05–4.86; p = 0.036).

Conclusion

Suicidal behaviors are common among inpatients managed for severe mental health conditions in Uganda, especially those with substance use and depressive disorders. In addition, financial stressors are a main predictor in this low-income country. Therefore, regular screening for suicide behaviors is warranted, especially among individuals with depression, and substance use, among those who are young, and among those reporting financial constraints/stress.
Qualitative research in suicidology: a systematic review of the literature of low-and middle-income countries
Authors: Kabir Humayun , Wayland Sarah , Maple Myfanwy
Published: May 2023

Background

Suicide is more prevalent among disadvantaged, discriminated, and marginalised people with the majority of global suicide deaths occurring in the low-and middle-income countries (LMICs). This can be attributed to sociocultural contexts and exacerbated by access to limited resources and services that can assist with early identification, treatment, and support. Accurate information on the personal experiences of suicide is lacking, as many LMICs legislate that suicide is illegal.

Methods

This study aims to review the qualitative literature to explore the experiences of suicide in LMICs from the first-person perspective. Following the PRISMA-2020 guidelines, the search for qualitative literature published between January 2010 and December 2021 was undertaken. A total number of 110 qualitative articles from 2569 primary studies met the inclusion criteria. Included records were appraised, extracted, and synthesised.

Results

The results provide lived experience insight into suicide from those living in LMICs, including understanding variations of the causes of suicides, the impacts on others exposed to suicide, existing support systems, and prevention measures to reduce suicide among LMICs. The study offers a contemporary understanding of how people in LMIC experience suicide.

Conclusions

The findings and recommendations are derived from the similarities and differences within the existing knowledge base that is dominated by evidence from high-income countries. Timely suggestions for future researchers, stakeholders, and policymakers are provided.
High prevalence of lack of knowledge and unhealthy lifestyle practices regarding premature coronary artery disease and its risk factors among the Saudi population
Authors: Al-khlaiwi Thamir , Alshammari Hessah , Habib Syed Shahid , Alobaid Razan , Alrumaih Lama , Almojel Alaa , Sendi Faye , Almuqbil Shahad , Alkhodair Majdoly
Published: May 2023

Objective

Literature regarding coronary artery disease (CAD) and awareness of its risk factors is available in Saudi Arabia (SA). However, it is lacking with respect to premature coronary artery disease (PCAD). Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the lack of knowledge of this underrepresented critical issue and to devise a well-constructed strategy for PCAD. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of PCAD and its risk factors in SA.

Methods

A cross-sectional questionnaire-based study was performed in the Department of Physiology, College of Medicine, King Saud University (KSU), Riyadh, SA between July 01, 2022, and October 25, 2022. A validated proforma was sent to the Saudi population. The sample size was 1046 participants.

Results

Proforma results indicated that 46.1% (n = 484) of participants believed that CAD could occur in people under the age of 45, whereas 18.6% (n = 196) did not believe, and 34.8% (n = 366) did not know. There was a highly statistically significant association present between sex and the belief that CAD can affect people who are under the age of 45 (p < 0.001), with 355 (73.3%) females believing that CAD can affect people below the age of 45 compared to 129 (26.7%) males. The results also showed a highly statistically significant relationship between educational status and the belief that CAD can affect people who are under the age of 45 (bachelor’s degree, 392 participants, representing 81.1%; p < 0.001). Furthermore, having employment was notably positively associated with that belief (p = 0.049) as was having a health specialty (p < 0.001). In addition, 62.3% (n = 655) of participants were not aware of their lipid profile, 49.1% (n = 516) preferred using vehicles to get to nearby places, 70.1% (n = 737) did not undergo regular medical checkups, 36.3% (n = 382) took medications without consultations, 55.9% (n = 588) did not exercise weekly, 69.5% (n = 112) were E-cigarette smokers, and 77.5% (n = 810) consumed fast food weekly.

Conclusions

Individuals from SA have an evident lack of public knowledge and poor lifestyle practices regarding PCAD, which demonstrates the need for health authorities to take a more targeted and attentive approach toward PCAD awareness. In addition, extensive media involvement is required to highlight the severity of PCAD and its risk factors in the population.
Efficacy and safety of combined immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer: a real-world observation study
Authors: Ma Ke , Guo Qianqian , Li Xingya
Published: May 2023

Purpose

This study was performed to investigate the efficacy and safety of combined immunotherapy and antiangiogenic therapy for advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in the real world.

Methods

Data on clinicopathological features, efficacy and adverse events (AEs) were collected retrospectively in advanced NSCLC patients who received immunotherapy combined with antiangiogenic therapy.

Results

A total of 85 advanced NSCLC patients were enrolled. The patients had a median progression-free survival (PFS) of 7.9 months and a median overall survival (OS) of 18.60 months. The objective response rate and disease control rate were 32.9% and 83.5%, respectively. Subgroup analysis revealed that NSCLC patients with stage IV (p = 0.042), brain metastasis (p = 0.016) and bone metastasis (p = 0.016) had shorter PFS. NSCLC patients with brain metastasis (p = 0.025), liver metastasis (p = 0.012), bone metastasis (p = 0.014) and EGFR mutations (p = 0.033) had shorter OS. Multivariate analysis revealed that brain metastasis (HR = 1.798, 95% CI: 1.038, 3.112, p = 0.036) and bone metastasis (HR = 1.824, 95% CI: 1.077, 3.090, p = 0.025) were independent predictive factors of PFS, and bone metastasis (HR = 2.00, 95% CI: 1.124, 3.558, p = 0.018) was an independent predictive factor of OS. In addition, patients receiving immunotherapy combined with antiangiogenic therapy in second-line therapy had longer OS than those receiving immunotherapy in third- or later-line therapy (p = 0.039). Patients with EGFR mutations who received combination therapy had worse OS than those with KRAS mutations (p = 0.026). Furthermore, PD-L1 expression was associated with treatment responses in advanced NSCLC (χ2 = 22.123, p = 0.000). AEs of different grades occurred in 92.9% (79/85) of NSCLC patients, most of which were mild grade 1/2 AEs. No grade 5 fatal AEs occurred.

Conclusion

Immunotherapy combined with antiangiogenic therapy was an option for advanced NSCLC patients with good safety and tolerability. Brain metastases and bone metastases were potentially independent negative predictors of PFS. Bone metastases were a potential independent negative predictor of OS. PD-L1 expression was a potential predictor of response for immunotherapy combined with antiangiogenic therapy.
Management of non-specific thoracic spine pain: a cross-sectional study among physiotherapists
Authors: Risetti Marco , Gambugini Riccardo , Testa Marco , Battista Simone
Published: May 2023

Background

The thoracic area has mainly been neglected in research compared to the lumbar and cervical regions. No clinical practice guidelines (CPGs) for non-specific thoracic spine pain (TSP) have been compiled. Therefore, it can be argued that the absence of specific CPGs raises questions about the management of non-specific TSP. Hence, this study aimed at determining the management of non-specific TSP among physiotherapists in Italy.

Methods

A web cross-sectional survey investigating physiotherapists’ management of non-specific TSP was conducted. The survey instrument was divided into three sections. The first section obtained participants’ characteristics. The second section determined participants’ agreement with 29 statements regarding the clinical management of non-specific TSP utilising a five-point Likert scale. Participants who partially or completely agreed (scores 4–5) were considered to agree with the statements. A ≥ 70% of agreement with a statement was considered as consensus according to previous literature. The third section asked the participants to indicate how often they adopted several treatments to manage non-specific TSP with a 5-point scale (always – often – sometimes – rarely - never). The frequencies of answers were calculated, and a visual representation through a bar chart was reported. The online version of the survey instrument was delivered through the newsletter of the Italian Association of Physiotherapists and the postgraduate master’s degree in Rheumatic and Musculoskeletal Rehabilitation of the University of Genova (Genova, Italy).

Results

In total, 424 physiotherapists (mean age (SD): 35.1 years (10.5); 50% women) completed the survey. In the second section, physiotherapists achieved consensus for 22/29 statements. Those statements addressed the importance of psychosocial factors, exercise, education, and manual therapy techniques in managing non-specific TSP. In the third section, 79.7% of participants indicated they would always adopt a multimodal treatment (education, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy), followed by education and information (72.9%), therapeutic exercise (62.0%), soft tissue manual therapy (27.1%), and manual therapy (16.5%).

Conclusions

Study participants considered fundamentally using a multimodal programme based on education, exercise and manual therapy to manage non-specific TSP. This approach aligns with the CPGs for other chronic musculoskeletal pain than non-specific TSP.