bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Database derived from an electronic medical record-based surveillance network of US emergency department patients with acute respiratory illness 4-19-2023
Authors: Kline Jeffrey A. , Reed Brian , Alanis Naomi , Barshay Meylakh , Melzer Andrew , Galbraith James W. , Camargo Carlos A. , Budd Alicia , Pun Eugene , Winn Amber
Published: April 2023

Background:
For surveillance of episodic illness, the emergency department (ED) represents one of the largest interfaces for generalizable data about segments of the US public experiencing a need for unscheduled care. This protocol manuscript describes the development and operation of a national network linking symptom, clinical, laboratory and disposition data provides a public database dedicated to the surveillance of acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in EDs.
Methods:
The Respiratory Virus Laboratory Emergency Department Network Surveillance (RESP-LENS) network represents the collaboration between 24 investigators, representing 109 hospitals, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to survey viral infections. All data originate from electronic medical records (EMRs) accessed by standard query language (SQL) coding. Each Tuesday, data are imported into the standard data form for acute respiratory illness (ARI) visits that occurred the prior week (termed the index file); outcomes at 30 days and ED volume are also recorded. Up to 325 data fields can be populated for each case. Data are transferred from sites into an encrypted Google Cloud Platform, then programmatically checked for compliance, parsed, and aggregated into a central database a second cloud platform prior to transfer to CDC.
Results:
As of April, 2023, the network has reported index and 30-day data on over 560,000 ARI cases out of over 3.7 million ED encounters. Post-contracting challenges to network execution have included local shifts in testing policies and platforms, delays in ICD-10 coding to detect ARI cases, and site-level personnel turnover. The network is addressing these challenges and is poised to begin streaming weekly data for dissemination.
Conclusions:
The RESP-LENS network provides a living, weekly updated database that is a public health resource to survey the epidemiology, viral causes, and outcomes of ED patients with acute respiratory infections.
Self-Assessment Inclusion Scale (SAIS): A Tool for Measuring Inclusive Competence and Sensitivity
Authors: Argyriadis Alexandros , Paoullis Panagiotis , Samsari Eleni , Argyriadi Agathi
Published: April 2023

Recent studies highlight the fact that the establishment of an inclusive school is regarded as a requirement for the growth of a pluralistic, democratic society in which each form of diversity is welcomed and valued and the maintenance of social justice is a top priority. The aim of this research was to design and validate the Self-Assessment Inclusion Scale (SAIS) and test it in the population of teachers in Greece and Cyprus. The SAIS scale aims to self-assess the participants’ inclusive competence. Its ultimate goal is to help people to consider their skills, knowledge, and awareness of themselves in their interactions with others. The validation of the SAIS scale took place between October 2022 and February 2023 in 401 teachers in Greece and Cyprus using convenient sampling. The sample consisted of all school grades teachers. The findings imply that the participants were willing to consider their teaching methods and behavior and that they were aware of some of their own biases and stereotypes. In conclusion, the self-assessment scale used in this study to assess inclusive competence was found to be valid and useful in assessing participants' cultural awareness, knowledge, behaviors, and attitudes.
Regulating local molecular polarization of triazine-PDI based polymer for high-efficient photocatalytic coupling of benzylamine
Authors: Yan Rong , Song Meiyang , Chen Peng , Song Henghui , Fu Chengbing , Peng Haiyang , Yin Shuang-Feng F.
Published: April 2023

Designing a robust built-in electric field (BF) is a charming strategy for enhancing the separation and transportation of charges via introducing large π-conjugated molecules. However, it has flexible or semiflexible geometries, which significantly disorder the crystalline and deteriorated the built-in electric field. Here, a straightforward tactics for creating a cyano-functionalized smaller D (benzene) - A (triazine) units in PDI- triazine based polymer (PDIMB) to enhance intrinsic molecule dipole has been proposed. The density functional theory (DFT) calculation revealed that the modification of smaller D-A groups destroyed the π-localization of charges, which enhanced the molecular dipole and the BF for promoting the exciton dissociation and charge transfer. Moreover, it not only exposed number of active sites, but also enhanced the interfacial molecular interacting. Therefore, PDIMB-2 exhibits high activity (24.5 mmol g− 1 h− 1) and selectivity (> 99%) for the photooxidation of benzylamine to N-benzylidenebenzylamine under mild conditions. Our work offers a potential and simple synthetic option for enhancing the built-in electric field of polymer.
Dynamics of N Two-level moving atoms under the influence of the non-linear Kerr medium
Authors: Ibrahim M. , Anwar S. Jamal , Khan M. Khalid , Almalki S. , Alqannas Haifa S. , Abdel-Khalek S.
Published: April 2023

Dynamical evolution of global quantum discord (GQD) and von Neumann entropy (VNE) is studied for N two-level atomic system (TLS) (two, three and four TLS). The system interacts with the single mode Fock field and the cavity is filled with the non-linear Kerr medium (NLKM). It is seen that for large values of the Kerr parameter, the GQD and VNE show periodic behavior which leads to the sudden death and birth of the quantum entanglement (QE). It is found that the oscillations of the GQD is suppressed for the initial mixed state. The VNE has non-zero values of quantum interference throughout the dynamics of the system for initial mixed states. It is also found that the multipartite systems show sustained response to the QE during the time evolution. Moreover, the GQD and VNE are notably affected in the presence of the NLKM and affected for the entire range of Kerr values as we increase the number of photons in the cavity. Furthermore, for both initial pure and mixed states, the periodic behavior of the GQD and VNE is almost the same for the case of moving TLS. The sudden death and birth of QE is more prominent for moving TLS case. The atomic motion is favorable to sustain the QE in the atomic systems in a NLKM.
Prenatal Diagnosis Rate of Critical Congenital Heart Disease Remains Inadequate with Significant Racial/Ethnic and Socioeconomic Disparities and Technical Barriers
Authors: Davtyan Arpine , Ostler Heidi , Golding Ian Fraser , Sun Heather Y.
Published: April 2023

Background:Prenatal diagnosis (preDx) of critical congenital heart disease (CCHD) decreases neonatal morbidity and mortality. Obstetrical fetal cardiac imaging guidelines in 2013 aimed to increase preDx.
Objective: To determine the contemporary preDx rate of CCHD and identify maternal-fetal factors and variations in prenatal care that may be potential barriers.
Methods: This retrospective single center study evaluated maternal demographics and characteristics of infants with CCHD (requiring cardiac catheterization or surgical intervention before 6 months-old) between 2016 and 2019.
Results:58% of the 339 infants with CCHD had preDx. Infants with preDx were more likely to have mothers ≥ 35 years-old (p=0.028), family history of CHD (p=0.017), health insurance (p=0.002), or anatomic scan with perinatology (p<0.001). Hispanic infants were less likely to have preDx (45.6%, p=0.005). PreDx rates were higher in infants with extracardiac/genetic anomalies (p<0.001) and significantly different between CCHD subtypes (76% for single ventricle, 51% for biventricular, 59% for proximal outflow tract anomalies, and 48% for distal great artery anomalies; p=0.024). In infants without preDx, 25% of their mothers had indication for, but did not undergo, fetal echocardiography.
Conclusion:PreDx rates of CCHD remains inadequate across subtypes detectable by standard fetal cardiac screening views, particularly in uninsured and Hispanic communities.
Can Aspartame Induce Reversible Cerebellar Changes?
Authors: Youssef Ola Mohammed , Ahmed Ahmed S. , Eldken Zienab H. , Elsisy Rasha A. , Sakr Noha H.
Published: April 2023

Aspartame is a synthetic sweetener that is unlikely to have a negative impact on the cerebellar cortex. The current study was designed to evaluate the histopathological changes in the cerebellar cortex of aspartame-treated albino rats and the possibility of recovery from aspartame induced cerebellar injury. Three groups of six mature male albino rats, totaling 18, were allocated. Daily doses of distilled water were given to the control group. Group 2 (ASP group): received 250 mg/kg ASP by oral rote for 12 weeks. Group3 (Recovery) received 250 mg/kg/day aspartame for eight weeks, then a daily dosage of distilled water equal to the aspartame dose for the next 6 weeks. The rats were anesthetized, and their cerebella were dissected for immunohistochemical and histological studies. Studies in morphometry and statistics were carried out. Nitric oxide (NO), reduced glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were assessed in the cerebellum tissue. When compared to the control group, there was a very significant rise in MDA and NO levels and a reduction in GSH levels in the aspartame group. MDA and NO levels were decreased associated with a significant increase in GSH level compared to the aspartame group in the recovery group. Cerebellar cortex of aspartame group showed features of neurodegeneration, and apoptosis. The latter features were decreased in the recovery group. In conclusion, aspartame consumption has reversible deleterious effect on cerebellar cortex.
CycLing and EducATion (CLEAT): protocol for a single centre randomised controlled trial of a cycling and education intervention versus standard physiotherapy care for the treatment of Hip Osteoarthritis
Authors: Wainwright Thomas W , Parkinson Erika P , Immins Tikki , Docherty Sharon , Goodwin Elizabeth , Hawton Annie , Low Matthew , Samways Joanna , Rees Tim , Saunders Geoff , Middleton Robert G
Published: April 2023

BackgroundOsteoarthritis (OA) is a chronic degenerative joint disorder for which there is no known cure. Non-surgical management for people with mild-to-moderate hip OA focuses mainly on alleviating pain and maximising function via the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) recommended combination of education and advice, exercise, and, where appropriate, weight loss. The CHAIN (Cycling against Hip pAIN) intervention is a group cycling and education intervention conceived as a way of implementing the NICE guidance.MethodsCycLing andEducATion (CLEAT) is a pragmatic, two parallel arm, randomised controlled trial comparing CHAIN with standard physiotherapy care for the treatment of mild-to-moderate hip OA. We will recruit 256 participants referred to the local NHS physiotherapy department over a 24-month recruitment period. Participants diagnosed with hip OA according to NICE guidance and meeting the criteria for GP exercise referral will be eligible to participate. Primary outcome is the difference in HipDisability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (HOOS)function, daily living subscale between those receiving CHAIN and standard physiotherapy care. Secondary outcomes include performance-based functional measures (40m walking, 30s chair stand and stair climb tests), ability for patient to self-care (patient activation measure) and self-reported health-related resource use including primary and secondary care contacts. The primary economic endpoint is the number of quality adjusted life years (QALYs) at 24 weeks follow-up. The study is funded by the National Institute for Health Research, Research for Patient Benefit PB-PG-0816-20033.DiscussionThe literature identifies a lack of high-quality trials which inform on the content and design of education and exercise in the treatment of patients with hip OA and explore cost-effectiveness. CLEAT is a pragmatic trial which seeks to build further evidence of the clinical benefits of the CHAIN intervention compared to standard physiotherapy care within a randomised, controlled trial setting, and examine its cost-effectiveness.Trial registration numberISRCTN19778222. Protocol v4.1, 24th October 2022
TIGAR promotes malignant proliferation of NSCLC by modulating deoxynucleotide anabolism via a YBX1-RRM2B axis
Authors: fang Jie , Liu Ben , Hao Shuai , Wu Jun-Chao , Li Bin , Lan Qing , Xu Guoqiang , Miao Chao-yu , Qin Zheng-Hong
Published: April 2023

Background:Lung cancer is one of the most common causes of cancer-related death worldwide due to its rapid growth and metastasis. TIGAR plays a role in promoting survival in various cancer cells, but the molecular mechanisms on metabolic reprogram in tumor cells are not fully understood.
Methods: TIGAR expression was detected in lung cancer by western blot and immunohistochemistry. A shRNA interference system was used to knockdown the TIGAR in NSCLC cell lines to delineate its role in NSCLC tumor proliferation using in vitro functional assays and in vivo mouse models. Finally, transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to identify the mechanism of TIGAR.
Results: The expression of TIGAR in tumor tissues of NSCLC patients was significantly higher than that of adjacent tissues, which was associated with poor prognosis of NSCLC. The proliferation of NSCLC cells in vitro and the growth of xenografted tumors in vivo were significantly inhibited by TIGAR knockdown. With a combination of transcriptomics and metabolomics, we found that TIGAR maintained intracellular deoxyribonucleotide levels by regulating the expression of the ribonucleotide reductase (RNR) subunit RRM2B, a protein involved in deoxynucleotide synthesis. Further studies with LC-MS and co-immunoprecipitation revealed that TIGAR interacted with the transcription factor YBX1, participated in its phosphorylation and nuclear translocation to induce the expression of its downstream gene RRM2B. In addition, overexpression of RRM2B or exogenous supplementation of dNTPs effectively rescued the restriction of cell proliferation and DNA repair caused by TIGAR knockdown.
Conclusion: The present studies revealed a novel mechanism of TIGAR in promoting the proliferation and DNA repair of NSCLC cells through maintaining the intracellular deoxynucleotide level via the YBX1-RRM2B axis.
Risk Factors for Postoperative Disseminated Intravascular Coagulation in Surgical Patients with Non-occlusive Mesenteric Ischemia
Authors: Kobayashi Toshimichi , Hidaka Eiji , Ando Akitoshi , Koganezawa Itsuki , Nakagawa Masashi , Yokozuka Kei , Ochiai Shigeto , Gunji Takahiro , Sano Toru , Tomita Koichi , Tabuchi Satoshi , Chiba Naokazu , Kawachi Shigeyuki
Published: April 2023

Purpose The prognostic impact of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) in surgical patients with non-occlusive mesenteric ischemia (NOMI) is unclear. This study aimed to confirm the association between postoperative DIC and prognosis and to identify preoperative risk factors associated with postoperative DIC.Methods This retrospective study included 52 patients who underwent emergency surgery for NOMI between January 2012 and March 2022. Kaplan–Meier curve analysis with the log-rank test was used to compare 30-day survival and hospital survival between patients with and without postoperative DIC. In addition, univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the preoperative risk factors for postoperative DIC.Results The 30-day and hospital mortality rates were 30.8% and 36.5%, respectively, and the incidence rate of DIC was 51.9%. Compared to patients without DIC, patients with DIC showed significantly lower rates of 30-day survival (41.5% vs 96%, log-rank P < 0.001) and hospital survival (30.2% vs 86.4%, log-rank, P < 0.001). Logistic regression analyses showed that the Japanese Association for Acute Medicine (JAAM) DIC score (OR = 2.697; 95% CI, 1.408–5.169; P = 0.003) and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score (OR = 1.511; 95% CI, 1.111–2.055; P = 0.009) were independent risk factors for postoperative DIC in surgical patients with NOMI.Conclusion The development of postoperative DIC is a significant prognostic factor for 30-day and hospital mortality in surgical patients with NOMI. In addition, the JAAM DIC score and SOFA score have a high discriminative ability for predicting the development of postoperative DIC.
Performance of Endobronchial Ultrasound Transbronchial Needle Aspiration as the First Nodal Staging Procedure for the Determination of Programmed Death Ligand-1 Expression in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Polanco Dinora , Pinilla Lucía , Gracia-Lavedan Esther , Gatius Sonia , Zuil María , Pardina Marina , Gómez Silvia , Barbé Ferrán
Published: April 2023

Purpose The determination of the Programmed Death Ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression is part of the diagnostic algorithm for advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. We aimed to analyze the diagnostic performance of EBUS-TBNA performed as first-choice nodal staging procedure for the determination of PD-L1 expression in NSCLC patients.Methods Longitudinal-prospective study including NSCLC patients diagnosed between January 2018 and October 2019, for whom a primary tumor biopsy sample and an EBUS-TBNA cytological malignant sample were available. Samples with fewer than 100 malignant cells were considered inadequate. PDL-1 IHC 22C3 pharmDx antibody was used. The percentage of tumor cells expressing PD-L1, setting 1% and 50% as cutoff points, was collected. The weighted kappa coefficient was used to assess the concordance of PD-L1 expression. The PD-L1 expression was compared precision terms.Results From a total of 43 patients, 53 pairs of samples were obtained, of which 23 (43.4%) were adequate and included for analysis. The weighted kappa coefficient for PD-L1 expression was 0.41 (95% CI: 0.15–0.68) and 0.56 (95% CI: 0.23–0.9) for cutoff values ≥ 1% and ≥ 50%, respectively. In advanced stages, the weighted kappa coefficient was 0.6 (95% CI: 0.3–0.9) and 1 (95% CI: 1–1) for PD-L1 expression cutoff values ≥ 1% and ≥ 50%, respectively. EBUS-TBNA showed a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of 1 to detect PDL-1 expression ≥ 50% in advanced stages.Conclusion EBUS-TBNA performed as first nodal staging procedure provides reliable specimens for the detection of PD-L1 expression ≥ 50% in advanced NSCLC patients and could guide immunotherapy.
Falls and falls-related injuries in individuals with chronic ankle symptoms: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Smith Michelle , Mahrouqi Munira Al , MacDonald David , Vicenzino Bill
Published: April 2023

Background Falls are major public concern globally. While falls are associated with osteoarthritis and persistent pain at the hip and knee, falls have not been investigated in people with chronic ankle symptoms. This cross-sectional survey aimed to compare self-reported history of falls between adults with and without chronic ankle symptoms. Secondary aims were to compare concern about falling and balance confidence between groups, and to identify factors associated with falling.Methods 226 participants (134 participants with chronic ankle pain and/or stiffness and 92 controls) participated in this cross-sectional case-control study. Participants completed an online survey about falls in the past 12 months, injuries and hospitalisation associated with falling, concern about falling, balance confidence, function, pain and comorbidities.Results 86 (64%) participants with chronic ankle symptoms and 24 (26%) controls reported at least one fall in the last 12 months (p < 0.001). Participants with chronic ankle symptoms reported more falls, more injurious falls, and more hospitalisations because of a fall than controls (p > 0.002). There was a small effect for lower balance confidence and higher concern about falling in symptomatic participants (standardised mean difference: 0.39–0.49; p > 0.017). Multiple linear regression analysis identified that falling was associated with concern about falling (p = 0.001) and the presence of ankle symptoms (p = 0.01).Conclusions Falls and falls-related injuries are a problem in individuals with chronic ankle symptoms. The high falls occurrence and concern about falling in individuals with chronic ankle symptoms suggest the need for clinicians to assess these factors in this population.
Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) and Artificial Intelligence in Finance: State-of-the-Art and Research Takeaways
Authors: LIM Tristan
Published: April 2023

The rapidly growing research landscape in finance, encompassing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics and associated Artificial Intelligence (AI) applications, presents challenges for both new researchers and seasoned practitioners. This study aims to systematically map the research area, identify knowledge gaps, and examine potential research areas for researchers and practitioners. The investigation centers around three research questions: key research themes for ESG and AI in finance, research intensity and interest evolution, and the use and progression of AI techniques within these themes. Eight archetypical research domains were identified: (i) Trading and Investment, (ii) ESG Disclosure, Measurement and Governance, (iii) Firm Governance, (iv) Financial Markets and Instruments, (v) Risk Management, (vi) Forecasting and Valuation, (vii) Data, and (viii) Responsible Use of AI. Distinctive AI techniques were found to be employed across these archetypes. The study contributes to consolidating knowledge on the intersection of ESG, AI, and finance, offering an ontological inquiry and key takeaways for practitioners and researchers. Important insights include the popularity and crowding of the Trading and Investment domain, the growth potential of the Data archetype, and the high potential of Responsible Use of AI, despite its low publication count. By understanding the nuances of different research archetypes, researchers and practitioners can better navigate this complex landscape and contribute to a more sustainable and responsible financial sector.
Particulate Matters (PM2.5, PM10) and the risk of depression: analysis of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), 2016-2020 in South Korea
Authors: Park Hyunkyung , Kim Ho , Lee Whanhee , Song Insung , Kwon Dohoon , Oh Jieun , Moon Jeongmin , Park Jinah , Min Jieun , Kim Ejin , Jang Hyemin , Kang Cinoo
Published: April 2023

Background
There is a growing concern that particulate matter (PM) such as PM2.5 and PM10 has contributed to exacerbating psychological disorders, particularly depression. However, little is known about the roles of these air pollutants on depression in elderly. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between PM2.5 and PM10, and depression in the elderly population in South Korea.
Methods
We used panel survey data, the Korean Longitudinal Study of Aging (KLoSA), administered by the Labor Institute during the study period of 2016, 2018, and 2020 covering 217 districts in South Korea (n = 7674). Annual district-specific PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations were calculated for the study period from the monthly prediction concentrations produced by a machine-learning-based ensemble model (cross-validated R2: 0.87), then linked to the people matching with year and their residential district. We constructed a generalized estimating equation (GEE) model with a logit link to identify the associations between each of the long-term PM2.5 and PM10 exposures and depression (CES-D 10) after adjusting for individual and regional factors as confounders.
Results
In single-pollutant models, we found that long-term 10 μg/m3 increments in PM2.5 (OR 2.83, 95% CI 2.18–3.67) and PM10 (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.99–2.79) were associated with an increased risk of depression in the elderly. Associations were consistent after adjusting for other air pollutants (NO2, O3, and CO) in two-pollutant models. In addition, the impacts substantially differed by regions grouped by the tertile of the population density, for which the risks of particulate matters on depression were substantial in the middle- or high-density population regions in contrast to the low-density population regions.
Conclusions
Long-term exposure to PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with a higher risk of developing depression in elderly people. The impact was modified by the population density level of the region where they reside.
Maintaining long-term physical activity after cancer: A conceptual framework to inform intervention development
Authors: Grimmett Chloe , Corbett Teresa , Bradbury Katherine , Morton Kate , May Carl R , Pinto Bernardine M , Foster Claire
Published: April 2023

Purpose: This paper describes a conceptual framework of maintenance of physical activity and its application to future intervention design.
Methods: Evidence from systematic literature reviews and in-depth (N=27) qualitative interviews with individuals with cancer were used to develop a conceptual framework of long-term physical activity behaviour. Determinants of long-term PA were listed and linked with domains of the Theoretical Domains Framework which in turn were linked to associated behaviour change techniques (BCTs) and finally to proposed mechanisms of action (MoA).
Results: The conceptual framework is presented within the context of non-modifiable contextual factors (such as demographic and material resources) and in the presence of learnt and adapted behavioural determinants of skills, competence and autonomous motivation that must be established as part of the initiation of physical activity behaviour. An inventory of 8 determinants of engagement in long-term PA after cancer was developed. Clusters of BCTs are presented along with proposed MoA which can be tested using mediation analysis in future trials.
Conclusion: Understanding the processes of PA maintenance after cancer and presentation of implementable and testable intervention components and mechanisms of action to promote continued PA can inform future intervention development.
Implications for cancer survivors. This resource can act as a starting point for selection of intervention components for those developing future interventions. This will facilitate effective support of individuals affected by cancer to maintain PA for the long term.
Molecular identification of Opisthorchis viverrini among the northeastern Cambodian population by internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2)- based polymerase chain reaction (PCR)
Authors: Rattanapitoon Schawanya , La Nav , Boonsuya Alisa , Thanchonnang Chutharat , Arunsan Patpicha , Pechdee Phornphitcha , Leng Monica , Rattanapitoon Nathkapach
Published: April 2023

The southeast Asian fluke Opisthorchis viverrini remains endemic, particularly in Thailand, Lao PDR, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. However, there is a lack of data on the prevalence of liver fluke infection in Kratie Province in northeastern Cambodia. The present study aimed to detect O. viverrini DNA in fecal specimens using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on the internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2) region of ribosomal DNA (rDNA). The prevalence and percentage of O. viverrini infection were described by data analysis. The associated prevalence of O. viverrini infection was examined by bivariate binary logistic regression analyses. The total number of fecal specimens (n = 377) used for identifying food-borne trematodes was 6.89% of O. viverrini DNA-positive cases. Moreover, most O. viverrini infections were found in males (3.71%), those < 20 years (3.44%), those at primary school level (2.91%), farmers (3.18%), and the Trapaing Srae village (4.24%) in Snuol district, Kratie Province. O. viverrini infection was associated with age < 20 years (ORcru=0.569, 95% CI = 0.388–0.836, p = 0.004, ORadj=0.604, 95% CI = 0.412–0.885, p = 0.010). This study demonstrates that O. viverrini infection is distributed in rural areas located near freshwater reservoirs. Therefore, active surveillance, clinical examination of related hepatobiliary and cholangiocarcinoma, and health education are needed.
PRAME induces genomic instability in uveal melanoma
Authors: Harbour J. William , Kurtenbach Stefan , Sanchez Margaret , Kuznetsoff Jeffim , Rodriguez Daniel , Weich Natalia , Dollar James , Cruz Anthony , Kurtenbach Sarah , Field Matthew , Decatur Christina , Sorouri Mahsa , Lai Fan , Shiekhattar Ramin , Pelaez Daniel , Correa Zelia , Verdun Ramiro
Published: April 2023

PRAME is a CUL2 ubiquitin ligase subunit that is normally expressed in the testis but becomes aberrantly overexpressed in many cancer types in association with aneuploidy and metastasis. Here, we show that PRAME is expressed predominantly in spermatogonia around the time of meiotic crossing-over in coordination with genes mediating DNA double strand break repair. Expression of PRAME in somatic cells upregulates pathways involved in meiosis, chromosome segregation and DNA repair, and it leads to increased DNA double strand breaks, telomere dysfunction and aneuploidy in neoplastic and non-neoplastic cells. This effect is mediated at least in part by ubiquitination of SMC1A and altered cohesin function. PRAME expression renders cells susceptible to inhibition of PARP1/2, suggesting increased dependence on alternative base excision repair pathways. These findings reveal a distinct oncogenic function of PRAME than can be targeted therapeutically in cancer.
Database study of risk factors for breast cancer-related lymphedema: statistical analysis of 2359 cases in 10 years
Authors: Matsumoto Akihiro , Ushio Kai , Kimura Hiroaki , Tomioka Shinichi , Sasada Shinsuke , Mikami Yukio
Published: April 2023

Background
Identification of risk factors is important for the prevention of Breast Cancer-Related Lymphedema (BCRL), and epidemiological large-scale studies are needed. Although database studies are suitable for large-scale surveys, there have been no studies using databases to investigate risk factors for BCRL. The purpose of this study was to test the hypothesis that database-based studies are useful in identifying risk factors for BCRL.
Methods
Patients diagnosed with breast cancer during a 10-year period from April 2009 to March 2020 were selected from the medical database of Hiroshima University Hospital. As a retrospective observational study, risk factors for BCRL were validated by logistic regression analysis (p < 0.05).
Results
A total of 4471 breast cancer patients were selected and 2359 met study criteria; the incidence of BCRL was 4.8%. Risk factors for BCRL ultimately identified by multivariate logistic regression analysis were obesity with BMI 25 to 30 (OR = 3.066, 95%CI: 1.408 ~ 6.677), severe obesity with BMI > 30 (OR = 5.791, 95%CI: 2.239 ~ 14.97), surgical axillary lymph node dissection (OR = 3.212, 95%CI: 1 .918 ~ 5.378), chemotherapy with docetaxel (OR = 1.795, 95%CI: 1.062 ~ 3.032), and conventional radiation to the breast or chest wall with lymph nodes in the irradiated area (OR = 3.299, 95%CI: 1.842 ~ 5.910).
Conclusions
The risk factors for BCRL identified in this study were generally similar to those in previous studies, indicating that database-based studies are useful for identifying risk factors for BCRL. A multicenter study involving a larger number of patients and study items needs to be conducted in order to more fully elucidate the risk factors for BCRL.
Dietary Choices as Prevention Measure: Assessment of Societal Effects Related to Life Expectancy in Germany
Authors: Schmitt Maike
Published: April 2023

Public health determines economic stability and growth. Inappropriate dietary behaviour induces a huge health burden across all age groups and geographical regions every year. Nutrition is one major driver to overcome non-communicable diseases and related costs. According to the World Health Organization, there is a gap in research considering the cost-effectiveness of policy nutrition interventions. The present modelling study is the first attempt to evaluate a potential nationwide shift towards healthy nutrition from a societal perspective. The scenario modelling builds on most recent findings from the research field and status quo food consumption according to national nutrition survey data. Potential age- and gender-specific gains in life expectancy due to diet improvement are evaluated for the 2019 population in Germany addressing different scenarios (optimal diet and feasible diet). Drawing on a human capital approach, the resulting health gains are translated into a societal value building on related gains in unpaid work productivity. The monetary evaluation of productivity increase is implemented according to the specialist’s approach. The potential gain in unpaid work activities related to improved nutrition, is estimated at € 5,046bn for the 2019 German population assuming an optimal diet scenario. In case of the more feasible diet scenario, additional life expectancy is lower but still valuable. Health gains are less for women as compared to men, but the societal value is higher for females due to higher societal contribution in terms of unpaid activities across all age groups. The potential health gains are highest for young age groups, but the monetary societal value for these individuals is lower due to discounting of future benefits. The study illustrates the societal value of nutrition as one dimension of preventing non-communicable diseases. Thereby, it provides valuable insights for policy decision makers to develop interventions on the population level that support transformation of the health care systems and economic structures towards a sustainable direction.
Interrelationship Between Indexes of the Population Medical Care Quality and Macroeconomic Efficiency
Authors: Sheliemina Nataliia
Published: April 2023

During the current military situation and subsequent social challenges, the implementation of Ukrainian medical reforms is becoming increasingly relevant for the whole nation. That became critical since 2022 when the full-scale Russian invasion occurred in our state. Sometimes, Ukrainian politicians and medics present reasonable and innovative ideas to solve urgent social problems. Here, we must adequately consider the concept of medical care quality itself. This research aims to study the possibility of further use of the investigated medical sphere relationships for forecasting and monitoring economic efficiency indexes in macroeconomic healthcare. Also, we analyse modern healthcare reforms and their quality in Ukraine, ensuring social guarantees for all Ukrainian people. In the given article, the author deeply examines the tight relationship between population medical care quality and macroeconomic efficiency. The detailed study of sources on medical care quality shows no single standardised approach to the assessment of corresponding healthcare indexes. Subsequently, that makes it impossible to apply results in forecasting the consequences of medical reform influence on macroeconomic efficiency. In such conditions, the macroeconomic performance of measures and resources is highly critical. According to the recommendation list of the World Health Organization, the doctor-patient interaction regards four main components of medical care quality as relevant. They should include the doctor’s qualification, the optimal resource use, the patient’s risk and his satisfaction with provided medical aid. The economic efficiency indexes reflect the influence of healthcare changes on country’s economy due to the positive dynamics of physical, psychological and social health. Therefore, finding a stable balance and reasonable expediency in financial and economic instruments is optimal. Here, we should elaborately consider probable target index effects or their particular aspects.
Theoretical Research Aspects of the Key COVID-19 Trends and Transformation of Indicators in the Healthcare Sphere
Authors: Didenko Iryna , Kurovska Yuliia , Dzwigol Henryk
Published: April 2023

New cases of the coronavirus disease and its fatal consequences continue to be recorded even now, almost three years after the first detected case. The problem of the COVID-19 spread worries the world community because the virus affects the social, economic, environmental, political, and other spheres of every person’s life. The pandemic reality has brought a massive range of changes to the everyday life of both Ukrainians and representatives of other nations. The purpose of this study is to identify general trends in the dynamics of indicators of the COVID-19 rate and transformation vectors of critical indicators in the healthcare system. The article reviews modern publications on COVID-19 and healthcare. This study presents the dynamics of changes in Ukraine’s health, life, and mortality indicators concerning the COVID-19 pandemic. The urgency of this problem is due to the further detection of new cases of illness and death from COVID-19 in Ukraine. The issue of its spread requires further new research. Analytical and graphical methods were used to predict structural changes in morbidity, mortality, and factors affecting it. The data forecast period covers the years 2021-2023. The accuracy of forecasts is assessed by the MAPE and RMSPE quality criteria. The obtained results showed that the number of cases of illness and death from COVID-19 in Ukraine would decrease over the forecast period due to the increase in the birth rate and vital activity in the pandemic conditions. In the current realities of the world, human resources are of integral importance both for Ukraine with its current situation and for the world in general. The results of further research will play an essential role in the timely detection of new cases of coronavirus disease and the prevention of fatal consequences in the future. For the political structure, this study will help to predict possible changes in the behaviour of coronavirus spread for the following months or years. Also, it will introduce the necessary quarantine restrictions promptly. A comprehensive in-depth study of this problem in science and medicine can help determine new factors of behaviour in everyday human life, which affects the virus spread speed. Even though the attention of Ukrainians has shifted from the problem of morbidity and mortality from COVID-19 to the war beginning, this virus still poses a threat to our state and humanity in general.
Corn yield components in function of the regulation of the seeder-fertilizer in a conventional planting system in amazon biome
Authors: Valente Gislayne Farias , Silva Vicente Filho Alves , Ferraz Gabriel Araújo e Silva , Pinto Daiane Rodrigues da Silva , Silva José Nilton da , Santana Lucas Santos , Anhê Bruno Borella , Santiago Tiago de Souza , Mariano Daiane de Cinque , Okumura Ricardo Shigueru , Silva Priscilla Andrade
Published: April 2023

The correct seeder-fertilizer adjustment is responsible for increasing the efficiency of corn cultivation's implementation process. This work aimed to evaluate transmission system regulation of seeder-fertilizer seed deposition unit in maize crop implantation in the Eastern Amazon. The experiment was carried out after the sowing process with a seeder-fertilizer for conventional planting with a mechanical seed distributor. The treatments resulted in five size combinations of driven gears (8, 10, 12, 15, 17) with the motor gear of size 7, which resulted in the respective corn sowing densities, 64.978, 62.311, 52.444, 44.977, 38.665 plants ha-1. Each treatment consisted of a 200 m seeding strip divided into 20 plots per strip (treatment). The agronomic variables analyzed were: average Number of Days to Emergence (NDE), longitudinal distribution of plants in the standard (N), Fault (F) and Double (D) fields, Initial Plant population (IP), Final Plant population (FP), Stem Diameter (SD), Plant Height (PH), Number of Leaves (NL), Number of Ears (NE), Mass of one hundred grains (MG), Number of Grains per row (GR), Number of Ear rows (ER), Ear Length (EL), Ear Diameter (ED) and Productivity (P). Data were submitted to statistical analysis, correlation test and decision tree analysis. The decision tree showed which initial population was more important to classify the most relevant agronomic variables in corn planting. The initial stand of 62.442 plants ha-1 was the most suitable for corn in the Amazon region. There is potential to reach corn productivity of 5.14 to 5.33 t ha-1 when combined with a drive gear 12 and driven gear 7 seeder-fertilizer machine transmission system
Structural and production characteristics and nutritive value of two tropical grasses submitted to different levels of nitrogen
Authors: Miranda Bruno Eduardo Caxias , Rodrigues Rosane Cláudia , Costa Clésio dos Santos , Silva Eduarda Castro da , Lana Rogério de Paula , Jesus Ana Paula Ribeiro de , Marinho Izakiel Reis , Costa Kátia Aparecida Pinho da , Ribeiro Ivo Guilherme de Araújo , Araujo Jocélio Santos , Araújo Ricardo Alves de
Published: April 2023

The objective of this study was to evaluate increasing levels of nitrogen on and production and nutritive value of Andropogon and Massai grasses under the edaphoclimatic conditions of the Brazil denominated Middle Nort Region. The design used was completely randomized, with sixteen replicatios. The treatments consisted of nitrogen rates: 0, 150, 300, 450 and 600 kg N ha-1 and two forages, which were evaluated independently. The grasses used were Panicum maximum cv. Massai and Andropogon gayanus cv. Kunth. For Andropogon grass, there was an effect of nitrogen fertilization on thecharacteristics: leaf elongation rate, stem elongation rate, leaf senescence rate and leaf blade final length and, in all cases, the behavior was quadratic. Nitrogen also influenced the morphogenic characteristics: leaf appearance rate, leaf elongation rate, leaf senescence rate, phyllochron, leaf blade final length, number of live leaves per tiller and It was not significant for tiller population density of Massai grass, but the behavior varied according to the characteristic, in which leaf appearance rate and number of live leaves per tiller had decreasing linear behavior, while in phyllochron it increased linearly as nitrogen doses increased. Most of the productive characteristics of the grasses had increasing linear behavior (total biomass production of forage, leaf biomass and stem biomass in Andropogon grass, while in Massai grass, only the total forage production and dead material accumulation had an increasing linear behavior with increase of N doses. Quadratic effect only for masai leaf biomass behavior and there was practically no production of stems, affecting the leaf-stem ratio ) while the highest efficiency of nitrogen utilization was achieved with the application of 150 kg N ha-1 for the two grasses. Nitrogen fertilization also favored the nutritive value of the two grasses positively, with linear increase for crude protein and mineral matter contents, only in Massai, and reduction in the contents of neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber and hemicellulose of grasses. Increasing doses of nitrogen fertilization favors the production, structure and chemical composition of the two grasses. However, the highest efficiency of use is obtained with the application of 150 kg N ha-1.
Acclimatization of coffee seedlings obtained from zygotic embryos of aged seeds
Authors: Vilela Ana Luiza Oliveira , Rosa Sttela Dellyzete Veiga Franco da , Coelho Stefânia Vilas Boas , Pereira Cristiane Carvalho , Souza Ana Cristina de , Ribeiro Fernando Augusto Sales
Published: April 2023

Coffee seeds rapidly lose viability during storage, which hinders the development of vigorous seedlings for crop establishment. There are reports that seed endosperm is more sensitive to deterioration than embryos, which can be excised and cultivated in vitro. However, a substantial number of plants grown in vitro do not survive during transfer to a greenhouse or field environment. The objective of this study was to evaluate the acclimatization of coffee seedlings of cultivar Catuaí Amarelo IAC 62, developed from zygotic embryos obtained from aged seeds in different substrates and environments, for the production of well-developed seedlings suitable for planting. For this purpose, seedlings were obtained from the in vitro cultivation of embryos obtained from seeds of two quality levels: freshly harvested seeds and artificially aged seeds. Zygotic embryos were extracted from the seeds and cultivated in MS medium. At 60 days, the percentages of normal and abnormal seedlings and dead seeds were evaluated. The good-quality seedlings grown in vitro for 60 days were transplanted into two different substrates (Tropstrato and coconut fiber) and acclimatized in two environments (growth room and greenhouse with a misting system). The plants were evaluated for height, stem diameter, number of leaves, chlorophyll content, and growth rate. The greenhouse environment was better for seedling growth, possibly due to its higher sunlight and temperature. The best substrate was coconut fiber, as it ensured better development of plants from freshly harvested seeds and those from aged seeds. It is possible to develop healthy seedlings from seeds with low viability
Do illiteracy and unemployment affect financial inclusion in the rural areas of developing countries?
Authors: H. Williams Tega , O. Iriobe Grace , D. Ayodele Thomas , F. Olasupo Sunday , O. Aladejebi Michael
Published: April 2023

The aim of this study is to examine the effects of illiteracy and unemployment on financial inclusion in rural areas of Nigeria between 2017 and 2022. Most rural areas in developing countries have high illiteracy and unemployment rates, creating challenges for researchers to measure the inclusiveness of financial services and products. This study examined the effect of illiteracy and unemployment on the inclusiveness of financial services and products in rural areas of Nigeria. The ex-post facto research design, systematic sampling, dummy for latent variables (erratic power supply and insecurity in rural areas), and autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) techniques were employed. The result showed that the coefficient estimate for the illiteracy rate is negative (-0.5318), indicating that higher illiteracy is associated with lower financial inclusiveness, and the coefficient estimate for unemployment rate is also negative (-2.1977) and statistically significant, suggesting that the higher unemployment rate is associated with financial inclusiveness. These findings indicate that a decline in the delivery of financial services in developing nations attest to illiteracy and unemployment. This study concluded that there is a need to improve education and employment rates in rural areas of developing countries to achieve optimal inclusiveness of financial services and products.
Vigilancia epidemiológica y seguimiento poblacional de los anfibios ibéricos
Authors: Bosch Jaime , Martínez-Silvestre Albert , Thumsová Barbora
Published: April 2023

Los anfibios son los vertebrados más amenazados. Las enfermedades emergentes de los anfibios, como la quitridiomicosis y ranavirosis, constituyen una de sus amenazas más relevantes, causando mortalidades masivas, declives poblacionales y extinciones. Dada la preocupación internacional por la crisis de los anfibios, en las últimas décadas han surgido muchas iniciativas para el seguimiento de poblaciones. Desgraciadamente, muchas de estas iniciativas no resultan eficaces para determinar la emergencia de estas enfermedades ni para evaluar su impacto real en las poblaciones, dado que: no se centran en las especies, los estadios de desarrollo y las épocas del año adecuadas, y no incluyen la toma de datos de infección de manera regular. En el caso de las poblaciones con incidencia de patógenos conocida la situación no es mejor, dado que raramente se llevan a cabo programas de seguimiento a largo plazo una vez que los brotes de mortalidad han cesado. Por lo tanto, mientras que cada vez son más frecuentes los casos publicados de mortalidades masivas de anfibios asociados a las enfermedades emergentes, existe un vacío de conocimiento significativo sobre la incidencia real de estas enfermedades y de sus efectos a medio y largo plazo.