bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of selenium supplementation for mild-to-moderate Graves’ ophthalmopathy in a selenium-sufficient area (SeGOSS trial): study protocol for a phase III, multicenter, open-label, randomized, controlled intervention trial
Authors: Chung Chae Won , Jung Kyong Yeun , Jung Eun Hye , Lee Min Joung , Park Young Joo , Lee Jeong Kyu , Ahn Hwa Young , Cho Sun Wook
Published: April 2023

Background

The therapeutic effect of selenium has been demonstrated in mild Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO) in a European region where selenium status is suboptimal. However, there is a lack of evidence to support selenium use in selenium-sufficient areas. The aim of this study is to evaluate the therapeutic effect of selenium in mild-to-moderate GO in selenium-sufficient South Korea.

Methods

The SeGOSS trial is a multicenter, prospective, randomized, open-label trial in South Korea. Eighty-four patients aged 19 years or older with mild-to-moderate GO will be randomized to receive either vitamin B complex alone or vitamin B complex with selenium for 6 months with three monthly follow-up visits. The primary outcome is comparison of the improvement in quality of life at 6 months from baseline between the control and selenium groups. The secondary outcomes are intergroup differences in changes in quality of life at 3 months, clinical activity of GO at 3 and 6 months, thyroid autoantibody titers at 3 and 6 months, and the response rate at 3 and 6 months from baseline. Quality of life will be measured by questionnaire for patients with GO, and the clinical activity of GO will be evaluated by the clinical activity score (CAS). A positive response is defined as either changes in the CAS < 0 or the changes in the GO-QOL score ≥ 6.

Discussion

The SeGOSS study will evaluate the therapeutic potential of selenium for mild-to-moderate GO in a selenium-sufficient area and provide support in tailoring better treatment for GO.

Trial registration

KCT0004040. Retrospectively registered on 5 June 2019. https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do/14160.
Indoor resting behavior of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) in northeastern Thailand
Authors: Seang-arwut Chadapond , Hanboonsong Yupa , Muenworn Vithee , Rocklöv Joacim , Haque Ubydul , Ekalaksananan Tipaya , Paul Richard E. , Overgaard Hans J.
Published: April 2023

Background

Aedes aegypti is a vector of several arboviruses, notably dengue virus (DENV), which causes dengue fever and is often found resting indoors. Culex spp. are largely nuisance mosquitoes but can include species that are vectors of zoonotic pathogens. Vector control is currently the main method to control dengue outbreaks. Indoor residual spraying can be part of an effective vector control strategy but requires an understanding of the resting behavior. Here we focus on the indoor-resting behavior of Ae. aegypti and Culex spp. in northeastern Thailand.

Methods

Mosquitoes were collected in 240 houses in rural and urban settings from May to August 2019 at two collection times (morning/afternoon), in four room types (bedroom, bathroom, living room and kitchen) in each house and at three wall heights (< 0.75 m, 0.75–1.5 m, > 1.5 m) using a battery-driven aspirator and sticky traps. Household characteristics were ascertained. Mosquitoes were identified as Ae. aegypti, Aedes albopictus and Culex spp. Dengue virus was detected in Ae. aegypti. Association analyses between urban/rural and within-house location (wall height, room), household variables, geckos and mosquito abundance were performed.

Results

A total of 2874 mosquitoes were collected using aspirators and 1830 using sticky traps. Aedes aegypti and Culex spp. accounted for 44.78% and 53.17% of the specimens, respectively. Only 2.05% were Ae. albopictus. Aedes aegypti and Culex spp. rested most abundantly at intermediate and low heights in bedrooms or bathrooms (96.6% and 85.2% for each taxon of the total, respectively). Clothes hanging at intermediate heights were associated with higher mean numbers of Ae. aegypti in rural settings (0.81 [SEM: 0.08] vs. low: 0.61 [0.08] and high: 0.32 [0.09]). Use of larval control was associated with lower numbers of Ae. aegypti (yes: 0.61 [0.08]; no: 0.70 [0.07]). All DENV-positive Ae. aegypti (1.7%, 5 of 422) were collected in the rural areas and included specimens with single, double and even triple serotype infections.

Conclusions

Knowledge of the indoor resting behavior of adult mosquitoes and associated environmental factors can guide the choice of the most appropriate and effective vector control method. Our work suggests that vector control using targeted indoor residual spraying and/or potentially spatial repellents focusing on walls at heights lower than 1.5 m in bedrooms and bathrooms could be part of an integrated effective strategy for dengue vector control.

Graphical Abstract
Molecular characteristics of breast tumors in patients screened for germline predisposition from a population-based observational study
Authors: Nacer Deborah F. , Vallon-Christersson Johan , Nordborg Nicklas , Ehrencrona Hans , Kvist Anders , Borg Åke , Staaf Johan
Published: April 2023

Background

Pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) in certain genes are linked to higher lifetime risk of developing breast cancer and can influence preventive surgery decisions and therapy choices. Public health programs offer genetic screening based on criteria designed to assess personal risk and identify individuals more likely to carry PGVs, dividing patients into screened and non-screened groups. How tumor biology and clinicopathological characteristics differ between these groups is understudied and could guide refinement of screening criteria.

Methods

Six thousand six hundred sixty breast cancer patients diagnosed in South Sweden during 2010–2018 were included with available clinicopathological and RNA sequencing data, 900 (13.5%) of which had genes screened for PGVs through routine clinical screening programs. We compared characteristics of screened patients and tumors to non-screened patients, as well as between screened patients with (n = 124) and without (n = 776) PGVs.

Results

Broadly, breast tumors in screened patients showed features of a more aggressive disease. However, few differences related to tumor biology or patient outcome remained significant after stratification by clinical subgroups or PAM50 subtypes. Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), the subgroup most enriched for PGVs, showed the most differences between screening subpopulations (e.g., higher tumor proliferation in screened cases). Significant differences in PGV prevalence were found between clinical subgroups/molecular subtypes, e.g., TNBC cases were enriched for BRCA1 PGVs. In general, clinicopathological differences between screened and non-screened patients mimicked those between patients with and without PGVs, e.g., younger age at diagnosis for positive cases. However, differences in tumor biology/microenvironment such as immune cell composition were additionally seen within PGV carriers/non-carriers in ER + /HER2 − cases, but not between screening subpopulations in this subgroup.

Conclusions

Characterization of molecular tumor features in patients clinically screened and not screened for PGVs represents a relevant read-out of guideline criteria. The general lack of molecular differences between screened/non-screened patients after stratification by relevant breast cancer subsets questions the ability to improve the identification of screening candidates based on currently used patient and tumor characteristics, pointing us towards universal screening. Nevertheless, while that is not attained, molecular differences identified between PGV carriers/non-carriers suggest the possibility of further refining patient selection within certain patient subsets using RNA-seq through, e.g., gene signatures.

Trial registration

The Sweden Cancerome Analysis Network – Breast (SCAN-B) was prospectively registered at ClinicalTrials.gov under the identifier NCT02306096.
Factor VII deficiency: a rare genetic bleeding disorder in a 7-year-old child: a case report
Authors: Salum Hajaj Mohamed , Lukumay Joyce , Muze Kandi , Swai Peter , Kindole Christina , Kipasika Honesta , Apollo Monica , Chirande Lulu , Furia Francis
Published: April 2023

Background

Factor VII deficiency is a rare inherited bleeding disorder that has similar clinical presentation to hemophilia.

Case report

A 7-year-old male child of African origin experienced recurrent nasal bleeding since 3 years of age and recurrent swelling of the joints that was remarkable at the age of 5–6 years. He received multiple blood transfusions and has been managed as a patient with hemophilia until he presented to our facility. Reviewed evaluation of the patient revealed abnormal prothrombin and normal activated partial thromboplastin time, FVII analysis showed activity level of less than 1%, and the diagnosis of FVII deficiency was made. The patient was treated with fresh frozen plasma, vitamin K injection, and tranexamic tablets.

Conclusion

Even though factor VII deficiency is an extremely rare bleeding disorder, it does occur in our setting. This case highlights the need for clinicians to consider this condition when faced with challenging patients presenting with bleeding disorders.
Genomic and metabolic analyses reveal antagonistic lanthipeptides in archaea
Authors: Liang Haoyu , Song Zhi-Man , Zhong Zheng , Zhang Dengwei , Yang Wei , Zhou Le , Older Ethan A. , Li Jie , Wang Huan , Zeng Zhirui , Li Yong-Xin
Published: April 2023

Background

Microbes produce diverse secondary metabolites (SMs) such as signaling molecules and antimicrobials that mediate microbe-microbe interaction. Archaea, the third domain of life, are a large and diverse group of microbes that not only exist in extreme environments but are abundantly distributed throughout nature. However, our understanding of archaeal SMs lags far behind our knowledge of those in bacteria and eukarya.

Results

Guided by genomic and metabolic analysis of archaeal SMs, we discovered two new lanthipeptides with distinct ring topologies from a halophilic archaeon of class Haloarchaea. Of these two lanthipeptides, archalan α exhibited anti-archaeal activities against halophilic archaea, potentially mediating the archaeal antagonistic interactions in the halophilic niche. To our best knowledge, archalan α represents the first lantibiotic and the first anti-archaeal SM from the archaea domain.

Conclusions

Our study investigates the biosynthetic potential of lanthipeptides in archaea, linking lanthipeptides to antagonistic interaction via genomic and metabolic analyses and bioassay. The discovery of these archaeal lanthipeptides is expected to stimulate the experimental study of poorly characterized archaeal chemical biology and highlight the potential of archaea as a new source of bioactive SMs.
The association between drug use and mortality in a norwegian prison cohort: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Tverborgvik Torill , Stavseth Marianne Riksheim , Bukten Anne
Published: April 2023

Background

Elevated mortality rates are found among people who have experienced incarceration, even long after release from prison. The mechanisms related to this excess mortality are complex products of both individual and situational factors. The aim of this study was to describe all-cause and cause-specific mortality among people with a history of imprisonment, and to examine both individual and situational factors associated with mortality.

Methods

In this prospective cohort study we used baseline survey data from the Norwegian Offender Mental Health and Addiction (NorMA) study (N = 733) linked with data from the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry during eight years of follow-up (2013–2021).

Results

At end of follow-up, 56 persons (8%) of the cohort were deceased; 55% (n = 31) due to external causes such as overdoses or suicides, and 29% (n = 16) to internal causes such as cancer or lung disease. Having a score > 24 on the Drug Use Disorders Identification Test (DUDIT), indicating likely drug dependence was highly associated with external causes of death (OR 3.31, 95% CI 1.34–8.16), while having a job before baseline imprisonment had a protective effect on all-cause mortality (OR 0.51, ,95% CI 0.28–0.95).

Conclusions

High DUDIT score at baseline were highly associated with external causes of death, even years after the DUDIT screening was done. Screening incarcerated people using validated clinical tools, such as the DUDIT, together with initiation of appropriate treatment, may contribute to reduced mortality in this marginalized population.
A survey on deep learning tools dealing with data scarcity: definitions, challenges, solutions, tips, and applications
Authors: Alzubaidi Laith , Bai Jinshuai , Al-Sabaawi Aiman , Santamaría Jose , Albahri A. S. , Al-dabbagh Bashar Sami Nayyef , Fadhel Mohammed A. , Manoufali Mohamed , Zhang Jinglan , Al-Timemy Ali H. , Duan Ye , Abdullah Amjed , Farhan Laith , Lu Yi , Gupta Ashish , Albu Felix , Abbosh Amin , Gu Yuantong
Published: April 2023

Data scarcity is a major challenge when training deep learning (DL) models. DL demands a large amount of data to achieve exceptional performance. Unfortunately, many applications have small or inadequate data to train DL frameworks. Usually, manual labeling is needed to provide labeled data, which typically involves human annotators with a vast background of knowledge. This annotation process is costly, time-consuming, and error-prone. Usually, every DL framework is fed by a significant amount of labeled data to automatically learn representations. Ultimately, a larger amount of data would generate a better DL model and its performance is also application dependent. This issue is the main barrier for many applications dismissing the use of DL. Having sufficient data is the first step toward any successful and trustworthy DL application. This paper presents a holistic survey on state-of-the-art techniques to deal with training DL models to overcome three challenges including small, imbalanced datasets, and lack of generalization. This survey starts by listing the learning techniques. Next, the types of DL architectures are introduced. After that, state-of-the-art solutions to address the issue of lack of training data are listed, such as Transfer Learning (TL), Self-Supervised Learning (SSL), Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), Model Architecture (MA), Physics-Informed Neural Network (PINN), and Deep Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique (DeepSMOTE). Then, these solutions were followed by some related tips about data acquisition needed prior to training purposes, as well as recommendations for ensuring the trustworthiness of the training dataset. The survey ends with a list of applications that suffer from data scarcity, several alternatives are proposed in order to generate more data in each application including Electromagnetic Imaging (EMI), Civil Structural Health Monitoring, Medical imaging, Meteorology, Wireless Communications, Fluid Mechanics, Microelectromechanical system, and Cybersecurity. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is the first review that offers a comprehensive overview on strategies to tackle data scarcity in DL.
In-TFK: a scalable traditional food knowledge platform, a new traditional food dataset, platform, and multiprocess inference service
Authors: Mursanto Petrus , Wibisono Ari , Fahira Puteri Khatya , Rahmadhani Zulia Putri , Wisesa Hanif Arief
Published: April 2023

Traditional Food Knowledge (TFK) is needed to define the acculturation of culture, society, and health in the context of food. TFK is essential for a human’s cultural, economic, and health aspects. Variations of ethnicity, culture, and lifestyle affect the diversity of traditional Indonesian food. Recognition of food is needed to maintain the sustainability of traditional food. Nowadays, there are many food dataset collections, but there needs to be a dataset that specifically collects standard food datasets. Our main contributions to the TFK research field are professional food image data acquisition, innovative development of an automatic, scalable food recognition system, and multi-process inference service. There are 34 variations of traditional foods from all regions in Indonesia that were acquired in this dataset. The dataset comprises 1644 high-quality images captured by professional cameras and 1020 by a smartphone. Several deep learning models are implemented in food recognition systems. This system can accommodate the addition and reduction of food variations in the knowledge recognition system and is capable of multiple concurrent requests at a time. The current prototype incorporates traditional types of food from Indonesia. However, the food model can also be expanded to other countries traditional foods. The automatic recognition systems are evaluated using several deep-learning network models. The experiment results have shown that the AUROC score is 0.99, and the request success rate can be improved by 70% with a multiprocess inference service.
Neuromuscular activity of the lower‐extremities during running, landing and changing‐of‐direction movements in individuals with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction: a review of electromyographic studies
Authors: Georgoulis Jim D. , Melissaridou Dimitra , Patras Kostas , Megaloikonomos Panayiotis D. , Trikoupis Ioannis , Savvidou Olga D. , Papagelopoulos Panayiotis J.
Published: April 2023

Purpose

Running, jumping/landing and cutting/change of direction (CoD) are critical components of return to sport (RTS) following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), however the electromyographic (EMG) activity patterns of the operated leg during the execution of these tasks are not clear.

Methods

A systematic review was conducted to retrieve EMG studies during running, jumping/landing and cutting/(CoD) in ACLR patients. MEDLINE, PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases were searched from 2000 to May, 2022 using a combination of keywords and their variations: “anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction” OR “ACLR”, “electromyography” OR “EMG”, “running”, “jumping” OR “landing”, “cutting” OR “change‐of‐direction” OR “CoD”. The search identified studies comparing EMG data during running, landing and cutting/(CoD) between the involved limb and contralateral or control limbs. Risk of bias was assessed and quantitative analyses using effect sizes were performed.

Results

Thirty two studies met the inclusion criteria. Seventy five percent (24/32) of the studies reported altered EMG activity pattern of the ACLR leg during running, jumping/landing and cutting/(CoD) when compared with either the healthy control leg or the contra‐lateral leg. Twelve studies showed decreased, delayed or earlier onset and delayed peak in quadriceps EMG activity with small to large effect sizes and 9 studies showed increased, delayed or earlier onset and delayed peak in hamstrings EMG activity with small to large effect sizes. Four studies showed a “hamstrings‐dominant” strategy i.e. decreased quadriceps coupled with increased hamstrings EMG activity in both running and jumping/landing irrespective of graft type. One study reported that on the grounds of decreased quadriceps activity, lower hamstrings EMG activity was predictive of ipsilateral re‐injury in ACLR patients.

Conclusion

This systematic review of Level III evidence showed that the ACLR leg displays decreased quadriceps or increased hamstrings EMG activity or both despite RTS. Simultaneous decreased quadriceps and increased hamstrings EMG activity was shown for both running and jumping/landing. From a clinical perspective this “hamstrings dominant” strategy can serve as a protective mechanism against graft re‐injury.

Level of evidence

III.
Guiding prosthetic femoral version using 3D-printed patient-specific instrumentation (PSI): a pilot study
Authors: Moralidou Maria , Henckel Johann , Di Laura Anna , Hart Alister
Published: April 2023

Background

Implantation of the femoral component with suboptimal version is associated with instability of the reconstructed hip joint. High variability of Prosthetic Femoral Version (PFV) has been reported in primary Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA). Three-dimensional (3D) Patient-Specific Instrumentation (PSI) has been recently developed and may assist in delivering a PFV within the intended range.

We performed a pilot study to better understand whether the intra-operative use of a novel PSI guide, designed to deliver a PFV of 20°, results in the target range of PFV in primary cemented THA.

Methods

We analysed post-operative Computed-Tomography (CT) data of two groups of patients who underwent primary cemented THA through posterior approach; 1. A group of 11 patients (11 hips) for which the surgeon used an intra-operative 3D-printed stem positioning guide (experimental) 2. A group of 24 patients (25 hips) for which the surgeon did not use the guide (control). The surgeon aimed for a PFV of 20°, and therefore the guide was designed to indicate the angle at which the stem was positioned intra-operatively. PFV angles were measured using the post-operative 3D-CT models of the proximal femurs and prosthetic components in both groups. Our primary objective was to compare the PFV in both groups. Our secondary objective was to evaluate the clinical outcome.

Results

Mean (± SD) values for the PFV was 21.3° (± 4.6°) and 24.6° (± 8.2°) for the experimental and control groups respectively. In the control group, 20% of the patients reported a PFV outside the intended range of 10° to 30° anteversion. In the experimental group, this percentage dropped to 0%. Satisfactory clinical outcome was recorded in both groups.

Conclusion

The intra-operative use of a PSI PFV guide helped the surgeon avoid suboptimal PFV in primary cemented THA. Further studies are needed to evaluate if the PSI guide directly contributes to a better clinical outcome.
Mental health in Germany in the first weeks of the Russo-Ukrainian war
Authors: Gottschick Cornelia , Diexer Sophie , Massag Janka , Klee Bianca , Broda Anja , Purschke Oliver , Binder Mascha , Sedding Daniel , Frese Thomas , Girndt Matthias , Hoell Jessica I. , Michl Patrick , Gekle Michael , Mikolajczyk Rafael
Published: April 2023

Background

In the connected world, although societies are not directly involved in a military conflict, they are exposed to media reports of violence.

Aims

We assessed the effects of such exposures on mental health in Germany during the military conflict in Ukraine.

Method

We used the German population-based cohort for digital health research, DigiHero, launching a survey on the eighth day of the Russo-Ukrainian war. Of the 27 509 cohort participants from the general population, 19 444 (70.7%) responded within 17 days. We measured mental health and fear of the impact of war compared with other fears (natural disasters or health-related).

Results

In a subsample of 4441 participants assessed twice, anxiety in the population (measured by the Generalised Anxiety Disorder-7 screener) was higher in the first weeks of war than during the strongest COVID-19 restrictions. Anxiety was elevated across the whole age spectrum, and the mean was above the cut-off for mild anxiety. Over 95% of participants expressed various degrees of fear of the impact of war, whereas the percentage for other investigated fears was 0.47–0.82. A one-point difference in the fear of the impact of war was associated with a 2.5 point (95% CI 2.42–2.58) increase in anxiety (11.9% of the maximum anxiety score). For emotional distress, the increase was 0.67 points (0.66–0.68) (16.75% of the maximum score).

Conclusions

The population in Germany reacted to the Russo-Ukrainian war with substantial distress, exceeding reactions during the strongest restrictions in the COVID-19 pandemic. Fear of the impact of war was associated with worse mental health.
The Management of Pregnant Trauma Patients: A Narrative Review
Authors: Lopez Carmen E. , Salloum Joe , Varon Albert J. , Toledo Paloma , Dudaryk Roman
Published: April 2023

Trauma is the leading nonobstetric cause of maternal death and affects 1 in 12 pregnancies in the United States. Adhering to the fundamentals of the advanced trauma life support (ATLS) framework is the most important component of care in this patient population. Understanding the significant physiologic changes of pregnancy, especially with regard to the respiratory, cardiovascular, and hematologic systems, will aid in airway, breathing, and circulation components of resuscitation. In addition to trauma resuscitation, pregnant patients should undergo left uterine displacement, insertion of 2 large bore intravenous lines placed above the level of the diaphragm, careful airway management factoring in physiologic changes of pregnancy, and resuscitation with a balanced ratio of blood products. Early notification of obstetric providers, initiation of secondary assessment for obstetric complications, and fetal assessment should be undertaken as soon as possible but without interference to maternal trauma assessment and management. In general, viable fetuses are monitored by continuous fetal heart rate for at least 4 hours or more if abnormalities are detected. Moreover, fetal distress may be an early sign of maternal deterioration. When indicated, imaging studies should not be limited out of fear for fetal radiation exposure. Resuscitative hysterotomy should be considered in patients approaching 22 to 24 weeks of gestation, who arrive in cardiac arrest or present with profound hemodynamic instability due to hypovolemic shock.
The Antinociceptive Activity of (E)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-N-(p-tolyl)acrylamide in Mice Is Reduced by (E)-3-(furan-2-yl)-N-methyl-N-(p-tolyl)acrylamide Through Opposing Modulatory Mechanisms at the α7 Nicotinic Acetylcholine Receptor
Authors: Arias Hugo R. , Tae Han-Shen , Micheli Laura , Yousuf Arsalan , Manetti Dina , Romanelli Maria Novella , Ghelardini Carla , Adams David J. , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

The primary objective of this study was to characterize the pharmacological and behavioral activity of 2 novel compounds, DM497 [(E)-3-(thiophen-2-yl)-N-(p-tolyl)acrylamide] and DM490 [(E)-3-(furan-2-yl)-N-methyl-N-(p-tolyl)acrylamide], structural derivatives of PAM-2, a positive allosteric modulator of the α7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor (nAChR).

METHODS:

A mouse model of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain (2.4 mg/kg, 10 injections) was used to test the pain-relieving properties of DM497 and DM490. To assess possible mechanisms of action, the activity of these compounds was determined at heterologously expressed α7 and α9α10 nAChRs, and voltage-gated N-type calcium channel (CaV2.2) using electrophysiological techniques.

RESULTS:

Cold plate tests indicated that 10 mg/kg DM497 was able to decrease neuropathic pain in mice induced by the chemotherapeutic agent oxaliplatin. In contrast, DM490 induced neither pro- nor antinociceptive activity but inhibited DM497’s effect at equivalent dose (30 mg/kg). These effects are not a product of changes in motor coordination or locomotor activity. At α7 nAChRs, DM497 potentiated whereas DM490 inhibited its activity. In addition, DM490 antagonized the α9α10 nAChR with >8-fold higher potency than that for DM497. In contrast, DM497 and DM490 had minimal inhibitory activity at the CaV2.2 channel. Considering that DM497 did not increase the mouse exploratory activity, an indirect anxiolytic mechanism was not responsible for the observed antineuropathic effect.

CONCLUSIONS:

The antinociceptive activity of DM497 and the concomitant inhibitory effect of DM490 are mediated by opposing modulatory mechanisms on the α7 nAChR, whereas the involvement of other possible nociception targets such as the α9α10 nAChR and CaV2.2 channel can be ruled out.
Effect of Different Administration Routes of Dexmedetomidine on Postoperative Delirium in Elderly Patients Undergoing Elective Spinal Surgery: A Prospective Randomized Double-Blinded Controlled Trial
Authors: Niu Jing-Yi , Yang Na , Tao Qing-Yu , He Yan , Hou Yong-Bo , Ning Ren-De , Yu Jun-Ma
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

Intravenous dexmedetomidine has been reported to decrease the occurrence of postoperative delirium (POD) in elderly patients. Nevertheless, some previous studies have indicated that intratracheal dexmedetomidine and intranasal dexmedetomidine are also effective and convenient. The current study aimed to compare the effect of different administration routes of dexmedetomidine on POD in elderly patients.

METHODS:

We randomly allocated 150 patients (aged 60 years or more) scheduled for spinal surgery to receive intravenous dexmedetomidine (0.6 μg/kg), intranasal dexmedetomidine (1 μg/kg) before anesthesia induction, or intratracheal dexmedetomidine (0.6 µg/kg) after anesthesia induction. The primary outcome was the frequency of delirium during the first 3 postoperative days. The secondary outcomes were the incidence of postoperative sore throat (POST) and sleep quality. Adverse events were recorded, and routine treatment was performed.

RESULTS:

Compared with the intranasal group, the intravenous group had a significantly lower occurrence of POD within 3 days (3 of 49 [6.1%] vs 14 of 50 [28.0%]; odds ratio [OR], 0.17; 95% confidence intervals [CIs], 0.05–0.63; P < .017). Meanwhile, patients in the intratracheal group had a lower incidence of POD than those in the intranasal group (5 of 49 [10.2%] vs 14 of 50 [28.0%]; OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.10–0.89; P < .017). Whereas, there was no difference between the intratracheal and intravenous groups (5 of 49 [10.2%] vs 3 of 49 [6.1%]; OR, 1.74; 95% CI, 0.40–7.73; P > .017). The rate of POST was lower in the intratracheal group than that in the other 2 groups at 2 hours after surgery (7 of 49 [14.3%] vs 12 of 49 [24.5%] vs 18 of 50 [36.0%], P < .017, respectively). Intravenous dexmedetomidine had the lowest Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index score on the second morning after surgery (median [interquartile range {IQR}]: 4 [3–5] vs 6 [4–7] vs 6 [4–7], P < .017, respectively). Compared with the intranasal group, the intravenous group had a higher rate of bradycardia and a lower incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting (P < .017). The intranasal group was associated with the highest incidence of hypertension (P < .017).

CONCLUSIONS:

For patients aged ≥60 years undergoing spinal surgery, compared with the intranasal route of dexmedetomidine, intravenous and intratracheal dexmedetomidine reduced the incidence of early POD. Meanwhile, intravenous dexmedetomidine was associated with better sleep quality after surgery, and intratracheal dexmedetomidine resulted in a lower incidence of POST. Adverse events were mild in all 3 administration routes of dexmedetomidine.
Precision Mapping of Thalamic Deep Brain Stimulation Lead Positions Associated With the Microlesion Effect in Tourette Syndrome
Authors: Morishita Takashi , Sakai Yuki , Iida Hitoshi , Yoshimura Saki , Fujioka Shinsuke , Oda Kazunori , Tanaka Saori C. , Abe Hiroshi
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:

The microlesion effect refers to the improvement of clinical symptoms after deep brain stimulation (DBS) lead placement and is suggested to indicate optimal lead placement. Very few studies have reported its implications in neuropsychiatric disorders.

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the magnitude of the microlesion effect in Tourette syndrome and the relationship between the microlesion effect and the anatomic location of implanted DBS leads.

METHODS:

Six male patients were included. Their median age at surgery and follow-up period were 25 years (range, 18-47) and 12 months (range, 6-24), respectively. All patients were videotaped pre- and postoperatively, and tic frequencies were counted. We also analyzed the precision of lead placement and evaluated the normative connectome associated with the microlesion area.

RESULTS:

The microlesion effect was observed as an improvement in tic symptoms in all patients, and the long-term clinical outcomes were favorable. The median motor tic frequency was 20.2 tics/min (range, 9.7-60) at baseline and decreased to 3.2 tics/min (1.2-11.3) in patients on postoperative day 1 (P = .043) and to 5.7 tics/min (range, 1.9-16.6) in patients on postoperative day 7 (P = .028). Phonic tic tended to improve immediately after surgery although the changes were not significant. Image analyses revealed that the precise position of the electrode was directed toward the anteromedial centromedian nucleus. Normative connectome analysis demonstrated connections between improvement-related areas and wide areas of the prefrontal cortex.

CONCLUSION:

This study shows that the microlesion effect may seem as an immediate improvement after optimal DBS lead placement in patients with Tourette syndrome.
The Risk of Menstrual Dysfunction Increases for Women during U.S. Army Basic Combat Training
Authors: BOZZINI BRITTANY N. , NGUYEN VY T. , REYNOSO MARINALIZ C. , GUERRIERE KATELYN I. , WALKER LEILA A. , TAYLOR KATHRYN M. , FOULIS STEPHEN A. , BOUXSEIN MARY L. , HUGHES JULIE M. , POPP KRISTIN L.
Published: April 2023

The extent to which the 8-wk U.S. Army Basic Combat Training (BCT) course elicits or exacerbates menstrual dysfunction (MD) and mechanisms behind this dysfunction is not clear.

Purpose

To determine whether changes in menstruation develop in female trainees during BCT and whether changes in body mass, body composition and/or physical activity are associated with menstrual interruption during BCT.

Methods

Female trainees grouped according to self-reported menstrual status in the 12 months before BCT as having regular cycles (RC; n = 352) or MD (n = 97) completed height, body mass, and body composition assessments and questionnaires before and after BCT. Fisher’s exact test and Mann–Whitney U test were used to compare between-group differences in categorical and continuous variables, respectively. Among RC trainees, odds ratios were calculated to examine the influence of changes in body mass, lean mass, and fat mass on a trainee’s likelihood to miss a period during BCT.

Results

There were no differences in race, height, body mass, body mass index, or physical activity history at pre-BCT between RC and MD (P > 0.05). Overall, 86% of trainees experienced changes to menstruation during BCT. RC were more likely than MD to have at least one period during BCT (81% vs 69%, respectively, P = 0.01). Among RC, gaining more body mass and lean mass and losing less fat mass were associated with increased odds of missing a period during BCT.

Conclusions

These findings demonstrate that most female trainees experience menstrual changes during BCT. Menstrual cycle interruptions do not appear to align with loss of body or fat mass.
Dataset of companies’ profitability, government debt, financial statements' key indicators and earnings in an emerging market: Developing a panel and time series database of value-added tax rate increase impacts
Authors: Mgammal Mahfoudh , Al-Matari Ebrahim
Published: April 2023

Company profitability is a crucial indicator that can be used for developing and sustaining trust in accounting information and, thus, inefficient capital markets. Companies with good financial statements' key indicators have a more extensive customer base and can diversify their revenue streams, making them more resilient to economic downturns. Assembling and managing taxes is a critical underpinning to protecting a country's financial intensity and developing a country's tax-system. VAT is a primary source of financial gain in developing nations, which differs from economic income in developed countries, where economic income is primarily derived from tax income. In emerging economies, the existing practice requires firms to effectively and efficiently publish annual-reports and indicators on market-websites, as users rely heavily on timely-information and need it to make decisions. However, these practices fell short of expectations, requiring more research. These variables are crucial for most accounting/economics/taxation research models and the lack of easily attainable data in well-known databases (e.g., ARGAAM; DataStream). This article is primarily a dataset for analysing taxation, performance variables, and key financial-statement indicators. The data describes the raw, combined, and filtered information at the company level, such as company profit and government debt in Saudi Arabia. It combines a firm-level panel dataset sample of company profit that its measures scaled by total assets and include: earnings before interest, taxes, decrease and amortisation, earnings before interest and taxes, earnings after taxes and earnings before taxes—moreover, the time series dataset sample of 11 financial statements' key indicators. The dataset results from 494 company-year observations (226-panel data sample and 268-time series data sample) from 2019 to 2020. Data has been collected from taxation reports, corporate annual reports, ARGAAM database, FinBox database, the Trading Economics database and the Tadawul-market website in Saudi Arabia.
Anti-Black racism in clinical supervision: asynchronous simulated encounters facilitate reflective practice
Authors: Calhoun Amanda J. , Martin Andrés , Adigun Ayodola , Alleyne Shirley D. , Aneni Kammarauche , Thompson-Felix Tara , Asnes Andrea , de Carvalho-Filho Marco A. , Benoit Laelia , Genao Inginia
Published: April 2023

Background

Racist interactions in clinical practice remain a pervasive reality for Black healthcare providers. We sought to develop a framework to inform supervisors’ actions when confronting racism in clinical practice and protecting trainees under their oversight.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in which experienced supervisors responded to seven short, videotaped interactions between: 1) Black trainees and a simulated patient (SP) in a racist role; 2) the trainees and their respective supervisors; and 3) the trainees and their supervisors together with the SP. The clinical exchanges exemplified different types of racist (entrenching) or antiracist (uprooting) behaviors by the supervisors. After viewing each clip, participants wrote their reflections confidentially; they later joined a structured debriefing together. We used thematic analysis to identify supervisors’ behavioral patterns when confronting racist interactions.

Results

Based on the input of 52 participants recruited into five two-hour-long sessions, we categorized the behaviors of supervisors facing anti-Black racial injuries involving learners under their oversight. We organized supervisor behaviors into five interlocking domains, each with a range of possible themes: 1) Joining: from conciliatory to confrontational in communicating with the aggressor; 2) Explicitness: from avoiding to naming racism; 3) Ownership: from individual to shared responsibility of the event and the response to it; 4) Involving: from excusing to including the aggrieved party when confronting the aggressor; and 5) Stance: from protective to paternalistic in supporting the learner’s autonomy.

Conclusions

Our qualitative findings can provide a framework for facilitated discussion toward reflective practice among healthcare providers who may have experienced, witnessed, or intervened in anti-Black racist interactions. They can also help medical educators to inform faculty development to fight anti-Black racism in clinical practice. The video materials we developed are available for viewing and download and can be used or adapted as springboards for reflective discussion or faculty development activities.
Ten practical tips for integration of biochemistry topics into systems-based medical school curriculum
Authors: Kadavakollu Samuel , Kumar Rosie , Aradhyula Likitha , White Shawn , Lamichhane-Khadka Reena , Merino Edward , Boyanovsky Boris
Published: April 2023

Biochemistry is implemented in undergraduate medical school from the very beginning of the curriculum. Achieving a high level of competence in this area strongly influences academic success throughout the entire program. Due to the evaporating nature of this subject, medical students struggle to retain biochemistry concepts across the two years of their preclinical courses, especially while preparing for their board examinations. Therefore, the curriculum should be designed strategically to effectively implement the ever-growing field of biochemistry and metabolic pathways across the preclinical years of medical education. We propose a broadened integration of biochemistry by providing clinically correlated metabolic concepts which spiral across multiple domains, thus deepening and solidifying students’ understanding of pathology and etiology. This approach may help medical students retain their subject expertise and understand the complex material in the clinical context to minimize rote memorization. We hope to encourage medical educators, course directors, and curriculum administrators to utilize these tips to augment their biochemistry instruction in medical education.
Technical Note—Pricing in On-Demand and One-Way Vehicle-Sharing Networks
Authors: Benjaafar Saif , Shen Xiaobing
Published: April 2023

In this paper, we introduce a new method for evaluating the performance of static pricing in one-way vehicle-sharing systems. Our approach, based on a well-known recursive relationship, leads to a series of increasingly tight bounds on the performance of the static pricing policy. These bounds are valid for systems with multiple locations, nonzero travel times, and an arbitrary number of vehicles. They also apply to systems where the static pricing policy does not lead to a fully connected network. Our method results in a family of asymptotically optimal static pricing policies that improve upon previous results in the literature. The approach applies to the case of a single location and yields a bound that is at least as tight as the best known bound.
COVID-19 Reseach: The impact on babies and families
Authors: Johnson Louisa
Published: April 2023

In this final part of the series investigating the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on families with babies Louisa Johnson, Early childhood studies graduate, explores the national lockdowns and easing of restrictions.
Economic analysis of dairy production in Uganda, a case study on the performance of dairy cattle enterprises in Southwestern Uganda
Authors: WAISWA DENIS , GÜNLÜ AYTEKIN
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Waiswa D, Günlü A. 2022. Economic analysis of dairy production in Uganda, a case study on the performance of dairy cattle enterprises in Southwestern Uganda. Asian J Agric 6: 61-67. The economic performance of dairy cattle enterprises in Southwestern Uganda was analyzed in this study. A survey was conducted on 100 dairy cattle enterprises in Mbarara, Kiruhura, Lyantonde, Ibanda, and Isingiro Districts using data compilation forms covering the 2019/20 production year. The unit production cost of milk was determined as US$0.19L-1. Veterinary expenses had the largest share of the production costs at 24.94%, followed by labor costs, depreciation of the inventory value, other expenses, and feed costs, which contributed 14.11%, 12.46%, 11.96%, and 11.41%, respectively. Additional costs included the depreciation of animals, electricity and water, buildings, equipment and machinery, maintenance-repair, and general administrative expenses, which contributed 9.95%, 7.86%, 2.54%, 2.29%, and 2.48% to the total production costs, respectively. As a result, while the net profit of the enterprises was determined as US$1435.29, their financial profitability was 0.59, the profitability factor was 12.20, and the output-input ratio was 1.06. The overall profitability of the enterprises was affected mainly by the high veterinary expenses due to the high prevalence rates of tick-borne infections and the irrational distribution of capital elements. Therefore, measures to reduce the occurrence of tick-borne diseases are considered vital in lowering milk production costs, thereby increasing the profitability of enterprises.
Assessment of the acute toxicity of agrochemicals on earthworm (Aporrectodea caliginosa) using filter paper contact and soil mixing tests
Authors: EL-ASWAD AHMED FARAHAT , FOUAD MOHAMED RIAD , ALY MAHER IBRAHIM
Published: April 2023

Abstract. El-Aswad AF, Fouad MR, Aly MI. 2023. Assessment of the acute toxicity of agrochemicals on earthworm (Aporrectodea caliginosa) using filter paper contact and soil mixing tests. Asian J Agric 7: 14-19. Earthworms are suitable bioindicators of chemical contamination in terrestrial ecosystems. Therefore, adult earthworms (Aporrectodea caliginosa Savigny, 1826), which are common in Egyptian rice fields were used to study the side effects of fenitrothion and thiobencarb. Also, it was used two common Egyptian soil types; alluvial soil (clay soil) and the calcareous soil (sandy clay loam soil). Two tests were used; filter paper contact test at 24, 48 and 72 h, and the soil mixing test at 5 and 10 days. The effect of both pesticides on mortality of earthworm was insignificant at 24 h with a low mortality percentage. LC50 value of fenitrothion and thiobencarb were 83.16, 288.26, 24.67, and 39.98 µg a.i mL-1 at 48 and 72 h, respectively. Based on the LC50 values, fenitrothion was 3.5 and 1.6 times more toxic than thiobencarb at 48 and 72 h, respectively. At 5 and 10 days after treatment, respectively, the LC50 for fenitrothion in the soil mixing test decreased from 334.27 to 55.45 in clay soil and from (415.90) to (25.00) in sandy soil. Regarding to fenitrothion in soil mixing test, the LC50 was reduced from 334.27 to 55.45 in clay soil and from 415.90 to 25.00 in sandy soil at 5 and 10 days after treatment, respectively. Also, the LC50 of thiobencarb in clay soil was decreased from 0.93 to 0.41 and from 55.28 to 10.65 at 5 and 10 days, respectively. In general, a positive relation was recorded between the tested pesticide toxicity on earthworm and concentrations, and also exposure time. Fenitrothion was more toxic on earthworm in contact filter paper test than thiobencarb. While, in clay soil, fenitrothion was least toxic to the earthworm in soil mixing test, this could be attributed to the slow degradation in the worms and subsequently less elimination of the metabolites as well as attributed to its higher adsorption and lower desorption in soil.
Comprehensive evaluation and economic analysis in some barley genotypes under soil salinity
Authors: MARIEY SAMAH A. , EL-BIALY MAHA A. , KHEDR RANIA A. , MOHAMED EMAN N. , MELEHA AHMED M. I. , KHATAB ISMAEL A.
Published: April 2023

Abstract. Mariey SA, El-Bialy MA, Khedr RA, Mohamed EN, Meleha AMI, Khatab IA. 2023. Comprehensive evaluation and economic analysis in some barley genotypes under soil salinity. Asian J Agric 7: 20-33. Soil salinity is one of the abiotic stresses that cause a significant reduction in barley production. Understanding the phenotypic and genetic diversity among Barley genotypes is necessary to improve barley salt tolerance. Herne comprehensive sets of morph-physiological, grain quality traits and Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers combined with economic analysis were done to determine the phenotypic and genetic variation of eight barley genotypes under salinity stress during seasons 2019/2020 and 2020/2021. High genetic variation was observed among studied genotypes for all measured traits. Salinization caused a significant increase in (Sodium content, soluble carbohydrate content, and crude protein content %) in sensitive genotypes (Giza 132 and line 1). SSRs markers generated clear patterns with high polymorphism with 31 alleles by an average of 2.07 alleles per locus. Out of 15 SSR markers, nine (Bmac 0209, Bmag 0011, Bmag 125, Bmac 0871, Bmag 770, Bmac 701, Bmag 0387, Bmac316, and Bmag 0009) were highly useful in distinguishing tolerant and sensitive Barley genotypes. Soil salinity decreased the benefit-cost ratio for Giza 123,136 and 137, which appear beneficial as salt-tolerant cultivars. Those cultivars had low reductions for almost studied traits and had the highest grain yield production due to increasing the farmer's income under salt affect area.