bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of bird assemblage structures and diversity patterns between seasons among two Ethiopian wetlands
Authors: Awash Numeri , Tekalign Wondimagegnehu
Published: March 2023

Wetlands are significant habitats for bird populations, and knowledge of the diversity and other ecological aspects of bird species contribute to the management of the ecosystem. The present study was based on comparative studies of the diversity and relative abundance of bird species in the two wetlands of southwest Ethiopia. The point count method was utilized in this study. For the data analysis, the Shannon–Weaver diversity index, independent sample t-test, and similarity index were employed. A total of 36 bird species under 11 orders and 24 families were identified. The species diversity and relative abundance were higher in both wetlands during the wet season. The Loga wetland had the higher diversity (H’ = 3.089), whereas the lowest species diversity (H’ = 2.643) was recorded in the wetland of Hurri. During the dry season, the Loga wetland (H’ = 2.738) and the Hurri habitat (H’ = 2.283) had higher and lower diversity, respectively. Seasonal variations in bird species diversity are not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Although the two wetlands support several water birds, they have received no conservation attention from concerned bodies. Further follow-up studies over a long period will help determine species-specific conservation measures for wetland-dependent birds.
A multidimensional review of the cash management problem
Authors: Salas-Molina Francisco , Rodríguez-Aguilar Juan A. , Guillen Montserrat
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we summarize and analyze the relevant research on the cash management problem appearing in the literature. First, we identify the main dimensions of the cash management problem. Next, we review the most relevant contributions in this field and present a multidimensional analysis of these contributions, according to the dimensions of the problem. From this analysis, several open research questions are highlighted.
Arterial stiffness and its associations with left ventricular diastolic function according to heart failure types
Authors: Kim Hack-Lyoung , Chung Jaehoon , Han Seokmoon , Joh Hyun Sung , Lim Woo-Hyun , Seo Jae-Bin , Kim Sang-Hyun , Zo Joo-Hee , Kim Myung-A
Published: March 2023

Background

Little is known about the characteristics of arterial stiffness in heart failure (HF). This study was performed to compare the degree of arterial stiffness and its association with left ventricular (LV) diastolic function among three groups: control subjects, patients with HF with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), and patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF).

Methods

A total of 83 patients with HFrEF, 68 patients with HFpEF, and 84 control subjects were analyzed. All HF patients had a history of hospitalization for HF treatment. Brachial-ankle pulse wave velocity (baPWV) measurement and transthoracic echocardiography were performed at the same day in a stable condition.

Results

The baPWV was significantly higher in patients with both HFrEF and HFpEF compared to control subjects (1,661 ± 390, 1,909 ± 466, and 1,477 ± 296 cm/sec, respectively; P < 0.05 for each). After adjustment of age, baPWV values were similar between patients with HFrEF and HFpEF (P = 0.948). In the multiple linear regression analysis, baPWV was significantly associated with both septal e′ velocity (β = –0.360, P = 0.001) and E/e′ (β = 0.344, P = 0.001). However, baPWV was not associated with either of the diastolic indices in HFrEF group. The baPWV was associated only with septal e′ velocity (β = –0.429, P = 0.002) but not with E/e′ in the HFpEF group in the same multivariable analysis.

Conclusions

Although arterial stiffness was increased, its association with LV diastolic function was attenuated in HF patients compared to control subjects. The degree of arterial stiffening was similar between HFrEF and HFpEF.
Patient engagement in a national research network: barriers, facilitators, and impacts
Authors: Gonzalez Miriam , Ogourtsova Tatiana , Zerbo Alix , Lalonde Corinne , Spurway Amy , Gavin Frank , Shikako Keiko , Weiss Jonathan A. , Majnemer Annette
Published: March 2023

Background

Little is known about patient engagement in the context of large teams or networks. Quantitative data from a larger sample of CHILD-BRIGHT Network members suggest that patient engagement was beneficial and meaningful. To extend our understanding of the barriers, facilitators, and impacts identified by patient-partners and researchers, we conducted this qualitative study.

Methods

Participants completed semi-structured interviews and were recruited from the CHILD-BRIGHT Research Network. A patient-oriented research (POR) approach informed by the SPOR Framework guided the study. The Guidance for Reporting Involvement of Patients and the Public (GRIPP2-SF) was used to report on involvement of patient-partners. The data were analyzed using a qualitative, content analysis approach.

Results

Twenty-five CHILD-BRIGHT Network members (48% patient-partners, 52% researchers) were interviewed on their engagement experiences in the Network’s research projects and in network-wide activities. At the research project level, patient-partners and researchers reported similar barriers and facilitators to engagement. Barriers included communication challenges, factors specific to patient-partners, difficulty maintaining engagement over time, and difficulty achieving genuine collaboration. Facilitators included communication (e.g., open communication), factors specific to patient-partners (e.g., motivation), and factors such as respect and trust. At the Network level, patient-partners and researchers indicated that time constraints and asking too much of patient-partners were barriers to engagement. Both patient-partners and researchers indicated that communication (e.g., regular contacts) facilitated their engagement in the Network. Patient-partners also reported that researchers’ characteristics (e.g., openness to feedback) and having a role within the Network facilitated their engagement. Researchers related that providing a variety of activities and establishing meaningful collaborations served as facilitators. In terms of impacts, study participants indicated that POR allowed for: (1) projects to be better aligned with patient-partners’ priorities, (2) collaboration among researchers, patient-partners and families, (3) knowledge translation informed by patient-partner input, and (4) learning opportunities.

Conclusion

Our findings provide evidence of the positive impacts of patient engagement and highlight factors that are important to consider in supporting engagement in large research teams or networks. Based on these findings and in collaboration with patient-partners, we have identified strategies for enhancing authentic engagement of patient-partners in these contexts.
Rationale and design of a cardiac safety study for reduced cardiotoxicity surveillance during HER2-targeted therapy
Authors: Yu Anthony F. , Dang Chau T. , Jorgensen Justine , Moskowitz Chaya S. , DeFusco Patricia , Oligino Eric , Oeffinger Kevin C. , Liu Jennifer E. , Steingart Richard M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Echocardiograms are recommended every 3 months in patients receiving human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapy for surveillance of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Efforts to tailor treatment for HER2-positive breast cancer have led to greater use of non-anthracycline regimens that are associated with lower cardiotoxicity risk, raising into question the need for frequent cardiotoxicity surveillance for these patients. This study seeks to evaluate whether less frequent cardiotoxicity surveillance (every 6 months) is safe for patients receiving a non-anthracycline HER2-targeted treatment regimen.

Methods/design

We will enroll 190 women with histologically confirmed HER2-positive breast cancer scheduled to receive a non-anthracycline HER2-targeted treatment regimen for a minimum of 12 months. All participants will undergo echocardiograms before and 6-, 12-, and 18-months after initiation of HER2-targeted treatment. The primary composite outcome is symptomatic heart failure (New York Heart Association class III or IV) or death from cardiovascular causes. Secondary outcomes include: 1) echocardiographic indices of left ventricular systolic function; 2) incidence of cardiotoxicity, defined by a ≥ 10% absolute reduction in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) from baseline to < 53%; and 3) incidence of early interruption of HER2-targeted therapy.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this will be the first prospective study of a risk-based approach to cardiotoxicity surveillance. We expect findings from this study will inform the development of updated clinical practice guidelines to improve cardiotoxicity surveillance practices during HER2-positive breast cancer treatment.

Trial registration

The trial was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov registry (identifier NCT03983382) on June 12, 2019.
Acute hypoxemia due to right-to-left shunt via a patent foramen ovale during left internal thoracic artery to left anterior descending artery anastomosis in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting: a case report
Authors: Okutomi Yuki , Sajima Takeyuki , Yasuda Atsushi , Sawamura Shigehito
Published: March 2023

Background

A right-to-left shunt via a patent foramen ovale (PFO) during off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) may result in difficulties in oxygenation and circulatory management. We herein present a case of a marked shunt via a PFO during OPCAB.

Case presentation

A 74-year-old man who had aortic root enlargement, compressing the right atrium, and an atrial septal aneurysm, underwent OPCAB. When the heart was fixed for the anastomosis of the left anterior descending artery, sudden hypoxemia and hypotension were observed. Intraoperative transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) showed a right-to-left shunt via a PFO that was unnoticed preoperatively. After the anastomosis was completed, TEE revealed no shunt through the PFO.

Conclusions

We should check for a PFO in case of an atrial septal aneurysm. Compression of the right atrium is considered an important anatomical risk of the right-to-left shunt in OPCAB.
The stagnation of innovation in humanitarian cash assistance
Authors: Monich Alex , Holm-Nielsen Pablo V. , Raju Emmanuel
Published: March 2023

Cash and voucher assistance (CVA) has been gaining traction among humanitarian organizations as the preferred aid modality in disaster relief and complex emergencies. While the advantages of cash are well documented, the ongoing digitalization of cash and the emergence of innovative financial instruments can be associated with new operational challenges and a stagnation in innovation.

This paper reflects on the changing environment in CVA as a result of technological breakthroughs in the global financial system. The concept of humanitarian innovation is introduced to differentiate it from a similar process in the private sector and to investigate factors, contributing to a slower pace of acceptance, a reluctant implementation, or a complete rejection of innovative approaches in the humanitarian organization. The purpose of the study is to conceptualize the challenges of new technology adoption and scaling, as well as to analyze the direction and current stage of the diffusion of innovation in the humanitarian sphere.

Ten interviews with informants representing humanitarian agencies and the private sector were conducted to discuss their experiences with new CVA tools and perspectives on innovation in cash and voucher assistance. The results demonstrate that there is no uniform perception of innovation across the field, and the challenges of diffusion can be associated with several domains, including internal and external capacities, inherent characteristics of new financial technology (fintech), and a wider social, political, and regulatory context. According to the cyclical model of technological change, the innovative CVA fintech is currently at the ferment stage characterized by a high level of uncertainty and competition. The subsequent emergence of several dominant designs followed by incremental innovation is plausible in the future.
Future of myocardial infarction mortality in Iran: a scenario-based study
Authors: Alizadeh Gisoo , Gholipour Kamal , Kazemi Shishavan Maryam , Dehnavieh Reza , Goharinejad Salime , Arab-Zozani Morteza , Khosravi Mohammad Farough , Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim
Published: March 2023

This study defines futures myocardial infarction landscapes and proposes a few policy options to reduce the burden of cardiovascular diseases using the scenario development method. We identified the effective drivers of myocardial infarction by reviewing the literature and completed the returned list with “experts” opinions. The results were classified using the STEEP (Social, Technological, Environmental, Economic, and Political) framework. We plotted the critical uncertainties in a two-dimensional ranking of “effect” and “uncertainty” levels. Eleven drivers with uncertainty and high potential impact were selected and categorized into three groups: Political Development, Access to health services, and Self-Care. Scenarios were developed, and 3 scenarios (optimistic, pessimistic, and possible) were selected based on scoring. For each scenario, policy options were formulated. Utilizing the capacity of Non-Governmental Organizations and charities and strengthening restrictive and punitive legislation was chosen as policy options for addressing possible scenarios. Building infrastructure and improving prevention services, designing and regenerating curative infrastructure were selected as optimal strategies for addressing issues related to the optimistic scenario. Strengthening restrictive and punitive legislation related to community health and population empowerment were proposed as critical policy options for health improvement regarding the pessimistic scenario. Increasing people’s participation, strengthening infrastructure and punitive policies can be effective in Myocardial infarction mortality prevention policies in Iran.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Sexual reproductive health service utilization and associated factors among undergraduate students of Addis Ababa University in Ethiopia
Authors: Mekbib Bethel , Demissei Dereje Bayissa
Published: March 2023

Background

Making clinical services attractive to the younger generation has remained a challenge. Students in higher education continue to underutilize sexual and reproductive health services. This group is exposed to a very hostile environment and has a highly mobile and unprotected lifestyle, often resulting in an early sexual debut, physical and drug abuse, and sexually transmitted infections.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess sexual reproductive health services and associated factors among undergraduate students of Addis Ababa University 2022.

Method

An Institution-based cross-sectional study was been conducted among 419 randomly selected students and data were collected by using semi-structured and pre-tested questionnaire. Data were entered to Epi info data 7.0 and exported to SPSS version 21.0 for further analysis. Both binary and multiple logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors at P < 0.05 with 95% CI and AOR.

Results

When queried, all 419 youths agreed to participate in the study, for a response rate of 100%. The mean age of the respondents was 22 years. The majority of respondents (371, 88.5%) were between the ages of 19 and 24, and 221 (52.7%) were female. More than half of those polled (273, or 65.2%) were third-year students, while 59, or 14.1%, were first-year students. About 206 (49.2%) of participants lived with their father and mother, but 138 (32.9%) had never discussed sexual and reproductive health. Finally, 205 respondents (or 48.9%) had ever used the Sexual and Reproductive Health Services. College of business (AOR (95% CI) 3.546 (1.62–7.79), respondents who live with only their mother (AOR (95% CI) 9.37 (2.78–31.51) and who live alone (AOR (95% CI) 5.75 (2.40–13.79), positive attitude toward SRHS (AOR (95% CI) 3.15 (1.71–5.80), good knowledge (AOR (95% CI) 4.16 (2.27–7.64), frequency of discussing SRHS(AOR (95% CI) 1.93 (1.12–3.346), Convenient location of youth RHs (AOR (95% CI) 8.31 (1.61–42.93), Fee of RH services (AOR (95% CI) 12.34 (6.48–23.49) and Satisfied to received RH services (AOR (95% CI) 4.59 (2.54–8.33) were independent predictors of utilized SRHS among undergraduate students.

Conclusion and recommendation

The prevalence of utilization of sexual and reproductive health services was determined to be low in this study, with identified factors increasing the likelihood of utilization being attitude, knowledge, satisfaction, discussion, fee for RH services, and location, in that order. On the other hand, poor knowledge and a negative attitude toward SRHS posed risks that contributed to reproductive health issues, so we worked on advocating for services that were available in a nearby location and raising awareness. Therefore, policymakers and health planners would be better off strengthening the urgent need to ensure adequate SRHS, knowledge, and attitude building among undergraduate students in higher education in Ethiopia.
Synthesis of [18F]FMISO, a hypoxia-specific imaging probe for PET, an overview from a radiochemist’s perspective
Authors: Kniess Torsten , Zessin Jörg , Mäding Peter , Kuchar Manuela , Kiss Oliver , Kopka Klaus
Published: March 2023

Background

[18F]fluoromisonidazole ([18F]FMISO, 1H-1-(3-[18F]fluoro-2-hydroxypropyl)-2-nitroimidazole) is a commonly used radiotracer for imaging hypoxic conditions in cells. Since hypoxia is prevalent in solid tumors, [18F]FMISO is in clinical application for decades to explore oxygen demand in cancer cells and the resulting impact on radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Results

Since the introduction of [18F]FMISO as positron emission tomography imaging agent in 1986, a variety of radiosynthesis procedures for the production of this hypoxia tracer has been developed. This paper gives a brief overview on [18F]FMISO radiosyntheses published so far from its introduction until now. From a radiopharmaceutical chemist’s perspective, different precursors, radiolabeling approaches and purification methods are discussed as well as used automated radiosynthesizers, including cassette-based and microfluidic systems.

Conclusion

In a GMP compliant radiosynthesis using original cassettes for FASTlab we produced [18F]FMISO in 49% radiochemical yield within 48 min with radiochemical purities > 99% and molar activities > 500 GBq/µmol. In addition, we report an easy and efficient radiosynthesis of [18F]FMISO, based on in-house prepared FASTlab cassettes, providing the radiotracer for research and preclinical purposes in good radiochemical yields (39%), high radiochemical purities (> 99%) and high molar activity (> 500 GBq/µmol) in a well-priced option.
Restricting the distribution of visual attention reduces cybersickness
Authors: Yip Sai Ho , Saunders Jeffrey Allen
Published: March 2023

This study investigated whether increased attention to the central or peripheral visual field can reduce motion sickness in virtual reality (VR). A recent study found that increased attention to the periphery during vection was correlated with lower self-reported motion sickness susceptibility, which suggests that peripheral attention might be beneficial for avoiding cybersickness. We tested this experimentally by manipulating visual attention to central vs. peripheral fields during VR exposure. We also measured attention to the periphery during vection and motion sickness susceptibility to attempt to replicate the previous results. In Experiment 1, task-relevant cues to target locations were provided in the central or peripheral field during navigation in VR, and we found no differences in motion sickness. In Experiment 2, attention to the center or periphery was manipulated with a dot-probe task during passive VR exposure, and we found that motion sickness was greater in the condition that required attention to the periphery. In both experiments, there was no correlation between baseline attentional allocation and self-reported motion sickness susceptibility. Our results demonstrate that restricting attention to the central visual field can decrease cybersickness, which is consistent with previous findings that cybersickness is greater with large FOV.
Exploring the relationships between interaction measures and learning outcomes through social network analysis: the mediating role of social presence
Authors: Lim Jieun
Published: March 2023

This research aimed to explore (1) the characteristics and patterns of student interactions on online discussion boards throughout a course using social network analysis (SNA) and (2) the mediating effect of social presence, as the underlying mechanism, on the relationship between these interactions and students' learning outcomes. Eighty-four college students from four classes of a single course responded to an online survey asking about their perceptions of social presence, perceived learning achievement, and course satisfaction. Students’ discussion threads were analyzed using SNA. The results confirmed that social presence mediates relationships between interaction measures and learning outcomes. This research also found that SNA can be a useful tool to monitor the dynamic characteristics and patterns of online discussion interactions among students and support instructors to implement immediate and relevant instruction.
Development and validation of a physical frailty phenotype index-based model to estimate the frailty index
Authors: Pua Yong-Hao , Tay Laura , Clark Ross Allan , Thumboo Julian , Tay Ee-Ling , Mah Shi-Min , Lee Pei-Yueng , Ng Yee-Sien
Published: March 2023

Background

The conventional count-based physical frailty phenotype (PFP) dichotomizes its criterion predictors—an approach that creates information loss and depends on the availability of population-derived cut-points. This study proposes an alternative approach to computing the PFP by developing and validating a model that uses PFP components to predict the frailty index (FI) in community-dwelling older adults, without the need for predictor dichotomization.

Methods

A sample of 998 community-dwelling older adults (mean [SD], 68 [7] years) participated in this prospective cohort study. Participants completed a multi-domain geriatric screen and a physical fitness assessment from which the count-based PFP and the 36-item FI were computed. One-year prospective falls and hospitalization rates were also measured. Bayesian beta regression analysis, allowing for nonlinear effects of the non-dichotomized PFP criterion predictors, was used to develop a model for FI (“model-based PFP”). Approximate leave-one-out (LOO) cross-validation was used to examine model overfitting.

Results

The model-based PFP showed good calibration with the FI, and it had better out-of-sample predictive performance than the count-based PFP (LOO-R2, 0.35 vs 0.22). In clinical terms, the improvement in prediction (i) translated to improved classification agreement with the FI (Cohen’s kw, 0.47 vs 0.36) and (ii) resulted primarily in a 23% (95%CI, 18–28%) net increase in FI-defined “prefrail/frail” participants correctly classified. The model-based PFP showed stronger prognostic performance for predicting falls and hospitalization than did the count-based PFP.

Conclusion

The developed model-based PFP predicted FI and clinical outcomes more strongly than did the count-based PFP in community-dwelling older adults. By not requiring predictor cut-points, the model-based PFP potentially facilitates usage and feasibility. Future validation studies should aim to obtain clear evidence on the benefits of this approach.
Routine patient assessment and the use of patient-reported outcomes in specialized palliative care in Japan
Authors: Ito Nao , Ishii Yoko , Aoyama Maho , Abo Hirofumi , Sakashita Akihiro , Matsumura Yuko , Miyashita Mitsunori
Published: March 2023

Background

Discrepancies in symptom assessment between providers and patients are reported in cancer care, and the use of patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) has been recommended for patients receiving palliative care. However, the status of the routine use of PROMs in palliative care in Japan is presently unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to clarify this complex question. To this end, we administered a questionnaire survey either online or via telephone interviews (questionnaire: sent to 427 designated cancer hospitals, 423 palliative care units [PCUs], and 197 home hospices; interviews: conducted at 13 designated cancer hospitals, nine PCUs, and two home hospices).

Results

Questionnaires were returned from 458 institutions (44% response rate). We found that 35 palliative care teams (PCTs, 15%), 66 outpatient palliative care services (29%), 24 PCUs (11%) and one (5%) home hospice routinely used PROMs. The most frequently implemented instrument was the Comprehensive Care Needs Survey questionnaire. Moreover, 99 institutions (92%) that routinely used PROMs responded these instruments as useful in relieving patients’ symptoms; and moreover, the response rate in regard to usefulness in symptom management was higher than that of institutions that did not routinely use PROMs (p = 0.002); > 50% of the institutions that routinely used PROMs stated that use of these instruments was influenced by disease progression and patients’ cognitive function. Moreover, 24 institutions agreed to be interviewed, and interviews demonstrated the benefits of and the barriers to the implementation of PROMs. Effective methods used in the implementation of PROMs were introduced as efforts to reduce the burden placed on patients and to promote healthcare providers’ education in the use of PROMs.

Conclusions

This survey quantified the status of the routine use of PROMs within specialized palliative care in Japan, revealed barriers to wider PROM use, and identified needed innovations. Only 108 institutions (24%) routinely used PROMs within specialized palliative care. Based on the results of the study, it is necessary to carefully consider the usefulness of PROs in clinical palliative care, perform careful selection of PROMs according to the patient's condition, and evaluate how specifically to introduce and operate PROMs.
Are deep models in radiomics performing better than generic models? A systematic review
Authors: Demircioğlu Aydin
Published: March 2023

Background

Application of radiomics proceeds by extracting and analysing imaging features based on generic morphological, textural, and statistical features defined by formulas. Recently, deep learning methods were applied. It is unclear whether deep models (DMs) can outperform generic models (GMs).

Methods

We identified publications on PubMed and Embase to determine differences between DMs and GMs in terms of receiver operating area under the curve (AUC).

Results

Of 1,229 records (between 2017 and 2021), 69 studies were included, 61 (88%) on tumours, 68 (99%) retrospective, and 39 (56%) single centre; 30 (43%) used an internal validation cohort; and 18 (26%) applied cross-validation. Studies with independent internal cohort had a median training sample of 196 (range 41–1,455); those with cross-validation had only 133 (43–1,426). Median size of validation cohorts was 73 (18–535) for internal and 94 (18–388) for external. Considering the internal validation, in 74% (49/66), the DMs performed better than the GMs, vice versa in 20% (13/66); no difference in 6% (4/66); and median difference inAUC0.045. On the external validation, DMs were better in 65% (13/20), GMs in 20% (4/20) cases; no difference in 3 (15%); and median difference inAUC0.025. On internal validation, fused models outperformed GMs and DMs in 72% (20/28), while they were worse in 14% (4/28) and equal in 14% (4/28); median gain in AUC was + 0.02. On external validation, fused model performed better in 63% (5/8), worse in 25% (2/8), and equal in 13% (1/8); median gain in AUC was + 0.025.

Conclusions

Overall, DMs outperformed GMs but in 26% of the studies, DMs did not outperform GMs.
An information-oriented paradigm in evaluating accuracy and agreement in radiology
Authors: Casagrande Alberto , Fabris Francesco , Girometti Rossano
Published: March 2023

The goal of any radiological diagnostic process is to gain information about the patient’s status. However, the mathematical notion of information is usually not adopted to measure the performance of a diagnostic test or the agreement among readers in providing a certain diagnosis. Indeed, commonly used metrics for assessing diagnostic accuracy (e.g., sensitivity and specificity) or inter-reader agreement (Cohen $$\kappa$$
κ
statistics) use confusion matrices containing the number of true- and false positives/negatives results of a test, or the number of concordant/discordant categorizations, respectively, thus lacking proper information content. We present a methodological paradigm, based on Shannon’s information theory, aiming to measure both accuracy and agreement in diagnostic radiology. This approach models the information flow as a “diagnostic channel” connecting the state of the patient’s disease and the radiologist or, in the case of agreement analysis, as an “agreement channel” linking two or more radiologists evaluating the same set of images. For both cases, we proposed some measures, derived from Shannon’s mutual information, which can represent an alternative way to express diagnostic accuracy and agreement in radiology.

Key points

• Diagnostic processes can be modeled with information theory (IT).

• IT metrics of diagnostic accuracy are independent from disease prevalence.

• IT metrics of inter-reader agreements can overcome Cohen κ pitfalls.
Volumetric assessment of canines using post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) for sexual dimorphism in a Malaysian population
Authors: Harudin Mohd Hafizal , Franco Ademir , Jaffar Norhayati , Noor Mohamad Helmee Mohamad , Ibrahim Mohamad Azaini , Manica Scheila
Published: March 2023

Background

Recent research has explored volumetric assessment in three-dimensional (3D) imaging procedures for sexual dimorphism. The 3D techniques have enabled a more realistic, accurate, and non-invasive visualization of sex-related anatomical parameters, such as the size and shape of human teeth.

Aim

To perform sexual dimorphism based on dental tissue volumes of permanent left maxillary and mandibular canines in a Malaysian population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out on 220 post-mortem computed tomography (PMCT) scans of Malaysian subjects (114 males and 106 females) aged between 18 and 40 years old. The permanent left maxillary and mandibular canines were analysed based on the volume of their (I) enamel cap, (II) coronal dentine, and (III) root, as well as the combination between the three dental tissue volumes (DTV). 3D Slicer version 4.10.2 computer software was used to perform a semi-automated segmentation of the anatomic regions of interest of each tooth.

Results

The DTV of the permanent left maxillary and mandibular canines showed sexual dimorphism as the males presented larger DTV than females (p < 0.05). After binary logistic regression, the DTV revealed an overall sex classification rate of 60 to 74.1%. The DTV of the permanent left mandibular canine had more discriminant power to correctly classify males and females compared to the left maxillary canine.

Conclusions

The volumetric assessment of the dental tissues of the permanent left maxillary and mandibular canines could discriminate sex in the Malaysian population. Given the limited classification rate, this approach could act solely as a supplementary tool to existing sex estimation methods.
Role of DSM5 anxious distress specifier interview in acute manic episode: sociodemographic characteristics, clinical presentation and quality of life
Authors: El Sayed Samir , Gomaa Sarah , Al Hazmi Alaa , Sonbol Hassan , ElKalla Ibrahem
Published: March 2023

Background

DSM 5 anxious distress specifier is one of the newly added specifiers for bipolar and related disorders. It may have impacts on the symptoms severity, insight, impulsivity, and different domains of quality of life of acute manic episodes of bipolar disorders. The current study aimed to study the effects of DSM 5 anxious distress specifier in acute manic episodes and its relation to sociodemographic data, clinical characteristics, and quality of life. 380 patients with the diagnosis of acute manic episode were recruited in the study, sociodemographic data, clinical features, DSM 5 anxious distress specifier interview, attitude and insight of the disorder, impulsivity and different aspects of quality of life were also evaluated in those patients.

Results

The studied patients were divided into 2 subgroups according to the presence of high DSM5 anxious distress specifier interview score. The duration of a manic episode (P < 0.001), the severity of the manic episode (P < 0.001), and the presence of psychotic features (P = 0.002) were more common in the subgroup with high DSM 5 anxious distress. DSM 5 anxious distress specifier was severe (P < 0.001) and more frequent (P < 0.001) in the 1st subgroup than the 2nd one. There was a statistically significant difference regarding the attentional facet of the Barratt impulsiveness scale between the studied groups (P = 0.002). In addition, there was a statistically significant difference regarding the mean score (P < 0.001) and severe impairment (P < 0.001) domains of work and social adjustment scale between the 2 subgroups.

Conclusions

DSM 5 anxious distress specifier interview is a very crucial parameter of evaluation the patients with acute manic episodes which may have implications on the clinical presentations, symptoms severity, impulsivity, and variable aspects of quality of life in those patients. All these implications might change the course, prognosis, and outcomes of an acute manic episode of bipolar disorder.
Myasthenia gravis with achalasia secondary to thymoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Haridy Nourelhoda A. , Khedr Eman M. , Hasan Asmaa M. , Maghraby Ahmed A. , Abdelmohsen Essam , Aly AbdelHamid M.
Published: March 2023

Background

Myasthenia gravis is an autoimmune neuromuscular junction disorder characterized by fatigable muscle weakness and autoantibodies. Frequent associations exist between myasthenia gravis and thymic abnormalities, including hyperplasia and thymoma. Several autoimmune illnesses have been identified to be associated with thymoma; however, a few case reports have linked thymoma and achalasia, and the underlying mechanism is unknown.

Case report

A 43-year-old man with thymoma-associated myasthenia gravis presented with dysphagia that was refractory to conventional treatment of myasthenia gravis. This dysphagia was challenging to diagnose even after multiple gastroenterology consults and upper endoscopy. The diagnosis of achalasia type II was established after a comprehensive evaluation, including upper endoscopy, barium swallow, and high-resolution esophageal manometry. The patient underwent elective pneumatic balloon dilatation, which successfully alleviated his dysphagia.

Conclusion

This case confirmed the association between myasthenia gravis secondary to thymoma and achalasia and showed how the diagnosis of achalasia was challenging. Awareness of this association is crucial for early diagnosis and treatment, improving affected patients’ quality of life.
A comprehensive overview on demand side energy management towards smart grids: challenges, solutions, and future direction
Authors: Bakare Mutiu Shola , Abdulkarim Abubakar , Zeeshan Mohammad , Shuaibu Aliyu Nuhu
Published: March 2023

Demand-side management, a new development in smart grid technology, has enabled communication between energy suppliers and consumers. Demand side energy management (DSM) reduces the cost of energy acquisition and the associated penalties by continuously monitoring energy use and managing appliance schedules. Demand response (DR), distributed energy resources (DER), and energy efficiency (EE) are three categories of DSM activities that are growing in popularity as a result of technological advancements in smart grids. During the last century, the energy demand has grown significantly in tandem with the increase in the global population. This is related to the expansion of business, industry, agriculture, and the increasing use of electric vehicles. Because of the sharp increase in global energy consumption, it is currently extremely difficult to manage problems such as the characterization of home appliances, integration of intermittent renewable energy sources, load categorization, various constraints, dynamic pricing, and consumer categorization. To address these issues, it is critical to examine demand-side management (DSM), which has the potential to be a practical solution in all energy demand sectors, including residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural. This paper has provided a detailed analysis of the different challenges associated with DSM, including technical, economic, and regulatory challenges, and has proposed a range of potential solutions to overcome these challenges. The PRISMA reviewing methodology is adopted based on relevant literature to focus on the issues identified as barriers to improving DSM functioning. The optimization techniques used in the literature to address the problem of energy management were discussed, and the hybrid techniques have shown a better performance due to their faster convergence speed. Gaps in future research and prospective paths have been briefly discussed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current DSM implementation and the potential benefits it can offer for an energy management system. This comprehensive review of DSM will assist all researchers in this field in improving energy management strategies and reducing the effects of system uncertainties, variances, and restrictions.
Comparative study of the synovial levels of RANKL and OPG in rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis and osteoarthritis
Authors: Quaresma Thaíse Oliveira , de Almeida Sérgio Couto Luna , da Silva Tarcília Aparecida , Louzada-Júnior Paulo , de Oliveira Renê Donizeti Ribeiro
Published: March 2023

Introduction

In chronic arthropathies, there are several mechanisms of joint destruction. In recent years, studies have reported the implication of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in the process of activation and differentiation of osteoclasts, a key cell in the development of bone erosion. The RANKL/OPG ratio is increased in the serum of patients with malignant diseases and lytic bone disease, as well as rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The objective of this study was to measure and compare the concentrations of OPG and RANKL in the synovial fluid (SF) of patients with rheumatoid arthritis, spondyloarthritis (SpA) and osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods

This was an observational and cross-sectional study with 83 patients, 33 with RA, 32 with SpA and 18 with OA, followed up regularly in the outpatient clinics of the Rheumatology Department of the Clinics Hospital of the Ribeirão Preto Medical School-USP. All patients were assessed for indications for arthrocentesis by the attending physicians at the time of SF collection and were evaluated for demographic variables and medication use. Disease activity was assessed in individuals with RA and SpA. The quantification of SF OPG and RANKL levels was performed by ELISA, and the correlations of the results with clinical, laboratory and radiological parameters were assessed.

Results

We found no statistically significant difference in the RANKL and OPG levels among the groups. Patients with RA showed a positive correlation between the SF cell count and RANKL level (r = 0.59; p < 0.05) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = 0.55; p < 0.05). Patients with OA showed a strong correlation between C-reactive protein (CRP) and the RANKL/OPG ratio (r = 0.82; p < 0.05). There was no correlation between the OPG and RANKL levels and markers of inflammatory activity or the disease activity index in patients with RA or SpA.

Conclusion

Within this patient cohort, the RANKL/OPG ratio was correlated with the SF cell count in patients with RA and with serum CRP in patients with OA, which may suggest a relationship with active inflammation and more destructive joint disease.
A nonsynonymous mutation in an acetolactate synthase gene (Gh_D10G1253) is required for tolerance to imidazolinone herbicides in cotton
Authors: CHEN Tianzi , LING Xitie , YU Yue , ZHANG Baolong
Published: March 2023

Background

Herbicide tolerance in crops enables them to survive when lethal doses of herbicides are applied to surrounding weeds. Herbicide-tolerant crops can be developed through transgenic approaches or traditional mutagenesis approaches. At present, no transgenic herbicide tolerant cotton have been commercialized in China due to the genetically-modified organism (GMO) regulation law. We aim to develop a non-transgenic herbicide-tolerant cotton through ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis, offering an alternative choice for weed management.

Results

Seeds of an elite cotton cultivar Lumianyan 37 (Lu37) were treated with EMS, and a mutant Lu37-1 showed strong tolerance to imidazolinone (IMI) herbicides was identified. A novel nonsynonymous substitution mutation Ser642Asn at acetolactate synthase (ALS) (Gh_D10G1253) in Lu37-1 mutant line was found to be the potential cause to the IMI herbicides tolerance in cotton. The Ser642Asn mutation in ALS did not present among the genomes of natural Gossypium species. Cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (CAPS) markers were developed to identify the ALS mutant allele. The Arabidopsis overexpressing the mutanted ALS also showed high tolerance to IMI herbicides.

Conclusion

The nonsynonymous substitution mutation Ser642Asn of the ALS gene Gh_D10G1253 is a novel identified mutation in cotton. This substitution mutation has also been identified in the orthologous ALS genes in other crops. This mutant ALS allele can be used to develop IMI herbicide-tolerant crops via a non-transgenic or transgenic approach.

Graphical abstract
Dynamics and diversity of symbiotic bacteria in Apolygus lucorum at different developmental stages
Authors: Xue Hui , Zhu Xiangzhen , Wang Li , Zhang Kaixin , Li Dongyang , Ji Jichao , Niu Lin , Gao Xueke , Luo Junyu , Cui Jinjie
Published: March 2023

Background

Apolygus lucorum is a worldwide omnivorous pest damaging a range of crops and causing great economic losses. Symbiotic bacteria living in insects play a key role in the nutrition, physiology, and behavior of hosts. Here, we present an experiment using Illumina HiSeq sequencing targeting the V3–V4 regions of bacteria’s 16S rRNA throughout the entire life cycle of A. lucorum.

Results

The first and second instar nymphs have the largest alpha diversity compared with other life stages of the insect. Bacterial phyla Proteobacteria (72.29%), Firmicutes (15.24%), Actinobacteria (7.76%) exhibit the largest relative abundance in all developmental stages. Erwinia (23.97%) and Lactococcus (10.62%) are the two genera with the highest relative abundance. The relative abundance of Erwinia in the nymph stage is significantly greater than the adult stage, and the relative abundance of Lactococcus in 6-day-old and 9-day-old adult females is higher compared with adult males.

Conclusions

These results reveal that microbial community composition and relative abundance shift dynamically at different life stages, implying that different bacterial phyla and genera may have specific roles in specific life stages such as metabolism, nutrition absorption, detoxification, and reproduction. This study reveals for the first time the community composition and ecological dynamics of symbiotic bacteria throughout the life stages of A. lucorum, and thus may provide insight to new strategies for pest control.
Humans and climate modulate fire activity across Ethiopia
Authors: Harris Lucas B. , Taylor Alan H. , Kassa Habtemariam , Leta Samson , Powell Bronwen
Published: March 2023

Background

Fire occurrence is influenced by interactions between human activity, climate, and fuels that are difficult to disentangle but crucial to understand, given fire’s role in carbon dynamics, deforestation, and habitat maintenance, alteration, or loss. To determine the relative balance of climatic and anthropogenic influences on fire activity, we quantified interannual variability in burned area across Ethiopia from 2001 to 2018 and developed a statistical model to assess climate and human factors contributing to patterns of area burned.

Results

Annual burned area declined nationally and within several regions from 2001 to 2018 and was closely related to climate, particularly antecedent temperature. Of the area that burned at least once, 62% reburned at 1–3-year intervals and the geographic region of frequent-fire areas did not shift over time. Despite increased enforcement of a fire ban over the past 20 years, no strong spatiotemporal shifts in fire occurrence patterns were detected at a national level.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that human influence combined with dynamics of vegetation and fuels strongly influenced fire occurrence in Ethiopia, indicating that geographic variation in cultural fire practices was highly influential and relatively unchanging between 2001 and 2018. In contrast, interannual variability in total burned area was strongly related to climate and the influence of climate on fuel abundance. Our results highlight that climate can strongly influence short-term variability in fire activity even as longer-term patterns may depend more strongly on human influence.
No evidence for associations between brood size, gut microbiome diversity and survival in great tit (Parus major) nestlings
Authors: Liukkonen Martta , Hukkanen Mikaela , Cossin-Sevrin Nina , Stier Antoine , Vesterinen Eero , Grond Kirsten , Ruuskanen Suvi
Published: March 2023

Background

The gut microbiome forms at an early stage, yet data on the environmental factors influencing the development of wild avian microbiomes is limited. As the gut microbiome is a vital part of organismal health, it is important to understand how it may connect to host performance. The early studies with wild gut microbiome have shown that the rearing environment may be of importance in gut microbiome formation, yet the results vary across taxa, and the effects of specific environmental factors have not been characterized. Here, wild great tit (Parus major) broods were manipulated to either reduce or enlarge the original brood soon after hatching. We investigated if brood size was associated with nestling bacterial gut microbiome, and whether gut microbiome diversity predicted survival. Fecal samples were collected at mid-nestling stage and sequenced with the 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing, and nestling growth and survival were measured.

Results

Gut microbiome diversity showed high variation between individuals, but this variation was not significantly explained by brood size or body mass. Additionally, we did not find a significant effect of brood size on body mass or gut microbiome composition. We also demonstrated that early handling had no impact on nestling performance or gut microbiome. Furthermore, we found no significant association between gut microbiome diversity and short-term (survival to fledging) or mid-term (apparent juvenile) survival.

Conclusions

We found no clear association between early-life environment, offspring condition and gut microbiome. This suggests that brood size is not a significantly contributing factor to great tit nestling condition, and that other environmental and genetic factors may be more strongly linked to offspring condition and gut microbiome. Future studies should expand into other early-life environmental factors e.g., diet composition and quality, and parental influences.