bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Affecting the Development of Cystoid Macular Edema Following Pars Plana Vitrectomy with Silicone Oil Placement: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: ElSheikh Reem H. , Zhang Sairi , Chauhan Muhammad Z. , Sanders Riley N. , Uwaydat Sami H.
Published: June 2024

Background: Cystoid macular edema (CME) can develop following silicone oil placement in complex vitreoretinal surgeries, contributing to poor visual outcomes. In this study, we investigated the clinical and surgical characteristics associated with the development of CME following the use of silicone oil (SO) in pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) surgeries.
Methods: We conducted a retrospective chart review of patients who underwent implantation of SO during PPV from 2014 to 2020 by a single surgeon. Patient demographics, type of oil, duration of oil tamponade, retinectomy size, diabetic status, lens status, prior panretinal photocoagulation, visual acuity, and incidence of CME were reviewed.
Results: This study included 43 eyes from 40 patients who underwent SO tamponade for retinal detachment (RD) surgery. The mean duration of SO tamponade was 15.7±12.7 months (range: 1-58 months). The most common indication for surgery was diabetic tractional RD (32.7%), followed by traumatic RD (16.3%) and rhegmatogenous RD with proliferative vitreoretinopathy (11.6%). Of the 43 eyes, 18 (41.9%) developed CME for the first time after PPV with SO placement, with 8 (44%) resolving within a year of oil removal. The mean duration for the development of CME was 9 months. A logistic regression model showed that a scleral buckle procedure and poor initial vision were statistically significant factors for predicting the development of CME (ORs: 11.65 and 16.06, respectively). Overall, 91% of the patients had stable or improved vision after surgery.
Conclusions: The use of a scleral buckle procedure and poor initial vision are significant factors for predicting CME following silicone oil tamponade in PPV surgeries, with 41.9% of patients developing CME with an average duration of 9 months. Recognizing such factors can lead to early monitoring and prompt management of CME.
In Search of the Perfect Model: How Cancer Cell Lines Relate to Native Cancers
Authors: Paloots Rahel , Yang Ziying , Baudis Michael
Published: June 2024

Cancer cell lines are frequently used in biological and translational research to study cellular mechanisms and explore treatment options. However, cancer cell lines may display mutational profiles divergent from native cancers or may be misidentified or contaminated. We explored how similar cancer cell lines are to native cancers to find the most suitable representations for the corresponding diseases by utilising large collections of copy number variation (CNV) profiles and applied machine learning (ML) algorithms to predict cell line classifications.
Our results confirm that cancer cell lines indeed accumulate more mutations compared to native cancers but retain similar CNV profiles. We demonstrate that many relevant oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes are altered by CNV events in both cancers and their corresponding cell lines. Based on the similarities between the two groups and the predictions of the ML model, we provide some recommendations about cell lines with good potential to represent selected cancer types in in vitro studies.
Association between the stress hyperglycemia ratio and all-cause mortality in critically ill patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Zhang Yaxin , Yin Xinxin , Liu Tingting , Ji Wenwen , Wang Guangdong
Published: June 2024

Background
The Systolic Hypertension Ratio (SHR) is established as a reliable marker for assessing the severity of stress-induced hyperglycemia. While its effectiveness in managing critical ill patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke (AIS) remains to be fully understood. We aim to explore the relationship between SHR and clinical prognosis in critically ill AIS patients and to assess how diabetes status influences this relationship.
Methods
In this study, we analyzed data from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) database, selecting patients with severe AIS who required ICU admission. These patients were categorized into quartiles based on their SHR levels. We applied Cox hazard regression models and used restricted cubic spline (RCS) curves to investigate relationships between outcomes and SHR.
Results
The study enrolled a total of 2029 patients. Cox regression demonstrated that a strong correlation was found between increasing SHR levels and higher all-cause mortality. Patients in the highest two quartiles of SHR experienced significantly elevated 30-day and 90-day mortality rates compared to those in the lowest quartile. This pattern remained consistent regardless of diabetes status. Further, RCS analysis confirmed a progressively increasing risk of all-cause mortality with higher SHR levels.
Conclusion
The findings indicate that SHR is association with increased 30-day and 90-day mortality among AIS patients, underscoring its potential value in risk stratification. Although the presence of diabetes may weaken this association, significant correlations persist in diabetic patients.
A qualitative study assessing acceptability and appropriateness of a technology-assisted mental health intervention by community frontline workers: mPareshan implementation research in rural Pakistan
Authors: Akhtar Samina , Rabbani Fauziah , Nafis Javeria , Siddiqui Amna , Merali Zul
Published: June 2024

Background
With a shortage of mental health specialists and a significant rural population in Pakistan, leveraging community-based healthcare workers becomes crucial to address mental health needs. Equipping the healthcare workers with digital tools such as mobile applications have the potential to increase access to mental health support in low-resource areas. This study examines the acceptability, appropriateness, barriers, and facilitators to implementing a technology-assisted mental health intervention (mPareshan) delivered by Lady Health Workers (LHWs) in rural Pakistan.
Methods
This is a qualitative study embedded within a larger implementation research trial assessing the feasibility of an mHealth intervention aimed at improving anxiety and depression. 8 focus group discussions and 18 in-depth interviews were conducted. Perceptions were sought before and after intervention from stakeholders comprising of policymakers, LHWs, Lady Health Supervisors (LHSs), and community participants. Data underwent thematic analysis using the RE-AIM framework.
Results
Six main themes emerged from the data. All participants had realization of rising burden of mental illnesses and identified key determinants for mental ill-health. Delivery of mental health counselling by LHWs through a technology-assisted intervention was deemed acceptable and appropriate. LHWs were considered capable and trustworthy by the community to deliver a home-based mHealth intervention, given their easy accessibility as residents of the same community. The technology demonstrated potential for easy adoption as these frontline health workers were already familiar with smartphone technology. Some barriers identified during implementation roll-out included heavy workload of LHWs and difficulty in internet connectivity. Use of videos for counselling, and supportive supervision by LHSs emerged as key facilitators for implementation.
Conclusion
This study highlights that a technology-focused mental health intervention is feasible, acceptable, and appropriate to be implemented by community frontline workers in resource-constrained rural Pakistani settings. The mPareshan intervention can be easily adopted within the LHW-P. Further research should investigate how implementation barriers can be addressed for successful delivery.
Mapping impacts of alien species on biodiversity in the face of climate change
Authors: Kumschick Sabrina , Journiac Lysandre , Boulesnane-Genguant Océane , Botella Christophe , Pouteau Robin , Rouget Mathieu
Published: June 2024

Risk maps are a useful tool to prioritise sites for management and allocate resources where they are most needed as they can show us where impacts of biological invasions are most likely to happen or expected to be largest. Given the pace of global changes, we need to understand not only the risks under current conditions, but future risks taking into account aspects such as climate change. In this study, we use Australian acacias alien to South Africa as a case study to model their potential distribution under climate change scenarios, and map their potential impacts and the uncertainty related to variability across socio-economic pathways and climatic models, to help us set better priorities for the future. We found that although climatic suitability and therefore the potential high risk area is predicted to decrease under climate change, the highly vulnerable fynbos biome remains an area with high projected impacts. We found that potential impacts would decrease under climate change within protected areas of the Western Cape. However, in this province, national parks and other areas with high levels of protection would experience greater impacts than private protected areas of lower protection status. This can help us prioritise management actions and aid the development of suitable plans to protect biodiversity not only under current, but also future climate conditions.
Osteoarthritis-related knee pain: MRI-guided focused ultrasound ablation treatment
Authors: Tiegs-Heiden Christin A , Long Zaiyang , Lu Aiming , Gorny Krzysztof R , Hesley Gina K
Published: June 2024

Osteoarthritis of the knee is a common cause of pain, functional disability, and reduced quality of life in the elderly. Despite its prevalence, there are limited currently available noninvasive treatment options. MRI-guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) is a noninvasive thermal ablation method which is used in a spectrum of musculoskeletal conditions. It is FDA approved for the treatment of painful bone metastases and osteoid osteoma, and has been considered for the treatment of other painful conditions such as osteoarthritis. The purpose of this case report is to describe the use of MRgFUS for the treatment of osteoarthritic knee pain in a 72-year-old male. The patient led an active lifestyle, however suffered significant limitations due to lateral knee pain with jogging and walking down the stairs. MRgFUS ablation treatment was performed to the lateral knee, targeting the periosteum in the patients’ area of pain. Following treatment, he experienced considerable reduction in his activity limiting symptoms with a duration of at least 6 months. Similar pain reduction was observed in two small series of MRgFUS treatment of knee pain from Japan. It is important for radiologists to be aware of MRgFUS as an innovative ablation modality. MRgFUS appears promising as a safe, non-invasive treatment option for temporary relief of knee pain. This may be particularly valuable for patients who are unwilling or unable to undergo total knee arthroplasty.
Mycorrhizal fungus Rhizophagus irregularis protects olive trees from Verticillium wilt and promotes growth
Authors: BOUTAJ HANANE , Abdelilah Meddich , Said Wahbi , Zainab El Alaoui-Talibi , Allal Douira , Abdelkarim Filali-Maltouf , Cherkaoui El Modafar
Published: June 2024

Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungus (AMF) Rhizophagus irregularis and its interaction with Verticillium dahliae were investigated in the susceptible olive "Picholine Marocaine" cultivar under controlled conditions. Olive plants were first inoculated with R. irregularis for three months, and then infected with V. dahliae. The present study assessed the impact of this combined inoculation on root colonization, plant growth parameters, nutrient uptake, and disease tolerance. Results showed that R. irregularis significantly increased mycorrhizal colonization in terms of vesicles and arbuscules compared to non-mycorrhizal controls, even in the presence of V. dahliae. This enhanced colonization was associated with improved plant growth, including increased shoot and root length, number of leaves and branches, and total dry biomass. Furthermore, R. irregularis significantly reduced disease severity as measured by dwarfing and leaf alteration indices. Mycorrhizal inoculation also led to a substantial increase in nutrient uptake, particularly potassium, calcium, and available phosphorus, in both shoots and roots of olive plants. Interestingly, sodium uptake was higher in plants solely colonized by R. irregularis, suggesting potential influence on specific nutrient dynamics. In general, this study demonstrates that R. irregularis can effectively promote root colonization, enhance plant growth and nutrient uptake, and significantly improve disease tolerance against Verticillium wilt in susceptible olive cultivars.
The effect of practicing selected sports on the value of the COP index
Authors: Hawrylak Arletta , Demidaś Aneta , Hawrylak Adam
Published: June 2024

Center of pressure (COP) analysis is a method used in postural control research. The purpose of this study was to determine whether training for a marathon and powerlifting could affect the value of COP in static and dynamic testing assessed with the FreeMed ground reaction force platform. A barometric mat was used to evaluate COP values, using Free Step computer software. The study was performed in three groups: marathon runners (M, n = 31), powerlifters (PL, n = 24), and a control group (C, n = 30). Basic descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation) were calculated for COP in the static, anteroposterior (AP), and mediolateral (ML) directions, followed by dynamic test variables for the dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) lower limb. One-factor ANOVA, two-factor MANOVA, and r-Pearson correlation coefficient between COP and D, as well as ND lower limbs in the three study groups, were calculated. No statistically significant differences were observed between the means of the COP in the groups studied in the static test. A statistically significant difference between the COP of the D and ND lower limb (p < 0.001) was observed in the dynamic test only in the M group. In this study, there was a high correlation between the lower limbs tested only in the PL group. Conclusions. Only in the M group, statistically significant differences between the D and ND lower limbs were found in the dynamic study. These athletes developed specific postural strategies characterized by the difference between the length of the sway path between the D and ND lower limbs.
Morphological variations of fissures, lobes, and hilar pattern of the lung in a select South African sample
Authors: Mpolokeng Kentse , Petersen Megan , Seleka Refilwe
Published: June 2024

Introduction:
The lungs are essential respiratory organs divided into lobes by the horizontal and oblique fissures. The mediastinal surface of each lung consists of the hilum which allows the bronchus, pulmonary vein, and pulmonary artery to enter and exit. This study aims to investigate and record the variations in the morphology of lung fissures, lobes, and hilar patterns observed in a South African sample.
Methods and Materials:
This was a cross-sectional observational study with a descriptive analysis. A total of 48 formalin-fixed bodies comprising females (n = 24) and males (n = 24) from the Department of Human Biology at the University of Cape Town were studied. The fissures were classified according to the Craig and Walker criteria. Permission to conduct the study was given by the Cadaveric Research Governance Committee: CRGC 2023/006.
Results and Discussion
The Craig and Walker classification was used to describe the frequencies of variations observed in the study. 25 right sided and 30 left sided lungs had incomplete oblique fissures. Incomplete horizontal fissures were observed in 39 right lungs. One right lung had both an absent horizontal and oblique fissure. Accessory fissures were found in five right and 7 left lungs. Regarding the hilar pattern, variations were seen in the number and arrangement of structures of both the right and left lungs.
Conclusion
Variations in the completeness of fissures as well as the hilar pattern are a common occurrence. Thus, surgeons and radiologist need to be aware of these morphological variations as they may cause misdiagnosis and complications during surgical procedures.
Eating behavior patterns, metabolic parameters and circulating oxytocin levels in patients with obesity: an exploratory study
Authors: Elena Colonnello , Flavia Libotte , Davide Masi , Mariaignazia Curreli , Chandra Massetti , Orietta Gandini , Elena Gangitano , Mikiko Watanabe , Stefania Mariani , Lucio Gnessi , Carla Lubrano
Published: June 2024

Purpose.
Obesity is a complex heterogeneous disease often associated with dysfunctional eating behavior patterns. Oxytocin (OT) is a neurohormone involved in the regulation of energy metabolism and eating behavior. The aim of the present study was to evaluate in a population of patients with obesity circulating levels of OT and dysfunctional eating behaviors in relation to anthropometric, hormonal and metabolic parameters.
Methods.
A prospective, observational, single-center study was conducted at the Center of High Specialization for the Care of Obesity of Sapienza University of Rome. Adult subjects with Body Mass Index (BMI) ≥ 30 kg/m2 were recruited. Body Impedance Assessment (BIA), biochemical and hormonal parameters, plasma OT concentration analysis and the Eating Behaviors Assessment for Obesity (EBA-O) questionnaire were evaluated.
Results.
A total of 21 patients, 16 females and 5 males, with a mean age of 45.7 ± 15.1 years, mean BMI of 40.89 ± 8.02 Kg/m2 and plasma OT concentration of 1365.61 ± 438.03 pg/mL were recruited. The dysfunctional eating behavior traits investigated by the EBA-O appear significantly associated with metabolic derangements. In particular, night eating is associated with alterations in lipid metabolism (p < 0.01). Circulating OT correlates positively with BMI (r = 0,43; p < 0.05), and Hepatic Steatosis Index (HIS) (r = 0.46; p < 0.05), while its role in subjects with obesity and alterations in glucose metabolism is less clear. Interestingly, circulating OT levels < 1312.55 pg/mL may be predictive of food addiction (100% sensitivity; 62.5% specificity).
Conclusions
Despite the need for larger studies to confirm their validity, the clinical utility of the EBA-O and circulating OT in identifying dysfunctional eating behaviors appears promising.
Comparative cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy versus standard chemotherapy in first-line treatment for extensive-stage small cell lung cancer: perspectives from the U.S. and Chinese healthcare systems
Authors: Lang Wenwang , Ai Qi , He Yulong , Pan Yufei , Jiang Qinling , Ouyang Ming , Sun Tianshou
Published: June 2024

Background
Tislelizumab combined with chemotherapy has shown significant clinical benefits in improving overall survival compared to chemotherapy alone for patients with extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).
Aim
This study aimed to evaluate its cost-effectiveness for both US and Chinese ES-SCLC patient populations.
Method
We conducted an economic evaluation using a Markov state-transition model, reflecting the perspectives of US and Chinese healthcare payers. Baseline patient characteristics and essential clinical data were obtained from the RATIONALE-312 trial. The costs and utilities were derived from open-access databases and published literature. The primary outcomes measured included quality-adjusted life years (QALYs), incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER), incremental net health benefit (INHB), and incremental net monetary benefit (INMB). Uncertainties in the model were addressed by probabilistic sensitivity analysis (PSA) and one-way sensitivity analysis (OWSA).
Results
In the base-case analysis, the addition of tislelizumab to chemotherapy provided an incremental gain of 0.27 QALYs at an additional cost of $8,352.18, resulting in an ICER of $31,136.52 per QALY. Although below the willingness-to-pay (WTP) threshold of China of $38,042.49 per QALY, the cost-effectiveness was marginal, with an INHB of 0.05 QALYs and an INMB of $1,852.49. In the US, despite a slightly higher effectiveness gain of 0.29 QALYs, the increased cost of $45,157.35 resulted in an unfavorable ICER of $157,117.67 per QALY, exceeding the US WTP threshold of $150,000.00. PSA showed probabilities of cost-effectiveness of tislelizumab plus chemotherapy at 92.52% in China and 44.07% in the US.
Conclusions
Tislelizumab with chemotherapy may be a cost-effective first-line treatment option for ES-SCLC in China but not the US, highlighting significant geographical disparities in healthcare economics.
Temporal Trends in Lower Extremity Amputation in Middle East and North Africa (MENA) Region: Analysis of the GBD Dataset 1990 - 2019
Authors: Al-Ajlouni Yazan A. , Abouzid Mohamed , Tanashat Mohammad , Basheer Ahmed Ahmed , Ta’ani Omar Al , Bilgin-Badur Naciye , Islam Mohammad
Published: June 2024

Background Lower extremity amputations (LEAs) significantly contribute to mortality and morbidity, often resulting from peripheral artery disease and diabetes mellitus (DM). Traumatic injuries also account for many LEAs. Despite the global burden, the epidemiology of LEAs, particularly in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, remains underexplored. This study utilizes the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) dataset to analyze temporal trends in LEAs in the MENA region from 1990 to 2019. Methods The study utilized the 2019 GBD dataset, which includes estimates for incidence, prevalence, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) across 369 diseases. Age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for LEAs were extracted for 21 MENA countries. Trends were analyzed using percentage change calculations and Joinpoint regression to identify significant shifts in LEA rates over time. Results From 1990 to 2019, male LEA rates generally decreased, while female rates increased. Significant increases in LEA rates were observed in Syria, Yemen, and Afghanistan, correlating with periods of conflict and instability. Conversely, countries like Iraq, Palestine, Sudan, Lebanon, Iran, and Kuwait saw marked decreases. The study highlighted a complex interplay of socio-political factors, natural disasters, and chronic diseases like DM in shaping LEA trends across the region. Conclusion The study reveals variable LEA trends in the MENA region, influenced by conflicts, natural disasters, and chronic diseases. These findings underscore the need for targeted public health interventions, improved healthcare access, and robust data collection systems to reduce the burden of LEAs and improve patient outcomes in the MENA region.
Reaching the Unreachable: A mixed-method evaluation of multidimensional healthcare model addressing the healthcare service gaps in hard-to-reach Northern Riverine Bangladesh
Authors: Sajib Md Refat Uz Zaman , Hasan Kamrul , Hayder Tanvir , Hasan A M Rumayan , Rahman Md. Musfikur , Ether Saraban , Rahman Atia , Tanwi Tania Sultana , Rahman Fariya , Sayeed Abu , Bari Sanwarul , Rahman Syed Moshfiqur , Arifeen Shams El , Ahmed Anisuddin
Published: June 2024

Background
Remote and hard-to-reach riverine communities of northern Bangladesh face unique challenges in health care services. Friendship, an international social purpose organization, has implemented a 3-tier health care model addressing these unique challenges over the past 20 years. This study evaluates Friendship’s 3-tier health care model, focusing on general health care service-seeking practices, beneficiary and stakeholder perspectives, and cost benefits.
Methods
A mixed-method approach was employed, including desk reviews, a cross-sectional quantitative survey, and qualitative interviews with service recipients, community representatives, health care providers, and health managers. Data were collected from five hard-to-reach riverine sub-districts across Kurigram, Gaibandha, Bogura, Sirajganj, and Jamalpur districts of Bangladesh between April 2022 and July 2023. Data analyses followed major thematic domains for a comprehensive and complementary understanding.
Results
A significant proportion (43.0%) of survey participants had no formal education, were aged 18–35 (57.5%), and earned less than 1,620 USD yearly (66.6%). Friendship's health care services at doorstep through satellite clinics and Female Community Medic Aides are widely accepted and preferred within the community for convenience, affordability (0.05–0.09 USD service charges), and superior quality, particularly the specialized treatments available on the hospital ships.
Conclusion
The 3-tier health care model offers a wide range of services, including ante- and post-natal care, family planning, and specialized treatment, complemented by nutrition demonstrations and community-based health awareness initiatives. With generalized acceptance among the target communities, Friendship's 3-tier health care model has made primary health care accessible and affordable. Upon implementing a robust referral mechanism and continuing collaboration with the Government of Bangladesh, this model has the potential to be effective in similar settings in Bangladesh and other developing countries, as well as during emergency responses.
Bias in data-driven estimates of the reproducibility of univariate brain-wide association studies.
Authors: Burns Charles D. G. , Fracasso Alessio , Rousselet Guillaume A.
Published: June 2024

Recent studies have leveraged consortium neuroimaging data to answer an important question: how many subjects are required for reproducible brain-wide association studies? These data-driven approaches could be considered a framework for testing the reproducibility of several neuroimaging models and measures. Here we test part of this framework, namely estimates of statistical errors of univariate brain-behaviour associations obtained from resampling large datasets with replacement. We demonstrate that reported estimates of statistical errors are largely a consequence of bias introduced by random effects when sampling with replacement close to the full sample size. We show that future meta-analyses can largely avoid these biases by only resampling up to 10% of the full sample size. We discuss implications that reproducing mass-univariate association studies requires tens-of-thousands of participants, urging researchers to adopt other methodological approaches.
A Biodynamics Inspired Routing Algorithm for Energy Harvesting-aided 3-D Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Hao Sheng , Chen Rui , Hong Yong , Cui Jianqun , Zhen Li
Published: June 2024

Energy Harvesting (EH) has emerged as a signiffcant technology capable of constructing future wireless sensor networks (WSNs). Although a signiffcant body of studies has focused on designing routing algorithms for EH-aided WSN so that the harvested energy can be efffciently used, most of them do not adequately consider energy overffow and waste caused by the limited battery capacity and data buffer. In addition, these works only concentrated on twodimensional (2-D) plane scenario. In practical environment, sensor nodes are generally deployed in three-dimensional (3-D) space. In light of the above limitations, a brand-new biodynamics inspired energy-efffcient routing algorithm used for EH-aided 3-D WSN is proposed (BDRATD for short). Firstly, through fully considering the spatial distribution of nodes (including planar and vertical dimensionality), we design a classiffed channel model adapted to 3-D spatial communication conditions. On this basis, an energy assessment model is is built to determine the energy state of nodes. Next, we establish a buffer queuing model to detect the blocking level of nodes. Combining the above models, we further consider the inffuence of IEEE 802.11b medium access control (MAC) protocol, and design an idle energy prediction mechanism to improve power utilization. With the help of hemodynamics, we provide the path selection strategy of BDRA-TD for EH-aided 3-D WSN. Moreover, we analyze the complexity of our algorithm and demonstrate it has convergent property. Extensive simulation results show that our algorithm performs superior in terms of average end-to-end delay, average energy dissipation, packet success ratio, average residual energy and acceptable performance in average energy variance compared to other algorithms.
Aesthetic Changes of Edentulous Patients Before and After Full-arch Implant Restoration by 3D Facial Scanning
Authors: Ma Hongyang , Wu Yuwei , Cao Jia , Han Yu , Deng Xuliang , Tang Zhihui
Published: June 2024

Background:
Edentulous patients often experience psychological occlusal fatigue, dysphonia and facial deformity which severely decreased quality of life. Recovery of facial aesthetic is one of important concerns of dentulous patients, however, traditional two-dimensional pictures are not enough to accurately evaluate the three-dimensional changes in patients after full-arch implant restoration. Facial scanning technology, a cutting-edge validation method for facial transformation evaluation device, makes it possible to realize high-precision facial scanning and measuring.
Methods:
Edentulous patients were prospectively enrolled in this study. Preoperative and postoperative Cone beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) and intra-oral scans were obtained for each patient. The CBCT and intra-oral images were then imported into the three dimensional (3D) facial scanner, where they were reconstructed into three-dimensional models for evaluation.
Results:
A total of 10 patients were included in this study. All edentulous patients underwent three-dimensional facial scanning before and after implant restoration and were evaluated for facial aesthetic parameters. The mean age of the patients was 64.9 ± 11.4 years (range, 38–78 years), and the mean follow-up time was 12 months (range, 3–24 months). All patients had satisfactory outcomes without major complications. This method accurately validates the postoperative facial transformation in all patients. All measured aesthetic parameters suggest that the patient received a very favorable improvement in the contour of the face.
Conclusions:
By a high precision scanner that oral implant restorations can effectively improve the convexity of the lower third of the face and lips in edentulous jaw patients, thus realizing an improvement in facial aesthetics.
Adherence to Iron-Folic Acid Supplementation and Associated Factors Among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic In Shashemene town Health Facility, Southeast Ethiopia,2024; Facility based cross-sectional Study
Authors: washo Assefa , Tsegaye Ashenafi
Published: June 2024

Background; Pregnant women are at a high risk of anemia, with iron-folate deficiency being the most common cause of anemia among pregnant women. Despite the well-known importance of iron and folic acid supplementation (IFAS) during pregnancy, adherence to these supplements is relatively low and associated factors were not well identified in the study area. The aim of this study was to assess Iron - Folic Acid Supplementation adherence and Associated Factors among Pregnant Women Attending Antenatal Clinic in Shashemene town public health facilities, Southeast Ethiopia; 2024. Method Facility-based cross-sectional study design was employed selecting 415 pregnant women attending antenatal care services in four public health institutions of Shashemene town. Health facility were selected by simple random sampling using lottery method. Based on quarterly report of population size, proportion to sample size allocation made at each selected health facilities. Finally, pregnant women who visited for Antenatal care service at selected health facilities during data collection period were consecutively included in the study. Data were collected by interview. Then it was entered into EPI Data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 27 for analysis. Bivariate and multivariate binary logistic regression techniques were used to identify independent predictors. A p-value < 0.05 was taken as indication of statistical significance Results The overall adherence status of pregnant women attending antenatal clinic was found to be 66.5%. Participating on pregnant mother conference (AOR = 5.39, 95%CI: 3.29–8.83), having less than four children (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI (1.12, 3.13) and good knowledge of IFAS (AOR = 2.61, 95% CI (1.51, 4.53), were statistically and positively associated with pregnant mothers adherence to iron and folic acid supplementation. Conclusions The study revealed a notably high adherence to iron-folic acid (IFA) supplementation among the women included, surpassing rates observed in both national and international studies. Factors contributing to this included receiving information and education on IFA supplementation during pregnant mother conferences conducted by health professionals, possessing knowledge about IFAS, and having fewer than or equal to four children. Intervention strategies targeting these factors are strongly recommended to sustain and potentially increase mothers' adherence to IFA supplementation.
Ecosystem transformation upon Aptian seawater ingress into the Proto-South Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Ma Jian , Cury Leonardo , Rumbelsperger Anelize , Albrecht Heidi , Adams Erwin , Amthor Joachim , Cui Xingqian , Cremiere Antoine , Sato Kei , Bergmann Kristin , Summons Roger
Published: June 2024

The early evolution of the South Atlantic Ocean following the Cretaceous break-up of Gondwana is extensively recorded in rift basins along the conjugate margins of Africa and Brazil. For the Brazil margin, divergent views of the source and pathway of the initial seawater incursion persist due to a paucity of recognized transitional sequences that document marine transgressive deposits over the continental interior. To address this, we conducted a high-resolution sedimentological and geochemical study through a core in the Campos Basin that encompasses the key lithologic switch from lacustrine carbonate to marine evaporite settings. Steroid lipid biomarkers, derived from marine algae, make a striking appearance in concert with a pronounced negative shift of 87Sr/86Sr ratios and coincident with the appearance of anhydrite. Importantly, the sulfur-sequestered biomarkers reveal a dynamic system where redox-stratified and anoxic conditions were amplified along with a deepening chemocline through the marine transition.
Prediction of early postoperative functional outcomes in patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage: a Chinese bicenter retrospective study
Authors: Chu Liang , Qi Ming , Ding Yingying , Jiang Kuan , Lu Yunpeng , Cao Kan , Wu Da
Published: June 2024

Objectives
This study aims to analyze the early functional outcomes of patients with aneurysmal subarachnoid hemorrhage (aSAH) undergoing endovascular coiling or surgical clipping, and to construct predictive models based on both treatment modalities.
Materials and Methods
Patients diagnosed with aSAH were recruited from two Chinese hospitals between 1st January ,2015 and 31st December,2022. These patients were categorized into two groups: the endovascular coiling group and the surgical clipping group. Independent risk factors were determined using Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator regression and multivariate logistic regression. The relative weights of these significant factors were computed, and nomograms were developed accordingly. Subsequent validation analyses were conducted to assess the performance of the nomograms.
Results
Multifactorial analyses revealed that Hunt-Hess grade, GCS score, mFS, D-dimer, age, and body temperature can predict early functional outcomes of endovascular coiling (all P values < 0.05), while Hunt-Hess grade, GCS score, mFS, and D-dimer can predict early functional outcomes of surgical clipping (all P values < 0.05). Further computation of weights showed that the contributions of Hunt-Hess grade, mFS, GCS score and D-dimer were 32.78%, 31.99%, 4.63% and 13.73%, respectively, for endovascular coiling, and 33.55%, 38.02%, 8.44% and 19.99% for surgical clipping. Nomograms were constructed for the endovascular coiling and surgical clipping groups, and their discriminative ability and clinical utility were validated using ROC curves, calibration curves, and DCA curves, demonstrating good performance.
Conclusion
This study developed predictive nomogram models for early functional outcomes of patients with aSAH undergoing endovascular coiling or surgical clipping. It underscores the significance of scoring systems and clinical parameters (such as D-dimer), showing strong clinical utility.
Enhancing the Validity of the SARC-CalF Questionnaire with a Sit-to-Stand Question for Sarcopenia Screening
Authors: Kingpetch Kanaungnit , Mungcharoenporm Isaya
Published: June 2024

The SARC-CalF questionnaire is a screening tool for sarcopenia, but its sensitivity remains limited. To enhance the sensitivity of this questionnaire for sarcopenia screening, we modified it by incorporating a question about the 5-time sit-to-stand test and renamed it the "SARC-CalF-STS questionnaire". This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic validity of the SARC-CalF-STS questionnaire for screening sarcopenia among elderly individuals. The SARC-CalF-STS questionnaire was tested on outpatients aged ≥ 60 years who had visited at our hospital. Sarcopenia diagnosis was established by measuring the appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASM) using Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DXA) scans and handgrip strength. Diagnoses were based on the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS) 2019 criteria. The study included 170 participants with a mean age of 68.8 ± 6.4 years. The prevalence of sarcopenia was found to be 20.59%. The SARC-CalF-STS questionnaire demonstrated a sensitivity of 77.1%, specificity of 54.1%, positive predictive value of 30.3%, and negative predictive value of 90.1%. The SARC-CalF-STS questionnaire displayed relatively high sensitivity, suggesting that it may serve as a potentially valuable initial screening tool for sarcopenia, especially among elderly female populations.
Construction of an Aspergillus oryzae △nptB△pyrG host for homologous expression of Aspergillus oryzae lipase and catalytic properties characterization of recombinant lipase
Authors: Zhang Yueting , Nie Hongmei , Zhang Fei , Jin Mengmeng , Wang Zhao , zheng jianyong
Published: June 2024

Aspergillus oryzae is an ideal cell factory for protein expression with powerful protein processing and secretion capabilities, and is suitable for expression of fungus-derived proteins. The current study aimed to explore the homologous expression of A. oryzae lipase AOL (GenBank: KP975533) by constructing an auxotrophic A. oryzae △pyrG△nptB, and subsequently characterizing the immobilization and catalytic properties of recombinant lipase. Initially, the pyrG gene knocked out in wild-type A. oryzae by homologous recombination of the transformed linearized fragments, followed by the creation of a uridine/uracil auxotroph transformation. Through this system, the protease gene nptB was precisely knocked out, leading to a substantial decrease in extracellular (39.04%) and intracellular (90.07%) protease activity. The A. oryzae △nptB△pyrG strain was used as host for homologous expression of lipase AOL. The engineered A. oryzae AOL-8 was screened out, which exhibiting extracellular and intracellular lipase activities of 1.75 U/mL and 46.4 U/g, respectively. Quantitative PCR analysis revealed that the lipase gene copy number in the engineered strain AOL-8 was 14. Subsequently, the production and immobilization of the recombinant lipase, via physical adsorption on macroporous resin, was achieved through submerged fermentation of the AOL-8 strain. The esterification catalytic properties of recombinant lipase with carboxylic acid and short-chain alcohols were characterized. The results indicated that the lipase exhibited optimal catalytic activity with lauric acid and methanol as substrates, a reaction temperature of 35°C, and n-hexane as the preferred solvent medium.
Protocol for a Study Investigating Context-Specific Sedentary Behaviors and Cardiometabolic Health in College-Based Young Adults (CONTEXT-SB)
Authors: Diana Jake C. , Chauntry Aiden J. , Cowley Emma , Paterson Craig , Struder Jeb , Pagan-Lasalle Patricia , Meyer Michelle L. , Lin Feng-Chang , Moore Justin B. , Hanson Erik D. , Stoner Lee
Published: June 2024

Background
Sedentary behavior (SB) is detrimental to cardiometabolic disease (CMD) risk, which can begin in young adulthood. To devise effective SB-CMD interventions in young adults, it is important to understand which context-specific sedentary behaviors (CS-SB) are most detrimental for CMD risk, the lifestyle behaviors that co-exist with CS-SBs, and the socioecological predictors of CS-SB.
Methods
This longitudinal observational study will recruit 500 college-aged (18–24 years) individuals. Two laboratory visits will occur, spaced 12 months apart, where a composite CMD risk score (e.g., arterial stiffness, metabolic and inflammatory biomarkers, heart rate variability, and body composition) will be calculated, and questionnaires to measure lifestyle behaviors and different levels of the socioecological model will be administered. After each visit, total SB (activPAL) and CS-SB (television, transportation, academic/ occupational, leisure computer, “other”; ecological momentary assessment) will be measured across seven days.
Discussion
It is hypothesized that certain CS-SB will show stronger associations with CMD risk, compared to T-SB, even after accounting for coexisting lifestyle behaviors. It is expected that a range of intra-individual, inter-individual, and physical environment socioecological factors will predict CS-SB. The findings from this study will support the development of an evidence-based, multi-level intervention to target SB reduction and mitigate CMD risk in CBYA.
Mitigating COVID-19-Related Depression: A Meta-Analysis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Efficacy with Subgroup Analysis
Authors: Jumadi Jumadi , Puspita Kartika , Anasanti Mila Desi
Published: June 2024

Background
Amidst the global prevalence of COVID-19, depression has emerged as a leading mental health concern, underscoring the urgent need to address psychological distress during this public health crisis. Despite its widespread impact, there is a notable dearth of research focusing on interventions tailored specifically for COVID-19 patients.
Objective
Against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic's profound effect on mental health, particularly concerning depression, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) in mitigating psychological distress among individuals affected by COVID-19.
Method
A comprehensive literature search was conducted across multiple databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, Crossref, and Web of Science, adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) meeting the inclusion criteria were selected for analysis. Cochrane's Risk of Bias (RoB) tool was utilized to ensure rigorous evaluation. Subgroup meta-analysis was employed to explore variations in treatment effects among different demographic or clinical subgroups, including factors such as country of origin, age groups, duration of therapy sessions, and baseline assessment scores. A random-effects model was utilized to assess the standard deviation from the mean (SMD) and its associated p-value for meta-analysis.
Results
A total of 30 RCTs were included in the analysis, comprising 12,428 depression patients during the COVID-19 pandemic. Subgroup analysis revealed significant variations across countries. Despite differences, all studies demonstrated low bias risk. The forest plot indicated a significant reduction in depression scores post-CBT intervention (p = 0.0002, SMD: 1.27, 95% CI: 0.61; 1.93). Subgroup analyses based on therapy duration and assessment methods showed consistent reductions in depression scores across different lengths of therapy and assessment tools: 6-week (SMD: -0.09 [-0.32; 0.14]), 8-week (SMD: -0.26 [-0.74; 0.22]), 1-week (SMD: -0.09 [-0.21; 0.03]), 2-week (SMD: 0.04 [-0.11; 0.19]), and 12-week (SMD: -0.14 [-0.27; -0.01]). These results highlight CBT's efficacy in managing COVID-19-related depression.
Conclusions
CBT significantly reduces depression scores among individuals with COVID-19-related depression, highlighting its effectiveness across diverse populations and treatment durations.
Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation in Trauma: A single-center review
Authors: Ahlqvist Mathias , Forsman Pär , Morberg Pål , Larsson Magnus , Broman Lars Mikael , Akram Shahzad
Published: June 2024

Purpose
Globally, trauma is a leading cause of death in young adults. The use of extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) in the trauma population remains controversial due to the limited published research. This study aimed to analyze 30-day survival of all the trauma ECMO patients at our center, with respect to injury severity score (ISS), new injury severity score (NISS).
Methods
We performed a retrospective analysis of all trauma patients receiving ECMO support at a Level 1 trauma center in Sweden between 1997 and 2019.
Results
A total of 53 trauma patients received ECMO support. Eighty-five percent were male; the median age was 24, with interquartile range (IQR) 17–44 years. More than 70% were multi-trauma patients. The mean NISS and ISS were 50 (IQR:34–57) and 42 (IQR:33–57), respectively. Sixty-two percent were supported on veno-arterial ECMO with a survival benefit for veno-venous ECMO (75% vs. 36%, respectively (p = 0.01)). There was no association between severity in terms of trauma-score and survival. Sixteen patients (30%) were cannulated at referring hospitals and transported to our unit on ECMO with a survival of 69%, similar to those cannulated in-house. Sixty percent of patients survived ECMO, and 51% survived to hospital discharge.
Conclusions
This study indicates that trauma patients benefit from ECMO, independent of severity. Furthermore, our results support ECMO transport as feasible in trauma patients. We recommend larger multi-center studies to determine which trauma patients would have the greatest benefit of ECMO.
Animal pollination contributes to more than half of Citrus production
Authors: MONASTEROLO MARCOS , Ramírez-Mejía Andrés Felipe , Cavigliasso Pablo , Schliserman Pablo , Chavanne Valentina , Carro Claudia Melissa , Chacoff Natacha Paola
Published: June 2024

Animal pollination is crucial for the reproduction and economic viability of a wide range of crops. Despite the existing data, the extent to which citrus crops depend on pollinators to guarantee fruit production still needs to be determined. Here, we described the composition of flower visitors in citrus (Citrus spp.) from the main growing areas of Argentina; moreover, we combined Bayesian models and empirical simulations to assess the contribution of animal pollination on fruit set and yield ha− 1 in different species and cultivars of lemon, grapefruit, mandarin, and orange in the same regions. Honeybee (A. mellifera L.) was the most commonly observed visitor, followed by a diverse group of insects, mainly native bees. Regardless of citrus species and cultivars, the probability of flowers setting fruit in pollinated flowers was 2.4 times higher than unpollinated flowers. Furthermore, our simulations showed that about 60% of the citrus yield ha− 1 can be attributable to animal pollination across all species and cultivars. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain environments that support pollinator diversity and increase consumer and to producer awareness and demand in order to ensure the significant benefits of animal pollination in citrus production.