bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population-based age- and type-specific prevalence of human papillomavirus among non-vaccinated women aged 30 years and above in Germany
Authors: Liang Linda A. , Tanaka Luana F. , Radde Kathrin , Bussas Ulrike , Ikenberg Hans , Heideman Daniëlle A. M. , Meijer Chris J. L. M. , Blettner Maria , Klug Stefanie J.
Published: September 2024

Background

A persisting high-risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection is causal for cervical cancer; however, there is limited population-based data on the prevalence of HPV infections in Germany. We assessed the age and type-specific HPV prevalence, and associated risk factors in HPV unvaccinated women aged 30 and above.

Methods

The MARZY prospective population-based cohort study was conducted between 2005 and 2012 in Mainz and Mainz-Bingen, Germany. Eligible women were randomly recruited from population registries and invited for cervical cancer screening (n = 5,275). A study swab (liquid-based cytology) was taken and HPV testing was performed with GP5+/6 + polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by genotyping. We assessed HPV types as HR-HPV, ‘moderate’ risk and low-risk (LR-HPV). Logistic regression was performed to identify factors associated with HPV infection, stratified by HPV types.

Results

2,520 women were screened with a valid PCR result. Overall HPV prevalence was 10.6% (n = 266), with 6.5% HR-HPV positive (n = 165), 1.5% ’moderate’ risk type (n = 38) and 3.3% LR-HPV type (n = 84) positive. 8.9% had a single infection (n = 225) and 1.6% had multiple types (n = 41). The most common HR-HPV types were 16, 56, 52 and 31 and LR-HPV 90 and 42. Of 187 HR-HPV infections detected (among 165 women), 55.1% (n = 103) were with HPV types not covered by available bivalent or quadrivalent HPV vaccines. About 23% (n = 43) were of types not covered by the nonavalent vaccine (HPV 35, 39, 51, 56, 59). The HR and LR-HPV prevalence were highest in the age group 30–34 years (HR 9.8%, ‘moderate’ risk 3.0% and LR 5.6%), decreasing with increasing age. HR-HPV prevalence in women with normal cytology was 5.5%. In women with a high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL), prevalence was 66.7%. Women currently not living with a partner and current smokers had increased chances of an HR-HPV infection.

Conclusion

The overall population-based HPV prevalence was relatively high. An important share of prevalent HR-HPV infections constituted types not covered by current HPV vaccines. With the advent of HPV screening and younger vaccinated cohorts joining screening, HPV types should be monitored closely, also in older women who were not eligible for HPV vaccination.
The German version of the Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire: a translation, cross-cultural adaptation, reliability and validity assessment
Authors: Spiller Mark , Ferrari Nina , Joisten Christine
Published: September 2024

Background

Validated and internationally standardised measurement instruments are a prerequisite for ensuring that physical activity during pregnancy is comparable and for deriving physical activity recommendations. In Germany, there has been no adapted version of the internationally used Pregnancy Physical Activity Questionnaire (PPAQ) until now. This study’s aim centred around translating the original English version into German (PPAQ-G) and determining its reliability as well as validity in a German population.

Methods

The PPAQ was translated into German using the forward-backwards technique. Its reliability and validity were tested. Thirty-four correctly completed questionnaires were analysed. The test–retest reliability was presented using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman correlation coefficient. Validity was tested by using accelerometer (n = 23) and determined by Spearman correlation coefficient.

Results

In the transcultural adjustment, two questions were amended to describe intensity more precisely, and two other questions were adapted to reflect the units of measurement used in Germany. The ICC indicated a reliability of r = 0.79 for total activity (without sitting), and the intensity subcategories ranged from r = 0.70 (moderate-intensity activities) to r = 0.90 (sitting). Although, validity assessment showed no significant correlation for sedentary, moderate or vigorous intensity, there were significant correlations for total activity (light and above; r = 0.49; p < 0.05) and for light activity (r = 0.65; p < 0.01).

Conclusions

The PPAQ-G showed good reliability for use on pregnant German women and a moderately accurate measurement of physical activity. It can be used nationally for epidemiological studies, and it also enables international comparisons of physical activity during pregnancy.

Trial registration

DRKS00023426; Registration date 20 May 2021.
Trajectories of work disability among individuals with anxiety-, mood/affective-, or stress-related disorders in a primary healthcare setting
Authors: Helgesson Magnus , Pettersson Emma , Lindsäter Elin , Taipale Heidi , Tanskanen Antti , Mittendorfer-Rutz Ellenor , Cullen Alexis E.
Published: September 2024

Background

Anxiety-, mood/affective-, or stress-related disorders affect up to one-third of individuals during their lives and often impact their ability to work. This study aimed to delineate trajectories of work disability (WD) among individuals diagnosed with anxiety-, mood/affective-, or stress-related disorder in primary healthcare and to examine associations between trajectory group membership and sociodemographic, clinical, and clinical-related factors.

Methods

The study population included working-age individuals, aged 22–62 years, living in Stockholm County, Sweden, who experienced a new episode of any anxiety-, mood/affective, or stress-related disorder in primary healthcare in 2017 (N = 11,304). Data were obtained from Swedish national and regional registers and were linked using pseudonymised unique personal identification numbers. The primary outcome was days with WD (sum of sickness absence and disability pension days) during the three years before and three years after a diagnosis of anxiety-, mood/affective-, or stress-related disorders in primary healthcare. A zero-inflated Poisson group-based trajectory model was used to identify groups of individuals with similar patterns of WD over the study period, with a multinomial logistic regression used to examine associations of sociodemographic, clinical, and clinical-related factors with trajectory group membership.

Results

Four distinct trajectory groups were found, high increasing (5.1%), with high levels, from 16 to 80 days of WD in six-monthly intervals during follow-up, peak (11.1%), with a peak in WD, up to 32 days of WD, around the time of the diagnosis, low increasing (12.8%), with an increase in days of WD from 4 to 22 during the study period, and constant low (71.1%), with almost no WD over the study period. In multinomial regression models, diagnostic category, psychotropic medication use, a diagnosis of a psychiatric disorder within secondary healthcare, age at diagnosis, and occupation were associated with WD trajectory groups.

Conclusions

Around two-thirds of individuals treated for a new episode of any anxiety-, mood/affective-, or stress-related disorder in primary healthcare have an excellent prognosis regarding WD. Several sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were associated with group membership; these factors could identify individuals at risk of long-term welfare dependency and who might benefit from interventions to promote a return to work.
A simple modified technique for screw fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture through a sinus tarsi approach: a comparison with plate fixation
Authors: Bahaeddini Mohammad Reza , Konjkav Arian Rahimi , Aminian Amir , Tabrizian Pouria , Gravand Sajad Noori , Amiri Shayan , Mirjalily Mohammad Sadegh , Tayyebi Hamed , Mazhar Farid Najd
Published: September 2024

Background

Plates and screws are frequently used for the fixation of displaced intra-articular calcaneus fracture (DIACF). In this study, we compared the outcomes of a modified screw fixation technique with plate fixation via a sinus tarsi approach (STA).

Methods

A series of 187 DIACF patients who were treated via an STA using a plate fixation (n = 81) or a screw fixation (n = 106) were included. Screw fixation was done with two 2.7 mm screws and two 6.5 mm cannulated screws. Outcomes were evaluated radiographically and clinically. Clinical evaluations included pain assessment by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and functional assessment by the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) questionnaire and Foot Function Index (FFI).

Results

The mean final VAS was smaller in the screw group (P = 0.01). The mean AOFAS and FFI scores were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.17 and P = 0. 19, respectively). The mean improvement of Bohler’s angle, but not the Gissane’s angle, was significantly greater in the screw group (P = 0.014 and P = 0.09, respectively). The mean improvement of calcaneal length and height were not significantly different between the two groups (P = 0.78 and P = 0.22, respectively). The hardware removal rate was 14.8% in the plate group and 3.8% in the screw group (P = 0.007).

Conclusion

The modified screw fixation method provides lower pain, better radiographic outcome, and lower rate of hardware removal compared to plate fixation in the treatment of DIACF.
Guided biofilm therapy versus conventional protocol—clinical outcomes in non-surgical periodontal therapy
Authors: Cyris Miriam , Festerling Julia , Kahl Maren , Springer Claudia , Dörfer Christof E. , Graetz Christian
Published: September 2024

Background

The aim of the randomized controlled clinical trial study was to evaluate the effectiveness in reducing pathologically increased pocket probing depths (PPD > 3 mm) using the Guided Biofilm Therapy (GBT) protocol (adapted to the clinical conditions in non-surgical periodontal therapy (NSPT): staining, air-polishing, ultrasonic scaler, air-polishing) compared to conventional instrumentation (staining, hand curettes/sonic scaler, polishing with rotary instruments) both by less experienced practitioners (dental students).

Methods

All patients were treated according to a split-mouth design under supervision as diseased teeth of quadrants I/III and II/IV randomly assigned to GBT or conventional treatment. In addition to the treatment time, periodontal parameters such as PPD and bleeding on probing (BOP) before NSPT (T0) and after NSPT (T1: 5 ± 2 months after T0) were documented by two calibrated and blinded examiners (Ethics vote/ Trial-register: Kiel-D509-18/ DRKS00026041).

Results

Data of 60 patients were analyzed (stage III/IV: n = 36/ n = 24; grade A/ B/ C: n = 1/ n = 31/ n = 28). At T1, a PPD reduction of all diseased tooth surfaces was observed in 57.0% of the GBT group and 58.7% of the control group (p = 0.067). The target endpoint (PPD ≤ 4 mm without BOP) was achieved in 11.5% for GBT (conventional treatment: 11.2%; p = 0.714). With the exception for number of sites with BOP, which was at T1 15.9% in the GBT group and 14.3% in the control group (p < 0.05) no significant differences between the outcomes of the study were found. At 30.3(28.3) min, the treatment time was significantly shorter in GBT than in the control group at 34.6(24.5) min (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

With both protocols (GBT/ conventional instrumentation) comparably good clinical treatment results can be achieve in NSPT in stage III-IV periodontitis patients.

Trial registration

The study was registered before the start of the study and can be found under the number DRKS00026041 in the German Clinical Trials Register. The registration date was 19/08/2021.
What do suicide loss survivors think of physician-assisted suicide: a comparative analysis of suicide loss survivors and the general population in Germany
Authors: Hofmann Laura , Spieß Louisa , Wagner Birgit
Published: September 2024

Background

Physician-assisted suicide (PAS) and voluntary euthanasia remain highly debated topics in society, drawing attention due to their ethical, legal, and emotional complexities. Within this debate, the loss of a loved one through suicide may shape the attitudes of survivors, resulting in more or less favorable attitudes towards this topic.

Aims

This study aims to explore and compare the attitudes towards PAS and voluntary euthanasia in a population of suicide loss survivors and the general population, while also considering socio-demographic factors.

Methods

A total of 529 participants, 168 of whom were survivors of suicide loss, completed an online questionnaire on their attitudes (NOBAS) and opinions (open response format) towards PAS and voluntary euthanasia, as well as regarding their legalization in Germany. The analysis consisted of both quantitative and qualitative components.

Results

The entire sample showed positive attitudes towards PAS and voluntary euthanasia in terminally ill persons. Participants were more divided in their attitudes towards PAS in the case of a mental health disorder. Individuals without experienced suicide loss were more liberal regarding legalization in Germany and were more likely to understand the wish for PAS. Survivors of suicide loss were mainly concerned about the consequences for relatives. However, differences between both groups are small.

Discussion

The experience of a loss by suicide influences attitudes towards PAS and voluntary euthanasia. Both groups showed an accepting attitude towards PAS and voluntary euthanasia, but also expressed concerns and fears regarding easy accessibility and consequences for grieving relatives.
Understanding the influences on hospital discharge decision-making from patient, carer and staff perspectives
Authors: Ward-Stockham Kristel , Omonaiye Olumuyiwa , Darzins Peteris , Kitt Clinton , Newnham Evan , Taylor Nicholas F. , Considine Julie
Published: September 2024

Background

Gaps in discharge planning are experienced by 41% of hospital patients in Australia. There is an established body of knowledge regarding the features of the discharge process that need to be improved to avoid subsequent hospital readmission and enhance the discharge experience. However, many of these studies have focused solely on factors related to unplanned hospital readmissions and there has been limited success in operationalising improvements to the discharge process. The aim of this study was to explore and describe the factors that influence the decision to discharge adult medical patients from hospital, from patient, carer and staff perspectives.

Methods

A qualitative descriptive study was conducted in one acute medical ward in Melbourne, Australia. The study data were collected by observations of clinical practice and semi-structured interviews with patients, carers and staff. Participants were: i) English-speaking adults identified for discharge home, ii) patient carers, and iii) staff involved in the discharge process. Observation data were analysed using content analysis and interviews data were analysed using thematic analysis.

Results

Twenty-one discharges were observed, and 65 participants were interviewed: 21 patients, two carers, and 42 staff. Most patients (76%) were identified as being ready for discharge during morning medical rounds, and 90% of discharge decisions were made collaboratively by the medical team and the patient. Carers were observed to be notified in 15 discharges by the patient (n = 8), doctors (n = 4), or nursing staff (n = 3). Five themes were constructed from thematic analysis of interviews: Readiness for Home, Fragmented Collaboration, Health Literacy, Unrealistic Expectations, and Care beyond Discharge. A collaborative team and supportive carers were considered to enhance risk assessment and discharge planning, however fragmented communication between clinicians, and between clinicians and patients/carers was a barrier to discharge decision-making.

Conclusions

Our study highlights the need for a more coordinated approach to discharge decision-making that optimises communication with patients and carers and multidisciplinary workflows and reduces fragmentation. The importance of patient-centred care and a personalised approach to care are well established. However, there is a need to design systems to customise the entirety of the patient journey, including the approach to discharge decision making.
Acetylsalicylic acid and dihydroartemisinin combined therapy on experimental malaria-associated acute lung injury: analysis of lung function and the inflammatory process
Authors: de Oliveira Helena D’Anunciação , Batista Camila Nunes , Lima Maiara Nascimento , Lima Ana Carolina , dos Passos Beatriz Amanda Barbosa Rangel , Freitas Rodrigo Jose Rocha Xavier , Silva Johnatas Dutra , Xisto Debora Gonçalves , Rangel-Ferreira Marcos Vinícius , Pelajo Marcelo , Rocco Patricia Rieken Macedo , Ribeiro-Gomes Flávia Lima , de Castro Faria-Neto Hugo Caire , Maron-Gutierrez Tatiana
Published: September 2024

Background

Severe malaria can cause respiratory symptoms, which may lead to malaria-acute lung injury (MA-ALI) due to inflammation and damage to the blood-gas barrier. Patients with severe malaria also often present thrombocytopenia, and the use of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), a commonly used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with immunomodulatory and antiplatelet effects, may pose a risk in regions where malaria is endemic. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the systemic impact of ASA and dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on ALI induced in mice by Plasmodium berghei NK65 (PbNK65).

Methods

C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into control (C) and PbNK65 infected groups and were inoculated with uninfected or 104 infected erythrocytes, respectively. Then, the animals were treated with DHA (3 mg/kg) or vehicle (DMSO) at the 8-day post-infection (dpi) for 7 days and with ASA (100 mg/kg, single dose), and analyses were performed at 9 or 15 dpi. Lung mechanics were performed, and lungs were collected for oedema evaluation and histological analyses.

Results

PbNK65 infection led to lung oedema, as well as increased lung static elastance (Est, L), resistive (ΔP1, L) and viscoelastic (ΔP2, L) pressures, percentage of mononuclear cells, inflammatory infiltrate, hemorrhage, alveolar oedema, and alveolar thickening septum at 9 dpi. Mice that received DHA or DHA + ASA had an increase in Est, L, and CD36 expression on inflammatory monocytes and higher protein content on bronchoalveolar fluid (BALF). However, only the DHA-treated group presented a percentage of inflammatory monocytes similar to the control group and a decrease in ΔP1, L and ΔP2, L compared to Pb + DMSO. Also, combined treatment with DHA + ASA led to an impairment in diffuse alveolar damage score and lung function at 9 dpi.

Conclusions

Therapy with ASA maintained lung morpho-functional impairment triggered by PbNK65 infection, leading to a large influx of inflammatory monocytes to the lung tissue. Based on its deleterious effects in experimental MA-ALI, ASA administration or its treatment maintenance might be carefully reconsidered and further investigated in human malaria cases.
Harnessing UAVs and deep learning for accurate grass weed detection in wheat fields: a study on biomass and yield implications
Authors: Liu Tao , Zhao Yuanyuan , Wang Hui , Wu Wei , Yang Tianle , Zhang Weijun , Zhu Shaolong , Sun Chengming , Yao Zhaosheng
Published: September 2024

Weeds are undesired plants competing with crops for light, nutrients, and water, negatively impacting crop growth. Identifying weeds in wheat fields accurately is important for precise pesticide spraying and targeted weed control. Grass weeds in their early growth stages look very similar to wheat seedlings, making them difficult to identify. In this study, we focused on wheat fields with varying levels of grass weed infestation and used unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) to obtain images. By utilizing deep learning algorithms and spectral analysis technology, the weeds were identified and extracted accurately from wheat fields. Our results showed that the precision of weed detection in scattered wheat fields was 91.27% and 87.51% in drilled wheat fields. Compared to areas without weeds, the increase in weed density led to a decrease in wheat biomass, with the maximum biomass decreasing by 71%. The effect of weed density on yield was similar, with the maximum yield decreasing by 4320 kg·ha− 1, a drop of 60%. In this study, a method for monitoring weed occurrence in wheat fields was established, and the effects of weeds on wheat growth in different growth periods and weed densities were studied by accurately extracting weeds from wheat fields. The results can provide a reference for weed control and hazard assessment research.
Automated classification of mixed populations of Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus mosquitoes under field conditions
Authors: Njaime Fábio Castelo Branco Fontes Paes , Máspero Renato Cesar , Leandro André de Souza , Maciel-de-Freitas Rafael
Published: September 2024

Background

The recent rise in the transmission of mosquito-borne diseases such as dengue virus (DENV), Zika (ZIKV), chikungunya (CHIKV), Oropouche (OROV), and West Nile (WNV) is a major concern for public health managers worldwide. Emerging technologies for automated remote mosquito classification can be supplemented to improve surveillance systems and provide valuable information regarding mosquito vector catches in real time.

Methods

We coupled an optical sensor to the entrance of a standard mosquito suction trap (BG-Mosquitaire) to record 9151 insect flights in two Brazilian cities: Rio de Janeiro and Brasilia. The traps and sensors remained in the field for approximately 1 year. A total of 1383 mosquito flights were recorded from the target species: Aedes aegypti and Culex quinquefasciatus. Mosquito classification was based on previous models developed and trained using European populations of Aedes albopictus and Culex pipiens.

Results

The VECTRACK sensor was able to discriminate the target mosquitoes (Aedes and Culex genera) from non-target insects with an accuracy of 99.8%. Considering only mosquito vectors, the classification between Aedes and Culex achieved an accuracy of 93.7%. The sex classification worked better for Cx. quinquefasciatus (accuracy: 95%; specificity: 95.3%) than for Ae. aegypti (accuracy: 92.1%; specificity: 88.4%).

Conclusions

The data reported herein show high accuracy, sensitivity, specificity and precision of an automated optical sensor in classifying target mosquito species, genus and sex. Similar results were obtained in two different Brazilian cities, suggesting high reliability of our findings. Surprisingly, the model developed for European populations of Ae. albopictus worked well for Brazilian Ae. aegypti populations, and the model developed and trained for Cx. pipiens was able to classify Brazilian Cx. quinquefasciatus populations. Our findings suggest this optical sensor can be integrated into mosquito surveillance methods and generate accurate automatic real-time monitoring of medically relevant mosquito species.

Graphical Abstract
Exploring Trypanosoma cruzi transmission dynamics in an acute Chagas disease outbreak using next-generation sequencing
Authors: Cruz-Saavedra Lissa , Ospina Carlos , Gutiérrez Stivenn A. , Jaimes-Dueñez Jeiczon , Cantillo-Barraza Omar , Hernández Carolina , Álvarez Francisco , Blanco María , Leal Bernardo , Martínez Lida , Medina Manuel , Medina Mabel , Valdivieso Silvia , Ramirez Celis Lauren Natalia , Patiño Luz H. , Ramírez Juan David
Published: September 2024

Background

Chagas disease (CD), caused by Trypanosoma cruzi, poses a major global public health challenge. Although vector-borne transmission is the primary mode of infection, oral transmission is increasingly concerning.

Methods

This study utilized long-amplicon-based sequencing (long-ABS), focusing on the 18S rRNA gene, to explore T. cruzi’s genetic diversity and transmission dynamics during an acute CD outbreak in Colombia, an area without domestic infestation.

Results

Analyzing samples from five patients and five T. cruzi-positive marsupial samples, we identified coinfections between T. cruzi and Trypanosoma rangeli, mixed T. cruzi DTUs, suggesting possible links between human and marsupial T. cruzi infections. Coexistence of TcI, TcIV and T. rangeli suggests marsupial secretions as the possible source of T. cruzi transmission. Our investigation revealed diversity loss in DTUs TcIV and T. rangeli in humans after infection and in marsupial samples after culture.

Conclusion

These findings provide significant insights into T. cruzi dynamics, crucial for implementing control and prevention strategies.

Graphical abstract
The impact of maturation level, not chronological age, on attentional control: implications for sports injury prevention in female adolescents
Authors: Grinberg Adam , Hanzlíková Ivana , Lehnert Michal , Abdollahipour Reza
Published: September 2024

Background

Non-contact injuries are highly prevalent among young athletes and occur particularly in situations that require fast decision making and divided attention. Administering relevant neurocognitive tests could help identify deficiencies in these cognitive abilities and thus potentially mitigate injury risk. However, processes such as selective attention and response inhibition might depend to some extent on the athlete’s maturation stage. We aimed to examine the effect of maturation on selective visual attention and response inhibition among adolescent volleyball players.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 52 female adolescents (age 12.3 ± 2.1 years) performed an Eriksen Flankers task. Participants were divided into subgroups based on their estimated adult stature, using the Khamis & Roche method: Pre-pubertal (PRE; n = 13, age: 9.9 ± 1.3), early-puberty (EPUB; n = 7, age: 10.5 ± 0.6), mid-puberty (MPUB; n = 8, age: 12.6 ± 0.8) and late puberty (LPUB; n = 24, age: 14.1 ± 0.9). Analyses of covariance (ANCOVA) were performed on congruent and incongruent reaction times (RT), with corresponding success rates (% correct responses) as covariate. Flanker interference effect was tested using ANOVA. Correlations were further examined between the dependent variables and participants’ chronological age.

Results

There was a significant group effect, with PRE demonstrating longer RT compared with LPUB (P < 0.001) for both congruent and incongruent RT. Moderate negative correlations were observed between age and RT (Rp = -0.695, Rp = -0.614 for congruent and incongruent RT, respectively) and low positive correlations between age and incongruent success rate (Rs = 0.318). Low to moderate correlations were also observed within the LPUB group for RT (Rp = -0.431–-0.532) and success rate (negative Rs = -574 for congruent and positive Rs = 0.417 for incongruent). There were no group differences nor age associations with interference effect.

Conclusions

Our findings indicate that information processing and selective visual attention are superior at late maturation compared with early maturation among female adolescents. The same cannot be said for response inhibition, which did not differ between maturation groups. Similar tendencies were observed with regards to chronological age, but not entirely explained by it. Maturation level, rather than chronological age, should guide practitioners during sport participation and injury prevention programs for young athletes, whose neurocognitive abilities are not yet fully developed, placing them at risk for non-contact injuries.
Rewiring cattle movements to limit infection spread
Authors: Morel-Journel Thibaut , Ezanno Pauline , Vergu Elisabeta
Published: September 2024

Cattle tracing databases have become major resources for representing demographic processes of livestock and assessing potential risk of infections spreading by trade. The herds registered in these databases are nodes of a network of commercial movements, which can be altered to lower the risk of disease transmission. In this study, we develop an algorithm aimed at reducing the number of infected animals and herds, by rewiring specific movements responsible for trade flows from high- to low-prevalence herds. The algorithm is coupled with a generic computational model based on the French cattle movement tracing database (BDNI), and used to describe different scenarios for the spread of infection within and between herds from a recent outbreak (epidemic) or a five-year-old outbreak (endemic). Results show that rewiring successfully contains infections to a limited number of herds, especially if the outbreak is recent and the estimation of disease prevalence frequent, while the respective impact of the parameters of the algorithm depend on the infection parameters. Allowing any animal movement from high to low-prevalence herds reduces the effectiveness of the algorithm in epidemic settings, while frequent and fine-grained prevalence assessments improve the impact of the algorithm in endemic settings. Our approach focusing on a few commercial movements is expected to lead to substantial improvements in the control of a targeted disease, although changes in the network structure should be monitored for potential vulnerabilities to other diseases. This general algorithm could be applied to any network of controlled individual movements liable to spread disease.
Respiratory effects of prone position in COVID-19 acute respiratory distress syndrome differ according to the recruitment-to-inflation ratio: a prospective observational study
Authors: Lai Christopher , Shi Rui , Jelinski Ludwig , Lardet Florian , Fasan Marta , Ayed Soufia , Belotti Hugo , Biard Nicolas , Guérin Laurent , Fage Nicolas , Fossé Quentin , Gobé Thibaut , Pavot Arthur , Roger Guillaume , Yhuel Alex , Teboul Jean-Louis , Pham Tai , Monnet Xavier ,   for the EVALPRO Study group
Published: September 2024

Background

Improvements in oxygenation and lung mechanics with prone position (PP) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) are inconstant. The objectives of the study were (i) to identify baseline variables, including the recruitment-to-inflation ratio (R/I), associated with a positive response to PP in terms of oxygenation (improvement of the ratio of arterial oxygen partial pressure over the inspired oxygen fraction (PaO2/FiO2) ≥ 20 mmHg) and lung mechanics; (ii) to evaluate whether the response to the previous PP session is associated with the response to the next session.

Methods

In this prospective, observational, single-center study in patients who underwent PP for ARDS due to COVID-19, respiratory variables were assessed just before PP and at the end of the session. Respiratory variables included mechanical ventilation settings and respiratory mechanics variables, including R/I, an estimate of the potential for lung recruitment compared to lung overinflation.

Results

In 50 patients, 201 PP sessions lasting 19 ± 3 h were evaluated. Neuromuscular blockades were used in 116 (58%) sessions. The PaO2/FiO2 ratio increased from 109 ± 31 mmHg to 165 ± 65 mmHg, with an increase ≥ 20 mmHg in 142 (71%) sessions. In a mixed effect logistic regression, only pre-PP PaO2/FiO2 (OR 1.12 (95% CI [1.01–1.24])/every decrease of 10 mmHg, p = 0.034) in a first model and improvement in oxygenation at the previous PP session (OR 3.69 (95% CI [1.27–10.72]), p = 0.017) in a second model were associated with an improvement in oxygenation with PP. The R/I ratio (n = 156 sessions) was 0.53 (0.30–0.76), separating lower- and higher-recruiters. Whereas PaO2/FiO2 improved to the same level in both subgroups, driving pressure and respiratory system compliance improved only in higher-recruiters (from 14 ± 4 to 12 ± 4 cmH2O, p = 0.027, and from 34 ± 11 to 38 ± 13 mL/cmH2O, respectively, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

A lower PaO2/FiO2 at baseline and a positive O2-response at the previous PP session are associated with a PP-induced improvement in oxygenation. In higher-recruiters, lung mechanics improved along with oxygenation. Benefits of PP could thus be greater in these patients.
An adaptive approach for integrating primary user behavior in compressive spectrum sensing
Authors: Tawfik Ahmed A. , Abuelenin Sherif M. , Abdelkader Mohamed F.
Published: September 2024

Compressive sensing (CS) has been widely used to sense the wideband spectrum with fewer measurements by taking advantage of radio spectrum underutilization. As new smart devices, such as IoT devices, smart home devices, and wearables, use batteries and have limited memory, more research is needed to reduce the overuse of cognitive radio (CR) resources through spectrum sensing. To reduce the number of compressive measurements required for spectrum recovery, researchers proposed approaches like weighted and sequential compressive sensing. In this paper, we estimate the primary user’s (PU) behavior statistics and use the estimated information in a novel weighted sequential compressive spectrum sensing approach. Our proposed approach can reduce and adapt the number of measurements and the sensing time to the changing number of active channels in a dynamically changing wideband spectrum.
Preparation of chitosan oligosaccharides from chitosan of tenebrio molitor and its prebiotic activity
Authors: Kim Hyemi , Cheon Ga Yeong , Kim Jae Hee , Choi Ra-Yeong , Kim In-Woo , Suh Hyung Joo , Hong Ki-Bae , Han Sung Hee
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to establish the optimal production conditions for mealworm chitosan oligosaccharides (MCOS) using the response surface methodology and measure the prebiotic effect of MCOS prepared on cecal microbiota through in vitro anaerobic fermentation. The optimal conditions for MCOS production using chitosanase were 2.5% substrate, 30 mg/g enzyme, and 6 h reaction time. Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization-time of flight mass spectrometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and in vitro assays to confirm that the chemical structure and physicochemical properties of MCOS are similar to those of commercially available chitosan oligosaccharides. The growth of Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lacticaseibacillus casei, and Bifidobacterium bifidum was increased by MOCS and confirmed that the prebiotic effect of MCOS was significant in a concentration-dependent manner. The addition of 1% and 2% MCOS to in vitro anaerobic fermentation resulted in changes in the content of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) and an increase in Verrucomicrobiota abundance compared with the control. In the case of Romboutsia, Turicibacter, and Akkermansia, a significant increase was confirmed in the MCOS-containing groups compared to that in the control group. Compared to 2% MCOS, 1% MCOS more significantly affected Lactobacillus levels. MCOS produced by chitosanase under optimal conditions contains oligosaccharides with 2–6 degree of polymerization and exerts a prebiotic effect that affects changes in the SCFA content and microbiota composition in the cecum.
Machine learning and deep learning models based grid search cross validation for short-term solar irradiance forecasting
Authors: El-Shahat Doaa , Tolba Ahmed , Abouhawwash Mohamed , Abdel-Basset Mohamed
Published: September 2024

In late 2023, the United Nations conference on climate change (COP28), which was held in Dubai, encouraged a quick move from fossil fuels to renewable energy. Solar energy is one of the most promising forms of energy that is both sustainable and renewable. Generally, photovoltaic systems transform solar irradiance into electricity. Unfortunately, instability and intermittency in solar radiation can lead to interruptions in electricity production. The accurate forecasting of solar irradiance guarantees sustainable power production even when solar irradiance is not present. Batteries can store solar energy to be used during periods of solar absence. Additionally, deterministic models take into account the specification of technical PV systems and may be not accurate for low solar irradiance. This paper presents a comparative study for the most common Deep Learning (DL) and Machine Learning (ML) algorithms employed for short-term solar irradiance forecasting. The dataset was gathered in Islamabad during a five-year period, from 2015 to 2019, at hourly intervals with accurate meteorological sensors. Furthermore, the Grid Search Cross Validation (GSCV) with five folds is introduced to ML and DL models for optimizing the hyperparameters of these models. Several performance metrics are used to assess the algorithms, such as the Adjusted R2 score, Normalized Root Mean Square Error (NRMSE), Mean Absolute Deviation (MAD), Mean Absolute Error (MAE) and Mean Square Error (MSE). The statistical analysis shows that CNN-LSTM outperforms its counterparts of nine well-known DL models with Adjusted R2 score value of 0.984. For ML algorithms, gradient boosting regression is an effective forecasting method with Adjusted R2 score value of 0.962, beating its rivals of six ML models. Furthermore, SHAP and LIME are examples of explainable Artificial Intelligence (XAI) utilized for understanding the reasons behind the obtained results.
The potential use of nature-based solutions as natural hazard mitigation measure for linear infrastructure in the Nordic Countries
Authors: Capobianco Vittoria , Palau Rosa Maria , Solheim Anders , Gisnås Kjersti , Gilbert Graham , Danielsson Per , van der Keur Peter
Published: September 2024

Background

Reliable infrastructure is vital for Nordic societies, but they face escalating climate risks. Climate change is increasing magnitude and frequency of floods, storms, and landslides, making adaptive solutions crucial.

Methods

This review explores Nature-Based Solutions (NbS) for mitigating natural hazards along Nordic linear infrastructure. The motivation of the review comes as result of a preliminary survey conducted among to the main infrastructure managers in the Fennoscandian peninsula. The objective was to pinpoint the natural hazards that pose greatest concern under future climate scenarios, as well as to understand which specific information is needed to adopt NbS

Results

Floods, erosion, landslides and rockfalls emerged as primary hazards of concern for the infrastructure owners, hence the review process was focused only on NbS aimed at mitigating the effects of these specific hazards.
A total of 78 documents were identified from the review process and were integrated with examples and case studies from other relevant on-going and past projects. Despite only a few of the NbS identified in these documents were directly implemented for linear infrastructure such as roads and railways, and none dealing with electric grids, several NbS were identified to have a potential for implementation for Nordic linear infrastructure.
A list of NbS options, not all implemented along linear infrastructure but with potential for it, is provided. This list is meant to serve as “vade mecum” for a quick and easy access to NbS as mitigation options for linear infrastructure managers in the Nordic Countries. The NbS are classified in green, blue, green/blue and hybrid approaches, and supported by examples of case studies both in the Nordic Countries as well as countries having similar climates.

Conclusions

This review underlines the challenges and opportunities of adopting NbS. Challenges such as the lack of expertise, space and climate constraints, and path dependency on adoption of traditional infrastructure must be addressed to mainstream NbS. The review highlights the importance of standardization, European guidelines, and technical manuals in promoting NbS adoption among infrastructure managers, as well as the necessity of accounting for the wider co-benefits of NbS, including carbon sequestration, biodiversity and ecosystem services.
This paper contributes to the understanding of NbS as potential natural hazards mitigation options for Nordic infrastructure networks in the face of evolving climate risks, providing valuable insights for infrastructure managers and policymakers alike.
Global burden of benign prostatic hyperplasia, urinary tract infections, urolithiasis, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer from 1990 to 2021
Authors: Zi Hao , Liu Meng-Yang , Luo Li-Sha , Huang Qiao , Luo Peng-Cheng , Luan Hang-Hang , Huang Jiao , Wang Dan-Qi , Wang Yong-Bo , Zhang Yuan-Yuan , Yu Ren-Peng , Li Yi-Tong , Zheng Hang , Liu Tong-Zu , Fan Yu , Zeng Xian-Tao
Published: September 2024

Background

The burden of common urologic diseases, including benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), urinary tract infections (UTI), urolithiasis, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, and prostate cancer, varies both geographically and within specific regions. It is essential to conduct a comprehensive and precise assessment of the global burden of urologic diseases.

Methods

We obtained data on incidence, prevalence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for the aforementioned urologic diseases by age, sex, location, and year from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021. We analyzed the burden associated with urologic diseases based on socio-demographic index (SDI) and attributable risk factors. The trends in burden over time were assessed using estimated annual percentage changes (EAPC) along with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

In 2021, BPH and UTI were the leading causes of age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) and age-standardized prevalence rate (ASPR), with rates of 5531.88 and 2782.59 per 100,000 persons, respectively. Prostate cancer was the leading cause of both age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) and age-standardized DALYs rate (ASDR), with rates of 12.63 and 217.83 per 100,000 persons, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, there was an upward trend in ASIR, ASPR, ASMR, and ASDR for UTI, while urolithiasis showed a downward trend. The middle and low-middle SDI quintile levels exhibited higher incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs related to UTI, urolithiasis, and BPH, while the high and high-middle SDI quintile levels showed higher rates for the three cancers. The burden of these six urologic diseases displayed diverse age and sex distribution patterns. In 2021, a high body mass index (BMI) contributed to 20.07% of kidney cancer deaths worldwide, while smoking accounted for 26.48% of bladder cancer deaths and 3.00% of prostate cancer deaths.

Conclusions

The global burden of 6 urologic diseases presents a significant public health challenge. Urgent international collaboration is essential to advance the improvement of urologic disease management, encompassing the development of effective diagnostic screening tools and the implementation of high-quality prevention and treatment strategies.
Giant gallbladder cyst with acute cholecystitis: a case report
Authors: Terashi Takahiro , Shirabe Kohjiro , Inokuchi Shoichi , Tsutsumi Satoshi , Sasaki Atsushi , Ikebe Masahiko , Bandoh Toshio , Wada Junpei , Urabe Shogo , Utsunomiya Tohru
Published: September 2024

Background

Gallbladder cysts are rare diseases with very few reported cases, and no clinical or histological definition has been established. Furthermore, cases of giant cysts outside the gallbladder wall are extremely rare. We report a rare case of giant gallbladder cyst with acute cholecystitis.

Case presentation

An 85-year-old woman with appetite loss and right lower abdominal pain lasting 2 days presented to our hospital. At first, the patient’s abdominal pain was mild to moderate with no fever. Blood tests revealed a white blood cell count of 10,950/mm3, and the C-reactive protein (CRP) level was 14.35 mg/dl. A contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen revealed a grossly distended gallbladder (14.5 × 14.5 × 8.7 cm) with an incarcerated stone in the cystic duct. The patient was treated by percutaneous transhepatic gallbladder drainage (PTGBD) with 735 ml of drainage fluid. Oral contrast magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP) revealed that gallbladder swelling remained (14.0 × 6.5 cm) 3 days after PTGBD. We performed laparoscopic cholecystectomy 6 days after PTGBD. Because of the severe adhesion around the junction of the cystic and common bile ducts, we performed open cholecystectomy.

The resected specimen was 14 × 11 cm in size and consisted of a gallbladder (6 × 7 cm) with a stone (2.4 × 1.8 cm) in the gallbladder and a large cystic lesion (18 × 18 cm) outside the gallbladder wall. The cystic lesion had a wall thickness of 6 to 12 mm and internal septal structures and contained hemorrhagic and necrotic tissue.

Histological examination revealed that the specimens showed a mildly swollen gallbladder and a cystic lesion on the outside of the gallbladder wall, adjacent to the gallbladder wall, with wall thickening and inflammation. The cystic lesion suggested gallbladder duplication, gallbladder diverticulum or extension of the Rokitansky-Aschoff sinus (RAS). There was no malignancy. The patient’s postoperative course was uneventful, and she was discharged 5 days after the operation.

Conclusion

We present a very rare case of giant gallbladder cyst with acute cholecystitis revealed by cholecystectomy.
White coat hypertension in acute retinal vein occlusion
Authors: Aoki Shuichiro , Suzuki Haruyuki , Ueda Kohei , Kitamoto Kohdai , Azuma Keiko , Obata Ryo
Published: September 2024

Purpose

To investigate the association between white-coat hypertension (WCH) and acute retinal vein occlusion (RVO).

Methods

In this retrospective case-control study, patients aged 40 years or older diagnosed with acute-phase RVO were included. Patients with other pathologies served as non-RVO controls. Blood pressure (BP) was measured in the office during their initial visit, and information about home BP and hypertension (HTN) medication was obtained through interviews. After 1:2 age and sex-matching between the RVO and non-RVO groups, the proportions of HTN cases were compared. A similar comparison was made in subgroups with or without HTN medication.

Results

Fifty-one patients with RVO and 102 with non-RVO were included in the analysis. For the entire cohort, the RVO group exhibited a significantly greater proportion of WCH and sustained HTN compared to the non-RVO group. In the subgroup without HTN treatment, the proportion of WCH or sustained HTN was still significantly higher in the RVO group. However, in the subgroup receiving HTN treatment, the proportion of WCH or sustained HTN was higher in the RVO group than in the non-RVO group, though not statistically significant.

Conclusion

This case-control study suggests that WCH may be associated with RVO, particularly in patients without HTN treatment. Given that interventions for WCH have not been standardized, a more detailed and prospective study is warranted to elucidate the risk of WCH for RVO and other retinal vascular diseases.