bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving Precipitation Forecasts with Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Badrinath Anirudhan , Delle Monache Luca , Hayatbini Negin , Chapman Will , Cannon Forest , Ralph Marty
Published: February 2023

A machine learning method based on spatial convolution to capture complex spatial precipitation patterns is proposed to identify and reduce biases affecting predictions of a dynamical model. The method is based on a combination of a classification and dual regression model approach using modified U-Net convolutional neural networks (CNN) to post-process daily accumulated precipitation over the US west coast. In this study, we leverage 34 years of high resolution deterministic Western Weather Research and Forecasting (West-WRF) precipitation reforecasts as training data for the U-Net CNN. The data is split such that the test set contains 4 water years of data that encompass characteristic west coast precipitation regimes: El Niño, La Niña, and dry and wet El Niño/Southern Oscillation (ENSO-neutral) water years. On the unseen 4-year data set, the trained CNN yields a 12.9-15.9% reduction in root mean square error (RMSE) and 2.7-3.4% improvement in Pearson correlation (PC) over West-WRF for lead times of 1-4 days. Compared to an adapted model output statistics correction, the CNN reduces RMSE by 7.4-8.9% and improves PC by 3.3-4.2% across all events. Effectively, the CNN adds more than a day of predictive skill when compared to West-WRF. The CNN outperforms the other methods also for the prediction of extreme events, which we define as the top 10% of events with the greatest average daily accumulated precipitation. The improvement over West-WRF’s RMSE/PC for these events is 19.8-21.0%/4.9-5.5% and MOS’s RMSE/PC is 8.8-9.7%/4.2-4.7%. Hence, the proposed U-Net CNN shows significantly improved forecast skill over existing methods, highlighting a promising path forward for improving precipitation forecasts.
Potassium citrate-derived porous carbon with high CO2 capture and Congo red adsorption performance
Authors: Wang Song , Zhang Tingting , Li Jiaxin , Hua Yumeng , Dou Jiali , Chen Xuecheng , Li Sanxi
Published: February 2023

The objective is to achieve the goal of carbon neutrality, controlling CO2 emissions is a primary problem to be solved in the current environmental protection field. Eliminating the environmental pollution of dyes in industrial wastewater is also an urgent problem to be solved in the field of environmental protection. The adsorption technique is an effective way to deal with these two issues. Developing high-efficiency adsorbents is an essential work in the adsorption field. In this work, a simple carbonization method has been developed to prepare porous carbon. The morphology and structure of the prepared porous carbon were investigated by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, and surface area measurement. By studying the influence of preparation conditions on the structure and properties of the prepared carbon materials, it was found that the carbon materials prepared at 900 ℃ (PCMCA-900) exhibited a high specific surface area of 1476 m2 g−1 and a high total pore volume of 0.951 cm3 g−1. The PCMCA-900 showed the highest CO2 uptake of 7.67 mmol g−1 at 0 ºC and the adsorption capacity of PCMCA-900 decreased by less than 5% after 10 times recycling. Moreover, when PCMCA-900 was used as an adsorbent to remove Congo red in water, an adsorption capacity of 652.3 mg g−1 was achieved. Therefore, potassium citrate-derived porous carbon is a desirable candidate for excellent CO2 adsorption and Congo red in industrial wastewater.
Non-adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations among women in Eswatini: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khumalo Phinda G. , Carey Mariko , Mackenzie Lisa , Sanson-Fisher Rob
Published: February 2023

Background

In 2018, Eswatini had the world's highest age-standardised cervical cancer incidence rate. Cervical cancer screening reduces women’s risk of invasive cervical cancer. Data on adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations in Eswatini are scarce. The purpose of the current study was to determine Eswatini women’s self-reported adherence to cervical cancer screening recommendations, attitudes toward screening, and factors associated with non-adherence.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey of women (n = 377) aged 25 to 59 accessing primary healthcare clinics (n = 4) in Eswatini assessed screening participation, attitudes and knowledge regarding cervical cancer screening, and socio-demographic variables. Adjusted logistic regression was used to assess factors associated with non-adherence to Eswatini cervical cancer screening recommendations.

Results

One hundred and sixty-six (44%) women were classified as adherent to cervical cancer screening recommendations. Attitudinal barriers endorsed by over one-third of participants included a perceived low risk of cervical cancer (n = 161, 43%) and a view that screening is likely to be painful (n = 146, 38%). Participants had higher odds of being classified as non-adherent if they: were single compared with married (OR = 1.78, 95% CI: 1.05, 3.01,p = 0.03), perceived screening as likely painful (OR = 4.43, 95% CI: 2.62, 7.46,p < 0.001); and had not been advised by a doctor/ nurse to screen (OR = 2.82, 95% CI: 1.71, 4.64,p < 0.001). Also, a 1-year increase in age was associated with an increase in the odds of being classified as non-adherent (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.39, 1.45,p = 0.01).

Conclusions

Self-reported adherence was moderate among this group of women. Tailored interventions are needed to increase participation in cervical cancer screening, especially for those women with characteristics associated with being classified as non-adherent. Primary healthcare clinic nurses (and other health providers) may contribute toward improving participation in cervical cancer screening by advising eligible women to screen and providing health education addressing negative attitudes toward screening.
Mastering targeted genome engineering of GC-rich oleaginous yeast for tailored plant oil alternatives for the food and chemical sector
Authors: Shaigani Pariya , Fuchs Tobias , Graban Petra , Prem Sophia , Haack Martina , Masri Mahmoud , Mehlmer Norbert , Brueck Thomas
Published: February 2023

Background

Sustainable production of triglycerides for various applications is a major focus of microbial factories. Oleaginous yeast species have been targeted for commercial production of microbial oils. Among all the oleaginous yeasts examined in a previous comparative study, Cutaneotrichosporon oleaginosus showed the highest lipid productivity. Moreover, a new lipid production process for C. oleaginosus with minimal waste generation and energy consumption resulted in the highest lipid productivity in the history of oleaginous yeasts. However, productivity and product diversity are restricted because of the genetic intractability of this yeast. To date, successful targeted genetic engineering of C. oleaginosus has not yet been reported.

Results

The targeted gene editing was successfully carried out in C. oleaginosus using CRISPR/Cas system. A tailored enzyme system isolated to degrade the C. oleaginosus cell wall enabled the isolation of viable spheroplasts that are amenable to in-cell delivery of nucleic acids and proteins. The employment of both Cas9 protein and Cas mRNA was effective in obtaining strains with URA5 knockout that did not exhibit growth in the absence of uracil. Subsequently, we successfully created several strains with enhanced lipid yield (54% increase compared to that in wild type) or modified fatty acid profiles comparable with those of cocoa butter or sunflower oil compositions.

Conclusion

This study establishes the first targeted engineering technique for C. oleaginosus using the CRISPR/Cas system. The current study creates the foundation for flexible and targeted strain optimizations towards building a robust platform for sustainable microbial lipid production. Moreover, the genetic transformation of eukaryotic microbial cells using Cas9 mRNA was successfully achieved.
The SoftHand Pro platform: a flexible prosthesis with a user-centered approach
Authors: Capsi-Morales Patricia , Piazza Cristina , Grioli Giorgio , Bicchi Antonio , Catalano Manuel G.
Published: February 2023

Background

Among commercially-available upper-limb prostheses, the two most often used solutions are simple hook-style grippers and poly-articulated hands, which present a higher number of articulations and show a closer resemblance to biological limbs. In their majority, the former type of prostheses is body-powered, while the second type is controlled by myoelectric signals. Body-powered grippers are easy to control and allow a simple form of force feedback, frequently appreciated by users. However, they present limited versatility. Poly-articulated hands afford a wide range of grasp and manipulation types, but require enough residual muscle activation for dexterous control. Several factors, e.g. level of limb loss, personal preferences, cost, current occupation, and hobbies can influence the preference for one option over the other, and is always a result of the trade-off between system performance and users’ needs.

Methods

The SoftHand Pro (SHP) is an artificial hand platform that has 19 independent joints (degrees-of-freedom), but is controlled by a single input. The design of this prosthesis is inspired by the concept of postural synergies in motor control and implemented with soft-robotic technologies. Their combination provides increased robustness, safe interaction and the execution of diverse grasps. The potential of the SHP is fully unleashed when users learn how to exploit its features and create an intimate relationship between the technical aspects of the prosthesis design and its control by the user.

Results

The great versatility of the SoftHand Pro (a reasearch protpotype) permitted its adaptation to the user requirements. This was experienced by the SoftHand Pro Team during the preparation for different CYBATHLON events (from 2016 to 2020). The mixed power and dexterous hand operations required by each task of the race is inspired by everyday tasks. Our prosthesis was driven by different pilots, with different habits and backgrounds. Consequently, the hand control modality was customized according to the user’s preferences. Furthermore, the CYBATHLON tasks had some variations in this period, promoting the continuous development of our technology with a user-centered approach. In this paper, we describe the participation and preparation of the SoftHand Pro Team from 2016 to 2020 with three pilots and two different activation modalities, hybrid body-controlled and myoelectric control.

Conclusions

We introduced our pilots, the implementation of the two control modalities, and describe the successful participation in all CYBATHLON events. This work proves the versatility of the system towards the user’s preferences and the changes in the race requirements. Finally, we discussed how the CYBATHLON experience and the training in the real-world scenario have driven the evolution of our system and gave us remarkable insights for future perspectives.
Fatal multiple organ dysfunction caused by commensal bacteria of urogenital tract infection in adult lung transplant recipients: two case reports
Authors: Tian Manman , Han Dongsheng , Ma Subo , Liu Tingting , Yang Wu , Zheng Xia
Published: February 2023

Background

Infection following lung transplantation has been the focus of clinical concerns. The colonization rate of commensal bacteria of the urogenital tract, including Mycoplasma hominis, Ureaplasma urealyticum (UU), and herpes simplex virus type-2 (HSV-2), is high, which may cause secondary infection after transplantation.

Case presentation

Twenty-three-year-old and 67-year-old women underwent lung transplantation for different causes. Shortly after the operation, they developed perineal skin ulcers, hypoxia, and intractable epilepsy. Subsequent computed tomography (CT) of the chest showed lung consolidation, and cranial CT showed shallowing sulci and gyri. UU and HSV-2 were detected in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid by next-generation sequencing, and HSV-2 was shown in the cerebrospinal fluid of both patients. Despite active treatment, both suffered irreversible brain function damage within 72 h of the seizure.

Conclusions

Clinicians should know that commensal bacteria of urogenital tract infections can lead to fatal multiple organ dysfunction after lung transplantation.
CT-based morphological study of the pelvis in patients with gluteal muscle contracture
Authors: Zhao Yikun , Dong Xueping , Zhao Zhen , Lv Maojiang , Li Shun , Zhang Xintao
Published: February 2023

Background

In the clinic, gluteal muscle contracture (GMC) causes pelvic structural changes, including acetabular retroversion. However, its causes and forms are not well understood. This study aimed to investigate and analyse the clinical significance of pelvic structural differences between GMC patients and healthy individuals.

Methods

As the GMC group, we identified 100 GMC patients who received treatment and met the inclusion criteria between January 2019 and January 2020. Control subjects were drawn from the hospital’s emergency trauma patients who had no history of pelvic or hip joint disease. All subjects underwent CT scans to measure their pelvic rotation, including the superior iliac angle (SIA), inferior iliac angle (IIA), and ischiopubic angle (IPA), and acetabular coverage, which includes anterior acetabular sector angle (AASA), posterior acetabular sector angle (PASA), horizontal acetabular sector angle (HASA), and superior acetabular sector angle (SASA).

Results

The SIA, IIA, IPA, and PASA of the GMC group were considerably smaller than those of the control group, while the AASA of the GMC group was higher, indicating a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The HASA and SASA of the GMC group, on the other hand, were not considerably different from those of the control group. The angles in the GMC group were relativized as follows: The HASA had a positive correlation with the AASA and PASA (r = 0.750, P < 0.01; r = 0.749, P < 0.01); the SASA had a positive correlation with the AASA, PASA, and HASA (r = 0.555, P < 0.01; r = 0.273, P < 0.01; r = 0.552, P < 0.01); the AASA had a negative correlation with the SIA, IIA and IPA (r = − 0.355, P < 0.01; r = − 0.551, P < 0.01; r = − 0.30, P < 0.01); the PASA had a positive correlation with the IIA (r = 0.315, P < 0.01) and had no correlation with the SIA and IPA (P > 0.05); and the IIA had a positive correlation with both the SIA and IPA (r = 0.664, P < 0.01; r = 0.465, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Individuals with GMC have an abnormal pelvic morphology, with acetabular retroversion caused by ilial rotation rather than dysplasia of the acetabular wall.
Patient-reported outcomes measures of X-linked hypophosphataemia participants: findings from a prospective cohort study in the UK
Authors: Cole Sophie , Sanchez-Santos Maria T. , Kolovos Spyros , Javaid Muhammad Kassim , Pinedo-Villanueva Rafael
Published: February 2023

Background

X-linked hypophosphataemia (XLH) is a rare genetic condition passed on through the X chromosome which causes multiple symptoms including weakened teeth, bones, and muscles. Due to the rarity of the condition, little is known about the health outcomes as reported by people with the disease. The objectives of this study were threefold: to characterise key patient reported outcome measures (PROMs) in adults with XLH, to identify clusters of symptom-severity groups based on PROMs, and to analyse the longitudinal progression of available PROMs.

Methods

Data from 48 participants from the Rare and Undiagnosed Diseases cohort Study (RUDY) was used to analyse both cross-sectional and longitudinal patient-reported outcomes. We analysed data for health-related quality of life (HRQL): EuroQol 5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L), Short-form 36 (SF-36) Physical Component Score (PCS), and SF-36 Mental Component Score (MCS), sleep: Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI) and Epworth Sleepiness scale (ESS), fatigue: Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) and Functional assessment of chronic illness therapy-fatigue (FACIT-F), pain: Short form McGill pain questionnaire version 2 (SF-MPQ-2) and PainDETECT, and mental well-being: Hospital anxiety and depression scale (HADS) anxiety and depression. Summary statistics, tests of mean differences, mixed-effects models, and cluster analysis were used to describe and examine the various health dimensions of individuals with XLH.

Results

Overall mean scores were EQ-5D-5L = 0.65, SF-36-PCS = 32.7, and SF-36-MCS = 48.4 for HRQL, ESS = 5.9 and PSQI = 8.9 for sleep, FSS = 32.8 and FACIT-F = 104.4 for fatigue, SF-MPQ-2 = 1.9 for pain, and HADS-depression = 4.7 and HADS-anxiety = 6.2 for mental well-being. 7% reported neuropathic pain (PainDETECT). Whilst many adults with XLH reported good outcomes, extreme or severe problems were reported across all outcomes. Cluster analysis identified that adults with XLH could be divided into two distinct groups, one reporting worse (35.3%) and the other better outcomes (64.7%) (less pain, fatigue, depression, and higher levels of sleep). Longitudinal analysis showed that FACIT-F and HADS-anxiety scores worsened slightly over two years with statistically significant (p < 0.05) time coefficients (b =  − 2.135 and b = 0.314, respectively).

Conclusion

Although about two thirds of adult participants of the RUDY cohort with XLH report good health outcomes, for a considerable third much worse outcomes are reported. More research is needed to examine why some experience good and others poor health outcomes and the characteristics which identify them.
Neurocognition and functioning in adolescents at clinical high risk for psychosis
Authors: Mensi Martina Maria , Orlandi Marika , Casini Erica , Catalan Ana , de Pablo Gonzalo Salazar , Fusar-Poli Paolo , Borgatti Renato
Published: February 2023

Background

Once psychosis has set in, it is difficult for patients to achieve full recovery. Prevention of psychosis and early intervention are promising for improving the outcomes of this disorder. In the last two decades, neurocognition has been studied as a biomarker for clinical-high risk for psychosis (CHR-P). However, neurocognitive functioning has been under-investigated in adolescents.

Methods

We enrolled 116 adolescents from 12 to 17 years old (mean = 15.27,SD = 1.56; 76 females). This 3-year cohort study aimed to identify differences in neurocognitive and overall functioning in three groups of adolescent patients divided according to the semi-structured interview Comprehensive Assessment of At-Risk Mental States (CAARMS): adolescents with established psychosis, adolescents with CHR-P, and adolescents not meeting either criteria (non-CHR-P). To differentiate the profiles, clinicians administered cognitive evaluation and neuropsychological tasks. Moreover, they filled in scales to assess their global, social, and role functioning and a questionnaire to assess the severity of the disease.

Results

We made a between-group comparison on neurocognitive measures and found that the CHR-P and the psychosis groups differed in processing speed (TMT-A;p = .002 in BVN categorial fluency (p = .018), and Rey–Osterrieth complex figure drawing from memory task (p = .014), with psychosis group showing worse performance. No differences emerged between non-CHR-P and CHR-P (p = .014) individuals. CHR-P had better functioning than the psychosis group but worse than the non-CHR-P one.

Conclusions

These results confirm that neurocognition can be a helpful biomarker in identifying specific subgroups of adolescents with emerging psychopathology and help clinicians develop stratified preventive approaches.
Allometric normalization of handgrip strength in older adults: Which body size parameter is the most appropriate?
Authors: Kasović Mario , Sagat Peter , Kalčik Zvonimir , Štefan Lovro , Hubinák Andrej , Krška Peter
Published: February 2023

Background

Although absolute handgrip strength has been associated with health-related outcomes in older adults, little evidence has been provided regarding its adjustment by a variety of body size dimensions. Therefore, the main purpose of the study was to establish the most appropriate normalization of handgrip strength by different body size parameters in a large sample of noninstitutionalized older adults.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we enrolled 643 men and women aged > 60, who were part of the rehabilitation center facility program. Handgrip strength was objectively measured using a Jamar Plus* + Digital Hand Dynamometer. Body size parameters included body weight and height, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-height ratio, fat mass and fat-free mass. The most appropriate parameter associated with handgrip strength was identified using allometry.

Results

Findings showed that the most appropriate body size parameter for handgrip strength normalization was height (allometric exponent: 0.85), compared to fat-free mass (0.26) and body mass (0.12). Other body size variables were not significantly associated with handgrip strength and were omitted from further analyses. The correlations between normalized handgrip strength were significant when handgrip strength was normalized by body mass and fat-free mass, while no significant correlations were found, when handgrip strength was normalized by body height.

Conclusion

Based on the study results, body height seems to be the best body size parameter for handgrip strength normalization in older adults, omitting the influence of body size on strength performance. If handgrip strength is measured, body height may help normalize strength for large-scale research.
Ayurveda management of pulmonary mycosis: an integrative approach: a case report
Authors: Shankar Prasan , Vijay Bhavya , Pendse Narendra , Rahman Mahima , Nampoothiri Vasudevan
Published: February 2023

Background

Pulmonary mycosis is a fungal infection of the lung. Antifungal treatments are used in conventional treatments; however, incomplete response and toxicity are major challenges of antifungal therapies. In Ayurveda, pulmonary mycosis is diagnosed and treated based on principles of respiratory disorders (referred to as Shvaas Roga) with promising outcomes.

Case presentation

A > 60-year-old South Indian male patient visited Institute of Ayurveda and Integrative Medicine with complaints of cough, breathlessness, pedal edema, weight loss, uncontrolled diabetes, and anemia. Following chest X-ray, high-resolution computed tomography (HRCT) and bronchoscopy, the patient was diagnosed with a case of pulmonary mucormycosis. The patient had availed conventional allopathic treatment for 3 months including standard antifungal medication for 3 weeks. However, due to unresolved and persistent symptoms, the patient sought Ayurveda treatment. The patient was diagnosed and treated for 6 weeks as a case of Shvaasa Roga, a subcategory of the respiratory disorder according to Ayurveda, and was cured of the infection following an integrative Ayurveda management regime which included internal medicines, panchakarma, necessary poorvakarmas (like abhyanga and swedhana), diet and lifestyle advice, yoga and acupuncture.

Conclusions

The patient was cured of fungal lung infection in 6 weeks using an integrative approach. Primary Ayurveda treatment supported with diet and lifestyle modifications, yoga, and acupuncture helped the patient to recover from illness. The patient is alive and free of disease for more than one year to date.
Implantation and tracing of green fluorescent protein-expressing adipose-derived stem cells in peri-implant capsular fibrosis
Authors: Park Bo-Yoon , Wu Dirong , Kwon Kyoo-Ri , Kim Mi-Jin , Kim Tae-Gon , Lee Jun-Ho , Park Do Young , Kim Il-Kug
Published: February 2023

Background

Adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) have been reported to reduce fibrosis in various tissues. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory role of ASCs on capsule formation by analyzing the histologic, cellular, and molecular changes in a mouse model of peri-implant fibrosis. We also investigated the fate and distribution of ASCs in the peri-implant capsule.

Methods

To establish a peri-implant fibrosis model, customized silicone implants were inserted into the dorsal site of C57BL/6 wild-type mice. ASCs were harvested from the fat tissues of transgenic mice that express a green fluorescent protein (GFP-ASCs) and then injected into the peri-implant space of recipient mice. The peri-implant tissues were harvested from postoperative week 2 to 8. We measured the capsule thickness, distribution, and differentiation of GFP-ASCs, as well as the cellular and molecular changes in capsular tissue following ASC treatment.

Results

Injected GFP-ASCs were distributed within the peri-implant capsule and proliferated. Administration of ASCs reduced the capsule thickness, decreased the number of myofibroblasts and macrophages in the capsule, and decreased the mRNA level of fibrogenic genes within the peri-implant tissue. Angiogenesis was enhanced due to trans-differentiation of ASCs into vascular endothelial cells, and tissue hypoxia was relieved upon ASC treatment.

Conclusions

We uncovered that implanted ASCs inhibit capsule formation around the implant by characterizing a series of biological alterations upon ASC treatment and the fate of injected ASCs. These findings highlight the value of ASCs for future clinical applications in the prevention of capsular contracture after implant-based reconstruction surgery.
Efficient virtual high-content screening using a distance-aware transformer model
Authors: Sellner Manuel S. , Mahmoud Amr H. , Lill Markus A.
Published: February 2023

Molecular similarity search is an often-used method in drug discovery, especially in virtual screening studies. While simple one- or two-dimensional similarity metrics can be applied to search databases containing billions of molecules in a reasonable amount of time, this is not the case for complex three-dimensional methods. In this work, we trained a transformer model to autoencode tokenized SMILES strings using a custom loss function developed to conserve similarities in latent space. This allows the direct sampling of molecules in the generated latent space based on their Euclidian distance. Reducing the similarity between molecules to their Euclidian distance in latent space allows the model to perform independent of the similarity metric it was trained on. While we test the method here using 2D similarity as proof-of-concept study, the algorithm will enable also high-content screening with time-consuming 3D similarity metrics. We show that the presence of a specific loss function for similarity conservation greatly improved the model’s ability to predict highly similar molecules. When applying the model to a database containing 1.5 billion molecules, our model managed to reduce the relevant search space by 5 orders of magnitude. We also show that our model was able to generalize adequately when trained on a relatively small dataset of representative structures. The herein presented method thereby provides new means of substantially reducing the relevant search space in virtual screening approaches, thus highly increasing their throughput. Additionally, the distance awareness of the model causes the efficiency of this method to be independent of the underlying similarity metric.
Inertial-based extragradient algorithm for approximating a common solution of split-equilibrium problems and fixed-point problems of nonexpansive semigroups
Authors: Nwawuru Francis O. , Ezeora Jeremiah N.
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we introduce a simple and easily computable algorithm for finding a common solution to split-equilibrium problems and fixed-point problems in the framework of real Hilbert spaces. New self-adaptive step sizes are adopted for the avoidance of Lipschitz constants that are not practically implemented. Furthermore, an inertial term is incorporated to speed up the rate of convergence, a condition that is very desirable in applications. A strong convergence is obtained under some mild assumptions, which is not limited to the fact that the bifunctions are pseudomonotone operators. This condition is better, weaker, and more general than being strongly pseudomonotone or monotone. Our result improves and extends already announced results in this direction of research.
Comparison of disengagement levels and the impact of disengagement on item parameters between PISA 2015 and PISA 2018 in the United States
Authors: Kuang Huan , Sahin Fusun
Published: February 2023

Background

Examinees may not make enough effort when responding to test items if the assessment has no consequence for them. These disengaged responses can be problematic in low-stakes, large-scale assessments because they can bias item parameter estimates. However, the amount of bias, and whether this bias is similar across administrations, is unknown. This study compares the degree of disengagement (i.e., fast and non-effortful responses) and the impact of disengagement on item parameter estimates in the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) across the 2015 and 2018 administrations.

Method

We detected disengaged responses at the item level based on response times and response behaviors. We used data from the United States and analyzed 51 computer-based mathematics items administered in both PISA 2015 and PISA 2018. We compared the percentage of disengaged responses and the average scores of the disengaged responses for the 51 common items. We filtered disengaged responses at the response- and examinee-levels and compared item difficulty (P+ and b) and item discrimination (a) before and after filtering.

Results

Our findings suggested that there were only slight differences in the amount of disengagement in the U.S. results for PISA 2015 and PISA 2018. In both years, the amount of disengagement was less than 5.2%, and the average scores of disengaged responses were lower than the average scores of engaged responses. We did not find any serious impact of disengagement on item parameter estimates when we applied response-level filtering; however, we found some bias, particularly on item difficulty, when we applied examinee-level filtering.

Conclusions

This study highlights differences in the amount of disengagement in PISA 2015 and PISA 2018 as well as the implications of the decisions made for handling disengaged responses on item difficulty and discrimination. The results of this study provide important information for reporting trends across years.
Exploring the characteristics of pre-service EFL teachers’ practicum experiences: a complexity theory-based case study in China
Authors: Li Ming , Kuang Fangtao , Dan Wei
Published: February 2023

With increasing attention being paid to teacher education, various theoretical perspectives have been adopted to study on how pre-service teachers learn to teach. This study employed complexity theory as conceptual framework and examined two pre-service EFL teachers’ practicum experiences by qualitative case study and identified three core characteristics of their learning-to-teach: complexity, dynamism and self-organization. It is found that pre-service EFL teacher learning, as a complex system, interacted between and among a network of socio-contextual factors and thus influenced and being influenced during the learning process in a non-linear and complex way. This study made empirical and theoretical contributions to the research field of teacher education and provided implications for university-school collaboration-based teacher education practice.
Anesthetic management of a patient with Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome with multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and pheochromocytoma for femoral artificial bone replacement: a case report
Authors: Hiyoshi Toshiharu , Shimizu Kazuyoshi , Kimura Satoshi , Naritani Toshiki , Morimatsu Hiroshi
Published: February 2023

Background

Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is characterized by mucocutaneous telangiectasia and arteriovenous malformations in organs. Anesthesia for patients with Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome is challenging due to complications and physiological changes.

Case presentation

The case was a 49-year-old female with Osler-Weber-Rendu syndrome, multiple pulmonary arteriovenous malformations and pheochromocytoma who presented for femoral bone head fracture with metastatic adenocarcinoma. The patient was scheduled to undergo bone tumor resection and artificial bone replacement, being positioned laterally with a planned operation duration of 5 h. Anesthesia was managed with spinal and epidural anesthesia, combined with sedation by sevoflurane using a supraglottic airway (SGA) device under spontaneous breathing. Her intraoperative and postoperative courses were uneventful.

Conclusion

Neuraxial anesthesia combined with general anesthesia using an SGA device to maintain spontaneous ventilation in order to minimize the risk of rupture of pulmonary arteriovenous malformations could be an option.
The role of IL17 and IL17RA polymorphisms in lethal pandemic acute viral pneumonia (Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype)
Authors: Liberalesso Vanessa Yumie Salomão Watanabe , Azevedo Marina Luise Viola , Malaquias Mineia Alessandra Scaranello , de Paula Caroline Busatta Vaz , Nagashima Seigo , de Souza Daiane Gavlik , Neto Plínio Cézar , Gouveia Kauana Oliveira , Biscaro Larissa Cristina , Giamberardino Ana Luisa Garcia , Gonçalves Gabrielle Tasso , Kondo Thais Teles Soares , Raboni Sonia Maria , Weiss Isabelle , Machado-Souza Cleber , de Noronha Lucia
Published: February 2023

Background

The cytokines play an essential role in acute inflammatory processes, and the IL-17 may be responsible for ambiguous aspects, and the correlation with genetic polymorphisms could improve the search for this critical biomarker. Thus, this study aimed to evaluate the IL-17A and IL-17RA tissue expression and the polymorphisms that codified these proteins in a population that died of pandemic Influenza A virus H1N1 subtype compared to a non-pandemic Influenza virus population.

Methods

Necropsy lung samples immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the presence of IL-17A and IL-17RA in the pulmonary tissue. Eight single nucleotide polymorphisms were genotyped using TaqMan® technology.

Results

The Influenza A H1N1 pandemic group had higher tissue expression of IL-17A, higher neutrophil recruitment and shorter survival time between admission and death. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms conferred risk for pandemic influenza A H1N1, the AA genotype of rs3819025 G/A, the CC genotype of rs2241044 A/C, and the TT genotype of rs 2,241,043 C/T.

Conclusions

One IL17A polymorphism (rs381905) and two IL17RA polymorphisms (rs2241044 and rs2241043) represented biomarkers of worse prognosis in the population infected with pandemic influenza A H1N1. The greater tissue expression of IL-17A shows a Th17 polarization and highlights the aggressiveness of the pandemic influenza virus with its duality in the protection and pathogenesis of the pulmonary infectious process.
Bone char modification by iron to improve its capacity for adsorbing fluoride from an aqueous solution
Authors: Carrales-Alvarado Damarys Haydee , Jiménez-López Brenda Azharel , Leyva-Ramos Roberto , Medellín-Castillo Nahum Andrés , Mendoza-Mendoza Esmeralda , Vázquez-Mendoza Carolina , Villela-Martínez Diana Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

High fluoride concentrations in groundwater have attracted great concern worldwide because many people are afflicted by fluorosis due to water consumption. In this work, the fluoride adsorption from water onto bone char (BC) modified with iron sulfate (BCM) was studied as an option for eliminating fluoride from drinking water. The experimental data for the adsorption equilibrium of fluoride on BCMs were procured in a batch adsorber. The synthesis conditions of BCMs were optimized for improving the adsorption capacity of BCMs, and the optimal BCM was designated as BCM2. The BCMs were characterized by different analytical techniques, the BCMs surface exhibited an irregular morphology and the chemical nature was basic, and the BCMs were mesoporous materials. The Langmuir isotherm satisfactorily interpreted the experimental data of the fluoride adsorption isotherms on BCMs. The basic sites of BC and BCMs were quantified and identified in this work. The main adsorption mechanism of fluoride on the BCMs was the electrostatic attraction between the fluoride and the basic sites of BCMs, and the adsorption capacities of BC and BCMs towards fluoride increased almost linearly with the concentration of basic sites so that the enhancement of the adsorption capacity of BCMs was attributed to the increase of basic sites during the modification. Furthermore, the BCM2 adsorption capacity was lessened by incrementing the pH from 5 to 9, and this behavior was ascribed to the reduction of the electrostatic attraction interactions between the BCM2 surface basic sites and fluoride in the solution. The adsorption process was endothermic because the adsorption capacities of BC and BCM2 toward fluoride were raised by incrementing the solution temperature from 15 to 35 °C. The BCM2 presented a high capacity for adsorbing fluoride of 14.4 mg g−1 at 25 °C and a pH of 5.
Which is more accurate measuring pulmonary artery resistance index or 4D lung volume for prediction of neonatal respiratory distress in preterm pregnancies?
Authors: Eldeeb Basma Samir , El-Shourbagy Kholoud H. , El-Shorbagy Shahinaz H. , Ghith Lamees M.
Published: February 2023

Background

Neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is a leading cause of neonatal respiratory failure and neonatal mortality. It is frequent in preterm infants, because deficient surfactant needed to keep the airways (alveoli) open to assist infants breathe after birth. Nonetheless, it was also seen in full-term pregnancies. Noninvasive approaches for predicting the development of neonatal respiratory distress (RD) in preterm newborns include comparing the prenatal clinical outcome with the pulmonary artery resistance index (PA-RI) and fetal lung capacity as assessed by the virtual organ computer-aided analysis (VOCAL). Our study aimed to estimate optimal cutoff values and compare measurements of fetal pulmonary artery resistance index (PA-RI) and fetal lung volume (LV) assessed by VOCAL as noninvasive measures to predict neonatal RD development in preterm pregnancies to show which is more accurate.

Results

Out of the examined 147 women who delivered 147 living newborns, 59 of newborn (40.1%) developed neonatal RD. PA-RI has a higher value in 45 (76.27%), while fetal lung volume (FLV) was significantly lower in 43 (72.88%) of neonates who developed RD. Combining both measurements of PA-RI and FLV could predict all cases of RDS 59 (100%). Thirty of RDS neonates had mechanical ventilation and died (50.85%). Cutoff values of PA-RI ≥ 0.75 with 76.27% sensitivity, 82.95% specificity and 81.5% accuracy, whereas a cutoff of FLV ≤ 28 cm3 with sensitivity of 72.88%, specificity of 65.91% and accuracy of 74.8%, for prediction of RDS. Combining both cutoffs generated a more accurate detection 100%, specificity of 65.91% and 66.3% positive predictive value (PPV) and 100% negative predictive value (NPV) and 83% accuracy.

Conclusions

Both PA-RI and FLV are promising noninvasive tools which help in predicting RD fetuses with high sensitivity and specificity. PA-RI is more accurate than FLV cm3 in prediction of neonatal RDS. Combining these parameters increases the predictive value.
Darolutamide Maintenance in Patients With Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer With Nonprogressive Disease After Taxane Treatment (SAKK 08/16)
Authors: Gillessen Silke , Procopio Giuseppe , Hayoz Stefanie , Kremer Eloïse , Schwitter Michael , Caffo Orazio , Lorente David , Pedrazzini Augusto , Roubaud Guilhem , Nenan Soazig , Omlin Aurelius , Buttigliero Consuelo , Delgado Mingorance Juan Ignacio , González-del-Alba Aránzazu , Delgado Maria Teresa , Nole Franco , Turco Fabio , Pereira Mestre Ricardo , Ribi Karin , Cathomas Richard
Published: February 2023

PURPOSE

To assess the efficacy and safety of darolutamide maintenance after successful taxane chemotherapy in patients with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Swiss Group for Clinical Cancer Research (SAKK) 08/16 is a randomized phase II study. Patients with mCRPC who received prior androgen-receptor pathway inhibitors (ARPIs) and subsequently had nonprogressive disease on a taxane were randomly assigned to darolutamide 600 mg twice a day or placebo twice a day. The primary end point was radiographic progression-free survival (rPFS) at 12 weeks. Secondary end points were rPFS, event-free survival, overall survival (OS), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) 50% response rate, and adverse events.

RESULTS

Overall, 92 patients were recruited by 26 centers. Prior taxane was docetaxel in 93% and cabazitaxel in 7%. Prior ARPI was abiraterone in 60%, enzalutamide in 31%, and both in 9%. rPFS at 12 weeks was significantly improved with darolutamide (64.7% v 52.2%; P = .127). Median rPFS on darolutamide was 5.5 versus 4.5 months on placebo (hazard ratio [HR], 0.54 [95% CI, 0.32 to 0.91]; P = .017), and median event-free survival was 5.4 versus 2.9 months (HR, 0.46 [95% CI, 0.29 to 0.73]; P = .001). PSA 50% response rate was improved (22% v 4%; P = .014). Median OS for darolutamide was 24 versus 21.3 months for placebo (HR, 0.62 [95% CI, 0.3 to 1.26]; P = .181). Treatment-related adverse events were similar in both arms.

CONCLUSION

SAKK 08/16 met its primary end point, showing that switch maintenance with darolutamide after prior taxane chemotherapy and at least one ARPI resulted in a statistically significant but clinically modest rPFS prolongation with good tolerability. The median OS with darolutamide maintenance appears promising. Should these findings be confirmed in a larger trial, maintenance treatment could be a novel strategy in managing patients with mCRPC, especially those who responded well to prior ARPI.
Mapa de políticas públicas para a juventude e o trabalho na cidade de São Paulo: Uma perspectiva contemporânea
Authors: Bresciani Luís Paulo , Corrochano Maria Carla , Nogueira Maria Eduarda Raymundo
Published: February 2023

O artigo busca apresentar a sistematização e análise das políticas públicas de geração de trabalho e renda para a juventude, na cidade de São Paulo (SP), com o objetivo de investigar as principais mudanças havidas desde 2013. Buscou-se, por meio do levantamento empírico, estabelecer conexões entre a base conceitual das políticas para juventude e as teorias de análise de políticas públicas, utilizando-se os modelos do equilíbrio interrompido e das coalizões de defesa para interpretar a inflexão nas referidas políticas de juventude e trabalho. Foi possível assim compreender fatores relevantes para a movimentação do tema do empreendedorismo rumo ao centro da formulação de políticas de trabalho e renda, desde a segunda metade dos anos 2010.
Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Clinico-pathological features in relation to Tumor Stage; AJCC 2018 perspective
Authors: Khan Nauman Rauf , Naseem Nadia , Riaz Nabeela , Anjum Rabia , Khalid Sobia , Iqbal Asifa , Chaudhry Saima
Published: February 2023

Objective: To investigate the association between clinicopathological findings and tumor stage according to AJCC 2018 guidelines in patients suffering from Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC).

Methods: A descriptive study was conducted from January 2019 to January 2020 at King Edward Medical University and University of Health Sciences on a total of 49 patients enrolled after obtaining written informed consent. Clinical and radiographic findings were recorded. Pathological reporting was done using AJCC 2018 cancer staging guidelines. Association between clinicopathological features with tumor stage and grade was assessed using Chi-square and Kruskal-Wallis test.

Results: Mean age of the patients was 46.1 ± 10.6 years. Most of the tumors were of well differentiated type (49%) and moderately differentiated (40.8%) with predominant clinical stage III in 42.9% & IV in 44.9 % and primary tumor stage pT2 28.6% & pT3 36.7%. Significant difference was seen for primary tumor stage in relation to age, gender, depth of invasion, primary site, and size of tumor (p < 0.01). For clinical stages, significant difference was observed in the age, gender, size of tumor, nodal metastasis, and anatomical tumor site (p < 0.01).

Conclusion: Application of 8th Edition AJCC guidelines identifies the importance of the latest classification with strong association of latest stage criteria with age, gender, site of primary tumor, tumor thickness, depth of invasion, nodal metastasis and size of largest lymph node involved, and Level of Lymph node involved (level III & V) in a subset of patients from a developing country.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7266

How to cite this: Khan NR, Naseem N, Riaz N, Anjum R, Khalid S, Iqbal A, et al. Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Clinico-pathological features in relation to Tumor Stage; AJCC 2018 perspective. Pak J Med Sci. 2023;39(2):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.39.2.7266

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
The genome sequence of the Dark Arches Apamea monoglypha (Hufnagel, 1766)
Authors: Boyes Douglas ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective, Mulley John. F. ,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: February 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Apamea monoglypha (the Dark Arches, Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Noctuidae). The genome sequence is 576 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 31 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.5 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl has identified 17,963 protein coding genes.
Factors affecting human health
Authors: Vlasova L.Yu.
Published: February 2023

Данный электронный ресурс разработан для студентов 1 курса направлений «Педиатрия», «Медико-профилактическое дело» и «Лечебное дело», изучающих немецкий язык. Он посвящён факторам, влияющим на здоровье человека. Цель данного ресурса – обучить студентов профессиональной медико-биологической и общей лексике по темам «Спорт», «Курение», «Вакцинация», «Питание», «Сон», «Экология». Каждая тема (модуль) состоит из шести разделов: «Лексика», «Чтение», «Аудирование», «Тест», «Дополнительные материалы» и «Источники». Данный ресурс рекомендуется использовать как дополнительное средство обучения при изучении темы «Профилактика заболеваемости как ключ к сохранению здоровья и повышения качества жизни в мире», закрепленной в рабочей программе по дисциплине «Иностранный язык».
Methodological recommendations for solving Task № 27 while preparing for the State Exam in the discipline of "Biology"
Authors: Proschenko Daria , Protasova Oksana
Published: February 2023

Электронное учебное пособие «Методические рекомендации к решению задания № 27 для подготовки к Единому государственному экзамену по дисциплине «Биология» подготовлено в качестве информационного сопровождения самостоятельной работы обучающихся при подготовке к сдаче ЕГЭ по биологии. В электронном учебном пособии приводится теоретический материал, затрагивающий такие разделы как «Биология клетки», «Нуклеиновые кислоты», «Матричные процессы в клетке», освоение которого необходимо для успешного выполнения задания № 27 в структуре экзаменационного билета ЕГЭ по биологии. Пособие содержит обширный иллюстративный материал, способствующий усвоению изучаемых вопросов; даны рекомендации, облегчающие понимание и решение различных вариаций задания №27 ЕГЭ по биологии. Электронное учебное пособие поможет в работе преподавателей биологии, обучающихся и абитуриентов.