bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The reference value of anti-Müllerian hormone to diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome is inversely associated with BMI: a retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Menghui , Liu Xiaocong , Xu Xiaolu , Li Jing , Bu Zhiqin , Yang Qingling , Shi Hao , Niu Wenbin , Dai Shanjun , Liang Yuling , Guo Yihong
Published: February 2023

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the cut-off value of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) combined with body mass index (BMI) in the diagnosis of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and polycystic ovary morphology (PCOM).

Methods

This retrospective study included 15,970 patients: 3775 women with PCOS, 2879 women with PCOM, and 9316 patients as controls. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to calculate adjusted odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for AMH. We randomly divided the patients into two data sets. In dataset 1, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was generated to analyze the accuracy of basic AMH levels in diagnosing PCOS and PCOM. The optimal cut-off value was calculated in dataset 1 and validated in dataset 2, expressed as sensitivity and specificity.

Results

In the PCOS group, obese patients had the lowest AMH levels, while underweight patients had the highest AMH level (P < 0.001). After adjusting for age, the ratio of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), serum testosterone level, and BMI, AMH was an independent predictor of PCOS and PCOM. In the group with BMI < 18.5 kg/m2, the optimistic AMH cut-off value was 5.145 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 84.3% and specificity of 89.1%, whereas in the BMI ≥ 28 kg/m2 group, the optimistic AMH cut-off value was 3.165 ng/mL with a sensitivity of 88.7% and specificity of 74.6%. For the BMI range categories of 18.5–24, 24.0–28 kg/m2, the optimistic AMH cut-off values were 4.345 ng/mL and 4.115 ng/mL, respectively. The tendency that the group with lower weight corresponded to higher AMH cut-off values was also applicable to PCOM. In the same BMI category, patients with PCOM had a lower AMH diagnosis threshold than those with PCOS (< 18.5 kg/m2, 5.145 vs. 4.3 ng/mL; 18.5–24 kg/m2, 4.345 vs. 3.635 ng/mL; 24.0–28 kg/m2, 4.115 vs. 3.73 ng/mL; ≥ 28 kg /m2, 3.165 vs. 3.155 ng/mL). These cut-off values had a good diagnostic efficacy in the validation dataset. Based on different phenotypes and severity of ovulation disorders, the distribution of AMH in PCOS were also significantly different (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

AMH is a potential diagnostic indicator of PCOS and is adversely associated with BMI. The AMH cut-off value for diagnosing PCOS was significantly higher than that for PCOM.
Efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban for the treatment of PICC-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in cancer patients: a retrospective study
Authors: Xu Jiaxuan , Wang Guodong , Chen Xiaojie , Shen Yanfen , Wang Xinpeng , Wang Hongzhi
Published: February 2023

Background

The optimal duration and choice of anticoagulant for the treatment of Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC)-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (UEDVT) in cancer patients are still undetermined.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of rivaroxaban for the treatment of PICC-related UEDVT in cancer patients.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cohort study including consecutive cancer patients for the management of acute symptomatic PICC-related UEDVT. The efficacy outcome of the study was the 180-day recurrence of any venous thromboembolism (VTE), while the safety outcome was the 180-day incidence of all bleeding events. The Kaplan‒Meier method was used to estimate the overall incidence. Hazard ratios (HRs) were obtained with a Cox proportional hazards model to estimate the risk of the outcome events.

Results

A total of 217 patients were included in the final analysis with a median age of 56 years old, 41.5% of whom had metastases. After the initial 3–5 days of nadroparin, patients received sequential anticoagulation, either with nadroparin (118 patients) or with rivaroxaban (99 patients). Four patients with recurrent VTE were observed (nadroparin, n = 2; rivaroxaban, n = 2). The 180-day cumulative VTE recurrence rates were 1.7% and 2.0% (p = 0.777) in patients receiving nadroparin and rivaroxaban, respectively. The overall bleeding rate at 180 days was 8.8%. Although no major bleeding events were observed, nineteen patients with clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding (CRNMB) were observed. The 180-day cumulative rate of CRNMB was 5.1% for nadroparin and 13.1% for rivaroxaban (HR = 3.303, 95% CI 1.149–9.497, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Our study supported the efficacy of rivaroxaban for treating PICC-related UEDVT in cancer patients. However, data on anticoagulation therapy for PICC-related UEDVT presented with a low risk of VTE recurrence and a relatively high risk of CRNMB bleeding events. Considering the risk–benefit ratio, further well-designed trials are required to optimize the drug selection and duration for the treatment of PICC-related UEDVT in cancer patients.
Breastfeeding status and determinants of current breastfeeding of Syrian refugee children in Turkey
Authors: Yalcin Siddika Songül , Aydin Aksoy Esin , Yalcin Suzan , Eryurt Mehmet Ali
Published: February 2023

Background

Turkey hosts the highest number of refugees in the World including 65% of Syrian refugees who reside in Turkey. Mothers and children were the most negatively affected among the Syrian refugees who had to migrate from their countries as a result of the civil war in Syria. One of the most important issues in terms of child health is breastfeeding. Breastfeeding in migrants should be promoted worldwide to mitigate infant mortality and diseases. The aim of this study is to examine the association between breastfeeding status in Syrian refugee children under two years and socio-demographic characteristics of Syrian refugee mothers with further analysis of Turkey Demographic and Health Survey-Syrian Migrant-2018 (TDHS-SM-2018) data. 

Methods

The data source is the TDHS-SM-2018. Data for the last-born children with a gestational duration greater than 32 weeks from the mothers’ singleton pregnancy, aged less than two years old and living with the mother were included (unweighted n = 744). The dependent variable was the breastfeeding status (breastfeeding in the last 24 h during the study period) in children under two years. Complex sample logistic regression evaluated the associations.

Results

The percentage of breastfeeding in children under the age of two years was found to be 62.4%, and the total median breastfeeding duration was 14.6 months. Univariate analysis showed that the earlier mothers immigrated to Turkey, the higher the current breastfeeding rate. Breastfeeding rates were found to be higher among people living in the South and East regions (65.2% and 65.1% respectively). Multivariable binary complex sample logistic regression revealed that breastfeeding status at the study period was associated with long preceding birth interval; delivery in a public hospital; absence of prelacteal feeding; being non-pregnant; and the region and age of the child. No relationship for current breastfeeding was found with maternal activities, maternal life satisfaction, financial satisfaction, and educational status.

Conclusion

Current breastfeeding in our sample was more likely among mothers with a longer birth interval who avoided prelacteal feeding. The Baby-Friendly approach and family planning services should be integrated into refugee health centers.
Comparison of in-hospital outcomes after coronary artery bypass graft surgery in elders and younger patients: a multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Zhang Ren-Jian-Zhi , Yu Xin-Yi , Wang Jing , Lv Jian , Yu Ming-Huan , Wang Li , Liu Zhi-Gang
Published: February 2023

Objectives

We aimed to identify in-hospital outcomes in young (≤ 65 years) and old (> 65 years) patients after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) by analyzing the effect of age on adverse events after on-pump or off-pump CABG.

Methods

Patients older than 65 years were defined as older patients and others were defined as younger patients. The qualitative data were compared by chi-square or Fisher's exact tests. The quantitative data were compared by the two-sample independent t-test or Mann–Whitney U test. Multifactor binary logistic regression was used to control for confounders and to investigate the effect of age on dichotomous outcome variables such as death.

Results

In the on-pump CABG population, the postoperative in-hospital mortality, the incidence of postoperative symptomatic cerebral infarction (POSCI) and postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) was higher in older patients than in younger patients (Pvalue < 0.05), and age > 65 years was associated with postoperative in-hospital mortality (OR = 2.370,Pvalue = 0.031), POSCI (OR = 5.033,Pvalue = 0.013), and POAF (OR = 1.499,Pvalue < 0.001). In the off-pump CABG population, the incidence of POAF was higher in older patients than in younger patients (Pvalue < 0.05), and age > 65 years was associated with POAF (OR = 1.392,Pvalue = 0.011).

Conclusion

In-hospital outcomes after CABG are strongly influenced by age. In on-pump CABG, the risk of postoperative death, POSCI, and POAF was higher in older patients, and in off-pump CABG, the risk of POAF was higher in older patients.
The gut microbiome in Alzheimer’s disease: what we know and what remains to be explored
Authors: Chandra Sidhanth , Sisodia Sangram S. , Vassar Robert J.
Published: February 2023

Alzheimer’s disease (AD), the most common cause of dementia, results in a sustained decline in cognition. There are currently few effective disease modifying therapies for AD, but insights into the mechanisms that mediate the onset and progression of disease may lead to new, effective therapeutic strategies. Amyloid beta oligomers and plaques, tau aggregates, and neuroinflammation play a critical role in neurodegeneration and impact clinical AD progression. The upstream modulators of these pathological features have not been fully clarified, but recent evidence indicates that the gut microbiome (GMB) may have an influence on these features and therefore may influence AD progression in human patients. In this review, we summarize studies that have identified alterations in the GMB that correlate with pathophysiology in AD patients and AD mouse models. Additionally, we discuss findings with GMB manipulations in AD models and potential GMB-targeted therapeutics for AD. Lastly, we discuss diet, sleep, and exercise as potential modifiers of the relationship between the GMB and AD and conclude with future directions and recommendations for further studies of this topic.
The efficacy of intraoperatie continuous glucose monitoring in patients undergoing liver transplantation: a study protocol for a prospective randomized controlled superiority trial
Authors: Duan Yi , Li Zuo-Zhi , Liu Pan , Cui Lei , Gao Zhifeng , Zhang Huan
Published: February 2023

Background

The high incidence of intraoperative glucose dysregulations in liver transplantation (LT) is related to the lack of highly orchestrated control of intraoperative blood glucose. Glucose monitoring based on a single arterial blood gas test can only provide a simple glucose profile and is insufficient in monitoring intraoperative glycemic variability (GV), which is not conducive to controlling GV and may have a lag in the management of hyper/hypoglycemia. Continuous glucose monitor (CGM), which has been successfully applied in the management of chronic disease in diabetes, provides more detailed blood glucose records and reflect GV parameters such as coefficient of variation (CV%). However, its effectiveness and accuracy for guiding blood glucose management in major surgeries remains unclear.

Methods

This is a single-center, randomized, controlled, superiority trial. One hundred and eighty patients scheduled for orthotopic LT will be recruited and randomized into two groups. All patients are monitored for intraoperative glucose using CGM combined with arterial blood gas (ABG). In the intervention group (group CG), ABG will be performed when CGM value is < 6.1 mmol/L or > 10.0 mmol/L, or the rate of change of CGM value > 1.67 mmol/(L·min). In the control group (group G), intraoperative ABG tests will be performed every 2 h, and the frequency of ABG tests will be adjusted based on the previous arterial glucose result. Patients in both groups will have their blood glucose adjusted according to arterial glucose values and a uniform protocol. Surgical and other anesthetic management is completed according to standard LT practices.

Discussion

This study intends to investigate the effectiveness of CGM-based intraoperative glucose management and its impact on the prognosis of LT patients by comparing the GV, mean glucose values, and the incidence of hypo/hypoglycemic events guided by the above two glucose monitoring methods.

Trial registration

This study is registered at www.chictr.org.cn on January 4, 2022, under the registration number ChiCTR2200055236.
Bioethanol from wheat straw hydrolysate solubility and stability in waste cooking oil biodiesel/diesel and gasoline fuel at different blends ratio
Authors: El-Sheekh Mostafa M. , El-Nagar Aya A. , ElKelawy Medhat , Bastawissi Hagar Alm-Eldin
Published: February 2023

The work focuses on studying the solubility and stability of dissolved bioethanol as a fuel additive in different fuel blends of gasoline, diesel, 50% diesel/50% biodiesel. Dissolved ethanol fuel appears as particles with a unique size distribution inside the whole fuel blends, and its stability was measured in this work. Bioethanol dissolved fuel particles stability was improved after blending the bioethanol with 50% diesel/50% biodiesel than pure diesel or pure gasoline fuel alone. The obtained results reveal that the lowest bioethanol particles stability was obtained when commixed with gasoline and the suspended ethanol particles completely accumulated at different concentrations of bioethanol in the fuel blends of 2%, 4%, 6%, 8%, 10%, and 12% by volume after 1 h of mixing time. Furthermore, the measured data of the bioethanol particles size distribution reveals that the suspended stability in the diesel blend improve slightly for all bioethanol concentrations of 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% by volume. While the bioethanol concentrations of 5% show acceptable particles stability and size distribution during the whole experiments time. Obtained results show that bioethanol suspended particles stability was enhanced for 50% diesel/50% biodiesel blend with different bioethanol concentrations of 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, and 30% by volume basis. However, the size of the particles increased as the bioethanol concentration rose with the passage of time.
“It’s not you, it’s me”: identity disturbance as the main contributor to interpersonal problems in pathological narcissism
Authors: Biberdzic Marko , Tan Junhao , Day Nicholas J. S.
Published: February 2023

Background

Core impairments in self and other functioning typify individuals with personality disorder. While interpersonal dysfunction is a known element of narcissistic disorders, empirical research investigating intrapersonal elements is lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the internal representations of individuals with grandiose and vulnerable features, as manifested through their attachment styles, and the specific role of identity disturbance in explaining the relationship between pathological narcissism and maladaptive interpersonal functioning.

Methods

A sample of 270 university students completed the Brief Pathological Narcissism Inventory (B-PNI), the Severity Indices of Personality Problems (SIPP), the Relationship Questionnaire (RQ), and the Inventory of Interpersonal Problems (IIP-32).

Results

Both vulnerable and grandiose narcissism were positively associated with both fearful and preoccupied attachment, and negatively associated with secure attachment, whilst grandiose narcissism was also positively associated with dismissive attachment. Furthermore, unstable representations of self, poor self-reflective functioning, and low sense of purpose fully mediated the relationship between interpersonal problems and grandiose narcissism while partially mediating the relationship between interpersonal problems and vulnerable narcissism.

Conclusions

Overall, our findings suggest that for individuals presenting with narcissistic features, capacity for adaptive interpersonal functioning is grounded by deficits in identity integration. Implications of these findings are discussed.
Combined basilar subsegmentectomy for intralobar sequestration via uniportal VATS: a case report
Authors: Takamori Satoshi , Oizumi Hiroyuki , Suzuki Jun , Shiono Satoshi
Published: February 2023

Background

Combined basilar subsegmentectomy via uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery is an extremely complex surgery. Moreover, no the existing reports describe the procedure and technique. Here, we present the technique of combined basilar subsegmentectomy that was successfully performed via uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery to treat intralobar pulmonary sequestration in an adult patient.

Case presentation

A 57-year-old man underwent surgery for oropharyngeal carcinoma. Preoperative computed tomography showed several cystic lesions in the right lower lobe. Subsequent enhanced computed tomography revealed an anomalous artery branching from the abdominal aorta and a normal pulmonary vein. The patient with diagnosed with Pryce type III intralobar pulmonary sequestration and underwent right S7 posterior + 10bc combined basilar segmentectomy via uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient was discharged 4 days after surgery. At the 8-month follow-up, computed tomography showed no abnormalities.

Conclusions

We successfully performed combined basilar subsegmentectomy via uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. This surgical approach is useful for the treatment of intralobar pulmonary sequestration occurring at the basal segment of the lung.
Infrared thermography as a possible technique for the estimation of parturition onset in sows
Authors: Gulliksen S. M. , Framstad T. , Kielland C. , Velazquez M. A. , Terøy M. M. , Helland E. M. , Lyngstad R. H. , Delgado A. J. Oropeza , Oropeza-Moe M.
Published: February 2023

Background

This study explores the possibility of using infrared thermography to estimate the onset of parturition in sows. Infrared camera (IRC) and infrared laser thermometer (IRT) were used to obtain the auricular skin temperature of sows along with rectal temperatures, from approximately one week before the anticipated farrowing until 24 h post-partum. Three commercial piglet producing farms were included in the study.

Results

There were large variations in observed auricular skin temperature, both by IRC and IRT per time point. Graphical exploration of the observed auricular skin temperature measured by the two methods showed the same parallel patterns, although temperatures measured by IRC were higher at any time point compared to IRT. Auricular skin thermography revealed a clear increase in temperatures before farrowing. Statistical analyses, adjusting for differences between farms, sow activity and respiration rate, confirmed this increase. When controlling for these variables, and comparing the baseline temperatures to temperatures at farrowing, the difference was 3.9 and 4.1 °C measured with IRT and IRC, respectively. The greatest increase, of more than 2 °C, was found between 16 and 8 h and 8 to 4 h before farrowing. Rectal temperature increased by 0.5 °C in the same time interval and reached a temperature peak after farrowing.

Conclusion

Sows showed a more than 2 °C increase in auricular skin temperature, measured by either IRC or IRT, 8 to16 hours before the first piglet was born. Hence, monitoring auricular skin temperatures of sows using infrared thermography one week before expected farrowing may provide a baseline temperature for each sow from which a sudden rise is indicative of parturition in the following 8 to 16 h. This may lead to more efficient allocation of human assistance during farrowing time and thereby improve farrowing management and the welfare of sows and their offspring.
Effect of blockchain technology initiatives on firms’ market value
Authors: Ali Haji Suleman , Jia Feiyan , Lou Zhiyuan , Xie Jingui
Published: February 2023

Despite blockchain’s potential to transform corporations by providing new ways of organizing business processes and handling information, extant research pays inadequate attention to how and under what conditions blockchain technology provides additional financial value for shareholders. Drawing on the efficient market hypothesis and signaling theory, we examined the relationship between firms’ blockchain use, development announcements, and stock market reactions. We used the event study methodology to analyze a sample of blockchain projects initiated by US firms between 2016 and 2019. The sample contains 114 firm-event observations. The findings show that the average abnormal return over a 2 days event period (including the day of the announcement and the day after the announcement) was positive. This positive stock market reaction is even more substantial when firms announce blockchain projects that focus on saving cost or time. Our findings also indicate that blockchain announcements tend to elicit more positive market reactions from smaller firms. We analyzed 249 firm-event observations containing firms from around the world and conclude that blockchain technology has a non-significant long-term impact on operating performance. The contingency approach adopted in our research provides advice for selecting the right mix of blockchain investment initiatives that is most suitable for a given organizational context.
The association between carbon and nitrogen stable isotope ratios of human hair and hypertension
Authors: Ahn Song Vogue , Park Jong-Ku
Published: February 2023

Background

The relationship between stable isotope ratios and dietary protein sources has been reported. However, few studies have examined the effect of stable isotope ratios on metabolic risk in humans. We investigated whether the stable isotope ratios of carbon and nitrogen in human hair are associated with blood pressure and hypertension.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 392 subjects (228 men and 164 women). Hair samples of the subjects were used for the measurement of stable isotope ratios of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N).

Results

The δ13C and δ15N values showed positive correlations with diastolic blood pressure in the subjects without antihypertensive medication. In the subjects without antihypertensive medication, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) for hypertension was 1.55 (1.04–2.30) per 1‰ increase in δ15N and 1.22 (0.86–1.73) per 1‰ increase in δ13C, respectively. However, in the subjects with antihypertensive medication, neither δ13C nor δ15N values showed a significant association with hypertension.

Conclusions

The stable isotopic ratio of nitrogen in scalp hair is independently associated with hypertension in subjects without antihypertensive medication. The hair δ15N value might be used as a surrogate marker to screen a high-risk population for hypertension.
Managing high-risk atrial fibrillation patients with multiple comorbidities
Authors: Lip Gregory Y. H.
Published: February 2023

Atrial fibrillation (AF) patients are often high risk being elderly and having multiple comorbidities. Many risk factors are established to be associated with new onset incident AF, as well as AF-related complications such as stroke and hospitalisations. Multimorbidity AF patients are high risk and require a holistic approach to care, which should be proactively managing with an integrated care or holistic approach as per the ABC (atrial fibrillation better care) pathway.
Effect of thermal fluctuations on homogeneous compressible turbulence
Authors: Ma Qihan , Yang Chunxin , Chen Song , Feng Kaikai , Zhang Jun
Published: February 2023

For more than a century, it has been widely believed that there is a clear gap between molecular motions at the microscopic level and turbulent fluctuations at the macroscopic level. However, recent studies have demonstrated that the thermal fluctuations resulted from molecular motions have nonnegligible effects on the dissipation range of turbulence. To further clarify the reviving debate on this topic, we employ the molecular-level direct simulation Monte Carlo (DSMC) method to simulate homogeneous turbulence with different turbulent Mach numbers, extending the previous studies by considering the effect of compressibility. Our results show that, for both one-dimensional (1D) stationary turbulence and two-dimensional (2D) decaying isotropic turbulence, the turbulent energy spectra are significantly changed due to thermal fluctuations below the spatial scale comparable to the turbulent dissipation length scale. The energy spectra caused by thermal fluctuations for different spatial dimensionsdpresent different scaling laws of the wavenumberkas$${{k}^{(d-1)}}$$k(d-1). For 2D cases, we show that the effect of thermal fluctuations on the spectrum of compressible velocity component is greatly affected by the change of compressibility. The 2D spectra of density, temperature and pressure are also obtained, showing the same scaling law at large wavenumbers as found for the energy spectra. Moreover, it is found that the effects of thermal fluctuations on the thermodynamic spectra are the same as those on the spectra of compressible velocity component.
Comparative genomic study of the Penicillium genus elucidates a diverse pangenome and 15 lateral gene transfer events
Authors: Petersen Celine , Sørensen Trine , Nielsen Mikkel R. , Sondergaard Teis E. , Sørensen Jens L. , Fitzpatrick David A. , Frisvad Jens C. , Nielsen Kåre L.
Published: February 2023

The Penicillia are known to produce a wide range natural products—some with devastating outcome for the agricultural industry and others with unexploited potential in different applications. However, a large-scale overview of the biosynthetic potential of different species has been lacking. In this study, we sequenced 93 Penicillium isolates and, together with eleven published genomes that hold similar assembly characteristics, we established a species phylogeny as well as defining a Penicillium pangenome. A total of 5612 genes were shared between ≥ 98 isolates corresponding to approximately half of the average number of genes a Penicillium genome holds. We further identified 15 lateral gene transfer events that have occurred in this collection of Penicillium isolates, which might have played an important role, such as niche adaption, in the evolution of these fungi. The comprehensive characterization of the genomic diversity in the Penicillium genus supersedes single-reference genomes, which do not necessarily capture the entire genetic variation.
Citrullus colocynthis (bitter apple): bioactive compounds, nutritional profile, nutraceutical properties and potential food applications: a review
Authors: Rao Vasundhara , Poonia Amrita
Published: February 2023

Herbal remedies and related foods provide healing properties for a range of diseases, resulting in a higher standard of living. Bitter apple is extremely beneficial due to its bioactive and nutraceutical compounds. Increasing awareness among consumers across the world about this unique fruit’s properties may provide huge opportunities for the supplier of herbal products as well as their use in the food industry. It has significant applications in the field of food technology. This review focused on the important features of bitter apple mainly, bioactive compounds, their mode of action, medical applications, chemical characteristics, chemical compounds, and the latest research on the pharmacological interventions of bitter apple extracts. This review also highlights the potential use of bitter apples in the food industry as well as their application in nanotechnology for the formation of nanoparticles.

Graphical Abstract
Real effective exchange rate misalignment and currency crisis in Iran
Authors: Hassanzadeh Mohammad , Mousavi Shahla
Published: February 2023

This study aimed to examine real effective exchange rate (REER) misalignment in Iran and its relation to the currency crisis. The behavioral equilibrium exchange rate was employed to calculate the equilibrium exchange rate (EER), and misalignment was obtained using the exchange rate deviation from the equilibrium value. Using the autoregressive distributed lag (ARDL) method and data from 1986 to 2019, the long-run relationship between macroeconomic fundamentals and REER was estimated. The results show that trade openness, rate of productivity growth in tradable good production, net foreign assets of the central bank, oil exports, and terms of trade significantly affected the EER. Estimation of misalignment and its relationship with the currency crisis show that in the years before the crisis, there was generally a significant overvaluation in several consecutive years; hence, exchange rate misalignment serves as a leading index to predict the probability of a currency crisis.
A systematic review of compositional analysis studies examining the associations between sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity with health indicators in early childhood
Authors: Zahran Samah , Visser Carson , Ross-White Amanda , Janssen Ian
Published: February 2023

Background

This systematic review examined if the composition of time spent in sleep, sedentary behaviour, and physical activity of different intensities is associated with health and developmental indicators in children aged 0–5 years.

Methods

Four electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and SPORTDiscus) were searched in January 2022. Studies were eligible for inclusion if they were peer-reviewed, the average age of participants was < 6 years, and compositional data analysis was used to examine the associations between the composition of time spent in movement behaviours and health and developmental indicators.

Results

Eight studies (7 cross-sectional, 1 prospective cohort) of < 2070 unique participants were included. Only a single study included children < 3 years old and 37% of the associations examined in the literature were based on indicators of body composition. The 24-h movement behaviour composition was associated with mental health indicators (3 of 4 associations examined in the literature), motor skills and development (6 of 7 associations), and physical fitness (3 of 3 associations). Reallocating time from light physical activity into moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was favourable for motor skills and development. Reallocating time from light physical activity into sleep was unfavourable for mental health. Reallocating time from light physical activity into sedentary behaviour or sleep was favourable for motor skills and development.

Conclusions

This review provides some evidence that the composition of movement behaviours is important for the health of young children. Future research should consider including infants and toddlers, larger sample size, and measures of health and development other than body composition. (PROSPERO registration no.: CRD42022298370.)
Unsupervised boundary analysis of potential field data: A machine learning method
Authors: Cutaneo Carmine , Vitale Andrea , Fedi Maurizio
Published: February 2023

We develop a boundary analysis method, called unsupervised boundary analysis (UBA), based on machine learning algorithms applied to potential fields. Its main purpose is to create a data-driven process yielding a good estimate of the source position and extension, which does not depend on choices or assumptions typically made by expert interpreters, such as low-pass filtering or weights in the enhanced horizontal derivative case. We first test the simple synthetic case of two vertical faults, to understand the robustness of the method. We recognize three classes based on their centroids and find that the source edges could be detected at the transition between the two of them. Subsequently, we apply the UBA to the real magnetometric data of the archaeological site of Torre Galli (Calabria, Italy). We compare the results with those from two different boundary analysis techniques, the enhanced horizontal derivative and the tilt derivative. The main sources are well recognized by our approach and in good agreement with the enhanced horizontal derivative results, but UBA leads us to have a more complete description of the lineaments and to retrieve further features of archaeologic interest in the area. Instead, the tilt derivative features are affected by noise, which makes interpretation more complicated.
Bayesian inference of petrophysical properties with generative spectral induced polarization models
Authors: Bérubé Charles L. , Baron Frédérique
Published: February 2023

Mechanistic induced polarization (IP) models describe the relationships between the physical properties of geomaterials and their frequency-dependent complex conductivity. However, practitioners rarely use mechanistic models to interpret the IP data because the uncertainties associated with estimating petrophysical properties from complex conductivity spectra are still poorly understood. We propose a framework for critically assessing any IP model’s sensitivity and parameter estimation limitations. The framework consists of a conditional variational autoencoder (CVAE), an unsupervised Bayesian neural network specializing in data dimension reduction and generative modeling. We apply the framework in a case study of the “perfectly polarized interfacial polarization” model by training the CVAE on the IP signatures of synthetic mixtures of metallic mineral inclusions hosted in electrolyte-filled geomaterials. First, the CVAE’s Jacobian reveals the relative importance of each petrophysical property for generating the spectral IP data. The most critical parameters are the conductivity of the host, the volume fraction of the inclusions, the characteristic length of the inclusions, and the permittivity of the host. Contrastingly, the inclusions’ diffusion coefficient, permittivity, and conductivity, as well as the host’s diffusion coefficient, have marginal importance. A parameter estimation experiment using various model constraints yields the standardized accuracy of petrophysical properties and corroborates the sensitivity analysis results. Finally, we visualize the effects of data transformations and model constraints on the petrophysical parameter space. We conclude that a common logarithm data transformation yields optimal parameter estimation results and that constraining the electrochemical properties of a geomaterial improves the estimates of the size of its metallic inclusions and vice versa.
Minimally Invasive Management of a C6-7 Disk Extrusion Through a Posterior Cervical Foraminotomy: 2-Dimensional Operative Video
Authors: Farber S. Harrison , Cochrane Julia , Tumialán Luis M.
Published: February 2023

This operative video details treatment of a cervical disk herniation through a minimally invasive posterior cervical foraminotomy and microdiskectomy. A man in his 20s presented with unilateral C6-7 radiculopathy, and imaging findings indicated a paracentral disk herniation at C6-7. There was no evidence of spinal cord compression or cervical myelopathy and no severe spondylosis. Therefore, a posterior cervical foraminotomy was offered rather than an anterior diskectomy and fusion or arthroplasty to preserve segmental motion and limit potential implant-related complications. The patient consented to the procedure. This video reviews the nuances of this approach and the key surgical steps to ensure adequate decompression without introducing iatrogenic instability. The patient tolerated the procedure well and reported immediate relief of radicular pain after surgery. He returned to work without activity restrictions at the 2-week mark. Used with permission from Barrow Neurological Institute, Phoenix, Arizona.
Οπτικοακουστικά έργα τέχνης και εκμάθηση ξένων γλωσσών
Authors: Κανελλοπούλου Αικατερίνη
Published: February 2023

Η παρούσα εμπειρική μελέτη διερευνά την επίδραση των σύγχρονων οπτικοακουστικών μορφών τέχνης και της δημοφιλούς κουλτούρας του κινηματογράφου στην εκμάθηση μιας ξένης γλώσσας. Για τη διερεύνηση αυτή χρησιμοποιήθηκε η τεχνική FL2DA (Foreign L2 Dubbing Activity), η οποία εστίασε σε ταινίες μεγάλου μήκους και στη μακροπρόθεσμη απομνημόνευση λεξιλογίου μιας ξένης γλώσσας. Στην τεχνική FL2DA, χρησιμοποιείται ένα απόσπασμα ταινίας το οποίο έχει τροποποιηθεί έτσι ώστε ο χρήστης να μπορεί να εγγράψει τη φωνή του πάνω σε ένα συγκεκριμένο ρόλο. Ο χρήστης μπορεί αργότερα να παρακολουθήσει το απόσπασμα με τη δική του φωνή στον ρόλο αυτό. Βασικές αρχές του FL2DA είναι η εκμάθηση που πηγάζει από προσωπική εμπειρία και την υιοθέτηση ενός ρόλου προς μίμηση, αλλά και η αυξημένη εμπλοκή η οποία πηγάζει από τη χρήση του κινηματογράφου, ως σύγχρονη μορφή δημοφιλούς κουλτούρας της νέας, τεχνολογικά εξοικειωμένης, γενιάς και του ψηφιακού τρόπου επικοινωνίας τους.Στο πείραμα συμμετείχαν 107 αγόρια και κορίτσια 12-17 ετών, με μητρική γλώσσα τα Ελληνικά, τα οποία χωρίστηκαν σε μια πειραματική ομάδα και μια ομάδα ελέγχου. Σε όλους τους συμμετέχοντες δόθηκε ένα pre-test δραστηριοτήτων και ένα post-test που εξέταζε την εκμάθηση 12 λεξιλογικών στοιχείων. Όλες οι δραστηριότητες πραγματοποιήθηκαν στο διαδίκτυο χρησιμοποιώντας μια πλατφόρμα που δημιουργήθηκε ειδικά για τις ανάγκες αυτού του πειράματος. Τα αποτελέσματα έδειξαν ότι η τεχνική FL2DA ήταν ευχάριστη και φιλική προς τον χρήστη, ενώ βοήθησε την πειραματική ομάδα να διατηρήσει τη γνώση περισσότερων λεξιλογικών στοιχείων μακροπρόθεσμα.
Factors affecting access to health services by older adults in an urban community in Thailand: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jirathananuwat Areeya
Published: February 2023

Background: The impending rapid change in Thailand’s older population has many important implications for health policy, especially older adults’ health problems, which are major cause of  them accessing health services. This study aimed to study factors affecting access to health services for older adults in urban communities in Thailand, as well as performing a situational survey of health service utilization.

Methods: This cross-sectional study included 886 older adults from four different neighborhoods (slum, city, suburban, and community building). Data were collected using an interview questionnaire. Information about health service variables were extracted and followed the five dimensions of accessibility by Penchansky & Thomas: availability, accessibility, accommodation, affordability and acceptability. Data were analyzed using percentage mean and standard deviation (SD). Analysis of factors affecting access to health service was performed using Logistic regression.

Results: The utilization of health services was high among five dimensions. There is no significant difference among other dimensions statistically from all neighborhoods. Only the acceptability dimension with notable difference (p=0.003), city neighborhood has the lowest acceptability dimension (mean 4.0, SD.=0.62), while community building has the highest one (mean 4.3, SD.=0.55). Factors affecting older adults access to health services were using health insurance rights for health care service, and concern about the necessity of health care.

Conclusions: Encouraging older adults to change their health insurance rights to the nearest hospital and promoting the provision of holistic health information, which will support older adults in accessing more health services to improve their health outcomes.
Med-ImageTools: An open-source Python package for robust data processing pipelines and curating medical imaging data
Authors: Kim Sejin , Kazmierski Michal , Qu Kevin , Peoples Jacob , Nakano Minoru , Ramanathan Vishwesh , Marsilla Joseph , Welch Mattea , Simpson Amber , Haibe-Kains Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Background: Machine learning and AI promise to revolutionize the way we leverage medical imaging data for improving care but require large datasets to train computational models that can be implemented in clinical practice. However, processing large and complex medical imaging datasets remains an open challenge.

Methods: To address this issue, we developed Med-ImageTools, a new Python open-source software package to automate data curation and processing while allowing researchers to share their data processing configurations more easily, lowering the barrier for other researchers to reproduce published works.

Use cases: We have demonstrated the efficiency of Med-ImageTools across three different datasets, resulting in significantly reduced processing times.

Conclusions: The AutoPipeline feature will improve the accessibility of raw clinical datasets on public archives, such as the Cancer Imaging Archive (TCIA), the largest public repository of cancer imaging, allowing machine learning researchers to process analysis-ready formats without requiring deep domain knowledge.
The Bristol Self Harm Register (BSHR) dataset: Linked self-harm register records of the children in the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC)
Authors: Mummé Mark , Redaniel Theresa , Boyd Andy , Jackson Joni , Mars Becky , Macleod John
Published: February 2023

This data note describes the linking of records of the Bristol Self Harm Register with the cohort of the index children of the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children (ALSPAC – also known as ‘Children of the 90s’). These records were obtained from the computerised data base maintained by the Bristol Self Harm Register (BSHR). The BSHR is operated out of the two largest NHS trusts in the ALSPAC study catchment area, North Bristol NHS Trust (NBT) based at Southmead Hospital (SMH) in Bristol and the University Hospitals Bristol and Weston NHS Foundation Trust (UHBWT) based at Bristol Royal Infirmary (BRI), also in Bristol. The BSHR database was designed to be populated by staff after an encounter with a patient attending with an indication of self-harm. Some of the information in the BSHR database was self-reported by the patient and was unable to be independently verified. Software syntax was written using STATA (StataCorp LLC, version 17) to convert the original files into a single consistent format in a data base which was reviewed for its potential use in future research. The cleaned BSHR records provide a contemporaneous record of a subset of the ALSPAC cohort over a period of the ALSPAC study in an easily accessible format, which is valuable when other sources of data may be missing.
Outcomes after repair of complete atrioventricular canal with a modified single-patch technique: a retrospective study
Authors: Samanidis George , Kostopanagiotou Konstantinos , Kanakis Meletios , Kourelis Georgios , Kolovou Kyriaki , Vagenakis Georgios , Bobos Dimitrios , Giannopoulos Nicholas
Published: February 2023

Background: This study aimed to present the short- and midterm outcomes after complete atrioventricular canal defect (CAVC) repair using a single-patch technique.Methods: This study included 30 children who underwent surgical correction of the CAVC using a single-patch technique.Results: The median age of the patients was 5.7 months (interquartile range [IQR], 5.0–7.5 months), and 23 patients (76.7%) had type A CAVC. Fourteen patients (46.7%) were female and 17 (56.7%) had been diagnosed with Down syndrome. The in-hospital mortality rate was 0%. No deaths were observed during a median follow-up of 4 years (IQR, 3.5–5.0 years). Patients without Down syndrome were associated with late moderate mitral regurgitation (MR) (p=0.02). Late MR less than moderate degree was observed in 96.6%, 78.5%, and 50% of patients after 2, 4, and 5 years of follow-up, respectively, while late tricuspid valve regurgitation less than moderate degree was observed in 96.7%, 85.9%, and 59.0% of patients after 2, 4, and 6 years of follow-up, respectively. After a median follow-up of 4 years, only one patient had required surgical repair of a left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, which occurred 26 months after the first operation. Multivariable logistic regression analysis adjusted for the type of CAVC, sex, Down syndrome, age, and weight revealed that the absence of Down syndrome was a risk factor for late moderate MR (MR-2) (odds ratio, 0.05; 95% confidence interval, 0.006–0.50; p=0.01).Conclusion: A single-patch technique for CAVC surgical repair is a safe method with acceptable short- and midterm results.
Multipotential use of an old drug, as a new solution for anticancer therapy and multidrug-resistant urinary tract infections
Authors: Banaś Patryk , Abram Kamila , Adamus Justyna , Pierzchała Jakub Rafał , Bednarz Katarzyna , Sobańska Natalia , Banasiak Aleksandra Paulina , Teichman Rafał , Kasprowicz Jakub , Hyjek Michał
Published: February 2023

Introduction       
Nitroxoline (NTX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent that has been used to treat urinary tract infections since the 1960s. Today, the incidence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacterial strains is on the rise worldwide. This has resulted in repurposing, whereby during the ongoing research on nitroxoline, the possibility of its wide use has been demonstrated, not only in treatment against resistant pathogens, but also potential broad anti-cancer applications.
Aim of the study
The purpose of our work was to review scientific articles and show the multi-potential - anti-pathogenic and anti-tumor use of nitroxoline.
Methods and materials
We reviewed the English-language literature in the PubMed database, using the key words: „Nitroxoline”, „Nitroxoline cancer”, „Nitroxoline antibacterial use”
 
Results
Analysis of studies has shown that nitroxoline, currently used in benign urinary tract infections, is also applicable in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MRD). It is also active against drug-resistant fungi and mycobacteria. Repurposing has also demonstrated the anticancer effects of nitroxoline through inhibition proliferation, induction apoptosis of tumor cells and other mechanisms, making it likely that nitroxoline will be used in cancer treatment regimens in the future.
Conclusion
Nitroxoline has found widespread use in the treatment of urinary tract infections caused by multidrug-resistant bacteria (MRD) and by strains of resistant fungi, which in today's world are spreading and increasing their drug resistance. Repurposing has shown promising anticancer activity of nitroxoline in the treatment of urinary tract cancers and more. The data supporting the effects of nitroxoline seem promising, suggesting the rationale for future clinical trials to further our understanding of the exact mechanisms of action and use of nitroxoline in oncology treatment.