bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Apontamentos sobre o fim da Terra: elementos de ficção científica e horror na obra literária Metrô 2033 e no jogo eletrônico homônimo
Authors: Martins Jucélia de Oliveira , Silva Alexander Meireles da
Published: January 2024

“Metrô 2033” (2010) é um romance publicado pelo escritor russo Dmitry Glukhovsky. Devido ao seu sucesso comercial e de crítica a obra foi posteriormente adaptada para um jogo eletrônico de mesmo nome. Tanto no romance como no game a narrativa apresenta uma sociedade ramificada através dos túneis do metrô de Moscou após um holocausto nuclear. O presente estudo visa realizar uma análise comparativa entre o livro e o jogo de videogame, destacando o modo como os elementos da ficção científica e do horror foram adaptados das páginas para a tela. Ademais, pretende-se explorar como as narrativas, objetos deste estudo, abordam a questão da identidade e da alteridade no que concerne à relação entre humanos e as figuras monstruosas que habitam a Moscou pós-apocalíptica idealizada por Glukhovsky. Como suporte teórico, toma-se as proposições de pesquisadores e críticos como Roberts (2018), Ginway (2015), Caroll (1999), Kristeva (1994), Hall (2008), dentre outros.
O filho mais velho de Deus e/ou livro IV: A antificção científica nas teorias conspiratórias da narrativa mutarelliana
Authors: Da Silva Damásio Marques
Published: January 2024

Analisar o conceito de ficção científica em O filho mais velho de Deus e/ou livro IV é o objetivo central deste trabalho. O oitavo romance de Mutarelli narra a trajetória de um protagonista que se vê envolvido em uma sociedade secreta. A partir da análise do romance e de leituras críticas de teorias da conspiração, questionou-se de que forma essa narrativa se configura como uma antificção científica. A ironia é fator determinante para situar a obra nesta categoria, por meio do negacionismo evidenciado nas teorias conspiracionistas presentes.
Differential spatial working memory–related functional network reconfiguration in young and older adults
Authors: Yue Wan Lin , Ng Kwun Kei , Liu Siwei , Qian Xing , Chong Joanna Su Xian , Koh Amelia Jialing , Ong Marcus Qin Wen , Ting Simon Kang Seng , Ng Adeline Su Lyn , Kandiah Nagaendran , Yeo B. T. Thomas , Zhou Juan Helen
Published: January 2024

Functional brain networks have preserved architectures in rest and task; nevertheless, previous work consistently demonstrated task-related brain functional reorganization. Efficient rest-to-task functional network reconfiguration is associated with better cognition in young adults. However, aging and cognitive load effects, as well as contributions of intra- and internetwork reconfiguration, remain unclear. We assessed age-related and load-dependent effects on global and network-specific functional reconfiguration between rest and a spatial working memory (SWM) task in young and older adults, then investigated associations between functional reconfiguration and SWM across loads and age groups. Overall, global and network-level functional reconfiguration between rest and task increased with age and load. Importantly, more efficient functional reconfiguration associated with better performance across age groups. However, older adults relied more on internetwork reconfiguration of higher cognitive and task-relevant networks. These reflect the consistent importance of efficient network updating despite recruitment of additional functional networks to offset reduction in neural resources and a change in brain functional topology in older adults. Our findings generalize the association between efficient functional reconfiguration and cognition to aging and demonstrate distinct brain functional reconfiguration patterns associated with SWM in aging, highlighting the importance of combining rest and task measures to study aging cognition.
Artificial Neural Network Language Models Predict Human Brain Responses to Language Even After a Developmentally Realistic Amount of Training
Authors: Hosseini Eghbal A. , Schrimpf Martin , Zhang Yian , Bowman Samuel , Zaslavsky Noga , Fedorenko Evelina
Published: January 2024

Artificial neural networks have emerged as computationally plausible models of human language processing. A major criticism of these models is that the amount of training data they receive far exceeds that of humans during language learning. Here, we use two complementary approaches to ask how the models’ ability to capture human fMRI responses to sentences is affected by the amount of training data. First, we evaluate GPT-2 models trained on 1 million, 10 million, 100 million, or 1 billion words against an fMRI benchmark. We consider the 100-million-word model to be developmentally plausible in terms of the amount of training data given that this amount is similar to what children are estimated to be exposed to during the first 10 years of life. Second, we test the performance of a GPT-2 model trained on a 9-billion-token dataset to reach state-of-the-art next-word prediction performance on the human benchmark at different stages during training. Across both approaches, we find that (i) the models trained on a developmentally plausible amount of data already achieve near-maximal performance in capturing fMRI responses to sentences. Further, (ii) lower perplexity—a measure of next-word prediction performance—is associated with stronger alignment with human data, suggesting that models that have received enough training to achieve sufficiently high next-word prediction performance also acquire representations of sentences that are predictive of human fMRI responses. In tandem, these findings establish that although some training is necessary for the models’ predictive ability, a developmentally realistic amount of training (∼100 million words) may suffice.
Analysis of Satisfaction and Characteristics of Using University Campus Gardens for Enhancing the Mental Well-Being of University Students
Authors: Kim Yong Hyun , Huh Moo Ryong
Published: January 2024

Background and objective: Recently, mental health problems of university students have emerged due to low employment rates and increased unemployment. Therefore, this study attempted to examine the effect of the characteristics of and satisfaction with university campus gardens on mental well-being and to suggest ways to create and utilize campus gardens as a means of promoting mental health for university students.Methods: A survey was conducted on university students and graduate students attending G University located in J City, Gyeongsangnam-do. The survey was conducted from July 1 to December 10, 2019. The survey results of 516 subjects were ultimately used, and the survey items consisted of general characteristics, satisfaction with garden use, garden use characteristics, and mental well-being. The survey results were analyzed using IBM SPSS Statistics 25.Results: In the case of garden use characteristics, 'simple travel path' was the most common purpose of use, and the highest frequency of use was 1-2 times a week. The factor that had the strongest positive correlation with overall satisfaction was satisfaction with using the garden as a leisure and recreation space, and the frequency of use also had a positive correlation. As a result of examining the effect of satisfaction and frequency of use on mental well-being, it was found that symbolism, visual beauty, and frequency of garden use had a positive effect.Conclusion: In order for university students to use campus gardens as a tool to improve their mental well-being and as a place for leisure and recreation, efforts must be made to adequately arrange the characteristics of the region where each university campus is located and the symbolic elements of each university, to enhance the scenic beauty so that students can experience visual beauty, and to fulfill visual satisfaction by arranging plants or facilities with distinct characteristics for each season.
New records of demosponges (Porifera) from the South Orkney Islands (Antarctica) with a checklist for the region
Authors: SCHEJTER LAURA , CRISTOBO JAVIER , RÍOS PILAR
Published: January 2024

The South Orkney Islands (SOI) is a poorly studied Antarctic archipelago located in the Scotia Arc. In this study, we added 25 Demospongiae species to the SOI known sponge richness, which was previously represented by only 16 species. Of these, 22 species represent new records for SOI region, although they were previously recorded from other Antarctic sectors. Samples were collected during two Argentinean Antarctic Research Cruises onboard RV Puerto Deseado. The most frequently collected species were Artemisina apollinis, Iophon gaussi, I. unicorne, Lissodendoryx (E.) ramilobosa, Myxodoryx hanitschi and Tedania (T.) tantula. Data and illustrations of some rare or uncommon species are provided: Iophon gaussi, Lissodendoryx (E.) anacantha, Microxina charcoti, Raspailia (H.) hentscheli, Haliclona spongiosissima, Haliclona (G.) cf. cucurbitiformis. Although the present results increase substantially the previously known information on sponge species, this is still an underestimation of total richness because certain orders (Tetractinellida, Suberitida, Biemnida, Polymastiida) and classes were not studied during the current investigation, although previous records were included.
Description of two new species in the genus Glyphodes Guenée from Indonesia (Lepidoptera: Crambidae, Spilomelinae)
Authors: WATUNG JACKSON F. , DARMAWAN DARMAWAN , SUWITO AWIT , NARAKUSUMO RADEN PRAMESA , NUGROHO HARI , ENCILIA ENCILIA , QODRI AGMAL , PEGGIE DJUNIJANTI , UBAIDILLAH ROSICHON , SUTRISNO HARI
Published: January 2024

Two new species of Glyphodes Guenée, 1854 from Indonesia are proposed as new to science, namely G. nurfitriae sp. nov. and G. ahsanae sp. nov. The total number of recorded Glyphodes for Indonesia is 48 at present. Images of adults and genitalia are provided for both new species.
Does the Operation of a Reservoir Alter Its Interactions with the Atmosphere? Investigating the Role of Advective Fluxes on Energy and Hydrological Balances of the Romaine-2 Subarctic Hydropower Reservoir
Authors: Pierre Adrien , Nadeau Daniel F. , Thiboult Antoine , Rousseau Alain N. , Anctil François , Deblois Charles P. , Demarty Maud , Isabelle Pierre-Erik , Tremblay Alain
Published: January 2024

The hydrological processes of cascading hydroelectric reservoirs differ from those of lakes, due to the importance of the inflows and outflows that vary with energy demand. These heat and water advection terms are rarely considered in water body energy balance analyses even though reservoirs are common man-made structures, especially in North America, and thus may affect the regional climate. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the water and energy balance of the 85-km2 Romaine-2 northern reservoir (50.69°N, 63.24°W), mean depth of 44 m, highlighting the significant contribution of the advection heat fluxes. The water balance input was primarily controlled by upstream (turbine) inflows (77.6%), while lateral (natural) inflows and direct precipitation represented 21.2% and 1.2%, respectively. As for the reservoir’s heat budget, the net advection of heat accounted on average for 25.0% of the input, of which net radiation was the largest component (73.3%). After accounting for the absence of energy balance closure, latent heat and sensible heat fluxes represented 73.2% and 25.1% of total energy output from the reservoir, respectively. The thermal regime was influenced by the hydrological flow conditions, which were regulated by reservoir management. This played a major role in the evolution of the thermocline and the temperature of the epilimnion, and ultimately, in the dynamics of the turbulent heat fluxes. This study suggests that the heat advection term represents a large fraction of the heat budget of northern reservoirs and should be properly considered.
Consensus recommendations on the management of toxicity associated with CD3×CD20 bispecific antibody therapy
Authors: Crombie Jennifer L. , Graff Tara , Falchi Lorenzo , Karimi Yasmin H. , Bannerji Rajat , Nastoupil Loretta , Thieblemont Catherine , Ursu Renata , Bartlett Nancy , Nachar Victoria , Weiss Jonathan , Osterson Jane , Patel Krish , Brody Joshua , Abramson Jeremy S. , Lunning Matthew , Shah Nirav N. , Ayed Ayed , Kamdar Manali , Parsons Benjamin , Caimi Paolo , Flinn Ian , Herrera Alex , Sharman Jeffrey , McKenna Marshall , Armand Philippe , Kahl Brad , Smith Sonali , Zelenetz Andrew , Budde Lihua Elizabeth , Hutchings Martin , Phillips Tycel , Dickinson Michael
Published: January 2024

Bispecific antibodies (BsAb) that target CD3 and CD20 represent a new milestone in the treatment of patients with B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These drugs have demonstrated remarkable single-agent activity in patients with heavily pretreated disease, and 3 drugs have so far received regulatory approvals in various countries. However, BsAbs can potentially lead to severe toxicity associated with T-cell activation, particularly cytokine release syndrome (CRS). The anticipated widespread use of these off-the-shelf products poses challenges for implementation and highlights the need for guidance in anticipating, mitigating, and managing adverse events. In clinical trials, guidance for the evaluation and treatment of CRS and neurotoxicity associated with BsAb therapy has been modeled after algorithms originally created for chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell therapies and other immune effector therapies, yet notable differences in timing, quality, and severity exist between the toxicities of BsAbs and CAR T-cell therapies. We therefore convened an international panel of academic and community practice physicians, advanced practitioners, registered nurses, and pharmacists with experience using CD3×CD20 BsAbs in clinical trial and off-trial settings to provide comprehensive, consensus-based recommendations specific to the assessment and management of CD3×CD20 BsAb–related toxicities.
Development of prehospital emergency care in Singapore
Authors: Nadarajan Gayathri Devi , Jalil Nurul Asyikin Binte Mohamed , White Alexander Elgin , Hock Marcus Ong Eng , Venkataraman Anantharaman
Published: January 2024

This review paper describes the development of the pre-hospital system in Singapore from the pre-war days. Every country’s prehospital community needs a deep understanding of how they developed over the years, factors that played a part, and the aspirations their community and government have set for this. This can guide future evolution of the services to ensure that care provided is relevant, applicable and in keeping with the community’s needs. Countries with similar contextual circumstances, but at a different stage of development of their PECs, may learn from these.
Chromosome-level genome provides insight into the evolution and conservation of the threatened goral (Naemorhedus goral)
Authors: Sun Nan , Ma Xiao-Ying , Shi Guang-Hong , Yang Xiao-Hong , Li Wei , Feng Chen-Guang , Mi Da , Li Guo-Gang , Lu Ji-Qi
Published: January 2024

Background

Gorals Naemorhedus resemble both goats and antelopes, which prompts much debate about the intragenus species delimitation and phylogenetic status of the genus Naemorhedus within the subfamily Caprinae. Their evolution is believed to be linked to the uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP). To better understand its phylogenetics, the genetic information is worth being resolved.

Results

Based on a sample from the eastern margin of QTP, we constructed the first reference genome for Himalayan goral Naemorhedus goral, using PacBio long-read sequencing and Hi-C technology. The 2.59 Gb assembled genome had a contig N50 of 3.70 Mb and scaffold N50 of 106.66 Mb, which anchored onto 28 pseudo chromosomes. A total of 20,145 protein-coding genes were predicted in the assembled genome, of which 99.93% were functionally annotated. Phylogenetically, the goral was closely related to muskox on the mitochondrial genome level and nested into the takin-muskox clade on the genome tree, rather than other so-called goat-antelopes. The cladogenetic event among muskox, takin and goral occurred sequentially during the late Miocene (~ 11 − 5 Mya), when the QTP experienced a third dramatic uplift with consequent profound changes in climate and environment. Several chromosome fusions and translocations were observed between goral and takin/muskox. The expanded gene families in the goral genome were mainly related to the metabolism of drugs and diseases, so as the positive selected genes. The Ne of goral continued to decrease since ~ 1 Mya during the Pleistocene with active glaciations.

Conclusion

The high-quality goral genome provides insights into the evolution and valuable information for the conservation of this threatened group.
Epidemiology of group A rotavirus in children under five years of age with gastroenteritis in N’Djamena, Chad
Authors: Djikoloum Bertrand , Abakar Mahamat Fayiz , Ndze Valentine Ngum , Nkandi Rahinatou Ghapoutsa , Enjeh Carine Ngah , Kimala Pidou , Assam Jean Paul Assam , BODA Maurice
Published: January 2024

Background

Group A Rotaviruses (RVA) is one of the most common causes of severe diarrhoea in infants and children under 5 years of age. Unlike many countries in the world where RVA surveillance/control is active, in Chad , there is currently no applied RVA immunization program and surveillance strategy. The present study aims to determine the prevalence and associated risk factors of RVA gastroenteritis among children under five years of age in N’Djamena.

Method

This study comprised two parts: (1) A cross-sectional study carried in four hospitals in N’Djamena between August and November 2019, to determine infection risk factors and evidence of RVA infection among children aged five and below, consulted or hospitalized for diarrhea. An ELISA based RVA VP6 protein detection was used to determine RVA infection prevalence. Infection results and sociodemographic data were statistically analysed to determine RVA infection risk factors. (2) A retrospective study that consisted of analysing the records of stool examinations of the period from January 2016 to December 2018, to determine the prevalence of infectious gastroenteritis among the target population.

Results

For the cross-sectional study, RVA infection prevalence was 12.76% (18/141) with males (61.11%) being more affected (sex ratio: 1.57). Children below 12 months were the most affected age group (44.44%) and 44.4% were malnourished. The mean Vesikari score shows that 38.8% of children have a high severity level and 41.1% have a moderate level. For the retrospective study, 2,592 cases of gastroenteritis hospitalization were analysed; 980 out of 2,592 cases (37.81%) of hospitalization due to diarrhoea were due to diarrhoeagenic pathogens including Emtamoeba hystolitica, Gardia lamblia, Trichomonas hominis, Hymenolepis nana, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp, Proteus mirabilis, and Klebsiella oxytoca. Cases of diarrhoea with negative pathogen search were 1,612 cases (62.19%). The diarrhoea peak was observed during the dry seasons, and the age group under 11 months was the most affected was (57.3%).

Conclusion

This study describes the evidence of RVA infection among diarrhoeic children below five years of age in N’Djamena, thus indicates a serious health burden. Malnourishment younger age was the higher risk factor. Further studies are needed to determine the circulating strains prior to considering introduction of RVA vaccine and setup a routine rotavirus surveillance in Chad.
Trend analysis and prediction of gonorrhea in mainland China based on a hybrid time series model
Authors: Wang Zhende , Wang Yongbin , Zhang Shengkui , Wang Suzhen , Xu Zhen , Feng ZiJian
Published: January 2024

Background

Gonorrhea has long been a serious public health problem in mainland China that requires attention, modeling to describe and predict its prevalence patterns can help the government to develop more scientific interventions.

Methods

Time series (TS) data of the gonorrhea incidence in China from January 2004 to August 2022 were collected, with the incidence data from September 2021 to August 2022 as the validation. The seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model, long short-term memory network (LSTM) model, and hybrid SARIMA-LSTM model were used to simulate the data respectively, the model performance were evaluated by calculating the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE), root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE) of the training and validation sets of the models.

Results

The Seasonal components after data decomposition showed an approximate bimodal distribution with a period of 12 months. The three models identified were SARIMA(1,1,1) (2,1,2)12, LSTM with 150 hidden units, and SARIMA-LSTM with 150 hidden units, the SARIMA-LSTM model fitted best in the training and validation sets, for the smallest MAPE, RMSE, and MPE.

Conclusions

The overall incidence trend of gonorrhea in mainland China has been on the decline since 2004, with some periods exhibiting an upward trend. The incidence of gonorrhea displays a seasonal distribution, typically peaking in July and December each year. The SARIMA model, LSTM model, and SARIMA-LSTM model can all fit the monthly incidence time series data of gonorrhea in mainland China. However, in terms of predictive performance, the SARIMA-LSTM model outperforms the SARIMA and LSTM models, with the LSTM model surpassing the SARIMA model. This suggests that the SARIMA-LSTM model can serve as a preferred tool for time series analysis, providing evidence for the government to predict trends in gonorrhea incidence. The model's predictions indicate that the incidence of gonorrhea in mainland China will remain at a high level in 2024, necessitating that policymakers implement public health measures in advance to prevent the spread of the disease.
Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis infection in a pediatric patient presenting skin rash and abdominal pain: a case report from Southeast Iran
Authors: Hosseininasab Ali , MoradKasani Safoura , Mostafavi Ehsan , Baseri Neda , Sadeghi Maryam , Esmaeili Saber
Published: January 2024

Background

The healthcare system in Iran appears to overlook Mediterranean spotted fever (MSF) as an endemic disease, particularly in pediatric cases, indicating the need for greater attention and awareness.

Case presentation

A six-year-old patient with fever, abdominal pain, headache, skin rashes, diarrhea, vomiting, and black eschar (tache noire) from southeast Iran was identified as a rickettsiosis caused by Rickettsia conorii subsp. israelensis through clinical and laboratory assessments, including IFA and real-time PCR. The patient was successfully treated with doxycycline.

Conclusions

Symptoms like rash, edema, eschar, and abdominal pain may indicate the possibility of MSF during the assessment of acute febrile illness, IFA and real-time PCR are the primary diagnostic methods for this disease.
Comparative efficacy of sodium thiosulfate, bisphosphonates, and cinacalcet for the treatment of vascular calcification in patients with haemodialysis: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: He Lei , Li Yuzhe , Jin Jingjing , Cheng Meijuan , Bai Yaling , Xu Jinsheng
Published: January 2024

Background

Up to now, there is no unequivocal intervention to mitigate vascular calcification (VC) in patients with hemodialysis. This network meta-analysis aimed to systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of sodium thiosulfate, bisphosphonates, and cinacalcet in treating vascular calcification.

Methods

A comprehensive study search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, EMBASE and China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of sodium thiosulfate, bisphosphonates, and cinacalcet for vascular calcification among hemodialysis patients. Then, network meta-analysis was conducted using Stata 17.0 software.

Results

In total, eleven RCTs including 1083 patients were qualified for this meta-analysis. We found that cinacalcet (SMD − 0.59; 95% CI [–0.95, -0.24]) had significant benefit on vascular calcification compared with conventional therapy, while sodium thiosulfate or bisphosphonates did not show such efficiency. Furthermore, as for ranking the efficacy assessment, cinacalcet possessed the highest surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA) value (88.5%) of lessening vascular calcification and was superior to sodium thiosulfate (50.4%) and bisphosphonates (55.4%). Thus, above results suggested that cinacalcet might be the most promising drug for vascular calcification treatment in hemodialysis patients. Mechanistically, our findings illustrated that cinacalcet reduced serum calcium (SMD − 1.20; 95% CI [–2.08, − 0.33]) and showed the tendency in maintaining the balance of intact Parathyroid Hormone (iPTH) level.

Conclusions

This network meta-analysis indicated that cinacalcet appear to be more effective than sodium thiosulfate and bisphosphonates in mitigating vascular calcification through decreasing serum calcium and iPTH. And cinacalcet might be a reasonable option for hemodialysis patients with VC in clinical practice.

Systematic Review Registration

[http://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO], identifier [CRD42022379965].
Construction and validation of a prediction model for the risk of citrate accumulation in patients with hepatic insufficiency receiving continuous renal replacement therapy with citrate anticoagulation
Authors: Hong Quxia , Chen Siyu , He Yongchun , Chen Jianghua , Zhang Ping
Published: January 2024

Background

To construct and validate a prediction model of the risk of citrate accumulation in patients with hepatic dysfunction receiving continuous renal replacement therapy with regional citrate anticoagulation (RCA-CRRT), which reduces the risk of citrate accumulation.

Methods

All patients who received RCA-CRRT from 2021 to 2022 and were hospitalized in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University were considered for study participation. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for citrate accumulation, based on which a nomogram model was constructed and validated in the validation group.

Results

Six factors were finally identified, from which a nomogram was created to predict the risk of citrate accumulation. The area under the curve of the prediction model was 0.814 in the training group and 0.819 in the validation group, and the model showed acceptable agreement between the actual and predicted probabilities. Decision curve analysis also demonstrated that the model was clinically useful.

Conclusions

The model constructed from six factors reliably predicted the risk of citrate accumulation in patients with hepatic insufficiency who received RCA-CRRT.
Sequential gene expression analysis of myelodysplastic syndrome transformation identifies HOXB3 and HOXB7 as the novel targets for mesenchymal cells in disease
Authors: Yin Chunlai , Li Yanqi , Zhang Cheng , Zang Shizhu , Wang Zilong , Yan Xue , Ma Tonghui , Li Xia , Li Weiping
Published: January 2024

Background

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is known to arise through the pathogenic bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) by interacting with hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). However, due to the strong heterogeneity of MDS patients, it is difficult to find common targets in studies with limited sample sizes. This study aimed to describe sequential molecular changes and identify biomarkers in MSC of MDS transformation.

Methods

Multidimensional data from three publicly available microarray and TCGA datasets were analyzed. MDS-MSC was further isolated and cultured in vitro to determine the potential diagnostic and prognostic value of the identified biomarkers.

Results

We demonstrated that normal MSCs presented greater molecular homogeneity than MDS-MSC. Biological process (embryonic skeletal system morphogenesis and angiogenesis) and pathways (p53 and MAPK) were enriched according to the differential gene expression. Furthermore, we identified HOXB3 and HOXB7 as potential causative genes gradually upregulated during the normal-MDS-AML transition. Blocking the HOXB3 and HOXB7 in MSCs could enhance the cell proliferation and differentiation, inhibit cell apoptosis and restore the function that supports hematopoietic differentiation in HSCs.

Conclusion

Our comprehensive study of gene expression profiling has identified dysregulated genes and biological processes in MSCs during MDS. HOXB3 and HOXB7 are proposed as novel surrogate targets for therapeutic and diagnostic applications in MDS.
Childhood glaucoma profile in a Southwestern Ethiopia tertiary care center: a retrospective study
Authors: Mulugeta Tarekegn , Gebremichael Guteta , Adugna Sufa
Published: January 2024

Background

Childhood glaucoma is a major cause of childhood blindness worldwide. The profile of childhood glaucoma has not been well characterized in sub-Saharan Africa. Thus, this study was designed to describe demographics, clinical features, managements of childhood glaucoma, and improvements in visual acuity (VA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) from baseline to final visit.

Methods

This retrospective study included glaucoma patients below 18 years old who were diagnosed between September 2019 to August 2022. Childhood glaucoma diagnosis and classification was made as per the Childhood Glaucoma Research Network Classification (CGRN).

Results

A total of 105 children (181 eyes) were diagnosed with glaucoma. The most common type of childhood glaucoma was primary congenital glaucoma (PCG) constituting (42%, n = 76 eyes, 95% confidence interval (CI), 34.7–49.5%; P = 0.037), followed by glaucoma suspect (22.1%, n = 40 eyes, 95% CI, 16.3–28.9%; P < 0.001) and juvenile open-angle glaucoma (JOAG) (15.5%, n = 28 eyes, 95% CI, 10.5–21.6%; P < 0.001). While the most common type of secondary glaucoma was steroid-induced glaucoma, followed by glaucoma following cataract surgery. Bilateral glaucoma was found in 72.4% (n = 76 children, 95% CI, 62.8–80.7%; P < 0.001) of children. In both primary and secondary glaucoma, boys were affected more than girls, in ratio of 2:1 and 2.7:1, respectively. The mean age at presentation for patients with PCG was 2.7 years. Close to 93.4% (71) of PCG eyes were managed surgically, of which majority underwent combined trabeculotomy and trabeculectomy (CTT). Most of secondary glaucoma cases were treated medically. Overall, 85.3% (111) of eyes had successful control of IOP ≤ 21 mmHg.

Conclusion

PCG was the most common type of childhood glaucoma. One of a well-recognized challenge in developing countries, late presentation of patients with PCG, was also observed in our study. Which highlights, the need of increasing access to eye-care service and awareness of childhood glaucoma as a major public health issue. Steroid-induced glaucoma was the most common type of secondary glaucoma; appropriate measures should be taken to prevent this preventable glaucoma.
Characteristics of macular edema associated with retinal vein occlusion showing poor anatomic response to three loading anti-vascular endothelial growth factor injections: an optical coherence tomography analysis
Authors: Johari Mohammadkarim , Attar Alireza , Eghtedari Dorna , Razavizadegan Seyed Ahmad
Published: January 2024

Purpose

To analyze the clinical features of refractory cystoid macular edema related to retinal vein occlusion associated with the response to three consecutive loading doses of anti–vascular endothelial growth factor.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was performed on retinal vein occlusion patients treated by three anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections. They were divided into a group according to resolution of macular edema in optical coherence tomography (Group 1) and with persistent macular edema (Group 2). We analyzed qualitative and quantitative morphologic features of optical coherence tomography.

Results

We enrolled a total of 120 eyes from 120 patients (Group 1: n = 54, Group 2: n = 66). The baseline choroidal thickness differed significantly between groups 1 and 2 (290.70 ± 19.58 μm and 311.06 ± 17.87 μm P < 0.001). The presence of Hyperreflective foci (16.70% vs. 36.40% P < 0.001), Disorganization of the retinal inner layers (14.80% vs. 87.90%) and external limiting membrane disruption (16.60% vs. 39.3% P < 0.001) differed significantly. Logistic regression analysis showed that the initial central macular thickness (B = 0.012; P = 0.006), baseline choroidal thickness (B = 0.232; P = 0.016) and presence of hyperreflective foci (B = 1.050; P = 0.019), disorganization of the retinal inner layers (B = 1.132; P = 0.001) and external limiting membrane disruption (B = 1.575; P = 0.012) significantly affected the anti–vascular endothelial growth factor treatment response.

Conclusion

A thicker sub-fovea choroid and the presence of hyperreflective foci, disruption of the external limiting membrane and disorganization of the retinal inner layers associated with a poorer response to three loading anti–vascular endothelial growth factor injections in macular edema associated retinal vein occlusion.
Prevalence and genotypic frequency of color vision defects among primary schoolchildren in Adama Town, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Gudeta Temesgen Bedassa , Asrat Tiruneh
Published: January 2024

Color vision deficiency is a common X-linked genetic disorder affecting the day-to-day lives of individuals, in which school-aged children’s academic performance can be negatively affected. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence and genotypic frequency of congenital color vision defects (CVD), among primary schoolchildren in Adama, Ethiopia. A school-based cross-sectional study design was used. Students were purposively selected based on their ethnicity but were randomly selected from their sections, resulting in a final sample size estimated at 846 schoolchildren who had received informed consent from their families. Data was gathered using the Ishihara color vision test, 38-plate edition. The result of the study revealed that the total prevalence of CVD was much higher (5.6%) among the male children than that of the females, which was only about 1.79%. The prevalence rates of CVD among the targeted ethnic groups were found to be the highest among Amhara (7.45%) > Oromo (5.00%) > Gurage (2.13%) children, respectively, in descending order. 62.76% of the study subjects were homozygous dominant (AA), followed by those with a heterozygous genotype (Aa) (32.51%), and the remaining 4.73% had recessive (aa) genes.
A qualitative assessment of cleaning and hand hygiene practices at shelters serving people experiencing homelessness during the COVID-19 pandemic, Atlanta, GA – May-June, 2020
Authors: Besrat Bethlehem N. , Mosites Emily , Montgomery Martha P. , Garcia-Williams Amanda G. , Trautner Emily , Clarke Kristie E. N. , Marshall Brittany , Vassell Cathryn , Rutt Candace , Jones Shantrice L.
Published: January 2024

Background

Cleaning practices and hand hygiene are important behaviors to prevent and control the spread of infectious disease, especially in congregate settings. This project explored hygiene- and cleaning-related experiences in shelters serving people experiencing homelessness (PEH) during May–June 2020 of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted qualitative, in-depth interviews by phone with 22 staff from six shelters in Atlanta, Georgia. The interview guide included questions about cleaning routines, cleaning barriers and facilitators, cleaning promotion, hand hygiene promotion, and hand hygiene barriers and facilitators. We analyzed interview transcripts using thematic analysis.

Results

Multiple individuals, such as shelter individuals (clients), volunteers, and staff, played a role in shelter cleaning. Staff reported engaging in frequent hand hygiene and cleaning practices. Barriers to cleaning included staffing shortages and access to cleaning supplies. Staff reported barriers (e.g., differing perceptions of cleanliness) for clients who were often involved in cleaning activities. Barriers to hand hygiene included limited time to wash hands, forgetting, and inconvenient handwashing facilities. Specific guidance about when and how to clean, and what supplies to use, were requested.

Conclusion

During the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, shelters serving PEH in the Atlanta-metro area needed resources and support to ensure sufficient staffing and supplies for cleaning activities. As part of future pandemic planning and outbreak prevention efforts, shelters serving PEH could benefit from specific guidance and training materials on cleaning and hand hygiene practices.
Evaluation of an Infection surveillance program in residential aged care facilities in Victoria, Australia
Authors: Watson Eliza , Rajkhowa Arjun , Dunt David , Bull Ann , Worth Leon J , Bennett Noleen
Published: January 2024

Background

Infection surveillance is a key element of infection prevention and control activities in the aged care sector. In 2017, a standardised infection surveillance program was established for public residential aged care services in Victoria, Australia. This program will soon be expanded to a national level for all Australian residential aged care facilities. It has not been evaluated since its inception.

Methods

The current study aimed to evaluate the Victorian Healthcare Associated Infection Surveillance System (VICNISS) Coordinating Centre Aged Care Infection Indicator Program (ACIIP), to understand its performance and functionality. A mixed methods evaluation was performed using the Updated Guidelines for Evaluating Public Health Surveillance Systems developed by the United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a framework. VICNISS staff who coordinate and manage the ACIIP were invited to participate in interviews. Residential aged care staff who use the program were invited to participate in a survey. Document analysis was also performed.

Results

Four VICNISS staff participated in the interviews and 38 aged care staff participated in the survey. The ACIIP is stable and able to be adapted quickly to changing definitions for infections. Users found the system relatively easy to use but have difficulties after the long intervals between data entry year on year. VICNISS staff provide expert guidance which benefits users. Users appreciated the benefit of participating and many use the data for improving local practice.

Conclusions

The ACIIP is a usessful state-wide infection surveillance program for aged care. Further development of data validation, IT system capacity and models for education and user support will be required to support future scalability.
Financial burden of tuberculosis diagnosis and treatment for patients in Ethiopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Assefa Dawit Getachew , Dememew Zewdu Gashu , Zeleke Eden Dagnachew , Manyazewal Tsegahun , Bedru Ahmed
Published: January 2024

Background

Despite the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis (TB) given free of charge in many high-burden countries, the costs that patients face in the cascade of care remain a major concern. Here, we aimed to investigate the financial burden of TB diagnosis and treatment for people with TB in Ethiopia.

Method

For this systematic review and meta-analysis, we searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Embase, and Cochrane Center for Clinical Trials from December 1 2022 to 31 June 2023 for articles reporting the cost of diagnosis and treatment for patients regardless of their age with all forms of TB in Ethiopia. Major study outcomes were catastrophic costs, direct (out-of-pocket) pre-diagnosis, medical cost, and post-diagnosis costs, indirect (income loss) costs, coping costs, and total costs. We have used a threshold of 20% to define catastrophic costs. We used random-effects meta-analyses to calculate summary estimates of costs. R-studio software was used for analysis. The study is registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023387687.

Result

Twelve studies, with a total of 4792 patients with TB, were included in our analysis. At the 20% threshold of total expenses, 51% of patients (2301 participants from 5 studies, 95% CI: 36-65%, I2 = 97%) faced catastrophic costs due to bacteriologically confirmed drug-sensitive pulmonary TB. Private facility diagnosis, drug-resistance TB, TB-HIV co-infection, hospitalization, and occupation were found to be associated with catastrophic costs. Reduction in the total cost spent by the patients was associated with digital adherence interventions, community-based direct observed therapy, short-course MDR-TB treatment regimens, and active case-finding. Pre-diagnosis costs had a positive correlation with diagnosis delays and the number of facilities visited until diagnosis. Post-diagnosis costs had a positive correlation with rural residence and inpatient treatments.

Conclusion

Irrespective of a national policy of free TB service, more than half of TB patients are suffering catastrophic costs due to drug-sensitive pulmonary TB in Ethiopia and most of the patients spend a lot of money during the pre-diagnosis period and intensive phase, but declined drastically over time. Active case-finding, digital adherence interventions, community-based treatment, and comprehensive health insurance coverage have the potential to minimize the financial burden of TB diagnosis and treatment.
Comparison of the perinatal outcomes of expected high ovarian response patients and normal ovarian response patients undergoing frozen-thawed embryo transfer in natural/small amount of HMG induced ovulation cycles
Authors: Zhang Wenjuan , Liu Zhaozhao , Wang Bijun , Liu Manman , Li Jiaheng , Guan Yichun
Published: January 2024

Background

Due to the high risk of complications in fresh transfer cycles among expected high ovarian response patients, most choose frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET). There are currently few researches on whether the FET outcomes of expected high ovarian response patients with regular menstrual cycles are similar to those of normal ovarian response. Therefore, our objective was to explore and compare pregnancy outcomes and maternal and neonatal outcomes of natural FET cycles between patients with expected high ovarian response and normal ovarian response with regular menstrual cycles based on the antral follicle count (AFC).

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included 5082 women undergoing natural or small amount of HMG induced ovulation FET cycles at the Reproductive Center of the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1, 2017, to March 31, 2021. The population was divided into expected high ovarian response group and normal ovarian response group based on the AFC, and the differences in patient characteristics, clinical outcomes and perinatal outcomes between the two groups were compared.

Results

Regarding clinical outcomes, compared with the normal ovarian response group, patients in the expected high ovarian response group had a higher clinical pregnancy rate (57.34% vs. 48.50%) and live birth rate (48.12% vs. 38.97%). There was no difference in the early miscarriage rate or twin pregnancy rate between the groups. Multivariate logistic regression analysis suggested that the clinical pregnancy rate (adjusted OR 1.190) and live birth rate (adjusted OR 1.171) of the expected high ovarian response group were higher than those of the normal ovarian response group. In terms of maternal and infant outcomes, the incidence of very preterm delivery in the normal ovarian response group was higher than that in the expected high ovarian response group (0.86% vs. 0.16%, adjusted OR 0.131), Other maternal and infant outcomes were not significantly different. After grouping by age (< 30 y, 30–34 y, 35–39 y), there was no difference in the incidence of very preterm delivery among the age subgroups.

Conclusion

For patients with expected high ovarian response and regular menstrual cycles undergoing natural or small amount of HMG induced ovulation FET cycles, the clinical and perinatal outcomes are reassuring. For patients undergoing natural or small amount of HMG induced ovulation FET cycles, as age increases, perinatal care should be strengthened during pregnancy to reduce the incidence of very preterm delivery.
Patient perception of service quality to preanesthetic oral examination: a cross-sectional study using the SERVQUAL model
Authors: Wu Ju-Hui , Lee Kun-Tsung , Cheng Kuang-I , Du Je-Kang , Lee Chen-Yi
Published: January 2024

Background

A phase-III interdisciplinary quality improvement program, the preanesthetic oral examination (PAOE), was implemented as a new program in an academic medical center to prevent perioperative dental injuries. This study was aimed at surveying the perceived service quality and satisfaction of patients who had undergone PAOE based on the SERVQUAL model.

Methods

This cross-sectional survey was conducted at the Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital using convenience sampling. Patients referred for PAOE (PAOE group) and those who had voluntarily availed dental services (control group) were recruited. A modified SERVQUAL questionnaire was used to assess the perceived service quality and patient satisfaction with dental services. Cronbach’s alpha for SERVQUAL was 0.861.

Results

We enrolled 286 (68.8%) and 130 (31.2%) participants in the PAOE and control groups, respectively. The path analysis revealed that the PAOE group scored lower in dimensions of reliability (β = -0.074, P = 0.003), responsiveness (β = -0.148, P = 0.006), and empathy (β = -0.140, P = 0.011). Furthermore, reliability (β = 0.655, P < 0.001) and responsiveness (β = 0.147, P = 0.008) showed a direct effect on patient satisfaction. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with the dental services.

Conclusions

The PAOE group showed lower satisfaction and perceived quality of dental services compared to the control group. Although implementing an interdisciplinary program reduces the perceived service quality, its influence is limited. Employing an interdisciplinary teamwork is a win–win strategy encouraged to improve patient safety and reduce malpractice claims. Future suggestions should focus on establishing waiting times that are considered reasonable by patients. Patient-centered education related to the risk of perioperative dental injuries should be provided, and awareness of oral conditions for patient safety should be improved. Moreover, interprofessional education in continuous and undergraduate programs is necessary to improve professional quality.
Calycosin ameliorates osteoarthritis by regulating the imbalance between chondrocyte synthesis and catabolism
Authors: Su Hong , Yan Qiuju , Du Wei , Hu En , Yang Zhaoyu , Zhang Wei , Li Yusheng , Tang Tao , Zhao Shushan , Wang Yang
Published: January 2024

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a severe chronic inflammatory disease. As the main active component of Astragalus mongholicus Bunge, a classic traditional ethnic herb, calycosin exhibits anti-inflammatory action and its mechanism of exact targets for OA have yet to be determined. In this study, we established an anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT) mouse model. Mice were randomized to sham, OA, and calycosin groups. Cartilage synthesis markers type II collagen (Col-2) and SRY-Box Transcription Factor 9 (Sox-9) increased significantly after calycosin gavage. While cartilage matrix degradation index cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), phosphor-epidermal growth factor receptor (p-EGFR), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) expression were decreased. With the help of network pharmacology and molecular docking, these results were confirmed in chondrocyte ADTC5 cells. Our results indicated that the calycosin treatment significantly improved cartilage damage, this was probably attributed to reversing the imbalance between chondrocyte synthesis and catabolism.