bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binocular summation of visual acuity and contrast sensitivity in children with intermittent exotropia
Authors: Liao Jun , Li Yueping , Zhang Wei
Published: June 2023

Purpose

To investigate the binocular summation (BiS) of visual acuity (VA) and contrast sensitivity (CS) in children with intermittent exotropia (IXT) before and after surgery and to probe the relationship between the two BiS phenomena and corresponding influencing factors.

Methods

This prospective study included 21 IXT children (11 males and 10 females; aged 6–13 years) who underwent strabismus surgery in Tianjin Eye Hospital from January to April 2022. The visual function was assessed preoperatively and 2.95 ± 0.14 months postoperatively, including monocular/ binocular visual acuity (MVA/BVA) at 100% contrast and 2.5% contrast as well as monocular/binocular contrast sensitivity (MCS/BCS), deviation, near and distant stereopsis, and fusion.

Results

All patients had postoperative deviation ranging from 0 to -4 PD. Either preoperative or postoperative BVA at 2.5% contrast was superior to the MVA. The postoperative BiS at 2.5% contrast was significantly superior to the preoperative BiS for 2.5% contrast and postoperative BiS for 100% contrast (P < 0.05). Except for 3 c/d, the MCS and BCS at 6 c/d, 12 c/d and 18 c/d spatial frequencies were all notably improved postoperatively. The postoperative binocular summation ratio of CS (BSR) was highest while interocular difference ratio of CS (IOR) was the lowest at 6 c/d among 4 spatial frequencies. The deviation, distant and near stereopsis, and fusion performance were all remarkably improved after surgery (p = 0.001; p = 0.041; p = 0.000), all of which were not related to BVA at 2.5% contrast, BiS, BSC and BSR. The BCS at middle and high frequencies (6 c/ds, 12 c/ds, and 18 c/ds) was significantly negatively correlated with the BVA at 2.5% contrast, and BSR was irrelevant to the corresponding IOR across different spatial frequencies.

Conclusion

BVA at low contrast and BCS examinations were not equivalent to stereopsis and fusion status, which contributed to the evaluation of binocular function in the real environment and in the different aspects. BVA in 2.5% contrast is related with BCS in moderate and high spacial frequencies (especially 18c/d) but BCS in 6c/d presents more binocular summation of contrast sensitivity. MCS, BCS and the BSR persist inhibition at 3c/d after surgery. The improvement of BCS is better than that of BSR to evaluate the binouclar function in IXT. Those two methods showed different sensitivities to impairment and rehabilitation of binocular summation and inhibition.
Sedentary and physical activity time differs between self-reported ATLS-2 physical activity questionnaire and accelerometer measurements in adolescents and young adults in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Arumugam Ashokan , Mohammad Zadeh Shima A. , Zabin Zina Anwar , Hawarneh Tamara Mohammad Emad , Ahmed Hejab Iftikhar , Jauhari Fatema Shabbir , Alkalih Hanan Youssef , Shousha Tamer Mohamed , Moustafa Ibrahim M. , Häger Charlotte K.
Published: June 2023

Background

Most young adults and adolescents in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) do not meet the established internationally recommended physical activity levels per day. The Arab Teen Lifestyle Study (ATLS) physical activity questionnaire has been recommended for measuring self-reported physical activity of Arab adolescents and young adults (aged 14 years to mid-twenties). The first version of the ATLS has been validated with accelerometers and pedometers (r ≤ 0.30). The revised version of the questionnaire (ATLS-2, 2021) needs further validation. The aim of this study was to validate the self-reported subjective sedentary and physical activity time of the ATLS-2 (revised version) physical activity questionnaire with that of Fibion accelerometer-measured data.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, 131 healthy adolescents and young adults (aged 20.47 ± 2.16 [mean ± SD] years (range 14–25 years), body mass index 23.09 ± 4.45 (kg/m2) completed the ATLS-2 and wore the Fibion accelerometer for a maximum of 7 days. Participants (n = 131; 81% non-UAE Arabs (n = 106), 13% Asians (n = 17) and 6% Emiratis (n = 8)) with valid ATLS-2 data without missing scores and Fibion data of minimum 10 h/day for at least 3 weekdays and 1 weekend day were analyzed. Concurrent validity between the two methods was assessed by the Spearman rho correlation and Bland-Altman plots.

Results

The questionnaire underestimated sedentary and physical activity time compared to the accelerometer data. Only negligible to weak correlations (r ≤ 0.12; p > 0.05) were found for sitting, walking, cycling, moderate intensity activity, high intensity activity and total activity time. In addition, a proportional/systematic bias was evident in the plots for all but two (walking and moderate intensity activity time) of the outcome measures of interest.

Conclusions

Overall, self-reported ATLS-2 sedentary and physical activity time had low correlation and agreement with objective Fibion accelerometer measurements in adolescents and young adults in the UAE. Therefore, sedentary and physical activity assessment for these groups should not be limited to self-reported measures.
The People’s War Against Pandemic: protocol for a randomized control trial based on a virtual interactive training system intervention to improve the emergency preparedness of public for major emerging infectious diseases
Authors: Luo Yue , Wei Wei , Li Mei , Ren Jianlan , Zheng Yu , Huang Yongli , Chen Yanhua
Published: June 2023

Background

The frequent occurrence and increasing severity of major emerging infectious diseases (MEIDs) have posed considerable public health, economic and social issues worldwide. The emergency preparedness of public is inadequate to respond to and recover from MEIDs. Due to the limitation of time, space and resources, it is also difficult to carry out large-scale emergency preparedness training related to MEIDs. Then we developed a virtual interactive training system to improve emergency preparedness of public, including preparation of legal compliance, emergency knowledge, emergency capacity, economic estimation, material reserve and physical and mental health.

Methods

A protocol for conducting a randomized controlled trail to evaluate the People’s War against Pandemic, a virtual interactive training system aimed to improve emergency preparedness of public for MEIDs. During the intervention, participants need to complete the storyline task at least once a day, watch at least one article and one video in the knowledge corner, and complete a retest of wrong choices in the intelligent evaluation module. The primary outcome is emergency preparedness of public for MEIDs. The secondary outcome is prevention and control knowledge of MEIDs.

Discussion

The People’s War Against Pandemic may be an effective approach to provide public with a panoramic understanding of the response to MEIDs, so as to promote their comprehensive preparation and finally achieve effective response.

Trial registration

This study was funded in 2021 and registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR2200060919) in June 2022. Recruitment and enrollment of participants began in July 2022.
Sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices are associated with papillary thyroid carcinoma in Chinese patients with thyroid nodules
Authors: Sun Jie , Liu Jie , Wu Ting-ting , Gu Zhi-yuan , Zhang Xiao-wen
Published: June 2023

Background

The association between thyroid hormone sensitivity and thyroid cancer is unknown, and we aimed to investigate the association between sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices and papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) in Chinese patients with thyroid nodules (TNs).

Methods

A total of 1,998 patients undergoing thyroid surgery due to TNs from Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital were included in this study. We evaluated central sensitivity to thyroid hormones, such as thyroid stimulating hormone index (TSHI), TSH T4 resistance index (TT4RI), thyroid feedback quantile-based index (TFQI), and parametric thyroid feedback quantile-based Index (PTFQI). Peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone was evaluated by FT3 to FT4 ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the association between sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices and PTC risk.

Results

The results showed that central indices of thyroid hormone sensitivity, including TSHI, TT4RI, TFQI, and PTFQI, were positively associated with PTC risk. For each SD increase in TSHI, TT4RI, TFQI, and PTFQI, the odds ratios (OR, 95% CI) of PTC were 1.31 (1.18–1.46), 1.01 (1.01–1.02), 1.94 (1.45–2.60), and 1.82 (1.41–2.34), respectively. On the other hand, the association between peripheral sensitivity to thyroid hormone and PTC was significantly negative. For each SD increase in FT3/FT4 ratio, the OR (95% CI) of PTC was 0.18 (0.03–0.96), and a negative correlation was found between FT3/FT4 ratio and TNM staging of PTC.

Conclusions

Sensitivity to thyroid hormone indices could be used as new indicators for predicting PTC in Chinese patients with TNs. Future researches are still needed to confirm our findings.
Comparison of therapies of white spot lesions: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Xie Zunxuan , Yu Lei , Li Sining , Li Jianing , Liu Yuyan
Published: June 2023

Objective

White spot lesions (WSLs), the earliest evidence of enamel demineralization, are considered amenable to intervention to achieve a remineralized or arrested state of caries. The management of WSLs is quite challenging, and there is no definitive cure as yet. We performed a network meta-analysis to assess the efficacy of seven therapies for WSLs and gave a hierarchy of them.

Materials and methods

We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases (last search: July 2022) to identify all relevant studies. We limited our search to studies published in English. Randomized controlled designed in vitro/clinical trials related to the efficacy of the seven therapies for WSLs were included. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers. The risk of bias (ROB) 2.0 tool from Cochrane and a previous in vitro methodological tool will be used for the quality assessment. Variations in quantitative light-induced fluorescence (QLF), laser fluorescence (LF), and lesions area were the primary outcome measures. Standard mean difference (SMD) was used as the effect size for the Network meta-analysis (NMA). Consistency and inconsistency tests were conducted. The hierarchy of 7 treatment effects was evaluated using surface probabilities under cumulative ranking (SUCRA). Publication bias was evaluated using a bias plot.

Results

Forty-two articles were included in the systematic review. Thirty-one of them, with a total of 1906 participants, were included in the network meta-analysis. The studies owned a low and moderate risk of bias. This analysis does not suffer from significant inconsistency. The difference between 4 groups ‘self-assembled peptide (SAP) P11-4’, ‘P11-4 + Fluoride Varnish (FV)’, ‘Resin Infiltration (RI)’, ‘casein phosphor peptides-amorphous calcium fluoride phosphate (CPP-ACFP)’ and the 'Control' group was found to be statistically significant. Compared to the ‘FV’ and ‘casein phosphor peptides-amorphous calcium phosphate (CPP-ACP)’ groups, the ‘P11-4 + FV” group and ‘RI” group made a significant difference. The hierarchy was evident in the SUCRA values of 7 therapies. P11-4 + FV and RI were considered effective therapies compared to the control group or the FV group (gold standard group).

Conclusions

The available evidence suggests that resin infiltration and P11-4 in combination with fluoride varnish had advantages over gold standard (FV). The effect of tricalcium phosphate-based drugs and fluoride is not very noticeable. Overall, drugs based on P11-4 and resin infiltration will be better therapies. Using more than two drugs in combination also would increase efficacy.
Suid alphaherpesvirus 1 of wild boar origin as a recent source of Aujeszky’s disease in carnivores in Germany
Authors: Freuling Conrad M. , Hlinak Andreas , Schulze Christoph , Sehl-Ewert Julia , Wysocki Patrick , Szentiks Claudia A. , Schmitt Klaus , Wohlsein Peter , Kluth Gesa , Reinhardt Ilka , Mettenleiter Thomas C. , Müller Thomas
Published: June 2023

Background

The high susceptibility of carnivores to Suid Alphaherpesvirus 1 [SuAHV1, synonymous pseudorabies virus (PrV)], renders them inadvertent sentinels for the possible occurrence of Aujeszky’s disease (AD) in domestic and wild swine populations. The aim of this study was to epidemiologically analyse the occurrence of PrV infections in domestic and wild animals in Germany during the last three decades and to genetically characterise the causative PrV isolates.

Methods

PrV in dogs was detected using standard virological techniques including conventional and real time PCR, virus isolation or by immunohistochemistry. Available PrV isolates were characterized by partial sequencing of the open gC reading frame and the genetic traits were compared with those of archived PrV isolates from carnivores and domestic pigs from Germany before the elimination of AD in the domestic pig population.

Results

During 1995 and 2022, a total of 38 cases of AD in carnivores, e.g. dogs and red foxes, were laboratory confirmed. Sequencing and subsequent phylogenetic analysis of PrV isolates established a strong connection between AD cases in carnivores and the occurrence of PrV infections in European wild boars in the end phase of and after elimination of AD from the domestic pig population. While PrV infections occur at low numbers but regularly in hunting dogs, interestingly, PrV was not observed in grey wolves in Germany. In none of 682 dead-found grey wolves and wolf-dog hybrids tested from Germany during 2006–2022 could PrV infection be detected by molecular means.

Conclusions

Although PrV has been eliminated from domestic pigs, spillover infections in domestic and wild carnivores should always be expected given the endemic presence of PrV in wild pig populations. Since detection of PrV DNA and virus in carnivores is sporadic even in areas with high seroprevalence of PrV in wild pigs, it may not reflect the full diversity of PrV.
Differentiating people who use cannabis heavily through latent class analysis
Authors: Alvarez-Roldan Arturo , García-Muñoz Teresa , Gamella Juan F. , Parra Iván , Duaso Maria J.
Published: June 2023

Background

People who use cannabis daily or near-daily vary considerably in their daily dosage and use frequency, impacting both experienced effects and adverse consequences. This study identified heavy cannabis user groups according to consumption patterns and factors associated with class membership.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of 380 Spanish residents (61.8% male; average age = 30.3 years) who had used cannabis ≥ 3 days/week throughout the past year. Participants were recruited through chain referral and cannabis social clubs. We applied latent class analysis (LCA) to cluster participants according to use intensity. LCA indicators included frequency of weekly cannabis use, joints smoked each day, cannabis dosage, and if cannabis was consumed throughout the day or only at specific times. Associations between class membership and socio-demographics, use patterns, motives, supply sources, adverse outcomes, and use of other substances were measured using ANOVA and chi-squared tests. Multinomial regression identified the factors associated with latent class membership.

Results

Three latent classes (moderately heavy: 21.8%, heavy: 68.2%, very heavy: 10%) had average weekly cannabis intakes of 2.4, 5.5, and 18.3 g, respectively. Very heavy users were older ($${\chi }^{2}$$=17.77,p < 0.01), less educated$${(\chi }^{2}$$=36.80,p < 0.001), and had used cannabis for longer (F = 4.62,p = 0.01). CAST scores (F = 26.51,p < 0.001) increased across the classes. The prevalence of past-month alcohol use was lower among the heaviest users ($${\chi }^{2}$$=5.95,p = 0.05). Cannabis was usually obtained from a club by very heavy users ($${\chi }^{2}$$=20.95,p < 0.001).

Conclusions

People who use cannabis heavily present three groups according to frequency and quantity of cannabis consumption. Use intensity is associated with increased cannabis-related problems. Differences among heavy users must be considered in harm reduction interventions in cannabis clubs and indicated prevention.
Expanding potential targets of herbal chemicals by node2vec based on herb–drug interactions
Authors: Zhang Dai-yan , Cui Wen-qing , Hou Ling , Yang Jing , Lyu Li-yang , Wang Ze-yu , Linghu Ke-Gang , He Wen-bin , Yu Hua , Hu Yuan-jia
Published: June 2023

Background

The identification of chemical–target interaction is key to pharmaceutical research and development, but the unclear materials basis and complex mechanisms of traditional medicine (TM) make it difficult, especially for low-content chemicals which are hard to test in experiments. In this research, we aim to apply the node2vec algorithm in the context of drug-herb interactions for expanding potential targets and taking advantage of molecular docking and experiments for verification.

Methods

Regarding the widely reported risks between cardiovascular drugs and herbs,Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen, DS) andLigusticum chuanxiong(Chuanxiong, CX), which are widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and approved drugs for CVD form the new dataset as an example. Three data groups DS-drug, CX-drug, and DS-CX-drug were applied to serve as the context of drug-herb interactions for link prediction. Three types of datasets were set under three groups, containing information from chemical-target connection (CTC), chemical-chemical connection (CCC) and protein–protein interaction (PPI) in increasing steps. Five algorithms, including node2vec, were applied as comparisons. Molecular docking and pharmacological experiments were used for verification.

Results

Node2vec represented the best performance with average AUROC and AP values of 0.91 on the datasets “CTC, CCC, PPI”. Targets of 32 herbal chemicals were identified within 43 predicted edges of herbal chemicals and drug targets. Among them, 11 potential chemical-drug target interactions showed better binding affinity by molecular docking. Further pharmacological experiments indicated caffeic acid increased the thermal stability of the protein GGT1 and ligustilide and low-content chemical neocryptotanshinone induced mRNA change of FGF2 and MTNR1A, respectively.

Conclusions

The analytical framework and methods established in the study provide an important reference for researchers in discovering herb–drug interactions, alerting clinical risks, and understanding complex mechanisms of TM.
Clinical and genetic spectrum of GSD type 6 in Korea
Authors: Hahn Jong Woo , Lee Heerah , Seong Moon Woo , Kang Gyeong Hoon , Moon Jin Soo , Ko Jae Sung
Published: June 2023

Background

Glycogen storage disease type VI (GSD VI) is a rare disease in which liver glycogen metabolism is impaired by mutations in the glycogen phosphorylase L (PYGL). This study aimed to examine the clinical features, genetic analyses, and long-term outcomes of patients with GSD VI in Korea.

Methods

From January 2002 to November 2022, we retrospectively reviewed patients diagnosed with GSD VI using a gene panel at Seoul National University Hospital. We investigated the clinical profile, liver histology, molecular diagnosis, and long-term outcomes of patients with GSD VI.

Results

Five patients were included in the study. The age at onset was 18–30 months (median, 21 months), and current age was 3.7–17 years (median, 11 years). All patients showed hepatomegaly, elevated liver transaminase activity, and hypertriglyceridaemia. Hypercholesterolaemia and fasting hypoglycaemia occurred in 60% and 40% of patients, respectively. Ten variants of PYGL were identified, of which six were novel: five missense (p.[Gly607Val], p.[Leu445Pro], p.[Gly695Glu], p.[Val828Gly], p.[Tyr158His]), and one frameshift (p.[Arg67AlafsTer34]). All patients were treated with a high-protein diet, and four also received corn starch. All patients showed improved liver function tests, hypertriglyceridaemia, hepatomegaly, and height z score.

Conclusions

The GSD gene panel is a useful diagnostic tool for confirming the presence of GSD VI. Genetic heterogeneity was observed in all patients with GSD VI. Increased liver enzyme levels, hypertriglyceridaemia, and height z score in patients with GSD VI improved during long-term follow-up.
Ultrasound findings in Kaposi sarcoma patients: overlapping sonographic features with disseminated tuberculosis
Authors: Huson Michaela Aurelia Maria , Kumwenda Tapiwa , Gumulira Joe , Rambiki Ethel , Wallrauch Claudia , Heller Tom
Published: June 2023

Background

Focused Assessment with Sonography for HIV-associated TB (FASH) is a diagnostic tool for extra-pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) in symptomatic patients with advanced HIV. As Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS) is also prevalent in this patient population, changes due to KS may mimic TB findings and clinical interpretation of target FASH findings can be challenging. We aimed to describe sonographic findings in patients with KS.

Methods

We performed a prospective observational study at Lighthouse clinic at Kamuzu Central Hospital, Lilongwe, Malawi, in consecutive patients with newly diagnosed KS, without known diagnosis of TB, referred for paclitaxel treatment. All patients underwent FASH and abdominal ultrasound to assess for effusions and changes in liver and spleen, as well as systematic sonographic assessment for lymphadenopathy.

Results

We included 30 patients. We found inguinal lymph nodes using ultrasound in 20 patients; in 3 (10%) additionally abdominal lymph nodes were found. Pathological effusions were seen in eight patients (27%): pericardial effusion in one (3%), pleural effusion in six (20%) and ascites in four (13%) patients. We found focal spleen lesions in three (10%) patients. Most of these lesions were echogenic, but in one patient, we saw hypoechoic lesions with an echogenic center. In three (10%) patients an unusual “sponge-like pattern” of the splenic vasculature was found. Six (20%) patients had echogenic focal lesions in the liver resembling hemangiomas, individual lesions showing a hypoechoic center. In two patients echogenic portal fields were seen.

Conclusions

The majority of patients with newly diagnosed KS demonstrate sonographic features of disease, predominantly lymphadenopathy. Effusions were observed in a significant minority, as well as focal lesions in liver or spleen, which commonly resemble hemangiomas, but hypoechoic lesions were also observed and can easily be mistaken for extra-pulmonary TB. A 'sponge-like pattern' of the spleen should not be confused with micro-abscesses. In conclusion, this case series illustrates the diverse nature of ultrasound features in patients with KS, which can be difficult to distinguish from other opportunistic diseases, including TB.
Sexual dimorphism in mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetes mellitus: evidence from a population-based cohort study
Authors: Wang Shanjie , Guo JunChen , Liu Xiaoxuan , Tian Wei , Zhang Yiying , Wang Ye , Liu Yige , E. Mingyan , Fang Shaohong
Published: June 2023

Background

Pathophysiological mechanisms underlying sex-based differences in diabetes remain poorly understood. Mitochondrial metabolite methylmalonic acid (MMA) accumulation reflects mitochondrial dysfunction which is involved in sex-specific pathophysiological responses biologically. We aimed to investigate the sex-specific associations between mortality risk and MMA in adults with the presence or absence of type 2 diabetes.

Methods

This cohort study included 24,164 adults (12,123 females and 12,041 males) from the NHANES study during 1999–2014. Both sexes were separately categorized as those with no diabetes, prediabetes, undiagnosed diabetes, and diagnosed diabetes. Circulating MMA level was measured at baseline by mass-spectrometric detection. Mortality status was ascertained from baseline until December 31, 2015.

Results

During a median follow-up of 11.1 years, 3375 deaths were documented. Males had a particularly higher mortality than females in adults with diagnosed diabetes compared to differences in those with no diabetes, prediabetes and undiagnosed diabetes (sex differences in mortality rate per 1000 person-years across diabetic status: 0.62, 1.44, 5.78, and 9.77, p < 0.001). Notably, the sex-specific difference in associations between MMA and mortality was significant only in adults with diagnosed diabetes (p for interaction = 0.028), not in adults with no diabetes and prediabetes. Adjusted HRs (95%CIs) per doubling of MMA for all-cause mortality were 1.19 (1.04–1.37) in females with diagnosed diabetes versus 1.58 (1.36–1.86) in male counterparts. In addition, MMA levels had an insignificant or weak correlation with sex hormone profiles at baseline, regardless of diabetes status and sex.

Conclusions

Sex difference in mortality risk was especially significant in diagnosed type 2 diabetes. Increasing equivalent exposure to mitochondrial metabolite MMA was associated with a greater excess risk of future mortality in males with diabetes than in females.
Evaluation of recurrence risk for patients with stage I invasive lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as solid nodules based on 18F-FDG PET/CT, imaging signs, and clinicopathological features
Authors: Zheng Xuan , Lin Jie , Xie Jiageng , Jiang Jia , Lan Junping , Ji Xiaowei , Tang Kun , Zheng Xiangwu , Liu Jinjin
Published: June 2023

Background

Stage I lung adenocarcinoma is a heterogeneous group. Previous studies have shown the prognostic evaluation value of PET/CT in this cohort; however, few studies focused on stage I invasive adenocarcinoma manifesting as solid nodules. This study aimed to evaluate the recurrence risk for patients with stage I invasive lung adenocarcinoma manifesting as solid nodules based on 18F-FDG PET/CT, CT imaging signs, and clinicopathological parameters.

Methods

We retrospectively enrolled 230 patients who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT examination between January 2013 and July 2019. Metabolic parameters: maximum standard uptake value (SUVmax), mean standard uptake value, tumor metabolic volume (MTV), and total tumor glucose digestion were collected. Kaplan–Meier method was used to evaluate recurrence-free survival (RFS), and the multivariate Cox proportional hazards model was used to determine the independent risk factors associated with RFS. The time-dependent receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) method was used to calculate the optimal cutoff value of metabolic parameters.

Results

The 5-year RFS rate for all patients was 71.7%. Multivariate Cox analysis revealed that the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer Pathology Committee (IASLC) pathologic grade 3 [Hazard ratio (HR), 3.96; 95% Confidence interval (CI), 1.11–14.09], the presence of cavity sign (HR 5.38; 95% CI 2.23–12.96), SUVmax (HR 1.23; 95% CI 1.13–1.33), and MTV (HR 1.05; 95% CI 1.01–1.08) were potential independent prognostic factors for RFS. Patients with IASLC grade 3, the presence of cavity sign, SUVmax > 3.9, or MTV > 5.4 cm3 were classified as high risk, while others were classified as low risk. There was a significant difference in RFS between the high-risk and low-risk groups (HR 6.04; 95% CI 2.17–16.82, P < 0.001), and the 5-year RFS rate was 94.1% for the low-risk group and 61.3% for the high-risk group.

Conclusions

We successfully evaluate the recurrence risk of patients with stage I invasive adenocarcinoma manifesting as solid nodules for the first time. The 5-year RFS rate in the high-risk group was significantly lower than in the low-risk group (61.3% vs. 94.1%). Our study may aid in optimizing therapeutic strategies and improving survival benefits for those patients.
Developing Iranian sub-national primary health care measurement framework: a mixed-method study
Authors: Rezapour Ramin , Khosravi Ardeshir , Farahbakhsh Mostafa , Ahmadnezhad Elham , Azami-Aghdash Saber , Tabrizi Jafar Sadegh
Published: June 2023

Background

Desired health outcomes are more achievable through strong Primary Health Care (PHC). Using comprehensive and scientific tools, decision-makers are guided to formulate better PHC reforms and policies. This study introduces a sub-national framework based on the World Health Organization (WHO) proposed frameworks for the PHC performance measurement.

Method

By a mixed-method and qualitative approach, the Iranian sub-national PHC Measurement Framework (PHCMF) was developed through a review of the WHO’s PHC measurement conceptual framework (for selecting Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)), literature review (academic database), PHC-related national documents, consultations with an advisory committee of national experts (6-meetings), and the Delphi technique for finalizing the framework.

Results

The Iranian sub-national PHCMF was finalized with 100 KPIs in three components including Health systems determinants, Service Delivery, and Health system objectives. Based on the result chain domain, most KPIs were related to the output (24 KPIs) and the least were related to the input and the process (9 KPIs).

Conclusion

Regarding the comprehensiveness of the developed measurement framework due to its focus on all PHC operational levers and key aspects of PHC systems’ performance, it can be used as a practical tool for assessing and improving the Iranian sub-national PHC system.
The different responses of planktonic bacteria and archaea to water temperature maintain the stability of their community diversity in dammed rivers
Authors: Liu Na , Wang Baoli , Yang Meiling , Li Wanzhu , Shi Xinjie , Liu Cong-Qiang
Published: June 2023

Background

Planktonic bacteria and archaea play a key role in river nutrient biogeochemical cycling; however, their respective community assembly and how to maintain their diversity are not well known in dammed rivers. Therefore, a seasonal survey of planktonic bacterial and archaeal community compositions and related environmental factors was conducted in 16 cascade reservoirs and corresponding river waters on the Wujiang River and the Pearl River in southwest China to understand the above mechanisms.

Results

Deterministic processes dominated bacterial and archaeal community assembly. The structural equation models showed that water temperature can directly or indirectly affect the microbial diversity. Interestingly, planktonic bacterial diversity increased with increasing water temperature, while archaea showed the opposite trend; the overall diversity of bacteria and archaea was no significant changes with changeable water temperature. Abundant microbes had a stronger distance–decay relationship than middle and rare ones, and the relationship was stronger in winter and spring than in summer and autumn.

Conclusions

Planktonic bacteria and archaea in dammed rivers had different biogeographic distributions, and water temperature was a key controlling factor. The different responses of planktonic bacterial and archaeal diversity to water temperature could be due to their different phylogenetic diversity. This ultimately maintained the stability of total microbial community diversity. This study reveals the different responses of planktonic bacteria and archaea to water temperature and perfects the theoretical framework for planktonic microbial biogeography in dammed rivers.
Prevalence and predictors of suicidality among adults initiating office-based buprenorphine
Authors: Lent Michelle R. , Dugosh Karen L. , Hurstak Emily , Callahan Hannah R. , Mazur Kimberly ,   The Greater Philadelphia Opioid Use Disorder Research Group, Festa S , DeJoseph D , DeJoseph J , DeBates R , Bulan T , Harnett A , van Riper A , Millard C , Wooten H , Loscalzo E , Leonard M , Oojewoye O , Festinger D , Lavin C , Garber E , Reichert A , McKay J , Lynch K , Kampan K , Petro C
Published: June 2023

Background

Individuals who have substance use disorders may have an elevated risk of suicidality. This study sought to examine the prevalence of, and identify factors associated with, suicidality in adults with opioid use disorder (OUD) initiating office-based buprenorphine treatment.

Methods

Individuals were eligible to participate if they had OUD and had initiated treatment in the past month. Participants (n = 244) completed a semi-structured interview using the Addiction Severity Index—Lite.

Results

At baseline, 37.70% of participants reported significant thoughts of suicide over their lifetime and 27.46% reported suicidal attempts over their lifetime. Logistic regression analyses were used to identify predictors of lifetime suicidal thoughts and attempts. A history of physical abuse (OR = 4.31, p < .001), having chronic pain-related conditions (OR = 3.28, p < .001), a history of depression (OR = 3.30, p = .001) or anxiety (OR = 7.47, p = .001), and Latino/a/x ethnicity (OR = 2.66, p = .01) were associated with an increased risk of lifetime suicidal thoughts. A history of sexual abuse (OR = 2.89, p = .01), Latino/a/x ethnicity (OR = 4.01, p < .001), a history of depression (OR = 4.03, p = .001) or anxiety (OR = 15.65, p = .007) and having a chronic pain-related condition (OR = 2.43, p = .01), were associated with an increased risk of lifetime suicide attempts.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate the high prevalence of suicidal thoughts and attempts among patients initiating buprenorphine. Findings may help to better identify at-risk patients and to inform screening, prevention, and mental health treatment efforts.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04650386 (registered 12 December 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04650386) and NCT04257214 (registered 5 February 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04257214).
Breed identification using breed-informative SNPs and machine learning based on whole genome sequence data and SNP chip data
Authors: Zhao Changheng , Wang Dan , Teng Jun , Yang Cheng , Zhang Xinyi , Wei Xianming , Zhang Qin
Published: June 2023

Background

Breed identification is useful in a variety of biological contexts. Breed identification usually involves two stages, i.e., detection of breed-informative SNPs and breed assignment. For both stages, there are several methods proposed. However, what is the optimal combination of these methods remain unclear. In this study, using the whole genome sequence data available for 13 cattle breeds from Run 8 of the 1,000 Bull Genomes Project, we compared the combinations of three methods (Delta, FST, and In) for breed-informative SNP detection and five machine learning methods (KNN, SVM, RF, NB, and ANN) for breed assignment with respect to different reference population sizes and difference numbers of most breed-informative SNPs. In addition, we evaluated the accuracy of breed identification using SNP chip data of different densities.

Results

We found that all combinations performed quite well with identification accuracies over 95% in all scenarios. However, there was no combination which performed the best and robust across all scenarios. We proposed to integrate the three breed-informative detection methods, named DFI, and integrate the three machine learning methods, KNN, SVM, and RF, named KSR. We found that the combination of these two integrated methods outperformed the other combinations with accuracies over 99% in most cases and was very robust in all scenarios. The accuracies from using SNP chip data were only slightly lower than that from using sequence data in most cases.

Conclusions

The current study showed that the combination of DFI and KSR was the optimal strategy. Using sequence data resulted in higher accuracies than using chip data in most cases. However, the differences were generally small. In view of the cost of genotyping, using chip data is also a good option for breed identification.
Assessment of menstrual hygiene management knowledge, practice, and associated factors among girls in Boset District, Ethiopia: a school-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Gebre Wondimagegn , Kidane Endashaw Mandefro , Negussie Yohannes Mekuria , Getahun Mihiret Shawel , Bekele Nardos Tilahun , Gurara Abenet Menene
Published: June 2023

Background

Adolescent girls, particularly in lower socioeconomic settings, lack adequate knowledge of menstrual hygiene management and have subpar hygiene habits. Likewise, the factors related to it have not been well addressed, and schoolgirls are facing a range of challenges. To develop effective intervention approaches, a context-specific assessment of menstrual hygiene practices is useful. Thus, this study aimed to assess menstrual hygiene management knowledge, practice, and associated factors among girls in the Boset district, Ethiopia.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Boset district secondary schools among 629 randomly selected girls using the multi-stage sampling technique. Data were collected using a self-administered, structured questionnaire. The collected data were entered into Epi-info version 7 and analyzed by Statistical Package for Social Science (SPSS) version 26. Binary logistic regression analysis was used to model the association between dependent and independent variables. An adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence interval were used to measure the strength of the association, and a p-value < 0.05 was used to declare statistical significance.

Result

Of the total study participants, 51.2% (95% CI: 46.6–55.8%) had an appropriate practice of menstrual hygiene and 57.9% (95% CI: 53.3–62.5%) had good knowledge status on menstrual hygiene management. Being an urban resident (AOR = 1.84, 95% CI: 1.20–2.80), having a mother with a secondary and above educational level (AOR = 3.4, 95% CI: 2.07–5.57), earning regular pocket money (AOR = 2.19, 95% CI: 1.45–3.313), and discussing menstrual issues with parents and friends (AOR = 3.65, 95% CI: 2.327–5.727) were associated with good practice of menstrual hygiene.

Conclusion

In this study, nearly half of the school girls had good practice and knowledge of menstrual hygiene management. Educating mothers and promoting discussion about menstrual hygiene management issues, especially in rural areas, should be priority actions.
Effects of isoflurane and xylazine on inducing cerebral ischemia by the model of middle cerebral artery occlusion in mice
Authors: Won Jinyoung , Khan Zeeshan Ahmad , Hong Yonggeun
Published: June 2023

Preclinical ischemic stroke studies extensively utilize the intraluminal suture method of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAo). General anesthesia administration is an essential step for MCAo, but anesthetic agents can lead to adverse effects causing death and making a considerable impact on inducing cerebral ischemia. The purpose of this study was to comparatively assess the effect of isoflurane and xylazine on transient cerebral ischemia in a mouse model of MCAo. Twenty animals were randomly divided into four groups: sham group (no MCAo), control group (MCAo under isoflurane, no agent till reperfusion), isoflurane group (MCAo under isoflurane continued till reperfusion), xylazine group (MCAo under isoflurane, and administration of xylazine till reperfusion). The survival rate, brain infarct volume, and neurologic deficits were studied to assess the effect of isoflurane and xylazine on the stroke model. Our results showed that the body weight showed statistically significant change before and 24 h after surgery in the control and Isoflurane groups, but no difference in the Xylazine group. Also, the survival rate, brain infarct volume, and neurologic deficits were slightly reduced in the isoflurane group at 24 h after reperfusion injury. However, the xylazine and control groups showed similar BIV and neurologic deficits. Interestingly, a high survival rate was observed in the xylazine group. Our results indicate that the modified method of inhalation anesthetics combined with xylazine can reduce the risk of mortality and develop a reproducible MCAo model with predictable brain ischemia. In addition, extended isoflurane anesthesia after MCAo is associated with the risk of mortality.
President's Page: Energy transition offers bright future for geoscientists
Authors: Badri Mohammed
Published: June 2023

As the world's population continues to grow and economies develop, there will be a commensurate need for additional energy supply that is sustainable and that can be acquired while respecting the environment. The Middle East, home to some of the world's largest oil and gas reserves, is one of the most important regions globally for energy production and exports. Countries such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are key players in the global oil market, while Qatar is a major exporter of liquified natural gas. Fossil fuels will continue to play a major role in the region's — and the world's — energy mix for the foreseeable future, but there is growing interest in developing renewable energy sources such as solar, wind power, and geothermal.
Integration of sparse and continuous data sets using machine learning for core mineralogy interpretation
Authors: Nawal Mayur , Shekar Bharath , Jaiswal Priyank
Published: June 2023

In earth science, integrating noninvasive continuous data streams with discrete invasive measurements remains an open challenge. We address such a problem — that of predicting whole-core mineralogy using discrete measurements with the help of machine learning. Our targets are sparsely sampled mineralogy from X-ray diffraction, and features are continually sampled elemental oxides from X-ray fluorescence. Both data sets are acquired on a core cut from a Mississippian-age mixed siliciclastic-carbonate formation in the U.S. midcontinent. The novelty lies in predicting multiple classes of output targets from input features in a small multidimensional data setting. Our workflow has three salient aspects. First, it shows how single-output models are more effective in relating selective target-feature subsets than using a multi-output model for simultaneously relating the entire target-feature set. Specifically, we adopt a competitive ensemble strategy comprising three classes of regression algorithms — elastic net (linear regression), XGBoost (tree-based), and feedforward neural networks (nonlinear regression). Second, it shows that feature selection and engineering, when done using statistical relationships within the data set and domain knowledge, can significantly improve target predictability. Third, it incorporates k-fold cross-validation and grid-search-based parameter tuning to predict targets within 4%–6% accuracy using 40% training data. Results open doors to generating a wealth of information in energy, environmental, and climate sciences where remotely sensed data are inexpensive and abundant but physical sampling may be limited due to analytic, logistic, or economic issues.
Reviews
Authors: Aitken Julie
Published: June 2023

Geophysical Exploration of the Solar System, edited by C. Schmelzbach and S. Stahler, 2022.
Seismic Soundoff: Uncovering the hidden history of Ghana
Authors: Geary Andrew
Published: June 2023

Cyril D. Boateng discusses his SEG field camp, “Investigating the slave trade in southeastern Ghana using integrated geophysical techniques.” He explains the concept behind “the archaeology of slavery” and describes the various geophysical investigations used across four communities. This conversation highlights the significant value that geophysics brings to a problem. It shows how SEG field camps are an invaluable tool for building the next generation of scientists and providing humanitarian benefits.
Frontline Management of Nodal Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas
Authors: Ngu Henry S. , Savage Kerry J.
Published: June 2023

Peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCLs) represent only 10%-15% of all non-Hodgkin lymphoma but encompass a diverse group of diseases with over 30 different subtypes. As a result of both disease heterogeneity and rarity, therapeutic progress of PTCLs has lagged behind B-cell lymphomas with very few randomized controlled studies to guide management. The most common subtypes are the so-called nodal PTCLs: PTCL-not otherwise specified (NOS), anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL), and nodal T follicular helper cell lymphoma (TFHL) lymphoma, the latter of which includes angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma. Anthracycline-based primary chemotherapy is still the mainstay of treatment for these common PTCL subtypes, but in recent years, we have moved into an era where more personalized therapy can be applied in some settings. Cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone, and brentuximab vedotin CHP-BV is the first therapy in PTCL to show an overall survival benefit and represents a new standard for ALCL; however, there is less therapeutic certainty in other CD30-positive PTCLs. Recurrent mutations of epigenetic modifier genes typify TFHLs lymphomas, and collective studies demonstrate a heightened sensitivity to epigenetic therapies, leading to trials integrating these agents in the frontline setting. Molecular studies of PTCL-NOS have defined at least two subtypes, GATA3 and TBX21, the former having a poorer prognosis, but how this guides therapeutics remains unknown. Outside of ALCL, there is a growing debate as to whether trials should focus on adding a novel agent to cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone (CHOP) or whether combination novel therapies should be explored in the frontline therapy setting. Finally, the role of consolidative autologous stem-cell transplant in first remission remains an area of active debate.
Diabetes Mellitus and quality of life: lower socio-economic status patients in Indian tertiary healthcare – a cross sectional study
Authors: Bhattacharya Oishee , Alva Rhea , K.P Prajwal , Reddy G V Abhinay , Kotian Himani
Published: June 2023

Background: Diabetes mellitus has emerged as one of the most severe diseases in regards to impact on lifestyle. It behaves as a syndrome rather than a single illness owing to its long term complications. Improving the quality of life (QoL) is the main goal to be achieved, thereby making it an essential factor to prognosticate the long term health consequences. Decreased QoL has been observed in patients with long standing diabetes mellitus and worsens when comorbidities add up to it. Routine activities in patients with diabetes is associated with massive physical and psychosocial implications that can lead to lack of self-care, thereby affecting glycaemic control, leading to early development of complications, and finally affecting quality of life. The goal of this study is to understand the relation between the domains of QoL among patients with diabetes mellitus belonging to lower socio-economic status of coastal India.

Methods: A cross sectional study focused on individuals seeking services of our tertiary health facility. The study analyzed 100 samples over various domains of QoL. The BG Prasad scale for socio-economic status and the MDQoL-17 questionnaire was used. SPSS version 25.0 was utilized for data analysis. Descriptive statistics namely standard deviation, mean and proportions were used for expressing the outcomes.

Results: Data from 100 participants was evaluated of which 63% were males. The mean ages were between 57.2±1.2 years with 31% belonged to ages between 51-60 years. Socio-economic category 4 was highest (52%). Majority of the participants had diabetes since 1-5 years (44%) and >6.5 HbA1c was seen among 95%. A p-value of <0.001 was observed with physical functioning, physical health, emotional wellbeing, emotional health, social functioning and general health that was suggestive of statistical significance.

Conclusions: The study was able to correlate various determinants of overall QoL affected, necessitating a targeted approach.