bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
CBD-enriched cannabis for autism spectrum disorder: an experience of a single center in Turkey and reviews of the literature
Authors: Bilge Serap , Ekici Barış 
Published: December 2021

AbstractIntroductionAutism spectrum disorder is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by deficits in communication, social interaction, restricted interest, and repetitive behaviors. Although more cases are being diagnosed, no drugs are approved to treat the core symptoms or cognitive and behavioral problems associated with autism. Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop an effective and safe treatment.ObjectiveIn this study, we aim to share our 2-year experience with CBD-enriched cannabis treatment in autism and review the latest studies.Materials and methodsThe study included 33 (27 males, six females) children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder who were followed up between January 2018 and August 2020. The mean age was 7.7 ± 5.5 years. The average daily dosage of cannabidiol (CBD) was 0.7 mg/kg/day (0.3–2 mg/kg/day). The median duration of treatment was 6.5 months (3–28 months). The preparations used in this study contained full-spectrum CBD and trace elements tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) of less than 3%.ResultsThe outcomes were evaluated before and after treatment based on clinical interviews. At each follow-up visit, parents were asked to evaluate the effectiveness of the CBD-enriched cannabis treatment. According to the parents’ reports, no change in daily life activity was reported in 6 (19.35%) patients. The main improvements of the treatment were as follows: a decrease in behavioral problems was reported in 10 patients (32.2%), an increase in expressive language was reported in 7 patients (22.5%), improved cognition was reported in 4 patients (12,9%), an increase in social interaction was reported in 3 patients (9.6%), and a decrease in stereotypes was reported in 1 patient (3.2%). The parents reported improvement in cognition among patients who adhered to CBD-enriched cannabis treatment for over two years. The antipsychotic drug could be stopped only in one patient who showed mild ASD symptoms. No change could be made in other drug use and doses. Additionally, this study includes an extensive review of the literature regarding CBD treatment in autism spectrum disorder. According to recent studies, the average dose of CBD was 3.8±2.6 mg/kg/day. The ratio of CBD to THC in the used preparations was 20:1. The most significant improvements were seen in the behavioral problems reported in 20–70% of the patients.ConclusionUsing lower doses of CBD and trace THC seems to be promising in managing behavioral problems associated with autism. In addition, this treatment could be effective in managing the core symptoms and cognitive functions. No significant side effects were seen at the low doses of CBD-enriched cannabis when compared to other studies.
Measuring public knowledge on nuclear weapons in the post-Cold War: dimensionality and measurement invariance across eight European countries
Authors: Fialho Fabrício M. 
Published: December 2021

AbstractResearch on public opinion and international security has extensively examined attitudes toward nuclear weapons, but the diffusion of basic knowledge about nuclear weapons among the everyday citizens has nevertheless been mostly missed. This study proposes a working definition and advances a measurement model of knowledge on nuclear weapons in the general public. It analyzes data from two novel surveys conducted in 2018 (N = 6559) and 2019 (N = 6227) where respondents from Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Sweden, and the United Kingdom answered a web survey on attitudes and factual knowledge on nuclear weapons. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analytic models are used to examine the dimensionality and to assess the measurement invariance of a scale of knowledge about nuclear weapons. A bifactor measurement model, where a strong general factor represents the construct of interest and specific factors account for the presence of testlets due to questionnaire design, is established and validated. Configural, metric, and scalar invariance are established across the eight samples. The findings indicate that knowledge about nuclear weapons in the general, non-expert public can be reliably measured cross-nationally.
Does strong governance stimulate the effect of economic freedom and financial literacy on financial inclusion? a cross-country evidence
Authors: Hussain Muhammad , Yahya Farzan , Waqas Muhammad 
Published: December 2021

AbstractThis study examines the interlinkages between financial literacy, economic freedom, government quality, and financial inclusion using cross-sectional and panel data analysis. Using a sample of 98 countries from the year 2007 to 2018, OLS and system GMM estimators were used to analyze the results. The estimation results indicate that financial literacy and government quality positively influence financial inclusion. Results also find that governance quality strengthens the effect of financial literacy on financial inclusion. The results derived from the dynamic panel model also reasonably conclude the positive effect of economic freedom on financial inclusion while government quality acts as a catalyst for their link. Our results are also robust to sub-panels based on the level of country risk.
Forward modeling and 3D inversion of electromagnetic data collected over the McArthur River uranium deposit in the Athabasca Basin, Canada
Authors: Mir Reza , Fullagar Peter , Darijani Mehrdad , Smith Richard , Scott Shawn , Ross Martin , Shamsipour Pejman , Chouteau Michel , Ansdell Kevin , Gouiza Mohamed 
Published: December 2021

Detection and assessment of the deeply buried high-grade uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin rely on geophysical methods to map conductive rocks. Variable Quaternary surface cover can mask the anomalous signals from depth and affect the interpretation of inverted conductivity models. We present the analysis of several electromagnetic (EM) modeling studies and two field data sets to demonstrate the effects of varying Quaternary cover resistivity and thickness, on the ability to resolve the parameters of underlying sandstone, alteration, and basement conductors. Synthetic data, assuming a typical shallow EM sounding system and realistic resistivities found in the Athabasca Basin, indicate that resistivity and thickness parameters of the Quaternary cover can be separately recovered in cases in which this cover is more conductive than the underlying sandstone, but not when the cover is significantly more resistive. A 3D modeling study indicates that by using airborne EM data, it is possible to detect a basement conductor of 20 S at a depth of at least 600 m below the surface, even in the presence of Quaternary cover thickness variations of the up to 20% (40–60 m). Furthermore, although Quaternary cover variations and deeper sandstone alteration can produce comparable anomalous signal amplitudes in a time-domain EM response, their effects are most visible in distinctly separate time windows. Ground-penetrating radar and other data to characterize the Quaternary cover in the McArthur River area indicate that this cover consists mostly of sandy tills ranging in thickness from 0 to 117 m. Constrained 3D inversion of an airborne EM data set from the same area indicates basement conductors consistent with the depth and location of a known fault. Elevated conductivity in the sandstone by up to a factor of two over the background values could indicate possible alteration.
Duration of respiratory sample stability at -80ºC for SARS-CoV-2 PCR
Authors: Aijaz Javeria , Naseer Fouzia , Dojki Maqboola , Jamal Saba 
Published: December 2021

Objective: To determine the stability of respiratory samples for SARS-CoV-2 PCR at standard laboratory ultra-freezer temperatures (-80°C).
Methods: Five hundred and sixty-five archived, SARS-CoV-2 PCR positive patient specimens received at the Pathology Department of the Indus Hospital & Health Network between January 2021 and June 2021 were retested in June 2021. Samples had been stored at -70°C or below throughout this duration. Sample integrity following storage was assessed as the percentage of samples with reproducible results, and as consistency of cycle threshold (Ct) values between the original testing and the repeat testing.
Results: Of the 565 samples evaluated in this study, 86% gave reproducible results upon retesting. However, there was no correlation between the duration of storage and result reproducibility, though the majority (69% for PCR Target-I and 78% for PCR Target-II respectively) of non-reproducible results had Ct values above 30. Similarly, there was a consistent increase of Ct values upon storage at ultra-freezer temperatures, though the effect again was more contingent upon freezing the sample in the ultra-freezer rather than the duration of storage.
Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2 positive respiratory specimens for PCR can be stored for up to six months at -70°C or below without loss of sample integrity, though there is some loss of PCR-detected viral targets as evidenced by an immediate increased in the PCR-generated Ct values. In addition, samples with initial Ct values above 30 are more likely to give non-reproducible results.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5777
How to cite this:Aijaz J, Naseer F, Dojki M, Jamal S. Duration of respiratory sample stability at -80ºC for SARS-CoV-2 PCR. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(2):393-398. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5777
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
High risk histopathological factors in retinoblastoma in upfront enucleated eyes: An experience from a tertiary care centre of Pakistan
Authors: Yaqoob Nausheen , Mansoor Salima , Aftab Kanwal , Kaleem Bushra , Hamid Ahmer , Jamal Saba 
Published: December 2021

Background & Objectives: The assessment of histopathological risk factors (HRFs) in retinoblastoma in upfront enucleated eyes is important in deciding treatment protocols. Limited data is available from the developing countries as very few studies were conducted on retinoblastoma. The study aims to report this data from Pakistan.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included treatment naïve retinoblastoma patients who underwent upfront enucleation between 2017 to 2021. Various tumor characteristics i.e. laterality, size, histologic grade, anaplasia grade, growth pattern, extent and length of optic nerve invasion, pathologic staging, tumor involvement of ocular structures were assessed. High-risk factors such as involvement of anterior chamber, choroidal, scleral, extrascleral, and optic nerve were also noted.
Results: A total number of 54 patients were enrolled, out of which 53.7% were females while remaining were males. Median age at presentation was 24 months. Unilateral tumor was seen in 92.6% cases. Most frequent histologic grade was G2 (64.7%) and moderate anaplasia was observed in 59.2% cases. Vitreous involvement was seen in (86.5%). Pathologic staging of most of the tumors was pT1 (39.2%). Assessment of high-risk factors revealed that optic nerve involvement (35.1%) was the most common finding with retrolaminar tumor invasion seen in 75% cases. Choroidal invasion (≤3mm) was seen in 55.6% of patients. Limited involvement of anterior chamber (3.8%), sclera (7.4%), and extrascleral (3.8%) tissue was also observed.
Conclusion: The presence of high risk histopathological factors in enucleated eyes diagnosed with retinoblastoma are known to have a profound impact on the risk stratification as well as decision of future treatment plan.
doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5787
How to cite this:Yaqoob N, Mansoor S, Aftab K, Kaleem B, Hamid A, Jamal S. High risk histopathological factors in retinoblastoma in upfront enucleated eyes: An experience from a tertiary care centre of Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(2):369-374. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.ICON-2022.5787
This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Accelerating Large-Scale-Structure data analyses by emulating Boltzmann solvers and Lagrangian Perturbation Theory
Authors: Arico' Giovanni , Angulo Raul , Zennaro Matteo 
Published: December 2021

The linear matter power spectrum is an essential ingredient in all theoretical models for interpreting large-scale-structure observables. Although Boltzmann codes such as CLASS or CAMB are very efficient at computing the linear spectrum, the analysis of data usually requires 104-106 evaluations, which means this task can be the most computationally expensive aspect of data analysis. Here, we address this problem by building a neural network emulator that provides the linear theory (total and cold) matter power spectrum in about one millisecond with ≈0.2%(0.5%) accuracy over redshifts z ≤ 3 (z ≤ 9), and scales10-4 ≤ k [h Mpc-1] < 50. We train this emulator with more than 200,000 measurements, spanning a broad cosmological parameter space that includes massive neutrinos and dynamical dark energy. We show that the parameter range and accuracy of our emulator is enough to get unbiased cosmological constraints in the analysis of a Euclid-like weak lensing survey. Complementing this emulator, we train 15 other emulators for the cross-spectra of various linear fields in Eulerian space, as predicted by 2nd-order Lagrangian Perturbation theory, which can be used to accelerate perturbative bias descriptions of galaxy clustering. Our emulators are specially designed to be used in combination with emulators for the nonlinear matter power spectrum and for baryonic effects, all of which are publicly available at http://www.dipc.org/bacco.
The effects of breathing exercises on respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters
Authors: Yilmaz Burak , Maden Cagtay , Turhan Begümhan 
Published: December 2021

Background/aims Workers engaged in vehicle spray painting are at a risk of developing respiratory problems because of the solvents in the spray paints. Changes in respiratory functions and functional capacities caused by spray painting can be improved with respiratory exercises. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of respiratory exercises on the respiratory functions, functional capacity and quality of life in vehicle spray painters. Methods A total of 70 volunteers with similar characteristics participated in the study. The groups were divided into two groups randomly (35 study group, 35 control group). Respiratory functions (value of forced expiratory volume percentage in 1 second [FEV1]), forced vital capacity percentage [FVC], FEV1/FVC percentage, peak expiratory flow percentage [PEF (%)] and maximum voluntary ventilation percentage [MVV (%)]), functional capacity (6-Minute Walk Test) and quality of life (Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were evaluated. The study group undertook supervised breathing exercises 3 days a week for 6 weeks. The same exercises were given to the control group as a home programme. Home programmes were followed up by telephone calls. Evaluations were performed again after 6 weeks. Results In the study group, FEV1 (%) increased more than in the control group (P<0.05). The increase in PEF (%) was similar in both groups (P>0.05). In the study group, FEV1/FVC (%) and MVV (%) were significantly different before and after the intervention (P<0.05), but there was no difference in the control group (P>0.05). There was a greater increase in the study group than in the control group (P<0.05). 6-Minute Walk Test distance (m) before and after the intervention in both groups were similar (P>0.05). Before and after the intervention, a significant difference was found in the vitality and the social function domains of the SF-36 in the study group. In the comparisons of groups, a significant difference was found in the study group in the role-emotional, social function and bodily pain domains of the SF-36 after the intervention (P<0.05). Conclusions Breathing exercises can be recommended for vehicle spray painters to avoid an increase in respiratory resistance and to improve their quality of life.
Simulation of Uniaxial Compression for Flexible Fibers of Wheat Straw Using the Discrete Element Method
Authors: Schramm Matthew W , Tekeste Mehari Z. , Steward Brian L 
Published: December 2021

HighlightsSimulation of uniaxial compression was performed with flexible fibers modeled in DEM.Bond-specific DEM parameters were found to be sensitive in uniaxial compression.A calibration technique that is not plunger-dependent is shown and validated.Abstract. To accurately simulate a discrete element method (DEM) model, the material properties must be calibrated to reproduce bulk material behavior. In this study, a method was developed to calibrate DEM parameters for bulk fibrous materials using uniaxial compression. Wheat straw was cut to 100.2 mm lengths. A 227 mm diameter cylindrical container was loosely filled with the cut straw. The material was pre-compressed to 1 kPa. A plunger (50, 150, or 225 mm diameter) was then lowered onto the compressed straw at a rate of 15 mm s-1. This experimental procedure was simulated using a DEM model for different material properties to generate a simulated design of experiment (DOE). The simulated plunger had a travel rate of 40 mm s-1. The contact Young’s modulus, bond Young’s modulus, and particle-to-particle friction DEM parameters were found to be statistically significant in the prediction of normal forces on the plunger in the uniaxial compression test. The DEM calibration procedure was used to approximate the mean laboratory results of wheat straw compression with root mean square (RMS) percent errors of 3.77%, 3.02%, and 13.90% for the 50, 150, and 225 mm plungers, respectively. Keywords: Calibration, DEM, DOE, Flexible DEM particle, Uniaxial compression, Wheat straw.
High-frequency fiber Bragg gating accelerometer and strain sensor-based blast test on a concrete slab
Authors: Jiang Ke , Liang Lei , Dai Shu , Wang Hui , Song Zhiyuan , Li Chen 
Published: December 2021

The blast test is the most direct method of measuring explosive performance and structural safety. Because of long-distance wires and electromagnetic interference, some scattering exists in the blast test using electrical sensors. For this paper, a double-hinge high-frequency fiber Bragg gating (FBG) accelerometer was designed and manufactured to measure the acceleration on a blast-loaded concrete slab. The resonance frequency and sensitiveness of the sensor were determined as 3400 Hz and 6.26 pm/g, respectively. Blasting was performed seven times, with each blast generating the energy equivalent of 50 kg of TNT. The stress waves were obtained from the blast source for distances at 4 m, 6 m, and 8 m. The peak accelerations in test 6 were obtained as 396.21 g, 123.57 g, and 38.88 g, respectively, whereas the propagation velocity of the stress wave was around 2500 m/s. Furthermore, the study was complemented by numerical simulations. The test results were compared with the empirical formula, which validated the reliability and applicability of fiber optical sensors in blast testing. The proposed fiber optical sensors have shown promising results, further boosting their practical applications in blast testing and monitoring structural health following a blast shock.
A systematic review of self-report measures used in epidemiological studies to assess alcohol consumption among older adults
Authors: Tevik Kjerstin , Bergh Sverre , Selbæk Geir , Johannessen Aud , Helvik Anne-S. 
Published: December 2021

Background
There is a lack of standardization regarding how to assess and categorize alcohol intake in older adults. The aim of this study was to systematically review methods used in epidemiological studies to define drinking patterns and measure alcohol consumption among older adults.

Methods
A systematic search was conducted in the MEDLINE, PubMed, PsycINFO, EMBASE, and CINAHL databases for studies published from January 2009 to April 2021. Studies were included if they were observational studies with a quantitative design; the mean age of the participants was ≥ 65 years; questionnaires, screening tools, or diagnostic tools were used to define alcohol consumption; and alcohol consumption was self-reported.

Results
Of 492 studies considered, 105 were included. Among the 105 studies, we detected 19 different drinking patterns, and each drinking pattern had a wide range of definitions. The drinking patterns abstaining from alcohol, current drinking, and risk drinking had seven, 12 and 21 diverse definitions, respectively. The most used questionnaire and screening tools were the quantity-frequency questionnaire, with a recall period of 12 months, and the full and short versions of the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, respectively.

Conclusion
No consensus was found regarding methods used to assess, define, and measure alcohol consumption in older adults. Identical assessments and definitions must be developed to make valid comparisons of alcohol consumption in older adults. We recommend that alcohol surveys for older adults define the following drinking patterns: lifetime abstainers, former drinkers, current drinkers, risk drinking, and heavy episodic drinking. Standardized and valid definitions of risk drinking, and heavy episodic drinking should be developed. The expanded quantity-frequency questionnaire including three questions focused on drinking frequency, drinking volume, and heavy episodic drinking, with a recall period of 12 months, could be used.