bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Estimating biological age from retinal imaging: a scoping review
Authors: Grimbly Michaela Joan , Koopowitz Sheri-Michelle , Chen Ruiye , Sun Zihan , Foster Paul J , He Mingguang , Stein Dan J , Ipser Jonathan , Zhu Zhuoting 
Published: August 2024

Background/AimsThe emerging concept of retinal age, a biomarker derived from retinal images, holds promise in estimating biological age. The retinal age gap (RAG) represents the difference between retinal age and chronological age, which serves as an indicator of deviations from normal ageing. This scoping review aims to collate studies on retinal age to determine its potential clinical utility and to identify knowledge gaps for future research.MethodsUsing the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist, eligible non-review, human studies were identified, selected and appraised. PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, PsycINFO, Google Scholar, Cochrane, CINAHL, Africa Wide EBSCO, MedRxiv and BioRxiv databases were searched to identify literature pertaining to retinal age, the RAG and their associations. No restrictions were imposed on publication date.ResultsThirteen articles published between 2022 and 2023 were analysed, revealing four models capable of determining biological age from retinal images. Three models, ‘Retinal Age’, ‘EyeAge’ and a ‘convolutional network-based model’, achieved comparable mean absolute errors: 3.55, 3.30 and 3.97, respectively. A fourth model, ‘RetiAGE’, predicting the probability of being older than 65 years, also demonstrated strong predictive ability with respect to clinical outcomes. In the models identified, a higher predicted RAG demonstrated an association with negative occurrences, notably mortality and cardiovascular health outcomes.ConclusionThis review highlights the potential clinical application of retinal age and RAG, emphasising the need for further research to establish their generalisability for clinical use, particularly in neuropsychiatry. The identified models showcase promising accuracy in estimating biological age, suggesting its viability for evaluating health status.
HIV prevalence and associated factors among adolescent boys and young men in South Africa: 2017 nationally representative household-based population survey
Authors: Makusha Tawanda , Mabaso Musawenkosi , Zungu Nompumelelo , Moyo Sizulu , Naidoo Inbarani , Jooste Sean , Mohapanele Karabo , Zuma Khangelani , Simbayi Leickness 
Published: August 2024

IntroductionThere is growing recognition that adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) have been left behind in the HIV response and are under-represented in HIV services, leading to poor outcomes across the HIV care cascade. Improved understanding of the HIV epidemic in this population is important for engaging ABYM in the HIV response. This study examined HIV prevalence and associated factors among ABYM aged 15–24 years using the 2017 South African National HIV Prevalence, Incidence, Behaviour and Communication Survey.MethodsThe data were collected using a multi-stage stratified cluster randomised sampling design. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the study sample and HIV prevalence. A multivariate backward stepwise logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with HIV prevalence. Variables with a significance level of p<0.2 were retained in the final model. Adjusted ORs (AORs) with 95% CI and a p value ≤0.05 were used to determine the level of statistical significance.ResultsOf 3544 ABYM interviewed and tested, 47.8% (n=1 932) were aged 15–19 years and 52.2% (1612) were aged 20–24 years. Overall, 4.8% (95% CI 3.9 to 5.9) were HIV positive, translating to 230 585 ABYM living with HIV in 2017. The odds of being HIV positive were significantly lower among ABYM with tertiary education level (AOR=0.06 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.50), p=0.009), those who were employed (AOR=0.34 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.81), p=0.015) and those who had previously tested for HIV and were aware of their status (AOR=0.29 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.83), p=0.015).ConclusionThese findings suggest the need to diversify the HIV response to include the implementation of social policies to reduce structural challenges such as low educational attainment and unemployment. They also underscore the importance of promoting the uptake of HIV testing and awareness as the entry point to the treatment and care cascade among ABYM.
Cross-sectional study of the prevalence of chronic liver disease risk factors and liver fibrosis in a remotely living Indigenous Australian population
Authors: Wigg Alan J , Narayana Sumudu , Nugent Michael , Ackland Arlene , Riessen Damian , Wigg Benjamin L , Muller Kate R , Ramachandran Jeyamani , Woodman Richard J 
Published: August 2024

ObjectivesRemotely living Indigenous Australians have a disproportionate mortality from cirrhosis and hepatocellular cancer (HCC). However, there are no local population studies examining the prevalence of chronic liver disease (CLD) in remote communities. The main aims of this study were therefore to study a remote Indigenous population to determine the prevalence of CLD risk factors and the prevalence of significant fibrosis as defined by an Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score of ≥2.67.MethodsThe study design was a retrospective analysis of an electronic medical record database of a remote Aboriginal community-controlled health service. The setting was an Aboriginal community-controlled health service located in a remote South Australian town with a 15% Indigenous Australian population. Participants were all adult Indigenous Australians between the ages of 35 and 65 years.Results83.9% of the study population had at least one CLD risk factor and 45% of the population had multiple CLD risk factors. The most prevalent risk factors were alcohol misuse, diabetes and obesity. 3.7% of the population had a high risk of significant fibrosis with an FIB-4 score≥2.67. Each additional CLD risk factor was associated with a 12.3% increase in FIB-4 mean (p=0.001).ConclusionsCLD risk factors and significant liver fibrosis were highly prevalent in this population. Integrating simple liver screening tests into adult health checks has the potential to detect CLD at an early and treatable stage and to reduce the high morbidity and mortality from cirrhosis and HCC experienced by remotely living Indigenous Australians.
Comparisons of frozen-thawed D3/D5 and D3/D6 sequential embryo transfer in women with repeated implantation failure: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Wang Zheng , Gao Jiangman , Long Xiaoyu , Li Rong 
Published: August 2024

ObjectiveTo investigate whether there are significant differences in pregnancy outcomes between frozen-thawed D3/D5 and D3/D6 sequential embryo transfer (SeET) in women with repeated implantation failure (RIF).MethodsWomen who experienced RIF and underwent frozen-thawed cycles with SeET were included and were divided into two groups: D3/D5 (n=455) and D3/D6 (n=308). Included cycles were stratified by the quality of transferred embryos and age.ResultsThere were 252/455 (55.4%) clinical pregnancies in the D3/D5 group and 133/308 (43.2%) in the D3/D6 group (OR: 1.63, 95% CI 1.22 to 2.18). Rates for ectopic pregnancy, early miscarriage and multiple pregnancies did not differ between the two groups. In women under 35 years, with transfers of two good-quality embryos, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the D3/D5 group compared with the D3/D6 group (65.6% vs 42.4%, OR: 2.59, 95% CI 1.41 to 4.76). This trend persisted when analysing good-quality cleavage-stage embryo and poor-quality blastocyst (D3/D5) transfers versus two good-quality embryo (D3/D6) transfers (61.2% vs 42.4%, OR: 2.14, 95% CI 1.11 to 4.12). For women aged 35 years or older, pregnancy outcomes did not differ.ConclusionThe clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the D3/D5 group compared with the D3/D6 group. When contrasting the outcomes of transferring a good-quality cleavage-stage embryo and a poor-quality blastocyst in the D3/D5 group with transferring two good-quality embryos in the D3/D6 group, the clinical pregnancy rate was significantly higher in the D3/D5 group. However, among women aged 35 years or older, there were no significant differences in pregnancy outcomes.
Mounting agents with low toxicity and with fast curing time for digital pathology in the intraoperative frozen section laboratory
Authors: Frandsen Mette Wessel , Bojesen Lone , Johnsen Sys , Riis Lene Buhl , Smith Julie 
Published: August 2024

AimsIn intraoperative frozen tissue section laboratories (FS laboratories) conventional practice for mounting coverslips on tissue slides involves the use of xylene-based mounting agents, such as Pertex. However, toxic vapours pose a risk to biomedical laboratory scientists (BLS) and pathologists who handle the wet slides to provide fast and urgent diagnostic results to surgeons during operations. Our study aims to evaluate non-toxic mounting agents to substitute Pertex, preferably with a fast curing time suitable for the demands of the new digital era in pathology.MethodsFive non-toxic mounting agents were purchased and tested through six different protocols and compared to xylene-based Pertex as our gold standard. With light microscopy, tissue slides were quality assessed by BLS. Mounting agents, which were evaluated comparable to Pertex, were also evaluated by a pathologist, hence scanned digitally and re-evaluated.ResultsThe protocols forEukitt UV,Eukitt UV R-1andEukitt UV R-2had significantly more artefacts (bubbles) compared to gold standard Pertex (p<0.0001, p=0.004 and p<0.0001, respectively) and assessed inadequate as replacements.Neo-MountandTissue Mountwere assessed applicable regarding quality, but curing times were long.Tek Select UVshowed promising results in both quality and fast curing time (protocol was <2 min).ConclusionsToxic mounting agents need replacement to health guard professionals, and also digital pathology is revolutionising laboratories. A digitalized FS laboratory requires fast dry/cured slides for digital scanning. Therefore, a substitute for the FS laboratory should have the qualities of being non-toxic to handle and having a fast curing time, and a UV-based mounting agent may solve both requirements.
Ethnic-specific characteristics associated with longitudinal response patterns from prebirth to 12 years: evidence fromGrowing Up in New Zealand
Authors: Yao Esther S , Neumann Denise , Taufa Seini , Liang Renee , Kingi Te Kani , Langridge Fiona , Paine Sarah-Jane 
Published: August 2024

BackgroundLongitudinal studies can generate valuable scientific knowledge, but can be compromised by systematic attrition. Previous research shows that sociodemographic characteristics (eg, ethnicity, age, educational level, socioeconomic circumstances) are associated with attrition rates. However, little is known about whether these characteristics differ by ethnicity, and how this impacts cohort retention strategies.MethodsUsing antenatal to 12-year data from theGrowing Up in New Zealandbirth cohort study (N=6743), we examined transversal response rates by ethnicity (Māori, Pacific, Asian, European), used sequence analysis and cluster analysis to identify unique longitudinal response patterns, and binary logistic regression to examine ethnic-specific sociodemographic characteristics associated with these response patterns.ResultsThe overall response rate at 12 years was 71.0%, with ethnic differences in response rates widening over the six data collection waves. Three longitudinal response patterns were identified: frequent responders (65.2%), intermittent non-responders (29.6%) and frequent non-responders (5.2%). Sociodemographic characteristics such as younger maternal age and lower maternal education were associated with a higher likelihood of membership in the non-response clusters across all ethnic groups. However, there were also important nuances by ethnicity. Individual level factors (eg, household material deprivation and maternal general health) tended to be associated with non-response for Europeans, whereas structural level factors (eg, area-level deprivation and racial discrimination) tended to be associated with non-response for Māori, Pacific and Asian peoples.ConclusionEthnic differences in longitudinal response patterns are due to multiple factors of disadvantage, and therefore require targeted retention strategies. Stratifying analyses by ethnicity is important for revealing nuanced insights.
Ages and structural relationships in the Ganderian central Cape Breton Highlands, Nova Scotia, Canada
Authors: van Rooyen Deanne , White Chris E. , Barr Sandra M. , Sunatori Évelyne , Grant Caleb J. , Kucker Kyle J. 
Published: August 2024

Structural complexity of the Cape Breton Highlands is a key problem in reconstructing tectonic events in the northern Appalachian orogen. A new U–Pb thermal ionization mass spectrometry age of 428.53 ± 0.16 Ma for metarhyolite in the Calumruadh Brook Formation shows that volcanic and sedimentary rocks were deposited before collision of the Aspy and Bras d'Or terranes along the Eastern Highlands shear zone. A new U–Pb laser ablation zircon age of 394 +6/−4 Ma confirms that peak metamorphism in the Middle River complex continued during convergence linked to late stages of the Acadian orogeny. The compressive tectonic environment evolved into a transpressional system after initial collision in the late Silurian and caused a repeated pattern of imbrication of units in the Aspy terrane in the hanging wall in the collision. The shear zones bounding the geological units are curvilinear and have south-directed kinematics, imbricating units and transporting higher grade rocks over lower grade rocks, and moving plutons upward relative to their host rocks during and shortly after intrusion. The vergence of imbrication is parallel to the direction of transpressional movement on the main Eastern Highlands shear zone. This geometry is present in Ordovician–Silurian rocks and repeated in Devonian plutonic rocks, indicating that the overall transpressional tectonic setting was a long-lived feature of the orogen. The shear zones localized late syn- to post-deformational plutons that intruded at ca. 375–370 Ma. By the latest Devonian, emplacement of the ca. 363 Ma Margaree and related plutons marked the beginning of extension in the central Cape Breton Highlands.
New Insights into Emperor Wen of Han’s 167 BCE Legal Reform: the Changes in the Grading System for Illicit Profit from Robberies
Authors: Ma Tsang Wing 
Published: August 2024

Abstract
Recognized as a pivotal moment in early Chinese legal history, Emperor Wen of Han’s 167 BCE legal reform raises significant unresolved questions due to limited available evidence. This paper aims to investigate the reform’s impact on the grading system for illicit profit resulting from robberies. By analyzing recently published legal manuscripts discovered in Tomb No. 12 at Hujia caochang, Hubei, this study reveals that the reform introduced a more structured and coherent grading system for illicit profit, aligning it with the newly-established hierarchy of fixed-term hard labor punishments. By placing this reform in the context of the early Han dynasty, this research offers an alternative perspective that challenges the prevailing assumption that “Han continued the institutions of the Qin.”
Optimizing Colonoscopy Preparation in Autistic Children: A Comparative Study of Hypertonic Sugar Saline and Normal Saline Enemas
Authors: Jin Xinyu , Sheng Weisong , Liu Xinrong , Zhu Danrong 
Published: August 2024

Objective: This study evaluates the effectiveness of combining oral polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution with hypertonic sugar saline enema for colonoscopy preparation in autistic children. Methods: Clinical data of 58 children with autism who underwent fecal bacteria transplantation and transendoscopic enteral tubing (TET) catheterization at the hospital were retrospectively analyzed. Participants were allocated into 2 groups: a control group (26 children) and an observation group (32 children), differentiated by their intestinal preparation protocols. The control group was administered oral polyethylene glycol combined with normal saline enema, whereas the observation group was given oral polyethylene glycol combined with hypertonic sugar saline enema. The Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (BBPS) was used to score intestinal cleanliness. Differences in intestinal cleanliness and colonoscopy duration between the 2 groups were compared. Results: The group treated with hypertonic sugar saline enema exhibited significantly higher BBPS scores (6.78 ± 0.83) and an intestinal passage rate of 96.86%, which were statistically significant compared with the control group ( P < 0.05). In addition, the colonoscopy duration was notably shorter in the observation group (14.03 ± 4.86 minutes) compared with the control group ( P < 0.05) Conclusion: Our findings suggest that an oral polyethylene glycol electrolyte solution combined with a hypertonic sugar saline enema is a more effective preparation method for colonoscopy in autistic children.
Imported Inputs and Export Performance: A Gravity Analysis
Authors: Kitenge Erick , Lahiri Sajal 
Published: August 2024

Based on input/output tables that contain disaggregated data from 45 industries grouped into 16 sectors from 1995 to 2020 across 66 countries, we carry out a gravity analysis to examine how imported inputs affect bilateral exports. In terms of econometric methodology, we use pseudo Poisson maximum likelihood (PPML) as well as Instrumental-Variable Tobit methods. Our results consistently show a positive and significant effect of imported inputs on bilateral exports. JEL Codes: F10, F40
Acceptability of a Portable Exercise Bike in Older Adults With Cardiovascular Diseases
Authors: Deka Pallav , Schlegel Emma , Pathak Dola , Karve Milind , Pickford Darby , DeLuna Allison , Wyatt Gwen , Buchholz Susan W. 
Published: August 2024

Background: Ways to help older adults overcome barriers to performing regular exercise is a challenge to nurses. Objective: The study evaluated the acceptability of a portable exercise bike for arm/foot pedaling among older patients with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Methods: Participants reported their physical activity levels using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (short form) and thereafter performed two 6-minute-long arm/foot pedal biking sessions using a portable exercise bike. Participants provided qualitative feedback (one open-ended question) on the bike while exercising and completed the quantitative Acceptability Use Questionnaire following the two exercise sessions. Results: Twenty-five older adults (52% male and 48% female), with a mean (SD) age of 70 (6.4) years and a body mass index of 30 (7.4), completed the study. Most participants performed moderate to light physical activity at home with a daily mean (SD) sitting/sedentary time of 8 (3.4) hours. The mean scores from the Acceptability Use Questionnaire and the participants’ comments alluded to the bike’s multitasking utility and acceptability. Three broad themes derived from the qualitative analysis were: (1) the acceptability of the bike with participants who had musculoskeletal problems; (2) the ability to operate and use the bike for aerobic exercise engaging both arms and legs; and (3) the importance of overall utility, ease of use, and cost of the bike. Conclusions: The portable exercise bike was found acceptable in a group of older adults with CVDs. The bike has the potential to be applied in home-based exercise interventions.
High-dose Vitamin-B6 reduces sensory over-responsivity
Authors: Cracknell Rebekah O , Tavassoli Teresa , Field David T 
Published: August 2024

Background: Sensory reactivity differences are experienced by between 5% and 15% of the population, often taking the form of sensory over-responsivity (SOR), in which sensory stimuli are experienced as unusually intense and everyday function is affected. A potential mechanism underlying over-responsivity is an imbalance between neural excitation and inhibition in which inhibitory influences are relatively weakened. Therefore, interventions that boost neural inhibition or reduce neural excitation may reduce SOR; Vitamin-B6 is the coenzyme for the conversion of excitatory glutamate to inhibitory gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), and in animal models, it both increases the concentration of GABA and reduces glutamate. Aims: To discover whether taking a high dose of Vitamin-B6 reduces SOR and other aspects of sensory reactivity. Methods: We recruited 300 adults (249 females) from the general population who completed the Sensory Processing 3-Dimensions Scale (SP-3D) first at baseline, and again following randomisation to either 1 month’s supplementation with 100 mg Vitamin-B6, or one of two control conditions (1000 µg Vitamin-B12 or placebo). To focus on individuals who experience SOR, we analysed the effects of supplementation only on individuals with high baseline SOR scores (above the 87th percentile). Results: In individuals with SOR at baseline, Vitamin-B6 selectively reduced SOR compared to both placebo and Vitamin-B12. We also found that Vitamin-B6 selectively reduced postural disorder in individuals with high scores on this subscale at baseline, but there were no effects on the four remaining SP-3D subscales. Conclusions: Clinical trials and mechanistic studies should now be conducted in autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and other groups with SOR.
Comparison of autonomic nervous system dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and heart rate recovery according to spinal cord injury level
Authors: Choi Seok-Yeon , Kim Chan Yong , Joo Min Cheol 
Published: August 2024

Objective To investigate the differences in autonomic nervous system (ANS) dysfunction, arterial stiffness, and the degree of delay in post-exercise heart rate recovery (HRR) according to the level of spinal cord injury (SCI), and propose preventive measures against cardiovascular diseases after SCI. Methods This retrospective study included 51 patients with SCI. Based on the neurological level of injury (NLI), patients were divided into two groups: Group A (NLI at and above T6) and Group B (NLI below T6). To assess ANS dysfunction, the head-up tilt test and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring were conducted. Arterial stiffness was measured using the pulse wave velocity test. The exercise tolerance test was conducted to measure post-exercise HRR. Results Group A had significantly higher values in the head-up tilt test and 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. In the pulse wave velocity test, both sides (left and right) had significantly higher values in Group B. One minute after the exercise tolerance test, Group A had significantly slower HRR (18.8 ± 11.1 beats/minute) than Group B. Conclusion Understanding the impact of ANS dysfunction and arterial stiffness on HRR in SCI according to NLI may provide insights for clinical management and preventative strategies for cardiovascular diseases.