bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prevalence and predictors of stunting in children aged 1-18 years with nephrotic syndrome attending Mulago Hospital, Uganda
Authors: Nalubega Raihanah , Batte Anthony , Kiguli Sarah 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Nephrotic syndrome is the predominant glomerulopathy in children worldwide, particularly in low-income countries. One of the key complications of nephrotic syndrome is stunting, which impacts childhood growth and development. In this study, we determined the prevalence and predictors of stunting among children and adolescents with nephrotic syndrome in a tertiary nephrology clinic in Uganda.
Methods
Between February and August 2022, we conducted a cross-sectional study that enrolled children and adolescents aged 1 to 18 years with nephrotic syndrome. Participants had been undergoing steroid treatment for a minimum of 3 months and were registered at the Paediatric Renal Clinic of Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala, Uganda. Medical history, physical examination and anthropometric assessment were conducted on the enrolled children and the World Health Organisation (WHO) growth reference standards were used to evaluate stunting in the enrolled children. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to determine independent predictors of stunting and a P-value<0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results
Overall, 94 participants were enrolled, with a median age (IQR) at diagnosis of 6 years (IQR 3-9). Among the participants, 48 (51.1%) were male. The prevalence of stunting was observed in 15 participants (15.96%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 15.88 — 16.04). Regarding severity, 12 participants (12.8%) were moderately stunted, and 3 (3.2%) were severely stunted. Participants with proteinuria exhibited higher odds of stunting compared to those without proteinuria (OR: 4.11, 95% CI: 1.05 — 15.98, p < 0.041).
Conclusions
There is a high prevalence of stunting among the children with nephrotic syndrome, particularly among those with ongoing proteinuria. This underscores the importance of regular growth monitoring and screening for early identification and eventual management of stunting among children receiving care for nephrotic syndrome. Providing nutritional counselling and other interventions is thus crucial in addressing stunting among this specific group of children and adolescents.
Parsing heterogeneity in global and local white matter integrity at different stages across the psychosis continuum
Authors: Iseli Galya , Ulrich Sarah , Stämpfli Philipp , Studerus Erich , Coynel David , Riecher-Rössler Anita , Homan Philipp , Kaiser Stefan , Borgwardt Stefan , Kirschner Matthias , Schmidt André 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Psychosis progresses along a continuum. While clinical heterogeneity is evident across the continuum, it remains unknown whether this is also reflected in white matter (WM) heterogeneity and whether parsing WM heterogeneity may reveal subgroups with more pronounced clinical features. This analysis included 212 participants consisting of healthy controls (HC, n=59), individuals with high schizotypy (SPT, n=27), at-risk mental state (ARMS, n=35), and patients with first episode psychosis (FEP, n=50) and schizophrenia (SZ, n=41). Fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) and fiber density (FD) were derived from diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and the Person-Based-Similarity Index (PBSI) and Coefficient of Variation Ratio (CVR) were computed to assess global and local heterogeneity. ANCOVAs were performed to determine whether people with deviating PBSIs exhibit more pronounced clinical features. Global heterogeneity for all DTI parameters significantly differed across groups, with greatest heterogeneity in SZ and SPT. Results further indicate that FA deviators exhibit lower global functioning and higher negative symptoms. Local FA heterogeneity was greater in FEP relative to ARMS and HC in almost all WM tracts, while SZ patients specifically showed greater heterogeneity in the right thalamic radiation and the left uncinate compared to HCs. Group differences in WM heterogeneity might be indicative of symptom specificity and duration. Future large-scale studies are warranted to test the robustness of DTI subtypes and their clinical relevance.
Self-Reported Use and Effectiveness of Marijuana for Pelvic Pain among Women with Endometriosis
Authors: Reinert Anna , Bolshakova Maria , Cortessis Victoria , Wong Alexander 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background
Legal access to cannabinoids is increasing, and patients with chronic pelvic pain from endometriosis may explore use of marijuana for symptom management.
Methods
A descriptive cross-sectional survey was undertaken using an anonymous online questionnaire to survey women with endometriosis about their experience with marijuana for management of pelvic pain: exploring symptom benefit, characteristics of use, and factors contributing to use and discontinuation. Participants were recruited from an outpatient gynecology clinic using endometriosis ICD-10 diagnostic codes - and from the Endometriosis Association mailing list.
Results
Marijuana use for symptom relief was reported by 78 (32.2%) Endometriosis Association participants, and 58 (46.8%) clinic participants. Within both populations, marijuana was considered very or moderately effective by most users (68.0–75.9%). Legality of recreational and medicinal marijuana in the state of residence was strongly associated with use (OR 7.13 [95%CI:2.57–19.8]). Among users specifying current or past use, discontinuation was reported by 45% (54 of 121), and most frequently attributed to non-clinical factors of legal/employment risk and obstacles to marijuana access; 64.8% of former users attributed discontinuation to non-clinical factors only. Lack of symptom relief from other clinical management was the most cited motivation for initiation (55.1% clinic, 39.7% EA users).
Conclusion
Marijuana use is common among women with endometriosis and chronic, refractory pelvic pain. Legality and access appear to impact use and discontinuation. While legal access to marijuana is associated with increased use, marijuana obtained outside of legal routes is also commonly being used for symptom relief.
Quantum Inspired Kernel Matrices: Exploring Symmetry in Machine Learning
Authors: Raubitzek Sebastian , Schrittwieser Sebastian , Schatten Alexander , Mallinger Kevin 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Quantum machine learning, an emerging field at the intersection of quantum computing and classical machine learning, has shown great promise in enhancing computational capabilities beyond classical bounds. A key element in this area of research is the utilization of Quantum Kernel Estimators, traditionally grounded in the symmetries of SU(2) groups associated with qubits. This study extends the conceptual framework of Quantum Kernel Estimators to incorporate a broader spectrum of symmetry groups. By harnessing the various structures of Lie groups, we develop novel quantum-inspired feature maps that offer more flexible and potentially powerful ways to encode and compress classical data into quantum states. We present a comprehensive theoretical introduction for this approach, followed by a methodology that integrates the developed feature maps into kernel-based quantum classifiers. Our results, derived from a series of computational experiments across various datasets, demonstrate the efficacy of this approach in comparison to traditional quantum and classical machine learning models. The findings not only underline the versatility of Lie-group theory in enhancing quantum machine learning algorithms but also open new avenues for exploring complex symmetries in quantum information processing. This research bridges a gap between the study of symmetries and machine learning, paving the way for more sophisticated quantum algorithms capable of tackling complex, high-dimensional data in ways previously unattainable.
Exploration and Novel Conceptual Framework for Digitalizing a Cognitive-Motor Test Integrating with an ICT-Rollator (Inter-Communication Technology Rollator) for Healthy Seniors and Seniors with Dementia.
Authors: Bandaru Niharika , Hökelmann Anita 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

As age increases, there is a decline in cognitive function, processing speed, and psychomotor function and this cognitive decline can be reduced or maintained by physical activity. In the current study, we aimed to use technology for all the elderly with and without dementia by helping with memory, spatial orientation, and other cognitive and motor tasks. It can be achieved by testing with a digitalized cognitive-motor test before and after the digitalized physical activity Intervention with ICT-Rollator. Meanwhile, the psycho-motor test analyzes cognitive and motor function using technology for all seniors and those with dementia. The foundation of the development and digitization of the innovative psycho-motor test is based on the core of human behavior. Evidence shows enough studies aimed at incorporating technologies for physical activity into the lives of the elderly. Still, there is a lack of research for integrating technologies for testing cognitive and motor abilities at the same time in healthy elderly and seniors with dementia. The psycho-motor test, which measures motor and cognitive abilities memory, spatiotemporal orientation, mobility, coordination, shape, and color recognition, reading skills, navigation, reaction time, and attention was administered to 12 seniors with dementia and 12 healthy seniors of age 65+. Therefore, psycho-motor tests integrating with ICT-Rollator could help seniors and therapists monitor motor-cognitive functions. Further research focuses on the technology integrations to enhance motor-cognitive functions, physical outcomes, and psychological outcomes in the elderly and for individual chronic conditions according to their respective symptoms.
Study on sex determination and variation in gender expression of individual trees in a population of Cedrus deodara (Roxb.) G. Don
Authors: Phular Karuna , sharma rajesh , Ginwal H.S 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Conifers are reported to exhibit predominantly monoecious behaviour however, numerous species and some genera show uncertainties regarding their gender expression. The factors influencing the sexual differentiation of strobili in monoecious or dioecious conifers remain poorly understood.To investigate this unpredictable phenomenon in conifers, we selected three populations representing pure stands of Cedrus deodara in dense temperate forests of Northern India, specifically one in Uttarakhand and two in Himachal Pradesh. Each site was surveyed, and total 900 trees were marked as male, female, monoecious and neutral trees based on their reproductive behaviour and sexual representation. Selection criteria were based on the reproductive age of Cedrus deodara, as it attains maturity when it reaches a height of 19 to 20 meters.Our findings revealed that Cedrus deodara exhibits subdioecious behaviour, characterized by the occurrence of four basic sex forms such as male trees, female trees, monoecious trees, and neutral trees. Yearly observations from 2014 to 2016 unveiled that Cedrus deodara does not exhibit consistent reproductive behaviour. Instead, the species displays a fascinating pattern of alternation between dioecy and monoecy. Additionally it was also found that individual trees demonstrated change in their expression of sex during each reproductive cycle. These findings underscore the complexity of sex determination and reproductive plasticity in Cedrus deodara. This research pave the way for future investigations into the factors influencing sex expression and reproductive behaviour in conifers and will contribute to our broader knowledge of plant sexuality and plant evolution.
Fungal diversity and contamination of some selected medicinal plants in South Africa
Authors: Oladeji Oluwaseun Mary , Phoku Judith Zanele , Adelusi Oluwasola Abayomi , Aasa Oluwakemi Adeola , Njobeh Patrick Berka 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Indigenous medicinal plants have gained attention worldwide for their ability to cure different ailments. However, there are concerns over the contamination of these plants by fungal species, which produce mycotoxins. This study investigated 36 different medicinal plants purchased from Faraday Muthi Market, Johannesburg, South Africa for fungal contamination using macro- and microscopic approaches, and their identities were confirmed by molecular means. The fungal loads of the mycoflora recovered from the medical plants ranged from 1.8 × 104 CFU/g to 2 × 107 CFU/g, exceeding the WHO regulatory limit of 1 x 103 CFU/g. Furthermore, a total of 164 fungal species from nine genera, including Aspergillus (39.6%), Penicillium (19.5%), and Fusarium (9.7%), other notable fungal genera such as Alternaria (5.5%), Mucor (5.4%), Rhizopus (5.4%), Chaetomium (4.2%), Cladosporium (3.6%), Emericella nidulans (3.6%) and Epicoccum (3.0%) were also recovered from the medicinal plants. Furthermore, A. niger (10.97%) was the most prevalent among all the identified fungal species. Consequently, consuming fungal-contaminated medicinal plants may increase the risk of exposure to fungal species, which might have a dire impact on human health. Therefore, this research underscores the importance of stringent quality control measures in the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of medicinal plants in South Africa and other African countries to mitigate fungal contamination risks.
The preliminary study of the effects of individual musculoskeletally stable position in the treatment of temporomandibular disorders
Authors: Zhang Zhi , Luo Xiao , Li Xiaoqing , Shi Bing , Tan Lijun 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Objective: TMD (Temporomandibular Joint Disorders) is the dysfunction of group of muscles and bones in the joint area, the main symptom of TMD is the pain of the chewing muscles and (or) the temporomandibular joints, which seriously affects the life qualities of patients and even social behaviors. Stabilization splint is one of the commonly used effective reversible treatment, the determination of the jaw position is the critical point in the process of treatment.
Methods: In this study, we firstly used Fricton Index to evaluate the clinical curative effect of TMD with the treatment of IMS (Individual MusculoskeletallyStable) position stabilization splint; then CBCT (Cone Beam Computerized Tomography) was used to observe the TMJ condylar position changes of TMD before and after the treatment of IMS stabilization splint; finally sEMG (surface-Electromyogram) was used to observe the changes of electromyography of AT (anterior temporalis) and MM (masseter muscle) of TMD before and after the treatment of IMS stabilization splint.
Results and conclusions: IMS stabilization splint is one of efficient reversible treatments for TMD, which can relieve and even eliminate the TMD symptoms, especially for ease of pain and corrective to jaw movement disorder; After the treatment of IMS, posterior space of TMJ has the tendency of increasing; IMS stabilization splint may ease even cure the TMD by removing the masticatory muscle disorders, terminating the masticatory muscles antagonism between bad function so as to make them function in harmony with each other.
An investigation to the clinical application of personalized 3D printed guides combined with preoperative virtual iliosacral screws for the management of posterior pelvic ring injury
Authors: Zhao Peishuai , Liu Leyu , Chen Jiaqiang , Li Renjie , Wang Xiaopan , Wu Min 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Percutaneous iliosacral screws are difficult to utilise to treat pelvic ring instability injuries, and they usually require navigational or fluoroscopic guidance. The goal of this study is to create a unique 3D-printed guide for iliosacral screw insertion during surgery and evaluate its effectiveness and safety.
Methods
The same group of surgeons did a retrospective examination of patients who received surgery for an unstable posterior pelvic ring injury at our hospital's trauma centre between January 2020 and May 2023, in accordance with the selection criteria. Patients were categorised into two groups: the conventional surgery (CS) group (n = 17) and the 3D guide plate (GP) group (n = 14), based on the surgical techniques employed, the following variables were documented: Gender, age, cause of injury, sacral dysmorphism, fracture classification, screw insertion time, radiation exposure time for each screw, postoperative screw position grading, follow-up period, and fracture reduction quality.
Results
The CS group consisted of 17 patients, nine female and eight male, with an average age of 42.6 ± 13.4 years. A total of 14 patients presented with the GP group, consisting of eight females and six males, with an average age of 40.4 ± 13.1. The two groups had no statistically significant differences in sacral dysmorphism, follow-up time, fracture reduction quality, gender, age, cause of injury, or AO fracture classification (p > 0.05). A total of 42 iliosacral screws were inserted in 31 patients: 24 screws in the CS group (18 S1 and 6 S2), and 18 screws in the GP group (14 S1 and 4 S2). In comparison to the CS group, the GP group had substantially lower rates of screw misposition, radiation exposure time per screw, and insertion time per screw (5.56% versus 25.00%; 0.31 ± 0.14min versus 0.91 ± 0.17min; 17.29 ± 1.90min versus 25.18 ± 3.99min). Comparisons between the two groups regarding the duration of radiation exposure for each screw, and the time required to insert each screw were all statistically significant (p < 0.05), however, there was no significant difference in the rate of screw misposition between the two groups (P > 0.05).
Conclusion
In combination with 3D guide plate technology, the preoperative virtual screw can precisely position the iliosacral screw, thereby introducing a novel technique for percutaneous iliosacral screw placement.
Gradual treatment effect from mesenchymal stem cell on steroid-refractory aGVHD in patients receiving above 8 infusions and with gut involvement: a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 trial
Authors: Jiang Erlie , Qian Kun , Wang Lu , Yang Donglin , Shao Yangliu , Hu Liangding , Li Yuhang , Yao Chen , Han Mingzhe , Hou Xiaoqiang , Liu Daihong 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background Failure of systemic corticosteroid therapy is quite common in patients with newly diagnosed acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD) above grade II. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been used as a tolerable and potential effective second-line therapy for steroid-refractory aGVHD (SR-aGVHD) for decades, however, well-designed perspective, controlled studies are lacking.Methods This multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled phase 2 study enrolled patients with SR-aGVHD above grade II from 7 centers. Patients were randomized 1:1 to receive MSCs or placebo added to one center’s choice of second-line agents except for ruxolitinib. Study agents were infused twice weekly. Patients who were CR (complete response), NR (no response), and PD (progression of disease) at d28 received 8 infusions and those who were PR (partial response) at d28 received the above infusions for another 4 weeks. The per-protocol population consisted of patients who received ≥ 8 study agent infusions. The primary endpoint was overall response rate (ORR, CR + PR) at d28, and was analyzed in the per-protocol and intention-to-treat populations.Results Seventy-eight patients with a median age of 38 (range, 13–62) years were enrolled, 40 in the MSC group and 38 in the control. Patients in MSC group received a median of 8 doses with a median response time of 14 days. In per-protocol analysis (n = 62), ORR at d28 was significantly higher in the MSC group than in the control (71.9% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.043). Among patients with gut involvement, ORR at d28 was significantly higher in the MSC group than in the control (66.7% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.031). The 2-year cumulative incidence of moderate or severe cGVHD was marginally lower in the MSC group compared to the control (16.5% vs. 46.7%, p = 0.056). In intention-to-treat analysis, the main endpoint was not met (p = 0.375). The incidences of adverse events were comparable between the two groups.Conclusions Adding MSCs to one conventional second-line agent for SR-aGVHD had a gradual treatment effect at a median of 2 weeks in adult patients who completed 8 infusions and with gut involvement. The toxicities were comparable between two groups.Trial registration chictr.org.cn ChiCTR2000035740
Cervical cancer screening by co-testing in women 35 years and older: an analysis of the 1st round of screening in Germany
Authors: Carassiti Raffaella , Jentschke Matthias , Soergel Philipp , Hilal Ziad 
Published: July 2024

Abstract

Background:Since 2020, co-testing for women over the age of 35 has been a new strategy for cervical cancer screening in Germany. In this study, we investigated the added value of co-testing in organized cervical screening for the German screening population.
Methods: A total of 1956 women were referred to our large dysplasia consultation institution due to abnormal screening results in the first round of screening between 2020 and 2022. The endpoint of this retrospective study was the posttest probability of a CIN 2+/CIN 3+ lesion on the cervix uteri. In addition, the influence of HPV subtypes on the endpoints was investigated.
Results:CIN 2+ or CIN 3+ lesions were diagnosed in 21.6% and 13.0%, respectively, of the patients. The risk of severe dysplasia increases with the grade of cytological abnormality and is dependent on the HPV subtype. The risk for detecting invasive cervical cancer (16 patients in total) was significantly greater for women with HPV16 infection than for women with HPV infection of other high-risk types (odds ratio 11.18; 95% confidence interval 3.01, 40.81). CIN 2+ lesions were diagnosed in 10.1% of patients with normal cytology.
Conclusions: CIN 2+ lesions could be detected in more than every 5th woman with an abnormal screening result. Normal Pap smear results with HPV evidence must be confirmed by colposcopy. Risk stratification based on the underlying HPV subtype appears to be particularly useful if HPV 16 is detected.
Trial registration: German Clinical trials register (ID: DRKS00027014, Registration date: 03.12.2021)