bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Autosomal dominant optic atrophy: volumetric brain analysis and associated retinal thinning
Authors: Pajareeyapong Punpath , Buathong Sittaya , Thammasarnsophon Sasi , Sathianvichitr Kanchalika , Rattanathamsakul Natthapon , Chirapapaisan Niphon , Ngamsombat Chanon 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Dominant optic atrophy (DOA), an inherited mitochondrial disorder, leads to retinal thinning and gradual visual loss. The symptoms could develop in associated with other presentations like progressive external ophthalmoplegia, myopathy or deafness and will be called as DOA-plus (DOA+). While central nervous system involvement is known to cause cortical and cerebellar atrophy, specific patterns remain unspecified. This study aims to reveal cortical lobe abnormalities in DOA+ patients compared to healthy controls and explore the correlation between the primary visual cortex (V1) and retinal thinning in DOA+ patients.
Seven DOA+ patients and seven age- and sex-matched healthy controls underwent a 3T-MRI of the brain to obtain 3D T1-weighted images and optical coherence tomography. Cortical analyses of the whole brain including surface area, gray matter volume, and average thickness was performed by Freesurfer software.
DOA+ patients demonstrated a significant atrophy in the V1 and all cortical lobes (p < 0.001), where the occipital lobe exhibited the highest degree of gray matter volume atrophy and surface area loss (25.1% reduction, p<0.001). The atrophy of V1 showed a strong positive correlation with retinal thinning (p<0.001). This suggests retinal thinning might be associated with trans-synaptic degeneration, leading to V1 atrophy.
Assessment of Different Neoplasias in the Adnexa Model Versus Risk of Malignancy Index as a Tool for Predicting Ovarian Malignancy in Postmenopausal Ovarian Cysts
Authors: ElMaraghy Ahmed Mohammed , El-Shalakany Amr Hassan , Dwedar Asmaa Mohamed , Labib Kareem , Morsi Hassan , Ahmed Mortada Elsayed 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
Ovarian cancer is the most lethal gynecologic malignancy and every attempt should be made to develop screening programs to detect it at its early stages in order to improve survival rate. Using the ADNEX model in screening for ovarian cancer will help in triaging patients with adnexal masses before undergoing surgery which will help in optimizing outcomes particularly for those with ovarian malignancy.
Patients & methods:
This was a prospective study which included fifty postmenopausal patients with adnexal mass. All the included patients underwent ultrasound assessment of the adnexal mass and measurement of CA 125 level. Then, the data were collected to calculate the RMI, and integrated to IOTA ADNEX calculator. The primary outcome was determining the predictive accuracy of both RMI and ADNEX model for differentiating between benign and malignant ovarian tumors by setting both against the gold standard histopathology
Results
Out of the included 50 patients, 56% had benign ovarian lesions, 12% had borderline ovarian tumors, and 24% had malignant ovarian tumors. The Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the RMI was 0.799 and with cutoff value of 115, the sensitivity was 81.8%, the specificity was 60.7% while the AUC was 0.864 for the ADNEX model and at 10% cutoff, the sensitivity was 91.1% and the specificity was 65%. Performance of the ADNEX for the five tumor types was highest when benign histopathology was compared as stage Ⅱ - Ⅳ malignant cases with AUC of 0.823.
Conclusion
ADNEX model is more sensitive than RMI for differentiating between benign and malignant tumors and it can be used as screening test. However, the application of ADNEX model needs significant experience in ultrasound evaluation of adnexal masses before it can be an integral part in the screening pathway of ovarian malignancy in postmenopausal patients with adnexal masses.
Clinicaltrials.gov ID: NCT05755841 – Data of registration: 3/30/2024 “retrospectively registered”
Maxent modeling for predicting suitable habitats for wild ungulates: a case study of typical canyons in the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve of China
Authors: Niu Le , Li Ping , Hao Zhenzhen , Ma Junyong 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Purpose
In the fragmented and isolated Zhongtie Military Protection Area of the Sanjiangyuan National Park, endangered ungulate species—including horse musk deer, blue sheep, and red deer—face significant risks due to habitat degradation and loss, exacerbated by climate change and human activities. This study aims to understand the habitat preferences of ungulates and predict their spatial distributions within the park, contributing to conservation efforts amid climatic shifts. Due to the scarcity of detailed, scientific data on ungulate distributions, populations, and habitats, this study seeks to fill these critical knowledge gaps.
Materials and Methods
We deployed 55 infrared cameras along the main stream of the Yellow River and in typical canyons on both sides of the China Railway Military Protection Zone within the Sanjiangyuan Nature Reserve. The cameras recorded 2,948 occurrences of ungulates from April to September 2023. We utilized the MaxEnt model to analyze habitat distribution of horse musk deer and blue sheep, incorporating nine environmental variables.
Results
The model's predictive accuracy, as indicated by the area under the curve (AUC) for Alpine musk deer (0.980) and Blue sheep (0.976), demonstrates its effectiveness. Our analysis identifies climate as the primary influence on habitat distribution, with key factors being annual mean temperature, daily temperature range, altitude, and annual precipitation-contributing to 39.3%, 25.4%, 18.7%, 10.1% for Alpine musk deer, and 40.5%, 23.5%, 14.1%, 11.8% for Blue sheep, respectively. Habitat suitability analysis reveals that 9.61% and 10.84% of the reserve's terrain are viable for Alpine musk deer and Blue sheep, respectively, based on established model thresholds.
Conclusions
The findings of this study are crucial for the protection of existing wildlife and the identification of potential conservation zones for ungulates. By delineating areas of high habitat suitability, this research supports targeted conservation planning and management efforts within the Sanjiangyuan Reserve, thereby aiding in the sustainable preservation of these endangered species.
Level of household’s head satisfaction and associated factors towards Community-Based Health Insurance (CBHI) schemes among enrollees in Northwest Ethiopia. A community- based cross-sectional study
Authors: Leykun Yasab , Tadesse Getasew , Ketemaw Asmamaw , Getahun Belay Alemayehu , Getahun Ashenafi Fekade , Messelu Mengistu Abebe 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background: The level of household heads’ satisfaction with community-based health insurance schemes is more likely to affect their decision to remain enrolled and the entrance of new members. However, studies regarding household heads’ satisfaction with the community-based health insurance schemes are scarce in Ethiopia. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the level of satisfaction with a community-based health insurance schemes and associated factors among heads of households in Northwest Ethiopia.
Methods: A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted from March 1-30, 2022. A systematic random sampling technique with multi-stage sampling was used to select 604 study participants. A face-to-face interview was conducted using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted. An Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) with 95% Confidence Intervals (CI) was computed to evaluate the strength of the association, and variables with a p-value <0.05 at a 95% confidence interval were considered statistically significant.
Results: This study found that about 56.1% of household heads’ were satisfied with the CBHI schemes. Being older age (AOR=1.85; 95% CI: 1.17, 2.94), rural residence (AOR=4.13; 95% C.I: 2.24, 7.62), visited only health center (AOR=0.34; 95% CI: 0.20, 0.55), distance from a health facility (AOR=3.18; 95% CI: 1.82, 5.55), agreement with prescribed drugs (AOR=2.31; 95% CI: 1.36, 3.92), friendliness with healthcare provider (AOR=3.65; 95% CI: 2.18, 6.10), and had a good knowledge of benefit packages (AOR=3.00; 95% CI: 1.93, 4.67) were significantly associated with household head satisfaction.
Conclusion: The overall satisfaction of households' heads with the CBHI schemes was good. Age, residence, type of health facility visited, distance from health facilities, friendliness with healthcare providers, agreement with prescribed drugs, and knowledge of CBHI benefit packages were statistically significant predictors of satisfaction. Further study is needed using a strong study design or a mixed qualitative and quantitative approach.
Real-time monitoring of bioelectrical impedance for minimizing tissue carbonization in microwave ablation of porcine liver
Authors: Zhang Xiao , Wei Wei , Qian Lu , Yao Liuye , Xing Lidong , Jin Xiaofei , Qian Zhiyu 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

The charring tissue generated by high temperature during microwave ablation can affect the therapeutic effect, such as limiting the volume of the coagulation zone and causing rejection. This paper aimed to prevent tissue carbonization at the same time while delivering an appropriate thermal dose for effective ablations by employing a treatment protocol with real-time monitoring of bioelectrical impedance. Firstly, based on finite element simulation, the current field response under different ablation states. Next, the impedance changes measured by the electrodes were correlated to the physical state of the ablated tissue, and the degree of carbonization was monitored and controlled in real time. Finite element simulations revealed that the dielectric properties of biological tissues changed dynamically during the ablation process. The relative change rule of the electrical impedance magnitude of the ex vivo porcine liver throughout the entire MWA process and the reduction of the central region carbonization were obtained by the MWA experiment. Charring tissue was eliminated without water cooling at 40 W and significantly reduced at 50 W and 60 W. The carbonization during MWA can be reduced according to the relative change pattern of tissue electrical impedance for optimizing microwave thermal ablation efficacy.
Untenable Dynamics of Reward Sensitivity in Adolescents with Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Shen Lei , Hu Ya-xin , Lv Qin-yu , Yi Zheng-hui , Gong Jing-bo , Yan Chao 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Objectives
Anhedonia has been recognized as one of the core symptoms of major depressive disorder (MDD), which is associated with blunted reward sensitivity. Nonetheless, the psychopathological and computational mechanism underlying anhedonia in young patients with MDD remains uncertain. In this study, we investigated reward sensitivity in adolescents and young adults with MDD by leveraging computational modelling.
Methods
A total of seventy MDD patients and fifty-four age- and sex-matched healthy controls (HC) participated in a probabilistic reward task (PRT) to assess individuals' general behavioral inclination towards more frequently reinforced stimuli (i.e., “reward bias”). We adopted Bayesian hierarchical drift diffusion modelling (HDDM) to determine changes in reward sensitivity and computational process during the stage of decision-making.
Results
During the latter phase of the task, young patients with MDD displayed a lower level of reward bias compared to the HC group. Noteworthily, depressed adolescents exhibited a lower reward bias, while no significant between-group differences were observed in young adulthood. The HDDM analysis additionally revealed a decrease in drift rate and an increase in decision threshold among depressed adolescents, correlating with higher levels of depression and reduced hedonic capacity.
Conclusions
Our results implied that deficient reward sensitivity and slower evidence accumulation in reward learning could serve as potential indicators of anhedonia in adolescent patients with MDD, thereby offering insights into the developmental psychopathology of depression.
Chemical composition and studying the possible neuroprotective effect of iridoids-rich fraction from Pentas lanceolata leaves using rotenone model of Parkinson’s disease in mice
Authors: Afifi Ahmed M. , Sweelam Heba-Tollah M. , El-Shamarka Marwa E. , Orban Hisham A. , Elesawy Wesam H. , Nagata Maki , Shimizu Kuniyoshi , Abd-Alla Howaida Ibrahim 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Globally Parkinsonism is the most disabling disease that affects the motor coordination in people over 65 years old due to dopaminergic neurodegeneration. Medications that are used for treatment of Parkinson’s disease have serious side effects so bioactive compounds derived from plants have been examined for treatment of Parkinsonism. In this study the iridoids-rich fraction isolated from Pentas lanceolata (PIRF) leaves was investigated for its phytoconstituents. Seven iridoids (1-7) and one flavonol diglycoside (8) were isolated, and their chemical structures were achieved by 1H and 13C nuclear magnetic resonance and ESI-MS spectral data. Compound 1 (6β,7β-epoxy-8-epi-splendoside) and 5 (gaertneroside) were isolated for the first time from Pentas genus as well as compound 8 (kaempferol-3-O-robinobioside). The current study aims to investigate the possible anti-parkinsonian effect of PIRF using a rotenone model of Parkinsonism in mice. Behavioural tests (wire hanging, stair and wooden-walking tests) were done to examine the motor coordination in mice after treatment. Biochemical and histopathological examinations for brain striatum in different groups were also evaluated. Treatment of mice with PIRF had counteracted the effect of rotenone on grip strength and motor coordination as they were restored back to normal levels. Dopamine and AChE levels were elevated again in brain homogenate of PIRF treated groups. Treatment with PIRF masked the inflammatory effect of rotenone as the MCP-1, IL-1β and TNF- α decreased again to their normal content. PIRF also restored the β-amyloid content to its normal level as in the control group. The oxidative stress produced in brain tissues due to rotenone treatment was masked by the antioxidant effect of PIRF. The anti-parkinsonian effect of PIRF could be attributed to their bioactive constituents of iridoids.
We carried her in a wheelbarrow to the clinic”: Process evaluation of the AMETHIST intervention combining microplanning with self-help groups to improve HIV prevention and treatment among female sex workers in Zimbabwe
Authors: Machingura Fortunate , Madimutsa Gracious , Makamba Memory , Kujeke Tatenda , Takaruza Albert , Maguma Jaspar , Ali Sanni , Chabata Sungai T , Matambanadzo Primrose , Steen Richard , Shahmanesh Maryam , Mpofu Amon , Mugurungi Owen , Phillips Andrew N , Hargreaves James R , Cowan Frances M , Busza Joanna 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background
The Adapted Microplanning to Eliminate Transmission of HIV in Sex Transactions (AMETHIST) randomized controlled trial tested a combination of Microplanning (peer-led risk-differentiated support) and self-help groups (SHGs) to reduce the proportion of female sex workers (FSW) at risk of acquiring or transmitting HIV infection in Zimbabwe. The trial found overall high levels of FSW engagement with treatment which further improved in intervention sites. HIV prevention uptake, however, was low and not affected by AMETHIST.
Methods
We conducted a mixed methods process evaluation to assess implementation, explore FSW perceptions, and understand the trial’s outcomes. We integrated routine programme statistics, qualitative data, and an endline respondent driven sampling survey among 4444 FSW to consider fidelity of implementation, feasibility of delivery, and acceptability. We also examined whether the intervention triggered changes hypothesised in its programme theory.
Results
Microplanning was successfully introduced, with peers effectively providing risk-differentiated support. Early difficulties related to mapping sex work “hotspots”, maintaining contact with mobile FSW, and some resistance to regular risk assessments, but double the number of new FSW registered at intervention clinics compared to comparison sites (8443 v 3824), and significantly more HIV tests were performed (11882 vs 6808).
SARS-COV2S disrupted the intervention, particularly SHG. Fewer groups were established than planned, and lockdowns prevented group members meeting in person and participating in collective activities. Nonetheless, 30 of 65 established SHG remained active after two years, and more SHG members registered with clinics than those reached by microplanning alone (82 cv 76% p,0.001). Increased service use did not increase effective prevention. Over 80% FSW reported condomless sex and PrEP adherence was insufficient to achieve protection. Qualitative data show FSW prefer to “wait” until HIV seroconversion before taking daily medication. They feared conflation of ART with PrEP and resulting stigma. Concerns about side effects and immediate financial priorities undermined perceived future benefits of PrEP and condoms.
Conclusions
Strengthening HIV prevention should consider how to improve FSW’s hope and agency alongside reducing stigma and supporting collective rights and action.
Trial Registration
The Pan African Clinical Trials Registry registered the trial 2nd July 2020 (PACTR202007818077777) which was after randomisation but before any research data were collected.
Analysis of the Impact of Agricultural Products Import Trade on Agricultural Carbon Productivity: Empirical Evidence from China
Authors: Xinyao Wang , Yan Li , Li Dan 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

To realize the goal of “dual carbon”, China urgently needs to seek the path of low-carbon agricultural development. The existing agricultural trade deficit in China has become an established reality. As China progressively increases its agricultural openness to the global market and advances the low-carbon agricultural development, it holds both academic significance and practical relevance to analyze the impact of agricultural products import trade on China’s agricultural carbon productivity. This paper focuses on the period from 2000 to 2020 and takes 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) of China as the research object. It empirically examines the impact and mechanism of agricultural products import trade on agricultural carbon productivity by constructing a dynamic panel model, a dynamic panel threshold model, a dynamic panel quartile model, and a multiple intermediary effect model. This paper yields the following conclusions: Firstly, agricultural products import trade positively impacts agricultural carbon productivity. Secondly, there is a single threshold effect based on economic development level, that is, real per capita income of 8872.19 yuan, and after reaching the threshold, the promotion effect of agricultural products import trade on agricultural carbon productivity will decrease. Thirdly, agricultural products import trade increases agricultural carbon productivity by reducing agricultural factor inputs and upgrading agricultural production technology level, and agricultural products import trade decreases agricultural carbon productivity by adjusting agricultural industrial structure; Agricultural products import trade reduces agricultural carbon productivity by adjusting agricultural industrial structure. Therefore, this paper proposes to increase agricultural products imports moderately based on guaranteeing food security, optimize structure of agricultural production and agricultural products import trade, and leverage the technological spillover effects of agricultural products import trade and encourage agricultural scientific and technological innovation. These suggestions aim to elevate China’s agricultural carbon productivity and facilitate the green and low-carbon agricultural transformation.
Adiabatic Leaky Integrate-and-Fire Neurons with Tunable Refractory Period in 180nm CMOS Technology for Ultra-Low Energy Brain-Inspired Neuromorphic Computing
Authors: Massarotto Marco , Saggini Stefano , Loghi Mirko , Esseni David 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

In recent years, the In-Memory-Computing in charge domain has gained significant interest as a promising solution to further enhance the energy efficiency of neuromorphic hardware. In this work, we explore the synergy between the brain-inspired computation and the adiabatic paradigm by presenting an adiabatic Leaky Integrate-and-Fire neuron in 180 nm CMOS technology, that is able to emulate the most important primitives for a valuable neuromorphic computation, such as the accumulation of the incoming input spikes, an exponential leakage of the membrane potential and a tunable refractory period. Differently from previous contributions in the literature, our design can exploit both the charging and recovery phases of the adiabatic operation to ensure a seamless and continuous computation, all the while exchanging energy with the power supply with an efficiency higher than 90% over a wide range of resonance frequencies, and even surpassing 99% for the lowest frequencies. Our simulations unveil a minimum energy per synaptic operation of 360 fJ at a 500 kHz resonance frequency, which yields a 12x energy saving with respect to a non-adiabatic operation.
Enablers and Barriers to the Implementation of the Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda
Authors: Mutoro Antonina N. , Wambui Elizabeth , Ogunsola Ajibola , Amugsi Dickson , Asiki Gershim , Kimani-Murage Elizabeth W. 
Published: May 2024

Abstract

Background/Objective The Food System Transformative Integrated Policy (FS-TIP) is an evidence informed initiative that identifies food system (FS) challenges, policies and stakeholders required for the functioning of FS. It was piloted in three countries and evaluated to identify its perceived relevance, stakeholder readiness to adopt the process, level of stakeholder engagement and enablers and barriers to its implementation.Methods This was a cross-sectional mixed methods study. The perceived relevance and willingness of stakeholders to adopt the FS-TIP initiative was collected using an online semi-structured questionnaire. Key informant interviews were conducted to assess enablers and barriers. A desk review of process outputs was also conducted to assess the level of multi-stakeholder engagement. The study was conducted in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. Stakeholders who implemented and validated the initiative.Results Ten stakeholders (Ghana-2; Malawi-5 and Rwanda-3) completed the online survey and twenty-five (Ghana-10; Malawi-6; Rwanda-7 and project management team-2) were interviewed. Stakeholders expressed willingness to adopt FS-TIP, considered it relevant to the African context, designed with policy-makers in mind but difficult to implement. Enablers for FS-TIP included: stakeholder buy-in, the use of local experts and availability of routinely collected data. Lack of centralized databases and limited access to stakeholders and time for implementation were identified as barriers.Conclusion FS-TIP identified FS challenges in Ghana, Malawi and Rwanda. It was considered relevant, acceptable and adoptable by stakeholders and can improve FS policies and diagnostics. The initiative should ideally be government led and integrated in existing initiatives to ensure ownership and sustainability.