bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Prediction of pure tone thresholds using the speech reception threshold and age in elderly individuals with hearing loss
Authors: Dindamrongkul Ramida , Liabsuetrakul Tippawan , Pitathawatchai Pittayapon 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Objective
Early detection and effective management of hearing loss constitute the key to improving the quality of life of individuals with hearing loss. However, in standardized pure tone audiometry, it is sometimes difficult for elderly patients to understand and follow all instructions. Audiologists also require time, expertise, and patience to ensure that an elderly can identify the faintest levels of stimuli during a hearing test. Therefore, this study aimed to devise and validate a formula to predict the pure tone threshold at each frequency across 0.5–4 kHz (PTTs) using speech reception threshold.

Methods
The 1226 audiograms of hearing-impaired individuals aged 60–90 years were reviewed. The random sample function randomly assigned 613 participants to the training and testing sets each. A linear model was created to predict the PTT value at each frequency based on variables significant at all frequencies across 0.5–4 kHz. The adjusted-R2 value was considered to indicate the performance of the predictive model. Pearson’s correlation coefficient was used to describe the relationship between the actual and predicted PTT at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz among the testing set to measure the performance of the proposed model.

Results
The predictive model was devised using variables based on the speech recognition threshold (SRT) after adjusting with age in the training set. The overall prediction accuracy demonstrated a higher adjusted-R2 ranging from 0.74 to 0.89 at frequencies of 0.5, 1, and 2 kHz, whereas a low percentage of explained variance was observed at 4 kHz (adjusted-R2 = 0.41). This predictive model can serve as an adjunctive clinical tool for guiding determination of the PTTs. Moreover, the predicted PTTs can be applied in the hearing aid programming software to set appropriate hearing aid gain using standard prescriptive formulas.
Microglia and macrophage metabolism: a regulator of cerebral gliomas
Authors: Deng Yue , Chen Qinyan , Wan Chao , Sun Yajie , Huang Fang , Hu Yan , Yang Kunyu 
Published: April 2024

AbstractReciprocal interactions between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells play important roles in tumorigenesis and progression of glioma. Glioma-associated macrophages (GAMs), either of peripheral origin or representing brain-intrinsic microglia, are the majority population of infiltrating immune cells in glioma. GAMs, usually classified into M1 and M2 phenotypes, have remarkable plasticity and regulate tumor progression through different metabolic pathways. Recently, research efforts have increasingly focused on GAMs metabolism as potential targets for glioma therapy. This review aims to delineate the metabolic characteristics of GAMs within the TME and provide a summary of current therapeutic strategies targeting GAMs metabolism in glioma. The goal is to provide novel insights and therapeutic pathways for glioma by highlighting the significance of GAMs metabolism.
Optimizing waste management for green shipping: industry commitment through participatory processes in Cyprus
Authors: Loizidou X. I. , Loizides M. I. , Orthodoxou D. L. , Petsa D. 
Published: April 2024

AbstractEvery year, up to 0.3 million tonnes of waste from the European shipping industry is not properly delivered at ports. Most of the waste produced by the shipping industry is plastic waste, putting plastics at the forefront of the shipping industry’s waste management efforts. In an increasingly connected global economy, concerted actions that encourage and incentivise waste minimisation and waste management optimisation are essential for the reduction of marine litter and the achievement of a circular economy within the shipping industry. Cyprus, an important flag state, can take a leadership role towards this direction. This article presents the results of the implementation of the DeCyDe-4-Shipping decision-support participatory method in Cyprus, which allowed effective multi-stakeholder interactions and resulted in the identification of actions for waste minimisation and waste management optimization that are relevant, effective, implementable, and stem from stakeholder consensus. The method resulted in the definition of yearly action plans with prioritized actions and provided the tools through which to monitor the industry’s annual progress. As the shipping industry is dependent on a global supply chain, DeCyDe-4-Shipping could be replicated at a wider geographic scale, starting with Mediterranean ports, to ensure consistent industry progress towards waste minimization and waste management optimization.
Automated radiolabelling of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 (gallium (68Ga)-gozetotide) using the Locametz® kit and two generators
Authors: van Brandwijk Elke A. , Aalbersberg Else A. , Hosseini Arman S. , Huitema Alwin D. R. , Hendrikx Jeroen J. M. A. 
Published: April 2024

Abstract
Background
Steps have been taken by pharmaceutical companies to obtain marketing authorisation of PSMA ligands in the European Union. Since December 2022, Locametz® (PSMA-11, gozetotide) is licensed as kit for manual radiolabelling with gallium-68 and commercially available since mid-2023. The Summary of Product Characteristic (SmPC) describes manual radiolabelling with a maximum activity after radiolabelling of 1369 MBq. We aimed for radiolabelling with a higher activity to increase production efficiency, and thus, automated radiolabelling is strongly preferred over manual radiolabelling to reduce radiation exposure to personnel. The aim of this study was to develop and validate a method for automated radiolabelling of the Locametz® kit using ~ 2000 MBq of gallium-68 eluate for radiolabelling.

Results
Automated radiolabelling of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 using the Locametz® kit provided a product which complies to the Ph. Eur., had a shelf-life of 6 h at room temperature, and theoretically reduced radiation exposure 5.7 times. Radiolabelling with one and two generator(s) resulted in a radiochemical yield of 91–102% and 96–101% after preparation, respectively. The radiochemical purity ranged from 98.0 to 99.6% for radiolabelling with one generator and ranged from 98.4 to 99.3% for radiolabelling with two generators with similar stability. The activity of the final product was much higher when using two generators, 1961–2035 MBq compared to 740–1260 MBq, which leads to ~ 1.5 times more patient syringes available per preparation.

Conclusion
Automated radiolabelling of [68Ga]Ga-PSMA-11 using the Locametz® kit with higher gallium-68 activity than specified in the SmPC results in a product that is in compliance with the Ph. Eur. monograph and has a shelf-life of 6 h at room temperature. Radiolabelling with two generators proved possible and resulted in a product with similar quality but with much higher efficiency.
Unravelling protein corona formation on pristine and leached microplastics
Authors: Dawson Amanda Louise , Bose Utpal , Ni Dongdong , Nelis Joost Laurus Dinant 
Published: April 2024

AbstractUpon entering the environment, the surface properties of pristine plastics are rapidly altered due to interactions with exogenous biomolecules, contaminants, and even microbiota, which ultimately alter their ecological impacts. When present in biological fluids or high protein environments, micro(nano)plastics bind with proteins, which form a protein corona around the particle. Although a significant body of literature exists on protein corona formation on nanomaterials, less is known about how the physiochemical properties of microplastics may influence protein corona formation. This study utilises quantitative proteomics to quantify protein binding to pristine and leached microplastics. Pristine polyethylene (PE) beads (50 and 500 μm), polyamide (PA) fibres (100 μm), polyethylene terephthalate fibres (500 μm), and fragments (< 300 μm), as well as pristine and leached textile microfibres comprised of PET, recycled PET, PA or cotton were incubated for 24 h in bovine serum albumin solution (2 mg mL−1) to form a protein corona. Protein adsorption to microplastics was dependant on particle surface area to volume ratio but only when additives were absent. For environmentally relevant textile microfibres, cotton microfibres adsorbed significantly more protein than synthetic microfibres. Fourteen-day aqueous leaching increased the zeta potential of all microfibres. However, only PA fibres adsorbed significantly higher protein on the leached fibres compared to their pristine counterparts. Overall, the presence of chemical additives in microplastics strongly influenced protein corona formation, and this phenomenon should be incorporated into routine microplastic toxicity assessment.
Graphical Abstract
Integration of Telemedicine Consultation Into a Tertiary Radiation Oncology Department: Predictors of Use, Treatment Yield, and Effects on Patient Population
Authors: Sharifzadeh Yasamin , Breen William G. , Harmsen William S. , Amundson Adam C. , Garda Allison E. , Routman David M. , Waddle Mark R. , Merrell Kenneth W. , Hallemeier Christopher L. , Laack Nadia N. , Kollengode Anantha , Corbin Kimberly S. 
Published: April 2024

PURPOSE The COVID-19 pandemic led to rapid expansion of telemedicine. The implications of telemedicine have not been rigorously studied in radiation oncology, a procedural specialty. This study aimed to evaluate the characteristics of in-person patients (IPPs) and virtual patients (VPs) who presented to a large cancer center before and during the pandemic and to understand variables affecting likelihood of receiving radiotherapy (yield) at our institution. METHODS A total of 17,915 patients presenting for new consultation between 2019 and 2021 were included, stratified by prepandemic and pandemic periods starting March 24, 2020. Telemedicine visits included video and telephone calls. Area deprivation indices (ADIs) were also compared. RESULTS The overall population was 56% male and 93% White with mean age of 63 years. During the pandemic, VPs accounted for 21% of visits, were on average younger than their in-person (IP) counterparts (63.3 years IP v 62.4 VP), and lived further away from clinic (215 miles IP v 402 VP). Among treated VPs, living closer to clinic was associated with higher yield (odds ratio [OR], 0.95; P < .001). This was also seen among IPPs who received treatment (OR, 0.96; P < .001); however, the average distance from clinic was significantly lower for IPPs than VPs (205 miles IP v 349 VP). Specialized radiotherapy (proton and brachytherapy) was used more in VPs. IPPs had higher ADI than VPs. Among VPs, those treated had higher ADI ( P < .001). CONCLUSION Patient characteristics and yield were significantly different between IPPs and VPs. Telemedicine increased reach to patients further away from clinic, including from rural or health care–deprived areas, allowing access to specialized radiation oncology care. Telemedicine has the potential to increase the reach of other technical and procedural specialties.
Group-by-Treatment Interaction Effects in Comparative Bioavailability Studies
Authors: Schütz Helmut , Burger Divan A. , Cobo Erik , Dubins David D. , Farkás Tibor , Labes Detlew , Lang Benjamin , Ocaña Jordi , Ring Arne , Shitova Anastasia , Stus Volodymyr , Tomashevskiy Michael 
Published: April 2024

AbstractComparative bioavailability studies often involve multiple groups of subjects for a variety of reasons, such as clinical capacity limitations. This raises questions about the validity of pooling data from these groups in the statistical analysis and whether a group-by-treatment interaction should be evaluated. We investigated the presence or absence of group-by-treatment interactions through both simulation techniques and a meta-study of well-controlled trials. Our findings reveal that the test falsely detects an interaction when no true group-by-treatment interaction exists. Conversely, when a true group-by-treatment interaction does exist, it often goes undetected. In our meta-study, the detected group-by-treatment interactions were observed at approximately the level of the test and, thus, can be considered false positives. Testing for a group-by-treatment interaction is both misleading and uninformative. It often falsely identifies an interaction when none exists and fails to detect a real one. This occurs because the test is performed between subjects in crossover designs, and studies are powered to compare treatments within subjects. This work demonstrates a lack of utility for including a group-by-treatment interaction in the model when assessing single-site comparative bioavailability studies, and the clinical trial study structure is divided into groups.
Graphical Abstract
Genital Surgery Outcomes Using an Individualized Algorithm for Hormone Management in Transfeminine Individuals
Authors: Herndon Justine , Gupta Nidhi , Davidge-Pitts Caroline , Imhof Nicole , Gonzalez Cesar , Carlson Sara , Will Marissa , Martinez-Jorge Jorys , Fahradyan Vahe , Tamire Lily , Lin Anna , Nippoldt Todd B , Chang Alice Y 
Published: April 2024

AbstractContextTransgender and gender diverse (TGD) individuals have greater access to genital surgery (GS) with improved insurance coverage and access to trained surgeons and interdisciplinary gender-affirming providers.ObjectiveTo determine perioperative medical and behavioral health outcomes in transfeminine (TF) individuals undergoing GS, with use of a specific gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) algorithm based on individualized risk factor assessment.MethodsIn this retrospective observational cohort study, we collected preoperative and postoperative data from 183 TF individuals at a single tertiary referral center from 2017 to 2022, grouping patients by those who continued estradiol (Group 1) vs those who had temporarily discontinued estradiol for 2 to 6 weeks preoperatively (Group 2). Data included clinical and biochemical assessment, GAHT regimens, validated behavioral health measures, and postoperative complications. Main outcomes included venous thromboembolism (VTE) incidence, non-VTE postoperative complication incidence, and change in behavioral health assessments.ResultsThe majority of individuals continued estradiol perioperatively (Group 1; 138 [75.4%]). Individuals who temporarily held estradiol preoperatively (Group 2; 45 [24.6%]) were statistically older (P &lt; .01), had higher incidence of cardiometabolic comorbidities (P &lt; .01), and higher Caprini scores (P &lt; .01). Group 1 was statistically more likely to use oral estradiol (P &lt; .01). One episode (0.05%) of VTE occurred (Group 1). There was no significant difference in postoperative complications or behavioral health measures between groups.ConclusionAn individualized algorithm for preoperative hormone management for TF GS resulted in perioperative continuation of GAHT for the majority of individuals without significantly increasing the risk for postoperative surgical complications, while maintaining stable behavioral health measures perioperatively.
The First Year of Successful Execution & Examination of Integrated Modular Curriculum 2k23 by UHS Pakistan
Authors: Naseem Nadia 
Published: April 2024

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.9951
How to cite this: Naseem N. The First Year of Successful Execution and Examination of Integrated Modular Curriculum 2k23 by UHS Pakistan. Pak J Med Sci. 2024;40(5):1047. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.40.5.9951
Consequences of Adolescent Pregnancy: A Social, Medical, and Psychological Analysis
Authors: Bednarz Karolina , Basiaga Bartosz , Żądecka-Kobiałka Klaudia , Putra Anna , Marchaj Magdalena , Nowicka-Jasińska Monika , Frączyk Paweł , Bieniek-Zając Sara , Baczkowski Sebastian , Krawiec Klaudia 
Published: April 2024

Introduction: Adolescent pregnancy remains a contentious issue despite improvements in quality of life and increased access to sexual education. The average age of first pregnancy has shifted due to financial instability among young people, leading to delayed pregnancies until financial stability is achieved. Teenage mothers face social stigma, and early sexual initiation not only increases the risk of pregnancy but also sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Often, adolescent pregnancies are unwanted, resulting in delayed medical consultation due to fear or ignorance.
Aim of the Study: This study aims to investigate the medical and social implications of adolescent pregnancy, emphasizing the importance of early sexual education and comprehensive healthcare support.
Description of the State of Knowledge: Adolescent pregnancy, defined as pregnancy between ages 10 and 19, is a global concern with millions of cases annually. It poses significant health risks, including premature birth, low birth weight, and intrauterine growth restriction. Socially, it affects educational attainment and financial stability, with adolescents from lower socioeconomic backgrounds facing greater challenges. Early sexual initiation and risky sexual behaviors further compound the issue, increasing the risk of STIs. Lack of comprehensive sexual education exacerbates these risks, highlighting the need for multidisciplinary support from healthcare professionals.
Conclusions: Adolescent pregnancy requires a holistic approach encompassing medical, social, and legal dimensions. Effective sexual education programs, involving gynecologists, pediatricians, and educators, are essential for prevention. Legal frameworks must protect adolescents and address issues of consent and sexual health. Additionally, access to comprehensive healthcare services, including prenatal care and contraception, is crucial for mitigating the adverse effects of adolescent pregnancy on both individuals and society.
Optical skyrmion laser using a wedged output coupler
Authors: Kerridge-Johns William R. , Rao A. Srinivasa , Omatsu Takashige 
Published: April 2024

Optical skyrmions are a recently demonstrated topological state of light that promise a rich set of physics and applications, in particular, material manipulation. In this work, we demonstrate a method to generate these states from a laser, which has an intermediate bimeron state, providing a route to compact, high power, and low cost skyrmion research and applications. We use a praseodymium gain medium to make red (640 nm) and orange (607 nm) Bloch-, Néel-, and anti-skyrmions, with a route to the other visible emission bands of the gain medium. This approach uses a wedged optic as the key component, which could be easily adapted to other laser gain media and laser cavity configurations, and other exotic topological states.
Afriplex GRTTM extract attenuates hepatic steatosis in an in vitro model of NAFLD
Authors: Gabuza Kwazi , Mabuda Thendo I. , Patel Oelfah , Khuboni Noxolo , van Aarde Ruzayda , Riedel Sylvia , Sangweni Nonhlakanipho F. , Windvogel Shantal , Johnson Rabia , Muller Christo J. F. 
Published: April 2024

BackgroundCurrently, it is acknowledged that vitamin E, insulin sensitizers and anti-diabetic drugs are used to manage non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however, these therapeutic interventions harbour adverse side effects. Pioglitazone, an anti-diabetic drug, is currently the most effective therapy to manage NAFLD. The use of natural medicines is widely embraced due to the lack of evidence of their negative side effects. Rooibos has been previously shown to decrease inflammation and oxidative stress in experimental models of diabetes, however, this is yet to be explored in a setting of NAFLD. This study was aimed at investigating the effects of an aspalathin-rich green rooibos extract (Afriplex GRTTM) against markers of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in anin vitromodel of NAFLD.MethodsOleic acid [1 mM] was used to induce hepatic steatosis in C3A liver cells. Thereafter, the therapeutic effect of Afriplex GRTTM, with or without pioglitazone, was determined by assessing its impact on cell viability, changes in mitochondrial membrane potential, intracellular lipid accumulation and the expression of genes and proteins (ChREBP,SREBF1,FASN,IRS1,SOD2, Caspase-3, GSTZ1, IRS1 and TNF-α) that are associated with the development of NAFLD.ResultsKey findings showed that Afriplex GRTTMadded to the medium alone or combined with pioglitazone, could effectively block hepatic lipid accumulation without inducing cytotoxicity in C3A liver cells exposed oleic acid. This positive outcome was consistent with effective regulation of genes involved in insulin signaling, as well as carbohydrate and lipid metabolism (IRS1,SREBF1andChREBP). Interestingly, in addition to reducing protein levels of an inflammatory marker (TNF-α), the Afriplex GRTTMcould ameliorate oleic acid-induced hepatic steatotic damage by decreasing the protein expression of oxidative stress and apoptosis related markers such as GSTZ1 and caspase-3.ConclusionAfriplex GRTTMreduced hepatic steatosis in oleic acid induced C3A liver cells by modulatingSREBF1,ChREBPandIRS-1gene expression. The extract may also play a role in alleviating inflammation by reducing TNF-α expression, suggesting that additional experiments are required for its development as a suitable therapeutic option against NAFLD. Importantly, further research is needed to explore its antioxidant role in this model.
Exploring preconception health in adolescents and young adults: Identifying risk factors and interventions to prevent adverse maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes–A scoping review
Authors: Padhani Zahra Ali , Rahim Komal Abdul , Tessema Gizachew A. , Avery Jodie C. , Damabi Negin Mirzaei , Castleton Patience , Salam Rehana A. , Meherali Salima , Lassi Zohra S. 
Published: April 2024

Background
Preconception health provides an opportunity to examine a woman’s health status and address modifiable risk factors that can impact both a woman’s and her child’s health once pregnant. In this review, we aimed to investigate the preconception risk factors and interventions of early pregnancy and its impact on adverse maternal, perinatal and child health outcomes.

Methods
We conducted a scoping review following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines to include relevant literature identified from electronic databases. We included reviews that studied preconception risk factors and interventions among adolescents and young adults, and their impact on maternal, perinatal, and child health outcomes. All identified studies were screened for eligibility, followed by data extraction, and descriptive and thematic analysis.

Findings
We identified a total of 10 reviews. The findings suggest an increase in odds of maternal anaemia and maternal deaths among young mothers (up to 17 years) and low birth weight (LBW), preterm birth, stillbirths, and neonatal and perinatal mortality among babies born to mothers up to 17 years compared to those aged 19–25 years in high-income countries. It also suggested an increase in the odds of congenital anomalies among children born to mothers aged 20–24 years. Furthermore, cancer treatment during childhood or young adulthood was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth, LBW, and stillbirths. Interventions such as youth-friendly family planning services showed a significant decrease in abortion rates. Micronutrient supplementation contributed to reducing anaemia among adolescent mothers; however, human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes simplex virus (HSV) vaccination had little to no impact on stillbirths, ectopic pregnancies, and congenital anomalies. However, one review reported an increased risk of miscarriages among young adults associated with these vaccinations.

Conclusion
The scoping review identified a scarcity of evidence on preconception risk factors and interventions among adolescents and young adults. This underscores the crucial need for additional research on the subject.