bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Mobile and internet usage, institutions and the trade balance: Evidence from African countries
Authors: Nguyen Canh Phuc , Doytch Nadia , Schinckus Christophe , Su Thanh Dinh 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThis study examines the influences of institutions, the Internet and mobile usage on the trade balance of African countries between 2003 and 2017. Our empirical results have been estimated with a panel‐corrected standard error method (PSCE) and they have been confirmed by several alternative techniques. First, the increase of internet usage and mobile usage has a significant negative effect on total and inter‐continental trade balances while these factors improve the intra‐African trade balances. Second, better institutions appear to have a negative impact on the total‐, inter‐, and intra‐African trade balances – in other words, better institutions appear to stimulate imports rather than exports. This observation explains the decreasing trends in the current account balances of African countries. Third, the combined effect of the three factors (institutions, internet, and mobile use together) has a significant positive impact on all trade balances: total‐, inter‐, and intra‐continental. Our study shows that an improvement in institutional quality acts as a mitigating factor for any negative impact internet\mobile development might cause on the trade balances of African countries. Further, our analysis examines the influence of institutions, internet usage, and mobile usage on the two parts of the trade: exports and imports. We observe that internet and mobile can influence negatively and differently impact the two wings of the balance trade. However, all improvements in institutions and their associations with internet usage and mobile usage have a significant positive impact on the trade balance especially on exporting activities of African countries.
Ameliorative effect of ellagic acid and Vitamin C against malathion‐induced toxicity in testis of adult Wistar rats
Authors: Gupta Rahul , Gupta Tinku , Kaushik Dhirender 
Published: January 2023

AbstractThe pesticide malathion (MT), an organophosphate, is highly neurotoxic and causes cholinergic disorders as well as cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, mutagenicity, carcinogenicity and reproductive toxicity. Our purpose was to study the effect of ellagic acid (EA) and Vitamin C on the testis against MT‐induced toxicity in the rats. Thirty‐six adult Wistar rats were employed, separated into six groups and were given treatment for 14 days. The toxicity of MT on the testis was evaluated using a variety of physical parameters, such as mortality rate and body weight, as well as biochemical parameters, such as total protein, total cholesterol, serum glutamic‐oxaloacetic transaminase and serum glutamic‐pyruvic transaminase, and haematological parameters, such as counts of red blood cells, haemoglobin (Hb) and white blood cells, as well as mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular Hb, and mean corpuscular Hb concentration. At the end of the experiment, rats were killed and a histological examination of the testis was performed. A sperm count technique and an analysis of sperm motility were used to determine the sperm quality. Biochemical indicators, sperm count, motility, viability and morphology were significantly decreased with MT. When compared with MT and the control group, EA and Vitamin C administration significantly increased sperm motility and count (p < 0.05). After receiving EA and Vitamin C, biochemical indicators and histological characteristics are also intensified. The results of the current investigation show that EA and Vitamin C can both reduce increased levels of biochemical markers and improve pathological alterations in the testis brought on by MT treatment.
Association between physical activity, growth differentiation factor 15 and bodyweight in older adults: A longitudinal mediation analysis
Authors: Raffin Jérémy , Rolland Yves , Parini Angelo , Lucas Alexandre , Guyonnet Sophie , Vellas Bruno , de Souto Barreto Philipe ,   For the MAPT/DSA Group
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackgroundLate‐life aging is often associated with appetite reduction and weight loss. Physical activity (PA) may prevent these processes, but the molecular mechanisms involved remain elusive. The present study investigated the putative mediating aspect of growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF‐15), a stress signalling protein involved in aging, exercise and appetite control, on the association between PA and late‐life‐associated weight loss.MethodsOne thousand eighty‐three healthy adults (63.8% women) aged 70 years and over who participated in the Multidomain Alzheimer Preventive Trial were included. Bodyweight (kg) and PA levels (square root of metabolic equivalent of task‐min/week) were assessed repeatedly from baseline to the 3‐year visit, whereas plasma GDF‐15 (pg/mL) was measured at the 1‐year visit. Multiple linear regressions were performed to test the association between first‐year mean PA level, 1‐year visit GDF‐15 concentration and subsequent bodyweight changes. Mediation analyses were used to investigate whether GDF‐15 mediated the association between first‐year mean PA levels and consecutive bodyweight changes.ResultsMultiple regression analyses demonstrated that higher first‐year mean PA levels significantly predicted lower GDF‐15 and bodyweight at 1 year (B = −2.22; SE = 0.79; P = 0.005). In addition, higher 1‐year visit GDF‐15 levels were associated with faster subsequent bodyweight loss (Time × GDF‐15 interaction B = −0.0004; SE = 0.0001; P = 0.003). Mediation analyses confirmed that GDF‐15 mediated the association between first‐year mean PA levels and subsequent bodyweight changes (mediated effect ab = 0.0018; bootstrap SE = 0.001; P < 0.05) and revealed that mean PA had no direct effect on subsequent bodyweight changes (c′ = 0.006; SE = 0.008; P > 0.05).ConclusionsThis study suggests that GDF‐15 may be one of the molecules mediating the link between PA and late‐life weight loss, but mechanistic studies are necessary to further support the present findings.
Effectiveness of adenosine triphosphate to monitor manual cleaning and disinfection efficacy of flexible endoscopes in Hong Kong
Authors: Chan Ada S F , Chan Henry L Y , Yan Bruno K L , Lai Mooris K C 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground and AimAdenosine triphosphate (ATP) bioluminescence assay is widely adopted in the West to allow rapid evaluation of endoscopes for bacteriologic/biologic residue, but this practice is rarely adopted in Asia. In this continuous quality improvement program, we evaluated the utility of ATP in bacteriologic surveillance on endoscope reprocessing.MethodsA total of 456 samples (304 ATP samples and 152 culture samples) of 38 flexible endoscopes were assessed after routine clinical use in a private hospital in Hong Kong. Endoscopes were assessed with an ATP system and bacterial cultures at different time points during the reprocessing.ResultsAfter pre‐cleaning, the ATP values ranged from 228 to 65 163 relative light units (RLU) through all endoscope types. After manual cleaning, ATP values were decreased to 7–81 RLU (median, 19 RLU) for endoscope surface and 3–671 RLU (median, 12 RLU) for channel rinsate. There was a significant reduction in ATP levels between pre‐cleaning and after manual cleaning. One of the 38 (2.6%) endoscopes (a duodenoscope) had an ATP value of 671 RLU from channel rinsate, which exceeded the benchmark for cleanliness of >200 RLU, and was sent back for re‐cleaning. All endoscopes cultured no bacteria after high‐level disinfection (HLD) by automated endoscope reprocessor (AER) and storage up to 24 h. ATP values were <200 RLU for all endoscopes after HLD and storage.ConclusionsAdenosine triphosphate bioluminescence assay offers a rapid, practical, and cost‐effective alternative for detection of endoscope microbial residue as well as a routine monitoring tool for endoscope cleanliness in the clinical setting.
Role of neoadjuvant treatment in resectable pancreatic cancer according to vessel invasion and increase of CA19‐9 levels
Authors: Kim Hyeong Seok , Lee Mirang , Han Youngmin , Kang Jae Seung , Kang Yoon Hyung , Sohn Hee Ju , Kwon Wooil , Lee Dong Ho , Jang Jin‐Young 
Published: January 2023

AbstractBackground/PurposeThe efficacy of neoadjuvant treatment (NAT) for resectable pancreatic cancer remains debatable, particularly in patients with portal vein (PV)/superior mesenteric vein (SMV) contact and elevated serum carbohydrate antigen (CA) 19‐9. This study investigated the clinical significance of PV/SMV contact and CA19‐9 levels, and the role of NAT in resectable pancreatic cancer.MethodsA total of 775 patients who underwent surgery for resectable pancreatic cancer between 2007 and 2018 were included. Propensity score‐matched (PSM) analysis (1:3) was performed based on tumor size, lymph node enlargement, and PV/SMV contact. Subgroup analyses were performed according to PV/SMV contact and CA19‐9 level.ResultsAmong the patients, 52 underwent NAT and 723 underwent upfront surgery. After PSM, NAT group showed better survival than upfront surgery group (median 30.0 vs 22.0 months, P = .047). In patients with PV/SMV contact, NAT tended to have better survival (30.0 vs 22.0 months, P = .069). CA19‐9 >150 U/mL was a poor prognostic factor, with NAT showing a significant survival difference compared with upfront surgery (34.0 vs 18.0 months, P = .004).ConclusionsNeoadjuvant treatment showed better survival than upfront surgery in resectable pancreatic cancer. In patients with PV/SMV contact or CA19‐9 >150 U/mL, NAT showed a survival difference compared to upfront surgery; therefore, NAT could be considered in these patients.
Comparison of a Deep Learning‐Accelerated vs. Conventional T2‐Weighted Sequence in Biparametric MRI of the Prostate
Authors: Tong Angela , Bagga Barun , Petrocelli Robert , Smereka Paul , Vij Abhinav , Qian Kun , Grimm Robert , Kamen Ali , Keerthivasan Mahesh B , Nickel Marcel Dominik , von Busch Heinrich , Chandarana Hersh 
Published: January 2023

BackgroundDemand for prostate MRI is increasing, but scan times remain long even in abbreviated biparametric MRIs (bpMRI). Deep learning can be leveraged to accelerate T2‐weighted imaging (T2WI).PurposeTo compare conventional bpMRIs (CL‐bpMRI) with bpMRIs including a deep learning‐accelerated T2WI (DL‐bpMRI) in diagnosing prostate cancer.Study TypeRetrospective.PopulationEighty consecutive men, mean age 66 years (47–84) with suspected prostate cancer or prostate cancer on active surveillance who had a prostate MRI from December 28, 2020 to April 28, 2021 were included. Follow‐up included prostate biopsy or stability of prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) for 1 year.Field Strength and SequencesA 3 T MRI. Conventional axial and coronal T2 turbo spin echo (CL‐T2), 3‐fold deep learning‐accelerated axial and coronal T2‐weighted sequence (DL‐T2), diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) with b = 50 sec/mm2, 1000 sec/mm2, calculated b = 1500 sec/mm2.AssessmentCL‐bpMRI and DL‐bpMRI including the same conventional diffusion‐weighted imaging (DWI) were presented to three radiologists (blinded to acquisition method) and to a deep learning computer‐assisted detection algorithm (DL‐CAD). The readers evaluated image quality using a 4‐point Likert scale (1 = nondiagnostic, 4 = excellent) and graded lesions using Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System (PI‐RADS) v2.1. DL‐CAD identified and assigned lesions of PI‐RADS 3 or greater.Statistical TestsQuality metrics were compared using Wilcoxon signed rank test, and area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) were compared using Delong's test. Significance: P = 0.05.ResultsEighty men were included (age: 66 ± 9 years; 17/80 clinically significant prostate cancer). Overall image quality results by the three readers (CL‐T2, DL‐T2) are reader 1: 3.72 ± 0.53, 3.89 ± 0.39 (P = 0.99); reader 2: 3.33 ± 0.82, 3.31 ± 0.74 (P = 0.49); reader 3: 3.67 ± 0.63, 3.51 ± 0.62. In the patient‐based analysis, the reader results of AUC are (CL‐bpMRI, DL‐bpMRI): reader 1: 0.77, 0.78 (P = 0.98), reader 2: 0.65, 0.66 (P = 0.99), reader 3: 0.57, 0.60 (P = 0.52). Diagnostic statistics from DL‐CAD (CL‐bpMRI, DL‐bpMRI) are sensitivity (0.71, 0.71, P = 1.00), specificity (0.59, 0.44, P = 0.05), positive predictive value (0.23, 0.24, P = 0.25), negative predictive value (0.88, 0.88, P = 0.48).ConclusionDeep learning‐accelerated T2‐weighted imaging may potentially be used to decrease acquisition time for bpMRI.Evidence Level3.Technical EfficacyStage 2.
Immersive virtual reality for pre‐registration computed tomography education of radiographers: A narrative review
Authors: Taylor Bridget , McLean Glenda , Sim Jenny 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTo be registered as a medical radiation practitioner, The Medical Radiation Practice Board of Australia (MRPBA) requires radiographers to be capable of performing computed tomography (CT) imaging examinations safely and effectively. Universities meet this requirement by offering practical CT training to radiography students on‐campus and during clinical placements. However, institutions face challenges when facilitating on‐campus CT practicum. Virtual reality (VR) has been suggested as a possible solution for radiography students to gain CT scanning experience. This narrative review explored relevant literature to investigate the potential for immersive VR to be incorporated into CT practicum. Benefits and limitations of this education technology are examined with resultant recommendations made for integration into the CT curriculum. Results found that VR enhances CT learning for students, increases confidence and raises motivation for the simulated CT task. CT simulation provides a viable alternative in the context of pandemic‐imposed restrictions and reduced CT placement duration. However, it remains debatable as to whether immersive VR truly enhances student learning compared with other VR modalities, such as computer‐based CT simulation. In addition, a lack of staff training, availability of resources and technical problems were flagged as limitations. We concluded that before immersive VR is integrated into CT education, significant optimisation of the simulation is needed. This includes ensuring VR scenarios are based on learning paradigms and feedback is integrated as part of simulation learning. Engaging clinical partners during the CT VR rollout is imperative to ensure successful transition of students from university learning to clinical placement.
Nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir therapy and COVID‐19 vaccination improve clinical outcomes of SARS‐CoV‐2 Omicron variant infection
Authors: Qi Tangkai , Jin Yinpeng , Wang He , Liao Yixin , Liu Tiefu , Mao Enqiang , Li Feng , Li Yinchuan , Fan Xiaohong , Ling Yun 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTo evaluate the effect of Nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir therapy and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccination on clinical outcomes of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) Omicron infection, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 762 adult patients with confirmed Omicron BA2.2 variant infection, of them 488 patients received standard therapy and 274 patients received Nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir therapy. Subjects were matched by propensity score matching using R language, the baseline factors were balanced by the nearest‐neighbor matching method and were compared, together with the factors including progression to severe/critical disease, viral clearance time, length of hospital stay, and virological rebound of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Nirmatrelvir‐ritonavir therapy significantly accelerated viral clearance at Days 14 and 28 during hospitalization, but it had no impact on disease progression, length of hospital stay, or infection rebound. In contrast, COVID‐19 vaccination before admission was positively correlated with the viral clearance rate and negatively correlated with disease progression in a dose‐dependent way. COVID‐19 vaccination reduced the probability of infection rebound. Other factors such as the number of comorbidities, pneumonia on‐admission, and high D2 levels were positively correlated with disease progression. Our study strongly recommended booster COVID‐19 vaccination for the elderly population, particularly patients with comorbidities to prevent critical disease.
Association of ESR1 gene polymorphisms with the susceptibility to Hepatitis B virus infection and the clinical outcomes
Authors: Xie Jiaxin , Ding Yibo , Li Xiaopan , Pu Rui , Liu Wenbin , Li Peng , Yin Jianhua 
Published: January 2023

AbstractEstrogen receptor alpha (ESR1) has been implicated in the pathological process of Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection and is probably an important determinant for gender differences. In this study, a total of 975 subjects including 368 healthy controls, 323 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with HBsAg positive, and 284 HBV‐infected subjects without HCC were included. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms of ESR1 (rs2234693, rs2077647, rs2228480) were detected to investigate the correlation between ESR1 polymorphisms and the susceptibility to HBV persistence and the clinical outcomes. The association of ESR1 polymorphisms with HCC prognosis was investigated in our cohort enrolling 376 HBV‐HCC patients. The frequency of rs2234693 C allele was lower in chronic Hepatitis B (CHB) and liver cirrhosis (LC) than that in HCC patients in the males (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.63, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.41–0.96). rs2228480 A allele was associated with increased risk of LC (AOR = 2.20, 95% CI = 1.06–4.56) in HBV genotype C, and significantly decreased the risk of HCC recurrence (p = 0.010) and ESR1 mRNA level in tumor tissues (p = 0.032). Haplotype C‐G‐G was associated with significantly increased risk of HBV persistence (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.08–1.73), while it was opposite for C‐A‐G and T‐G‐G (OR = 0.41, 95% CI = 0.27–0.62; OR = 0.53, 95% CI = 0.32–0.85, respectively). These results imply that combinations of these ESR1 polymorphisms may be valuable for the prediction of HBV persistence.
Torque teno virus (TTV): A gentle spy virus of immune status, predictive marker of seroconversion to COVID‐19 vaccine in kidney and lung transplant recipients
Authors: Roberto Piergiorgio , Cinti Lilia , Napoli Anna , Paesani Daniele , Riveros Cabral Rodolfo J. , Maggi Fabrizio , Garofalo Manuela , Pretagostini Renzo , Centofanti Anastasia , Carillo Carolina , Venuta Federico , Gaeta Aurelia , Antonelli Guido 
Published: January 2023

AbstractTo date, no comprehensive marker to monitor the immune status of patients is available. Given that Torque teno virus (TTV), a known human virome component, has previously been identified as a marker of immunocompetence, it was retrospectively investigated whether TTV viral load may also represent a marker of ability to develop antibody in response to COVID‐19‐BNT162B2 vaccine in solid organ transplant recipients (SOT). Specifically, 273 samples from 146 kidney and 26 lung transplant recipients after successive doses of vaccine were analyzed. An inverse correlation was observed within the TTV copy number and anti‐Spike IgG antibody titer with a progressive decrease in viremia the further away from the transplant date. Analyzing the data obtained after the second dose, a significant difference in TTV copy number between responsive and nonresponsive patients was observed, considering a 5 log10 TTV copies/mL threshold to discriminate between the two groups. Moreover, for 86 patients followed in their response to the second and third vaccination doses a 6 log10 TTV copies/mL threshold was used to predict responsivity to the booster dose. Although further investigation is necessary, possibly extending the analysis to other patient categories, this study suggests that TTV can be used as a good marker of vaccine response in transplant patients.
Resveratrol improves diabetes‐induced cognitive dysfunction in part through the miR‐146a‐5p/TXNIP axis
Authors: Hu Ying , Zhang Qin , Wang Jian‐Cheng , Wang Jiao , Liu Ying , Zhu Ling‐Yan , Xu Ji‐Xiong 
Published: January 2023

AbstractResveratrol (RSV) has been shown to have a neuroprotective effect in various central nervous system disorders, although the role of RSV in diabetes‐induced cognitive dysfunction is still not fully elucidated. Here, we investigated whether RSV improved diabetes‐related cognitive dysfunction in vivo and in vitro. We induced a rat diabetic model with a high‐fat and high‐sucrose diet followed by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and a diabetic neuron cell model by stimulation with high levels of glucose. We observed that RSV improved impairment in spatial learning and memory in the Morris water maze test (MWM) and novel object recognition test (ORT) in diabetic rats. RSV reversed the reduced miR‐146a‐5p and upregulated thioredoxin‐interacting protein (TXNIP) and inhibited the diabetes‐induced increase in interleukin (IL)‐1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α levels in vivo and in vitro. RSV also inhibited diabetes‐induced endoplasmic reticulum stress (ESR) by reducing ESR‐related protein expression in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, inhibition of miR‐146a‐5p partially abolished the protective effects of RSV in HG‐treated primary neurons. Additionally, we used starBase to predict that miR‐146a‐5p interacts with TXNIP, which we then verified using a luciferase reporter gene assay. We further observed that miR‐146a‐5p regulates the mRNA and protein expression of TXNIP in vitro, indicating that the miR‐146a‐5p/TXNIP axis is involved in the regulation of cognitive dysfunction in a rat diabetic model. Collectively, these results demonstrate that RSV plays a neuroprotective role in diabetes‐associated cognitive dysfunction at least in part through regulation of the miR‐146a‐5p/TXNIP axis.
Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in the Breastfeeding Infant
Authors: Schroeder James W. 
Published: January 2023

ObjectiveTo demonstrate the importance of utilizing fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) when evaluating breastfeeding infants with suspected dysphagia. Failure to recognize and account for the fundamentally different physiology of the primarily breastfed infant can lead to false assumptions about the safety of breastfeeding in this understudied patient population.MethodsCase‐series. The medical records of patients referred to an urban, university‐based, pediatric hospital for FEES from February 2017 to October 2020 were reviewed. Their presenting symptoms, dysphagia severity, comorbidity, dysphagia workup, and management were analyzed. The standardized Dysphagia Outcome and Severity Scale was used to appraise dysphagia severity.Results204 FEES exams were reviewed. 35 were conducted on breastfed infants. 34 of the 35 infants calmed for the FEES exam while breastfeeding. Cohorts were defined by a particular presenting sign (cough, laryngeal congestion, choking, and respiratory illness) and anatomical characteristic (laryngomalacia, vocal cord paralysis, aspiration, penetration, etc.) and then compared to all other exams. The average dysphagia score for all the exams was 2.37. Patients presenting with laryngeal congestion had an average dysphagia score of 2.81. There was no difference in dysphagia score based on comorbidities or anatomy.ConclusionsFEES is the instrumental exam of choice when evaluating a primarily breastfed infant who has suspected dysphagia. The exam is well tolerated and provides accurate, objective information while accounting for this population's unique swallowing physiology. Primarily breastfed infants presenting with laryngeal congestion are more likely to have clinically worse dysphagia than those presenting with other clinical symptoms.Level of Evidence4 Laryngoscope, 133:2803–2807, 2023