bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 vaccination uptake and safety profile among germline BRCA1 and BRCA2 pathogenic variant carriers in Singapore
Authors: Zhang Zewen , Ishak Nur Diana Binte , Que Frances Victoria Fajardo , Chua Zi Yang , Chan Sock Hoai , Chiang Jianbang , Yie Joanne Ngeow Yuen 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
Although Singapore is one of the highest vaccinated countries in the world, vaccine hesitancy remains in a subpopulation, including individuals with cancer predisposition syndromes. At the Cancer Genetics Service National Cancer Centre Singapore, we see patients with germline genetic alterations, most being BRCA1/2 pathogenic/likely pathogenic variant (PV/LPV) carriers. While reported safe for cancer patients, there are limited studies addressing the safety profile and outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination among individuals with germline PV/LPV in cancer predisposition genes such as BRCA1/2. This study aims to evaluate the outcomes of COVID-19 vaccination among germline PV/LPV carriers in BRCA1/2.

Methods
We conducted a phone call survey of COVID-19 vaccination uptake and toxicity in a prospective cohort of 189 participants with germline BRCA1/2 PV/LPV between 1st Sept 2021 and 30th Sept 2021. We collected demographics data including gender, race, age, history of cancer, types of cancer, and number of cancers. Statistical difference in baseline demographics between responders with history of cancer and those without were assessed using Chi-square, Fisher’s exact and independent t-test analysis. Logistic regression was used to evaluate effect of demographics on the occurrence of post-vaccination side effects.

Results
Among 189 BRCA1/2 PV/LPV carriers responded, 97 carried PV/LPV in BRCA1 and 92 in BRCA2. Majority were vaccinated (89.5%) and had completed the two-dose vaccine schedule, with 7 (4.1%) received only one dose. The most common post-vaccination side effects was myalgia (56.5%) followed by fever (40.2%), headache (16.3%) and fatigue (11.2%). There were no major severe side events. Evaluation by logistic regression showed that the occurrence of side effects was not affected by PV/LPV gene (BRCA1 or BRCA2), gender, race, age or history of cancer.

Conclusion
The post-vaccination side effects profile among individuals with germline PV/LPV in BRCA1/2 is consistent with the Singaporean general population, hence recommendations for COVID-19 vaccination for these individuals should not differ from non-carriers and should be encouraged by their healthcare providers.
CEU-Net: ensemble semantic segmentation of hyperspectral images using clustering
Authors: Soucy Nicholas , Sekeh Salimeh Yasaei 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMost semantic segmentation approaches of big data hyperspectral images use and require preprocessing steps in the form of patching to accurately classify diversified land cover in remotely sensed images. These approaches use patching to incorporate the rich spatial neighborhood information in images and exploit the simplicity and segmentability of the most common datasets. In contrast, most landmasses in the world consist of overlapping and diffused classes, making neighborhood information weaker than what is seen in common datasets. To combat this common issue and generalize the segmentation models to more complex and diverse hyperspectral datasets, in this work, we propose a novel flagship model: Clustering Ensemble U-Net. Our model uses the ensemble method to combine spectral information extracted from convolutional neural network training on a cluster of landscape pixels. Our model outperforms existing state-of-the-art hyperspectral semantic segmentation methods and gets competitive performance with and without patching when compared to baseline models. We highlight our model’s high performance across six popular hyperspectral datasets including Kennedy Space Center, Houston, and Indian Pines, then compare them to current top-performing models.
Investigating the factors affecting myopia in retinopathy of prematurity after laser treatment
Authors: Asano Shotaro , Inoue Tatsuya , Kure Kana , Kitano Marie , Fujita Asahi , Nagahara Miyuki , Asaoka Ryo , Obata Ryo 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
We investigated the effect of the number of laser shots applied on the myopic variables to elucidate the mechanism of myopia development in laser-treated retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) eyes.

Methods
A total of 33 eyes of 17 infants with ROP who underwent laser treatment were included in the analysis. Cycloplegic retinoscopic refraction testing was carried out and the spherical equivalent (SE) was calculated. Relationships between SE and various variables (including the number of laser shots applied) were examined. In addition, an age-matched control group without ROP was prepared and ocular structural parameters were compared.

Results
Although there was no statistical difference in axial length (AL) between two groups (p = 0.88), SE was significantly more myopic in the ROP group (p < 0.001). SE was associated with AL, corneal refraction (CR), and crystalline lens power (CLP) in the ROP group. Of these three factors (AL, CR, and CLP), CLP and the number of laser shots applied were significantly correlated (p = 0.003); however, no correlations were observed between the number of laser shots and AL or CR (p = 0.15 and 0.10, respectively). Very similar tendency was observed in the analysis of the difference between right and left eyes in each child.

Conclusions
In laser-treated ROP eyes, AL, CR, and CLP were related to the degree of myopia. Moreover, the number of shots applied also affected the myopic status in laser-treated ROP eyes. Among AL, CR, and CLP, only CLP was correlated with the laser shots applied.
Polymerase chain reaction test for diagnosis of infectious uveitis
Authors: Fekri Sahba , Barzanouni Ehsan , Samiee Shahram , Soheilian Masoud 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Background
To study the clinical utility of broad-range real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) assay in patients suspected for infectious uveitis and to analyze the clinical relevance.

Methods
Medical records of patients with uveitis were assessed in whom PCR analysis of intraocular fluids was performed between January 2018 and February 2021. Intraocular samples were investigated for cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), varicella zoster virus (VZV), herpes simplex viruses type 1 and 2 (HSV1,2), human T-lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Toxoplasma gondii and also for bacterial 16 S and fungal 18 S/28S ribosomal DNA (rDNA).

Results
Aqueous paracentesis and vitreous sampling was done for 151 (81.2%) and 35 (18.8%) patients, respectively. Most of the patients had panuveitis (61.3%). PCR results were positive in 69 out of 186 patients (37%) according to the following order: CMV (18 cases), VZV (18 cases), fungal 18s/28s rDNA (17 cases), HSV (9 cases), bacterial 16s rDNA (3 cases), HTLV-1 (2 cases), and Toxoplasma gondii (2 cases). PCR positivity rate was 5.8% in patients with undifferentiated panuveitis. EBV was not detected at all. Initial treatment was changed in 38 patients (20%) based on PCR results. The overall sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of PCR test for aqueous samples was 82%, 91%, 96%, and 87%, respectively. No significant adverse effect related to sampling was reported.

Conclusion
PCR analysis of intraocular fluids in patients with suspected infectious uveitis plays an important role in confirming diagnosis or changing treatment with good predictive value. However, routine PCR test in patients with undifferentiated panuveitis in order to rule out possible underlying infectious etiology had low benefit.
Discussion of field effects after intraovarian injection of autologous platelet-rich plasma
Authors: Sills E. Scott , Wood Samuel H. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractBackgroundIn the pre-menopausal ovary, the oocyte does not develop in isolation. Stroma, perivascular cells, immune cells, granulosa cells and endothelium are unequivocally active, and compelling evidence are also available placing germline stem cells within this milieu. Indeed, the local cytoarchitecture network of collagen, proteoglycans, polysaccharides, and fibrous proteins jointly influence endocrine, nutrient, and osmotic fluid movement vital to eggs. After transiting basal lamina, these moieties can directly determine follicular growth and oocyte metabolism.Main body of the abstractOver time, this support apparatus changes to dampen crucial biochemical inputs and eventually disconnects the oocyte from its own regulatory grid. Background factors extrinsic to the oocyte such as stroma and extracellular matrix thus contribute to overall reproductive fitness. Both menopause and infertility are thus distinct clinical manifestations of a common knock-down of ovarian competence. While treatments for symptomatic menopause and infertility traditionally depend on standard hormone replacement therapy or synthetic gonadotropins, autologous platelet rich plasma (PRP) has arrived as an alternative method to improve ovarian reserve.Short conclusionIntraovarian PRP is usually considered to interact mainly with follicles or oocyte precursors, although other ovarian components also respond to platelet cytokines. Cross-discipline PRP effects measured in similar (non-reproductive) stroma and tissue matrix systems are examined here, with a view to promote greater research bandwidth for intraovarian PRP.
Dynamic linkages between tourism, economic growth, trade, energy demand and carbon emission: evidence from EU
Authors: Nwaeze Nnamdi Chinwendu , Okere Kingsley Ikechukwu , Ogbodo Izuchukwu , Muoneke Obumneke Bob , Ngini Ifeoma Nwakaego Sandra , Ani Samuel Uchezuike 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
At the heart of the post-COP26 era and the European Green deal lies the underlying goals in Europe targeting climate neutrality and zero pollution through tourism developments and promotion of economic well-being of regions. This study empirically investigates the dynamic linkages among tourism developments and emission while controlling for the influence of economic growth, trade, energy demand under the framework of Panel Autoregressive Distributed Lag (PARDL) using the top 12 tourist countries in the EU from 1995 to 2018. The findings are as follows: First, the study found that trade openness negatively influences emissions. Second, economic growth, tourism, and energy use positively and significantly influence emissions. Third, energy demand positively and significantly influences economic growth and tourism development in the short and long run. The study recommends additional tourism and energy development policies along with structures that rapidly drive economic activities to turn carbon-intensive economies into green economies.
Intimate partner violence perpetration and mental health service use in England: analysis of nationally representative survey data
Authors: Bhavsar Vishal , McManus Sally , Saunders Katherine , Howard Louise M. 
Published: April 2023

Background
Intimate partner violence perpetration (IPVP) is associated with psychiatric disorders, but an association with mental health service use has not been fully established and is relevant for policy. Mental health service contact by perpetrators of intimate partner violence presents an opportunity for reducing harmful behaviours.

Aims
To examine the association between IPVP and mental health service use.

Method
Analysis of national probability sample data from the 2014 Adult Psychiatric Morbidity Survey, testing for associations between lifetime IPVP and mental health service use. We assessed the impact of missing data with multiple imputation and examined misreporting using probabilistic bias analysis.

Results
The prevalence of reported lifetime IPVP was similar for men (8.0%) and women (8.6%). Before adjustments, IPVP was associated with mental health service use (odds ratio (OR) for any mental health service use in the past year for men: 2.8 (95% CI: 1.8–4.2), for women: 2.8 (95% CI: 2.1–3.8)). Adjustments for intimate partner violence victimisation and other life adversities had an attenuative influence. Associations remained on restricting comparisons with those without criminal justice involvement (OR for any mental health service use in the past year for men: 2.9 (95% CI: 1.7–4.8), for women: 2.3 (95% CI: 1.7–3.2)).

Conclusion
The strong association of IPVP with mental health service use is partly attributable to the concurrent presence of intimate partner violence victimisation and other life adversities. Efforts to improve the identification and assessment of IPVP in mental health services could benefit population health.
Outpatient Treatment With Gabapentin in Women With Severe Acute Pain After Cesarean Delivery Is Ineffective: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Fowler Cedar , Chu Amy W. , Guo Nan , Ansari Jessica R. , Shafer Steven L. , Flood Pamela D. 
Published: April 2023

BACKGROUND:
Most of the 1.1 million women who deliver by cesarean in the United States each year have an uncomplicated recovery. However, severe pain resistant to standard multimodal therapy within the first days after surgery is associated with an increased risk for prolonged pain and opioid use. The best outpatient management for parturients with severe resistant early onset pain is not known.

METHODS:
We performed a prospective, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized trial of up to 12 weeks of outpatient treatment with gabapentin to evaluate its effectiveness to facilitate opioid cessation in women with at least 2 reports of severe pain during the immediate postpartum period resistant to standard multimodal pain management. Time to opioid cessation was the primary outcome. Time to pain resolution; time to discontinuation of gabapentin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen; time to self-reported recovery; and National Institute of Health Patient-Reported Outcomes System (PROMIS) surveys for anxiety, depression, fatigue, and physical function were assessed as secondary outcomes.

RESULTS:
There was no difference in time to opioid cessation between patients who were randomly assigned to be treated with gabapentin (Kaplan-Meier estimated median of 2 [25th–75th percentiles of 1–3] weeks, n = 35) versus those who were treated with placebo (2 [1–3] weeks, n = 35). The hazard ratio was 1.1 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.67–1.8), P = .65. There were no differences in any secondary end points between the study groups.

CONCLUSIONS:
Outpatient supplementation with gabapentin did not reduce time to opioid cessation, pain, anxiety, depression, fatigue, or improve physical function in women with severe pain after cesarean delivery. Gabapentin should not be routinely added to the standard outpatient multimodal regimen of ibuprofen, acetaminophen, and opioids.
Phylogenetic placement of whole genome duplications in yeasts through quantitative analysis of hierarchical orthologous groups
Authors: Moix Samuel , Glover Natasha , Majidian Sina 
Published: April 2023

Background: Whole genome duplications (WGD) are genomic events leading to formation of polyploid organisms. Resulting duplicated genes play important roles in driving species evolution and diversification. After such events, the initial ploidy is usually restored, complicating their detection across evolution. With the advance of bioinformatics and the rising number of new well-assembled genomes, new detection methods are ongoingly being developed to overcome the weaknesses of different approaches. Results: Here we propose a novel method for detecting WGD in yeast lineages based on the quantitative and comparative analysis of hierarchical orthologous groups (HOGs) of duplicated genes for a given set of organisms. We reconstruct ancestral genomes to obtain evolutionary information for each phylogenetic branch. This reconstruction relies on the inference of HOGs from the selected species’ proteomes. To estimate WGD events, the number of HOGs of duplicated genes across all taxonomic ranges are adjusted according to the molecular clock hypothesis and by the average genome size. Branches with a significant increase in the adjusted number of duplicated gene families are kept as candidates for WGD placement. The developed method was tested on two real datasets and showed promising results in phylogenetic WGD placements on the yeast lineage.
Effectiveness of seasonal malaria chemoprevention administered in a mass campaign in the Kedougou region of Senegal in 2016: a case-control study
Authors: Manga Isaac Akhenaton , Tairou Fassiatou , Seck Amadou , Kouevidjin Ekoue , Sylla Khadime , Sow Doudou , Gueye Alioune Babara , Ba Mady , Ndiaye Magatte , Tine Roger Clément Kouly , Gaye Omar , Faye Babacar , Ndiaye Jean Louis Abdourahim 
Published: April 2023

Background: Seasonal malaria chemoprevention (SMC) with sulfadoxine-pyrimethamine plus amodiaquine (SPAQ) is a malaria prevention strategy recommended since 2012 by the World Health Organization (WHO) for children under 5 years. In Senegal, the scaling up of SMC started in 2013 in the south-eastern regions of the country with an extension of the target to 10 years old children. The scaling up of SMC requires regular evaluation of the strategy as recommended by the WHO. This study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of SMC. Methods: A case-control study was conducted in some villages of the health districts of Saraya and Kedougou in the Kedougou region from July to December 2016. A case was a sick child, aged 3 months to 10 years, seen in consultation and with a positive malaria rapid diagnostic test (RDT). The control was a child of the same age group with a negative RDT and living in the same compound as the case or in a neighbouring compound. Each case was matched with two controls. Exposure to SMC was assessed by interviewing the mothers/caretakers and by checking the SMC administration card. Results: Overall, 492 children, including 164 cases and 328 controls, were recruited in our study. Their mean ages were 5.32 (+/- 2.15) and 4.44 (+/-2.25) years for cases and controls, respectively. The number of boys was higher in both cases (55.49%; CI 95%=47.54-63.24%) and controls (51,22%; CI 95%=45.83-56.58%). Net ownership was 85.80% among cases and 90.85% among controls (p=0,053). The proportion of controls who received SMC was higher than that of cases (98.17% vs 85.98% and p=1.10-7). The protective effectiveness of SMC was 89% (OR= 0.12 (CI 95%=0.04-0.28)). Conclusions: SMC is an effective strategy in the control of malaria in children. Case-control studies are a good approach for monitoring the efficacy of drugs administered during SMC.
Finding HOPE in orthodontic simulated training
Authors: Seeballuck Clement , Chalmers Elinor , Sivamurthy Gautham 
Published: April 2023

The global pandemic significantly impacted most areas of the dental profession. Limitations on treatment, footfall in clinical and university centres and social distancing affected our ability to provide patient care and clinical training. This article details how custom 3D-printed training tools were used to mitigate some of the constraints affecting our established simulated orthodontic clinical skills course. The development of the training tools, structure of the course and potential future implications are discussed. CPD/Clinical Relevance: The article discusses novel training methods that can easily be adopted in a variety of clinical and non-clinical settings.
Internal root resorption: case report and literature review
Authors: Kane Georgina , Donaldson Christopher 
Published: April 2023

Abstract: Internal inflammatory root resorption (IIRR) is a rare, but significant consequence of dental trauma. Previous cases often focus on two-dimensional imaging. More widespread use of cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) has seen improved diagnostic accuracy of these defects leading to more appropriate management. In this case report, an adolescent male patient complained of a missing front tooth (UR1). Dental history revealed intrusive trauma to the predecessor as a child. The UR1 was impacted with a dilacerated root. CBCT imaging revealed severe internal root resorption, and due to its extensive nature, extraction was advised. CPD/Clinical Relevance: Readers should be aware of the consequences of internal inflammatory root resorption and understand the importance of early detection with appropriate special investigations.
Optical fiber pH sensor based on a multimode interference device with polymer overlay
Authors: Velasco-Bolom P. M. , Camas-Anzueto J. L. , Lopez-Cortes D. , Avendaño-Roque A. J. , Ruiz-Perez V. I. 
Published: April 2023

An optical fiber pH sensor based on a multimode interference structure is presented. The sensitive element is a piece of no-core fiber (NCF) coated with a mixture of polyallylamine hydrochloride and polyacrylic acid by a modified layer-by-layer (LbL) self-assembly method. It is experimentally shown that by reducing the diameter of the NCF by chemical etching, the sensitivity is increased from −0.31nm/pH to −2nm/pH. The sensor exhibits a high linear response of 0.997 over a pH range from 5 to 11.3 with a rapid response time lower than 1 s.
Applying blockchain to the modern legal system: Kleros as a decentralised dispute resolution system
Authors: Zhuk Alesia 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis paper examines the use of blockchain technology in the legal system through decentralized online dispute resolution mechanisms, with a particular focus on Kleros. While Kleros offers a potentially more accessible, efficient, and fair way of resolving minor disputes, concerns have been raised about the potential bias caused by jurors accumulating cryptocurrencies. It is criticized that Kleros and similar decentralized systems are perceived to be a more accessible, quicker, cheaper, and fairer way to resolve disputes. However, important questions have been raised about the financial interest of jurors and how it may diminish the role of the rule of law and impede its evolution. Despite these concerns, the authors argue that Kleros has the potential to introduce blockchain into the national judicial system. To achieve this, measures such as allowing parties to select jurors with specific qualifications and setting a fee proportional to each juror’s Pinakion (PNK) should be implemented. Furthermore, clear instructions on the use of cryptocurrencies and blockchain in the Kleros system should be provided to promote transparency and understanding for all participants. Overall, this paper contributes to the discussion on the use of blockchain technology in the legal system and highlights the need for careful consideration of its potential impact on the rule of law.