bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A clinical evaluation of the performance of five commercial artificial intelligence contouring systems for radiotherapy
Authors: Doolan Paul J. , Charalambous Stefanie , Roussakis Yiannis , Leczynski Agnes , Peratikou Mary , Benjamin Melka , Ferentinos Konstantinos , Strouthos Iosif , Zamboglou Constantinos , Karagiannis Efstratios 
Published: August 2023

Purpose/objective(s)Auto-segmentation with artificial intelligence (AI) offers an opportunity to reduce inter- and intra-observer variability in contouring, to improve the quality of contours, as well as to reduce the time taken to conduct this manual task. In this work we benchmark the AI auto-segmentation contours produced by five commercial vendors against a common dataset.Methods and materialsThe organ at risk (OAR) contours generated by five commercial AI auto-segmentation solutions (Mirada (Mir), MVision (MV), Radformation (Rad), RayStation (Ray) and TheraPanacea (Ther)) were compared to manually-drawn expert contours from 20 breast, 20 head and neck, 20 lung and 20 prostate patients. Comparisons were made using geometric similarity metrics including volumetric and surface Dice similarity coefficient (vDSC and sDSC), Hausdorff distance (HD) and Added Path Length (APL). To assess the time saved, the time taken to manually draw the expert contours, as well as the time to correct the AI contours, were recorded.ResultsThere are differences in the number of CT contours offered by each AI auto-segmentation solution at the time of the study (Mir 99; MV 143; Rad 83; Ray 67; Ther 86), with all offering contours of some lymph node levels as well as OARs. Averaged across all structures, the median vDSCs were good for all systems and compared favorably with existing literature: Mir 0.82; MV 0.88; Rad 0.86; Ray 0.87; Ther 0.88. All systems offer substantial time savings, ranging between: breast 14-20 mins; head and neck 74-93 mins; lung 20-26 mins; prostate 35-42 mins. The time saved, averaged across all structures, was similar for all systems: Mir 39.8 mins; MV 43.6 mins; Rad 36.6 min; Ray 43.2 mins; Ther 45.2 mins.ConclusionsAll five commercial AI auto-segmentation solutions evaluated in this work offer high quality contours in significantly reduced time compared to manual contouring, and could be used to render the radiotherapy workflow more efficient and standardized.
Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae—Assessing the influence of herbal processing methods and improved effects on functional dyspepsia
Authors: Yang Song-Hong , Zhu Jing , Wu Wen-Ting , Li Jun-Mao , Tong Heng-Li , Huang Yi , Gong Qian-Feng , Gong Fei-Peng , Zhong Ling-Yun 
Published: August 2023

Background: The unique pharmaceutical methods for the processing of botanical drugs according to the theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) affect clinical syndrome differentiation and treatment. The objective of this study was to comprehensively elucidate the principles and mechanisms of an herbal processing method by investigating the alterations in the metabolites of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae (AMR) processed by Aurantii Fructus Immaturus (AFI) decoction and to determine how these changes enhance the efficacy of aqueous extracts in treating functional dyspepsia (FD).Methods: A qualitative analysis of AMR before and after processing was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, and HPLC was employed for quantitative analysis. A predictive analysis was then conducted using a network analysis strategy to establish a botanical drug–metabolite–target–disease (BMTD) network and a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, and the predictions were validated using an FD rat model.Results: A total of 127 metabolites were identified in the processed AMR (PAMR), and substantial changes were observed in 8 metabolites of PAMR after processing, as revealed by the quantitative analysis. The enhanced aqueous extracts of processed AMR (PAMR) demonstrate improved efficacy in treating FD, which indicates that this processing method enhances the anti-inflammatory properties and promotes gastric motility by modulating DRD2, SCF, and c-kit. However, this enhancement comes at the cost of attenuating the regulation of motilin (MTL), gastrin (GAS), acetylcholine (Ach), and acetylcholinesterase (AchE).Conclusion: Through this series of investigations, we aimed to unravel the factors influencing the efficacy of this herbal formulation in improving FD in clinical settings.
Species-specific effects of microplastics on juvenile fishes
Authors: Zhang Chaonan , Wang Fei , Wang Qiujie , Zou Jixing , Zhu Junjie 
Published: August 2023

Microplastics contamination have been extensively reported in aquatic ecosystem and organisms. It is wildly acknowledged that the ingestion, accumulation and elimination of microplastics in fishes are species-specific, which mainly depending on the feeding behavior. This study aimed to investigate the effects of microplastics on the morphology and inflammatory response in intestines of fishes with different feeding types. Largemouth bass (carnivorous fish), grass carp (herbivorous fish) and Jian carp (omnivorous fish) were used as organism model. The contributing concentration and size of microplastics were explored as well as the response time and legacy effect in fishes. Two different sizes of polystyrene microplastics (80 nm and 8 μm) were set at three concentrations. And samples were analyzed at different exposure times and depuration times. Histological analysis indicated that multiple abnormalities in intestines were presented in three species fishes after acute exposure microplastics. The mRNA abundance of immune-related genes in the intestine tissues of fishes were significantly fluctuant. There were differential expressions of genes coping with differential sizes and concentrations of microplastics exposure in different fishes. The reason for the difference effects of microplastics on fishes was still unclear but could be due to the difference in the structure and function of the digestive system. These results provided a theoretical basis to further analysis of the mechanism of fish intestinal pathology caused by microplastics.
Psychometric properties of the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale in Chinese military personnel
Authors: Tu Zhihao , He Jingwen , Wang Ziying , Song Mingfang , Tian Jianquan , Wang Chuan , Ba Jianbo , Shen Xinghua 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundThe 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC-10) is a widely used assessment of resilience. However, psychometric properties of the Chinese version of CD-RISC-10 have not been well investigated in a Chinese military personnel sample.MethodsA total of 3,129 Chinese military personnel completed the CD-RISC-10, Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS), and Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS). Among them, 528 recruits completed the CD-RISC-10, SAS, and SDS again after 3-month basic military training (BMT). Meanwhile, the commanding officers were asked to rate recruits' training performance on the training performance rating scale for recruits (TPRS). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was implemented to examine the single-factor model of the CD-RISC-10, and multigroup CFA was conducted to test measurement invariance across military rank (officers vs. enlisted), gender (male vs. female), and time (before and after 3-month BMT). Internal consistency was evaluated using Cronbach's α and McDonald's ω, and test–retest reliability was tested using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC). The criterion-related validity of CD-RISC was evaluated using Pearson's correlation analysis between the CD-RISC-10 total score and SAS scores, SDS scores, and training performance ratings.ResultsThe single-factor model of the CD-RISC-10 showed adequate fit (CFI = 0.955–0.970, TLI = 0.943–0.962, RMSEA = 0.059–0.072) in all examined subsamples (male, female, officer, and enlisted), and strict invariance was also supported across military rank, gender, and time (ΔCFI ≤ 0.001, ΔTLI ≤ 0.005, ΔRMSEA ≤ 0.006). The CD-RISC-10 showed good internal consistency in all subsamples (Cronbach's α of &gt; 0.93 and McDonald's ω of &gt; 0.93) and good test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.88). Moreover, concurrent and predictive validity with the SAS and SDS scores were good (r = −0.68 to −0.49, p &lt; 0.001). The resilience level of recruits at the beginning of BMT was significantly associated with training performance rated by supervisors after training (r = 0.29, p &lt; 0.001).ConclusionThe psychometric evidence reported in this study suggests that the CD-RISC-10 is a reliable and valid assessment of resilience and a potential predictor for mental health and military performance in Chinese military personnel.
Understanding the challenges and gaps in community engagement interventions for COVID-19 prevention strategies in Rohingya refugees: a qualitative study with frontline workers and community representatives
Authors: Halder Charls Erik , Hasan Md Abeed , Mohamud Yussuf Mohamed , Nyawara Marsela , Okello James Charles , Mizan Md Nahid , Sayum Md Abu , Hossain Ahmed 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundRohingya refugees in Bangladesh are vulnerable to infectious diseases such as COVID-19 due to the crowded living conditions with fragile shelters, and limited water, sanitation and hygiene facilities and practices. While risk communication and community engagement (RCCE) is the cornerstone of outbreak control, there is limited evidence available on the effectiveness of the RCCE strategies in this setting.ObjectivesThe goal of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of RCCE strategies and to explore the challenges and community recommendations in relation to COVID-19 preventive measures in the context of Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh.Materials and methodsIt was a qualitative study. Methods used were (a) observation of RCCE intervention by 3 clinical supervisors accompanying 25 Community Health Workers (CHWs) and (b) 5 focus group discussions engaging 60 community representatives. Data were analyzed using a thematic analysis approach, separately for observation and focus group discussions.ResultsThe study identified a number of good practices of RCCE, including selecting CHWs from the local community, engaging female CHWs, using local dialect, and collaborating with community/religious leaders. Certain good practices need scaling up, such as utilization of multiple communication methods and interpersonal communication skills. Some areas need improvement, such as CHWs being overburdened with multiple tasks, less effort to active listening, repeated delivery of same messages, inadequate linkage to culture, context, and resources, and less effort to empower the community. Engaging the community, five critical themes were identified in relation to poor COVID-19 preventive practices: culture, religion, and language; local context and resources; community trust and interaction with aid workers; communication methods; and gender and social inclusion. Religious misinterpretation, cultural barriers, physical barriers, lack of resources, breach of trust between the community and aid workers, inconsistent/complex messages, lack of gender and social inclusion, and stigmatization are among some key factors. Some key actions were recommended to improve COVID-19 RCCE strategy.ConclusionWe urge the RCCE partners to make use of the findings and recommendations to develop a robust RCCE strategy relevant to local culture and context, responsive to people’s concerns and needs, and inclusive of gender, age and social vulnerabilities.
Determinants of sexually transmitted infections among female sex workers in Ethiopia: a count regression model approach
Authors: Wariso Feyiso Bati , Ayalew Jemal , Barba Ammar , Bedassa Birra Bejiga , Ebo Gemechu Gudeta , Tura Jaleta Bulti , Rameto Mohammed , Belihu Wudinesh Belete , Asfaw Derbachew , Amogne Minilik Demissie , Negeri Lemessa , Lulseged Sileshi , Abrahim Saro Abdella 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundSexually transmitted infections (STIs) remain a major public health problem worldwide, with the burden of these infections being high among female sex workers (FSWs), who are often not aware of their infection status. This study aimed to determine the factors that are associated with the number of STIs among FSWs in Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional bio-behavioral study involving respondent-driven sampling (RDS) was conducted among 6,085 FSWs in 16 towns in Ethiopia. The hurdle Poisson regression model was fitted using STATA Version 16.2. The incident rate ratio and adjusted odds ratio with a 95% confidence interval were employed to show the strength and direction of the association. A p-value of ≤0.05 was used as a threshold for statistical significance.ResultsAt least one STI was identified in 1,444 (23.64%) of the FSWs. Age group 35–49 years [IRR = 2.32; 95% CI (1.43, 3.74)], forced first sex [IRR = 1.32; 95% CI (1.01, 1.74)], condom breakage [IRR = 1.32; 95% CI (1.01, 1.74)], and a history of depression [IRR = 1.55; 95% CI (1.12, 2.18)] increase the number of STIs. FSWs aged 25–34 years [AOR = 2.99; % CI (2.54, 3.52)] and 35 = 59 years [AOR = 8.05; % CI (6.54, 9.91)], who were selling sex for 5–10 years [AOR = 1.30; 95% CI (1.1, 1.55)], and above 11 years [AOR = 1.21; 95% CI (1.03, 1.43)] were more likely to get STIs.ConclusionSTIs are common in Ethiopia. The covariates age, educational status, monthly income, condom failure, age at the first sexual encounter, and long duration of sexual practice are significant predictors of STIs. Health interventions among FSWs need to include awareness generation about the prevention and control of STIs and address the determinants identified in this analysis.
The impact of community care services on older people’s psychological health: an empirical study in Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Sen Qin , Lei Zhang 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundRapid population aging in China means it is imperative to establish a comprehensive care service system for older people. Currently, China is vigorously promoting the development of community care services for older people which should, ideally, focus on psychological health in addition to physical health. This study examined the impact of community care services on older people’s psychological health.MethodsSurvey data (n = 741) were collected from people aged 60 years and older in Liaoning Province, China, in which various community care services for older people were provided. Information was collected regarding the types of services provided (e.g., meal services, medical and social care), participants’ demographic details (age, gender, economic circumstances, etc.), and their psychological health (e.g., loneliness, life satisfaction). The impact of the various care services on older people’s psychological health was subsequently examined through the construction of a structural equation model.ResultsCommunity care services for older people had a significant positive impact on their psychological health, with the most significant positive impact on cultural and sports activities, visiting and chat services, and emotional counseling. The impact of community care services on sub-groups of older people (e.g., those who were disabled, socially isolated and/or poor) was different.ConclusionIt is necessary to provide comprehensive and high-quality community care services, organize diverse cultural, sports, and recreational activities, provide differentiated and specific services for older people, and formulate corresponding service guidelines.
Diagnostic specificity of the child psychosis-risk screening system with a focus on the differentiation of schizophrenia spectrum disorders and neurodevelopmental disorders
Authors: Hamasaki Yukiko , Sakaue Yuko , Matsuo Masahiro , Sanada Riku , Nakayama Takao , Michikoshi Shugo , Ueba Satoko , Kurimoto Naoki , Hikida Takatoshi , Murai Toshiya 
Published: August 2023

BackgroundResearch on early psychosis has begun to identify psychiatric characteristics of the prodromal period of schizophrenia; however, subclinical characteristics of children in non-psychiatric fields have not been fully investigated. In our previous study, we developed the Child Psychosis-risk Screening System (CPSS).ObjectiveIn the present cross-sectional study, we attempted to identify the risk of developing psychosis in pediatric (n = 216) and psychiatric outpatients (n = 120), aged 6– 18 years, with the CPSS.MethodsAn analysis of variance of CPSS risk was performed in six diagnostic categories to examine specificity for each diagnosis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was conducted using the onset of schizophrenia spectrum as the outcome, and the discriminatory power and cut off values of the CPSS were determined. Logistic regression analysis was performed using clinical data to identify factors associated with the risk group (those at high risk of developing psychosis in the future) identified using the CPSS.ResultsThere were significant differences in risk variance among diagnostic categories (p &lt; 0.001), especially between schizophrenia spectrum disorders (SSD) and neurodevelopmental disorders (p = 0.001). CPSS had sufficient discriminatory power for SSD diagnosis [area under the ROC curve = 0.853 (95% confidence interval: 0.774–0.931)]. The cut off value for the risk of SSD was determined to be 98.1%, achieving the best mean of the sum of sensitivity (90.9%) and specificity (84.0%). Cross-sectional logistic regression analysis showed that along with “SSD diagnosis,” “winter birth,” and “maltreatment” were factors associated with the risk group (odds ratio = 38.05 [p = 0.001], 2.30 [p = 0.016], and 0.12 [p = 0.024], respectively).ConclusionCPSS may have potential use in the early detection of psychosis and differentiation from neurodevelopmental disorders, but this study was small and further studies with larger sample sizes and longitudinal study designs are required prior to its use in routine clinical practice.
Biochemical Characterization of the Copper Nitrite Reductase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae
Authors: Barreiro Daniela S. , Oliveira Ricardo N. S. , Pauleta Sofia R. 
Published: August 2023

The copper-containing nitrite reductase from Neisseria gonorrhoeae has been shown to play a critical role in the infection mechanism of this microorganism by producing NO and abolishing epithelial exfoliation. This enzyme is a trimer with a type 1 copper center per subunit and a type 2 copper center in the subunits interface, with the latter being the catalytic site. The two centers were characterized for the first time by EPR and CD spectroscopy, showing that the type 1 copper center has a high rhombicity due to its lower symmetry and more tetragonal structure, while the type 2 copper center has the usual properties, but with a smaller hyperfine coupling constant (A// = 10.5 mT). The thermostability of the enzyme was analyzed by differential scanning calorimetry, which shows a single endothermic transition in the thermogram, with a maximum at 94 °C, while the CD spectra in the visible region indicate the presence of the type 1 copper center up to 80 °C. The reoxidation of the N. gonorrhoeae copper-containing nitrite reductase in the presence of nitrite were analyzed by visible spectroscopy and showed a pH dependence, being higher at pH 5.5–6.0. The high thermostability of this enzyme may be important to maintaining a high activity in the extracellular space and to making it less susceptible to denaturation and proteolysis, contributing to the proliferation of N. gonorrhoeae.
Efectos de la Terapia Snoezelen en un niño con autismo, epilepsia y Tourette: reporte de caso
Authors: Padilla-Peña Rebeca , Pinto-Castro Katia , Castro-Campos Ana , Cid-Rodríguez María José 
Published: August 2023

Se realizó un estudio con un niño de 6 años diagnosticado con Trastorno del Espectro Autista grado 2, epilepsia y Tourette, para valorar los efectos de la aplicación de la Terapia Snoezelen en relación con los niveles de estrés e hipersensibilidad sensorial medidos en cantidad de crisis convulsivas, tics y medición de la presión arterial. En Costa Rica existen estudios relacionados con este tratamiento desde una perspectiva médica, farmacológica o de terapia ocupacional, pero no así desde Snoezelen. Los principales síntomas de acuerdo con la historia clínica eran parestesias en sus extremidades, convulsiones asociadas a la sobre estimulación sensorial y el estrés, crisis de Tourette, hipersensibilidad auditiva y táctil, tremor nocturno y regresiones del lenguaje. Los principales hallazgos encontrados en la valoración sensorial fueron que los ruidos, olores fuertes, texturas pegajosas, alimentos pastosos, oscuridad y el contacto con las personas son estímulos que le desagradan y, como hipótesis, podrían detonar crisis. Se elaboró un plan de intervención para dos sesiones en sala Snoezelen y en su entorno natural, dentro del cual se midieron la cantidad de convulsiones, tics y presión arterial, 5 días antes y después de la primera sesión, y un día previo y posterior la segunda. Se detectó que las crisis convulsivas y tics disminuyeron, su presión arterial también, así mismo el paciente presentó comportamientos más sociables. Las principales lecciones aprendidas fueron que el trabajo multidisciplinario involucrado en la aplicación de tratamientos Snoezelen en sala y 24/7 son de beneficio como terapia alternativa para este caso y puede serlo para casos similares.
Міграційні процеси в країнах ЄС та Україні в умовах глобалізації та війни
Authors: Еvtushenko Alexander 
Published: August 2023

У статті здійснено теоретико-методологічний аналіз міграційних процесів в країнах ЄС та Україні в умовах глобалізації та війни. Охарактеризовано роль глобалізації на процеси трудової міграції активного населення у країни ЄС.
Розкрито, що в епоху глобалізації зростає взаємозалежність між суспільствами та державами. Поширюються міждержавні міграційні переміщення людей, що зумовлені багатьма причинами (попитом на світовому ринку праці, нерівномірністю розвитку країн) і чинниками, створеними глобалізацією (розвитком транспортної та інформаційної інфраструктури).
Визначено міграцію як складний суспільний процес, що зачіпає політичну, соціально-економічну та культурну сферу життя суспільства. ЄС велику увагу приділяє зовнішньополітичним інструментам ефективного управління міграцією, прагнучі створити систему, що забезпечує передбачувану та контрольовану міграцію до країн Європи.
Зазначено, що мотивацією міграційних процесів в Україні виступають: «пошук кращих умов праці за кордоном; бажання покра­щити своє матеріальне становище за рахунок підвищення заробітної плати; страх залишитися на батьківщині без роботи; висока вартість навчання і відсутність надії на знаходження роботи за спеціальністю тощо
Обґрунтовано, що Російське військове вторгнення в Україну погіршило ситуацію з міграцією населення, спричинив масштабну гуманітарну надзвичайну ситуацію, яка змусила мільйони українців покинути країну.
Підкреслено, що міграційний фактор відіграє важливу роль для України, тому що, по-перше, українська міграція є частиною європейських економічних відносин; по-друге, напряму пов’язана з політичними й економічними процесами, що відбуваються в Україні та країнах ЄС; по-третє, має важливе значення, як для України в умовах її інтеграції в європейське співтовариство, так і для українських мігрантів, права яких за кордоном в умовах співпраці з європейським співтовариством істотно розширюються. В умовах євроінтеграції України її міграційна політика повинна корегуватися з міграційної політикою країн ЄС.