bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Two-step nationwide epidemiological survey of myasthenia gravis in Japan 2018
Authors: Yoshikawa Hiroaki , Adachi Yumi , Nakamura Yosikazu , Kuriyama Nagato , Murai Hiroyuki , Nomura Yoshiko , Sakai Yasunari , Iwasa Kazuo , Furukawa Yutaka , Kuwabara Satoshi , Matsui Makoto ,   Taskforce of Validation of Evidence-based Diagnosis and Guidelines, and Impact on Quality of Life (QOL) in Patients with Neuroimmunological Diseases
Published: September 2022

Objective
To study the updated prevalence and clinical features of myasthenia gravis (MG) in Japan during 2017.

Methods
We sent survey sheets to the randomly selected medical departments (number = 7,545). First, we asked the number of MG patients who visited medical departments from January 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017. Then, we sent the second survey sheet to the medical departments that answered the first survey to obtain the clinical information of patients who received MG diagnosis between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017.

Results
The received answer to the first survey were 2,708 (recovery rate: 35.9%). After all, the prevalence of the 100,000 population was estimated as 23.1 (95%CI: 20.5–25.6). As a result of the second survey, we obtained 1,464 case records. After checking the duplications and lacking data, we utilized 1,195 data for further analysis. The median [interquartile range (IQR)] from the onset age of total patients was 59 (43–70) years old. The male-female ratio was 1: 1.15. The onset age [median (IQR)] for female patients was 58 (40–72) years old, and that for male patients was 60 (49–69) years old (Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test, p = 0.0299). We divided patients into four categories: 1) anti-acetylcholine receptor antibody (AChRAb) (+) thymoma (Tm) (-), 2) AChRAb(+)Tm(+), 3) anti-muscle-specific kinase antibody (MuSKAb) (+), and AChRAb(-)MuSKAb(-) (double negative; DN). The onset age [median (IQR)] of AChRAb(+)Tm(-) was 64 (48–73) years old, and AChRb(+)Tm(+) was 55 (45–66), MuSKAb(+) was 49 (36–64), DN was 47 (35–60) year old. The multivariate logistic regression analysis using sex, initial symptoms, repetitive nerve stimulation test (RNST), and edrophonium test revealed that sex, ocular symptoms, bulbar symptoms, and RNST were factors to distinguish each category. The myasthenia gravis activities of daily living profile at the severest state were significantly higher in MuSKAb(+). MuSKAb(+) frequently received prednisolone, tacrolimus plasmapheresis, and intravenous immunoglobulin; however, they received less acetylcholine esterase inhibitor. 99.2% of AChRAb(+)Tm(+) and 15.4% of AChRAb(+)Tm(-) received thymectomy. MuSKAb(+) did not receive thymectomy, and only 5.7% of DN received thymectomy. The prognosis was favorable in all categories.

Conclusion
Our result revealed that the prevalence of Japanese MG doubled from the previous study using the same survey method in 2006. We also found that the onset age shifted to the elderly, and the male-female ratio reached almost even. Classification in four categories; AChRAb(+)Tm(-), AChRAb(+)Tm(+), MuSKAb(+), and DN, well describe the specific clinical features of each category and differences in therapeutic approaches.
Pyrazinamide resistance in rifampicin discordant tuberculosis
Authors: Mvelase Nomonde Ritta , Singh Ravesh , Swe Swe-Han Khine , Mlisana Koleka Patience 
Published: September 2022

Introduction
Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains with phenotypically susceptible rpoB mutations (rifampicin discordant) have emerged following implementation of rapid molecular drug resistance testing for tuberculosis. Whilst rifampicin resistance is known to be associated with resistance to other rifamycins (rifapentine and rifabutin) as well as isoniazid and pyrazinamide, rifampicin discordant strains have shown high rates of susceptibility to isoniazid and rifabutin. However, pyrazinamide susceptibly testing results have not been reported.

Materials and methods
We evaluated pyrazinamide resistance in 80 rifampicin discordant and 25 rifampicin and isoniazid susceptible isolates from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa using Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube method and sequencing of the pncA. We also compared susceptibility of pyrazinamide with that of isoniazid.

Results
Pyrazinamide resistance was found in 6/80 (7.5%) rifampicin discordant isolates. All pyrazinamide resistant isolates were also resistant to isoniazid and pyrazinamide resistance was found to be associated with isoniazid resistance. No pyrazinamide resistance was found among the isoniazid susceptible isolates.

Conclusion
Given the low prevalence of pyrazinamide resistance in rifampicin discordant TB, this anti-TB drug still has a significant role in the treatment of these patients. Performing pyrazinamide susceptibility testing remains a challenge, our findings show that isoniazid susceptible isolates are unlikely to be resistant to pyrazinamide among the discordant TB isolates.
Pregestational neurological disorders among women of childbearing age—Nationwide data from a 13-year period in Hungary
Authors: Bereczki Dániel , Bálint Mónika , Ajtay András , Oberfrank Ferenc , Vastagh Ildikó 
Published: September 2022

Objectives
Comprehensive statistics evaluating pregnancies complicated by various medical conditions are desirable for the optimization of prenatal care and for improving maternal and fetal outcomes. The main objective of our study was to assess pregnancies during a 13-year study period with accompanying pregestational neurological disorders in medical history on a nationwide level.

Methods
In the framework of the NEUROHUN 2004–2017 project utilizing medical reports submitted for reimbursement purposes to the National Health Insurance Fund, we included women with at least one labor during 2004–2016 who had at least one pregestational diagnosis of a neurological disorder received within this time frame prior to their first pregnancy during the studied period. Three-digit codes from the 10th International Classification of Diseases (ICD) were used for the identification and classification of neurological and obstetrical conditions.

Results
Specific inclusion and exclusion criteria were employed during the study process. A total of 744 226 women have been identified with at least one delivery during the study period with 98 792 of them (13.3%) having at least one neurological diagnosis received during 2004–2016 before their first gestation in the time frame of the study. The vast majority of diagnosis codes were related to different types of headaches affecting 69 149 (9.3%) individuals. The most prevalent diagnoses following headaches were dizziness and giddiness (15 589 patients [2.1%]; nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders (10 375 patients [1.4%]); epileptic disorders (7028 patients [0.9%]); neurological diseases of vascular origin (6091 patients [0.8%]); other disorders of the nervous system (5358 patients [0.7%]); and demyelinating diseases of the central nervous system (2129 patients [0.3%]). The present findings of our study show high prevalence of pregestational neurological disorders, the dominance of headaches followed by the rather nonspecific diagnosis of dizziness and giddiness, the relevance of nerve, nerve root and plexus disorders and epilepsy, and the importance of cerebrovascular disorders among women of childbearing age.

Conclusion
The present research findings can help healthcare professionals, researchers and decision makers in adopting specific health policy measures based on nationwide data and further aid the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic algorithms of various neurological manifestations concerning women of childbearing age.
Cost-effectiveness of LiveLighter® - a mass media public education campaign for obesity prevention
Authors: Ananthapavan Jaithri , Tran Huong Ngoc Quynh , Morley Belinda , Hart Ellen , Kennington Kelly , Stevens-Cutler James , Bowe Steven J. , Crosland Paul , Moodie Marj 
Published: September 2022

Background
The Western Australian LiveLighter® program has implemented a series of mass media advertising campaigns that aim to encourage adults to achieve and maintain a healthy weight through healthy behaviours. This study aimed to assess the cost-effectiveness of the LiveLighter® campaign in preventing obesity-related ill health in the Western Australian population from the health sector perspective.

Methods
Campaign effectiveness (delivered over 12 months) was estimated from a meta-analysis of two cohort studies that surveyed a representative sample of the Western Australian population aged 25–49 years on discretionary food consumption one month pre- and one month post-campaign. Campaign costs were derived from campaign invoices and interviews with campaign staff. Long-term health (measured in health-adjusted life years (HALYs)) and healthcare cost-savings resulting from reduced obesity-related diseases were modelled over the lifetime of the population using a validated multi-state lifetable Markov model (ACE-Obesity Policy model). All cost and health outcomes were discounted at 7% and presented in 2017 values. Uncertainty analyses were undertaken using Monte-Carlo simulations.

Results
The 12-month intervention was estimated to cost approximately A$2.46 million (M) (95% uncertainty interval (UI): 2.26M; 2.67M). The meta-analysis indicated post-campaign weekly reduction in sugary drinks consumption of 0.78 serves (95% UI: 0.57; 1.0) and sweet food of 0.28 serves (95% UI: 0.07; 0.48), which was modelled to result in average weight reduction of 0.58 kilograms (95%UI: 0.31; 0.92), 204 HALYs gained (95%UI: 103; 334), and healthcare cost-savings of A$3.17M (95%UI: A$1.66M; A$5.03M). The mean incremental cost-effectiveness ratio showed that LiveLighter® was dominant (cost-saving and health promoting; 95%UI: dominant; A$7 703 per HALY gained). The intervention remained cost-effective in all sensitivity analyses conducted.

Conclusion
The LiveLighter® campaign is likely to represent very good value-for-money as an obesity prevention intervention in Western Australia and should be included as part of an evidence-based obesity prevention strategy.
Perceptions and knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination among young adult women in southwest Ethiopia: Application of the health belief model
Authors: Assfa Mossa Kenzudin 
Published: September 2022

Background
Breast cancer is still a recognized public health issue in Ethiopia. Despite this, the viewpoints and comprehensions of young women about the situation are unknown. Therefore, this study was carried out to assess the knowledge and perceptions of young adult women in Southwest Ethiopia about breast cancer and breast self-examination (BSE).

Methods
A community-based cross-sectional study was carried out in the Gurage zone, southwest Ethiopia, in 2021. A total of 392 young adult women were randomly selected from both urban and rural strata using a three-stage stratified sampling process. A pretested questionnaire was used to collect the data. For data entry, Epi-data 4.6 with a double-entry approach was used, and for analysis, SPSS 26 was used. Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to identify variables associated with BSE behavior. A p-value of 0.05 or below was considered statistically significant with a 95% CI.

Results
The respondents’ ages ranged from 20 to 24, with a mean of 21.25 (±1.32) years. Breast cancer and BSE were unknown to more than 80% of the study participants. A large proportion of young adult women had low perceived susceptibility (97.6%), low threat of breast cancer (96%), and low self-efficacy to perform BSE (91.4%). BSE was conducted by 23.1% of the participants occasionally. Being married (AOR = 5.31, 95% CI = 2.19–12.90), having good outcome expectations of BSE (AOR = 2.05, 95% CI = 1.16–3.61), having good BSE knowledge (AOR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.04–1.45), having high perceived susceptibility (AOR = 1.12, 95% CI = 1.05–1.20), high perceived severity (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.02–3.09), and having high self-efficacy to do BSE (AOR = 1.05, 95% CI = 1.01–1.09) were all significant predictors of BSE practice.

Conclusions
Young adult women were less concerned about breast cancer and had insufficient knowledge of breast cancer and breast self-examination. They have little knowledge of, confidence in, or experience with BSE. The practice of BSE was associated with increased perceived susceptibility, self-efficacy, severity, outcome expectations, and BSE knowledge. Therefore, these variables should be considered when developing educational interventions for young women.
Patterns of metastases progression- The linear parallel ratio
Authors: Gofrit Ofer N. , Gofrit Ben , Roditi Yuval , Popovtzer Aron , Frank Steve , Sosna Jacob , Goldberg S. Nahum 
Published: September 2022

Background
Linear and parallel are the two leading models of metastatic progression. In this study we propose a simple way to differentiate between them. While the linear model predicts accumulation of genetic and epigenetic alterations within the primary tumor by founder cells before spreading as waves of metastases, the parallel model suggests preclinical distribution of less advanced disseminated tumor cells with independent selection and expansion at the ectopic sites. Due to identical clonal origin and time of dispatching, linear metastases are expected to have comparable diameters in any specific organ while parallel metastases are expected to appear in variable sizes.

Methods and findings
Retrospective revision of chest CT of oncological patients with lung metastases was performed. Metastasis number and largest diameters were recorded. The sum number of metastases with a similar diameter (c) and those without (i) was counted and the linear/parallel ratio (LPR) was calculated for each patient using the formula (∑c-∑i)/(∑c+∑i). A LPR ratio of 1 implies pure linear progression pattern and -1 pure parallel. 12,887 metastases were measured in 503 patients with nine malignancy types. The median LPR of the entire group was 0.71 (IQR 0.14–0.93). In carcinomas of the pancreas, prostate, and thyroid the median LPR was 1. Median LPRs were 0.91, 0.65, 0.60, 0.58, 0.50 and 0.43 in renal cell carcinomas, melanomas, colorectal, breast, bladder, and sarcomas, respectively.

Conclusions
Metastatic spread of thyroid, pancreas, and prostate tumors is almost exclusively by a linear route. The spread of kidney, melanoma, colorectal, breast, bladder and sarcoma is both linear and parallel with increasing dominance of the parallel route in this order. These findings can explain and predict the clinical and genomic features of these tumors and can potentially be used for evaluation of metastatic origin in the individual patient.
Using machine learning to determine the shared and unique risk factors for marijuana use among child-welfare versus community adolescents
Authors: Negriff Sonya , Dilkina Bistra , Matai Laksh , Rice Eric 
Published: September 2022

ObjectiveThis study used machine learning (ML) to test an empirically derived set of risk factors for marijuana use. Models were built separately for child welfare (CW) and non-CW adolescents in order to compare the variables selected as important features/risk factors.MethodData were from a Time 4 (Mage= 18.22) of longitudinal study of the effects of maltreatment on adolescent development (n = 350; CW = 222; non-CW = 128; 56%male). Marijuana use in the past 12 months (none versus any) was obtained from a single item self-report. Risk factors entered into the model included mental health, parent/family social support, peer risk behavior, self-reported risk behavior, self-esteem, and self-reported adversities (e.g., abuse, neglect, witnessing family violence or community violence).ResultsThe ML approaches indicated 80% accuracy in predicting marijuana use in the CW group and 85% accuracy in the non-CW group. In addition, the top features differed for the CW and non-CW groups with peer marijuana use emerging as the most important risk factor for CW youth, whereas externalizing behavior was the most important for the non-CW group. The most important common risk factor between group was gender, with males having higher risk.ConclusionsThis is the first study to examine the shared and unique risk factors for marijuana use for CW and non-CW youth using a machine learning approach. The results support our assertion that there may be similar risk factors for both groups, but there are also risks unique to each population. Therefore, risk factors derived from normative populations may not have the same importance when used for CW youth. These differences should be considered in clinical practice when assessing risk for substance use among adolescents.
Global well-posedness analysis for the nonlinear extensible beam equations in a class of modified Woinowsky-Krieger models
Authors: Yang Chao , Rădulescu Vicenţiu D. , Xu Runzhang , Zhang Mingyou 
Published: September 2022

Abstract
For studying the evolution of the transverse deflection of an extensible beam derived from the connection mechanics, we investigate the initial boundary value problem of nonlinear extensible beam equation with linear strong damping term, nonlinear weak damping term, and nonlinear source term. The key idea of our analysis is to describe the invariant manifold via Nehari manifold. To establish the results of global well-posedness of solution, we consider the problem at three different initial energy levels, i.e., subcritical initial energy level, critical initial energy level, and arbitrarily high initial energy level. We first obtain the local existence of the solution by using the contraction mapping principle. Then, in the framework of potential well, we obtain global existence, nonexistence, and asymptotic behavior of solution for both subcritical initial energy level and critical initial energy level. In the end, we establish the global nonexistence of solution for the problem with linear weak damping and strong damping at the arbitrarily high initial energy level.
Translation for language revitalisation: efforts and challenges in documenting botanical knowledge of Thailand’s Northern Khmer speakers
Authors: Phanthaphoommee Narongdej , Ungsitipoonporn Siripen 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis research examines the Thai and English translation equivalents of Northern Khmer ethnobotanical terms and the corresponding translation strategies, along with the translators’ reflections on their role as language revitalisation agents. The ultimate purpose of this translation effort is to provide a knowledge base for Northern Khmer learners and an English conversation textbook for local Thai and Northern Khmer students, as well as preserve traditional botanical information. The cultural-specific items that pose translation problems are traditional medicine-related terms, tastes, and parts of the plant. For Northern Khmer to Thai, the most frequently employed translation strategies are literal translation and cultural substitution, and for Thai to English, a combination of literal translation and paraphrasing. Besides the geographical, linguistic and cultural distance between the three languages, translators as agents with their language ability and willingness are crucial elements for Northern Khmer revitalisation. At the same time, the effort to undertake the process tends to be fully realised at the community level. Volunteer translators’ intention to devote their translations to educational resources for local students has a substantial impact on translation strategies. The translators’ self-concept is also enhanced by their prior involvement in the preserving botanical wisdom project and subsequent translation process, during which they reflect on language pairs and strengthen their knowledge of dialect as a by-product.
Temperature Variability and Trust in Vietnamese Rural Households
Authors: Baronchelli Adelaide 
Published: September 2022

AbstractThis paper investigates the impact of climate variability on trust in Vietnamese rural households. I contribute to the existing literature, mainly focused on natural disasters, by studying the impact on trust of smooth climate changes. Climate variations are measured using deviations of the minimum temperature in June from the average. I argue that increases in this variable are relevant for the rice, which is the staple food in Viet Nam. Increases in minimum temperatures may reduce rice yields and this, in turn, may affect individuals’ propensity to cooperate. Trust is measured using VARHS survey conducted from 2008 to 2014. Estimation of a linear probability model reveals a significantly positive association between the two variables of interest, which is robust after controlling for several checks.
Propiedades mecánicas y térmicas de hormigones modificados con residuos plásticos triturados y pelletizados
Authors: Blanchar-Amaya Víctor Manuel , Villalba-Manjarres Everyn Marcela , Monsalve-Romero Sergio Andrés , Arbelaez-Perez Oscar Felipe 
Published: September 2022

El carácter no biodegradable de los residuos plásticos tiene un efecto negativo sobre el medio ambiente. La valorización del plástico en la producción de hormigón con menor conductividad térmica puede contribuir a la disminución de la energía consumida para mantener el confort térmico al interior de los edificios. El presente estudio reporta la preparación de mezclas y cilindros de hormigón con residuos plásticos triturados y pelletizados como reemplazo (1.7%, 3.4% y 5%) de los agregados finos. Se evaluó la densidad, la resistencia a compresión y la conductividad térmica. Los resultados evidenciaron una disminución en la densidad y la conductividad térmica con el aumento del contenido de desechos plásticos triturados y pelletizados. Asimismo, los residuos plásticos triturados tienen un efecto negativo al disminuir la resistencia. El hormigón con 3,4% de residuos plásticos pelletizados presenta la mayor resistencia. La adición de plásticos pelletizados mejora las propiedades mecánicas y térmicas del hormigón modificado.
Evaluación de cuatro anestésicos en peces cebo de agua dulce (Cheirodon interruptus) (Ostariophysi: Characidae)
Authors: Urzúa Pizarro Natalia , Mancini Miguel , Messina María Jimena , Errecalde Carlos , Salinas Victor , Lüders Carlos , Prieto Guillermo 
Published: September 2022

El estudio tuvo como objetivo evaluar la respuesta del eugenol, propofol, isofluorano y lidocaína sobre variables fisiológicas y anestesiológicas de Cheirodon interruptus, el pez cebo de mayor utilización en Argentina. Se conformaron seis grupos: eugenol 25 mg/l, eugenol 50 mg/l, lidocaína 300 mg/l, isofluorano 0.2 mg/l, isofluorano 0.4 mg/l y propofol 5 mg/l. Los ensayos se realizaron con agua a temperatura de 18.03±2.1 °C, pH 6.87±0.18, oxígeno disuelto 6.73±0.05 mg l-1 y conductividad 3.74±0.04 μS cm-. El peso (1.6±0.4 g) y longitud total (5.1±0.4 cm) inicial fueron estadísticamente similares entre grupos. Los resultados indican que eugenol e isofluorano se ajustan a los requerimientos que debe reunir un buen anestésico para uso en peces. Para propofol y lidocaína se considera necesario revisar la dosificación para adecuar su uso en C. interruptus debido al elevado tiempo de recuperación. Los peces tratados con isoflurano (0.4 mg/l) y propofol tuvieron una disminución significativa (p<0.001 y p<0.05, respectivamente) entre la frecuencia respiratoria basal y durante la anestesia. Ninguno de los fármacos utilizados provocó muertes de peces.