Tag: nevin manimala

J Vis. 2023 Jun 1;23(6):2. doi: 10.1167/jov.23.6.2.

ABSTRACT

Most studies on the perception of style have used whole scenes/entire paintings; in our study, we isolated a single motif (an apple) to reduce or even eliminate the influence of composition, iconography, and other contextual information. In this article, we empirically address two fundamental questions of the existence (Experiment 1) and description (Experiment 2) of style. We chose 48 cut-outs of mostly Western European paintings (15th to 21st century) that showed apples. In Experiment 1, 415 unique participants completed online triplet similarity tasks. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) reached a nonrandom three-dimensional (3D) embedding, showing that participants are able to judge stylistic differences in a systematic way. We also found a strong correlation between creation year and embedding, both a linear correlation with Dimension 2, and a rotational correlation in the first two dimensions. To interpret the embedding further, in Experiment 2, we fitted three color statistics and nine attribute ratings (glossiness, three-dimensionality, convincingness, brush coarseness, etc.) to the 3D perceptual style space. Results showed that Dimension 1 is associated with spatial attributes (Smoothness, Brushstroke coarseness) and Convincingness, Dimension 2 is related to Hue, and Dimension 3 is related to Chroma. The results suggest that texture and color are two important variables for style perception. By isolating the motifs, we could exclude higher levels of information such as composition and context. Interestingly, the results reinforce previous findings using whole scenes, suggesting that style can already be perceived in sometimes very small fragments of paintings.

PMID:37266933 | DOI:10.1167/jov.23.6.2

Drug Saf. 2023 Jun 2. doi: 10.1007/s40264-023-01321-4. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

INTRODUCTION: There have been substantial changes in the nature of reporting pathways and review of suspected adverse drug reactions (ADRs) in Australia since the establishment of the now defunct Advisory Committee on Safety of Medicines early in 2010.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to (1) examine the reporting in Australia of suspected ADRs from various sources, including general practitioners (GPs), since 1990; (2) compare the reporting of Australian GPs with that in two other countries (New Zealand and the United Kingdom [UK]) with comparable safety monitoring programmes for the period 2007-2019; and (3) explore the extent to which Australian reporting of suspected adverse reactions has motivated communication to healthcare professionals in the period 1995-2019.

METHODS: Annual reporting of sources of ADRs in Australia were obtained from Government reports, the Australian Statistics in Medicines and Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) websites. Details of the annual reporting by GPs in the UK were obtained from published sources and have been provided on request by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency. Details of the annual reporting by GPs in New Zealand were provided on request from the Centre for Adverse Reaction Monitoring. All issues of the Australian Adverse Drug Reactions Bulletin were accessed from the National Library of Australia, and issues of the Medicines Safety Update from February 1995 to December 2019 were accessed online from the TGA website. Each issue was searched to identify and score safety advisories.

RESULTS: From 1990 to 2002 in Australia, overall reporting gradually increased, and the three major groups of reporters (GPs, hospitals and sponsors) each contributed about 30%. The relative contributions to reporting changed in the period 2002 to 2009. There was then a steep fall in reporting from GPs and the start of a very marked increase in reporting from product sponsors. GP reporting in Australia was lower than the two other comparable countries (New Zealand and the UK), and continues to fall, while in the UK at least, GP reporting is rising. The analysis of safety advisories shows a relatively stable Australian content from 1995 to 2008, followed by a sharp decline, so that by 2019 and 2020 there was barely any Australian reporting-driven content. In 1995 and 1996, Australian reports of suspected adverse reactions were the sole apparent reason for the publication of safety advisories. From 1997 to about 2008, Australian reports of suspected adverse reactions were the major reason for publication, but after this time, Australian reports became less important. During this later period, the apparent motive for publication of the safety advisory shifted to being based primarily on a publication in the medical literature, or publicity, but was sometimes based on an overseas regulator’s advice or action, or action by a product sponsor.

CONCLUSION: It is our contention that the decline in GP reporting in Australia and the current paucity in details of Australian reports in safety advisories are closely linked.

PMID:37266905 | DOI:10.1007/s40264-023-01321-4

Ther Innov Regul Sci. 2023 Jun 2. doi: 10.1007/s43441-023-00538-w. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Binary-valued outcome is often seen in many clinical trials across therapeutic areas. It is not uncommon that such binary endpoints are derived from a continuous variable. For example, in diabetes clinical trials, the proportion of patients with HbA1c< 7% is often investigated as one of the key objectives, where HbA1c is a continuous-valued variable reflecting the averaged blood glucose value from the previous three months. Most of the time, if not all, the mean of those binary endpoints were estimated directly through the binary variable defined by the corresponding cutoff. Alternatively, by the nature of the derivation, that quantity could also be estimated by leveraging the density of the underlying continuous variable and computing the area under the density curve up to a threshold. This paper provides a few methods in relation to density estimation. Extensive simulation studies were conducted based on real clinical trial data to compare these estimation approaches against the direct estimation of the proportions. Simulation results showed that the density estimation approaches in general benefited from a smaller mean squared error in early phase studies where the sample size is limited. The density estimation approach is certainly expected to introduce bias, however, a favorable bias-variance trade-off may make these approaches attractive in early phase studies.

PMID:37266869 | DOI:10.1007/s43441-023-00538-w

Matern Child Health J. 2023 Jun 2. doi: 10.1007/s10995-023-03721-5. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

Unacceptable advertisements and deceptive promotion of formula feeding undermine breastfeeding and threaten infant and maternal health worldwide. The purpose of this study was to estimate the role of healthcare providers and other sources in promoting the use of formula feeding among attendants at healthcare facilities in Mosul, Iraq. This one-year cross-sectional study was conducted at three healthcare facilities in Mosul, Iraq. Mothers of formula-fed infants under the age of one year were surveyed with a prepared questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using descriptive and inferential statistics. Of the 400 women who participated, 73% stated that healthcare professionals encouraged the use of formula feeding without a convenient reason, of which more than 80% were pediatricians and nursery nurses. Only 27% percent of the women chose to formula-feed their infants based on other factors. An extensive analysis of this attitude is warranted.

PMID:37266856 | DOI:10.1007/s10995-023-03721-5

Int J Mol Med. 2023 Jul;52(1):58. doi: 10.3892/ijmm.2023.5261. Epub 2023 Jun 2.

ABSTRACT

Fetal bovine serum (FBS) or human serum is widely used in the production of chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T‑cells. In order to overcome a lot‑to‑lot inconsistency, the use of chemically defined medium that is free of animal-components would be highly desirable. The present study compared three serum‑free media [Prime‑XV™ T Cell CDM, Fujifilm™ (FF), LymphoONE™ T‑Cell Expansion Xeno‑Free Medium, Takara Bio™ (TB) and TCM GMP‑Prototype, CellGenix™ (CG)] to the standard CAR T‑cell medium containing FBS (RCF). After 12 days of CD19.CAR T‑cell culture, the expansion, viability, transduction efficiency and phenotype were assessed using flow cytometry. The functionality of CAR T‑cells was evaluated using intracellular staining, a chromium release assay and a long‑term co‑culture assay. Expansion and viability did not differ between the CAR T‑cells generated in serum‑free media compared to the standard FBS‑containing medium. The CG CAR T‑cells had a statistically significant higher frequency of IFNγ⁺ and IFNγ⁺TNF‑α⁺ CAR T‑cells than the CAR T‑cells cultured with FBS (22.5 vs. 7.6%, P=0.0194; 15.3 vs. 6.2%, P=0.0399, respectively) as detected by intracellular cytokine staining. The CAR T‑cells generated with serum‑free media exhibited a higher cytotoxicity than the CAR T‑cells cultured with FBS in the evaluation by chromium release assay [CG vs. RCF (P=0.0182), FF vs. RCF (P=0.0482) and TB vs. RCF (P=0.0482)]. Phenotyping on day 12 of CAR T‑cell production did not reveal a significant difference in the expression of the exhaustion markers, programmed cell death protein 1, lymphocyte‑activation gene 3 and T‑cell immunoglobulin and mucin‑domain containing‑3. The CAR T‑cells cultured in FF had a higher percentage of central memory CAR T‑cells (40.0 vs. 14.3%, P=0.0470) than the CAR T‑cells cultured with FBS, whereas the CAR T‑cells in FF (6.2 vs. 24.2%, P=0.0029) and CG (11.0% vs. 24.2%, P=0.0468) had a lower frequency of naïve CAR T‑cells. On the whole, the present study demonstrates that in general, the functionality and expansion of CAR T cells are maintained in serum‑free media. Given the advantages of freedom from bovine material and consistent quality, serum‑free media hold promise for the future development of the field of GMP manufacturing of CAR T‑cells.

PMID:37264971 | DOI:10.3892/ijmm.2023.5261

Int Health. 2023 Jun 2:ihad038. doi: 10.1093/inthealth/ihad038. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Vitamin A deficiency (VAD) during pregnancy is a public health challenge in low-income countries. There are inconsistent findings that can affect policy in planning appropriate intervention. This systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to summarize the evidence in order to identify existing gaps and propose strategies to reduce VAD during pregnancy in Ethiopia.

METHODS: This study included published and unpublished observational studies searched from different databases (PubMed, CINHAL [EBSCO], Embase, Google Scholar, Directory of Open Access Journals, Web of Sciences, MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, Scopus, Google Search and MedNar). Statistical analysis was conducted using Stata version 14 software. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed. Forest plots were used to present the pooled prevalence using the random effects model.

RESULTS: A total of 37 618 pregnant women from 15 studies were included. The overall pooled prevalence of VAD was 29% (95% confidence interval 21 to 36) with I2=99.67% and p<0.001. Socio-economic and sociodemographic factors were identified as affecting vitamin A deficiencies among pregnant women.

CONCLUSIONS: Nearly one-third of pregnant women in Ethiopia had VAD. Strengthening intervention modalities that aimed to increase the uptake of vitamin A-rich foods can avert VAD among pregnant women in Ethiopia.

PMID:37264928 | DOI:10.1093/inthealth/ihad038

Scand J Public Health. 2023 Jun 2:14034948231176708. doi: 10.1177/14034948231176708. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

AIMS: Detrimental effects on health and well-being were reported during the COVID-19-induced lockdown periods in several countries, but these associations have not been studied in small-scale island societies. This study aimed to examine the lockdown period’s impact on general well-being, perceived stress and activity levels in the Faroe Islands.

METHODS: We used cross-sectional data from two extensive population-based surveys of the general health conducted in November 2019 (the pre-COVID survey; n=2906), and four to six weeks into the first national lockdown (the lockdown survey; n=1204).

RESULTS: A larger proportion of participants in the lockdown survey versus pre-COVID survey displayed excellent/very good self-rated health (68.1% vs. 62.0%; p<0.001), and the same pattern was observed for reporting good quality of life (85.7% vs. 82.7%; p<0.05). These associations remained statistically significant in a logistic regression model after adjusting for characteristics for which varying impact of the pandemic has been shown. Indicators of health behaviour showed that larger proportions of participants kept active during the lockdown survey versus pre-COVID survey, and these differences were statistically significant for physical, mental and spiritual activities (p<0.001). On the other hand, similar stress levels in the pre-COVID/lockdown periods were observed, but stratified analysis showed that participants with a high-stress level displayed better self-rated health in the lockdown period compared to the pre-COVID period (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS: Findings indicate that self-reported health and quality of life improved during the early phase of the COVID lockdown, and individuals reported higher activity levels associated with good mental health during the COVID-19-induced lockdown period.

PMID:37264919 | DOI:10.1177/14034948231176708

Stroke. 2023 Jun 2. doi: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.041260. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Several methods for conducting power analysis of studies with outcomes across the full ordinal modified Rankin Scale are proposed in the literature. No systematic comparison of accuracy, agreement, and sensitivity to small changes in hypothesized effect sizes for these methods is available. Our aim is to conduct such a systematic comparative analysis and to introduce a comprehensive freely available online tool to facilitate appropriate power analyses for ordinal outcomes.

METHODS: We performed simulation studies utilizing the control arm modified Rankin Scale distributions from the AVERT (A Very Early Rehabilitation Trial), EXTEND (Extending the Time for Thrombolysis in Emergency Neurological Deficits), and HERMES (Highly Effective Reperfusion Evaluated in Multiple Endovascular Stroke Trials) studies, as well as a uniform distribution, in combination with hypothetical treatment effects. We systematically evaluated published power formulas for Ordinal Logistic Regression and Tournament Methods (generalized odds ratio; Win Probability; Win Ratio; and Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test). We also developed an online and downloadable Shiny R app facilitating sample size calculation for, and ordinal analysis of, modified Rankin Scale data.

RESULTS: Power formulas for Tournament Methods performed well, while the formula for ordinal logistic regression was inaccurate. Tang’s Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney U test sample size formula exhibited the highest accuracy. All methods, including ordinal logistic regression, had almost identical empirical power for a given sample size. All power methods exhibited sensitivity to small changes in hypothesized effect size. The developed freely available online app supports analytical and visualization requirements for all investigated methods for power and statistical analyses of ordinal modified Rankin Scale outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: As Tournament Method sample size formulas are assumption-free and accurately calculate power, stroke researchers should use these methods when designing studies with outcomes measured on the full or partially collapsed modified Rankin Scale as well as other ordinal scales, even if they intend to use ordinal logistic regression for analysis. Conducting sensitivity analyses of the effect size assumptions are essential for appropriate sample size estimation. Our developed tool supports both of these recommendations (https://www.thembc.com.au/tournamentmethods).

PMID:37264911 | DOI:10.1161/STROKEAHA.122.041260

Int J Artif Organs. 2023 Jun 2:3913988231178041. doi: 10.1177/03913988231178041. Online ahead of print.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: The purpose of this study was to analyze the anti-adherent activity of nano-coatings deposited by Thermionic Vacuum Arc plasma on C. albicans ATCC 10231 biofilm.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 80 disc-shaped (2 × 10 mm) polymethymethacrylate samples were prepared and divided into four groups with 10 samples in each group (Control, ZnO, SnO₂, Ag) (n = 10). Using thermionic vacuum arc plasma, they were coated with ZnO, SnO₂, and Ag. 3-(4,5-dimethyl-thiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Crystal Viole (CV) assays were conducted for biofilm quantification. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe biofilm images of C. albicans biofilm.

RESULTS: MTT and CV mean values differ statistically significantly between all groups (p ⩽ 0.05). The SnO₂ group had the lowest mean value, whereas the control group received the highest value.

CONCLUSION: SnO₂ coating shown greater anti-adherent activity than either metal oxides. C. albicans biofilm formation on denture base surfaces is reduced following Thermionic Vacuum Arc plasma coating with SnO₂.

PMID:37264904 | DOI:10.1177/03913988231178041

Cephalalgia. 2023 Jun;43(6):3331024231180562. doi: 10.1177/03331024231180562.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Calcitonin gene-related peptide monoclonal antibodies (CGRP mAb) are an effective treatment of migraine however may have possible off-target effects. Pre-clinical studies implicate CGRP in several aspects of bone turnover and homeostasis. The clinical effect of CGRP mAb on bone turnover is not known, however.

METHODS: Between June 2021 and July 2022, a multi-centre prospective cohort study was undertaken with eligible patients undergoing paired testing of the validated bone turnover markers procollagen type I N-terminal propeptide (P1NP) and serum C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen (CTX) prior to and at least three months following administration of a CGRP mAb.

RESULTS: A total of 45 patients with a mean age of 41.8 (SD 11.9) were included in the final analysis, all of whom received a ligand-targeting CGRP mAb. Administration of a CGRP mAb was associated with a statistically significant increase in P1NP from 44.5 microg/L to 51.5 microg/L (p = 0.004), but no significant change in CTX.

CONCLUSION: In otherwise homeostatic conditions, short-term administration of a CGRP mAb is associated with increased P1NP, a bone formation marker but not with increased CTX, a bone resorption marker. Further study is required to validate these findings over longer time periods, in a larger cohort, and in pre-existing states of increased calcium stress and bone-turnover.

PMID:37264889 | DOI:10.1177/03331024231180562