bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patient’s assessment and prediction of recovery after stroke: a roadmap for clinicians
Authors: Salvalaggio Silvia , Boccuni Leonardo , Turolla Andrea
Published: June 2023

Background and purpose

In neurorehabilitation clinical practice, assessment is usually more oriented to evaluate patient’s present status, than to plan interventions according to predicted outcomes. Therefore, we conducted an extensive review of current prognostic models available in the literature for recovery prediction of many functions and constructs, after stroke. We reported results in the form of a practical guide for clinicians, with the aim of promoting the culture of early clinical assessment for patient stratification, according to expected outcome.

Summary of key points

To define a roadmap for clinicians, a stepwise sequence of five actions has been developed, from collecting information of past medical history to the adoption of validated prediction tools. Furthermore, a clinically-oriented organization of available prediction tools for recovery after stroke have been proposed for motor, language, physiological and independency functions. Finally, biomarkers and online resources with prognostic value have been reviewed, to give the most updated state of the art on prediction tools after stroke.

Recommendations for clinical practice

Clinical assessment should be directed both towards the objective evaluation of the present health status, and to the prediction of expected recovery. The use of specific outcome measures with predictive value is recommended to help clinicians with the definition of sound therapeutic goals.
Prevalence of psychological distress among the caregivers of an endosulfan disaster victims in India: a cross-sectional community-based study
Authors: Pillai Renjith R. , Kasi Sekar , Diwakar Dilip
Published: June 2023

Background

Physical health needs of disaster victims take priority over mental health needs in post-disaster scenario, assessments and interventions for latter needs are done only for a shorter duration. The caregivers of the victims also bore the brunt of the disaster and their mental health needs are seldom examined and addressed. Unable to find any literature examining the mental health needs of caregivers of the endosulfan disaster victims in India, the study was planned with the objectives of assessing the prevalence and predictors of psychological distress, its relation to the level of impact, disability as well as quality of life among the caregivers of the victims of endosulfan disaster in the State of Kerala, India after 20 years.

Method

It was a cross-sectional community-based study among 400 the caregivers of the victims of endosulfan disaster. Demographic details, distress, impact, disability and quality of life were measured using instruments such as Family Schedule, Self-Reporting Questionnaire, Impact of Events Scale, World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0 and World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale, respectively.

Results

The estimated psychological distress among the caregivers of the endosulfan disaster victims was 48.7%. Distressed caregivers were found to have significant higher impact (t = − 12.12, p < 0.001), higher disability (t = − 13.33, p < 0.001), and poorer quality of life (t = 11.64, p < 0.001) than non-distressed caregivers. On logistic regression analysis, the positive predictors of psychological distress among the caregivers of endosulfan victims were female sex, impact and psychological disability while quality of life was a negative predictor.

Conclusions

Almost half of the caregivers of the victims of endosulfan disaster victims reported psychological distress, high level of impact and disability and a poorer quality of life. It calls for periodical mental health needs assessment and a long-term sustainable community based psychosocial care and disaster mental health programme.
Sphenochoanal polyp in a child presented with recurrent middle ear effusion: a case report
Authors: Aljeraisi Talal
Published: June 2023

Background

Sphenochoanal is a rare benign sinu-nasal lesion. It arises from the sphenoid sinus and passes to the choana then to the nasopharynx. It usually presents with nasal obstruction, discharge, snoring, and headache. It has been reported—only once in the English literature—to cause Eustachian tube dysfunction and middle ear effusion (MEE) in an adult male. In this report, we described an 8-year-old child with a sphenochoanal polyp presented with MEE.

Case presentation

An 8-year-old boy was referred to us by his family physician with recurrent earache. Otoscopic examination showed MEE on the left side. Anterior rhinoscopy showed a thick grayish discharge in the left nasal cavity. Nasal endoscopic examination showed a polyp in the posterior part of the left nasal cavity obstructing the choana. Computed tomography revealed soft tissue density on the left sphenoid sinus extended to the choana and nasopharynx. Diagnosis of sphenochoanal polyp was established. Endoscopic sinus surgery with removal of the lesion and ventilation tube insertion in the left ear was performed. Histopathologic examination confirmed that the polyp was inflammatory. Follow-up for 1 year showed no recurrence.

Conclusions

Sphenochoanal which is a rare lesion in children could be a cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction and MEE. Nasal endoscopy and computed tomography are important for diagnosis. We recommend to list sphenochoanal polyp as a cause of Eustachian tube dysfunction and recurrent MEE in children.
Patient-centeredness and acceptability of remotely delivered physical therapy care for musculoskeletal disorders in four large hospitals within the Military Health System
Authors: Rhon Daniel I. , Anderson Danielle N. , Konitzer Lisa N. , Pickens Bryan B. , Szymanek Eliza B. , Mayhew Rachel J. , Laugesen Mary C. , Greenlee Tina A.
Published: June 2023

Background

Physical therapy services delivered remotely are becoming more common. The purpose was to summarize the acceptability and patient-centeredness of remotely delivered physical therapy.

Methods

This was a survey study. Patients and clinicians from physical therapy clinics in the US Military Health System were asked to provide feedback at the conclusion of each remote visit. Platform, reason for care, components of physical therapy delivered and received, satisfaction, and perception of patient-centeredness were collected. Results were summarized as proportions and frequencies.

Results

Feedback was provided by physical therapists for 250 visits and from patients for 61 visits. Most visits were completed using audio only (n = 172; 68.8%) while the rest integrated video capability (n = 78; 31.2%). Overall patients perceived their care was patient-centered either completely or very much. Over 90% of visits were perceived by physical therapists as being highly patient centered. For 53.2% of visits, patients thought that same visit would have been even more impactful in person and for 52.4% of visits, physical therapists thought the visit would have been more impactful in person.

Conclusion

Even though remotely provided physical therapy care was rated by patients to be patient-centered, approximately half of the patients responding felt the same physical therapy visit would have been more impactful in person. Similarly, physical therapists felt that their intervention would have been more impactful in person for approximately half of all visits. Physical therapy care delivered remotely was patient-centered and an acceptable alternative to in-person care for both patients and physical therapists.
Port Cities in the Persian Gulf: From Quiet Pearling Towns to Global Cities
Authors: Kamrava Mehran
Published: June 2023

Divergent historical paths and different levels of state attention have led to different developmental paths by the contemporary port cities of the Persian Gulf. Some port cities were established as company towns by Western oil enterprises, with Abadan and Dammam as primary examples, designed specifically for purposes of segregating Western employees from local ones and housing each according to hierarchy and rank. Dammam has received government attention and resources, but Abadan has mostly been left on its own, still bearing the scars of Iran's war with Iraq from 1980 to 1988. Also largely ignored are secondary port cities such as Basra, Bushehr, and Bandar Abbas, especially in comparison to the aspiring global cities of Kuwait, Manama, Doha, Abu Dhabi, and Dubai. Whether this latter group of port cities have reached the status of “global cities” is an open question, despite their expanding roles as nodes in global networks of transportation, logistics, and services. Impressive buildings and modern landmarks they have in abundance, but whether form can attract or foster substance is yet to be seen.
Near and Far SightSites Converge
Authors: Khan Naiza , Kabir Ananya Jahanara
Published: June 2023

This conversation between an academic (Ananya Jahanara Kabir, Kings College London) and a visual artist (Naiza Khan, London-Karachi) draws on an intellectual exchange of over a decade to dredge up submerged histories of the Indian Ocean that both share as part of their relationship to the port cities of Kolkata and Karachi respectively. Responding to key works by Khan that reference the monsoon as a sensory context for that history, the interlocutors mobilize a conjunction of near and far sites and sights. They thereby reveal the necessity of recognizing water in all its atmospheric states as a connector between African and Asian landmasses; as a releaser of creolized ways of life that are repressed by nationalist, nativist, and casteist narratives; and as a generator of alegropolitics, or the politics of embodied joy, through which to resist those convergent landcentric hegemonies.
On History, Cosmopolitanism, and Indian Ocean Studies: A Conversation with Abdul Sheriff
Authors: Prestholdt Jeremy
Published: June 2023

In January 2022, Jeremy Prestholdt spoke with Abdul Sheriff, author, editor, and coeditor of several books, former professor at the University of Dar es Salaam, principal curator of Zanzibar Museums, and executive director of the Zanzibar Indian Ocean Research Institute (ZIORI). Speaking via Zoom, in this interview Sheriff discussed his career trajectory, including his years at the University of Dar es Salaam, his books Slaves, Spices, and Ivory in Zanzibar and Dhow Cultures of the Indian Ocean, his curatorial work in Zanzibar, and the establishment of ZIORI as well as his current research.
Transcatheter embolisation in chronic musculoskeletal disorders
Authors: Braithwaite Simon , Qamhawi Zahi , Briggs James , Little Mark W
Published: June 2023

Chronic musculoskeletal conditions affect millions of patients worldwide resulting in disability, reduced quality of life, and have a profound economic impact on the individual and society. Current treatment strategies fail patients who have not responded to conservative management but are not surgical candidates. Over the last decade, transcatheter embolisation has emerged as a potential treatment for these difficult to treat patients. By exploiting pathological neovascularisation within conditions such as knee osteoarthritis, adhesive capsulitis, and tendinopathy, embolisation has been used to improve patients’ pain and function. This review explores the rationale for musculoskeletal transcatheter embolisation, illustrating the technique, and latest evidence for the most common procedures.
Imaging of pharyngeal pathology
Authors: Rahim Ishrat , Napolitano Angela , Burd Chris , Lingam Ravi Kumar
Published: June 2023

The pharynx plays a significant role in swallowing and speech, and this is reflected in both its complex anatomy and degree of physiological motility. Patients who present with pharynx-related symptoms such as sore throat, globus, dysphagia or dysphonia will usually undergo visual and nasal endoscopic examination in the first instance. Imaging is frequently required to supplement clinical assessment and this typically involves MRI and CT. However, fluoroscopy, ultrasound and radionuclide imaging are valuable in certain clinical situations. The aforementioned complexity of the pharynx and the myriad of pathologies which may arise within it often make radiological evaluation challenging. In this pictorial review, we aim to provide a brief overview of cross-sectional pharyngeal anatomy and present the radiological features of a variety of pharyngeal pathologies, both benign and malignant.
The Prevalence and Severity Comparison of COVID-19 Disease in SAARC Affiliated Countries: Pattern Analysis during the First Wave in 2020
Authors: Muyeed Abdul , Saha Tushar Kanti , Shaharin Rubya , Prodhan Uzzal Kumar
Published: June 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to explore the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 disease in SAARC affiliated countries and show the comparison by analyzing the patterns of infections, recoveries, and deaths among the countries. Methods: The data related to COVID-19 of SAARC affiliated countries were collected from Worldometer in which the dataset consists of daily confirmed, recovery, and death cases. To compare the prevalence and severity of COVID-19 among these countries, we consider three parameters such as case fatality rate (CFR), recovery-to-death ratio (RDR), and percent active case (PAC). Results: The highest daily CFR among the SAARC affiliated countries was in Bangladesh followed by Afghanistan, India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Nepal and the Maldives according to the maximum CFR of the countries until 24 October 2020. The highest RDR among the SAARC affiliated countries was in Nepal followed by the Maldives, Sri Lanka, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan until 24 October. The most prevalent country according to infection per million people by COVID-19 among the SAARC affiliated countries is the Maldives followed by India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Bhutan, and Sri Lanka as of October 24. The most death prevalent country per million people is India followed by the Maldives, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, and no people died in Bhutan until October 24, 2020. Conclusion: This study shows that the severity of COVID-19 is high in the Maldives in terms of infections and India in terms of deaths per million in SAARC, so India is at high risk among the countries.
Is metformin the only culprit for cognitive impairment in diabetes?
Authors: R Murali , Boloor Archith , H Yeshwanth
Published: June 2023

Background: As patients with diabetes are conventionally on a long-term prescription for metformin, it is important to identify any increase in their risk for developing cognitive disorders due to metformin. Hence, an attempt was made to study the cognitive impairment by using Montreal Cognitive Assessment test (MoCA) as a possible predictor of development of cognitive impairment in type 2 diabetes patients on metformin therapy.

Methods: Four hundred type 2 diabetes patients on metformin were enrolled for this cross-sectional study, and data recorded. Cognitive test MoCA was administered and a score less than 26 was considered abnormal. 

Results: In this study, the participants on metformin had a statistically significant correlation with age > 65 years, duration of diabetes (>5 years), metformin dose (1 gm and more) and presence of diabetes complications. Ordinal regressions showed significant correlation between abnormal MoCA scores and older age, longer duration of DM, and presence of one of the DM complications.

Conclusions: Amongst patients receiving medical therapy for control of type 2 diabetes, participants using metformin showed a very high prevalence rate of abnormal MoCA scores (85%). Increased duration of metformin intake leads to a decline in MoCA performance.
Antimicrobial efficacy of Kerr pulp canal sealer (EWT) in combination with 10% amoxicillin on Enterococcus faecalis: A confocal laser scanning microscopic study
Authors: De Sarkar Madhureema , Mala Kundabala , Shenoy Mala Suchitra , Kabekkodu Shama Prasada , Natarajan Srikant , Shetty Neeta , Madhav Kamath Priyanka , Thomas Manuel
Published: June 2023

Background: Sealers with antimicrobial properties play an important role in endodontic therapy success especially against Enterococcus faecalis infection found in failed root canal therapy. Addition of antibiotic agents to endodontic sealers may show significant increase in their antibacterial properties both against anaerobic and aerobic microbes. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate antimicrobial efficacy of Kerr pulp canal sealer (EWT) in combination with 10% amoxicillin against E. faecalis and post-root canal treatment viability of Enterococcus faecalis on the first and seventh day.

Methods: A total of 60 extracted human mandibular premolar teeth were decoronated after initial decontamination with 1% NaOCl. Root length standardized to 12 mm. Canal instrumentation was done using ProTaper Universal file system till size F2 using 5.25% NaOCl. It was then infected with a pure strain of E. faecalis for a period of four days. Obturation was done using plain sealer, (n=30) and sealer-antibiotic combination, (n=30). Half of the teeth were sectioned at 24 hours (S, SA) and other half were sectioned seven days after obturation (S7, SA7). All samples were stained with SYTO9 and propidium iodide for imaging under Confocal Laser Scanning microscope. Statistical analysis was performed with the statistical software SPSS v. 17.0 (SPSS for Windows; SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL). Data was analysed using One Way ANOVA and post hoc Tukey test to determine statistical significance with p value < 0.01 considered significant.

Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in green to red ratio between group S (9.561976) and S7 (0.435418) (p < 0.01). There was no difference found between SA (mean of green to red ratio, (0.70431) and SA7 (mean of green to red ratio, 0.85184).

Conclusions: Antibiotics added to the sealer effectively eradicated of E. faecalis 24 hours post-obturation. However, after seven days, plain sealer was as effective as sealer-antibiotic combination.
The disinfection effectiveness of ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol against the number of bacterial colonies in dental extraction instruments at the USU Dental and Oral Hospital in October-December 2022
Authors: Rusdy Hendry , Dalimunthe Rahmi Syaflida , Riza Ahyar , D Ismahani Akilah
Published: June 2023

Background: The application of disinfectants on dental instruments is one way to prevent cross-infection. Cross infection can occur due to microorganisms found in blood, saliva and dental plaque which can contaminate the instruments used by dental health workers. Thus, indirect contact transmission of pathogenic microorganisms occurs from instruments that have been contaminated by dental health workers. Ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol are disinfecting agents used to disinfect medical instruments. This study aimed to determine the effectiveness of disinfection of ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol     in reducing the number of bacterial colonies on dental extraction instruments at the USU Dental and Oral Hospital between October-December 2022.

Methods: The samples used were mandibular molar pliers that have been used in tooth extraction procedures. This study was experimental and used three sample groups, where each group consisted of 10 tooth extraction instruments. The treatment group used ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol      and the negative control group was cleaned with distilled water. The test effectiveness in this study used bacteria colony counter using the scatter cup method. Data were analyzed using the Kruskal Wallis and Mann-Whitney U tests.

Results: The results of the data analysis showed a p-value ≤0.001, which means that there was a significant difference in the disinfection using ozone water and 4.8% chloroxylenol     on the number of bacterial colonies on dental extraction instruments. The results of this study show that the average number of bacterial colonies formed in the ozone water treatment group was 4.00 ± 4.32, 16.00 ± 6.65 in the 4.8% chloroxylenol treatment group, and 217.50 ± 39.24 in the negative control group (Aquadest).

Conclusions: From this study it can be said that ozone water is more effective in disinfecting dental extraction instruments than 4.8% chloroxylenol.
Identification and quantification of growth factors involved in growth and development of cartilage present in exosomes of lactating mother’s milk of cleft infant as compared to non-cleft infant – a protocol for an analytical observational study
Authors: Shinde Mrudula , Daigavane Pallavi , Niranjane Priyanka , Soni Nikita
Published: June 2023

Background: Cleft lip and palate (CLP) have complex etiology and even after successful cleft surgeries in a CLP child, there are chances of relapse as there may be a lack of something at the cellular level. Several growth factors like TGF-β, IGF, and BMP7 are involved in modulating chondrocyte homeostasis and can also induce chondrogenic differentiation in the bone marrow.

Objectives: To identify growth factors involved in the growth and development of cartilage present in exosomes of lactating maternal milk of cleft and non-cleft children.

Methodology: There will be two groups: GROUP-A: The lactating mother of a CLP child. GROUP-B: The lactating mother of a non-cleft child. Mothers with a CLP child and a non-cleft child between the age of 0–6 months will be selected for the study. The need for the study will be explained to the mothers and consent will be taken. A milk sample of 2ml will be collected in a falcon tube and transported in cold storage facilities to the laboratory. Initially, the isolation of exosomes from milk samples will be done, from which total proteins will be isolated by centrifugation process. This will be followed by an analysis of growth factors from the isolated total proteins (from both exosomes) through immunoblotting. Once the analysis is done, the quality and quantity of growth factors responsible for cartilage growth and development will be compared.

Expected results: Isolated maternal exosomes are expected to contain an ample amount of growth factors involved in cartilage growth and development, highlighting its potential for use as a therapy alongside prevalent procedures in CLP.

Conclusion: In this study, we expect that maternal exosomes act as a carrier of factors that can have therapeutic significance to the natural compensation of the cartilage to maintain nasal symmetry by naso-alveolar molding.
Exploring the relationship between maternal education, parenting practice, and stunting among children under five: Findings from a cross-sectional study in Indonesia
Authors: Rahayuwati Laili , Komariah Maria , Hendrawati Sri , Sari Citra Windani Mambang , Yani Desy Indra , Setiawan Arlette Suzy , Ibrahim Kusman , Maulana Sidik , Hastuti Hediati
Published: June 2023

Background: Mother’s education is a key demographic in determining a healthy child. Education is important and may indirectly affect how well children eat by changing parents' attitudes and practices. Therefore, this study aims to analyze the association between maternal education and parenting practice with stunting among children under five. 

Methods: This study used a cross-sectional study of mothers with children under five in Indonesia, specifically conducted in six rural areas in West Java province. This study employs bivariate analysis with Spearman and binary logistic regression. 

Results: Among 733 children under five, we found that 24.01% of these children were stunted. The mother's educational background, stunting knowledge, and parenting practice showed no significant change (p > 0.5). Moreover, the binary logistic linear analysis showed that education levels, knowledge about stunting, and mothers' behaviour toward parenting practices are not significantly related to stunting (p > .05). 

Conclusion: Maternal education and parenting practice is not a determinant of stunting in children under five in West Java, Indonesia, and this contradicts earlier studies. However, further research is needed to confirm these findings and explore the complex interplay of social, cultural, and economic factors that contribute to stunting in this population. Such research could inform the development of targeted interventions to improve child health outcomes in this and similar settings.
Effect of acute altitude exposure on physiological parameters and glucose metabolism in healthy lowland Peruvians
Authors: Fernandez - Rodriguez Lissett Jeanette , Bardales-Zuta Victor Hugo , Vásquez-Tirado Gustavo Adolfo , Avalos Alvarado Carlos , Schaefer Eva J , Hilario-Vargas Julio
Published: June 2023

Background: High altitude exposure triggers a series of physiological changes to maintain homeostasis. Although longer-term (days to years) acclimatization processes are well studied, less is known about the physiological changes upon rapid ascent. We took advantage of Peru’s geography to measure the first physiological changes following rapid transport from a low to a high-altitude environment among lowlanders.

Methods: Blood glucose, insulin, C-peptide, and salivary cortisol among healthy lowland Peruvians were measured before and after glucose ingestion at 40 m and upon arrival at 3470 m. Resting heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure were also monitored.

Results: At high altitude, we find a significant (p<0.05) increase in heart rate and a decrease in blood oxygen saturation and salivary cortisol. Additionally, baseline levels of blood glucose, plasma C-peptide, and cortisol were reduced (p<0.05). Blood glucose, plasma insulin, and plasma C-peptide returned to baseline or below faster at high altitude after glucose ingestion.

Conclusions: Although many overlapping environmental and physiological factors are present in the high-altitude environment, the first steps of acclimatization in this population appear to be caused by increased energy expenditure and glucose metabolism to maintain oxygen homeostasis until the longer-term acclimatization mechanisms become more significant.
The influence of socioeconomic characteristics on active travel in US metropolitan areas and the contribution to health inequity
Authors: Younkin Samuel , Fremont Henry , Bratburd Jennifer , De Los Santos Daritza , Patz Jonathan
Published: June 2023

Background: The prevalence of chronic disease in the US adult population varies across socioeconomic groups in the USA where approximately six in 10 adults have a chronic condition. Walking or cycling reduces the risk to many of these diseases and is influenced by the built environment, accessibility, and safety.

Methods: We performed multivariate logistic and linear regression on the Health-Oriented Transportation model parameters using the 2009 and 2017 US National Household Transportation surveys, restricted to adults in major metropolitan areas.  Model covariates included socioeconomic and environmental characteristics.

Results: Using odds ratios (OR) adjusted for model covariates, we observe several significant variables in 2009 and 2017. Residents of households with no cars were more likely to walk or cycle than those with two cars; OR=5.4 (4.8, 6.0).  Residents of households in a census block with population density greater than 2,5000 persons/square mile were more likely to walk or cycle than those with a population density of 2000–3999; OR=2.6 (2.3, 2.8). Individuals with a graduate or professional degree were more likely to walk or cycle than those with a high school degree; OR=2.1 (1.9, 2.2). Individuals that self-report as Black or African American, or Asian are less likely to walk or cycle than White; OR=0.60 (0.56, 0.66), OR=0.70 (0.65, 0.75). The proportional increase in all-cause mortality from estimated reductions in physical activity for African American, Asian, and Hispanic populations were 1.0%, 0.7%, 0.8%, respectively.

Conclusions: Access to automobiles and the surrounding population density are primary factors in the decision to walk or cycle. After adjusting for these and other factors, members of low-income, low-education, Black or African American, and Asian populations in US metropolitan areas are less likely to walk or cycle than high-income, high-education, or White populations and the discrepancy in physical activity is likely to contribute to health inequity.
Financial incentives to improve uptake of partner services for sexually transmitted infections in Zimbabwe antenatal care: protocol for a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Martin Kevin , Dziva Chikwari Chido , Dauya Ethel , Mackworth-Young Constance RS. , Tucker Joseph D. , Simms Victoria , Bandason Tsitsi , Ndowa Francis , Machiha Anna , Bernays Sarah , Marks Michael , Kranzer Katharina , Ferrand Rashida A.
Published: June 2023

Introduction: Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, are associated with adverse birth outcomes. Treatment should be accompanied by partner services to prevent re-infection and break cycles of transmission. Partner services include the processes of partner notification (PN) as well as arranging for their attendance for testing and/or treatment. However, due to a complex mix of cultural, socio-economic, and health access factors, uptake of partner services is often very low, in many settings globally. Alternative strategies to facilitate partner services are therefore needed.

The aim of this study is to assess the effect of a small financial incentive on improving uptake of partner services for STIs as part of  antenatal care (ANC) services in Zimbabwe.

Methods and analysis: This trial will be embedded within a prospective interventional study in Harare, aiming to evaluate integration of point-of-care diagnostics for STIs into ANC settings. One thousand pregnant women will be screened for chlamydia, gonorrhoea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis. All individuals with STIs will be offered treatment, risk reduction counselling, and client PN. Each clinic day will be randomised 1:1 to be an incentive or non-incentive day. On incentive days, participants diagnosed with a curable STI will be offered a PN slip, that when returned will entitle their partners to $3 (USD) in compensation. On non-incentive days, regular PN slips with no incentive are provided.

The primary outcome measure is the proportion of individuals with at least one partner who returns for partner services based on administrative records. Secondary outcomes will include the number of days between index case diagnosis and the partner attending for partner services, uptake of PN slips by pregnant women, adverse birth outcomes in index cases, partners who receive treatment, and intervention cost.

Registration: Pan African Clinical Trials Registry: PACTR202302702036850 (Approval date 18th February 2022).
The genome sequence of the Thicket Knot-horn, Acrobasis suavella (Zincken, 1818)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Hammond James ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Acrobasis suavella (the Thicket Knot-horn; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Pyralidae). The genome sequence is 647.3 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 30 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.31 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 19,101 protein coding genes.
The genome sequence of the Muslin moth, Diaphora mendica (Clerck, 1759)
Authors: Boyes Douglas , Holland Peter W.H. ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: June 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Diaphora mendica (the Muslin moth; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Erebidae). The genome sequence is 748.7 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 26 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.41 kilobases in length.
Offsetable Derivatives and Investor Risk Assessment
Authors: Neilson Jed J. , Wang K. Philip , Williams Christopher D. , Xie Biqin
Published: June 2023

U.S. generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) allows banks to offset derivative assets against derivative liabilities with the same counterparty and report only the net amount on the balance sheet. Derivative offsetting under international financial reporting standards (IFRS) is much more restrictive, resulting in the single largest difference in balance sheet presentation between U.S. GAAP and IFRS. Two important factors dominate the standard-setting discussion on this issue: (1) whether these derivatives are informative about bank risk and (2) whether disclosing them substitutes for recognition on the balance sheet. Using a hand-collected global sample of banks, we first show that offsetable derivatives are positively associated with bank risk, based on multiple risk measures, suggesting that these derivatives are informative about bank risk. Next, exploiting the differential accounting treatment across U.S. GAAP and IFRS banks, we find that disclosure versus recognition of offsetable derivatives matters for the risk assessment of equity investors but not for that of (more sophisticated) credit default swap investors. Additional tests corroborate the inference that investor sophistication helps explain the differential investor assessment of recognized versus disclosed offsetable derivatives. Collectively, our findings suggest that offsetable derivatives convey information about bank risk and that, for less sophisticated investors, disclosing them may not substitute for recognizing them.

This paper was accepted by Eric So, accounting.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4831 .
DESCOLONIZAR A ANÁLISE DO DISCURSO BRASILEIRA: um ensaio acerca da formação imaginária eurocêntrica
Authors: Soares Thiago Barbosa
Published: June 2023

Em vista do poderoso processo de colonização do pensamento que se dá em praticamente todas as ciências humanas existentes na antiga colônia sul-americana de Portugal, o objetivo proposto para este artigo é analisar, fazendo uso das noções de discurso e formação imaginária, a reprodução colonizada da Análise do Discurso desenvolvida no Brasil. Com a perspectiva de alcance do escopo traçado, empreende-se, em caráter ensaístico, uma leitura crítica, efetuada qualitativamente através da noção de formação imaginária, implicada no funcionamento do discurso, da construção histórica da colonialidade da Análise do Discurso brasileira, registrada em dois textos “Legados de Michel Pêcheux e paradoxos da Análise do discurso no Brasil” (PIOVEZANI; SARGENTINI, 2011) e “Ler Michel Pêcheux hoje” (ORLANDI, 2012). Para subsidiar e, consequentemente, contemplar uma discussão diagnóstica, a seção “O acontecimento da Análise do Discurso: formação imaginária” apresenta um recenseamento das fundações da Análise do Discurso, já a seção “Formações imaginárias colonizadas” verticaliza a leitura analítica dos textos selecionados através do emprego dos conceitos de discurso e formação imaginária. Como resultado deste estudo, foram encontradas, além da própria necessidade deste tipo de investigação, formações imaginárias colonialistas que remontam ao discurso eurocêntrico dominante a continuidade do servilismo intelectual ainda demonstrado em teorias importadas.
Rebeldias epistêmicas: descolonizar os feminismos e a história das mulheres a partir das margens
Authors: Almeida Miléia Santos
Published: June 2023

Resenha de: VEIGA, Ana Maria; VASCONCELOS, Vânia Nara Pereira; BANDEIRA, Andrea (Orgs.). Das Margens: lugares de rebeldias, saberes e afetos. Salvador: EdUFBA, 2022. 526 p.
ANALYSIS OF THE SUITABILITY OF GRADE PARAMETERS, ANGLE OF TURN AND WIDTH OF PIT A MINE ROAD TO ENSURE THE SAFETY AND SECURITY OF THE MINE UNIT USING AERIAL PHOTOGRAPHIC DATA
Authors: Alawi Ahmad Zaki , Setiaji Wahyu Soleh
Published: June 2023

One of the applications of survey science that exists in mining is aerial photo surveys. Data from aerial photo surveys can be used and utilized in various jobs, one of which is monitoring work including monitoring the safety of mining roads. Monitoring of mining roads aims to ensure the security and safety of workers in the process of mineral mining. In this study, the implementation of an aerial photo survey to provide an evaluation of the safety of mining roads based on the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 1827 K/30/MEM/2018. The evaluation of the safety of mining roads is based on three parameters, namely road grade, road width, and road turn angle. Planning for the evaluation of the mine road was carried out through the data collection stage through an aerial photo survey on July 12, 2022, and data processing using Agisoft Metashape and ArcGIS. The output in data processing is in the form of a mine road safety map per parameter. Based on the results obtained in the classification of road grade values, a grouping was carried out with 4 classes, namely the very safe class, the safe class, the warning class, and the hazard class. For road grade parameters, 31% of mining roads at pit A site Alhasanie PT Equalindo are included in the dangerous category. In the width parameter of the mining road, 70% of the status is safe and has been in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 1827 K/30/MEM/2018. In the parameters of the turning angle of the mining road, 73% of the status is safe and has been in accordance with the Decree of the Minister of Energy and Mineral Resources No. 1827 K /30/MEM/2018.
UTILIZATION OF UNMANNED AERIAL VEHICLE (UAV) FOR MEASUREMENT OF SURFACE COAL MINING SITUATION
Authors: Kurniawan Sigit , Cahyadi Mokhamad Nur
Published: June 2023

The rapid development of technology has given rise to innovations and new ways of solving problems. One of them is measuring the situation of surface coal mines. So far, measurements have been made using a Laser Scanner. However, now the Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) can replace it by considering the aspects of work safety, effectiveness, and efficiency in the field. This study analyzes the influence of the distribution of Ground Control Points (GCP). It compares the measurement method using a Laser Scanner with a UAV in a surface coal mine situation. In addition, this study aims to determine the exact parameters regarding the distribution and number of control points in using UAVs to measure surface coal mining situations. The results showed that the UAV could be used to measure the situation of surface coal with the results of the acquisition parameter research following the 1:1000 PERBIG scale tolerance map, with a tolerance value of <10 cm and the volume difference between the Laser Scanner and UAV is 0.131%. Regarding time analysis and work safety, measurements using UAVs can measure surface mining situations for ± 40 minutes. In addition, personnel do not need to approach the measurement object, so it is better than measurements using a Laser Scanner.
Enhancement of Electrical and Optical Properties of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Samples by Cerium Sulfate Addition
Authors: Falcão E.A. , Amorim M.J.R. , Botero E.R. , Domingues N.L.C. , Santos I.A. , Rinaldi A.W.
Published: June 2023

In the present work, polyvinylidene fluoride's (PVDF) electrical and optical properties have been studied as a function of cerium sulfate tetrahydrate called Ce(SO4)2. Experimental result shows that the relative percentage of β phase (Fβ%) increases by almost 55 % with Ce(SO4)2 addition in the polymeric matrix. The dielectric permittivity measurements presented an increase, at 1 KHz, of 62% up to 0.8% of Ce(SO4)2 content. This increase was attributed to the Maxwell-Wagner effect. The UV-Vis measurements presented some changes at the UV region due to Ce(SO4)2. The fluorescence measurements showed an enhancement in the fluorescence peak of almost 130 % for the PVDF/Ce(SO4)2 0.8% and a blue shift of the maximum fluorescence intensity. These results show that PVDF/Ce(SO4)2 sample is a potential candidate for optical, photonic, electrical, and electronic applications.
Powell Lens-Based SD-OCT for Non-Contact, Cellular Resolution Imaging of Biological Tissue
Authors: Chen Keyu , Bizheva Kostadinka
Published: June 2023

A Powell-lens based spectral-domain OCT (PL-SD-OCT) system was developed for cellular resolution imaging of biological tissue. It offers improved SNR roll-off over the FOV compared to cylindrical lens-based SD-OCT systems.
Epi-Mode Quantitative Phase Imaging to Characterize Cell Structure and Dynamics with a Flexible Snake Robot
Authors: Guang Zhe , Reddy Yenamala , Balakirsky Stephen , Ahlin Konrad , Robles Francisco E
Published: June 2023

We develop an epi-mode quantitative phase imaging device to characterize cell structure and dynamic activity. It is composed of an optical imager using quantitative oblique back-illumination microscopy and a hyper redundant, high degree-of-freedom snake robot.
Towards stabilized single-fiber reflectance spectroscopy with wideband multimode circulators
Authors: Benk-Fortin Aude , Attendu Xavier , Faber Dirk J. , van Leeuwen Ton G. , Boudoux Caroline
Published: June 2023

An alternative single-fiber reflectance spectroscopy system is proposed using a broadband laser source, wideband multimode circulators, and bend-loss compensation to improve standardization in clinical studies.
Investigation of spatial resolution of parameterized temporal data in l0-norm based time-domain diffuse optical tomography (TD-DOT)
Authors: Pinar Lara , Hielscher Andreas H. , Kim Stephen Hyunkeol
Published: June 2023

This work addresses spatial resolution of parameterized temporal data types in time domain diffuse optical tomography (TD-DOT) based on the l0 norm. Various types of time filters, available from possible combinations of Mellin and Laplace transforms, were investigated in terms of their respective spatial resolution.
Multipath Artifacts in Co-registered Optical Coherence Tomography and Autofluorescence Imaging Provide Biomarkers for Ovarian Cancer Detection
Authors: Malone Jeanie , Tanskanen Adrian , Hoang Lien , McAlpine Jessica , MacAulay Calum , Lane Pierre M.
Published: June 2023

Multipath artifacts present in double clad fiber-based OCT systems may provide cancer-sensitive image biomarkers. Preliminary work finds that analysis of these artifacts can distinguish between ex vivo fallopian tube specimens with and without cancerous lesions.
Comparison of Vascularity and Oxygen State of Experimental Tumors Using Optoacoustic Angiography and Diffuse Optical Spectroscopy
Authors: Orlova Anna , Akhmedzhanova Ksenia , Kurnikov Aleksey , Khochenkov Dmitry , Khochenkova Yulia , Glyavina Anna , Turchin Ilya , Subochev Pavel
Published: June 2023

Differences in the vessel fraction, hemoglobin content and oxygenation level of tumor xenografts are revealed by optoacoustic microscopy and diffuse optical spectroscopy.
Monitoring Ulcer Healing in Patients with Peripheral Arterial Disease After Surgical Intervention Using Dynamic Vascular Optical Spectroscopy in a Preliminary Study
Authors: Maheshwari Nisha , Marone Alessandro , Altoé Mirella , Kim Stephen HK , Bajakian Danielle R , Hielscher Andreas H
Published: June 2023

Parameters derived from a dynamic vascular optical spectroscopy system (DVOS) characterized wound outcome in peripheral arterial disease (PAD) patients after a surgical intervention with high sensitivity and specificity by 3-4 weeks post-intervention.
A low-cost, non-mechanical optical beam scanner: experimental proof-of-concept for whole-eye OCT imaging
Authors: Urizar María Pilar , de la Peña Álvaro , Gambra Enrique , de Castro Alberto , Marcos Susana , Curatolo Andrea
Published: June 2023

We experimentally verify the design of a low-cost scanner that performs dynamic whole-eye scans without requiring any moving component. We present beam profiles and OCT images in an ex vivo rabbit eye.
Stimulus-induced changes in human retinal blood flow measured with a combined OCT+ERG system
Authors: Dhaliwal Khushmeet , Imani Ehsan , Hudson Chris , Bizheva Kostadinka
Published: June 2023

Visual stimulus-induced changes in the human retinal blood flow were measured with a combined SD-OCT + ERG system.
Imaging the retina at optimal pupil sizes significantly improves resolution and contrast in those with diabetes
Authors: Dhalla Rahim , Felefele Kaleb B , Zangoulos Julia , Khan Adnan , Goh Joslin , Atchison David A. , Campbell Melanie CW
Published: June 2023

Retinal image quality decreases with increasing diabetes duration and HbA1c. Eye models with individual phase plates determined optimal pupil size which improved retinal contrast and resolution in those with diabetes by up to 4 times.
Computational Simulations of Transcutaneous Bilirubinometer Accuracy in Pigmented Infants
Authors: Arefin Mohammed Shahriar , Dumont Alexander P. , Harrison-Smith Brandon , Patil Chetan A.
Published: June 2023

A Monte Carlo-based framework used previously to investigate racial bias in pulse oximetry evaluated the influence of calibration population demographics on transcutaneous bilirubinometer accuracy in dark-skinned groups. Results support further evaluation of calibration study design.
Retinal Phase Imaging with Multi-Channel AOSLO
Authors: Mujat Mircea , Patel Ankit , Iftimia Nicusor
Published: June 2023

Simultaneous multi-channels offset imaging provides isotropic images of retinal microstructures free of directionality artifacts and enables phase imaging in the living eye with enhanced visualization contrast.
Plug-and-Play Deep Learning Framework for Volumetric Speckle Reduction in OCT
Authors: Chintada Bhaskara Rao , Ruiz-Lopera Sebastián , Villiger Martin , Bouma Brett E. , Uribe-Patarroyo Néstor
Published: June 2023

We present a framework for high-performance deep learning despeckling based on a conditional generative adversarial network that can be trained and implemented easily in a multitude of OCT systems.
Deep Learning enabled comprehensive tissue architecture and fiber analysis of the human uterus
Authors: Therien Aidan M. , Hu Jingpeng , Fang Shuyang , Myers Kristin M. , Hendon Christine P.
Published: June 2023

High resolution collagen fiber organization is a prime metric for evaluating uterine health. In this research, computational methods for collagen fiber orientation analysis of registered and stitched ultra-large OCT uterine volumes were developed.
Image dectection through skin phantom using convolutional neural network
Authors: Coutiño Roger Chiu , Gutiérrez-Hernández David , Soriano-Garcia Miguel S. , Chiu Roger
Published: June 2023

By using a convolutional neural network, we achieve recover images through skin phantoms. Our results demonstrate that using reinforced training is possible to reach thickness up to 3000 um. These results open the possibility for biomedical applications.
High throughput QPM for Sickle Cell Disease Detection
Authors: Chen Cindy X. , Funkenbusch George T. , Wax Adam
Published: June 2023

We propose to use holographic cytometry to evaluate sickle cell disease patient samples and develop artificial intelligence that can screen for sickling phenotypes.
Machine Learning-assisted Label-Free Cytometry Based on Laser Light Scattering of Single Cells at Multiple Wavelengths and Multiple Directions
Authors: Liu Xiaoxuan , Liu Lina , Islam Md Zahurul , Gupta Manisha , Rozmus Wojciech , Mandal Mrinal , Tsui Ying Yin
Published: June 2023

We present a laser light scattering study using image classification techniques on simulated cell model patterns for label-free cytometry development. Simulation parameters include mitochondria number, surface roughness, laser wavelength, and observation direction.