bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Descriptive account of the first use of the LeVe CPAP System, a new frugal CPAP System, in adult patients with COVID-19 Pneumonitis in Uganda
Authors: Littlejohns Anna , Please Helen , Musasizi Racheal , Murdoch Stuart , Nampiina Gorret , Waters Ian , Birch William Davis , de Boer Gregory , Kapur Nikil , Ambrozi Tumwesigye , Carol Ninsiima , Noel Nakigudde , Parmar Jiten , Culmer Peter , Lawton Tom , Namulema Edith
Published: August 2023

Background

Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) has been a key treatment modality for Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) worldwide. Globally, the demand for CPAP outstripped the supply during the pandemic. The LeVe CPAP System was developed to provide respiratory support for treatment of COVID-19 and tailored for use in low- and middle-income country (LMIC) settings. Prior to formal trial approval, received in November 2021, these devices were used in extremis to support critically unwell adult patients requiring non-invasive ventilatory support.

Methods

This is a retrospective descriptive review of adult patients with COVID-19 pneumonitis, who were treated with advanced respiratory support (CPAP and/or high-flow nasal oxygen, HFNO) at Mengo Hospital, Uganda. Patients were treated with the LeVe CPAP System, Elisa CPAP and/or AIRVO™ HFNO. Treatment was escalated per standard local protocols for respiratory failure, and CPAP was the maximum respiratory support available. Data were collected on patient characteristics, length of time of treatment, clinical outcome, and any adverse events.

Results

Overall 333 patients were identified as COVID-19 positive, 44 received CPAP ± HFNO of which 43 were included in the study. The median age was 58 years (range 28–91 years) and 58% were female. The median duration of advanced respiratory support was 7 days (range 1–18 days). Overall (all device) mortality was 49% and this was similar between those started on the LeVe CPAP System and those started non-LeVe CPAP System devices (50% vs 47%).

Conclusions

The LeVe CPAP system was the most used CPAP device during the pandemic, bringing the hospital’s number of available HFNO/CPAP devices from two to 14. They were a critical resource for providing respiratory support to the sickest group of patients when no alternative devices were available. The devices appear to be safe and well-tolerated with no serious adverse events recorded. This study is unable to assess the efficacy of the LeVe CPAP System; therefore, formal comparative studies are required to inform further use.
A novel hybrid cybersecurity scheme against false data injection attacks in automated power systems
Authors: Hussain Shahbaz , Hussain S. M. Suhail , Hemmati Marziyeh , Iqbal Atif , Alammari Rashid , Zanero Stefano , Ragaini Enrico , Gruosso Giambattista
Published: August 2023

The conventional power systems are evolving as smart grids. In recent times cyberattacks on smart grids have been increasing. Among different attacks, False Data Injection (FDI) is considered as an emerging threat that has significant impact. By exploiting the vulnerabilities of IEC 61850 Generic Object-Oriented Substation Events (GOOSE) and Sampled Values (SV) attackers can launch different FDI attacks. In this paper, a real-time set up capable of simulating FDI on GOOSE and SV protocols is developed to evaluate the impact of such attacks on power grid. IEC 62351 stipulates cybersecurity guidelines for GOOSE and SV, but only at communication or Information Technology (IT) level. Hence there is a need to develop a holistic security both at IT and Operation Technology (OT) level. In this regard, a novel sequence content resolver-based hybrid security scheme suitable to tackle FDI attacks on GOOSE and SV is proposed. Furthermore, the computational performance of the proposed hybrid security scheme is presented to demonstrate its applicability to the time critical GOOSE and SV protocols.
Long-term fracture risk in rheumatoid arthritis: impact of early sustained DAS28-remission and restored function, progressive erosive disease, body mass index, autoantibody positivity and glucocorticoids. A cohort study over 10 years
Authors: Ajeganova Sofia , Andersson Maria , Forslind Kristina , Gjertsson Inger , Nyhäll-Wåhlin Britt-Marie , Svensson Björn , Hafström Ingiäld
Published: August 2023

Background

Risk of fragility fractures in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is increased. Disease-related inflammation in RA is associated with low Bone Mineral Density (BMD). However, effects of specific disease factors on fracture occurrence and whether or not such disease effects are independent of BMD are unknown.

Methods

Analysis of fracture outcome in the prospective cohort of 2557 patients with early RA (67% women, mean age 58.1 ± 15.6 years) during an observation period of 10.6 ± 4.7 years. In 602 patients BMD was measured at baseline. The first major fragility fractures were considered. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analysis, adjusted for traditional factors, prior fracture, disease activity and period of inclusion, were used to estimate the risk of the outcome.

Results

During follow-up fracture occurred in 352 patients (13.8%), a rate of 13/1000 p-y. A proportional risk reduction for the outcome was associated with Body Mass Index (BMI) at baseline, BMI ≥ 30 kg/m2, and over the first two years sustained Disease Activity Score (DAS28)-remission, DAS28-low disease activity and Health Assessment Questionnaire (HAQ) ≤ 0.5. The proportional risk elevation for fractures was associated with BMI ≤ 20 kg/m2, DAS28 at baseline, 6-month and at 1-year, cumulative DAS28 over the two years, RF, erosion score progression at 2-year, HAQ score and HAQ ≥ 1 at 6-month and 1-year and showed a trend for ACPA positivity. The estimated fracture risk was increased in users of glucocorticoids (GC), associated with a higher GC-dosage at follow-ups and a higher cumulative dosage over two years, independently of disease activity. With adjustment for BMD, there was no difference in fracture outcome by exposure to GC. The effects of a higher BMI, DAS28-remission and low HAQ ≤ 0.5 attained at 6-month of treatment initiation and sustained up to 2 years, RF, ACPA, and erosion score progression at 2-year were independent of low BMD.

Conclusions

This analysis supports importance of RA-specific risk factors in early RA for future major fragility fractures. Treat-to-target strategy and restored functional capacity in early RA-disease are important to prevent fractures. Autoantibody positivity, progressively erosive disease, and low weight could have additional value for personalized fracture preventive strategies in early RA.
Clinical diagnoses associated with a positive antinuclear antibody test in patients with and without autoimmune disease
Authors: Zanussi Jacy T. , Zhao Juan , Wei Wei-Qi , Karakoc Gul , Chung Cecilia P. , Feng QiPing , Olsen Nancy J. , Stein C. Michael , Kawai Vivian K.
Published: August 2023

Background

Antinuclear antibodies (ANA) are antibodies present in several autoimmune disorders. However, a large proportion of the general population (20%) also have a positive test; very few of these individuals will develop an autoimmune disease, and the clinical impact of a positive ANA in them is not known. Thus, we test the hypothesis that ANA + test reflects a state of immune dysregulation that alters risk for some clinical disorders in individuals without an autoimmune disease.

Methods

We performed high throughput association analyses in a case–control study using real world data from the de-identified electronic health record (EHR) system from Vanderbilt University Medical Center.

The study population included individuals with an ANA titer ≥ 1:80 at any time (ANA +) and those with negative results (ANA-). The cohort was stratified into sub-cohorts of individuals with and without an autoimmune disease. A phenome-wide association study (PheWAS) adjusted by sex, year of birth, race, and length of follow-up was performed in the study cohort and in the sub-cohorts. As secondary analyses, only clinical diagnoses after ANA testing were included in the analyses.

Results

The cohort included 70,043 individuals: 49,546 without and 20,497 with an autoimmune disease, 26,579 were ANA + and 43,464 ANA-. In the study cohort and the sub-cohort with autoimmune disease, ANA + was associated (P ≤ 5 × 10–5) with 88 and 136 clinical diagnoses respectively, including lupus (OR ≥ 5.4, P ≤ 7.8 × 10–202) and other autoimmune diseases and complications. In the sub-cohort without autoimmune diseases, ANA + was associated with increased risk of Raynaud’s syndrome (OR ≥ 2.1) and alveolar/perialveolar-related pneumopathies (OR ≥ 1.4) and decreased risk of hepatitis C, tobacco use disorders, mood disorders, convulsions, fever of unknown origin, and substance abuse disorders (OR ≤ 0.8). Analyses including only diagnoses after ANA testing yielded similar results.

Conclusion

A positive ANA test, in addition to known associations with autoimmune diseases, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and idiopathic fibrosing alveolitis related disorders, is associated with decreased prevalence of several non-autoimmune diseases.
In vitro evaluation of antagonistic potentiality of Trichoderma harzianum against Diplodia spp. phytopathogenics fungi
Authors: Hlaiem Sawssen , Yangui Islem , Ezzine Olfa , Ben Jamâa Mohamed Lahbib
Published: August 2023

Background

Trichoderma species are able to cause significant changes in the metabolism of host plants, by that means it trigger the plant growth and increasing plant defense to diverse fungal diseases. Trichoderma harzianum has been identified as potential biocontrol agent of many phytopathogenic fungi. Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess in vitro antagonistic activity against three Diplodia isolates utilizing direct and remote confrontations methods.

Results

The results revealed that T. harzianum inhibited mycelial growth of the three phytopathogenic fungi compared to the untreated control. The percentage of growth inhibition of T. harzianum against Diplodia isolates ranged between 58 and 79% for direct confrontation and between 31 and 46% remote confrontation. Considerable antagonistic abilities of T. harzianum were exhibited against all tested Diplodia isolates. The results of both confrontations showed that the radial growth of the fungal pathogens was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and influenced by the antagonist on 6 days following incubation.

Conclusion

The findings may reveal a valuable knowledge that may be further used to find a suitable biological control contrariwise Botryosphaeria dieback caused by Diplodia species.
Role of imaging in falcotentorial meningiomas: a case report
Authors: Ebinesh A. , Agarwal Sheetal , Saxena Swarna , Sharma Rohin
Published: August 2023

Background

Falcotentorial meningiomas are rare tumors that arise from the junction of the falx cerebri and the tentorium. Accurate preoperative imaging plays a crucial role in surgical planning and management. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is the preferred imaging modality for meningiomas. In this report, we present a case of type 1 falcotentorial meningioma and discuss the role of preoperative imaging and management.

Case presentation

A 62-year-old female patient presented with gradually progressive bilateral lower limb weakness. Contrast-enhanced MRI showed a circumscribed lobulated extraaxial lesion near the falcotentorial junction with an adjacent dural tail, consistent with a type 1 falcotentorial meningioma. Based on these radiological features, the patient was diagnosed with a type 1 falcotentorial meningioma. The patient was referred for neurosurgical evaluation for further management.

Conclusion

Falcotentorial meningiomas are rare tumors that require careful preoperative imaging and surgical planning. Radiological reporting should include the relationship of the tumor to the vein of Galen to aid neurosurgical approach. Complete surgical resection is the preferred therapy, but subtotal resection can be considered in certain cases.
Towards developing a segmentation method for cerebral aneurysm using a statistical multiresolution approach
Authors: Regaya Yousra , Amira Abbes , Dakua Sarada Prasad
Published: August 2023

The computer aided diagnosis (CAD) algorithms are considered crucial during the treatment planning of cerebral aneurysms (CA), where segmentation is the first and foremost step. This paper presents a segmentation algorithm in two-dimensional domain combining a multiresolution and a statistical approach. Precisely, Contourlet transform (CT) extracts the image features, while Hidden Markov Random Field with Expectation Maximization (HMRF-EM) segments the image, based on the spatial contextual constraints. The proposed algorithm is tested on Three-Dimensional Rotational Angiography (3DRA) datasets; the average values of accuracy, DSC, FPR, FNR, specificity, and sensitivity, are found to be 99.64%, 92.44%, 0.09%, 5.81%, 99.84%, and 93.22%, respectively. Both qualitative and quantitative results obtained show the potential of the proposed method.
Uterine artery embolization in Tanzania: a procedure with major public health implications
Authors: Musa Balowa , Alswang Jared Mark , Di Ioia Rose , Grubic Lydia , Naif Azza , Mbuguje Erick Michael , Vuong Victoria , Newsome Janice , Shaygi Behnam , Ramalingam Vijay , Gaupp Fabian Max Laage
Published: August 2023

Background

The burden of uterine fibroids is substantial in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), with up to 80% of black women harboring them in their lifetime. While uterine artery embolization (UAE) has emerged as an effective alternative to surgery to manage this condition, the procedure is not available to the vast majority of women living in SSA due to limited access to interventional radiology (IR) in the region. One of the few countries in SSA now offering UAE in a public hospital setting is Tanzania. This study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of UAE in this new environment.

Methods

From June 2019 to July 2022, a single-center, retrospective cohort study was conducted at Tanzania’s first IR service on all patients who underwent UAE for the management of symptomatic fibroids or adenomyosis. Patients were selected for the procedure based on symptom severity, imaging findings, and medical management failure. Procedural technical success and adverse events were recorded for all UAEs. Self-reported symptom severity and volumetric response on imaging were compared between baseline and six-months post-procedure using paired sample t-tests.

Results

During the study period, 92.1% (n = 35/38) of patients underwent UAE for the management of symptomatic fibroids and 7.9% (n = 3/38) for adenomyosis. All (n = 38/38) were considered technically successful and one minor adverse event occurred (2.7%). Self-reported symptom-severity scores at six-months post-procedure decreased in all categories: abnormal uterine bleeding from 8.8 to 3.1 (-5.7), pain from 6.7 to 3.2 (-3.5), and bulk symptoms from 2.8 to 1 (-1.8) (p < 0.01). 100% of patients reported satisfaction with outcomes. Among the nine patients with follow-up imaging, there was a mean volumetric decrease of 35.5% (p = 0.109).

Conclusions

UAE for fibroids and adenomyosis can be performed with high technical success and low complication rates in a low-resource setting like Tanzania, resulting in significant symptom relief for patients. Building capacity for UAE has major public health implications not only for fibroids and adenomyosis, but can help address the region’s leading cause of maternal mortality, postpartum hemorrhage.
Multi-level autonomous integrity monitoring method for multi-source PNT resilient fusion navigation
Authors: Chen Rui , Zhao Long
Published: August 2023

For the integrity monitoring of a multi-source PNT (Positioning, Navigation, and Timing) resilient fusion navigation system, a theoretical framework of multi-level autonomous integrity monitoring is proposed. According to the mode of multi-source fusion navigation, the framework adopts the top-down logic structure and establishes the navigation source fault detection model based on the multi-combination separation residual method to detect and isolate the fault source at the system level and subsystem level. For isolated non-redundant navigation sources, the system level recovery verification model is used. For the isolated multi-redundant navigation sources, the sensor fault detection model optimized with the dimension-expanding matrix is used to detect and isolate the fault sensors, and the isolated fault sensors are verified in real-time. Finally, according to the fault detection and verification results at each level, the observed information in the fusion navigation solution is dynamically adjusted. On this basis, the integrity risk dynamic monitoring tree is established to calculate the Protection Level (PL) and evaluate the integrity of the multi-source integrated navigation system. The autonomous integrity monitoring method proposed in this paper is tested using a multi-source navigation system integrated with Inertial Navigation System (INS), Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS), Long Baseline Location (LBL), and Ultra Short Baseline Location (USBL). The test results show that the proposed method can effectively isolate the fault source within 5 s, and can quickly detect multiple faulty sensors, ensuring that the positioning accuracy of the fusion navigation system is within 5 m, effectively improving the resilience and reliability of the multi-source fusion navigation system.
Corporate reputation and shareholder investment: a study of Egypt's tourism listed companies
Authors: Ismail Eman , Halim Yasser Tawfik , EL-Deeb Mohamed Samy
Published: August 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the impact of corporate reputation on investors and whether it influences company investment returns. While previous research has focused on specific components of reputation, neglected risks associated with the analyzed firms, and relied on accounting performance metrics, this study takes into account both return and risk factors to examine how they affect corporate reputation and investment decision-making.

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected from 300 active investors in the Egyptian exchange stock market, and the seven-paradigm RepTrak model was used to assess reputation structures and expected return and risk. Structural equation modeling was employed to confirm the theories.

Findings

The findings highlight that investors demonstrate a primary focus on the financial performance of organizations when making stock market decisions, while also considering non-financial factors such as products, innovation, citizenship, governance, and emotional appeal. Their prioritization of investment returns and risks takes precedence over evaluating workplace practices.

Originality/value

This study's originality lies in its incorporation of return and risk measurements as crucial investment choice variables, contributing to the financial markets’ research on corporate reputation. By managing their reputation, corporations can enhance investors’ demand for their stocks and optimize their investment opportunities.
Institutional quality and renewable energy capital flows in Africa
Authors: Dube Andile , Horvey Sylvester Senyo
Published: August 2023

This paper investigates the linear and nonlinear relationship between institutional quality and renewable energy capital flows across 20 African countries between 2002 and 2017. The empirical evidence is based on the generalised method of moments estimation technique. The findings suggest that institutional quality has a significant and propelling effect on renewable energy capital flows, implying that strong institutions induce investments in renewable energy in Africa. From an extended analytical exercise, the study further shows a nonlinear inverted U-shaped relationship between institutional quality and energy capital flows. This indicates that the enhancing effect of institutional quality on energy capital flows is achieved at a certain threshold level. In the extreme case, the impact of institutional quality on energy capital flows diminishes. The study recommends that African countries initiate reforms to tame any adverse effect of institutional quality on renewable energy investments in its extreme case. Thus, African countries should develop strong institutions and reinforce their regulatory frameworks because strong institutions can improve societal welfare by reducing political, social and economic unpredictability while boosting trust and investment in renewable energy.
Relationship between anal swab PCR for SARS-CoV-2 with gastrointestinal clinical manifestations and severity of COVID-19 infection in Indonesia
Authors: Muzellina Virly Nanda , Abdullah Murdani , Kurniawan Juferdy , Rizka Aulia
Published: August 2023

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) cases caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) in Indonesia remain high. The virus can bind with ACE2 receptor which is not only found in the lungs, but also in the digestive tract. Thus, it allows SARS-CoV-2 infection in the gastrointestinal tract, gastrointestinal manifestations, and detection of viral RNA on anal swab using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). There hasn’t been similar study about the role of anal swab in Indonesia yet. Therefore, this study aims to determine the relationship between SARS-COV-2 anal swab PCR with gastrointestinal clinical manifestations, and the severity of COVID-19 in Indonesia.

Methods: This is an analytical study with cross-sectional design. Samples were obtained from hospitalized COVID-19 patients from July 2020 to January 2021. Demographic data, clinical manifestations, severity, and SARS-CoV-2 anal swabs PCR were collected using case report form.

Results: A total of136 patients were analyzed. 52 patients (38.2%) had positive SARS-CoV-2 anal swabs PCR and 84 patients (61.8%) had negative results. The most common gastrointestinal clinical manifestations were nausea and vomiting in 69 patients (50.7%), anorexia in 62 patients (45.6%), and abdominal pain in 31 patients (22.8%). There were 114 patients (83,8%) classified as mild-moderate symptoms and 22 patients (16,2%) classified as severe-critical symptoms. There was a statistically significant relationship between the gastrointestinal tract SARS-CoV-2 infection and gastrointestinal clinical manifestations (P=0.031). There was no statistically significant relationship between the gastrointestinal SARS-CoV-2 infection and the severity of COVID-19 infection (P = 0.844).

Conclusions: This study showed there is a significant relationship between SARS-CoV-2 anal swab PCR with gastrointestinal clinical manifestations. There is no significant relationship between anal swab PCR with the severity of COVID-19 infection.
Anatomical variations of the sternum: sternal foramen and variant xiphoid morphology in dried adult human sternum in Ethiopia
Authors: Lema Alemayehu Shiferaw
Published: August 2023

Background: The sternum exhibits unique anatomical variations with major clinical and forensic implications. This study is devoted to providing baseline epidemiological information about the sternal foramen and variant xiphoid morphology in Ethiopia. Two extremely interesting and unusual variations of the sternal foramen are also discussed.

Methods: This observational study was carried out using dried adult human sternum obtained from skeletal remains samples brought for medicolegal examination over a period of 4 years. A total of 94 dried adult human sternums (66 males (70.2%) and 28 females (29.8%)) were obtained with an age range of 21 to 57 years and a mean age at death of 38.383 ± 11.3480 years. Dried human sternum specimens were morphologically examined, and morphometric parameters were recorded and photographed.

Results: A sternal foramen was found in 18 specimens (19.1%); 17 were male and one was female. A single sternal foramen was observed in 83.3% (n=15/18) of the sternal bodies and 11.1% (n=2/18) of the xiphoid processes (both males). In addition, a double sternal foramen was observed in a single male specimen on the mesosternum and xiphoid process. The most common sternal foramen site was at the fifth costochondral junction level. The xiphoid process was present in 77 samples and ended as a single process in 83.1% (n=64/77) of samples. In 15.6% (n=12/77) of the samples, the xiphoid process was bifurcated and trifurcated in a single male (1.3%) specimen.

Conclusions: The sternal foramen and variation in xiphoid morphology are common anatomical variations in Ethiopia. The findings of the current study highlight the necessity of strict precautionary measures during sternal procedures in this study population. In addition, such incidental findings during radiologic and autopsy procedures should be properly evaluated to avoid misdiagnosis and misinterpretation of such findings as traumatic or pathologic conditions.
Whose Ear?: Proposal to conserve the name Auricularia auricula (L.) Underw. for Auricularia auricula-judae (Bull.) Quél.
Authors: Autumn Kendra C. , Dentinger Bryn T. M.
Published: August 2023

Auricularia auricula-judae is a saprobic European jelly fungus with traditional culinary and medicinal significance, often said to resemble a human ear. It was originally named Tremella auricula by Linnaeus and has been moved to different genera since, but its specific epithet was also changed from auricula to auricula-judae by Bulliard in 1789, which is not normally a valid nomenclatural alteration. However, due to the practice of "name sanctioning" in the mycological nomenclatural code, this change has been accepted. This article outlines the nomenclatural and cultural history of the controversial name Auricularia auricula-judae and suggests its return to the original specific epithet auricula, as well as the designation of an epitype specimen.
Linkages between service recovery system and customer justice perceptions: A multi-level model of employee service recovery performance
Authors: Rao Abhishek S , Pai P Yogesh , Sethumadhavan Lakshminarayanan
Published: August 2023

Past research aimed at service recovery has focused on actions that are taken to retain customers, and the possibility of overcoming the mistakes of service delivery,  though the multidimensional nature of the service recovery process has  begun to move beyond the complaint handling process. In this paper, we identify the most important issues addressed in service recovery and present a framework for addressing them

We used an extensive integrative review methodology. Between 1988 and 2017 the number of articles in these journals was kept between 26 and 30. The majority took a business perspective to study services recovery, while a minority took an inter-disciplinarity perspective. This research aims to investigate the relationship between the constructs in the JD-R Model and employee service recovery performance, and to adopt a multi-actor research design for more accurate measurement. The findings of this study are expected to provide valuable insights into the antecedents and consequences of service recovery performance in the context of the service recovery system

This research contributes to the discourse on service recovery on several fronts. First, this research answers the call for building a multi-level model of relevant constructs to explain the service recovery performance of frontline employees in the hospitality sector. Thus, this research is expected to contribute to robust conclusions on the antecedents and consequences of employee service recovery performance nested within the unit-level construct, i.e., the service recovery system.
DrosOMA: the Drosophila Orthologous Matrix browser
Authors: Thiébaut Antonin , Altenhoff Adrian M. , Campli Giulia , Glover Natasha , Dessimoz Christophe , Waterhouse Robert M.
Published: August 2023

Background: Comparative genomic analyses to delineate gene evolutionary histories inform the understanding of organismal biology by characterising gene and gene family origins, trajectories, and dynamics, as well as enabling the tracing of speciation, duplication, and loss events, and facilitating the transfer of gene functional information across species. Genomic data are available for an increasing number of species from the genus Drosophila, however, a dedicated resource exploiting these data to provide the research community with browsable results from genus-wide orthology delineation has been lacking.

Methods: Using the OMA Orthologous Matrix orthology inference approach and browser deployment framework, we catalogued orthologues across a selected set of Drosophila species with high-quality annotated genomes. We developed and deployed a dedicated instance of the OMA browser to facilitate intuitive exploration, visualisation, and downloading of the genus-wide orthology delineation results.

Results: DrosOMA - the Drosophila Orthologous Matrix browser, accessible from https://drosoma.dcsr.unil.ch/ - presents the results of orthology delineation for 36 drosophilids from across the genus and four outgroup dipterans. It enables querying and browsing of the orthology data through a feature-rich web interface, with gene-view, orthologous group-view, and genome-view pages, including comprehensive gene name and identifier cross-references together with available functional annotations and protein domain architectures, as well as tools to visualise local and global synteny conservation.

Conclusions: The DrosOMA browser demonstrates the deployability of the OMA browser framework for building user-friendly orthology databases with dense sampling of a selected taxonomic group. It provides the Drosophila research community with a tailored resource of browsable results from genus-wide orthology delineation.
Scoutknife: A naïve, whole genome informed phylogenetic robusticity metric
Authors: Fleming James , Eriksen Pia Merete , Struck Torsten Hugo
Published: August 2023

Background: The phylogenetic bootstrap, first proposed by Felsenstein in 1985, is a critically important statistical method in assessing the robusticity of phylogenetic datasets. Core to its concept was the use of pseudo sampling - assessing the data by generating new replicates derived from the initial dataset that was used to generate the phylogeny. In this way, phylogenetic support metrics could overcome the lack of perfect, infinite data. With infinite data, however, it is possible to sample smaller replicates directly from the data to obtain both the phylogeny and its statistical robusticity in the same analysis. Due to the growth of whole genome sequencing, the depth and breadth of our datasets have greatly expanded and are set to only expand further. With genome-scale datasets comprising thousands of genes, we can now obtain a proxy for infinite data. Accordingly, we can potentially abandon the notion of pseudo sampling and instead randomly sample small subsets of genes from the thousands of genes in our analyses.

Methods: We introduce Scoutknife, a jackknife-style subsampling implementation that generates 100 datasets by randomly sampling a small number of genes from an initial large-gene dataset to jointly establish both a phylogenetic hypothesis and assess its robusticity. We assess its effectiveness by using 18 previously published datasets and 100 simulation studies.

Results: We show that Scoutknife is conservative and informative as to conflicts and incongruence across the whole genome, without the need for subsampling based on traditional model selection criteria.

Conclusions: Scoutknife reliably achieves comparable results to selecting the best genes on both real and simulation datasets, while being resistant to the potential biases caused by selecting for model fit. As the amount of genome data grows, it becomes an even more exciting option to assess the robusticity of phylogenetic hypotheses.
Formative assessments during COVID-19 pandemic: an observational study on performance and experiences of medical students
Authors: Lavallard Vanessa , Cerutti Bernard , Audétat-Voirol Marie-Claude , Broers Barbara , Sader Julia , Galetto-Lacour Annick , Hausmann Stéphane , Savoldelli Georges L. , Nendaz Mathieu , Escher Monica
Published: August 2023

Background: Because of COVID-19, the 2020 written medical examinations were replaced by mandatory formative online assessments. This study aimed to determine students’ performance, self-assessment of performance, and perception about the switch from a summative to a formative approach.

Methods: Medical students from year 2 to 5 (n=648) were included. They could repeat each test once or twice. They rated their performance after each attempt and were then given their score. Detailed feedback was given at the end of the session. An online survey determined medical students’ perception about the reorganization of education. Two items concerned the switch from summative to formative assessments

Results: Formative assessments involved 2385 examinees totaling 3197 attempts. Among examinees, 30.8% made at least 2 attempts. Scores increased significantly at the second attempt (median 9.4, IQR 10.8), and duration decreased (median -31.0, IQR 48.0). More than half of examinees (54.6%) underestimated their score, female students more often than male. Low performers overestimated, while high performers underestimated their scores. Students approved of the switch to formative assessments. Stress was lessened but motivation for learning decreased.

Conclusions: Medical students’ better scores at a second attempt support a benefit of detailed feedback, learning time and re-test opportunity on performance. Decreased learning motivation and a minority of students repeating the formative assessments point to the positive influence of summative assessment on learning.
RELEVANCE OF THE USE OF POSTMORTEM BIOMATERIAL OF DOMESTICATED YAK (BOS GRUNNIENS) TO OBTAIN STEM CELLS FROM BONE MARROW
Authors: Dashko Denis V. , Silkin Ivan I.
Published: August 2023

The development of new technology methods for cryopreservation of animal cells has contributed to the introduction of stem cell banks for clinical use, including transplantation and regenerative veterinary medicine, and their further use to avoid problems of donors’ shortage. The research aims to determine the possibility of using the bone marrow of a domesticated yak as a source of stem cells after slaughter. Moreover, we should determine the suitability of post-mortem biological material for obtaining stem cells based on the index of proliferation and viability of cultured cells. Therefore, we used the following materials and methods: bone marrow, obtained from the femur of a domesticated yak in the post-slaughter period. Bone marrow samples were taken in compliance with the rules of asepsis in a sterile test tube. Thus, we added 0.25% trypsin solution to the biomass (the ratio of bone marrow to the solution is 10:1) and placed it in a refrigerator (t +40 °C) for 24 hours for enzymatic disaggregation. Furthermore, we carried out the culturing of the obtained cells in a CO2 incubator according to the standard method with passivation after the formation of a monolayer by 90%–100%. When culturing a suspension of cells obtained from post-slaughter bone marrow material, we noted the appearance of cell colonies six days after sowing. Periodic passivation of stem cells contributed to an increase in the biomass of actively proliferating cells. In addition, we found that stem cells isolated from post-slaughter bone marrow material of domesticated yak have significant proliferative potential, as evidenced by proliferation indices in the range from the first to the third passages and high cell viability. Thus, one can use the obtained post-mortem material in the form of the bone marrow of a domesticated yak as an additional source of stem cells. This post-mortem biological material is suitable for the isolation of stem cells 72 hours after the slaughter of an animal, which opens up the possibility of its transportation over long distances.

The scientific novelty of the research is in the context of the international Convention on Biological Diversity, which means the variability of living organisms from all sources, including ecosystems and ecological complexes they are a part of. Within the strategy and action plan for the conservation of biodiversity of the Russian Federation, the ecosystem service of livestock production is significant for preserving the traditional way of life of the indigenous peoples of Siberia and the Russian Far East (it has regional and local significance). This global problem can be solved by (1) developing cell technologies for species not yet involved in it and (2) improving existing ones.
EFFECT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION WITH FOSSIL SHELL FLOUR ON ENTERIC METHANE OUTPUT AND POSITION-DEPENDENT VARIATIONS IN DOHNE-MERINO WETHERS
Authors: Olusegun Oyebade Ikusika , Conference Thando Mpendulo
Published: August 2023

This study aimed to investigate the influence of fossil shell flour (FSF) supplementation levels on Dohne-Merino wethers’ position on enteric methane output. Twenty-four Dohne-Merino wethers (20.0±1.50 kg B.W.) were randomly assigned for 84 days to either of four dietary treatments: basal or basal diet supplemented with 2%,4% or 6%FSF on a dry matter basis. The enteric methane output was measured using a portable Laser Methane Detector (LMD) machine during feeding, standing, and resting activities. The highest volume of enteric methane was obtained from wethers supplemented with 4%, followed by 6%, 0%, and 2% FSF. Higher enteric methane emission was observed for resting wethers than those feeding and standing (P < 0.05). Including fossil shell flour in Dohne-merino wethers’ diets at 4% and 6% increases enteric methane output (P<0.05). Dohne-merino sheep emit more enteric methane when resting than when feeding or standing idle.
AWARENESS OF THE POPULATION ABOUT CARDIOVASCULAR FACTORS OF THE DEVELOPMENT OF DISEASES AS A RESULT OF THE APPLICATION OF A POPULATION STRATEGY
Authors: Fedotkina Svetlana A. , Khugaeva Elsa V.
Published: August 2023

At the state level, measures have been carried out in different years to form a sustainable understanding of the importance of health as a personal value by the population. This is due to the global strategic interests of the Russian Federation in preserving and strengthening the health of the population.
In our study, the awareness of working-age patients of primary health care about the risk factors for the development of cardiovascular diseases and their frequency of occurrence was analyzed, taking into account the standardization of statistical indicators for 5 years (2014-2018) in the office of prevention of hypertension.
Materials and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of urban clinics of the Krasnoselsky district of St. Petersburg in two stages. At the first stage, a sociological survey was conducted using a specially designed questionnaire. At the second stage, an analysis of 807 cases of patients aged 18 to 65 years in the office of prevention of arterial hypertension was carried out.
As a result of the sociological survey, respondents among both men and women are well informed about the influence of a number of behavioral risk factors on the occurrence and development of cardiovascular diseases.
Conclusion. There is a high awareness of risk factors for the development of non-communicable diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, in patients of working age, which is a positive result of the implementation of a population and high-risk strategy.
But there are significant reserves for improving behavior for those who are ready to change it in favor of choosing a healthy lifestyle.
Within the framework of primary health care, medical examinations and preventive medical examinations are aimed at increasing the awareness of the population about risk factors for the development of non-communicable, including cardiovascular diseases through medical consultations. The work of Health Centers, prevention offices, Health Schools should be aimed at low-informed patients, examine and determine the functional reserves of their body with the possibility of subsequent correction of the identified disorders.
In our work, low awareness was noted in 13% of respondents. Low awareness of patients creates a high risk of unfavorable outcomes of diseases. If the patient understands the essence of his illness and the importance of following the doctor’s recommendations, then the situation may change for the better.
AFFECTIVE DISORDERS IN WOMEN WITH ARTERIAL HYPERTENSION IN COMBINATION WITH METABOLIC SYNDROME
Authors: Yaskevich Roman A. , Moskalenko Olga L.
Published: August 2023

Purpose. To study the features of affective disorders in women with comorbid chronic ischemic heart disease with metabolic syndrome.

Materials and methods. The study was performed with the participation of 160 female patients diagnosed with chronic ischemic heart disease. Metabolic syndrome verification was carried out using the clinical recommendations of the All-Russian Scientific Society of Cardiology (2009). Identification of the presence of anxiety-depressive states and assessment of their severity was carried out using The Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale.

Results. The study showed that 50,9% of the surveyed women with a combination of chronic ischemic heart disease and metabolic syndrome had elevated levels of anxiety. Anxiety disorders of a subclinically pronounced nature were found in 31,1% of the surveyed in this group, and clinically pronounced in 19,6%. Elevated levels of depression were detected in 35,7% of the examined patients with metabolic syndrome. Depressive disorders, which were subclinically pronounced, were found in 18,7% of the examined in this group, and clinically pronounced in 17,0%. The most frequent cluster of metabolic syndrome in the studied group of women, both with an increased level of anxiety and with an increased level of depression, was a three-component cluster of metabolic syndrome – 47,4% and 42,5%.

Conclusion. Among patients with chronic ischemic heart disease with a comorbid course with metabolic syndrome, the number of people with clinically pronounced anxiety and depression was generally higher in comparison with people without metabolic syndrome. At the same time, the number of patients with metabolic syndrome with clinically pronounced depression was twice as high – 17,0% and 8.0%. More often in both groups there was a cluster of metabolic syndrome, including a combination of hypertension with abdominal obesity and lipid disorders.
On the Linear Convergence of Extragradient Methods for Nonconvex–Nonconcave Minimax Problems
Authors: Hajizadeh Saeed , Lu Haihao , Grimmer Benjamin
Published: August 2023

Recently, minimax optimization has received renewed focus due to modern applications in machine learning, robust optimization, and reinforcement learning. The scale of these applications naturally leads to the use of first-order methods. However, the nonconvexities and nonconcavities present in these problems, prevents the application of typical gradient descent/ascent, which is known to diverge even in bilinear problems. Recently, it was shown that the proximal point method (PPM) converges linearly for a family of nonconvex–nonconcave problems. In this paper, we study the convergence of a damped version of the extragradient method (EGM), which avoids potentially costly proximal computations, relying only on gradient evaluation. We show that the EGM converges linearly for smooth minimax optimization problems satisfying the same nonconvex–nonconcave condition needed by the PPM.

Funding: H. Lu was supported by The University of Chicago Booth School of Business Benjamin Grimmer was supported by Johns Hopkins Applied Mathematics and Statistics Department.
Lower limb edema caused by metastatic signet ring cell stomach cancer
Authors: Cruz Dany , Pinto Silva Catarina , Marques Cristina , Pereira Francisca , Leitão Alexandra , Ogando Ana
Published: August 2023

Overall gastric cancer incidence is decreasing, but incidence of gastric signet ring cell carcinoma has been rising. The diagnosis can be challenging. It has a poorer prognosis because it tends to be diagnosed at advanced stages. Lymphedema is a rare presentation. We report a rare presentation of signet ring cell carcinoma in a 49-year old male, with no underlying medical condition. The patient presented with lymphedema of lower limbs, scrotum and abdominal wall.
Sociodemographic determinants of structural empowerment and organisational commitment among critical care nurses in Saudi Arabia: a comparative cross-sectional study
Authors: Aljarameez Faiza , Saha Chandni , Sinan Mohammed , Rajan Loveson , Ahmed Gasmelseed Y , Mutair Abbas Al
Published: August 2023

Background/Aims

Improving retention of critical care nurses requires a better understanding of the perceptions and attitudes of this staff group towards structural empowerment and organisational commitment. This study aimed to assess the relationships between structural empowerment, organisational commitment and sociodemographic factors among critical care nurses.

Methods

The study used a descriptive, cross-sectional, correlational research design. A convenience sample of 198 critical care nurses working in Saudi Arabia responded to a questionnaire, comprising the Conditions of Work Effectiveness Questionnaire-II, the Three-Component Commitment Model and a sociodemographic survey. Descriptive statistics and correlational analyses were conducted using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences version 25, with a P value equal to or less than 0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results

Structural empowerment was significantly associated with organisational commitment. Employment in a private healthcare organisation, non-Saudi Arabian nationality, greater length of experience in nursing, more time spent in current working unit and average weekly working hours were significantly associated with higher organisational commitment and structural empowerment. Respondents in the higher salary bracket (over 15000 Saudi riyals per month) had significantly lower levels of organisational commitment and structural empowerment.

Conclusions

Structural empowerment is a key predictor of organisational commitment and must be considered by managers and leaders seeking to improve retention. Further exploration of how factors such as nationality, salary and experience on empowerment and commitment is needed, so that policies can be developed accordingly.
Innovative job planning to facilitate UK surgeon engagement with international development
Authors: Gana Tabitha , Boyes Simon , Hunt Lesley
Published: August 2023

Low- and middle-income countries have inadequate access to high-quality medical and surgical care; as a result, over 8 million lives are lost every year in these countries. Lack of high-quality surgical care not only leads to poor health outcomes, but also has significant economic implications. Therefore, increasing surgical capacity in low- and middle-income countries is one of the most important global surgical issues. The NHS can play a significant role in alleviating these issues. Among surgeons, there is a growing interest in volunteering for global surgery initiatives, and engagement in these programmes can have important benefits for both the NHS itself and its staff. A significant consideration for volunteers is whether they can obtain time off their usual role to participate in global surgery initiatives, while balancing NHS service provision needs. This article discusses practical options for facilitating surgeon engagement in international development.