bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A multi-regression framework to improve diagnostic ability of optical coherence tomography retinal biomarkers to discriminate mild cognitive impairment and Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Chua Jacqueline , Li Chi , Ho Lucius Kang Hua , Wong Damon , Tan Bingyao , Yao Xinwen , Gan Alfred , Schwarzhans Florian , Garhöfer Gerhard , Sng Chelvin C. A. , Hilal Saima , Venketasubramanian Narayanaswamy , Cheung Carol Y. , Fischer Georg , Vass Clemens , Wong Tien Yin , Chen Christopher Li-Hsian , Schmetterer Leopold
Published: March 2022

Background

Diagnostic performance of optical coherence tomography (OCT) to detect Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) remains limited. We assessed whether compensating the circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) thickness for multiple demographic and anatomical factors as well as the combination of macular layers improves the detection of MCI and AD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study of 62 AD (n = 92 eyes), 108 MCI (n = 158 eyes), and 55 cognitively normal control (n = 86 eyes) participants. Macular ganglion cell complex (mGCC) thickness was extracted. Circumpapillary retinal nerve fiber layer (cpRNFL) measurement was compensated for several ocular factors. Thickness measurements and their corresponding areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) were compared between the groups. The main outcome measure was OCT thickness measurements.

Results

Participants with MCI/AD showed significantly thinner measured and compensated cpRNFL, mGCC, and altered retinal vessel density (p < 0.05). Compensated RNFL outperformed measured RNFL for discrimination of MCI/AD (AUC = 0.74 vs 0.69; p = 0.026). Combining macular and compensated cpRNFL parameters provided the best detection of MCI/AD (AUC = 0.80 vs 0.69; p < 0.001).

Conclusions and relevance

Accounting for interindividual variations of ocular anatomical features in cpRNFL measurements and incorporating macular information may improve the identification of high-risk individuals with early cognitive impairment.
AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S COVID-19 vaccine can be safely administered in patients with EDTA allergy
Authors: Ali Syed B. , Perkins Griffith , Ryoo Dongjae , Lee Maverick , Tunbridge Matthew , Yuson Chino , Smith William , Hissaria Pravin , Le Thanh-Thao
Published: March 2022

Background

Immediate hypersensitivity reactions to COVID-19 vaccines have been postulated to be linked to their excipients, such as polyethylene glycol (PEG) in Pfizer Comirnaty, or polysorbate 80 and ethylenediaminetetracetic acid (EDTA) in AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S [recombinant] (Vaxzevria). These excipients are found in a range of other products, including injectable and oral medications as well as intravenous radiocontrast media (RCM) and various cosmetic products.

Patients with proven excipient allergy may be advised to avoid a COVID-19 vaccine containing that excipient and/or potentially cross-reactive excipients. This may result in individual patients not receiving vaccines, especially if an alternate option is not available, and on a broader level contribute to vaccine hesitancy. We present two cases of previously confirmed EDTA anaphylaxis with positive intradermal testing, who had negative Vaxzevria vaccine in-vivo testing and subsequently tolerated the vaccine.

Case 1

A patient with history of anaphylaxis to RCM and local anaesthetics (LA) had positive intradermal test (IDT) to EDTA nine years earlier. Skin testing to Vaxzeria vaccine (up to 1:10 IDT), Comirnaty vaccine (up to 1:10 IDT) and EDTA 0.3 mg/mL IDT were negative. However, following EDTA 3 mg/ml IDT, he developed immediate generalised urticaria without anaphylaxis. Basophil activation testing was negative to disodium EDTA, Vaxzevria and Cominarty vaccines. Given the negative in-vitro and in-vivo testing to Vaxzevria vaccine, he proceeded to Vaxzevria immunisation and tolerated both doses.

Case 2

A patient with history of anaphylaxis to RCM had positive skin testing to EDTA and RCM containing EDTA six years earlier. Following referral to COVID19 vaccine clinic, Vaxzevria vaccine (1:10 IDT) and Cominarty vaccine (1:10 IDT) were negative whilst EDTA was positive at 0.3 mg/mL IDT. He subsequently tolerated both Vaxzevria vaccinations.

Conclusion

Excipient allergy does not necessarily preclude a patient from receiving a vaccine containing that excipient. Allergy testing can help identify excipient-allergic patients who may still tolerate vaccination, which is important in situations where COVID-19 vaccination options are limited.
High prevalence of soil-transmitted helminth infections in Myanmar schoolchildren
Authors: Aung Eindra , Han Kay Thwe , Gordon Catherine A. , Hlaing Nyein Nyein , Aye Moe Moe , Htun Myo Win , Wai Khin Thet , Myat Su Mon , Thwe Thida Lay , Tun Aung , Wangdi Kinley , Li Yuesheng , Williams Gail M. , Clements Archie C. A. , Vaz Nery Susana , McManus Donald P. , Gray Darren J.
Published: March 2022

Background

Achieving the elimination of soil-transmitted helminth (STH) infections requires a sufficient understanding of the current epidemiological status of STH endemicity. We aimed to examine the status of STH in Myanmar – a country with the eighth highest STH prevalence in the world, 10 years after instigation of the national deworming programme.

Methods

In August 2016 we screened for STH infections using Kato Katz (KK) microscopy and real-time PCR (qPCR) in schoolchildren from the Bago Region township of Phyu, a STH sentinel site in Myanmar. Ten schools were randomly selected, and one stool sample each from a total of 264 students was examined. Prevalence and intensity of infection were calculated for each STH.

Results

High prevalence of STH was identified in the study area with 78.8% of the schoolchildren infected with at least one STH by qPCR, and 33.3% by KK. The most prevalent STH was Trichuris trichiura, diagnosed by both KK (26.1%) and qPCR (67.1%), followed by Ascaris lumbricoides (15.5% KK; 54.9% qPCR). No hookworm infections were identified by KK; however, the qPCR analysis showed a high prevalence of Ancylostoma sp. infection (29.6%) with few Necator americanus (1.1%) infections.

Conclusions

Despite bi-annual deworming of schoolchildren in the fourth-grade and below, STH prevalence remains stubbornly high. These results informed the expansion of the Myanmar National STH control programme to include all school-aged children by the Ministry of Health and Sports in 2017, however further expansion to the whole community should be considered along with improving sanitation and hygiene measures. This would be augmented by rigorous monitoring and evaluation, including national prevalence surveys.
Antiviral activity of molnupiravir against COVID-19: a schematic review of evidences
Authors: Singla Shivali , Goyal Sachin
Published: March 2022

Background

The study was aimed at encapsulating the evidence of in vitro and in vivo antiviral activities of molnupiravir and its active form against highly pathogenic SARS-CoV-2, the pathogen responsible for COVID-19, and finding out the efficacy and safety of molnupiravir in clinical trials.

Main body

Information on publications was explored on several databases, gray literature was reviewed, and the outcomes were discussed narratively. Molnupiravir's antiviral efficacy and associated mechanism of action have been verified in vitro against both non-COVID and multiple coronaviruses. Molnupiravir has been tried in preclinical investigations in numerous animal models against non-coronaviruses. Clinical studies in several countries are now being conducted to evaluate its antiviral efficacy in persons infected with COVID-19. The medication displays antiviral effect via generation of copying mistakes during viral RNA replication.

Conclusions

Molnupiravir is the first oral antiviral medicine to show considerable and convincing antiviral activity in vitro and in animal models. Molnupiravir stops the spread of SARS-CoV-2 in animals that have been infected and in cells grown in a lab. In a clinical research, early molnupiravir treatment reduced hospitalization and death risk in unvaccinated individuals with COVID-19. In the battle against SARS-CoV-2, it could be a potent weapon. However, its role in COVID-19 in moderate to severe cases is still up in the air, and more research is needed.
Case report of a Saccharomyces cerevisiae lung parenchyma infection in an immunocompetent 64-year-old male with a Zenker diverticulum
Authors: Nawaz Haroon , Choudhry Ayesha A. , Morse William
Published: March 2022

Saccharomyces cerevisiae
is a yeast microorganism known to inhabit the gut micro-biome. It is commonly used in the fermentation process of beer, wine, bread making, and is naturally found in soil, plants, and fruit. Saccharomyces boulardii (subtype of Saccharomyces) and cerevisiae are closely related and are commonly used as a probiotic and in treatment for diarrhea. In rare circumstances, Saccharomyces has been shown to cause infection in the immunocompromised and intensive care unit (ICU) patients, with antibiotic use, and central venous catheter use. This prompts us to present one of the only documented case reports of a lung parenchyma infection with Saccharomyces cerevisiae in a 64-year-old immunocompetent male with a past medical history of chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), atrial fibrillation, atrioventricular (AV) nodal ablation, heart failure with preserved ejection fraction (HFrEF (post-status automated implantable cardioverter-defibrillator)), coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), gastric esophageal reflux disease (GERD), and a Zenker diverticulum.
Evaluation of depression and general health assessment among systemic lupus erythematosus patients in relation to disease activity and damage
Authors: Shaaban Ahmed , Tayel Manal , Hassan Eman , Salah Medhat , Ibrahim Mohamed , Said Walaa
Published: March 2022

Background

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune illness defined by involvement of several systems and a variety of clinical symptoms among them the neuropsychiatric manifestations. The purpose of the study was to evaluate the presence of depression and to assess overall health in individuals with SLE, as well as their relation to SLE disease activity and damage. Sixty adult SLE patients were enrolled, along with sixty age and sex-matched controls. For the presence of major depression, all patients were examined using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) for mental distress. Antinuclear antibody, anti-ds DNA, complements 3 and 4, and anti-ribosomal P antibody were performed for SLE patients. The SLEDAI-2 K and SLEDDI were assessed.

Results

The 60 patients were 52 (86.7%) females and 8 (13.3%) men, with a mean age of 32.5 ± 11.5 years and disease duration of 3.57 ± 3.55 years. Patients with depression accounted for 43 (71.6%) of the total, whereas controls accounted for just 14 (23.3%). Patients with substantial depression had significantly higher SLEDAI-2 K, SLEDDI, and illness duration than those without major depression (p = 0.047, p = 0.043, and p = 0.033, respectively). The patients’ mean GHQ-12 score was 17 ± 5.96, whereas the control group's was 10.0 ± 67.30, with a p value of 0.002. SLEDAI-2 K, SLEDDI, and depression score had a substantial positive association (p = 0.001, p = 0.042), while BDI-II and GHQ-12 had a significant positive correlation (p 0.001).

Conclusions

Depression and psychological distress were both common in SLE patients. Depression severity was linked to illness duration, activity, and damage.
Hydroxychloroquine non-availability during COVID-19 pandemic and its relation to anxiety level and disease activity in rheumatoid arthritis and lupus patients: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Abu-Zaid Mohammed Hassan , Aly Hany M. , Moshrif Abdelhafeez , Abdeldaim Doaa E. , El-Ghobashy Nehal
Published: March 2022

Background

During COVID-19 disease era, there is an accelerated demand for hydroxychloroquine since it was suggested by some centers as potential therapy for COVID-19 which has led to diminished supplies for patients with rheumatic disease and which carried unexpected risk for disease flare particularly in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. The purpose of the work is to detect the effect of HCQ shortage in patients with RA and SLE on anxiety and disease activity.

Results

A total of 320 patients were divided into two groups: group 1—216RA patients with mean age 45.5 ± 9.59 years, disease duration 43.4 ± 25.6 months with female predominance (62.5%). Group 2—104 SLE patients with mean33.4 ± 7.9 age years, disease duration 52.1 ± 34.6 months with female predominance (85.6%). HCQ shortage occurred in 174 RA patients (80.5%) and 76 lupus patients (73.1%). Despite HCQ shortage, there were no significant change in disease activity of RA (using CDAI) and SLE (using SELENA) p = 0.063 and 0.064 respectively before and after HCQ shortage. Anxiety level was higher in patients who were exposed to HCQ shortage in both groups (SLE p 0.0058 and RA p 0.0044) when we compared them to those without HCQ shortage.

Conclusion

In most patients with RA and SLE, the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in a HCQ scarcity, with no effect on disease activity. Anxiety was found to be associated with HCQ shortage in both diseases.
Artificial Intelligence–Powered Spatial Analysis of Tumor-Infiltrating Lymphocytes as Complementary Biomarker for Immune Checkpoint Inhibition in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Park Sehhoon , Ock Chan-Young , Kim Hyojin , Pereira Sergio , Park Seonwook , Ma Minuk , Choi Sangjoon , Kim Seokhwi , Shin Seunghwan , Aum Brian Jaehong , Paeng Kyunghyun , Yoo Donggeun , Cha Hongui , Park Sunyoung , Suh Koung Jin , Jung Hyun Ae , Kim Se Hyun , Kim Yu Jung , Sun Jong-Mu , Chung Jin-Haeng , Ahn Jin Seok , Ahn Myung-Ju , Lee Jong Seok , Park Keunchil , Song Sang Yong , Bang Yung-Jue , Choi Yoon-La , Mok Tony S. , Lee Se-Hoon
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE

Biomarkers on the basis of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) are potentially valuable in predicting the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). However, clinical application remains challenging because of methodologic limitations and laborious process involved in spatial analysis of TIL distribution in whole-slide images (WSI).

METHODS

We have developed an artificial intelligence (AI)–powered WSI analyzer of TIL in the tumor microenvironment that can define three immune phenotypes (IPs): inflamed, immune-excluded, and immune-desert. These IPs were correlated with tumor response to ICI and survival in two independent cohorts of patients with advanced non–small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

RESULTS

Inflamed IP correlated with enrichment in local immune cytolytic activity, higher response rate, and prolonged progression-free survival compared with patients with immune-excluded or immune-desert phenotypes. At the WSI level, there was significant positive correlation between tumor proportion score (TPS) as determined by the AI model and control TPS analyzed by pathologists ( P < .001). Overall, 44.0% of tumors were inflamed, 37.1% were immune-excluded, and 18.9% were immune-desert. Incidence of inflamed IP in patients with programmed death ligand-1 TPS at < 1%, 1%-49%, and ≥ 50% was 31.7%, 42.5%, and 56.8%, respectively. Median progression-free survival and overall survival were, respectively, 4.1 months and 24.8 months with inflamed IP, 2.2 months and 14.0 months with immune-excluded IP, and 2.4 months and 10.6 months with immune-desert IP.

CONCLUSION

The AI-powered spatial analysis of TIL correlated with tumor response and progression-free survival of ICI in advanced NSCLC. This is potentially a supplementary biomarker to TPS as determined by a pathologist.
Therapy for Muscle-Invasive Urothelial Carcinoma: Controversies and Dilemmas
Authors: Sonpavde Guru P. , Mouw Kent W. , Mossanen Matthew
Published: March 2022

The Oncology Grand Rounds series is designed to place original reports published in the Journal into clinical context. A case presentation is followed by a description of diagnostic and management challenges, a review of the relevant literature, and a summary of the authors' suggested management approaches. The goal of this series is to help readers better understand how to apply the results of key studies, including those published in Journal of Clinical Oncology, to patients seen in their own clinical practice.
A Protective Role for Glucagon-like Peptide-2 in Heat-stable Enterotoxin b (STb)-Induced L-Cell Toxicity
Authors: Butt Shahnawaz , Gagnon Jeffrey , Saleh Mazen
Published: March 2022

Enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC)-derived purified heat-stable enterotoxin b (STb) is responsible for secretory diarrhea in livestock and humans. STb disrupts intestinal fluid homeostasis, epithelial barrier function, and promotes cell death. Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2) is a potent intestinotrophic hormone secreted by enteroendocrine L cells. GLP-2 enhances crypt cell proliferation, epithelial barrier function, and inhibits enterocyte apoptosis. Whether STb can affect GLP-2 producing L cells remains to be elucidated. First, secreted-His-labeled STb from transformed E coli was collected and purified. When incubated with L-cell models (GLUTag, NCI-H716, and secretin tumor cell line [STC-1]), fluorescent immunocytochemistry revealed STb was internalized and was differentially localized in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Cell viability experiments with neutral red and resazurin revealed that STb was toxic in all but the GLUTag cells. STb stimulated 2-hour GLP-2 secretion in all cell models. Interestingly, GLUTag cells produced the highest amount of GLP-2 when treated with STb, demonstrating an inverse relationship in GLP-2 secretion and cell toxicity. To demonstrate a protective role for GLP-2, GLUTag-conditioned media (rich in GLP-2) blocked STb toxicity in STC-1 cells. Confirming a protective role of GLP-2, teduglutide was able to improve cell viability in cells treated with H2O2. In conclusion, STb interacts with the L cell, stimulates secretion, and may induce toxicity if GLP-2 is not produced at high levels. GLP-2 or receptor agonists have the ability to improve cell viability in response to toxins. These results suggest that GLP-2 secretion can play a protective role during STb intoxication. This work supports future investigation into the use of GLP-2 therapies in enterotoxigenic-related diseases.
The Concise Synthesis of a tert-Butoxycarbonyl Derivative of (3R,4S)-4-Amino-3-hydroxy-7-(N-nitrosohydroxyamino)-2,2-dimethylheptanoate, a Component of JBIR-141
Authors: Yasoshima Kotaro , Yoshida Masahito , Doi Takayuki
Published: March 2022

The synthesis of (3R,4S)-γ-amino-β-hydroxy-α,α-dimethylheptanoate possessing a scarce N-nitrosohydroxylamine moiety at the ω-position has been demonstrated. Reduction of γ-amino-β-hydroxy-α,α-dimethylheptanoate derivatives with LiAlH(Ot-Bu)3/ether provided (3R,4S)-diastereomer up to 84% dr, whereas that with L-Selectride exclusively afforded (3S,4S)-diastereomer. The N-nitrosohydroxylamine moiety was introduced from N-Cbz-benzyloxyamine via selective removal of the Cbz group, nitrosation, and hydrogenolysis of the benzyl group.
Efficacy of Articaine vs Lignocaine for infiltration anaesthesia during primary molar extractions
Authors: Chen Song , Xiang Jie , Ji Yan
Published: March 2022

Objectives: The purpose of this systematic review was to evaluate if articaine has better efficacy as compared to lignocaine when used for infiltration anaesthesia for primary molar extractions.

Methods: The electronic databases of PubMed, Embase, Scopus, BioMed Central, CENTRAL, and Google Scholar were searched up to August 2020. Randomized controlled trials on paediatric patients comparing the infiltration of articaine with lignocaine for extraction of primary molar were included. Pain of extraction and successful palatal/lingual anaesthesia with single buccal infiltration was evaluated.

Results: Six studies were included. We found no difference in pain scores when comparing singular buccal infiltrations of articaine and lignocaine for primary molar extractions. A meta-analysis of extraction pain scores from three studies indicated no statistically significant difference between buccal infiltration of articaine vs combined buccal and palatal/lingual infiltration of lignocaine. Comparing buccal with palatal/lingual infiltration of both articaine and lignocaine with data from three studies, articaine was found to significantly reduce pain scores.

Conclusion: Our review encompassing a limited number of studies suggests that single buccal infiltration of articaine may have a role in primary molar extractions. Articaine may have a better anaesthetic effect compared to lignocaine but the difference may not be clinically relevant.

doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5343

How to cite this:Chen S, Xiang J, Ji Y. Efficacy of Articaine vs Lignocaine for infiltration anaesthesia during primary molar extractions. Pak J Med Sci. 2022;38(4):---------. doi: https://doi.org/10.12669/pjms.38.4.5343

This is an Open Access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Competency-based Training Needs Assessment for Research Managers and Administrators in Africa and the United Kingdom to Strengthen Equitable Partnerships
Authors: Nembaware Victoria , Glasser Simon , Priest Anne , Davies Ailsa , Skelton Michelle , Bodzo Paidamoyo , Lelong Olivia , Naidu Alecia , Masimirembwa Colleen , Mutambiranwa Alice , Hay Annette , Wonkam Ambroise , Dandara Collet
Published: March 2022

Background: The need for competent research managers and administrators (RMAs) has increased due to the complexity in managing research projects between disparate and international partners. To facilitate the creation of robust training and professional development programmes it is essential to first understand the status quo. A collaborative project, Sustainable Management and Administration for Research: Training across the project Lifecycle (SMARTLife), made up of RMAs from South Africa, Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom (UK) developed a set of competencies to conduct an RMA competency-based training needs assessment scoping tool.

Method: Nine areas were identified: Equitable partnership; Finance Management; Project Management; Monitoring and Evaluation; Reporting and Communications; Equity, Diversity & Inclusion; Training and Capacity Development; Impact a& Sustainability; and Ethical, Social, Legal a& Social Implications.  Tasks for each competency area were identified to develop an scoping tool that had 168 data collection points. The tool was advertised through press releases, mailing lists and social media.

Results:  108 responses were obtained:  with 49% from 15 Africa countries/the remainder from the UK. The UK (71%) had more permanent RMA staff members compared to Africa (39%). There were more respondents in Africa with the title of Research Manager/Coordinator(p=0.0132) compared to the UK where most of the RMAs were employed as Finance/Contract officers. 60% of respondents from the UK had more than three years experience while only 35% from Africa had experience. While most RMAs had formal higher education qualifications, their training was not in research management and administration, which requires a diverse range of skills. Confidence in specific tasks varied between the UK and Africa whereas collaborative partnerships challenges and enablers were similar.

Conclusion This work highlights differences in RMA training and experience RMA  between Africa and UK, this work could inform much needed competency-based training for RMAs and partnership strategies that aid mutual-learning.
Skin assessment in adults
Authors: Mitchell Aby
Published: March 2022

The skin has often been described in fictional literature as the window to the soul. It is the largest organ in the body and integral to both physical and psychosocial health. A complete skin assessment is essential for holistic care and must be completed by nurses and other health professionals on a regular basis. Providing patients and relatives with information on good skin hygiene can improve skin integrity and reduce the risk of pressure damage and skin tears.
The Effect of Strong Magnetic Field on Heavy Quarkonia in a Hot Medium Using Nikiforov-Uvarov Method
Authors: Abu-shady M. , Fath-Allah H. M.
Published: March 2022

The influence of temperature and a constant strong magnetic field on the quarkonium heavy meson spectrum is explored as a result of recent research suggesting that a strong magnetic field can be formed at primary stage in ultrarelativistic heavy ion collisions (URHIC). Debye screen potential is used in non-relativistic models, and the states are termed as charmonium & bottominum. In order to better understand the current findings, a comparison has been made in recent studies. Therefore, the number of flavor and magnetic field play an essential role in hot medium.
Estimation of Finite Population Mean of Median Based Using Power Transformation
Authors: Olasunkanmi Muili Jamiu , Audu A.
Published: March 2022

This paper deals with the assessment of finite population mean. An estimator is suggested for estimation of finite population mean of study variable. The purpose of this study is to evolve a ratio-type estimator to enhance the proficiency of the existing estimators considered in the study in sample random sampling without replacement using information of auxiliary variable. Expressions of the bias and mean square error (MSE) of the proposed estimator was derived by Taylor series method. The efficiency conditions under which the proposed ratio-type estimator is better than sample mean, ratio estimator, and other estimators considered in this study have been established. Theoretical and empirical findings are incentive and brace the robustness of the proposed estimator for mean estimation. The empirical results shown that the suggested estimator is more efficient than the sample mean, ratio estimator and other estimators.
He Ture Kia Tika/Let the Law Be Right: informing evidence-based policy through kaupapa Māori and co-production of lived experience
Authors: Thom Katey , Black Stella , Burnside David , Hastings Jessica
Published: March 2022

Background:

Ninety-one per cent of Aotearoa New Zealand prisoners have been diagnosed with either a mental health or substance use disorder within their lifetime. Challenges exist in how to meet their needs. Diverse pūrākau (stories) of success in whānau ora (wellbeing) and stopping offending are missing from academic and public discourse that should direct law and policy changes.

Aims and objectives:

We describe a kaupapa Māori co-production project called He Ture Kia Tika/Let the Law be Right. We highlight how kaumātua (Māori indigenous elders), academics, and practitioners merged their voices with people with lived experiences of mental health, addiction, and incarceration to create justice policy and solutions.

Methods:

We focus on the theory and application of our co-production, directed by kaupapa Māori methodology. We describe the work of a co-design group that actively guides the project, from inception towards completion, using rangahau kawa (research protocols) as culturally clear guidelines and ethically safe practices. We then detail our processes involved in the collection of co-created pūrākau (storytelling) with 40 whānau (family) participants, and describe our continued collaboration to ensure law and policy recommendations are centred on lived experiences.

Findings:

Kaupapa Māori informed co-production ensured rangahau kawa (research protocol and guidelines) were created that gave clear direction for an engagement at all levels of the project. We see this as bringing to life co-production, moving beyond theory to the practicalities of ‘being’ and ‘doing’ with each other in safe, ethical ways for all.

Discussions and conclusions:

A strong association exists between unmet mental health needs and reoffending. Tackling cultural, health, social and justice issues requires a multi-layered approach from a range of rangatira (leaders including kaumātua/elders) and tohunga, or experts, of their lived experiences to inform future policy and law reform.
Nonlinear pulse compression of a thin-disk amplifier and contrast enhancement via nonlinear ellipse rotation
Authors: Pfaff Yanik , Forster Carola , Barbiero Gaia , Rampp Michael , Klingebiel Sandro , Brons Jonathan , Teisset Catherine Y. , Wang Haochuan , Jung Robert , Jaksic Jasna , Woldegeorgis Abel H. , Saraceno Clara J. , Metzger Thomas
Published: March 2022

We demonstrate pulse compressibility from 840 fs to 38 fs of 10 mJ pulses from a thin-disk amplifier at a repetition rate of 3 kHz after nonlinear broadening in a multipass cell. In addition, the temporal-intensity contrast is enhanced via nonlinear ellipse rotation of more than a factor 50 with an optical efficiency of 56%. We believe this is the first published experimental combination of multipass cell-based nonlinear compression and nonlinear ellipse rotation-based contrast enhancement preserving both pulse compressibility and beam quality.
Der Artificial Intelligence Act – eine Praxisanalyse am Beispiel von Gesichtserkennungssoftware
Authors: Wudel Alexandra , Schulz Michael
Published: March 2022

Der Einsatz Künstlicher Intelligenz (KI) eröffnet ein Spannungsfeld zwischen Innovationspotentialen und Regulierungsdrang. Auf harmonisierte Richtlinien zur Regulierung dieser Technologie kann derzeit jedoch nicht zurückgegriffen werden. Gleichzeitig kommt es zu Diskriminierungsfällen, durch die der Bedarf an entsprechenden Gesetzen deutlich wird. Ein politischer Meilenstein in der Entwicklung eines Regelwerks kommt aus der Europäischen Union. Seit dem 21.04.2021 liegt der Artificial Intelligence Act der Europäischen Kommission vor. Der Gesetzesvorschlag versucht einen Spagat, um Innovationen weiter zu fördern und gleichzeitig ethische Dimensionen wie Nicht-Diskriminierung zu regulieren. Dieser Artikel stellt eine Statusanalyse von KI-Systemen in der Strafverfolgung in Europa im Vergleich zu den USA vor. Dieser soll herausstellen inwieweit derzeit ein Unterschied im Einsatz von KI aufgrund der geografischen Lage existiert und welche Chancen ebenso wie Herausforderungen ein globales Regelwerk für den ethischen Einsatz von KI aus europäischer Perspektive birgt. Da die Anwendung von Gesichtserkennungssoftware im Bereich der Strafverfolgung weit verbreitet ist, kann durch diese Untersuchung dringend notwendiger Handlungsbedarf der Gesetzgebung erkannt werden.
Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus in the German shepherd dog is a sex-differentiated trait and is associated with an intronic variable number tandem repeat in Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Receptor 2
Authors: Bell Sarah M. , Evans Jacquelyn M. , Evans Katy M. , Tsai Kate L. , Noorai Rooksana E. , Famula Thomas R. , Holle Dolores M. , Clark Leigh Anne
Published: March 2022

Congenital idiopathic megaesophagus (CIM) is a gastrointestinal (GI) motility disorder of dogs in which reduced peristaltic activity and dilation of the esophagus prevent the normal transport of food into the stomach. Affected puppies regurgitate meals and water, fail to thrive, and experience complications such as aspiration pneumonia that may necessitate euthanasia. The German shepherd dog (GSD) has the highest disease incidence, indicative of a genetic predisposition. Here, we discover that male GSDs are twice as likely to be affected as females and show that the sex bias is independent of body size. We propose that female endogenous factors (e.g., estrogen) are protective via their role in promoting relaxation of the sphincter between the esophagus and stomach, facilitating food passage. A genome-wide association study for CIM revealed an association on canine chromosome 12 (P-val = 3.12x10-13), with the lead SNPs located upstream or within Melanin-Concentrating Hormone Receptor 2 (MCHR2), a compelling positional candidate gene having a role in appetite, weight, and GI motility. Within the first intron of MCHR2, we identified a 33 bp variable number tandem repeat (VNTR) containing a consensus binding sequence for the T-box family of transcription factors. Across dogs and wolves, the major allele includes two copies of the repeat, whereas the predominant alleles in GSDs have one or three copies. The single-copy allele is strongly associated with CIM (P-val = 1.32x10-17), with homozygosity for this allele posing the most significant risk. Our findings suggest that the number of T-box protein binding motifs may correlate with MCHR2 expression and that an imbalance of melanin-concentrating hormone plays a role in CIM. We describe herein the first genetic factors identified in CIM: sex and a major locus on chromosome 12, which together predict disease state in the GSD with greater than 75% accuracy.
Qualitative evidence syntheses of attitudes and preferences to inform guidelines on infant feeding in the context of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) transmission risk
Authors: Campbell Fiona , Booth Andrew , Carroll Christopher , Lee Andrew , Relton Clare
Published: March 2022

Background

Breast-feeding holds considerable potential to reduce infant mortality. Feeding choices, already complex, take on additional complexity against a backdrop of the risk of transmissible Ebola Virus. This review describes the factors that influence infant feeding and attitudes of pregnant women, mothers, family members and health practitioners, policy makers and providers (midwives) concerning infant feeding when there is a risk of Mother-to-Child (MTC) transmission of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD).

Methodology

A systematic review of qualitative studies identified through rigorous searches of thirteen online databases and additional citation searches of included studies was undertaken. Search terms included breast-feeding, breast-feeding, infant feeding; Ebola; and qualitative, interview(s) and findings. Independent extraction of data by two reviewers using predefined extraction forms. Studies were assessed using the CASP Qualitative checklist.

Principal findings

5219 references were screened. 38 references related specifically to Ebola, and five papers met the inclusion criteria with data gathered from two settings: Guinea and Sierra Leone. The EVD outbreak had a significant impact on beliefs, attitudes, and resources to support infant feeding practices negatively affecting the nutritional status of children. The evidence from these studies highlight the need for guidance and appropriate psychosocial support need to be available to mothers who display symptoms and become infected and to front-line staff who are giving advice. Communities need to be engaged because stigma and fear may hinder uptake of appropriate interventions. The EVD outbreak caused multi-level system disruption akin to that seen following a natural disaster, meaning that logistics and coordination are critical and need adequate resourcing. Food production and distribution, and malnutrition screening are also disrupted and thereby compounding compromised nutritional status. The limited number of relevant studies highlights the need for further primary research, particularly in translation of messages to local settings.

Conclusions

An EVD outbreak causes multi-level disruption that negatively impacts infant feeding and child care practices. Negative impacts have multiple causes and successful planning for Ebola outbreaks requires that nutrition of infants and young children is a priority. Lessons from the Ebola pandemic have wider applicability to other pandemic contexts including Covid-19.
Inclusion of environmentally themed search terms improves Elastic net regression nowcasts of regional Lyme disease rates
Authors: Kontowicz Eric , Brown Grant , Torner James , Carrel Margaret , Baker Kelly K. , Petersen Christine A.
Published: March 2022

Lyme disease is the most widely reported vector-borne disease in the United States. 95% of confirmed human cases are reported in the Northeast and upper Midwest (25,778 total confirmed cases from Northeast and upper Midwest / 27,203 total US confirmed cases). Human cases typically occur in the spring and summer months when an infected nymph Ixodid tick takes a blood meal. Current federal surveillance strategies report data on an annual basis, leading to nearly a year lag in national data reporting. These lags in reporting make it difficult for public health agencies to assess and plan for the current burden of Lyme disease. Implementation of a nowcasting model, using historical data to predict current trends, provides a means for public health agencies to evaluate current Lyme disease burden and make timely priority-based budgeting decisions. The objective of the study was to develop and compare the performance of nowcasting models using free data from Google Trends and Centers of Disease Control and Prevention surveillance reports. We developed two sets of elastic net models for five regions of the United States: 1. Using only monthly proportional hit data from the 21 disease symptoms and tick related terms, and 2. Using monthly proportional hit data from terms identified via Google correlate and the disease symptom and vector terms. Elastic net models using the full-term list were highly accurate (Root Mean Square Error: 0.74, Mean Absolute Error: 0.52, R2: 0.97) for four of the five regions of the United States and improved accuracy 1.33-fold while reducing error 0.5-fold compared to predictions from models using disease symptom and vector terms alone. Many of the terms included and found to be important for model performance were environmentally related. These models can be implemented to help local and state public health agencies accurately monitor Lyme disease burden during times of reporting lag from federal public health reporting agencies.
Auditory and sexual preferences for a father’s song can co-emerge in female Bengalese finches
Authors: Fujii Tomoko G. , Okanoya Kazuo
Published: March 2022

Birdsong is an important communication signal used in mate choice. In some songbird species, only the males produce songs. While the females of those species do not sing, they are sensitive to inter- and intra-species song variations, and the song preferences of females depend on their developmental experiences and/or genetic predispositions. For example, in Bengalese finches and zebra finches, adult females prefer the song to which they were exposed early in life, such as the father’s song. In the current study, we aimed to test whether the preference for the father’s song, as reported in previous Bengalese finch studies, can be interpreted as a mating preference. For this purpose, the subjects were raised exclusively with their family until they became sexually mature and then tested as adults. We measured copulation solicitation displays during playbacks of the father’s song vs. unfamiliar conspecific songs and found that across individuals, the father’s song elicited more displays than other songs. In addition, we analyzed if a bird’s response to a given song could be predicted by the level of similarity of that song to the father’s song. Although the birds expressed more displays to songs with greater similarity to the father’s song, the effect was not statistically significant. These results suggest that female Bengalese finches can develop a strong mating preference for the father’s song if they are exclusively exposed to the father’s song early in life. However, it is not clear if such a preference generalizes to other cases in which birds are exposed to multiple male songs during development. In order to fully elucidate the possible contribution of experience and genetic factors in the development of female song preference in this species, future studies will need more detailed manipulation and control of the rearing conditions, including cross-fostering.
The influence of role awareness, empathy induction and trait empathy on dictator game giving
Authors: Herne Kaisa , Hietanen Jari K. , Lappalainen Olli , Palosaari Esa
Published: March 2022

We ask how state empathy, trait empathy, and role awareness influence dictator game giving in a monetarily incentivized experiment. We manipulated two factors: role awareness (role certainty vs. role uncertainty) and state empathy induction (no empathy induction vs. empathy induction). Under role uncertainty, participants did not know their role as a dictator or a recipient when making their choices. State empathy was induced by asking the dictators to consider what the recipient would feel when learning about the decision. Each participant was randomly assigned into one of the four conditions, and in each condition, participants were randomly assigned into dictator and receiver roles. The role assignment took place before or after decisions were made, depending on the condition. We also studied the direct influence of trait empathy on dictator game giving as well as its interaction with the experimental manipulations. Trait empathy was measured by the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI) and the Questionnaire of Cognitive and Affective Empathy (QCAE) before the experiment. Of our experimental manipulations, role awareness had an effect on dictator game giving; participants donated more under role uncertainty than under role certainty. Instead, we did not observe an effect of state empathy induction. Of trait empathy subscales, only affective empathy was positively associated with dictator game giving. Finally, role awareness did not influence all participants similarly but had a larger impact on those with low scores on trait empathic concern or trait affective empathy. Our results indicate that specific measures to induce altruistic sharing can be effective but their effect may vary depending on certain personal characteristics.
Splenic artery steal syndrome in patients with orthotopic liver transplant: Where to embolize the splenic artery?
Authors: Fleckenstein Florian N. , Luedemann Willie M. , Kücükkaya Ahmet , Auer Timo A. , Plewe Julius , Hamm Bernd , Günther Rolf W. , Fehrenbach Uli , Gebauer Bernhard , Wieners Gero
Published: March 2022

Purpose

This study compared proximal and distal embolization of the splenic artery (SA) in patients with splenic artery steal syndrome (SAS) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) regarding post interventional changes of liver function to identify an ideal location of embolization.

Methods and materials

85 patients with SAS after OLT treated with embolization of the SA between 2007 and 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Periinterventional DSA was used to assess treatment success and to stratify patients according to the site of embolization. Liver function was assessed using following laboratory values: bilirubin, albumin, gamma-glutamyl transferase, glutamat-pyruvat-transaminase (GPT), glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP), aPTT, prothrombin time and thrombocyte count. Descriptive statistics were used to summarize the data. Median laboratory values of pre, 1- and 3-days, as well as 1-week and 1-month post-embolization were compared between the respective embolization sites using linear mixed model regression analysis.

Results

All procedures were technically successful and showed an improved blood flow in the hepatic artery post-embolization. Ten Patients were excluded due to re -intervention or inconsistent image documentation. Pairwise comparison using linear mixed model regression analysis showed a significant difference between proximal and distal embolization for GPT (57.0 (IQR 107.5) vs. 118.0 (IQR 254.0) U/l, p = 0.002) and GOT (48.0 (IQR 48.0) vs. 81.0 (IQR 115.0) U/l, p = 0.008) 3-days after embolization as well as median thrombocyte counts 7-days after embolization (122 (IQR 108) vs. 83 (IQR 74) in thousands, p = 0.014). For all other laboratory values, no statistically significant difference could be shown with respect to the embolization site.

Conclusion

We conclude that long-term outcomes after embolization of the SA in the scenario of SAS after OLT are irrespective of the site of embolization of the SA, whereas a proximal embolization potentially facilitates earlier normalization of liver function. Choice of technique should therefore be informed by anatomical conditions, safety considerations and preferences of the interventionalist.
Disparities in the quality of care for chronic hepatitis C among Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Tran Linh , Jung Jeah , Feldman Roger , Riley Thomas
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is an important public health concern. Limited information exists on disparities in the quality of HCV care. We examine disparities in genotype or quantitative HCV ribonucleic acid testing before and after starting HCV treatment, and screening for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in HCV patients with cirrhosis.

Methods

This national study included Medicare beneficiaries with HCV between 2014 and 2017. We used bivariate probit to estimate the probability of receiving recommended tests before and after HCV treatment by patient race/ethnicity, urban/rural residence, and socioeconomic status. We used multivariate logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios (aOR) of HCC screening among beneficiaries with cirrhosis by patient factors.

Findings

Of 41,800 Medicare patients with HCV treatment, 93.47% and 84.99% received pre- and post-treatment testing. Patients in racial minority groups had lower probabilities of pre- and post-treatment testing than whites. Rural residents were less likely to receive a post-treatment test (Coef. = -0.06, 95% CI: -0.11, -0.01). Among HCV patients with cirrhosis, 40% (24,021) received at least one semi-annual HCC screening during the study period. The odds of HCC screening were 14% lower in rural than in urban patients (aOR = 0.86, 95% CI: 0.80, 0.92), lower in African Americans (aOR = 0.93, 95% CI: 0.90, 0.96), but higher among Hispanics than in whites (aOR = 1.09, 95% CI: 1.04, 1.15). There was no significant association between ZIP-level income or education and HCC screening.

Conclusions

Disparities in the quality of HCV care existed by patient race/ethnicity, urban/rural residence, and socioeconomic status. Continued efforts are needed to improve the quality of care for all HCV patients—especially rural patients and racial/ethnic minorities.
Education and subjective well-being in Chinese rural population: A multi-group structural equation model
Authors: Hou Tianya , Zhang Ruike , Xie Yawei , Yin Qianlan , Cai Wenpeng , Dong Wei , Deng Guanghui
Published: March 2022

Purposes

This study aimed to explore the effect of education on subjective well-being (SWB) of Chinese rural dwellers who just shook off poverty in 2019 and to investigate the mediating role of social support and moderating role of age on the association.

Methods

Social support rating scale (SSRS) and General Well-Being Schedule (GWBS) were administrated among 1094 Chinese rural dwellers from Anqing, Anhui Province, China. Structural equation modeling (SEM) and multi-group SEM were performed to examine the mediating role of social support and moderating role of age in the link between education and SWB, respectively.

Results

The findings indicated that social support fully mediated the relationship between education and SWB in rural residents. Age moderated the indirect relationship between education and SWB (first stage moderation model) such that the effect of education on social support would be strengthened with aging process.

Conclusions

The results add to our understanding of the protective role of education in SWB among Chinese rural dwellers, and shed new light on the potential mechanisms underlying the association between education and SWB with respect to the mediating role of social support and moderating role of age.