bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of three anti-malarial regimens for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria in Cambodia, 2009–2011: a randomized controlled trial and brief review
Authors: Lek Dysoley , Rachmat Agus , Harrison Dustin , Chin Geoffrey , Chaoratanakawee Suwanna , Saunders David , Menard Didier , Rogers William O.
Published: September 2022

Background

Anti-malarial resistance remains an important public health challenge in Cambodia. The effectiveness of three therapies for uncomplicated falciparum malaria was evaluated in Oddar Meanchey province in Northern Cambodia from 2009 to 2011.

Methods

In this randomized, open-label, parallel group-controlled trial, 211 subjects at least 5 years old with uncomplicated falciparum malaria were treated with 3 days of directly observed therapy: 63 received artesunate–mefloquine (AS/MQ), 77 received dihydroartemisinin–piperaquine (DHA/PPQ), and 71 received atovaquone–proguanil (ATQ/PG). The subjects were followed for 42 days or until recurrent parasitaemia. Genotyping of msp1, msp2, and glurp among individual parasite isolates distinguished recrudescence from reinfection. Pfmdr1 copy number was measured by real-time PCR and half-maximal parasite inhibitory concentrations (IC50) were measured in vitro by 48-h isotopic hypoxanthine incorporation assay.

Results

The per-protocol PCR-adjusted efficacy (95% confidence interval) at 42 days was 80.6% (70.8–90.5%) for AS/MQ, 97.2% (93.3–100%) for DHA/PPQ, and 92.9% (86.1–99.6%) for ATQ/PG. On day 3, 57.9% remained parasitaemic in the AS/MQ and DHA/PPQ arms. At baseline, 46.9% had microscopic Plasmodium falciparum gametocytaemia. Both recurrences in the DHA/PPQ arm lost Pfmdr1 copy number amplification at recrudescence. All four recurrences in the ATQ/PG arm were wild-type for cytochrome bc1. One subject withdrew from the ATQ/PG arm due to drug allergy.

Conclusions

This study was conducted at the epicentre of substantial multi-drug resistance that emerged soon thereafter. Occurring early in the national transition from AS/MQ to DHA/PPQ, both DHA/PPQ and ATQ/PG had acceptable efficacy against uncomplicated falciparum malaria. However, efficacy of AS/MQ was only 80% with apparent mefloquine resistance based on elevated Pfmdr1 copy number and IC50. By 2009, there was already significant evidence of artemisinin resistance not previously reported at the Northern Cambodia–Thai border. This study suggests the basis for early development of significant DHA/PPQ failures within 3 years of introduction. Artemisinin resistance likely occurred on the Northern border concurrently with that reported along the Western border in Pailin.

Trial registration This legacy trial was conducted prior to International Committee of Medical Journal Editors’ requirements for preregistration on ClinicalTrials.gov. The full protocol has been provided.
Development of a method for walking step observation based on large-scale GPS data
Authors: Nagata Shohei , Nakaya Tomoki , Hanibuchi Tomoya , Nakaya Naoki , Hozawa Atsushi
Published: September 2022

Background

Widespread use of smartphones has enabled the continuous monitoring of people’s movements and physical activity. Linking global positioning systems (GPS) data obtained via smartphone applications to physical activity data may allow for large-scale and retrospective evaluation of where and how much physical activity has increased or decreased due to environmental, social, or individual changes caused by policy interventions, disasters, and infectious disease outbreaks. However, little attention has been paid to the use of large-scale commercial GPS data for physical activity research due to limitations in data specifications, including limited personal attribute and physical activity information. Using GPS logs with step counts measured by a smartphone application, we developed a simple method for daily walking step estimation based on large-scale GPS data.

Methods

The samples of this study were users whose GPS logs were obtained in Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, Japan, during October 2019 (37,460 users, 36,059,000 logs), and some logs included information on daily step counts (731 users, 450,307 logs). The relationship between land use exposure and daily step counts in the activity space was modeled using the small-scale GPS logs with daily step counts. Furthermore, we visualized the geographic distribution of estimated step counts using a large set of GPS logs with no step count information.

Results

The estimated model showed positive relationships between visiting high-rise buildings, parks and public spaces, and railway areas and step counts, and negative relationships between low-rise buildings and factory areas and daily step counts. The estimated daily step counts tended to be higher in urban areas than in suburban areas. Decreased step counts were mitigated in areas close to train stations. In addition, a clear temporal drop in step counts was observed in the suburbs during heavy rainfall.

Conclusions

The relationship between land use exposure and step counts observed in this study was consistent with previous findings, suggesting that the assessment of walking steps based on large-scale GPS logs is feasible. The methodology of this study can contribute to future policy interventions and public health measures by enabling the retrospective and large-scale observation of physical activity by walking.
HIV-1 bispecific antibody iMab-N6 exhibits enhanced breadth but not potency over its parental antibodies iMab and N6
Authors: Moshoette Tumelo , Papathanasopoulos Maria Antonia , Killick Mark Andrew
Published: September 2022

The recently published AMP trial (HVTN 703/HPTN 081 and HVTN704/HPTN 085) results have validated broad neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) as potential anti-HIV-1 agents. However, single bNAb preparations are unlikely to cope with the onslaught of existing and de novo resistance mutations, thus necessitating the use of bNAb combinations to achieve clinically relevant results. Specifically engineered antibodies incorporating two bNAbs into a single antibody structure have been developed. These bispecific antibodies (bibNAbs) retain the benefits of bNAb combinations, whilst several conformations exhibit improved neutralisation potency over the parental bNAbs. Here we report on the engineering of a bibNAb comprising of an HIV-1 spike targeting bNAb N6 and a host CD4 targeting antibody ibalizumab (iMab). Antibodies were expressed in HEK293T cells and purified by protein-A affinity chromatography followed by size exclusion chromatography to achieve homogenous, monomeric, bibNAb preparations. Antibody purity was confirmed by SDS-PAGE whilst epitope specificity and binding were confirmed by ELISA. Finally, antibody breadth and potency data were generated by HIV-1 neutralisation assay (n = 21, inclusive of the global panel). iMab-N6 exhibited better neutralisation breadth (100% coverage) in comparison to its parental bNAbs iMab (90%) and N6 (95%). This is encouraging as exceptional neutralisation breadth is necessary for HIV-1 treatment or prevention. Unfortunately, iMab-N6 did not exhibit any enhancement in potency over the most potent parental antibody, iMab (p = 0.1674, median IC50of 0.0475 µg/ml, and 0.0665 µg/ml respectively) or the parental combination, iMab + N6 (p = 0.1964, median IC50: combination 0.0457 µg/ml). This result may point to a lack of dual engagement of the bibNAb Fab moieties necessary for potency enhancement. Against the previously reported bibNAbs; iMab-CAP256, 10E08-iMab, and PG9-iMab; iMab-N6 was the lowest performing bibNAb. The re-engineering of iMab-N6 to enhance its potency, while retaining breadth, is a worthwhile endeavour due to its clinical potential.
Living a frozen life: a qualitative study on asylum seekers’ experiences and care practices at accommodation centers in Sweden
Authors: van Eggermont Arwidson Charlotta , Holmgren Jessica , Gottberg Kristina , Tinghög Petter , Eriksson Henrik
Published: September 2022

Background

Forced migrants fleeing conflict and violence face a high risk of mental health problems due to experiences before displacement, perilous journeys, and conditions in the new host societies. Asylum seekers seem to be in particularly vulnerable situations, indicated by higher prevalence rates of mental health problems compared to resettled refugees. Asylum seekers’ mental health is highly influenced by the conditions they face in host countries while awaiting a decision on their case. In Sweden, 40% of asylum seekers reside in state-provided accommodation centers during the asylum process. Collective accommodation centers for asylum seekers have been said to impose restrictive social conditions and to be associated with poorer mental health outcomes than other housing forms (e.g., self-organized housing). However, there seems to be a scarcity of qualitative studies exploring the experiences of asylum seekers in different contexts. The aim of this study was therefore to explore the experiences of asylum seekers and how they manage their mental wellbeing while living at accommodation centers in Sweden.

Methods

Fourteen semi-structured interviews with asylum seekers were conducted at two accommodation centers in Sweden. Participants were recruited using purposeful sampling and represented a diverse group of asylum seekers regarding age, background, and gender. The data was analyzed using content analysis.

Results

Three overarching categories were identified; 1) Frozen life, 2) Constant worrying and “overthinking”, and 3) Distractions and peer support. Participants experienced a state of being that could be characterized as a frozen life, which was associated with intense feelings of psychological distress, mostly described as manifesting itself in consuming patterns of ruminative thoughts, for instance overthinking and constant worrying. However, despite high levels of distress, participants demonstrated agency in managing negative mental health outcomes through self-care practices, peer support, and the development of care practices in caring for others in need.

Conclusion

This study offers new insights into the everyday challenges that asylum seekers at accommodation centers face. Furthermore, it offers valuable observations of how asylum seekers at accommodation centers cope through self-care practices, peer support, and care practices in caring for peers in need. In order to enable sustainable and empowering support, mental health and psychosocial support services must identify and address both challenges and strengths, be grounded in the lived reality of asylum seekers, and build on existing resources. Moreover, further policy work needs to be done to enable faster asylum processes.
The agreement and repeatability of measurements of ankle joint dorsiflexion and poplietal angle in healthy adolescents
Authors: Pietrzak Krzysztof , Miechowicz Izabela , Nowocień Krzysztof , Kraszewski Bartosz , Rzymski Piotr
Published: September 2022

Background

The intra‐rater repeatability and inter‐rater agreement of orthopaedics measurements are important for estimating injury risk and appropriate treatment. In clinical practice, it is often unavoidable to trust the measurements of other health professionals.

Methods

This study tested the agreement and repeatability of measurements of the dorsiflexion of the foot, dorsiflexion with 90‐degrees knee flexion, and popliteal angle test in healthy adolescents performed twice by three raters differing in clinical experience. Three raters, i.e., an orthopaedics specialist (16 years of experience), a resident medical doctor in orthopaedics (4 years of experience), and a physiotherapy student (1 year of experience) measured the ankle joint dorsiflexion and the popliteal angle in 142 healthy adolescent subjects.

Results

The student outperformed more experienced raters by displaying good repeatability for all the evaluated parameters. The orthopaedics specialist failed to replicate the measurements of the left ankle joint passive dorsiflexion and the left popliteal angle. The medical resident in orthopaedics displayed a lack of repeatability in evaluating the right ankle joint dorsiflexion with the knee joint bent. Kendall's W value for all parameters ranged 0.66–0.78, indicating a good inter‐rater agreement.

Conclusions

The study highlights that measurements of the ankle joint dorsiflexion and popliteal angle test by different health professionals can generally be trusted. It indicates that novice health professionals could potentially evaluate such parameters in healthy subjects without a quality loss.
An optimized mouse model of Staphylococcus aureus infected diabetic ulcers
Authors: MENDES Ana Isabel , PEIXOTO Maria João , MARQUES Alexandra Pinto , PEDROSA Jorge , FRAGA Alexandra Gabriel
Published: September 2022

Objective

Diabetic foot infection (DFI) represents a major healthcare burden, for which treatment is challenging owing to the pathophysiological alterations intrinsic to diabetes and the alarming increase of antimicrobial resistance. Novel therapies targeting DFI are therefore a pressing research need for which proper models of disease are required.

Results

Here, we present an optimized diabetic mouse model of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)-infected wounds, that resemble key features of DFI, such as pathogen invasion through wound bed and surrounding tissue, necrosis, persistent inflammation and impaired wound healing. Thus, in a time-efficient manner and using simple techniques, this model represents a suitable approach for studying emerging therapies targeting DFI caused by MRSA.
SARS CoV- 2 vaccination induces antibodies against cardiolipin
Authors: Krashias George , Pafiti Anna , Deeba Elie , Christodoulou Christina , Pantzaris Marios , Lambrianides Anastasia
Published: September 2022

Objective

Cases of thrombosis have been reported after administration of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines, with controversial results relating to Oxford-AstraZeneca’s ChAdOx1-S. Despite such cases being rare, they still raised concerns for their involvement in coagulopathies. Anti-cardiolipin (aCL) IgG antibodies have been linked to venous and arterial thrombosis. The aim was to evaluate the concentration of aCL IgG antibodies in vaccinated and COVID-19 positive individuals using indirect ELISA and commercial sourced calibrators.

Results

The concentration of aCL IgG antibodies was measured in the serum of COVID-19 positive (n = 37), ChAdOx1-S vaccinated (n = 37) and BioNTech Pfizer BNT162b2 vaccinated (n = 42) individuals. Samples from COVID-19 negative, unvaccinated individuals (n = 41) served as controls. The highest percentage of positivity was in the COVID-19 positive group (18.9%). Concerning vaccination, BNT162b2 had the highest percentage of positivity (11.9%) (p = 0.0037). Additionally, aCL concentrations were evaluated at different time points in both vaccinated groups (before, 3 weeks after and 3 months after the second dose). A significant difference in the levels of aCL IgG antibodies over time (p = 0.0391) was observed only in ChAdOx1-S individuals. Our study concluded that levels of aCL, after vaccination with either of the vaccines or following SARS-CoV-2 infection, were not clinically pathogenic for the risk of thrombosis.
Diagnostic performance of automated plasma amyloid-β assays combined with pre-analytical immunoprecipitation
Authors: Klafki Hans-W. , Vogelgsang Jonathan , Manuilova Ekaterina , Bauer Chris , Jethwa Alexander , Esselmann Hermann , Jahn-Brodmann Anke , Osterloh Dirk , Lachmann Ingolf , Breitling Benedict , Rauter Carolin , Hansen Niels , Bouter Caroline , Palme Stefan , Schuchhardt Johannes , Wiltfang Jens
Published: September 2022

Background

Measurements of the amyloid-β (Aβ) 42/40 ratio in blood plasma may support the early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s disease and aid in the selection of suitable participants in clinical trials. Here, we compared the diagnostic performance of fully automated prototype plasma Aβ42/40 assays with and without pre-analytical sample workup by immunoprecipitation.

Methods

A pre-selected clinical sample comprising 42 subjects with normal and 38 subjects with low cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) Aβ42/40 ratios was studied. The plasma Aβ42/40 ratios were determined with fully automated prototype Elecsys® immunoassays (Roche Diagnostics GmbH, Penzberg, Germany) by direct measurements in EDTA plasma or after pre-analytical Aβ immunoprecipitation. The diagnostic performance for the detection of abnormal CSF Aβ42/40 was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. In an additional post hoc analysis, a biomarker-supported clinical diagnosis was used as a second endpoint.

Results

Pre-analytical immunoprecipitation resulted in a significant increase in the area under the ROC curve (AUC) from 0.73 to 0.88 (p = 0.01547) for identifying subjects with abnormal CSF Aβ42/40. A similar improvement in the diagnostic performance by pre-analytical immunoprecipitation was also observed when a biomarker-supported clinical diagnosis was used as a second endpoint (AUC increase from 0.77 to 0.92, p = 0.01576).

Conclusions

Our preliminary observations indicate that pre-analytical Aβ immunoprecipitation can improve the diagnostic performance of plasma Aβ assays for detecting brain amyloid pathology. The findings may aid in the further development of blood-based immunoassays for Alzheimer’s disease ultimately suitable for screening and routine use.
Generalized Lommel–Wright function and its geometric properties
Authors: Zayed Hanaa M. , Mehrez Khaled
Published: September 2022

The normalization of the combination of generalized Lommel–Wright function$\mathfrak{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z)$Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)(m∈N,$\kappa _{3}>0$κ3>0andκ1,κ2∈C) defined by$\mathfrak{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z):=\Gamma ^{m}( \kappa _{1}+1)\Gamma (\kappa _{1}+\kappa _{2}+1)2^{2\kappa _{1}+ \kappa _{2}}z^{1-(\kappa _{2}/2)-\kappa _{1}}\mathcal{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{ \kappa _{3},m}(\sqrt{z})$Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z):=Γm(κ1+1)Γ(κ1+κ2+1)22κ1+κ2z1−(κ2/2)−κ1Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z), where$\mathcal{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z):=(1-2\kappa _{1}-\kappa _{2})J_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{ \kappa _{3},m}(z)+z ( J_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z) ) ^{\prime}$Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z):=(1−2κ1−κ2)Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)+z(Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z))′and$$ J_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z)= \biggl( \frac{z}{2} \biggr) ^{2\kappa _{1}+\kappa _{2}}\sum_{n=0}^{\infty} \frac{(-1)^{n}}{\Gamma ^{m} ( n+\kappa _{1}+1 ) \Gamma ( n\kappa _{3}+\kappa _{1}+\kappa _{2}+1 ) } \biggl( \frac{z}{2} \biggr) ^{2n}, $$Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)=(z2)2κ1+κ2∑n=0∞(−1)nΓm(n+κ1+1)Γ(nκ3+κ1+κ2+1)(z2)2n,was previously introduced and some of its geometric properties have been considered. In this paper, we report conditions for$\mathfrak{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z)$Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)to be starlike and convex of orderα,$0\leq \alpha <1$0≤α<1, inside the open unit disk using some technical manipulations of the gamma and digamma functions, as well as inequality for the digamma function that has been proved (Guo and Qi in Proc. Am. Math. Soc. 141(3):1007–1015, 2013). In addition, a method presented by Lorch (J. Approx. Theory 40(2):115–120 1984) and further developed by Laforgia (Math. Compet. 42(166):597–600 1984) is applied to establish firstly sharp inequalities for the shifted factorial that will be used to obtain the order of starlikeness and convexity. We compare then the obtained orders of starlikeness and convexity with some important consequences in the literature as well as the results proposed by all techniques to demonstrate the accuracy of our approach. Ultimately, a lemma by (Fejér in Acta Litt. Sci. 8:89–115 1936) is used to prove that the modified form of the function$\mathfrak{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z)$Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)defined by$\mathcal{I}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z)=\mathfrak{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z)\ast z/(1+z) \ $Iκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)=Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)∗z/(1+z)is in the class of starlike and convex functions, respectively. Further work regarding the function$\mathfrak{J}_{\kappa _{1},\kappa _{2}}^{\kappa _{3},m}(z)\ $Jκ1,κ2κ3,m(z)is underway and will be presented in a forthcoming paper.
An anatomically shaped medial meniscus prosthesis is able to partially restore the contact mechanics of the meniscectomized knee joint
Authors: van Minnen Branco S. , van der Veen Albert J. , van de Groes Sebastiaan A. W. , Verdonschot Nico J. J. , van Tienen Tony G.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine whether a flexible medial meniscus prosthesis is more capable of sharing loads with the direct tibiofemoral cartilage contact than the stiffer first-generation prosthesis. Additionally, the effect of the prosthesis on the tibial pressure distribution after total meniscectomy was investigated.

Methods

In an artificial knee joint, the relative amounts of load transferred through both meniscus prostheses and the direct tibiofemoral contact were assessed with pressure-sensitive sensors.

Additionally, six cadaveric knee joints were loaded in a physiological environment. Tibial contact pressures were measured with an intact native meniscus, after total meniscectomy and after implantation of the second-generation meniscus prosthesis.

Results

Whereas the first generation of the meniscus prosthesis transferred virtually all the load from femur to tibia, the second-generation prosthesis allowed for load sharing with the direct tibiofemoral contact.

No differences in load sharing were found between the native meniscus and the second-generation meniscus prosthesis. The prosthesis decreased peak and mean pressures on the medial tibial cartilage compared to meniscectomy. No significant differences in pressure were found between the native meniscus and the meniscus prosthesis.

Conclusions

The second-generation meniscus prosthesis presented in this study can share loads with the direct tibiofemoral contact, a characteristic that the first-generation prosthesis did not have.

The flexible meniscus prosthesis significantly reduces the contact pressures on the medial tibial plateau after total meniscectomy. Although the biomechanical performance of the native meniscus could not be reproduced completely, the meniscus prosthesis may have the potential to relieve post-meniscectomy pain symptoms.
Three-year follow-up of posterior chamber phakic intraocular lens with a central port design after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty
Authors: Alfonso-Bartolozzi Belén , Lisa Carlos , Fernández-Vega-Cueto Luis , Baamonde Begoña , Madrid-Costa David , Alfonso José F.
Published: September 2022

Background

To evaluate clinical outcomes of the Visian implantable collamer lens (ICL) with a central port to correct myopia and astigmatism after deep anterior lamellar keratoplasty (DALK) for keratoconus throughout 3 years of follow-up.

Methods

This study included 20 eyes of 20 patients that underwent V4c ICL (13 eyes with a spherical ICL and 7 eyes with a toric ICL) implantation after DALK. Uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) distance visual acuities, refraction, intraocular pressure (IOP), endothelial cell density (ECD), and vault were analyzed.

Results

The mean UDVA improved from the preoperative 1.18 ± 0.33 logMAR to 0.25 ± 0.14 logMAR at 6 months after surgery (P < 0.0001) and remained unchanged throughout the whole follow-up (P = 0.4). All eyes gained lines of CDVA compared to preoperative values. At the last follow-up visit, all eyes achieved CDVA of 0.2 logMAR or better and 13 eyes (65%) 0.1 logMAR or better. At 6 months post-surgery, all eyes (100%) had a spherical equivalent within ± 1.50 D, and 19 (95%) within ± 1.00 D. The mean manifest spherical equivalent was stable over the postoperative follow-up (P = 0.25). No significant increase in IOP occurred in any case throughout the 3 years of follow-up. The loss in ECD from the preoperative baseline at the last follow-up visit was 2.27%.

Conclusions

The clinical outcomes suggest that the V4c ICL implantation for correction of myopia and regular astigmatism in post-DALK eyes was satisfactory in terms of effectiveness, safety, and stability during 3 years of follow-up.
Solving a running crab spider puzzle: delimiting Cleocnemis Simon, 1886 with implications on the phylogeny and terminology of genital structures of Philodromidae
Authors: Prado André Wanderley do , Baptista Renner Luiz Cerqueira , Schinelli Hector Baruch Pereira , Takiya Daniela Maeda
Published: September 2022

Background

Among the 16 Neotropical genera of Philodromidae, Cleocnemis has the most troublesome taxonomic situation. Remarkable morphological differences among several genera historically said to be related to Cleocnemis denote controversial notions and general uncertainty about the genus identity. Thus, to clarify the genus limits and contribute to the understanding of Neotropical Philodromidae, we conducted a morphological analysis, along with Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood molecular phylogenetic analyses focusing on Cleocnemis and related genera of Thanatinae. All of the 14 species previously placed in Cleocnemis were studied, and eight of them included in the molecular analyses based on fragments of 28S rDNA, histone H3, 16S rDNA, and cytochrome oxidase I (COI).

Results

Cleocnemis was recovered as polyphyletic. Most of its species are distributed into six lineages allocated into five morphologically recognizable groups: Group I [Cleocnemis heteropoda], representing Cleocnemis sensu stricto and two new junior synonyms, Berlandiella and Metacleocnemis; Group II [Tibelloides bryantaecomb. nov., Tibelloides punctulatuscomb. nov., Tibelloides reimoserinom. nov., and Tibelloides taquaraecomb. nov.], representing Tibelloidesgen. rev., which was not recovered as monophyletic; Group III [Fageia moschatacomb. nov., Fageia roseacomb. nov.], representing the genus Fageia; Group IV [“Cleocnemis” lanceolata]; and Group V [“Cleocnemis” mutilata, “Cleocnemis” serrana, and “Cleocnemis” xenotypa]. Species of the latter two groups are considered incertae sedis. Cleocnemis spinosa is maintained in Cleocnemis, but considered a nomen dubium. Cleocnemis nigra is considered both nomen dubium and incertae sedis. We provide a redelimitation of Cleocnemis, redescription, neotype designation, and synonymy of type-species C. heteropoda. Taxonomic notes on composition, diagnosis, and distribution for each cited genus are also provided. Phylogenetic results support the division of Philodromidae into Thanatinae new stat. and Philodrominae new stat. and suggest expansion of their current compositions. Terminology of genital structures of Philodromidae is discussed.

Conclusions

Our results bring light to Cleocnemis taxonomy and enhance the understanding of the relationships within Philodromidae, especially through the assessment of neglected Neotropical taxa.
Anesthesia management in living-donor liver transplantation in a patient with carbamoyl phosphate synthetase deficiency: a case report
Authors: Matsushita Hiroki , Fujiyoshi Tetsushiro , Yoshimaru Koichiro , Matsuura Toshiharu , Mushimoto Yuichi , Karashima Yuji , Yamaura Ken
Published: September 2022

Background

Carbamoyl phosphate synthetase deficiency (CPS1D) is a urea-cycle disorder (UCD). We report successful perioperative management of pediatric living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) in a CPS1D patient.

Case presentation

A 10-year-old female patient with CPS1D underwent LDLT. Proper administration of dextrose 50% and 60 kcal/kg/day with l-arginine and l-carnitine resulted in the avoidance of intraoperative hyperammonemia induced by hypercatabolism. Serum ammonia level transiently increased to 61 mmol/L in the anhepatic phase and decreased to 44 mmol/L after reperfusion.

Conclusions

We suggest anesthesia management with administration of dextrose to avoid hyperammonemia during LDLT in patients with CPS1D.
The association of food insecurity and cardiometabolic risk factors was independent of body mass index in Iranian women
Authors: Hashemzadeh Maral , Teymouri Maryam , Fararouei Mohammad , Akhlaghi Masoumeh
Published: September 2022

Background

Investigations on food insecurity have shown that food insecurity is inversely associated with health. We examined the association of food insecurity and cardiometabolic risk factors in women living in Shiraz, Iran.

Methods

The cross-sectional study was performed on 190 females. Food insecurity was assessed by Household Food Insecurity Access Scale. Cardiometabolic risk factors including anthropometric characteristics, blood pressure, and serum glucose and lipids were measured. Metabolic syndrome score was calculated according to the criteria described for Iranian adults. The association of food insecurity and cardiometabolic risk factors was assessed by linear regression.

Results

The prevalence of food security, and mild, moderate, and severe food insecurity was 42.6%, 40.5%, 15.8%, and 1.1%, respectively. Cardiometabolic risk factors worsened with increasing severity of food insecurity. Among the risk factors, body mass index (BMI) had the strongest association with food insecurity. After controlling demographic factors and BMI, fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, total, LDL, and HDL cholesterols, and metabolic syndrome score still showed significant associations with food insecurity (P < 0.01) but systolic and diastolic blood pressure were no longer associated with food insecurity after adjustment for BMI.

Conclusion

Overall, although BMI was strongly associated with food insecurity, cardiometabolic risk factors including blood glucose, triglycerides, total, HDL, and LDL cholesterols, and metabolic syndrome score were associated with food insecurity independent of BMI, suggesting that other factors such as lifestyle and diet may have contributed to the exacerbated cardiometabolic risk in food insecure participants of this study. Future studies need to clarify underlying factors in the association of food insecurity and cardiometabolic risk factors.
Does prophylactic low-dose amiodarone decrease the incidence of postoperative atrial fibrillation after coronary artery bypass graft surgery? A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Ahmed Mohamed Ali , Ghoneim Ahmed Emadeldeen , Abdel Wahab Amr Abdel Elmonem , Mahmoud Alaa Basiouni
Published: September 2022

Background

Postoperative atrial fibrillation (POAF) occurs within 1 to 5 days after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG), with a peak occurrence on the second day. This research aimed to assess the role of dose-low amiodarone in the prevention of POAF after CABG.

Methods

This randomized controlled blind-single study was carried out on 150 patients undergoing elective CABG with sinus rhythm. Cases were randomized into two equal groups. The placebo group received matching placebo tablets. The amiodarone group received a prophylactic oral amiodarone 5 mg/kg/day for 6 days before and 6 days after surgery.

Results

The incidence of POAF was significantly lower in the amiodarone group compared to the placebo group (16% vs 33.3%, P = 0.013) with a relative risk of 0.48 times (95% confidence interval: 0.26–0.88). The onset of POAF, percent of patients responded to medication, and time elapsed to respond to medication were insignificantly different between both groups. The mean (± SD) of ICU stay was 2.51 ± 1.11 days in the amiodarone group versus 3.31 ± 1.83 days in the placebo group, and the mean (± SD) of hospital stay duration was 10 ± 1.99 days in the amiodarone group versus 12.72 ± 2.23 days in the placebo group. The length of ICU admission and hospital stay was significantly lower in the amiodarone group than in the placebo group (P = 0.002 and < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

Low-dose oral amiodarone was effective in POAF prevention after CABG with a lower length of ICU admission and hospital stay.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trials Register PACTR202101651961317. Registered on 21 January 2021
Microstructural analysis of iron ore samples with bitumen as a binder
Authors: Ansari Qazi Abdul Khalique , Soni Hira Lal , Channa Abdul Sami , Mangi Kashif Hussain , Ansari Suhaib
Published: September 2022

In the present investigation, the direct reduction of magnetite and hematite powder with and without 5% bitumen at various temperatures has been studied in a hydrogen atmosphere. The prepared samples were fired in the temperature range of 673–1373 K to observe the weight loss and to find the effect of the bitumen in the samples. The microstructural results show that bitumen mixed with iron ore powder exhibited a more porous structure with cracks after reduction at 773 K and 973 K respectively. At temperatures above 1073 K, the carbon present in bitumen contributed to an enhanced rate of reduction of iron oxide samples. It was observed that, the reactivity of samples was affected by the level of impurities, crystal structure, binder, and composition of the reducing agent.

Graphical Abstract
The great safety net: the inherent jurisdiction and vulnerable adults
Authors: Brindle Nick , Jawaid Zumer Arif , Kennedy Michael
Published: September 2022

Clinicians should be aware of the inherent jurisdiction of the High Court in providing a ‘safety net’ to protect ‘vulnerable’ adults who are not within the scope of the Mental Capacity Act 2005 (MCA) or the Mental Health Act (MHA) 1983. Many situations in which the inherent jurisdiction has been deployed have been to safeguard vulnerable adults where there is abuse, coercion or undue influence, but the person does not lack decision-making capacity under the MCA. We explain the nature of the inherent jurisdiction, including descriptions of concepts surrounding ‘vulnerability’; as an intervention of last resort, we consider what statutory alternatives may exist, including safeguarding law under the Care Act 2014; we discuss decision-making capacity in relation to contact with others and, using real cases, the types of order that may be made under the court's inherent jurisdiction. It is important to be mindful that although there may be a legal remedy to safeguard this ‘vulnerable but capacitous’ group, there is a delicate and challenging balance between protecting those at risk and respecting their autonomy.
Challenging behaviour in children with developmental disabilities: an overview of behavioural assessment and treatment methods
Authors: Tevis Celeste , Matson Johnny L.
Published: September 2022

Challenging behaviours often co-occur at high rates among those with autism spectrum disorder and intellectual disability. Challenging behaviours, including self-injury, aggression and property destruction, can be associated with social impairment and increased caregiver demands and stress. These behaviours often arise from and are maintained by a combination of biological and environmental risk factors throughout the lifespan. Given the impact of challenging behaviours on development, function-based assessment and intervention approaches are crucial. The prevalence, risk factors, assessment tools and evidence-based treatment options utilised for individuals with developmental disorders are discussed.
Digital literacy in contemporary mental healthcare: online assessments and mobile health apps
Authors: Tracy Derek K. , Gadelrab Romayne , Rahim Ayesha , Pendlebury Gabrielle , Reza Hashim , Bhattacharya Rahul , Bachlani Asif , Worlley Katherine , Rigby David , Heath Maria , Dave Subodh
Published: September 2022

‘Digital’ is an omnipresent yet often vague, misunderstood or feared topic in health services. There are many current and potential gains for individual patients and local populations, clinicians and organisations through optimisation of digital technologies. We argue that understanding the various aspects of digital psychiatry is an essential contemporary need. This is the first of two articles on the subject, exploring the gains and challenges of virtual/online assessments, including ethical considerations and the use of virtual reality and electronic prescribing.
Lower Bone Turnover and Skeletal PTH Responsiveness in Japanese Compared to European Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Evenepoel Pieter , Jørgensen Hanne Skou , Komaba Hirotaka , Mazzaferro Sandro , Vervloet Marc , Cavalier Etienne , Fukagawa Masafumi
Published: September 2022

Context

Parathyroid hormone (PTH) treatment targets for patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) are lower in Japan than in Europe. Whether this translates to lower bone turnover is unknown and could depend on skeletal PTH responsiveness.

Objective

This study investigates whether skeletal PTH responsiveness is better preserved in Japanese vs European patients receiving HD.

Methods

This is a post hoc analysis of data from 2 prospective cohort studies, using a case-control design. Patients receiving chronic intermittent HD therapy were eligible for inclusion. Participating Belgian and Japanese patients (n = 374) were matched 1:1 by age (59 ± 12 years), sex (66% male), diabetes (34%), and dialysis duration (39 months [22-63 months]). PTH, bone-specific alkaline phosphatase (BALP), and tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase isoform 5b (TRAP5b) were measured centrally in Liège, Belgium.

Results

Japanese patients had lower levels of iPTH (207 vs 268 pg/mL; P < .001), BALP (15.3 vs 24.5 μg/L; P < .001), and TRAP5b (3.35 vs 5.79 U/L; P < .001). Linear regression analyses revealed lower levels of bone turnover markers for any given level of PTH in Japanese vs Belgian patients, indicating lower skeletal PTH responsiveness. Consistently, bone turnover markers were significantly lower in Japanese vs Belgian patients when stratifying or matching according to PTH levels. Male sex, obesity, and hyperphosphatemia were the main determinants of the bone turnover marker/PTH ratios.

Conclusion

Japanese patients receiving HD have lower bone turnover than their European counterparts, even at similar PTH levels. The rationale for the current regional differences in PTH treatment targets remains obscure and deserves further attention.
Physical Activity, Body Composition, and Cardiometabolic Health During Pregnancy: A Compositional Data Approach
Authors: Sandborg Johanna , Migueles Jairo H. , Söderström Emmie , Blomberg Marie , Henriksson Pontus , Löf Marie
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to examine the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of 24-hour movement behaviors (sleep, sedentary behavior [SB], light physical activity [LPA] and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity [MVPA]) with body composition and cardiometabolic health in i) early-, and ii) late pregnancy (gestational weeks 14 and 37).

Methods

This observational study utilized cross-sectional (n = 273) and longitudinal data (n = 242) from the HealthyMoms trial. Time spent in movement behaviors over seven consecutive 24-hour periods (ActiGraph wGT3x-BT accelerometer), body composition (Bod Pod), and cardiometabolic health indicators (glucose levels, homeostatic model for insulin resistance [HOMA-IR], systolic and diastolic blood pressure, metabolic syndrome [MetS] score) were measured in early and late pregnancy.

Results

In early pregnancy, reallocating time to MVPA from LPA, SB, and sleep was associated with lower MetS score (adj. γ = -0.343, P = 0.002). Correspondingly, reallocating time to LPA from SB and sleep in early pregnancy was associated with lower body weight (adj. γ = -5.959, P = 0.047) and HOMA-IR (adj. γ = -0.557, P = 0.031) at the same time point. Furthermore, reallocating time to LPA from SB and sleep in early pregnancy was associated with lower fat mass index (adj. γ = -0.668, P = 0.028), glucose levels (adj. γ = -0.315, P = 0.006), HOMA-IR (adj. γ = -0.779, P = 0.004) and MetS score (adj. γ = -0.470, P = 0.027) in late pregnancy. The changes in behaviors throughout pregnancy were not associated with body weight, body composition and MetS score in late pregnancy.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrated that increasing LPA or MVPA while reducing SB and sleep was associated with lower weight and more favorable cardiometabolic health in early pregnancy. In contrast, LPA in early pregnancy seems to be a stimulus of enough intensity to improve body composition and cardiometabolic health indicators in late pregnancy.
Ibuprofen Increases Markers of Intestinal Barrier Injury But Suppresses Inflammation at Rest and After Exercise in Hypoxia
Authors: MCKENNA ZACHARY J. , DUCHARME JEREMY B. , BERKEMEIER QUINT N. , SPECHT JONATHAN W. , FENNEL ZACHARY J. , GILLUM TREVOR L. , DEYHLE MICHAEL R. , AMORIM FABIANO T. , MERMIER CHRISTINE M.
Published: September 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of acute ibuprofen consumption (2 × 600-mg doses) on markers of enterocyte injury, intestinal barrier dysfunction, inflammation, and symptoms of gastrointestinal (GI) distress at rest and after exercise in hypobaric hypoxia.

Methods

Using a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled crossover design, nine men (age, 28 ± 3 yr; weight, 75.4 ± 10.5 kg; height, 175 ± 7 cm; body fat, 12.9% ± 5%; V̇O2peak at 440 torr, 3.11 ± 0.65 L·min−1) completed a total of three visits including baseline testing and two experimental trials (placebo and ibuprofen) in a hypobaric chamber simulating an altitude of 4300 m. Preexercise and postexercise blood samples were assayed for intestinal fatty acid binding protein (I-FABP), ileal bile acid binding protein, soluble cluster of differentiation 14, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β, and interleukin-10. Intestinal permeability was assessed using a dual sugar absorption test (urine lactulose-to-rhamnose ratio).

Results

Resting I-FABP (906 ± 395 vs 1168 ± 581 pg·mL−1; P = 0.008) and soluble cluster of differentiation 14 (1512 ± 297 vs 1642 ± 313 ng·mL−1; P = 0.014) were elevated in the ibuprofen trial. Likewise, the urine lactulose-to-rhamnose ratio (0.217 vs 0.295; P = 0.047) and the preexercise to postexercise change in I-FABP (277 ± 308 vs 498 ± 479 pg·mL−1; P = 0.021) were greater in the ibuprofen trial. Participants also reported greater upper GI symptoms in the ibuprofen trial (P = 0.031). However, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (P = 0.007) and TNF-α (P = 0.047) were lower throughout the ibuprofen trial compared with placebo (main effect of condition).

Conclusions

These data demonstrate that acute ibuprofen ingestion aggravates markers of enterocyte injury and intestinal barrier dysfunction at rest and after exercise in hypoxia. However, ibuprofen seems to suppress circulating markers of inflammation.
Το σινεμά της κρίσης
Authors: Καλέα Βασιλική
Published: September 2022

Κεντρικό ζητούμενο της εργασίας αυτής ήταν η πολιτική δυναμική του κινηματογράφου-εντός της μετανεωτερικής θεώρησης- και ειδικότερα ο τρόπος με τον οποίο ο κινηματογράφος συνομιλεί με το κοινωνικοπολιτικό του συγκείμενο και αναδιατάσσει τα καθεστώτα γνώσης εντός των οποίων αναδύεται. Ο κινηματογράφος συγκεκριμενοποιήθηκε σε μια ορισμένη εθνική φιλμική παραγωγή, και η μετανεωτερική θεωρία που αξιοποιήθηκε αφορά σε πολιτικές υποκειμένων όπως αυτές περιγράφονται στην φουκωική σκέψη και στις μεταγενέστερες αντανακλάσεις της, στην σύγχρονη πολιτική φιλοσοφία και στην μετα-φεμινιστική, queer πολιτική. Το γενικό ζητούμενο περί πολιτικής δυναμικής του κινηματογράφου εστιάστηκε στην ανάδειξη των τρόπων με τους οποίους οχτώ ελληνικές παραγωγές εννοιολογούν την ελληνική οικονομική κρίση συνδιαλεγόμενες με παράλληλες πολιτικές πρακτικές εντός του συγκεκριμένου ιστορικού συμφραζομένου. Το σχήμα ανάλυσης των ταινιών δομήθηκε έτσι ώστε να είναι συνεπές στην μετανεωτερική αμφισβήτηση συνεκτικών λόγων και ολιστικών λογικών, βασίστηκε σε προϋπάρχον σχήμα ανάλυσης κινηματογραφικών ταινιών (Δοξιάδης,2008:165-188,269-310) και εμπλουτίστηκε με όρους από τις πολιτικές επιστήμες, τις κινηματογραφικές και τις λογοτεχνικές σπουδές. Ειδικότερα, στην εργασία συνδυάστηκαν εργαλεία των Bakhtin, Δοξιάδη, Foucault και Laclau: αναδείχτηκε ο «ηγεμονικός χρονότοπος» της «ενηλικίωσης» ως βασική έννοια του «άξονα 3.» του Δοξιάδη και ως φουκωικό καθεστώς νοηματοδότησης του «εξαρθρωμένου» πολιτικού κατά Laclau. Στην ανάλυση λόγου οι τέσσερις άξονες του Δοξιάδη συμπληρώθηκαν με επιπλέον όρους των Lacan και Kristeva, των Butler και Athanasiou, των Edelman και Muñoz, του Žižek, του Agamben, του Derrida και του Levinas, και με τις τυπολογίες των Propp, Todorov, Genette, και Deleyto. Αναλύθηκε ο φιλμικός λόγος ως ρητορική περί ενηλικίωσης ενός συλλογικού πολιτικού υποκειμένου και ως πρακτική προβληματοποίησης των σύγχρονων ρυθμιστικών τεχνολογιών ζωής εντός της «κρίσης» της οικονομικής και της πολιτειακής. Οι φιλμικοί «λόγοι» συσχετίστηκαν με πολιτικές ρητορικές /πρακτικές και δημόσιους λόγους που αναδύθηκαν στην Ελλάδα και αφορούσαν στη διαχείριση του τραυματικού πολιτικού. Η πολιτική δυναμική των ταινιών εντοπίστηκε στο ενδοφιλμικό σύμπαν και σε εξωφιλμικές επιτελέσεις. Υποστηρίχτηκε και η πολιτικοποίηση της αισθητικής τους. Η εργασία, συνομίλησε με σχήματα ανάγνωσης ταινιών, που αφορούν στον σύγχρονο ελληνικό κινηματογράφο, μετά το 2010, και επιχειρηματολογούν περί πολιτικού σινεμά. Πρότεινε, την αλληγορία της «ενηλικίωσης» ως φιλμική ρητορική ενός σινεμά βιοπολιτικής που επιτάσσει την επαναδιαπραγμάτευση των κοινωνικών συμβολαίων. Τέλος, η ανάλυση ανίχνευσε πολιτικές αλληλεγγύης πολιτικά ενεργών υποκειμένων και συστήθηκε ως πολιτική πρακτική που τις αναδεικνύει.
Κανονιστική συνοχή και δικαιώματα
Authors: Σεμερτζάκης Κωνσταντίνος
Published: September 2022

Αντικείμενο της διδακτορικής διατριβής αποτελεί η δυνατότητα της έντασης μεταξύ των δικαιωμάτων. Το ζήτημα προσεγγίζεται μέσα από την αναδίφηση του εννοιακού τριπτύχου της ορθολογικότητας, των ουσιαστικών λόγων προς το πράττειν και των δικαιωμάτων, καθώς και της εγγενούς συνάφειας στην οποία οι κανονιστικές αυτές κατηγορίες τελούν μεταξύ τους. Το ζεύγος της ορθολογικότητας και των ουσιαστικών λόγων εξετάζεται στο πρώτο μέρος της διατριβής, το οποίο επιγράφεται «Κανονιστική συνοχή». Σε αυτό εγκύπτω στο τυπικό ζήτημα της συνοχής των αποφάνσεων του λόγου, προσπαθώντας να απαντήσω στο ερώτημα: «τι είναι αυτό που καθιστά συνεκτικό και ακέραιο ένα οποιοδήποτε κανονιστικό σύστημα;». Τα ζεύγη των ουσιαστικών λόγων και των δικαιωμάτων αφενός, των δικαιωμάτων και της ορθολογικότητας αφετέρου, αποτελούν αντίστοιχα το αναλυτικό και το διαλεκτικό σκέλος του δεύτερου μέρους υπό τον τίτλο «Δικαιώματα». Εδώ προσπαθώ να διακριβώσω τη θέση που κατέχουν τα δικαιώματα εντός ενός συστήματος πρακτικών κανόνων και αρχών. Βασική θέση που διέπει όλες τις αναπτύξεις στο πλαίσιο αυτής της εργασίας είναι πως η κανονιστικότητα δεν περιορίζεται σε ό,τι μπορεί να εισφερθεί ως κατ’ αρχήν βάσιμη δικαιολόγηση μιας συμπεριφοράς κατά τη διαδικασία του λόγον διδόναι˙ εκδηλώνεται ήδη σε ένα επίπεδο βαθύτερο από αυτό της παροχής λόγων: στο επίπεδο της σύστασής τους. Τόσο οι ορθολογικές αρχές όσο και τα δικαιώματα αναπτύσσουν την κανονιστική τους ισχύ σε τούτο το επίπεδο, μας δεσμεύουν δε με έναν τρόπο ριζικότερο από αυτόν των ουσιαστικών λόγων: όχι με το να δικαιολογούν μια συμπεριφορά, αλλά με το να θέτουν τα όρια της δικαιολογησιμότητάς της, τα όρια του τι μπορεί να δικαιολογηθεί και του τι μπορεί να αποτελέσει πρακτικό λόγο. Υπό το λογοσυστατικό πρότυπο της κανονιστικότητας, οι κατηγορίες των δικαιωμάτων δεν ανάγονται σε σχέσεις ουσιαστικών λόγων, ούτε αποτελούν οι ίδιες πηγή τέτοιων λόγων, όπως κατά κόρον υποστηρίζεται˙ κατά συνέπεια, δεν μπορούν να ιδωθούν ούτε ως κανόνες ούτε ως αρχές. Θα πρέπει αντίθετα να τις αντιληφθούμε ως τους λογικούς αρμούς που συνέχουν και συγχρόνως διαχωρίζουν τα δομικά στοιχεία του λόγου, τα πρόσωπα, συγκροτώντας την κανονιστική επικράτεια. Αυτή η αντίληψη των δικαιωμάτων διατρέχει το κανονιστικό πεδίο από την ηθική ως τη συνταγματική και την ευρύτερη έννομη τάξη, προσδιορίζοντας τη φύση του δικαίου και της δεσμευτικότητάς του.Το συμπέρασμα στο οποίο καταλήγω είναι ότι τα δικαιώματα, ως σχέσεις ισότητας, διακριτότητας και stricto sensu αξιοπρέπειας μεταξύ των προσώπων, αποτελούν το θεμέλιο της κανονιστικής ισχύος τόσο της ορθολογικότητας όσο και των ουσιαστικών λόγων, του συνολικού δηλαδή οικοδομήματος του λόγου. Υπό αυτήν την έννοια, δεν εναρμονίζονται απλώς με την ιδέα της κανονιστικής συνοχής, αλλά αποτελούν αναγκαία συνθήκη της. Ως εκ τούτου, η ένταση μεταξύ των δικαιωμάτων είναι λογικώς και κανονιστικώς αδύνατη.