bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of metabolic syndrome on incidence of oral potentially malignant disorder: a prospective cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Siewchaisakul Pallop , Wang Sen-Te , Peng Szu-Min , Sarakarn Pongdech , Chen Li-Sheng , Chen Tony Hsiu-Hsi , Yeh Yen-Po , Yen Amy Ming-Fang
Published: March 2023

Objectives

We aimed to assess the effect of metabolic syndrome (MetS) on incident oral potentially malignant disorder (OPMD).

Design

We conducted a prospective cohort study of the Changhua community-based integrated screening (CHCIS) programme and nationwide oral cancer screening programme during the period between 2005 and 2014.

Setting

CHCIS, Taiwan.

Participants

We enrolled 17 590 participants aged 30 years and older.

Main outcomes and measures

We assessed the impact of MetS on the outcome measured by incident OPMD.

Results

The incidences of OPMD among subjects with and without MetS were 7.68 ‰ and 5.38 ‰, respectively. After adjusting for confounders, subjects with MetS exhibited a statistically greater risk of developing OPMD compared with those who were free of MetS by 33% (adjusted rate ratio, aRR=1.33, 95% CI 1.14 to 1.55). Individual components of MetS still remained significant, including central obesity (aRR=1.22, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.44), hypertriglyceridaemia (aRR=1.26, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.49) and hyperglycaemia (aRR=1.20, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.41). Central obesity and hypertriglyceridaemia were also statistically associated with a subtype of OPMD, namely, leukoplakia.

Conclusion

The temporal influence of MetS on the risk of incident OPMD was noted in our prospective cohort study. Therefore, promoting an MetS prevention and control programme might reduce the occurrence of OPMD and oral cancer.
Assessing the safety and pharmacokinetics of the anti-HIV monoclonal antibody CAP256V2LS alone and in combination with VRC07-523LS and PGT121 in South African women: study protocol for the first-in-human CAPRISA 012B phase I clinical trial
Authors: Mahomed Sharana , Garrett Nigel , Karim Quarraisha A , Zuma Nonhlanhla Y , Capparelli Edmund , Baxter Cheryl , Gengiah Tanuja , Archary Derseree , Samsunder Natasha , Doria-Rose Nicole , Moore Penny , Williamson Carolyn , Barouch Dan H , Fast Patricia E , Pozzetto Bruno , Hankins Catherine , Carlton Kevin , Ledgerwood Julie , Morris Lynn , Mascola John , Abdool Karim Salim
Published: March 2023

Introduction

New HIV prevention strategies are urgently required. The discovery of broadly neutralising antibodies (bNAbs) has provided the opportunity to evaluate passive immunisation as a potential prevention strategy and facilitate vaccine development. Since 2014, several bNAbs have been isolated from a clade C-infected South African donor, CAPRISA 256. One particular bNAb, CAP256-VRC26.25, was found to be extremely potent, with good coverage against clade C viruses, the dominant HIV clade in sub-Saharan Africa. Challenge studies in non-human primates demonstrated that this antibody was fully protective even at extremely low doses. This bNAb was subsequently structurally engineered and the clinical variant is now referred to as CAP256V2LS.

Methods and analysis

CAPRISA 012B is the second of three trials in the CAPRISA 012 bNAb trial programme. It is a first-in-human, phase I study to assess the safety and pharmacokinetics of CAP256V2LS. The study is divided into four groups. Group 1 is a dose escalation of CAP256V2LS administered intravenously to HIV-negative and HIV-positive women. Group 2 is a dose escalation of CAP256V2LS administered subcutaneously (SC), with and without the dispersing agent recombinant human hyaluronidase (rHuPH20) as single or repeat doses in HIV-negative women. Groups 3 and 4 are randomised placebo controlled to assess two (CAP256V2LS+VRC07-523LS; CAP256V2LS+PGT121) and three (CAP256V2LS+VRC07-523LS+PGT121) bNAb combinations administered SC to HIV-negative women. Safety will be assessed by the frequency of reactogenicity and adverse events related to the study product. Pharmacokinetic disposition of CAP256V2LS alone and in combination with VRC07-523LS and PGT121 will be assessed via dose subgroups and route of administration.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of KwaZulu-Natal Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (BREC) and the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) have granted regulatory approval (trial reference numbers: BREC00000857/2019 and SAHPRA 20200123). Trial results will be disseminated through conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications and the clinical trial registry.

Trial registration number

PACTR202003767867253; Pre-results.
Assessing Australian women’s knowledge and knowledge preferences about long-term health after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy: a survey study
Authors: Roth Heike , Homer Caroline S E , LeMarquand Grace , Roberts Lynne M , Hanley LIsa , Brown Mark , Henry Amanda
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To (1) assess women’s current knowledge regarding long-term cardiovascular health after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (2) elicit women’s preferred educational content and format regarding health after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Design and setting

A custom-created online survey exploring Australian women’s knowledge about long-term health after hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, distributed through consumer groups and social media.

Participants

266 women with (n=174) or without (n=92) a history of hypertensive disorders of pregnancy.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

(1) Proportion of women identifying long-term health risks after hypertensive disorder of pregnancy using a 10-point risk knowledge score with 0–4 ‘low’, 4.1–7.0 ‘moderate’ and 7.1–10 ‘high’. (2) Exploration of preferred content, format and distribution of educational material post hypertensive disorder of pregnancy.

Results

Knowledge scores about health after hypertensive disorder of pregnancy were moderate in groups with and without a history of the disorder. Knowledge was highest regarding risk of recurrent hypertensive disorders in a subsequent pregnancy, ‘moderate’ for chronic hypertension and heart attack, ‘moderate’ and ‘low’ regarding risk of heart disease and ‘low’ for diabetes and renal disease. Only 36% of all participants were aware that risks start within 10 years after the affected pregnancy. The majority of respondents with a history of hypertensive disorder of pregnancy (76%) preferred receiving information about long-term health 0–6 months post partum from a healthcare provider (80%), key organisations (60%), social media (47%) and brochures/flyers (43%).

Conclusions

Women’s knowledge regarding health risks after hypertensive disorder of pregnancy was ‘moderate’, although with important disease-specific gaps such as increased risk of diabetes. Most women wanted to be informed about their long-term health from a healthcare provider.
Eliciting primary healthcare physicians’ preferences for job characteristics in rural China: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Bao Meiling , Huang Cunrui , Wang Lei , Yan Gang , Chen Gang
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The outflow and scarcity of physicians in rural areas can adversely affect universal health coverage and population health outcomes, which are critical concerns in China. This study explored primary healthcare physicians’ job preferences using a discrete choice experiment to identify appropriate incentives for retention.

Methods

Eight job characteristics were identified through a literature review and qualitative studies as the attributes relevant to designing the discrete choice experiment, with levels varying between two hypothetical jobs. The data were analysed using conditional logit model, mixed logit model and latent class model.

Results

A total of 1781 licensed physicians (including licensed assistant physicians) from township health centres in rural areas were surveyed. Policy simulation suggested that they were sensitive to both monetary and non-monetary policy incentives. As for non-monetary job characteristics, a highly intense doctor–patient relationship, bianzhi (the number of personnel allocated to each employer by the government) and educational opportunities were highly valued by the respondents. The latent class model could identify distinct groups with different job preferences according to their memberships.

Conclusion

Urban jobs were much preferred to rural ones. However, policy incentives can lend themselves to effective retention strategies. It is also important to tailor policy incentives to different subgroups.
Neonatal outcomes and indirect consequences following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy: a systematic review
Authors: Sturrock Sarah , Ali Shohaib , Gale Chris , Battersby Cheryl , Le Doare Kirsty
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To identify the association between maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy and individual neonatal morbidities and outcomes, particularly longer-term outcomes such as neurodevelopment.

Design

Systematic review of outcomes of neonates born to pregnant women diagnosed with a SARS-CoV-2 infection at any stage during pregnancy, including asymptomatic women.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, WHOLIS and LILACS databases, last searched on 28 July 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Case–control and cohort studies published after 1 January 2020, including preprint articles were included. Study outcomes included neonatal mortality and morbidity, preterm birth, caesarean delivery, small for gestational age, admission to neonatal intensive care unit, level of respiratory support required, diagnosis of culture-positive sepsis, evidence of brain injury, necrotising enterocolitis, visual or hearing impairment, neurodevelopmental outcomes and feeding method. These were selected according to a core outcome set.

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted into Microsoft Excel by two researchers, with statistical analysis completed using IBM SPSS (Version 27). Risk of bias was assessed using a modified Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Results

The search returned 3234 papers, from which 204 were included with a total of 45 646 infants born to mothers with SARS-CoV-2 infection during pregnancy across 36 countries. We found limited evidence of an increased risk of some neonatal morbidities, including respiratory disease. There was minimal evidence from low-income settings (1 study) and for neonatal outcomes following first trimester infection (17 studies). Neonatal mortality was very rare. Preterm birth, neonatal unit admission and small for gestational age status were more common in infants born following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnancy in most larger studies.

Conclusions

There are limited data on neonatal morbidity and mortality following maternal SARS-CoV-2 infection, particularly from low-income countries and following early pregnancy infections. Large, representative studies addressing these outcomes are needed to understand the consequences for babies born to women with SARS-CoV-2.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021249818.
Pooled analysis of the association between mental health and violence against women: evidence from five settings in the Global South
Authors: Ramsoomar Leane , Gibbs Andrew , Chirwa Esnat D , Machisa Mercilene T , Alangea Deda Ogum , Addo-Lartey Adolphina Addoley , Dunkle Kristin , Jewkes Rachel
Published: March 2023

Objectives

To describe associations between men’s poor mental health (depressive and post-traumatic stress symptomatology) and their perpetration of intimate partner violence (IPV) and non-partner sexual violence (NPSV), and women’s mental health and their experiences of IPV and NPSV in five settings in the Global South.

Design

A pooled analysis of data from baseline interviews with men and women participating in five violence against women and girls prevention intervention evaluations.

Setting

Three sub-Saharan African countries (South Africa, Ghana and Rwanda), and one Middle Eastern country, the occupied Palestinian territories.

Participants

7021 men and 4525 women 18+ years old from a mix of self-selecting and randomly selected household surveys.

Main outcome measures

All studies measured depression symptomatology using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies-Depression, and the Harvard Trauma Scale for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms among men and women. IPV and NPSV were measured using items from modified WHO women’s health and domestic violence and a UN multicountry study to assess perpetration among men, and experience among women.

Findings

Overall men’s poor mental health was associated with increased odds of perpetrating physical IPV and NPSV. Specifically, men who had more depressive symptoms had increased odds of reporting IPV (adjusted OR (aOR)=2.13; 95%CI 1.58 to 2.87) and NPSV (aOR=1.62; 95% CI 0.97 to 2.71) perpetration compared with those with fewer symptoms. Men reporting PTSD had higher odds of reporting IPV (aOR=1.87; 95% CI 1.44 to 2.43) and NPSV (aOR=2.13; 95% CI 1.49 to 3.05) perpetration compared with those without PTSD. Women who had experienced IPV (aOR=2.53; 95% CI 2.18 to 2.94) and NPSV (aOR=2.65; 95% CI 2.02 to 3.46) had increased odds of experiencing depressive symptoms compared with those who had not.

Conclusions

Interventions aimed at preventing IPV and NPSV perpetration and experience must account for the mental health of men as a risk factor, and women’s experience.
Engaging lower screening groups: a field experiment to evaluate the impact of a multiwave national campaign on participation in the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program
Authors: Gascoyne Claudia , Broun Kate , Morley Belinda , Wyatt Kerryann , Feletto Eleonora , Durkin Sarah J
Published: March 2023

Objectives

This field study evaluated a multiwave media campaign that aired in 2019 to promote participation in the Australian National Bowel Cancer Screening Program (NBCSP), which provides free biennial mailed-out immunochemical faecal occult blood test (iFOBT) kits to Australians aged 50–74 years.

Design

Adjusted negative binomial regression models determined rate ratios of iFOBT kits returned during and following three campaign waves compared with 2018 (baseline). Interaction terms determined whether effects differed by gender×age group, socioeconomic status (SES) and previous participation.

Setting

Australia.

Participants

All Australians eligible for the NBCSP (men and women aged 50–74 years) who returned an iFOBT kit between 1 January 2018 and 30 October 2019.

Interventions

A multiwave national integrated media campaign to promote participation in the NBCSP.

Main outcome measures

iFOBT kit return rate and number of iFOBT kits returned during and immediately following campaign activity overall and within historically lower screening groups (men, 50–59 years old; lower SES; never participants).

Results

The rate of iFOBT kits returned increased significantly during all three campaign waves, with evidence of carry-over effects of the second wave coinciding with a general practitioner mail-out strategy (all p<0.001). At each wave, effects were observed among men and women in the younger (50–59 years old) age group, but were less consistent for the older age group. Each SES group and both never and previous participants had increased return rates at each wave, but increases were stronger among mid-higher SES and those who had never participated. An estimated 93 075 extra iFOBT kits were returned due to the campaign.

Conclusions

The campaign increased participation, especially among those who were younger and never previously screened—key groups to recruit given reparticipation rates of over 80%. Ongoing investment in national integrated media campaigns of sufficient duration and intensity can increase bowel cancer screening and ultimately save lives.
Identifying strategic human resource management ability in the clinical departments of public hospitals in China: a modified Delphi study
Authors: Feng Xingmiao , Qu Ying , Sun Kaijie , Luo Tao , Meng Kai
Published: March 2023

Objectives

Chinese public hospitals are managed like a bureaucracy, which is divided into two levels of hospital and departmental management. Improving strategic human resource management ability (SHRMA) within clinical departments can improve department performance and service quality, which is an important way for public hospitals to obtain an advantage in a diversified competitive medical market. However, there is a lack of specialised evaluation tools for SHRMA in clinical departments to support this effort. Therefore, this study aims to develop an index for evaluating the SHRMA of clinical departments in public hospitals.

Study design and setting

The Delphi technique was carried out with 22 experts, and an evaluation index of the SHRMA in the clinical departments of public hospitals was constructed. The weight of each indicator was calculated by the intuitive fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.

Results

The SHRMA index constructed in this study for the clinical departments in public hospitals includes 5 first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators and 36 third-level indicators. The first-level indicators are distributed in weight among human resource maintenance (0.204), human resource planning (0.201), human resource development (0.200), human resource stimulation (0.198) and human resource absorption (0.198). The top three weighted indicators on the second level are job analysis and position evaluation (0.105), career management (0.103) and salary incentivisation (0.100).

Conclusions

The index constructed in this study is scientific and feasible and is expected to provide an effective tool for the quantitative evaluation of SHRMA in the clinical departments of public hospitals in China.
Mapping definitions, measures and methodologies of assessing police violence in the health literature: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Harris Latesha K , Conklin Jamie L , Woods-Giscombe Cheryl L , Cortés Yamnia I
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Police violence is a growing public health issue in the USA. Emerging evidence suggests that negative police encounters are associated with adverse physical and mental health outcomes. There is a critical need to examine the relationship between police violence and health disparities. However, the lack of consensus on a conceptual and operational definition of police violence is a limitation in scientific investigations on police violence and its health impacts. Here, we present the protocol for a scoping review that maps definitions, measures and methodologies of assessing police violence in the health literature.

Methods and analysis

We will comprehensively search PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature and APA PsycInfo databases. We will use the following string of key terms separated with the Boolean operator ‘or’: ‘police violence’, ‘police brutality’, ‘police use of force’, ‘law enforcement violence’, ‘law enforcement brutality’, ‘law enforcement use of force’ and ‘legal intervention’. An English language limit will be applied. We will include studies published in English or that have an English language abstract available. Eligible studies will include: (1) a definition of police violence and/or (2) a measurement of police violence.

Ethics and dissemination

This scoping review does not require ethical approval. The findings of this review will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and at conferences.
Entrustable professional activities in postgraduate general surgery training: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Nel Daniel , Jonas Eduard , Burch Vanessa , Nel Amy , Cairncross Lydia , Alseidi Adnan , George Brian , ten Cate Olle
Published: March 2023

Introduction

The competency-based medical education (CBME) movement continues to gain momentum in postgraduate physician training, resulting in increasing interest among surgical training programmes on how to implement it effectively. Entrustable professional activities (EPAs) were introduced to connect competencies (characteristics/abilities of learners) and the professional activities to be entrusted to them on qualification/graduation. Although reviews related to the field of general surgery have been published on specific aspects of CBME, for example, workplace-based assessment, there is a paucity of published guidance available for surgeon-educators to plan and implement CBME using an EPA framework. This scoping review aims to provide an overview of the current use of EPAs in general surgery.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will be based on the original five-stage approach described by Arksey and O’Malley with the addition of protocol-specific items from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols extension for scoping reviews. The primary research question focuses on describing how EPAs have been used in general surgery and where potential gaps remain that warrant further study. The review will include peer-reviewed journal publications and an extensive review of grey literature sources. The following databases will be searched for published literature from 1 January 2005 to 31 December 2022: PubMed; CINAHL, Africa-Wide Information, PsycInfo and ERIC (via EBSCOhost); Scopus; and SciELO (via Web of Science). Studies that describe the use of EPAs for curriculum design, teaching and/or assessment of competence in postgraduate general surgery training will be eligible for inclusion.

Ethics and dissemination

The institutional ethics board of the University of Cape Town has granted a waiver of formal approval requirement. The dissemination strategy includes publication of results in peer-reviewed journals, presentation at international conferences and presentation to relevant stakeholders as deemed appropriate.
Growth patterns in childhood and adolescence and adult body composition: a pooled analysis of birth cohort studies from five low and middle-income countries (COHORTS collaboration)
Authors: Poveda Natalia E , Adair Linda S , Martorell Reynaldo , Patel Shivani A , Ramirez-Zea Manuel , Bhargava Santosh K , Bechayda Sonny A , Carba Delia B , Kroker-Lobos Maria F , Horta Bernardo Lessa , Lima Natália Peixoto , Mazariegos Mónica , Menezes Ana Maria Baptista , Norris Shane A , Nyati Lukhanyo H , Richter Linda M , Sachdev Harshpal , Wehrmeister Fernando C , Stein Aryeh D
Published: March 2023

Objective

We examined associations among serial measures of linear growth and relative weight with adult body composition.

Design

Secondary data analysis of prospective birth cohort studies.

Settings

Six birth cohorts from Brazil, Guatemala, India, the Philippines and South Africa.

Participants

4173 individuals followed from birth to ages 22–46 years with complete and valid weight and height at birth, infancy, childhood and adolescence, and body composition in adult life.

Exposures

Birth weight and conditional size (standardised residuals of height representing linear growth and of relative weight representing weight increments independent of linear size) in infancy, childhood and adolescence.

Primary outcome measures

Body mass index, fat mass index (FMI), fat-free mass index (FFMI), fat mass/fat-free mass ratio (FM/FFM), and waist circumference in young and mid-adulthood.

Results

In pooled analyses, a higher birth weight and relative weight gains in infancy, childhood and adolescence were positively associated with all adult outcomes. Relative weight gains in childhood and adolescence were the strongest predictors of adult body composition (β (95% CI) among men: FMI (childhood: 0.41 (0.26 to 0.55); adolescence: 0.39 (0.27 to 0.50)), FFMI (childhood: 0.50 (0.34 to 0.66); adolescence: 0.43 (0.32 to 0.55)), FM/FFM (childhood: 0.31 (0.16 to 0.47); adolescence: 0.31 (0.19 to 0.43))). Among women, similar patterns were observed, but, effect sizes in adolescence were slightly stronger than in childhood. Conditional height in infancy was positively associated with FMI (men: 0.08 (0.03 to 0.14); women: 0.11 (0.07 to 0.16)). Conditional height in childhood was positively but weakly associated with women’s adiposity. Site-specific and sex-stratified analyses showed consistency in the direction of estimates, although there were differences in their magnitude.

Conclusions

Prenatal and postnatal relative weight gains were positive predictors of larger body size and increased adiposity in adulthood. A faster linear growth in infancy was a significant but weak predictor of higher adult adiposity.
Unravelling the link between periodontitis and abdominal aortic calcification in the US adult population: a cross-sectional study based on the NHANES 2013–2014
Authors: Kadier Kaisaierjiang , Abulizi Anniwaer , Ainiwaer Aikeliyaer , Rehemuding Rena , Ma Xiang , Ma Yi-Tong
Published: March 2023

Objective

We aimed to explore the association between periodontitis and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) among a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Design

Cross- sectional study.

Setting

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2013–2014).

Participants

A total of 2149 participants aged 40 years or older who have complete information for periodontitis and AAC assessment test were included in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

AAC scores can be accurately identified on lateral spine images obtained by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and both the AAC-24 and AAC-8 semiquantitative scoring tools were used for AAC evaluation. Linear regression analysis was used to investigate the relationship between periodontitis and the AAC-8 and AAC-24 scores. Multivariate logistic regression models and reported ORs were used to examine the relationship between periodontitis and AAC.

Results

The prevalence of severe periodontitis combined with severe AAC was 8.49%–8.54%. According to the AAC-8 and AAC-24 score classifications, patients with severe periodontitis had higher odds of severe AAC (AAC-8 score ≥3: (OR: 2.53; 95% CI 1.04 to 6.17) and AAC-24 score >6: (OR: 3.60; 95% CI 1.48 to 8.78)). A positive association between mild–moderate periodontitis and severe AAC was found only when the AAC-24 score was applied (OR: 2.25; 95% CI 1.24 to 4.06). In the subgroup analyses, the likelihood ratio test showed no multiplicative interaction (all p value for interaction >0.05).

Conclusions

The findings showed that periodontitis is associated with an increased risk of severe AAC in the US population aged 40 years and older; this requires further large-scale prospective studies for confirmation.
Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for younger outpatients with severe mental illness: protocol for a feasibility study
Authors: Arnautovska Urska , Siskind Dan , Pearson Ella , Baker Andrea , Reid Natasha , Kwan Winona Wing Ling , Wang Nancy , Gordon Emily , Hubbard Ruth , Warren Nicola
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Individuals with severe mental illness are at risk of becoming prematurely frail. There is a critical unmet need for an intervention that reduces the risk of frailty and minimises the associated negative outcomes in this population. This study aims to provide novel evidence on the feasibility, acceptability and preliminary effectiveness of Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) to improve health outcomes among people with co-occurring frailty and severe mental illness.

Methods and analysis

Twenty-five participants with frailty and severe mental illness, aged 18–64 years, will be recruited from Metro South Addiction and Mental Health Service outpatient clinics and provided with the CGA. Primary outcome measures will include the feasibility and acceptability of the CGA embedded in routine healthcare. Other variables of interest will include frailty status, quality of life, polypharmacy, and a range of mental and physical health factors.

Ethics and dissemination

All procedures involving human subjects/patients were approved by Metro South Human Research Ethics Committee (HREC/2022/QMS/82272). Study findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.
Household structure, composition and child mortality in the unfolding antiretroviral therapy era in rural South Africa: comparative evidence from population surveillance, 2000–2015
Authors: Houle Brian , Kabudula Chodziwadziwa , Gareta Dickman , Herbst Kobus , Clark Samuel J
Published: March 2023

Objectives

The structure and composition of the household has important influences on child mortality. However, little is known about these factors in HIV-endemic areas and how associations may change with the introduction and widespread availability of antiretroviral treatment (ART). We use comparative, longitudinal data from two demographic surveillance sites in rural South Africa (2000–2015) on mortality of children younger than 5 years (n=101 105).

Design

We use multilevel discrete time event history analysis to estimate children’s probability of dying by their matrilineal residential arrangements. We also test if associations have changed over time with ART availability.

Setting

Rural South Africa.

Participants

Children younger than 5 years (n=101 105).

Results

3603 children died between 2000 and 2015. Mortality risks differed by co-residence patterns along with different types of kin present in the household. Children in nuclear households with both parents had the lowest risk of dying compared with all other household types. Associations with kin and child mortality were moderated by parental status. Having older siblings lowered the probability of dying only for children in a household with both parents (relative risk ratio (RRR)=0.736, 95% CI (0.633 to 0.855)). Only in the later ART period was there evidence that older adult kin lowered the probability of dying for children in single parent households (RRR=0.753, 95% CI (0.664 to 0.853)).

Conclusions

Our findings provide comparative evidence of how differential household profiles may place children at higher mortality risk. Formative research is needed to understand the role of other household kin in promoting child well-being, particularly in one-parent households that are increasingly prevalent.
Traumatic appendicitis is probably not real: an illustrative analysis of coincidental occurrences in nature
Authors: Naumann David N , Barker Tom
Published: March 2023

There have been sporadic case reports describing ‘traumatic appendicitis’ (acute appendicitis occurring following injury) for almost a hundred years. Although this might seem to be an interesting and rare diagnosis for the journal reader, both appendicitis and trauma are very common, and their occurrence together may only give the illusion of causality. Indeed, such a diagnosis may not even exist. We provide an illustration of the statistical phenomenon of coincidental occurrences in nature using a computer simulation of traumatic appendicitis in the UK population. In our simulation, there are enough cases of traumatic appendicitis every 2 years to 3 years to account for the entire global literature on the topic. We suggest that unless there is a credible pathological process reported with demonstrable causality, further case reports of traumatic appendicitis need to have robust justification.
Charged Gauss–Bonnet black holes supporting non-minimally coupled scalar clouds: analytic treatment in the near-critical regime
Authors: Hod Shahar
Published: March 2023

Recent numerical studies have revealed the physically intriguing fact that charged black holes whose charge-to-mass ratios are larger than the critical value $$(Q/M)_{\text {crit}}=\sqrt{2(9+\sqrt{6})}/5$$

(
Q
/
M
)

crit

=

2
(
9
+

6

)

/
5

can support hairy matter configurations which are made of scalar fields with a non-minimal negative coupling to the Gauss–Bonnet invariant of the curved spacetime. Using analytical techniques, we explore the physical and mathematical properties of the composed charged-black-hole-nonminimally-coupled-linearized-massless-scalar-field configurations in the near-critical $$Q/M\gtrsim (Q/M)_{\text {crit}}$$

Q
/
M
≳

(
Q
/
M
)

crit

regime. In particular, we derive an analytical resonance formula that describes the charge-dependence of the dimensionless coupling parameter $$\bar{\eta }_{\text {crit}}=\bar{\eta }_{\text {crit}}(Q/M)$$

η

¯

crit

=

η

¯

crit

(
Q
/
M
)

of the composed Einstein–Maxwell-nonminimally-coupled-scalar-field system along the existence-line of the theory, a critical border that separates bald Reissner–Nordström black holes from hairy charged-black-hole-scalar-field configurations. In addition, it is explicitly shown that the large-coupling $$-\bar{\eta }_{\text {crit}}(Q/M)\gg 1$$

-

η

¯

crit

(
Q
/
M
)

≫
1

analytical results derived in the present paper for the composed Einstein–Maxwell-scalar theory agree remarkably well with direct numerical computations of the corresponding black-hole-field resonance spectrum.
Qubit-assisted enhancement of quantum entanglement in an optomechanical system in the presence of Kerr medium
Authors: Aoune Driss , Benrass Noureddine , Habiballah Nabil , Nassik Mostafa
Published: March 2023

In this work, we investigate a theoretical study of the stationary entanglement of an optomechanical system by adding a Kerr medium in the cavity where the mechanical resonator is perturbatively connected to an auxiliary qubit. The degree of entanglement between the cavity field and the mechanical system is measured by using the logarithmic negativity. We show that optomechanical entanglement is decreased by Kerr interaction due to photon blockage enhanced by mirror–qubit coupling, we also show that this enhancement is influenced by the temperature. In addition, we find that, in the presence of the mirror–qubit coupling, entanglement can arise with far weaker optomechanical coupling. The proposed scheme shows that the presence of the mirror–qubit coupling and Kerr medium is an effective control for an optomechanical system.
EFFECT OF THE COOLING WITH AIR AND WATER VAPOR ON MILLING PERFORMANCES
Authors: MAHMAT AYBARS , TOSUN NIHAT , AĞAR SALIH
Published: March 2023

This study aims to investigate experimentally and analytically the effects of different machining parameters such as cooling methods and cutting tool materials on surface roughness and chip thickness ratio for milling of AA7075-T6 aluminum alloy. The carbide and high-speed steel (HSS) end mills were used as cutting tools and the conventional, vapor, and compressed air were used as cooling methods in the experiments. The experiment conditions for compressed air at the cutting zone were 6 bar pressure and 30[Formula: see text]m/s speed flow rate. A mixture of boron oil and water (1/20 mixture ratio) was used as cutting fluid in conventional cooling. The study was carried out using three levels of feed rates (20, 40, 80[Formula: see text]mm/min), rotational speeds (780, 1330, 2440[Formula: see text]rpm), and a constant 2[Formula: see text]mm deep cut. As a result of the experiments, the surface roughness values increased with the increasing levels of feed rate. Besides surface roughness values decreased with increasing levels of the rotational speed. In addition, a better surface quality was obtained in milling processes by using carbide cutting tools compared to HSS tools. It was concluded that the most important parameter affecting the surface roughness and chip thickness ratio is feed rate and the rotational speed, respectively. Better surface roughness and chip thickness ratio were obtained from the vapor processing than the conventional and compressed air.
Visual Analytics of Neuron Vulnerability to Adversarial Attacks on Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Li Yiran , Wang Junpeng , Fujiwara Takanori , Ma Kwan-Liu
Published: March 2023

Adversarial attacks on a convolutional neural network (CNN)—injecting human-imperceptible perturbations into an input image—could fool a high-performance CNN into making incorrect predictions. The success of adversarial attacks raises serious concerns about the robustness of CNNs, and prevents them from being used in safety-critical applications, such as medical diagnosis and autonomous driving. Our work introduces a visual analytics approach to understanding adversarial attacks by answering two questions: (1)
Which neurons are more vulnerable to attacks?
and (2)
Which image features do these vulnerable neurons capture during the prediction?
For the first question, we introduce multiple perturbation-based measures to break down the attacking magnitude into individual CNN neurons and rank the neurons by their vulnerability levels. For the second, we identify image features (e.g., cat ears) that highly stimulate a user-selected neuron to augment and validate the neuron’s responsibility. Furthermore, we support an interactive exploration of a large number of neurons by aiding with hierarchical clustering based on the neurons’ roles in the prediction. To this end, a visual analytics system is designed to incorporate visual reasoning for interpreting adversarial attacks. We validate the effectiveness of our system through multiple case studies as well as feedback from domain experts.
Synthesis and Surface Chemistry of Bimetallic Chromium-Iron Carbide (CrxFe1-x)7C3 Solid Solution Nanoparticles
Authors: Wan Cheng , Beck Brittney R. , Leonard Brian M.
Published: March 2023

A series of hexagonal (CrxFe1-x)7C3 solid solution compounds were synthesized for the first time as nanomaterials using a unique amine-metal oxide composite (AMOC) method. These materials are related to stainless steel where chromium provides protection from oxidation and could be potential low-cost catalyst materials for a variety of important reactions. Thus, a simple synthesis method coupled with a detailed understanding of their surface chemistry and composition is extremely important. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) studies revealed that both Fe and Cr in the bulk of (CrxFe1-x)7C3 solid solutions are mostly metallic. Further, the surface of these nanomaterials maintained exposed zero valent metals (∼10 at%) after long term air exposure demonstrating the corrosion and oxidation resistant nature of this Cr-Fe-C ternary system. This suggests that these compounds have stable surface chemistry which makes them potentially good candidates for catalysts. These bimetallic carbides were subsequently tested as electrochemical catalysts for both oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) and oxygen evolution reaction (OER) applications in acidic (0.1 M HClO4) and alkaline (0.1 M KOH) electrolytes. All (CrxFe1-x)7C3 solid solutions exhibit better ORR and OER activities than Cr7C3, Fe3C, and Co3O4 and both (Cr0.4Fe0.6)7C3 and (Cr0.5Fe0.4)7C3 are good OER catalysts in alkaline media demonstrating their potential for future catalysis applications.
Neural coding of dichotic pitches in auditory midbrain
Authors: Hancock Kenneth E. , Delgutte Bertrand
Published: March 2023

Dichotic pitches are perceptual illusions created centrally through binaural interactions that offer an opportunity to test theories of pitch and binaural hearing. Here we show that binaural neurons in auditory midbrain encode the frequency of two salient types of dichotic pitches via specific features in the pattern of firing rates along the tonotopic axis. This is the first combined single-unit and modeling study of responses of auditory neurons to stimuli evoking a dichotic pitch.
The Progress in Reconstruction of Mandibular Defect Caused by Osteoradionecrosis
Authors: Huang Nan , Wang Peihan , Gong Ping , Huang Bo
Published: March 2023

Osteoradionecrosis (ORN) is described as a disease with exposed, nonviable bone that fails to heal spontaneously or by means of conservative treatment after radiotherapy in at least 3 months. Though traditional theories in the early stage including hypoxic-hypocellular-hypovascular and fibro-atrophic in addition to new findings such as ferroptosis were put forward to explain the mechanisms of the osteoradionecrosis, the etiology of ORN is still unclear. With the high rate of occurrence in the head and neck area, especially in the mandible, this disease can disrupt the shape and function of the irradiated area, leading to a clinical presentation ranging from stable small areas of asymptomatic exposed bone to severe progressive necrosis. In severe cases, patients may experience pain, xerostomia, dysphagia, facial fistulas, and even a jaw defect. Consequently, sequence therapy and sometimes extensive surgery and reconstructions are needed to manage these sequelae. Treatment options may include pain medication, antibiotics, the removal of sequesters, hyperbaric oxygen therapy, segmental resection of the mandible, and free flap reconstruction. Microanastomosed free-flaps are considered to be promising choice for ORN reconstruction in recent researches, and new methods including three-dimensional (3-D) printing, pentoxifylline, and amifostine are used nowadays in trying increase the success rates and improve quality of the reconstruction. This review summarizes the main research progress in osteoradionecrosis and reconstruction treatment of osteoradionecrosis with mandibular defect.
Immunohistochemical Features of MMP-9 and pSTAT1 in Granuloma Annulare and Sarcoidosis: A Comparative Study of 62 Cases
Authors: Wu Ze , Li Linghui , Qu Hui , Qi Rui-Qun , Niu Jun
Published: March 2023

Background. Granuloma annulare (GA) and sarcoidosis are granulomatous inflammatory diseases that share similarities. Objective. To identify the histological and immunohistochemical (IHC) features of GA and sarcoidosis. Methods. A retrospective review of 36 patients with GA and 26 with sarcoidosis was performed. Results from hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and IHC staining of MMP-9 and pSTAT1 within the skin lesions of GA and sarcoidosis were analyzed, and random forest was applied for developing a predictive model. Results. Significantly greater expressions of MMP-9 (especially in elastic fibers, EFs,

P
<
0.0001

) and pSTAT1 (

P
=
0.0003

) were observed in lesion samples of GA versus sarcoidosis patients. In GA patients, MMP-9 was significantly upregulated in the interstitial type (

P
=
0.0222

), while staining of pSTAT1 was positively correlated with the area of mucinous collagen in palisading GA (

R
=
0.5356

,

P
=
0.0484

). In sarcoidosis patients, MMP-9 (

R
=
−
0.7127

,

P
=
0.0009

) and pSTAT1 (

R
=
−
0.5604

,

P
=
0.0067

) were found to show stronger expressions in lesions with less lymphocyte infiltration. The predictive model demonstrated an AUC of 0.9675. Conclusion. These results indicate that MMP-9 and pSTAT1 might exert roles in granulomatous inflammation in different modes, and the presence of more robust MMP-9 staining in EFs appears to be more suggestive of GA.
Polyphenols and Antioxidant Activity of Thunbergia laurifolia Infused Tea under Drying Conditions
Authors: Essiedu Justice A. , Gonu Hellie , Adadi Parise , Withayagiat Ulaiwan
Published: March 2023

Thunbergia laurifolia leaf is used in Thai herbal medicine to moderate alcohol, food poisoning, and other health-related diseases mainly due to its overwhelming phytochemical compounds which exert several biological functions such as antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties, among others. This study investigated the potential effects of hot air-drying conditions (TL-D80°C, TL-D90°C, and TL -D100°C) of T. laurifolia tea leaves on phenolic compounds, total flavonoid content (TFC), total phenolic content (TPC), and antioxidant activities (AOA) of the infused teas. The results show that an increase in drying temperature significantly

p
<
0.05

improved TPC (709.7 ± 1.36–744.8 ± 5.79 mg GAE/) and TFC (198.98 ± 7.59–207.16 ± 4.10 mg RE/L) of infused teas. TL-D80°C (69.9 ± 0.95%) and TL-D90°C (69.3 ± 0.7%) infused teas showed significantly

p
<
0.05

higher DPPH inhibitory effect compared to TL-D100°C. Treatment had no effects

p
>
0.05

on ABTS.+ scavenging activity. The phenolic compounds detected in infused teas were rosmarinic acid, caffeic acid, gallic acid, catechin, rutin, and quercetin. Regarding, the cumulative phenolic compounds TL-D100°C infused teas were significantly higher

p
<
0.05

compared to TL-D90°C and TL-D80°C. The results suggest that drying conditions (i.e., TL-D100°C within 30 min) could be used to achieve appropriate moisture content of T. laurifolia tea leaves without compromising the phytochemical compositions and antioxidant potentials of the resulting infused teas.
A Potential Protective Effect of Alcohol Consumption in Male Genital Lichen Sclerosus: A Case-Control Study
Authors: El Khoury Joey , Andraos Jessica , Kanbar Anthony , Halabi Rami , Assaf Serge , Mina Anthony , El Breidi Sabine , Dabal Charbel , El Hachem Charbel , Saad Rodrigue , Kassis Antoine , Abdessater Maher , El Khoury Raghid
Published: March 2023

Introduction and Objectives. Lichen sclerosus (LSc) is a chronic inflammatory process of the skin characterized by its unique histological features. It affects men and women of all ages, mainly in the anogenital area. The etiologies and exact pathophysiology are not well-known; however, LSc can be considered a precursor to male genital squamous cell carcinoma. We aim, through this case-control study, to potentially associate genital LSc with risk factors and certain patient characteristics in Lebanese adult males. Materials and Methods. A nested case-control study design was chosen. Subjects enrolled were adult male patients who had a circumcision between January 2010 and December 2020 at our university hospital, with a confirmed LSc diagnosis on pathology. Cases were matched with controls by age with a ratio of 1 : 1, all of whom were circumcised and had a negative pathology report. Data collection consisted of sociodemographic, behavioral, and past medical and familial history characteristics. Results. A total of 94 patients were enrolled. The mean age was 49.81 (±22.92) in the group of men with LSc. No significant differences in sociodemographic characteristics (age and BMI) were found between the two compared groups. Smoking cannot predict LSc as opposed to alcohol consumption, which we found to be a protective factor against the appearance of LSc (

p
=
0.027

). Men with LSc had significantly higher rates of diabetes (

p
=
0.021

) and hypertension (

p
=
0.004

). No associations were found between LSc and the presenting chief complaints, family history of LSc, and past penile trauma. Conclusion. In this study, we were able to compare multiple variables between 47 circumcised patients diagnosed with LSc and a control group. We found that LSc patients showed higher rates of diabetes and hypertension. A potential protective effect of alcohol consumption is to be explored in future projects with bigger sample sizes and higher statistical powers.
Clinical Benefit and Safety of Microneedle Patches Composed of Magnesium: A Pilot Study in Acne Patients
Authors: Bae Jai Hee , Kim Heeyeon , Noh Hyungrye , Jang Donghwi , Shim Joonho , Oh Se Jin , Park Ji Hye , Lee Jong Hee
Published: March 2023

Magnesium (Mg) is a newly investigated biomaterial that corrodes physiologically in water, resulting in evolved hydrogen with beneficial effects of anti‐inflammation and acceleration of the wound healing process. In addition, Mg itself has antimicrobial activity against Cutibacterium acnes, which play a pathogenic role in developing inflammatory acne. This study aimed to evaluate efficacy and safety of a newly developed magnesium microneedle (Mg MN) patch, with a needle length of 0.25 mm, on acne and widened pores. A total of 19 patients with mild to moderate acne and receiving no topical or oral treatment was enrolled in the study. Mg MN patches were applied to inflammatory acne lesions and widened pores on both cheeks and nose. Researchers evaluated efficacy by counting acne lesions and measuring pore sizes, porphyrin level, and sebum secretion. Any objective or subjective adverse events were recorded during the study. The number of acne lesions and scores improved significantly within seven days (p < 0.01). The porphyrin level tended to decrease over 12 weeks, although pore size and sebum secretion showed unsatisfactory results. No adverse reactions were noted during the study period. Mg MN patches can be useful in treating inflammatory acne lesions, and they are safe to use. For the improvement of widened pores, modification of needle length or a combination of topical agents may be required.