bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
DIY (Do-It-Yourself) Electronics, Coin-Operated Relic Boxes and Techno-Animist Shrines
Authors: Snake-Beings Emit
Published: March 2020

The author uses creative practice and DIY electronics as the vehicle for a practice-led inquiry into the similarities between techno-animism and material agency. Combining technology with aspects of magic and religion, techno-animism is an emerging concept in postmodern anthropology used to discuss the sentient agency of objects and materials within the context of modern technological societies. This combination of seemingly disparate fields of knowledge is the basis of a postdisciplinary research into creative practices, attitudes and ethos using a series of artifacts that visualize the ideas of techno-animism, made by the author over a period of 30 years.
The Presence of a Mysterious Black Silhouette: From a Print to a New Form of Usage of Guitar Multiphonics
Authors: Torres Rita
Published: March 2020

The author recounts how she came to carry out artistic research on guitar multiphonics when composing a piece for solo guitar. She explains how the investigation gave rise to a new form of usage of that unconventional technique.
A new species of Hemacroneuria and additions to Chinoperla (Plecoptera: Perlidae) from China
Authors: CHEN ZHI-TENG , HOU JIA-LIN
Published: March 2020

A new species of Hemacroneuria Enderlein, 1909, H. baotianmana sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Henan Province of central China and Shaanxi Province of northwestern China. Supplementary descriptions and new images are provided for Chinoperla mengmanensis Qian & Du, 2012 based on new material from Yunnan Province of southwestern China. The female of C. mengmanensis is described for the first time.
A new species of Apelaunothrips (Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae) from India with new synonym of Podothrips sasacola Kurosawa
Authors: TYAGI KAOMUD , SINGHA DEVKANT , CHAKRABORTY RAJASREE , PAKRASHI AVAS , KUMAR VIKAS
Published: March 2020

The first objective of this paper is to describe a new fungus-feeding species in the Phlaeothripinae genus Apelaunothrips, and to provide a key to the six species of this genus recorded from India. The second objective is to establish a new synonym in the Poaceae-associated genus, Podothrips, based on structural variation observed among recently collected samples from bamboo. The slide-mounted specimens were studied with a Leica Trinocular Microscope (Leica DM-1000) and a Leica software application suite (LAS EZ 2.1.0) was used to make line drawing and photographs.
Larval development and osteology of Callanthias platei (Teleostei: Callanthiidae) from Desventuradas Islands, South Pacific
Authors: ZAVALA-MUÑOZ FRANCISCA , BUSTOS CLAUDIA A. , LANDAETA MAURICIO F. , KONSTANTINIDIS PETER
Published: March 2020

Larvae of the Juan Fernández Splendid Perch, Callanthias platei Steindachner, 1898 (Teleostei: Callanthiidae), are described for the first time. The five available specimens, ranging from 3 mm notochord length (NL) to 6.1 mm standard length (SL), were collected with plankton nets near Desventuradas Islands, Southeast Pacific, during the austral spring of 2015 and 2016. The larvae are deep bodied with a narrow caudal peduncle, a large head and a triangular, coiled gut. The pigmentation is scarce in preflexion larvae but increases after flexion. All individuals have several groups of head spines: anterior and posterior preopercular, interopercular, subopercular, opercular and supracleithral. The formation of all fins occurs early in development, with the pectoral fins appearing first and the pelvic fins last. The osteological development of the skull, vertebral column, fins, and scales are described.
Tribe Myrmeleontini (Neuroptera: Planipennia: Myrmeleontidae) in Iran
Authors: HAJIESMAEILIAN ABOLFAZL , SHOUSHTARI REZA VAFAEI , MOZAFFARIAN FARIBA , EBRAHIMI EBRAHIM
Published: March 2020

During a study of the family Myrmeleontidae of Iran, specimens of the tribe Myrmeleontini, housed in Hayk Mirzayans Insect Museum were examined. Specimens of Euroleon nostras and Myrmeleon noacki were identified for the first time from Iran. An identification key, illustrations and distributional maps are presented for the Iranian species of Myrmeleontini.
Five new species and a new record of Sathytes Westwood from eastern China (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)
Authors: SHEN QI , YIN ZI-WEI
Published: March 2020

The known Chinese fauna of the genus Sathytes Westwood (Pselaphinae: Batrisini) is comprised of 15 species. Here we describe five more species from eastern China: S. communis Shen & Yin, sp. nov. (from Anhui, Zhejiang and Jiangxi), S. fenghuang Shen & Yin, sp. nov. (from Zhejiang), S. jinggang Shen & Yin, sp. nov. (from Jiangxi), S. obliquus Shen & Yin, sp. nov. (from Zhejiang), and S. similis Shen & Yin, sp. nov. (from Zhejiang and Jiangxi). Moreover, Sathytes larinus Yin & Li, originally known from Fujian, is newly recorded from Zhejiang.
New species of the genus Caloxiphus Saussure & Pictet, 1898 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from the Huasteca Region, Hidalgo, Mexico
Authors: BARRIENTOS-LOZANO LUDIVINA , FERNÁNDEZ-AZUARA GEOVANY J. , ROCHA-SÁNCHEZ AURORA Y. , ZALDÍVAR-RIVERÓN ALEJANDRO , SÁNCHEZ-REYES URIEL JESHUA , ALMAGUER-SIERRA PEDRO
Published: March 2020

Two new species of the genus Caloxiphus Saussure & Pictet, 1898 (Pseudophyllinae) are described: C. chapulhuacan n. sp., and C. cuicani n. sp., both endemic to the Huasteca Region, State of Hidalgo, Mexico. These two new taxa show morphological affinities to C. championi Saussure & Pictet, 1898. However, they may be separated from the latter species on basis of external and internal (genitalia) morphological characters that are provided and illustrated. Acoustic signals for C. cuicani n. sp., and information on distribution for both new taxa are given.
The Impact of Elevation Sidelobe Contamination on Radar Data Quality for Operational Interpretation
Authors: Nai Feng , Boettcher Jami , Curtis Christopher , Schvartzman David , Torres Sebastián
Published: March 2020

To fulfill the evolving observational needs of the National Weather Service (NWS), future weather radar systems will have to meet demanding requirements. Designing such systems will likely involve trade-offs between system cost and operational performance. A potential cost driver for future weather radars that could cause significant data-quality impacts on forecasters is the required angular resolution and sidelobe performance, which are mainly dictated by the antenna radiation pattern. Typical antenna radiation patterns can be characterized by the width of the main lobe and their sidelobe levels, which are traditionally measured across the azimuthal and elevation dimensions. In this work, we study the impact of increasing sidelobe levels on NWS forecasters’ data interpretation during warning operations. The resulting impact model can be used by decision-makers to better understand the cost–benefit trade-offs inherent in any radar system design.
A 33-yr Mei-Yu-Season Climatology of Shear Lines over the Yangtze–Huai River Basin in Eastern China
Authors: Yao Xiuping , Ma Jiali , Zhang Da-Lin , Yan Lizhu
Published: March 2020

A 33-yr climatology of shear lines occurring over the Yangtze–Huai River basin (YHSLs) of eastern China during the mei-yu season (i.e., June and July) of 1981–2013 is examined using the daily ERA-Interim reanalysis data and daily rain gauge observations. Results show that (i) nearly 75% of the heavy-rainfall days (i.e., >50 mm day−1) are accompanied by YHSLs, (ii) about 66% of YHSLs can produce heavy rainfall over the Yangtze–Huai River basin, and (iii) YHSL-related heavy rainfall occurs frequently in the south-central basin. The statistical properties of YHSLs are investigated by classifying them into warm, cold, quasi-stationary, and vortex types based on their distinct flow and thermal patterns as well as orientations and movements. Although the warm-type rainfall intensity is the weakest among the four, it has the highest number of heavy-rainfall days, making it the largest contributor (33%) to the total mei-yu rainfall amounts associated with YHSLs. By comparison, the quasi-stationary type has the smallest number of heavy-rainfall days, contributing about 19% to the total rainfall, whereas the vortex type is the more frequent extreme-rain producer (i.e., >100 mm day−1). The four types of YHSLs are closely related to various synoptic-scale low-to-midtropospheric disturbances—such as the southwest vortex, low-level jets, and midlatitude traveling perturbations that interact with mei-yu fronts over the basin and a subtropical high to the south—that provide favorable lifting and the needed moisture supply for heavy-rainfall production. The results have important implications for the operational rainfall forecasts associated with YHSLs through analog pattern recognition.
Porphyromonas gingivalis Induces Insulin Resistance by Increasing BCAA Levels in Mice
Authors: Tian J. , Liu C. , Zheng X. , Jia X. , Peng X. , Yang R. , Zhou X. , Xu X.
Published: March 2020

Insulin resistance is one of the critical pathogeneses of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Elevated levels of plasma branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) are associated with insulin resistance. Recent studies have demonstrated the role of Porphyromonas gingivalis in the development of insulin resistance. However, the mechanisms by which P. gingivalis induces insulin resistance are still unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether P. gingivalis induces insulin resistance through BCAA biosynthesis. We established a murine model of periodontitis by infecting mice with P. gingivalis. Alveolar bone loss, insulin sensitivity, and the plasma level of BCAAs were measured. A P. gingivalis BCAA aminotransferase-deficient strain ( ∆bcat) was constructed, and its kinetic growth, biofilm formation, and in vivo colonization were compared with its wild-type strain. Alveolar bone loss, insulin sensitivity, and the plasma level of BCAAs of the mice infected with either wild-type strain or ∆bcat strain were further measured. We found that periodontal infection with P. gingivalis significantly upregulated the plasma level of BCAAs and aggravated the high-fat diet (HFD)–induced insulin resistance. Bcat deletion did not alter the growth, biofilm formation, and in vivo colonization of P. gingivalis. More important, the ∆bcat strain was unable to upregulate the plasma level of BCAAs and induce insulin resistance in HFD-fed mice. These findings suggest that the BCAA biosynthesis of P. gingivalis plays a critical role in the development of insulin resistance in the HFD-fed mice. The BCAA biosynthesis pathways may provide a potential target for the disruption of linkage between periodontitis and T2DM.
Statewide Analysis of Individuals’ Exposure to Business Establishments and Active Travel Behavior
Authors: Yang Yicong , McAndrews Carolyn
Published: March 2020

This study analyzes the association between exposure to various economic establishments, such as retail stores and schools, and walking and cycling at the individual level. Instead of using a land use mix indicator applied in many previous studies, 17 types of establishments were investigated, based on the North American Industrial Classification System, located within individuals’ activity spaces. The 2017 Wisconsin Add-On to the National Household Travel Survey was used to compute the density of establishments for two different activity space measurements: (1) time-weighted one standard deviational ellipses, and (2) convex hulls. Among the significant results agreed on by both activity space measurements, walking and cycling are positively associated with exposure to educational services and public administration establishments, and negatively associated with exposure to finance and insurance establishments. The results indicate a possible strategy: active travel promotion could leverage the potential for schools and local government offices to serve as anchor institutions for health-promoting travel behavior. In addition to strategies for the built environment, the research also suggests that physical activity encouragement could target individuals, such as workers, who probably have exposure to establishments with a negative association with active travel, such as in the finance and insurance sector.
Vehicle Counting System using Deep Learning and Multi-Object Tracking Methods
Authors: Liang Haoxiang , Song Huansheng , Li Huaiyu , Dai Zhe
Published: March 2020

Using deep learning technology and multi-object tracking method to count vehicles accurately in different traffic conditions is a hot research topic in the field of intelligent transportation. In this paper, first, a vehicle dataset from the perspective of highway surveillance cameras is constructed, and the vehicle detection model is obtained by training using the You Only Look Once (YOLO) version 3 network. Second, an improved multi-scale and multi-feature tracking algorithm based on a kernel correlation filter (KCF) algorithm is proposed to avoid the KCF extracting single features and single-scale defects. Combining the intersection over union (IoU) similarity measure and the row-column optimal association criterion proposed in this paper, matching strategy is used to process the vehicles that are not detected and wrongly detected, thereby obtaining complete vehicle trajectories. Finally, according to the trajectory of the vehicle, the traveling direction of the vehicle is automatically determined, and the setting position of the detecting line is automatically updated to obtain the vehicle count result accurately. Experiments were conducted in a variety of traffic scenes and compared with published data. The experimental results show that the proposed method achieves high accuracy of vehicle detection while maintaining accuracy and precision in tracking multiple objects, and obtains accurate vehicle counting results which can meet real-time processing requirements. The algorithm presented in this paper has practical application for vehicle counting in complex highway scenes.
Consumer Acceptance and Willingness to Pay for Instant Cereal Products With Food-to-Food Fortification in Eldoret, Kenya
Authors: De Groote Hugo , Mugalavai Violet , Ferruzzi Mario , Onkware Augustino , Ayua Emmanuel , Duodu Kwaku G. , Ndegwa Michael , Hamaker Bruce R.
Published: March 2020

Background:

Maize is the major food staple in East and Southern Africa, where food-processing industries are emerging fast. New low-cost extrusion cookers allow small enterprises to enter the market for processed cereals, including instant, fortified, and flavored products.

Objective:

Assess consumers’ interest and preferences for the new products.

Methods:

Consumers (n = 220) in Eldoret, Kenya, were invited to evaluate 4 new cereal products: (1) sifted maize flour mixed with sorghum, (2) instant sifted mixed flour, (3) instant whole flour, and (4) instant whole flour fortified with natural ingredients and to compare them to conventional sifted maize flour, using 2 preparations: stiff porridge ( ugali) and soft porridge ( uji). These were followed by economic experiments to estimate consumers’ willingness to pay (WTP) for the new products and traits.

Results:

For ugali, consumers preferred conventional sifted maize flour, while for uji, they appreciated the new products, especially sifted mixed flour (with sorghum) and instant whole mixed flour. Fortification with food-to-food sources was not appreciated, especially for ugali. Comparing WTP for the traits with their production cost showed that mixed, whole, and instant flours were economical, but not fortification. Maize/sorghum mixtures realized a benefit of 24% over conventional maize flour, whole meal 11%, and instant mixtures 5%.

Conclusions:

There is a potential market for improved cereal products in Kenya, but more for uji than for ugali, especially with instant, mixed, and whole flour. Acceptable and affordable products, fortified with other foods that are locally available, however, still need to be developed, especially for ugali.
An Update in Imaging of Blunt Vascular Neck Injury
Authors: Abu Mughli Rawan , Wu Tong , Li Jessica , Moghimi Saba , Alem Zersenay , Nasir Muhammad Umer , Abdellatif Waleed , Nicolaou Savvas
Published: March 2020

Traumatic injuries of the cervical carotid and vertebral arteries, collectively referred to as blunt cerebrovascular injury (BCVI), can result in significant patient morbidity and mortality, with one of the most feared outcomes being cerebrovascular ischemia. Systematic imaging-guided screening for BCVI aims for early detection to guide timely management. In particular, accurate detection of the severity and grade of BCVI is paramount in guiding initial management. Furthermore, follow-up imaging is required to decide the duration of antithrombotic therapy. In this article, classification of the grades of BCVI and associated imaging findings will be outlined and diagnostic pitfalls and mimickers that can confound diagnosis will be described. In addition, updates to existing screening guidelines and recent efforts of criteria modification to improve detection of BCVI cases will be reviewed. The advent of postprocessing tools applied to conventional computed tomography (CT) angiograms and new diagnostic tools in dual energy CT for improved detection will also be discussed.
State-Mandated Coverage of Cleft Lip and Cleft Palate Treatment
Authors: Wanchek Tanya , Wehby George
Published: March 2020

Objective:

We conducted a comprehensive review of state laws and regulations that require private health insurance plans to cover the services needed by children born with cleft lip and/or cleft palate (CL/P). The goal is to better understand how states are reducing the barriers children with CL/P face when seeking recommended health care services.

Design:

We identified all state laws and regulations mandating insurance coverage of services for children with CL/P by private insurance carriers from 1999 through 2017 using Westlaw legal database. We categorized laws and regulations into ten services: facial surgery (facial, corrective, reconstructive), oral surgery, orthodontics, dental care, habilitation/rehabilitation/speech therapy, prosthetic treatment, audiology, nutrition counseling, genetic testing, and psychological counseling. We also captured broad mandates indicating coverage for all necessary treatments.

Results:

There was a trend toward increased coverage of services for CL/P over time. In 1999, 27 states and Washington, DC did not have relevant laws or regulations. By 2017, there were 19 states without laws or regulations mandating services. The most common mandated service was facial surgery followed by habilitation/rehabilitation/speech therapy, orthodontics, dental care, and oral surgery. Nutrition, audiology, genetic testing and psychological counseling were rarely included in mandated services.

Conclusions:

States vary widely in their requirements for coverage of services needed by children with CL/P in private health insurance plans. There has been an increase in mandates over the past two decades to cover services, although significant variation continues to exist across states.
Macular optical coherence tomography findings after vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment
Authors: Coppola Michele , Marchese Alessandro , Cicinelli Maria Vittoria , Rabiolo Alessandro , Giuffrè Chiara , Gomarasca Silvia , Querques Giuseppe , Bandello Francesco
Published: March 2020

The primary aim of this study was to summarize and illustrate the main structural cross-sectional optical coherence tomography findings encountered after vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. This was a non-systematic review of literature on structural cross-sectional optical coherence tomography findings after vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Adequate illustrations of the main findings described were found after a retrospective analysis of imaging and charts of patients operated at the department where this study was performed. The main structural cross-sectional optical coherence tomography findings after vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment included persistent subretinal fluid, subretinal blebs, retinal folds, subretinal perfluorocarbon liquids, macular alterations related to silicone oil, epiretinal membranes, proliferative vitreoretinopathy, cystoid macular edema, macular holes, and recurrent retinal detachment. In conclusion, optical coherence tomography was a useful tool after vitreoretinal surgery for rhegmatogenous retinal detachment. Some optical coherence tomography findings may not be evident on fundus examination, and optical coherence tomography can reveal essential details for the clinical management and the visual prognosis. Other findings, despite being visible on funduscopic examination, may be better assessed with the aid of optical coherence tomography. All these elements contribute to support the importance of tomographic assessment in the follow-up of eyes treated for vitreoretinal conditions.
The African economic growth experience and tourism receipts: A threshold analysis and quantile regression approach
Authors: Sahni Herman , Nsiah Christian , Fayissa Bichaka
Published: March 2020

By applying threshold analysis and quantile regression techniques, we investigate the linearity of the relationship between tourism receipts and economic growth. We find that a threshold exists, below and above which the relationship between tourism receipts and economic growth changes. In our sample, the threshold for tourism receipts is at 3.82% of gross domestic product. Specifically, our findings suggest that tourism receipts have a more pronounced effect on economic growth below the threshold than above the threshold. From the quantile regression analysis, we further find that countries have greater benefits from tourism at lower levels of economic growth. Thus, policy makers designing tourism policy may consider that the marginal benefit of tourism on growth wanes beyond certain levels in spite of the fact that tourism receipts are an important driver of economic growth at all levels of growth.
Perceived Meanings and Implications of Transgender Inclusive Policies in Collegiate Recreation: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Pecoraro Jennifer A. , Pitts Brenda G.
Published: March 2020

To examine the intersection of trans-identities and collegiate recreation program and services (CRS), this inquiry explored the perceived meanings and implications of gender-related competitive sport policy as interpreted by transgender students. Three trans-identifying students ( n = 3) participated in this inquiry; each student reviewed collegiate recreation competitive sport policy excerpts and provided qualitative responses during phenomenological, semi-structured interviews. The resulting transcripts underwent a two-part, cyclical analysis to identify and explore common themes and phenomenological essence. Conclusionary themes indicated that CRS competitive sport policy—while possibly having the intent to be gender inclusive—may not be conclusively perceived as such. In addition, select—yet common—terminology used in CRS lexicon was perceived as being exclusive to trans-identities. These themes suggest that CRS trans-inclusive policy should consider the reception of its content during development and furthermore address a gap in literature by providing practitioners with insight as to the manner of which CRS policy is being perceived by their intended trans-audiences.
The YSI 2300 Analyzer Replacement Meeting Report
Authors: Han Julia , Heinemann Lutz , Ginsberg Barry H. , Alva Shridhara , Appel Matthias , Bess Stephan , Chen Kong Y. , Freckmann Guido , Harris Dennis R. , Hartwig Matthias , Hinzmann Rolf , Kerr David , Krouwer Jan , Morrow Linda , Nichols James , Pfützner Andreas , Pleus Stefan , Rice Mark , Sacks David B. , Schlueter Kevin , Vesper Hubert W. , Klonoff David C.
Published: March 2020

This is a summary report of the most important aspects discussed during the YSI 2300 Analyzer Replacement Meeting. The aim is to provide the interested reader with an overview of the complex topic and propose solutions for the current issue. This solution should not only be adequate for the United States or Europe markets but also for all other countries. The meeting addendum presents three outcomes of the meeting.
High Prevalence of Degenerative Changes at the Metatarsal Head Sesamoid Articulation Found During Hallux Valgus Correction Surgery
Authors: Tsai Justin , Daniel Joseph N. , McDonald Elizabeth L. , Pedowitz David I. , Rogero Ryan G. , Shakked Rachel J. , Nicholson Kristen J. , Raikin Steven M.
Published: March 2020

Background. Despite the absence of complications and a restoration of normal hallux alignment, some patients have suboptimal outcomes from hallux valgus correction surgery. One risk factor for persistent pain may be the presence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head articulation with the sesamoids, an area not easily assessed with standard radiographs unless dedicated sesamoid views are obtained. In this study, we prospectively evaluated the metatarsal head for degenerative changes during hallux valgus correction surgery and identified preoperative risk factors associated with these changes. Methods. We prospectively evaluated 200 feet in 196 patients who underwent hallux valgus surgery intraoperatively for the pattern and severity of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head. Mann-Whitney U testing was implemented to compare differences in arthritic scores between preoperative deformity groups. The Spearman correlation test was used to determine the association between age and preoperative deformity with the severity of degenerative changes. Results. More than half of all feet assessed had severe arthritic changes at the plantar medial aspect of the metatarsal head and 40% of feet at the plantar lateral aspect. Age and intermetatarsal angle were found to be positively correlated with arthritis in this area. Conclusion. Our prospective study has demonstrated the high prevalence of arthritic changes at the metatarsal head sesamoid articulation and the positive influence of age and severity of deformity on metatarsal head arthritic changes seen during hallux valgus correction surgery. Furthermore, these arthritic changes were found to have no significant influence on preoperative functional and pain levels.

Levels of Evidence: Level IV: Case series
Validation of the “Wisconsin Criteria” for Obtaining Dedicated Facial Imaging and Its Financial Impact at a Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: Stewart Christopher N. , Wood Lily , Barta Ruth Jo
Published: March 2020

Introduction:

According to national trauma databases, 25% of all people injured have some type of facial injury. The gold standard for diagnosing bony trauma of the facial skeleton has been computed tomography (CT) scan. In 2011, the “Wisconsin criteria” were established and subsequently validated as a method to predict which patients truly have a facial fracture and warrant further imaging. The purpose of this study is to externally validate these criteria and determine the economic impact they might have on avoiding unnecessary CT scans.

Methods:

This was a retrospective chart review. We collected 1000 patients who had undergone facial CT related to trauma and retrospectively applied the “Wisconsin criteria” based on physical exam documentation.

Results:

Of the 1000 facial CT scans obtained, we identified 408 fractures, 12% of which required operative intervention. The “Wisconsin criteria” applied to our patient population had a sensitivity of 90% and a negative predictive value of 93%. Using these criteria resulted in a missed fracture rate of 2.8%. Finally, had these criteria been used to determine when a facial CT scan was indicated, our institution could be saving over US$300 000 annually.

Conclusion:

The “Wisconsin criteria” are a reliable method to screen for facial fracture in trauma patients. Using a validated instrument tool to guide decision-making, we can avoid obtaining low-value imaging studies. This can have a large economic impact while maintaining safety and reliability in accurate diagnosis.
Comorbidity of HIV, hypertension, and diabetes and associated factors among people receiving antiretroviral therapy in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia
Authors: Getahun Zenebework , Azage Muluken , Abuhay Taye , Abebe Fantu
Published: March 2020

Background:

People living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) are facing an increased burden of noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) comorbidity. There is, however, paucity of information on the magnitude of HIV-NCDs comorbidity, its associated factors, and how the health system is responding to the double burden in Ethiopia.

Objective:

To determine the magnitude of comorbidity between HIV and hypertension or diabetes and associated factors among HIV-positive adults receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART) in Bahir Dar city, Ethiopia.

Methods:

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 560 randomly selected HIV-positive adults taking ART. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using SPSS version 23. Descriptive statistics were used to describe the data. A logistic regression model was fit to identify associated factors with comorbidity of HIV and NCDs.

Results:

The magnitude of comorbidity was 19.6% (95% confidence interval (CI): 16.0–23.0). Being older (55 and above years) adjusted odds ratio (AOR: 8.5; 95% CI: 3.2–15.1), taking second-line ART regimen containing tenofovir (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.3–5.6), and increased body mass index (BMI) ≥25 (AOR: 2.7; 95% CI: 1.2–6.5) were the factors associated with comorbidity. Participants reported that they were not managed in an integrated and coordinated manner.

Conclusions:

The magnitude of comorbidity among adults was high in the study area. Being older, second-line ART regimen and high BMI ≥25 increased the odds of having NCDs among HIV-positive adults. Targeted screening for the incidences of NCDs, addressing modifiable risk factors, and providing integrated care would help to improve the quality of life comorbid patients.
Development and Degradation: The Nexus between GDP, FDI, and Pollution in India
Authors: U. Tripura Sundari C. , Mitra Anindita
Published: March 2020

The nexus between development and environment has been a debatable topic for years, more so when foreign direct investment (FDI is used to accelerate the economy. Since environmental Kuznets curve may not be achievable by all economies and many studies have not been able to establish a consistent relationship between FDI and environment, this study determines the liaison between FDI, GDP, and pollution in India with time series data from 1990 to 2015. While per capita GDP plotted against per capita carbon dioxide (CO2) emission indicates an alarming positive relation, the co-integration between FDI, GDP, and CO2 tested using unit root test statistics (augmented Dickey–Fuller test) for stationarity and then by Johansen and Juselius’s multivariate co-integration technique show a long-run co-integration. Since the existence of a relationship between variables does not prove causality, the variables are phrased in a vector error correction (VEC) form and vector error correction mechanism (VECM) Granger causality/block exogeneity Wald test which reveals that FDI has a positive and significant impact on pollution and GDP attracts FDI. This transitive relation suggests that FDI in pollution-controlling technology would be a feasible solution to sustainable development.
Failure to build: Sewage and the choppy temporality of infrastructure in Palestine
Authors: Stamatopoulou-Robbins Sophia C
Published: March 2020

Drawing on fieldwork in the West Bank (2007–2016) with engineers building sewage infrastructures for the would-be Palestinian state, I make a three-pronged argument. First, I argue that “failure to build” is its own thick, disorienting, and molasses-like condition. It is also “choppy”: it has a disjointed, jerky, quality that is inconstant and unsettling as if one is at sea without a lifeboat. It is limited neither to short-term, tactical governance—a governmentality looking to survive in the short term—nor to strategically planning for the future. It combines the durability of the temporary with the fragility of the future. Second, I propose that the failure-to-build temporality is structured by and structures the intersection of two phenomena: nonsovereignty, for example but not only in settler colonialism or war, and particular environmentalist logics. Failure to build takes on its moral valence from the way those who rule Palestinian life—Israel, international donors, and the Palestinian Authority—determine the environmental standards for Palestinian infrastructures. For these actors, the environment is a singular entity “shared” across political borders. It requires expertise Palestinians are repeatedly suspected of lacking, partly because they lack a state and experience running their own infrastructures. Failure to build thus works circularly in relation to nonsovereignty. The more nonsovereign communities “fail to build,” the more those who govern them can claim the right to control what and how they build. Third, I argue that waste infrastructures such as landfills, incinerators, and sewage treatment plants are particularly susceptible to a failure-to-build temporality because of their association with environmental harm.
Database of rocking shallow foundation performance: Slow-cyclic and monotonic loading
Authors: Hakhamaneshi Manouchehr , Kutter Bruce L. , Gavras Andreas G. , Gajan Sivapalan , Tsatsis Angelos , Liu Weian , Sharma Keshab , Pianese Giovanna , Kohno Tetsuya , Deng Lijun , Paolucci Roberto , Anastasopoulos Ioannis , Gazetas George
Published: March 2020

Many physical model tests have examined the performance of rocking foundations during cyclic and seismic loading. These tests varied in model size, testing equipment, superstructure properties, footing shape, supporting soil environment, and loading protocol. “FoRCy, Foundation Rocking database of Cyclic and Monotonic Loading” is a new database (published at https://datacenterhub.org/ ), summarizing the results of monotonic and slow-cyclic loading tests of rocking foundations. The database consists of columns identifying testing equipment and facility, soil, superstructure, and system properties, as well as loading protocol and results. The database contains 456 records (rows), each one being unique in either model configuration or loading amplitude. To illustrate its value, this article shows correlations between (1) settlement, rotation, and factor of safety with respect to bearing capacity and (2) moment and cumulative rotation for shallow footings. Data indicate that the rotation required to mobilize the moment capacity is surprisingly constant (about 0.01 radians) for a wide range of experiments.
Automatic quantification of left ventricular function by medical students using ultrasound
Authors: Grue Jahn Frederik , Storve Sigurd , Dalen Håvard , Mjølstad Ole Christian , Samstad Stein O. , Eriksen-Volnes Torfinn , Torp Hans , Haugen Bjørn Olav
Published: March 2020

Background

Automatic analyses of echocardiograms may support inexperienced users in quantifying left ventricular (LV) function. We have developed an algorithm for fully automatic measurements of mitral annular plane systolic excursion (MAPSE) and mitral annular systolic (S′) and early diastolic (e′) peak velocities. We aimed to study the influence of user experience of automatic measurements of these indices in echocardiographic recordings acquired by medical students and clinicians.

Methods

We included 75 consecutive patients referred for echocardiography at a university hospital. The patients underwent echocardiography by clinicians (cardiologists, cardiology residents and sonographers), who obtained manual reference measurements of MAPSE by M-mode and of S′ and e′ by colour tissue Doppler imaging (cTDI). Immediately after, each patient was examined by 1 of 39 medical students who were instructed in image acquisition on the day of participation. Each student acquired cTDI recordings from 1 to 4 patients. All cTDI recordings by students and clinicians were analysed for MAPSE, S′ and e′ using a fully automatic algorithm. The automatic measurements were compared to the manual reference measurements.

Results

Correct tracking of the mitral annulus was feasible in 50 (67%) and 63 (84%) of the students’ and clinicians’ recordings, respectively (p = 0.007). Image quality was highest in the clinicians’ recordings. Mean difference ± standard deviation of the automatic measurements of the students’ recordings compared to the manual reference was − 0.0 ± 2.0 mm for MAPSE, 0.3 ± 1.1 cm/s for S′ and 0.6 ± 1.4 cm/s for e′. The corresponding intraclass correlation coefficients for MAPSE, S′ and e′ were 0.85 (good), 0.89 (good) and 0.92 (excellent), respectively. Automatic measurements from the students’ and clinicians’ recordings were in similar agreement with the reference when mitral annular tracking was correct.

Conclusions

In case of correct tracking of the mitral annulus, the agreement with reference for the automatic measurements was overall good. Low image quality reduced feasibility. Adequate image acquisition is essential for automatic analyses of LV function indices, and thus, appropriate education of the operators is mandatory. Automatic measurements may help inexperienced users of ultrasound, but do not remove the need for dedicated education and training.
Uptake of intermittent preventive treatment for malaria during pregnancy with Sulphadoxine-Pyrimethamine in Malawi after adoption of updated World Health Organization policy: an analysis of demographic and health survey 2015–2016
Authors: Azizi Steven Chifundo
Published: March 2020

Background

Malawi adopted the 2012 updated Word Health Organization (WHO) Intermittent preventive treatment of malaria during pregnancy with sulphadoxine-pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP) policy in 2013. This study aimed to estimate the proportion of and identify factors associated with the uptake of at least three doses of IPTp with SP among pregnant women in Malawi after the adoption and operationalisation of updated WHO IPTp-SP policy.

Methods

The 2015–16 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey dataset was analysed. Of 1219 women aged 15–49 years who had live births and the children were born after the date of July 2015, 1069 women were included in the analysis. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression were used in data analysis. The statistical analysis took into account a complex survey sample design.

Results

Of the 1069 women, 447 (42, 95% CI: 38.1–45.6) received three (optimal) or more doses of IPTp-SP. Less than half (47%) managed to attend at least four antenatal care (ANC) clinics. Only 52% received optimal SP doses among those who made at least four ANC visits. Only the number of ANC visits was associated with the optimal uptake of SP. Women who attended ANC three times only and those who visited ANC once or twice only were less likely to receive at least three doses of SP than those who managed to attend ANC at least four times during pregnancy (AOR = 0.71, 95% CI 0.49–1.02) and (AOR = 0.12, 95% CI 0.06–0.21) respectively.

Conclusions

To achieve effective malaria prevention in pregnancy, IPTP-SP is used alongside other interventions. However, there is low uptake of optimal SP doses in Malawi, and this seems to be associated with the number of ANC visits. Moreover, there is limited effectiveness of an increased number of ANC visits on the uptake of optimal SP doses. Further research should be done to explore health systems factors affecting uptake of optimal IPTp with SP doses during pregnancy.
Graded response model fit, measurement invariance and (comparative) precision of the Dutch-Flemish PROMIS® Upper Extremity V2.0 item bank in patients with upper extremity disorders
Authors: Lameijer C. M. , van Bruggen S. G. J. , Haan E. J. A. , Van Deurzen D. F. P. , Van der Elst K. , Stouten V. , Kaat A. J. , Roorda L. D. , Terwee C. B.
Published: March 2020

Background

The Dutch-Flemish PROMIS® Upper Extremity (DF-PROMIS-UE) V2.0 item bank was recently developed using Item Response Theory (IRT). Unknown for this bank are: (1) if it is legitimate to calculate IRT-based scores for short forms and Computerized Adaptive Tests (CATs), which requires that the items meet the assumptions of and fit the IRT-model (Graded Response Model [GRM]);(2) if it is legitimate to compare (sub) groups of patients using this measure, which requires measurement invariance; and (3) the precision of the estimated patients’ scores for patients with different levels of functioning and compared to legacy measures. Aims were to evaluate (1) the assumptions of and fit to the GRM, (2) measurement invariance and (3) (comparative) precision of the DF-PROMIS-UE v2.0.

Methods

Cross-sectional data were collected in Dutch patients with upper extremity disorders. Assessed were IRT-assumptions (unidimensionality [bi-factor analysis], local independence [residual correlations], monotonicity [coefficient H]), GRM item fit, measurement invariance (absence of Differential Item Functioning [DIF] due to age, gender, center, duration, and location of complaints) and precision (standard error of IRT-based scores across levels of functioning). To study measurement invariance for language [Dutch vs. English], additional US data were used. Legacy instruments were the Disability of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH), the QuickDASH and the Michigan Hand Questionnaire (MHQ).

Results

In total 521 Dutch (mean age ± SD = 51 ± 17 years, 49% female) and 246 US patients (mean age ± SD = 48 ± 14 years, 69% female) participated. The DF-PROMIS-UE v2.0 item bank was sufficiently unidimensional (Omega-H = 0.80, Explained Common Variance = 0.68), had negligible local dependence (four out of 1035 correlations > 0.20), good monotonicity (H = 0.63), good GRM fit (no misfitting items) and demonstrated sufficient measurement invariance. Precise estimates (Standard Error < 3.2) were obtained for most patients (7-item short form, 88.5%; standard CAT, 91.3%; and, fixed 7-item CAT, 87.6%).

The DASH displayed better reliability than the DF-PROMIS-UE short form and standard CAT, the QuickDASH displayed comparable reliability. The MHQ-ADL displayed better reliability than the DF-PROMIS-UE short form and standard CAT for T-scores between 28 and 50. For patients with low function, the DF-PROMIS-UE measures performed better.

Conclusions

The DF-PROMIS-UE v2.0 item bank showed sufficient psychometric properties in Dutch patients with UE disorders.
Analysis of anatomical variations of intrapelvic vessels for advanced pelvic surgery
Authors: Hamabe Atsushi , Harino Takashi , Ogino Takayuki , Tanida Tsukasa , Noura Shingo , Morita Shunji , Dono Keizo
Published: March 2020

Background

In pelvic surgery, it is important to anticipate potential anatomic variations, which may be unknown, and inter-relationships among intrapelvic vessels. Here, we comprehensively analyzed intrapelvic vessel patterns.

Method

This retrospective analysis included 81 patients that underwent colorectal surgery in our institution in 2016. A total of 162 half-pelvises were imaged with contrast-enhanced computed tomography. We scrutinized thin-slice images.

Results

We found variations in the number of internal iliac veins. In 47.5% of cases, one internal iliac vein drained into the ipsilateral common iliac vein in both halves of the pelvis. In the other cases, several internal iliac veins were observed in one or both halves of the pelvis. We analyzed the inter-relationships between the superior gluteal artery and the sacral nerve plexus in pelvic halves. Superior gluteal arteries ran between the 5th lumbar nerve and 1st sacral nerves, in 82% of halves, and lateral to the 5th lumbar nerve, in 17% of halves. Dorsally, the superior gluteal artery ran on the medial side of the internal iliac vein in 15% of halves. In 28% of half-pelvises, two superior gluteal veins were observed. Superior gluteal veins passed through the sacral nerve plexus lateral to 5th lumbar, between 5th lumbar and 1st sacral, and between 1st and 2nd sacral nerve, in 42.0, 47.5, and 37.7% of halves, respectively. We evaluated the rate of symmetric pelvic anatomies, and found that all anatomic variations formed symmetrically, except the number of internal iliac veins.

Conclusion

This study clarified the anatomical variations of intrapelvic vessels and their inter-relationships. These findings will benefit our understanding of pelvic anatomy and enhance the safety of radical surgery for treating pelvic diseases.
A rare serious case of retroperitoneal paraganglioma misdiagnosed as duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report
Authors: Mahmoud Schauki , Salami Maissam , Salman Hosam
Published: March 2020

Background

Pheochromocytoma (PCC) and Paraganglioma (PGL) are rare neuroendocrine neoplasms. These tumors harbour disastrous consequences during surgery due to catecholamine hypersecretion if they are undiagnosed or prepared inadequately preoperatively.

Case presentation

A 41- year- old lady presented with mild left flank discomfort. She had experienced recurrent anxiety attacks accompanied by palpitations and headache which were managed previously as panic attacks. Radiologic investigations showed a retroperitoneal mass that located anteromedial to the left kidney, separated from the left adrenal gland and adherent to the 4th duodenal segment. During admission, her vital signs showed slight elevation of blood pressure (140\90–160\110) mmHg, thus 24-h urine metanephrine and normetanephrine were requested and the results revealed normal values. Upper gastrointestinal endoscopy failed to pass beyond the 3th duodenal segment and showed no pathologic evidence. According to her findings, a diagnosis of duodenal gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) was suspected. During laparotomy, crises of hypertension and tachycardia followed by severe hypotension made the resection of the misdiagnosed mass very tricky. Immunohistochemical staining studies confirmed the diagnosis of paraganglioma.

Conclusion

Paraganglioma is a life threatening disease and should always be considered as a differential diagnosis of asymptomatic retroperitoneal mass. The aim of our study is to present a challenging case of an undiagnosed retroperitoneal paraganglioma and to alarm our colleagues from such troubles.