bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic strategy and therapeutic management of sinonasal inverted papilloma: our experience with review of literature
Authors: Bouatay Rachida , Farhati Amira , Abdelali Mabrouk , N Naourez kolsi , Korbi Amel El , Ferjaoui Mehdi , Harrathi Khaled , Koubaa Jamel
Published: December 2022

Background

The sinonasal inverted papilloma is a rare benign tumor, characterized by local aggressiveness, a high rate of recurrence after surgical resection, and the possibility of malignant transformation. The aims of this study are to analyze diagnostic strategy and therapeutic modalities and to evaluate results after surgery.

Methods

We report a retrospective study, including patients operated for inverted sinonasal papilloma in our department. Preoperatively, all patients were assessed by CT scan (computed tomography), 9 of them by MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

Results

The average age of our patients was 52 years with a male predominance. The most common symptom was unilateral nasal obstruction. The endoscopic appearance was suggestive of inverted papilloma (IP) in 75% of cases. Thirty-two patients underwent an exclusive endonasal endoscopic surgery; one patient was operated with a combined approach. Two patients underwent external approaches. A recurrence was observed in 4 patients (11%).

Conclusion

Preoperative investigation for IP is essentially based on MRI, also required in case of recurrence. Histological examination of the entire tumor is crucial to rule out an associated carcinoma. The “all endoscopic” management is not always achievable for these tumors.
Cardiomyocyte differentiation from human induced pluripotent stem cells is delayed following knockout of Bcl-2
Authors: Vervliet Tim , Duelen Robin , Pradhan Ankit , La Rovere Rita , Roderick H. Llewelyn , Sampaolesi Maurilio
Published: December 2022

Anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) regulates a wide array of cellular functions involved in cell death, cell survival and autophagy. Less known is its involvement in the differentiation of cardiomyocytes. As a consequence, mechanisms by which Bcl-2 contributes to cardiac differentiation remain to be elucidated. To address this, we used CRISPR/Cas9 to knockout (KO) BCL2 in human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) and investigated the consequence of this KO for differentiation towards cardiomyocytes. Our results indicate that differentiation of hiPSCs to cardiomyocytes was delayed following BCL2 KO. This was not related to the canonical anti-apoptotic function of Bcl-2. This delay led to reduced expression and activity of the cardiomyocyte Ca2+ toolkit. Finally, Bcl-2 KO reduced c-Myc expression and nuclear localization in the early phase of the cardiac differentiation process, which accounts at least in part for the observed delay in the cardiac differentiation. These results suggest that there is a central role for Bcl-2 in cardiomyocyte differentiation and maturation.
A Glimpse of Freedom: Allied Occupation and Political Resistance in East Germany
Authors: Martinez Luis R. , Jessen Jonas , Xu Guo
Published: December 2022

This paper exploits the idiosyncratic line of contact separating Allied and Soviet troops within East Germany at the end of WWII to study political resistance in a non-democracy. When Nazi Germany surrendered, 40 percent of what would become the authoritarian German Democratic Republic was initially under Allied control but was ceded to Soviet control less than two months later. Brief Allied exposure increased protests during the major 1953 uprising. We use novel data on the appointment of local mayors and a retrospective survey to argue that even a “glimpse of freedom” can foster civilian opposition to dictatorship. (JEL D72, D74, N44, P16)
Incentivized Peer Referrals for Tuberculosis Screening: Evidence from India
Authors: Goldberg Jessica , Macis Mario , Chintagunta Pradeep
Published: December 2022

We study whether and how peer referrals increase screening, testing, and identification of patients with tuberculosis, an infectious disease responsible for over one million deaths annually. In an experiment with 3,176 patients at 122 tuberculosis treatment centers in India, we find that small financial incentives raise the probability that existing patients refer prospective patients for screening and testing, resulting in cost-effective identification of new cases. Incentivized referrals operate through two mechanisms: peers have private information about individuals in their social networks to target for outreach, and they are more effective than health workers in inducing these individuals to get tested. (JEL H51, I12, I18, O15, Z13)
Anchored Inflation Expectations
Authors: Carvalho Carlos , Eusepi Stefano , Moench Emanuel , Preston Bruce
Published: December 2022

We develop a theory of low-frequency movements in inflation expectations, and use it to interpret joint dynamics of inflation and inflation expectations for the United States and other countries over the postwar period. In our theory, long-run inflation expectations are endogenous. They are driven by short-run inflation surprises, in a way that depends on recent forecasting performance and monetary policy. This distinguishes our theory from common explanations of low-frequency properties of inflation. The model, estimated using only inflation and short-term forecasts from professional surveys, accurately predicts observed measures of long-term inflation expectations and identifies episodes of unanchored expectations. (JEL D83, D84, E12, E23, E31, E37, E52)
Childcare Subsidies and Child Skill Accumulation in One- and Two-Parent Families
Authors: Moschini Emily G.
Published: December 2022

I examine the role of family structure and childcare subsidies in child skill accumulation. I establish empirically that skill accumulation is more responsive to childcare price for one-parent families than for two-parent families. I analyze the effects of childcare subsidies in a model featuring endogenous family formation, parental altruism, and a baseline subsidy resembling that of the United States. I find that eliminating this subsidy generates welfare losses of 1.63 percent of lifetime consumption, that equilibrium adjustments act to mitigate these losses, and that increasing uptake among one-parent families yields the highest welfare gains per additional recipient. (JEL I21, I26, J12, J13, J24)
Analysis of the Problem of False Fire Alarms Generated by Fire Alarm Systems in Poland and Other Selected Countries
Authors: Michał Pietrzak  , Michał Chmiel  , Mariusz Feltynowski
Published: December 2022

Cel: The aim of this article is to discuss the issue of false fire alarms by presenting the most common causes of their occurrence and statistical data, along with the presentation of selected regulatory issues. The article also addresses the issue of minimizing false alarms and the means by which this can be accomplished. Wprowadzenie: Due to the fact that triggered fire alarms from fire alarm systems (SSP) initiate a number of triggers of fire protection equipment and can lead to the initiation of fire department actions, it is extremely important to correctly identify the report and confirm its authenticity. However, analysing the statistically available data, it should be noted that unfortunately – despite a number of security methods – false alarms still account for a large percentage of identified calls. This article presents selected false alarm issues from Poland and other countries, such as the United States of America, Germany, Denmark, the Czech Republic, the United Kingdom, Switzerland and Austria. Special attention was paid to statistics on the occurrence of false alarms, formal and legal regulations, causes of false alarms, and used detection elements, including their susceptibility to false reports, along with the methods to reduce them. Metodologia: The article uses the results of the authors’ own analysis of the study, made on the basis of the available statistical data from incidents that have occurred, and technical and engineering knowledge of the components of fire alarm system. Wnioski: Analysing the available statistical data, it can be observed that the problem of false alarms is not disappearing. On the contrary – in many countries over the years it is increasing. An increasing percentage of reports from detection systems are false alarms. In addition, considering the available legal regulations, it can be observed that regulations related to false alarms currently focus only on regulating penalties for false alarm reports. Only in a few cases do they concern any other provisions. Nowadays, there are various available methods to protect installations from the occurrence of false alarms, but in order to use them correctly, it is essential that they are properly designed and installed by people with knowledge and experience in this area. Thus, according to the authors, it is reasonable to conclude that the basic requirement for these systems in terms of false fire alarms should be to provide opportunities for obtaining appropriate qualifications and competence among designers, installers and maintainers of SSP systems alike. Słowa kluczowe: fire alarm system, fire alarms, false alarm, fire detectors
Applying negative binomial regression analysis to overcome the overdispersion of Poisson regression model for malnutrition cases in Indonesia
Authors: Setyawan Yudi , Suryowati Kris , Octaviana Dita
Published: December 2022

Indonesia is one of the developing countries that is struggling to eradicate malnutrition problem. Malnutrition that occurs over a long period of time can have an impact on deaths for the sufferers and decreasing human’s quality of life. This study aims to model the case of malnutrition that occurred in Indonesia Provinces during 2015, and get the main factors that cause malnutrition problem. Variables studied consists of Malnutrition (Y), Vitamin A consumption (X1), Exclusive breastfeeding (X2), Immunization (X3), Water quality (X4), Healthcare center (X5), and Poverty level (X6). Based on the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test, the results of malnutrition data in Indonesia Province in 2015 does not follow Poisson distribution because of overdispersion. The presence of overdispersion cases in the Poisson regression model will have an impact on the inappropriateness of inferences. An alternative model that can accomodate this case is negative binomial regression model.  By using this model, factors that are considered influencing malnutrition cases in Indonesia provinces in 2015 are Immunization (X3), Water quality (X4), and Poverty level (X6). The best model obtained from negative binomial regression analysis is μ ̂_i=exp(2.5111-0.0338X_3+0.0295X_4+0.0576X_6).
On Conformable, Riemann-Liouville, and Caputo fractional derivatives
Authors: Guswanto Bambang Hendriya , Andini Leony Rhesmafiski , Triyani Triyani
Published: December 2022

This article compares conformable fractional Derivative with Riemann-Liouville and Caputo fractional derivative by comparing solutions to fractional ordinary differential equations involving the three fractional derivatives via the numerical simulations of the solutions. The result shows that conformable fractional derivative can be used as an alternative to Riemann-Liouville and Caputo fractional derivative for order α with 1/2<α<1.
Self-Care Experiences of Family Members of Mentally Ill Patients
Authors: Jun Won Hee , Cho Eun Ju , Choi Eun Joung
Published: December 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to find out the meaning of self-care experiences of family members of mentally ill patients and describe its essential structure.Methods: The Giorgi's phenomenological research methodology was used. Six families participated in this study. In-depth individual interviews were used to collect data from October to December in 2021.Results: Five clusters of themes were identified. They were “Selfless life”, “Life on shaky grounds”, “Attempts to escape from the suffering”, “Moving forward on self-care path”, and “Happiness blooming in being together”.Conclusion: The findings suggest that mental health care professionals should provide educational programs to enable families of patients with mental illness to recognize the necessity for self-care and discover ways to take care of themselves. In addition, it is necessary to develop policies to expand patient management services at mental health welfare centers so that families of patients with mental illness can secure time for self-care.
We've explored…: vehicles
Authors: Rawstrone Annette
Published: December 2022

A charity has made the most of local connections to bring tractors, diggers and lorries to its setting, provoking huge opportunities for learning. By Annette Rawstrone
Market view: No Help From The Chancellor
Authors: Kanwar Arun
Published: December 2022

Arun Kanwar, managing partner at Cairneagle, on 2023's challenges
Salahaddin Safedî’nin Risale fi İlmi’l Mûsikâ ile müellifi meçhul eş-Şeceretu Zati'l-İkmâm el-Haviye li-Usuli’l-Engam isimli eserlerin şekil ve içerik bağlamında karşılaştırılması
Authors: Öncel Mehmet , Yahşi Turgut
Published: December 2022

Mûsikî nazariyesinin kaide ve kurallarının daha iyi anlaşılabilmesi adına geçmişte yapılmış çalışmaların incelenmesi oldukça önemli bir yer teşkil etmektedir. Bu yönüyle ele alınan makalemizde hangi kavramların hangi manaya tekabül ettiğini ortaya koyma gayretinde olacağız. Araştırmanın konusu sabık alimlerin eserlerinden istifade ederek gelişme kaydetmeye çalışan iki eserin karşılaştırılmasıdır. Safedî’nin Risale fi İlmi’l Mûsikâ’sı ile müellifi bilinmeyen eş-Şeceretu Zati'l-İkmâm el-Haviye li-Usuli’l-Engam isimli eserlerin telif edildikleri yüzyıllar farklı olmasına rağmen ele aldıkları meseleler birbirine oldukça müşabehet göstermektedir. Çalışmanın sınırlılığı zikri geçen iki eserin muhtevasıdır. Sistematik müzikolojinin prensiplerine göre bilgilerin ele alındığı bu çalışmada kullanılacak yöntem nitel araştırma olup, metodolojisi ise doküman taramasıyla elde edilen verilerin karşılaştırma, metin tahlili, örnekleme ve içerik analiziyle işlenmesidir. Böylelikle bu iki eserin biçim ve içerik kapsamında değerlendirilmesi ve karşılaştırması sağlanacaktır. Eserlerin makam-avaze-şube bağlamında farklı unsurlar ile ilişkilendirilmesi tespit edilerek, iki eserdeki benzerlik ve farklılıklar gösterilecektir. Bu benzerlik ve farklılıkların daha iyi anlaşılması adına tablo ve grafiklerden yararlanılmıştır.
Screening for Prostate Cancer: Role of Free Psa, Psad with Prostate Biopsy Findings and Digital Rectal Examination
Authors: Shanbhag Shravan R. , Kamath Priyanka , Mithra P Prasanna
Published: December 2022

Background and Aim The incidence of various cancers including the prostate, is on the rise globally. Prostate cancer is one of the most frequently reported cancer in men worldwide. This study was done to study the correlation of free PSA, percentage free PSA, and PSAD, with prostate biopsy findings, and the role of DRE in screening for carcinoma prostate. Methods The cross-sectional, correlational study was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Coastal Kerala, over a period of 18 months in a sample size of 100 patients. The following was the study outline followed; Results The prevalence of prostate cancer was found to be 41%, maximum number of patients were in the age group of 50 -70 years of age. Percentage free PSA (%fPSA) and prostate volume were found to vary significantly between patients with Benign Prostate Hyperplasia and prostate cancer. At a cut off of 0.15, PSA density was seen to significantly vary between patients with BPH and prostate cancer. At a cut off of 15% (chosen based on prior studies), %fPSA was seen to significantly vary between patients with BPH and prostate cancer. The sensitivity and specificity of %fPSA were 73.17% and 93.22% respectively. Digital rectal examination varied significantly between patients with benign enlargement and those with malignancy. However, false positive rate with DRE alone was 44.06%. Conclusion DRE continues to be a useful screening technique as a part of clinical examination to identify patients who should undergo further screening for prostate cancer such as PSA estimation, free PSA estimation, and if required, a prostate biopsy, but DRE alone cannot be used to make accurate clinical decision owing to the false positives. Percentage fPSA could be a useful tool that can be used to avoid unnecessary biopsies in patients with a PSA range between 4.0 – 10.0 ng/ml.
Biofilm Formation and its Association with Gram Negative Sepsis Pathogenicity
Authors: Juliana Alamu , Leela K. V. , Gopinathan Anusha , T. Jayaprakash T. Jayaprakash
Published: December 2022

Background and objectives: Biofilm formation is an important virulence factor that protects an organism from antimicrobial agents as well as host immune effectors, thus allowing organisms to invade, survive, and cause persistent-reoccurring infection in host cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of sepsis-causing gram-negative bacteria to form biofilms, evaluate the association between antibiotic resistance pattern and biofilm formation, determine the role and influence of biofilm formation on pathogenicity and clinical outcome of sepsis. Methods: A prospective study conducted from October 2020 to August 2021, non-replicated gram-negative bacteria isolates were recovered from blood samples of patients with suspected bacteremia, sepsis, and sepsis shock and identified using biochemical procedures. Antimicrobial susceptibility patterns of GNB isolates were determined using the Kirby-Bauer disc diffusion method and interpreted using CLSI guidelines. The ability of GNB isolates to form biofilm was assessed using Congo red agar and the tissue culture plate method. Results: Of the 160 Gram-negative bacteria tested, biofilm formation was seen in 73 (45.63%) isolates. Isolates are Klebsiella pneumoniae (39.73%), Acinetobacter spp. (34.25%), Escherichia coli (23.29%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (1.37%), and other non-fermenters (1.37%). Isolates were highly resistant to cephalosporins, fluoroquinolones, and the penicillin group of antibiotics. No statistical relationship was found between resistance pattern, clinical outcome, and biofilm formation. Conclusion: In the current study, we found that 45.63% of gram-negative bacteria causing sepsis were biofilm producers. Klebsiella pneumonia isolates exhibited the highest levels of biofilm formation and antimicrobial resistance. Based on the strength of biofilm formation, most isolates were weak biofilm producers, and there was no statistical correlation between the formation of biofilms and antimicrobial resistance, indicating that the formation of biofilms was not a determining factor for resistance.
Eco-Friendly Low Concentration Silver Nanoparticles Acquiring Cotton Textile Antifungal Activities for Pulmonary Aspergillosis Protection
Authors: K. Fouda Fayez , Montaser Ahmed Saad , El-Bassyouni Gehan T. , Hamzawy Esmat M.A. , Youness Eman Refaat , Abd El-Aziz Mohamed S.
Published: December 2022

Aspergillosis is a fungal infection cause reduction or suppression of innate immune system. Occasionally silver nanoparticles showed antibacterial activity rather than anti-fungal activity. In the current paper three different shapes and concentrations of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) were synthesized using dextrin and starch, then applied to cotton for acquiring antifungal properties. TEM illustrates the size, shape and homogeneity of the AgNPs. Atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS) quantified the AgNPs in the colloidal solution. Attenuated total reﬂection ATR/FT-IR spectroscopy and scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with Energy Dispersive X-Ray Analysis (EDX) to screen the homogeneity and dispersion of the AgNPs. Different shapes (rode and triangular) of AgNPs (10-17nm) were produced using 10~5 ppm of the AgNPs. Antifungal activity towards Aspergillus Niger fungus was documented using the disc diffusion method. Cotton treated with AgNPs showed significant effective antifungal properties at lower concentrations (~10 ppm) preserving its white color compared to the higher concentrations (>100 ppm)of the AgNPs. Manufactured cotton fabrics treated with low concentrations of AgNPs were examined towards the recognition of the antifungal properties with minimal industrial footprint which may expose a novelpossibility for antifungal applications.
Neuropsychological Evaluation of Cognitive Failure and Excessive Smart Phone Use: A Path Model Analysis
Authors: Kancharla Kinjari , Kanagaraj Sagayaraj , Gopal C. N. Ram
Published: December 2022

Smartphones and other mobile-related technologies are commonly viewed as indispensable tools for enhancing human cognition; prolonged use of these devices may have a detrimental and long-term effect on users’ abilities to think, recall, and pay attention. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of phone usage on people’s cognitive capacities. Excessive smartphone use may have a detrimental effect on an individual’s mental health. It has the ability to affect an individual’s memory, capacity for effective thought, and cognitive and learning capacities. The purpose of this study is to determine the effect of smartphone use on people’s cognitive abilities. Excessive smartphone use and cognitive failures were measured using the Smartphone Addiction Scale (Kwon et al., 2013) and the Cognitive Failures Questionnaire (Broadbent et al., 1982; revised by Wallace et al., 2002), which were used to collect data from 200 young adults using a purposive sampling strategy. Pearson’s product-moment correlation was used to measure the strength of the relationship between the variables, and regression analysis was used to measure the function relating to the variables. The results of the study conclude that excessive smartphone use is related to forgetfulness, distractibility, and false triggering. Hence, it can be concluded that excessive use of smartphones may be prone to cognitive failures such as forgetfulness, distractibility, and false triggering. Excessive smartphone use has been linked to a higher risk of cognitive impairment.
Androgen Receptor Marker among Iraqi Patients with TripleNegative Breast Cancer Exposed to Depleted Uranium
Authors: AlSabri Imad K A , Aldujele Amina B , Allebban Zuhair
Published: December 2022

Background. Two recent major wars and a 12-year economic embargo as well as several years of war on terrorism have had a damaging effect on Iraq’s land, air, water, food, and health infrastructure. The presence of depleted uranium (DU) in Iraqi soil, water and the overall food chain is documented by measuring the DU in animal organs and fish as well as the water in the most populated cities in the middle and south of Iraq. Breast cancer is the most common tumor type among Iraqi women living in war zones, and triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) constitutes the most aggressive molecular subtype among breast tumors. The objective of this pilot study is to determine the prevalence and prognostic target of androgen receptor (AR) positivity in TNBC patients living in war regions polluted with a high level of DU. Methods: This observational, retrospective pilot study included 50 cases of TNBC patients living in the war region. The expression of AR, CK5/6, and CK8/18 biomarkers was evaluated using an immunohistochemistry study on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumor samples from TNBC patients. The serum level of CA-153 and vitamin D was measured. Results: AR was positive (IHC>12%) in 12% of TNBC patients. K5/6 expression was considered if the score was >2. This expression of K5/6 was positive in 80% of cases, and CK8/18 was negative in 80% of cases. Serum vitamin D level was significantly lower in TNBC patients compared to controls. Since the two Gulf wars, there has been a steady increase in the incidence of breast cancer in Iraq. Conclusion: The middle and south of Iraq contain a heavily war-related, DU-polluted environment. Based upon the findings of this study, in regions exposed to high levels of DU, AR overexpression in TNBC patients is similar to studies that have been conducted on populations not exposed to DU.
Synthesis and Studies on Polymer Electrolyte Membrane using Polyvinyl Alcohol, Polyvinylidene Fluoride and Ammonium Bromide as Dopants for Proton-conducting Electrolyte
Authors: V. Senthilkumar  , Haresh M. Pandya  , R. Kesavaraj  , U. Ganesh  , J. C. Roshan
Published: December 2022

Different compositions of Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA), Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and Ammonium bromide (NH4Br) were employed to synthesize the proton-conducting polymer electrolyte membranes by Solution casting method, which have potential applications in proton (H+) ion batteries and fuel cells. Structural, vibrational and electrical properties of the synthesized polymer electrolyte membrane were characterized by X-Ray Diffraction (XRD), Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) analysis and results were reported. The semi-crystalline nature of the prepared polymer was confirmed by XRD analysis. FTIR spectroscopy revealed the vibrational spectra of the prepared polymer membrane. The Nyquist plot drawn from the AC Impedance analysis was a straight line, confirming the dielectric nature of the prepared membrane.
Synthesis and Characterization of Mixed Metal Oxide Nanoparticles using Thin Film Electroplating Method
Authors: V. Anusha Devi  , V. Kalaiselvi
Published: December 2022

An attempt has been made in this work to synthesise an effective mixed metal oxide – zinc ferrite (ZnFe2O4) nanoparticles, coated on a substrate material, by Thin film electroplating technique. The prepared samples were subsequently characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM) and Electrochemical performance analysis techniques. The XRD pattern has revealed the crystalline dimensions. Surface analysis has been carried out using FESEM and Cyclic Voltammetry has been employed for electrochemical studies of the prepared samples.
PIC-integrable high-responsivity germanium waveguide photodetector in the C + L band
Authors: Li XinYu , Liu YuFei , Song Ruogu , Li Chuan , Wang ShuXiao , Yue WenCheng , Tu Zhijuan , Chen Xu , Cai Yan , Wang Wei , Yu MingBin
Published: December 2022

We report the demonstration of a germanium waveguide p-i-n photodetector (PD) for the C + L band light detection. Tensile strain is transferred into the germanium layer using a SiN stressor on top surface of the germanium. The simulation and experimental results show that the trenches must be formed around the device, so that the strain can be transferred effectively. The device exhibits an almost flat responsivity with respect to the wavelength range from 1510 nm to 1630 nm, and high responsivity of over 1.1 A/W is achieved at 1625 nm. The frequency response measurement reveals that a high 3 dB bandwidth (f3dB) of over 50 GHz can be obtained. The realization of the photonic-integrated circuits (PIC)-integrable waveguide Ge PDs paves the way for future telecom applications in the C + L band.
Frequency-selectable microwave generation based on on-chip switchable spectral shaping and wavelength-to-time mapping
Authors: Sun Yu , Wang Dongyu , Deng Chunyu , Lu Mengjia , Zhu Wanghua , Yun Binfeng , Hu Guohua , Cui Yiping
Published: December 2022

We propose and experimentally demonstrate a scheme for the photonic generation of pulsed microwave signals with selectable frequency based on spectral shaping and wavelength-to-time mapping (WTTM) technique. The frequency selectivity is realized by channel switching on an integrated silicon-on-insulator (SOI) spectral shaping chip. The incident signal is spectrally shaped by the asymmetric Mach-Zehnder interferometer (MZI) in the selected channel, and an optical spectrum with uniform free spectral range (FSR) can be generated in a broad bandwidth up to dozens of nanometers, implying large microwave signal duration after WTTM if a pulse light source with matched bandwidth is available. Microwave pulses of frequency from 3.6 GHz to 28.4 GHz with a fixed interval are experimentally generated respectively. The realization of eight microwave frequencies selectable with only one shared dispersive element (DE) required indicates high expansibility in the frequency cover range of our scheme by tuning the dispersion value in WTTM.
Assessment of pediatric surgical needs, health-seeking behaviors, and health systems in a rural district of Pakistan
Authors: Qazi Saqib Hamid , Meerza Syed Saqlain Ali , Groen Reinou S. , Dogar Sohail Asghar , Mirani Mushtaq , Jamali Muhammad Khan , Khan Zahid Ali , Padhani Zahra Ali , Bux Rasool , Chahudary Imran Ahmed , Rizvi Arjumand , Islam Saleem , Khan Sadaf , Ur Rashid Rizwan Haroon , Abbas Syed Akbar , Memon Abdul Sami , Tabassum Sadia , Dilawar Bakhtawar , Das Jai K.
Published: December 2022

Surgical conditions are responsible for up to 15% of total Disability-Adjusted Life Years (DALY) lost globally. Approximately 4.8 billion people have no access to surgical care and this studies aim is to assess the surgical disease burden in children under the age of five years. We used Surgeons OverSeas Assessment of Surgical Need (SOSAS) and Pediatric Personnel, Infrastructure, Procedures, Equipment, and Supplies (PediPIPES) survey tools in Tando Mohammad Khan (TMK). A set of photographs of lesions were also taken for review by experts. All the data was recorded electronically via an android application. The current surgical need was defined as the caregiver’s reported surgical problems in their children and the unmet surgical need was defined as a surgical problem for which the respondent did not access care. Descriptive analysis was performed. Information of 6,371 children was collected. The study identified 1,794 children with 3,072 surgical lesions. Categorization of the lesions by the six body regions suggested that head and neck accounted for the greatest number of lesions (55.2%) and the most significant unmet surgical need (16.6%). The chest region had the least unmet surgical need of 5.9%. A large percentage of the lesions were managed at a health care facility, but the treatment essentially consisted of mainly medical management (87%), and surgical treatment was provided for only 11% of lesions. The health facility assessment suggested that trained personnel including surgeons, anesthetic, or trained nurses were only available at one hospital. Basic procedures such as suturing and wound debridement were only performed frequently. This study suggests a high rate of unmet surgical need and a paucity of trained health staff and resources in this rural setting of Pakistan. The government needs to make policies and ensure funding so that proper trained staff and supplies can be ensured at district level.
Treatment of pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury by Dutch Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS)
Authors: Oude Alink Michelle , Moors Xavier , de Bree Pim , Houmes Robert Jan , den Hartog Dennis , Stolker Robert Jan
Published: December 2022

Background

Sparse data are available on prehospital care by Helicopter Emergency Medical Service (HEMS) for pediatric patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). This study focusses on prehospital interventions, neurosurgical interventions and mortality in this group.

Methods

We performed a retrospective analysis of pediatric (0–18 years of age) patients with TBI treated by Rotterdam HEMS.

Results

From January 2012 to December 2017 415 pediatric (<18 years of age) patients with TBI were included.

Intubation was required in in 92 of 111 patients with GCS ≤ 8, 92 (82.9%), compared to 12 of 77 (15.6%) with GCS 9–12, and 7 of 199 (3.5%) with GCS 13–15. Hyperosmolar therapy (HSS) was started in 73 patients, 10 with a GCS ≤8. Decompressive surgery was required in 16 (5.8%), nine patients (56.3%) of these received HSS from HEMS. Follow-up data was available in 277 patients. A total of 107 (38.6%) patients were admitted to a (P)ICU. Overall mortality rate was 6.3%(n = 25) all with GCS ≤8, 15 (60.0%) died within 24 hours and 24 (96.0%) within a week. Patients with neurosurgical interventions (N = 16) showed a higher mortality rate (18.0%).

Conclusions

The Dutch HEMS provides essential emergency care for pediatric TBI patients, by performing medical procedures outside of regular EMS protocol. Mortality was highest in patients with severe TBI (n = 111) (GCS≤8) and in those who required neurosurgical interventions.

Despite a relatively good initial GCS (>8) score, there were patients who required prehospital intubation and HSS. This group will require further investigation to optimize care in the future.
Assessing the roles of absorption capacity in technological spillovers and economic growth nexus
Authors: Haq Mirajul , Hussain Shahzad , Amin Baber
Published: December 2022

The paper aims to empirically assess the effects of technological spillovers on economic growth and to examine the roles of host country absorptive capacity. The empirical analysis was carried out at the country level on a panel of five Asian countries covering the period from 1972 to 2018. As the variable of interest (technological spillovers) and mediator variable (absorptive capacity) are captured with a variety of indicators, hence two empirical models are estimated with different specifications. The study’s findings indicate that technological spillovers through all three channels have a positive effect on economic and TFP growth. Touching on the role of absorptive capacity in technological spillovers and economic growth nexus, study findings reveal that the human capital of the sample countries has no significant role to absorbed imported technology in the growth process of the host country. However, the empirical indication illustrates that a country holding comparatively more domestic R&D expenditure yields the potential gain of technological spillovers in economic growth.
Catalogue of socioeconomic disparities and characteristics of 199+ chronic conditions—A nationwide register-based population study
Authors: Hvidberg Michael Falk , Frølich Anne , Lundstrøm Sanne Lykke
Published: December 2022

Background

Real-world information on socioeconomic differences within and between chronic conditions represents an important data source for treatments and decision-makers executing and prioritising healthcare resources.

Aims

The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence and mean of socioeconomic disparities from educational, income, and socioeconomic positions of 199 chronic conditions and disease groups, including sex and age group estimates, for use in planning of care services and prioritisation, by healthcare professionals, decision-makers and researchers.

Methods

The study population includes all Danish residents 16 years and above, alive on 1 January 2013 (n = 4,555,439). The data was established by linking seven national registers encompassing educational achievements, incomes, socioeconomic positions, hospital- and general practice services, and filled-in out-of-hospital prescriptions. The health register data were used to identify the 199+ chronic conditions. Socioeconomic differences were primarily measured as differences in educational prevalence levels from low to high educational achievements using a ratio. Furthermore, multiple binary logistic regression models were carried out to control for potential confounding and residual correlations of the crude estimates.

Results

The prevalence of having one or more chronic conditions for patients with no educational achievement was 768 per thousand compared to 601.3 for patients with higher educational achievement (ratio 1.3). Across disease groups, the highest educational differences were found within disease group F–mental and behavioural (ratio 2.5), E–endocrine, nutritional and metabolic disease (ratio 2.4), I–diseases of the circulatory system (ratio 2.1) and, K–diseases of the digestive system (ratio 2.1). The highest educational differences among the 29 common diseases were found among schizophrenia (ratio 5.9), hyperkinetic disorders (ratio 5.2), dementia (ratio 4.9), osteoporosis (ratio 3.9), type 2 diabetes (ratio 3.8), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease COPD (ratio 3.3), heart conditions and stroke (ratios ranging from 2.3–3.1).

Conclusions

A nationwide catalogue of socioeconomic disparities for 199+ chronic conditions and disease groups is catalogued and provided. The catalogue findings underline a large scope of socioeconomic disparities that exist across most chronic conditions. The data offer essential information on the socioeconomic disparities to inform future socially differentiated treatments, healthcare planning, etiological, economic, and other research areas.
Publication bias in pharmacogenetics of adverse reaction to antiseizure drugs: An umbrella review and a meta-epidemiological study
Authors: Bally S. , Cottin J. , Gagnieu M. C. , Lega J. C. , Verstuyft C. , Rheims S. , Lesca G. , Cucherat M. , Grenet Guillaume
Published: December 2022

Publication bias may lead to a misestimation in the association between pharmacogenetic biomarkers (PGx) and antiseizure drug’s adverse effects (AEs). We aimed to assess its prevalence in this field. We searched for systematic reviews assessing PGx of antiseizure drug’s AEs. For each unique association between a PGx, a drug and its AE, we used the available odds ratio (ORs) to generate corresponding funnel plots. We estimated the prevalence of publication bias using visual inspections and asymmetry tests. We explored the impact of publication bias using ORs adjusted for potential publication bias. Twenty-two associations were available. Our visual analysis suggested a publication bias in five out twenty-two funnel plots (23% [95%CI: 8; 45]). The Egger’s test showed a significant publication bias in one (HLA-B*15:02 and phenytoin-induced Stevens-Johnson syndrome or toxic epidermal necrolysis, p = 0.03) out of nine (11% [95%CI: 0; 48]) and the Begg’s test in one (HLA-B*15:02 and carbamazepine-induced serious cutaneous reactions, p = 0.02) out of ten (10% [95%CI: 0; 45]) assessable funnel plots. Adjusting for publication bias may reduce by half the ORs of the pharmacogenetics associations. Publication bias in the pharmacogenetic of antiseizure drug’s AEs is not uncommon and may affect the estimation of the effect of such biomarkers. When conducting pharmacogenetic studies, it is critical to publish also the negative one.
Sex differences in borderline personality disorder: A scoping review
Authors: Qian Xinyu , Townsend Michelle L. , Tan Wan Jie , Grenyer Brin F. S.
Published: December 2022

Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is often perceived to be a female-predominant disorder in both research and clinical contexts. Although there is growing recognition of possible sex differences, the current literature remains fragmented and inconclusive. This scoping review aimed to synthesize available research evidence on potential sex differences in BPD. PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus and Web-of-Science were searched from January 1982 to July 2022 surrounding the key concepts of sex and BPD. Data searching and screening processes followed the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology involving two independent reviewers, and a third reviewer if necessary, and identified 118 papers. Data regarding BPD symptoms, comorbid disorders, developmental factors, biological markers, and treatment were extracted. Data was summarized using the vote counting method or narrative synthesis depending on the availability of literature. Males with BPD were more likely to present externalizing symptoms (e.g., aggressiveness) and comorbid disorders (e.g., substance use), while females with BPD were more likely to present internalizing symptoms (e.g., affective instability) and comorbid disorders (e.g., mood and eating disorders). This review also revealed that substantially more research attention has been given to overall sex differences in baseline BPD symptoms and comorbid disorders. In contrast, there is a dearth of sex-related research pertaining to treatment outcomes, developmental factors, and possible biological markers of BPD. The present scoping review synthesized current studies on sex differences in BPD, with males more likely to present with externalizing symptoms in contrast to females. However, how this might change the prognosis of the disorder or lead to modifications of treatment has not been investigated. Most studies were conducted on western populations, mainly North American (55%) or European (33%), and there is a need for future research to also take into consideration genetic, cultural, and environmental concomitants. As the biological construct of ‘sex’ was employed in the present review, future research could also investigate the social construct ‘gender’. Longitudinal research designs are needed to understand any longer-term sex influence on the course of the disorder.
Prevalence and correlates of physical fighting among adolescents in Paraguay: Findings from the 2017 national school-based health survey
Authors: Taniguchi Hiroko , Shaikh Masood Ali
Published: December 2022

Background

Interpersonal violence among adolescents is a serious public health issue across the globe and has been one of the leading causes of death among Paraguayan adolescents. This study aims to investigate the prevalence of physical fighting among adolescents in Paraguay in order to identify problematic fighting behaviour. We also aim to examine the correlates of physical fighting and the extent to which previously identified factors correlate with physical fighting.

Methods

We used the Paraguay 2017 Global School-based Student Health Survey (GSHS). This survey collects health-related information on school-attending adolescents aged 13–17 years. We defined physical fighting as having participated in at least two physical fights in the previous 12 months. We chose 16 independent variables: 12 individual-level variables and four social-level variables. Multivariable logistic regression models were developed to identify factors associated with physical fighting. One of the limitations of this study is that it only captured the responses of the students who attended school on the day of the survey.

Findings

A total of 3,149 students completed the survey questionnaire, with the response rates for the school, student, and total response being 100%, 87%, and 87%, respectively. In 2017, 8% of the survey participants (11.4% of the males, and 4.7% of the females) had been involved in two or more physical fights during the past 12 months. In the multivariable model, having been physically attacked, male gender, physical activity, alcohol use, early sexual debut, and suicide planning were significantly associated with involvement in physical fighting. Having helpful peers and supportive parents was not statistically significant in the model adjusted for all variables.

Conclusions

Although Paraguay shows relatively lower prevalence of physical fighting than other countries, the high association between physical fighting and having been physically attacked is noteworthy. Considering the serious interpersonal violence among Paraguayan adolescents, preventive attributes should be considered, and further assessment of other types of interpersonal violence should be made.
Attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination during the state of emergency in Osaka, Japan
Authors: Odani Satomi , Koyama Shihoko , Katsumi Yuichi , Miyashiro Isao
Published: December 2022

Background

COVID-19 vaccination for general population started on April 12, 2021, in Osaka, Japan. We investigated public attitudes toward vaccination and associated factors of vaccine hesitancy during the third state of emergency.

Methods

An internet-based, self-reported, cross-sectional survey was conducted in June 2021, using the smartphone health app for residents of Osaka aged ≥18 years. Respondents were asked about their attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccine. Responses “Don’t want to receive vaccines” or “Don’t know” were defined as vaccine hesitancy (vs. “Received [1st dose]”, “Received [2nd dose]”, or “Want to receive vaccines”). Multivariable Poisson regression analysis was conducted to examine the associations between hesitancy and population characteristics.

Results

23,214 individuals (8,482 men & 14,732 women) were included in the analysis. Proportions that answered “Received (1st dose)”, “Received (2nd dose)”, “Want to receive vaccines”, “Don’t want to receive vaccines”, “Don’t know”, and “Don’t want to answer” were 14.6%, 3.8%, 70.6%, 4.3%, 6.1%, and 0.5% among men; and 11.3%, 6.0%, 64.9%, 6.2%, 11.0%, and 0.6% among women. Factors associated with vaccine hesitancy included being a woman (aPR = 1.33; 95%CI = 1.23–1.44), age 18–39 (aPR = 7.00; 95%CI = 6.01–8.17) and 40–64 years (aPR = 4.25; 95%CI = 3.71–4.88 vs. 65+ years), living alone (aPR = 1.19; 95%CI = 1.08–1.30 vs. living with 3+ members), non-full-time employment and unemployment (aPRs ranged 1.12 to 1.49 vs. full-time employment), cardiovascular diseases/hypertension (aPR = 0.72; 95%CI = 0.65–0.81), and pregnancy (women of reproductive age only) (aPR = 1.35; 95%CI = 1.03–1.76).

Conclusions

Most respondents expressed favorable attitudes toward COVID-19 vaccination while hesitancy was disproportionately high in certain populations. Efforts are needed to ensure accessible vaccine information resources and healthcare services.
Pre-interventional assessment of right renal to right adrenal vein distance: Impact on procedure time and radiation dose in adrenal vein sampling
Authors: Well Lennart , Spink Clemens , Lenz Alexander , Avanesov Maxim , Salamon Johannes , Adam Gerhard , Schoennagel Bjoern P. , Henes Frank Oliver , Bannas Peter
Published: December 2022

Purpose

Adrenal vein sampling (AVS) is the reference standard for evaluation of lateralized hormone production in primary aldosteronism. We aimed to investigate the impact of pre-interventional right renal vein (RRV) to right adrenal vein (RAV) distance measurement on fluoroscopy time, contrast agent exposure and radiation dose during AVS.

Materials and methods

Forty-five patients with primary aldosteronism undergoing AVS were enrolled in our retrospective study and divided into three groups. In the group “ruler” (n = 14), RRV-RAV-distances were determined pre-interventionally by cross-sectional imaging (CT/MRI) and AVS was performed by one interventional radiologist with limited experience in AVS. CT/MRI-derived and fluoroscopy-derived RRV-RAV-distances were correlated for aimed cannulation of the RAV. Patients in group “no ruler” (n = 24, three interventional radiologists with limited experience in AVS) and in group “expert”, (n = 7, one expert interventional radiologist) underwent AVS without pre-interventional estimation of RRV-RAV-distances. Procedure parameters (fluoroscopy time, contrast agent volume, radiation dose) of group “ruler” were compared to both other groups by Kruskal-Wallis rank-sum test.

Results

Correlation of CT/MRI-derived and fluoroscopy-derived RRV-RAV-distances was good (r = 0.74;p = 0.003). The median RRV-RAV-distance was 4.5cm at CT/MRI (95%-CI:4.2–5.0cm) and 4.0cm at fluoroscopy (95%-CI:3.8–4.5cm). Fluoroscopy time (p<0.0001), contrast agent exposure (p = 0.0003) and radiation dose (air kerma and dose area product both p = 0.038) were significantly lower in group “ruler” compared to group “no ruler” (all p<0.05), and similar to group “expert” (all p>0.05).

Conclusions

CT/MRI-derived pre-interventional renal-adrenal vein distance measurements correlate well with angiographic distance measurements. Pre-interventional estimation of the RRV-RAV-distance allows for aimed cannulation of the RAV with potential reduction of fluoroscopy time, contrast agent exposure and radiation-dose during AVS.