bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Surgical management of retinal detachment and macular holes secondary to ocular toxoplasmosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Amaral Dillan Cunha , Lane Mark , Aguiar Eduardo Henrique Cassins , Marques Guilherme Nunes , Cavassani Luiza Visentin , Rodrigues Márcio Penha Morterá , Alves Milton Ruiz , Manso José Eduardo Ferreira , Monteiro Mário Luiz Ribeiro , Louzada Ricardo Noguera
Published: February 2024

Background

Toxoplasma gondii causes ocular toxoplasmosis (OT), involving inflammation, scarring, and retinal complications. The OT complications were retinal detachment (RD), and retinal breakage (RB). Surgical interventions like scleral buckling (SB) and vitrectomy are common. Limited understanding exists of the safety and efficacy of surgical management of RD/RB secondary to OT. Another complication is toxoplasmosis-related macular holes (tMH), with sparse evidence on surgical outcomes. This meta-analysis aims to clarify clinical characteristics, and surgical results, and enhance understanding of RD, RB, and MH secondary to OT.

Methods

PubMed, Cochrane, Embase and Web of Science database were queried for retrospective studies, case series and case reports that provided information on RD, RB and MH associated with OT and reported the outcomes of: (1) Retinal reattachment of RD/RB and tMH closure; (2) Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improvement; and (3) Complications. Heterogeneity was examined with I2 statistics. A random-effects model was used for outcomes with high heterogeneity. Statistical analysis was performed using the software R (version 4.2.3, R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria).

Results

Fourteen final studies, comprising a total of 96 patients were analyzed, 81 with RD or RB and 15 with tMH. Overall, surgical management was associated with several advantages: a high rate of retinal reattachment of RD/RB of 97% (95% Confidence Interval [CI] 92–100%; I2 = 0%), retinal reattachment of just RD of 96% (95% CI 89–100%; I2 = 30%) and tMH closure 97% (95% CI 87–100; I2 = 12%). There were significant differences in BCVA after surgeries in studies of RD/RB (MD 0.60; 95% CI 0.35–0.65; I2 = 20%) and MH (MD 0.67; 95% CI 0.50–0.84; I2 = 0%). The overall complication rate associated with surgical procedures in RD/RB secondary to OT was confirmed to be 25%.

Conclusions

The systematic review and meta-analysis showed that the treatment approaches currently in use are effective, with a remarkable rate of retinal reattachment of RD/RB, tMH closure, and substantial improvements in visual acuity. More randomized, long-term studies on disease and surgical factors can provide valuable insights into their impact on anatomical and visual outcomes.
Correlation between retinal sensitivity assessed by microperimetry and structural abnormalities on optical coherence tomography after successful epiretinal membrane surgery
Authors: Matos Aline Mota Freitas , Defina Raphael Lucas Sampaio , Costa-Cunha Luciana Virgínia Ferreira , Zacharias Leandro Cabral , Preti Rony Carlos , Monteiro Mário Luiz Ribeiro , Cunha Leonardo Provetti
Published: February 2024

Background

To verify the correlation between retinal sensitivity (RS) assessed by the microperimetry (MP) and optical coherence tomography (OCT) parameters measured in eyes submitted to pars-plana vitrectomy (PPV) for idiopathic epiretinal membrane (ERM) treatment.

Methods

43 patients underwent PPV. Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and OCT imaging were acquired preoperatively and 6 months after surgery. The RS values were recorded 6 months after the surgery. Total macular thickness (TMT) measurements and OCT-evaluated structural findings were also analyzed. The MP examination tested 44 points, with direct topographic correspondence with the OCT-ETDRS map. Correlations between BCVA, RS, and OCT parameters were assessed.

Results

TMT measurements in patients were significantly thicker preoperatively and reduced after surgery. All patients demonstrated BCVA improvements after surgery. The RS parameters after surgery were significantly lower in patients. For OCT structural analyses, patients with lower RS at the fovea correlated with the preexisting disorganization of retinal inner layers (DRIL). In addition, lower RS values were associated with DRIL, outer retinal changes (ORC), and intraretinal microcysts after surgery.

Conclusions

The RS values after surgery were significantly lower when compared to controls. The DRIL presence before and after surgery, and microcysts and ORC after surgery were related to worse visual outcomes.
Observation of single-molecule Raman spectroscopy enabled by synergic electromagnetic and chemical enhancement
Authors: Yang Haiyao , Mo Haoran , Zhang Jianzhi , Hong Lihong , Li Zhi-Yuan
Published: February 2024

There has been a long fundamental pursuit to enhance and levitate the Raman scattering signal intensity of molecule by a huge number of ~ 14–15 orders of magnitude, to the level comparable with the molecule fluorescence intensity and truly entering the regime of single-molecule Raman spectroscopy. In this work we report unambiguous observation of single-molecule Raman spectroscopy via synergic action of electromagnetic and chemical enhancement for rhodamine B (RhB) molecule absorbed within the plasmonic nanogap formed by gold nanoparticle sitting on the two-dimensional (2D) monolayer WS2 and 2 nm SiO2 coated gold thin film. Raman spectroscopy down to an extremely dilute value of 10–18 mol/L can still be clearly visible, and the statistical enhancement factor could reach 16 orders of magnitude compared with the reference detection sample of silicon plate. The electromagnetic enhancement comes from local surface plasmon resonance induced at the nanogap, which could reach ~ 10–11 orders of magnitude, while the chemical enhancement comes from monolayer WS2 2D material, which could reach 4–5 orders of magnitudes. This synergic route of Raman enhancement devices could open up a new frontier of single molecule science, allowing detection, identification, and monitor of single molecules and their spatial–temporal evolution under various internal and external stimuli.
Transcriptome Analysis Reveals Distinct Patterns Between the Invasive and Noninvasive Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Jotanovic Jelena , Tebani Abdellah , Hekmati Neda , Sivertsson Åsa , Lindskog Cecilia , Uhlèn Mathias , Gudjonsson Olafur , Tsatsaris Erika , Engström Britt Edén , Wikström Johan , Pontén Fredrik , Casar-Borota Olivera
Published: February 2024

Although most pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs)/pituitary adenomas remain intrasellar, a significant proportion of tumors show parasellar invasive growth and 6% to 8% infiltrate the bone structures, thus affecting the prognosis. There is an unmet need to identify novel markers that can predict the parasellar growth of PitNETs. Furthermore, mechanisms that regulate bone invasiveness of PitNETs and factors related to tumor vascularization are largely unknown.

We used genome-wide mRNA analysis in a cohort of 77 patients with PitNETs of different types to explore the differences in gene expression patterns between invasive and noninvasive tumors with respect to the parasellar growth and regarding the rare phenomenon of bone invasiveness. Additionally, we studied the genes correlated to the contrast enhancement quotient, a novel radiological parameter of tumor vascularization.

Most of the genes differentially expressed related to the parasellar growth were genes involved in tumor invasiveness. Differentially expressed genes associated with bone invasiveness are involved in NF-κB pathway and antitumoral immune response. Lack of clear clustering regarding the parasellar and bone invasiveness may be explained by the influence of the cell lineage-related genes in this heterogeneous cohort of PitNETs.

Our transcriptomics analysis revealed differences in the molecular fingerprints between invasive, including bone invasive, and noninvasive PitNETs, although without clear clustering. The contrast enhancement quotient emerged as a radiological parameter of tumor vascularization, correlating with several angiogenesis-related genes. Several of the top genes related to the PitNET invasiveness and vascularization have potential prognostic and therapeutic application requiring further research.
Functional opsin patterning for Drosophila color vision is established through signaling pathways in adjacent object-detection neurons
Authors: Kitamata Manabu , Otake Yoshiaki , Kitagori Hideaki , Zhang Xuanshuo , Maki Yusuke , Boku Rika , Takeuchi Masato , Nakagoshi Hideki
Published: February 2024

Vision is mainly based on two different tasks, object detection and color discrimination, carried out by photoreceptor (PR) cells. The Drosophila compound eye consists of ∼800 ommatidia. Every ommatidium contains eight PR cells, six outer cells (R1-R6) and two inner cells (R7 and R8), by which object detection and color vision are achieved, respectively. Expression of opsin genes in R7 and R8 is highly coordinated through the instructive signal from R7 to R8, and two major ommatidial subtypes are distributed stochastically; pale type expresses Rh3/Rh5 and yellow type expresses Rh4/Rh6 in R7/R8. The homeodomain protein Defective proventriculus (Dve) is expressed in yellow-type R7 and in six outer PRs, and it is involved in Rh3 repression to specify the yellow-type R7. dve mutant eyes exhibited atypical coupling, Rh3/Rh6 and Rh4/Rh5, indicating that Dve activity is required for proper opsin coupling. Surprisingly, Dve activity in R1 is required for the instructive signal, whereas activity in R6 and R7 blocks the signal. Our results indicate that functional coupling of two different neurons is established through signaling pathways from adjacent neurons that are functionally different.
The Comparative Statics of Sorting
Authors: Anderson Axel , Smith Lones
Published: February 2024

We create a general and tractable theory of increasing sorting in pairwise matching models with monetary transfers. The positive quadrant dependence partial order subsumes Becker (1973) as the extreme cases with most and least sorting and implies increasing regression coefficients. Our theory turns on synergy—the cross-partial difference or derivative of match production. This reflects basic economic forces: diminishing returns, technological convexity, insurance, and learning dynamics. We prove sorting increases if match synergy globally increases, and is cross-sectionally monotone or single crossing. We use our results to derive sorting predictions in major economics sorting papers and in new applications. (JEL C78, D21, D82, D86, J12)
A contribuição do setor privado para a resiliência dos ecossistemas
Authors: Tulio Francisco Gandolfi de , Garcia Miriam
Published: February 2024

Como as empresas brasileiras vêm progredindo nos planos de transição climática e nas estratégias de adaptação queenvolvem a proteção da natureza
Research of Communicative Practices: Possibilities and Approaches
Authors: Goncharova Lyubov
Published: February 2024

The words of the editor-in-chief indicate the key scientific aspects of the publications in the current issue and note the relevance of research into communicative practices carried out in various spheres of human activity. The words of the editor-in-chief indicate the key scientific aspects of the publications in the current issue and note the relevance of research into communicative practices carried out in various spheres of human activity.
Evaluation of two methods for monitoring the blackmargined pecan aphid and its predators
Authors: Boscardin Jardel , Costa Ervandil Corrêa
Published: February 2024

The present study aimed to evaluate, qualitatively and quantitatively, yellow sticky traps and entomological net in the monitoring of Monellia caryella (Fitch, 1855) (Hemiptera: Aphididae) and its predators in a pecan plantation in Santa Maria, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil. This plantation was implemented on 1.2 ha in February 2012 with the Barton and Shawnee varieties at a spacing of 7 m x 7 m. Twenty pecan plants were randomly selected to sample the blackmargined pecan aphid and its predators. From November 2014 to May 2015, 13 collections were carried out with yellow sticky traps and an entomological net. A total of 898 arthropod specimens were collected, 50.9% of which were from yellow sticky traps and 49.1% from the entomological net trap. Regarding the yellow sticky traps, only M. caryella was identified at the species level, with the predators identified at the taxonomic levels of order (Araneae) and family (Coccinellidae; Coleoptera). In terms of the entomological net, all the insects of interest at the species level were identified. There was a significant difference only between the averages in the number of Araneae specimens, with the highest density found in the yellow sticky traps. Both methods provided the correct identification of M. caryella and efficiently recorded its population peak. It is concluded that yellow sticky traps are effective for monitoring M. caryella, while the entomological net is suitable for monitoring and correctly identifying species of natural enemies of the insect pest in pecan plantations.
The role of surgical timing in upper extremity free flap reconstruction following trauma: a 10-year single-center, single-surgeon experience
Authors: Park Kwang Hyun , Woo Soo Jin , Kang Dong-Ho
Published: February 2024

Purpose: Complex traumatic upper extremity injuries often require microvascular free tissue transfer for adequate soft tissue coverage or functional reconstruction. The need for rapid coverage is acknowledged, but the optimal timing for reconstruction remains a subject of debate.Methods: A retrospective review was conducted of patients who underwent free flap reconstruction for upper extremity injuries after trauma from March 2012 to August 2018 in South Korea at a facility specializing in extremity trauma. Surgical timing was categorized according to the classification of Godina into early (within 72 hours after injury) and delayed (from 72 hours to 3 months after injury) reconstruction. Patients’ demographic characteristics, methods of free tissue transfer, flap failure rates, postoperative infections, total hospital stays, and the number of operations required were analyzed.Results: In total, 80 free tissue transfers were conducted on 76 patients. The demographics and characteristics of patients in the early and delayed reconstruction groups showed no significant differences. Early reconstruction was associated with a significantly lower infection rate, shorter average hospital stay, and a lower average number of operations, without showing a significant difference in the flap failure rate.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that early reconstruction within 72 hours after trauma significantly reduces infection rates, the length of hospital stays, and the number of required operations. This study underscores the importance of timely intervention in upper extremity free flap reconstruction for optimal patient outcomes.
Learning from Failures: Differentiating Between Slip-ups and Knowledge Gaps
Authors: Anand Gopesh , Mukherjee Ujjal Kumar
Published: February 2024

Our research investigates firm learning from failures by dividing them into two types, failures that occur due to slip-ups and those that occur due to knowledge gaps, and by examining whether learning occurs in the context of both types of failures. We study these phenomena in the context of product recalls in pharmaceuticals and medical devices. Based on text analysis of recall documents, recalls are divided into process related and design related to represent slip-up failures and knowledge gap failures. We further study how innovation capabilities, represented by accumulated stocks of patents and lagged research and development (R&D) intensity, impact learning from both types of failures. We test our hypotheses using negative binomial generalized linear models to analyze longitudinal data for 108 publicly traded U.S. firms over 2000–2016 comprising 7,984 recalls. Results indicate that design-related recalls generate learning to a greater extent than process-related recalls, and that accumulated patents and lagged R&D intensity enhance learning from design-related recalls. These findings suggest that the learning mechanisms invoked by failures are concentrated more on knowledge gap failures than slip-up failures, and such learning is impacted by innovation capabilities. Overall, this research extends organizational learning theory by differentiating between learning from different types of failures and extends absorptive capacity theory by incorporating the role of innovation capabilities in enhancing learning from failures. We develop recommendations for learning from slip-up failures by focusing on the cultural and social mechanisms of organizational learning in addition to the technical and structural mechanisms that may mainly impact learning from knowledge gap failures.

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2021.15663 .
Contract Theory-Based Collection, Updating, and Packaging Combination Strategies in Data Trading
Authors: Xing Axun , Wang Haiyan , Bian Bei , Guo Xinxin
Published: February 2024

In the data transaction process, where a single supplier collects and sells data to heterogeneous data buyers, its transaction strategy relies on the data’s value. In this paper, we measure the value of data in terms of volume and currency and analyze the whole process from data collection and update management to sales. The data supplier determines the maximum amount of data to be collected based on the willingness to pay and the cost of collection and decides the optimal update frequency based on the update cost paid to improve the data utility. Because data sets can be replicated and split nearly costlessly, data suppliers maximize revenue by combining data sets of different sizes. In the information asymmetry scenario, contract theory is applied to obtain the optimal data collection quantity, update frequency, and packaging combination scheme to maximize the profit of data suppliers under data buyer incentive compatibility and individual rationality and compare them with the information symmetry scenario. The results show that data suppliers will only provide personalized data sets to some data buyers, and the needs of some buyers will not be met. Information asymmetry causes data suppliers to reduce the number of data collections and the actual purchases by data buyers, and data suppliers’ profits tend to decrease. The surprising conclusion is that data suppliers should set up more frequent update strategies in the information asymmetry case than in the information symmetry case to sustain the decrease in data utility caused by insufficient quantity.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grants 72071042 and 72201113].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/serv.2023.0018 .
Modeling and Solving the Traveling Salesman Problem with Speed Optimization for a Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Wu Fuliang , Adulyasak Yossiri , Cordeau Jean-François
Published: February 2024

This paper investigates a variant of the traveling salesman problem (TSP) with speed optimization for a plug-in hybrid electric vehicle (PHEV), simultaneously optimizing the average speed and operation mode for each road segment in the route. Two mixed-integer nonlinear programming models are proposed for the problem: one with continuous speed decision variables and one with discretized variables. Because the models are nonlinear, we propose reformulation schemes and introduce valid inequalities to strengthen them. We also describe a branch-and-cut algorithm to solve these reformulations. Extensive numerical experiments are performed to demonstrate the algorithm’s performance in terms of computing time and energy consumption costs. Specifically, the proposed solution method can efficiently solve instances with a realistic number of customers and outperforms the benchmark approaches from the literature. Integrating speed optimization into the TSP of a PHEV can lead to significant energy savings compared with the fixed-speed TSP. In addition, the proposed model is extended to investigate the impact of the presence of charging stations, which makes the problem harder to solve but has the potential to further reduce energy consumption costs.

Funding: F. Wu gratefully acknowledges the support of the National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72271161].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.0247 .
Can supplementing vitamin B12 improve mental health outcomes?: a literature review
Authors: Reis da Silva Tiago
Published: February 2024

Low vitamin B12 has been associated with raised plasma homocysteines and the consumption of B vitamins has been shown to reduce homocysteines. Raised levels of homocysteines have been linked to causing symptoms of mental illness. B12 is also required in the synthesis of monoamines and is required to maintain neurological health.

Aim:

This study reviews research into the effects of the supplementation of B12 in the prevention and recovery of mental illness, and the potentiation of psychotropic medication.

Methodology:

This literature review follows a systematic approach to searching databases CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, and PsycINFO where 287 non-duplicated articles results were received. Appropriate articles were identified through title and abstract screening and inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied. Five articles were chosen to address the research question following critical appraisal. Thematic analysis was then conducted.

Findings:

This review identified five randomised controlled trials into the supplementation of various doses of B12 in conjunction with folic acid and B6. The supplement was measured against post-stroke depression prevention, the reduction of symptoms of depression in woman with cardiovascular disease, the effect on negative symptoms in schizophrenia, the reduction and prevention of depression in older adults, and the potentiation of psychotropic interventions. The papers reviewed showed inconclusive results, but evidence to support sub-groups and specific high-risk groups. Strong evidence showed supplementation of B12, folic acid and B6 has high rates of preventing post-stroke depression.

Conclusion:

The findings show that this area of research is still to be developed. The effects of B12 supplementation with other B vitamins on mental health have shown to be inconclusive. There is a case for its use to be considered within certain patient groups to aid recovery of mental health or in some high-risk patient groups. Recommendations are made for further research into high-risk groups of people that may have symptoms or symptoms that could be improved through the supplementation of B12.
The safe, ethical and legitimate sourcing of products
Authors: Rankin Anrew
Published: February 2024

Inappropriate product supply and use is amongst the most common complaints received by the JCCP. In this article, Andrew Rankin discusses this issue and what can be done to combat it.
Microsurgical management of radicular cyst using guided tissue regeneration technique: A case report
Authors: Gómez Mireles Juan Carlos , Martínez Carrillo Eugenia Karina , Alcalá Barbosa Katia , Gutiérrez Cortés Evangelina , González Ramos Javier , González Gómez Luis Antonio , Bayardo González Rubén Alberto , Lomelí Martínez Sarah Monserrat
Published: February 2024

BACKGROUND

Radicular cyst is a lesion of odontogenic origin that arises from epithelial remains due to periapical periodontitis caused by inflammatory reactions generated at the apex of affected teeth with infected or necrotic pulps. The therapeutic management of radicular cysts is controversial. There is only one case report of enucleation of a radicular cyst managed with microsurgery and apicoectomy, but without the use of the guided tissue regeneration (GTR) technique in the same surgical procedure. The present clinical case describes the management of a radicular cyst with microsurgical approach, performance of an apicoectomy of the tooth associated with the entity, application of GTR technique, use of a resorbable membrane of type I bovine collagen, and bovine xenograft.

CASE SUMMARY

A 68-year-old patient presented with a radicular cyst from an upper lateral incisor. The microsurgical management used was aimed at enucleating the chemical membrane, performing apicoectomy of the tooth along with careful and precise retrograde filling, and implementing GTR technique using a resorbable collagen membrane and bovine xenograft. The diagnosis of radicular cyst was confirmed using histopathological analysis. The patient underwent follow-up evaluations at 10 and 30 d postoperatively. At 4 months postoperative evaluation, she remained asymptomatic, and radiographs showed significant periapical healing with adequate bone formation.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that microsurgical management using the GTR technique with collagen membrane and xenograft, contributes to bone regeneration.
Establishment and Validation of Stability-indicating Approach for Quantifying Dihydroquinine in the Auinine Sulphate Pharmaceutical Dosage form by RP-HPLC
Authors: Mehetre Bhagwan S. , S. Gurav Shailesh , Raskar Satosh V. , Waghmode Krishnakant T.
Published: February 2024

A rapid, efficient, and precise RP-HPLC protocol has been developed to quantify dihydroquinine content in quinine sulfate pharmaceutical dosage form accurately. This reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) method has been validated in compliance with the regulatory guidelines and has efficaciously met specified criteria. The RP-HPLC analysis utilized a Zorbax C18-column with an acetonitrile-buffer mobile phase. A constant 1.2 mL/minute flow rate and a 20 μL injection volume were employed with a 316 nm detection wavelength. The linear range for standard solution concentrations was established at 48.7-193.87 μg/mL of quinine sulfate. Retention times were noted at 4.6 minutes for quinine and 6.9 minutes for dihydroquinine (impurity). The accuracy assessment of the dihydroquinine analysis revealed a recovery rate of 99.4%. In the present study, an analytical technique was devised and employed to quantify dihydroquinine in finished product tablets. The proposed technique is characterized by its precision, simplicity, and ease of adoption, demonstrating its robustness and applicability.
Enhanced Electrical Output by Mixed Surfactant for Solar Cells: EDTA+TB+NaLS+CPC+Tween-80 system
Authors: Meena Jagrati , Meena Suresh Kumar , Gangotri KM
Published: February 2024

Enhancing photogalvanics electrical output in the sphere of solar energy is the goal of the study. The use of fossil fuels is also limitation to energy conversion. The photogalvanic (PG)cell with EDTA + TB + NaLS + CPC + Tween-80 produces superior results than a system with just one surfactant. The photopotential (PP) and photocurrent (PC) of the EDTA+TB + NaLS + CPC + Tween-80 photogalvanics were measured at 689.00 mV and 234.00 uA, respectively. The efficiency and performance of the EDTA+TB+NaLS+CPC+Tween-80 photogalvanics were determined to be 0.2811% and 109.00 minutes, respectively. The photogalvanic system with mixed surfactants (NaLS+CPC+Tween-80) is a productive one with improved electrical characteristics. The performance of PG cells can be slightly improved by using individual surfactants as opposed to surfactant combinations. Surfactant combinations with qualities that are superior to those of the individual components can be used in PG cell applications.
Debate: Seeds as Deep Time Technologies
Authors: Fullilove Courtney
Published: February 2024

abstract: This essay theorizes crop seeds as deep time technologies, surveying a range of materialist approaches to the study of agriculture, from historical materialism to agroecology and actor-network theory. Recent studies of plant domestication suggest that the long history of human-plant relations and agrarian knowledge defy the reduction of seeds to products of nature or objects of property. Approaching seeds as technologies allows us to understand the actors and processes of improvement that demarcate biological material according to commercial and scientific logics. Framing seeds as a collaborative technological project with a 19,000-year history unseats industrial time as the dominant frame in the history of technology. It recasts political economy not simply as a construction of human social relations of production but also as it imagines the material used to produce life itself.
"Modernism with a Soul": Designing and Building Communities for Corporate and Civic Life
Authors: Leslie Stuart W.
Published: February 2024

abstract: This essay explores how film, feature and documentary, can offer a new perspective on modernist architecture, industrial design, and urban planning. Through the lens of two young directors, Kogonada and Davide Maffei, it traces the histories of two twentieth-century company towns: Ivrea, Italy, headquarters of Italian business machine giant Olivetti, and Columbus, Indiana, U.S.A., home to Cummins Inc., a global leader in diesel engine design and manufacturing. Adriano Olivetti and J. Irwin Miller shared the conviction that modernist architecture and design had a decisive role to play not just in the economic health of their respective firms but in the civic health of their surrounding communities. These companies have long abandoned the corporate idealism of their founding patrons. In film, Ivrea and Columbus have become architectural time capsules that raise important questions about the transformative power of architecture and design in the face of an increasingly competitive global economy.
Deep learning-based vessel extraction in 3D confocal microscope images of cleared human glioma tissues
Authors: Yang Xiaodu , He Dian , Li Yu , Li Chenyang , Wang Xinyue , Zhu Xingzheng , Sun Haitao , Xu Yingying
Published: February 2024

Comprehensive visualization and accurate extraction of tumor vasculature are essential to study the nature of glioma. Nowadays, tissue clearing technology enables 3D visualization of human glioma vasculature at micron resolution, but current vessel extraction schemes cannot well cope with the extraction of complex tumor vessels with high disruption and irregularity under realistic conditions. Here, we developed a framework, FineVess, based on deep learning to automatically extract glioma vessels in confocal microscope images of cleared human tumor tissues. In the framework, a customized deep learning network, named 3D ResCBAM nnU-Net, was designed to segment the vessels, and a novel pipeline based on preprocessing and post-processing was developed to refine the segmentation results automatically. On the basis of its application to a practical dataset, we showed that the FineVess enabled extraction of variable and incomplete vessels with high accuracy in challenging 3D images, better than other traditional and state-of-the-art schemes. For the extracted vessels, we calculated vascular morphological features including fractal dimension and vascular wall integrity of different tumor grades, and verified the vascular heterogeneity through quantitative analysis.
Tobacco smoking clusters in households affected by tuberculosis in an individual participant data meta-analysis of national tuberculosis prevalence surveys: Time for household-wide interventions?
Authors: Hamada Yohhei , Quartagno Matteo , Law Irwin , Malik Farihah , Bonsu Frank Adae , Adetifa Ifedayo M. O. , Adusi-Poku Yaw , D’Alessandro Umberto , Bashorun Adedapo Olufemi , Begum Vikarunnessa , Lolong Dina Bisara , Boldoo Tsolmon , Dlamini Themba , Donkor Simon , Dwihardiani Bintari , Egwaga Saidi , Farid Muhammad N. , Garfin Anna Marie Celina G. , Gaviola Donna Mae G. , Husain Mohammad Mushtuq , Ismail Farzana , Kaggwa Mugagga , Kamara Deus V. , Kasozi Samuel , Kaswaswa Kruger , Kirenga Bruce , Klinkenberg Eveline , Kondo Zuweina , Lawanson Adebola , Macheque David , Manhiça Ivan , Maama-Maime Llang Bridget , Mfinanga Sayoki , Moyo Sizulu , Mpunga James , Mthiyane Thuli , Mustikawati Dyah Erti , Mvusi Lindiwe , Nguyen Hoa Binh , Nguyen Hai Viet , Pangaribuan Lamria , Patrobas Philip , Rahman Mahmudur , Rahman Mahbubur , Rahman Mohammed Sayeedur , Raleting Thato , Riono Pandu , Ruswa Nunurai , Rutebemberwa Elizeus , Rwabinumi Mugabe Frank , Senkoro Mbazi , Sharif Ahmad Raihan , Sikhondze Welile , Sismanidis Charalambos , Sovd Tugsdelger , Stavia Turyahabwe , Sultana Sabera , Suriani Oster , Thomas Albertina Martha , Tobing Kristina , Van der Walt Martie , Walusimbi Simon , Zaman Mohammad Mostafa , Floyd Katherine , Copas Andrew , Abubakar Ibrahim , Rangaka Molebogeng X.
Published: February 2024

Tuberculosis (TB) and non-communicable diseases (NCD) share predisposing risk factors. TB-associated NCD might cluster within households affected with TB requiring shared prevention and care strategies. We conducted an individual participant data meta-analysis of national TB prevalence surveys to determine whether NCD cluster in members of households with TB. We identified eligible surveys that reported at least one NCD or NCD risk factor through the archive maintained by the World Health Organization and searching in Medline and Embase from 1 January 2000 to 10 August 2021, which was updated on 23 March 2023. We compared the prevalence of NCD and their risk factors between people who do not have TB living in households with at least one person with TB (members of households with TB), and members of households without TB. We included 16 surveys (n = 740,815) from Asia and Africa. In a multivariable model adjusted for age and gender, the odds of smoking was higher among members of households with TB (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 1.23; 95% CI: 1.11–1.38), compared with members of households without TB. The analysis did not find a significant difference in the prevalence of alcohol drinking, diabetes, hypertension, or BMI between members of households with and without TB. Studies evaluating household-wide interventions for smoking to reduce its dual impact on TB and NCD may be warranted. Systematically screening for NCD using objective diagnostic methods is needed to understand the actual burden of NCD and inform comprehensive interventions.
Health inequalities at the intersection of multiple social determinants among under five children residing Nairobi urban slums: An application of multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA)
Authors: Kibuchi Eliud , Chumo Ivy , Kabaria Caroline , Elsey Helen , Phillips-Howard Penelope , de Siqueira-Filha Noemia Teixeira , Whittaker Lana , Leyland Alastair H. , Mberu Blessing , Gray Linsay
Published: February 2024

In this analysis we examine through an intersectionality lens how key social determinants of health (SDOH) are associated with health conditions among under-five children (<5y) residing in Nairobi slums, Kenya. We used cross-sectional data collected from Nairobi slums between June and November 2012 to explore how multiple interactions of SDoH shape health inequalities in slums. We applied multilevel analysis of individual heterogeneity and discriminatory accuracy (MAIHDA) approach. We constructed intersectional strata for each health condition from combinations of significant SDoH obtained using univariate analyses. We then estimated the intersectional effects of health condition in a series of MAIHDA logistic regression models distinguishing between additive and interaction effects. We quantified discriminatory accuracy (DA) of the intersectional strata by means of the variance partitioning coefficient (VPC) and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC-ROC). The total participants were 2,199 <5y, with 120 records (5.5%) dropped because health conditions were recorded as “not applicable”. The main outcome variables were three health conditions: 1) whether a child had diarrhea or not, 2) whether a child had fever or not, and 3) whether a child had cough or not in the previous two weeks. We found non-significant intersectional effects for each health condition. The head of household ethnic group was significantly associated with each health condition. We found good DA for diarrhea (VPC = 9.0%, AUC-ROC = 76.6%) an indication of large intersectional effects. However, fever (VPC = 1.9%, AUC-ROC = 66.3%) and cough (VPC = 0.5%, AUC-ROC = 61.8%) had weak DA indicating existence of small intersectional effects. Our study shows pathways for SDoH that affect diarrhea, cough, and fever for <5y living in slums are multiplicative and shared. The findings show that <5y from Luo and Luhya ethnic groups, recent migrants (less than 2 years), and households experiencing CHE are more likely to face worse health outcomes. We recommend relevant stakeholders to develop strategies aimed at identifying these groups for targeted proportionate universalism based on the level of their need.
Experiences of transgender persons in accessing routine healthcare services in India: Findings from a participatory qualitative study
Authors: Raghuram Harikeerthan , Parakh Sana , Tugnawat Deepak , Singh Satendra , Shaikh Aqsa , Bhan Anant
Published: February 2024

Despite having a higher burden of health problems, transgender persons face challenges in accessing healthcare in India. Most studies on healthcare access of transgender persons in India focus only on HIV related care, mental healthcare, gender affirmative services or on the ethno-cultural communities or transgender women. This study fills this gap by focusing on diverse gender identities within the transgender community with a specific focus on experiences in accessing general or routine healthcare services. A qualitative descriptive approach was used in this study. 23 in-depth interviews and 6 focus group discussions were conducted virtually and in-person with a total of 63 transgender persons in different regions of India between May and September 2021. The study used a community-based participatory research approach and was informed by the intersectionality approach. Thematic analysis was conducted to analyze the data. Four key themes emerged: (i) intersectional challenges in accessing healthcare start outside of the health system, continue through cisgender-binary-normative health systems that exclude transgender persons; and at the interface with individuals such as health professionals, support staff and bystanders; (ii) the experiences negatively impact transgender persons at an individual level; (iii) in response, transgender persons navigate these challenges across each of the levels: individual, health system level and from outside of the health system. This is a first of its kind qualitative participatory study focusing on routine healthcare services of transgender persons in India. The findings indicate the need to move conversations on trans-inclusion in healthcare from HIV and gender affirmative services to routine comprehensive healthcare services considering the higher burden of health problems in the community and the impact of poor access on their lives and well-being.
“It’s no use saying it in English”: A qualitative study exploring community leaders’ perceptions of the challenges and opportunities with translating and interpreting COVID-19 related public health messaging to reach ethnic minorities in Australia
Authors: Seale Holly , Harris-Roxas Ben , Heywood Anita E. , Abdi Ikram , Mahimbo Abela , Woodland Lisa , Waller Emily
Published: February 2024

Background

The Australian Government implemented a range of public health response strategies and communication approaches to reduce the spread of COVID-19; however, concerns have been raised around a failure to sufficiently consider culturally and linguistically diverse (CaLD) communities in these processes. This research aimed to understand the factors that have impacted COVID-19 communication and engagement efforts during the pandemic from the perspective of key CaLD community and faith-based leaders. A further aim was to understand the processes that could be adopted to support future communication strategies, including promoting pandemic-related vaccines.

Approach

This study included 29 key informant interviews with community and faith-based leaders in New South Wales, Australia.

Results

The overwhelming message from community leaders was a sense of shared responsibility between their organisations and governments in communicating pertinent and accurate COVID-19 related information to CaLD communities. They expressed a sense of duty to keep their community members safe. However, community leaders and others shouldered significant costs related to resources and time that need to be acknowledged by governments in preparing for future disease outbreaks. They felt that governments should consider: 1) improving communication between governments and CaLD organisations; 2) responding to the specific CaLD needs with greater agility; 3) foregrounding social media in their communication strategy; 4) reinvesting in local public health units to know their population; 5) developing a health ambassadors model program; 6) preparing a hybrid model of translators/interpreters to fill the gap; and, 7) reimagining vaccine information campaigns to target CaLD communities better.

Conclusion

Given the technical details about the COVID-19 virus conveyed in government information campaigns and the media, ensuring the most vulnerable populations, including people from CaLD backgrounds, access clear, concise and timely public health messaging from governments and community organisations requires further attention.
Study on the allocation efficiency of medical and health resources in Hainan Province: Based on the super-efficiency SBM—Malmquist model
Authors: Gong Yanhua , Ma Dong , Feng Wen
Published: February 2024

The equity and efficiency of medical and health resource allocation is the key point of health reform in all countries. Poor allocation efficiency of health resources will seriously affect the sustainable and high-quality development of health causes. Hainan Province is the only free trade port with Chinese characteristics in China, which means that Hainan has ushered in a brand-new development under the policy of free trade port. This study aims to adopt policies to improve the efficiency of medical and health resource allocation in Hainan Province and provide references for other regions. In this study, the Super-efficiency SBM and Malmquist models were used to analyze the static and dynamic efficiency of medical and health resource allocation in Hainan Province during 2016–2020. The results showed that, statically, the average efficiency of comprehensive allocation of health resources in Hainan Province from 2016 to 2020 was 0.975, showing poor overall performance and significant regional differences. Dynamically, the average index of allocation efficiency of medical and health resources was 0.934, showing a negative growth trend. The technical efficiency and scale efficiency of health resource allocation efficiency showed positive growth, while the technical progress and pure technical efficiency showed negative growth. It shows that it is influenced by both scale efficiency and technological progress, among which technological progress is the key factor. Therefore, some policy suggestions are put forward to further optimize the allocation of medical and health resources and improve utilization efficiency.
Causal relationship between several autoimmune diseases and renal malignancies: A two-sample mendelian randomization study
Authors: Liu Puyu , Luo Jihang , Zhao Lanlan , Fu Qingqing , Chen Yao , Li Chengfang , Xu Jieyu , Yang Xiaorong
Published: February 2024

Objective

Observational studies have shown an association between systemic autoimmune disease (AD) and multiple malignancies. However, due to the difficulty indetermining the temporal nature of the order, their causal relationship remains elusive. Based on pooled data from a large population-wide genome-wide association study (GWAS), this study explores the genetic causality between systemic autoimmune disease and renal malignancy.

Methods

We took a series of quality control steps from a large-scale genome-wide association study to select single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with systemic autoimmune disease as instrumental variables(IVs) to analyze genetic causality with renal malignancies. Inverse variance weighting (IVW), MR- Egger, weighted median, simple model and weighted model were used for analysis. The results were mainly based on IVW (Random Effects), followed by sensitivity analysis. Inverse-Variance Weighted(IVW) and MR-Egger were used to test for heterogeneity. MR- Egger is also used for pleiotropic testing. A single SNP analysis was used to identify single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with potential impact. Odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to evaluate causality, and sensitivity analysis was performed to evaluate pleiotropy and instrumental validity.

Results

Acute and subacute iridocylitis (P = 0.006, OR = 1.077), Ankylosing spondylitis (P = 0.002, OR = 1.051), and spondyloarthritis (P = 0.009, OR = 1.073) were positively associated with an increased risk of renal malignancy. Coxarthrosis (P = 0.008, OR = 0.483), Juvenile rheumatism (P = 0.011, OR = 0.897), and Systemic lupus erythematosus (P = 0.014, OR = 0.869) were negatively associated with an increased risk of renal malignancy. The results of sensitivity analysis were consistent without heterogeneity or pleiotropy.

Conclusion

Our study suggests a causal relationship between different systemic autoimmune diseases and renal malignancies. These findings prompt health care providers to take seriously the potential risk of systemic autoimmune disease and provide new insights into the genetics of kidney malignancies.
Calculation and program realization of coal pillar setting parameters in Huainan mining area
Authors: Yang Liangliang
Published: February 2024

Coal pillar retention plays a crucial role in ensuring safety and minimizing ground deformation in coal mining operations. However, accurately and efficiently determining the optimal size of protective pillars, reducing coal pillar pressure, and addressing challenges such as limited access to retention parameters, lengthy observation times, and high labor costs are challenges that must be addressed. In this paper, we presented a methodology using Huainan mine as a case study to address these challenges. The solution involves deriving the formula for coal pillar retention parameters based on the Three Regulations definition and requirements. The total least squares algorithm was integrated with surface observation station data and the MATLAB software platform to automate the coal pillar retention solution. Furthermore, a linear regression model of coal pillar retention-related parameters was established using the geological mining condition data. The proposed ELM neural network model was optimized using a genetic algorithm and combined with the linear regression model to establish a predictive model. The results demonstrated that the proposed machine learning algorithm attains the requisite level of accuracy for industrial production.