bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the authorship of Canthon rutilans cyanescens ‘Harold, 1868’ (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, Deltochilini): the treatment of varieties and nomina nuda by a 19th-century zoologist
Authors: CUPELLO MARIO , IANNUZZI LUCIANA , VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z.
Published: July 2022

Ever since Schmidt’s (1922) review of Canthon, the authorship of the species-group name Canthon rutilans cyanescens (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae) has been almost unanimously attributed to Harold (1868). Here, we argue that this is mistaken. This species-group name first entered the literature as a nomen nudum in Lacordaire’s 1830 memoirs of his South American beetle explorations, and there its authorship was credited to Dejean. Later, it was listed in Harold’s (1868) Canthon revision as an unavailable name referring to what he considered to be a blue variety of Canthon rutilans Castelnau, 1840. In keeping with his usual nomenclatural treatment of nomina nuda as unavailable and with his procedure of not naming infraspecific taxa, Harold did not consider ‘cyanescens Dejean’ as the valid name of that ‘blue variety’ of C. rutilans. His citation, therefore, does not make the name available by not complying with Article 11.5 of the Code. The first author to fulfil all the availability requirements of the Code was Schmidt (1922), who both treated the name as valid for a taxon and accompanied it with an indication—more specifically, an indication to Harold’s description of the blue variety of C. rutilans. It is to Schmidt (1922) that the authorship of cyanescens must, thereby, be credited. One of the specimens used by Harold to produce the description indicated by Schmidt was found by us in the Paris Museum and it is here designated as the lectotype of Canthon rutilans cyanescens.
Refining the circumscription of a variable species: epitypification of the name Kalanchoe rotundifolia (Crassulaceae subfam. Kalanchooideae)
Authors: SMITH GIDEON F. , FIGUEIREDO ESTRELA
Published: July 2022

N/A
Reduced ENSO Variability due to a Collapsed Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation
Authors: Orihuela-Pinto Bryam , Santoso Agus , England Matthew H. , Taschetto Andréa S.
Published: July 2022

Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) collapses have punctuated Earth’s climate in the past, and future projections suggest a weakening and potential collapse in response to global warming and high-latitude ocean freshening. Among its most important teleconnections, the AMOC has been shown to influence El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), although there is no clear consensus on the tendency of this influence or the mechanisms at play. In this study, we investigate the effect of an AMOC collapse on ENSO by adding freshwater in the North Atlantic in a global climate model. The tropical Pacific mean-state changes caused by the AMOC collapse are found to alter the governing ENSO feedbacks, damping the growth rate of ENSO. As a result, ENSO variability is found to decrease by ∼30% due to weaker air–sea coupling associated with a cooler tropical Pacific and an intensified Walker circulation. The decreased ENSO variability manifests in ∼95% less frequent extreme El Niño events and a shift toward more prevalent central Pacific El Niño than eastern Pacific El Niño events, marked by a reduced ENSO nonlinearity and asymmetry. These results provide mechanistic insights into the possible behavior of past and future ENSO in a scenario of a much weakened or collapsed AMOC.

Significance Statement

The Atlantic meridional overturning circulation (AMOC) has collapsed in the past and a future collapse due to greenhouse warming is a plausible scenario. An AMOC shutdown would have major ramifications for global climate, with extensive impacts on climate phenomena such as El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is the strongest source of year-to-year climate variability on the planet. Using numerical simulations, we show that an AMOC shutdown leads to weaker ENSO variability, manifesting in 95% reduction in extreme El Niño events, and a shift of the ENSO pattern toward the central Pacific. This study sheds light on the mechanisms behind these changes, with implications for interpreting past and future ENSO variability.
Study of the value of homocysteine levels in predicting cognitive dysfunction in patients after acute carbon monoxide poisoning
Authors: Ren Wei , Zhou Xiao Shuai
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this research was to assess the value of homocysteine (HCY) levels in predicting cognitive dysfunction in patients after acute carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning.

Methods

A total of 115 patients who were admitted to the emergency department of Yinzhou NO. 2 Hospital after CO poisoning between January 2017 and December 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. All patients were followed up for 1 month. According to the Mini–Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores, patients were divided into two groups. The demographic and clinical characteristics and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results were gathered and statistically analysed.

Results

Twenty-six and 89 patients were ultimately enrolled in the cognitive dysfunction and control groups, respectively. There were significant differences between the groups in terms of age, coma duration, and carboxyhaemoglobin (COHB), lactate and HCY levels (p < 0.05), but there were no significant differences in white blood cell (WBC) counts or aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine, troponin T, creatinine kinase (CK), or creatinine kinase muscle and brain (CK-MB) levels (p > 0.05). Univariate and multivariate analyses identified that a higher HCY level (OR 2.979, 95% CI 1.851-5.596, p < 0.001) was an independent risk factor for patient cognitive dysfunction after acute CO poisoning. Linear regression analysis showed a negative correlation between MMSE scores and HCY levels (r = − 0.880, P < 0.001). According to the MRI results, the most common lesion site was the globus pallidus, and the central ovale, diffuse white matter, corona radiata, basal ganglia (other than the globus pallidus) and cerebral cortex were also involved.

Conclusions

Higher HCY levels were associated with cognitive impairment and were independent risk factors for cognitive impairment after acute CO poisoning. The level of HCY was negatively correlated with the degree of cognitive impairment.
Prevalence and factors associated with polypharmacy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Delara Mahin , Murray Lauren , Jafari Behnaz , Bahji Anees , Goodarzi Zahra , Kirkham Julia , Chowdhury Mohammad , Seitz Dallas P.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Polypharmacy is commonly associated with adverse health outcomes. There are currently no meta-analyses of the prevalence of polypharmacy or factors associated with polypharmacy. We aimed to estimate the pooled prevalence of polypharmacy and factors associated with polypharmacy in a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases were searched for studies with no restrictions on date. We included observational studies that reported on the prevalence of polypharmacy among individuals over age 19. Two reviewers extracted study characteristics including polypharmacy definitions, study design, setting, geography, and participant demographics. The risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scales. The main outcome was the prevalence of polypharmacy and factors associated with polypharmacy prevalence. The pooled prevalence estimates of polypharmacy with 95% confidence intervals were determined using random effects meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses were undertaken to evaluate factors associated with polypharmacy such as polypharmacy definitions, study setting, study design and geography. Meta-regression was conducted to assess the associations between polypharmacy prevalence and study year.

Results

106 full-text articles were identified. The pooled estimated prevalence of polypharmacy in the 54 studies reporting on polypharmacy in all medication classes was 37% (95% CI: 31-43%). Differences in polypharmacy prevalence were reported for studies using different numerical thresholds, study setting, and publication year. Sex, study geography, study design and geographical location were not associated with differences in polypharmacy prevalence.

Discussion

Our review highlights that polypharmacy is common particularly among older adults and those in inpatient settings. Clinicians should be aware of populations who have an increased likelihood of experiencing polypharmacy and efforts should be made to review the appropriateness of prescribed medications and occurrence of adverse effects potentially associated with polypharmacy.

Conclusions and implications

Clinicians should be aware of the common occurrence of polypharmacy and undertake efforts to minimize inappropriate polypharmacy whenever possible.
Brainstem lesions are associated with diffuse spinal cord involvement in early multiple sclerosis
Authors: Andelova Michaela , Vodehnalova Karolina , Krasensky Jan , Hardubejova Eliska , Hrnciarova Tereza , Srpova Barbora , Uher Tomas , Menkyova Ingrid , Stastna Dominika , Friedova Lucie , Motyl Jiri , Lizrova Preiningerova Jana , Kubala Havrdova Eva , Maréchal Bénédicte , Fartaria Mário João , Kober Tobias , Horakova Dana , Vaneckova Manuela
Published: July 2022

Background

Early infratentorial and focal spinal cord lesions on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) are associated with a higher risk of long-term disability in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The role of diffuse spinal cord lesions remains less understood. The purpose of this study was to evaluate focal and especially diffuse spinal cord lesions in patients with early relapsing-remitting MS and their association with intracranial lesion topography, global and regional brain volume, and spinal cord volume.

Methods

We investigated 58 MS patients with short disease duration (< 5 years) from a large academic MS center and 58 healthy controls matched for age and sex. Brain, spinal cord, and intracranial lesion volumes were compared among patients with- and without diffuse spinal cord lesions and controls. Binary logistic regression models were used to analyse the association between the volume and topology of intracranial lesions and the presence of focal and diffuse spinal cord lesions.

Results

We found spinal cord involvement in 75% of the patients (43/58), including diffuse changes in 41.4% (24/58). Patients with diffuse spinal cord changes exhibited higher volumes of brainstem lesion volume (p = 0.008). The presence of at least one brainstem lesion was associated with a higher probability of the presence of diffuse spinal cord lesions (odds ratio 47.1; 95% confidence interval 6.9–321.6 p < 0.001) as opposed to focal spinal cord lesions (odds ratio 0.22; p = 0.320). Patients with diffuse spinal cord lesions had a lower thalamus volume compared to patients without diffuse spinal cord lesions (p = 0.007) or healthy controls (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Diffuse spinal cord lesions are associated with the presence of brainstem lesions and with a lower volume of the thalamus. This association was not found in patients with focal spinal cord lesions. If confirmed, thalamic atrophy in patients with diffuse lesions could increase our knowledge on the worse prognosis in patients with infratentorial and SC lesions.
Incidence and risk factors for early pregnancy loss in women with first pregnancy undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer
Authors: Wang Mohan , Yang Xiao , Li Linlin , Zhu Haibo , Zhang Hongguo , Jiang Yuting , Liu Ruizhi
Published: July 2022

Background

This study aimed to explore the incidence and influencing factors for early pregnancy loss (EPL) in infertility patients with first pregnancy undergoing in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryo transfer cycles in Jilin province, China.

Methods

A retrospective study of 2709 first pregnancy embryo transfer cycles collected from January 2016 to January 2021 was performed. The cycles were divided into the EPL group (n = 411) and the live birth group (n = 2298) according to the cycle outcomes.

Results

The EPL rate of the first-time pregnancies for infertility patients undergoing fresh/frozen-thaw embryo transfer cycle was 14.1%. Female patients aged 40 and older had increased odds of EPL compared to those under 35 (OR = 3.97,95%CI: 2.80–7.55). Female patients with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or greater were more likely to have EPLs than those in the normal BMI range (OR = 1.32,95%CI: 1.03–1.70). The odds of EPL after frozen-thaw embryo transfer were higher than those after fresh embryo transfer (OR = 1.59,95%CI: 1.11–2.27). A thin endometrium on the day of embryo transfer increased the odds of EPL (OR = 1.84,95%CI: 1.01–3.33). Transferring more than two embryos had lower odds of EPL than single-embryo transfer (OR = 0.67,95%CI: 0.50–0.90). Compared with other infertility diagnoses, tubal factor alone was associated with lower odds of EPL (OR = 0.72,95%CI: 0.53–0.98).

Conclusions

The risk factors for EPL were age 40 and older, obesity, frozen-thaw cycle, thin endometrium, and non-isolated tubal factor.
Racial difference in BMI and lung cancer diagnosis: analysis of the National Lung Screening Trial
Authors: Zhao Joy , Barta Julie A. , McIntire Russell , Shusted Christine , Zeigler-Johnson Charnita , Juon Hee-Soon
Published: July 2022

Background

The inverse relationship between BMI and lung cancer diagnosis is well defined. However, few studies have examined the racial differences in these relationships. The purpose of this paper is to explore the relationships amongst race, BMI, and lung cancer diagnosis using the National Lung Screening Trial (NLST) data.

Methods

Multivariate regression analysis was used to analyze the BMI, race, and lung cancer diagnosis relationships.

Results

Among 53,452 participants in the NLST cohort, 3.9% were diagnosed with lung cancer, 43% were overweight, and 28% were obese. BMI was inversely related to lung cancer diagnosis among Whites: those overweight (aOR = .83, 95%CI = .75-.93), obese (aOR = .64, 95%CI = .56-.73) were less likely to develop lung cancer, compared to those with normal weight. These relationships were not found among African-Americans.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that the inverse relationship of BMI and lung cancer risk among Whites is consistent, whereas this relationship is not significant for African-Americans. In consideration of higher lung cancer incidence among African Americans, we need to explore other unknown mechanisms explaining this racial difference.
Considerations for multimodal prehabilitation in women with gynaecological cancers: a scoping review using realist principles
Authors: Saggu Rhia Kaur , Barlow Phillip , Butler John , Ghaem-Maghami Sadaf , Hughes Cathy , Lagergren Pernilla , McGregor Alison H. , Shaw Clare , Wells Mary
Published: July 2022

Background

There is increasing recognition that prehabilitation is important as a means of preparing patients physically and psychologically for cancer treatment. However, little is understood about the role and optimal nature of prehabilitation for gynaecological cancer patients, who usually face extensive and life-changing surgery in addition to other treatments that impact significantly on physiological and psychosexual wellbeing.

Review question

This scoping review was conducted to collate the research evidence on multimodal prehabilitation in gynaecological cancers and the related barriers and facilitators to engagement and delivery that should be considered when designing a prehabilitation intervention for this group of women.

Methods

Seven medical databases and four grey literature repositories were searched from database inception to September 2021. All articles, reporting on multimodal prehabilitation in gynaecological cancers were included in the final review, whether qualitative, quantitative or mixed-methods. Qualitative studies on unimodal interventions were also included, as these were thought to be more likely to include information about barriers and facilitators which could also be relevant to multimodal interventions. A realist framework of context, mechanism and outcome was used to assist interpretation of findings.

Results

In total, 24 studies were included in the final review. The studies included the following tumour groups: ovarian only (n = 12), endometrial only (n = 1), mixed ovarian, endometrial, vulvar (n = 5) and non-specific gynaecological tumours (n = 6). There was considerable variation across studies in terms of screening for prehabilitation, delivery of prehabilitation and outcome measures. Key mechanisms and contexts influencing engagement with prehabilitation can be summarised as: (1) The role of healthcare professionals and organisations (2) Patients’ perceptions of acceptability (3) Factors influencing patient motivation (4) Prehabilitation as a priority (5) Access to prehabilitation.

Implications for practice

A standardised and well evidenced prehabilitation programme for women with gynaecological cancer does not yet exist. Healthcare organisations and researchers should take into account the enablers and barriers to effective engagement by healthcare professionals and by patients, when designing and evaluating prehabilitation for gynaecological cancer patients.
Economic evaluation of an incentive-based program to increase physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour in middle-aged adults
Authors: Maple Jaimie-Lee , Ananthapavan Jaithri , Ball Kylie , Teychenne Megan , Moodie Marj
Published: July 2022

Background

Incentive-based programs represent a promising approach for health insurers to encourage health-promoting behaviours. However, little is known about the value for money of such programs. This study aimed to determine the cost-effectiveness of the ACHIEVE (Active CHoices IncEntiVE) program designed to incentivise increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behaviour in middle-aged adults.

Methods

 A within-trial cost-efficacy analysis was conducted. Benefits were assessed by evaluating paired t-tests from participants’ pre- and post- trial Body Mass Index (BMI) (kg/m2), sitting time (minutes/day) and metabolic equivalents (METS) minutes. A health sector perspective was adopted for the assessment of costs. Pathway analysis was used to determine the resource use associated with the intervention, with costs expressed in Australian dollars (A$) for the 2015 reference year. A long-term cost-effectiveness analysis was undertaken which extended the analysis time horizon and the trial population to the relevant eligible Australian population. Within this analysis, the 16-week intervention was modelled for roll-out across Australia over a 1-year time horizon targeting people with private health insurance who are insufficiently active and highly sedentary. Improved health related quality of life quantified in Health-Adjusted Life Years (HALYs) (based on the health impacts of increased metabolic equivalent (MET) minutes and reduced body mass index (BMI) and cost-offsets (resulting from reductions in obesity and physical inactivity-related diseases) were tracked until the cohort reached age 100 years or death. A 3% discount rate was used and all outcomes were expressed in 2010 values. Simulation modelling techniques were used to present 95% uncertainty intervals around all outputs.

Results

 The within-trial cost-efficacy analysis indicated that the ACHIEVE intervention cost approximately A$77,432. The cost per participant recruited was A$944. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) for MET increase per person per week was A$0.61; minute of sedentary time reduced per participant per day was A$5.15 and BMI unit loss per participant was A$763. The long-term cost effectiveness analysis indicated that if the intervention was scaled-up to all eligible Australians, approximately 265,095 participants would be recruited to the program at an intervention cost of A$107.4 million. Health care cost savings were A$33.4 million. Total HALYs gained were 2,709. The mean ICER was estimated at A$27,297 per HALY gained which is considered cost-effective in the Australian setting.

Conclusion

 The study findings suggest that financial incentives to promote physical activity and reduce sedentary behaviour are likely to be cost-effective.

Trial registration

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry: ACTRN12616000158460 (10/02/2016).
Effect of a tailored sepsis treatment protocol on patient outcomes in the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia: results of an interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Puchalski Ritchie Lisa M. , Beza Lemlem , Debebe Finot , Wubetie Andualem , Gamble Kathleen , Lebovic Gerald , Straus Sharon E. , Zewdu Tigist , Azazh Aklilu , Hunchak Cheryl , Landes Megan , Huluka Dawit Kebebe
Published: July 2022

Background

Despite improvement, sepsis mortality rates remain high, with an estimated 11 million sepsis-related deaths globally in 2017 (Rudd et. al, Lancet 395:200-211, 2020). Low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are estimated to account for 85% of global sepsis mortality; however, evidence for improved sepsis mortality in LMICs is lacking. We aimed to improve sepsis care and outcomes through development and evaluation of a sepsis treatment protocol tailored to the Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital Emergency Department, Ethiopia, context.

Methods

We employed a mixed methods design, including an interrupted times series study, pre-post knowledge testing, and process evaluation. The primary outcome was the proportion of patients receiving appropriate sepsis care (blood culture collection before antibiotics and initiation of appropriate antibiotics within 1 h of assessment). Secondary outcomes included time to antibiotic administration, 72-h sepsis mortality, and 90-day all-cause mortality. Due to poor documentation, we were unable to assess our primary outcome and time to antibiotic administration. We used segmented regression with outcomes as binomial proportions to assess the impact of the intervention on mortality. Pre-post knowledge test scores were analyzed using the Student’s t-test to compare group means for percentage of scenarios with correct diagnosis.

Results

A total of 113 and 300 patients were enrolled in the pre-implementation and post-implementation phases respectively. While age and gender were similar across the phases, a higher proportion (31 vs. 57%) of patients had malignancies in the post-implementation phase. We found a significant change in trend between the phases, with a trend for increasing odds of survival in the pre-implementation phase (OR 1.24, 95% CI 0.98–1.56), and a shift down, with odds of survival virtually flat (OR 0.95, 95% CI. 0.88–1.03) in the post-implementation phases for 72-h mortality, and trends for survival pre- and post-implementation are virtually flat for 90-day mortality. We found no significant difference in pre-post knowledge test scores, with interpretation limited by response rate. Implementation quality was negatively impacted by resource challenges.

Conclusion

We found no improvement in sepsis outcomes, with a trend for increasing odds of survival lost post-implementation and no significant change in knowledge pre- and post-implementation. Variable availability of resources was the principal barrier to implementation.

Trial registration

Open Science Framework osf.io/ju4ga. Registered June 28, 2017
Development and validation of a quality of life measurement scale specific to hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia: the QoL-HHT
Authors: Le Thi Thao Truc , Martinent Guillaume , Dupuis-Girod Sophie , Parrot Antoine , Contis Anne , Riviere Sophie , Chinet Thierry , Grobost Vincent , Espitia Olivier , Dussardier-Gilbert Brigitte , Alric Laurent , Armengol Guillaume , Maillard Hélène , Leguy-Seguin Vanessa , Leroy Sylvie , Rondeau-Lutz Murielle , Lavigne Christian , Mohamed Shirine , Chaussavoine Laurent , Magro Pascal , Seguier Julie , Kerjouan Mallorie , Fourdrinoy Sylvie
Published: July 2022

Background

Hereditary hemorrhagic telangiectasia (HHT) disease is a rare genetic disorder with symptoms and complications that can significantly affect patients’ daily lives. To date, no scale has been validated to assess the specific symptoms of this disease on the quality of life (QOL) of HHT patients. This makes it difficult for clinicians to accurately measure the quality of life of patients with HHT. The present study aims to develop and validate a QOL measurement tool specific to HHT disease: the QOL questionnaire in HHT (QoL-HHT).

Methods

A quantitative, non-interventional, multi-center study involving HHT patients in twenty French HHT expert centers was conducted. A calibration sample of 415 HHT patients and a validation sample of 228 HHT patients voluntarily participated in the study. Data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), Exploratory Structural Equation Modeling (ESEM) analyses, reliability analyses, and correlational analyses.

Results

The EFA, CFA and ESEM results allowed us to provide evidence of the factorial structure of a questionnaire composed of 24 items measuring 6 domains of QOL: Physical limitations, social relationships, concern about bleeding, relationship with the medical profession, experience of symptoms, and concern about the evolution of the disease. Cronbach’s alpha coefficients (> 0.70) demonstrated reliable internal consistency of all the QoL-HHT scores (dimensions). The results of the test–retest provided further evidence of the reliability of the QOL-HHT scores over time. Correlational analyses provided evidence for the convergent validity of the QoL-HHT scores.

Conclusions

We developed a simple and quick self-assessment tool to measure quality of life specific to HHT disease. This study demonstrated reliability and validity of our QoL-HHT scores. It is a very promising tool to evaluate the impact of HHT disease on all aspects of the quality of life of HHT patients in order to offer them individualized medico-psycho-social support.

Trial registration: ClinicalTrials, NCT03695874. Registered 04 October 2018, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03695874
Hepatic glycogen storage diseases type 0, VI and IX: description of an italian cohort
Authors: Tagliaferri Francesco , Massese Miriam , Russo Luisa , Commone Anna , Gasperini Serena , Pretese Roberta , Dionisi-Vici Carlo , Maiorana Arianna
Published: July 2022

Background

Glycogen storage disease (GSD) type 0, VI and IX are inborn errors of metabolism involving hepatic glycogen synthesis and degradation. We performed a characterization of a large Italian cohort of 30 patients with GSD type 0a, VI, IXa, IXb and IXc. A retrospective evaluation of genetical, auxological and endocrinological data, biochemical tests, and nutritional intakes was assessed. Eventual findings of overweight/obesity and insulin-resistance were correlated with diet composition.

Results

Six GSD-0a, 1 GSD-VI, and 23 GSD-IX patients were enrolled, with an age of presentation from 0 to 72 months (median 14 months). Diagnosis was made at a median age of 30 months, with a median diagnostic delay of 11 months and a median follow-up of 66 months. From first to last visit, patients gained a median height of 0.6 SDS (from − 1.1 to 2.1 SDS) and a median weight of 0.5 SDS (from − 2.5 to 3.3 SDS); mean and minimal glucose values significant improved (p < 0.05). With respect to dietary intakes, protein intake (g/kg) and protein intake (g/kg)/RDA ratio directly correlated with the glucose/insulin ratio (p < 0.05) and inversely correlated with HOMA-IR (Homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, p < 0.05), BMI SDS (p < 0.05) and %ibw (ideal body weight percentage, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

A prompt establishment of specific nutritional therapy allowed to preserve growth, improve glycemic control and prevent liver complication, during childhood. Remarkably, the administration of a high protein diet appeared to have a protective effect against overweight/obesity and insulin-resistance.
Insecticide-treated eave nets and window screens for malaria control in Chalinze district, Tanzania: a study protocol for a household randomised control trial
Authors: Odufuwa Olukayode G. , Moore Sarah Jane , Mboma Zawadi Mageni , Mbuba Emmanuel , Muganga Joseph Barnabas , Moore Jason , Philipo Rose , Rashid Mohammed Ally , Bosselmann Rune , Skovmand Ole , Bradley John
Published: July 2022

Background

Long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) have contributed to the reduction of malaria in sub-Saharan Africa, including Tanzania. However, they rely on daily user behaviour and high coverage which is difficult to maintain. Also, insecticide resistance among malaria vector mosquitoes is contributing to reduced efficacy of control tools. To overcome these problems, we propose to evaluate a new tool for house modification, the insecticide-treated eave nets (ITENs) in combination with insecticide-treated window screens (ITWS) incorporated ﻿with dual active ingredient (dual AI) for the control of malaria.

Methods

Four hundred and fifty (450) households with intact walls, open eaves without screens or nets on the windows in Chalinze district will be eligible and recruited upon written informed consent. The households will be randomly allocated into two arms: one with ITENs and ITWS installed and the other without. Malaria parasite detection using a quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) will be conducted shortly after the long rain (June/July, 2022) as the primary outcome and shortly after the short rain (January/February, 2022) as the secondary outcome. Other secondary outcomes include clinical malaria cases, and density of malaria vectors and nuisance after the short rain and long rain. In addition, surveys will be conducted in households with ITENs and ITWS to estimate the intervention’s cost during installation, adverse effects one month after installation, and presence, fabric integrity and user acceptance six and twelve months after installation. Bioefficacy and chemical content will be evaluated twelve months after installation.

Discussion

ITENs and ITWS have been shown in Kenya to reduce indoor mosquito density. However, it is not known if indoor mosquito density reduction translates into reduction of malaria cases. Data from the study will measure the potential public health value of an additional intervention for malaria control at the household level in areas of mosquito insecticide resistance that does not require daily adherence.

Trial registration

The study is registered on ClinicalTrials.gov.
Decreasing delirium through music listening (DDM) in critically ill, mechanically ventilated older adults in the intensive care unit: a two-arm, parallel-group, randomized clinical trial
Authors: Seyffert Sarah , Moiz Salwa , Coghlan Matthew , Balozian Patil , Nasser Jason , Rached Emilio Abi , Jamil Yasser , Naqvi Kiran , Rawlings Lori , Perkins Anthony J. , Gao Sujuan , Hunter J. Downs , Khan Sikandar , Heiderscheit Annie , Chlan Linda L. , Khan Babar
Published: July 2022

Background

Delirium is a highly prevalent and morbid syndrome in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Music is a promising non-pharmacological intervention with beneficial effects on anxiety and stress, while its effects on delirium duration and severity are not well understood.

Methods/design

Our study is a two-arm, randomized parallel-group, clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of music intervention compared to a silence-track attention control on delirium/coma duration in mechanically ventilated critically ill older adults.

One hundred sixty mechanically ventilated adults 50 years of age or older will be randomized to one of two arms within 72 h of ICU admission: (1) 1-h music listening sessions twice daily through noise-canceling headphones, or (2) 1-h sessions of a silence track twice daily through noise-canceling headphones. Our primary aim is to compare delirium/coma-free days after randomization during the 7-day study intervention phase using the Confusion Assessment Method for the ICU (CAM ICU) and the Richmond Agitation Sedation Scale (RASS) for delirium and coma. Secondary outcomes include pain and anxiety evaluated twice daily during the intervention phase and throughout the duration of ICU stay using the Critical Care Pain Observation Tool (CPOT) and visual analog scale-anxiety (VAS-A). Enrolled participants will be followed after hospital discharge to further measure cognition as well as screening for depression and anxiety using the following telephone-based instruments: Indiana University Telephone-Based Assessment of Neuropsychological Status (IU TBANS), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7).

Discussion

This randomized clinical trial will measure the efficacy of a music listening intervention for delirium and coma duration early in the intensive care unit among older adults.

Trial registration.

ClinicalTrials.gov. NCT04182334.
Effects of photobiomodulation on re-epithelialization of burn wound: protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: de Araújo Pereira Venceslau Silvana Cristina , Ferreira Júlia Lacet Silva , Barros Renata Maria Freire , de Morais Ronny Marcos , dos Santos Heleodório Honorato , de Oliveira Valéria Mayaly Alves , de Andrade Palloma Rodrigues
Published: July 2022

Background

Burns are a global public health problem and cause approximately 180,000 deaths annually, mainly in low- and middle-income countries. Topical antibiotics and occlusive dressing are standard treatments for burns not requiring a skin graft. However, physiotherapy has low-cost phototherapeutic and electrophysical resources (e.g., light-emitting diode [LED]) that may accelerate burn healing. This study aims to compare the re-epithelialization rate of second-degree burns, pain, pruritus, skin temperature, quality of wound healing, and scar quality and mobility among individuals undergoing treatment with red LED, infrared LED, and simulated photobiomodulation.

Methods

This is a double-blinded, three-arm parallel-group, randomized controlled superiority trial. Individuals of both sexes, aged over 18 years, and with second-degree burns will be included. The sample will be divided into three groups of 13 individuals: two will receive LED therapy (red or infrared) and one placebo. Pain, pruritus, skin temperature, and wound size will be assessed daily. Interventions will take place until complete healing, when scar mobility and quality will be evaluated. Data will be presented as mean and 95% confidence interval and analyzed using mixed linear models.

Discussion

This randomized controlled trial has minimal risk of bias and intends to identify the ideal type, procedures, and doses of photobiomodulation to heal burns, which are not standardized in clinical practice. Positive results will allow the implementation of the technique in burn and wound guidelines.

Trial registration

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (ReBEC) RBR-8bfznx6. Registered on October 13, 2021
Manual acupuncture as prophylaxis for migraine without aura: study protocol for a multi-center, randomized, single-blinded trial
Authors: Chen Jiao , Zhou Siyuan , Sun Mingsheng , Wang Yanan , Chen Xiaoqin , Guo Taipin , Liu Lu , Luo Jing , Ni Xixiu , Yang Xuguang , Li Dehua , Gao Shan , He Zhenxi , Cai Dingjun , Zhao Ling
Published: July 2022

Background

Migraine is a highly prevalent neurological disorder. It is the third most prevalent disorder and the seventh highest cause of disability worldwide. Acupuncture may be a viable prophylactic treatment option for frequent or uncontrolled migraine. Clinical studies comparing acupuncture and placebo acupuncture have not reached a consistent conclusion in confirming whether acupuncture is effective in migraine prophylaxis. The effect of acupuncture mainly depends on acupoints and needles operation. We found that the design of the placebo acupuncture in previous studies included shallow needling at sham acupoints, non-penetrating needling at sham acupoints, and needling at inactive acupuncture points to achieve the inert effect of control group, but the non-penetrating needling at true acupoints was ignored. This randomized controlled trial aims to use true acupoints for non-penetrating acupuncture as control to evaluate the efficacy of manual acupuncture for the prophylaxis of migraine without aura (MWoA).

Methods/design

This is a single-blinded, randomized, controlled, prospective, multi-center trial with two parallel treatment groups. A total of 198 eligible patients with MWoA will be randomly divided into two groups (1:1 allocation ratio). The intervention group will receive manual acupuncture and the control group will receive placebo acupuncture (non-penetrating). Patients will receive three acupuncture treatment sessions per week for 4 consecutive weeks. All patients will then receive a 12-week follow-up.

Discussion

In this study, we are evaluating the efficacy and safety of manual acupuncture in the prophylaxis of MWoA. The placebo control is using non-penetrating needling verum acupoints. It is essential to determine an appropriate control method to ensure the methodological quality of a randomized controlled trial.

Trial registration

The trial has been registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (approval no. ChiCTR2000032308) in April 2020.
Robotic-Assisted Esophagectomy Leads to Significant Reduction in Postoperative Acute Pain: A Retrospective Clinical Trial
Authors: Hoelzen Jens P. , Sander Karl J. , Sesia Matteo , Roy Dhruvajyoti , Rijcken Emile , Schnabel Alexander , Struecker Benjamin , Juratli Mazen A. , Pascher Andreas
Published: July 2022

Background

Robot-assisted minimally invasive esophagectomy (RAMIE) shows promising results regarding postoperative complications in patients with esophageal cancer. To date, no data are available regarding postoperative analgesic consumption. The aim of this work is to evaluate analgesic consumption after esophagectomy.

Methods

A total of 274 Ivor Lewis esophageal resections performed sequentially from January 2012 to December 2020 were evaluated. RAMIE cases (n = 51) were compared with the hybrid technique (laparoscopic abdominal phase followed by open thoracotomy, n = 59) and open abdominothoracic esophagectomy (OTE) (n = 164). Data were collected retrospectively. The primary endpoint was the overall postoperative morphine consumption, which represents a reliable indirect measurement of pain. Pain levels recorded on the first, third, and fifth postoperative days were assessed as secondary endpoints.

Results

A total of 274 patients were included. The postoperative opioid consumption rate for patients who underwent RAMIE (quartiles: 0.14, 0.23, 0.36 mg morphine milligram equivalents (MME)/kg body weight (bw)/day) was significantly lower than in the open group (0.19, 0.33, 0.58 mg MME/kg bw/day, p = 0.016). The overall postoperative opioid consumption for patients who underwent RAMIE was significantly lower (2.45, 3.63, 7.20 mg MME/kg bw/day; morphine milligram equivalents per kilogram body weight) compared with the open (4.85, 8.59, 14.63 MME/kg bw/day, p < 0.0001) and hybrid (4.13, 6.84, 11.36 MME/kg bw/day, p = 0.008) groups. Patients who underwent RAMIE reported lower pain scores compared with the open group on the fifth postoperative day, both at rest (p = 0.004) and while performing activities (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study shows that patients who underwent RAMIE experienced similar postoperative pain while requiring significantly lower amounts of opioids compared with patients who underwent open and hybrid surgery. Further studies are required to verify the results.
Phenanthrodiazaporphyrins: 1,10-Phenanthroline-Embedded Diazaporphyrin Analogues
Authors: Chan Joseph Y M , Okada Yusuke , Yoshida Satsuki , Kawata Takahiro , Kobayashi Nagao , Ng Dennis K P
Published: July 2022

A series of metal-free and metallo-diazaporphyrin analogues embedded with a 1,10-phenanthroline unit were synthesized and characterized. The molecular structure of the Ni(II) complex determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis confirmed its monocationic character in which the metal center adopts a typical square planar geometry binding with the pyrrole and phenanthroline nitrogen atoms. The spectroscopic and electrochemical studies, as well as molecular orbital calculations suggested that the metal complexes can be classified as 4nπ non-aromatic compounds.
Classroom-Based Physical Activity and On-Task Behavior
Authors: Mahar Matthew T.
Published: July 2022

Schools are valuable locations to promote physical activity because most children are in school for large portions of the day and year. However, the main objective of most schools is to teach academic skills. For school personnel to implement classroom-based physical activity programs, they need to be convinced that these programs will help the students learn better. Teachers understand and value the concept of on-task behavior or paying attention. Without attentional focus, students do not learn. Thus, if research demonstrates that participation in classroom-based physical activity programs enhances on-task behavior, teachers may be more likely to implement these programs. Although on-task behavior in the authentic classroom setting is difficult to measure, the accumulated evidence about the effect of classroom-based physical activity on on-task behavior is convincing. This article presents an overview of measurement issues associated with directly observed on-task behavior in schools and a summary of the key studies that have made a substantial contribution to the literature in this field. Various research designs and statistical comparisons have been used to examine these relationships. Several research studies have included examination of the effect of physical activity on on-task behavior within subgroups of students (e.g., level of attention, sex, fitness, race/ethnicity, and socioeconomic status). In summary, research demonstrates that classroom-based physical activity enhances on-task behavior compared with traditional sedentary learning environments, and this benefit appears to hold for all subgroups of students that have been examined. Specific suggestions to enhance the implementation of classroom-based physical activity and to further develop the research base are provided.
Fault tolerance in fixed-wing aerial robotic systems
Authors: Ζωγόπουλος-Παπαλιάκος Γεώργιος
Published: July 2022

Η παρούσα έρευνα αφορά στο πρόβλημα της ανοχής σε σφάλματα των μη Επανδρωμένων Αεροσκαφών (μηΕΑ), συγκεκριμένα σταθερής πτέρυγας, προσεγγίζοντας το από πολλαπλές πλευρές.Το πρώτο μέρος είναι αφιερωμένο στην διάγνωση βλαβών με στόχο ένα διαγνωστικό σύστημα ανεξάρτητο από την διαμόρφωση του μηΕΑ αλλά ικανό να διατηρήσει όσο το δυνατόν περισσότερη διαγνωστική ικανότητα. Έτσι, ακολουθείται μία συστηματική, βασισμένη στο μοντέλο προσέγγιση.Χρησιμοποιούνται τεχνικές για ποιοτική απλοποίηση οποιουδήποτε λεπτομερούς, μη γραμμικού συστήματος, ώστε να ληφθεί μία αναπαράσταση του συστήματος με γράφο. Έπειτα, το πρόβλημα σχεδιασμού διαγνωστικών σημάτων μετατρέπεται σε ένα πρόβλημα γράφων, που μπορεί να επιλυθεί με θεωρία γραφημάτων. Ταυτόχρονα, λαμβάνονται υπ' όψιν τα ζητήματα που προκύπτουν κατά την εφαρμογή στην πράξη αυτών των διαγνωστικών σημάτων: κατά την επιστροφή από την ποιοτική θεώρηση στην ποσοτική, εξετάζονται οι μετρικές ευρωστίας και ευαισθησίας για τα σήματα αυτά.Το δεύτερο μέρος εκμεταλλεύεται το προτεινόμενο διαγνωστικό σύστημα για να σχεδιάσει ένα σχήμα ελέγχου ανεκτικό σε βλάβες. Υιοθετώντας τη σκοπιά του ελέγχου με περιορισμούς, παρουσιάζεται μία μεθοδολογία που εκφράζει τις δυνατότητες του αεροσκάφους μετά τη βλάβη ως ένα φάκελο πτήσης.Κατόπιν, οι περιορισμοί του φακέλου πτήσης χρησιμοποιούνται ως μέρος ενός πολυεπίπεδου προβλεπτικού ελεγκτή και ενός σχεδιαστή τροχιάς. Στις περιπτώσεις όπου τα σφάλματα δεν μπορούν να αντισταθμιστούν, προτείνονται εναλλακτικοί ελεγκτές.
Τα κοινωνικά δικαιώματα (Δικαιώματα Αλληλεγγύης) μετά τον ευρωπαϊκό χάρτη θεμελιωδών δικαιωμάτων
Authors: Φωτεινάτου Μαρία-Αγγελική
Published: July 2022

Η οικονομική κρίση των τελευταίων ετών και οι προσφυγικές ροές προς την Ευρώπη ανέδειξαν την ανάγκη για αλληλεγγύη μεταξύ των ευρωπαϊκών κρατών, ώστε να διασφαλίσουν τους κοινούς στόχους και την εξέλιξη της Ευρωπαϊκής Ολοκλήρωσης. Τα κοινωνικά δικαιώματα συμπληρώνουν τα ατομικά και πολιτικά δικαιώματα για την εξομάλυνση των κοινωνικών προβλημάτων και ανισοτήτων, σε δημοκρατικές κοινωνίες. Η έννοια της αλληλεγγύης αναφέρεται εκτενώς στην ευρωπαϊκή νομολογία σε διατάξεις της ΣΕΕ και της ΣΛΕΕ, όπως επίσης και στον Ευρωπαϊκό Χάρτη των Θεμελιωδών Δικαιωμάτων. Τα δικαιώματα και οι ελευθερίες του ΕΚΧ και του ΑΕΚΧ αποτέλεσαν τη βάση για τον ΕΧΘΔ, που στο Κεφάλαιο IV η «αλληλεγγύη» αναφέρεται στα κοινωνικά δικαιώματα ως δικαιώματα αλληλεγγύης. Η πρόσφατη διακήρυξη του Πυλώνα των Κοινωνικών Δικαιωμάτων της ΕΕ, το 2017, με συγκεκριμένα δικαιώματα και αρχές, στοχεύει στη βελτίωση της καθημερινότητας των ευρωπαίων πολιτών για την επίτευξη της Κοινωνικής Ευρώπης, που θα βασίζεται στην αλληλεγγύη.
Colombia. Un viaje fotográfico. Las colecciones de Stübel y Reiss (siglo XIX)
Authors: Schuster Sven , Neva Oviedo Jessica Alejandra
Published: July 2022

A inicios de 1868, los vulcanólogos alemanes Alphons Stübel y Wilhelm Reiss arribaron a la costa atlántica de Colombia, la primera estación de su estadía en América del Sur, que duró hasta 1877. En el transcurso del viaje, compraron miles de fotografías, principalmente de ciudades, paisajes y “tipos populares”. Estas imágenes constituyen la colección más importante de fotografías de Sudamérica de mediados del siglo xix. En este estudio pionero, los historiadores Sven Schuster y Jessica Alejandra Neva Oviedo presentan las colecciones de Stübel y Reiss por primera vez en conjunto y se enfocan en las fotografías provenientes de Colombia. A partir de ello, el lector se enterará sobre cómo los viajeros alemanes usaron la fotografía en su obra científica y para documentar su viaje por los Estados Unidos de Colombia y, además, verá quiénes eran los fotógrafos encargados, cómo trabajaron y cuáles eran sus redes profesionales. En este sentido, el propósito de Colombia. Un viaje fotográfico es devolver las imágenes al contexto en el que fueron realizadas, y por ello incluye no solo 160 fotografías de alta calidad, sino también dibujos, litografías, mapas y pinturas. Así pues, esta se constituye como una obra fundamental para el estudio de la cultura visual del siglo xix colombiano.
Investigação sobre o papel das rendas petrolíferas na rota de petróleo da bacia de Campos - Rio de Janeiro – Brasil
Authors: Ribeiro Alcimar Das Chagas
Published: July 2022

Este trabalho avalia a importância das rendas petrolíferas e do investimento público, enquanto variáveis preditoras ou explicativas da variável dependente Valor Adicionado Fiscal (proxy da geração de riqueza), nos municípios da Bacia de Campos, Rio de Janeiro – Brasil, a partir do uso da técnica de regressão linear múltipla. Considerando a hipótese do gasto público como elemento essencial do desenvolvimento econômico, chega-se a resultados frustrantes, a exemplo da exclusão da variável preditiva investimento público em alguns casos, em outros a sua correlação negativa, assim como a definição de coeficientes fracos de correlação entre rendas petrolíferas com a variável dependente. Os resultados fortalecem a tese da existência da “maldição dos recursos” nos municípios beneficiários das rendas petrolíferas da Bacia de Campos.