bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cardiovascular outcomes in children with COVID-19 LMICs: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Amin Mohammad Ashraful , Afrin Sadia , Bonna Atia Sharmin , Rozars Md Faisal Kabir , Hawlader Mohammad Delwer Hossain
Published: February 2023

Background: We do not fully comprehend the medical problems that COVID-19 causes in children. Most children infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus exhibit no symptoms or only minor COVID-19 signs, while a few children develop severe sickness. The main aim of the study is to describe the protocol of a systematic review that will evaluate the available scientific information on the role of the cardiovascular system in the outcomes of children with COVID-19 in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

Methods: Protocols for Preferred Reporting Items in Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses provide the basis for this study. PubMed, Scopus, SciELO, ScienceDirect, COCHRANE, and EMBASE are the databases to be searched from January 2020. Studies will be analyzed in order to obtain the following information: authors, year of publication, location of the research, type of study, sample size and age, clinical manifestations, treatment plan, follow-up duration, important variables, and key findings. Following the preliminary examination conducted by two unbiased review authors, the selected papers will be subjected to the appropriate evaluation in order to be sorted according to the inclusion criteria. Two impartial review authors will also evaluate risk bias using the appropriate techniques. Additionally, evaluation, publication bias analysis, and study heterogeneity evaluation will be carried out.

Results: We anticipate our research will lead to articles that reinforce clinical judgments for the best management of cardiovascular involvement and repercussions in the outcomes of children with COVID-19.

Conclusions: The systematic review will discuss the findings to shed light on the cardiovascular involvement and consequences in children with COVID-19, allowing medical professionals to treat COVID-19 in children with cardiovascular issues better.
Circumstances for treatment and control of invasive Enterobacterales infections in eight hospitals across sub-Saharan Africa: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Aiken Alexander M. , Nyamwaya Brian , Madrid Lola , Edessa Dumessa , Labi Appiah-Korang , Obeng-Nkrumah Noah , Mwabaya William , Chimenya Mabvuto , Cocker Derek , Iregbu Kenneth C. , Princewill-Nwajiobi Philip I. P. , Dramowski Angela , Sonda Tolbert , Mmbaga Blandina Theophil , Ojok David , Fwoloshi Sombo , Scott J Anthony G , Whitelaw Andrew ,   MBIRA study collaborators
Published: February 2023

Background: Bloodstream infections caused by Enterobacterales show high frequency of antimicrobial resistance (AMR) in many Low- and Middle-Income Countries. We aimed to describe the variation in circumstances for management of such resistant infections in a group of African public-sector hospitals participating in a major research study.

Methods: We gathered data from eight hospitals across sub-Saharan Africa to describe hospital services, infection prevention and antibiotic stewardship activities, using two WHO-generated tools. We collected monthly cross-sectional data on availability of antibiotics in the hospital pharmacies for bloodstream infections caused by Enterobacterales. We compared the availability of these antibiotics to actual patient-level use of antibiotics in confirmed Enterobacterales bloodstream infections (BSI).

Results: Hospital circumstances for institutional management of resistant BSI varied markedly. This included self-evaluated infection prevention level (WHO-IPCAF score: median 428, range 155 to 687.5) and antibiotic stewardship activities (WHO stewardship toolkit questions: median 14.5, range 2 to 23). These results did not correlate with national income levels. Across all sites, ceftriaxone and ciprofloxacin were the most consistently available antibiotic agents, followed by amoxicillin, co-amoxiclav, gentamicin and co-trimoxazole. There was substantial variation in the availability of some antibiotics, especially carbapenems, amikacin and piperacillin-tazobactam with degree of access linked to national income level. Investigators described out-of-pocket payments for access to additional antibiotics at 7/8 sites. The in-pharmacy availability of antibiotics correlated well with actual use of antibiotics for treating BSI patients. 

Conclusions: There was wide variation between these African hospitals for a range of important circumstances relating to treatment and control of severe bacterial infections, though these did not all correspond to national income level. For most antibiotics, patient-level use reflected in-hospital drug availability, suggesting external antibiotics supply was infrequent. Antimicrobial resistant bacterial infections could plausibly show different clinical impacts across sub-Saharan Africa due to this contextual variation.
Secondary amyloidosis as a complication of rheumatoid arthritis in a patient with low adherence to treatment
Authors: Nikulina D.
Published: February 2023

A case of secondary amyloidosis in rheumatoid arthritis in a 28-year-old girl who did not receive sufficient basic therapy due to low adherence to treatment is presented. During the course of the disease, proteinuria developed, widespread edema, digestive disorders. The development of symptoms over time, the process of diagnosis, the selection of therapy, rehabilitation are demonstrated.
U Thlen and the Nongshohnoh: Folklore, Experience, and Reality
Authors: Auswyn Winter Japang
Published: February 2023

The need to better understand the supernatural is an ever-engaging aspect of any enquiry into the matter due to the changing paradigms of time and space and the existence of numerous misconceptions and observations concerning the same. Such is a case of the legend of U Thlen and the nongshohnoh phenomenon of Meghalaya, a north-eastern state in the sovereign country of India. U Thlen, an evil mystical being, is described in Khasi legends and recounted in Khasi folklore as an entity thirsty for human blood and never satiated. He was, however, tricked and captured by the Khasi people but never ultimately destroyed. As an act of deception – of reward and mainly revenge, U Thlen promised people riches in exchange for human sacrifice. An existing belief is that U Thlen was adopted by a Khasi household which saw the beginning of the nongshohnoh or the “cut throat” phenomenon. The surrounding belief about the keeping of U Thlen functions on the basis of prevailing social notions that human sacrifice offered to U Thlen equates to riches. While the legend of U Thlen has witnessed transcendence from narratives to lived realities over an incredible part of the history of the Khasi people, the nongshohnoh phenomenon has seen its fair share of criticism with time as well. It is in this regard that this study aims to (re)look into this very phenomenon as a living reality of the Khasi society. This paper also aims to look at existing beliefs and disbeliefs in U Thlen and the nongshohnoh phenomenon in order to arrive at an understanding, proper to the contemporary setting of the Khasi society, in the twenty-first century.
Race and Horror in HBO’s Lovecraft Country
Authors: Woźniak Mariusz
Published: February 2023

This article is an analysis of the HBO series Lovecraft Country in terms of the elements of racism and traditional horror elements present in it, including elements typical of the prose of one of the genre’s creators, H. P. Lovecraft. The purpose of the article is to explore typical horror elements that appear in the series and show how the authors of the series combine traditional horror with the horror of everyday life in the oppressed Black community in 1950s America. At the beginning of the article, the series and its main idea are described. The article then takes up the subject of the portrayal of racism in the series, specific examples of which are presented and discussed in terms of their compatibility with the realities of America at the time. The article also discusses elements related to the antiracism movement – situations presented in the series that exemplify the character’ struggle against racism are shown. Then the otherness depicted in the series is discussed – not only racial otherness, but also gender and sexual otherness; in this part of the article, otherness is given as a reason for oppression by society. The article also explores the use of traditional elements of horror genre in the series – it indicates which scenes in the series use the traditional concepts of the horror genre, and attempts to show which characters in the series function as monsters in the story. At the end of the article, it is explained how the series draws inspiration in the works of Lovecraft, whose name appears in the very title of the series.
Masław, Wałęsa, Wojtyła, czyli chłopska historia Polski
Authors: Kuligowski Waldemar
Published: February 2023

Recenzja książki: Jan Wasiewicz, Pamięć – chłopi – bunt. Transdyscyplinarne badania nad chłopskim dziedzictwem. Historia pamięci pierwszego powstania ludowego na ziemiach polskich, Instytut Wydawniczy Książka i Prasa, Warszawa 2021.
Długie życie klasyki literatury dziecięcej
Authors: Piechota Dariusz
Published: February 2023

Recenzja książki: Maciej Skowera, Carroll, Baum, Barrie. (Mito)biografie i (mikro)historie, Wydawnictwo Universitas, Kraków 2022.
Gustaw Herling-Grudziński – Michaił Heller. Korespondencja w latach 1972–1994
Authors: Piekara Jędrzej
Published: February 2023

Opracowany zbiór listów Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzińskiego i Michaiła Hellera jest zaledwie drobnym świadectwem relacji, jaka połączyła tych dwóch wybitnych intelektualistów – polskiego i rosyjskiego emigranta. Obaj byli niezwykle silnie doświadczeni przez represyjny system sowiecki, jednak u obu z nich znajdujemy silną fascynację kulturą, umysłowością – może wręcz „cywilizacją” – rosyjską. Nie może zatem dziwić, że znajdowali oni wspólne tematy do rozmów i sporów, mieli tych samych znajomych, czytali te same książki. W pewnym sensie każdy z nich odnalazł w drugiej osobie swego rodzaju „bratnią duszę”, partnera intelektualnego a w końcu również przyjaciela.

Korespondencja pełniła w ich relacji raczej rolę uzupełniającą, dodatkową, była tylko jednym z wielu dostępnych sposobów kontaktowania się. Obaj często spotykali się w Paryżu i we Włoszech, słynne stały się „rosyjskie obiady” u Michaiła i Eugenii Hellerów, które Herling bardzo ciepło wspominał. Autor Innego świata, jako współtwórca i jedna z najważniejszych osób w gronie redakcyjnym „Kultury”, miał również stały kontakt z Hellerem-publicystą, drukującym w periodyku Instytutu Literackiego comiesięczne przeglądy prasy sowieckiej. Polski emigrant pisał również dwukrotnie przedmowy do książek Rosjanina. Ważnym elementem w korespondencji – a zapewne również w ich życiu – było wzajemne pośredniczenie w kontaktach z osobami trzecimi: poprzez przekazywanie namiarów, listów, artykułów czy wycinków prasowych.

Mimo że „wybrakowana”, zawierająca oczywiste „dziury” (czy to spowodowane zaginięciem listów, czy też po prostu urwaniem ich wymiany) korespondencja pokazuje jednak, w jaki sposób ewoluowała znajomość Michaiła Hellera i Gustawa Herlinga-Grudzińskiego. Stanowi ważne źródła dla odtworzenia fragmentów biografii ich obu i – w szerszym kontekście – mówi nam nieco o stosunkach wewnątrz środowiska „Kultury”, również o kontaktach tego środowiska z emigracją rosyjską.
Tablicowe epitafium Stanisława Chroberskiego w katedrze sandomierskiej oraz Stanisław Tarło – jego fundator związany z Krosnem
Authors: Łopatkiewicz Piotr
Published: February 2023

Epitafium Stanisława Chroberskiego w katedrze sandomierskiej, powstałe około 1520 roku w malarskim środowisku Krakowa, należy do najcenniejszych zabytków malarstwa tablicowego z przełomu średniowiecza i czasów nowożytnych. Od lat było przedmiotem licznych publikacji i wzmianek w literaturze naukowej. Ostatnia konserwacja tego dzieła, przeprowadzona w roku 2015, stała się okazją do przeprowadzenia szczegółowych badań oraz przygotowania nowoczesnej monografii tego zabytku. Nie bez znaczenia dla miejsca publikacji tego artykułu pozostaje fundator epitafium – ówczesny sekretarz królewski Stanisław Tarło, który jako biskup przemyski ostatnie lata spędził w Krośnie, tu umarł w roku 1544 i został pochowany w miejscowym kościele parafialnym.

Żaden z dotychczasowych autorów zajmujących się epitafium Chroberskiego nie zadał sobie trudu by ustalić, czy obecny kształt dzieła istotnie uznać należy za pierwotny. Nikt nie podjął również próby zrekonstruowania okoliczności, w których dzieło to zostało zamówione, ani nie zadał pytania, czy kamienna płyta z tekstem inskrypcji epitafijnej, wmurowana w filar nawy, istotnie może być rozpatrywana w kontekście jednoczasowej fundacji wraz z obrazem tablicowym.

Badania autora artykułu dowodzą, że elementy składające się na obecny kształt artystyczny zabytku nie stanowiły pierwotnie jednej całości. Obraz w zwieńczeniu i w predelli to zdekompletowane części nastawy ołtarzowej, najpewniej o charakterze tryptyku, powstałe w pracowni anonimowego malarza małopolskiego zwanego Mistrzem Poliptyku w Szyku. W bliżej nieokreślonym czasie, być może dopiero w 2. poł. XIX wieku, zostały one wtórnie połączone z obrazem tablicowym, wybitnym dziełem malarstwa krakowskiego z początku lat 20. XVI wieku, stanowiącym pierwotnie centralną częścią epitafium Stanisława Chroberskiego. W ten sposób powstał rodzaj imitacji jednoosiowego retabulum ołtarzowego zawieszonego na jednym z kamiennych filarów nawy katedry sandomierskiej. W takim kształcie struktura ta przetrwała do czasów nam współczesnych i przez wszystkich dotychczasowych badaczy – choć zupełnie niesłusznie – była traktowana jako zespół artystycznie jednorodny.
Service user and carer involvement in online interprofessional learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Coleman Tracy , Bennett-Weston Amber , Sy Michael , Greaves Jane , Anderson Elizabeth S
Published: February 2023

Patients, service users and carers are now expected to contribute to teaching health and social care students in all professions. This follows policy directives driven by a review of failings in NHS standards for patient involvement in all aspects of health and social care. Patient and carer contributions to interprofessional education hold fast to values for patient/carer-centred care. This article discusses the context to service user and carer involvement in health professions education, drawing on current evidence and with considerations for midwifery students. A case study of a well-established carer's session is presented, drawing on the input of a mother, which was continued online during the pandemic. It was ensured that this important learning was not lost when teaching became remote, relying on technology-enhanced learning methods. These adaptations depend on long-standing patient partnerships between faculty in higher education institutions and patients/carers who must feel safe and trust the teaching context where they contribute to student learning. Effective learning can be maintained in online environments to ensure the patient voice remains central to health professions training.
Students stand at the door: exploring views on professionalism in midwifery spaces
Authors: Lewitt Moira , McEwan Thomas
Published: February 2023

Background/Aims

Midwifery students learn and adopt complex professional behaviours in a variety of academic and clinical settings throughout their educational journey. The aims of this study were to explore how midwifery students understand the concept of professionalism and how their professional identity develops during midwifery education.

Methods

A conversation about professionalism with a group of final year midwifery students was transcribed ‘in the moment’ and immediately performed to the group as poetry. Themes emerging from analysis of the conversation are also presented as poetry.

Results

Midwifery students, moving between university and practice, emphasised the importance of close connections between these spaces and the role models in them, for learning. External constraints generated a sense of fear and stress that was seen to limit midwives' ability to properly support the needs of ‘their woman’.

Conclusions

The notion of ‘spaces’ is important in maternity care and developing education for future midwives. Poetry is a useful multidimensional tool in research.
Sustainability of Entonox in obstetrics: a qualitative study
Authors: Kelly Catherine , Raju Pavan , Smith Tim , Fioratou Evridiki
Published: February 2023

Background/Aims

Nitrous oxide is a potent greenhouse gas widely used in childbirth in the form of Entonox. In this study, its use was investigated because of its negative climate effect. The study aimed to identify and investigate midwives' use of Entonox in the labour ward of a tertiary Scottish hospital.

Methods

This qualitative service evaluation was conducted using semi-structured interviews with 10 midwives and an environmental sustainability manager. Thematic analysis using combined deductive and inductive approaches were used to analyse the data.

Results

Deductive analysis revealed all six work systems factors from the system engineering initiative for patient safety framework to be pertinent to Entonox use in the labour ward, with specific influences and perceived outcomes of Entonox use found through inductive analysis.

Conclusions

A reduction in Entonox use would be difficult, but changes have been recommended to raise awareness among healthcare staff of Entonox risks and create a more environmentally sustainable work system.
Informed consent in medical aesthetics
Authors: Docherty Cara , McCartney Natalie
Published: February 2023

Cara Docherty and Natalie McCartney advise on the importance of obtaining informed consent prior to cosmetic treatments and offer guidance on the consent process
Bâkî Dîvânı’nın Yeni Bir Nüshası ve Bâkî’nin Dîvân Neşirlerinde Bulunmayan Şiirleri
Authors: KÖKSAL Mehmet Fatih
Published: February 2023

Klasik Türk şiirinin en parlak devri XVI. yüzyıl, bu asrın ilim, sanat ve edebiyat merkezi İstanbul, İstanbul’da devrin en büyük şairi de Bâkî’dir. Devrinde “Sultânu’ş-şu’arâ” olarak tanınan Bâkî’nin şiirleri, özellikle de gazelleri, Dîvân’ının yazma nüshalarından başka yüzlerce şiir mecmuasına da kaydedilmiştir. Şiir mecmualarında ve mecmualar kadar olmasa da kimi Dîvân nüshalarında
Bâkî’nin yayımlanmamış şiirleri çıkabilmektedir. M. Fatih Köksal’ın şahsî kütüphanesinde bulunan bir Bâkî Dîvânı nüshasında, şairin bilinmeyen 6 gazel, 1 kıt’a, 13 matla-müfred olmak üzere 20
şiiri mevcuttur. Köksal nüshasının ilginç bir özelliği de, derkenarlarında, bazılarının adı kaynaklarda geçmeyen 17 şairin 24 naziresinin kaydedilmiş olmasıdır. Bu makalede, Bâkî’nin, kimi şiir mecmualarında yer aldığı hâlde Dîvân nüshalarında yer almayan şiirlerinin varlığına dair değerlendirmeler yapıldıktan sonra söz konusu Dîvân nüshası tanıtılacak ve neşredilmemiş 20 şiirin transkripsiyonlu metni yayımlanacaktır. Dîvân nüshalarında bulunmayan ancak kimi çalışmalarla gün yüzüne çıkarılmış şiirlerin ise matla beyitlerine yer vermekle yetinilecektir.
The Free-Gliding screw for slipped capital femoral epiphysis
Authors: Buchan Stephanie J. , Lindisfarne Edward A. , Stabler Annabelle , Barry Matthew , Gent Edward D. , Bennet Simon , Aarvold Alexander
Published: February 2023

Aims

Fixation techniques used in the treatment of slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE) that allow continued growth of the femoral neck, rather than inducing epiphyseal fusion in situ, have the advantage of allowing remodelling of the deformity. The aims of this study were threefold: to assess whether the Free-Gliding (FG) SCFE screw prevents further slip; to establish whether, in practice, it enables lengthening and gliding; and to determine whether the age of the patient influences the extent of glide.

Methods

All patients with SCFE who underwent fixation using FG SCFE screws after its introduction at our institution, with minimum three years’ follow-up, were reviewed retrospectively as part of ongoing governance. All pre- and postoperative radiographs were evaluated. The demographics of the patients, the grade of slip, the extent of lengthening of the barrel of the screw and the restoration of Klein’s line were recorded. Subanalysis was performed according to sex and age.

Results

A total of 19 hips in 13 patients were included. The mean age of the patients at the time of surgery was 11.5 years (9 to 13) and the mean follow-up was 63 months (45 to 83). A total of 13 FG SCFE screws were used for the fixation of mild or moderate SCFE, with six contralateral prophylactic fixations. No hip with SCFE showed a further slip after fixation and there were no complications. Lengthening occurred in 15 hips (79%), with a mean lengthening of the barrel of 6.8 mm (2.5 to 13.6) at final follow-up. Remodelling occurred in all hips with lengthening of the barrel. There was statistically more lengthening in patients who were aged < 12 years, regardless of sex (p = 0.002).

Conclusion

The FG SCFE screw is effective in preventing further slip in patients with SCFE. Lengthening of the barrel occurred in most hips, and thus allowed remodelling. This was most marked in younger children, regardless of sex. Based on this study, this device should be considered for use in patients with SCFE aged < 12 years instead of standard pinning in situ. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):215–219.
Olecranon fractures
Authors: Duckworth Andrew D. , Carter Thomas H. , Chen Michael J. , Gardner Michael J. , Watts Adam C.
Published: February 2023

Despite being one of the most common injuries around the elbow, the optimal treatment of olecranon fractures is far from established and stimulates debate among both general orthopaedic trauma surgeons and upper limb specialists. It is almost universally accepted that stable non-displaced fractures can be safely treated nonoperatively with minimal specialist input. Internal fixation is recommended for the vast majority of displaced fractures, with a range of techniques and implants to choose from. However, there is concern regarding the complication rates, largely related to symptomatic metalwork resulting in high rates of implant removal. As the number of elderly patients sustaining these injuries increases, we are becoming more aware of the issues associated with fixation in osteoporotic bone and the often fragile soft-tissue envelope in this group. Given this, there is evidence to support an increasing role for nonoperative management in this high-risk demographic group, even in those presenting with displaced and/or multifragmentary fracture patterns. This review summarizes the available literature to date, focusing predominantly on the management techniques and available implants for stable fractures of the olecranon. It also offers some insights into the potential avenues for future research, in the hope of addressing some of the pertinent questions that remain unanswered.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):112–123.
Is it time to reconsider the indications for surgery in patients with tennis elbow?
Authors: Karjalainen Teemu , Buchbinder Rachelle
Published: February 2023

Tennis elbow (lateral epicondylitis or lateral elbow tendinopathy) is a self-limiting condition in most patients. Surgery is often offered to patients who fail to improve with conservative treatment. However, there is no evidence to support the superiority of surgery over continued nonoperative care or no treatment. New evidence also suggests that the prognosis of tennis elbow is not influenced by the duration of symptoms, and that there is a 50% probability of recovery every three to four months. This finding challenges the belief that failed nonoperative care is an indication for surgery. In this annotation, we discuss the clinical and research implications of the benign clinical course of tennis elbow.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(2):109–111.
Flora da Bahia: Magnoliaceae
Authors: Oliveira Reyjane Patricia de , Carneiro-Torres Daniela Santos , Giulietti Ana Maria , Azevedo Cecília Oliveira de
Published: February 2023

The flora of the Magnoliaceae from Bahia, Brazil, is presented. Magnolia brasiliensis is the only native species in the state. Descriptions of the family, genus and species, illustrations, a distribution map and general notes are presented.
Thin flexible multi-octave metamaterial absorber for millimeter wavelengths
Authors: Pisano Giampaolo , Dunscombe Christopher , Hargrave Peter , Shitvov Alexey , Tucker Carole
Published: February 2023

The development of radiation-absorbent materials and devices for millimeter and submillimeter astronomy instruments is a research area of significant interest that has substantial engineering challenges. Alongside a low-profile structure and ultra-wideband performance in a wide range of angles of incidence, advanced absorbers in cosmic microwave background (CMB) instruments are aimed at reducing optical systematics, notably instrument polarization, far beyond previously achievable specifications. This paper presents a metamaterial-inspired flat conformable absorber design operating in a wide frequency range of 80–400 GHz. The structure comprises a combination of subwavelength metal-mesh capacitive and inductive grids and dielectric layers, using the magnetic mirror concept for a large bandwidth. The overall stack thickness is a quarter of the longest operating wavelength and is close to the theoretical limit stipulated by Rozanov’s criterion. The test device is designed to operate at a 22.5° incidence. The iterative numerical-experimental design procedure of the new metamaterial absorber is discussed in detail, as well as the practical challenges of its manufacture. A well-established mesh-filter fabrication process has been successfully employed for prototype fabrication, which ensures cryogenic operation of the hot-pressed quasi-optical devices. The final prototype, extensively tested in quasi-optical testbeds using a Fourier transform spectrometer and a vector network analyzer, demonstrated performance closely matching the finite-element analysis simulations; that is, greater than 99% absorbance for both polarizations, with only a 0.2% difference, across the frequency band of 80-400 GHz. The angular stability for up to ±10∘ has been confirmed by simulations. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first successful implementation of a low-profile, ultra-wideband metamaterial absorber for this frequency range and operating conditions.
Rayleigh-based segmentation of ISAR images
Authors: Javadi S. Hamed , Sahli Hichem , Bourdoux André
Published: February 2023

Inverse synthetic aperture radar (ISAR) provides a solution to increase the radar angular resolution by observing a moving target over time. The high-resolution ISAR image should undergo a segmentation step to get the target’s point cloud data, which is then used for classification purposes. Existing segmentation algorithms seek an optimal threshold in an iterative manner, which adds to the complexity of ISAR and results in an increase in the processing time. In this paper, we take advantage of the distribution of the ISAR image intensity, which is based on the Rayleigh distribution, and obtain an explicit relationship for the optimal segmentation threshold. The proposed segmentation algorithm alleviates the requirement for iterative optimization and its efficiency is shown using both simulated and experimental ISAR images.
Generalized Hough Transform for 3D Object Recognition and Visualization in Integral Imaging
Authors: Fernández Ariel , Umpiérrez Julieta , Alonso Julia
Published: February 2023

Object recognition is an automated image processing application of great interest in areas ranging from defect inspection to robot vision. In this regard, the Generalized Hough Transform is a well-established technique for the recognition of geometrical features even when they are partially occluded or corrupted by noise. In order to extend the original algorithm -aimed
at detecting 2D geometrical features out of single images- we propose the Robust Integral Generalized Hough Transform which corresponds to the transformation under Generalized Hough Transform of an array of Elemental Images taken from a 3D scene in Integral Imaging capture. The proposed algorithm constitutes a robust approach to pattern recognition in 3D scenes that takes into account information obtained not only from the individual processing of each image of the array but also from the spatial restrictions arising from perspective shifts between images. The problem of global detection of a 3D object of given size, position and orientation is then exchanged under Robust Integral Generalized Hough Transform for a more
easily solved maxima detection in an accumulation (Hough) space dual to the array of Elemental Images of the scene. Detected objects can then be visualized following refocusing schemes of Integral Imaging. Validation experiments for the detection and visualization of partially occluded three-dimensional objects are presented. To the best of our knowledge this is the first implementation of Generalized Hough Transform for 3D object detection in Integral Imaging.
Identity management in the face of HIV and intersecting stigmas: A metasynthesis of qualitative reports from sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Bergman Alanna J. , McNabb Katherine C. , Mlandu Khaya , Akumbom Alvine , Flores Dalmacio Dennis
Published: February 2023

While stigma experienced by people living with HIV (PLWH) is well documented, intersectional stigma and additional stigmatized identities have not received similar attention. The purpose of this metasynthesis is to identify salient stigmatized intersections and their impact on health outcomes in PLWH in sub-Saharan Africa. Using Sandelowski and Barroso’s metasynthesis method, we searched four databases for peer-reviewed qualitative literature. Included studies (1) explored personal experiences with intersecting stigmas, (2) included ≥1 element of infectious disease stigma, and (3) were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa. Our multinational team extracted, aggregated, interpreted, and synthesized the findings. From 454 screened abstracts, the 34 studies included in this metasynthesis reported perspectives of at least 1258 participants (282 men, 557 women, and 109 unspecified gender) and key informants. From these studies, gender and HIV was the most salient stigmatized intersection, with HIV testing avoidance and HIV-status denial seemingly more common among men to preserve traditional masculine identity. HIV did not threaten female identity in the same way with women more willing to test for HIV, but at the risk of abandonment and withdrawal of financial support. To guard against status loss, men and women used performative behaviors to highlight positive qualities or minimize perceived negative attributes. These identity management practices ultimately shaped health behaviors and outcomes. From this metasynthesis, the Stigma Identity Framework was devised for framing identity and stigma management, focusing on role expectation and fulfillment. This framework illustrates how PLWH create, minimize, or emphasize other identity traits to safeguard against status loss and discrimination. Providers must acknowledge how stigmatization disrupts PLWH’s ability to fit into social schemas and tailor care to individuals’ unique intersecting identities. Economic security and safety should be considered in women’s HIV care, while highlighting antiretrovirals’ role in preserving strength and virility may improve care engagement among men.
Factors associated with the uptake of Intermittent Preventive Treatment (IPTp-SP) for malaria in pregnancy: Further analysis of the 2018 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey
Authors: Kalu Godwin Okeke , Francis Joel Msafiri , Ibisomi Latifat , Chirwa Tobias , Kagura Juliana
Published: February 2023

Pregnancy-associated malaria is preventable and curable with intermittent preventive treatment with Sulfodoxine-Pyrimethamine (IPTp-SP). However, despite the effectiveness of IPTp-SP against malaria in pregnancy, the uptake among pregnant women in Nigeria remains very low. Thus, this study aimed to establish the factors associated with the uptake of at least one dose and optimal doses of IPTp-SP among pregnant women aged 15 to 49 years living in Nigeria in 2018. The study included 12,742 women aged 15 to 49 years with live births two years before or during the 2018 Nigeria Demographic Health Survey (NDHS) in the analysis. Descriptive analysis was carried out to determine the prevalence of IPTp-SP uptake. Multivariable logistic regression was used to establish the factors associated with receiving IPTp-SP during pregnancy, adjusting for possible confounding factors. Given the complex survey design, all analyses are adjusted for sampling weight, stratification, and clustering. The p-value of <0.05 was considered significant. In 2018, the prevalence of at least one dose of IPTp-SP was 63.6% (95% CI:62.0–65.1), and optimal doses of IPTp-SP were 16.8% (95% CI:15.8–17.8) during pregnancy. After the multivariable analysis, age group, region, frequency of ANC visits, belief in IPTp-SP effectiveness, and morbidity caused by malaria predicted the uptake of at least one IPTp-SP dose. Similar maternal characteristics, including household wealth index, spouse’s educational level, and media exposure were significantly associated with taking optimal IPTp-SP doses. For instance, women in the wealthiest households whose husbands had secondary education predicted a four-fold increase in uptake of at least one IPTp-SP dose (aOR:4.17; 95% CI:1.11–8.85). The low prevalence and regional variations of IPTp-SP uptake in the study area imply that most pregnant women in Nigeria are at substantial risk of pregnancy-associated malaria. Therefore, stakeholders should explore context-specific strategies to improve the IPTp-SP coverage across the regions in Nigeria.
Global trends in antimicrobial use in food-producing animals: 2020 to 2030
Authors: Mulchandani Ranya , Wang Yu , Gilbert Marius , Van Boeckel Thomas P.
Published: February 2023

Use of antimicrobials in farming has enabled the growth of intensive animal production and helped in meeting the global increase in demand for animal protein. However, the widespread use of veterinary antimicrobials drives antimicrobial resistance, with important consequences for animal health, and potentially human health. Global monitoring of antimicrobial use is essential: first, to track progress in reducing the reliance of farming on antimicrobials. Second, to identify countries where antimicrobial-stewardship efforts should be targeted to curb antimicrobial resistance. Data on usage of antimicrobials in food animals were collected from 42 countries. Multivariate regression models were used in combination with projections of animal counts for cattle, sheep, chicken, and pigs from the Food and Agriculture Organization to estimate global antimicrobial usage of veterinary antimicrobials in 2020 and 2030. Maps of animal densities were used to identify geographic hotspots of antimicrobial use. In each country, estimates of antimicrobial use (tonnes) were calibrated to match continental-level reports of antimicrobial use intensity (milligrams per kilogram of animal) from the World Organization for Animal Health, as well as country-level reports of antimicrobial use from countries that made this information publicly available. Globally, antimicrobial usage was estimated at 99,502 tonnes (95% CI 68,535–198,052) in 2020 and is projected, based on current trends, to increase by 8.0% to 107,472 tonnes (95% CI: 75,927–202,661) by 2030. Hotspots of antimicrobial use were overwhelmingly in Asia (67%), while <1% were in Africa. Findings indicate higher global antimicrobial usage in 2030 compared to prior projections that used data from 2017; this is likely associated with an upward revision of antimicrobial use in Asia/Oceania (~6,000 tonnes) and the Americas (~4,000 tonnes). National-level reporting of antimicrobial use should be encouraged to better evaluate the impact of national policies on antimicrobial use levels.
Activity impairment, health-related quality of life, productivity, and self-reported resource use and associated costs of uncomplicated urinary tract infection among women in the United States
Authors: Thompson Jeffrey , Marijam Alen , Mitrani-Gold Fanny S. , Wright Jonathon , Joshi Ashish V.
Published: February 2023

Background

Uncomplicated urinary tract infections (uUTIs) are among the most common infections in the US. Only a few studies, however, describe the impact of uUTIs from the patient perspective.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey of US women aged ≥18 years was performed assessing uUTI burden regarding activity impairment, health-related quality of life (HRQoL), workplace productivity, healthcare resource use (HRU), and costs. Participants who self-reported a uUTI in the prior 60 days treated with ≥1 oral antibiotic were included. Activity impairment was assessed with the Activity Impairment Assessment scale. HRQoL was assessed using a modified Short Form 36 (SF-36). Direct costs were sum of out-of-pocket expenditures and monetized HRU; indirect costs were calculated using Work Productivity and Activity Impairment (WPAI). Participants were stratified by uUTI recurrence, number of prescribed antibiotics for recent uUTI and therapy appropriateness (1 first-line/1 second-line/multiple antibiotics). Multivariable regression analysis assessed the relationship between stratifications and outcomes while controlling for demographic/clinical characteristics. Propensity score matching was used to compare participants to a matched population from the 2020 National Health and Wellness Survey (NHWS), to control for any impact of COVID-19 on responses.

Results

Among 375 participants, impaired activities included sexual intercourse (66.9%), sleep (60.8%) and exercise (52.3%). HRQoL was worse (p<0.0001) than the NHWS population (46.4 vs. 51.3 [physical component score]; 40.0 vs. 46.9 [mental component score]; 0.63 vs. 0.72 [health utility index]). All included WPAI assessments were worse for uUTI cohort vs. NHWS (p<0.0001). Adjusted direct costs were higher for participants receiving 2 vs. 1 antibiotic ($2090 vs. $776; p<0.0001) and receiving multiple antibiotics vs. 1 first-line ($1642 vs. $875; p = 0.002). Recurrent uUTI was associated with increased activity impairment, worse HRQoL, and costs vs. non-recurrent.

Conclusions

uUTIs were associated with increased activity impairment, worse productivity, and reduced HRQoL. Higher costs were found vs. a matched population.
Post quantum blockchain architecture for internet of things over NTRU lattice
Authors: Yuan Bo , Wu Faguo , Zheng Zhiming
Published: February 2023

The Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain, the hottest frontier technologies in recent years, are expected to lead the next technological revolution. Blockchain promises to solve the current challenges encountered by the IoT. However, most of the proposed blockchain-based IoT architectures, which are based on discrete logarithm or large integer factorization problems, are susceptible to quantum attacks. Several quantum-resistant blockchain schemes have recently been proposed. However, the efficiency of their construction or the equipment required is not satisfactory. In this paper, to construct a more efficient postquantum blockchain infrastructure, we propose blockchain architecture for the IoT over the NTRU lattice and provide a cryptographic security proof of the scheme. Attributed to the more efficient underlying lattice structure, our scheme has excellent performance when compared to the existing quantum-resistant blockchain scheme, and we reduce the transaction size from hundreds of megabytes to several kilobytes. To further improve the blockchain’s performance, we present the general framework of segregated witnesses and aggregate signatures over the NTRU lattice. Our scheme promises a blockchain solution for resource-constrained environments.
Hmong microbiome ANd Gout, Obesity, Vitamin C (HMANGO-C): A phase II clinical study protocol
Authors: Wen Ya-Feng , Culhane-Pera Kathleen A. , Pergament Shannon L. , Moua Yeng , Vue Bai , Yang Toua , Lo Muaj , Sun Boguang , Knights Dan , Straka Robert J.
Published: February 2023

Background

Hmong men in Minnesota exhibit a high prevalence of gout and hyperuricemia. Although evidence of vitamin C’s effectiveness as a treatment for gout is mixed, analysis of therapeutic benefit based on an individual’s multiomic signature may identify predictive markers of treatment success.

Objectives

The primary objective of theHmongMicrobiomeANdGout,Obesity, VitaminC(HMANGO-C) study was to assess the effectiveness of vitamin C on serum urate in Hmong adults with and without gout/hyperuricemia. The secondary objectives were to assess if 1) vitamin C impacts the taxonomic and functional patterns of microbiota; 2) taxonomic and functional patterns of microbiota impact vitamin C’s urate-lowering effects; 3) genetic variations impact vitamin C’s urate-lowering effects; 4) differential microbial biomarkers exist for patients with or without gout; and 5) there is an association between obesity, gut microbiota and gout/hyperuricemia.

Methods

This prospective open-labelled clinical trial was guided by community-based participatory research principles and conducted under research safety restrictions for SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to enroll a convenient sample of 180 Hmong adults (120 with gout/hyperuricemia and 60 without gout/hyperuricemia) who provided medical, demographic, dietary and anthropometric information. Participants took vitamin C 500mg twice daily for 8 weeks and provided pre-and post- samples of blood and urine for urate measurements as well as stool samples for gut microbiome. Salivary DNA was also collected for genetic markers relevant to uric acid disposition.

Expected results

We expected to quantify the impact of vitamin C on serum urate in Hmong adults with and without gout/hyperuricemia. The outcome will enhance our understanding of how gut microbiome and genomic variants impact the urate-lowering of vitamin C and associations between obesity, gut microbiota and gout/hyperuricemia. Ultimately, findings may improve our understanding of the causes and potential interventions that could be used to address health disparities in the prevalence and management of gout in this underserved population.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04938024(first posted: 06/24/2021).
Effects of post oak (Quercus stellata) and smooth brome (Bromus inermis) competition on water uptake and root partitioning of eastern redcedar (Juniperus virginiana)
Authors: Hamati Samia , Medeiros Juliana S. , Ward David
Published: February 2023

Eastern redcedarJuniperus virginianais encroaching into new habitats, which will affect native ecosystems as this species competes with other plants for available resources, including water. We designed a greenhouse experiment to investigate changes in soil moisture content and rooting depths of two-year-oldJ.virginianasaplings growing with or without competition. We had four competition treatments: 1) none, 2) with a native tree (Quercus stellata), 3) with an invasive grass (Bromus inermis), and 4) with bothQ.stellataandB.inermis. We measured soil moisture content over two years as well as root length, total biomass, relative water content, midday water potential, and mortality at the end of the experiment. WhenJ.virginianaandB.inermisgrew together, water depletion occurred at both 30–40 cm and 10–20 cm. Combined with root length results, we can infer thatJ.virginianamost likely took up water from the deeper layers whereasB.inermisused water from the top layers. We found a similar pattern of water depletion and uptake whenJ.virginianagrew withQ.stellata, indicating thatJ.virginianatook up water from the deeper layers andQ.stellataused water mostly from the top soil layers. When the three species grew together, we found root overlap betweenJ.virginianaandQ.stellata. Despite the root overlap, our relative water content and water potential indicate thatJ.virginianawas not water stressed in any of the plant combinations. Regardless,J.virginianasaplings had less total biomass in treatments withB.inermisand we recorded a significantly higher mortality whenJ.virginianagrew with both competitors. Root overlap and partitioning can affect howJ.virginianaperform and adapt to new competitors and can allow their co-existence with grasses and other woody species, which can facilitateJ.virginianaencroachment into grasslands and woodlands. Our data also show that competition with bothQ.stellataandB.inermiscould limit establishment, regardless of water availability.
The perceived impact of homelessness on health during pregnancy and the postpartum period: A qualitative study carried out in the metropolitan area of Nantes, France
Authors: Borghi Giulio , Caillet Pascal , Devriendt Sylvaine , Lebeaupin Maxime , Poirier Maud , Poveda Juan-Diego
Published: February 2023

The number of homeless people has been constantly increasing in Europe over recent years, as well as the proportion of women among the homeless population. Pregnancy can increase the risk of becoming homeless and, on the other hand, homelessness has been widely connected to adverse perinatal outcomes. The objective of this study was to describe the overall perceived impact of homelessness on health during pregnancy and the postpartum period, using a qualitative research approach to prioritize women’s perspective. One-time semi structured interviews were conducted with 10 pregnant women and 10 women in the postpartum period experiencing homelessness in the metropolitan area of Nantes, as well as with six people from their social surroundings. A thematic analysis was performed to identify major themes and sub-themes. Homelessness was perceived as having an overall negative impact on all aspects of health (physical health, mental health, and social well-being) during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Stress and anxiety, food insecurity, social isolation, physical suffering, deterioration of chronic diseases, and pregnancy complications, were the main perceived consequences of homelessness on health. On the other hand, social support, and the “welcomeness” of healthcare professionals during pregnancy and the postpartum period were identified as capable of palliating those consequences. Finally, basic needs, such as having access to suitable housing, being independent, and being in good health, were identified by participants in the study as their main priorities. The results of this study, as well as those found by previous research, allowed us to identify possible axes in tackling homelessness and its complex consequences on health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Housing and income assistance interventions, promoting social support and employment, outreach services enhancing collaborative networks among healthcare service providers, and integrating coordinated multidisciplinary approaches in primary care have shown to provide promising solutions to this issue.