bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and electromagnetic characteristics of MnFe2O4/TiO2 composite material
Authors: Jiang Fei , Wei Xiaoxiao , Zheng Ji
Published: October 2022

The development of absorbing materials with a wide frequency band is still challenging. Here we successfully fabricated the MnFe2O4/TiO2 composite powder through the micro-emulsion method. We characterized the phase structures, morphologies, particle size, and chemical compositions of MnFe2O4/TiO2 composite powders, and measured the microwave absorption capacity as well. The MnFe2O4/TiO2 composite powders present a coating structure. The microwave absorption test revealed that the maximum microwave loss reaches −38.6 dB at a thickness of 3.05 mm and the corresponding bandwidth is about 4 GHz in the ranges from 7.8 to11.4 GHz. The excellent performance is attributed to the high surface area endowed by the coating structure. This research provided an alternative route for the preparation of high bandwidth electromagnetic wave absorbing materials.
Financing governance beyond the state: Informal revenue generation in south-central Somalia
Authors: van den Boogaard Vanessa , Santoro Fabrizio
Published: October 2022

Individuals in low-income countries often contribute significantly to financing local public goods through informal taxation. However, there is limited understanding of how informal revenue generation relates to formal tax and governing institutions. We explore the relationship between informal revenue generation, public finance, and the state in the Gedo region in south-central Somalia, relying on original data from surveys with 2,300 households and 117 community leaders. Our evidence shows that informal revenue generation by non-armed actors in Gedo is prevalent, with informal payments deeply embedded within clan-based and Islamic institutions and rooted in a long history of decentralized political authority and self-reliance in the region. We argue that in such a context, rather than explaining how or why things ‘work’ outside of the state, it may be more relevant and valuable to consider decentralized non-state public authority as the default referent, with a need only to explain the puzzle of pockets of state effectiveness. Governance largely operates outside the state, with citizens playing a pivotal role in directly financing local governance institutions and public goods provision. These findings have important implications for our understanding of statehood and public finance in contexts of weak formal institutions.
CReSIL: accurate identification of extrachromosomal circular DNA from long-read sequences
Authors: Wanchai Visanu , Jenjaroenpun Piroon , Leangapichart Thongpan , Arrey Gerard , Burnham Charles M , Tümmler Maria C , Delgado-Calle Jesus , Regenberg Birgitte , Nookaew Intawat
Published: October 2022

Extrachromosomal circular DNA (eccDNA) of chromosomal origin is found in many eukaryotic species and cell types, including cancer, where eccDNAs with oncogenes drive tumorigenesis. Most studies of eccDNA employ short-read sequencing for their identification. However, short-read sequencing cannot resolve the complexity of genomic repeats, which can lead to missing eccDNA products. Long-read sequencing technologies provide an alternative to constructing complete eccDNA maps. We present a software suite, Construction-based Rolling-circle-amplification for eccDNA Sequence Identification and Location (CReSIL), to identify and characterize eccDNA from long-read sequences. CReSIL’s performance in identifying eccDNA, with a minimum F1 score of 0.98, is superior to the other bioinformatic tools based on simulated data. CReSIL provides many useful features for genomic annotation, which can be used to infer eccDNA function and Circos visualization for eccDNA architecture investigation. We demonstrated CReSIL’s capability in several long-read sequencing datasets, including datasets enriched for eccDNA and whole genome datasets from cells containing large eccDNA products. In conclusion, the CReSIL suite software is a versatile tool for investigating complex and simple eccDNA in eukaryotic cells.
Exploring variation in surgical practice: does surgeon personality influence anastomotic decision-making?
Authors: Bisset Carly N , Ferguson Eamonn , MacDermid Ewan , Stein Sharon L , Yassin Nuha , Dames Nicola , Keller Deborah S , Oliphant Raymond , Parson Simon H , Cleland Jennifer , Moug Susan J
Published: October 2022

Background

Decision-making under uncertainty may be influenced by an individual’s personality. The primary aim was to explore associations between surgeon personality traits and colorectal anastomotic decision-making.

Methods

Colorectal surgeons worldwide participated in a two-part online survey. Part 1 evaluated surgeon characteristics using the Big Five Inventory to measure personality (five domains: agreeableness; conscientiousness; extraversion; emotional stability; openness) in response to scenarios presented in Part 2 involving anastomotic decisions (i.e. rejoining the bowel with/without temporary stomas, or permanent diversion with end colostomy). Anastomotic decisions were compared using repeated-measure ANOVA. Mean scores of traits domains were compared with normative data using two-tailed t tests.

Results

In total, 186 surgeons participated, with 127 surgeons completing both parts of the survey (68.3 per cent). One hundred and thirty-one surgeons were male (70.4 per cent) and 144 were based in Europe (77.4 per cent). Forty-one per cent (77 surgeons) had begun independent practice within the last 5 years. Surgeon personality differed from the general population, with statistically significantly higher levels of emotional stability (3.25 versus 2.97 respectively), lower levels of agreeableness (3.03 versus 3.74), extraversion (2.81 versus 3.38) and openness (3.19 versus 3.67), and similar levels of conscientiousness (3.42 versus 3.40 (all P <0.001)). Female surgeons had significantly lower levels of openness (P <0.001) than males (3.06 versus 3.25). Personality was associated with anastomotic decision-making in specific scenarios.

Conclusion

Colorectal surgeons have different personality traits from the general population. Certain traits seem to be associated with anastomotic decision-making but only in specific scenarios. Further exploration of the association of personality, risk-taking, and decision-making in surgery is necessary.
Healthcare organization policy recommendations for the governance of surgical innovation: review of NHS policies
Authors: Cousins Sian , Richards Hollie S , Zahra Jez , Robertson Harry , Mathews Johnny A , Avery Kerry N L , Elliott Daisy , Blencowe Natalie S , Main Barry , Hinchliffe Robert , Clarke Adrian , Blazeby Jane
Published: October 2022

Background

The governance for introducing innovative surgical procedures/devices differs from the research requirements needed for new drugs. New invasive procedures/devices may be offered to patients outside of research protocols with local organization oversight alone. Such institutional arrangements exist in many countries and written policies provide guidance for their use, but little is known about their scope or standards.

Methods

One hundred and fifty acute NHS trusts in England and seven health boards in Wales were systematically approached for information about their policies. A modified framework approach was used to analyse when policies considered new procedures/devices to be within local organization remit and/or requiring research ethics committee (REC) approval.

Results

Of 113 policies obtained, 109 and 34 described when local organization and REC approval was required, respectively. Procedures/devices being used for the first time in the organization (n = 69) or by a clinician (n = 67) were commonly within local remit, and only 36 stated that evidence was required. Others stated limited evidence as a rationale for needing REC approval (n = 13). External guidance categorizing procedures as ‘research only’ was the most common reason for gaining REC approval (n = 15). Procedures/devices with uncertain outcomes (n = 28), requiring additional training (n = 26), and not previously used (n = 6) were within the remit of policies, while others recommended REC application in these situations (n = 5, 2 and 7, respectively).

Conclusion

This study on NHS policies for surgical innovation shows variability in the introduction of procedures/devices in terms of local oversight and/or need for REC approval. Current NHS standards allow untested innovations to occur without the safety of research oversight and thus a standard approach is urgently needed.
National audit of non-melanoma skin cancer excisions performed by plastic surgery in the UK
Authors: Nolan Grant S , Dunne Jonathan A , Lee Alice E , Wade Ryckie G , Kiely Ailbhe L , Pritchard Jones Rowan O , Gardiner Matthew D ,   NMSC: PlastUK Collaborative, Abbassi O , Abdelaty M , Ahmed F , Ahmed R , Ali S , Allan A , Allen L , Anderson I , Bakir A , Berwick D , Sarala B Bhargavan Nair , Bhat W , Bloom O , Bolton L , Brady N , Campbell E , Capitelli-McMahon H , Cassell O , Chalhoub X , Chalmers R , Chan J , Chu H O , Collin T , Cooper K , Curran T A , Cussons D , Daruwalla M , Dearden A , Delikonstantinou I , Dobbs T , Dunlop R , El-Muttardi N , Eleftheriadou A , Elamin S Eltoum , Eriksson S , Exton R , Fourie L R , Freethy A , Gardner E , Geh J L , Georgiou A , Georgiou M , Gilbert P , Gkorila A , Green D , Haeney J , Hamilton S , Harper F , Harrison C , Heinze Z , Hemington-Gorse S , Hever P , Hili S , Holmes W , Hughes W , Ibrahim N , Ismail A , Jallali N , James N K , Jemec B , Jica R , Kaur A , Kazzazi D , Khan M , Khan N , Khashaba H , Khera B , Khoury A , Kiely J , Kumar S , Patel P K , Kumbasar D E , Kundasamy P , Kyle D , Langridge B , Liu C , Lo M , Macdonald C , Anandan S M , Mahdi M , Mandal A , Manning A , Markeson D , Matteucci P , McClymont L , Mikhail M , Miller M C , Munro S , Musajee A , Nasrallah F , Ng L , Nicholas R , Nicola A , Nikkhah D , O'Hara N , Odili J , Oudit D , Patel A , Patel C , Patel N , Patel P , Peach H , Phillips B , Pinder R , Pinto-Lopes R , Plonczak A , Quinnen N , Rafiq S , Rahman K , Ramjeeawon A , Rinkoff S , Sainsbury D , Schumacher K , Segaren N , Shahzad F , Shariff Z , Siddiqui A , Singh P , Sludden E , Smith J R O , Song M , Stodell M , Tanos G , Taylor K , Taylor L , Thomson D , Tiernan E , Totty J P , Vaingankar N , Toh V , Wensley K , Whitehead C , Whittam A , Wiener M , Wilson A , Wong K Y , Wood S , Yeoh T , Yii N W , Yim G , Young R , Zberea D , Jain Abhilash
Published: October 2022

A national, multi-centre audit of non-melanoma skin cancer excisions by plastic surgery.
Development and external validation of DISPAIR fistula risk score for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula risk after distal pancreatectomy
Authors: Bonsdorff Akseli , Ghorbani Poya , Helanterä Ilkka , Tarvainen Timo , Kontio Tea , Belfrage Hanna , Sirén Jukka , Kokkola Arto , Sparrelid Ernesto , Sallinen Ville
Published: October 2022

Background

Highly utilized risk scores for clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR-POPF) have guided clinical decision-making in pancreatoduodenectomy. However, none has been successfully developed for distal pancreatectomy. This study aimed to develop and validate a new fistula risk score for distal pancreatectomy.

Methods

Patients undergoing distal pancreatectomy at Helsinki University Hospital, Finland from 2013 to 2021, and at Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden, from 2010 to 2020, were included retrospectively. The outcome was CR-POPF, according to the 2016 International Study Group of Pancreatic Surgery definition. Preoperative clinical demographics and radiological parameters such as pancreatic thickness and duct diameter were measured. A logistic regression model was developed, internally validated with bootstrapping, and the performance assessed in an external validation cohort.

Results

Of 668 patients from Helsinki (266) and Stockholm (402), 173 (25.9 per cent) developed CR-POPF. The final model consisted of three variables assessed before surgery: transection site (neck versus body/tail), pancreatic thickness at transection site, and diabetes. The model had an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.904 (95 per cent c.i. 0.855 to 0.949) after internal validation, and 0.798 (0.748 to 0.848) after external validation. The calibration slope and intercept on external validation were 0.719 and 0.192 respectively. Four risk groups were defined in the validation cohort for clinical applicability: low (below 5 per cent), moderate (at least 5 but below 30 per cent), high (at least 30 but below 75 per cent), and extreme (75 per cent or more). The incidences in these groups were 8.7 per cent (11 of 126), 22.0 per cent (36 of 164), 63 per cent (57 of 91), and 81 per cent (17 of 21) respectively.

Conclusion

The DISPAIR score after distal pancreatectomy may guide decision-making and allow a risk-adjusted outcome comparison for CR-POPF.
Hypocalcaemia following thyroidectomy among patients who have previously undergone bariatric surgery: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Cleere Eoin F , Davey Matthew G , Crotty Thomas J , Young Orla , Lowery Aoife J , Kerin Michael J
Published: October 2022

Background

Hypocalcaemia is a common complication after thyroidectomy. Bariatric surgery is associated with significant changes in calcium metabolism. Some studies have identified bariatric surgery as a risk factor for hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed whether a history of bariatric surgery was associated with an increased risk of hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy.

Methods

This prospectively registered systematic review (PROSPERO; CRD42021295423) was performed in accordance with PRISMA guidelines. Meta-analysis was undertaken using the Mantel–Haenszel method, with outcomes reported as ORs with 95 per cent confidence intervals.

Results

Twenty studies were included in the qualitative synthesis. Five studies incorporating 19 547 patients met the inclusion criteria for meta-analysis, of whom 196 (1.0 per cent) had a history of bariatric surgery. Patients with a history of bariatric surgery were more likely to develop hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy (30.6 versus 13.0 per cent; OR 3.90, 95 per cent c.i. 1.50 to 10.12; P = 0.005). Among those with a history of bariatric surgery, patients who underwent a bypass procedure were more likely to develop hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy than those who had a restrictive procedure (38 versus 23 per cent; OR 2.12, 1.14 to 3.97; P = 0.020).

Conclusion

Patients with a history of bariatric surgery have a significantly greater risk of hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy, with a heightened risk among those who have had a bypass procedure. Surgeons performing thyroid surgery should be aware of the increased risk of hypocalcaemia after thyroidectomy among these patients.
Prognostic role of preoperative circulating systemic inflammatory response markers in primary breast cancer: meta-analysis
Authors: Savioli Francesca , Morrow Elizabeth S , Dolan Ross D , Romics Laszlo , Lannigan Alison , Edwards Joanne , McMillan Donald C
Published: October 2022

Background

Circulating markers of the systemic inflammatory response are prognostic in several cancers, but their role in operable breast cancer is unclear. A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was carried out.

Methods

A search of electronic databases up to August 2020 identified studies that examined the prognostic value of preoperative circulating markers of the systemic inflammatory response in primary operable breast cancer. A meta-analysis was carried out for each marker with more than three studies, reporting a HR and 95 per cent confidence interval for disease-free survival (DFS), breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) or overall survival (OS).

Results

In total, 57 studies were reviewed and 42 were suitable for meta-analysis. Higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) was associated with worse overall survival (OS) (pooled HR 1.75, 95 per cent c.i. 1.52 to 2.00; P < 0.001), disease-free survival (DFS) (HR 1.67, 1.50 to 1.87; P < 0.001), and breast cancer-specific survival (BCSS) (HR 1.89, 1.35 to 2.63; P < 0.001). This effect was also seen with an arithmetically-derived NLR (dNLR). Higher platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) was associated with worse OS (HR 1.29, 1.10 to 1.50; P = 0.001) and DFS (HR 1.58, 1.33 to 1.88; P < 0.001). Higher lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) was associated with improved DFS (HR 0.65, 0.51 to 0.82; P < 0.001), and higher C-reactive protein (CRP) level was associated with worse BCSS (HR 1.22, 1.07 to 1.39; P = 0.002) and OS (HR 1.24, 1.14 to 1.35; P = 0.002).

Conclusion

Current evidence suggests a role for preoperative NLR, dNLR, LMR, PLR, and CRP as prognostic markers in primary operable breast cancer. Further work should define their role in clinical practice, particularly reproducible thresholds and molecular subtypes for which these may be of most value.
Overview of the COVID-19 text mining tool interactive demonstration track in BioCreative VII
Authors: Chatr-aryamontri Andrew , Hirschman Lynette , Ross Karen E , Oughtred Rose , Krallinger Martin , Dolinski Kara , Tyers Mike , Korves Tonia , Arighi Cecilia N
Published: October 2022

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has compelled biomedical researchers to communicate data in real time to establish more effective medical treatments and public health policies. Nontraditional sources such as preprint publications, i.e. articles not yet validated by peer review, have become crucial hubs for the dissemination of scientific results. Natural language processing (NLP) systems have been recently developed to extract and organize COVID-19 data in reasoning systems. Given this scenario, the BioCreative COVID-19 text mining tool interactive demonstration track was created to assess the landscape of the available tools and to gauge user interest, thereby providing a two-way communication channel between NLP system developers and potential end users. The goal was to inform system designers about the performance and usability of their products and to suggest new additional features. Considering the exploratory nature of this track, the call for participation solicited teams to apply for the track, based on their system’s ability to perform COVID-19-related tasks and interest in receiving user feedback. We also recruited volunteer users to test systems. Seven teams registered systems for the track, and >30 individuals volunteered as test users; these volunteer users covered a broad range of specialties, including bench scientists, bioinformaticians and biocurators. The users, who had the option to participate anonymously, were provided with written and video documentation to familiarize themselves with the NLP tools and completed a survey to record their evaluation. Additional feedback was also provided by NLP system developers. The track was well received as shown by the overall positive feedback from the participating teams and the users.

Database URL: https://biocreative.bioinformatics.udel.edu/tasks/biocreative-vii/track-4/
Teaching Norms: Direct Evidence of Parental Transmission
Authors: Brouwer Thijs , Galeotti Fabio , Villeval Marie Claire
Published: October 2022

We examine the educative role played by parents in social norm transmission. Using a field experiment, we study whether parents enforce and comply more with norms when their children are present compared to when they are not. We compare similar parents when or after they drop off or pick up their children at school. We find that parents accompanying children, in contrast to parents alone, are more likely to punish norm violators and to provide help to strangers when there is no violation. They also tend to substitute more direct punishment with withholding help as a means of indirect punishment.
Contemporary management of ventricular electrical storm in Europe: results of a European Heart Rhythm Association Survey
Authors: Baldi Enrico , Conte Giulio , Zeppenfeld Katja , Lenarczyk Radosław , Guerra Jose M , Farkowski Michal M , de Asmundis Carlo , Boveda Serge
Published: October 2022

Electrical storm (ES) is a predictor of mortality, and its treatment is challenging. Moreover, not all potential therapeutic strategies are available in all hospitals, and a standardized approach among European centres is lacking. The aim of this European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) survey was to assess the current management of patients with ES both in the acute and post-acute phases in 102 different European centres. A 20-item online questionnaire was sent out to the EHRA Research Network Centres. The median number of patients with ES treated annually per centre is 10 (IQR 5–15). The possibility of using autonomic modulation (e.g. percutaneous stellate ganglion block or thoracic epidural anaesthesia) for the acute ES treatment is available in only 29.3% of the centres. Moreover, although over 80% of centres perform ventricular tachycardia ablation, this procedure is available 24/7 in only 16.5% of the hospitals. There is a significant heterogeneity among centres regarding the availability of AADs and their use before deciding to proceed with a non-AAD strategy; specifically, 4.4% of centres use only one drug, 33.3% use two drugs, and 12.2% >two drugs, while about 50% of the centres decide based on individual patient’s characteristics. Regarding the type of AADs used for the acute and post-acute management of ES patients, important variability is reported depending upon the underlying heart disease. Most patients considered for percutaneous ablation have structural heart disease. Only 46% of centres refer patients to psychological counselling after ES.
Palliative Care Professionals’ Perceptions and Communication About Sexual Expression of Older Adults at End of Life: How Biases Compromise Holistic Care
Authors: Wallach Isabelle , Keyser-Verreault Amélie , Beauchamp Julie , Brisson-Guérin Maude , Sussman Tamara , Durivage Patrick
Published: October 2022

Background and Objectives

The sexuality of older people, which has historically been invisible, is increasingly represented and promoted in the media. However, the sexuality of the oldest older adults showing signs of frailty remains obscure and subject to ageist and ableist biases. Studies on sexual expression at the end of life have shown that sexuality and the need for support related to it remain important for many people.

Research Design and Methods

This article examines the perceptions and attitudes of professionals regarding the sexuality of older adults in palliative care, based on an exploratory qualitative study. Participants were recruited from several palliative care teams working either in hospital or in home settings in Canada.

Results

Professionals (n = 16) held two main views of sexuality: broad and holistic or narrow and genital-focused. Perceptions of sexuality in later life were either described as a continuation of or distinct from middle adulthood. No matter what views were held, most professionals did not discuss sexuality with their patients at the end of life.

Discussion and Implications

The lack of communication about sexuality may be largely due to professional’s ageist, ableist, and heterosexist views regarding the sexuality of this population group. Results confirm the relevance of providing palliative care training about diverse sexual experiences and the importance of supporting older adults at the end of life with respect to their intimate and sexual needs. Such an approach is in line with the holistic vocation of palliative care.
3D code for MAgneto-Thermal evolution in Isolated Neutron Stars, MATINS: the magnetic field formalism
Authors: Dehman Clara , Viganò Daniele , Pons José A , Rea Nanda
Published: October 2022

The long-term evolution of the internal, strong magnetic fields of neutron stars needs a specific numerical modelling. The diversity of the observed phenomenology of neutron stars indicates that their magnetic topology is rather complex and 3D simulations are required, for example, to explain the observed bursting mechanisms and the creation of surface hotspots. We present MATINS, a new 3D numerical code for magnetothermal evolution in neutron stars, based on a finite-volume scheme that employs the cubed-sphere system of coordinates. In this first work, we focus on the crustal magnetic evolution, with the inclusion of realistic calculations for the neutron star structure, composition, and electrical conductivity assuming a simple temperature evolution profile. MATINS follows the evolution of strong fields (1014 − 1015 Gauss) with complex non-axisymmetric topologies and dominant Hall-drift terms, and it is suitable for handling sharp current sheets. After introducing the technical description of our approach and some tests, we present long-term simulations of the non-linear field evolution in realistic neutron star crusts. The results show how the non-axisymmetric Hall cascade redistributes the energy over different spatial scales. Following the exploration of different initial topologies, we conclude that during a few tens of kyr, an equipartition of energy between the poloidal and toroidal components happens at small-scales. However, the magnetic field keeps a strong memory of the initial large scales, which are much harder to be restructured or created. This indicates that large-scale configuration attained during the neutron star formation is crucial to determine the field topology at any evolution stage.
Characterizing the biology of primary brain tumors and their microenvironment via single-cell profiling methods
Authors: Gonzalez Castro L Nicolas , Liu Ilon , Filbin Mariella
Published: October 2022

Genomic and transcriptional heterogeneity is prevalent among the most common and aggressive primary brain tumors in children and adults. Over the past 20 years, advances in bioengineering, biochemistry and bioinformatics have enabled the development of an array of techniques to study tumor biology at single-cell resolution. The application of these techniques to study primary brain tumors has helped advance our understanding of their intra-tumoral heterogeneity and uncover new insights regarding their co-option of developmental programs and signaling from their microenvironment to promote tumor proliferation and invasion. These insights are currently being harnessed to develop new therapeutic approaches. Here we provide an overview of current single-cell techniques and discuss relevant biology and therapeutic insights uncovered by their application to primary brain tumors in children and adults.
Effect of Gender on Clinical Presentation of Tuberculosis (TB) and Age-Specific Risk of TB, and TB-Human Immunodeficiency Virus Coinfection
Authors: Humayun Maheen , Chirenda Joconiah , Ye Wen , Mukeredzi Innocent , Mujuru Hilda Angela , Yang Zhenhua
Published: October 2022

Background

Previous studies have shown gender differences in tuberculosis (TB) incidence; however, gender disparity has not been well documented across granular categorizations of anatomic sites affected by TB and in the presence of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfection, largely due to small sample size for less common TB clinical presentations and lack of detailed clinical data.

Methods

The study population included TB cases aged ≥15 years (n = 41, 266) diagnosed in Harare, Zimbabwe. This cross-sectional study estimated male-to-female ratio (M/F ratio) for (1) age-specific TB incidence, (2) age-specific HIV prevalence among incident TB cases, and (3) 9 types of TB defined by affected anatomic site.

Results

Males were at a 53% higher risk of TB compared to females (risk ratio [RR] = 1.53; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.12–2.09). Based on adjusted odds ratios (aORs) from multinomial logistic regression model, the odds of abdominal TB (aOR = 0.51; 95% CI, .39–.68), TB bones/joints/spine (aOR = 0.63; 95% CI, .45–.90), and “other” extrapulmonary TB sites (aOR = 0.69; 95% CI = .59–.81) versus pulmonary TB were lower among males compared to females. The risk of TB-HIV coinfection among males was 17% (RR = .83; 95% CI, .74–.93) and 8% (RR = 0.92; 95% CI, .88–.95) lower in the 15- to 24-year and 25- to 44-year age groups, respectively.

Conclusions

This study revealed a nuanced role of gender across finer categorizations of TB, indicating the need for future research to delineate underlying mechanisms driving gender disparities in TB. The finding that women had a greater likelihood of severe forms of TB and TB-HIV coinfection compared to men has important implications for women's health in TB-HIV high-burden settings.
Purpose-Built Parliament Buildings and the Institutionalisation of Parliament in Lesotho and Malawi
Authors: Batsani-Ncube Innocent
Published: October 2022

Largely inspired by western donor good governance agenda, the current African parliaments literature has overlooked the significance of new parliament buildings that have been constructed by China and tends to place a premium on appraising the performance of parliaments and parliamentarians in executing their legislative, representation, oversight and constituency support. While understanding how parliaments perform is important and necessary, it does not sufficiently address all the ways in which these parliaments are establishing themselves as sustainable political institutions. By disregarding the new parliament buildings, the literature potentially undermines prospects of a wider understanding of the development of African parliamentary institutions. This article leverages the Chinese government donated parliament buildings in Lesotho and Malawi to make a theoretical and comparative case for the utility of discussing the concept of African legislative institutionalisation through and in juxtaposition to, the parliamentary built environment. I find that although there are stylistic and operational differences, the new parliament buildings in Lesotho and Malawi have provided a bespoke parliamentary built environment, enabled the expansion of a cohort of public officials working on legislative business and facilitated the procedural activities of the institution.
Prevalence, risk factors, and survival associated with pulmonary hypertension and heart failure among patients with underlying coronary artery disease: a national prospective, multicenter registry study in China
Authors: Huang Li , Pang Lingpin , Gu Qing , Yang Tao , Li Wen , Quan Ruilin , Su Weiqing , Wu Weifeng , Tang Fangming , Zhu Xiulong , Shen Jieyan , Sun Jingzhi , Shan Guangliang , Xiong Changming , Huang Shian , He Jianguo
Published: October 2022

Background:

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the commonest cause of heart failure (HF), whereas pulmonary hypertension (PH) has not been established or reported in this patient population. Therefore, we assessed the prevalence, risk factors, and survival in CAD-associated HF (CAD-HF) complicated with PH.

Methods:

Symptomatic CAD-HF patients were continuously enrolled in this prospective, multicenter registry study. Echocardiography, coronary arteriography, left and right heart catheterization (RHC), and other baseline clinical data were recorded. Patients were followed up and their survival was recorded.

Results:

One hundred and eighty-two CAD-HF patients were enrolled, including 142 with HF with a preserved ejection fraction (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction [HFpEF]; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF] ≥50%) and 40 with a reduced ejection fraction (heart failure with reduced ejection fraction [HFrEF]; LVEF < 50%). PH was diagnosed with RHC in 77.5% of patients. Patients with PH showed worse hemodynamic parameters and higher mortality. HFrEF-PH patients had worse survival than HFpEF-PH patients. CAD-HF patients with an enlarged left ventricular end-diastolic diameter and reduced hemoglobin were at higher risk of PH. Nitrate treatment reduced the risk of PH. Elevated creatinine and mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), diastolic pressure gradient (DPG) ≥7 mmHg, and previous myocardial infarction (MI) entailed a higher risk of mortality in CAD-HF patients with PH.

Conclusions:

PH is common in CAD-HF and worsens the hemodynamics and survival in these patients. Left ventricle enlargement and anemia increase the risk of PH in CAD-HF. Patients may benefit from nitrate medications. Renal impairment, elevated mPAP, DPG ≥7 mmHg, and previous MI are strong predictors of mortality in CAD-HF-PH patients.

Trial Registration:

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT02164526.
Magnitude and associated factors of postoperative hyperglycemia among an adult nondiabetic patient who underwent surgery at 2 tertiary hospitals in Ethiopia
Authors: Desalegn Mitiku , Shitemaw Tewoderos , Sitot Mulualem , Getachew Lemlem
Published: October 2022

Background:

Hyperglycemia in the postoperative period remains high in surgical patients. This study assessed the magnitude and associated factors of hyperglycemia in the postoperative period among nondiabetic adult patients who underwent elective surgery at Tikur Anbessa and Nigist Elleni Mohamed Memorial Specialized Hospital, Ethiopia.

Materials and methods:

An institutional-based cross-sectional study was conducted among 359 nondiabetic adult patients who underwent elective surgery at Tikur Anbessa and Nigist Elleni Mohamed Memorial specialized hospitals from January 1 to March 30, 2021. A systematic random sampling technique was used, and quantitative data were collected through interviews and data retrieval from charts using a pretested questionnaire. Both bivariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were done to evaluate the association between independent and dependent variables. The level of statistical significance was declared at a P-value <0.05.

Result:

A total of 359 patient data sets were collected with a response rate of 84%. The study revealed that 152 (42%) of the patients developed postoperative hyperglycemia. Postoperative hyperglycemia was statistically associated with age between 41 and 60 [adjusted odds ratio (AOR)=4.9, 95% CI=2.5–9.7], age above 60 (AOR=5.3, 95% CI=2.36–11.8), dexamethasone use (AOR=2.65, 95% CI=1.1-5.9), general anesthesia (AOR=5.8, 95% CI=2.5–13.59), combined general-regional anesthesia (AOR=4.8, 95% CI=1.9–8.0) were statistically associated with postoperative hyperglycemia.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of hyperglycemia is higher in the postoperative period. Age, type of anesthesia, type of procedure, dexamethasone use, and duration of surgery were identified as predictive factors.
Validation and Repeatability of the Epidermolysis Bullosa Eye Disease Index in Dystrophic Epidermolysis Bullosa
Authors: Chen Vicki M. , Kumar V. S. Senthil , Noh Elizabeth , Perloff Jennifer
Published: October 2022

Purpose:

Dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa (DEB) is a devastating condition that causes painful corneal abrasions and vision loss. Epidermolysis Bullosa Eye Disease Index (EB-EDI) for the first time captures and quantifies EB-specific assessment of ocular symptoms and activities of daily living scales. This survey will become critical in developing new interventions on patients' quality of life.

Methods:

Three-part set of the EB-EDI baseline, EB-EDI interval, and Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) survey was distributed to 92 patients with DEB who previously reported eye symptoms on previous surveys. It was then posted online through several EB patient organizations. We compared the EB-EDI with the gold standard OSDI and examined the repeatability of the EB-EDI over a 7- to 15-day interval.

Results:

Of the 45 individuals who initially responded, 30 of 45 (67%) completed the surveys sent 7 to 15 days later. The age of participants ranged from 6 to 51 years (mean 21 ± 15 years), and 60% (18 of 30) of participants were younger than 18 years. The overall Cronbach alpha values for the subscales of EB-EDI baseline and interval tools presented a good internal consistency (≥0.7). From 2 visits, the domain scores of EB-EDI baseline (0.94) and interval tools (0.83) were shown to have excellent test–retest reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient >0.8). By comparison, OSDI had the intraclass correlation coefficient score of 0.72 ± 0.11. The convergent validation analysis showed that correlations between the domain scores of EB-EDI baseline and interval tools and the subscales of the OSDI reached the hypothesized strength.

Conclusions:

Based on a 30-person repeated-measures study, we found that the EB-EDI has excellent reliability and validity specifically in patients with DEB.
Significant Others and Not Family or Friend Support Mediate Between Stigma and Discrimination Among People Living With HIV in Lagos State, Nigeria: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Badru Oluwaseun Abdulganiyu , Babalola Oluwatobi Emmanuel
Published: October 2022

Approximately 70% of the 37.7 million people living with HIV (PLWH) globally reside in sub-Saharan Africa and 10% of the global HIV burden is in Nigeria. PLWH encounter stigma and discrimination. Limited support from family, friends, and significant others increases stigma and discrimination among PLWH. This study sought to understand how support from family, friends, and significant others mediates stigma and discrimination in the Nigerian context. This descriptive cross-sectional study enrolled 396 PLWH from six health facilities between June and July 2021 in Lagos State, Nigeria. Stigma, discrimination, and social support were assessed. On average, participants were 32 years of age and female. Increased social support was associated with reduced stigma and discrimination. Support from participants' significant others was found to mediate the relationship between stigma and discrimination.
Defining the parameters for endovenous microwave ablation to achieve equivalence with endovenous laser ablation, using the porcine liver model.
Authors: Bachetta Anjali , Cheung Simon , Moore Emma , Nguyen Danny , Kiely Melissa , Whiteley Mark
Published: October 2022

  

ABSTRACT

Aims: Endovenous microwave ablation (EMWA) is a relatively new catheter-based endovenous thermoablation (EVTA) system to ablate incompetent truncal veins. Early results suggest that EMWA uses more power than endovenous laser ablation (EVLA) to get the same results. Therefore, we aimed to define the parameters for EMWA, which give the same tissue ablation as EVLA, using the previously validated porcine liver model.

Methods:  EVLA (1470nm and 600micron radial fibre) treatments were performed at 6W, 8W and 10W, at each pullback speed of 6, 7, 8 and 9 s/cm, giving a range of Linear Endovenous Energy Densities (LEEDs) between 36 – 90 J/cm. We repeated each combination of power and pullback five times. Following a preliminary screening process to identify parameters that gave similar results, we used EMWA in the same model. Powers of 35-75W and pullback speeds of 4-9 s/cm were used (LEEDs 140-675 J/cm). Ablation tracts from both devices were analysed by two blinded observers, noting thermal spread and carbonisation. 

Results: For each of the commonly used parameters for EVLA, we identified a range of power and pullback parameters for EMWA that produced similar tissue ablation in the porcine liver model. To keep the pullback speeds within the usual range, we used powers of 35-75W with EMWA, with mean EMWA LEEDs 3.9 - 5.8 times higher than EVLA LEEDs. We found the quicker the pullback speed, the higher the multiple of EMWA LEED we needed to get the same effect.

Conclusion: We have identified parameters for EMWA that gave equivalent tissue ablation in the validated porcine liver model to commonly used parameters and LEEDs for EVLA. As the power during EMWA is higher than EVLA, EVMA LEEDs are approximately 4-6 times higher than EVLA LEEDs to achieve the same thermal effect on the tissues.
“Oris Duplicatio”—Duplication of the Oral Cavity a Rare Malformation in a 10-Month-Old Child: State of the Science and Management
Authors: Delay Alexandra , Morand Beatrice , Hacini Lyna , Lewandowski Mehdi , Baudin Florent , Bachelet Jean-Thomas
Published: October 2022

The authors report the case of a 10-month-old child with total oral duplication. The authors review this pathology and the diagnostic and treatment modality through the few cases described in scientific history. The discussed etiopathogeny of this rare malformation is detailed in this work.
Morphologic and Morphometric Measurements of the Foramen Ovale: Comparing Digitized Measurements Performed on Dried Human Crania With Computed Tomographic Imaging. An Observational Anatomic Study
Authors: Héréus Savanah , Lins Bjarne , Van Vlasselaer Nicolas , Van Buyten Jean-Pierre , Cattrysse Erik
Published: October 2022

The foramen ovale (FO) of the sphenoid bone is clinically important for the interventional treatment of trigeminal neuralgia. Percutaneous procedures applied to treat the chronic pain condition typically involve the cannulation of this oval-like foramen located at the base of the skull. Anatomic variations of the FO have been reported to contribute to difficulties in the cannulation of this structure. Computed tomography (CT) can help the surgeon improve the accuracy and safety of the intervention. However, even with navigation technology, unsuccessful cannulation of the FO has been reported. The aim of this observational anatomic study was to define morphometric and morphologic data of the FO and to investigate for potential differences between measurements taken on dried human crania and digitized measurements of the FO measured on CT images. One hundred eighteen FOs were evaluated. Twenty FOs underwent CT scanning. The mean length of the foramen was 7.41±1.3 mm on the left side and 7.57±1.07 mm on the right. The mean width of the foramen was 4.63±0.86 mm on the left side and 4.33±0.99 on the right. The mean area on the left side was 27.11±7.58 and 25.73±6.64 mm2 on the right. No significant left-right differences were found for any of these dimensions. The most important conclusion that we can draw is that the measurements can indeed be performed on CT images to obtain an accurate picture of the morphology. Considering the surgical importance of the FO and taking into consideration the limitations this study added to scientific knowledge, this study was constructive as far as neurosurgeons and anatomists are concerned.
Increased superfetation precedes the evolution of advanced degrees of placentotrophy in viviparous fishes of the family Poeciliidae
Authors: García-Cabello Karla N. , Fuentes-González Jesualdo A. , Saleh-Subaie Nabila , Pienaar Jason , Zúñiga-Vega J. Jaime
Published: October 2022

The causes and consequences of the evolution of placentotrophy (post-fertilization nutrition of developing embryos of viviparous organisms by means of a maternal placenta) in non-mammalian vertebrates are still not fully understood. In particular, in the fish family Poeciliidae there is an evolutionary link between placentotrophy and superfetation (ability of females to simultaneously bear embryos at distinct developmental stages), with no conclusive evidence for which of these two traits facilitates the evolution of more advanced degrees of the other. Using a robust phylogenetic comparative method based on Ornstein–Uhlenbeck models of adaptive evolution and data from 36 poeciliid species, we detected a clear causality pattern. The evolution of extensive placentotrophy has been facilitated by the preceding evolution of more simultaneous broods. Therefore, placentas became increasingly complex as an adaptive response to evolutionary increases in the degree of superfetation. This finding represents a substantial contribution to our knowledge of the factors that have shaped placental evolution in poeciliid fishes.
Migratory hoverflies orientate north during spring migration
Authors: Hawkes Will L. , Weston Scarlett T. , Cook Holly , Doyle Toby , Massy Richard , Guri Eva Jimenez , Wotton Jimenez Rex E. , Wotton Karl R.
Published: October 2022

Migratory hoverflies are long-range migrants that, in the Northern Hemisphere, move seasonally to higher latitudes in the spring and lower latitudes in the autumn. The preferred migratory direction of hoverflies in the autumn has been the subject of radar and flight simulator studies, while spring migration has proved to be more difficult to characterize owing to a lack of ground observations. Consequently, the preferred migratory direction during spring has only been inferred from entomological radar studies and patterns of local abundance, and currently lacks ground confirmation. Here, during a springtime arrival of migratory insects onto the Isles of Scilly and mainland Cornwall, UK, we provide ground proof that spring hoverfly migrants have an innate northward preference. Captured migratory hoverflies displayed northward vanishing bearings when released under sunny conditions under both favourable wind and zero-wind conditions. In addition, and unlike autumn migrants, spring individuals were also able to orientate when the sun was obscured. Analysis of winds suggests an origin for insects arriving on the Isles of Scilly as being in western France. These findings of spring migration routes and preferred migration directions are likely to extend to the diverse set of insects found within the western European migratory assemblage.
Modelling of spatial infection spread through heterogeneous population: from lattice to partial differential equation models
Authors: Vaziry Arvin , Kolokolnikov T. , Kevrekidis P. G.
Published: October 2022

We present a simple model for the spread of an infection that incorporates spatial variability in population density. Starting from first-principle considerations, we explore how a novel partial differential equation with state-dependent diffusion can be obtained. This model exhibits higher infection rates in the areas of higher population density—a feature that we argue to be consistent with epidemiological observations. The model also exhibits an infection wave, the speed of which varies with population density. In addition, we demonstrate the possibility that an infection can ‘jump’ (i.e. tunnel) across areas of low population density towards areas of high population density. We briefly touch upon the data reported for coronavirus spread in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia as a case example with a number of qualitatively similar features as our model. Lastly, we propose a number of generalizations of the model towards future studies.
Atropine-functionalized gold nanoparticles binding to muscarinic receptors after passage across the intestinal epithelium
Authors: Claßen Rebecca , Pouokam Ervice , Wickleder Matthias , Diener Martin , Mattern Annabelle
Published: October 2022

Gold nanoparticles have a high potential to be a treatment of diseases by their specific drug delivery properties and multivalent receptor stimulation. For the present project, spherical gold nanoparticles were synthesized and functionalized with the muscarinic receptor antagonist atropine (Au-MUDA-AT NPs). The diameter of the gold core could precisely be controlled by using different synthetic methods and reducing agents resulting in functionalized gold nanoparticles with diameters ranging from 8 to 16 nm. The ability to interact with intestinal muscarinic receptors is size-dependent. When using intestinal chloride secretion induced by the stable acetylcholine derivative, carbachol, as read-out, the strongest inhibition, i.e. the most efficient blockade of muscarinic receptors, was observed with 13 nm sized Au-MUDA-AT NPs. Functional experiments indicate that Au-MUDA-AT NPs with a diameter of 14 nm are able to pass the intestinal mucosa in a time-dependent manner after administration to the intestinal lumen. For example, luminally administered Au-MUDA-AT NPs inhibited contractions of the small intestinal longitudinal muscle layer induced by electrical stimulation of myenteric neurons. A similar inhibition of basolateral epithelial receptors was observed after luminal administration of Au-MUDA-AT NPs when using carbachol-induced chloride secretion across the intestinal epithelium as a test system. Thus, Au-MUDA-AT NPs might be a therapeutic tool for the modulation of intestinal secretion and motility after oral application in the future.