bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LBODP076 Hypophysitis Misdiagnosed As Pituitary Macroadenoma During Pregnancy
Authors: Meftali Sabrina , Bilbatua Martha , Bhatt Bankim A
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Surgical treatment of nonfunctioning symptomatic pituitary macroadenoma may be associated with significant morbidity and the need for long-term medications. In late pregnancy and the postpartum periods, lymphocytic hypophysitis can present as a pituitary macroadenoma. We present a rare case of a pregnant patient who underwent pituitary surgery for lymphocytic hypophysitis.

Case presentation

A 37-year-old woman was evaluated for headaches and double vision during the third trimester of her pregnancy. A visual field exam showed bitemporal hemianopsia. Brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) showed a 2 cm intrasellar tumor with suprasellar extension, interpreted as a pituitary macroadenoma. The patient underwent a cesarean section. Labs after delivery showed IGF-1: 153 ng/ml (79-259), LH: < 0.2 mIU/ml (1.9-12.8), FSH: 6.4 mIU/ ml (2.3-12.6), Prolactin: 4.3 ng/ml (2.2-30.3), and a low morning cortisol: 2.4 ug/dl (4.2- 22.4). Pituitary MRI with intravenous contrast found a stable pituitary macroadenoma with suprasellar extension compressing the optic chiasm and prechiasmatic optic nerves without evidence of apoplexy. She underwent image-guided endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of the pituitary mass. Postoperatively, she developed diabetes insipidus that was treated with desmopressin. She was treated with steroids for secondary adrenal insufficiency and levothyroxine for central hypothyroidism. The pathology report showed hypophysitis; a lymphoplasmacytic infiltrate identified within the specimen with increased IgG4 expression. Differential diagnoses included IgG4-related hypophysitis and lymphocytic hypophysitis with an IgG4-expressing plasma cell component. Serum IGG 4 was 62 mg/dl (normal: 2 - 96 mg/dl); however, patient was already on steroids. She has been requiring hydrocortisone, levothyroxine, and desmopressin.

Discussion

Lymphocytic hypophysitis often occurs in late pregnancy or the postpartum period. MRI usually shows a pituitary mass, mimicking an adenoma. However, differences between lymphocytic hypophysitis and pituitary adenoma, using different imaging techniques, have been described. Lymphocytic hypophysitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of women presenting with pituitary enlargement in the peripartum period. These patients may benefit from conservative treatment with glucocorticoids based on clinical suspicion.

Presentation: No date and time listed
ODP286 A Case of Synchronous Growth Hormone and Adrenocorticotrophic Hormone Secretion in a Patient with an Incidental Pituitary Adenoma.
Authors: Maraqa Sima , Bushnaq Lina , Silverstein Julie M
Published: November 2022

The most common type of co-secreting functional pituitary adenoma is a tumor-producing growth hormone and prolactin. Other types of co-existing functioning adenomas are extremely rare. We present a 68-year-old male patient with a pituitary adenoma presenting with acromegaly and Cushing's disease (CD). A 68-year-old male was referred for an incidental pituitary macroadenoma found on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) for his chronic nasal congestion. He denied headaches or blurry vision. He reported an increase in shoe size, worsening hypertension and diabetes, and a 40-pounds weight gain over several years. Past medical history included arthritis, type two diabetes mellitus, hypertension, sleep apnea, hypogonadism, chronic kidney disease, and coronary artery disease. Physical exam was notable for BMI of 51 kg/m2 and enlarged hands and feet. No stigmata of Cushing's syndrome were present. MRI showed a 2. 0×2.5 cm sellar mass involving the right cavernous sinus without a mass effect on the optic chiasm. Laboratory workup showed an elevated IGF-1 level of 703 ng/mL and 678 on repeat, growth hormone (GH) 1.1 ng/mL, adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) 41 pg/mL, and am cortisol 15 mcg/dL. Am cortisol after 1 mg of dexamethasone was 6.2 mcg/dL with an appropriate dexamethasone level. His and 24-hour urine-free cortisol was elevated at 87.1 mcg/24h, HgbA1C was 8.3%, testosterone level was low, and PRL and thyroid levels were normal. He underwent transsphenoidal surgery (TSS). Postoperative morning cortisol day 1 was 18.9 mcg/dL. Pathology showed a sparsely granulated somatotroph adenoma. Seven days post-surgery, he presented with diplopia, ophthalmoplegia, and ptosis. MRI showed enlargement of the right cavernous sinus with possible residual tumor and blood products. He underwent a second TSS with evacuation of a hematoma. The patient's nadir postoperative serum cortisol was 14.4 mcg/dL and IGF-1 level 513 ng/mL one month after his initial surgery. Pathology showed organizing hemorrhage and necrotic pituitary adenoma. His ophthalmoplegia resolved, and diplopia partially improved. The synchronous occurrence of CD and acromegaly is an extremely rare condition. It can be secondary to either a plurihormonal adenoma or two functional adenomas. In our case, the pathology findings suggest double adenomas. Surgical resection is first-line therapy for acromegaly and CD. Stereotactic radiosurgery and medical therapy are second-line options in persistent disease. The 5-year remission rates with Gamma Knife radiosurgery are higher in CD (81%) as compared to acromegaly. 1 Pasireotide, a somatostatin receptor ligand approved for both CD and acromegaly. Worsening glycemic control is a significant challenging aspect of its use.

Presentation: No date and time listed
Kapłan Bożego miłosierdzia: Ksiądz Zygmunt Golian (1824–1885)
Authors: Baliński Wojciech
Published: November 2022

Zygmunt Golian was born in Cracow on 9 July, 1824, the son of a surgeon. He was brought up mainly in Cracow, where he graduated from St Anne’s Gymnasium (Gimnazjum św. Anny) and from seminary, which was then run by the Congregation of the Mission and was located in Stradomska Street. He was ordained a priest on 26 December, 1849. Soon afterwards, along with his friend Fr. Wincenty Popiel (later Archbishop of Warsaw), he went on to study abroad, first to Louvain in Belgium, and then to Rome. He completed his studies as a Doctor of Divinity at La Sapienzia University of Rome in 1853. Already during his theological studies, Zygmunt Golian became famous for his great talent as a preacher, which he developed even further during his studies abroad. He was a master of the word, a polymath and an outstanding scholar, and an expert on the Holy Scriptures and the philosophy of St Thomas Aquinas. After his return to Cracow he became involved in the defence of the worldly reign of Pope Pius IX and the State of the Church, which had existed for over eleven hundred years as a guarantee of political and ideological independence of the Popes. The pressure from Italian nationalism and from the enemies of the Church with links to Freemasonry, the withdrawal of Napoleon III’s support for the Pope, due to the Franco-Prussian War, and the indifference of the majority of Roman Catholics, contributed to the failure to defend the Papal States. Fr. Golian was an undoubted patriot, but at the same time he was against the idea of using the Roman Catholic Church for realizing Poland’s aspirations to independence that was implemented in the Russian-ruled Kingdom of Poland after the defeat of Russia during the Crimean War. It was for that reason that he opposed patriotic demonstrations in churches and the involvement of clergymen in conspiracy activities, and, particularly, condemned the assassination methods used by the “Red” faction. This kind of attitude required a strong character, firm beliefs and courage, and was a consequence of his conviction that Christian principles are essential and binding at all times and in any situation, including armed combat, which is supposed to be fought openly, and not in a treacherous and traitorous way. He believed that the aim never justifies the means.
Ciberbullying, ideação suicida e comunicação parento-filial em adolescentes e jovens adultos
Authors: Pereira Mónica , Fernandes Otília Monteiro , Relva Inês Carvalho
Published: November 2022

O ciberbullying constitui uma realidade cada vez mais presente na vida dos mais jovens e desprotegidos, o que pode perturbar o seu desenvolvimento e bem-estar. O presente estudo tem como objetivo explorar a associação entre o ciberbullying, a ideação suicida e a comunicação parento-filial nos adolescentes e jovens adultos. O estudo foi feito com uma amostra de 401 adolescentes e jovens adultos, com idades compreendidas entre os 15 e os 24 anos. Recorreu-se ao Questionário de Cibervitimização (cyvic), ao Questionário de Ideação Suicida (qis) e à Escala de Avaliação da Comunicação na Parentalidade (compa) para coleta dos dados. No que se refere à idade foram encontradas diferenças significativas relativamente à cibervitimização. Quanto ao número de horas de utilização da Internet foram encontradas diferenças em relação à cibervitimização, à ideação suicida e à comunicação parental da figura materna nomeadamente nas subescalas confiança/partilha e metacomunicação. Foram encontradas associações entre a cibervitimização, ideação suicida e a comunicação parental do pai e da mãe. Por fim, observou-se que a ideação suicida prediz a cibervitimização, enquanto a  isponibilidade da mãe prediz a cibervitimização. É urgente que este problema de saúde seja multidisciplinarmente identificado e combatido ao mesmo ritmo com que a tecnologia se entrosa e é preponderante na vida das gerações mais novas.
Rethinking endpoint management for the modern age
Authors: Richings Dan
Published: November 2022

Four decades after the first PC rolled off the production line, today's systems are an order of magnitude faster and more functional than the originals. But how vulnerable are they to attack?
The threat from Russia continues to loom large
Authors: Staynings Richard
Published: November 2022

As the threat from cyber attacks originating from Russia continues to grow, every nation must remain vigilant and learn to adapt and respond quickly to the evolving strategies of Russian cyber attackers.
Synthesis and Characterization of Metal (II) Phthalocyanine Containing N, N-Dimethyl Phenyl Moieties
Authors: Fasiulla Fasiulla
Published: November 2022

Synthesized of novel metal (II)- tetra-4-(N,N-dimethyl phenyl) methan-imine phthalocyanines (MTDMPhImPc) [ M = Co, Ni, Cu, Zn] by an effective and suitable method. The tetra-nitrophthalocyanines converted into aminophthalocyanines by reduction. Than amino phthalocyanines derivatives bearing tetra-4-(N,N-dimethyl phenyl) to form tetra substituted 4-(N,N-dimethyl phenyl) methane-imine phthalocyanines complexes. These derivatives compounds were characterized by FTIR, elemental analysis, magnetic and powder XRD properties to check the purity and structural integrity. Magnetic measurements on copper and cobalt substituted phthalocyanine complexes in the range of magnetic strength 2.21 to 4.02 kG that a variation of field strength with magnetic moments due to the presence of an intermolecular cooperative effect
Benzylidene Schiff Base Corrosion Inhibition and Electrochemical Studies of Mild Steel in 1M HCI and 0.5M H2SO4 Acidic Solutions
Authors: Murugan K. Senthil , T. Mohanapriya T. Mohanapriya
Published: November 2022

N ̶ Benzylidene ̶ 4 ̶ Methoxyaniline (NB4MA) schiff base was synthesized and investigated corrosion behavior of mild steel (MS) in 1M HCI and 0.5M H2SO4. The corrosion efficiency studied by means of mass loss and electrochemical techniques. The electrochemical studies confirm that Ecorr displacement about 32mV confirms anodic and cathodic type of inhibitor. The positive direction of corrosion potential curves confirmed that adsorption efficiency on metal surface. Langmuir adsorption isotherm was observed. Electrochemical impedance studies (EIS) exposed that inhibition effectiveness enlarged with even increasing concentration of Schiff base and found inhibition capacity 90 – 95%. Furthermore, thermodynamic parameters of adsorption were found which elaborates that increasing ΔG0ads parameter since favorable interaction behavior between mild steel and inhibitor causes efficient adsorption. The morphology studies revealed that synthesized Schiff base has strong affinity to adhere on mild steel and improve corrosion efficiency against acidic media. The quantum chemical parameter also confirmed that electrons distribution and efficiency of Schiff base.
Kinetic Studies on Decolourization of Amaranth Dye by Solar/H2O2 Process
Authors: Raja R Raja R , Venis A Rose , Padmavathi R Padmavathi R , Karthick A Karthick A
Published: November 2022

Decolourisation of Anionic cum acidic azo dye Amaranth was carried out by an Advanced Oxidation Process Solar/H2O2. Dye samples of concentration 100 mg/L was taken in 250 ml conical flasks that were treated with 30% H2O2 and exposed to sun light in the intensity range of 60,000-90,000 lux. The impact of various parameters in decolourisation of dye like initial H2O2 concentration, initial dye concentration, initial pH, solar light intensity, additives and temperature was studied in view of kinetics. All the reactions carried out by the impact of system parameters follow pseudo-first order kinetics. Conditions were optimized, and the optimum pH was found to be 12 with an optimum H2O2 concentration of 650 mM to achieve 100% decolourization in 30 minutes. Impact of additives can be studied by adding chloride and dihydrogen phosphate ion of 1 M concentration. Then, mineralization is studied by COD removal. UV-visible spectrometric analysis is done to study degradation level.
Viscometric Properties of Aqueous Sodium and Potassium Salt of L-Leucine
Authors: Dhande Mahendra Bapurao , Tayade Dipak Tukaram
Published: November 2022

For capturing CO2 from flue gases after combustion, amino acid salt solutions are considered superior solvents over alkanolamine due to their certain advantages. In the present work, the viscosities measurements of aqueous sodium and potassium salt solutions of L-leucine were made at 298.15, 303.15, 308.15, and 313.15 K, and their concentrations range from 0.01 to 0.15 mol L-1. Thereafter, the Jones-Dole coefficient (B), temperature derivative of B i.e. (dB/dT), the free energy of activation, the enthalpy as well as the entropy of activation of viscous flow were derived from experimental data on viscosity.
Long-distance laser Doppler water flow velocimetry method based on adaptive Gaussian weighted integration: publisher’s note
Authors: Li Yujun , Zhao Xiangkai , Wang Jinxin , Xi Xiaoli , Li Dongmei
Published: November 2022

This publisher’s note serves to correct an error in Appl. Opt. 62, A1 (2023)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.473632.
Partition of estimated locations: an approach to accurate quality metrics for stochastic optical localization nanoscopy
Authors: Sun Yi
Published: November 2022

Performance evaluation of localization algorithms in stochastic optical localization nanoscopy is necessary and important to applications. By simulation, a localization algorithm estimates a set of emitter locations from a simulated data movie, whose error in comparison with the set of true locations indicates the performance of the algorithm. Since the partition of estimated locations is unknown, the sample root mean square error (RMSE) cannot be computed, and the universal root mean square minimum distance (RMSMD) eventually becomes saturated as localization errors become large. In this paper, we propose a partition algorithm to estimate the partition of estimated locations. It makes use of three facts: (i) the true locations are known; (ii) the number of activations for each emitter is known; (iii) an estimated location is more likely to be associated with the nearest available emitter and vice versa. The estimated partition enables computation of the sample RMSE (RMSE-P) and improvement of the RMSMD with modification (RMSMD-P). Two simulations are carried out to demonstrate the efficacy of the partition algorithm and the metrics of RMSE-P and RMSMD-P. One investigates the effect of a large range of localization biases, and the other examines performance of the unbiased Gaussian information-achieving (UGIA) estimator. As shown by the results of both simulations, the proposed partition algorithm accurately estimates the partition in terms of the F1 score; with the partition estimated by the partition algorithm, the RMSE-P and RMSMD-P are approximately equal to the RMSE with the true partition in a large range of localization biases and errors. This demonstrates their broad applicability in performance evaluation of localization algorithms under the benchmark of the UGIA estimator.
Classical entanglement of twisted random light propagating through atmospheric turbulence [Invited]: publisher’s note
Authors: Ponomarenko Sergey A.
Published: November 2022

This publisher’s note corrects the title of the article J. Opt. Soc. Am. A
39, C1 (2022)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.465410
appearing in the 100 Years of Emil Wolf feature issue.
Aberrant Expression of Thymosin Beta-4 Correlates With Advanced Disease and BRAF V600E Mutation in Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Kuo Chi-Yu , Jhuang Jie-Yang , Huang Wen-Chien , Cheng Shih-Ping
Published: November 2022

Thymosin beta-4 (TMSB4X) was recently identified as a differentially expressed gene between malignant and non-malignant thyroid cells via single-cell RNA sequencing. In the present study, we aimed to study the immunostaining pattern of TMSB4X in benign and malignant thyroid neoplasms. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed that normal thyroid tissue or benign thyroid disorders exhibited undetectable immunoreactivity against TMSB4X except for positive staining of inflammatory infiltrates and stromal cells associated with autoimmune thyroid disease. By contrast, overexpression of TMSB4X was observed in a variety of thyroid malignancies, including papillary, follicular, poorly differentiated, and undifferentiated thyroid cancer. Among 141 patients with differentiated thyroid cancer, higher TMSB4X expression was associated with papillary tumor type, extrathyroidal extension, lymph node metastasis, and BRAF V600E mutation. The results were consistent with those from the public transcriptomic datasets. In summary, TMSB4X expression was aberrantly increased in various types of thyroid cancer, and higher TMSB4X expression was correlated with advanced disease characteristics. Thymosin beta-4 may be a novel downstream effector of the BRAF V600E mutation.
Diagnostic accuracy of handheld fundus photography: A comparative study of three commercially available cameras
Authors: Lu Louisa , Ausayakhun Somsanguan , Ausayakuhn Sakarin , Khunsongkiet Preeyanuch , Apivatthakakul Atitaya , Sun Catherine Q. , Kim Tyson N. , Lee Michele , Tsui Edmund , Sutra Plern , Keenan Jeremy D.
Published: November 2022

The objective of this study was to compare the sensitivity and specificity of handheld fundus cameras in detecting diabetic retinopathy (DR), diabetic macular edema (DME), and macular degeneration. Participants in the study, conducted at Maharaj Nakorn Hospital in Northern Thailand between September 2018 and May 2019, underwent an ophthalmologist examination as well as mydriatic fundus photography with three handheld fundus cameras (iNview, Peek Retina, Pictor Plus). Photographs were graded and adjudicated by masked ophthalmologists. Outcome measures included the sensitivity and specificity of each fundus camera for detecting DR, DME, and macular degeneration, relative to ophthalmologist examination. Fundus photographs of 355 eyes from 185 participants were captured with each of the three retinal cameras. Of the 355 eyes, 102 had DR, 71 had DME, and 89 had macular degeneration on ophthalmologist examination. The Pictor Plus was the most sensitive camera for each of the diseases (73–77%) and also achieved relatively high specificity (77–91%). The Peek Retina was the most specific (96–99%), although in part due to its low sensitivity (6–18%). The iNview had slightly lower estimates of sensitivity (55–72%) and specificity (86–90%) compared to the Pictor Plus. These findings demonstrated that the handheld cameras achieved high specificity but variable sensitivities in detecting DR, DME, and macular degeneration. The Pictor Plus, iNview, and Peek Retina would have distinct advantages and disadvantages when applied for utilization in tele-ophthalmology retinal screening programs.
Genomics and metagenomics of Madurella mycetomatis, a causative agent of black grain mycetoma in Sudan
Authors: Litvintseva Anastasia P. , Bakhiet Sahar , Gade Lalitha , Wagner Darlene D. , Bagal Ujwal R. , Batra Dhwani , Norris Emily , Rishishwar Lavanya , Beer Karlyn D. , Siddig Emmanuel Edwar , Mhmoud Najwa Adam , Chow Nancy A. , Fahal Ahmed
Published: November 2022

Madurella mycetomatis is one of the main causative agents of mycetoma, a debilitating neglected tropical disease. Improved understanding of the genomic diversity of the fungal and bacterial causes of mycetoma is essential to advances in diagnosis and treatment. Here, we describe a high-quality genome assembly of M. mycetomatis and results of the whole genome sequence analysis of 26 isolates from Sudan. We demonstrate evidence of at least seven genetically diverse lineages and extreme clonality among isolates within these lineages. We also performed shotgun metagenomic analysis of DNA extracted from mycetoma grains and showed that M. mycetomatis reads were detected in all sequenced samples with the average of 11,317 reads (s.d. +/- 21,269) per sample. In addition, 10 (12%) of the 81 tested grain samples contained bacterial reads including Streptococcus sp., Staphylococcus sp. and others.
Frailty does not cause all frail symptoms: United States Health and Retirement Study
Authors: Chao Yi-Sheng , Wu Chao-Jung , Po June Y. T. , Huang Shih-Yu , Wu Hsing-Chien , Hsu Hui-Ting , Cheng Yen-Po , Lai Yi-Chun , Chen Wei-Chih
Published: November 2022

Background

Frailty is associated with major health outcomes. However, the relationships between frailty and frailty symptoms haven’t been well studied. This study aims to show the associations between frailty and frailty symptoms.

Methods

The Health and Retirement Study (HRS) is an ongoing longitudinal biannual survey in the United States. Three of the most used frailty diagnoses, defined by the Functional Domains Model, the Burden Model, and the Biologic Syndrome Model, were reproduced according to previous studies. The associations between frailty statuses and input symptoms were assessed using odds ratios and correlation coefficients.

Results

The sample sizes, mean ages, and frailty prevalence matched those reported in previous studies. Frailty statuses were weakly correlated with each other (coefficients = 0.19 to 0.38, p < 0.001 for all). There were 49 input symptoms identified by these three models. Frailty statuses defined by the three models were not significantly correlated with one or two symptoms defined by the same models (p > 0.05 for all). One to six symptoms defined by the other two models were not significantly correlated with each of the three frailty statuses (p > 0.05 for all). Frailty statuses were significantly correlated with their own bias variables (p < 0.05 for all).

Conclusion

Frailty diagnoses lack significant correlations with some of their own frailty symptoms and some of the frailty symptoms defined by the other two models. This finding raises questions like whether the frailty symptoms lacking significant correlations with frailty statuses could be included to diagnose frailty and whether frailty exists and causes frailty symptoms.
Intranasal nanoemulsion adjuvanted S-2P vaccine demonstrates protection in hamsters and induces systemic, cell-mediated and mucosal immunity in mice
Authors: Ganesan Shyamala , Acosta Hugo , Brigolin Chris , Orange Kallista , Trabbic Kevin , Chen Charles , Lien Chia-En , Lin Yi-Jiun , Lin Meei-Yun , Chuang Ya-Shan , Fattom Ali , Bitko Vira
Published: November 2022

With the rapid progress made in the development of vaccines to fight the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, almost >90% of vaccine candidates under development and a 100% of the licensed vaccines are delivered intramuscularly (IM). While these vaccines are highly efficacious against COVID-19 disease, their efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 infection of upper respiratory tract and transmission is at best temporary. Development of safe and efficacious vaccines that are able to induce robust mucosal and systemic immune responses are needed to control new variants. In this study, we have used our nanoemulsion adjuvant (NE01) to intranasally (IN) deliver stabilized spike protein (S-2P) to induce immunogenicity in mouse and hamster models. Data presented demonstrate the induction of robust immunity in mice resulting in 100% seroconversion and protection against SARS-CoV-2 in a hamster challenge model. There was a significant induction of mucosal immune responses as demonstrated by IgA- and IgG-producing memory B cells in the lungs of animals that received intranasal immunizations compared to an alum adjuvanted intramuscular vaccine. The efficacy of the S-2P/NE01 vaccine was also demonstrated in an intranasal hamster challenge model with SARS-CoV-2 and conferred significant protection against weight loss, lung pathology, and viral clearance from both upper and lower respiratory tract. Our findings demonstrate that intranasal NE01-adjuvanted vaccine promotes protective immunity against SARS-CoV-2 infection and disease through activation of three arms of immune system: humoral, cellular, and mucosal, suggesting that an intranasal SARS-CoV-2 vaccine may play a role in addressing a unique public health problem and unmet medical need.
Assessing incentives to increase digital payment acceptance and usage: A machine learning approach
Authors: Allen Jeff , Carbo-Valverde Santiago , Chakravorti Sujit , Rodriguez-Fernandez Francisco , Pinar Ardic Oya
Published: November 2022

An important step to achieve greater financial inclusion is to increase the acceptance and usage of digital payments. Although consumer adoption of digital payments has improved dramatically globally, the acceptance and usage of digital payments for micro, small, and medium-sized retailers (MSMRs) remain challenging. Using random forest estimation, we identify 14 key predictors out of 190 variables with the largest predictive power for MSMR adoption and usage of digital payments. Using conditional inference trees, we study the importance of sequencing and interactions of various factors such as public policy initiatives, technological advancements, and private sector incentives. We find that in countries with low POS terminal adoption, killer applications such as mobile phone payment apps increase the likelihood of P2B digital transactions. We also find the likelihood of digital P2B payments at MSMRs increases when MSMRs pay their employees and suppliers digitally. The level of ownership of basic financial accounts by consumers and the size of the shadow economy are also important predictors of greater adoption and usage of digital payments. Using causal forest estimation, we find a positive and economically significant marginal effect for merchant and consumer fiscal incentives on POS terminal adoption on average. When countries implement financial inclusion initiatives, POS terminal adoption increases significantly and MSMRs’ share of P2B digital payments also increases. Merchant and consumer fiscal incentives also increase MSMRs’ share of P2B electronic payments.
Applying a deep convolutional neural network to monitor the lateral spread response during microvascular surgery for hemifacial spasm
Authors: Kim Minsoo , Park Sang-Ku , Kubota Yasuhiro , Lee Seunghoon , Park Kwan , Kong Doo-Sik
Published: November 2022

Background

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring is essential in neurosurgical procedures. In this study, we built and evaluated the performance of a deep neural network in differentiating between the presence and absence of a lateral spread response, which provides critical information during microvascular decompression surgery for the treatment of hemifacial spasm using intraoperatively acquired electromyography images.

Methods and findings

A total of 3,674 image screenshots of monitoring devices from 50 patients were prepared, preprocessed, and then adopted into training and validation sets. A deep neural network was constructed using current-standard, off-the-shelf tools. The neural network correctly differentiated 50 test images (accuracy, 100%; area under the curve, 0.96) collected from 25 patients whose data were never exposed to the neural network during training or validation. The accuracy of the network was equivalent to that of the neuromonitoring technologists (p = 0.3013) and higher than that of neurosurgeons experienced in hemifacial spasm (p < 0.0001). Heatmaps obtained to highlight the key region of interest achieved a level similar to that of trained human professionals. Provisional clinical application showed that the neural network was preferable as an auxiliary tool.

Conclusions

A deep neural network trained on a dataset of intraoperatively collected electromyography data could classify the presence and absence of the lateral spread response with equivalent performance to human professionals. Well-designated applications based upon the neural network may provide useful auxiliary tools for surgical teams during operations.
Traditional Medicine Beliefs and Practices among Caregivers of Children under Five Years—The Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS), Western Kenya: A qualitative study
Authors: Ngere Sarah Hawi , Akelo Victor , Ondeng’e Ken , Ridzon Renee , Otieno Peter , Nyanjom Maryanne , Omore Richard , Barr Beth A. Tippett
Published: November 2022

Background

Approximately 80% of the population residing in sub-Saharan Africa relies on Traditional Medicine (TM). However, literature on factors motivating the use of TM for children under the age of five in these settings is limited. Such information can guide policy formulation for integration of TM into mainstream health care services. This study aimed to describe the motivation on use of TM among caregivers of children residing in rural and urban communities in western Kenya.

Methods

The socio-behavioral sciences (SBS) arm of the Child Health and Mortality Prevention Surveillance (CHAMPS) program in western Kenya, conducted a cross-sectional qualitative study in Manyatta—an urban informal settlement located in Kisumu town and Karemo—a rural setting in Siaya County. We performed 29 in-depth interviews, 5 focus group discussions and 11 semi-structured interviews with community representatives (n = 53), health workers (n = 17), and community leaders (n = 18). All the participants were purposively sampled. We performed thematic analysis using both inductive and deductive approaches. Data management was completed on Nvivo 11.0 software (QSR International, Melbourne, Australia).

Results

Our findings reveal that some caregivers prefer TM to treat some childhood diseases. Use of TM was informed by illness beliefs about etiology of disease. We observed an appreciation from the study participants that malaria can effectively be treated by Conventional Medicine (CM) while TM was preferred to treat measles and diseases believed to be associated with supernatural etiology such as witchcraft, evil spirit or breaching cultural taboos. TM was also used in instances where CM failed to provide a diagnosis or when CM was ‘slow’. TM in such cases was used as a last resort.

Conclusion

We observed varied beliefs that motivate caregivers’ choice of TM use among children in western Kenya. It is therefore crucial to consider perceptions and socio-cultural beliefs about illnesses when formulating interventions that are geared towards child health.
A national study of burnout and spiritual health in UK general practitioners during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Whitehead Ishbel Orla , Moffatt Suzanne , Jagger Carol , Hanratty Barbara
Published: November 2022

Objectives

To quantify the burnout and spiritual health of general practitioners (GPs) in the United Kingdom (UK) who worked during the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Design

Online survey, April/May 2021, distributed via emails to general practices, Clinical Commissioning Groups (CCGs), Health boards, Clinical Research Networks, professional groups, social media GP groups and networks.

Setting

United Kingdom.

Participants

1318 GPs who had worked in the National Health Service (NHS) during the COVID-19 pandemic (March 2020 –May 2021).

Main outcome measures

Burnout scores, measured by the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) for Medical Personnel; spiritual health, measured using the Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy—Spiritual Well-Being, Non-Illness (FACIT-SP-NI).

Results

19% of surveyed GPs were at the highest risk for burnout, using accepted MBI ‘cut off’ levels. There was no evidence of a difference in burnout by gender, ethnicity, or length of service. GP burnout was associated with GP spiritual health, regardless of identification with a religion. GPs with low spiritual health were five times more likely to be in the highest risk group for burnout.

Conclusions

Burnout is at crisis levels amongst GPs in the UK NHS. A comprehensive response is required, identifying protective and precipitating factors for burnout. The potentially protective impact of spiritual health merits further investigation.
Pelvic organ prolapse: The lived experience
Authors: Carroll Louise , O’ Sullivan Cliona , Doody Catherine , Perrotta Carla , Fullen Brona
Published: November 2022

Background

Up to 50% of women will develop pelvic organ prolapse (POP) over their lifetime. Symptoms include pain, bulge, urinary, bowel and sexual symptoms affecting all aspects of a woman’s life. This study explores the lived experience of women with POP.

Methodology

A qualitative study was undertaken. Following institutional ethical approval women from an online peer support group (n = 930 members) were recruited to participate in semi-structured interviews. Inclusion criteria stipulated women (> 18years), pre-menopausal, at least one-year post-partum, diagnosed with POP and aware of their diagnosis. Semi-structured interviews were undertaken with a clinician specialising in pelvic health. A battery of questions was designed to elicit discussion on their experience of being diagnosed with POP and its impact on daily life and relationships. Interviews were carried out via Zoom, recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was undertaken.

Findings

Fourteen women (32–41 years), para 1–3 participated. All had at least one vaginal birth; three had vacuum, four had forceps operative births. All had Grade 1–3 POP. Interviews lasted 40–100 minutes. Three core themes with subthemes were identified; biological/physical, psychological and social. Women were particularly affected in terms of sport and exercise participation, their own perceptions of their ability as mothers and fear of their condition worsening. They described societal attitudes, reporting stigma around POP and women’s pelvic health in general, expectations placed on women to put up with their symptoms and an idealised perception of new motherhood.

Conclusions

The impact of POP from a biopsychosocial perspective reflects other chronic conditions. Prevention, early education and supports for developing strong self-management approaches would be beneficial for long term management of this condition.
Factors influencing open government data post-adoption in the public sector: The perspective of data providers
Authors: Mustapa Mimi Nurakmal , Hamid Suraya , Md Nasaruddin Fariza Hanum
Published: November 2022

Providing access to non-confidential government data to the public is one of the initiatives adopted by many governments today to embrace government transparency practices. The initiative of publishing non-confidential government data for the public to use and re-use without restrictions is known as Open Government Data (OGD). Nevertheless, after several years after its inception, the direction of OGD implementation remains uncertain. The extant literature on OGD adoption concentrates primarily on identifying factors influencing adoption decisions. Yet, studies on the underlying factors influencing OGD after the adoption phase are scarce. Based on these issues, this study investigated the post-adoption of OGD in the public sector, particularly the data provider agencies. The OGD post-adoption framework is crafted by anchoring the Technology–Organization–Environment (TOE) framework and the innovation adoption process theory. The data was collected from 266 government agencies in the Malaysian public sector. This study employed the partial least square-structural equation modeling as the statistical technique for factor analysis. The results indicate that two factors from the organizational context (top management support, organizational culture) and two from the technological context (complexity, relative advantage) have a significant contribution to the post-adoption of OGD in the public sector. The contribution of this study is threefold: theoretical, conceptual, and practical. This study contributed theoretically by introducing the post-adoption framework of OGD that comprises the acceptance, routinization, and infusion stages. As the majority of OGD adoption studies conclude their analysis at the adoption (decisions) phase, this study gives novel insight to extend the analysis into unexplored territory, specifically the post-adoption phase. Conceptually, this study presents two new factors in the environmental context to be explored in the OGD adoption study, namely, the data demand and incentives. The fact that data providers are not influenced by data requests from the agency’s external environment and incentive offerings is something that needs further investigation. In practicality, the findings of this study are anticipated to assist policymakers in strategizing for long-term OGD implementation from the data provider’s perspective. This effort is crucial to ensure that the OGD initiatives will be incorporated into the public sector’s service thrust and become one of the digital government services provided to the citizen.
Acute effects of virtual reality treadmill training on gait and cognition in older adults: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Zukowski Lisa A. , Shaikh Faisal D. , Haggard Alexa V. , Hamel Renee N.
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Everyday walking often involves walking with divided attention (i.e., dual-tasking). Exercise interventions for older adults should mimic these simultaneous physical and cognitive demands. This proof-of-concept study had a two-fold purpose: 1) identify acute cognitive and gait benefits of a single session of virtual reality treadmill training (VRTT), relative to conventional treadmill training (CTT), and 2) identify differences between those who reduced dual-task costs (i.e., responders) on gait or cognition and those who did not, after the session.

Methods

Sixty older adults were randomized to complete a single 30-minute session of VRTT (n = 30, 71.2±6.5 years, 22 females) or CTT (n = 30, 72.0±7.7 years, 21 females). Pre- and post-exercise session, participants performed single-task walking, single-task cognitive, and dual-task walking trials while gait and cognition were recorded. Gait variables were gait speed and gait speed variability. Cognition variables were response reaction time, response accuracy, and cognitive throughput. Dual-task effects (DTE) on gait and cognition variables were also calculated.

Results

Post-exercise, there were no group differences (all p>0.05). During single- and dual-task trials, both groups walked faster (single-task: F(1, 58) = 9.560, p = 0.003; dual-task: F(1, 58) = 19.228, p<0.001), responded more quickly (single-task: F(1, 58) = 5.054, p = 0.028; dual-task: F(1, 58) = 8.543, p = 0.005), and reduced cognitive throughput (single-task: F(1, 58) = 6.425, p = 0.014; dual-task: F(1, 58) = 28.152, p<0.001). Both groups also exhibited reduced DTE on gait speed (F(1, 58) = 8.066, p = 0.006), response accuracy (F(1, 58) = 4.123, p = 0.047), and cognitive throughput (F(1, 58) = 6.807, p = 0.012). Gait responders and non-responders did not differ (all p>0.05), but cognitive responders completed fewer years of education (t(58) = 2.114, p = 0.039) and better information processing speed (t(58) = -2.265, p = 0.027) than cognitive non-responders.

Conclusions

The results indicate that both VRTT and CTT may acutely improve gait and cognition. Therefore, older adults will likely benefit from participating in either type of exercise. The study also provides evidence that baseline cognition can impact training effects on DTE on cognition.
Realtime assessment of WASH coordination in three humanitarian emergencies
Authors: Heylen Camille , Yates Travis , Topper Langley , Bouvet Franck , Porteaud Dominique , Ramos Monica , McCluskey Jean , Lantagne Daniele
Published: November 2022

To understand how water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) coordination leads to humanitarian response outcomes, we conducted a nine-month mixed-method evaluation in three humanitarian contexts (Cox’s Bazar Bangladesh, Democratic Republic of Congo, and Yemen) varying in terms of humanitarian and WASH response and coordination. We completed 93 key informant interviews, 157 online surveys, and monthly activity reports with National Coordination Platform (NCP) staff and partners. We identified a key set of NCP tools, activities, and products that assisted partners in consistently reaching humanitarian WASH outcomes of “making strategic decisions” and “identifying/reducing gaps in the response”, and partially reaching “defining metrics for Monitoring and Evaluation”, “completing Monitoring and Evaluation and evaluating quality”, and “obtaining funding”. Key contextual factors enabling outcomes were stable staff; cooperation with partners; context-specific tools; and, incorporating the humanitarian-development nexus. One activity, three outcomes (“building capacity”, “strengthening relationships”, and “long-term planning”), and two enabling conditions were added into a pre-existing Theory of Change. This revised Theory of Change is being used to improve NCP strategies, including the Minimum Requirements, and ultimately, benefit affected populations.
Editorial
Authors: Manlow Veronica
Published: November 2022

Each of the authors addresses the meaning of luxury considering such aspects as craft and expertise, branding and the role of the consumer in shaping the way luxury is defined. Luxury brands must manage their images and the increasing democratization of luxury presents a challenge. Sustainability has become an important part of luxury discourse and brands see a possibility to cast themselves in a positive light by adopting sustainable practices. The reader gains knowledge of strategies undertaken by luxury conglomerates and brands and insight into the practices and convictions of renowned milliner Stephen Jones.
Arc’teryx and the luxury of disruption: Sustainable drivers of a fashionable brand
Authors: O’Connell Mark Joseph
Published: November 2022

In Canada we struggle to recognize homegrown fashion talent, and our benchmarks for identifying quality work are based on imported luxury brands. Paradoxically, however, where we are most successful is when we are at our most Canadian. The Arc’teryx label, for example. This brand that grew from a passion for rock climbing, and whose gear subsequently expanded into luxury athleisure, has a uniquely Canadian DNA, one that actively engages with the natural world, the elements, and whose design and manufacturing directives are guided by a deep respect for sustainable principles. The goal of this research is to examine Arc’teryx to see how a successful fashion label has chosen to incorporate sustainable principles into their daily operations. The methodology for this article draws upon interviews with a key company employee, and it also examines the manufacturing model employed by Arc’teryx and how the fundamental corporate ethos drives decision-making. Theory for this article is adapted from technology and social critic Ursula Franklin’s prescient 1989 Massey College (University of Toronto) lecture series (‘The Real World of Technology’) wherein she examined the social shifts that were being catalysed by ascendant technology. Historically, Canada has been a locus of colonial imports and of raw resource export; perhaps now, the cultural values of Canada can constitute another valuable export commodity. One that is sorely needed as the fashion industry as a whole – in its current structure and practices – is massively destructive to the environment and the workers who manufacture our fashionable luxuries. For Arc’teryx, there may not be the same cachet of status-based cosseted luxury or aspirational identification with a rarefied clientele that a European haute-couture fashionable item carries. Conversely, this brand may illustrate that there is more to the ontology of luxury than just the narrow parameters of the Faubourg Saint Honoré or 5th Avenue. For Arc’teryx it is more about an athletic, holistic aesthetic, one that espouses the ‘luxury’ of a strong, healthy body that actively engages with a pristine, natural environment. Worthwhile aspirations that can have much wider implications when applied to a business model.
The politics of gendered work and representation in the Nordic screen industries
Authors: Wallenberg Louise , Koskinen Maaret
Published: November 2022

The editorial presents the impetus behind this Special Issue, ‘The Politics of Gendered Work and Representation in the Nordic Screen Industries’, and describes its connection to production studies, in particular feminist production studies. Outlining the last two decades’ growing interest in investigating the interrelated issues of gender, equality, working conditions and on-screen representations of women, the editorial notes that this kind of research is being conducted both in the humanistic disciples and the social sciences. In conclusion, the seven contributions to the Special Issue are introduced. All of them help shed light on various aspects of the Nordic film industries in relation to gender.
Violence against women in contemporary Finnish audio-visual fiction: The decision-making process
Authors: Reinola Kirsi
Published: November 2022

Violence against women (VAW) in Finnish audio-visual fiction had a significant peak in 2018. The article examines the financiers’ and filmmakers’ decision-making processes that resulted in scenes containing brutal VAW in Finnish TV series and films. Were the decisions rational or emotional, and were these different decision modes separable? The article draws from a study based on two sets of data: first, sequences from Finnish films and TV series that portray VAW, and second, interviews and questionnaire responses from the makers of these scenes covering various stages in the film and TV productions. The results provide insights into the themes of identification, empathy and the normalization of filmic violence, pose a question about the demand for brutalization in AV productions and give suggestions for future research in audio-visual decision-making.
Screenwriting, authorship and gender in Swedish cinema of the 1940s: Dagmar Edqvist’s ‘The Ingegerd Bremssen case’
Authors: Rossholm Anna Sofia
Published: November 2022

Through a case study analysis, this article suggests that women’s screenwriting in Sweden in the 1940s elucidates important aspects of cinematic authorship in relation to cultural hierarchies and gender. The analysis consists of a contextualized reading of the 1942 film Fallet Ingegerd Bremssen (‘The Ingegerd Bremssen case’), based on Dagmar Edqvist’s psychological novel about a rape and its after-effects, with a screenplay written by the author herself. A textual adaptation analysis – focusing on the screenwriting style and how the woman’s perspective and experience in the novel is transformed in the adaptation – is contextualized against the historical backdrop of the changes in screenwriting practices during this period as well as of the critical reception of the film.