bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in practice for preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis: a survey from an academic tertiary referral center in the United States
Authors: Ailaney Nikhil , Zielinski Elizabeth , Doll Michelle , Bearman Gonzalo M. , Kates Stephen L. , Golladay Gregory J.
Published: October 2021

Background

Antibiotic surgical prophylaxis is a core strategy for prevention of surgical site infections (SSI). Despite best practice guidelines and known efficacy of antibiotic prophylaxis in decreasing SSI risk, there is often wide variation in its use. This study was designed to determine the individual perspectives of perioperative providers at an academic tertiary referral center regarding their knowledge of preoperative antibiotic choice, dosing, and timing.

Methods

A prospective survey was conducted amongst surgical and anesthesia team members involved in preoperative antibiotic decision making. The survey addressed ten key principles relating to preoperative antibiotic use, including antibiotic choice, timing and rate of infusion, and dosing. The survey was distributed among orthopaedic surgeons, residents, and anesthesia providers at their respective monthly service line meetings between August 2017 to June 2019. The data was stored and analyzed in a Microsoft Excel worksheet.

Results

A total of 73 providers completed the survey. Twenty-two (30 %) of the providers agreed and 47 (64 %) disagreed that both vancomycin and cefazolin are equally effective for antibiotic prophylaxis. As for antibiotic choice in patients with penicillin allergies, 37 (51 %) agreed with vancomycin, 21 (29 %) agreed with clindamycin, and 15 (21 %) disagreed with both alternatives. When providers were surveyed regarding the appropriateness of standard versus weight adjusted dosing, 67 (92 %) agreed that vancomycin should be weight adjusted and 63 (86 %) agreed that cefazolin should be weight adjusted.

Conclusions

There is no clear consensus amongst providers for which antibiotic to administer for antibiotic prophylaxis despite existing guidelines. Discrepancy also exists between orthopaedic surgery and anesthesia providers in regards to appropriate antibiotic choice for patients with reported penicillin allergies. Institutions should implement evidence-based protocols for preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis and continue to prospectively monitor compliance in order to identify any inconsistencies that could result in inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis for patients.
Grass-like plants release general volatile cues attractive for gravid Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto mosquitoes
Authors: Bokore Getachew E. , Svenberg Linus , Tamre Richard , Onyango Patrick , Bukhari Tullu , Emmer Åsa , Fillinger Ulrike
Published: October 2021

Background

Understanding the ecology and behaviour of disease vectors, including the olfactory cues used to orient and select hosts and egg-laying sites, are essential for the development of novel, insecticide-free control tools. Selected graminoid plants have been shown to release volatile chemicals attracting malaria vectors; however, whether the attraction is selective to individual plants or more general across genera and families is still unclear.

Methods

To contribute to the current evidence, we implemented bioassays in two-port airflow olfactometers and in large field cages with four live graminoid plant species commonly found associated with malaria vector breeding sites in western Kenya:Cyperus rotundusandC. exaltatusof the Cyperaceae family, andPanicum repensandCynodon dactylonof the Poaceae family. Additionally, we tested one Poaceae species,Cenchrus setaceus, not usually associated with water. The volatile compounds released in the headspace of the plants were identified using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

Results

All five plants attracted gravid vectors, with the odds of a mosquito orienting towards the choice-chamber with the plant in an olfactometer being 2–5 times higher than when no plant was present. This attraction was maintained when tested with free-flying mosquitoes over a longer distance in large field cages, though at lower strength, with the odds of attracting a female 1.5–2.5 times higher when live plants were present than when only water was present in the trap.Cyperus rotundus,previously implicated in connection with an oviposition attractant, consistently elicited the strongest response from gravid vectors. Volatiles regularly detected were limonene, β-pinene, β-elemene and β-caryophyllene, among other common plant compounds previously described in association with odour-orientation of gravid and unfed malaria vectors.

Conclusions

The present study confirms that gravidAnopheles gambiaesensu stricto use chemical cues released from graminoid plants to orientate. These cues are released from a variety of graminoid plant species in both the Cyperaceae and Poaceae family. Given the general nature of these cues, it appears unlikely that they are exclusively used for the location of suitable oviposition sites. The utilization of these chemical cues for attract-and-kill trapping strategies must be explored under natural conditions to investigate their efficiency when in competition with complex interacting natural cues.

Graphical abstract
On the role of dauer in the adaptation of nematodes to a parasitic lifestyle
Authors: Vlaar Lieke E. , Bertran Andre , Rahimi Mehran , Dong Lemeng , Kammenga Jan E. , Helder Johannes , Goverse Aska , Bouwmeester Harro J.
Published: October 2021

Nematodes are presumably the most abundant Metazoa on Earth, and can even be found in some of the most hostile environments of our planet. Various types of hypobiosis evolved to adapt their life cycles to such harsh environmental conditions. The five most distal major clades of the phylum Nematoda (Clades 8–12), formerly referred to as the Secernentea, contain many economically relevant parasitic nematodes. In this group, a special type of hypobiosis, dauer, has evolved. The dauer signalling pathway, which culminates in the biosynthesis of dafachronic acid (DA), is intensively studied in the free-living nematodeCaenorhabditis elegans, and it has been hypothesized that the dauer stage may have been a prerequisite for the evolution of a wide range of parasitic lifestyles among other nematode species. Biosynthesis of DA is not specific for hypobiosis, but if it results in exit of the hypobiotic state, it is one of the main criteria to define certain behaviour as dauer. Within Clades 9 and 10, the involvement of DA has been validated experimentally, and dauer is therefore generally accepted to occur in those clades. However, for other clades, such as Clade 12, this has hardly been explored. In this review, we provide clarity on the nomenclature associated with hypobiosis and dauer across different nematological subfields. We discuss evidence for dauer-like stages in Clades 8 to 12 and support this with a meta-analysis of available genomic data. Furthermore, we discuss indications for a simplified dauer signalling pathway in parasitic nematodes. Finally, we zoom in on the host cues that induce exit from the hypobiotic stage and introduce two hypotheses on how these signals might feed into the dauer signalling pathway for plant-parasitic nematodes. With this work, we contribute to the deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying hypobiosis in parasitic nematodes. Based on this, novel strategies for the control of parasitic nematodes can be developed.
Triatoma sordida (Hemiptera, Triatominae) from La Paz, Bolivia: an incipient species or an intraspecific chromosomal polymorphism?
Authors: Madeira Fernanda Fernandez , Delgado Luiza Maria Grzyb , Bittinelli Isadora de Freitas , de Oliveira Jader , Ravazi Amanda , dos Reis Yago Visinho , de Oliveira Ana Beatriz Bortolozo , Cristal Daniel Cesaretto , Galvão Cleber , de Azeredo-Oliveira Maria Tercília Vilela , da Rosa João Aristeu , Alevi Kaio Cesar Chaboli
Published: October 2021

Background

Triatoma sordidais one of the main Chagas disease vectors in Brazil. In addition to Brazil, this species has already been reported in Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and Uruguay. It is hypothesized that the insects currently identified asT. sordidaare a species subcomplex formed by three cytotypes (T. sordidasensu stricto [s.s.],T. sordidaLa Paz, andT. sordidaArgentina). With the recent description ofT. rosaifrom the Argentinean specimens, it became necessary to assess the taxonomic status ofT. sordidafrom La Paz, Bolivia, since it was suggested that it may represent a new species, which has taxonomic, evolutionary, and epidemiological implications. Based on the above, we carried out molecular and experimental crossover studies to assess the specific status ofT. sordidaLa Paz.

Methods

To evaluate the pre- and postzygotic barriers betweenT. sordidaLa Paz andT. sordidas.s., experimental crosses and intercrosses between F1 hybrids and between F2 hybrids were conducted. In addition, cytogenetic analyses of the F1 and F2 hybrids were applied with an emphasis on the degree of pairing between the homeologous chromosomes, and morphological analyses of the male gonads were performed to evaluate the presence of gonadal dysgenesis. Lastly, the genetic distance betweenT. sordidaLa Paz andT. sordidas.s. was calculated for theCYTB,ND1, andITS1genes.

Results

Regardless of the gene used,T. sordidaLa Paz showed low genetic distance compared toT. sordidas.s. (below 2%). Experimental crosses resulted in offspring for both directions, demonstrating that there are no prezygotic barriers installed between these allopatric populations. Furthermore, postzygotic barriers were not observed either (since the F1 × F1 and F2 × F2 intercrosses resulted in viable offspring). Morphological and cytogenetic analyses of the male gonads of the F1 and F2 offspring demonstrated that the testes were not atrophied and did not show chromosome pairing errors.

Conclusion

Based on the low genetic distance (which configures intraspecific variation), associated with the absence of prezygotic and postzygotic reproductive barriers, we confirm thatT. sordidaLa Paz represents only a chromosomal polymorphism ofT. sordidas.s.

Graphical abstract
Increased risk of malignancy in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: population-based cohort study in Korea
Authors: Han Jung-Yong , Kim Hyoungyoung , Jung Sun-Young , Jang Eun Jin , Cho Soo-Kyung , Sung Yoon-Kyoung
Published: October 2021

Background

This study aimed to evaluate the crude incidence rates and relative risk of malignancy in Korean patients with SLE.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective nationwide cohort study using databases from the National Health Insurance Service in Korea. All prevalent SLE patients aged over 19 were identified from January 2012 to December 2014 and observed until the diagnosis of malignancy, death, or end of the study, December 2015. The crude incidence rates (IRs) and standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) of overall and site-specific malignancies in SLE patients were estimated.

Results

We identified 17,854 SLE patients and during the observation period (60,511 person-years [PYs]), 768 solid malignancies (126.9/10,000 PYs) and 68 haematologic malignancies (11.2/10,000 PYs) occurred in SLE patients. In SLE patients, breast and reproductive system and thyroid cancers occurred predominantly, followed by liver and colon cancers. The SIRs of overall, solid, and haematologic malignancies of SLE patients compared to the general population were 1.8 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.6–1.9), 1.7 (95% CI 1.5–1.8), and 5.9 (95% CI 4.8–7.3), respectively. In solid malignancies, head and neck (2.7, 95% CI 1.1–4.2), bladder (2.4, 95% CI 1.1–3.8), liver (1.9, 95% CI 1.4–2.3), pancreas (1.9, 95% CI 1.3–2.6), lung (1.8, 95% CI 1.2–2.4), colon (1.7, 95% CI 1.3–2.2), thyroid (1.6, 95% CI 1.3–1.8) and breast and reproductive system (1.5, 95% CI 1.2–1.7) cancers are at increased risk in SLE patients.

Conclusion

An increased risk of haematologic and solid malignancies was observed in Korean patients with SLE compared to the general population.
HIV incidence among men who have sex with men in mainland China: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Huang Wenting , Wang Liming , Guodong Mi , Zahn Ryan J. , Taussig Jennifer , Peterson Shenita R. , Baral Stefan , Moore Renee H. , Huang Xiaojie , Hou Jianhua , Sullivan Patrick S. , Siegler Aaron J.
Published: October 2021

Background

Men who have sex with men (MSM) are disproportionately affected by HIV in China. Globally, younger MSM are at higher risk for incident HIV infections, but there has been substantial variation in the estimates of age-stratified HIV incidence among MSM in mainland China, potentially due to regional differences in the nature of the epidemic. Given the need for quality epidemiological data to meet the global goal of ending new HIV infections by 2030, this systematic review and meta-analysis aims to determine age-stratified HIV incidence in mainland China, including consideration by geographic region and time.

Methods

This review will include longitudinal studies, cross-sectional surveys, and surveillance reports among MSM in mainland China that have reported HIV incidence. We will search studies and reports published from January 1, 2003, to April 30, 2020, in both English and Chinese language literature databases. For each study considered, two reviewers will independently screen, determine eligibility, and extract relevant data, with discrepancies resolved by consensus of a third reviewer. The methodological quality of included studies will be assessed by the Quality Assessment Tool for Systematic Reviews of Observational Studies Score (QATSO). We will develop age-stratified estimates of HIV incidence with geographic variations and temporal trends. Heterogeneity will be examined using statistical techniques appropriate to the dataset. For subgroup analyses, we will conduct mixed-effects meta-analysis models.

Discussion

This review will contribute to a better understanding of the HIV epidemic among MSM in mainland China by providing age-stratified estimates of HIV incidence with a portrayal of geographic and temporal variations. Findings will reflect epidemic dynamics, informing local and national intervention programs and policies for HIV prevention, and providing estimation data to inform future research among MSM in China.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO ID 154834
Paediatric tuberculosis diagnosis using Mycobacterium tuberculosis real-time polymerase chain reaction assay: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Babafemi Emmanuel Oladipo , Cherian Benny P. , Ouma Beatrice , Mogoko Gilbert Mangua
Published: October 2021

Background

Rapid and accurate diagnosis of paediatric tuberculosis (TB) is key to manage the disease and to control and prevent its transmission. Collection of quality sputum samples without invasion methods from paediatrics (age < 16 years) with presumptive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) remains a challenge. Thus, the aim of this meta-analysis was to assess the overall accuracy of a real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR)-based assay, for routine diagnosis of MTB in different samples from paediatrics with active pulmonary and extra-pulmonary tuberculosis using mycobacterial culture as the gold standard in clinical microbiology laboratories.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to examine the diagnostic test accuracy of RT-PCR based assay for the detection of MTB in paediatric clinical samples.

A systematic literature search was performed for publications in any language. MEDLINE via PubMed, EMBASE, and Web of Science were among 9 bibliographic databases searched from August 2019 until November 2020. Bivariate random-effects model of meta-analysis were performed to generate pooled summary estimates (95% CIs) for overall accuracy of RT-PCR based assay compared to mycobacterial culture as the reference standard.

Results

Of the 1592 candidate studies, twenty-one eligible studies met our inclusion criteria. In total, the review and meta-analysis included 5536 (3209 PTB and 2327 EPTB). Summary estimates for pulmonary TB (11 studies) were as follows: sensitivity 56 (95% CI 51–62), specificity 97 (95% CI 96–98) and summary estimates for extra-pulmonary TB (10 studies) were as follows: sensitivity 87 (95% CI 82-91)) specificity 100 (95% CI 99–100). There was significant heterogeneity in sensitivity and specificity among the enrolled studies (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our results suggested that the RT-PCR based assay could be a useful test for the diagnosis of paediatrics TB with high sensitivity and specificity in low-income/high-burden and upper medium income/low-burden settings. From the study, RT-PCR assay demonstrated a high degree of sensitivity for extra-pulmonary TB and good sensitivity for pulmonary TB which is an important factor in achieving effective global control and for patient management in terms of initiating early and appropriate anti-tubercular therapy.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO CRD42018104052
A survey on missing data in machine learning
Authors: Emmanuel Tlamelo , Maupong Thabiso , Mpoeleng Dimane , Semong Thabo , Mphago Banyatsang , Tabona Oteng
Published: October 2021

Machine learning has been the corner stone in analysing and extracting information from data and often a problem of missing values is encountered. Missing values occur because of various factors like missing completely at random, missing at random or missing not at random. All these may result from system malfunction during data collection or human error during data pre-processing. Nevertheless, it is important to deal with missing values before analysing data since ignoring or omitting missing values may result in biased or misinformed analysis. In literature there have been several proposals for handling missing values. In this paper, we aggregate some of the literature on missing data particularly focusing on machine learning techniques. We also give insight on how the machine learning approaches work by highlighting the key features of missing values imputation techniques, how they perform, their limitations and the kind of data they are most suitable for. We propose and evaluate two methods, the k nearest neighbor and an iterative imputation method (missForest) based on the random forest algorithm. Evaluation is performed on the Iris and novel power plant fan data with induced missing values at missingness rate of 5% to 20%. We show that both missForest and the k nearest neighbor can successfully handle missing values and offer some possible future research direction.
Three-dimensional printed polylactic acid scaffold integrated with BMP-2 laden hydrogel for precise bone regeneration
Authors: Cha Misun , Jin Yuan-Zhe , Park Jin Wook , Lee Kyung Mee , Han Shi Huan , Choi Byung Sun , Lee Jae Hyup
Published: October 2021

Background

Critical bone defects remain challenges for clinicians, which cannot heal spontaneously and require medical intervention. Following the development of three-dimensional (3D) printing technology is widely used in bone tissue engineering for its outstanding customizability. The 3D printed scaffolds were usually accompanied with growth factors, such as bone morphometric protein 2 (BMP-2), whose effects have been widely investigated on bone regeneration. We previously fabricated and investigated the effect of a polylactic acid (PLA) cage/Biogel scaffold as a carrier of BMP-2. In this study, we furtherly investigated the effect of another shape of PLA cage/Biogel scaffold as a carrier of BMP-2 in a rat calvaria defect model and an ectopic ossification (EO) model.

Method

The PLA scaffold was printed with a basic commercial 3D printer, and the PLA scaffold was combined with gelatin and alginate-based Biogel and BMP-2 to induce bone regeneration. The experimental groups were divided into PLA scaffold, PLA scaffold with Biogel, PLA scaffold filled with BMP-2, and PLA scaffold with Biogel and BMP-2 and were tested both in vitro and in vivo. One-way ANOVA with Bonferroni post-hoc analysis was used to determine whether statistically significant difference exists between groups.

Result

The in vitro results showed the cage/Biogel scaffold released BMP-2 with an initial burst release and followed by a sustained slow-release pattern. The released BMP-2 maintained its osteoinductivity for at least 14 days. The in vivo results showed the cage/Biogel/BMP-2 group had the highest bone regeneration in the rat calvarial defect model and EO model. Especially, the bone regenerated more regularly in the EO model at the implanted sites, which indicated the cage/Biogel had an outstanding ability to control the shape of regenerated bone.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the 3D printed PLA cage/Biogel scaffold system was proved to be a proper carrier for BMP-2 that induced significant bone regeneration and induced bone formation following the designed shape.
High-resolution dynamic mapping of the C. elegans intestinal brush border
Authors: Bidaud-Meynard Aurélien , Demouchy Flora , Nicolle Ophélie , Pacquelet Anne , Suman Shashi Kumar , Plancke Camille N. , Robin François B. , Michaux Grégoire
Published: October 2021

The intestinal brush border is made of an array of microvilli that increases the membrane surface area for nutrient processing, absorption and host defense. Studies on mammalian cultured epithelial cells have uncovered some of the molecular players and physical constraints required to establish this apical specialized membrane. However, the building and maintenance of a brush border in vivo has not yet been investigated in detail. Here, we combined super-resolution imaging, transmission electron microscopy and genome editing in the developing nematode Caenorhabditis elegans to build a high-resolution and dynamic localization map of known and new brush border markers. Notably, we show that microvilli components are dynamically enriched at the apical membrane during microvilli outgrowth and maturation, but become highly stable once microvilli are built. This new toolbox will be instrumental for understanding the molecular processes of microvilli growth and maintenance in vivo, as well as the effect of genetic perturbations, notably in the context of disorders affecting brush border integrity.
Syntaxin 17, an ancient SNARE paralog, plays different and conserved roles in different organisms
Authors: Kato Shun , Arasaki Kohei , Tokutomi Natsuki , Imai Yuzuru , Inoshita Tsuyoshi , Hattori Nobutaka , Sasaki Taeko , Sato Miyuki , Wakana Yuichi , Inoue Hiroki , Tagaya Mitsuo
Published: October 2021

Mammalian syntaxin 17 (Stx17) has several roles in processes other than membrane fusion, including in mitochondrial division, autophagosome formation and lipid droplet expansion. In contrast to conventional syntaxins, Stx17 has a long C-terminal hydrophobic region with a hairpin-like structure flanked by a basic amino acid-enriched C-terminal tail. Although Stx17 is one of the six ancient SNAREs and is present in diverse eukaryotic organisms, it has been lost in multiple lineages during evolution. In the present study, we compared the localization and function of fly and nematode Stx17s expressed in HeLa cells with those of human Stx17. We found that fly Stx17 predominantly localizes to the cytosol and mediates autophagy, but not mitochondrial division. Nematode Stx17, on the other hand, is predominantly present in mitochondria and facilitates mitochondrial division, but is irrelevant to autophagy. These differences are likely due to different structures in the C-terminal tail. Non-participation of fly Stx17 and nematode Stx17 in mitochondrial division and autophagy, respectively, was demonstrated in individual organisms. Our results provide an insight into the evolution of Stx17 in metazoa.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Bargaining under the Illusion of Transparency
Authors: Madarász Kristóf
Published: October 2021

This paper studies bargaining with noncommon priors where the buyer projects and exaggerates the probability that her private information may leak to the seller. Letting the buyer name her price first, raises the seller’s payoff above his payoff from posting a price. In seller-offer bargaining, projection implies a partial reversal of classic Coasian comparative static results. Weakening price commitment can benefit the seller and, as long as the relative speed at which imaginary information versus offers arrive does not converge to zero too quickly, frictionless bargaining converges to a fast haggling process which allows the seller to extract all surplus from trade. Bargaining under common prior transparency is instead slow and becomes equivalent to simply waiting. The comparative static predictions are consistent with experimental evidence. (JEL C78, D82)
The Causal Interpretation of Two-Stage Least Squares with Multiple Instrumental Variables
Authors: Mogstad Magne , Torgovitsky Alexander , Walters Christopher R.
Published: October 2021

Empirical researchers often combine multiple instrumental variables (IVs) for a single treatment using two-stage least squares (2SLS). When treatment effects are heterogeneous, a common justification for including multiple IVs is that the 2SLS estimand can be given a causal interpretation as a positively weighted average of local average treatment effects (LATEs). This justification requires the well-known monotonicity condition. However, we show that with more than one instrument, this condition can only be satisfied if choice behavior is effectively homogeneous. Based on this finding, we consider the use of multiple IVs under a weaker, partial monotonicity condition. We characterize empirically verifiable sufficient and necessary conditions for the 2SLS estimand to be a positively weighted average of LATEs under partial monotonicity. We apply these results to an empirical analysis of the returns to college with multiple instruments. We show that the standard monotonicity condition is at odds with the data. Nevertheless, our empirical checks reveal that the 2SLS estimate retains a causal interpretation as a positively weighted average of the effects of college attendance among complier groups. (JEL C26, I23, I26, J24, J31, R23)
The feasibility of reduced field-of-view diffusion-weighted imaging in evaluating bladder invasion of uterine cervical cancer
Authors: Takeuchi Mayumi , Matsuzaki Kenji , Harada Masafumi
Published: October 2021

Objectives:

Uterine cervical cancer with bladder mucosal invasion is classified as FIGO stage IVA with poor prognosis. MRI can rule out the bladder invasion and skipping cystoscopy may be possible; however, high false-positive rate may be problematic. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the diagnostic performance of reduced field-of-view (FOV) diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) in evaluating bladder mucosal invasion of cervical cancer.

Methods:

3T MRI including T2WI and reduced FOV DWI in 15 women with histologically proven cervical cancer (two stage IIIB, six stage IVA, seven stage IVB) were retrospectively evaluated compared with cystoscopic findings.

Results:

Cystoscopy revealed mucosal invasion in 13 of 15 cases. The border between the tumor and the bladder wall was unclear on T2WI and clear on reduced FOV DWI in all 15 cases. The diagnosis of mucosal invasion on reduced FOV DWI had a sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 50%, accuracy of 93%, PPV of 93%, and NPV of 100%.

Conclusions:

Addition of reduced FOV DWI may improve the staging accuracy of MRI for cervical cancer in assessing the bladder mucosal invasion.

Advances in knowledge:

Reduced FOV DWI may improve the staging accuracy of cervical cancer in assessing bladder mucosal invasion with high NPV and PPV, which may be helpful for avoiding unnecessary cystoscopy.
Clinical use of antiviral, antibiotic and immunomodulatory drugs in hospitalized COVID-19 patients: a retrospective study in Bandung, Indonesia
Authors: Muflihah Heni , Bhekti Rahimah Santun , Widiyanto Tulus , Mahwati Yeni , Parumasivam Thaigarajan , Sastramihardja Herri S.
Published: October 2021

Background: Evidence of highly effective repurposed drugs for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is insufficient. However, empirical therapy using antiviral, antibiotic and immunomodulatory drugs is massive. Studies evaluating the clinical use of these drugs in Indonesia are sparse.

Methods: We performed a retrospective study using medical records of hospitalized COVID-19 patients from July 2020 to March 2021 in Bandung, Indonesia. Data were collected at relevant timelines: age, sex, comorbid condition, peripheral oxygen saturation (SpO2), and hematology at admission; antiviral, antibiotic, and immunomodulator treatment during hospitalization; length of stay hospitalization (LOS) and death at discharge. Clinical use of the drug regimens included dose, frequency, and duration of therapy. The main outcome of hospitalization care was LOS and death.

Results: Out of 249 patients, 43.3% had a comorbid condition, 74.7% had non-severe COVID-19 (SpO2 ≥ 90%), and almost all received antiviral or antibiotic agents. Remdesivir was the most frequent drug composing various antiviral regimens. Patients receiving a combination of remdesivir and favipiravir had lower SpO2 compared to those receiving oseltamivir (p=0.01). The short LOS was associated with remdesivir alone (p=0.03), the combination of favipiravir and oseltamivir (p=0.01), and the combination of intravenous levofloxacin and ceftriaxone (p<0.0001). Immunomodulatory drugs (methylprednisolone, dexamethasone, tocilizumab) were used in 47.1% of patients with low SpO2 (p=0.001). Its use was associated with prolonged LOS (p=0.0043). The increased risk of death in patients treated with the combination of remdesivir and favipiravir (OR 4.1;95%CI 1.4-12.2), and immunomodulatory drugs (OR 6.2; 95%CI 1.7-23.3) was confounded by the baseline characteristics of older age, comorbid condition, SpO2 level, and low lymphocyte number.

Conclusions: Some treatment regimens were associated with short LOS, but there were drug regimens which might increase the risk of death. Further study should control the clinical conditions of COVID-19 patients at admission to confirm the outcome of death following drug therapy.
Immune cells and regulation of behavioral reactions in health and disease
Authors:   Federal State Research Institute of Fundamental and Clinical Immunology, Neuroimmunology Laboratory, Markova Evgeniya ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
Published: October 2021

В монографии отражены современные представления о роли иммунокомпетентных клеток и их цитокинов в регуляции поведенческих реакций в нормальных физиологических условиях и при заболеваниях с выраженным нейроиммунным компонентом в патогенезе; представлены полученные в лаборатории нейроиммунологии НИИФКИ приоритетные результаты, демонстрирующие возможность формирования определенного поведенческого фенотипа и направленного изменения поведенческих реакций путем трансплантации иммунокомпетентных клеток с определенными функциональными характеристиками, проведенной на различных этапах онтогенеза; равно как и способность модулированных вне организма иммунокомпетентных клеток редактировать стресс-индуцированные агрессивный и депрессивноподобный фенотипы, снижать мотивацию к употреблению психоактивных веществ, оказывая при этом позитивное психонейроиммуномодулирующее влияние, что является экспериментальным обоснованием принципиально нового подхода к иммунотерапии поведенческих и аддиктивных расстройств. Монография предназначена для научных сотрудников, медицинских специалистов различного профиля, а также для магистрантов и студентов высших учебных заведений по профилю медицины, биологии, фармакологии, психологии.
Chronological association of public face mask usage with the progression of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in a medium-sized Texas city
Authors: Helton Tyler , Guerrero-Criado Andrés , Huang Xinyi , Sigler Mark
Published: October 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has brought many public health issues to the forefront. One area of interest is the use of face masks for disease spread reduction. This observational study aims to survey the trend of public mask usage in Amarillo, TX over two months during the COVID-19 pandemic. We hypothesized that public mask usage would decrease during the data collection period due to “COVID Fatigue” in the region studied. For two hours per week, customers entering a local supermarket were counted and recorded as mask-wearing or not mask-wearing. The percentage of customers wearing masks over time was characterized. The regional COVID-19 incidence rate was analyzed alongside this mask usage trend. A decrease in mask utilization was confirmed throughout May and June before policy interventions in July. Mask utilization was highest with a peak of at 35.5% in May before a decrease to a floor of 13.9% in June. A significant increase in mask utilization following a state mask mandate and private policy change was captured. The mandate alone was not enough to cause a 100% compliance rate in the population and the individual store policy change was what preceded the most significant increase. A strong negative correlation between mask usage and active Coronavirus cases in Amarillo was observed. This study revealed a trend of decreasing compliance with mask utilization over time. The findings suggest that the best method in increasing public compliance is a combination of both public health policy and private business policy implementation.
Exploring and managing psychiatric symptoms in ICU healthcare professionals during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic: a focused review and guideline
Authors: Sarangi Ashish , Kim Dalynn
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has ravaged the healthcare system and stretched resources thin. The impact on healthcare staff working in the intensive care unit setting has been especially devastating.
 
Objective: To conduct a review of the impact of the pandemic on healthcare personnel in the intensive care unit setting in the hope of utilizing information gathered to inform various stakeholders.
 
Design: Focused literature and abstract review
 
Conclusion: This article seeks to highlight the association between critical care as it relates to trauma and COVID-19 and point stakeholders toward opportunities for anticipating and managing secondary effects in effort to promote psychological adaptation.
Upper extremity deep venous thrombosis secondary to thyrotoxic periodic paralysis with accompanying hyperphosphatemia and severe hypomagnesemia
Authors: Rahesh Jasmin , Al-Sukhni Layan , Quraishi Baseer , Naguib Tarek
Published: October 2021

Thyrotoxic periodic paralysis is a rare but life-threatening complication of hyperthyroidism. Characteristic features involve thyrotoxicosis, acute paralysis, and hypokalemia. Mild hypomagnesemia and hypophosphatemia are also present in most cases due to the resulting transcellular shift of electrolytes. Complications of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis reported in the literature have included cerebral venous thrombosis as well as lower extremity deep venous thrombosis. We present a patient with an unusual presentation of thyrotoxic periodic paralysis as reflected by hyperphosphatemia, upper extremity deep venous thrombosis and severe hypomagnesemia. This is the first reported case of upper extremity deep vein thrombosis in association with a peripherally inserted central catheter line secondary to thyrotoxicosis.
Avoiding harm: central venous access in Kartagener syndrome and other vascular anomalies
Authors: Snodgrass Brad , Chu Victoria
Published: October 2021

Placement of internal jugular catheters is more likely to be complicated if a left-sided approach is used, assuming normal anatomy. Kartagener syndrome is the sine qua non of sidedness confusion and results in cognitive challenges that increase the risk of adverse patient outcomes. The altered anatomy can cause profound disorientation from our usual processes.  In normal circumstances the right-sided approach is used for placement of internal jugular catheters, but in Kartagener syndrome the left-sided approach should be preferred.  Surgical volume and use of ultrasound guided techniques are positively correlated with better outcomes.  Clinical experience may be a detriment to performance. Knowledge of these issues will help clinicians maintain vigilance and avoid error. 
 
Keywords: Kartagener syndrome, central venous access, superior vena cava, landmark technique, internal jugular vein catheterization cognitive bias
Refunds If a Drug Doesn’t Work
Authors:   Phoenix Pulmonary and Critical Care Research and Education Foundation, Gilbert, AZ USA, Robbins Richard , Kummet Thomas
Published: October 2021

No abstract available. Article truncated after 150 words. One aspect of the high cost of healthcare is the cost of new drugs. Cancer drugs have received much of the attention because of their extremely high price (1). For example, crizotinib, used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), costs $19,144 for each month's supply. Pfizer, the manufacturer of crizotinib, has just announced that they are offering a refund if its drug "doesn't work" (2). If crizotinib use is discontinued and documentation of ineffectiveness is provided, Pfizer will refund the out-of-pocket amount that was paid for up to the first three bottles (30-day supply) of crizotinib, up to a maximum of $19,144 for each month's supply, or a total of $57,432. Of course, the cost of care includes more than just a single drug and can be much higher and Pfizer is reimbursing only the drug cost. Although Pfizer claims that its pilot program is a first in the …
A reply to ‘Intensifying Caribbean market share within China: a CARICOM case assessment’ by Alleyne
Authors: Moore Winston
Published: October 2021

This reply responds to Antonio Alleyne’s (2021) ‘Intensifying Caribbean market share within China: a CARICOM case assessment’, the author’s attempt to investigate the potential for increasing the market share of Caribbean exports in China. The article shows that there are opportunities to increase exports from the Caribbean in more than 50 per cent of the industries considered. These opportunities, however, have been falling over time. The article explores a very interesting topic but suffers from some methodological challenges that might limit the inferences that can be drawn from the study.
Frequency response and carrier escape time of InGaAs quantum well-dots photodiode
Authors: Zhukov A. E. , Blokhin S. A. , Maleev N. A. , Kryzhanovskaya N. V. , Moiseev E. I. , Nadtochiy A. M. , Mintairov S. A. , Kalyuzhnyy N. A. , Zubov F. I. , Maximov M. V.
Published: October 2021

p-i-n photodiodes comprising dense arrays of InGaAs quantum dots (referred to as quantum well-dots) were fabricated, and the basic physical processes affecting their high-speed performance were studied for the first time by measuring the frequency response under illumination with photons absorbed either in the quantum well-dots (905-nm illumination) or mainly in GaAs layers (860-nm illumination). A GaAs p-i-n photodiode of similar design was also measured for comparison. A maximum −3 dB bandwidth of 8.2 GHz was measured for the 905-nm light illumination, and maximum internal −3 dB bandwidth of 12.5 GHz was estimated taking into account the effect of RC-parasitic by the equivalent circuit model. It was found that the internal response is mainly controlled by the carrier drift time in the depletion region; this process can be characterized by a field-dependent effective velocity of charge carriers in the layered heterostructure, which is approximately half the saturation velocity in GaAs. The carrier escape from the InGaAs quantum well-dots was found to has less effect; the escape time was estimated to be 12–17 ps depending on the reverse-bias voltage applied.
Analysis of residual stress fields from fictive temperature distributions within heat-affected zones of fused silica
Authors: Zhang Chuanchao , Chen Qiao , Liao Wei , Dai Rucheng , Zhang Lijuan , Jiang Xiaolong , Chen Jing , Zhang Zengming , Jiang Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

A simple model based on the measured fictive temperature distribution of fused silica was developed to determine the residual stress field of localized CO2 laser-heated fused silica with an unknown thermal history. The proposed model assumes that the initial frozen-in state of fused silica is the zero-point of residual stresses and the generation of residual stresses results from the thermoelastic contraction differences of fused silica with different fictive temperatures from initial frozen-in temperatures to the ambient temperature. The spatially resolved fictive temperatures of the fused silica sample were characterized using confocal Raman microscopy, and the calculated residual stress fields agreed well with laser-induced critical fracture measurements and photoelastic measurements.
The network structure affects the fixation probability when it couples to the birth-death dynamics in finite population
Authors: Dehghani Mohammad Ali , Darooneh Amir Hossein , Kohandel Mohammad
Published: October 2021

The study of evolutionary dynamics on graphs is an interesting topic for researchers in various fields of science and mathematics. In systems with finite population, different model dynamics are distinguished by their effects on two important quantities: fixation probability and fixation time. The isothermal theorem declares that the fixation probability is the same for a wide range of graphs and it only depends on the population size. This has also been proved for more complex graphs that are called complex networks. In this work, we propose a model that couples the population dynamics to the network structure and show that in this case, the isothermal theorem is being violated. In our model the death rate of a mutant depends on its number of neighbors, and neutral drift holds only in the average. We investigate the fixation probability behavior in terms of the complexity parameter, such as the scale-free exponent for the scale-free network and the rewiring probability for the small-world network.
Early childhood undernutrition, preadolescent physical growth, and cognitive achievement in India: A population-based cohort study
Authors: Soni Apurv , Fahey Nisha , Bhutta Zulfiqar A. , Li Wenjun , Frazier Jean A. , Moore Simas Tiffany , Nimbalkar Somashekhar M. , Allison Jeroan J.
Published: October 2021

Background

There is a lack of nationally representative estimates for the consequences of early childhood undernutrition on preadolescent outcomes in India. Understanding this relationship is helpful to develop interventions that not only prevent child undernutrition but also mitigate its consequences.

Methods and findings

In this cohort study, we analyzed prospectively gathered data from 2 waves of the India Human Development Survey (IHDS) to investigate the association of undernutrition during early childhood (0 to 5 years) in 2004 to 2005 with physical and cognitive outcomes during preadolescent (8 to 11 years) years in 2011 to 2012. These surveys interviewed 41,554 households across all 33 states and union territories in India in 2004 to 2005 and reinterviewed 83% of the households in 2011 to 2012. Primary exposure was assessed using the Composite Index of Anthropometric Failure (CIAF) based on 2004 to 2005 survey. Primary outcomes were short stature (height-for-age z-score [HAZ] <−2), thinness (body mass index [BMI] <18.5 kg/m2), reading, and arithmetic skills during preadolescence based on the 2011 to 2012 survey. Survey-weighted generalized linear models were used, and effect modification based on child sex and sociodemographic variables were evaluated using 3-way interaction terms. Of the 7,868 children included in this analysis, 4,334 (57.3%) were undernourished. Being undernourished was associated with increased odds of short stature (odds ratio [OR] 1.73, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.45 to 2.06) and thinness (OR 1.52, 95% CI 1.33 to 1.73) during the preadolescent period, while it was associated with decreased odds of achieving a higher reading (cumulative odds ratio [cumOR]: 0.76, 0.66 to 0.87) and arithmetic (cumOR: 0.72, 0.63 to 0.82) outcomes. The disparity in outcomes based on CIAF increased with age, especially for female children. Increased level of female education within the household reduced the disadvantages of undernutrition among female children. Study limitations include observational and missing data, which limit our ability to draw strong causal inferences.

Conclusions

In this study, we found that early child undernutrition was associated with several adverse preadolescent physical and cognitive outcomes, especially among female children. Improved female education mitigates this association. Female education promotion should assume a central role in Indian public health policy making.
A weighted network analysis framework for the hourglass effect—And its application in the C. elegans connectome
Authors: Batta Ishaan , Yao Qihang , Sabrin Kaeser M. , Dovrolis Constantine
Published: October 2021

Understanding hierarchy and modularity in natural as well as technological networks is of utmost importance. A major aspect of such analysis involves identifying the nodes that are crucial to the overall processing structure of the network. More recently, the approach of hourglass analysis has been developed for the purpose of quantitatively analyzing whether only a few intermediate nodes mediate the information processing between a large number of inputs and outputs of a network. We develop a new framework for hourglass analysis that takes network weights into account while identifying the core nodes and the extent of hourglass effect in a given weighted network. We use this framework to study the structural connectome of the C. elegans and identify intermediate neurons that form the core of sensori-motor pathways in the organism. Our results show that the neurons forming the core of the connectome show significant differences across the male and hermaphrodite sexes, with most core nodes in the male concentrated in sex-organs while they are located in the head for the hermaphrodite. Our work demonstrates that taking weights into account for network analysis framework leads to emergence of different network patterns in terms of identification of core nodes and hourglass structure in the network, which otherwise would be missed by unweighted approaches.
Does catheter material affect functional performance of intravenous ports via the superior vena cava?
Authors: Wu Ching-Feng , Fu Jui-Ying , Hsieh Tsai-Yang , Wen Chi-Tsung , Yu Sheng-Yueh , Hsieh Ming-Ju , Chu Yen , Wu Ching-Yang
Published: October 2021

Introduction

The catheter is the only intravascular portion of an implanted port and plays a crucial role in catheter related complications. Both polyurethane and silicone are biocompatible materials which are utilized for catheter manufacturing, but their correlation to complications remains controversial. The aim of this study was to try to analyze the relationship between catheter materials and complications.

Materials and methods

A total of 3144 patients who underwent intravenous port implantation between March 2012 and December 2018 at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Linkou, Taiwan were recruited. Of these, 1226 patients received silicone catheter port implantation and 1679 received polyurethane catheter ports. Case matching was done prior to analysis and catheter related complications and cumulative complication incidence for each group were compared.

Results

Intergroup differences were identified in entry vessel (p = 0.0441), operation year (p < 0.0001), operation method (p = 0.0095), functional period (p < 0.0001), patient follow up status (p < 0.0001), operating time for vessel cutdown (p < 0.0001) and wire assisted approach (p = 0.0008). Stratified by specific entry vessel, no statistical difference was found in complication rate or incidence between the silicone and polyurethane groups. We further compared the cumulative complication incidence of the silicone and polyurethane groups, and also found no statistical difference (p = 0.4451).

Conclusion

As long as external stress forces generated by surrounding structures and focused on potential weak points are avoided, both silicone and polyurethane materials provide sufficient structural stability to serve as reliable vascular access for patients.