bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
GloveCare: a pilot study in preparation for a cluster crossover randomized controlled trial of non-sterile glove-based care in preventing late-onset infection in the NICU
Authors: Khan Sarah , Tsang Kara K. , Hu Zheng Jing , Mostowiak Beata , El Helou Salhab , Science Michelle , Kaufman David , Pernica Jeffrey , Thabane Lehana , Mertz Dominik , Loeb Mark
Published: March 2023

Background

Late-onset infections (LOI) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality among patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Gloving after hand hygiene may be a pragmatic approach to prevent infections that arise when healthcare workers’ hands transmit pathogens to neonates.

Objective

To determine the feasibility of conducting a multicenter, open-labeled randomized controlled trial (RCT) to determine whether a protocol that requires healthcare workers (HCWs) in a level 3 NICU to wear non-sterile gloves plus hand hygiene reduces the occurrence of a late-onset infection, compared to hand hygiene alone.

Methods

In this single-center pilot study, we recruited neonates admitted to the McMaster Children’s Hospital NICU from June 2017 to May 2018. The NICU was randomized to begin with the standard (control) arm for 6 months (June 2017 to Dec 2017), followed by the gloving (GloveCare) arm for 6 months (Jan 2018 to July 2018), with a 2-week washout period in-between to educate healthcare workers about gloving. We measured numerous feasibility outcomes including enrollment, event rate, and compliance with hand hygiene (Moment 1: before patient contact, Moment 2: before clean procedure, Moment 3: after body fluid contact, Moment 4: after patient contact) and gloving compliance.

Results

We enrolled 750 neonates (390 Standard care, 360 GloveCare) and achieved 100% enrollment. We found higher hand hygiene compliance during the standard care arm compared to the GloveCare for all four moments of hand hygiene (Moment 1: 87% vs 79%, OR=1.86 (1.34, 2.59); Moment 2: OR=1.73 (1.00, 3.01); Moment 3: OR=1.11 (0.62, 1.98); Moment 4: OR=1.65 (1.27, 2.14)). We developed and validated a method to calculate glove compliance, which ranged from 48 to 85%, and was highest for moment 3 (doffing after a procedure or body fluid exposure risk). No adverse events were documented for patients or staff.

Discussion

Reduction in hand hygiene compliance in the GloveCare arm presents a pragmatic challenge in ascertaining the effectiveness of gloving to prevent LOI. Most LOIs were non-sterile-site infections, which is considered a less patient-important or clinically relevant outcome compared to sterile-site LOI. Ensuring efficient collection and validation of hand hygiene and gloving data is imperative.

Conclusion

The pilot study demonstrated the feasibility of this intervention though modifications to improve hand hygiene compliance during GloveCare will be important prior to a multicenter cluster RCT to assess the efficacy of non-sterile glove-based care in preventing LOI in the NICU.

Trial registration

Clinicaltrials.gov, NCT03078335
Economic assessment of transporting refrigerated cargo between West-Africa and Europe: a chain cost analysis approach
Authors: Mohseni Seyed Abolfazl , Sys Christa , Vanelslander Thierry , van Hassel Edwin
Published: March 2023

Determining which ports to call at in a maritime loop is considered as an important determinant factor for shipping companies which impacts not only on efficiency, and productivity but also on transportation costs. The port selection process becomes more challenging and sensitive if the market is for perishable goods such as fruits and vegetables. Specifically, this paper aims to develop an efficient maritime supply chain for reefer cargo. A case study of refrigerated cargo trade between West-Africa and West-Europe is investigated for which the main objective is to minimize the trade route's supply chain costs. To do so, the paper analyzes various scenarios based upon the different types of cargo (transshipment and non-transshipment), commodity types (dry and reefer), and a combination of different (un)loading ports in and the Rotterdam–Gibraltar range. Four African ports, namely Tema (Ghana), Douala (Cameroon), Abidjan (Ivory Coast), and Dakar (Senegal), are considered for the outbound leg (Africa–Europe), while several ports in the E.U. and the U.K. are selected as inbound leg. The analysis is initiated by applying a data-gathering strategy to get the relevant container flow from European ports to West-African ports. Then, a chain cost modelling approach is used to determine what the sailing schedule of the vessel should be. By performing the import/export cargo volume and maritime and supply chain costs are calculated, which can be used by the involved stakeholders to decide which ports are the best to call on a specific route.
Highlight selection of radiochemistry and radiopharmacy developments by editorial board
Authors: Kiss Oliver C. , Scott Peter J. H. , Behe Martin , Penuelas Ivan , Passchier Jan , Rey Ana , Patt Marianne , Aime Silvio , Jalilian Amir , Laverman Peter , Cheng Zhen , Chauvet Alain Faivre , Engle Jonathan , Cleeren Frederik , Zhu Hua , Vercouillie Johnny , van Dam Michael , Zhang Ming Rong , Perk Lars , Guillet Benjamin , Alves Francisco
Published: March 2023

Background

The Editorial Board of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and Chemistry releases a biannual highlight commentary to update the readership on trends in the field of radiopharmaceutical development.

Main Body

This selection of highlights provides commentary on 21
different topics selected by each coauthoring Editorial Board member addressing
a variety of aspects ranging from novel radiochemistry to first-in-human
application of novel radiopharmaceuticals.

Conclusion

Trends in radiochemistry and radiopharmacy are
highlighted. Hot topics cover the entire scope of EJNMMI Radiopharmacy and
Chemistry, demonstrating the progress in the research field, and include new
PET-labelling methods for 11C and 18F, the importance of
choosing the proper chelator for a given radioactive metal ion, implications of
total body PET on use of radiopharmaceuticals, legislation issues and
radionuclide therapy including the emerging role of 161Tb.
Methotrexate intolerance in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Nalwa Harjit Singh , Prasad Peeyush , Ganguly Nirmal Kumar , Chaturvedi Ved , Mittal Shivani Arora
Published: March 2023

Rheumatoid Arthritis is one of the most common autoimmune diseases, causing irreversible joint damage and disability. Methotrexate (MTX) is the gold standard drug for this. The low cost, easy availability and high efficacy makes it the most important and commonly used DMARD in developing and low income countries. However, long term use of MTX is also associated with intolerance including gastrointestinal effects such as nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain and diarrhoea. In addition, anticipatory, associative and behavioural symptoms such as anxiety and irritability are also observed. These adverse effects arise as a conditioned response and are often inadequately managed, leading to discontinuation of treatment. Understanding and assessing the incidence of MTX intolerance across ethnicities and geographical regions would lead to a better treatment compliance. In this review we present a compilation of the available literature on Methotrexate intolerance in Rheumatoid Arthritis and strategies to mitigate this effect.
An unusual case of delayed recovery from spinal anesthesia in a patient with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome—a case report
Authors: Mukherjee Souvik , Waindeskar Vaishali , Molli Kiran , Koovakattil Akhil Kuttan
Published: March 2023

Background

The Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome (LEMS) is a rare disorder characterized by proximal muscle weakness and autonomic dysfunction due to involvement of the neuromuscular junction A case of delayed unilateral recovery from spinal anesthesia in a patient with LEMS undergoing open cholecystectomy is described.

Case presentation

A 42-year-old lady, on treatment for LEMS with pyridostigmine, prednisolone, and azathioprine presented with cholelithiasis and was scheduled for open cholecystectomy. Neuraxial anesthesia combined with a light plane of general anesthesia provided adequate muscle relaxation without the use of neuromuscular blocking drugs. In spite of perioperative continuation of anticholinesterases, the patient required 12 h post-surgery for complete bilateral motor recovery from spinal anesthesia.

Conclusions

A combination of spinal anesthesia with a light plane of general anesthesia appears to be a safe anesthetic technique for managing patients with Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome undergoing open cholecystectomy. However, neurologically asymptomatic patients with good treatment compliance may also show an unusual delay in recovery from neuraxial anesthesia.
Effect of topical anticholinergic medication on clinical manifestations control among patients with vasomotor rhinitis versus allergic rhinitis: as comparative clinical trials
Authors: Askoura Anas Mohamed , Sabry Sabry Magdy , Fawaz Samia Ahmed , Salman Manal Ibrahim , El sordy Moustafa Ahmed Mahmoud Anter , Mady Ossama Mustafa
Published: March 2023

Background

The use of a topical anticholinergic medication, ipratropium bromide, and its ability to inhibit methacholine and rhinitis-induced hypersecretion is emphasized. Ipratropium bromide appears to be both safe and effective in reducing this troublesome symptom. This study is designed to show the therapeutic effect of anticholinergic local treatment on nasal mucosa in patients with vasomotor rhinitis.

Objective

To assess the therapeutic effect of local anticholinergic treatment on nasal mucosa in patients with vasomotor rhinitis compared to non-vasomotor (allergic) patients and normal individuals, and if there any down regulation of the muscarinic receptors or not.

Patients and methods

This prospective intervention study was conducted in Otorhinolaryngology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University. This study was conducted on 60 cases. All patients were divided into 3 groups: study group (1) includes 20 patients diagnosed clinically non-allergic rhinitis suggestive to be vasomotor rhinitis. Study group (2) includes 20 patients diagnosed as allergic rhinitis. Study group (3) includes 20 patients performing surgery for non-vasomotor rhinitis non-allergic causes (as septoplasty or rhinoplasty).

Results

Comparison between the pre- and post-SNOT questionnaire of symptoms among vasomotor group showed that there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms; nasal obstruction, runny nose, post-nasal drip, thick nasal discharge and Lack of good night sleep. Among allergic cases group, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment IHC (immunohistochemistry) findings considering Epithelium, Glands, arteries and veins. 20% of cases had grade 3 epithelium before treatment while after treatment, this was dropped to 0%. Comparison between the pre- and post-SNOT questionnaire of symptoms among allergic group showed that there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms; runny nose, post-nasal drip, and thick nasal discharge. Among non-vasomotor rhinitis non-allergic causes (as septoplasty or rhinoplasty) group, there was a significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment IHC findings considering epithelium, glands, and arteries; however, no significant difference between the pre- and post-IHC veins grade. Also, there was no significant difference between the pre- and post-treatment SNOT questionnaire symptoms.

Conclusion

Topical anticholinergics such as ipratropium bromide nasal spray are effective in treating rhinorrhea symptoms in allergic and non-allergic rhinitis. Further controlled studies with larger sample size and longer follow-up are needed to confirm our results and to identify risk factors of adverse events.
Bringing sex toys out of the dark: exploring unmitigated risks
Authors: Sipe Joana Marie , Amos Jaleesia D. , Swarthout Robert F. , Turner Amalia , Wiesner Mark R. , Hendren Christine Ogilvie
Published: March 2023

A majority of American adults report having used sex toys, which, by design, interact with intimate and permeable body parts yet have not been subject to sufficient risk assessment or management. Physical and chemical data are presented examining potential risks associated with four types of currently available sex toys: anal toy, beads, dual vibrator, and external vibrator. A standardized abrasion machine made real-time breakdown of products into microplastics and nanoplastics. The microplastics from the sex toys were then solvent extracted and analyzed using GC–MS. Rates of microplastics and nanoplastics released during abrasion testing from most microplastic release to least was the anal toy, beads, dual vibrator, external vibrator. Both micro- and nanoplastics particles were generated following the abrasion test, with the 50 percentile diameters (D50) ranging from the anal beads at 658.5 μm, dual vibrator at 887.83 μm, anal toy at 950 μm, and external vibrator at 1673.33 μm. The material matrix of each product was analyzed using ATR-FTIR, with results identifying the anal toy as polyethylene terephthalate (PET), the anal beads as polyvinyl chloride (PVC), the external vibrator as a silicone blend (polydimethylsiloxane [PDMS]), and the dual vibrator as a rubber mixture (polyisoprene). After extraction, phthalates known to be endocrine disruptors were present in all tested sex toys at levels exceeding hazard warnings. Analogous findings have been reported for similar materials that, when incorporated into other product categories, are subject to regulatory scrutiny in both the US and EU. This data set is not intended to be representative of sex toys as an entire class of products, nor are the abrasion experiments claiming to simulate exact use conditions. However, these exploratory data frame potential concerns, highlighting research questions and the need for prompt prioritization of protective action. Therefore, future studies and multi-stakeholder action are needed to understand and reduce risk for this class of products.
Family involvement, patient safety and suicide prevention in mental healthcare: ethnographic study
Authors: Gorman Louise S. , Littlewood Donna L. , Quinlivan Leah , Monaghan Elizabeth , Smith Jonathan , Barlow Stephen , Webb Roger T. , Kapur Navneet
Published: March 2023

Background

Family involvement has been identified as a key aspect of clinical practice that may help to prevent suicide.

Aims

To investigate how families can be effectively involved in supporting a patient accessing crisis mental health services.

Method

A multi-site ethnographic investigation was undertaken with two crisis resolution home treatment teams in England. Data included 27 observations of clinical practice and interviews with 6 patients, 4 family members, and 13 healthcare professionals. Data were analysed using framework analysis.

Results

Three overarching themes described how families and carers are involved in mental healthcare. Families played a key role in keeping patients safe by reducing access to means of self-harm. They also provided useful contextual information to healthcare professionals delivering the service. However, delivering a home-based service can be challenging in the absence of a supportive family environment or because of practical problems such as the lack of suitable private spaces within the home. At an organisational level, service design and delivery can be adjusted to promote family involvement.

Conclusions

Findings from this study indicate that better communication and dissemination of safety and care plans, shared learning, signposting to carer groups and support for carers may facilitate better family involvement. Organisationally, offering flexible appointment times and alternative spaces for appointments may help improve services for patients.
Interpretation of Steroid Biomarkers in 21-Hydroxylase Deficiency and Their Use in Disease Management
Authors: Sarafoglou Kyriakie , Merke Deborah P , Reisch Nicole , Claahsen-van der Grinten Hedi , Falhammar Henrik , Auchus Richard J
Published: March 2023

The most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 21-hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD), which in the classic (severe) form occurs in roughly 1:16 000 newborns worldwide. Lifelong treatment consists of replacing cortisol and aldosterone deficiencies, and supraphysiological dosing schedules are typically employed to simultaneously attenuate production of adrenal-derived androgens. Glucocorticoid titration in 21OHD is challenging as it must balance the consequences of androgen excess vs those from chronic high glucocorticoid exposure, which are further complicated by interindividual variability in cortisol kinetics and glucocorticoid sensitivity. Clinical assessment and biochemical parameters are both used to guide therapy, but the specific purpose and goals of each biomarker vary with age and clinical context. Here we review the approach to medication titration for children and adults with classic 21OHD, with an emphasis on how to interpret adrenal biomarker values in guiding this process. In parallel, we illustrate how an understanding of the pathophysiologic and pharmacologic principles can be used to avoid and to correct complications of this disease and consequences of its management using existing treatment options.
Insulin Immunoassay Interference Due to Human Antimouse Antibodies in a Patient With Ketotic Hypoglycemia
Authors: Craven Meghan , Lord Katherine , Leavens Karla F , De Leon Diva D
Published: March 2023

Misinterpretation of common endocrine hormonal immunoassays can distort the clinical picture and lead to unnecessary medical workups. Potential assay inference is important to recognize when the clinical presentation and laboratory evaluation are inconsistent. This is demonstrated by the case of an 18-month-old girl who initially presented with ketotic hypoglycemia and was found on diagnostic fasting evaluation to have the triad of hypoglycemia, inappropriately high insulin levels, and low C-peptide levels—point-of-care glucose 43 mg/dL (2.39 mmol/L) (confirmatory 52 mg/dL [2.89 mmol/L]), insulin 48.1 μIU/mL (334 pmol/L), and C-peptide 0.2 ng/mL (0.07 nmol/L) concerning for factitious insulin (insulin:C-peptide ratio 4.77). On repeat diagnostic fast, insulin assays measured by liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry were incongruent with prior testing by immunoassay, demonstrating a falsely elevated insulin level when measured by immunoassay, likely due to human antimouse antibody interference (HAMA 181 ng/mL). This case represents a diagnostic challenge in which is it imperative to recognize possible immunoassay interference. It is critical to establish the difference between insulin assay interference and factitious insulin through use of alternative laboratory methods as misdiagnosis could lead to the serious implication of Munchausen by proxy resulting in the removal of a child from their home and potentially parents being charged with a crime.
Redefining tuberculosis: an interview with Lalita Ramakrishnan
Authors: Ramakrishnan Lalita
Published: March 2023

Professor Lalita Ramakrishnan is at the forefront of modern tuberculosis (TB) research. She has developed vital tools, most notably a robust zebrafish model, to study this disease, leading to seminal discoveries uncovering bacterial and host interactions throughout infection. Her group has harnessed this knowledge to develop new treatments for TB and shape clinical research. By unveiling these complex interactions, they have also improved our understanding of fundamental biology of macrophages and other infectious diseases, such as leprosy.
Are we aware of stroke risk factors and warning signs amid COVID-19? Knowledge and attitude towards risk-factors, signs and symptoms of stroke among the UAE population during COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Ramadan Azza , Kharaba Zelal , Ghemrawi Rose , Elnour Asim Ahmed , Hussain Nadia , Kouhgard Parisa , Al-Damook Nosayba , Abou Hait Shymaa , Al Ghanem Lena , Atassi Rawan , Chkh Sobeh Ranem , Z. Al Meslamani Ahmad
Published: March 2023

Background: Despite significant advancements in healthcare, the burden of stroke continues to rise in the developed world, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Association between COVID-19 infection and stroke is well established. Factors identified for the delay in presentation and management include a lack of awareness regarding stroke. We aimed to assess the general public knowledge and attitudes on stroke and stroke risk factors in the United Arab Emirates during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted between September 2021 and January 2022 among adults ≥18 years old. Participants completed a self-administered questionnaire on sociodemographic characteristics and stroke knowledge and attitudes. Knowledge and attitude scores were calculated based on the number of correct responses. Linear regression analysis was performed to determine the factors related to knowledge and attitude towards stroke.

Results: Of the 500 respondents, 69.4% were females, 53.4% were aged between 18 and 25, and nearly half were students (48.4%). The mean knowledge score was 13.66 (range 2-24). Hypertension (69%), smoking (63.2%), stress (56.4%) obesity/overweight (54.4%), and heart disease (53.6%) were identified as risk factors. Overall, the knowledge of signs/symptoms was suboptimal. The mean attitude score was 4.41 (range, 1-6); 70.2% would call an ambulance if someone were having a stroke. A monthly income of 11,000-50,000 AED and being a student were associated with positive knowledge. Being a non-health worker and lacking access to electronic media sources were associated with worse attitudes.

Conclusion: Overall, we identified poor knowledge and suboptimal attitudes toward stroke. These findings reflect the need for effective public health approaches to improve stroke awareness, knowledge, and attitudes for effective prevention in the community. Presently, this is of utmost necessity, given the increased occurrence of stroke and its severity among COVID-19 patients.
Optimal control model of human-to-human transmission of monkeypox virus
Authors: Ackora-Prah Joseph , Okyere Samuel , Bonyah Ebenezer , Adebanji Atinuke Olusola , Boateng Yaw
Published: March 2023

Background: The number of monkeypox cases is rising globally, but it’s unclear how many instances there will be in the near future. The disease has been one of the major problems for sub-Saharan Africans in the past few years.

Methods: A deterministic mathematical model incorporating optimal controls has been developed in this research to investigate the transmission of the monkeypox virus. The model’s fundamental properties such as positivity and boundedness of solution, and basic reproduction number have been examined. In order to assess the efficacy of two preventative control strategies—public education and vaccination—optimal controls were included in the model and Pontragyin’s maximum principle used to characterized the model.

Results: Public education was found to have less of an effect on those who were vulnerable than vaccine control. However, both approaches were successful in reducing the number of people who were exposed to the illness and reducing the number of fatalities. Additionally, vaccination increases a person’s immunity, which speeds up their recovery.

Conclusions: A deterministic classical model incorporating optimal controls was proposed to study the monkeypox virus dynamics in a population. The disease is not endemic, which is explained by the model’s basic reproduction number, which was less than unity. Based on the findings of this study, we advise vaccine control plan as the most effective preventative measure.
The complete genome sequences of Penicillium concavorugulosum
Authors: Ramachela Khosi , Segone Galaletsang
Published: March 2023

The fungal genus Penicillium and many other soil-borne fungi have widely been reported to create soil myco-rhizhospheric conditions that influence plant growth. These fungal species are relatively difficult to differentiate to species level. Of the three Penicillium species that were morphologically identified, one isolate was established to have a bio-suppressive effect on Fusarium oxysporum. Molecular identification using the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique was carried out to accurately identify this isolate to species level. The BLAST consensus and alignments of related species was carried out. The species was identified as Penicillium concavorugulosum (<ns4:ext-link xmlns:ns5="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink" ext-link-type="uri" ns5:href="https://informaplc.sharepoint.com/teams/F1000Editorialarchive/Shared%20Documents/F1000Research%20articles/1-0%20Active%20papers/131637%20-%20Khosi%20Ramachela/Initial/author_files_144498/131637-V1-1-Genome_note_P._concavorugulosum-15-02-2023.docx?web=1">NCBI accession number MK841454.1).
Extracellular vesicles as novel drug delivery systems to target cancer and other diseases: Recent advancements and future perspectives
Authors: Ramesh Divya , Bakkannavar Shankar , Bhat Vinutha R , Sharan Krishna
Published: March 2023

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are lipid-bound vesicles produced into the extracellular space by cells. Apoptotic bodies (ApoBD), microvesicles (MVs), and exosomes are examples of EVs, which act as essential regulators in cell-cell communication in both normal and diseased conditions. Natural cargo molecules such as miRNA, messenger RNA, and proteins are carried by EVs and transferred to nearby cells or distant cells through the process of circulation. Different signalling cascades are then influenced by these functionally active molecules. The information to be delivered to the target cells depends on the substances within the EVs that also includes synthesis method. EVs have attracted interest as potential delivery vehicles for therapies due to their features such as improved circulation stability, biocompatibility, reduced immunogenicity, and toxicity. Therefore, EVs are being regarded as potent carriers of therapeutics that can be used as a therapeutic agent for diseases like cancer. This review focuses on the exosome-mediated drug delivery to cancer cells and the advantages and challenges of using exosomes as a carrier molecule.
Using the HIV Prevention Self-Assessment Tools (PSAT) to assess and monitor sex workers HIV programmes in selected countries in Africa
Authors: Emmanuel Faran , Lunika Lulama , Swart-Van Biljon Jani , Mangold Kerry , Khan Mohamed , Crozier Puveshni , Byamukama Daniel , Poku Fred Nana , Okey-Uchendu Ezinne , Kagashe Magreth J. , Mazive Josefa , Mubanga Ellen MC. , Madondo Celeste , Yekeye Raymond , Mugambi Mary , Gondwe Dominic , Kindyomunda Rosemary M. , Modisaotsile Innocent , Benedikt Clemens , Bhattacharjee Parinita
Published: March 2023

Background: The HIV Prevention Self-Assessment Tools (PSATs) were developed by the Global Prevention Coalition as an easy-to-use tool for country-led review of national HIV prevention response against a global standardised set of programmatic components. As part of the South to South Learning Network (SSLN), country-level data on HIV prevention programmes for sex workers were collected by 10 African countries, using the PSAT to self-assess their HIV prevention progress.

Methods: Data were collected August 2020 to July 2021 from participating countries. In each country, a technical team of 8-10 members completed the tool with support from the SSLN. The PSAT collects data for three programme domains: management, implementation and outcomes and sustainability, each of which comprises essential programme functions and elements. Once all elements are scored, the tool automatically calculates the final scores for each domain, on a scale of 1-5. Also, 15 interviews were conducted with 15 country leaders to understand the ease and usefulness of the PSAT process.

Results: The overall PSAT scores ranged between 4.1 (Kenya) to 2.3 in Zambia. Of the three domains, Programme Management achieved the highest scores, with four countries (Kenya, Ghana, Zimbabwe, and South Africa) scoring more than four. High scores were seen in the Programme Implementation domain as well; five countries (Zimbabwe, South Africa, Mozambique, Malawi and Uganda) scored between 3 to 4. For Programme Outcomes and Sustainability, other than Kenya, which did not score the outcomes, all countries scored poorly with scores ranging between 3.8 to 1.5. Comparing PSAT scores with UNAIDS suggested epidemic metrics have shown that countries with the highest PSAT scores also have high condom use rates and significant reductions in HIV incidence from 2010 to 2019.

Conclusions: This exercise has helped country’s leadership to self-reflect on their HIV prevention programmes, increase ownership and identify areas that need strengthening.
Validation of the rates of adverse event incidence in administrative healthcare data through patient chart review: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Connolly Anna , Kirwan Marcia , Matthews Anne
Published: March 2023

Background: Patient safety is a key issue for health systems and a growing global public health challenge. Administrative healthcare data provide a coded summary of a patient and their encounter with the healthcare system. These aggregated datasets are often used to inform research and decisions relating to health service planning and therefore it is vital that they are accurate and reliable. Given the reported inaccuracy of these datasets for detecting and recording adverse events, there have been calls for validation studies to explore their reliability and investigate further their potential to inform research and health policy. Researchers have since carried out validation studies on the rates of adverse events in administrative data through chart reviews therefore, it seems appropriate to identify and chart the evidence and results of these studies within a scoping review.

Methods: The scoping review will be conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology for scoping reviews. A search of databases such as PubMed, CINAHL, ScienceDirect and Scopus will be conducted in addition to a search of the reference lists of sourced publications and a search for grey literature. Following this, Covidence will be used to screen the sourced publications and subsequently extract data from the included sources. A numerical summary of the literature will be presented in addition to a charting based on the qualitative content analysis of the studies included.

Conclusions: This protocol provides the structure for the conduct of a review to identify and chart the evidence on validation studies on rates of adverse events in administrative healthcare data. This review will aim to identify research gaps, chart the evidence of and highlight any flaws within administrative datasets to improve extraction and coding practices and enable researchers and policy makers to use these data to their full potential.
Wearable point-of-view live streaming technology in a virtual airway management workshop for medical students
Authors: Zwaiman Ashley , Xie Mary , Tackey Caleb , Khoury Mark , Wintraub Lauren , Ho Bernice , Leung Fok-Han , Wassermann Jeffrey
Published: March 2023

Background: Trauma resuscitation skills are an essential part of medical training. Airway management skills are often learned via simulation-based training, but physical distancing restrictions have forced medical schools to transition their preclinical curricula to a virtual format. A wearable, point-of-view (POV), live streaming tool was piloted in a virtual airway management workshop to preclinical medical students to address limitations in the standard online curriculum.

Methods: An anesthesiologist instructor donned a chest-mounted smartphone that captured POV video as it was connected to a Zoom video conference call. Simultaneously, a second camera view from a different angle was streamed from a laptop webcam. Preclinical medical student attendees watched the facilitator demonstrate airway management and resuscitation skills on a simulation mannequin. Student perceptions of the workshop were assessed via standardised course evaluations administered through the online student portal and a questionnaire distributed by the course representative.

Results: Qualitative and quantitative course evaluation data showed that although this platform may not completely substitute in-person learning, students appreciated the alternative teaching style, particularly the use of POV video and multiple camera views. Generally, students believed that the learning objectives were achieved. Camera stability, camera positioning, and the distracting nature of the virtual student-instructor interactions were identified as areas for improvement.

Conclusions: Moving forward, this innovative workshop format can act as a valuable framework for other institutions that wish to bridge gaps in current virtual education methods and enhance technical skills training in medical learners.
A quick and cost-effective method for DNA-free total RNA isolation using magnetic silica beads
Authors: Das Aniruddha , Das Debojyoti , Das Arundhati , Panda Amaresh Chandra
Published: March 2023

Current RNA purification methods widely use silica-based columns that allow quick isolation of high-quality and good quantities of RNA. However, the major limitations include high cost, the requirement of different kits for small RNA isolation, genomic DNA contamination, and not being flexible. Here, we used the in-house RNA isolation reagent (RIR) for cell lysis, followed by RNA precipitation using isopropanol. RNA isolated using the in-house RIR resulted in a similar quantity and quality compared to the commercial TRIzol. Furthermore, the commercial RNA isolation kits with silica-based columns recommend genomic DNA digestion during or after RNA purification, adding time and cost to RNA purification. Here, we developed an optimized in-house protocol for isolating high-quality RNA free of genomic DNA contamination using magnetic silica beads without needing DNase digestion. Additionally, our method purifies total RNA along with the small RNA fraction, including miRNAs, which usually require a separate kit for extraction. Additionally, the RNA prepared with our method was equally suitable for mRNA and miRNA expression analysis using RT-qPCR. Together, the in-house method of RNA isolation using the magnetic silica beads has exhibited comparable or better total RNA extraction compared to commercial kits at a fraction of the cost and across various cells and tissues.
Adaptive clinical trials in public health emergency contexts: ethics considerations
Authors: Singh Jerome Amir
Published: March 2023

While Adaptive Clinical Trials (ACTs) have grown in prevalence, prominence, and impact, the ethical issues implicit in such trial designs, particularly in the context of public health emergencies, have been afforded relatively scant attention. This work argues that the ethical dimensions of ACTs should be considered at trial conception, factored into the trial’s design, and subject to ongoing evaluation during the trial’s conduct.
The genome sequence of the Golden-tailed Leafwalker, Xylota sylvarum (Linnaeus, 1758)
Authors: Crowley Liam M. , Nash Will ,   University of Oxford and Wytham Woods Genome Acquisition Lab,   Darwin Tree of Life Barcoding collective,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Tree of Life programme,   Wellcome Sanger Institute Scientific Operations: DNA Pipelines collective,   Tree of Life Core Informatics collective,   Darwin Tree of Life Consortium
Published: March 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Xylota sylvarum (the Golden-tailed Leafwalker; Arthropoda; Insecta; Diptera; Syrphidae). The genome sequence is 534.8 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into five chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled X sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 16.0 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 11,993 protein coding genes.
Child-Adult Community As a Factor in the Formation of a Team at the First Stage of School Education (Part 1)
Authors: Shustova I. , Chirkov I.
Published: March 2023

The article discusses the conditions and means of forming a team in elementary school. As the main aspects, three levels of its development are singled out: a diffuse group, a community, and, in fact, a collective. The criteria for the manifestation of the educational team in the child-adult community are characterized: the general circle, the formation of the class asset, mentoring, the rating system, discipline and self-organization, activity, goal-setting, team building, emotional involvement, the emotional background of the class. Three possible positions of the teacher when working with the class team are identified: authoritarianism, co-management, self-management.
Teaching Chatbot Development as a Tool to Motivate High School Students for IT Professions
Authors: Zubrilin Andrej
Published: March 2023

The article shows the importance of professions in the field of IT. The problems that arise when applicants choose professions in this area are noted. In particular, difficulties in mastering the exact sciences at school, underestimation of the importance of information technology in solving professional problems, low motivation. It is noted that such a direction of informatics as "Social informatics" can help in choosing professions in the field of IT, but there are not enough teaching hours on this topic and the material is mostly theorized. To solve this problem, it is proposed to include an elective course “Fundamentals of Social Informatics. Creation of a chat bot”, where students, along with theoretical questions, would learn practice, namely, programming chat bots. Two online constructors are highlighted that can be used for learning - BorisBot and Botmother, and the basics of working in them are shown. The development of an elective course with an emphasis on the module "Practical issues of creating chat bots" is given, which provides classes in which high school students learn to program chat bots.
Vocational Environment of the Art School
Authors: Frolova Svetlana
Published: March 2023

A number of state documents in the field of education emphasize the importance of organizing an effective system of career guidance for students. The relevance of this work is due to several reasons, one of which is the strengthening of the dynamics of the labor market and the market of professions. Today, futurologists find it difficult to say which of the professions will be in demand in the future. Today’s students should have a clear understanding of what the expression “lifelong education” means and be ready to change their profession. One of the modern approaches to creating an effective career guidance system is the environmental approach, that is, the use of the career guidance potential of the society. This approach is especially relevant for organizations of additional education for children.
Learning from Their Daughters: Family Exposure to Gender Disparity and Female Representation in Male-Led Ventures
Authors: Wu Zhiyan , Naldi Lucia , Wennberg Karl , Uman Timur
Published: March 2023

We build on recent studies on daughter-to-father influence to explore how male founders’ fatherhood of daughters impacts female representation in their ventures. We find that, conditional on the total number of children, fathering an additional daughter versus a son is associated with a 4% (11%) increase in female director (employee) representation. This daughter-to-father effect gradually matures as daughters grow up and socialize in schools and workplaces, and it increases as daughters age, suggesting that male founders vicariously learn from their daughters about the constraints women face throughout the daughters’ life cycles. Heterogeneity analyses (regarding founder cohort, divorce status, and social class), combined with qualitative evidence, further substantiate the plausibility of vicarious learning as a potential yet understudied mechanism underlying daughter effects. In addition, daughter effects on employee recruitment are concentrated in microbusinesses (number of employees is ≤10) where the founder is close in decision authority to all employees. These findings add important nuances to our understanding of daughter effects in organizational contexts and extend theory of gender homophily in organizations.

This paper was accepted by Olav Sorenson, organizations.

Funding: K. Wennberg acknowledges funding from the Swedish Royal Academy of Letter.

Supplemental Material: The data files and online appendix are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4727 .
From clinical to corporate: opportunities for nurses away from the bedside
Authors: Evans Luke
Published: March 2023

Luke Evans, Education Fellow, UCLPartners, London, meets nurses whose careers have taken them from the NHS to a variety of different roles
The Moore-Penrose inverse of the distance matrix of a helm graph
Authors: Jeyaraman I. , Divyadevi T. , Azhagendran R.
Published: March 2023

In this paper, we give necessary and sufficient conditions for a real symmetric matrix and, in particular, for the distance matrix $D(H_n)$ of a helm graph $H_n$ to have their Moore-Penrose inverses as the sum of a symmetric Laplacian-like matrix and a rank-one matrix. As a consequence, we present a short proof of the inverse formula, given by Goel (Linear Algebra Appl. 621:86-104, 2021), for $D(H_n)$ when $n$ is even. Further, we derive a formula for the Moore-Penrose inverse of singular $D(H_n)$ that is analogous to the formula for $D(H_n)^{-1}$. Precisely, if $n$ is odd, we find a symmetric positive semi-definite Laplacian-like matrix $L$ of order $2n-1$ and a vector $\mathbf{w}\in \mathbb{R}^{2n-1}$ such that\begin{eqnarray*}D(H_n)^{\dagger} = -\frac{1}{2}L +\frac{4}{3(n-1)}\mathbf{w}\mathbf{w^{\prime}},\end{eqnarray*}where the rank of $L$ is $2n-3$. We also investigate the inertia of $D(H_n)$.
CONSTRUÇÃO DE UM MEDIDOR DE CARGA E ENERGIA ARMAZENADA EM CAPACITORES UTILIZANDO A PLATAFORMA ARDUINO
Authors: Junior Schiavon Gilson , Destefano Ataides Andreza , Corci Batista Michel , Rodrigues dos Santos Oscar , Sérgio Braga Wladimir , Ramos Souto Alexandre
Published: March 2023

Neste trabalho, foi construído um dispositivo formado por uma placa Arduino UnoRev3 que fornece experimentalmente a carga e a energia armazenadas em capacitores. A finalidade é utilizá-lo como uma alternativa em laboratório de ensino de física permitindo analisar a evolução temporal da tensão, corrente e a carga nos terminais de um capacitor. Os resultados estão em excelente concordância no que diz respeito aos valores nominais e aqueles obtidos experimentalmente, com erro inferior a 5%. O Arduino, enquanto tecnologia apresenta uma infinidade de opções para o professor usar em sala, visto que, a robótica educacional é um campo que cresce, atraindo a atenção dos estudantes, para uma nova visão da educação e sobretudo uma nova forma de aprender, e colocar em prática os conteúdos. Com relação ao custo/benefício torna-se uma excelente opção, pois tem custo relativamente baixo perante as diversas possibilidades de medidas que oferece.  A metodologia vem no sentido de despertar o interesse do aluno, tornando os conteúdos mais atrativos. Os conceitos físicos, vivenciados através da prática, torna mais efetivo o processo ensino-aprendizagem, fazendo com que o aluno se aproprie, de forma prazerosa, do conhecimento científico.
Enabling rotary atomic layer deposition for optical applications
Authors: Kochanneck Leif , Rönn John , Tewes Andreas , Hoffmann Gerd-Albert , Virtanen Sauli , Maydannik Philipp , Sneck Sami , Wienke Andreas , Ristau Detlev
Published: March 2023

Atomic layer deposition (ALD) has been proven as an excellent method for depositing high-quality optical coatings due to its outstanding film quality and precise process control. Unfortunately, batch ALD requires time-consuming purge steps, which leads to low deposition rates and highly time-intensive processes for complex multilayer coatings. Recently, rotary ALD has been proposed for optical applications. In this, to the best of our knowledge, novel concept, each process step takes place in a separate part of the reactor divided by pressure and nitrogen curtains. To be coated, substrates are rotated through these zones. During each rotation, an ALD cycle is completed, and the deposition rate depends primarily on the rotation speed. In this work, the performance of a novel rotary ALD coating tool for optical applications is investigated and characterized with SiO2 and Ta2O5 layers. Low absorption levels of <3.1ppm and <6.0ppm are demonstrated at 1064 nm for around 186.2 nm thick single layers of Ta2O5 and 1032 nm SiO2, respectively. Growth rates up to 0.18 nm/s on fused silica substrates were achieved. Furthermore, excellent non-uniformity is also demonstrated, with values reaching as low as ±0.53% and ±1.07% over an area of 135×60mm for Ta2O5 and SiO2, respectively.
Photobiomodulation for knee osteoarthritis: a model-based dosimetry study
Authors: Feng Zefeng , Wang Peipei , Song Yang , Wang Haiyang , Jin Zhiliang , Xiong Daxi
Published: March 2023

LED-based photobiomodulation (LED-PBM) for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) is a promising technology. However, the light dose at the targeted tissue, which dominates the phototherapy effectiveness, is difficult to measure. This paper studied the dosimetric issues in the phototherapy of KOA by developing an optical model of the knee and performing Monte Carlo (MC) simulation. The model was validated by the tissue phantom and knee experiments. In the study, we investigated the effect of luminous characteristics of the light source, such as divergence angle, wavelength and irradiation position, on the treatment doses for PBM. The result showed that the divergence angle and the wavelength of the light source have a significant impact on the treatment doses. The optimal irradiation location was on both sides of the patella, where the largest dose could reach the articular cartilage. This optical model can be used to determine the key parameters in phototherapy and help the phototherapy of KOA patients.
Longitudinal deep network for consistent OCT layer segmentation
Authors: He Yufan , Carass Aaron , Liu Yihao , Calabresi Peter A. , Saidha Shiv , Prince Jerry L.
Published: March 2023

Retinal layer thickness is an important bio-marker for people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS). In clinical practice, retinal layer thickness changes in optical coherence tomography (OCT) are widely used for monitoring multiple sclerosis (MS) progression. Recent developments in automated retinal layer segmentation algorithms allow cohort-level retina thinning to be observed in a large study of PwMS. However, variability in these results make it difficult to identify patient-level trends; this prevents patient specific disease monitoring and treatment planning using OCT. Deep learning based retinal layer segmentation algorithms have achieved state-of-the-art accuracy, but the segmentation is performed on each individual scan without utilizing longitudinal information, which can be important in reducing segmentation error and reveal subtle changes in retinal layers. In this paper, we propose a longitudinal OCT segmentation network which achieves more accurate and consistent layer thickness measurements for PwMS.