bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Efficacy of ivermectin and albendazole combination in suppressing transmission of lymphatic filariasis following mass administration in Tanzania: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Fimbo Adam M. , Mnkugwe Rajabu Hussein , Mlugu Eulambius Mathias , Kunambi Peter P. , Malishee Alpha , Minzi Omary M.S. , Kamuhabwa Appolinary A. R. , Aklillu Eleni
Published: June 2024

Background

Preventive chemotherapy with ivermectin and albendazole (IA) in mass drug administration (MDA) programs for all at-risk populations is the core public health intervention to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (LF). Achieving this goal depends on drug effectiveness in reducing parasite reservoirs in the community to halt transmission. We assessed the efficacy of ivermectin and albendazole in clearing microfilariae and circulating filarial antigens (CFA) following MDA.

Methods

This community-based prospective study was conducted in Mkinga district, Tanga region, Tanzania, from November 2018 to June 2019. A total of 4115 MDA-eligible individuals were screened for CFA using Filarial test strips. CFA positives were re-examined for microfilariae by microscopy. CFA and microfilariae positive individuals were enrolled and received IA through MDA campaign. The status of microfilariae and CFA was monitored before MDA, and on day 7 and six-month following MDA. The primary efficacy outcomes were the clearance rates of microfilariae on day 7 and six-months, and CFA at 6 months of post-MDA. The McNemar test assessed the proportions of microfilariae positive pre- and post-MDA, while Chi-square tests were utilized to examine factors associated with CFA status six months post-MDA.

Results

Out of 4115 individuals screened, 239 (5.8%) tested positive for CFA, of whom 11 (4.6%) were also positive for microfilariae. Out of the ten microfilariae-positive individuals available for follow-up on day 7, nine tested negative, yielding a microfilariae clearance rate of 90% [95% confidence interval (CI): 59.6–98.2%]. Participants who tested negative for microfilariae on day 7 remained free of microfilariae six months after MDA. However, those who did not clear microfilariae on day-7 remained positive six-months post-MDA. The McNemar test revealed a significant improvement in microfilariae clearance on day 7 following MDA (P = 0.02). Out of 183 CFA-positive individuals who were available at 6-month follow-up, 160 (87.4%) remained CFA positive, while 23 became CFA negative. The CFA clearance rate at 6 months post-MDA was 12.6% (95% CI: 8.5–8.5%). There was no significant association of variability in ivermectin plasma exposure, measured by maximum concentration or area under the curve, and the clearance status of microfilariae or CFA post-MDA.

Conclusions

Preventive chemotherapy with IA effectively clears microfilariae within a week. However, it is less effective in clearing CFA at six months of post-MDA. The low clearance rate for filarial antigenemia underscores the need for alternative drug combinations and additional preventive measures to achieve LF elimination by 2030.
Validation of the english version of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ)
Authors: Vera Cruz Germano , Rochat Lucien , Liberacka-Dwojak Magdalena , Wiłkość-Dębczyńska Monika , Khan Riaz , Khazaal Yasser
Published: June 2024

Background

Mentalizing refers to the ability to understand one’s own and others’ mental states. Mentalizing is considered a key component of social cognition and healthy personality development. A multinational assessment tools able to appraise the multidimensional and multifaceted aspects of this complex construct are needed.

Objective

The present study had two aims: (a) validate an English version of the Multidimensional Mentalizing Questionnaire (MMQ, 33 items) which was designed to assess mentalizing based on an integrated and multilevel model of mentalizing; (b) explore the correlational relationships between the six dimensions of the MMQ and a set of sociodemographic, psycho-cognitive, mental health, and socio-functional variables.

Methods

Overall, 1823 individuals (age: 19–76 years old [M = 45; SD = 16]; sex: male = 48.51%, female = 50.57%, non-binary = 0.9%) participated in an online survey. While the participants came from 77 different countries, most of them were residents in UK and USA (95%). Data analytics include confirmatory factorial analysis and Pearson correlations.

Results

The CFA results validated the factorial structure of a 28-items MMQ-English version, with acceptable goodness of fit indices. Regarding the psychometric properties, the MMQ-English version showed good internal reliability and significant positive correlation with another scale designed to assess an analogue construct showing a fair convergent validity. The findings indicated that males, individuals with lower levels of education, lower socio-economic status, depressed, and with a higher score of loneliness are significantly more likely to report poor mentalizing compared with females, individuals with higher education level, greater SES, happier, and with lower scores of loneliness.

Conclusion

The present study validated the English version of the MMQ.
Comparison of maternal-fetal attachment, anxiety, depression, and prevalence of intimate partner violence in Iranian women with intended and unintended pregnancy: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Maghalian Mahsa , Nikanfar Roghayeh , Nabighadim Mahsan , Mirghafourvand Mojgan
Published: June 2024

Background

Unintended pregnancies and intimate partner violence can adversely affect women, infants, and their psychological well-being. The study aimed to compare depression, anxiety, maternal-fetal attachment, and the prevalence of intimate partner violence between women with and without unintended pregnancies in Tabriz, Iran. The study sought to address the lack of research on this topic in the Iranian context.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 486 pregnant women attending health centers in Tabriz City between 2022 and 2023. A cluster sampling method was utilized, and data were gathered through the administration of socio-demographic, Maternal Fetal Attachment, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression, World Health Organization Domestic Violence, and Pregnancy Anxiety instruments. A general linear model (GLM), controlling for potential confounding variables, was used to compare anxiety, depression, and maternal-fetal attachment between the two groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis, also controlling for potential confounding variables, was employed to compare the prevalence of domestic violence between the two groups.

Results

The results of the adjusted GLM indicated that women with unintended pregnancies had significantly lower maternal-fetal attachment (Adjusted mean difference (AMD):-9.82, 95% CI:-12.4 to -7.15 ; p < 0.001)), higher levels of depression (AMD: 2.89; CI: 1.92 to 3.86 ; p < 0.001), and higher levels of anxiety (MD: 5.65; 95% CI: 3.84 to 7.45; p < 0.001) compared to women with intended pregnancies. During pregnancy, 40% of women with unintended pregnancies and 19.2% of women with intended pregnancies reported experiencing at least one form of physical, sexual, or emotional violence. The results of the adjusted multivariable logistic regression revealed that women with unintended pregnancies had a significantly higher odds of experiencing emotional violence (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]: 2.94; 95% CI: 1.64 to 5.26; p < 0.001), sexual violence, (aOR: 2.25; 95% CI: 1.32 to 3.85; p = 0.004), and physical violence (aOR: 2.38; 95% CI: 1.50 to 3.77; p < 0.001) compared to women with intended pregnancies.

Conclusions

The study found that women with unintended pregnancies had lower levels of maternal-fetal attachment, higher levels of anxiety and depression, and a high prevalence of intimate partner violence, including physical, sexual, and emotional violence, compared to women with intended pregnancies. These results emphasize the importance of implementing policies aimed at reducing unintended pregnancies.
Bone-organ axes: bidirectional crosstalk
Authors: Deng An-Fu , Wang Fu-Xiao , Wang Si-Cheng , Zhang Ying-Ze , Bai Long , Su Jia-Can
Published: June 2024

In addition to its recognized role in providing structural support, bone plays a crucial role in maintaining the functionality and balance of various organs by secreting specific cytokines (also known as osteokines). This reciprocal influence extends to these organs modulating bone homeostasis and development, although this aspect has yet to be systematically reviewed. This review aims to elucidate this bidirectional crosstalk, with a particular focus on the role of osteokines. Additionally, it presents a unique compilation of evidence highlighting the critical function of extracellular vesicles (EVs) within bone-organ axes for the first time. Moreover, it explores the implications of this crosstalk for designing and implementing bone-on-chips and assembloids, underscoring the importance of comprehending these interactions for advancing physiologically relevant in vitro models. Consequently, this review establishes a robust theoretical foundation for preventing, diagnosing, and treating diseases related to the bone-organ axis from the perspective of cytokines, EVs, hormones, and metabolites.
Virtual noncontrast images reveal gouty tophi in contrast-enhanced dual-energy CT: a phantom study
Authors: Khayata Karim , Diekhoff Torsten , Mews Jürgen , Schmolke Sydney , Kotlyarov Maximilian
Published: June 2024

Background

Dual-energy computed tomography (DECT) is useful for detecting gouty tophi. While iodinated contrast media (ICM) might enhance the detection of monosodium urate crystals (MSU), higher iodine concentrations hamper their detection. Calculating virtual noncontrast (VNC) images might improve the detection of enhancing tophi. The aim of this study was to evaluate MSU detection with VNC images from DECT acquisitions in phantoms, compared against the results with standard DECT reconstructions.

Methods

A grid-like and a biophantom with 25 suspensions containing different concentrations of ICM (0 to 2%) and MSU (0 to 50%) were scanned with sequential single-source DECT using an ascending order of tube current time product at 80 kVp (16.5–220 mAs) and 135 kVp (2.75–19.25 mAs). VNC images were equivalently reconstructed at 80 and 135 kVp. Two-material decomposition analysis for MSU detection was applied for the VNC and conventional CT images. MSU detection and attenuation values were compared in both modalities.

Results

For 0, 0.25, 0.5, 1, and 2% ICM, the average detection indices (DIs) for all MSU concentrations (35–50%) with VNC postprocessing were respectively 25.2, 36.6, 30.9, 38.9, and 45.8% for the grid phantom scans and 11.7, 9.4, 5.5, 24.0, and 25.0% for the porcine phantom scans. In the conventional CT image group, the average DIs were respectively 35.4, 54.3, 45.4, 1.0, and 0.0% for the grid phantom and 19.4, 17.9, 3.0, 0.0, and 0.0% for the porcine phantom scans.

Conclusions

VNC effectively reduces the suppression of information caused by high concentrations of ICM, thereby improving the detection of MSU.

Relevance statement

Contrast-enhanced DECT alone may suffice for diagnosing gout without a native acquisition.

Key points

• Highly concentrated contrast media hinders monosodium urate crystal detection in CT imaging

• Virtual noncontrast imaging redetects monosodium urate crystals in high-iodinated contrast media concentrations.

• Contrast-enhanced DECT alone may suffice for diagnosing gout without a native acquisition.

Graphical Abstract
Methamphetamine and carbon monoxide co-toxicity: an unusual case report and literature review
Authors: Ata Uğur , Çelik Cemil , Saka Naile Esra
Published: June 2024

Background

Comprehending the toxic effects of substances co-detected in bodily fluids presents a formidable challenge. The combined toxic effect of carbon monoxide and methamphetamine remains a rarely discussed issue within the realm of scholarly literature. The main objective of this research is to delve into the potential intricacies of death mechanisms, unraveling the profound impact of both CO and methamphetamine on the heart.

Case presentation

The cause and mechanism of death of a young man with toxic levels of CO–Hb and low-dose methamphetamine in his bloodstream were discussed in conjunction with the literature in this study. Methamphetamine levels of 30 ng/mL (0.03 mg/L) and 25.8% CO–Hb were detected in the blood of a 25-year-old individual who was found dead and without any disease.

Conclusions

Although the amounts of methamphetamine and CO–Hb in the blood were not in the deadly range, it was determined that death occurred as a result of the combined action of these substances. In the present case, it was considered that death occurred as a result due to the combined cardiac effect of methamphetamine and CO, before the lethal blood CO level was reached.
Impact of melon seed oil cake with different particle sizes on bread quality
Authors: Zhang Guoqiang , Li Ziqian
Published: June 2024

Melon seed oil cake (MSOC), as the secondary by-product from melon seed oil pressing process, has high potential nutritional value. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of incorporating MSOC as wheat flour substitute and its particle size on bread quality; three particle size fractions of MSOC (coarse, medium, and fine) and two substitution levels (3 and 6%, w/w) were employed. Functional properties and colour of different particle sizes of MSOC were assessed, and the physical properties of bread made with MSOC were explored and compared to control bread (100% wheat flour). Results showed that bread made with 3% MSOC had relatively satisfactory quality in terms of specific volume (2.64–2.86 mL/g), hardness (14.31–15.04 N) compared to the control bread (specific volume 2.79 mL/g and hardness 13.87 N). Bread made with fine particle size of MSOC (2.64 mL/g and 15.04 N at 3% substitution level; 2.44 mL/g and 16.03 N at 6% substitution level) had lower specific volume and higher hardness values than the bread made with medium (2.80 mL/g and 14.31 N at 3% substitution level; 2.50 mL/g and 15.50 N at 6% substitution level) and coarse (2.86 mL/g and 14.72 N at 3% substitution level; 2.52 mL/g and 15.12 N at 6% substitution level) particle sizes of MSOC. These results indicate that using 3% MSOC with larger particle size could be more suitable for making bread with relatively satisfactory quality. Overall, MSOC could be re-introduced into food chain as ingredient for bread production, which offers possibilities to develop novel sustainable foods. Future work will be conducted on sensory quality and consumer acceptance to provide a desirable quality of bread.

Graphical Abstract
Harnessing digital technologies for triple bottom line sustainability in the banking industry: a bibliometric review
Authors: Garg Megha , Kumar Parveen
Published: June 2024

The interconnection between the consequences of digital technologies and their impact on triple bottom line sustainability in the banking industry has emerged as a dynamic, multidisciplinary, and eclectic research area of global significance. Nevertheless, applying a systematic literature network analysis in this field has not yet been attempted. Therefore, this paper aims to investigate academic research by integrating different knowledge systems. To conduct this comprehensive analysis, this study employed the contextualized systematic literature review and bibliometric approaches method to make inferences from 154 publications obtained from the Scopus and Web of Science databases for the years 2012–2024 by using the biblioshiny tool. The study’s findings exhibited a noticeable upsurge in research trends in the last five years. With 64 publications, 2023 was the most productive year, and 2018 had the most influence with 188 citations. China, Italy, Spain, Egypt, and Malaysia were the most productive countries regarding citation performance. This study highlights the counterintuitive connection between digitalization, financial inclusion, sustainability, fintech, and sustainable development by providing support with recent literature to reflect the current developments in the field. The themes encountered here are crucial for regulators and practitioners who aim to capitalize on the mutually reinforcing nature of the two phenomena in the banking industry.
Characteristic reflection wavefield-based wave equation traveltime inversion
Authors: Wu Chengliang , Wang Huazhong , Feng Bo , Xu Rongwei
Published: June 2024

Introducing a high-precision deep-depth velocity model is essential for accurately imaging seismic data in complex areas such as deepwater and deep depth in oil and gas exploration. Conventional methods, such as reflection full-waveform inversion (RFWI), face challenges, notably the cycle-skipping issue, especially when the initial velocity model is far away from the true model. To address this, we develop a novel wave equation traveltime inversion (WETI) using the characteristic reflection wavefield (CRW) to update the low-wavenumber components of the velocity model. The CRWs are primary reflections in seismic data that contribute significantly to velocity model updates. We implement a multistep approach, including migration, characteristic reflector structure (CRS) picking, and demigration to extract the CRW. This extraction, constrained by CRS, ensures accurate matching between the observed and the simulated CRWs, even with an inaccurate initial velocity model, thus enabling an accurate traveltime shift estimation during inversion. Unlike conventional methods that use all reflection data simultaneously, CRW-WETI strategically selects fewer CRWs, enhancing inversion convexity and avoiding local minima from the cycle-skipping problem. This selective inversion begins with a limited number of CRWs to ensure stability and progressively incorporates more as the WETI process advances, eventually transitioning into conventional RFWI. Moreover, with the CRS constraint, CRW can be selected based on the target region. The target-oriented velocity inversion can also be implemented easily to update a local anomalous velocity model. Numerical examples of synthetic and field data demonstrate the effectiveness and validity of our method.
Implementation of universal germline testing in underserved patients with young onset gastrointestinal cancer.
Authors: Ludford Kaysia , Awad Elias , Lankford Anjali R. , Ma Hilary Yu-heng , You Y. Nancy
Published: June 2024

10602

Background: Universal germline testing (UGT) in solid cancer patients increases the detection of pathogenic germline variants (PGVs) over guideline-based testing. There is a rising incidence of young onset (YO) gastrointestinal (GI) cancers (50 years and under). PGV rates in this population can be as high as 20%, highlighting the benefit of UGT. Underserved populations experience significant disparities in germline testing. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate rates of germline testing among patients with young onset (YO) GI cancers in a large safety net population and identify barriers and facilitators of testing in order to improve the process. Methods: In this retrospective study, we identified 202 patients ages 18-50 diagnosed with GI cancers between January 2019 and December 2022 at the Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital. Demographic and clinical data were collected and the rate, outcome and process of standard of care germline testing evaluated. Paired T-tests were used to identify factors associated with timeliness and completion of germline. Results: The majority of patients had colorectal (68%) followed by gastro-esophageal cancers (16%). Median age at diagnosis was 42 years. One third were diagnosed with stage IV disease. Half of all patients were recipients of financial assistance based on household income less than 150% of the Federal Poverty Level. Spanish was the primary language spoken by 58% of patients. Among all patients, 148 (73%) were referred to a genetics counselor with germline testing offered in 111 (55%) and completed in 99 (49%). PGVs were identified in 17% of patients tested while variants of uncertain significance were found in 19%. Patients with colon cancer (p<0.001), microsatellite instability on immunohistochemistry (p<0.001), and those with a first-degree relative with cancer (p<0.001) were more likely to complete genetic testing. The average time from initial oncology visit to genetics referral was 20 weeks while that from referral to genetics appointment was 22.5 weeks. The average time from genetics appointment to completion of testing was 14.5 weeks. Patients with private insurance had a significantly shorter time to genetics referral (p<0.05) while English-speakers had a longer time from referral to initial genetics appointment (p 0.019) and to completion of testing (p 0.044). Uninsured patients had significantly lengthier times to test completion (p 0.013). Conclusions: PGVs were detected in 17% of patients with YO GI cancers. Along the genetics services care delivery continuum, patient selection for genetic counselor referral, uptake of genetic testing and timeliness of testing were identified as key barriers to germline testing. Given the high detection rate and barriers to testing identified in this underserved population, we have designed a multilevel intervention aimed at optimizing the implementation of UGT in patients with YO GI cancers.
Plasma Ceramides Predict All-Cause and Cause-Specific Mortality in Individuals With Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Liu Sylvia , Tham Wai Kin , Lee Janus , Ang Keven , Zheng Huili , Chan Clara , Gurung Resham L , Tavintharan Subramaniam , Sum Chee Fang , Wenk Markus R , Torta Federico , Liu Jian-Jun , Lim Su Chi
Published: June 2024

Context

The Cardiovascular Event Risk Test (CERT1) score derived from plasma ceramides has been applied clinically for cardiovascular risk assessment.

Objective

To study whether plasma ceramides predict risk of mortality in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Methods

In a prospective study that included 1903 outpatients with type 2 diabetes in a regional hospital and a primary care facility in Singapore, plasma ceramides (d18:1/16:0, d18:1/18:0, d18:1/24:0, d18:1/24:1) were measured by mass spectrometry and CERT1 score was calculated accordingly. Main outcomes were all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Results

During a median of 9.3 years of follow-up, 252 death events were identified. Compared to those with low score (≤ 2), participants with a high CERT1 score (≥ 7) had 1.86-fold (95% CI, 1.30-3.65) increased risk for all-cause death after adjustment for cardiorenal risk factors, including estimated glomerular filtration rate and albuminuria. As continuous variable, 1-unit increment in CERT1 was associated with 8% increased risk for all-cause death (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.08 [1.04-1.13]). Adding CERT1 onto Risk Equations for Complications Of type 2 Diabetes (RECODe) mortality risk engine significantly improved prediction of 10-year risk of all-cause death (area under the curve, 0.810 to 0.823, delta 0.013 [0.005-0.022]). The association between CERT1 and noncardiovascular death remained significant (adjusted HR 2.12 [1.32-3.42]), whereas its association with cardiovascular death became nonsignificant after adjustment for kidney measurements (adjusted HR 1.41 [0.78-2.56]).

Conclusion

CERT1 score predicts mortality risk independent of clinical cardiorenal risk factors. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanistic linkage between ceramide and mortality, especially noncardiovascular mortality.
Large Hematoma Following Erector Spinae Plane Block: A Case Report
Authors: Joseph Tony Jose , Palamattam Don Jose , Madathil Thushara , Panidapu Nagarjuna , Poduval Devika , Neema Praveen Kumar
Published: June 2024

The ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block is an emerging fascial plane block, first described in 2016 for treating thoracic neuropathic pain. Since its introduction, it has been incorporated into multiple surgical procedures and has demonstrated proven benefits such as postoperative analgesia and reduction in opioid consumption. Being a superficial plane block, it avoids complications such as pneumothorax and hematoma, making it a safe mode of analgesia. We report a rare case of hematoma formation following ESP block in a patient who underwent mitral valve repair under cardiopulmonary bypass.
Randomized Trial of Postoperative Radiation Therapy After Wide Excision of Neurotropic Melanoma of the Head and Neck (RTN2 Trial 01.09)
Authors: Pinkham Mark B. , Herschtal A. , Hong A. M. , Chua M. S. -T. , Scolyer R. A. , Cumming S. , Pullar A. , Nobes J. , Barker C. A. , Guadagnolo B. A. , Fogarty G. B. , Burmeister B. H. , Foote M. C.
Published: June 2024

Background

Cutaneous neurotropic melanoma (NM) of the head and neck (H&N) is prone to local relapse, possibly due to difficulties widely excising the tumor. This trial assessed radiation therapy (RT) to the primary site after local excision.

Methods

Participants from 15 international centers were randomized to observation or RT. The participants were required to have microscopically negative excision margins 5 mm wide or wider and no evidence of disease elsewhere. The primary outcome was time to local relapse. The secondary outcomes included time to any recurrence, overall survival (OS), and toxicity.

Results

The trial ceased prematurely due to slow recruitment and the COVID-19 pandemic. During 2009–2020, 50 participants were randomized: 23 to observation and 27 to RT. The most common NM subsites were scalp (32%), midface (22%), and lip (20%). The median depth of invasion was 5 mm, and desmoplasia observed in 69%. The median duration from randomization to last contact was 4.8 years. Four participants (8%) experienced local relapse as a first recurrence during the study period: 3 in the observation arm and 1 in the RT arm (hazard ratio [HR] 0.29; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.03–2.76; p = 0.279). No statistically significant difference in time to any relapse or OS was observed. More than 6 months after randomization, grade 3 or greater toxicity was experienced by 10% of the participants in the observation arm and 12.5% of the participants in the RT arm of the study.

Conclusion

Due to low accrual, the role of adjuvant RT for cutaneous NM of the H&N excised with microscopically negative margins 5 mm wide or wider remains undefined. Its routine use cannot be recommended. Local relapse might be less common than previously anticipated based on retrospective reports.
Study of black hole solutions in non-linear theories of gravity and electromagnetism
Authors: Καρακάσης Αθανάσιος
Published: June 2024

Στη διδακτορική διατριβή με τίτλο "Μελέτη λύσεων μελανών οπών σε μη γραμμικές θεωρίες βαρύτητας και ηλεκτρομαγνητισμού" πραγματευόμαστε την εύρεση λύσεων μελανών οπών σε μη γραμμικές θεωρίες βαρύτητας και ηλεκτρομαγνητισμού και την ανάλυση των ιδιοτήτων τους. Στο πρώτο μέρος της διατριβής εξετάζουμε τις f(R) τροποποιημένες θεωρίες βαρύτητας και εξηγούμε τους λόγους για τους οποίους η μελέτη τους είναι σημαντική. Οι f(R) θεωρίες βαρύτητας είναι ικανές να περιγράψουν σε κοσμολογικές κλίμακες το πρώιμο και μεταγενέστερο σύμπαν πολύ πιο ικανοποιητικά από τη Γενική Θεωρία της Σχετικότητας (ΓΘΣ) του Einstein. Έχοντας λοιπόν τις f(R) θεωρίες ως το βαρυτικό μοντέλο με το οποίο θα δουλέψουμε, επιλέγουμε βαθμωτά πεδία για τα πεδία ύλης και ενέργειας. Ο λόγος πίσω από αυτή τη θεώρηση είναι το θεώρημα εξάλειψης ιχνών (no-hair theorem). Σύμφωνα με αυτό το θεώρημα, η διαδικασία της βαρυτικής κατάρρευσης, η οποία και δημιουργεί τις μελανές οπές, είναι μια βίαιη φυσική διαδικασία που καταστρέφει τους εσωτερικούς βαθμούς ελευθερίας που προτέρως περιέγραφαν το υπό κατάρρευση άστρο, και κατά συνέπεια τους νόμους διατήρησης που δε σχετίζονται με ακριβείς συμμετρίες. Με κίνητρο την ενδεχόμενη παραβίαση του θεωρήματος εξάλειψης ιχνών στις f(R) θεωρίες, μελετάμε λύσεις μελανών οπών σε f(R) μοντέλα, συζευγμένων με βαθμωτά πεδία σε τρεις και τέσσερις χωροχρονικές διαστάσεις. Η θερμοδυναμική ανάλυση μας έδειξε πως οι λύσεις μας είναι προτιμητέες σε σχέση με αυτές της ΓΘΣ λόγω μεγαλύτερης εντροπίας και θερμοκρασίας πάνω στον ορίζοντα γεγονότων της μελανής οπής. Στο δεύτερο μέρος αυτής της διατριβής πραγματευόμαστε λύσεις μελανών οπών σε μη γραμμικές θεωρίες ηλεκτρομαγνητισμού. Τέτοιες θεωρίες προβλέπονται από θεμελιώδεις θεωρίες φυσικής, όπως επί παραδείγματι οι θεωρίες χορδών. Συγκεκριμένα, ασχολούμαστε με την θεωρία Euler-Heisenberg (ΕΗ), η οποία και τροποποιεί τη γραμμική θεωρία ηλεκτρομαγνητισμού του Maxwell. Αυτή η θεωρία χρησιμοποιείται για να περιγράψει τη σκέδαση φωτονίων με φωτόνια σε επίπεδο κβαντικής φυσικής, ενώ σε αστροφυσικό επίπεδο, μπορεί εν δυνάμει να περιγράφει αρχέγονες μελανές οπές στο πρώιμο σύμπαν, όταν η ένταση των ηλεκτρομαγνητικών πεδίων ήταν ισχυρότερη. Τα απολέσματά μας, μας δείχνουν πως ο μη γραμμικός ηλεκτρομαγνητισμός συμβάλει στην παραβίαση του θεωρήματος εξάλειψης ιχνών, ενώ ταυτόχρονα οι λύσεις μας είναι θερμοδυναμικά προτημητέες, καθότι έχουν μεγαλύτερη εντροπία στον ορίζοντα γεγονότων τους. Επιπρόσθετα, οι χωρόχρονοι τους οποίους βρίσκουμε σέβονται τις ενεργειακές συνθήκες, γεγονός που επιβάλει την αστροφυσική μελέτη των λύσεών μας, καθότι αυτές θα μπορούσαν να περιγράφουν μαύρες τρύπες στο πρώιμο σύμπαν, όταν η ισχύς των ηλεκτρομαγνητικών πεδίων ήταν ισχυρότερη.
The association between non-communicable diseases and COVID-19 severity and mortality among infected hospitalized healthcare workers in 29 countries: a cohort study
Authors: Tejan Yusuf Sheku , Ashubwe Jacklyne , Beglaryan Mher , Hassan Shermarke , Kenneh Sartie , Moses Francis , Jalloh Abdulai Tejan , Grovogui Fassou Mathias , Kaba Ibrahima , Tengbe Sia Morenike , Kabba Mustapha , Kamara Mamud Idriss , Sesay Santigie , Kamara Jonta , Mbasha Jerry-Jonas , Relan Pryanka , Nuwagira Innocent , Kamara Ibrahim Franklyn
Published: June 2024

Background Due to occupational exposure, healthcare workers (HCWs) have a higher risk of Coronavirus Disease 2019(COVID-19) infection than the general population. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) may increase the risk of COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality among HCWs, potentially reducing the available health workforce. We examined the association between NCDs and COVID-19 disease severity and mortality among infected HCWs. Methods This cohort study used data from the International Severe Acute Respiratory and Emerging Infections Consortium (ISARIC) database. HCWs hospitalized between January 2020 and January 2023 due to clinically suspected or laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 were eligible for inclusion. Variables collected included demographic data, comorbidities, and hospitalization outcomes. Descriptive statistics were reported using mean/standard deviation (SD), median/interquartile range (IQR), or frequencies and proportions. For each NCD, the relative risk of death, adjusted for age and sex, was calculated using log-binomial regression as well as the population-attributable fraction. Results There were 17,502 HCWs, 95.7% of whom had a confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis. The majority were female (66.5%) and the mean age (SD) was 49.8 (14.3) years. Roughly, half (51.42%) of HCWs had no comorbidities, 29.28% had one comorbidity, 14.68% had 2 comorbidities and <5% had ≥3 comorbidities. The most common comorbidities were diabetes mellitus (49.40%) and cardiovascular disease (36.90%). Approximately one-fifth of the HCWs had severe COVID-19 (16.95%) and 10.68% of the HCWs with COVID-19 died. Being ≥45 years old, male gender, smoking, obesity, and certain NCDs increased the risk of COVID-19 severity and mortality. Obesity and diabetes mellitus were the leading risk factors in terms of the population-attributable risk for COVID-19 severity (6.89%) and mortality (36.00%) respectively. Conclusions Many HCWs with COVID-19 had one or more NCDs. Obesity and diabetes mellitus increased COVID-19 severity and mortality risk. Reducing the prevalence of obesity and diabetes mellitus would yield the biggest reduction in COVID-19-related morbidity and mortality among HCWs.
Occupational therapy interventions to address hospital associated deconditioning among older people: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Mc Grath Margaret , Condon Fiona , Kiely Megan , Keane Jenna , Usher Ruth
Published: June 2024

Background Hospital-acquired deconditioning (HAD) is recognised as a state of reduced physiological, psychological, and functional after an acute hospitalization. Older people, particularly those with physical and social complexities are at risk of hospital-associated deconditioning, which is associated with increased length of stay in hospital, institutionalization, mortality, and increased healthcare costs. Thus, identification of effective approaches for the assessment, management, and prevention of HAD are pertinent. Occupational therapy has a potential role to play in prevention and treatment of HAD among older people. This scoping review will identify and map existing occupational therapy interventions which address deconditioning among older people. Methods This scoping review will be conducted using the framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR), will be used to guide the reporting. A comprehensive search strategy using relevant key words and index terms will be developed and applied across Embase (OVID), Medline (OVID), CINHAL (EBSCO), PsychInfo (ProQuest), SCOPUS databases. This will be followed by search of the reference lists of selected sources and hand-search relevant data-hubs. The search will cover studies published in English from January 2014 to the present date. Titles and abstracts will be screened against inclusion criteria. Data will be extracted using a form developed for this review. The Template for Intervention Description and Replication (TIDieR) checklist (Hoffmann et al., 2014) will be applied to papers where specific interventions are reported. Key information on assessment and intervention practices will be categorised and classified in a narrative summary. Conclusion This scoping review will examine current practice internationally regarding the role of occupational therapy in prevention and treatment of HAD among older people.
Nazistowskie świętowanie w okupowanym przez Niemców Toruniu na podstawie dziennika Thorner Freiheit (1939–1945)
Authors: Grochowina Sylwia
Published: June 2024

Celem artykułu jest nakreślenie obrazu nazistowskiego świętowania w okupowanym przez Niemców Toruniu. Za podstawę źródłową analizy posłużyły materiały z dziennika Thorner Freiheit, wydawanego w mieście od 20 września 1939 do 30 stycznia 1945 roku. Jest to niezwykle cenne źródło wiedzy na temat okupacyjnej rzeczywistości, ponieważ zawiera liczne szczegóły składające się na obraz życia codziennego, których nie znajdziemy w żadnej urzędowej dokumentacji. W analizie nazistowskich uroczystości na gruncie toruńskim zostały uwzględnione wyłącznie święta nawiązujące do rocznic/wydarzeń historycznych: Dzień Przejęcia Władzy (Tag der Machtergreifung), znany również jako Dzień Narodowego Powstania (Tag der nationalen Erhebung), obchodzony 30 stycznia; rocznica utworzenia NSDAP (Parteigründungsfeier), przypadająca 24 lutego; Dzień Pamięci Bohaterów (Heldengedenktag); urodziny Hitlera (Führergeburtstag) – 20 kwietnia; Narodowe Święto Pracy (Tag der nationalen Arbeit) – 1 maja; Dzień Męczeństwa Bohaterów Ruchu Nazistowskiego (Gedenktag für die Gefallenen der Bewegung), obchodzony 9 listopada.
Mieszkańcy Torunia w latach 1944–1970 w świetle spisów powszechnych
Authors: Rakowski Witold
Published: June 2024

Celem opracowania jest przedstawienie zmian w strukturze demograficznej, społecznej, aktywności zawodowej, w źródłach utrzymania oraz w warunkach mieszkaniowych ludności Torunia w latach 1946–1970. Materiałem źródłowym były spisy ludności, których wyniki są zawarte w publikacjach Głównego Urzędu Statystycznego. Jak wynika z ich analizy, w ciągu 20 lat liczba mieszkańców Torunia, w ówczesnych granicach administracyjnych, zwiększyła się o 49 tys., a liczba izb mieszkalnych o 35,6 tys., w ogólnej liczbie mieszkańców zmalał udział dzieci w wieku 0–14 lat, a wzrósł udział osób w wieku 60 lat i więcej. Artykuł zawiera też wiele ciekawych wniosków dotyczących: zwiększenia aktywności zawodowej mieszkańców; zmniejszenia się liczby osób utrzymywanych; wzrostu znaczenia przemysłu jako miejsca zapewniającego pracę i źródło utrzymania. W artykule poruszono też kwestię warunków mieszkaniowych i zmian w tym zakresie.
Interiorizar la violencia, exteriorizar el conflicto: la disputa por la autoridad en contextos de etnicidad y guerra en Colombia
Authors: Hoyos García Juan Felipe
Published: June 2024

Las guerras y los conflictos armados han sido concebidos como momentos de quiebre, en los que la cotidianidad de las poblaciones se interrumpe y los vínculos sociales se rompen por el ejercicio de la violencia organizada con fines políticos. Esta visión parte de una dicotomía en la que se le imputa la violencia a los grupos armados y la no violencia a los civiles, separación que es el fundamento del discurso humanitarista y de la construcción de la categoría de víctima, los cuales atraviesan nuestra comprensión del conflicto armado actual (Gill, 2016). Aquí quiero tomar otra dirección. Parto de cuestionarme acerca de lo que sucede en conflictos armados de tan larga duración como el colombiano, en los que la vida de buena parte de las poblaciones rurales del país ha estado atravesada desde su configuración por múltiples formas de violencia, entre ellas la política. ¿Cómo entender el carácter destructivo de la guerra y, a la vez, la pervivencia y la dinamización de los vínculos sociales y procesos organizativos en las poblaciones que la han vivido? Una respuesta a esta pregunta podría estar en la comprensión de los modos ambivalentes en los que esas mismas poblaciones y sus organizaciones se relacionan con la violencia. Al respecto, mi argumento es que, en tales contextos, la respuesta de estas a la violencia armada no necesariamente se reduce a resistirse u oponerse a ella, sino que también puede implicar el intento por gobernarla, usándola, canalizándola y redefiniendo sus modalidades. En el caso que aquí abordo veremos cómo dichas poblaciones, primero, apelan al uso de la violencia ejercida por los armados para regular sus propias relaciones sociales, previamente constituidas en profundos procesos históricos de desigualdad y dominación. Segundo, articulan formas diversas de violencia para poder disputarle la autoridad a los grupos armados. Y tercero, construyen así una separación entre unos y otros, proceso por el cual, precisamente, pueden instituir la diferencia entre civil y combatiente, entre víctima y victimario.1
Investigar sobre la violencia feminicida en méxico: un trabajo feminista de excavación arqueológica
Authors: Borzacchiello Emanuela
Published: June 2024

El objetivo de este capítulo es demostrar que en México hay una estructura que históricamente permite y reproduce las violencias feminicidas de forma sistémica.3 Uso la categoría de violencia feminicida de acuerdo con su definición en el artículo 21 de la norma mexicana Ley General de Acceso de las Mujeres a una Vida Libre de Violencia, que conceptualiza la violencia feminicida como un fenómeno amplio, social, cultural y político que atenta contra la vida de las mujeres: La violencia feminicida es la forma extrema de violencia de género contra las mujeres, producto de la violación de sus derechos humanos, en los ámbitos público y privado, conformada por el conjunto de conductas misóginas que pueden conllevar impunidad social y del Estado y puede culminar en homicidio y otras formas de muerte violenta de mujeres. En los casos de feminicidio se aplicarán las sanciones previstas en el artículo 325 del Código Penal Federal.4
Implementing a strategic plan for research
Authors: Shepherd Maggie , Quinn Helen
Published: June 2024

Effective integration of research within healthcare organisations is recognised to improve outcomes. A research strategy within a hospital Trust in South West England was revised, following the launch of a national Chief Nursing Officer (CNO) strategy that promotes research engagement and activity. The aim was to develop, implement and evaluate this revised strategic plan for research. High-level engagement within the organisation was established and previous initiatives evaluated. A 6-year plan with 2-year targets was defined and evaluated at year end. The four pillars of the CNO strategy were central to the revised strategy, underpinned by digital innovation. Evaluation of the earlier strategy indicated excellent engagement with the Chief Nurse Research Fellow initiative and the Clinical Academic Network. The ‘Embedding Research In Care’ (ERIC) unit was reconfigured to an ERIC model, which aided question generation and project development. Year one objectives were achieved within the revised plan. Implementing a research strategy within an organisation requires a cultural shift and a long-term vision is required with measurable objectives. The team demonstrated significant progress through high-level leadership, mentoring and cross-professional collaboration.
Telling our stories: describing the experiences and contributions of African migrants living with HIV
Authors: Namiba Angelina , Nyirenda Charity , Sachikonye Memory , Mbewe Rebecca , Sseruma Winnie Ssanyu , Santos Mark , Croston Michelle
Published: June 2024

HIV in the UK is concentrated in a few key populations, and African migrants are among them. To date, there has been no documented record of the personal experiences of this group to accompany the significant amount of epidemiological data on these communities. There is no record celebrating the contribution, resilience and lived experience of Africans living with HIV in the UK, their allies and their response to the epidemic. A group of African women who are long-standing HIV activists and advocates, much respected for their leadership within the HIV community, considered that it was important to capture and tell these stories to ensure they were accurately recorded in the history of HIV. Their experience spans the story of the African community's experience of HIV in the UK. They formed a steering group and the project aimed to showcase 40 stories to coincide with the 40th anniversary of HIV in 2021.
Predictors of surgical management in diabetic foot infections
Authors: Demirdal Tuna , Sen Pinar
Published: June 2024

Objective:

Early recognition of the need for surgical intervention is crucial in terms of limiting amputation level and decreasing mortality. We aimed to determine the risk factors for limb loss in patients with diabetic foot infection (DFI).

Method:

Data of hospitalised patients with a DFI between 2010 and 2019 were collected retrospectively from their hospital records. Clinical and laboratory findings were analysed according to the type of treatment.

Results:

Data were collected for 401 patients, 280 (69.8%) of whom were male. The mean age was 59.6±11.1 years. Treatment modalities included: medical treatment (36.4%); debridement/drainage (21.9%); minor amputation (17.7%); and major amputation (23.9%). Forefoot infection (odds ratio (OR): 3.347; 95% confidence interval (Cl): 1.408–7.956) and peripheral arterial disease (OR: 4.990; 95% Cl: 1.225–20.324) were found to be significant in predicting limb loss, while duration of diabetes (≥20 years) and absence of forefoot infection were significant predictors of debridement/drainage. Subgroup analysis showed that high leukocyte levels (>16.4K/μl) and forefoot infections were independent predictors for major and minor amputation, respectively.

Conclusion:

The clinical parameters used in this study are simple, broadly available, cost-effective and promising for predicting limb loss in patients with DFI.
Operation Gukurahundi: A Policy of Genocidal Rape and Sexual Violence in Zimbabwe, 1983–1984
Authors: Cameron Hazel
Published: June 2024

The International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda’s historic judgment in the Akayesu Judgment established that rape and other forms of sexual violence can be an actus reus of genocide as defined by the United Nations Convention on Genocide Article II. The Akayesu Judgment therefore provides a logical framework to analyze a hidden episode of extreme post-colonial state violence in the newly independent Zimbabwe, namely a state policy of mass atrocities in Matabeleland and parts of the Midlands, targeting the minority Ndebele ethnic group during Operation Gukurahundi. The specific foci of this study are the patterns of mass rape and sexual violence in the military operation between 1983 and 1984 in Matabeleland. Drawing on 36 in-depth interviews with survivors from throughout Matabeleland, this study provides a critical new lens on Operation Gukurahundi through its identification of uniform systematic patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence across Matabeleland. The article concludes that the patterns of rape and other forms of sexual violence identified in this study are indicative of a state policy of systematic genocidal rape between 1983 and 1984, deployed with the intent and effect to destroy, in part, a specific ethnic group, namely the minority Ndebele of Zimbabwe, thereby fulfilling every condition of the Genocide Convention principles of genocide.
Between Eating and Being Fed: Competing Ethics of Community-Based Road Building in Nepal
Authors: Rankin Katharine , Kunwar Shyam , Rai Lagan , Lewison Elsie
Published: June 2024

ABSTRACT: This paper explores locally-situated logics of ethical judgment underpinning practices of road building in Nepal, and how those logics are attuned to the challenges of navigating complex socio-political dynamics, socio-natural environments, and regional political economies. In so doing it challenges homogenizing discourses of corruption that commonly surround infrastructure development. Building on ethnographic research on rural road construction in two agrarian districts, we argue that different understandings of who is responsible for contributing to infrastructure development, and what forms of private gain from public road budgets are justifiable, do not always conform to official understandings of the public good. Such discrepancies arise, we suggest, from the practical role that certain forms of rule breaking play in getting roads built, as well as from the contested legitimacy of the rules themselves. The politics of participatory development bring to light the ambivalent morality of certain forms of public/private transgressions, and tensions between competing imaginaries of the "public" nature of "local" rural roads—which constitute important, and largely overlooked, dynamics in infrastructure development. Attention to such dynamics is needed to better understand the challenge of building high-quality rural roads and, we contend, to inform just and sustainable approaches to infrastructure development.