bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Safety and immunogenicity of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine in adults in Kenya: a phase 1/2 single-blind, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hamaluba Mainga , Sang Samuel , Orindi Benedict , Njau Irene , Karanja Henry , Kamau Naomi , Gitonga John N. , Mugo Daisy , Wright Daniel , Nyagwange James , Kutima Bernadette , Omuoyo Donwilliams , Mwatasa Mwaganyuma , Ngetsa Caroline , Agoti Charles , Cheruiyot Stanley , Nyaguara Amek , Munene Marianne , Mturi Neema , Oloo Elizaphan , Ochola-Oyier Lynette , Mumba Noni , Mauncho Cynthia , Namayi Roselyne , Davies Alun , Tsofa Benjamin , Nduati Eunice W. , Aliyan Nadia , Kasera Kadondi , Etyang Anthony , Boyd Amy , Hill Adrian , Gilbert Sarah , Douglas Alexander , Pollard Andrew , Bejon Philip , Lambe Teresa , Warimwe George ,   COV004 Vaccine Trial Group
Published: April 2023

Background: There are limited data on the immunogenicity of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines in African populations. Here we report the immunogenicity and safety of the ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (AZD1222) vaccine from a phase 1/2 single-blind, randomised, controlled trial among adults in Kenya conducted as part of the early studies assessing vaccine performance in different geographical settings to inform Emergency Use Authorisation.

Methods: We recruited and randomly assigned (1:1) 400 healthy adults aged ≥18 years in Kenya to receive ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 or control rabies vaccine, each as a two-dose schedule with a 3-month interval. The co-primary outcomes were safety, and immunogenicity assessed using total IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) against SARS-CoV-2 spike protein 28 days after the second vaccination.

Results: Between 28th October 2020 and 19th August 2021, 400 participants were enrolled and assigned to receive ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 (n=200) or rabies vaccine (n=200). Local and systemic adverse events were self-limiting and mild or moderate in nature. Three serious adverse events were reported but these were deemed unrelated to vaccination. The geometric mean anti-spike IgG titres 28 days after second dose vaccination were higher in the ChAdOx1 group (2773 ELISA units [EU], 95% CI 2447, 3142) than in the rabies vaccine group (61 EU, 95% CI 45, 81) and persisted over the 12 months follow-up. We did not identify any symptomatic infections or hospital admissions with respiratory illness and so vaccine efficacy against clinically apparent infection could not be measured. Vaccine efficacy against asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection was 38.4% (95% CI -26.8%, 70.1%; p=0.188). 

Conclusions: The safety, immunogenicity and efficacy against asymptomatic infection of ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 among Kenyan adults was similar to that observed elsewhere in the world, but efficacy against symptomatic infection or severe disease could not be measured in this cohort.

Pan-African Clinical Trials Registration: PACTR202005681895696 (11/05/2020)
The genome sequence of the Mazarine Blue, Cyaniris semiargus (Rottemburg, 1775)
Authors: Lohse Konrad , Hayward Alex , Laetsch Dominik R. , Marques Valéria , Vila Roger , Tyler-Smith Chris ,   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: April 2023

We present a genome assembly from an individual male Cyaniris semiargus (the Mazarine Blue; Arthropoda; Insecta; Lepidoptera; Lycaenidae). The genome sequence is 441.5 megabases in span. Most of the assembly is scaffolded into 24 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the assembled Z sex chromosome. The mitochondrial genome has also been assembled and is 15.4 kilobases in length. Gene annotation of this assembly on Ensembl identified 16,408 protein coding genes.
Szklany mur: Proza polska 1945-1980
Authors: Kubikowski Zbigniew , Heck Dorota
Published: April 2023

Oryginalność Szklanego muru polega na przekroczeniu granic tradycyjnej historii literatury. Wybitny krytyk literacki zamiast rejestrować nazwiska, tytuły, daty obrał perspektywę socjologiczną. Obrazowym ekwiwalentem szklanego muru są w aranżowanej według mody lat siedemdziesiątych luksfery, a w sztuce niektóre instalacje Jana Berdyszaka lub Alojzego Gryta. Najpiękniejszy jest przedmiot, którego nie ma? Czy krytyk aludował do utworu Zbigniewa Herberta? Niekoniecznie. Raczej szklany mur to wyrażenie – i wyobrażenie – które nawiązuje do formuły Stendhala, zgodnie z którą powieść – to zwierciadło przechadzające się po gościńcu. Zamiast lustra polska proza narracyjna w latach 1945-1980 przypominała nieprzeniknione tafle, na których nie tylko widać niewiele, ale też nie sposób się przez nie dotknąć, czyli bezpośrednio przekazać emocje, zbliżyć się, uścisnąć dłoń. Korelacji z plastyką znajduje się tu więcej. Motyw muru niesie konotacje egzekucji lub sytuacji tragicznych, bez wyjścia. Odpowiada on doświadczeniom pokoleń, które z autopsji znają grozę wojny.
Esperanza en el sistema jurídico de Derecho Penal de la comunidad internacional.
Authors: Carreras Presencio Ana Isabel
Published: April 2023

La protección de los Derechos Humanos genera obligaciones para los Estados, según recogen las normas internacionales de derechos humanos, no obstante, con unos mecanismos de supervisión, que aunque revisados, no terminan de culminar en su propósito. Unas normas de protección de derechos humanos que también pueden ser de prohibición, no obstante, con  límites por falta de jurisdicción internacional en su persecución. En positivo, se ha desarrollado un sistema jurídico de Derecho Penal Internacional para la persecución centralizada de las violaciones de derechos humanos, aunque sólo las de especial gravedad y trascendencia para la comunidad internacional. Una persecución de violaciones graves o sistemáticas de derechos humanos, no obstante, bajo una responsabilidad individual. Y porque los Estados no consienten asumir su  responsabilidad. En negativo, persiste una inmunidad jurisdiccional de los Estados y sus bienes.
Heterogeneous Multi-resource Planning and Allocation Under Stochastic Demand
Authors: Baxter Arden , Keskinocak Pinar , Singh Mohit
Published: April 2023

We study the capacity planning and allocation decisions for multiple heterogeneous resources, considering potential demand scenarios, where each demand requests a subset of the available resource types simultaneously at a specified time, location, and duration (smRmD). We model this problem as a two-stage stochastic integer program and consider two variants for the objective function: (a) maximize the expected reward of demands met over all scenarios, subject to a budget B for resources, and (b) maximize the expected reward of demands met over all scenarios minus the cost of resources. Contributions of this work include (i) a thorough complexity analysis of smRmD and its variants, (ii) analysis of structural properties, (iii) development of various approximation algorithms using the unique structural properties of smRmD and its variants, and (iv) an extensive computational study to explore the ease with which exact and approximate solutions may be found.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete.

Funding: This research has been supported in part by National Science Foundation (NSF) Graduate Research Fellowship [DGE-1650044], NSF [Grants CMMI-1538860, NSF-AF:1910423, and NSF-AF:1717947], and the following Georgia Tech benefactors: William W. George, Andrea Laliberte, Richard ”Rick” E. & Charlene Zalesky, and Claudia & Paul Raines.
The Social Cost of Carbon When We Wish for Full-Path Robustness
Authors: Zhao Yifan , Basu Arnab , Lontzek Thomas S. , Schmedders Karl
Published: April 2023

We compute the social cost of carbon (SCC) when decision makers want robust estimates in the face of deep (or “Knightian”) uncertainty. We introduce the notion of full-path accumulated robust preferences from stochastic control theory to an integrated assessment model. Robust preferences are appropriate for analyzing climate-related problems because, given the large uncertainty in climate science, they enable decision makers to attain solutions that are robust to a wide range of climate change scenarios. We solve the resulting model, which includes uncertainty about climate change and the ensuing economic damage and show the existence of optimal solutions and time-consistent optimal deterministic Markov policies. Additionally, we also prove that the standard Hansen–Sargent recursive utility provides an upper bound of this full-path utility. In our baseline model specification, we find that the year 2020’s optimal SCC is US$162 per tCO2 with an average annual growth rate of 2.5%, setting the world on a 1.37°C path, which requires full decarbonization by 2068. We introduce the notion of the SCC robustness premium, which we define as the additional SCC price tag for robustness. For a plausible range of preference parameters, the SCC robustness premium in 2020 is between US$1.41 and US$25.89 per tCO2 with US$2.20 per tCO2 in our baseline calibration. Over time, this premium grows significantly. The forecasts of our model facilitate managerial decision making during the world’s transition from a carbon- and emission-intensive economy to a regenerative economy. The high estimates for the SCC predict drastic rises in emission costs for high-emission industries.

This paper was accepted by Elke Weber, Special Section of Management Science on Business and Climate Change.

Funding: Y. Zhao and T. S. Lontzek acknowledge funding by the German Ministry of Research and Education (BMBF), Project CDR: “DAC-Tales” [Grant 01LS2196A], and by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG, German Research Foundation), project number 458465334.

Supplemental Material: The data files are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2023.4736 .
Symposium on Pelviacetabular Fractures Part II
Authors: Makker Harish
Published: April 2023

Dear Friends, Orthopaedics was a nascent branch some 60 years back, when it was born out of Surgery. There were few dynamic personalities working as orthopaedician under General Surgeons and they had to fight for their existence. We have come a long way from there and now, there may be more than 17 sub branches [specialties] in orthopaedics itself. Currently, it is not possible for an orthopaedician to be a master of all the sub branches, hence the need for separate symposium issue in the Journal, for Pelvis and Acetabulum Injuries. [Till the time, may be, when we may have a separate journal for Pelvis and Acetabulum in India]. This is the second part of the Symposium Issue on Pelvis and Acetabulum, and we have covered five chapters written by different masters of the field from AIIMS Delhi, PGI- Chandigarh, Apollo Delhi etc Each article has some important take home messages which I would like to draw the attention of the reader, As in the chapter on –Dual Approach, the author has very well explained why dual approach-? and which approach first for certain T fractures and T type fractures. In the article on Ilio Femoral Approach-author has emphasized need for fractures lateral to iliopectineal line. In the chapter on Pelvic fractures, the author has explained importance of posterior ligaments complex, in lateral compression and vertical shear fractures and variants of lateral compression type fractures. In the article on Digastric Flip Osteotomy- There comes a time in acetabular fractures-posterior wall and or posterior column fractures when simple Kocher-Langenbeck Approach seems handicapped and you need to have some extension, as in cases of cranial extension of posterior wall fractures and /or need to retrieve loose segments from acetabular joint when with all efforts made by traction, space seems wanting. Hope you will find it helpful in your day to day practice as the authors have put their combined experience in preparing these manuscript. I also take this opportunity to invite you to 4th Cadaveric Pelvi-Acetabular fracture fixation workshop on 11th November in Lucknow We will soon have the third issue of the symposium in hand Dr Harish Makker Symposium Editor – Trauma International.
Where Do We Need More than One Approach for Acetabular Fractures and Which One First?
Authors: Vaishya Raju , Vijay Vipul , Agarwal Amit K , Vaish Abhishek
Published: April 2023

Acetabular fractures are often difficult to manage. The majority of fractures require anatomical reduction to prevent secondary osteoarthritis and instability. Often a single approach is sufficient to fix these fractures. The choice of approach depends on the major anatomical involvement of the acetabulum. However, some fracture patterns require more than a single approach to fixing the fractured fragments adequately. This article addresses this particular issue. Keywords: Acetabulum, fractures, pelvic, surgical approaches.
La família de Pascual Duarte de Camil José Cela i ¡Vivir! de Iu Hua: una anàlisi comparada de la temàtica
Authors: Sun Min
Published: April 2023

En aquest treball, s’ofereix un estudi comparatiu de dues novel·les contemporànies, La família de Pascual Duarte (1942) de Camilo José Cela i ¡Vivir! de Yu Hua (1993), amb l’objectiu de ressaltar els seus elements rectors en comú: el realisme, l’existencialisme i la vida dels marginats. Amb aquesta fita al cap, l’anàlisi parteix dels quatre temes fonamentals que desenvolupen les dues novel·les: la violència, la mort, la pobresa i el destí.
Autonomía y pluralismo jurídico en el Tribunal Universitario de la UABC, México
Authors: Encinas Duarte Gabriel Alejandro , Flemate Díaz Paola Lizett
Published: April 2023

En México, un principio constitucional es la autonomía de las universidades públicas, encaminado a salvaguardar sus libertades esenciales, lo que a su vez se ha garantizado mediante el establecimiento de tribunales universitarios encaminados a dirimir las controversias suscitadas en su interior. En nuestra perspectiva, esto suscita cuestiones relevantes para la teoría jurídica, sobre todo alrededor del nexo entre autonomía y pluralismo jurídico. Para ello, se sigue el método de la reconstrucción crítica de los conceptos, arrojando el resultado de la inscripción plena de la figura de los tribunales universitarios en el pluralismo jurídico contemporáneo. Primero, se recoge un concepto de pluralismo jurídico como estado de la cuestión a la luz de consideraciones preliminares en torno a sus compromisos teóricos, su historia conceptual, y sus rasgos analíticos. Segundo, se considera al Tribunal Universitario de la Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, México (UABC) mediante el pluralismo jurídico, iniciando por algunas consideraciones sobre el principio constitucional mexicano de autonomía universitaria y sus normas de interfaz, recogiendo aspectos generales sobre la jurisdicción universitaria, y analizando con ello el ámbito material del Tribunal Universitario de la UABC. Se concluye con un breve balance e implicaciones hacia la autonomía universitaria, relevando la expansión de atribuciones que se reviste en la protección y promoción de los derechos humanos.
Claves para una reforma constitucional en materia financiera y tributaria: un aporte al proceso constituyente chileno
Authors: Corti Horacio
Published: April 2023

El ensayo expone, brevemente, las cuestiones básicas que tendría que tener en cuenta un proceso de reforma constitucional (como el que se lleva adelante actualmente en Chile) sobre el derecho financiero y tributario. La propuesta se basa en la tradición constitucional (occidental y regional) sobre la materia, tiene en cuenta los desafíos que plantea la actualidad global y, en fin, se basa en un nuevo paradigma financiero y tributario: la teoría general de la constitución financiera. Se propone en primer lugar, conforme una tendencia presente tanto en Argentina como en México, la constitucionalización del Derecho Internacional de los Derechos Humanos, cuestión clave en la medida en que éste tiene enormes efectos jurídicos sobre la política fiscal. Luego, se propone una definición de Constitución Financiera, así como una enumeración de sus elementos, que puede utilizarse como guía para la reforma constitucional: una serie de técnicas financieras; el deber de contribuir sobre la base de la capacidad contributiva; un conjunto de principios (clásicos, como la reserva de ley, y contemporáneos, como la transparencia); una serie de atribuciones de competencias y procedimientos (que diseñan un marco institucional básico), y eventuales órganos financieros específicos (por ejemplo dedicados al control o a la coordinación financiera territorial).
Constituciones y sistemas tributarios comparados
Authors: Andrés Aucejo Eva , Masbernat Patricio
Published: April 2023

Este trabajo tiene como objeto mostrar al lector una perspectiva internacional sobre un análisis comparado de sistemas tributarios y sistemas constitucionales, con cita de estudios punteros sobre constituciones y sistemas tributario-financieros comparados de países nórdicos, europeos y norteamericanos, para llegar al análisis de sistemas constitucionales financieros latinoamericanos, con el acento puesto en el paradigma del nuevo modelo de derecho social constitucional chileno, en el que tiene su encaje la reforma constitucional tributaria de Chile.
¿Gas natural, carbón o petróleo? Los determinantes del retraso de la transición energética en el norte de España (1958-1974)
Authors: Valdaliso Jesús María , Suárez Patricia , Alvardo García Carlos
Published: April 2023

El artículo trata de esclarecer por qué se retrasó el inicio de la transición energética hacia el gas natural en el norte de España hasta finales de la década de 1980. Para ello, se analizan los planes fallidos de suministro de gas natural a la cornisa cantábrica (gasoducto franco-español con el yacimiento de Lacq en el sudoeste francés, primero, y planta de regasificación en Bilbao, más tarde) entre 1958 y 1974. La conexión de las redes franco-españolas de suministro de gas es un hecho bastante reciente, que se produjo, en primer lugar, con el gasoducto Calahorra- Lacq en 1993 y, más recientemente, en 2006, con el gasoducto Euskadour. Mediante el empleo de una serie de fuentes documentales, ubicadas sobre todo en archivos de Asturias y el País Vasco, así como de una entrevista a uno de los protagonistas del primer proyecto, el artículo examina las razones del fracaso de ambos planes y sus consecuencias para el desarrollo posterior de la industria del gas natural en esa zona.
Spatially encoded hyperspectral compressive microscope for ultrabroadband VIS/NIR hyperspectral imaging
Authors: Klein Lukáš , Touš Jan , Žídek Karel
Published: April 2023

Hyperspectral imaging (HSI) has become a valuable tool in sample characterization in various scientific fields. While many approaches have been tested, specific applications and technology usually lead to only a narrow part of the spectrum being studied. We demonstrate the use of a broadband HSI setup based on compressed sensing capable of capturing data in visible (VIS), near-infrared (NIR), and short-wave infrared (SWIR) spectral regions. Using a tested design, we developed a dual configuration and tested its performance on a set of samples demonstrating spatial resolution and spectral reconstruction. Samples showing a potential use of the setup in optical defect detection are also tested. The setup showcases a dual single-pixel camera configuration capable of combining various detectors with a shared spatial modulation, further improving data efficiency and providing an affordable instrument from broadband spectral studies.
Streak artifact suppressed back projection for sparse-view photoacoustic computed tomography
Authors: Wang Tong , Chen Chenyang , Shen Kang , Liu Wen , Tian Chao
Published: April 2023

The development of fast and accurate image reconstruction algorithms under constrained data acquisition conditions is important for photoacoustic computed tomography (PACT). Sparse-view measurements have been used to accelerate data acquisition and reduce system complexity; however, reconstructed images suffer from sparsity-induced streak artifacts. In this paper, a modified back-projection (BP) method termed anti-streak BP is proposed to suppress streak artifacts in sparse-view PACT reconstruction. During the reconstruction process, the anti-streak BP finds the back-projection terms contaminated by high-intensity sources with an outlier detection method. Then, the weights of the contaminated back-projection terms are adaptively adjusted to eliminate the effects of high-intensity sources. The proposed anti-streak BP method is compared with the conventional BP method on both simulation and in vivo data. The anti-streak BP method shows substantially fewer artifacts in the reconstructed images, and the streak index is 54% and 20% lower than that of the conventional BP method on simulation and in vivo data, when the transducer number N=128. The anti-streak BP method is a powerful improvement of the BP method with the ability of artifact suppression.
Quantum digital signature with unidimensional continuous-variable against the measurement angular error
Authors: Zhao Wei , Shi Ronghua , Wu Xiaoming , Wang Fuqiang , Ruan Xinchao
Published: April 2023

The continuous-variable quantum digital signature (CV-QDS) scheme relies on the components of quantum key generation protocol (KGP) to negotiate classical signature, which is more compatible with optical fibers. Nevertheless, the measurement angular error of heterodyne detection or homodyne detection will cause security issues when performing KGP in the distribution stage. For that, we propose to utilize unidimensional modulation in KGP components, which only requires to modulate single quadrature and without the process of basis choice. Numerical simulation results show that the security under collective attack, repudiation attack and forgery attack can be guaranteed. We expect that the unidimensional modulation of KGP components could further simplify the implementation of CV-QDS and circumvent the security issues caused by the measurement angular error.
Synchronized time lens based temporal magnifier assisted by the phase lock loop
Authors: Li Yujia , Huang Dongmei , Shi Yihuan , Li Feng
Published: April 2023

We propose a synchronized time lens based temporal magnifier for the characterization of an ultrafast pulse, which is assisted by the phase lock loop (PLL) to actively lock the repetition rates of the pump laser and signal laser. A feedback control system combining a proportional-integral (PI) circuit and a piezoelectric transducer (PZT) inside the signal laser cavity is used to synchronize the repetition rates between the pump and signal lights. Benefitting from the PLL technique, the temporal position of the signal pulse remains as the numerical aperture of the time lens system, and therefore it has a high short-time stability for pulse measurement. This synchronized time lens based temporal magnifier can record single-shot pulses within continuous round trips. By engineering the dispersion of the pump, signal, and idler lights, we demonstrate a 200× magnification of the signal pulse. Our technique offers a simple synchronized method in a time lens system for ultrafast temporal characterization, which provides new insights into the observation of the fiber laser dynamics.
Cavity-enhanced optical bistability of Rydberg atoms
Authors: Wang Qinxia , Wang Zhihui , Liu Yanxin , Guan Shijun , He Jun , Zou Chang-Ling , Zhang Pengfei , Li Gang , Zhang Tiancai
Published: April 2023

Optical bistability (OB) of Rydberg atoms provides a new, to the best of our knowledge, platform for studying nonequilibrium physics and a potential resource for precision metrology. To date, the observation of Rydberg OB has been limited in free space. Here, we explore cavity-enhanced Rydberg OB with a thermal cesium vapor cell. The signal of Rydberg OB in a cavity is enhanced by more than one order of magnitude compared with that in free space. The slope of the phase transition signal at the critical point is enhanced more than 10 times that without the cavity, implying an enhancement of two orders of magnitude in the sensitivity for Rydberg-based sensing and metrology.
Accurate characterization of full-chain infrared multispectral imaging features under aerodynamic thermal environment
Authors: Yang Ning , Yuan Ying , zhang chao , liu xin , Wang Xiao-rui , Li Yi
Published: April 2023

The detection performance of infrared imaging systems during high-speed flight is significantly impacted by aero-optical and aero-thermal radiation effects. However, traditional numerical calculations struggle to balance accuracy and efficiency, and there is a lack of a comprehensive model for infrared imaging in an aerodynamic thermal environment. In this study, we propose a calculation method based on Cellular Automata (CA) ray tracing, which allows for parallel calculation of aero-optical and aero-thermal radiation effects by combining optical field transport rules with the cellular space obtained by interpolation under fluid-solid boundary constraints. Using this method, we extend the traditional imaging feature prediction model of the infrared imaging system to obtain an accurate characterization model of the full-chain imaging features adapted to the aerodynamic thermal environment. Finally, we investigate the characteristics of infrared multispectral imaging system in various spectral bands under the influence of aero-optical and aero-thermal radiation effects. With this full-chain imaging model, the key elements of the imaging system under aerodynamic thermal environment can be globally optimized.
Theories for interventions to reduce physical and verbal abuse: A mixed methods review of the health and social care literature to inform future maternity care
Authors: Downe Soo , Nowland Rebecca , Clegg Andrew , Akooji Naseerah , Harris Cath , Farrier Alan , Gondo Lisa Tanyaradzwa , Finlayson Kenny , Thomson Gill , Kingdon Carol , Mehrtash Hedieh , McCrimmon Rebekah , Tunçalp Özge
Published: April 2023

Despite global attention, physical and verbal abuse remains prevalent in maternity and newborn healthcare. We aimed to establish theoretical principles for interventions to reduce such abuse. We undertook a mixed methods systematic review of health and social care literature (MEDLINE, SocINDEX, Global Index Medicus, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, Sept 29th 2020 and March 22nd2022: no date or language restrictions). Papers that included theory were analysed narratively. Those with suitable outcome measures were meta-analysed. We used convergence results synthesis to integrate findings. In September 2020, 193 papers were retained (17,628 hits). 154 provided theoretical explanations; 38 were controlled studies. The update generated 39 studies (2695 hits), plus five from reference lists (12 controlled studies). A wide range of explicit and implicit theories were proposed. Eleven non-maternity controlled studies could be meta-analysed, but only for physical restraint, showing little intervention effect. Most interventions were multi-component. Synthesis suggests that a combination of systems level and behavioural change models might be effective. The maternity intervention studies could all be mapped to this approach. Two particular adverse contexts emerged; social normalisation of violence across the socio-ecological system, especially for ‘othered’ groups; and the belief that mistreatment is necessary to minimise clinical harm. The ethos and therefore the expression of mistreatment at each level of the system is moderated by the individuals who enact the system, through what they feel they can control, what is socially normal, and what benefits them in that context. Interventions to reduce verbal and physical abuse in maternity care should be locally tailored, and informed by theories encompassing all socio-ecological levels, and the psychological and emotional responses of individuals working within them. Attention should be paid to social normalisation of violence against ‘othered’ groups, and to the belief that intrapartum maternal mistreatment can optimise safe outcomes.
The Pampa del Indio project: District-wide quasi-elimination of Triatoma infestans after a 9-year intervention program in the Argentine Chaco
Authors: Gürtler Ricardo Esteban , Gaspe María Sol , Macchiaverna Natalia Paula , Enriquez Gustavo Fabián , Rodríguez-Planes Lucía Inés , Fernández María del Pilar , Provecho Yael Mariana , Cardinal Marta Victoria
Published: April 2023

Background

The elimination of Triatoma infestans, the main domestic vector of Trypanosoma cruzi, is lagging behind expectations in the Gran Chaco region. We implemented an insecticide-based intervention program and assessed its long-term effects on house infestation and bug abundance in a resource-constrained municipality (Pampa del Indio, northeastern Argentina) inhabited by creole and the Qom indigenous people (2007–2016). Key questions were whether district-wide data integration revealed patterns concealed at lower spatial levels; to what extent preintervention infestation and pyrethroid resistance challenged the effectiveness of insecticide-based control efforts, and how much control effort was needed to meet defined targets.

Methods

Supervised vector control teams i) georeferenced every housing unit at baseline (1,546); ii) evaluated house infestation using timed-manual searches with a dislodging aerosol across four rural areas designated for district-wide scaling up; iii) sprayed with pyrethroid insecticide 92.7% of all houses; iv) periodically monitored infestation and promoted householder-based surveillance, and v) selectively sprayed the infested houses, totaling 1,823 insecticide treatments throughout the program.

Results

Baseline house infestation (mean, 26.8%; range, 14.4–41.4%) and bug abundance plummeted over the first year postintervention (YPI). Timed searches at baseline detected 61.4–88.0% of apparent infestations revealed by any of the methods used. Housing dynamics varied widely among areas and between Qom and creole households. Preintervention triatomine abundance and the cumulative frequency of insecticide treatments were spatially aggregated in three large clusters overlapping with pyrethroid resistance, which ranged from susceptible to high. Persistent foci were suppressed with malathion. Aggregation occurred mainly at house compound or village levels. Preintervention domestic infestation and abundance were much greater in Qom than in creole households, whereas the reverse was recorded in peridomestic habitats. House infestation, rare (1.9–3.7%) over 2–6 YPI, averaged 0.66% (95% confidence interval, 0.28–1.29%) at endpoint.

Conclusions

Upscale integration revealed multiple coupled heterogeneities (spatial, sociodemographic and biological) that reflect large inequalities, hamper control efforts, and provide opportunities for targeted, sustainable disease control. High-coverage, professional insecticide spraying combined with systematic surveillance-and-response were essential ingredients to achieve the quasi-elimination of T. infestans within 5 YPI and concomitant transmission blockage despite various structural threats and constraints.
A recombinant rabies virus chimera expressing the DC-targeting molecular MAB2560 shows enhanced vaccine immunogenicity through activation of dendritic cells
Authors: Gong Zhiyuan , Huang Pei , Jin Hongli , Bai Yujie , Li Hailun , Qian Meichen , Sun Jingxuan , Jiao Cuicui , Zhang Mengyao , Li Yuanyuan , Zhang Haili , Wang Hualei
Published: April 2023

Background

Rabies, caused by the rabies virus (RABV), is an ancient and neglected zoonotic disease posing a large public health threat to humans and animals in developing countries. Immunization of animals with a rabies vaccine is the most effective way to control the epidemic and the occurrence of the disease in humans. Therefore, the development of cost-effective and efficient rabies vaccines is urgently needed. The activation of dendritic cells (DCs) is known to play an important role in improving the host immune response induced by rabies vaccines.

Methodology/Principal findings

In this study, we constructed a recombinant virus, rCVS11-MAB2560, based on the reverse genetic system of the RABV CVS11 strain. The MAB2560 protein (a DC-targeting molecular) was chimeric expressed on the surface of the viral particles to help target and activate the DCs when this virus was used as inactivated vaccine. Our results demonstrated that inactivated rCVS11-MAB2560 was able to promote the recruitment and/or proliferation of DC cells, T cells and B cells in mice, and induce good immune memory after two immunizations. Moreover, the inactivated recombinant virus rCVS11-MAB2560 could produce higher levels of virus-neutralizing antibodies (VNAs) in both mice and dogs more quickly than rCVS11 post immunization.

Conclusions/Significance

In summary, the recombinant virus rCVS11-MAB2560 chimeric-expressing the molecular adjuvant MAB2560 can stimulate high levels of humoral and cellular immune responses in vivo and can be used as an effective inactivated rabies vaccine candidate.
Transport of antibody into the skin is only partially dependent upon the neonatal Fc-receptor
Authors: Nasir Gibran , Sinnis Photini
Published: April 2023

The dermis is the portal of entry for most vector-transmitted pathogens, making the host’s immune response at this site critical in mitigating the magnitude of infection. For malaria, antibody-mediated neutralization ofPlasmodiumparasites in the dermis was recently demonstrated. However, surprisingly little is known about the mechanisms that govern antibody transport into the skin. Since the neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) has been shown to transcytose IgG into various tissues, we sought to understand its contribution to IgG transport into the skin and antibody-mediated inhibition ofPlasmodiumparasites following mosquito bite inoculation. Using confocal imaging, we show that the transport of an anti-Langerin mAb into the skin occurs but is only partially reduced in mice lacking FcRn. To understand the relevance of FcRn in the context of malaria infection, we use the rodent parasitePlasmodium bergheiand show that passively-administered anti-malarial antibody in FcRn deficient mice, does not reduce parasite burden to the same extent as previously observed in wildtype mice. Overall, our data suggest that FcRn plays a role in the transport of IgG into the skin but is not the major driver of IgG transport into this tissue. These findings have implications for the rational design of antibody-based therapeutics for malaria as well as other vector-transmitted pathogens.
Association between oral frailty and cystatin C-related indices—A questionnaire (OFI-8) study in general internal medicine practice
Authors: Kusunoki Hiroshi , Ekawa Kazumi , Kato Nozomi , Yamasaki Keita , Motone Masaharu , Shinmura Ken , Yoshihara Fumiki , Shimizu Hideo
Published: April 2023

Background

Cystatin C-related indices such as the ratio of creatinine to cystatin C (Cr/CysC) and the ratio of estimated glomerular filtration rate by cystatin C (eGFRcys) to creatinine eGFRcre (eGFRcys/eGFRcre) levels have been shown to be associated with muscle mass and strength and can be markers of sarcopenia. Oral frailty is defined as an age-related gradual loss of oral functions, accompanied by a decline in cognitive and physical functions. It results in adverse health-related outcomes in older age, including mortality, physical frailty, functional disability, poor quality of life, and increased hospitalization and falls. Therefore, poor oral health among the elderly is an important health concern due to its association with the pathogenesis of systemic frailty, suggesting it to be a multidimensional geriatric syndrome. The Oral Frailty Index-8 (OFI-8) is a questionnaire that can be used for easy screening of oral frailty. This study aimed to investigate whether cystatin C- related indices are different between patients with low to moderate risk of oral frailty and those at high risk of oral frailty, using the OFI-8 in attending a general internal medicine outpatient clinic.

Materials and methods

This is a cross-sectional study that included 251 patients with a mean age of 77.7±6.6 years and a median age of 77 years (128 men: mean age, 77.1±7.3 years; median age, 77 years and 123 women: mean age, 78.4±5.7 years; median age, 78 years) attending general internal medicine outpatient clinics. OFI-8 scores were tabulated by gender to determine whether there were differences between patients at low to moderate risk of oral frailty (OFI-8 score ≤3 points) and those at high risk (OFI-8 score ≥4 points) in Cr/CysC, eGFRcys/eGFRcre levels, height, weight, grip strength, etc. were examined.

Results

The OFI-8 score was higher in women than in men, suggesting that oral frailty is more common in women. Cr/CysC, eGFRcys/eGFRcre and grip strength were significantly lower in both men and women in the high-risk group for oral frailty (OFI-8 score ≥ 4). Height, hemoglobin level, red blood cell count, and serum albumin levels were significantly lower in men with an OFI-8 score ≥4. Receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis also showed that Cr/CysC and eGFRcys/eGFRcre were significantly associated with an OFI-8 score≥4 in both men and women.

Conclusion

Cr/CysC and eGFRcys/eGFRcre were significantly lower in the high-risk group for oral frailty on the OFI-8in both men and women. A relationship exists among cystatin C-related indices, which can effectively screen systemic frailty. Similarly, the OFI-8 score can be used to effectively screen oral frailty. Thus, a collaboration that incorporates both systemic and oral frailty from medical and dental perspectives is required.
Intimate partner violence screening during COVID-19
Authors: Hoffman Rebecka May , Ryus Caitlin , Tiyyagura Gunjan , Jubanyik Karen
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Emergency Department (ED) screening for intimate partner violence (IPV) is typically nursing-initiated, often with visitors present. Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we have seen both an increase in societal stress, a known exacerbator of IPV, and the implementation of visitor restriction policies. This combination presents the need for enhanced IPV screening and the opportunity to perform screening in a controlled, patient-only environment. Our goal was to evaluate the frequency of nurse-initiated screening for IPV prior to and during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the frequency of positive screens for IPV.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective cross-sectional study evaluating all adults (age >18 years) presenting to a tertiary care center ED. Patients were identified as presenting prior to the COVID-19 pandemic (June 1, 2019 to August 31, 2019) and after the COVID-19 visitor restriction policies (June 1, 2020 to August 31, 2020). Descriptive statistics were performed using chi-square and t-tests compared the demographic variables. Chi-square was used for a bivariate analysis of our primary outcomes (IPV screening performed and screening positive for IPV). Further analysis was done using a binary logistic regression model adjusting for the demographic characteristics.

Results

Both the odds of nursing-initiated IPV screening and the odds of verbally screening positive for IPV significantly increased (OR 1.509, 95% CI 1.432–1.600) and (OR 1.375, 95% CI 1.126–1.681) respectively following the implementation of COVID-19 visitor restriction policies.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that nurse-initiated IPV screening should continue to be performed with the patient privately, even after COVID-19 related ED visitor restrictions are removed. These findings also support the hypothesis that the stress related to COVID-19 is contributing to a rise in IPV.
Frailty status and associated factors among older PLHIV in Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Woldesemayat Endrias Markos , St Clair-Sullivan Natalie , Kassa Andargachew , Gari Taye , Gutema Keneni , Chea Nana , Woubshet Kindie , Bogale Netsanet , Assefa Amare , Vera Jaime
Published: April 2023

Background

Studies addressing frailty are limited in the global south, including Ethiopia. We estimated the prevalence of frailty and associated factors among older people living with HIV (PLHIV) attending a large Comprehensive Specialized Hospital in southern Ethiopia.

Methods

A systematic sample of 187 PLHIV and 187 HIV-negative controls > 50 years old were recruited between October 1 and November 30, 2021. Data on socio-demographic, behavioural and clinical characteristics were collected using a structured questionnaire. Frailty assessments were completed using the brief frailty instrument (B-FIT-2), which consists of 6 components. Scoring 5–6 points was frail, 2–4 points were pre-frail and below 2 was considered as non-frail. Logistic regression model was used to measure association between variables.

Results

Median (IQR) age was 53 (50, 80) for PLWH and 59 (55–66) for controls. Prevalence of frailty was 9.1% for PLHIV Versus 5.9% for controls. A significant proportion of PLHIV was pre-frail; 141 (75.4%) compared to controls 110 (58.8%). Pre-frailty status was associated with HIV diagnosis (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 4.2; 95% CI 1.8–9.9), low age (aOR 0.3; 95% CI 0.1–0.6), lower educational attainment (aOR 2.2; 95% CI 1.0–4.9), being farmer (aOR 3.2; 95% CI 1.0–10.2) and having high or low body mass index (BMI) (aOR 11.3; 95% CI 4.0–25.8). HIV diagnosis (aOR 9.7; 95% CI 1.6–56.8), age (aOR 0.2; 95% CI 0.1–0.7), lower educational attainment (aOR 5.2; 95% CI 1.5–18.2), single status (aOR 4.2; 95% CI 1.3–13.6), farmer (aOR 19.5; 95% CI 3.5–109.1) and high or low BMI (aOR 47.3; 95% CI 13.8–161.9) predicted frailty.

Conclusion

A high proportion of frailty and pre-frailty was observed in a cohort of older PLHIV attending care in Southern Ethiopia. Future research should focus on interventions targeting factors associated with frailty.
Assessment of factors affecting flicker ERGs recorded with RETeval from data obtained from health checkup screening
Authors: Inooka Taiga , Kominami Taro , Yasuda Shunsuke , Koyanagi Yoshito , Ota Junya , Okado Satoshi , Tomita Ryo , Ito Yasuki , Iwase Takeshi , Terasaki Hiroko , Nishiguchi Koji M. , Ueno Shinji
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To determine the factors significantly associated with the amplitudes and implicit times of the flicker electroretinograms (ERGs) recorded with the RETeval system by analyzing the comprehensive data obtained during a health checkup screening.

Methods

Flicker ERGs were recorded with the RETeval system from 373 individuals who had a normal fundus and optical coherence tomography images. The sex, age, anthropometric, ophthalmologic, and hematologic data were collected from all participants who were 40- to 89-years-of-age. Univariable and multivariable linear mixed effects regression analyses were performed to identify factors that were significantly associated with the implicit times and amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs.

Results

Univariable linear mixed effects regression analysis showed significant correlations between the implicit times and the best-corrected visual acuity, the age, the axial length, the blood sugar level, and the blood urea nitrogen level. Analyses by multivariable linear mixed effects regression identified that the axial length (β = 0.28), the age (β = 0.24), and the blood sugar level (β = 0.092) were three independent factors that were significantly correlated with the implicit times of the RETeval flicker ERGs. Univariable linear mixed effects regression analysis also showed significant correlations between the amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs and the age, the platelet count, and the creatinine level. Multivariable linear mixed effects regression models identified the age (β = -0.092), the platelet count (β = 0.099), and the creatinine level (β = -0.12) as three independent factors that were significantly correlated with the amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs. However, the smoking habits, body mass index, and the blood pressure were not significantly correlated with either the implicit times or amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs.

Conclusions

Our results indicate that the age and some ophthalmologic and hematologic findings but not the anthropometric findings were significantly associated with the implicit times and amplitudes of the RETeval flicker ERGs. Thus, clinicians should remember these factors when analyzing the RETeval flicker ERGs.
Effects and limitations of home-based motor-control exercise for chronic low back pain: A single center prospective study
Authors: Hirota Ryosuke , Teramoto Atsushi , Murakami Takanori , Yoshimoto Mitsunori , Iesato Noriyuki , Yamashita Toshihiko
Published: April 2023

Study design

Prospective single-center observational study.

Objective

To investigate the effects and limitations of self-motor-control exercise in patients with chronic low back pain.

Summary of background data

Although exercise therapy and physical therapy have been shown to be effective in treating chronic low back pain, these therapies are often discontinued due to patients’ non-compliance, and their effectiveness cannot be fully demonstrated.

Methods

Fifteen patients with low back pain, no apparent organic disease, who had been symptomatic for at least three months, and could continue motor-control exercise at home for at least six months were included in the study. Low back pain (visual analog scale [VAS]), locomotor 25, stand-up test, two-step test, trunk and total body muscle mass by the impedance method, and spinal sagittal alignment were examined before the intervention to establish a baseline, and at two and six months after the intervention.

Result

Significant improvement was observed in the back pain VAS (p<0.01), stand-up test (p = 0.03), two-step test (p = 0.01), and locomotor 25 (p = 0.04) before and after the intervention. In contrast, there were no significant changes in muscle mass and sagittal alignment. The effect of long-term exercise was more pronounced in patients without spinal deformity.

Conclusions

Self-exercise for patients with chronic low back pain was effective in improving pain and function, although it did not directly affect muscle mass or alignment. Moreover, strength training of the lumbar back muscles alone was not found to be effective in patients with spinal deformities.