bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preanalytical Considerations and Outpatient Versus Inpatient Tests of Plasma Metanephrines to Diagnose Pheochromocytoma
Authors: Pommer Georg , Pamporaki Christina , Peitzsch Mirko , Remde Hanna , Deutschbein Timo , Nölting Svenja , Müller Lisa Marie , Braun Leah , Gruber Sven , Pecori Alessio , Hampson Stephanie , Davies Eleanor , Stell Anthony , Rossi Gian Paolo , Lenzini Livia , Ceccato Filippo , Timmers Henri J L M , Deinum Jaap , Amar Laurence , Blanchard Anne , Baron Stephanie , Fassnacht Martin , Dobrowolski Piotr , Januszewicz Andrzej , Zennaro Maria-Christina , Prejbisz Aleksander , Eisenhofer Graeme
Published: June 2022

Context

Sampling of blood in the supine position for diagnosis of pheochromocytoma and paraganglioma (PPGL) results in lower rates of false positives for plasma normetanephrine than seated sampling. It is unclear how inpatient vs outpatient testing and other preanalytical factors impact false positives.

Objective

We aimed to identify preanalytical precautions to minimize false-positive results for plasma metanephrines.

Methods

Impacts of different blood sampling conditions on plasma metanephrines were evaluated, including outpatient vs inpatient testing, sampling of blood in semi- vs fully recumbent positions, use of cannulae vs direct venipuncture, and differences in outside temperature. A total of 3147 patients at 10 tertiary referral centers were tested for PPGL, including 278 with and 2869 without tumors. Rates of false-positive results were analyzed.

Results

Outpatient rather than inpatient sampling resulted in 44% higher plasma concentrations and a 3.4-fold increase in false-positive results for normetanephrine. Low temperature, a semi-recumbent position, and direct venipuncture also resulted in significantly higher plasma concentrations and rates of false-positive results for plasma normetanephrine than alternative sampling conditions, although with less impact than outpatient sampling. Higher concentrations and rates of false-positive results for plasma normetanephrine with low compared with warm temperatures were only apparent for outpatient sampling. Preanalytical factors were without impact on plasma metanephrines in patients with PPGL.

Conclusion

Although inpatient blood sampling is largely impractical for screening patients with suspected PPGL, other preanalytical precautions (eg, cannulae, warm testing conditions) may be useful. Inpatient sampling may be reserved for follow-up of patients with difficult to distinguish true- from false-positive results.
Estimating Spillovers from Publicly Funded R&D: Evidence from the US Department of Energy
Authors: Myers Kyle R. , Lanahan Lauren
Published: June 2022

We quantify the magnitude of R&D spillovers created by grants to small firms from the US Department of Energy. Our empirical strategy leverages variation due to state-specific matching policies, and we develop a new approach to measuring both geographic and technological spillovers that does not rely on an observable paper trail. Our estimates suggest that for every patent produced by grant recipients, three more are produced by others who benefit from spillovers. Sixty percent of these spillovers occur within the United States, and many of them occur in technological areas substantially different from those targeted by the grants. (JEL H81, L25, O33, O34, Q40)
Mesenteric panniculitis: a clinical conundrum
Authors: Eze Vivienne N , Halligan Steve
Published: June 2022

Mesenteric panniculitis is encountered frequently during abdominopelvic CT scanning, often as an incidental finding. The observation is problematic because an association with malignancy has been raised in the literature. This review will describe the CT appearances and examine the available evidence regarding the significance of this finding.

Ultimately, the literature remains unclear regarding how these patients should be managed, if at all.
Morphologic evaluation of injured and contralateral uninjured ankles in patients with unilateral chronic ankle instability
Authors: Dai Meng , Liu Xiaoming , Yang Lian , Wang Jiazheng , Ye Fang , Zhao Hu , Duan Deyu , Liu Xi
Published: June 2022

Objective:

To compare the morphological anatomy and abnormalities of the anterior talofibular ligament (ATFL) and calcaneofibular ligament (CFL) in unilateral chronic ankle instability (CAI).

Methods:

22 patients (men: women, 13:9; mean age, 28.95 ± 8.127 years) with unilateral CAI and 18 healthy volunteers (men: women, 9:9, mean age, 28.33 ± 3.678 years) were recruited. MRI scans were divided into Group 1 (22 injured ankles), Group 2 (22 contralateral uninjured ankles), and Group 3 (36 healthy volunteer ankles). The morphologic variables, MRI signal intensity (SI) values were evaluated.

Results:

The ATFL proximal, intermediate, and distal sites and the CFL proximal and distal sites in Group 3 were narrower than those in Group 1 (P ＜0.05). Both ATFL and CFL in Group 1 were thicker than those in Group 3 (P ＜0.01). The proximal and intermediate sites of the ATFL and the proximal site of the CFL in Group 3 were narrower than those in Group 2 (P ＜0.01). The intermediate site of the ATFL and the proximal and distal sites of the CFL in Group 2 were thicker than those in Group 3 (P ＜0.01). The mean SI values of the ATFL in Group 1 were higher than those in Groups 2 and 3 (P ＜0.01). The ATFL and CFL SI values were higher in Group 2 than those in Group 3 (P ＜0.05).

Conclusion:

Both the injured and contralateral uninjured ankles had wider ATFL and CFL, more thickness, and higher SI values compared with those of healthy volunteer ankles.

Advances in knowledge:

High-resolution three-dimensional MRI provides a potential tool assisting clinical decision on the treatment and rehabilitation therapy of patients with unilateral CAI.
Influence of head positioning during cone-beam CT imaging on the accuracy of virtual 3D models
Authors: van Eijnatten Maureen , Wolff Jan , Pauwels Ruben , Karhu Kalle , Hietanen Ari , der Sarkissian Henry , Koivisto Juha H
Published: June 2022

Objective:

Cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) images are being increasingly used to acquire three-dimensional (3D) models of the skull for additive manufacturing purposes. However, the accuracy of such models remains a challenge, especially in the orbital area. The aim of this study is to assess the impact of four different CBCT imaging positions on the accuracy of the resulting 3D models in the orbital area.

Methods:

An anthropomorphic head phantom was manufactured by submerging a dry human skull in silicon to mimic the soft tissue attenuation and scattering properties of the human head. The phantom was scanned on a ProMax 3D MAX CBCT scanner using 90 and 120 kV for four different field of view positions: standard; elevated; backwards tilted; and forward tilted. All CBCT images were subsequently converted into 3D models and geometrically compared with a “gold-standard” optical scan of the dry skull.

Results:

Mean absolute deviations of the 3D models ranged between 0.15 ± 0.11 mm and 0.56 ± 0.28 mm. The elevated imaging position in combination with 120 kV tube voltage resulted in an improved representation of the orbital walls in the resulting 3D model without compromising the accuracy.

Conclusions:

Head positioning during CBCT imaging can influence the accuracy of the resulting 3D model. The accuracy of such models may be improved by positioning the region of interest (e.g. the orbital area) in the focal plane ( Figure 2a ) of the CBCT X-ray beam.
Effects of ethanol and deferoxamine on rat primary glial cell cultures, in regard with ischemia induced by traumatic spinal cord injury
Authors: Stoica Simona Isabelle , Onose Gelu , Hoteteu Mihail , Munteanu Constantin
Published: June 2022

Although they have been regarded, in the past, as passive support cells, many experimental data have shown that glial cells play a critical role in the development and functioning of the nervous system. Despite the advances that have been made in understanding astrocytes' role in the nervous system's development and function, our knowledge of their interactions with other cells is still limited, albeit neurons are dependent on the trophic support provided by astrocytes release. Materials and Methods. The use of the McCarthy and de Vellis methods for isolating glial cells has been regarded as an essential tool for studying their function. This study aims to evaluate the effects of ethanol and deferoxamine on primary rat glial cell cultures and try to explain, as far as possible, the relevance of such effects for patients with chronic alcoholism and traumatic spinal cord injuries. Discussion. Because glial cells are very important in the functioning of the central nervous system and experiments cannot be performed on human primary nerve cell cultures, we performed an experiment on glial cells harvested from the newborn rat, analyzing the dynamics of IL-6 and TNF alpha on models of suffering in spinal cord injury (hypoxia and thermally stress). Conclusion. Inhibition of TNF alpha synthesis was more important at 7 days posttraumatic in cells with prolonged ethanolic exposure, even if protein levels of IL-6 were elevated (under similar experimental conditions). Thus, we can say that long-term exposure to ethanol of nerve cells can ensure a favorable evolution of medical recovery (by increasing TNF alpha), even if the inflammatory process remains active (shown by elevated IL-6 values). Keywords: ethyl alcohol, deferoxamine, primary glial cells cultures, traumatic Spinal Cord Injury
Assessment of the quality of life in patients with chronic degenerative osteoarticular diseases (gonarthrosis, coxarthrosis)
Authors: Szakács Juliánna , Silișteanu Andrei-Emanuel
Published: June 2022

Quality of life is a multidimensional concept that refers to the individual perception of one's own life and that includes aspects of individual health (cultural, social or psychological). Arthrosis is a progressive condition that involves damage to cartilage, damage to the subchondral bone and changes in the synovial and periarticular structures. Material and method. The study aims to provide information on the impact of degenerative osteoarticular diseases (gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis) while assessing the health of the population in Suceava county (one of the most affected counties in Romania due to the COVID-19 pandemic) by studying a sample of the study population. Based on the results obtained, an analysis can be made and then general ideas about the entire population. Results and discussions. The application of the SF-36 questionnaire helps to identify ways to improve the quality of life of patients diagnosed with degenerative osteoarticular disorders, gonarthrosis and coxarthrosis, and to prevent the negative aspects. In the health field, quality of life is an indicator used to assess the physical, mental and social effects of illness and the applied medical treatments, as well as to analyze the needs of a patient during the illness. Conclusions. The suffering caused by this type of disease has an impact on the quality of life of patients, both physically and emotionally. A special role in assessing the quality of life in these patients is their emotional condition and the acceptance of their functional status, trying to improve it. The quality of life of patients with chronic degenerative osteoarticular diseases is a public health issue, by the duration of the disease, by family, social, economic and medical implications.
Keywords: quality of life, degenerative osteoarticular diseases, general health conditions
Historia i prywatność ze Stefanem i z Oktawią Żeromskimi w tle (w świetle egodokumentów Henryki Witkiewicz)
Authors: Gabryś-Sławińska Monika
Published: June 2022

Artykuł dotyczy egodokumentów pozostawionych przez Henrykę Witkiewicz (z domu Rodkiewicz), pasierbicę Stefana Żeromskiego, córkę Oktawii z Radziwiłłowiczów (primo voto Rodkiewicz, secundo voto Żeromska). Zostaje pokazany potencjał historyczny materiałów źródłowych Witkiewiczowej w kontekście edycji Listów Stefana Żeromskiego w opracowaniu Zdzisława Jerzego Adamczyka. Na podstawie metody reprezentacyjnej ze zbioru pozostawionego przez Witkiewiczową, której sylwetkę przybliżono ze szczególnym uwzględnieniem wczesnego etapu życia córki Oktawii, wybrano dokumenty związane przede wszystkim z matką autorki, by następnie podjąć próbę egodokumentarnego odczytania zapisów w celu wskazania ważnych dla piszącej wzorców postępowania oraz istotnych z jej punktu widzenia wartości. Wyłaniający się z listów oraz wspomnieniowej relacji obraz matki oraz ważnych dla Witkiewiczowej wartości ukazuje interesujący układ zależności między tym, co zbiorowe (tradycja patriotyczna rodzin ziemiańskich oraz inteligenckich) i indywidualne (determinowane kontekstem, obrazujące osobowość Henryki).
Stanisław Michalski (1928–1990) – twórca poznańskiej szkoły historii wychowania
Authors: Brenk Mikołaj
Published: June 2022

Przedmiotem artykułu jest postać profesora Stanisława Michalskiego – z wykształcenia i praktyki pedagoga, badacza dziejów oświaty, opiekuna naukowego wielu historyków wychowania. Celem publikacji jest przedstawienie Michalskiego w kontekście jego dorobku naukowego oraz organizacyjnego, związanego przede wszystkim z utworzeniem na Uniwersytecie im. Adama Mickiewicza w Poznaniu odrębnej jednostki zajmującej się dziejami oświaty – Zakładu Historii Wychowania, którego był pierwszym kierownikiem. Opisano genezę i motywy powołania zakładu oraz pierwszy okres jego działalności. Ukazane zostały główne obszary zainteresowań naukowych Michalskiego: sylwetki i myśl pedagogiczna wybitnych działaczy społecznych i oświatowych XIX i XX wieku, historia oświaty rolniczej i edukacja młodzieży wiejskiej, dzieje zawodowego ruchu nauczycielskiego i kształcenie nauczycieli w Polsce oraz wyraźnie dookreślone poglądy na metodologię historii wychowania. Zaznaczono aktywność profesora w gremiach UAM, bogate doświadczenie w roli promotora, a także współpracę z ośrodkami badawczymi z całej Polski. Wykorzystano metodę faktograficzną, tj. dokonana została krytyczna analiza materiałów źródłowych (archiwalnych i drukowanych), a także licznych powstałych opracowań w badanej tematyce.
Historyk wychowania Mieczysław Iwanicki (1928–2005) i jego aktywność w olsztyńskim środowisku akademickim
Authors: Radziszewska Maria
Published: June 2022

Mieczysław Iwanicki należał do pedagogów oddających się profesjonalnie badaniom z zakresu historii wychowania. Podejmując w 1980 roku zatrudnienie w Wyższej Szkole Pedagogicznej w Olsztynie w charakterze dziekana Wydziału Pedagogicznego i kierownika Zakładu Historii i Teorii Wychowania, miał za sobą lata pracy zawodowej w szkolnictwie podstawowym, średnim i w zakładach kształcenia nauczycieli.
Celem artykułu jest próba zaprezentowania sylwetki historyka wychowania Mieczysława Iwanickiego oraz wskazanie, jakie formy działalności Iwanickiego przyczyniły się do rozwoju środowiska olsztyńskich historyków wychowania w latach 1980–1990 w uczelni kształcącej nauczycieli.
W celu przedstawienia problematyki badawczej zastosowano jakościową analizę materiału źródłowego oraz studia nad literaturą przedmiotu badań. Ustalono, że Iwanicki w czasie pracy w WSP w Olsztynie poprzez zabezpieczenie ciągłości procesu dydaktycznego i rozwoju kadrowego oraz naukowego przyczynił się do stworzenia organizacyjnych struktur dla rozwoju refleksji naukowej nad historią oświaty i wychowania w ramach samodzielnej jednostki naukowej. Trzeba zdawać sobie sprawę, że dzieło Iwanickiego ukształtowało olsztyński akademicki zespół badaczy historii wychowania, którzy wnieśli liczący się wkład do tej subdyscypliny pedagogicznej.
Managing the Market Portfolio
Authors: Hollstein Fabian , Prokopczuk Marcel
Published: June 2022

We analyze the relation between time-series predictability and factor investing. We use a large set of financial, macroeconomic, and technical variables to time-series-manage the market portfolio. A combination of the out-of-sample market excess return forecasts of all variables yields a managed market portfolio that generates alphas relative to cross-sectional factor models that exceed 5% per annum. More broadly, the relation between time-series evaluation measures and (multifactor) alphas is weakly positive but complex. The variables’ predictability for future returns is more important than that for volatility. Finally, we document that managed market portfolios based on lagged factor realizations also perform well.

This paper was accepted by Lukas Schmid, finance.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix and data are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/mnsc.2022.4459 .
Distributionally Robust Optimization Approaches for a Stochastic Mobile Facility Fleet Sizing, Routing, and Scheduling Problem
Authors: Shehadeh Karmel S.
Published: June 2022

We propose two distributionally robust optimization (DRO) models for a mobile facility (MF) fleet-sizing, routing, and scheduling problem (MFRSP) with time-dependent and random demand as well as methodologies for solving these models. Specifically, given a set of MFs, a planning horizon, and a service region, our models aim to find the number of MFs to use (i.e., fleet size) within the planning horizon and a route and time schedule for each MF in the fleet. The objective is to minimize the fixed cost of establishing the MF fleet plus a risk measure (expectation or mean conditional value at risk) of the operational cost over all demand distributions defined by an ambiguity set. In the first model, we use an ambiguity set based on the demand’s mean, support, and mean absolute deviation. In the second model, we use an ambiguity set that incorporates all distributions within a 1-Wasserstein distance from a reference distribution. To solve the proposed DRO models, we propose a decomposition-based algorithm. In addition, we derive valid lower bound inequalities that efficiently strengthen the master problem in the decomposition algorithm, thus improving convergence. We also derive two families of symmetry-breaking constraints that improve the solvability of the proposed models. Finally, we present extensive computational experiments comparing the operational and computational performance of the proposed models and a stochastic programming model, demonstrating when significant performance improvements could be gained, and derive insights into the MFRSP.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2022.1153 .
Homenagem de vida a Paulo Freire: Por que celebrar Freire?
Authors: Paiva Jane
Published: June 2022

Homenagem de Vida à Paulo Freire
The future of public health
Authors: Rae Maggie , Carruthers Jamie
Published: June 2022

This article considers the strong public health response to the COVID-19 pandemic, while recognising that the system must be strengthened moving forwards. It provides an overview of the challenges facing public health today including widening social inequalities, increasingly squeezed health and social care budgets, changes to the public health landscape, and recovery from COVID-19.
Temperature assisted reflection control using VO2/Si core-shell nanoparticles
Authors: Rahimi Eesa , Balazadeh Koucheh Amin , Sendur Kursat
Published: June 2022

Vanadium dioxide (VO2) has attracted interest due to its
phase transition from the insulating to the metallic states for
potential use in a variety of optical and photonic applications. Here,
we propose a VO2/Si core-shell structure to improve
switching in band-selective reflection properties of the composite.
Mie scattering formulation is used to analyze the structure before and
after phase transition to show the impact of resonance quality on the
mid-infrared light back-scattering. After investigating the effect of
various VO2 nano-sphere radius sizes in both phases on
light reflectivity, a VO2/Si core-shell structure is
proposed to boost reflectivity and improve light controllability.
Randomly distributed nanoparticles are studied to illustrate how these
composites have similar behavior to their deterministic-distributed
counterpart. Our results indicate that up to two-thirds of incident
light power can be controlled by embedding proper core-shells in a
polymer host material.
Asymmetric sparse telescope
Authors: Martin Levine B. , Kaplun Michael , Ribak Erez N.
Published: June 2022

We designed and built a novel model of a deployed space telescope which can reliably align its segments to achieve the finest possible resolution. An asymmetric design of both the segment shapes and their pupil locations were tested in simulation and experiment. We optimised the sparse aperture for better spatial frequency coverage and for smoother images with less artifacts. The unique segment shapes allow for an easier identification and alignment, and the feedback is based only upon the focal image. The autonomous alignment and fine tuning are governed by mechanical simplicity and reliability.
Use of a mobile health application by adult non-congenital cardiac surgery patients: A feasibility study
Authors: Ragheb Sandra M. , Chudyk Anna , Kent David , Dave Mudra G. , Hiebert Brett , Schultz Annette S. H. , Duhamel Todd A. , Arora Rakesh C.
Published: June 2022

Mobile Health (mHealth) technologies are becoming integral to our healthcare system. This study evaluated the feasibility (compliance, usability and user satisfaction) of a mHealth application (app) for delivering Enhanced Recovery Protocols (ERPs) information to Cardiac Surgery (CS) patients peri-operatively. This single centre, prospective cohort study involved patients undergoing CS. Patients received a mHealth app developed for the study at consent and for 6–8 weeks post-surgery. Patients completed system usability, patient satisfaction and quality of life surveys pre- and post-surgery. A total of 65 patients participated in the study (mean age of 64 years). The app achieved an overall utilization rate of 75% (68% vs 81% for <65 and ≥65 years respectively). Pre-surgery, the majority of patients found the app easy to use (94%), user-friendly (89%), and felt confident using the app (92%). The majority also found the app’s educational information useful (90%) and easy to find (88%). 75% of patients reported that they would like to use the app frequently. This percentage decreased to 57% in the post-discharge survey. A lower percentage of patients ≥65 years indicated their preference for the app over printed information (51% vs 87%) and their recommendation for the app (84% vs 100% for >65 and <65 years respectively) in the post-surgery survey. MHealth technology is feasible for peri-operative CS patient education, including older adult patients. The majority of patients were satisfied with the app and would recommend using it over the use of printed materials.
A longitudinal analysis of PM2.5 exposure and multimorbidity clusters and accumulation among adults aged 45-85 in China
Authors: Hu Kai , Keenan Katherine , Hale Jo Mhairi , Liu Yang , Kulu Hill
Published: June 2022

While previous studies have emphasised the role of individual factors in understanding multimorbidity disparities, few have investigated contextual factors such as air pollution (AP). We first use cross-sectional latent class analysis (LCA) to assess the associations between PM2.5 exposure and multimorbidity disease clusters, and then estimate the associations between PM2.5 exposure and the development of multimorbidity longitudinally using growth curve modelling (GCM) among adults aged 45–85 in China. The results of LCA modelling suggest four latent classes representing three multimorbidity patterns (respiratory, musculoskeletal, cardio-metabolic) and one healthy pattern. The analysis shows that a 1 μg/m3 increase in cumulative exposure to PM2.5 is associated with a higher likelihood of belonging to respiratory, musculoskeletal or cardio-metabolic clusters: 2.4% (95% CI: 1.02, 1.03), 1.5% (95% CI: 1.01, 1.02) and 3.3% (95% CI: 1.03, 1.04), respectively. The GCM models show that there is a u-shaped association between PM2.5 exposure and multimorbidity, indicating that both lower and higher PM2.5 exposure is associated with increased multimorbidity levels. Higher multimorbidity in areas of low AP is explained by clustering of musculoskeletal diseases, whereas higher AP is associated with cardio-metabolic disease clusters. The study shows how multimorbidity clusters vary contextually and that PM2.5 exposure is more detrimental to health among older adults.
A syndemic born of war: Combining intersectionality and structural violence to explore the biosocial interactions of neglected tropical diseases, disability and mental distress in Liberia
Authors: Dean Laura , Theobald Sally , Nallo Gartee , Bettee Anthony , Kollie Karsor , Tolhurst Rachel
Published: June 2022

The intersections between NTDs, disability, and mental ill-health are increasingly recognised globally. Chronic morbidity resultant from many NTDs, particularly those affecting the skin—including lymphatic filariasis (LF), leprosy, Buruli ulcer (BU) and onchocerciasis—is well known and largely documented from a medicalised perspective. However less is known about the complex biosocial interaction shaping interconnected morbidities. We apply syndemic theory to explain the biosocial relationship between NTDs and mental distress in the context of structural violence in Liberia. By advancing syndemic theory to include intersectional thought, it is apparent that structural violence becomes embodied in different ways through interacting multi-level (macro, meso and micro) processes. Through the use of in-depth qualitative methods, we explore the syndemic interaction of NTDs and mental distress from the vantage point of the most vulnerable and suggest that: 1) the post-conflict environment in Liberia predisposes people to the chronic effects of NTDs as well as other ‘generalised stressors’ as a consequence of ongoing structural violence; 2) people affected by NTDs are additionally exposed to stigma and discrimination that cause additional stressors and synergistically produce negative health outcomes in relation to NTDs and mental distress; and 3) the impact and experience of consequential syndemic suffering is shaped by intersecting axes of inequity such as gender and generation which are themselves created by unequal power distribution across multiple systems levels. Bringing together health systems discourse, which is focused on service integration and centred around disease control, with syndemic discourse that considers the biosocial context of disease interaction offers new approaches. We suggest that taking a syndemic-informed approach to care in the development of people-centred health systems is key to alleviating the burden of syndemic suffering associated with NTDs and mental distress currently experienced by vulnerable populations in resource-limited settings.
Molecular type distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of clinical Cryptococcus gattii isolates from South African laboratory-based surveillance, 2005–2013
Authors: Naicker Serisha D. , Firacative Carolina , van Schalkwyk Erika , Maphanga Tsidiso G. , Monroy-Nieto Juan , Bowers Jolene R. , Engelthaler David M. , Meyer Wieland , Govender Nelesh P. ,   for GERMS-SA
Published: June 2022

As is the case globally, Cryptococcus gattii is a less frequent cause of cryptococcosis than Cryptococcus neoformans in South Africa. We performed multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and fluconazole susceptibility testing of 146 isolates randomly selected from 750 South African patients with C. gattii disease identified through enhanced laboratory surveillance, 2005 to 2013. The dominant molecular type was VGIV (101/146, 70%), followed by VGI (40/146, 27%), VGII (3/146, 2%) and VGIII (2/146, 1%). Among the 146 C. gattii isolates, 99 different sequence types (STs) were identified, with ST294 (14/146, 10%) and ST155 (10/146, 7%) being most commonly observed. The fluconazole MIC50 and MIC90 values of 105 (of 146) randomly selected C. gattii isolates were 4 μg/ml and 16 μg/ml, respectively. VGIV isolates had a lower MIC50 value compared to non-VGIV isolates, but these values were within one double-dilution of each other. HIV-seropositive patients had a ten-fold increased adjusted odds of a VGIV infection compared to HIV-seronegative patients, though with small numbers (99/136; 73% vs. 2/10; 20%), the confidence interval (CI) was wide (95% CI: 1.93–55.31, p = 0.006). Whole genome phylogeny of 98 isolates of South Africa’s most prevalent molecular type, VGIV, identified that this molecular type is highly diverse, with two interesting clusters of ten and six closely related isolates being identified, respectively. One of these clusters consisted only of patients from the Mpumalanga Province in South Africa, suggesting a similar environmental source. This study contributed new insights into the global population structure of this important human pathogen.
Individual and community-level factors associated with skilled birth attendants during delivery in Bangladesh: A multilevel analysis of demographic and health surveys
Authors: Nahar Mst. Tanmin , Anik S. M. Farhad Ibn , Islam Md. Akhtarul , Islam Sheikh Mohammed Shariful
Published: June 2022

Background

Skilled birth attendants (SBAs) play a crucial role in reducing infant and maternal mortality. Although the ratio of skilled assistance at birth has increased in Bangladesh, factors associated with SBA use are unknown. The main goal of our study was to reveal the individual- and community-level factors associated with SBA use during childbirth in Bangladesh. We also showed the prevalence and trend of SBA use and related independent variables in Bangladesh over the past decade.

Methods

This study utilized the Bangladesh Health and Demographic Survey (BDHS) 2017–2018, a cross-sectional study. We used binary logistic regression to examine the extent of variation in SBA use attributable to the individual- and community-level variables.

Results

Overall, 53.35% of women received assistance from SBAs during childbirth. The average annual rate of increase (AARI) in the number of SBA-assisted births over the past 10 years was 8.88%. Respondents who gave birth at or above 19 years had 1.40 times (AOR = 1.40; 95% CI: 1.21–1.62) greater odds of having skilled delivery assistance than respondents aged 18 years old or less. Women and their husband’s education levels were significantly associated with using skilled assistance during delivery, with odds of 1.60 (AOR = 1.60; 95% CI: 1.45–2.01) and 1.41 (AOR = 1.41; 95% CI: 1.21–1.66), respectively compared to those with education up to primary level. Women from rich families and those receiving better antenatal care (ANC) visits were more likely to have professional delivery assistance. Community-level factors also showed significance towards having professional assistance while giving birth. Women from urban communities and those who utilized more than four ANC visits and had completed secondary or higher education showed a greater tendency to use an SBA during childbirth than their counterparts.

Conclusion

The use of SBAs during delivery was significantly associated with some individual- and community-level factors. To reduce maternal and child mortality, there is a need to focus on rural and uneducated people who are less likely to access these facilities. Special programs could increase awareness and help the poor community obtain the minimum facility in maternal care.
Assessment of the nail contamination with soil-transmitted helminths in schoolchildren in Jimma Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Tadege Bamlaku , Mekonnen Zeleke , Dana Daniel , Tiruneh Abebaw , Sharew Bizuwarek , Dereje Eden , Loha Eskindir , Ayana Mio , Levecke Bruno
Published: June 2022

Background

Large-scale deworming programs have been successful in reducing the burden of disease due to soil-transmitted helminth (STH; Ascaris lumbricloides, Trichuris trichiura and hookworm) infections, but re-infection in absence of other measures is unavoidable. We assessed the role of nail contamination as a source of infection with the goal to evaluate the potential of nail clipping as a simple measure to further reduce STH-attributable morbidity.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in Jimma Town (Ethiopia). Both stool samples and clipped nails were collected from 600 schoolchildren and microscopically screened for the presence of STHs. We also interviewed the children to gain insights into their hygiene practices. Subsequently, we explored any associations between infection, nail contamination and personal hygiene.

Results

Any STH infections were observed in 24.3% of the children (A. lumbricoides: 18.5%; T. trichiura: 9.8%; hookworm: 0.5%). The intensity of the infections was mainly low, only in a few cases a moderate-to-heavy intensity infection was observed (A. lumbricoides: 4.3%; T. trichiura: 0.2%). Other helminth species observed were Schistosoma mansoni (5.0%), Hymenolepis nana (2.7%), Taenia spp. and Enterobius vermicularis (<1.0%). The analysis of the nail material revealed the presence of A. lumbricoides (1.7%), Taenia spp. (1.0%), T. trichiura (0.5%), E. vermicularis (0.5%) and H. nana (0.2%). The odds of infection with any STH increased as the frequency of trimming decreased. The odds of nail contamination with any STH and A. lumbricoides were higher for younger children.

Conclusions

The presence of helminth eggs under the nails of children highlights a poor personal hygiene. The association between any STH infection and frequency of nail trimming needs to be explored in an intervention study. The recent prevalence of any STH infections indicated that scaling down of the frequency of deworming is justified but that STH is still a public health problem.
Menstrual changes following COVID-19 infection: A cross-sectional study from Jordan and Iraq
Authors: Al-Najjar Mohammad A. A. , Al-alwany Ruaa R. , Al-Rshoud Firas M. , Abu-Farha Rana K. , Zawiah Mohammed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

COVID-19 infection is normally followed by several post-COVID effects. This study aimed to investigate to evaluate menstrual changes in females following COVID-19 infection, and to evaluate female perception about the effect of COVID-19 on their menstrual cycles.

Methods

During this cross-sectional survey-based study, a convenience sample of 483 women from Jordan and from Iraq, who had infected with COVID-19 were invited to fill-out the study questionnaire.

Results

The study was conducted on the females, with a median age 31 years old. Results showed that 47.2% of them (n = 228) suffered from a change in the number of days between two consecutive periods, as well as from a change in the amount of blood loss. Also, more than 50% of them believed that COVID-19 infection may cause changes in the amount of blood loss during the cycle (n = 375, 56.9%), and changes in the number of days between the two consecutive periods (n = 362, 54.2%).

Regression analysis showed that participants with higher educational level (bachelor or higher) (Beta = -0.114, P = 0.011), and those living in Iraq (Beta = -0.166, P<0.001) believed that COVID-19 has lower tendency to cause menstrual changes. In addition, non-married females (Beta = 0.109, P = 0.017), and those who are current smokers (Beta = 0.091, P = 0.048) believed that COVID-19 has higher tendency to cause menstrual changes.

Conclusion

his study revealed that COVID-19 infection could affect the menstrual cycle for the females. Further prospective studies should be done to confirm these findings and evaluate how long these menstrual irregularities lasted.
Follow-up PET/CT of alveolar echinococcosis: Comparison of metabolic activity and immunodiagnostic testing
Authors: Husmann Lars , Deibel Ansgar , Skawran Stephan , Ledergerber Bruno , Muehlematter Urs J. , Hasse Barbara , Huellner Martin W. , Reiner Caecilia S. , Muellhaupt Beat
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate the potential role of follow-up 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) in therapy control of inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis.

Materials and methods

In this single-center retrospective cohort study, 48 PET/CT of 16 patients with confirmed alveolar echinococcosis were analysed. FDG-uptake of the most active echinococcosis manifestation was measured (i.e., maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) and in relation to background activity in normal liver tissue (SUVratio)) and compared to immunodiagnostic testing. For clinical patient follow-up, patient demographics, laboratory data, including E. granulosus hydatid fluid (EgHF) antibody units (AU) as well as clinical and treatment information were assessed for all patients at the time of PET/CT, and at the last recorded clinical visit.

Results

Metabolic activity of PET/CT measured in the echinococcosis manifestation was significantly correlated with EgHF AU (p < 0.001). The differences in metabolic activity of echinococcosis manifestations between two consecutive PET/CT examinations of the same patient and differences in EgHF AU in the respective time intervals displayed a significant positive correlation (p = 0.01). A trend for a more rapid decline in SUVratio liver over time was found in patients who stopped benzimidazole therapy versus patients who did not stop therapy (p = 0.059).

Conclusion

In inoperable patients with alveolar echinococcosis, the course of metabolic activity in follow-up PET/CT is associated to the course EgHF antibody levels. Both parameters may potentially be used to evaluate the course of the disease and potentially predict the duration of benzimidazole therapy.
A surface pocket in the cytoplasmic domain of the herpes simplex virus fusogen gB controls membrane fusion
Authors: Pataki Zemplen , Sanders Erin K. , Heldwein Ekaterina E.
Published: June 2022

Membrane fusion during the entry of herpesviruses is carried out by the viral fusogen gB that is activated by its partner protein gH in some manner. The fusogenic activity of gB is controlled by its cytoplasmic (or intraviral) domain (gBCTD) and, according to the current model, the gBCTD is a trimeric, inhibitory clamp that restrains gB in the prefusion conformation. But how the gBCTD clamp is released by gH is unclear. Here, we identified two new regulatory elements within gB and gH from the prototypical herpes simplex virus 1: a surface pocket within the gBCTD and residue V831 within the gH cytoplasmic tail. Mutagenesis and structural modeling suggest that gH V831 interacts with the gB pocket. The gB pocket is located above the interface between adjacent protomers, and we hypothesize that insertion of the gH V831 wedge into the pocket serves to push the protomers apart, which releases the inhibitory clamp. In this manner, gH activates the fusogenic activity of gB. Both gB and gH are conserved across all herpesviruses, and this activation mechanism could be used by other gB homologs. Our proposed mechanism emphasizes a central role for the cytoplasmic regions in regulating the activity of a viral fusogen.
The SARS-CoV-2 Delta variant induces an antibody response largely focused on class 1 and 2 antibody epitopes
Authors: Greaney Allison J. , Eguia Rachel T. , Starr Tyler N. , Khan Khadija , Franko Nicholas , Logue Jennifer K. , Lord Sandra M. , Speake Cate , Chu Helen Y. , Sigal Alex , Bloom Jesse D.
Published: June 2022

Exposure histories to SARS-CoV-2 variants and vaccinations will shape the specificity of antibody responses. To understand the specificity of Delta-elicited antibody immunity, we characterize the polyclonal antibody response elicited by primary or mRNA vaccine-breakthrough Delta infections. Both types of infection elicit a neutralizing antibody response focused heavily on the receptor-binding domain (RBD). We use deep mutational scanning to show that mutations to the RBD’s class 1 and class 2 epitopes, including sites 417, 478, and 484–486 often reduce binding of these Delta-elicited antibodies. The anti-Delta antibody response is more similar to that elicited by early 2020 viruses than the Beta variant, with mutations to the class 1 and 2, but not class 3 epitopes, having the largest effects on polyclonal antibody binding. In addition, mutations to the class 1 epitope (e.g., K417N) tend to have larger effects on antibody binding and neutralization in the Delta spike than in the D614G spike, both for vaccine- and Delta-infection-elicited antibodies. These results help elucidate how the antigenic impacts of SARS-CoV-2 mutations depend on exposure history.
Historicity and photography in Salut Les Cubains
Authors: Murray Brittany
Published: June 2022

Salut les Cubains, Agnès Varda’s short film released in 1963, deploys black-and-white photographs to capture Cuba at a moment of historical transition. Situating the film within the tradition of political films that use a similar formal device, this article explores how the tension between moving and still images in Salut les Cubains honours a momentous present and an uncertain future.
Health comparison between guinea pigs raised in uncontrolled and controlled environments
Authors: Fitria Laksmindra , Wijayanti Nastiti , Arisuryanti Tuty , Salasia Siti Isrina Oktavia
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim: Guinea pigs (GPs) (Cavia porcellus) are not only kept as pets but also widely used in biological and biomedical research. At present, GPs are also used as a species for animal-assisted therapy (AAT). Consequently, assessing their health status is vital to determining their quality of life, usability for research, and prevention of spread of potential zoonotic diseases to patients using them for AAT. GPs are mainly sourced from animal markets supplied by traditional farms, where environmental factors and sanitation are not properly controlled. This study aimed to compare health status between GPs raised in uncontrolled (conventional farm) and controlled (animal facility) environments.

Materials and Methods: Sample animals were obtained from a local animal market and transported to an animal facility. After 1 week of acclimatization, the health status of the animals, including general health condition, body weight, body temperature, complete blood count, liver function (alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin), renal function (blood urea nitrogen and creatinine), and presence of ectoparasites and endoparasites, was assessed. Then, the animals were maintained in the animal facility following the standard procedure for laboratory animals. After 2 months, the animals' health status was re-examined, assessing the same parameters.

Results: Based on the evaluated parameters, GPs raised in an uncontrolled environment were found to have poorer health status than those raised in a controlled environment. There were significant differences in almost all parameters between GPs raised in controlled and uncontrolled environments. We found that the populations of two ectoparasites, Gyropus ovalis and Gliricola porcelli, and one endoparasite, Eimeria caviae>, decreased significantly following the movement of the animals from an uncontrolled to a controlled environment.

Conclusion: GPs raised in an uncontrolled environment have poor health status. However, a controlled environment with better care management can improve the health status of GPs.
Molecular identification of lactic acid bacteria SR6 strain and evaluation of its activity as an anticancer in T47D cell line
Authors: Swacita Ida Bagus Ngurah , Suardana I. Wayan , Sudisma I. Gusti Ngurah , Wihadmadyatami Hevi
Published: June 2022

Background and Aim: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women because it attacks the productive age. Preliminary studies showed that lactic acid bacteria (LAB) strain SR6 from the Bali cattle colon has the potential to act as a superior probiotic. It is also assumed that its bacteriocin structure is specific and has a strong relationship with the specificity of the ligand and its biological activity at a receptor. Therefore, this study aims to assess the use of local LAB strains, which produce bacteriocins as anticancer agents, as well as to identify the bacteria as potent producers molecularly.

Materials and Methods: The study was initiated by cultivating LAB SR6 strain from stock isolates on De Man, Rogosa, and Sharpe (Oxoid, CM 0369, England) broth media. It was then confirmed molecularly through analysis of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid gene. Subsequently, its anticancer activity was tested by assessing the cytotoxic activity in T47D cell culture using the 3-(4, 5 dimetiltiazol-2-yl)-2.5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (Invitrogen M6494, US) method.

Results: The results showed that the LAB strain SR6 was identified molecularly as Pediococcus pentosaceus. Furthermore, it had a toxic effect on T47D cells, which was indicated by the number of deaths after treatment with the extracellular protein of the strain, especially at the 50% total cell volume level.

Conclusion: Based on the toxic effect of the strain on human T47D cells, the LAB SR6 isolate, which was identified as P. pentosaceus has the potential to be developed as a good anticancer drug against breast cancer. However, there is a need to carry out an integrated study to fully explore the suitability of bacteriocins as in vivo therapeutics against the disease completely.
Csanád vármegye idegen megszállásának diplomáciai háttere
Authors: Marosvári Attila
Published: June 2022

In connection with the study of the military and political collapse of the Austro-Hungarian Monarchy at the end of the First World War, several authors have recently discussed in detail the issues raised by the status of the Banat, related Serbian and Romanian aspirations, and the movements of the French forces that occupied and held military control over the region, as well as analysing the French diplomatic steps behind these movements. The future fate of the Banat proved to be a serious source of conflict, with the possibility of armed clashes between the Serbs and the Romanians. The French wanted to prevent armed conflict between their allies with a north-south demarcation line separating the opposing parties and by occupying strategic points, such as Szeged and Arad, until the peace conference decided on the final status of the area. In theory, the line between Szeged and Arad, practically the route of the River Mureş, marked the northern border of the area in question. However, it is not widely known that the Serbs, in competition with the Romanians, claimed not only the area to the south of the Mureş, but also the areas of southern Csanád to the north of the river, right up to Mezőhegyes, and to this end, military action was taken and diplomatic efforts were made at the Paris Peace Conference in March 1919. All this inevitably concealed the possibility of a Serbian-Romanian armed conflict over the possession of this territory, which required the repeated intervention of the French and which was embodied by the French military occupation of Makó, the seat of Csanád county, for almost two months from 27 April to 16 June 1919. This was followed by the Romanian military occupation, which lasted for a good nine months. Our study seeks to review the background and steps of this process, which have not been sufficiently elucidated in the historical literature to date.