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Abstract Despite the increasing burden of dengue, the regional emergence of the virus in Kenya has not been examined. This study investigates the genetic structure and regional spread of dengue virus-2 in Kenya. Viral RNA from acutely ill patients in Kenya was enriched and sequenced. Six new dengue-2 genomes were combined with 349 publicly available genomes and phylogenies used to infer gene flow between Kenya and other countries. Analyses indicate two dengue-2 Cosmopolitan genotype lineages circulating in Kenya, linked to recent outbreaks in coastal Kenya and Burkina Faso. Lineages circulating in Western, Southern, and Eastern Africa exhibiting similar evolutionary features are also reported. Phylogeography suggests importation of dengue-2 into Kenya from East and Southeast Asia and bidirectional geneflow. Additional lineages circulating in Africa are also imported from East and Southeast Asia. These findings underscore how intermittent importations from East and Southeast Asia drive dengue-2 circulation in Kenya and Africa more broadly.

On reviewing the literature on spinal cord injury (SCI) and sexuality in males, there was found to be a plethora of research in physical domains. Opsomming Die studie van literatuur oor rugmurgbesering (RMB) en seksualiteit by mans, het ‘n magdom navorsing oor die fisieke aspekte opgelewer. *Please note: This is a reduced version of the abstract. Please refer to PDF for full text.

This study investigated the efficacy of single-phase dual-energy CT (DECT) in differentiating pulmonary hamartomas from malignant lung lesions using virtual non-contrast (VNC), iodine, and fat quantification. Forty-six patients with 47 pulmonary lesions (mean age: 65.2 ± 12.1 years; hamartomas-to-malignant lesions = 22:25; male: 67%) underwent portal venous DECT using histology, PET-CT and follow-up CTs as a reference. Quantitative parameters such as VNC, fat fraction, iodine density and CT mixed values were statistically analyzed. Significant differences were found in fat fractions (hamartomas: 48.9%; malignancies: 22.9%; p ≤ 0.0001) and VNC HU values (hamartomas: −20.5 HU; malignancies: 17.8 HU; p ≤ 0.0001), with hamartomas having higher fat content and lower VNC HU values than malignancies. CT mixed values also differed significantly (p ≤ 0.0001), but iodine density showed no significant differences. ROC analysis favored the fat fraction (AUC = 96.4%; sensitivity: 100%) over the VNC, CT mixed value and iodine density for differentiation. The study concludes that the DECT-based fat fraction is superior to the single-energy CT in differentiating between incidental pulmonary hamartomas and malignant lesions, while post-contrast iodine density is ineffective for differentiation.

Abstract There is an increasing burden of circulating vaccine-derived polioviruses (cVDPVs) due to the continued use of oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV). However, the informativeness of routine OPV VP1 sequencing for the early identification of viruses carrying virulence-associated reversion mutations has not been directly evaluated in a controlled setting. We prospectively collected 15,331 stool samples to track OPV shedding from children receiving OPV and their contacts for ten weeks following an immunization campaign in Veracruz State, Mexico and sequenced VP1 genes from 358 samples. We found that OPV was genetically unstable and evolves at an approximately clocklike rate that varies across serotypes and by vaccination status. Overall, 61% (11/18) of OPV-1, 71% (34/48) OPV-2, and 96% (54/56) OPV-3 samples with available data had evidence of a reversion at the key 5’ UTR attenuating position and 28% (13/47) of OPV-1, 12% (14/117) OPV-2, and 91% (157/173) OPV-3 of Sabin-like viruses had ≥1 known reversion mutations in the VP1 gene. Our results are consistent with previous work documenting rapid reversion to virulence of OPV and underscores the need for intensive surveillance following OPV use.

Ambitious methane (CH4) emission mitigation represents one of the most effective opportunities to slow the rate of global warming over the next decades. The oil and gas (O&G) sector is a significant source of methane emissions, with technically feasible and cost-effective emission mitigation options. Romania, a key O&G producer within the EU, with the second highest reported annual CH4 emissions from the energy sector in the year 2020 (Greenhouse Gas Inventory Data - Comparison by Category, 2022), can play an important role towards the EU's emission reduction targets. In this study, we quantify CH4 emissions from onshore oil production sites in Romania at source and facility level using a combination of ground- and drone-based measurement techniques. Measured emissions were characterized by heavily skewed distributions, with 10 % of the sites accounting for more than 70 % of total emissions. Integrating the results from all site-level quantifications with different approaches, we derive a central estimate of 5.4 kg h−1 per site of CH4 (3.6 %–8.4 %, 95 % confidence interval) for oil production sites. This estimate represents the third highest when compared to measurement-based estimates of similar facilities from other production regions. Based on our results, we estimate a total of 120 kt CH4 yr−1 (range: 79–180 kt yr−1) from oil production sites in our studied areas in Romania. This is approximately 2.5 times higher than the reported emissions from the entire Romanian oil production sector for 2020. Based on the source-level characterization, up to three-quarters of the detected emissions from oil production sites are related to operational venting. Our results suggest that O&G production infrastructure in Romania holds a massive mitigation potential, specifically by implementing measures to capture the gas and minimize operational venting and leaks.

ImportanceThe COVID-19 pandemic has led to 775 million documented cases and over 7 million deaths worldwide as of March 2024 and is an ongoing health crisis. To limit viral spread within households and in the community, public health officials have recommended self-isolation, self-quarantine of exposed household contacts, and mask use. Yet, risk of household transmission (HHT) may be underestimated due to low frequency of sampling, and risk factors for HHT are not well understood.ObjectivesTo estimate the secondary attack rate of SARS-CoV-2 within households and to define the risk factors for new infections in household members who are in close contact with the index case.Design, setting, and participantsIn this prospective cohort study, from March 2020-December 2021 we enrolled 60 households with index cases who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. All household contacts and index cases were tested daily for SARS-CoV-2 via reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) using self-collected anterior nares specimens. Households were followed until all study participants in the household tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 for seven consecutive days. We collected sex, age, race/ethnicity, comorbidities, and relationship to index case for secondary contacts, household level characteristics including primary income, household density, and square feet per person on property. We compared the sociodemographic variables between COVID-19 positive and negative household members and between households where secondary transmission did and did not occur.Main outcomes and measuresDaily anterior nares swabs were tested for SARS-CoV-2 using RT-PCR, in order to assess duration of nasal shedding of SARS-CoV-2, as well as risk of transmission to secondary household contacts.ResultsOf the 163 participants in this study, 84 (51.5%) were women; median age (IQR) was 36.0 (17.0-54.0) years of age; 78 (47.8%) were white and 48 (29.5%) were Hispanic/LatinX. Of the fifty households with household contacts, at least one secondary case occurred in twenty-six households (52.0%) and forty-five household contacts (43.7%) were infected. Secondary attack rate was lowest among children of index cases (6/23, 26.1%). Modified Poisson regression identified that the risk of transmission to household contacts increases significantly with age (Risk ratio for each increase in years of age = 1.01, 95% CI = 1.00-1.02). Mixed effects regression models identified that participants with chronic diseases, such as asthma, diabetes, cancer, or cardiac disease, had higher Cts at baseline when compared to participants without chronic diseases (6.62, 95% CI: 1.46-11.77, p = 0.02) and show a slower rate of increase in Ct over time (-0.43, 95% CI: -0.77 to -0.09, p = 0.02).Conclusions and relevanceThis study suggests that HHT represents a key source of community-based infection of SARS-CoV-2. Allocation of resources for contact investigations and prevention interventions should focus on the individuals at highest risk of infection in households, especially those with higher density homes.

Keloid scars and Dupuytren's disease are two common, chronic, and incurable fibroproliferative disorders that, among other shared clinical features, may induce joint contractures. We employed bulk RNA sequencing to discern potential shared gene expression patterns and underlying pathological pathways between these two conditions. Our aim was to uncover potential molecular targets that could pave the way for novel therapeutic strategies. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were functionally annotated using Gene Ontology (GO) terms and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways with the Database for Annotation, Visualization, and Integrated Discovery (DAVID). The protein-protein-interaction (PPI) networks were constructed by using the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) and Cytoscape. The Molecular Complex Detection (MCODE) plugin was used for downstream analysis of the PPI networks. A total of 1922 DEGs were identified within Dupuytren's and keloid samples, yet no overlapping gene expression profiles were detected. Significantly enriched GO terms were related to skin development and tendon formation in keloid scars and Dupuytren's disease, respectively. The PPI network analysis revealed 10 genes and the module analysis provided six protein networks, which might play an integral part in disease development. These genes, including CDH1, ERBB2, CASP3 and RPS27A, may serve as new targets for future research to develop biomarkers and/or therapeutic agents.

Abstract Background Intervertebral disc degeneration (IVDD) may be linked to dysregulations of skeletal muscle glucose metabolism and fatty alterations of muscle composition (Myosteatosis). Our aim was to evaluate the different associations of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)‐based paravertebral myosteatosis with lumbar disc degeneration in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism and normoglycaemic controls. Methods In total, 304 individuals (mean age: 56.3 ± 9.1 years, 53.6% male sex, mean body mass index [BMI]: 27.6 ± 4.7 kg/m2) from a population‐based cohort study who underwent 3‐Tesla whole‐body chemical‐shift‐encoded (six echo times) and T2‐weighted single‐shot‐fast‐spin‐echo MRI were included. Lumbar disc degeneration was assessed at motion segments L1 to L5, categorized according to the Pfirrmann score and defined as Pfirrmann grade > 2 and/or disc bulging/herniation on at least one segment. Fat content of the autochthonous back muscles and the quadratus lumborum muscle was quantified as proton density fat fraction (PDFFmuscle). Logistic regression models adjusted for age, sex, BMI and regular physical activity were calculated to evaluate the association between PDFFmuscle and outcome IVDD. Results The overall prevalence of IVDD was 79.6%. There was no significant difference in the prevalence or severity distribution of IVDD between participants with or without impaired glucose metabolism (77.7% vs. 80.7%, P = 0.63 and P = 0.71, respectively). PDFFmuscle was significantly and positively associated with an increased risk for the presence of IVDD in participants with impaired glycaemia when adjusted for age, sex and BMI (PDFFautochthonous back muscles: odds ratio [OR] 2.16, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.09, 4.3], P = 0.03; PDFFquadratus lumborum: OR 2.01, 95% CI [1.04, 3.85], P = 0.04). After further adjustment for regular physical activity, the results attenuated, albeit approaching statistical significance (PDFFautochthonous back muscles: OR 1.97, 95% CI [0.97, 3.99], P = 0.06; PDFFquadratus lumborum: OR 1.86, 95% CI [0.92, 3.76], P = 0.09). No significant associations were shown in healthy controls (PDFFautochthonous back muscles: OR 0.62, 95% CI [0.34, 1.14], P = 0.13; PDFFquadratus lumborum: OR 1.06, 95% CI [0.6, 1.89], P = 0.83). Conclusions Paravertebral myosteatosis is positively associated with intervertebral disc disease in individuals with impaired glucose metabolism, independent of age, sex and BMI. Regular physical activity may confound these associations. Longitudinal studies will help to better understand the pathophysiological role of skeletal muscle in those with concomitant disturbed glucose haemostasis and intervertebral disc disease, as well as possible underlying causal relationships.

To role that carceral institutions play in Mycobacterium tuberculosis transmission remains somewhat unknown. Authors perform a prospective genomic surveillance study, to assess transmission dynamics in prisons and surrounding communities in Paraguay.

PURPOSEThe purpose of this study is to systematically evaluate the effect of tube voltage, current kernels, and monoenergetic post-processing on stent visualization.METHODSA 6 mm chrome-cobalt peripheral stent was placed in a dedicated phantom and scanned with the available tube voltage settings of a third-generation dual-source scanner in single-energy (SE) and dual-energy (DE) mode. Images were reconstructed using the latest convolution kernels and monoenergetic reconstructions (40-190 keV) for DE. The sharpness of stent struts (S), struts width (SW), contrast-to-noise-ratios (CNR), and pseudoenhancement (PE) between the vessel with and without stent were analyzed using an in-house built automatic analysis tool. Measurements were standardized through calculated z-scores. Z-scores were combined for stent (SQ), luminal (LQ), and overall depiction quality (OQ) by adding S and SW, CNR and SW and PE, and S and SW and CNR and PE. Two readers rated overall stent depiction on a 5-point Likert-scale. Agreement was calculated using linear-weighted kappa. Correlations were calculated using Spearman correlation coefficient.RESULTSMaximum values of S and CNR were 169.1 HU/pixel for [DE; 100/ Sn 150 kV; Qr59; 40 keV] and 50.0 for [SE; 70 kV; Bv36]. Minimum values of SW and PE were 2.615 mm for [DE; 80 to 90/ Sn 150 kV; Qr59; 140 to 190 keV] and 0.12 HU for [DE; 80/ Sn 150 kV; Qr36; 190 keV]. Best combined z-scores of SQ, LQ, and OQ were 4.53 for [DE; 100/ Sn 150 kV; Qr 59; 40 keV], 1.23 for [DE; 100/ Sn 150 kV; Qr59; 140 keV] and 2.95 for [DE; 90/ Sn 150 kV; Qr59; 50 keV]. Best OQ of SE was ranked third with 2.89 for [SE; 90 kV; Bv59]. Subjective agreement was excellent (kappa=0.86; P < .001) and correlated well with OQ (rs=0.94, P < .001).CONCLUSIONCombining DE computed tomography (CT) acquisition with the latest kernels and monoenergetic post-processing allows for improved stent visualization as compared with SECT. The best overall results were obtained for monoenergetic reconstructions with 50 keV from DECT 90/Sn 150 kV acquisitions using kernel Qr59.

PURPOSEDifferentiation of incidental adrenal lesions remains a challenge in diagnostic imaging, especially on single-phase portal venous computed tomography (CT) in the oncological setting. The aim of the study was to explore the ability of dual-energy CT (DECT)-based iodine quantification and virtual non-contrast (VNC) imaging and advanced radiomic analysis of DECT for differentiation of adrenal adenomas from metastases.METHODSA total of 46 patients with 49 adrenal lesions underwent clinically indicated staging DECT and magnetic resonance imaging. Median values of quantitative parameters such as VNC, fat frac- tion, and iodine density in DECT images were collected and compared between adenomas and metastases using non-parametric tests. Magnetic resonance imaging, washout CT, and clinical follow-up were used as a reference standard. Diagnostic accuracy was assessed by calculat- ing receiver operating characteristics. A DECT tumor analysis prototype software was used for semiautomatic segmentation of adrenal lesions and extraction of radiomic features. A radiomics prototype was used to analyze the data with multiple logistic regression and random forest clas- sification to determine the area under the curve (AUC).RESULTSThe study cohort (60.87% women; mean age: 66.91 ± 12.93 years) consisted of 32 adenomas and 17 metastases. DECT-based VNC imaging (AUC=0.89) and fat quantification (AUC=0.86) differentiate between adrenal adenomas and metastases with high diagnostic accuracy (P < .001). Analysis of radiomic features revealed that DECT features such as VNC imaging and fat fraction (AUC = 0.87-0.89; < .001) and radiomic features such as 90th percentile and total energy (AUC = 0.88-0.93; P < .001) differentiate with high diagnostic accuracy between adrenal adeno- mas and metastases. Random forest classification revealed an AUC of 0.83 for separating adrenal adenomas from metastases.CONCLUSIONVirtual non-contrast imaging and fat quantification as well as extraction of radiomic features accurately differentiate between adrenal adenomas and metastases on single-phase oncologic staging DECT.

Abstract Intrinsic charge transport in molecularly thin organic semiconducting crystals is critically sensitive to the quality of the interfaces required to perform the electrical measurements. Most prominent are the dielectric–semiconductor and semiconductor–metal interface. While impacts from the latter on charge transport can be extracted by four‐terminal measurements, the impact of the dielectric interface can only be minimized, typically by utilizing inert dielectrics. Here, it is shown that charge transport in organic field‐effect transistors based on the n‐type small molecule N, N′‐di((S)‐1‐methylpentyl)‐1,7(6)‐dicyano‐perylene‐3,4:9,10‐bis(dicarboximide) (PDI1MPCN2) can be improved up to one order of magnitude by using hexagonal boron nitride (h‐BN) as dielectric, compared to a standard SiO2 substrate. Using temperature‐dependent electrical measurements, the charge‐transport properties of devices are systematically analyzed, and high four‐terminal mobilities of up to 5.0 cm2 V−1 s−1 are obtained. The high mobility likely stems from decreased charge‐carrier trapping at the semiconductor‐dielectric interface due to the smooth surface of the inert h‐BN. Nevertheless, the temperature dependencies of the mobility, threshold voltage, and interface‐state trap density suggest that charge‐carrier trapping at the dielectric‐semiconductor interface still exists. By comparing the data to transport studies performed on thin air‐gapped organic films, it is concluded that an interfacial layer (likely water or solvent residues) between h‐BN and the monolayer PDI1MPCN2 causes charge trapping.

Introduction Working conditions at universities are often considered precarious. Employees complain of fixed-term contracts and extensive unpaid overtime (Dorenkamp et al. 2016). Studies from various fields of work show that occupational groups with a high workload suffer particularly from a conflictual compatibility of work and family. Objectives The aim of this study was to assess the WFC in the context of working conditions. Methods N=844 university employees (55% women, 41% men) were asked about the burden of work/life balance using Work-family-conflict (WFC) - Family-work-conflict (FWC) -Scales (Netemeyer 1996). The dichotomously formulated question on overtime worked was supplemented by a five-step scaled item on the burden of overtime. The correlation analyses were calculated according to Spearman. Results Overtime performed by 83% of the total sample and 64% feel burdened by it. 95% of the scientists and physicians, 68% of the administrative staff, 63% of the service providers work overtime and 90% of the physicians and 72% of the scientists feel burdened by it. Significantly high correlations were found between the burden of overtime and the conflict of compatibility. The higher the burden of overtime, the higher the WFC and FWC. The highest correlation was found among physicians (r=.649), followed by scientists (r=.533), administration (r=.451), services (r= (total sample r=.562). Conclusions The additional work and strain caused by this, as well as the connections with the problem of compatibility, show need for action for employers regarding the working conditions of physicians and scientists. Especially with regard to reducing overtime and improving the compatibility of work and family.