bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Longitudinal Examination of Stress and Mental Ill-/Well-Being in Elite Football Coaches
Authors: Baldock Lee , Cropley Brendan , Mellalieu Stephen D. , Neil Rich
Published: June 2022

A novel concurrent, independent mixed-methods research design was adopted to explore elite association football coaches’ stress and mental ill-/well-being experiences over the course of an entire season. Elite coaches (N = 18) completed measures of perceived stressor severity, coping effectiveness, and mental ill-/well-being, with a sample (n = 8) also participating in semistructured interviews, across four time points. Linear mixed-model and retroductive analyses revealed (a) lower mental well-being at the beginning of the season due to negative appraisals/responses to stressors and ineffective coping attempts, (b) higher emotional exhaustion and depersonalization at the end of the season, (c) stressors high in severity led to decreased mental well-being (unless coaches coped effectively) and increased symptoms associated with burnout, and (d) ineffective coping attempts led to increased emotional exhaustion. These findings offer novel insight into the specific components of elite football coaches’ stress experiences influencing their mental ill-/well-being over time.
High-thermopower polarized electrolytes enabled by methylcellulose for low-grade heat harvesting
Authors: Han Yang , Zhang Jian , Hu Run , Xu Dongyan
Published: June 2022

Low-grade heat exists ubiquitously in the environment. Thermogalvanic cells (TGCs) are promising for converting the widespread low-grade heat directly into electricity owing to relatively high thermopowers of redox reactions. This work reports polarized electrolytes with ultrahigh thermopowers of −8.18 mV K
−1
for n-type and 9.62 mV K
−1
for p-type. The electrolyte consists of I
−
/I
3
−
redox couple, methylcellulose, and KCl. Thermoresponsive methylcellulose leads to polarization switching from n-type to p-type above a transition temperature due to the strong hydrophobic interaction between methylcellulose and I
3
−
ions. The giant thermopowers can be attributed to the simultaneously enhanced entropy change and concentration difference of redox couple enabled by the gelation of methylcellulose and KCl-induced complexation. The p-type TGC with the optimized electrolyte achieves a normalized maximum power density of 0.36 mW m
−2
K
−2
, which is far superior to other reported I
−
/I
3
−
-based TGCs. This work demonstrates cost-effective, high-thermopower polarized electrolytes for low-grade heat harvesting.
A disease-associated mutation in thyroid hormone receptor α1 causes hearing loss and sensory hair cell patterning defects in mice
Authors: Affortit Corentin , Blanc Fabian , Nasr Jamal , Ceccato Jean-Charles , Markossian Suzy , Guyot Romain , Puel Jean-Luc , Flamant Frédéric , Wang Jing
Published: June 2022

Resistance to thyroid hormone due to mutations in
THRA
, which encodes the thyroid hormone receptor α (TRα1), shows variable clinical presentation. Mutations affecting TRβ1 and TRβ2 cause deafness in mice and have been associated with deafness in humans. To test whether TRα1 also affects hearing function, we used mice heterozygous for a frameshift mutation in
Thra
that is similar to human
THRA
mutations (

Thra

S1/
+

mice) and reduces tissue sensitivity to thyroid hormone. Compared to wild-type littermates,

Thra
S1/+

mice showed moderate high-frequency sensorineural hearing loss as juveniles and increased age-related hearing loss. Ultrastructural examination revealed aberrant orientation of ~20% of sensory outer hair cells (OHCs), as well as increased numbers of mitochondria with fragmented morphology and autophagic vacuoles in both OHCs and auditory nerve fibers. Molecular dissection of the OHC lateral wall components revealed that the potassium ion channel Kcnq4 was aberrantly targeted to the cytoplasm of mutant OHCs. In addition, mutant cochleae showed increased oxidative stress, autophagy, and mitophagy associated with greater age-related cochlear cell damage, demonstrating that TRα1 is required for proper development of OHCs and for maintenance of OHC function. These findings suggest that patients with
THRA
mutations may present underdiagnosed, mild hearing loss and may be more susceptible to age-related hearing loss.
Validation of Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy for Serotyping of Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Passaris I. , Mauder N. , Kostrzewa M. , Burckhardt I. , Zimmermann S. , van Sorge N. M. , Slotved H.-C. , Desmet S. , Ceyssens P.-J.
Published: June 2022

Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy (IR Biotyper; Bruker) allows highly discriminatory fingerprinting of closely related bacterial strains. In this study, FT-IR spectroscopy-based capsular typing of
Streptococcus pneumoniae
was validated as a rapid, cost-effective, and medium-throughput alternative to the classical phenotypic techniques.
An
In Vivo
Model of Echovirus-Induced Meningitis Defines the Differential Roles of Type I and Type III Interferon Signaling in Central Nervous System Infection
Authors: Wells Alexandra I. , Coyne Carolyn B.
Published: June 2022

Echoviruses are among the most common worldwide causes of aseptic meningitis, which can cause long-term sequelae or even death. The mechanisms by which echoviruses infect the brain are poorly understood, largely owing to the lack of robust
in vivo
models that recapitulate this aspect of echovirus pathogenesis.
Induction of Broadly Cross-Reactive Antibody Responses to SARS-CoV-2 Variants by S1 Nanoparticle Vaccines
Authors: Sun Cong , Yuan Run-Yu , Xie Chu , Sun Jiu-Feng , Fang Xin-Yan , Hu Yi-Sha , Yu Xiao-Hui , Liu Zheng , Zeng Mu-Sheng , Kang Yin-Feng
Published: June 2022

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants led to an urgent demand for a broadly effective vaccine against the threat of variant infection. The spike protein S1-based nanoparticle designed in our study could elicit a comprehensive humoral response toward different SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern and variants of interest and will be helpful to combat COVID-19 globally.
Direct Measurement of the Stall Torque of the Flagellar Motor in Escherichia coli with Magnetic Tweezers
Authors: Wang Bin , Yue Guanhua , Zhang Rongjing , Yuan Junhua
Published: June 2022

The maximum torque the bacterial flagellar motor generates, the stall torque, is a critical parameter that describes the motor energetics. As the motor operates in equilibrium near stall, from the stall torque one can determine how many protons each torque-generating unit (stator) of the motor passes per revolution and then test whether motor rotation and proton flux are tightly or loosely coupled, which has been controversial in recent years.
Re-Examining Rotavirus Innate Immune Evasion: Potential Applications of the Reverse Genetics System
Authors: Antia Avan , Pinski Amanda N. , Ding Siyuan
Published: June 2022

Rotaviruses represent one of the most successful pathogens in the world, with high infectivity and efficient transmission between the young of many animal species, including humans. To overcome host defenses, rotaviruses have evolved a plethora of strategies to effectively evade the innate immune response, establish initial infection in the small intestine, produce progeny, and shed into the environment. Previously, studying the roles and relative contributions of specific rotaviral factors in innate immune evasion had been challenging without a plasmid-only reverse genetics system.
Evaluation of Diagnostic Strategies for Identifying SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Clinical Practice: a Systematic Review and Compliance with the Standards for Reporting Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Guideline (STARD)
Authors: Cremades-Martínez Paula , Parker Lucy A. , Chilet-Rosell Elisa , Lumbreras Blanca
Published: June 2022

According to this review, the inclusion of more than one diagnostic test in the diagnostic process for COVID-19 infection shows high diagnostic accuracy values. Imaging characteristics, patients’ symptoms, demographic characteristics, and lymphocyte count were the variables most frequently included in the diagnostic models.
PML Alternative Splice Products Differentially Regulate HAdV Productive Infection
Authors: Mai Julia , Stubbe Miona , Hofmann Samuel , Masser Sawinee , Dobner Thomas , Boutell Christopher , Groitl Peter , Schreiner Sabrina
Published: June 2022

Actual work provides evidence that PML-NB-associated factors might also be beneficial for distinct viral processes indicating why genomes and replication centers of nuclear replicating viruses are often found juxtaposed to PML-NBs. Alternatively spliced PML isoforms I-VII are expressed from one single
pml
gene containing nine exons and their transcription is tightly controlled and stimulated by interferons and p53.
Oocyst Shedding Dynamics in Children with Cryptosporidiosis: a Prospective Clinical Case Series in Ethiopia
Authors: Johansen Øystein H. , Abdissa Alemseged , Bjørang Ola , Zangenberg Mike , Sharew Bizuwarek , Alemu Yonas , Moyo Sabrina , Mekonnen Zeleke , Langeland Nina , Robertson Lucy J. , Hanevik Kurt
Published: June 2022

Cryptosporidiosis is an important cause of diarrhea, malnutrition, and deaths in young children in low-income countries. The infection spreads from person to person.
Static Casimir Condensate of the Bispinor Field in the Friedmann Universe
Authors: Arbuzov A. B. , Gaidar S. M. , Pavlov A. E.
Published: June 2022

The quantum Casimir condensate of the massive bispinor in the compact Friedmann universe has been calculated in the static approximation. The Abel–Plana formula has been used to renormalize divergent series.
On the Theory of Optical Diode on Iron Ions in FeZnMo3O8
Authors: Vasin K. V. , Eremin M. V. , Nurmukhametov A. R.
Published: June 2022

The parameters of the interaction of 3d electron states with an electromagnetic wave, as well as the probabilities of magnetic and electric dipole transitions between states of the ground term of an iron ion, which is split by the crystal field, exchange interaction, and spin–orbit coupling, have been calculated. The dependences of the absorption lines on the magnitude and direction of the applied magnetic field have been determined. It has been shown that the optical diode effect discovered in [Sh. Yu, B. Gao, J. W. Kim, S.-W. Cheong, M. K. L. Man, J. Madeo, K. M. Dani, and D. Talbayev, Phys. Rev. Lett. 120, 037601 (2018)] can be explained by the interference of magnetic and electric dipole transitions.
’[We] learned how to speak with love’: a qualitative exploration of accredited social health activist (ASHA) community health worker experiences of the Mobile Academy refresher training in Rajasthan, India
Authors: Scott Kerry , Ummer Osama , Chamberlain Sara , Sharma Manjula , Gharai Dipanwita , Mishra Bibha , Choudhury Namrata , LeFevre Amnesty Elizabeth
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Mobile Academy is a mobile-based training course for India’s accredited social health activist (ASHA) community health workers (CHW). The course, which ASHAs access by dialling a number from their phones, totals 4 hours of audio content. It consists of 11 chapters, each with their own quiz, and provides a cumulative pass or fail score at the end. This qualitative study of Mobile Academy explores how the programme was accessed and experienced by CHWs, and how they perceive it to have influenced their work.

Methods

We conducted in-depth interviews (n=25) and focus group discussions (n=5) with ASHAs and other health system actors. Open-ended questions explored ASHA perspectives on Mobile Academy, the course’s perceived influence on ASHAs and preferences for future training programmes. After applying a priori codes to the transcripts, we identified emergent themes and grouped them according to our CHW mLearning framework.

Results

ASHAs reported enjoying Mobile Academy, specifically praising its friendly tone and the ability to repeat content. They, and higher level health systems actors, conceived it to primarily be a test not a training. ASHAs reported that they found the quizzes easy but generally did not consider the course overly simplistic. ASHAs considered Mobile Academy’s content to be a useful knowledge refresher but said its primary benefit was in modelling a positive communications approach, which inspired them to adopt a kinder, more ‘loving’ communication style when speaking to beneficiaries. ASHAs and health system actors wanted follow-on mLearning courses that would continue to compliment but not replace face-to-face training.

Conclusion

This mLearning programme for CHWs in India was well received by ASHAs across a wide range of education levels and experience. Dial-in audio training has the potential to reinforce topical knowledge and showcase positive ways to communicate.
Association between dietary carotenoid intakes and the risk of asthma in adults: a cross-sectional study of NHANES, 2007–2012
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Weijie , Du Jie
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate the association between dietary carotenoid intake and asthma using data from a nationally representative sample of US adults.

Design

Cross-section study.

Setting

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2007–2012.

Participants

A total of 13 039 participants aged 20–80 years (current asthma n=1784, non-current asthma n=11 255) were included in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Asthma was defined by self-report questionnaires. Weighted logistic regression analyses and the smooth curve fittings were performed to explore the association between total carotenoid intake, dietary carotenoid subgenera, including (α-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein with zeaxanthin and lycopene) and the risk of asthma.

Results

The ORs with 95% CIs of dietary α-carotene, dietary β-carotene, dietary β-cryptoxanthin, total lutein with zeaxanthin, total lycopene, dietary carotenoid and total carotenoid intake for individuals with current asthma after adjusting the confounders in model 3 were 0.80 (0.67 to 0.95), 0.67 (0.57 to 0.79), 0.68 (0.55 to 0.85), 0.77 (0.61 to 0.98), 0.71 (0.57 to 0.87), 0.75 (0.59 to 0.96) and 0.61 (0.48 to 0.76) in the highest versus lowest quartile, respectively. The smooth curve fittings suggested a non-linear relationship between total carotenoid intake and the risk of current asthma.

Conclusions

Higher intake of a-carotene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lycopene, lutein with zeaxanthin and total carotenoid were associated with lower odds of having current asthma in the US adults. This is a cross-sectional study and no causal relationship can be drawn, so caution is needed to interpret the results.
Tadalafil treatment for fetuses with early-onset growth restriction: a protocol for a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind phase II trial (TADAFER IIb)
Authors: Maki Shintaro , Tanaka Hiroaki , Takakura Sho , Nii Masafumi , Tanaka Kayo , Ogura Toru , Kotera Mayumi , Nishimura Yuki , Tamaru Satoshi , Ushida Takafumi , Tanaka Yasuhiro , Kikuchi Norihiko , Kinjo Tadatsugu , Kawamura Hiroshi , Takano Mayumi , Nakamura Koji , Suga Sachie , Kasai Michi , Yasui Osamu , Nagao Kenji , Maegawa Yuka , Kotani Tomomi , Endo Masayuki , Yasuhi Ichiro , Aoki Shigeru , Aoki Yoichi , Yoshida Yoshio , Nakata Masahiko , Sekizawa Akihiko , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: June 2022

Introduction

TheTADAlafil treatment for Fetuses with early-onset growth Restriction: multicentrer, randomizsed, phase II trial (TADAFER II) study showed the possibility of prolonging the pregnancy period in cases of early-onset fetal growth restriction; however, it was an open-label study. To establish further evidence for the efficacy of tadalafil in this setting, we planned a multicentre, randomised, placebo-controlled, double-blind trial.

Methods and analysis

This trial will be conducted in 180 fetuses with fetal growth restriction enrolled from medical centres in Japan; their mothers will be randomised into three groups: arm A, receiving two times per day placebo; arm B, receiving one time per day 20 mg tadalafil and one time per day placebo and arm C, receiving 20 mg two times per day tadalafil. The primary endpoint is the prolongation of gestational age at birth, defined as days from the first day of the protocol-defined treatment to birth. To minimise bias in terms of fetal baseline conditions and timing of delivery, a fetal indication for delivery as in TADAFER II will be established in this trial. The investigator will evaluate fetal baseline conditions at enrolment and decide the timing of delivery based on this indication.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by Mie University Hospital Clinical Research Review Board on 22 July 2019 (S2018-007). Written informed consent will be obtained from all mothers before recruitment. Our findings will be widely disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

Trial registration

jRCTs041190065.
Systematic review of changed smoking behaviour, smoking cessation and psychological states of smokers according to cigarette type during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chun Hae-ryoung , Cheon Eunsil , Hwang Ji-eun
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Although the global COVID-19 pandemic has increased interest in research involving high-risk smokers, studies examining changed smoking behaviours, cessation intentions and associated psychological states among smokers are still scarce. This study aimed to systematically review the literature related to this subject.

Design

A systematic review of published articles on cigarettes and COVID-19-related topics

Data sources

Our search was conducted in January 2021. We used the keywords COVID-19, cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (e-cigarettes) and psychological factors in PubMed and ScienceDirect and found papers published between January and December 2020.

Data selection

We included articles in full text, written in English, and that surveyed adults. The topics included smoking behaviour, smoking cessation, psychological state of smokers and COVID-19-related topics.

Data extraction and synthesis

Papers of low quality, based on quality assessment, were excluded. Thirteen papers were related to smoking behaviour, nine papers were related to smoking cessation and four papers were related to psychological states of smokers.

Results

Owing to the COVID-19 lockdown, cigarette users were habituated to purchasing large quantities of cigarettes in advance. Additionally, cigarette-only users increased their attempts and willingness to quit smoking, compared with e-cigarette-only users.

Conclusions

Owing to the COVID-19 outbreak, the intention to quit smoking was different among smokers, according to cigarette type (cigarette-only users, e-cigarette-only users and dual users). With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, policies and campaigns to increase smoking cessation intentions and attempts to quit smoking among smokers at high risk of COVID-19 should be implemented. Additionally, e-cigarette-only users with poor health-seeking behaviour require interventions to increase the intention to quit smoking.
RadBone: bone toxicity following pelvic radiotherapy – a prospective randomised controlled feasibility study evaluating a musculoskeletal health package in women with gynaecological cancers undergoing pelvic radiotherapy
Authors: Chatzimavridou Grigoriadou Victoria , Barraclough Lisa H , Baricevic-Jones Ivona , Bristow Robert G , Eden Martin , Haslett Kate , Johnson Karen , Kochhar Rohit , Merchant Zoe , Moore John , O’Connell Sarah , Taylor Sally , Westwood Thomas , Whetton Anthony David , Yorke Janelle , Higham Claire E
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Patients receiving radiotherapy are at risk of developing radiotherapy-related insufficiency fractures, which are associated with increased morbidity and pose a significant burden to patients’ quality of life and to the health system. Therefore, effective preventive techniques are urgently required. The RadBone randomised controlled trial (RCT) aims to determine the feasibility and acceptability of a musculoskeletal health package (MHP) intervention in women undergoing pelvic radiotherapy for gynaecological malignancies and to preliminary explore clinical effectiveness of the intervention.

Methods and analysis

The RadBone RCT will evaluate the addition to standard care of an MHP consisting of a physical assessment of the musculoskeletal health, a 3-month prehabilitation personalised exercise package, as well as an evaluation of the fracture risk and if required the prescription of appropriate bone treatment including calcium, vitamin D and—for high-risk individuals—bisphosphonates. Forty participants will be randomised in each group (MHP or observation) and will be followed for 18 months. The primary outcome of this RCT will be feasibility, including the eligibility, screening and recruitment rate, intervention fidelity and attrition rates; acceptability and health economics. Clinical effectiveness and bone turnover markers will be evaluated as secondary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Greater Manchester East Research Ethics Committee (Reference: 20/NW/0410, November 2020). The results will be published in peer-reviewed journals, will be presented in national and international conferences and will be communicated to relevant stakeholders. Moreover, a plain English report will be shared with the study participants, patients’ organisations and media.

Trial registration number

NCT04555317.
Persistence of gastrointestinal symptoms in irritable bowel syndrome and ulcerative colitis: study protocol for a three-arm randomised controlled trial (SOMA.GUT-RCT)
Authors: Löwe Bernd , Nestoriuc Yvonne , Andresen Viola , Vettorazzi Eik , Zapf Antonia , Hübener Sina , Maehder Kerstin , Peters Luisa , Lohse Ansgar W
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Ulcerative colitis (UC) and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) are distressing chronic diseases associated with abdominal pain and altered bowel habits of unknown aetiology. Results from previous studies indicate that, across both diseases, increased levels of illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations contribute to symptom persistence. Thus, comparing both disorders with regard to common and disease-specific factors in the persistence and modification of gastrointestinal symptoms seems justified. Our primary hypothesis is that persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in UC and IBS can be improved by modifying dysfunctional symptom expectations and illness-related anxiety using expectation management strategies.

Methods and analysis

To assess the extent to which persistent somatic symptoms are modifiable in adult patients with UC and IBS, we will conduct an observer-blinded, three-arm randomised controlled trial. A total of 117 patients with UC and 117 patients with IBS will be randomised into three groups of equal size: targeted expectation management aiming to reduce illness-related anxiety and dysfunctional symptom expectations in addition to standard care (SC, intervention 1), non-specific supportive treatment in addition to SC (intervention 2) or SC only (control). Both active intervention groups will comprise three individual online consultation sessions and a booster session after 3 months. The primary outcome is baseline to postinterventional change in gastrointestinal symptom severity.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Hamburg Medical Association (2020-10198-BO-ff). The study will shed light onto the efficacy and mechanisms of action of a targeted expectation management intervention for persistent gastrointestinal symptoms in patients with UC and IBS. Furthermore, the detailed analysis of the complex biopsychosocial mechanisms will allow the further advancement of aetiological models and according evidence-based intervention strategies.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN30800023.
Patient-centered outcomes for gastrointestinal cancer care: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Yang Joanna , Barabash Tori , Rajendran Luckshi , Mahar Alyson L , Hsu Amy T , James Paul D , Gotlib Conn Lesley , Wright Frances C , Ludwig Claire , Kosyachkova Ekaterina , Deleemans Julie , Coburn Natalie G , Hallet Julie
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Following a cancer diagnosis, patients and their caregivers face crucial decisions regarding goals of care and treatment, which have consequences that can persist throughout their cancer journey. To foster informed and value-driven treatment choices, evidence-based information on outcomes relevant to patients is needed. Traditionally, clinical studies have largely focused on a few concrete and easily measurable outcomes such as survival, disease progression and immediate treatment toxicities. These outcomes do not capture other important factors that patients consider when making treatment decisions. Patient-centred outcomes (PCOs) reflect the patients’ individual values, preferences, needs and circumstances that are essential to directing meaningful and informed healthcare discussions. Often, however, these outcomes are not included in research protocols in a standardised and practical fashion. This scoping review will summarise the existing literature on PCOs in gastrointestinal (GI) cancer care as well as the tools used to assess these outcomes. A comprehensive list of these PCOs will be generated for future efforts to develop a core outcome set.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow Arksey and O’Malley’s expanded framework for scoping reviews. We will systematically search Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and APA PsycINFO databases for studies examining PCOs in the context of GI cancer. We will include studies published in or after the year 2000 up to the date of the final searches, with no language restrictions. Studies involving adult patients with GI cancers and discussion of any PCOs will be included. Opinion pieces, protocols, case reports and abstracts will be excluded. Two authors will independently perform two rounds of screening to select studies for inclusion. The data from full texts will be extracted, charted and summarised both quantitatively and qualitatively.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required for this scoping review. Results will be disseminated through scientific publication and presentation at relevant conferences.
It depends on how you tell: a qualitative diagnostic analysis of the implementation climate for community-wide mass drug administration for soil-transmitted helminth
Authors: Avokpaho Euripide , Lawrence Sarah , Roll Amy , Titus Angelin , Jacob Yesudoss , Puthupalayam Kaliappan Saravanakumar , Gwayi-Chore Marie Claire , Chabi Félicien , Togbevi Comlanvi Innocent , Elijan Abiguel Belou , Nindi Providence , Walson Judd L , Ajjampur Sitara Swarna Rao , Ibikounle Moudachirou , Kalua Khumbo , Aruldas Kumudha , Means Arianna Rubin
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Current soil-transmitted helminth (STH) morbidity control guidelines primarily target deworming of preschool and school-age children. Emerging evidence suggests that community-wide mass drug administration (cMDA) may interrupt STH transmission. However, the success of such programmes depends on achieving high treatment coverage and uptake. This formative analysis was conducted to evaluate the implementation climate for cMDA and to determine barriers and facilitators to launch.

Settings

Prior to the launch of a cMDA trial in Benin, India and Malawi.

Participants

Community members (adult women and men, children, and local leaders), community drug distributors (CDDs) and health facility workers.

Design

We conducted 48 focus group discussions (FGDs) with community members, 13 FGDs with CDDs and 5 FGDs with health facility workers in twelve randomly selected clusters across the three study countries. We used the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research to guide the design of the interview guide and thematic analysis.

Results

Across all three sites, aspects of the implementation climate that were facilitators to cMDA launch included: high community member demand for cMDA, integration of cMDA into existing vaccination campaigns and/or health services, and engagement with familiar health workers. Barriers to launching cMDA included mistrust towards medical interventions, fear of side effects and limited perceived need for interrupting STH transmission. We include specific recommendations from community members regarding cMDA distribution sites, personnel requirements, delivery timing and incentives, leaders to engage and methods for mobilising participants.

Conclusions

Prior to launching the cMDA programme as an alternative to school-based MDA, cMDA was found to be generally acceptable across diverse geographical and demographic settings. Community members, CDDs and health workers felt that engaging communities and tailoring programmes to the local context are critical for success. Potential barriers may be mitigated by identifying local concerns and addressing them via targeted community sensitisation prior to implementation.

Trial registration number

NCT03014167; Pre-results.
Long-term outcomes for patients treated for macular oedema secondary to retinal vein occlusion: a systematic review
Authors: Hunter Alexandra , Williams Michael
Published: June 2022

This systematic review assessed the long-term outcomes for patients treated with intravitreal antivascular endothelial growth factor or dexamethasone for macular oedema (MO) secondary to retinal vein occlusion (RVO). Studies investigating patients of all ages with MO due to RVO only were included. The review was deliberately broad in scope, including comparative and non-comparative studies to ensure inclusion of real-world type evidence. Risk of bias was assessed. In total, 76 data sets were included (10 775 participants). Overall, mean best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved from baseline to 5 years by 16.1 letters (p<0.01). BCVA improved from baseline in both central RVO (CRVO) and branch RVO (BRVOs) at 2 years, by 9.1 (p<0.01) (difference from baseline in CRVOs) and 9.1 (p<0.01) letters, respectively. At 5 years, BCVA improved from baseline in CRVOs by 15.6 letters and in BRVOs by 16.2; the difference between RVO types was not significant (p=0.18). Two studies had 5-year data for ranibizumab, and improvement was evident. There was no significant difference between outcomes in randomised controlled trials (RCTs) compared with non RCTs. These results suggest a benefit to receiving long-term intravitreal treatments for MO due to RVO.
New autopsy technique in COVID-19 positive dead bodies: opening the thoracic cavity with an outlook to reduce aerosol spread
Authors: Das Somnath , Roy Anshuman , Das Rina
Published: June 2022

Aims

After the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, most countries have modified some of their health-related regulations. However, this has not been in the case of the postmortem of deceased because it has a legal aspect. Thus, the healthcare providers knowingly or unknowingly faced the threat of COVID-19 exposure from those dead bodies. To introduce an autopsy technique that reduces the droplet spreads, especially in those mortuaries where the biosafety mechanism is not highly equipped.

Methods

The validity of the new incision was achieved through the calculation of the Scale Content Validity Index (SCVI) taking inputs from 17 forensic specialists. The subjects for the new technique were selected from the patients who were RTPCR positive for COVID-19 or clinically or radiologically showing features of COVID-19.

Results

The dissection procedure was finalised by achieving the SCVI at 0.92. The chest cavity was approached through the abdominal cavity by opening the diaphragm and dissecting out the contents of the chest using a long blade knife.

Conclusions

The advantage of this approach is that the autopsy surgeon and pathologists do not have to open the chest cavity by dissecting the Sternum, and hence the chance of droplet infection becomes almost nil. This technique is complete, simple, less time-consuming and conducive for sample collection, and even reduces the possibility of body fluid seepage following a postmortem examination
Nationwide multidisciplinary consensus on the clinical management of Merkel cell carcinoma: a Delphi panel
Authors: Spada Francesca , Bossi Paolo , Caracò Corrado , Sileni Vanna Chiarion , Dei Tos Angelo Paolo , Fazio Nicola , Grignani Giovanni , Maio Michele , Quaglino Pietro , Queirolo Paola , Ascierto Paolo Antonio
Published: June 2022

Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC) is a rare and highly aggressive cutaneous neuroendocrine carcinoma. The MCC incidence rate has rapidly grown over the last years, with Italy showing the highest increase among European countries. This malignancy has been the focus of active scientific research over the last years, focusing mainly on pathogenesis, new therapeutic trials and diagnosis. A national expert board developed 28 consensus statements that delineated the evolution of disease management and highlighted the paradigm shift towards the use of immunological strategies, which were then presented to a national MCC specialists panel for review. Sixty-five panelists answered both rounds of the questionnaire. The statements were divided into five areas: a high level of agreement was reached in the area of guidelines and multidisciplinary management, even if in real life the multidisciplinary team was not always represented by all the specialists. In the diagnostic pathway area, imaging played a crucial role in diagnosis and initial staging, planning for surgery or radiation therapy, assessment of treatment response and surveillance of recurrence and metastases. Concerning diagnosis, the usefulness of Merkel cell polyomavirus is recognized, but the agreement and consensus regarding the need for cytokeratin evaluation appears greater. Regarding the areas of clinical management and follow-up, patients with MCC require customized treatment. There was a wide dispersion of results and the suggestion to increase awareness about the adjuvant radiation therapy. The panelists unanimously agreed that the information concerning avelumab provided by the JAVELIN Merkel 200 study is adequate and reliable and that the expanded access program data could have concrete clinical implications. An immunocompromised patient with advanced MCC can be treated with immunotherapy after multidisciplinary risk/benefit assessment, as evidenced by real-world analysis and highlighted in the guidelines. A very high consensus regarding the addition of radiotherapy to treat the ongoing focal progression of immunotherapy was observed. This paper emphasizes the importance of collaboration and communication among the interprofessional team members and encourages managing patients with MCC within dedicated multidisciplinary teams. New insights in the treatment of this challenging cancer needs the contribution of many and different experts.
Methionine homozygosity for PRNP polymorphism and susceptibility to human prion diseases
Authors: Kosami Koki , Ae Ryusuke , Hamaguchi Tsuyoshi , Sanjo Nobuo , Tsukamoto Tadashi , Kitamoto Tetsuyuki , Yamada Masahito , Mizusawa Hidehiro , Nakamura Yosikazu
Published: June 2022

Background

No studies have assessed the independent association of methionine homozygosity at codon 129 with the susceptibility to prion diseases, controlling for the effects of the codon 219 polymorphisms and other potential confounders, using a large-scale population-based dataset.

Methods

We conducted a case-control study using a Japanese nationwide surveillance database for prion diseases. The main exposure was methionine homozygosity at codon 129, and the outcome was development of prion diseases. Multivariable logistic regression models were employed for specific disease subtypes (sporadic Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD), genetic CJD and Gerstmann-Sträussler-Scheinker disease (GSS)).

Results

Of 5461 patients registered in the database, 2440 cases and 796 controls remained for the analysis. The cases comprised 1676 patients with sporadic CJD (69%), 649 with genetic CJD (27%) and 115 with GSS (5%). For patients with methionine homozygosity, potential risk for occurring prion diseases: adjusted OR (95% CI) was 2.21 (1.46 to 3.34) in sporadic CJD, 0.47 (0.32 to 0.68) in genetic CJD and 0.3 (0.17 to 0.55) in GSS. Among patients with specific prion protein abnormalities, the potential risk was 0.27 (0.17 to 0.41) in genetic CJD with 180 Val/Ile, 1.66 (0.65 to 5.58) in genetic CJD with 200 Glu/Lys, 3.97 (1.2 to 24.62) in genetic CJD with 232 Met/Arg and 0.71 (0.34 to 1.67) in GSS with 102 Pro/Leu.

Conclusions

Methionine homozygosity at codon 129 was predisposing to sporadic CJD, but protective against genetic CJD and GSS, after adjustment for codon 219 polymorphism effect. However, the impacts differed completely among patients with specific prion protein abnormalities.
Access to, usage and clinical outcomes of, online postal sexually transmitted infection services: a scoping review
Authors: Sumray Kirsi , Lloyd Karen C , Estcourt Claudia S , Burns Fiona , Gibbs Jo
Published: June 2022

Background

There has been considerable expansion in online postal self-sampling (OPSS) STI services in many parts of the UK, driven by increasing demand on sexual health services and developments in diagnostics and digital health provision. This shift in service delivery has occurred against a backdrop of reduced funding and service fragmentation and the impact is unknown. We explored characteristics of people accessing and using OPSS services for STIs in the UK, the acceptability of these services and their impact on sexual health inequalities.

Methods

A scoping review was conducted of studies published in English-language based on pre-agreed inclusion/exclusion criteria, between 01 January 2010 and 07 July 2021. Nine databases were searched, and 23 studies that met the eligibility criteria were included. Studies were appraised using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool.

Results

Study designs were heterogeneous, including quantitative, qualitative and mixed-methods analyses. The majority were either evaluating a single-site/self-sampling provider, exploratory or observational and of variable quality. Few studies collected comprehensive user demographic data. Individuals accessing OPSS tended to be asymptomatic, of white ethnicity, women, over 20 years and from less deprived areas. OPSS tended to increase overall STI testing demand and access, although return rates for blood samples were low, as was test positivity. There were varied results on whether services reduced time to treatment. OPSS services were acceptable to the majority of users. Qualitative studies showed the importance of trust, confidentiality, discretion, reliability, convenience and improved patient choice.

Conclusion

OPSS services appear highly acceptable to users. However, uptake appears to be socially patterned and some groups who bear a disproportionate burden of poor sexual health in the UK are under-represented among users. Current provision of online self-sampling could widen health inequalities, particularly where other options for testing are limited. Work is needed to fully evaluate the impact and cost-effectiveness of OPSS services.
Public health impact of a US menthol cigarette ban on the non-Hispanic black population: a simulation study
Authors: Issabakhsh Mona , Meza Rafael , Li Yameng , Yuan Zhe , Sanchez-Romero Luz Maria , Levy David T
Published: June 2022

Introduction

With the US Food and Drug Administration recently proposing to implement a ban on menthol cigarettes, it is critical to estimate the potential public health effects of such a ban. With high rates of menthol cigarette use and important smoking-related health disparity implications, the impact of the ban on the non-Hispanic black (NHB) population merits strong consideration.

Methods

We apply the previously developed Menthol Smoking and Vaping Model to the NHB population. A status quo scenario is developed using NHB-specific population, smoking and vaping initiation, cessation and death rates. Estimates from a recent expert elicitation on behavioural impacts of a menthol cigarette ban on the NHB population are used to develop a menthol ban scenario implemented in 2021. The public health impacts of the menthol ban are estimated as the difference between smoking and vaping attributable deaths (SVADs) and life years lost (LYLs) in the status quo and the menthol ban scenarios from 2021 to 2060.

Results

Under the menthol ban scenario, overall smoking is projected to decline by 35.7% in 2026 and by 25.3% in 2060 relative to the status quo scenario. With these reductions, SVADs are estimated to fall by about 18.5% and LYLs by 22.1%, translating to 255 895 premature deaths averted, and 4.0 million life years gained over a 40-year period.

Conclusions

A menthol cigarette ban will substantially reduce the smoking-associated health impact on the NHB population, thereby reducing health disparities.
Late Pleistocene heather vole,Phenacomys, on the North Pacific Coast of North America: environments, local extinctions, and archaeological implications
Authors: Steffen Martina L.
Published: June 2022

Phenacomys cf. intermedius, the heather vole, is known from three late Pleistocene and early Holocene localities on Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada, where they are absent today. This study reports the heather vole specimens from one of these sites, P2 Cave, and provides a human behavioural context for its presence and eventual extirpation as a consequence of changing environments. Heather vole is a cold-adapted rodent. The early Holocene thermal maximum and subsequent development of coastal western hemlock forests contributed to its Vancouver Island extinction without an apparent corresponding range restriction in higher elevation habitats as has been noted elsewhere in Western North America. Tendency for low population densities in closed-canopy forests, antisocial intraspecies behaviours, and limited immigration across fragmented habitats supported local extinction. The absence of heather vole in the modern environment elsewhere along the coasts of British Columbia, Southeast Alaska, and Washington is probably due to similar factors as are highlighted here. Toward environmental reconstruction and the archaeological setting this study suggests that humans are unlikely to have occupied the Vancouver Island area during a hiatus in the vertebrate faunal record including the cold-adapted heather vole from about 19 700 to 14 700 years ago when the Cordilleran Ice Sheet extended west to the continental shelf. Improved environmental conditions for humans occurred both before and after this time. It also suggests that the glacial conditions in which the heather vole occupied Vancouver Island diverge from the Holocene interglacial setting that has seen an expansion of a human presence and of the corresponding archaeological record.
Fixed mesh shape reduces variability in codend size selection
Authors: Bak-Jensen Zita , Herrmann Bent , Santos Juan , Jacques Nadine , Melli Valentina , Feekings Jordan P.
Published: June 2022

Diamond-mesh codends are the most commonly used in demersal trawls. However, mesh geometry tends to vary in these codends during fishing, which leads to a less well-defined size selection process. This leaves one questioning the rationality of regulating exploitation patterns based on mesh size when size selection and (or) variation between hauls is highly variable. While it has been speculated and theoretically investigated how much the variability in mesh geometry may contribute to the variability in size selection, it remained to be quantified experimentally. Therefore, we conducted field test comparing the size selectivity of a simple diamond-mesh codend, where meshes are subjected to variation in geometry, with a rigid diamond-mesh codend, where the geometry of the meshes were kept constant. For Atlantic cod ( Gadus morhua), the simple diamond-mesh codend was found to have 45% more variation in size selection than the codend with fixed mesh geometry. This confirms theoretical predictions and may guide research toward codend designs with more well-defined size selection properties.
Diffusive transport in the lowest Landau level of disordered 2d semimetals: the mean-square-displacement approach
Authors: Sinner Andreas , Tkachov Gregor
Published: June 2022

We study the electronic transport in the lowest Landau level of disordered two-dimensional semimetals placed in a homogeneous perpendicular magnetic field. The material system is modeled by the Bernevig–Hughes–Zhang Hamiltonian, which has zero energy Landau modes due to the material’s intrinsic Berry curvature. These turn out to be crucially important for the density of states and the static conductivity of the disordered system. We develop an analytical approach to the diffusion and conductivity based on a self-consistent equation of motion for the mean-squared displacement. The obtained value of the zero mode conductivity is close to the conductivity of disordered Dirac electrons without magnetic fields, which have zero energy points in the spectrum as well. Our analysis is applicable in a broader context of disordered two-dimensional electron gases in strong magnetic fields.

Graphicabstract
Constraint on parameters of a rotating black hole in Einstein-bumblebee theory by quasi-periodic oscillations
Authors: Wang Zejun , Chen Songbai , Jing Jiliang
Published: June 2022

We have studied quasi-periodic oscillations frequencies in a rotating black hole with Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter in Einstein-bumblebee gravity by relativistic precession model. We find that in the rotating case with non-zero spin parameter both of the periastron and nodal precession frequencies increase with the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter, but the azimuthal frequency decreases. In the non-rotating black hole case, the nodal precession frequency disappears for arbitrary Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter. With the observation data of GRO J1655-40, XTE J1550-564, and GRS 1915+105, we find that the constraint on the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter is more precise with data of GRO J1655-40 in which the best-fit value of the Lorentz symmetry breaking parameter is negative. This could lead to that the rotating black hole in Einstein-bumblebee gravity owns the higher Hawking temperature and the stronger Hawking radiation, but the lower possibility of exacting energy by Penrose process. However, in the range of $$1 \sigma $$

1
σ

, we also find that general relativity remains to be consistent with the observation data of GRO J1655-40, XTE J1550-564 and GRS 1915+105.
Non-radial oscillations and global stellar properties of anisotropic compact stars using realistic equations of state
Authors: Curi Elvis J. Aquino , Castro Luis B. , Flores Cesar V. , Lenzi César H.
Published: June 2022

In this work, we have made a systematic study of how the gravitational wave frequency of the fundamental mode from compact stars is affected by anisotropic effects using realistic equations of state. Our study is an extension of the seminal research performed by Doneva [Phys Rev D 85:124023, 2012, https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevD.85.124023], where a polytropic equation of state was used. To achieve our objective, we considered compact stars which were built by using equations of state in the framework of a relativistic mean field theory for the case of hadronic stars and in the framework of the MIT model for the case of quark stars. In order to obtain some pertinent information that could give us the possibility to detect the anisotropy in compact stars, we also studied and analized the behaviour of various global stellar quantities, e.g., gravitational redshift, stellar mass, radius, among others. We concluded that the anisotropic effects can have important consequences, which are strongly related to the anisotropic parameter and the equation of state of high density matter. Additionally, a comparison with observational data has been made and we have shown that the anisotropic parameter $$\lambda $$
λ
can be used as a tuning parameter to reproduce mass and radius observational data of neutron stars.