bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A harder road travelled
Authors: Maxfield Charles M.
Published: June 2022

Based on traditional medical school application metrics, it’s easy to underestimate socioeconomically disadvantaged applicants, but the author cautions against undervaluing their talents, motivations and potential.
Integrative review of the literature on screening for gender‐based violence during pregnancy: Barriers, facilitators, and tools
Authors: Andreu‐Pejó Laura , Valero‐Chillerón Ma. Jesús , González‐Chordá Víctor Manuel , Mena Tudela Desirée , Cervera Gasch Agueda
Published: June 2022

An integrative review of the literature has been developed to explore barriers and facilitators in screening for gender‐based violence in pregnant women and identify available tools for this screening. Studies were identified via a systematic search on the PubMed, CINAHL Plus (Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature Complete), Scopus, and LILACS (Latin American and Caribbean Health Sciences Literature) databases and a manual reverse reference search to obtain literature published between 2015 and 2020. The methodology followed the recommendations made by Whittemore & Knafl. The quality of studies was evaluated using the Critical Skills Appraisal Program tool. Twenty‐three of the 4202 articles fulfilled the inclusion criteria. The principal barriers identified were lack of training for professionals (mainly nurses and midwives), lack of support policies, and lack of human and material resources. The main facilitators were to increase professional training programs on case detection, availability of effective instruments, and greater investment in resources to guarantee safety and referral of cases. With regard to the available tools, the Abuse Assessment Screen (AAS) continues to be the most widely used, although others such as the Humiliation, Afraid, Rape, and Kick questionnaire (HARK) could be suitable for antenatal care settings.
Drought legacy effects on root morphological traits and plant biomass via soil biota feedback
Authors: Lozano Yudi M. , Aguilar‐Trigueros Carlos A. , Ospina Jenny M. , Rillig Matthias C.
Published: June 2022

Drought causes soil feedback effects on plant performance. However, how the linkages between conditioned soil biota and root traits contribute to explain plant–soil feedback (PSF) as a function of drought is unknown.

We utilized soil inoculum from a conditioning experiment where grassland species grew under well‐watered and drought conditions, and their soil fungi were analyzed. Under well‐watered conditions, we grew 21 grassland species with those inocula from either conspecific or heterospecific soils. At harvest, plant biomass and root traits were measured.

Negative PSF (higher biomass in heterospecific than in conspecific soils) was predominant, and favored in drought‐conditioned soils. Previous drought affected the relationship between root traits and fungal groups. Specific root surface area (SRSA) was higher in heterospecific than in conspecific droughted soils and was linked to an increase in saprotroph richness. Overall, root diameter was higher in conspecific soils and was linked to mutualist and pathogen composition, whereas the decrease of root : shoot in heterospecific soils was linked to pathogenic fungi.

Drought legacy affects biomass and root morphological traits via conditioned soil biota, even after the drought conditions have disappeared. This provides new insights into the role that soil biota have modulating PSF responses to drought.
Asterocladon ednae sp. nov. (Asterocladales, Phaeophyceae) from the Philippines
Authors: Sasagawa Eriko , Santiañez Wilfred John E. , Kogame Kazuhiro
Published: June 2022

Members of the brown algal order Asterocladales are characterized by stellate arrangement of its chloroplasts, in which a stellate configuration has a protruding central pyrenoid complex. The order is represented by the genus Asterocladon, which consists of only three species so far. Similar to other small and filamentous seaweeds, studies on Asterocladon remain scant and their diversity poorly understood. To fill this gap, we conducted molecular‐assisted taxonomic studies on Asterocladon based on seven culture isolates collected from Okinawa Prefecture, Japan and Cebu, the Philippines. One culture isolate from the Philippines was revealed to be a new species of Asterocladon based on morpho‐anatomical and molecular analyses using rbcL and psaA genes and is described here as Asterocladon ednae. The other isolates were attributed to A. rhodochortonoides. A. ednae was most closely related to A. rhodochortonoides in morphology and molecular phylogeny but was distinguished from the latter by its elongately ellipsoid plurilocular sporangia. This is the first report of the genus and species A. ednae in the Philippines, further increasing the diversity of seaweeds in the country.
Astaxanthin improves preserved semen quality at 17°C by enhancing sperm antioxidant and motility properties
Authors: Hu Yamei , Hu Jianhong , Pang Weijun , Yang Gongshe , Chu Guiyan
Published: June 2022

Porcine sperm is rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids; therefore, it is highly susceptible to oxidative damage during storage. Inhibition of oxidative stress during preservation is essential for maintaining sperm motility. Astaxanthin is a potent antioxidant used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. This study aimed to explore the effect of supplementing astaxanthin as an extender of porcine semen preservation dilutions at 17°C. Various concentrations of astaxanthin were added to diluted porcine semen at 17°C. We performed computer‐assisted semen analysis, evaluation of plasma membrane integrity and acrosome integrity, and measurement of total antioxidant activity, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, reactive oxygen species levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, catalase (CAT) activity, glutathione peroxidase (GSH‐PX) activity and sperm motility parameters. Compared with the control group, the addition of 0.25 μg/ml astaxanthin group significantly improved sperm motility parameters stored on the fifth day; these were increased levels of sperm SOD, GSH‐PX and CAT (p < .05), increased sperm adenosine trisphosphate and lactate dehydrogenase levels and decreased sperm MDA levels (p < .05). These findings suggest that adding 0.25 μg/ml of astaxanthin improves the quality of porcine semen stored at 17°C. Our findings provide theoretical support for developing new protective agents critical for preserving pig semen at 17°C.
Transfusion thresholds in myelodysplastic syndrome—Helping patients live better
Authors: Balitsky Amaris , Arnold Donald
Published: June 2022

See article on page 1355–1364, in this issue
U.S.–China trade war and corporate reallocation: Evidence from Chinese listed companies
Authors: Ding Haoyuan , Koedijk Kees G. , Qi Tong , Shen Yanqing
Published: June 2022

This paper applies a difference‐in‐differences framework to explore the economic consequences of the recent U.S.–China trade war. The average abnormal returns of Chinese listed firms during a period centered on President Trump's announcement on 22 March 2018 are taken as a proxy for the firms' exposure to the potential trade war. Firms more negatively exposed are found, surprisingly, to report higher total revenues in the post‐announcement period. The results indicate that the Chinese firms tend to reallocate their business from overseas to the domestic market. Such within‐firm reallocation is found to be more pronounced among private firms, exporting firms and non‐FDI firms. Besides, firms with higher negative exposure increase total investment and financing but decrease foreign investment after the trade war.
Nonlinear Thermoelastic Numerical Frequency Analysis and Experimental Verification of Cutout Abided Laminated Shallow Shell Structure
Authors: Dewangan Hukum Chand , Panda Subrata Kumar
Published: June 2022

The cutout and temperature loading influences on the nonlinear frequencies of the laminated shell structures are predicted numerically using two different types of geometrical nonlinear strain-displacement relationships to count the large deformation. The displacement of any generic point on the structural panel is derived using the third-order shear deformation theory (TSDT). Moreover, the direct iterative method has been adopted to obtain the nonlinear eigenvalues in conjunction with the isoparametric finite element (FE) steps. The present analysis includes the effect of temperature and the temperature-dependent composite elastic properties on the thermoelastic frequencies. This study intends to establish the Green-Lagrange type of nonlinear strain's efficacy in computing the nonlinear frequency of layered structure with and without cutout instead of von-Karman strain kinematics. The numerical model's validity has been established by comparing the results to previously published results. In addition, experimentally obtained fundamental frequency values of a few modes are compared to numerical proposed numerical results under the thermal loading. Finally, the effects of cutout (shape and size) and the associated structural geometrical parameters on the nonlinear thermal frequency responses of the laminated structure are expressed in the final output form.
Review of Seismic Fragility and Loss Quantification of Building-Like Industrial Facilities
Authors: Alfanda Abba Mas'ud , Dai Kaoshan , Wang Jianze
Published: June 2022

Industrial facilities play a significant role in economic growth now and for the foreseeable future. However, past earthquake reconnaissance surveys have revealed that the seismic vulnerability of these facilities has resulted in huge economic losses mainly due to operational failures. As per ASCE 7, industrial facilities could be classified as building-like and nonbuilding-like types. In this paper, the fragility of building-like industrial facilities is focused. First, relevant design code requirements and provisions were summarized for further discussion on possible improvements. This is followed by a review of the latest techniques, challenges, and knowledge gaps related to the fragility development of building-like industrial facilities. The review indicates gaps in fragility development specific to seismic loss quantification. The need for updated design guidelines, component interdependencies, robust seismic modeling, and analysis techniques for improved decision-making are hence recommended.
A Combined Liquid Cold Plate and Heat Sink Based Hybrid Cooling Approach for the Temperature Control of Integrated Circuit Chips
Authors: Patil Naveen G. , Hotta Tapano Kumar
Published: June 2022

The study focuses on the experimental and numerical investigations on the cooling of seven protruding asymmetric integrated circuit (IC) chips arranged optimally at various positions in a switch mode power supply (SMPS) board. The chips are cooled under the laminar forced convection mode using the hybrid cooling technique (liquid cold plate integrated with the heat sinks). Fifteen heat sink cases (combinations) are considered for the analysis with the goal to keep the IC chip’s temperature under the safe limit (less than 100 °C). Variable power (heat) inputs to the IC chips along with a water flow rate of 0.5 kg/s (corresponding to the velocity of 4 m/s) inside the liquid cold plate are considered for the analysis. The heat sinks absorb the heat dissipated from the IC chips and reduce their temperature substantially by enhancing their heat removal rate up to 32%. The convection contribution of the IC chips has also improved by 62% using the heat sinks. Hence, hybrid cooling is found to be an effective technique for the temperature control of the IC chips. Numerical analyses are also carried out using the ansys fluent (v r16) to support the experiments. Both the results agree with each other in the error band of 6–12%.
Operating modes and target erosion in high power impulse magnetron sputtering
Authors: Rudolph M. , Brenning N. , Hajihoseini H. , Raadu M. A. , Fischer J. , Gudmundsson J. T. , Lundin D.
Published: June 2022

Magnetron sputtering combines a glow discharge with sputtering from a target that simultaneously serves as a cathode for the discharge. The electrons of the discharge are confined between overarching magnetic field lines and the negatively biased cathode. As the target erodes during the sputter process, the magnetic field strengthens in the cathode vicinity, which can influence discharge parameters with the risk of impairing reproducibility of the deposition process over time. This is of particular concern for high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) as the discharge current and voltage waveforms vary strongly with the magnetic field strength. We here discuss ways to limit the detrimental effect of target erosion on the film deposition process by choosing an appropriate mode of operation for the discharge. The goal is to limit variations of two principal flux parameters, the deposition rate and the ionized flux fraction. As an outcome of the discussion, we recommend operating HiPIMS discharges by maintaining the peak discharge current constant.
Hyperfine interaction studies in the David Shirley group, 1960–1975. II. Perturbed angular correlations and Mössbauer effect
Authors: Krane Kenneth S.
Published: June 2022

In addition to the low-temperature nuclear orientation studies discussed in Paper I, David Shirley's research group at Berkeley was renowned for other types of studies of the interaction of probe nuclei with their electromagnetic environment, particularly perturbed angular correlations and the Mössbauer effect. The present paper discusses these other fields of research into hyperfine interactions and gives examples of the contributions of the Shirley group toward elucidating these interactions.
The Ankyrin Repeat Protein RARP-1 Is a Periplasmic Factor That Supports
Rickettsia parkeri
Growth and Host Cell Invasion
Authors: Sanderlin Allen G. , Hanna Ruth E. , Lamason Rebecca L.
Published: June 2022

Rickettsia
spp. are obligate intracellular bacterial pathogens that pose a growing threat to human health. Nevertheless, their strict reliance on a host cell niche has hindered investigation of the molecular mechanisms driving rickettsial infection.
Bacterial, Phytoplankton, and Viral Distributions and Their Biogeochemical Contexts in Meromictic Lake Cadagno Offer Insights into the Proterozoic Ocean Microbial Loop
Authors: Saini Jaspreet S. , Hassler Christel , Cable Rachel , Fourquez Marion , Danza Francesco , Roman Samuele , Tonolla Mauro , Storelli Nicola , Jacquet Stéphan , Zdobnov Evgeny M. , Duhaime Melissa B.
Published: June 2022

As a window into the past, this study offers insights into the potential role that microbial guilds may have played in the production and recycling of organic matter in ancient Proterozoic ocean chemoclines. The new observations described here suggest that chloroplasts of eukaryotic algae were persistent in the low-oxygen upper chemocline along with the purple and green sulfur bacteria known to dominate the lower half of the chemocline.
Five Complete
Salmonella enterica
Serotype Reading Genomes Recovered from Patients in the United States
Authors: Webb Hattie E. , Tagg Kaitlin A. , Kim Justin Y. , Miller Elizabeth A. , Johnson Timothy J. , Peñil-Celis Arancha , de la Cruz Fernando , Folster Jason P.
Published: June 2022

Between 2018 and 2019,
Salmonella enterica
serotype Reading caused a large, multistate outbreak linked to contact with raw turkey products in the United States. Here, we provide five
Salmonella
Reading reference genomes collected from US patients between 2016 and 2018.
Miocene terrestrial paleoclimates inferred from pollen in the Monterey Formation, Naples Coastal Bluffs section, California
Authors: Heusser Linda E. , Barron* John A. , Blake Gregg H. , Nichols Jon
Published: June 2022

We present here a comprehensive record of Miocene terrestrial ecosystems from exposures of the Monterey Formation along the Naples coastal bluffs, west of Santa Barbara, California. Constrained by an updated chronology, pollen analyses of 28 samples deposited between 18 and 6 Ma reflect the demise of mesophytic taxa that grew in a warm, wet environment during the late early and early middle Miocene and the development of a summer-dry/winter-wet Mediterranean climate during the late Miocene. Broadleaf tree pollen from mesophytic woodlands and forests now found in the southeastern United States and China (Liquidambar, Tilia, Ulmus, Carya) characterized the Miocene climatic optimum (16.9–14.7 Ma), the middle Miocene climate transition (14.7–13.8 Ma), and the interval up to ca. 13.0 Ma. Subsequently, during the late middle to early late Miocene, between 13.3 and 9.0 Ma, oak woodlands and herbs (Asteraceae, Amaranthaceae, Poaceae) from beach scrub and chaparral increased as ocean temperatures cooled and the climate became drier. Between ca. 8.9 and 7.6 Ma, pine increased mostly at the expense of oak (Quercus) and herbs, suggesting a period of increasing precipitation. During the latest Miocene (7.5–6.0 Ma), an increase of herb-dominated ecosystems (chaparral, coastal scrub) at the expense of pine reflects the full development of a summer-dry/winter-wet climate in coastal southern California.
Reductions in hospital care among clinically vulnerable children aged 0–4 years during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Etoori David , Harron Katie L , Mc Grath-Lone Louise , Verfürden Maximiliane L , Gilbert Ruth , Blackburn Ruth
Published: June 2022

Objective

To quantify reductions in hospital care for clinically vulnerable children during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Design

Birth cohort.

Setting

National Health Service hospitals in England.

Study population

All children aged <5 years with a birth recorded in hospital administrative data (January 2010–March 2021).

Main exposure

Clinical vulnerability defined by a chronic health condition, preterm birth (<37 weeks’ gestation) or low birth weight (<2500 g).

Main outcomes

Reductions in care defined by predicted hospital contact rates for 2020, estimated from 2015 to 2019, minus observed rates per 1000 child years during the first year of the pandemic (March 2020–2021).

Results

Of 3 813 465 children, 17.7% (one in six) were clinically vulnerable (9.5% born preterm or low birth weight, 10.3% had a chronic condition). Reductions in hospital care during the pandemic were much higher for clinically vulnerable children than peers: respectively, outpatient attendances (314 vs 73 per 1000 child years), planned admissions (55 vs 10) and unplanned admissions (105 vs 79). Clinically vulnerable children accounted for 50.1% of the reduction in outpatient attendances, 55.0% in planned admissions and 32.8% in unplanned hospital admissions. During the pandemic, weekly rates of planned care returned to prepandemic levels for infants with chronic conditions but not older children. Reductions in care differed by ethnic group and level of deprivation. Virtual outpatient attendances increased from 3.2% to 24.8% during the pandemic.

Conclusion

One in six clinically vulnerable children accounted for one-third to one half of the reduction in hospital care during the pandemic.
Epidemiology of community-acquired pneumonia among hospitalised children in Indonesia: a multicentre, prospective study
Authors: Lokida Dewi , Farida Helmia , Triasih Rina , Mardian Yan , Kosasih Herman , Naysilla Adhella Menur , Budiman Arif , Hayuningsih Chakrawati , Anam Moh Syarofil , Wastoro Dwi , Mujahidah Mujahidah , Dipayana Setya , Setyati Amalia , Aman Abu Tholib , Lukman Nurhayati , Karyana Muhammad , Kline Ahnika , Neal Aaron , Lau Chuen-Yen , Lane Clifford
Published: June 2022

Objective

To identify aetiologies of childhood community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) based on a comprehensive diagnostic approach.

Design

‘Partnerships for Enhanced Engagement in Research-Pneumonia in Paediatrics (PEER-PePPeS)’ study was an observational prospective cohort study conducted from July 2017 to September 2019.

Setting

Government referral teaching hospitals and satellite sites in three cities in Indonesia: Semarang, Yogyakarta and Tangerang.

Participants

Hospitalised children aged 2–59 months who met the criteria for pneumonia were eligible. Children were excluded if they had been hospitalised for >24 hours; had malignancy or history of malignancy; a history of long-term (>2 months) steroid therapy, or conditions that might interfere with compliance with study procedures.

Main outcome(s) measure(s)

Causative bacterial, viral or mixed pathogen(s) for pneumonia were determined using microbiological, molecular and serological tests from routinely collected specimens (blood, sputum and nasopharyngeal swabs). We applied a previously published algorithm (PEER-PePPeS rules) to determine the causative pathogen(s).

Results

188 subjects were enrolled. Based on our algorithm, 48 (25.5%) had a bacterial infection, 31 (16.5%) had a viral infection, 76 (40.4%) had mixed bacterial and viral infections, and 33 (17.6%) were unable to be classified. The five most common causative pathogens identified were Haemophilus influenzae non-type B (N=73, 38.8%), respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) (N=51, 27.1%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (N=43, 22.9%), Streptococcus pneumoniae (N=29, 15.4%) and Influenza virus (N=25, 13.3%). RSV and influenza virus diagnoses were highly associated with Indonesia’s rainy season (November–March). The PCR assays on induced sputum (IS) specimens captured most of the pathogens identified in this study.

Conclusions

Our study found that H. influenzae non-type B and RSV were the most frequently identified pathogens causing hospitalised CAP among Indonesian children aged 2–59 months old. Our study also highlights the importance of PCR for diagnosis and by extension, appropriate use of antimicrobials.

Trail registration number

NCT03366454
Estimation of the incidence of invasive meningococcal disease using a capture–recapture model based on two independent surveillance systems in Catalonia, Spain
Authors: Ciruela Pilar , Vilaró Marta , Carmona Gloria , Jané Mireia , Soldevila Núria , Garcia Tomás , Hernández Sergi , Ruiz Laura , Domínguez Angela
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Invasive meningococcal disease (IMD) is an urgent notifiable disease and its early notification is essential to prevent cases. The objective of the study was to assess the sensitivity of two independent surveillance systems and to estimate the incidence of IMD.

Design

We used capture–recapture model based on two independent surveillance systems, the statutory disease reporting (SDR) system and the microbiological reporting system (MRS) of the Public Health Agency of Catalonia, between 2011 and 2015. The capture–recapture analysis and 95% CIs were calculated using the Chapman formula. Multivariate vector generalised linear model was performed for adjusted estimation.

Measures

The variables collected were age, sex, year of report, size of municipality (<10 000 and ≥10 000), clinical form, death, serogroup, country of birth and type of reporting centre (private and public).

Results

The sensitivity of the two combined surveillance systems was 88.5% (85.0–92.0). SDR had greater sensitivity than the MRS (67.9%; 62.7–73.1 vs 64.7%; 59.4–70.0). In 2014–2015, the sensitivity of both systems was higher (80.6%; 73.2–87.9 vs 73.4%; 65.2–81.6) than in 2011–2013 (59.3%; 52.6–66.0 vs 58.3%; 51.6–65.1). In private centres, the sensitivity was higher for SDR than for MRS (100%; 100–100 vs 4.8%; −4.4–13.9). The adjusted estimate of IMD cases was lower than that obtained using the Chapman formula (279; 266–296 vs 313; 295–330). The estimated adjusted incidence of IMD was 0.7/100 000 persons-year.

Conclusions

The sensitivity of enhanced surveillance through the combination of two complementary sources was higher than for the sources individually. Factors associated with under-reporting in different systems should be analysed to improve IMD surveillance.
School-based screening for childhood anxiety problems and intervention delivery: a codesign approach
Authors: Williamson Victoria , Larkin Michael , Reardon Tessa , Pearcey Samantha , Button Roberta , Green Iheoma , Hill Claire , Stallard Paul , Spence Susan H , Breen Maria , Mcdonald Ian , Ukoumunne Obioha , Ford Tamsin , Violato Mara , Sniehotta Falko , Stainer Jason , Gray Alastair , Brown Paul , Sancho Michelle , Morgan Fran , Jasper Bec , Creswell Cathy
Published: June 2022

Objectives

A very small proportion of children with anxiety problems receive evidence-based treatment. Barriers to access include difficulties with problem identification, concerns about stigma and a lack of clarity about how to access specialist services and their limited availability. A school-based programme that integrates screening to identify those children who are most likely to be experiencing anxiety problems with the offer of intervention has the potential to overcome many of these barriers. This article is a process-based account of how we used codesign to develop a primary school-based screening and intervention programme for child anxiety problems.

Design

Codesign.

Setting

UK primary schools.

Participants

Data were collected from year 4 children (aged 8–9 years), parents, school staff and mental health practitioners.

Results

We report how the developed programme was experienced and perceived by a range of users, including parents, children, school staff and mental health practitioners, as well as how the programme was adapted following user feedback.

Conclusions

We reflect on the mitigation techniques we employed, the lessons learnt from the codesign process and give recommendations that may inform the development and implementation of future school-based screening and intervention programmes.
Epidemiology and Control of diabetes - tuberculosis comorbidity in Eswatini: protocol for the prospective study of tuberculosis patients on predictive factors, treatment outcomes and patient management practices
Authors: Williams Victor , Vos Alinda , Otwombe Kennedy , Grobbee Diederick E , Klipstein-Grobusch Kerstin
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Previous studies indicate people with diabetes mellitus (DM) may have varying treatment outcomes when receiving treatment for tuberculosis (TB) and that TB infection or its treatment may predispose them to develop an abnormal blood glucose or type 2 DM. This has implications for Eswatini which is a high TB burden country and with increasing cases of non-communicable diseases including DM. This study will describe the epidemiology of DM-TB comorbidity in a prospective cohort of patients receiving TB treatment and identify best practices for integration of care for non-communicable diseases into TB services in Eswatini.

Methods and analysis

This study will employ a mixed-methods approach. Data from a prospective cohort of newly enrolled patients with TB at 12 health facilities from 1 June 2022 to 30 September 2022, and followed up to 30 April 2023, will be used. For the qualitative, key informants who provide TB services at the health facilities will be interviewed. Quantitative data from patients will be analysed descriptively and by tests of association and multivariate modelling. Key informant interviews from healthcare workers will be analysed using content analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

This research has been approved by the Eswatini Health and Human Research Review Board and participant confidentiality will be maintained. COVID-19 safety measures to reduce the risk of infection or transmission by researchers and participants have been instituted. Key programmatic findings and how they can impact healthcare delivery and access will be presented to the specific programme in the Eswatini Ministry of Health and other relevant stakeholders.
Impact of a pharmaceutical care service for patients with rheumatoid arthritis using a customised mobile device (the PROUD trial): study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Park Ji-Eun , Lee Ju-Eun , Moon Bo-Kyung , Lee Hwajeong , Park Sung-Hoon , Kim Seong-Kyu , Choe Jung-Yoon , Kim Ji-Won , Song Yun-Kyoung
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) generally requires lifelong treatment; however, its medication complexity might affect non-adherence. Pharmacist-led telehealth services were as effective as face-to-face services and reduced potential side effects in outpatients with chronic diseases. This study aims to analyse the effect of a telepharmacy service with a customised mobile device in comparison with the usual pharmacist service on the humanistic and clinical outcomes in patients with RA.

Methods and analysis

The study is designed as a prospective, randomised, open-label, and controlled trial to compare the humanistic and clinical outcomes of the pharmaceutical care service with monthly telecommunications and a customised mobile application (telepharmacy care group) against the usual service by community pharmacists (usual care group) in 256 patients with RA and prescribed at least one of the disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs. Participants will be recruited from a tertiary hospital in Republic of Korea with written informed consent. The primary outcome will be the changes in health-related quality of life as measured by the Korean version of the EuroQoL’s five-dimensional questionnaire at 6 months compared with baseline. The secondary outcomes will be the changes in the following: scores of the Korean version of the Compliance Questionnaire-Rheumatology and medication knowledge at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline; scores of the Korean version of the Pharmacy Service Questionnaire at 6 months compared with baseline; clinical parameters such as erythrocyte sedimentation rate, C reactive protein level, and pain score at 3 and 6 months compared with baseline; frequency of acute care utilisation over 6 months. Analysis will be carried out with intent-to-treat and per-protocol principles.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) of Daegu Catholic University Medical Center (IRB no. CR-21-082-L, 14 July 2021). The study findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

KCT0006508.
High-pressure NIV for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure in COPD: improved survival in a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hedsund Caroline , Nilsson Philip Mørkeberg , Hoyer Nils , Rasmussen Daniel Bech , Holm Claire Præst , Sonne Tine Peick , Jensen Jens-Ulrik Stæhr , Wilcke Jon Torgny
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Updated treatment guidelines for acute hypercapnic respiratory failure (AHRF) in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in 2016 recommended a rapid increase in inspiratory positive airway pressure (IPAP) to 20 cm H2O with possible further increase for patients not responding. Previous guidelines from 2006 suggested a more conservative algorithm and maximum IPAP of 20 cm H2O.

Aim

To determine whether updated guidelines recommending higher IPAP during NIV were related with improved outcome in patients with COPD admitted with AHRF, compared with NIV with lower IPAP.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study comparing patients with COPD admitted with AHRF requiring NIV in 2012–2013 and 2017–2018.

Results

101 patients were included in the 2012–2013 cohort with low IPAP regime and 80 patients in the 2017–2018 cohort with high IPAP regime. Baseline characteristics, including age, forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), pH and PaCO2at initiation of NIV, were comparable. Median IPAP in the 2012–2013 cohort was 12 cm H2O (IQR 10–14) and 20 cm H2O (IQR 18-24) in the 2017–2018 cohort (p<0.001). In-hospital mortality was 40.5% in the 2012–2013 cohort and 13.8% in the 2017–2018 cohort (p<0.001). The 30-days and 1-year mortality were significantly lower in the 2017–2018 cohort. With a Cox model 1 year survival analysis, adjusted for age, sex, FEV1and pH at NIV initiation, the HR was 0.45 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.74, p=0.002).

Conclusion

Short-term and long-term survival rates were substantially higher in the cohort treated with higher IPAP. Our data support the current strategy of rapid increase and higher pressure.
Antithrombotic dilemmas in stroke medicine: new data, unsolved challenges
Authors: Best Jonathan G , Cardus Beatrix , Klijn Catharina J M , Lip Gregory , Seiffge David J , Smith Eric E , Werring David J
Published: June 2022

Antithrombotic therapy is a key element of secondary prevention in patients who have had an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack. However, its use in clinical practice is not always straightforward. This review provides an update on certain difficult scenarios in antithrombotic management, with a focus on recent clinical trials and large observational studies. We discuss the approach to patients with an indication for antithrombotic treatment who also have clinical or radiological evidence of previous intracranial bleeding, patients with indications for both anticoagulant and antiplatelet treatment, and patients in whom antithrombotic treatment fails to prevent stroke. We also review the timing of anticoagulation initiation after cardioembolic stroke, and the use of antithrombotics in patients with asymptomatic cerebrovascular disease. Despite a wealth of new evidence, numerous uncertainties remain and we highlight ongoing trials addressing these.
Ethics of non-therapeutic research on imminently dying patients in the intensive care unit
Authors: Murphy Nicholas , Weijer Charles , Debicki Derek , Laforge Geoffrey , Norton Loretta , Gofton Teneille , Slessarev Marat
Published: June 2022

Non-therapeutic research with imminently dying patients in intensive care presents complex ethical issues. The vulnerabilities of the imminently dying, together with societal disquiet around death and dying, contribute to an intuition that such research is beyond the legitimate scope of scientific inquiry. Yet excluding imminently dying patients from research hinders the advancement of medical science to the detriment of future patients. Building on existing ethical guidelines for research, we propose a framework for the ethical design and conduct of research involving the imminently dying. To enable rapid translation to practice, we frame the approach in the form of eight ethical questions that researchers and research ethics committees ought to answer prior to conducting any research with this patient population. (1) Does the study hypothesis require the inclusion of imminently dying patients? (2) Are non-therapeutic risks and burdens minimised consistent with sound scientific design? (3) Are the risks of these procedures no more than minimal risk? (4) Are these non-therapeutic risks justified insofar as they are reasonable in relation to the anticipated benefits of the study? (5) Will valid informed consent be obtained from an authorised surrogate decision maker? (6) How will incidental findings be handled? (7) What additional steps are in place to protect families and significant others of research participants? (8) What additional steps are in place to protect clinical staff and researchers? Several ethical challenges hinder research with imminently dying patients. Nonetheless, provided adequate protections are in place, non-therapeutic research with imminently dying patients is ethically justifiable. Applying our framework to an ongoing study, we demonstrate how our question-driven approach is well suited to guiding investigators and research ethics committees.
Terms tobacco users employ to describe e-cigarette aerosol
Authors: Ebrahimi Kalan Mohammad , Lazard Allison J , Sheldon Jennifer Mendel , Whitesell Callie , Hall Marissa G , Ribisl Kurt M , Brewer Noel T
Published: June 2022

Background

The scientific term for the substance people inhale and exhale from a vaping device is ‘aerosol’, but whether the public uses this term is unclear. To inform tobacco control communication efforts, we sought to understand what tobacco users call e-cigarette aerosols.

Methods

Participants were a national convenience sample of 1628 US adults who used e-cigarettes, cigarettes or both (dual users). In an online survey, conducted in spring 2021, participants described what ‘people inhale and exhale when they vape’, using an open-ended and then a closed-ended response scale. Participants then evaluated warning statements, randomly assigned to contain the term ‘aerosol’ or ‘vapor‘ (eg, ‘E-cigarette aerosol/vapor contains nicotine, which can lead to seizures’).

Results

In open-ended responses, tobacco users most commonly provided the terms ‘vapor’ (31%) and ‘smoke’ (23%) but rarely ‘aerosol’ (<1%). In closed-ended responses, the most commonly endorsed terms were again ‘vapor’ (57%) and ‘smoke’ (22%) but again infrequently ‘aerosol’ (2%). In closed-ended responses, use of the term ‘vapor’ was more common than other terms among people who were older; white; gay, lesbian or bisexual; college educated; or vape users only (allp<0.05). In the experiment, warnings using the terms ‘aerosol’ and ‘vapor’ were equally effective (allp>0.05).

Conclusions

The public rarely uses the term ‘aerosol’ to describe e-cigarette output, potentially complicating educational efforts that use the term. Future studies should explore public knowledge and understanding of the terms ‘aerosol’ and the more popular ‘vapor’ to better inform vaping risk communication.
43rd International Asilomar Chromatin, Chromosomes, and Epigenetics Conference
Authors: Brown Joshua A.R. , Cui Jieying Hazel , Ling Maggie Y.M. , Gao Ellia X.C. , Howe LeAnn J. , Teves Sheila S.
Published: June 2022

The 43rd Asilomar Chromatin, Chromosomes, and Epigenetics Conference was held in an entirely online format from 9 to 11 December 2021. The conference enabled presenters at various career stages to share promising new findings, and presentations covered modern chromatin research across an array of model systems. Topics ranged from the fundamental principles of nuclear organization and transcription regulation to key mechanisms underlying human disease. The meeting featured five keynote speakers from diverse backgrounds and was organized by Juan Ausió, University of Victoria (British Columbia, Canada), James Davie, University of Manitoba (Manitoba, Canada), Philippe T. Georgel, Marshall University (West Virginia, USA), Michael Goldman, San Francisco State University (California, USA), LeAnn Howe, The University of British Columbia (British Columbia, Canada), Jennifer A. Mitchell, University of Toronto (Ontario, Canada), and Sally G. Pasion, San Francisco State University (California, USA).
Use of two novel trailer types for transportation of pigs to slaughter. I. Effects on trailer microclimate, pig behaviour, physiological response, and meat quality under Canadian summer conditions
Authors: Moak Kyle A.T. , Bergeron Renée , Conte Sabine , Bohrer Benjamin M. , Arrazola Aitor , Devillers Nicolas , Faucitano Luigi
Published: June 2022

A total of 3366 pigs were transported to slaughter in summer (six replicates/trailer type; July-August in southwestern Ontario) using three trailers: a modified triple-deck pot-belly (MPB), an advanced flat-deck (AFD), and a standard pot-belly (SPB). Within trailers, ambient conditions, temperature (T °C), relative humidity (RH%), and temperature-humidity-index (THI), were monitored in three compartments (bottom front, BF, middle deck, MM, and top rear, TR). A total of 162 pigs were selected for the analysis of hematocrit, lactate, and creatine kinase (CK) levels in exsanguination blood and for the evaluation of pork quality as assessed in the longissimus (LM), semimembranosus (SM), and adductor (AD) muscles. The AFD and MPB trailers presented lower ( P < 0.01) T°C and THI compared to the SPB during transit. In the SPB trailer, pigs transported in the MM compartment showed higher ( P < 0.01) blood CK concentrations than those transported in the BF compartment and lower pHu values in the SM and AD muscles ( P = 0.02 and P = 0.04, respectively) than those transported in the TR compartment. Although the AFD trailer design provided a better microclimate for pigs, the improvements in the design of the novel trailers only slightly reduced stress in pigs during summer transits.
A simple theoretical model for estimating the frequency characteristics of black hole mergers
Authors: Sirignano Luigi , Guarino Roberto
Published: June 2022

Gravitational waves, despite predicted within the Theory of General Relativity about a century ago, were observed experimentally only in the last few years, thanks to the recent advances of the LIGO and Virgo detectors. In this work, we introduce a simple theoretical model to study the gravitational irradiation of binary systems and derive the characteristics of the emitted gravitational waves (e.g., in terms of frequency). The simplicity of the model relies first on the consideration of the two-body problem and circular orbits. Second, we follow an energetic approach and make use of only one result of the Theory of General Relativity, to make the procedure clear and suitable for undergraduate education. The numerical solution is finally compared with the experimental data available for a few black hole mergers.
Lepton collider probes for Majorana neutrino effective interactions
Authors: Zapata Gabriel , Urruzola Tomás , Sampayo Oscar A. , Duarte Lucía
Published: June 2022

The extension of the standard model with new high-scale weakly coupled physics involving right-handed neutrinos in an effective field theory framework (SMNEFT) allows for a systematic study of heavy neutrinos phenomenology in current and future experiments. We exploit the outstanding angular resolution in future lepton colliders to study the sensitivity of forward–backward asymmetries to discover the possible single production of heavy Majorana neutrinos via $$e^{+}e^{-} \rightarrow N \nu $$

e
+

e
-

→
N
ν

, followed by a purely leptonic decay $$N \rightarrow \mu ^{-} \mu ^{+} \nu $$

N
→

μ
-

μ
+

ν

or a semi-leptonic decay $$N \rightarrow \mu ^{-} \text {j} \text {j} $$

N
→

μ
-

j

, for masses $$m_N > 50$$

m
N

>
50

 GeV. In this regime, we consider the N production and decays to be dominated by scalar and vectorial four-fermion $$d=6$$

d
=
6

single $$N_R$$

N
R

operators. This is an alternative analysis to searches using displaced vertices and fat jets, in a higher mass regime, where the N is short-lived but can be found by the angular distribution of its decay products. We find that a forward–backward asymmetry between the final muons in the pure leptonic decay mode provides a sensitivity up to 12$$\sigma $$
σ
for $$m_N=100$$

m
N

=
100

 GeV, for effective couplings $$\alpha =0.2$$

α
=
0.2

and new physics scale $$\Lambda =1$$

Λ
=
1

 TeV. In the case of the semi-leptonic decay, we can compare the final muon and higher $$p_T$$

p
T

jet flight directions, again finding up to 12$$\sigma $$
σ
sensitivity to the effective signals.
On the analytically-improved running coupling in QCD
Authors: Brandt F. T. , Frenkel J. , McKeon D. G. C. , Sakoda G. S. S.
Published: June 2022

In this paper, we examine, in the ’t Hooft renormalization scheme, the analytic running coupling [Formula: see text] in QCD, using the two-loop [Formula: see text]-function with positive expansion parameters [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. An exact integral representation is derived for this causal coupling, which is fully expressed in terms of the imaginary part of the Lambert function [Formula: see text]. This integral form manifestly accounts for the universal value of the infrared limit [Formula: see text].
DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF A FRACTAL CUSHIONING PACKAGING SYSTEM
Authors: ELÍAS-ZÚÑIGA ALEX , PALACIOS-PINEDA LUIS MANUEL , TREJO DANIEL OLVERA , MARTÍNEZ-ROMERO OSCAR
Published: June 2022

This paper focuses on predicting the shape, duration, and peak magnitude of the displacement, velocity, and acceleration curves while dropping weight over a viscoelastic fractal cushioning packaging system. Furthermore, to capture high-frequency harmonic components observed during the impact time span, the approximate frequency–amplitude expression of the governing equation of motion will be obtained via an ancient Chinese algorithm and He’s formulation by assuming initial trial solutions based on Jacobi elliptic functions. Numerical simulations confirmed the ability of the Jacobi elliptic functions to capture high-frequency harmonics observed during the cushioning packaging system dynamic response with a root mean square error (RMSE) value that does not exceed 0.0218, which is an indication of the great accuracy attained from our derived solution when compared to the exact numerical one. Furthermore, our derived approximate solution predicts that when a weight is dropped over the cushioning packaging, the cushion material with smaller porosity will absorb the produced kinetic energy faster.
TORSIONAL BEHAVIOR OF STENTS: THE ROLE OF LINKER AND STENT TAPERING INVESTIGATED WITH NUMERICAL SIMULATION
Authors: SHEN XIANG , LU KAIKAI , ZHU HONGFEI , JIANG JIABAO , TIAN RUN , LI HANQING
Published: June 2022

The torsional performance is a major mechanical property of stent. A stent with good torsional performance is easy to deform along blood vessels without damaging the vascular wall to avoid in-stent restenosis (ISR). Therefore, this study aimed to study the effect of stent parameters on torsional performance. The effect of stent parameters on torsional performance was studied via finite element method (FEM). The twist metric (TM) and stress distribution of various stents were compared. The TM values of stents with I-, S-, M-, C-, and V-shaped linkers were 0.0190, 0.0191, 0.0184, 0.0141, and 0.0201[Formula: see text][Formula: see text], respectively. In addition, the TM value of the stent increased by 35.85 times when the number of linkers was increased from 2 to 8 and the stent was twisted at the same angular displacement in clockwise direction. The TM value of the stent with 1.13∘ tapering was 0.010 [Formula: see text], which was lower by 47.64% compared with that of cylindrical stent. Compared with the shape of the linker, the number of linkers had a more remarkable effect on torsional performance. Torsional performance was observably enhanced with the decrease in the number of linkers. Among the five stents with different linker shapes, the torsional performance of the stent with C-shaped linker was the best. Besides, the torsional performance of the tapered stent was better than that of the cylindrical stent. Moreover, the torsional performance increased by increasing the stent tapering. This work might provide insights into better stent design and clinical decisions.
Comparison of Nitrogen Dioxide Predictions During a Pandemic and Non-pandemic Scenario in the City of Madrid using a Convolutional LSTM Network
Authors: Iskandaryan Ditsuhi , Ramos Francisco , Trilles Sergio
Published: June 2022

Traditionally, machine learning technologies with the methods and capabilities available, combined with a geospatial dimension, can perform predictive analyzes of air quality with greater accuracy. However, air pollution is influenced by many external factors, one of which has recently been caused by the restrictions applied to curb the relentless advance of COVID-19. These sudden changes in air quality levels can negatively influence current forecasting models. This work compares air pollution forecasts during a pandemic and non-pandemic period under the same conditions. The ConvLSTM algorithm was applied to predict the concentration of nitrogen dioxide using data from the air quality and meteorological stations in Madrid. The proposed model was applied for two scenarios: pandemic (January–June 2020) and non-pandemic (January–June 2019), each with sub-scenarios based on time granularity (1-h, 12-h, 24-h and 48-h) and combination of features. The Root Mean Square Error was taken as the estimation metric, and the results showed that the proposed method outperformed a reference model, and the feature selection technique significantly improved the overall accuracy.