bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La pérdida del estado clerical en los pontificados de SS. Pió XII, Juan XXIII, Pablo VI, Juan Pablo II y Benedicto XVI
Authors:   , Sánchez Sánchez Hermes Pbro.
Published: July 2022

"Cada vez resulta más interesante el estudio del Derecho Canónico. Su aplicabilidad en la iglesia y el contenido específicamente eclesiológico-pastoral que enmarca el espíritu de la publicación del Nuevo Código en el año de 1983, nos permiten ver claramente cuáles son los criterios que la iglesia maneja para ser observados como normas a seguir. Esto, considero, justifica en mi caso la presentación de este tema para la tesis doctoral a la Facultad de Derecho Canónico de la Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Busca, indudablemente haciendo el recorrido histórico de los pontificados de Pío XII, Juan XXIII, Pablo VI y Juan Pablo II ""el magno"", especificar de manera clara y diáfanamente entendida las facultades especiales que el Santo Padre Benedicto XVI, felizmente reinante en la cátedra de San Pedro, ha concedido a la Congregación para el Clero, y por su medio a los Obispos diocesanos titulares en sus sedes y a los Superiores religiosos Mayores, en el documento expedido y hecho de público conocimiento el 30 de enero del año 2009 referente a la pérdida del estado clerical y al trámite de la respectiva dispensa."
Los mínimos antropológicos para una visión cristiana del hombre en la prueba pericial desde la sana antropología cristiana
Authors:   , Gil Betancur Farly Yovany
Published: July 2022

La tesis ofrece los lineamientos para esbozar los mínimos antropológicos para la visión cristiana del hombre en la prueba pericial, y a la luz de esa sana antropología que los peritos den su aporte en la prueba pericial, de modo que el juez entre en diálogo con el perito pero desde el mismo lenguaje en sus principios, así se valora el alcance del peritazgo en los matrimonios, se delinea un auténtico diálogo entre las ciencias antropológicas y el derecho, visualizando los peligros de corrientes que parcializan la visión integral del hombre. La valoración de la prueba pericial se da en la medida que se conozca su definición, su sentido y sus lineamientos esto desde la sana antropología: como prueba aportando, como auxilio iluminando, apoyándose criterio clínico y criterio jurídico: Finalmente con claros presupuestos antropológicos el juez dará su valoración con la ayuda del peritazgo motivando su decisión con argumentos y solidez procesal y con gran ética y técnica jurídica.
¿Seguridad alimentaria, soberanía alimentaria o derecho a la alimentación? Estado de la cuestión
Authors: Medina Rey José María , Ortega Carpio Mª Luz , Martínez Cousinou Gloria
Published: July 2022

En los debates de los últimos años acerca del problema global del hambre han interactuado tres enfoques conceptuales de gran relevancia, uno de carácter técnico, otro reivindicativo y otro jurídico: la seguridad alimentaria, la soberanía alimentaria y el derecho a la alimentación. Cada enfoque tiene unas implicaciones en cuanto a cómo abordar el problema del hambre. Por ello, resulta relevante establecer la delimitación entre estos, sus diferencias, similitudes y relaciones. Los tres enfoques conceptuales se han influido mutuamente de una u otra forma y han hecho que las aproximaciones a la lucha contra el hambre se tornen cada vez más ricas, completas y complejas.
Wear of Mechanochemically Treated High-Speed Steel Cutting Tools
Authors: Qi Ye , Nguyen Vinh , Melkote Shreyes , Varenberg Michael
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a study of the wear of high-speed steel cutting tools modified mechanochemically by shot peening their rake faces with a mixture of Al2O3 and Cu2S particles. This treatment has been recently proved to reduce cutting forces significantly, but little is known about the wear resistance of the modified tools. To pave the way for practical implementation of this technology, here we bridge this gap. Orthogonal cutting tests performed under base oil lubrication demonstrate at least a twofold increase in the tool life compared to the untreated references. This is attributed to the formation of iron sulfide and its ability to retain oil at the cutting interface, which results in lower stresses and temperature. This environmentally friendly technique shows good potential to lower manufacturing costs, reduce energy consumption, and improve machining quality.
Sensitivity caused by Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus and D. farinae (Astigmata: Pyroglyphidae) in subjects with allergic rhinitis
Authors: Dhaliwal Amandeep Kaur , Kaur Chahal Manpreet
Published: July 2022

The house dust mites (HDMs), defined here as members of the family Pyroglyphidae, are present just about everywhere in human dwellings and act as an important risk factor for allergic rhinitis (AR). They are a major perennial allergen source that causes AR. In the present study, 160 subjects clinically diagnosed with AR from the Department of Ear Nose Throat (ENT), Government Rajindra Medical College and Hospital, Patiala, India, and 30 non-allergic healthy, control individuals were selected. Blood samples were taken from all these study subjects for serological testing and ImmunoCAP™ Phadia™ 100 was used for the detection of total and HDM specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels. To detect total IgE levels, a mixture of 14 different allergens was used and, for HDM specific IgE, a mixture of Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Trouessart) and D. farinae Hughes allergens. Dust samples were taken from mattresses used by the study subjects with the help of a vacuum cleaner. A floatation method was used for the extraction of mites. Hoyer’s medium was used for the preparation of slides for microscopy. Total IgE levels were elevated in all AR subjects and HDM specific IgE levels were found to be positive in 54.38% of them. Analysis of dust samples showed that 72.50% of samples from the mattresses of AR subjects were found to be positive for the HDMs D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae and 33.33% of those from the control group. Total and HDM specific IgE levels of AR subjects showed statistically significant correlation with each other, but in the control group no such correlation was found. Moreover, a significant result was found between the positive HDM specific IgE levels and the number of D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae found in their respective dust samples. In conclusion, the total IgE and positive HDM specific IgE levels showed that there was a chance of allergic reaction in rhinitis subjects. Furthermore, the significant statistical analysis between positive HDM specific IgE levels against D. pteronyssinus and D. farinae, and the higher prevalence of these two species in the houses sampled provided support for these mites being the major allergen sources for the symptoms of AR in the study area.
Contribution of natural enemies and weather to the population buildup of Raoiella indica on coconut
Authors: Fidelis Elisangela Gomes , Farias Elizeu de Sá , Joaquim Da Silva Junior Rinaldo
Published: July 2022

Population dynamic studies help understand how biotic and abiotic factors can affect pest populations and their natural enemies. The red palm mite, Raoiella indica Hirst (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), is an invasive species that severely damages coconut and banana trees and threatens several Arecaceae species in the Americas. In the present study, populations of R. indica were monthly monitored for 16 months in a coconut plantation in Boa Vista, Roraima, Brazil, to evaluate the contribution of natural enemies and climatic factors on population dynamics of this pest. Linear models were adjusted to determine how average air temperature, relative humidity, rainfall, and predators affect the abundance of R. indica over time. Rainfall and high air temperatures were the main factors reducing R. indica populations. During the drier months of the year, from September to March (average temperatures approximately 27.6 ºC), the densities of R. indica were highest, and severe damage, such as yellowing and leaf necrosis, was observed on the plants. The most abundant predator was Amblyseius largoensis (Muma) (Acari: Phytoseiidae). Its density was positively influenced by R. indica and negatively affected by rainfall and high temperatures. Furthermore, the population of A. largoensis was reduced in drier periods and grew slower than R. indica after this period; thus, studies evaluating the release of this predator at the beginning of the rainy season are necessary to assess its effectiveness in regulating R. indica. This is the first report of insect predatory insects, namely Stethorus sp. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) and Thysanoptera: Phlaeothripidae, regulating R. indica in Brazil.
Using a smartphone camera to explore ray optics beyond the thin lens equation
Authors: Sullivan M. C.
Published: July 2022

Ray optics is a staple of introductory physics classes, but many students do not have the opportunity to explore optics beyond the thin lens equation. In this paper, we expand upon a successful remote experiment using a smartphone camera to explore both the successes and limitations of the thin lens equation. Application of the thin lens equation reveals a linear relationship between the object distance and the inverse image height in pixels. Using the open-source image analysis tool ImageJ to measure the image height, we can find the effective focal length of the smartphone camera lens. Our measured focal lengths agree well with the stated manufacturer values for the effective focal lengths. Further application of the thin lens equation is not successful, but a modification of the analysis leads to an explanation and experimental determination of the location of the principal planes in the smartphone camera systems. This experiment can work well at the introductory level, either in person or remote, and can be used as an introduction or motivation to explore more advanced topics in ray optics.
Effect of Superimposed Russian Current on Quadriceps Strength and Lower-Extremity Endurance in Healthy Males and Females
Authors: Şimşek Şule , Oymak Soysal Ayşe Nur , Kaş Özdemir Atiye , Baş Aslan Ümmühan , Bergin Korkmaz Merve
Published: July 2022

Context: More studies are needed to compare the effect of voluntary contraction, electrical stimulation, and electrical stimulation superimposed onto voluntary contraction in improving trained and untrained homolog muscle strength and lower-extremity endurance. Design: Seventy-six healthy young adults (age = 20.41 [3.07] y, 61 females and 15 males) were included in the study. Subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups as voluntary isometric contraction (IC) group, Russian current (RC) group, and superimposed Russian current (SRC) group. Methods: All training regimens were performed under physiotherapist supervision for a total of 18 sessions (3 times per week for 6 wk). In each session, 10 ICs were achieved with voluntary isometric exercise only, RC only, or RC superimposed onto ICs. Main outcome measures were trained and untrained quadriceps strength (maximal voluntary isometric contraction [MVIC]) and lower-extremity endurance (sit-to-stand test). Results: After 6 weeks of training, all outcome measures improved in all groups (P < .05), except the untrained quadriceps MVIC score of RC group (P = .562). The trained quadriceps MVIC score (P < .001, η2 = .478), untrained quadriceps MVIC score (P = .011, η2 = .115), and sit-to-stand test score (P < .001, η2 = .357) differed significantly among the 3 groups; post hoc analysis revealed that the trained quadriceps MVIC score was higher in SRC and RC groups than in the IC group, untrained quadriceps MVIC score was higher in SRC group than in the RC group, and sit-to-stand test score was higher in SRC group than in the RC group and IC group. Conclusions: RC and RC superimposed onto IC are superior to IC in improving quadriceps muscle strength, and RC superimposed onto IC is superior to RC and IC in improving lower-extremity endurance. RC superimposed onto IC and voluntary IC created cross-education effect on untrained quadriceps.
A chromosomal inversion contributes to divergence in multiple traits between deer mouse ecotypes
Authors: Hager Emily R. , Harringmeyer Olivia S. , Wooldridge T. Brock , Theingi Shunn , Gable Jacob T. , McFadden Sade , Neugeboren Beverly , Turner Kyle M. , Jensen Jeffrey D. , Hoekstra Hopi E.
Published: July 2022

How locally adapted ecotypes are established and maintained within a species is a long-standing question in evolutionary biology. Using forest and prairie ecotypes of deer mice (
Peromyscus maniculatus
), we characterized the genetic basis of variation in two defining traits—tail length and coat color—and discovered a 41-megabase chromosomal inversion linked to both. The inversion frequency is 90% in the dark, long-tailed forest ecotype; decreases across a habitat transition; and is absent from the light, short-tailed prairie ecotype. We implicate divergent selection in maintaining the inversion at frequencies observed in the wild, despite high levels of gene flow, and explore fitness benefits that arise from suppressed recombination within the inversion. We uncover a key role for a large, previously uncharacterized inversion in the evolution and maintenance of classic mammalian ecotypes.
High ambipolar mobility in cubic boron arsenide
Authors: Shin Jungwoo , Gamage Geethal Amila , Ding Zhiwei , Chen Ke , Tian Fei , Qian Xin , Zhou Jiawei , Lee Hwijong , Zhou Jianshi , Shi Li , Nguyen Thanh , Han Fei , Li Mingda , Broido David , Schmidt Aaron , Ren Zhifeng , Chen Gang
Published: July 2022

Semiconductors with high thermal conductivity and electron-hole mobility are of great importance for electronic and photonic devices as well as for fundamental studies. Among the ultrahigh–thermal conductivity materials, cubic boron arsenide (c-BAs) is predicted to exhibit simultaneously high electron and hole mobilities of >1000 centimeters squared per volt per second. Using the optical transient grating technique, we experimentally measured thermal conductivity of 1200 watts per meter per kelvin and ambipolar mobility of 1600 centimeters squared per volt per second at the same locations on c-BAs samples at room temperature despite spatial variations. Ab initio calculations show that lowering ionized and neutral impurity concentrations is key to achieving high mobility and high thermal conductivity, respectively. The high ambipolar mobilities combined with the ultrahigh thermal conductivity make c-BAs a promising candidate for next-generation electronics.
To make a mirrorless laser
Authors: Faccio Daniele , Wright Ewan M.
Published: July 2022

Periodic temporal modulation of a photonic crystal can be used to produce laser light
Cleaner air is adding to global warming
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: July 2022

Satellites capture fall in light-blocking pollution
Elevated risk of infection with SARS-CoV-2 Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants compared with Alpha variant in vaccinated individuals
Authors: Andeweg Stijn P. , Vennema Harry , Veldhuijzen Irene , Smorenburg Naomi , Schmitz Dennis , Zwagemaker Florian , van Gageldonk-Lafeber Arianne B. , Hahné Susan J. M. , Reusken Chantal , Knol Mirjam J. , Eggink Dirk ,   on behalf of the SeqNeth Molecular surveillance group‡ and,   RIVM COVID-19 Molecular epidemiology group‡
Published: July 2022

The extent to which severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variants of concern (VOCs) break through infection- or vaccine-induced immunity is not well understood. We analyzed 28,578 sequenced SARS-CoV-2 samples from individuals with known immune status obtained through national community testing in the Netherlands from March to August 2021. We found evidence of an increased risk of infection by the Beta (B.1.351), Gamma (P.1), or Delta (B.1.617.2) variants compared with the Alpha (B.1.1.7) variant after vaccination. No clear differences were found between vaccines. However, the effect was larger in the first 14 to 59 days after complete vaccination compared with ≥60 days. In contrast to vaccine-induced immunity, there was no increased risk for reinfection with Beta, Gamma, or Delta variants relative to the Alpha variant in individuals with infection-induced immunity.
PSMD12-Mediated M1 Ubiquitination of Influenza A Virus at K102 Regulates Viral Replication
Authors: Hui Xianfeng , Cao Lei , Xu Ting , Zhao Lianzhong , Huang Kun , Zou Zhong , Ren Peilei , Mao Haiying , Yang Ying , Gao Shuo , Sun Xiaomei , Lin Xian , Jin Meilin
Published: July 2022

M1 is proposed to play multiple biologically important roles in the life cycle of IAV, which relies largely on host factors. This study is the first one to identify that PSMD12 interacts with M1, mediates K63-linked ubiquitination of M1 at the K102 site, and thus positively regulates influenza virus proliferation.
Foot-and-Mouth Disease Virus Serotypes O and A from Outbreaks in Pakistan 2011–2012
Authors: Stenfeldt Carolina , Bertram Miranda , Holinka-Patterson Lauren , Fish Ian , Farooq Umer , Ahmed Zaheer , Hartwig Ethan J. , Smoliga George R. , Naeem Khalid , Rodriguez Luis , Arzt Jonathan
Published: July 2022

We report the near full genome sequences of 18 isolates of foot-and-mouth disease virus serotype O and 6 isolates of serotype A obtained from outbreaks in Pakistan between 2011 and 2012. The scarcity of full-length FMDV sequences from this region enhances the importance of these genomes for understanding regional molecular epidemiology.
Time Series Genomics of Pseudomonas aeruginosa Reveals the Emergence of a Hypermutator Phenotype and Within-Host Evolution in Clinical Inpatients
Authors: Liu Hongjie , Yang Lang , Chen Qichao , Song Hongbin , Bo Xiaochen , Guo Jingyu , Li Peng , Ni Ming
Published: July 2022

Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is a predominant opportunistic pathogen that causes nosocomial infections. Inappropriate empirical therapy can lead to prolonged hospital stays and increased mortality.
Utility of Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing for Etiological Diagnosis of Patients with Sepsis in Intensive Care Units
Authors: Chien Jung-Yien , Yu Chong-Jen , Hsueh Po-Ren
Published: July 2022

Delays in effective antimicrobial therapy have resulted in decreased survival rates among patients with sepsis. However, current culture-based diagnostic methods have low sensitivity because of concurrent antibiotic exposure and fastidious and atypical causative organisms.
CRISPR Contributes to Adhesion, Invasion, and Biofilm Formation in Streptococcus agalactiae by Repressing Capsular Polysaccharide Production
Authors: Nie Meng , Dong Yuhao , Cao Qing , Zhao Dan , Ji Shuting , Huang Hao , Jiang Mingguo , Liu Guangjin , Liu Yongjie
Published: July 2022

Beyond protection from invading nucleic acids, CRISPR-Cas systems have been shown to have an important role in regulating bacterial endogenous genes. In this study, we demonstrate that crRNA inhibits the transcription of the
cps
operon by repressing the activity of promoter P
cpsA
, leading to increases in the abilities of adhesion, invasion, and biofilm formation in
S. agalactiae
.
Supplemental Material: Mode of continental breakup of marginal seas
Authors: Mohn Geoffroy , al. et
Published: July 2022

Interpretation method, uninterpreted and interpreted profiles of the South China Sea and Woodlark Basin, and the enlarged interpreted profiles of the Coral Sea. 
Supplemental Material: Paleoclimates inform on a weakening and amplitude-reduced East Asian winter monsoon in the warming future
Authors: Kang Shugang , al. et
Published: July 2022

Details of sampling, outcrops, OSL ages, chronology, interpolation, smoothing, and instrumental and projected data related to the EAWM. 
Waning effectiveness of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1 covid-19 vaccines over six months since second dose: OpenSAFELY cohort study using linked electronic health records
Authors: Horne Elsie M F , Hulme William J , Keogh Ruth H , Palmer Tom M , Williamson Elizabeth J , Parker Edward P K , Green Amelia , Walker Venexia , Walker Alex J , Curtis Helen , Fisher Louis , MacKenna Brian , Croker Richard , Hopcroft Lisa , Park Robin Y , Massey Jon , Morley Jessica , Mehrkar Amir , Bacon Sebastian , Evans David , Inglesby Peter , Morton Caroline E , Hickman George , Davy Simon , Ward Tom , Dillingham Iain , Goldacre Ben , Hernán Miguel A , Sterne Jonathan A C
Published: July 2022

Objective

To estimate waning of covid-19 vaccine effectiveness over six months after second dose.

Design

Cohort study, approved by NHS England.

Setting

Linked primary care, hospital, and covid-19 records within the OpenSAFELY-TPP database.

Participants

Adults without previous SARS-CoV-2 infection were eligible, excluding care home residents and healthcare professionals.

Exposures

People who had received two doses of BNT162b2 or ChAdOx1 (administered during the national vaccine rollout) were compared with unvaccinated people during six consecutive comparison periods, each of four weeks.

Main outcome measures

Adjusted hazard ratios for covid-19 related hospital admission, covid-19 related death, positive SARS-CoV-2 test, and non-covid-19 related death comparing vaccinated with unvaccinated people. Waning vaccine effectiveness was quantified as ratios of adjusted hazard ratios per four week period, separately for subgroups aged ≥65 years, 18-64 years and clinically vulnerable, 40-64 years, and 18-39 years.

Results

1 951 866 and 3 219 349 eligible adults received two doses of BNT162b2 and ChAdOx1, respectively, and 2 422 980 remained unvaccinated. Waning of vaccine effectiveness was estimated to be similar across outcomes and vaccine brands. In the ≥65 years subgroup, ratios of adjusted hazard ratios for covid-19 related hospital admission, covid-19 related death, and positive SARS-CoV-2 test ranged from 1.19 (95% confidence interval 1.14 to 1.24)

to 1.34 (1.09 to 1.64) per four weeks. Despite waning vaccine effectiveness, rates of covid-19 related hospital admission and death were substantially lower among vaccinated than unvaccinated adults up to 26 weeks after the second dose, with estimated vaccine effectiveness ≥80% for BNT162b2, and ≥75% for ChAdOx1. By weeks 23-26, rates of positive SARS-CoV-2 test in vaccinated people were similar to or higher than in unvaccinated people (adjusted hazard ratios up to 1.72 (1.11 to 2.68) for BNT162b2 and 1.86 (1.79 to 1.93) for ChAdOx1).

Conclusions

The rate at which estimated vaccine effectiveness waned was consistent for covid-19 related hospital admission, covid-19 related death, and positive SARS-CoV-2 test and was similar across subgroups defined by age and clinical vulnerability. If sustained to outcomes of infection with the omicron variant and to booster vaccination, these findings will facilitate scheduling of booster vaccination.
Low-dose trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole for the treatment ofPneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia (LOW-TMP): protocol for a phase III randomised, placebo-controlled, dose-comparison trial
Authors: Sohani Zahra N. , Butler-Laporte Guillaume , Aw Andrew , Belga Sara , Benedetti Andrea , Carignan Alex , Cheng Matthew P. , Coburn Bryan , Costiniuk Cecilia T , Ezer Nicole , Gregson Dan , Johnson Andrew , Khwaja Kosar , Lawandi Alexander , Leung Victor , Lother Sylvain , MacFadden Derek , McGuinty Michaeline , Parkes Leighanne , Qureshi Salman , Roy Valerie , Rush Barret , Schwartz Ilan , So Miranda , Somayaji Ranjani , Tan Darrell , Trinh Emilie , Lee Todd C. , McDonald Emily G.
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Pneumocystis jiroveciipneumonia (PJP) is an opportunistic infection of immunocompromised hosts with significant morbidity and mortality. The current standard of care, trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (TMP-SMX) at a dose of 15–20 mg/kg/day, is associated with serious adverse drug events (ADE) in 20%–60% of patients. ADEs include hypersensitivity reactions, drug-induced liver injury, cytopenias and renal failure, all of which can be treatment limiting. In a recent meta-analysis of observational studies, reduced dose TMP-SMX for the treatment of PJP was associated with fewer ADEs, without increased mortality.

Methods and analysis

A phase III randomised, placebo-controlled, trial to directly compare the efficacy and safety of low-dose TMP-SMX (10 mg/kg/day of TMP) with the standard of care (15 mg/kg/day of TMP) among patients with PJP, for a composite primary outcome of change of treatment, new mechanical ventilation, or death. The trial will be undertaken at 16 Canadian hospitals. Data will be analysed as intention to treat. Primary and secondary outcomes will be compared using logistic regression adjusting for stratification and presented with 95% CI.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been conditionally approved by the McGill University Health Centre; Ethics approval will be obtained from all participating centres. Results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

Trial registration number

NCT04851015.
Effectiveness of an electronic clinical decision support system in improving the management of childhood illness in primary care in rural Nigeria: an observational study
Authors: Schmitz Torsten , Beynon Fenella , Musard Capucine , Kwiatkowski Marek , Landi Marco , Ishaya Daniel , Zira Jeremiah , Muazu Muazu , Renner Camille , Emmanuel Edwin , Bulus Solomon Gideon , Rossi Rodolfo
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To evaluate the impact of ALgorithm for the MANAgement of CHildhood illness (‘ALMANACH’), a digital clinical decision support system (CDSS) based on the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness, on health and quality of care outcomes for sick children attending primary healthcare (PHC) facilities.

Design

Observational study, comparing outcomes of children attending facilities implementing ALMANACH with control facilities not yet implementing ALMANACH.

Setting

PHC facilities in Adamawa State, North-Eastern Nigeria.

Participants

Children 2–59 months presenting with an acute illness. Children attending for routine care or nutrition visits (eg, immunisation, growth monitoring), physical trauma or mental health problems were excluded.

Interventions

The ALMANACH intervention package (CDSS implementation with training, mentorship and data feedback) was rolled out across Adamawa’s PHC facilities by the Adamawa State Primary Health Care Development Agency, in partnership with the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Swiss Tropical and Public Health Institute. Tablets were donated, but no additional support or incentives were provided. Intervention and control facilities received supportive supervision based on the national supervision protocol.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was caregiver-reported recovery at day 7, collected over the phone. Secondary outcomes were antibiotic and antimalarial prescription, referral, and communication of diagnosis and follow-up advice, assessed at day 0 exit interview.

Results

We recruited 1929 children, of which 1021 (53%) attended ALMANACH facilities, between March and September 2020. Caregiver-reported recovery was significantly higher among children attending ALMANACH facilities (adjusted OR=2·63, 95% CI 1·60 to 4·32). We observed higher parenteral and lower oral antimicrobial prescription rates (adjusted OR=2·42 (1·00 to 5·85) and adjusted OR=0·40 (0·22 to 0·73), respectively) in ALMANACH facilities as well as markedly higher rates for referral, communication of diagnosis, and follow-up advice.

Conclusion

Implementation of digital CDSS with training, mentorship and feedback in primary care can improve quality of care and recovery of sick children in resource-constrained settings, likely mediated by better guideline adherence. These findings support the use of CDSS for health systems strengthening to progress towards universal health coverage.
Risk factors and consequences of traumatic brain injury in a Swiss male population cohort
Authors: Matei Valentin Petre , Rosca Alina Elena , Pavel Alexandru Neculai , Paun Radu Mihai , Gmel Gerhard , Daeppen Jean-Bernard , Studer Joseph
Published: July 2022

Objective

To investigate the risk factors for and the consequences (ie, substance use disorders (SUD), depression, personality traits) of traumatic brain injury (TBI) in young Swiss men.

Design

This is a three-wave cohort study. Risk factors were measured at baseline (2010–2012) and at follow-up 1 (FU1; 2012–2014), while the consequences and TBI were measured at follow-up 2 (FU2; 2016–2018).

Setting

Switzerland.

Participants

All participants at FU2 (Mage=25.43, SD=1.25) of the Cohort Study on Substance Use Risk Factors (N=4881 young Swiss men after listwise deletion).

Measures

The outcomes measured were TBI, SUD (ie, alcohol, nicotine, cannabis, other illicit drugs), depression and personality traits (ie, sensation seeking, anxiety-neuroticism, sociability, aggression-hostility) at FU2. The predictors were previous TBI (lifetime TBI but not in the past 12 months at FU2), SUD, personality traits and sociodemographics (highest level of achieved education, age, linguistic region) measured at FU1.

Results

At FU2, 3919 (80.3%) participants reported to never have had TBI, 102 (2.1%) have had TBI in the last 12 months (TBI new cases), and 860 (17.6%) have had TBI during their lifetime but not in the 12 months preceding FU2 (previous TBI). Low educational attainment (OR=3.93, 95% CI 2.10 to 7.36), depression (OR=2.87, 95% CI 1.35 to 6.11), nicotine dependence (OR=1.72, 95% CI 1.09 to 2.71), high sociability (OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.30), high aggression-hostility (OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.06 to 1.26) and high sensation seeking (OR=1.33, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.68) at FU1 were significantly associated with TBI new cases at FU2. Previous TBI was significantly associated with nicotine dependence (OR=1.46, 95% CI 1.16 to 1.83), depression (OR=2.16, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.99) and aggression-hostility (B=0.14, 95% CI >0.00 to 0.28) at FU2.

Conclusion

Low educational attainment and depression are the most significant risk factors associated with increased odds of future TBI, while depression, nicotine dependence and high aggression-hostility are the main consequences of previous TBI. TBI should be considered an underlying factor in the treatment of depression, SUD or unfavourable personality profiles.
Use of computerised adaptive testing to reduce the number of items in patient-reported hip and knee outcome scores: an analysis of the NHS England National Patient-Reported Outcome Measures programme
Authors: Evans Jonathan Peter , Gibbons Christopher , Toms Andrew D , Valderas Jose Maria
Published: July 2022

Objective

Over 160 000 participants per year complete the 12-item Oxford Hip and Knee Scores (OHS/OKS) as part of the NHS England Patient-Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) programme. We used a modern computational approach, known as computerised adaptive testing (CAT), to simulate individually tailored OHS and OKS assessment, with the goal of reducing the number of questions a patient must complete without compromising measurement accuracy.

Methods

We fit the 2018/2019 PROMs data to an item response theory (IRT) model. We assessed IRT model assumptions alongside reliability. We used parameters from the IRT model with data from 2017/2018 to simulate CAT assessments. Two simulations were run until a prespecified SE of measurement was met (SE=0.32 and SE=0.45). We compared the number of questions required to meet each cut-off and assessed the correlation between the full-length and CAT administration.

Results

We conducted IRT analysis using 40 432 OHS and 44 714 OKS observations. The OHS and OKS were both unidimensional (root mean square error of approximation 0.08 and 0.07, respectively) and marginal reliability 0.91 and 0.90. The CAT, with a precision limit of SE=0.32 and SE=0.45, required a median of four items (IQR 1) and two items (IQR 1), respectively, for the OHS, and median of four items (IQR 2) and two items (IQR 0) for the OKS. This represents a potential 82% reduction in PROM length. In the context of 160 000 yearly assessments, these methodologies could result in the omission of some 1 280 000 redundant questions per year, which equates to 40 000 hours of patient time.

Conclusion

The application of IRT to the OHS and OKS produces an efficient and substantially reduced CAT. We have demonstrated a path to reduce the burden and potentially increase the compliance for these ubiquitous outcome measures without compromising measurement accuracy.
Effectiveness of women-led community interventions in improving tuberculosis preventive treatment in children: results from a comparative, before–after study in Ethiopia
Authors: Jerene Degu , Assefa Dawit , Tesfaye Kalkidan , Bayu Samuel , Seid Samuel , Aberra Fikirte , Bedru Ahmed , Khan Amera , Creswell Jacob
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Our objective was to evaluate the impact of a service delivery model led by membership-based associations called Iddirs formed by women on tuberculosis preventive treatment (TPT) initiation and completion rates among children.

Design

Comparative, before-and-after study design.

Setting

Three intervention and two control districts in Ethiopia.

Participants

Children who had a history of close contact with adults with infectious forms of tuberculosis (TB). Child contacts in whom active TB and contraindications to TPT regimens were excluded were considered eligible for TPT.

Interventions

Between July 2020 and June 2021, trained women Iddir members visited households of index TB patients, screened child household contacts for TB, provided education and information on the benefits of TPT, linked them to the nearby health centre and followed them at home for TPT adherence and side effects. Two control zones received the standard of care, which comprised of facility-based provision of TPT to children. We analysed quarterly TPT data for treatment initiation and completion and compared intervention and control zones before and after the interventions and tested for statistical significance using Poisson regression.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

There were two primary outcome measures: proportion of eligible children initiated TPT and proportion completed treatment out of those eligible.

Results

TPT initiation rate among eligible under-15-year-old children (U15C) increased from 28.7% to 63.5% in the intervention zones, while it increased from 34.6% to 43.2% in the control zones, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.001). TPT initiation rate for U5C increased from 13% (17 out of 131) to 93% (937 out of 1010). Of the U5C initiated, 99% completed treatment; two discontinued due to side effects; three parents refused to continue; and one child was lost to follow-up.

Conclusion

Women-led Iddirs contributed to significant increase in TPT initiation and completion rates. The model of TPT delivery should be scaled-up.
Applied sports science and sports medicine in women’s rugby: systematic scoping review and Delphi study to establish future research priorities
Authors: Heyward Omar , Emmonds Stacey , Roe Gregory , Scantlebury Sean , Stokes Keith , Jones Ben
Published: July 2022

Objectives

In part 1, the objective was to undertake a systematic scoping review of applied sports science and sports medicine in women’s rugby, and in part 2 to develop a consensus statement on future research priorities.

Design

In part 1, a systematic search of PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost) was undertaken from the earliest records to January 2021. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020, the PRISMA extension for Scoping Reviews, and the PRISMA extension protocols were followed. In part 2, 31 international experts in women’s rugby (ie, elite players, sports scientists, medical clinicians, sports administrators) participated in a three-round Delphi consensus method. These experts reviewed the findings from part 1 and subsequently provided a list of priority research topics in women’s rugby. Research topics were grouped into expert-based themes and expert-based subthemes via content analysis. Expert-based themes and expert-based subthemes were ranked from very low to very high research priority on a 1–5 Likert scale. Consensus was defined by ≥70% agreement. The median research priority agreement and IQR were calculated for each expert-based theme and subtheme.

Data sources

PubMed (MEDLINE), Scopus and SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost).

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

Studies were eligible for inclusion if they investigated applied sports science or sports medicine in women’s rugby.

Results

In part 1, the systematic scoping review identified 123 studies, which were categorised into six sports science and sports medicine evidence-based themes: injury (n=48), physical performance (n=32), match characteristics (n=26), fatigue and recovery (n=6), nutrition (n=6), and psychology (n=5). In part 2, the Delphi method resulted in three expert-based themes achieving consensus on future research priority in women’s rugby: injury (5.0 (1.0)), female health (4.0 (1.0)) and physical performance (4.0 (1.0)).

Summary/Conclusion

This two-part systematic scoping review and Delphi consensus is the first study to summarise the applied sports science and sports medicine evidence base in women’s rugby and establish future research priorities. The summary tables from part 1 provide valuable reference information for researchers and practitioners. The three expert-based themes that achieved consensus in part 2 (injury, female health and physical performance) provide clear direction and guidance on future research priorities in women’s rugby. The findings of this two-part study facilitate efficient and coordinated use of scientific resources towards high-priority research themes relevant to a wide range of stakeholders in women’s rugby.
Urate crystal deposition is associated with inflammatory markers and carotid artery pathology in patients with intercritical gout: results from the NOR-Gout study
Authors: Hammer Hilde Berner , Rollefstad Silvia , Semb Anne Grete , Jensen Gro , Karoliussen Lars Fridtjof , Terslev L , Haavardsholm Espen A , Kvien Tore K , Uhlig Till
Published: July 2022

Background

Gout is of unknown reason associated with cardiovascular disease. Ultrasound is sensitive for detecting crystal deposition and plasma calprotectin is a sensitive inflammatory marker. This study explores the associations between crystal deposition, inflammation and carotid artery pathology.

Method

A cross-sectional analysis of baseline assessments from the NOR-Gout study was undertaken. Crystal deposition was assessed by ultrasound (double contour, tophi, aggregates) and dual-energy CT (DECT) and laboratory assessments included plasma calprotectin. The carotid arteries were bilaterally examined for carotid intima–media thickness (cIMT) and presence of plaques. Spearman correlations, Mann-Whitney tests and linear regression analyses were used to explore associations between crystal deposition, inflammatory markers,and carotid pathology.

Results

202 patients with intercritical gout (95.5% men, mean (SD) age 56.5 (13.8) years, disease duration 7.9 (7.7) years) were included. Calprotectin was correlated with all scores of crystal deposition by ultrasound (r=0.26–0.32, p<0.001) and DECT (r=0.15, p<0.05). cIMT was correlated with sum score aggregates (r=0.18–0.22, p<0.05). Patients with large tophi had higher levels of calprotectin as well as more frequent carotid plaque (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Study findings point towards crystal deposition contributing to subclinical inflammation with subsequent vascular implications. However, future longitudinal studies are needed to confirm such causal relationships.
End-of-life care quality measures: beyond place of death
Authors: Hoare Sarah , Antunes Bárbara , Kelly Michael P , Barclay Stephen
Published: July 2022

Background

How quality in healthcare is measured shapes care provision, including how and what care is delivered. In end-of-life care, appropriate measurement can facilitate effective care and research, and when used in policy, highlight deficits and developments in provision and endorse the discipline necessity. The most prevalent end-of-life quality metric, place of death, is not a quality measure: it gives no indication of the quality of care or patient experience in the place of death.

Aim

To evaluate alternative measures to place of death for assessing quality of care in end-of-life provision in all settings.

Method

We examine current end-of-life care quality measures for use as metrics for quality in end-of-life care. We categorise approaches to measurement as either: clinical instruments, mortality follow-back surveys or organisational data. We review each category using four criteria: care setting, patient population, measure feasibility, care quality.

Results

While many of the measure types were highly developed for their specific use, each had limitations for measuring quality of care for a population. Measures were deficient because they lacked potential for reporting end-of-life care for patients not in receipt of specialist palliative care, were reliant on patient-proxy accounts, or were not feasible across all care settings.

Conclusion

None of the current end-of-life care metric categories can currently be feasibly used to compare the quality of end-of-life care provision for all patients in all care settings. We recommend the development of a bespoke measure or judicious selection and combination of existing measures for reviewing end-of-life care quality.
Plastron color patterns allow for individual photo-identification in two different chelonian species
Authors: Salom-Oliver Marta , Ruiz de la Hermosa Amengual Andreu , Aguiló-Zuzama Aina , Ribas-Serra Arnau , Vallespir Juan , Tejada-Gavela Silvia , Pinya Samuel
Published: July 2022

Natural marks have increasingly been used as a tool for individual identification in capture–mark–recapture techniques. Photo-identification is a noninvasive alternative to traditional marking techniques, allowing individual recognition of species through time and space. We tested the APHIS (Automatic Photo Identification Suite) software as a software capable of identifying individuals of Hermann’s Tortoise ( Testudo hermanni Gmelin, 1789) and European Pond Turtle ( Emys orbicularis (Linneaus, 1758)) in different populations during capture–release sessions in the field based on plastron color patterns, since they can be used as natural marks for identification. For this individual identification, spot pattern matching (SPM) and image template matching (ITM) procedures were tested, achieving 100% success of individuals recognized in both procedures and visually verified by comparing the images. However, the ITM procedure was more efficient at recognizing recaptures than SPM because ITM allowed faster recapture verification, since most of the matches were directly placed in the first position on the candidate list. Previous studies used photo-identification on freshwater or sea turtles but never with terrestrial tortoise species. Consequently, it was corroborated that APHIS is a competent and efficient software considering photo-identification of T. hermanni and E. orbicularis, and that it can be applied to close species with similar and unique individual color patterns in their plastron.
Identification of novel candidate of brown planthopper resistance gene Bph44 in rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Kiswanto Iwan , Soetopo Lita , Adiredjo Afifuddin Latif
Published: July 2022

The brown planthopper (BPH, Nilaparvata lugens Stål) is still considered a major threat to rice farmers. Exploring novel resistance genes that relate to the BPH population in the targeted rice-growing area might be a suitable solution. We identified and mapped the gene locus using 175 lines of F2:3 populations derived from Balamawee × PD601. Genomic analysis was then used to identify the candidate gene governing the resistance toward BPH. We discovered a novel genetic locus for BPH resistance in the long arm of chromosome 4 linked to markers Q31 and RM17007 at 4.76 and 5.42 cM, respectively, with total phenotypic variation reaching 52.21% at LOD 29.68. The tolerance mechanism influences the nature of this resistance, as shown by the Functional Plant Loss Index. The resistance level, mechanism of resistance, and physical mapping reveal that the resistance genes in this study differ from the previous study, therefore, we propose this novel gene as Bph44.
Reward-Penalty Weighted Ensemble for Emotion State Classification from Multi-Modal Data Streams
Authors: Nandi Arijit , Xhafa Fatos , Subirats Laia , Fort Santi
Published: July 2022

Researchers have shown the limitations of using the single-modal data stream for emotion classification. Multi-modal data streams are therefore deemed necessary to improve the accuracy and performance of online emotion classifiers. An online decision ensemble is a widely used approach to classify emotions in real-time using multi-modal data streams. There is a plethora of online ensemble approaches; these approaches use a fixed parameter ([Formula: see text]) to adjust the weights of each classifier (called penalty) in case of wrong classification and no reward for a good performing classifier. Also, the performance of the ensemble depends on the [Formula: see text], which is set using trial and error. This paper presents a new Reward-Penalty-based Weighted Ensemble (RPWE) for real-time multi-modal emotion classification using multi-modal physiological data streams. The proposed RPWE is thoroughly tested using two prevalent benchmark data sets, DEAP and AMIGOS. The first experiment confirms the impact of the base stream classifier with RPWE for emotion classification in real-time. The RPWE is compared with different popular and widely used online ensemble approaches using multi-modal data streams in the second experiment. The average balanced accuracy, F1-score results showed the usefulness and robustness of RPWE in emotion classification in real-time from the multi-modal data stream.
Analysis of forced convection phenomenon in boundary layer flow of nanofluid over power-law rotating disk
Authors: Yasir Muhammad , Khan Masood , Ahmed Awais , Hafeez Abdul
Published: July 2022

In this paper, the thermal analysis is performed on the three-dimensional flow of viscous nanofluid over a rotating disk. The disk rotation is assumed as of the form [Formula: see text] where [Formula: see text], thus, there are different azimuthal velocities of the disk at different radii, and it increases with the increase in [Formula: see text]. Also, the effect of nanoparticles on the thermal conductivity of fluid is investigated by thermophoresis and Brownian motion features. For the governing problem, suitable similarity transformations are employed that convert the produced partial differential equations to ordinary differential equations. The flow field and energy transport are presented graphically and discussed in detail for the torsional exponent [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively. It is noted that the temperature and concentration profile rise for the thermophoresis parameter while the opposite trend showed for Brownian motion. Moreover, the power-law index parameter [Formula: see text] declines the flow field temperature and concentration profiles.