bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of ultrasonic pretreatments on the characteristics of pectin extracted from Salustiana orange cultivated in Argentina
Authors: Castellarin Ivana , Higuera Coelho Ricardo , Zukowski Enzo , Ponce Nora Marta Andrea , Stortz Carlos , Gerschenson Lía Noemí , Fissore Eliana Noemí
Published: December 2022

The use of direct and indirect ultrasound pretreatments was evaluated for the extraction of pectin enriched fractions with citric acid (pH 2.3, 85°C) from the albedo and pulp of Salustiana orange. The extractive method that produced the highest yield was the one involving a pretreatment with direct high‐power ultrasound (HPUS) (41 g isolated fraction/100 g albedo CM versus 30 g isolated fraction/ 100 g albedo CM for indirect treatment; 39 g isolated fraction/100 g pulp CM versus 26 g isolated fraction/100 g pulp CM for indirect treatment) and allowed extracting the highest amount of pectin from both albedo and pulp. The major neutral sugars found in all fractions were arabinose, galactose, and rhamnose. Pectins were obtained with weight average molecular masses of 566–729 kDa from the albedo and 663–739 kDa from the pulp. All fractions gelled in the presence of sucrose at acidic pH. Pretreatment with HPUS gave origin to the least elastic gels (albedo: G′ higher than 100 Pa, G″ higher than 20 Pa. Pulp: G′ higher than 70 Pa, G″ higher than 25 Pa), while indirect US produced fractions that formed more elastic gels (albedo: G′ higher than 1000 Pa, G″ higher than 250 Pa. Pulp: G′ higher than 500 Pa, G″ higher than 100 Pa). Ultrasound pretreatments allowed obtaining a variety of pectin enriched fractions with interesting characteristics for food formulation.

Practical applications

Pectins are widely used as texture modifiers in the food industry. Commercial pectins are commonly obtained from waste from the citrus juice industry, using mineral acids at high temperatures, producing large amounts of polluting effluents. The study of the use of organic acids in combination with clean technologies such as ultrasound, which allow higher pectin yields to be obtained through less polluting processes, is of great interest as an environmentally friendly alternative. Likewise, it is important to demonstrate that the pectins obtained through such technologies are effectively useful for the industry as texture modifying additives. In this work it is proposed to study the effect of the use of indirect and direct ultrasound as pretreatments in the extraction with citric acid of Salustiana orange pectin.
Early developmental profiles among infants with Down syndrome
Authors: Onnivello S. , Schworer E. K. , Prince M. A. , Daunhauer L. A. , Fidler D. J.
Published: December 2022

Background

Down syndrome (DS) generally predisposes children to a pattern of relative developmental strengths and challenges, but within‐syndrome heterogeneity is also commonly observed across many dimensions. The present research examines whether heterogeneity in developmental presentation can be detected during infancy in DS and whether factors associated with differing profiles can be identified.

Methods

Infants with DS (n = 75; age range: 3.9–17.6 months) were administered the Bayley Scales of Infant Development III (Bayley‐III). A primary caregiver provided information regarding developmental history and family demographics. Latent profile analysis was conducted to identify whether early profiles were present across the five Bayley‐III domains.

Results

Three developmental profiles were observable within the sample: a ‘Mild Delay’ Profile, an ‘Moderate Delay’ Profile and a ‘Pronounced Delay’ Profile. In addition, chronological age, having received heart surgery and having received occupational therapy were associated with probability of profile membership.

Conclusions

Findings from this study contribute to the growing knowledgebase regarding heterogenous presentations associated with DS and can inform early intervention planning.
Impact of periodontitis on gingival crevicular fluid miRNAs profiles associated with cardiovascular disease risk
Authors: Isola Gaetano , Santonocito Simona , Distefano Alfio , Polizzi Alessandro , Vaccaro Manuel , Raciti Giuseppina , Alibrandi Angela , Li Volti Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Background and Objective

Recent emerging evidence has shown that microRNA (miRNAs) is involved in several epigenetic processes linked with periodontitis, increased oxidative stress and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The present study aimed to assess the impact of periodontitis on gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) miRNAs expression associated with CVD risk and to evaluate possible confounders that influenced this association.

Materials and Methods

For the present study, healthy controls (n = 28) and subjects with CVD (n = 28), periodontitis (n = 30) and periodontitis + CVD (n = 29) were enrolled. All subjects underwent regular periodontal examinations and blood sampling. In addition, GCF sampling was performed, and miRNAs 7a‐5p, 21‐3p, 21‐5p, 100‐5p, 125‐5p, 200b‐3p, and 200b‐5p expression was analyzed using a real‐time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR).

Results

The results showed that periodontitis and periodontitis + CVD subjects presented significantly different GCF miRNAs expression compared to healthy controls and CVD subjects. More specifically, compared to healthy controls and CVD, subjects with periodontitis and periodontitis + CVD showed higher GCF miRNA 7a‐5p, miRNA 21‐3p, miRNA 21‐5p, miRNA 200b‐3p, and miRNA 200b‐5p (p < .05) and lower miRNA 100‐5p, miRNA 125‐5p levels (p < .05). Furthermore, the multivariate regression analysis evidenced that periodontitis (miRNA 21‐3p, 100‐5p) and periodontal inflamed surface area (PISA) (miRNA 7a‐5p, 21‐3p, 21‐5p, 100‐5p, 125‐5p, 200b‐3p) were significant predictors of GCF miRNAs concentration (p < .05).

Conclusion

The results of the study highlighted that the periodontitis and periodontitis + CVD group showed higher GCF miRNAs expression than healthy controls and CVD subjects. Furthermore, periodontitis and its extent (PISA) were revealed as significant predictors of GCF miRNAs associated with CVD risk.
Sexual interference revealed by joint study of male and female pollination success in chestnut
Authors: Larue Clément , Klein Etienne K. , Petit Rémy J.
Published: December 2022

Most seed plants produce both pollen and ovules. In principle, pollen export could interfere with pollen import through self‐pollination, resulting in ovule usurpation and reduced fruit set. Evidence for such interference exists under experimental settings but its importance under natural conditions is unknown. To test for sexual interference in nature, it is necessary to study together mating system, through paternity analyses, and fruit set, the proportion of flowers giving seeds or fruits. We developed a new model combining both processes, using chestnut (Castanea) as case study. We carried out a paternity analysis in an intensively studied plot of 273 trees belonging to three interfertile chestnut species and including a range of individuals with more or less functional stamens, resulting in a large data set of 1924 mating events. We then measured fruit set on 216 of these trees. Fruit set of male‐fertile trees was much lower than that of male‐sterile trees. Our process‐based model shows that pollen is not limiting in the study site and hence cannot account for reduced fruit set. It also indicates that self‐pollination is high (74%) but selfing rate is low (4%). Self‐pollen is less competitive than cross‐pollen, reducing sexual interference, but not sufficiently, as many ovules end up being self‐fertilized, 95% of which abort before fruit formation, resulting in the loss of 46% of the fruit crop. These results suggest that the main cause of reduced reproductive potential in chestnut is sexual interference by self‐pollen, raising questions on its evolutionary origins.
Landscapes of support for farming mental health: Adaptability in the face of crisis
Authors: Shortland Faye , Hall Jilly , Hurley Paul , Little Ruth , Nye Caroline , Lobley Matt , Rose David Christian
Published: December 2022

Poor mental health is an important and increasingly prevalent issue facing the farming industry. The adaptability of what we, in this article, describe as ‘landscapes of support’ for farming mental health is important to allow support systems to adapt successfully in times of crisis. The term ‘landscapes of support’ refers to the range of support sources available to farmers, including government, third sector bodies and farming/community groups. This article seeks to understand the factors influencing the adaptability of these landscapes of support, especially at a time of crisis. Using a case study of the UK, we undertook a literature review, interviews with 22 mental health support providers and an online survey of people within landscapes of support (93) and farmers themselves (207). We also held an end‐of‐project workshop. Using an adapted three‐point framework to assess adaptability, we found that support‐giving organisations adapted during the pandemic using a range of interventions (e.g., enhanced digital offering, use of media), but implementation was affected by organisational challenges (e.g., limited digital training, funding shortfalls, staff trauma) and operational constraints (e.g., lack of capacity, rural digital divide, tension between providers, stigma). We discuss how landscapes of support for farming mental health can be made more sustainable to deal with future shocks.
Cascadable in-memory computing based on symmetric writing and readout
Authors: Wang Lizheng , Xiong Junlin , Cheng Bin , Dai Yudi , Wang Fuyi , Pan Chen , Cao Tianjun , Liu Xiaowei , Wang Pengfei , Chen Moyu , Yan Shengnan , Liu Zenglin , Xiao Jingjing , Xu Xianghan , Wang Zhenlin , Shi Youguo , Cheong Sang-Wook , Zhang Haijun , Liang Shi-Jun , Miao Feng
Published: December 2022

The building block of in-memory computing with spintronic devices is mainly based on the magnetic tunnel junction with perpendicular interfacial anisotropy (p-MTJ). The resulting asymmetric write and readout operations impose challenges in downscaling and direct cascadability of p-MTJ devices. Here, we propose that a previously unimplemented symmetric write and readout mechanism can be realized in perpendicular-anisotropy spin-orbit (PASO) quantum materials based on Fe
3
GeTe
2
and WTe
2
. We demonstrate that field-free and deterministic reversal of the perpendicular magnetization can be achieved using unconventional charge–to–
z
-spin conversion. The resulting magnetic state can be readily probed with its intrinsic inverse process, i.e.,
z
-spin–to–charge conversion. Using the PASO quantum material as a fundamental building block, we implement the functionally complete set of logic-in-memory operations and a more complex nonvolatile half-adder logic function. Our work highlights the potential of PASO quantum materials for the development of scalable energy-efficient and ultrafast spintronic computing.
A cellulose-derived supramolecule for fast ion transport
Authors: Dong Qi , Zhang Xin , Qian Ji , He Shuaiming , Mao Yimin , Brozena Alexandra H. , Zhang Ye , Pollard Travis P. , Borodin Oleg A. , Wang Yanbin , Chava Bhargav Sai , Das Siddhartha , Zavalij Peter , Segre Carlo U. , Zhu Dongyang , Xu Lin , Liang Yanliang , Yao Yan , Briber Robert M. , Li Tian , Hu Liangbing
Published: December 2022

Supramolecular frameworks have been widely synthesized for ion transport applications. However, conventional approaches of constructing ion transport pathways in supramolecular frameworks typically require complex processes and display poor scalability, high cost, and limited sustainability. Here, we report the scalable and cost-effective synthesis of an ion-conducting (e.g., Na
+
) cellulose-derived supramolecule (Na-CS) that features a three-dimensional, hierarchical, and crystalline structure composed of massively aligned, one-dimensional, and ångström-scale open channels. Using wood-based Na-CS as a model material, we achieve high ionic conductivities (e.g., 0.23 S/cm in 20 wt% NaOH at 25 °C) even with a highly dense microstructure, in stark contrast to conventional membranes that typically rely on large pores (e.g., submicrometers to a few micrometers) to obtain comparable ionic conductivities. This synthesis approach can be universally applied to a variety of cellulose materials beyond wood, including cotton textiles, fibers, paper, and ink, which suggests excellent potential for a number of applications such as ion-conductive membranes, ionic cables, and ionotronic devices.
Engineered drug-loaded cellular membrane nanovesicles for efficient treatment of postsurgical cancer recurrence and metastasis
Authors: Yu Yongkang , Cheng Qinzhen , Ji Xiaoyuan , Chen Hongzhong , Zeng Wenfeng , Zeng Xiaowei , Zhao Yanli , Mei Lin
Published: December 2022

Cancer recurrence and metastasis are still common causes of postsurgery death in patients with solid tumors, suggesting that additional consolidation therapeutic strategies are necessary. We have previously found that oxaliplatin (OXA) treatment causes further up-regulation of CD155, which is abundantly expressed in tumors for resulting in increased sensitivity of cancer to anti-CD155 therapy. Here, we report O-TPNVs, which are TIGIT-expressing cell membrane and platelet cell membrane fusion nanovesicles (TPNVs) loaded with OXA. Platelet-derived membrane components enable O-TPNVs to target postsurgery wounds and interact with circulating tumor cells (CTCs). OXA directly kills residual tumor cells and CTCs, induces immunogenic cell death, and activates the immune system. TPNVs bind to CD155 on tumor cells, block the CD155/TIGIT pathway, and restore CD8
+
T cell activity. In vivo analyses reveal that O-TPNVs achieve synergistic chemotherapeutic and immunotherapeutic effects, effectively inhibiting the recurrence and metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer (4T1) after surgery.
Topological beaming of light
Authors: Lee Ki Young , Yoon Seungjin , Song Seok Ho , Yoon Jae Woong
Published: December 2022

Nanophotonic light emitters are key components in numerous application areas because of their compactness and versatility. Here, we propose a topological beam emitter structure that takes advantage of submicrometer footprint size, small divergence angle, high efficiency, and adaptable beam shaping capability. The proposed structure consists of a topological junction of two guided-mode resonance gratings inducing a leaky Jackiw-Rebbi state resonance. The leaky Jackiw-Rebbi state leads to in-plane optical confinement with funnel-like energy flow and enhanced emission probability, resulting in highly efficient optical beam emission. In addition, the structure allows adaptable beam shaping for any desired positive definite profiles by means of Dirac mass distribution control, which can be directly encoded in lattice geometry parameters. Therefore, the proposed approach provides highly desirable properties for efficient micro–light emitters and detectors in various applications including display, solid-state light detection and ranging, laser machining, label-free sensors, optical interconnects, and telecommunications.
Usp22 is an intracellular regulator of systemic emergency hematopoiesis
Authors: Dietlein Nikolaus , Wang Xi , Metz Jonas , Disson Olivier , Shang Fuwei , Beyersdörffer Celine , Rodríguez Correa Esther , Lipka Daniel B. , Begus-Nahrmann Yvonne , Kosinsky Robyn Laura , Johnsen Steven A. , Lecuit Marc , Höfer Thomas , Rodewald Hans-Reimer
Published: December 2022

Emergency hematopoiesis is a concerted response aimed toward enhanced protection from infection, involving multiple cell types and developmental stages across the immune system. Despite its importance, the underlying molecular regulation remains poorly understood. The deubiquitinase USP22 regulates the levels of monoubiquitinated histone H2B (H2Bub1), which is associated with activation of interferon responses upon viral infection. Here, we show that in the absence of infection or inflammation, mice lacking
Usp22
in all hematopoietic cells display profound systemic emergency hematopoiesis, evident by increased hematopoietic stem cell proliferation, myeloid bias, and extramedullary hematopoiesis. Functionally, loss of
Usp22
results in elevated phagocytosis by neutrophilic granulocytes and enhanced innate protection against
Listeria monocytogenes
infection. At the molecular level, we found this state of emergency hematopoiesis associated with transcriptional signatures of myeloid priming, enhanced mitochondrial respiration, and innate and adaptive immunity and inflammation. Augmented expression of many inflammatory genes was linked to elevated locus-specific H2Bub1 levels. Collectively, these results demonstrate the existence of a tunable epigenetic state that promotes systemic emergency hematopoiesis in a cell-autonomous manner to enhance innate protection, identifying potential paths toward immune enhancement.
Micro-, Meso- and Macrostructural Design of Bulk Metallic and Polymetallic Materials by Wire-Feed Electron-Beam Additive Manufacturing
Authors: Kolubaev E. A. , Rubtsov V. E. , Chumaevsky A. V. , Astafurova E. G.
Published: December 2022

Additive manufacturing of metal materials is one of the most promising technologies in modern industry. A wide variety of current additive manufacturing techniques allow rapid prototyping and industrial production of different-sized products from various structural and functional materials. The structure and physical-mechanical properties of the metal products fabricated by electron-beam additive manufacturing (EBAM) within nonstationary metallurgy in a local molten pool often differ from those of the products fabricated by conventional metallurgy due to different crystallization mechanisms, sequence and completeness of phase transformations, and heterogeneous/homogeneous chemical composition of the resulting material. The possibility to control local metallurgical processes in the molten pool is the key advantage of the EBAM technology. It allows one to control the structure, composition, and properties of mono- and polymetallic, graded, composite and heat-resistant materials in order to obtain products with the desired chemical composition, macroscopic architecture, and microscopic structural parameters. As any new industrial technology, the EBAM method requires the development of scientifically based approaches to the choice of materials and production conditions. Here we provide an overview of the scientific approaches developed for electron-beam additive manufacturing of products from metals and alloys using wire or rods as a feedstock. The range of the studied materials includes additive materials based on copper, bronze, aluminum, nickel, titanium alloys, and different steels, as well as aluminum-based functionally graded materials and copper-based graded materials. The most important research findings are summarized.
Digital cognitive behavioural therapy intervention in the workplace: study protocol for a feasibility randomised waitlist-controlled trial to improve employee mental well-being, engagement and productivity
Authors: Patel Krishane , Moukhtarian Talar Rita , Russell Sean , Daly Guy , Walasek Lukasz , Tang Nicole K Y , Toro Carla , Meyer Caroline
Published: December 2022

Introduction

One in six workers experience some form of mental health problems at work costing the UK economy an estimated £70 billion/year. Digital interventions provide low cost and easily scalable delivery methods to implement psychological interventions in the workplace. This trial tests the feasibility of implementing a self-guided 8-week digital cognitive behavioural therapy intervention for subthreshold to clinical depression and/or anxiety versus waitlist control (ie, life as usual) in the workplace.

Methods and analysis

Feasibility of implementation will be tested using a mixed-methods evaluation of the two-arm randomised waitlist-control trial. Evaluation will include examination of organisational buy-in, and the engagement of employees through the trial indicated by the completion of outcome measures. In addition, we also explore how participants use the platform, the appropriateness of the analysis both with reference to the outcome measures and linear modelling. Finally, we examine the acceptability of the intervention based on participants experiences using qualitative interviews. Assessments take place at baseline (T0), at 8 weeks post-treatment (T1), at short-term follow-up 4 weeks post-treatment (T2) and long-term follow-ups (6 and 12 months after-end of treatment). We will recruit from 1 July 2021 to 31 December 2021 for employees and self-employed workers with depression and anxiety symptoms (subclinical and clinical levels) who are not seeking or engaged in treatment at the time of the trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Full approval was given by the University of Warwick Biomedical and Research Ethics Committee (BSREC 45/20–21). The current protocol version is 2.8 (August 2021). Publication of results in peer-reviewed journals will inform the scientific, clinical and business communities. We will disseminate results through webinars, conferences, newsletter as well as a lay summary of results on the study website (mhpp.me).

Trial registration number

ISRCTN31161020.
Engagement with healthcare providers and healthcare system navigation among Australians with chronic conditions: a descriptive survey study
Authors: Zurynski Yvonne , Ellis Louise A , Pomare Chiara , Meulenbroeks Isabelle , Gillespie James , Root Jo , Ansell James , Holt Joanna , Wells Leanne , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: December 2022

Objectives

With the rate of chronic conditions increasing globally, it is important to understand whether people with chronic conditions have the capacity to find the right care and to effectively engage with healthcare providers to optimise health outcomes.

We aimed to examine associations between care navigation, engagement with health providers and having a chronic health condition among Australian adults.

Design and Setting

This is a cross-sectional, 39-item online survey including the navigation and engagement subscales of the Health Literacy Questionnaire, completed in December 2018, in Australia. Binary variables (low/high health literacy) were created for each item and navigation and engagement subscale scores. Logistic regression analyses (estimating ORs) determined the associations between having a chronic condition and the navigation and engagement scores, while controlling for age, gender, level of education and income.

Participants

1024 Australians aged 18–88 years (mean=46.6 years; 51% female) recruited from the general population.

Results

Over half (n=605, 59.0%) of the respondents had a chronic condition, mostly back pain, mental disorders, arthritis and asthma. A greater proportion of respondents with chronic conditions had difficulty ensuring that healthcare providers understood their problems (32.2% vs 23.8%, p=0.003), having good discussions with their doctors (29.1% vs 23.5%, p=0.05), discussing things with healthcare providers until they understand all they needed (30.5% vs 24.5%, p=0.04), accessing needed healthcare providers (35.7% vs 29.7%, p=0.05), finding the right place to get healthcare services (36.3% vs 29.2%, p=0.02) and services they were entitled to (48.3% vs 40.6%, p=0.02), and working out what is the best healthcare for themselves (34.2% vs 27.7%, p=0.03). Participants with chronic conditions were 1.5 times more likely to have low scores on the engagement (adjusted OR=1.48, p=0.03, 95% CI 1.05 to 2.08) and navigation (adjusted OR=1.43, p=0.026, 95% CI 1.043 to 1.970) subscales after adjusting for age, gender, income and education.

Conclusion

Upskilling in engagement and communication for healthcare providers and people with chronic conditions is needed. Codesigned, clearly articulated and accessible information about service entitlements and pathways through care should be made available to people with chronic conditions. Greater integration across health services, accessible shared health records and access to care coordinators may improve navigation and engagement.
Acceptance of a computer vision facilitated protocol to measure adherence to face mask use: a single-site, observational cohort study among hospital staff
Authors: Chai Peter R , Rupp Phillip , Huang Hen-Wei , Chen Jack , Vaz Clint , Sinha Anjali , Ehmke Claas , Thomas Akhil , Dadabhoy Farah , Liang Jia Y , Landman Adam B , Player George , Slattery Kevin , Traverso Giovanni
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Mask adherence continues to be a critical public health measure to prevent transmission of aerosol pathogens, such as SARS-CoV-2. We aimed to develop and deploy a computer vision algorithm to provide real-time feedback of mask wearing among staff in a hospital.

Design

Single-site, observational cohort study.

Setting

An urban, academic hospital in Boston, Massachusetts, USA.

Participants

We enrolled adult hospital staff entering the hospital at a key ingress point.

Interventions

Consenting participants entering the hospital were invited to experience the computer vision mask detection system. Key aspects of the detection algorithm and feedback were described to participants, who then completed a quantitative assessment to understand their perceptions and acceptance of interacting with the system to detect their mask adherence.

Outcome measures

Primary outcomes were willingness to interact with the mask system, and the degree of comfort participants felt in interacting with a public facing computer vision mask algorithm.

Results

One hundred and eleven participants with mean age 40 (SD15.5) were enrolled in the study. Males (47.7%) and females (52.3%) were equally represented, and the majority identified as white (N=54, 49%). Most participants (N=97, 87.3%) reported acceptance of the system and most participants (N=84, 75.7%) were accepting of deployment of the system to reinforce mask adherence in public places. One third of participants (N=36) felt that a public facing computer vision system would be an intrusion into personal privacy.

Public-facing computer vision software to detect and provide feedback around mask adherence may be acceptable in the hospital setting. Similar systems may be considered for deployment in locations where mask adherence is important.
Comparative efficacy of different acupuncture therapies on cancer-related insomnia: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Liying , Xu Shiting , Jia Zhaoxing , Tan Yaojin , Shi Xinyi , Lin Xianming
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Cancer-related insomnia (CRI), as a common complication in cancer survivors, may further lead to depression, anxiety and other symptoms. Acupuncture therapy is a promising therapeutic strategy for CRI. The effectiveness of acupuncture therapy on CRI has been validated by several relevant meta-analyses. Questions remain, however, including which acupuncture regimen is optimal. We aim to conduct the first network meta-analysis to compare different acupuncture therapies, rank their effectiveness and assess which approach could be optimal for treatment of CRI.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search of PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database (China Science and Technology Journal Database), and China Biology Medicine (from inception until 1 March 2022) will be carried out to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs) of acupuncture therapy for insomnia in cancer survivors, reported in English or Chinese. Reviews, animal studies, non-RCT studies, editorials and other secondary insomnia studies will be excluded. The primary outcome measure will be the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Pairwise meta-analysis will be performed in Stata and network meta-analysis by OpenBUGS, R and Stata. Network plots and funnel plots will be used to show the scale of studies and participants for each intervention and the potential publication bias, respectively. Both heterogeneity and consistency will be evaluated by R. ORs with 95% CIs and mean differences with 95% CI will be calculated in OpenBUGS and transformed into league figure and surface under the cumulative ranking by Stata to visualise the results.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical committee approval for this review is unnecessary since the data used will be extracted from pre-existing literature. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at international academic conferences.
Critical realist exploration of long-term outcomes, impacts and skill development from an Australian Rural Research Capacity Building Programme: a qualitative study
Authors: Schmidt David , Duncanson Kerith , Webster Emma , Saurman Emily , Lyle David
Published: December 2022

Objectives

Research capacity building programmes usually only examine short-term outcomes, following up participants after 1 or 2 years. Capacity building in health research requires a long-term view to understand the influence and impact of capacity building endeavours. This study examined long-term outcomes for individuals regarding the maintenance and use of research skills and the conduct of real-world research in a rural area. We also explored the changes individuals had seen in their career, work team or organisation as a result of this training.

Design

A qualitative study underpinned by critical realism and based on interviews and focus groups with graduates of the Rural Research Capacity Building Programme (RRCBP), a researcher development programme that has been delivered since 2006.

Setting

Rural and remote areas of New South Wales, Australia.

Participants

22 graduates of the RRCBP from the 2006 to 2015 cohorts (20 female, 2 male). All were experienced rural-based health workers at the time of training.

Results

Focus groups and interviews yielded three themes about capacity building outcomes: (1) developed research capable individuals; (2) embedded research capability into teams and (3) real-world research that makes a difference within an organisation.

Conclusions

Research training improved graduates’ skill, experience, confidence and employability. Research capable individuals enabled others, enhancing team research capacity and raising the profile of research within their organisation.

Training in research, alongside tangible organisational support for research activity, creates real-world impacts for policy and clinical practice. Providing ongoing opportunities for researchers to undertake research would enhance return on investment and assist with retention of experienced staff.
Screening for familial hypercholesterolaemia in primary school children: protocol for a cross-sectional, feasibility study in Luxembourg city (EARLIE)
Authors: Becker Marianne , Adamski Aurélie , Fandel Françoise , Vaillant Michel , Wagner Kerstin , Droste Dirk Wolfgang , Ziade Bechara , Hein Steve , Mendon Priyanka , Bocquet Valéry , de Beaufort Carine
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is a frequent (1:300) autosomal dominantly inherited condition which causes premature (women <60 years, men <55 years) cardio–cerebrovascular disease (CVD). Early detection and initiation of treatment can prevent the development of CVD and premature death. Our pilot study aims to investigate the prevalence of FH, the feasibility and efficacy of a screening based on a capillary blood test performed during a school medicine visit in primary school children.

Methods and analysis

In this cross-sectional study, all children (n=3200) between 7 and 12 years, attending primary school in the city of Luxembourg and invited for their mandatory medical school examinations between 2021 and 2023 are invited to participate. A study nurse performs a capillary blood test to analyse the lipid profile. Families receive the result including an interpretation and invitation to seek medical advice if indicated. If FH is confirmed, a reverse cascade screening in that family will be proposed. The child will receive standard care. Primary outcome is the occurrence of confirmed FH in the study population. Secondary outcomes include the percentage of children screened, percentage of children with abnormal lipid values, percentage of families screened and percentage of families with additionally identified members suffering from hypercholesterolaemia. A health economic analysis will be performed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval (reference number 202108/01) has been obtained from the National Research Ethics Committee (CNER (Luxembourg)) and was authorised by the ministry of health in Luxembourg. Families receive written information with an informed consent form. Participation requires an informed consent form signed by the parents. The results will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and by public media to the general public.

Trial registration number

NCT05271305.
What is the relationship between deprivation, modifiable factors and childhood deaths: a cohort study using the English National Child MortalityDatabase
Authors: Odd David , Stoianova Sylvia , Williams Tom , Odd Dawn , Kurinczuk Jennifer J , Wolfe Ingrid , Luyt Karen
Published: December 2022

Objectives

The aim of this analysis is to identify the patterns of social deprivation and childhood mortality; and identify potential points where public health, social and education interventions, or health policy may be best targeted.

Design

Decile of deprivation and underlying population distribution was derived using Office for National Statistics data. The risk of death was then derived using a Poisson regression model, calculating the increasing risk of death for each increasing deprivation decile.

Setting

England.

Participants

2688 deaths before 18 years of age reviewed between April 2019 and March 2020.

Main outcome measures

The relationship between deprivation and risk of death; for deaths with, and without modifiable factors.

Results

There was evidence of increasing mortality risk with increase in deprivation decile, with children in the least deprived areas having a mortality of 13.25 (11.78–14.86) per 100 000 person-years, compared with 31.14 (29.13–33.25) in the most deprived decile (RR 1.08 (95% CI 1.07 to 1.10)); with the gradient of risk stronger in children who died with modifiable factors than those without (RR 1.12 (95% CI 1.09 to 1.15)) vs (RR 1.07 (95% CI 1.05 to 1.08)). Deprivation subdomains of employment, adult education, barriers to housing and services, and indoor living environments appeared to be the most important predictors of child mortality

Conclusions

There is a clear gradient of increasing child mortality across England as measures of deprivation increase; with a striking finding that this varied little by area, age or other demographic factor. Over one-fifth of all child deaths may be avoided if the most deprived half of the population had the same mortality as the least deprived. Children dying in more deprived areas may have a greater proportion of avoidable deaths. Adult employment, and improvements to housing, may be the most efficient place to target resources to reduce these inequalities.
Reporting of and explanations for under-recruitment and over-recruitment in pragmatic trials: a secondary analysis of a database of primary trial reports published from 2014 to 2019
Authors: Nevins Pascale , Nicholls Stuart G , Ouyang Yongdong , Carroll Kelly , Hemming Karla , Weijer Charles , Taljaard Monica
Published: December 2022

Objectives

To describe the extent to which pragmatic trials underachieved or overachieved their target sample sizes, examine explanations and identify characteristics associated with under-recruitment and over-recruitment.

Study design and setting

Secondary analysis of an existing database of primary trial reports published during 2014–2019, registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, self-labelled as pragmatic and with target and achieved sample sizes available.

Results

Of 372 eligible trials, the prevalence of under-recruitment (achieving <90% of target sample size) was 71 (19.1%) and of over-recruitment (>110% of target) was 87 (23.4%). Under-recruiting trials commonly acknowledged that they did not achieve their targets (51, 71.8%), with the majority providing an explanation, but only 11 (12.6%) over-recruiting trials acknowledged recruitment excess. The prevalence of under-recruitment in individually randomised versus cluster randomised trials was 41 (17.0%) and 30 (22.9%), respectively; prevalence of over-recruitment was 39 (16.2%) vs 48 (36.7%), respectively. Overall, 101 025 participants were recruited to trials that did not achieve at least 90% of their target sample size. When considering trials with over-recruitment, the total number of participants recruited in excess of the target was a median (Q1–Q3) 319 (75–1478) per trial for an overall total of 555 309 more participants than targeted. In multinomial logistic regression, cluster randomisation and lower journal impact factor were significantly associated with both under-recruitment and over-recruitment, while using exclusively routinely collected data and educational/behavioural interventions were significantly associated with over-recruitment; we were unable to detect significant associations with obtaining consent, publication year, country of recruitment or public engagement.

Conclusions

A clear explanation for under-recruitment or over-recruitment in pragmatic trials should be provided to encourage transparency in research, and to inform recruitment to future trials with comparable designs. The issues and ethical implications of over-recruitment should be more widely recognised by trialists, particularly when designing cluster randomised trials.
Access to medicine among asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented migrants across the migratory cycle: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Aljadeeah Saleh , Kielmann Karina , Michielsen Joris , Payedimarri Anil Babu , Ravinetto Raffaella
Published: December 2022

Introduction

Migration creates new health vulnerabilities and exacerbates pre-existing medical conditions. Migrants often face legal, system-related, administrative, language and financial barriers to healthcare, but little is known about factors that specifically influence migrants’ access to medicines and vaccines. This scoping review aims to map existing evidence on access to essential medicines and vaccines among asylum seekers, refugees and undocumented migrants who aim to reach Europe. We will consolidate existing information and analyse the barriers that limit access at the different stages of the migratory phases, as well as policies and practices undertaken to address them.

Methods

We follow the Arksey and O’Malley framework for knowledge synthesis of research, as updated by Levacet al. For reporting the results of our search and to synthetise evidence, we will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extended reporting guideline for scoping reviews. This scoping review consists of five iterative stages. Bibliographic databases (PubMed, CINAHL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and Scopus) and grey literature databases (Open Grey, Grey Literature Report and Google Scholar, Web of Science Conference Proceedings, non-governmental organisations and United Nations agency websites) will be searched for relevant studies.

Dissemination and ethics

This review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed article in a scientific open-access journal and conference presentations. Furthermore, findings will be shared at workshops of research and operational stakeholders for facilitating translation into research and operational practices. Since it consists of reviewing and collecting data from publicly available materials, this scoping review does not require ethics approval.
Immune responses against shared antigens are common in esophago-gastric cancer and can be enhanced using CD40-activated B cells
Authors: Thelen Martin , Keller Diandra , Lehmann Jonas , Wennhold Kerstin , Weitz Hendrik , Bauer Eugen , Gathof Birgit , Brüggemann Monika , Kotrova Michaela , Quaas Alexander , Mallmann Christoph , Chon Seung-Hun , Hillmer Axel M , Bruns Christiane , von Bergwelt-Baildon Michael , Garcia-Marquez Maria Alejandra , Schlößer Hans Anton
Published: December 2022

Background

Specific immune response is a hallmark of cancer immunotherapy and shared tumor-associated antigens (TAAs) are important targets. Recent advances using combined cellular therapy against multiple TAAs renewed the interest in this class of antigens. Our study aims to determine the role of TAAs in esophago-gastric adenocarcinoma (EGA).

Methods

RNA expression was assessed by NanoString in tumor samples of 41 treatment-naïve EGA patients. Endogenous T cell and antibody responses against the 10 most relevant TAAs were determined by FluoroSpot and protein-bound bead assays. Digital image analysis was used to evaluate the correlation of TAAs and T-cell abundance. T-cell receptor sequencing, in vitro expansion with autologous CD40-activated B cells (CD40Bs) and in vitro cytotoxicity assays were applied to determine specific expansion, clonality and cytotoxic activity of expanded T cells.

Results

68.3% of patients expressed ≥5 TAAs simultaneously with coregulated clusters, which were similar to data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (n=505). Endogenous cellular or humoral responses against ≥1 TAA were detectable in 75.0% and 53.7% of patients, respectively. We found a correlation of T-cell abundance and the expression of TAAs and genes related to antigen presentation. TAA-specific T-cell responses were polyclonal, could be induced or enhanced using autologous CD40Bs and were cytotoxic in vitro. Despite the frequent expression of TAAs co-occurrence with immune responses was rare.

Conclusions

We identified the most relevant TAAs in EGA for monitoring of clinical trials and as therapeutic targets. Antigen-escape rather than missing immune response should be considered as mechanism underlying immunotherapy resistance of EGA.
Moment of inertia of slowly rotating anisotropic neutron stars in f(R,T) gravity
Authors: Pretel Juan M. Z.
Published: December 2022

Within the framework of [Formula: see text] theories of gravity, we investigate the hydrostatic equilibrium of anisotropic neutron stars with a physically relevant equation of state (EoS) for the radial pressure. In particular, we focus on the [Formula: see text] model, where [Formula: see text] is a minimal coupling constant. In the slowly rotating approximation, we derive the modified TOV equations and the expression for the relativistic moment of inertia. The main properties of neutron stars, such as radius, mass and moment of inertia, are studied in detail. Our results reveal that the main consequence of the [Formula: see text] term is a substantial increase in the surface radius for low enough central densities. Nevertheless, such a term slightly modifies the total gravitational mass and moment of inertia of the slowly rotating stars. Furthermore, the changes are noticeable when anisotropy is incorporated into the stellar fluid, and it is possible to obtain higher masses that are consistent with the current observational data.
Synthetic Minority Oversampling Technique Based on Adaptive Noise Optimization and Fast Search for Local Sets for Random Forest
Authors: Luo Shaofu
Published: December 2022

The classification is usually degraded due to the imbalanced class distribution. Synthetic minority oversampling technique (SMOTE) has been successful in improving imbalanced classification and has received great praise. Overgeneralization is one of the most challenges in SMOTE. Although multiple SMOTE-based variations are proposed against overgeneralization, they still have the following shortcomings: (a) creating too many synthetic samples in high-density regions; (b) removing suspicious noise directly instead of modifying them; (c) relying on many parameters. This paper proposes a new SMOTE based on adaptive noise optimization and fast search for local sets (SMOTE-ANO-FLS) to overcome the overgeneralization and the shortcomings of existing works. First, SMOTE-ANO-FLS uses the [Formula: see text]-D tree to fast search the local sets for each sample. Second, a new noise detection method based on local sets and the imbalanced ratio is proposed to detect suspicious noise. Third, a new adaptive noise optimization method is proposed to modify detected suspicious noise instead of removing them. Finally, a new probability weight based on local sets is proposed to help create more synthetic minority class samples in borderline and sparse regions. The effectiveness of SMOTE-ANO-FLS is proven by employing 7 oversampling methods and random forest on the extensive synthetic and real data sets.
A Deep Learning-Based Multimodal Resource Reconstruction Scheme for Digital Enterprise Management
Authors: Yang Tingting , Zheng Bing
Published: December 2022

Nowadays, almost all of the enterprises are facing resources and materials with multimodal format. For example, textual information can be mixed with visual scenes, and visual information can be also mixed with textual scenarios. As a result, such information fusion among multimodal materials costs a large amount of human labors in daily management affairs. To deal with such issue, this paper introduces deep learning to characterize gap between vision and texts, and proposes a deep learning-based multimodal resource reconstruction scheme via awareness of table document, so as to facilitate digital enterprise management. A deep neural network is developed to construct a method to automatically extract table texts from images, so that multimodal information fusion can be realized. This can reduce much human labor in recognizing textual characteristics from visual scenarios, which can further facilitate the resource dispatching activities in the process of digital enterprise management. Some experiments are also conducted upon the basis of real-world data set, and proper results are obtained to prove that the proposal is endowed with considerable efficiency.
Elimination of the Domains’ Displacement of the Normalized Values in MCDM Tasks: The IZ-Method
Authors: Mukhametzyanov Irik Z.
Published: December 2022

Decision matrix normalization is an important step in ranking-based MCDM methods. Different normalization methods can produce different final rankings. The paper provides an overview and defines the invariant properties of the basic linear methods of multidimensional normalization. It is shown that one of the essential reasons for the variation of the ranking depending on the normalization method is the domains’ displacement of the normalized values of various attributes relative to each other. An IZ-method for multidimensional normalization is proposed, which eliminates the domains’ displacement. The IZ-method ensures the preservation of dispositions of natural values of attribute, provides symmetry in an orientation toward optimizing costs and benefits, processes the zero and negative values, and eliminates the priority of the contributions of various criteria to the performance indicator of alternatives. The IZ-method converts multivariate data to a single common scale and represents a class of multivariate normalization methods that convert data to isotropic scales. The IZ-method allows binding to the scale of any feature or to the scale chosen by the decision maker. Efficiency of the IZ-method is postulated by the totality of the fulfillment of the basic principles and required properties for multidimensional normalization.