bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Social goals and bullying: Examining the moderating role of self‐perceived popularity, social status insecurity and classroom variability in popularity
Authors: Košir Katja , Zorjan Saša , Mikl Anja , Horvat Marina
Published: July 2021

The positive relationship between popularity goals and bullying in early adolescence is documented in many studies. The aim of the current study was to investigate the relationship between student social goals of two types (popularity and social preference) and bullying in a diverse sample of early and middle adolescents. Additionally, we aimed to investigate both individual (self‐perceived popularity and social status insecurity) and classroom‐level (the classroom variability in self‐perceived popularity) moderators of the relationship between popularity goals and bullying. A total of 2039 students (59.48% girls; mean age 15.48 years) nested within 106 classrooms participated in the study. Using a cross‐sectional research design, we found that popularity goals were a positive predictor of bullying, while social preference goals were a negative predictor. Self‐perceived popularity and social status insecurity were found to moderate the relationship between popularity goals and bullying; higher levels of bullying were reported by students with high popularity goals and high self‐perceived popularity or high social status insecurity. In addition, popularity goals were a stronger predictor of bullying for students in classrooms with higher classroom variability in self‐perceived popularity.
Phylogenomic analyses clarify the pattern of evolution of Adephaga (Coleoptera) and highlight phylogenetic artefacts due to model misspecification and excessive data trimming
Authors: Vasilikopoulos Alexandros , Balke Michael , Kukowka Sandra , Pflug James M. , Martin Sebastian , Meusemann Karen , Hendrich Lars , Mayer Christoph , Maddison David R. , Niehuis Oliver , Beutel Rolf G. , Misof Bernhard
Published: July 2021

Adephaga is the second largest suborder of Coleoptera and contains aquatic and terrestrial groups that are sometimes classified as Hydradephaga and Geadephaga, respectively. The phylogenetic relationships of Adephaga have been studied intensively, but the relationships of the major subgroups of Geadephaga and the placement of Hygrobiidae within Dytiscoidea remain obscure. Here, we infer new DNA‐hybridization baits for exon‐capture phylogenomics and we combine new hybrid‐capture sequence data with transcriptomes to generate the largest phylogenomic taxon sampling within Adephaga presented to date. Our analyses show that the new baits are suitable to capture the target loci across different lineages of Adephaga. Phylogenetic analyses of moderately trimmed supermatrices confirm the hypothesis of paraphyletic ‘Hydradephaga’, with Gyrinidae placed as sister to all other families as in morphology‐based phylogenies, even though quartet‐concordance analyses did not support this result. All analyses conducted with site‐heterogeneous models suggest Trachypachidae as sister to a clade Carabidae + Cicindelidae in congruence with results from morphological studies. Haliplidae is inferred as sister to Dytiscoidea, while a clade of Noteridae (+ most likely Meruidae) is inferred as sister to all remaining Dytiscoidea. A strongly supported clade Hygrobiidae + (Amphizoidae + monophyletic Aspidytidae) is inferred in most analyses of moderately trimmed supermatrices when a site‐heterogeneous model is used. In general, we find that stringent trimming of supermatrices results in reduced deviation from model assumptions but also in reduction of phylogenetic information. We also find that site‐heterogeneous C60 models provide greater stability of phylogenetic relationships of Adephaga across analyses of different amino‐acid supermatrices than site‐homogeneous models. Thus, site‐heterogeneous C60 models can potentially reduce incongruence in phylogenomics. Lastly, we show that gene‐tree errors are prominent in the data, even after sub‐sampling genes to reduce these errors, but we also show that subsampling genes based on the likelihood mapping criterion in summary coalescent analyses results in higher topological congruence with the concatenation‐based tree. Overall, our analyses demonstrate that moderate alignment trimming strategies, application of site‐heterogeneous models and mitigation of gene‐tree errors should be routinely included in the phylogenomic pipeline in order to more accurately infer the phylogeny of species.
Pattern of abnormalities amongst chest X‐rays of adults undergoing computer‐assisted digital chest X‐ray screening for tuberculosis in Peri‐Urban Blantyre, Malawi: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Twabi Hussein H. , Semphere Robina , Mukoka Madalo , Chiume Lingstone , Nzawa Rebecca , Feasey Helena R. A. , Lipenga Trancizeo , MacPherson Peter , Corbett Elizabeth L. , Nliwasa Marriott
Published: July 2021

Background

The prevalence of diseases other than tuberculosis (TB) detected during chest X‐ray screening is poorly described in sub‐Saharan Africa. Computer‐assisted digital chest X‐ray technology is available for TB screening and has the potential to be a screening tool for non‐communicable diseases as well. Low‐ and middle‐income countries are in a transition period where the burden of non‐communicable diseases is increasing, but health systems are mainly focused on addressing infectious diseases.

Methods

Participants were adults undergoing computer‐assisted chest X‐ray screening for tuberculosis in a community‐wide tuberculosis prevalence survey in Blantyre, Malawi. Adults with abnormal radiographs by field radiographer interpretation were evaluated by a physician in a community‐based clinic. X‐ray classifications were compared to classifications of a random sample of normal chest X‐rays by radiographer interpretation. Radiographic features were classified using WHO Integrated Management for Adult Illnesses (IMAI) guidelines. All radiographs taken at the screening tent were analysed by the Qure.ai qXR v2.0 software.

Results

5% (648/13,490) of adults who underwent chest radiography were identified to have an abnormal chest X‐ray by the radiographer. 387 (59.7%) of the participants attended the X‐ray clinic, and another 387 randomly sampled normal X‐rays were available for comparison. Participants who were referred to the community clinic had a significantly higher HIV prevalence than those who had been identified to have a normal CXR by the field radiographer (90 [23.3%] vs. 43 [11.1%] p‐value < 0.001). The commonest radiographic finding was cardiomegaly (20.7%, 95% CI 18.0–23.7). One in five (81/387) chest X‐rays were misclassified by the radiographer. The overall mean Qure.ai qXR v2.0 score for all reviewed X‐rays was 0.23 (SD 0.20). There was a high concordance of cardiomegaly classification between the physician and the computer‐assisted software (109/118, 92.4%).

Conclusion

There is a high burden of cardiomegaly on a chest X‐ray at a community level, much of which is in patients with diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Cardiomegaly on chest X‐ray may be a potential tool for screening for cardiovascular NCDs at the primary care level as well as in the community.
Arabidopsis WRKY71 regulates ethylene‐mediated leaf senescence by directly activating EIN2, ORE1 and ACS2 genes
Authors: Yu Yanchong , Qi Yanan , Xu Jinpeng , Dai Xuehuan , Chen Jiacai , Dong Chun‐Hai , Xiang Fengning
Published: July 2021

Leaf senescence is a pivotal step in the last stage of the plant life cycle and is influenced by various external and endogenous cues. A series of reports have indicated the involvement of the WRKY transcription factors in regulating leaf senescence, but the molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways remain largely unclear. Here we provide evidence demonstrating that WRKY71 acts as a positive regulator of leaf senescence in Arabidopsis. WRKY71‐1D, an overexpressor of WRKY71, exhibited early leaf senescence, while wrky71‐1, the WRKY71 loss‐of‐function mutant, displayed delayed leaf senescence. Accordingly, a set of senescence‐associated genes (SAGs) were substantially elevated in WRKY71‐1D but markedly decreased in wrky71‐1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays indicated that WRKY71 can bind directly to the promoters of SAG13 and SAG201. Transcriptome analysis suggested that WRKY71 might mediate multiple cues to accelerate leaf senescence, such as abiotic stresses, dark and ethylene. WRKY71 was ethylene inducible, and treatment with the ethylene precursor 1‐amino‐cyclopropane‐1‐carboxylic acid enhanced leaf senescence in WRKY71‐1D but caused only a marginal delay in leaf senescence in wrky71‐1. In vitro and in vivo assays demonstrated that WRKY71 can directly regulate ETHYLENE INSENSITIVE2 (EIN2) and ORESARA1 (ORE1), genes of the ethylene signaling pathway. Consistently, leaf senescence of WRKY71‐1D was obviously retarded in the ein2‐5 and nac2‐1 mutants. Moreover, WRKY71 was also proved to interact with ACS2 in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with AgNO3 and aminoethoxyvinylglycine and acs2‐1 could greatly arrest the leaf senescence of WRKY71‐1D. In conclusion, our data revealed that WRKY71 mediates ethylene signaling and synthesis to hasten leaf senescence in Arabidopsis.
Iron insufficiency in floral buds impairs pollen development by disrupting tapetum function
Authors: Huang Tzu‐Hsiang , Suen Der‐Fen
Published: July 2021

Reduction of crop yield due to iron (Fe) deficiency has always been a concern in agriculture. How Fe insufficiency in floral buds affects pollen development remains unexplored. Here, plants transferred to Fe‐deficient medium at the reproductive stage had reduced floral Fe content and viable pollen and showed a defective pollen outer wall, all restored by supplying floral buds with Fe. A comparison of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in Fe‐deficient leaves, roots, and anthers suggested that changes in several cellular processes were unique to anthers, including increased lipid degradation. Co‐expression analysis revealed that ABORTED MICROSPORES (AMS), DEFECTIVE IN TAPETAL DEVELOPMENT AND FUNCTION1, and BASIC HELIX‐LOOP‐HELIX 089/091/010 encode key upstream transcription factors of Fe deficiency‐responsive DEGs involved in tapetum function and development, including tapetal ROS homeostasis, programmed cell death, and pollen outer wall formation‐related lipid metabolism. Analysis of RESPIRATORY‐BURST OXIDASE HOMOLOG E (RBOHE) gain‐ and loss‐of‐function under Fe deficiency indicated that RBOHE‐ and Fe‐dependent regulation cooperatively control anther reactive oxygen species levels and pollen development. Since DEGs in Fe‐deficient anthers were not significantly enriched in genes related to mitochondrial function, the changes in mitochondrial status under Fe deficiency, including respiration activity, density, and morphology, were probably because the Fe amount was insufficient to maintain proper mitochondrial protein function in anthers. To sum up, Fe deficiency in anthers may affect Fe‐dependent protein function and impact upstream transcription factors and their downstream genes, resulting in extensively impaired tapetum function and pollen development.
Arabidopsis ADP‐RIBOSYLATION FACTOR‐A1s mediate tapetum‐controlled pollen development
Authors: Zhu Rui‐Min , Li Min , Li Shan‐Wei , Liang Xin , Li Sha , Zhang Yan
Published: July 2021

Propagation of angiosperms mostly relies on sexual reproduction, in which gametophytic development is a pre‐requisite. Male gametophytic development requires both gametophytic and sporophytic factors, most importantly early secretion and late programmed cell death of the tapetum. In addition to transcriptional factors, proteins at endomembrane compartments, such as receptor‐like kinases and vacuolar proteases, control tapetal function. The cellular machinery that regulates their distribution is beginning to be revealed. We report here that ADP‐RIBOSYLATION FACTOR‐A1s (ArfA1s) are critical for tapetum‐controlled pollen development. All six ArfA1s in the Arabidopsis genome are expressed during anther development, among which ArfA1b is specific to the tapetum and developing microspores. Although the ArfA1b loss‐of‐function mutant showed no pollen defects, probably due to redundancy, interference with ArfA1s by a dominant negative approach in the tapetum resulted in tapetal dysfunction and pollen abortion. We further showed that all six ArfA1s are associated with the Golgi and the trans‐Golgi network/early endosome, suggesting that they have roles in regulating post‐Golgi trafficking to the plasma membrane or to vacuoles. Indeed, we demonstrated that the expression of ArfA1bDN interfered with the targeting of proteins critical for tapetal development. The results presented here demonstrate a key role of ArfA1s in tapetum‐controlled pollen development by mediating protein targeting through post‐Golgi trafficking routes.
Repeat donation and deferral rates in US source plasma donors: Exploratory analysis from the IMPACT trial
Authors: Hartmann Jan , Ragusa Michael J. , Burchardt Elmar R. , Manukyan Zorayr , Popovsky Mark A. , Leitman Susan F.
Published: July 2021

Background

The IMPACT trial demonstrated the safety of a new personalized nomogram for plasma donation and provided an opportunity to explore short‐ to mid‐term impact on repeat donation and deferral rates, and factors affecting these.

Study Design and Methods

In the IMPACT trial, participants were randomized to donate plasma using an established weight‐based nomogram (control) versus a new personalized nomogram incorporating height, weight, and hematocrit (experimental). In this exploratory analysis, repeat donations (per donor, by study arm) were analyzed using negative binomial generalized linear regression models and descriptive statistics. The mean number of donor deferral events was compared between the two arms using logistic regression and count data modeling approaches and were analyzed by lead cause.

Results

The predicted mean number of repeat donations was similar between the control and experimental arms (6.82 vs. 6.62, respectively; p = .22). Overall, the predicted mean number of repeat donations was significantly higher in males compared with females (p < .0001). Naïve donors had on average 2.8/2.7 (control/experimental) fewer repeat donations compared with experienced donors. In 23, 137 donations from 3443 donors, 798 donors (376 control, 422 experimental, p = .80) had at least one deferral (for any cause). The predicted mean number of deferrals in all categories of interest was not statistically different between the study arms.

Conclusion

Similar repeat donation and deferral rates between arms suggest that the new nomogram did not result in disruptions to subsequent donation. Further longitudinal research on mid‐ to long‐term effects is warranted.
Layer-engineered interlayer excitons
Authors: Tan Qinghai , Rasmita Abdullah , Li Si , Liu Sheng , Huang Zumeng , Xiong Qihua , Yang Shengyuan A. , Novoselov K. S. , Gao Wei-bo
Published: July 2021

Long valley polarization lifetime and tunable photoluminescence have been realized for interlayer excitons by layer engineering.
Unstable regulatory T cells, enriched for naïve and Nrp1negcells, are purged after fate challenge
Authors: Junius Steffie , Mavrogiannis Adamantios V. , Lemaitre Pierre , Gerbaux Margaux , Staels Frederik , Malviya Vanshika , Burton Oliver , Gergelits Václav , Singh Kailash , Tito Tadeo Raul Yhossef , Raes Jeroen , Humblet-Baron Stephanie , Liston Adrian , Schlenner Susan M.
Published: July 2021

Lymphophenic fate challenge purges incompletely committed regulatory T cells, a subset enriched for naïve neuropilin-1–negative Treg.
Effect of Isoniazid Intake on Ethionamide Pharmacokinetics and Target Attainment in Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis Patients
Authors: Chirehwa Maxwell T. , Court Richard , de Kock Mariana , Wiesner Lubbe , de Vries Nihal , Harding Joseph , Gumbo Tawanda , Maartens Gary , Warren Rob , Denti Paolo , McIlleron Helen
Published: July 2021

Ethionamide is recommended as part of regimens to treat multidrug-resistant and rifampicin-resistant tuberculosis. This study was conducted to (i) describe the distribution of ethionamide MICs, (ii) describe the pharmacokinetics of ethionamide, and (iii) determine the probability of attaining target area under the concentration-time curve from 0 to 24 h (AUC
0–24
)/MIC values associated with suppression of resistant subpopulation and microbial kill.
Variability of Beta-Lactam Broth Microdilution for Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Bhalodi A. A. , Oppermann N. , Campeau S. A. , Humphries R. M.
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial susceptibility testing for
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
is critical to determine suitable treatment options. Commercial susceptibility tests are typically calibrated against the reference method, broth microdilution (BMD).
Transcriptome Profiling Reveals CD73 and Age-Driven Changes in Neutrophil Responses against Streptococcus pneumoniae
Authors: Bhalla Manmeet , Heinzinger Lauren R. , Morenikeji Olanrewaju B. , Marzullo Brandon , Thomas Bolaji N. , Bou Ghanem Elsa N.
Published: July 2021

Neutrophils are required for host resistance againstStreptococcus pneumoniae, but their function declines with age. We previously found that CD73, an enzyme required for antimicrobial activity, is downregulated in neutrophils (also known as polymorphonuclear leukocytes [PMNs]) from aged mice.
The 5-Ketofructose Reductase of
Gluconobacter
sp. Strain CHM43 Is a Novel Class in the Shikimate Dehydrogenase Family
Authors: Nguyen Thuy Minh , Goto Masaru , Noda Shohei , Matsutani Minenosuke , Hodoya Yuki , Kataoka Naoya , Adachi Osao , Matsushita Kazunobu , Yakushi Toshiharu
Published: July 2021

A limited number of species of acetic acid bacteria, such as
Gluconobacter
sp. strain CHM43, produce 5-ketofructose, a potential low-calorie sweetener, at a high yield. Here, we show that an NADPH-dependent 5-ketofructose reductase (KFR) is involved in 5-ketofructose degradation, and we characterize this enzyme with respect to its structure, phylogeny, and function.
How carbonate dissolution facilitates sediment-hosted Zn-Pb mineralization
Authors: Liu Weihua , Spinks Sam C. , Glenn Matthew , MacRae Colin , Pearce Mark A.
Published: July 2021

Most of the world's Zn and Pb is extracted from sediment-hosted Zn-Pb deposits. The Zn-Pb deposits hosted in carbonate rocks are hypothesized to form by mixing of acidic metal-bearing brines with reduced sulfur-bearing fluids while dissolving sedimentary carbonate. To test the role of carbonate in this process, we conducted hydrothermal experiments simulating ore formation by reacting Zn ± Pb ± Ba–bearing brines with H2S and SO42– produced by native sulfur, with and without carbonate minerals (calcite or dolomite crystals), at 200 °C and water-saturated pressure. Sphalerite, galena, and barite (or anhydrite) crystals formed only when carbonate was present in the experiment, accompanied by carbonate dissolution. The textures of sphalerite clusters are similar to those observed in ancient and modern hydrothermal deposits. Thermodynamic modeling at 150 °C and 250 °C demonstrates that mixing of metal-rich brines and H2S causes most of the Zn in solution to precipitate as sphalerite only when carbonate dissolution occurs to buffer the pH, consistent with the experimental observations. The need for a pH buffer increases with increasing temperature, and different pH buffers may play a role for different deposit types. We propose that carbonate-buffered fluid mixing is a critical process for forming post-sedimentary Zn ± Pb ± Ba deposits in sedimentary carbonate rocks.
Multi-gene mutation metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Christy Joshua , Kandah Emad , Kesari Kavitha , Singh Trevor
Published: July 2021

Gene panel sequencing of metastatic castrate-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) can assist in identifying appropriate targeted therapies. Although some studies have reported single DNA mutations, this is the first case of mCRPC with five different DNA mutations based on gene panel analysis. The patient, a 75-year-old man, initially presented with haematuria. Laboratory investigation revealed elevated prostate-specific antigen levels, and CT showed an enlarged prostate gland with metastatic lymph nodes. A 12-core biopsy revealed adenocarcinoma of the prostate. Gene panel sequencing demonstrated five different DNA mutations associated with sensitivities to olaparib and pembrolizumab. Treatment failure after hormonal therapy with leuprorelin and bicalutamide resulted in the initiation of chemotherapy with docetaxel. Over the past decade, development of genome sequencing analysis may guide us with more precise targeted therapy specific to mCRPC early on, especially with poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors may show survival benefits.
Acute effects of the food preservative propionic acid on glucose metabolism in humans
Authors: Adler Gail K , Hornik Ezra S , Murray Gillian , Bhandari Shreya , Yadav Yogesh , Heydarpour Mahyar , Basu Rita , Garg Rajesh , Tirosh Amir
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Propionic acid (PA) is a common food preservative generally recognized as safe by the US Food and Drug Administration; however, exogenous PA has effects on glucose metabolism that are not fully understood. Our preclinical studies demonstrated exogenous PA increases glucagon, norepinephrine, and endogenous glucose production (EGP).

Research design and methods

We performed a randomized, placebo-controlled, crossover study in 28 healthy men and women to determine the effect of PA (1500 mg calcium propionate) on these factors. Subjects had two study visits, each preceded by a 1 week, PA-free diet. During each visit, glucose, insulin, glucagon, norepinephrine, epinephrine, and EGP were assessed for 2 hours after oral administration of PA/placebo under resting conditions (protocol 1) and during either a euglycemic (~85–90 mg/dL) or hypoglycemic (~65–70 mg/dL) hyperinsulinemic clamp (protocol 2).

Results

PA, as compared with placebo, significantly increased: (1) glucagon and norepinephrine during protocol 1; (2) glucagon, norepinephrine, and epinephrine under euglycemic conditions in protocol 2; and (3) norepinephrine, epinephrine, and EGP under hypoglycemic conditions in protocol 2.

Conclusion

Oral consumption of PA leads to inappropriate activation of the insulin counterregulatory hormonal network. This inappropriate stimulation highlights PA as a potential metabolic disruptor.
A cluster randomised controlled trial to evaluate the impact of a gender transformative intervention on intimate partner violence against women in newly formed neighbourhood groups in Tanzania
Authors: Harvey Sheila , Abramsky Tanya , Mshana Gerry , Hansen Christian Holm , Mtolela Grace J , Madaha Flora , Hashim Ramadhan , Kapinga Imma , Watts Charlotte , Lees Shelley , Kapiga Saidi
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Violence against women is a global public health concern; around a quarter of women will experience intimate partner physical or sexual violence during their lifetime. We assessed the impact of a gender transformative intervention for women designed to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV).

Methods

We conducted a cluster randomised controlled trial in Mwanza city, Tanzania, among women in newly formed neighbourhood groups to evaluate a 10-session participatory intervention that aims to empower women, prevent IPV and promote healthy relationships. Following a baseline interview, groups were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) to the intervention or control arm. An intention-to-treat analysis was conducted to assess the impact of the intervention on the main outcomes, assessed 24 months postintervention. These included past-year physical IPV and sexual IPV (primary); past-year emotional abuse; and acceptability and tolerance of IPV.

Results

Between September 2015 and February 2017, 1265 women were recruited in 66 neighbourhoods and randomly allocated to intervention (n=627 women in 33 neighbourhoods) or control (n=638 women in 33 neighbourhoods). Assessment of outcomes was completed for 551 (88%) intervention and 575 (90%) control women. Among intervention women, 113 (21%) reported physical IPV compared with 117 (20%) control women (adjusted OR (aOR) 0.98, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.33, p=0.892), and 109 (20%) intervention women reported sexual IPV compared with 121 (21%) control women (aOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.72 to 1.32, p=0.881). Intervention women reported less emotional abuse (aOR 0.74, 95% CI 0.56 to 0.98, p=0.035), and were less likely to express attitudes accepting of IPV (aOR 0.49, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.66, p<0.001), and beliefs that IPV is a private matter (aOR 0.54, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.78, p=0.001), or should be tolerated (aOR 0.48, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.66, p<0.001).

Conclusion

These results indicate that the intervention was effective in reducing emotional abuse and positively impacting attitudes and beliefs condoning IPV, but was not sufficient to reduce physical or sexual IPV.

Trial registration number

NCT02592252.
Implementing health communication tools at scale: mobile audio messaging and paper-based job aids for front-line workers providing community health education to mothers in Bihar, India
Authors: Ward Victoria , Abdalla Safa , Raheel Hina , Weng Yingjie , Godfrey Anna , Dutt Priyanka , Mitra Radharani , Sastry Padmapriya , Chamberlain Sara , Shannon Melissa , Mehta Kala , Bentley Jason , Darmstadt, MD Gary L
Published: July 2021

Introduction

As part of an investment by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to support the Government of Bihar to improve reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health and nutrition (RMNCHN) statewide, BBC Media Action implemented multiple communication tools to support front-line worker (FLW) outreach. We analyse the impacts of a package of mHealth audio messaging and paper-based job aids used by FLWs during government-sponsored village health, sanitation and nutrition days (VHSNDs) on knowledge and practices of childbearing women across the RMNCHN continuum of care.

Methods

Data from two surveys collected between July and September 2016 were analysed using logistic regression to compare health-related knowledge and behaviours between women who had been exposed at VHSNDs to the mHealth GupShup Potli (GSP) audio recordings or interpersonal communication (IPC) tools versus those who were unexposed.

Results

Exposure to GSP recordings (n=2608) was associated with improved knowledge across all continuum-of-care domains, as well as improved health-related behaviours in some domains. The odds of having taken iron-folic acid (IFA) tablets were significantly higher in exposed women (OR 1.5, 95% CI 1.1 to 2.2), as was contraceptive use (OR 2.0, 95% CI 1.2 to 3.2). There were no differences in birth preparedness or complementary feeding practices between groups. Exposure to IPC paper-based tools (n=2002) was associated with a twofold increased odds of IFA consumption (OR 2.3, 95% CI 1.7 to 3.2) and contraceptive use (OR 1.8, 95% CI 1.2 to 2.8). Women exposed to both tools were generally at least twice as likely to subsequently discuss the messages with others.

Conclusion

BBC Media Action’s mHealth audio messaging job aids and paper-based IPC tools were associated with improved knowledge and practices of women who were exposed to them across multiple domains, suggesting their important potential for improving health outcomes for beneficiaries at scale in low-resource settings.

Trial registration number

NCT02726230.
Multiplexed technologies for sexually transmitted infections: global evidence on patient-centered and clinical health outcomes
Authors: Naeem Faheel , Karellis Angela , Nair Suma , Routy Jean-Pierre , Yansouni Cédric Philippe , Kim John , Pai Nitika
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Conventional care packages around screening for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) entail multiple clinic visits and precipitate losses to follow-up. To prevent these losses, multiplexed technologies for STIs (immunochromatographic tests/devices/assays and molecular assays that can screen multiple pathogens or multiple strains of one STI) can yield same-day results in a single visit. Research evidence of patient-centred (preference, satisfaction) and clinical health outcomes (feasibility, case positivity, uptake, impact) has not been synthesised. We conducted a systematic review to fill this gap.

Methods

For the period 2009–2020, two independent reviewers searched PubMed and Embase, retrieved 4440 citations and abstracted data from 42 relevant studies.

Results

Of 42 studies, 10 (23.8%) evaluated multiplexed immunochromatographic and 32 (76.2%) molecular assays. Outcomes were reported as follows: preference (n=3), satisfaction (n=2), uptake (n=1), feasibility (n=2), case positivity (n=42) and impact (n=11). Screened populations included various at-risk groups. A majority (86.1%–92.4%) of participants preferred (60.2%–97.2%) multiplexed technologies (over conventional testing). Compared with conventional lab-based testing, test uptake improved by 99.4% (hepatitis C), 99.6% (Trichomonas vaginalis), 78.6% (hepatitis B) and 42.0% (HIV). Varying case positivities were documented depending on populations screened: HIV (1.8%–29.3%), hepatitis B (1.1%–23.9%), hepatitis C (0.5%–42.2%),Chlamydia trachomatis(2.8%–30.2%),Neisseria gonorrhoeae(0.0%–30.3%) andT. vaginalis(0.0%–32.7%). Regarding impact, 70.0%–100.0% of screened participants were linked to care, with result turnaround times ranging from 14 min (immunochromatographic assays) to 300 min (molecular assays).

Conclusions

Compared with conventional lab-based testing, rapid multiplexed technologies were preferred by testees and led to quicker turnaround times for many STIs yielding same-day results thereby allowing to initiate rapid linkages to care. They were further shown to be highly feasible and impactful for detection and treatment facilitation. Based on these promising results, multiplexed technologies offer potential to screen at-risk populations to reduce onward STI transmission worldwide.
Incidence of childhood injuries and modifiable household risk factors in rural Ghana: a multistage, cluster-randomised, population-based, household survey
Authors: Gyedu Adam , Stewart Barclay T , Otupiri Easmon , Mehta Kajal , Donkor Peter , Mock Charles
Published: July 2021

Objective

We aimed to describe the incidence of childhood household injuries and prevalence of modifiable household risk factors in rural Ghana to inform prevention initiatives.

Setting

357 randomly selected households in rural Ghana.

Participants

Caregivers of children aged <5 years.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Childhood injuries that occurred within 6 months and 200 metres of the home that resulted in missed school/work, hospitalisation and/or death. Sampling weights were applied, injuries were described and multilevel regression was used to identify risk factors.

Results

Caregivers from 357 households had a mean age of 35 years (SD 12.8) and often supervised ≥2 children (51%). Households typically used biomass fuels (84%) on a cookstove outside the home (79%). Cookstoves were commonly <1 metre of the ground (95%). Weighted incidence of childhood injury was 542 per 1000 child-years. Falls (37%), lacerations (24%), burns (12%) and violence (12%) were common mechanisms. There were differences in mechanism across age groups (p<0.01), but no gender differences (p=0.25). Presence of older children in the home (OR 0.15, 95% CI 0.09 to 0.24; adjusted OR (aOR) 0.26, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.54) and cooking outside the home (OR 0.28, 95% CI 0.19 to 0.42; aOR 0.25, 95% CI 0.13 to 0.49) were protective against injury, but other common modifiable risk factors (eg, stove height, fuel type, secured cabinets) were not.

Conclusions

Childhood injuries occurred frequently in rural Ghana. Several common modifiable household risk factors were not associated with an increase in household injuries. Presence of older children was a protective factor, suggesting that efforts to improve supervision of younger children might be effective prevention strategies.
Variation in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence across districts, schools and classes: baseline measurements from a cohort of primary and secondary school children in Switzerland
Authors: Ulyte Agne , Radtke Thomas , Abela Irene Alma , Haile Sarah R , Blankenberger Jacob , Jung Ruedi , Capelli Celine , Berger Christoph , Frei Anja , Huber Michael , Schanz Merle , Schwarzmueller Magdalena , Trkola Alexandra , Fehr Jan , Puhan Milo Alan , Kriemler Susi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To determine the variation in SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence in school children and the relationship with self-reported symptoms.

Design

Baseline measurements of a longitudinal cohort study (Ciao Corona) from June to July 2020.

Setting

55 schools stratified by district in the canton of Zurich, Switzerland.

Participants

2585 children (1339 girls; median age: 11 years, age range: 6–16 years), attending grades 1–2, 4–5 and 7–8.

Main outcome measures

Variation in seroprevalence of SARS-CoV-2 in children across 12 cantonal districts, schools and grades, assessed using Luminex-based test of four epitopes for IgG, IgA and IgM (Antibody Coronavirus Assay,ABCORA 2.0). Clustering of cases within classes. Association of seropositivity and symptoms. Comparison with seroprevalence in adult population, assessed using Luminex-based test of IgG and IgA (Sensitive Anti-SARS-CoV-2 Spike Trimer Immunoglobulin Serological test).

Results

Overall seroprevalence was 2.8% (95% CI 1.5% to 4.1%), ranging from 1.0% to 4.5% across districts. Seroprevalence in grades 1–2 was 3.8% (95% CI 2.0% to 6.1%), in grades 4–5 was 2.4% (95% CI 1.1% to 4.2%) and in grades 7–8 was 1.5% (95% CI 0.5% to 3.0%). At least one seropositive child was present in 36 of 55 (65%) schools and in 44 (34%) of 131 classes where ≥5 children and ≥50% of children within the class were tested. 73% of children reported COVID-19-compatible symptoms since January 2020, with the same frequency in seropositive and seronegative children for all symptoms. Seroprevalence of children and adults was similar (3.2%, 95% credible interval (CrI) 1.7% to 5.0% vs 3.6%, 95% CrI 1.7% to 5.4%). The ratio of confirmed SARS-CoV-2 cumulative incidence-to-seropositive cases was 1:89 in children and 1:12 in adults.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was low in children and similar to that in adults by the end of June 2020. Very low ratio of diagnosed-to-seropositive children was observed. We did not detect clustering of SARS-CoV-2-seropositive children within classes, but the follow-up of this study will shed more light on transmission within schools.

Trial registration number

NCT04448717.
How is the medical assistance in dying (MAID) process carried out in Nova Scotia, Canada? A qualitative process model flowchart study
Authors: Crumley Ellen T , Kelly Scarlett , Young Joel , Phinney Nicole , McCarthy John , Gubitz Gordon
Published: July 2021

Objectives

The aims of this study are: (1) to create a flowchart process model of how medical assistance in dying (MAID) occurs in Nova Scotia (NS), Canada and (2) to detail how NS healthcare professionals are involved in each stage of MAID. The research questions are: how is the MAID process carried out and which professionals are involved at which points? and which roles and activities do professionals carry out during MAID?

Design

Qualitative process model flowchart study with semistructured interviews.

Setting

Primary and secondary care in NS, Canada.

Participants

Thirty-two interviewees self-selected to participate (12 physicians, 3 nurse practitioners (NP), 6 nurses, 6 pharmacists and 5 healthcare administrators and advocates). Participants were included if they conduct assessments, provide MAID, fill prescriptions, insert the intravenous lines, organise care and so on.

Results

The flowchart process model details five stages of how MAID occurs in NS: (1) starting the MAID process, (2) MAID assessments, (3) MAID preparation (hospital in-patient, hospital outpatient, non-hospital), (4) day of MAID and (5) post-MAID (hospital in-patient and outpatient, non-hospital, after leaving setting). Nineteen points where the process could stop or be delayed were identified. MAID differs slightly by location and multiple professionals from different organisations are involved at different points. Some physicians and NP provide MAID for free as they cannot be reimbursed or find it too difficult to be reimbursed.

Conclusions

Our study adds knowledge about the MAID activities and roles of NS professionals, which are not documented in the international literature. Clinicians and pharmacists spend significant additional time to participate, raising questions about MAID’s sustainability and uncompensated costs. The process model flowchart identifies where MAID can stop or be delayed, signalling where resources, training and relationship-building may need to occur. Knowing where potential delays can occur can help clinicians, administrators and policymakers in other jurisdictions improve MAID.
Risk factors for 30-day in-hospital mortality for in-patient with stroke in sub-Saharan Africa: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ackah Martin , Yeboah Cynthia Osei , Ameyaw Louise
Published: July 2021

Introduction

While individual studies have reported on in-hospital stroke mortality rates in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), the estimates are highly variable and inconclusive, buttressing the need for precise and reliable estimations. To overcome these inconsistencies, a well-structured systematic review and meta-analytical models are necessary. However, to the best of our knowledge, there is no published systematic review and meta-analysis on risk factors for 30-day mortality for in-hospital patients with stroke in SSA.

Method and analysis

We will include all retrospective and prospective facility-based observational studies reporting on the incidence and/or risk factors for in-hospital stroke mortality in SSA. Electronic databases such as PubMed, Google scholar and Africa Journal Online (AJOL) will be searched for potentially relevant studies on in-hospital stroke mortality and risk factors in SSA. The search will be limited to studies conducted from January 1990 to December 2020. Two independent authors will screen titles and abstract to find studies that meet the prespecified eligibility criteria for inclusion in the review. The incidence of 30-day in hospital stroke mortality will be pooled. Meta-regression will be used to assess the factors associated with in-hospital stroke mortality in SSA. If possible, subgroup analysis will be performed based on subregion, publication year and study design, and quality score to determine possible source of heterogeneity. If possible, a sensitivity analysis will be performed to determine the robustness of the estimates obtained from the meta-analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required as this is a secondary research and will use reported data in scientific literature. A full manuscript will be submitted to a reputable peer-review journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021227367.
Status, demand and practice models of palliative day-care clinics and day hospices: a scoping review
Authors: Terjung Teresa , Stiel Stephanie , Schneider Nils , Herbst Franziska A
Published: July 2021

Background

Little is known about the structure, accessibility, service provision and needs of palliative and hospice day-care in Germany and abroad. Researchers, healthcare providers and policy makers would benefit from a systematic overview.

Aim

The aim was to identify, describe and summarise available evidence on status, demand and practice models of palliative day-care clinics and day hospices. A secondary aim was to disclose research gaps and present recommendations for clinical practice and future research.

Design

The scoping review followed the methodological framework of Arksey and O’Malley. The analysed publications included studies of varying kinds to describe the current state of the art.

Data sources

Using a highly sensitive search strategy, the authors searched PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, CINAHL and Google Scholar within the publication window of inception to 12 June 2020. An additional hand search of the reference lists of the identified review articles was conducted.

Results

The authors screened the titles and abstracts of 2643 studies, retrieved 197 full texts and included 32 articles in the review. The review identified nine major themes: (1) the referral process, (2) models of care, (3) patient characteristics, (4) demand, (5) the discharge process, (6) perceptions of services, (7) funding and costs, (8) outcome measurement and (9) education.

Conclusions

There is a need for further research to identify groups of patients who would receive the most benefit from palliative and hospice day-care and to determine any necessary revisions in admission criteria.
Search for effective treatments in patients with advanced refractory melanoma continues: can novel intratumoral therapies deliver?
Authors: Najjar Yana G
Published: July 2021

Most patients with advanced melanoma ultimately fail immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy because of primary or acquired resistance. There remains a critical unmet need for new therapies that function via alternative immune activation mechanisms to safely trigger an antitumor immune response in patients with ICI-refractory disease. This commentary discusses the recent failures and hope for novel intratumoral therapies under development in the advanced refractory melanoma setting, outlining key mechanistic differences that may be critical to yielding success in this difficult-to-treat population.
On Kodaira dimension of almost complex 4-dimensional solvmanifolds without complex structures
Authors: Cattaneo Andrea , Nannicini Antonella , Tomassini Adriano
Published: July 2021

The aim of this paper is to continue the study of Kodaira dimension for almost complex manifolds, focusing on the case of compact [Formula: see text]-dimensional solvmanifolds without any integrable almost complex structure. According to the classification theory we consider: [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text]. For the first solvmanifold we introduce special families of almost complex structures, compute the corresponding Kodaira dimension and show that it is no longer a deformation invariant. Moreover, we prove Ricci flatness of the canonical connection for the almost Kähler structure. Regarding the other two manifolds we compute the Kodaira dimension for certain almost complex structures. Finally, we construct a natural hypercomplex structure providing a twistorial description.
Verifiable Model Construction for Business Processes
Authors: Ji Shunhui , Hu Liming , Cao Yihan , Zhang Pengcheng , Gao Jerry
Published: July 2021

Business process specified in Business Process Execution Language (BPEL), which integrates existing services to develop composite service for offering more complicated function, is error-prone. Verification and testing are necessary to ensure the correctness of business processes. SPIN, for which the input language is PROcess MEta-LAnguage (Promela), is one of the most popular tools for detecting software defects and can be used both in verification and testing. In this paper, an automatic approach is proposed to construct the verifiable model for BPEL-based business process with Promela language. Business process is translated to an intermediate two-level representation, in which eXtended Control Flow Graph (XCFG) describes the behavior of BPEL process in the first level and Web Service Description Models (WSDM) depict the interface information of composite service and partner services in the second level. With XCFG of BPEL process, XCFGs for partner services are generated to describe their behavior. Promela model is constructed by defining data types based on WSDM and defining channels, variables and processes based on XCFGs. The constructed Promela model is closed, containing not only the BPEL process but also its execution environment. Case study shows that the proposed approach is effective.
A UNIFIED MARKET MODEL FOR SWAPTIONS AND CONSTANT MATURITY SWAPS
Authors: TEE CHYNG WEN , KERKHOF JEROEN
Published: July 2021

Internal-rate-of-return (IRR) settled swaptions are the main interest rate volatility instruments in the European interest rate markets. Industry practice is to use an approximation formula to price IRR swaptions based on Black model, which is not arbitrage-free. We formulate a unified market model to incorporate both swaptions and constant maturity swaps (CMS) pricing under a single, self-consistent framework. We demonstrate that the model is able to calibrate to market quotes well, and is also able to efficiently price both IRR-settled and swap-settled swaptions, along with CMS products. We use the model to illustrate the difference in implied volatilities for IRR-settled payer and receiver swaptions, the pricing of zero-wide collars and in-the-money (ITM) swaptions, the implication on put-call parity, and the issue of negative vega. These findings offer important insights to the ongoing reform in the European swaption market.
Human-Computer Interaction Virtual Training System for College Students’ Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education
Authors: Zhang Weimin
Published: July 2021

A recent trend in human-computer interaction has facilitated content production, such as innovation and information growth through intelligent systems, enabling unqualified users to describe a machine’s behaviour through visual programming. However, the difficulty could become similar to the standard coding techniques as the number of elements to be managed increases. Entrepreneurial education is defined as a collection of formalized lessons that advise, train, and educate all people who want to participate in socio-economic development through a project that promotes knowledge of entrepreneurship to advance the business. Hence, in this paper, the Human-computer interaction-based Entrepreneurship learning platform (HCI-ELP) has been proposed to boost student quality of life by enhancing self-confidence and changing the learning timeframe. HCI provides several promising implications for integrating knowledge management approaches, taking advantage of computer-supported interactive learning from entrepreneurship learning platforms. The suggested approach recommends collaboration to learn for students’ opinions on learning developed through a questionnaire’s tasks. Thus, the experimental results show that HCI-ELP achieves the highest performance rate to 97.66% and enhances student interaction in completing the task to improve curriculum development.
Exploring Industry Benchmarks for Continuous Improvement and Investment Decision-Making
Authors: Wang Tien-Chin , Huang Shu-Li , Lee Chien-Hui
Published: July 2021

Measuring company efficiency is an important issue for both managers and investors. Efficiency measurement is always important because organizations are constantly striving to increase internal productivity. However, investors are more concerned about sustainability than many executives believe. Almost 75% of investment community respondents strongly believed that improvements in operational efficiency were often accompanied by progress in terms of sustainability. This study examined companies listed on the Taiwan 50 and Taiwan Mid-Cap 100 Indexes and measured and ranked their operational efficiencies, identifying representatives with high investment potential among these highly capitalized blue chip stocks from various industries. The results will provide managers with recommendations for improving operational efficiency through competitive mapping, as well as a list of the most attractive targets for investment.