bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A rapid evidence assessment of sickle cell disease educational interventions
Authors: Oti Anthonia Etonlogbo , Heyes Kim , Bruce Faye , Wilmott Danita
Published: May 2022

Aims and objectives

To assess the impact of educational interventions on the knowledge and attitude of healthcare professionals (HCPs) regarding sickle cell disease (SCD) pain management in the UK.

Background

Variations and inadequate pain management due toHCPs’ lack of knowledge and negative attitude is still an ongoing global concern for SCD patients despite availability of effective treatment and evidence‐based guidelines. Several international studies have implemented interventions aimed at improving knowledge, attitude, and pain management. No review on the effectiveness of these interventions was found. Also, no previous intervention done in the UK was found from the thorough search of research databases. However, there are estimated 240,000 genetic carriers with about 12,500–15,000 estimated people living with SCD in the UK.

Design

Rapid Evidence Assessment of existing evidence.

Methods

A rapid evidence assessment was conducted between March 2021–January 2022 following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Included papers must have an educational intervention about SCD or related symptom management where the learners were HCPs. Excluded papers were those not published in English or before 2010. The following databases were searched: CINAHL, MEDLINE, PubMed America and Europe, Scopus, PsycINFO and Web of Science. Data quality was assessed using the Mixed Methods Assessment Tool (MMAT) and analysed using a narrative approach.

Results

Ten studies were included in the final review. Overall, they reported improved outcomes in six main themes: knowledge, attitude, perception, adoption, satisfaction and efficiency. Five studies reported statistically significant improvement in at least one outcome, four studies reported positive improvement, and two studies reported no significant improvement in knowledge and attitude. These heterogeneous studies were implemented once, and all designs were prone to bias; this makes it difficult to state how effective interventions are for SCD.

Conclusion

Current evidence of positive improvement in HCPs’ knowledge and attitude is insufficient for generalisation and recommendation for adoption. However, we believe that implementing validated educational interventions remains essential for effective acute SCD pain management and patient‐centred care. Further research is needed to find a suitable educational intervention that can be replicated.

Relevance to clinical practice

Quality SCD education, timely crisis management and reduced patient stigma are crucial in reducing the risk of rapid clinical decompensation to avoid developing life‐threatening complications. Understanding SCD can also support the building of therapeutic relationships between the patient and practitioner.

Trial registration

This review was not registered.
ASNM and ASN joint guidelines for transcranial Doppler ultrasonic monitoring: An update
Authors: Razumovsky Alexander Y. , Jahangiri Faisal R. , Balzer Jeffrey , Alexandrov Andrei V.
Published: May 2022

Today, it seems prudent to reconsider how ultrasound technology can be used for providing intraoperative neurophysiologic monitoring that will result in better patient outcomes and decreased length and cost of hospitalization. An extensive and rapidly growing literature suggests that the essential hemodynamic information provided by transcranial Doppler (TCD) ultrasonography neuromonitoring (TCDNM) would provide effective monitoring modality for improving outcomes after different types of vascular, neurosurgical, orthopedic, cardiovascular, and cardiothoracic surgeries and some endovascular interventional or diagnostic procedures, like cardiac catheterization or cerebral angiography. Understanding, avoiding, and preventing peri‐ or postoperative complications, including neurological deficits following abovementioned surgeries, endovascular intervention, or diagnostic procedures, represents an area of great public and economic benefit for society, especially considering the aging population. The American Society of Neurophysiologic Monitoring and American Society of Neuroimaging Guidelines Committees formed a joint task force and developed updated guidelines to assist in the use of TCDNM in the surgical and intensive care settings. Specifically, these guidelines define (1) the objectives of TCD monitoring; (2) the responsibilities and behaviors of the neurosonographer during monitoring; (3) instrumentation and acquisition parameters; (4) safety considerations; (5) contemporary rationale for TCDNM; (6) TCDNM perspectives; and (7) major recommendations.
Where Do We Come From…Where are We Heading? Reflections on the Personal, the Systemic, and the Political
Authors: García Coll Cynthia
Published: May 2022

Using my personal story, I reflect on the history of the field of child development from the 1970’s to the present. I recount how far have we come…but also, how far we still have to go on creating a literature where contextual forces, such as racism and other sources of oppression are considered at the core rather than the perifery of research with minoritized BILPOC (Black, Indigenous, Latinx, People of Color) families and children. As scholars of color, we not only have had to conduct/fund/publish research and teach, but also push our institutions and organizations to create the systemic and political change necessary for others to follow.
Epidemic characteristics of alcohol‐related liver disease in Asia from 2000 to 2020: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xu Hongqin , Xiao Peng , Zhang Feiyu , Liu Tao , Gao Yanhang
Published: May 2022

Background and Aims

To systematically summarize the prevalence of alcohol‐related liver disease (ALD) and the alcohol‐attributable proportions of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases in Asia.

Methods

The Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane, CINAHL, WanfangMed and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases were searched from 01 January 2000 to 01 December 2021 for reports of ALD prevalence and alcohol‐attributable proportions of liver cirrhosis/HCC in Asian populations. Study characteristics were extracted, and meta‐analyses were conducted.

Results

Our literature search identified 13 studies reporting the ALD prevalence, 62 studies reporting the alcohol‐attributable proportion of liver cirrhosis and 34 studies reporting the alcohol‐attributable proportion of HCC. The overall prevalence of ALD was 4.81% (95% confidence interval [CI] 3.67%, 6.09%). The ALD prevalence was higher in men (7.80% [95% CI 5.70%, 10.19%]) than in women (0.88% [95% CI 0.35%, 1.64%]) and increased significantly over time from 3.82% (95% CI 2.74%, 5.07%) between 2000 and 2010 to 6.62% (95% CI 4.97%, 8.50%) between 2011 and 2020. Among 469 640 cases of liver cirrhosis, the pooled alcohol‐attributable proportion was 12.57% (95% CI 10.20%, 15.16%). Among 82 615 HCC cases, the pooled alcohol‐attributable proportion was 8.30% (95% CI 6.10%,11.21%). Significant regional differences were observed in alcohol‐attributable proportions of liver cirrhosis and HCC.

Conclusions

The prevalence of ALD and the proportions of alcohol‐related liver cirrhosis and HCC in Asia are lower than those in western populations. However, a gradual increasing trend was observed over the last 21 years. ALD is likely to emerge as a leading cause of chronic liver disease in Asia.
Landscape genetics reveals contrasting patterns of connectivity in two newt species (Lissotriton montandoniandL. vulgaris)
Authors: Antunes Bernardo , Figueiredo‐Vázquez Clara , Dudek Katarzyna , Liana Marcin , Pabijan Maciej , Zieliński Piotr , Babik Wiesław
Published: May 2022

Ecologically distinct species may respond to landscape changes in different ways. In addition to basic ecological data, the extent of the geographic range has been successfully used as an indicator of species sensitivity to anthropogenic landscapes, with widespread species usually found to be less sensitive compared to range‐restricted species. In this study, we investigate connectivity patterns of two closely related but ecologically distinct newt species – the range‐restricted,Lissotriton montandoniand the widespread,L. vulgaris– using genomic data, a highly replicated setting (six geographic regions per species), and tools from landscape genetics. Our results show the importance of forest for connectivity in both species, but at the same time suggest differential use of forested habitat, withL. montandoniandL. vulgarisshowing the highest connectivity at forest‐core and forest‐edges, respectively. Anthropogenic landscapes (i.e., higher crop‐ or urban‐cover) increased resistance in both species, but the effect was one to three orders of magnitude stronger inL. montandonithan inL. vulgaris.This result is consistent with a view ofL. vulgarisas an ecological generalist. Even so, currently, the negative impact of anthropogenic landscapes is mainly seen in connectivity amongL. vulgarispopulations, which show significantly stronger isolation and lower effective sizes relative toL. montandoni. Overall, this study emphasizes how habitat destruction is compromising genetic connectivity not only in endemic, range‐restricted species of conservation concern but also in widespread generalist species, despite their comparatively lower sensitivity to anthropogenic landscape changes.
Worldwide phylogeography of rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) provides evidence for subspecies delimitation
Authors: Albertson G. Renee , Alexander Alana , Archer Frederick I. , Caballero Susana , Martien Karen K. , Hemery Lenaïg G. , Baird Robin W. , Oremus Marc , Poole M. Michael , Duffield Deborah A. , Brownell Robert L. , Kerem Dan , Mignucci‐Giannoni Antonio A. , Baker C. Scott
Published: May 2022

Rough‐toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) have a global tropical and subtropical distribution with oceanic, neritic, and island‐associated populations. To inform conservation and management for this species, we used sequences from the mtDNA control region (n = 360), mitogenomes (n = 19), and six nuclear introns (n = 35) to provide multiple lines of evidence to critically evaluate the potential taxonomic status of rough‐toothed dolphins. Using samples from the Pacific, Indian, and Atlantic Oceans, we examined the null hypothesis that rough‐toothed dolphins are one panmictic species and the alternate hypothesis of oceanic subspecies. Phylogenetic analyses of mitogenomes revealed a private Atlantic clade sister to a larger cosmopolitan clade including individuals from all tropical and subtropical oceans. We dated the split between the Atlantic clade and the cosmopolitan clade to 890,000 years ago. We determined that Atlantic rough‐toothed dolphins could be correctly diagnosed with 98% accuracy with the mtDNA control region and calculated the net nucleotide divergence as 0.02. Population level analyses revealed significant genetic differentiation using mtDNA among most regions, while significant differentiation using nuclear markers occurred only between the Atlantic and the Indian/Pacific regions. Therefore, the oceanic divergence and diagnosability of rough‐toothed dolphins in the Atlantic and the Indian/Pacific Oceans meet proposed criteria for recognition as two subspecies.
Environmental mutations in the Campo focus challenge elimination of sleeping sickness transmission in Cameroon
Authors: Melachio Tanekou Tito Tresor , Bouaka Tsakeng Calmes Ursain , Tirados Inaki , Torr Steve J. , Njiokou Flobert , Acho Alphonse , Wondji Charles Sinclair
Published: May 2022

Sleeping sickness is still prevalent in Campo, southern Cameroon, despite the efforts of World Health Organization and the National Control Programme in screening and treating cases. Reducing disease incidence still further may need the control of tsetse vectors. We update entomological and parasitological parameters necessary to guide tsetse control in Campo. Tsetse flies were trapped, their apparent densities were evaluated as the number of flies captured per trap per day and mapped using GIS tools. Polymerase chain reaction based methods were used to identify their trypanosome infection rates. Glossina palpalis palpalis was the dominant vector species representing 93.42% and 92.85% of flies captured respectively during the heavy and light dry seasons. This species presented high densities, that is, 3.87, 95% CI [3.84–3.91], and 2.51, 95% CI [2.49–2.53] flies/trap/day in the two seasons. Moreover, 16.79% (of 1054) and 20.23% (of 1132 flies) were found infected with at least 1 trypanosome species for the 2 seasons respectively, Trypanosoma congolense being the most prevalent species, and Trypanosoma. brucei gambiense identified in 4 samples. Tsetse flies are abundant in Campo and present high trypanosome infection rates. The detection of tsetse infected with human trypanosomes near the newly created palm grove show workers' exposition. Tsetse densities maps built will guide vector control with ‘Tiny Targets’.
Physio‐biochemical and molecular characterization of a rice drought‐insensitive TILLING line 1 (ditl1) mutant
Authors: Choi Seung Young , Lee Yong Jin , Seo Hyeon Ung , Kim Jong Ho , Jang Cheol Seong
Published: May 2022

Drought stress is a major abiotic stress that limits rice yield. Therefore, the development of new varieties tolerant to drought stress is a high priority in breeding programs. In this study, 150 rice M10 mutant lines, previously developed using gamma‐ray irradiation, were used, and a drought‐insensitive rice mutant (ditl1) was selected by drought stress screening. The ditl1 mutant exhibited significantly decreased water loss, leaf curling, and H2O2 accumulation under drought stress. Chlorophyll leaching assay and toluidine blue staining suggested lower cuticle permeability in ditl1 mutants than in wild‐type (WT) plants. In addition, transmission electron microscopy revealed that ditl1 plants accumulated more cuticular wax on the epidermal surface. Whole‐genome resequencing analysis suggested that the deletion of a single nucleotide on the LOC_Os05g48260 gene, a putative ortholog of WSD1 (wax ester synthase/diacylglycerol O‐acyltransferase in Arabidopsis), maybe be the gene responsible for the drought insensitive phenotype of ditl1. The ditl1 mutant will be a valuable breeding resource for developing drought stress tolerant rice cultivar.
A Nearest-Neighbour Gaussian Process Spatial Factor Model for Censored, Multi-Depth Geochemical Data
Authors: Davies Tilman M. , Banerjee Sudipto , Martin Adam P. , Turnbull Rose E.
Published: May 2022

We investigate the relationships between local environmental variables and the geochemical composition of the Earth in a region spanning over 26,000 km2 in the lower South Island of New Zealand. Part of the Southland–South Otago geochemical baseline survey—a pilot study pre-empting roll-out across the country—the data comprise the measurements of 59 chemical trace elements, each at two depth prescriptions, at several hundred spatial sites. We demonstrate construction of a hierarchical spatial factor model that captures inter-depth dependency; handles imputation of left-censored readings in a statistically principled manner; and exploits sparse approximations to Gaussian processes to deliver inference. The voluminous results provide a novel impression of the underlying processes and are presented graphically via simple web-based applications. These both confirm existing knowledge and provide a basis from which new research hypotheses in geochemistry might be formed.
Antifungal stewardship in solid organ transplantation
Authors: Kriegl Lisa , Boyer Johannes , Egger Matthias , Hoenigl Martin
Published: May 2022

Background

Antifungal stewardship (AFS) has emerged as an important component of quality in managing invasive fungal infections (IFIs), and cost‐benefit calculations suggest regular training in AFS is well worth the effort.

Methods

This review will discuss the most common IFIs in solid organ transplantation (SOT)‐recipients, how to diagnose them, and current recommendations for antifungal treatment and prophylaxis before demonstrating key takeaway points of AFS in this high‐risk population.

Results

Effective AFS starts before a patient is admitted for SOT, through education and regular interactions of the interdisciplinary clinical team involved in patient management, considering local factors such as epidemiological data and knowledge of diagnostic options including local turnaround times. Understanding the spectrum of antifungal agents, their efficacy and safety profiles, and pharmacokinetics, as well as duration of therapy is hereby essential.

The most frequent IFIs in SOT recipients are caused by Candida species, followed by Aspergillus species, both with increasing resistance rates. Diagnosis of IFI can be challenging due to unspecific clinical presentation and difficult interpretation of microbiological findings and biomarkers. Prophylactic strategies, such as those for invasive aspergillosis in lung transplantation or invasive candidiasis (IC) in certain liver transplant settings, as well as the selection of the appropriate therapeutic agents require detailed knowledge on the pharmacokinetics and drug–drug interactions of antifungals.

Conclusions

Here in this review, we address what constitutes good AFS in this heterogeneous field of solid organ transplant recipients.
Multinationals and domestic total factor productivity: Competition effects, knowledge spillovers and foreign ownership
Authors: Bournakis Ioannis , Papaioannou Sotiris , Papanastassiou Marina
Published: May 2022

We explore the role of multinational enterprises (MNEs) in Total Factor Productivity (TFP) of domestic firms by addressing some of the long‐standing controversies in the literature, drawing attention to the foreign ownership structure. First, we study the impact of foreign ownership structure on FDI gains. Second, we differentiate between competition effects (CE) and knowledge spillovers (KS). The former induces pro‐competitive improvements by making domestic firms charge lower price mark‐ups and the latter highlight the importance of learning gains through intra‐industry (horizontal) and inter‐industry (vertical) spillovers. We investigate whether KS can potentially vary with the degree of foreign control. Using a sample of manufacturing firms from six European countries, we find that the higher presence of MNEs in the domestic market makes domestic firms charge lower mark‐ups. Only majority and wholly owned MNEs generate economically weak horizontal spillovers that become stronger after controlling domestic firms' absorptive capacity. Backward spillovers from MNEs in downstream industries are domestic firms' primary source of TFP gains. Forward spillovers depend on direct linkages with MNEs and the scope of product differentiation.
Global value chains and the CPTPP
Authors: Chang Pao‐Li , Nguyen Phuong T. B.
Published: May 2022

The CPTPP, or the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans‐Pacific Partnership, is an example of a ‘mega‐regional’ free trade agreement, whose provisions on the rules of origin and trade facilitation can potentially have large impacts on CPTPP‐wide supply chains. In this paper, we analyse how intensively the CPTPP members participate in the global value chain (GVC), whether they have stronger linkages with members than with non‐members, the position of the members in the global and regional network, and whether the CPTPP members are key upstream and downstream trade partners to each other. We develop formulas of GVC position, and importance of bilateral upstream and downstream partners, based on the gross‐export decomposition framework of Koopman et al. (2014, American Economic Review, 104, 459) and Borin and Mancini (2017).
PANTHEISM, PANENTHEISM, AND ECOSOPHY: GETTING BACK TO SPINOZA?
Authors: Valera Luca , Vidal Gabriel
Published: May 2022

Many authors in the field of Environmental Philosophy have claimed to be inspired by Spinoza's monism, which has traditionally been considered a form of pantheism because nature and God coincide. This idea has deep normative implications, as some environmental ethicists claim that wounding nature is the same as wounding God, which implies a resacralization of nature. In particular, we will focus on Arne Næss's Ecosophy (or Deep Ecology) to offer a current relevant example of the pantheist (or panentheist) worldview. However, a new demarcation distinguishes pantheism from panentheism; in the latter, nature and God belong together but do not fully coincide, as in pantheism. Nevertheless, whether Spinoza is a panentheist, pantheist, or neither has yet to be fully determined, as well as whether his doctrine serves as a proper foundation for an ecology that attempts the aforementioned resacralization of nature. This article attempts to clarify these issues.
Have We Forgotten Our Patient? An Exploration of Patient Experiences After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction
Authors: Welling Wouter , Gokeler Alli , Benjaminse Anne , Verhagen Evert , Lemmink Koen
Published: May 2022

Background: Limited information is available on the experiences of patients during rehabilitation after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). Aim: The current study aimed to identify factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. Method and Design: A survey-based study with an online platform was used to identify factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. Seventy-two patients (age 27.8 [8.8] y) after ACLR participated. Data were analyzed and themes were identified by comparing categories and subcategories on similarity. Main Findings: Positive patient experiences were room for own input, supervision, attention, knowledge, honesty, and professionalism of the physiotherapist. Additionally, a varied and structured rehabilitation program, adequate facilities, and contact with other patients were identified as positive patient experiences. Negative experiences were a lack of attention, lack of professionalism of the physiotherapists, a lack of sport-specific field training, a lack of goal setting, a lack of adequate facilities, and health insurance costs. Conclusions: The current study identified factors that differentiated positive and negative patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR. These findings can help physiotherapists in understanding the patient experiences during rehabilitation after ACLR.
The Myth of Load Management: Sleep and Recovery in the Women’s National Basketball Association
Authors: Barnes Sarah
Published: May 2022

This article uses a feminist cultural studies of sport framework to explore dominant storytelling about sleep in the Women’s National Basketball Association. In a historical moment when rest is understood as a vital component in athlete performance, being denied full access to the conditions and resources that are imagined to be conducive to sleep is problematic. However, the Women’s National Basketball Association’s embrace of a commercial, technoscientific promotional sleep culture often comes at the expense of understanding the impact of structural forces on recovery. By exploring a variety of stories about sleep and performance, it is possible to understand the limitations and possibilities of using sleep enhancement frameworks to foster healthier and more humane sport settings and societies.
Touch signaling and thigmomorphogenesis are regulated by complementary CAMTA3- and JA-dependent pathways
Authors: Darwish Essam , Ghosh Ritesh , Ontiveros-Cisneros Abraham , Tran Huy Cuong , Petersson Marcus , De Milde Liesbeth , Broda Martyna , Goossens Alain , Van Moerkercke Alex , Khan Kasim , Van Aken Olivier
Published: May 2022

Plants respond to mechanical stimuli to direct their growth and counteract environmental threats. Mechanical stimulation triggers rapid gene expression changes and affects plant appearance (thigmomorphogenesis) and flowering. Previous studies reported the importance of jasmonic acid (JA) in touch signaling. Here, we used reverse genetics to further characterize the molecular mechanisms underlying touch signaling. We show that Piezo mechanosensitive ion channels have no major role in touch-induced gene expression and thigmomorphogenesis. In contrast, the receptor-like kinase Feronia acts as a strong negative regulator of the JA-dependent branch of touch signaling. Last, we show that calmodulin-binding transcriptional activators CAMTA1/2/3 are key regulators of JA-independent touch signaling. CAMTA1/2/3 cooperate to directly bind the promoters and activate gene expression of JA-independent touch marker genes like
TCH2
and
TCH4
. In agreement,
camta3
mutants show a near complete loss of thigmomorphogenesis and touch-induced delay of flowering. In conclusion, we have now identified key regulators of two independent touch-signaling pathways.
Probing electron and hole colocalization by resonant four-wave mixing spectroscopy in the extreme ultraviolet
Authors: Rottke Horst , Engel Robin Y. , Schick Daniel , Schunck Jan O. , Miedema Piter S. , Borchert Martin C. , Kuhlmann Marion , Ekanayake Nagitha , Dziarzhytski Siarhei , Brenner Günter , Eichmann Ulrich , von Korff Schmising Clemens , Beye Martin , Eisebitt Stefan
Published: May 2022

Extending nonlinear spectroscopic techniques into the x-ray domain promises unique insight into photoexcited charge dynamics, which are of fundamental and applied interest. We report on the observation of a third-order nonlinear process in lithium fluoride (LiF) at a free-electron laser. Exploring the yield of four-wave mixing (FWM) in resonance with transitions to strongly localized core exciton states versus delocalized Bloch states, we find resonant FWM to be a sensitive probe for the degree of charge localization: Substantial sum- and difference-frequency generation is observed exclusively when in a one- or three-photon resonance with a LiF core exciton, with a dipole forbidden transition affecting details of the nonlinear response. Our reflective geometry–based approach to detect FWM signals enables the study of a wide variety of condensed matter sample systems, provides atomic selectivity via resonant transitions, and can be easily scaled to shorter wavelengths at free-electron x-ray lasers.
Law, policy, biology, and sex: Critical issues for researchers
Authors: Sudai Maayan , Borsa Alexander , Ichikawa Kelsey , Shattuck-Heidorn Heather , Zhao Helen , Richardson Sarah S.
Published: May 2022

Researchers should be aware of how sex-difference science is (mis)applied in legal and policy contexts
Standard Selection Treatments with Sulfadiazine Limit Plasmodium yoelii Host-to-Vector Transmission
Authors: Rios Kelly T. , Dickson Taylor M. , Lindner Scott E.
Published: May 2022

In this work, we have uncovered a substantial problem with how many studies of the sexual stages of rodent malaria parasites are conducted. Briefly, the isolation of sexual blood-stage
Plasmodium
parasites, or gametocytes, is essential to study pretransmission and transmission-stage biology of malaria.
Refined assessment of the paleoceanographic and tectonic influences on the deposition of the Monterey Formation in California
Authors: Barron John A.
Published: May 2022

Application of updated diatom biochronology to the Monterey Formation and related biosiliceous rocks reveals the imprint of both global paleoclimatic/paleoceanographic and regional tectonic events. A rise in global sea level combined with regional tectonic deepening associated with the development of the transform California margin resulted in the abrupt onset of deposition of fine-grained Monterey sediments that were relatively free from clastic debris between 18 and 16 Ma. The base of the Monterey Formation does not mark a silica shift in diatom deposition from the North Atlantic to the North Pacific Ocean. Rather, a North Atlantic Ocean decline of diatoms after ca. 13 Ma and increasing divergence in nutrient levels between the North Atlantic and North Pacific Oceans between ca. 13 and 11 Ma coincided with a major enhancement of diatom deposition in the Monterey Formation. A stratigraphically condensed interval of phosphate-rich sediments between 13 and 10 Ma in coastal southern California appears to have resulted from sediment starvation in offshore basins during a period of higher sea level, as inland sections such as those in the San Joaquin Valley commonly contain thick sequences of diatomaceous sediment. Increasing latitudinal thermal gradients in the latest Miocene, which triggered a biogenic bloom in the equatorial Pacific Ocean at 8 Ma, also led to enhanced diatom deposition in the uppermost Monterey Formation and overlying biosiliceous rocks. Uplift of the California coastal ranges after ca. 5.2 Ma resulted in an increasing detrital contribution that obscured the presence of diatoms in onshore sediments. Major reduction in coastal upwelling in the early Pliocene ca. 4.6 Ma then caused a drastic reduction of diatoms in sediments offshore southern California.
Development and validation of the symptom burden questionnaire for long covid (SBQ-LC): Rasch analysis
Authors: Hughes Sarah E , Haroon Shamil , Subramanian Anuradhaa , McMullan Christel , Aiyegbusi Olalekan L , Turner Grace M , Jackson Louise , Davies Elin Haf , Frost Chris , McNamara Gary , Price Gary , Matthews Karen , Camaradou Jennifer , Ormerod Jane , Walker Anita , Calvert Melanie J
Published: May 2022

Objective

To describe the development and validation of a novel patient reported outcome measure for symptom burden from long covid, the symptom burden questionnaire for long covid (SBQ-LC).

Design

Multiphase, prospective mixed methods study.

Setting

Remote data collection and social media channels in the United Kingdom, 14 April to 1 August 2021.

Participants

13 adults (aged ≥18 years) with self-reported long covid and 10 clinicians evaluated content validity. 274 adults with long covid field tested the draft questionnaire.

Main outcome measures

Published systematic reviews informed development of SBQ-LC’s conceptual framework and initial item pool. Thematic analysis of transcripts from cognitive debriefing interviews and online clinician surveys established content validity. Consensus discussions with the patient and public involvement group of the Therapies for Long COVID in non-hospitalised individuals: From symptoms, patient reported outcomes and immunology to targeted therapies (TLC Study) confirmed face validity. Rasch analysis of field test data guided item and scale refinement and provided initial evidence of the SBQ-LC’s measurement properties.

Results

SBQ-LC (version 1.0) is a modular instrument measuring patient reported outcomes and is composed of 17 independent scales with promising psychometric properties. Respondents rate their symptom burden during the past seven days using a dichotomous response or 4 point rating scale. Each scale provides coverage of a different symptom domain and returns a summed raw score that can be transformed to a linear (0-100) score. Higher scores represent higher symptom burden. After rating scale refinement and item reduction, all scales satisfied the Rasch model requirements for unidimensionality (principal component analysis of residuals: first residual contrast values <2.00 eigenvalue units) and item fit (outfit mean square values within 0.5 -1.5 logits). Rating scale categories were ordered with acceptable category fit statistics (outfit mean square values <2.0 logits). 14 item pairs had evidence of local dependency (residual correlation values >0.4). Across the 17 scales, person reliability ranged from 0.34 to 0.87, person separation ranged from 0.71 to 2.56, item separation ranged from 1.34 to 13.86, and internal consistency reliability (Cronbach’s alpha) ranged from 0.56 to 0.91.

Conclusions

SBQ-LC (version 1.0) is a comprehensive patient reported outcome instrument developed using modern psychometric methods. It measures symptoms of long covid important to people with lived experience of the condition and may be used to evaluate the impact of interventions and inform best practice in clinical management.
Epidemiological and clinical characteristics of patients hospitalised with COVID-19 in Kenya: a multicentre cohort study
Authors: Ombajo Loice Achieng , Mutono Nyamai , Sudi Paul , Mutua Mbuvi , Sood Mohammed , Loo Alliyy Muhammad , Juma Phoebe , Odhiambo Jackline , Shah Reena , Wangai Frederick , Maritim Marybeth , Anzala Omu , Amoth Patrick , Kamuri Evans , Munyu Waweru , Thumbi S M
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To assess outcomes of patients admitted to hospital with COVID-19 and to determine the predictors of mortality.

Setting

This study was conducted in six facilities, which included both government and privately run secondary and tertiary level facilities in the central and coastal regions of Kenya.

Participants

We enrolled 787 reverse transcriptase-PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV2-infected persons. Patients whose records could not be accessed were excluded.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcome was COVID-19-related death. We used Cox proportional hazards regressions to determine factors related to in-hospital mortality.

Results

Data from patients with 787 COVID-19 were available. The median age was 43 years (IQR 30–53), with 505 (64%) being men. At admission, 455 (58%) were symptomatic with an additional 63 (9%) developing clinical symptoms during hospitalisation. The most common symptoms were cough (337, 43%), loss of taste or smell (279, 35%) and fever (126, 16%). Comorbidities were reported in 340 (43%), with cardiovascular disease, diabetes and HIV documented in 130 (17%), 116 (15%), 53 (7%), respectively. 90 (11%) were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) for a mean of 11 days, 52 (7%) were ventilated with a mean of 10 days, 107 (14%) died. The risk of death increased with age (HR 1.57 (95% CI 1.13 to 2.19)) for persons >60 years compared with those <60 years old; having comorbidities (HR 2.34 (1.68 to 3.25)) and among men (HR 1.76 (1.27 to 2.44)) compared with women. Elevated white cell count and aspartate aminotransferase were associated with higher risk of death.

Conclusions

The risk of death from COVID-19 is high among older patients, those with comorbidities and among men. Clinical parameters including patient clinical signs, haematology and liver function tests were associated with risk of death and may guide stratification of high-risk patients.
Is limited access to obstetric services associated with adverse birth outcomes? A cross-sectional study of Korean national birth data
Authors: Min Hye Sook , Kim Saerom , Kim Seulgi , Lee Taeho , Kim Sun-Young , Ahn Hyeong Sik , Choe Seung-Ah
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The geographical disparity in the access to essential obstetric services is a public health issue in many countries. We explored the association between timely access to obstetric services and the individual risk of adverse birth outcomes.

Design

Repeated cross-sectional design.

Setting

South Korean national birth data linked with a medical service provision database.

Participants

1 842 718 singleton livebirths from 2014 to 2018.

Primary outcome measures

Preterm birth (PTB), post-term birth, low birth weight (LBW) and macrosomia.

Results

In the study population, 9.3% of mothers lived in districts where the Time Relevance Index (TRI) was as low as the first quartile (40.6%). Overall PTB and post-term birth rates were 5.0% and 0.1%, respectively. Among term livebirths, LBW and macrosomia occurred in 1.0% and 3.3%, respectively. When the TRI is lower, representing less access to obstetric care, the risk of macrosomia was higher (adjusted OR=1.15, 95% CI 1.11 to 1.20 for Q1 compared with Q4). Similarly, PTB is more likely to occur when TRI is lower (1.05, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.10 for Q1; 1.03, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.05 for Q2). There were some inverse associations between TRI and post-term birth (0.80, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.91, for Q2; 0.84, 95% CI 0.76 to 0.93, for Q3).

Conclusions

We observed less accessibility to obstetric service is associated with higher risks of macrosomia and PTB. This finding supports the role of obstetric service accessibility in the individual risk of adverse birth outcomes.
Guidance relevant to the reporting of health equity in observational research: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Rizvi Anita , Lawson Daeria O , Young Taryn , Dewidar Omar , Nicholls Stuart , Akl Elie A , Little Julian , Magwood Olivia , Shamseer Larissa , Ghogomu Elizabeth , Jull Janet Elizabeth , Rader Tamara , Bhutta Zulfiqar , Chamberlain Catherine , Ellingwood Holly , Greer-Smith Regina , Hardy Billie-Jo , Harwood Matire , Kennedy Michelle , Kredo Tamara , Loder Elizabeth , Mahande Michael Johnson J , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Nkangu Miriam , Okwen Patrick M , Ramke Jacqueline , Tufte Janice , Tugwell Peter , Wang Xiaoqin , Wiysonge Charles Shey , Welch Vivian A
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Health inequities are defined as unfair and avoidable differences in health between groups within a population. Most health research is conducted through observational studies, which are able to offer real-world insights about etiology, healthcare policy/programme effectiveness and the impacts of socioeconomic factors. However, most published reports of observational studies do not address how their findings relate to health equity. Our team seeks to develop equity-relevant reporting guidance as an extension of the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement. This scoping review will inform the development of candidate items for the STROBE-Equity extension. We will operationalise equity-seeking populations using the PROGRESS-Plus framework of sociodemographic factors. As part of a parallel stream of the STROBE-Equity project, the relevance of candidate guideline items to Indigenous research will be led by Indigenous coinvestigators on the team.

Methods and analysis

We will follow the Joanna Briggs Institute method for conducting scoping reviews. We will evaluate the extent to which the identified guidance supports or refutes our preliminary candidate items for reporting equity in observational studies. These candidate items were developed based on items from equity-reporting guidelines for randomised trials and systematic reviews, developed by members of this team. We will consult with our knowledge users, patients/public partners and Indigenous research steering committee to invite suggestions for relevant guidance documents and interpretation of findings. If the identified guidance suggests the need for additional candidate items, they will be developed through inductive thematic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

We will follow a principled approach that promotes ethical codevelopment with our community partners, based on principles of cultural safety, authentic partnerships, addressing colonial structures in knowledge production and the shared ownership, interpretation, and dissemination of research. All products of this research will be published as open access.
Conceptualising contexts, mechanisms and outcomes for implementing large-scale, multisite hospital improvement initiatives: a realist synthesis
Authors: Long Janet C , Sarkies Mitchell N , Francis Auton Emilie , Nguyen Hoa Mi , Pomare Chiara , Hardwick Rebecca , Braithwaite Jeffrey
Published: May 2022

Design

Realist synthesis.

Study background

Large-scale hospital improvement initiatives can standardise healthcare across multiple sites but results are contingent on the implementation strategies that complement them. The benefits of these implemented interventions are rarely able to be replicated in different contexts. Realist studies explore this phenomenon in depth by identifying underlying context–mechanism–outcome interactions.

Objectives

To review implementation strategies used in large-scale hospital initiatives and hypothesise initial programme theories for how they worked across different contexts.

Methods

An iterative, four-step process was applied. Step 1 explored the concepts inherent in large-scale interventions using database searches and snowballing. Step 2 identified strategies used in their implementation. Step 3 identified potential initial programme theories that may explain strategies’ mechanisms. Step 4 focused on one strategy-theory pairing to develop and test context–mechanism–outcome hypotheses. Data was drawn from searches (March–May 2020) of MEDLINE, Embase, PubMed and CINAHL, snowballed from key papers, implementation support websites and the expertise of the research team and experts. Inclusion criteria: reported implementation of a large-scale, multisite hospital intervention. RAMESES reporting standards were followed.

Results

Concepts were identified from 51 of 381 articles. Large-scale hospital interventions were characterised by a top–down approach, external and internal support and use of evidence-based interventions. We found 302 reports of 28 different implementation strategies from 31 reviews (from a total of 585). Formal theories proposed for the implementation strategies included Diffusion of Innovation, and Organisational Readiness Theory. Twenty-three context–mechanism–outcome statements for implementation strategies associated with planning and assessment activities were proposed. Evidence from the published literature supported the hypothesised programme theories and were consistent with Organisational Readiness Theory’s tenets.

Conclusion

This paper adds to the literature exploring why large-scale hospital interventions are not always successfully implemented and suggests 24 causative mechanisms and contextual factors that may drive outcomes in the planning and assessment stage.
Coproduction and mental health service provision: a protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Norton Michael John
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Since the turn of the millennium, recovery has become mainstream in mental health services across much of the Western world. Resulting from this, many jurisdictions, including Ireland, have created frameworks and policies to support its integration into traditionally, statutory mental health services. Coproduction is a cornerstone of recovery. However, there is confusion about what the term means, along with queries surrounding its implementation. Consequently, studies have identified that coproduction compliments recovery in several ways. This has been found to have a positive impact on a service user’s ongoing recovery journey. However, no synthesis has yet been undertaken into coproduction within mental health service provision. As such, this protocol aimed to provide information on a scoping review to examine the evidence base for coproduction within mental health service provision.

Methods and analysis

A Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis compliant scoping review is proposed, based on Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. This framework documents a five-stage approach to conducting scoping reviews. Search terms are stated and a variety of databases (CINAHL, Jstor, Ovid SP, PsycINFO, PsycTEST, PubMed, RCNi, Science Direct, Web of Science and Wiley Online Library) and repositories (Cochrane Online Library, ETHos, nz.research.org.nz, ProQuest, National ETD Portal, Google, Google Scholar and ResearchGate) will be examined for papers based on inclusion/exclusion criteria. The search range is from 1 January 1970 to 31 December 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

This paper is a protocol which requires no ethical approval. Information relating to the review is stored with OSF Registries, where it is freely available. The protocol details were updated in February and again in May 2022. The resulting scoping review will be distributed through peer-reviewed publications.
Effects of exercise/physical activity on fear of movement in people with spine-related pain: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jadhakhan Ferozkhan , Sobeih Raghip , Falla Deborah
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Low back pain and neck pain are leading causes of disability. Although several studies have examined the effect of exercise on fear of movement in people with spine-related pain, the overall evidence supporting the beneficial effect of different forms of exercise on fear of movement remains unknown. This systematic review will determine the strength of evidence for the effect of exercise/physical activity on fear of movement in people with non-specific spine-related pain.

Methods/analysis

This review protocol was developed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols. The review will include randomised controlled trials and non-randomised studies that recruited adults (≥18 years) with chronic non-specific spine-related pain and where a validated measure of fear of movement/kinesiophobia such as the Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) and the Fear Avoidance Behaviour Questionnaire (FABQ) or any other validated measures to ascertain fear of movement/kinesiophobia was employed. Bibliographic databases include MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, ZETOC, Web of Science, PubMed and Google Scholar as well as key journals/grey literature will be searched from inception to 31 January 2022. Only articles published in English will be considered eligible. Two independent reviewers will search, screen studies, extract data and assess risk of bias. Preintervention and postintervention mean and SD with 95% CI of the outcome data (TSK or FABQ) will be extracted or estimated where possible. If possible, study results will be pooled into a meta-analysis. A narrative synthesis of the results will be presented if heterogeneity is high. The overall quality of evidence and risk of bias will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation and Risk Of Bias in Non-randomised Studies of Interventions guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review does not require ethical approval as existing data will be used. The results will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed journal and via national and international conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021295755.
Carrier mobility predicted by born effective charge in Janus transition metal dichalcogenides monolayers
Authors: Hu Jingxin , Luo Jing , Liu Ziran
Published: May 2022

Two-dimensional (2D) Janus transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are a new class of materials with unique electrical properties. The carrier mobility of Janus TMDs calculated by deformation potential theory (DPT) is unreliable because partial lattice scattering is not taken into account. In this work, we propose a new Born Effective Charge (BEC) method to predict the carrier mobility of Janus TMDs by employing density functional perturbation theory, which includes the important factors neglected in DPT. We have figured out the relationship between carrier mobility and BEC value, that is, the lower the absolute BEC value, the higher the carrier mobility of electrons or holes. The carrier mobilities of commonly used defective and defect-free Janus TMDs were calculated by the new method, and the calculated results are in good agreement with the experimental results. This method can be used for high-throughput calculations to select high-carrier mobility 2D materials, and the data provide a practical paradigm for evaluating carrier mobility in 2D TMDs.