bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
fMRI replicability during emotional scene viewing: Functional regions and sample size
Authors: Sambuco Nicola
Published: January 2022

Recent findings have questioned the replicability of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in the study of affective processing, reporting low replicability of emotional enhancement during a face‐matching task. However, poor replicability may instead reflect a lack of emotional engagement for face matching. In the current study, replicability of emotional enhancement was tested in a large (N = 160) sample when emotional engagement was assessed during pleasant, neutral, and unpleasant picture viewing, which reliably engages affective reactions in both the brain and the body. Replicability was computed using a subsampling technique, in which random sets of subjects of different sample sizes (N = 20, 40, 60, 80) were selected from the entire dataset, and replicability of emotional enhancement for peaks, clusters, and voxels were averaged across 500 permutations for each sample size. Consistent with previous findings, fMRI replicability increased with increasing sample size. On the other hand, even with relatively small samples, fMRI replicability for peaks, clusters, and voxels during emotional, compared to neutral, scene viewing was good to excellent. Importantly, replicability varied in different brain regions, with excellent replicability at both the cluster and peak level with an N of 40, at the most conservative threshold (p < .001), in the amygdala and the visual cortex. The data argue against general recommendations regarding sample size in fMRI studies of emotion, suggesting instead that degree of replicability depends on successful emotional engagement in task‐related brain regions.
Judgment of Volunteer Competence among Service Professionals: Stereotypes or Skills?
Authors: Jensen Ulrich Thy , Thomsen Mette Kjærgaard
Published: January 2022

While public service professionals may rely on stereotypes and social categories in exercising who gets what, when and how in clientelist citizen‐state interactions, it remains unclear whether negative judgments similarly pervade in settings where citizens help produce–rather than consume–public services. We propose that service professionals judge volunteers as incompetent based on (1) a lack of the skills necessary to solve specific tasks, and/or (2) negative stereotypes toward volunteers as a means of shielding the privileged position of the profession or safeguarding the quality of services. Using an experiment among 817 nursing home professionals, negative judgments of volunteer competence were invoked simply by priming professionals to think of citizens volunteering in service production. The effect, however, is not conditional on the type of task (complementary vs. core) solved by volunteers, suggesting that judgments of competence mainly stem from stereotypes of volunteer (in)competence in assisting with service production.
Anchored phylogenomics and a revised classification of the planidial larva clade of jewel wasps (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea)
Authors: Zhang Junxia , Heraty John M. , Darling Christopher , Kresslein Robert L. , Baker Austin J. , Torréns Javier , Rasplus Jean‐Yves , Lemmon Alan , Moriarty Lemmon Emily
Published: January 2022

Planidia are free‐living, mobile first‐instar larvae that are notable in their ability to transition across different larval stages of their host, and for completing their development on the host prepupa as ectoparasitoids, effectively acting as larval‐pupal external koinobionts. Chalcidoid taxa with a planidium form a monophyletic group, the planidial larva clade (PLC). We conducted a phylogenomic study of the PLC using anchored hybrid enrichment data. Phylogenetic analyses support the backbone relationship of PLC as: (Eutrichosomatinae, ((Philomidinae, Chrysolampinae), (Perilampinae, Eucharitidae))). Although excluded from the main analyses, the genus Jambiya, based on only 11 loci recovered, was placed as the sister of Chrysolampinae + Philomidinae or Perilampinae + Eucharitidae. Our results demonstrate that Perilampidae (Philomidinae, Chrysolampinae and Perilampinae) are paraphyletic. Divergence dating based on four node calibrations based on fossils suggests that the PLC arose approximately 111 Ma and the evolution of ant parasitism at least 64 Ma. Host associations, direct versus indirect hyperparasitism, ability to attack a host within a cocoon, soft versus hard planidial forms and mobility of the planidium were explored using a likelihood‐based ancestral state reconstruction method. A revised higher‐level classification of the PLC is proposed, with Eutrichosomatinae elevated to Eutrichosomatidae (stat. rev.), Chrysolampinae and Philomidinae placed in Chrysolampidae (stat. rev.), Perilampidae (stat. rev.) restricted to what was referred to as Perilampinae, and Eucharitidae maintained with four subfamilies, with Akapalinae (unknown biology) as sister group to the core Eucharitidae, all of which are ant parasitoids. Jambiya is treated as an incertae sedis taxon within the planidial clade.
QuantiFERON‐cytomegalovirus to predict clinically significant cytomegalovirus infection after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation
Authors: Thompson Grace , Boan Peter , Purtill Duncan , Cooney Julian , Cannell Paul , Wright Matthew , John Mina
Published: January 2022

Background

Controlling cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection through prophylaxis or pre‐emptive therapy remains an important contributor to outcomes after allogeneic hematopoetic stem cell transplant (alloHCT). Predicting clinically significant CMV infection (csCMVi) after day 100 remains a challenge.

Methods

We examined the abilty of the QuantiFERON‐CMV assay (QFN‐CMV) at day 100 (d100) and day 150 (d150) after alloHCT to predict csCMVi after these time points, with median follow‐up of 3.1 years (range 1.3–4.3 years).

Results

In 46 transplants (donor seropositive (D+) recipient seronegative (R‐) = 12, D+R+ = 25, D‐R+ = 9; matched related = 13, unrelated donor = 32, haploidentical = 1), for the prediction of freedom from csCMVi >d100, QFN‐CMVd100 (positive compared to negative/indeterminate) had sensitivity 62% (23/37), specificity 100% (9/9), positive predictive value 100% (23/23), and negative predictive value 39% (9/23). For the prediction of freedom from csCMVi >d150, QFN‐CMVd150 (positive compared to negative/indeterminate) had sensitivity 62% (18/29), specificity 83% (5/6), positive predictive value 95% (18/19), and negative predictive value 31% (5/16).

Conclusion

Positive QFN‐CMV at d100 and d150 strongly predicted freedom from csCMVi after these time points. QFN‐CMV could be utilized to predict the need for pre‐emptive therapy and CMV viral load monitoring after day 100 post‐alloHCT.
ERGIC2 and ERGIC3 regulate the ER‐to‐Golgi transport of gap junction proteins in metazoans
Authors: Guan Liying , Yang Yongzhi , Liang Jingjing , Miao Yue , Shang Angyang , Wang Baolei , Wang Yingchun , Ding Mei
Published: January 2022

The extremely dynamic life cycle of gap junction connections requires highly efficient intracellular trafficking system especially designed for gap junction proteins, but the underlying mechanisms are largely unknown. Here, we identified that the COPII‐associated proteins ERGIC2 (ER‐Golgi intermediate compartment) and ERGIC3 are specifically required for the efficient intracellular transport of gap junction proteins in both Caenorhabditis elegans and mice. In the absence of Ergic2 or Ergic3, gap junction proteins accumulate in the ER and Golgi apparatus and the size of endogenous gap junction plaques is reduced. Knocking out the Ergic2 or Ergic3 in mice results in heart enlargement and cardiac malfunction accompanied by reduced number and size of connexin 43 (Cx43) gap junctions. Invertebrates' gap junction protein innexins share no sequence similarity with vertebrates' connexins. However, ERGIC2 and ERGIC3 could bind to gap junction proteins in both worms and mice. Characterization of the highly specialized roles of ERGIC2 and ERGIC3 in metazoans reveals how the early secretory pathway could be adapted to facilitate the efficient transport for gap junction proteins in vivo.
Time from apheresis platelet donation to cold storage: Evaluation of platelet quality and bacterial growth
Authors: Brown Bethany L. , Wagner Stephen J. , Hapip C. Anne , Fischer Erin , Getz Todd M. , Thompson‐Montgomery Dedeene , Turgeon Annette
Published: January 2022

Background

Cold storage reduces posttransfusion survival of platelets; however, it can improve platelet activation, lower risk of bacterial contamination, and extend shelf‐life compared to room temperature (RT) storage. To facilitate large‐scale availability, manufacturing process optimization is needed, including understanding the impact of variables on platelet potency and safety. Short time requirements from collection to storage is challenging for large blood centers to complete resuspension and qualify platelets for production. This study evaluated the impact of time from platelet component collection to cold storage on in vitro properties and bacterial growth.

Study design and methods

Double‐apheresis platelet components were collected from healthy donors, suspended in 65% PAS‐III/35% plasma, and split into 2 equal units. One unit was placed into cold storage within 2 h and the other unit after 8 h. Eight matched pairs were evaluated for 12 in vitro parameters. Twenty‐four matched pairs were evaluated with 8 bacterial strains tested in triplicate. Samples were tested throughout 21 days of storage.

Results

In vitro properties were not different between 2 and 8 h units, and trends throughout storage were similar between arms. Time to cold storage did not significantly impact bacterial growth, with <1 log10 difference at all timepoints between units.

Discussion

Our studies showed that extending time to cold storage from 2 to 8 h from collection did not significantly increase the bacterial growth, and the platelet component quality and function is maintained. The ability to extend the time required from collection to storage will improve blood center logistics to feasibly produce CSPs.
Development and implementation of a hemovigilance program at a university veterinary teaching hospital
Authors: Haines Jillian M. , Ngwenyama Thandeka R. , Martin Linda G. , Wardrop K. Jane
Published: January 2022

Objective

To describe the development and implementation of a small animal hemovigilance program at a university veterinary teaching hospital.

Design

Retrospective observational descriptive study performed between October 2014 and March 2019.

Setting

University teaching hospital.

Animals

Dogs and cats receiving blood product transfusions .

Interventions

None.

Measurements and Main Results

 A hemovigilance working group composed of veterinary specialists in clinical pathology, internal medicine, and emergency and critical care was established. This group developed evidence‐based definitions of transfusion reactions, reaction classification systems, and a transfusion reaction reporting form. The reporting form contained sections for patient information, transfusion information, administration details, and reaction details. Reaction events were classified by reaction type, severity grade, and imputability to the transfusion. Following implementation of the hemovigilance program, transfusion reaction data were collected and examined for the period spanning October 2014 and March 2019. During the study period, 718 canine transfusions (4 whole blood, 400 packed RBC [pRBC], 300 fresh frozen plasma [FFP], 7 platelet rich plasma, and 7 cryoprecipitate) and 124 feline transfusions (5 whole blood, 95 pRBC, and 24 FFP) were administered. There were 32 total reactions (27 canine and 5 feline), with the most common reaction being febrile nonhemolytic transfusion reactions (19/32; 59%). The incidence rate of transfusion reactions was found to be 3.8% in dogs and 4.0% in cats. For the confirmed reactions, classification criteria for case definition, reaction severity grade, and imputability were able to be determined and recorded. This allowed targeted interventions to be implemented in order to potentially reduce future reactions.

Conclusions

A hemovigilance program can be instituted successfully in a veterinary hospital setting and once developed, standardized reporting tools could be utilized by multiple hospitals and provide the basis for more widespread reaction reporting in veterinary medicine.
Retrospective evaluation of acute salbutamol (albuterol) exposure in dogs: 501 cases
Authors: Crouchley Joanna , Bates Nicola
Published: January 2022

Objective

To determine the common clinical signs, with onset and duration, treatments given, and outcome in dogs with acute, accidental exposure to salbutamol.

Design

Retrospective study.

Animals

Five hundred and one canine cases reported to the UK's Veterinary Poisons Information Service (VPIS).

Measurements and Main Results

A review of all records in the VPIS database for dogs exposed to salbutamol was carried out. After applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, the records of 501 dogs were further analyzed. The most common clinical signs were tachycardia (80.6%), tachypnea (32.9%), depression (21.0%), and vomiting (19.2%). The dose was unknown in most cases as the dogs typically pierced a salbutamol inhaler. The blood potassium concentration was measured in at least 142 dogs and hypokalemia was reported in 21.2% (106/501), 18 (17%) of which had associated weakness, twitching, or collapse. Three dogs had paralysis probably as a result of hypokalemia, although no potassium concentration was reported in these cases. Arrhythmias occurred in 17 dogs (3.4%), and 7 required pharmacological intervention. There were no reports of persistent cardiac injury or thermal injury from the compressed gas present in some salbutamol products. Signs were rapid in onset, generally within 1–3 h, and, where time to outcome was recorded (n = 172), 78% of dogs recovered within 24 h. Of the 501 dogs, no treatment was required in 27.9%. Beta‐blockers were used in 39.5%, intravenous fluids in 28.7%, and potassium supplementation in 15.8%. Overall, 30 dogs remained asymptomatic (6.0%), 469 recovered (93.6%), and 2 dogs (0.4%) died.

Conclusions

Most dogs exposed to salbutamol rapidly develop clinical signs; these were commonly increased heart and respiration rates. Hypokalemia and arrhythmias (particularly ventricular arrhythmias) are potential complications. Any dog that chews a salbutamol inhaler should be assessed promptly for signs of toxicosis. Prognosis in dogs with acute salbutamol exposure is good, but more guarded in those with severe tachycardia and at risk of cardiac injury.
BIM Education in Higher Learning Institutions: A Scientometric Review and the Malaysia Perspective
Authors: Tanko Bruno lot , Mbugua Lawrence
Published: January 2022

Over the last decade, digital applications and Building Information Modelling (BIM) have been introduced in the construction industry to realize a smart construction ecosystem. However, the construction industry has not completely accepted BIM as a standard, and the concept of using BIM applications in universities has not been thoroughly researched. This paper addresses the first scientometric study of BIM education in universities, identifying the state of BIM education practices, skillsets, and the level of BIM education in universities. The paper used scientometric analysis and the VOSviewer mapping technique to assess the most impactful publication sources with the most important impact on BIM education by searching “BIM Education” and using 250 bibliographic data extracted from the Scopus database from 2011-2020 to identify the existing research gaps and research direction. Second, a structured questionnaire was distributed to 343 Year 2 and Year 3 students from two public and two private Malaysian universities that use BIM in their learning. Descriptive data analysis using cross-tabulation in SPSS and relative importance index (RII) were used to analyze the data. The paper revealed two stages of BIM education research; and identified research gaps in the fields of BIM education, architectural education, e-learning, curriculum and information management. The paper also revealed Revit, Cost X and the Glodon Cubicost software as the most used applications, while the common skillsets are design authoring, modelling, and cost estimation. However, both public and private university students mainly design 3D models at BIM Stage 1. The study recommends that institutions and other stakeholders provide continuous BIM training, purchase BIM software, and integrate BIM into the curriculum of Built Environment higher learning institutions for the next generation to be the generation that uses virtual collaborative platforms
Nonwoven from cigarette butt applied in pre-treatment of surface water
Authors: Vielmo Ana Silvia De Lima , Rodrigues Ailton Borges , Rosa Eduardo Volkart da , Domingos Dayane Gonzaga , Schallemberger Juliana Barden , Nagel-Hassemer Maria Eliza
Published: January 2022

This study aimed to evaluate a nonwoven (NW) production and performance from cellulose acetate fiber from cigarette butts andapplied to a filtration system for surface water pre-treatment. The system had a surface area of 528 cm2, cellulose acetate from cigarette butt as filter media, was used and was fed with surface water from a pond. In order to evaluate the treatment performance of the filtration system were evaluated in the raw water (RW) and the filtered water (FW) the classical parameter of water quality as turbidity, total suspended solids (TSS), apparent color, true color, and total organic carbon (TOC) and heavy metals (iron, copper, and cadmium). Moreover, the presence of nicotine was investigated in the FW. The results showed a mean removal efficiency in order to 62.01%, 54.42%, 50.36 %, 6.73%, and 5.20% for turbidity, TSS, apparent color, true color, and TOC, respectively. The removal of metals varied in the order of 72.26%, 9.61%, and 2.12% for cadmium, iron, and copper, respectively. The presence of nicotine in RW and FW was not identified. In this way, besides reducing the negative environmental impacts caused by cigarette butts present in the environment, the developed technology showed potential for removing pollutants present in surface waters.
Modal Decomposition Analysis of Combustion Instability Due to External Perturbation in a Mesoscale Burner Array
Authors: Choi Jeongan , Rajasegar Rajavasanth , Liu Qili , Lee Tonghun , Yoo Jihyung
Published: January 2022

In this work, the growth regime of combustion instability was studied by analyzing 10 kHz OH planar laser-induced fluorescence (PLIF) images through a combination of dynamic mode decomposition (DMD) and spectral proper orthogonal decomposition (SPOD) methods. Combustion instabilities were induced in a mesoscale burner array through an external speaker at an imposed perturbation frequency of 210 Hz. During the transient growth phase of combustion instability, 10 kHz OH PLIF imaging was employed to capture spatially and temporally resolved flame dynamics. Increased acoustic perturbations prevented flame reignition in the central recirculation zone and eventually led to the flame being extinguished inward from the outer burner array elements. Coherent modes and their growth rates were obtained from DMD spectral analyses of high-speed OH PLIF images. Positive growth rates were observed at the forcing frequency during the growth regime. Coherent structures, closely associated with thermoacoustic instability, were extracted using an appropriate SPOD filter operation to identify mode structures that correlate to physical phenomena such as shear layer instability and flame response to longitudinal acoustic forcing. Overall, a combination of DMD and SPOD was shown to be effective at analyzing the onset and propagation of combustion instabilities, particularly under transient burner operations.
Los fundamentos socioculturales del matrimonio entre los chinantecos de San Felipe Usila, Oaxaca, México
Authors:   Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona, INDURAIN MATHIEU GUSTAVO ADOLFO
Published: January 2022

La concepción del matrimonio entre los chinantecos de San Felipe Usila, comunidad indígena situada en el noreste del estado de Oaxaca, México, presenta tres grandes fundamentos socioculturales: el matrimonio cristiano (católico-evangélico), el matrimonio civil y la concepción matrimonial indígena.El matrimonio es una institución creada por Dios para que el hombre y la mujer se unan y orienten sus vidas hacia la procreación y la formación de una familia. La unión del hombre y la mujer ante Dios es sagrada e indisoluble y debe cuidarse siguiendo los valores del amor, la fidelidad, la responsabilidad, el apoyo mutuo y la buena comunicación. El matrimonio civil complementa la concepción cristiana, otorgando formalidad jurídica a la unión matrimonial y a los hijos de la pareja y reforzando su legitimidad social ante la comunidad.El matrimonio usileño debe asimismo comprenderse en el marco de un patrón sociocultural de organización familiar, el sistema familiar mesoamericano, cuyo principio patrilineal rige la residencia postmarital, la herencia de la tierra, la emancipación de los hijos varones y el asentamiento de sus familias en torno a la casa paterna formando patrigrupos, y la herencia de la casa al hijo ultimogénito a cambio de cuidar a sus padres ancianos hasta su fallecimiento. El fundamento sociocultural indígena también está presente en la resolución de los conflictos graves y las separaciones matrimoniales a través de un mecanismo de mediación que, además de promover la reconciliación conyugal, otorga protección social a la mujer casada ante su esposo y sus parientes afines.
Two new species of nasal mites of the genus Rhinonyssus (Acari, Mesostigmata, Rhinonyssidae) from shearwaters
Authors: Gastal Silvia Bainy , Mascarenhas Carolina Silveira , Bugoni Leandro
Published: January 2022

Nasal mites of the family Rhinonyssidae are parasites living in the respiratory system of birds. To date there were no record of these mites from representatives of the order Procellariiformes, a numerous grouping of exclusively marine birds that includes albatrosses, petrels, storm-petrels and shearwaters. The paper describes two new species of the genus Rhinonyssus from shearwaters (Procellariidae) found on various shores of Brazil: Rhinonyssus borealis sp. nov. from Calonectris borealis (Cory’s shearwater) and R. procellaricus sp. nov. from Puffinus puffinus (Manx shearwater) and Ardenna gravis (Great shearwater). Both described mites are characterized by a large elliptical body and a relatively large and strongly sclerotized with the well-developed caudal extension. Rhinonyssus borealis sp. nov. and R. procellaricus sp. nov. are similar in their general appearance to each other but differ in the size of idiosoma, shape of podosomal and sternal shields and leg chaetotaxy.
Acaricide-impaired functional and numerical responses of the predatory mite, Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) to the pest mite Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae)
Authors: Barros Maria Edvânia Neves , Silva Francisco Wesller Batista Da , Sousa Neto Eduardo Pereira De , Rocha Bisneto Manoel Carlos Da , Lima Débora Barbosa De , Melo José Wagner Da Silva
Published: January 2022

The suppression of pest populations by a predator depends on two basic components of the predator-prey interaction: the functional and the numerical responses of the predator. Such responses can be affected by exposure to acaricides. In the present study, the effects of acaricides (abamectin, azadirachtin, fenpyroximate, and chlorfenapyr) on the functional and numerical responses of the predatory mite, Amblyseius largoensis (Acari: Phytoseiidae) an important natural enemy of the pest mite, Raoiella indica (Acari: Tenuipalpidae), were investigated. The exposure of A. largoensis to acaricides occurred through contact with a surface contaminated with dried acaricide residue. Subsequently, A. largoensis exhibited a type II functional response, which was not altered by exposure of any acaricides. However, exposure to abamectin resulted in a decrease in the average mean numbers of prey consumed by a predator. Exposure to acaricides increased prey handling time by 67%, 25%, 38%, and 35% for abamectin, azadirachtin, fenpyroximate, and chlorfenapyr, respectively. Exposure to abamectin reduced the attack rate of A. largoensis by 52%. The numerical response of A. largoensis was only affected by exposure to abamectin, where just 60% of the females oviposited, and regardless of the prey density, the average mean numbers of eggs/female/day was always less than 0.4. The food conversion efficiency into biomass of A. largoensis eggs decreased with increasing prey density, and this trend was not altered by exposure to any acaricides. However, exposure to abamectin drastically compromised the oviposition of A. largoensis, showing no increase in egg production with increasing prey density.
Surface-to-bulk core level shift in CoFe2O4 thin films
Authors: Subedi Arjun , Yang Detian , Yun Yu , Xu Xiaoshan , Dowben Peter A.
Published: January 2022

In spite of the absence of significant segregation of either cobalt oxide or iron oxide, core level photoemission binding energy shifts tend to indicate that the surface is significantly different from the bulk for CoFe2O4(111) thin films grown on Al2O3(0001). CoFe2O4(111) thin films show a surface-to-bulk core level shift in both the Co 2p and Fe 2p core level photoemission spectra. Surface weighted components in the core level photoemission spectra of both Co 2p3/2 and Fe 2p3/2 can be distinguished from the bulk components, by angle-resolved x-ray photoemission spectroscopy, for CoFe2O4(111) thin films. The surface termination of CoFe2O4(111) contains both Co and Fe with no evidence of strong preferential surface termination of either an iron or cobalt oxide, except for CoFe2O4(111) in the thin film limit. With extensive annealing above room temperature, the cobalt oxide component of very thin CoFe2O4(111) films, grown on Al2O3 (0001), will lose oxygen.
Experimental acoustic scene analysis using One-Eighth spherical fraction microphone array
Authors: Blanchard T. , Lecomte P. , Melon M. , Simon L. , Hassan K. , Nicol R.
Published: January 2022

This paper investigates the performance of one-eighth Spherical Fraction Microphone Array through experimental measurement to analyze acoustic scenes in one-eighth of space. The array geometry is designed to be placed in a room corner at the junction of three acoustically rigid walls. Two prototypes are built with 8 and 16 microphones, respectively. The sampling strategy is discussed and a spatial aliasing analysis is carried out both analytically and by numerical simulations. The array performances are evaluated through Spherical Fraction Beamforming (SFB). This approach is based on the decomposition of the acoustic pressure field in a rigid bounded domain. The localization angular error and Directivity Index criterion are evaluated for both arrays. In a first experiment, the arrays are mounted in an eighth of space built inside an anechoic room. The results are compared with simulation and show consistency. The theoretical limitations of SFB in a rigid bounded one-eighth of space are retrieved experimentally. These limitations are also observed in a real configuration: an office room. Further investigations on SFB are also conducted in the case of a virtual scene constructed with two sound sources.
A Temporal Study on Coach Behavior Profiles: Relationships With Athletes Coping and Affects Within Sport Competition
Authors: González-García Higinio , Martinent Guillaume , Nicolas Michel
Published: January 2022

The study aimed to identify coach behavior profiles and explore whether athletes from distinct profiles significantly differed on coping and affects experienced within 2 hr before the competition and during the competition (measuring them 2 hr after the competition). A sample of 306 French athletes (Mage = 22.24; SD = 4.91; 194 men and 112 women) participated in the study. The results revealed the emergence of two profiles: (a) a coaching engaged profile that stands out for moderate physical training and planning, technical skills, mental preparation, goal setting, competition strategies, personal rapport, and moderate negative personal rapport; and (b) a less engaged coaching profile with low physical training and planning, technical skills, mental preparation, goal setting, competition strategies, personal rapport, and moderate negative personal rapport. Memberships of coach behavior profiles were not confounded by athletes’ practice experience, athlete’s gender, and coach experience. Results of latent profile analyses with Bose–Chaudhuri–Hocquenghem method (BCH) method revealed that coping and affective states significantly differed across the coach behavior profiles. As a whole, the less engaged coaching profile engenders the worst outcomes in competition. In conclusion, the detection of less adaptive coaching profiles would be crucial to prevent negative outcomes in athletes during the competition. This might be using intervention programs adapted to the peculiarities of athletes from a particular coach behavior profiles.
Real-time monitoring of drug pharmacokinetics within tumor tissue in live animals
Authors: Seo Ji-Won , Fu Kaiyu , Correa Santiago , Eisenstein Michael , Appel Eric A. , Soh Hyongsok T.
Published: January 2022

A biosensor that can continuously monitor drug levels in vivo at multiple tumor sites in a live rodent model is demonstrated.
Optimized Loading Dose Strategies for Bedaquiline When Restarting Interrupted Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis Treatment
Authors: Koele Simon E. , van Beek Stijn W. , Maartens Gary , Brust James C. M. , Svensson Elin M.
Published: January 2022

Interruption of treatment is common in drug-resistant tuberculosis patients. Bedaquiline has a long terminal half-life; therefore, restarting after an interruption without a loading dose could increase the risk of suboptimal treatment outcome and resistance development.
The Bacillus subtilis PriA Winged Helix Domain Is Critical for Surviving DNA Damage
Authors: Matthews Lindsay A. , Simmons Lyle A.
Published: January 2022

PriA is an important protein found in virtually all bacteria that recognizes stalled replication forks orchestrating fork restart. PriA homologs contain a winged helix (WH) domain that is dispensable in
E. coli
and functions in a fork restart pathway that is not conserved outside of
E. coli
and closely related proteobacteria.
Effect of door-to-door distribution of HIV self-testing kits on HIV testing and antiretroviral therapy initiation: a cluster randomised trial in Malawi
Authors: Indravudh Pitchaya P , Fielding Katherine , Chilongosi Richard , Nzawa Rebecca , Neuman Melissa , Kumwenda Moses K , Nyirenda Rose , Johnson Cheryl C , Taegtmeyer Miriam , Desmond Nicola , Hatzold Karin , Corbett Elizabeth L
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Reaching high coverage of HIV testing remains essential for HIV diagnosis, treatment and prevention. We evaluated the effectiveness and safety of door-to-door distribution of HIV self-testing (HIVST) kits in rural Malawi.

Methods

This cluster randomised trial, conducted between September 2016 and January 2018, used restricted 1:1 randomisation to allocate 22 health facilities and their defined areas to door-to-door HIVST alongside the standard of care (SOC) or the SOC alone. The study population included residents (≥16 years). HIVST kits were provided door-to-door by community-based distribution agents (CBDAs) for at least 12 months. The primary outcome was recent HIV testing (in the last 12 months) measured through an endline survey. Secondary outcomes were lifetime HIV testing and cumulative 16-month antiretroviral therapy (ART) initiations, which were captured at health facilities. Social harms were reported through community reporting systems. Analysis compared cluster-level outcomes by arm.

Results

Overall, 203 CBDAs distributed 273 729 HIVST kits. The endline survey included 2582 participants in 11 HIVST clusters and 2908 participants in 11 SOC clusters. Recent testing was higher in the HIVST arm (68.5%, 1768/2582) than the SOC arm (48.9%, 1422/2908), with adjusted risk difference (RD) of 16.1% (95% CI 6.5% to 25.7%). Lifetime testing was also higher in the HIVST arm (86.9%, 2243/2582) compared with the SOC arm (78.5%, 2283/2908; adjusted RD 6.3%, 95% CI 2.3% to 10.3%). Differences were most pronounced for adolescents aged 16–19 years (adjusted RD 18.6%, 95% CI 7.3% to 29.9%) and men (adjusted RD 10.2%, 95% CI 3.1% to 17.2%). Cumulative incidence of ART initiation was 1187.2 and 909.0 per 100 000 population in the HIVST and SOC arms, respectively (adjusted RD 309.1, 95% CI −95.5 to 713.7). Self-reported HIVST use was 42.5% (1097/2582), with minimal social harms reported.

Conclusion

Door-to-door HIVST increased recent and lifetime testing at population level and showed high safety, underscoring potential for HIVST to contribute to HIV elimination goals in priority settings.

Trial registration number

NCT02718274.
Operationalisation of consensual One Health roadmaps in countries for improved IHR capacities and health security
Authors: de la Rocque Stephane , Belot Guillaume , Errecaborde Kaylee Marie Myhre , Sreedharan Rajesh , Skrypnyk Artem , Schmidt Tanja , Isla Nicolas , Traore Tieble , Talisuna Ambrose , Gongal Gyanendra , Samhouri Dalia , Caya François , Carron Maud , Kandel Nirmal , Xing Jun , Chungong Stella
Published: January 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic is a devastating reminder that mitigating the threat of emerging zoonotic outbreaks relies on our collective capacity to work across human health, animal health and environment sectors. Despite the critical need for shared approaches, collaborative benchmarks in the International Health Regulations (IHR) Monitoring and Evaluation Framework and more specifically the Joint External Evaluation (JEE) often reveal low levels of performance in collaborative technical areas (TAs), thus identifying a real need to work on the human–animal–environment interface to improve health security. The National Bridging Workshops (NBWs) proposed jointly by the World Organisation of Animal Health and World Health Organization (WHO) provide opportunity for national human health, animal health, environment and other relevant sectors in countries to explore the efficiency and gaps in their coordination for the management of zoonotic diseases. The results, gathered in a prioritised roadmap, support the operationalisation of the recommendations made during JEE for TAs where a multisectoral One Health approach is beneficial. For those collaborative TAs (12 out of 19 in the JEE), more than two-thirds of the recommendations can be implemented through one or multiple activities jointly agreed during NBW. Interestingly, when associated with the WHO Benchmark Tool for IHR, it appears that NBW activities are often associated with lower level of performance than anticipated during the JEE missions, revealing that countries often overestimate their capacities at the human–animal–environment interface. Deeper, more focused and more widely shared discussions between professionals highlight the need for concrete foundations of multisectoral coordination to meet goals for One Health and improved global health security through IHR.
Are current preventive chemotherapy strategies for controlling and eliminating neglected tropical diseases cost-effective?
Authors: Turner Hugo C , Stolk Wilma A , Solomon Anthony W , King Jonathan D , Montresor Antonio , Molyneux David H , Toor Jaspreet
Published: January 2022

Neglected tropical diseases (NTDs) remain a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in many low-income and middle-income countries. Several NTDs, namely lymphatic filariasis, onchocerciasis, schistosomiasis, soil-transmitted helminthiases (STH) and trachoma, are predominantly controlled by preventive chemotherapy (or mass drug administration), following recommendations set by the WHO. Over one billion people are now treated for NTDs with this strategy per year. However, further investment and increased domestic healthcare spending are urgently needed to continue these programmes. Consequently, it is vital that the cost-effectiveness of preventive chemotherapy is understood. We analyse the current estimates on the cost per disability-adjusted life year (DALY) of the preventive chemotherapy strategies predominantly used for these diseases and identify key evidence gaps that require further research. Overall, the reported estimates show that preventive chemotherapy is generally cost-effective, supporting WHO recommendations. More specifically, the cost per DALY averted estimates relating to community-wide preventive chemotherapy for lymphatic filariasis and onchocerciasis were particularly favourable when compared with other public health interventions. Cost per DALY averted estimates of school-based preventive chemotherapy for schistosomiasis and STH were also generally favourable but more variable. Notably, the broader socioeconomic benefits are likely not being fully captured by the DALYs averted metric. No estimates of cost per DALY averted relating to community-wide mass antibiotic treatment for trachoma were found, highlighting the need for further research. These findings are important for informing global health policy and support the need for continuing NTD control and elimination efforts.
Modelling costs of community-based HIV self-testing programmes in Southern Africa at scale: an econometric cost function analysis across five countries
Authors: d'Elbée Marc , Gomez Gabriela B , Sande Linda Alinafe , Mwenge Lawrence , Mangenah Collin , Johnson Cheryl , Medley Graham F , Neuman Melissa , Hatzold Karin , Corbett Elizabeth Lucy , Meyer-Rath Gesine , Terris-Prestholt Fern
Published: January 2022

Background

Following success demonstrated with the HIV Self-Testing AfRica Initiative, HIV self-testing (HIVST) is being added to national HIV testing strategies in Southern Africa. An analysis of the costs of scaling up HIVST is needed to inform national plans, but there is a dearth of evidence on methods for forecasting costs at scale from pilot projects. Econometric cost functions (ECFs) apply statistical inference to predict costs; however, we often do not have the luxury of collecting large amounts of location-specific data. We fit an ECF to identify key drivers of costs, then use a simpler model to guide cost projections at scale.

Methods

We estimated the full economic costs of community-based HIVST distribution in 92 locales across Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Lesotho between June 2016 and June 2019. We fitted a cost function with determinants related to scale, locales organisational and environmental characteristics, target populations, and per capita Growth Domestic Product (GDP). We used models differing in data intensity to predict costs at scale. We compared predicted estimates with scale-up costs in Lesotho observed over a 2-year period.

Results

The scale of distribution, type of community-based intervention, percentage of kits distributed to men, distance from implementer’s warehouse and per capita GDP predicted average costs per HIVST kit distributed. Our model simplification approach showed that a parsimonious model could predict costs without losing accuracy. Overall, ECF showed a good predictive capacity, that is, forecast costs were close to observed costs. However, at larger scale, variations of programme efficiency over time (number of kits distributed per agent monthly) could potentially influence cost predictions.

Discussion

Our empirical cost function can inform community-based HIVST scale-up in Southern African countries. Our findings suggest that a parsimonious ECF can be used to forecast costs at scale in the context of financial planning and budgeting.
Innovative demand creation strategies to increase voluntary medical male circumcision uptake: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial in Zimbabwe
Authors: Mavhu Webster , Neuman Melissa , Hatzold Karin , Buzuzi Stephen , Maringwa Galven , Chabata Sungai T , Mangenah Collin , Taruberekera Noah , Madidi Ngonidzashe , Munjoma Malvern , Ncube Getrude , Xaba Sinokuthemba , Mugurungi Owen , Johnson Cheryl C , Corbett Elizabeth L , Weiss Helen A , Fielding Katherine , Cowan Frances M
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Reaching men aged 20–35 years, the group at greatest risk of HIV, with voluntary medical male circumcision (VMMC) remains a challenge. We assessed the impact of two VMMC demand creation approaches targeting this age group in a randomised controlled trial (RCT).

Methods

We conducted a 2×2 factorial RCT comparing arms with and without two interventions: (1) standard demand creation augmented by human-centred design (HCD)-informed approach; (2) standard demand creation plus offer of HIV self-testing (HIVST). Interpersonal communication (IPC) agents were the unit of randomisation. We observed implementation of demand creation over 6 months (1 May to 31 October 2018), with number of men circumcised assessed over 7 months. The primary outcome was the number of men circumcised per IPC agent using the as-treated population of actual number of months each IPC agent worked. We conducted a mixed-methods process evaluation within the RCT.

Results

We randomised 140 IPC agents, 35 in each arm. 132/140 (94.3%) attended study training and 105/132 (79.5%) reached at least one client during the trial period and were included in final analysis. There was no evidence that the HCD-informed intervention increased VMMC uptake versus no HCD-informed intervention (incident rate ratio (IRR) 0.87, 95% CI 0.38 to 2.02; p=0.75). Nor did offering men a HIVST kit at time of VMMC mobilisation (IRR 0.65, 95% CI 0.28 to 1.50; p=0.31). Among IPC agents that reported reaching at least one man with demand creation, both the HCD-informed intervention and HIVST were deemed useful. There were some challenges with trial implementation; <50% of IPC agents converted any men to VMMC, which undermined our ability to show an effect of demand creation and may reflect acceptability and feasibility of the interventions.

Conclusion

This RCT did not show evidence of an effect of HCD-informed demand intervention or HIVST on VMMC uptake. Findings will inform future design and implementation of demand creation evaluations.

Trial registration number

PACTR201804003064160.
Impact of health system strengthening on delivery strategies to improve child immunisation coverage and inequalities in rural Madagascar
Authors: Rajaonarifara Elinambinina , Bonds Matthew H , Miller Ann C , Ihantamalala Felana Angella , Cordier Laura , Razafinjato Benedicte , Rafenoarimalala Feno H , Finnegan Karen E , Rakotonanahary Rado J L , Cowley Giovanna , Ratsimbazafy Baolova , Razafimamonjy Florent , Randriamanambintsoa Marius , Raza-Fanomezanjanahary Estelle M , Randrianambinina Andriamihaja , Metcalf C Jessica , Roche Benjamin , Garchitorena Andres
Published: January 2022

Background

To reach global immunisation goals, national programmes need to balance routine immunisation at health facilities with vaccination campaigns and other outreach activities (eg, vaccination weeks), which boost coverage at particular times and help reduce geographical inequalities. However, where routine immunisation is weak, an over-reliance on vaccination campaigns may lead to heterogeneous coverage. Here, we assessed the impact of a health system strengthening (HSS) intervention on the relative contribution of routine immunisation and outreach activities to reach immunisation goals in rural Madagascar.

Methods

We obtained data from health centres in Ifanadiana district on the monthly number of recommended vaccines (BCG, measles, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (DTP) and polio) delivered to children, during 2014–2018. We also analysed data from a district-representative cohort carried out every 2 years in over 1500 households in 2014–2018. We compared changes inside and outside the HSS catchment in the delivery of recommended vaccines, population-level vaccination coverage, geographical and economic inequalities in coverage, and timeliness of vaccination. The impact of HSS was quantified via mixed-effects logistic regressions.

Results

The HSS intervention was associated with a significant increase in immunisation rates (OR between 1.22 for measles and 1.49 for DTP), which diminished over time. Outreach activities were associated with a doubling in immunisation rates, but their effect was smaller in the HSS catchment. Analysis of cohort data revealed that HSS was associated with higher vaccination coverage (OR between 1.18 per year of HSS for measles and 1.43 for BCG), a reduction in economic inequality, and a higher proportion of timely vaccinations. Yet, the lower contribution of outreach activities in the HSS catchment was associated with persistent inequalities in geographical coverage, which prevented achieving international coverage targets.

Conclusion

Investment in stronger primary care systems can improve vaccination coverage, reduce inequalities and improve the timeliness of vaccination via increases in routine immunisations.
Patient satisfaction following a switch from treat-and-extend to observe-and-plan regimen in age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Morken Tora Sund , Knutsen Christina , Hanssen Margrete Sætre , Austeng Dordi
Published: January 2022

Objective

Standard treatment of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) is intravitreal injections (IVI) of antivascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) according to treat-and-extend (TnE). Observe-and-plan (OnP), a new regimen based on each individual’s relapse interval lead to fewer clinical visits and has so far shown to be safe in treatment-naïve patients. In this study, we explore patient satisfaction and safety in nAMD when switching from TnE to OnP.

Methods and analysis

38 participants treated acording to TnE for ≥12 months were included and switched from TnE to OnP with their last stable interval. Main outcome was patient satisfaction (Leeds Satisfaction Questionnaire). Secondary outcomes were best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), central retinal thickness (CRT) before and 12 months after switch and number of monitoring visits and injections of anti-VEGF 12 months prior to and following switch.

Results

Mean patient satisfaction was higher (3.7±0.5 SD) at 12 months after switch from TnE to OnP than before (3.6±0.5 SD, p=0.009, response rate 76%). BCVA and CRT were unchanged. Number of monitoring visits and injections were lower in the 12 months following than prior to switch (p<0.001).

Conclusion

A switch from TnE to OnP in a non-treatment-naïve population resulted in higher patient satisfaction, while maintaining stable BCVA. This indicates that OnP may be applicable in the large group of nAMD patients that have received IVI for several years. OnP may alleviate the treatment burden on both individual and society of frequent clinical visits while increasing patient satisfaction.