bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prepandemic Feasibility of Tele-Exercise as an Alternative Delivery Mode for an Evidence-Based, Tai Ji Quan Fall-Prevention Intervention for Older Adults
Authors: Jones Dina L. , Robinson Maura , Selfe Terry Kit , Barnes Lucinda , Dierkes McKinzey , Shawley-Brzoska Samantha , Myers Douglas J. , Wilcox Sara
Published: April 2024

There is a critical need for fall-prevention interventions to reach medically underserved, hard-to-reach, rural older adults. The evidence-based Tai Ji Quan: Moving for Better Balance (TJQMBB) program reduces falls in older adults. This pre-COVID-19 pandemic study assessed the feasibility and impact of a 16-week tele-TJQMBB intervention in older adults. Instructors led six tele-TJQMBB classes via Zoom for 52 older adults (mean age ± SD 68.5 ± 7.7 years) at one academic and four community sites. Nearly all (97%) planned sessions were delivered. Average attendance was 61%. There were no adverse events. Fidelity was fair to good (mean 67%). Forty-one percent of sessions experienced technical disruptions. Participants improved their gait speed, balance, lower-extremity strength, and body mass index. Tele-TJQMBB was feasible with a positive impact on outcomes. This study was the first step toward establishing an additional delivery mode that could potentially expand TJQMBB’s reach and maintenance.
Nitrogen-fixing organelle in a marine alga
Authors: Coale Tyler H. , Loconte Valentina , Turk-Kubo Kendra A. , Vanslembrouck Bieke , Mak Wing Kwan Esther , Cheung Shunyan , Ekman Axel , Chen Jian-Hua , Hagino Kyoko , Takano Yoshihito , Nishimura Tomohiro , Adachi Masao , Le Gros Mark , Larabell Carolyn , Zehr Jonathan P.
Published: April 2024

Symbiotic interactions were key to the evolution of chloroplast and mitochondria organelles, which mediate carbon and energy metabolism in eukaryotes. Biological nitrogen fixation, the reduction of abundant atmospheric nitrogen gas (N2) to biologically available ammonia, is a key metabolic process performed exclusively by prokaryotes.CandidatusAtelocyanobacterium thalassa, or UCYN-A, is a metabolically streamlined N2-fixing cyanobacterium previously reported to be an endosymbiont of a marine unicellular alga. Here we show that UCYN-A has been tightly integrated into algal cell architecture and organellar division and that it imports proteins encoded by the algal genome. These are characteristics of organelles and show that UCYN-A has evolved beyond endosymbiosis and functions as an early evolutionary stage N2-fixing organelle, or “nitroplast.”
Modern approaches to therapeutic oligonucleotide manufacturing
Authors: Obexer R. , Nassir M. , Moody E. R. , Baran P. S. , Lovelock S. L.
Published: April 2024

Therapeutic oligonucleotides are a powerful drug modality with the potential to treat many diseases. The rapidly growing number of therapies that have been approved and that are in advanced clinical trials will place unprecedented demands on our capacity to manufacture oligonucleotides at scale. Existing methods based on solid-phase phosphoramidite chemistry are limited by their scalability and sustainability, and new approaches are urgently needed to deliver the multiton quantities of oligonucleotides that are required for therapeutic applications. The chemistry community has risen to the challenge by rethinking strategies for oligonucleotide production. Advances in chemical synthesis, biocatalysis, and process engineering technologies are leading to increasingly efficient and selective routes to oligonucleotide sequences. We review these developments, along with remaining challenges and opportunities for innovations that will allow the sustainable manufacture of diverse oligonucleotide products.
Structural basis of DNA crossover capture by
Escherichia coli
DNA gyrase
Authors: Vayssières Marlène , Marechal Nils , Yun Long , Lopez Duran Brian , Murugasamy Naveen Kumar , Fogg Jonathan M. , Zechiedrich Lynn , Nadal Marc , Lamour Valérie
Published: April 2024

DNA supercoiling must be precisely regulated by topoisomerases to prevent DNA entanglement. The interaction of type IIA DNA topoisomerases with two DNA molecules, enabling the transport of one duplex through the transient double-stranded break of the other, remains elusive owing to structures derived solely from single linear duplex DNAs lacking topological constraints. Using cryo–electron microscopy, we solved the structure of
Escherichia coli
DNA gyrase bound to a negatively supercoiled minicircle DNA. We show how DNA gyrase captures a DNA crossover, revealing both conserved molecular grooves that accommodate the DNA helices. Together with molecular tweezer experiments, the structure shows that the DNA crossover is of positive chirality, reconciling the binding step of gyrase-mediated DNA relaxation and supercoiling in a single structure.
Improved charge extraction in inverted perovskite solar cells with dual-site-binding ligands
Authors: Chen Hao , Liu Cheng , Xu Jian , Maxwell Aidan , Zhou Wei , Yang Yi , Zhou Qilin , Bati Abdulaziz S. R. , Wan Haoyue , Wang Zaiwei , Zeng Lewei , Wang Junke , Serles Peter , Liu Yuan , Teale Sam , Liu Yanjiang , Saidaminov Makhsud I. , Li Muzhi , Rolston Nicholas , Hoogland Sjoerd , Filleter Tobin , Kanatzidis Mercouri G. , Chen Bin , Ning Zhijun , Sargent Edward H.
Published: April 2024

Inverted (pin) perovskite solar cells (PSCs) afford improved operating stability in comparison to their nip counterparts but have lagged in power conversion efficiency (PCE). The energetic losses responsible for this PCE deficit in pin PSCs occur primarily at the interfaces between the perovskite and the charge-transport layers. Additive and surface treatments that use passivating ligands usually bind to a single active binding site: This dense packing of electrically resistive passivants perpendicular to the surface may limit the fill factor in pin PSCs. We identified ligands that bind two neighboring lead(II) ion (Pb
2+
) defect sites in a planar ligand orientation on the perovskite. We fabricated pin PSCs and report a certified quasi–steady state PCE of 26.15 and 24.74% for 0.05– and 1.04–square centimeter illuminated areas, respectively. The devices retain 95% of their initial PCE after 1200 hours of continuous 1 sun maximum power point operation at 65°C.
Kink bands promote exceptional fracture resistance in a NbTaTiHf refractory medium-entropy alloy
Authors: Cook David H. , Kumar Punit , Payne Madelyn I. , Belcher Calvin H. , Borges Pedro , Wang Wenqing , Walsh Flynn , Li Zehao , Devaraj Arun , Zhang Mingwei , Asta Mark , Minor Andrew M. , Lavernia Enrique J. , Apelian Diran , Ritchie Robert O.
Published: April 2024

Single-phase body-centered cubic (bcc) refractory medium- or high-entropy alloys can retain compressive strength at elevated temperatures but suffer from extremely low tensile ductility and fracture toughness. We examined the strength and fracture toughness of a bcc refractory alloy, NbTaTiHf, from 77 to 1473 kelvin. This alloy’s behavior differed from that of comparable systems by having fracture toughness over 253 MPa·m
1/2
, which we attribute to a dynamic competition between screw and edge dislocations in controlling the plasticity at a crack tip. Whereas the glide and intersection of screw and mixed dislocations promotes strain hardening controlling uniform deformation, the coordinated slip of <111> edge dislocations with {110} and {112} glide planes prolongs nonuniform strain through formation of kink bands. These bands suppress strain hardening by reorienting microscale bands of the crystal along directions of higher resolved shear stress and continually nucleate to accommodate localized strain and distribute damage away from a crack tip.
Human telomere length is chromosome end–specific and conserved across individuals
Authors: Karimian Kayarash , Groot Aljona , Huso Vienna , Kahidi Ramin , Tan Kar-Tong , Sholes Samantha , Keener Rebecca , McDyer John F. , Alder Jonathan K. , Li Heng , Rechtsteiner Andreas , Greider Carol W.
Published: April 2024

Short telomeres cause age-related disease, and long telomeres contribute to cancer; however, the mechanisms regulating telomere length are unclear. We developed a nanopore-based method, which we call Telomere Profiling, to determine telomere length at nearly single-nucleotide resolution. Mapping telomere reads to chromosome ends showed chromosome end–specific length distributions that could differ by more than six kilobases. Examination of telomere lengths in 147 individuals revealed that certain chromosome ends were consistently longer or shorter. The same rank order was found in newborn cord blood, suggesting that telomere length is determined at birth and that chromosome end–specific telomere length differences are maintained as telomeres shorten with age. Telomere Profiling makes precision investigation of telomere length widely accessible for laboratory, clinical, and drug discovery efforts and will allow deeper insights into telomere biology.
Naphthylisoquinoline alkaloids: novel agents against the causative pathogens of eumycetoma and actinomycetoma—
en route
to broad-spectrum antimycetomal drugs
Authors: Khalid Sami Ahmed , Abd Algaffar Shereen , Tajuddeen Nasir , Lombe Blaise Kimbadi , Bringmann Gerhard
Published: April 2024

Mycetoma is a devastating neglected tropical infection of the subcutaneous tissues. It is caused by fungal and bacterial pathogens recognized as eumycetoma and actinomycetoma, respectively. Mycetoma treatment involves diagnosing the causative microorganism as a prerequisite to prescribing a proper medication. Current therapy of fungal eumycetoma causative agents, such as
Madurella mycetomatis
, consists of long-term antifungal medication with itraconazole followed by surgery, yet with usually unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. Actinomycetoma, on the contrary, usually responds to treatment with co-trimoxazole and amikacin. Therefore, there is a pressing need to discover novel broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents to circumvent the time-consuming and costly diagnosis. Using the resazurin assay, a series of 23 naphthylisoquinoline (NIQ) alkaloids and related naphthoquinones were subjected to
in vitro
screening against two fungal strains of
M. mycetomatis
and three bacterial strains of
Actinomadura madurae
and
A. syzygii
. Seven NIQs, mostly dimers, showed promising
in vitro
activities against at least one strain of the mycetoma-causative pathogens, while the naphthoquinones did not show any activity. A synthetic NIQ dimer, 8,8'''-
O
,
O
-dimethylmichellamine A (
18
), inhibited all tested fungal and bacterial strains (IC
50
=
2.81–12.07 µg/mL). One of the dimeric NIQs, michellamine B (
14
), inhibited a strain of
M. mycetomatis
and significantly enhanced the survival rate of
Galleria mellonella
larvae infected with
M. mycetomatis
at concentrations of 1 and 4 µg/mL, without being toxic to the uninfected larvae. As a result, broad-spectrum dimeric NIQs like
14
and
18
with antimicrobial activity are considered hit compounds that could be worth further optimization to develop novel lead antimycetomal agents.
An infant mouse model of influenza-driven nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
colonization and acute otitis media suitable for preclinical testing of novel therapies
Authors: Landwehr Katherine R. , Granland Caitlyn M. , Martinovich Kelly M. , Scott Naomi M. , Seppanen Elke J. , Berry Luke , Strickland Deborah , Fulurija Alma , Richmond Peter C. , Kirkham Lea-Ann S.
Published: April 2024

Nontypeable
Haemophilus influenzae
(NTHi) is a major otitis media (OM) pathogen, with colonization a prerequisite for disease development. Most acute OM is in children <5 years old, with recurrent and chronic OM impacting hearing and learning. Therapies to prevent NTHi colonization and/or disease are needed, especially for young children. Respiratory viruses are implicated in driving the development of bacterial OM in children. We have developed an infant mouse model of influenza-driven NTHi OM, as a preclinical tool for the evaluation of safety and efficacy of clinical therapies to prevent NTHi colonization and the development of OM. In this model, 100% of infant BALB/cARC mice were colonized with NTHi, and all developed NTHi OM. Influenza A virus (IAV) facilitated the establishment of dense (1 × 10
5
CFU/mL) and long-lasting (6 days) NTHi colonization. IAV was essential for the development of NTHi OM, with 100% of mice in the IAV/NTHi group developing NTHi OM compared with 8% of mice in the NTHi only group. Histological analysis and cytokine measurements revealed that the inflammation observed in the middle ear of the infant mice with OM reflected inflammation observed in children with OM. We have developed the first infant mouse model of NTHi colonization and OM. This ascension model uses influenza-driven establishment of OM and reflects the clinical pathology of bacterial OM developing after a respiratory virus infection. This model provides a valuable tool for testing therapies to prevent or treat NTHi colonization and disease in young children.
Draft genome sequence of
Leuconostoc falkenbergense
isolated from naturally fermented buffalo milk curd
Authors: Habiba Mst. Umme , Hoque M. Nazmul , Ahmed Shabbir , Islam Tofazzal , Deb Gautam Kumar , Rahman Md. Morshedur
Published: April 2024

This study reports the draft genome of
Leuconostoc falkenbergense
strain BSMRAU-M1L5, isolated from artisanal buffalo milk curd in Bangladesh. The draft genome spans 1,776,471 bp, with 50× coverage and 96 contigs.
Can transcutaneous bilirubinometry safely be used to monitor rebound hyperbilirubinaemia after phototherapy in neonates ≥35 weeks’ gestation? A prospective, comparative study
Authors: Butterworth Frances Rose , Boulton Richard , Campbell Shona , Frew Gillian , Mactier Helen
Published: April 2024

Introduction

There is insufficient evidence to determine if non-invasive transcutaneous bilirubin (TcB) measurement can replace serum bilirubin (SBR) in assessing rebound hyperbilirubinaemia after phototherapy.

Objective

To investigate if TcB can safely guide management of neonates after phototherapy.

Subjects

100 well neonates ≥35 weeks’ gestation who had received inpatient phototherapy.

Method

Measurement of both helix (manufacturer’s recommendation) and earlobe TcB coincidentally with routine SBR 12 hours after cessation of phototherapy. All mothers gave written informed consent.

Results

Gestation ranged from 35+0to 41+5(median 37+6) weeks; birth weight 2018–4566 (median 3230) g; age 55–222 (median 109) hours at testing. 86% neonates were Caucasian. Outcomes determined by SBR included restarting phototherapy (n=0), repeat SBR next day (n=29), no further routine follow-up (n=71).

TcB and SBR measurements were unpredictably inconsistent. Helix TcB tended to underestimate SBR (mean difference 50.1 (95% CI 113.9 to -13.7) μmols/L); for earlobe TcB mean difference was -13.4 (95% CI 46.3 to -73.2) μmols/L (overestimate), but bias was greater over the range of mean differences. No demographic factor predicted consistency between TcB and SBR. TcB was 25% (helix) and 76% (earlobe) sensitive in predicting repeat phototherapy and/or repeat SBR; specificities were 92% and 58%, respectively. Adding a safety margin of 120 μmols/L to helix TcB value could have safely avoided invasive SBR measurement in 50/98 (51%) babies.

Conclusions

Consistency between TcB and rebound SBR is unpredictable in well neonates>35 weeks’ gestation but adopting a wide safety margin has potential to reduce blood sampling. Recommencement of phototherapy is uncommon in this population.
Are toddlers with neurosensory impairment more difficult to follow up? A secondary analysis of the hPOD follow-up study
Authors: Lord Libby , Rogers Jenny , Gamble Greg D , Harding Jane E
Published: April 2024

Objective

To describe strategies used to maximise follow-up after a neonatal randomised trial, how these differed for families of different ethnicity, socioeconomic status and urban versus rural residence and investigate relationships between the difficulty of follow-up and rate of neurosensory impairment.

Method

hPOD was a multicentre randomised trial assessing oral dextrose gel prophylaxis for neonatal hypoglycaemia. Follow-up at 2 years was conducted from 2017 to 2021. We analysed all recorded contacts between the research team and participants’ families. Neurosensory impairment was defined as blindness, deafness, cerebral palsy, developmental delay or executive function impairment.

Results

Of 1321 eligible participants, 1197 were assessed (91%) and 236/1194 (19.8%) had neurosensory impairment. Participants received a median of five contacts from the research team (range 1–23). Those from more deprived areas and specific ethnicities received more contacts, particularly home tracking visits and home assessments. Impairment was more common among participants receiving more contacts (relative risk 1.81, 95% CI 1.34 to 2.44 for ≥7 contacts vs <7 contacts), and among those assessed after the intended age (76/318, 23.9% if >25 months vs 160/876, 18.3% if ≤25 months).

Conclusions

Varied contact strategies and long timeframes are required to achieve a high follow-up rate. Without these, the sociodemographics of children assessed would not have been representative of the entire cohort, and the rate of neurosensory impairment would have been underestimated. To maximise follow-up after randomised trials, substantial effort and resources are needed to ensure that data are useful for clinical decision-making.
Use of neonatal lung ultrasound in European neonatal units: a survey by the European Society of Paediatric Research
Authors: Alonso-Ojembarrena Almudena , Ehrhardt Harald , Cetinkaya Merih , Lavizzari Anna , Szczapa Tomasz , Sartorius Victor , Rocha Gustavo , Sindelar Richard , Wald Martin , Heiring Christian , Soukka Hanna , Danhaive Olivier , Roehr Charles C , Cucerea Manuela , Calkovska Andrea , Dimitriou Gabriel , Barzilay Bernard , Klingenberg Claus , Schulzke Sven , Plavka Richard , Tameliene Rasa , O'Donnell Colm Patrick Finbarr , van Kaam Anton H
Published: April 2024

Objective

Regarding the use of lung ultrasound (LU) in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) across Europe, to assess how widely it is used, for what indications and how its implementation might be improved.

Design and intervention

International online survey.

Results

Replies were received from 560 NICUs in 24 countries between January and May 2023. LU uptake varied considerably (20%–98% of NICUs) between countries. In 428 units (76%), LU was used for clinical indications, while 34 units (6%) only used it for research purposes. One-third of units had <2 years of experience, and only 71 units (13%) had >5 years of experience. LU was mainly performed by neonatologists. LU was most frequently used to diagnose respiratory diseases (68%), to evaluate an infant experiencing acute clinical deterioration (53%) and to guide surfactant treatment (39%). The main pathologies diagnosed by LU were pleural effusion, pneumothorax, transient tachypnoea of the newborn and respiratory distress syndrome. The main barriers for implementation were lack of experience with technical aspects and/or image interpretation. Most units indicated that specific courses and an international guideline on neonatal LU could promote uptake of this technique.

Conclusions

Although LU has been adopted in neonatal care in most European countries, the uptake is highly variable. The main indications are diagnosis of lung disease, evaluation of acute clinical deterioration and guidance of surfactant. Implementation may be improved by developing courses and publishing an international guideline.
Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans of the breast
Authors: Qadir Muskaan , Fatima Saira , Shaikh Safdar , Zeeshan Sana
Published: April 2024

Dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) of the breast is an infrequent soft tissue sarcoma that usually affects young to middle-aged women. Our case report describes a unique occurrence of DFSP of the breast in an adolescent girl, which was initially being managed as a keloid for 2 years under dermatology despite being refractory to treatment. Once the diagnosis of DFSP was confirmed through punch biopsy, our patient underwent surgical excision of the lesion under general anaesthesia. Our patient was at an increased risk of damage to the ductal system due to proximity of the lesion to the nipple–areolar complex, warranting the need for early recognition and treatment. As demonstrated by our case, DFSP of the breast can be difficult to diagnose since it resembles a range of benign and malignant pathologies of the breast.
Randomised clinical trial of extended depth of focus lenses for controlling myopia progression: Outcomes from SEED LVPEI Indian Myopia Study
Authors: Manoharan Manoj K , Verkicharla Pavan K
Published: April 2024

Purpose

To determine the efficacy of extended depth of focus (EDOF) contact lenses for controlling myopia progression in children through a 1-year randomised clinical trial.

Methods

A total of 104 children aged 7–15 years, with spherical equivalent refraction ≤−0.50 D, were randomly assigned to wear SEED 1 dayPure EDOF Mid contact lenses (n=48) or single vision spectacle lenses (n=56). Cycloplegic refraction with Shin-Nippon open field autorefractor and axial length with Lenstar LS 900 was determined at the baseline and 12-month visits. The compliance, visual discomfort and dryness questionnaires were administered during the final visit.

Results

Sixty-nine children (control: n=38; treatment: 31) completed the 12-month follow-up visit, with no difference in baseline characteristics between the groups. Mean (SEM) myopia progression in the 12th month was −0.48±0.07D in the control group and −0.20±0.08D in the treatment group. Mean axial elongation was 0.22±0.03 mm and 0.11±0.03 mm in the control and treatment groups, respectively. SEED 1 dayPure EDOF Mid contact lenses slowed myopia progression by 59% (−0.28D; p=0.01) based on spherical equivalent refraction and controlled axial length by 49% (0.11 mm; p=0.007) in comparison to single vision spectacle lenses. None of the participants reported any adverse effects. While most of the participants (82%) were comfortable with the contact lenses, 11% reported occasional dryness and 14% experienced mild fluctuations in visual acuity after immediate lens wear.

Conclusion

Daily wear of SEED 1 dayPure EDOF Mid contact lenses in Indian children showed a significant effect in controlling myopia progression and axial elongation.
Design considerations for the migration from paper to screen-based media in current health education for older adults: a scoping review
Authors: Ferraz Larissa Taveira , Santos Anna Julia Tavares , Lorenzi Lorena Jorge , Frohlich David Mark , Barley Elizabeth , Castro Paula Costa
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To map the current use of paper-based and/or screen-based media for health education aimed at older people.

Design

A scoping review was reported following the Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses for Scoping Reviews checklist.

Data sources

The search was carried out in seven databases (Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, Medline, CINAHL, ACM Guide to Computing Literature, PsycINFO), with studies available from 2012 to the date of the search in 2022, in English, Portuguese, Italian or Spanish. In addition, Google Scholar was searched to check the grey literature. The terms used in the search strategy were older adults, health education, paper and screen-based media, preferences, intervention and other related terms.

Eligibility criteria

Studies included were those that carried out health education interventions for older individuals using paper and/or screen-based media and that described barriers and/or facilitators to using these media.

Data extraction and synthesis

The selection of studies was carried out by two reviewers. A data extraction form was developed with the aim of extracting and recording the main information from the studies. Data were analysed descriptively using Bardin’s content analysis.

Results

The review included 21 studies that carried out health education interventions with different purposes, the main ones being promotion of physical activity, hypertension prevention and psychological health. All 21 interventions involved screen-based media on computers, tablets, smartphones and laptops, while only 4 involved paper-based media such as booklets, brochures, diaries, flyers and drawings. This appears to reflect a transition from paper to screen-based media for health education for the older population, in research if not in practice. However, analysis of facilitators and barriers to using both media revealed 10 design factors that could improve or reduce their use, and complementarity in their application to each media type. For example, screen-based media could have multimedia content, additional functionality and interactivity through good interaction design, but have low accessibility and require additional learning due to complex interface design. Conversely, paper-based media had static content and low functionality but high accessibility and availability and a low learning cost.

Conclusions

We recommend having improved screen-based media design, continued use of paper-based media and the possible combination of both media through the new augmented paper technology.

Registration number

Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/GKEAH).
Further development and validation of the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire (MTBQ)
Authors: Duncan Polly , Scott Lauren J , Dawson Shoba , Munas Muzrif , Pyne Yvette , Chaplin Katherine , Gaunt Daisy , Guenette Line , Salisbury Chris
Published: April 2024

Objectives

To undertake further psychometric testing of the Multimorbidity Treatment Burden Questionnaire (MTBQ) and examine whether reversing the scale reduced floor effects.

Design

Survey.

Setting

UK primary care.

Participants

Adults (≥18 years) with three or more long-term conditions randomly selected from four general practices and invited by post.

Measures

Baseline survey: sociodemographics, MTBQ (original or version with scale reversed), Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ), four questions (from QQ-10) on ease of completing the questionnaires. Follow-up survey (1–4 weeks after baseline): MTBQ, TBQ and QQ-10. Anonymous data collected from electronic GP records: consultations (preceding 12 months) and long-term conditions. The proportion of missing data and distribution of responses were examined for the original and reversed versions of the MTBQ and the TBQ. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and Spearman’s rank correlation (Rs) assessed test–retest reliability and construct validity, respectively. Ease of completing the MTBQ and TBQ was compared. Interpretability was assessed by grouping global MTBQ scores into 0 and tertiles (>0).

Results

244 adults completed the baseline survey (consent rate 31%, mean age 70 years) and 225 completed the follow-up survey. Reversing the scale did not reduce floor effects or data skewness. The global MTBQ scores had good test–retest reliability (ICC for agreement at baseline and follow-up 0.765, 95% CI 0.702 to 0.816). Global MTBQ score was correlated with global TBQ score (Rs0.77, p<0.001), weakly correlated with number of consultations (Rs0.17, p=0.010), and number of different general practitioners consulted (Rs0.23, p<0.001), but not correlated with number of long-term conditions (Rs−0.063, p=0.330). Most participants agreed that both the MTBQ and TBQ were easy to complete and included aspects they were concerned about.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates test–retest reliability and ease of completion of the MTBQ and builds on a previous study demonstrating good content validity, construct validity and internal consistency reliability of the questionnaire.
Clinical and nutritional correlates of bacterial diarrhoea aetiology in young children: a secondary cross-sectional analysis of the ABCD trial
Authors: Somji Sarah , Ashorn Per , Manji Karim , Ahmed Tahmeed , Chisti Md , Dhingra Usha , Sazawal Sunil , Singa Benson , Walson Judd L , Pavlinac Patricia , Bar-Zeev Naor , Houpt Eric , Dube Queen , Kotloff Karen , Sow Samba , Yousafzai Mohammad Tahir , Qamar Farah , Bahl Rajiv , De Costa Ayesha , Simon Jonathon , Sudfeld Christopher R , Duggan Christopher P
Published: April 2024

Objective

The objective was to assess the association between nutritional and clinical characteristics and quantitative PCR (qPCR)-diagnosis of bacterial diarrhoea in a multicentre cohort of children under 2 years of age with moderate to severe diarrhoea (MSD).

Design

A secondary cross-sectional analysis of baseline data collected from the AntiBiotics for Children with Diarrhoea trial (NCT03130114).

Patients

Children with MSD (defined as>3 loose stools within 24 hours and presenting with at least one of the following: some/severe dehydration, moderate acute malnutrition (MAM) or severe stunting) enrolled in the ABCD trial and collected stool sample.

Study period

June 2017–July 2019.

Interventions

None.

Main outcome measures

Likely bacterial aetiology of diarrhoea. Secondary outcomes included specific diarrhoea aetiology.

Results

A total of 6692 children with MSD had qPCR results available and 28% had likely bacterial diarrhoea aetiology. Compared with children with severe stunting, children with MAM (adjusted OR (aOR) (95% CI) 1.56 (1.18 to 2.08)), some/severe dehydration (aOR (95% CI) 1.66 (1.25 to 2.22)) or both (aOR (95% CI) 2.21 (1.61 to 3.06)), had higher odds of having likely bacterial diarrhoea aetiology. Similar trends were noted for stable toxin-enterotoxigenicEscherichia coliaetiology. Clinical correlates including fever and prolonged duration of diarrhoea were not associated with likely bacterial aetiology; children with more than six stools in the previous 24 hours had higher odds of likely bacterial diarrhoea (aOR (95% CI) 1.20 (1.05 to 1.36)) compared with those with fewer stools.

Conclusion

The presence of MAM, dehydration or high stool frequency may be helpful in identifying children with MSD who might benefit from antibiotics.
‘Joining the Dots: Linking Prenatal Drug Exposure to Childhood and Adolescence’ – research protocol of a population cohort study
Authors: Lawler Kate , Dronavalli Mithilesh , Page Andrew , Lee Evelyn , Uebel Hannah , Bajuk Barbara , Burns Lucinda , Dickson Michelle , Green Charles , Dicair Lauren , Eastwood John , Oei Ju Lee
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Prenatal drug exposure (PDE) is one of the most important causes of child harm, but comprehensive information about the long-term outcomes of the families is difficult to ascertain. TheJoining the Dotscohort study uses linked population data to understand the relationship between services, therapeutic interventions and outcomes of children with PDE.

Methods and analysis

Information from routinely collected administrative databases was linked for all births registered in New South Wales (NSW), Australia between 1 July 2001 and 31 December 2020 (n=1 834 550). Outcomes for seven mutually exclusive groups of children with varying prenatal exposure to maternal substances of addiction, including smoking, alcohol, prescription/illicit drugs and neonatal abstinence syndrome will be assessed. Key exposure measures include maternal drug use type, maternal social demographics or social determinants of health, and maternal physical and mental health comorbidities. Key outcome measures will include child mortality, academic standardised testing results, rehospitalisation and maternal survival. Data analysis will be conducted using Stata V.18.0.

Ethics and dissemination

Approvals were obtained from the NSW Population and Health Services Research Ethics Committee (29 June 2020; 2019/ETH12716) and the Australian Capital Territory Health Human Research Ethics Committee (11 October 2021; 2021-1231, 2021-1232, 2021-1233); and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (5 July 2022; 1824/21), and all Australian educational sectors: Board of Studies (government schools), Australian Independent Schools and Catholic Education Commission (D2014/120797). Data were released to researchers in September 2022. Results will be presented in peer-reviewed academic journals and at international conferences. Collaborative efforts from similar datasets in other countries are welcome.
Arteriovenous shunts of the cervical spine: patient demographics, presentation, patterns of high-risk venous drainage, and updated classification
Authors: Isikbay Masis , Caton M Travis , Mattay Raghav , Han Woody , Cooke Daniel L , Raper Daniel , Winkler Ethan A , Savastano Luis , Narsinh Kazim H , Hetts Steven W , Amans Matthew Robert
Published: April 2024

Background

Intracranial dural arteriovenous (AV) fistula classifications focus on presence/absence of retrograde flow in the cortical veins of the brain as this angiographic finding portends a worse prognosis. However, prior categorization systems of AV shunts in the spine do not incorporate these features. We propose an updated classification for spinal shunting lesions that terms any shunting lesion with retrograde flow in any cortical vein of the brain or spinal cord medullary vein as “high risk”. To present this classification, we analyzed our center’s most recent experience with cervical spine shunting lesions.

Methods

The electronic medical record at our institution was reviewed to identify shunting lesions of the cervical spine and patient demographics/presentation. Comprehensive craniospinal digital subtraction angiograms were evaluated to classify shunt location, type (arteriovenous malformation (AVM) vs arteriovenous fistula (AVF)), and presence of high-risk venous drainage.

Results

Some 52 lesions were identified and categorized as pial/dural/epidural/paravertebral AVFs and intramedullary/extraspinal AVMs. Lesions were classified as high risk or not depending on the presence of retrograde flow into at least one vein that directly drains the spinal cord or brain. All patients who presented with either hemorrhage or infarct had underlying high-risk lesions. Additionally, 50% (17/34) of symptomatic patients with high-risk lesions presented with neurological extremity symptoms (OR=10.0, p=0.037) most of which fit a myelopathic pattern.

Conclusion

We present an updated classification system for shunting lesions of the spine that focuses on high-risk retrograde flow to the brain or spine in addition to anatomical location in order to better inform patient management.
Assessment of salivary cortisol dynamics in an infantry training exercise: a pilot study
Authors: Gifford Robert M , Taylor N , Carroll A , Sweeting J , Parsons I T , Stacey M J , Homer N Z M , Tsanas A , Woods D R , Reynolds R M
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Measuring cortisol during military training offers insights into physiological responses to stress. We attempted precisely timed, cortisol awakening response (CAR) and pre-sleep cortisol (PSC), and diurnal slope (peak morning minus evening cortisol), during a British Army exercise. We aimed to understand cortisol dynamics and evaluate the feasibility of CAR and PSC in this environment.

Method

Setting:high-intensity, 10-day infantry exercise.Participants:regular infantry soldiers exercising (EX, n=25) or headquarters-based (HQ, n=6). Participants undertook PSC and WAKE and WAKE+30 min samples after 1–2 days, 5–6 days and 9–10 days. Wrist-worn GENEActiv accelerometers were used to assess sleep duration in EX only. Samples taken ±15 min from prespecified time points were deemed adherent. Validated questionnaires were used to measure resilience and perceived stress. Cortisol and cortisone were measured simultaneously by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.

Results

From adherent participants’ samples, CAR was positive and tended to decrease as the exercise progressed. From all available data, HQ demonstrated greater diurnal slope than EX (F=7.68, p=0.02), reflecting higher morning cortisol (F=4.72, p=0.038) and lower PSC (p=0.04). No differences were seen in cortisol:cortisone ratio. 26.1% of CAR samples were adherent, with moderately strong associations between adherence and stress (r=0.41, p=0.009) but no association between adherence and day of exercise (χ2=0.27, p=0.8), sleep duration (r=–0.112, p=0.43) or resilience (r=–0.79, p=0.75). Test–retest reliability ratings for CAR were Cronbach’s α of 0.48, –11.7 and 0.34 for the beginning, middle and end of the exercise, respectively.

Conclusions

We observed a reduction in morning cortisol and decreased diurnal slope during a high-intensity military exercise, compared with the HQ comparator cohort in whom diurnal slope was preserved. A carefully timed CAR was not feasible in this setting.
Frequent chlamydia and gonorrhoea but very infrequent syphilis among men who have sex with men using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis in West Africa
Authors: Dah Ter Tiero Elias , De Baetselier Irith , Cuer Benjamin , Anoma Camille , Mensah Ephrem , Koné Amadou , Diandé Souba , Dagnra Claver Anoumou , Faye-Kette Hortense Yaobla , Yeo Alain , Yaya Issifou , Spire Bruno , Keita Bintou Dembélé , Crucitti Tania , Vuylsteke Bea , Laurent Christian
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Although oral pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) for HIV is being rolled out in West Africa, data on sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in PrEP users are scarce. We assessed the prevalence, incidence and determinants of bacterial STIs in men who have sex with men (MSM) taking PrEP in Burkina Faso, Côte d’Ivoire, Mali and Togo.

Methods

A prospective cohort study among MSM initiating PrEP as part of a comprehensive HIV prevention package was conducted between 2017 and 2021 in community-based clinics in the four study countries. Molecular screening for
Chlamydia trachomatis
(CT) and
Neisseria gonorrhoeae
(NG) was performed at months 0, 6 and 12. Serological testing for syphilis was performed every 3 months over the first year of follow-up. Determinants of CT and/or NG incidence were identified using Poisson generalised linear mixed models.

Results

A total of 598 participants with a median age of 24.7 years were included. Prevalence of CT and/or NG was 24.4% (95% CI 21.0 to 28.1), 22.4% (95% CI 18.4 to 26.8) and 29.0% (95% CI 24.2 to 34.1) at months 0, 6 and 12, respectively. The prevalence of syphilis ranged from 0.2% (95% CI 0.0 to 0.9) at month 0 to 0.8% (95% CI 0.2 to 2.4) at month 12. Ninety incident CT and/or NG infections occurred during a total follow-up time of 280.6 person-years (incidence rate 32.1 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 25.8 to 39.4). Three incident syphilis infections were detected during a total follow-up time of 459.7 person-years (incidence rate 0.7 per 100 person-years, 95% CI 0.1 to 1.9). CT and/or NG incidence was associated with condomless insertive anal sex (adjusted incidence rate ratio 1.96, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.71, p=0.038).

Conclusions

CT and NG were frequent but syphilis was very infrequent in MSM using HIV PrEP in West Africa. HIV programme managers should integrate STI services into PrEP programmes.
Reach of GetCheckedOnline among gay, bisexual, transgender and queer men and Two-Spirit people and correlates of use 5 years after program launch in British Columbia, Canada
Authors: Montiel Andrés , Ablona Aidan , Klassen Ben , Card Kiffer , Lachowsky Nathan J , Brennan David J , Grace Daniel , Worthington Catherine , Gilbert Mark
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Understanding who uses internet-based sexually transmitted and blood-borne infection (STBBI) services can inform programme implementation, particularly among those most impacted by STBBIs, including gender and sexual minority (GSM) men. GetCheckedOnline, an internet-based STBBI testing service in British Columbia, Canada, launched in 2014. Our objectives were to assess reach, identify factors associated with use of GetCheckedOnline 5 years into implementation and describe reasons for using and not using GetCheckedOnline among GSM men.

Methods

The Sex Now 2019 Survey was an online, cross-sectional survey of GSM men in Canada administered from November 2019 to February 2020. Participants were asked a subset of questions related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Multivariable binary logistic regression modelling was used to estimate associations between correlates and use of GetCheckedOnline.

Results

Of 431 British Columbia (BC) participants aware of GetCheckedOnline, 27.6% had tested using the service. Lower odds of having used GetCheckedOnline were found among participants with non-white race/ethnicity (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.41 (95% CI 0.21 to 0.74)) and those living with HIV (aOR=0.23 (95% CI 0.05 to 0.76)). Those who usually tested at a walk-in clinic, relative to a sexual health clinic, had greater odds of using GetCheckedOnline (aOR=3.91 (95% CI 1.36 to 11.61)). The most commonly reported reason for using and not using GetCheckedOnline was convenience (78%) and only accessing the website to see how the service worked (48%), respectively.

Conclusion

Over a quarter of GSM men in BC aware of GetCheckedOnline had used it. Findings demonstrate the importance of social/structural factors related to use of GetCheckedOnline. Service promotion strategies could highlight its convenience and privacy benefits to enhance uptake.
Distinct domain organization and diversity of 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetases
Authors: Koul Amit , Hui Lok Tin , Lubna Nikhat , McKenna Sean A.
Published: April 2024

The 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetases (OAS) are important components of the innate immune system that recognize viral double-stranded RNA (dsRNA). Upon dsRNA binding, OAS generate 2′-5′-linked oligoadenylates (2-5A) that activate ribonuclease L (RNase L), halting viral replication. The OAS/RNase L pathway is thus an important antiviral pathway and viruses have devised strategies to circumvent OAS activation. OAS enzymes are divided into four classes according to size: small (OAS1), medium (OAS2), and large (OAS3) that consist of one, two, and three OAS domains, respectively, and the OAS-like protein (OASL) that consists of one OAS domain and tandem domains similar to ubiquitin. Early investigation of the OAS enzymes hinted at the recognition of dsRNA by OAS, but due to size differences amongst OAS family members combined with the lack of structural information on full-length OAS2 and OAS3, the regulation of OAS catalytic activity by dsRNA was not well understood. However, the recent biophysical studies of OAS have highlighted overall structure and domain organization. In this review, we present a detailed examination of the OAS literature and summarized the investigation on 2′-5′-oligoadenylate synthetases.
Constructing massive particles surfaces in static spacetimes
Authors: Bogush Igor , Kobialko Kirill , Gal’tsov Dmitri
Published: April 2024

Massive particle surface is a generalization of the photon surface, both of which translate the dynamical properties of geodesics orbiting the gravitating object onto the geometric description. The procedure for constructing the massive particle surfaces in static space-times is described in detail and the equivalence of the main results with the results of the geodesic approach is demonstrated for the following examples: Schwarzschild, Reissner–Nordström, dilatonic black holes, conformal gravity, and Culetu model.
Earliness-Tardiness Scheduling with Delivery Times and Deteriorating Jobs
Authors: Lu Yuan-Yuan , Zhang Shuang , Tao Jia-Yi
Published: April 2024

This paper addresses single-machine scheduling problems with past-sequence-dependent (denoted by [Formula: see text]) delivery times, due-window assignments and deteriorating jobs simultaneously. The [Formula: see text] delivery time of a job is proportional to the job’s waiting time, and the deteriorating jobs mean that the processing time of a job is a proportional increasing function of its starting time. For common, slack and different due-window assignments, the goal is to minimize the weighted sum of earliness, tardiness, due-window starting time and size. Some optimal propositions of the problems are given, and by these propositions, polynomial time algorithms are proposed to optimally solve the above problems.
Dark energy nature of logarithmic f(R,Lm)-gravity models with observational constraints
Authors: Dixit Archana , Pradhan Anirudh , Zeyauddin M. , Singh J.
Published: April 2024

This work explores the dark energy nature of logarithmic [Formula: see text]-gravity models with observational constraints, where [Formula: see text] represents the matter Lagrangian for perfect fluid and R is the Ricci-scalar curvature. With a matter Lagrangian [Formula: see text], a flat FLRW space–time metric and an arbitrary function [Formula: see text], where [Formula: see text] is a positive model parameter, we have derived the field equations of this model. By using the Hubble function, we have been able to solve the energy conservation equation and create a relationship between [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. Using the most recent two observational datasets as 32 [Formula: see text] and 1048 Pantheon SNe Ia datasets, we conducted MCMC analysis. We have obtained best fit values of model parameters with [Formula: see text] errors and using these values, we have explored the cosmological properties of the model. We have performed om diagnostic analysis for the model and estimated the present age of the universe. Thus our derived model presents a transit phase decelerating to accelerating model without dark energy term [Formula: see text]. We found that the effective equation of state parameter is in the range [Formula: see text] over [Formula: see text] with present value [Formula: see text].
HDR-YOLO: Adaptive Object Detection in Haze, Dark, and Rain Scenes Based on YOLO
Authors: Lyu Zonglei , An Wei
Published: April 2024

In the context of real-world environments, images acquired through surveillance cameras in such settings are frequently marred by issues including diminished contrast, suboptimal image quality, and color aberrations, rendering conventional object detection models ill-suited for the task. Taking inspiration from the foundational principles of image restoration, this study aims to extract environment-agnostic features across various weather conditions in order to enhance object detection performance in multiple scenarios while maintaining accuracy under typical meteorological conditions. In response to this question, we introduce a detection framework as HDR-YOLO that jointly trains feature extraction and object detection. Meantime, to solve the problem of visual impairments caused by adverse conditions, we propose a Dynamic Extraction of Environment-Agnostic Features (DEAF) module. Additionally, we joint mean squared error (MSE) loss and Log-Cosh loss as optimization techniques, carefully tailored to further elevate detection performance, especially under adverse meteorological conditions. Extensive empirical findings from the AGVS dataset validate the ability of HDR-YOLO to improve object detection performance in airport ground videos within real-world settings while maintaining precision under typical meteorological conditions, which underscores its innovative capabilities and adaptability in complex and diverse environments.
PM2.5 Concentration Prediction Model Based on Random Forest and SHAP
Authors: Pan Mengyao , Xia Bisheng , Huang Wenbo , Ren Ying , Wang Siyuan
Published: April 2024

Precisely forecasting the levels of [Formula: see text] is crucial for environmental conservation and human health. Thus, it serves as an essential indicator of atmospheric purity. In this paper, a [Formula: see text] concentration prediction model based on random forest and SHAP is proposed using air pollutants and meteorological conditions as the characterizing factors. Initially, pertinent information is gathered and subsequently manipulated, educated, and forecasted through the application of the random forest technique. Then, SHAP is used to explain the degree of influence of each feature in the model and the prediction results. Results of the experiment demonstrate that the random forest-based [Formula: see text] concentration prediction model for the three cities surpass the comparison model in the RMSE, MAE, and [Formula: see text] indicators. Examining SHAP values, the essential elements influencing the [Formula: see text] concentration are pinpointed.