bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cryptofavognathus bellus sp. nov. (Prostigmata: Cryptognathidae): a member of the unexplored mites still-hidden global

Authors: Doğan Salih , Doğan Sibel
Published: February 2024

The genus Cryptofavognathus is represented with only two species: Cryptofavognathus anatolicus Doğan & Dönel and C. afyonensis (Koç & Akyol). The third species, Cryptofavognathus bellus sp. nov., was detected during a faunistic study on raphignathoid mites of Sansa Gorge (Türkiye) and described here. This paper also presents a current species list for the family Cryptognathidae Oudemans, with the following taxonomic recommendation in the genus Favognathus Luxton: Favognathus aegyptiaca (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) and Favognathus rosetta (Fawzy, Khalil & Yassin) described from Egypt should be considered species inquirendae due to their inadequate diagnostic characteristics and poor descriptions.
Room temperature inductively coupled plasma etching of InP with Cl2 mixtures using SiO2 and photoresist masks
Authors: Li Qingyue , Deeb Claire , Debregeas Hélène , Pelouard Jean-Luc
Published: February 2024

We report the results of a study on the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) etching of InP at room temperature using Cl2 mixtures (Cl2/N2/H2). The impact of different process parameters, including the RF power, the ICP power, the ion-to-neutral ratio, and the chamber pressure, on the etched profile was investigated. The etch rate, selectivity, and anisotropy of the profile were depicted for each etching recipe. Two types of masks, such as SiO2 and AZ5214 photoresist, were used in this study. The etched InP feature showed a very smooth surface (rms as low as 0.5 nm) and a relatively fast etch rate of about 450 nm/min with both masks. By adjusting the etch process and depending on the used mask, we tuned the anisotropy from about 19° to 60°. A selectivity of around 4:1 and 1:1 was obtained with SiO2 and photoresist masks, respectively. These results demonstrate how altering the ICP process parameters could affect the etching characteristics and profile.
Room-temperature sputter deposition of
gold-colored TiN assisted by niobium bombardment from a bipolar HiPIMS source
Authors: Fernandez-Martinez Ivan , Ganesan Rajesh , Akhavan Behnam , Matthews David T. A. , Stueber Michael , Bilek Marcela M. M. , McKenzie David. R.
Published: February 2024

The deposition of gold-colored titanium nitride films without applying substrate heating is of significant interest due to the increasing demand for decorative coatings on temperature-sensitive three-dimensional substrates. Here, the energetic impact of Nb1+ ions during the deposition of TiN was achieved within a bipolar high-power impulse magnetron sputtering discharge operating on a Nb target. A separate titanium target was operated with direct current magnetron sputtering in the same reactive argon–nitrogen mixture. This process aimed to achieve a dense titanium nitride with the assistance of the niobium ion bombardment. The niobium controlled the phase formation and structure of the resulting Nb-containing TiN coating without needing external heating. The niobium ion bombardment during deposition increases the density of the titanium nitride coatings, promoting the formation of the cubic phase favored for its gold color and excellent mechanical and tribological properties, including HF1-level adhesion. Energy-selective mass spectrometer investigations revealed an increase in the flux and the energy of titanium ions due to momentum transfer from niobium ions to titanium neutrals in the plasma generated between the targets and the substrate. The approach introduced here paves the way for the formation of the cubic phase of Nb-doped TiN films without external heating, producing coatings with combined decorative and protective properties.
Biphasic regulation of epigenetic state by matrix stiffness during cell reprogramming
Authors: Song Yang , Soto Jennifer , Wong Sze Yue , Wu Yifan , Hoffman Tyler , Akhtar Navied , Norris Sam , Chu Julia , Park Hyungju , Kelkhoff Douglas O. , Ang Cheen Euong , Wernig Marius , Kasko Andrea , Downing Timothy L. , Poo Mu-ming , Li Song
Published: February 2024

We investigate how matrix stiffness regulates chromatin reorganization and cell reprogramming and find that matrix stiffness acts as a biphasic regulator of epigenetic state and fibroblast-to-neuron conversion efficiency, maximized at an intermediate stiffness of 20 kPa. ATAC sequencing analysis shows the same trend of chromatin accessibility to neuronal genes at these stiffness levels. Concurrently, we observe peak levels of histone acetylation and histone acetyltransferase (HAT) activity in the nucleus on 20 kPa matrices, and inhibiting HAT activity abolishes matrix stiffness effects. G-actin and cofilin, the cotransporters shuttling HAT into the nucleus, rises with decreasing matrix stiffness; however, reduced importin-9 on soft matrices limits nuclear transport. These two factors result in a biphasic regulation of HAT transport into nucleus, which is directly demonstrated on matrices with dynamically tunable stiffness. Our findings unravel a mechanism of the mechano-epigenetic regulation that is valuable for cell engineering in disease modeling and regenerative medicine applications.
Parity violation in resonant inelastic soft x-ray scattering at entangled core holes
Authors: Söderström Johan , Ghosh Anirudha , Kjellsson Ludvig , Ekholm Victor , Tokushima Takashi , Såthe Conny , Velasquez Nicolas , Simon Marc , Björneholm Olle , Duda Laurent , Naves de Brito Arnaldo , Odelius Michael , Liu Ji-Cai , Wang Jian , Kimberg Victor , Agåker Marcus , Rubensson Jan-Erik , Gel’mukhanov Faris
Published: February 2024

Resonant inelastic x-ray scattering (RIXS) is a major method for investigation of electronic structure and dynamics, with applications ranging from basic atomic physics to materials science. In RIXS applied to inversion-symmetric systems, it has generally been accepted that strict parity selectivity applies in the sub–kilo–electron volt region. In contrast, we show that the parity selection rule is violated in the RIXS spectra of the free homonuclear diatomic O2molecule. By analyzing the spectral dependence on scattering angle, we demonstrate that the violation is due to the phase difference in coherent scattering at the two atomic sites, in analogy with Young’s double-slit experiment. The result also implies that the interpretation of x-ray absorption spectra for inversion symmetric molecules in this energy range must be revised.
A monumental stone plaza at 4750 B.P. in the Cajamarca Valley of Peru
Authors: Toohey Jason L. , Murphy Melissa S. , Chirinos Ogata Patricia , Stagg Sarah G. , Garcia-Putnam Alex
Published: February 2024

We report one of the earliest known circular plazas in Andean South America and one of the earliest examples of monumental, megalithic ceremonial architecture in the Americas. The example presented here is constructed of large free-standing and vertically placed megalithic stones and is located in the Cajamarca basin of the northern Peruvian Andes. This construction method has never before been reported in the Andes and is distinct from other monumental circular plazas in the region. We present three radiocarbon dates associated with the initial construction of the plaza which average to approximately 2750 calibrated years before the common era (cal BCE), corresponding squarely to the Late Preceramic period, which saw the first monumental construction in the Andes. This is one of the earliest examples of monumental, megalithic architecture in the Americas.
Dynamic load modulation predicts right heart tolerance of left ventricular cardiovascular assist in a porcine model of cardiogenic shock
Authors: Lamberti Kimberly K. , Keller Steven P. , Edelman Elazer R.
Published: February 2024

Ventricular assist devices (VADs) offer mechanical support for patients with cardiogenic shock by unloading the impaired ventricle and increasing cardiac outflow and subsequent tissue perfusion. Their ability to adjust ventricular assistance allows for rapid and safe dynamic changes in cardiac load, which can be used with direct measures of chamber pressures to quantify cardiac pathophysiologic state, predict response to interventions, and unmask vulnerabilities such as limitations of left-sided support efficacy due to intolerance of the right heart. We defined hemodynamic metrics in five pigs with dynamic peripheral transvalvular VAD (pVAD) support to the left ventricle. Metrics were obtained across a spectrum of disease states, including left ventricular ischemia induced by titrated microembolization of a coronary artery and right ventricular strain induced by titrated microembolization of the pulmonary arteries. A sweep of different pVAD speeds confirmed mechanisms of right heart decompensation after left-sided support and revealed intolerance. In contrast to the systemic circulation, pulmonary vascular compliance dominated in the right heart and defined the ability of the right heart to adapt to left-sided pVAD unloading. We developed a clinically accessible metric to measure pulmonary vascular compliance at different pVAD speeds that could predict right heart efficiency and tolerance to left-sided pVAD support. Findings in swine were validated with retrospective hemodynamic data from eight patients on pVAD support. This methodology and metric could be used to track right heart tolerance, predict decompensation before right heart failure, and guide titration of device speed and the need for biventricular support.
Nucleoprotein reassortment enhanced transmissibility of H3 1990.4.a clade influenza A virus in swine
Authors: Thomas Megan N. , Zanella Giovana Ciacci , Cowan Brianna , Caceres C. Joaquin , Rajao Daniela S. , Perez Daniel R. , Gauger Phillip C. , Vincent Baker Amy L. , Anderson Tavis K.
Published: February 2024

The increased detection of H3 C-IVA (1990.4.a) clade influenza A viruses (IAVs) in US swine in 2019 was associated with a reassortment event to acquire an H1N1pdm09 lineage nucleoprotein (pdmNP) gene, replacing a TRIG lineage NP (trigNP). We hypothesized that acquiring the pdmNP conferred a selective advantage over prior circulating H3 viruses with a trigNP. To investigate the role of NP reassortment in transmission, we identified two contemporary 1990.4.a representative strains (NC/19 and MN/18) with different evolutionary origins of the NP gene. A reverse genetics system was used to generate wild-type (wt) strains and swap the pdm and TRIG lineage NP genes, generating four viruses: wtNC/19-pdmNP, NC/19-trigNP, wtMN/18-trigNP, and MN/18-pdmNP. The pathogenicity and transmission of the four viruses were compared in pigs. All four viruses infected 10 primary pigs and transmitted to five indirect contact pigs per group. Pigs infected via contact with MN/18-pdmNP shed virus 2 days earlier than pigs infected with wtMN/18-trigNP. The inverse did not occur for wtNC/19-pdmNP and NC/19-trigNP. This suggests that pdmNP reassortment resulted in a combination of genes that improved transmission efficiency when paired with the 1990.4.a hemagglutinin (HA). This is likely a multigenic trait, as replacing the trigNP gene did not diminish the transmission of a wild-type IAV in swine. This study demonstrates how reassortment and evolutionary change of internal genes can result in more transmissible viruses that influence HA clade detection frequency. Thus, rapidly identifying novel reassortants paired with dominant hemagglutinin/neuraminidase may improve the prediction of strains to include in vaccines.

IMPORTANCE

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) are composed of eight non-continuous gene segments that can reassort during coinfection of a host, creating new combinations. Some gene combinations may convey a selective advantage and be paired together preferentially. A reassortment event was detected in swine in the United States that involved the exchange of two lineages of nucleoprotein (NP) genes (trigNP to pdmNP) that became a predominant genotype detected in surveillance. Using a transmission study, we demonstrated that exchanging the trigNP for a pdmNP caused the virus to shed from the nose at higher levels and transmit to other pigs more rapidly. Replacing a pdmNP with a trigNP did not hinder transmission, suggesting that transmission efficiency depends on interactions between multiple genes. This demonstrates how reassortment alters IAV transmission and that reassortment events can provide an explanation for why genetically related viruses with different internal gene combinations experience rapid fluxes in detection frequency.
Combined functional genomic and metabolomic approaches identify new genes required for growth in human urine by multidrug-resistant
Escherichia coli
ST131
Authors: Phan Minh-Duy , Schirra Horst Joachim , Nhu Nguyen Thi Khanh , Peters Kate M. , Sarkar Sohinee , Allsopp Luke P. , Achard Maud E. S. , Kappler Ulrike , Schembri Mark A.
Published: February 2024

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans, with ~400 million cases across the globe each year. Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) is the major cause of UTI and increasingly associated with antibiotic resistance. This scenario has been worsened by the emergence and spread of pandemic UPEC sequence type 131 (ST131), a multidrug-resistant clone associated with extraordinarily high rates of infection. Here, we employed transposon-directed insertion site sequencing in combination with metabolomic profiling to identify genes and biochemical pathways required for growth and survival of the UPEC ST131 reference strain EC958 in human urine (HU). We identified 24 genes required for growth in HU, which mapped to diverse pathways involving small peptide, amino acid and nucleotide metabolism, the stringent response pathway, and lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis. We also discovered a role for UPEC resistance to fluoride during growth in HU, most likely associated with fluoridation of drinking water. Complementary nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics identified changes in a range of HU metabolites following UPEC growth, the most pronounced being L-lactate, which was utilized as a carbon source via the L-lactate dehydrogenase LldD. Using a mouse UTI model with mixed competitive infection experiments, we demonstrated a role for nucleotide metabolism and the stringent response in UPEC colonization of the mouse bladder. Together, our application of two omics technologies combined with different infection-relevant settings has uncovered new factors required for UPEC growth in HU, thus enhancing our understanding of this pivotal step in the UPEC infection pathway.

IMPORTANCE

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) cause ~80% of all urinary tract infections (UTIs), with increasing rates of antibiotic resistance presenting an urgent threat to effective treatment. To cause infection, UPEC must grow efficiently in human urine (HU), necessitating a need to understand mechanisms that promote its adaptation and survival in this nutrient-limited environment. Here, we used a combination of functional genomic and metabolomic techniques and identified roles for the metabolism of small peptides, amino acids, nucleotides, and L-lactate, as well as the stringent response pathway, lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis, and fluoride resistance, for UPEC growth in HU. We further demonstrated that pathways involving nucleotide metabolism and the stringent response are required for UPEC colonization of the mouse bladder. The UPEC genes and metabolic pathways identified in this study represent targets for the development of innovative therapeutics to prevent UPEC growth during human UTI, an urgent need given the rapidly rising rates of global antibiotic resistance.
Assessment of quality of data submitted for NICE technology appraisals over two decades
Authors: Osipenko Leeza , Ul-Hasan Saba Ajwat , Winberg Debra , Prudyus Kseniia , Kousta Marina , Rizoglou Artemis , Rustignoli Isabella , van der Maas Laurens
Published: February 2024

Background

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) pioneered the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) processes and methodologies. Technology appraisals (TAs) focus on pharmaceutical products and clinical and economic data, which are presented by the product manufacturers to the NICE appraisal committee for decision-making. Uncertainty in data reduces the chance of a positive outcome from the HTA process or requires a higher discount.

Objective

To investigate the quality of clinical data (comparator, quality of life (QoL), randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and overall quality of evidence) submitted by the manufacturers to NICE.

Design

This retrospective evaluation analysed active TAs published between 2000 and 2019 (up to TA600).

Methods

For all TAs, we extracted data from the Assessment Group and Evidence Review Group reports and Final Appraisal Determinations on (1) the quality of submitted RCTs and (2) the overall quality of evidence submitted for decision-making. For single TAs, we also extracted data and its critique on QoL and comparators. Each category was scored for quality and analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

409 TAs were analysed (multiple technology appraisals (MTA)=104, single technology appraisal (STA)=305). In two-thirds of TAs, the overall quality of evidence was either poor (n=224, 55%) or unacceptable (n=41, 10%). In 39% (n=119) of the STAs, the quality of comparative evidence was considered poor, and in 17% (n=51) unacceptable. In 44% (n=135) of STAs, the quality of QoL data was considered poor, 15% (n=47) unacceptable, 33% (n=102) acceptable and 7% (n=21) as good. Over 20 years of longitudinal analysis did not show improvements in the quality of evidence submitted to NICE.

Conclusion

We found that the primary components of clinical evidence influencing NICE’s decision-making framework were of poor quality. It is essential to continue to generate robust clinical data for premarket and postmarket introduction of medicines into clinical practice to ensure they deliver benefits to patients.
Study protocol for clinical trial of the FIT Families multicomponent obesity intervention for African American adolescents and their caregivers: Next step from the ORBIT initiative
Authors: Cunningham Phillippe B , Naar Sylvie , Roberts James R , Powell Jennifer , Ledgerwood David M , Randall Jeff , Lozano Brian E , Halliday Colleen A , Madisetti Mohan , Ghosh Samiran
Published: February 2024

Introduction

This study will test the effectiveness of FIT Families (FIT), a multicomponent family-based behavioural intervention, against a credible attention control condition, Home-Based Family Support (HBFS). This protocol paper describes the design of a randomised clinical trial testing the efficacy of the FIT intervention. The protocol will assess the efficacy of FIT to improve health status in African American adolescents with obesity (AAAO) and their primary caregivers on primary (percent body fat) and secondary (physical activity, metabolic control, weight loss) outcomes and its cost-effectiveness.

Methods

180 youth/caregiver dyads are randomised into FIT or HBFS, stratified by age, gender and baseline per cent overweight. The proposed study follows a two condition (FIT, HBFS) by four assessment time points. Tests will be conducted to identify potential relationship of baseline demographic and clinical variables to our dependent variables and see whether they are balanced between groups. It is hypothesised that youth/caregiver dyads randomised to FIT will show significantly greater reductions in percent body fat over a 12-month follow-up period compared with AAAO receiving HBFS. Preliminary findings are expected by November 2023.

Ethics

This protocol received IRB approval from the Medical University of South Carolina (Pro00106021; see ‘MUSC IRB 106021 Main Approval.doxc’ in online supplemental materials).

Dissemination

Dissemination activities will include summary documents designed for distribution to the broader medical community/family audience and submission of manuscripts, based on study results, to relevant peer-reviewed scientific high-impact journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04974554.
Protocol for a scoping review to identify research reporting on eating disorders in minority ethnic populations in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Tuomainen Helena , McGowan Rose , Williams-Ridgway Aliyah , Guy Katie , McNeil Sheryllin
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Eating disorders (EDs) are common, severe and often life-threatening psychiatric conditions. Notwithstanding stereotypes, EDs affect individuals from all racial and ethnic backgrounds. However, despite similar and in some cases increased prevalence of disordered eating and EDs among minority ethnic groups, there appear to be disparities when it comes to ED diagnosis and treatment. To date, most of the existing literature exploring disordered eating and EDs among minority ethnic groups has been conducted in the USA. The present scoping review aims to examine the extent, range and nature of research activity into disordered eating and EDs in the UK, Canada, Australia and New Zealand providing a comprehensive overview of the existing literature. A special focus will be placed on studies exploring prevalence, access to care and treatment experiences.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review framework first outlined by Arksey and O’Malley and improved on by Levacet alwas used to guide the development of this scoping review protocol. A detailed systematic search of relevant databases (Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, CINAHL and Web of Science) will be conducted. Relevant literature will also be identified from the reference lists of included studies. Two reviewers will independently screen titles and abstracts and full-texts against specified inclusion and exclusion criteria. A third reviewer will resolve disagreements if necessary. Relevant data will be extracted using a data charting form. Quantitative and qualitative summaries of extracted data will be provided.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this study. Findings will be of benefit to researchers, clinicians and policy-makers by highlighting areas for future research and identifying ways to making ED treatment more accessible for individuals from all backgrounds. Findings will be disseminated via conferences, presentations and peer-reviewed journals.
Prospective evaluation of parent and child outcomes following admission to a ‘virtual’ early parenting residential programme
Authors: Kohlhoff Jane , Traynor Nicole M
Published: February 2024

Objectives

Australian early parenting residential services provide interventions for families experiencing complex early parenting issues. Many services have recently shifted to virtual care models but the clinical effectiveness of such programmes is currently unknown. This study sought to test outcomes of a ‘virtual’ early parenting residential programme and to compare these with those of an in-person programme.

Design

Prospective cohort study; self-report questionnaires on admission, at discharge and 6-week follow-up.

Setting

An early parenting residential unit in Sydney, Australia.

Participants

Consecutive series of parent–child dyads admitted to the unit virtually (n=56) or in person (n=44) between August 2021 and January 2022.

Interventions

Participants in both groups received a 4-night/5-day intervention programme involving access to 24-hour support from a multidisciplinary team of health professionals. The in-person programme was delivered at a residential unit; the virtual programme involved provision of support via video calls, phone calls, SMS and emails.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Infant sleep, parenting self-efficacy (primary outcomes); parenting empathy, emotion, hostility, helplessness, mentalisation and stress (secondary outcomes).

Results

Parents who received the virtual programme reported improvements from admission to discharge, and from admission to 6-week follow-up, in a range of areas including parenting self-efficacy, empathy, mentalisation, hostility, helplessness, stress and infant sleep resistance (ps<0.05). At 6 weeks, they also reported improvements in emotion and understanding related to their child (p<0.05). In contrast to expectation, outcomes at discharge and 6 weeks were not superior in the in-person group. In fact, at 6 weeks, parents who attended the virtual residential group reported significantly lower levels of parenting hostility and parenting stress, and greater levels of parenting confidence compared with those in the in-person group (ps<0.05).

Conclusions

Virtual early parenting residential interventions may be effective in bringing positive changes for families, and there is no evidence to suggest that outcomes are inferior to those of in-person programmes.
Relationships between experimental task and questionnaire measures of reward/punishment sensitivity in attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD): protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Oguchi Mana , Furukawa Emi , Nagahama Naano , Perera Kokila Dilhani , Tripp Gail
Published: February 2024

Introduction

One of the purported underlying causal mechanisms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is altered motivational processes. Questionnaires have been used to identify the characteristics of reward and punishment sensitivity in individuals with ADHD. However, these questionnaires were initially developed to measure individual traits related to anxiety (inhibitory) and impulsivity (approach) tendencies or differences in pleasure-seeking. These reward and punishment sensitivity questionnaires are useful but might not capture all relevant aspects of altered motivational processes in ADHD. The proposed scoping review aims to: (1) examine which aspects of hypothesised altered reward and punishment sensitivity correspond to constructs measured by existing questionnaires, (2) characterise the relationships between ADHD symptomatology and reward and punishment sensitivity as measured by existing questionnaires and (3) evaluate the consistency between the altered reward and punishment sensitivity as measured by existing questionnaires and experimental task performance.

Methods and analysis

Reporting of the scoping review results will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews and the Joanna Briggs Methodology for Scoping Reviews. Published English-language literature was searched in three electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, APA PsycINFO) on 16 November 2023, with no restriction on the year of publication. Two researchers independently screened all identified titles/abstracts before proceeding to full-text review and additional handsearching of relevant studies. A narrative review and conclusions will be presented together with tables summarising the articles reviewed and the results organised by the three aims.

Ethics and dissemination

This study reviews existing publications with ethical approval in place. Therefore, ethical approval is not required. Review results will be disseminated through academic conferences and peer-reviewed manuscripts. Scoping review results will also inform future research to measure and identify altered motivational processes in ADHD.
Compliance of Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics with National and International Standards: Quantitative findings from the i-Saathiya study
Authors: Bahl Deepika , Bassi Shalini , Maity Heeya , Krishnan Supriya , Dringus Stefanie , Mason-Jones Amanda , Malik Anku , Arora Monika
Published: February 2024

Objective

Indian adolescents experience several health challenges requiring acceptable, equitable, appropriate and effective healthcare services. Our objective was to assess the compliance of Adolescent Friendly Health Clinics (AFHCs) in two of India’s largest states, using both national benchmarks (under Rashtriya Kishor Swasthya Karyakram-RKSK) and global standards (by WHO).

Design

Cross-sectional study comprising structured observations and interactions (November 2021 to June 2022).

Setting

Fourteen AFHCs across all levels of health system were included from two districts of Maharashtra (n=8) and Madhya Pradesh (n=6). These AFHCs were observed using checklist, and few items of checklist were verified by interactions with AFHC’s health workers (medical officers/auxillary nurse midwives/counsellors) handlings adolescents. The developed checklist included 57 items based on adapted global standards and 25 items using national benchmarks.

Result

High compliance of AFHCs with RKSK’s benchmarks was attributed to various items including the accessibility through local transport (n=14, 100%), clean surroundings (n=11, 78.5%), presence of signage (n=10, 71.4%), convenient operating days and time (n=11, 78.5%), and secure storage of records (n=13, 92.9%). Concurrently, items that showed low compliance encompassed, the availability of Information, Education and communication (IEC) resources, which were deficient in 57.1% of AFHCs (n=8). Similarly, designated areas for clinical services (n=10, 71.4%) and commodity disbursement (n=9, 64.3%) lacked in more than half of the recruited AFHCs. Additionally, lack of guidelines for referrals (n=13, 92.9%), as well as standard operating procedures to ensure equity, non-judgemental attitude, competence, confidentiality and referral as per WHO standards.

Conclusion

Evidence spotlights the strengths and gaps in AFHCs, aligning with, government’s priorities on adolescent health. Addressing the identified gaps is crucial to creating healthcare facilities that are adolescent-friendly, easily accessible and effectively navigate adolescent health challenges. This concerted effort would contribute to their development and transformation, playing a pivotal role in India’s progress.
Disease burden of COPD attributable to PM2.5in China, Japan and South Korea from 1990 to 2019: a comparative study based on Global Burden of Disease Study 2019
Authors: Cheng Xiao-Fen , Min Shu-Hui , Guo Rui-Qi , Zhang Jin-Dan , Zhang Yi-Li , Li Bei
Published: February 2024

Objective

We hope to reveal the changing trends of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) burden attributable to particulate matter pollution (PM2.5) and its age, period and cohort effects in China, Japan and Korea.

Design

We analysed the trend of COPD disease burden attributable to PM2.5from 1990 to 2019 based on the latest Global Burden of Disease Database (GBD 2019) using JoinPoint model and analysed the effect of age, period and cohort on COPD burden attributable to PM2.5in China, Japan and Korea from 1990 to 2019 using age-period-cohort model (model).

Setting

GBD data from 1990 to 2019.

Participants

Data were publicly available and individuals were not involved.

Main outcomes

Outcomes included the age standardised mortality rate (ASMR), the age-standardised disability-adjusted life year (DALY), average annual per cent change (AAPC), net drift, local drift, longitudinal age curves, period (cohort) rate ratios, age (period, cohort) bias coefficient.

Results

From 1990 to 2019, the ASMR of COPD attributable to PM2.5in China (AAPC=−5.862), Japan (AAPC=−1.715) and Korea (AAPC=−1.831) showed a downward trend. The age-standardised DALY of COPD attributable to PM2.5in China (AAPC=−5.821), Japan (AAPC=−1.39) and Korea (AAPC=−1.239) showed a downward trend. Mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5increased slowly with age in Korea and Japan. Mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5in China decreased after rising (95% CI: 404.66 to 466.01). Mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5decreased over time in China and Korea, while it increased in Japan from 2015 to 2019. In China and Japan, mortality of COPD attributable to PM2.5was approximately lower the later the birth, while in Korea it decreased after an increase (95% CI: 2.13 to 2.40) in the 1900–1910.

Conclusions

Most COPD burden attributable to PM2.5is on the decline; COPD mortality attributable to PM2.5both increased with age and decreased with time and cohort. Countries with high burden should develop targeted measures to control PM2.5.
Dental caries and associated factors among preschool children in Southwest Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Adugna Amanuel , Abebe Gossa Fetene , Girma Desalegn , Alie Melsew Setegn
Published: February 2024

Background

Dental caries is a global public health problem, especially for young children. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of dental caries and its associated factors among preschool children in Mizan Aman town, Southwest Ethiopia.

Methods

A school-based cross-sectional study was conducted from 1 October to 1 December 2022. A total of 354 children and their parents participated using simple random sampling techniques. Data were collected through an oral clinical examination, interviewing the parents and measuring the anthropometry of the children.

Results

The prevalence of dental caries was 36.4% (95% CI 31.2% to 41.8%). Night feeding (adjusted OR (AOR)=3.98, 95% CI 1.56 to 10.15), children who did not brush their teeth under parental supervision (AOR=2.98, 95% CI 1.60 to 5.57), body mass index (AOR=3.48, 95% CI 1.30 to 9.41) and history of dental visits (AOR=3.05, 95% CI 1.61 to 5.81) were significantly associated with dental caries.

Conclusion

The prevalence of dental caries in preschool children was found to be high. Children who did not brush their teeth under parental supervision, who had experience of night feeding, who had a high body mass index and who had a history of dental visits were at risk for dental caries. Prevention of those identified modifiable risk factors should be considered to reduce dental caries.
Kumanu Tāngata: the aftermatch study – protocol to examine the health outcomes of high-level male rugby union players using linked administrative data
Authors: D'Souza Stephanie , Milne Barry J , Li Chao , Anns Francesca , Gardner Andrew , Lumley Thomas , Morton Susan M B , Murphy Ian R , Verhagen Evert , Wright Craig , Quarrie Ken
Published: February 2024

There is increasing interest in the potential long-term outcomes of participation in contact and collision sports, driven by evidence of higher rates of neurodegenerative diseases among former athletes. Recent research has capitalised on large-scale administrative health data to examine health outcomes in contact sport athletes. However, there is limited research on outcomes associated with participation in rugby union, a contact sport with a relatively high incidence of head trauma and musculoskeletal injuries. Additionally, there is scope to investigate a greater range of health outcomes using large, population-based administrative data. The Kumanu Tāngata project is a retrospective cohort study that will use linked information from the New Zealand Rugby Register and health records within a comprehensive deidentified whole-population administrative research database known as the Integrated Data Infrastructure. First-class male rugby union players (N=13 227) will be compared with a general population comparison group (N=2 438 484; weighting will be applied due to demographic differences) on a range of mortality and morbidity outcomes (neurodegenerative diseases, musculoskeletal conditions, chronic physical conditions, mental health outcomes). A range of player-specific variables will also be investigated as risk factors. Analyses will consist primarily of Cox proportional hazards models. Ethics approval for the study has been granted by the Auckland Health Research Ethics Committee (Ref. AH23203). Primary research dissemination will be via peer-reviewed journal articles.
Scoring systems for prediction of malaria and dengue fever in non-endemic areas among travellers arriving from tropical and subtropical areas
Authors: Satarvandi Donya , van der Werff Suzanne Desirée , Nauclér Pontus , Hildenwall Helena , Sondén Klara
Published: February 2024

Background

Fever is a common symptom among travellers returning from tropical/subtropical areas to Europe, and promptly distinguishing severe illnesses from self-limiting febrile syndromes is important but can be challenging due to non-specific clinical presentation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study enrolled adults and children who sought care during 2015–2020 at Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden with fever within 2 months after returning from travel to a tropical/subtropical area. Data on symptoms and laboratory parameters were prospectively and retrospectively collected. Two separate scoring systems for malaria and dengue were developed based on backward elimination regressions.

Results

In total, 2113 adults (18–94 years) and 202 children (1–17 years) were included, with 112 (4.8%) confirmed malaria by blood thick smear and 90 (3.9%) PCR/serology dengue-positive cases. Malaria was more likely in a patient who had visited sub-Saharan Africa and presented with combination of thrombocytopenia, anaemia and fever ≥39.5°C. Leucopenia, muscle pain and rash after travelling to Asia or South/Latin America indicated high probability of dengue. Two scoring systems with points between 0 and 7 for prediction of malaria or dengue were created based on the above predictors. Scores ≥3 indicated >80% sensitivity and specificity for malaria and >90% specificity for dengue in children and adults (area under the curve (AUC) for dengue: 0.92 in adults (95% CI 0.90 to 0.95) and 0.95 in children (95% CI 0.88 to 1.0); AUC for malaria: 0.93 in adults (95% CI 0.91 to 0.96) and 0.88 in children (95% CI 0.78 to 0.99)). Internal validation of optimism and overfitting was managed with bootstrap.

Conclusion

The presented scoring systems provide novel tools for structured assessment of patients with tropical fever in a non-endemic area and highlight clinical signs associated with a potential severe aetiology to direct the need for microbial investigation.
Inflamed immune phenotype predicts favorable clinical outcomes of immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy across multiple cancer types
Authors: Shen Jeanne , Choi Yoon-La , Lee Taebum , Kim Hyojin , Chae Young Kwang , Dulken Ben W , Bogdan Stephanie , Huang Maggie , Fisher George A , Park Sehhoon , Lee Se-Hoon , Hwang Jun-Eul , Chung Jin-Haeng , Kim Leeseul , Song Heon , Pereira Sergio , Shin Seunghwan , Lim Yoojoo , Ahn Chang Ho , Kim Seulki , Oum Chiyoon , Kim Sukjun , Park Gahee , Song Sanghoon , Jung Wonkyung , Kim Seokhwi , Bang Yung-Jue , Mok Tony S K , Ali Siraj M. , Ock Chan-Young
Published: February 2024

Background

The inflamed immune phenotype (IIP), defined by enrichment of tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) within intratumoral areas, is a promising tumor-agnostic biomarker of response to immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy. However, it is challenging to define the IIP in an objective and reproducible manner during manual histopathologic examination. Here, we investigate artificial intelligence (AI)-based immune phenotypes capable of predicting ICI clinical outcomes in multiple solid tumor types.

Methods

Lunit SCOPE IO is a deep learning model which determines the immune phenotype of the tumor microenvironment based on TIL analysis. We evaluated the correlation between the IIP and ICI treatment outcomes in terms of objective response rates (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) in a cohort of 1,806 ICI-treated patients representing over 27 solid tumor types retrospectively collected from multiple institutions.

Results

We observed an overall IIP prevalence of 35.2% and significantly more favorable ORRs (26.3% vs 15.8%), PFS (median 5.3 vs 3.1 months, HR 0.68, 95% CI 0.61 to 0.76), and OS (median 25.3 vs 13.6 months, HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.75) after ICI therapy in IIP compared with non-IIP patients, respectively (p<0.001 for all comparisons). On subgroup analysis, the IIP was generally prognostic of favorable PFS across major patient subgroups, with the exception of the microsatellite unstable/mismatch repair deficient subgroup.

Conclusion

The AI-based IIP may represent a practical, affordable, clinically actionable, and tumor-agnostic biomarker prognostic of ICI therapy response across diverse tumor types.
Investigating colossal thermal expansion driven by chalcogen bonds using AB(XCN)4 (A = Co, Zn, Cd; B = Cd, Hg; X = S, Se) compounds
Authors: Williams-Sekiguchi Robby Y. , Karpiuk Thomas E. , Leznoff Daniel B.
Published: February 2024

The thermal expansion of eight compounds from the well-known AB(XCN)4 family of thiocyanate- and selenocyanate-bridged frameworks (A = Co, Zn, Cd; B = Cd, Hg; X = S, Se) has been studied using single-crystal X-ray crystallography and Raman spectroscopy, to investigate the influence of chalcogen bonding interactions. In the case of ZnHg(SCN)4, biaxial negative thermal expansion (−6.9(9) ppm K−1) along the a and b axes was observed, occurring elastically due to the colossal positive thermal expansion (124.3(18) ppm K−1) along the c axis driven by weak S···S interactions. Substituting the thiocyanate groups with selenocyanate groups, i.e., with ZnHg(SeCN)4, caused a decrease in the anisotropic behaviour, due to stronger Se···Se interactions suppressing the expansion (α a = −0.4(15) ppm K−1; α c  = 90.0(17) ppm K−1). Replacing Zn with Cd was found to also suppress the anisotropic behaviour—regardless of the chalcogen used—while placing Cd at the B site enhanced the anisotropic behaviour. The effect of replacing Zn with Co was less clear, likely due to their similar size. Overall, the results illustrate how weak chalcogen bonds can drive colossal thermal expansion, leading to biaxial negative or zero thermal expansion.
Seasonal changes in the ventilatory response to hypoxia in migratory sparrows and an introduced resident sparrow
Authors: Mohns Maggie L. , Guglielmo Christopher G. , Ivy Catherine M.
Published: February 2024

Recent research has shown that songbirds that reside at low altitudes can ascend to ∼6000 m above sea level during migratory flight. Since migratory flight is aerobically demanding, whether migratory songbirds exhibit plasticity in breathing to maintain oxygen uptake in low-oxygen environments is unknown. This study investigated whether the hypoxic ventilatory response of sparrows was altered between resident house sparrows ( Passer domesticus (Linneaus, 1758)) and migratory song sparrows ( Melospiza melodia (A. Wilson, 1810)), and Lincoln's sparrows ( Melospiza lincolnii (Audubon, 1834)) or seasonally (long daylight versus short daylight length) within a species. Breathing responses were assessed by stepwise reductions in inspired O2 tension, 21, 16, 12, 9, 7, and 5 kPa during long and short days. Ventilation increased in hypoxia in all species, although song sparrows and Lincoln's sparrows exhibited greater increases in ventilation in severe hypoxia compared to house sparrows. All species became more sensitive to hypoxia during short days compared to long days (increased breathing frequency and total ventilation), with reduced pulmonary oxygen extraction. Although all sparrows had similar ventilatory responses in moderate hypoxia, our findings suggest that migratory sparrows breathe more effectively in severe hypoxia compared to house sparrows, which would be important for maintaining oxygen uptake during migratory flights.
Perturbations of massless external fields in a special Horndeski hairy black hole
Authors: Yang Zhen-Hao , Lei Yun-He , Kuang Xiao-Mei , Wu Jian-Pin
Published: February 2024

In this paper, we study the propagations of external fields in a specific black hole solution in Horndeski theory, including the scalar field, electromagnetic field and Dirac field. We extensively explore the quasinormal frequencies, time evolution, greybody factors and emission rates of those massless perturbing fields by solving the corresponding master equations in the specific Horndeski hairy black hole. With the use of both numerical and analytical methods, we disclose the competitive/promotional influences of the Horndeski hair, spin and quantum momentum number of the external fields on those phenomenal physics. Our results show that this specific Horndeski hairy black hole is stable under those perturbations. Moreover, a larger Horndeski hair could enhance the intensity of energy emission rate for Hawking radiation of various particles, indicating that comparing to the Schwarzschild black hole, this specific Horndeski hariy black hole could have longer or shorter lifetime depending on the sign of the Horndeski hair.
Thermal noise-limited beam balance as prototype of the Archimedes vacuum weight experiment and B-L dark photon search
Authors: Allocca Annalisa , Avino Saverio , Calloni Enrico , Caprara Sergio , Carpinelli Massimo , Contu Andrea , D’Onofrio Luca , D’Urso Domenico , De Rosa Rosario , Errico L. , Esposito Marina , Gagliardi Gianluca , Grilli Marco , Mangano Valentina , Marsella Maria , Naticchioni Luca , Pasqualetti Antonio , Pepe Gianpiero , Perciballi Maurizio , Puppo Paola , Rapagnani Piero , Ricci Fulvio , Rosa Luigi , Rovelli Carlo , Rozza Davide , Ruggi Paolo , Saini Naurang L. , Sequino Valeria , Sipala Valeria , Stornaiuolo Daniela , Tafuri Francesco , Trozzo Lucia
Published: February 2024

We describe the behavior of a beam balance used for the measurement of small forces, in macroscopic samples, in tens of mHz frequency band. The balance, which works at room temperature, is the prototype of the cryogenic balance of the Archimedes experiment, aimed at measuring the interaction between electromagnetic vacuum fluctuations and the gravitational field. The balance described has a 50-cm aluminum arm and suspends an aluminum sample of 0.2 Kg and a lead counterweight. The read-out is interferometric, and the balance works in closed loop. It is installed in the low seismic noise laboratory of SAR-GRAV (Sardinia—Italy). Thanks to the low sensing and actuation noise and finally thanks to the low environmental noise, the sensitivity in torque $$\tilde{\tau _n}$$

τ
n

~

is about $$\tilde{\tau _n} \approx 2*10^{-12} \rm{Nm}/\sqrt {{\text{Hz}}}$$

τ
n

~

≈
2

∗

10

-
12

Nm
/

Hz

at 10 mHz and reaches a minimum of about $$\tilde{\tau _n} \approx 7*10^{-13} \rm{Nm}/\sqrt {{\text{Hz}}}$$

τ
n

~

≈
7

∗

10

-
13

Nm
/

Hz

at tens of mHz, corresponding to the force sensitivity $$\tilde{F_n}$$

F
n

~

of $$\tilde{{F_{n} }} \approx 3*10^{{ - 12}} {\text{N/}}\sqrt {{\text{Hz}}}$$

F
n

~

≈
3

∗

10

-
12

N/

Hz

. The achievement of this sensitivity, which turns out to be compatible with thermal noise estimation, on the one hand, demonstrates the correctness of the optical and mechanical design and on the other paves the way to the completion of the final balance. Furthermore, since the balance is equipped with weight and counterweight made of different materials, it is sensitive to the interaction with dark B-L photons. A first very short run made to evaluate constraints on B-L dark photon coupling shows encouraging results that will be discussed in view of next future scientific runs.
Lévy noise-induced global bifurcation with the compatible cell mapping method
Authors: Li Yong-Ge , Zhang Hui-Kang , Yue Xiao-Le
Published: February 2024

Stochastic bifurcation of dynamical system induced by Lévy noise is investigated in this paper from the global viewpoint, which is demonstrated based on the global attractor obtained with the compatible cell mapping (CCM) method. Compared with the traditional cell mapping method, the efficiency of CCM method is greatly improved by concentrating the computational domain on the covering set of the global attractor rather than the whole state space. The computation time can be further reduced by a simple parallel procedure with the block matrix strategy. With the proposed method, the evolutionary process of global properties has been presented. It shows that the shape and size of stochastic attractors and stochastic saddles vary along the direction of unstable manifold with the parameters of Lévy noise. Stochastic bifurcation occurs when stochastic attractor collides with stochastic saddle. It can be also found that the global bifurcation under Lévy noise is discontinuous because of the jump property. The results are significantly different from those of Gaussian noise, which reveals a distinct global evolutionary mechanism of stochastic bifurcation. Furthermore, it also indicates that the CCM method with block matrix is an effective tool for global analysis.