bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Group 1 ILCs regulate T cell–mediated liver immunopathology by controlling local IL-2 availability
Authors: Fumagalli Valeria , Venzin Valentina , Di Lucia Pietro , Moalli Federica , Ficht Xenia , Ambrosi Gioia , Giustini Leonardo , Andreata Francesco , Grillo Marta , Magini Diletta , Ravà Micol , Friedrich Christin , Fontenot Jason D. , Bousso Philippe , Gilmore Sarah A. , Khan Shahzada , Baca Manuel , Vivier Eric , Gasteiger Georg , Kuka Mirela , Guidotti Luca G. , Iannacone Matteo
Published: February 2022

Group 1 innate lymphoid cells (ILCs), which comprise both natural killer (NK) cells and ILC1s, are important innate effectors that can also positively and negatively influence adaptive immune responses. The latter function is generally ascribed to the ability of NK cells to recognize and kill activated T cells. Here, we used multiphoton intravital microscopy in mouse models of hepatitis B to study the intrahepatic behavior of group 1 ILCs and their cross-talk with hepatitis B virus (HBV)–specific CD8
+
T cells. We found that hepatocellular antigen recognition by effector CD8
+
T cells triggered a prominent increase in the number of hepatic NK cells and ILC1s. Group 1 ILCs colocalized and engaged in prolonged interactions with effector CD8
+
T cells undergoing hepatocellular antigen recognition; however, they did not induce T cell apoptosis. Rather, group 1 ILCs constrained CD8
+
T cell proliferation by controlling local interleukin-2 (IL-2) availability. Accordingly, group 1 ILC depletion, or genetic removal of their IL-2 receptor a chain, considerably increased the number of intrahepatic HBV-specific effector CD8
+
T cells and the attendant immunopathology. Together, these results reveal a role for group 1 ILCs in controlling T cell–mediated liver immunopathology by limiting local IL-2 concentration and have implications for the treatment of chronic HBV infection.
Draft Genome Sequences of 6 Actinobacterial Strains Isolated from Rock Surfaces Obtained from Indian Stone Ruins in Tamil Nadu, India, and Rocks from New England, United States
Authors: Ennis Nathaniel J. , Dharumadurai Dhanasekaran , Tisa Louis S.
Published: February 2022

Here, we report the draft genome sequences obtained for 6 actinobacterial strains isolated from stone surfaces acquired from New England and Indian ruins. These strains were sequenced to determine their potential functional roles in the stone microbiome. The strains belong to the genera
Allobranchiibius
,
Agrococcus
,
Dermococcus
,
Leifsonia
, and
Mycobacterium
.
Exhumation of plutons controlled by boundary faults: Insights from the kinematics, microfabric, and geochronology of the Taibai shear zone, Qinling Orogen, China
Authors: Cheng Chao , Sun Shengsi , Dong Yunpeng , Zhang Bin , Guo Zhao
Published: February 2022

The Taibai granitic plutons lie between the Taibai ductile shear zone to the north and the Shangdan suture to the south. The deformation mechanism of the ductile shearing is crucial to understanding the exhumation processes of the multiple plutons that formed after the Late Mesozoic period. Geological investigations, microstructures, and kinematic vorticity calculations indicate that the Taibai shear zone deformed in response to pure shear-dominated (54%–65%) transpression and top-to-NW shear sense as a result of NE–SW oblique contractional tectonics. The quartz crystallographic preferred orientations of the prism  slip system, the grain boundary migration, and sub-grain rotation dynamic recrystallization of quartz—combined with the plagioclase–hornblende thermometer—constrain the main deformation temperatures to a range of 400–650 °C, which suggests amphibolite to greenschist facies conditions. In addition, it is extremely likely that the mylonites experienced late-stage, lower temperature deformation as demonstrated by the sporadic bulging recrystallization, the quartz basal  slip system, and the two-feldspar geothermometer calculation. The samples collected from the weakly deformed mylonitic granite pluton and the undeformed quartz-feldspathic dike that intruded into the mylonites yield zircon U–Pb ages of 129 ± 1 Ma and 115 ± 1 Ma, respectively. This information, with the lower intercept ages of ca. 120 Ma obtained from the mylonite samples, suggests that the ductile shearing probably occurred from ca. 129 Ma to 115 Ma. Combined with the regional geological data, these findings suggest that the Taibai shear zone and the Shangdan suture accommodated the oblique upward extrusion of the Taibai plutons during Early Cretaceous time.
The late Holocene Nealtican lava-flow field, Popocatépetl volcano, central Mexico: Emplacement dynamics and future hazards
Authors: Ramírez-Uribe Israel , Siebe Claus , Chevrel Magdalena Oryaëlle , Ferres Dolors , Salinas Sergio
Published: February 2022

Popocatépetl, one of the most hazardous volcanoes worldwide, poses significant threats for nearby populations in central Mexico. Therefore, it is important to reconstruct its eruptive history, including estimates of lava-flow emplacement times and their rheological properties. These studies define possible future eruptive scenarios and are necessary to mitigate the risk. Stratigraphic studies of the cal 350–50 B.C. Lorenzo Plinian pumice sequence indicate that effusive activity (Nealtican lava-flow field) occurred shortly after explosive activity, reflecting drastic changes in the eruptive dynamics. It was likely due to the efficient degassing of the magma during the Plinian phase and a decrease of magma ascent and decompression rates. Magma mixing, fractional crystallization, and a minor crust assimilation are the processes controlling the differentiation of the Nealtican lavas. We used lava chemical and mineralogical composition to estimate lava-flow viscosities, and used high-resolution elevation data to estimate emplacement times. Results indicate that lava viscosities of andesites and dacites ranged from 109 to 1012 Pa·s and emplacement durations were between ~1 and ~29 years, depending on the flow unit and morphological method employed. Considering the entire volume of emitted lava (4.2 km3) and a mean output rate of ~1 m3/s to ~15 m3/s, we estimated that the effusive phase that produced the Nealtican lava-flow field may have lasted ~35 years. This eruption had a considerable impact on pre-Hispanic settlements around the volcano, whose population exodus and relocation probably contributed to the rise of important cities in central Mexico, such as Teotihuacán and Cholula.
Oligocene onset of uplift and inversion of the Cascadia forearc basin, southern Oregon Coast Range, USA
Authors: Darin Michael H. , Armentrout John M. , Dorsey Rebecca J.
Published: February 2022

An extensive detrital zircon U-Pb data set (n = 6324 dates) from Eocene to Miocene sandstones and modern river sands establishes the onset of arc magmatism and forearc uplift along the Cascadia convergent margin in southwestern Oregon (United States). Middle to late Eocene marine strata in the Coos Bay area were primarily sourced from the Klamath Mountains and coeval Clarno-Challis volcanoes in central Oregon and/or Idaho. Ancestral Cascades arc magmatism initiated at 40 Ma and supplied sediment to a broad forearc basin in western Oregon during late Eocene time. Major reduction of Ancestral Cascades arc (40–12 Ma) and Clarno-Challis (52–40 Ma) zircon in the Tunnel Point Sandstone (ca. 33–30 Ma) records the isolation of the Coos Bay area from the Ancestral Cascades arc due to Oligocene onset of forearc uplift, basin inversion, and emergence of the southern Oregon Coast Range. The Tarheel formation (ca. 18–15 Ma) is characterized by disappearance of Ancestral Cascades arc zircon and a substantial increase in Clarno-Challis zircon recycled from underlying forearc strata. The ~15–20 m.y. delay between subduction initiation (ca. 49–46 Ma) and the onset of forearc uplift (ca. 33–30 Ma) supports insights from thermomechanical models that identify tectonic underplating and thermally activated lower-crustal flow as major drivers of deformation and uplift in active forearc regions.
Rare cause of obstructive haemobilia with recurrent biliopancreatic complications: a paradigmatic case
Authors: Correia Catarina , Almeida Nuno , Gomes Dário , Figueiredo Pedro
Published: February 2022

Haemobilia is an unusual but significant cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Two-thirds of haemobilia cases are secondary to invasive hepato-biliopancreatic procedures. Biliary angiodysplasia is exceptionally unusual, with only three cases reported. Herein, we report the case of an autonomous 80-year-old woman with a history of cholecystectomy 5 years ago and cardiovascular disease—hypertension, heart failure, acute myocardial infarction, stroke and non-valvular atrial fibrillation, anticoagulated with apixaban 2.5 mg two times per day. Since July 2019, she had four episodes of acute cholangitis of mild-to-moderate severity, having undergone broad spectrum antibiotics treatment and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP), with sphincterotomy and bile sludge extraction. After 3 months, the patient presented with a new episode of acute cholangitis, this time with haemobilia (Quincke’s triad). An abdominal CT angiography showed no evidence of active bleeding, with plastic biliary prosthesis left by ERCP. The patient continued presenting new episodes of acute cholangitis with haemobilia, some of them with associated pancreatitis. A cholangioscopy with Spyglass DS II was performed, showing an angiodysplasia occupying half of the luminal circumference of the middle choledoccus, without active haemorrhage. After a multidisciplinary meeting and given the high haemorrhagic/thrombotic risk (CHA2DS2-VASc 8), closure of the left atrial appendage was considered. However, relapse of the condition after beginning the antiaggregation protocol for cardiovascular intervention made it unfeasible. Another cholangioscopy with an ultra-thin endoscope for argon-plasma coagulation was attempted, without success. The abdominal CT angiography was repeated, this time with identification of dilated ramifications of the gastroduodenal and inferior pancreatic arteries. After embolisation of these aberrant vessels with microcoils, the patient went well, with no recurrence of bleeding or biliopancreatic complications. We present a case of obstructive haemobilia with multiple biliopancreatic complications, secondary to an extremely rare cause—choledochal angiodysplasia. Cholangioscopy had a decisive role in the diagnosis and therapeutic guidance. The diagnostic/therapeutic challenge associated with haemobilia stands out, with the need for a personalised and multidisciplinary approach.
Recurrence of odontogenic keratocyst in the buccal space
Authors: Watanabe Takuma
Published: February 2022

Odontogenic keratocyst (OKC) rarely appears in the buccal space. It is aggressive and infiltrative, and simple enucleation results in high recurrence. This case report describes an OKC located in the buccal space recurring twice in a 62-year-old man with a 25 mm diameter cystic lesion in the right pterygomandibular space. The multicystic lesion was enucleated. Subsequently, a recurrence was observed, and the gourd-shaped recurrent lesion was also enucleated. The difficulty in detaching the mass from the scar tissue resulted in the perforation of the cystic wall. Thereafter, a second recurrence was observed, and the tissue surrounding the unicystic recurrent lesion was excised. The histopathological features were consistent with those of OKC. The present case is the 11th reported case of OKC in the buccal space and the first with apparent recurrence. Since complete enucleation in the pterygomandibular space is difficult, excision along with the surrounding tissues could prevent recurrence.
Spatial codistribution of HIV, tuberculosis and malaria in Ethiopia
Authors: Alene Kefyalew Addis , Elagali Ahmed , Barth Dylan D , Rumisha Susan F , Amratia Punam , Weiss Daniel J , Atalell Kendalem Asmare , Erena Andargachew Kumsa , Gething Peter W , Clements Archie C A
Published: February 2022

Background

HIV, tuberculosis (TB) and malaria are the three most important infectious diseases in Ethiopia, and sub-Saharan Africa. Understanding the spatial codistribution of these diseases is critical for designing geographically targeted and integrated disease control programmes. This study investigated the spatial overlap and drivers of HIV, TB and malaria prevalence in Ethiopia.

Methods

HIV, TB and malaria data were obtained from different nationwide prevalence surveys, and geospatial covariates were obtained from publicly available sources. A Bayesian model-based geostatistical framework was applied to each survey leveraging the strength of high-resolution spatial covariates to predict continuous disease-specific prevalence surfaces and their codistribution.

Results

The national prevalence was 1.54% (95% CI 1.40 to 1.70) for HIV, 0.39% (95% CI 0.34 to 0.45) for TB and 1.1% (95%CI 0.95 to 1.32) for malaria. Substantial subnational variation was predicted with the highest HIV prevalence estimated in Gambela (4.52%), Addis Ababa (3.52%) and Dire Dawa (2.67%) regions. TB prevalence was highest in Dire Dawa (0.96%) and Gambela (0.88%), while malaria was highest in Gambela (6.1%) and Benishangul-Gumuz (3.8%). Spatial overlap of their prevalence was observed in some parts of the country, mainly Gambela region. Spatial distribution of the diseases was significantly associated with healthcare access, demographic, and climatic factors.

Conclusions

The national distribution of HIV, TB and malaria was highly focal in Ethiopia, with substantial variation at subnational and local levels. Spatial distribution of the diseases was significantly associated with healthcare access, demographic and climatic factors. Spatial overlap of HIV, TB and malaria prevalence was observed in some parts of the country. Integrated control programmes for these diseases should be targeted to these areas with high levels of co-endemicity.
Global disparities in public health guidance for the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy
Authors: Zavala Eleonor , Krubiner Carleigh B , Jaffe Elana F , Nicklin Andrew , Gur-Arie Rachel , Wonodi Chizoba , Faden Ruth R , Karron Ruth A
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Gaps in information about the safety and efficacy of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy have led to substantial global variation in public health guidance regarding the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy over the course of the pandemic.

Methods

We conducted systematic screenings of public health authorities’ websites across 224 countries and territories every 3 weeks to track the development of policies on COVID-19 vaccine use in pregnancy. Policies were categorised using a 1–5 permissiveness scale, with 1 indicating policies that recommended use, and 5 indicating policies that recommended against use.

Results

As of 30 September 2021, 176 countries/territories had issued explicit guidance on COVID-19 vaccine use in pregnancy, with 38% recommending use, 28% permitting use, 15% permitting use with qualifications, 2% not recommending but with exceptions, and 17% not recommending use whatsoever. This represented a significant shift from May 2021, when only 6% of countries/territories with such policies recommended the use of COVID-19 vaccines in pregnancy (p<0.001). However, no policy positions could be found for 21% of all countries and territories, the vast majority being low and middle income. Policy positions also varied widely by vaccine product, with Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna vaccines being most commonly recommended or permitted.

Conclusion

Our study highlights the evolution of policies regarding COVID-19 vaccine use in pregnancy over a 5-month period in 2021, the role of pregnancy-specific data in shaping these policies and how inequities in access for pregnant people persist, both within countries and globally.
Utilisation of immediate postpartum family planning among postpartum women at public hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Silesh Mulualem , Lemma Tesfanesh , Abdu Samuel , Fenta Belete , Tadese Mesfin , Taye Birhan Tsegaw
Published: February 2022

Objective

This study aimed to assess the prevalence of immediate postpartum family planning utilisation and the associated factors among postpartum women at public hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia.

Design and methods

A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted in 1–30 May 2020. Systematic random sampling technique was used to select the participants. Data were collected through a face-to-face interview using a structured and pretested questionnaire. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. In multivariable logistic regression analysis, p<0.05 and adjusted OR (AOR) with 95% CI were used to declare statistically significant factors.

Setting and participants

The study was conducted at public hospitals of North Shoa Zone, Ethiopia. A total of 394 postpartum women within 48 hours after giving birth before discharge from the selected hospitals were enrolled in the study.

Outcome

Immediate postpartum family planning utilisation (used or not used).

Results

Of the total 394 participants, 84 (21.3%) used immediate postpartum family planning. The factors associated with immediate postpartum family planning utilisation were women’s age (30–34 years) (AOR: 0.118; 95% CI 0.023 to 0.616), planning status of pregnancy (AOR: 3.175; 95% CI 1.063 to 9.484), reproductive intention (AOR: 5.046; 95% CI 1.545 to 16.479), partner support (AOR: 4.293; 95% CI 1.181 to 15.61), attitude towards family planning (AOR: 2.908; 95% CI 1.081 to 7.824) and maternal satisfaction with intrapartum care (AOR: 6.243; 95% CI 2.166 to 17.994).

Conclusion

In the study area, only less than a quarter of postpartum women used immediate postpartum family planning. Therefore, enhancing immediate postpartum family planning utilisation, strengthening community awareness to develop a favourable attitude towards family planning, promoting partner involvement in family planning and ensuring maternal satisfaction during intrapartum care are essential.
Prevalence and risk factors of senile pruritus: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Shi , Zhou Faquan , Xiong Yiquan
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To systematically assess the prevalence and risk factors for senile pruritus (SP) in the elderly (≥60 years of age).

Design

A meta-analysis was used to pool the prevalence and risk factors for SP estimated from individual studies. Four subgroup analyses were conducted to explore the prevalence for SP in different age, sex, research sites and region.

Setting, participants and measures

SP reduces quality of life in the elderly, yet the worldwide prevalence is unclear. Moreover, the risk factors for SP are controversial. Data from cross-sectional studies, case–control studies, longitudinal studies and cohort studies that reported the prevalence or the risk factors for SP were collected by searching nine electronic databases up to October 2020, including Web of Science, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, CINAHL, CBM, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP. Two reviewers independently screened studies according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, extracted data and assessed methodological quality. Data analysis was performed using Stata V.15.1 software.

Results

Seventeen studies involving 28 666 participants were included. The overall pooled prevalence of SP was 21.04% (95% CI 11.37% to 32.72%). In addition, the results showed that smoking, excessive drinking and monophagism were possible risk factors for SP, with pooled ORs of 1.26 (95% CI 1.14 to 1.40), 25.03 (95% CI 18.28 to 34.25) and 1.22 (95% CI 1.12 to 1.33), respectively.

Conclusions

The overall prevalence of SP was high. Smoking, excessive drinking and monophagism were possible risk factors for SP.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42019143295.
Does the risk of chronic low back pain depend on age at menarche or menopause? A population-based cross-sectional and cohort study: the Trøndelag Health Study
Authors: Heuch Ingrid , Heuch Ivar , Hagen Knut , Storheim Kjersti , Zwart John-Anker
Published: February 2022

Objective

In most population-based studies of low back pain (LBP), women have a higher risk than men, possibly reflecting hormonal influences. The aim of this study was to explore associations between age at menarche and menopause and risk of chronic LBP.

Design

Population-based cross-sectional and cohort study designs.

Setting

The HUNT2 and HUNT3 medical surveys of the entire population of Nord-Trøndelag County in Norway.

Main outcome measure

Prevalence or risk of chronic LBP, defined as LBP persisting at least 3 months continuously during last year.

Participants

Associations between age at menarche and prevalence of chronic LBP were examined in cross-sectional data from HUNT2, comprising 27 697 women aged 20–69 years, with 7300 women reporting LBP. The corresponding cohort data included 11 659 women without LBP at baseline in HUNT2, with 2353 women reporting LBP at follow-up 11 years later in HUNT3. Cross-sectional data on age at menopause or premenopausal status included 11 332 women aged 40–69 years, with 3439 women reporting chronic LBP. Corresponding cohort data included 7893 women without LBP at baseline, of whom 1100 developed LBP.

Methods

Associations between age at menarche or menopause and risk of chronic LBP were examined by generalised linear modelling.

Results

A U-shaped association was indicated between age at menarche and risk of chronic LBP, both in the cross-sectional and cohort studies. Age at menarche ≤11 years was associated with an increased risk of chronic LBP, with a relative risk of 1.32 (95% CI 1.15 to 1.52), compared with age 14 years at menarche, after relevant adjustments. Corresponding cross-sectional crude absolute risks were 32% and 25%, respectively. No association was established between age at menopause and risk of LBP. Being premenopausal had no influence on risk.

Conclusions

In contrast to results for age at menopause, the association with age at menarche suggests that hormonal factors affect the risk of LBP.
Protocol for a systematic review of the financial burden experienced by people affected by head and neck cancer
Authors: McCaffrey Nikki , Engel Lidia
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Head and neck cancer (HNC) is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. Treatment may be associated with the inability to work and substantial out-of-pocket expenses. However, to date, there is little research synthesising quantitative evidence on the financial burden experienced by people affected by HNCs, including family members and informal carers. The purpose of this systematic review is to estimate out-of-pocket costs, reduced or lost income and informal care costs associated with HNC, identify categories of financial burden and investigate which costs predominate when considering financial burden in this population.

Methods and analysis

A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed literature will be conducted for articles published from 01/01/2010 to 19/03/2021 (CINAHL, Cochrane library, EconLit, Embase, Medline Complete). Published, English-language articles describing primary and secondary research directly related to the topic and quantitative cost data will be included. One researcher will complete the searches and screen results for potentially eligible studies. Three other researchers will independently screen the titles and abstracts of a subset of 30% citations, that is, 10% each. Full text articles will be independently screened by three reviewers. Any disagreement will be resolved by consensus among the team. Study and patient characteristics, cost categories and financial burden will be independently extracted by one reviewer and checked by a second. Methodological quality will be evaluated independently by two reviewers. Descriptive analyses will be undertaken and a narrative summary of the included studies will be provided.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required to conduct this research because this is a planned systematic review of published literature. Findings will be presented at leading cancer and health economic conferences, published in a peer-reviewed journal and disseminated via website postings and social media channels.

Systematic review registration number

CRD42021252929.
DEPEND study protocol: early detection of patients with pancreatic cancer – a pilot study to evaluate the utility of faecal elastase-1 and 13C-mixed triglyceride breath test as screening tools in high-risk individuals
Authors: Afolabi Paul Remi , McDonnell Declan , Byrne Christopher D , Wilding Sam , Goss Victoria , Walters Jocelyn , Hamady Zaed Z
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is the fifth leading cause of cancer-related death in the UK. The incidence of PC is increasing, with little or no improvement in overall survival and the best chance for long-term survival in patients with PC relies on early detection and surgical resection. In this study, we propose the use of a diagnostic algorithm that combines tests of pancreatic exocrine function (faecal elastase-1 (FE-1) test and the 13C-mixed triglyceride (13C-MTG) breath test) to identify patients with PC that urgently needs imaging studies.

Methods and analysis

This prospective pilot (proof of concept) study will be carried out on 25 patients with resectable PC, 10 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 25 healthy volunteers. This study will construct a predictive algorithm for PC, using two tests of pancreatic exocrine function, FE-1 test and the 13C-MTG breath test. Continuous flow isotope ratio mass spectrometry in the 13C-MTG breath test will be used to analyse enriched 13CO2 in exhaled breath samples. The additional predictive benefit of other potential biomarkers of PC will also be considered. Potential biomarkers of PC showing abilities to discriminate between patients with PC from healthy subjects or patients with chronic pancreatitis will be selected by metabolomic analysis.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the North of Scotland Research and Ethics Committee on 1 October 2020 (reference: 20/NS/0105, favourable opinion granted). The results will be disseminated in presentations at academic national/international conferences and publication in peer-review journals.
Prospective analyses of sex/gender-related publication decisions in general medical journals: editorial rejection of population-based women’s reproductive physiology
Authors: Kalidasan Dharani , Goshtasebi Azita , Chrisler Joan , Brown Helen L , Prior Jerilynn C
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess whether editorial desk rejection at general medical journals (without peer review) of two clinical research manuscripts may relate to author gender or women’s physiology topics. Given evidence for bias related to women in science and medicine, and editorial board attitudes, our hypothesis was that submissions by women authors, on women’s reproductive, non-disease topics received differential editorial assessment.

Design

A prospective investigation of publications, author gender and topics in general medical journals in two issues following the editorial rejections of two clinical research manuscripts by five major English-language general medical journals. The rejected manuscripts (subsequently published in lower impact journals) described research funded by national granting bodies, in population-based samples, authored by well-published women scientists at accredited institutions and describing innovative women’s reproductive physiology results.

Setting

Tertiary academic medical centre.

Main outcome measures

All clinical research published in the two issues following rejection date by each of the five major general medical journals were examined for first/senior author gender. The publication topic was assessed for its gendered population relevance, whether disease or physiology focused, and its funding. Rejection letters assessed editor gender and status.

Results

Women were underrepresented as original research authors; men were 84% of senior and 69% of first authors. There were no, non-disease focused publications relating to women’s health, although most topics were relevant to both genders. The majority (80%) of rejection letters appeared to be written by junior-ranked women editors.

Conclusion

Sex/gender accountability is necessary for clinical research-based editorial decisions by major general medical journals. Suggestions to improve gender equity in general medical journal publication: (1) an editorial board sex/gender champion with power to advocate for manuscripts that are well-performed research of relevance to women’s health/physiology; (2) an editorial rejection adjudication committee to review author challenges; and (3) gender parity in double-blind peer review.
Characteristics and quality of clinical practice guidelines addressing acupuncture interventions: a systematic survey of 133 guidelines and 433 acupuncture recommendations
Authors: Tang Xiaorong , Shi Xiaoshuang , Zhao Hong , Lu Liming , Chen Ze , Feng Yixuan , Liu Lanping , Duan Ruihua , Zhang Pingping , Xu Yuqin , Cui Shuo , Gong Fen , Fei Jingwen , Xu Neng-Gui , Jing Xianghong , Guyatt Gordon , Zhang Yu-Qing
Published: February 2022

Objective

To systematically summarise acupuncture-related Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs)’s clinical and methodological characteristics and critically appraise their methodology quality.

Design

We summarised the characteristics of the guidelines and recommendations and evaluated their methodological quality using the Appraisal of Guidelines Research and Evaluation II (AGREE II) instrument.

Data sources

Nine databases were searched from 1 January 2010 to 20 September 2020.

Eligibility criteria for selecting studies

We included the latest version of acupuncture CPGs, which must have used at least one systematic review addressing the benefits and harms of alternative care options to inform acupuncture recommendations.

Data extraction and synthesis

Reviewers, working in pairs, independently screened and extracted data. When there are statistical differences among types of CPGs, we reported the data by type in the text, but when not, we reported the overall data.

Results

Of the 133 eligible guidelines, musculoskeletal and connective tissue diseases proved the most commonly addressed therapeutic areas. According to the AGREE II instrument, the CPG was moderate quality in the domain of clarity of scope and purpose, clarity of presentation, the rigour of development, stakeholder involvement and low quality in editorial independence, and applicability. The study identified 433 acupuncture-related recommendations; 380 recommended the use of acupuncture, 28 recommended against the use of acupuncture and 25 considered acupuncture but did not make recommendations. Of the 303 recommendations that used Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation to determine the strength of recommendations, 152 were weak recommendations, 131 were strong recommendations, of which 104 were supported by low or very low certainty evidence (discordant recommendations).

Conclusion

In the past 10 years, a large number of CPGs addressing acupuncture interventions exist. Although these guidelines may be as or more rigorous than many others, considerable room for improvement remains.
Return to match running performance after a hamstring injury in elite football: a single-centre retrospective cohort study
Authors: Hoppen Marloes I , Reurink Gustaaf , de Boode Vosse A , van der Kaaden Lisanne , Jagtman Lotte , Glazenburg Tim , Bruning Bastiaan , Tol Johannes L
Published: February 2022

Objectives

To determine the number of matches to return to pre-injury match running performance after sustaining an acute hamstring injury.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, the injuries of the players of the first, Under21, Under19, Under18 and Under17 teams of a professional football club in the period 2017–2020 were analysed. Acute hamstring injuries with a minimal absence from training or match play of 7 days were included. For running performance, we assessed the following variables: maximal velocity (km/hour), total distance, high-intensity distance (17.5–22.5 km/hour) and sprint distance (>22.5 km/hour). We calculated the average and 95% CI for these variables during the last five matches before the injury. The primary outcome was the number of matches to reach maximal velocity within the 95% CI of the player’s individual pre-injury performance. Secondary outcome scores included the duration (in days and matches) to reach the other running performance variables.

Results

18 hamstring injuries in 15 players were included. 15 out of 18 injuries (83%) showed a return to pre-injury maximal velocity in the second match after return to play. The median number of matches to return to pre-injury maximal velocity was 2 (IQR 1–2). In the first match after return to play, pre-injury total distance was reached in 100% of the injuries, pre-injury sprint distance was reached in 94% of the injuries and pre-injury high-intensity distance was reached in 89% of the injuries.

Conclusion

Following an acute hamstring injury in elite football, pre-injury match running performance is reached in the first or second match.
Biological and technical factors in the assessment of blood-based tumor mutational burden (bTMB) in patients with NSCLC
Authors: Schuurbiers Milou , Huang Zhongyun , Saelee Senglor , Javey Manana , de Visser Leonie , van den Broek Daan , Heuvel Michel van den , Lovejoy Alexander F , Monkhorst Kim , Klass Daniel
Published: February 2022

Background

Patients treated with immunotherapy are at risk of considerable adverse events, and the ongoing struggle is to accurately identify the subset of patients who will benefit. Tumor mutational burden (TMB) has emerged as a promising predictive biomarker but requires tumor tissue which is not always available. Blood-based TMB (bTMB) may provide a minimally invasive assessment of mutational load. However, because of the required sequencing depth, bTMB analysis is costly and prone to false negative results. This study attempted to design a minimally sized bTMB panel, examined a counting-based method for bTMB in patients with stage I to IV non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and evaluated both technical factors such as bTMB and tissue-based TMB (tTMB) cut-off, as well as sample-related factors such as cell-free DNA input mass which influence the correlation between bTMB and tTMB.

Methods

Tissue, plasma, and whole blood samples collected as part of the LEMA trial (NCT02894853) were used in this study. Samples of 185 treatment naïve patients with stage I to IV NSCLC were sequenced at the Roche Sequencing Solutions with a custom panel designed for TMB, using reagents and workflows derived from the AVENIO Tumor Tissue and circulating tumor DNA Analysis Kits.

Results

A TMB panel of 1.1 Mb demonstrated highly accurate TMB high calls with a positive predictive value of 95% when using a tTMB cut-off of 16 mut/Mb, corresponding with 42 mut/Mb for bTMB. The positive per cent agreement (PPA) of bTMB was relatively low at 32%. In stage IV samples with at least 20 ng of cfDNA input, PPA of bTMB improved to 63% and minimizing the panel to a subset of 577 kb was possible while maintaining 63% PPA.

Conclusion

Plasma samples with high bTMB values are highly correspondent with tTMB, whereas bTMB low results may also be the result of low tumor burden at earlier stages of disease as well as poorly shedding tumors. For advanced stages of disease, PPA (sensitivity) of bTMB is satisfactory in comparison to tTMB, even when using a panel of less than 600 kb, warranting consideration of bTMB as a predictive biomarker for patients with NSCLC eligible for immunotherapy in the future.
Higher-order corrections to the bubble-nucleation rate at finite temperature
Authors: Ekstedt Andreas
Published: February 2022

In this paper I discuss how to consistently incorporate higher-order corrections to the bubble-nucleation rate at finite temperature. Doing so I examine the merits of different approaches, with the goal of reducing uncertainties for gravitational-wave calculations. To be specific, the region of applicability and accuracy of the derivative expansion is discussed. The derivative expansion is then compared to a numerical implementation of the Gelfand–Yaglom theorem. Both methods are applied to popular first-order phase transition models, like a loop-induced barrier and a SM-EFT tree-level barrier. The results of these calculations are presented in easy-to-use parametrizations that can directly be used in gravitational-wave calculations. In addition, higher-order corrections for models with multiple scalar fields, such as singlet/triplet extensions, are studied. Lastly, the main goal of this paper is to investigate the convergence and uncertainty of all calculation. Doing so I argue that current calculations for the Standard Model with a tree-level barrier are inaccurate.
An Improved A-Star Algorithm for Complete Coverage Path Planning of Unmanned Ships
Authors: Guo Bo , Kuang Zhen , Guan Juhua , Hu Mengting , Rao Lanxiang , Sun Xiaoqiang
Published: February 2022

Aiming at the low efficiency and high energy consumption of unmanned ships traversing the entire area, a complete coverage path planning algorithm based on the improved A-star algorithm is proposed. The positioning and vision systems of unmanned ships are used to digitize the actual water information, and the grid method is used to convert the information into an environmental map that can be planned. Compared to the trapezoidal partition of unity method and the short-side reciprocating traversal algorithm in the traversal process, experiments show that path planning is more efficient with the boustrophedon partition of unity method and the long-side reciprocating traversal algorithm. Aiming at the “dead zone”, an improved A-star algorithm is proposed on the basis of the traditional A-star algorithm, that it can shorten about 1/4 path using the proposed algorithm. Simulation shows that the improved A-star algorithm can shorten the traversal path to 40 steps but the traditional A-star algorithm needs 54 steps. Navigation test shows that the proposed algorithm can shorten the traversal path and improve traversal efficiency while ensuring the coverage of unmanned ships.
PEDESTRIAN DYNAMICS IN SINGLE-FILE MOVEMENT UNDER BACKGROUND MUSIC WITH DIFFERENT TEMPOS
Authors: ZENG GUANG , ZHANG JUN , YE RUI , SCHADSCHNEIDER ANDREAS , CAO SHUCHAO , WANG QIAO , SONG WEIGUO
Published: February 2022

Large crowds are challenging the comfort and safety level of big cities, while music may be a potential method to improve pedestrian flow. This paper focuses on the influence of different tempos and types of background music on pedestrian dynamics. Three tempos (90[Formula: see text]beats/min (BPM), 120[Formula: see text]BPM and 150[Formula: see text]BPM) and two types (pure music and metronome stimuli) of music are considered. It is found that more frequent stop-and-go behaviors emerge with rhythms. Compared with that under a low tempo (90[Formula: see text]BPM) of rhythm condition, stopping is more frequent with a high tempo one (120[Formula: see text]BPM or 150[Formula: see text]BPM). The number of stopping pedestrians per unit time increases 68.57%, 376.00%, 298.29%, 224.00%, 438.29% and 393.71% with 90 BPM, 120[Formula: see text]BPM and 150[Formula: see text]BPM music, 90[Formula: see text]BPM, 120[Formula: see text]BPM and 150[Formula: see text]BPM metronome, compared with that without any rhythm, respectively. The velocity and flow are lower, and higher local densities appear with background music. The step frequency at high density with rhythms ([Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Hz for 90[Formula: see text]BPM, 120[Formula: see text]BPM and 150[Formula: see text]BPM music; [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Hz for 90[Formula: see text]BPM, 120[Formula: see text]BPM and 150[Formula: see text]BPM metronome) is lower than that without any rhythm ([Formula: see text][Formula: see text]Hz). Pedestrians need more time to avoid collisions and to step under background music conditions, because they are influenced by the music and not fully focusing on walking. As a result, step frequency decreases and stopping behavior is more frequent. This in turn leads to the decrease of the velocity and flow and the emergence of higher local densities. Our study will be helpful for understanding the effect of background music on pedestrian dynamics.
A Dynamic Leader–Follower Approach for Line Marching of Swarm Robots
Authors: Cai He , Guo Shuping , Gao Huanli
Published: February 2022

Most of the existing exact formation algorithms for swarm systems are fully label-specified, i.e. the desired position for each individual in the formation is predetermined by its label, which would inevitably make the formation algorithms vulnerable to individual failures. To address this issue, in this paper, we propose a dynamic leader–follower approach to solving the line marching problem for a swarm of planar kinematic robots. In contrast to the existing results, the desired positions for the robots in the line are no longer predetermined by the robots’ labels, but the relativity of the robots’ labels as well as their real-time relative positions. By constantly forming the leader–follower chain, exact line marching can be realized by pairwise leader–following tracking. Since the order of the leader–follower chain keeps updating, the proposed algorithm shows strong robustness against robot failures. Comprehensive numerical results are provided to evaluate the performance of the proposed formation algorithm.
Nanofluidic energy damper: Modeling, simulation and analysis
Authors: Cao Guoxin
Published: February 2022

Nanofluidic energy damper (NED) is recently developed to absorb and damp the mechanical work done by impact load, made by a sealed solid–liquid hybrid system containing solid nanoporous materials and nonwetting liquid. Based upon an entirely new energy damping mechanism, NED shows a great potential not only for giving a high energy damping density but also for performing energy damping behavior repeatedly. Here, we review the recent progress in this field to identify existing issues and opportunities for future studies, including selected numerical and experimental studies related to energy damping mechanism and performance, and some of the key issues associated with the system which might affect the NED’s energy damping density and repeatable energy damping performance.
Metacognition and Self-Regulation in Programming Education: Theories and Exemplars of Use
Authors: Loksa Dastyni , Margulieux Lauren , Becker Brett A. , Craig Michelle , Denny Paul , Pettit Raymond , Prather James
Published: February 2022

Metacognition and self-regulation are important skills for successful learning and have been discussed and researched extensively in the general education literature for several decades. More recently, there has been growing interest in understanding how metacognitive and self-regulatory skills contribute to student success in the context of computing education. This article presents a thorough systematic review of metacognition and self-regulation work in the context of computer programming and an in-depth discussion of the theories that have been leveraged in some way. We also discuss several prominent metacognitive and self-regulation theories from the literature outside of computing education—for example, from psychology and education—that have yet to be applied in the context of programming education.

In our investigation, we built a comprehensive corpus of papers on metacognition and self-regulation in programming education, and then employed backward snowballing to provide a deeper examination of foundational theories from outside computing education, some of which have been explored in programming education, and others that have yet to be but hold much promise. In addition, we make new observations about the way these theories are used by the computing education community, and present recommendations on how metacognition and self-regulation can help inform programming education in the future. In particular, we discuss exemplars of studies that have used existing theories to support their design and discussion of results as well as studies that have proposed their own metacognitive theories in the context of programming education. Readers will also find the article a useful resource for helping students in programming courses develop effective strategies for metacognition and self-regulation.
Electrochemical Enantioanalysis of D- and L-Cysteine with a Dual-Template Molecularly Imprinted Sensor
Authors: Hou Huipeng , Tang Shanshan , Wang Wei , Liu Miao , Liang Axin , Sun Liquan , Luo Aiqin
Published: February 2022

The present work describes a faithful strategy of dual-template molecularly imprinted polymers (MIP) to chiral recognize and quantify D-Cystine (D-Cys) and L-Cystine (L-Cys) at ultra-trace level through “vector method.” Briefly, one has to saturate association D-Cys while analyzes L-Cys, and vice versa. Herein, the working electrode, magnetic glassy carbon (MGCE), was initially drop-coated with molybdenum disulfide-ionic liquid (MoS2-IL) dispersion liquid for large specific surface area and excellent electrical conductivity. After the working electrode was dried naturally, chitosan (CS) was electrodeposited on. And the strong electrostatic interactions between CS and Fe[(CN)6]3−/4− could further enhance the electric signal. Next, dual-template MIP dispersion liquid was drop-coated on the working electrode. Moreover, Fe3O4 nano-particles (NPs) was regard as the support skeleton material of dual-template MIP, which could significantly improve the bonding strength with MGCE. Herein, the proposed sensor demonstrated good analytical figures of merits with Differential Pulse Voltammetry (DPV), showing that the LOD of L-Cys and D-Cys were 0.7402 pg ml−1 and 0.6136 pg ml−1 respectively, with linear response ranges from 1 pg ml−1 to 12 pg ml−1 for both enantiomers. Furthermore, the proposed sensor exhibited great potential in chiral recognition and biochemical analysis.
Isoxazole-Based Electrolytes for Lithium Metal Protection and Lithium-Sulfurized Polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) Battery Operating at Low Temperature
Authors: Tan Sha , Liu Haodong , Wu Zhaohui , Weiland Conan , Bak Seong-Min , Ronne Arthur , Liu Ping , Whittingham M. Stanley , Shadike Zulipiya , Hu Enyuan , Yang Xiao-Qing
Published: February 2022

A new electrolyte system using isoxazole as the salt dissolving solvent has been developed and studied for lithium metal batteries. By using fluoroethylene carbonate (FEC) as an additive and 1,1,2,2-tetrafluoroethyl-2,2,3,3-tetrafluoropropyl ether (TTE) as a diluent for localized high concentration electrolyte (LHCE), isoxazole-based electrolytes were successfully implemented in lithium metal batteries, demonstrating excellent lithium metal protection capability. Utilizing several advanced characterization techniques (including synchrotron-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy and photoelectron spectroscopy), the solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) formed on the Li-metal anode after employing these electrolytes was thoroughly investigated. The high ionic conductivity of isoxazole at low temperature and the low impedance of SEI formed in LHCE significantly improved the low-temperature performance of Li-sulfurized polyacrylonitrile (SPAN) batteries, delivering 273.8 mAh g−1 capacity at −30 °C with 99.85% capacity retention after 50 cycles.