bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sustaining democracy in Africa: The case for Ghana
Authors: Ackah Kofi
Published: April 2024

On balance, Africa generally has made some progress in good governance under liberal, multiparty democracy in the past two or three decades. But there are well‐noted, wide‐ranging dysfunctions in governance, which inhibit human development and fulfilment. Several papers have been published, which propose various solutions to the dysfunctions. Among them are proposals for types of all‐inclusive democratic politics. I examine a couple of these proposals and conclude that they generate formidable feasibility challenges, even for the types of democracy they advocate. This paper focuses on Ghana, but with a thrust intended to have import for the sustainability of democracy across Africa. The argument is basically that the operating democratic constitutions in Africa provide a normatively desirable liberal, multiparty democracy, which promises a reasonably good life for all without exception; but practice has resulted in enduring, multiple deprivations and low standards of living for millions of citizens. The reason for the undesirably wide gap between the ideal and the practice is not because multiparty democracy is inconsistent with African traditions or is otherwise not good for Africans, as some scholars claim, but because of those who tend to run it—their general incompetence, including or marked by their intellectual and ethical inability to rise above partisan limitations and failure to leverage the efficiencies of the free market system. The proposed solution for Ghana, intended to eliminate or significantly mitigate the dysfunctions just mentioned and to sustain the multiparty democracy, is to redesign the National Development Planning Commission (NPDC), a constitutional organ which serves the partisan executive, into a robust, non‐partisan, independent institution, anchored on the principles of separation of powers and checks and balances, to enable it to do at least the following two things: (a) to produce, with representation from key stakeholders, including political parties, technocratically objective, competent, efficient and accountable rolling and all‐inclusive National Development Plans (NDPs) in place of vote‐inspired and partisan manifestoes, with budgets approved by parliament; and (b) to monitor, evaluate and report on the governing party's implementation of the NDPs to parliament. Democracy will become sustainable as the general quality of lives grows steadily under the continuous implementation of all‐inclusive NDPs, which are to be crafted to efficiently and sustainably deliver public goods and services that serve district, regional and the common needs and interests of all Ghanaians rather than the interests of the few and powerful or, at best, of majorities.
Crisis coordination in complex intergovernmental systems: The case of Australia
Authors: Kapucu Naim , Parkin Andrew , Lumb Miriam , Dippy Russell
Published: April 2024

As the scale and intensity of disasters and crises continue to increase, planning and managing crises have become a critical policy and governance issue. Of particular importance to this topic is crisis coordination, as effective response and recovery support the continuity of operations of governments and businesses, and are essential to the economy, health, and public safety. This paper applies a network governance perspective to explore the practical application of intergovernmental crisis coordination in Australia with reference to the COVID‐19 crisis contributing to a better understanding of the role of governing bodies in dealing with major crises in a coordinated manner. This paper also highlights the need to leverage collaborative leadership, organizational capacity, and a culture of collaboration to develop robust and connected networks in addressing crisis coordination within Australia's complex federal system.
Do the blood anti‐Müllerian hormone concentrations in young females correlate with the ovarian follicular population later in life in water buffalo?
Authors: de Morais Rodrigo , Sousa Alysson Jorge de Oliveira , da Costa de Almeida Nathalia Nogueira , Ohashi Otávio Mitio , Santos Simone do Socorro Damasceno , Monteiro Bruno Moura , Rolim Filho Sebastião Tavares , King William Allan , Miranda Moysés dos Santos
Published: April 2024

In this longitudinal study, the anti‐Müllerian hormone (AMH) levels in blood were determined in 32 Murrah buffalo females at 8, 10, 12, 16 and 19 months of age when females were synchronized and the antral follicular population (AFP) was estimated. Correlations of AFP to the AMH level at 19 months of age and retrospectively to younger ages were investigated. Then females were split into high and low AFP, and their AMH levels were compared for all ages and tested as predictors of AFP categories. The highest AMH level (p < .05) was detected at 8 months, reducing but not differing (p > .05) at 10, 12 and 16 months then reducing again (p < .05) at 19 months of age. The mean AFP was 17.6 ± 6.3 follicles, and it was positively correlated with AMH in all ages tested. High AFP females had approximately two times more antral follicles than low AFP (p < .05) and their AMH levels were higher (p < .01) than in low AFP ones in all ages. Only at 8 months, AMH levels can be used to precociously detect high AFP heifers (a cut‐off point of 464.7 pg/mL; p < .05), while low AFP heifers could be detected by AMH measurements at 8, 10, 12 and 16 months of age (p < .05). We conclude that AMH of buffalo calves correlates with AFP of heifers later in life and depending on the age, its levels could be used to identify future females with low or high AFP.
A step forward in conceptualizing psychological closeness/distance to suicide methods: A qualitative approach
Authors: Clary Kelly L. , Murley William D. , Ortiz Rachel S. , Rogers Megan L.
Published: April 2024

Introduction

Suicide is a leading cause of death, making suicide prevention a major public health priority. Increasing understanding of factors influencing suicidal behavior is paramount. Previous research has implicated psychological closeness, characterized by perceptions of how close/distant or attached/detached one feels to a particular object, as a cognitive factor that influences suicidal behavior. However, a better understanding of how psychological closeness to suicide methods is conceptualized by relevant populations is needed to improve its assessment and understand how it may confer risk for suicide.

Methods

The goal was to refine the conceptualization of psychological closeness to suicide methods by incorporating feedback from relevant populations. We conducted 30 interviews with those primarily identifying as having lived experience of suicide (n = 10), clinicians who work with suicidal patients (n = 11), and suicide researchers (n = 9). A rigorous thematic approach using NVivo software was used to uncover common themes.

Results

Primary themes included familiarity, comfort, and attachment, with one emerging theme of symbolism. We define these themes, provide context to their meaning, and share exemplary quotes across diverse participants.

Conclusion

We consider clinical, research, and policy implications from an interdisciplinary lens and discuss the strengths and limitations of this study.
Neural Generative Models and the Parallel Architecture of Language: A Critical Review and Outlook
Authors: Rambelli Giulia , Chersoni Emmanuele , Testa Davide , Blache Philippe , Lenci Alessandro
Published: April 2024

According to the parallel architecture, syntactic and semantic information processing are two separate streams that interact selectively during language comprehension. While considerable effort is put into psycho‐ and neurolinguistics to understand the interchange of processing mechanisms in human comprehension, the nature of this interaction in recent neural Large Language Models remains elusive. In this article, we revisit influential linguistic and behavioral experiments and evaluate the ability of a large language model, GPT‐3, to perform these tasks. The model can solve semantic tasks autonomously from syntactic realization in a manner that resembles human behavior. However, the outcomes present a complex and variegated picture, leaving open the question of how Language Models could learn structured conceptual representations.
Barley yellow dwarf virus‐GAV 17K protein disrupts thiamine biosynthesis to facilitate viral infection in plants
Authors: Han Xiaoyu , Yang Xue , Chen Siyu , Wang He , Liu Xiaomin , Wang Daowen , Yang Jin , Chen Linlin , Sun Bingjian , Li Honglian , Shi Yan
Published: April 2024

Thiamine functions as a crucial activator modulating plant health and broad‐spectrum stress tolerances. However, the role of thiamine in regulating plant virus infection is largely unknown. Here, we report that the multifunctional 17K protein encoded by barley yellow dwarf virus‐GAV (BYDV‐GAV) interacted with barley pyrimidine synthase (HvTHIC), a key enzyme in thiamine biosynthesis. HvTHIC was found to be localized in chloroplast via an N‐terminal 74‐amino acid domain. However, the 17K‐HvTHIC interaction restricted HvTHIC targeting to chloroplasts and triggered autophagy‐mediated HvTHIC degradation. Upon BYDV‐GAV infection, the expression of the HvTHIC gene was significantly induced, and this was accompanied by accumulation of thiamine and salicylic acid. Silencing of HvTHIC expression promoted BYDV‐GAV accumulation. Transcriptomic analysis of HvTHIC silenced and non‐silenced barley plants showed that the differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in plant–pathogen interaction, plant hormone signal induction, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, starch and sucrose metabolism, photosynthesis‐antenna protein, and MAPK signaling pathway. Thiamine treatment enhanced barley resistance to BYDV‐GAV. Taken together, our findings reveal a molecular mechanism underlying how BYDV impedes thiamine biosynthesis to uphold viral infection in plants.
Neutrophil antigen antibodies affect engraftment and secondary graft failure in hematopoietic progenitor cell transplantation
Authors: Alswied Abdullah , Hassan Sajjad , Rai Herleen , Flegel Willy Albert
Published: April 2024

Background

Research is limited on the role of antibodies against human neutrophil antigen (HNA) in hematopoietic progenitor cell (HPC) transplantation outcomes.

Study Design and Methods

A retrospective review was conducted on medical records of patients at the NIH Clinical Center enrolled in six research protocols. This case–control study included 21 patients tested for HNA antibodies from January 2010 to March 2022 who underwent HPC transplantation. In addition, 42 patients following the same research protocols were randomly selected as a control group.

Results

The cumulative incidence of time to neutrophil engraftment was significantly impacted by the patients' anti‐HNA status (p = .042), with the patients with anti‐HNA experiencing delayed engraftment. Secondary graft failure occurred in 4 out of 42 patients (9.52%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 3.7–22.1) of the control group, while 5 out of 9 patients (55.5%; 95% CI: 26.7–81.1) with anti‐HNA experienced secondary graft failure (p = .005). Furthermore, patients with anti‐HNA had a lower proportion (p = .008 for full and p = .002 for partial chimerism) and cumulative incidence (p = .016 for full and p = .010 for partial chimerism) of achieving donor chimerism compared to the control group.

Discussion

The study reveals a potential link between anti‐HNA and HPC transplantation outcomes not previously reported. Patients with anti‐HNA had a lower proportion and cumulative incidence of achieving donor chimerism. Additionally, anti‐HNA status affected the time for neutrophil engraftment, with a slower rate of neutrophil engraftment and increased risk of secondary failure in patients with anti‐HNA.
A Shunt-Assisted Silicon Electrode for Micro Electrochemical Machining
Authors: Zhu Yulan , Liu Guodong , Li Yong , Tong Hao , Cao Peiyao
Published: April 2024

Stray current causes undesired material dissolution in micro-electrochemical machining (micro-ECM). The reduction of stray corrosion, caused by stray current, continues to be a major challenge for accuracy improvement. To limit the distribution of stray current, a shunt-assisted silicon electrode, with an auxiliary anode sharing stray current, is proposed in this study. The auxiliary anode is arranged outside the insulating layer of the sidewall-insulated electrode. It is proved in simulation that the auxiliary anode can help reduce the average material removal rate on the machined surface by 55% and improve processing accuracy. A fabrication process of shunt-assisted silicon electrode by bulk silicon process and thin film deposition process are presented. Microgrooves and holes are machined in ECM experiments. The angle between each side-wall and the vertical plane is less than 10 deg. The gap between the sidewall of the machined structures and electrode-outer-contour is about 30 μm±6 μm for the grooves and 45 μm±10 μm for the holes. These long-term experiments and consistent processing results show the shunt-assisted electrode is reliable in ECM process. But due to the stray corrosion induced by DC power supply and conservative feed method, the effect of the shunt-assisted silicon electrode in inhibiting stray corrosion is not significant. In the future, a micro-ECM system with novel power supply and active control methodologies is expected to better utilize the effect of the shunt-assisted silicon electrode.
Harnessing Hydrodynamic Cavitation for Surface Modification and Strengthening
Authors: Pang Hao , Ngaile Gracious
Published: April 2024

Hydrodynamic cavitation (HC) shows promise for surface modification and strengthening. While previous research has explored its potential for surface hardening and polishing, the application of cavitation for surface texturing remains relatively unexplored. This paper aims to investigate the feasibility of using hydrodynamic cavitation for surface texturing and hardening, as well as identify the key process parameters that influence the outcomes. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations are utilized to analyze the behavior of cavitation under various conditions, and experimental validation is conducted. The study examines the influence of different chamber insert geometries on cavitation intensity and energy release. It also investigates the effect of process parameters on surface morphology and hardness. The results demonstrate that hydrodynamic cavitation can effectively strengthen specific regions of interest when the cavitation intensity is controlled. However, the formation of surface texture through plastic deformation may be limited to ductile materials or those with low yield strength. The study highlights the significance of utilizing suitable cavitation generators capable of continuously generating cavitation for consistent and controlled intensity. Preliminary results suggest that innovative vortex-based devices have the potential to deliver controlled cavitation intensity to desired areas.
Erratum: “A Numerical Scheme for Anisotropic Reactive Nonlinear Viscoelasticity” [ASME J. Biomech Eng., 2023, 145(1), p. 011004; DOI: 10.1115/1.4054983]
Authors: Ateshian Gerard A. , Petersen Courtney A. , Maas Steve A. , Weiss Jeffrey A.
Published: April 2024

In this erratum, we correct a mistake in a subcomponent of the numerical algorithm proposed in our recent study for modeling anisotropic reactive nonlinear viscoelasticity (doi:10.1115/1.4054983), for the special case where multiple weak bond families may be recruited with loading. This correction overcomes a nonphysical response noted under uni-axial cyclical loading.
A naturally isolated symbiotic bacterium suppresses flavivirus transmission byAedesmosquitoes
Authors: Zhang Liming , Wang Daxi , Shi Peibo , Li Juzhen , Niu Jichen , Chen Jielong , Wang Gang , Wu Linjuan , Chen Lu , Yang Zhenxing , Li Susheng , Meng Jinxin , Ruan Fangchao , He Yuwen , Zhao Hailong , Ren Zirui , Wang Yibaina , Liu Yang , Shi Xiaolu , Wang Yunfu , Liu Qiyong , Li Junhua , Wang Penghua , Wang Jinglin , Zhu Yibin , Cheng Gong
Published: April 2024

The commensal microbiota of the mosquito gut plays a complex role in determining the vector competence for arboviruses. In this study, we identified a bacterium from the gut of fieldAedes albopictusmosquitoes namedRosenbergiellasp. YN46 (Rosenbergiella_YN46) that rendered mosquitoes refractory to infection with dengue and Zika viruses. Inoculation of 1.6 × 103colony forming units (CFUs) ofRosenbergiella_YN46 intoA. albopictusmosquitoes effectively prevents viral infection. Mechanistically, this bacterium secretes glucose dehydrogenase (RyGDH), which acidifies the gut lumen of fed mosquitoes, causing irreversible conformational changes in the flavivirus envelope protein that prevent viral entry into cells. In semifield conditions,Rosenbergiella_YN46 exhibits effective transstadial transmission in field mosquitoes, which blocks transmission of dengue virus by newly emerged adult mosquitoes. The prevalence ofRosenbergiella_YN46 is greater in mosquitoes from low-dengue areas (52.9 to ~91.7%) than in those from dengue-endemic regions (0 to ~6.7%).Rosenbergiella_YN46 may offer an effective and safe lead for flavivirus biocontrol.
Technological risks are not the end of the world
Authors: Stilgoe Jack
Published: April 2024

There’s a scene in the movie
Oppenheimer
in which the protagonist is trying to explain to General Groves, his military overseer, the hazards of their endeavor. Groves asks Oppenheimer, “Are you saying there’s a chance that when we push that button, we destroy the world?“ The physicist says, “The chances are near zero.” When Groves, understandably alarmed, asks for clarification, Oppenheimer responds, “What do you want from theory alone?”
Brightest gamma ray burst ever emerged from collapsing star
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: April 2024

NASA’s JWST telescope traces burst to a supernova but finds a puzzling lack of heavy elements
Recent development and fighting strategies for lincosamide antibiotic resistance
Authors: Yang Yingying , Xie Shiyu , He Fangjing , Xu Yindi , Wang Zhifang , Ihsan Awais , Wang Xu
Published: April 2024

Lincosamides constitute an important class of antibiotics used against a wide range of pathogens, including methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
. However, due to the misuse of lincosamide and co-selection pressure, the resistance to lincosamide has become a serious concern. It is urgently needed to carefully understand the phenomenon and mechanism of lincosamide resistance to effectively prevent and control lincosamide resistance. To date, six mobile lincosamide resistance classes, including
lnu
,
cfr
,
erm
,
vga
,
lsa
, and
sal,
have been identified. These lincosamide resistance genes are frequently found on mobile genetic elements (MGEs), such as plasmids, transposons, integrative and conjugative elements, genomic islands, and prophages. Additionally, MGEs harbor the genes that confer resistance not only to antimicrobial agents of other classes but also to metals and biocides. The ultimate purpose of discovering and summarizing bacterial resistance is to prevent, control, and combat resistance effectively. This review highlights four promising strategies, including chemical modification of antibiotics, the development of antimicrobial peptides, the initiation of bacterial self-destruct program, and antimicrobial stewardship, to fight against resistance and safeguard global health.
Gut-associated functions are favored during microbiome assembly across a major part of
C. elegans
life
Authors: Zimmermann Johannes , Piecyk Agnes , Sieber Michael , Petersen Carola , Johnke Julia , Moitinho-Silva Lucas , Künzel Sven , Bluhm Lena , Traulsen Arne , Kaleta Christoph , Schulenburg Hinrich
Published: April 2024

The microbiome expresses a variety of functions that influence host biology. The range of functions depends on the microbiome’s composition, which can change during the host’s lifetime due to neutral assembly processes, host-mediated selection, and environmental conditions. To date, the exact dynamics of microbiome assembly, the underlying determinants, and the effects on host-associated functions remain poorly understood. Here, we used the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
and a defined community of fully sequenced, naturally associated bacteria to study microbiome dynamics and functions across a major part of the worm’s lifetime of hosts under controlled experimental conditions. Bacterial community composition initially shows strongly declining levels of stochasticity, which increases during later time points, suggesting selective effects in younger animals as opposed to more random processes in older animals. The adult microbiome is enriched in genera
Ochrobactrum
and
Enterobacter
compared to the direct substrate and a host-free control environment. Using pathway analysis, metabolic, and ecological modeling, we further find that the lifetime assembly dynamics increase competitive strategies and gut-associated functions in the host-associated microbiome, indicating that the colonizing bacteria benefit the worm. Overall, our study introduces a framework for studying microbiome assembly dynamics based on stochastic, ecological, and metabolic models, yielding new insights into the processes that determine host-associated microbiome composition and function.

IMPORTANCE

The microbiome plays a crucial role in host biology. Its functions depend on the microbiome composition that can change during a host’s lifetime. To date, the dynamics of microbiome assembly and the resulting functions still need to be better understood. This study introduces a new approach to characterize the functional consequences of microbiome assembly by modeling both the relevance of stochastic processes and metabolic characteristics of microbial community changes. The approach was applied to experimental time-series data obtained for the microbiome of the nematode
Caenorhabditis elegans
across the major part of its lifetime. Stochastic processes played a minor role, whereas beneficial bacteria as well as gut-associated functions enriched in hosts. This indicates that the host might actively shape the composition of its microbiome. Overall, this study provides a framework for studying microbiome assembly dynamics and yields new insights into
C. elegans
microbiome functions.
Identifying and characterizing missing source orogens for syn-orogenic basins based on detrital accessory mineral U-Pb geochronology and trace element geochemistry
Authors: Wang Lijun , Lin Shoufa , Xiao Wenjiao , Hanchar John M. , Collins William J. , Davis Donald W. , Yakymchuk Chris , Xing Guangfu , Niu Zhijun , Xiang Dunfeng , van Staal Cees R. , Wú Qǐháng
Published: April 2024

Identifying source orogens for syn-orogenic sediments in dispersed fragments of a supercontinent provides key information on the tectonic evolution of the orogens involved in supercontinent assembly and on paleogeographic reconstruction. An approach using U-Pb geochronology and trace elements of multiple detrital minerals including zircon, rutile, apatite, and monazite has major advantages over detrital zircon studies alone. Application of this multi-pronged approach to Ediacaran and Cambrian clastic sedimentary rocks from the West Cathaysia terrane of the South China block demonstrates that these rocks were deposited in two distinct, but overlapping, syn-orogenic basins related to the assembly of eastern Gondwana. The Ediacaran rocks have detritus likely sourced from the Paterson-Petermann orogen (PPO) in Australia, and the dominant 650–600 Ma populations and trace element compositions of detrital rutile and apatite indicate a significant Ediacaran thermal and high-pressure metamorphic event in the orogen. The appearance of Cambrian and Tonian detrital rutile and apatite populations in the Cambrian rocks indicates derivation from a different source orogen characterized by multiple thermal events, most likely the Kuunga-Pinjarra orogen (KPO). Our data suggest that West Cathaysia was located adjacent to both the PPO and the KPO and support the hypothesis that the PPO was a collisional, rather than a long-lived post-Grenvillian intraplate, orogen. Our data also suggest a poly-metamorphic history for the poorly preserved northern part of the KPO and a larger expanse of Greater India.
Multiple adverse outcomes associated with antipsychotic use in people with dementia: population based matched cohort study
Authors: Mok Pearl L H , Carr Matthew J , Guthrie Bruce , Morales Daniel R , Sheikh Aziz , Elliott Rachel A , Camacho Elizabeth M , van Staa Tjeerd , Avery Anthony J , Ashcroft Darren M
Published: April 2024

Objective

To investigate risks of multiple adverse outcomes associated with use of antipsychotics in people with dementia.

Design

Population based matched cohort study.

Setting

Linked primary care, hospital and mortality data from Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), England.

Population

Adults (≥50 years) with a diagnosis of dementia between 1 January 1998 and 31 May 2018 (n=173 910, 63.0% women). Each new antipsychotic user (n=35 339, 62.5% women) was matched with up to 15 non-users using incidence density sampling.

Main outcome measures

The main outcomes were stroke, venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, heart failure, ventricular arrhythmia, fracture, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury, stratified by periods of antipsychotic use, with absolute risks calculated using cumulative incidence in antipsychotic users versus matched comparators. An unrelated (negative control) outcome of appendicitis and cholecystitis combined was also investigated to detect potential unmeasured confounding.

Results

Compared with non-use, any antipsychotic use was associated with increased risks of all outcomes, except ventricular arrhythmia. Current use (90 days after a prescription) was associated with elevated risks of pneumonia (hazard ratio 2.19, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.10 to 2.28), acute kidney injury (1.72, 1.61 to 1.84), venous thromboembolism (1.62, 1.46 to 1.80), stroke (1.61, 1.52 to 1.71), fracture (1.43, 1.35 to 1.52), myocardial infarction (1.28, 1.15 to 1.42), and heart failure (1.27, 1.18 to 1.37). No increased risks were observed for the negative control outcome (appendicitis and cholecystitis). In the 90 days after drug initiation, the cumulative incidence of pneumonia among antipsychotic users was 4.48% (4.26% to 4.71%) versus 1.49% (1.45% to 1.53%) in the matched cohort of non-users (difference 2.99%, 95% CI 2.77% to 3.22%).

Conclusions

Antipsychotic use compared with non-use in adults with dementia was associated with increased risks of stroke, venous thromboembolism, myocardial infarction, heart failure, fracture, pneumonia, and acute kidney injury, but not ventricular arrhythmia. The range of adverse outcomes was wider than previously highlighted in regulatory alerts, with the highest risks soon after initiation of treatment.
Cohort profile: Worldwide Collaboration on OsteoArthritis prediCtion for the Hip (World COACH) – an international consortium of prospective cohort studies with individual participant data on hip osteoarthritis
Authors: van Buuren Michiel M A , Riedstra Noortje S , van den Berg Myrthe A , Boel Fleur D E M , Ahedi Harbeer , Arbabi Vahid , Arden Nigel K , Bierma-Zeinstra Sita M A , Boer Cindy G , Cicuttini Flavia , Cootes Timothy F , Crossley Kay , Felson David , Gielis Willem Paul , Heerey Joshua , Jones Graeme , Kluzek Stefan , Lane Nancy E , Lindner Claudia , Lynch John A , Van Meurs J , Mosler Andrea B , Nelson Amanda E , Nevitt M , Oei Edwin , Runhaar Jos , Tang Jinchi , Weinans Harrie , Agricola Rintje
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Hip osteoarthritis (OA) is a major cause of pain and disability worldwide. Lack of effective therapies may reflect poor knowledge on its aetiology and risk factors, and result in the management of end-stage hip OA with costly joint replacement. The Worldwide Collaboration on OsteoArthritis prediCtion for the Hip (World COACH) consortium was established to pool and harmonise individual participant data from prospective cohort studies. The consortium aims to better understand determinants and risk factors for the development and progression of hip OA, to optimise and automate methods for (imaging) analysis, and to develop a personalised prediction model for hip OA.

Participants

World COACH aimed to include participants of prospective cohort studies with ≥200 participants, that have hip imaging data available from at least 2 time points at least 4 years apart. All individual participant data, including clinical data, imaging (data), biochemical markers, questionnaires and genetic data, were collected and pooled into a single, individual-level database.

Findings to date

World COACH currently consists of 9 cohorts, with 38 021 participants aged 18–80 years at baseline. Overall, 71% of the participants were women and mean baseline age was 65.3±8.6 years. Over 34 000 participants had baseline pelvic radiographs available, and over 22 000 had an additional pelvic radiograph after 8–12 years of follow-up. Even longer radiographic follow-up (15–25 years) is available for over 6000 of these participants.

Future plans

The World COACH consortium offers unique opportunities for studies on the relationship between determinants/risk factors and the development or progression of hip OA, by using harmonised data on clinical findings, imaging, biomarkers, genetics and lifestyle. This provides a unique opportunity to develop a personalised hip OA risk prediction model and to optimise methods for imaging analysis of the hip.
Effect and outcome of equity, diversity and inclusion programs in healthcare institutions: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Buh Amos , Kang Rachel , Kiska Rohan , Fung Stephen G , Solmi Marco , Scott Mekaylah , Salman Maria , Lee Kathryn , Milone Benjamin , Wafy Gamal , Syed Sarah , Dhaliwal Shan , Gibb Maya , Akbari Ayub , Brown Pierre A , Hundemer Gregory L , Sood Manish M
Published: April 2024

Background

Equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) in the healthcare field are crucial in meeting the healthcare needs of a progressively diverse society. In fact, a diverse healthcare workforce enables culturally sensitive care, promotes health equity and enhances the understanding of various needs and patients’ viewpoints, potentially resulting in more effective patient treatment and improved patient outcomes. Despite this, information on the effectiveness of policies or programmes promoting EDI in health institutions is scarce. The objective of this systematic review is to assess the effects and outcomes of EDI programmes in healthcare institutions.

Methods

We will conduct Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-compliant systematic review of studies on EDI programmes and describe their effects and outcomes in healthcare institutions. We will search PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, CINAHL and PsycINFO databases. Selected studies will include randomised control trials (RCTs), non-RCTs and cross-sectional studies published either in English or French. Quality appraisal of studies and a narrative synthesis of extracted data will be conducted as well as a meta-analysis if possible. The quality of evidence in this review will be assessed by the Grades of Recommendation, Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Anticipated results

We anticipate that this systematic review will reveal information on the effect of EDI programmes and their outcomes in healthcare institutions. We expect this information will provide insights that will lead to improvements in designing EDI policies and programmes in healthcare institutions.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical clearance is required for this study as no primary data will be collected. The final manuscript will be submitted to a journal for publication. In addition to this, the results of the study will also be disseminated through conference presentations to inform the research and clinical practice.

Review registration

This protocol has been registered with the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews; registration number CRD42024502781.
Rate of severe exacerbations, healthcare resource utilisation and clinical outcomes in patients with COPD in low-income and middle-income countries: results from the EXACOS International Study
Authors: Athanazio Rodrigo Abensur , Bernal Villada Laura , Avdeev Sergey N , Wang Hao-Chien , Ramírez-Venegas Alejandra , Sivori Martín , Dreyse Jorge , Pacheco Manuel , Man Sin Kit , Noriega-Aguirre Lorena , Farouk Hisham
Published: April 2024

Introduction

TheEXAcerbations ofChronic obstructive lung disease (COPD) and theirOutcomeS(EXACOS) International Study aimed to quantify the rate of severe exacerbations and examine healthcare resource utilisation (HCRU) and clinical outcomes in patients with COPD from low-income and middle-income countries.

Methods

EXACOS International was an observational, cross-sectional study with retrospective data collection from medical records for a period of up to 5 years. Data were collected from 12 countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, Hong Kong, Mexico, Panama, Russia and Taiwan. The study population comprised patients ≥40 years of age with COPD. Outcomes/variables included the prevalence of severe exacerbations, the annual rate of severe exacerbations and time between severe exacerbations; change in lung function over time (measured by the forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1)); peripheral blood eosinophil counts (BECs) and the prevalence of comorbidities; treatment patterns; and HCRU.

Results

In total, 1702 patients were included in the study. The study population had a mean age of 69.7 years, with 69.4% males, and a mean body mass index of 26.4 kg/m2. The mean annual prevalence of severe exacerbations was 20.1%, and 48.4% of patients experienced ≥1 severe exacerbation during the 5-year study period. As the number of severe exacerbations increased, the interval between successive exacerbations decreased. A statistically significant decrease in mean (SD) FEV1from baseline to post-baseline was observed in patients with ≥1 severe exacerbation (1.23 (0.51) to 1.13 (0.52) L; p=0.0000). Mean BEC was 0.198 x109cells/L, with 64.7% of patients having a BEC ≥0.1 x109 cells/L and 21.3% having a BEC ≥0.3 x109 cells/L. The most common comorbidity was hypertension (58.3%). An increasing number of severe exacerbations per year was associated with greater HCRU.

Discussion

The findings presented here indicate that effective treatment strategies to prevent severe exacerbations in patients with COPD remain a significant unmet need in low-income and middle-income countries.
Can micro-guidewire advancement forces predict clot consistency and location to assist the first-line technique for mechanical thrombectomy?
Authors: Reymond Philippe , Roussinova Evgenia , Brina Olivier , Hofmeister Jeremy , Bernava Gianmarco , Rosi Andrea , Galand William , Lovblad Karl-Olof , Pereira Vitor M , Bouri Mohamed , Machi Paolo
Published: April 2024

Background

The identification of specific clot characteristics before mechanical thrombectomy (MTB) might allow the selection of the most effective first-line technique, thus potentially improving the procedural outcome. We aimed to evaluate if the microwire push forces could extrapolate information on clot consistency and extension before MTB, based on clot mechanical properties.

Methods

We measured in vitro the forces exerted on the proximal extremity of the guidewire during the advancement and retrieval of the guidewire through clot analogs of different compositions. In addition, we analyzed the forces exerted on the guidewire to extrapolate information about the location of the proximal and distal extremities of the clot analogs.

Results

The maximum forces recorded during the whole penetration phase were significantly different for hard and soft clots (median values, 55.6 mN vs 15.4 mN, respectively; P<0.0001). The maximum slope of the force curves recorded during the advancement of the guidewire for the first 3 s of penetration also significantly differentiated soft from hard clot analogs (7.6 mN/s vs 23.9 mN/s, respectively; P<0.0001). In addition, the qualitative analysis of the shape of the force curves obtained during the advancement and retrieval of the guidewire showed a good potential for the identification of the proximal and distal edges of the clot analogs.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that it was possible to differentiate between soft and hard clot analogs. Furthermore, force measurements could give important information about the location of the clot extremities. Such an approach might support the selection of the first-line MTB technique, with the potential to improve the outcome.
Polygenic Risk Score Predicts Earlier-Onset Adult Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and First-Year Renal Diseases in a Taiwanese Cohort
Authors: Chen Yen-Ju , Hsiao Tzu-Hung , Lin Ying-Cheng , Jeng Wen-Juei , Mao Chien-Lin , Wei Chia-Yi , Hsieh Yi-Chung , Huang Chih-Jen , Pan Mei-Hung , Chen I-Chieh , Lin Ching-Heng , Chen Yi-Ming , Yang Hwai-I
Published: April 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a predictive model using polygenic risk score (PRS) to forecast renal outcomes for adult systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) in a Taiwanese population.

Methods

Patients with SLE (n=2782) and matched non-SLE controls (n=11 128) were genotyped using Genome-Wide TWB 2.0 single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array. PRS models (C+T, LDpred2, Lassosum, PRSice-2, PRS-continuous shrinkage (CS)) were constructed for predicting SLE susceptibility. Logistic regression was assessed for C+T-based PRS association with renal involvement in patients with SLE.

Results

In the training set, C+T-based SLE-PRS, only incorporating 27 SNPs, outperformed other models with area under the curve (AUC) values of 0.629, surpassing Lassosum (AUC=0.621), PRSice-2 (AUC=0.615), LDpred2 (AUC=0.609) and PRS-CS (AUC=0.602). Additionally, C+T-based SLE-PRS demonstrated consistent predictive capacity in the testing set (AUC=0.620). Individuals in the highest quartile exhibited earlier SLE onset (39.06 vs 44.22 years, p<0.01), higher Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index scores (3.00 vs 2.37, p=0.04), elevated risks of renal involvement within the first year of SLE diagnosis, including WHO class III–IV lupus nephritis (OR 2.36, 95% CI 1.47 to 3.80, p<0.01), estimated glomerular filtration rate <60 mL/min/1.73m2(OR 1.49, 95% CI 1.18 to 1.89, p<0.01) and urine protein-to-creatinine ratio >150 mg/day (OR 2.07, 95% CI 1.49 to 2.89, p<0.01), along with increased seropositivity risks, compared with those in the lowest quartile. Furthermore, among patients with SLE with onset before 50 years, the highest PRS quartile was significantly associated with more serious renal diseases within the first year of SLE diagnosis.

Conclusions

PRS of SLE is associated with earlier onset, renal involvement within the first year of SLE diagnosis and seropositivity in Taiwanese patients. Integrating PRS with clinical decision-making may enhance lupus nephritis screening and early treatment to improve renal outcomes in patients with SLE.
Awareness of tobacco industry tactics among tobacco control communities in Thailand and its association with attitudes towards tobacco industry and perceptions of e-cigarettes
Authors: Patanavanich Roengrudee , Glantz Stanton
Published: April 2024

Background

Tobacco industry denormalisation is a key strategy recommended by the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control as it is associated with reducing smoking behaviours and positively influencing public and policymakers’ opinion towards tobacco control. However, studies of awareness of tobacco industry tactics among public health players and policymakers in low-income and middle-income countries are limited.

Methods

We conducted an online survey of individuals who had been involved in tobacco control in Thailand. Multivariate ordinal logistic regression analysis was used to determine the association between awareness of tobacco industry tactics and different attitudes towards tobacco industry and perceptions towards e-cigarettes, controlling for role in tobacco control and demographics among 441 respondents.

Results

Of the respondents, 11.3% had never heard of any tobacco industry tactics, whereas 11.1% had heard of all tactics asked in the survey. Tobacco industry tactics which were less known by participants were intimidation (30.6%) and illicit trade (37.4%). Participants who were more aware of tobacco industry tactics were more likely to have negative attitudes towards the tobacco industry and e-cigarettes. Compared with active experts of the Provincial Tobacco Products Control Committee and provincial public health officials who work in tobacco control programmes, advocates who worked for civil society organisations in tobacco control were more aware of tobacco industry tactics and had less favourable perceptions of e-cigarettes.

Conclusion

This study emphasises the importance of educating public health professionals and policymakers about tobacco industry behaviour, especially in the era of e-cigarettes.
Abnormal threshold behaviors of photo-pion production off the proton in the GZK region
Authors: He Ping , Ma Bo-Qiang
Published: April 2024

The cosmic-ray spectrum structures help to study the acceleration and propagation mechanism of ultra-high energy cosmic rays, and these structures were predicted to culminate in a cut-off, named the Greisen–Zatsepin–Kuzmin (GZK) cut-off, near $$5\times 10^{19}~\textrm{eV}$$

5
×

10
19

eV

as a result of the inelastic interaction of protons with the $$2.73~\textrm{K}$$

2.73

K

black body radiation. The confirmation of the existence of GZK cut-off was tortuous, leading to activities to explore new physics, such as the cosmic-ray new components, unidentified cosmic-ray origins, unknown propagation mechanism and the modification of fundamental physics concepts like the tiny Lorentz invariance violation (LV). The confirmation of the GZK cut-off provides an opportunity to constrain the LV effect. We use a phenomenological framework to restudy the GZK mechanism under the Planck scale deformation of the proton and pion dispersion relations. Restudying the photon induced pion production of the proton $$\textrm{p}+\gamma \rightarrow \textrm{p}+\pi ^0$$

p
+
γ
→
p
+

π
0

, we predict abnormal threshold behaviors of this reaction under different LV modifications. Therefore we can study the LV effects not only from the conventional GZK cut-off, but also from potentially threshold anomalies of the pion production process. We divide the LV parameter space into three regions, and analyze the constraints from current observations in each region. The current observations have set strict restrictions on a certain LV region. However, for others LV regions, further experimental observations and theoretical researches are still needed, and we also find survival space for some theoretical explorations that permit specific LV effects.
Deep Learning-Based Optimal Scheduling Scheme for Distributed Wind Power Systems
Authors: Wang Jing , Wei Xiongfei , Fang Yuanjie , Zhang Pinggai , Juanatas Ronaldo , Caballero Jonathan M. , Niguidula Jasmin D.
Published: April 2024

For maintenance of distributed wind power networks, it remains important to realize intelligent operation scheduling strategies for wind power equipments according to their working status. As a consequence, this paper proposes a deep learning-based optimal scheme for distributed wind power networks. First of all, an adaptive status assessment model is constructed to identify time-varying operation status for unit components. Then, based on the predicted operation risk of unit components, a preventive maintenance decision model is formulated to realize flexible decision-making of maintenance tasks. Finally, a dynamic maintenance task scheduling model based on extreme learning machine (ELM) neural network is designed. The ELM neural network-based scheduling approach is expected to use a historical strategy library to assist in revising realtime voltage control strategy. Also, we conduct some experiments to evaluate the performance of the proposed method through simulation modeling. The obtained results show that real-time voltage control accuracy for wind power networks with an incomplete observation area is improved.
Selfish Grower Behavior Can Group-optimally Eradicate Plant Diseases Caused by Coinfection
Authors: Hilker Frank M. , Kolb Lea-Deborah , Hamelin Frédéric M.
Published: April 2024

Game-theoretic behavioral and epidemiological models suggest that it is impossible to eradicate a disease through voluntary control actions when individuals behave according to their own interests. The simple reason is that free-riding behavior, which is best for self-interest, leads to a control coverage on the group level that is insufficient to eradicate the disease. Here we show that, for diseases that are caused by coinfection, self-interest can actually result in the socially optimal outcome of disease eradication. Our result challenges the conventional wisdom that selfish behavior undermines the group interest; it resolves a social dilemma in the absence of any cooperation, institutional arrangements, or social norms. Our model is motivated by coinfecting plant viruses, common among agricultural crops and natural plants, and the behavioral dynamics of growers to adopt protective action (biological or chemical control). The epidemiological scenario, in which the disease is eradicated by self-interest, is characterized by a positive feedback process in which coinfection enhances infectivity. Similar feedback structures exist for a range of typical epidemiological processes that facilitate disease persistence if prevalence is sufficiently large. The underlying mechanism may therefore be applicable to other diseases.
Identification Methods for Modal Parameters of Track Structures and Their Application Status and Prospects
Authors: An Bolun , Wang Pu , Liu Fengshou , Yang Guang , Ma Chaozhi , Ma Junqi
Published: April 2024

Rail transit’s wheel–rail system periodically encounters defects such as wheel polygons, rail corrugation, and rail fastener failure, which are intricately linked to the modal parameters of track structures. Identifying these modal parameters is essential for refining wheel–rail dynamics models, understanding track defect mechanisms, and defect detection. This study reviews the current methodologies for identifying track structure modal parameters, emphasizing their significance in track engineering. It categorizes various identification techniques, examines their development, and highlights their application in updating track dynamics theoretical models. The relationship between track modal parameters and wheel–rail defects is discussed, alongside a summary of modal parameter-based defect remediation strategies globally. The paper also evaluates the current state of defect identification research utilizing track modal parameters. In the “prospects” section, three forward-looking research avenues are proposed. These approaches are poised to streamline and improve the efficiency of modal parameter extraction, marking potential breakthroughs in the field.
Buckling Behavior of Laminated Shell Panels Under Linearly Variable Edge Load
Authors: Patel Gayatri , Sinha Leena , Nayak Amar Nath
Published: April 2024

This paper reports a detailed numerical investigation on the buckling aspects of laminated composite shell panels of three forms (cylindrical, spherical and hyperbolic paraboloid) with five support conditions exposed to linearly varying in-plane edge load employing eight nodded isoparametric finite element formulation. The impacts of different parameters including ply orientation, load factor, shell forms, aspect ratio, modulus ratio, curvature ratio, width-to-thickness ratio and angle of lamination on the buckling load of shell panels are examined. It is found that the various parameters addressed in this study have a remarkable impact on the buckling phenomena of laminated composite shell panels. Further, a comparison is made showing the effects of five types of compressive edge loads like uniform, triangular, parabolic, partial edge load and point load on the buckling phenomena of laminated shell panels with respect to five support conditions.