bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
External validation of a clinical prediction tool for the use of manual therapy for patients with temporomandibular disorders: a protocol for a prospective observational study
Authors: Asquini Giacomo , Devecchi Valter , Edoardo Bianchi Andrea , Borromeo Giulia , Tessera Paola , Falla Deborah
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Clinical guidelines recommend conservative treatment for the management of temporomandibular disorders (TMD), and manual therapy directed to temporomandibular structures is commonly applied to reduce pain and improve function. In a recent prospective study, we developed a clinical prediction tool based on an array of predictors to identify people with TMD who are likely to experience significant pain relief and functional improvements following a programme of manual therapies (MTP) applied to temporomandibular structures. The purpose of this study is to externally validate in a different sample (temporal validation) the prediction model obtained in the initial study.

Methods/analysis

This observational prospective study will recruit a cohort of 120 adults with TMD from a Dental Hospital in Italy. The intervention will be an MTP consisting of four sessions (once per week) of manual therapy applied to temporomandibular structures. Candidate predictors included in the predictive model will be pain intensity during mouth opening, treatment expectations, number of pain locations, central sensitisation, TMD pain duration and maximal mouth opening. Outcome measures (i.e., pain intensity, functional improvement) will be collected before starting the MTP, after the last session and after 1 month (2 months from baseline). A reduction of pain intensity by at least 30% will be considered a good outcome. External validity of the prediction model will be evaluated after the last session by measuring its calibration, discrimination and overall fit. Additionally, the performance of the model will be evaluated considering the clinical outcomes collected 1 month after the last MTP session.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Italy. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal, and the prediction model will be implemented in a web-based calculator to facilitate its use by clinicians.

Trial registration number

NCT03990662.
Association between physician characteristics and practice-level uptake of paediatric virtual mental healthcare: a population-based study
Authors: Saunders Natasha Ruth , Stukel Therese A , Strauss Rachel , Fu Longdi , Guan Jun , Cohen Eyal , Vigod Simone , Guttmann Astrid , Kurdyak Paul , Toulany Alene
Published: July 2023

Objective

To examine physician factors associated with practice-level uptake of virtual mental healthcare for children and adolescents.

Design, setting and participants

A population-based data linkage study of a cohort of all physicians (n=12 054) providing outpatient mental healthcare to children and adolescents (aged 3–17 years, n=303 185) in a single-payer provincial health system in Ontario, Canada from 1 July 2020 to 31 July 2021.

Exposures

Physician characteristics including gender, age, specialty, location of training, practice region, practice size and overall and mental health practice size.

Main outcomes

Practice-level proportion of outpatient virtual care provided: (1) mostly in-person (<25% virtual care), (2) hybrid (25%–99% virtual care) or (3) exclusively virtual (100% virtual care). Multinomial logistic regression models tested the association between practice-level virtual care provided and physician characteristics.

Results

Among physicians, 1589 (13.2%) provided mostly in-person mental healthcare with 8714 (67.8%) providing hybrid care, and 2291 (19.0%) providing exclusively virtual care. The provision of exclusive virtual care (vs mostly in-person) was associated with female sex (adjusted OR (aOR) 1.97, 95% CI 1.70 to 2.27 (ref: male)), foreign training (aOR 1.27, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.50 (ref: Canadian-trained)), family physicians (aOR 2.05, 95% CI 1.56 to 2.69 (ref: psychiatrist)) and reversely associated with large practice size (aOR 0.32, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.40 (ref smallest quintile)). Mostly in-person care was associated with older age physicians (71+ years) and practice outside the Toronto region.

Conclusions and relevance

In a single-payer universal healthcare system that remunerates physicians using the same fee structure for in-person and virtual outpatient care, there is heterogeneity in utilisation of virtual care that is associated with provider factors. This practice variation, with limited evidence on effectiveness and appropriate contexts for virtual care use, suggests there may be opportunity for further outcomes research and guidance on appropriate context for paediatric virtual mental healthcare delivery.
Proof of concept of prehabilitation: a combination of education and behavioural change, to promote physical activity in people with fibromyalgia
Authors: Courel-Ibáñez Javier , Estévez-López Fernando , Hughes Ciara , Adams Nicola , Fullen Brona M , Davison Gareth , Montgomery Ashley , Cramp Fiona , Maestre Cristina , Martin Denis , McVeigh Joseph G
Published: July 2023

Objectives

To establish proof of concept of a prehabilitation intervention, a combination of education and behavioural change, preceding a physical activity programme in people with fibromyalgia (FM).

Settings

Open-label, feasibility clinical trial.

Participants

Eleven people with FM (10 women).

Interventions

The prehabilitation intervention consisted of 4 weeks, 1 weekly session (~1 to 1.5 hours), aimed to increase self-efficacy and understand why and how to engage in a gentle and self-paced physical activity programme (6 weeks of walking with telephone support).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome was the acceptability and credibility of the intervention by means of the Credibility/Expectancy Questionnaire. Secondary outcomes comprised scales to measure FM severity, specific symptoms and sedentary behaviour. An exit interview was conducted to identify the strengths and weaknesses and barriers to the intervention.

Results

One participant dropped out due to finding the walking programme excessively stressful. Participants expected the intervention would improve their symptoms by 22%–38% but resulted in 5%–26% improvements. Participants would be confident in recommending this intervention to a friend who experiences similar problems. The interviews suggested that the fluctuation of symptoms should be considered as an outcome and that the prehabilitation intervention should accomodate these fluctuation. Additional suggestions were to incorporate initial interviews (patient-centred approach), to tailor the programmes to individuals’ priorities and to offer a variety of physical activity programmes to improve motivation.

Conclusions

This feasibility study demonstrated that our novel approach is acceptable to people with FM. Future interventions should pay attention to flexibility, symptoms fluctuation and patients support.

Trial registration number

NCT03764397.
Burdens of non-communicable disease attributable to metabolic risk factors in Australia, 1990–2019: joinpoint regression analysis of the Global Burden of Disease Study
Authors: Kibret Kelemu Tilahun , Backholer Kathryn , Peeters Anna , Tesfay Fisaha , Nichols Melanie
Published: July 2023

Background

Long-term and comparative assessments of trends in non-communicable disease (NCD) burden attributable to metabolic risk are sparse. This study aimed to assess burdens and trends of NCD attributable to metabolic risk factors in Australia, 1990–2019.

Design

Population-based observational study.

Settings and data source

Data were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 for Australia and trends in NCD burden attributable metabolic risks were estimated using the joinpoint regression model.

Main outcome measures

NCD deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributed to metabolic risk factors, 1990–2019.

Results

Results indicate a 1.1% yearly increase in exposure to combined metabolic risk factors from 1990 to 2019. Between 1990 and 2019, the estimated absolute number of deaths from NCDs attributed to combined metabolic risks increased by 17.0%. However, metabolic risk-related NCD burdens in Australia decreased between 1990 and 2019. In 2019, 34.0% of NCD deaths and 20.0% of NCD DALYs were attributed to metabolic risk factors, compared with 42.9% and 24.4%, respectively, in 1990. In 2019, cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), neoplasms and chronic kidney diseases were the most common NCD deaths attributed to metabolic risks. High body mass index accounted for the highest proportion of diabetes deaths (47.0%) and DALYs (58.1%) as well as chronic kidney disease deaths (35.4%) and DALYs (39.7%). Similarly, high systolic blood pressure contributed to a high proportion of chronic kidney disease deaths (60.9%) and DALYs (53.2%), and CVDs deaths (44.0%) and DALYs (46.0%).

Conclusion

While the contribution of metabolic risk factors to the burden of NCDs has declined from 1990 to 2019, their role in NCD death and disability remains a challenge as the prevalence of these risk factors has increased. Prevention strategies should focus on metabolic risks particularly high body mass index and high systolic blood pressure to substantially reduce NCD burdens.
Methods to derive composite indicators used for quality and safety measurement and monitoring in healthcare: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McDonnell Thérèse , Cosgrove Grainne , Hogan Emma , Martin Jennifer , McNicholas Triona , O'Dowd Marcella , Rizoaica Florina , McAuliffe Eilish
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Composite indicators of quality and safety in healthcare summarise performance across multiple indicators into a single performance measure. Composite indicators can identify domains and drivers of quality, improve the ability to detect differences, aid prioritisation for quality improvement and facilitate decision making about future healthcare needs. However, the use of composite indicators can be controversial, particularly when used to rank healthcare providers. Many of the concerns around transparency, appropriateness and uncertainty may be addressed by a robust and transparent development and review process.

The aim of this scoping review is to describe methodologies used at each of the stages of development of composite indicators of quality and safety in healthcare. This review will provide those tasked with developing or reviewing composite indicators with a valuable consolidated analysis of a substantial and wide-ranging literature.

Methods and analysis

The framework proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute and enhancements proposed by Peterset al(2015, 2017, 2020) will be used in conducting this scoping review, and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews will guide the reporting. Grey literature and peer-reviewed documents will be in-scope. Electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, ABI/INFORM and SafetyLit) will be searched, and publications will be screened by two reviewers. Discussion, policy and guidance publications will be included if they discuss any aspect of the methods used in the development of a composite indicator of quality or safety in a healthcare setting. The search period ranges from 1 January 2000 to 31 December 2022. Data extraction will capture information on 11 stages of composite indicator development, augmenting a 10-stage framework developed by the European Commission Joint Research Centre.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. Review findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at scientific conferences.
CASCADIA: a prospective community-based study protocol for assessing SARS-CoV-2 vaccine effectiveness in children and adults using a remote nasal swab collection and web-based survey design
Authors: Babu Tara M , Feldstein Leora R , Saydah Sharon , Acker Zachary , Boisvert Cassandra L , Briggs-Hagen Melissa , Carone Marco , Casto Amanda , Cox Sarah N , Ehmen Brenna , Englund Janet A , Fortmann Stephen P , Frivold Collrane J , Groom Holly , Han Peter D , Kuntz Jennifer L , Lockwood Tina , Midgley Claire M , Mularski Richard A , Ogilvie Tara , Reich Sacha L , Schmidt Mark A , Smith Ning , Starita Lea , Stone Jeremy , Vandermeer Meredith , Weil Ana A , Wolf Caitlin R , Chu Helen Y , Naleway Allison L
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Although SARS-CoV-2 vaccines were first approved under Emergency Use Authorization by the Food and Drug Administration in late 2020 for adults, authorisation for young children 6 months to <5 years of age did not occur until 2022. These authorisations were based on clinical trials, understanding real-world vaccine effectiveness (VE) in the setting of emerging variants is critical. The primary goal of this study is to evaluate SARS-CoV-2 VE against infection among children aged >6 months and adults aged <50 years.

Methods

CASCADIA is a 4-year community-based prospective study of SARS-CoV-2 VE among 3500 adults and paediatric populations aged 6 months to 49 years in Oregon and Washington, USA. At enrolment and regular intervals, participants complete a sociodemographic questionnaire. Individuals provide a blood sample at enrolment and annually thereafter, with optional blood draws every 6 months and after infection and vaccination. Participants complete weekly self-collection of anterior nasal swabs and symptom questionnaires. Swabs are tested for SARS-CoV-2 and other respiratory pathogens by reverse transcription-PCR, with results of selected pathogens returned to participants; nasal swabs with SARS-CoV-2 detected will undergo whole genome sequencing. Participants who test positive for SARS-CoV-2 undergo serial swab collection every 3 days for 21 days. Serum samples are tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibody by binding and neutralisation assays.

Analysis

The primary outcome is SARS-CoV-2 infection. Cox regression models will be used to estimate the incidence rate ratio associated with SARS-CoV-2 vaccination among the paediatric and adult population, controlling for demographic factors and other potential confounders.

Ethics and dissemination

All study materials including the protocol, consent forms, data collection instruments, participant communication and recruitment materials, were approved by the Kaiser Permanente Interregional Institutional Review Board, the IRB of record for the study. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications, presentations, participant newsletters and appropriate general news media.
How is food variety conceptualised and measured as a diet quality indicator in developed settings? Protocol for a systematic scoping review
Authors: Chan Sara , Mozaffari Hadis , Conklin Annalijn Ida
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Dietary diversity (DD) is a pillar of healthy eating guidance and can be used to assess diet quality. Despite being an established nutrition concept, many inconsistencies in its definition and measurement exist and meanings vary across the development spectrum. This protocol outlines a research trajectory, whereby a scoping review will be undertaken to illustrate and map the methodological approaches that have been utilised to measure diversity as a marker of diet quality in the general population. It seeks to determine the most common and less used methodological approaches to measure DD in the diet of healthy adults.

Methods and analysis

Scoping review of peer-reviewed and grey literature from five bibliographic databases, supplemented by handsearching of reviews and reference lists. Search terms will include DD, food variety, mixed diet, balanced diet and food group variety. Eligible articles must include a measure for DD as an indicator of diet quality in the general population living in developed settings. Two independent reviewers will screen titles or abstracts, and read full-texts. Consensus will resolve any disagreements on study eligibility with a third reviewer consulted if needed. Data will be extracted using a standardised evidence table and analysed using a narrative synthesis approach. Data will be managed using Covidence.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics is required for this study using public documents. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed papers and scientific conferences.

Discussion

This scoping review will help to map, classify and assess the methodological approaches used in the nutrition literature to measure DD as a diet quality indicator. We anticipate a wide range of DD measures and expect to identify the most prevalent DD measures used to assess diet quality. Our findings will inform standardisation to improve future research on this nutritional concept.
Newcastle 1000 (NEW1000) Study: an Australian population-based prospective pregnancy cohort study design and protocol
Authors: Grace Tegan , Fisher Joshua , Wang Carol , Valkenborghs Sarah R , Smith Roger , Hirst Jonathan J , Mattes Joerg , Murphy Vanessa E , Pennell Craig E
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Multiple cohort studies have been established to investigate the impact of early life factors on development and health outcomes. In Australia the majority of these studies were established more than 20 years ago and, although longitudinal in nature, are inherently susceptible to socioeconomic, environmental and cultural influences which change over time. Additionally, rapid leaps in technology have increased our understanding of the complex role of gene–environment interactions in life course health, highlighting the need for new cohort studies with repeated biological sampling and in-depth phenotype data across the first 1000 days of life from conception.

Methods and analysis

The Newcastle 1000 (NEW1000) Study, based in the regional city of Newcastle, New South Wales, was developed after an extensive consultation process involving 3 years of discussion with key stakeholders and healthcare consumer organisations and seven healthcare consumer workshops. This prospective population-based pregnancy cohort study will recruit 500 families per year for 5 years, providing detailed, longitudinal, multisystem phenotyping, repeated ultrasound measures and serial sample collection to investigate healthcare consumer identified health outcomes of priority. Stage 1 will involve recruitment of pregnant participants and their partners at 14 weeks gestation, with dense phenotype data and biological samples collected at 14, 20, 28 and 36 weeks gestation and serial ultrasound measures at 20, 28, 36 and 40 weeks, with postpartum follow-up at 6 weeks and 6 months. Biological samples will be used for biomarker discovery and sequencing of the genome, transcriptome, epigenome, microbiome and metabolome.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from Hunter New England Local Health District Ethics Committee (2020/ETH02881). Outcomes will be published in peer-reviewed journals, disseminated to participants through the NEW1000 website, presented at scientific conferences, and written reports to local, state and national government bodies and key stakeholders in the healthcare system to inform policy and evidence-based practice.
Traditional healers working with primary care and mental health for early intervention in psychosis in young persons: protocol for the feasibility cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Farooq Saeed , Sheikh Saima , Dikomitis Lisa , Haq Mian Mukhtar Ul , Khan Abdul Jalil , Sanauddin Noor , Ali Malik Wajid , Ali Johar , Khan Muhammad Firaz , Chaudhry Imran , Husain Nusrat , Gul Muhammad , Irfan Muhammad , Andrews Gabrielle , Kaistha Prachi , Shah Syed Muhammad Uzair , Azeemi Ishfaq , Hamid Shumaila , Minhaz Aaliya , Mallen Christian , Lewis Martyn
Published: July 2023

Objectives

In low/middle-income countries (LMICs), more than half of patients with first-episode psychosis initially seek treatment from traditional and religious healers as their first care. This contributes to an excessively long duration of untreated psychosis (DUP). There is a need for culturally appropriate interventions to involve traditional and spiritual healers to work collaboratively with primary care practitioners and psychiatrists through task-shifting for early detection, referral and treatment of first episode of psychosis.

Methods

To prevent the consequences of long DUP in adolescents in LMICs, we aim to develop and pilot test a culturally appropriate and context-bespoke intervention.TraditionalHEalers working with primary care and mentalHealth for early interventiOn inPsychosis in young pErsons (THE HOPE) will be developed using ethnographic and qualitative methods with traditional healers and caregivers. We will conduct a randomised controlled cluster feasibility trial with a nested qualitative study to assess study recruitment and acceptability of the intervention. Ninety-three union councils in district Peshawar, Pakistan will be randomised and allocated using a 1:1 ratio to either intervention arm (THE HOPE) or enhanced treatment as usual and stratified by urban/rural setting. Data on feasibility outcomes will be collected at baseline and follow-up. Patients, carers, clinicians and policymakers will be interviewed to ascertain their views about the intervention. The decision to proceed to the phase III trial will be based on prespecified stop–go criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained from Keele University Ethical Review Panel (ref: MH210177), Khyber Medical University Ethical Review Board (ref: DIR/KMU-EB/IG/001005) and National Bioethics Committee Pakistan (ref no. 4-87/NBC-840/22/621). The results of THE HOPE feasibility trial will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences and disseminated to local stakeholders and policymakers.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN75347421.
What does social cognition look like in everyday social functioning in Huntington’s disease? A protocol for a scoping review to explore and synthesise knowledge about social cognition alongside day-to-day social functioning of people with Huntington’s disease
Authors: Fisher Alexandra , Lavis Anna , Greenfield Sheila , Rickards Hugh
Published: July 2023

Introduction

Social cognition is problematic in Huntington’s disease (HD). Despite the observations of clinicians and families, there is minimal empirical literature about how it presents in daily life and the impact on social functioning. This protocol forms the basis of a scoping review to synthesise both the quantitative knowledge and qualitative experiences of the HD community so that a visual and narrative map can address what is known and what is not known for the benefit of the community and clinicians and academics alike.

Methods and analyses

An umbrella scoping review of previous work and a scoping review of newer studies of social cognition and social functioning will be undertaken. The electronic databases PubMed, Medline, PsycINFO, Web of Science, Scopus, Embase and CINAHL will be searched to identify eligible studies from starting from 2003 to June 2023. A grey literature search and grey data search will also be undertaken. Quality appraisal of the included documents will use the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme and Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance checklists. A data charting table will be used for data extraction, with analysis of qualitative data using the framework method. The review findings will be presented in a visual form and in a narrative summary.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical review is not usually required as scoping reviews are produced via secondary data analysis, however, this protocol includes the use of grey data from a charity web forum and so in line with best practice for internet mediated research ethical review was sought and approved (STEM Ethical Review Committee, University of Birmingham-ERN_21-1028A). Review findings will be shared with service users and disseminated through a peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and hosted via the website of the patient association charity the HD Association.
Study protocol for data to suppression (D2S): a cluster-randomised, stepped-wedge effectiveness trial of a reporting and capacity-building intervention to improve HIV viral suppression in housing and behavioural health programmes in New York City
Authors: Irvine Mary K , Abdelqader Faisal , Levin Bruce , Thomas Jacinthe , Avoundjian Tigran , Peterson Meghan , Zimba Rebecca , Braunstein Sarah L , Robertson McKaylee M , Nash Denis
Published: July 2023

Introduction

With progress in the ‘diagnose’, ‘link’ and ‘retain’ stages of the HIV care continuum, viral suppression (VS) gains increasingly hinge on antiretroviral adherence among people with HIV (PWH) retained in care. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that unsuppressed viral load among PWH in care accounts for 20% of onward transmission. HIV intervention strategies include ‘data to care’ (D2C)—using surveillance to identify out-of-care PWH for follow-up. However, most D2C efforts target care linkage, not antiretroviral adherence, and limit client-level data sharing to medical (versus support-service) providers. Drawing on lessons learnt in D2C and successful local pilots, we designed a ‘data-to-suppression’ intervention that offers HIV support-service programmes surveillance-based reports listing their virally unsuppressed clients and capacity-building assistance for quality-improvement activities. We aimed to scale and test the intervention in agencies delivering Ryan White HIV/AIDS Programme-funded behavioural health and housing services.

Methods and analysis

To estimate intervention effects, this study applies a cross-sectional, stepped-wedge design to the intervention’s rollout to 27 agencies randomised within matched pairs to early or delayed implementation. Data from three 12-month periods (pre-implementation, partial implementation and full implementation) will be examined to assess intervention effects on timely VS (within 6 months of a report listing the client as needing follow-up for VS). Based on projected enrolment (n=1619) and a pre-implementation outcome probability of 0.40–0.45, the detectable effect size with 80% power is an OR of 2.12 (relative risk: 1.41–1.46).

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the New York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene’s institutional review board (protocol: 21–036) with a waiver of informed consent. Findings will be disseminated via publications, conferences and meetings including provider-agency representatives.

Trial registration number

NCT05140421.
Prevalence, risk factors, and mortality of COPD in young people in the USA: results from a population-based retrospective cohort
Authors: Wang Zihui , Li Yun , Lin Junfeng , Huang Jinhai , Zhang Qing , Wang Fengyan , Tan Lunfang , Liu Shuyi , Gao Yuan , Peng Shiyin , Fang Heai , Weng Yuting , Li Shiyin , Gao Yi , Zhong Nanshan , Zheng Jinping
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) has been considered a disease of the elderly, but it could also occur in young people aged 20–50 years. However, the characteristics and prognosis of COPD in such young people remain unclear.

Methods

Our retrospective cohort study was based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Participants who 20–50 years old at baseline and completed the pulmonary function test were enrolled in our study cohort. These participants were followed up to 31 December 2019. The sample weight and Taylor Linearization Procedures were adapted to make representative estimations of prevalence and baseline characteristics. The weighted logistic regression model was used to assess the risk factors. The propensity score method and Cox proportional hazard models were applied to calculate the risk of mortality.

Results

The weighted prevalence of COPD in young people in the USA was 1.64% and it increased with age, with a higher prevalence in males than females (2.59% vs 0.72%, p<0.001). The proportion of Global Initiative for COPD 1–2 was 96.7%. Males (OR=4.56, 95% CI: 2.74 to 7.61), non-Hispanic black (OR=2.77; 95% CI: 1.14 to 6.75), non-Hispanic white (OR=4.93; 95% CI: 2.16 to 11.28) and smoking (current smoking, OR=2.36; 95% CI: 1.40 to 3.98; ever smoking, OR=1.92; 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.51; passive smoking, OR=2.12; 95% CI: 1.41 to 3.20) were shown to be independent risk factors for COPD in young people. Compared with those matched by sex, age and race, the young people with COPD had a higher risk of all-cause death (HR=3.314, p<0.001).

Conclusion

COPD in young people has a low prevalence in the USA and its independent risk factors included male, race (non-Hispanic black and non-Hispanic white) and smoking. Young COPD has a higher risk of all-cause mortality than the matched non-COPD.
Bisoprolol versus celiprolol on dynamic hyperinflation, cardiopulmonary exercise and domiciliary safety in COPD: a single-centre, randomised, crossover study
Authors: Anderson William , Short Philip , Ross Rose , Lipworth Brian J
Published: July 2023

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is frequently associated with cardiovascular disease. The utility of beta-blockers for treating patients with COPD may be beneficial, but their safety remains uncertain, including worsening of dynamic hyperinflation (DH) during exercise. We hypothesised that among cardioselective beta-blockers celiprolol, due to its partial beta-2 agonist activity, may be safer than bisoprolol on exercise DH.

Methods

We measured isotime inspiratory capacity (IC) during cycle endurance testing in eleven moderate-severe COPD subjects, alongside other non-invasive cardiopulmonary exercise, bioreactance cardiac output, pulmonary function, biomarkers and daily domiciliary measures. Participants received titrated doses of either bisoprolol (maximim 5 mg) or celiprolol (maximum 400 mg) in randomised crossover fashion, each over 4 weeks.

Results

Clinically relevant DH occurred between resting and exercise isotime IC but showed no significant difference with either beta-blocker compared with post-run-in pooled baseline or between treatments. There were no other significant differences observed for remaining exercise ventilatory; non-invasive cardiac output; resting pulmonary function; beta-2 receptor and cardiac biomarkers; domiciliary pulmonary function, oxygen saturation and symptom outcomes, either between treatments or compared with baseline. No significant adverse effects occurred.

Conclusions

Significant DH in moderate-severe COPD subjects was no different between bisoprolol or celiprolol or versus baseline. A broad spectrum of other non-invasive cardiopulmonary and domiciliary safety outcomes was equally reassuring. Bronchoprotection with a concomitant long-acting muscarinic antagonist might be an important safety measure in this context.

Trial registration number

NCT02380053.
Mourning the frozen: considering the relational implications of cryonics
Authors: Hillenbrink Robin , Wareham Christopher Simon
Published: July 2023

Cryonics is the preservation of legally dead human bodies at the temperature of liquid nitrogen in the hope that future technologies will be able to revive them. In philosophical debates surrounding this practice, arguments often focus on prudential implications of cryopreservation, or moral arguments on a societal level. In this paper, we claim that this debate is incomplete, since it does not take into account a significant relational concern about cryonics. Specifically, we argue that attention should be paid to the potential implications of cryopreservation for the mourning processes of surviving loved ones. Cryopreservation increases the likelihood of disruption of the practical and mental tasks involved in a successful mourning process, which can negatively impact survivors of the cryopreserved patient. To illustrate my argument, we will draw on a case study from the 2019 documentaryHope Frozen. We aim to introduce this concern, in order to gain a more complete view on the potential implications of cryopreservation.
Definition of gravitational local spatial densities for spin-0 and spin-1/2 systems
Authors: Panteleeva J. Yu. , Epelbaum E. , Gegelia J. , Meißner U. -G.
Published: July 2023

We work out details of defining the spatial densities corresponding to the gravitational form factors of spin-0 and spin-1/2 systems using spherically symmetric sharply localized wave packets. The expressions for the spatial densities are provided in the frames with both zero and non-zero expectation values of the momentum operator.
Spatial distribution of solar PV deployment: an application of the region-based convolutional neural network
Authors: Kim Serena Y. , Ganesan Koushik , Soderman Crystal , O’Rourke Raven
Published: July 2023

Solar photovoltaic (PV) deployment plays a crucial role in the transition to renewable energy. However, comprehensive models that can effectively explain the variations in solar PV deployment are lacking. This study aims to address this gap by introducing two innovative models: (i) a computer vision model that can estimate spatial distribution of solar PV deployment across neighborhoods using satellite images and (ii) a machine learning (ML) model predicting such distribution based on 43 factors. Our computer vision model using Faster Regions with Convolutional Neural Network (Faster RCNN) achieved a mean Average Precision (mAP) of 81% for identifying solar panels and 95% for identifying roofs. Using this model, we analyzed 652,795 satellite images from Colorado, USA, and found that approximately 7% of households in Colorado have rooftop PV systems, while solar panels cover around 2.5% of roof areas in the state as of early 2021. Of our 16 predictive models, the XGBoost models performed the best, explaining approximately 70% of the variance in rooftop solar deployment. We also found that the share of Democratic party votes, hail and strong wind risks, median home value, the percentage of renters, and solar PV permitting timelines are the key predictors of rooftop solar deployment in Colorado. This study provides insights for business and policy decision making to support more efficient and equitable grid infrastructure investment and distributed energy resource management.
Multiple computations for MHD flow of graphene-oxide nanofluid with radiative heat transfer within porous medium
Authors: Hashim  , Rehman Sohail , Afef Kallekh , Bibi Iqra
Published: July 2023

This paper describes the fundamental characteristics of cavitation in non-Newtonian liquids and bubble dynamics and then applies them to the domains of bioengineering and biomedicine. The goal of this paper is to examine how Newtonian nanomaterial flows hydromagnetically when subjected to a spinning disc considering such biomedical and bioengineering applications. The vertical axis of the disc rotates with a uniform angular frequency. The fundamental mathematical expressions are governed by the Navier–Stokes equations with the Maxwell equations of magnetism, we obtained ordinary differential equations utilizing Von Kármán’s similarity transformations. Additionally, the effects of the magnetic field and radiation restrictions are considered. The RK-4 technique is used to solve the transmuted nonlinear ODEs. The analysis of MATLAB generated flow profiles has looked for changes in the values of key parameters. It is discovered that an increase in the thermal radiation parameter causes a decrease in the nanofluid temperature while an increase in the volume fraction of magnetite nanoparticles causes an increase. The skin-friction and heat-transfer rate at the disc are highly influenced by its rotational, the porosity of the porous media, thermal radiation and nanoparticle size. The rotational parameter, which regulates the disk’s rotation, is a result of the rotating phenomenon. The research demonstrates that when the disk’s rotation increases, the fluid motion accelerates in both the radial and cross-radial directions. Additionally, increasing the Prandtl number significantly improves heat transport, and a higher value for the rotation parameter shows a lesser concentration phenomenon. Additionally, the Nusselt number shows a decrease curve for a changeable thermal conductivity parameter. Finally, the current research can effectively close a gap in the physique of knowledge.
Research Again Origin of the Asymmetry Between Matter and Antimatter — Energy Basic State Field of the Universe (∐)
Authors: Yang Xiaodong , Yang Yuchen , Luo Zhen , Bi Yuanbo
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we introduce the Dirac equation and the hole theory of antiparticle generation, and the history of antiparticle discover. We study of the physical properties of the antiparticles; we point out that antigravity does not exist. We introduce the ideas of two talented physicists and Cabibbo theory which have important influence on the research of origin of the matter–antimatter asymmetry, we propose that the “Dirac energy sea” is compatible with Feynman’s idea that antiparticles are “time reversals” of particles and be used to analyze some cosmological problems. In this paper, we review and analyze a lot of literatures about the asymmetry research on matter and antimatter generation, the available data from astronomical observations, and we can conclude that: everything around us within [Formula: see text] light-years is made of matter the present-day observable universe most likely does not contain significant amounts of antimatter. We provide extensive analysis and introduce observation of antimatter from space, review massive literature on related research, it shows that the present theory cannot give a reasonable explanation for this problem, the origin of matter–antimatter asymmetry remains unknown, although continuing advances in theory and improved experiment limits have ruled out some scenarios, for example, sphaleron-leptogenesis at the electroweak phase transition in the Standard Model and so on. Based on Huang’s theory of the creating of cosmic matter and my idea of the existence of energy basic state field (EBSF) in the universe, we point out the quantum turbulence generated by quantum super-fluidity in the initial period of the formation of the universe, a large number of high-energy solitons (matter) are formed after the Big Bang, it is called Huang-yang mechanism, which is different from the mechanism of antimatter creation and annihilation. In this paper, we also research that the production and annihilation of positive and negative matter promote to further evolving nuclear synthesis to form nucleons. It is absolutely not a perfect mirror symmetry between matter and antimatter when universe creations primordial matter.
Towards a Unified Pandemic Management Architecture: Survey, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Roy Satyaki , Ghosh Nirnay , Uplavikar Nitish , Ghosh Preetam
Published: July 2023

The pandemic caused by Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has impacted the economy, health, and society. Emerging strains are making pandemic management challenging. There is an urge to collect epidemiological, clinical, and physiological data to make an informed decision on mitigation. Advances in the Internet of Things (IoT) and edge computing provide solutions for pandemic management through data collection and intelligent computation. While existing data-driven architectures operate on specific application domains and attempt to automate decision-making, they do not capture the multifaceted interaction among computational models, communication infrastructure, and data. In this article, we survey the existing approaches for pandemic management, including data repositories and contact-tracing applications. We envision a unified pandemic management architecture that leverages the IoT and edge computing paradigms to automate recommendations on vaccine distribution, dynamic lockdown, mobility scheduling, and pandemic trend prediction. We elucidate the data flow among the layers, namely, cloud, edge, and end device layers. Moreover, we address the privacy implications, threats, regulations, and solutions that may be adapted to optimize the utility of health data with security guarantees. The article ends with a discussion of the limitations of the architecture and research directions to enhance its practicality.
Neurovascular and hemodynamic responses to mental stress and exercise in severe COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Faria Diego , Moll-Bernardes Renata , Testa Laura , Moniz Camila M. V. , Rodrigues Erika C. , Mota Jose M. , Souza Francis R. , Alves Maria Janieire N. N. , Ono Bruna E. , Izaias João E. , Sales Artur O. , Rodrigues Thais S. , Salemi Vera M. C. , Jordão Camila P. , De Angelis Katia , Craighead Daniel H. , Rossman Matthew J. , Bortolotto Luiz A. , Consolim-Colombo Fernanda M. , Irigoyen Maria C. C. , Seals Douglas R. , Negrão Carlos E. , Sales Allan R. K.
Published: July 2023

Previous studies show that COVID-19 survivors have elevated muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA), endothelial dysfunction, and aortic stiffening. However, the neurovascular responses to mental stress and exercise are still unexplored. We hypothesized that COVID-19 survivors, compared with age- and body mass index (BMI)-matched control subjects, exhibit abnormal neurovascular responses to mental stress and physical exercise. Fifteen severe COVID-19 survivors (aged: 49 ± 2 yr, BMI: 30 ± 1 kg/m2) and 15 well-matched control subjects (aged: 46 ± 3 yr, BMI: 29 ± 1 kg/m2) were studied. MSNA (microneurography), forearm blood flow (FBF), and forearm vascular conductance (FVC, venous occlusion plethysmography), mean arterial pressure (MAP, Finometer), and heart rate (HR, ECG) were measured during a 3-min mental stress (Stroop Color-Word Test) and during a 3-min isometric handgrip exercise (30% of maximal voluntary contraction). During mental stress, MSNA (frequency and incidence) responses were higher in COVID-19 survivors than in controls ( P < 0.001), and FBF and FVC responses were attenuated ( P < 0.05). MAP was similar between the groups ( P > 0.05). In contrast, the MSNA (frequency and incidence) and FBF and FVC responses to handgrip exercise were similar between the groups ( P > 0.05). MAP was lower in COVID-19 survivors ( P < 0.05). COVID-19 survivors exhibit an exaggerated MSNA and blunted vasodilatory response to mental challenge compared with healthy adults. However, the neurovascular response to handgrip exercise is preserved in COVID-19 survivors. Overall, the abnormal neurovascular control in response to mental stress suggests that COVID-19 survivors may have an increased risk to cardiovascular events during mental challenge.
Repellency Potential, Chemical Constituents of Ocimum Plant Essential Oils, and Their Headspace Volatiles against Anopheles gambiae s. s., Malaria Vector
Authors: Osei-Owusu Jonathan , Heve William K. , Aidoo Owusu Fordjour , Jnr Opoku Maxwell , Apau Joseph , Dadzie Kodwo Ninsin , Vigbedor Bright Yaw , Awuah-Mensah Kwaafo Akoto , Appiah Margaret , Acheampong Akwasi , Birkett Michael , Hooper Antony
Published: July 2023

African malaria mosquitoes (Anopheles gambiae sensu stricto) transmit a malaria parasite (Plasmodium falciparum) to humans. The current control strategies for the vector have mainly focussed on synthetic products, which negatively impact the environment and human health. Given the potential use of environmentally friendly plant-derived volatiles as a control, this work aims to examine and compare the repellency potential of essential oils and headspace volatiles from Ocimum gratissimum, Ocimum tenuiflorum, and Ocimum basilicum and their chemical compositions. The repellency potential and chemical composition of the plants were achieved by using the protected arm-in-cage method and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Among the three Ocimum species, both the essential oils and the headspace volatiles from O. tenuiflorum achieved the longest repellency time lengths of 90–120 minutes. One hundred and one (101) chemical constituents were identified in the headspace volatiles of the three Ocimum spp. Nonetheless, (−)-camphor, (E)-γ-bisabolene, terpinolene, β-chamigrene, cubedol, (E)-farnesol, germacrene D-4-ol, viridiflorol, γ-eudesmol, tetracyclo [6.3.2.0 (2,5).0(1,8)] tridecan-9-ol, 4,4-dimethyl, α-eudesmol, isolongifolol, and endo-borneol were unique only to O. tenuiflorum headspace volatiles. Either essential oils or headspace volatiles from O. tenuiflorum could offer longer protection time length to humans against An. gambiae. Though field studies are needed to assess the complementarity between the chemical constituents in the headspace volatiles of O. tenuiflorum, our observations provide a foundation for developing effective repellents against An. gambiae.
Magnitude and Determinant Factors of Pediatrics Seizures in Pediatrics Emergency Unit at Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, 2020: A Retrospective and Descriptive Study
Authors: Habtamu Asaminew , Argaw Rahel , Tuli Wagari , Moges Ayalew
Published: July 2023

Background. One of the most prevalent medical problems affecting kids is epilepsy, which is the most prevalent chronic neurological condition in kids in both developed and developing nations. The spectrum of diseases that make up childhood epilepsy syndromes ranges from mild to potentially fatal. Children may experience seizures due to a variety of illnesses, such as infection, severe brain injury, and anatomical deformity. It is the foremost visit calculates in neurological and cognitive impedance in children in low-income countries as well as the foremost common reason for pediatric clinic confirmations in children from destitute countries. All things considered, constrained things have been conducted in Ethiopia. Hence, this ponder points to survey the size and related variables of pediatric seizures among children conceded to Tikur Anbessa pediatric emergency. Methods. By looking through 256 patient charts, an institution-based retrospective cross-sectional analysis was done. Data collection utilized a systematic checklist that had been evaluated beforehand. The EpiData version 4.4.2.2 was used to enter the data, which was then exported for analysis to the SPSS version 25. Binary logistic regression and descriptive statistics were employed. Variables from the bivariate analysis that had a

p

-value of less than 0.25 were carried over to multivariate analysis. The strength and existence of the link were assessed using adjusted odds ratios with a 95% confidence interval and a

p

-value of 0.05, respectively. Result. Patients’ ages ranged from 3.7 to 2.8 years on average. 4.5% of patients had seizures, and 155 of them (60.5%) were men, with a male-to-female ratio of (1.5 : 1). Males and females experienced seizures on average at 1.3 (95% CI: 1.1, 1.5) and 2 (95% CI: 1.6, 2.5) years old, respectively. AOR: 2.68 (95% CI: 1.192, 6.68,

p
=
0.02

) and AOR: 2.8 (95% CI: 2.576, 5.302,

p
=
0.04

) both demonstrated statistically significant correlations with pediatric seizure. Conclusion. A vast number of children experienced convulsions, with generalized seizures being the most prevalent form. The chances of a child having a seizure were linked to their family history and where they were born. Therefore, health workers and other people who are involved in healthcare need to work harder on the factors that they have already identified.