bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
So close, no matter how far: A spatial analysis of CO2 emissions considering geographic and economic distances
Authors: Bolea Lucía , Espinosa‐Gracia Adrián , Jimenez Sofía
Published: April 2023

In recent years, the effects of climate change have become a topic of growing interest in the literature. Many works claimed the importance of spillover effects while studying CO2 emissions. Most part of them considers these indirect effects from a geographical perspective. The reduction of transportation costs makes other factors more important. Thus, the main aim of this paper is to analyse the existence of spatial dependence, considering geographical and economic proximity and comparing both measures. Empirically, we make use of the World Input–Output database with a worldwide focus from 2000 to 2014. Based on an environmentally extended multiregional input–output model, we estimate the CO2 emissions embodied in the domestic production and international trade between countries. To analyse the dependence from both perspectives, we carry out a spatial econometric analysis and make use of two different spatial weight matrices. The results offer a new approach on this field, highlighting the importance of the spillover effects to explain the CO2 emissions of the local country, showing that economic proximity is even more important than geographical one.
Diagnóstico intraquirúrgico de íleo meconial en un paciente con tamizaje metabólico positivo para fibrosis quística.
Authors: Silva Valencia María Juliana , Salamanca Gallo Edgar , Gallardo Arevalo Michell Stefany , García María Isabel
Published: April 2023

El íleo meconial se define como la retención de meconio, usualmente en el íleon distal, que produce en el recién nacido un cuadro de obstrucción intestinal en los primeros días, por diferentes causas; sin embargo, la fibrosis quística representa el 15%-20% de los casos. De ahí que durante el diagnóstico posnatal, el tamizaje básico neonatal cobra especial importancia, debido a la facilidad de su realización, mediante la medición del tripsinógeno inmunorreactivo, prueba de obligatorio procesamiento en Colombia desde 2019. El artículo presenta el caso de un recién nacido con diagnóstico prenatal y hallazgos posnatales de obstrucción intestinal llevado a cirugía, y en quien se encontraron perlas de meconio. Se describe su diagnóstico, evolución, complicaciones y retos en el manejo.
Aproximaciones y debates de la territorialidad en el Modelo Territorial de Salud de Bogotá (Colombia)
Authors: Albornoz Sánchez Mateo , Martínez Mayerly , Cepeda-Gil Magda Cristina , Martínez-Álvarez Eddier , Cadena-Camargo Yazmín , Rodríguez Viviana
Published: April 2023

Para garantizar el funcionamiento de los modelos de atención primaria en salud (APS) se requiere el entendimiento claro del concepto territorio-territorialidad, que permite situar al creador y tomador de las decisiones políticas no solo en un espacio geográfico sobre el cual tiene que intervenir, sino también en la comprensión de las dinámicas sociales que se crean en torno al lugar que se habita. Este artículo tiene por objetivo aportar a la identificación y construcción de la definición de territorialidad en el contexto de modelos de APS. Para ello, primero, se realizó una búsqueda sistemática de la literatura en diferentes plataformas virtuales, que permitieron identificar las definiciones de territorio, territorialidad y ruralidad en el contexto de modelos de atención primaria y comunitaria en salud. Se incluyeron documentos en español, inglés y portugués, y documentos de algunas entidades públicas de Colombia. Segundo, se llevaron a cabo entrevistas grupales tipo café mundial, por medio de las cuales se conoció la opinión de personas de la comunidad y la institucionalidad, en relación con los temas investigados. A partir de las nuevas definiciones de territorio, territorialidad y ruralidad se concluye que la comprensión e inclusión del concepto territorialidad producto de este documento esté contemplada en el diseño, desarrollo y ejecución de los planes, programas y proyectos en salud pública que se realizan para cada territorio, puesto que se considera un aspecto clave para alcanzar el éxito en relación con la implementación de los modelos de atención en salud.
A Robust Density-Based Approach to Production Data Analysis of Oil/Water Multiphase Flow System
Authors: Tran Kien , Garcez Jonathan , Ayala Luis F.
Published: April 2023

This paper presents a novel approach to estimate reserves of oil and water reservoirs undergoing boundary-dominated flow conditions in a simplified yet accurate manner. The methodology incorporates rescaled density-based exponential models and is based on the coupling of two-phase oil and water material balances with multiphase well deliverability equations. Current multiphase production data analysis methods employed for reserve calculations, including density-based approach, are subjected to the determination of saturation–pressure relationship, multiphase pseudo-pressure, and pseudo-time, as well as the iterative nature of its own algorithm. The herein proposed approach circumvents the need for pseudo-variables calculations, thus precluding the determination of saturation–pressure relationship and removing the iterative nature often present in state-of-the-art approaches. The proposed model is validated by comparing its predictions to numerical models with both constant and variable bottomhole pressure constrains, and has been found to match closely. For all cases, relative errors are found to be less than 1%.
Acute Ketone Monoester Supplementation Impairs 20-min Time-Trial Performance in Trained Cyclists: A Randomized, Crossover Trial
Authors: McCarthy Devin G. , Bone Jack , Fong Matthew , Pinckaers Phillippe J.M. , Bostad William , Richards Douglas L. , van Loon Luc J.C. , Gibala Martin J.
Published: April 2023

Acute ketone monoester (KE) supplementation can alter exercise responses, but the performance effect is unclear. The limited and equivocal data to date are likely related to factors including the KE dose, test conditions, and caliber of athletes studied. We tested the hypothesis that mean power output during a 20-min cycling time trial (TT) would be different after KE ingestion compared to a placebo (PL). A sample size of 22 was estimated to provide 80% power to detect an effect size dz of 0.63 at an alpha level of .05 with a two-tailed paired t test. This determination considered 2.0% as the minimal important difference in performance. Twenty-three trained cyclists (N = 23; peak oxygen uptake: 65 ± 12 ml·kg−1 min−1; M ± SD), who were regularly cycling >5 hr/week, completed a familiarization trial followed by two experimental trials. Participants self-selected and replicated their diet and exercise for ∼24 hr before each trial. Participants ingested either 0.35 g/kg body mass of (R)-3-hydroxybutyl (R)-3-hydroxybutyrate KE or a flavor-matched PL 30 min before exercise in a randomized, triple-blind, crossover manner. Exercise involved a 15-min warm-up followed by the 20-min TT on a cycle ergometer. The only feedback provided was time elapsed. Preexercise venous [β-hydroxybutyrate] was higher after KE versus PL (2.0 ± 0.6 vs. 0.2 ± 0.1 mM, p < .0001). Mean TT power output was 2.4% (0.6% to 4.1%; mean [95% confidence interval]) lower after KE versus PL (255 ± 54 vs. 261 ± 54 W, p < .01; dz = 0.60). The mechanistic basis for the impaired TT performance after KE ingestion under the present study conditions remains to be determined.
Validity and Reliability of the V-Cut Dribbling Test in Young Basketball Players
Authors: Jòdar-Portas Anna , López-Ros Víctor , Prats-Puig Anna , Beltran-Garrido José V. , Madruga-Parera Marc , Romero-Rodríguez Daniel , Gonzalo-Skok Oliver , Sinclair Graham , Font-Lladó Raquel
Published: April 2023

Purpose: Change of direction while dribbling appears to be of interest for on-court performance in basketball. The study aim was to assess the validity and reliability of the V-cut dribbling test (VcutBk) in young basketball players. Methods: Ninety-two young basketball players from 8 to 21 years old (74% male) were classified in relation to peak height velocity (PHV) offset. To examine validity and test–retest reliability, VcutBk was performed in 2 identical sessions separated by 1 week. Participants also performed the V-cut test and linear sprint test with and without dribbling to analyze correlations between tests in different somatic maturity stages. Results: The relationships of the VcutBk with the other tests and skill-time-related deficits were interpreted from large (r > .51) to very large (r > .71). The comparisons between pre-PHV and post-PHV groups of basketball players showed significant and large effect in the VcutBk (d = 2.04; mean difference = 2.59; 95% CI, 1.86 to 3.32). Also, significant main effects when comparing PHV groups were reported in all skill-time-related deficits (P < .001, , moderate to large effect size). Test–retest reliability and signal-to-noise ratio analysis did not show substantial between-trials differences in VcutBk. Reliability scores showed high intraclass correlation coefficient (.95) and low coefficient of variation (0.23%). Conclusions: The VcutBk seems to be a valid and reliable test to assess change of direction while dribbling. VcutBk performance and skill-time-related deficits seem to be sensitive to somatic maturity. Basketball coaches should consider the VcutBk to assess young basketball players.
An Assessment of State-Level Planning for Physical Activity Promotion in the United States
Authors: Kohl Harold W. , Johnson Ashleigh M. , Dooley Erin E. , Towner Brooke , Pate Russell R. , Heischmidt Kurt , Elliott Eloise M.
Published: April 2023

The prevalence and attributable risk of disease due to physical inactivity require it to be made a public health priority. Public health planning allows for prioritization and resource allocation, particularly at the state and local levels. The extent to which state planning efforts for physical activity exist in the United States is unknown. The purpose of this paper is to describe the scope in which physical activity is incorporated in state-level public health plans in the United States, with an emphasis on alignment with the national guidelines and the National Physical Activity Plan. A standardized internet search audit was developed and conducted for each of 50 US states and the District of Columbia between May 2017 and January 2018 to determine the prevalence and characteristics of health planning documents that include physical activity. Data abstracted for analysis used a standardized search protocol that included the components of the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and the US National Physical Activity Plan. Results found that most states had between 4 and 6 chronic disease prevention and control plans that mention physical activity; however, it was inconsistently aligned with recommendations from both the Guidelines and the National Plan. Only 2 states had stand-alone public health planning documents explicitly dedicated to physical activity promotion. No state planning documents addressed children and adolescents, adults, and older adults simultaneously. To be maximally effective, state public health planning for physical activity should be made a priority and these efforts should align as much as possible with current guidance from the Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans and the US National Physical Activity Plan.
Population Pharmacokinetics and Dose Evaluation of Cycloserine among Patients with Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis under Standardized Treatment Regimens
Authors: Zhu Yue , Zhu Limei , Davies Forsman Lina , Paues Jakob , Werngren Jim , Niward Katarina , Schön Thomas , Bruchfeld Judith , Xiong Haiyan , Alffenaar Jan-Willem , Hu Yi
Published: April 2023

Although cycloserine is a recommended drug for the treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) according to World Health Organization (WHO), few studies have reported on pharmacokinetics (PK) and/or pharmacodynamics (PD) data of cycloserine in patients with standardized MDR-TB treatment. This study aimed to estimate the population PK parameters for cycloserine and to identify clinically relevant PK/PD thresholds, as well as to evaluate the current recommended dosage.
Syntrophic Propionate Oxidation: One of the Rate-Limiting Steps of Organic Matter Decomposition in Anoxic Environments
Authors: Jin Yidan , Lu Yahai
Published: April 2023

Syntrophic propionate oxidation is one of the rate-limiting steps during anaerobic decomposition of organic matter in anoxic environments. Syntrophic propionate-oxidizing bacteria (SPOB) are members of the “rare biosphere” living at the edge of the thermodynamic limit in most natural habitats.
Identification and Comparison of the Sialic Acid-Binding Domain Characteristics of Avian Coronavirus Infectious Bronchitis Virus Spike Protein
Authors: You Renrong , Liu Kangchengyin , Huang Min , Tang Lihua , Zhang Xuehui , Huang Yahui , Zhao Jing , Zhao Ye , Ye Lilin , Zhang Guozhong
Published: April 2023

To date, only α-2,3-linked sialic acid has been identified as a potential host binding receptor for IBV. Here, we show the minimum region constituting the sialic acid binding domain (SABD) and the binding characteristics of the S1 subunit of spike (S) protein of IBV strains SD (GI-19), GD (GI-7), and M41 (GI-1) to various sialic acids.
Cell Entry of Avian Reovirus Modulated by Cell-Surface Annexin A2 and Adhesion G Protein-Coupled Receptor Latrophilin-2 Triggers Src and p38 MAPK Signaling Enhancing Caveolin-1- and Dynamin 2-Dependent Endocytosis
Authors: Huang Wei-Ru , Wu Yi-Ying , Liao Tsai-Ling , Nielsen Brent L. , Liu Hung-Jen
Published: April 2023

By analyzing results from VOPBA and LC-MS/MS, we have determined that cell-surface AnxA2 and ADGRL2 modulate ARV entry. After ARV binding to receptors, Src and p38 MAPK signaling were triggered and, in turn, increased the phosphorylation of caveolin-1 (Tyr14) and upregulated dynamin 2 expression to facilitate caveolin-1–mediated and dynamin 2-dependent endocytosis.
Chemical Inhibition of Bromodomain Proteins in Insect-Stage African Trypanosomes Perturbs Silencing of the Variant Surface Glycoprotein Repertoire and Results in Widespread Changes in the Transcriptome
Authors: Ashby Ethan C. , Havens Jennifer L. , Rollosson Lindsey M. , Hardin Johanna , Schulz Danae
Published: April 2023

The disease African trypanosomiasis imposes a severe human and economic burden for communities in sub-Saharan Africa. The parasite that causes the disease is transmitted to the bloodstream of a human or ungulate via the tsetse fly.
Two-Component Response Regulator OmpR Regulates Mucoviscosity through Energy Metabolism in Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Wang Lijun , Huang Xueting , Jin Qian , Tang Jie , Zhang Hua , Zhang Jing-Ren , Wu Hui
Published: April 2023

Hypermucoviscosity is a critical virulent factor for
Klebsiella pneumoniae
infections, and its regulation remains poorly understood at the molecular level. This study aims to address this knowledge gap by investigating the role of response regulators in mediating hypermucoviscosity in
K. pneumoniae
.
Ammonoid extinction versus nautiloid survival: Is metabolism responsible?
Authors: Tajika Amane , Landman Neil H. , Cochran J. Kirk , Nishida Kozue , Shirai Kotaro , Ishimura Toyoho , Murakami-Sugihara Naoko , Sato Kei
Published: April 2023

Understanding the mechanism of selective extinction is important in predicting the impact of anthropogenic environmental changes on current ecosystems. The selective extinction of externally shelled cephalopods at the Cretaceous-Paleogene (K-Pg) mass extinction event (ammonoids versus nautiloids) is often studied, but its mechanism is still debated. We investigate the differences in metabolic rate between these two groups to further explore the causes of selective extinction. We use a novel metabolic proxy—the fraction of metabolic carbon in the stable carbon isotope ratio of shell material (Cmeta)—to determine metabolic rate. Using this approach, we document significant differences in Cmeta among modern cephalopod taxa (Nautilus spp., Argonauta argo, Dosidicus gigas, Sepia officinalis, and Spirula spirula). Our results are consistent with estimates based on oxygen consumption, suggesting that this proxy is a reliable indicator of metabolic rate. We then use this approach to determine the metabolic rates of ammonoids and nautiloids that lived at the end of the Cretaceous (Maastrichtian). Our results show that the nautiloid Eutrephoceras, which survived the K-Pg mass extinction event, possessed a lower metabolic rate than co-occurring ammonoids (Baculites, Eubaculites, Discoscaphites, and Hoploscaphites). We conclude that the lower metabolic rate in nautiloids was an advantage during a time of environmental deterioration (surface-water acidification and resulting decrease in plankton) following the Chicxulub asteroid impact.
Rifampin urinary excretion to predict serum targets in children with tuberculosis: a prospective diagnostic accuracy study
Authors: Thomas Tania A , Lukumay Saning'o , Yu Sijia , Rao Prakruti , Siemiątkowska Anna , Kagan Leonid , Augustino Domitila , Mejan Paulo , Mosha Restituta , Handler Deborah , Petros de Guex Kristen , Mmbaga Blandina , Pfaeffle Herman , Reiss Robert , Peloquin Charles A , Vinnard Christopher , Mduma Estomih , Xie Yingda L , Heysell Scott K
Published: April 2023

Objective

Pharmacokinetic variability drives tuberculosis (TB) treatment outcomes but measurement of serum drug concentrations for personalised dosing is inaccessible for children in TB-endemic settings. We compared rifampin urine excretion for prediction of a serum target associated with treatment outcome.

Design

Prospective diagnostic accuracy study.

Setting

Inpatient wards and outpatient clinics, northern Tanzania.

Patients

Children aged 4–17 years were consecutively recruited on initiation of WHO-approved treatment regimens.

Interventions

Samples were collected after directly observed therapy at least 2 weeks after initiation in the intensive phase: serum at pre-dose and 1, 2 and 6 hours post-dose, later analysed by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry for calculation of rifampin total exposure or area under the concentration time curve (AUC0-24); urine at post-dose intervals of 0–4, 4–8 and 8–24 hours, with rifampin excretion amount measured onsite by spectrophotometry.

Main outcome measures

Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for percentage of rifampin dose excreted in urine measured by spectrophotometry to predict serum rifampin AUC0–24target of 31.7 mg*hour/L.

Results

89 children, 52 (58%) female, with median age of 9.1 years, had both serum and urine collection. Only 59 (66%) reached the serum AUC0–24target, reflected by a range of urine excretion patterns. Area under the ROC curve for percentage of rifampin dose excreted in urine over 24 hours predicting serum AUC0–24target was 69.3% (95% CI 56.7% to 81.8%), p=0.007.

Conclusions

Urine spectrophotometry correlated with a clinically relevant serum target for rifampin, representing a step toward personalised dosing for children in TB-endemic settings.
Evaluation of age-banded dosing of oral paracetamol in hospitalised children: a retrospective analysis using clinical data in a tertiary paediatric hospital
Authors: Wright Kirstie , Craske Jennie , Gill Andrea , Jenson John , Arnold Philip
Published: April 2023

Objective

To evaluate age-banded dosing in paediatric inpatients by determining the proportion of patients whose dose would fall outside the therapeutic range (by weight).

Design

A retrospective observational study. Weight and height measurements and details of hospital admissions were matched from the electronic patient record of a single, tertiary paediatric hospital. Dosage which would be given according to age-banded dosing was then compared with their weight.

Participants

All children admitted to a single tertiary children’s hospital aged 3 months to 16 years over a 5-year period. Data were cleaned to remove values likely to be erroneous and filtered to reduce bias due to patients who were admitted on multiple occasions.

Outcomes

The main outcome was the proportion of patients who would receive a subtherapeutic or supratherapeutic paracetamol dose if given a dose based on their age. Secondary outcomes were to examine this in children of different ages and to examine the impact of alternative size-based dosing strategies.

Results

100 047 admissions (in 68 310 patients) had a weight documented. If age-banded dosing had been used, a subtherapeutic dose (less than 10 mg/kg) would be given during 19 829 (20%) of the admissions and a supratherapeutic dose (over 18.75 mg/kg, 75 mg/kg/day in four doses) in 4289 (4.3%). The highest risk of a subtherapeutic dose occurred in infants just prior to reaching 6 months of age (83%) and in children just prior to reaching 8 years (66%). The highest risk of a supratherapeutic dose was at 12 years of age (35%).

Conclusion

Age-banded dosing is not suitable for an inpatient paediatric population as approximately a quarter of patients receive a dose outside the recommended range of 10.0–18.75 mg/kg.
Liver enzymes among COVID-19 patients in Al-Ahsa region of Saudi Arabia
Authors: AlOmair Omar
Published: April 2023

Background

Hepatic damage is one of the common forms of extra pulmonary organ destructions among patients with COVID-19 infections.

Aim

To evaluate the prognosis of liver damage among COVID-19 patients based on their liver enzymes profile.

Methods

A retrospective study was done to evaluate the records of the hospitably admitted patient due to COVID-19 infection.

Retrieved data included clinical presentation and investigation either imaging or laboratory with special investing in liver function tests.

Result

We reviewed 442 patients who were diagnosed with COVID-19 infection.

They were 64.5% of female patients and 35.5% of male patients. Their mean age was 54.5%, most of them were Saudi (76.7%) and the overall mortality reached up to (20.4%).

Conclusion

This large cohort of 442 patients has shown that liver damage may be an independent prognostic factor for morbidities and mortality among COVID-19 patients. It also showed the importance of liver function enzymes screening as a predictor for the outcome of those patients.
Ethiopia National Food and Nutrition Survey to inform the Ethiopian National Food and Nutrition Strategy: a study protocol
Authors: Woldeyohannes Meseret , Girma Meron , Petros Alemnesh , Hussen Alemayehu , Samuel Aregash , Dinssa Danial Abera , Challa Feyissa , Laillou Arnaud , Chitekwe Stanley , Baye Kaleab , Noor Ramadhani , Donze Anne Sophie , Tollera Getachew , Dangiso Mesay Hailu , Tadesse Lia , Zelalem Meseret , Tessema Masresha
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Ethiopia has made significant progress in reducing malnutrition in the past two decades. Despite such improvements, a substantial segment of the country’s population remains chronically undernourished and suffers from micronutrient deficiencies and from increasing diet-related non-communicable diseases such as diabetes, hypertension and cancer. This survey aims to assess anthropometric status, dietary intake and micronutrient status of Ethiopian children, women and adolescent girls. The study will also assess coverage of direct and indirect nutrition-related interventions and map agricultural soil nutrients. The survey will serve as a baseline for the recently developed Ethiopian Food System Transformation Plan and will inform the implementation of the National Food and Nutrition Strategy.

Methods and analysis

As a population-based, cross-sectional survey, the study will collect data from the 10 regions and 2 city administrations of Ethiopia. The study population will be women of reproductive age, children aged 0–59 months, school-aged children and adolescent girls. A total of 16 596 households will be surveyed, allowing the generation of national and regional estimates. A two-stage stratified cluster sampling procedure will be used to select households. In the first stage, 639 enumeration areas (EAs) will be selected using probability-proportional-to-size allocation. In the second stage, 26 eligible households will be selected within each EA using systematic random selection. Primary outcomes include coverage of direct and indirect nutrition interventions, infant and young child feeding (IYCF) practices, food insecurity, dietary intakes, mental health, anthropometric status, micronutrient status and soil nutrient status.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol was fully reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board of the Ethiopian Public Health Institute (protocol no: EPHI-IRB-317–2020). The study is based on voluntary participation and written informed consent is required from study participants. The findings will be disseminated via forums and conferences and will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Efficacy of supervised pelvic floor muscle training with a home-based biofeedback device for urinary incontinence in postpartum women: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Wang Xiuqi , Sun Zhijing , Xu Tao , Fan Guorong
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Supervised pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) of at least 3 months duration has been strongly recommended as a first-line treatment for women with stress urinary incontinence (SUI) or SUI-predominant mixed urinary incontinence (MUI), including elderly and postnatal women. However, for the treatment of SUI and MUI in postpartum women, it is currently uncertain whether supervised PFMT combined with a biofeedback device is superior to PFMT alone. Despite some supportive results, more reliable evidence is lacking.

Methods and analysis

The study is designed as a multicentre assessor-blinded parallel-group randomised controlled trial comparing the efficacy of PFMT with a home-based pressure-mediated biofeedback device (intervention group) and that of at-home PFMT alone (control group) for women with new-onset SUI or SUI-predominant MUI after delivery. Five hundred eligible women from the obstetric outpatient clinics of five tertiary hospitals will be randomly allocated (1:1) and evaluated with repeated questionnaires, physical examinations and pelvic floor assessments at baseline (pretest), 3 months, 6 months and 12 months (postintervention) during the study period. Both groups will be instructed to follow the same training protocol under 3-month supervision after randomisation. The use of a biofeedback device with a self-assessment function will be added to the PFMT regime for patients in the intervention group. The primary outcome is the self-reported severity of urinary incontinence assessed through the short form of the International Consultation on Incontinence Questionnaire—Urinary Incontinence. Secondary outcomes include pelvic muscle support and strength, symptoms of pelvic organ prolapse, quality of life, sexual function, self-efficacy and adherence.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been received from the Peking Union Medical College Hospital ethics committee (JS-3192D). All results from the study will be submitted to international journals and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT05115864.
Testing the effectiveness of a mobile approach avoidance intervention and measuring approach biases in an ecological momentary assessment context: study protocol for a randomised-controlled trial
Authors: Aulbach Matthias Burkard , van Alebeek Hannah , Kahveci Sercan , Blechert Jens
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Unhealthy eating behaviour is a major contributor to obesity and related diseases and is associated with a behavioural bias to approach rather than avoid desired foods, as measured with reaction time tasks. Approach-avoidance interventions (AAIs) have been proposed as a way to modify food evaluations and help people to eat in accordance with their dietary goals. Mobile implementations of AAI might be easily accessible, low threshold interventions, but their effectiveness has not been established yet.

Methods and analysis

Participants who aim to change their eating behaviour are randomised to intervention or control groups. They complete six sessions of a smartphone-based AAI, in which they push (ie, avoid) or pull (ie, approach) personalised food images. Intervention group participants always avoid foods that they personally want to eat less often and approach foods that they personally want to eat more often. In the control group, images are paired equally often with both response directions. To evaluate contextual and dynamic intervention effects, ecological momentary assessment (EMA) is measured throughout, with questions about food intake, hunger, stress, emotions, eating intentions, food craving and impulsivity twice a day. Additional EMA preintervention and postintervention measures are administered before and after the intervention phase (4 days each) with a 1-day follow-up EMA 4 weeks after the intervention. Multilevel models will examine the temporal covariance between approach bias and self-reported variables as well as short-term and long-term intervention effects on approach bias, food intake and craving.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the University of Salzburg. Results will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

German Clinical Trials Register DRKS, registration number DRKS00030780.
Oral anticoagulant switching in patients with atrial fibrillation: a scoping review
Authors: Adelakun Adenike R , Turgeon Ricky D , De Vera Mary A , McGrail Kimberlyn , Loewen Peter S
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Oral anticoagulants (OACs) prevent stroke in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF). Several factors may cause OAC switching.

Objectives

To examine the phenomenon of OAC switching in patients with AF, including all available evidence; frequency and patterns of switch, clinical outcomes, adherence, patient-reported outcomes, reasons for switch, factors associated with switch and evidence gaps.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase and Web of Science, up to January 2022.

Results

Of the 116 included studies, 2/3 examined vitamin K antagonist (VKA) to direct-acting OAC (DOAC) switching. Overall, OAC switching was common and the definition of an OAC switch varied across. Switching from VKA to dabigatran was the most prevalent switch type, but VKA to apixaban has increased in recent years. Patients on DOAC switched more to warfarin than to other DOACs. OAC doses involved in the switches were hardly reported and patients were often censored after the first switch. Switching back to a previously taken OAC (frequently warfarin) occurred in 5%–21% of switchers.

The risk of ischaemic stroke and gastrointestinal bleeding in VKA to DOAC switchers compared with non-switchers was conflicting, while there was no difference in the risk of other types of bleeding. The risk of ischaemic stroke in switchers from DOAC versus non-switchers was conflicting. Studies evaluating adherence found no significant changes in adherence after switching from VKA to DOAC, however, an increase in satisfaction with therapy were reported. Reasons for OAC switch, and factors associated with OAC switch were mostly risk factors for stroke and bleeding. Clinical outcomes, adherence and patient-reported outcomes were sparse for switches from DOACs.

Conclusions

OAC switching is common in patients with AF and patients often switch back to an OAC they have previously been on. There are aspects of OAC switching that have received little study, especially in switches from DOACs.
Hemodynamic assessment for intracranial atherosclerosis from angiographic images: a clinical validation study
Authors: Yang Pengfei , Wan Shu , Wang Jun , Hu Yumeng , Ma Ning , Wang Xiaohui , Zhang Yongwei , Zhang Lei , Zhu Xuan , Shen Fang , Zheng Qian , Wang Ming , Leng Xiaochang , Fiehler Jens , Siddiqui Adnan H , Miao Zhongrong , Xiang Jianping , Liu Jianmin
Published: April 2023

Background

Intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS) is one of the leading causes of ischemic stroke. Conventional anatomical analysis by CT angiography, MRI, or digital subtraction angiography can provide valuable information on the anatomical changes of stenosis; however, they are not sufficient to accurately evaluate the hemodynamic severity of ICAS. The goal of this study was to assess the diagnostic performance of the pressure ratio across intracranial stenoses (termed as fractional flow (FF)) derived from cerebral angiography for the diagnosis of hemodynamically significant ICAS defined by pressure wire-derived FF.

Methods

This retrospective study represents a feasible and reliable method for calculating the FF from cerebral angiography (AccuFFicas). Patients (n=121) who had undergone wire-based measurement of FF and cerebral angiography were recruited. The accuracy of the computed pressure ratio was evaluated using wire-based FF as the reference standard.

Results

The mean value of wire-based FF was 0.78±0.19, while the computed AccuFFicas had an average value of 0.79±0.18. Good correlation (Pearson’s correlation coefficientr=0.92, P<0.001) between AccuFFicas and FF was observed. Bland–Altman analysis showed that the mean difference between AccuFFicas and FF was −0.01±0.07, indicating good agreement. The area under the curve (AUC) of AccuFFicas in predicting FF≤0.70, FF≤0.75, and FF≤0.80 was 0.984, 0.986, and 0.962, respectively.

Conclusion

Angiography-based FF computed from cerebral angiographic images could be an effective computational tool for evaluating the hemodynamic significance of ICAS.
Low protection from breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection and mild disease course in ocrelizumab-treated patients with multiple sclerosis after three mRNA vaccine doses
Authors: Novak Frederik , Bajwa Hamza Mahmood , Coia John Eugenio , Nilsson Anna Christine , Nielsen Christian , Holm Dorte K , Østergaard Kamilla , Hvidt Mathilde Vilhelmine Miller , Byg Keld-Erik , Johansen Isik S , Mittl Kristen , Rowles William , Zamvil Scott S , Bove Riley , Sabatino Joseph J , Sejbaek Tobias
Published: April 2023

Background

Our study investigated the rate of breakthrough SARS-CoV-2 infection and clinical outcomes in a cohort of multiple sclerosis (MS) patients who were treated with the anti-CD20 monoclonal antibody (Ab), ocrelizumab, before first, second and third BNT162b2 mRNA vaccinations. To correlate clinical outcomes with the humoral and cellular response.

Methods

The study was a prospective non-randomised controlled multicentre trial observational study. Participants with a diagnosis of MS who were treated for at least 12 months with ocrelizumab prior to the first BNT162b2 mRNA vaccination were prospectively followed up from January 2021 to June 2022.

Results

Out of 54 participants, 32 (59.3%) developed a positive SARS-CoV-2 PCR test in the study period. Mild infection was observed in all infected participants. After the third vaccination, the non-infected participants had higher mean Ab levels compared to the infected participants (54.3 binding antibody unit (BAU)/mL vs 26.5 BAU/mL, p=0.030). The difference in reactivity between spike-specific CD4+and CD8+T lymphocytes in the two groups was not significant.

Conclusion and relevance

The study results demonstrate rates of 59% in breakthrough infections after the third SARS-CoV-2 mRNA vaccination in ocrelizumab-treated patients with MS, without resulting in critical disease courses. These findings suggest the need for continuous development of prophylactic treatments when proved important in the protection of severe breakthrough infection.
Multiorganizational consensus to define guiding principles for perioperative pain management in patients with chronic pain, preoperative opioid tolerance, or substance use disorder
Authors: Dickerson David M , Mariano Edward R , Szokol Joseph W , Harned Michael , Clark Randall M , Mueller Jeffrey T , Shilling Ashley M , Udoji Mercy A , Mukkamala S Bobby , Doan Lisa , Wyatt Karla E K , Schwalb Jason M , Elkassabany Nabil M , Eloy Jean D , Beck Stacy L , Wiechmann Lisa , Chiao Franklin , Halle Steven G , Krishnan Deepak G , Cramer John D , Ali Sakr Esa Wael , Muse Iyabo O , Baratta Jaime , Rosenquist Richard , Gulur Padma , Shah Shalini , Kohan Lynn , Robles Jennifer , Schwenk Eric S , Allen Brian F S , Yang Stephen , Hadeed Josef G , Schwartz Gary , Englesbe Michael J , Sprintz Michael , Urish Kenneth L , Walton Ashley , Keith Lauren , Buvanendran Asokumar
Published: April 2023

Significant knowledge gaps exist in the perioperative pain management of patients with a history of chronic pain, substance use disorder, and/or opioid tolerance as highlighted in the US Health and Human Services Pain Management Best Practices Inter-Agency Task Force 2019 report. The report emphasized the challenges of caring for these populations and the need for multidisciplinary care and a comprehensive approach. Such care requires stakeholder alignment across multiple specialties and care settings. With the intention of codifying this alignment into a reliable and efficient processes, a consortium of 15 professional healthcare societies was convened in a year-long modified Delphi consensus process and summit. This process produced seven guiding principles for the perioperative care of patients with chronic pain, substance use disorder, and/or preoperative opioid tolerance. These principles provide a framework and direction for future improvement in the optimization and care of ‘complex’ patients as they undergo surgical procedures.
Repair of joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis does not relate to previous suppression of inflammation: a subanalysis after 8 years treat-to-target in the BeSt-trial
Authors: van der Pol Joy Ardjuna , Akdemir Gülşah , van den Broek Marianne , Dirven Linda , Kerstens Pit J S M , Lems Willem F , Markusse Iris M , Huizinga Tom W J , Allaart Cornelia F
Published: April 2023

Objectives

To investigate whether repair of erosions and joint space narrowing (JSN) in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) occurs and whether clinical variables predict this.

Methods

Eight-year follow-up data of the BeSt-study were used. Patients with recent onset RA (1987 criteria) were randomised to four treatment strategies and treated-to-target (Disease Activity Score (DAS)≤2.4). Yearly radiographs of hands and feet were scored in non-chronological order by four independent readers, using the Sharp/van der Heijde score (SHS). Damage repair was defined as a negative ΔSHS in an individual joint, seen by ≥3 out of 4 readers and persisting ≥2 consecutive years. Associations between repair and DAS, prednisone use, infliximab use, anticitrullinated protein antibody, gender, age, body mass index, symptom duration and randomisation arm were investigated with logistic regression analyses, corrected for mean SHS.

Results

Repair was seen in 17 patients (5.3%); 10 had regression of JSN, 7 of erosions, none had both. There were no significant associations in any of the regression analyses.

Conclusion

After 8 years of treatment to target DAS≤2.4 in 508 patients with recent onset RA, repair of JSN and erosions was seen in 17/320 patients (5.3%). Probably due to the rarity of repair, we found no associations with suppression of disease activity or other predictors and repair.
Tobacco industry interference to undermine the development and implementation of graphic health warnings in Bangladesh
Authors: Shahriar Md Hasan , Hasan Md Mehedi , Alam Md Shahedul , Matthes Britta K , Gilmore Anna B , Zubair A B M
Published: April 2023

Background

In Bangladesh, the 2013 Amendment of the Tobacco Control Act made graphic health warnings (GHWs) on the
upper
50% of all tobacco packs obligatory. However, at the time of writing (May 2022), GHWs are still being printed on the
lower
50% of packs. This paper seeks to explore how the tobacco industry undermined the development and implementation of GHWs in Bangladesh, a country known for a high level of tobacco industry interference (TII) that has rarely been examined in the peer-reviewed literature.

Methods

Analysis of print and electronic media articles and documents.

Results

Cigarette companies actively opposed GHWs, while bidi companies did not. The primary strategy used to influence the formulation and delay the implementation of GHWs was direct lobbying by the Bangladesh Cigarette Manufacturers’ Association and British American Tobacco Bangladesh. Their arguments stressed the economic benefits of tobacco to Bangladesh and sought to create confusion about the impact of GHWs, for example, claiming that GHWs would obscure tax banderols, thus threatening revenue collection. They also claimed technical barriers to implementation—that new machinery would be needed—leading to delays. Tensions between government bodies were identified, one of which (National Board of Revenue)—seemingly close to cigarette companies and representing their arguments—sought to influence others to adopt industry-preferred positions. Finally, although tobacco control advocates were partially successful in counteracting TII, one self-proclaimed tobacco control group, whose nature remains unclear, threatened the otherwise united approach.

Conclusions

The strategies cigarette companies used closely resemble key techniques from the well-evidenced tobacco industry playbook. The study underlines the importance of continuing monitoring and investigations into industry conduct and suspicious actors. Prioritising the implementation of WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control Article 5.3 is crucial for advancing tobacco control, particularly in places like Bangladesh, where close government–industry links exist.
Field study on behavior of load distributive compression anchor installed in weathered rock and soft rock
Authors: Shin Gyu-Beom , Jo Bum-Hee , Kim Sung-Ryul , Chung Choong-Ki , Baek Sung-Ha
Published: April 2023

As a load distributive compression anchor (LDCA) consists of multiple anchor bodies and unbonded tendons, the load applied to the tendon is transmitted to grout and ground by the movement of each anchor body installed along the anchor length. Therefore, the load transfer behavior of LDCA is affected by the interference between adjacent anchor body, and the effect of multiple anchor bodies should be considered in the LDCA design. This study performed a series of pull-out field tests on LDCAs installed in soft rock. LDCAs were designed to have various number and spacing of anchor bodies to investigate the effect of multiple anchor bodies. Furthermore, the test results were compared with the results of pull-out field tests conducted on weathered rock to examine the effect of ground conditions. The load-displacement relationship showed that the grout failure occurred in the LDCA installed in soft rock, and thus the ultimate bearing capacity was smaller than that of the LDCA installed in weathered rock. Additionally, the grout axial load distribution indicated that the LDCA installed in soft rock expressed tensile stress in the grout due to the effect of multiple anchor bodies leading to the tensile failure on the grout.
A fluorescence sensor based on quantum dots for the detection of mercury ions
Authors: Qin Yang , Yang YunHan , Ho Yi-Ping , Zhang Ling
Published: April 2023

Mercury(II) ion (Hg2+) is one of the most widespread pollutants that poses a serious threat to public health and the environment. Research efforts on selective and sensitive detection of Hg2+ have therefore drawn considerable attention in recent years. Herein, we report a facile approach to detect Hg2+ based on quantum dot (QD)-based nanosensor. The two single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) used in this work are modified with biotin (ssDNA–biotin) and fluorescence black hole quencher BHQ2 (ssDNA–BHQ2). These two strands are complementary but with TTT-recognized base sequences for the Hg2+ to form a T–Hg2+–T complex. The biotin-modified ssDNA (ssDNA–biotin) is first bound to the streptavidin-modified QDs, forming a QDs/ssDNA–biotin assembly, which may be further hybridized with the ssDNA–BHQ2, producing a complex of QDs/ssDNA–biotin/ssDNA–BHQ2. The BHQ2 serves as an effective quencher of QDs with the QDs and BHQ2 in a proximity within the QDs/ssDNA–biotin/ssDNA–BHQ2 complex. The decrease of fluorescence intensity therefore serves as an indication of the presence of Hg2+. The fluorescence reduction is observed linearly correlated with the concentration of Hg2+ in the range of 1.0–20.0 nmol/L, with a detection limit at 0.87 nmol/L. The presented QD-based method is expected to provide a simple, rapid, and sensitive method for the detection of Hg2+ in environmental water samples.
Black holes and nilmanifolds: quasinormal modes as the fingerprints of extra dimensions?
Authors: Chrysostomou Anna , Cornell Alan , Deandrea Aldo , Ligout Étienne , Tsimpis Dimitrios
Published: April 2023

We investigate whether quasinormal modes (QNMs) can be used in the search for signatures of extra dimensions. To address a gap in the Beyond the Standard Model (BSM) literature, we focus here on higher dimensions characterised by negative Ricci curvature. As a first step, we consider a product space comprised of a four-dimensional Schwarzschild black hole space-time and a three-dimensional nilmanifold (twisted torus); we model the black hole perturbations as a scalar test field. We suggest that the extra-dimensional geometry can be stylised in the QNM effective potential as a squared mass-like term representing the Kaluza–Klein (KK) spectrum. We then compute the corresponding QNM spectrum using three different numerical methods, and determine a possible “detectability bound” beyond which KK masses cannot be detected using QNMs.
Charged particle dynamics in parabolic magnetosphere around Schwarzschild black hole
Authors: Kološ Martin , Shahzadi Misbah , Tursunov Arman
Published: April 2023

The study of charged particle dynamics in the combined gravitational and magnetic field can provide important theoretical insight into astrophysical processes around black holes. In this paper, we explore the charged particle dynamics in parabolic magnetic field configuration around Schwarzschild black hole, since the paraboloidal shapes of magnetic field lines around black holes are well motivated by the numerical simulations and supported by observations of relativistic jets. Analysing the stability of bounded orbits and using the effective potential approach, we show the possibility of existence of stable circular off-equatorial orbits around the symmetry axis. We also show the influence of radiation reaction force on the dynamics of charged particles, in particular on the chaoticity of the motion and Poincaré sections, oscillatory frequencies, and emitted electromagnetic spectrum. Applied to Keplerian accretion disks, we show that in parabolic magnetic field configuration, the thin accretion configurations can be either destroyed or transformed into a thick toroidal structure given the radiation reaction and electromagnetic-disk interactions included. Calculating the Fourier spectra for radiating charged particle trajectories, we find that the radiation reaction force does not affect the main frequency peaks, however, it lowers the higher harmonics making the spectrum more flat and diluted in high frequency range.
On geometrical interpretation of alignment phenomenon
Authors: Lokhtin I. P. , Nikolskii A. V. , Snigirev A. M.
Published: April 2023

The observed alignment of spots in the X-ray films in cosmic ray emulsion experiments is analyzed and interpreted in the framework of geometrical approach. It is shown that the high degree of alignment can appear partly due to the selection procedure of most energetic particles itself and the threshold on the energy deposition together with the transverse momentum conservation.