bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enumerating the Nonisomorphic Configurations of a Modular Reconfigurable Robot
Authors: Feng Jingkai , Liu Jinguo
Published: April 2022

By introducing the modular and reconfigurable design, the limbs of a hexapod robot can be assembled into different configurations to meet various task requirements. Contrary to the fixed configuration system, the task capabilities of the modular reconfigurable robot vary with the configurations. This article addresses the problem of the configuration enumeration and configuration expression of a modular reconfigurable robot. First, by establishing the permutation group of the regular hexagon (the base shape of the modular reconfigurable robot) and adopting the Pólya enumeration theorem, the theoretical formula of the nonisomorphic configuration enumeration is derived. Then, considering the change in structural features, equivalence relations based on structural features are defined and the structural feature method (SFM) is proposed to enumerate the nonisomorphic configurations. In addition, to express configurations more intuitively, a senary vertex identification array with the same dimension as the number of modules is presented, which can be transformed from the decimal index of the configuration. Simulation analysis demonstrates that the result of the SFM is consistent with that of the theoretical calculation, which also confirms the effectiveness and accuracy of the two methods applied in the nonisomorphic configuration enumeration of the modular reconfigurable robot.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of Flexible Robot With Coupling Deformation Based on Spinor Theory
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Yuan Zhaohui , Zhang Jianrui
Published: April 2022

Flexible manipulators are longer and lighter, which allows them to undergo elastic deformation and vibration. It affects the working accuracy and flexibility of the robot. To enhance the flexibility and flexibility of robot positioning, accurate dynamics modeling and analysis are essential. Therefore, using the space deformation spinor theory, this paper proposes a dynamic modeling method for a three-dimensional flexible manipulator with coupled deformation and further analyzes its deformation. First, the deformation of the flexible manipulator is described based on the Rayleigh–Ritz method and six-dimensional variables. Combining this description with spinor theory, the kinematics of the flexible manipulator is derived. Second, considering the external damping effect, the accurate dynamic model of the flexible manipulator was established. Finally, using Matlab and Adams as simulation platform, the correct behavior of the model was verified. And the frequency analysis of the single-degree-of-freedom flexible manipulator without load was further analyzed. The simulation and analysis verify the feasibility and correctness of the model. The results show that the change in the length of the manipulator has a greater impact on the characteristic frequency than the change in the section radius. Compared with the pure deformation and coupling deformation of the flexible robot, the contribution rate of the characteristic frequency of its lateral bending deformation is very large. This research lays the foundation for the dynamic three-dimensional coupling modeling of the flexible manipulator and for the development of subsequent control algorithms.
Transient structural acoustics: The impact excitation of fluid loaded spherical shells via a generalized modal radiation impulse response approach
Authors: Stepanishen Peter R.
Published: April 2022

A generalized modal radiation impulse response approach based on in vacuo eigenfunction expansions was recently developed to evaluate the space-time surface velocity vector field, instantaneous power, and energy transfer into a fluid resulting from the space-time force distribution of fluid loaded shell and panel structures. The impact excitation of a fluid loaded spherical shell is addressed in this paper to illustrate the generalized modal approach for an analytically tractable problem. In vacuo eigenfunctions of spherical shells are presented and a modal based pressure impulse response approach is developed to evaluate the associated transient pressure field. Coupled shell and acoustic field equations for the modal velocities in the time and frequency domains are developed to evaluate the modal velocities via the use of modal radiation impulse responses and impedances. The numerical results are presented to illustrate the characteristics of modal pressure impulse responses and modal radiation impulse responses, which couple the modal velocities, as well as the modal coupling effects of the fluid on the modal velocities, the energy transfer into a fluid, and the far field pressures for the breathing mode, rigid body mode, and higher order shell modes.
Cyclin J–CDK complexes limit innate immune responses by reducing proinflammatory changes in macrophage metabolism
Authors: Chong Yee Kien , Tartey Sarang , Yoshikawa Yuki , Imami Koshi , Li Songling , Yoshinaga Masanori , Hirabayashi Ai , Liu Guohao , Vandenbon Alexis , Hia Fabian , Uehata Takuya , Mino Takashi , Suzuki Yutaka , Noda Takeshi , Ferrandon Dominique , Standley Daron M. , Ishihama Yasushi , Takeuchi Osamu
Published: April 2022

Toll-like receptor (TLR) stimulation induces glycolysis and the production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS), both of which are critical for inflammatory responses in macrophages. Here, we demonstrated that cyclin J, a TLR-inducible member of the cyclin family, reduced cytokine production in macrophages by coordinately controlling glycolysis and mitochondrial functions. Cyclin J interacted with cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs), which increased the phosphorylation of a subset of CDK substrates, including the transcription factor FoxK1 and the GTPase Drp1. Cyclin J–dependent phosphorylation of FoxK1 decreased the transcription of glycolytic genes and Hif-1α activation, whereas hyperactivation of Drp1 by cyclin J–dependent phosphorylation promoted mitochondrial fragmentation and impaired the production of mitochondrial ROS. In mice, cyclin J in macrophages limited the growth of tumor xenografts and protected against LPS-induced shock but increased the susceptibility to bacterial infection. Collectively, our findings indicate that cyclin J–CDK signaling promotes antitumor immunity and the resolution of inflammation by opposing the metabolic changes that drive inflammatory responses in macrophages.
Spacer Domain in Hepatitis B Virus Polymerase: Plugging a Hole or Performing a Role?
Authors: Pley Caitlin , Lourenço José , McNaughton Anna L. , Matthews Philippa C.
Published: April 2022

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) polymerase is divided into terminal protein, spacer, reverse transcriptase, and RNase domains. Spacer has previously been considered dispensable, merely acting as a tether between other domains or providing plasticity to accommodate deletions and mutations. We explore evidence for the role of spacer sequence, structure, and function in HBV evolution and lineage, consider its associations with escape from drugs, vaccines, and immune responses, and review its potential impacts on disease outcomes.
Marek’s Disease Virus Virulence Genes Encode Circular RNAs
Authors: Chasseur Alexis S. , Trozzi Gabrielle , Istasse Céline , Petit Astrid , Rasschaert Perrine , Denesvre Caroline , Kaufer Benedikt B. , Bertzbach Luca D. , Muylkens Benoît , Coupeau Damien
Published: April 2022

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) were rediscovered in recent years both in physiological and pathological contexts, such as in cancer. Viral circRNAs are encoded by at least two human herpesviruses, the Epstein Barr virus and the Kaposi’s Sarcoma-associated herpesvirus, both associated with the development of lymphoma.
Single Immunization with Recombinant ACAM2000 Vaccinia Viruses Expressing the Spike and the Nucleocapsid Proteins Protects Hamsters against SARS-CoV-2-Caused Clinical Disease
Authors: Deschambault Yvon , Lynch Jessie , Warner Bryce , Tierney Kevin , Huynh Denise , Vendramelli Robert , Tailor Nikesh , Frost Kathy , Sajesh Babu , LeBlanc Kyle , Layne Christine , Lin Lisa , Tamming Levi , Beniac Daniel , Booth Stephanie , Carpenter Michael , Safronetz David , Li Xuguang , Kobasa Darwyn , Cao Jingxin
Published: April 2022

Continuous emergence of SARS-CoV-2 variants which cause breakthrough infection from the immunity induced by current spike protein-based COVID-19 vaccines highlights the need for new generations of vaccines that will induce long-lasting immunity against a wide range of the variants. To this end, we investigated the protective efficacy of the recombinant COVID-19 vaccine candidates based on a novel VACV ACAM2000 platform, in which an immunoregulatory gene, E3L, was deleted and both the SARS-CoV-2 spike (S) and nucleocapsid (N) antigens were expressed.
Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Virus Genome Sequences from Cattle with Clinical Respiratory Disease in Kansas, 2021
Authors: Lu Andrea , Stancic Steven , Matias-Ferreyra Franco , Hanzlicek Gregg , Palinski Rachel
Published: April 2022

We report two near-complete bovine respiratory syncytial virus genome sequences collected from 10-month-old cattle with respiratory disease in Kansas in December 2021. No other respiratory pathogens were confirmed in the samples. These genome sequences update the currently circulating BRSV field strains in the United States.
Disruption of Iron Homeostasis and Mitochondrial Metabolism Are Promising Targets to Inhibit Candida auris
Authors: Simm Claudia , Weerasinghe Harshini , Thomas David R. , Harrison Paul F. , Newton Hayley J. , Beilharz Traude H. , Traven Ana
Published: April 2022

Over the last decade,
Candida auris
has emerged as a human pathogen around the world causing life-threatening infections with wide-spread antifungal drug resistance, including pandrug resistance in some cases. In this study, we addressed the mechanism of action of the antiparasitic drug pyrvinium pamoate against
C. auris
and show how metabolism could be inhibited to curb
C. auris
proliferation.
Semi-Mechanistic Pharmacokinetic-Pharmacodynamic Model of Camostat Mesylate-Predicted Efficacy against SARS-CoV-2 in COVID-19
Authors: Kosinsky Yuri , Peskov Kirill , Stanski Donald R. , Wetmore Diana , Vinetz Joseph
Published: April 2022

Strategies to repurpose already-approved drugs for the treatment of COVID-19 has been attractive since the beginning of the pandemic. Camostat mesylate, a serine protease inhibitor approved in Japan for the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic pancreatitis, inhibits TMPRSS1, a host cell surface serine protease essential for SARS-CoV-2 viral entry.
In vitro
experiments provided data suggesting that camostat might be effective in the treatment of COVID-19.
Space occupying lesion presenting as Millard-Gubler syndrome
Authors: Chakraborty Uddalak , Santra Arindam , Pandit Alak , Dubey Souvik , Chandra Atanu
Published: April 2022

Millard-Gubler syndrome (MGS) is a ventral pontine syndrome due to an ipsilateral involvement of abducens and facial nerve with a contralateral hemiparesis or hemiplegia. Although classically described as a vascular brainstem syndrome, various other aetiologies such as infection or demyelination may lead to MGS. In this case, a young female presented with MGS, which was attributed to a strategically located infective granuloma of the brainstem. In countries, where tuberculosis is still considered an endemic, central nervous system involvement due to tuberculosis may have protean manifestations.
Heart failure decompensation alerts in a patient’s home using an automated, AI-driven, point-of-care device
Authors: Chausiaux Oriane Elisabeth , Keyser Melanie , Williams Gareth Paul , Nieznański Michał , Downer Philip James , Garnett Rebecca Ellen , Berry Rhiannon , Husheer Shamus Louis Godfrey
Published: April 2022

Heart failure (HF) is a major challenge worldwide and needs continuous monitoring of patients even after hospital discharge. This case report summarises the data collected and experience gained from the first usage of an automated, point-of-care device (Heartfelt device) in a patient’s home in the UK. The device monitors the onset of peripheral oedema and alerts clinicians if an increase in volume outside an expected normal range for the patient is detected. This may provide a reliable method of remotely and automatically monitoring HF patients in the home for those who do not reliably use weighing scales. The device successfully provided data for about 15 months and generated alerts in advance, which supported decisions for the patient’s care. The rate of data acquisition was very high and consistent throughout this period. The patient was satisfied with the device and agreed that it helped in her decision to seek medical attention.
Multifaceted intervention to reduce haemodialysis catheter related bloodstream infections: REDUCCTION stepped wedge, cluster randomised trial
Authors: Kotwal Sradha , Cass Alan , Coggan Sarah , Gray Nicholas A , Jan Stephen , McDonald Stephen , Polkinghorne Kevan R , Rogers Kris , Talaulikar Girish , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Gallagher Martin
Published: April 2022

Objective

To identify whether multifaceted interventions, or care bundles, reduce catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) from central venous catheters used for haemodialysis.

Design

Stepped wedge, cluster randomised design.

Setting

37 renal services across Australia.

Participants

All adults (age ≥18 years) under the care of a renal service who required insertion of a new haemodialysis catheter.

Interventions

After a baseline observational phase, a service-wide, multifaceted intervention bundle that included elements of catheter care (insertion, maintenance, and removal) was implemented at one of three randomly assigned time points (12 at the first time point, 12 at the second, and 13 at the third) between 20 December 2016 and 31 March 2020.

Main outcomes measure

The primary endpoint was the rate of CRBSI in the baseline phase compared with intervention phase at the renal service level using the intention-to-treat principle.

Results

1.14 million haemodialysis catheter days of use were monitored across 6364 patients. Patient characteristics were similar across baseline and intervention phases. 315 CRBSIs occurred (158 in the baseline phase and 157 in the intervention phase), with a rate of 0.21 per 1000 days of catheter use in the baseline phase and 0.29 per 1000 days in the intervention phase, giving an incidence rate ratio of 1.37 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 2.21; P=0.20). This translates to one in 10 patients who undergo dialysis for a year with a catheter experiencing an episode of CRBSI.

Conclusions

Among patients who require a haemodialysis catheter, the implementation of a multifaceted intervention did not reduce the rate of CRBSI. Multifaceted interventions to prevent CRBSI might not be effective in clinical practice settings.

Trial registration

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000830493.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia: a study protocol for identification and investigation of potential causes and markers of subclinical coronary artery disease in the Faroe Islands
Authors: Borg Sanna á , Nielsen Michael Rene Skjelbo , Søgaard Peter , Lundbye-Christensen Søren , Jóanesarson Jan , Zaremba Tomas , Kollslíð Rudi , Schmidt Erik Berg , Joensen Albert Marni , Bork Christian Sørensen
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common monogenic autosomal dominant genetic disorder and is associated with a high risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of FH has been reported to be particularly high in certain founder populations. The population of the Faroe Islands is a founder population, but the prevalence of FH has never been investigated here. We aim to assess the prevalence of FH and to describe the genetic and clinical characteristics and potential causes of FH in the Faroe Islands. Furthermore, we aim to investigate whether indicators of subclinical coronary artery disease are associated with FH.

Methods and analysis

The prevalence of FH will be estimated based on an electronic nationwide laboratory database that includes all measurements of plasma lipid levels in the Faroe Islands since 2006. Subsequently, we will identify and invite subjects aged between 18 and 75 years registered with a plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol above 6.7 mmol/L for diagnostic evaluation. Eligible FH cases will be matched to controls on age and sex. We aim to include 120 FH cases and 120 controls.

Detailed information will be collected using questionnaires and interviews, and a physical examination will be undertaken. An adipose tissue biopsy and blood samples for genetic testing, detailed lipid analyses and samples for storage in a biobank for future research will be collected. Furthermore, FH cases and controls will be invited to have a transthoracic echocardiography and a cardiac CT performed.

Ethics and dissemination

The project has been approved by the Ethical Committee and the Data Protection Agency of the Faroe Islands. The project is expected to provide important information, which will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.
Evaluating the impacts of tiered restrictions introduced in England, during October and December 2020 on COVID-19 cases: a synthetic control study
Authors: Zhang Xingna , Owen Gwilym , Green Mark A , Buchan Iain , Barr Ben
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To analyse the impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission of tier 3 restrictions introduced in October and December 2020 in England, compared with tier 2 restrictions. We further investigate whether these effects varied between small areas by deprivation.

Design

Synthetic control analysis.

Setting

We identified areas introducing tier 3 restrictions in October and December, constructed a synthetic control group of places under tier 2 restrictions and compared changes in weekly infections over a 4-week period. Using interaction analysis, we estimated whether this effect varied by deprivation and the prevalence of a new variant (B.1.1.7).

Interventions

In both October and December, no indoor between-household mixing was permitted in either tier 2 or 3. In October, no between-household mixing was permitted in private gardens and pubs and restaurants remained open only if they served a ‘substantial meal’ in tier 3, while in tier 2 meeting with up to six people in private gardens were allowed and all pubs and restaurants remained open. In December, in tier 3, pubs and restaurants were closed, while in tier 2, only those serving food remained open. The differences in restrictions between tier 2 and 3 on meeting outside remained the same as in October.

Main outcome measure

Weekly reported cases adjusted for changing case detection rates for neighbourhoods in England.

Results

Introducing tier 3 restrictions in October and December was associated with a 14% (95% CI 10% to 19%) and 20% (95% CI 13% to 29%) reduction in infections, respectively, compared with the rates expected with tier 2 restrictions only. The effects were similar across levels of deprivation and by the prevalence of the new variant.

Conclusions

Compared with tier 2 restrictions, additional restrictions in tier 3 areas in England had a moderate effect on transmission, which did not appear to increase socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 cases.
Pattern of contraceptive use, determinants and fertility intentions among tribal women in Kerala, India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sreedevi Aswathy , Vijayakumar Krishnapillai , Najeeb Shana Shirin , Menon Vishnu , Mathew Minu Maria , Aravindan Lakshmi , Anwar Rithima , Sathish Syama , Nedungadi Prema , Wiwanitkit Viroj , Raman Raghu
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To assess the pattern of contraceptive use and its determinants, knowledge regarding contraceptives including oral contraceptive pills and fertility intentions among tribal women in the reproductive age group.

Design

Community-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

Community development blocks in a predominantly tribal district of Wayanad in Kerala, India.

Participants

Women in the reproductive age group (15–49 years) from the tribal groups in the district numbering 2495.

Outcome measures

Primary

Prevalence of contraceptive use and its determinants.

Secondary

Knowledge regarding contraceptives in general, oral contraceptives and fertility intentions.

Results

The mean age of the study participants was 30.8 years (SD=9.8) and belonged to various tribal groups such as Paniya (59.2%), Kurichiyar (13.6%) and Adiya (10.9%). Current use of contraceptive was reported by about a fourth, 658 (26.4%) (95% CI 27.9 to 24.9) of women. Following logistic regression, belonging to Paniya tribe (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.67, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.77; p<0.001) and age at menarche >13 years (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.52; p<0.009) had significantly higher use of contraceptives whereas social vulnerability as indicated by staying in a kutcha house had a lesser likelihood of use of contraceptive (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95; p<0.03). Oral contraceptive use was low (4.8%) among this population and no abuse was observed.

Less than half (47%) of the respondents had an above average knowledge on contraception. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that above average knowledge was 2.2 times more likely with higher education (95% CI 1.2 to 3.9), lesser among those who desired more than two children (aOR 0.59; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94; p<0.02).

Two children per family was the preferred choice for 1060 (42.5%) women. No gender bias in favour of the male child was observed.

Conclusion

Awareness and use of contraceptives are poor though the fertility is not commensurately high. Along with developing targeted responses to contraceptive use among Indigenous people with indigenous data, awareness also requires attention. Ethnographic studies are also necessary to determine the differences in contraceptive use including traditional methods among the various Indigenous groups.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate partner violence during pregnancy: evidence from a multimethods study of recently pregnant women in Ethiopia
Authors: Wood Shannon N. , Yirgu Robel , Wondimagegnehu Abigiya , Qian Jiage , Milkovich Rachel Mait , Decker Michele R , Glass Nancy , Seid Fatuma , Zekarias Lensa , Zimmerman Linnea A.
Published: April 2022

Objectives

This multimethods study aimed to: (1) compare the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic using quantitative data and (2) contextualise pregnant women’s IPV experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic through supplemental interviews.

Design

Quantitative analyses use data from Performance Monitoring for Action-Ethiopia, a cohort of 2868 pregnant women that collects data at pregnancy, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1-year postpartum. Following 6-week postpartum survey, in-depth semistructured interviews contextualised experiences of IPV during pregnancy with a subset of participants (n=24).

Participants

All pregnant women residing within six regions of Ethiopia, covering 91% of the population, were eligible for the cohort study (n=2868 completed baseline survey). Quantitative analyses were restricted to the 2388 women with complete 6-week survey data (retention=82.7%). A purposive sampling frame was used to select qualitative participants on baseline survey data, with inclusion criteria specifying completion of quantitative 6-week interview after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and indication of IPV experience.

Interventions

A State of Emergency in Ethiopia was declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic approximately halfway through 6-week postpartum interview, enabling a natural experiment (n=1405 pre-COVID-19; n=983 during-COVID-19).

Primary outcome measures

IPV during pregnancy was assessed via the 10-item Revised Conflict and Tactics Scale.

Results

1-in-10 women experienced any IPV during pregnancy prior to COVID-19 (10.5%), and prevalence of IPV during pregnancy increased to 15.1% during the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR=1.51; p=0.02). Stratified by residence, odds of IPV during the pandemic increased for urban women only (aOR=2.09; p=0.03), however, IPV prevalence was higher in rural regions at both time points. Qualitative data reveal COVID-19-related stressors, namely loss of household income and increased time spent within the household, exacerbated IPV.

Conclusions

These multimethods results highlight the prevalent, severe violence that pregnant Ethiopian women experience, with pandemic-related increases concentrated in urban areas. Integration of IPV response and safety planning across the continuum of care can mitigate impact.
They push their products through me: health professionals’ perspectives on and exposure to marketing of commercial milk formula in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa – a qualitative study
Authors: Doherty Tanya , Pereira-Kotze Catherine Jane , Luthuli Silondile , Haskins Lyn , Kingston Gillian , Dlamini-Nqeketo Sithembile , Tshitaudzi Gilbert , Horwood Chistiane
Published: April 2022

Objective

To understand the views of public and private sector health professionals on commercial milk formula, to describe their exposure to companies that market commercial milk formula within their workplaces and to describe their awareness of South African (SA) regulations.

Design

A qualitative study consisting of semistructured interviews.

Setting

The study was conducted in Cape Town and Johannesburg, SA.

Participants

Forty health professionals who had regular contact with pregnant or postnatal women were interviewed between February 2020 and February 2021.

Results

Analysis of the interviews revealed six themes. Health professionals in the private sector reported frequent contact with industry representatives with over two-thirds reporting exposure to industry representatives to present products, provide training or sponsor educational activities. Participants held strong opinions regarding the equivalency of breastfeeding to commercial milk formula citing information from industry representatives and product packaging. Health professionals were very knowledgeable on so-called formulas for special medical purposes and these were valued as solutions to infant feeding challenges. Of the 40 health professionals interviewed, less than half (19) had ever heard of the SA regulation related to marketing of breast milk substitutes (R991).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates clearly that health professionals, particularly in the private sector, are exposed to and promote the use of commercial milk formula among SA women. The findings of this study should be used to catalyse policy responses, social movements, consumer and professional association action to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the Code regulations in order to protect breastfeeding and support the optimal health and well-being of the population.
Effects of bDMARDs on quality of life in patients with psoriatic arthritis: meta-analysis
Authors: Lu Yuqiong , Dai Zhanjing , Lu Yun , Chang Feng
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine the effects of biological disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (bDMARDs) on the quality of life (QoL) among patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Design

Meta-analysis.

Data sources and eligibility criteria

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, WanFang and VIP databases were searched to collect randomised controlled trials (RCTs), which were conducted to evaluate the effect of bDMARDs in the treatment of patients with PsA and reported QoL-related outcomes, from inception to November 2020 and updated on 19 February 2022.

Data extraction and synthesis

Outcomes about Health Assessment Questionnaire Disability Index (HAQ-DI), Dermatology Life Quality Index, physical component summary and mental component summary of the Short Form 36, EuroQol Visual Analogue Scale, Psoriasis Area Severity Index (PASI) 50/75/90/100 were extracted by two reviewers independently. Data were pooled using the fixed or random effects methods and considered as mean difference (MD) or risk ratio with 95% CI.

Results

Out of 3190 articles screened, 37 RCTs (with 47 articles reported) were included. Pooled estimates showed that bDMARDs were superior versus placebo on all outcomes. Against methotrexate (MTX) and tofacitinib, bDMARDs showed no statistically significant advantages or significant disadvantages. Similar results were found for bDMARDs+MTX versus MTX. For HAQ-DI, the results of the subgroups of bDMARDs versus placebo, bDMARDs+MTX versus MTX, bDMARDs versus tofacitinib and bDMARDs versus MTX were −0.21 (MD, 95% CI, −0.23 to –0.18), −0.22 (MD, 95% CI, −0.58 to 0.14), –0.01 (MD, 95% CI, −0.05 to 0.04) and –0.03 (MD, 95% CI, −0.04 to –0.02), respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with placebo, bDMARDs taken by patients with PsA appear to significantly improve the QoL. Compared with other therapeutic agents, more studies are required to confirm the effect of single and combined bDMARDs use further.
Contribution of supervision to the development of advanced practitioners: a qualitative study of pharmacy learners’ and supervisors’ views
Authors: Hindi Ali Mawfek Khaled , Willis Sarah Caroline , Astbury Jayne , Fenton Catherine , Stearns Selma , Jacobs Sally , McDermott Imelda , Moss Aidan , Seston Elizabeth , Schafheutle Ellen Ingrid
Published: April 2022

Objective

To apply educational theory to explore how supervision can contribute to the development of advanced practitioners using the example of several postregistration primary care training pathways for pharmacy professionals (pharmacists and pharmacy technicians).

Design

Qualitative semistructured telephone interviews applying Billet’s theory of workplace pedagogy for interpretation.

Setting

England.

Participants

Fifty-one learners and ten supervisors.

Primary outcome

Contribution of clinical and educational supervision to the development of advanced practitioners in primary care.

Results

Findings were mapped against the components of Billet’s theory to provide insights into the role of supervision in developing advanced practitioners. Key elements for effective supervision included supporting learners to identify their learning needs (educational supervision), guiding learners in everyday work activities (clinical supervision), and combination of regular prearranged face-to-face meetings and ad hoc contact when needed (clinical supervision), along with ongoing support as learners progressed through a learning pathway (educational supervision). Clinical supervisors supported learners in developing proficiency and confidence in translating and applying the knowledge and skills they were gaining into practice. Learners benefited from having clinical supervisors in the workplace with good understanding and experience of working in the setting, as well as receiving clinical supervision from different types of healthcare professionals. Educational supervisors supported learners to identify their learning needs and the requirements of the learning pathway, and then as an ongoing available source of support as they progressed through a pathway. Educational supervisors also filled in some of the gaps where there was a lack of local clinical supervision and in settings like community pharmacy where pharmacist learners did not have access to any clinical supervision.

Conclusions

This study drew out important elements which contributed to effective supervision of pharmacy advanced practitioners. Findings can inform the education and training of advanced practitioners from different professions to support healthcare workforce development in different healthcare settings.
Responsiveness of the HUG-5 in an outpatient clinic: a 12-month randomised feasibility study protocol
Authors: Kennedy Kevin , Nanji Keean , Patil Nikhil , Wu Michael , Xie Jim , Chan Jenny , Hatamnejad Amin , Chan Brian , Xie Feng , Sogbesan Enitan
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Glaucoma is a progressive, chronic condition that can have a significant impact on a patient’s health-related quality of life (HRQoL). Validated, disease-specific HRQoL tools such as the Health Utility for Glaucoma (HUG-5) tool and the Glaucoma Quality of Life Questionnaire (GlauQoL-17) can be used to monitor a patient’s quality of life. However, the utility of these tools in outpatient clinic practice is not well established. The primary objective of this study is to characterise the feasibility of administering periodic HRQoL questionnaires in glaucoma using a semi-automated workflow.

Methods and analysis

This study will be a single-centre, unblinded, randomised, parallel-group study with an exploratory data analysis framework. We aim to determine the feasibility of administering the HUG-5 in an outpatient clinic using a semi-automated workflow and determine patient engagement through email and telephone contact methods. We will also be investigating the association of the HUG-5 and GlauQoL-17 with patient visual field testing and visual acuity. Mean differences between groups will be tested with analysis of variance to determine if the frequency of calls affects burden, satisfaction and perceived value of information.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Hamilton Integrated Research Ethics board (ID: 13046) and will be conducted within Canadian Tri-Council Statement policy. Personal information of the study’s participants will be anonymised with identification codes and data will be kept on an encrypted server. Results of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals, conferences and internal meetings.
Benefit of successful reperfusion achieved by endovascular thrombectomy for patients with ischemic stroke and moderate pre-stroke disability (mRS 3): results from the MR CLEAN Registry
Authors: Benali Faysal , Kappelhof Manon , Ospel Johanna , Ganesh Aravind , McDonough Rosalie V , Postma Alida A , Goldhoorn Robert-Jan Berend , Majoie Charles B L M , van den Wijngaard Ido , Lingsma Hester F , Vos Jan Albert , van Oostenbrugge Robert J , van Zwam Wim H , Goyal Mayank
Published: April 2022

Background

Pre-stroke dependent patients (modified Rankin Scale score (mRS) ≥3) were excluded from most trials on endovascular treatment (EVT) for acute ischemic stroke (AIS) in the anterior circulation. Therefore, little evidence exists for EVT in those patients. We aimed to investigate the safety and benefit of EVT in pre-stroke patients with mRS score 3.

Methods

We used data from the Multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial of Endovascular Treatment for Acute Ischemic stroke in the Netherlands (MR CLEAN) Registry. All patients treated with EVT for anterior circulation AIS with pre-stroke mRS 3 were included. We assessed causes for dependence and compared patients with successful reperfusion (defined as expanded Thrombolysis in Cerebral Ischemia scale (eTICI) 2b–3) to patients without successful reperfusion. We used regression analyses with pre-specified adjustments. Our primary outcome was 90-day mRS 0–3 (functional improvement or return to baseline).

Results

A total of 192 patients were included, of whom 82 (43%) had eTICI <2b and 108 (56%) eTICI ≥2b. The median age was 80 years (IQR 73–87). Fifty-one of the 192 patients (27%) suffered from previous stroke and 36/192 (19%) had cardiopulmonary disease. Patients with eTICI ≥2b more often returned to their baseline functional state or improved (n=26 (26%) vs n=15 (19%); adjusted odds ratio (aOR) 2.91 (95% CI 1.08 to 7.82)) and had lower mortality rates (n=49 (49%) vs n=50 (64%); aOR 0.42 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.93)) compared with patients with eTICI <2b.

Conclusions

Although patients with AIS with pre-stroke mRS 3 comprise a heterogenous group of disability causes, we observed improved outcomes when patients achieved successful reperfusion after EVT.
Preventative effects of 1-methyl-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline derivatives (N-functional group loading) on MPTP-induced parkinsonism in mice
Authors: Munakata Hiroko , Ishikawa Risa , Saitoh Toshiaki , Kambe Toshie , Chiba Terumasa , Taguchi Kyoji , Abe Kenji
Published: April 2022

1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoline (TIQ) is endogenously present in the human brain, and some of its derivatives are thought to contribute to the induction of Parkinson's disease (PD)-like signs in rodents and primates. In contrast, the endogenous TIQ derivative 1-methyl-TIQ (1-MeTIQ) is reported to be neuroprotective. In the present study, we compared the effects of artificially modified 1-MeTIQ derivatives (loading an N-propyl, N-propenyl, N-propargyl, or N-butynyl group) on 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced PD-like signs in mice. In a behavioral study, MPTP-induced bradykinesia was significantly decreased by all compounds. However, only 1-Me- N-propargyl-TIQ showed an inhibitory effect by blocking the MPTP-induced reduction in striatal dopamine content and the number of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase-positive cells. Western blot analysis showed that 1-Me- N-propargyl-TIQ and 1-Me- N-butynyl-TIQ potently prevented the MPTP-induced decrease in dopamine transporter expression, whereas 1-MeTIQ and 1-Me- N-propyl-TIQ did not. These results suggest that although loading an N-propargyl group on 1-MeTIQ clearly enhanced neuroprotective effects, other N-functional groups showed distinct pharmacological properties characteristic of their functional groups. Thus, the number of bonds and length of the N-functional group may contribute to the observed differences in effect.
RETRACTED ARTICLE: Direct measurements of the $$^{12}$$C+$$^{12}$$C reactions cross-sections towards astrophysical energies
Authors: Morales-Gallegos L. , Aliotta M. , Gialanella L. , Best A. , Bruno C. G. , Buompane R. , Davinson T. , De Cesare M. , Di Leva A. , D’Onofrio A. , Duarte J. G. , Gasques L. R. , Imbriani G. , Porzio G. , Rapagnani D. , Romoli M. , Terrasi F.
Published: April 2022

Carbon fusion reactions $$^{12}$$

12

C($$^{12}$$

12

C,p)$$^{23}$$

23

Na and $$^{12}$$

12

C($$^{12}$$

12

C,$$\alpha $$
α
)$$^{20}$$

20

Ne play a key role in the evolution of massive stars and in explosive scenarios such as type-Ia supernovae and super-bursts in binary stars. A direct determination of their cross sections is extremely challenging and discrepancies exist between different data sets in the literature. Here we report the results of a direct measurement performed at the CIRCE Tandem Accelerator Laboratory in Caserta (Italy), using $$\varDelta E-E$$

Δ
E
-
E

detectors for unambiguous charge identification. Cross sections were measured in the energy range $$E_{\mathrm{c.m.}} =2.51{-}4.36$$

E

c
.
m
.

=
2.51
-
4.36

 MeV with energy steps between 10 and 25 keV in the centre of mass. To our knowledge these represent the finest energy steps to date. Results are presented in the form of partial and summed astrophysical $${\tilde{S}}$$

S
~

-factors for individual proton- and $$\alpha $$
α
-particle channels. Branching ratios of individual proton- and $$\alpha $$
α
-particle groups were found to vary significantly with energy. Angular distributions, albeit limited to three angles, were also found to be non-isotropic, which could be a potential explanation for the discrepancies observed among different data sets. Further efforts are ongoing to extend measurements to lower energies.
Hydrodynamic attractors in heavy ion collisions: a review
Authors: Soloviev Alexander
Published: April 2022

A review of the recent progress of relativistic hydrodynamic attractors is presented, with a focus on applications in heavy ion collisions and the quark gluon plasma. Pedagogical introductions to the effective descriptions relevant for attractors in high energy physics, namely hydrodynamics, holography and kinetic theory, are followed by highlights of some recent advances.
Design Approaches of Ultra-Low Power SAR ADC for Biomedical Systems — A Review
Authors: Aneesh K. , Manoj G. , Shylu Sam S.
Published: April 2022

In recent years, implantable biomedical devices like cardiac pacemaker, defibrillators, cochlear implants, visual prosthesis etc. have gained immense importance in the personal health monitoring system. Most of these devices are battery powered. The life span of a pacemaker is expected to be between 10 and 12 years. This shows the importance of having an ultra-low power design technique to improve the reliability and battery life of the system. To achieve this, power draws from the battery must be kept low. Analog-to-Digital Convertor (ADC) is a main block in the front-end sensing unit of an implant for measurements of various biophysiological signals. This is the most power consuming unit in the system. ADC alone consumes about 30%–35% of the total power. This work surveys various successive approximation ADC designs for biomedical signal acquisition, in terms of power consumption, signal to noise distortion ratio, sampling rate, resolution and Figure of Merit. The different switching schemes for capacitive DAC are also surveyed.
Finding Memory Bound of Cloned Objects in Software Transactional Memory Programs
Authors: Nguyen Ngoc-Khai , Truong Anh-Hoang , Dang Duc-Hanh
Published: April 2022

Software transactional memory (STM) programs usually use more memory resources than traditional programs. Therefore, estimating an upper bound of memory resources used by an STM program is crucial for optimizing the program and reducing the risks of out-of-memory runtime exceptions. However, due to the complex nesting of transactions and threads, the estimation problem is challenging. In our previous work, we have developed several type systems to address the problem for core imperative languages with STM primitives. This work advances our previous works, in which we add object-oriented constructs to the language while keeping the STM primitives, to make the language closer to practical languages. Then, we built a type system to statically estimate the maximum memory required by well-typed programs of the language.
An Empirical Study on the Impact of Python Dynamic Typing on the Project Maintenance
Authors: Xia Xinmeng , Yan Yanyan , He Xincheng , Wu Di , Xu Lei , Xu Baowen
Published: April 2022

Python is a popular typical dynamic programming language. In Python, dynamic typing is one of the most critical dynamic features. The lack of type information is likely to hinder the maintenance of Python projects. However, existing work has seldom focused on studying the impact of Python dynamic typing on project maintenance. This paper focuses on the two most common practices of Python dynamic typing, i.e. inconsistent-type assignments (ITA) and inconsistent variable types (IVT). Two approaches are proposed to identify ITA and IVT, i.e. identifying ITA by analyzing Abstract Syntax Trees and comparing identifiers types and identifying IVT by constructing a type dependency graph. In empirical experiments, we first locate the usage of ITA and IVT in 10 open-source Python projects. Then, we investigate the relations between the occurrence of ITA and IVT and the results of maintenance tasks. The study results show that projects are more prone to change as the number of dynamic typing identifiers increases. There is a weak connection between change-proneness and variable dynamic typing. There is a high probability that maintenance time and the acceptance of commits decrease as dynamic typing identifiers increase in projects. These results implicate that dynamic and static variables should be divided while developing new programming languages. Dynamic typing identifiers may not be the direct root causes for most software bugs. The categories of these bugs are worth exploring.
Code Generation with Hybrid of Structural and Semantic Features Retrieval
Authors: Yang Kang , Yu Huiqun , Fan Guisheng , Huang Zijie , Zhou Ziyi
Published: April 2022

Due to the growing need for faster software delivery, code generation has attracted more and more attention, since it could improve code maintainability by providing suggestions for coding. In the model of generating program source code from natural language (NL), the most effective method is to generate an intermediate architecture (such as Abstract Syntax Tree) combined with a deep learning model. However, these models have the following drawbacks: (1) The data structural information is underutilized and the correlation between samples is not considered. (2) Lack of the ability to memorize large and complex structures, so that complex codes cannot be generated correctly. To address these issues, we propose HRCODE model, a code generation architecture based on Hybrid of structural and semantic features Retrieval CODE model. We transform the NL description into an intermediate structure with structural features. Then, the NL and the intermediate structure are embedded into a vector through weight mixing, and we calculate the similarity score between each vector to retrieve the most relevant samples. Finally, the new input is brought into the PLBART model to generate code. Experiments show that HRCODE is at least 4.7% higher than the state-of-the-art models in the ACC metric and at least 10.3% higher in the BLEU-4 score. We have released our code at https://github.com/jesokang/HRCODE.
Automated Localization Testing of Mobile Applications Method
Authors: Packevičius Šarūnas , Rudžionienė Greta , Bareiša Eduardas
Published: April 2022

As more mobile applications become available to a broader user base, the need to localize applications to various languages and cultures grows. The need for localization demands localization testing. In this paper, the user interface localization problems are identified and categorized. The automated testing method containing automated localization defects detection algorithms using applications’ screenshots analysis is presented. The proposed method was validated experimentally by comparing automated testing and manual review. The experiment contained an automated and manual review of 781 Android applications. The manual review results were compared with the proposed automated testing method results. The comparison shows that automated methods can save localization testing time and discover more defects. However, the proposed method does not fully substitute manual testing but can act as a helper.
Nonrelativistic Boson stars as N-body quantum systems
Authors: Castellanos Elías , Chacón-Acosta Guillermo , Mastache Jorge
Published: April 2022

In this work, we show that the structural configuration of a collection of generic nonrelativistic bosons forming a gravitationally bound Bose–Einstein condensate can be interpreted as a nonrelativistic boson star. With the approach followed in this work, we can analyze with a concise and straightforward procedure the equilibrium properties of nonrelativistic boson stars viewed as a Bose–Einstein condensate. The system’s behavior is obtained by analyzing its fundamental constituent properties, i.e. the associated single-particle properties. Additionally, we show that by expressing the corresponding Newtonian gravitational potential, under certain circumstances, as a harmonic oscillator potential one, we can describe the conditions in which the nonrelativistic boson star can form equilibrium configurations. In order to analyze the boson star’s structural configuration, we employ four different ansätzes commonly used in the literature. These ansätzes allow us to compare the cloud’s structural properties of the boson star, which leads us to obtain several gravitational equilibrium configurations from compact objects matching the size of typical stars to gigantic systems comparable to the size of galaxy cluster dark matter halos. Finally, we show that these ansätzes predict, qualitatively speaking, the same structural and gravitational equilibrium configurations for different values of the parameters involved.