bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association between changes in facial flushing and hypertension across drinking behavior patterns in South Korean adults
Authors: Park Yu shin , Kang Soo Hyun , Park Eun‐Cheol , Jang Suk‐Yong
Published: April 2022

Heavy alcohol drinking has been reported to be associated with hypertension. Moreover, when drinking alcohol, individuals may experience symptoms such as facial flushing. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the association between changes in facial flushing and hypertension across different drinking behavior patterns in South Korean adults.

Data from the Korea Community Health Survey conducted in 2019 were used, and 118 129 (51 047 men and 67 082 women) participants were included. The participants were divided into five groups based on the change in facial flushing (non‐drinking, non‐flushing to non‐flushing, flushing to flushing, non‐flushing to flushing, flushing to non‐flushing). The risk of hypertension in each facial flushing group was analyzed by multiple logistic regression.

Men in the non‐flushing to flushing group had a significantly higher association with hypertension than other groups (men: odds ratio (OR) 1.42, confidence interval (CI) 1.14–1.76). According to the level of alcohol use disorder, the non‐flushing to flushing group showed a significantly increased odds of hypertension compared to all levels of drinking (men: mild drinking: OR 1.95, CI 1.40–2.71; moderate drinking: OR 2.02, CI 1.41–2.90; women: moderate drinking: OR 1.71, CI 1.16–2.52; heavy drinking: OR 1.90, CI 1.19–3.04).

This study found a significant association between changes in facial flushing and hypertension among adults in South Korea. In particular, individuals who changed from non‐flushing to flushing reactions had an increased association with hypertension than the other groups. Compared to people at the same drinking level, people with non‐flushing to flushing reactions were highly associated with hypertension at moderate drinking level.
Camouflage orthodontic treatment combined with genioplasty distraction osteogenesis for skeletal class II relationship secondary to osteosarcoma excision surgery
Authors: Liu Zhixu , Wang Xudong , Zhu Min , Jiang Lingyong , He Yue , Tang Guohua , Yang Xiao
Published: April 2022

Objective

The treatment of orthodontic patients who survive head and neck tumors is challenging because of dentoskeletal deformities and other unexpected dental and facial complications. This case report describes the case of a 26‐year‐old woman who presented with mandibular retrognathia after survival from osteosarcoma.

Clinical considerations

Camouflage orthodontic treatment was chosen instead of combined orthodontic‐orthognathic surgery after primary reconstructive surgery with an iliac bone graft. Genioplasty distraction osteogenesis (DO) was performed to achieve an optimal facial profile. Although unexpected condyle dislocation and epithelial hyperplasia occurred during treatment, a favorable facial profile and optimal skeletal and dental relationships were accomplished after 32 months of treatment.

Conclusions

The patient underwent genioplasty DO and experienced unexpected left condyle dislocation. However, the treatment achieved esthetic goals after intermaxillary elastics were applied.
An examination of the effect of inequality on lotteries for funding public goods
Authors: Oconnor Christopher , Zhang Li , Deck Cary
Published: April 2022

We experimentally study the impact of inequality on the effectiveness of contests for funding public goods in a development context. We observe that the typical result of a lottery funding mechanism leading to greater funding for the public good than predicted by theory extends to groups with inequality. However, while theory suggests that increased inequality should lower total contributions to a lottery funded public good, we observe the opposite pattern. This result differs from prior results for the standard voluntary contribution mechanism where increased inequality has been found to reduce public good provision. Moreover, we find that the poor do not contribute a greater share of their endowment to the public good than do the wealthy. Thus, overall our study demonstrates the potential for community development projects, when funded with a lottery mechanism, to be highly successful even in the presence of inequality and may facilitate a progressive redistribution of wealth.
Effects of titanium dioxide microparticles and nanoparticles on cytoskeletal organization, cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation in human gingival fibroblasts in the presence of lipopolysaccharide
Authors: Li Lei , Sun Wei , Yu Jian , Lei Wenlong , Zeng Hao , Shi Bin
Published: April 2022

Background and objective

Titanium wear particles may participate in the etiology of peri‐implantitis. However, the influence of titanium wear particles on biological behavior of human gingival fibroblasts (HGFs) in the presence of LPS is still not clear. The present study demonstrated the effects of titanium dioxide micro‐ and nanoparticles (TiO2 MPs and NPs) on HGF cell viability, cytoskeletal organization, adhesion, migration, and proliferation in vitro, and LPS was used to mimic the in vivo condition.

Methods

Primary HGFs were treated with TiO2 MPs (primary particle size <5 μm, 0.1 mg/ml) and NPs (primary particle size <100 nm, 0.1 mg/ml) with or without 1 μg/ml LPS. The effects of TiO2 MPs and NPs on HGFs cell viability was measured by CCK‐8 assay. The proliferation of HGF was detected by Ki67 nuclear staining. The confocal laser scanning microscope (CLSM) was used to detect the internalization of TiO2 MPs and NPs in HGFs as well as the arrangement of F‐actin, vinculin, and vimentin organization. Wound healing assay and transwell assay were performed to measure the migration of HGFs induced by TiO2 MPs and NPs. Cell adhesion was measured using fibronectin‐coated plates. The relative mRNA and protein expression of adhesion relative protein such as focal adhesion kinase (FAK), fibronectin (FN), and type I collagen (COL1) were measured using quantitative RT‐PCR and western blot analysis. One‐way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Student's t‐test were used to analyze the statistical significance, and p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

TiO2 NPs significantly inhibited HGF cell viability, proliferation, and migration compared with TiO2 MPs group and control group. Compared with control group (2.64 ± 0.09), the mean absorbance of the cells in 1 mg/ml TiO2 MPs group and 0.25 mg/ml TiO2 NPs group were significantly decreased to 1.93 ± 0.33 (p < .05) and 2.22 ± 0.18 (p < .01), respectively. The cytoskeleton disruption was found in TiO2 NPs group. The mRNA and protein expression were significantly downregulated by TiO2 NPs. Furthermore, both TiO2 NPs and MPs induced more adverse effects on HGFs in the presence of LPS.

Conclusion

Our results indicate that TiO2 NPs but not TiO2 MPs significantly disrupt the cytoskeletal organization and inhibited cell adhesion, migration, and proliferation of HGFs. However, in the presence of LPS, TiO2 MPs, and TiO2 NPs enhance these negative effects in HGFs. Titanium wear particles are probably involved in the initiation and progression of peri‐implant diseases.
Do we have enough evidence to propose a urinary biomarker of bladder ischemia? A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Papaefstathiou Efstathios , Papaioannou Maria , Papaefstathiou Eirini , Apostolopoulou Aikaterini , Apostolidis Apostolos
Published: April 2022

Objective

Urinary bladder ischemia has been implicated in the pathogenesis of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS). However, research regarding urinary molecular markers for diagnosis and prognosis of pelvic ischemia is still premature, hindering further implementation in clinical practice. The aim of this study is to systematically appraise biomarkers associated with bladder ischemia detected in urine.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of PubMed/Medline, Embase, Web of Science, and the Cochrane Library in October 2021 according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis (PRISMA) statement. A subsequent reference search of retrieved articles was also performed. The identified reports were reviewed according to Systematic Review Center for Laboratory Animal Experimentation's risk‐of‐bias tool for animal studies.

Results

Eight publications were selected for this analysis. The included reports used 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG) (in eight studies) as urinary marker of bladder ischemia. The pooled mean difference for urinary 8‐OHdG levels between study and control groups was 13.73 ng/mg creatinine (95% CI, 9.79‐17.67; P < .001; I2 = 69%) for rat studies and 3.71 ng/mg creatinine (95% CI, 2.91‐4.51; P < .001; I2 = 94%) for rabbit studies. The result remained statistically significant favoring the control group independent of the type of intervention used to achieve bladder ischemia. Regarding secondary outcomes, mean voided volume and micturition interval were significantly lower in the ischemia group.

Conclusion

The lack of human randomized controlled trials is a major limitation. 8‐OHdG is a urinary biomarker to be investigated in future studies for diagnosis and prognosis of LUTS in patients with vascular injury or bladder outlet obstruction.
The emerging oral pathogen, Filifactor alocis, extends the functional lifespan of human neutrophils
Authors: Miralda Irina , Vashishta Aruna , Rogers Max N. , Lamont Richard J. , Uriarte Silvia M.
Published: April 2022

Periodontitis is a chronic inflammatory infectious disease that affects the integrity of tooth‐supporting tissues and has adverse systemic consequences. Advances in sequencing technologies have uncovered organisms that are exclusively found in high numbers in periodontal lesions, such as the gram‐positive anaerobic rod, Filifactor alocis. F. alocis can manipulate neutrophil effector functions, which allows the organism to survive within these granulocytes. Several neutrophil functions have been tested in the context of F. alocis challenge, but the effect of the organism on neutrophil apoptosis is still unknown. RNA sequencing of human neutrophils challenged with F. alocis showed that apoptosis pathways were differentially regulated. Compared to media‐cultured controls, F. alocis‐challenged neutrophils maintain their nuclear morphology, do not stain for Annexin V or 7‐AAD, and have decreased DNA fragmentation. Inhibition of apoptosis by F. alocis involved reduced caspase‐3, −8, and − 9 activation and upregulation of important anti‐apoptotic proteins. Prolonged lifespan was dependent on contact through TLR2/6, and F. alocis‐challenged neutrophils retained their functional capacity to induce inflammation for longer timepoints. This is the first in‐depth characterization of neutrophil apoptotic programs in response to an oral pathogen and provides key information on how bacteria manipulate immune cell mechanisms to maintain a dysregulated inflammatory response.
Exposure to intravenous posaconazole in critically ill patients with influenza: A pharmacokinetic analysis of the POSA‐FLU study
Authors: Van Daele Ruth , Wauters Joost , Dreesen Erwin , Boelens Jerina , Nulens Eric , Lormans Piet , Vanderbeke Lore , Jacobs Cato , Rijnders Bart , Verweij Paul E. , Brüggemann Roger J. , Spriet Isabel
Published: April 2022

Background

Data on posaconazole in the critically ill are scarce. In the POSA‐FLU study, we examined the prevention of influenza‐associated pulmonary aspergillosis with posaconazole in this population.

Methods

In this observational sub‐study, we performed a pharmacokinetic analysis, including protein binding and target attainment (TA). Blood samples were collected over a 24 h‐dosing interval on both an early (Day 2 or 3) and a later (≥Day 4) treatment day.

Results

Target attainment was shown for AUC0‐24 and Cmin prophylaxis but not for Cmin treatment. Moreover, a saturable protein binding with a significant, positive relationship between albumin concentrations and the maximum binding capacity was observed.

Conclusions

Our analysis indicates that posaconazole may be a suitable drug to further investigate for prophylaxis, as TA for prophylaxis was reached. Exposure targets for treatment were insufficiently attained in this population.
Photoprotection Effects of Red Seaweed Meal (Grateloupia cf. Turuturu) as Feed Ingredient in Prawn Artemesia Longinaris
Authors: Arzoz Natalia Soledad , Marcoval Maria Alejandra , Diaz Ana Cristina , Espino Maria Laura , Velurtas Susana M. , Churio Maria Sandra , Orallo Dalila Elisabet , Fenucci Jorge Lino
Published: April 2022

The aim of this research was to determine the effects of adding red seaweed meal rich in ultraviolet radiation absorbing compounds (UACs) to the diet of juvenile prawn Artemesia longinaris and its possible protective effects under stress by ultraviolet radiation (UVR). Three experimental diets were prepared: control diet (D) and two diets supplemented with red seaweed Grateloupia cf. turuturu meal at two inclusion levels (D1: 1 g/100 g; D2: 2 g/100 g). Three experiments were carried out: a) 45‐day feeding, b) digestibility, and c) radiation exposure experiment. After the 45‐day feeding experiment, no significant differences were found in growth and survival. Accumulation of UACs was detected only in animals fed D1 and D2, and concentration was significantly higher in animals fed D2, with concentrations (12.58 ± 3.50 OD g−1) and (3.17 ± 0.4 OD g−1) after 45‐day feeding and after 7‐day UVR exposure, respectively. After 7 days of exposure to different light treatments, significant differences were recorded inradical scavenging activities. In all UVR treatments, rapid signal decay was recorded in the first 5 min of reaction. The red seaweed Grateloupia cf. turuturumeal constitutes an interesting source of photoprotective compounds as an additive in the diet of A. longinaris.
An Experimental Study of Photoactivated Disinfection in the Treatment of Acute Pseudomembranous Stomatitis
Authors: Gu Yue , Zhang Lifang , Liu Juan , Zhang Xiao , Liu Na , Liu Qing
Published: April 2022

To investigate photoactivated disinfection (PAD) to treat acute pseudomembranous stomatitis, an animal model was established. Six‐week‐old male ICR mice were inoculated with Candida albicans under immunosuppression then divided into three groups (15 mice per group). Pseudomembranous area was measured, then mice had 1 mg mL−1 toluidine blue solution spread on the area, left for 1 min (PAD‐1 group) or 2 min (PAD‐2 group), then irradiated with a 750 mW LED red light for 1 min, a control group received no treatment. Fungal load was measured immediately; after 48 h of observation pseudomembranous area and fungal load were measured. The mice were sacrificed and histopathological examination was performed. Before treatment, pseudomembranous area scores were similar (3 to 4 points) in all groups; 48 h after treatment, the treatment groups' scores were lower (1 to 2 points) than the control group (3 to 4 points, P < 0.05). Immediately after treatment and 48 h later, the fungal loads of the treatment groups were lower than the control group (both P < 0.05). Histopathology of the treatment groups improved more than controls. The treatment groups' results were similar. Therefore, this method of PAD, with short treatment time, reduced the fungal load and pseudomembranous area scores in a mouse model of acute pseudomembranous stomatitis and may have clinical potential.
Early factors associated with risk of developmental coordination disorder in very preterm children: A prospective area‐based cohort study in Italy
Authors: Zoia Stefania , Biancotto Marina , Caravale Barbara , Valletti Alessandra , Montelisciani Laura , Croci Ileana , Voller Fabio , Rusconi Franca , Carrozzi Marco , Chiandotto Valeria , Di Lallo Domenico , Vicari Stefano , Cuttini Marina
Published: April 2022

Background

Developmental coordination disorder (DCD) is a motor disorder of unknown aetiology that may have long‐term consequences on daily activities, and psychological and physical health. Studies investigating risk factors for DCD have so far provided inconsistent results.

Objectives

To assess, using a parent‐report screening tool, risk of DCD in school‐age very preterm children born in Italy, and investigate the associated early biomedical and sociodemographic factors.

Methods

A prospective area‐based cohort (804 children, response rate 73.4%) was assessed at 8–11 years of age in three Italian regions. Perinatal data were abstracted from medical records. DCD risk was measured using the Italian‐validated version of the Developmental Coordination Disorder Questionnaire (DCDQ‐IT). For this study, children with cognitive deficit (i.e. intelligence quotient <70), cerebral palsy, severe vision and hearing disabilities, and other impairments affecting movement were excluded. A total of 629 children were analysed. We used inverse probability weighting to account for loss to follow‐up, and multilevel, multivariable modified Poisson models to obtain adjusted risk ratio (aRR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Missing values in the covariates were imputed.

Results

195 children (weighted proportion 31.8%, 95% CI 28.2, 35.6) scored positive on the DCDQ‐IT, corresponding to the 15th centile of the reference Movement‐ABC test. Factors associated with overall DCD risk were male sex (aRR 1.35, 95% CI 1.05, 1.73), intrauterine growth restriction (aRR 1.45, 95% CI 1.14, 1.85), retinopathy of prematurity (aRR 1.62, 95% CI 1.07, 2.45), and older maternal age at delivery (aRR 1.39, 95% CI 1.09, 1.77). Complete maternal milk feeding at discharge from the neonatal unit and higher parental socio‐economic status were associated with decreased risk.

Conclusions

Both biomedical and sociodemographic factors increase DCD risk. These findings can contribute to elucidating the origins of this disorder, and assist in the identification of children at risk for early referral and intervention.
Global real‐world data on hemodiafiltration: An opportunity to complement clinical trial evidence
Authors: Ficociello Linda H. , Busink Ellen , Sawin Dixie‐Ann , Winter Anke
Published: April 2022

Hemodiafiltration (HDF) is a renal replacement therapy that utilizes both diffusive clearance and convective transport to achieve greater clearance of middle‐molecular‐weight solutes. Among other factors, important prerequisites for the implementation of HDF include access to high‐flux dialyzers, achievement of high blood flow rates, and availability of high volumes of sterile substitution/replacement fluids. Online hemodiafiltration (OL‐HDF) is an established kidney replacement therapy, frequently used in many countries. Although in the United States, some prerequisites (e.g., access to high‐flux dialyzers and achievement of high blood flow rates) for OL‐HDF treatment are readily available; however, a machine capable of generating the online solution for OL‐HDF is currently not available. As the clinical experience with HDF accumulates globally, it is worth examining the evidence for this kidney replacement therapy as used in routine clinical care. Such real‐world evidence is increasingly recognized as valuable by clinicians and may inform regulatory decisions. In this review, we will focus on emerging global real‐world data derived from routine clinical practices and examine how these data may complement those derived from clinical trials.
Robust Lasso‐Zero for sparse corruption and model selection with missing covariates
Authors: Descloux Pascaline , Boyer Claire , Josse Julie , Sportisse Aude , Sardy Sylvain
Published: April 2022

We propose Robust Lasso‐Zero, an extension of the Lasso‐Zero methodology, initially introduced for sparse linear models, to the sparse corruptions problem. We give theoretical guarantees on the sign recovery of the parameters for a slightly simplified version of the estimator, called Thresholded Justice Pursuit. The use of Robust Lasso‐Zero is showcased for variable selection with missing values in the covariates. In addition to not requiring the specification of a model for the covariates, nor estimating their covariance matrix or the noise variance, the method has the great advantage of handling missing not‐at random values without specifying a parametric model. Numerical experiments and a medical application underline the relevance of Robust Lasso‐Zero in such a context with few available competitors. The method is easy to use and implemented in the R library lass0.
Assessing the clinical utility of MMPI‐2‐RF interpersonal theory of suicide proxy indices in psychiatric hospitalization setting
Authors: Khazem Lauren R. , Anestis Joye C. , Rufino Katrina A.
Published: April 2022

Introduction

The Minnesota Multiphasic Personality Inventory‐2‐Restructured Form (MMPI‐2‐RF Ben‐Porath & Tellegen, 2008/2011) has been applied to suicide risk assessment through derived proxy indices of perceived burdensomeness, thwarted belongingness, and the acquired capability for suicide (Anestis et al., 2018, Joiner, 2005). However, limited research has examined the clinical utility of these proxy indices outside the outpatient setting. This study examined the performance of these proxy indices in identifying past‐month suicide ideation intensity and attempts upon admission to a psychiatric inpatient program and changes in suicidal ideation intensity at discharge. We expected these indices and their interaction would be associated with suicide ideation intensity and attempts at baseline and with a lack of significant improvement in suicide ideation intensity at discharge, including when controlling for MMPI‐2‐RF Suicide/Death Ideation (SUI) scale scores.

Method

Participants were 1007 patients in a private inpatient psychiatric hospital in the southwestern United States, 968 of whom completed study measures at admission and discharge. Participants were administered the C‐SSRS and MMPI‐2‐RF upon admission, while the C‐SSRS was administered again prior to discharge. A series of moderation analyses were conducted to examine the main and interaction effects of the MMPI‐2‐RF derived proxy indices on suicidal ideation intensity and suicide attempts at admission. Logistic regression analyses were conducted to examine whether MMPI‐2‐RF proxy index scores at admission were associated with changes in suicidal ideation intensity at discharge.

Results

Neither the proxy indices nor their interaction was associated with all study outcomes. The acquired capability for suicide proxy index and its interaction with other indices were not associated with suicide attempt status at admission. However, high thwarted belongingness proxy index scores were associated with greater suicidal ideation intensity at admission; high perceived burdensomeness proxy index scores were indicative of a lack of significant change in suicide ideation intensity at discharge.

Conclusion

These results indicate a need to further examine these proxy indices in high acuity samples.
Analyzing real world data of blood transfusion adverse events: Opportunities and challenges
Authors: Jhaveri Perrin , Bozkurt Selen , Moyal Axel , Belov Artur , Anderson Steven , Shan Hua , Whitaker Barbee , Hernandez‐Boussard Tina
Published: April 2022

Background

Blood transfusions are a vital component of modern healthcare, yet adverse reactions to blood product transfusions can cause morbidity, and rarely result in mortality. Therefore, accurate reporting of transfusion related adverse events (TRAEs) is paramount to improved transfusion practice. This study aims to investigate real‐world data (RWD) on TRAEs by evaluating differences between ICD 9/10‐based electronic health records (EHR) and blood bank‐specific reporting.

Study Design and Methods

TRAE data were retrospectively collected from a blood bank‐specific database between Jan 2015 and June 2019 as the reference data source and compared it to ICD 9/10 diagnostic codes corresponding to various TRAEs. Seven reactions that have corresponding ICD 9/10 diagnostic codes were evaluated: Transfusion related circulatory overload (TACO), transfusion related acute lung injury (TRALI), febrile non‐hemolytic reaction (FNHTR), transfusion‐related anaphylactic reaction (TRA), acute hemolytic transfusion reaction (AHTR), delayed hemolytic transfusion reaction (DHTR), and delayed serologic reaction (DSTR). These accounted for 33% of the TRAEs at an academic institution during the study period.

Results

Among 18637 adult blood transfusion recipients, there were 229 unique patients with 263 TRAE related ICD codes in the EHR, while there were 191 unique patients with 287 TRAEs identified in the blood bank database. None of the categories of reaction we investigated had perfect alignment between ICD 9/10 codes and blood bank specific diagnoses.

Discussion

Multiple systemic challenges were identified that hinder effective reporting of TRAEs. Identifying factors causing inconsistent reporting between blood banks and EHRs is paramount to developing effective workability between these electronic systems, as well as across clinical and laboratory teams.
Preoperative skin asepsis protocols using chlorhexidine versus povidone‐iodine in veterinary surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Marchionatti Emma , Constant Caroline , Steiner Adrian
Published: April 2022

Objective

To provide a systematic assessment of the efficacy of preoperative skin asepsis using chlorhexidine versus povidone‐iodine based protocols for surgical site infection (SSI) prevention in veterinary surgery.

Study design

Systematic meta‐analytical review according to PRISMA‐P guidelines.

Sample population

Studies comparing preoperative skin asepsis protocols using chlorhexidine versus povidone‐iodine in veterinary surgery identified by systematic search between 1990 and 2020.

Methods

A search using MEDLINE/Pubmed, Web of Science and CAB Abstracts was performed, followed by secondary searches of Google Scholar, Proquest Dissertation and Theses, and relevant bibliographic articles. Primary and secondary outcome measures were the efficacy of skin asepsis protocols using chlorhexidine versus povidone‐iodine on SSI incidence and skin bacterial colonization, respectively. A meta‐analysis was performed with a random‐effect model, with effect size calculated as risk ratio (RR) or mean standard deviation (MSD) with 95% CI. Statistical significance was set at P < .05.

Results

Among 1067 publications that met the initial search criteria, 9 relevant studies were eligible for analysis. No difference in the incidence of postoperative SSI or skin bacterial colonization between preoperative asepsis protocols using chlorhexidine versus povidone‐iodine was found. Insufficient information and detail were frequent among studies and precluded a clear assessment of bias.

Conclusion

This study showed that asepsis protocols using chlorhexidine were comparable to povidone‐iodine in preventing postoperative SSI and reducing skin bacterial colonization.

Clinical significance

Given the limitations of the studies that were included in terms of both quality and quantity, more high‐quality randomized controlled trials are needed to confirm these conclusions.
Mesoscopic quantum thermo-mechanics: A new frontier of experimental physics
Authors: Collin E.
Published: April 2022

In the last decade, experimentalists have demonstrated their impressive ability to control mechanical modes within mesoscopic objects down to the quantum level: it is now possible to create mechanical Fock states, to entangle mechanical modes from distinct objects, and to store quantum information or transfer it from one quantum bit to another, among the many possibilities found in today's literature. Indeed, mechanics is quantum, very much like spins or electromagnetic degrees of freedom; and all of this is, in particular, referred to as a new engineering resource for quantum technologies. However, there is also much more beyond this utilitarian aspect: invoking the original discussions of Braginsky and Caves, where a quantum oscillator is thought of as a quantum detector for a classical field, namely, a gravitational wave, which is also a unique sensing capability for quantum fields. The subject of study is then the baths to which the mechanical mode is coupled to, let them be known or unknown in nature. This Perspective is about this new potentiality that addresses stochastic thermodynamics, potentially down to its quantum version, the search for a fundamental underlying (random) field postulated in recent theories that can be affiliated to the class of the wave-function collapse models, and more generally open questions of condensed matter like the actual nature of the elusive (and ubiquitous) two-level systems present within all mechanical objects. However, such research turns out to be much more demanding than the use of a few quantum mechanical modes: all the known baths have to be identified, experiments have to be conducted in-equilibrium, and the word “mechanics” needs to be justified by a real ability to move substantially the center-of-mass when a proper drive tone is applied to the system.
The time course of adaptation to distorted speech
Authors: Cooke Martin , Scharenborg Odette , Meyer Bernd T.
Published: April 2022

When confronted with unfamiliar or novel forms of speech, listeners' word recognition performance is known to improve with exposure, but data are lacking on the fine-grained time course of adaptation. The current study aims to fill this gap by investigating the time course of adaptation to several different types of distorted speech. Keyword scores as a function of sentence position in a block of 30 sentences were measured in response to eight forms of distorted speech. Listeners recognised twice as many words in the final sentence compared to the initial sentence with around half of the gain appearing in the first three sentences, followed by gradual gains over the rest of the block. Rapid adaptation was apparent for most of the eight distortion types tested with differences mainly in the gradual phase. Adaptation to sine-wave speech improved if listeners had heard other types of distortion prior to exposure, but no similar facilitation occurred for the other types of distortion. Rapid adaptation is unlikely to be due to procedural learning since listeners had been familiarised with the task and sentence format through exposure to undistorted speech. The mechanisms that underlie rapid adaptation are currently unclear.
The effect of lengthening aspiration on speech segmentation
Authors: Ou Shu-chen , Guo Zhe-chen
Published: April 2022

Listeners tend to perceive longer vowels as word-final and include the aspiration of a syllable-onset consonant in metalinguistically judging the duration of the following vowel. It may be hypothesized that longer aspiration is interpreted as extra vowel duration and hence, a word-finality cue. Alternatively, if aspiration is perceived as part of the onset, longer aspiration should be interpreted as word-initial, consistent with previous findings on consonant lengthening [White, Mattys, Stefansdottir, and Jones (2015). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 138(2), 1214–1220]. An artificial language learning experiment with Taiwanese Southern Min listeners showed that lengthening aspiration in word-initial but not word-final syllables improved speech segmentation, supporting the second but not the first hypothesis.
The effect of simulated insertion depth differences on the vocal pitches of cochlear implant users
Authors: Soleimanifar Simin , Staisloff Hannah E. , Aronoff Justin M.
Published: April 2022

Cochlear implant (CI) users often produce different vocal pitches when using their left versus right CI. One possible explanation for this is that insertion depth differs across the two CIs. The goal of this study was to investigate the role of electrode insertion depth in the production of vocal pitch. Eleven individuals with bilateral CIs used maps simulating differences in insertion depth. Participants produced a sustained vowel and sang Happy Birthday. Approximately half the participants significantly shifted the pitch of their voice in response to different simulated insertion depths. The results suggest insertion depth differences can alter produced vocal pitch.
An antibody class with a common CDRH3 motif broadly neutralizes sarbecoviruses
Authors: Liu Lihong , Iketani Sho , Guo Yicheng , Reddem Eswar R. , Casner Ryan G. , Nair Manoj S. , Yu Jian , Chan Jasper F.-W. , Wang Maple , Cerutti Gabriele , Li Zhiteng , Morano Nicholas C. , Castagna Candace D. , Corredor Laura , Chu Hin , Yuan Shuofeng , Poon Vincent Kwok-Man , Chan Chris Chun-Sing , Chen Zhiwei , Luo Yang , Cunningham Marcus , Chavez Alejandro , Yin Michael T. , Perlin David S. , Tsuji Moriya , Yuen Kwok-Yung , Kwong Peter D. , Sheng Zizhang , Huang Yaoxing , Shapiro Lawrence , Ho David D.
Published: April 2022

The devastation caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has made clear the importance of pandemic preparedness. To address future zoonotic outbreaks due to related viruses in the sarbecovirus subgenus, we identified a human monoclonal antibody, 10-40, that neutralized or bound all sarbecoviruses tested in vitro and protected against SARS-CoV-2 and SARS-CoV in vivo. Comparative studies with other receptor-binding domain (RBD)–directed antibodies showed 10-40 to have the greatest breadth against sarbecoviruses, suggesting that 10-40 is a promising agent for pandemic preparedness. Moreover, structural analyses on 10-40 and similar antibodies not only defined an epitope cluster in the inner face of the RBD that is well conserved among sarbecoviruses but also uncovered a distinct antibody class with a common CDRH3 motif. Our analyses also suggested that elicitation of this class of antibodies may not be overly difficult, an observation that bodes well for the development of a pan-sarbecovirus vaccine.
The HIV-1 Viral Protease Is Activated during Assembly and Budding Prior to Particle Release
Authors: Tabler Caroline O. , Wegman Sarah J. , Chen Jiji , Shroff Hari , Alhusaini Najwa , Tilton John C.
Published: April 2022

HIV-1 protease inhibitors have been a mainstay of antiretroviral therapy for more than 2 decades. Although antiretroviral therapy is effective at controlling HIV-1 replication, persistent reservoirs of latently infected cells quickly reestablish replication if therapy is halted.
Aspergillus flavusendogenous endophthalmitis in an immunocompetent man: treatment outcomes and swept-source optical coherence tomography findings
Authors: Baharani Abhilasha , Reddy P. Raja Rami , Singh Deependra Vikram , Reddy G Ashok Kumar
Published: April 2022

A non-diabetic man in his 40s presented with a 4-day history of sudden, painless, rapidly progressive severe vision loss in his right eye. Anterior segment was unremarkable. A dense, solitary vitreous abscess with feathery margins obscured the macula. Retinal haemorrhages, exudates and retinal vasculitis were noted. There was no history of ocular surgery, trauma, intravenous drug abuse or immunocompromise. He received intravenous fluids during a spinal procedure 5 days prior. Prompt diagnostic and therapeutic pars-plana vitrectomy was done andAspergillus flavuswas cultured. Postoperatively, he was treated with oral Voriconazole and four intravitreal Voriconazole injections, till the chorioretinitis lesions had completely healed and was objectively confirmed on follow-up swept-source optical coherence tomography (OCT). He achieved a best-corrected visual acuity of 6/36. A high index of suspicion, early vitrectomy and OCT-based treatment were key to favourable outcomes in this case. Intravenous fluid bottles must be checked for contamination prior to administration.
Protocol for the COG-UK hospital-onset COVID-19 infection (HOCI) multicentre interventional clinical study: evaluating the efficacy of rapid genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 in limiting the spread of COVID-19 in UK NHS hospitals
Authors: Blackstone James , Stirrup Oliver , Mapp Fiona , Panca Monica , Copas Andrew , Flowers Paul , Hockey Leanne , Price James , Partridge David , Peters Christine , de Silva Thushan , Nebbia Gaia , Snell Luke B , McComish Rachel ,   The COVID-19 Genomics UK (COG-UK) Consortium, Breuer Judith
Published: April 2022

Objectives

Nosocomial transmission of SARS-CoV-2 has been a significant cause of mortality in National Health Service (NHS) hospitals during the COVID-19 pandemic. The COG-UK Consortium Hospital-Onset COVID-19 Infections (COG-UK HOCI) study aims to evaluate whether the use of rapid whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2, supported by a novel probabilistic reporting methodology, can inform infection prevention and control (IPC) practice within NHS hospital settings.

Design

Multicentre, prospective, interventional, superiority study.

Setting

14 participating NHS hospitals over winter–spring 2020/2021 in the UK.

Participants

Eligible patients must be admitted to hospital with first-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 PCR-positive test result >48 hour from time of admission, where COVID-19 diagnosis not suspected on admission. The projected sample size is 2380 patients.

Intervention

The intervention is the return of a sequence report, within 48 hours in one phase (rapid local lab processing) and within 5–10 days in a second phase (mimicking central lab), comparing the viral genome from an eligible study participant with others within and outside the hospital site.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes are incidence of Public Health England (PHE)/IPC-defined SARS-CoV-2 hospital-acquired infection during the baseline and two interventional phases, and proportion of hospital-onset cases with genomic evidence of transmission linkage following implementation of the intervention where such linkage was not suspected by initial IPC investigation. Secondary outcomes include incidence of hospital outbreaks, with and without sequencing data; actual and desirable changes to IPC actions; periods of healthcare worker (HCW) absence. Health economic analysis will be conducted to determine cost benefit of the intervention. A process evaluation using qualitative interviews with HCWs will be conducted alongside the study.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN50212645. Pre-results stage. This manuscript is based on protocol V.6.0. 2 September 2021.
Effect of a multicomponent intervention in postnatal mothers’ groups on meeting the Australian Physical Activity Guidelines for infants: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hewitt Lyndel , Frohmuller Carolyn , Wen Li Ming , Okely Anthony D
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Given the importance of tummy time and the low levels of tummy time reported globally, there is a need for high-quality intervention strategies to promote tummy time. This study describes the protocol of a randomised controlled trial that aims to determine the effectiveness of a multicomponent intervention delivered in postnatal mothers’ groups in increasing infant tummy time.

Methods and analysis

A randomised controlled trial will be conducted. Eligible participants will be mothers and their infants attending postnatal mothers’ groups (New South Wales, Australia). Participants will be randomised to participate in either (1) infant tummy time intervention group (practice, education, WhatsApp) plus usual care; or (2) usual care group. Randomisation process and outcome assessors will be blinded. The intervention will comprise an online education and practice session (60 min) and 4 weeks of WhatsApp messaging (standardised, three times per week). Usual care will be attendance at a mothers group once per week for 3 weeks for information and support for ad hoc mother craft activities (standard practice provided by early childhood nurses for this local health district). The primary outcome will be the amount of infant tummy time using the GENEActiv accelerometer and a questionnaire (post intervention). The accelerometer will be worn on the right hip secured by an elastic belt around the waist. Wear and non-wear time will be classified using temperature and z-axis cut points as per previous research. This protocol paper presents the scientific background and proposed methods of the randomised controlled trial. Findings will inform the design of practically based strategies to inform clinicians, educators and parents about infant physical activity.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Wollongong and Illawarra Shoalhaven Local Health District Health and Medical Human Research Ethics Committee approved the study (2020/ETH02970). Dissemination plan is publication, staff training and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12621000575831; Pre-results.
Coronary calcium scoring as first-line test to detect and exclude coronary artery disease in patients presenting to the general practitioner with stable chest pain: protocol of the cluster-randomised CONCRETE trial
Authors: Koopman Moniek Y , Reijnders Jorn J W , Willemsen Robert T A , van Bruggen Rykel , Doggen Carine J M , Kietselaer Bas , Oude Wolcherink Martijn J , van Ooijen Peter M A , Gratama Jan Willem C , Braam Richard , Oudkerk Matthijs , van der Harst Pim , Dinant Geert-Jan , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Identifying and excluding coronary artery disease (CAD) in patients with atypical angina pectoris (AP) and non-specific thoracic complaints is a challenge for general practitioners (GPs). A diagnostic and prognostic tool could help GPs in determining the likelihood of CAD and guide patient management. Studies in outpatient settings have shown that the CT-based coronary calcium score (CCS) has high accuracy for diagnosis and exclusion of CAD. However, the CT CCS test has not been tested in a primary care setting. In the COroNary Calcium scoring as fiRst-linE Test to dEtect and exclude coronary artery disease in GPs patients with stable chest pain (CONCRETE) study, the impact of direct access of GPs to CT CCS will be investigated. We hypothesise that this will allow for early diagnosis of CAD and treatment, more efficient referral to the cardiologist and a reduction of healthcare-related costs.

Methods and analysis

CONCRETE is a pragmatic multicentre trial with a cluster randomised design, in which direct GP access to the CT CCS test is compared with standard of care. In both arms, at least 40 GP offices, and circa 800 patients with atypical AP and non-specific thoracic complaints will be included. To determine the increase in detection and treatment rate of CAD in GP offices, the CVRM registration rate is derived from the GPs electronic registration system. Individual patients’ data regarding cardiovascular risk factors, expressed chest pain complaints, quality of life, downstream testing and CAD diagnosis will be collected through questionnaires and the electronic GP dossier.

Ethics and dissemination

CONCRETE has been approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of the University Medical Center of Groningen.

Trial registration number

NTR 7475; Pre-results.
Willingness for community-based and institutional eldercare among older adults: a cross-sectional study in Zhejiang, China
Authors: Wang Hao , Guan Yunqi , Hu Ruying , Bragg Fiona , Yu Min , Zhong Jieming
Published: April 2022

Objective

To investigate the proportion of willingness for community-based and institutional care and their correlating factors among older adults in Zhejiang Province, China.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

The Sixth National Health Service Survey, carried out in Zhejiang, China.

Participants

7300 eligible older adults aged 60 years or older.

Main outcomes measures

Willingness for community-based and institutional eldercare.

Results

The average age of the participants was 69.0±7.3 years. 50.9% of the participants were males, and 49.1% were females. 19.2% came from urban areas and 80.8% were from rural areas. The percentage of willingness for community-based and institutional eldercare was 2.7% and 3.8%, respectively. The corresponding figures for females were 2.9% and 3.5%, respectively, and for males were 2.5% and 4.1%, respectively. Factors positively associated with willingness for community-based eldercare included living in urban areas, high educational attainment, more frequent active exercise and living alone. Factors positively associated with willingness for institutional eldercare included age, living at urban areas, high education attainment, more frequent active exercise and receiving assistance with daily living.

Conclusions

Family eldercare was the priority for older adults compared with community-based and institutional eldercare in Zhejiang. The willingness for community-based and institutional eldercare among older adults was affected not only by the older adults themselves, but also by community and family members.
Gastric cancer completeness in Finnish Cancer Registry and Finnish Patient Registry: a population-based nationwide retrospective cohort study
Authors: Maharjan Urgena , Kauppila Joonas H
Published: April 2022

Background

Gastric cancer is the fourth-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The only curative treatment options of gastric cancer are perioperative chemotherapy and surgical resection. Many nationwide registries have high validity and provide vast range of opportunities for registry-based research. Cancer diagnoses in the Finnish Cancer Registry (FCR) are reported by pathology laboratories and clinician forms, while discharge diagnosis codes are reported to the Finnish Patient Registry (HILMO) automatically. Finland is known for complete registries but the completeness of gastric cancer in FCR and HILMO remains unclear.

Objectives

The aim of this study is to assess the registry coverage for gastric cancer in FCR and HILMO and to explore potential reasons for possible differences between these registries.

Design

Population-based nationwide retrospective cohort study.

Participants

All patients diagnosed with gastric cancer in Finland during 1990 to 2014, with follow-up until 31 December 2019.

Results

Out of 21 468 total gastric cancers reported to either registry, 17 107 (79.7%) had a gastric cancer diagnosis in both registries. A substantial decrease from 88.3% to 83.4% was observed in the proportion of cases reported to FCR over time. The completeness of FCR was estimated at 87%. For HILMO, the completeness was 92.7%. Death due to gastric cancer was most common in those with gastric cancer in both registries (80.8%), and less common in those reported to only FCR (36.3%), followed by those reported to only HILMO (9.3%).

Conclusions

The study indicates that gastric cancer is well captured by both FCR and HILMO but there is an alarming decrease in the proportion of cases captured by the FCR over time. Some gastric cancer diagnoses in HILMO might, however, be misclassified due to cancer diagnoses being assigned based on clinical suspicion.