bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Guanosine increases global SUMO1‐ylation in the hippocampus of young and aged mice and improves the short‐term memory of young mice
Authors: Zanella Camila A. , Marques Naiani , Junqueira Stella , Prediger Rui D. , Tasca Carla I. , Cimarosti Helena I.
Published: July 2023

The nucleoside guanosine is an endogenous neuromodulator associated with neuroprotection. The roles of guanosine during aging are still not fully elucidated. Guanosine modulates SUMOylation in neurons and astrocytes in vitro, but it is not known whether guanosine can modulate SUMOylation in vivo and improve cognitive functions during aging. SUMOylation is a post‐translational protein modification with potential neuroprotective roles. In this follow‐up study, we investigated whether guanosine could modulate SUMOylation in vivo and behavior in young and aged mice. Young (3‐month‐old) and aged (24‐month‐old) C57BL/6 mice were treated with guanosine (8 mg/kg intraperitoneal) daily for 14 days. Starting on day 8 of treatment, the following behavioral tests were performed: open field, novel object location, Y‐maze, sucrose splash test, and tail suspension test. Treatment with guanosine did not change the locomotor activity of young or aged mice in the open‐field test. Treatment with guanosine improved short‐term memory only for young mice but did not change the working memory of either young or aged mice, as evaluated using object recognition and the Y‐maze tests, respectively. Depressive‐like behaviors, such as impaired grooming evaluated through the splash test, did not change in either young or aged mice. However, young mice treated with guanosine increased their immobility time in the tail suspension test, suggesting an effect on behavioral coping strategies. Global SUMO1‐ylation was significantly increased in the hippocampus of young and aged mice after 14 days of treatment with guanosine, whereas no changes were detected in the cerebral cortex of either young or aged mice. Our findings demonstrate that guanosine also targets hippocampal SUMOylation in vivo, thereby contributing to a deeper understanding of its mechanisms of action. This highlights the involvement of SUMOylation in guanosine's modulatory and neuroprotective effects.

image
Factors associated with lymphedema self‐management behaviours among breast cancer survivors: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Shen Aomei , Wu Peipei , Qiang Wanmin , Fu Xin , Zhu Fei , Pang Lisha , Wang Fangfang , Lu Qian
Published: July 2023

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of this empirical study was to explore the current status and associated factors of lymphedema self‐management behaviours among Chinese breast cancer survivors.

Background

Breast cancer‐related lymphedema is a lifetime concern for survivors and is currently incurable. Lifetime lymphedema self‐management takes a significant role in preventing development and progression of lymphedema. Understanding influencing factors of lymphedema self‐management behaviours can help to develop targeted intervention programs.

Design

A multicentre cross‐sectional study.

Methods

From December 2021 to April 2022, a convenience sample of 586 participants were recruited at four tertiary hospitals in four cities in China. Self‐reported questionnaires were used to measure socio‐demographic characteristics, disease‐and treatment‐related characteristics, lymphedema self‐management behaviours, lymphedema knowledge, illness perception, self‐efficacy, self‐regulation and social support. Descriptive analysis, bivariate analysis and hierarchical multiple regression were conducted. This study was registered at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200057084), and was reported followed the STROBE checklist.

Results

Breast cancer survivors reported moderate level of lymphedema self‐management behaviours. Promotion of lymph reflux management was ranked the least performed self‐management behaviours, while the affected limb protection management ranked the most. 36.2% of self‐management behaviours was explained by exercise regularly, level of attention on lymphedema prevention, unclear about the tumour stage (vs. stage I), knowledge, self‐efficacy, emotional illness representation and social support.

Conclusions

Lymphedema self‐management behaviours of breast cancer survivors was insufficient. Performance of lymphedema self‐management varied with different socio‐demographic characteristics, along with different levels of knowledge, self‐efficacy, perception and social support. All these identified predictors should be reckoned in assessment and intervention of lymphedema self‐management behaviours.

Relevance To Clinical Practice

This study addressed that breast cancer survivors' lymphedema self‐management behaviours should be promoted. Focusing on identified predictors, further lymphedema surveillance, knowledge education or social facilitation programs are recommended to enhance their self‐management performance and adherence.
The prevalence, related factors and interventions of oncology nurses' burnout in different continents: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Ma Yao , Xie Tian , Zhang Jian , Yang Hui
Published: July 2023

Background

Burnout is a significant occupational problem among oncology nurses, affecting their physical and mental health and the quality of medical care. Besides, there is a gradually increasing trend that we should pay more attention to.

Objectives

To investigate the prevalence, influencing factors and interventions of oncology nurses' burnout among different continents.

Design

Systematic review and meta‐analysis.

Data Sources

English literature in PubMed, EMBASE, MEDLINE/EBSCOhost, CINAHL Complete and Web and of Science were searched before 1 March 2022.

Results

Twenty studies included 5904 oncology nurses in this review. Meta‐analysis was performed in 19 of the studies. First, the pooled mean scores estimate for emotional exhaustion (EE) was 22.13 (95% CI: 19.69–24.58), depersonalization (DP) was 6.89 (95% CI: 5.67–8.10) and personal accomplishment (PA) was 32.86 (95% CI: 29.34–36.37). A high level of burnout was defined as a high level of EE (score ≥ 27), a high level of DP (score ≥ 10), and a low level of PA (score ≤ 33). Of these, 36.40% of nurses reported high EE, 28.26% reported high DP and 28.68% reported low levels of PA. Furthermore, there are differences in the prevalence, influencing factors and intervention measures of burnout among oncology nurses in different regions. The highest pooled mean scores for EE and DP were found in Asia. And the highest pooled mean scores for PA were found in the Americas. The factors that influence burnout among Asian oncology nurses are mostly personal‐related factors such as empathy and personality traits, while the factors that influence burnout among European oncology nurses are work‐related factors. This review included three intervention studies from Europe and the Americas, with fewer intervention studies on burnout in oncology nurses in Asia.

Conclusion

Oncology nurses in Asia had the highest pooled mean scores for EE and DP, and the highest mean scores for the PA pool in the Americas. There are regional differences in the prevalence and factors influencing burnout among oncology nurses, but there are few interventions for it. Therefore, future interventions should be developed to address the differences that exist in different regions.

Relevance To Clinical Practice

Burnout among oncology nurses in different regions is a concern, and this review may provide a reference for managers to target interventions to alleviate burnout among oncology nurses.
The learning curve of introduced robotic‐assisted hysterectomy versus skilled laparoscopic hysterectomy for benign gynecologic diseases
Authors: Iida Yuki , Komatsu Hiroaki , Kudoh Akiko , Azuma Yukihiro , Sato Shinya , Harada Tasuku , Taniguchi Fuminori
Published: July 2023

Aim

This study aimed to compare introduced robotic‐assisted hysterectomy (RAH) and skilled total laparoscopic hysterectomy (TLH) for the treatment of benign gynecological diseases.

Methods

Patients who underwent RAH or TLH by two surgeons at the Tottori University Hospital between January 2018 and May 2022 were included in this retrospective study. Inclusion criteria were patients with 100–300 g of uterine weight. The exclusion criteria were patients with stage IV endometriosis. Mean operative time and learning curve were compared among the first‐half RAH, second‐half RAH, and TLH groups.

Results

There were 40 eligible cases (first‐half RAH: 20 cases, second‐half RAH: 20 cases) in the RAH group and 44 cases in the TLH group. The total operative time (TOT) of the second half of RAH was significantly shorter than that of the first half of RAH (p = 0.021) and was comparable to that of the TLH group. The operative time (OT) of the second half of RAH was shorter than that of TLH (p = 0.023). The preparation time of TLH was shorter than that of the RAH group (p < 0.01). The learning curve of the TOT in RAH crossed that of TLH on the 31st case of RAH. In contrast, both curves of the OT crossed on the 11th case of RAH.

Conclusion

The TOT of the introduced RAH was equivalent to that of skilled TLH in approximately 30 cases since the first RAH. Furthermore, the OT of RAH was comparable to that of TLH in approximately 10 cases of surgery since the first RAH.
Bid Coordination in Sponsored Search Auctions: Detection Methodology and Empirical Analysis*
Authors: Decarolis Francesco , Goldmanis Maris , Penta Antonio , Shakhgildyan Ksenia
Published: July 2023

Bid delegation to specialized intermediaries is common in internet ad auctions. When the same intermediary bids for competing advertisers, its incentive to coordinate client bids might alter the functioning of the auctions. This study develops a methodology to detect bid coordination and presents a strategy to estimate a bound on the search engine revenue losses imposed by bid coordination. When the method is applied to data from auctions held on a major search engine, coordination is detected in 55% of the cases of delegated bidding and the search engine's revenue loss ranges between 5.3% and 10.4%.
The role of height‐driven constraints and compensations on tree vulnerability to drought
Authors: Fernández‐de‐Uña Laura , Martínez‐Vilalta Jordi , Poyatos Rafael , Mencuccini Maurizio , McDowell Nate G.
Published: July 2023

Frequent observations of higher mortality in larger trees than in smaller ones during droughts have sparked an increasing interest in size‐dependent drought‐induced mortality. However, the underlying physiological mechanisms are not well understood, with height‐associated hydraulic constraints often being implied as the potential mechanism driving increased drought vulnerability. We performed a quantitative synthesis on how key traits that drive plant water and carbon economy change with tree height within species and assessed the implications that the different constraints and compensations may have on the interacting mechanisms (hydraulic failure, carbon starvation and/or biotic‐agent attacks) affecting tree vulnerability to drought. While xylem tension increases with tree height, taller trees present a range of structural and functional adjustments, including more efficient water use and transport and greater water uptake and storage capacity, that mitigate the path‐length‐associated drop in water potential. These adaptations allow taller trees to withstand episodic water stress. Conclusive evidence for height‐dependent increased vulnerability to hydraulic failure and carbon starvation, and their coupling to defence mechanisms and pest and pathogen dynamics, is still lacking. Further research is needed, particularly at the intraspecific level, to ascertain the specific conditions and thresholds above which height hinders tree survival under drought.
Secular trends in skill‐related physical fitness among Slovenian children and adolescents from 1983 to 2014
Authors: Sember Vedrana , Đurić Saša , Starc Gregor , Leskošek Bojan , Sorić Maroje , Kovač Marjeta , Jurak Gregor
Published: July 2023

It is vital from the public health and educational perspective to be familiar with changes in the fitness levels of individuals and populations since fitness is associated with several health outcomes and cognition. Skill‐related physical fitness refers to performance in sports or occupation and is associated with motor skill performance. The aim of the present study was to examine secular trends in skill‐related physical fitness of 16 678 participants in four youth generations of Slovenian children and adolescents in years 1983 (n = 3128), 1993/94 (n = 3413), 2003/04 (n = 5497), and 2013/14 (n = 4640). Using repeated cross‐sectional design, we observed fitness level of all participants divided into three age groups: 6–10, 11–14, and 15–19 years. Skill‐related physical performance was measured with seven fitness tests for speed, coordination, balance, and flexibility. Analysis of covariance was used to compare differences in fitness performance between decades in each age and sex group, adjusted for body height, body weight, and body mass index. Overall, large but inconsistent changes in coordination, a small improvement in speed, and a decline in flexibility were seen. The trends over the whole examined period were not linear throughout decades. Generally, positive trends were noticed in periods 1983–1993 (range 1.4%–17.9%; except flexibility) and 2003/04–2013/14 (range 0.2%–36.4%; except age group 15–19 years) while in the period 1993/94–2003/04 there are some particularities in secular trends according to individual components as well as age groups. In general, the secular trend showed a positive direction for both genders (p < 0.05), except for gross motor coordination, which demonstrated positive trends in 1993 and 2013 compared with a decade earlier (p < 0.05) and from 1983 to 2013/14, except for the youngest boys in 2003 and the youngest girls from 1993 to 2003 (p < 0.05). Our findings call for exercise programs aimed at improving speed and gross motor coordination in both sexes and all age groups, especially in the group of 15–19 years old.
Using deep learning to track time × frequency whistle contours of toothed whales without human-annotated training data
Authors: Li Pu , Liu Xiaobai , Klinck Holger , Gruden Pina , Roch Marie A.
Published: July 2023

Many odontocetes produce whistles that feature characteristic contour shapes in spectrogram representations of their calls. Automatically extracting the time × frequency tracks of whistle contours has numerous subsequent applications, including species classification, identification, and density estimation. Deep-learning-based methods, which train models using analyst-annotated whistles, offer a promising way to reliably extract whistle contours. However, the application of such methods can be limited by the significant amount of time and labor required for analyst annotation. To overcome this challenge, a technique that learns from automatically generated pseudo-labels has been developed. These annotations are less accurate than those generated by human analysts but more cost-effective to generate. It is shown that standard training methods do not learn effective models from these pseudo-labels. An improved loss function designed to compensate for pseudo-label error that significantly increases whistle extraction performance is introduced. The experiments show that the developed technique performs well when trained with pseudo-labels generated by two different algorithms. Models trained with the generated pseudo-labels can extract whistles with an F1-score (the harmonic mean of precision and recall) of 86.31% and 87.2% for the two sets of pseudo-labels that are considered. This performance is competitive with a model trained with 12 539 expert-annotated whistles (F1-score of 87.47%).
Lysosomal dysfunction in Down syndrome and Alzheimer mouse models is caused by v-ATPase inhibition by Tyr
682
-phosphorylated APP βCTF
Authors: Im Eunju , Jiang Ying , Stavrides Philip H. , Darji Sandipkumar , Erdjument-Bromage Hediye , Neubert Thomas A. , Choi Jun Yong , Wegiel Jerzy , Lee Ju-Hyun , Nixon Ralph A.
Published: July 2023

Lysosome dysfunction arises early and propels Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Herein, we show that amyloid precursor protein (APP), linked to early-onset AD in Down syndrome (DS), acts directly via its β-C-terminal fragment (βCTF) to disrupt lysosomal vacuolar (H
+
)–adenosine triphosphatase (v-ATPase) and acidification. In human DS fibroblasts, the phosphorylated
682
YENPTY internalization motif of APP-βCTF binds selectively within a pocket of the v-ATPase V0a1 subunit cytoplasmic domain and competitively inhibits association of the V1 subcomplex of v-ATPase, thereby reducing its activity. Lowering APP-βCTF Tyr
682
phosphorylation restores v-ATPase and lysosome function in DS fibroblasts and in vivo in brains of DS model mice. Notably, lowering APP-βCTF Tyr
682
phosphorylation below normal constitutive levels boosts v-ATPase assembly and activity, suggesting that v-ATPase may also be modulated tonically by phospho-APP-βCTF. Elevated APP-βCTF Tyr
682
phosphorylation in two mouse AD models similarly disrupts v-ATPase function. These findings offer previously unknown insight into the pathogenic mechanism underlying faulty lysosomes in all forms of AD.
Multi-tiered approach to detect autoimmune cross-reactivity of therapeutic T cell receptors
Authors: Ishii Kazusa , Davies John S. , Sinkoe Andrew L. , Nguyen Kilyna A. , Norberg Scott M. , McIntosh Crystal P. , Kadakia Tejas , Serna Carylinda , Rae Zachary , Kelly Michael C. , Hinrichs Christian S.
Published: July 2023

T cell receptor (TCR)–engineered T cell therapy using high-affinity TCRs is a promising treatment modality for cancer. Discovery of high-affinity TCRs especially against self-antigens can require approaches that circumvent central tolerance, which may increase the risk of cross-reactivity. Despite the potential for toxicity, no standardized approach to screen cross-reactivity has been established in the context of preclinical safety evaluation. Here, we describe a practical framework to prospectively detect clinically prohibitive cross-reactivity of therapeutic TCR candidates. Cross-reactivity screening consisted of multifaceted series of assays including assessment of p-MHC tetramer binding, cell line recognition, and reactivity against candidate peptide libraries. Peptide libraries were generated using conventional contact residue motif–guided search, amino acid substitution matrix–based search unguided by motif information, and combinatorial peptide library scan–guided search. We demonstrate the additive nature of a layered approach, which efficiently identifies unsafe cross-reactivity including one undetected by conventional motif-guided search. These findings have important implications for the safe development of TCR-based therapies.
Versatile computer-aided design of free-form DNA nanostructures and assemblies
Authors: Pfeifer Wolfgang G. , Huang Chao-Min , Poirier Michael G. , Arya Gaurav , Castro Carlos E.
Published: July 2023

Recent advances in structural DNA nanotechnology have been facilitated by design tools that continue to push the limits of structural complexity while simplifying an often-tedious design process. We recently introduced the software MagicDNA, which enables design of complex 3D DNA assemblies with many components; however, the design of structures with free-form features like vertices or curvature still required iterative design guided by simulation feedback and user intuition. Here, we present an updated design tool, MagicDNA 2.0, that automates the design of free-form 3D geometries, leveraging design models informed by coarse-grained molecular dynamics simulations. Our GUI-based, stepwise design approach integrates a high level of automation with versatile control over assembly and subcomponent design parameters. We experimentally validated this approach by fabricating a range of DNA origami assemblies with complex free-form geometries, including a 3D Nozzle, G-clef, and Hilbert and Trifolium curves, confirming excellent agreement between design input, simulation, and structure formation.
Autonomous robotics is driving Perseverance rover’s progress on Mars
Authors: Verma Vandi , Maimone Mark W. , Gaines Daniel M. , Francis Raymond , Estlin Tara A. , Kuhn Stephen R. , Rabideau Gregg R. , Chien Steve A. , McHenry Michael M. , Graser Evan J. , Rankin Arturo L. , Thiel Ellen R.
Published: July 2023

NASA’s Perseverance rover uses robotic autonomy to achieve its mission goals on Mars. Its self-driving autonomous navigation system (AutoNav) has been used to evaluate 88% of the 17.7-kilometer distance traveled during its first Mars year of operation. Previously, the maximum total autonomous distance evaluated was 2.4 kilometers by the Opportunity rover during its 14-year lifetime. AutoNav has set multiple planetary rover records, including the greatest distance driven without human review (699.9 meters) and the greatest single-day drive distance (347.7 meters). The Autonomous Exploration for Gathering Increased Science (AEGIS) system analyzes wide-angle imagery onboard to autonomously select targets for observations by the SuperCam instrument, a multimode sensor suite capable of millimeter-scale geochemical and mineralogical analysis. AEGIS enables observations of scientifically interesting targets during or immediately after long drives without the need for ground communication. OnBoard Planner (OBP) is a scheduling capability planned for operational use in September 2023 that has the potential to reduce energy usage by up to 20% and complete drive and arm-contact science campaigns in 25% fewer days on Mars. This paper presents an overview of the AutoNav, AEGIS, and OBP capabilities used on Perseverance.
Draft genome sequence of a representative strain of the
Catenibacterium
genus isolated from human feces
Authors: Ricci Liviana , Selma-Royo Marta , Golzato Davide , Nabinejad Amir , Servais Charlotte , Armanini Federica , Asnicar Francesco , Pinto Federica , Tamburini Sabrina , Segata Nicola
Published: July 2023

A strain from a previously undescribed species belonging to the
Catenibacterium
genus was isolated from the stool of a healthy volunteer. The strain is strictly anaerobic, and the genome encodes a CRISPR-Cas system and genes related to trimethylamine production.
Desulfobotulus pelophilus sp. nov., an Alkaliphilic Sulfate-Reducing Bacterium from a Terrestrial Mud Volcano
Authors: Frolova A. A. , Merkel A. Yu. , Kuchierskaya A. A. , Slobodkin A. I.
Published: July 2023

Abstract—

An alkaliphilic, sulfate-reducing, anaerobic bacterium (strain H1T) was isolated from a terrestrial mud volcano at the Taman Peninsula, Russia. The cells of the isolate were gram-negative motile vibrios, 1 µm in diameter and 2.0–2.5 µm in length. Strain H1T grew at 14–42°C (optimum at 37°C), pH 8.5–10.5 (optimum at pH 9.5), and NaCl concentrations of 0.5–6% (wt/vol) (optimum at 0.5–1.5%); pyruvate, lactate, butyrate, caproate, or pelargonate were used as electron donors, and elemental sulfur, sulfite, or sulfate were used as electron acceptors. Pyruvate and lactate were fermented. No growth occurred in the presence of oxygen. Thiosulfate, DMSO, fumarate, nitrate, nitrite, arsenate, selenite, and Fe(III) were not used as electron acceptors. Elemental sulfur, thiosulfate, and sulfite were not disproportionated. Glucose, fructose, sucrose, trehalose, galactose, xylose, fumarate, citrate, yeast extract, and peptone were not fermented. Predominant fatty acids were C20:0 (54.2%), C22:0 (24.6%), and C18:0 (11.1%). The genome of strain H1T was 3.66 Mb in size and had G + C DNA content of 51.1%. The genome contained the genes encoding the enzymes of dissimilatory sulfate reduction and β-oxidation of fatty acids. According to the results of analysis of the 16S rRNA gene sequence, Desulfobotulus mexicanus was the organism most closely related to strain Н1Т (98.3% similarity). Based on its phenotypic characteristics and the data of phylogenetic analysis, affiliation of the isolate as member of a novel Desulfobotulus species, Desulfobotulus pelophilus sp. nov., is proposed, with the type strain H1T (=DSM 112796T = VKM B-3697Т =UQM 41590T).
Paludisphaera mucosa sp. nov., a Novel Planctomycete of the Family Isosphaeraceae from a Boreal Fen
Authors: Ivanova A. A. , Naumoff D. G. , Kulichevskaya I. S. , Meshcheriakova A. A. , Dedysh S. N.
Published: July 2023

Abstract—

Planctomycetes are common inhabitants of northern wetland ecosystems. In this study, a new planctomycete of the genus Paludisphaera, strain Pla2T, was isolated from a boreal fen in Russia. The novel isolate was represented by nonmotile, pink-pigmented, spherical cells that multiplied by budding and occurred singly or were assembled in small aggregates. Strain Pla2T was a chemoorganotrophic, psychrotolerant mesophile with a growth optimum at pH 5.5‒6 and 15‒20°C. The preferred growth substrates were polysaccharides, including xylan, xanthan gum, and phytagel, as well as some sugars. The 16S rRNA gene sequence of strain Pla2T displayed the highest similarity (97.9%) to that of ‘Paludisphaera soli’ JC670T isolated from highland soil of the western Himalayas. With other members of the genus Paludisphaera, ‘P. rhizosphaerae’ JC665T and P. borealis PX4T, this similarity was 97.0 and 93.8%, respectively. The genome of strain Pla2T was 8.21 Mb in size and contained about 6500 protein-coding genes and 3 copies of the rRNA operon. The DNA G + C content was 67 mol %. The average nucleotide identity between the genome sequence of strain Pla2T and those of previously described members of the genus Paludisphaera was between 79.4 and 82.6%. This genotypic distance as well as several phenotypic differences allowed classifying the new planctomycete from a fen as representing a novel species of the genus Paludisphaera, Paludisphaera mucosa sp. nov. with the type strain Pla2T (=KCTC92668T = VKM B-3698T).
WHO Global Situational Alert System: a mixed methods multistage approach to identify country-level COVID-19 alerts
Authors: McMenamin Martina , Kolmer Jessica , Djordjevic Irena , Campbell Finlay , Laurenson-Schafer Henry , Abbate Jessica Lee , Abdelgawad Basma Mostafa , Babu Amarnath , Balde Thierno , Batra Neale , Bélorgeot Victoria D , Brindle Hannah , Dorji Tshewang , Esmail Marjam , Hammermeister Nezu Ingrid , Hernández-García Lucía , Hassan Mahmoud , Idoko Friday , Karmin Sarah , Kassamali Zyleen A , Kato Masaya , Matsui Tamano , Duan Mengjuan , Motaze Villyen , Ogundiran Opeayo , Pavlin Boris I , Riviere-Cinnamond Ana , Ryan Kathleen , Schmidt Tanja , Sedai Tika , Van Kerkhove Maria D , Zakaria Teresa , Höhle Michael , Mahamud Abdi R , le Polain de Waroux Olivier
Published: July 2023

Background

Globally, since 1 January 2020 and as of 24 January 2023, there have been over 664 million cases of COVID-19 and over 6.7 million deaths reported to WHO. WHO developed an evidence-based alert system, assessing public health risk on a weekly basis in 237 countries, territories and areas from May 2021 to June 2022. This aimed to facilitate the early identification of situations where healthcare capacity may become overstretched.

Methods

The process involved a three-stage mixed methods approach. In the first stage, future deaths were predicted from the time series of reported cases and deaths to produce an initial alert level. In the second stage, this alert level was adjusted by incorporating a range of contextual indicators and accounting for the quality of information available using a Bayes classifier. In the third stage, countries with an alert level of ‘High’ or above were added to an operational watchlist and assistance was deployed as needed.

Results

Since June 2021, the system has supported the release of more than US$27 million from WHO emergency funding, over 450 000 rapid antigen diagnostic testing kits and over 6000 oxygen concentrators. Retrospective evaluation indicated that the first two stages were needed to maximise sensitivity, where 44% (IQR 29%–67%) of weekly watchlist alerts would not have been identified using only reported cases and deaths. The alerts were timely and valid in most cases; however, this could only be assessed on a non-representative sample of countries with hospitalisation data available.

Conclusions

The system provided a standardised approach to monitor the pandemic at the country level by incorporating all available data on epidemiological analytics and contextual assessments. While this system was developed for COVID-19, a similar system could be used for future outbreaks and emergencies, with necessary adjustments to parameters and indicators.
Teen pregnancy involvement among African, Caribbean and Black adolescent boys and girls: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ojukwu Emmanuela , Bawafaa Eunice , Afsah Sara , Singh Shivangi , Grewal Harsimran , Raja Zainab , McKay Emily
Published: July 2023

Introduction

African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) adolescents are disproportionately affected by teen pregnancy in North America. Teen pregnancy poses risks to the quality of life of adolescent boys and girls, including physical, psychosocial and socioeconomic risks. Our review aims to explore this public health concern for ACB adolescents within North America. We aim to identify and analyse available evidence on the incidence and prevalence of, associated factors of and interventions to curtail teen pregnancy involvement (TPI) among ACB adolescent boys and girls in North America. This review will explore TPI, rather than teen pregnancy, to ensure a review of men’ involvement in teen pregnancy outcomes.

Methods and analyses

Health literature databases such as CINAHL, OVID (Medline and Embase) and CAB direct. Searches will be conducted for evidence published from 2001 to October 2021. Search results will be exported to Covidence for subsequent steps of the review. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Review guidelines will be used to ensure reproducibility and transparency. We will include all study designs focused on ACB boys and girls between 10 and 19 years old, residing in North America. Studies with a mixed racial sample will be included if sample consists of greater than 50% ACB individuals.

Ethics and dissemination

TPI is a public health concern with socioeconomic and health consequences for ACB teens in North America. A scoping review such as this will provide direction for healthcare practice, policy changes, education and further research in reducing the incidence of TPI in North America. Study results will be disseminated via presentations at conferences, at target populations, communities and organisations and publications via peer-reviewed journals. As knowledge generated from this scoping review will stem from previously published evidence, an ethical approval is not needed
How does social desirability bias influence survey-based estimates of the use of antenatal care in rural Nepal? A validation study
Authors: Thorne-Lyman Andrew L , Lama Tsering P , Heidkamp Rebecca A , Munos Melinda K , Manandhar Porcia , Khatry Subarna K , Bryce Emily , LeClerq Steven C , Katz Joanne
Published: July 2023

Objectives

Social desirability bias is often speculated to influence survey responses but seldom studied in healthcare. The objective was to explore whether social desirability scores (SDS) or the presence of interview observers is associated with inaccurate recall and overestimation of antenatal care (ANC) services.

Design

Longitudinal validation study comparing recalled receipt of ANC services and nutrition components of ANC against direct observations of care. An adapted short form Marlowe-Crowne questionnaire was used to generate an SDS, and the presence of interview observers was treated as a separate exposure. We assessed accuracy and overestimation of recalled receipt of ANC services against observed receipt using log-binomial regression, adjusting for age, education, first-pregnancy and socioeconomic status.

Setting

Rural Southern Nepal with recruitment from five government health posts.

Participants

401 pregnant women.

Results

Social desirability scores did not significantly predict accuracy or overestimation of most types of ANC care except counselling on nausea. Higher SDS was associated with more accurate recall (adjusted RR, aRR 1.08 (95% CI 1.03, 1.12)) and less overestimation (aRR 0.85 (0.80, 0.91)). The presence of mothers-in-law or husbands during interviews was associated with greater overestimation of the number of ANC visits received by more than three visits (aRR 2.07 (1.11, 3.84)) and (aRR 4.19 (2.17, 8.10)), respectively. Those interviewed with friends present tended to overestimate the receipt of counselling on nausea, avoiding alcohol and not smoking.

Conclusion

The presence of observers can lead to overestimation of the receipt of ANC care and support the conduct of interviews in private settings despite challenges of doing so in village contexts. Findings that the SDS did not predict the accuracy of most types of ANC care might reflect a reality that such questions may not be sensitive from a social-norms perspective. Additional local adaptation of SDS is recommended.
Data-driven approach to identifying potential laboratory overuse in general internal medicine (GIM) inpatients
Authors: Weinerman Adina S , Guo Yishan , Saha Sudipta , Yip Paul M , Lapointe-Shaw Lauren , Fralick Michael , Kwan Janice L , MacMillan Thomas E , Liu Jessica , Rawal Shail , Sheehan Kathleen A , Simons Janet , Tang Terence , Bhatia Sacha , Razak Fahad , Verma Amol A
Published: July 2023

Background

Reducing laboratory test overuse is important for high quality, patient-centred care. Identifying priorities to reduce low value testing remains a challenge.

Objective

To develop a simple, data-driven approach to identify potential sources of laboratory overuse by combining the total cost, proportion of abnormal results and physician-level variation in use of laboratory tests.

Design, setting and participants

A multicentre, retrospective study at three academic hospitals in Toronto, Canada. All general internal medicine (GIM) hospitalisations between 1 April 2010 and 31 October 2017.

Results

There were 106 813 GIM hospitalisations during the study period, with median hospital length-of-stay of 4.6 days (IQR: 2.33–9.19). There were 21 tests which had a cumulative cost >US$15 400 at all three sites. The costliest test was plasma electrolytes (US$4 907 775), the test with the lowest proportion of abnormal results was red cell folate (0.2%) and the test with the greatest physician-level variation in use was antiphospholipid antibodies (coefficient of variation 3.08). The five tests with the highest cumulative rank based on greatest cost, lowest proportion of abnormal results and highest physician-level variation were: (1) lactate, (2) antiphospholipid antibodies, (3) magnesium, (4) troponin and (5) partial thromboplastin time. In addition, this method identified unique tests that may be a potential source of laboratory overuse at each hospital.

Conclusions

A simple multidimensional, data-driven approach combining cost, proportion of abnormal results and physician-level variation can inform interventions to reduce laboratory test overuse. Reducing low value laboratory testing is important to promote high value, patient-centred care.
Multiagency approaches to preventing sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI): a review and analysis of UK policies
Authors: Ball Helen L , Keegan Alice-Amber , Whitehouse Daniel R , Cooper Louise S , Lovell-Kennedy Sophie R , Murray Laura M , Newbury-Birch Dorothy , Cleghorn Nicola J , Healy Amanda
Published: July 2023

Background

Recent reviews of sudden unexpected deaths in infancy (SUDI) in England recommend a multiagency working (MAW) approach to prevention but lack clear guidance around how this might be implemented.

Aims

In England, local authorities commission and oversee public health services. This review examines how local authority policies address implementation of MAW for SUDI prevention to understand local variations and identify strengths and weaknesses.

Methods

Using a comprehensive list of all metropolitan, county, unitary councils and London boroughs in England, we systematically searched local authority websites for relevant published documents and submitted freedom of information (FOI) requests where policies or guidance for SUDI prevention had not been sourced online. We extracted data from documents using a standardised form to summarise policy contents which were then collated, described and appraised.

Findings

We searched the websites of 152 council and London boroughs, identifying 36 relevant policies and guidelines for staff. We submitted 116 FOI requests which yielded 64 responses including six valid documents: 45% (52/116) of local authorities did not respond. Seventeen councils shared the same guidance under safeguarding partnerships; removal of duplicates resulted in 26 unique documents. Only 15% (4/26) of the documents included a detailed plan for how MAW approaches were to be implemented despite 73% (19/26) of the documents mentioning the importance of engaging the MAW in raising awareness of safe sleep for babies with vulnerable families. Five areas of variation were identified across policies: (1) scope, (2) responsibilities, (3) training, (4) implementation and (5) evaluation.

Conclusions

There are discrepancies between local authorities in England in whether and how MAW for SUDI prevention is carried out. Strengths and weaknesses of approaches are identified to inform future development of MAW for SUDI prevention.
Frostbite: a treatment guideline for prehospital treatment in a military environment
Authors: Turner B L , van Dongen T T.C.F , Berendsen R R , de Jong F J.M , Endert E L , van Hulst R A , Hoencamp R
Published: July 2023

Frostbite remains a severe medical condition that causes long-lasting sequelae and can threaten military operations. Information on prehospital treatment of frostbite is scarce and existing guidelines are aimed at the general population.

This paper provides a guideline on prehospital emergency care of frostbite in the (Netherlands) Armed Forces. The insights gained from studies reporting on frostbite treatment in the prehospital setting were combined with the expert opinions of the authors and applied to the military context. The resulting guideline consists of two stages: (prolonged) field care and care at a Medical Treatment Facility. The cornerstones are rewarming in warm water and evacuation to a medical facility. Additional aspects of prehospital treatment are rehydration, proper analgesia, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and wound care.

We suggest further collaboration among North Atlantic Treaty Organization partners and other affiliated nations, focusing on the full spectrum of military injury management including state-of-the-art aftercare, long-lasting sequelae and return to duty after frostbite.
Neglected Mendelian causes of stroke in adult Chinese patients who had an ischaemic stroke or transient ischaemic attack
Authors: Li Wei , Li Hao , Lu Chaoxia , Zhao Jialu , Xu Huichun , Xu Zhe , Mitchell Braxton , Jiang Yong , Gu Hong-Qiu , Xu Qin , Wang Anxin , Meng Xia , Lin Jinxi , Jing Jing , Li Zixiao , Zhu Wanlin , Liang Zhigang , Wang Mengxing , Wang Yongjun
Published: July 2023

Background and purpose

Multiple factors play important roles in the occurrence and prognosis of stroke. However, the roles of monogenic variants in all-cause ischaemic stroke have not been systematically investigated. We aim to identify underdiagnosed monogenic stroke in an adult ischaemic stroke/transient ischaemic attack (TIA) cohort (the Third China National Stroke Registry, CNSR-III).

Methods

Targeted next-generation sequencing for 181 genes associated with stroke was conducted on DNA samples from 10 428 patients recruited through CNSR-III. The genetic and clinical data from electronic health records (EHRs) were reviewed for completion of the diagnostic process. We assessed the percentages of individuals with pathogenic or likely pathogenic (P/LP) variants, and the diagnostic yield of pathogenic variants in known monogenic disease genes with associated phenotypes.

Results

In total, 1953 individuals harboured at least one P/LP variant out of 10 428 patients. Then, 792 (7.6%) individuals (comprising 759 individuals harbouring one P/LP variant in one gene, 29 individuals harbouring two or more P/LP variants in different genes and 4 individuals with two P/LP variants in
ABCC6
) were predicted to be at risk for one or more monogenic diseases based on the inheritance pattern. Finally, 230 of 792 individuals manifested a clinical phenotype in the EHR data to support the diagnosis of stroke with a monogenic cause. The most diagnosed Mendelian cause of stroke in the cohort was cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoencephalopathy. There were no relationships between age or family history and the incidence of first symptomatic monogenic stroke in patients.

Conclusion

The rate of monogenic cause of stroke was 2.2% after reviewing the clinical phenotype. Possible reasons that Mendelian causes of stroke may be missed in adult patients who had an ischaemic stroke/TIA include a late onset of stroke symptoms, combination with common vascular risks and the absence of a prominent family history.
Developing scoring functions based on soil texture to assess agricultural soil health in Quebec, Canada
Authors: Gauthier Mélanie , Hogue Richard , D'Astous-Pagé Joël , Champagne Michel , Halde Caroline
Published: July 2023

Adoption of soil health indicators to assess physical, biological, and chemical properties involves adapting their interpretation for a specific region using scoring functions. Accordingly, we used data provided from 1166 soil samples distributed between fine-, medium-, and coarse-textured soils, collected in agricultural areas across the province of Quebec, Canada, and analyzed for 15 soil health indicators. Scoring functions were calculated according to the means and standard deviations obtained for each soil health indicator by textural group. Three scoring types were used: “more-is-better”, “less-is-better”, and “optimum-is-best”. The results showed that 12 indicators were significantly influenced by soil texture and need separate scoring functions, except for wet aggregate stability, penetration resistance of the surface hardness (0–15 cm), and pH. This led to the development of one to three scoring functions for each soil health indicator. Correlation analysis between soil health indicators was also investigated to better understand relationships between soil physical, biological, and chemical properties. We observed that soil biological indicators were moderately to strongly correlated with each other ( r = 0.59–0.74) and with soil physical indicators ( r = 0.60–0.76). Overall, the results of this study led to the development of new scoring functions based on soil texture to interpret soil health indicators objectively and accurately for the benefit of Quebec farmers and agricultural stakeholders. The findings of this study demonstrated the need to adapt scoring functions to better account for the impact of regional factors on agricultural soils for the interpretation of soil health indicators.
DECIPHERING DYNAMICS OF COVID-19 OUTBREAK IN INDIA: AN AGE-STRUCTURED MODEL
Authors: BAJIYA VIJAY PAL , TRIPATHI JAI PRAKASH , UPADHYAY RANJIT KUMAR
Published: July 2023

The dynamics of infectious disease transmission depends on social contact patterns and the precautions people take to minimize disease transmission. The social contact pattern varies depending on the community at large age distribution at work, school, and recreation. Consequently, knowing the age-specific prevalence and incidence of infectious diseases is critical for predicting future disease burden and the efficacy of interventions like vaccination. In this study, we use an SEIR age-structured multi-group epidemic model to understand how social contact affects disease control. We construct location-specific social contact matrices to observe that how social mixing affects disease spread. For mathematical analysis, we compute the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] and exhibit the global behavior of the system in terms of [Formula: see text]. We also estimate the transmission rate using the empirical data of COVID-19 for India from 1 September 2020, to 31 December 2020. We simulate the lifting of non-pharmaceutical interventions by allowing people to return to work in phases and investigate its impact. Our findings imply that raising awareness in symptomatic infected individuals aged 20–49 years can help in reducing the number of infected individuals. When some schools are partially open, awareness in symptomatic infected individuals in school-age groups also plays a significant role in reducing disease cases. The simulation results also suggest that limiting contact at school and other gathering places could significantly lower the number of instances. Using the least square approach, we show that the time-dependent transmission rate is more realistic than the constant spread rate for COVID-19 in India. To reduce the COVID-19 burden, we obtain that gradually loosening control measures could flatten and lower other peaks. Our findings may help health policymakers to decide on timely age-based vaccination distribution strategies and control measures.
Locally Attentional SDF Diffusion for Controllable 3D Shape Generation
Authors: Zheng Xin-Yang , Pan Hao , Wang Peng-Shuai , Tong Xin , Liu Yang , Shum Heung-Yeung
Published: July 2023

Although the recent rapid evolution of 3D generative neural networks greatly improves 3D shape generation, it is still not convenient for ordinary users to create 3D shapes and control the local geometry of generated shapes. To address these challenges, we propose a diffusion-based 3D generation framework ---
locally attentional SDF diffusion
, to model plausible 3D shapes, via 2D sketch image input. Our method is built on a two-stage diffusion model. The first stage, named
occupancy-diffusion
, aims to generate a low-resolution occupancy field to approximate the shape shell. The second stage, named
SDF-diffusion
, synthesizes a high-resolution signed distance field within the occupied voxels determined by the first stage to extract fine geometry. Our model is empowered by a novel
view-aware local attention
mechanism for image-conditioned shape generation, which takes advantage of 2D image patch features to guide 3D voxel feature learning, greatly improving local controllability and model generalizability. Through extensive experiments in sketch-conditioned and category-conditioned 3D shape generation tasks, we validate and demonstrate the ability of our method to provide plausible and diverse 3D shapes, as well as its superior controllability and generalizability over existing work.
Shortest Path to Boundary for Self-Intersecting Meshes
Authors: Chen He , Diaz Elie , Yuksel Cem
Published: July 2023

We introduce a method for efficiently computing the exact shortest path to the boundary of a mesh from a given internal point in the presence of self-intersections. We provide a formal definition of shortest boundary paths for self-intersecting objects and present a robust algorithm for computing the actual shortest boundary path. The resulting method offers an effective solution for collision and self-collision handling while simulating deformable volumetric objects, using fast simulation techniques that provide no guarantees on collision resolution. Our evaluation includes complex self-collision scenarios with a large number of active contacts, showing that our method can successfully handle them by introducing a relatively minor computational overhead.