bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the emergent behavior of the swarming models on the complex sphere
Authors: Kim Dohyun , Kim Jeongho
Published: December 2021

We study swarming models on the complex unit sphere in the Hilbert space, which are generalizations of the well‐known swarming model on the real unit sphere. We introduce two possible models: The first one is induced from the standard swarming model on the real sphere, and the second one is obtained by taking the conjugate to the inner product in the first one, which seems analogous to the projection in quantum mechanics. We provide various asymptotic behaviors of the two models and clarified their differences from the perspective of emergent dynamics. Finally, we conduct several numerical simulations that support the analytical results and provide further qualitative insight beyond our theoretical results.
Navigating diversity: Maternal ideologies and associations with child interethnic prejudice in the Netherlands
Authors: de Bruijn Ymke , Emmen Rosanneke A. G. , Mesman Judi
Published: December 2021

Parental diversity ideologies are linked to their own interethnic prejudice, but how do they relate to children's prejudice? This study examined self‐reported endorsement of colorblind ideology and multiculturalism among mothers (138 White Dutch, 65 Turkish‐Dutch, and 45 Afro‐Dutch) of 6‐to 10‐year old children (55% girls), and its association with child interethnic prejudice. Endorsement of multiculturalism was lowest among White Dutch mothers, and endorsement of colorblind ideology was lowest among Afro‐Dutch mothers. Maternal endorsement of multiculturalism was negatively related to child outgroup prejudice among White Dutch families and among Turkish‐Dutch families in the context of underrepresented outgroups, and results suggest no or opposite associations for colorblind ideology. Future research should explore what parenting based on these ideologies looks like, but the present study points parents in the direction of a multicultural, rather than colorblind, approach.
Effect of conservation tillage on crop yield and soil organic carbon in Northeast China: A meta‐analysis
Authors: He Cong , Niu Jia‐Rui , Xu Cheng‐Tang , Han Shou‐Wei , Bai Wei , Song Qiu‐Lai , Dang Yash Pal , Zhang Hai‐Lin
Published: December 2021

Northeast China, the important grain‐producing region in China, is under threat from soil degradation because of long‐term conventional tillage (CT). The adoption of conservation tillage is anticipated to restore soil fertility, maintain crop yields and enhance sustainability. However, the integrated effects of conservation tillage practice on crop yields and soil organic carbon (SOC) remain unclear. In this meta‐analysis of peer‐reviewed studies conducted in the Northeast China region, we assess crop yields and SOC values under no‐till, ridge tillage and subsoiling tillage practices. The results indicate that in areas with mean annual temperatures (MAT) below 3°C, crop yields were significantly (p < .05) higher under ridge tillage (0.8%) and subsoiling tillage (13.1%) compared with CT, whereas yields reduced under no‐till (−3.7%). Ridge tillage generally had a similar effect on crop yield as no‐till, without the negative impact in colder regions. We also report that no‐till practice increased SOC concentrations by 24.1%, 43.9% and 17.4% in areas of higher temperature (MAT > 6°C), low mean annual precipitation (MAP) (<500 mm) and continuous cropping conditions, respectively. Ridge tillage and subsoiling tillage also had positive effects on SOC concentrations (to a lesser degree than no‐till), indicating that conservation tillage can enhance SOC in Northeast China. Overall, the implementation of different conservation tillage measures in Northeast China was found to enhance crop yields and sequester carbon. We recommend that ridge tillage is used in colder areas and that subsoiling tillage is used in rotation with other tillage measures to maintain crop yields.
Non‐cognitive testing in medical student selection: the development and evaluation of a novel MMI station
Authors: Sanwo Olatokunbo , Chan Philip
Published: December 2021

Background

Multiple mini‐interviews (MMIs) are a well‐established method of assessing non‐cognitive skills in medical student selection in the United Kingdom; however, there are concerns that as MMIs become more predictable, candidates can be coached through the process. An innovative station was introduced at a new medical school to assess less commonly evaluated non‐cognitive skills in the context of a skills task.

Objective

Our study aimed to evaluate candidate scores on the novel station and explore how they compared with scores on a traditional questions‐based station and to the overall interview score.

Methods

Using a laparoscopic skills trainer, candidates were asked to pass a string through as many hoops as possible, only viewing the image on a screen. All candidates were assessed on decision making, managing stressful situations and creativity using several psychological parameters. Scores were then compared with scores on a traditional values‐based question and the overall interview score.

Results

Two hundred eighty‐seven candidates completed the station. The average score on the novel station was significantly higher than the average scores on the other stations (paired Student's t‐test, p < 0.05). There was no correlation between scores on the novel station and the traditional values‐based question, suggesting different skills were being assessed in each station.

Discussion

This station showed it is possible to test less commonly tested non‐cognitive skills, in a realistic way. Unlike traditional stations, there is no reliance on candidate recall to award marks, therefore making it more difficult to coach. However, further work is required to refine and improve the testing environment.
Clinical characteristics of COVID‐19 in solid organ transplant recipients following COVID‐19 vaccination: A multicenter case series
Authors: Saharia Kapil K. , Anjan Shweta , Streit Judy , Beekmann Susan E. , Polgreen Philip M. , Kuehnert Matthew , Segev Dorry L. , Baddley John W. , Miller Rachel A. ,   the EIN COVID‐19 Study Team
Published: December 2021

Background

Solid organ transplant recipients (SOTR) have diminished humoral immune responses to COVID‐19 vaccination and higher rates of COVID‐19 vaccine breakthrough infection than the general population. Little is known about COVID‐19 disease severity in SOTR with COVID‐19 vaccine breakthrough infections.

Methods

Between 4/7/21 and 6/21/21, we requested case reports via the Emerging Infections Network (EIN) listserv of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection following COVID‐19 vaccination in SOTR. Online data collection included patient demographics, dates of COVID‐19 vaccine administration, and clinical data related to COVID‐19. We performed a descriptive analysis of patient factors and evaluated variables contributing to critical disease or need for hospitalization.

Results

Sixty‐six cases of SARS‐CoV‐2 infection after vaccination in SOTR were collected. COVID‐19 occurred after the second vaccine dose in 52 (78.8%) cases, of which 43 (82.7%) occurred ≥14 days post‐vaccination. There were six deaths, three occurring in fully vaccinated individuals (7.0%, n = 3/43). There was no difference in the percentage of patients who recovered from COVID‐19 (70.7% vs. 72.2%, p = .90) among fully and partially vaccinated individuals. We did not identify any differences in hospitalization (60.5% vs. 55.6%, p = .72) or critical disease (20.9% vs. 33.3%, p = .30) among those who were fully versus partially vaccinated.

Conclusions

SOTR vaccinated against COVID‐19 can still develop severe, and even critical, COVID‐19 disease. Two doses of mRNA COVID‐19 vaccine may be insufficient to protect against severe disease and mortality in SOTR. Future studies to define correlates of protection in SOTR are needed.
Comparative transcriptomic analysis of apple and peach fruits: insights into fruit type specification
Authors: Li Muzi , Galimba Kelsey , Xiao Yuwei , Dardick Chris , Mount Stephen M. , Callahan Ann , Liu Zhongchi
Published: December 2021

Fruits represent key evolutionary innovations in angiosperms and exhibit diverse types adapted for seed dissemination. However, the mechanisms that underlie fruit type diversity are not understood. The Rosaceae family comprises many different fruit types, including ‘pome’ and ‘drupe’ fruits, and hence is an excellent family for investigating the genetic basis of fruit type specification. Using comparative transcriptomics, we investigated the molecular events that correlate with pome (apple) and drupe (peach) fleshy fruit development, focusing on the earliest stages of fruit initiation. We identified PI and TM6, MADS box genes whose expression negatively correlates with fruit flesh‐forming tissues irrespective of fruit type. In addition, the MADS box gene FBP9 is expressed in fruit‐forming tissues in both species, and was lost multiple times in the genomes of dry‐fruit‐forming eudicots including Arabidopsis. Network analysis reveals co‐expression between FBP9 and photosynthesis genes in both apple and peach, suggesting that FBP9 and photosynthesis may both promote fleshy fruit development. The large transcriptomic datasets at the earliest stages of pome and drupe fruit development provide rich resources for comparative studies, and the work provides important insights into fruit‐type specification.
Implementation of Robotic Ankle–Foot Orthosis With an Impedance-Based Assist-as-Needed Control Strategy
Authors: Chen Bing , Zi Bin , Zhou Bin , Wang Zhengyu
Published: December 2021

In this paper, a robotic ankle–foot orthosis (AFO) is developed for individuals with a paretic ankle, and an impedance-based assist-as-needed controller is designed for the robotic AFO to provide adaptive assistance. First, a description of the robotic AFO hardware design is presented. Next, the design of the finite state machine is introduced, followed by an introduction to the modeling of the robotic AFO. Additionally, the control of the robotic AFO is presented. An impedance-based high-level controller that is composed of an ankle impedance based torque generation controller and an impedance controller is designed for the high-level control. A compensated low-level controller that is composed of a braking controller and a proportional-derivative controller with a compensation part is designed for the low-level control. Finally, a pilot study with eight healthy participants is conducted, and the experimental results demonstrate that with the proposed control algorithm, the robotic AFO has the potential for ankle rehabilitation by providing adaptive assistance. In the assisted condition with a high level of assistance, reductions of 8% and 20.1% of the root mean square of the tibialis anterior and lateral soleus activities are observed, respectively.
Transport Phenomena and Evolution Mechanism of the Melt Pool During a Laser-Based Metal Melting Process
Authors: Bian Qingfei , Tian Ke , Ling Kong , Chen Yitung , Zeng Min , Wang Qiuwang
Published: December 2021

This article presents a fully three-dimensional numerical study on the process of melt pool evolution. To overcome the simplifications used in many existing studies, an enthalpy method is developed for the phase change, and an accurate interface capturing method, i.e., the coupled volume-of-fluid and level set (VOSET) method, is employed to track the moving gas–liquid interface. Meanwhile, corresponding experimental studies are carried out for validation. The obtained numerical results show the formed interface morphology during the process of melt pool with its typical sizes and are quantitatively consistent with those data measured in experiments. Based on the numerical results, the thermodynamic phenomena, induced by the interaction between heat and momentum exchange, occurring in the formation of melt pool are presented and discussed. Mechanisms of the melt pool evolution revealed in the present study provide a useful guidance for better controlling the process of additive manufacturing.
Experimental Investigation on Finned Solar Still With Enhanced Thermal Energy Storage
Authors: Sathish Kumar Thangavel Ramalingam , Jegadheeswaran Selvaraj
Published: December 2021

In the present study, a novel solar still incorporated with fins and phase change material (PCM)-based energy storage was designed. To investigate the influence of fins and energy storage unit, four cases of stills were considered. In case I, a conventional type was considered, whereas square hollow fins were fitted over the basin liner of the still in case II. In addition to fins as in case II, case III employs an energy storage unit wherein PCM was packed beneath the basin liner. Case IV was similar to case III except for the extension of fins into the storage unit. The addition of fins above the basin liner improved the absorber surface area and the extension of the same beneath the basin liner enhanced the storage efficiency. Experiments were carried out on all the four modules with a constant basin water depth of 2 cm. The maximum productivity of the conventional solar still was found to be 3.25 L/m2/day. On the other hand, the results reveal improvement in productivity of 17.54%, 48.61%, and 55.69% with cases II, III, and IV, respectively. Although stills with energy storage units exhibited higher exergy efficiency, the presence of fins in the PCM increases the internal irreversibilities. The cost of water yielded by modified solar still (MSS) used in case IV is proved to be less as compared to conventional solar still (CSS). Further, the payback period of MSS is found to be lesser than that of CSS.
A New Loss Generation Body Force Model for Fan/Compressor Blade Rows: Application to Uniform and Non-Uniform Inflow in Rotor 67
Authors: Pazireh Syamak , Defoe Jeffrey
Published: December 2021

Despite advances in computational power, the cost of time-accurate flows in axial compressor and fan stages with spatially non-uniform inflow is still too high for design-stage use in industry. Body force modeling reduces the computation time to practical levels, mainly by reducing the problem to a steady one. These computations are important to determine efficiency penalties associated with non-uniform inflows. Previous studies of body force methods have, in most cases, relied on computations with the presence of the blades to calibrate loss models. In some recent studies, uncalibrated models have been used, but such models can drop off in accuracy at conditions where separation would occur on the blade surfaces. In this paper, a neural-network-based loss model introduced in a recent paper by the authors is implemented for NASA rotor 67 for both uniform and non-uniform inflow conditions. For uniform inflow, the spanwise trend of entropy variation is generally captured with the new body force model. Although there are discrepancies at some span fractions, the present model generally predicts the compressor’s isentropic efficiency to within 3% compared to bladed Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes simulations. For non-uniform inflow, we consider a stagnation pressure profile representative of boundary layer ingestion. The results show that the region of maximum entropy generation is captured by the present model and the prediction of isentropic efficiency penalty due to the non-uniform inflow is only 0.2 points less than that determined from bladed computations.
Cooling Performance of Additively Manufactured Pin Fins in Stacked Microchannels for the Inside-Out Ceramic Turbine Shroud-Cooling Ring
Authors: Dubois Patrick K. , Landry-Blais Alexandre , Gazzah Rym , Sivić Sani , Brailovski Vladimir , Picard Mathieu
Published: December 2021

The inside-out ceramic turbine (ICT), a novel microturbine rotor architecture, has an air-cooled ring, which keeps its composite rotating structural shroud within operating temperature. The cooling ring must achieve a significant radial temperature gradient with a minimal amount of cooling. The cooling ring is made through additive manufacturing, which opens the design space to tailored cooling geometries. Additively manufactured pin fin heat transfer enhancers are explored in this study to assess whether they hold any significant performance benefit over current rectangular cross section open channels. Experimental friction factors and Nusselt numbers were determined for small, densely-packed pin fins over an asymmetrical thermal load. Results indicate that pressure loss is similar to what can be expected for additively manufactured pin fins, whereas heat transfer is lower due to the extremely tight streamwise pin spacing, in both in-line and staggered pin configurations. A design study presented in this article suggests that pin fins are beneficial to an ICT for reducing cooling mass flowrate up to 40%, against an increase in cooling ring mass of roughly 50%.
The Influence of Purge Flow Parameters on Heat Transfer and Film Cooling in Turbine Center Frames
Authors: Jagerhofer Patrick R. , Patinios Marios , Glasenapp Tobias , Göttlich Emil , Farisco Federica
Published: December 2021

The imperative improvement in the efficiency of turbofan engines is commonly facilitated by increasing the turbine inlet temperature (TIT). This development has reached a point where also components downstream of the high-pressure turbine (HPT) have to be adequately cooled. Such a component is the turbine center frame (TCF), known for a complex aerodynamic flow highly influenced by purge-mainstream interactions. The purge air, being injected through the wheelspace cavities of the upstream high-pressure turbine, bears a significant cooling potential for the TCF. Despite this, fundamental knowledge of the influencing parameters on heat transfer and film cooling in the TCF is still missing. This paper examines the influence of purge-to-mainstream blowing ratio, density ratio (DR), and purge swirl angle on heat transfer and film cooling in the TCF. The experiments are conducted in a sector-cascade test rig specifically designed for such heat transfer studies using infrared thermography and tailor-made flexible heating foils with constant heat flux. Three purge-to-mainstream blowing ratios and an additional no purge case are investigated. The purge flow is injected without swirl and also with engine-similar swirl angles. The purge swirl and blowing ratio significantly impact the magnitude and the spread of film cooling in the TCF. Increasing blowing ratios lead to an intensification of heat transfer. By cooling the purge flow, a moderate variation in purge-to-mainstream density ratio is investigated, and the influence is found to be negligible.
Film Cooling Effectiveness Measurement of Fan-Shaped Holes Manufactured Using Electrical Discharge Machining Technique
Authors: Rouina S. , Abdeh H. , Barigozzi G. , Odemondo V. , Abba L. , Iannone M.
Published: December 2021

In this study, the influence of geometric factors such as hole diameter (D), length-to-diameter ratio (L/D), injection angle (α), and lateral expansion angle (β) on film cooling effectiveness of holes made using electrical discharge machining (EDM) is experimentally investigated. Nine different cooling configurations were tested on a flat plate wind tunnel at various coolant Reynolds number (Rec) and coolant-to-mainstream blowing ratio (M). The considered flat plate model incorporates engine-sized V-shaped holes. EDM reliability is assessed through a hole qualification process, while effectiveness was measured by the pressure-sensitive paint (PSP) technique. Results confirm the suitability of EDM for V-shaped hole manufacturing as long as a correct tolerance on β is prescribed. An accurate qualification of hole morphology is also recommended.
Facile Synthesis and Characterization of the Mn-MOF Electrode Material for Flexible Supercapacitors
Authors: Liu Yanhong , Liu Jiahong , Cao Yijun , Shang Wei , Peng Ning , Long Xianhao , Zhou Shengjun , Wen Yuqing
Published: December 2021

Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) due to their porosity and well-defined structures are considered to be very promising electrode materials for the construction of high-performance supercapacitor (SC). In this paper, manganese-based metal-organic framework (Mn-MOF) were prepared on the surface of carbon cloth (CC) by a facile hydrothermal method. The morphology and structure of the electrode material were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffractometer (XRD), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Its electrochemical studies show that the Mn-MOF electrode materials exhibit lower charge transfer resistance, the excellent specific capacitance of 433.5 mF/cm2 in 1.0 M Na2SO4 aqueous solution at the current density of 0.8 mA/cm2. It is noteworthy that the flexible electrode have excellent cycle stability and 105% capacitance retention even after 5000 cycles at a current density of 5 mA/cm2. The excellent electrochemical performance of Mn-MOF/CC flexible electrode materials can be attributed to its three-dimensional porous structure.
Power Enhancement of Wave Energy Converter Array via Wave Runup in Channel
Authors: Tay Zhi Yung
Published: December 2021

When waves pass through a channel, wave elevation is observed to increase, a phenomenon known as wave runup. Attempts are made to utilize the wave runup along a channel supported on a floating platform to enhance the energy generation from the array of point absorber wave energy converters (PA-WECs). Such floating platforms could be integrated into the floating breakwater, floating pier, or other floating platforms utilized as floating cities for efficient ocean space utilization. The channel is created by modeling two vertical walls supported on a floating platform with wave energy converters deployed in the channel. The performance of the wave farm in terms of energy generation (i.e., power) and interaction factor (i.e., q-factor) are assessed. The paper investigates the effect of channel widths and depths on the power absorption of the arrays. A three-stepped floating platform with varying depths along the channel is then studied to obtain optimal depths along the channel where the highest energy is harvested. Thereafter, three arrays of WECs deployed in a larger three-stepped channel (TSC) floating platform are considered and the effectiveness of such configuration in harvesting energy is assessed. The wave elevation surrounding the wave farm is presented to show the effect the wave runup has on energy generation. The results show that the energy generation of wave energy converters when the arrays are placed in three-stepped channel floating platform could be increased significantly. A q-factor above 1.0 could be achieved for wave period greater than 6 s and the array can generate greater energy for omnidirectional waves.
Assessment of Influence of Urban Aerosol Vertical Profile on Clear-Sky Diffuse Radiance Pattern
Authors: Petržala Jaromír
Published: December 2021

Aerosol particles spread in the atmosphere play an important role in solar light scattering and thus co-determine the sky radiance/luminance pattern as well as diffuse irradiances/illuminances at the ground. The particular influence is given by their optical properties and by their distribution in the atmosphere. The dependence of the aerosol extinction coefficient on altitude is usually described by the exponential law, which results from the averaging of a large number of aerosol realizations. This is also frequently the case of simulating of the solar diffuse radiance/luminance distribution over the sky, when it is based on solving the radiative transfer problem. However, the aerosol vertical profile can sometimes be significantly different from the exponential one. Mainly in the urban environment, the aerosol is often well-mixed within the atmospheric boundary layer, so its volume extinction coefficient is almost constant there. Under specific conditions also the so-called elevated aerosol layer may occur. This work investigates how such different profiles affect the clear sky radiance pattern and consequently also the ground-based horizontal diffuse irradiance. The numerical simulations revealed that the discrepancies are negligible in practice. So, it appears that the aerosol vertical distribution does not play any important role in sky radiance calculations, and the standard exponential law is general enough to cover also various specific aerosol conditions.
Two-dimensional metal structures revealed by evolutionary computations: Pb/Al13Co4(100) as a case study
Authors: Brix Florian , Gaudry Émilie
Published: December 2021

We have combined extensive density functional theory calculations with an evolutionary algorithm to investigate possible structural models for two-dimensional (2D) Pb films supported on the Al13Co4(100) quasicrystal approximant surface. The minimization of the total energy while maximizing the atomic density in the layer leads to 2D atomic arrangement with pentagonal motifs, reflecting the symmetry of the substrate. Our findings show that the 2D structure can be interpreted as a stable structure with 16 Pb atoms per surface cell in the film, in line with the measured coverage. This conclusion is also supported by the reasonable agreement between the experimental scanning tunneling microscopy images and those simulated using this structural model. Alternatively, a metastable 2D film made of 15 Pb atoms fits with the experimental observations. This study opens a route toward the prediction of supported complex 2D films.
Human Cytomegalovirus UL138 Protein Inhibits the STING Pathway and Reduces Interferon Beta mRNA Accumulation during Lytic and Latent Infections
Authors: Albright Emily R. , Mickelson Clayton K. , Kalejta Robert F.
Published: December 2021

While a cellular restriction versus viral countermeasure arms race between innate immunity and viral latency is expected, few examples have been documented. Our identification of the first HCMV latency protein that inactivates the cGAS/STING/TBK1 innate immune pathway opens the door to understanding how innate immunity, or its neutralization, impacts long-term persistence by HCMV and other latent viruses.
Metabolic Model of the Nitrogen-Fixing Obligate Aerobe Azotobacter vinelandii Predicts Its Adaptation to Oxygen Concentration and Metal Availability
Authors: Alleman Alexander B. , Mus Florence , Peters John W.
Published: December 2021

The world’s dependence on industrially produced nitrogenous fertilizers has created a dichotomy of issues. First, parts of the globe lack access to fertilizers, leading to poor crop yields that significantly limit nutrition while contributing to disease and starvation.
Emerging Mechanisms of G
1
/S Cell Cycle Control by Human and Mouse Cytomegaloviruses
Authors: Bogdanow Boris , Phan Quang Vinh , Wiebusch Lüder
Published: December 2021

Cytomegaloviruses (CMVs) are among the largest pathogenic viruses in mammals. To enable replication of their long double-stranded DNA genomes, CMVs induce profound changes in cell cycle regulation.
Male Age andWolbachiaDynamics: Investigating How Fast and Why Bacterial Densities and Cytoplasmic Incompatibility Strengths Vary
Authors: Shropshire J. Dylan , Hamant Emily , Cooper Brandon S.
Published: December 2021

Wolbachiabacteria are the most common animal-associated endosymbionts due in large part to their manipulation of host reproduction. ManyWolbachiacause cytoplasmic incompatibility (CI) that kills uninfected host eggs.
Immunomodulation by Mosquito Salivary Protein AgSAP Contributes to Early Host Infection by
Plasmodium
Authors: Arora Gunjan , Sajid Andaleeb , Chuang Yu-Min , Dong Yuemei , Gupta Akash , Gambardella Kristen , DePonte Kathleen , Almeras Lionel , Dimopolous George , Fikrig Erol
Published: December 2021

Malaria is a vector-borne disease caused by
Plasmodium
sporozoites. When an anopheline mosquito bites its host, it releases
Plasmodium
sporozoites as well as saliva components.
Combining Ivacaftor and Intensive Antibiotics Achieves Limited Clearance of Cystic Fibrosis Infections
Authors: Durfey Samantha L. , Pipavath Sudhakar , Li Anna , Vo Anh T. , Ratjen Anina , Carter Suzanne , Morgan Sarah J. , Radey Matthew C. , Grogan Brenda , Salipante Stephen J. , Welsh Michael J. , Stoltz David A. , Goss Christopher H. , McKone Edward F. , Singh Pradeep K.
Published: December 2021

Recent work shows that people with cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic lung infections generally remain persistently infected after treatment with drugs that target the CF physiological defect (called CFTR modulators). However, changes produced by modulators could increase antibiotic efficacy.
Inductive Production of the Iron-Chelating 2-Pyridones Benefits the Producing Fungus To Compete for Diverse Niches
Authors: Chen Bo , Sun Yanlei , Li Shiqin , Yin Ying , Wang Chengshu
Published: December 2021

Different 2-pyridones have been identified, with multiple biological activities but unclear chemical ecology. We found that the silent
tenS
gene cluster was activated in the insect pathogen
Beauveria bassiana
when the fungus was cocultured with its natural competitor
Metarhizium robertsii
.
Codon-Dependent Transcriptional Changes in Response to Tryptophan Limitation in the Tryptophan Auxotrophic Pathogens Chlamydia trachomatis and Streptococcus pyogenes
Authors: Ouellette Scot P. , Hatch Nathan D. , Wood Nicholas A. , Herrera Andrea L. , Chaussee Michael S.
Published: December 2021

Chlamydia trachomatisandStreptococcus pyogenesare important pathogens of humans. Interestingly, both are auxotrophic for tryptophan and acquire this essential amino acid from the host environment.
Association of Logic’s hip hop song “1-800-273-8255” with Lifeline calls and suicides in the United States: interrupted time series analysis
Authors: Niederkrotenthaler Thomas , Tran Ulrich S , Gould Madelyn , Sinyor Mark , Sumner Steven , Strauss Markus J , Voracek Martin , Till Benedikt , Murphy Sean , Gonzalez Frances , Spittal Matthew J , Draper John
Published: December 2021

Objective

To assess changes in daily call volumes to the US National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and in suicides during periods of wide scale public attention to the song “1-800-273-8255” by American hip hop artist Logic.

Design

Time series analysis.

Setting

United States, 1 January 2010 to 31 December 2018.

Participants

Total US population. Lifeline calls and suicide data were obtained from Lifeline and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Main outcome measures

Daily Lifeline calls and suicide data before and after the release of the song. Twitter posts were used to estimate the amount and duration of attention the song received. Seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average time series models were fitted to the pre-release period to estimate Lifeline calls and suicides. Models were fitted to the full time series with dummy variables for periods of strong attention to the song.

Results

In the 34 day period after the three events with the strongest public attention (the song’s release, the MTV Video Music Awards 2017, and Grammy Awards 2018), Lifeline received an excess of 9915 calls (95% confidence interval 6594 to 13 236), an increase of 6.9% (95% confidence interval 4.6% to 9.2%, P<0.001) over the expected number. A corresponding model for suicides indicated a reduction over the same period of 245 suicides (95% confidence interval 36 to 453) or 5.5% (95% confidence interval 0.8% to 10.1%, P=0.02) below the expected number of suicides.

Conclusions

Logic’s song “1-800-273-8255” was associated with a large increase in calls to Lifeline. A reduction in suicides was observed in the periods with the most social media discourse about the song.
Prevalence of Long COVID symptoms in Bangladesh: a prospective Inception Cohort Study of COVID-19 survivors
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Anwar , Hossain K M Amran , Saunders Karen , Uddin Zakir , Walton Lori Maria , Raigangar Veena , Sakel Mohamed , Shafin Rubayet , Hossain Mohammad Sohrab , Kabir Md Feroz , Faruqui Rafey , Rana Md Shohag , Ahmed Md Shahoriar , Chakrovorty Sonjit Kumar , Hossain Md Anwar , Jahid Iqbal Kabir
Published: December 2021

Background

The objective of this study was to identify the prevalence of long COVID symptoms in a large cohort of people living with and affected by long COVID and identify any potential associated risk factors.

Methods

A prospective survey was undertaken of an inception cohort of confirmed people living with and affected by long COVID (aged 18–87 years). 14392 participants were recruited from 24 testing facilities across Bangladesh between June and November 2020. All participants had a previously confirmed positive COVID-19 diagnosis, and reported persistent symptoms and difficulties in performing daily activities. Participants who consented were contacted by face-to-face interview, and were interviewed regarding long COVID, and restriction of activities of daily living using post COVID-19 functional status scale. Cardiorespiratory parameters measured at rest (heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, oxygen saturation levels, maximal oxygen consumption, inspiratory and expiratory lung volume) were also measured.

Results

Among 2198 participants, the prevalence of long COVID symptoms at 12 weeks was 16.1%. Overall, eight long COVID symptoms were identified and in descending order of prominence are: fatigue, pain, dyspnoea, cough, anosmia, appetite loss, headache and chest pain. People living with and affected by long COVID experienced between 1 and 8 long COVID symptoms with an overall duration period of 21.8±5.2 weeks. Structural equation modelling predicted the length of long COVID to be related to younger age, female gender, rural residence, prior functional limitation and smoking.

Conclusion

In this cohort, at 31 weeks post diagnosis, the prevalence of long COVID symptoms was 16.1%. The risk factors identified for presence and longer length of long COVID symptoms warrant further research and consideration to support public health initiatives.
Effect of RUSI-based core stability exercise on chronic non-specific low back pain patients: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Lin Shanshan , Zhu Bo , Zheng Yiyi , Liu Shufeng , Wang Chuhuai
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Low back pain (LBP) is one of the most highly prevalent pain both in developed countries and low-income and middle-income countries. Despite increasing healthcare resources and numerous treatment methods for LBP, the efficacy of these therapeutic strategies is still uncertain. Recently, core stability exercise (CSE) is popularly applied as a preventive or rehabilitative method in the treatment of LBP. However, the adequate activation of the local muscle systems of CSE needs further optimisation and quantification. This trial aims to investigate the feasibility and efficacy of CSE monitored by real-time ultrasound image (RUSI) on LBP individuals.

Methods and analysis

Forty subjects with chronic non-specific LBP (CNLBP), aged from 20 to 50 years, will be randomly allocated into two groups using sealed, consecutively numbered opaque envelopes: (1) study group (SG): CSE monitored by RUSI and (2) control group (CG): identical CSE without monitoring. Interventions will last 30 mins, two times a week for 8 weeks. The primary outcomes include pain intensity, disability and quality of life, and the secondary outcomes will be the postural control static stability, onset timing of trunk muscles activation, ultrasound images of muscle thickness and surface electromyography (sEMG) signal of muscle activities. Outcome measures will be collected at baseline, 4 and 8 weeks during training, and at 6 months follow-up. Data will be collected and analysed by an assessor blinded to group allocation. Effect sizes and mixed-model repeated measures analysis of variance (2 groups×4 time points) will be calculated.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol and informed consent has been approved by the Institutional Research Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (Approval number: [2020] 254-1). The findings of this study will be disseminated to participants through social networks and will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals and scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2000034498).
Optimising prescribing practices in older adults with multimorbidity: a scoping review of guidelines
Authors: Lun Penny , Law Felicia , Ho Esther , Tan Keng Teng , Ang Wendy , Munro Yasmin , Ding Yew Yoong
Published: December 2021

Objective

Inappropriate polypharmacy occurs when multiple medications are prescribed without clear indications or where harms outweigh their benefits. The aims of this scoping review are to (1) identify prescribing guidelines that are available for older adults with multimorbidity and (2) to identify cross-cutting themes used in these guidelines.

Design

Scoping review.

Data sources

PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library databases, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, grey literature sources, six key geriatrics journals, and reference lists of identified review papers. The search was conducted in November 2018 and updated in September 2019.

Study selection

General prescribing guidelines tailored to or for adults including older adults with multimorbidity.

Data extraction

Data for publication description, guideline characteristics, information for users and criteria were extracted. The synthesis contains summarised qualitative descriptions of the studies and guideline characteristics as well as identified cross-cutting themes.

Results

Our search strategy yielded 10 427 unique citations, of which 70 fulfilled the inclusion criteria for synthesis. Among these, there were 61 unique guidelines and tools which used implicit, explicit, mixed or other approaches in the prescriber decision-making process. There are 11 cross-cutting themes identified in the guidelines. Prescriber-related themes are: conduct a comprehensive assessment before prescribing, identify patients’ needs, goals and priorities, adopt shared decision-making, consider evidence-based recommendations, use clinical prescribing tools, incorporate multidisciplinary inputs and embrace technology-enabled prescribing. Wider organisation-related and system-related themes related to education, training and the work environment are also identified.

Conclusions

From guidelines and tools identified, eleven cross-cutting themes provide a usable knowledge base when seeking to optimise prescribing among older adults with multimorbidity. Incorporating these themes in an approach that uses mixed criteria and implementation information could facilitate greater uptake of published prescribing recommendations.
Lay knowledge of cardiovascular disease and risk factors in three communities in Accra, Ghana: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Sanuade Olutobi Adekunle , Kushitor Mawuli Komla , Awuah Raphael Baffour , Asante Paapa Yaw , Agyemang Charles , de-Graft Aikins Ama
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Cardiovascular disease is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in Ghana, and urban poor communities are disproportionately affected. Research has shown that knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the first step to risk reduction. This study examines knowledge of CVD and risk factors and determinants of CVD knowledge in three urban poor communities in Accra, Ghana.

Methods

Using the Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors Knowledge Level Scale, which has been validated in Ghana, we conducted a cross-sectional survey with 775 respondents aged 15–59 years. CVD knowledge was computed as a continuous variable based on correct answers to 27 questions, and each correct response was assigned one point. Linear regression was used to determine the factors associated with CVD knowledge.

Results

The mean age of the participants was 30.3±10.8 years and the mean knowledge score was 19.3±4.8. About one-fifth of participants were living with chronic diseases. Overall, 71.1% had good CVD knowledge, and 28.9% had moderate or poor CVD knowledge. CVD knowledge was low in the symptoms and risk factor domains. A larger proportion received CVD knowledge from radio and television. The determinants of CVD knowledge included ethnicity, alcohol consumption, self-reported health and sources of CVD knowledge. CVD knowledge was highest among a minority Akan ethnic group, those who were current alcohol consumers and those who rated their health as very good/excellent, compared with their respective counterparts. CVD knowledge was significantly lower among those who received information from health workers and multiple sources.

Conclusion

This study underscores the need for health education programmes to promote practical knowledge on CVD symptoms, risks and treatment. We outline health systems and community-level barriers to good CVD knowledge and discuss the implications for developing context-specific and culturally congruent CVD primary prevention interventions.
Cost effectiveness of screening for intracranial aneurysms among patients with bicuspid aortic valve: a Markov modelling study
Authors: Chen Jigang , Han Mingyang , Feng Xin , Peng Fei , Tong Xin , Niu Hao , Zhang Danfeng , Liu Aihua
Published: December 2021

Objective

Bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) is common and 7.7%–9.8% of patients with BAV have intracranial aneuryms (IAs) which might lead to a devastating subarachnoid haemorrhage (SAH). We aimed to evaluate different screening and follow-up strategies using magnetic resonance angiography for IAs among patients with BAV.

Methods

A decision-analytic model was built to evaluate the costs and effectiveness of different management strategies from the Chinese healthcare payer’s perspective. The evaluated strategies included natural history without screening for possible IAs, regular screening and no follow-up for detected IAs, and regular screening with regular follow-up (Screen strategy/Follow-up strategy). Base case calculation, as well as probabilistic, one-way, and two-way sensitivity analyses, were performed.

Results

According to the base case calculation, natural history had the least cost and effectiveness while Every 5 years (y)/Annual gained the highest cost and effectiveness. Every 10y/Biennial was cost effective when compared with Every 10y/Every 5y under the willingness-to-pay threshold of ¥211 743 (US$30 162). Probabilistic sensitivity analysis showed that Every 10y/Biennial was superior in 88.3% of the cases when compared with Every 10y/Every 5y. One-way and two-way sensitivity analyses proved that Every 10y/Biennial was the dominant strategy under most circumstances.

Conclusions

Screening for possible IAs among patients with BAV and follow-up for detected IAs would increase the effectiveness. Every 10y/Biennial was the optimal strategy from the Chinese healthcare payer’s perspective.
Health actor approaches to financing universal coverage strategies for pneumococcal and rotavirus immunisation programmes in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Ogundele Oluwasegun Jko , Fadel Shaza , Braitstein Paula , Di Ruggiero Erica
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Sustainable financing of immunisation programmes is an important step towards universal coverage of life-saving vaccines. Yet, financing mechanisms for health programmes could have consequences on the design of universal approaches to immunisation coverage. Effective implementation of immunisation interventions necessitates investigating the roles of institutions and power on interventions. This review aims to understand how sustainable financing and equitable immunisation are conceptualised by health actors like Gavi, and government-related entities across low-income and middle-income countries (LMICs) and how financing mechanisms can affect universal coverage of vaccines.

Methods and analysis

This study protocol outline a scoping review of the peer-reviewed and the grey literature, using established methodological framework for scoping review. Literature will be identified through a comprehensive search of multiple databases and grey literature. All peer-reviewed implementation research studies from the year 2002 addressing financing and universal coverage of immunisation programmes for the pneumococcal conjugated vaccine and rotavirus vaccines immunisation interventions will be included and grey literature published in/after the year 2015. For the study scope, population, concept and context are defined: Population as international and national health stakeholders financing immunisation programmes; Concept as implementation research on pneumococcal conjugate and rotavirus vaccination interventions; and Context as LMICs. Findings will be quantitatively summarised to provide an overview and narratively synthesised and analysed. Studies that do not use implementation research approaches, frameworks or models will be excluded.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for this scoping review. Findings and recommendations will be presented to implementation researchers and health stakeholders.
Sexual health promotion messages for young people in Netflix most-watched series content (2015–2020): mixed-methods analysis study
Authors: Tauty Solenne , Martin Philippe , Bourmaud Aurélie , Chapoton Boris , de La Rochebrochard Elise , Alberti Corinne
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Sexual health is a major issue for young people, and there is a need to promote it. Sexual health promotion messages may be included in Netflix series that are widely watched by young people, with important emotional dimensions in scenarios.

Objective

The aim of this study is to investigate the explicit sexual health promotion messages integrated in Netflix series popular among young people, and to describe them and how they are delivered.

Methods

We selected two types of Netflix series, aimed at young people: (1) series whose synopsis is mainly about sexual health and (2) all-subject series. We extracted data from 65 episodes of 6 of the most-watched Netflix series. We used a data extraction grid on EpiData. We analysed sexual health themes and sexual health promotion messages. We described the series and listed all the sexual health and other health themes discussed. For each promotion message, we described scene contents and extracted dialogues.

Results

We found 62 promotion messages in the 6 analysed series. The two series that highlight sexual health in their synopsis account for 81% (n=50/62) of these identified promotion messages. Messages mainly focus on sexual harassment and violence (19%), on sexually transmitted infections protection (18%) and on contraception (15%). Messages are mainly delivered as verbal information, and mostly feature 16–18 years old characters in school. Analysis highlighted four main points concerning scenarios in these series: (1) there are different ways to deliver sexual health promotion messages; (2) there is depiction of negative value judgements and gender norms; (3) some information may be incomplete or misleading and (4) risky behaviours are represented.

Conclusion

Netflix series incorporate diverse sexual health promotion messages for young people. Further research could assess how these messages are perceived and whether they increase the knowledge, skills and positive health behaviours of young people.