bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Costs of integrating HIV self-testing in public health facilities in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe
Authors: Sande Linda Alinafe , Matsimela Katleho , Mwenge Lawrence , Mangenah Collin , Choko Augustine Talumba , d'Elbée Marc , Majam Mohammed , Mostert Cyprian , Matamwandi Inonge , Sibanda Euphemia Lindelwe , Johnson Cheryl , Hatzold Karin , Ayles Helen , Cowan Frances M , Corbett Elizabeth Lucy , Neuman Melissa , Maheswaran Hendramoorthy , Meyer-Rath Gesine , Terris-Prestholt Fern
Published: January 2022

Introduction

As countries approach the UNAIDS 95-95-95 targets, there is a need for innovative and cost-saving HIV testing approaches that can increase testing coverage in hard-to-reach populations. The HIV Self-Testing Africa-Initiative distributed HIV self-test (HIVST) kits using unincentivised HIV testing counsellors across 31 public facilities in Malawi, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. HIVST was distributed either through secondary (partner’s use) distribution alone or primary (own use) and secondary distribution approaches.

Methods

We evaluated the costs of adding HIVST to existing HIV testing from the providers’ perspective in the 31 public health facilities across the four countries between 2018 and 2019. We combined expenditure analysis and bottom-up costing approaches. We also carried out time-and-motion studies on the counsellors to estimate the human resource costs of introducing and demonstrating how to use HIVST for primary and secondary use.

Results

A total of 41 720 kits were distributed during the analysis period, ranging from 1254 in Zimbabwe to 27 678 in Zambia. The cost per kit distributed through the primary distribution approach was $4.27 in Zambia and $9.24 in Zimbabwe. The cost per kit distributed through the secondary distribution approach ranged from $6.46 in Zambia to $13.42 in South Africa, with a wider variation in the average cost at facility-level. From the time-and-motion observations, the counsellors spent between 20% and 44% of the observed workday on HIVST. Overall, personnel and test kit costs were the main cost drivers.

Conclusion

The average costs of distributing HIVST kits were comparable across the four countries in our analysis despite wide cost variability within countries. We recommend context-specific exploration of potential efficiency gains from these facility-level cost variations and demand creation activities to ensure continued affordability at scale.
Health-related quality of life in adults treated for paediatric acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a cross-sectional and longitudinal cohort study
Authors: Aili Katarina , Arvidsson Susann , Olsson Maria , Jarfelt Marianne , Nygren Jens
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) is the most common form of cancer in children. Although treatment methods have improved and resulted in significant improvement of survival and reduction in late effects and late mortality risk, the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) of survivors might be affected. To introduce new interventions in clinical practice with the potential to support positive HRQOL outcomes, more knowledge is needed on how HRQOL in this group is constructed and stimulated. The purpose of this study is to investigate how HRQOL is affected in adults treated for paediatric ALL, in a long-term perspective and possible factors influencing this relationship.

Methods and analysis

This cohort of young adult ALL survivors allows for investigations of factors influencing HRQOL outcomes on a national level. Eligible participants are obtained from the Swedish Childhood Cancer quality registry. Data collection includes both a follow-up of data collected in 2012 (n=224) and recruitment of new eligible participants to the cohort (n=601). The cohort will cover survivors of paediatric ALL, diagnosed between 1985 and 2007, at an age between 0 and 15 years. Data will be collected using validated, multidimensional, self-administered instruments, designed to measure HRQOL (SF-36), social support, sense of coherence and resilience.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be carried out in accordance with the ethics permit obtained from the Swedish ethics review authority (Dnr 2019-05181). Dissemination of study results will take place through research articles and reports to the national patient organisation and the national network for consultancy nurses for this target group and to the working group for the Swedish national long-term care programme for childhood cancer. Results will also reach practical application within the follow-up clinic for adult childhood cancer survivors at Sahlgrenska Hospital in Gothenburg.
Back2Action: effectiveness of physiotherapy blended with eHealth consisting of pain education and behavioural activation versus physiotherapy alone—protocol for a pragmatic randomised clinical trial for people with subacute or persistent spinal pain
Authors: Bijker Lisette , de Wit Leonore , Cuijpers Pim , Poolman Eva , Scholten-Peeters Gwendolijne , Coppieters Michel W
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Psychosocial factors predict recovery in patients with spinal pain. Several of these factors are modifiable, such as depression and anxiety. However, primary care physiotherapists who typically manage these patients indicate that they do not feel sufficiently competent and equipped to address these factors optimally. We developed an eHealth intervention with a focus on pain education and behavioural activation to support physiotherapists in managing psychosocial factors in patients with spinal pain. This paper describes the protocol for a pragmatic randomised clinical trial, which evaluates the effectiveness of this eHealth intervention blended with physiotherapy compared with physiotherapy alone.

Methods and analysis

Participants with non-specific low back pain and/or neck pain for at least 6 weeks who also have psychosocial risk factors associated with the development or maintenance of persistent pain will be recruited in a pragmatic multicentre cluster randomised clinical trial. The experimental intervention consists of physiotherapy blended with six online modules of pain education and behavioural activation. The control intervention consists of usual care physiotherapy. The primary outcomes are disability (Oswestry Disability Index for low back pain and Neck Disability Index for neck pain) and perceived effect (Global Perceived Effect). Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and at 2, 6 and 12 months after baseline. The results will be analysed using linear mixed models.

Ethics and dissemination

The study is approved by the Medical Ethical Committee of VU Medical Center Amsterdam, The Netherlands (2017.286). Results will be reported in peer-reviewed journals, at national and international conferences, and in diverse media to share the findings with patients, clinicians and the public.

Trial registration number

NL 5941; The Netherlands Trial Register.
Making shoulder pain simple in general practice: implementing an evidence-based guideline for shoulder pain, protocol for a hybrid design stepped-wedge cluster randomised study (EASIER study)
Authors: Ekeberg Ole Marius , Pedersen Stein Jarle , Natvig Bård , Brox Jens Ivar , Biringer Eva Kristin , Endresen Reme Silje , Engebretsen Kaia Beck , Joranger Pål , Mdala Ibrahimu , Juel Niels Gunnar
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Research suggests that current care for shoulder pain is not in line with the best available evidence. This project aims to assess the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and the implementation of an evidence-based guideline for shoulder pain in general practice in Norway.

Methods and analysis

A stepped-wedge, cluster-randomised trial with a hybrid design assessing clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and the effect of the implementation strategy of a guideline-based intervention in general practice. We will recruit at least 36 general practitioners (GPs) and randomise the time of cross-over from treatment as usual to the implemented intervention. The intervention includes an educational outreach visit to the GPs, a computerised decision tool for GPs and a self-management application for patients. We will measure outcomes at patient and GP levels using self-report questionnaires, focus group interviews and register based data. The primary outcome measure is the patient-reported Shoulder Pain and Disability Index measured at 12 weeks. Secondary outcomes include the EuroQol Quality of Life Measure (EQ5D-5L), direct and indirect costs, patient’s global perceived effect of treatment outcome, Pain Self-Efficacy and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire. We will evaluate the implementation process with focus on adherence to guideline treatment. We will do a cost–minimisation analysis based on direct and selected indirect costs and a cost–utility analysis based on EQ5D-5L. We will use mixed effect models to analyse primary and secondary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was granted by the Regional Committee for Medical and Health Research Ethics-South East Norway (ref. no: 2019/104). Trial results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed medical journal in accordance with Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials.

Trial registration number

NCT04806191.
Prevalence of anxiety and depressive symptoms and impact on self-management among adults with chronic conditions in Chicago, Illinois, USA, during the COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Lovett Rebecca M , Opsasnick Lauren , Russell Andrea , Yoon Esther , Weiner-Light Sophia , Serper Marina , Cooper Bailey Stacy , Wolf Michael S
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To examine the prevalence of mental health symptoms during the first surge of COVID-19 in the USA, and their associations with COVID-19-related emotional distress, health self-management and healthcare utilisation.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of wave 3 (1–22 May 2020) survey data from the ongoing Chicago COVID-19 Comorbidities (C3) study.

Setting

Seven academic and community health centres in Chicago, Illinois.

Participants

565 adults aged 23–88 with one or more chronic conditions completing at least one prior C3 study wave.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Clinically relevant anxiety and depressive symptoms as measured using Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System short forms. Self-reported emotional and health-related responses to COVID-19 were measured through a combination of single-item questions and validated measures.

Results

Rates of anxiety and depressive symptoms were 14% (81/563) and 15% (84/563), respectively. Anxiety and depressive symptoms were then each separately associated with greater worry about contracting COVID-19 (relative risk (RR) 2.32, 95% CI 1.52 to 3.53; RR 1.67, 95% CI 1.10 to 2.54), greater stress (RR 4.93, 95% CI 3.20 to 7.59; RR 3.01, 95% CI 1.96 to 4.61) and loneliness (RR 3.82, 95% CI 2.21 to 6.60; RR 5.37, 95% CI 3.21 to 8.98), greater avoidance of the doctor (RR 1.62, 95% CI 1.06 to 2.49; RR 1.54, 95% CI 1.00 to 2.36) and difficulty managing health (least square means (LS Means) 6.09, 95% CI 5.25 to 6.92 vs 4.23, 95% CI 3.70 to 4.75; LS Means 5.85, 95% CI 5.04 to 6.65 vs 4.22, 95% CI 3.70 to 4.75) and medications (LS Means 3.71, 95% CI 2.98 to 4.43 vs 2.47, 95% CI 2.02 to 2.92) due to the pandemic.

Conclusions

Identifying and addressing mental health concerns may be an important factor to consider in COVID-19 prevention and management among high-risk medical populations.
Play & Grow: prospective observational cohort of toddlers to inform obesity prevention, Columbus, Ohio, USA
Authors: Parrott Andria , Zvara Bharathi J , Keim Sarah A , Andridge Rebecca , Anderson Sarah E
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Obesity prevention is increasingly focused on early childhood, but toddlers have not been well-studied, and children born preterm are frequently excluded. The Play & Grow Cohort was established to investigate child growth in relation to parent-child interactions in mealtime and non-mealtime settings.

Participants

Between December 2017 and May 2019, 300 toddlers and primary caregivers were recruited from records of a large paediatric care provider in Columbus, Ohio, USA. This report describes recruitment of the cohort and outlines the data collection protocols for two toddler and two preschool-age visits. The first study visit coincided with enrolment and occurred when children (57% boys) were a mean (SD) calendar age of 18.2 (0.7) months.

Findings to date

Children in the cohort are diverse relative to gestational age at birth (16%, 28–31 completed weeks’ gestation; 21%, 32–36 weeks’ gestation; 63%, ≥37 weeks’ gestation) and race/ethnicity (8%, Hispanic; 35%, non-Hispanic black; 46%, non-Hispanic white). Caregivers enrolled in the cohort are primarily the child’s biological mother (93%) and are diverse in age (range 18–54 years), education (23%, high school or less; 20% graduate degree) and annual household income (27%, <US$20 000 24%, ≥US$90 000). Parent-child interactions were video-recorded during play in the laboratory at 18 months (n=299) and during play, reading and mealtime in the home (n=284) at 24 months. The preschool phase of the study was impacted by COVID-19. Parent-child interactions were video-recorded during play and mealtime at home at 36 months (n=141) and during a standardised buffet meal in the laboratory at 42 months (n=50). Caregivers unable to participate in face-to-face visits due to COVID-19 completed questionnaires.

Future plans

Assessment during middle childhood is being planned. Future visits will include anthropometric measurements and parent-child interactions at mealtime. School-based outcomes are additionally being considered.
Private sector delivery of maternal and newborn health care in low-income and middle-income countries: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Lattof Samantha R , Maliqi Blerta , Yaqub Nuhu , Jung Anne-Sophie
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Recent studies have pointed to the substantial role of private health sector delivery of maternal and newborn health (MNH) care in low-/middle-income countries (LMICs). While this role has been partly documented, an evidence synthesis is missing. To analyse opportunities and challenges of private sector delivery of MNH care as they pertain to the new World Health Organization (WHO) strategy on engaging the private health service delivery sector through governance in mixed health systems, a more granular understanding of the private health sector’s role and extent in MNH delivery is imperative. We developed a scoping review protocol to map and conceptualise interventions that were explicitly designed and implemented by formal private health sector providers to deliver MNH care in mixed health systems.

Methods and analysis

This protocol details our intended methodological and analytical approach following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for scoping reviews. Seven databases (Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health, Excerpta Medica Database, International Bibliography of the Social Sciences, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Web of Science, WHO Institutional Repository for Information Sharing) and two websites will be searched for studies published between 1 January 2002 and 1 June 2021. For inclusion, quantitative and/or qualitative studies in LMICs must report at least one of the following outcomes: maternal morbidity or mortality; newborn morbidity or mortality; experience of care; use of formal private sector care during pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum; and stillbirth. Analyses will synthesise the evidence base and gaps on private sector MNH service delivery interventions for each of the six governance behaviours.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required. Findings will be used to develop a menu of private sector interventions for MNH care by governance behaviour. This study will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication, working groups, webinars and partners.
COVID-19 collateral damage—psychological burden and behavioural changes among older adults during the first outbreak in Stockholm, Sweden: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Beridze Giorgi , Triolo Federico , Grande Giulia , Fratiglioni Laura , Calderón-Larrañaga Amaia
Published: January 2022

Objectives

To explore the indirect negative effects of COVID-19 restrictions (collateral damage) on the lives and health of older adults living in central Stockholm, and to characterise the sociodemographic profile of those with the highest susceptibility to this damage.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

District of Kungsholmen in Stockholm, Sweden.

Participants

Older adults aged 68 years and above (n=1231) who participated in the ad hoc COVID-19-related phone questionnaire administered by trained staff between May and June 2020 and who had previously attended the regular follow-up assessment of the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) during 2016–2019.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Three dimensions of collateral damage: psychological burden (feelings of worry, stress and loneliness), reductions in social and physical activities, and reductions in medical and social care use since the beginning of the pandemic. Logistic regression models were used to test the association between age, sex, education and living arrangement, and the risk of collateral damage.

Results

Vast majority of participants adhered to the national public health recommendations, with over three-quarters practising self-isolation (n=928). Half of the sample reported psychological burden, 55.3% reported reductions in social or physical activity, and 11.3% reported decreased medical or social care use. Over three quarters of participants (77.8%) were affected by at least one of the three collateral damage dimensions. Female sex was the strongest sociodemographic predictor of both individual and co-occurring dimensions of collateral damage.

Conclusions

COVID-19 and its restrictions during the first half of 2020 had a negative effect on the health and lives of a majority of the elderly living in central Stockholm. Women were at a higher risk of these negative consequences. We emphasise the need for predefined, evidence-based interventions to support those who are most susceptible to these consequences, both during the pandemic and once the outbreak is overcome.
Integrating palliative care and heart failure: a protocol for a realist synthesis (PalliatHeartSynthesis)
Authors: McConnell Tracey , Burden John , Duddy Claire , Hill Loreena , Howie Clare , Jones Bob , Ruane Bob , Wong Geoff , Reid Joanne
Published: January 2022

Introduction

Heart failure affects over 26 million people worldwide with prevalence expected to grow due to an ageing global population. Palliative care can address the holistic needs of patients with heart failure, and integrated palliative care in heart failure management has been indicated to improve outcomes for patients. Despite known benefits for integrated palliative care in heart failure management, implementation is poor across the majority of global health services. Recent systematic reviews have identified the benefits of integrating palliative care into heart failure management and highlighted barriers to implementation. However, there was heterogeneity in terms of countries, healthcare settings, delivery by differing staff across multidisciplinary teams, modes of delivery and different intervention components.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this study is to identify how integrated palliative care and heart failure interventions produce desired outcomes, in which contexts, and for which patients. We will undertake a realist synthesis to identify this, using Pawson’s five iterative steps. We will recruit an international stakeholder group comprised of healthcare providers and patients with heart failure to advise and provide feedback throughout the review. Our initial realist programme theory sets out the necessary steps needed to accomplish the final intended outcome(s) from the implementation of integrated palliative care and heart failure. This initial programme theory will be shaped through an iterative process of testing and refinement.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this study. With our stakeholder group, we will coproduce a user guide that outlines practical advice to optimise, tailor and implement interventions designed to integrate palliative care and heart failure, taking into consideration local context, alongside user-friendly summaries of the synthesis findings using short animations to convey complex findings. We will draw on the expertise within the stakeholder group to identify key stakeholders for disseminating to relevant audiences, ensuring outputs are tailored for their respective needs.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021240185.
Blocking hepatocarcinogenesis by a cytochrome P450 family member with female-preferential expression
Authors: Ji Fubo , Zhang Jianjuan , Liu Niya , Gu Yuanzhuo , Zhang Yan , Huang Peipei , Zhang Nachuan , Lin Shengda , Pan Ran , Meng Zhuoxian , Feng Xin-Hua , Roessler Stephanie , Zheng Xin , Ji Junfang
Published: January 2022

Objects

The incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows an obvious male dominance in rodents and humans. We aimed to identify the key autosomal liver-specific sex-related genes and investigate their roles in hepatocarcinogenesis.

Design

Two HCC cohorts (n=551) with available transcriptome and metabolome data were used. Class comparisons of omics data and ingenuity pathway analysis were performed to explore sex-related molecules and their associated functions. Functional assays were employed to investigate roles of the key candidates, including cellular assays, molecular assays and multiple orthotopic HCC mouse models.

Results

A global comparison of multiple omics data revealed 861 sex-related molecules in non-tumour liver tissues between female and male HCC patients, which denoted a significant suppression of cancer-related diseases and functions in female liver than male. A member of cytochrome P450 family, CYP39A1, was one of the top liver-specific candidates with significantly higher levels in female vs male liver. In HCC tumours, CYP39A1 expression was dramatically reduced in over 90% HCC patients. Exogenous CYP39A1 significantly blocked tumour formation in both female and male mice and partially reduced the sex disparity of hepatocarcinogenesis. The HCC suppressor role of CYP39A1 did not rely on its known P450 enzyme activity but its C-terminal region, by which CYP39A1 impeded the transcriptional activation activity of c-Myc, leading to a significant inhibition of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Conclusions

The liver-specific CYP39A1 with female-preferential expression was a strong suppressor of HCC development. Strategies to up-regulate CYP39A1 might be promising methods for HCC treatment in both women and men in future.
Association of education levels with the risk of hypertension and hypertension control: a nationwide cohort study in Chinese adults
Authors: Sun Kan , Lin Diaozhu , Li Mian , Mu Yiming , Zhao Jiajun , Liu Chao , Bi Yufang , Chen Lulu , Shi Lixin , Li Qiang , Yang Tao , Wan Qin , Wu Shengli , Wang Guixia , Luo Zuojie , Qin Yingfen , Tang Xulei , Chen Gang , Huo Yanan , Gao Zhengnan , Su Qing , Ye Zhen , Hu Ruying , Wang Youmin , Qin Guijun , Deng Huacong , Yu Xuefeng , Shen Feixia , Chen Li , Wang Weiqing , Ning Guang , Yan Li
Published: January 2022

Background

Education attainment can improve life expectancy and guide healthy behaviours throughout an entire lifetime. A nationwide longitudinal study of the association of education status with the risk of hypertension and its control in China is lacking.

Methods

The China Cardiometabolic Disease and Cancer Cohort Study is a multicentre, population-based, prospective cohort study. We performed the baseline survey from 2011 to 2012. A follow-up visit was conducted during 2014–2016. 101 959 subjects were included in the final data analyses. Cox proportional hazards regression was used to examine the associations of education levels with the risk of hypertension and uncontrolled hypertension.

Results

During follow-up, 11 189 (19.9%) participants had developed hypertension among subjects without hypertension at baseline. Among the participants with hypertension at baseline, only 40.6% had controlled hypertension. Compared with the participants’ education level at elementary school and below, the multivariable-adjusted HR for incident hypertension was 0.76 (95% CI, 0.72 to 0.80) in those with a middle school education level and 0.67 (95% CI, 0.63 to 0.70) in those with a high school degree or above. Correspondingly, multivariable-adjusted HRs associated with uncontrolled hypertension were 0.90 (95% CI, 0.87 to 0.92) in participants with a middle school education level and 0.85 (95% CI, 0.82 to 0.88) in participants with a high school degree or above level.

Conclusion

Participants with education attainment at elementary school and below exhibited excess risks of newly diagnosed hypertension and worse blood pressure control compared with individuals with education attainment at middle school or above.
Maternal educational inequalities about adverse pregnancy outcomes observed in a rural area of a province of China during a time period (2010–2018)
Authors: Li Lixin , Wu Yanpeng , Yang Yao , Wu Ying , Zhuang Yan , You Dingyun
Published: January 2022

Background

The relationship between maternal education and adverse pregnancy outcomes is well documented. However, limited research has investigated maternal educational disparities in adverse pregnancy outcomes in China. This study examined maternal educational inequalities associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes in rural China.

Methods

We conducted a population-based cohort study using participants enrolled in the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project in Yunnan province from 2010 to 2018. The primary outcome was stillbirth, and the secondary outcome was adverse pregnancy outcomes, defined as a composite event of stillbirth, preterm birth or low birth weight. The study was restricted to singleton births at 20–42 weeks’ gestation. Univariate and multivariate log-binomial regression models were performed to estimate crude risk ratios (RRs) and confounding-adjusted RRs (ARRs) for stillbirth and adverse pregnancy outcomes according to maternal education level.

Results

A total of 197 722 singleton births were included in the study. Compared with mid-educated women, low-educated women were at a significantly increased risk of stillbirth (ARR, 1.20; 95% CI, 1.05 to 1.38) and adverse pregnancy outcomes (ARR, 1.11; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.16). However, the risk of stillbirth (ARR, 1.16; 95% CI, 1.01 to 1.35) was significantly higher for high-educated women compared with mid-educated women.

Conclusion

Compared with women with medium education level, women with lower education level were more likely to experience adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth, and women with higher education level were more likely to experience stillbirth.
Young-onset stroke complicating ulcerative colitis
Authors: Lim Su Yin , Sayed Mohamed , Banerjee Soma , Rane Neil , Kalladka Dheeraj
Published: January 2022

A 16-year-old girl developed a proximal occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery during a flare-up of acute ulcerative colitis. Although mechanical thrombectomy led to successful middle cerebral artery recanalisation, she required an immediate second thrombectomy due to reocclusion of the same arterial segment. She developed a second ischaemic event 7 days later despite intravenous heparin infusion, later switched to low-molecular-weight heparin, and a third event after 3 days despite the addition of aspirin. We discuss stroke risks in people with inflammatory bowel disease and the uncertainties around anticoagulation and antiplatelet regimens in such cases.
High-dose rifamycins in the treatment of TB: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Arbiv Omri A , Kim JeongMin M , Yan Marie , Romanowski Kamila , Campbell Jonathon R , Trajman Anete , Asadi Leyla , Fregonese Federica , Winters Nicholas , Menzies Dick , Johnston James C
Published: January 2022

Background

There is growing interest in using high-dose rifamycin (HDR) regimens in TB treatment, but the safety and efficacy of HDR regimens remain uncertain. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis comparing HDR to standard-dose rifamycin (SDR) regimens.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews and clinicaltrials.gov for prospective studies comparing daily therapy with HDRs to SDRs. Rifamycins included rifampicin, rifapentine and rifabutin. Our primary outcome was the rate of severe adverse events (SAEs), with secondary outcomes of death, all adverse events, SAE by organ and efficacy outcomes of 2-month culture conversion and relapse. This study was prospectively registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (CRD42020142519).

Results

We identified 9057 articles and included 13 studies with 6168 participants contributing 7930 person-years (PY) of follow-up (HDR: 3535 participants, 4387 PY; SDR: 2633 participants, 3543 PY). We found no significant difference in the pooled incidence rate ratio (IRR) of SAE between HDR and SDR (IRR 1.00, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.23,I2=41%). There was no significant difference when analysis was limited to SAE possibly, probably or likely medication-related (IRR 1.07, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.41,I2=0%); studies with low risk of bias (IRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.20,I2=44%); or studies using rifampicin (IRR 1.00, 95% CI 0. 0.75–1.32,I2=38%). No significant differences were noted in pooled outcomes of death, 2-month culture conversion and relapse.

Conclusions

HDRs were not associated with a significant difference in SAEs, 2-month culture conversion or death. Further studies are required to identify specific groups who may benefit from HDR.
Common idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis risk variants are associated with hypersensitivity pneumonitis
Authors: Furusawa Haruhiko , Peljto Anna L , Walts Avram D , Cardwell Jonathan , Molyneaux Philip L , Lee Joyce S , Fernández Pérez Evans R , Wolters Paul J , Yang Ivana V , Schwartz David A
Published: January 2022

A subset of patients with hypersensitivity pneumonitis (HP) develop lung fibrosis that is clinically similar to idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). To address the aetiological determinants of fibrotic HP, we investigated whether the common IPF genetic risk variants were also relevant in study subjects with fibrotic HP. Our findings indicate that common genetic variants inTERC,DSP,MUC5BandIVDwere significantly associated with fibrotic HP. These findings provide support for a shared etiology and pathogenesis between fibrotic HP and IPF.
Influence of headwater reservoirs on climate change impacts and flood frequency in the Kabul River Basin
Authors: Taraky Yar M. , Liu Yongbo , Gharabaghi Bahram , McBean Edward , Daggupati Prasad , Shrestha Narayan Kumar
Published: January 2022

Although climate change impacts vary globally, for the Kabul River Basin (KRB), concerns are primarily associated with frequent flooding. This research describes the influence of headwater reservoirs on projections of climate change impacts and flood frequency, and how riparian countries can benefit from storing of floodwaters for use during dry seasons. Six climate change scenarios and two Representative Concentration Pathways (RCPs) are used in three periods of a quarter-century each. The Soil and Water Assessment Tool (SWAT) is used to assess how the proposed reservoirs will reduce flooding by ∼38% during the wet season, reduce the flood frequency from five to 25 years return period, and increase low flows by ∼110% during the dry season, which reflect an ∼17.5% reduction in the glacier-covered area by the end of the century. The risks and benefits of reservoirs are highlighted in light of the developmental goals of Afghanistan and Pakistan.
Machine learning applied to lentic habitat use by spawning walleye demonstrates the benefits of considering multiple spatial scales in aquatic research
Authors: Zentner Douglas L. , Raabe Joshua K. , Cross Timothy K. , Jacobson Peter C.
Published: January 2022

Scale and hierarchy have received less attention in aquatic compared to terrestrial systems. Walleye (Sander vitreus) spawning habitat offers an opportunity to investigate scale’s importance. We estimated lake-, transect-, and quadrat-scale influences on nearshore walleye egg deposition in 28 Minnesota lakes from 2016–2018. Random forest models (RFM) estimated importance of predictive variables to walleye egg deposition. Predictive accuracies of a multi-scale classification tree (CT) and a quadrat-scale CT were compared. RFM results suggested that five of our variables were unimportant when predicting egg deposition. The multi-scale CT was more accurate than the quadrat-scale CT when predicting egg deposition. Both model results suggest that in-lake egg deposition by walleye is regulated by hierarchical abiotic processes and that silt–clay abundance at the transect-scale (reef-scale) is more important than abundance at the quadrat-scale (within-reef). Our results show machine learning can be used for scale-optimization and potentially to determine cross-scale interactions. Further incorporation of scale and hierarchy into studies of aquatic systems will increase our understanding of species–habitat relationships, especially in lentic systems where multi-scale approaches are rarely used.
Skull morphological variation in a British stranded population of false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens): a three-dimensional geometric morphometric approach
Authors: Vicari Deborah , Sabin Richard C. , Brown Richard P. , Lambert Olivier , Bianucci Giovanni , Meloro Carlo
Published: January 2022

The false killer whale (Pseudorca crassidens (Owen, 1846)) is a globally distributed delphinid that shows geographical differentiation in its skull morphology. We explored cranial morphological variation in a sample of 85 skulls belonging to a mixed sex population stranded in the Moray Firth, Scotland, in 1927. A three-dimensional digitizer (Microscribe 2GX) was used to record 37 anatomical landmarks on the cranium and 25 on the mandible to investigate size and shape variation and to explore sexual dimorphism using geometric morphometric. Males showed greater overall skull size than females, whereas no sexual dimorphism could be identified in cranial and mandibular shape. Allometric skull changes occurred in parallel for both males and females, supporting the lack of sexual shape dimorphism for this particular sample. Also, fluctuating asymmetry did not differ between crania of males and females. This study confirms the absence of sexual shape dimorphism and the presence of a sexual size dimorphism in this false killer whale population.
Forming molecular states with hadronic rescattering
Authors: Ilten Philip , Utheim Marius
Published: January 2022

A method for modelling the prompt production of molecular states using the hadronic rescattering framework of the general-purpose Pythia event generator is introduced. Production cross sections of possible exotic hadronic molecules via hadronic rescattering at the LHC are calculated for the $$\chi _{c1}(3872)$$

χ

c
1

(
3872
)

resonance, a possible tetraquark state, as well as three possible pentaquark states, $$P_c^+(4312)$$

P
c
+

(
4312
)

, $$P_c^+(4440)$$

P
c
+

(
4440
)

, and $$P_c^+(4457)$$

P
c
+

(
4457
)

. For the $$P_c^+$$

P
c
+

states, the expected cross section from $$\Lambda _b$$

Λ
b

decays is compared to the hadronic-rescattering production. The $$\chi _{c1}(3872)$$

χ

c
1

(
3872
)

cross section is compared to the fiducial $$\chi _{c1}(3872)$$

χ

c
1

(
3872
)

cross-section measurement by LHCb and found to contribute at a level of $${\mathcal {O}({1\%})}$$

O
(

1
%

)

. Finally, the expected yields of $$\mathrm {P_c^{+}}$$

P
c
+

production from hadronic rescattering during Run 3 of LHCb are estimated. The prompt background is found to be significantly larger than the prompt $$\mathrm {P_c^{+}}$$

P
c
+

signal from hadronic rescattering.
A quantum bound on the compactness
Authors: Casadio Roberto
Published: January 2022

We present a simple quantum description of the gravitational collapse of a ball of dust which excludes those states whose width is arbitrarily smaller than the gravitational radius of the matter source and supports the conclusion that black holes are macroscopic extended objects. We also comment briefly on the relevance of this result for the ultraviolet self-completion of gravity and the connection with the corpuscular picture of black holes.
FCC-ee overview: new opportunities create new challenges
Authors: Blondel Alain , Janot Patrick
Published: January 2022

With its high luminosity, its clean experimental conditions, and a range of energies that cover the four heaviest particles known today, FCC-ee offers a wealth of physics possibilities, with high potential for discoveries. The FCC-ee is an essential and complementary step towards a 100 TeV hadron collider, and as such offers a uniquely powerful combined physics program. This vision is the backbone of the 2020 European Strategy for Particle Physics. One of the main challenges is now to design experimental systems that can, demonstrably, fully exploit these extraordinary opportunities.
Mass spectrum of triply heavy baryon in the hypercentral quark model
Authors: Tazimi N. , Ghasempour A.
Published: January 2022

In this study, we consider baryons as three-body bound systems according to hypercentral constituent quark model in configuration space and solve three-body Klein–Gordon equation. Then we analyze perturbative spin-dependent and isospin-dependent interaction effects. To find the analytical solution, we used screened potential and calculate the eigenfunctions and eigenvalues of triply heavy baryons by using Nikiforov–Uvarov method. We compute the ground and excited state masses of triply heavy baryons with quantum numbers [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text] via constituent quark model approach.
Protecting Privacy on Mobile Apps: A Principal–Agent Perspective
Authors: Liu Zilong , Wang Xuequn , Li Xiaohan , Liu Jun
Published: January 2022

Although individuals increasingly use mobile applications (apps) in their daily lives, uncertainty exists regarding how the apps will use the information they request, and it is necessary to protect users from privacy-invasive apps. Recent literature has begun to pay much attention to the privacy issue in the context of mobile apps. However, little attention has been given to designing the permission request interface to reduce individuals’ perceived uncertainty and to support their informed decisions. Drawing on the principal–agent perspective, our study aims to understand the effects of permission justification, certification, and permission relevance on users’ perceived uncertainty, which in turn influences their permission authorization. Two studies were conducted with vignettes. Our results show that certification and permission relevance indeed reduce users’ perceived uncertainty. Moreover, permission relevance moderates the relationship between permission justification and perceived uncertainty. Implications for theory and practice are discussed.
Clarifying Agreement Calculations and Analysis for End-User Elicitation Studies
Authors: Vatavu Radu-Daniel , Wobbrock Jacob O.
Published: January 2022

We clarify fundamental aspects of end-user elicitation, enabling such studies to be run and analyzed with confidence, correctness, and scientific rigor. To this end, our contributions are multifold. We introduce a formal model of end-user elicitation in HCI and identify three types of agreement analysis:expert,codebook, andcomputer. We show that agreement is a mathematicaltolerance relationgenerating a tolerance space over the set of elicited proposals. We review current measures of agreement and show that all can be computed from anagreement graph. In response to recent criticisms, we show that chance agreement represents an issue solely for inter-rater reliability studies and not for end-user elicitation, where it is opposed bychance disagreement. We conduct extensive simulations of 16 statistical tests for agreement rates, and report Type I errors and power. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations for practitioners and introduce a five-level hierarchy for elicitation studies.
A Hierarchical Decision-Making Framework in Social Networks for Efficient Disaster Management
Authors: Lee Seunghan , Jain Saurabh , Son Young-Jun
Published: January 2022

One of the major challenges faced by the current society is developing disaster management strategies to minimize the effects of catastrophic events. Disaster planning and strategy development phases of this urgency require larger amounts of cooperation among communities or individuals in society. Social networks have also been playing a crucial role in the establishment of efficient disaster management planning. This article proposes a hierarchical decision-making framework that would assist in analyzing two imperative information flow processes (innovation diffusion and opinion formation) in social networks under the consideration of community detection. The proposed framework was proven to capture the heterogeneity of individuals using cognitive behavior models and evaluate its impact on diffusion speed and opinion convergence. Moreover, the framework demonstrated the evolution of communities based on their inter-and intracommunication. The simulation results with real social network data suggest that the model can aid in establishing an efficient disaster management policy using social sensing and delivery.
Is My Classroom Flipped? Using Process Mining to Avoid Subjective Perception
Authors: dos Santos Neto José Francisco , Marques Peres Sarajane , Correia Paulo , Fantinato Marcelo
Published: January 2022

Flipped classroom is an active learning method that encourages students to access study material prior to class time. Ensuring the flipping process took place, understanding how it occurred, and verifying whether it produced positive results has been a challenge for lecturers. In this article, we analyze a flipped classroom scenario through process mining techniques. Process mining was applied to an event log provided by a learning management system that supported a particular undergraduate course offering. The outcomes provide evidence for the flip of the classroom, adding precision and reliability to lecturer analyses.
Sequestration of Plant Defense Compounds by Insects: From Mechanisms to Insect–Plant Coevolution
Authors: Beran Franziska , Petschenka Georg
Published: January 2022

Plant defense compounds play a key role in the evolution of insect–plant associations by selecting for behavioral, morphological, and physiological insect adaptations. Sequestration, the ability of herbivorous insects to accumulate plant defense compounds to gain a fitness advantage, represents a complex syndrome of adaptations that has evolved in all major lineages of herbivorous insects and involves various classes of plant defense compounds. In this article, we review progress in understanding how insects selectively accumulate plant defense metabolites and how the evolution of specific resistance mechanisms to these defense compounds enables sequestration. These mechanistic considerations are further integrated into the concept of insect–plant coevolution. Comparative genome and transcriptome analyses, combined with approaches based on analytical chemistry that are centered in phylogenetic frameworks, will help to reveal adaptations underlying the sequestration syndrome, which is essential to understanding the influence of sequestration on insect–plant coevolution.
Multi-Variate Optimization of Polymer Electrolyte Membrane Fuel Cells in Consideration of Effects of GDL Compression and Intrusion
Authors: Choi Jaeyoo , Cha Yohan , Kong Jihoon , Vaz Neil , Lee Jaeseung , Ma Sang-Bum , Kim Jin-Hyuk , Lee Seung Woo , Jang Seung Soon , Ju Hyunchul
Published: January 2022

This study applies, tests, and compares comprehensive surrogate-based optimization techniques to optimize the performance of polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Moreover, parametric cases considering four important design variables, i.e., gas diffusion layer thickness (

δ

g
d
l

), channel depth (

d

c
h

), channel width (

w

c
h

), and land width (

w

l
a
n
d

), are defined using the latin hypercube sampling technique under reasonable constraint conditions. Multidimensional, two-phase PEMFC model simulations are performed to generate the training and test data under these design conditions. Three famous surrogate models, i.e., response surface approximation (RSA), radial basis neural network (RBNN), and kriging (KRG), are employed to construct objective functions for the PEMFC cell voltages operating in the galvanostatic mode, and their accuracies are tested and compared using root mean square error and adjusted R-square. The surrogates are then linked to stochastic optimization algorithms, i.e., genetic algorithm and particle swarm optimization, to determine the optimal design points. A comparative study of these surrogates reveals that the KRG model outperforms the RBNN and RSA models in terms of prediction capability. Furthermore, the PEMFC model simulations at the optimal design points clearly demonstrate that performance improvements of around 56–69 mV at 2.0 A cm−2 are achieved with the optimum design values compared to typical PEMFC design conditions.
Electrochemical Pulsing Deposition of CTZS (Optical and Structural properties) Solar Energy Applications
Authors: Saeed Mahfouz Ali
Published: January 2022

Cu2(ZnSn)(S)4 (CTZS) has number of advantages over other solar this film such as CuInGaSe2 (CIGS) due to its higher band gap. Generating such thin film layers by electrochemical methods is particularly attractive because the lower generating budget and the higher throughput. According to literature it is default with many challenges to produce CTZS from electrodeposition methods due to wide range of standard potential of each elements of CTZS 1-4. Sulfur atomic ratio is about 50% of CTZS alloy which add more complexity to electrochemical processing.

We introduce in this work electropulsing techniques on order to electroplate at transient current instead of steady state current. Electrolyte composition was similar to dilute concentration from the previous work which is is considerably more dilute in comparison to conventional electrolytes used in the literature1-4. The bath composition is: 0.0042 M CuSO4, 0.0031 M ZnSO4, 0.035 M SnCl2, 0.005 M Na2S2O3, and 0.045 M Na2S2O3. PHydrion is used to buffer the electrolyte to pH=2, and supporting electrolyte is 0.6 M LiCl.

Experiments was conducted at a rotating disk electrode which offers measureable characterization of the rotating flow at room temperature. Electrochemical pulsing current behavior study at different off and on time and current in Fig. 1 and 2. The effects of pulsing time and current density on the CTZS thin film adhesion and atomic composition are discussed. The annealing was carried out on tube furnace under sulfur element atmosphere with no extra material addition. The amount of sulfur on the absorber layer was optimized. The alloy composition was examined using Energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy technique (EDS) Fig. 2. XRD analysis method used to characterized CTZS thickness and crystallography.

Figure 1