bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling the displacement and coexistence of clonal lineages of Phytophthora infestans through revisiting past outbreaks
Authors: Huang Chih‐Chiang , Liew Edward C. Y. , Wan Justin S. H.
Published: January 2024

The continuous changes in the lineage proportions of populations in the clonal plant pathogen Phytophthora infestans on potato and tomato crops have been perplexing to researchers and disease managers. Sudden outbreaks of newly emergent genotypes are often associated with these rapid composition changes. Modelling can predict the persistence and displacement of pathogen genotypes with differential fitness among hosts. Building upon previous models, we combined analytical and simulation methods to model the outcome of interactions between competing lineages on different hosts. Model inputs include pathogenesis parameters, and the outputs are fitness and lineage proportions within each host. Analytical solutions yielding complete displacement, partial coexistence‐displacement and complete coexistence were described. In a retrospective study, the lesion growth rate and sporulation density of P. infestans lineages on potato and tomato from pathogenicity trials were used as inputs. Output lineage frequencies were compared with historical epidemiological situations to check model accuracy. The results showed that pathogenesis traits measured from empirical trials could simulate lineage constituents on potato and tomato and estimate genotypic fitness with reasonable accuracy. The model also showed promise in predicting ongoing lineage displacements in the subsequent year or few years, even when the displaced lineage was still highly prevalent during the time of isolation. However, large uncertainties remain at temporal–spatial scales owing to complex meta‐population dynamics in some regions and adaptation to local environmental factors. This simulation model provides a new tool for forecasting pathogen compositions and can be used to identify potentially problematic genotypes based on pathogen life‐history traits.
Unveiling measles transmission dynamics: Insights from a stochastic model with nonlinear incidence
Authors: Shi Zhenfeng , Jiang Daqing
Published: January 2024

In this paper, taking into account the inevitable impact of environmental perturbations on disease transmission, we primarily investigate a stochastic model for measles infection with nonlinear incidence. The transmission rate in this model follows a logarithmic normal distribution influenced by an Ornstein–Uhlenbeck (OU) process. To analyze the dynamic properties of the stochastic model, our first step is to establish the existence and uniqueness of a global solution for the stochastic equations. Next, by constructing appropriate Lyapunov functions and utilizing the ergodicity of the OU process, we establish sufficient conditions for the existence of a stationary distribution, indicating the prevalence of the disease. Furthermore, we provide sufficient conditions for disease elimination. These conditions are derived by considering the interplay between the model parameters and the stochastic dynamics. Finally, we validate the theoretical conclusions through numerical simulations, which allow us to assess the practical implications of the established conditions and observe the dynamics of the stochastic model in action. By combining theoretical analysis and numerical simulations, we gain a comprehensive understanding of the stochastic model's behavior, contributing to the broader understanding of measles transmission dynamics and the development of effective control strategies.
Finding the right combination for self‐directed learning: A focus group study of residents' choice and use of digital resources to support their learning
Authors: Trivedi Shreya P. , Rodman Adam , Eliasz Kinga L. , Soffler Morgan I. , Sullivan Amy M.
Published: January 2024

Background

There has been a shift in postgraduate medical education towards digital educational resources—podcasts, videos, social media and other formats consumed asynchronously and apart from formal curricula. It is unclear what drives residents to select and use these resources. Understanding how and why residents choose digital resources can aid programme directors, faculty and residents in optimising residents' informal learning time.

Method

This focus group study was conducted with residents at two US internal medicine residency programmes. The authors used the framework approach to content analysis using self‐determination theory as guide for deductive coding and iteratively assessing connections among codes and identifying themes. Trustworthiness was addressed through use of analytic memos, reflexive practice and member checking.

Results

The authors conducted eight virtual focus groups (n = 23) from 5/27/20 to 6/11/20. Residents described that a feeling of ‘should know’ drove initial choices towards self‐directed learning outside of work. Regular use of a resource was influenced by how the resource fit into a resident's lifestyle, the personal cognitive energy and the perceived ‘activation energy’ of using a particular resource. Familiarity, increased confidence and in‐person social networks gained from digital resources served to reinforce and further guide resource choice.

Conclusions

The selection of digital resources for self‐directed learning is driven by multiple factors, suggesting an interdependent relationship between the learning environment and a residents' cognitive capacity. Understanding these interconnections can help residents and clinical educators explicitly choose resources that fit their lifestyle and learning needs.
Educating for capability and preparing for practice: Integrating theory and skills
Authors: Carter Harry , Hanks Sally , Johnson Robert , Gale Thomas
Published: January 2024

Capability is the ability to perform clinical skills in ever‐changing real world contexts, adapting to challenges and integrating technical and non‐technical skills and competencies, for example, cannulating an uncooperative patient at night. Going beyond teaching competency and ensuring capability is imperative, as recommended by the national outcomes for medical graduates. A course on intravenous cannulation was developed with e‐learning modules and high‐fidelity complex simulation scenarios, aiming to promote capability in practice. The course delivered an intravenous cannulation e‐learning package between two practical simulations to 10 final‐year medical students. The hybrid simulation design consisted of an actor with a bespoke cannulation part‐task trainer strapped to their arm. Each simulation delivered a challenging scenario, requiring the integration of procedural and behavioural skills to succeed. Simulations were video recorded, and participants reviewed their performances before completing semi‐structured interviews. Transcribed interviews were thematically analysed. Interview analysis demonstrated two overarching themes: ‘Impact on Capability’ and ‘Preparedness for Practice’. There was consistent recognition of improved capability from the interviews. Simulation exercises were described as the most valuable tool for developing capability. The e‐learning helped with structure, facilitating students' adaptation to scenarios. Participants felt that training in medical school was largely competency‐based and did not tackle complex interactions. Following e‐learning and simulations, students felt more prepared for clinical practice. The course structure has value for medical professionals in developing capability and preparing for clinical practice, helping to reach standards expected of graduates. Plans to assess capability across multiple undergraduate programmes through Entrustable Professional Activities are in progress.
Construction and validation of a medical career readiness inventory
Authors: Godoi Amanda , Casteleyn Charlotte , Virk Farazi , McDade‐Kumar Mia , Byrne Matthew H. V. , Moussa Ahmed , Baptiste Patrice , Tombs Michal
Published: January 2024

Background

Medical students' preparedness for clinical practice is well researched, yet little is known on the extent to which students are being prepared for a medical career. This paper reports the construction of a short medical inventory titled eXploring medical sTudents' caReer reAdiness (XTRA) to measure students' career readiness based on Super's theory of career maturity.

Approach

We designed an instrument consisting of a series of 5‐point Likert‐scale to identify participants competencies regarding career exploration and planning during their undergraduate studies. The instrument was completed by 348 medical students from 41 universities in the United Kingdom. We examined the validity and reliability of the instrument through Exploratory Factor Analysis, Cronbach's coefficient α and Pearson correlation.

Evaluation

Exploratory Factor Analysis revealed that 16 of the 20‐items survey were aligned with the exploration stage of Super's theory: Crystallisation (Career goals), Specification (Career pathways) and Implementation (Career accomplishments). The four items that formed two separate statistical factors were specific to a current medical career in the UK. Internal reliability for Super's factor subscales were acceptable (α = 0.71 to α = 0.81). A significant positive relationship was found between students' overall rating of career readiness and the three factors, indicating construct validity.

Implications

The XTRA Inventory is a short instrument with construct and content validity specifically designed to measure career readiness of medical students. Further work on its psychometric properties will help establish this inventory to be used as a guidance and career counselling tool by medical educators and educational institutions in developing career development programmes.
Unrestrained Versus Vertically Restrained Loaded Countermovement Jumps: Are There Any Differences in the Components of Force Application?
Authors: Gutiérrez-Dávila Marcos , Marcos-Frutos Daniel , Gutiérrez-Cruz Carmen , García-Ramos Amador
Published: January 2024

The objective of this study was to compare a number of variables derived from the vertical and horizontal force components between loaded countermovement jumps performed in a Smith machine (SM modality; vertically restrained jumps) and with free weights (FW modality; unrestrained jumps). Twenty-three recreationally trained individuals, 6 women and 17 men, performed on a 3D force platform 5 maximal countermovement jump trials against 3 external loads (30%, 50%, and 70% of the SM 1-repetition maximum) using the SM and FW jumping modalities on separate sessions. The SM modality promoted greater values for virtually all the variables derived from the vertical force component (maximal force, maximal and minimum velocity, and impulse) and also shorter durations of the braking and propulsive phases. Regardless of the countermovement jump phase (braking or propulsive), the impulse directed toward the backward direction was always considerably greater for the SM compared with the FW modality. These results evidence that for recreationally trained individuals, the SM modality could be more effective to increase the general force capacity of the leg muscles due to increased external stability, while the FW modality is preferable when the orientation of force application is a crucial consideration, as it reduces the horizontal force component.
China announces new flotilla of space science missions
Authors: Normile Dennis
Published: January 2024

Probes will watch for colliding black holes, image Earth's magnetosphere, and monitor the sun.
In Other Journals
Authors: Smith H. Jesse , Ray L. Bryan , Stern Peter , Maroso Mattia , Lavine Marc S. , Uzogara Ekeoma , Szuromi Phil
Published: January 2024

Editors’ selections from the current scientific literature
Uprooted Ukrainian academics reboot in exile
Authors: Stone Richard
Published: January 2024

Many institutions and scientists displaced from occupied territories may never return
Bacteria stitch exotic building blocks into novel proteins
Authors: Service Robert F.
Published: January 2024

Efficient method for creating proteins with unusual amino acids opens the door to new medicines and catalysts
A mammoth’s life story, written in tusk
Authors: Price Michael
Published: January 2024

The travels of “Elma” show she faced twin pressures—climate change and human hunting
Wisconsin bill would restrict pathogen studies
Authors: Kaiser Jocelyn
Published: January 2024

Efforts to ban “gain-of-function” research on viruses and bacteria worry scientists
Staphylococcus aureus
senses human neutrophils via PerR to coordinate the expression of the toxin LukAB
Authors: Savin Avital , Anderson Exene E. , Dyzenhaus Sophie , Podkowik Magdalena , Shopsin Bo , Pironti Alejandro , Torres Victor J.
Published: January 2024

Staphylococcus aureus
is a gram-positive pathogen that poses a major health concern, in part due to its large array of virulence factors that allow infection and evasion of the immune system. One of these virulence factors is the bicomponent pore-forming leukocidin LukAB. The regulation of
lukAB
expression is not completely understood, especially in the presence of immune cells such as human polymorphonuclear neutrophils (hPMNs). Here, we screened for transcriptional regulators of
lukAB
during the infection of primary hPMNs. We uncovered that PerR, a peroxide sensor, is vital for hPMN-mediated induction of
lukAB
and that PerR upregulates cytotoxicity during the infection of hPMNs. Exposure of
S. aureus
to hydrogen peroxide (H
2
O
2
) alone also results in increased
lukAB
promoter activity, a phenotype dependent on PerR. Collectively, our data suggest that
S. aureus
uses PerR to sense the H
2
O
2
produced by hPMNs to stimulate the expression of
lukAB
, allowing the bacteria to withstand these critical innate immune cells.

IMPORTANCE

Staphylococcus aureus
utilizes a diverse set of virulence factors, such as leukocidins, to subvert human neutrophils, but how these toxins are regulated is incompletely defined. Here, we identified the peroxide-sensitive repressor, PerR, as a required protein involved in the induction of
lukAB
in the presence of primary human neutrophils, a phenotype directly linked to the ability of PerR to sense H
2
O
2
. Thus, we show that
S. aureus
coordinates sensing and resistance to oxidative stress with toxin production to promote pathogen survival.
Time-dependent pharmacodynamics of amikacin on
Mycobacterium abscessus
growth and resistance emergence
Authors: Gibson Joy E. , Nandanwar Nishant , Neely Michael N.
Published: January 2024

Mycobacterium abscessus
pulmonary disease is increasing in prevalence globally, particularly for individuals with cystic fibrosis. These infections are challenging to treat due to a high rate of resistance. Amikacin is critical to treatment, but the development of toxicity, amikacin resistance, and treatment failure are significant challenges. Amikacin has been characterized previously as peak-dependent and extended-interval dosing is commonly used. In our hollow fiber infection model of
M. abscessus
, amikacin exhibited time-dependent rather than the expected peak-dependent pharmacodynamics. Humanized amikacin exposures with more frequent, short-interval dosing (continuous infusion or every 12 hours) yielded improved microbiological response compared to extended-interval dosing (every 24 hours or 1–3 times per week). Short-interval dosing inhibited growth with a mean (SD) maximum Δlog
10
colony forming units of −4.06 (0.52), significantly more than extended-interval dosing (
P
= 0.0013) every 24 hours, −2.40 (0.58), or 1–3 times per week, −2.39 (0.38). Growth recovery, an indicator of resistance emergence, occurred at 6.56 (0.70) days with short-interval dosing but was significantly earlier with extended-interval dosing (
P
= 0.0032) every 24 hours, 3.88 (0.85) days, and 1–3 times per week, 3.27 (1.72) days. Microbiological response correlated best with the pharmacodynamic index of %T > minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC), with an EC
80
for growth inhibition of ~40%T > MIC. We used a previously published population model of amikacin to determine the probability of achieving 40%T > MIC and show that current dosing strategies are far below this target, which may partially explain why treatment failure remains so high for these infections. These data support a cautious approach to infrequent amikacin dosing for the treatment of
M. abscessus
.

IMPORTANCE

Pulmonary disease caused by
Mycobacterium abscessus
complex (MABSC) is increasing worldwide, particularly in patients with cystic fibrosis. MABSC is challenging to treat due to high levels of antibiotic resistance. Treatment requires 2–4 antibiotics over more than 12 months and has a significant risk of toxicity but still fails to eradicate infection in over 50% of patients with cystic fibrosis. Antibiotic dosing strategies have been largely informed by common bacteria such as
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
. The “pharmacodynamic” effects of amikacin, a backbone of MABSC treatment, were thought to be related to maximum “peak” drug concentration, leading to daily or three times weekly dosing. However, we found that amikacin MABSC kill and growth recovery, an indicator of antibiotic resistance, are dependent on how long amikacin concentrations are above the minimum inhibitory concentration, not how high the peak concentration is. Therefore, we recommend a re-evaluation of amikacin dosing to determine if increased frequency can improve efficacy.
Are retired persons fitter in their psychological capacities than unemployed? A cross-sectional representative study in Germany
Authors: Muschalla Beate
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Beyond specific aspects of numerical or verbal intelligence or cognitive speed, a broad range of psychological capacities are generally important in school, job and social life for all age groups. People have to quit the labour market up from a certain age about 65, whereas (younger) unemployed are motivated for return to work. The question is which psychological capacity profiles can be found in different employment groups (employed, mini-jobbers, voluntary service, retired, unemployed).

Design

A representative cross-sectional survey was conducted in Germany, reaching 2528 persons.

Setting

Republic of Germany.

Participants

Randomly selected inhabitants throughout Germany.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Participants reported their sociodemographic and work characteristics, as well as their psychological capacity profiles (Mini-ICF-APP-S) and work-related specific mental health problems (work-anxiety, embitterment).

Results

The unemployed had—compared with all other groups—highest rates of work-anxiety and embitterment (16.3%). In contrast to the unemployed, the ‘older’ (70 aged) retired group, who were no longer working on the labour market, seldomly reported work-anxiety (2.6%) or embitterment (4.2%). The unemployed had the worst capacity profiles, most frequently no school degree (11.5%), most unemployment in their history (four times, as compared with once in the older retired). The psychological capacity profiles of the retired were similar to employed persons.

Conclusions

Keeping older persons with high psychological capacity levels in working life could be an alternative to forced reintegration of people with chronic participation problems into the competitive labour market. Unemployed persons with chronic health and participation problems might benefit from other social inclusion means.
Efficacy in bowel movement and change of gut microbiota on adult functional constipation patients treated with probiotics-containing products: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Ding Fei , Hu Mengyang , Ding Yifei , Meng Yingying , Zhao Yanchao
Published: January 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to pool the efficacy in bowel movement and explore the change of gut microbiota on adult functional constipated patients after probiotics-containing products treatment.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library for published studies and ClinicalTrials.gov for ‘grey’ researches were independently investigated for randomised controlled trials up to November 2022.

Eligibility criteria, data extraction and synthesis

The intervention was probiotics-containing product, either probiotics or synbiotics, while the control was placebo. The risk of bias was conducted. The efficacy in bowel movement was indicated by stool frequency, stool consistency and Patient Assessment of Constipation Symptom (PAC-SYM), while the change of gut microbiota was reviewed through α diversity, β diversity, change/difference in relative abundance and so on. The subgroup analysis, sensitivity analysis and random-effect meta-regression were conducted to explore the heterogeneity. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation was conducted to grade the quality of evidence.

Results

17 studies, comprising 1256 participants, were included with perfect agreements between two researchers (kappa statistic=0.797). Compared with placebo, probiotics-containing products significantly increased the stool frequency (weighted mean difference, WMD 0.93, 95% CI 0.47 to 1.40, p=0.000, I²=84.5%, ‘low’), improved the stool consistency (WMD 0.38, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.70, p=0.023, I²=81.6%, ‘very low’) and reduced the PAC-SYM (WMD −0.28, 95% CI: −0.45 to −0.11, p=0.001, I²=55.7%, ‘very low’). In subgroup analysis, synbiotics was superior to probiotics to increase stool frequency. Probiotics-containing products might not affect α or β diversity, but would increase the relative abundance of specific strain.

Conclusions

Probiotics-containing products, significantly increased stool frequency, improved stool consistency, and alleviated functional constipation symptoms. They increased the relative abundance of specific strain. More high-quality head-to-head randomised controlled trials are needed.
How do field epidemiologists learn? A protocol for a qualitative inquiry into learning in field epidemiology training programmes
Authors: Griffith Matthew Myers , Field Emma , Huang Angela Song-en , Shimada Tomoe , Battsend Munkhzul , Housen Tambri , Pamphilon Barbara , Kirk Martyn D
Published: January 2024

Introduction

COVID-19 underscored the importance of field epidemiology training programmes (FETPs) as countries struggled with overwhelming demands. Experts are calling for more field epidemiologists with better training. Since 1951, FETPs have been building public health capacities across the globe, yet explorations of learning in these programmes are lacking. This qualitative study will (1) describe approaches to training field epidemiologists in FETP; (2) describe strategies for learning field epidemiology among FETP trainees and (3) explain the principles and practices aligning training approaches with learning strategies in FETP.

Methods and analysis

The research design, implementation and interpretation are collaborative efforts with FETP trainers. Data collection will include interviews with FETP trainers and trainees and participant observations of FETP training and learning events in four FETP in the Western Pacific Region. Data analysis will occur in three phases: (1) we will use the constant comparison method of Charmaz’s grounded theory during open coding to identify and prioritise categories and properties in the data; (2) during focused coding, we will use constant comparison and Polkinghorne’s analysis of narratives, comparing stories of prioritised categories, to fill out properties of those categories and (3) we will use Polkinghorne’s narrative analysis to construct narratives that reflect domains of interest, identifying correspondence among Carr and Kemmis’s practices, understandings and situations to explain principles and processes of learning in FETP.

Ethics and dissemination

We have obtained the required ethics approvals to conduct this research at The Australian National University (2021/771) and Taiwan’s Ministry of Health and Welfare (112206). Data will not be available publicly, but anonymised findings will be shared with FETP for collaborative interpretation. Ultimately, findings and interpretations will appear in peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Real-time monitoring and feedback to improve shared decision-making for surgery (the ALPACA Study): protocol for a mixed-methods study to inform co-development of an inclusive intervention
Authors: Hoffmann Christin , Avery Kerry N L , Macefield Rhiannon C , Snelgrove Val , Blazeby Jane M , Hopkins Della , Hickey Shireen , Cabral Christie , Hall Jennifer , Gibbison Ben , Rooshenas Leila , Williams Adam , Aning Jonathan , Bekker Hilary L , McNair Angus G K
Published: January 2024

Introduction

High-quality shared decision-making (SDM) is a priority of health services, but only achieved in a minority of surgical consultations. Improving SDM for surgical patients may lead to more effective care and moderate the impact of treatment consequences. There is a need to establish effective ways to achieve sustained and large-scale improvements in SDM for all patients whatever their background. The ALPACA Study aims to develop, pilot and evaluate a decision support intervention that uses real-time feedback of patients’ experience of SDM to change patients’ and healthcare professionals’ decision-making processes before adult elective surgery and to improve patient and health service outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This protocol outlines a mixed-methods study, involving diverse stakeholders (adult patients, healthcare professionals, members of the community) and three National Health Service (NHS) trusts in England. Detailed methods for the assessment of the feasibility, usability and stakeholder views of implementing a novel system to monitor the SDM process for surgery automatically and in real time are described. The study will measure the SDM process using validated instruments (CollaboRATE, SDM-Q-9, SHARED-Q10) and will conduct semi-structured interviews and focus groups to examine (1) the feasibility of automated data collection, (2) the usability of the novel system and (3) the views of diverse stakeholders to inform the use of the system to improve SDM. Future phases of this work will complete the development and evaluation of the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was granted by the NHS Health Research Authority North West-Liverpool Central Research Ethics Committee (reference: 21/PR/0345). Approval was also granted by North Bristol NHS Trust to undertake quality improvement work (reference: Q80008) overseen by the Consent and SDM Programme Board and reporting to an Executive Assurance Committee.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN17951423; Pre-results.
Teaching by texting to promote positive health behaviours in pregnancy: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial of SmartMom
Authors: Janssen Patricia , Lecke Sara , Renner Regina , Zhang Wei , Vedam Saraswathi , Norman Wendy V , Bayrampour Hamideh , Tough Suzanne , Murray Jennifer , Muhajarine Nazeem , Dennis Cindy Lee
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Prenatal education is associated with positive health behaviours, including optimal weight gain, attendance at prenatal care, acceptance of routine screening tests, smoking cessation, decreased alcohol consumption and breast feeding. Adoption of these behaviours has been associated with reduced rates of caesarean birth, preterm birth and low birth weight. Barriers to prenatal class attendance faced by parents in Canada include geography, socioeconomic status, age, education, and, among Indigenous peoples and other equity-deserving groups, stigma. To address the need for easily accessible and reliable information, we created ‘SmartMom’, Canada’s first prenatal education programme delivered by short message service text messaging. SmartMom provides evidence-based information timed to be relevant to each week of pregnancy. The overall goal of SmartMom is to motivate the adoption of positive prenatal health behaviours with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes among women and their newborns.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a two-arm single-blinded randomised controlled trial. Blinding of participants to trial intervention will not be possible as they will be aware of receiving the intervention, but data analysts will be blinded. Our primary research questions are to determine if women experiencing uncomplicated pregnancies randomly assigned to receive SmartMom messages versus messages addressing general topics related to pregnancy but without direction for behaviour change, have higher rates of: (1) weight gain within ranges recommended for prepregnancy body mass index and (2) adherence to Canadian guidelines regarding attendance at prenatal care appointments.

Ethics and dissemination

The study has been granted a Certificate of Approval, number H22-00603, by the University of British Columbia Research Ethics Board. To disseminate our findings, we are undertaking both integrated and end-of-grant knowledge translation, which will proactively involve potential end-users and stakeholders at every phase of our project.

Trial registration number

NCT05793944.
Efficacy and safety of colchicine for the treatment of myopericarditis
Authors: Collini Valentino , De Martino Maria , Andreis Alessandro , De Biasio Marzia , Gaspard Francesca , Paneva Elena , Tomat Mariacristina , Deferrari Gaetano Maria , Isola Miriam , Imazio Massimo
Published: January 2024

Objective

Clinical trials have evaluated the efficacy and safety of colchicine only in simple pericarditis, excluding cases of concomitant myocarditis. The aim of this paper is to evaluate the efficacy and safety of colchicine for the treatment of the first attack of acute pericarditis with concomitant myocardial involvement.

Methods

Double-centre retrospective cohort study analysing consecutive patients admitted for first attack of pericarditis with myocarditis and treated with or without colchicine. The primary efficacy end point was the time to the first recurrence. Propensity score matching was used to generate two groups of patients with similar baseline characteristics. Colchicine-associated side effects were analysed as safety end-point.

Results

A total of 175 patients (mean age 46.2±20.1 years, 25.1% females, 88.6% with idiopathic/viral aetiology) were included. Seventy-nine (45.1%) patients were treated with colchicine. After a median follow-up of 25.3 (IQR 8.3–45.6) months, 58 (33.1%) patients had recurrences. The propensity score generated two groups of 73 patients with similar baseline characteristics but the use of colchicine. Patients treated with colchicine had a lower incidence of recurrences (respectively, 19.2% vs 43.8%; p=0.001) and a longer event-free survival (p=0.005). In multivariable analysis, women (HR 1.97, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.73; p=0.037) and corticosteroid use (HR 2.27, 95% CI 1.15 to 4.47; p=0.018) were independent risk factors for recurrences. Colchicine-associated side effects were mild and occurred in 3 (1.7%) patients.

Conclusion

In patients with first attack of pericarditis associated with myocardial involvement, colchicine was safe and efficacious for the reduction of recurrences.
Refinement of the carbon to loss on ignition relationship in forest soils
Authors: Boyle Grady J. , Kane Evan S. , Nave Lucas E. , Heckman Katherine A. , Jurgensen Martin F.
Published: January 2024

Loss on ignition (LOI) is a common method for determining organic matter in soils. Mineral soil organic carbon content has been shown to be approximately 50%–58% of the organic matter in many soils, but the carbon fraction of LOI can actually be much lower—particularly in Spodosols. We leveraged data available in the International Soil Carbon and National Ecological Observatory Networks to evaluate departures from the common 50% rule. We offer empirical equations that more accurately predict C:LOI with depth and genetic horizon in Spodosols. These equations enable more accurate soil C stock appraisals than using assumed C:LOI ratios.
Beam dynamics design of the superconducting section of a 100mA superconducting linac
Authors: Yi Man , Liu Shuhui , Wang Zhijun , Du Yu , Li Tingyue , Wang Tielong , Liu Liwen , Jia Duanyang , Chu Yimeng
Published: January 2024

A high-power superconducting linac with an energy of 30[Formula: see text]MeV and a beam current of 100[Formula: see text]mA has been proposed and designed. The primary challenge lies in beam loss control and a robust lattice structure to ensure stable operation. This paper discusses the physics design study, design principles and simulation results considering machine errors. Extensive multiparticle simulations (a cumulative statistic of [Formula: see text] macroparticles) demonstrated that this linac, operating at 100[Formula: see text]mA, could maintain beam losses lower than 1[Formula: see text]W/m in error scenarios.
Canonical description of the tachyon kink in general background and Hamiltonian for Dp-brane-anti-Dp-brane system
Authors: Klusoň J.
Published: January 2024

In this short note, we present analysis of the tachyon kink solution on the world-volume of unstable Dp-brane in general background as the solution of the Hamiltonian equations of motion. We also find Hamiltonian for simplified system of Dp-brane and anti-Dp-brane and study its properties.
On the Axion Electrodynamics in a two-dimensional slab and the Casimir effect
Authors: Brevik Iver H. , Chaichian Moshe M. , Favitta Amedeo M.
Published: January 2024

We analyze the Axion Electrodynamics in a two-dimensional slab of finite width L containing a homogeneous and isotropic dielectric medium with constant permittivity and permeability. We start from the known decomposition of modes in the nonaxion case and then solve perturbatively the governing equations for the electromagnetic fields to which the axions are also coupled. This is a natural approach, since the finiteness of L destroys the spatial invariance of the theory in the z-direction normal to the plates. In this way, we derive the value of the axion-generated rotation angle of the electric and magnetic fields after their passage through the slab, and use the obtained results to calculate the Casimir force between the two conducting plates. Our calculations make use of the same method as previously outlined by [J. S. Høye and I. Brevik, Eur. Phys. J. Plus 135, 271 (2020)] for the case of Casimir calculations in chiral media and extend former results on the Casimir force in Axion Electrodynamics.
Nonrelativistic spinless particle in vicinity of Schwarzschild-like black hole
Authors: Amorim R. G. G. , Rispoli V. C. , Ulhoa S. C. , Araújo K. V. S.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we analyze the behavior of a nonrelativistic spinless particle near the event horizon of a Schwarzschild-like black hole. In this way, the Schrödinger covariant equation that describes the particle is obtained from the Galilean covariance technique. The Schrödinger equation in a Schwarzschild-like space–time is solved analytically and its solutions are given in terms of the confluent Heun function. As a relevant result, we discovered that the energy levels of the particles are quantized and that the particle does not escape to infinity. We obtain the existing transmission and reflection coefficients for a particle and anti-particle pair at the event horizon. We thus verify that there is no nonrelativistic equivalent of Hawking radiation.
Privacy-Preserving Wireless Sensor Networks for E-Healthcare Applications
Authors: Samha Amani K. , Alshammri Ghalib H. , Pani Niroj Kumar , Misra Yogesh , Kolluru Venkata Ratnam
Published: January 2024

Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are a powerful support system for the fundamental infrastructure that is required to monitor physiological and activity parameters (WSN). Wearable devices, which are also referred to as wireless nodes in the scientific world, are what are used in order to measure one or more of the user’s vital signs. Each and every wireless node is a teeny-tiny device that is meant to be supplied with enough amounts of storage space, power, and transmission capability. The loss of data packets may occur during the transmission of data via a wireless medium for a number of reasons. These reasons include interferences, improper deployment circumstances, distance, and inadequate signal strength. The monitoring of a user’s physiological information and postural activity information in various applications, such as home care and hospital care, is the primary emphasis of this study. In this work, the WSN was shown thanks to the introduction of wireless sensor nodes that were created locally. These wireless sensor nodes are used in the process of analyzing many aspects of a network, such as the received signal strength, transmission offset, packet delivery ratio (PDR), and signal-to-noise interference. The work significantly improves the capabilities of conventional WSN by implementing a variety of alternative communication approaches, such as network-coded cooperative communication (NC-CC) and cooperative communication (CC). The system that is being shown makes it feasible to localize the user’s approximate position inside an indoor setting without making use of any camera network connections. This is made possible by the system’s ability to determine the user’s location via triangulation. This is one of the benefits that the system provides. A hospital sensor network, an example of which is being shown here, is capable of doing real-time monitoring of a patient’s postural activity as well as their general health. The method is being promoted in order to ensure that the patient will get assistance in a timely manner that is adequate to his/her needs. Involving NC-CC enables the effective sharing of real-time data among the group of privileged duty nurses while simultaneously minimizing the amount of network traffic, latency, and throughput. This is possible because of NC-CC protocol. The findings of the experiments showed that the proposed method of communication, which is known as dynamic retransmit/rebroadcast decision control, is a significant advancement in the network coding approach that is presently being utilized. This was demonstrated by the fact that the method was shown to be significantly more effective.
Intermediate inflation through Nojiri–Odintsov holographic dark fluid with the cosmological settings of Kaniadakis
Authors: Sultana Sanjeeda , Chattopadhyay Surajit
Published: January 2024

This study is inspired by the generalized holographic cut-off proposed by Nojiri and Odintsov (S. I. Nojiri and S. D. Odintsov, Unifying phantom inflation with late-time acceleration: Scalar phantom–non-phantom transition model and generalized holographic dark energy, Gen. Relativ. Gravit. 38 (2006) 1285–1304) as it aims to have an understanding of the Kaniadakis holographic dark fluid, a particular representative of Nojiri–Odintsov holographic dark energy. To realize inflation and late time acceleration of the universe, we have considered this generalized form of holographic fluid as the fluid for realization of inflationary scenario. Here, inflation has a holographic origin, namely that its source is the Kaniadakis holographic energy density. The inflationary cosmology of Kaniadakis holographic dark fluid has been have explored by assuming that the scale factor is an intermediate scale factor. Several constraints have been derived throughout the study in relation to late time acceleration and early inflation. To study the warm inflation with this holographic origin, we have computed tensor-to-scalar ratio for different values of the number of e-fold and warm inflation has been realized in a high dissipative regime.
Studying the behavior of radial free geodesics in ΛCDM model
Authors: Nemoul Omar , Guergouri Hichem , Mimouni Jamal
Published: January 2024

This paper presents an analytical study of the behavior of radial free-geodesics in the Friedmann–Lemaître–Robertson–Walker (FLRW) spacetime within the Lambda Cold Dark Matter ([Formula: see text]CDM) model. Using the radial free motion solutions, we provide two methods for characterizing the geodesics and defines a general formula that encapsulates all possible solutions, determined by two initial conditions. We show that the past light cone, event horizon, and particle horizon, can be considered as special cases of this overarching formula. Furthermore, the paper explores the free geodesics within the currently accepted cosmological model based on the recent Planck results, thoroughly examining the various possible geodesic scenarios.
A Survey on Generalized Fuzzy Parameter-Based Fractional Programming Problem
Authors: Verma Vaishaly , Singh Pitam
Published: January 2024

In fuzzy sets, the elements of a universal set may belong to that set completely, may not belong to that set, or may belong partially. Therefore, fuzzy sets are called generalizations of crisp sets. Due to the diverse nature of problems in real-world situations, fuzzy set theory is found to be unable to address some of the other features of ambiguity. Therefore, researchers extended fuzzy sets to picture fuzzy sets, orthopair, intuitionistic, Pythagorean, Fermatean, neutrosophic, spherical fuzzy sets, etc. Real-world problems can be solved using the method of fractional programming. Decision-makers are trying to get good results using generalized fuzzy numbers in fractional programming problems; hence, this review paper provides a specific framework for generalized fuzzy sets and generalized fuzzy fractional programming problems. Furthermore, it is a platform for researchers who want to work on generalized fuzzy parameter-based fractional programming problems. This research paper summarizes all the basic concepts and prior research on fractional programming and generalized fuzzy linear fractional programming problems.
Flatness-Based Control in Successive Loops for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Micro-Satellites
Authors: Rigatos G. , Abbaszadeh M. , Busawon K. , Dala L.
Published: January 2024

The control problem for the multivariable and nonlinear dynamics of unmanned aerial vehicles and micro-satellites is solved with the use of a flatness-based control approach which is implemented in successive loops. The state-space model of (i) unmanned aerial vehicles and (ii) micro-satellites is separated into two subsystems, which are connected between them in cascading loops. Each one of these subsystems can be viewed independently as a differentially flat system and control about it can be performed with inversion of its dynamics as in the case of input–output linearized flat systems. The state variables of the second subsystem become virtual control inputs for the first subsystem. In turn, exogenous control inputs are applied to the first subsystem. The whole control method is implemented in two successive loops and its global stability properties are also proven through Lyapunov stability analysis. The validity of the control method is confirmed in two case studies: (a) control and trajectories tracking for the autonomous octocopter, (ii) control of the attitude dynamics of micro-satellites.
Exploring Farmers’ Perception and Constraints on the Adoption of Small‐Scale Irrigation in Hulet Eju Enesie District, North‐Western Ethiopia
Authors: Daru Getasew , Alemu Sinkie
Published: January 2024

Irrigation farming is one approach to reduce climate‐related risks, and make production possible throughout the year. Nevertheless, farmers were limited to using small‐scale irrigation (SSI) in the study area. This study mainly analyzed the perception of farmers’ and their constraints to use irrigation. The study used a multistage sampling technique to collect the primary data from 102 nonuser and 82 irrigation user respondents. Likert rating scale, relative importance index (RII), and descriptive statistics were used to analyze the data. The result of the RII indicates that, irrigation ensures high‐net income (0.87), high‐market demand for products (0.84), and insurance against drought (0.82) were highly perceived as advantageous attributes of the irrigation. Whereas, production cost (0.85), skill requirements (0.74), and declining soil fertility (0.65) were strongly perceived as relative disadvantage attributes of irrigation. Plant disease, input shortages, ineffective water distribution, and poor transportation are identified as major constraints for farmers to practice irrigation. Overall, farmers commonly noted the importance of irrigation. However, irrigation users highly perceived the positive attributes; whereas nonusers extremely perceived the negative attributes of irrigation. This implies the existence of perception differences between the two groups of farmers. Therefore, concerned stakeholders should strive to close the perception gap toward irrigation through interventions.
Design, Modeling, and Feasibility Analysis of Rotary Valve for Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Dong Wenbo , Bedekar Vishwas N.
Published: January 2024

There have been several studies focused on improving the efficiency of internal combustion engines using various techniques such as better design, better materials, and regenerative technologies. Recently, in 2016, Toyota reported 40% gas engine efficiency with their Prius model; however, there remains a lot more room for improvement towards the theoretical maximum value of 73% using the Carnot theorem. In this research, we present a freshly designed valvetrain that has the potential to improve the efficiency of a known conventional valve designed engine. The goal of this research was to prove the feasibility and significance of the new valve design. This research developed a simulation model of the new valve design and produced its physical property data. The data of the new design were compared to the conventional poppet valve design with respect to several parameters to discuss its working principle and advantages over the conventional valve mechanism. Modeling was performed using Python programming to predict the valve-opening mechanism. The design of experiments was setup to control and tune different parameters accordingly within the reasonable range of engine speed, viz., 1000–6000 rpm to simulate various working conditions. The maximum opening area for the rotary valve is calculated to be 0.795 sq.in which is smaller than the poppet valve’s area of 1.315 sq.in. However, under an example of 2900 rpm, the rotary valve was able to remain fully opened with constant efficiency of about 54% from 40 to 160 degrees of the crankshaft angle. While the poppet valve can achieve 88% efficiency at 90 degrees of the crankshaft angle and the efficiency significantly drops on either side of the maxima, the authors believe that this research would help explore improvements in the performance of a combustion cycle due to the novel rotary valve design that is investigated in this paper.