bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How does straw returning combined with nitrogen fertilizer drive N2O emission in wheat–maize rotation system
Authors: Song Jiajie , Bai Jinze , Zhang Zhihao , Yu Qi , Ren Guangxin , Han Xinhui , Wang Xiaojiao , Ren Chengjie , Feng Yongzhong , Wang Xing
Published: December 2023

Straw returning not only improves carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) pools but also increases soil nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions, which poses a threat to the sustainable development of agriculture. To investigate the effect of straw return combined with nitrogen fertilizer on labile C and N pools in the soil and short‐term response to soil N2O emissions in wheat–maize rotation system. The consecutive field experiment was conducted from 2019 to 2021. Single factor randomized block design was used in the experiment design, with no straw returning and no fertilizer (CK), no straw returning and nitrogen fertilizer (S0N) and straw returning combined with nitrogen fertilizer (SN). The results indicated that the SN and S0N treatments significantly (p < .05) increased N2O emissions by 170.45% (2.43 kg N ha−1 year−1) and 119.5% (1.70 kg N ha−1 year−1), soil organic carbon (SOC) by 17.23% and 14.50% and soil total nitrogen (STN) by 58.50% and 31.50% respectively. In the 2020–2021 growing season, The soil microbial biomass carbon (SMBC) content of the SN and S0N treatments were higher than those of CK in the winter wheat seedling, winter wheat jointing, winter wheat booting, summer maize seedling and summer maize bell‐mouth stages. The structural equation model (SEM) indicated that C:N and NO3−‐N were the major drivers that increased soil N2O emissions, but SMBN was the main driver that decreased soil N2O emissions. The SN and S0N treatments significantly increased soil N2O emissions by increasing the NO3−‐N content. However, compared with the CK and S0N treatments, the SN treatment mitigated soil N2O emissions by increasing the SMBN content. More importantly, compared with CK treatment, SN treatment increased annual yield by 48.41% and 34.52%, the SN treatment could effectively improve the soil C and N pools. Therefore, straw return combined with nitrogen fertilizer (SN) may be the best choice of the treatments tested for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving green and sustainable development.
Marked paraneoplastic basophilia in a cat with alimentary T‐cell lymphoma
Authors: Strandberg Natalia J. , Serpa Priscila B. S. , Fourez Lindsey M. , Childress Michael O. , Fulkerson Christopher M. , Fulkerson Caroline V. , Murakami Masahiro , dos Santos Andrea P.
Published: December 2023

An 8‐year‐old, spayed female domestic shorthair cat was presented for acute weight loss, hyporexia, intermittent vomiting, and loose stools. A caudal abdominal mass and thickened intestinal loops were palpated on initial examination. An abdominal ultrasound identified a circumferential intramural jejunal mass with complete loss of wall layering, diffuse thickening of the jejunal muscularis, and jejunal and ileocecal lymphadenomegaly. Initial routine bloodwork revealed mild monocytosis and minimal lymphopenia with reactive lymphocytes. Cytologic evaluation of the jejunal mass and enlarged lymph nodes was consistent with lymphoma (intermediate cell size), and PCR for antigen receptor rearrangement revealed a clonal T‐cell receptor rearrangement consistent with T‐cell lymphoma. Chemotherapy (CHOP protocol) was initiated, but despite initial improvement of clinical signs, a repeat ultrasound examination 5 weeks after initiation of treatment revealed no improvement in the lymphadenomegaly or reduction in the size of the jejunal mass. At this visit, the cat also developed a marked basophilia (basophils 12.28 × 103/μL, RI 0.00–0.10) with low numbers of circulating atypical lymphocytes; no concurrent eosinophilia was noted. Heartworm disease, ectoparasites, and allergic diseases were evaluated for and considered unlikely. The chemotherapy protocol was changed to L‐asparaginase, followed by lomustine. The basophilia was significantly reduced 2 days after the initial dose of L‐asparaginase and remained within the reference interval for 40 days before an eventual decline in the cat's health. To the authors' knowledge, this is the first report of paraneoplastic basophilia without concurrent eosinophilia in a cat with T‐cell lymphoma.
Cardiogenic and obstructive shock: primary laryngeal synovial sarcoma with cardiac metastasis
Authors: Matthews Christopher N , Salman Sidra , Mustafa Syed Farrukh , Misra Deepika
Published: December 2023

A man in his 20s with a history of laryngeal synovial sarcoma presented with dyspnoea. Imaging revealed a large right ventricular (RV) mass, which was resected, and histological analysis indicated synovial sarcoma recurrence. Within 1 month of RV mass resection, the tumour progressed with paratracheal metastasis. The lumen was nearly obliterated, and right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) obstruction led to rapid deterioration with mixed cardiogenic and obstructive shock. We present a rare case of primary laryngeal synovial sarcoma metastasising to the heart.
Traditional, complementary and integrative healthcare: global stakeholder perspective on WHO’s current and future strategy
Authors: von Schoen-Angerer Tido , Manchanda Raj Kumar , Lloyd Iva , Wardle Jon , Szöke Janka , Benevides Iracema , Martinez Natalia Sofia Aldana , Tolo Festus , Nicolai Ton , Skaling-Klopstock Cristal , Parker Tabatha , Suswardany Dwi Linna , van Haselen Robbert , Liu Jianping
Published: December 2023

As the ‘WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy: 2014–2023’ is entering its final phase, reflection is warranted on progress and the focus for a new strategy. We used WHO documentation to analyse progress across the objectives of the current strategy, adding the role of traditional, complementary and integrative healthcare (TCIH) to address specific diseases as a dimension absent in the current strategy. Our analysis concludes on five areas. First, TCIH research is increasing but is not commensurate with TCIH use. TCIH research needs prioritisation and increased funding in national research policies and programmes. Second, WHO guidance for training and practice provides useful minimum standards but regulation of TCIH practitioners also need to reflect the different nature of formal and informal practices. Third, there has been progress in the regulation of herbal medicines but TCIH products of other origin still need addressing. A risk-based regulatory approach for the full-range of TCIH products seems appropriate and WHO should provide guidance in this regard. Fourth, the potential of TCIH to help address specific diseases is often overlooked. The development of disease strategies would benefit from considering the evidence and inclusion of TCIH practices, as appropriate. Fifth, inclusion of TCIH in national health policies differs between countries, with some integrating TCIH practices and others seeking to restrict them. We encourage a positive framework in all countries that enshrines the role of TCIH in the achievement of universal health coverage. Finally, we encourage seeking the input of stakeholders in the development of the new WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy.
Racial inequalities in mental healthcare use and mortality: a cross-sectional analysis of 1.2 million low-income individuals in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil 2010–2016
Authors: Medeiros Sophia , Coelho Rony , Millett Christopher , Saraceni Valeria , Coeli Claudia Medina , Trajman Anete , Rasella Davide , Durovni Betina , Hone Thomas
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Mental health inequalities across racial and ethnic groups are large and unjust in many countries, yet these inequalities remain under-researched, particularly in low-income and middle-income countries such as Brazil. This study investigates racial and socioeconomic inequalities in primary healthcare usage, hospitalisation and mortality for mental health disorders in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

Methods

A cohort of 1.2 million low-income adults from Rio de Janeiro, Brazil with linked socioeconomic, demographic, healthcare use and mortality records was cross-sectionally analysed. Poisson regression models were used to investigate associations between self-defined race/colour and primary healthcare (PHC) usage, hospitalisation and mortality due to mental disorders, adjusting for socioeconomic factors. Interactions between race/colour and socioeconomic characteristics (sex, education level, income) explored if black and pardo (mixed race) individuals faced compounded risk of adverse mental health outcomes.

Results

There were 272 532 PHC consultations, 10 970 hospitalisations and 259 deaths due to mental disorders between 2010 and 2016. After adjusting for a wide range of socioeconomic factors, the lowest PHC usage rates were observed in black (adjusted rate ratio (ARR): 0.64; 95% CI 0.60 to 0.68; compared with white) and pardo individuals (ARR: 0.87; 95% CI 0.83 to 0.92). Black individuals were more likely to die from mental disorders (ARR: 1.68; 95% CI 1.19 to 2.37; compared with white), as were those with lower educational attainment and household income. In interaction models, being black or pardo conferred additional disadvantage across mental health outcomes. The highest educated black (ARR: 0.56; 95% CI 0.47 to 0.66) and pardo (ARR: 0.75; 95% CI 0.66 to 0.87) individuals had lower rates of PHC usage for mental disorders compared with the least educated white individuals. Black individuals were 3.7 times (ARR: 3.67; 95% CI 1.29 to 10.42) more likely to die from mental disorders compared with white individuals with the same education level.

Conclusion

In low-income individuals in Rio de Janeiro, racial/colour inequalities in mental health outcomes were large and not fully explainable by socioeconomic status. Black and pardo Brazilians were consistently negatively affected, with lower PHC usage and worse mental health outcomes.
Conditions for health system resilience in the response to the COVID-19 pandemic in Mauritania
Authors: Accoe Kirsten , Criel Bart , Ag Ahmed Mohamed Ali , Buitrago Veronica Trasancos , Marchal Bruno
Published: December 2023

Introduction

A country’s ability to manage a crisis depends on its level of resilience. Efforts are made to clarify the concept of health system resilience, but its operationalisation remains little studied. In the present research, we described the capacity of the local healthcare system in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, in West Africa, to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We used a single case study with two health districts as units of analysis. A context analysis, a literature review and 33 semi-structured interviews were conducted. The data were analysed using a resilience conceptual framework.

Results

The analysis indicates a certain capacity to manage the crisis, but significant gaps and challenges remain. The management of many uncertainties is largely dependent on the quality of the alignment of decision-makers at district level with the national level. Local management of COVID-19 in the context of Mauritania’s fragile healthcare system has been skewed to awareness-raising and a surveillance system. Three other elements appear to be particularly important in building a resilient healthcare system: leadership capacity, community dynamics and the existence of a learning culture.

Conclusion

The COVID-19 pandemic has put a great deal of pressure on healthcare systems. Our study has shown the relevance of an in-depth contextual analysis to better identify the enabling environment and the capacities required to develop a certain level of resilience. The translation into practice of the skills required to build a resilient healthcare system remains to be further developed.
Improving nutritional status of children using artificial intelligence-based mobile application postsurgery: randomised controlled trial
Authors: Zahid Maryam , Sughra Ume , Mumtaz Sehrish , Hassan Mawara
Published: December 2023

Background

Malnutrition is a common problem in children postsurgery especially in low-middle-income countries. Health-based mobile apps play an important role for better nutritional status.

Methods

This is a two-arm randomised controlled trial, which was conducted at a tertiary care hospital, Rawalpindi. The study duration was 6 months from February 2021 to July 2021. The sample size with power of 80% and significance level of 5% was calculated to be 88. The intervention group was given a diet-related mobile app, and the usual care group was handed a pamphlet with diet instructions on discharge.

Findings

The mean weight of all participants was 15 (SD 5.7) kg at the time of discharge. However, at the end of the 8th week, the mean weight of the participants in the usual care group was 16.5 (SD 7.2) kg and that of the intervention group was 17.1 (SD 5) kg. The average calorie consumed by the usual care group was 972 (SD 252) kcal and 1000.75 (SD 210) kcal by the intervention group after 8 weeks of discharge. The average protein consumed by the usual care group was 34.3 (SD 12.5) g and 39 (SD 6.4) g by the intervention group after 8 weeks of discharge.

Interpretation

This study showed strength for the future of scalable modern technology for self-nutrition monitoring. There was a slight increase in the weight and nutritional intake of both groups.

Trial registration number

NCT04782635.
Prepandemic inequalities in the burden of disease in Scotland due to multiple deprivation: a retrospective study
Authors: Grant Ian , Chalmers Neil , Fletcher Eilidh , Lakha Fatim , McCartney Gerry , Stockton Diane , Wyper Grant M A
Published: December 2023

Background

Health inequalities in Scotland are well documented, including the contribution of different causes to inequalities in mortality. Our aim was to estimate inequalities within a burden of disease framework, accounting for both premature mortality and the effects of morbidity, to understand the contribution of specific diseases to health inequalities prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

Disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) for 70 individual causes of disease and injury were sourced from the Scottish Burden of Disease Study. Area-level deprivation was measured using the Scottish Index of Multiple Deprivation. Inequalities were measured by the range, Relative Index of Inequality, Slope Index of Inequality and attributable DALYs were estimated by using the least deprived decile as a reference.

Results

The overall disease burden was double that in the most deprived areas (50 305 vs 20 955 DALYS per 100 000), largely driven by inequalities in premature mortality. The rate in the most deprived areas was around 48% higher than the mean population rate (Relative Index of Inequality=0.96), with 35% of DALYs attributed to differences in area-based deprivation. Many leading causes of disease burden in 2019—heart disease, drug use disorders, lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease—were also the leading drivers of absolute and relative inequalities in the disease burden.

Conclusion

Our study evidences the extent of the stark levels of absolute and relative inequality prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Given prepandemic stalling of mortality trend improvements and widening health inequalities, and the exacerbation of these caused by COVID-19, urgent policy attention is required to address this.
Racial and geographical disparities in oesophageal cancer incidence, mortality and county-level risk factors in the state of Mississippi between 2003 and 2019: a descriptive analysis
Authors: Walker Angel , Abnet Christian C , Shiels Meredith S , Lawrence Wayne R , Funchess Tanya , Rogers Deirdre B , Webb Hooper Monica , Chen Yingxi
Published: December 2023

Background

Oesophageal cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers. The aim was to describe the disparities in oesophageal cancer incidence and mortality, and county-level factors in the state of Mississippi from 2003 to 2019 by sex, race, and geolocation.

Methods

This study used data from the Mississippi Cancer Registry, linked to county-level data from the Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, the American Community Survey, and the Institutes for Health Metrics and Evaluation. We estimated age-standardised incidence (crude ASR) and mortality rates (crude AMR), mortality–incidence rate ratio and average annual percent change (AAPC) in rates by sex, race, and geolocation, using the Joinpoint Software V.5.0. We further calculated relative risks for oesophageal cancer using age-adjusted quasi-Poisson regression for each county-level factor including smoking, obesity, college degree completion, unemployment rate and median household income ranking within the state.

Results

Between 2003 and 2019, a total of 2737 oesophageal cancer cases and 2259 oesophageal cancer deaths occurred in Mississippi. Black men had the greatest reduction in oesophageal cancer incidence and mortality despite high rates (crude ASR2019=10.5, crude AMR2019=7.3 per 100 000; AAPCincidence=−3.7%, p<0.001 and AAPCmortality=−4.9%, p<0.001). The reduction was largely driven by decreases in the non-Delta region (AAPCincidence=−4.2%, p<0.001), while incidence rate remained high among Black men in the Delta region (crude ASR2019=15.4 per 100 000, AAPCincidence=−1.8%, p=0.3). The rates among White men were relatively stable (crude ASR2019=8.5, crude AMR2019=7.6 per 100 000; AAPCincidence=0.18%, p=0.7, AAPCmortality=−0.4%, p=0.6). County-level smoking prevalence (in quartile, p=0.02) was significantly associated with oesophageal cancer incidence.

Discussion

This study highlights the importance of targeted interventions to address the persistent high incidence rate of oesophageal cancer among Black men in the Delta region.
How can early COVID-19 vaccine campaigns in the US-affiliated Pacific Islands inform future vaccine efforts: a cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Kern-Allely Stephanie , Cash McGinley Haley , Tippins Ashley , Apaisam Carter , Basilius Merlyn , Leon Guerrero Michele , Masunu Yolanda , Pangelinan Heather , Pedro Daisy , Brostrom Richard , Judicpa Peter , Hancock W Thane
Published: December 2023

Introduction

The US-affiliated Pacific Islands (USAPI) are six geographically isolated and culturally distinct Pacific Island jurisdictions with special relationships with the USA; the USAPI were included in the US COVID-19 vaccination effort. This study documents the approaches and lessons learnt from the rollout of COVID-19 vaccination in the USAPI, including four COVID-19-free jurisdictions.

Methods

Quantitative data regarding vaccination administration were obtained from each jurisdiction’s immunisation information systems during 13 December 2020 and 11 March 2021. USAPI and US county-level vaccination administration rates by age group from the CDC were compared. Qualitative data regarding key components of the vaccination efforts were collected by survey from each USAPI lead immunisation manager.

Results

A total of 90 870 individuals aged ≥16 years in the USAPI received at least one dose of vaccine during 17 December 2020 to 11 March 2021 (28.2% of the eligible population). Most jurisdictions observed rapid vaccine uptake after introducing COVID-19 vaccines and fully vaccinated >20% of their eligible populations in 3 months or less. During the study period, the USAPI region achieved higher coverage than the rest of the US once all USAPI had begun vaccination. All jurisdictions identified pre-campaign community messaging outreach as key to success and misinformation and rumours as the most common challenge. The lessons reported by USAPI immunisation managers included the need for quality risk communication and sustained involvement of interdisciplinary partners.

Conclusion

Tailoring vaccine administration and communication strategies to each jurisdiction while maintaining system agility was critical for success, particularly considering the logistical challenges presented by the geographic remoteness of the USAPI. Maintenance of the jurisdictions’ planning preparedness efforts, newly installed infrastructure and local partnerships can strengthen the resilience of the jurisdictions for a range of challenges beyond the COVID-19 response. Future immunisation strategies should build from the successful vaccination plans showcased here.
Temporal and spatial distribution of musculoskeletal disorders from 1990 to 2019: a systematic analysis of the global burden of disease
Authors: Bouziri Hanifa , Roquelaure Yves , Descatha Alexis , Dab William , Jean Kevin
Published: December 2023

Objectives

This study aimed to globally assess the prevalence and distribution of primary-origin musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) from 1990 to 2019 to better understand their temporal trends.

Methods

Using data from the 2019 Global Burden of Diseases, prevalence rates of six primary-origin MSDs were analysed across subregions, age groups and genders. Raw and age-standardised prevalence were mapped for over 204 countries. Cochran-Armitage trend tests evaluated temporal prevalence trends. The correlation between MSDs prevalence, national income levels and medical density was explored.

Results

In 2019, global MSDs prevalence varied significantly among countries. Hip osteoarthritis had a prevalence of 0.56% (95% CI: 0.43% to 0.70%), while low back pain was 8.62% (95% CI: 7.62% to 9.74%). Most MSDs exhibited an increasing prevalence with age, except for neck pain, which stabilised or decreased after age 45–50. Women generally had higher prevalence rates across all age groups. High-income countries consistently showed higher prevalence rates compared with middle and low-income countries. Over time, most subregions experienced a significant increase in MSD prevalence. However, after adjusting for age, the temporal trends for back and neck pain became non-significant, except for hip osteoarthritis, where half of the subregions remained significant. Multiple linear regressions revealed positive correlation between MSD prevalence and both national income level and medical density.

Conclusion

The global burden of MSDs is increasing due to population ageing, but other factors should be considered. Longitudinal studies with a wider range of MSDs and additional risk factors are needed for improved prevention strategies.
Impact of serum haemoglobin-to-creatinine ratio after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Ikuta Akihiro , Oka Satoki , Matsushita Shunsuke , Hirao Shingo , Kadota Kazushige , Komiya Tatsuhiko , Fuku Yasushi
Published: December 2023

Objective

The association between a combined anaemia and renal failure index and 1-year prognosis of patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI) is unexplored. We aimed to investigate a simple risk score in patients undergoing TAVI.

Methods

A total of 469 consecutive patients undergoing TAVI between 2015 and 2021 were enrolled. After excluding patients undergoing dialysis, the remaining 458 patients were classified according to three tertiles of the serum haemoglobin-to-creatinine (Hgb/Cr) ratio 1 day before TAVI. The primary clinical outcome measure was all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI.

Results

In the first, second and third tertiles, the 1-year cumulative incidence of all-cause mortality was 16.9% versus 7.2% versus 2.0%, respectively (p<0.01), and that of heart failure hospitalisation was 10.7% versus 3.4% versus 0.7%, respectively (p<0.01). The indexes of the area under the curve of the Hgb/Cr ratio for all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI were both 0.73. Cut-off values were 10.1 for all-cause mortality 1 year after TAVI (OR, 4.78; 95% CI 2.43 to 9.74; p<0.01) and 10.4 for heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI (OR, 5.3; 95% CI 2.21 to 14.1; p<0.01). In the multivariate analysis, the Hgb/Cr ratio was an independent predictor of all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation 1 year after TAVI.

Conclusions

Hgb/Cr ratio calculation 1 day before TAVI may help predict midterm all-cause mortality and heart failure hospitalisation in patients with severe aortic valve stenosis undergoing TAVI.

Trial registration number

4143 (The Institutional Review Board of Kurashiki Central Hospital)
Modelling the impact of vaccination and sexual behaviour adaptations on mpox cases in the USA during the 2022 outbreak
Authors: Clay Patrick A , Asher Jason M , Carnes Neal , Copen Casey E , Delaney Kevin P , Payne Daniel C , Pollock Emily D , Mermin Jonathan , Nakazawa Yoshinori , Still William , Mangla Anil T , Spicknall Ian H
Published: December 2023

Background

The 2022 mpox outbreak has infected over 30 000 people in the USA, with cases declining since mid-August. Infections were commonly associated with sexual contact between men. Interventions to mitigate the outbreak included vaccination and a reduction in sexual partnerships. Understanding the contributions of these interventions to decreasing cases can inform future public health efforts.

Methods

We fit a dynamic network transmission model to mpox cases reported by Washington DC through 10 January 2023. This model incorporated both vaccine administration data and reported reductions in sexual partner acquisition by gay, bisexual or other men who have sex with men (MSM). The model output consisted of daily cases over time with or without vaccination and/or behavioural adaptation.

Results

We found that initial declines in cases were likely caused by behavioural adaptations. One year into the outbreak, vaccination and behavioural adaptation together prevented an estimated 84% (IQR 67% to 91%) of cases. Vaccination alone averted 79% (IQR 64% to 88%) of cases and behavioural adaptation alone averted 25% (IQR 10% to 42%) of cases. We further found that in the absence of vaccination, behavioural adaptation would have reduced the number of cases, but would have prolonged the outbreak.

Conclusions

We found that initial declines in cases were likely caused by behavioural adaptation, but vaccination averted more cases overall and was key to hastening outbreak conclusion. Overall, this indicates that outreach to encourage individuals to protect themselves from infection was vital in the early stages of the mpox outbreak, but that combination with a robust vaccination programme hastened outbreak conclusion.
Sexually transmitted infections diagnosed in individuals presenting for forensic and medical care following sexual assault
Authors: Parekh Vanita R , Martin Sarah J , Tyson Alexandra , Brkic Anna , McMinn Janine , Beaumont Cassandra , Bowden Francis J
Published: December 2023

Background

People who report sexual assault express concerns regarding contracting sexually transmitted infection (STI); however, published literature regarding the risk of STI transmission in this context is sparse.

Method

We audited STI and blood-borne virus (BBV) testing at a forensic and medical sexual assault care service in the Australian Capital Territory between 2004 and 2022. Eligibility for testing among 1928 presentations was defined based on risk (eg, reported penetration). Testing at presentation included chlamydia and gonorrhoea 1850, syphilis and BBV 1472, and after 2–6 weeks, 890 out of 1928 (46.2%) and after 3 months 881 out of 1928 (45.7%), respectively.

Results

At presentation, 100 out of 1928 (5.2%) individuals were diagnosed with chlamydia, of those, 95 out of 1799 (5.3%) were female, and 5 out of 121 (4.1%) were male. Gonorrhoea was diagnosed in 7 out of 1920 (0.4%), 5 out of 95 female and 2 out of 5 male. Hepatitis B, which was all pre-existing, was diagnosed in 5 out of 1799 (0.3%). Overall, chlamydia prophylaxis was given to 203 out of 1928 (10.5%) and HIV post-exposure prophylaxis to 141 out of 1928 (7.3%).

At 2–6 weeks of follow-up, 10 out of 890 (1.1%) individuals were diagnosed with chlamydia, with no gonorrhoea diagnosed. There were no cases of syphilis, hepatitis B or HIV diagnosed at 3-month serology testing in 881 individuals. Chlamydia detection at follow-up was more common in the group aged 15–29 years. Of those provided with chlamydia prophylaxis, 203 out of 1928, only 16 out of 203 (7.9%) were diagnosed with chlamydia.

Conclusions

The offer of STI testing is almost universally accepted by individuals presenting for post-sexual assault care. There were no identifiable factors to justify the routine use of chlamydia prophylaxis. STI testing provided an opportunity for screening and should remain part of the clinical care of people who report sexual assault.
Neutrophil responses to RSV infection show differences between infant and adult neutrophils
Authors: Robinson Elisabeth , Sawhney Shyam , Cortina-Borja Mario , David Anna L , Smith Claire M , Smyth Rosalind L
Published: December 2023

Introduction

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) causes a severe respiratory condition, bronchiolitis, in infants but not in adults. Bronchiolitis is characterised by neutrophilic infiltration in the airways, but whether neutrophils enhance recovery from infection or contribute to its pathology remains unknown.

Methods

We used a novel in-vitro model to compare term umbilical cord blood (infant) (n=17 donors) and adult neutrophils (n=15 donors) during migration across RSV-infected differentiated human nasal airway epithelial cells (AECs) in a basolateral to apical direction.

Results

Greater numbers of infant neutrophils (mean (95% CI)) (336 684 (242 352 to 431 015)) migrated across RSV-infected AECs to the apical compartment (equivalent to the airway lumen) compared with adult neutrophils (56 586 (24 954 to 88 218)) (p<0.0001). Having reached the apical compartment of infected AECs, much greater numbers of infant neutrophils (140 787 (103 117 to 178 456)) became apoptotic compared with adult (5853 (444 to 11 261)) (p=0.002). Infant neutrophils displayed much greater expression of CD11b, CD64, neutrophil elastase (NE) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) than adult neutrophils at baseline and at all points of migration. However, as adult neutrophils migrated, expression of CD11b, CD64, NE and MPO became greater than at baseline.

Discussion

The high proportion of infant neutrophils migrating across RSV-infected AECs correlates with the neutrophilic infiltrate seen in infants with severe RSV bronchiolitis, with large numbers undergoing apoptosis, which may represent a protective mechanism during infection. Compared with adult neutrophils, infant neutrophils already have high expression of surface markers before contact with AECs or migration, with less capacity to increase further in response to RSV infection or migration.
Constraining Snyder and GUP models with low-mass stars
Authors: Pachoł Anna , Wojnar Aneta
Published: December 2023

We investigate the application of an equation of state that incorporates corrections derived from the Snyder model (and the Generalized Uncertainty Principle) to describe the behaviour of matter in a low-mass star. Remarkably, the resulting equations exhibit striking similarities to those arising from modified Einstein gravity theories. By modeling matter with realistic considerations, we are able to more effectively constrain the theory parameters, surpassing the limitations of existing astrophysical bounds. The bound we obtain is $$\beta _0 \le 4.5 \times 10^{47}$$

β
0

≤
4.5
×

10
47

. We underline the significance of realistic matter modeling in order to enhance our understanding of effects arising in quantum gravity phenomenology and implications of quantum gravitational corrections in astrophysical systems.
Impact of time delay in a plankton–fish system with nonlinear harvesting and external toxicity
Authors: Singh Ravikant , Ojha Archana , Tiwari Pankaj Kumar , Thakur Nilesh Kumar , Kang Yun
Published: December 2023

In this study, we explore the dynamics of a plankton–fish system in which external toxic substances have adverse impacts on the plankton populations as well as the fish communities. Fish population is assumed to grow in a logistic fashion due to food sources other than zooplankton, and is being harvested at a nonlinear rate. Mathematically, we analyze the system for the feasibility and stability of the ecologically meaningful equilibria. We also obtain criteria for the optimal harvesting policy of the fishery resources. We modify the considered model to encapsulate the effect of negative feedback time delay involved in the growth of the fish population. By considering this time delay as a bifurcation parameter, we derive conditions for the existence of Hopf bifurcation; direction and stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions are also discussed. Extensive numerical simulations are done for the systems with and without time delay. The environmental toxins are found to affect the equilibrium abundances of plankton and fish population in the aquatic system. In the absence of time delay, we observe that the growths in fish population due to uptake of zooplankton and other food sources have potential to suppress the chaotic disorder and bring forth stability in the ecosystem. On the other hand, the excessive growth of phytoplankton due to overloading of nutrients and the increasing carrying capacity of the ecosystem for the fish population are found to exhibit destabilizing roles on the system’s dynamics. Finally, we observe that the larger magnitude of negative feedback time delay in the growth of fish population drives the system to a chaotic zone.
Dynamics of a delayed reaction–diffusion predator–prey model with nonlocal competition and double Allee effect in prey
Authors: Wang Fatao , Yang Ruizhi
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we study the effects of the nonlocal competition and double Allee effect in prey on a diffusive predator–prey model. We investigate the local stability of coexistence equilibrium in the predator–prey model by analyzing the eigenvalue spectrum. We study the consequence of double Allee effect on the prey population. Also, we discuss the existence of Hopf bifurcation under different parameters by using the gestation time delay of predators as a bifurcation parameter and analyzing the distribution of eigenvalues. By utilizing the normal form method and center manifold theorem, we have given some conditions that could determine the direction of Hopf bifurcation and the stability of the bifurcating periodic solutions. Through our research, we obtain that the double Allee effect can affect the coexistence of prey and predator and induce periodic oscillations of the densities of prey and predator. In addition, the nonlocal competition can also affect the stability and homogeneity of the solutions, but may receive the consequences of the Allee effect as well as time delay. In the numerical simulation part, we further demonstrate the correctness of this conclusion by comparison.
Pulsating traveling fronts of a discrete periodic system with a quiescent stage
Authors: Zhao Haiqin , Li Xue
Published: December 2023

In this paper, we study the pulsating traveling fronts for a spatially discrete periodic reaction–diffusion system with a quiescent stage. It is known that there exists a critical number [Formula: see text] (called minimal wave speed) such that a pulsating traveling front exists if and only if its speed is above [Formula: see text]. In this paper, we derive a uniqueness theorem for supercritical pulsating traveling fronts. Further, we show that all supercritical pulsating traveling fronts are exponentially stable.
Mathematical modeling of drug resistance in heterogeneous cancer cell populations
Authors: Bao Kangbo , Liang Guizhen , Tian Tianhai , Zhang Xingan
Published: December 2023

Drug resistance is one of the most intractable issues associated with cancer treatment in clinical practice. Mathematical models provide an analytic framework for facilitating the understanding of resistance evolution dynamics and the design of cancer clinical trial. In this paper, we develop an elementary, compartmental mathematical model for absolute drug resistance, focusing on the effects of point mutations in genetic drivers of malignancy. A set of ordinary differential equations (ODEs) is used to describe the dynamics of competing heterogeneous cancer cell populations while taking account of pharmacokinetics. All possible equilibria and their local geometric properties are analyzed, with the result suggests that the system exhibits bistable dynamics. The existence of optimal treatment time is discussed. To identify the critical parameters which influence cellular dynamics, we also perform parameter sensitivity analysis. Finally, numerical simulations are presented to verify the feasibilities of our analytical results and to find that the pre-existence of resistant cell phenotypes contributes more than resistant mutants generated during the treatment phase.
Analysis and chaotic behavior of a fish farming model with singular and non-singular kernel
Authors: Xu Changjin , Farman Muhammad , Shehzad Aamir
Published: December 2023

Fish farming, a potential activity for the production of protein with high nutritional value, has emerged as a substantial source of income in the modern world. The degradation of natural materials uses oxygen to reduce them below the life-support stage. A huge area with an excessive amount of water swamp for oxygen exchange makes for the ideal ecosphere for fish farming, yet the mussel population may grow swiftly in a really modest water swapping farm producing a lot of feed. In this study, we examine the dynamics and chaotic behavior of a fish farm model containing populations of nutrients and mussels with different kernels insight of fractal-fractional operator. We examined the positively invariant area as well as demonstrate positive, bounded solutions of the model. We also show the equilibrium states for the occurrence and extinction of species. We prove the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions through fixed-point theorems and verified the Ulam–Hyers stability for proposed model. To study the impact of the fractional operator through computational simulations, results are generated employing a two-step Lagrange polynomial in the generalized version for the various kernels, which include the power-law and Mittag–Leffler kernel. We develop some numerical simulations to test our theoretical conclusions with chaotic behavior at different fractional-order values.
Synthesis and characterization of CIS/CISe core–shell structured quantum dots in green systems
Authors: Zhang Jiapeng , Zhang Hui , Xie Xinjian , Fang Yi , Tang Chengchun , Chen Guifeng
Published: December 2023

I–III–VI2 group compounds, such as CuInSe2 (CISe), and CuInS2 (CIS) quantum dots (QDs), are promising for photovoltaic applications by virtue of their excellent photoelectric properties and low toxicity. Considering that the surface of QDs with smaller sizes tends to have a larger density of defect states, inorganic shell layer modification is beneficial to passivate the surface defects and enhance the optical properties and quantum efficiency of QDs. In this study, a novel core–shell structure was constructed by growing a CISe shell layer with a narrower band gap on the surface of CIS nanocrystals with a wider band gap through a green and simple method. The components and properties of the core–shell QDs were analyzed by different characterization methods (XRD, TEM, EDS, UV–Vis, Raman, and fluorescence spectroscopy). The prepared CIS/CISe core–shell QDs with increased size and good coating effects exhibited high absorbance and extended carrier lifetime while showing quantum effects associated with the CISe shell layer, as well as a promising application in the field of solar cells.
Based on Pre-Trained Transfer Learning and Improved Decoder for Myanmar Speech Recognition
Authors: Cui Jian , Yang Jian
Published: December 2023

End-to-end (E2E) speech recognition based on deep neural networks has become the mainstream way to build high-performance speech recognition systems. Training end-to-end (E2E) models relies on large-scale “audio-text” pair datasets, which poses a challenge for studying speech recognition of non-generic languages under low-resource conditions. Unsupervised pre-training methods have achieved good performance in speech recognition for many low- resource languages. We build a Myanmar language speech recognition baseline system based on self-supervised speech pre-trained models under low-resource conditions. To further study the methods to improve the accuracy of Myanmar speech recognition, we propose two optimization methods: (1) Different from the current mainstream method of transfer learning in frontend modules, we use the HuBERT self-supervised speech representation model, which pre-trained on massive unlabeled common language speech data, as the encoder of the E2E Myanmar speech recognition system to extract high performance speech recognition features; (2) To better adapt to long sequence-dependent tasks during the decoding process, we proposed and implemented an improved decoder framework based on the S4 module. The experimental results show that the character error rate of the baseline Myanmar speech recognition system constructed in this paper is 12.6%. After introducing the two improvement methods proposed in this paper, its character error rate decreases to 8.2%.
Construction and Statistical Analysis of Discourse Cohesive Components in Modern Chinese
Authors: Wang Jingyi , Xun Endong
Published: December 2023

In discourse semantic analysis, the primary focus lies on cohesive elements that maintain discourse coherence. Additionally, attention is given to referring components and topic description structures that facilitate articulation. Various terms are used to refer to these cohesive elements, such as connecting components, logical connectives, relational words and cohesive components. However, there is a lack of unified terminology. The concept of cohesive components has been proposed before. In prior research, it primarily encompassed connectives, discourse markers and tone words, all of which contribute to discourse coherence. However, these definitions were relatively imprecise, and previous studies did not systematically categorize discourse cohesive components based on specific semantic functions. Consequently, they were inadequate for chapter-level semantic analysis. This paper extends the definition and scope of cohesive components based on existing research. It categorizes cohesive components according to both their formal characteristics and semantic functions. We extract cohesive components from the BLCU-CST tree bank, filter them based on specific scope and definition, and summarize a total of 247 logical connectives, 118 discourse connective markers and six types of numerical sequence connectives. In terms of semantic function, we analyze the distribution of 14 different logical-semantic relations that cohesive components indicate within discourse. This analysis not only enriches the understanding of discourse semantics for natural language comprehension but also offers valuable insights for linguistic ontology research.
Content Moderation Folk Theories and Perceptions of Platform Spirit among Marginalized Social Media Users
Authors: Mayworm Samuel , DeVito Michael Ann , Delmonaco Daniel , Thach Hibby , Haimson Oliver L.
Published: December 2023

Social media users create folk theories to help explain how elements of social media operate. Marginalized social media users face disproportionate content moderation and removal on social media platforms. We conducted a qualitative interview study (
n
= 24) to understand how marginalized social media users may create folk theories in response to content moderation and their perceptions of platforms’ spirit, and how these theories may relate to their marginalized identities. We found that marginalized social media users develop folk theories informed by their perceptions of platforms’ spirit to explain instances where their content was moderated in ways that violate their perceptions of how content moderation should work in practice. These folk theories typically address content being removed despite not violating community guidelines, along with bias against marginalized users embedded in guidelines. We provide implications for platforms, such as using marginalized users’ folk theories as tools to identify elements of platform moderation systems that function incorrectly and disproportionately impact marginalized users.
Few-shot Incremental Event Detection
Authors: Wang Hao , Shi Hanwen , Duan Jianyong
Published: December 2023

Event detection tasks can enable the quick detection of events from texts and provide powerful support for downstream natural language processing tasks. Most such methods can only detect a fixed set of predefined event classes. To extend them to detect a new class without losing the ability to detect old classes requires costly retraining of the model from scratch. Incremental learning can effectively solve this problem, but it requires abundant data of new classes. In practice, however, the lack of high-quality labeled data of new event classes makes it difficult to obtain enough data for model training. To address the above mentioned issues, we define a new task, few-shot incremental event detection, which focuses on learning to detect a new event class with limited data, while retaining the ability to detect old classes to the extent possible. We created a benchmark dataset IFSED for the few-shot incremental event detection task based on FewEvent and propose two benchmarks, IFSED-K and IFSED-KP. Experimental results show that our approach has a higher F1-score than baseline methods and is more stable.
Deformation Gated Recurrent Network for Lane-level Abnormal Driving Behavior Recognition
Authors: Shen Guojiang , Wang Juntao , Kong Xiangjie , Ji Zhanhao , Zhu Bing , Qiu Tie
Published: December 2023

As a significant part of traffic accident prevention, abnormal driving behavior recognition has been receiving extensive attention. However, the granularity of existing abnormal driving behavior recognition is mostly at road-level, and these methods’ high complexity leads to high overhead on training and recognition. In this article, we propose a deformation gated recurrent network for lane-level abnormal driving behavior recognition. First, we use conditional random field model to calculate the lane-change necessity of the vehicle, which helps us to distinguish whether the lane-changing behavior is reasonable. Second, we propose deformation gated recurrent network (DF-GRN) and trajectory entropy to capture the implicit relationship between trajectories and shorten recognition time. Finally, we get classified results including aggressive, distracted, and normal driving behavior from the network. Distracted and aggressive behavior will be marked as anomaly. The effectiveness and real-time nature of the network are verified by experiments on Hangzhou and Chengdu location datasets.