bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Trichoderma gamsiiT6085, a biocontrol agent of Fusarium head blight, modulates biocontrol‐relevant defence genes expression in wheat
Authors: Risoli Samuele , Petrucci Arianna , Vicente Isabel , Sarrocco Sabrina
Published: June 2023

To enhance the framework of the mechanisms of action used by Trichoderma gamsii T6085 for the control of Fusarium head blight (FHB), this work investigated its ability to modulate the expression of defence‐related genes of wheat (Triticum aestivum ‘Apogee’) in response to endophytic colonization of plant tissues. Changes in relative expression of pal1, pr1, pgip2 and lox1 genes were assessed over time in wheat roots, in spikes colonized by T6085 alone and both T6085 and Fusarium graminearum, and in leaves from wheat seedlings root‐inoculated with T6085. Results indicate the ability of T6085 to induce local and systemic defence responses in wheat plants in the presence of one of the causal agents of FHB. There was a general significant up‐regulation of the plant defence‐related genes analysed, especially in the first days after the application of T6085. According to these results, modulation of plant defence genes could be included within the arsenal of mechanisms used by T6085 when applied to wheat, an additional feature of interest in the management of FHB. To evaluate the effect of the plant genotype on the ability of T6085 to endophytically colonize roots, root colonization was assessed on four cultivars of T. aestivum and two cultivars of T. durum. Data showed that roots of only two T. aestivum cultivars were endophytically colonized by T6085, similar to cv. Apogee used here as control, thus demonstrating an effect of the host genotype on the endophytic ability of T6085.
How to avoid intraoperative and postoperative complications in maxillary sinus elevation
Authors: Testori Tiziano , Tavelli Lorenzo , Scaini Riccardo , Saibene Alberto Maria , Felisati Giovanni , Barootchi Shayan , Decker Ann Marie , Deflorian Matteo Antonio , Rosano Gabriele , Wallace Stephen S. , Zucchelli Giovanni , Francetti Luca , Wang Hom‐Lay
Published: June 2023

Maxillary sinus floor elevation, via the lateral approach, is one of the most predictable bone augmentation procedures performed in implant dentistry. but both intra‑ and postoperative complications can occur, and some of them are severe. Our aim is as follows:

To review the pertinent literature on the topic, especially assessing the risk factors related to complications.

To give clinical recommendations to minimize intra‑ and postoperative complications with the ultimate scope of improving the standard of clinical care and patient safety.
Herpesvirus‐Bacteria pathogenic interaction in juvenile (aggressive) periodontitis. A novel etiologic concept of the disease
Authors: Slots Jørgen , Rams Thomas E.
Published: June 2023

Localized juvenile (aggressive) periodontitis starts at puberty in otherwise healthy individuals and involves the proximal surfaces of permanent incisors and first molars. The disease destroys a sizeable amount of periodontal bone within a few months despite minimal dental plaque and gingival tissue inflammation. Cytomegalovirus and Epstein–Barr virus, as well as the two main periodontopathic bacteria Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis, are linked to juvenile periodontitis. Juvenile periodontitis‐affected teeth show cementum hypoplasia. We hypothesize that an active herpesvirus infection, at the time of root formation, hampers cementum formation and, at puberty, herpesvirus reactivation triggers an upgrowth of bacterial pathogens which produce rapid periodontal destruction on teeth with a defective periodontium. A pathogenic interaction between active herpesviruses and bacterial pathogens can potentially explain the etiology and incisor‐first molar destructive pattern of juvenile periodontitis. Effective treatment of juvenile periodontitis may target the herpesvirus‐bacteria co‐infection.
Native grass sod and plug production as an alternative technique to restore neotropical rupestrian grassland after mining
Authors: Figueiredo Maurílio A. , Messias Maria C. T. B. , Leite Mariangela G. P. , Kozovits Alessandra R.
Published: June 2023

Despite the importance of grasses in the structure and functioning of tropical grasslands, there is still a lack of efficient and economically viable techniques to produce and introduce grasses in restoration projects. Here, we evaluated the sod and plug‐plant production and planting of a native grass from Brazilian rupestrian grasslands, Sporobolus metallicolus, in a post‐bauxite mining. To produce the sod, we used post‐mining substrate and its mixture with commercial substrate. Then, we sowed 270 seeds of S. metallicolus on a 4‐cm layer of substrate in 144‐cm2 trays. Eighty days after sowing, we subdivided the contents of each tray (substrate + plant) into 4 × 3–cm plug‐plants. Plug‐plants were planted in the degraded area with and without the incorporation of litter from an adjacent conserved rupestrian grassland. We also evaluated the cost of production of each plug‐plant. The mixture of substrates provided greater plant growth and rooting, obtaining plug‐plants with an average of 13 individuals, dry mass of 270 mg, and estimated cost of US$ 0.0045. In the degraded area, the addition of litter increased shoot biomass gain. Plant survival was 100% with and without litter addition and the plants started seed dispersal at 7 months after planting. The production of S. metallicolus plugs with the mixed substrate and the growth of plants in the post‐mined area showed promising results and reduced costs, indicating technical and financial feasibility. The presented techniques can be an option for introducing grasses in degraded areas and optimize the use of seeds.
Exploring public risk perceptions of microplastics: Findings from a cross‐national qualitative interview study among German and Italian citizens
Authors: Janzik Robin , Koch Severine , Zamariola Giorgia , Vrbos Domagoj , White Mathew P. , Pahl Sabine , Berger Natalie
Published: June 2023

Microplastics are receiving growing attention in the public debate, while the scientific assessment of risks of microplastics to ecological and human health is still ongoing. Previous studies suggest concerns among the general public with country‐specific differences. However, little is known about the reasoning underlying these concerns. By conducting qualitative interviews with German (n = 15) and Italian citizens (n = 15), this study adopted a cross‐national perspective to investigate which concepts shape citizens’ perceptions of microplastics. A qualitative content analysis was used, with coding categories and subcategories developed inductively. Results showed that interviewees formed assumptions around microplastics despite own uncertainties, transferred knowledge from macro‐ to microplastics, and used the concepts of accumulation and dose–response relationship to make sense of the topic. Moreover, they saw the domains of human health and the environment as intertwined and expressed helplessness when discussing solutions to the microplastics issue. Many themes on the topic were similar in both samples, but there were also some differences. For instance, whereas Italian participants talked about marine‐related microplastics, German participants talked about airborne sources; also, German participants tended to recognize more strongly the actions their country was putting in place to address the problem. These findings underscore the need for proactive risk communication despite remaining gaps in scientific risk assessment. Beyond providing technical information, communicators should consider the reasoning behind risk perception on microplastics and address scientific uncertainty as well as the interconnectedness between the domains of human health and the environment.
Flood insurance literacy and flood risk knowledge: Evidence from Portland, Oregon
Authors: Kousky Carolyn , Netusil Noelwah R.
Published: June 2023

Flood costs are escalating due to climate change and increased development in hazardous areas. Flood insurance plays a critical role in financial recovery, but there is very little research on how well consumers understand flood insurance policies. Poor insurance literacy could lead to suboptimal risk management decisions. This paper presents some of the first evidence on homeowner flood insurance literacy from a survey of residents in Portland, Oregon. We find that while a basic understanding of general insurance terms is widespread, details about flood insurance policies are not well‐understood and many respondents do not know the specific terms of their policy. Residents of the 100‐year floodplain are more likely to know that their homeowners’ insurance does not cover flooding, but do not have substantially better understanding or knowledge of specifics about their policy than those outside the floodplain. We also find that the majority of survey respondents did not learn about their flood risk or the cost of flood insurance until after making an offer on their property.
Performance ranking, span of control, and grassroots government responsiveness
Authors: Zhang Youlang , Zhai Wenkang , Li Wenzhao
Published: June 2023

Policy makers have increasingly relied on performance ranking regimes based on information collected through public complaint systems to improve grassroots governments' accountability, transparency, and responsiveness. This article contributes to the existing literature by examining whether grassroots governments strategically adjust their responsiveness according to their ranking positions and the number of their peers that are supervised by the same superior government (i.e., span of control). To test the theorized relationships, we built an original panel dataset consisting of monthly responsiveness information and socioeconomic and leadership characteristics of 333 grassroots governments in Beijing, China from February 2019 to December 2020. Our empirical findings consistently show that having a high/low ranking is associated with a decrease/increase in grassroots governments' responsiveness in the next period. Additionally, as the span of control increases, the effect of ranking position on responsiveness changes among grassroots governments weakens. A series of robustness checks were used to validate the theorized relationships.
Experienced versus decision utility: large‐scale comparison for income–leisure preferences*
Authors: Akay Alpaslan , Bargain Olivier B. , Jara H. Xavier
Published: June 2023

Subjective well‐being (SWB) data are increasingly used to perform welfare analysis. Interpreted as “experienced utility”, it has recently been compared to “decision utility” using small‐scale experiments most often based on stated preferences. We transpose this comparison to the framework of non‐experimental and large‐scale data commonly used for policy analysis, focusing on the income–leisure domain where redistributive policies operate. Using the British Household Panel Survey, we suggest a “deviation” measure, which is simply the difference between actual working hours and SWB‐maximizing hours. We show that about three‐quarters of individuals make decisions that are not inconsistent with maximizing their SWB. We discuss the potential channels that explain the lack of optimization when deviations are significantly large. We find proxies for a number of individual and external constraints, and show that constraints alone can explain more than half of the deviations. In our context, deviations partly reflect the inability of the revealed preference approach to account for labor market rigidities, so the actual and SWB‐maximizing hours should be used in a complementary manner. The suggested approach based on our deviation metric could help identify labor market frictions.
Autistic traits predict social avoidance and distress: The chain mediating role of perceived stress and interpersonal alienation
Authors: Li Xiangning , Shen Hongyan , Kong Haiyan , Xie Jiushu
Published: June 2023

Social avoidance and distress are the primary aspects of social anxiety. Nonautistic people with high levels of autistic traits are more likely to exhibit social avoidance and distress. However, research has yet to reveal how autistic traits induce social avoidance and distress. To fill this gap, the present study recruited 708 participants to complete the 25‐item Autism Spectrum Quotient, Social Avoidance and Distress Scale, Chinese Perceived Stress Scale, and Interpersonal Alienation Subscale. The results indicated that autistic traits significantly predicted social avoidance and distress in nonautistic people. In addition, autistic traits induced social avoidance and distress through perceived stress and interpersonal alienation, respectively. Importantly, perceived stress and interpersonal alienation (including the subdimensions of interpersonal alienation: sense of loneliness, sense of social isolation, and alienation between family members) partially mediated the relationships between autistic traits and social avoidance and distress. Overall, autistic traits predict social avoidance and distress via perceived stress and interpersonal alienation. This finding extends the hypothetical model of clinical anxiety in autism spectrum disorders. Furthermore, reducing perceived stress and interpersonal alienation in nonautistic people with high levels of autistic traits may be a valid intervention method to prevent and eliminate their social avoidance and distress.
Testing the bidirectional relationship between belief in COVID‐19 conspiracy theories and psychological distress: A five‐wave longitudinal study
Authors: Chan Hoi‐Wing , Hong Ying‐yi , Lin Li
Published: June 2023

Previous studies have primarily focused on understanding why people believe conspiracy theories, especially during societal crises (e.g., the COVID‐19 pandemic). The investigation of how such conspiracy beliefs would influence people's mental well‐being has just begun recently. The present research aims to address this crucial question by testing the relationships between psychological distress and COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs with a five‐wave longitudinal study. On the one hand, COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs could be more appealing to people with heightened distress, as these theories apparently help people to make sense of the uncertainty and life‐threatening disease outbreak. On the other hand, conspiracy theories could be a source of existential threat and thus, would induce rather than reduce psychological distress. We tested these possibilities empirically by a series of cross‐lagged model analyses. Using the random intercept cross‐lagged panel model analysis, we only found a between‐person association but not a cross‐lagged within‐person relationship between the two. COVID‐19 conspiracy beliefs was predicted by being more politically conservative. These findings were further corroborated by the supplementary latent growth curve analyses. Overall, our findings suggest that conspiracy beliefs may not induce or reduce psychological distress in the context of COVID‐19.
A test of vaccine endorsement by political in‐ versus out‐group sources: Effect on vaccination likelihood and exploration of mediation through perceived bias and liking
Authors: Wallace Laura E. , Wegener Duane T.
Published: June 2023

This study investigated whether political endorsements from in‐ versus out‐group political elites would influence likelihood of COVID‐19 vaccination. In March 2021, we ran an experiment with Democrats and Republicans in the United States to examine whether they would be more likely to get vaccinated following endorsements by former Presidents Obama or Trump. Participants reported greater likelihood of getting vaccinated if the vaccine was endorsed by an elite from their own rather than the opposing party. This effect was driven by Trump, who increased vaccination likelihood among Republicans but decreased it among Democrats. We also investigated the mechanisms underlying this persuasion effect and found that perceived bias and liking were plausible mediators, whereas perceived trustworthiness and expertise were not. This study highlights the potential of having endorsements from both Democrat and Republican political elites to increase support for health behaviors in a politically charged climate.
Effects of the coronavirus pandemic on perceived capitalization support provision and receipt
Authors: Gosnell Courtney L. , Dascano Kendra
Published: June 2023

The coronavirus pandemic has influenced relationship dynamics due to heightened stress, increased isolation, and the need for social distancing. Prior work suggests receiving support for positive events (“capitalization support”) during this time could boost well‐being, but only if it is provided in a manner that is active (involved) and constructive (supportive), as opposed to passive (uninvolved) and/or destructive (discouraging). Given the need for reduced social contact, we predicted the pandemic would make providing active, constructive support more challenging and might increase the frequency of passive support. We conducted two studies to explore how perceptions of capitalization methods may have shifted during the pandemic using an online participant pool (MTurk). Overall, we found that participants reported receiving significantly less active‐constructive capitalization support and receiving more passive‐constructive support during the pandemic (compared to pre‐pandemic perceptions). In addition, we found that those who reported receiving and providing more active‐constructive support tended to report more positive well‐being outcomes. Interestingly, passive‐constructive support was also associated with greater well‐being for recipients (counter to prior research that has shown it associated with only costs). Overall, our data suggests that capitalization support perceptions are associated with well‐being even during the pandemic, but methods of capitalization support perceived may have shifted during the pandemic.
VPT‐like genes modulate Rhizobium–legume symbiosis and phosphorus adaptation
Authors: Liu Jinlong , Yang Rongchen , Yan Jun , Li Chun , Lin Xizhen , Lin Lin , Cao Yanyan , Xu Tiandong , Li Jianxuan , Yuan Yangyang , Wen Jiangqi , Mysore Kirankumar S. , Luan Sheng
Published: June 2023

Although vacuolar phosphate transporters (VPTs) are essential for plant phosphorus adaptation, their role in Rhizobium–legume symbiosis is unclear. In this study, homologous genes of VPT1 (MtVPTs) were identified in Medicago truncatula to assess their roles in Rhizobium–legume symbiosis and phosphorus adaptation. MtVPT2 and MtVPT3 mainly positively responded to low and high phosphate, respectively. However, both mtvpt2 and mtvpt3 mutants displayed shoot phenotypes with high phosphate sensitivity and low phosphate tolerance. The root‐to‐shoot phosphate transfer efficiency was significantly enhanced in mtvpt3 but weakened in mtvpt2, accompanied by lower and higher root cytosolic inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentration, respectively. Low phosphate induced MtVPT2 and MtVPT3 expressions in nodules. MtVPT2 and MtVPT3 mutations markedly reduced the nodule number and nitrogenase activity under different phosphate conditions. Cytosolic Pi concentration in nodules was significantly lower in mtvpt2 and mtvpt3 than in the wildtype, especially in tissues near the base of nodules, probably due to inhibition of long‐distance Pi transport and cytosolic Pi supply. Also, mtvpt2 and mtvpt3 could not maintain a stable cytosolic Pi level in the nodule fixation zone as the wildtype under low phosphate stress. These findings show that MtVPT2 and MtVPT3 modulate phosphorus adaptation and rhizobia–legume symbiosis, possibly by regulating long‐distance Pi transport.
The Arabidopsis RRM domain proteins EDM3 and IBM2 coordinate the floral transition and basal immune responses
Authors: Wang Jianqiang , Eulgem Thomas
Published: June 2023

The transition from vegetative to reproductive development (floral transition) is a costly process in annual plants requiring increased investments in metabolic resources. The Arabidopsis thaliana (Arabidopsis) PHD finger protein EDM2 and RRM domain proteins EDM3 and IBM2 are known to form chromatin‐associated complexes controlling transcript processing. We are reporting that distinct splice isoforms of EDM3 and IBM2 cooperate in the coordination of the floral transition with basal immune responses. These cooperating splice isoforms, termed EDM3L and IBM2L, control the intensity of basal immunity and, via a separate pathway, the timing of the floral transition. During the developmental phase prior to the floral transition expression of EDM3L and IBM2L strongly and gradually increases, while these isoforms simultaneously down‐regulate expression of the floral suppressor gene FLC and promote the transition to reproductive growth. At the same time these accumulating EDM3 and IBM2 splice isoforms gradually suppress basal immunity against the virulent Noco2 isolate of the pathogenic oomycete Hyaloperonospora arabidopsidis and down‐regulate expression of a set of defense‐associated genes and immune receptor genes. We are providing clear evidence for a functional link between the floral transition and basal immunity in the annual plant Arabidopsis. Coordination of these two biological processes, which compete for metabolic resources, is likely critical for plant survival and reproductive success.
K3 surfaces with action of the group M20$M_{20}$
Authors: Comparin Paola , Demelle Romain
Published: June 2023

It was shown by Mukai that the maximum order of a finite group acting faithfully and symplectically on a K3 surface is 960 and if such a group has order 960, then it is isomorphic to the Mathieu group . In this paper, we are interested in projective K3 surfaces admitting a faithful symplectic action of the group . We show that there are infinitely many K3 surfaces with this action and we describe them and their projective models, giving some explicit examples.
Serre functors of residual categories via hybrid models
Authors: Barbacovi Federico , Segal Ed
Published: June 2023

In this short note, we observe that the Serre functor on the residual category of a complete intersection can be easily described in the framework of hybrid models. Using this description, we recover some recent results of Kuznetsov and Perry.
Nonlinear Thermal-Magneto-Mechanical Vibration Analysis of Single-Walled Embedded Branched Carbon Nanotubes Conveying Nanofluid
Authors: Yinusa A. A. , Sobamowo M. G.
Published: June 2023

In this present study, the nonlinear thermal-magneto-mechanical stability and vibration of branched nanotube conveying nano-magnetic fluid embedded in linear and nonlinear elastic foundations are analyzed. The governing equations are established via Euler–Bernoulli theory, Hamilton’s principle, and the nonlocal theory of elasticity. The fluid flow and thermal behaviors of the nanofluid are described using modified Navier–Stokes and conservation of energy equations. With the aid of the Galerkin decomposition technique and differential transformation method (DTM), the coupled thermos-fluidic-vibration equation is solved analytically. The analytical solutions as presented in this study match with an existing experimental result and as such used to explore the influences of nonlocal parameters, downstream or branch angle, temperature, magnetic effect, fluid velocity, foundation parameters, and end conditions on vibrations of the nanotube. The results indicate that decreasing temperature change and augmenting the nanotube branch angle decreases the stability for the prebifurcation domain but increases for the post-bifurcation region. Furthermore, the magnetic term possesses a damping or an attenuating impact on the nanotube vibration response at any mode and for any boundary condition considered. It is anticipated that the outcome of this present study will find applications in the strategic optimization of designed nano-devices under thermo-mechanical flow-induced vibration.
Vacuum technique of nanodiamond dispersing on a substrate from an aqueous suspension
Authors: Kudryavtsev Oleg S. , Romshin Alexey M. , Pasternak Dmitrii G. , Vlasov Igor I.
Published: June 2023

With the successful development of luminescent nanodiamond production, single diamond nanoparticles began to be actively used in the design of temperature and magnetic field nanosensors, quantum optical devices, and other nanotechnology applications. These applications require both express optical characterization of a large number of single nanoparticles and the ability to manipulate them. In this regard, the actual task is the low-density distribution of large ensembles of individual nanodiamonds on various substrates. In this study, we propose a vacuum technique for nanoparticle deposition on a substrate from its aqueous suspension, which has not been previously used in nanodiamond studies. The characteristic features of the spatial distribution of nanoparticles on a substrate were studied by atomic force microscopy. It has been shown that by reducing the nanodiamond concentration in the initial aqueous suspension, one can achieve a density of ≤1 particle/μm2 on almost the entire area of the substrate covered with nanodiamonds.
The direction of attention in second language phonological contrast learning
Authors: Conover Laura
Published: June 2023

This study attempted to describe why some individuals are more successful when learning to perceive the sounds of a second language by analyzing the role attention plays in perceptual learning. Fifty-seven monolingual English-speaking adults completed the study. The participants underwent a perceptual learning paradigm presenting the novel contrast, the voicing contrast between Thai /b/ and /p/. The experiment consisted of a 40-item pretest, 480-trial learning phase, and 40-item posttest. Approximately half of the participants (n = 30) were given explicit instruction to listen for the specific contrast prior to the learning phase; other participants were not told the nature of the contrast. The Attention Network Test (ANT) from Fan, McCandliss, Sommer, Raz, and Posner [(2002). J. Cogn. Neurosci. 14(3), 340–347] was used to assess attentional networks. Generalized linear models and linear mixed effect models (LME) were fit to predict the participants' post-test scores based on ANT subscores, experimental group, and learning block (LME only). The results showed a correlation between attentional control and the ability to learn non-native phoneme contrasts regardless of instruction. In addition, there was a positive interaction between attentional control and the provision of explicit instructions during the learning process, such that individuals with high attentional control learned better when they received explicit instruction prior to training.
A Whole-of-School Approach to Physical Activity Promotion: The Case of One Secondary School in England
Authors: Jaymes Emma , Webster Collin A.
Published: June 2023

Purpose: Whole-of-school approaches to physical activity (PA) promotion are recommended internationally, but there remains little descriptive research detailing the implementation of such approaches, especially at the secondary level. The purpose of this case study, which drew upon a social-ecological perspective, was to examine a whole-of-school approach used by one secondary school in England. Method: Participants (N = 30) included three members of the school’s senior leadership team, eight teachers, 15 students, and four parents. Data were collected during 5 months using open-ended questionnaires that all participants completed, 14 staff interviews with staff, three focus groups with students, six observations, and attendance records from various PA opportunities. Results: Thematic analysis identified five key PA opportunities and uncovered four themes in relation to these opportunities: Student Autonomy, Support from Leadership, New School, and Physical Education Time. Discussion/Conclusion: This study highlights the importance of targeting multiple levels of influence when implementing whole-of-school PA programming.
Simplified sewerage to prevent urban leptospirosis transmission: a cluster non-randomised controlled trial protocol in disadvantaged urban communities of Salvador, Brazil
Authors: Cremonese Cleber , Souza Fabio Neves , Palma Fabiana Almerinda Gonçalves , Sodré Jonatas Fernandes Araújo , Brito Ricardo Lustosa , Ribeiro Priscyla dos Santos , Santana Juliet Oliveira , Coelho Rachel Helena , Ticona Juan P Aguilar , Nazaré Romero J , de Oliveira Daiana , Silva Cainã Queiroz , Eyre Max T , Mendes Vinícius de Araújo , Knee Jackie , Ristow Paula , Stauber Christine E , López Yeimi Alexandra Alzate , Giorgi Emanuele , Diggle Peter J , Reis Mitermayer Galvão G , Cumming Oliver , Ko Albert , Costa Federico
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Leptospirosis is a globally distributed zoonotic and environmentally mediated disease that has emerged as a major health problem in urban slums in developing countries. Its aetiological agent is bacteria of the genusLeptospira, which are mainly spread in the urine of infected rodents, especially in an environment where adequate sanitation facilities are lacking, and it is known that open sewers are key transmission sources of the disease. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a simplified sewerage intervention in reducing the risk of exposure to contaminated environments andLeptospirainfection and to characterise the transmission mechanisms involved.

Methods and analysis

This matched quasi-experimental study design using non-randomised intervention and control clusters was designed to assess the effectiveness of an urban simplified sewerage intervention in the low-income communities of Salvador, Brazil. The intervention consists of household-level piped sewerage connections and community engagement and public involvement activities. A cohort of 1400 adult participants will be recruited and grouped into eight clusters consisting of four matched intervention-control pairs with approximately 175 individuals in each cluster in baseline. The primary outcome is the seroincidence ofLeptospirainfection assessed through five serological measurements: one preintervention (baseline) and four postintervention. As a secondary outcome, we will assessLeptospiraload in soil, before and after the intervention. We will also assessLeptospiraexposures before and after the intervention, through transmission modelling, accounting for residents' movement, contact with flooding, contaminated soil and water, and rat infestation, to examine whether and how routes of exposure forLeptospirachange following the introduction of sanitation.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol has been reviewed and approved by the ethics boards at the Federal University of Bahia and the Brazilian National Research Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations to implementers, researchers and participating communities.

Trial registration number

Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry (RBR-8cjjpgm).
What is the landscape of evidence about the safety of physical agents used in physical medicine and rehabilitation? A scoping review
Authors: Bargeri Silvia , Pellicciari Leonardo , Gallo Chiara , Rossettini Giacomo , Castellini Greta , Gianola Silvia
Published: June 2023

Background

Several systematic reviews (SRs) assessing the effectiveness of superficial physical agents have been published, but the evidence about their safety remains controversial.

Objective

To identify areas where there is evidence of the safety of physical agents by a scoping review.

Design

Four databases were systematically searched for including English SRs that explored and reported safety in terms of adverse events (AEs) related to the application of physical agents in outpatient and inpatient physical medicine and rehabilitation settings managed by healthcare professionals, published in January 2011–29 September 2021. The severity of AEs was classified according to the Common Terminology Criteria. Then, AE findings were summarised according to the SR syntheses. Finally, the reporting of the certainty of the evidence was mapped.

Results

Overall, 117 SRs were retrieved. Most of the SRs included randomised controlled trials (77%) and patients with musculoskeletal disorders (67%). The most investigated physical agents were extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) (15%), transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (13%) and electrical stimulation (12%). No AE (35%) was reported in one-third of the included primary studies in SRs, whereas few severe AEs occurred in less than 1% of the sample. Among physical agents, ESWT showed an increased risk of experiencing mild AEs compared with the control. Most SRs reported a qualitative AE synthesis (65.8%), and few reported the certainty of the evidence (17.9%), which was mainly low.

Conclusion

We found evidence of safety on several physical agents coming mostly from qualitative synthesis. No significant harms of these interventions were found except for ESWT reporting mild AEs. More attention to the AEs reporting and their classification should be pursued to analyse them and assess the certainty of evidence quantitatively.

Review registration

https://osf.io/6vx5a/.
Cohort profile: rationale and methods of UK Biobank repeat imaging study eye measures to study dementia
Authors: Foster Paul J , Atan Denize , Khawaja Anthony , Lotery Andrew , MacGillivray Tom , Owen Christopher G , Patel Praveen J , Petzold Axel , Rudnicka Alicja , Sun Zihan , Sheard Simon , Allen Naomi
Published: June 2023

Purpose

The retina provides biomarkers of neuronal and vascular health that offer promising insights into cognitive ageing, mild cognitive impairment and dementia. This article described the rationale and methodology of eye and vision assessments with the aim of supporting the study of dementia in the UK Biobank Repeat Imaging study.

Participants

UK Biobank is a large-scale, multicentre, prospective cohort containing in-depth genetic, lifestyle, environmental and health information from half a million participants aged 40–69 enrolled in 2006–2010 across the UK. A subset (up to 60 000 participants) of the cohort will be invited to the UK Biobank Repeat Imaging Study to collect repeated brain, cardiac and abdominal MRI scans, whole-body dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, carotid ultrasound, as well as retinal optical coherence tomography (OCT) and colour fundus photographs.

Findings to date

UK Biobank has helped make significant advances in understanding risk factors for many common diseases, including for dementia and cognitive decline. Ophthalmic genetic and epidemiology studies have also benefited from the unparalleled combination of very large numbers of participants, deep phenotyping and longitudinal follow-up of the cohort, with comprehensive health data linkage to disease outcomes. In addition, we have used UK Biobank data to describe the relationship between retinal structures, cognitive function and brain MRI-derived phenotypes.

Future plans

The collection of eye-related data (eg, OCT), as part of the UK Biobank Repeat Imaging study, will take place in 2022–2028. The depth and breadth and longitudinal nature of this dataset, coupled with its open-access policy, will create a major new resource for dementia diagnostic discovery and to better understand its association with comorbid diseases. In addition, the broad and diverse data available in this study will support research into ophthalmic diseases and various other health outcomes beyond dementia.
Predictive ability of pulse oximetry-derived indices for hypotension after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kondo Yuriko , Mihara Takahiro , Nakamura Eishin , Noma Hisashi , Shimizu Sayuri , Goto Takahisa
Published: June 2023

Introduction

In general, caesarean sections are performed under spinal anaesthesia. Hypotension after spinal anaesthesia adversely affects both the mother and fetus. Although several studies have used pulse oximetry-derived indices, such as pulse perfusion index (PI) and Pleth variability index (PVI), to predict hypotension after spinal anaesthesia, the predictive ability of the PI and PVI remain controversial.

Methods and analysis

We prepared this protocol following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols guidelines. We will conduct searches of MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Clinicaltrial.gov, European Union Clinical Trials Register (EU-CTR), WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP) and University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN) from inception until 8 October 2022. We will include retrospective and prospective observational studies and randomised controlled trials that evaluated the predictive ability of PI and PVI for hypotension after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section, published in any language. We will exclude case reports, case series and animal studies. Two authors will independently scan and select eligible studies and perform data extraction and assessment of risk of bias. We will estimate predictive ability of PI and PVI as indices of hypotension after spinal anaesthesia for caesarean section using the Reitsma-type bivariate random-effects synthesis model and the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic curve. We will assess the quality of evidence using the Grading of Recommendation Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required as the systematic review will use existing published data. The results will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022362596.
Child Developmental MRI (CDM) project: protocol for a multi-centre, cross-sectional study on elucidating the pathophysiology of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder and autism spectrum disorder through a multi-dimensional approach
Authors: Yamashita Masatoshi , Kagitani-Shimono Kuriko , Hirano Yoshiyuki , Hamatani Sayo , Nishitani Shota , Yao Akiko , Kurata Sawa , Kosaka Hirotaka , Jung Minyoung , Yoshida Tokiko , Sasaki Tsuyoshi , Matsumoto Koji , Kato Yoko , Nakanishi Mariko , Tachibana Masaya , Mohri Ikuko , Tsuchiya Kenji J , Tsujikawa Tetsuya , Okazawa Hidehiko , Shimizu Eiji , Taniike Masako , Tomoda Akemi , Mizuno Yoshifumi
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Neuroimaging studies on attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have demonstrated differences in extensive brain structure, activity and network. However, there remains heterogeneity and inconsistency across these findings, presumably because of the diversity of the disorders themselves, small sample sizes, and site and parameter differences in MRI scanners, and their overall pathogenesis remains unclear. To address these gaps in the literature, we will apply the travelling-subject approach to correct site differences in MRI scanners and clarify brain structure and network characteristics of children with ADHD and ASD using large samples collected in a multi-centre collaboration. In addition, we will investigate the relationship between these characteristics and genetic, epigenetic, biochemical markers, and behavioural and psychological measures.

Methods and analysis

We will collect resting-state functional MRI (fMRI) and T1-weighted and diffusion-weighted MRI data from 15 healthy adults as travelling subjects and 300 children (ADHD, n=100; ASD, n=100; and typical development, n=100) with multi-dimensional assessments. We will also apply data from more than 1000 samples acquired in our previous neuroimaging studies on ADHD and ASD.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol has been approved by the Research Ethics Committee of the University of Fukui Hospital (approval no: 20220601). Our study findings will be submitted to scientific peer-reviewed journals and conferences.
Women’s lived experiences of sex hormones and life-related to bariatric surgery: an interpretative qualitative study
Authors: Paul Rebecca , Andersson Ellen , Olbers Torsten , Frisk Jessica , Berterö Carina M
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The study aimed to explore the lived experiences of women with severe obesity before and after undergoing bariatric surgery with a special focus on possible effects of changed sex hormone levels.

Design

A qualitative interview study with transcribed text analysis based on Gadamer’s hermeneutics.

Setting

Regional hospital and outpatient bariatric clinic in central Sweden.

Participants

Ten women (age 23–38 years) having undergone Roux-en-Y gastric bypass surgery between 2016 and 2019 were interviewed.

Results

The transcribed interviews were analysed according to Gadamer’s hermeneutics. Text horizons, interpreter horizons and fact horizons were derived and formed the fusions ‘Recognition of unhealthy body weight’, ‘Dealing with other people’s opinions and society’s norms’, ‘Life has changed in a positive way’ and ‘Accepting inner self and bodily changes’.

Conclusion

Women highlighted weight and body size in their responses. The study provided a deeper understanding of the situation of women living with obesity and pros and cons of having undergone bariatric surgery. Experiences of changes in sex hormones and fertility were discussed but not central to the informants. Participants emphasised the need to be prepared and properly supported in dealing with changes in life after bariatric surgery and subsequent weight loss.
Infants’ immunisations, their timing and the risk of allergic diseases (INITIAL): an observational prospective cohort study protocol
Authors: Wrenger Jennifer , Martin David D , Jenetzky Ekkehart
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Vaccinations are considered to have a large impact on disease control, hence a multitude of vaccines in infancy is recommended. Retrospective studies suggest a possible relation between timing, kind or number of vaccines given in the first year of life and the subsequent incidence of allergic diseases. It must be clarified whether a causal relationship exists to ensure safety and reduce vaccine hesitancy.

Methods and analysis

Due to the high recommendation rate of vaccines, a long-term randomised controlled trial is not considered as ethically acceptable. Therefore, this study aims to observe prospectively the allergic incidence at the age of 5 years after various vaccine interventions in the early months of life.

Parents of infants up to the age of 4–6 weeks will be recruited before the first recommended vaccination. Relevant prognostic factors for allergies, status of immunisation and general health will be evaluated up to the age of 5.

Allergic symptoms will be assessed by the International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood-questionnaire and a medical confirmation of the allergy is mandatory.

The main objective is to compare the incidence of asthma, atopic dermatitis, rhinoconjunctivitis, food allergy or any of these atopies at the age of 5 between infants who were not vaccinated or were vaccinated according to recommendations in the first year of life.

The sample size calculation with about 4000 participants can prove a 5% difference to the basic prevalence with about 80% power and global 5% alpha error for the five primary endpoints adjusting according to Bonferroni-Holm and assuming a rate of 10% not early vaccinated infants.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was registered (DRKS00029677) and has received approval by the ethics committee of Universität Witten/Herdecke (no. 113/2022). The results will be published.
Effects of remote ischaemic preconditioning on myocardial injury after major abdominal surgery in patients at high risk for cardiovascular adverse events in China (RIPC-MAS): protocol for a randomised, sham-controlled, observer-blinded trial
Authors: Wang Fan , Liang Chu-Jun , Shi Jian-Kun , Huang Qing-Shan , Nassirou Bizo Mailoga , Wang Xi , Jin San-Qing , Zhao Yang
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Myocardial injury after non-cardiac surgery (MINS) caused by an ischaemic mechanism is common and is associated with adverse short-term and long-term prognoses. However, MINS is a recent concept, and few studies have prospectively used it as a primary outcome. Remote ischaemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a non-invasive procedure that induces innate cardioprotection and may reduce MINS.

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre, randomised, sham-controlled, observer-blinded trial. Patients with a high clinical risk of cardiovascular events who are scheduled to undergo major abdominal surgery will be enrolled. A total of 766 participants will be randomised (1:1 ratio) to receive RIPC or control treatment before anaesthesia. RIPC will comprise four cycles of cuff inflation for 5 min to 200 mm Hg and deflation for 5 min. In the controls, an identical-looking cuff will be placed around the arm but will not be actually inflated. The primary outcome will be MINS, defined as at least one postoperative cardiac troponin (cTn) concentration above the 99th percentile upper reference limit of the cTn assay as a result of a presumed ischaemic mechanism. This trial will test the concentration of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T (hs-cTnT). The secondary outcomes will be hs-cTnT levels reaching/above the prognostically important thresholds, peak hs-cTnT and total hs-cTnT release during the initial 3 days after surgery, length of hospital stay after surgery, length of stay in the intensive care unit, myocardial infarction, major adverse cardiovascular events, cardiac-related death, all-cause death within 30 days, 6 months, 1 year and 2 years after surgery, and postoperative complications and adverse events within 30 days after surgery.

Ethics and dissemination

This study protocol (version 5.0 on 7 April 2023) was approved by the Ethics Committee of Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University. The findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT05733208.