bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Predictors of Physical Inactivity Among Malaysian Community-Dwelling Older Persons
Authors: Ibrahim Azianah Mohamad , Singh Devinder Kaur Ajit , Mat Sumaiyah , Mat Ludin Arimi Fitri , Shahar Suzana
Published: July 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of physical inactivity and identify the predictors for low physical activity among community-dwelling older persons living in Malaysia in 3 years follow-up. In this prospective study, physical activity levels were measured using the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly. The arbitrary cutoff for Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly in this study was ≤70.9 for low and >141 for high physical activity levels. Out of the 955 physically active participants at baseline, 555 of them (mean [SD] age 68.82 [4.92] years) were successfully followed up to 3 years. Cumulative incidence of being physically inactive was 21% with rate of 7 per 100 person-years. It was found that being older (<.001), from Malay ethnic group (<.05), smokers (<.01), having lower gait speed (<.001), and lower cognitive status (<.05) were predictors for physical inactivity among Malaysian community-dwelling older persons in 3 years follow-up. These factors should be taken into consideration when planning for intervention and promotion strategies to increase physical activity levels among Malaysian older persons.
Reassessing hierarchical correspondences between brain and deep networks through direct interface
Authors: Sexton Nicholas J. , Love Bradley C.
Published: July 2022

Functional correspondences between deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs) and the mammalian visual system support a hierarchical account in which successive stages of processing contain ever higher-level information. However, these correspondences between brain and model activity involve shared, not task-relevant, variance. We propose a stricter account of correspondence: If a DCNN layer corresponds to a brain region, then replacing model activity with brain activity should successfully drive the DCNN’s object recognition decision. Using this approach on three datasets, we found that all regions along the ventral visual stream best corresponded with later model layers, indicating that all stages of processing contained higher-level information about object category. Time course analyses suggest that long-range recurrent connections transmit object class information from late to early visual areas.
An integrated model for termination of RNA polymerase III transcription
Authors: Xie Juanjuan , Aiello Umberto , Clement Yves , Haidara Nouhou , Girbig Mathias , Schmitzova Jana , Pena Vladimir , Müller Christoph W. , Libri Domenico , Porrua Odil
Published: July 2022

RNA polymerase III (RNAPIII) synthesizes essential and abundant noncoding RNAs such as transfer RNAs. Controlling RNAPIII span of activity by accurate and efficient termination is a challenging necessity to ensure robust gene expression and to prevent conflicts with other DNA-associated machineries. The mechanism of RNAPIII termination is believed to be simpler than that of other eukaryotic RNA polymerases, solely relying on the recognition of a T-tract in the nontemplate strand. Here, we combine high-resolution genome-wide analyses and in vitro transcription termination assays to revisit the mechanism of RNAPIII transcription termination in budding yeast. We show that T-tracts are necessary but not always sufficient for termination and that secondary structures of the nascent RNAs are important auxiliary cis-acting elements. Moreover, we show that the helicase Sen1 plays a key role in a fail-safe termination pathway. Our results provide a comprehensive model illustrating how multiple mechanisms cooperate to ensure efficient RNAPIII transcription termination.
Near-field probing of image phonon-polaritons in hexagonal boron nitride on gold crystals
Authors: Menabde Sergey G. , Boroviks Sergejs , Ahn Jongtae , Heiden Jacob T. , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Low Tony , Hwang Do Kyung , Mortensen N. Asger , Jang Min Seok
Published: July 2022

Near-field mapping has been widely used to study hyperbolic phonon-polaritons in van der Waals crystals. However, an accurate measurement of the polaritonic loss remains challenging because of the inherent complexity of the near-field signal and the substrate-mediated loss. Here we demonstrate that large-area monocrystalline gold flakes, an atomically flat low-loss substrate for image polaritons, provide a platform for precise near-field measurement of the complex propagation constant of polaritons in van der Waals crystals. As a topical example, we measure propagation loss of the image phonon-polaritons in hexagonal boron nitride, revealing that their normalized propagation length exhibits a parabolic spectral dependency. Furthermore, we show that image phonon-polaritons exhibit up to a twice longer normalized propagation length, while being 2.4 times more compressed compared to the case of the dielectric substrate. We conclude that the monocrystalline gold flakes provide a unique nanophotonic platform for probing and exploitation of the image modes in low-dimensional materials.
Cell disorientation by loss of SHH-dependent mechanosensation causes cyclopia
Authors: Ohtsuka Daisuke , Kida Naoki , Lee Sang-Woo , Kawahira Naofumi , Morishita Yoshihiro
Published: July 2022

The physical causes of organ malformation remain largely unclear in most cases due to a lack of information on tissue/cell dynamics. Here, we address this issue by considering onset of cyclopia in sonic hedgehog (SHH)–inhibited chick embryos. We show that ventral forebrain–specific self-organization ability driven by SHH-dependent polarized patterns in cell shape, phosphorylated myosin localization, and collective cell motion promotes optic vesicle elongation during normal development. Stress loading tests revealed that these polarized dynamics result from mechanical responses. In particular, stress and active tissue deformation satisfy orthogonality, defining an SHH-regulated morphogenetic law. Without SHH signaling, cells cannot detect the direction of stress and move randomly, leading to insufficient optic vesicle elongation and consequently a cyclopia phenotype. Since polarized tissue/cell dynamics are common in organogenesis, cell disorientation caused by loss of mechanosensation could be a pathogenic mechanism for other malformations.
Neuronal activity induces glucosylceramide that is secreted via exosomes for lysosomal degradation in glia
Authors: Wang Liping , Lin Guang , Zuo Zhongyuan , Li Yarong , Byeon Seul Kee , Pandey Akhilesh , Bellen Hugo J.
Published: July 2022

Recessive variants in
GBA1
cause Gaucher disease, a prevalent form of lysosome storage disease.
GBA1
encodes a lysosomal enzyme that hydrolyzes glucosylceramide (GlcCer) into glucose and ceramide. Its loss causes lysosomal dysfunction and increased levels of GlcCer. We generated a null allele of the
Drosophila
ortholog
Gba1b
by inserting the
Gal4
using CRISPR-Cas9. Here, we show that
Gba1b
is expressed in glia but not in neurons. Glial-specific knockdown recapitulates the defects found in
Gba1b
mutants, and these can be rescued by glial expression of human
GBA1
. We show that GlcCer is synthesized upon neuronal activity, and it is transported from neurons to glia through exosomes. Furthermore, we found that glial TGF-β/BMP induces the transfer of GlcCer from neurons to glia and that the White protein, an ABCG transporter, promotes GlcCer trafficking to glial lysosomes for degradation.
Octopus-inspired adhesive skins for intelligent and rapidly switchable underwater adhesion
Authors: Frey Sean T. , Haque A. B. M. Tahidul , Tutika Ravi , Krotz Elizabeth V. , Lee Chanhong , Haverkamp Cole B. , Markvicka Eric J. , Bartlett Michael D.
Published: July 2022

The octopus couples controllable adhesives with intricately embedded sensing, processing, and control to manipulate underwater objects. Current synthetic adhesive–based manipulators are typically manually operated without sensing or control and can be slow to activate and release adhesion, which limits system-level manipulation. Here, we couple switchable, octopus-inspired adhesives with embedded sensing, processing, and control for robust underwater manipulation. Adhesion strength is switched over 450× from the ON to OFF state in <50 ms over many cycles with an actively controlled membrane. Systematic design of adhesive geometry enables adherence to nonideal surfaces with low preload and independent control of adhesive strength and adhesive toughness for strong and reliable attachment and easy release. Our bio-inspired nervous system detects objects and autonomously triggers the switchable adhesives. This is implemented into a wearable glove where an array of adhesives and sensors creates a biomimetic adhesive skin to manipulate diverse underwater objects.
Switching from Tenofovir-Based Combination Therapy to Tenofovir Monotherapy in Multidrug-Experienced Chronic Hepatitis B Patients: a 5-Year Experience at Two Centers
Authors: Kim Jung Hun , Kim Jeong Han , Choe Won Hyeok , Kwon So Young , Yoo Byung-chul , Yoon Eileen L. , Kang Seong Hee
Published: July 2022

Patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) who were administered tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF)-based combination therapy after receiving multiple drugs are frequently switched to TDF monotherapy in South Korea. We evaluated the efficacy and safety of switching to TDF monotherapy from TDF-based combination therapy over 5 years.
Revisiting the Role of VraTSR in
Staphylococcus aureus
Response to Cell Wall-Targeting Antibiotics
Authors: Fernandes Pedro B. , Reed Patricia , Monteiro João M. , Pinho Mariana G.
Published: July 2022

The Gram-positive bacterial pathogen
Staphylococcus aureus
is currently the second most frequent cause of global deaths associated with antibiotic resistance. Its response to cell wall-targeting antibiotics requires the VraTSR three-component system, which senses cell wall damage.
Shared N417-Dependent Epitope on the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron, Beta, and Delta Plus Variants
Authors: Moyo-Gwete Thandeka , Madzivhandila Mashudu , Mkhize Nonhlanhla N. , Kgagudi Prudence , Ayres Frances , Lambson Bronwen E. , Manamela Nelia P. , Richardson Simone I. , Makhado Zanele , van der Mescht Mieke A. , de Beer Zelda , de Villiers Talita Roma , Burgers Wendy A. , Ntusi Ntobeko A. B. , Rossouw Theresa , Ueckermann Veronica , Boswell Michael T. , Moore Penny L.
Published: July 2022

The evolution of SARS-CoV-2 has resulted in variants of concern (VOCs) with distinct spike mutations conferring various immune escape profiles. These variable mutations also influence the cross-reactivity of the antibody response mounted by individuals infected with each of these variants.
Avoiding False-Positive SARS-CoV-2 Rapid Antigen Test Results with Point-of-Care Molecular Testing on Residual Test Buffer
Authors: LeBlanc Jason J. , McCracken Gregory R. , Goodall Barbara , Hatchette Todd F. , Barrett Lisa , Ross John , Davidson Ross J. , Patriquin Glenn
Published: July 2022

During the COVID-19 pandemic, rapid antigen tests have been widely used for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. These simple devices allow rapid test results.
Graves’ disease: moving forwards
Authors: Lane Laura C , Wood Claire Louise , Cheetham Tim
Published: July 2022

Graves’ disease is a rare disorder that continues to present clinicians and families with a series of challenges. There are no new established treatments for children or adolescents, but the outcomes of recent clinical trials and meta-analyses have helped clinicians to prepare families for the road ahead. We have a more refined understanding of how to administer antithyroid drugs, which one to use and how long to treat the young person. We also have a greater insight into how best to reduce any risks associated with surgery and radioiodine. We understand more about long-term outcomes and their determinants and have greater awareness about the impact of the disease and its treatment on quality of life. A holistic approach to management is key to supporting and counselling young people and their families about the diagnosis and management options. In this review, we will discuss the recent literature and reflect on how this should be translated into clinical practice.
Multicentric Castleman’s disease of the lungs mimicking a multifocal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Qsous Ghaith , Al-Qsous Wael , Taylor Thomas , Will Malcolm
Published: July 2022

A female patient presented with fever of unknown origin, night sweats and weight loss. She had no pulmonary symptoms. Investigations revealed bilateral ground glass lung lesions which were subsequently followed-up with imaging. Two years later, a follow-up CT scan revealed an increase in the size of the lesions which exhibited a more solid appearance. A diagnostic biopsy was difficult to perform, and the patient underwent a left upper lobectomy for suspected primary lung malignancy. Histological examination showed lung involvement by Castleman’s disease of plasma cell type which displayed a multifocal distribution. There was no evidence of nodal involvement. Following discussion at the multidisciplinary team meeting and correlation with radiology, a diagnosis of multicentric Castleman’s disease of the lung was made. Here, we present an unusual case of multicentric Castleman’s disease of the lung mimicking primary lung carcinoma. Our case highlights the importance of considering this entity in the differential diagnosis of multifocal lung lesions with a ground glass-like appearance to allow early diagnosis and management.
Accuracy of algorithms to identify patients with a diagnosis of major cancers and cancer-related adverse events in an administrative database: a validation study in an acute care hospital in Japan
Authors: Fujiwara Takashi , Kanemitsu Takashi , Tajima Kosei , Yuri Akinori , Iwasaku Masahiro , Okumura Yasuyuki , Tokumasu Hironobu
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Validation studies in oncology are limited in Japan. This study was conducted to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis and adverse event (AE) definitions for specific cancers in a Japanese health administrative real-world database (RWD).

Design and setting

Retrospective observational validation study to assess the diagnostic accuracy of electronic medical records (EMRs) and claim coding regarding oncology diagnosis and AEs based on medical record review in the RWD. The sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) with 95% CIs were calculated.

Participants

The validation cohort included patients with lung (n=2257), breast (n=1121), colorectal (n=1773), ovarian (n=216) and bladder (n=575) cancer who visited the hospital between January 2014 and December 2018, and those with prostate cancer (n=3491) visiting between January 2009 and December 2018, who were identified using EMRs.

Outcomes

Key outcomes included primary diagnosis, deaths and AEs.

Results

For primary diagnosis, sensitivity and PPV for the respective cancers were as follows: lung, 100.0% (96.6 to 100.0) and 81.0% (74.9 to 86.2); breast, 100.0% (96.3 to 100.0) and 74.0% (67.3 to 79.9); colorectal, 100.0% (96.6 to 100.0) and 80.5% (74.3 to 85.8); ovarian, 89.8% (77.8 to 96.6) and 75.9% (62.8 to 86.1); bladder, 78.6% (63.2 to 89.7) and 67.3% (52.5 to 0.1); prostate, 100.0% (93.2 to 100.0) and 79.0% (69.7 to 86.5). Sensitivity and PPV for death were as follows: lung, 97.0% (84.2 to 99.9) and 100.0% (84.2 to 100.0); breast, 100.0% (1.3 to 100.0) and 100.0% (1.3 to 100.0); colorectal, 100.0% (28.4 to 100.0) and 100.0% (28.4 to 100.0); ovarian, 100.0% (35.9 to 100.0) and 100.0% (35.9 to 100.0); bladder, 100.0% (9.4–100.0) and 100.0% (9.4 to 100.0); prostate, 75.0% (19.4 to 99.4) and 100.0% (19.4 to 100.0). Overall, PPV tended to be low, with the definition based on International Classification of Diseases, 10th revision alone for AEs.

Conclusion

Diagnostic accuracy was not so high, and therefore needs to be further investigated.

Trial registration number

University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN000039345).
Measuring the impact introducing NHS 111 online had on the NHS 111 telephone service and the wider NHS urgent care system: an observational study
Authors: Simpson Rebecca M , Jacques Richard M , Nicholl Jon , Stone Tony , Turner Janette
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To explore what impact introducing the National Health Service (NHS) 111 online service had on the number of phone calls to the NHS 111 telephone service and the NHS urgent care system.

Design

Observational study using a dose–response interrupted time series model and random-effects meta- analysis to estimate the average effect.

Setting and participants

NHS 111 telephone and online contacts for 18 NHS 111 area codes in England. NHS 111 telephone and online contacts data were collected between October 2010 to December 2019 and January 2018 to December 2019, respectively.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome: the number of triaged calls to the NHS 111 telephone service following the introduction of NHS 111 online. Secondary outcomes: total calls to the NHS 111 telephone service, total number of emergency ambulance referrals or advice to contact 999, total number of advice to attend an emergency department or other urgent care treatment facility, and total number of advice to contact primary care.

Results

For triaged calls, the overall incidence rate ratio (IRR) per 1000 online contacts was 1.013 (95% CI: 0.996 to 1.029, p=0.127). For total calls, the overall IRR per 1000 online contacts was 1.008 (95% CI: 0.992 to 1.025, p=0.313). For emergency ambulance referrals or advice to contact 999, the overall IRR per 1000 online contacts was 1.067 (95% CI: 1.035 to 1.100, p<0.001). For advice to attend an emergency department or other urgent care treatment facility, the overall IRR per 1000 online contacts is 1.050 (95% CI: 1.010 to 1.092, p=0.014). And finally, for those advised to contact primary care, the overall IRR per 1000 online contacts is 1.051 (95% CI: 1.027 to 1.076, p<0.001).

Conclusions

It was found that the NHS 111 online service has little impact on the number of triaged and total calls, suggesting that the workload for the NHS 111 telephone service has not increased or decreased as a result of introducing NHS 111 online. However, there was evidence to suggest an increase in the overall number of disposition recommendations (ambulance, emergency department and primary care) for NHS 111 telephone and online services combined following the introduction of the NHS 111 online service.
Behavioural intentions in response to a potential menthol cigarette sales ban: a survey examining smokers in Washington, DC public housing
Authors: Dearfield Craig T , Horn Kimberly , Crandell Ian , Bernat Debra H
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Local, national and international policies are being proposed to ban the sale of menthol-flavoured tobacco products. With more bans being implemented, it is increasingly important to understand reactions to these bans among smokers of low socioeconomic status. This study examined public housing residents’ behavioural intentions if menthol-flavoured cigarettes were no longer sold.

Setting

15 District of Columbia Housing Authority properties between March 2019 and March 2021.

Participants

221 District of Columbia Housing Authority residents ages 18–80 years who reported smoking menthol cigarettes (83.3% African-American/black).

Primary and secondary outcomes

Cigarette quitting and switching intentions due to a hypothetical menthol-flavoured cigarette sales ban.

Results

Nearly one-half (48.0%) of residents said they intended to quit cigarette use if menthol-flavoured products were no longer sold, while 27.2% were unsure if they would quit, and 24.9% reported they would not quit. Older residents (OR 0.94 per year, 95% CI 0.91 to 0.97), senior/disabled building versus family building residents (OR 0.50, 95% CI 0.25 to 0.97), those who smoked within 30 min of waking (OR 0.48, 95% CI 0.23 to 0.98) and daily smokers (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.21 to 0.84) had lower odds of reporting quit intentions associated with a menthol ban. Of those not intending to quit, 40.7% reported they would switch to non-menthol cigarettes, 20.4% to another non-menthol product, 13.0% to menthol e-cigarettes and 20.4% to another menthol product.

Conclusions

Results suggest banning the sale of menthol-flavoured products has the potential to impact cigarette smoking cessation. Nearly three-quarters of smokers in public housing indicated a possibility of quitting smoking because of a menthol cigarette ban. Bans that include all flavours in all tobacco products may be most effective for facilitating overall tobacco cessation.
Barriers and facilitators to implementation of a home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with heart failure in the NHS: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Daw Paulina , Wood Grace E R , Harrison Alexander , Doherty Patrick J , Veldhuijzen van Zanten Jet J C S , Dalal Hasnain M , Taylor Rod S , van Beurden Samantha B , McDonagh Sinead T J , Greaves Colin J
Published: July 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to identify barriers to, and facilitators of, implementation of the Rehabilitation EnAblement in CHronic Heart Failure (REACH-HF) programme within existing cardiac rehabilitation services, and develop and refine the REACH-HF Service Delivery Guide (an implementation guide cocreated with healthcare professionals). REACH-HF is an effective and cost-effective 12-week home-based cardiac rehabilitation programme for patients with heart failure.

Setting/participants

In 2019, four early adopter ‘Beacon Sites’ were set up to deliver REACH-HF to 200 patients. In 2020, 5 online REACH-HF training events were attended by 85 healthcare professionals from 45 National Health Service (NHS) teams across the UK and Ireland.

Design

Our mixed-methods study used in-depth semi-structured interviews and an online survey. Interviews were conducted with staff trained specifically for the Beacon Site project, identified by opportunity and snowball sampling. The online survey was later offered to subsequent NHS staff who took part in the online REACH-HF training. Normalisation Process Theory was used as a theoretical framework to guide data collection/analysis.

Results

Seventeen healthcare professionals working at the Beacon Sites were interviewed and 17 survey responses were received (20% response rate). The identified barriers and enablers included, among many, a lack of resources/commissioning, having interest in heart failure and working closely with the clinical heart failure team. Different implementation contexts (urban/rural), timing (during the COVID-19 pandemic) and factors outside the healthcare team/system (quality of the REACH-HF training) were observed to negatively or positively impact the implementation process.

Conclusions

The findings are highly relevant to healthcare professionals involved in planning, delivering and commissioning of cardiac rehabilitation for patients with heart failure. The study’s main output, a refined version of the REACH-HF Service Delivery Guide, can guide the implementation process (eg, designing new care pathways) and provide practical solutions to overcoming common implementation barriers (eg, through early identification of implementation champions).
Mapping spreading depolarisations after traumatic brain injury: a pilot clinical study protocol
Authors: Cramer Samuel W , Pino Isabela Peña , Naik Anant , Carlson Danielle , Park Michael C , Darrow David P
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Cortical spreading depolarisation (CSD) is characterised by a near-complete loss of the ionic membrane potential of cortical neurons and glia propagating across the cerebral cortex, which generates a transient suppression of spontaneous neuronal activity. CSDs have become a recognised phenomenon that imparts ongoing secondary insults after brain injury. Studies delineating CSD generation and propagation in humans after traumatic brain injury (TBI) are lacking. Therefore, this study aims to determine the feasibility of using a multistrip electrode array to identify CSDs and characterise their propagation in space and time after TBI.

Methods and analysis

This pilot, prospective observational study will enrol patients with TBI requiring therapeutic craniotomy or craniectomy. Subdural electrodes will be placed for continuous electrocorticography monitoring for seizures and CSDs as a research procedure, with surrogate informed consent obtained preoperatively. The propagation of CSDs relative to structural brain pathology will be mapped using reconstructed CT and electrophysiological cross-correlations. The novel use of multiple subdural strip electrodes in conjunction with brain morphometric segmentation is hypothesised to provide sufficient spatial information to characterise CSD propagation across the cerebral cortex and identify cortical foci giving rise to CSDs.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for the study was obtained from the Hennepin Healthcare Research Institute’s ethics committee, HSR 17-4400, 25 October 2017 to present. Study findings will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals and presented at scientific conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT03321370.
Reliability of the Sexual Knowledge Picture Instrument: a potential diagnostic instrument for sexual abuse in young children
Authors: van Ham Kirsten , Bolt Shanti , van Doesterling Mariska , Brilleslijper-Kater Sonja , Teeuw Rian , van Rijn Rick , van Goudoever Hans , van der Lee Hanneke
Published: July 2022

Objective

To determine the intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the Sexual Knowledge Picture Instrument (SKPI), a potential diagnostic instrument for young suspected victims of sexual abuse containing three scoring forms, that is, verbal responses, non-verbal reactions and red flags.

Design

Video-recorded SKPI interviews with children with and without suspicion of child sexual abuse were observed and scored by two trained, independent raters. The second rater repeated the assessment 6 weeks after initial rating to evaluate for intra-rater reliability.

Subjects

78 children aged 3–9 years old were included in the study. 39 of those included had known suspicion of sexual abuse and the other 39 had no suspicion.

Main outcome measures

Intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the scores per study group and in the total sample were assessed by Cohen’s kappa and percentage of agreement (POA).

Results

The median intra-rater Cohen’s kappa exceeded 0.90 and the POA exceeded 95 for all three forms in both study groups, except for the red flag form (median Cohen’s kappa 0.54 and POA 87 in the suspected group, and 0.84 and 92, respectively, in the total sample). For the verbal scoring form the median inter-rater Cohen’s kappa and POA were 1.00 and 100, respectively, in both groups. For the non-verbal form the median inter-rater kappa and POA were 0.37 and 97, respectively, in the suspected group, and 0.47 and 100, respectively, in the control group. For the red flag form, they were 0.37 and 76, respectively, in the suspected group and 0.42 and 77, respectively, in the control group.

Conclusion

The reliability of the SKPI verbal form was sufficient, but there is room for improvement in the non-verbal and red flag scoring forms. These forms may be improved by adjusting the manual and improving rater training.
Effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of universal school-based mindfulness training compared with normal school provision in reducing risk of mental health problems and promoting well-being in adolescence: the MYRIAD cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Kuyken Willem , Ball Susan , Crane Catherine , Ganguli Poushali , Jones Benjamin , Montero-Marin Jesus , Nuthall Elizabeth , Raja Anam , Taylor Laura , Tudor Kate , Viner Russell M , Allwood Matthew , Aukland Louise , Dunning Darren , Casey Tríona , Dalrymple Nicola , De Wilde Katherine , Farley Eleanor-Rose , Harper Jennifer , Kappelmann Nils , Kempnich Maria , Lord Liz , Medlicott Emma , Palmer Lucy , Petit Ariane , Philips Alice , Pryor-Nitsch Isobel , Radley Lucy , Sonley Anna , Shackleford Jem , Tickell Alice , Blakemore Sarah-Jayne , Team The MYRIAD , Ukoumunne Obioha C , Greenberg Mark T , Ford Tamsin , Dalgleish Tim , Byford Sarah , Williams J Mark G
Published: July 2022

Background

Systematic reviews suggest school-based mindfulness training (SBMT) shows promise in promoting student mental health.

Objective

The My Resilience in Adolescence (MYRIAD) Trial evaluated the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of SBMT compared with teaching-as-usual (TAU).

Methods

MYRIAD was a parallel group, cluster-randomised controlled trial. Eighty-five eligible schools consented and were randomised 1:1 to TAU (43 schools, 4232 students) or SBMT (42 schools, 4144 students), stratified by school size, quality, type, deprivation and region. Schools and students (mean (SD); age range=12.2 (0.6); 11–14 years) were broadly UK population-representative. Forty-three schools (n=3678 pupils; 86.9%) delivering SBMT, and 41 schools (n=3572; 86.2%) delivering TAU, provided primary end-point data. SBMT comprised 10 lessons of psychoeducation and mindfulness practices. TAU comprised standard social-emotional teaching. Participant-level risk for depression, social-emotional-behavioural functioning and well-being at 1 year follow-up were the co-primary outcomes. Secondary and economic outcomes were included.

Findings

Analysis of 84 schools (n=8376 participants) found no evidence that SBMT was superior to TAU at 1 year. Standardised mean differences (intervention minus control) were: 0.005 (95% CI −0.05 to 0.06) for risk for depression; 0.02 (−0.02 to 0.07) for social-emotional-behavioural functioning; and 0.02 (−0.03 to 0.07) for well-being. SBMT had a high probability of cost-effectiveness (83%) at a willingness-to-pay threshold of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life year. No intervention-related adverse events were observed.

Conclusions

Findings do not support the superiority of SBMT over TAU in promoting mental health in adolescence.

Clinical implications

There is need to ask what works, for whom and how, as well as considering key contextual and implementation factors.

Trial registration

Current controlled trialsISRCTN86619085. This research was funded by the Wellcome Trust (WT104908/Z/14/Z and WT107496/Z/15/Z).
How can we optimise learning from trials in child and adolescent mental health?
Authors: Axford Nick , Berry Vashti , Lloyd Jenny , Wyatt Katrina
Published: July 2022

Improving child and adolescent mental health requires the careful development and rigorous testing of interventions and delivery methods. This includes universal school-based mindfulness training, evaluated in the My Resilience in Adolescence (MYRIAD) trial reported in this special edition. While discovering effective interventions through randomised controlled trials is our ultimate aim, null or negative results can and should play an important role in progressing our understanding of what works. Unfortunately, alongside publication bias there can be a tendency to ignore, spin or unfairly undermine disappointing findings. This creates research waste that can increase risk and reduce benefits for future service users. We advocate several practices to help optimise learning from all trials, whatever the results: stronger intervention design reduces the likelihood of foreseeable null or negative results; an evidence-informed conceptual map of the subject area assists with understanding how results contribute to the knowledge base; mixed methods trial designs aid explanation of outcome results; various open science practices support the dispassionate analysis of data and transparent reporting of trial findings; and preparation for null or negative results helps to temper stakeholder expectations and increase understanding of why we conduct trials in the first place. To embed these practices, research funders must be willing to pay for pilot studies and ‘thicker’ trials, and publishers should judge trials according to their conduct and not their outcome. MYRIAD is an exemplar of how to design, conduct and report a trial to optimise learning, with important implications for practice.
Comparative analysis of off-road vehicle crashes in children: motorcycles versus quad bikes
Authors: Mulligan Christopher S , Adams Susan , Moeller Holger , Whyte Tom , Soundappan Soundappan S V , Brown Julie
Published: July 2022

Objective

To characterise and compare off-road motorcycle and quad bike crashes in children in New South Wales (NSW), Australia.

Methods

A retrospective, cross-sectional study was performed of children aged 0–16 years, admitted to hospitals in NSW, from 2001 to 2018 following an injury sustained in an off-road motorcycle or quad bike crash, using linked hospital admissions, mortality and census data.

Motorcycle and quad bike injuries were compared regarding: demographics; incidence; body region injured and type of injury; injury severity based on the survival risk ratio; length of stay and mortality.

Results

There were 6624 crashes resulting in hospitalisation; 5156 involving motorcycles (77.8%) and 1468 involving quad bikes (22.2%). There were 10 fatalities (6 from motorcycles and 4 from quad bikes). The rates of injury declined over the study period for motorcycles, but not for quad bikes.

Motorcycle riders were more likely than quad bike riders to have lower limb injuries (OR 1.49, p<0.001) but less likely to have head/neck (OR 0.616, p<0.001), abdominal (OR 0.778, p=0.007) and thoracic (OR 0.745, p=0.003) injuries. Quad bike crashes resulted in higher injury severity (mean International Classification Injury Severity Score 0.975 vs 0.977, p=0.03) and longer hospital stay (mean 2.42 days vs 2.09 days, p=0.01).

Conclusions

There are significant differences between quad bike and motorcycle crashes in injury type and affected body region. While quad bike injuries in children were more severe, there were almost four times more hospitalisations from motorcycles overall. The overall larger burden of motorcycle crashes suggests a greater focus of injury prevention countermeasures for two-wheeled riders is needed.
A novel self-expanding shape memory polymer coil for intracranial aneurysm embolization: 1 year follow-up in Chile
Authors: Echeverría Daniel , Rivera Rodrigo , Giacaman Pablo , Sordo Juan Gabriel , Einersen Martín , Badilla Lautaro
Published: July 2022

Background

Aneurysm recurrence remains a challenge when coiling cerebral aneurysms. Development of next generation coils has focused on accelerating thrombus maturation and increasing coil packing density. Ultra low density shape memory polymer is a novel embolic material designed for this purpose. The polymer is crimped over a platinum–tungsten coil for catheter delivery and self-expands to a predefined volume on contact with blood.

Methods

This prospective study in humans evaluated aneurysms 5–16 mm (inclusive) in diameter that were indicated for endovascular coil embolization. At least 70% coil volume was required to be shape memory polymer coils. Patients were followed-up according to standard of care for 12 months.

Results

Nine patients (89% women, mean age 55.8±11.7 years) were treated with shape memory polymer coils and completed 12 months of follow-up. Aneurysms were all unruptured and were in the ophthalmic segment of the internal carotid artery (n=7), posterior communicating artery, and anterior cerebral artery A1–A2 segment. Aneurysms were a mean of 7.8±2.9 mm in diameter (range 5.2–14.9 mm). The mean packing density based on unexpanded polymer was 17±6%. Packing density based on expanded polymer was 43±13%. At 12 months, no recurrence had occurred, and a Raymond–Roy occlusion classification of 1 (n=5) or 2 (n=4) was observed. No serious adverse events related to the study device occurred over the 12 months after the procedure.

Conclusions

Shape memory polymer coils were safe and effective in treating intracranial aneurysms over 12 months in this first study in human subjects.
Anyons in conformal Hilbert spaces: Statistics and dynamics of gapless excitations in fractional quantum Hall systems
Authors: Yang Bo
Published: July 2022

This paper reviews some of the recent progresses in understanding the dynamical and statistical properties of anyons in fractional quantum Hall (FQH) systems. These are strongly interacting topological systems for electrons confined to a two-dimensional manifold, and anyons are fundamental particles emerging from the truncation of the Hilbert space as a result of both the kinetic and interaction energies. We introduce the concept of the conformal Hilbert spaces (CHS) from such Hilbert space truncation, and the hierarchy of these Hilbert spaces allows us to understand the internal structures of the anyons that can strongly affect their dynamics. The bulk-edge correspondence and the conformal mapping of the CHS also enable us to derive a rigorous bosonization scheme for anyons in these two-dimensional systems, and to capture the statistical interaction between anyons in the form of microscopic interaction Hamiltonians. Examples about the fractionalization of Laughlin quasiholes and a new family of bosonic FQH phases as the dual descriptions of the well-known fermionic FQH phases are given, as applications to the proposed theoretical constructions in this work.
PREDICTION OF THE VERTICAL PERMEABILITY COEFFICIENT BASED ON FRACTAL THEORY FOR WOVEN SLIT-FILM GEOTEXTILES
Authors: TANG XIAOWU , LI KEYI , ZHAO WENFANG , LIANG JIAXIN , CHEN XIULIANG , LIN WEIKANG
Published: July 2022

The coefficient of vertical permeability is a common filter design criterion for woven slit-film geotextiles. According to the pipe flow theory, a permeability coefficient model has been proposed for predicting the permeability coefficient of woven geotextiles, in which the pore characteristics were described by the Sierpiński carpet fractal theory. The verification of models is performed in 12 woven geotextiles of two types using a digital image method and a vertical water permeability test of the geotextile. The influence of the pore characteristics on the permeability coefficient is further explored using univariate and multivariate analyses. The results show that the porosity model can accurately predict the total percent pore area (POA) and the POA distribution of the woven geotextiles, and the permeability model can accurately predict the permeability coefficient of the geotextiles. The permeability coefficient of geotextiles decreases with the pore area fractal dimension and the minimum pore size under the action of a single factor. The permeability coefficient increases as the maximum pore size increases. POA and maximum pore size are the most significant independent variables affecting the permeability coefficients of geotextile under the action of multifactor.
CASE STUDY ON TOTAL CONTROLLABILITY AND OPTIMAL CONTROL OF HILFER NEUTRAL NON-INSTANTANEOUS FRACTIONAL DERIVATIVE
Authors: SOOPPY NISAR KOTTAKKARAN , RAVICHANDRAN C. , ABDEL-ATY ABDEL-HALEEM , YAHIA IBRAHIM S. , PARK CHOONKIL
Published: July 2022

The aim of the study is to discuss the controllability results of Hilfer neutral non-instantaneous impulsive fractional integro-differential equations (HNNIIFIE). Total controllability results were discussed by employing set-contraction theory and Kuratowski measure of non-compactness. Also we derived the results on optimal control using appropriate conditions. An illustration is given to validate the outcomes.
Development of controlled reactions using an element-based design of azaporphyrinoid materials
Authors: Furuyama Taniyuki
Published: July 2022

Phthalocyanines (Pcs) and related macrocycles (azaporphyrinoids) are well-known artificial dyes in modern material chemistry. Several strategies for fine-tuning their optical/electrochemical/aromatic properties have been proposed. The diversity of Pcs enables novel functionalities that can assist in innovative approaches to tune and improve the properties of diverse material. Organic synthesis yields a wide array of organic molecules. Herein, the author describes two methods for developing controlled reactions in organic synthesis: controlled reactions to produce novel Pcs and controlled reactions using Pcs. In particular, the author proposes an “element-based” design strategy to obtain unique properties using a simple synthetic procedure. This strategy permits the fine-tuning of optical properties in the near-infrared (NIR) region (700–1000 nm). These innovations should create further opportunities for flexible applications of NIR light
The spatial and temporal effects of Fog–Haze pollution on the influenza transmission
Authors: Song Haitao , Jin Zhen , Shan Chunhua , Chang Lili
Published: July 2022

The energy-intensive industrial economy results in frequent Fog–Haze weather which increases the risk of influenza spread and brings new challenges for the prevention and control of influenza. Therefore, the study of spread mechanics and controlling strategies of influenza based on Fog–Haze will be scientifically meaningful. Considering that when the concentration of Fog–Haze is low, Fog–Haze contributes to the number of infectious individuals and Fog–Haze suppresses the transmission of the influenza virus when the concentration of Fog–Haze is high, we establish the Fog–Haze dynamics model. Then we prove the global existence and boundedness of the solution, and the global asymptotic stability of the solution is given by constructing a suitable Lyapunov functional. Under the Fog–Haze weather, we study the influenza virus transmission model that incorporates the incidence rate to reflect the Fog–Haze-dependent saturation effect and investigate the effect of Fog–Haze pollution on the transmission of influenza. We show that the basic reproduction number [Formula: see text] determines the global dynamics of the system: if [Formula: see text], the disease-free equilibrium is global asymptotically stable; the unique endemic equilibrium is global asymptotically stable if [Formula: see text]. Simulations are carried out to validate the theoretical results. Our study provides further understanding of the dynamics of Fog–Haze and the effect of Fog–Haze pollution on the transmission of influenza.
Speed selection of traveling waves to an epidemic model
Authors: Wang Yahui , Wang Xinjian , Lin Guo
Published: July 2022

This paper is devoted to investigating the selection mechanism of the minimal wave speed for traveling waves to an epidemic model. The determinacy of linear and nonlinear selections is further discussed by the upper–lower solutions and comparison principle. A threshold is defined by the eigenvalue problem of the linearized system. We show that the nonlinear determinacy is obtained as long as there exists a lower solution with a faster decay and a speed parameter that is larger than the threshold. When the speed parameter equals to the threshold, if there exists an upper solution satisfying proper limit behavior, then the linear selection is realized. For a special function of infection rate, we obtain a threshold parameter that determines the linear and nonlinear selections.
Mathematical-based models for solution of the load flow problem
Authors: Al-Subhi Ahmad
Published: July 2022

Load flow (LF) analysis is one of the most important aspects in power system studies. It is the most significant and necessary way to investigate the problems in power system operation and planning. The LF problem comprises a set of nonlinear algebraic equations that must be solved mathematically through iterations. The solution convergence is the most important criteria that is largely affected by the size of power system, which continues to increase in the current modern power system field. Thus, there is no guarantee that the iterative approaches will converge to a valid solution for problems with such large dimensions. This paper develops generalized, effective and simple mathematical models for the solution of the LF problem. The problem is first solved by Gauss–Seidel (GS) method in order to generate the training data. Eureqa software is then adopted for the purpose of data training and mathematical models generation. The models relate bus voltage magnitudes and angles as output parameters with the load active and reactive power values as input parameters. To study the validity of the proposed approach, the mathematical models have been developed for two benchmark test systems; IEEE 5-bus test system and 9-bus test system developed by Western Systems Coordinating Council (WSCC). When compared with the outputs resulting from GS technique, the results have shown efficient and accurate capability of the generated models for evaluating bus voltages magnitudes and angles as well as generated reactive power. The models have also been compared with other published research. The results have shown efficient performance of the developed models.
Investigation of geochemical characteristics and hydrothermal alteration zone mapping supported by remote sensing of a porphyry copper prospect, southeastern Iran: integrated applications to exploration
Authors: Khammar Fereshteh , Alborzian Joonaghani Shahab , Abadi Leila Jan , Boomeri Mohammad , Lentz David R.
Published: July 2022

The area discussed in this exploration methodology case study is situated along the Sistan Suture Zone where the granitoid suite is a mantle-derived multiphase intrusive complex. One of the characteristics of this region is the presence of large areas of sulfide-bearing, quartz-rich stockwork and pyritic veins. Geochemical findings show that it is limited to the calc-alkaline to shoshonitic series intrusions and is associated with a volcanic arc (I-type) formed within an active continental margin subduction setting. The associated intrusive complex has characteristics consistent with Cu productive porphyries, supported by high K-adakitic Sr/Y, La/Yb, Y and Al
2
O
3
/TiO
2
geochemical signatures. The stockwork mineralization includes the hypogene (chalcopyrite and bornite), with locally superimposed supergene (covellite, malachite, goethite and hematite) zones. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflection Radiometer (ASTER) images (visible-near infrared (VNIR), and shortwave infrared (SWIR) bands) and mixture tuned matched filtering (MTMF) algorithm enable identification of each hydrothermal alteration type, especially where pictures were innovatively classified using a concentration–number (C–N) fractal method. Four alteration types are evident (i.e. phyllic, argillic and propylitic), as well as secondary (supergene) jarosite, that are associated with gossans, which are an indicator of the hypogene pyritic shell. The propylitic alteration envelopes the phyllic and argillic varieties, forming a belt around the pyritic shell; alteration assemblages were confirmed by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) analysis. Finally, all results show a mineralization alteration pattern within the case study region that is similar to those of known porphyry copper and associated molybdenum- and gold-bearing systems in this region of Iran and worldwide.