bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Do Previous Survey Experience and Participating Due to an Incentive affect Response Quality? Evidence from the CRONOS Panel
Authors: Schwarz Hannah , Revilla Melanie , Struminskaya Bella
Published: June 2022

As ever more surveys are conducted, recruited respondents are more likely to already have previous survey experience. Furthermore, it has become more difficult to convince individuals to participate in surveys, and thus, incentives are increasingly used. Both previous survey experience and participation in surveys due to incentives have been discussed in terms of their links with response quality. This study aims to assess whether previous web survey experience and survey participation due to incentives are linked with three indicators of response quality: item non-response, primacy effect and non-differentiation. Analysing data of the probability-based CROss-National Online Survey panel covering Estonia, Slovenia and Great Britain, we found that previous web survey experience is not associated with item non-response and the occurrence of a primacy effect but is associated with non-differentiation. Participating due to the incentive is not associated with any of the three response quality indicators assessed. Hence, overall, we find little evidence that response quality is linked with either previous web survey experience or participating due to the incentive.
Age, period and cohort effects in a dealigned electorate: comparing late deciders and vote switchers
Authors: Lisi Marco
Published: June 2022

Whereas many advanced democracies experience a long‐term process of dealignment, the impact of age, period and cohort on late deciders and vote switchers is still unclear. In addition, extant research fails to systematically examine the determinants that account for the time of vote decision compared to explanations of vote change at the individual level. Drawing on pooled data that include election surveys for Portuguese legislative elections held between 2002 and 2019, this study analyses the impact of age, period and cohort on late deciders and vote switchers. The findings indicate that age has a significant impact on both phenomena, while period effects are important only for the time of vote decision. Finally, the lack of partisan identities and short‐term factors, in particular ambivalence towards the main party leaders, are relevant for explaining electoral indecision and inter‐election volatility.
Cytological and microbiological evaluation of conjunctiva in camels with and without conjunctivitis
Authors: Shawaf Turke , Hussen Jamal
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe the cytological analysis of conjunctiva from normal camels and camels with bacterial conjunctivitis.

Animals studied

This study was conducted on 7 normal camels and 15 camels affected with conjunctivitis. The affected camels had a history of conjunctivitis with signs including chemosis, blepharospasm, frequent blinking, and mild‐to‐moderate serous, mucoid, or purulent ocular discharge.

Procedures

Bacterial swabs were collected from the inferior conjunctival sac of the affected eye without topical anesthetics. Conjunctival smears were obtained from the conjunctival surface for cytological analysis.

Results

The cellular analysis of ocular smears revealed a higher percentage of basal cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages in camels with conjunctivitis compared with normal camels. In contrast to this, smears from normal camels showed an increased percentage of superficial epithelial cells compared with affected camels. The microbiological assessment of conjunctival swabs collected from affected animals identified a bacterial growth ofStaphylococcus aureus.,Bacillussp.,Streptococcussp.,Enterococcus faecium.,Staphylococcussp.,Corynebacteriumsp.,Coryne pseudotuberculosis.,Saprophytica,Enterobacter cloacae,Escherichia coli,Proteus mirabilis,Proteus vulagaris, andPseudomonas aeruginosa.

Conclusions

It was observed that bacterial conjunctivitis in camels was associated with increased percentages of basal epithelial cells, neutrophils, eosinophils, and macrophages compared with normal camels, while normal camels showed an increased percentage of superficial epithelial cells compared with affected camels.
Reforma do marco legal do saneamento e o contrato de programa: discussão sobre o protagonismo das empresas estatais na prestação dos serviços
Authors: Valério Marco Aurélio Gumieri , Kotait Marília Salim , Gremaud Amaury Patrick , Merlo Edgard Monforte
Published: June 2022

Recentemente esteve em debate a reforma do marco legal do saneamento, sendo um dos pontos de controvérsia a extinção ou continuidade dos contratos de programa, tal como a possibilidade de celebração de novos contratos dessa modalidade. O contrato de programa, ao possibilitar a contratação entre entes da Administração sem a necessidade de realização de licitação, é entendido como causa para o predomínio da prestação dos serviços pelas companhias estaduais, e por isso enfrentou grande oposição por parte do setor privado no debate público, e também do Poder Executivo Federal, encampando uma agenda liberal. Ainda que haja importantes divergências, os argumentos que foram trazidos pelas companhias estaduais em defesa da continuidade do contrato de programa relacionam-se à defesa do papel de protagonista do Estado na direção dos investimentos em infraestrutura, o que representa, em alguma medida, o resgate e a atualização de elementos do pensamento cepalino.
Produção e reprodução no capitalismo neoliberal: um modelo de exploração e expropriação a ser superado pelo princípio político do comum.
Authors: Machado Juliana Pantoja , Serra Neto Prudêncio Hilário , Mesquita Valena Jacob Chaves
Published: June 2022

O momento atual é caracterizado por um autoritarismo crescente, pelo racismo, sexismo, xenofobia cada vez menos envergonhados no discurso público, pelo desmonte do Estado-social, por um agravamento sem precedentes das desigualdades sociais, pelo desencantamento com relação à política, ao mesmo tempo, testemunha-se um ataque sem precedentes aos recursos naturais, as populações tradicionais e aos saberes locais. Tratam-se de sintomas muito claros e situados dentro do que pode ser chamado de uma razão de mundo neoliberal, na qual mercado e sobretudo a concorrência se expandem cada vez mais, por todas as esferas da vida, transformando, tudo aquilo que for possível, em um potencial produto a ser consumido. Partindo de tais premissas, questiona-se uma série de conceitos e ideias, tais como desenvolvimento, progresso e políticas públicas que podem, sob diversos discursos de dissimulação, servirem a interesses de elites e oligarquias ao mesmo tempo que permitem uma ampliação de situações de violência e exclusão. Assim, através de uma pesquisa bibliográfica, busca-se, na primeira seção, descrever aspectos relacionados a produção e reprodução no sistema capitalista neoliberal, priorizando-se a questão de gênero para, na segunda seção, pensar o princípio político do comum enquanto caminho para a superação da razão de mercado, através de uma lógica mais pautada na solidariedade e, sobretudo, na coatividade, que implica, simultaneamente, não só o desenvolvimento de determinada atividade comum como, também, a autogestão desse grupo.
O Estado, a Regulação e a Questão Ambiental no Setor Elétrico Brasileiro: Uma Análise Sobre os Megaprojetos de Lajeado e Estreito
Authors: Chaves Ana Carolina , Giusti Fabio , Mercedes Strauch Julia Célia
Published: June 2022

O acesso à energia elétrica é estratégico para o desenvolvimento econômico e social, sendo o Estado o agente responsável por garantir a infraestrutura coletiva e as políticas públicas de redistribuição dos benefícios sociais. No entanto, no setor elétrico brasileiro, a inserção de projetos hidrelétricos no território vem proporcionando profundos impactos no meio físico-biótico e na dinâmica territorial e social pré-existente. Apesar do crescente ganho de conscientização ambiental e do estabelecimento de Objetivos do Desenvolvimento Sustentável, as políticas públicas que permeiam a questão ambiental no Brasil parecem não acompanhar, na prática, o ritmo de degradação e impactos vinculados a estes projetos. Diante deste contexto, o presente artigo tem como objetivo avaliar como a evolução das políticas públicas referentes à questão ambiental se refletiu nas ações do setor elétrico brasileiro e na inserção de projetos hidrelétricos através dos estudos de caso das usinas hidrelétricas de Lajeado e Estreito. Os resultados revelam que apesar do avanço regulatório, institucional e tecnológico, os padrões de impactos socioambientais nos projetos hidrelétricos estudados se repetem e as políticas públicas e instrumentos adotados para resolução de conflitos promovidos pelo Estado permanecem insuficientes frente às perdas materiais e simbólicas da população atingida. Cabe destacar ainda que, no cenário atual, com a crescente ascensão do modelo neoliberal no setor, refletido na intensificação da mercantilização da energia elétrica e desmonte institucional e regulatório da questão ambiental, a magnitude destes impactos e conflitos tende a se ampliar.
Simplified CVD route to near-zero thickness silicon nitride films
Authors: Arkles Barry , Brick Chad , Goff Jonathan , Kaloyeros Alain E.
Published: June 2022

Silicon nitride (SiNx, x ∼ 1) thin films were deposited by chemical vapor deposition on silicon oxide (SiO2) substrates by combining controlled pulses of the precursor 1,3,5-tri(isopropyl)cyclotrisilazane (TICZ, C9H27N3Si3) with a continuous ammonia (NH3) plasma. This plasma-assisted pulsed CVD (PPCVD) process enables the integration of the nanoscale thickness and uniformity control achieved in atomic layer deposition with the efficiency of plasma-enhanced CVD (PE-CVD). TICZ was selected because it is a nonpyrophoric stable liquid with a high vapor pressure (∼133 Pa at 70 °C) and could act as a single source for SiNx with both high Si and N contents. An optimized PPCVD process window was identified consisting of a substrate temperature of 350 °C, a TICZ pulse of ≤0.2 s, and a TICZ purge pulse ≥10 s in a continuous direct NH3 plasma at a NH3 flow rate and a power of 40 SCCM and 3000 W, respectively. The as-deposited films were analyzed by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and spectroscopic ellipsometry. XPS analysis confirmed the absence of any C inclusion and demonstrated the existence of the 1:1 Si:N ratio. In situ, real-time ellipsometry measurements indicated that SiNx growth occurred in a typical PE-CVD regime. They also yielded an as-grown SiNx average refractive index of ∼1.75.
Subspace-constrained deconvolution of auditory evoked potentials
Authors: de la Torre Angel , Valderrama Joaquin T. , Segura Jose C. , Alvarez Isaac M. , Garcia-Miranda Jesus
Published: June 2022

Auditory evoked potentials can be estimated by synchronous averaging when the responses to the individual stimuli are not overlapped. However, when the response duration exceeds the inter-stimulus interval, a deconvolution procedure is necessary to obtain the transient response. The iterative randomized stimulation and averaging and the equivalent randomized stimulation with least squares deconvolution have been proven to be flexible and efficient methods for deconvolving the evoked potentials, with minimum restrictions in the design of stimulation sequences. Recently, a latency-dependent filtering and down-sampling (LDFDS) methodology was proposed for optimal filtering and dimensionality reduction, which is particularly useful when the evoked potentials involve the complete auditory pathway response (i.e., from the cochlea to the auditory cortex). In this case, the number of samples required to accurately represent the evoked potentials can be reduced from several thousand (with conventional sampling) to around 120. In this article, we propose to perform the deconvolution in the reduced representation space defined by LDFDS and present the mathematical foundation of the subspace-constrained deconvolution. Under the assumption that the evoked response is appropriately represented in the reduced representation space, the proposed deconvolution provides an optimal least squares estimation of the evoked response. Additionally, the dimensionality reduction provides a substantial reduction of the computational cost associated with the deconvolution. matlab/Octave code implementing the proposed procedures is included as supplementary material.
Influence of meteorological conditions and topography on the active space of mountain birds assessed by a wave-based sound propagation model
Authors: Guibard Arthur , Sèbe Frédéric , Dragna Didier , Ollivier Sébastien
Published: June 2022

The active space is a central bioacoustic concept to understand communication networks and animal behavior. Propagation of biological acoustic signals has often been studied in homogeneous environments using an idealized circular active space representation, but few studies have assessed the variations of the active space due to environment heterogeneities and transmitter position. To study these variations for mountain birds like the rock ptarmigan, we developed a sound propagation model based on the parabolic equation method that accounts for the topography, the ground effects, and the meteorological conditions. The comparison of numerical simulations with measurements performed during an experimental campaign in the French Alps confirms the capacity of the model to accurately predict sound levels. We then use this model to show how mountain conditions affect surface and shape of active spaces, with topography being the most significant factor. Our data reveal that singing during display flights is a good strategy to adopt for a transmitter to expand its active space in such an environment. Overall, our study brings new perspectives to investigate the spatiotemporal dynamics of communication networks.
Perception of interrupted speech and text: Listener and modality factors
Authors: Fogerty Daniel , Dubno Judy R. , Shafiro Valeriy
Published: June 2022

Interrupted speech and text are used to measure processes of linguistic closure that are important for recognition under adverse backgrounds. The present study compared recognition of speech and text that had been periodically interrupted with matched amounts of silence or white space, respectively. Recognition thresholds were obtained for younger and older adults with normal or simulated/impaired hearing and correlated with recognition of speech-in-babble. Results demonstrate domain-general, age-related processes in linguistic closure affecting high context sentences and domain-specific, hearing-related processes in speech recognition affecting low context sentences. Text recognition captures domain-general linguistic processes in speech recognition susceptible to age-related effects.
DNA topology dictates emergent bulk elasticity and hindered macromolecular diffusion in DNA-dextran composites
Authors: Khanal Pawan , Peddireddy Karthik R. , Marfai Juexin , McGorty Ryan , Robertson-Anderson Rae M.
Published: June 2022

Polymer architecture plays critical roles in both bulk rheological properties and microscale macromolecular dynamics in entangled polymer solutions and composites. Ring polymers, in particular, have been the topic of much debate due to the inability of the celebrated reptation model to capture their observed dynamics. Macrorheology and differential dynamic microscopy (DDM) are powerful methods to determine entangled polymer dynamics across scales; yet, they typically require different samples under different conditions, preventing direct coupling of bulk rheological properties to the underlying macromolecular dynamics. Here, we perform macrorheology on composites of highly overlapping DNA and dextran polymers, focusing on the role of DNA topology (rings versus linear chains) as well as the relative volume fractions of DNA and dextran. On the same samples under the same conditions, we perform DDM and single-molecule tracking on embedded fluorescent-labeled DNA molecules immediately before and after bulk measurements. We show DNA-dextran composites exhibit unexpected nonmonotonic dependences of bulk viscoelasticity and molecular-level transport properties on the fraction of DNA comprising the composites, with characteristics that are strongly dependent on the DNA topology. We rationalize our results as arising from stretching and bundling of linear DNA versus compaction, swelling, and threading of rings driven by dextran-mediated depletion interactions.
Light-field-driven electronics in the mid-infrared regime: Schottky rectification
Authors: Schlecht Maria T. , Knorr Matthias , Schmid Christoph P. , Malzer Stefan , Huber Rupert , Weber Heiko B.
Published: June 2022

The speed of an active electronic semiconductor device is limited by
RC
timescale, i.e., the time required for its charging and discharging. To circumvent this ubiquitous limitation of conventional electronics, we investigate diodes under intense mid-infrared light-field pulses. We choose epitaxial graphene on silicon carbide as a metal/semiconductor pair, acting as an ultrarobust and almost-transparent Schottky diode. The usually dominant forward direction is suppressed, but a characteristic signal occurs in reverse bias. For its theoretical description, we consider tunneling through the light-field–modulated Schottky barrier, complemented by a dynamical accumulation correction. On the basis only of the DC parametrization of the diode, the model provides a consistent and accurate description of the experimentally observed infrared phenomena. This allows the conclusion that cycle-by-cycle dynamics determines rectification. As the chosen materials have proven capabilities for transistors, circuits, and even a full logic, we see a way to establish light-field-driven electronics with rapidly increasing functionality.
Transcriptional regulation of photoprotection in dark-to-light transition—More than just a matter of excess light energy
Authors: Redekop Petra , Sanz-Luque Emanuel , Yuan Yizhong , Villain Gaelle , Petroutsos Dimitris , Grossman Arthur R.
Published: June 2022

In nature, photosynthetic organisms are exposed to different light spectra and intensities depending on the time of day and atmospheric and environmental conditions. When photosynthetic cells absorb excess light, they induce nonphotochemical quenching to avoid photodamage and trigger expression of “photoprotective” genes. In this work, we used the green alga
Chlamydomonas reinhardtii
to assess the impact of light intensity, light quality, photosynthetic electron transport, and carbon dioxide on induction of the photoprotective genes (
LHCSR1
,
LHCSR3
, and
PSBS
) during dark-to-light transitions. Induction (mRNA accumulation) occurred at very low light intensity and was independently modulated by blue and ultraviolet B radiation through specific photoreceptors; only
LHCSR3
was strongly controlled by carbon dioxide levels through a putative enhancer function of CIA5, a transcription factor that controls genes of the carbon concentrating mechanism. We propose a model that integrates inputs of independent signaling pathways and how they may help the cells anticipate diel conditions and survive in a dynamic light environment.
Grain boundary dynamics driven by magnetically induced circulation at the void interface of 2D colloidal crystals
Authors: Lobmeyer Dana M. , Biswal Sibani Lisa
Published: June 2022

The complexity of shear-induced grain boundary dynamics has been historically difficult to view at the atomic scale. Meanwhile, two-dimensional (2D) colloidal crystals have gained prominence as model systems to easily explore grain boundary dynamics at single-particle resolution but have fallen short at exploring these dynamics under shear. Here, we demonstrate how an inherent interfacial shear in 2D colloidal crystals drives microstructural evolution. By assembling paramagnetic particles into polycrystalline sheets using a rotating magnetic field, we generate a particle circulation at the interface of particle-free voids. This circulation shears the crystalline bulk, operating as both a source and sink for grain boundaries. Furthermore, we show that the Read-Shockley theory for hard-condensed matter predicts the misorientation angle and energy of shear-induced low-angle grain boundaries based on their regular defect spacing. Model systems containing shear provide an ideal platform to elucidate shear-induced grain boundary dynamics for use in engineering improved/advanced materials.
RNA exosome drives early B cell development via noncoding RNA processing mechanisms
Authors: Laffleur Brice , Batista Carolina R. , Zhang Wanwei , Lim Junghyun , Yang Biao , Rossille Delphine , Wu Lijing , Estrella Jerson , Rothschild Gerson , Pefanis Evangelos , Basu Uttiya
Published: June 2022

B cell development is linked to successful V(D)J recombination, allowing B cell receptor expression and ultimately antibody secretion for adaptive immunity. Germline noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) are produced at immunoglobulin (Ig) loci during V(D)J recombination, but their function and posttranscriptional regulation are incompletely understood. Patients with trichohepatoenteric syndrome, characterized by RNA exosome pathway component mutations, exhibit lymphopenia, thus demonstrating the importance of ncRNA surveillance in B cell development in humans. To understand the role of RNA exosome in early B cell development in greater detail, we generated mouse models harboring a B cell–specific
cre
allele (

Mb1
cre

), coupled to conditional inversion-deletion alleles of one RNA exosome core component (
Exosc3
) or RNase catalytic subunits (
Exosc10
or
Dis3
). We noticed increased expression of RNA exosome subunits during V(D)J recombination, whereas a B cell developmental blockade at the pro–B cell stage was observed in the different knockout mice, overlapping with a lack of productive rearrangements of VDJ genes at the
Ig
heavy chain (
Igh
). This unsuccessful recombination prevented differentiation into pre–B cells, with accumulation of ncRNAs and up-regulation of the p53 pathway. Introduction of a prearranged
Igh
VDJ allele partly rescued the pre–B cell population in
Dis3
-deficient cells, although V-J recombination defects were observed at
Ig
light chain kappa (
Ig
κ), preventing subsequent B cell development. These observations demonstrated that the RNA exosome complex is important for
Igh
and
Ig
κ recombination and establish the relevance of RNA processing for optimal diversification at these loci during B cell development.
The Phosphatase Bph and Peptidyl-Prolyl Isomerase PrsA Are Required for Gelatinase Expression and Activity in Enterococcus faecalis
Authors: Willett Julia L. E. , Robertson Ethan B. , Dunny Gary M.
Published: June 2022

In
Enterococcus faecalis
, gelatinase (GelE) is a virulence factor that is also important for biofilm formation and interactions with other microbes as well as the host immune system. The long-standing model for GelE production is that the Fsr quorum sensing system positively regulates expression of
gelE
.
Genetic Determinants of Xylan Utilization in Humisphaera borealis M1803T, a Planctomycete of the Class Phycisphaerae
Authors: Naumoff D. G. , Kulichevskaya I. S. , Dedysh S. N.
Published: June 2022

Abstract—

Planctomycetes of the class Phycisphaerae are aerobic and anaerobic heterotrophic bacteria that colonize a wide range of marine and terrestrial habitats. Their functional roles in the environment, however, are still poorly understood. Humisphaera borealis M1803T is one of the very few characterized planctomycetes of this class. It is also the first described representative of the previously uncultured group WD2101, which is commonly detected in soils and peatlands. This work analyzed the genetic determinants that define the ability of Humisphaera borealis M1803T to grow on xylan, one of the plant cell wall polymers. The whole genome sequence analysis of this planctomycete resulted in identification of five genes encoding the proteins homologous to previously described endo-β-xylanases. For two of these proteins, evolutionarily closer experimentally characterized homologs with other substrate specificities were found. In a member of the GH10 family of glycoside hydrolases, the active center of the enzyme was destroyed. We consider two proteins from GH62 and GH141 families as the most likely candidates for the role of β-xylanase responsible for xylan utilization. Phylogenetic analysis of proteins of GH10, GH62, and GH141 families was carried out. The role of lateral transfers in the evolution of the genes for glycoside hydrolases and their close homologs is discussed.
Evoked Potentials of the Midbrain Associated with the Beginning and End of a Sound of a Simple Tone
Authors: Kantserova A. O. , Oknina L. B. , Pitskhelauri D. I. , Podlepich V. V. , Masherov E. L. , Vologdina Y. O.
Published: June 2022

The anatomical structure of the auditory system and the presence of several complementary levels of information processing allow a person to very quickly and accurately assess a variety of natural sounds that have minimal differences in frequency, duration, or intensity. At the same time, the features of the analysis of auditory information by the deep structures of the brain have not been fully investigated. In particular, the role of the midbrain in the perception of auditory information has not been fully identified. The basis of this study was the data of analysis of the activity of the midbrain in five people, obtained during intraoperative monitoring during surgery for the removal of tumor of the brainstem. Electric potentials were recorded using a depth electrode installed in the brain aqueduct. The activity of the midbrain associated with the response to simple tones was analyzed. Peaks S1, S2 and S3 were associated with the onset of the sound stimulus, peak E was associated with the end of the sound stimulus. Peaks S1, S2, and S3 most likely reflect the conduction of an uneven impulse along the auditory pathway. Peak E reflects the analysis of auditory information in the midbrain.
Perspectives, benefits and challenges of a live OSCE during the COVID-19 pandemic in a cross-sectional study
Authors: Loda Teresa , Erschens Rebecca Sarah , Nevins Andrew B , Zipfel Stephan , Herrmann-Werner Anne
Published: June 2022

Objectives

Restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic mandated fundamental changes to student evaluations, including the administration of the observed structured clinical examination (OSCE). This study aims to conduct an in-person OSCE to verify students’ practical skills under necessary infection control practices and the impact of face masks on student–patient interactions.

Design

Cross-sectional design.

Setting

The OSCE at Medical School of Tuebingen takes place in October 2020.

Participants

A total of 149 students (third year of study) completed the survey (RR=80.1%). It was their first OSCE.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome measure was how this type of OSCE was evaluated by participating students in regard to preparation, content and difficulty as well as in real life. Secondary outcome measures were how the implemented hygiene actions influenced the OSCE, including the interaction and communication between students and standardised patients (SPs). Items were rated on a 6-point Likert scale (1=completely to 6=not at all). Means, SDs, frequencies and percentages were calculated.

Results

149 students, 32 SPs and 59 examiners participated. The students rated the OSCE with 2.37 (±0.52) for preparation and 2.07 (±0.32) for content. They perceived the interaction to be significantly disrupted by the use of face masks (3.03±1.54) (p<0.001) compared with the SPs (3.84±1.44) and the examiners (4.14±1.55). In general, the three groups considered the use of face masking the OSCE to be helpful (1.60±1.15).

Conclusions

An in-person OSCE, even in the midst of a global pandemic, is feasible and acceptable to both students and faculty. When compared the students’ results to previous students’ results who completed the OSCE before the pandemic, the results indicated that students felt less prepared than under non-pandemic circumstances; however, their performances on this OSCE were not lower.
Cost–consequence analysis of COPD treatment according to NICE and GOLD recommendations compared with current clinical practice in the UK
Authors: Wright Antony , Vioix Helene , de Silva Shamika , Langham Sue , Cook Jennifer , Capstick Toby , Quint Jennifer K
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The objective of this study was to model the clinical and economic impact of adapting current clinical practice in the management of patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) to treatment according to national and international guideline recommendations.

Design

Treatment mapping was undertaken to hypothetically redistribute patients from current clinical practice, representing actual prescribing patterns in the UK, to an alternative recommendation-based treatment scenario, representing prescribing in accordance with either National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance [NG115] or Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) 2020 strategy.

Setting

Primary care practices in the UK (1-year time horizon).

Participants

Adults with COPD undergoing long-acting inhaler maintenance therapy in the UK (N=1 067,531).

Interventions

Inhaler maintenance therapy.

Outcome measures

Costs and clinical outcomes (type of treatment, rates of moderate and/or severe exacerbations, and mild-to-moderate and/or severe pneumonia events) were modelled for the two alternative pathways.

Results

Compared with current clinical practice, treating patients according to NICE guidance resulted in an estimated annual reduction in expenditure of £46.9 million, and an estimated annual reduction in expenditure of over £43.7 million when patients were treated according to GOLD 2020 strategy. Total cost savings of up to 8% annually could be achieved by treatment of patients according to either of these recommendations. Cost savings arose from a reduction in the rates of pneumonia, with an associated decrease in costs associated with antibiotic use and hospitalisation. Savings were achieved overall despite a small increase in the rate of exacerbations due to the redistribution of certain patients currently undergoing triple inhaled therapy to therapies not containing inhaled corticosteroids.

Conclusion

Redistribution of patients with COPD from current clinical practice to treatment according to published recommendations would provide substantial cost savings over the first year.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on utilisation of facility-based essential maternal and child health services from March to August 2020 compared with pre-pandemic March–August 2019: a mixed-methods study in North Shewa Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Bekele Chalachew , Bekele Delayehu , Hunegnaw Bezawit Mesfin , Van Wickle Kimiko , Gebremeskel Fanos Ashenafi , Korte Michelle , Tedijanto Christine , Taddesse Lisanu , Chan Grace J
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Health systems are often weakened by public health emergencies that make it harder to access health services. We aimed to assess maternal, newborn and child health (MNCH) service utilisation during the first 6 months of the COVID-19 pandemic compared with prior to the pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a mixed study design in eight health facilities that are part of the Birhan field site in Amhara, Ethiopia and compared the trend of service utilisation in the first 6 months of COVID-19 with the corresponding time and data points of the preceding year.

Result

New family planning visits (43.2 to 28.5/month, p=0.014) and sick under 5 child visits (225.0 to 139.8/month, p=0.007) declined over the first 6 months of the pandemic compared with the same period in the preceding year. Antenatal (208.9 to 181.7/month, p=0.433) and postnatal care (26.6 to 19.8/month, p=0.155) visits, facility delivery rates (90.7 to 84.2/month, p=0.776), and family planning visits (313.3 to 273.4/month, p=0.415) declined, although this did not reach statistical significance. Routine immunisation visits (37.0 to 36.8/month, p=0.982) for children were maintained. Interviews with healthcare providers and clients highlighted several barriers to service utilisation during COVID-19, including fear of disease transmission, economic hardship, and transport service disruptions and restrictions. Enablers of service utilisation included communities’ decreased fear of COVID-19 and awareness-raising activities.

Conclusion

We observed a decline in essential MNCH services particularly in sick children and new family planning visits. To improve the resiliency of fragile health systems, resources are needed to continuously monitor service utilisation and clients’ evolving concerns during public health emergencies.
Paediatric advance care planning in life-limiting conditions: scoping review of parent experiences
Authors: Bennett Helen Elizabeth , Duke Sue , Richardson Alison
Published: June 2022

Background

Advance care planning is considered best practice for children and young people with life-limiting conditions but there is limited evidence how parents’ perceive, understand and engage with the process.

Aim

To understand parents’ experience of advance care planning for a child or young person with a life-limiting condition.

Design

Scoping review, theoretically informed by Family Sense of Coherence. Parents’ experience was conceptualised in terms of meaningfulness, comprehensibility and manageability.

Data sources

Electronic databases Medline, CINAHL and PyschINFO were searched for studies published between 1990 and 2021, using MeSH and broad-base terms.

Results

150 citations were identified and screened; 15 studies were included: qualitative (n=10), survey (n=3) and participatory research (n=2). Parents’ experience of advance care planning was contextualised by their family values and beliefs, needs and goals and the day-to-day impact of caring for their child and family. They valued conversations, which helped them to maximise their child’s quality of life and minimise their suffering. They preferred flexible, rather than definitive decisions about end-of-life care and treatment.

Conclusions

Advance care planning which solely focuses on treatment decisions is at odds with parents’ concerns about the current and future impact of illness on their child and family. Parents want advance care planning for their child to reflect what matters to them as a family. Future longitudinal and comparative studies are needed to understand the influence of advance care planning on parental decision-making over time and how social, cultural and contextual nuances influence parental experience.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of biopharmaceuticals in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal disease: a systematic literature review informing EULAR points to consider
Authors: Krieckaert Charlotte , Hernández-Breijo Borja , Gehin Johanna Elin , le Mélédo Guillaume , Balsa Alejandro , Jani Meghna , Mulleman Denis , Navarro-Compan Victoria , Wolbink Gertjan , Isaacs John D , van Tubergen Astrid
Published: June 2022

The objectives of this review were to collect and summarise evidence on therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) of biopharmaceuticals in inflammatory rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases and to inform the EULAR Task Force for the formulation of evidence-based points to consider. A systematic literature review (SLR) was performed, covering technical aspects and (clinical) utility of TDM, to answer 13 research questions. MEDLINE, Embase and Cochrane were searched until July 2020. American College of Rheumatology and EULAR abstracts were also considered for inclusion. Data were extracted in evidence tables and risk of bias assessment was performed. For the search on technical aspects, 678 records were identified, of which 22 papers were selected. For the clinical utility search, 3846 records were identified, of which 108 papers were included. Patient-related factors associated with biopharmaceutical blood concentrations included body weight, methotrexate comedication and disease activity. The identification of a target range was hampered by study variability, mainly disease activity measures and study type. Evidence was inconsistent for multiple clinical situations in which TDM is currently applied. However, for some particular scenarios, including prediction of future treatment response, non-response to treatment, tapering and hypersensitivity reactions, robust evidence was found. There is currently no evidence for routine use of proactive TDM, in part because published cost-effectiveness analyses do not incorporate the current landscape of biopharmaceutical costs and usage. This SLR yields evidence in favour of TDM of biopharmaceuticals in some clinical scenarios, but evidence is insufficient to support implementation of routine use of TDM.
Sarcopenia in chronic kidney disease: prevalence by different definitions and relationship with adiposity
Authors: Bellafronte Natália Tomborelli , Govêia Thaísa Ribeiro , Chiarello Paula Garcia
Published: June 2022

This was a cross-sectional study with chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients under non-dialysis-dependent (NDD), hemodialysis (HD), and kidney transplant (KTx) treatment aimed to evaluate the prevalence of sarcopenia using the European Working Group on Sarcopenia in Older People (EWGSOP2) and the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health (FNIH) guidelines, and to analyze the relationship between sarcopenia and its components and body adiposity. Body composition was assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and anthropometry. Bioelectrical impedance provided data on the phase angle and body water. The prevalence of sarcopenia in the total sample ( n = 243; 53% men, 48 ± 10 years) was 7% according to the FNIH and 5% according to the EWGSOP2 criteria, and was low in each CKD group independently of the criteria applied (maximum 11% prevalence). Low muscle mass was present in 39% (FNIH) and 36% (EWGSOP2) and dynapenia in 10% of the patients. Patients who were sarcopenic according to the EWGSOP2 criteria presented low body adiposity. Conversely, patients who were sarcopenic according to the FNIH criteria presented high adiposity. This study suggests that in CKD (i) sarcopenia and low muscle mass prevalence varies according to the diagnostic criteria; (ii) sarcopenia and low muscle mass are common conditions; (iii) the association with body adiposity depends on the criteria used to define low muscle mass; and (iv) the FNIH criteria detected higher adiposity in individuals with sarcopenia.

Novelty:

Prevalence of sarcopenia and low muscle mass in CKD varied according to the diagnostic criteria. Association of excess adiposity with sarcopenia and low muscle mass depends on muscle mass index applied. FNIH criteria detected higher adiposity in individuals with sarcopenia and low muscle mass.
nNNPDF3.0: evidence for a modified partonic structure in heavy nuclei
Authors: Abdul Khalek Rabah , Gauld Rhorry , Giani Tommaso , Nocera Emanuele R. , Rabemananjara Tanjona R. , Rojo Juan
Published: June 2022

We present an updated determination of nuclear parton distributions (nPDFs) from a global NLO QCD analysis of hard processes in fixed-target lepton-nucleus and proton-nucleus together with collider proton-nucleus experiments. In addition to neutral- and charged-current deep-inelastic and Drell–Yan measurements on nuclear targets, we consider the information provided by the production of electroweak gauge bosons, isolated photons, jet pairs, and charmed mesons in proton-lead collisions at the LHC across centre-of-mass energies of 5.02 TeV (Run I) and 8.16 TeV (Run II). For the first time in a global nPDF analysis, the constraints from these various processes are accounted for both in the nuclear PDFs and in the free-proton PDF baseline. The extensive dataset underlying the nNNPDF3.0 determination, combined with its model-independent parametrisation, reveals strong evidence for nuclear-induced modifications of the partonic structure of heavy nuclei, specifically for the small-x shadowing of gluons and sea quarks, as well as the large-x anti-shadowing of gluons. As a representative phenomenological application, we provide predictions for ultra-high-energy neutrino-nucleon cross-sections, relevant for data interpretation at neutrino observatories. Our results provide key input for ongoing and future experimental programs, from that of heavy-ion collisions in controlled collider environments to the study of high-energy astrophysical processes.
Magnetic Field Diagnostics in the Solar Upper Atmosphere
Authors: Trujillo Bueno J. , del Pino Alemán T.
Published: June 2022

The magnetic field is the main driver of the activity in the solar upper atmosphere, but its measurement is notoriously difficult. In order to determine the magnetic field in the chromosphere, transition region, and corona, we need to measure and interpret the polarization signals that the scattering of anisotropic radiation and the Hanle and Zeeman effects introduce in the emitted spectral line radiation. A number of recent advances have activated the development of this research field. ▪ The quantum theory of the generation and transfer of polarized radiation allows us to explain the polarization signals observed in chromospheric and coronal lines and to make successful predictions in unexplored spectral regions. ▪ The development of diagnostic techniques for the solar upper atmosphere has served to improve our empirical knowledge of the magnetic field in a variety of plasma structures, as well as to pave the way for their application to the unprecedented data that the new generation of solar telescopes are expected to provide. However, further improvements are required. ▪ The CLASP suborbital experiments have opened a new diagnostic window, namely ultraviolet (UV) spectropolarimetry as a tool for probing the magnetism and geometry of the upper chromosphere and transition region. A space telescope equipped with a UV spectropolarimeter would lead to major advances in our empirical understanding of solar magnetism.
The Role of Viruses in Identifying and Analyzing RNA Silencing
Authors: Baulcombe David C.
Published: June 2022

Adaptive antiviral immunity in plants is an RNA-based mechanism in which small RNAs derived from both strands of the viral RNA are guides for an Argonaute (AGO) nuclease. The primed AGO specifically targets and silences the viral RNA. In plants this system has diversified to involve mobile small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), an amplification system involving secondary siRNAs and targeting mechanisms involving DNA methylation. Most, if not all, plant viruses encode multifunctional proteins that are suppressors of RNA silencing that may also influence the innate immune system and fine-tune the virus-host interaction. Animal viruses similarly trigger RNA silencing, although it may be masked in differentiated cells by the interferon system and by the action of the virus-encoded suppressor proteins. There is huge potential for RNA silencing to combat viral disease in crops, farm animals, and people, although there are complications associated with the various strategies for siRNA delivery including transgenesis. Alternative approaches could include using breeding or small molecule treatment to enhance the inherent antiviral capacity of infected cells.
Citrus Tristeza Virus: From Pathogen to Panacea
Authors: Folimonova Svetlana Y. , Sun Yong-Duo
Published: June 2022

Citrus tristeza virus (CTV) is the most destructive viral pathogen of citrus. During the past century, CTV induced grave epidemics in citrus-growing areas worldwide that have resulted in a loss of more than 100 million trees. At present, the virus continues to threaten citrus production in many different countries. Research on CTV is accompanied by distinctive challenges stemming from the large size of its RNA genome, the narrow host range limited to slow-growing Citrus species and relatives, and the complexity of CTV populations. Despite these hurdles, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the CTV-host interactions and in converting the virus into a tool for crop protection and improvement. This review focuses on recent advances that have shed light on the mechanisms underlying CTV infection. Understanding these mechanisms is pivotal for the development of means to control CTV diseases and, ultimately, turn this virus into an ally.
Amoebae: Hiding in Plain Sight: Unappreciated Hosts for the Very Large Viruses
Authors: Queiroz Victória Fulgêncio , Rodrigues Rodrigo Araújo Lima , de Miranda Boratto Paulo Victor , La Scola Bernard , Andreani Julien , Abrahão Jônatas Santos
Published: June 2022

For decades, viruses have been isolated primarily from humans and other organisms. Interestingly, one of the most complex sides of the virosphere was discovered using free-living amoebae as hosts. The discovery of giant viruses in the early twenty-first century opened a new chapter in the field of virology. Giant viruses are included in the phylum Nucleocytoviricota and harbor large and complex DNA genomes (up to 2.7 Mb) encoding genes never before seen in the virosphere and presenting gigantic particles (up to 1.5 μm). Different amoebae have been used to isolate and characterize a plethora of new viruses with exciting details about novel viral biology. Through distinct isolation techniques and metagenomics, the diversity and complexity of giant viruses have astonished the scientific community. Here, we discuss the latest findings on amoeba viruses and how using these single-celled organisms as hosts has revealed entities that have remained hidden in plain sight for ages.
Myocardial mesostructure and mesofunction
Authors: Wilson Alexander J. , Sands Gregory B. , LeGrice Ian J. , Young Alistair A. , Ennis Daniel B.
Published: June 2022

The complex and highly organized structural arrangement of some five billion cardiomyocytes directs the coordinated electrical activity and mechanical contraction of the human heart. The characteristic transmural change in cardiomyocyte orientation underlies base-to-apex shortening, circumferential shortening, and left ventricular torsion during contraction. Individual cardiomyocytes shorten ∼15% and increase in diameter ∼8%. Remarkably, however, the left ventricular wall thickens by up to 30–40%. To accommodate this, the myocardium must undergo significant structural rearrangement during contraction. At the mesoscale, collections of cardiomyocytes are organized into sheetlets, and sheetlet shear is the fundamental mechanism of rearrangement that produces wall thickening. Herein, we review the histological and physiological studies of myocardial mesostructure that have established the sheetlet shear model of wall thickening. Recent developments in tissue clearing techniques allow for imaging of whole hearts at the cellular scale, whereas magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and computed tomography (CT) can image the myocardium at the mesoscale (100 µm to 1 mm) to resolve cardiomyocyte orientation and organization. Through histology, cardiac diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), and other modalities, mesostructural sheetlets have been confirmed in both animal and human hearts. Recent in vivo cardiac DTI methods have measured reorientation of sheetlets during the cardiac cycle. We also examine the role of pathological cardiac remodeling on sheetlet organization and reorientation, and the impact this has on ventricular function and dysfunction. We also review the unresolved mesostructural questions and challenges that may direct future work in the field.
Mechanisms that limit regression of myocardial fibrosis following removal of left ventricular pressure overload
Authors: Neff Lily S. , Zhang Yuhua , Van Laer An O. , Baicu Catalin F. , Karavan Mark , Zile Michael R. , Bradshaw Amy D.
Published: June 2022

In this study, a murine model demonstrated persistent interstitial fibrosis and myocardial stiffness following alleviation of pressure overload.