bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Functional Group Bridge for Simultaneous Regression and Support Estimation
Authors: Wang Zhengjia , Magnotti John , Beauchamp Michael S. , Li Meng
Published: May 2022

This paper is motivated by studying differential brain activities to multiple experimental condition presentations in intracranial electroencephalography (iEEG) experiments. Contrasting effects of experimental conditions are often zero in most regions and nonzero in some local regions, yielding locally sparse functions. Such studies are essentially a function-on-scalar regression problem, with interest being focused not only on estimating nonparametric functions but also on recovering the function supports. We propose a weighted group bridge approach for simultaneous function estimation and support recovery in function-on-scalar mixed effect models, while accounting for heterogeneity present in functional data. We use B-splines to transform sparsity of functions to its sparse vector counterpart of increasing dimension, and propose a fast nonconvex optimization algorithm using nested alternative direction method of multipliers (ADMM) for estimation. Large sample properties are established. In particular, we show that the estimated coefficient functions are rate optimal in the minimax sense under the L2 norm and resemble a phase transition phenomenon. For support estimation, we derive a convergence rate under the norm that leads to a selection consistency property under δ-sparsity, and obtain a result under strict sparsity using a simple sufficient regularity condition. An adjusted extended Bayesian information criterion is proposed for parameter tuning. The developed method is illustrated through simulations and an application to a novel iEEG data set to study multisensory integration.
DDX55 promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression by interacting with BRD4 and participating in exosome‐mediated cell‐cell communication
Authors: Yu Bin , Zhou Shujun , Long Dakun , Ning Yuxiang , Yao Hanlin , Zhou Encheng , Wang Yanfeng
Published: May 2022

The involvement of DEAD‐box helicase 55 (DDX55) in oncogenesis has been suggested, but its biological role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains unknown. The present study verified the upregulation of DDX55 in HCC tissues compared with non‐tumor controls. DDX55 displayed the highest prognostic values among the DEAD‐box protein family for recurrence‐free survival and overall survival of HCC patients. In addition, the effects of DDX55 in the promotion of HCC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were determined ex vivo and in vivo. Mechanistically, we revealed that DDX55 could interact with BRD4 to form a transcriptional regulatory complex that positively regulated PIK3CA transcription. Following that, β‐catenin signaling was activated in a PI3K/Akt/GSK‐3β dependent manner, thus inducing cell cycle progression and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Intriguingly, both DDX55 mRNA and protein were identified in the exosomes derived from HCC cells. Exosomal DDX55 was implicated in intercellular communication between HCC cells with high or low DDX55 levels and between HCC cells and endothelial cells, thereby promoting the malignant phenotype of HCC cells and angiogenesis. In conclusion, DDX55 may be a valuable prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target in HCC.
Quiescence regulation by normal haematopoietic stem cells and leukaemia stem cells
Authors: Gudmundsson Kristbjorn Orri , Du Yang
Published: May 2022

The haematopoietic system is maintained by rare haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which are quiescent most of the time and only divide occasionally to self‐renew and/or to undergo commitment to clonal expansion via the generation of highly proliferative progenitor cells. The latter is responsible for the generation of all mature cells of the system through subsequent lineage commitment and terminal differentiation. Cells with similar properties also exist in leukaemias and are known as leukaemia stem cells (LSCs). Quiescence provides essential protection for both HSC and LSC from cytotoxic stress and DNA damage and, in the case of LSCs, likely causes therapy resistance and disease relapse in leukaemia patients. Specific inhibition of LSC quiescence has been considered a promising strategy for eliminating LSCs and curing leukaemias. Although the understanding of mechanisms responsible for quiescence maintenance in these cells remains limited, particularly for LSCs, recent studies have suggested potential differences in their dependency on certain pathways and their levels of stress and DNA damage caused by increased cycling. Such differences likely stem from oncogenic mutations in LSCs and could be specifically exploited for the elimination of LSCs while sparing normal HSCs in the future.
French city networking: Drivers and rationale for national investment
Authors: Flamant Anouk
Published: May 2022

Drawing on qualitative investigations of three French cities, this this paper contributes to an understanding of the reasons behind the proliferation of activist city networks. Following the literature on the functions of transnational city networks, this article reveals four significant drivers that explain the preference of French cities for national city network ANVITA over international city networks amid a surge of welcoming initiatives. The four drivers offer opportunities to (1) share experience, (2) shame national authorities and propose alternative narratives, (3) limit pressure and opposition from NGOs and activists and (4) lend legitimacy to current policies and attain a label of “welcoming city” for Green and left‐leaning municipal coalitions. Thus, if the practical and symbolic functions are standard with international city networks, the symbolic functions play a significant role; some are explicit (shaming), whereas other are more implicit (relations with NGOs and partisan positioning). This article insists on the need to consider the political dimension of city networking as a significant driver for municipal actors. This political dimension is key to understanding how cities can (or not) be prominent actors in the governance of migration in the years to come.
Health issues in women and girls affected by haemophilia with a focus on nomenclature, heavy menstrual bleeding, and musculoskeletal issues
Authors: Weyand Angela C. , Sidonio Robert F. , Sholzberg Michelle
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Women and girls affected by haemophilia, including haemophilia carriers (WGH) are at risk of bleeding symptoms that may go unrecognized, including heavy menstrual bleeding (HMB) and musculoskeletal bleeding. Terminology continues to evolve.

Aim

To describe the current recommendations for nomenclature surrounding WGH, and the current understanding of HMB, iron deficiency, and musculoskeletal complaints in these patients.

Methods

Literature was reviewed and summarized.

Results

With regards to nomenclature, women with factor levels less than 50% should be classified as having haemophilia, while carriers with normal levels should be characterized accordingly to symptomatology. HMB and resultant iron deficiency are common among WGH, have a multitude of downstream effects, and maybe overlooked due to stigma around menstruation. Musculoskeletal bleeding and resultant joint changes are increasingly recognized in this population but do not necessarily correlate with factor levels.

Conclusion

Although progress has been made in the care of WGH, much work remains to further improve their care.
Inhibitors: Diagnostic challenges, unknowns of inhibitor development, treatment of bleeding and surgery, and insights into diagnosis and treatment in China
Authors: Escuriola Ettingshausen Carmen , Yang Renchi , Wu Wenman , Meeks Shannon L.
Published: May 2022

Factor (F) VIII inhibitors develop in around 30% of previously untreated patients (PUPs) with severe haemophilia, to a lesser extend in moderate and mild haemophilia A and in up to 10% in severe haemophilia B. Diagnostic challenges and questions remain including access to high quality testing, the role for functional inhibitor testing and binding antibody testing, and the adaptations needed in the presence of non‐factor replacement therapy. Despite significant gains in knowledge there are still many unanswered questions underlying the immunologic mechanisms of inhibitor development and tolerance. Therapeutic options include eradication of inhibitors using immune tolerance induction therapy (ITI), prophylaxis with bypassing agents (i.e., recombinant activated factor VII /rFVIIa or activated prothrombin complex concentrate/aPCC) or non‐factor replacement therapies (e.g., emicizumab) and treatment of bleeds or coverage of surgeries/invasive procedure. Recently a haemophilia centre capacity building program was launched in China to further develop the infrastructure and support needed to improve the diagnosis of haemophilia, detection of inhibitors, and continue to improve the care of patients with haemophilia and inhibitors.
Exploring the obesity concerns of British Pakistani women living in deprived inner‐city areas: A qualitative study
Authors: Iqbal Halima , West Jane , McEachan Rosemary R. C. , Haith‐Cooper Melanie
Published: May 2022

Introduction

British South Asians have a higher prevalence of overweight and obesity than the wider population. Bradford (UK), with its high Pakistani presence and levels of economic deprivation, has exceptionally high instances, especially in deprived areas where many Pakistanis reside. British Pakistani women in Bradford are more likely to be overweight and obese. There is uncertainty on how these women can be aided to manage their weight. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the obesity concerns of Pakistani women living in deprived inner‐city areas of Bradford.

Methods

Three focus groups interviews were carried out with 23 Pakistani women living in deprived areas of Bradford. Data were analysed thematically.

Results

This exploratory study identified a wide range of concerns that women had around managing their weight. Participants disclosed distrust in information given around medication, conflicting dietary information and reported low levels of trust in women‐only organized physical activities. Cultural barriers were identified, which included the gender role of the woman, the lack of culturally appropriate dietary advice, cultural misunderstandings of what constitutes a healthy diet and healthy weight, the lack of culturally suitable exercise facilities and conforming to family and community expectations. Other concerns were language barriers around a lack of understanding, the inability to read Urdu and reliance on others to translate information.

Conclusion

These findings have implications for researchers, local authorities, policy makers and others with an interest in reducing the rates of obesity in this population. Recommendations include training health practitioners to be culturally aware of the diet and eating practices of this community, exploring different ways to support socially isolated women to be more physically active at home, addressing physical activity and diet misconceptions and designing obesity management information materials appropriate for a range of literacy levels.

Patient or Public Contribution

Public contributors were involved in the development of the interview guide and design of the research. A pilot focus group with participants not included in the present paper was used to help test and refine the focus group questions. Interview transcripts were member checked by participants, and participants assisted with data analysis.
Endoscopic ultrasound‐guided portal pressure gradient with liver biopsy: 6 years of endo‐hepatology in practice
Authors: Choi Alyssa Y. , Kolb Jennifer , Shah Sagar , Chahine Anastasia , Hashimoto Rintaro , Patel Anish , Tsujino Takeshi , Huang Jason , Hu Ke‐Qin , Chang Kenneth , Samarasena Jason B.
Published: May 2022

Background and Aim

The portal pressure gradient (PPG) is a useful predictor of portal hypertension (PH) related complications. We previously showed the feasibility and safety of endoscopic ultrasound guided PPG measurement (EUS‐PPG). Now EUS‐guided liver biopsy (EUS‐bx) has been shown to be a safe and effective alternative to percutaneous or Interventional Radiology‐guided liver biopsy for the diagnosis of chronic liver disease (CLD). We aimed to evaluate the correlation between PPG and clinical markers of PH, and assess the feasibility and safety of concomitant, single session EUS‐PPG and EUS‐bx.

Methods

This was a retrospective study of patients undergoing EUS‐PPG for CLD at a single tertiary endoscopy center between February 2014 and March 2020. EUS‐PPG was performed using a 25‐gauge needle and compact manometer. Data analysis was performed with SAS version 9.4.

Results

Eighty‐three patients underwent EUS‐PPG with 100% technical success. The mean PPG was 7.06 mmHg (SD 6.09, range 0–27.3). PPG was higher in patients with (vs without) clinical features of cirrhosis (9.46 vs 3.61 mmHg, P < 0.0001), esophageal or gastric varices (13.88 vs 4.34 mmHg, P < 0.0001), and thrombocytopenia (9.25 vs 4.71 mmHg, P = 0.0022). In the 71 patients (85.5%) who underwent EUS‐bx, 70 (98.6%) specimens were deemed adequate by the pathologist for histologic diagnosis. There were no early or late major adverse events.

Conclusion

EUS‐PPG correlates well with clinical markers of PH. EUS‐bx can be performed safely during the same session as EUS‐PPG, providing a comprehensive endoscopic evaluation of the patient with CLD.
Poikiloderma with neutropenia: An alternate presentation with dyspigmentation and novel USB1 mutation
Authors: Peterson Malina Yamashita , Hanson Brooke , Polcari Ingrid
Published: May 2022

Two siblings presented with sun sensitivity and progressive dyspigmentation. A diagnosis of xeroderma pigmentosum was initially favored due to XPC mutations, although variants were not clearly diagnostic. However, new moderate neutropenia and homozygous suspected pathogenic variants in USB1 led to diagnosis of poikiloderma with neutropenia. This case highlights the importance of reevaluation of diagnosis due to significant phenotypic overlap in congenital disorders of photosensitivity with poikiloderma or dyspigmentation.
The use of PEEK as an occlusal splint in a patient with histaminosis: A case report
Authors: Delrieu Julien , Joniot Sabine , Vergé Thierry , Destruhaut Florent , Nasr Karim , Canceill Thibault
Published: May 2022

Poly‐(etheretherketone) (PEEK) began to be used in the field of odontology more than 10 years ago, especially in relation to the creation of removable partial dentures. Here we report the case of a 62 years old woman diagnosed with histamine intolerance (or histaminosis), who presented a very particular set of oral symptoms. She described a certain tingling, burning, and swelling of the mucous membranes. These symptoms seem to be linked with the wearing of a resin occlusal splint which was initially prescribed to compensate for the absence of a meniscus in the left temporomandibular joint of the patient. After a multidisciplinary concertation, it was decided to create a new splint with a resin‐free material. For this reason, the production of a PEEK prosthesis was considered. Following the installation of the occlusal splint in the patient, and after clinical adjustments, she described the occlusion positioning as correct and a disappearance of the symptomatology. Mechanically, PEEK seems to have higher mechanical resistance than PMMA. Despite these characteristics, the use of PEEK still presents some limitations, especially concerning the overall aesthetic. Additionally, the prescription of the occlusal splint seems to be limited to patients who need special care. The case presented here thus confirms a new perspective concerning the use of PEEK as an occlusal splint.
Description of ticks species from Rattus tiomanicus in Mangrove Forests through scanning electron microscopy
Authors: Asyikha Rosha , Mohd-Taib Farah Shafawati , Nabilah Ishak Siti , Jing Jing Khoo , Sulaiman Norela
Published: May 2022

Ticks are ill-famed vectors of many pathogenic organisms which can cause various diseases and life-threatening illnesses to animals and humans. Each tick’s species and its life stages have distinct morphological features that can permit them to be accurately identified. However, the use of conventional stereo microscopes limits the accuracy of species identification. The taxonomy of ticks, in general, is not much understood and existing information is based on sparse morphology data. Thus, this study aims to examine and describe the morphological characteristics of different species of ticks collected on rodents in mangrove forests using scanning electron microscopy (SEM). This method renders high-quality images of body parts of ticks. Five different morphospecies of ticks from one host species (Rattus tiomanicus) were examined under SEM, followed by the PCR technique using mitochondrial 16S rDNA gene for species validation. This study revealed that the ticks belong to five species: Dermacentor auratus, Ixodes granulatus, Haemaphysalis hystricis, D. atrosignatus and Amblyomma cordiferum. The combination of stereomicroscopic and SEM methods has improved our understanding of the morphological characteristics of different tick species, hence establishing up-to-date taxonomic keys for these species. Moreover, due to the lack of taxonomic keys on the immature stage of ticks, the SEM method is essential in characterising the morphological features of these stages in detail, subsequently helpful in revising the taxonomic keys for certain ticks species.
Boundary element simulation of a collapsing coated microbubble near a plane
Authors: Mobadersany Nima , Sarkar Kausik
Published: May 2022

Ultrasound contrast agents are gas core micron size bubbles coated with a layer of lipids/proteins to stabilize them against premature dissolution in the bloodstream. In addition to enhancing the contrast of the image, contrast agents have been implicated in numerous harmful and beneficial bioeffects. In the present study, ultrasound excited collapse of a coated microbubble near a plane has been studied using an axisymmetric Boundary Element method. The coating of the microbubble is modeled as a viscoelastic interface using an in-house developed strain-softening model (exponential elasticity model). The influence of the shell model on the stability of the numerical simulation during the microbubble jet formation has been investigated. The numerical approach was compared and validated with earlier studies. The effects of ultrasound excitation parameters and mechanical properties of the coating, i.e., shell viscosity and elasticity, on the bubble behaviors and the velocity and pressure in the surrounding fluid have been studied.
Microglial GPR56 is the molecular target of maternal immune activation-induced parvalbumin-positive interneuron deficits
Authors: Yu Diankun , Li Tao , Delpech Jean-Christophe , Zhu Beika , Kishore Priya , Koshi Tatsuhiro , Luo Rong , Pratt Karishma J.B. , Popova Galina , Nowakowski Tomasz J. , Villeda Saul A. , Piao Xianhua
Published: May 2022

Parvalbumin-positive (PV
+
) interneurons play a critical role in maintaining circuit rhythm in the brain, and their reduction is implicated in autism spectrum disorders. Animal studies demonstrate that maternal immune activation (MIA) leads to reduced PV
+
interneurons in the somatosensory cortex and autism-like behaviors. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we show that MIA down-regulates microglial
Gpr56
expression in fetal brains in an interleukin-17a–dependent manner and that conditional deletion of microglial
Gpr56
[
Gpr56
conditional knockout (cKO)] mimics MIA-induced PV
+
interneuron defects and autism-like behaviors in offspring. We further demonstrate that elevated microglial tumor necrosis factor–α expression is the underlying mechanism by which MIA and
Gpr56
cKO impair interneuron generation. Genetically restoring
Gpr56
expression in microglia ameliorates PV
+
interneuron deficits and autism-like behaviors in MIA offspring. Together, our study demonstrates that microglial GPR56 plays an important role in PV
+
interneuron development and serves as a salient target of MIA-induced neurodevelopmental disorders.
Nonreciprocal infrared absorption via resonant magneto-optical coupling to InAs
Authors: Shayegan Komron J. , Zhao Bo , Kim Yonghwi , Fan Shanhui , Atwater Harry A.
Published: May 2022

Nonreciprocal elements are a vital building block of electrical and optical systems. In the infrared regime, there is a particular interest in structures that break reciprocity because their thermal absorptive (and emissive) properties should not obey the Kirchhoff thermal radiation law. In this work, we break time-reversal symmetry and reciprocity in n-type–doped magneto-optic InAs with a static magnetic field where light coupling is mediated by a guided-mode resonator structure, whose resonant frequency coincides with the epsilon-near-zero resonance of the doped indium arsenide. Using this structure, we observe the nonreciprocal absorptive behavior as a function of magnetic field and scattering angle in the infrared. Accounting for resonant and nonresonant optical scattering, we reliably model experimental results that break reciprocal absorption relations in the infrared. The ability to design these nonreciprocal absorbers opens an avenue to explore devices with unequal absorptivity and emissivity in specific channels.
Identity thieves: T cells steal CD20 from B cells but mark themselves for certain death
Authors: Sumida Tomokazu S. , O’Connor Kevin C.
Published: May 2022

T cells can acquire CD20 from B cells via trogocytosis, then contribute to autoimmune neurological disease while becoming targets for therapeutically effective B cell depletion.
Evaluation of telemedicine for new outpatient neurological consultations
Authors: Watila Musa Mamman , Duncan Callum , Mackay Graham
Published: May 2022

Objective

The COVID-19 pandemic has broadened the use of teleneurology, how this compares with face-to-face (F2F) clinics is unclear. This study compared virtual with F2F new neurological consultations.

Methods

We retrospectively evaluated new outpatient consultations in neurology clinics in Aberdeen Royal Infirmary. We compared sociodemographic data, time to consultation, time to diagnosis, the need for reassessment and re-investigation between traditional F2F and virtual clinics using the web-basedAttend Anywhereplatform or telephone into patients’ own homes (or chosen location) without a trained assistant. We calculated the relative risk (RR) of the need for reassessment and re-investigation over 6-month periods by the suspected neurological diagnosis.

Results

73% of consultations were virtual (Attend Anywhereor telephone) between June and October 2020, this was almost non-existent (<0.1%) in June–October 2019. We analysed 352 F2F (June–July 2019) and 225 virtual consultations (June–July 2020). Compared with F2F clinics, virtual clinics had a longer time to diagnosis (p=0.019), were more likely to be reassessed (RR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.5 to 3.2; p<0.0001) and re-investigated (RR: 1.50, 95% CI: 0.88 to 2.54; p=0.133), this was likelier in those aged ≥60 years. Patients with headaches and suspected seizures were less likely to need reassessment or re-investigation following virtual clinics than multiple sclerosis and neuroinflammatory disorders, spinal cord disorders and functional neurological disorders.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that virtual clinics have higher rates of reassessment and re-investigation than F2F clinics. As virtual clinics become a potential consultation alternative, this study should instruct the selection of patients for either consultation type.
Decreasing rates of cost-related medication non-adherence by age advancement among American generational cohorts 2004–2014: a longitudinal study
Authors: Zhang James , Bhaumik Deepon , Meltzer David
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The access barrier to medication has been a persistent and elusive challenge in the US healthcare system and around the globe. Cost-related medication non-adherence (CRN) is an important measure of medication non-adherence behaviours that aim to avoid costs. Longitudinal study of CRN behaviours for the ageing population is rare.

Design

Longitudinal study using the Health and Retirement Study to evaluate self-reported CRN biennially.

Setting

General population of older Americans.

Participants

Three cohorts of Americans aged between 50 and 54 (baby boomers), 65–69 (the silent generation) and 80 or above (the greatest generation) in 2004 who were followed to 2014.

Intervention

Observational with no intervention.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Longitudinal CRN rates for three generational cohorts from 2004 to 2014. Population-averaged effects of a broad set of variables including sociodemographics, income, insurance status, limitations in activities of daily living (ADLs) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), and comorbid conditions on CRN were derived using generalised estimating equation by taking into account repeated measurements of CRN over time for the three cohorts, respectively.

Results

The three cohorts of baby boomer, the silent generation and the greatest generation with 1925, 2839 and 2666 respondents represented 12.3 million, 8.2 million and 7.7 million people in 2004, respectively. Increasing age was associated with decreasing likelihood of reporting CRN in all three generational cohorts (p<0.05), controlling for demographics, income, insurance status, functional status and comorbid conditions. All three generational cohorts had a higher prevalence of diabetes, cancer, heart conditions, stroke, a higher percentage of respondents with Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility and lower percentage with private insurance in 2014 compared with 2004 (p<0.05).

Conclusion

The paradox of decreasing CRN rates, independent of disease burden, income and insurance status, suggests populations’ CRN behaviours change as Americans age, bearing implications to social policy.
Prevalence and correlates of vision impairment and its association with cognitive impairment among older adults in India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Muhammad T , Drishti Drishti , Srivastava Shobhit
Published: May 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the predictors of vision impairment in old age and how impaired vision is associated with cognitive impairment among the ageing population.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using a large country-representative survey data.

Setting and participants

This study used data from the ‘Building a Knowledge Base on Population Ageing in India’ survey, conducted in 2011. Participants included 9541 older adults aged 60 years and above.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome variables were vision impairment and cognitive impairment. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis were presented. Additionally, multivariable binary logistic regression analysis was performed to fulfil the objectives.

Results

A proportion of 59.1% of the respondents had vision impairment. Nearly 60% of the participants had cognitive impairment. Those who had vision impairment were 11% more likely to have cognitive impairment compared to their counterparts (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.23). low psychological health (OR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.36 to 1.77), low activities of daily living (OR: 1.80; 95% CI: 1.43 to 2.27), low instrumental activities of daily living (OR: 1.26; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.40), poor self-rated health (OR: 1.28; 95% CI: 1.15 to 1.41) and chronic morbidity (OR: 1.27; 95% CI: 1.14 to 1.41) were found to be risk factors for cognitive impairment among older adults.

Conclusions

Additional efforts in terms of advocacy, availability, affordability and accessibility especially in a country with big illiteracy issue are mandatory to increase the reach of eye-care services and reduce the prevalence of avoidable visual impairment and vision losses that lead to cognitive deficits among the older population.
Intraoperative protective mechanical ventilation in patients requiring emergency abdominal surgery: the multicentre prospective randomised IMPROVE-2 study protocol
Authors: Khaled Louisa , Godet Thomas , Jaber Samir , Chanques Gerald , Asehnoune Karim , Bourdier Justine , Araujo Lynda , Futier Emmanuel , Pereira Bruno
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Emergency abdominal surgery is associated with a high risk of postoperative complications. One of the most serious is postoperative respiratory failure (PRF), with reported rates up to 20%–30% and attributable 30-day mortality that can exceed 20%.

Lung-protective ventilation, especially the use of low tidal volume, may help reducing the risk of lung injury. The role of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and recruitment manoeuvre (RM) remains however debated. We aim to evaluate whether a strategy aimed at increasing alveolar recruitment by using higher PEEP levels and RM could be more effective at reducing PRF and mortality after emergency abdominal surgery than a strategy aimed at minimising alveolar distension by using lower PEEP levels without RM.

Methods and analysis

The IMPROVE-2 study is a multicentre randomised, parallel-group clinical trial of 680 patients requiring emergency abdominal surgery under general anaesthesia. Patients will be randomly allocated in a 1:1 ratio to receive either low PEEP levels (≤5 cm H2O) without RM or high PEEP levels individually adjusted according to driving pressure in addition to RM, stratified by centre and according to the presence of shock and hypoxaemia at randomisation. The primary endpoint is a composite of PRF and all-cause mortality by day 30 or hospital discharge. Data will be analysed on the intention-to-treat principle and a per-protocol basis.

Ethics and dissemination

IMPROVE-2 trial has been approved by an independent ethics committee for all study centres. Participant recruitment began in February 2021. Results will be submitted for publication in international peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT03987789.
LOw-dose CT Or Lung UltraSonography versus standard of care based-strategies for the diagnosis of pneumonia in the elderly: protocol for a multicentre randomised controlled trial (OCTOPLUS)
Authors: Prendki Virginie , Garin Nicolas , Stirnemann Jerome , Combescure Christophe , Platon Alexandra , Bernasconi Enos , Sauter Thomas , Hautz Wolf
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Pneumonia is a leading cause of mortality and a common indication for antibiotic in elderly patients. However, its diagnosis is often inaccurate. We aim to compare the diagnostic accuracy, the clinical and cost outcomes and the use of antibiotics associated with three imaging strategies in patients >65 years old with suspected pneumonia in the emergency room (ER): chest X-ray (CXR, standard of care), low-dose CT scan (LDCT) or lung ultrasonography (LUS).

Methods and analysis

This is a multicentre randomised superiority clinical trial with three parallel arms. Patients will be allocated in the ER to a diagnostic strategy based on either CXR, LDCT or LUS. All three imaging modalities will be performed but the results of two of them will be masked during 5 days to the patients, the physicians in charge of the patients and the investigators according to random allocation. The primary objective is to compare the accuracy of LDCT versus CXR-based strategies. As secondary objectives, antibiotics prescription, clinical and cost outcomes will be compared, and the same analyses repeated to compare the LUS and CXR strategies. The reference diagnosis will be established a posteriori by a panel of experts. Based on a previous study, we expect an improvement of 16% of the accuracy of pneumonia diagnosis using LDCT instead of CXR. Under this assumption, and accounting for 10% of drop-out, the enrolment of 495 patients is needed to prove the superiority of LDCT over CRX (alpha error=0.05, beta error=0.10).

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval: CER Geneva 2019-01288.

Trial registration number

NCT04978116.
Influence of work hours and commute time on food practices: a longitudinal analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey
Authors: Oostenbach Laura Helena , Lamb Karen Elaine , Crawford David , Thornton Lukar
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Work hours and commute time are key contributors to time scarcity, with potential detrimental implications for healthy eating. This study examined (1) associations between work and commute hours with food practices and (2) within-individual associations between changes in work and commute hours with changes in food practices.

Design

Longitudinal study

Setting

Australia

Participants

Data were from 14 807 respondents in waves 7 (2007), 9 (2009), 13 (2013) and 17 (2017) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey. The sample for this analysis included individuals who were in paid employment in at least one of the four waves.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Outcomes included frequency of out-of-home food purchasing for breakfast, lunch, dinner and all three summed eating occasions, and fruit and vegetables consumption.

Results

Results indicated the longer individuals spent working and commuting, the more likely they were to purchase out-of-home foods (frequency of total out-of-home food purchasing: incidence rate ratio (IRR)=1.007 (95% CI 1.007 to 1.008)), and the less they consumed fruit and vegetables, although reductions in fruit and vegetables servings were minimal (fruit: β=−0.002 (95% CI −0.003 to –0.001), vegetables: β=−0.002 (95% CI −0.003 to –0.001)). Similar results regarding associations with out-of-home food purchasing were observed when examining within-individual changes (IRR=1.006 (95% CI 1.005 to 1.007)).

Conclusions

Results suggest employment-related time demands push towards more frequent out-of-home food purchasing. In the long term, this may have negative health consequences as out-of-home foods tend to be less healthy than home-prepared foods.
Views of clinicians towards providing contraceptive advice and contraception to women following early pregnancy loss: a qualitative study
Authors: Narayanan Nandaja , Reynolds-Wright John Joseph , Cameron Sharon T
Published: May 2022

Introduction

National guidelines advise that clinicians caring for women post-pregnancy should give women opportunities to discuss contraception, regardless of pregnancy outcome, and provide contraception to women who choose to take up a method. This study aimed to explore knowledge, views and needs of Early Pregnancy Unit (EPU) clinicians around discussing and offering contraception and discussing pregnancy intendedness with women after early pregnancy loss using a qualitative approach.

Methods

Semi-structured, audio-recorded interviews with 11 clinicians from a single regional EPU in Edinburgh, Scotland. Interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed thematically.

Results

Clinicians were reluctant to discuss contraception as they believed women would find the topic overwhelming and distressing. Thoughts on discussing pregnancy intendedness were polarised; some considered it insensitive, and others essential. Barriers to discussing contraception and providing it were numerous and included time pressure, and inadequate knowledge and training on contraception. Participants suggested training on contraception, closer working with sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services, and availability of information on contraception specifically aimed at women who have experienced an early pregnancy loss could facilitate discussions and method provision.

Conclusions

EPU clinicians require ongoing training and support to be effective at discussing pregnancy intendedness and discussing and providing post-pregnancy contraception. This will require close working with SRH services and development of sensitive information around contraception for women experiencing an early pregnancy loss.
NKG2A and PD-L1 expression panel predicts clinical benefits from adjuvant chemotherapy and PD-L1 blockade in muscle-invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Yan Sen , Zeng Han , Jin Kaifeng , Shao Fei , Liu Zhaopei , Chang Yuan , Wang Yiwei , Zhu Yu , Wang Zewei , Xu Le , Xu Jiejie
Published: May 2022

Background

Programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) expression as a single biomarker for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) was controversial. NKG2A was a PD1/PD-L1 axis-related immunity-dependent factor. NKG2A and PD-L1 expression as a combinatorial biomarker might improve the prediction of PD-L1 in patients with muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC).

Methods

Three independent cohorts were enrolled in our study. 195 patients with bladder-derived metastatic urothelial carcinoma on PD-L1 inhibitor treatment from the IMvigor210 trial were enrolled. 124 MIBC patients from Zhongshan Hospital and 391 patients with MIBC from The Cancer Genome Atlas database were included in this study.The PD-L1/NKG2A-based risk stratification was validated in three independent cohorts, and its association with response to ICB and adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT), immune contexture and molecular features was evaluated. Histologic staining and genomic algorithm were performed to detect characteristics of NKG2A and PD-L1 expression and infiltration of immune cells.

Results

We identified NKG2AhiPD-L1hipatients could benefit more from cisplatin-based ACT and PD-L1 inhibitor. Further analyses revealed NKG2A and PD-L1 expression panel was linked to an immune-active tumor microenvironment with highly immune effector cells and effector molecules. In addition, NKG2A and PD-L1 expression panel was intrinsically correlated with genomic alterations related to therapeutic response in MIBC.

Conclusions

NKG2A and PD-L1 expression panel was associated with an immune inflamed microenvironment and acted as a combinatorial biomarker to predict the therapeutic response to ACT and PD-L1 blockade in MIBC.
Effectiveness of remote care interventions: a systematic review informing the 2022 EULAR Points to Consider for remote care in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases
Authors: Marques Andréa , Bosch Philipp , de Thurah Annette , Meissner Yvette , Falzon Louise , Mukhtyar Chetan , Bijlsma Johannes WJ , Dejaco Christian , Stamm Tanja A
Published: May 2022

Objective

To perform a systematic literature review (SLR) on different outcomes of remote care compared with face-to-face (F2F) care, its implementation into clinical practice and to identify drivers and barriers in order to inform a task force formulating the EULAR Points to Consider for remote care in rheumatic and musculoskeletal diseases (RMDs).

Methods

A search strategy was developed and run in Medline (PubMed), Embase and Cochrane Library. Two reviewers independently performed standardised data extraction, synthesis and risk of bias (RoB) assessment.

Results

A total of 2240 references were identified. Forty-seven of them fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Remote monitoring (n=35) was most frequently studied, with telephone/video calls being the most common mode of delivery (n=30). Of the 34 studies investigating outcomes of remote care, the majority addressed efficacy and user perception; 34% and 21% of them, respectively, reported a superiority of remote care as compared with F2F care. Time and cost savings were reported as major benefits, technical aspects as major drawback in the 13 studies that investigated drivers and barriers of remote care. No study addressed remote care implementation. The main limitation of the studies identified was the heterogeneity of outcomes and methods, as well as a substantial RoB (50% of studies with high RoB).

Conclusions

Remote care leads to similar or better results compared with F2F treatment concerning efficacy, safety, adherence and user perception outcomes, with the limitation of heterogeneity and considerable RoB of the available studies.
Potential parameters, ro-vibrational energy spectra, and expectation values of the improved deformed exponential-type potential
Authors: Eyube E.S. , Timtere P. , Yerima J.B.
Published: May 2022

In this contribution, potential parameters were derived for the improved deformed exponential-type potential (IDEP) using Varshni conditions for a diatomic molecule potential. Expression for bound state ro-vibrational energies was obtained by solving the Schrödinger equation in the presence of the IDEP. In modeling the centrifugal term of the Schrödinger equation, a Pekeris-like approximation scheme was employed. Expectation values of potential and kinetic energies were obtained for the IDEP within the framework of Hellmann–Feynman theorem. The IDEP was used to model the spectroscopic data of four diatomic molecules, viz., ICl (X 1Σg+), NaK (c 3Σ+), O2+ (X 2Πg), and NaLi (A 1Σ+). The average absolute deviation from the dissociation energy obtained was 0.1235%, 0.9227%, 1.2275%, and 1.2651%, respectively. The results demonstrated that the IDEP was an ideal model for the diatomic molecules. Data obtained for expectation values of kinetic and potential energies showed that the total energy of the system was conserved and that at upper bound vibration quantum number, the energy of the molecules was entirely kinetic.
Plasmon in dispersive nodal line semimetal
Authors: Lošić Željana Bonačić
Published: May 2022

We studied the plasmon mode of a nodal line semimetal with two-dimensional Dirac electron energy bands and the long-range three-dimensional Coulomb electron–electron interaction within the random phase approximation. We investigated the influence of the interband electron–hole excitations on the plasmon mode by analyzing the energy-loss function. Our calculations showed that the spectral weight of the plasmon mode diminished as it entered into the interband electron–hole continuum. As long as it stayed below this continuum, it was spectroscopically observable within the long-wavelength limit.
On the geometry of K3 surfaces with finite automorphism group and no elliptic fibrations
Authors: Roulleau Xavier
Published: May 2022

Nikulin [On the quotient groups of the automorphism groups of hyperbolic forms by the subgroups generated by 2 reflections, J. Soviet. Math. 22 (1983) 1401–1476; Surfaces of type [Formula: see text] with a finite automorphism group and a Picard group of rank three, Proc. Steklov Institute of Math. (3) (1985) 131–155] and Vinberg [Classification of 2-reflective hyperbolic lattices of rank 4, Trans. Moscow Math. Soc. (2007) 39–66] proved that there are only a finite number of lattices of rank [Formula: see text] that are the Néron–Severi lattice of projective [Formula: see text] surfaces with a finite automorphism group. The aim of this paper is to provide a more geometric description of such [Formula: see text] surfaces [Formula: see text], when these surfaces have moreover no elliptic fibrations. In that case, we show that such [Formula: see text] surface is either a quartic with special hyperplane sections or a double cover of the plane branched over a smooth sextic curve which has special tangencies properties with some lines, conics or cuspidal cubic curves. We then study the converse, i.e. if the geometric description we obtained characterizes these surfaces. In four cases, the description is sufficient, in each of the four other cases, there is exactly another one possibility which we study. We obtain that at least five moduli spaces of [Formula: see text] surfaces (among the eight we study) are unirational.
The Geopolitics of China-Pakistan Historical Connectivity and Its Economic and Strategic Significance
Authors: Khan Ayesha
Published: May 2022

Pakistan was once an important section of the ancient Silk Road. For centuries, the southern part of this ancient trade route also served as a converging point for different civilizations because of its strategic importance in an area where the East meets the West and the South meets the North. At present the China-Pakistan relationship and the revival of the ancient Silk Road are mostly viewed in the context of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). However, this relationship goes back centuries and important aspects to regional connectivity remain understudied. This paper aims to explain the different phases of the relationship between China and Pakistan in the context of the Silk Road and how this historical connectivity played a significant strategic role in regional geopolitics. It traces the roots of this relationship when the old Silk Road was still emerging as the important trade route between Asia and Europe. After centuries, the two countries have again built on reviving this ancient trade route by constructing the famous strategic Karakoram Highway (KKH). The relationship is finally entered its culminating stage in terms of connectivity with the initiation of the CPEC under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative.
Ordovician tectonics and crustal evolution at the Gondwana margin (Central Iberian Zone)
Authors: Pereira M. Francisco , Fernández Carlos , Rodríguez Carmen , Castro António
Published: May 2022

U–Pb ages of zircon from samples of tonalite and migmatite from the Central Iberian Zone (Spain) previously assigned to the Carboniferous were obtained using a sensitive high-resolution ion microprobe. These ages indicate a close temporal relationship between Ordovician tonalitic magmatism and high-grade (low-
P
) metamorphism in Iberia. The age obtained for Santa Cruz tonalite (476 ± 1 Ma) represents a constraint on the partial melting event experienced by Ediacaran Schist–Greywacke Complex siliciclastic rocks, whereas Risco Chico leucogranite, which alternates with tonalites and migmatites, yielded a younger age (468 ± 3 Ma). The age range of Neoproterozoic relict zircon grains preserved in Ordovician plutonic rocks coincides with that of host Ediacaran metasedimentary rocks (Puerto de Santa Cruz migmatites), which are the most plausible source of leucogranites. Altogether, the component of inherited zircon, peraluminous calc-alkaline composition and an abundance of pelitic restites found in Ordovician tonalites provide evidence of a mixed contribution from old Ediacaran magmatic arc rocks and siliciclastic sequences. Our findings supply a missing piece in the Early–Middle Ordovician tectonic puzzle of the northern Gondwana margin, revealing that tonalitic magmatism, ductile deformation and high-grade metamorphism all occurred within a relatively restricted period simultaneously with siliciclastic deposition in active extensional basins.

Supplementary material:
A table presenting U–Pb zircon geochronology of leucogranite, tonalite and migmatite samples is available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5976757
DIPS: A Dyadic Impression Prediction System for Group Interaction Videos
Authors: Bai Chongyang , Bolonkin Maksim , Regunath Viney , Subrahmanian V. S.
Published: May 2022

We consider the problem of predicting the impression that one subject has of another in a video clip showing a group of interacting people. Our novel Dyadic Impression Prediction System (
DIPS
) contains two major innovations. First, we develop a novel method to
align
the facial expressions of subjects

p
i

and

p
j

as well as account for the temporal delay that might be involved in

p
i

reacting to

p
j

’s facial expressions. Second, we propose the concept of a
multilayered
stochastic network for impression prediction on top of which we build a novel Temporal Delayed Network graph neural network architecture. Our overall
DIPS
architecture predicts six dependent variables relating to the impression

p
i

has of

p
j

. Our experiments show that
DIPS
beats eight baselines from the literature, yielding statistically significant improvements of 19.9% to 30.8% in AUC and 12.6% to 47.2% in F1-score. We further conduct ablation studies showing that our novel features contribute to the overall quality of the predictions made by
DIPS
.