bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Concurrent wasting and stunting among under‐five children in the context of Ethiopia: A generalised mixed‐effects modelling
Authors: Sahiledengle Biniyam , Agho Kingsley E. , Petrucka Pammla , Kumie Abera , Beressa Girma , Atlaw Daniel , Tekalegn Yohannes , Zenbaba Demisu , Desta Fikreab , Mwanri Lillian
Published: February 2023

Concurrent wasting and stunting (WaSt) is a condition where both wasting and stunting exist in a child at the same time. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of WaSt and to identify potential associated factors in Ethiopia.  A total of 33,650 children aged between 0 and 59 months were included in the analysis from the four waves of the Ethiopian Demographic and Health Survey. A mixed‐effects logistic regression model was used to identify the determinants of WaSt. The prevalence of WaSt was found to be 4.7% (95% confidence interval [CI]: (4.5–4.9)), with respectively 2.5% (95% CI: 2.1–3.1) and 4.9% (95% CI: 4.7–5.2) among children in urban and rural settings. Children: (i) in the age group 12–23 months (adjusted odds ratio [AOR]: 4.16, 95% CI: (3.20–5.42)) and 24–59 months (AOR: 3.08, 95% CI: (2.28–4.17)); (ii) who were perceived by their mothers to be smaller than normal at birth (AOR: 1.98, 95% CI: (1.57–2.50)); (iii) had diarrhoea (AOR: 1.38, 95% CI: (1.11–1.71)); and (iv) fever in the past 2 weeks (AOR: 1.38, 95% CI: (1.10–1.71)) reported higher odds of WaSt. Being a female child (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI: (0.48–0.69)), having received measles vaccination (AOR: 0.71, 95% CI: (0.55–0.89)), having a mother with a normal body mass index (18.5–24.9 kg/m2) (AOR: 0.57, 95% CI: (0.48–0.68)), having a wealthier household (AOR: 0.67, 95% CI: (0.50–0.90)), and living in rural setting (AOR: 0.49, 95% CI: (0.32–0.74)) were associated with reduced odds of WaSt. The prevalence of WaSt was high, with approximately 1 in 20 Ethiopian children suffering from the condition and needing a prompt response to minimize the poor health and developmental outcomes. Children perceived by their mother to be smaller than normal at birth, older children, and babies with diarrhoea and fever had higher odds of WaSt.
Evaluating the genetic consequences of population subdivision as it unfolds and how to best mitigate them: A rare story about koalas
Authors: Frère C. H. , O'Reilly G. D. , Strickland K. , Schultz A. , Hohwieler K. , Hanger J. , de Villiers D. , Cristescu R. , Powell D. , Sherwin W.
Published: February 2023

The genetic consequences of the subdivision of populations are regarded as significant to long‐term evolution, and research has shown that the scale and speed at which this is now occurring is critically reducing the adaptive potential of most species which inhabit human‐impacted landscapes. Here, we provide a rare and, to our knowledge, the first analysis of this process while it is happening and demonstrate a method of evaluating the effect of mitigation measures such as fauna crossings. We did this by using an extensive genetic data set collected from a koala population which was intensely monitored during the construction of linear transport infrastructure which resulted in the subdivision of their population. First, we found that both allelic richness and effective population size decreased through the process of population subdivision. Second, we predicted the extent to which genetic drift could impact genetic diversity over time and showed that after only 10 generations the resulting two subdivided populations could experience between 12% and 69% loss in genetic diversity. Lastly, using forward simulations we estimated that a minimum of eight koalas would need to disperse from each side of the subdivision per generation to maintain genetic connectivity close to zero but that 16 koalas would ensure that both genetic connectivity and diversity remained unchanged. These results have important consequences for the genetic management of species in human‐impacted landscapes by showing which genetic metrics are best to identify immediate loss in genetic diversity and how to evaluate the effectiveness of any mitigation measures.
Double‐ and triple‐duty actions in childhood for addressing the global syndemic of obesity, undernutrition, and climate change: A scoping review
Authors: Venegas Hargous Carolina , Strugnell Claudia , Allender Steven , Orellana Liliana , Corvalan Camila , Bell Colin
Published: February 2023

Obesity, undernutrition, and climate change constitute a global syndemic that disproportionately affects vulnerable populations, including children. Double‐ and triple‐duty actions that simultaneously address these pandemics are needed to prevent further health, economic, and environmental consequences. Evidence describing the implementation and evaluation of such actions is lacking. This review summarized the literature on whole‐of‐population actions targeting children that were designed or adapted to be double or triple duty. Six academic databases were searched (January 2015–March 2021) using terms related to ‘children’, ‘intervention’, ‘nutrition’, ‘physical activity’, and ‘climate change’. Data were extracted from 43/15,475 studies, including six randomized controlled trials. Most (58%) described triple‐duty actions targeting food systems in schools such as implementing guidelines for healthier and environmentally sustainable school meals programs, and 51% reported engaging community in the design, implementation, and/or evaluation of actions. Changes in dietary intake, diet composition, greenhouse gas emissions, and food waste were the most frequently reported outcomes and 21 studies (three randomized controlled trials) showed positive double‐ or triple‐duty effects. This review is the first to demonstrate that double‐ and triple‐duty actions for addressing the global syndemic in childhood have been implemented and can have a positive impact on obesity, undernutrition, and climate change.
Dermoscopy features of infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion
Authors: Di Bartolomeo Luca , Borgia Francesco , Pedaci Fausto Andrea , Li Pomi Federica , Vaccaro Mario , Filippeschi Cesare , Guarneri Fabrizio , Oranges Teresa
Published: February 2023

Infantile perianal pyramidal protrusion (IPPP) is a benign condition generally noted in childhood but may persist for several years. Dermoscopy may help to distinguish it from other conditions, particularly genital warts. We report six cases of IPPP and describe the dermoscopic features that will distinguish these lesions from verrucae.
Dynamic changes of 3′UTR length during oocyte‐to‐zygote transition of in vitro pig embryos
Authors: Zhao Han , Wu Zi‐Wei , Zhang Rong , Wang Yi , Du Zhi‐Qiang , Yang Cai‐Xia
Published: February 2023

Alternative polyadenylation (APA) generates different 3′‐untranslated regions (3′UTRs) to regulate gene expression and localization, and affects a variety of biological processes. Here, we characterized the 3′UTR dynamics during the oocyte‐to‐zygote transition by analysing our previously reported porcine single‐cell RNA‐seq (scRNA‐seq) datasets (in vitro matured metaphase II (MII) oocytes, in vitro fertilized zygotes (IVF1) and parthenogenetically activated 1‐cell embryos (PA1)). After IVF1 versus MII comparison, dynamic analyses of APA from RNA‐seq (DaPars) method identified 139 mRNAs with significantly different 3′UTRs (padj. ≤ .05), mainly enriched in cell cycle, regulation of cyclin‐dependent protein kinase activity, histone modification, mRNA surveillance, and regulation of actin cytoskeleton. For PA1 versus MII comparison, 105 mRNAs with significantly different 3′UTRs (padj. ≤ .05) were identified to be mainly enriched in intracellular transport, mitotic spindle organization, cell cycle, pyruvate metabolism and glycolysis/gluconeogenesis. Furthermore, there were 7 mRNAs with more significant 3′UTR differences (|△PDUI| ≥ 0.45 and |log2[PDUI ratio]| ≥ 0.59) respectively in IVF1 versus MII (Lrp2bp, Mtfr2, Nhlrc2, Psip1, Smu1, Ssr1 and Wtap) and PA1 versus MII (Asf1b, Dimt1, Nap1l1, Ncoa4, Nudt21, Pnn and Rpl15) comparisons. Integrative genomics viewer analysis further identified that 3′UTRs of Psip1, Smu1, Ssr1 and Wtap had more than 140 nt average length changes, whereas those of Dimt1, Nap1l1 and Rpl15 were shortened with more than 460 nt. Regulatory elements (PAS, CPE, microRNA binding sites and m6A sites) in 3′UTRs of different lengths were predicted. Our findings provide useful information to further investigate the molecular mechanism of 3′UTR in regulating the oocyte‐to‐zygote transition of pig embryos.
The effect of inspiratory muscle training and detraining on the respiratory metaboreflex
Authors: Chan Jason S. , Mann Leah M. , Doherty Connor J. , Angus Sarah A. , Thompson Benjamin P. , Devries Michaela C. , Hughson Richard L. , Dominelli Paolo B.
Published: February 2023

Respiratory muscle training (RMT) improves respiratory muscle (RM) strength and attenuates the RM metaboreflex. However, the time course of muscle function loss after the absence of training or ‘detraining’ is less known and some evidence suggest the respiratory muscles atrophy faster than other muscles. We sought to determine the RM metaboreflex in response to 5 weeks of RMT and 5 weeks of detraining. An experimental group (2F, 6M; 26 ± 4years) completed 5 weeks of RMT and tibialis anterior (TA) training (each 5 days/week at 50% of maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP) and 50% maximal isometric force, respectively) followed by 5 weeks of no training (detraining) while a control group (1F, 7M; 24 ± 1years) underwent no intervention. Prior to training (PRE), post‐training (POST) and post‐detraining (DETR), all participants underwent a loaded breathing task (LBT) to failure (60% MIP) while heart rate and mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) were measured. Five weeks of training increased RM (18 ± 9%, P < 0.001) and TA (+34 ± 19%, P < 0.001) strength and both remained elevated after 5 weeks of detraining (MIP‐POST vs. MIP‐DETR: 154 ± 31 vs. 153 ± 28 cmH2O, respectively, P = 0.853; TA‐POST vs. TA‐DETR: 86 ± 19 vs. 85 ± 16 N, respectively, P = 0.982). However, the rise in MAP during LBT was attenuated POST (−11 ± 17%, P = 0.003) and DETR (−9 ± 9%, P = 0.007) during the iso‐time LBT. The control group had no change in MIP (P = 0.33), TA strength (P = 0.385), or iso‐time MAP (P = 0.867) during LBT across all time points. In conclusion, RM and TA have similar temporal strength gains and the attenuation of the respiratory muscle metaboreflex remains after 5 weeks of detraining.
La criminalización selectiva del dispositivo antitrata en México. Experiencias de mujeres trans migrantes y trabajadoras sexuales
Authors: Maldonado Macedo Juliana Vanessa
Published: February 2023

En este artículo, a partir del trabajo de campo llevado a cabo en las fronteras México-Guatemala y México-EUA, en donde se realizaron trayectorias de vida con mujeres trans hondureñas, trabajadoras sexuales, en tránsito migrante por México, se presenta un análisis desde la antropología feminista y dialógica, que hace legible las implicaciones del dispositivo antitrata en sus experiencias y corporalidades trans. Se evidencia cómo el Estado las masculiniza y sistemáticamente las violenta con este dispositivo, que bajo una narrativa de “rescate” y “derechos humanos”, de facto opera como un aparato de control de las migraciones irregularizadas y como una herramienta de criminalización del comercio sexual.
Mixing in Low Reynolds Number Reacting Impinging Jets in Crossflow
Authors: Hubbard Joshua A. , Cheng Meng-Dawn , Domino Stefan P.
Published: February 2023

Previous efforts to model uranyl fluoride formation in an impinging jet gas reactor underpredicted spatial mixing and overpredicted chemical conversion into particulates. The previous fluid dynamics model was based on the solution of the Reynolds Averaged Navier Stokes equations. After simulating fluid dynamics, aerosol dynamics were superimposed onto CFD-simulated gas reactant species concentrations. The current work explores the influence of complex unsteady flow features on the overall flow physics and chemistry for a low Reynolds number, opposed flow, impinging jet gas reactor where there is a low Reynolds number cross flow. The objective of this study was to assess the impact of model formulation on scalar mixing and transport. Transient flow simulations were performed using Scale Resolving Simulations. Large-Eddy Simulations with the dynamic Smagorinsky turbulence model were performed along with simulations which directly resolved the flow. Average and root-mean-square (RMS) velocities and species concentrations were computed along with modeled and resolved turbulence kinetic energy (TKE), modeled turbulence dissipation, and modeled turbulent viscosity. Lagrangian flow tracers were also used to quantify species concentrations along path lines emanating from the jet tips. Transient simulation data were compared to results from RANS simulations using the k-ω shear stress transport (SST) model and Reynolds Stress Model (RSM). Transient simulations showed spatial mixing patterns which were more consistent with experimental data and helped elucidate the process of particle formation observed in experiments.
Convergence to shortened and lengthened voice onset time in an imitation task
Authors: Schertz Jessamyn , Paquette-Smith Melissa
Published: February 2023

Convergence to variation in voice onset time (VOT) of English voiceless stops is reported to be selective, with speakers adjusting their VOTs after exposure to stimuli with lengthened, but not shortened, VOT. The current study re-examined this proposed selectivity with an explicit imitation paradigm designed to maximize convergence, using stimuli with more extreme differences, and explored the perceptual salience of the differences in a discrimination task. Participants showed phonetic convergence to both shortened and lengthened VOT, and better discrimination of shortened than lengthened VOT. Results suggest that there is no general constraint against convergence to shortened VOT.
Acute Effects of Combined Lower-Body High-Intensity Interval Training and Upper-Body Strength Exercise on Explosive Strength Performance in Naturally Menstruating Women
Authors: Feuerbacher Joshua F. , Dragutinovic Boris , Jacobs Mats W. , Schumann Moritz
Published: February 2023

Purpose: We aimed at investigating the acute effects of lower-body high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on upper- and lower-body explosive strength assessed by mean propulsive velocity (MPV) in naturally menstruating women. In addition, we assessed the combination of lower-body HIIT and squat, as well as lower-body HIIT and bench press, on bench press and squat MPV. Methods: Thirteen women (age: 23 [2] y, menstrual cycle length: 28.4 [2.0] d) completed 2 training modalities on separate days (separated by 30 [4.2] d) consisting of HIIT followed by lower-body (HIIT + LBS) or upper-body (HIIT + UBS) strength loading. Squat and bench press MPV were assessed before HIIT (T0), after HIIT (T1), after the strength loading (T2), and 24 hours postloading (T3). Results: Mixed factorial analysis of variance indicated a significant effect for time in bench press and squat (P < .001) but not for interaction. Pairwise comparison showed that bench press MPV remained unchanged (P = 1.000) at T1 but was reduced at T2 compared with T0 (HIIT + LBS: −8.2% [3.9%], HIIT + UBS: −13.8% [12.1%], P < .001) and T1 (HIIT + LBS: −7.1% [3.2%], HIIT + UBS: −12.7% [8.7%], P < .001). Squat MPV decreased at T1 (HIIT + LBS: −6.0% [8.8%], HIIT + UBS: −4.8% [5.4%], P = .009) and was found to be decreased at T2 compared with T0 in both conditions (HIIT + LBS: −6.9% [3.3%], HIIT + UBS: −7.4% [6.1%], P < .001) but not compared with T1 (P = 1.000). Bench press and squat MPV returned to baseline at T3 compared with T0 (P > .050). Conclusion: Lower- but not upper-body explosive strength was reduced by HIIT. HIIT combined with upper- or lower-body strength loading resulted in a reduction of squat and bench press explosive strength.
Something’s Gotta Give: Bent Rules, Breached Bottom Line, and the International Amateur Athletics Federations’ Handling of the “China Question”
Authors: Hao Y. Andrew , Krieger Jörg
Published: February 2023

International Sport Federations, as part of the Olympic network, have different organizational structures and decision-making mechanisms from the International Olympic Committee. The authors, in examining the history of the International Amateur Athletics Federations’ (IAAF) handling of the “China question” in international sport, probe how these differences translated into the IAAF’s organizational politics and power dynamics in face of governmental interference. Primarily examining archival documents obtained from the IAAF Archive and the International Olympic Committee Historical Archives, the authors particularly follow how the self-governing IAAF upheld, bent, and modified its statutes during its engagement with the People’s Republic of China from the 1950s to the 1970s and around its eventual admission of the People’s Republic of China’s Athletics Association in 1978. It is also argued that the IAAF’s engagement and inclusion of the People’s Republic of China allowed the consolidation of its monopolizing power in global athletics governance.
Structures of BIRC6-client complexes provide a mechanism of SMAC-mediated release of caspases
Authors: Hunkeler Moritz , Jin Cyrus Y. , Fischer Eric S.
Published: February 2023

Tight regulation of apoptosis is essential for metazoan development and prevents diseases such as cancer and neurodegeneration. Caspase activation is central to apoptosis, and inhibitor of apoptosis proteins (IAPs) are the principal actors that restrain caspase activity and are therefore attractive therapeutic targets. IAPs, in turn, are regulated by mitochondria-derived proapoptotic factors such as SMAC and HTRA2. Through a series of cryo–electron microscopy structures of full-length human baculoviral IAP repeat–containing protein 6 (BIRC6) bound to SMAC, caspases, and HTRA2, we provide a molecular understanding for BIRC6-mediated caspase inhibition and its release by SMAC. The architecture of BIRC6, together with near-irreversible binding of SMAC, elucidates how the IAP inhibitor SMAC can effectively control a processive ubiquitin ligase to respond to apoptotic stimuli.
Immunization of Mice with Virus-Like Vesicles of Kaposi Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Reveals a Role for Antibodies Targeting ORF4 in Activating Complement-Mediated Neutralization
Authors: Lam Alex K. , Roshan Romin , Miley Wendell , Labo Nazzarena , Zhen James , Kurland Andrew P. , Cheng Celine , Huang Haigen , Teng Pu-Lin , Harelson Claire , Gong Danyang , Tam Ying K. , Radu Caius G. , Epeldegui Marta , Johnson Jeffrey R. , Zhou Z. Hong , Whitby Denise , Wu Ting-Ting
Published: February 2023

KSHV is a virus that can lead to cancer after infection. A vaccine that prevents KSHV infection or transmission would be helpful in preventing the development of these cancers.
Carbon isotope and biostratigraphic evidence for an expanded Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum sedimentary record in the deep Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Vimpere Lucas , Spangenberg Jorge E. , Roige Marta , Adatte Thierry , De Kaenel Eric , Fildani Andrea , Clark Julian , Sahoo Swapan , Bowman Andrew , Sternai Pietro , Castelltort Sébastien
Published: February 2023

In this study, we present evidence of a Paleocene–Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM) record within a 543-m-thick (1780 ft) deep-marine section in the Gulf of Mexico (GoM) using organic carbon stable isotopes and biostratigraphic constraints. We suggest that climate and tectonic perturbations in the upstream North American catchments can induce a substantial response in the downstream sectors of the Gulf Coastal Plain and ultimately in the GoM. This relationship is illustrated in the deep-water basin by (1) a high accommodation and deposition of a shale interval when coarse-grained terrigenous material was trapped upstream at the onset of the PETM, and (2) a considerable increase in sediment supply during the PETM, which is archived as a particularly thick sedimentary section in the deep-sea fans of the GoM basin. Despite other thick PETM sections being observed elsewhere in the world, the one described in this study links with a continental-scale paleo-drainage, which makes it of particular interest for paleoclimate and source-to-sink reconstructions.
Impact of a clinical pharmacist on optimising the quality use of medicines according to the acute coronary syndrome (ACS) secondary prevention guidelines and medication adherence following discharge in patients with ACS in Sri Lanka: a prospective non-randomised controlled trial study protocol
Authors: Bagyawantha Nanayakkara Muhandiramalaya Yasakal , Coombes Ian D , Gawarammana Indika , Fahim Mohamed
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Ensuring quality use of medicines (QUM) through clinical pharmacy services can improve therapeutic outcomes of patients diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). The major objective of this study is to demonstrate the added value of a clinical pharmacist to the medical and nursing team providing care to patients with ACS on the continuation of quality use of the patients’ medicine after discharge.

Study design

This protocol outlines a prospective, non-blinded, non-randomised, controlled interventional study.

Study setting

The study will be conducted at the professorial medical wards of a tertiary care teaching hospital in Sri Lanka.

Participants

Sample size will be 746 patients in both control and intervention arms. Patients diagnosed with ACS who are 18 years old or above and expected to visit the hospital for their routine clinic follow-ups after discharge will be recruited and randomised 1:1 to either the intervention group or the control group. Patients who are diagnosed and suffering from psychological disorders will be excluded from this study.

Interventions

The planned interventions that will be delivered at discharge include review and optimisation of medications, assessing patient adherence and providing discharge medication counselling. Data will be collected at recruitment, 1 month, 3 months and 6 months’ time intervals in both groups. Improvement of patients’ medication adherence, reduction of hospital readmissions, reduction of drug-related problems, the attitude of doctors and nurses towards clinical pharmacy services and the cost-effectiveness of the clinical pharmacy services will be the major outcomes of this study.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this study has been obtained from the ethics review committee, Faculty of Medicine, University of Peradeniya (2019/EC/26) and the trial is registered at the Sri Lanka Clinical Trials Registry. The results of this study will be disseminated via conference proceedings, journal publications and thesis presentations.

Trial registration number

SLCTR/2019/039.
Supporting implementation of interventions to address ethnicity-related health inequities: frameworks, facilitators and barriers – a scoping review protocol
Authors: Gustafson Papillon , Abdul Aziz Yasmin , Lambert Michelle , Bartholomew Karen , Brown Rachel , Carswell Peter , Fusheini Adam , Ratima Mihi , Priest Patricia , Crengle Sue
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Health inequities are differences in health between groups of people that are avoidable, unfair and unjust. Achieving equitable health outcomes requires approaches that recognise and account for the differences in levels of advantage between groups. Implementation science, which studies how to translate evidence-based interventions into routine practice, is increasingly recognised as an approach to address health inequities by identifying factors and processes that enable equitable implementation of interventions. This article describes the protocol for a scoping review of the literature relating to the equitable implementation of interventions, focusing on ethnicity-related health inequities. The scoping review aims to identify equity-focused implementation science theories, models and frameworks (TMFs) and to synthesise and analyse the evidence relating to the factors that aid or inhibit equitable implementation of health interventions.

Methods and analysis

The scoping review is guided by the methodology developed by Arksey and O’Malley and enhanced by Levac and colleagues. Relevant literature will be identified by searching electronic databases, grey literature, hand-searching key journals and searching the reference lists and citations of studies that meet the inclusion criteria. We will focus on literature published from 2011 to the present. Titles, abstracts and full-text articles will be screened independently by two researchers; any disagreements will be resolved through discussion with another researcher. Extracted data will be summarised and analysed to address the scoping review aims.

Ethics and dissemination

The scoping review will map the available literature on equity-focused implementation science TMFs and the facilitators and barriers to equitable implementation of interventions. Ethical approval is not required. Dissemination of the results of the review will include publications in peer-review journals and conference and stakeholder presentations. Findings from the review will support those implementing interventions to ensure that the implementation pathway and processes are equitable, thereby improving health outcomes and reducing existing inequities.
Prevalence and socioeconomic determinants of awareness and visitation of community clinic among ever married women: evidence from Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey, 2017–2018
Authors: Al-Zubayer Md Akib , Shanto Hasibul Hasan , Kumkum Rabeya , Alam Sk Tasnuva , Ahammed Benojir
Published: February 2023

Objectives

Bangladesh has made remarkable progress in improving the population’s health, but maternal health and healthcare facilities are still in a vulnerable situation. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and determinants of awareness and visitation of community clinics (CCs) in Bangladesh.

Design

A population-based cross-sectional study.

Setting

The data were collected from the most recent Bangladesh Demographic and Health Survey conducted in 2017–2018.

Participants

This study’s participants are 18 893 women aged 15–49 years throughout all administrative regions.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcomes are awareness and visitation of CCs, defined as if women are aware and visit of CCs.

Materials and methods

Descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariate binary logistics analysis were used to determine the prevalence and associated factors of awareness and visitation of CCs.

Results

The prevalence of awareness and visitation to CCs were 60.26% and 15.92%, respectively. The result of the multivariate analysis revealed that higher education, division and higher number of children were significantly positively associated, whereas the richest wealth index was significantly negatively associated with both awareness and visitation to CCs. Furthermore, the urban residence was negatively and respondent involvement in currently working was positively significantly related to awareness of CCs. Moreover, male household heads and exposure to media were significantly positively related to visitation to CCs.

Conclusion

The study result highlights that more than half of the women were aware of CCs however, the CCs’ visit rates were comparatively low. Priority-based public health programmes for women through community health workers are urgently needed to increase the awareness and visitation of CCs.
Lower starting dose of roxadustat in non-dialysis-dependent chronic kidney disease patients with anaemia: a study protocol for a randomised, multicentre, open-label study
Authors: Li Ping , Sun Xuefeng , Chen Dinghua , Lin Hong-li , Zhang Li , Wu Yiqing , Pan Shuting , Cai Guangyan , Chen Xiangmei
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Roxadustat is a first-in-class oral therapy that treats chronic kidney disease (CKD) anaemia with the benefit of a novel mechanism of action that consistently corrects and maintains haemoglobin (Hb) across the spectrum of non-dialysis-dependent (NDD) CKD anaemia with an acceptable safety profile.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised, control, open-label, multicentre trial. About 250 adult Chinese participants with stage 3–5 CKD NDD in approximately 30 centres will be enrolled, randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio, to receive a 16-week treatment and 4-week follow-up. The interventions for study arm are <60 kg: 50 mg TIW and ≥60 kg: 70 mg TIW; for control arm, <60 kg: 70 mg TIW and ≥60 kg: 100 mg TIW. The primary endpoint is the mean change in haemoglobin level from baseline to average over weeks 12–16. Secondary endpoints are to assess the proportion of subjects achieving an average Hb level of 100 to 120 g/L over weeks 12–16, the Hb variability, the rescue therapy requirement between two groups and the safety in two groups. The exploratory objectives are expected to evaluate the rate and time of Hb response, times of dose adjustment, the proportion of subjects with rapid Hb rise, overshooting during the treatment between two different starting dose groups, and subgroup analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The Medical Ethics Committee of Chinese PLA General Hospital has approved this study (No. S2020-523-05) and will be performed in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki. Participant consent will be obtained in writing. Results will be disseminated via peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100045359.
What is the significance of a faecal elastase-1 level between 200 and 500μg/g?
Authors: Mathew Alok , Fernandes Darren , Andreyev H Jervoise N
Published: February 2023

Background

Pancreatic exocrine insufficiency is a cause of malabsorption. It is generally diagnosed if faecal elastase-1 (FE-1) levels are below 200 µg/g. Pancreatic function is assumed to be normal when faecal elastase levels are >500 µg/g. The significance of faecal elastase levels above 200 µg/g but less than 500 µg/g is unclear.

Methods

This retrospective study reports the response to treatment in patients who had an FE-1 level between 200 and 500 µg/g.

Results

Of these 82 patients, 28 were offered pancreatic enzyme replacement therapy (PERT). A clinical response, defined as an improvement in their initial symptoms after commencing PERT, was seen in 20 patients (71%), 7 with potentially predisposing conditions and 13 with functional diarrhoea. PERT particularly abolished or improved diarrhoea, steatorrhoea and flatulence.

Conclusion

Clinicians should, therefore, be aware that a trial of PERT given to patients with FE-1 levels between 200 and 500 µg/g may lead to improvement in gastrointestinal symptoms.
IL-17A-producing CD8+T cells promote PDAC via induction of inflammatory cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Picard Felix Simon Ruben , Lutz Veronika , Brichkina Anna , Neuhaus Felix , Ruckenbrod Teresa , Hupfer Anna , Raifer Hartmann , Klein Matthias , Bopp Tobias , Pfefferle Petra Ina , Savai Rajkumar , Prinz Immo , Waisman Ari , Moos Sonja , Chang Hyun-Dong , Heinrich Stefan , Bartsch Detlef K , Buchholz Malte , Singh Shiv , Tu Mengyu , Klein Lukas , Bauer Christian , Liefke Robert , Burchert Andreas , Chung Ho-Ryun , Mayer Philipp , Gress Thomas M , Lauth Matthias , Gaida Matthias , Huber Magdalena
Published: February 2023

Objective

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is characterised by an abundant desmoplastic stroma composed of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) and interspersed immune cells. A non-canonical CD8+T-cell subpopulation producing IL-17A (Tc17) promotes autoimmunity and has been identified in tumours. Here, we evaluated the Tc17 role in PDAC.

Design

Infiltration of Tc17 cells in PDAC tissue was correlated with patient overall survival and tumour stage. Wild-type (WT) orIl17ra-/-quiescent pancreatic stellate cells (qPSC) were exposed to conditional media obtained from Tc17 cells (Tc17-CM); moreover, co-culture of Tc17-CM-induced inflammatory (i)CAF (Tc17-iCAF) with tumour cells was performed. IL-17A/F-, IL-17RA-, RAG1-deficient andFoxn1nu/numice were used to study the Tc17 role in subcutaneous and orthotopic PDAC mouse models.

Results

Increased abundance of Tc17 cells highly correlated with reduced survival and advanced tumour stage in PDAC. Tc17-CM induced iCAF differentiation as assessed by the expression of iCAF-associated genes via synergism of IL-17A and TNF. Accordingly, IL-17RA controlled the responsiveness of qPSC to Tc17-CM. Pancreatic tumour cells co-cultured with Tc17-iCAF displayed enhanced proliferation and increased expression of genes implicated in proliferation, metabolism and protection from apoptosis. Tc17-iCAF accelerated growth of mouse and human tumours inRag1-/-andFoxn1nu/numice, respectively. Finally,Il17ra-expressed by fibroblasts was required for Tc17-driven tumour growth in vivo.

Conclusions

We identified Tc17 as a novel protumourigenic CD8+T-cell subtype in PDAC, which accelerated tumour growth via IL-17RA-dependent stroma modification. We described a crosstalk between three cell types, Tc17, fibroblasts and tumour cells, promoting PDAC progression, which resulted in poor prognosis for patients.
Comparison of three antithrombotic strategies for emergent carotid stenting during stroke thrombectomy: a multicenter study
Authors: Pop Raoul , Burel Julien , Finitsis Stephanos Nikolaos , Papagiannaki Chrysanthi , Severac Francois , Mangin Pierre H , Mihoc Dan , Leonard-Lorant Ian , Gheoca Roxana , Wolff Valerie , Chibbaro Salvatore , Sibon Igor , Richard Sébastien , Beaujeux Remy , Marnat Gaultier , Gory Benjamin
Published: February 2023

Background

Periprocedural antithrombotic treatment is a key determinant for the risk–benefit balance of emergent carotid artery stenting (eCAS) during stroke thrombectomy. We aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of three types of antithrombotic treatment.

Methods

Retrospective review of prospectively collected endovascular databases in four comprehensive stroke centers, including consecutive cases of eCAS for tandem lesion strokes between January 2019 and July 2021. During this period, each center prospectively applied one of three periprocedural protocols: (a) two centers administered aspirin (250 mg IV); (b) one center administered aspirin and heparin (bolus+24 hours infusion); and (c) one center applied an aggressive antiplatelet strategy consisting of aspirin and clopidogrel (loading doses), with added intravenous tirofiban if in-stent thrombosis was observed during thrombectomy. Dichotomized comparisons of outcomes were performed between aggressive versus non-aggressive strategy (aspirin±heparin) and aspirin+heparin versus aspirin-alone groups.

Results

Among 161 included patients, 62 received aspirin monotherapy, 38 aspirin+heparin, and 61 an aggressive treatment. Aggressive antiplatelet treatment was associated with an increased rate of excellent (modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (mTICI) 2c-3) recanalization and reduced carotid stent thrombosis at day 1 (3.5% vs 16.3%), compared with non-aggressive strategy. There were no significant differences in hemorrhagic transformation or 90-day mortality. There was a tendency towards better clinical outcome with aggressive treatment, without reaching statistical significance. Addition of heparin to aspirin was not associated with an increased rate of carotid stent patency.

Conclusions

Aggressive antiplatelet treatment was associated with improved intracranial recanalization and carotid stent patency, without safety concerns. These findings have implications for randomized trials and may be of utility for clinicians when making antithrombotic treatment choices.
Prevalence ofMycoplasma genitaliuminfection among HIV PrEP users: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sokoll Paulo Roberto , Migliavaca Celina Borges , Siebert Uwe , Schmid Daniela , Arvandi Marjan
Published: February 2023

Objectives

To summarise the prevalence ofMycoplasma genitalium(MG) and antibiotic-resistant MG infection among HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) users.

Methods

We searched MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science and Global Index Medicus up to 30 September 2022. We included studies reporting the prevalence of MG and/or antibiotic-resistant MG infection among PrEP users. Two reviewers independently searched for studies and extracted data. A systematic review with random-effects meta-analysis was performed to quantitatively summarise the results of included studies. The critical appraisal of included studies was conducted with the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for prevalence studies and the quality of evidence was assessed with Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

A total of 15 studies were included in the systematic review, with 2341 individuals taking PrEP. Studies were conducted in high-income level countries between 2014 and 2019. Median age of participants varied from 23.5 to 40 years. The majority were men (85%) and among them, 93% were men who have sex with men. To identify MG, urine samples were analysed in 14 studies, rectal or anal swabs in 12 studies, oral or pharyngeal swabs in 9 studies, and urethral or vaginal in 3 studies. The pooled point prevalence of MG among PrEP users was 16.7% (95% CI 13.6% to 20.3%; 95% prediction interval (95% PI) 8.2% to 31.1%). The pooled point prevalence of macrolide-resistant infections was 82.6% (95% CI 70.1% to 90.6%; 95% PI 4.7% to 99.8%) and the prevalence of fluoroquinolone-resistant infections was 14.3% (95% CI 1.8% to 42.8%). Individuals taking PrEP have a higher chance of being infected with MG compared with those not taking PrEP (OR 2.30; 95% CI 1.6 to 3.4). The quality of evidence was very low to moderate.

Conclusion

We observed a high prevalence of MG and its macrolide resistance among PrEP users, highlighting the need to reinforce prevention strategies against sexually transmitted infections in this population.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022310597.
Consolidation-induced improvements in plate anchor capacity
Authors: Wang C. , O'Loughlin C.D. , Bransby M. , Watson P. , Zhou Z.
Published: February 2023

Plate anchors are an attractive technology for mooring floating facilities; as relative to piles, suction caissons, and drag anchors, they provide a much higher capacity relative to their mass. Plate anchors may experience an extreme loading event that will cause geotechnical failure, although they will still retain a residual capacity. The displacement associated with bringing the anchor to failure will induce excess pore pressures that initially reduce soil strength but will dissipate over time, leading to regains in soil strength and hence anchor capacity. This paper considers the time scales and magnitude of this anchor capacity regain through a series of model scale experiments conducted in a geotechnical centrifuge. The experiments involved vertical loading of pre-embedded horizontally orientated circular anchors in normally consolidated kaolin clay. The results show that anchor capacity regain is a function of consolidation time and the level of resistance maintained on the anchor, with the longest consolidation time and highest maintained resistance leading to a capacity regain of approximately 60%. These capacity increases are described here using a simple hyperbolic function, which provides a basis for estimating the time needed for the residual anchor capacity to regain sufficient capacity following a movement event.
Decision factors influencing new variety adoption in western Canada by the seed industry
Authors: Lassoued Rim , Smyth Stuart J.
Published: February 2023

In the agricultural sector, innovation is a vital economic driver for increasing food production. New crop varieties are developed and commercialized, greatly contributing to improved global food security through higher yields, improved nutrition and climate resiliency. Canada is a competitive and innovative actor in the global seed market. This article quantifies the degree of improvement for numerous crop traits required for commercialization success. We use empirical data from seed producers in the prairies to identify their adoption criteria to multiply new seed varieties. Results show that yield potential, disease resistance and lodging resistance are the key traits for pedigreed seed growers regardless of crop type, while other agronomic traits depend on the crop type. Quality factors such as malting or milling properties for cereals, protein content for pulses and oil content for oilseeds are also part of the variety selection decision process for prairie pedigreed seed growers.
An intrinsic volume metric for the class of convex bodies in ℝn
Authors: Besau Florian , Hoehner Steven
Published: February 2023

A new intrinsic volume metric is introduced for the class of convex bodies in [Formula: see text]. As an application, an inequality is proved for the asymptotic best approximation of the Euclidean unit ball by arbitrarily positioned polytopes with a restricted number of vertices under this metric. This result improves the best known estimate, and shows that dropping the restriction that the polytope is contained in the ball or vice versa improves the estimate by at least a factor of dimension. The same phenomenon has already been observed in the special cases of volume, surface area and mean width approximation of the ball.
Pseudo-quotients of algebraic actions and their application to character varieties
Authors: González-Prieto Ángel
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we propose a weak version of quotient for the algebraic action of a group on a variety, which we shall call a pseudo-quotient. They arise when we focus on the purely topological properties of good Geometric Invariant Theory (GIT) quotients regardless of their algebraic properties. The flexibility granted by their topological nature enables an easier identification in geometric constructions than classical GIT quotients. We obtain several results about the interplay between pseudo-quotients and good quotients. Additionally, we show that in characteristic zero pseudo-quotients are unique up to virtual class in the Grothendieck ring of algebraic varieties. As an application, we compute the virtual class of [Formula: see text]-character varieties for free groups and surface groups as well as their parabolic counterparts with punctures of Jordan type.
An Evidential Reasoning Rule-Based Ensemble Learning Approach for Evaluating Credit Risks with Customer Heterogeneity
Authors: Yang Ying , Gao Ting , Xu Gencheng , Wang Gang
Published: February 2023

Credit risk evaluation has been vital for financial institutions to identify default customers and to avoid financial loss. Machine learning and data mining techniques have been adopted to develop scoring models for enhancing the prediction performance of default customers. However, it is difficult for these machine learning models for explaining the rejection or approval decision-making process to customers and other non-technical personnel. This paper presents an evidence reasoning (ER) rule-based ensemble learning approach for credit risk evaluation considering customer heterogeneity. Firstly, customers are segmented into different groups by [Formula: see text]-means clustering algorithms and a two-stage weighting method is proposed to determine the significances of attributes by their discriminating powers between groups and within groups. Then, the attribute-related evidence is obtained by Bayesian statistics to represent the relationships between the attributes and credit risks, and a two-stage weighting evidential reasoning (TER) is developed as a base learner for credit scoring. Lastly, multiple base learners TERs are aggregated for evaluating customers’ credit risks. An empirical study on three credit datasets demonstrated that the proposed approach can achieve high performance with good explainability. The predicted results of the model can be well comprehended by providing the contribution of attributes and the activated rules in evidential reasoning processes.
Protection of noisy multipartite entangled states of superconducting qubits via universally robust dynamical decoupling schemes
Authors: Gautam Akanksha , Arvind  , Dorai Kavita
Published: February 2023

In this paper, we demonstrate the efficacy of the universally robust dynamical decoupling (URDD) sequence to preserve multipartite maximally entangled quantum states on a cloud-based quantum computer via the IBM platform. URDD is a technique that can compensate for experimental errors and simultaneously protect the state against environmental noise. To further improve the performance of the URDD sequence, phase randomization (PR) as well as correlated PR (CPR) techniques are added to the basic URDD sequence. The performance of the URDD sequence is quantified by measuring the entanglement in several noisy entangled states (two-qubit triplet state, three-qubit Greenberger–Horne–Zeilinger (GHZ) state, four-qubit GHZ state and four-qubit cluster state) at several time points. Our experimental results demonstrate that the URDD sequence is successfully able to protect noisy multipartite entangled states and its performance is modestly improved by adding the PR and CPR sequences.
Generalized Darboux transformation for nonlinear Schrödinger system on general Hermitian symmetric spaces and rogue wave solutions
Authors: Asadi Esmaeel , Riaz H. W. A. , Ganjkhanloo Mohammad Ali
Published: February 2023

In this paper, a generalized Darboux transformation is obtained for Fordy–Kulish NLS (nonlinear Schrödinger) systems on general Hermitian symmetric spaces in order to rigorously obtain rogue wave solutions for these systems. In particular, we express the generalized algebraic relations in a simple and elegant compact form. As an illustration, we derive multi-soliton, breather-type and mainly rogue wave solutions of triangular patterns for single- and multi-component NLS systems on [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] respectively. We also analyze the modulation instability of proper plane wave solutions. In order to get visual intuition for the dynamics of the result and solutions for the running examples, the associated simulations of profiles are furnished as well.
Stable traversable wormholes in f(Q) gravity
Authors: Godani Nisha
Published: February 2023

This paper is focused on the investigation of wormhole solutions in [Formula: see text] gravity, where [Formula: see text] denotes the non-metricity scalar. To obtain these solutions, three specific forms of [Formula: see text] gravity models are considered and the shape function, which is responsible for the shape of the wormhole, has been obtained numerically for each model. Further, the energy conditions are checked and the stability of solutions is obtained by determining the adiabatic sound speed in each case.
Aging Mechanisms of Ultra-High-Rate Lithium-Ion Batteries for Electromagnetic Launch
Authors: Liu Lang , Long Xinlin
Published: February 2023

We demonstrate the aging mechanisms of ultra-high-rate lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO[Formula: see text]/graphite batteries for electromagnetic launch (EML) applications. These lithium-ion batteries (LIBs) are repetitively charged at a rate of 1[Formula: see text]C and discharged at a rate of 70[Formula: see text]C for 300 times. After 300 cycles, the capacity retention is 79.9%, and the internal resistance rises from 1.4[Formula: see text]m[Formula: see text] to 2.4[Formula: see text]m[Formula: see text]. The scanning electron microscopy (SEM) results show that the surface of the anode presents an absolutely different morphology after 300 cycles, indicating the occurrence of severe secondary reactions. The X-ray diffraction (XRD) and X-ray photoelectron spectroscope (XPS) results reveal that part of LiFePO4 is replaced by FePO4 in the cathode of fully discharged LIBs during repetitive cycling, meaning the occurrence of loss of active lithium. Moreover, the Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and XPS results display that the surface of the anode is coated by a layer of compounds including Li2CO3, ROCO2Li and LiF after 300 cycles, which is the cause of loss of active lithium and results in the decline of capacity. As the first research about the aging mechanisms of ultra-high-rate LiFePO4/graphite batteries, this work brings comprehension of the degradation of EML-used LIBs, which is of great significance to EML technology.