bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gabapentin reduces stress and does not affect ocular parameters in clinically normal cats
Authors: Crowe Yvette C. , Groth Allyson D. , Billson Francis M. , White Joanna , Coall Sarah M. , Yates Kelly L. , Premont Johana E.
Published: August 2022

Objective

To describe the effects of gabapentin on ocular and behavioral parameters following oral administration in healthy cats.

Materials and methods

Masked, placebo‐controlled, randomized crossover‐design study. Ten young, healthy cats were scheduled for two veterinary visits 7 days apart and randomly assigned to receive a compounded capsule containing 100 mg of gabapentin or placebo (100 mg lactose powder) at the first visit and the opposite treatment at the second visit. Respiratory rate, heart rate, stress score, sedation score, compliance score, horizontal pupil diameter, intraocular pressure, and Schirmer tear test‐1 were measured prior to and 1.5, 3, and 6 h following capsule administration. Stress score, sedation score, and compliance score were assigned based on established behavioral scales. Results of the two treatments were statistically compared with ap‐value <0.05 considered significant.

Results

Respiratory rate was significantly reduced at 1.5 (p = 0.049) and 3 (p = 0.03) hours following gabapentin administration. Stress score was significantly reduced at 1.5 (p = 0.01) hours following gabapentin administration. Sedation score was significantly increased at 1.5 (p = 0.015) and 3 (p = 0.03) hours following gabapentin administration. Gabapentin had no significant effect on heart rate, compliance score, or ocular values measured in this study.

Conclusions

Gabapentin reduces stress and increases sedation at 1.5 h after treatment, with no significant effect on horizontal pupil diameter, intraocular pressure or Schirmer tear test‐1 results.
New Horizons for Geothermal Energy
Authors: Wicks Frank
Published: August 2022

The geothermal heat resource is not limited the way fuel or iron or other materials are. But the low efficiency of geothermal power systems is unsatisfying and contributes to often-poor economics. To improve efficiency, engineers could look for a different thermodynamic cycle in the power plant. And, the economics can be improved by developing a facility whereby geothermal heat and electricity is the by-product of a process to produce lithium.
Investigations on the Aerodynamic Performance of a Gas Turbine Exhaust Diffuser With the Modified Shell Profile
Authors: Dong Yuxuan , Li Zhigang , Li Jun
Published: August 2022

In this paper, a shell profile design method based on diffuser flow area curve is proposed to improve the static pressure recovery coefficient of the exhaust diffuser over a range of inlet swirl angles. Based on verifying the reliability of the numerical method, the paper first explored the aerodynamic performance of the exhaust diffuser with the original structure and the modified structure by solving three-dimensional Reynolds-Averaged Navier–Stokes. Numerical results well capture the pressure distribution and flow characteristics in the exhaust diffuser. The numerical results show that the shell profile modification method effectively improves the aerodynamic performance of the exhaust diffuser. Compared with the original exhaust diffuser, the secondary vortex near the outer shell of the modified exhaust diffuser is weakened and the axial reverse pressure gradient near the strut is reduced. The static pressure recovery coefficient of the modified exhaust diffuser is significantly increased under different inlet swirl angles. Especially, under the normal working condition with a medium swirl angle (22 deg), the static pressure recovery coefficient increases by 0.034 with a relative increase of 7.6%. Under the extreme working conditions of a large swirl angle (35 deg), the static pressure recovery coefficient increases by 0.074 with a relative increase of 39%. A test rig for measuring the aerodynamic performance of the exhaust diffuser was built, and the validity of the shell profile design method is further verified through experimental measurements.
Creatine Monohydrate Supplementation, but not Creatyl-L-Leucine, Increased Muscle Creatine Content in Healthy Young Adults: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Askow Andrew T. , Paulussen Kevin J.M. , McKenna Colleen F. , Salvador Amadeo F. , Scaroni Susannah E. , Hamann Jade S. , Ulanov Alexander V. , Li Zhong , Paluska Scott A. , Beaudry Kayleigh M. , De Lisio Michael , Burd Nicholas A.
Published: August 2022

Creatine (Cr) supplementation is a well-established strategy to enhance gains in strength, lean body mass, and power from a period of resistance training. However, the effectiveness of creatyl-L-leucine (CLL), a purported Cr amide, is unknown. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to assess the effects of CLL on muscle Cr content. Twenty-nine healthy men (n = 17) and women (n = 12) consumed 5 g/day of either Cr monohydrate (n = 8; 28.5 ± 7.3 years, 172.1 ± 11.0 cm, 76.6 ± 10.7 kg), CLL (n = 11; 29.2 ± 9.3 years, 170.3 ± 10.5 cm, 71.9 ± 14.5 kg), or placebo (n = 10; 30.3 ± 6.9 years, 167.8 ± 9.9 cm, 69.9 ± 11.1 kg) for 14 days in a randomized, double-blind design. Participants completed three bouts of supervised resistance exercise per week. Muscle biopsies were collected before and after the intervention for quantification of muscle Cr. Cr monohydrate supplementation which significantly increased muscle Cr content with 14 days of supplementation. No changes in muscle Cr were observed for the placebo or CLL groups. Cr monohydrate supplementation is an effective strategy to augment muscle Cr content while CLL is not.
Response Time Modulates the Relationship Between Implicit Learning and Motor Ability in Children With and Without Autism Spectrum Disorders: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Bo Jin , Shen Bo , Dong Liangsan , Pang YanLi , Xing Yu , Zhang Mingting , Xiang Yuan , Lasutschinkow Patricia C. , Li Dan
Published: August 2022

Difficulty with implicit learning plays an important role in the symptomology of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). However, findings in motor learning are inconsistent. This study evaluated implicit sequence learning and its relationship with motor ability in children with and without ASD. We adopted a classic serial reaction time task with a retention task and three awareness tests. The Movement Assessment Battery for Children was administered to assess children’s motor ability. Significant learning differences between children with and without ASD were only found in retention but not immediately after the serial reaction time task. These findings suggest that the impaired implicit learning in ASD is characterized as impaired consolidation where the relatively permanent changes are missing. Exploratory moderation analyses revealed a significant relationship between implicit learning and motor ability for individuals with faster response time. We argue the importance of response speed for optimal learning and should be weighted more for future intervention in children with ASD.
Structurally integrated 3D carbon tube grid–based high-performance filter capacitor
Authors: Han Fangming , Qian Ou , Meng Guowen , Lin Dou , Chen Gan , Zhang Shiping , Pan Qijun , Zhang Xiang , Zhu Xiaoguang , Wei Bingqing
Published: August 2022

Filter capacitors play a critical role in ensuring the quality and reliability of electrical and electronic equipment. Aluminum electrolytic capacitors are the most commonly used but are the largest filtering components, limiting device miniaturization. The high areal and volumetric capacitance of electric double-layer capacitors should make them ideal miniaturized filter capacitors, but they are hindered by their slow frequency responses. We report the development of interconnected and structurally integrated carbon tube grid–based electric double-layer capacitors with high areal capacitance and rapid frequency response. These capacitors exhibit excellent line filtering of 120-hertz voltage signal and volumetric advantages under low-voltage operations for digital circuits, portable electronics, and electrical appliances. These findings provide a sound technological basis for developing electric double-layer capacitors for miniaturizing filter and power devices.
Collapse of terrestrial mammal food webs since the Late Pleistocene
Authors: Fricke Evan C. , Hsieh Chia , Middleton Owen , Gorczynski Daniel , Cappello Caroline D. , Sanisidro Oscar , Rowan John , Svenning Jens-Christian , Beaudrot Lydia
Published: August 2022

Food webs influence ecosystem diversity and functioning. Contemporary defaunation has reduced food web complexity, but simplification caused by past defaunation is difficult to reconstruct given the sparse paleorecord of predator-prey interactions. We identified changes to terrestrial mammal food webs globally over the past ~130,000 years using extinct and extant mammal traits, geographic ranges, observed predator-prey interactions, and deep learning models. Food webs underwent steep regional declines in complexity through loss of food web links after the arrival and expansion of human populations. We estimate that defaunation has caused a 53% decline in food web links globally. Although extinctions explain much of this effect, range losses for extant species degraded food webs to a similar extent, highlighting the potential for food web restoration via extant species recovery.
Massively degenerate coherent perfect absorber for arbitrary wavefronts
Authors: Slobodkin Yevgeny , Weinberg Gil , Hörner Helmut , Pichler Kevin , Rotter Stefan , Katz Ori
Published: August 2022

One of the key insights of non-Hermitian photonics is that well-established concepts such as the laser can be operated in reverse to realize a coherent perfect absorber (CPA). Although conceptually appealing, such CPAs are limited so far to a single, judiciously shaped wavefront or mode. Here, we demonstrate how this limitation can be overcome by time-reversing a degenerate cavity laser based on a unique cavity that self-images any incident light field onto itself. Placing a weak, critically coupled absorber into this cavity, any incoming wavefront, even a complex and dynamically varying speckle pattern, is absorbed with close to perfect efficiency in a massively parallel interference process. These characteristics open up interesting new possibilities for applications in light harvesting, energy delivery, light control, and imaging.
Deadly bird flu establishes a foothold in North America
Authors: Stokstad Erik
Published: August 2022

H5N1 has continued to kill wild birds and poultry this summer. The fall migration could bring it back in force
Pervasive
Listeria monocytogenes
Is Common in the Norwegian Food System and Is Associated with Increased Prevalence of Stress Survival and Resistance Determinants
Authors: Fagerlund Annette , Wagner Eva , Møretrø Trond , Heir Even , Moen Birgitte , Rychli Kathrin , Langsrud Solveig
Published: August 2022

Listeria monocytogenes
can persist in food processing environments for months to decades and spread through the food system by, e.g., contaminated raw materials. Knowledge of the distribution and diversity of
L. monocytogenes
is important in outbreak investigations and is essential to effectively track and control this pathogen in the food system.
Involvement of BldC in the Formation of Physiologically Mature Sporangium in Actinoplanes missouriensis
Authors: Tezuka Takeaki , Nitta Shumpei , Ohnishi Yasuo
Published: August 2022

BldC is a global transcriptional regulator that acts as a “brake” in the morphological differentiation of
Streptomyces
. BldC-like proteins are widely distributed throughout eubacteria, but their orthologs have not been studied outside streptomycetes.
Comparative Study of Bacterial SPOR Domains Identifies Functionally Important Differences in Glycan Binding Affinity
Authors: Yahashiri Atsushi , Kaus Gabriela M. , Popham David L. , Houtman Jon C. D. , Weiss David S.
Published: August 2022

SPOR domain proteins are prominent components of the cell division apparatus in a wide variety of bacteria. The primary function of SPOR domains is targeting proteins to the division site, which they accomplish by binding to septal peptidoglycan.
Circular Whole-Transcriptome Amplification (cWTA) and mNGS Screening Enhanced by a Group Testing Algorithm (mEGA) Enable High-Throughput and Comprehensive Virus Identification
Authors: Reteng Patrick , Nguyen Thuy Linh , Rahman Mizanur , Bispo de Filippis Ana Maria , Hayashida Kyoko , Sugi Tatsuki , Gonzalez Gabriel , Hall William W. , Nguyen Thi Lan Anh , Yamagishi Junya
Published: August 2022

Given the breadth of pathogens that cause infections, a single approach that can detect a wide range of pathogens is ideal but is impractical due to the available tests being highly specific to a certain pathogen. Recent developments in sequencing technology have introduced mNGS as an alternative that provides detection of a wide-range of pathogens by detecting the presence of their nucleic acids in the sample.
Toward FAIR Representations of Microbial Interactions
Authors: Pacheco Alan R. , Pauvert Charlie , Kishore Dileep , Segrè Daniel
Published: August 2022

Despite an ever-growing number of data sets that catalog and characterize interactions between microbes in different environments and conditions, many of these data are neither easily accessible nor intercompatible. These limitations present a major challenge to microbiome research by hindering the streamlined drawing of inferences across studies.
Comparison of Different Label-Free Raman Spectroscopy Approaches for the Discrimination of Clinical MRSA and MSSA Isolates
Authors: Pistiki Aikaterini , Monecke Stefan , Shen Haodong , Ryabchykov Oleg , Bocklitz Thomas W. , Rösch Petra , Ehricht Ralf , Popp Jürgen
Published: August 2022

Label-free Raman spectra capture the high chemical complexity of bacterial cells. Many different Raman approaches have been developed using different excitation wavelength and cell analysis methods.
N-Terminus Plays a Critical Role for Stabilizing the Filamentous Assembly and the Antifungal Activity of Bg_9562
Authors: Sahoo Pankaj Kumar , Kumar Rahul , Rani Aruna , Yadav Sunil Kumar , Jha Gopaljee , Jain Deepti
Published: August 2022

Burkholderia gladioli
strain NGJ1, isolated from healthy rice seedling, was earlier demonstrated to have mycophagous properties on a broad range of fungi, including
Rhizoctonia solani
, a causal agent of deadly sheath blight disease of rice. The purified Bg_9562 protein exerts broad-spectrum antifungal activity.
Geoelectric constraints on the Precambrian assembly and architecture of southern Laurentia
Authors: Murphy Benjamin S. , Bedrosian Paul A. , Kelbert Anna
Published: August 2022

Using images from an updated and expanded three-dimensional electrical conductivity synthesis model for the contiguous United States (CONUS), we highlight the key continent-scale geoelectric structures that are associated with the Precambrian assembly of southern Laurentia. Conductivity anomalies are associated with the Trans-Hudson orogen, the Penokean suture, the ca. 1.8–1.7 Ga Cheyenne belt and Spirit Lake tectonic zone, and the Grenville suture zone; the geophysical characteristics of these structures indicate that the associated accretionary events involved the closure of ancient ocean basins along discrete, large-scale structures. In contrast, we observe no large-scale conductivity anomalies through the portion of southern Laurentia that is generally viewed as composed of late Paleoproterozoic–early Mesoproterozoic accretionary crust. The lack of through-going conductors places constraints on the structure, petrology, and geodynamic history of crustal growth in southern Laurentia during that time period. Overall, our model highlights the enigmatic nature of the concealed Precambrian basement of much of southern Laurentia, as it in some places supports and in other places challenges prevailing models of Laurentian assembly. The revised CONUS electrical conductivity model thus provides important constraints for testing new models of Precambrian tectonism in this region.
Brenner’s tumour of the ovary
Authors: Ravichandran Madhumitha , Hussain Touzeen
Published: August 2022

Brenner’s tumour of the ovary is a rare diagnosis that is usually incidental in either clinical finding or laparotomy. Pathologically, it can be classified as being an uncommon surface epithelial tumour. Originally known as a transitional cell tumour due to its histological similarity to the urothelium, Brenner is usually an unilateral and benign tumour. The site of incidence is predominantly the ovary and can very rarely occur in other locations including the testis. The following is a case of Brenner’s tumour of the ovary in a postmenopausal woman after surgical treatment, the features of which will be discussed briefly.
Left testicular venous infarction secondary to large spontaneous retroperitoneal haematoma compressing left testicular vein: a case report
Authors: Vu Thomas , Lechmiannandan Sivaneswaran , Birks Sarah , Grummet Jeremy
Published: August 2022

A man in his early 50s presented with a spontaneous large left-sided retroperitoneal haematoma (RPH), on a background of therapeutic anticoagulation with warfarin for homozygous factor V Leiden. His international normalised ratio was found to be supra-therapeutic at 9.0 on presentation. He was treated non-operatively with prompt reversal of the coagulopathy and close monitoring. On day 4 of the admission, the patient reported scrotal pain and swelling. An urgent scrotal ultrasound revealed infarction of the left testis and the patient was taken to an emergency scrotal exploration. Intraoperatively, the left testis was found to be no longer viable with the left spermatic vein and venules completely thrombosed with extensive clots, while the left testicular artery remained intact. Consequently, a left orchidectomy was performed. Therapeutic anticoagulation was recommenced on day 3 postoperatively. It is thought that the large RPH caused extrinsic compression of the left testicular vein, in addition to the patient’s pre-existing factor V Leiden, which resulted in thrombosis of the blood vessel.
Multiple oral papillomas after antiretroviral treatment resumption
Authors: Ea Caroline , Agbo-Godeau Scarlette , Rochefort Juliette
Published: August 2022

Lesions of the oral mucosa due to human papillomavirus (HPV) present in various clinical forms. The case of a man in his 50s is reported. This patient was referred for multiple whitish oral lesions, unresponsive to antifungal drugs, in a context of pneumocystis having revealed a therapeutic break of an HIV antiretroviral treatment. The lesions had appeared a few days after treatment resumption. Clinical examination revealed multiple lesions on the lips, the inner sides of the cheeks and lips and on the tongue. The patient reported burning sensations in the mouth. The diagnosis of multiple papillomas was made in view of the characteristic clinical picture and history of the disease: appearance of oral papular lesions with multiple locations, which may reveal a context of severe immunodeficiency. HPV lesions are more frequent in HIV-positive patients and may increase on initiation of antiretroviral therapy.
Cost-free pharmacotherapy in smokers with TIA or stroke: QUIT-MED randomised controlled trial
Authors: Reid Robert , Papadakis Sophia , Gocan Sophia , Bourgoin Aline , Laplante Mary Ann , Armstrong Ashley , Aitken Debbie , Sahlas Demetrios , Stotts Grant , Cotie Lisa , Mullen Kerri-Anne , Pipe Andrew , Mir Hassan , Sharma Mukul
Published: August 2022

Objective

To examine whether cost-free (CF) smoking cessation medication was more effective than a prescription for cessation medication in patients after transient ischaemic attack (TIA) or stroke.

Design

Two-site randomised trial.

Setting

Stroke prevention clinics (SPCs) in Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Smokers with TIA or stroke, willing to quit smoking.

Intervention

Smoking status was assessed in SPC attendees. Smokers were advised to quit smoking and received recommendations for cessation medication and counselling. Consenting participants were randomly assigned (1:1) to either a CF medication group or a prescription-only (Rx) group. CF participants immediately received a 12-week supply of cessation medication. Rx participants were given a prescription for 12 weeks of cessation medication. Follow-up counselling was provided for 26 weeks.

Main outcome

The primary outcome was 40-week continuous abstinence verified using a carbon monoxide breath test at 52-week follow-up. Secondary outcomes included abstinence at intermediate timepoints, medication adherence and serious adverse events.

Results

Hundred and ninety-four participants were randomised and 131 (67.5%) completed the trial. The 40-week continuous abstinence rate at 52-week follow-up was 15.5% in the CF group versus 14.0% in the Rx group (OR=1.13; 95% CI 0.51 to 2.53). The 14-week continuous abstinence rate at 26-week follow-up was 18.6% in the CF group versus 16.8% in the Rx group (OR=1.20; 95% CI 0.56 to 2.55). Seven-day point-prevalence abstinence at 12 weeks was 38.1% in the CF group versus 26.9% in the Rx group (OR=1.76; 95% CI 0.94 to 3.28). Medication adherence was higher in the CF group versus the Rx group (47.4%±41.2% vs 25.5±36.8%, p<0.001). Serious adverse events occurred in 11.1% of participants and were unrelated to treatment.

Conclusions

Our findings were inconclusive; we failed to meet our recruitment target and the effect size was smaller than anticipated. CF medication improved medication adherence.

Trial registration number

NCT00962988; ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier.
Supervisors’ approaches to the early entrustment of clinical tasks: an observational study in general practice
Authors: de Jonge Laury P J W M , Govaerts Marjan J B , Timmerman Angelique A , Muris Jean W M , Kramer Anneke W M , Van der Vleuten Cees P M
Published: August 2022

Objectives

At the very start of medical residency training, entrustment of clinical tasks may be a major challenge, on which current scientific knowledge is scarce. This study therefore aimed to gain insight into the process of supervisors’ decision making underlying the entrustment of clinical tasks at the start of one-on-one supervisor–trainee working relationships.

Setting

This study was performed in a general practice (GP) training department in the Netherlands.

Participants

For this study, we recruited supervisor–trainee pairs who were just about to start the first year of GP residency training. Of 10 eligible supervisor–trainee pairs, 4 participated.

Design

We used a qualitative, social-constructivist research approach. Data from naturalistic non-participant observations and semistructured interviews with supervisors in four GP practices were triangulated and analysed using a thematic analysis approach.

Results

Supervisors’ early entrustment decisions were based on generic trainee qualities such as self-reflexivity, knowing one’s limitations and asking for help in time, rather than on task-specific performance. At the start of residency training, supervisors’ primary concern was to create a safe working and learning environment in which trainees could and would ask for timely supervision while being entrusted with challenging tasks. Supervisors used idiosyncratic entrustment strategies that were influenced by their propensity to trust, previous experiences with trainees, and their perspective on learning and teaching.

Conclusion

Entrustment decisions require high levels of safety for all stakeholders involved. Especially at the beginning of supervisor–trainee relationships, establishing an educational alliance in which entrustment is the subject of ongoing trainee–supervisor conversations is essential to achieve and maintain and optimal balance between trainee learning and patient safety. Additional research may further our understanding of early entrustment decision making and the role of generic trainee qualities in different settings.
Exploring COVID-19 circuit breaker (CB) restrictions at a migrant worker dormitory in Singapore: a case study and nested mixed-method analysis of stress management and mental health
Authors: Wong Melvyn Chung Pheng , Tan Chuen Seng , Chan Alyssa Yenyi , Khaled Nazrana , Hasan Md Tahmid , Panchapakesan Chitra , Tripathi Shilpi , Afsana Kaosar , Lwin May O. , Chen Mark I-Cheng , Hildon Zoe Jane-Lara
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Measures to mitigate the COVID-19 outbreak in the migrant worker dormitories in Singapore included lockdown and isolation of residents for prolonged periods. In this paper, we explore efforts to ease tensions and support mental health under these conditions.

Methods

Case study of dormitory residents under lockdown from April to August 2020 comprises a nested mixed-method approach using an online questionnaire (n=175) and semistructured interviews (n=23) of migrant workers sampled from the survey (August to September 2020). Logistic regression models were used to analyse survey data. Semistructured interviews were analysed using applied thematic analysis.

Results

Survey and interview data showed that mental health was largely protected despite initial rising tensions over restrictions during lockdown. Sources of tension negatively affecting low stress responses included job related worries, OR=0.07 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.18, p<0.001), poor communication with employers, OR=0.12 (95% CI 0.03 to 0.44, p<0.001) and loneliness, OR=0.24 (95% CI 0.10 to 0.55, p<0.001). Interview narratives concurrently revealed themes around job insecurity and the effects of the lockdown ‘not being good for mind and body’, the imposition of new rules and regulations compounded by the most emphasised concern—worry about family back home.

Interviewees shared how their adaptive capability played a pivotal protective role alongside social support and solidarity; aided by regular use of messaging applications, which supported mental health, OR=4.81 (95% CI 1.54 to 15.21, p<0.01). Employers were described as central to alleviating tensions, providing feedback loops to improve dorm conditions. Employees feeling their employers cared about their health and well-being was especially protective to mental health, OR=17.24 (95% CI 4.00 to 85.74, p<0.001). Gratitude and trust in government and healthcare provision was widely acknowledged. Concurrently, related attitudes such as believing in the timeliness and appropriateness of the lockdown also protected mental health, OR 2.85 (95% CI 1.08 to 7.39, p=0.03).

Conclusion

Tensions are mapped to protective solutions informing guidelines for future outbreak stress management response.
Healthcare workers’ compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures, and associated factors, in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zenbaba Demisu , Sahiledengle Biniyam , Beressa Girma , Desta Fikreab , Atlaw Daniel , Bogale Daniel , Chattu Vijay Kumar
Published: August 2022

Objective

Compliance with COVID-19 prevention measures limits infection occurrence and spread in healthcare settings. According to research conducted in Ethiopia, compliance with COVID-19 preventative strategies is inconsistent among healthcare providers. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to estimate the national pooled proportion of healthcare workers (HCWs) who adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors with good compliance.

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis of all identified studies with cross-sectional study design.

Data sources

A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed/MEDLINE, POPLINE, HINARI, Science Direct, Cochrane Library databases and Google Scholar search engines from January 2020 to September 2021.

Data extraction and synthesis

This review included all observational studies conducted in Ethiopia that reported the proportion of compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures and associated factors among HCWs. Two independent authors assessed the methodological quality of studies using Joanna Briggs Institute’s meta-analysis of statistical assessment and review instrument. The effect estimates for pooled proportion and pooled OR (POR) were determined.

Results

From retrieved 611 original studies, 21 studies were included in the meta-analysis with a total of n=7933 HCWs. The pooled proportion of good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures among HCWs was 49.7% (95% CI: 42.3% to 57.1%). Being male (POR=2.21, 95% CI: 1.52 to 3.21), service years (>3 years) (POR=2.65, 95% CI: 1.94 to 3.64), training (POR=2.30, 95% CI: 1.78 to 2.98), positive attitude (POR=3.14, 95% CI: 1.66 to 5.94) and good knowledge (POR=2.36, 95% CI: 1.92 to 2.89) were factors significantly associated with good compliance towards COVID-19 preventive measures.

Conclusion

Our study indicated that approximately one in every two HCWs had good compliance with COVID-19 preventive measures. There must be more emphasis on providing further training sessions for the HCWs to improve their compliance with COVID-19 preventative measures.
Long-term human papillomavirus vaccination effectiveness and immunity in Rwandan women living with and without HIV: a study protocol
Authors: Murenzi Gad , Shumbusho Fabienne , Hansen Natasha , Munyaneza Athanase , Gage Julia C , Muhoza Benjamin , Kanyabwisha Faustin , Pierz Amanda , Tuyisenge Patrick , Anastos Kathryn , Castle Philip E
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Prophylactic human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been shown to be highly effective in protecting women against cervical infections, high-grade abnormalities and cancer caused by the targeted HPV types. However, the evidence for their effectiveness in women living with HIV (WLWH) is less clear.

Methods

WLWH and HIV-negative women who likely did (birth cohorts 1996 and later) and WLWH and HIV(−) negative who likely did not (birth cohorts before 1996) receive HPV vaccination (n=3028; 757 participants for each of the four groups). Between groups, we will compare cervicovaginal, anal and oral prevalent and 6–12 month persistent HPV6/11/16/18 infections as measured using a modified AmpFire HPV genotyping assay that tests for 15 high-risk or intermediate-risk HPV genotypes, HPV6 and HPV11. We will also compare the HPV immune response in HPV-vaccinated WLWH to HPV-vaccinated HIV-negative women using an anti-HPV16 and anti-HPV18 ELISA. Vaccination status will be confirmed through national vaccination records.

Analysis

We will calculate point prevalence and prevalence of 6–12 month persisting infections by individual HPV-type specific infections and groups of infections for each anatomic site and for each group of women. Results will be stratified by age at vaccination, age at enrolment and the number of doses (3 vs 2) as well as other factors possibly associated with HPV prevalence. Differences in endpoints between groups, overall and between subgroups, will be tested for statistical significance (p<0.05) using Fisher’s exact or Pearson χ2 test. Differences in geometric mean titres and seropositivity will be tested for statistical significance using the Mann-Whitney and Fisher’s exact tests, respectively.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine Institutional Review Board and the Rwanda National Ethics Committee. Results will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Prevalence and correlates of self-reported cardiovascular disease in Mongolia: findings from the 2019 Mongolia STEPS cross-sectional survey
Authors: Pengpid Supa , Peltzer Karl
Published: August 2022

Objective

The aim of the study was to estimate the prevalence and correlates of cardiovascular disease (ischaemic heart disease and/or stroke (IHDS)) in Mongolia.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

National community-based sample of people aged 15–69 years in Mongolia.

Participants

6654 people (15–69 years, mean 41.3) who participated in the 2019 Mongolia STEPS survey.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Self-reported prevalence of IHDS and biological and social covariates. Determinants of IHDS were estimated with logistic regression.

Results

The prevalence of IHDS was 14.0%, 15.6% among women and 12.3% among men. Older age (45–69 years), being married or cohabiting, and urban residence were positively associated, and male sex was negatively associated, with IHDS. Additionally, experience of threats, hypertension, current tobacco use, passive smoking, sedentary behaviour and high physical activity were positively associated with IHDS.

Conclusions

Almost one in seven people aged 15–69 years had IHDS in Mongolia. Several factors amenable to public health intervention for IHDS were identified, including experience of threats, hypertension, current tobacco use, passive smoking and sedentary behaviour.
Burden, clinical features and outcomes of post-tuberculosis lung disease in sub-Saharan Africa: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nuwagira Edwin , Baluku Joseph Baruch , Meya David B , Philpotts Lisa Liang , Siedner Mark J , Bajunirwe Francis , Mpagama Stella G , Lai Peggy S
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) is significantly associated with multiple postinfectious, non-communicable diseases after microbiological cure. For example, those with a history of TB disease have a higher risk of developing chronic lung diseases at a younger age. However, the extent and nature of post-TB complications are not well described. Here, we present a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis, which aims to synthesise literature on the burden of post-TB lung disease (PTLD) in sub-Saharan Africa, describe phenotypes, long-term outcomes and the health-related quality of life of people with PTLD.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search will be conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, African Journals Online and the Cochrane Library of Systematic Reviews. Papers published in English and French languages that report the prevalence, clinical features, quality of life and long-term outcomes of people with PTLD in sub-Saharan Africa will be considered. We will assess and critically appraise the methodological quality of all studies using the modified covidence. Qualitative and quantitative (network and meta-analysis) synthesis will be performed and STATA V.16 will be used to estimate the burden of PTLD.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this systematic review and meta-analysis. Our results will be published in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021274018.
Nutritional therapy in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Vilar Mariana Dantas de Carvalho , Coutinho Karla Monica Dantas , Vale Sancha Helena de Lima , Medeiros Gidyenne Christine Bandeira Silva , Piuvezam Grasiela , Leite-Lais Lucia , Brandao-Neto Jose
Published: August 2022

Introduction

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a complex neurodegenerative disease characterised by the degeneration of motor neurons. Nutritional interventions in ALS are essential and must be based on scientific evidence to provide quality of healthcare, improve the quality of life and increase survival time. Therefore, this protocol of systematic reviews and meta-analyses aims to present a synthesis of evidence-based recommendations to support adequate nutrition therapy for patients with ALS.

Methods and analysis

The search will be performed using the following databases: PubMed, Excerpta Medica Database (Embase), Scopus, SciELO, Web of Science, LILACS, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ScienceDirect, ProQuest and Google Scholar. We will include clinical practice guidelines, treatment protocols, systematic reviews and clinical trials according to the three research questions to be answered related to nutrition therapy and interventions in patients with ALS. This protocol will be developed in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Protocols. To evaluate the methodological quality of the studies, Appraisal of Guidelines, Research and Evaluation II, Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 and Risk of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions (ROBINS-I) tools will be used. In addition, the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation will be used to assess the quality of evidence and the strength of the recommendations. The findings will be summarised and presented descriptively according to the Cochrane Collaboration Handbook and the standard statistical meta-analysis techniques.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval and human consent are not required because this is a protocol for systematic review and only secondary data will be used. Findings will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. In case of any changes in this protocol, amendments will be updated in International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) and the modifications will be explained in the final report of this review.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021233088.
Distinct blood protein profiles associated with the risk of short-term and mid/long-term clinical relapse in patients with Crohn’s disease stopping infliximab: when the remission state hides different types of residual disease activity
Authors: Pierre Nicolas , Huynh-Thu Vân Anh , Marichal Thomas , Allez Matthieu , Bouhnik Yoram , Laharie David , Bourreille Arnaud , Colombel Jean-Frédéric , Meuwis Marie-Alice , Louis Edouard
Published: August 2022

Objective

Despite being in sustained and stable remission, patients with Crohn’s disease (CD) stopping anti-tumour necrosis factor α (TNFα) show a high rate of relapse (~50% within 2 years). Characterising non-invasively the biological profiles of those patients is needed to better guide the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal.

Design

Ninety-two immune-related proteins were measured by proximity extension assay in serum of patients with CD (n=102) in sustained steroid-free remission and stopping anti-TNFα (infliximab). As previously shown, a stratification based on time to clinical relapse was used to characterise the distinct biological profiles of relapsers (short-term relapsers: <6 months vs mid/long-term relapsers: >6 months). Associations between protein levels and time to clinical relapse were determined by univariable Cox model.

Results

The risk (HR) of mid/long-term clinical relapse was specifically associated with a high serum level of proteins mainly expressed in lymphocytes (LAG3, SH2B3, SIT1; HR: 2.2–4.5; p<0.05), a low serum level of anti-inflammatory effectors (IL-10, HSD11B1; HR: 0.2–0.3; p<0.05) and cellular junction proteins (CDSN, CNTNAP2, CXADR, ITGA11; HR: 0.4; p<0.05). The risk of short-term clinical relapse was specifically associated with a high serum level of pro-inflammatory effectors (IL-6, IL12RB1; HR: 3.5–3.6; p<0.05) and a low or high serum level of proteins mainly expressed in antigen presenting cells (CLEC4A, CLEC4C, CLEC7A, LAMP3; HR: 0.4–4.1; p<0.05).

Conclusion

We identified distinct blood protein profiles associated with the risk of short-term and mid/long-term clinical relapse in patients with CD stopping infliximab. These findings constitute an advance for the development of non-invasive biomarkers guiding the decision of anti-TNFα withdrawal.
Human gut microbiota after bariatric surgery alters intestinal morphology and glucose absorption in mice independently of obesity
Authors: Anhê Fernando F , Zlitni Soumaya , Zhang Song-Yang , Choi Béatrice So-Yun , Chen Cassandra Y , Foley Kevin P , Barra Nicole G , Surette Michael G , Biertho Laurent , Richard Denis , Tchernof André , Lam Tony K T , Marette Andre , Schertzer Jonathan
Published: August 2022

Objective

Bariatric surgery is an effective treatment for type 2 diabetes (T2D) that changes gut microbial composition. We determined whether the gut microbiota in humans after restrictive or malabsorptive bariatric surgery was sufficient to lower blood glucose.

Design

Women with obesity and T2D had biliopancreatic diversion with duodenal switch (BPD-DS) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG). Faecal samples from the same patient before and after each surgery were used to colonise rodents, and determinants of blood glucose control were assessed.

Results

Glucose tolerance was improved in germ-free mice orally colonised for 7 weeks with human microbiota after either BPD-DS or LSG, whereas food intake, fat mass, insulin resistance, secretion and clearance were unchanged. Mice colonised with microbiota post-BPD-DS had lower villus height/width and crypt depth in the distal jejunum and lower intestinal glucose absorption. Inhibition of sodium-glucose cotransporter (Sglt)1 abrogated microbiota-transmissible improvements in blood glucose control in mice. In specific pathogen-free (SPF) rats, intrajejunal colonisation for 4 weeks with microbiota post-BPD-DS was sufficient to improve blood glucose control, which was negated after intrajejunal Sglt-1 inhibition. HigherParabacteroidesand lowerBlautiacoincided with improvements in blood glucose control after colonisation with human bacteria post-BPD-DS and LSG.

Conclusion

Exposure of rodents to human gut microbiota after restrictive or malabsorptive bariatric surgery improves glycaemic control. The gut microbiota after bariatric surgery is a standalone factor that alters upper gut intestinal morphology and lowers Sglt1-mediated intestinal glucose absorption, which improves blood glucose control independently from changes in obesity, insulin or insulin resistance.
Somatic symptom disorder in patients with post-COVID-19 neurological symptoms: a preliminary report from the somatic study (Somatic Symptom Disorder Triggered by COVID-19)
Authors: Kachaner Alexandra , Lemogne Cédric , Dave Julie , Ranque Brigitte , de Broucker Thomas , Meppiel Elodie
Published: August 2022

Objectives

To assess the diagnosis of somatic symptom disorder (SSD) in patients with unexplained neurological symptoms occurring after SARS-CoV-2 infection, also referred to as long COVID.

Design

Single-centre observational study.

Participants

Adult patients experiencing unexplained long-lasting neurological symptoms after mild COVID. Of the 58 consecutive patients referred in our centre, 50 were included.

Intervention

Patients were contacted for a standardised psychometric evaluation by phone, followed by a self-survey.

Main outcome

Positive diagnosis of SSD according to the criteria of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-5 (DSM-5).

Results

Although the patients did not meet the DSM-5 criteria for a functional neurological symptom disorder specifically, SSD diagnosis based on DSM-5 criteria was positive in 32 (64%) patients. In the remaining 18 patients, SSD was considered possible given the high score on diagnostic scales. Physical examination were normal for all. Brain MRI showed unspecific minor white matter hyperintensities in 8/46 patients. Neuropsychological assessment showed exclusively mild impairment of attention in 14 out of 15 tested patients, in discrepancy with their major subjective complaint. Forty-five (90%) patients met criteria for Chronic Fatigue Syndrome. Seventeen (32%) patients were screened positive for mood-anxiety disorders, 19 (38%) had a history of prior SSD and 27 (54%) reported past trauma. Additional self-survey highlighted post-traumatic stress disorder in 12/43 (28%), high levels of alexithymia traits and perfectionism. Long-lasting symptoms had a major impact with a high rate of insomnia (29/43, 67%), psychiatric follow-up (28/50, 56%) and work or pay loss (25/50, 50%).

Conclusion

A majority of patients with unexplained long-lasting neurological symptoms after mild COVID met diagnostic criteria for SSD and may require specific management.

Trial registration number

NCT04889313.
Implications for vanishing complexity in dynamical spherically symmetric dissipative self-gravitating fluids
Authors: Bogadi Robert S. , Govender Megandhren , Moyo Sibusiso
Published: August 2022

The complexity factor, originally based on a probabilistic description of a physical system, was re-defined by Herrera et al. for relativistic systems. This involves an assessment of the energy density inhomogeneity, anisotropic and shear stresses, and in the case of radiating collapse, the effects of heat flux. Already well integrated into the modelling of static configurations, the complexity factor is now being studied with respect to dynamical, self-gravitating systems. For static systems, the constraint of vanishing complexity is typically used however for the non-static case, the physical viability of the vanishing condition is less clear. To this end, we consider the ideal case of vanishing complexity in order to solve for the time-dependent gravitational potentials and generate models. We find that vanishing complexity constrains the metric to be of a form similar to that of Maiti’s conformally flat metric.
Predicting Divertible Medicaid Emergency Department Costs
Authors: Hastings Justine S. , Howison Mark
Published: August 2022

Lowering health care costs is a policy priority for public health insurance programs. Policies that divert Emergency Department (ED) care to less costly, more effective health services are a promising avenue for cost savings. Using comprehensive, anonymized administrative data from the State of Rhode Island, which includes Medicaid and other social insurance programs, we demonstrate how government can identify and conduct efficient outreach to Medicaid recipients at risk of becoming high-cost ED users for potentially divertible care. The top predictors from our models include age, Medicaid enrollment and eligibility factors, and prior medical procedures. Our predictive models capture more future divertible spending than existing methods for identifying ED “super-utilizers” based on multiple prior ED visits. By using comprehensive administrative data that includes all the state's social insurance programs, we can also establish connections between predicted high-cost ED users and existing case management in non-Medicaid programs. Policymakers could use these models to improve their identification of divertible spending and reduce the need for
de novo
outreach and case management programs.
Context Prior Guided Semantic Modeling for Biomedical Image Segmentation
Authors: Wu Huisi , Wang Zhaoze , Li Zhuoying , Wen Zhenkun , Qin Jing
Published: August 2022

Most state-of-the-art deep networks proposed for biomedical image segmentation are developed based on U-Net. While remarkable success has been achieved, its inherent limitations hinder it from yielding more precise segmentation. First, its receptive field is limited due to the fixed kernel size, which prevents the network from modeling global context information. Second, when spatial information captured by shallower layer is directly transmitted to higher layers by skip connections, the process inevitably introduces noise and irrelevant information to feature maps and blurs their semantic meanings. In this article, we propose a novel segmentation network equipped with a new context prior guidance (CPG) module to overcome these limitations for biomedical image segmentation, namely context prior guidance network (CPG-Net). Specifically, we first extract a set of context priors under the supervision of a coarse segmentation and then employ these context priors to model the global context information and bridge the spatial-semantic gap between high-level features and low-level features. The CPG module contains two major components: context prior representation (CPR) and semantic complement flow (SCF). CPR is used to extract pixels belonging to the same objects and hence produce more discriminative features to distinguish different objects. We further introduce deep semantic information for each CPR by the SCF mechanism to compensate the semantic information diluted during the decoding. We extensively evaluate the proposed
CPG-Net
on three famous biomedical image segmentation tasks with diverse imaging modalities and semantic environments. Experimental results demonstrate the effectiveness of our network, consistently outperforming state-of-the-art segmentation networks in all the three tasks. Codes are available at
https://github.com/zzw-szu/CPGNet
.