bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogeny of Urostylididae (Heteroptera: Pentatomoidea) reveals rapid radiation and challenges traditional classification
Authors: Duan Yujie , Fu Siying , Ye Zhen , Bu Wenjun
Published: January 2023

Urostylididae, a phytophagous heteropteran family that feeds on the sap of various trees and shrubs, comprises 8 genera and 173 species. Its phylogeny has received little attention, and no studies have revealed its generic monophyly or relationships. We present the first molecular phylogeny of Urostylididae based on complete mitogenomes and nuclear ribosomal genes from almost all genera and representative species, using maximum likelihood analysis and Bayesian inference. All phylogenetic results showed overall consistent topological relationships, indicating polyphyly of the three most speciose genera, Urolabida, Urochela, and Urostylis. Among the three monotypic genera, Chelurotropella formed a stable relationship with Urochela wui in all trees, Cobbenicoris was a stable sister group of Urostylis fici but with position variation among trees, and Urochellus formed a sister group with Urostylis cuneata or species of two or more genera in different trees. The smaller genus Tessaromerus was always sister to Urostylis tricarinata, but their positions varied among trees. Thus, the currently recognized genera of Urostylididae are unreliable. Furthermore, our phylogenetic results suggested some topological incongruence among the trees produced with different analytical methods and data sets, mainly among deep internal nodes, with short branches and low support values. Given the quartet‐based evaluation system and branch patterns, Urostylididae underwent rapid radiation resulting in incomplete lineage sorting and introgression in our data sets, making our phylogenetic analyses more sensitive to the data or method used. Moreover, the rapid radiation might have caused morphological homoplasy of diagnostic characters of genera, leading to taxonomic confusion for Urostylididae. Therefore, a thorough taxonomic revision of this family is needed.
Variability in exercise tolerance and physiological responses to exercise prescribed relative to physiological thresholds and to maximum oxygen uptake
Authors: Meyler Samuel , Bottoms Lindsay , Wellsted David , Muniz‐Pumares Daniel
Published: January 2023

The objective of this study was to determine whether the variability in exercise tolerance and physiological responses is lower when exercise is prescribed relative to physiological thresholds (THR) compared to traditional intensity anchors (TRAD). Ten individuals completed a series of maximal exercise tests and a series of moderate (MOD), heavy (HVY) and severe intensity (HIIT) exercise bouts prescribed using THR intensity anchors (critical power and gas exchange threshold) and TRAD intensity anchors (maximum oxygen uptake; ). There were no differences in exercise tolerance or acute response variability between MODTHR and MODTRAD. All individuals completed HVYTHR but only 30% completed HVYTRAD. Compared to HVYTHR, where work rates were all below critical power, work rates in HVYTRAD exceeded critical power in 70% of individuals. There was, however, no difference in acute response variability between HVYTHR and HVYTRAD. All individuals completed HIITTHR but only 20% completed HIITTRAD. The variability in peak (F = 0.274) and average (F = 0.318) blood lactate responses was lower in HIITTHR compared to HIITTRAD. The variability in W′ depletion (the finite work capacity above critical power) after the final interval bout was lower in HIITTHR compared to HIITTRAD (F = 0.305). Using physiological thresholds to prescribe exercise intensity reduced the heterogeneity in exercise tolerance and physiological responses to exercise spanning the boundary between the heavy and severe intensity domains. To increase the precision of exercise intensity prescription, it is recommended that, where possible, physiological thresholds are used in place of .
Noise-induced hearing disorders: Clinical and investigational tools
Authors: Le Prell Colleen G. , Clavier Odile H. , Bao Jianxin
Published: January 2023

A series of articles discussing advanced diagnostics that can be used to assess noise injury and associated noise-induced hearing disorders (NIHD) was developed under the umbrella of the United States Department of Defense Hearing Center of Excellence Pharmaceutical Interventions for Hearing Loss working group. The overarching goals of the current series were to provide insight into (1) well-established and more recently developed metrics that are sensitive for detection of cochlear pathology or diagnosis of NIHD, and (2) the tools that are available for characterizing individual noise hazard as personal exposure will vary based on distance to the sound source and placement of hearing protection devices. In addition to discussing the utility of advanced diagnostics in patient care settings, the current articles discuss the selection of outcomes and end points that can be considered for use in clinical trials investigating hearing loss prevention and hearing rehabilitation.
Biochemical Insights into Imipenem Collateral Susceptibility Driven by
ampC
Mutations Conferring Ceftolozane/Tazobactam Resistance in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Cabot Gabriel , Kim Kihun , Mark Brian L. , Oliver Antonio , Khajehpour Mazdak
Published: January 2023

Several
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
AmpC mutants have emerged that exhibit enhanced activity against ceftazidime and ceftolozane, while also evading inhibition by avibactam. Interestingly,
P. aeruginosa
strains harboring these AmpC mutations fortuitously exhibit enhanced carbapenem susceptibility.
Grazing on Marine Viruses and Its Biogeochemical Implications
Authors: Mayers Kyle M. J. , Kuhlisch Constanze , Basso Jonelle T. R. , Saltvedt Marius R. , Buchan Alison , Sandaa Ruth-Anne
Published: January 2023

Viruses are the most abundant biological entities in the ocean and show great diversity in terms of size, host specificity, and infection cycle. Lytic viruses induce host cell lysis to release their progeny and thereby redirect nutrients from higher to lower trophic levels.
Identification of Gut Microbial Lysine and Histidine Degradation and CYP-Dependent Metabolites as Biomarkers of Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Driuchina Anastasiia , Hintikka Jukka , Lehtonen Marko , Keski-Rahkonen Pekka , O’Connell Thomas , Juvonen Risto , Kuula Juho , Hakkarainen Antti , Laukkanen Jari A. , Mäkinen Elina , Lensu Sanna , Pietiläinen Kirsi H. , Pekkala Satu
Published: January 2023

Because the high prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease sets diagnostic challenges to health care, identification of new biomarkers of the disease that in the future could have potential utility as diagnostic biomarkers of high liver fat content is important. Our results show that increased amino acid degradation products in the feces may be such biomarkers.
WY14643 Increases Herpesvirus Replication and Inhibits IFNβ Production Independently of PPARα Expression
Authors: Tao Lili , Dryden Phillip , Lowe Alexandria , Wang Guoxun , Achuthkumar Amritha , Chang Tyron , Reese Tiffany A.
Published: January 2023

PPAR agonists are used clinically to treat both metabolic and inflammatory disorders. Because viruses are known to rewire host metabolism to their own benefit, the intersection of immunity, metabolism, and virology is an important research area.
Foreign accent syndrome as a heralding manifestation of transformation to small cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer
Authors: Broderick Amanda , Labriola Matthew K , Shore Neal , Armstrong Andrew J
Published: January 2023

A man in his 50s with metastatic hormone-sensitive prostate cancer, receiving androgen deprivation therapy and abiraterone acetate/prednisone, presented with an uncontrollable ‘Irish brogue’ accent despite no Irish background, consistent with foreign accent syndrome (FAS). He had no neurological examination abnormalities, psychiatric history or MRI of the brain abnormalities at symptom onset. Imaging revealed progression of his prostate cancer, despite undetectable prostate-specific antigen levels. Biopsy confirmed transformation to small cell neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC). Despite chemotherapy, his NEPC progressed resulting in multifocal brain metastases and a likely paraneoplastic ascending paralysis leading to his death. We report FAS as the presenting manifestation of transformation to small cell NEPC, a previously undescribed phenomenon. His presentation was most consistent with an underlying paraneoplastic neurological disorder (PND), despite a negative serum paraneoplastic panel. This report enhances the minimal existing literature on FAS and PNDs associated with transformed NEPC.
Concurrent facial and trigeminal nerve palsies in a child following COVID-19 vaccination with the Pfizer vaccine
Authors: Moezinia Carine , Harbinson Eleanor B , Maweni Robert M
Published: January 2023

We present the case of a teenaged boy who attended our Ear, Nose and Throat Emergency clinic with a left-sided lower motor neuron (LMN) facial nerve paralysis associated with sensory loss in the distribution of the ophthalmic (V1) and maxillary (V2) divisions of the trigeminal nerve. This happened 3 days following a first dose of the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine. He had a House-Brackmann grade V facial palsy, with marked inability to close the left eye. He was treated with a 10-day course of oral steroids and referred to ophthalmology for eye care. He had an MRI scan of the head, which revealed no space occupying lesions or other abnormalities. Over the 6-week period of follow-up, the patient’s V1 and V2 sensation gradually resolved, along with improvement of his LMN facial nerve palsy to House-Brackmann grade 3. Despite the potential temporal relationship, it is not possible to establish a causal relationship between the patient’s symptoms and the Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine, thus further research is required.
Disability types, determinants and healthcare utilisation amongst Afghan adults: a secondary analysis of the Model Disability Survey of Afghanistan
Authors: Nasiri Khalidha , Akseer Nadia , Tasic Hana , Rafiqzad Hadia , Akseer Tabasum
Published: January 2023

Objectives

The needs of people with disability in Afghanistan are not well understood. We describe the characteristics, healthcare utilisation patterns, and experience of care among Afghan adults with moderate or severe disability (MSD) by disability type.

Design

We mapped 47 questions related to functional disability in the cross-sectional Model Disability Survey of Afghanistan (MDSA) 2019 into 7 disability domains based on the WHO Disability Assessment Schedule 2.0. We conducted multivariable hierarchical logistic regression to identify drivers of high disability burden.

Setting

The MDSA primary sampling unit were villages in rural areas and neighbourhoods in urban areas, and the secondary sample units were the settlements within districts.

Participants

The MDSA collected data for 14 520 households across all 34 provinces. The adult tool of the survey was administered to a randomly selected household member aged 18 years or older.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome measured was moderate or severe disability (MSD), which was estimated using a Rasch composite score.

Results

MSD prevalence was upwards of 35% in 6/7 domains. Across most disability types, being a woman, older age, residing in rural areas, being uneducated, non-Pashtun ethnicity, being unmarried, living in a household in the low-income tertiles and a non-working household had the highest levels of MSD (p<0.05). Determinants of MSD varied by domain; however, variables including better access to health facilities and better experience of care (higher satisfaction with time spent and respect during visits) were generally protective. People with MSD in the self-care and life activities domains had the highest and lowest healthcare utilisation, respectively.

Conclusions

Disability in Afghanistan is at public health crisis levels, with vulnerable populations being impacted most severely. To ensure progress towards Afghanistan’s 2030 Sustainable Development Goals, targeted interventions for disability types based on population risk factors should be implemented.
Randomised phase II trial of stereotactic body radiotherapy in combination withcheckpoint inhibitors in metastatic castration-resistantprostate cancer (CheckPRO): a study protocol
Authors: Spindler Nicklas Juel , Persson Gitte Fredberg , Theile Susann , Nielsen Dorte Lisbeth , Høgdall Estrid V , Al-Farra Gina , Hendel Helle Westergren , Lorentzen Torben , Svane Inge Marie , Lindberg Henriette , Eefsen Rikke Løvendahl
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Immunotherapy with checkpoint inhibitors (CPIs) has revolutionised cancer treatment but has no convincing effect in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). It has been suggested that a combination of CPI and hypofractionated stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) may work synergistically, and recent trials have supported this. We hypothesise that adding SBRT to CPI treatment can improve response rates in patients with mCRPC.

Methods and analysis

The CheckPRO trial is an open-label, randomised, two-stage, phase II trial. We aim to enrol and randomise 80 evaluable patients with mCRPC who progressed following ≥2 lines of treatment. Enrolment started in November 2019 with 38 months expected enrolment period. The participants receive treatment for 52 weeks including four cycles of ipilimumab and nivolumab with or without concomitant SBRT (24 Gray in three fractions) to a single soft tissue or bone metastasis, followed by 10 cycles of nivolumab. Participants are followed until progression, death, or for 12 months after the end of treatment.

Co-primary endpoints are the objective response rate and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) response rate. Secondary endpoints include safety, radiographic progression-free survival, clinical benefit rate, duration of response, PSA-progression-free survival beyond 12 weeks, quality of life and overall survival. Exploratory endpoints include translational analyses of tumour biopsies and consecutive blood samples. Biopsies from metastatic sites are collected at baseline, before the third treatment and at the end of treatment. Blood sampling for immune monitoring and circulating tumour DNA is performed consecutively at baseline and every radiographic assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

This study follows the Helsinki Declaration and is approved by the Danish Ethics Committee System (journal no. H-19016100). All participants must receive written and oral information and provide a signed informed consent document prior to inclusion. The study results will be published in an international peer-review journal.

Trial registration number

EudraCT number: 2018-003461-34. clinicaltrials.gov IDNCT05655715.
Synchronised transcranial magnetic stimulation for substance use-disordered Veterans: protocol for the pilot sham-controlled acceptability trial
Authors: Jampel Jonathan , Quinn McKenzie J , Catalano Jamie L , Benca-Bachman Chelsie B , Brick Leslie , Philip Noah S , Swift Robert M , McGeary John E
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Substance use disorders (SUDs) take an enormous toll on US Veterans and civilians alike. Existing empirically supported interventions vary by substance and demonstrate only moderate efficacy. Non-invasive brain stimulation represents an innovative treatment for SUDs, yet aspects of traditional neurostimulation may hinder its implementation in SUD populations. Synchronised transcranial magnetic stimulation (sTMS) uses rotating rare earth magnets to deliver low-field stimulation synchronised to an individual’s alpha peak frequency that is safe for at-home administration. The current trial aims to assess the acceptability and feasibility of sTMS, as well as the safety of at-home sTMS administration for substance-disordered Veterans.

Methods and analysis

Sixty Veterans in substance treatment at the Providence Veterans Affairs will be randomised to receive 6 weeks of active or sham sTMS treatment. Eligibility will be confirmed by meeting Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition criteria for an alcohol, cocaine or opioid use disorder. Daily supervised sTMS treatment will occur either in clinic or at home through video monitoring. Clinical and self-report assessments will be completed at baseline, end of treatment and 1-month follow-up. Urine drug screening will occur once per week during the treatment phase. Primary outcomes include treatment adherence/retention and satisfaction to evaluate sTMS feasibility and acceptability in Veterans with SUDs. The safety of at-home sTMS administration will be assessed via adverse event monitoring.

Ethics and dissemination

The sTMS device received a significant risk determination for at-home use by the Food and Drug Administration in July 2021. Ethics approval was obtained in August 2021 from the Providence Veterans Affairs institutional review board and research and development committee. Data collection began in September 2021 and is planned to continue through December 2023. Findings will be disseminated at national conferences and in peer-reviewed journals. Results will serve to inform the development of large-scale clinical trials of sTMS efficacy for substance-disordered Veterans.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04336293).
Thromboembolic events in hospitalised patients with COVID-19: ecological assessment with a scoping review
Authors: Kurata Saori , Miyayama Naoki , Ogawa Kenta , Watanabe Kaede , Asano Kengo , Fujii Tomoko
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Thrombosis is a common complication of the novel COVID-19. Pre-COVID-19 studies reported racial differences in the risk of developing thrombosis. This study aimed to describe the geographical variations in the reported incidences and outcomes of thromboembolic events and thromboprophylaxis in hospitalised patients with COVID-19. The final search for randomised clinical trials was carried out in January 2022. Screening eligible articles and data extraction were independently performed in duplicate by multiple reviewers.

Design

Scoping review. MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Libraries were searched using terms related to COVID-19 and thromboembolism.

Setting

Hospitals all over the world.

Participants

In-hospital patients with COVID-19.

Outcome measures

The incidence of deep venous thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE), and the prophylactic anticoagulation therapy.

Results

In total, 283 studies were eligible, representing (239 observational studies, 39 case series and 7 interventional studies). The incidence of DVT was the highest in Asia (40.8%) and hospital mortality was high (22.7%). However, the incidence of PE was not very high in Asia (3.2%). On the contrary, the incidence of PE was the highest in the Middle East (16.2%) and Europe (14. 6%). Prophylactic anticoagulation therapy with low-molecular-weight heparin was the main treatment provided in all areas. Four of the seven randomised clinical trials were conducted internationally.

Conclusions

The incidence of DVT was the highest in Asia. The incidence of PE was higher in the Middle East and Europe; however, detection bias during the pandemic cannot be ruled out. There were no major differences in the type or dose of prophylactic anticoagulants used for thromboprophylaxis among the regions.
Multistage screening process for neurodevelopmental disorders in siblings of children with autism: the FRATSA protocol study
Authors: Baghdadli Amaria , Audras-Torrent Lee , Rattaz Cécile , Gonnier Véronique , Ferrando Laetitia , Michelon Cécile , Odoyer Roxane , Maffre Thierry , Picot Marie-Christine
Published: January 2023

Introduction

The elevated rates of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDDs) among siblings of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) raise concerns about their developmental monitoring and development. The main aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a standardised screening process on a large sample of siblings.

Methods and analysis

This prospective study will assess the feasibility of a selective and multi-stage screening process for NDD performed on 384 siblings of children with confirmed ASD. Stage 1 will consist of the screening of NDD performed using online parental questionnaires (Social Responsiveness Scale, IdentiDys scale, DCDQ, parental concerns) through a web platform. In cases of a positive result, the second stage, consisting of a clinical semi-structured interview with a psychologist, will be proposed to the sibling before referral for diagnosis and treatment, if necessary. Approximately 12 months after stage 2, parents will be contacted by telephone to collect the diagnosis established following the referrals and their level of satisfaction concerning the screening process. Based on an expected participation rate of 50%, to estimate this rate with an accuracy of 5%, it is necessary to screen 384 subjects.

Ethics and dissemination

The Ethics Committee on the Research of Human Subjects of Paris (Ile de France VII) approved this study in March 2022 (number: 2021-A02241-40). Express consent is required from all participants. Findings from the cohort study will be disseminated by publication of peer-reviewed manuscripts, presentations at scientific meetings and conferences with associated teams.

Trial registration number

NCT05512637.
Identifying and prioritising the key components of a Quality Improvement Network for allied health professionals and psychological therapists: a group concept mapping project
Authors: Robinson Lisa J , Butler Hannah V , Hackett Kate L
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Despite growing enthusiasm for quality improvement (QI), the complexities of modern healthcare continue to create gaps in our ability to consistently deliver the most effective and efficient care for patients, and improvement activities often fail to achieve widespread uptake even when there is robust evidence of their benefits.

Methods

We undertook a novel, mixed methods evaluation and planning project using group concept mapping (GCM) methodology to identify and prioritise the ways in which our recently established Quality Improvement Network (QIN) could support allied health professionals, psychological therapists and administrative staff in their daily work to improve patient outcomes and experience. Mid-level leaders across our therapy services department contributed towards a statement generation activity and individually sorted these statements into themes. Each statement was rated for perceived importance and current success. Multidimensional scaling and hierarchical cluster analysis were applied to the sorted data to produce themed clusters of ideas within concept maps. Priority values were applied to these maps to identify key areas for future QIN activity.

Results

Overall, 34 participants took part in ideas generation, 20 in sorting and 30 in the rating activity. A five-item cluster map was agreed on, containing the following named clusters: data support; practical skills and training; time and resources; embedding a QI culture; and sharing ideas and working together. Statements contained within each of the five clusters highlight the importance of supporting a range of activities spanning the technical and human aspects of QI at an individual, group/team, organisation and wider systems level.

Conclusion

GCM provided a structured and systematic approach for identifying the perceived support needs of allied health professionals, psychological therapists and administrative support staff in relation to QI. The findings from this project provide a useful benchmark from which to track targeted QI support in an applied healthcare setting.
Desire to Avoid Pregnancy scale: clinical considerations and comparison with other questions about pregnancy preferences
Authors: Hall Jennifer Anne , Barrett Geraldine , Stephenson Judith M , Edelman Natalie Lois , Rocca Corinne
Published: January 2023

Background

Clinicians and women of reproductive age would benefit from a reliable way to identify who is likely to become pregnant in the next year, in order to direct health advice. The 14-item Desire to Avoid Pregnancy (DAP) scale is predictive of pregnancy; this paper compares it with other ways of assessing pregnancy preferences to shortlist options for clinical implementation.

Methods

A cohort of 994 UK women of reproductive age completed the DAP and other questions about pregnancy preferences, including the Attitude towards Potential Pregnancy Scale (APPS), at baseline and reported on pregnancies quarterly for a year. For each question, DAP item and combinations of DAP items, we examined the predictive ability, sensitivity, specificity, area under the receiver operating curve (AUROC), and positive and negative predictive values.

Results

The AUROCs and predictive ability of the APPS and DAP single items were weaker than the full DAP, though all except one had acceptable AUROCs (>0.7). The most predictive individual DAP item was ‘It would be a good thing for me if I became pregnant in the next 3 months’, where women who strongly agreed had a 66.7% chance of pregnancy within 12 months and the AUROC was acceptable (0.77).

Conclusion

We recommend exploring the acceptability to women and healthcare professionals of asking a single DAP item (‘It would be a good thing for me if I became pregnant in the next 3 months’), possibly in combination with additional DAP items. This will help to guide service provision to support reproductive preferences.
Focus on people, the rest will follow
Authors: Evans Navina , Evans Cheryl
Published: January 2023

Background

The Staff College: Leadership in Healthcare (Staff College) annual lectures were launched in 2013, with Sir Robert Francis QC delivering the first lecture following his recent report into Mid Staffs.

In 2015, the lecture was dedicated to the Staff College founder and visionary leader, Professor Aidan Halligan. In 2021, Dr Navina Evans CBE, at that time Chief Executive, Health Education England, and now also Chief Workforce Officer, NHS England, was invited to give The Staff College: Leadership in Healthcare annual keynote lecture.

Method

The annual lecture is delivered free to an audience of Staff College alumni, friends and supporters, commissioners and their colleagues and associates within the health care sector. The lecture presentation has adapted to the changing times and audience, with 2020 being via a virtual environment online. 2021 saw our first hybrid, in person and streaming live lecture.

Results

On 29 November 2021, Dr Navina Evans CBE, gave the inspiring keynote lecture, ‘Focus on the People and the rest will follow’.

Conclusion

Navina shared powerful messages, searching and uncomfortable questions for leaders and touching personal stories. Navina spoke about the many narratives of equality and deep value of diversity for society, the importance of leaders understanding the impact of their behaviours and the role of feedback, the need to understand what we’re doing to prevent change and most crucially, the improvement in the quality of care for patients and their engagement with their care when leaders develop a culture of kindness and respect.
Retrospective analysis of tranexamic acid administration in French war-wounded between October 2016 and September 2020
Authors: Pinna Thibault , Py N , Aigle L , Travers S , Pasquier P , Cazes N
Published: January 2023

Introduction

Since 2013, the French Army Health Service, in agreement with international experts, has recommended the administration of 1 g of tranexamic acid (TXA) in trauma patients in haemorrhagic shock or at risk of bleeding within 3 hours of the trauma.

Methods

The aim of this analysis was to describe the administration of TXA in French military personnel wounded during military operations in the Sahelo-Sahelian band between October 2016 and September 2020. Data were collected from forward health records and hospital data from the French hospital where the casualty was finally evacuated. Underuse of TXA was defined as the lack of administration in casualties who had received a blood transfusion with one or more of red blood cells, low-titre whole blood or French lyophilised plasma within the first 24 hours of injury and overuse as its administration in the non-transfused casualty.

Results

Of the 76 patients included, 75 were men with an average age of 28 years. Five patients died during their management. 19 patients received TXA (25%) and 16 patients were transfused (21%). Underuse of TXA occurred in 3 of the 16 patients (18.8%) transfused. Overuse occurred in 6 of 60 (10%) non-transfused patients.

Conclusion

The analysis found an important underuse of TXA (almost 20%) and highlighted the need for optimising the prehospital clinical practice guidelines to aid prehospital medical practitioners more accurately in administering TXA to casualties that will require blood products.
Trends in fatal occupational injury rates among older workers before and after the Great Recession of 2008
Authors: Richey Morgan Miller , Golightly Yvonne , Marshall Stephen William , Novicoff Wendy , Keil Alexander , Nocera Maryalice , Richardson David B
Published: January 2023

Background

Older workers experience higher rates of fatal occupational injury than younger workers worldwide. In North Carolina, the population of older workers more than doubled between 2000 and 2017. In 2008, the Great Recession changed occupational patterns among all age groups. We examined annual rates and distribution of fatal occupational injuries experienced by older workers, comparing the pre-recession period (2000–2007) to the post-recession period (2009–2017).

Methods

Detailed information on all fatal occupational injuries during the period between 1 January 2000 and 31 December 2017 were abstracted from the records of the North Carolina Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the office of vital records. The decennial Census and American Community Survey were used to estimate the population at risk and derive annual rates of fatal occupational injury.

Results

During the study period, 537 occupational fatalities occurred among workers 55+ years of age. The rate of fatal occupational injury among older workers declined 2.8% per year, with a 7.7% yearly decline in the pre-recession period compared with a 1.4% increase per year in the post-recession period. Workers 65+ years of age experienced rate increases in both periods. The highest rates of unintentional fatal occupational injury (injuries that were not purposefully inflicted) were observed in forestry, fishing hunting and trapping, and wood building manufacturing. Intentional fatal occupational injury rates (homicide, suicide) were highest in transportation, gas/service stations and grocery/food stores.

Conclusions

Older workers have persistently high rates of fatal occupational injury in North Carolina before and after the Great Recession.
Antibodies against citrullinated proteins of IgA isotype are associated with progression to rheumatoid arthritis in individuals at-risk
Authors: Sokolova Maria V , Hartmann Fabian , Sieghart Daniela , Bang Holger , Steiner Guenter , Kleyer Arnd , Schett Georg , Steffen Ulrike
Published: January 2023

Objective

Events triggering disease outbreak in individuals at-risk for rheumatoid arthritis (RA at-risk) remain unclear, and the role of the various anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) isotypes in this process is still to be established. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of IgA ACPA in RA at-risk individuals, their role in the transition from the RA at-risk status to RA and their dynamics during this transition.

Methods

Cross-sectional measurement of serum IgA1 and IgA2 ACPA levels was conducted in healthy controls, RA at-risk individuals and patients with RA and compared with the frequency of RA development in at risk individuals during a follow-up of 14 months. In addition, longitudinal measurements of serum IgA1 and IgA2 ACPA levels prior to, at and after the onset of RA were performed.

Results

Approximately two-thirds of RA at-risk individuals were positive for serum IgA1 and IgA2 ACPA in levels comparable to IgG ACPA positive patients with RA. IgA1, but not IgA2 ACPA positivity was associated with the transition from the RA at-risk state to RA within the following 14 months. Interestingly, during this transition process, IgA1 ACPA levels declined at RA onset and also thereafter during the early phase of RA. This decline was confirmed in a second, independent cohort.

Conclusion

Both IgA1 and IgA2 ACPA are present in RA at-risk individuals, but only IgA1 ACPA are associated with the progression to RA. The observed decline in serum IgA1 ACPA levels before the onset of RA might indicate starting barrier leakiness prior to disease outbreak.
Association of aFAM13Avariant with interstitial lung disease in Japanese rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Higuchi Takashi , Oka Shomi , Furukawa Hiroshi , Shimada Kota , Tsunoda Shinichiro , Ito Satoshi , Okamoto Akira , Katayama Masao , Saisho Koichiro , Shinohara Satoshi , Matsui Toshihiro , Migita Kiyoshi , Nagaoka Shouhei , Tohma Shigeto
Published: January 2023

Background

Interstitial lung disease (ILD) occasionally occurs in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and confers a dismal prognosis. We previously reported that a single-nucleotide variant (SNV) ofMUC5Bwas associated with ILD in RA. However, the pathogenesis of ILD in Japanese patients with RA could not be explained solely by this SNV because its frequency is extremely low in the Japanese population. Here, we examined whether a different idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis susceptibility SNV might be associated with ILD in Japanese patients with RA.

Methods

Genotyping of rs2609255 (G/T) inFAM13Awas conducted in 208 patients with RA with ILD and 420 without chronic lung disease using TaqMan assays.

Results

A significant association with usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP) in RA was detected for rs2609255 under the allele model (p=0.0092,Pc=0.0276, OR 1.53, 95% CI 1.12 to 2.11) and recessive model for the G allele (p=0.0003,Pc=0.0009, OR 2.63, 95% CI 1.59 to 4.32).FAM13Ars2609255 was significantly associated with UIP in male patients with RA (p=0.0043, OR 3.65, 95% CI 1.52 to 8.73) under the recessive model.

Conclusions

This study is the first to document an association of rs2609255 with ILD in Japanese patients with RA, implicating it in the pathogenesis of UIP, though studies on the function of rs2609255 are warranted.
Building a high-resolution site index map using boosted regression trees: the Norwegian case
Authors: Antón-Fernández Clara , Hauglin Marius , Breidenbach Johannes , Astrup Rasmus
Published: January 2023

Accurate estimation of site productivity is essential for forest projections and scenario modelling. We present and evaluate models to predict site index (SI) and whether a site is productive (potential total stem volume production ≥ 1 m3·ha−1·year−1) in a wall-to-wall high-resolution (16 m × 16 m) SI map for Norway. We investigate whether remotely sensed data improve predictions. We also study the advantages and disadvantages of using boosted regression trees (BRT), a machine-learning algorithm, to create high-accuracy SI maps. We use climatic and topographical data, soil parent material, a land resource map, and depth to water, together with Sentinel-2 satellite images and airborne laser scanning metrics, as predictor variables. We use the SI observed at more than 10 000 National Forest Inventory (NFI) sample plots throughout Norway to fit BRT models and validate the models using 5822 independent temporary plots from the NFI. We benchmark our results against SI estimates from forest monitoring inventories. We find that the SI from BRT has root mean squared error (RMSE) ranging from 2.3 m (hardwoods) to 3.6 m (spruce) when tested against independent validation data from the NFI temporary plots. These RMSEs are similar or marginally better than an evaluation of SI estimates from operational forest management plans where SI normally stems from manual photo interpretation.
Hepatalin: the missing link in prediabetes, obesity, and type 2 diabetes
Authors: Lautt W. Wayne
Published: January 2023

Hepatalin is a hormone secreted by the liver in response to pulses of insulin after a mixed nutrient meal, but only if the liver receives two permissive synergistic feeding signals from the stomach. Hepatalin stimulates glucose uptake and storage as glycogen in skeletal muscle, heart, and kidney but not liver, intestines, or adipocytes. Insulin acts primarily on liver and fat. Reduced hepatalin action results in postprandial hyperglycemia, compensatory elevation of insulin secretion, and a resultant shift in partitioning of nutrient energy storage from glycogen in muscle, to fat. Chronic hepatalin suppression leads to a predictable chronology of dysfunctions, first diagnosable as Absence of Meal-induced Insulin Sensitization (AMIS) which progresses to prediabetes, adiposity, and type 2 diabetes. The focus on nutrient partitioning and the role of hepatalin allows AMIS to be diagnosed, prevented, and treated, including through the use of lifestyle interventions.
Creating and detecting specious randomness
Authors: Almlöf Jonas , Vall Llosera Gemma , Arvidsson Elisabet , Björk Gunnar
Published: January 2023

We present a new test of non-randomness that tests both the lower and the upper critical limit of a $\chi ^{2}$

χ
2

-statistic. While checking the upper critical value has been employed by other tests, we argue that also the lower critical value should be examined for non-randomness. To this end, we prepare a binary sequence where all possible bit strings of a certain length occurs the same number of times and demonstrate that such sequences pass a well-known suite of tests for non-randomness. We show that such sequences can be compressed, and therefore are somewhat predictable and thus not fully random. The presented test can detect such non-randomness, and its novelty rests on analysing fixed-length bit string frequencies that lie closer to the a priori probabilities than could be expected by chance alone.
Novel wave behaviors of the generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili modified equal width-burgers equation via modified mathematical methods
Authors: Seadawy Aly R. , Ali Asghar
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we have employed two different forms of mathematical methods, namely the extended simple equation method, and modified [Formula: see text]-expansion method to establish several types of solutions of the generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili modified equal width-Burgers (G-KP-MEW-B) equation that is used to designate the propagation of long-wave with dissipation and dispersion in nonlinear media. A suitable transform is applied to convert into an ordinary differential equation. As a result, after implementation of the proposed schemes, distinct types of solutions are obtained in the form of exponential hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational functions. To analyze the physical phenomena of the model, some constructed solutions are plotted in 2-dimensional and 3-dimensional by inserting the specific values to attached parameters. Hence, the recommended schemes are highly admirably mathematical tools to evaluate the wave solutions of various models in nonlinear science.
Radiative and exponentially space-based thermal generation effects on an inclined hydromagnetic aqueous nanofluid flow past thermal slippage saturated porous media
Authors: Shamshuddin MD. , Rajput Govind. R. , Mishra S. R. , Salawu S. O.
Published: January 2023

Advances in nanoscience and technology acquired the significance of the nanofluid in novel functional polymers like fibre insulation, geothermal system and chemical catalytic reactors. Inspired by the above applications, an innovative mathematical model is established for radiative nanoliquid flow and is engendered due to stretching sheet with inclined magnetic field which is immersed with nanoparticles. Joule dissipation and exponentially-based heat source/sink effects are employed in the present phenomenon under the heat constraints. The governing equations, which describe the flowing nanofluid, are transformed into invariant dimensionless equations with suitable similarity quantities. With the adoption of a shooting scheme with Runge–Kutta-45, the resultant equations are numerically simplified. The impact of several converted dimensionless elements on physically interesting values is depicted visually. The current analysis is validated through comparison with some selected related literature, which shows a positive correlation. The nanoparticle thermal conductivity is raised for an increased value of the thermal radiation, thermal viscosity and heat source to propel temperature profiles. The heat flux gradient significantly affects the heat propagation all over the flow regime.
Optoelectronic properties of Ga1−xAlxN superlattice nanowires tuned by multilayer Al composition via first-principles
Authors: Yang Chunchun , Lu Feifei , Dai Haoran , Liu Yuxin , Liu Lei
Published: January 2023

Considering that the graded structure could generate an electric field, the structure and optoelectronic properties of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N superlattice nanowires are considered via first-principles. The structural stability and optoelectronic properties of single-component and component-graded nanowires are discussed. For [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N superlattice nanowires, the formation energy decreases with increasing Al composition, resulting in a structure that tends to be stable. The [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N superlattice model is more stable and the bond length changes more dramatically in the superlattice structure with bigger component divergence. The bandgap [Formula: see text] increases with increasing Al composition. The direct bandgap of [Formula: see text][Formula: see text]N superlattice nanowires is also affected by the nanowire sublayers. The absorption coefficient tends to increase with the increase of Al composition in the nanowires. These studies can serve as the basis for the preparation of ideal materials for deep ultraviolet photocathodes and improve the optoelectronic properties of deep ultraviolet photocathodes.
Steady state correlations and induced trapping of an inertial AOUP particle
Authors: Arsha N. , Jepsin K. P. , Sahoo M.
Published: January 2023

We study the dynamics of an inertial active Ornstein–Uhnlenbeck particle self-propelling in a confined harmonic well. The transport behavior of the particle is investigated by analyzing the particle trajectories, steady state correlations and mean square displacement (MSD). The steady state correlation functions for the position as well as velocity are exactly calculated using different methods. We explore how the inertia affects the dynamical behavior, when the particle is confined in a harmonic trap as well as when it is set free. From the exact calculation of MSD, it is observed that the initial time regimes are ballistic for both harmonically confined particle and free particle, whereas the long time regimes are diffusive for a free particle and nondiffusive for a harmonically confined particle. One of our interesting observations is that the harmonically confined particle gets more and more confined with increase in the self-propulsion time or activity time of the dynamics and finally it gets trapped for very large value of the self-propulsion time. For a free particle, the velocity correlation decays by the complex interplay between the inertial time scale and the self-propulsion time scale of the dynamics. Moreover, decorrelation in velocity happens only when these two time scales are of equal order.
Intelligent computing with the knack of Bayesian neural networks for functional differential systems in Quantum calculus model
Authors: Asghar Syed Ali , Naz Shafaq , Raja Muhammad Asif Zahoor
Published: January 2023

The purpose behind this research is to utilize the knack of Bayesian solver to determine numerical solution of functional differential equations arising in the quantum calculus models. Functional differential equations having discrete versions are very difficult to solve due to the presence of delay term, here with the implementation of Bayesian solver with means of neural networks, an efficient technique has been developed to overcome the complication in the model. First, the functional differential systems are converted into recurrence relations, then datasets are generated for converted recurrence relations to construct continuous mapping for neural networks. Second, the approximate solutions are determined through employing training and testing steps on generated datasets to learn the neural networks. Furthermore, comprehensive statistical analysis are presented by applying various statistical operators such as, mean squared error (MSE), regression analysis to confirm both accuracy as well as stability of the proposed technique. Moreover, its rapid convergence and reliability is also endorsed by the histogram, training state and correlation plots. Expected level for accuracy of suggested technique is further endorsed with the comparison of attained results with the reference solution. Additionally, accuracy and reliability is also confirmed by absolute error analysis.
Dissolution of a spherical particle with a moving boundary in a flow field
Authors: Alhowaity Awatif
Published: January 2023

Particle dissolution is an important process that occurs during heat treatment in the transportation process. We present a one-dimensional model of spherical wax particle dissolution in a fluid. The model includes a nonlinear equation at the free boundary, which was established to describe the dissolution rate of a wax particle assuming a diffusion process. At the moving boundary, we compute the concentration distributions of partial solutions. To estimate wax dissolution in solution and related expressions for the dissolved radius, an analytical solution of a mathematical model for spherical particle dissolution in flow is used.
NEW RESULTS ON CONTINUITY BY ORDER OF DERIVATIVE FOR CONFORMABLE PARABOLIC EQUATIONS
Authors: TUAN NGUYEN HUY , NGUYEN VAN TIEN , O’REGAN DONAL , CAN NGUYEN HUU , NGUYEN VAN THINH
Published: January 2023

In this paper, we study the continuity problem by an order of derivative for conformable parabolic equations. The problem is examined in both the linear and nonlinear cases. For the input data in suitable Hilbert scale spaces, we consider the continuity problem for the linear problem. In the nonlinear case, we prove the existence of mild solutions for a class of conformable parabolic equations once the source function is a global Lipschitz type in the [Formula: see text] space sense. The main results are based on semigroup theory combined with the Banach fixed point theorem and Sobolev embeddings. We also inspect the continuity problem for the nonlinear model, and prove the convergence of the mild solution to the nonlinear problem as [Formula: see text] tends to [Formula: see text].