bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Contraceptive care service provision via telehealth early in the COVID‐19 pandemic at rural and urban federally qualified health centers in 2 southeastern states
Authors: Beatty Kate , Smith Michael G. , Khoury Amal J. , Ventura Liane M. , Ariyo Oluwatosin , de Jong Jordan , Surles Kristen , Slawson Deborah
Published: July 2022

Purpose

To investigate telehealth use for contraceptive service provision among rural and urban federally qualified health centers (FQHCs) in Alabama (AL) and South Carolina (SC) during the initial months of the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

This is a mixed‐methods study using data from the FQHC Contraceptive Care Survey and key informant interviews with FQHC staff in AL and SC conducted in 2020. Differences between rural and urban clinics in telehealth use for contraceptive service provision were assessed with a chi‐square test of independence. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed, and coded to identify facilitators and barriers to telehealth.

Findings

Telehealth for contraceptive care increased during the early months of the pandemic relative to prepandemic. Fewer rural clinics than urban clinics provided telehealth for contraceptive counseling (16.3% vs 50.6%) (P= .0002), emergency contraception (0.0% vs 16.1%) (P= .004), and sexually transmitted infection care (16.3% vs 34.6%) (P= .031). Key facilitators of telehealth were reimbursement policy, electronic infrastructure and technology, and funding for technology. Barriers included challenges with funding for telehealth, limited electronic infrastructure, and reduced staffing capacity.

Conclusions

Differences in telehealth service provision for contraceptive care between rural and urban FQHCs highlight the need for supportive strategies to increase access to care for low‐income rural populations, particularly in AL and SC. It is essential for public and private entities to support the implementation and continuation of telehealth among rural clinics, particularly, investing in widespread and clinic‐level electronic infrastructure and technology for telehealth, such as broadband and electronic health record systems compatible with telehealth technology.
Phylogeography and population genetics of a widespread cold‐adapted ant, Prenolepis imparis
Authors: Tonione Maria Adelena , Bi Ke , Dunn Robert R. , Lucky Andrea , Portik Daniel M. , Tsutsui Neil Durie
Published: July 2022

As species arise, evolve and diverge, they are shaped by forces that unfold across short and long timescales and at both local and vast geographical scales. It is rare, however, to be able document this history across broad sweeps of time and space in a single species. Here, we report the results of a continental‐scale phylogenomic analysis across the entire range of a widespread species. We analysed sequences of 1402 orthologous ultraconserved element (UCE) loci from 75 individuals to identify population genetic structure and historical demographic patterns across the continent‐wide range of a cold‐adapted ant, the winter ant, Prenolepis imparis. We recovered five well‐supported, genetically isolated clades representing lineages that diverged from 8.2–2.2 million years ago. These include: (i) an early diverging lineage located in Florida, (ii) a lineage that spans the southern United States, (iii) populations that extend across the midwestern and northeastern United States, (iv) populations from the western United States and (v) populations in southwestern Arizona and Mexico. Population genetic analyses revealed little or no gene flow among these lineages, but patterns consistent with more recent gene flow among populations within lineages, and localized structure with migration in the western United States. High support for five major geographical lineages and lack of evidence of contemporary gene flow indicate in situ diversification across the species' range, producing relatively ancient lineages that persisted through subsequent climate change and glaciation during the Quaternary.
Traversing scales: parts‐per‐trillion to gigatons
Authors: Whelan Mary
Published: July 2022

This article is a Commentary on Sun et al. (2022), 235: 1729–1742.
On General and Non‐General Abilities
Authors: Kittle Simon
Published: July 2022

I distinguish two ways an ability might be general: (i) an ability might be general in that its possession doesn't entail the possession of an opportunity; (ii) an ability might be general in virtue of pertaining to a wide range of circumstances. I argue that these two types of generality – I refer to them with the terms ‘general’ and ‘generic’, respectively – produce two orthogonal distinctions among abilities. I show that the two types of generality are sometimes run together by those writing on free will and argue that both types of generality are relevant to understanding the modality of abilities.
Beneficial and pathogenic plant‐microbe interactions during flooding stress
Authors: Martínez‐Arias Clara , Witzell Johanna , Solla Alejandro , Martin Juan Antonio , Rodríguez‐Calcerrada Jesús
Published: July 2022

The number and intensity of flood events will likely increase in the future, raising the risk of flooding stress in terrestrial plants. Understanding flood effects on plant physiology and plant‐associated microbes is key to alleviate flooding stress in sensitive species and ecosystems. Reduced oxygen supply is the main constrain to the plant and its associated microbiome. Hypoxic conditions hamper root aerobic respiration and, consequently, hydraulic conductance, nutrient uptake, and plant growth and development. Hypoxia favours the presence of anaerobic microbes in the rhizosphere and roots with potential negative effects to the plant due to their pathogenic behaviour or their soil denitrification ability. Moreover, plant physiological and metabolic changes induced by flooding stress may also cause dysbiotic changes in endosphere and rhizosphere microbial composition. The negative effects of flooding stress on the holobiont (i.e., the host plant and its associated microbiome) can be mitigated once the plant displays adaptive responses to increase oxygen uptake. Stress relief could also arise from the positive effect of certain beneficial microbes, such as mycorrhiza or dark septate endophytes. More research is needed to explore the spiralling, feedback flood responses of plant and microbes if we want to promote plant flood tolerance from a holobiont perspective.
Potassium availability influences the mesophyll structure to coordinate the conductance of CO2 and H2O during leaf expansion
Authors: Hu Wenshi , Lu Zhifeng , Gu Hehe , Ye Xiaolei , Li Xiaokun , Cong Rihuan , Ren Tao , Lu Jianwei
Published: July 2022

Leaf growth relies on photosynthesis and hydraulics to provide carbohydrates and expansion power; in turn, leaves intercept light and construct organism systems for functioning. Under potassium (K) deficiency stress, leaf area, photosynthesis and hydraulics are all affected by alterations in leaf structure. However, the connection between changes in leaf growth and function caused by the structure under K regulation is unclear. Consequently, the leaf hydraulic conductance (Kleaf) and photosynthetic rate (A) combined with leaf anatomical characteristics of Brassica napus were continuously observed during leaf growth under different K supply levels. The results showed that Kleaf and A decreased simultaneously after leaf area with the increasing K deficiency stress. K deficiency significantly increased longitudinal mesophyll cell investment, leading to a reduced volume fraction of intercellular air‐space (fias) and decreased leaf expansion rate. Furthermore, reduced fias decreased mesophyll and chloroplast surfaces exposed to intercellular airspace and gas phase H2O transport, which induced coordinated changes in CO2 mesophyll conductance and hydraulic conductance in extra‐xylem pathways. Adequate K supply facilitated higher fias through smaller palisade tissue cell density (loose mesophyll cell arrangement) and smaller spongy tissue cell size, which coordinated CO2 and H2O conductance and promoted leaf area expansion.
Biomechanical Engineering Analysis of Pulmonary Valve Leaflet Hemodynamics and Kinematics in the Ross Procedure
Authors: Zhu Yuanjia , Wilkerson Robert J. , Pandya Pearly K. , Mullis Danielle M. , Wu Catherine A. , Madira Sarah , Marin-Cuartas Mateo , Park Matthew H. , Imbrie-Moore Annabel M. , Woo Y. Joseph
Published: July 2022

The Ross procedure using the inclusion technique with anticommissural plication (ACP) is associated with excellent valve hemodynamics and favorable leaflet kinematics. The objective was to evaluate individual pulmonary cusp's biomechanics and fluttering by including coronary flow in the Ross procedure using an ex vivo three-dimensional-printed heart simulator. Ten porcine and five human pulmonary autografts were harvested from a meat abattoir and heart transplant patients. Five porcine autografts without reinforcement served as controls. The other autografts were prepared using the inclusion technique with and without ACP (ACP and NACP). Hemodynamic and high-speed videography data were measured using the ex vivo heart simulator. Although porcine autografts showed similar leaflet rapid opening and closing mean velocities, human ACP compared to NACP autografts demonstrated lower leaflet rapid opening mean velocity in the right (p = 0.02) and left coronary cusps (p = 0.003). The porcine and human autograft leaflet rapid opening and closing mean velocities were similar in all three cusps. Porcine autografts showed similar leaflet flutter frequencies in the left (p = 0.3) and noncoronary cusps (p = 0.4), but porcine NACP autografts versus controls demonstrated higher leaflet flutter frequency in the right coronary cusp (p = 0.05). The human NACP versus ACP autografts showed higher flutter frequency in the noncoronary cusp (p = 0.02). The leaflet flutter amplitudes were similar in all three cusps in both porcine and human autografts. The ACP compared to NACP autografts in the Ross procedure was associated with more favorable leaflet kinematics. These results may translate to the improved long-term durability of the pulmonary autografts.
A Cascaded Learning Framework for Road Profile Estimation Using Multiple Heterogeneous Vehicles
Authors: Chen Zhu , Hajidavalloo Mohammad R. , Li Zhaojian , Zheng Minghui
Published: July 2022

Road profile information can be utilized to enhance vehicle control performance, passenger ride comfort, and route planning and optimization. Existing road-profile estimation algorithms are mainly based on one single vehicle, which are usually susceptible to modeling uncertainties and measurement noises. This technical brief proposes a new cascaded learning framework that utilizes multiple heterogeneous vehicles to achieve enhanced estimation. In this framework, each individual vehicle first performs a local estimation via a standard disturbance observer (DOB) while traversing a considered road segment. Then learning filters are designed to dynamically connect the vehicles, and the preliminary estimates from one vehicle are utilized to generate the learning signal for another. For each vehicle, a heterogeneous learning signal is produced and added to its estimation loop for estimating enhancement, through which the estimations are improved over multiple iterations. Extensive numerical studies are carried out to validate the effectiveness of the proposed method with promising results demonstrated.
Tempering Drying and Energy Consumption
Authors: Ben Mustapha N. , Boumnijel I. , Mihoubi D.
Published: July 2022

The aim of this work is to optimize the drying process through the reduction of energy consumption and the improvement of the dried product quality using tempering or intermittent drying. The effectiveness of intermittent drying was evaluated by the determination of the sensible, latent, and total energies necessary to perform the drying process. The obtained results show that tempering drying is more effective than continuous drying. This effectiveness was evaluated by the energy consumption. A reduction of energy consumption varying from 13% to 67% was achieved. The drying time, energy consumption, and product quality were improved when using temporary drying. The decrease of the gradient of moisture content in the material during the period of no heating is considered as the main factor that increases the rate of moisture removal when the heating is resumed.
Aerodynamics of Sweep in a Tandem-Bladed Subsonic Axial Compressor Rotor
Authors: Kumar Amit , John Jerry T. , Chhugani Hitesh , Kumar Akshay , Pradeep A. M.
Published: July 2022

The present numerical investigation aims to understand the effect of the chordwise sweep on the performance of a tandem rotor. In a tandem compressor rotor, diffusion is achieved through two smaller airfoils, which are positioned in a particular fashion to nullify the effect of the boundary layer separation. The forward and aft rotor blades have different blade setting angles from the hub to the tip. Executing a chordwise sweep turns out to be an invalid tandem configuration due to the intersection of the forward and the aft rotor. To overcome this, a certain amount of lean is provided to the aft rotor. Therefore, the configurations selected for the current investigation are blades with a combination of sweep and lean. Two different forward sweep configurations and one backward sweep configuration are investigated. A significant improvement in the stall margin is observed for the forward-swept rotor configuration. However, the stage loading and efficiency of the unswept rotor are found to be higher than the forward-swept rotor case. Forward sweep reduces the tip loading of the forward rotor, which delays the tip stall. Backward sweep appears to be more detrimental in terms of the operating range of the tandem rotor, causing a substantial drop in the stall margin. The performance of the swept and the unswept rotor is compared at the design mass flow and near the stall mass flow rate. The pay-off derived from the chordwise sweep is elucidated with the help of blade loading, tip leakage vortices, blockage, skin friction lines, and various vortex interactions.
Design and Kinematic Analysis of a Novel Deployable Antenna Mechanism for Synthetic Aperture Radar Satellites
Authors: Cao Wen-ao , Cheng Peng
Published: July 2022

This paper presents a novel deployable antenna mechanism for synthetic aperture radar (SAR) satellites. First, the topological structure of the new deployable mechanism is designed based on the five conditions expected to be satisfied. Then, the kinematic model of the new mechanism is fully established based on vector equations and structural symmetry. Third, the deployed/folded ratio and interference of the new mechanism are analyzed. Finally, a typical numerical example is used to illustrate the effectiveness of the theoretical analysis, and a physical prototype is developed to show the fabrication feasibility of the new deployable mechanism. Compared with the latest counterpart for SAR satellites in the existing literature, the new deployable mechanism of this paper has a simpler driving system, simpler deployment movement, and no prismatic pairs with cold welding problems. With these characteristics, the presented new mechanism has a good application prospect in SAR satellites.
A New Whole-Body Motion Generator and Adaptive Altitude Control for a Quadruped-On-Wheel Robot
Authors: Du Wenqian , Fnadi Mohamed , Benamar Faïz
Published: July 2022

This paper proposes a new whole-body motion generator for a quadruped-on-wheel robot that can cross various rough terrains, especially with a much-altitude difference. The motion generator combines the kinematics model, the wheel-center motion model, the robot centroidal momentum and dynamics models, and a proposed altitude-control model. Then, the whole-body motion references can be achieved by giving the robot centroidal-motion reference, including the centroidal translational motion in the forward and lateral directions in the inertial frame, and the centroidal-height motion with respect to the base frame. Especially, the relative motion depends only on the robot-self property and is independent of the terrain geometry. The robot is simulated to be driven on various tested rough terrains using our new motion generator and our compliant torque controller.
Accuracy of an Apparatus for Measuring Glenoid Baseplate Micromotion in Reverse Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Torkan Lawrence F. , Bryant John T. , Bicknell Ryan T. , Ploeg Heidi-Lynn
Published: July 2022

Reverse shoulder arthroplasty (RSA) is used to treat patients with cuff tear arthropathy. Loosening remains to be one of the principal modes of implant failure and the main complication leading to revision. Excess micromotion contributes to glenoid loosening. This study sought to determine the predictive accuracy of an experimental system designed to assess factors contributing to RSA glenoid baseplate micromotion. A half-fractional factorial experiment was designed to assess 4 factors: central element type (screw versus peg), central element length (13.5 versus 23.5 mm), anterior-posterior peripheral screw type (locking versus nonlocking) and cancellous bone density (10 versus 25 pounds per cubic foot (pcf)). Four linear variable differential transducers (LVDTs) recorded micromotion from a stainless-steel disk surrounding a modified glenosphere. The displacements were used to interpolate micromotion at each peripheral screw position. The mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) was used to determine the predictive accuracy and error range of the system. The MAPE for each condition ranged from 6.8% to 12.9% for an overall MAPE of (9.5 ± 0.9)%. The system had an error range of 2.7 μm to 20.1 μm, which was lower than those reported by prior studies using optical systems. One of the eight conditions had micromotion that exceeded 150 μm. These findings support the use of displacement transducers, specifically LVDTs, as an accurate system for determining RSA baseplate micromotion in rigid polyurethane foam bone surrogates.
Experimental and Computational Investigation for Accelerated Testing and Characterization of Next-Generation Steam Turbine Rotors
Authors: Ayyadevara Narayana Teja , Subramanian Balaji , Meda Naga Suresh
Published: July 2022

A unique set of test protocols is developed to evaluate new materials for high-temperature and pressure applications (>700 °C and 310 bar) in next-generation thermal power plants. These protocols employ accelerated testing processes to provide a realistic estimate of a component’s life under actual field operating conditions. A state-of-the-art experimental facility to characterize turbine rotors for advanced ultra-supercritical conditions was commissioned at Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited, India. An alloy rotor mounted inside the test chamber is subjected to cyclic thermal and mechanical stresses at elevated temperatures for a predetermined number of thermal cycles to estimate its creep and fatigue life. Cyclic thermal and mechanical loads are applied by sequentially exposing rotors rotating at high speed to transient heating, steady-state soaking, and transient cooling. These transient heating and cooling processes are carefully designed to achieve specific temperature gradients inside the rotor bulk. The rotor is heated in a vacuum by thermal radiation from heater coils. In contrast, rotor cooling is accomplished by circulating relatively cold nitrogen gas through the chamber. Preliminary findings from accelerated tests are reported here. Two computational fluid dynamics (CFD) models were developed to support the transient heating and cooling experiments. Good agreement is observed between CFD simulations and measurements, validating the approach presented. This facility, established under a clean energy research initiative, plays a vital role in reducing the time and cost involved in finding suitable alloy materials, thus advancing the development of ultra-efficient thermal power plants.
Performance Analysis of a Phase Changing Material Based Thermocycler for Nucleic Acid Amplification
Authors: Indulakshmi B. , Prasad Nikhil , Kumar Ranjith S.
Published: July 2022

Modeling, simulation, and thermal performance analysis of a thermocycler for the continuous-flow polymerase chain reaction (CF-PCR), with a phase changing material (PCM)-laden annealing flow path, is presented. The incessant threat of microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria, and fungi has fostered effective, quick, and miniature detection devices in order to curtail the wide-spreading of infections. Microfluidics-based CF-PCR systems are compact and ideal for faster response. The thermal cycling process involves a sequential exposure of a given liquid sample to various temperature conditions when it is taken through the continuous-flow path. As a result, a prescribed periodic change of temperature suitable for deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) amplification is achieved. A rapid temperature reduction and maintenance of isothermal conditions to facilitate the annealing phase of CF-PCR process by a PCM-assisted cooling is envisaged in the present study. Unsteady, two-dimensional, incompressible fluid flow, and internal convection heat transfer in a microchannel annealing path with melting of tetracosane (C24H50) boundary has been simulated using semi-implicit method for pressure linked equations-consistent (SIMPLEC) algorithm based finite volume solver. Solver validation is carried out against the experimental data on internal convection heat transfer in a rectangular microchannel. A detailed numerical study has been performed to assess the spatiotemporal heat transfer characteristics of internal convection in the microfluidic path when the flow triggers the melting of encapsulated PCM. A minimum sample flowrate with PCM encapsulation of less than 600 μm is found to be ideal for achieving desired thermal performance. The present study evidences the swift temperature reduction and management of isothermal conditions congenial for the annealing process in the CF-PCR system for various sample flowrates and PCM masses. The study offers valuable design input for the development of a microfluidic thermocycler for CF-PCR applications.
Vibration of Complex Euler–Bernoulli and Timoshenko–Ehrenfest Beams Through Affine GPSFs
Authors: Messina Arcangelo
Published: July 2022

Vibrations of thin and thick beams containing internal complexities are analyzed through generalized bases made of global piecewise-smooth functions (GPSFs). Such functional bases allow us to globally analyze multiple domains as if these latter were only one, such that a unified formulation can be used for different mechanical systems. Such bases were initially introduced to model a specific part of stress and displacement components through the thickness of multi-layered plates; subsequent extensions were introduced in the literature to allow the modeling of thin-walled beams and plates. However, in these latter cases, certain analytical difficulties were experienced when inner boundary conditions needed to be englobed into the GPSFs; in this work, such mentioned difficulties are successfully overcome through certain affine transformations which allow the analyses of vibrating complex beam systems through a straightforward analytical procedure. The complex mechanical components under investigation are Euler and/or Timoshenko models containing inner complexities (stepped beams, concentrated mass or stiffness, internal constraints, etc.). The ability of the models herein analyzed is shown through the comparison of the resulting solutions to exact counterparts, if existing, or to finite elements solutions.
Effect of stimulation parameters on sequential current-steered stimuli in cochlear implants
Authors: Roux Johanie , Hanekom Johan J.
Published: July 2022

Manipulation of cochlear implant (CI) place pitch was carried out with current steering by stimulating two CI electrodes sequentially. The objective was to investigate whether shifts in activated neural populations could be achieved to produce salient pitch differences and to determine which stimulation parameters would be more effective in steering of current. These were the pulse rate and pulse width of electrical stimuli and the distance between the two current-steering electrodes. Nine CI users participated, and ten ears were tested. The pattern of pitch changes was not consistent across listeners, but the data suggest that individualized selection of stimulation parameters may be used to effect place pitch changes with sequential current steering. Individual analyses showed that pulse width generally had little influence on the effectiveness of current steering with sequential stimuli, while more salient place pitch shifts were often achieved at wider electrode spacing or when the stimulation pulse rate was the same as that indicated on the clinical MAP (the set of stimulation parameters) of the listener. Results imply that current steering may be used in CIs that allow only sequential stimulation to achieve place pitch manipulation.
Multiplexed high-throughput localized electroporation workflow with deep learning–based analysis for cell engineering
Authors: Patino Cesar A. , Pathak Nibir , Mukherjee Prithvijit , Park So Hyun , Bao Gang , Espinosa Horacio D.
Published: July 2022

Manipulation of cells for applications such as biomanufacturing and cell-based therapeutics involves introducing biomolecular cargoes into cells. However, successful delivery is a function of multiple experimental factors requiring several rounds of optimization. Here, we present a high-throughput multiwell-format localized electroporation device (LEPD) assisted by deep learning image analysis that enables quick optimization of experimental factors for efficient delivery. We showcase the versatility of the LEPD platform by successfully delivering biomolecules into different types of adherent and suspension cells. We also demonstrate multicargo delivery with tight dosage distribution and precise ratiometric control. Furthermore, we used the platform to achieve functional gene knockdown in human induced pluripotent stem cells and used the deep learning framework to analyze protein expression along with changes in cell morphology. Overall, we present a workflow that enables combinatorial experiments and rapid analysis for the optimization of intracellular delivery protocols required for genetic manipulation.
Hypoxia-mediated stabilization of HIF1A in prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia promotes cell plasticity and malignant progression
Authors: Abu el Maaty Mohamed A. , Terzic Julie , Keime Céline , Rovito Daniela , Lutzing Régis , Yanushko Darya , Parisotto Maxime , Grelet Elise , Namer Izzie Jacques , Lindner Véronique , Laverny Gilles , Metzger Daniel
Published: July 2022

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. The slow evolution of precancerous lesions to malignant tumors provides a broad time frame for preventing PCa. To characterize prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN) progression, we conducted longitudinal studies on Pten
(i)pe−/−
mice that recapitulate prostate carcinogenesis in humans. We found that early PINs are hypoxic and that hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF1A) signaling is activated in luminal cells, thus enhancing malignant progression. Luminal HIF1A dampens immune surveillance and drives luminal plasticity, leading to the emergence of cells that overexpress Transglutaminase 2 (TGM2) and have impaired androgen signaling. Elevated TGM2 levels in patients with PCa are associated with shortened progression-free survival after prostatectomy. Last, we show that pharmacologically inhibiting HIF1A impairs cell proliferation and induces apoptosis in PINs. Therefore, our study demonstrates that HIF1A is a target for PCa prevention and that TGM2 is a promising prognostic biomarker of early relapse after prostatectomy.
Paediatric early warning systems: not a simple answer to a complex question
Authors: Roland Damian , Powell Colin , Lloyd Amy , Trubey Robert , Tume Lyvonne , Sefton Gerri , Huang Chao , Taiyari Katie , Strange Heather , Jacob Nina , Thomas-Jones Emma , Hood Kerenza , Allen Davina
Published: July 2022

Paediatric early warning systems (PEWS) to reduce in-hospital mortality have been a laudable endeavour. Evaluation of their impact has rarely examined the internal validity of the components of PEWS in achieving desired outcomes. We highlight the assumptions made regarding the mode of action of PEWS and, as PEWS become more commonplace, this paper asks whether we really understand their function, process and outcome.
Global trends and age-specific incidence and mortality of cervical cancer from 1990 to 2019: an international comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease
Authors: Yang Meng , Du Juan , Lu Hui , Xiang Feiyan , Mei Hong , Xiao Han
Published: July 2022

Objective

To describe the trends of incidence and mortality of cervical cancer in different age groups and regions from 1990 to 2019.

Design

An international comparative study based on the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) study estimates.

Participants

Data were publicly available and individuals were not involved.

Methods

We collected detailed information on cervical cancer from the GBD study between 1990 and 2019. Average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of age-standardised incidence and mortality rate (ASIR and ASMR) in cervical cancer, by age group and region, were calculated to quantify the temporal trends.

Results

Globally, the absolute numbers of incident cases and deaths were increasing, with the most cervical cancer cases and deaths being reported in China, India and Brazil. Although the ASIR and ASMR have declined overall from 1990 to 2019, an increasing or stable trend was also observed in East Asia and Southern sub-Saharan Africa. Particularly, we found that the age-specific AAPC of incidence showed an increasing trend in the age group of 15–49 years globally, and the high Sociodemographic Index region increased the most.

Conclusions

Cervical cancer remains a concerning disease that affects women all over the world, although the ASIR and ASMR are decreasing. Efforts to control the younger trend and to reduce the disparity between regions are imminent.
Patient and family engagement in infection prevention in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic: defining a consensus framework using the Q methodology – NOSO-COVID study protocol
Authors: Clavel Nathalie Camille , Lavoie-Tremblay Mélanie , Biron Alain , Briand Anaick , Paquette Jesseca , Bernard Laurence , Fancott Carol , Pomey Marie-Pascale , Dumez Vincent
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Healthcare-associated infections are an important patient safety concern, especially in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Infection prevention and control implemented in healthcare settings are largely focused on the practices of healthcare professionals. Patient and family engagement is also recognised as an important patient safety strategy. The extent to which patients and families can be engaged, their specific roles and the strategies that support their engagement in infection prevention remain unclear. The overarching objective of the proposed study is to explore how patients and families can effectively be engaged in infection prevention by developing a consensus framework with key stakeholders.

Design and methods

The proposed study is based on a cross-sectional exploratory study at one of the largest university hospitals in North America (Montreal, Canada). The targeted population is all healthcare professionals, managers and other non-clinical staff members who work on clinical units, and the in-patients and their families. The study is based on Q methodology that takes advantage of both quantitative and qualitative methods to identify the consensus among the various stakeholders. This exploratory Q research approach will provide a structured way to elicit the stakeholders’ perspectives on patient and family engagement in infection prevention.

Ethics and dissemination

The research ethics board approved this study. The research team plans to disseminate the findings through different channels of communication targeting healthcare professionals, managers in healthcare settings, and patients and family caregivers. The findings will also be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals in healthcare management and in quality and safety improvement.
Association of immunoglobulin G N-glycosylation with carotid atherosclerotic plaque phenotypes and actual clinical cardiovascular events: a study protocol for a longitudinal prospective cohort study
Authors: Tian Cuihong , Mahara Gehendra , Zhang Hongxia , Tan Xuerui
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Immune-inflammatory response plays a key role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. IgG N-glycosylation is reported to be associated with the 10-year atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk score and subclinical atherosclerosis. However, the relationship of IgG glycosylation with actual clinical cardiovascular disease (CVD) events and plaque phenotypes has rarely been investigated. Therefore, this study aims to understand whether IgG glycosylation traits are correlated with actual clinical CVD events and plaque phenotypes.

Methods and analysis

Designed to verify the efficacy of IgG glycosylation as a risk for CVD events and screen potential biomarkers of CVD to prevent atherosclerosis occurrence, this longitudinal prospective cohort study will be conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, China. In total, 2720 participants routinely examined by carotid ultrasound will be divided into different groups according to plaque phenotype characteristics. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography will be performed to separate and detect IgG N-glycans in serum collected at baseline and at the end of the first, second and third years. The primary outcome is the actual clinical CVD composite events, including non-fatal myocardial infarction, death due to coronary heart disease, and fatal or non-fatal stroke.

Ethics and dissemination

The Clinical Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Shantou University Medical College approved this study (number: B-2021-127). Findings of this study will be submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100048740.
Women’s understanding and experiences of menopause in low-income and middle-income countries in the Asia Pacific region: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Cheer Karen , Harrington Relmah Baritama , Esau Dorothy , Foroasi Emmy , Redman-MacLaren Michelle
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Menopause denotes the end of a woman’s reproductive life. A woman’s experiences of menopause are shaped by her individual circumstances and may vary between social and cultural contexts. Evidence is needed to inform research and programme delivery that supports women’s health and well-being throughout the menopausal transition. This scoping review will map evidence of women’s experiences of menopause in Asia Pacific countries, where limited research exists.

Methods and analysis

We will follow the five-stage framework of Arksey and O’Malley, further developed by Levac et al and the Joanna Briggs Institute. MEDLINE, CINAHL, PsycINFO and Scopus databases will be systematically searched between February 2022 and May 2022 using subject headings and keywords. The title–abstract and full text of retrieved studies will be assessed against eligibility criteria. The review will focus on studies with a qualitative research component. Citation searching of selected articles will supplement database searching. Data will be extracted, charted, synthesised and summarised. Findings will be presented in narrative format and implications for research and practice reported.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required for this scoping review of selected studies from peer-reviewed journals. Ethical approval has been granted from relevant ethics committees for community consultation. Findings will be shared in peer-reviewed publications, presented at conferences and disseminated with communities, health workers and researchers.
Longitudinal retinal imaging study of newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis in Scottish population: baseline and 12 months follow-up profile of FutureMS retinal imaging cohort
Authors: Chen Yingdi , Larraz Juan , Wong Michael , Kearns Patrick , Brown Fraser , Martin Sarah-Jane , Connick Peter , MacDougall Niall , Weaver Christine , Dhillon Baljean , Chandran Siddharthan
Published: July 2022

Objective

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory degenerative condition of central nervous system. The disease course and presentation of MS is highly heterogeneous. Advanced retinal imaging techniques such as optic coherence tomography (OCT) can capture abnormalities of anterior visual pathway with high resolution, which may contribute greater insights into the pathophysiology of MS.

Methods

People with newly diagnosed relapsing-remitting MS were recruited for FutureMS retinal imaging study from two study centres in Scotland. The baseline visit was completed within 6 months of diagnosis with initial follow-up 12 months after the baseline visit. The assessments included in FutureMS retinal imaging study were visual acuity test, self-reported eye questionnaire and OCT scan.

Results

A total of 196 FutureMS participants completed the retinal imaging study of FutureMS with 185 participants at M0 and 155 at M12. A total of 144 participants completed both M0 and M12 visits. At the whole cohort level, the distribution of retinal measures is generally consistent between baseline and follow-up.

Conclusion

The FutureMS retinal imaging study aims to demonstrate that patient with MS present with different extent of retinal abnormalities that can be captured by retinal imaging modalities such as OCT soon after diagnosis. These changes may sensitively mirror the brain atrophy or serve as predictors for disease activity. By developing sensitive, quantifiable and objective retinal biomarkers, FutureMS retinal imaging study will provide an opportunity to stratify patient with MS at an early stage and support future therapeutic strategies for a better outcome.
Postoperative cerebral infarction risk is related to lobectomy site in lung cancer: a retrospective cohort study of nationwide data in Japan
Authors: Nishizawa Natsumasa , Okawara Makoto , Mori Masataka , Fujino Yoshihisa , Matsuda Shinya , Fushimi Kiyohide , Tanaka Fumihiro
Published: July 2022

Objectives

To determine the incidence of cerebral infarction after lobectomy at different sites using inpatient data from a diagnosis procedure combination database.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Data were retrieved from the Japanese diagnosis procedure combination inpatient database for patients who underwent lobectomies for lung cancer between April 2018 and March 2020.

Participants

The analysis included 37 352 patients from 556 institutions who underwent lobectomies for lung cancer.

Main outcomes and measures

The occurrence of cerebral infarction after lobectomy during hospitalisation was estimated using multilevel logistic regression models adjusted for sex, age, body mass index, smoking history, activity of daily living, surgical approach (thoracotomy or video-assisted), clinical cancer stage, comorbidities and hospital-level factors to describe the association between cerebral infarction and different lobectomy sites.

Results

Overall cerebral infarction after lobectomy occurred in 99 patients (0.27%): 29 with left upper lobectomy (0.39%), 19 with left lower lobectomy (0.34%), 32 with right upper lobectomy (0.24%), 6 with right middle lobectomy (0.21%) and 13 with right lower lobectomy (0.16%). The multilevel multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed high ORs for the left upper lobectomy and left lower lobectomy groups. In both univariate and multivariate analyses, left upper lobectomy had the highest OR for the occurrence of cerebral infarction compared with lobectomies at other sites.

Conclusions and relevance

Left upper lobectomy had the highest OR for the occurrence of cerebral infarction after lung cancer lobectomy during hospitalisation. There is an urgent need to investigate the specific mechanisms underlying postoperative cerebral infarction after left upper lobectomy and to establish preventive measures such as altering surgical methods, using radiological examinations for early detection and better use of anticoagulants.
Changes in STI and HIV testing and testing need among men who have sex with men during the UK’s COVID-19 pandemic response
Authors: Brown Jack RG , Reid David , Howarth Alison R , Mohammed Hamish , Saunders John , Pulford Caisey V , Hughes Gwenda , Mercer Catherine H
Published: July 2022

Objectives

We examined the impact of COVID-19-related restrictions on sexual behaviours, STI and HIV testing and testing need among men who have sex with men (MSM) in the UK.

Methods

We used social media and dating applications to recruit to three cross-sectional surveys (S1–S3) during the UK’s pandemic response (S1: 23 June–14 July 2020; S2: 23 November–12 December 2020; S3: 23 March–14 April 2021). Surveys included lookback periods of around 3–4 months (P1–P3, respectively). Eligible participants were UK resident men (cisgender/transgender) and gender-diverse people assigned male at birth (low numbers of trans and gender-diverse participants meant restricting these analyses to cisgender men), aged ≥16 years who reported sex with men (cisgender/transgender) in the last year (S1: N=1950; S2: N=1463; S3: N=1487). Outcomes were: recent STI/HIV testing and unmet testing need (new male and/or multiple condomless anal sex partners without a recent STI/HIV test). Crude and adjusted associations with each outcome were assessed using logistic regression.

Results

Participants’ sociodemographic characteristics were similar across surveys. The proportion reporting a recent STI and/or HIV test increased between P1 and P2 (25.0% to 37.2% (p<0.001) and 29.7% to 39.4% (p<0.001), respectively), then stabilised in P3 (40.5% reporting HIV testing). Unmet STI testing need increased across P1 and P2 (26.0% to 32.4%; p<0.001), but trends differed between groups, for example, unmet STI testing need was higher in bisexually-identifying (vs gay-identifying) MSM across periods (adjusted OR (aOR): P1=1.64; P2=1.42), but declined in HIV-positive (vs HIV-negative/unknown) MSM (aOR: P1=2.06; P2=0.68). Unmet HIV testing need increased across P1 and P2 (22.9% to 31.0%; p<0.001) and declined in P3 (25.1%; p=0.001). During P3, MSM reporting a low life-satisfaction level (vs medium–very high) had greater unmet need (aOR: 1.44), while from P2 onwards HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis users (vs non-users) had lower unmet need (aOR: P2=0.32; P3=0.50).

Conclusion

Considerable unmet STI/HIV testing need occurred among MSM during COVID-19-related restrictions, especially in bisexually-identifying men and those reporting low life satisfaction. Improving access to STI/HIV testing in MSM is essential to prevent inequalities being exacerbated.
A deformed supersymmetric $$w_{1+\infty }$$ symmetry in the celestial conformal field theory
Authors: Ahn Changhyun
Published: July 2022

By using the K-free complex bosons and the K-free complex fermions, we construct the $$\mathcal {N}\,{=}\,2$$

N

=

2

supersymmetric $$W_{\infty }^{K,K}$$

W

∞

K
,
K

algebra which is the matrix generalization of previous $${{\mathcal {N}}}\,{=}\,2$$

N

=

2

supersymmetric $$W_{\infty }$$

W
∞

algebra. By twisting this $${{\mathcal {N}}}\,{=}\,2$$

N

=

2

supersymmetric $$W_{\infty }^{K,K}$$

W

∞

K
,
K

algebra, we obtain the $${{\mathcal {N}}}\,{=}\,1$$

N

=

1

supersymmetric $$W_{\infty }^{K}$$

W

∞

K

algebra which is the matrix generalization of known $${{\mathcal {N}}}\,{=}\,1$$

N

=

1

supersymmetric topological $$W_{\infty }$$

W
∞

algebra. From this two-dimensional symmetry algebra, we propose the operator product expansion (OPE) between the soft graviton and gravitino (as a first example), at nonzero deformation parameter, in the supersymmetric Einstein–Yang–Mills theory explicitly. Other six OPEs between the graviton, gravitino, gluon and gluino can be determined completely. At vanishing deformation parameter, we reproduce the known result of Fotopoulos, Stieberger, Taylor and Zhu on the above OPEs via celestial holography.
Increasing User Trust in Optimisation through Feedback and Interaction
Authors: Liu Jie , Marriott Kim , Dwyer Tim , Tack Guido
Published: July 2022

User trust plays a key role in determining whether autonomous computer applications are relied upon. It will play a key role in the acceptance of emerging AI applications such as optimisation. Two important factors known to affect trust are system transparency, i.e., how well the user understands how the system works, and system performance. However, in the case of optimisation, it is difficult for the end-user to understand the underlying algorithms or to judge the quality of the solution. Through two controlled user studies, we explore whether the user is better able to calibrate their trust in the system when: (a) They are provided feedback on the system operation in the form of visualisation of intermediate solutions and their quality; (b) They can interactively explore the solution space by modifying the solution returned by the system. We found that showing intermediate solutions can lead to over-trust, while interactive exploration leads to more accurately calibrated trust.
Image features influence reaction time
Authors: Duinkharjav Budmonde , Chakravarthula Praneeth , Brown Rachel , Patney Anjul , Sun Qi
Published: July 2022

We aim to ask and answer an essential question "
how quickly
do we react
after
observing a displayed visual target?" To this end, we present psychophysical studies that characterize the remarkable disconnect between human saccadic behaviors and spatial visual acuity. Building on the results of our studies, we develop a perceptual model to predict temporal gaze behavior, particularly saccadic latency, as a function of the statistics of a displayed image. Specifically, we implement a neurologically-inspired probabilistic model that mimics the accumulation of confidence that leads to a perceptual decision. We validate our model with a series of objective measurements and user studies using an eye-tracked VR display. The results demonstrate that our model prediction is in statistical alignment with real-world human behavior. Further, we establish that many sub-threshold image modifications commonly introduced in graphics pipelines may significantly alter human reaction timing, even if the differences are visually undetectable. Finally, we show that our model can serve as a metric to predict and alter reaction latency of users in interactive computer graphics applications, thus may improve gaze-contingent rendering, design of virtual experiences, and player performance in e-sports. We illustrate this with two examples: estimating competition fairness in a video game with two different team colors, and tuning display viewing distance to minimize player reaction time.