bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A HST1‐like gene controls tiller angle through regulating endogenous auxin in common wheat
Authors: Zhao Lei , Zheng Yueting , Wang Ying , Wang Shasha , Wang Tongzhu , Wang Canguan , Chen Yue , Zhang Kunpu , Zhang Ning , Dong Zhongdong , Chen Feng
Published: September 2022

Tiller angle is one of the most important agronomic traits and one key factor for wheat ideal plant architecture, which can both increase photosynthetic efficiency and greatly enhance grain yield. Here, a deacetylase HST1‐like (TaHST1L) gene controlling wheat tiller angle was identified by the combination of a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) and bulked segregant analysis (BSA). Ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS)‐mutagenized tetraploid wheat lines with the premature stop codon of TaHST1L exhibited significantly smaller tiller angles than the wild type. TaHST1L‐overexpressing (OE) plants exhibited significantly larger tiller angles and increased tiller numbers in both winter and spring wheat, while TaHST1L‐silenced RNAi plants displayed significantly smaller tiller angles and decreased tiller numbers. Moreover, TaHST1L strongly interacted with TaIAA17 and inhibited its expression at the protein level, and thus possibly improved the content of endogenous auxin in the basal tissue of tillers. The transcriptomics and metabolomics results indicated that TaHST1L might change plant architecture by mediating auxin signal transduction and regulating endogenous auxin levels. In addition, a 242‐bp insertion/deletion (InDel) in the TaHST1L‐A1 promoter altered transcriptional activity and TaHST1L‐A1b allele with the 242‐bp insertion widened the tiller angle of TaHST1L‐OE transgenic rice plants. Wheat varieties with TaHST1L‐A1b allele possessed the increased tiller angle and grain yield. Further analysis in wheat and its progenitors indicated that the 242‐bp InDel possibly originated from wild emmer and was strongly domesticated in the current varieties. Therefore, TaHST1L involved in the auxin signalling pathway showed the big potential to improve wheat yield by controlling plant architecture.
Hematologic profiles and development of innate immune function in healthy Holstein calves during the pre‐weaning period
Authors: Morita Laila M. , Martin Camila C. , da Silva Karen N. , Woolum Amélia , Hurley David J. , Gomes Viviani
Published: September 2022

Background

The development and state of innate immune cell function during the first 90 days of life in dairy calves have not been fully described.

Objective

This transversal study attempted to examine the changes that occur in circulating blood cells and the innate immune response in healthy calves from birth to 89 days of age.

Methods

Healthy Holstein calves represent three windows of development, G1 from 1 to 7 days old (n = 26), G2 from 30 to 40 days old (n = 28), and G3 from 60 to 89 days old (n = 36) were sampled once each from a single herd. A few biomarkers of the general health and innate and inflammatory immune responses were measured.

Results

The youngest calves had the lowest red blood cell (RBC) counts, cell hemoglobin concentration means (CHCMs), red cell distribution widths (RDWs), and cell hemoglobin contents of mature red blood cells (CHm) compared with the other groups. They also had the lowest iron concentrations and highest intracellular myeloperoxidase indices. However, white blood cell (WBC) and lymphocyte concentrations gradually increased from G1 to G3. G2 calves had the lowest serum protein concentrations and highest number of innate immune cells compared with the other groups. Calves were able to mount phagocytic and ROS responses from birth.

Conclusions

The physiologic responses of circulating blood cells and innate immune responses in dairy calves are shown according to age. Neonates had limitations in several RBC and WBC indices and immunologic responses that would likely impact overall vigor and health. Fortunately, these limitations resolve by 90 days of age.
A Methodology for a Coupled Structural–Computational Fluid Dynamics Analysis of Compressor Rotor Blades Subjected to Ice Impact With Uncertain Impactor Parameters
Authors: Böhm Holger , Högner Lars , Meyer Marcus , Mailach Ronald , Hornig Andreas , Gude Maik
Published: September 2022

A method for a coupled structural–computational fluid dynamics (CFD) analysis of a compressor rotor blade subjected to an ice impact scenario is investigated to assess the impact related blade deformations from a structural and fluid-dynamics perspective. On the basis of a probabilistic approach, in total 50 impact scenarios are derived for this study. In a first step, the numerical structural model based on finite elements is discussed, including several parameter variations like impact location, ice diameter, ice density, and rotor speed. Different analysis steps are subsequently carried out using ls-dyna implicit/explicit on a high performance computing cluster. Resulting blade deformations are evaluated in terms of local plastic deformation, cup size and modal parameters in comparison to the undamaged reference structure. The resultant postimpact blade geometry is extracted from the result data and passed to the CFD simulation setup in a fully automated manner. Based on this deformed structural mesh data, the fluid mesh is morphed via a radial basis function approach and analyzed with CFD. Finally, an uncertainty quantification study is performed to assess the variability of results with regard to the definition of the ice impactor.
Network Uncertainty Quantification for Analysis of Multi-Component Systems
Authors: Tencer John , Rojas Edward , Schroeder Benjamin B.
Published: September 2022

In order to impact physical mechanical system design decisions and realize the full promise of high-fidelity computational tools, simulation results must be integrated at the earliest stages of the design process. This is particularly challenging when dealing with uncertainty and optimizing for system-level performance metrics, as full-system models (often notoriously expensive and time-consuming to develop) are generally required to propagate uncertainties to system-level quantities of interest. Methods for propagating parameter and boundary condition uncertainty in networks of interconnected components hold promise for enabling design under uncertainty in real-world applications. These methods avoid the need for time consuming mesh generation of full-system geometries when changes are made to components or subassemblies. Additionally, they explicitly tie full-system model predictions to component/subassembly validation data which is valuable for qualification. These methods work by leveraging the fact that many engineered systems are inherently modular, being comprised of a hierarchy of components and subassemblies that are individually modified or replaced to define new system designs. By doing so, these methods enable rapid model development and the incorporation of uncertainty quantification earlier in the design process. The resulting formulation of the uncertainty propagation problem is iterative. We express the system model as a network of interconnected component models, which exchange solution information at component boundaries. We present a pair of approaches for propagating uncertainty in this type of decomposed system and provide implementations in the form of an open-source software library. We demonstrate these tools on a variety of applications and demonstrate the impact of problem-specific details on the performance and accuracy of the resulting UQ analysis. This work represents the most comprehensive investigation of these network uncertainty propagation methods to date.
Mechanism Design and Control of a Winged Hovering Robot With Flapping Angle Constraint
Authors: Vejdani Hamid , Haji LaRance , Fernandez Vernon , Jawad Badih
Published: September 2022

In this paper, we first presented a four-bar linkage mechanism for actuating the wings in a flapping wing flying robot. After that, given the additional constraints imposed by the four-bar linkage, we parameterized the wing kinematics to provide sufficient control authority for stabilizing the system during 3D hovering. The four-bar linkage allows the motors to spin continuously in one direction while generating flapping motion on the wings. However, this mechanism constrains the flapping angle range which is a common control parameter in controlling such systems. To address this problem, we divided each wingbeat cycle into four variable-time segments which is an extension to previous work on split-cycle modulation using wing bias but allows the use of a constant flapping amplitude constraint for the wing kinematic. Finally, we developed an optimization framework to control the system for fast recovery while guaranteeing the stability. The results showed that the proposed control parameters are capable of creating symmetric and asymmetric motions between the two wings and, therefore can stabilize the hovering system with minimal actuation and flapping angle amplitude constraint.
Time-Dependent Sensitivity of Structural Reliability Assessment to Multi-Source Uncertainties Using Lamb Wave
Authors: Luan Chao , Guan Xuefei , He Jingjing
Published: September 2022

This article investigates the time-dependent sensitivity of structural reliability assessment to multisource uncertainties using Lamb wave. To precisely model the influence of local damage on the structure in the course of damage growth, a surface damage effect model is proposed to obtain the equivalent elasticity modulus, which can be coupled with the structure model. The evolution of the surface damage is modeled using the fatigue crack propagation model. Furthermore, by setting up the component and structure failure criteria, the time-dependent reliability model of the structure under multisource uncertainties from Lamb wave detection and material properties is established. The method of score function is employed to evaluate the sensitivity index, which is defined as the derivative of the reliability with respect to the distribution parameters of uncertain variables. A spatial truss structure is used to demonstrate the overall procedure. Numerical results show that the sensitivities indices are time and damage size dependent. The sensitivity contributions from Lamb wave quantification model and the material properties are comparable when the crack size is relatively small. When the crack grows to a larger size, the reliability assessment result is much more sensitive to uncertainties associated with material properties.
Computational Study of Tear Testing of a Single Weld Formed by Fused Filament Fabrication
Authors: Wang Zheliang , Agarwal Ojaswi , Seppala Jonathan E. , Hemker Kevin J. , Nguyen Thao D.
Published: September 2022

The tear test is widely used to measure the fracture toughness of thin rubber sheets and polymer films. More recently, the tear test has been applied to polymer materials produced by melt extrusion additive manufacturing to measure the fracture toughness of a single weld between two printed (extruded) filaments. This paper presents a finite element modeling study of the tearing of a weld between two printed filaments to investigate the mechanics of the tear test and the effects of geometry and material properties on the measured tear energy. The mechanical behavior of the printed filaments was described by a viscoplastic model for glassy polymers and the weld was represented using cohesive surface elements and the Xu–Needleman traction–separation relationship. The geometric model and the material parameters were chosen based on experimental measurements. The tear energy varied with the specimen dimensions, the curvature of the printed filaments, the yield stress relative to the cohesive strength of the weld, and the post-yield stress drop. The effects of the hardening modulus were small. These factors altered the viscoplastic dissipation in the material ahead of the propagating crack tip. The results showed that viscoplastic dissipation could constitute a large fraction of the tear energy and is strongly affected by the specimen dimensions and the geometry and material properties of the printed filament. There was also considerable mode mixty in the tear energy. The findings can be used to design tear tests to measure the intrinsic fracture toughness of the weld.
Multiple connected artificial synapses based on electromigrated Au nanogaps
Authors: Sakai Keita , Yagi Mamiko , Ito Mitsuki , Shirakashi Jun-ichi
Published: September 2022

Building an artificial synaptic device with multiple presynaptic inputs will be a significant step toward realization of sophisticated brain-inspired platforms for neuromorphic computing. However, an artificial synapse that can mimic functions of multiple synapses in a single device has not yet been well developed with existing electronic devices. Here, we experimentally implement the functions of multiple synapses in a single artificial synaptic device consisting of multiple connected nanogap electrodes. The “activation” technique, which is based on electromigration of metal atoms induced by a field emission current, was applied to the device to emulate the synaptic functions. We show that the device, upon application of activation, exhibits conductance changes in response to stimulation voltage, similar to the memory states of biological synapses. Several important synaptic responses—notably, short-term plasticity and long-term plasticity—were successfully demonstrated in multiple connected Au-nanogaps. For further application, a simple network was implemented using multi-input devices based on a two-terminal Au nanogap array, exhibiting the ability to classify the digital input vector pattern. These demonstrations pave the way for brain-inspired computing applications such as associative memory, pattern classification, and image recognition.
The genetic architecture of phenotypic diversity in the Betta fish (
Betta splendens
)
Authors: Zhang Wanchang , Wang Hongru , Brandt Débora Y. C. , Hu Beijuan , Sheng Junqing , Wang Mengnan , Luo Haijiang , Li Yahui , Guo Shujie , Sheng Bin , Zeng Qi , Peng Kou , Zhao Daxian , Jian Shaoqing , Wu Di , Wang Junhua , Zhao Guang , Ren Jun , Shi Wentian , van Esch Joep H. M. , Klingunga Sirawut , Nielsen Rasmus , Hong Yijiang
Published: September 2022

The Betta fish displays a remarkable variety of phenotypes selected during domestication. However, the genetic basis underlying these traits remains largely unexplored. Here, we report a high-quality genome assembly and resequencing of 727 individuals representing diverse morphotypes of the Betta fish. We show that current breeds have a complex domestication history with extensive introgression with wild species. Using a genome-wide association study, we identify the genetic basis of multiple traits, including coloration patterns, the “Dumbo” phenotype with pectoral fin outgrowth, extraordinary enlargement of body size that we map to a major locus on chromosome 8, the sex determination locus that we map to
dmrt1
, and the long-fin phenotype that maps to the locus containing
kcnj15
. We also identify a polygenic signal related to aggression, involving multiple neural system-related genes such as
esyt2
,
apbb2
, and
pank2
. Our study provides a resource for developing the Betta fish as a genetic model for morphological and behavioral research in vertebrates.
Optical gradient force on chiral particles
Authors: Yamanishi Junsuke , Ahn Hyo-Yong , Yamane Hidemasa , Hashiyada Shun , Ishihara Hajime , Nam Ki Tae , Okamoto Hiromi
Published: September 2022

When a chiral nanoparticle is optically trapped using a circularly polarized laser beam, a circular polarization (CP)–dependent gradient force can be induced on the particle. We investigated the CP-dependent gradient force exerted on three-dimensional chiral nanoparticles. The experimental results showed that the gradient force depended on the handedness of the CP of the trapping light and the particle chirality. The analysis revealed that the spectral features of the CP handedness–dependent gradient force are influenced not only by the real part of the refractive index but also by the electromagnetic field perturbed by the chiral particle resonant with the incident light. This is in sharp contrast to the well-known behavior of the gradient force, which is governed by the real part of the refractive index. The extended aspect of the chiral optical force obtained here can provide novel methodologies on chirality sensing, manipulation, separation, enantioselective biological reactions, and other fields.
Electrochemiluminescence in paired signal electrode (ECLipse) enables modular and scalable biosensing
Authors: Cho Young Kwan , Kim Hyunho , Bénard Alan , Woo Hyun-Kyung , Czubayko Franziska , David Paul , Hansen Frederik J. , Lee Jong Ik , Park Jay Hoon , Schneck Emmanuel , Weber Georg F. , Shin Ik-Soo , Lee Hakho
Published: September 2022

Electrochemiluminescence (ECL) has an inherently low background and enables precise chemical reactions through electrical control. Here, we report an advanced ECL system, termed ECLipse (ECL in paired signal electrode). We physically separated ECL generation from target detection: These two processes were carried out in isolated chambers and coupled through an electrode. The strategy allowed us to minimize cross-chemical reactions, design electrodes for high ECL signals, and integrate multiple sensors in a chip. As a proof of concept, we implemented an eight-plex ECLipse and applied it to detect host factors in human plasma. ECLipse achieved higher signal-to-noise ratio than conventional ECL assays and was >7000-fold more sensitive than enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. In a pilot clinical study, we could detect septic conditions by measuring host factors [i.e., interleukin-3 (IL-3), IL-6, and procalcitonin (PCT)]. ECLipse assay further revealed distinct IL-3 and IL-6 patterns in patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infection.
Functional and Structural Characterization of OXA-935, a Novel OXA-10-Family β-Lactamase from Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Pincus Nathan B. , Rosas-Lemus Monica , Gatesy Samuel W. M. , Bertucci Hanna K. , Brunzelle Joseph S. , Minasov George , Shuvalova Ludmilla A. , Lebrun-Corbin Marine , Satchell Karla J. F. , Ozer Egon A. , Hauser Alan R. , Bachta Kelly E. R.
Published: September 2022

Resistance to antipseudomonal penicillins and cephalosporins is often driven by the overproduction of the intrinsic β-lactamase AmpC. However, OXA-10-family β-lactamases are a rich source of resistance in
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
.
Top-Down, Knowledge-Based Genetic Reduction of Yeast Central Carbon Metabolism
Authors: Postma Eline D. , Couwenberg Lucas G. F. , van Roosmalen Roderick N. , Geelhoed Jordi , de Groot Philip A. , Daran-Lapujade Pascale
Published: September 2022

Fundamental questions regarding the minimal requirements for life have prompted scientists to embark on top-down efforts to reduce microbial genomes to the minimum set of genes and proteins necessary to sustain cell survival and division. While these efforts are generally focused on small, prokaryotic genomes,
Saccharomyces cerevisiae
, a popular industrial and model organism, has a typical eukaryotic genome characterized by a high genetic redundancy.
Chromosome and Plasmid Sequences of
Pantoea
sp. Strain SOD02 Isolated from an Urban Freshwater Stream
Authors: Abaherah Ibrahim , Almonte Geraldine , Donohue Kathryn , Furey Daniel , Garvey Kathleen , Joyal Jacqueline , Luden Devyn , Mulvey Kathryn , O’Donnell Sean , Pitre Nina , Rexach Aura , Sheehan Kiley , Williams Laura E.
Published: September 2022

After isolating
Pantoea
sp. strain SOD02 from an urban freshwater stream in Providence, RI, we used PacBio RSII data for
de novo
assembly and Illumina MiSeq data for polishing. This yielded complete circular sequences for a 4,227,027-bp chromosome with 54.7% GC and a 926,844-bp plasmid with 54.0% GC.
Microevolution of CG23-I Hypervirulent Klebsiella pneumoniae during Recurrent Infections in a Single Patient
Authors: Wang Yao-Chen , Lu Min-Chi , Li Yia-Ting , Tang Hui-Ling , Hsiao Pei-Yi , Chen Bo-Han , Teng Ru-Hsiou , Chiou Chien-Shun , Lai Yi-Chyi
Published: September 2022

CG23-I is a significant lineage of hypervirulent
Klebsiella pneumoniae
. This study characterizes the within-patient microevolution of CG23-I
K. pneumoniae
.
FDA-Approved Amoxapine Effectively Promotes Macrophage Control of Mycobacteria by Inducing Autophagy
Authors: Wang Jia , Sha Jian , Strong Emily , Chopra Ashok K. , Lee Sunhee
Published: September 2022

The emergence and spread of multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensive drug-resistant (XDR) TB urges the development of new therapeutics. One promising approach to combat drug resistance is targeting host factors necessary for the bacteria to survive or replicate while simultaneously minimizing the dosage of traditional agents.
Supplemental Material: Early Au-rich sulfide liquid saturation explains the low Au endowment of continental intraplate alkaline magmas
Authors: Rottier Bertrand , al. et
Published: September 2022

Detailed description of the materials and methods employed in this study, Figures S1 and S2, and Tables S1 and S2. 
Supplemental Material: Raman thermometry and (U‐Th)/He thermochronometry reveal Neogene transpressional exhumation in the Nacimiento block of central California, USA
Authors: Lacroix Brice , al. et
Published: September 2022

SCM methods and results, (U-Th)/He procedures and thermal modeling, and thermal model sensitivity tests.  
Supplemental Material: Lagoon infilling by coral reef sand aprons as a proxy for carbonate sediment productivity
Authors: Vila-Concejo Ana , al. et
Published: September 2022

Details on the contours of reefs and lagoons, and depths of the Pleistocene base. 
Supplemental Material: Tibetan Plateau insights into >1100 °C crustal melting in the Quaternary
Authors: Zhang Xiu-Zheng , WANG QIANG , al. et
Published: September 2022

Analytical methods, Figures S1–S3, and Tables S1–S6.  
Supplemental Material: Global Ba/Nb systematics in arc magmas reflect the depths of mineral dehydration in subducted slabs
Authors: Barber Nicholas , al. et
Published: September 2022

Methods and Figures S1–S11 (File S1), the schema for Ba/Nb Monte Carlo simulations (File S2), and the full data set. 
Supplemental Material: Hematite accommodated shallow, transient Pleistocene slow slip in the exhumed southern San Andreas fault system, California, USA
Authors: DiMonte Alexandra A. , al. et
Published: September 2022

Method details for SEM and grain-size analyses, hematite (U-Th)/He analyses, alpha-ejection correction derivation and calculations, as well as a discussion of data outliers and disequilibrium; and three tables and 11 additional figures including field, sample, and aliquot photographs; SEM images; schematic for alpha-ejection calculation; and additional hematite (U-Th)/He data plots. 
Development of Disturbances in a Circular Submerged Jet with Two Instability Modes
Authors: Abdul’manov K. E. , Nikitin N. V.
Published: September 2022

The stability and nonlinear interaction between the disturbances in a round jet are investigated numerically at Re = 2850. The conditions of the laboratory experiment performed earlier in the Institute of Mechanics of Moscow State University are reproduced. The characteristic feature of the jet considered is the presence of three points of inflection in the inflow velocity profile. This fact determines essentially the properties of flow. Linear stability is investigated using two approaches: quasi-parallel and spatial. Good quantitative agreement between the results of two approaches and adequate agreement with the results of inviscid theory are obtained. Numerical calculations are carried out with the aim to explain and interpret the results of the laboratory experiment in which change in the length of the laminar-turbulent transition zone in the jet under the action of time-periodic axisymmetric perturbations is revealed. It is shown that axisymmetric disturbances of even considerable initial amplitude do not lead to laminar-turbulent transition. The transition observed experimentally is attributable to the presence of non-controlled three-dimensional disturbances that are strengthened against the background of fairly intense artificial disturbances. The investigations carried out in the present study confirm this hypothesis. Thus, the three-dimensional disturbances serve as an initiator of transition, while the axisymmetric disturbances of a fairly high amplitude only accelerate their growth. It is shown that more intense three-dimensional disturbances are able to ensure still more rapid transition even in the absence of axisymmetric component.
Bioindicators of the Upper Neopleistocene Karginsky and Sartansky Deposits of the Kolyma Lowland and Features of Their Taphonomy under Multiple Exposure to Cryogenic Factors
Authors: Zanina O. G. , Lopatina D. A.
Published: September 2022

The paper presents the results of the study of Karginsky and Sartansky deposits of the Kolyma Lowland, synchronous with marine isotope stages (MIS) 3 and 2, and microphytofossils from them. During the accumulation of Karginsky deposits, various landscapes existed in this territory: communities of humid and dryish tundras, larch sparse forests, and tundra swamps, including habitats occupied by pioneer and steppe vegetation. The Sartansky deposits were formed under more uniform, cold and dry conditions. The results of the microbiomorphic study indicate the predominance of tundra herbaceous, mainly cereal associations in combination with the moss cover. Satisfactory preservation of microphytofossils from these strata is due to the specificity of the cryolithozone with a predominance of low temperatures throughout the year and low microbiological activity. The presence of spores and pollen with physical damage (ruptures and cracks) and corroded forms of phytoliths can be associated with their presence in the seasonally thawed layer during alternating freezing and thawing cycles.
Experiences of violence and discrimination among LGBTQ+ individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic: a global cross-sectional analysis
Authors: Adamson Tyler , Lett Elle , Glick Jennifer , Garrison-Desany Henri M , Restar Arjee
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To characterise the extent to which the levels of violence and discrimination against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ+) people have changed amid COVID-19.

Design

Cross-sectional, secondary analysis.

Setting

79 countries.

Participants

All adults (aged ≥18 years) who used the Hornet social networking application and provided consent to participate.

Main outcome measure

The main outcome was whether individuals have experienced less, or the same or more levels of discrimination and violence from specific groups (eg, police and/or military, government representatives, healthcare providers).

Results

7758 LGBTQ+ individuals provided responses regarding levels of discrimination and violence. A majority identified as gay (78.95%) and cisgender (94.8%). Identifying as gay or queer was associated with increased odds of experiencing the same or more discrimination from government representatives (OR=1.89, 95% CI 1.04 to 3.45, p=0.045) and healthcare providers (OR=2.51, 95% CI 0.86 to 7.36, p=0.002) due to COVID-19. Being a member of an ethnic minority was associated with increased odds of discrimination and violence from police and/or military (OR=1.32, 95% CI 1.13 to 1.54, p=0.0) and government representatives (OR=1.47, 95% CI 1.29 to 1.69, p=0.0) since COVID-19. Having a disability was significantly associated with increased odds of violence and discrimination from police and/or military (OR=1.38, 95% CI 1.15 to 1.71, p=0.0) and healthcare providers (OR=1.35, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.71, p=0.009).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that despite the upending nature of the COVID-19 pandemic, around the world, government representatives, policymakers and healthcare providers continue to perpetuate systemic discrimination and fail to prevent violence against members of the LGBTQ+ community.
Economic impacts of overweight and obesity: current and future estimates for 161 countries
Authors: Okunogbe Adeyemi , Nugent Rachel , Spencer Garrison , Powis Jaynaide , Ralston Johanna , Wilding John
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The scope of the challenge of overweight and obesity (OAO) has not been fully realised globally, in part because much of what is known about the economic impacts of OAO come from high-income countries (HICs) and are not readily comparable due to methodological differences. Our objective is to estimate the current and future national economic impacts of OAO globally.

Methods

We estimated economic impacts of OAO for 161 countries using a cost-of-illness approach. Direct and indirect costs of OAO between 2019 and 2060 were estimated from a societal perspective. We assessed the effect of two hypothetical scenarios of OAO prevalence projections. Country-specific data were sourced from published studies and global databases.

Results

The economic impact of OAO in 2019 is estimated at 2.19% of global gross domestic product (GDP) ranging on average from US$20 per capita in Africa to US$872 per capita in the Americas and from US$6 in low-income countries to US$1110 in HICs.

If current trends continue, by 2060, the economic impacts from OAO are projected to rise to 3.29% of GDP globally. The biggest increase will be concentrated in lower resource countries with total economic costs increasing by fourfold between 2019 and 2060 in HICs, whereas they increase 12–25 times in low and middle-income countries. Reducing projected OAO prevalence by 5% annually from current trends or keeping it at 2019 levels will translate into average annual reductions of US$429 billion or US$2201 billion in costs, respectively, between 2020 and 2060 globally.

Conclusion

This study provides novel evidence on the economic impact of OAO across different economic and geographic contexts. Our findings highlight the need for concerted and holistic action to address the global rise in OAO prevalence, to avert the significant risks of inaction and achieve the promise of whole-of-society gains in population well-being.
Maternity service reconfigurations for intrapartum and postnatal midwifery staffing shortages: modelling of low-risk births in England
Authors: Grollman Christopher , Daniele Marina A S , Brigante Lia , Knight Gwenan M , Latina Laura , Morgan Andrei S , Downe Soo
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Choice of birth setting is important and it is valuable to know how reconfiguring available settings may affect midwifery staffing needs. COVID-19-related health system pressures have meant restriction of community births. We aimed to model the potential of service reconfigurations to offset midwifery staffing shortages.

Methods

We adapted the Birthrate Plus method to develop a tool that models the effects on intrapartum and postnatal midwifery staffing requirements of changing service configurations for low-risk births. We tested our tool on two hypothetical model trusts with different baseline configurations of hospital and community low-risk birth services, representing those most common in England, and applied it to scenarios with midwifery staffing shortages of 15%, 25% and 35%. In scenarios with midwifery staffing shortages above 15%, we modelled restricting community births in line with professional guidance on COVID-19 service reconfiguration. For shortages of 15%, we modelled expanding community births per the target of the Maternity Transformation programme.

Results

Expanding community births with 15% shortages required 0.0 and 0.1 whole-time equivalent more midwives in our respective trusts compared with baseline, representing 0% and 0.1% of overall staffing requirements net of shortages. Restricting home births with 25% shortages reduced midwifery staffing need by 0.1 midwives (–0.1% of staffing) and 0.3 midwives (–0.3%). Suspending community births with 35% shortages meant changes of –0.3 midwives (–0.3%) and –0.5 midwives (–0.5%) in the two trusts. Sensitivity analysis showed that our results were robust even under extreme assumptions.

Conclusion

Our model found that reconfiguring maternity services in response to shortages has a negligible effect on intrapartum and postnatal midwifery staffing needs. Given this, with lower degrees of shortage, managers can consider increasing community birth options where there is demand. In situations of severe shortage, reconfiguration cannot recoup the shortage and managers must decide how to modify service arrangements.
Shared decision-making in advanced kidney disease: a scoping review
Authors: Engels Noel , de Graav Gretchen N , van der Nat Paul , van den Dorpel Marinus , Stiggelbout Anne M , Bos Willem Jan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To provide a comprehensive overview of interventions that support shared decision-making (SDM) for treatment modality decisions in advanced kidney disease (AKD). To provide summarised information on their content, use and reported results. To provide an overview of interventions currently under development or investigation.

Design

The JBI methodology for scoping reviews was followed. This review conforms to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Emcare, PsycINFO, PROSPERO and Academic Search Premier for peer-reviewed literature. Other online databases (eg, clinicaltrials.gov, OpenGrey) for grey literature.

Eligibility for inclusion

Records in English with a study population of patients >18 years of age with an estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2. Records had to be on the subject of SDM, or explicitly mention that the intervention reported on could be used to support SDM for treatment modality decisions in AKD.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently screened and selected records for data extraction. Interventions were categorised as prognostic tools (PTs), educational programmes (EPs), patient decision aids (PtDAs) or multicomponent initiatives (MIs). Interventions were subsequently categorised based on the decisions they were developed to support.

Results

One hundred forty-five interventions were identified in a total of 158 included records: 52 PTs, 51 EPs, 29 PtDAs and 13 MIs. Sixteen (n=16, 11%) were novel interventions currently under investigation. Forty-six (n=46, 35.7%) were reported to have been implemented in clinical practice. Sixty-seven (n=67, 51.9%) were evaluated for their effects on outcomes in the intended users.

Conclusion

There is no conclusive evidence on which intervention is the most efficacious in supporting SDM for treatment modality decisions in AKD. There is a lot of variation in selected outcomes, and the body of evidence is largely based on observational research. In addition, the effects of these interventions on SDM are under-reported.
Sexual and reproductive health service utilization of young girls in rural Ethiopia: What are the roles of health extension workers? Community-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Jisso Meskerem , Feyasa Merga Belina , Medhin Girmay , Dadi Tegene Legese , Simachew Yilkal , Denberu Bisrat , Jebena Mulusew Gerbaba , Alemayehun Yibeltal Kiflie , Teklu Alula M
Published: September 2022

Objective

Little is known about the extent to which Health Extension Programme (HEP) has played its role to increase service uptake among young girls. This study aims to estimate the status of young girls’ sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services utilisation in rural Ethiopia and to examine the role of health extension workers (HEWs) in this regard.

Design

A cross-sectional study.

Setting

A community-based study among all nine regions of Ethiopia.

Participants

Nine hundred and two young girls aged 15–24 years were included in this study.

Method

We used data from the national HEP assessment, collected from March to May 2019. Multilevel binary logistic regression was used to investigate the association between exposure to HEP and SRH services utilisation of young girls and we reported an adjusted OR with a corresponding 95% CI as measure of the degree of associations.

Result

Only 19.18% (95% CI 16.74% to 21.89%) of young girls used SRH services with significant regional variability (intraclass correlation coefficien=17.16%; 95% CI 6.30% to 39.99%). Exposure to HEP (adjusted OR, aOR 3.13, 95% CI 2.03 to 4.85), knowing about the availability of HEP services (aOR 3.06, 95% CI 1.75 to 5.33) and having good trust in HEWs (aOR 1.82, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.10) and other sociodemographic factors were significantly associated with increased SRH services utilisation.

Outcome

SRH service utilisation.

Conclusion

Although the overall SRH service utilization of young girls in rural Ethiopia was very low, HEWs have a great contribution to improving service utilization of young girls through strong health education provided during home visits, school visits and at health posts. More investment along this line has the potential to improve service uptake among young girls. Encouraging HEWs to build trust among this segment of the population and creating awareness of SRH-related services is crucial to improv service uptake.
Effectiveness of early spectacle intervention on visual outcomes in babies at risk of cerebral visual impairment: a parallel group, open-label, randomised clinical feasibility trial protocol
Authors: Bullaj Raimonda , Dyet Leigh , Mitra Subhabrata , Bunce Catey , Clarke Caroline S , Saunders Kathryn , Dale Naomi , Horwood Anna , Williams Cathy , St Clair Tracy Helen , Marlow Neil , Bowman Richard
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Hypoaccommodation is common in children born prematurely and those with hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy (HIE), with the potential to affect wider learning. These children are also at risk of longer-term cerebral visual impairment. It is also well recognised that early intervention for childhood visual pathology is essential, because neuroplasticity progressively diminishes during early life. This study aims to establish the feasibility and acceptability of conducting a randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of early near vision correction with spectacles in infancy, for babies, at risk of visual dysfunction.

Methods and analysis

This is a parallel group, open-label, randomised controlled (feasibility) study to assess visual outcomes in children with perinatal brain injury when prescribed near vision spectacles compared with the current standard care—waiting until a problem is detected. The study hypothesis is that accommodation, and possibly other aspects of vision, may be improved by intervening earlier with near vision glasses. Eligible infants (n=75, with either HIE or <29 weeks preterm) will be recruited and randomised to one of three arms, group A (no spectacles) and two intervention groups: B1 or B2. Infants in both intervention groups will be offered glasses with +3.00 DS added to the full cycloplegic refraction and prescribed for full time wear. Group B1 will get their first visit assessment and intervention at 8 weeks corrected gestational age (B1) and B2 at 16 weeks corrected gestational age. All infants will receive a complete visual and neurodevelopmental assessment at baseline and a follow-up visit at 3 and 6 months after the first visit.

Ethics and dissemination

The South-Central Oxford C Research Ethics Committee has approved the study. Members of the PPI committee will give advice on dissemination of results through peer-reviewed publications, conferences and societies.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14646770, NCT05048550, NIHR ref: PB-PG-0418-20006.
Oral Janus kinase inhibitors and venous thromboembolic events in atopic dermatitis: protocols for a case–time control study and a nested case-control study based on the French national health insurance (SNDS) cohort
Authors: Berthe Pauline , Scailteux Lucie-Marie , Lescoat Alain , Staumont Delphine , Coiffier Guillaume , Guéret Pierre , Dupuy Alain , Oger Emmanuel , Droitcourt Catherine
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a highly prevalent, chronic, inflammatory skin disease. Several orally administered Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKis, including baricitinib, upadacitinib and abrocitinib) have received a marketing authorisation for AD.

Clinical trials in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have flagged up a potential risk of JAKi-induced venous thromboembolic events (VTEs). Accordingly, the summary of product characteristics for a JAKi must mention VTEs as potential adverse drug reactions. In contrast to RA, AD per se is not associated with an elevated risk of VTEs. Assessing this potential risk among patients with AD would shed further light on the putative underlying relationship between JAKis and VTEs.

Our research question is to investigate whether JAKi administration increases the risk of VTEs in adults with AD. Our primary objective is to assess the risk of VTEs in adults with AD exposed to JAKis compared to AD adults not exposed to JAKis, and our secondary objective is to evaluate whether JAKi initiation acts as a trigger of VTEs in adults with AD within 3 months.

Methods and analysis

Hence, we have designed (1) a nested case–control study and (2) a case–time control study in a cohort of adults with AD with data from the French national health insurance system (2017–2025).

Here, we describe the study protocol, our methodological choices and certain novel aspects, including the combined value of the two assumptions and the use of an exhaustive national health insurance database with potentially greater statistical power for studying rare events in the population of patients with AD at a low risk of VTEs (thus limiting the influence of confounding factors).

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol has been approved by an independent ethics committee and registered with the French National Data Protection Commission. The study’s findings will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at international conferences.
Remission of type 2 diabetes and improved diastolic function by combining structured exercise with meal replacement and food reintroduction among young adults: the RESET for REMISSION randomised controlled trial protocol
Authors: Dasgupta Kaberi , Boulé Normand , Henson Joseph , Chevalier Stéphanie , Redman Emma , Chan Deborah , McCarthy Matthew , Champagne Julia , Arsenyadis Frank , Rees Jordan , Da Costa Deborah , Gregg Edward , Yeung Roseanne , Hadjiconstantinou Michelle , Dattani Abhishek , Friedrich Matthias G , Khunti Kamlesh , Rahme Elham , Fortier Isabel , Prado Carla M , Sherman Mark , Thompson Richard B , Davies Melanie J , McCann Gerry P , Yates Thomas
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) onset before 40 years of age has a magnified lifetime risk of cardiovascular disease. Diastolic dysfunction is its earliest cardiac manifestation. Low energy diets incorporating meal replacement products can induce diabetes remission, but do not lead to improved diastolic function, unlike supervised exercise interventions. We are examining the impact of a combined low energy diet and supervised exercise intervention on T2DM remission, with peak early diastolic strain rate, a sensitive MRI-based measure, as a key secondary outcome.

Methods and analysis

This prospective, randomised, two-arm, open-label, blinded-endpoint efficacy trial is being conducted in Montreal, Edmonton and Leicester. We are enrolling 100 persons 18–45 years of age within 6 years’ T2DM diagnosis, not on insulin therapy, and with obesity. During the intensive phase (12 weeks), active intervention participants adopt an 800–900 kcal/day low energy diet combining meal replacement products with some food, and receive supervised exercise training (aerobic and resistance), three times weekly. The maintenance phase (12 weeks) focuses on sustaining any weight loss and exercise practices achieved during the intensive phase; products and exercise supervision are tapered but reinstituted, as applicable, with weight regain and/or exercise reduction. The control arm receives standard care. The primary outcome is T2DM remission, (haemoglobin A1c of less than 6.5% at 24 weeks, without use of glucose-lowering medications during maintenance). Analysis of remission will be by intention to treat with stratified Fisher’s exact test statistics.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial is approved in Leicester (East Midlands – Nottingham Research Ethics Committee (21/EM/0026)), Montreal (McGill University Health Centre Research Ethics Board (RESET for remission/2021-7148)) and Edmonton (University of Alberta Health Research Ethics Board (Pro00101088). Findings will be shared widely (publications, presentations, press releases, social media platforms) and will inform an effectiveness trial.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15487120.
The estimated impact of changes to otolith field-sampling and ageing effort on stock assessment inputs, outputs, and catch advice
Authors: Siskey Matthew R. , Punt André E. , Hulson Peter-John F. , Bryan Meaghan D. , Ianelli James N. , Thorson James T.
Published: September 2022

Generating accurate data for stock assessments is resource-demanding, necessitating periodic evaluation of survey sampling designs and potential impacts on stock assessments. We developed a framework for bootstrapped resampling of survey age data and calculation of input sample sizes as a function of among-bootstrap variance in age compositions. Data from this bootstrap estimator were then used to evaluate the influence of alternative sampling rates and methods on uncertainty in estimates of the overfishing limit (OFL) calculated using stock assessment models. For dusky rockfish ( Sebastes variabilis) and Pacific ocean perch ( Sebastes alutus), a 10% decrease in the number of tows sampled upon led to a predicted 5%–6% increase in the CV of OFL (log–log slope = −0.576 to −0.486), which was greater than the 0%–2% increase from a 10% decrease in otoliths-per-tow (log–log slope = −0.238 to −0.029). Application of this approach across all stocks monitored in the survey of interest is required to identify which stocks ( i) benefit the most from increased sampling of ageing structures or ( ii) cost the least in terms of OFL uncertainty owing to reduced sampling.
Comparative lipidomics of Pichia pastoris using constitutive promoter reveals lipid diversity and variability at different growth phases
Authors: Yu Keyang , Liu Zhaojun , Wu Shuyan , Luo Shuanghua , Weng Xing , Wang Zhou , Zeng Maomao , Wang Xiaoyuan , Hu Xiaoqing
Published: September 2022

Pichia pastoris is an expression platform widely used for foreign protein expression, while it is unknown how the global lipid profiles changed during the cultivation process, which is crucial for fermentation optimization and chassis design. Therefore, this study aimed to reveal the diverse lipid profiles of P. pastoris controlled by constitutive promoter of glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene and to unravel their change in the lag, logarithmic, stationary, and death phases, using ultra-performance liquid chromatography/nano-electrospray ionization-tandem mass spectrometry. Two hundred forty lipid species across 11 lipid classes were detected, including various glycerolipids, glycerophospholipids, and sphingolipids. Pichia cells displayed high diversity and variability of lipids in lipid profile, relative intensity, phosphatidylinositol/phosphatidylserine ratio, fatty acid chain length, and unsaturation degree. Notably, increase of unsaturated triacylglycerol level was accompanied by rise of malondialdehyde level under oxidative stress. The increased ceramide with long fatty acid chain could be a key feature at death phase. This work deepened our understanding of the physiology of P. pastoris during cultivation and provided valuable information for further improvement of the P. pastoris expression system.