bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In situ Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy and modeling investigation of protein adsorption: Case of expanded bovine serum albumin on titanium dioxide anatase
Authors: Tadjine Moustafa , Bouzidi Fatima , Berbri Abderrezak , Nehmar Hamid , Bouhekka Ahmed
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this experimental and modeling research is to study the pH effect and to determine the surface coverage plus the adsorption constant (Ka) of bovine serum albumin (BSA) protein adsorbed on TiO2 anatase surface, respectively. In situ Fourier transform infrared-attenuated total reflection spectroscopy in a flow-through cell was used to study the BSA adsorption on porous TiO2 anatase films. The experiments were performed in water solution, under different pH values, at a concentration of 10−6 mol/l. Theoretically, we extended the two-state model, based on a system of coupled differential equations, by adding a desorption parameter Kd2, for unfolded state. The model was solved taking into account the adsorption (Ka), desorption (Kd1,2), transformation (Kf) coefficients, and the initial solution protein concentration (C0). The findings clearly illustrated that the solution pH drastically changed the behavior of BSA adsorption, whereas the mathematical analytical solutions allowed us to determine the native state (θ1), the unfolded state (θ2), and the full one (θ) surface coverages. Finally, a good application of the approximated model on the experimental work, expanded BSA adsorbed on TiO2 anatase at pH = 1.7, indicated a value of Ka = (408.36 ± 0.996) × 102 mol−1 l min−1.
Reaction time for correct identification of vowels in consonant-vowel syllables and of vowel segments
Authors: Hedrick Mark , Thornton Kristen
Published: January 2024

Reaction times for correct vowel identification were measured to determine the effects of intertrial intervals, vowel, and cue type. Thirteen adults with normal hearing, aged 20–38 years old, participated. Stimuli included three naturally produced syllables (/ba/ /bi/ /bu/) presented whole or segmented to isolate the formant transition or static formant center. Participants identified the vowel presented via loudspeaker by mouse click. Results showed a significant effect of intertrial intervals, no significant effect of cue type, and a significant vowel effect—suggesting that feedback occurs, vowel identification may depend on cue duration, and vowel bias may stem from focal structure.
Mathematical recapitulation of the end stages of human ovarian aging
Authors: Lawley Sean D. , Sammel Mary D. , Santoro Nanette , Johnson Joshua
Published: January 2024

Ovarian aging in women can be described as highly unpredictable within individuals but predictable across large populations. We showed previously that modeling an individual woman’s ovarian reserve of primordial follicles using mathematical random walks replicates the natural pattern of growing follicles exiting the reserve. Compiling many simulations yields the observed population distribution of the age at natural menopause (ANM). Here, we have probed how stochastic control of primordial follicle loss might relate to the distribution of the preceding menopausal transition (MT), when women begin to experience menstrual cycle irregularity. We show that identical random walk model conditions produce both the reported MT distribution and the ANM distribution when thresholds are set for growing follicle availability. The MT and ANM are shown to correspond to gaps when primordial follicles fail to grow for 7 and 12 days, respectively. Modeling growing follicle supply is shown to precisely recapitulate epidemiological data and provides quantitative criteria for the MT and ANM in humans.
Incorporating art into a biology course: a student-curated art exhibition about COVID-19
Authors: Wessner David R. , Newman Lia Rose , Pascucci Marisa J. , Tsudis Nella
Published: January 2024

Incorporating art into science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) courses can be an effective way to help students understand scientific concepts and think about those concepts more holistically. Additionally, art can be used to inform the public about scientific issues. To explore this topic more fully, we developed an assignment for an upper-level biology course in which students curated an art exhibition focused on the 2019 coronavirus disease, COVID-19. Working in pairs, students identified pieces of art in the College’s permanent collection that they felt related to some aspect of the pandemic. Each pair wrote a short curator’s statement and a more traditional academic essay. The works of art and the curator’s statements were displayed on campus. Visitors to the exhibition were invited to complete a short survey about the exhibition and its relevance to COVID-19. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the students enjoyed and valued the assignment. Limited data from visitors to the exhibition show that they thought the art helped them think more deeply about the pandemic. Based on these results, we conclude that the development of art exhibitions in STEM courses can benefit the students and the public.
Male adolescent with cardiac rupture after blunt thoracic trauma
Authors: Yeh Lin-Lin Yessica , Haak Timo , ten Hove F Laura , Rhemrev Steven J
Published: January 2024

Blunt cardiac injury, including a rupture of the atria or ventricle, is most commonly caused by motor vehicle collisions and falls from great heights. A rupture of a cardiac chamber is an extremely rare diagnosis with a high mortality rate. The best chance at survival can only be accomplished with timely intervention.

To raise awareness of this potentially life-threatening injury, we describe the case of a male adolescent with cardiac rupture after blunt thoracic trauma. While the focused assessment with sonography in trauma (FAST) examination was negative, an additional CT showed pericardial effusion. During the operation a rupture of the right ventricle was observed.

Even though the physical recovery of our patient is remarkable, the traumatic event still affects his mental well-being and activities in daily life. This case emphasises the need of a multidisciplinary approach to achieve the best possible physical and psychological recovery in multitrauma patients.
Vesical fungal bezoars on post-TURBT scar tissue causing obstruction and mimicking urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Tsikopoulos Ioannis , Papadopoulos Dimitrios Ioannis , Anastasiou Dimitrios , Karatzas Anastasios
Published: January 2024

Fungal bezoars (fungal balls) are rarely reported in the upper or lower urinary tract. They can be the cause of severe morbidities such as urinary tract obstruction, renal failure and fungaemia. Hereby, we present a rare case of a male patient who underwent transurethral resection of bladder tumour (TURBT), and during his postoperative period, he was diagnosed with bladder fungal bezoars adherent to his resection area. The fungal bezoars were covering an extended area of the right lateral bladder wall, including the right ureteric orifice and causing right urinary tract obstruction. Those findings were manifested only after a relooked cystoscopy and histological evaluation.

We aim to present a rare example of fungal bezoars mimicking other pathologies in the urinary tract and review the current literature for similar documentation. We underline the necessity of follow-up examinations for urologists performing TURBT surgeries, including urinalysis, imaging modalities and cystoscopy.
Lemierre syndrome: a diagnostic dilemma of critical care in the post-COVID era
Authors: Sharma Akhya , Mahajan Zubin , Mehta Sameera , Puri Aditi
Published: January 2024

Lemierre syndrome (LS) is referred to as the ‘forgotten Disease’ owing to its rarity in the postantibiotic era with an estimated yearly incidence of 1/million population. The classic triad of LS includes internal jugular vein thrombosis, oropharyngeal infection and metastatic septic emboli. We present a case of typical LS withFusobacteriumandPrevotellainfection, presenting with peritonsillar abscess and jugular vein thrombosis complicated by sepsis, acute hypoxic respiratory failure due to multiple pulmonary emboli and severe thrombocytopaenia in the absence of disseminated intravascular coagulation.
Sweet syndrome following the ChAdOx1-S vaccine
Authors: Baker Olivia , Chen Kun Sen , Kaminska Iwona , Rajagopal Vivek
Published: January 2024

We report a case of vaccine-induced Sweet syndrome in a female patient in her 50s presenting with fevers and a scattered red patchy rash on the lower limbs. Seven days prior, she had received the first dose of AstraZeneca ChAdOx1-S vaccine. A skin biopsy confirmed Sweet syndrome. She did not respond to high doses of prednisolone and required methotrexate therapy to induce remission. This is one of the first reports of Sweet syndrome caused by the ChAdOx1-S vaccine and provides further evidence for vaccine-induced dermatosis. This case demonstrates that methotrexate can induce remission in cases of Sweet syndrome resistant to corticosteroids. This report also describes an approach to the differential diagnosis of patients presenting with a rash, fever and malaise.
Continuous intrafemoral artery infusion of urokinase improves diabetic foot ulcers healing and decreases cardiovascular events in a long-term follow-up study
Authors: Tong Jiayue , Zhang Junxia , Xiang Lin , Li Shuguang , Xu Jinling , Zhu Guangping , Dong Jing , Cheng Yangyang , Ren Hujun , Liu Min , Yue Ling , Xiang Guangda
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is a disabling complication of diabetes mellitus. Here, we attempted to assess whether long-term intrafemoral artery infusion of low-dose urokinase therapy improved DFUs and decreased cardiovascular events in patients with DFUs.

Research design and methods

This trial was a single-center, randomized, parallel study. A total of 195 patients with DFU were randomized to continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis or conventional therapy groups. The continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis group received continuous intrafemoral urokinase injection for 7 days, and conventional therapy just received wound debridement and dressing change. Then, a follow-up of average 6.5 years was performed.

Results

Compared with conventional therapy, at the first 1 month of intervention stage, the ulcers achieved a significant improvement in continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis group including a complete closure (72.4% vs 17.5%), an improved ulcer (27.6% vs 25.8%), unchanged or impaired ulcer (0% vs 56.7%). During the 6.5-year follow-up, for the primary outcome of ulcer closure rate, continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis therapy obtained a better complete healing rate (HR 3.42 (95% CI 2.35 to 4.98, p<0.0001)). For the secondary outcome of cardiovascular disease events, continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis therapy had a lower incidence of cardiovascular events (HR 0.50 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.74, p<0.0001)). Importantly, intrafemoral thrombolysis therapy decreased the incidence of cardiovascular death (HR 0.42 (95%CI 0.20 to 0.89, p=0.0241)).Additionally, continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis therapy improved local skin oxygenation and peripheral neuropathy as well as glycolipid metabolic profiles when compared with conventional therapy group (p<0.05).

Conclusions

Continuous intrafemoral thrombolysis therapy has a better therapeutic efficacy to improve DFUs and decrease cardiovascular events.

Trial registration number

NCT01108120.
Use of removable support boot versus cast for early mobilisation after ankle fracture surgery: cost-effectiveness analysis and qualitative findings of the Ankle Recovery Trial (ART)
Authors: Baji Petra , Barbosa Estela C , Heaslip Vanessa , Sangar Bob , Tbaily Lee , Martin Rachel , Docherty Sharon , Allen Helen , Hayward Christopher , Marques Elsa M R
Published: January 2024

Objectives

To estimate the cost-effectiveness of using a removable boot versus a cast following ankle fracture from the National Health Service and Personal Social Services (NHS+PSS) payer and societal perspectives and explore the impact of both treatments on participants’ activities of daily living.

Design

Cost-effectiveness analyses and qualitative interviews performed alongside a pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial.

Setting

Eight UK NHS secondary care trusts.

Participants

243 participants (60.5% female, on average 48.2 years of age (SD 16.4)) with ankle fracture. Qualitative interviews with 16 participants. Interventions removable air boot versus plaster cast 2 weeks after surgery weight bearing as able with group-specific exercises.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) estimated from the EQ-5D-5L questionnaire, costs and incremental net monetary benefit statistics measured 12 weeks after surgery, for a society willing-to-pay £20 000 per QALY.

Results

Care in the boot group cost, on average, £88 (95% CI £22 to £155) per patient more than in the plaster group from the NHS+PSS perspective. When including all societal costs, the boot saved, on average, £676 per patient (95% CI −£337 to £1689). Although there was no evidence of a QALY difference between the groups (−0.0020 (95% CI −0.0067 to 0.0026)), the qualitative findings suggest participants felt the boot enhanced their quality of life. Patients in the boot felt more independent and empowered to take on family responsibilities and social activities.

Conclusions

While the removable boot is slightly more expensive than plaster cast for the NHS+PSS payer at 12 weeks after surgery, it reduces productivity losses and the need for informal care while empowering patients. Given that differences in QALYs and costs to the NHS are small, the decision to use a boot or plaster following ankle surgery could be left to patients’ and clinicians’ preferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN15497399, South Central—Hampshire A Research Ethics Committee (reference 14/SC/1409).
Is health expenditure on immunisation associated with immunisation coverage in sub-Saharan Africa? A multicountry analysis, 2013–2017
Authors: Idris Israel Oluwaseyidayo , Ouma Luke , Tapkigen Janet , Ayomoh Francis Ifeanyi , Ayeni Gabriel Omoniyi
Published: January 2024

Objectives

The designing of contextually tailored sustainable plans to finance the procurement of vaccines and the running of appropriate immunisation programmes are necessary to address the high burden of vaccine-preventable diseases and low immunisation coverage in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). We sought to estimate the minimum fraction of a country’s health budget that should be invested in national immunisation programmes to achieve national immunisation coverage of 80% or greater depending on the context, with and without donors’ support.

Design

Multicountry analysis of secondary data using retrieved publicly available data from the WHO, Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI) and World Bank databases.

Setting

Data on 24 SSA countries, between 2013 and 2017.

Methods

We model the variations in immunisation coverage across the different SSA countries using a fractional logit model. Three different generalised linear models were fitted to explore how various explanatory variables accounted for the variability in each of the three different vaccines—measles-containing vaccine (MCV)1, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus (DPT3) and BCG.

Results

We observed an association between current health expenditure (as a percentage of gross domestic product) and immunisation coverage for BCG (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.04, p=0.008) and DPT3 (OR=1.01, 95% CI: 1.0 to 1.02, p=0.020) vaccines. However, there was no evidence to indicate that health expenditure on immunisation (as a proportion of current health expenditure) could be a strong predictor of immunisation coverage (DPT, OR 0.96 (95% CI 0.78 to 1.19; p=0.702); BCG, OR 0.91 (0.69 to 1.19; p=0.492); MCV, OR 0.91 (0.69 to 1.19; p=0.482)). We demonstrate in selected countries that to achieve the GAVI target of 80% in the countries with low DPT3 coverage, health expenditure would need to be increased by more than 45%.

Conclusions

There is a need to facilitate the development of strategies that support African countries to increase domestic financing for national immunisation programmes towards achieving 2030 targets for immunisation coverage.
Persons diagnosed with COVID-19 in England in the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD): a cohort description
Authors: Andersen Kathleen M , McGrath Leah J , Reimbaeva Maya , Mendes Diana , Nguyen Jennifer L , Rai Kiran K , Tritton Theo , Tsang Carmen , Malhotra Deepa , Yang Jingyan
Published: January 2024

Objective

To create case definitions for confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses, COVID-19 vaccination status and three separate definitions of high risk of severe COVID-19, as well as to assess whether the implementation of these definitions in a cohort reflected the sociodemographic and clinical characteristics of COVID-19 epidemiology in England.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Electronic healthcare records from primary care (Clinical Practice Research Datalink, CPRD) linked to secondary care data (Hospital Episode Statistics) data covering 24% of the population in England.

Participants

2 271 072 persons aged 1 year and older diagnosed with COVID-19 in CPRD Aurum between 1 August 2020 and 31 January 2022.

Main outcome measures

Age, sex and regional distribution of COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 vaccine doses received prior to diagnosis were assessed separately for the cohorts of cases identified in primary care and those hospitalised for COVID-19 (primary diagnosis code of ICD-10 U07.1 ‘COVID-19’). Smoking status, body mass index and Charlson Comorbidity Index were compared for the two cohorts, as well as for three separate definitions of high risk of severe disease used in the UK (National Health Service Highest Risk, PANORAMIC trial eligibility, UK Health Security Agency Clinical Risk prioritisation for vaccination).

Results

Compared with national estimates, CPRD case estimates under-represented older adults in both the primary care (age 65–84: 6% in CPRD vs 9% nationally) and hospitalised (31% vs 40%) cohorts, and over-represented people living in regions with the highest median wealth areas of England (20% primary care and 20% hospital admitted cases in South East vs 15% nationally). The majority of non-hospitalised cases and all hospitalised cases had not completed primary series vaccination. In primary care, persons meeting high-risk definitions were older, more often smokers, overweight or obese, and had higher Charlson Comorbidity Index score.

Conclusions

CPRD primary care data are a robust real-world data source and can be used for some COVID-19 research questions, however, limitations of the data availability should be carefully considered. Included in this publication are supplemental files for a total of over 28 000 codes to define each of three definitions of high risk of severe disease.
IMPAACT: IMproving the PArticipAtion of older people in policy decision-making on common health CondiTions – a study protocol
Authors: Ambagtsheer Rachel C , Hurley Catherine J , Lawless Michael , Braunack-Mayer Annette , Visvanathan Renuka , Beilby Justin , Stewart Simon , Cornell Victoria , Leach Matthew J , Taylor Danielle , Thompson Mark , Dent Elsa , Whiteway Lyn , Archibald Mandy , O'Rourke Hannah M , Williams Kathy , Chudecka Agnieszka
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Rapid population ageing is a demographic trend being experienced and documented worldwide. While increased health screening and assessment may help mitigate the burden of illness in older people, issues such as misdiagnosis may affect access to interventions. This study aims to elicit the values and preferences of evidence-informed older people living in the community on early screening for common health conditions (cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dementia and frailty). The study will proceed in three Phases: (1) generating recommendations of older people through a series of Citizens’ Juries; (2) obtaining feedback from a diverse range of stakeholder groups on the jury findings; and (3) co-designing a set of Knowledge Translation resources to facilitate implementation into research, policy and practice. Conditions were chosen to reflect common health conditions characterised by increasing prevalence with age, but which have been underexamined through a Citizens’ Jury methodology.

Methods and analysis

This study will be conducted in three Phases—(1) Citizens’ Juries, (2) Policy Roundtables and (3) Production of Knowledge Translation resources. First, older people aged 50+ (n=80), including those from traditionally hard-to-reach and diverse groups, will be purposively recruited to four Citizen Juries. Second, representatives from a range of key stakeholder groups, including consumers and carers, health and aged care policymakers, general practitioners, practice nurses, geriatricians, allied health practitioners, pharmaceutical companies, private health insurers and community and aged care providers (n=40) will be purposively recruited for two Policy Roundtables. Finally, two researchers and six purposively recruited consumers will co-design Knowledge Translation resources. Thematic analysis will be performed on documentation and transcripts.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been obtained through the Torrens University Human Research Ethics Committee. Participants will give written informed consent. Findings will be disseminated through development of a policy brief and lay summary, peer-reviewed publications, conference presentations and seminars.
Evaluating the performance of a novel anthropometric index: weight adjusted for waist-to-height ratio (W-WHR) – for predicting cardiometabolic risk among adults in Addis Ababa
Authors: Gebremedhin Samson , Bekele Tilahu
Published: January 2024

Objective

Various anthropometric indices had been proposed to predict cardiometabolic risk, yet few were validated in the African population. We evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of a novel anthropometric index—weight adjusted for waist-to-height ratio (W-WHR)—as a predictor of cardiometabolic risk among adults 18–64 years in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia; and compared its performance with other indices commonly used in the literature.

Design

Cross-sectional study.

Setting

Community-based study in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Participants

Randomly selected adults (n=600) completed serum lipid, blood pressure, blood glucose and anthropometric measurements.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The primary outcomes of interest were dyslipidaemia, hypertension and hyperglycaemia. Having at least one of the three outcomes was considered as a secondary outcome. Receiver-operating characteristic curve (ROC) used to measure the diagnostic accuracy of W-WHR and another 13 indices for predicting the primary and secondary outcomes. Optimal thresholds were determined using Youden’s index.

Results

W-WHR demonstrated an acceptable diagnostic accuracy (area under the curve (AUC), 95% CI) for correctly classifying dyslipidaemia (0.80, 0.76 to 0.84), hypertension (0.74, 0.70 to 0.78), hyperglycaemia (0.76, 0.70 to 0.82) and the secondary outcome of interest (0.79, 0.75 to 0.83). Depending on the outcomes, thresholds between 32.6 and 36.7 concurrently maximised sensitivity and specificity of the index. ROC analysis indicated, W-WHR (AUC=0.80), abdominal volume index (AVI) (AUC=0.78) and waist circumference (WC) (AUC=0.78) for dyslipidaemia; W-WHR (AUC=0.74) and WC (AUC=0.74) for hypertension; and waist-to-height ratio (AUC=0.80) and body roundness index (AUC=0.80) for hyperglycaemia, had the highest diagnostic accuracy. Likewise, W-WHR (AUC=0.79), AVI (AUC=0.78) and WC (AUC=0.78) had better performance for the secondary outcome. Most indices have better utility among younger than older adults, and per cent body fat had the highest diagnostic accuracy among women (AUC 0.74–0.83).

Conclusion

W-WHR is a useful index for predicting cardiometabolic risk, especially among young adults.
Determining the feasibility of a codesigned and personalised intervention (Veg4Me) to improve vegetable intake in young adults living in rural Australian communities: protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Livingstone Katherine M , Rawstorn Jonathan C , Partridge Stephanie R , Zhang Yuxin , O Eric , Godrich Stephanie L , McNaughton Sarah A , Hendrie Gilly A , Dullaghan Kate , Abbott Gavin , Blekkenhorst Lauren C , Maddison Ralph , Barnett Scott , Mathers John C , Alston Laura
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Diets low in vegetables are a main contributor to the health burden experienced by young adults in rural communities. Digital health interventions provide an accessible delivery model that can be personalised to meet the diverse preferences of young adults. A personalisable digital vegetable intake intervention (Veg4Me) was codesigned to meet the needs of young adults living in rural communities. This study will determine the feasibility of delivering a personalised Veg4Me programme and compare preliminary effects with a non-personalised Veg4Me (control).

Methods and analysis

A 12-week assessor-blinded, two-arm, parallel randomised controlled trial will be undertaken from August 2023 until April 2024. A total of 150 eligible and consenting young adults (18–35 years; eat<5 serves of vegetables/day; have an internet connected mobile device/computer) living in Loddon Campaspe or Colac Otway Shire in Victoria, Australia, will be randomised to receive 12 weeks of personalised (intervention) or non-personalised (control) support to increase vegetable intake via a free web application (app; Veg4Me). The primary outcome is feasibility (recruitment, participation and retention rates). Secondary outcomes are user engagement, usability and experience, as well as vegetable intake, eating habits and digital health equity. Process evaluation will be conducted in a subsample of participants using semistructured interviews. Descriptive statistics will be presented for the personalised and non-personalised groups at baseline and 12 weeks. Generalised linear models will be used to evaluate group differences in outcomes. Interviews will be transcribed and analysed thematically.

Ethics and dissemination

All procedures involving human subjects were approved by Deakin University’s Human Ethics Advisory Group—Health (HEAG-H 06_2023) on 6 March 2023. Dissemination events will be held in the City of Greater Bendigo and the Colac Otway Shire. Summaries of the results will be disseminated to participants via email. Results will be disseminated to the scientific community through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

Australia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry, ACTRN12623000179639p, prospectively registered on 21 February 2023, according to the World Health Organizational Trial Registration Data Set. Universal Trial Number U1111-1284-9027.
Cohort profile: The Scottish SHARE Mental Health (SHARE-MH) cohort – linkable survey, genetic and routinely collected data for mental health research
Authors: Iveson Matthew Henry , Ball Emily L , Doherty Jason , Pugh Carys , Vashishta Shobna , Palmer Colin N A , McIntosh Andrew
Published: January 2024

Purpose

The SHARE Mental Health (SHARE-MH) cohort was established to address the paucity of clinical and genetic data available for mental health research. The cohort brings together detailed mental health questionnaire responses, routinely collected electronic health data and genetic data to provide researchers with an unprecedented linkable dataset. This combination of data sources allows researchers to track mental health longitudinally, across multiple settings. It will be of interest to researchers investigating the genetic and environmental determinants of mental health, the experiences of those interacting with healthcare services, and the overlap between self-reported and clinically derived mental health outcomes.

Participants

The cohort consists of individuals sampled from the Scottish Health Research Register (SHARE). To register for SHARE, individuals had to be over the age of 16 years and living in Scotland. Cohort participants were recruited by email and invited to take part in an online mental health survey. When signing up for SHARE, participants also provided written consent to the use of their electronic health records and genetic data—derived from spare blood samples—for research purposes.

Findings to date

From 5 February 2021 to 27 November 2021, 9829 individuals completed a survey of various mental health topics, capturing information on symptoms, diagnoses, impact and treatment. Survey responses have been made linkable to electronic health records and genetic data using a single patient identifier. Linked data have been used to describe the cohort in terms of their demographics, self-reported mental health, inpatient and outpatient hospitalisations and dispensed prescriptions.

Future plans

The cohort will be improved through linkage to a broader variety of routinely collected data and to increasing amounts of genetic data obtained through blood sample diversion. We see the SHARE-MH cohort being used to drive forward novel areas of mental health research and to contribute to global efforts in psychiatric genetics.
Staying Active with Multimorbidity In Acute hospital settings (StAMInA) trial: protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial of allied health assistant mobility rehabilitation for patients with multimorbidity
Authors: Snowdon David A , Wang Yi Tian , Callisaya Michele L , Collyer Taya A , Jolliffe Laura , Johns Nathan , Vincent Peggy , Pragash Nandhinee , Taylor Nicholas F
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Key to improving outcomes for patients with multimorbidity is increasing mobility through prescription of a physical activity programme, but this can be difficult to achieve in acute hospital settings. One approach that would assist physiotherapists to increase levels of physical activity is delegation of rehabilitation to allied health assistants. We aim to conduct a randomised controlled trial to determine the feasibility of an allied health assistant providing daily inpatient mobility rehabilitation for patients with multimorbidity.

Methods and analysis

Using a parallel group randomised controlled design, participants will be allocated to allied health assistant mobility rehabilitation or physiotherapist mobility rehabilitation. Adult inpatients (n=60) in an acute hospital with a diagnosis of multimorbidity who walked independently preadmission will be included. The experimental group will receive routine mobility rehabilitation, including daily mobilisation, from an allied health assistant under the supervision of a physiotherapist. The comparison group will receive routine rehabilitation from a physiotherapist. Feasibility will be determined using the following areas of focus in Bowen’s feasibility framework: Acceptability (patient satisfaction); demand (proportion of patients who participate); implementation (time allied health assistant/physiotherapist spends with participant, occasions of service); and practicality (cost, adverse events). Staff involved in the implementation of allied health assistant rehabilitation will be interviewed to explore their perspectives on feasibility. Secondary outcomes include: Physical activity (daily time spent walking); daily mobilisation (Y/N); discharge destination; hospital readmission; falls; functional activity (Modified Iowa Level of Assistance Scale); and length of stay. Descriptive statistics will be used to describe feasibility. Secondary outcomes will be compared between groups using Poisson or negative binomial regression, Cox proportional hazards regression, survival analysis, linear regression or logistic regression.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval was obtained from Peninsula Health (HREC/97 431/PH-2023). Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trial Registry ACTRN12623000584639p.
Reconstruction of unreported subgroup survival data with PD-L1-low expression in advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer using innovative KMSubtraction workflow
Authors: Li Yan , Liang Xueyan , Li Huijuan , Chen Xiaoyu
Published: January 2024

Background

Among patients with advanced/metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) with high/positive programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression, a superior survival outcome has been demonstrated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). However, it remains unclear whether ICIs are beneficial for patients with low PD-L1 levels. Here, we derived survival data for subgroups with low PD-L1-expressing and conducted a pooled analysis.

Methods

After a systematic search of Embase, PubMed, MEDLINE, and CENTRAL from inception until May 18, 2023, randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), or duration of response (DOR) for metastatic TNBC treated with ICI-based regimens were included. Kaplan-Meier curves were extracted for the intention-to-treat population and high PD-L1 subgroups. KMSubtraction was used when survival curves were not provided for subgroups with low PD-L1 expression. A pooled analysis of survival data was then conducted.

Results

A total of 3022 patients were included in four RCTs: Impassion130, Impassion131, KEYNOTE-119, and KEYNOTE-355. Unreported low PD-L1-expressing subgroups were identified, including PD-L1 immune cell (IC)<1%, combined positive score (CPS)<1, and 1≤CPS<10. Compared with chemotherapy, ICI-chemotherapy combinations did not significantly differ in OS, PFS, or DOR in the Impassion PD-L1<1%, KEYNOTE-355 PD-L1 CPS<1, and KEYNOTE-355 1≤CPS<10 subgroups. In the KEYNOTE-119 CPS<1 subgroup, the risk of tumor progression was increased with pembrolizumab (HR, 2.23; 95% CI, 1.62 to 3.08; p<0.001), as well as in the 1≤CPS<10 subgroup (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.22 to 2.20; p<0.001). A pooled analysis using a scoring system found no significant difference in OS and PFS among the subgroups with an IC of <1% between immunochemotherapy and chemotherapy. OS (HR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.26), PFS (HR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.84 to 1.10), and DOR were also not significantly different in pooled analysis of first-line trials for those with low PD-L1 expression.

Conclusion

ICI-based regimens are not associated with a survival benefit versus chemotherapy in subgroups of advanced/metastatic TNBC that express low PD-L1 levels.
When does obesity exert its effect in conferring risk of developing RA: a large study in cohorts of symptomatic persons at risk
Authors: Dumoulin Quirine A , Boeren Anna M P , Krijbolder Doortje I , Willemze A , de Jong Pascal H P , van Mulligen Elise , van Steenbergen Hanna W , van der Helm - van Mil Annette H M
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Obesity is a known risk factor for developing rheumatoid arthritis (RA). However, it is unclear whether obesity exerts its risk effect during the asymptomatic or the symptomatic clinically suspect arthralgia (CSA) phase of risk. To improve understanding of the effect of obesity on RA development, we aimed to (1) compare body mass index (BMI) at CSA onset to BMI of the general population and (2) study within CSA patients if obesity increases the risk for progression to RA.

Methods

1107 symptomatic persons at risk for RA from four cohorts (CSA Leiden, CSA Rotterdam, SONAR and TREAT EARLIER placebo arm) were studied. For the first aim, baseline BMI was compared with age-matched/sex-matched BMI of the general population. Patients were stratified for anticitrullinated protein antibody (ACPA) status. Regarding the second aim, the association between BMI and inflammatory arthritis (IA) development during 2 years was studied with Cox regression analysis within each cohort and via meta-analysis in all cohorts.

Results

CSA patients of all cohorts were more often obese than the general population (respectively 21.9% vs 14.0%, 25.7% vs 14.5%, 26.7% vs 14.5% and 33.3% vs 14.9%, in CSA Leiden, CSA Rotterdam, SONAR, TREAT EARLIER placebo arm). Both ACPA-positive and ACPA-negative CSA patients had a higher frequency of obesity. Within CSA, obesity was not associated with IA development compared to normal weight (pooled effect in meta-analysis of four cohorts HR 1.01 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.08)).

Conclusions

Obesity is not associated with RA development within CSA patients but BMI has already increased in CSA compared to the general population. Obesity, therefore, presumably exerts its risk effect at an early asymptomatic phase of RA development, rather than being associated with the disease processes that ultimately result in clinical arthritis.
Force stability of the Boltzmann equations
Authors: Lyu Ming-Jiea , Wu Kung-Chien
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we consider the Boltzmann equation with external force in the whole space, where the collision kernel is assumed to be hard potential and cutoff. We prove that the solutions of such Boltzmann equations are [Formula: see text] ([Formula: see text]) stable under the perturbation of external force. Our estimate is based on the gradient estimate of the solution. The key step of this paper is to estimate the solutions of the equations propagate in different forward bi-characteristic.
Thermodynamic, mechanical stability, and magneto-electronic features of Ti2-based quaternary Heusler alloys Ti2CoGa1−xCux (x=0, 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1): A DFT investigation
Authors: Benichou Boucif , Bouchenafa Halima , Nabi Zakia , Bouabdallah Badra
Published: January 2024

In this work, we have used the full-potential linearized augmented plane wave (FP-LAPW) method implemented in the WIEN2k code combined with the generalized gradient approximation (GGA) of the density functional theory (DFT) to study the structural, elastic, mechanical, electronic, magnetic, and thermodynamic properties of the parent ternary inverse Heusler compounds based on Titanium and Cobalt Ti2CoGa, Ti2CoCu in the Hg2CuTi-type structure and their quaternary alloys Ti2CoGa[Formula: see text]Cux ([Formula: see text], 0.5, 0.75) for the chosen concentrations using a supercell with 16 atoms. We have calculated the structural properties, such as the lattice parameters, bulk modulus, and its first derivative, which are in good agreement with those that have been obtained based on other published theoretical methods. Also, we calculated the elastic constants of the studied Heusler alloys, and we found that these materials are elastically stable, ductile, and anisotropic. Therefore, the electronic and magnetic properties indicate that Ti2CoGa exhibits a half-metallic (HM) ferromagnetic behavior, while Ti2CoCu shows a metal and a non-magnetic (NM) character. Their quaternary alloys are found to be nearly HM ferromagnetic materials, with a magnetic moment mainly due to the atom Ti. Furthermore, the quasi-harmonic Debye model, which incorporates the lattice vibrations, was used to estimate the thermodynamic effects on some macroproperties of the Ti2CoGa[Formula: see text]Cux alloys. Successful results were achieved for the variations of the primitive cell volume, bulk modulus, heat capacities, and Debye temperature with pressure and temperature, respectively, in the ranges of 0–30[Formula: see text]GPa and 0–1400[Formula: see text]K. To our knowledge, no analogous investigations on the mechanical and thermodynamic properties of the Ti2CoGa[Formula: see text]Cux ([Formula: see text], 0.5 and 0.75) alloys have been performed to date. As a result, it is predicted that Ti2CoGa[Formula: see text]Cux Heusler alloys will be promising candidates for actual applications in spintronic devices.
Fano resonance based on a triangular resonator and its application on nanosensing
Authors: Ma Xinxin , Li Tong , Wang Yilin , Chen Zhao
Published: January 2024

Fano resonance sensors based on metal–insulator–metal (MIM) waveguide have potential applications in fields such as biology, chemistry, and the environment. Here, a nanosensor based on Fano resonance in an MIM-based isosceles triangular resonator system is proposed and numerically studied by finite element method. Simulation results show that the Fano peak can be easily tuned by adjusting the scale factor and the refractive index within the resonator. Furthermore, we thoroughly analyze the impact of the apex angle, rotation angle, and vertical displacement of the resonator on the transmission spectrum. Finally, the sensing characteristics of the proposed structure are optimized and analyzed, and a high-performance plasmonic sensor with a sensitivity of 1100[Formula: see text]nm/RIU and the maximum figure of merit of [Formula: see text] is obtained. The distinctive attributes of our suggested structure are applicable in the realization of various integrated components for the development of multifunctional high-performance nanophotonics devices.
Peristalsis of Carreau–Yasuda nanofluid possessing variable thermal conductivity regulated by electroosmosis via an expanding asymmetric channel
Authors: Gul M. , Abbasi F. M. , Nawaz R.
Published: January 2024

Peristalsis of non-Newtonian nanofluid via a non-uniform conduit has several applications in physiology and industry. This study proposes a mathematical model as well as exploration of the impacts of entropy generation for peristalsis of magneto nanofluid with temperature-dependent thermal conductivity via an expanding asymmetric channel. Buongiorno’s model for study of nanofluid flow has been adopted. Rheological aspects are accounted using the Carreau–Yasuda model due to its experimentally validated significance. Impacts of applied electric and magnetic fields have been taken into account. Thermophoresis, ohmic heating, viscous heating and Brownian motion effects are incorporated in the model. Numerical method is used via NDSolve in Mathematica after implementing the lubrication approach and Debye–Huckel linearization. The effects of embedded parameters on the flow, heat transfer, entropy generation and Bejan number are studied using graphical depictions. Outcomes indicate that a rise in electroosmotic parameter enhances heat transfer rate, whereas it reduces entropy generation and mass transfer rate at the boundary. Therefore, this study can provide basics to study nanofluidic systems which has applications in drug delivery. Increasing trends for temperature, heat transfer rate and entropy generation, while declining trends in the concentration of the particles are noted for higher joule heating.
First principle and experimental investigations on Mg-doped ZrO2 thin films for electronic, thermoelectric, and optical application
Authors: Zeeshan Talat , Waseem Salma , Irfan Hadia , Kayani Zohra Nazir , Ullah Farman , Ramay Shahid M. , Saleem Murtaza
Published: January 2024

To study the Mg-doped ZrO2, the electronic, thermoelectric, and optical properties were characterized by first principle as well as experimental techniques. For experimental observations, the samples for pure ZrO2 and Mg-doped ZrO2 thin films were prepared. A noticeable difference was observed between the results of electronic, thermoelectric, and optical properties of pure and Mg-doped ZrO2 thin films. The electronic properties extracted from simulations show that Mg-doped ZrO2, Mg-s, Zr-d, and O-p states provide the main contributions. The electrical conductivity and Seebeck coefficient present an increasing trend with doping of Mg content. The absorption coefficient trend shows that the material becomes more absorbing with the increase in Mg content. The refractive index reduces from ∼2.2 to ∼1.8. The content of Mg carries corroborates the substantial variation in optical parameters with varying energy ranges. The comparison is carried out between the results of optical properties deduced through simulations and spectroscopic ellipsometry.
Voltage-Mode Multifunction and Universal Biquads with Two CFOAs
Authors: Dogan Mehmet , Yuce Erkan , Dicle Zafer
Published: January 2024

In this paper, a new voltage-mode (VM) multifunction filter including only two grounded capacitors, three resistors, and two current feedback operational amplifiers is introduced. This filter with one high input impedance and two low output impedances can simultaneously provide band-pass filter (BPF) and low-pass filter (LPF) responses with an adjustable gain. A universal VM filter topology with three inputs and one output generating high-pass filter (HPF), BPF, LPF, notch filter, and all-pass filter (APF) responses is obtained from the multifunction one. It has the same number of active and passive elements as the multifunction and a low output impedance. Sensitivities of both introduced filters are low enough. However, the APF of the introduced universal filter has a passive element-matching problem. As an example, parasitic impedance effects are considered for the LPF of the universal filter, while non-ideal gain analyses are given for the HPF. To see how the introduced universal filter works, countless simulations are performed through the SPICE (Simulation Program with Integrated Circuit Emphasis) program in which 0.13 [Formula: see text]m IBM CMOS technology parameters are utilized. DC supply voltages are selected as ± 0.9 V. Also, several experiments using commercially available AD844s with ± 10 V supply voltages are carried out to see the performance.
An Internet of Medical Things-Based Mental Disorder Prediction System Using EEG Sensor and Big Data Mining
Authors: Ambeth Kumar V. D. , Surapaneni Sowmya , Pavitra D. , Venkatesan R. , Omar Marwan , Bashir A. K.
Published: January 2024

In the colloquy concerning human rights, equality, and human health, mental illness and therapy regarding mental health have been condoned. Mental disorder is a behavioral motif that catalyzes the significant anguish or affliction of personal functioning. The symptoms of a mental disorder may be tenacious, degenerative, or transpire as a single episode. Brain sickness is often interpreted as a combination of how a person thinks, perceives, contemplates and reacts. This may be analogous to a specific region or workings of the brain frequently in a social context. Anxiety disorders, psychotic disorders, personality disorders, mood disorders, eating disorders, and many more are examples of mental disorders, while complications include social problems, suicides, and cognitive impairment. These days, mental disorders are quotidian worldwide, and clinically consequential levels of derangement rise adversely. The purpose of this paper is to aid in prognosis of the type of mental disorder by analyzing the brainwaves such as Alpha ([Formula: see text]), Beta ([Formula: see text]), Gamma ([Formula: see text]), Theta ([Formula: see text]), Delta ([Formula: see text]) with the help of big data analysis and the Internet of Medical Things (IoMT). IoMT helps in gathering the required data and data transmission, while big data analysis helps in predicting the type of disorder.
Design and Analysis of Low Power and High-Speed Dynamic Comparator with Transconductance Enhanced in Latching Stage for ADC Application
Authors: Yadav Anurag , Wairya Subodh
Published: January 2024

The increasing demand for low voltage, power efficient, high-speed analog-to-digital converters (ADCs) results in the improvement of speed and power of regenerative dynamic comparator. In this paper, a dual-tail dynamic comparator is used with two extra transistors in the latch stage. These extra transistors help in the increase of transconductance of the latch stage, which helps decrease the delay of the proposed comparator. Mathematical analysis is done for the proposed architecture; this gives the idea of reducing the delay of the comparator with an increase in the transconductance of the comparator. The simulation and layout of the proposed comparator are done on the Cadence software with 90[Formula: see text]nm CMOS technology. This proposed design is simulated with a 2[Formula: see text]GHz clock frequency at supply voltage of 1[Formula: see text]V. The proposed architecture consumes a power of 39.19[Formula: see text][Formula: see text]W and a delay of 143.12[Formula: see text]ps at 1[Formula: see text]V supply voltage, 5[Formula: see text]mV input difference voltage and 0.9[Formula: see text]V common mode voltage. The Monte Carlo simulation of the proposed architecture for power, delay, power delay product (PDP) and offset is also demonstrated in this paper. Process corner analysis is done for power, delay and PDP.