bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance and Impact on Initial Antibiotic Choice of Direct Identification of Pathogens from Pediatric Blood Culture Bottles Using an In-House MALDI-TOF MS Protocol
Authors: Pérez-López Andrés , Elamin Nazik , Nabor Rhanty , Dumindin Sarah , Roscoe Diane , Hasan Mohammad Rubayet , Suleiman Mohammed , Tang Patrick
Published: December 2021

We demonstrate the performance and early impact on the antimicrobial management of bloodstream infections of an inexpensive, in-house preparation method for direct identification of bloodstream pathogens in pediatric blood culture bottles by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization–time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Recombinant Fasciola hepatica Fatty Acid Binding Protein as a Novel Anti-Inflammatory Biotherapeutic Drug in an Acute Gram-Negative Nonhuman Primate Sepsis Model
Authors: Rosado-Franco Jose J. , Armina-Rodriguez Albersy , Marzan-Rivera Nicole , Burgos Armando G. , Spiliopoulos Natalie , Dorta-Estremera Stephanie M. , Mendez Loyda B. , Espino A. M.
Published: December 2021

Sepsis caused by Gram-negative bacteria affects 1.7 million adults annually in the United States and is one of the most important causes of death at intensive care units. Although the effective use of antibiotics has resulted in improved prognosis of sepsis, the pathological and deathly effects have been attributed to the persistent inflammatory cascade.
Staphylococcus aureus in Substrates for Black Soldier Fly Larvae (Hermetia illucens) and Its Dynamics during Rearing
Authors: Gorrens E. , Van Looveren N. , Van Moll L. , Vandeweyer D. , Lachi D. , De Smet J. , Van Campenhout L.
Published: December 2021

Given the increasing need for (more sustainable) methods to upcycle organic waste streams, the interest to rear insects, like black soldier fly larvae (BSFL), on such streams is increasing. This study reveals that
S. aureus
is abundantly present in such waste streams, which might be a point of attention for insect producers.
Changes in diabetes prescription patterns following Affordable Care Act Medicaid expansion
Authors: Gemelas Jordan , Marino Miguel , Valenzuela Steele , Schmidt Teresa , Suchocki Andrew , Huguet Nathalie
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Most patients with diabetes mellitus are prescribed medications to control their blood glucose. The implementation of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) led to improved access to healthcare for patients with diabetes. However, impact of the ACA on prescribing trends by diabetes drug category is less clear. This study aims to assess if long-acting insulin and novel agents were prescribed more frequently following the ACA in states that expanded Medicaid compared with non-expansion states.

Research design and methods

In this analysis of a natural experiment, prescriptions reimbursed by Medicaid (US public insurance) for long-acting insulins, metformin, and novel agent medications (DPP4 inhibitors, sodium/glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor antagonists, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists) from 2012 to 2017 were obtained from public records. For each medication category, we performed difference-in-differences (DID) analysis modeling change in rate level from pre-ACA to post-ACA in Medicaid expansion states relative to Medicaid non-expansion states.

Results

Expansion and non-expansion states saw a decline in both metformin and long-acting insulin prescriptions per 100 enrollees from pre-ACA to post-ACA. These decreases were larger in non-expansion states relative to expansion states (metformin: absolute DID = +0.33, 95% CI=0.323 to 0.344) and long-acting insulin (absolute DID: +0.11; 95% CI=0.098 to 0.113). Novel agent prescriptions in expansion states (+0.08 per 100 enrollees) saw a higher absolute increase per 100 Medicaid enrollees than in non-expansion states (absolute DID= +0.08, 95% CI=0.079 to 0.086).

Conclusions

There was a greater absolute increase for prescriptions of novel agents in expansion states relative to non-expansion states after accounting for number of enrollees. Reducing administrative barriers and improving the ability of providers to prescribe such newer therapies will be critical for caring for patients with diabetes—particularly in Medicaid non-expansion states.
Impact of New York State’s Health Home program on access to care among patients with diabetes
Authors: Mayer Victoria , Mijanovich Tod , Egorova Natalia , Flory James , Mushlin Alvin , Calvo Michele , Deshpande Richa , Siscovick David
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Access to care is essential for patients with diabetes to maintain health and prevent complications, and is important for health equity. New York State’s Health Homes (HHs) provide care management services to Medicaid-insured patients with chronic conditions, including diabetes, and aim to improve quality of care and outcomes. There is inconsistent evidence on the impact of HHs, and care management programs more broadly, on access to care.

Research design and methods

Using a cohort of patients with diabetes derived from electronic health records from the INSIGHT Clinical Research Network, we analyzed Medicaid data for HH enrollees and a matched comparison group of HH non-enrollees. We estimated HH impacts on several access measures using natural experiment methods.

Results

We identified and matched 11 646 HH enrollees; patients were largely non-Hispanic Black (29.9%) and Hispanic (48.7%), and had high rates of dual eligibility (33.0%), Supplemental Security Income disability enrollment (49.1%), and multiple comorbidities. In the 12 months following HH enrollment, HH enrollees had one more month of Medicaid coverage (p<0.001) and 4.6 more outpatient visits than expected (p<0.001, evenly distributed between primary and specialty care). There were also positive impacts on the proportions of patients with follow-up visits within 7 days (4 percentage points (pp), p<0.001) and 30 days (6pp, p<0.001) after inpatient care, and on the proportion of patients with follow-up visits within 30 days after emergency department (ED) care (4pp, p<0.001). We did not find meaningful differences in continuity of care. We found small positive impacts on the proportion of patients with an inpatient visit and the proportion with an ED visit.

Conclusions

New York State’s HH program improved access to care for Medicaid recipients with diabetes. These findings have implications for New York State Medicaid as well as other providers and care management programs.
Who funded the research behind the Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine?
Authors: Cross Samuel , Rho Yeanuk , Reddy Henna , Pepperrell Toby , Rodgers Florence , Osborne Rhiannon , Eni-Olotu Ayolola , Banerjee Rishi , Wimmer Sabrina , Keestra Sarai
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The Oxford–AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine (ChAdOx1 nCoV-19, Vaxzevira or Covishield) builds on two decades of research and development (R&D) into chimpanzee adenovirus-vectored vaccine (ChAdOx) technology at the University of Oxford. This study aimed to approximate the funding for the R&D of ChAdOx and the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine and to assess the transparency of funding reporting mechanisms.

Methods

We conducted a scoping review and publication history analysis of the principal investigators to reconstruct R&D funding the ChAdOx technology. We matched award numbers with publicly accessible grant databases. We filed freedom of information (FOI) requests to the University of Oxford for the disclosure of all grants for ChAdOx R&D.

Results

We identified 100 peer-reviewed articles relevant to ChAdOx technology published between January 2002 and October 2020, extracting 577 mentions of funding bodies from acknowledgements. Government funders from overseas (including the European Union) were mentioned 158 times (27.4%), the UK government 147 (25.5%) and charitable funders 138 (23.9%). Grant award numbers were identified for 215 (37.3%) mentions; amounts were publicly available for 121 (21.0%). Based on the FOIs, until December 2019, the biggest funders of ChAdOx R&D were the European Commission (34.0%), Wellcome Trust (20.4%) and Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (17.5%). Since January 2020, the UK government contributed 95.5% of funding identified. The total identified R&D funding was £104 226 076 reported in the FOIs and £228 466 771 reconstructed from the literature search.

Conclusion

Our study approximates that public and charitable financing accounted for 97%–99% of identifiable funding for the ChAdOx vaccine technology research at the University of Oxford underlying the Oxford–AstraZeneca vaccine until autumn 2020. We encountered a lack of transparency in research funding reporting.
Impact of war on veteran life span: natural experiment involving combat versus non-combat exposed military personnel
Authors: Wilson Nick , Clement C , Summers J A , Thomson G , Harper G
Published: December 2021

Introduction

There is still uncertainty around the impact of combat exposure on the life span of war veterans. Therefore we made use of a natural experiment to study the impact on veteran life span of combat versus non-combat exposure in World War II (WW2).

Methods

The combat-exposed military personnel were derived from a random (10%) sample of the military roll of the 28th (Māori) Battalion from New Zealand. One non-combat cohort was the 15th Reinforcements of this same Battalion, since the war ended before they reached the front line. The other non-combat cohort were Māori personnel who were only involved in Jayforce, which occupied Japan at the end of the WW2. Data on life span were mainly derived from an official repository of birth and death records, but supplemented with other sources, including military files.

Results

When comparing life spans of service veterans, there was no statistically significant reduction for the average life span of the 234 combat-exposed veterans in our sample from the 28th (Māori) Battalion (66.7 years), relative to the Māori veterans from two non-combat cohorts: the 132 personnel in the 15th Reinforcements (67.2 years) and the 147 personnel in Jayforce (66.9 years).

Conclusions

Despite a very high level of wounding in the combat-exposed group (48%), there were no statistically significant reductions in life span between this group and comparable non-combat exposed veterans. This finding contrasts to life span reductions found in a similar study of New Zealand veterans of WW1.
Does the white coat influence satisfaction, trust and empathy in the doctor–patient relationship in the General and Family Medicine consultation? Interventional study
Authors: Marques Caetano Carreira Leonor , Dinis Sara , Correia António , Pereira António , Belo Regina , Madanelo Inês , Brito David , Gomes Rita , Monteiro Luís , Correia Gil , Maia Conceição , Marques Tiago , Sousa Raquel , Abreu Diogo , Matias Catarina , Constantino Liliana , Rosendo Inês
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To understand the influence of the white coat on patient satisfaction, opinions about medical clothing, perception about confidence, empathy and medical knowledge and the satisfaction and comfort level of physicians in consultation.

Setting

An interventional study was conducted with a representative sample of the population attending primary care in central Portugal.

Participants

The sample was composed by 286 patients divided into two groups exposed or not to a doctor wearing a white coat. The first and last patients in consultation every day for 10 consecutive days were included.

Interventions

Every other day the volunteer physicians consulted with or without the use of a white coat. At the end of the consultation, a questionnaire was distributed to the patient with simple questions with a Likert scale response, the Portuguese version of the ‘Trust in physician’ scale and the Jefferson Scale of Patient Perceptions of Physician Empathy - Portuguese Version (JSPPPE-VP scale). A questionnaire was also distributed to the physician.

Outcomes

Planned and measured primary outcomes were patient satisfaction, trust and perception about empathy and secondary outcomes were opinion about medical clothing, satisfaction and comfort level of physicians in consultation.

Results

The sample was homogeneous in terms of sociodemographic variables. There were no statistically significant differences between the groups in terms of satisfaction, trust, empathy and knowledge perceived by the patients. There were differences in the opinion of the patients about the white coat, and when the physician was wearing the white coat this group of patients tended to think that this was the only acceptable attire for the physician (p<0.001). But when the family physician was in consultation without the white coat, this group of patients tended to agree that communication was easier (p=0.001).

Conclusions

There was no significant impact of the white coat in patient satisfaction, empathy and confidence in the family physician.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov ID number:NCT03965416.
Can a collective-impact initiative improve well-being in three US communities? Findings from a prospective repeated cross-sectional study
Authors: Riley Carley , Roy Brita , Lam Veronica , Lawson Kerianne , Nakano Lauren , Sun Jacqueline , Contreras Erika , Hamar Brent , Herrin Jeph
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Communities are seeking to learn if and how they can improve the well-being of their residents. We therefore examined the impact of a community-led, collective-impact initiative, deployed through Blue Zones Project by Sharecare, aimed at improving health and well-being in one set of US communities.

Methods

We used data from cross-sectional surveys of the Well-Being Index (2010–2017) to assess how the Life Evaluation Index (LEI) in Hermosa Beach, Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach in California (Beach Cities) changed over time and how this change compares with change for similar cities (Beach Cities-like) and for the USA as a whole. We examined types of interventions, perceived impacts, and relationships between intervention type and change in LEI.

Results

The Beach Cities experienced greater increases in LEI than Beach Cities-like communities and the nation. The entire portfolio of interventions was positively associated with change in LEI in the Beach Cities (+1.12, p=0.012), with process-oriented interventions most closely associated with improvement.

Conclusions

Community-led collective action that leverages community engagement and activation, strategic use of programming and large-scale built-environment and policy change can improve health and well-being at scale.
Utility of a personalisedBronchiectasisActionManagementPlan (BAMP) for children with bronchiectasis: protocol for a multicentre, double-blind parallel, superiority randomised controlled trial
Authors: Marchant Julie M , Chang Anne B , Schutz Kobi L , Versteegh Lesley , Cook Anne , Roberts Jack , Morris Peter S , Yerkovich Stephanie T , McCallum Gabrielle B
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Bronchiectasis is no longer considered rare or irreversible in children, yet it remains relatively under-researched and neglected in respiratory health globally. Bronchiectasis (including chronic suppurative lung disease) causes substantial morbidity for patients and significant impact on caregivers, especially during acute respiratory exacerbations. In other chronic respiratory diseases (eg, asthma), empowering consumers with an individualised plan for management of acute exacerbations improves clinical outcomes. However, in the absence of any such data specific to bronchiectasis, action management plans are rarely currently used in children or adults with bronchiectasis. We hypothesise that providing an individualised bronchiectasis action management plan (BAMP) to children with bronchiectasis reduces non-scheduled doctor consultations, compared with not having a BAMP.

Methods and analysis

This multicentre, parallel, double-blind, randomised trial involving three urban Australian hospitals commenced in June 2018 and will include 198 children, aged <19 years with bronchiectasis who had 2 or more exacerbations in the previous 18 months. Children will be randomised to having an individualised BAMP or standard care (a decoy clinic letter). Primary caregivers will then be followed up monthly for 12 months. The primary outcome is the rate of acute non-scheduled doctor visits for respiratory exacerbations by 12 months. The main secondary outcomes are cough-specific quality of life scores at 6 and 12 months, overall exacerbation rate over 12 months, and proportion of children who received timely influenza vaccination by 30 May annually.

Ethics and dissemination

The Human Research Ethics Committees of the Northern Territory Department of Health and Menzies School of Heath Research and Queensland Children’s Hospital approved the study. The results of the trial will be submitted for publication and the BAMP made available free online.

Trial registration number

Australia and New Zealand Clinical Trials Register ACTRN12618000604202.
Is neighbourhood income inequality associated with maternal mental health? A longitudinal analysis of pregnant and new mothers living in Calgary, Alberta
Authors: Lowe Samuel AJ , McDonald Sheila , Senthilselvan Ambikaipakan , Nykiforuk Candace IJ , Chari Radha , Pabayo Roman
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Rising income inequality is a potential risk factor for poor mental health, however, little work has investigated this link among mothers. Our goal was to determine if neighbourhood-level income inequality was associated with maternal mental health over time.

Design

Secondary data analysis using a retrospective cohort study design.

Setting and participants

Data from the All Our Families (AOF) ongoing cohort study in the city of Calgary (Canada) were used, with our sample including 2461 mothers. Participant data were collected at six time points from 2008 to 2014, corresponding to <25 weeks of pregnancy to 3 years post partum. AOF mothers were linked to 196 geographically defined Calgary neighbourhoods using postal code information and 2006 Canada Census data.

Main outcome measures

Anxiety symptoms measured using the Spielberger State Anxiety Inventory, and depressive symptoms measured using the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale and the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies-Depression Scale.

Results

Multilevel regression modelling was used to quantify the associations between neighbourhood-level income inequality and continuous mental health symptoms over time. For anxiety symptoms, the interaction term between neighbourhood Gini and time was significant (β=0.0017, 95% CI=0.00049 to 0.0028, p=0.005), indicating an excess rate of change over time. Specifically, a SD increase in Gini (Z-score) was associated with an average monthly rate increase in anxiety symptom scores of 1.001% per month. While depressive symptom scores followed similar longitudinal trajectories across levels of income inequality, we did not find significant evidence for an association between inequality and depressive symptoms. There was no evidence of a cross-level interaction between inequality and household income on either outcome.

Conclusion

Income inequality within neighbourhoods appears to adversely impact the mental health trajectories of pregnant and new mothers. Further research is needed to understand the mechanisms that explain this relationship, and how interventions to reduce income inequality could benefit mental health.
Accuracy of CT texture analysis for differentiating low-grade and high-grade renal cell carcinoma: systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Wei , Liang Gao , Zeng Lichuan , Yang Yang , Wu Yinghua
Published: December 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to assess the accuracy of CT texture analysis (CTTA) for differentiating low-grade and high-grade renal cell carcinoma (RCC).

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, OVID Medline, Science Direct and Springer were searched to identify the included studies.

Eligibility criteria for including studies

Clinical studies that report about the accuracy of CTTA in differentiating low-grade and high-grade RCC.

Methods

Multiple databases were searched to identify studies from their inception to 20 October 2021. Two radiologists independently extracted data from the primary studies. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, positive likelihood ratio (PLR), negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and diagnostic OR (DOR) were calculated to assess CTTA performance. The summary receiver operating characteristic (SROC) curve was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the accuracy of CTTA in grading RCC.

Results

This meta-analysis included 11 studies, with 1603 lesions observed in 1601 patients. Values of the pooled sensitivity, specificity, PLR, NLR, DOR were 0.79 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.84), 0.84 (95% CI 0.81 to 0.87), 5.1 (95% CI 4.0 to 6.4), 0.24 (95% CI 0.19 to 0.32) and 21 (95% CI 13 to 33), respectively. The SROC curve showed that the AUC was 0.88 (95% CI 0.84 to 0.90). Deeks’ test found no significant publication bias among the studies (p=0.42).

Conclusions

The findings of this meta-analysis suggest that CTTA has a high accuracy in differentiating low-grade and high-grade RCC. A standardised methodology and large sample-based study are necessary to certain the diagnostic accuracy of CTTA in RCC grading for clinical decision making.
Anaesthesia Choice for Creation of Arteriovenous Fistula (ACCess) study protocol : a randomised controlled trial comparing primary unassisted patency at 1 year of primary arteriovenous fistulae created under regional compared to local anaesthesia
Authors: Macfarlane Alan JR , Kearns Rachel J , Clancy Marc James , Kingsmore David , Stevenson Karen , Jackson Andrew , Mark Patrick , Aitken Margaret , Moonesinghe Ramani , Vindrola-Padros Cecilia , Gaianu Lucian , Pettigrew Gavin , Motallebzadeh Reza , Karydis Nikolaos , Vesey Alex , Singh Rita , Muniraju Thalakunte , Suttie Stuart , McConnachie Alex , Wetherall Kirsty , El-Boghdadly Kariem , Hogg Rosemary , Thomson Iain , Nangalia Vishal , Aitken Emma
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Arteriovenous fistulae (AVF) are the ‘gold standard’ vascular access for haemodialysis. Universal usage is limited, however, by a high early failure rate. Several small, single-centre studies have demonstrated better early patency rates for AVF created under regional anaesthesia (RA) compared with local anaesthesia (LA). The mechanistic hypothesis is that the sympathetic blockade associated with RA causes vasodilatation and increased blood flow through the new AVF. Despite this, considerable variation in practice exists in the UK. A high-quality, adequately powered, multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) is required to definitively inform practice.

Methods and analysis

The Anaesthesia Choice for Creation of Arteriovenous Fistula (ACCess) study is a multicentre, observer-blinded RCT comparing primary radiocephalic/brachiocephalic AVF created under regional versus LA. The primary outcome is primary unassisted AVF patency at 1 year. Access-specific (eg, stenosis/thrombosis), patient-specific (including health-related quality of life) and safety secondary outcomes will be evaluated. Health economic analysis will also be undertaken.

Ethics and dissemination

The ACCess study has been approved by the West of Scotland Research and ethics committee number 3 (20/WS/0178). Results will be published in open-access peer-reviewed journals within 12 months of completion of the trial. We will also present our findings at key national and international renal and anaesthetic meetings, and support dissemination of trial outcomes via renal patient groups.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN14153938.

Sponsor

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde GN19RE456, Protocol V.1.3 (8 May 2021), REC/IRAS ID: 290482.
Effect of computerised, knowledge-based, clinical decision support systems on patient-reported and clinical outcomes of patients with chronic disease managed in primary care settings: a systematic review
Authors: El Asmar Marie line , Dharmayat Kanika I , Vallejo-Vaz Antonio J , Irwin Ryan , Mastellos Nikolaos
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Chronic diseases are the leading cause of disability globally. Most chronic disease management occurs in primary care with outcomes varying across primary care providers. Computerised clinical decision support systems (CDSS) have been shown to positively affect clinician behaviour by improving adherence to clinical guidelines. This study provides a summary of the available evidence on the effect of CDSS embedded in electronic health records on patient-reported and clinical outcomes of adult patients with chronic disease managed in primary care.

Design and eligibility criteria

Systematic review, including randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs, quasi-RCTs, interrupted time series and controlled before-and-after studies, assessing the effect of CDSS (vs usual care) on patient-reported or clinical outcomes of adult patients with selected common chronic diseases (asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart failure, myocardial ischaemia, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidaemia, arthritis and osteoporosis) managed in primary care.

Data sources

Medline, Embase, CENTRAL, Scopus, Health Management Information Consortium and trial register clinicaltrials.gov were searched from inception to 24 June 2020.

Data extraction and synthesis

Screening, data extraction and quality assessment were performed by two reviewers independently. The Cochrane risk of bias tool was used for quality appraisal.

Results

From 5430 articles, 8 studies met the inclusion criteria. Studies were heterogeneous in population characteristics, intervention components and outcome measurements and focused on diabetes, asthma, hyperlipidaemia and hypertension. Most outcomes were clinical with one study reporting on patient-reported outcomes. Quality of the evidence was impacted by methodological biases of studies.

Conclusions

There is inconclusive evidence in support of CDSS. A firm inference on the intervention effect was not possible due to methodological biases and study heterogeneity. Further research is needed to provide evidence on the intervention effect and the interplay between healthcare setting features, CDSS characteristics and implementation processes.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020218184.
Hyperkalaemia prevalence, recurrence and treatment in patients on haemodialysis in China: protocol for a prospective multicentre cohort study (PRECEDE-K)
Authors: Ni Zhaohui , Jin Haijiao , Lu Renhua , Zuo Li , Yu Weimin , Ren Yuqing , Yang Qiongqiong , Xiao Jie , Zhang Qinghong , Zhang Lihong , Zhang Xinzhou , Chen Qinkai , Chen Chaosheng , Shao Guojian , Luo Qun , Yao Li , Qin Shuguang , Peng Hui , Zhao Qing
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Hyperkalaemia (HK) is a potentially life-threatening electrolyte imbalance associated with several adverse clinical outcomes and is common in patients with kidney failure. However, there is no evidence on the occurrence, recurrence and treatment of HK in patients on haemodialysis (HD) in China.

Methods and analysis

The HK Prevalence, Recurrence, and Treatment in Haemodialysis Study is a prospective, multicentre, observational, cohort study being conducted across 15–18 sites in China. Approximately 600 patients with end-stage kidney disease on HD are anticipated to be enrolled and will be followed up for 24 weeks. Patients will be in the long interdialytic interval (LIDI) at enrolment and will receive follow-up care every 4 weeks in LIDI for pre-dialysis and post-dialysis (at enrolment only) serum potassium measurements. To obtain pre-dialysis serum potassium levels in the short interdialytic interval (SIDI), a follow-up visit will be performed in the SIDI during the first week. Information on concomitant medications, blood gas analysis and biochemistry measurements will be obtained at enrolment and at each follow-up visit. The primary endpoint will be the proportion of patients experiencing HK (defined as serum potassium level >5.0 mmol/L) at the study enrolment or during the 24-week follow-up. The key secondary endpoint will be the proportion of patients experiencing HK recurrence (defined as any HK event after the first HK event) within 1–6 months (if applicable) during the 24-week follow-up, including enrolment assessment.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Renji Hospital Ethics Committee (2020-040). Other participating subcentres must also obtain ethics committee approval prior to the start of the study. The Good Clinical Practice regulations shall be strictly followed during the test implementation. Amendments to the protocol will be reviewed by the ethics committees. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants before collection of any patient data and patient information. The findings of this study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov Registry (NCT04799067).
Exploring the evidence for the effectiveness of health interventions for COVID-19 targeting migrants: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Mondello Stefania , Visalli Carmela , Kobeissy Firas , Cacciani Laura , Cruciani Fabio , D'Amato Stefania , Di Napoli Anteo , Giorgi Rossi Paolo , Milli Caterina , Petrelli Alessio , Silvestri Caterina , Cernigliaro Achille , Scondotto Salvatore
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Owing to their inherent vulnerabilities, the burden of COVID-19 and particularly of its control measures on migrants has been magnified. A thorough assessment of the value of the interventions for COVID-19 tailored to migrants is essential for improving their health outcomes as well as promoting an effective control of the pandemic. In this study, based on evidence from primary biomedical research, we aimed to systematically identify health interventions for COVID-19 targeting migrants and to assess and compare their effectiveness. The review will be conducted within a programme aimed at defining and implementing interventions to control the COVID-19 pandemic in Italy, funded by the Italian Ministry of Health and conducted by a consortium of Italian regional health authorities.

Methods and analyses

Data sources will include the bibliographic databases MEDLINE, Embase, LOVE Platform COVID-19 Evidence, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials. Eligible studies must evaluate health interventions for COVID-19 in migrants. Two independent reviewers will screen articles for inclusion using predefined eligibility criteria, extract data of retained articles and assess methodological quality by applying the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool. Disagreements will be resolved through consensus or arbitrated by a third reviewer if necessary. In synthesising the evidence, we will structure results by interventions, outcomes and quality. Where studies are sufficiently homogenous, trial data will be pooled and meta-analyses will be performed. Data will be reported according to methodological guidelines for systematic review provided by the Cochrane Collaboration and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses statement.

Ethics and dissemination

This is a review of existing literature, and ethics approval is not required. We will submit results for peer-review publication and present at relevant conferences. The review findings will be included in future efforts to develop evidence-informed recommendations, policies or programmatic actions at the national and regional levels and address future high-quality research in public health.
Electroconvulsive therapy, catatonia, deep vein thrombosis and anticoagulant treatment: a case report
Authors: Pérez-Balaguer Ana , Sánchez-Rivero Irene
Published: December 2021

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is considered an effective treatment for pharmacotherapy-resistant severe mental disorders. Catatonia is a complex syndrome characterised by important psychomotor disturbances. Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism (PE) are frequent side effects of prolonged immobility in catatonic patients. Therefore, it is important to resolve the catatonia as soon as possible. ECT is the most effective therapy available and is generally considered a safe procedure. Nevertheless, its use in patients with DVT or PE and anticoagulant treatment remains controversial. We describe a case of a woman in her 40s with a previous diagnosis of bipolar disorder and dysfunctional personality traits. She was hospitalised with persecutory and reference delusions, high emotional lability, anxiety, somatisation and regressive conduct. She later developed catatonic symptoms. No progress was achieved after a month of hospitalisation, despite several pharmacological treatments. She suffered multiple complications of prolonged bedding, such as an extensive DVT of the left common femoral, the external iliac and the common iliac veins. ECT was conducted under treatment with bemiparin. After the third administration, she showed improvement. No major bleeding or PE was developed. The safety of ECT while receiving anticoagulant therapy has been documented, though dosage and type of anticoagulant must be considered. Location of DVT (proximal or distal) may be an important topic to take into account. This report provides further evidence about the efficacy and safety of undergoing ECT in the context of concomitant serious medical conditions, such as DVT and anticoagulant therapy administration.
Respiratory symptoms and lung function in patients treated for pulmonary tuberculosis in Malawi: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Nightingale Rebecca , Chinoko Beatrice , Lesosky Maia , Rylance Sarah J , Mnesa Bright , Banda Ndaziona Peter Kwanjo , Joekes Elizabeth , Squire Stephen Bertel , Mortimer Kevin , Meghji Jamilah , Rylance Jamie
Published: December 2021

Rationale

Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) can cause post-TB lung disease (PTLD) associated with respiratory symptoms, spirometric and radiological abnormalities. Understanding of the predictors and natural history of PTLD is limited.

Objectives

To describe the symptoms and lung function of Malawian adults up to 3 years following PTB-treatment completion, and to determine the evolution of PTLD over this period.

Methods

Adults successfully completing PTB treatment in Blantyre, Malawi were followed up for 3 years and assessed using questionnaires, post-bronchodilator spirometry, 6 min walk tests, chest X-ray and high-resolution CT. Predictors of lung function at 3 years were identified by mixed effects regression modelling.

Measurement and main results

We recruited 405 participants of whom 301 completed 3 years follow-up (mean (SD) age 35 years (10.2); 66.6% males; 60.4% HIV-positive). At 3 years, 59/301 (19.6%) reported respiratory symptoms and 76/272 (27.9%) had abnormal spirometry. The proportions with low FVC fell from 57/285 (20.0%) at TB treatment completion to 33/272 (12.1%), while obstruction increased from and 41/285 (14.4%) to 43/272 (15.8%) at 3 years. Absolute FEV1and FVC increased by mean 0.03 L and 0.1 L over this period, but FEV1decline of more than 0.1 L was seen in 73/246 (29.7%). Higher spirometry values at 3 years were associated with higher body mass index and HIV coinfection at TB-treatment completion.

Conclusion

Spirometric measures improved over the 3 years following treatment, mostly in the first year. However, a third of PTB survivors experienced ongoing respiratory symptoms and abnormal spirometry (with accelerated FEV1decline). Effective interventions are needed to improve the care of this group of patients.
Transitions to smokeless tobacco use among adult cigarette smokers in the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study, Waves 3–5 (2015–2019)
Authors: Jackson Rebecca A , Ren Chunfeng , Coleman Blair , Day Hannah R , Chang Cindy M , Kofie Justina , Rivers Derick , Kanel Moana , Ambrose Bridget K
Published: December 2021

Objective

Examine patterns of dual use of cigarettes and smokeless tobacco and complete switching over time among adult current cigarette smokers using data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health Study Wave 3 (2015–2016), Wave 4 (2016–2018) and Wave 5 (2018–2019).

Methods

We examined four tobacco use states among 6834 exclusive smokers and 372 dual users at Wave 3 with two waves of follow-up data: exclusive cigarette use, exclusive smokeless tobacco use, dual use and use of neither product.

Results

Among exclusive smokers at Wave 3, only 1.6% (95% CI: 1.3% to 2.1%) transitioned to dual use at Wave 4, and 0.1% (95% CI: 0.07% to 0.2%) switched to exclusive smokeless tobacco use. Among exclusive smokers who switched to dual use, 53.1% (95% CI: 40.9% to 64.9%) returned to exclusive cigarette smoking, 34.3% (95% CI: 23.8% to 46.6%) maintained dual use and 12.6% (95% CI: 7.0% to 21.7%) did not smoke cigarettes after an additional wave of follow-up. Dual users at Wave 3 were likely to maintain their dual use status at Wave 4, 51.2% (95% CI: 46.1% to 56.3%) and Wave 5, 47.9% (95% CI: 40.1% to 55.8%).

Conclusions

Very few cigarette smokers transition to smokeless tobacco use, and among those who do, dual use is more common than exclusive smokeless tobacco use. Further, the majority of exclusive cigarette smokers who transition to dual use at Wave 4 continue smoking cigarettes at Wave 5, either as dual users or as exclusive smokers.
Large hadron collider constraints on some simple $$Z^\prime $$ models for $$b\rightarrow s \mu ^+\mu ^-$$ anomalies
Authors: Allanach B. C. , Butterworth J. M. , Corbett Tyler
Published: December 2021

We examine current Large Hadron Collider constraints on some simple $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

models that significantly improve on Standard Model fits to $$b\rightarrow s \mu ^+\mu ^-$$

b
→
s

μ
+

μ
-

transition data. The models that we consider are the ‘third family baryon number minus second family lepton number’ ($${B_3-L_2}$$

B
3

-

L
2

) model and the ‘third family hypercharge’ model and variants. The constraints are applied on parameter regions of each model that fit the $$b\rightarrow s \mu ^+\mu ^-$$

b
→
s

μ
+

μ
-

transition data and come from high-mass Drell–Yan di-muons and measurements of Standard Model processes. This latter set of observables place particularly strong bounds upon the parameter space of the $${B_3-L_2}$$

B
3

-

L
2

model when the mass of the $$Z^\prime $$

Z
′

boson is less than 300 GeV.
Absorption by stringy black holes
Authors: Xavier Sérgio V. M. C. B. , Benone Carolina L. , Crispino Luís C. B.
Published: December 2021

We investigate the absorption of planar massless scalar waves by a charged rotating stringy black hole, namely a Kerr–Sen black hole. We compute numerically the absorption cross section and compare our results with those of the Kerr–Newman black hole, a classical general relativity solution. In order to better compare both charged black holes, we define the ratio of the black hole charge to the extreme charge as Q. We conclude that Kerr–Sen and Kerr–Newman black holes have a similar absorption cross section, with the difference increasing for higher values of Q.
Measuring International Online Human Values with Word Embeddings
Authors: Magno Gabriel , Almeida Virgilio
Published: December 2021

As the Internet grows in number of users and in the diversity of services, it becomes more influential on peoples lives. It has the potential of constructing or modifying the opinion, the mental perception, and the values of individuals. What is being created and published online is a reflection of people’s values and beliefs. As a global platform, the Internet is a great source of information for researching the online culture of many different countries. In this work we develop a methodology for measuring data from textual online sources using word embedding models, to create a country-based online human values index that captures cultural traits and values worldwide. Our methodology is applied with a dataset of 1.7 billion tweets, and then we identify their location among 59 countries. We create a list of 22
Online Values Inquiries (OVI)
, each one capturing different questions from the World Values Survey, related to several values such as religion, science, and abortion. We observe that our methodology is indeed capable of capturing human values online for different counties and different topics. We also show that some online values are highly correlated (up to
c
= 0.69,
p
< 0.05) with the corresponding offline values, especially religion-related ones. Our method is generic, and we believe it is useful for social sciences specialists, such as demographers and sociologists, that can use their domain knowledge and expertise to create their own Online Values Inquiries, allowing them to analyze human values in the online environment.
The elements of style
Authors: Yaffe Philip
Published: December 2021

Each "Communication Corner" essay is self-contained; however, they build on each other. For best results, before reading this essay and doing the exercise, go to the first essay "How an Ugly Duckling Became a Swan," then read each succeeding essay.

Over the decades, hundreds if not thousands of books have been published on the keys to good writing. However, barely a handful have reached the status of "must reading." Here is one of them.
TGFβ: Signaling Blockade for Cancer Immunotherapy
Authors: Chen Szu-Ying , Mamai Ons , Akhurst Rosemary J.
Published: December 2021

Discovered over four decades ago, transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) is a potent pleiotropic cytokine that has context-dependent effects on most cell types. It acts as a tumor suppressor in some cancers and/or supports tumor progression and metastasis through its effects on the tumor stroma and immune microenvironment. In TGFβ-responsive tumors it can promote invasion and metastasis through epithelial-mesenchymal transformation, the appearance of cancer stem cell features, and resistance to many drug classes, including checkpoint blockade immunotherapies. Here we consider the biological activities of TGFβ action on different cells of relevance toward improving immunotherapy outcomes for patients, with a focus on the adaptive immune system. We discuss recent advances in the development of drugs that target the TGFβ signaling pathway in a tumor-specific or cell type–specific manner to improve the therapeutic window between response rates and adverse effects.
From the Editor: Who’s a Good Boy?
Authors: Kelly Rob
Published: December 2021

This issue of Interface represents the completion of 30 years of publication. As a beginning to the celebration, we have included a list of 30 articles published in the last 30 years from Journal of the Electrochemical Society and the Journal of Solid State Science and Technology. They are listed as “pearls” because the 30th anniversary is the “pearl anniversary.”
Circadian clock regulates granulosa cell autophagy through NR1D1-mediated inhibition of ATG5
Authors: Zhang Jing , Zhao Lijia , Li Yating , Dong Hao , Zhang Haisen , Zhang Yu , Ma Tiantian , Yang Luda , Gao Dengke , Wang Xiaoyu , Jiang Haizhen , Li Chao , Wang Aihua , Jin Yaping , Chen Huatao
Published: December 2021

Autophagy of granulosa cells (GCs) is involved in follicular atresia, which occurs repeatedly during the ovarian development cycle. Several circadian clock genes are rhythmically expressed in both rodent ovarian tissues and GCs. Nuclear receptor subfamily 1 group D member 1 (NR1D1), an important component of the circadian clock system, is involved in the autophagy process through the regulation of autophagy-related genes. However, there are no reports illustrating the role of the circadian clock system in mouse GC autophagy. In the present study, we found that core circadian clock genes ( Bmal1, Per2, Nr1d1, and Dbp) and an autophagy-related gene ( Atg5) exhibited rhythmic expression patterns across 24 h in mouse ovaries and primary GCs. Treatment with SR9009, an agonist of NR1D1, significantly reduced the expression of Bmal1, Per2, and Dbp in mouse GCs. ATG5 expression was significantly attenuated by SR9009 treatment in mouse GCs. Conversely, Nr1d1 knockdown increased ATG5 expression in mouse GCs. Decreased NR1D1 expression at both the mRNA and protein levels was detected in the ovaries of Bmal1−/− mice, along with elevated expression of ATG5. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that NR1D1 inhibited Atg5 transcription by binding to two putative retinoic acid-related orphan receptor response elements within the promoter. In addition, rapamycin-induced autophagy and ATG5 expression were partially reversed by SR9009 treatment in mouse GCs. Taken together, our current data demonstrated that the circadian clock regulates GC autophagy through NR1D1-mediated inhibition of ATG5 expression, and thus, plays a role in maintaining autophagy homeostasis in GCs.
Mitochondrial DNA damage as driver of cellular outcomes
Authors: Nadalutti Cristina A. , Ayala-Peña Sylvette , Santos Janine H.
Published: December 2021

Mitochondria are primarily involved in energy production through the process of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Increasing evidence has shown that mitochondrial function impacts a plethora of different cellular activities, including metabolism, epigenetics, and innate immunity. Like the nucleus, mitochondria own their genetic material, but this organellar genome is circular, present in multiple copies, and maternally inherited. The mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes 37 genes that are solely involved in OXPHOS. Maintenance of mtDNA, through replication and repair, requires the import of nuclear DNA-encoded proteins. Thus, mitochondria completely rely on the nucleus to prevent mitochondrial genetic alterations. As most cells contain hundreds to thousands of mitochondria, it follows that the shear number of organelles allows for the buffering of dysfunction—at least to some extent—before tissue homeostasis becomes impaired. Only red blood cells lack mitochondria entirely. Impaired mitochondrial function is a hallmark of aging and is involved in a number of different disorders, including neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cancer, and autoimmunity. Although alterations in mitochondrial processes unrelated to OXPHOS, such as fusion and fission, contribute to aging and disease, maintenance of mtDNA integrity is critical for proper organellar function. Here, we focus on how mtDNA damage contributes to cellular dysfunction and health outcomes.
LPS induces rapid increase in GDF15 levels in mice, rats, and humans but is not required for anorexia in mice
Authors: Patel Anita R. , Frikke-Schmidt Henriette , Bezy Olivier , Sabatini Paul V. , Rittig Nikolaj , Jessen Niels , Myers Martin G. , Seeley Randy J.
Published: December 2021

Although many responses to LPS depend on housing temperature, the anorexic response to LPS does not. LPS results in a potent and rapid increase in circulating levels of GDF15 in mice, rats, and humans. Nevertheless, GDF15 and its receptor (GFRAL) are not required for the anorexic response to systemic LPS administration. The anorexic response to LPS likely involves a myriad of complex physiological alterations.
Hyperuricemia induces lipid disturbances by upregulating the CXCL-13 pathway
Authors: Meng Jin , Lv Qiulan , Sui Aihua , Xu Daxing , Zou Tong , Song Miao , Gong Xuelin , Xing Shichao , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: December 2021

The underlying molecular mechanism of hyperuricemia-induced lipid metabolism disorders is still unclear. The study aimed to investigate the mechanism of lipid disturbance in hyperuricemia mice model. To our knowledge, we proposed for the first time that CXCL-13 may be a key regulator of hyperuricemia and lipid metabolism disorders. These results may provide new insights for the clinical treatment of hyperuricemia.