bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Strategies and indicators to address health equity in health service and delivery systems: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Brushett Sara , Caldwell Hilary A.T. , Cameron Emma Stirling , Carrea Cecilia , Embrett Mark , Fierlbeck Katherine , Hajizadeh Mohammad , Kirk Sara F.L. , Rothfus Melissa , Sampalli Tara , Sim Meaghan
Published: August 2021

Objective:

The purpose of this review is to describe how health service and delivery systems support health equity, and to identify strategies and indicators being used to measure health equity.

Introduction:

It is widely acknowledged that a population health and equity approach is needed to improve the overall health of the population. The health service and delivery system plays an important role in this approach. Despite this, system transformation to address health inequities has been slow. This is due, in part, to the lack of evidence-based guidance on how health service and delivery systems can address and measure health equity integration. Most studies focus on health equity integration in the public health sector at a provincial or national level, but less is known about integration within the health service and delivery system. More information is needed to understand how that transformation is occurring, or could occur, to make a meaningful contribution toward improving population health outcomes.

Inclusion criteria:

This scoping review will identify studies that describe the strategies and indicators that health service and delivery systems are using to integrate health equity and how progress is measured. Evidence from qualitative, quantitative, mixed method studies, and gray literature will be included.

Methods:

This review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews. A comprehensive search strategy, developed with a librarian scientist, will be used to identify relevant sources. Titles, abstracts, and full texts will be evaluated against inclusion criteria. Information will be extracted by two independent reviewers. Data will be synthesized and presented narratively, with tables and figures where appropriate.
Self-reported occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular disease in Canada: Results from the Canadian Health Measures Survey
Authors: Michaud David S. , Marro Leonora , McNamee James P.
Published: August 2021

Self-reported occupational noise exposure has been associated with impaired hearing, but its relationship with extra-auditory affects remains uncertain. This research assessed the association between self-reported occupational noise exposure and cardiovascular outcomes. Participants (n = 6318, ∼50% male) from the Canadian Health Measures Survey (2012–2015) aged 20–79 years were randomly recruited across Canada. An in-person household interview included basic demographics, perceived stress, diagnosed health conditions, and self-reported exposure to a noisy work environment. Direct physiological assessment in a mobile examination centre permitted the determination of biomarkers/risk factors related to cardiovascular function. Logistic or linear regression models explored the association between self-reported occupational noise exposure and several cardiovascular endpoints after adjusting for confounding variables. After adjustments, there was no evidence for an association between occupational noise and any of the evaluated endpoints, which included but were not limited to blood pressure, heart rate, blood glucose, insulin, lipids, diagnosed hypertension, medication for hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, or heart disease. There was no evidence that self-reported occupational noise exposure was associated with evaluated cardiovascular-related biomarkers, or cardiovascular diseases among Canadians aged 20–79 years. This study, and others like it, provides an important contribution to an evidence base that could inform policy related to occupational noise exposure.
Multiple scattering ambisonics: Three-dimensional sound field estimation using interacting spheres
Authors: Kaneko Shoken , Duraiswami Ramani
Published: August 2021

Rigid spherical microphone arrays (RSMAs) have been widely used in ambisonics [Gerzon (1973). J. Audio Eng. Soc. 21, 2–10] sound field recording. While it is desired to combine the information captured by a grid of densely arranged RSMAs for expanding the area of accurate reconstruction, or sweet-spots, this is not trivial due to inter-array interference. Here, we propose multiple scattering ambisonics, a method for three-dimensional ambisonics sound field recording using multiple acoustically interacting RSMAs. Numerical experiments demonstrate the sweet-spot expansion realized by the proposed method. The proposed method can be used with existing RSMAs as building blocks and opens possibilities including higher degrees-of-freedom spatial audio.
Audiometric assessment of hearing loss sustained during military service
Authors: Lowe David A. , Moore Brian C. J.
Published: August 2021

An analysis is presented of the audiograms, obtained using Telephonics TDH39 headphones (Huntington, NY), of 80 men claiming compensation for noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL) sustained during military service. A comparison with an independent database of audiograms collected using other headphones suggested that no adjustment was needed to the hearing threshold levels (HTLs) at 6 kHz to allow for the use of TDH39 headphones. The method of Moore [(2020). J. Acoust. Soc. Am. 148, 884–894] for diagnosing military noise-induced hearing loss (M-NIHL) gave a positive diagnosis for 92.5% of right ears and 97.5% of left ears. The mean HTLs were maximal and similar at 4, 6, and 8 kHz but with considerable individual variability. A comparison with age-expected HTLs showed that M-NIHL was typically greatest at 3, 4, 6, or 8 kHz but with considerable individual variability. M-NIHL values were positive from 0.5 to 8 kHz. The HTLs were significantly higher for the left than for the right ears, but the asymmetry varied across individuals and could usually be ascribed to specific features of the noise exposure. The asymmetry existed over the range from 0.5 to 8 kHz, supporting the idea that M-NIHL occurs over a wide frequency range. Tinnitus was reported by 76 of the 80 men.
Two doses of the SARS-CoV-2 BNT162b2 vaccine enhance antibody responses to variants in individuals with prior SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Urbanowicz Richard A. , Tsoleridis Theocharis , Jackson Hannah J. , Cusin Lola , Duncan Joshua D. , Chappell Joseph G. , Tarr Alexander W. , Nightingale Jessica , Norrish Alan R. , Ikram Adeel , Marson Ben , Craxford Simon J. , Kelly Anthony , Aithal Guruprasad P. , Vijay Amrita , Tighe Patrick J. , Ball Jonathan K. , Valdes Ana M. , Ollivere Benjamin J.
Published: August 2021

Antibody responses to SARS-CoV-2 variants increase after two doses of BNT162b2 vaccine in both previously infected and naïve individuals.
O-Specific Antigen-Dependent Surface Hydrophobicity Mediates Aggregate Assembly Type in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Azimi Sheyda , Thomas Jacob , Cleland Sara E. , Curtis Jennifer E. , Goldberg Joanna B. , Diggle Stephen P.
Published: August 2021

During chronic infection, several factors contribute to the biogeography of microbial communities. Heterogeneous populations of
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
form aggregates in cystic fibrosis airways; however, the impact of this population heterogeneity on spatial organization and aggregate assembly is not well understood.
Screening of Chemical Libraries for New Antifungal Drugs against Aspergillus fumigatus Reveals Sphingolipids Are Involved in the Mechanism of Action of Miltefosine
Authors: dos Reis Thaila Fernanda , Horta Maria Augusta Crivelente , Colabardini Ana Cristina , Fernandes Caroline Mota , Silva Lilian Pereira , Bastos Rafael Wesley , Fonseca Maria Vitória de Lazari , Wang Fang , Martins Celso , Rodrigues Márcio L. , Silva Pereira Cristina , Del Poeta Maurizio , Wong Koon Ho , Goldman Gustavo H.
Published: August 2021

The filamentous fungus
Aspergillus fumigatus
causes a group of diseases named aspergillosis, and their development occurs after the inhalation of conidia dispersed in the environment. Very few classes of antifungal drugs are available for aspergillosis treatment, e.g., azoles, but the emergence of global resistance to azoles in
A. fumigatus
clinical isolates has increased over recent decades.
Genomic Diversity of Azole-Resistant Aspergillus fumigatus in the United States
Authors: Etienne Kizee A. , Berkow Elizabeth L. , Gade Lalitha , Nunnally Natalie , Lockhart Shawn R. , Beer Karlyn , Jordan I. King , Rishishwar Lavanya , Litvintseva Anastasia P.
Published: August 2021

Aspergillus fumigatus
is one of the most common causes of invasive mold infections in patients with immune deficiencies and has also been reported in patients with severe influenza and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARs-CoV-2). Triazole drugs are the first line of therapy for this infection; however, their efficacy has been compromised by the emergence of azole resistance in
A. fumigatus
, which was proposed to be selected for by exposure to azole fungicides in the environment [P.
Endoscopic and fluoroscopic-guided closure of the eustachian tube using a biliary cytology brush and liquid embolic agent for a persistent CSF leak after schwannoma resection
Authors: Bamezai Sharika , Wilseck Zachary M , Stucken Emily , Gemmete Joseph J
Published: August 2021

Vestibular schwannoma is a known cause of progressive sensorineural hearing loss. Treatment options include observation, radiation therapy and surgical resection. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) fistula is a known postsurgical complication that can lead to CSF otorrhoea, rhinorrhoea or CSF leakage from the surgical wound. We present a case report of a patient who underwent vestibular schwannoma resection and postoperatively developed CSF rhinorrhoea, which was refractory to multiple attempts at surgical repair. This was successfully treated under endoscopic and fluoroscopic guidance using a biliary cytology brush to disrupt the surface of the eustachian tube followed by injection of n-Butyl cyanoacrylate.
Rapid ventricular pacing for flow control during transarterial Onyx embolization of tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas
Authors: Tsuji Eisaku , Okada Hideo , Terada Tomoaki
Published: August 2021

We report transarterial Onyx embolization with flow control using rapid ventricular pacing (RVP) in a middle-aged male patient with tentorial dural arteriovenous fistulas (TDAVFs). The patient completed angiographic obliteration in one session without any complications, and the 6-month postangiographic obliteration follow-up showed no evidence of residual or recurrent dural arteriovenous fistulas. RVP may be a novel treatment option of flow control to facilitate the embolic agent penetrating into the venous side and to achieve complete cure in transarterial embolization of TDAVFs.
Hypopharyngeal perforation caused by blunt trauma during consensual fellatio: an expectant management approach
Authors: Noon Edward , Stapleton Emma
Published: August 2021

Perforation of the pharynx is a rare occurrence but has the potential to cause mediastinitis and has an attendant mortality risk. Though numerous mechanisms have been described, we report a unique case of a young woman who presented with a sore throat, odynophagia and subcutaneous emphysema, a short time after performing fellatio. A contrast swallow confirmed hypopharyngeal perforation. She was managed expectantly with nasogastric feeding and empirical antibiotics. The perforation took 4 weeks to heal, but there were no residual swallowing problems at 3-month follow-up. We will explore the incidence and causes of pharyngeal perforation and discuss the options for and risks of surgical repair. This case highlights that non-surgical management of such injuries can be both safe and feasible, and reinforces the importance of ensuring confidentiality and the need for vigilance regarding potential non-consensual injury.
Conversion from type 2 to type 1 macular hole closure after surgery in high myopia
Authors: Venkatesh Ramesh , Pereira Arpitha , Reddy Nikitha Gurram , Yadav Naresh Kumar
Published: August 2021

We describe a case of spontaneous conversion from type 2 macular hole (MH) closure to type 1 closure following MH surgery in high myopia. A 42-year-old male patient with myopia was diagnosed with full-thickness MH and localised neurosensory detachment. His best-corrected vision in the right eye was 20/120, N18. He underwent pars plana vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane peeling and silicone oil tamponade. Nine days after surgery, optical coherence tomography (OCT) showed type 2 MH closure and presence of epiretinal tissue. At 6 weeks of follow-up, there was spontaneous conversion from type 2 to type 1 closure of MH with a thin epimacular tissue bridging across the fovea and vision improving to 20/80. At 3 months after surgery, silicon oil removal was done. OCT showed a closed type 1 MH and visual acuity of 20/80 at the final visit. Early spontaneous conversion in closure can occur over time, leading to better anatomical and visual outcomes.
Paradoxical immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome in neurotuberculosis
Authors: Sindgikar Seema Pavaman , Narayanaswamy Bindu , Alexander Lobo Manuel , Kanavu Ramkishore
Published: August 2021

Tuberculosis (TB) remains the most common infection in developing countries and India contributes the maximum number of cases to the global burden. Primary healthcare physicians across the country face major challenges in diagnosis and treatment of childhood TB. In this context, clinical cases of paradoxical responses to antitubercular therapy seem to be under-reported. We report a case of tubercular meningitis in an adolescent girl who belonged to a remote village. She developed a paradoxical immune response to TB while on anti-TB treatment (ATT). She presented with raised intracranial tension and neurological deficits during the continuation phase of ATT after stopping corticosteroids. The ring-enhancing lesions of tuberculomas in the brain and spine characterised the diagnosis of paradoxical response to TB. Brain biopsy suggested necrotising granulomatous disease and was negative for S100 and CD1a marker, ruling out active TB. Retreatment with a prolonged course of steroids and ATT resulted in the clinical and radiological recovery, though some motor and visual deficits persisted. Clinical risk factors and socioeconomic factors also contributed to the present state of the child.
Triple infection with disseminated tuberculosis, invasive aspergillosis and COVID-19 in an organ transplant recipient with iatrogenic immunosuppression
Authors: Vidanapathirana Manudi , Minuvanpitiya Gayani , Karunaratne Rangana , Fernando Amitha
Published: August 2021

A 39-year-old man with diabetes mellitus and hypertension presented two years following renal transplantation with evening pyrexia, night sweats and loss of weight. He was diagnosed with disseminated tuberculosis and invasive aspergillosis and commenced on antituberculous and antifungal therapy. Immunosuppressants except for the maintenance dose of steroids were discontinued. Two weeks later, he acquired severe COVID-19 pneumonia complicated with type 1 respiratory failure and haemodynamic instability. He was treated with non-invasive ventilation and inotropic support with a vasopressor-augmenting dose of steroids. Management challenges were diagnosing the respiratory pathologies with limited investigations, deciding on continuation of steroids in an organ transplant recipient with disseminated infection and deciding the ceiling of care in a low-resource setting given the background of multiple pulmonary insults. A multidisciplinary team decided to continue high-dose steroids and escalate to a full ceiling of care. He recovered from COVID-19 pneumonia 15 days following diagnosis and was discharged home. The potential adverse effects of steroids on tuberculosis and aspergillosis are to be monitored during follow-up.
National treatment outcome and predictors of death and treatment failure in multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in Ethiopia: a 10-year retrospective cohort study
Authors: Tola Habteyes , Holakouie-Naieni K , Mansournia Mohammad Ali , Yaseri Mehdi , Gamtesa Dinka Fikadu , Tesfaye Ephrem , Mahamed Zemedu , Sisay Million Molla
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Treatment success rate in patients treated for multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is low, but predictors of treatment failure and death have been under-reported. Thus, we aimed to determine the national proportion of treatment success rate in the past 10 years and factors that predict treatment failure and death in patients with MDR-TB in Ethiopia.

Setting

A retrospective cohort study with a 10-years follow-up period was conducted in 42 MDR-TB treatment-initiating centres in Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 3395 adult patients with MDR-TB who had final treatment outcome and who were treated under national TB programme were included. Data were collected from clinical charts, registration books and laboratory reports. Competing risk survival analysis model with robust standard errors (SE) was used to determine the predictors of treatment failure and death.

Primary and secondary outcomes

Treatment outcome was a primary outcome whereas predictors of treatment failure and death were a secondary outcome.

Results

The proportion of treatment success was 75.7%, death rate was 12.8%, treatment failure was 1.7% and lost to follow-up was 9.7%. The significant predictors of death were older age (adjusted hazard ratio (AHR)=1.03; 95% CI 1.03 to 1.05; p<0.001), HIV infection (AHR=2.0; 95% CI 1.6 to 2.4; p<0.001) and presence of any grade of anaemia (AHR=1.7; 95% CI 1.4 to 2.0; p<0.001). Unlike the predictors of death, all variables included into multivariable model were not significantly associated with treatment failure.

Conclusion

In the past 10 years, although MDR-TB treatment success in Ethiopia has been consistently favourable, the proportion of patients who died is still considerable. Death could be attributed to advanced age, HIV infection and anaemia. Prospective cohort studies are necessary to further explore the potentially modifiable predictors of treatment failure.
Systematic review of the healthcare cost of bronchopulmonary dysplasia
Authors: Humayun Jhangir , Löfqvist Chatarina , Ley David , Hellström Ann , Gyllensten Hanna
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To determine the costs directly or indirectly related to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. The secondary objective was to stratify the costs based on gestational age and/or birth weight.

Design

Systematic literature review.

Setting

PubMed and Scopus were searched on 3 February 2020. Studies were selected based on eligibility criteria by two independent reviewers. Included studies were further searched to identify eligible references and citations.

Two independent reviewers extracted data with a prespecified data extraction sheet, including items from a published checklist for quality assessment. The costs in the included studies are reported descriptively.

Primary outcome measure

Costs of BPD.

Results

The 13 included studies reported the total costs or marginal costs of BPD. Most studies reported costs during birth hospitalisation (cost range: Int$21 392–Int$1 094 509 per child, equivalent to €19 103–€977 397, in 2019) and/or during the first year of life. One study reported costs during the first 2 years; two other studies reported costs later, during the preschool period and one study included a long-term follow-up. The highest mean costs were associated with infants born at extremely low gestational ages. The quality assessment indicated a low risk of bias in the reported findings of included studies.

Conclusions

This study was the first systematic review of costs associated with BPD. We confirmed previous reports of high costs and described the long-term follow-up necessary for preterm infants with BPD, particularly infants of very low gestational age. Moreover, we identified a need for studies that estimate costs outside hospitals and after the first year of life.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020173234.
Multilevel ecological analysis of the predictors of spanking across 65 countries
Authors: Ward Kaitlin Paxton , Grogan-Kaylor Andrew , Pace Garrett T , Cuartas Jorge , Lee Shawna
Published: August 2021

Objective

Ending violence against children is critical to promote the health and socioemotional development of children across the globe. To this end, the UNICEF and the WHO have called for the abolishment of spanking, which is the most pervasive form of physical violence against children worldwide. This study used an ecological perspective to examine micro-level and macro-level predictors of parental spanking across 65 countries.

Participants

Data came from the fourth and fifth rounds of the UNICEF Multiple Indicator Cluster Surveys, which were administered between 2009 and 2017 (N=613 861 households). We examined the predictors of spanking using multilevel logistic regression analysis.

Results

Micro-level factors (ie, those observed at the familial level) were stronger predictors of spanking in comparison to macro-level factors (ie, those observed at the community and country level). Caregiver belief that children need physical punishment in order to be raised properly was the largest risk factor for spanking (OR=2.55, p<0.001). Older child age, the child being female, the head of the household having a secondary education or higher, and higher household wealth were protective factors against spanking, while a higher number of people living in the household was a risk factor for spanking. Living in an urban community was the only macro-level factor associated with spanking.

Conclusions

Intervention at the micro-level and macro-level are important to reduce violence against children across the globe.
Sleep, biological rhythms and anxiety in the perinatal period: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Cunningham Jasmyn E A , Qureshi Aljeena R , Green Sheryl M , Frey Benicio N , Slyepchenko Anastasiya
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Pregnancy and new parenthood is an exciting time, but also a stressful life event that can predispose to mental health challenges. Perinatal anxiety is one such challenge, and is an important contributor to parental distress and other negative outcomes. Sleep and biological rhythms are often disrupted in the perinatal period. These disruptions have been associated with postpartum depression, and in some cases with perinatal anxiety. However, the literature concerning the association with perinatal anxiety is inconsistent and may be methodologically limited. To our knowledge, there has been no comprehensive review published characterising the relationships between sleep, biological rhythms, and perinatal anxiety and related disorders to date. In this systematic review, we will summarise the current state of the literature concerning these relationships, allowing us to highlight gaps and potentially inform clinical understanding of perinatal anxiety, sleep and biological rhythms.

Methods and analysis

Primary research articles will be eligible for inclusion if they assess perinatal anxiety or related disorders using validated criteria (self-report or diagnostic), assess sleep and biological rhythms in the perinatal period, include >4 participants and meet other inclusion/exclusion criteria. We will conduct comprehensive searches of MEDLINE, PsycINFO, Embase and CINAHL, with coverage spanning from database conception to search date (August 1, 2021). Key search concepts include (1) the perinatal period, (2) sleep/biological rhythms and (3) anxiety. Risk of bias will be evaluated using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool. Data will be narratively synthesised, with quantitative synthesis included if possible. When relevant, strength of evidence will be assessed using Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation criteria, and potential publication bias will be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

Research ethics approval is not required. Study results will be reported according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results will be disseminated to relevant stakeholders as conference presentation(s) and submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

200166.
Study protocol for a randomised controlled trial assessing the impact of pulmonary rehabilitation on maximal exercise capacity for adults living with post-TB lung disease: Global RECHARGE Uganda
Authors: Katagira Winceslaus , Orme Mark W. , Jones Amy V. , Kasiita Richard , Jones Rupert , Barton Andy , Miah Ruhme B. , Manise Adrian , Matheson Jesse A. , Free Robert C. , Steiner Michael C. , Kirenga Bruce J. , Singh Sally J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction

The burden of post-tuberculosis (TB) lung disease (PTBLD) is steadily increasing in sub-Saharan Africa, causing disability among TB survivors. Without effective medicines, the mainstay of PTBLD treatment evolves around disease prevention and supportive treatment. Pulmonary rehabilitation (PR), a low-cost, non-pharmacological intervention has shown effectiveness in a group of PTBLD individuals but has not been tested in a clinical trial. This study aims to assess the impact of a 6-week PR programme on maximal exercise capacity and other outcomes among adults in Uganda living with PTBLD.

Methods and analysis

This is a randomised waiting-list controlled trial with blinded outcome measures, comparing PR versus usual care for patients with PTBLD. A total of 114 participants will be randomised (1:1) to receive either usual care (on the waiting list) or PR, with follow-up assessments at 6 weeks and 12 weeks postintervention. The primary outcome is change in walking distance measured by the Incremental Shuttle Walk Test from baseline to the end of 6 weeks of PR. All secondary outcomes will be compared between the PR and usual care arms from baseline to 6-week and 12-week follow-ups. Secondary outcomes include self-reported respiratory symptoms, physical activity, psychological well-being, health-related quality of life and cost–benefit analysis. All randomised participants will be included in the intention-to-treat analysis population. The primary efficacy analysis will be based on both per-protocol and modified intention-to-treat populations.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has received ethical clearance from the Mulago Hospital Research and Ethics Committee (MHREC 1478), Kampala, Uganda as well as the Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (SS 5105). Ethical approval has been obtained from the University of Leicester, UK research ethics committee (Ref No. 22349). Study findings will be published in appropriate peer-reviewed journals and disseminated at appropriate local, regional and international scientific meetings and conferences.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN18256843.

Protocol version

Version 1.0 July 2019.
Integration of symptomatic, demographical and diet-related comorbidities data with SARS-CoV-2 antibody rapid diagnostic tests during epidemiological surveillance: a cross-sectional study in Jakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Agustina Rina , Syam Ari Fahrial , Wirawan Fadila , Widyahening Indah S , Rahyussalim Ahmad Jabir , Yusra Yusra , Rianda Davrina , Burhan Erlina , Salama Ngabila , Daulay Rebekka , Halim Ahmad Rhyza Vertando , Shankar Anuraj H
Published: August 2021

Objectives

Affordable options for COVID-19 epidemiological surveillance are needed. Virus detection by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR) is sensitive but costly, and antigen-based rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) are cheap but with reduced sensitivity; both detect current infection but not exposure. RDT-IgM/IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 detect exposure but have poor sensitivity for current infection. We investigated if the integration of symptomatic, demographical and diet-related comorbidities data with antibody RDTs improves their potential to assess infection rates in addition to exposure, thereby broadening their utility for surveillance.

Design

We conducted a cross-sectional study using data from community surveillance for SARS-CoV-2. Health workers collected nasopharyngeal swabs for RT-PCR and RDT antigen assessments and venous blood for RDT-IgM/IgG from symptomatic and asymptomatic persons. Data on age, gender, contact history, symptoms (ie, fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, dyspnoea and diarrhoea), diet-related comorbidities (ie, diabetes and hypertension) and chest radiology were collected.

Setting

High-risk communities in Jakarta, Indonesia, in May 2020.

Participants

343 community members’ data were included.

Outcome measures

RDT-IgM/IgG sensitivity, specificity and predictive values and area under receiver operating characteristic curve for RT-PCR positivity using RDT results alone and in combination with other predictors, including symptom components derived from principal component analysis.

Results

There were 24 PCR-confirmed infections. RDT-IgM/IgG-positive tests were associated with infection (OR 10.8, 95% CI 4.43 to 26.4, p<0.001) with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.708% and 50% sensitivity, 91.5% specificity, 30.8% positive predictive value (PPV) and 96.1% negative predictive value (NPV). RDT results combined with age, gender, contact history, symptoms and comorbidities increased the AUC to 0.787 and yielded 62.5% sensitivity, 87.0% specificity, 26.6% PPV and 96.9% NPV.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 RDT-IgM/IgG results integrated with other predictors may be an affordable tool for epidemiological surveillance for population-based COVID-19 exposure and current infection, especially in groups with outbreaks or high transmission.
Ethnic and social inequalities in COVID-19 outcomes in Scotland: protocol for early pandemic evaluation and enhanced surveillance of COVID-19 (EAVE II)
Authors: Henery Paul , Vasileiou Eleftheria , Hainey Kirsten J , Buchanan Duncan , Harrison Ewen , Leyland Alastair H , Alexis Thomas , Robertson Chris , Agrawal Utkarsh , Ritchie Lewis , Stock Sarah Jane , McCowan Colin , Docherty Annemarie , Kerr Steven , Marple James , Wood Rachael , Moore Emily , Simpson Colin R , Sheikh Aziz , Katikireddi Srinivasa Vittal
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Evidence from previous pandemics, and the current COVID-19 pandemic, has found that risk of infection/severity of disease is disproportionately higher for ethnic minority groups, and those in lower socioeconomic positions. It is imperative that interventions to prevent the spread of COVID-19 are targeted towards high-risk populations. We will investigate the associations between social characteristics (such as ethnicity, occupation and socioeconomic position) and COVID-19 outcomes and the extent to which characteristics/risk factors might explain observed relationships in Scotland.

The primary objective of this study is to describe the epidemiology of COVID-19 by social factors. Secondary objectives are to (1) examine receipt of treatment and prevention of COVID-19 by social factors; (2) quantify ethnic/social differences in adverse COVID-19 outcomes; (3) explore potential mediators of relationships between social factors and SARS-CoV-2 infection/COVID-19 prognosis; (4) examine whether occupational COVID-19 differences differ by other social factors and (5) assess quality of ethnicity coding within National Health Service datasets.

Methods and analysis

We will use a national cohort comprising the adult population of Scotland who completed the 2011 Census and were living in Scotland on 31 March 2020 (~4.3 million people). Census data will be linked to the Early Assessment of Vaccine and Anti-Viral Effectiveness II cohort consisting of primary/secondary care, laboratory data and death records. Sensitivity/specificity and positive/negative predictive values will be used to assess coding quality of ethnicity. Descriptive statistics will be used to examine differences in treatment and prevention of COVID-19. Poisson/Cox regression analyses and mediation techniques will examine ethnic and social differences, and drivers of inequalities in COVID-19. Effect modification (on additive and multiplicative scales) between key variables (such as ethnicity and occupation) will be assessed.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the National Research Ethics Committee, South East Scotland 02. We will present findings of this study at international conferences, in peer-reviewed journals and to policy-makers.
Occupational exposure and risk of colon cancer: a nationwide registry study with emphasis on occupational exposure to zoonotic gastrointestinal pathogens
Authors: Duijster Janneke , Mughini-Gras Lapo , Neefjes Jacques , Franz Eelco
Published: August 2021

Objectives

While colon cancer (CC) risk is associated with several lifestyle-related factors, including physical inactivity, smoking and diet, the contribution of occupation to CC morbidity remains largely unclear. Growing evidence indicates that gastrointestinal infections like salmonellosis could contribute to CC development. We performed a nationwide registry study to assess potential associations between occupation (history) and CC, including also those occupations with known increased exposure to gastrointestinal pathogens likeSalmonella.

Methods

Person-level occupational data for all residents in The Netherlands were linked to CC diagnosis data. Differences in the incidence of (overall, proximal and distal) CC among occupational sectors and risk groups were tested for significance by calculating standardised incidence ratios (SIRs) with 95% CIs using the general population as reference group. Effects of gender, age, exposure duration and latency were also assessed.

Results

Significant differences in CC incidence were observed only for a few occupational sectors, including the manufacturing of rubber and plastics, machinery and leather, the printing sector and the information service sector (SIRs 1.06–1.88). No elevated risk of CC was observed among people with increased salmonellosis risk through occupational exposure to live animals, manure or among those working in the sale of animal-derived food products (SIRs 0.93–0.95, 0.81–0.95 and 0.93–1.09 for overall, proximal and distal CC, respectively).

Conclusions

The results of this study suggest that occupation in itself provides a relatively small contribution to CC incidence. This is consistent with previous studies where a similar degree of variation in risk estimates was observed. The lack of an association with the high-risk occupations for salmonellosis might be due to higher levels of physical activity, a known protective factor for CC and other diseases, of people working in the agricultural sector, which might outweigh the potentialSalmonella-associated risk of CC.
Oncogene-specific differences in tumor mutational burden, PD-L1 expression, and outcomes from immunotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Negrao Marcelo V , Skoulidis Ferdinandos , Montesion Meagan , Schulze Katja , Bara Ilze , Shen Vincent , Xu Hao , Hu Sylvia , Sui Dawen , Elamin Yasir Y , Le Xiuning , Goldberg Michael E , Murugesan Karthikeyan , Wu Chang-Jiun , Zhang Jianhua , Barreto David S , Robichaux Jacqulyne P , Reuben Alexandre , Cascone Tina , Gay Carl M , Mitchell Kyle G , Hong Lingzhi , Rinsurongkawong Waree , Roth Jack A , Swisher Stephen G , Lee Jack , Tsao Anne , Papadimitrakopoulou Vassiliki , Gibbons Don L , Glisson Bonnie S , Singal Gaurav , Miller Vincent A , Alexander Brian , Frampton Garrett , Albacker Lee A , Shames David , Zhang Jianjun , Heymach John V
Published: August 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients bearing targetable oncogene alterations typically derive limited benefit from immune checkpoint blockade (ICB), which has been attributed to low tumor mutation burden (TMB) and/or PD-L1 levels. We investigated oncogene-specific differences in these markers and clinical outcome.

Methods

Three cohorts of NSCLC patients with oncogene alterations (n=4189 total) were analyzed. Two clinical cohorts of advanced NSCLC patients treated with ICB monotherapy [MD Anderson (MDACC; n=172) and Flatiron Health-Foundation Medicine Clinico-Genomic Database (CGDB; n=894 patients)] were analyzed for clinical outcome. The FMI biomarker cohort (n=4017) was used to assess the association of oncogene alterations with TMB and PD-L1 expression.

Results

High PD-L1 expression (PD-L1 ≥50%) rate was 19%–20% in classicEGFR,EGFRexon 20 andHER2-mutant tumors, and 34%–55% in tumors withALK,BRAFV600E,ROS1,RET, orMETalterations. Compared withKRAS-mutant tumors,BRAFnon-V600E group had higher TMB (9.6 vsKRAS7.8 mutations/Mb, p=0.003), while all other oncogene groups had lower TMB (p<0.001). In the two clinical cohorts treated with ICB, molecular groups withEGFR,HER2,ALK,ROS1,RET, orMETalterations had short progression-free survival (PFS; 1.8–3.7 months), whileBRAFV600E group was associated with greater clinical benefit from ICB (CGDB cohort: PFS 9.8 months vsKRAS3.7 months, HR 0.66, p=0.099; MDACC cohort: response rate 62% vsKRAS24%; PFS 7.4 vsKRAS2.8 months, HR 0.36, p=0.026).KRASG12C and non-G12C subgroups had similar clinical benefit from ICB in both cohorts. In a multivariable analysis,BRAFV600E mutation (HR 0.58, p=0.041), PD-L1 expression (HR 0.57, p=0.022), and high TMB (HR 0.66, p<0.001) were associated with longer PFS.

Conclusions

High TMB and PD-L1 expression are predictive for benefit from ICB treatment in oncogene-driven NSCLCs. NSCLC harboringBRAFmutations demonstrated superior benefit from ICB that may be attributed to higher TMB and higher PD-L1 expression in these tumors. MeanwhileEGFRandHER2mutations andALK,ROS1,RET, andMETfusions define NSCLC subsets with minimal benefit from ICB despite high PD-L1 expression in NSCLC harboring oncogene fusions. These findings indicate a TMB/PD-L1-independent impact on sensitivity to ICB for certain oncogene alterations.
Macrocalcification of intracranial vertebral artery may be related to in-stent restenosis: lessons learned from optical coherence tomography
Authors: Xu Ran , Yang Bin , Li Long , Wang Tao , Lu Xia , Luo Jichang , Zhang Xiao , Dong Jia , Wang Yabing , Hua Yang , Ma Yan , Jiao Liqun
Published: August 2021

Background

Calcification has been proven to be a marker of atherosclerosis and is related to an increased risk of ischemic stroke. Additionally, calcification was reported to be prevalent in patients with stenotic lesions of the intracranial vertebral artery. Thus, reliable imaging facilities for evaluating plaque calcification have remarkable significance in guiding stenting and predicting patient outcomes. Optical coherence tomography (OCT) has a unique advantage in its ability to detect calcium and to achieve three-dimensional volumetric calcium characterization.

Methods

From March 2017 to September 2018, seven cases of calcified lesions with intracranial vertebral artery stenosis were investigated using OCT, before and after the placement of an Apollo balloon-mounted stent. Transcranial color-coded duplex sonography was performed to identify restenosis with a mean follow-up time of 13.3 months in this case series.

Results

All calcified lesions were evaluated quantitatively and qualitatively using OCT. Among all cases, five had macrocalcifications and two had spotty calcifications. Severe in-stent restenosis was observed in two cases, both with macrocalcifications.

Conclusions

This study suggests a potential relationship between macrocalcifications and the risk of in-stent restenosis of the intracranial vertebral artery. These preliminary findings obtained from a limited sample should be verified by prospective large-scale studies.
Systematic study of the chiral magnetic effect with the AVFD model at LHC energies
Authors: Christakoglou Panos , Qiu Shi , Staa Joey
Published: August 2021

We present a systematic study of the correlators used experimentally to probe the Chiral Magnetic Effect (CME) using the Anomalous Viscous Fluid Dynamics (AVFD) model in Pb–Pb and Xe–Xe collisions at LHC energies. We find a parametrization that describes the dependence of these correlators on the value of the axial current density ($$n_5/{\mathrm {s}}$$n5/s), which dictates the CME signal, and on the parameter that governs the background in these measurements i.e., the percentage of local charge conservation (LCC) within an event. This allows to deduce the values of$$n_5/{\mathrm {s}}$$n5/sand the LCC percentage that provide a quantitative description of the centrality dependence of the experimental measurements. We find that the results in Xe–Xe collisions at$$\sqrt{s_{\mathrm {NN}}} = 5.44$$sNN=5.44 TeV are consistent with a background only scenario. On the other hand, the model needs a significant non-zero value of$$n_5/{\mathrm {s}}$$n5/sto match the measurements in Pb–Pb collisions at$$\sqrt{s_{\mathrm {NN}}} = 5.02$$sNN=5.02 TeV.
Temporal evolution of a radiating star via Lie symmetries
Authors: Paliathanasis Andronikos , Govender Megandhren , Leon Genly
Published: August 2021

In this work we present for the first time the general solution of the temporal evolution equation arising from the matching of a conformally flat interior to the Vaidya solution. This problem was first articulated by Banerjee et al. (Phys Rev D 40:670, 1989) in which they provided a particular solution of the temporal equation. This simple exact solution has been widely utilised in modeling dissipative collapse with the most notable result being prediction of the avoidance of the horizon as the collapse proceeds. We study the dynamics of dissipative collapse arising from the general solution obtained via the method of symmetries and of the singularity analysis. We show that the end-state of collapse for our model is significantly different from the widely used linear solution.
Detailed numerical simulation and experimental investigation on micromixers with serpentine Koch fractal microchannels
Authors: Tian Yue , Chen Xueye , Zeng Xiangwei , Wang Xiangyang , Yu Xingxing , Ma Yongbiao , Wang Qingdong
Published: August 2021

Micromixer is a kind of microfluidic chip for fast mixing and analysis. Mixing in a micromixer is usually a micron scale. At low Reynolds number, the fluid in the channel is laminar flow, which mainly depends on molecular diffusion as the main mixing mode. Fluid mixing in microchannels is very difficult, especially when the viscosity of the fluid is high. In this paper, we design a novel passive micromixer. The effects of fractal number, Koch fractal channel spacing, microchannel depth and cross-section shape on mixing efficiency were studied. Through a large number of numerical simulations, we continue to optimize the structure of the micromixer and improve the mixing efficiency. Finally, through the continuous optimization of the structure of the micromixer, the mixing efficiency of the micromixer can reach more than 95%.
Study of signature inversion in 123,125I using Particle Rotor Model calculations
Authors: Lamani Umakant , Das Pragya , Wahid S. G.
Published: August 2021

The phenomenon of signature inversion in positive parity yrast states of 123,125I nuclei has been studied using the Particle Rotor Model (PRM) calculations. The experimentally observed signature inversion is well reproduced from the PRM calculations. The change in the value of a triaxial parameter [Formula: see text] was observed after the inversion. The PRM calculations were also used to describe the reduced transition probabilities. The derived change in the value of “[Formula: see text]” (in Lund convention) after inversion is interpreted as the change in nuclear shape from near triaxial to tending towards noncollective oblate.
ANALYSIS OF DIGITAL HEALTHCARE NEEDS FOR PEOPLE WITH SEVERE DISABILITIES CENTERING DAILY LIVING ACTIVITIES
Authors: HONG HYE-SU , LIM MYUNG-JOON , SONG WON-KYUNG
Published: August 2021

People with severe disabilities require support in performing activities of daily living (ADL), from personal care to technological support. For people with disabilities, digital healthcare is effective in improving their ability to perform ADLs. This study aimed to identify factors associated with the digital healthcare needs of people with severe disabilities in ADL. Qualitative data were collected from in-depth individual interviews and focus group interviews from 16 participants. Transcripts of interviews were then analyzed, and the essential factors were identified. Twenty-eight difficulty factors related to ADL were defined according to the type of disability. Factors requiring digital healthcare were specified in accordance with the qualitative analysis performed on the interview results. Appropriate tasks were established according to disability, such as posture control and emergency management for individuals with cervical spinal injury; communication and posture control in adults with cerebral palsy; communication and toileting monitoring for parents of children with disabilities; and emergency management, breathing exercise, and oxygen saturation management for individuals with muscular dystrophy. All factors identified in the study conform to the International Classification of Functioning, Disability, and Health (ICF) codes. This study will contribute toward understanding the needs of people with severe disability in terms of digital healthcare.
First report of fish trace fossils (
Undichna
) from the Middle Devonian Achanarras Limestone, Caithness Flagstone Group
Authors: Tindal Benjamin H. , Shillito Anthony P. , Davies Neil S.
Published: August 2021

Two newly discovered specimens of the fish locomotion trace
Undichna
(
U. britannica
and
Undichna
isp.) are described from the Middle Devonian Achanarras Limestone Member (Caithness Flagstone Group, NE Scotland). Fish trace fossils have not previously been reported from the Achanarras Limestone Member, despite decades of study of the unit as a key locality for fish body fossils. The traces comprise discontinuous sinusoidal grooves; one showing multiple parallel incisions, created by the fins of an acanthodian fish swimming close to the substrate. The apparent absence of trace fossils attributable to infaunal or epifaunal benthic organisms suggests that the sediment at the bottom of the lake was relatively inhospitable. The low ichnodiversity of the Achanarras Limestone Member is likely due to low oxygen levels in the depositional environment.

Thematic collection:
This article is part of the SJG Early Career Research available at:
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/SJG-early-career-research
On the Range Assignment in Wireless Sensor Networks for Minimizing the Coverage-Connectivity Cost
Authors: Das Sajal K. , Kapelko Rafał
Published: August 2021

This article deals with reliable and unreliable mobile sensors having identical sensing radius
r
, communication radius
R
, provided that
r
≤
R
and initially randomly deployed
on the plane
by dropping them from an aircraft according to general random process. The sensors have to move from their initial random positions to the final destinations to provide greedy path
k
1
-coverage simultaneously with
k
2
-connectivity. In particular, we are interested in assigning the sensing radius
r
and communication radius
R
to minimize
the time required
and
the energy consumption
of transportation cost for sensors to provide the desired
k
1
-coverage with
k
2
-connectivity. We prove that for both of these optimization problems, the optimal solution is to assign the sensing radius equal to
r
=
k
1
||
E
[S]||/2 and the communication radius
R
=
k
2
||
E
[S]||/2, where ||
E
[S]|| is the characteristic of general random process according to which the sensors are deployed. When
r
<
k
1
||
E
[S]||/2 or
R
<
k
2
||
E
[S]||/ 2, and sensors are reliable, we discover and explain
the sharp increase
in the time required and the energy consumption in transportation cost to ensure the desired
k
1
-coverage with
k
2
-connectivity.