bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Community participation and community engagement in the response to the Zika-Virus-Outbreak in Latin America 2015-2019 - A Scoping Review
Authors: Nachtnebel Sonja , Kutalek Ruth
Published: June 2022

Introduction: Zika virus infection during pregnancy is often associated with the occurrence of numerous neurologic malformations in new-born babies. Usually, the transmission of the Zika virus happens through the bite of an infected mosquito of the Aedes genus but might as well occur through sexual contact or blood transfusions. Currently, there is no approved specific treatment, medication-based prophylaxis or vaccine available against Zika virus infection, thus prevention measures play an important role in combating the spread of this infectious disease. This scoping review aims to collect data about public health programmes in context of the Zika virus epidemic in Latin America that employ the principles of a community-based participatory research. Methods: Three scientific databases (Medline, Cochrane Library and Scopus) were screened for relevant literature and additionally, official websites of health organizations such as WHO, UNICEF, ECDC, CDC and PAHO were included in the search. The review was conducted following the Preferred Reporting Items for Scoping Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) checklist. The authors developed a data-charting map to collect relevant information from each publication to analyse the content. Results: Overall, 46 papers were included in the review. Each of the studies contained at least one of the following indicators: actual participation or involvement in a public health intervention, assessment of knowledge or awareness degree and preventative actions, assessment of disease perception or behaviour changes. Key topics were divided into four broad categories: 1) Mosquito vector control initiatives, 2) Contraception and reproductive healthcare, 3) Family support programmes and 4) Assessment of knowledge, perception and barriers. Conclusions: Through engaging local communities, especially vulnerable groups, awareness of risks associated with a Zika virus infection can be raised and enable people to protect themselves. The current work demonstrates that community engagement is an essential strategy to implement preventive measures and improve health-outcomes.
Birth Weight and Associated Factors among Host and Refugee Neonates at Health Facilities in Gambella Region: A facility based Comparative Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Nhial Bang Chuol , Wedajo Shambel , Tadesse Sisay Eshete
Published: June 2022

Background

Birth weight remains as one of the facing factors and one of the leading causes of child suffering worldwide. This is a major problem especially in low and middle income countries and most importantly in vulnerable populations like refugee. However, there is a limited evident as yet in the study area.

Objective

The aim of this study was to assess the birth weight and associated factors among host and refugee neonates at health facilities in Gambella Region.

Methods

A facility based comparative cross-sectional study was applied in host and refugee settings. A total of five hundred ninety six neonates were included in this study from February 1st, 2020 to March 31st, 2020 through multi-stages sampling technique. The data were collected using structured interview and documents review methods with structured questionnaires as instruments. Pretesting of the tool and training of data collectors and field supervision were made. Using statistical package for social science version 25, variables with p≤0.05 from multiple linear regression analysis were declared as factors significantly associated with the birth weight. Furthermore, independent samples t-test was computed to compare the mean birth weights.

Results

The study resulted in 100% response rate. The mean birth weights were found to be significantly difference between host and refugee neonates with means of 3282.55±415.97 grams and 3109.40±635.10 grams respectively (m1-m2 = 173.15, 95% CI: (86.75, 259.56)). Several factors such as number of fetuses (β = -148.35, 95% CI: (-234.86, -61.83)), gestational age at delivery (β = 90.83, 95% CI: (66.72, 114.93)), household food security status (β = 166.33, 95% CI: (100.68, 231.97)), individual dietary diversity score (β = 88.75, 95% CI: (68.69, 108.81)) and pregnancy induced hypertension (β = -148.35, 95% CI: (-234.86, -61.83)) were found to be the most influential factors significantly associated with the birth weight.

Conclusions

In the study area, host neonates have larger mean birth weight than the refugee neonates. Number of fetuses, gestational age at delivery, household food security, individual dietary diversity score and pregnancy induced hypertension were factors influencing the birth weight.
Characteristics, clinical outcomes, and mortality of older adults living with HIV receiving antiretroviral treatment in the sub-urban and rural areas of northern Thailand
Authors: Aurpibul Linda , Sripan Patumrat , Paklak Wason , Tangmunkongvorakul Arunrat , Rerkasem Amaraporn , Rerkasem Kittipan , Srithanaviboonchai Kriengkrai
Published: June 2022

Since the introduction of antiretroviral treatment (ART), people living with HIV worldwide live into older age. This study described the characteristics, clinical outcomes, and mortality of older adults living with HIV (OALHIV) receiving ART from the National AIDS program in northern Thailand. Participants aged ≥ 50 years were recruited from the HIV clinics in 12 community hospitals. Data were obtained from medical records and face-to-face interviews. In 2015, 362 OALHIV were enrolled; their median (interquartile range) age and ART duration were 57 years (54-61), and 8.8 years (6.4-11.2), respectively. At study entry, 174 (48.1%) had CD4 counts ≥ 500 cells/mm3; 357 of 358 (99.6%) with available HIV RNA results were virologic-suppressed. At the year 5 follow-up, 39 died, 11 were transferred to other hospitals, 3 were lost to follow-up, and 40 did not contribute data for this analysis, but remained in care. Among the 269 who appeared, 149 (55%) had CD4 counts ≥ 500 cells/mm3, and 227/229 tested (99%) were virologic-suppressed. The probability of 5-year overall survival (OS) was 89.2% (95% confidence interval, CI 85.4-92.1%). A significantly low 5-year OS (66%) was observed in OALHIV with CD4 counts < 200 cells/mm3 at study entry. The most common cause of death was organ failures in 11 (28%), followed by malignancies in 8 (21%), infections in 5 (13%), mental health-related conditions in 2 (5%), and unknown in 13 (33%). In OALHIV with stable HIV outcomes, monitoring of organ functions, cancer surveillance, and mental health screening are warranted.
Infectious and Clinical Tuberculosis Trajectories: Bayesian modeling with case finding implications
Authors: Ryckman Theresa S , Dowdy David W , Kendall Emily A
Published: June 2022

Background

The importance of finding people with undiagnosed tuberculosis (TB) hinges on their clinical and infectious trajectories. Assays for systematic screening should be optimized to find those whose TB will contribute most to future transmission or morbidity.

Methods

We constructed a mathematical model which tracks the disease trajectories of individuals with TB, classifying them over time by bacterial burden (smear positive/negative) and symptom status (symptomatic/subclinical). We used Bayesian methods to calibrate this model to historical survival data and notification, mortality, and prevalence survey data from five countries. We combined the resulting individual disease trajectories with evidence on infectiousness, to compare how much different subsets of prevalent TB contribute to future transmission events.

Results

Nearly all (89% [95% uncertainty range 83-93%]) smear-negative subclinical TB resolved before diagnosis or treatment, typically after a short disease course (4.3 [3.3-6.7] months). In contrast, people with smear-positive subclinical TB had a longer overall duration of undiagnosed disease (15.5 [11.0-21.3] months), and most eventually developed symptoms. Despite accounting for only 11-20% of prevalent disease, smear-positive subclinical TB accounted for 37-48% of future transmission – a greater contribution than symptomatic TB or smear-negative TB.

Conclusions

Subclinical TB with a high bacterial burden accounts for a disproportionate share of future transmission. Priority should be given to developing inexpensive, easy-to-use assays for screening both symptomatic and asymptomatic individuals at scale – akin to rapid antigen tests for other diseases – even if these assays lack the sensitivity to detect paucibacterial disease.
Contracting the Private Health Sector in Thailand’s Universal Health Coverage
Authors: Marshall Aniqa Islam , Witthayapipopsakul Woranan , Chotchoungchatchai Somtanuek , Wangbanjongkun Waritta , Tangcharoensathien Viroj
Published: June 2022

Background

Private sector plays an import role in health service provision, therefore the engagement of private health facilities is important for ensuring access to health services. In Thailand, two of the three public health insurance schemes, Universal Coverage Scheme and Social Health Insurance, contract with private health facilities to fill gaps of public providers for the provision of health services under Universal Health Coverage. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) and Social Security Office (SSO), which manage the schemes respectively, have designed their own contractual agreements for private facilities.

Methods

This qualitative descriptive case study was conducted through document review and in-depth interviews with key informants to better understand the current situation of contracting private health facilities within UHC by comparing the two purchasing agencies on how they contract private primary care facilities, service types, duration of contract, standard and quality requirement and renewal and termination of contracts.

Results

Social Security Office (SSO) have adopted capitation-based contract model since 1991. The National Health Security Office (NHSO) applies capitation payments for outpatient services and Diagnostic Related Group systems payment for inpatient services. NHSO classified contractor providers in 3 categories for seamless referral services: main contracting units, primary care units, and referral units. External evaluations and certifications from the Healthcare Accreditation Institute are required for standardization of care. Both purchasing agencies conduct auditing to monitor quality of care while NHSO additionally provides incentives to private facilities for continuous quality improvement.

Conclusion

Contracting of private healthcare facilities is needed to fill the gap of public healthcare facilities, especially in urban settings. To ensure access to quality of care, in contracting with private-for-profit providers strong regulatory enforcement and auditing measures with financial incentives in necessary.
Screening autism-associated environmental factors in differentiating human neural progenitors with fractional factorial design-based transcriptomics
Authors: Arora Abishek , Becker Martin , Marques Cátia , Oksanen Marika , Li Danyang , Mastropasqua Francesca , Watts Michelle Evelyn , Arora Manish , Falk Anna , Daub Carsten Oliver , Lanekoff Ingela , Tammimies Kristiina
Published: June 2022

Research continues to identify genetic variation, environmental exposures, and their mixtures underlying different diseases and conditions. There is a need for screening methods to understand the molecular outcomes of such factors. Here, we investigate a highly efficient and multiplexable, fractional factorial experimental design (FFED) to study six environmental factors and four human induced pluripotent stem cell line derived differentiating human neural progenitors. We showcase the FFED coupled with RNA-sequencing to identify the effects of low-grade exposures to these environmental factors and analyse the results in the context of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We performed this after five-day exposures on differentiating human neural progenitors accompanied by a layered analytical approach and detected several convergent and divergent, gene and pathway level responses. We revealed significant upregulation of pathways related to synaptic function and lipid metabolism following lead and fluoxetine exposure, respectively. The lipid changes were validated using mass spectrometry- based metabolomics after fluoxetine exposure. Our study demonstrates that the FFED can be used for multiplexed transcriptomic analyses to detect relevant pathway-level changes in human neural development caused by low-grade environmental risk factors. Future studies will require multiple cell lines with different genetic backgrounds for characterising the effects of environmental exposures in ASD.
Determination of expression profiles for Drosophila ovarian Follicle Stem Cells (FSCs) using single-cell RNA sequencing
Authors: Dong Zhi , Pang Lan , Liu Zhiguo , Sheng Yifeng , Thibault Xavier , Reilein Amy , Kalderon Daniel , Huang Jianhua
Published: June 2022

Drosophila ovarian Follicle Stem Cells (FSC) present an excellent paradigm for understanding how a community of active stem cells maintained by population asymmetry is regulated. Here we describe single-cell RNA sequencing studies of a pre-sorted population of cells that include FSCs and the neighboring cell types, Escort Cells (ECs) and Follicle Cells (FCs), which they support. Cell-type assignment relies on anterior-posterior (AP) location within the germarium. We clarify the previously determined location of FSCs and use spatially targeted lineage studies as further confirmation. The scRNA profiles among four clusters are consistent with an AP progression from anterior ECs through posterior ECs and then FSCs, to early FCs. Several genes with graded profiles from ECs to FCs are highlighted as candidate effectors of the inverse gradients of the two principal signaling pathways, Wnt and JAK-STAT, that guide FSC differentiation and division.
Bioluminescence-based reporters for characterizing inhibitors and activators of human Sonic Hedgehog protein autoprocessing in live cells at high throughput
Authors: Ciulla Daniel A , Dranchak Patricia , Pezzullo John L , Mancusi Rebecca A , Psaras Alexandra Maria , Rai Ganesha , Giner José-Luis , Inglese James , Callahan Brian P
Published: June 2022

The Sonic hedgehog (SHh) precursor protein undergoes biosynthetic autoprocessing to cleave off and cholesterylate the SHh signaling ligand, a vital morphogen and oncogenic effector protein. Autoprocessing is self-catalyzed by SHhC, the SHh precursor’s enzymatic domain. Here we describe the development and validation of the first cellular reporter to monitor human SHhC autoprocessing non-invasively in high-throughput compatible plates. The assay couples intracellular SHhC autoprocessing to the extracellular secretion of the bioluminescent nanoluciferase enzyme. We developed a wild-type (WT) SHhC reporter line for evaluating potential autoprocessing inhibitors by concentration response-dependent suppression of extracellular bioluminescence. A conditional mutant SHhC (D46A) reporter line was developed for identifying potential autoprocessing activators by a concentration response-dependent gain of extracellular bioluminescence. The D46A mutation removes a conserved general base that is critical for the substrate activity of cholesterol. Inducibility of the D46A reporter was established using a synthetic sterol, 2-α carboxy cholestanol, designed to bypass the defect through intra-molecular general base catalysis. To facilitate direct nanoluciferase detection in the cell culture media of 1536-well plates, we designed a novel membrane-impermeable nanoluciferase substrate, CLZ-2P. This new reporter system offers a long-awaited resource for small molecule discovery for cancer and for developmental disorders where SHh ligand biosynthesis is dysregulated.

Abstract Figure
Extravascular spaces are the primary reservoir of antigenic diversity inTrypanosoma bruceiinfection
Authors: Beaver Alexander K. , Keneskhanova Zhibek , Cosentino Raúl O. , Weiss Brian L. , Awuoche Erick O. , Smallenberger Gretchen M. , Buenconsejo Gracyn Y. , Crilly Nathan P. , Smith Jaclyn E. , Hakim Jill M.C. , Zhang Bailin , Bobb Bryce , Rijo-Ferreira Filipa , Figueiredo Luisa M. , Aksoy Serap , Siegel T. Nicolai , Mugnier Monica R.
Published: June 2022

Summary paragraph

The protozoan parasiteTrypanosoma bruceievades clearance by the host immune system through antigenic variation of its dense variant surface glycoprotein (VSG) coat, periodically “switching” expression of the VSG using a large genomic repertoire of VSG-encoding genes1–6. Recent studies of antigenic variation in vivo have focused near exclusively on parasites in the bloodstream4,7,8, but research has shown that many, if not most, parasites reside in the interstitial spaces of tissues9–13. We sought to explore the dynamics of antigenic variation in extravascular parasite populations using VSG-seq7, a high-throughput sequencing approach for profiling VSGs expressed in populations ofT. brucei. Here we show that tissues, not the blood, are the primary reservoir of antigenic diversity during both needle- and tsetse bite-initiatedT. bruceiinfections, with more than 75% of VSGs found exclusively within extravascular spaces. We found that this increased diversity is correlated with slower parasite clearance in tissue spaces. Together, these data support a model in which the slower immune response in extravascular spaces provides more time to generate the antigenic diversity needed to maintain a chronic infection. Our findings reveal the important role that extravascular spaces can play in pathogen diversification.
Group B Streptococcus Adaptation Promotes Survival in a Hyperinflammatory Diabetic Wound Environment
Authors: Keogh Rebecca A. , Haeberle Amanda L. , Langouët-Astrié Christophe J. , Kavanaugh Jeffrey S. , Schmidt Eric P. , Moore Garrett D. , Horswill Alexander R. , Doran Kelly S.
Published: June 2022

Diabetic wounds have poor healing outcomes due to the presence of numerous pathogens and a dysregulated immune response. Group BStreptococcus(GBS) is commonly isolated from diabetic wound infections, but the mechanisms of GBS virulence during these infections have not been investigated. Here, we develop a murine model of GBS diabetic wound infection, and using dual RNA-sequencing, demonstrate that GBS infection triggers an inflammatory response. GBS adapts to this hyperinflammatory environment by upregulating virulence factors including those known to be regulated by the two-component systemcovRS, such as the surface proteinpbsP, and thecyloperon which is responsible for hemolysin/pigmentation production. We recover hyperpigmented/hemolytic GBS colonies from the murine diabetic wound which we determined encode mutations incovR. We further demonstrate that GBS mutants incylEandpbsPare attenuated in the diabetic wound. This foundational study provides insight into the pathogenesis of GBS diabetic wound infections.

Teaser

The Fight for Survival by the Bacterium Group B Streptococcus in the Diabetic Wound.
Craniofacial dysmorphology in Down Syndrome is caused by increased dosage of Dyrk1a and at least three other genes
Authors: Redhead Yushi , Gibbins Dorota , Lana-Elola Eva , Watson-Scales Sheona , Dobson Lisa , Krause Matthias , Liu Karen J. , Fisher Elizabeth M. C. , Green Jeremy B.A. , Tybulewicz Victor L.J.
Published: June 2022

Down syndrome (DS), trisomy of human chromosome 21 (Hsa21), occurs in 1 in 800 live births and is the most common human aneuploidy. DS results in multiple phenotypes, including craniofacial dysmorphology, characterised by midfacial hypoplasia, brachycephaly and micrognathia. The genetic and developmental causes of this are poorly understood. Using morphometric analysis of the Dp1Tyb mouse model of DS and an associated genetic mouse genetic mapping panel, we demonstrate that four Hsa21-orthologous regions of mouse chromosome 16 contain dosage-sensitive genes that cause the DS craniofacial phenotype, and identify one of these causative genes as Dyrk1a. We show that the earliest and most severe defects in Dp1Tyb skulls are in bones of neural crest (NC) origin, and that mineralisation of the Dp1Tyb skull base synchondroses is aberrant. Furthermore, we show that increased dosage of Dyrk1a results in decreased NC cell proliferation and a decrease in size and cellularity of the NC-derived frontal bone primordia. Thus, DS craniofacial dysmorphology is caused by increased dosage of Dyrk1a and at least three other genes.

Summary statement

Craniofacial dysmorphology in mouse models of Down syndrome is caused by increased dosage of at least four genes including Dyrk1a, resulting in reduced proliferation of neural crest-derived cranial bone progenitors.
TANGO2 deficient iPSC-differentiated cardiomyocyte and dermal fibroblasts have normal mitochondrial OXPHOS function
Authors: Xu Weiyi , Cao Yingqiong , Cantú Lorren , Nasiotis Eleni , Lalani Seema R. , Miyake Christina Y. , Zhang Lilei
Published: June 2022

Bi-allelic loss-of-function mutations in TANGO2 (Transport and Golgi Organization protein 2) cause a rare multiorgan genetic disorder. Despite normal cardiac function at baseline, patients may experience lethal cardiac arrhythmias during “crises” often associated with metabolic stresses such as fasting, viral illness and fever. The molecular function of TANGO2 remains largely unknown. Previous studies have suggested a functional association with the mitochondrion, however definitive evidence is lacking. Further, functional impact of TANGO2 deficiency on mitochondrial function has not been investigated in a cardiac model. In this study, we utilized a recently developed patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cell differentiated cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CM) model by our group, along with patient-derived dermal fibroblast model, to interrogate whether loss of TANGO2 function leads to defective mitochondrial function. Both baseline and fasting condition were investigated. Oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured in Seahorse assays to assess mitochondrial function in vitro. The results showed both TANGO2 deficient dermal fibroblasts and iPSC-CM had no apparent defects in mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) function under either baseline or fasting condition. Based on our study, we conclude that the lethal cardiac arrhythmias in TANGO2 patients are unlikely to be related to impaired mitochondrial OXPHOS function in the cardiomyocytes.
Synergy between c-di-GMP and quorum-sensing signaling in Vibrio cholerae biofilm morphogenesis
Authors: Prentice Jojo A. , Bridges Andrew A. , Bassler Bonnie L.
Published: June 2022

Transitions between individual and communal lifestyles allow bacteria to adapt to changing environments. Bacteria must integrate information encoded in multiple sensory cues to appropriately undertake these transitions. Here, we investigate how two prevalent sensory inputs converge on biofilm morphogenesis: quorum sensing, which endows bacteria with the ability to communicate and coordinate group behaviors, and second messenger c-di-GMP signaling, which allows bacteria to detect and respond to environmental stimuli. We use Vibrio cholerae as our model system, the autoinducer AI-2 to modulate quorum sensing, and the polyamine norspermidine to modulate NspS-MbaA-mediated c-di-GMP production. Individually, AI-2 and norspermidine drive opposing biofilm phenotypes, with AI-2 repressing and norspermidine inducing biofilm formation. Surprisingly, however, when AI-2 and norspermidine are simultaneously detected, they act synergistically to elevate biofilm formation. We show that this effect is caused by quorum-sensing-mediated activation of nspS-mbaA expression, which increases the levels of NspS and MbaA, and in turn, c-di-GMP biosynthesis, in response to norspermidine. Increased MbaA-synthesized c-di-GMP activates the VpsR transcription factor, driving elevated expression of genes encoding key biofilm matrix components. Thus, in the context of biofilm formation in V. cholerae, quorum-sensing regulation of c-di-GMP-metabolizing receptor levels connects changes in cell population density to detection of environmental stimuli.

Importance

The development of multicellular communities, known as biofilms, facilitates beneficial functions of gut microbiome bacteria and makes bacterial pathogens recalcitrant to treatment. Understanding how bacteria regulate the biofilm lifecycle is fundamental to biofilm control in industrial processes and in medicine. Here, we demonstrate how two major sensory inputs – quorum-sensing communication and second messenger c-di-GMP signaling – jointly regulate biofilm morphogenesis in the global pathogen Vibrio cholerae. We characterize the mechanism underlying a surprising synergy between quorum-sensing and c-di-GMP signaling in controlling biofilm development. Thus, the work connects changes in cell population density to detection of environmental stimuli in a pathogen of clinical significance.
The Staphylococcus aureus iron-regulated surface determinant A (IsdA) increases SARS CoV-2 replication by modulating JAK-STAT signaling
Authors: Goncheva Mariya I. , Gibson Richard M. , Shouldice Ainslie C. , Dikeakos Jimmy D. , Heinrichs David E.
Published: June 2022

The emergence and spread of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2) and the associated Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic have affected millions globally. Like other respiratory viruses, a significant complication of COVID-19 infection is secondary bacterial co-infection, which is seen in approximately 25% of severe cases. The most common organism isolated from co-infection is the Gram-positive bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. Here, we developed an in vitro co-infection model where both CoV-2 and S. aureus replication kinetics can be examined. We demonstrate CoV-2 infection does not alter how S. aureus attaches to or grows in host epithelial cells. In contrast, the presence of replicating S. aureus enhances the replication of CoV-2 by 10-15-fold. We identify this pro-viral activity is due to the S. aureus iron-regulated surface determinant A (IsdA) and this effect is mimicked across different SARS CoV-2 permissive cell lines infected with multiple viral variants. Analysis of co-infected cells demonstrated an IsdA dependent modification of host transcription. Using chemical inhibition, we determined S. aureus IsdA modifies host Janus Kinase – Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK-STAT) signalling, ultimately leading to increased viral replication. These findings provide key insight into the molecular interactions that occur between host cells, CoV-2 and S. aureus during co-infection.

Importance

Bacterial co-infection is a common and significant complication of respiratory viral infection, including in patients with COVID-19, and leads to increased morbidity and mortality. The relationship between virus, bacteria and host is largely unknown, which makes it difficult to design effective treatment strategies. In the present study we created a model of co-infection between SARS CoV-2 and Staphylococcus aureus, the most common species identified in COVID-19 patients with co-infection. We demonstrate that the S. aureus protein IsdA enhances the replication of SARS CoV-2 in vitro by modulating host cell signal transduction pathways. The significance of this finding is in identifying a bacterial component that enhances CoV-2 pathogenesis, which could be a target for the development of co-infection specific therapy in the future. In addition, this protein can be used as a tool to decipher the mechanisms by which CoV-2 manipulates the host cell, providing a better understanding of COVID-19 virulence.
HPV self-sampling among long-term non-attenders to cervical cancer screening in Norway: A pragmatic randomized controlled trial
Authors: Aasbø Gunvor , Tropè Ameli , Nygård Mari , Christiansen Irene Kraus , Baasland Ingrid , Iversen Grete Alrek , Munk Ane Cecilie , Christiansen Marit Halonen , Presthus Gro Kummeneje , Undem Karina , Bjørge Tone , Castle Philip E. , Hansen Bo Terning
Published: June 2022

Background

The main aim of the present study is to assess whether human papillomavirus (HPV) self-sampling may increase cervical cancer screening participation among long-term non-attenders in Norway.

Methods

A pragmatic randomized controlled trial was initiated in the national cervical screening programme in March 2019. A random sample of 6000 women aged 35-69 years who had not attended screening for at least 10 years were randomized 1:1:1 to receive either (i) a reminder to attend regular screening (control arm), (ii) an offer to order a self-sampling kit (opt-in arm), or (iii) a self-sampling kit unsolicited (opt-out arm).

Results

Total screening participation during 6 months following study invitation was 4.8%, 17.0% and 27.7% among women who received a standard reminder letter (controls), women who could order a self-sample kit (opt-in) and women who received a self-sample kit unsolicited (opt-out), respectively (P<0.0001). High-risk HPV was detected in 11.5% of the self-samples and in 9.2% of the clinician-collected samples (P = 0.40). Most women (92.5%) who returned a positive self-sample attended triage. Of 933 women screened in the study (by a clinician or HPV self-sampling), 33 (3.5%) had CIN2+, 31 (3.3%) had CIN3+, and 11 (1.2%) had cervical cancer.

Conclusion

We conclude that opt-in and opt-out self-sampling increased screening participation among long-term non-attenders.

Clinical Trial Registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT03873376
Wastewater surveillance of influenza activity: Early detection, surveillance, and subtyping in city and neighbourhood communities
Authors: Mercier Elisabeth , D’ Aoust Patrick M. , Thakali Ocean , Hegazy Nada , Jia Jian-Jun , Zhang Zhihao , Eid Walaa , Plaza-Diaz Julio , Kabir Pervez , Fang Wanting , Cowan Aaron , Stephenson Sean E. , Pisharody Lakshmi , MacKenzie Alex E. , Graber Tyson E. , Wan Shen , Delatolla Robert
Published: June 2022

Recurrent epidemics of influenza infection and its pandemic potential present a significant risk to global population health. To mitigate hospitalizations and death, local public health relies on clinical surveillance to locate and monitor influenza-like illnesses and/or influenza cases and outbreaks. At an international level, the global integration of clinical surveillance networks is the only reliable method to report influenza types and subtypes and warn of an emergent pandemic strain. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the demonstrated utility of wastewater surveillance (WWS) in complementing or even replacing clinical surveillance, the latter a resource-intensive enterprise, was predicated on the presence of stable viral fragments in wastewater. We show that influenza virus targets are stable in wastewaters and partitions to the solids fraction. We subsequently quantify, type, and subtype influenza virus in municipal wastewater and primary sludge throughout the course of a community outbreak. This research demonstrates the feasibility of applying influenza virus WWS to city and neighbourhood levels; showing a 17-day lead time in forecasting a citywide flu outbreak and providing population-level viral subtyping in near real-time using minimal resources and infrastructure.
Molecular genetic study on HAND2 gene promoter in ventricular septal defect
Authors: Li Meikun , Cai Yahui , Pang Shuchao , Yan Bo
Published: June 2022

Ventricular septal defect (VSD), as the most common type of congenital heart disease (CHD), is mainly caused by cardiac dysplasia. Heart and neural crest derivatives expressed 2 (HAND2), as a member of the basic helix-loop-Helix (bHLH) gene family, participates in the development of the right heart. And the loss of HAND2 expression in humans is closely connected with ventricular septal defects. However, no studies have hitherto examined the association between VSD and HAND2 gene promoter. We used a case-control study to analyze the genetic variations of the HAND2 gene promoter region in VSD patients and controls. Using a variety of statistical analysis methods to analyze the association of single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) with VSD. The dual luciferase reporter assay was used to conduct functional analysis of genetic variations. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) was used to examine DNA-protein interactions. Through sequencing, we identified nine genetic variants in patients with VSD. The SNP rs2276940 G>T and rs2276941 G>A were revealed to have associations with an increased risk of VSD. The dual luciferase reporter assay showed that the SNP rs2276940 G>T and rs138531627 C>G decreased the transcriptional activity of the HADN2 gene promoter. Transcription factors (TFs) predicting suggested that all three above SNPs may change the binding of the TFs. The result of EMSA showed that rs138531627 C>G may create a new binding site for TFs while rs2276940 G>T enhanced the binding affinity for TFs. All these results indicated that genetic variants of the HAND2 gene promoter increase VSD risk by reducing HAND2 expression, and the molecular mechanism may be the change of the binding affinity of TFs.
Synthesis and crystal structure of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)-1,3-diazinan-5-ol
Authors: Rivera Augusto , Ríos-Motta Jaime , Bolte Michael
Published: June 2022

The redetermined structure of 2-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-1,3-bis(4-methoxybenzyl)-1,3-diazinan-5-ol, C26H30N2O4, at 173 K has orthorhombic (Pbca) symmetry. It was previously described by Bolte et al. [ Private Communication (refcode EWICEV). CCDC, Cambridge, England]. The title compound resulted from the condensation reaction between 1,3-bis{[(4-methoxyphenyl)methyl]amino}propan-2-ol and 2-hydroxybenzaldehyde in CH3OH. The structure exhibits disorder. One of the 4-methoxybenzyl groups, the hydroxy group bonded to the 1,3-diazinan ring, and the methyl group of the methoxy residue are disordered over two orientations, with occupancies of 0.807 (3)/0.193 (3), 0.642 (5)/0.358 (5), and 0.82 (4)/0.18 (4), respectively. The dihedral angles between the mean planes of the central 1,3-diazinan-5-ol and the 4-methoxyphenyl rings (both occupancy components of the disordered ring) are 88.65 (13), 85.79 (14) and 83.4 (7)°. The crystal packing is sustained by C—H...O and O—H...π interactions, giving rise to infinite chains running along the b-axis direction.
Five-footways: the generator of public realm in Malaysian historical urban centre
Authors: Kusumo Camelia May Li , Cho Ken Ying , Powell Robert
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Five-footways are an important feature in historical urban centres of tropical South East Asian cities. These colonnades along the rows of commercial shop houses provide comfortable pedestrian walkways. In spite of the decline of the liveability in many historical urban centres, the “kaki-lima” or five-footways in Klang Valley Malaysia are bustling and alive. Many studies have been done on kaki-lima, however it focuses mostly on historical and cultural context. There is lack of understanding on how the physical attributes of kaki-lima facilitate the liveliness of urban life. The paper aims to investigate the five-footway as the generator of public realm and to analyse the physical attributes of the five-footways that contribute to the “stickiness” of the public space.

Design/methodology/approach

The study utilized behaviour mapping to identify the sticky activity, then subsequently used Roger Barker's theory of Behaviour Settings to observe different stationary activities along the five-footways of the historical centres of Kuala Lumpur and Klang.

Findings

The findings show that all the identified behaviour settings along the five-footways are strongly characterised by tropical climate and local diverse culture. Additionally, the small architectural detail provides an important physical setting for informal activities to take a place in the five-footways.

Research limitations/implications

The study is limited only to two urban heritage districts in Malaysia, namely Kuala Lumpur and Klang.

Practical implications

The findings have the implication for the public space policy of the local municipalities, specifically for urban design policy of the five-footways. Firstly, the inclusion of five-footways should be encouraged in any new shophouse development and secondly, the policy maker should consider to retain certain physical features of the five-footways that support not only the informal economy activities but also the creation of third places in the neighbourhoods.

Originality/value

This study will contribute to the discourse of urbanism, especially in understanding the public realm in South East Asian cities. Additionally, the outcomes will assist the local municipality in developing urban design policy of the five-footways.
Influence of ground granulated blast furnace slag on the tribological characteristics of automotive brake friction materials
Authors: M. Kanagaraj , S. Babu , Raj Sudhan , N. Jonah , Fekete Gusztáv , T.V. Christy
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The main purpose of this study in the field of automotive brake friction material is to find an effective material to replace the environmentally hazardous copper in the brake pad formulation.

Design/methodology/approach

Cu is used as functional filler in various forms in the friction material formulation. Because of its hazardous impact to the aquatic life, a suitable replacement of Cu is the main focus of this research. Three novel friction composite materials using ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBFS) as a suitable alternative for Cu were developed by increasing its Wt.% from 5% to 15% in the step of 5%.

Findings

The physical, mechanical and chemical properties of the developed friction composites were tested as per the industrial standards. The tribological properties were analyzed as per SAE J661 standard using the chase test rig. Initial studies revealed that the friction composite having 5% GGBFS exhibited better physical, mechanical and chemical properties with excellent frictional performance having minimal fluctuations even at higher temperatures. Nonetheless, the results showed that the friction composite containing 15 Wt.% GGBFS revealed a better wear resistance property compared with the other two composites due to the tribo lubricating layer formation at the frictional interface. Scanning electron microscope analysis was performed to understand the wear mechanism and tribo layer formations through topography studies.

Originality/value

This paper explains the influence of GGBFS as a replacement of barytes in brake pads formulation to enhance the tribological performance.
Investigating safety and liability of autonomous vehicles: Bayesian random parameter ordered probit model analysis
Authors: Yuan Quan , Xu Xuecai , Wang Tao , Chen Yuzhi
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the safety and liability of autonomous vehicles (AVs), and identify the contributing factors quantitatively so as to provide potential insights on safety and liability of AVs.

Design/methodology/approach

The actual crash data were obtained from California DMV and Sohu websites involved in collisions of AVs from 2015 to 2021 with 210 observations. The Bayesian random parameter ordered probit model was proposed to reflect the safety and liability of AVs, respectively, as well as accommodating the heterogeneity issue simultaneously.

Findings

The findings show that day, location and crash type were significant factors of injury severity while location and crash reason were significant influencing the liability.

Originality/value

The results provide meaningful countermeasures to support the policymakers or practitioners making strategies or regulations about AV safety and liability.
Virtual study abroad: is there life after the pandemic?
Authors: Upson John W. , Bergiel Erich B.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the potential for virtual study abroad (VSA) programs to exist in a post-pandemic world. VSAs quickly grew in popularity when the COVID-19 pandemic forced the cancelation of traditional study abroad programs. Now that a return to travel appears imminent, it is uncertain whether VSAs hold sufficient value to continue as legitimate study abroad programs or whether they will be shelved until the next pandemic.

Design/methodology/approach

This study compares VSAs to short-term study abroad (STSA) programs. Drawing on extant literature, an STSA profile, based on five best practices, sets the legitimacy standard to which VSAs must rise. Based on the authors’ experience, consultations with two additional study abroad leaders and one VSA firm, VSAs are defined, and a sample profile is developed. VSAs are compared and contrasted with STSAs. Program attributes in which VSAs fall short, meet and exceed those of STSAs are identified.

Findings

VSAs meet all five study abroad best practices. Although VSAs are incapable of providing benefits specifically related to travel, VSAs meet or exceed benefits provided by STSAs in all other areas. VSAs have advantages in cost, risk, flexibility and inclusion. VSAs are legitimate substitutions to STSAs for first-year students, students who cannot travel and student types currently under-represented in study abroad programs.

Practical implications

Practical advice on managing VSAs is offered through a sample VSA program profile. Target student types are identified, program positioning is discussed and implications to universities are offered.

Originality/value

Literature on VSA is essentially non-existent. This study introduces VSA programs as an option to gain not only academic knowledge but also many of the experiential benefits of typical study abroad programs.
Robotic role theory: an integrative review of human–robot service interaction to advance role theory in the age of social robots
Authors: Blaurock Marah , Čaić Martina , Okan Mehmet , Henkel Alexander P.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

Social robots increasingly adopt service roles in the marketplace. While service research is beginning to unravel the implications for theory and practice, other scientific disciplines have amassed a wealth of empirical data of robots assuming such service roles. The purpose of this paper is to synthesize these findings from a role theory perspective with the aim of advancing role theory for human–robot service interaction (HRSI).

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic review of more than 10,000 articles revealed 149 empirical HRSI-related papers across scientific disciplines. The respective articles are analyzed employing qualitative content analysis through the lens of role theory.

Findings

This review develops an organizing structure of the HRSI literature across disciplines, delineates implications for role theory development in the age of social robots, and advances robotic role theory by providing an overarching framework and corresponding propositions. Finally, this review introduces avenues for future research.

Originality/value

This study pioneers a comprehensive review of empirical HRSI literature across disciplines adopting the lens of role theory. The study structures the body of HRSI literature, adapts traditional and derives novel propositions for role theory (i.e. robotic role theory), and delineates promising future research opportunities.
Investigation of the effects of a pre-deposition heating system on the interfacial temperature and interlayer bonding strength for fused filament fabrication
Authors: Mundada Piyush Suresh , Yang Che-Hao , Chen Roland K.
Published: June 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to propose the use of a pre-deposition heating system for fused filament fabrication (FFF) as a means to enhance interlayer bonding by elevating the substrate temperature. The effects of the heating on thermal profile at the bonding interface and the mechanical properties of three-dimensional printed parts are investigated.

Design/methodology/approach

A 12-W laser head is integrated to a commercial printer as the pre-deposition heating system. The laser beam heats up substate before the deposition of a fresh filament. Effects of laser powers are investigated and the thermal profile is measured with thermocouple, infrared camera and finite element model. The correlation between the temperature at the bonding interface and the bonding quality is investigated by conducting tensile testing and neck width measurement with microscope.

Findings

The pre-deposition heating system is proven to be effective in enhancing the inter-layer strength in FFF parts. Tensile testing of specimens along build direction (Z) shows an increase of around 50% in ultimate strength. A linear relationship is observed between the pre-deposition temperature at bond interface and bonding strength. It is evident that elevating the pre-deposition temperature promotes interlayer polymer diffusion as shown by the increased neck width between layers.

Originality/value

Thermocouples that are sandwiched between layers are used to achieve accurate measurement of the interfacial temperature. The temperature profiles under pre-deposition heating are analyzed and correlated to the interlayer bonding strengths.
Forage provision is more affected by droughts in arid and semi‐arid than in mesic rangelands
Authors: Bondaruk Viviana F. , Oñatibia Gastón R. , Fernández Roberto J. , Agüero Walter , Blanco Lisandro , Bruschetti Martín , Kröpfl Alicia , Loydi Alejandro , Pascual Jesús , Peri Pablo , Peter Guadalupe , Quiroga R. Emiliano , Yahdjian Laura
Published: June 2022

Droughts are projected to increase in magnitude, frequency and duration in the near future. In rangelands, the provision of valuable ecosystem services such as forage supply for livestock productivity is intimately linked to rainfall patterns, which makes it particularly vulnerable to droughts. Nonetheless, rangelands can differ in their sensitivity to droughts as shown by strong differences in the impacts of inter‐annual precipitation changes on vegetation productivity in different sites. The aim of this study was to assess the sensitivity to droughts of nine rangelands located across a broad aridity gradient in Argentina, South America.

We experimentally imposed comparable droughts under field conditions by reducing a fixed proportion of each incoming precipitation event within‐year during three consecutive years and tracked changes in total aboveground and forage productivity.

We found that arid and semi‐arid rangelands were more severely impaired in their forage provision by drought than mesic rangelands, that is that sensitivity to drought declined as aridity decreased. Forage productivity decreased on average by c. 50%, in arid and semi‐arid rangelands, whereas mesic sites did not exhibit significant changes between drought and control treatments. The negative impact in forage productivity of arid and semi‐arid rangelands was mainly driven by the productivity reduction of few key plant species at each site. In seven of the nine rangelands, we found detrimental effects of drought on forage productivity during the first experimental‐drought year, and in five of them the impact was further accentuated until the end of the experiment, which indicates how serious can these events be.

Synthesis and applications. Our main findings indicate that the drought‐induced impacts on forage provision are higher as aridity increases. This pattern highlights the urgent need to implement strategies to mitigate the detrimental consequences of drought, particularly in arid and semiarid rangelands, where forage provision is strongly associated with human well‐being. Management approaches focused on key forage species, such as reducing the grazing pressure during drought periods according to these species' productivity dynamics can attenuate impacts on vulnerable ecosystems, preserving the rangelands' integrity while maintaining high long‐term productivity levels.