bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Suppression of Combustion Oscillations in Hydrogen-Enriched Can-Type Combustors Through Fuel Staging
Authors: Jung Junwoo , Kim Daesik , Wang Yuangang , Park Soonbeen , Sohn Chae Hoon , Kim Minkuk , Hwang Jeongjae , Kang Dowon , Lee Wonjune , Kim Hanseok
Published: August 2024

To achieve decarbonization in power-generating gas turbines, the technology of mixing hydrogen with natural gas is garnering significant attention. However, when blending natural gas with hydrogen, the altered combustion characteristics can lead to combustion instability in gas turbine combustors. Although fuel staging can effectively suppress combustion instability for can-type combustors, further research on mitigation strategies for hydrogen cofiring and their predictive methods is required. This study involves hydrogen cofiring experiments using a full-scale can-type combustor. Moreover, the resulting suppression of combustion instability is analyzed through fuel staging by utilizing three-dimensional (3D) computational fluid dynamics (CFD) and one-dimensional (1D) thermo-acoustic analysis. The experiments used a full-scale industrial can-type combustor with a five-around-one nozzle configuration. Hydrogen was blended with natural gas up to a volume fraction of 30%, maintaining a constant thermal power. Fuel staging was applied by controlling two out of five outer nozzles (ONs) along with the remaining three. Before the 1D thermo-acoustic analysis, the internal flame structure of the combustor was examined through 3D CFD analysis. Based on the results, a multi-input multi-output (MIMO) system was constructed for 1D thermo-acoustic analysis of the can-type combustor. The application of time delays derived from 3D CFD analysis to the 1D model revealed that differences in flame time delays across the nozzles cause combustion instability suppression observed in fuel staging.
Accurate computation of quantum excited states with neural networks
Authors: Pfau David , Axelrod Simon , Sutterud Halvard , von Glehn Ingrid , Spencer James S.
Published: August 2024

We present an algorithm to estimate the excited states of a quantum system by variational Monte Carlo, which has no free parameters and requires no orthogonalization of the states, instead transforming the problem into that of finding the ground state of an expanded system. Arbitrary observables can be calculated, including off-diagonal expectations, such as the transition dipole moment. The method works particularly well with neural network ansätze, and by combining this method with the FermiNet and Psiformer ansätze, we can accurately recover excitation energies and oscillator strengths on a range of molecules. We achieve accurate vertical excitation energies on benzene-scale molecules, including challenging double excitations. Beyond the examples presented in this work, we expect that this technique will be of interest for atomic, nuclear, and condensed matter physics.
Cryolite as a Reference Mineral of Rare Metal Mineralization: An Experimental Study
Authors: Rusak A. A. , Shchekina T. I. , Zinovieva N. G. , Bychkov A. Y. , Lukanin O. A.
Published: August 2024

Phase relations and the distributions of rare earth elements (REE), Sc, Y, and Li between aluminofluoride and aluminosilicate melts in the model granite system Si–Al–Na–K–Li–F–O–H were experimentally studied at 700°C, 1 and 2 kbar, and water contents of 3 to 50 wt %. Our original and available literature experimental data on phase relations in the granite system saturated with water and fluorine and containing trace elements are compared with the mineral assemblages of rare-metal cryolite-bearing granites from the Zashikhinsky, Katugin, and Ulug-Tanzek deposits in eastern Siberia. Liquid immiscibility between granite and salt aluminofluoride melts, which occurs at high contents of fluorine and lithium in the system, is proved to facilitate the accumulation of rare elements in salt cryolite-like melts. At a temperature of 700°C and pressures of 1 and 2 kbar, aluminofluoride melt in the granite system crystallizes and forms cryolite. Fluorine-bearing minerals of trace and rare earth elements, such as pyrochlore and gagarinite, occur at these deposits in association with cryolite and lithium micas. Comparison of experimental data and natural observations provides arguments in support of the hypothesis that liquid immiscibility should play an important role in the formation of cryolite. Cryolite is thought to be able to serve as a reference mineral for rare metal-rare earth mineralization in granites with high lithium and fluorine content.
Voices of experience: what Dutch parents teach us about values and intuition in periviable decisions
Authors: de Boer Angret , De Proost Lien , de Vries Marieke , Hogeveen Marije , de Vries Martine C , Verweij E J T (Joanne) , Geurtzen Rosa
Published: August 2024

Objective

When extremely premature birth at the limits of viability is imminent, shared decision-making with parents regarding the infant’s treatment is widely recommended. Aligning decisions with parental values can be challenging. So, this study aims to get insight into (1) what values parents considered important in their decision, (2) whether their decision was based on intuition and/or rational analysis and (3) parental suggestions on how to help explore and articulate values during prenatal counselling.

Design

A qualitative study was performed among Dutch parents who experienced (imminent) extremely premature birth. Diversity was aimed for through purposive sampling. Semistructured interviews were conducted until saturation was achieved. Transcripts were coded and themes were derived from the data.

Results

Nineteen interviews were performed. Results show what parents considered important in their decision, such as the infants’ future, family life and ‘giving a chance’. Most parents made their decision more intuitively rather than rationally, for others both coexisted. Particularly fathers and parents who opted for palliative comfort care experienced the decision as rational. Parents would have liked to explore values, but found it challenging. They suggested strategies and conditions to help explore and articulate their values during counselling, such as a multidisciplinary approach.

Conclusions

Various considerations and underlying values were found to be important. Parents recognise the influence of emotions and intuition in decision-making and struggle to articulate their values, emphasising the need for guidance. Healthcare providers should engage in open, personalised discussions to facilitate value exploration, enabling informed decisions aligned with parental values.
Recurrent skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) in three family members caused by methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) with Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL) exotoxin
Authors: Reed Ashley
Published: August 2024

Three family members attended their general practice and emergency department over a 3-month period with recurrent skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) such as paronychia, submandibular carbuncle and groin and gluteal abscess requiring surgical drainage. Only when two family members were concurrently admitted with abscesses requiring drainage under general anaesthetic was the definitive diagnosis reached. The wound swabs identified methicillin-resistantStaphylococcus aureus(MRSA) and subsequent identification of the exotoxin Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL). Following MRSA decolonisation therapy with mupirocin and octenidine, only one family member has had one recurrence of an SSTI with MRSA isolated from the wound. When patients present with a history of recurrent SSTIs or a family all have had similar presentations, the clinician should consider MRSA with PVL exotoxin infection. Then patients must be referred for confirmation to ensure management is effective for the SSTI and prescribe MRSA decolonisation therapy concurrently to reduce recurrence.
Task-sharing spinal anaesthesia care in three rural Indian hospitals: a non-inferiority randomised controlled clinical trial
Authors: Menon Nandakumar , George Regi , Kataria Raman , Manoharan Ravi , Brooks Meredith B. , Pendleton Alaska , Sheshadri Veena , Chatterjee Sudarshana , Rajaleelan Wesley , Krishnan Jithen , Sandler Simone , Saluja Saurabh , Ljungman David , Raykar Nakul , Svensson Emma , Wasserman Isaac , Zorigtbaatar Anudari , Jesudian Gnanaraj , Afshar Salim , Meara John G , Peters Alexander W , McClain Craig D
Published: August 2024

Background

Task-sharing of spinal anaesthesia care by non-specialist graduate physicians, termed medical officers (MOs), is commonly practised in rural Indian healthcare facilities to mitigate workforce constraints. We sought to assess whether spinal anaesthesia failure rates of MOs were non-inferior to those of consultant anaesthesiologists (CA) following a standardised educational curriculum.

Methods

We performed a randomised, non-inferiority trial in three rural hospitals in Tamil Nadu and Chhattisgarh, India. Patients aged over 18 years with low perioperative risk (ASA I & II) were randomised to receive MO or CA care. Prior to the trial, MOs underwent task-based anaesthesia training, inclusive of remotely accessed lectures, simulation-based training and directly observed anaesthetic procedures and intraoperative care. The primary outcome measure was spinal anaesthesia failure with a non-inferiority margin of 5%. Secondary outcome measures consisted of incidence of perioperative and postoperative complications.

Findings

Between 12 July 2019 and 8 June 2020, a total of 422 patients undergoing surgical procedures amenable to spinal anaesthesia care were randomised to receive either MO (231, 54.7%) or CA care (191, 45.2%). Spinal anaesthesia failure rate for MOs (7, 3.0%) was non-inferior to those of CA (5, 2.6%); difference in success rate of 0.4% (95% CI=0.36–0.43%; p=0.80). Additionally, there were no statistically significant differences observed between the two groups for intraoperative or postoperative complications, or patients’ experience of pain during the procedure.

Interpretation

This study demonstrates that failure rates of spinal anaesthesia care provided by trained MOs are non-inferior to care provided by CAs in low-risk surgical patients. This may support policy measures that use task-sharing as a means of expanding anaesthesia care capacity in rural Indian hospitals.

Trial registration number

NCT04438811.
Multimorbidity and adverse outcomes following emergency department attendance: population based cohort study
Authors: Blayney Michael C , Reed Matthew J , Masterson John A , Anand Atul , Bouamrane Matt M , Fleuriot Jacques , Luz Saturnino , Lyall Marcus J , Mercer Stewart , Mills Nicholas L , Shenkin Susan D , Walsh Timothy S , Wild Sarah H , Wu Honghan , McLachlan Stela , Guthrie Bruce , Lone Nazir I
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To describe the effect of multimorbidity on adverse patient centred outcomes in people attending emergency department.

Design

Population based cohort study.

Setting

Emergency departments in NHS Lothian in Scotland, from 1 January 2012 to 31 December 2019.

Participants

Adults (≥18 years) attending emergency departments.

Data sources

Linked data from emergency departments, hospital discharges, and cancer registries, and national mortality data.

Main outcome measures

Multimorbidity was defined as at least two conditions from the Elixhauser comorbidity index. Multivariable logistic or linear regression was used to assess associations of multimorbidity with 30 day mortality (primary outcome), hospital admission, reattendance at the emergency department within seven days, and time spent in emergency department (secondary outcomes). Primary analysis was stratified by age (<65 v≥65 years).

Results

451 291 people had 1 273 937 attendances to emergency departments during the study period. 43 504 (9.6%) had multimorbidity, and people with multimorbidity were older (median 73v43 years), more likely to arrive by emergency ambulance (57.8%v23.7%), and more likely to be triaged as very urgent (23.5%v9.2%) than people who do not have multimorbidity. After adjusting for other prognostic covariates, multimorbidity, compared with no multimorbidity, was associated with higher 30 day mortality (8.2%v1.2%, adjusted odds ratio 1.81 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.72 to 1.91)), higher rate of hospital admission (60.1%v20.5%, 1.81 (1.76 to 1.86)), higher reattendance to an emergency department within seven days (7.8%v3.5%, 1.41 (1.32 to 1.50)), and longer time spent in the department (adjusted coefficient 0.27 h (95% CI 0.26 to 0.27)). The size of associations between multimorbidity and all outcomes were larger in younger patients: for example, the adjusted odds ratio of 30 day mortality was 3.03 (95% CI 2.68 to 3.42) in people younger than 65 years versus 1.61 (95% CI 1.53 to 1.71) in those 65 years or older.

Conclusions

Almost one in ten patients presenting to emergency department had multimorbidity using Elixhauser index conditions. Multimorbidity was strongly associated with adverse outcomes and these associations were stronger in younger people. The increasing prevalence of multimorbidity in the population is likely to exacerbate strain on emergency departments unless practice and policy evolve to meet the growing demand.
Evidence on psychometric properties of self-report questionnaires in evaluating blended learning in health sciences university students: research protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Dones Valentin C , Dalusong Ma Teresita B , Manlapaz Donald , Rojas Juan Alfonso , Ho Kaela Celine , Reyes Jose Joaquin , Sangatanan Lianna Bartolo , Narcelles Audrey Marie , Ballesteros Ma Bianca Beatriz P , Flores Ron Kevin Santos , Monreal Jose Angelo
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, schools had to switch online. As universities ease face-to-face (F2F) schooling, blended teaching and learning (BTL) enables the continuous delivery of education. However, the sudden transition to BTL poses challenges for students and teachers, especially for health sciences programmes that require hands-on practical experience. Several studies have evaluated F2F teaching and learning contexts through student feedback and evaluations. However, there needs to be more reliable and valid self-report questionnaires that focus on the perceptions and experiences of students experiencing BTL. This study will critically appraise, compare and summarise the quality of self-report questionnaires evaluating BTL among health science university students based on their psychometric properties.

Methods and analysis

A systematic review and meta-analysis design will be used. This review will adhere to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis Protocols and follow the COnsensus-based Standards for the selection of health Measurement INstruments (COSMIN) standardised guidelines. 13 databases will be searched for studies reporting BTL self-report questionnaires as evaluation tools with their respective psychometric properties. Two independent reviewers will appraise the paper using the COSMIN risk of bias checklist and the quality of evidence of the psychometric properties of the relevant questionnaires will be assessed using the modified Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Based on their psychometric properties, these assessments will comprehensively summarise and present the best recommendations for the most appropriate self-report questionnaires for BTL evaluation.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of the Philippines’ Research Grants Administration Office exempted this research protocol from ethics review evaluation (protocol number UPMREB 2022–0259-EX) since this study will not collect individual data. The research protocol was registered with PROSPERO. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conferences to aid researchers and professionals in the field of health education to prudently choose effective self-report questionnaires evaluating blended learning.

CRD42022372362.
Nutritional support in hospitalised patients with diabetes and risk for malnutrition: a secondary analysis of an investigator-initiated, Swiss, randomised controlled multicentre trial
Authors: Keller Bettina , Wunderle Carla , Tribolet Pascal , Stanga Zeno , Kaegi-Braun Nina , Mueller Beat , Schuetz Philipp
Published: August 2024

Objectives

The main objective of this study was to investigate the effects of nutritional support on mortality in hospitalised patients with diabetes and nutritional risk participating in theEffect of early nutritional support on Frailty, Functional Outcomes, and Recovery of malnourished medical inpatients Trial(EFFORT) trial.

Design

Secondary analysis of a Swiss-wide multicentre, randomised controlled trial.

Participants

Patients with diabetes and risk for malnutrition.

Interventions

Individualised nutritional support versus usual care.

Primary outcome measure

30-day all-cause mortality.

Results

Of the 2028 patients included in the original trial, 445 patients were diagnosed with diabetes and included in this analysis. In terms of efficacy of nutritional therapy, there was a 25% lower risk for mortality in patients with diabetes receiving nutritional support compared with controls (7% vs 10%, adjusted HR 0.75 (95% CI 0.39 to 1.43)), a finding that was not statistically significant but similar to the overall trial effects with no evidence of interaction (p=0.92). Regarding safety of nutritional therapy, there was no increase in diabetes-specific complications associated with nutritional support, particularly there was no increase in risk for hyperglycaemia (adjusted OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.56 to 1.67 p=0.90).

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes and malnutrition in the hospital setting have a particularly high risk for adverse outcomes and mortality. Individualised nutritional support reduced mortality in this secondary analysis of a randomized trial, but this effect was not significant calling for further large-scale trials in this vhighly ulnerable patient population.

Trial registration number

NCT02517476.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of three different interventions on older driver safety over a 12-month period: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hansen Abigail , Eramudugolla Ranmalee , Kiely Kim M , Delbaere Kim , Bédard Michel , Brown Julie , Clare Linda , Lung Thomas , Wood Joanne M , Anstey Kaarin J
Published: August 2024

Introduction

The growing population of older drivers presents challenges for road safety attributed to age-related declines and increased crash fatality rates. However, enabling older people to maintain their health and independence through continued safe driving is important. This study focuses on the urgent need for cost-effective interventions that reduce crash risk while supporting older drivers to remain driving safely for longer. Our study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of three behavioural interventions for older driver safety. These include an online road-rules refresher workshop, tailored feedback on driving performance and two tailored driving lessons.

Methods and analysis

A single-blind three-parallel group superiority randomised controlled trial will be conducted with 198 urban licensed drivers aged 65 years and older, allowing for 4% attrition. This sample size provides 80% power to detect a difference with an alpha of 0.05. Participants will be selected based on a standardised on-road test that identifies them as moderately unsafe drivers. Interventions, spanning a 3-month period, aim to improve driving safety. Their effectiveness will be assessed through a standardised on-road assessment of driving safety at 3 months (T1) and 12 months postintervention (T2). Additionally, monthly self-reported driving diaries will provide data on crashes and incidents.

This trial has the potential to identify cost-effective approaches for improving safety for older drivers and contribute to evidence-based health policy, clinical practice and guidelines.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained by the University of New South Wales Human Research Ethics Committee (HC190439, 22 August 2019). The results of the study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and research conferences.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12622001515785.
Aortic root enlargement versus stentless valve implantation for avoidance of patient-prosthesis mismatch in patients with small aortic root: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Meneas Christophe , Voisine Pierre , Mestres Carlos , Sall Fatouma , Kabore Remi , N'guessan Anon , Yangni-Angate Herve , Mohammadi Siamak , Dagenais François
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Avoiding patient-prosthesis mismatch (PPM) in patients with small aortic annulus (SAA) during aortic valve replacement (AVR) is still a challenging surgical problem. Among surgical options available, aortic root enlargement (ARE) and stentless valve implantation (SVI) are the two most commonly used strategies. This systematic review will be conducted searching for superiority evidence based on comparative studies between these two options.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will include all relevant articles published from 1 January 1946 to 31 March 2024, with available full texts from Medline (Ovid), Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases, without any language restriction. Observational studies and randomised controlled trials comparing surgical results of ARE versus SVI for AVR in patients with small aortic root will be screened. Studies will be classified into three groups: group 1 for studies that reported SVI or other tissue valve outcomes without comparing them with ARE outcomes; group 2 for studies that reported ARE outcomes without comparing them with SVI outcomes; and group 3 for studies that compared ARE outcomes with SVI outcomes. The quality of the evidence of each study will be evaluated according to Oxford Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine criteria.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval is not required because no primary data are collected. The findings will be presented at scientific conferences and/or reported in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

Trial registration number

PROSPERO, CRD42023383793.
Clinical manifestations and treatment outcomes among hospitalised COVID-19 patients in tertiary hospitals in Tanzania, 2021–2022: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Osati Elisha Fred Otieno , Shayo Grace Ambrose , Sangeda Raphael Z , Nagu Tumaini Joseph , Moshiro Candida , Adams Naveeda , Ramadhani Athumani , Wajanga Bahati , Muniko Albert , Seni Jeremiah , Nicholaus Mary A , Nyaisonga Gervas , Mbije Christian , Meda John Robson , Rainer Denis , Nkya Martha Elisande , Mhame Paulo , Samwel Lucy , Vumilia Liggyle , Shekalaghe Seif , Kilonzo Kajiru G , Makubi Abel
Published: August 2024

Background

There have been differential mortality rates from COVID-19 in different parts of the world. It is not clear whether the clinical presentation does also differ, thus the need for this study in a sub-Saharan African setting. The aim of this study was to describe the clinical manifestations and outcomes of patients diagnosed with COVID-19 in selected tertiary hospitals in Tanzania.

Methods

This was a retrospective analysis of hospitalised adults confirmed SAR-COV-2 infection in five tertiary-level hospitals in Tanzania. Data collected and analysed included sociodemographic, radiological and clinical characteristics of the patients as well as the outcome of the admission (discharge vs death).

Results

Out of 1387 COVID-19 patients, 52% were males. The median age was 60 years ((IQR)=(19–102)). The most common symptoms were dyspnoea (943,68%), cough (889, 64%), fever (597,43%) and fatigue (570, 41%). In-hospital mortality was (476, 34%). Mortality significantly increased with increasing age, being the most in age >90 years (aHR (95% CI)=4.4 (2.52 to 28.82), p=0.02). Other predictors of mortality were not possessing a health insurance, (aHR (95% CI)=3.7 (1.09 to 14.25), p=0.04); chest pain, (aHR (95% CI)=2.27 (1.36 to 4.13), p=0.03); HIV positivity, (aHR (95% CI)=3.9 (1.46 to 8.15), p=0.03); neutrophilia, (aHR (95% CI)=1.12 (1.01 to 2.65), p=0.03); no use of ivermectin, (aHR (95% CI)=1.21 (1.04 to 1.57), p=0.04) and non-use of steroids, (aHR (95% CI)=1.36 (1.18 to 2.78), p=0.04). The retrospective nature of this study which based on documented patients’ records, with a large number of patients left out of the analysis due to missed data, this might in a way affect the results of the present study.

Conclusion

In-hospital mortality was 34%. The independent predictors of mortality were advanced age, HIV infection, no possession of a health insurance, chest pain, neutrophilia and no use of steroids or ivermectin.
Contacts with health services for COVID-19-related reasons during the first wave of the pandemic in Portugal: a longitudinal study
Authors: Granja Mónica , Correia Daniela , Alves Luís , Severo Milton , Lucas Raquel , Correia Sofia
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Access to COVID-19-related care during the pandemic deserve attention and study to inform future strategies to deal with similar health emergencies in the future. We aimed to describe access to care for COVID-19-related reasons during the first 9 weeks of the pandemic in Portugal, to quantify the frequency of remote and in-person contacts with healthcare for COVID-19-related reasons and to assess the association between individual and context characteristics and contacts with health services.

Methods

We conducted an internet-based open cohort study with a non-probabilistic sample of 12 006 persons aged 16 years or more. One questionnaire was sent daily from 23 March 2020 for 9 weeks.

Results

General practitioners (GPs) were the main points of contact of patients with health services for COVID-19-related reasons. In our population, the main drivers found for any difference in the probability of contact with health services for COVID-19-related reasons were perceived high-risk contacts, followed by the existence of COVID-19 main symptoms. There were 17% more (0.17, 95% CI 0.15 to 0.18) contacts with health services among participants who reported personal contact with a confirmed case, 7% more (0.07, 95%CI 0.06 to 0.07) contacts if the contact had been with a suspected case and 6% more (0.06, 95%CI 0.05 to 0.07) contacts among participants who reported COVID-19 main symptoms in the previous 24 hours. Sociodemographic and household factors were not associated with major differences in healthcare contacts. The probability of contact with any health service for COVID-19-related reasons was highest at the beginning of the pandemic.

Conclusion

Most contacts with health services for COVID-19-related reasons during the first wave of the pandemic were with GPs, highlighting the role of first-contact care with these clinicians in Portuguese Primary Care, particularly in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. Sociodemographic and household factors were not associated with major risk differences, suggesting that universal coverage and equity worked in our study sample at this pandemic stage.
DOSage of Exercise for chronic low back pain disorders (DOSE): protocol for a systematic review with dose-response network meta-analysis
Authors: Arora Nitin Kumar , Donath Lars , Owen Patrick J , Miller Clint T , Kaczorowski Svenja , Saueressig Tobias , Pedder Hugo , Mundell Niamh L , Tagliaferri Scott D , Diwan Ashish , Chen Xiaolong , Zhao Xiaohui , Huessler Eva-Maria , Ehrenbrusthoff Katja , Ford Jon J , Hahne Andrew J. , Hammel Ludwig , Norda Heike , Belavy Daniel L
Published: August 2024

Chronic low back disorders are the leading cause of direct and indirect healthcare burden globally. Exercise training improves pain intensity, mental health and physical function. However, the optimal prescription variables are unknown. We aim to compare the efficacy of various exercise dosages for chronic low back disorders to identify the optimal prescription variables. Six databases (Medline, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, PsycINFO, EMBASE and CENTRAL), trial registries (ClinicalTrials.gov and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform) and reference lists of prior systematic reviews will be searched, and we will conduct forward and backward citation tracking. We will include peer-reviewed randomised controlled trials (individual, cluster or cross-over trials) published in English or German language comparing exercise training to other exercise training or non-exercise training interventions (conservative, non-surgical, non-pharmacological, non-invasive treatments, placebo, sham, usual/standard care, no-treatment control, waitlist control) in adults with chronic low back disorders. Outcomes will include pain intensity, disability, mental health, adverse events, adherence rate, dropout rate and work capacity. Version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool will be employed. The dose will be categorised as cumulative dose (total and weekly minutes of exercise training) and individual dose prescription variables (intervention duration, session duration, frequency and intensity). Dose-response model-based network meta-analysis will be used to assess the comparative efficacy of different exercise doses to determine a dose–response relationship. The certainty of evidence will be assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Information about optimal exercise training dosage will help in enhancing treatment outcomes.
Activity levels across the intensity spectrum in athletes: a systematic review protocol
Authors: Capin Jacob John , Ridgers Nicola D , Street Jena Heck , Fial Alissa , Tomkinson Grant R
Published: August 2024

Physical activity (PA) promotes better cardiometabolic health, physical function, brain health and longevity. In contrast, prolonged sedentary behaviour (SB) is a risk factor for many chronic diseases and poor health. Limited research has evaluated or synthesised how competitive sports participation influences PA across the lifespan. Some evidence suggests, ironically, that former competitive athletes may be insufficiently active and current athletes may be highly sedentary away from sport. This study describes the protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis on activity levels across the intensity spectrum in athletes, addressing the primary research question: is sports participation significantly associated with PA and/or SB among current and former competitive athletes? PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus databases will be searched. Two reviewers will independently screen titles/abstracts and full texts of selected abstracts. Data will be extracted regarding the study population, sport played, PA measures and protocols, outcomes of interest and findings. Primary outcomes will include step counts, daily activity across the intensity spectrum (ie, sedentary, light, moderate and vigorous PA), metabolic equivalent of task and whole-day energy expenditure. Secondary outcomes will include additional accelerometry measures of PA, activity patterns and self-reported PA. The risk of bias will be assessed using the National Institutes of Health Study Quality Assessment Tools. Extracted data will be presented using narrative synthesis and tabular presentation. Meta-analyses will be conducted to determine outcomes with sufficient data.PROSPERO registration number:CRD42024469267.
From onset to blindness: a comprehensive analysis of
RPGR
-associated X-linked retinopathy in a large cohort in China
Authors: Wu Jiawen , Li Junfeng , Zhang Daowei , Liu Hongli , Li Ting , Xu Ping , Zhao Yingke , Li Chenchen , Hu Fangyuan , Li Qian , Zhang Shenghai , Wu Ji-Hong
Published: August 2024

Background

Variants in the
RPGR
are the leading cause of X-linked retinopathies (XLRPs). Further in-depth investigation is needed to understand the natural history.

Methods

Review of all case records, molecular genetic testing results, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), retinal imaging data (including fundus autofluorescence imaging and optical coherence tomography (OCT)), static visual field (VF) assessments and full-field electroretinogram.

Results

Genetic testing was conducted on 104 male patients from 89 family pedigrees, identifying 22 novel variants and 1 de novo variant. The initial symptoms appeared in 78.2% of patients at a median age of 5 years. BCVA declined at a mean rate of 0.02 (IQR, 0–0.04) logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution per year, with a gradual, non-linear decrease over the first 40 years. Autofluorescence imaging revealed macular atrophy at a median age of 36.1 (IQR, 29.9–43.2) years. Patients experienced blindness at a median age of 42.5 (IQR, 32.9–45.2) years according to WHO visual impairment categories. OCT analysis showed a mean ellipsoid zone narrowing rate of 23.3 (IQR, −1.04–22.29) µm/month, with an accelerated reduction in the first 40 years (p<0.01). The median age at which ERG no longer detected a waveform was 26.5 (IQR, 20.5–32.8) years. Comparison by variant location indicated faster progression in patients with exon 1–14 variants during the initial two decades, while those with ORF15 variants showed accelerated progression from the third decade.

Conclusions

We provide a foundation for determining the treatment window and an objective basis for evaluating the therapeutic efficacy of gene therapy for XLRP.
Prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) examined in the trauma population
Authors: Schwartz Barrett , Nguyen Vincent , Barats Michael , Motiwala Mustafa , Himel Sean , Weatherford David M , Inoa-Acosta Violiza , Goyal Nitin , Khan Nickalus R , Hoit Daniel , Elijovich Lucas , Arthur Adam S , Nickele Christopher
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous data on the prevalence of unruptured intracranial aneurysms (UIAs) vary widely, and studies based on these data are plagued with unintentional bias. Accurate prevalence data are paramount for any physician who counsels patients with intracranial aneurysms on rupture risk and treatment. We therefore sought to determine a more accurate number for the true prevalence of UIAs.

Methods

A retrospective chart review was conducted at a level 1 trauma center and tertiary care hospital in an urban setting between 2019 and 2020. Inclusion criteria included patients admitted with blunt trauma. Exclusion criteria included not having a head and neck CTA performed and read by an attending radiologist. All head and neck CTA radiology reads were reviewed for incidentally discovered UIAs. Subgroup analysis was performed by age group, race, and gender.

Results

A total of 5978 out of 8999 patients met the inclusion criteria, and 54 patients with 58 total aneurysms were identified giving an overall prevalence of 0.9%. Subgroup analysis was performed for all age groups, genders, and racial groups.

Conclusion

The overall aneurysm prevalence was found to be 0.9% in this sample. This rate is lower than rates previously cited in the literature and those quoted in local practice. This finding has significant implications when attempting to understand average rupture risk. Further studies are needed to power more subgroup analyses to use a more personalized approach to understanding an individual’s risk of rupture.
Effects of systemic lupus erythematosus on the brain: a systematic review of structural MRI findings and their relationships with cognitive dysfunction
Authors: Valdés Cabrera Diana , El Tal Tala , Mohamed Ibrahim , Arciniegas Santiago Eduardo , Fevrier Stephanie , Ledochowski Justine , Knight Andrea M
Published: August 2024

Background

Cognitive dysfunction (CD) is highly prevalent in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), yet the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Neuroimaging utilising advanced MRI metrics may yield mechanistic insights. We conducted a systematic review of neuroimaging studies to investigate the relationship between structural and diffusion MRI metrics and CD in SLE.

Methods

We systematically searched several databases between January 2000 and October 2023 according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Retrospective and prospective studies were screened for search criteria keywords (including structural or diffusion MRI, cognitive function and SLE) to identify peer-reviewed articles reporting advanced structural MRI metrics and evaluating CD in human patients with SLE.

Results

Eighteen studies (8 structural MRI, 9 diffusion MRI and 1 with both modalities) were included; sample sizes ranged from 11 to 120 participants with SLE. Neurocognitive assessments and neuroimaging techniques, parameters and processing differed across articles. The most frequently affected cognitive domains were memory, psychomotor speed and attention; while abnormal structural and/or diffusion MRI metrics were found more consistently in the hippocampus, corpus callosum and frontal cortex of patients with SLE, with and without clinically diagnosed central nervous system involvement.

Conclusion

Advanced structural MRI analysis can identify total and regional brain abnormalities associated with CD in patients with SLE, with potential to enhance clinical assessment. Future collaborative, longitudinal studies of neuroimaging in SLE are needed to better characterise CD, with focus on harmonised neurocognitive assessments, neuroimaging acquisitions and postprocessing analyses and improved clinical characterisation of SLE cohorts.
Incidence, trends and factors associated with psychological injury among health and social care workers in New South Wales, Australia: a retrospective cohort study of workers’ compensation claims
Authors: Gelaw Asmare Yitayeh , Sheehan Luke , Gray Shannon Elise , Collie Alex
Published: August 2024

Objectives

To describe and compare the incidence and trends of workers’ compensation (WC) claims for psychological injury: (1) between health and social care (HSC) industry and other industries; (2) among specific occupations in the HSC industry; and (3) to determine if psychological injury claim rates differ by age and gender in the HSC industry and among specific occupations.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using data from the New South Wales WC system. Workers with accepted psychological injury claims between July 2012 and June 2021 were included. Negative binomial regression models were employed to estimate incidence rate ratios and 95% CIs.

Results

The HSC industry had a higher incidence (2.4 per 1000 workers) than all other industries combined (1.1 per 1000 workers). In the HSC industry, the incidence increased from 1.8 in 2013–2015 to 3.4 in 2019–2021. Ambulance officers had the highest incidence (24.9 per 1000 workers) and the highest growth rate. Nurses and midwives, and aged and disability care workers also had fast-growing incidence over the 9 years. Risk of psychological injury claims was highest among female workers and older adults.

Conclusions

The increasing incidence and trend of psychological injury claims among HSC workers in New South Wales signify a growing public health issue. Greater efforts are needed to prevent work-related psychological injury in the HSC industry and support affected workers. The different patterns of psychological injury claims across occupations suggest that interventions should be tailored to each occupational group.
Characteristics of and engagement with URL resources shared among online vaping communities on Reddit
Authors: Rohde Jacob A , Muro Abigail H , D'Angelo Heather
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Reddit is a popular social media platform for sharing information about vaping. Little is known about the types of external resources that Reddit users in vaping communities share and engage with.

Methods

We analysed 2315 posts containing uniform resource locators (URLs) published to vaping communities on Reddit between November 2021 and October 2022. We coded URLs into eight mutually exclusive domain types. A mixed-effects Poisson regression model examined whether domain type was associated with user engagement (ie, number of unique commenters).

Results

Posts contained links to social media (35%), image hosting (31%), vaping-related commerce (19%), eJuice (12%), general vaping (6%), news (2%) and research (1%) URL domains. There were 237 unique vaping-related commerce domains (eg, ziipstock.com). The average number of commenters per post was 5.43 (SD=8.04). The rate of commenters was higher for posts sharing research (adjusted rate ratio (aRR) 1.74, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.36) and news (aRR 1.56, 95% CI 1.02 to 2.38) domains compared with vape-related commerce domains.

Conclusion

Reddit users in vaping communities share and interact with a variety of external resources. The >200 different vaping-related commerce domains in our sample speak to the breadth and availability of websites that Reddit users (perhaps even those underage) may be using to browse and purchase vaping devices.
Critical remarks on Finslerian modified gravity
Authors: Nekouee Z. , Narasimhamurthy S. K.
Published: August 2024

We disagree with the analysis presented in the paper entitled “Finslerian extension of an anisotropic strange star in the domain of modified gravity” (by Sourav Roy Chowdhury et al., published in Eur Phys J C 84:472, 2024). They applied the Finsler space-time to develop the Einstein field equations in the extension of modified geometry. According to the Finsler metric structure, they have considered $$\overline{Ric}>1$$

Ric

¯

>
1

to develop a stable physical system and have also shown that the Finslerian background is a strong candidate for describing the compact system.
$$X_0(2900)$$ and $$\chi _{c0}(3930)$$ in process $$B^+\rightarrow D^+ D^- K^+$$
Authors: Ding Zuo-Ming , Huang Qi , He Jun
Published: August 2024

This study investigates the nature of the $$X_0(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$\chi _{c0}(3930)$$

χ

c
0

(
3930
)

based on experimental results of the process $$B^+$$

B
+

$$\rightarrow $$
→
$$D^+ D^- K^+$$

D
+

D
-

K
+

. We focus on the S-wave $$D^{*-}K^{*+}$$

D

∗
-

K

∗
+

and $$D_s^+D_s^-$$

D
s
+

D
s
-

molecular states, which can be related to the $$X_0(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$\chi _{c0}(3930)$$

χ

c
0

(
3930
)

, respectively. Using effective Lagrangians, we construct the potential kernel of the $$D^{*-}K^{*+}$$

D

∗
-

K

∗
+

–$$D^{-}K^{+}$$

D
-

K
+

and $$D_s^+D_s^-$$

D
s
+

D
s
-

–$$D^+D^-$$

D
+

D
-

interactions with a one-boson-exchange model, and determine the scattering amplitudes and their poles through a quasipotential Bethe–Salpeter equation approach. By incorporating the potential kernel into the three-body decay process $$B^+$$

B
+

$$\rightarrow $$
→
$$D^+ D^- K^+$$

D
+

D
-

K
+

, we evaluate the $$D^-K^+$$

D
-

K
+

and $$D^+D^-$$

D
+

D
-

invariant mass spectra, as well as the Dalitz plot, using Monte Carlo simulation. A satisfactory fit to the $$D^-K^+$$

D
-

K
+

and $$D^+D^-$$

D
+

D
-

invariant mass spectra is achieved after introducing additional Breit–Wigner resonances, $$X_1(2900)$$

X
1

(
2900
)

, $$\psi (3770)$$

ψ
(
3770
)

, and $$\chi _{c2}(3930)$$

χ

c
2

(
3930
)

. Prominent signals of the $$X_0(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$\chi _{c0}(3930)$$

χ

c
0

(
3930
)

states appear as peaks in the $$D^-K^+$$

D
-

K
+

and $$D^+D^-$$

D
+

D
-

invariant mass spectra near 2900 and 3930 MeV, respectively. Clear event concentration from the $$X_0(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$\chi _0(3930)$$

χ
0

(
3930
)

is evident as strips in the Dalitz plot. The results suggest that both $$X_0(2900)$$

X
0

(
2900
)

and $$\chi _{c0}(3930)$$

χ

c
0

(
3930
)

can be interpreted as molecular states, with the inclusion of $$X_1(2900)$$

X
1

(
2900
)

and $$\chi _2(3930)$$

χ
2

(
3930
)

necessary to describe structures in the $$D^-K^+$$

D
-

K
+

and $$D^+D^-$$

D
+

D
-

invariant mass spectra, respectively.
Optimization by linear kinetic equations and mean-field Langevin dynamics
Authors: Pareschi Lorenzo
Published: August 2024

One of the most striking examples of the close connections between global optimization processes and statistical physics is the simulated annealing method, inspired by the famous Monte Carlo algorithm devised by Metropolis et al. in the middle of last century. In this paper, we show how the tools of linear kinetic theory allow the description of this gradient-free algorithm from the perspective of statistical physics and how convergence to the global minimum can be related to classical entropy inequalities. This analysis highlights the strong link between linear Boltzmann equations and stochastic optimization methods governed by Markov processes. Thanks to this formalism, we can establish the connections between the simulated annealing process and the corresponding mean-field Langevin dynamics characterized by a stochastic gradient descent approach. Generalizations to other selection strategies in simulated annealing that avoid the acceptance–rejection dynamic are also provided.
Existence results for the time-incremental elastic contact problem with Coulomb friction in 2D
Authors: Ballard Patrick , Iurlano Flaviana
Published: August 2024

In this paper, the structure of the incremental quasistatic contact problem with Coulomb friction in linear elasticity (Signorini–Coulomb problem) is unraveled and sharp existence results are proved for the most general two-dimensional problem with arbitrary geometry and elasticity modulus tensor. The problem is reduced to a variational inequality involving a nonlinear operator which handles both elasticity and friction. This operator is proved to fall into the class of the so-called Leray–Lions operators, so that a result of BrÃ©zis can be invoked to solve the variational inequality. It turns out that one property in the definition of Leray–Lions operators is difficult to check and requires proving a new fine property of the linear elastic Neumann-to-Dirichlet operator. This fine property is only established in the case of the two-dimensional problem, limiting currently our existence result to that case. In the case of isotropic elasticity, either homogeneous or heterogeneous, the existence of solutions to the Signorini–Coulomb problem is proved for arbitrarily large friction coefficient. In the case of anisotropic elasticity, an example of nonexistence of a solution for large friction coefficient is exhibited and the existence of solutions is proved under an optimal condition for the friction coefficient.
The small deborah number limit for the fluid-particle flows: Incompressible case
Authors: Fang Zhendong , Qi Kunlun , Wen Huanyao
Published: August 2024

This work is devoted to the study of the hydrodynamic limit for the fluid-particle flows governed by the Vlasov–Fokker–Planck (VFP) equation coupled with the incompressible Navier–Stokes (INS) equation as the Deborah number approaches to zero. The limit is valid globally in time provided that the initial perturbation is small in a neighborhood of a steady state. The proof is based on a formal derivation of the limiting system via the Hilbert approach, followed by a rigorous justification via introducing a novel decomposition involving some macroscopic quantities and a refined energy estimate motivated by macro–micro decomposition. In contrast to the existing results for the same scaled model, the present work provides the first one on the hydrodynamic limits in a strong sense with an explicit convergence rate.
A duality and free boundary approach to adverse selection
Authors: McCann Robert J. , Zhang Kelvin Shuangjian
Published: August 2024

Adverse selection is a version of the principal-agent problem that includes monopolist nonlinear pricing, where a monopolist with known costs seeks a profit-maximizing price menu facing a population of potential consumers whose preferences are known only in the aggregate. For multidimensional spaces of agents and products, Rochet and Choné (Econometrica, 1998) reformulated this problem as a concave maximization over the set of convex functions, by assuming agent preferences combine bilinearity in the product and agent parameters with a quasilinear sensitivity to prices. We characterize solutions to this problem by identifying a dual minimization problem. This duality allows us to reduce the solution of the square example of Rochet–Choné to a novel free boundary problem, giving the first analytical description of an overlooked market segment.