bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total lipid concentration of hairs increases after successful attenuation of extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs
Authors: Devriendt Nausikaa , Rodrigues Tania C. Nunes , Vandenabeele Sophie , Paepe Dominique , Stock Emmelie , de Rooster Hilde
Published: May 2022

Background

Skin and coat quality can reflect nutritional deficiencies in humans and dogs with liver diseases.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Determine skin and coat quality based on a scoring protocol and skin biopsies in dogs with an extrahepatic portosystemic shunt (EHPSS), and determine total lipid concentrations in hairs of dogs at time of surgery and 3 months after successful shunt closure.

Animals

Ten client‐owned dogs that underwent successful gradual attenuation of EHPSS, as defined by transsplenic portal scintigraphy, were included.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort study was performed. All dogs underwent gradual attenuation of the EHPSS. Skin and coat scoring was performed at diagnosis, surgery, and 1 and 3 months postoperatively. Hair was plucked from the lumbar region for total lipid analysis and an 8 mm punch skin biopsy was taken at time of surgery and 3 months postoperatively, when the dogs underwent transsplenic portal scintigraphy to determine EHPSS closure.

Results

No significant differences were observed in skin and coat scoring over time. Total lipid concentrations of hairs increased significantly from surgery to 3 months postoperatively [30 μg/mg hair (13–56 μg/mg hair) to 47 μg/mg hair (25–63 μg/mg hair); p = 0.005]. Skin biopsies showed the presence of significantly more scales 3 months postoperatively (p = 0.018).

Conclusions and clinical relevance

A significant increase in total lipid concentrations in hairs suggests that successful surgical attenuation of EHPSS improves either intestinal absorption of lipids, fat metabolism in the liver, or a combination of both.
Comparative evaluation of efficacy and safety of automated versus manual red cell exchange in sickle cell disease: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mukherjee Somnath , Sahu Ansuman , Ray Gopal Krushna , Maiti Rituparna , Prakash Satya
Published: May 2022

Background and Objectives

Exchange transfusion is a valuable treatment option in sickle cell disease (SCD) and is preferred over simple transfusion as it removes abnormal haemoglobin S (HbS) levels and reduces complications. This meta‐analysis aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety profile of automated red cell exchange (aRBX) procedure over manual red cell exchange transfusion (MET) in SCD patients.

Materials and Methods

A standard meta‐analysis protocol was developed, and after performing a comprehensive literature search in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane and International Clinical Trial Registry Platform (ICTRP), reviewers assessed eligibility and extracted data from nine relevant studies. A random effects model was used to estimate the pooled effect size calculated from the mean difference in HbS percentage, serum ferritin level and risk ratio for the adverse events. Quality assessment was done using the risk‐of‐bias assessment tool, and a summary of observations was prepared using standard Cochrane methodology with GradePro GDT.

Results

The random‐model analysis revealed a mean difference of 4.10 (95% CI: −3.29–11.49; Z = 1.09; p = 0.28) for HbS percentage, mean difference of 435.29 (95% CI: −73.74–944.32; Z = 1.68; p = 0.09) for serum ferritin and pooled risk ratio of 1.35 (95% CI: 0.63–2.87; Z = 0.77; p = 0.44) for adverse events.

Conclusion

This meta‐analysis did not reveal any significant benefit of aRBX in reducing HbS percentage and attenuating the serum ferritin level when compared with MET. There was also no significant increased risk of adverse events detected in association with aRBX.
Systematic review of patient education for pressure injury: Evidence to guide practice
Authors: Thomas Deena Clare , Chui Ping Lei , Yahya Abqariyah , Yap Jiann Wen
Published: May 2022

Background

Pressure injuries (PIs) are generally regarded as predictable and preventable. Therefore, providing appropriate care for PI prevention and its management is vital. Patient education is a significant component of the PI international guideline‐recommended strategy in preventing PIs. Despite the availability of evidence supporting patient education, consensus regarding the effect of patient education on knowledge, patient participation, wound healing progress, and quality of life is still lacking.

Aims

The main aim was to systematically evaluate the available evidence regarding the effectiveness of structured patient education on their knowledge, participation, wound healing, and quality of life.

Methods

The search strategy retrieved studies published between 2009 and 2021 in English across PubMed, MEDLINE, CINAHL, ProQuest, and Cochrane Library. Adult participants aged 18 years and above were included. Randomized controlled trials, quasi‐experimental, and interventional studies were all included in this review. Three independent reviewers assessed the methodological quality of the studies, prior to critical appraisal, using standardized tools, that is, the Joanna Briggs Institute checklist for randomized and non‐randomized studies. A narrative synthesis was conducted.

Results

A total of eight studies (466 participants) were included in this review. Available evidence indicated improved patient knowledge, participation, and quality of life with structured patient education. However, there was insufficient high‐quality evidence to conclude the effect on wound healing.

Linking Evidence to Action

Structured patient education for PI was deemed to help improve patients' knowledge, participation, and quality of life. More rigorous trials are needed for the effect on wound healing progress. Thus, future educational interventions should include wound care components that describe the patient's role in promoting wound healing. A well‐structured patient education program protocol is crucial to ensure the educational intervention was measurable in its effectiveness and reproducibility.
Information and communication technology for physical activity in persons living with dementia: A systematic review with implications for evidence‐based practice
Authors: Lee Kyung Hee , Lee Ji Yeon , Kim Bora
Published: May 2022

Background

Persons living with dementia often encounter many difficulties in their community due to functional limitations. Information and Communication Technology (ICT) could be useful to monitor changes in their physical function. However, there is a lack of systematic reviews about using ICT for physical activity.

Aim

This review aimed to synthesize the literature regarding the use of ICT to monitor the physical activity of persons living with dementia.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in five electronic databases using search terms derived from the Patient, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome (PICO) framework. We included articles published in English from 2011 to 2021. Quality of the included studies was evaluated by two independent authors using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT).

Results

Thirty‐three quantitative studies were included for review. Included studies showed fairly good quality in the MMAT evaluation. Wearable devices were mainly employed (88%). The ICTs were used to objectively measure physical activity, activity status, gait, and circadian rhythm. ICTs have been utilized for four purposes: (1) comparing physical activity within the dementia subgroups or with the normal group, (2) exploring the relationship with other variables, 3) examining the experimental study's outcomes, and (4) checking the sensors' feasibility. The results demonstrated that ICT devices were feasible to use in persons living with dementia in the community, helpful for monitoring the physical activity of persons living with dementia, and useful for improving physical activity when properly incorporated in care planning.

Linking Evidence to Action

ICTs can help gather objective data regarding the type, intensity, and level of physical activity in persons living with dementia without time constraints. Also, ICTs use in persons living with dementia in the community was acceptable. We suggest future studies to activate and use ICTs in dementia research.
Inter-Parliamentary Union: A model in Parliamentary Leadership
Authors: Alshareef Shaker Ahmed
Published: May 2022

Democracy remains the most sought after form of governance globally. The article assesses how the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) has fostered democracy, human rights, and the inclusion of women in governance through providing support to national parliaments. The article explains the structure, objectives, and achievements that IPU has advanced to encourage global peace and democracy. IPU recognizes that parliament is a vital agency of democracy because it checks excesses of the government, formulates policies, and represents the public in government decision making. IPU pushes these individual parliaments to enact progressive policies to provide political opportunities for youth and women to ensure equitable representation. Its efforts have contributed to significant global gains and parliamentary leadership in nations across the globe.
The ventromedial prefrontal cortex and emotion regulation: lost in translation?
Authors: Alexander Laith , Wood Christian M. , Roberts Angela C.
Published: May 2022

Neuroimaging studies implicate the ventromedial prefrontal cortex (vmPFC) in a wide range of emotional and cognitive functions, and changes in activity within vmPFC have been linked to the aetiology and successful treatment of depression. However, this is a large, structurally heterogeneous region and the extent to which this structural heterogeneity reflects functional heterogeneity remains unclear. Causal studies in animals should help address this question but attempts to map findings from vmPFC studies in rodents onto human imaging studies highlight cross‐species discrepancies between structural homology and functional analogy. Bridging this gap, recent studies in marmosets – a species of new world monkey in which the overall organization of vmPFC is more like humans than that of rodents – have revealed that over‐activation of the caudal subcallosal region of vmPFC, area 25, but not neighbouring area 32, heightens reactivity to negatively valenced stimuli whilst blunting responsivity to positively valenced stimuli. These co‐occurring states resemble those seen in depressed patients, which are associated with increased activity in caudal subcallosal regions. In contrast, only reward blunting but not heightening of threat reactivity is seen following over‐activation of the structurally homologous region in rodents. To further advance understanding of the role of vmPFC in the aetiology and treatment of depression, future work should focus on the behaviourally specific networks by which vmPFC regions have their effects, together with characterization of cross‐species similarities and differences in function.

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Predicting the Optimum Performance of a Vertical-Axis Savonius Wind Rotor With Parametric Modeling Using Artificial Neural Network and Golden Section Method
Authors: Rathod Umang H , Kulkarni Vinayak , Saha Ujjwal K.
Published: May 2022

This paper explores the function approximation characteristics of Artificial Neural Network (ANN) by implementing it on the vertical-axis Savonius wind rotor technology. In this regard, a suitable experimental dataset documented in literature is exploited to train the ANN comprising the rotor performance as output and 11 different design and operating parameters as input with the help of matlab R2020b software. Multiple ANN models are trained by varying the number of hidden neurons which are then evaluated based on their estimation error and correlation coefficient (R) as decision criteria. The optimum ANN architecture demonstrates R ≈ 0.96 and 0.98 for the testing and training datasets, respectively. Further, in the quest of finding the optimum performance from the entire power curve of the rotor, the Golden Section Method (GSM) is linked with the trained ANN model. Using these soft computing techniques, a parametric study is carried out to understand the dependency of rotor performance on their design and operating parameters. At the end, a graphical interface is developed as a product so as to allow the user to predict the performance of the new rotor designs intuitively.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: a mixed-method study
Authors: Dereje Nebiyu , Tesfaye Abigel , Tamene Beamlak , Alemeshet Dina , Abe Haymanot , Tesfa Nathnael , Gideon Saron , Biruk Tigist , Lakew Yabets
Published: May 2022

Objective

Data on COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is limited in Ethiopia and other parts of Africa. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine the level of COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy and its associated factors in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

Design

A community-based concurrent mixed-method study.

Setting

In a community setting.

Participants

Adult residents (n=422) of Akaki Kality subcity who were recruited by a two stage sampling technique and 24 adults who were selected purposively were included for the quantitative and qualitative part of the study respectively.

Outcome measures

Data were collected by face-to-face interview using a semistructured questionnaire. Factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy were identified by multivariable binary logistic regression model.

Results

One out five (19.1%, 95% CI 15.3% to 24.6%) participants were not willing to get vaccinated. In the multivariable analysis, vaccine hesitancy was significantly associated with being female (aOR=1.97; 95% CI 1.10 to 3.89), having negative attitude towards COVID-19 and its preventive measures (aOR=1.75; 95% CI 1.08 to 3.02), and primary information source being social media (internet) (aOR=3.59; 95% CI 1.75 to 7.37). Study participants have predominantly stated that they did not have enough information about the vaccine, feared it would not be effective or have too many side effects, and reflected their uncertainty towards the quality of the vaccine.

Conclusions

A considerable proportion of the people in Addis Ababa have concerns on COVID-19 vaccines and unwilling to accept them. This was due to the misconceptions, negative attitudes and use of social media as their primary source of information. Providing the community with health education and consistent efforts to enhance the prevention measures are important, particularly using different medias including social media.
Role of CDK4/6 inhibitors in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal receptor-2 negative (HER-2) metastatic breast cancer study protocol for a systematic review, network meta-analysis and cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Hu Qiancheng , Kang Wenli , Wang Qingfeng , Luo Ting
Published: May 2022

Introduction

It is currently unclear which cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor, combined with endocrine therapy, is the preferred treatment approach in patients with hormone receptor (HR)-positive, human epidermal receptor-2 (HER2) negative metastatic breast cancer. The aim of this study was to evaluate the existing evidence for the comparative efficacy, safety and cost-effectiveness of different CDK4/6 inhibitors for metastatic breast cancer in first-line and second-line settings.

Methods and analysis

We will systematically conduct a literature search in Embase, PubMed and the Cochrane Library and additional searches by handsearching citations of previous systematic reviews. We will also screen major conference proceedings (American Society of Clinical Oncology, European Society of Medical Oncology and San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium). Preliminary scoping searches were conducted in July 2021, but the search will be updated when new trials are available. The primary outcome was progression-free survival. The secondary outcomes were overall survival, objective response rates, grade 3–4 haematological and non-haematological toxicities, quality-adjusted life years and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios. The risk of bias will be assessed by Cochrane risk of bias tools, and the quality of evidence will be assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses will be performed to further confirm our findings. In addition, one-way sensitivity analysis and probabilistic sensitivity analyses will be conducted to determine uncertainty.

Ethics and dissemination

This study does not require ethics approval as only secondary data will be collected. The results of our study will provide an overview of the current level of CDK4/6 inhibitors for patients with HR-positive, HER2-negative metastatic breast cancer, and undertake subgroup analyses to explore variables that might affect these effects. The results of this study will be presented at an international clinical conference and published in a peer-reviewed journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021266597.
Patient experience, satisfaction and shared decision-making in colorectal cancer screening: protocol of the mixed-methods study CyDESA
Authors: Selva Anna , López Pilar , Puig Teresa , Macià Francesc , Selva Clara , Álvarez-Pérez Yolanda , Terraza Rebeca , Burón Andrea , Machlab Salvador Tarek , Pericay Carles , Solà Ivan , Torà Núria , Rodríguez Vanesa , Barrufet Cristina , Aymar Anna , Baré Marisa
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programmes can reduce incidence and mortality from this condition if adherence to them is high. As patient experience and satisfaction are key factors in determining adherence to screening programmes, they need to be measured. Furthermore, to promote highly patient-centred healthcare, the perception of patients regarding shared decision-making during CRC screening needs to be known. This study aims to assess the experience, satisfaction and participation in decision-making of participants in a CRC screening programme and of patients diagnosed with CRC through this programme in relation to the diagnostic and therapeutic processes of cancer.

Methods and analysis

The CyDESA study is a mixed-methods study with a four phase sequential design. In phase 1, we will conduct a systematic review of patient-reported experience measures (PREMs) for patient experience or satisfaction with CRC screening. In case no located PREM can be applied, in phase 2, we will develop a new PREM. We will use the Delphi methodology to reach consensus among experts and patients and will conduct a pilot test of the developed PREM. Phase 3 is a multicentric cross-sectional study based on self-reported questionnaires that will be conducted at three Spanish hospitals (n=843). The objective is to find out about the experience, satisfaction and participation in decision-making of participants in the CRC screening programme who have had a positive screening test result according to their final screening diagnosis: false positives, colorectal polyps or CRC. Phase 4 is a qualitative phenomenological study based on individual interviews. It will explore the experiences of participants in the CRC screening programme and of those diagnosed with CRC.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval by the Ethics Committees of Corporació Sanitària Parc Taulí, Hospital de Sant Pau and Parc de Salut Mar. Findings will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04610086.
Evaluating the impact of a countrywide, market-based roll-out of multiple micronutrient supplementation on low birth weight in Bangladesh: protocol for a two-arm, quasi-experimental and mixed-methods evaluation study
Authors: Hossain Muttaquina , Sanin Kazi Istiaque , Haque Md Ahshanul , Mbuya Mduduzi N N , Ghosh Samik , Aksari Sufia , Gibson Sarah , Neufeld Lynnette , Bipul Moniruzzaman , Matubbar Shahajahan , Rahman Md Moshiur , Khondker Rudaba , Salasibew Mihretab , Ahmed Tahmeed
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) during pregnancy has a greater potential for reducing the risk of low birth weight (LBW) compared with the standard iron–folic acid supplementation. WHO recently included MMS on their Essential Medicines List. The Social Marketing Company (SMC) in Bangladesh is implementing a countrywide, market-based roll-out of MMS to pregnant women. We aimed to evaluate the implementation of the supplementation programme and its impact on reducing LBW.

Methods and analysis

A two-arm, quasi-experimental and mixed-methods evaluation design will be used to evaluate the impact of this 36-month roll-out of MMS. In the intervention areas, pregnant women will purchase MMS products from the SMC’s pharmacy networks. Pregnant women in comparison areas will not be exposed to this product until the end of the study. We will collect 4500 pregnant women’s data on anthropometric, socioeconomic, nutrition-related and relevant programme indicators during recruitment and bimonthly follow-up until the end of their pregnancy. We will measure children’s birth weight within 72 hours of birth and evaluate the changes in LBW prevalence. We will observe market-based MMS service delivery-related conditions of the pharmacies and the quality of the provider’s service delivery. Concurrently, we will carry out a process evaluation to appraise the programme activities and recommend course correction. Cluster-adjusted multivariable logistic regression or log-binomial regression analysis of quantitative outcome data will be performed. For qualitative data, we will follow a thematic analysis approach. We will consolidate our study findings by triangulating the data derived from different methods.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received ethical approval from the institutional review board of icddr,b (PR number 21001). We will recruit eligible participants after obtaining their informed written/verbal consent (and assent where needed) with full disclosure about the study. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

NCT05108454.
BESPOKE IO protocol: a multicentre, prospective observational study evaluating the utility of ctDNA in guiding immunotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumours
Authors: Kasi Pashtoon Murtaza , Chakrabarti Sakti , Sawyer Sarah , Krainock Michael , Poklepovic Andrew , Ansstas George , Maninder Minu , Malhotra Meenakshi , Ensor Joe , Gao Ling , Eroglu Zeynep , Ellers Sascha , Billings Paul , Rodriguez Angel , Aleshin Alexey
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Immunotherapy (IO) has transformed the treatment paradigm for a wide variety of solid tumours. However, assessment of response can be challenging with conventional radiological imaging (eg, iRECIST), which do not precisely capture the unique response patterns of tumours treated with IO. Emerging data suggest that circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) can aid in response assessment in patients with solid tumours receiving IO. The short half-life of ctDNA puts it in a unique position for early treatment response monitoring. The BESPOKE IO study is designed to investigate the clinical utility of serial ctDNA testing to assess treatment response using a tumour-informed, bespoke ctDNA assay (Signatera) and to determine its impact on clinical decision-making with respect to continuation/discontinuation, or escalation/de-escalation of immunotherapy in patients with advanced solid tumours.

Methods and analysis

The BESPOKE IO is a multicentre, prospective, observational study with a goal to enroll over 1500 patients with solid tumours receiving IO in up to 100 US sites. Patients will be followed for up to 2 years with serial ctDNA analysis, timed with every other treatment cycle. The primary endpoint is to determine the percentage of patients who will have their treatment regimen changed as guided by post-treatment bespoke ctDNA results along with standard response assessment tools. The major secondary endpoints include progression-free survival, overall survival and overall response rate based on the ctDNA dynamics.

Ethics and dissemination

The BESPOKE IO study was approved by the WCG Institutional Review Board (Natera-20–043-NCP BESPOKE Study of ctDNA Guided Immunotherapy (BESPOKE IO)) on 22 February 2021. Data protection and privacy regulations will be strictly observed in the capturing, forwarding, processing and storing patients’ data. Natera will approve the publication of any study results in accordance with the site-specific contract.

Trial registration number

NCT04761783.
Is blood lymphocyte count a prognostic biomarker in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia?
Authors: Blot Mathieu , Zeggay Abdeljalil , Aho-Glele Ludwig-Serge , Laborde Caroline , Le Moing Vincent , Chirouze Catherine , Bouiller Kevin , Piroth Lionel
Published: May 2022

Lymphopenia is common in patients with sepsis and associated with mortality. Immune-stimulatory therapies likely to restore T-cells count and function are under investigation in sepsis. Our study aimed to assess whether lymphopenia is a reliable prognostic biomarker in Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. We conducted an ancillary study of the prospective VIRSTA Study including 574 patients with S. aureus bacteremia in two tertiary care centers. Neither lymphocyte count at the onset nor lymphocyte change during the first 4 days was associated with 12-week mortality. These results highlight the importance of characterizing the immune profile of patients with sepsis according to the cause before investigating immunostimulatory therapies to restore lymphocyte proliferation and function.
Vaccine mandates for healthcare workers beyond COVID-19
Authors: Giubilini Alberto , Savulescu Julian , Pugh Jonathan , Wilkinson Dominic
Published: May 2022

We provide ethical criteria to establish when vaccine mandates for healthcare workers are ethically justifiable. The relevant criteria are the utility of the vaccine for healthcare workers, the utility for patients (both in terms of prevention of transmission of infection and reduction in staff shortage), and the existence of less restrictive alternatives that can achieve comparable benefits. Healthcare workers have professional obligations to promote the interests of patients that entail exposure to greater risks or infringement of autonomy than ordinary members of the public. Thus, we argue that when vaccine mandates are justified on the basis of these criteria, they are not unfairly discriminatory and the level of coercion they involve is ethically acceptable—and indeed comparable to that already accepted in healthcare employment contracts. Such mandates might be justified even when general population mandates are not. Our conclusion is that, given current evidence, those ethical criteria justify mandates for influenza vaccination, but not COVID-19 vaccination, for healthcare workers. We extend our arguments to other vaccines.
Early neurological improvement as a predictor of outcomes after endovascular thrombectomy for stroke: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Kobeissi Hassan , Ghozy Sherief , Bilgin Cem , Kadirvel Ramanathan , Kallmes David F
Published: May 2022

Background

Early neurological improvement (ENI) is a potential predictor for 90-day outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for acute ischemic stroke (AIS). We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis to better understand whether ENI can be used as a surrogate for long-term outcomes following mechanical thrombectomy for AIS.

Methods

Following the PRISMA guidelines, a systematic literature review of the English language literature was conducted using PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase. ENI definition, including timing and degree of improvement on the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS), was catalogued for each included study. Outcomes of interest included 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) 0–2, symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH), and mortality. We calculated pooled ORs and their corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CI) for all definitions of ENI.

Results

We included nine studies with 2355 patients in our analysis. ENI definitions included improvement in NIHSS of 8 points, 4 points, 12%, and 30% or greater. There was a significant association between ENI and mRS 0–2 rates (OR 8.62, 95% CI 4.86 to 15.29; p<0.001). Significance of the association was maintained across all definitions (p<0.001). Moreover, achieving ENI was a significant predictor of reduced odds for reported sICH rates (OR 0.11, 95% CI 0.06 to 0.21; p<0.001). There was a significant association between ENI and reduction in mortality rates (OR 0.09, 95% CI 0.05 to 0.15; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Broadly defined, ENI is a promising predictor of good functional outcome at 90 days and is associated with lower rates of mortality and sICH.
Douching cessation and molecular bacterial vaginosis: a reanalysis of archived specimens
Authors: Brown Sarah Elizabeth , He Xin , Shardell Michelle D , Ravel Jacques , Ghanem Khalil G , Zenilman Jonathan M , Brotman Rebecca M
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Observational studies demonstrate an association between vaginal douching and bacterial vaginosis (BV) characterised by Gram stain. We sought to describe the effect of a douching cessation intervention on the composition and structure of the vaginal microbiota and molecular-BV, a state defined by low levels of Lactobacillus spp evaluated by molecular tools.

Methods

33 women self-collected mid-vaginal swabs twice weekly (982 samples) during a douching observation phase (4 weeks) followed by a douching cessation phase (12 weeks) in a 2005 single crossover pilot study conducted in Baltimore, Maryland. Vaginal microbiota were characterised by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing (V3-V4) and clustered into community state types (CSTs). Conditional logistic regression modelling allowed each participant to serve as their own control. Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were used to evaluate changes in microbiota between phases. Broad-range qPCR assays provided estimates of bacterial absolute abundance per swab in a subsample of seven participants before and after douching. A piecewise linear mixed effects model was used to assess rates of change in bacterial absolute abundance before and after douching.

Results

There was no statistically significant change in the odds of molecular-BV versus Lactobacillus-dominated CSTs comparing the douching cessation interval to douching observation (adjusted OR 1.77, 95% CI 0.89 to 3.55). Removal of L. iners-dominated CST III from the outcome did not affect the results. There were no significant changes in the relative abundance of four Lactobacillus spp and no meaningful changes in other taxa investigated. There was no significant change in bacterial absolute abundance between a participant’s sample collected 3 days prior to and following douching (p=0.46).

Conclusions

In this pilot study, douching cessation was not associated with major changes in vaginal microbiota. Douching cessation alone may not durably shift the vaginal microbiota and additional interventions may be needed to restore optimal vaginal microbiota among those who douche.
Thin-shell wormhole satisfying the null-energy condition unconditionally
Authors: Mazharimousavi S. Habib
Published: May 2022

Null energy condition (NEC) is revisited in the context of thin-shell wormholes (TSW). In a generic spherically symmetric configuration we introduce the condition upon which NEC is satisfied. Also, we present a general condition which specifies the stability of the generic spherically symmetric TSW against a radial linear perturbation. Furthermore, we introduce a specific bulk metric in the framework of gravity coupled minimally with nonlinear electrodynamics such that the corresponding TSW satisfies NEC, unconditionally. We study the mechanical stability of this TSW and show that, with a variable equation of state of the fluid present at the throat, this TSW remains stable irrespective of the value of the speed of sound.
A prototypical nonlinear second-class system and its BFFT constraints Abelianization
Authors: Pandey V. K. , Thibes R.
Published: May 2022

We apply the Batalin–Fradkin–Fradkina–Tyutin formalism to a prototypical second-class system, aiming to convert its constraints from second class to first class. The proposed system admits a consistent initial set of second-class constraints and an open potential function providing room for feasible applications to field theory and mechanical models. The constraints can be arbitrarily nonlinear, broadly generalizing previously known cases. We obtain a sufficient condition for which a simple closed expression for the Abelian converted constraints and modified involutive Hamiltonian can be achieved. As an explicit example, we discuss a spontaneous Lorentz symmetry breaking vectorial model, obtaining the full first-class Abelianized constraints in closed form and the corresponding involutive Hamiltonian.
ORB Features and Isophotes Curvature Information for Eye Center Accurate Localization
Authors: Xue Pengxiang , Wang Changyuan , Huang Wenbo , Zhou Guanghao
Published: May 2022

Pupil center recognition and location is an essential branch of ergonomics. It can be applied to emotion analysis and attention judgment. How to get the position of the pupil center from eye photos is the core of this field. Previous studies provided a helpful method, using scale-invariant feature transform (SIFT) to extract relevant features and combine them with the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classifier. However, this method’s accuracy is not satisfying, and under some conditions, it will be position drift and other problems. We put forward a new idea to solve it by using Oriented FAST and Rotated BRIEF (ORB) features and Random Forest (RF) classifies. It is proved by experiment that our method improves the robustness of localization and the use of isophotes yields low computational cost, allowing for real-time processing. Meanwhile, we found that the ORB and RF are nearly as good, yielding an accuracy of 92.88% (BioID database).
Exploring the Contributing Factors of the Continuance Intention to Use the Mobile Government-to-Employees Services
Authors: Fadelelmoula Ashraf Ahmed
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this paper is to evaluate the effects of certain motivational factors on driving the continuance usage intention of mobile government-to-employees services (MG2ES). These services have been frequently overlooked by the extant IT adoption literature in determining the predictors that drive the user’s continuance intention to adopt them. To respond to this lack, an integrated model incorporating factors from several IT adoption theories was developed. These factors were divided into two categories, namely, m-service-centric and user-centric ones. Both categories were specified as direct antecedents of the MG2ES continuance intention. A structured questionnaire-based survey was carried out to empirically examine the hypothesised relationships between the model constructs. The target population of this survey was employees of Saudi’s public sector. The analysis of the collected data (i.e. 194 valid responses) was conducted using the structural equation modelling (SEM) approach. The results demonstrated that only two m-service-centric factors (i.e. m-service strength and effort expectancy) and one user-centric factor (i.e. attitude towards the MG2ES usage) are having positive impacts on the continuance intention to use MG2ES. These findings provide valuable insights and clarifications to the key MG2ES stakeholders about the aspects that motivate such intention, including augmenting the MG2ES strength, implementing effective design mechanisms to reduce the MG2ES usage efforts, delivering more compatible services, and acquiring effective tools for improving information sharing.
How does Eco-Innovation Affect CO2 Emissions? Evidence from Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Pofoura Aminatou Kemajou , Sun Huaping , Mensah Isaac Adjei , Liu Fengqin
Published: May 2022

Accurate implementation of eco-innovation in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) to mitigate climate change and related environmental turmoil emanating from economic activities is always ignored. The study seeks to investigate the role of eco-innovation in enhancing environmental sustainability; the effect of eco-innovation on carbon dioxide (CO[Formula: see text] emissions for the aggregated Sub-Saharan Africa panel of 35 countries and low-income and middle-income countries sub-panels over the period 1990–2017 is investigated. Bearing in mind the potential occurrence of residual cross-sectional reliance and heterogeneity, this extant study employed second-generation estimation approaches which include the cross-sectional Im, Pesaran and Shin and the cross-sectional augmented Dickey–Fuller unit root tests together with the Westerlund and Edgerton as well as the Durbin–Hausman panel cointegration tests. The augmented mean group long-run estimation method was finally employed to estimate the long-run liaison amid variables. Based on the outlined robust approaches, the main outcomes are elaborated as follows: (i) eco-innovation significantly reduces environmental pollution in all the panels Sub-Saharan Africa; (ii) income is revealed to have insignificant effect on environmental pollution across all panels, although a positive effect occurred in both the middle-income panel and aggregated panel, whereas an adverse effect is noted in the low-income panel of SSA nations; (iii) energy consumption and urbanisation contribute to environmental pollution in all the panels; (iv) trade openness contributes significantly to environmental pollution in the SSA aggregated panel but has insignificant effect in the sub-panels; and (v) foreign direct investment has no effect on carbon emissions among all panels. The findings also reveal invalid environmental Kuznets curve hypothesis in the various country groups. Based on the findings, we recommend a solid policy framework for investments in more innovation activities that facilitate sustainability transition, prioritise green investments, reduce the importation of emissions-intensive technologies and encourage green production processes which in turn could guarantee sustainable development.
Sustainability Assessment of Renewable Energy Technologies in Context to India Using Multicriteria Analysis with and without Incorporating Risk Analysis
Authors: Shaktawat Anuja , Vadhera Shelly
Published: May 2022

Sustainability assessment at a national scale is a complex task that ought to be seen with a range of conflicting indicators and multicriteria analysis (MCA) is the best approach that can address these conflicts. The study aims for a comprehensive sustainability assessment of renewable energy (RE) technologies in India based on MCA and examines the impact of associated social and environmental risks on the overall sustainability ranking. Large hydropower is evaluated as the most sustainable RE technology in context to India under selected indicators. Contrary to this, large hydropower has also been identified with the highest social and environmental risks. Therefore, in a developing country like India, the techno-economic advantages of large hydropower with its significant untapped potential cannot be overlooked. Hence, there arises a need to enhance the environmental impact assessment (EIA) process. Thus, the study recommends a transparent process for public participation in EIA for comprehensive and effective social and environmental risk management of the project to achieve the goal of sustainable development.
Comparison of shale depth functions in contrasting offshore basins and sealing behaviour for CH
4
and CO
2
containment systems
Authors: Nhabanga Oscar J. , Ringrose Philip S.
Published: May 2022

Mudrock compaction trends from the Rovuma Basin offshore Mozambique are compared with those of the Norwegian North Sea, the Gulf of Mexico and the Kutai Basin offshore Indonesia. The comparison reveals that burial rates and timing of rifting are the dominant causes for the differences observed. The compaction trend for the Rovuma Basin is broadly similar to the trends for the Kutai Basin and the Gulf of Mexico, but very different from those for the Norwegian North Sea data, which show higher porosity and shallower onset of overpressure than those from the other three basins. The relationships for seismic velocities as a function of depth show strong similarities between the Rovuma and Gulf of Mexico basins.

These comparisons are used to make a general assessment of the capillary sealing potential of Cretaceous mudrocks in the Rovuma Basin, using a mudstone permeability-prediction function and a method for mapping permeability to threshold pressure, allowing estimation of maximum column heights for CO
2
and CH
4
, with uncertainty ranges. Predicted CO
2
column heights are slightly less than the equivalent CH
4
column heights. The observed CH
4
column height at one of the wells is significantly lower than that predicted from mudstone permeability, which is probably due to other factors such as fracturing or gas migration out of the structure. The comparison indicates generally good capillary sealing potential for the Rovuma Basin Cretaceous shales and offers a general approach for assessing CO
2
storage potential from hydrocarbon sealing datasets from multiple offshore basins.

This article is part of the Energy Geoscience Series available at
https://www.lyellcollection.org/cc/energy-geoscience-series
Public geoscience solutions for diversifying Canada's critical mineral production
Authors: Gadd Michael G. , Lawley Christopher J. M. , Corriveau Louise , Houlé Michel , Peter Jan M. , Plouffe Alain , Potter Eric , Sappin Anne-Aurélie , Pilote Jean-Luc , Marquis Geneviève , Lebel Daniel
Published: May 2022

Achieving net-zero carbon emissions goals will increasingly rely on critical mineral resources while simultaneously decreasing the extraction, processing and use of hydrocarbons as the primary provider of energy. Canada is well positioned to contribute to this effort through a series of innovative policy and research initiatives, and it is Canada's goal to be a stable supplier of critical minerals into the future. To this end, Natural Resources Canada and the Geological Survey of Canada invest financial resources into critical mineral research initiatives. This research aims to generate precompetitive baseline geological, geochemical and geophysical data for large, underexplored regions within Canada, whereas targeted studies focus on mineral systems science and improved exploration models for the large variety of critical mineral resources distributed throughout Canada. These research approaches can be combined, digitally, to generate mineral potential models. These ongoing efforts by the Geological Survey of Canada enhance the viability of Canada being (or maintaining its status as) a hub for critical mineral resource development and processing well into the future.
Adaptive Clock Management of HLS-generated Circuits on FPGAs
Authors: Gibson Kahlan , Roorda Esther , Noronha Daniel Holanda , Wilton Steven J. E.
Published: May 2022

In this article, we present
Syncopation
, a performance-boosting fine-grained timing analysis and adaptive clock management technique for High-Level Synthesis-generated circuits implemented on Field-Programmable Gate Arrays. The key idea is to use the HLS scheduling information along with the placement and routing results to determine the worst-case timing path for individual clock cycles. By adjusting the clock period on a cycle-by-cycle basis, we can increase performance of an HLS-generated circuit. Our experiments show that Syncopation improves performance by 3.2% (geomean) across all benchmarks (up to 47%). In addition, by employing targeted synthesis techniques along with Syncopation, we can achieve 10.3% performance improvement (geomean) across all benchmarks (up to 50%). Syncopation instrumentation is implemented entirely in soft logic without requiring alterations to the HLS-synthesis toolchain or changes to the FPGA, and has been validated on real hardware.
The mitochondrial pyruvate carrier at the crossroads of intermediary metabolism
Authors: Yiew Nicole K. H. , Finck Brian N.
Published: May 2022

Pyruvate metabolism, a central nexus of carbon homeostasis, is an evolutionarily conserved process and aberrant pyruvate metabolism is associated with and contributes to numerous human metabolic disorders including diabetes, cancer, and heart disease. As a product of glycolysis, pyruvate is primarily generated in the cytosol before being transported into the mitochondrion for further metabolism. Pyruvate entry into the mitochondrial matrix is a critical step for efficient generation of reducing equivalents and ATP and for the biosynthesis of glucose, fatty acids, and amino acids from pyruvate. However, for many years, the identity of the carrier protein(s) that transported pyruvate into the mitochondrial matrix remained a mystery. In 2012, the molecular-genetic identification of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC), a heterodimeric complex composed of protein subunits MPC1 and MPC2, enabled studies that shed light on the many metabolic and physiological processes regulated by pyruvate metabolism. A better understanding of the mechanisms regulating pyruvate transport and the processes affected by pyruvate metabolism may enable novel therapeutics to modulate mitochondrial pyruvate flux to treat a variety of disorders. Herein, we review our current knowledge of the MPC, discuss recent advances in the understanding of mitochondrial pyruvate metabolism in various tissue and cell types, and address some of the outstanding questions relevant to this field.
Hyperinsulinemia: beneficial or harmful or both on glucose homeostasis
Authors: Xing JingJing , Chen Chen
Published: May 2022

Insulin, a principal anabolic hormone produced by pancreatic β-cells, has a primary function of storage of nutrients following excessive energy intake. Pre- or early type 2 diabetes stages present hyperinsulinemia (β-cell dysfunction) and insulin resistance. Initiation of hyperinsulinemia is triggered by a loss of first-phase glucose-stimulated insulin secretion with altered membrane ion channel distribution. More factors, including insulin resistance and excessive proliferation of β-cells, deteriorate the hyperinsulinemia, whereas the hyperinsulinemia contributes to further development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes; to develop eventually late-stage diabetes with absolute insulin deficiency. In this mini-review, the major focus was put on the causes and pathophysiology of hyperinsulinemia, and the metabolic consequences and current treatment of hyperinsulinemia were discussed. The data used in this narrative review were collected mainly from relevant discoveries in the past 3 years.
NHE3 in the thick ascending limb is required for sustained but not acute furosemide-induced urinary acidification
Authors: Xue Jianxiang , Thomas Linto , Dominguez Rieg Jessica A. , Fenton Robert A. , Rieg Timo
Published: May 2022

Na+/H+ exchanger isoform 3 (NHE3) is very abundant in the thick ascending limb (TAL) compared with the proximal tubule. Much has been learned about the role of NHE3 in the proximal tubule; however, the function of NHE3 in the TAL remains elusive. A novel mouse model that lacks NHE3 selectively in the TAL not only shows a phenotype under baseline conditions but also identifies that NHE3 is required for sustained but not acute furosemide-induced urinary acidification.