bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Demographic characteristics and ocular needs of children attending child eye clinics in Cross River State, Nigeria: a retrospective analysis of clinical records
Authors: Yong Ai Chee , Ebri Anne Effiom , O’Connor Sara E , O’Donovan Diarmuid , Congdon Nathan , Graham Christine , Lohfeld Lynne , O'Neill Ciaran , Chan Ving Fai
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To describe the demographic characteristics and ocular needs of children attending four child eye clinics in Cross River State, Nigeria, to inform the development of a sustainable spectacle cross-subsidisation scheme.

Design

Retrospective analysis of clinic records.

Setting

Four child eye clinics in Calabar, Ogoja, Ikom and Ugep, Cross River State, Nigeria, from 1 May 2017 to 30 June 2019.

Participants

Children who failed the vision screening in schools and visited assigned child eye clinics, and self-referred children from the community.

Main outcome measures

Children’s age, sex, residence, diagnosis, disease management, presenting and corrected visual acuity, history of spectacle wear and magnitude of refractive errors in spherical equivalent in the worse eye.

Results

Of all the 3799 records reviewed, data were available for 3774 children (mean age 10.6±4.35 years; 61.6% girls; 69.1% from urban settings); 30.8% (n=1162) of them had vision impairment. Of those children, 71.2% (n=827) were diagnosed with refractive error. For management, 48.6% (n=1833) were prescribed spectacles and 40.5% (n=1527) were prescribed ocular medications. Children prescribed spectacles were significantly more likely to be girls (68.0%, p<0.001), and older than 13 years of age (53.6%, p<0.001). The most common range of spherical equivalent (in the worse eye) was <−0.50 DS to +1.75 DS (51.6%, n=945), followed by >−0.25 DS to −3.00DS (39.7%, n=727). Non-refractive eye conditions such as cataract (33.3%) and corneal disorders (14.1%) contributed to almost half of the total blindness.

Conclusion

The findings show that spectacles provisions and ocular medications are the primary and secondary needs for children who attended child eye clinics seeking eye care services. Further research is needed to understand parents’ willingness to pay for spectacles to set strategic multitier pricing for a sustainable cross-subsidisation scheme.
Negotiating agency and belonging during the first lockdown of the COVID-19 pandemic: an interview study among older adults in England, UK
Authors: Wenning Brianne , Polidano Kay , Mallen Christian , Dikomitis Lisa
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to explore the agency of older adults and their strategies to restructure ways of being and belonging in a rapidly and radically changed social environment during the UK’s first COVID-19 lockdown in Spring 2020.

Design

Qualitative study consisting of semi-structured interviews. Findings were derived from a thematic analysis of interview transcripts. We also established a patient and public involvement and engagement group who advised on study design, interview topic guide and interpretation of findings.

Setting

Interviews were conducted online with older adults in the UK through their platform of choice in Spring 2020 in England, UK.

Participants

We conducted 28 interviews (16 women, 12 men) with older adults over the age of 70 years. Our participants were mostly white, middle class adults.

Results

From the data, we constructed three strategies that older adults used to employ agency and create spaces of belonging in their social networks despite lockdown restrictions. First, participants created a sense of belonging by being ‘good’ members of society who were knowledgeable about COVID-19. Second, older adults created new ways to socially engage with the wider community. Finally, older adults actively restructured social networks to preserve a sense of belonging.

Conclusions

Older adults are actively and creatively carving a space of belonging during the societal upheaval in response to the COVID-19 lockdown and public health restrictions. Rather than internalising potential exclusionary messages based on their age, older adults instead used their agency to reimagine and transform spheres of belonging.
Personalised immunotherapy in sepsis: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Slim Marleen A , van Mourik Niels , Dionne Joanna C , Oczkowski Simon J W , Netea M G , Pickkers Peter , Giamarellos-Bourboulis Evangelos J , Müller Marcella C A , van der Poll Tom , Wiersinga W Joost , Vlaar Alexander P J , van Vught Lonneke A
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Sepsis, a life-threatening organ dysfunction syndrome occurring in the context of severe infections, remains a major burden on global health with high morbidity and high mortality rates. Despite recent advances in the understanding of its pathophysiology, the treatment of sepsis remains supportive of nature with few interventions specifically designed for treating this complex syndrome. The focus of sepsis trials has increasingly shifted towards targeting excessive inflammation and immunosuppression using immunomodulatory agents. However, it remains uncertain how to identify patients that could benefit from such treatment, whether treatments can be tailored to an individual’s immune profile, or at which stage of the disease the intervention should be initiated. In this scoping review, we provide a comprehensive overview of current available literature on immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive therapies against sepsis.

Methods and analysis

The aim of this scoping review is to describe and summarise current literature evaluating immunotherapy in adult patients with sepsis. The review will be performed using the framework formulated by Arksey and O’Malley. A comprehensive literature and study collection will be executed by searching PubMed, Embase, Cochrane CENTRAL and ClinicalTrials.gov to identify clinical trials and cohort studies concerning immunotherapy in adult patients with sepsis. Screening will be performed independently and in duplicate by two reviewers who will also independently extract data into prespecified spreadsheets. We will summarise evidence in tabular format with descriptive statistics. The reported evidence will convey knowledge on the types of immunotherapies studied, and currently being studied, in adult patients with sepsis.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from a medical ethics committee is not required. Once completed, the review will be submitted for publication in a peer-reviewed journal. These results will be of value to clinicians and researchers with an interest in advancing sepsis care.
Therapies for Long COVID in non-hospitalised individuals: from symptoms, patient-reported outcomes and immunology to targeted therapies (The TLC Study)
Authors: Haroon Shamil , Nirantharakumar Krishnarajah , Hughes Sarah E , Subramanian Anuradhaa , Aiyegbusi Olalekan Lee , Davies Elin Haf , Myles Puja , Williams Tim , Turner Grace , Chandan Joht Singh , McMullan Christel , Lord Janet , Wraith David C , McGee Kirsty , Denniston Alastair K , Taverner Thomas , Jackson Louise J , Sapey Elizabeth , Gkoutos George , Gokhale Krishna , Leggett Edward , Iles Clare , Frost Christopher , McNamara Gary , Bamford Amy , Marshall Tom , Zemedikun Dawit T , Price Gary , Marwaha Steven , Simms-Williams Nikita , Brown Kirsty , Walker Anita , Jones Karen , Matthews Karen , Camaradou Jennifer , Saint-Cricq Michael , Kumar Sumita , Alder Yvonne , Stanton David E , Agyen Lisa , Baber Megan , Blaize Hannah , Calvert Melanie
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Individuals with COVID-19 frequently experience symptoms and impaired quality of life beyond 4–12 weeks, commonly referred to as Long COVID. Whether Long COVID is one or several distinct syndromes is unknown. Establishing the evidence base for appropriate therapies is needed. We aim to evaluate the symptom burden and underlying pathophysiology of Long COVID syndromes in non-hospitalised individuals and evaluate potential therapies.

Methods and analysis

A cohort of 4000 non-hospitalised individuals with a past COVID-19 diagnosis and 1000 matched controls will be selected from anonymised primary care records from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink, and invited by their general practitioners to participate on a digital platform (Atom5). Individuals will report symptoms, quality of life, work capability and patient-reported outcome measures. Data will be collected monthly for 1 year.

Statistical clustering methods will be used to identify distinct Long COVID-19 symptom clusters. Individuals from the four most prevalent clusters and two control groups will be invited to participate in the BioWear substudy which will further phenotype Long COVID symptom clusters by measurement of immunological parameters and actigraphy.

We will review existing evidence on interventions for postviral syndromes and Long COVID to map and prioritise interventions for each newly characterised Long COVID syndrome. Recommendations will be made using the cumulative evidence in an expert consensus workshop. A virtual supportive intervention will be coproduced with patients and health service providers for future evaluation.

Individuals with lived experience of Long COVID will be involved throughout this programme through a patient and public involvement group.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Solihull Research Ethics Committee, West Midlands (21/WM/0203). Research findings will be presented at international conferences, in peer-reviewed journals, to Long COVID patient support groups and to policymakers.

Trial registration number

1567490.
Evidence-based digital support during 1 year after an Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programme for persons with chronic musculoskeletal pain to facilitate a sustainable return to work: a study protocol for a registry-based multicentre randomised controlled trial
Authors: Turesson Christina , Liedberg Gunilla , Vixner Linda , Lofgren Monika , Björk Mathilda
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Chronic musculoskeletal pain (CMSP) severely affects the individual’s quality of life, functioning and ability to work, and comes with significant societal costs for sick leave and productivity loss. After rehabilitation, patients with CMSP often experience lack of support when responsibility for the return-to-work process is taken over by the employer. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the effectiveness of a digital support (Sustainable WorkEr digital support for Persons with chronic Pain and their Employers (SWEPPE)) for promoting a sustainable return-to-work for persons with CMSP and to facilitate the employers’ supportive role and responsibilities in the process.

Methods and analysis

In this registry-based multicentre randomised controlled trial, 360 patients with CMSP will be randomised to either receive the smartphone application SWEPPE (n=180) or to a control group (n=180). The intervention group will use SWEPPE for 1 year and the control group will not receive any intervention for return to work (RTW). Participants will be recruited from approximately 10 specialist and primary care level units connected to the Swedish National Quality Registry for Pain Rehabilitation providing Interdisciplinary Pain Rehabilitation Programmes (IPRP) for CMSP. Eligibility criteria are age 18–65 years and a need for support in RTW or continued support at work for creating a sustainable work situation. Baseline data will be collected when the participants have completed the IPRP. Final assessment will be performed after 12 months. The primary outcome will be a number of days with sickness cash benefit. Secondary outcomes and explanatory variables including important domains affected by CMSP such as health-related quality of life, functioning and work ability will be collected.

Ethics and dissemination

The Swedish Ethics Review Board approved the study (Dnr 2020-01593, Dnr 2021-01854). The study findings will be disseminated through publication, national and international conferences, and meetings to be available for patients, healthcare providers or stakeholders.

Trial registration number

NCT05058547.
Intercountry and intracountry variations in opinions of palliative care specialist physicians in Germany, Italy, Japan and UK about continuous use of sedatives: an international cross-sectional survey
Authors: Morita Tatsuya , Kawahara Takuya , Stone Patrick , Sykes Nigel , Miccinesi Guido , Klein Carsten , Stiel Stephanie , Hui David , Deliens Luc , Heijltjes Madelon T , Mori Masanori , Heckel Maria , Robijn Lenzo , Krishna Lalit , Rietjens Judith
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To explore intercountry and intracountry differences in physician opinions about continuous use of sedatives (CUS), and factors associated with their approval of CUS.

Settings

Secondary analysis of a questionnaire study.

Participants

Palliative care physicians in Germany (N=273), Italy (N=198), Japan (N=334) and the UK (N=111).

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Physician approval for CUS in four situations, intention and treatment goal, how to use sedatives and beliefs about CUS.

Results

There were no significant intercountry or intracountry differences in the degree of agreement with statements that (1) CUS is not necessary as suffering can always be relieved with other measures (mostly disagree); (2) intention of CUS is to alleviate suffering and (3) shortening the dying process is not intended. However, there were significant intercountry differences in agreement with statements that (1) CUS is acceptable for patients with longer survival or psychoexistential suffering; (2) decrease in consciousness is intended and (3) choice of neuroleptics or opioids. Acceptability of CUS for patients with longer survival or psychoexistential suffering and whether decrease in consciousness is intended also showed wide intracountry differences. Also, the proportion of physicians who agreed versus disagreed with the statement that CUS may not alleviate suffering adequately even in unresponsive patients, was approximately equal. Regression analyses revealed that both physician-related and country-related factors were independently associated with physicians’ approval of CUS.

Conclusion

Variations in use of sedatives is due to both physician- and country-related factors, but palliative care physicians consistently agree on the value of sedatives to aid symptom control. Future research should focus on (1) whether sedatives should be used in patients with longer survival or with primarily psychoexistential suffering, (2) understanding physicians’ intentions and treatment goals, (3) efficacy of different drugs and (4) understanding the actual experiences of patients receiving CUS.
Study protocol for the Shifting Weight using Intermittent Fasting in night shift workers (SWIFt) study: a three-arm randomised controlled trial comparing three weight loss strategies in night shift workers with obesity
Authors: Rogers Michelle , Coates Alison , Huggins Catherine E , Dorrian Jillian , Clark Angela B , Davis Corinne , Leung Gloria KW , Davis Rochelle , Phoi Yan Yin , Kellow Nicole J , Iacovou Marina , Yates Crystal L , Banks Siobhan , Sletten Tracey L , Bonham Maxine P
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Shift workers are at an increased risk of developing obesity and type 2 diabetes. Eating and sleeping out of synchronisation with endogenous circadian rhythms causes weight gain, hyperglycaemia and insulin resistance. Interventions that promote weight loss and reduce the metabolic consequences of eating at night are needed for night shift workers. The aim of this study is to examine the effects of three weight loss strategies on weight loss and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) in night shift workers.

Methods and analysis

A multisite 18-month, three-arm randomised controlled trial comparing three weight loss strategies; continuous energy restriction; and two intermittent fasting strategies whereby participants will fast for 2 days per week (5:2); either during the day (5:2D) or during the night shift (5:2N). Participants will be randomised to a weight loss strategy for 24 weeks (weight loss phase) and followed up 12 months later (maintenance phase). The primary outcomes are weight loss and a change in HOMA-IR. Secondary outcomes include changes in glucose, insulin, blood lipids, body composition, waist circumference, physical activity and quality of life. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, 24 weeks (primary endpoint) and 18 months (12-month follow-up). The intervention will be delivered by research dietitians via a combination of face-to-face and telehealth consultations. Mixed-effect models will be used to identify changes in dependent outcomes (weight and HOMA-IR) with predictor variables of outcomes of group, time and group–time interaction, following an intention-to-treat approach.

Ethics and dissemination

The study protocol was approved by Monash Health Human Research Ethics Committee (RES 19-0000-462A) and registered with Monash University Human Research Ethics Committee. Ethical approval has also been obtained from the University of South Australia (HREC ID: 202379) and Ambulance Victoria Research Committee (R19-037). Results from this trial will be disseminated via conference presentations, peer-reviewed journals and student theses.

Trial registration number

Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN-12619001035112).
Association between proton pump inhibitor use and risk of pneumonia in children: nationwide self-controlled case series study in Sweden
Authors: Wang Yun-Han , Svanström Henrik , Wintzell Viktor , Ludvigsson Jonas F , Pasternak Björn
Published: May 2022

Objective

To evaluate the association between use of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) and risk of pneumonia in children.

Design

Nationwide register-based self-controlled case series study.

Setting

Sweden, July 2006 to December 2016.

Participants

Children aged <18 years who were treated with PPIs and had a hospitalisation or hospital emergency care visit for pneumonia within 1 year before and 2 years after PPI initiation.

Main outcomes and measures

The primary analysis examined the risk of pneumonia during the risk period (ongoing PPI treatment), the pre-exposure period (≤30 days preceding PPI treatment) and the postexposure period (days 1–365 after PPI discontinuation), comparing to the unexposed period. Conditional Poisson regression was used to estimate incidence rate ratios (IRRs) and 95% CIs.

Results

A total of 2356 cases of pneumonia were included. Compared with the unexposed period, the risk of pneumonia was significantly increased during ongoing PPI treatment, with an adjusted IRR of 1.40 (95% CI 1.21 to 1.62). The risk of pneumonia was also increased in the pre-exposure period (adjusted IRR, 1.80, 95% CI 1.51 to 2.13), but not in the postexposure period (adjusted IRR 0.98, 95% CI 0.89 to 1.08). Dividing the risk period by time since treatment initiation, the increased risk of pneumonia was highest in the first 30 days (adjusted IRR 1.63, 95% CI 1.35 to 1.97), remained during days 31–90 (adjusted IRR 1.32, 95% CI 1.04 to 1.69), but waned in days ≥91 (IRR 1.06, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.41).

Conclusions and relevance

An increased risk of pneumonia was observed both immediately before and immediately after PPI initiation. This pattern of association can likely be explained by an underlying risk of pneumonia due to factors transiently present at the time around PPI initiation. Thus, our findings do not support a causal relationship between PPI use and risk of pneumonia.
Facilitators and barriers of infectious diseases surveillance activities: lessons from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative - a mixed-methods study
Authors: Osaghae Ikponmwosa , Agrawal Priyanka , Olateju Adetoun , Alonge Olakunle
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To document lessons from the Global Polio Eradication Initiative (GPEI) by determining factors associated with successful surveillance programme globally as well as at national and subnational levels. The process of conducting surveillance has been previously recognised in the literature as important for the success of polio surveillance activities.

Design

A cross-sectional survey with closed and open-ended questions.

Settings

Survey of persons involved in the implementation of surveillance activities under the GPEI at the global level and in seven low-income and middle-income countries.

Participants

Individuals (n=802) with ≥12 months of experience implementing surveillance objective of the GPEI between 1988 and 2019.

Main outcome measures and methods

Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. Logistic regression analyses were used to assess factors associated with implementation process as a factor for successful surveillance programme. Horizontal analysis was used to analyse qualitative free-text responses on facilitators and barriers identified for conducting surveillance activities successfully.

Results

Overall, participants who reported challenges relating to GPEI programme characteristics had 50% lower odds of reporting implementation process as a factor for successful surveillance (adjusted OR (AOR): 0.50, 95% CI: 0.29 to 0.85). Challenges were mainly perceptions of external intervention source (ie, surveillance perceived as ‘foreign’ to local communities) and the complexity of surveillance processes (ie, surveillance required several intricate steps). Those who reported organisational challenges were almost two times more likely to report implementation process as a factor for successful surveillance (AOR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.07 to 3.31) overall, and over threefolds (AOR: 3.32, 95% CI: 1.14 to 9.66) at the national level.

Conclusions

Programme characteristics may have impeded the process of conducting surveillance under the GPEI, while organisational characteristics may have facilitated the process. Future surveillance programmes should be designed with inputs from local communities and frontline implementers.
Maternal childbirth experience and pain relief methods: a retrospective 7-year cohort study of 85 488 parturients in Finland
Authors: Joensuu Johanna , Saarijärvi Hannu , Rouhe Hanna , Gissler Mika , Ulander Veli-Matti , Heinonen Seppo , Torkki Paulus , Mikkola Tomi
Published: May 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to analyse the relation between the used labour pain relief and childbirth experience measured by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Design

A retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Childbirth in five Helsinki University Hospital delivery units from 2012 to 2018.

Primary outcome measure

Childbirth experience measured by VAS and classified in three groups (negative VAS=1–5, positive VAS=6–8 and highly positive=9–10).

Results

The use of epidural or non-epidural compared with non-medical pain relief methods decreased the likelihood to experience highly positive childbirth for primiparous (adjusted OR (aOR)EPIDURAL=0.64, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.73; and aORNON-EPIDURAL=0.76, 95% CI 0.66 to 0.87) and multiparous (aOREPIDURAL=0.90, 95% CI 0.84 to 0.97 and aORNON-EPIDURAL=0.80, 95% CI 0.74 to 0.86) parturients. The effects of epidural differed between primiparas and multiparas. In multiparas epidural was associated with decreased odds for experiencing negative childbirth compared with the non-medical group (aOR=0.70, 95% CI 0.57 to 0.87), while the effect of epidural was considered insignificant in primiparas (aOR=1.28, 95% CI 0.93 to 1.77).

Conclusion

While the use of medical—epidural and non-epidural—pain relief methods were not associated with odds for experiencing negative childbirth in primiparas, using epidural helps to avoid negative experience in multiparas. However, the odds for experiencing highly positive childbirth were decreased if the parturients used any medical pain relief for both primiparas and multiparas. Consequently, the effect of pain relief on the childbirth experience is strongly confounded by indication. Thus, the use of pain relief per se plays a limited role in the complex formation of the overall childbirth experience.
Prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal symptoms among tea garden workers in Bangladesh: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Kairi Tamal Kanti , Dey Sanghamitra
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Occupational health is still in the developmental stage in Bangladesh. There is a lack of focus on agricultural workers. Statistics on musculoskeletal symptoms (MSS) of any occupational group can assist in developing intervention and ergonomics-based prevention. This study aimed to assess work-related MSS among tea garden workers.

Setting

This cross-sectional study was done in one tea garden in Moulvibazar district which has the highest number of gardens in Bangladesh.

Design and participants

346 tea garden workers were interviewed using the Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire Extended Version 2. Workers 18–60 years of age and of both sexes were interviewed individually.

Outcome measures

Prevalence of MSS among the tea garden workers, MSS in different body regions and MSS related informations. Sociodemographic and work-related factor associated with MSS.

Results

Among the tea garden workers, 276 were female and 70 were male. The study showed 80.9% had symptoms in the past 12 months while 80.1% and 76.6% had in the past 4 weeks and on the day of the interview, respectively. Symptoms were most commonly reported at the shoulder (78.2%) followed by upper back (56.1%) and lower back (32.5%). Workers engaged with plucking operation were found to be significantly associated with symptoms compared with non-pluckers (p<0.05). Female workers were more likely to display symptoms in the neck (p<0.05) than male workers. Increased work hours were significantly associated with symptoms in the lower back (p<0.05). Overtime was responsible for symptoms in the elbow and hip/buttock (p<0.05). Statistics from relevant studies in India, Malaysia and Thailand were compared with the results of this study.

Conclusions

The prevalence of MSS among tea garden workers was found to be very high, and ergonomic interventions like reduction of weight load, job rotation and small breaks can reduce these symptoms.
How is recovery defined and measured in patients with low back pain? Protocol for a mixed study systematic review
Authors: Lukacs Michael J , Kowalski Katie L , Peters Nicole , Stanley Meagan , Rushton Alison B
Published: May 2022

Introduction

This protocol describes the methods for a mixed study systematic review aiming to explore the definitions and measurements of recovery in patients with low back pain, and how perspectives of recovery differ between patients and providers. This review will be the first to review the concept of recovery in patients with low back pain across both quantitative and qualitative literature.

Methods and analysis

This protocol has been designed and reported in line with Preferred Reporting Items of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Protocols. The following databases will be electronically searched from database inception until 30 November 2021: Medline, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane, PEDro. Grey literature will be searched for through targeted searching of ProQuest Dissertations and Theses and handsearching of the references of all included studies. Studies will be included if they include a patient population of >50% with low back pain (with or without leg pain), and mention the concept of recovery within the abstract, methods or results. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool will be used for quality assessment of both quantitative and qualitative included studies. Two independent reviewers will conduct the search, screen titles/abstracts and extract relevant data from full texts. Discrepancies between reviewers will be settled by a third reviewer with spinal pain expertise. For syntheses, thematic analysis will be used to analyse both qualitative and quantitative investigations to explore meanings, measurement and perspectives of recovery from a diverse evidence base. There is no clinical trial associated with this protocol.

Ethics and dissemination

There are no ethical issues associated with this systematic review, and ethics approval was not required. Once completed, the results of this review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal within the realm of spinal pain to help guide future research inquiries.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022295804.
Questioning the seasonality of SARS-COV-2: a Fourier spectral analysis
Authors: Cappi Riccardo , Casini Luca , Tosi Davide , Roccetti Marco
Published: May 2022

Objectives

To investigate the hypothesis of a seasonal periodicity, driven by climate, in the contagion resurgence of COVID-19 in the period February 2020–December 2021.

Design

An observational study of 30 countries from different geographies and climates. For each country, a Fourier spectral analysis was performed with the series of the daily SARS-CoV-2 infections, looking for peaks in the frequency spectrum that could correspond to a recurrent cycle of a given length.

Settings

Public data of the daily SARS-CoV-2 infections from 30 different countries and five continents.

Participants

Only publicly available data were utilised for this study, patients and/or the public were not involved in any phase of this study.

Results

All the 30 investigated countries have seen the recurrence of at least one COVID-19 wave, repeating over a period in the range 3–9 months, with a peak of magnitude at least half as large as that of the highest peak ever experienced since the beginning of the pandemic until December 2021. The distance in days between the two highest peaks in each country was computed and then averaged over the 30 countries, yielding a mean of 190 days (SD 100). This suggests that recurrent outbreaks may repeat with cycles of different lengths, without a precisely predictable seasonality of 1 year.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that COVID-19 outbreaks are likely to occur worldwide, with cycles of repetition of variable lengths. The Fourier analysis of 30 different countries has not found evidence in favour of a seasonality that recurs over 1year period, solely or with a precisely fixed periodicity.
Managing Unusual Sensory Experiences in People with First-Episode Psychosis (MUSE FEP): a study protocol for a single-blind parallel-group randomised controlled feasibility trial
Authors: Dudley Robert , Dodgson Guy , Common Stephanie , O’Grady Lucy , Watson Florence , Gibbs Christopher , Arnott Bronia , Fernyhough Charles , Alderson-Day Ben , Ogundimu Emmanuel , Kharatikoopaei Ehsan , Patton Victoria , Aynsworth Charlotte
Published: May 2022

Introduction

Hallucinations (hearing or seeing things that others do not) are a common feature of psychosis, causing significant distress and disability. Existing treatments such as cognitive–behavioural therapy for psychosis (CBTp) have modest benefits, and there is a lack of CBTp-trained staff. Shorter, targeted treatments that focus on specific symptoms delivered by a non-specialist workforce could substantially increase access to treatment.

Managing Unusual Sensory Experiences (MUSE) explains why people have hallucinations and helps the person to develop and use coping strategies to reduce distress. MUSE focuses only on hallucinations, and treatment is short (four to six, 1-hour sessions per week). It is a digital intervention, run on National Health Service (NHS) laptops, which provides information about hallucinations in an engaging way, using audio, video and animated content. Crucially, it is designed for use by non-specialist staff like community psychiatric nurses.

Methods and analysis

The study is a two-arm feasibility randomised controlled trial comparing MUSE and treatment as usual (TAU) (n=40) to TAU alone (n=40), recruiting across two NHS Trusts, using 1:1 allocation and blind assessments before and after treatment (2 months) and at follow-up (3 months). Quantitative information on recruitment rates, adherence and completion of outcome assessments will be collected. Qualitative interviews will capture service users’ experience of therapy and clinicians’ experiences of the training and supervision in MUSE. Clinicians will also be asked about factors affecting uptake, adherence and facilitators/barriers to implementation. Analyses will focus on feasibility outcomes and provide initial estimates of intervention effects. Thematic analysis of the qualitative interviews will assess the acceptability of the training, intervention and trial procedures.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial has received NHS Ethical and Health Research Authority approval. Findings will be disseminated directly to participants and services, as well as through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN16793301.
Strengthening Primary Healthcare through accelerated advancement of the global pharmacy workforce: a cross-sectional survey of 88 countries
Authors: Bates Ian , Meilianti Sherly , Bader Lina , Gandhi Rishi , Leng Rachael , Galbraith Kirsten
Published: May 2022

Objective

Advancing the pharmacy workforce contributes to strengthening primary healthcare and accelerating progress towards universal health coverage. This study aimed to identify key enablers to support policy development for national pharmacy workforce advancement.

Design

A cross-sectional country-level questionnaire was distributed from July 2018 to March 2019.

Setting

National-level or country-level pharmacy workforce development policy.

Participants

Professional leadership associations and national agencies of the International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP). The FIP global database included 129 countries.

Measures

The questionnaire was designed to collate data on the scope of advanced and specialist practice in respondent countries. Multiple correspondence analysis and subsequent cluster analysis were conducted to explore the associations and patterns of country-level attributes of systems in place for the pharmacy workforce advancement in order to develop a general transnational model for country-level advanced practice development.

Results

Eighty-eight countries (68.2% response rate) responded to the questionnaire. Factors that enhance and contribute to advanced practice policy development include the country’s socioeconomic factors and the availability of national practice advancement concepts. The essential advancement concepts include the availability of framework and professional recognition systems, programmes assisting advanced practice development and workforce advancement and recognition opportunities. Cluster analysis identified three clusters of country respondents. First cluster included low-income and middle-income with poor pharmacy advancement implementation, second cluster included a higher socioeconomic status with weaker pharmacy workforce advancement implementation and third cluster included upper middle-income to high-income countries and high rates of pharmacy advancement implementation.

Conclusion

The key factors identified in this study can be used to support a transnational approach to pharmacy workforce advancement. The three clusters identified highlighted that workforce advancement was not an exclusive trait of higher-income countries. Lessons from countries that have already adopted concepts of advancement in pharmacy practice could be adopted to other countries to accelerate the progress of advanced practice globally.
Severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia in extremely premature infants: a scoping review protocol for identifying risk factors
Authors: Kato Shin , Ito Masato , Saito Makoto , Miyahara Naoyuki , Namba Fumihiko , Ota Erika , Nakanishi Hidehiko
Published: May 2022

Introduction

The remarkable improvement in the long-term prognosis of extremely premature infants has led to an increase in the number of cases of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD). BPD affects pulmonary function and developmental outcomes, resulting in high chronic health burdens for infants and their families over the years. Therefore, identifying its risk factors in the early period of life and exploring better prophylactics and treatment strategies are important.

The objectives of our scoping review are to screen available evidence, identify perinatal risk factors involved in the development and severity of BPD and devise a novel disease classification system that can predict long-term prognosis.

Methods and analysis

Eligibility criteria are as follows: articles published from 2002 to 2021; studies conducted in developed countries; articles written in English (PubMed) or Japanese (Ichushi); randomised controlled trials, prospective/retrospective cohort studies or case-control studies; extremely premature infants born before 28 weeks of gestational age; and articles in which endpoint was severe BPD as classified by the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development.

We will screen the titles and abstracts of studies identified by independent reviewers using the population-concept-context framework. After a full-text review and data charting, we will provide the perinatal risk factors for severe BPD along with the risk ratio or odds ratio, 95% confidence interval and p values.

Ethics and dissemination

Institutional review board approval is not required due to the nature of the study. The results of this review will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and presentations at relevant conferences.

Protocol V.1, 22 September 2021

Trial registration number

UMIN000045529.
Form factors of $$P\rightarrow T$$ transition within the light-front quark models
Authors: Chen Lili , Ren Yu-Wan , Wang Li-Ting , Chang Qin
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we calculate the vector, axial-vector and tensor form factors of $$P\rightarrow T$$

P
→
T

transition within the standard light-front (SLF) and covariant light-front (CLF) quark models (QMs). The self-consistency and Lorentz covariance of CLF QM with two types of correspondence schemes are investigated. The zero-mode effects and the spurious $$\omega $$
ω
-dependent contributions to the form factors of $$P\rightarrow T$$

P
→
T

transition are analyzed. Employing a self-consistent CLF QM, we present our numerical predictions for the vector, axial-vector and tensor form factors of $$c\rightarrow (q,s)$$

c
→
(
q
,
s
)

 ($$q=u,d$$

q
=
u
,
d

) induced $$D \rightarrow (a_2,K^*_2)$$

D
→
(

a
2

,

K
2
∗

)

, $$D_s \rightarrow (K^*_2,f'_{2})$$

D
s

→

(

K
2
∗

,

f
2
′

)

, $$\eta _c(1S) \rightarrow (D^*_2,D^*_{s2})$$

η
c

(
1
S
)

→

(

D
2
∗

,

D

s
2

∗

)

, $$ B_c \rightarrow (B^*_2,B^*_{s2})$$

B
c

→

(

B
2
∗

,

B

s
2

∗

)

transitions and $$b\rightarrow (q,s,c)$$

b
→
(
q
,
s
,
c
)

induced $$B \rightarrow (a_2,K^*_2,D^*_2)$$

B
→
(

a
2

,

K
2
∗

,

D
2
∗

)

, $$B_s \rightarrow (K^*_2,f'_2,D^*_{s2})$$

B
s

→

(

K
2
∗

,

f
2
′

,

D

s
2

∗

)

, $$B_c \rightarrow (D^*_2,D^*_{s2},\chi _{c2}(1P))$$

B
c

→

(

D
2
∗

,

D

s
2

∗

,

χ

c
2

(
1
P
)

)

, $$\eta _b(1S) \rightarrow (B^*_2,B^*_{s2})$$

η
b

(
1
S
)

→

(

B
2
∗

,

B

s
2

∗

)

transitions. Finally, in order to test the obtained form factors, the semileptonic $$B\rightarrow {\bar{D}}_2^*(2460)\ell ^+\nu _\ell $$

B
→

D

¯

2
∗

(
2460
)

ℓ
+

ν
ℓ

 ($$\ell =e,\mu $$

ℓ
=
e
,
μ

) and $${\bar{D}}_2^*(2460)\tau ^+\nu _{\tau }$$

D

¯

2
∗

(
2460
)

τ
+

ν
τ

decays are studied. It is expected that our results for the form factors of $$P\rightarrow T$$

P
→
T

transition can be applied further to the relevant phenomenological studies of meson decays.
Laboratory experiments on the radiation astrochemistry of water ice phases
Authors: Mifsud Duncan V. , Hailey Perry A. , Herczku Péter , Juhász Zoltán , Kovács Sándor T. S. , Sulik Béla , Ioppolo Sergio , Kaňuchová Zuzana , McCullough Robert W. , Paripás Béla , Mason Nigel J.
Published: May 2022

Water (H2O) ice is a ubiquitous component of the universe, having been detected in a variety of interstellar and Solar System environments where radiation plays an important role in its physico-chemical transformations. Although the radiation chemistry of H2O astrophysical ice analogues has been well studied, direct and systematic comparisons of different solid phases are scarce and are typically limited to just two phases. In this article, we describe the results of an in-depth study of the 2 keV electron irradiation of amorphous solid water (ASW), restrained amorphous ice (RAI) and the cubic (Ic) and hexagonal (Ih) crystalline phases at 20 K so as to further uncover any potential dependence of the radiation physics and chemistry on the solid phase of the ice. Mid-infrared spectroscopic analysis of the four investigated H2O ice phases revealed that electron irradiation of the RAI, Ic, and Ih phases resulted in their amorphization (with the latter undergoing the process more slowly) while ASW underwent compaction. The abundance of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) produced as a result of the irradiation was also found to vary between phases, with yields being highest in irradiated ASW. This observation is the cumulative result of several factors including the increased porosity and quantity of lattice defects in ASW, as well as its less extensive hydrogen-bonding network. Our results have astrophysical implications, particularly with regards to H2O-rich icy interstellar and Solar System bodies exposed to both radiation fields and temperature gradients.

Graphical abstract
Mechanism of the low-frequency wide-band within a nonlinear acoustic metamaterial
Authors: Zhang Yong Yan , Zhou Zong Tuan , Mao Zhu Qiong , Xiong Ling Ling , Wu Jiu Hui , Hui Liu
Published: May 2022

In this paper, the formation and broadening mechanism of the low-frequency bandgap are revealed by designing a type of nonlinear acoustic metamaterial (NAM) with gaps. The mechanism of the chaotic evolution through the harmonic coupling for the NAM structure is revealed in detail, which can effectively change spectral characteristics in the bifurcation sequence, and finally, lead to a low frequency and chaos. Then, a low-frequency broadband within the NAM structures with gaps is obtained by the finite element method (FEM) due to the mechanism of chaos. Most importantly, the width of the bandgap can be successfully enlarged by adjusting the small gap, because the energy of the elastic wave can be greatly decreased or redistributed with the system going from periodic motion to doubling bifurcation. This mechanism for achieving a low-frequency bandgap overcomes the shortcomings both in the traditional local resonance with too large additional mass and in the inertial amplification structures with narrow bandgaps. Therefore, this idea of achieving a low-frequency bandgap has great theoretical significance for controlling low-frequency sound waves.
Influence of spraying power and immersion time on electrochemical corrosion of Ni-5wt.%Al alloy coatings in 3.5 wt.% NaCl solution
Authors: He Yuxing , Feng Xinyu , Du Jinwen , Li Lanxing , Gong Jianping , Li Liangfeng , Gao Pengfei
Published: May 2022

The effect of spraying power and immersion time on the microstructure and electrochemical corrosion behavior of plasma-sprayed Ni-5wt.%Al alloy coatings were studied. The spraying powers have a great influence on the electrochemical corrosion behavior of the coatings by affecting their surface roughness and porosity. The self-corrosion current density of the coatings was much lower when the surface roughness and porosity of the coatings were both lower. In addition, with the increase of immersion time, the self-corrosion current density of the coatings was decreased first, then increased, and finally decreased, which may be related to the formation and disappearance of Al2O3 in the coatings.
Properties analysis of refugee populations around the world: A visibility graph network approach
Authors: Wang Lubing , Ji Haitao , Peng Xiaojun , Zeng Lanyan , Hu Jun , Zhu Sha , Lai Fujun , Li Huijia
Published: May 2022

The refugee problem is one of the most important issues facing the international community today. It not only troubles the countries where refugees are generated but also has a great impact on the countries where refugees are influx. With the continuous development of globalization, the refugee problem is no longer a problem of a country or a region, but a global problem faced by the international community. To cope with the global refugee problem, this paper analyzes the number of refugees in 156 countries from 1990 to 2020 and transforms the refugee population data of these countries into a complex network through a time series visibility graph (VG) method. First, we categorize the income level of 156 countries and analyze the impact of income level on the increase of refugee numbers. Then, the evaluation index of the number of refugees is obtained through the VG method. Finally, a TOPSIS comprehensive evaluation method based on the entropy weight approach is employed to analyze the data. This paper includes two main contributions. First, the application of the VG method provides a new perspective for enriching the modeling of the global refugee population growth trend. Second, this paper shows that the TOPSIS evaluation method based on the entropy weight method is effective, which provides a new method for further research on the global refugee population growth trend.
Quantum network coding based on six-qubit entangled state
Authors: Chen Xiang , Zhou Ri-Gui , Li Xin , Li Yao-Chong
Published: May 2022

In order to improve the security and transmission efficiency of quantum network coding (QNC), we propose a new QNC scheme based on butterfly network. The scheme uses two groups of GHZ states to distribute quantum entangled states through intermediate nodes, so as to establish the connection between multiple nodes and achieve safe and reliable quantum traffic. This paper can not only improve the security of QNC, but also reduce the transmission of particles and improve the anti-interference ability of information. Compared with the traditional network coding method based on a priori entanglement, our scheme is a better attempt.
Study on the effect of TaN bridge film transducer structure on DC firing sensitivity
Authors: Ren Xiao-Ming , Ren Wei , Chen Jian-Hua , Liu Wei , Yu Ke-Xin , Liu Lan , Xie Rui-Zhen , Liu Hong-E , Kan Wen-Xing
Published: May 2022

Tantalum nitrides (TaN) have attracted much attention as a new material of energy exchangers in insensitive detonators, we mainly investigate its ignition law in this paper. Firstly, the paper utilizes numerical simulation to predict the influence of the substrate material, bridge zone thickness, bridge zone length and width on the ignition action. Then its reliability was verified by experiments, which provided technical support for the design of passivated pyrotechnics.
Random attractors for setvalued dynamical systems for stochastic evolution equations driven by a nontrivial fractional noise
Authors: Garrido-Atienza M. J. , Schmalfuß B. , Valero J.
Published: May 2022

We consider a stochastic evolution equation driven by a fractional Brownian motion in a separable Hilbert space with Hurst parameter [Formula: see text]. The coefficient in front of the noise is in general nonlinear. The related integral is a pathwise integral defined by fractional derivatives. The nonlinear coefficients of this equation satisfy weak conditions ensuring only existence of a solution but not uniqueness. This equation generates then a multivalued random dynamical system. We prove the existence of a random attractor for this system.