bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SARS‐CoV‐2 infections among neonates born to pregnant people with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection: Maternal, pregnancy and birth characteristics
Authors: Olsen Emily O'Malley , Roth Nicole M. , Aveni Kathryn , Santos Pauline , Sizemore Lindsey , Halai Umme‐Aiman , Nestoridi Eirini , Barton Jerusha Elana , Mobley Evan , Siebman Samantha , Fussman Chris , Mbotha Deborah , Dzimira Paula , Silcox Kristin M. , Khuwaja Salma , Roscom Danacamile , Lush Mamie , Chicchelly Sarah , Delgado‐López Camille , Schlosser Levi , Read Jennifer , Ellington Sascha R. , Hall Aron J. , Gilboa Suzanne M. , Tong Van T. , Woodworth Kate R.
Published: April 2022

Background

Multiple reports have described neonatal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection, including likely in utero transmission and early postnatal infection, but published estimates of neonatal infection range by geography and design type.

Objectives

To describe maternal, pregnancy and neonatal characteristics among neonates born to people with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy by neonatal SARS‐CoV‐2 testing results.

Methods

Using aggregated data from the Surveillance for Emerging Threats to Mothers and Babies Network (SET‐NET) describing infections from 20 January 2020 to 31 December 2020, we identified neonates who were (1) born to people who were SARS‐CoV‐2 positive by RT‐PCR at any time during their pregnancy, and (2) tested for SARS‐CoV‐2 by RT‐PCR during the birth hospitalisation.

Results

Among 28,771 neonates born to people with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy, 3816 (13%) underwent PCR testing and 138 neonates (3.6%) were PCR positive. Ninety‐four per cent of neonates testing positive were born to people with infection identified ≤14 days of delivery. Neonatal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was more frequent among neonates born preterm (5.7%) compared to term (3.4%). Neonates testing positive were born to both symptomatic and asymptomatic pregnant people.

Conclusions

Jurisdictions reported SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR results for only 13% of neonates known to be born to people with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy. These results provide evidence of neonatal infection identified through multi‐state systematic surveillance data collection and describe characteristics of neonates with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. While perinatal SARS‐CoV‐2 infection was uncommon among tested neonates born to people with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection during pregnancy, nearly all cases of tested neonatal infection occurred in pregnant people infected around the time of delivery and was more frequent among neonates born preterm. These findings support the recommendation for neonatal SARS‐CoV‐2 RT‐PCR testing, especially for people with acute infection around the time of delivery.
Embryo biotechnologies in sheep: Achievements and new improvements
Authors: Falchi Laura , Ledda Sergio , Zedda Maria T.
Published: April 2022

To date, large‐scale use of multiple ovulation and embryo transfer (MOET) programmes in ovine species is limited due to unpredictable results and high costs of hormonal stimulation and treatment. Therefore, even if considered reliable, they are not fully applicable in large‐scale systems. More recently, the new prospects offered by in vitro embryo production (IVEP) through collection of oocytes post‐mortem or by repeated ovum pick‐up from live females suggested an alternative to MOET programmes and may be more extensively used, moving from the exclusive research in the laboratory to field application. The possibility to perform oocytes recovery from juvenile lambs to obtain embryos (JIVET) offers the great advantage to significantly reduce the generation interval, speeding the rate of genetic improvement. Although in the past decades several studies implemented novel protocols to enhance embryo production in sheep, the conditions of every single stage of IVEP can significantly affect embryo yield and successful transfer into the recipients. Moreover, the recent progresses on embryo production and freezing technologies might allow wider propagation of valuable genes in small ruminants populations and may be used for constitution of flocks without risks of disease. In addition, they can give a substantial contribution in preserving endangered breeds. The new era of gene editing might offer innovative perspectives in sheep breeding, but the application of such novel techniques implies involvement of specialized operators and is limited by relatively high costs for embryo manipulation and molecular biology analysis.
The Effect of Epidemic Outbreak on Healthcare Usage: Lessons from the 2015 Middle East Respiratory Syndrome Outbreak in South Korea
Authors: Park Jinhwan , Jun Duk Bin , Park Sungho
Published: April 2022

When an epidemic outbreak occurs, the demand for healthcare services may increase because more people may seek medical care regardless of their infection status. On the other hand, it may decrease because of the fear of getting infected while seeking treatment. Moreover, the epidemic may have lasting effects on individuals' healthcare service usage after it ends. Armed with a representative and detailed individual level healthcare usage dataset, we examine the dynamic effect of the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS) outbreak which occurred in South Korea in 2015. To be more specific, we select patients who lived in regions where the MERS outbreak took place as the treatment group, and patients who lived in regions where MERS-related events never occurred as the control group. Using this sample, we apply a difference-in-difference approach with propensity score matching to investigate the effect of epidemic disease on individuals' healthcare service usage. We find that healthcare visits to treat minor diseases during the MERS outbreak showed a significant decrease of 3.7%. This effect was pronounced in large tertiary hospitals (22.7%) and among minors under age 10 (10.1%). We could not find significant changes in visits to treat serious diseases. However, visits to the emergency department showed a temporary but significant decrease (18.1%). After the end of the epidemic, healthcare visits to treat minor diseases significantly increased by 4.0%. This after-effect was pronounced in secondary hospitals (8.7%) and primary healthcare facilities (3.9%) and among minors under age 10. We discuss the implications of our findings for various stakeholders.
Wh‐InterrogativesIn Ancient Greek Disentangling Focus‐ AndWh‐Movement*
Authors: Bertrand Nicolas , Faure Richard
Published: April 2022

This article explores the problem of information structure in ancient Greek direct constituent questions from the perspective ofwh‐placement. It begins with the observation thatwh‐items are intrinsically focused and that typologically,wh‐placement is predictable based on the focusing properties in some languages, such as Indonesian (in situstrategy) and Basque or Hungarian (focus position strategy), but not in others, such as English (specificwh‐position strategy). Ancient Greek has multiple ways to express narrow focusing, e.g.,in situor in a preverbal devoted position. Puzzlingly, with respect towhPs, the former way is only marginally attested and there is no good evidence for the latter way. Instead, based on syntactic and prosodic tests, we show that ancient Greek offers a third strategy, in which a high position in the structure is available. Nevertheless, when this result is recast in the framework of Phase Theory, the tests ofwh‐duplication and stranding indicate thatwhPs must go through all three positions, receiving their argument functionin situ, checking their focus feature preverbally and verifying theirwh‐feature in the high position. The specificity of ‘why’ questions is addressed along the way.
The novel HLA‐DQB1*06 null allele, HLA‐DQB1*06:423N, identified in a volunteer blood donor
Authors: Loeser Evelyn , Hallensleben Michael , Bernheiden Martin , Rakhmanov Mirzokhid , Emmerich Florian
Published: April 2022

A single nucleotide exchange in exon 2 at position 370 (C ‐>T) generates a preterminal STOP encoding a C‐terminally truncated protein.
Insights into acylation mechanisms: co‐expression of serine carboxypeptidase‐like acyltransferases and their non‐catalytic companion paralogs
Authors: Yao Shengbo , Liu Yajun , Zhuang Juhua , Zhao Yue , Dai Xinlong , Jiang Changjuan , Wang Zhihui , Jiang Xiaolan , Zhang Shuxiang , Qian Yumei , Tai Yuling , Wang Yunsheng , Wang Haiyan , Xie De‐Yu , Gao Liping , Xia Tao
Published: April 2022

Serine carboxypeptidase‐like acyltransferases (SCPL‐ATs) play a vital role in the diversification of plant metabolites. Galloylated flavan‐3‐ols highly accumulate in tea (Camellia sinensis), grape (Vitis vinifera), and persimmon (Diospyros kaki). To date, the biosynthetic mechanism of these compounds remains unknown. Herein, we report that two SCPL‐AT paralogs are involved in galloylation of flavan‐3‐ols: CsSCPL4, which contains the conserved catalytic triad S‐D‐H, and CsSCPL5, which has the alternative triad T‐D‐Y. Integrated data from transgenic plants, recombinant enzymes, and gene mutations showed that CsSCPL4 is a catalytic acyltransferase, while CsSCPL5 is a non‐catalytic companion paralog (NCCP). Co‐expression of CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5 is likely responsible for the galloylation. Furthermore, pull‐down and co‐immunoprecipitation assays showed that CsSCPL4 and CsSCPL5 interact, increasing protein stability and promoting post‐translational processing. Moreover, phylogenetic analyses revealed that their homologs co‐exist in galloylated flavan‐3‐ol‐ or hydrolyzable tannin‐rich plant species. Enzymatic assays further revealed the necessity of co‐expression of those homologs for acyltransferase activity. Evolution analysis revealed that the mutations of the CsSCPL5 catalytic residues may have taken place about 10 million years ago. These findings show that the co‐expression of SCPL‐ATs and their NCCPs contributes to the acylation of flavan‐3‐ols in the plant kingdom.
On the brightness, transverse emittance, and transverse coherence of field emission beam
Authors: Tsujino Soichiro
Published: April 2022

The highly brilliant electron beam produced by field emitters is one of the enabling factors of the high resolution electron microscope with atomic resolution. In addition to high beam brightness, field emitters are also high current, high current density, and highly coherent cathodes. These characteristics motivated the use of field emitters for high-frequency vacuum electric tubes and accelerator applications and in experiments including electron diffraction, holography, coherent diffraction imaging, to name a few. Here, we present an overview of the key characteristics of field emitters for beam applications: beam brightness, transverse emittance, and transverse coherence. We further discuss their implications on the coherent propagation of the field emission beam.
Targeting the lysine-specific demethylase 1 rewires kinase networks and primes leukemia cells for kinase inhibitor treatment
Authors: Pedicona Federico , Casado Pedro , Hijazi Maruan , Gribben John G. , Rouault-Pierre Kevin , Cutillas Pedro R.
Published: April 2022

Most tumor types either fail to respond or become resistant to kinase inhibitors, often because of compensatory prosurvival pathways in the cancer cell’s broader signaling circuitry. Here, we found that intrinsic resistance to kinase inhibitors in cultured primary acute myeloid leukemia (AML) cells may be overcome by reshaping kinase networks into topologies that confer drug sensitivity. We identified several antagonists of chromatin-modifying enzymes that sensitized AML cell lines to kinase inhibitors. Of these, we confirmed that inhibitors of the lysine-specific demethylase (LSD1; also known as KDM1A) rewired kinase signaling in AML cells in a way that increased the activity of the kinase MEK and that broadly suppressed the activity of other kinases and feedback loops. As a result, AML cell lines and about half of primary human AML samples were primed for sensitivity to the MEK inhibitor trametinib. Primary human cells with
KRAS
mutations and those with high MEK pathway activity were the best responders to sequential treatment with LSD1 inhibitors then trametinib, whereas those with
NRAS
mutations and high mTOR activity were poor responders. Overall, our study reveals the MEK pathway as a mechanism of resistance to LSD1 inhibitors in AML and shows a way to modulate kinase network circuitry to potentially overcome therapeutic resistance to kinase inhibitors.
Complete Genome Sequence of
Emiliania huxleyi
Virus Strain M1, Isolated from an Induced
E. huxleyi
Bloom in Bergen, Norway
Authors: Fromm Amir , Schatz Daniella , Ben-Dor Shifra , Feldmesser Ester , Vardi Assaf
Published: April 2022

Emiliania huxleyi
virus strain M1 (EhVM1), a large double-stranded DNA virus from the family
Phycodnaviridae
, was isolated from an
Emiliania huxleyi
bloom during a mesocosm experiment in Raunefjorden, Bergen, Norway. Here, we report its complete genome, composed of one full contig.
Supplemental Material: Terrestrial paleoclimate transition associated with continental weathering and drift during the Aptian–Albian of East Asia
Authors: Jia Jianliang , al. et
Published: April 2022

Table S1: Climate indicators from element and isotope geochemistry, and clay and carbonate minerals from boreholes FY-2, FY-1, and DY-1 in the Fuxin Basin. Table S2: Palynomorph assemblage from borehole FY-2 in the Fuxin Basin. Figure S1: Correlated sequence stratigraphy and sedimentary facies with positions of measured samples in the Fuxin Basin from borehole FY-2 in the west (A), FY-1 in the center (B), and DY-1 in the east (C) (modified after Jia et al., 2021). Figure S2: Diagrams of Al2O3 and TiO2 and δ13C and δ18O values for organic-rich mudrocks from boreholes FY-2 (A, D), FY-1 (B, E), and DY-1 (C, F). Figure S3. Microscopic characteristics of carbonate minerals observed in SEM (A) and thin section images (B) of organic-rich mudrocks from borehole FY-2. 
Supplemental Material: Rapid postorogenic cooling of the Paleoproterozoic Cape Smith foreland thrust belt and footwall Archean basement, Trans-Hudson orogen, Canada
Authors: Skipton Diane , al. et
Published: April 2022

Supplemental File 1: 40Ar/39Ar data tables and Supplemental File 2: 40Ar/39Ar step-heating methods, gas-release spectra, and results 
High-flow post-traumatic priapism with delayed presentation
Authors: Harvey Michael , Chislett Bodie , Perera Marlon , Eapen Renu
Published: April 2022

Priapism is an urgent urological condition with varied aetiology that may be classified as low flow (ischaemic) or high flow (non-ischaemic). Diagnosis requires detailed clinical history and examination combined with appropriate investigations such as cavernosal blood gas sampling and penile Doppler ultrasound. In the case of high-flow priapism CT angiography can identify sources of abnormal arterial blood flow and cases may be managed conservatively, with surgery or through arterial embolisation. We detail a case of a young man presented 2 weeks after perineal trauma with high-flow priapism with an equivocal penile Doppler ultrasound. Cavernosal blood gas sampling was consistent with arterial blood and CT angiography was performed showing an arteriovenous fistula. The patient was then successfully managed with arterial embolisation resulting in detumescence and preserving sexual function.
How much does it cost to combine supply-side and demand-side RBF approaches in a single intervention? Full cost analysis of the Results Based Financing for Maternal and Newborn Health Initiative in Malawi
Authors: Torbica Aleksandra , Grainger Corinne , Okada Elena , De Allegri Manuela
Published: April 2022

Objective

To estimate the economic cost associated with implementing the Results Based Financing for Maternal and Newborn Health (RBF4MNH) Initiative in Malawi. No specific hypotheses were formulated ex-ante.

Setting

Primary and secondary delivery facilities in rural Malawi.

Participants

Not applicable. The study relied almost exclusively on secondary financial data.

Intervention

The RBF4MNH Initiative was a results-based financing (RBF) intervention including both a demand and a supply-side component.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Cost per potential and for actual beneficiaries.

Results

The overall economic cost of the Initiative during 2011–2016 amounted to €12 786 924, equivalent to €24.17 per pregnant woman residing in the intervention districts. The supply side activity cluster absorbed over 40% of all resources, half of which were spent on infrastructure upgrading and equipment supply, and 10% on incentives. Costs for the demand side activity cluster and for verification were equivalent to 14% and 6%, respectively of the Initiative overall cost.

Conclusion

Carefully tracing resource consumption across all activities, our study suggests that the full economic cost of implementing RBF interventions may be higher than what was previously reported in published cost-effectiveness studies. More research is urgently needed to carefully trace the costs of implementing RBF and similar health financing innovations, in order to inform decision-making in low-income and middle-income countries around scaling up RBF approaches.
Food insecurity and associated depression among older adults in India: evidence from a population-based study
Authors: T Muhammad , Sulaiman KM , Drishti Drishti , Srivastava Shobhit
Published: April 2022

Objective

The present study aimed to examine the associations of several indicators of food insecurity with depression among older adults in India.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using country-representative survey data.

Setting and participants

The present study uses data of the Longitudinal Aging Study in India conducted during 2017–2018. The effective sample size for the present study was 31 464 older adults aged 60 years and above.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The outcome variable was major depression among older adults. Descriptive statistics along with bivariate analysis was presented. Additionally, binary logistic regression analysis was used to establish the association between the depression and food security factors along with other covariates.

Results

The overall prevalence of major depression was 8.4% among older adults in India. A proportion of 6.3% of the older adults reduced the size of meals, 40% reported that they did not eat enough food of their choice, 5.6% mentioned that they were hungry but did not eat, 4.2% reported that they did not eat for a whole day and 5.6% think that they have lost weight due to lack of enough food in the household. Older adults who reported to have reduced the size of meals due to lack of enough food (adjusted OR (AOR): 1.76, CI 1.44 to 2.15) were hungry but did not eat (AOR: 1.35, CI 1.06 to 1.72) did not eat food for a whole day (AOR: 1.33; CI 1.03 to 1.71), lost weight due to lack of food (AOR: 1.57; CI 1.30 to1.89) had higher odds of being depressed in reference to their respective counterparts.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that self-reported food insecurity indicators were strongly associated with major depression among older Indian adults. The national food security programmes should be enhanced as an effort to improve mental health status and quality of life among older population.
Communities Helping the Hearing of Infants by Reaching Parents (CHHIRP) through patient navigation: a hybrid implementation effectiveness stepped wedge trial protocol
Authors: Bush Matthew , Hatfield Miranda , Schuh Marissa , Balasuriya Beverly , Mahairas Anthony , Jacobs Julie , Studts Christina , Westgate Philip , Schoenberg Nancy , Shinn Jennifer , Creel Liza
Published: April 2022

Introduction

As the most common neonatal sensory disorder in the USA, infant hearing loss has an incidence of 1.7 per 1000 births. The consequences of delayed diagnosis and failure to obtain timely intervention include significant communication impairment and negative socioeconomic effects. Early Hearing Detection and Intervention (EHDI) national standards dictate that all infants should be screened and diagnosed by 3 months of age and there is a need for interventions that promote adherence to timely diagnosis. Patient navigation (PN) has been shown to be efficacious to decrease non-adherence with infant hearing diagnostic care; however, PN has yet to be tested in diverse communities or implemented into real-world settings.

Methods and analysis

The proposed research is a community-engaged, type 1 hybrid effectiveness-implementation trial of a PN intervention aimed at decreasing infant hearing diagnosis non-adherence after failed newborn hearing screening, delivered in state-funded EHDI clinics. Guided by our community advisory board and partners, we aim to (1) test the effectiveness of PN to decrease non-adherence to receipt of infant hearing diagnosis within 3 months after birth using a stepped-wedge trial design, (2) investigate implementation outcomes and factors influencing implementation and (3) determine the cost-effectiveness of PN from the perspective of third-party payers. The study will be conducted from April 2019 until March 2024.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol was approved by the University of Kentucky Institutional Review Board. Although all research involving human subjects contains some risk, there are no known serious risks anticipated from participating in this study. We will seek to disseminate our results in a systematic fashion to patients, key stakeholder, policymakers and the scientific community. Our results will impact the field by partnering with communities to inform the scale-up of this innovative patient supportive intervention to create efficient and effective EHDI programmes and maximise public health impact.

Trial registration number

Clinicaltrials.gov (Pre-results phase):NCT03875339.
Is carotid artery atherosclerosis associated with poor cognitive function assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination? A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Anbar Rayan , Sultan Salahaden R , Al Saikhan Lamia , Alkharaiji Mohammed , Chaturvedi Nishi , Hardy Rebecca , Richards Marcus , Hughes Alun
Published: April 2022

Objectives

To determine associations between carotid atherosclerosis assessed by ultrasound and the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), a measure of global cognitive function.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Methods

MEDLINE and EMBASE databases were searched up to 1 May 2020 to identify studies assessed the associations between asymptomatic carotid atherosclerosis and the MMSE. Studies reporting OR for associations between carotid plaque or intima-media thickness (cIMT) and dichotomised MMSE were meta-analysed. Publication bias of included studies was assessed.

Results

A total of 31 of 378 reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria; together they included 27 738 participants (age 35–95 years). Fifteen studies reported some evidence of a positive association between measures of atherosclerosis and poorer cognitive performance in either cross-sectional or longitudinal studies. The remaining 16 studies found no evidence of an association. Seven cross-sectional studies provided data suitable for meta-analysis. Meta-analysis of three studies that assessed carotid plaque (n=3549) showed an association between the presence of plaque and impaired MMSE with pooled estimate for the OR (95% CI) being 2.72 (0.85 to 4.59). An association between cIMT and impaired MMSE was reported in six studies (n=4443) with a pooled estimate for the OR (95% CI) being 1.13 (1.04 to 1.22). Heterogeneity across studies was moderate to small (carotid plaque with MMSE, I2=40.9%; cIMT with MMSE, I2=4.9%). There was evidence of publication bias for carotid plaque studies (p=0.02), but not cIMT studies (p=0.2).

Conclusions

There is some, limited cross-sectional evidence indicating an association between cIMT and poorer global cognitive function assessed with MMSE. Estimates of the association between plaques and poor cognition are too imprecise to draw firm conclusions and evidence from studies of longitudinal associations between carotid atherosclerosis and MMSE is limited.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021240077.
Short-term functions and long-term consequences of checking behavior as a transdiagnostic phenomenon: protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Vivell Maj-Britt , Opladen Vanessa , Vocks Silja , Hartmann Andrea S
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Checking behaviour (CB) occurs in various mental health problems. Cognitive-behavioural models for these mental disorders share similar theoretical assumptions. Thus, they postulate a negative reinforcing effect of CB by reducing negative affect (ie, anxiety) and a maintenance of the pathology due to a lack of reality testing of concerns. This paper details methods for a systematic review that will be conducted to synthesise empirical evidence testing these theoretical assumptions across obsessive–compulsive, generalised anxiety, eating, body dysmorphic and illness anxiety disorder. The results are expected to foster our understanding of the mechanisms of action underlying CB, which is of high clinical relevance. Depending on whether or not the findings confirm the model assumptions regarding CB, the focus of treatments would need to be intensified or modified.

Methods and analysis

We will search PsycINFO, PubMed, PSYNDEX and Scopus for studies investigating the emotional state in which CB is being used as well as the immediate and longer-term effects of CB on cognitive and emotional measures in clinical and analogue samples. The selection process, data extraction and quality assessment of included studies will be performed by two independent reviewers. In the case of inconsistencies, a third reviewer will be involved. Study results will be reported in a narrative synthesis.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval will not be required as this is a protocol for systematic review. The results are mainly disseminated through peer-reviewed publications.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021238835.
Protocol of a multiphase study on telemedicine for older adults in primary care
Authors: Khanassov Vladimir , Ilali Marwa , Vedel Isabelle
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Telemedicine (TM) has been adopted by many health authorities to limit unnecessary exposure during COVID-19. Prior to the pandemic, TM was associated with improvement of quality of life of older patients, low hospital admissions and nursing home placement, and high overall patients’ satisfaction due to convenience. However, older adults may face challenges to access TM, such as hearing, visual and cognitive decline, and limited access to Internet and devices. Ongoing vaccination campaigns and sanitary measures are keeping the pandemic under control, but new variants threaten public safety. Specific recommendations on TM use in high-risk populations, such as older adults, are therefore required.

Methods and analysis

To assess the challenges of TM use in the routine primary healthcare practice of older adults. The research objective is to examine the potential effect of TM; (1) to describe the evidence of TM, (2) to understand the patients, caregivers and clinicians’ experiences with TM use and (3) to develop practice-based and evidence-based recommendations on effective use of TM. Multiphase design: (1) systematic mixed studies review on the evidence of TM use, (2) qualitative descriptive study on the experiences of the patients, caregivers and healthcare professionals. Recommendations will be proposed based on the integration of both studies. In accordance with PRISMA statement, the systematic mixed studies review will be conducted through multiple databases search: MEDLINE, PsycINFO, EMBASE, CINAHL, AgeLine, Cochrane Library. Population studied: Community-dwelling 65 years and older adults using two-way synchronous TM by phone or video in a primary care setting. The qualitative descriptive study will include individual interviews with older adults from four McGill university affiliated primary care practices and focus groups with their healthcare professionals.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been received. Results will inform healthcare professionals and policy-makers on sustainable use of TM in primary care for older adults.

PROSPERO registration number

The review protocol has been recorded at the PROSPERO, CRD42021237686 (https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/.
Protocol for the Healing After Loss (HeAL) Study: a randomised controlled trial of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for major depression following perinatal loss
Authors: Johnson Jennifer E , Price Ann B , Sikorskii Alla , Key Kent D , Taylor Brandon , Lamphere Susan , Huff Christine , Cinader Morgan , Zlotnick Caron
Published: April 2022

Introduction

This protocol describes a study testing the efficacy of interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) for major depressive disorder following perinatal loss (early and late fetal death and early neonatal death). Perinatal loss is associated with elevated risk of major depressive disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Perinatal loss conveys specific treatment needs. The trial will be the first fully powered randomised trial of treatment for any psychiatric disorder following perinatal loss.

Methods and analysis

A sample of 274 women in Flint and Detroit areas in Michigan who experience a major depressive episode following a perinatal loss will be randomised to group IPT for perinatal loss or to group coping with depression. We anticipate that 50% of the sample will have co-occurring PTSD. Assessments occur at baseline, mid-treatment (8 weeks), post-treatment (16 weeks) and follow-up (28 weeks). Clinical outcomes include time to recovery from major depressive episode (primary), depressive symptoms, PTSD symptoms and time to recovery from PTSD. Additional outcomes include social support, social role functioning (including parental functioning for those with living children), well-being, grief (including complicated grief and fault beliefs) and fear of subsequent pregnancies. Social support and grief are hypothesised mediators of IPT effects on time to recovery from major depressive episode.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved by Michigan State University’s Biomedical Institutional Review Board. It has a data and safety monitoring board and has been submitted to the community-based organisation partners community ethics review board. Written operating procedures outline methods for protecting confidentiality, monitoring and recording adverse events, and safeguarding participants. We will share study results with research and clinical communities, community organisations through which we recruited, and will offer results to study participants. Deidentified datasets will be available through the National Institute of Mental Health Data Archive and to qualified investigators on request.

Trial registration number

NCT04629599.
Implementation of a new clinical and organisational practice to improve access to primary care services: a protocol for an effectiveness-implementation hybrid study
Authors: Côté Nancy , Chouinard Rébecca , Freeman Andrew , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Breton Mylaine , Duhoux Arnaud , Ghandour El Kebir , Laberge Maude , Martin Elisabeth , Fortin Jean-Paul , Bourgeault Ivy
Published: April 2022

Introduction

In Canada, as in most Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries, healthcare systems face significant challenges in ensuring better access to primary care. A regional healthcare organisation in Quebec (Canada) serving a population of approximately 755 459 citizens has implemented a standardised access approach to primary care services for this population. The objective of this new clinical and organisational practice is to ensure that users benefit from the same referral process, regardless of the entry point, in order to be directed to the right services. This new practice integrates a shared decision-making process between the user and the professional, and a collaborative process between different health professionals within and between services. The objective of our research is to identify and characterise the conditions of implementation of this practice.

Methods

This effectiveness-implementation hybrid investigation will use an embedded single-case study, defined in this case as the process of implementing a clinical and organisational practice within a healthcare organisation. Further to an evaluation conducted during a preliminary phase of the project, this study consists of evaluating the implementation of this new practice in four medical clinics (family medicine groups). A qualitative analysis of the data and a quantitative preimplementation and postimplementation analysis based on performance indicators will be conducted. This study is ultimately situated within a participatory organisational approach that involves various stakeholders and users at each step of the implementation and evaluation process.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Sectoral Research in Population Health and Primary Care of the Centre intégré universitaire de santé et de services sociaux de la Capitale-Nationale (#2020-1800). The results of the investigation will be presented to the stakeholders involved in the advisory committees and at several scientific conferences. Manuscripts will be submitted to peer-reviewed journals.
Protocol of the Fit-For-Fertility study: a multicentre randomised controlled trial assessing a lifestyle programme targeting women with obesity and infertility
Authors: Belan Matea , Gélinas Myriam , Carranza-Mamane Belina , Langlois Marie-France , Morisset Anne-Sophie , Ruchat Stephanie-May , Lavoie Kim , Adamo Kristi , Poder Thomas , Gallagher Frances , Pesant Marie-Hélène , Jean-Denis Farrah , Baillargeon Jean-Patrice
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Women with obesity are at a higher risk of infertility as well as gestational and neonatal complications. Lifestyle changes are universally recommended for women with obesity seeking fertility treatments, but such intervention has only been assessed in very few robust studies. This study’s objectives are therefore to assess the clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness of an interdisciplinary lifestyle intervention (the Fit-For-Fertility Programme; FFFP) targeting women with obesity and subfertility in a diverse population.

Methods and analysis

This pragmatic multicentre randomised controlled trial (RCT) will include 616 women with obesity (body mass index ≥30 kg/m2or ≥27 kg/m2with polycystic ovary syndrome or at-risk ethnicities) who are evaluated at a Canadian fertility clinic for subfertility. Women will be randomised either to (1) the FFFP (experimental arm) alone for 6 months, and then in combination with usual care for infertility if not pregnant; or (2) directly to usual fertility care (control arm). Women in the intervention group benefit from the programme up to 18 months or, if pregnant, up to 24 months or the end of the pregnancy (whichever comes first). Women from both groups are evaluated every 6 months for a maximum of 18 months. The primary outcome is live birth rate at 24 months. Secondary outcomes include fertility, pregnancy and neonatal outcomes; lifestyle and anthropometric measures; and cost-effectiveness. Qualitative data collected from focus groups of participants and professionals will also be analysed.

Ethics and dissemination

This research study has been approved by the Research Ethics Board (REB) ofCentre intégré universtaire de santé et des services sociaux de l’Estrie—CHUS(research coordinating centre) on 10 December 2018 and has been or will be approved successively by each participating centres’ REB. This pragmatic RCT will inform decision-makers on improving care trajectories and policies regarding fertility treatments for women with obesity and subfertility.

Trial registration number

NCT03908099.

Protocol version: 1.1, 13 April 2019
Adolescents amid emerging COVID-19 pandemic in Bissau, Guinea-Bissau: a qualitative study
Authors: N’dure Baboudóttir Fatou , Jandi Zeca , Indjai Bucar , Einarsdóttir Jónína , Gunnlaugsson Geir
Published: April 2022

Background

Worldwide, governments have implemented restrictions on movement and gatherings to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. In the spirit of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, children have a right to express their opinion on matters of concern to them. The study aimed to describe and analyse how adolescents in the capital Bissau understood the unfolding COVID-19 pandemic and their lived experiences during the first 3 months of the pandemic.

Methods

Collaborators identified participants in five urban areas in Bissau in June 2020. Semistructured, open-ended interviews were conducted with 30 adolescents aged 15–17 years, attending private and public schools or out-of-school. The interviews were conducted in Kriol, recorded, transcribed, translated and analysed.

Results

All the participants were heavily affected by the confinement measures during a state of emergency. Almost all believed in the realness of coronavirus while there were some doubts about its arrival in the country. The consequences were staying at home, enforced with increased police violence. At the same time, other violence on the streets or between neighbours had decreased. A few participants said they liked staying at home because they appreciated spending more time with their families. Most participants claimed that they and their family members tried to follow preventive measures. Almost all participants voiced concerns about the worsening financial situation at home, leading to food scarcity. Nearly all the adolescents were tired of the lockdown and worried about the pandemic’s implications on their future opportunities.

Conclusions

Study participants, here adolescents in Bissau, have a clear notion of their existence and the current situation’s potential negative impact on their future. Their voices need to be heard and acted on, which may soften the lockdown’s negative impact on adolescents in Guinea-Bissau, as elsewhere.
Efficacy of models of palliative care delivered beyond the traditional physician-led, subspecialty consultation service model: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Stefan Mihaela S , Knee Alexander B , Ready Audrey , Rastegar Vida , Burgher Seaman Jennifer , Gunn Bridget , Shaw Ehryn , Bannuru Raveendhara R
Published: April 2022

Objective

This meta-analysis aimed to determine the effectiveness of non-physician provider-led palliative care (PC) interventions in the management of adults with advanced illnesses on patient-reported outcomes and advance care planning (ACP).

Methods

We included randomised trials and cluster trials published in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials and ClinicalTrials.gov searched until July 2021 that examined individuals ≥18 years with a diagnosis of advanced, life-limiting illness and received a PC intervention led by a non-physician (nurse, advance practitioner or social worker). Our primary outcome was quality of life (QOL), which was extracted as unadjusted or adjusted estimates and measures of variability. Secondary outcomes included anxiety, depression and ACP.

Results

Among the 21 studies (2370 subjects), 13 included patients with cancer, 3 with heart failure, 4 with chronic respiratory disease and 1 with chronic kidney disease. The interventions were diverse and varied with respect to team composition and services offered. For QOL, the standardised mean differences suggested null effects of PC interventions compared with usual care at 1–2 months (0.04; 95% CI=−0.14 to 0.23, n=10 randomised controlled trials (RCTs)) and 6–7 months (0.10; 95% CI=−0.15 to 0.34, n=6 RCTs). The results for anxiety and depression were not significant also. For the ACP, there was a strong benefit for the PC intervention (absolute increase of 0.32% (95% CI=0.06 to 0.57).

Conclusions

In this meta-analysis, PC interventions delivered by non-physician were not associated with improvement in QOL, anxiety or depression but demonstrated an impact on the ACP discussion and documentation.
A Nonmonotone Smoothing-Type Algorithm for a System of Inequalities Associated with Circular Cones
Authors: Huang He , Qi Nuo , Miao Xin-He
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we consider a system of inequalities associated with circular cones. By constructing a new smoothing function, the problem is reformulated as a system of parameterized smooth equations. In addition, we suggest a Newton-type algorithm for solving the smooth equations so that a solution of the problem concerned is found. In particular, the algorithm is proved to be globally and locally quadratically convergent under suitable conditions. The preliminary numerical results demonstrate that the algorithm is effective.
Design and optimization of 1 × 2 and 1 × 4 Y-shaped beam splitters in GaSb-based 2D photonic crystals
Authors: Zhang Jianxin , Yuan Jianhua
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we investigate the structural design of beam splitters with high total transmission efficiency in the two-dimensional (2D) GaSb (Gallium Antimonide)-based photonic crystals, and several optimal structures for [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] Y-shaped beam splitters have been provided. Using our proposed alternating iteration algorithm, by introducing several microstructures in the bend and Y-shaped junction areas to achieve topology optimization, the design of Y-shaped beam splitters with high total transmission efficiency at 1550 nm makes great progress. The splitter structures are designed on 2D GaSb-based photonic crystals with a triangular lattice of air holes immersed in the GaSb. All designs are simulated numerically and analyzed by using the finite element method. The optimized structures of [Formula: see text] Y-shaped beam splitters show that our optimization technique is efficient and simple. And the total transmission efficiencies both over [Formula: see text] at output ports are obtained, which indicates that our method is relatively efficient to other methods in some related reports.
Bernoulli (G′/G)-expansion method for nonlinear Schrödinger equation with third-order dispersion
Authors: Gu Yongyi , Aminakbari Najva
Published: April 2022

In this paper, exact solutions of nonlinear Schrödinger equation with third-order dispersion in constant potential are achieved. This equation plays an important role in mathematical physics such as nonlinear optics. To deal with the mentioned equation, Bernoulli [Formula: see text]-expansion method has been proposed by exerting some transformation and using homogenous balance. On the other hand, [Formula: see text]-expansion method has also been used to obtain the addition results and find out the differences between the proposed method and the applied method. As a result of this study, the solutions of these two methods are expressed by hyperbolic function solutions and trigonometric function solutions. To have acceptable concept of dynamic structures of begotten results and find relation between these solutions and certain parameters, some figures are illustrated when the potential is taken as different values, which show us bright soliton and periodic wave. To complete our study, the Lagrangian and Hamiltonian of nonlinear Schrödinger equation with third-order dispersion are also established.
Field-assisted AlxGa1−xN nanowire array cathode
Authors: Liu Lei , Lu Feifei , Tian Jian , Zhangyang Xingyue
Published: April 2022

In this paper, the models of the Al[Formula: see text]Ga[Formula: see text]N nanowire array (NWA) are established through the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD). The results show that the best resonance-enhanced light absorption is obtained at [Formula: see text] nm, [Formula: see text] nm and [Formula: see text] nm array structures, and the maximum can be close to 99% at a resonance wavelength of approximately 235 nm. With the external field, the peak collection efficiency rises to 32.75%.
Abundant wave solutions for generalized Hietarinta equation with Hirota’s bilinear operator
Authors: Shen Xindi , Manafian Jalil , Jiang Meng , Ilhan Onur Alp , Shafik Shafik S. , Zaidi Muhaned
Published: April 2022

In this work, we study the generalized ([Formula: see text])-dimensional Hietarinta equation by utilizing Hirota’s bilinear method. In addition, the lump solution and breather solution are presented. Using suitable mathematical assumptions, the new types of lump, singular, and breather soliton solutions are derived and established in view of the hyperbolic, trigonometric, and rational functions of the governing equation. Moreover, we give a lot of graphs in some subsections to determine the analysis of behavior solutions for the generalized ([Formula: see text])-dimensional Hietarinta equation. The results are useful for obtaining and explaining some new soliton phenomena.
A convergence result for mountain pass periodic solutions of perturbed Hamiltonian systems
Authors: Izydorek Marek , Janczewska Joanna , Soares Pedro
Published: April 2022

In this work, we study second-order Hamiltonian systems under small perturbations. We assume that the main term of the system has a mountain pass structure, but do not suppose any condition on the perturbation. We prove the existence of a periodic solution. Moreover, we show that periodic solutions of perturbed systems converge to periodic solutions of the unperturbed systems if the perturbation tends to zero. The assumption on the potential that guarantees the mountain pass geometry of the corresponding action functional is of independent interest as it is more general than those by Rabinowitz [Homoclinic orbits for a class of Hamiltonian systems, Proc. R. Soc. Edinburgh A 114 (1990) 33–38] and the authors [M. Izydorek and J. Janczewska, Homoclinic solutions for a class of the second-order Hamiltonian systems, J. Differ. Equ. 219 (2005) 375–389].
On the dynamics of charged particles in an incompressible flow: From kinetic-fluid to fluid–fluid models
Authors: Choi Young-Pil , Jung Jinwook
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we are interested in the dynamics of charged particles interacting with the incompressible viscous flow. More precisely, we consider the Vlasov–Poisson or Vlasov–Poisson–Fokker–Planck equation coupled with the incompressible Navier–Stokes system through the drag force. For the proposed kinetic-fluid model, we study the asymptotic regime corresponding to strong local alignment and diffusion forces. Under suitable assumptions on well-prepared initial data, we rigorously derive a coupled isothermal/ pressureless Euler–Poisson system and incompressible Navier–Stokes system (EPNS system). For this hydrodynamic limit, we employ the modulated kinetic, internal, interaction energy estimates. We also construct a global-in-time strong solvability for the isothermal/ pressureless EPNS system. In particular, this global-in-time solvability gives the estimates of hydrodynamic limit hold for all times.
H-space and loop space structures for intermediate curvatures
Authors: Walsh Mark , Wraith David J.
Published: April 2022

For dimensions [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], we show that the space of metrics of [Formula: see text]-positive Ricci curvature on the sphere [Formula: see text] has the structure of an [Formula: see text]-space with a homotopy commutative, homotopy associative product operation. We further show, using the theory of operads and results of Boardman, Vogt and May, that the path component of this space containing the round metric is weakly homotopy equivalent to an [Formula: see text]-fold loop space.
On Rogers–Shephard-type inequalities for the lattice point enumerator
Authors: Alonso-Gutiérrez David , Lucas Eduardo , Yepes Nicolás Jesús
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we study various Rogers–Shephard-type inequalities for the lattice point enumerator [Formula: see text] on [Formula: see text]. In particular, for any non-empty convex bounded sets [Formula: see text], we show that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] for [Formula: see text], [Formula: see text].

Additionally, a discrete counterpart to a classical result by Berwald for concave functions, from which other discrete Rogers–Shephard-type inequalities may be derived, is shown. Furthermore, we prove that these new discrete analogues for [Formula: see text] imply the corresponding results involving the Lebesgue measure.