bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Citrus black spot intensity and yield losses on sweet orange are affected by Phyllosticta citricarpa inoculum concentration and fruit developmental stage
Authors: Fialho Régis Oliveira , Moyo Providence , Fourie Paul Hendrik , Lanza Fabrício Eustáquio , Machado Franklin Jackson , Amorim Lilian , Silva‐Junior Geraldo José 
Published: May 2022

AbstractCitrus black spot (CBS) symptom expression on sweet oranges has been reported to be affected by the fruit developmental stage and inoculum concentration in greenhouse conditions. However, there is little information concerning the period in which the fruit is susceptible in commercial orchards. This study assessed the influence of fruit age and inoculum concentration of Phyllosticta citricarpa on CBS intensity and fruit drop in the field. Two field trials were conducted in commercial ‘Valencia’ orchards in São Paulo state, Brazil. Fruit were inoculated from October (petal fall stage) to July (c.6.5 cm diameter), with 101, 103 and 105 pycnidiospores/ml. CBS symptoms and fruit drop were observed in higher levels for fruit inoculated from October to February than from March to July. In both trials, when fruit were inoculated 10 times from October to July or single‐inoculated in November or December, high CBS severities of 11%–22% were observed and the proportion of fruit remaining on the tree was 48%–77%; in contrast, noninoculated fruit had severity below 1.1% and 90% remained on the tree. Inoculations in November or December of green fruit with 1.5–3.0 cm diameter using 105 pycnidiospores/ml were associated with higher CBS intensity and fruit drop and shorter incubation period than inoculations with lower concentrations. This work provides a better understanding of fruit stages and P. citricarpa inoculum concentrations most related to symptom expression and losses under natural conditions and may be helpful for improvement of CBS management in the São Paulo citrus belt.
Convalescent plasma donors show enhanced cross‐reactive neutralizing antibody response to antigenic variants of SARS‐CoV‐2 following immunization
Authors: Harvala Heli , Nguyen Dung , Simmonds Peter , Lamikanra Abigail A. , Tsang Hoi Pat , Otter Ashley , Maes Piet , Webster Mhairi , Clarkson Adam , Kaloyirou Fotini , Hopkins Valerie , Laidlaw Stephen M. , Carroll Miles , Mora Ana , Griffiths Alexandra , MacLennan Sheila , Estcourt Lise , Roberts David J. 
Published: May 2022

AbstractBackgroundThe therapeutic benefit of convalescent plasma (CP) therapy to treat COVID‐19 may derive from neutralizing antibodies (nAbs) to SARS‐CoV‐2. To investigate the effects of antigenic variation on neutralization potency of CP, we compared nAb titers against prototype and recently emerging strains of SARS‐CoV‐2, including Delta and Omicron, in CP donors previously infected with SARS‐CoV‐2 before and after immunization.Methods and MaterialsSamples were assayed from previously SARS‐CoV‐2 infected donors before (n = 17) and after one (n = 43) or two (n = 71) doses of Astra‐Zeneca or Pfizer vaccinations. Ab titers against Wuhan/wild type (WT), Alpha, Beta, and Delta SARS‐CoV‐2 strains were determined by live virus microneutralization assay while titers to Omicron used a focus reduction neutralization test. Anti‐spike antibody was assayed by Elecsys anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 quantitative spike assay (Roche).ResultsUnvaccinated donors showed a geometric mean titer (GMT) of 148 against WT, 80 against Alpha but mostly failed to neutralize Beta, Delta, and Omicron strains. Contrastingly, high GMTs were observed in vaccinated donors against all SARS‐CoV‐2 strains after one vaccine dose (WT:703; Alpha:692; Beta:187; Delta:215; Omicron:434). By ROC analysis, reactivity in the Roche quantitative Elecsys spike assay of 20,000 U/mL was highly predictive of donations with nAb titers of ≥1:640 against Delta (90% sensitivity; 97% specificity) and ≥1:320 against Omicron (89% sensitivity; 81% specificity).DiscussionVaccination of previously infected CP donors induced high levels of broadly neutralizing antibodies against circulating antigenic variants of SARS‐CoV‐2. High titer donations could be reliably identified by automated quantitative anti‐spike antibody assay, enabling large‐scale preselection of high‐titer convalescent plasma.
Radon and Exhalation Rate Measurement of Soil Samples in Al-Amiriya Area in Baghdad Governorate Using a Nuclear Track Detector
Authors: Rejah Basim Khalaf 
Published: May 2022

Abstract
Radon is the most dangerous natural radioactive component affecting the human population, since it is a radioactive gas that results from the decomposition process of uranium deposits in soil, rocks, and water, and it is damaging both humans and the ecosystem. The radon concentrations and exhalation rate in soil samples from various locations were determined using a passive approach with a CR-39 (CR-39 is Columbia Resin #39; it is allyl diglycol carbonate C12H18O7) detector in Amiriya region in Baghdad Governorate. The average values of radon concentrations are ranged from 47.3 to 54.2 Bq·m−3. From the obtained results, we can conclude that the values of all studied locations are within the allowed levels. This research can be utilized to examine any variations in the radioactive baseline level in our homes and regions as well as to identify any hazardous radiation that could harm humans.
Clinical effectiveness of one ultrasound guided intra-articular corticosteroid and local anaesthetic injection in addition to advice and education for hip osteoarthritis (HIT trial): single blind, parallel group, three arm, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Paskins Zoe , Bromley Kieran , Lewis Martyn , Hughes Gemma , Hughes Emily , Hennings Susie , Cherrington Andrea , Hall Alison , Holden Melanie A , Stevenson Kay , Menon Ajit , Roberts Philip , Peat George , Jinks Clare , Kigozi Jesse , Oppong Raymond , Foster Nadine E , Mallen Christian D , Roddy Edward 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the clinical effectiveness of adding a single ultrasound guided intra-articular hip injection of corticosteroid and local anaesthetic to advice and education in adults with hip osteoarthritis.DesignPragmatic, three arm, parallel group, single blind, randomised controlled trial.SettingTwo community musculoskeletal services in England.Participants199 adults aged ≥40 years with hip osteoarthritis and at least moderate pain: 67 were randomly assigned to receive advice and education (best current treatment (BCT)), 66 to BCT plus ultrasound guided injection of triamcinolone and lidocaine, and 66 to BCT plus ultrasound guided injection of lidocaine.InterventionsBCT alone, BCT plus ultrasound guided intra-articular hip injection of 40 mg triamcinolone acetonide and 4 mL 1% lidocaine hydrochloride, or BCT plus ultrasound guided intra-articular hip injection of 5 mL 1% lidocaine. Participants in the ultrasound guided arms were masked to the injection they received.Main outcome measuresThe primary outcome was self-reported current intensity of hip pain (0-10 Numerical Rating Scale) over six months. Outcomes were self-reported at two weeks and at two, four, and six months.ResultsMean age of the study sample was 62.8 years (standard deviation 10.0) and 113 (57%) were women. Average weighted follow-up rate across time points was 93%. Greater mean improvement in hip pain intensity over six months was reported with BCT plus ultrasound-triamcinolone-lidocaine compared with BCT: mean difference −1.43 (95% confidence interval −2.15 to −0.72), P<0.001; standardised mean difference −0.55 (−0.82 to −0.27). No difference in hip pain intensity over six months was reported between BCT plus ultrasound-triamcinolone-lidocaine compared with BCT plus ultrasound-lidocaine (−0.52 (−1.21 to 0.18)). The presence of ultrasound confirmed synovitis or effusion was associated with a significant interaction effect favouring BCT plus ultrasound-triamcinolone-lidocaine (−1.70 (−3.10 to −0.30)). One participant in the BCT plus ultrasound-triamcinolone-lidocaine group with a bioprosthetic aortic valve died from subacute bacterial endocarditis four months after the intervention, deemed possibly related to the trial treatment.ConclusionsUltrasound guided intra-articular hip injection of triamcinolone is a treatment option to add to BCT for people with hip osteoarthritis.Trial registrationEudraCT 2014-003412-37; ISRCTN50550256.
Trajectory of long covid symptoms after covid-19 vaccination: community based cohort study
Authors: Ayoubkhani Daniel , Bermingham Charlotte , Pouwels Koen B , Glickman Myer , Nafilyan Vahé , Zaccardi Francesco , Khunti Kamlesh , Alwan Nisreen A , Walker A Sarah 
Published: May 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo estimate associations between covid-19 vaccination and long covid symptoms in adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection before vaccination.DesignObservational cohort study.SettingCommunity dwelling population, UK.Participants28 356 participants in the Office for National Statistics COVID-19 Infection Survey aged 18-69 years who received at least one dose of an adenovirus vector or mRNA covid-19 vaccine after testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 infection.Main outcome measurePresence of long covid symptoms at least 12 weeks after infection over the follow-up period 3 February to 5 September 2021.ResultsMean age of participants was 46 years, 55.6% (n=15 760) were women, and 88.7% (n=25 141) were of white ethnicity. Median follow-up was 141 days from first vaccination (among all participants) and 67 days from second vaccination (83.8% of participants). 6729 participants (23.7%) reported long covid symptoms of any severity at least once during follow-up. A first vaccine dose was associated with an initial 12.8% decrease (95% confidence interval −18.6% to −6.6%, P<0.001) in the odds of long covid, with subsequent data compatible with both increases and decreases in the trajectory (0.3% per week, 95% confidence interval −0.6% to 1.2% per week, P=0.51). A second dose was associated with an initial 8.8% decrease (95% confidence interval −14.1% to −3.1%, P=0.003) in the odds of long covid, with a subsequent decrease by 0.8% per week (−1.2% to −0.4% per week, P<0.001). Heterogeneity was not found in associations between vaccination and long covid by sociodemographic characteristics, health status, hospital admission with acute covid-19, vaccine type (adenovirus vector or mRNA), or duration from SARS-CoV-2 infection to vaccination.ConclusionsThe likelihood of long covid symptoms was observed to decrease after covid-19 vaccination and evidence suggested sustained improvement after a second dose, at least over the median follow-up of 67 days. Vaccination may contribute to a reduction in the population health burden of long covid, although longer follow-up is needed.
Association between intimate partner violence and prenatal anxiety and depression in pregnant women: a cross-sectional survey during the COVID-19 epidemic in Shenzhen, China
Authors: Wu Fei , Zhou Lin , Chen Caiyun , Lin Wei , Liu Peiyi , Huang Weikang , Zhong Chuyan , Zhang Minyi , Li Qiushuang , Chen Qing , Wang Yue-Yun 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesIntimate partner violence (IPV) against women remains a major global public health problem with harmful consequences for individuals and society. People’s lifestyles have been greatly affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. This study investigated the prevalence of and relationship between IPV and anxiety and depression in pregnant Chinese women during the pandemic.DesignCross-sectional study.SettingThis investigation was conducted in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China from 15 September to 15 December 2020.ParticipantsA total of 3434 pregnant women were screened with the Abuse Assessment Screen Questionnaire to evaluate IPV and General Anxiety Disorder and Patient Health Questionnaire to evaluate symptoms of anxiety and depression, respectively. Pregnant women with perinatal health records at Shenzhen District Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospitals who consented to participate were enrolled. Women with psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia, mania or substance dependence and pregnant women who refused to participate were excluded. Data were analysed with the χ2 test and by logistic regression analysis.ResultsThe prevalence of IPV among pregnant women was 2.2%. Mental violence was the most common type of violence (2.2%), followed by physical (0.6%) and sexual (0.7%) violence. The prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms was 9.8% and 6.9%, respectively. After adjusting for covariates, there was a statistically significant association between IPV and prenatal anxiety (OR=4.207, 95% CI: 2.469 to 7.166) and depression (OR=3.864, 95% CI: 2.095 to 7.125).ConclusionsIPV increased the risk of prenatal anxiety and depression in pregnant women in China during the COVID-19 pandemic. Efforts should be made by the government and civil society to promote long-lasting antenatal interventions to ensure the safety and protect the mental health of pregnant women.
Implementation of a peer support intervention to promote the detection, reporting and management of adverse drug reactions in people living with HIV in Uganda: a protocol for a quasi-experimental study
Authors: Kiguba Ronald , Ndagije Helen Byomire , Nambasa Victoria , Katureebe Cordelia , Zakumumpa Henry , Nanyonga Stella Maris , Ssanyu Jacquellyn Nambi , Tregunno Phil , Harrison Kendal , Merle Corinne S , Raguenaud Marie-Eve , Kitutu Freddy Eric 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionPatients have contributed <1% of spontaneous adverse drug reaction (ADR) reports in Uganda’s pharmacovigilance database. Peer support combined with mobile technologies could empower people living with HIV (PLHIV) to report ADRs and improve ADR management through linkage to care. We seek to test the feasibility and effect of a peer support intervention on ADR reporting by PLHIV receiving combination antiretroviral therapy (cART) in Uganda; identify barriers and facilitators to the intervention; and characterise ADR reporting and management.Methods and analysisThis is a quasi-experimental study to be implemented over 4 months at 12 intervention and 12 comparison cART sites from four geographical regions of Uganda. Per region, two blocks each with a tertiary, secondary and primary care cART site will be selected by simple random sampling. Blocks per region will be randomly assigned to intervention and comparison arms.Study units will include cART sites and PLHIV receiving cART. PLHIV at intervention sites will be assigned to peer supporters to empower them to report ADRs directly to the National Pharmacovigilance Centre (NPC). Peer supporters will be expert clients from among PLHIV and/or recognised community health workers.Direct patient reporting of ADRs to NPC will leverage the Med Safety App and toll-free unstructured supplementary service data interface to augment traditional pharmacovigilance methods.The primary outcomes are attrition rate measured by number of study participants who remain in the study until the end of follow-up at 4 months; and number of ADR reports submitted to NPC by PLHIV as measured by questionnaire and data abstraction from the national pharmacovigilance database at baseline and 4 months.Ethics and disseminationThe study received ethical approval from: School of Health Sciences Research and Ethics Committee at Makerere University (MAKSHSREC-2020-64) and Uganda National Council for Science and Technology (HS1206ES). Results will be shared with PLHIV, policy-makers, the public and academia.Trial registration numberISRCTN75989485.
Randomised controlled trial of cognitive behaviour therapy versus mindfulness for people with rheumatoid arthritis with and without a history of recurrent depression: study protocol and design
Authors: Menzies Rachel E , Sharpe Louise , Richmond Bethany , Dudeney Joanne , Todd Jemma , Szabo Marianna , Sesel Amy-Lee , Dear Blake 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionPsychosocial treatments have been shown to benefit people with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) on various outcomes. Two evidence-based interventions are cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR). However, these interventions have been compared only once. Results showed that CBT outperformed MBSR on some outcomes, but MBSR was more effective for people with RA with a history of recurrent depression, with efficacy being moderated by history of depressive episodes. However, this was a post-hoc finding based on a small subsample. We aim to examine whether a history of recurrent depression will moderate the relative efficacy of these treatments when delivered online.Methods and analysisThis study is a randomised controlled trial comparing CBT and MBSR delivered online with a waitlist control condition. History of recurrent depressive episodes will be assessed at baseline. The primary outcome will be pain interference. Secondary outcomes will include pain intensity, RA symptoms, depressive symptoms and anxiety symptoms. Outcome measures will be administered at baseline, post-treatment and at 6 months follow-up. We aim to recruit 300 participants, and an intention-to-treat analysis will be used. Linear mixed models will be used, with baseline levels of treatment outcomes as the covariate, and group and depressive status as fixed factors. The results will demonstrate whether online CBT and MBSR effectively improve outcomes among people with RA. Importantly, this trial will determine whether one intervention is more efficacious, and whether prior history of depression moderates this effect.Ethics and disseminationThe trial has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the University of Sydney (2021/516). The findings will be subject to publication irrespective of the final results of the study, and based on the outcomes presented in this protocol.Trial registration numberAustralian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12621000997853p).
Examining the psychological and financial impact of travel restrictions on citizens and permanent residents stranded abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic: international cross-sectional study
Authors: McDermid Pippa , Craig Adam , Sheel Meru , Blazek Katrina , Talty Siobhan , Seale Holly 
Published: May 2022

ObjectivesThis study aimed to evaluate the psychological and financial distress reported by citizens and permanent residents stranded abroad due to international travel restrictions introduced in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.DesignAn international cross-sectional study.SettingA primary analysis of data collected between July and September 2021 through an online survey targeting individuals stranded abroad and unable to return to their country of residence due to international travel restrictions.RespondentsA total of 1054 individuals aged 18–84 years.Data analysisMultivariable logistic regression models were used to explore the relationship between higher levels of depression, anxiety and stress and participant variables.Outcome measuresThe survey answered questions regarding COVID-19 travel restriction-related impacts: personal stress, anxiety and depression (using the validated 21-item Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS-21) tool), as well as impacts on housing and financial security and demographic data.ResultsA total of 75.4% of respondents reported wanting to return to the Oceania region (75.4%), with 45% stranded in Europe. 64.2% reported financial distress while stranded abroad. 64.4% (x̄=9.43, SD=5.81) reported moderate-to-extremely severe (based on the DASS-21 classification) levels of depression, 41.7% for anxiety (x̄=5.46, SD=4.74), and 58.1% for stress (x̄=10.64, SD=5.26). Multivariable analysis indicated that financial stress, an employment change, being <30 years, having a high perceived risk of contracting COVID-19 abroad and being stranded for >2 months were significantly related to scores of moderate-to-extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress.ConclusionThe study is among the first to explore the psychological and financial distress-related impacts associated with being stranded abroad due to COVID-19 travel restrictions. It highlights a range of unintended consequences that arise from pandemic-related travel restrictions, identifies the health and social needs of a particularly vulnerable population, and provides clues as to the types of support that may be adopted to best support them.
SARS-CoV-2 humoral immune response in patients with cardiovascular risk factors: the COmmunity Cohort Study protocol
Authors: Bachelet Vivienne C , Silva-Ayarza Ignacio , Lizana Francisca J , Gomolán Patricio , Silva-Villalobos Diego , Navarrete María S 
Published: May 2022

IntroductionThe COmmunity Cohort Study aims to determine, after natural exposure to SARS-CoV-2 or anti-SARS-CoV-2 vaccines deployed in Chile to prevent COVID-19 in the context of the current pandemic, the strength and duration of detectable neutralising antibodies in adult ambulatory primary care patients with cardiovascular risk factors.Methods and analysisWe will set up a community-based longitudinal, prospective cohort study. The study will be conducted in two public outpatient clinics located in the southern district of Santiago, Chile. We expect to begin recruitment in the second quarter of 2022. Each patient will be followed up for at least 1 year after inclusion in the cohort. The eligible population will be adult patients registered in the Cardiovascular Health Programme. Exposure in this study is defined as any event where participants have contact with SARS-CoV-2 antigens from natural exposure or vaccination. The primary outcomes are seroconversion and strength and duration of the neutralising IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2. Secondary outcomes are any COVID-19-related event or intercurrent morbidities or death. Data will be collected by extracting serial blood samples and administering a questionnaire at the first face-to-face contact and monthly follow-up time points. The sample size estimated for this study is 1060. We will characterise the cohort, determine the seroprevalence rate of neutralising antibodies at baseline and determine the rates of antibody decline using a longitudinal mixed-effects model.Ethics and disseminationThe Scientific Ethics Committee of the South Metropolitan Health Care Service approved the study protocol (Memorandum No 191/2021). We will present the results in two peer-reviewed publications and national and international professional and academic meetings. We will organise seminars with relevant stakeholders and hold town hall meetings with the local community. We will set up a COmmunity Cohort Study website at www.communitystudy.cl to disseminate the study purpose, research team and milestones.