bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
A new high‐prevalence LW antigen detected by an antibody in an Indigenous Australian homozygous for LW*A c.309C>A variant
Authors: Lopez Genghis H. , Wilson Brett , Millard Glenda M. , Cawthorne Tanya L. , Grey Dianne E. , Fong Elizabeth A. , Flower Robert L. , Hyland Catherine A. , Liew Yew‐Wah 
Published: April 2022

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThe LW gene encodes the LW glycoprotein that carries the antigens of the LW blood group system. LW antigens are distinct from D antigen, however, they are phenotypically related and anti‐LW antibodies are often mistaken as anti‐D. An antibody was detected in an Australian patient of Aboriginal descent who consistently typed as LW(a+b−). This study aimed to describe the antibody recognizing a high‐prevalence antigen on the LW glycoprotein.Study Design and MethodsSamples from the patient and her four siblings were investigated. DNA was genotyped by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP)‐microarray and massively parallel sequencing (MPS) platforms. Red blood cells (RBCs) were phenotyped using standard haemagglutination techniques. Antibody investigations were performed using a panel of phenotyped RBCs from adults and cord blood cells.ResultsSNP‐microarray and MPS genotyped all family members as LW*A/A, (c.299A), predicting LW(a+b−). In addition, a novel LW*A c.309C>A single nucleotide variant was detected in all family members. The patient and one of her siblings (M4) were LW c.309C>A homozygous. Antibody from the patient reacted positive to all reagent panel RBCs and cord blood cells but negative with RBCs from LW(a−b−), Rhnull and sibling M4. Antibody failed to react with RBCs treated with dithiothreitol.ConclusionAntibody detected in the patient recognized a novel high‐prevalence antigen, LWEM, in the LW blood group system. LWEM‐negative patients who developed anti‐LWEM can be safely transfused with D+ RBCs, however, D− is preferred. Accurate antibody identification can help better manage allocation of blood products especially when D− RBCs are in short supply.
Nerve growth factor transfer from cardiomyocytes to innervating sympathetic neurons activates TrkA receptors at the neuro‐cardiac junction
Authors: Dokshokova Lolita , Franzoso Mauro , Di Bona Anna , Moro Nicola , Sanchez Alonso Jose Luis , Prando Valentina , Sandre Michele , Basso Cristina , Faggian Giuseppe , Abriel Hugues , Marin Oriano , Gorelik Julia , Zaglia Tania , Mongillo Marco 
Published: April 2022

AbstractSympathetic neurons densely innervate the myocardium with non‐random topology and establish structured contacts (i.e. neuro‐cardiac junctions, NCJ) with cardiomyocytes, allowing synaptic intercellular communication. Establishment of heart innervation is regulated by molecular mediators released by myocardial cells. The mechanisms underlying maintenance of cardiac innervation in the fully developed heart, are, however, less clear. Notably, several cardiac diseases, primarily affecting cardiomyocytes, are associated with sympathetic denervation, supporting the hypothesis that retrograde ‘cardiomyocyte‐to‐sympathetic neuron’ communication is essential for heart cellular homeostasis. We aimed to determine whether cardiomyocytes provide nerve growth factor (NGF) to sympathetic neurons, and the role of the NCJ in supporting such retrograde neurotrophic signalling. Immunofluorescence on murine and human heart slices shows that NGF and its receptor, tropomyosin‐receptor‐kinase‐A, accumulate, respectively, in the pre‐ and post‐junctional sides of the NCJ. Confocal immunofluorescence, scanning ion conductance microscopy and molecular analyses, in co‐cultures, demonstrate that cardiomyocytes feed NGF to sympathetic neurons, and that this mechanism requires a stable intercellular contact at the NCJ. Consistently, cardiac fibroblasts, devoid of NCJ, are unable to sustain SN viability. ELISA assay and competition binding experiments suggest that this depends on the NCJ being an insulated microenvironment, characterized by high [NGF]. In further support, real‐time imaging of tropomyosin‐receptor‐kinase‐A vesicle movements demonstrate that efficiency of neurotrophic signalling parallels the maturation of such structured intercellular contacts. Altogether, our results demonstrate the mechanisms which link sympathetic neuron survival to neurotrophin release by directly innervated cardiomyocytes, conceptualizing sympathetic neurons as cardiomyocyte‐driven heart drivers.Key points
CMs are the cell source of nerve growth factor (NGF), required to sustain innervating cardiac SNs;
NCJ is the place of the intimate liaison, between SNs and CMs, allowing on the one hand neurons to peremptorily control CM activity, and on the other, CMs to adequately sustain the contacting, ever‐changing, neuronal actuators;
alterations in NCJ integrity may compromise the efficiency of ‘CM‐to‐SN’ signalling, thus representing a potentially novel mechanism of sympathetic denervation in cardiac diseases.
Design and Analysis of a Novel Reconfigurable Ankle Rehabilitation Exoskeleton Capable of Matching the Mobile Biological Joint Center in Real-Time
Authors: Wang Tun , Spyrakos-Papastavridis Emmanouil , Dai Jian S. 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
This paper proposes a novel reconfigurable exoskeleton for ankle rehabilitation, which is capable of realizing both static and dynamic rehabilitation exercises. The conceptual design is based on a reduced representation that regards the ankle–foot complex as a movable spherical joint, so as to better replicate the physical scenario. The screw theory-based analysis results indicate that in both rehabilitation modes, the proposed exoskeleton is capable of auto-matching its rotation center with that of the ankle complex no matter how the latter moves, once it is worn by the patients. In the 2-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) rehabilitation configuration, an analysis based on a 15-point reduced model provides the basis for assessing the kinematics performance in a case where the motion of complex's center is considered. Also, the results verify that the achieved workspace can always cover the prescribed rotation range without generating singularities, as long as the center moves within the defined cylindrical area. The demonstrated 3-DOF rehabilitation configuration possesses a partially decoupled-control capability. The singularity surface can be effectively expelled from the prescribed workspace by rotating the brace. Besides, the exoskeleton's dexterity varies smoothly in the whole workspace, and its performance can be further improved by evenly distributing the drive links.
Enumerating the Nonisomorphic Configurations of a Modular Reconfigurable Robot
Authors: Feng Jingkai , Liu Jinguo 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
By introducing the modular and reconfigurable design, the limbs of a hexapod robot can be assembled into different configurations to meet various task requirements. Contrary to the fixed configuration system, the task capabilities of the modular reconfigurable robot vary with the configurations. This article addresses the problem of the configuration enumeration and configuration expression of a modular reconfigurable robot. First, by establishing the permutation group of the regular hexagon (the base shape of the modular reconfigurable robot) and adopting the Pólya enumeration theorem, the theoretical formula of the nonisomorphic configuration enumeration is derived. Then, considering the change in structural features, equivalence relations based on structural features are defined and the structural feature method (SFM) is proposed to enumerate the nonisomorphic configurations. In addition, to express configurations more intuitively, a senary vertex identification array with the same dimension as the number of modules is presented, which can be transformed from the decimal index of the configuration. Simulation analysis demonstrates that the result of the SFM is consistent with that of the theoretical calculation, which also confirms the effectiveness and accuracy of the two methods applied in the nonisomorphic configuration enumeration of the modular reconfigurable robot.
Three-Dimensional Dynamic Modeling and Analysis of Flexible Robot With Coupling Deformation Based on Spinor Theory
Authors: Zhang Fuli , Yuan Zhaohui , Zhang Jianrui 
Published: April 2022

Abstract
Flexible manipulators are longer and lighter, which allows them to undergo elastic deformation and vibration. It affects the working accuracy and flexibility of the robot. To enhance the flexibility and flexibility of robot positioning, accurate dynamics modeling and analysis are essential. Therefore, using the space deformation spinor theory, this paper proposes a dynamic modeling method for a three-dimensional flexible manipulator with coupled deformation and further analyzes its deformation. First, the deformation of the flexible manipulator is described based on the Rayleigh–Ritz method and six-dimensional variables. Combining this description with spinor theory, the kinematics of the flexible manipulator is derived. Second, considering the external damping effect, the accurate dynamic model of the flexible manipulator was established. Finally, using Matlab and Adams as simulation platform, the correct behavior of the model was verified. And the frequency analysis of the single-degree-of-freedom flexible manipulator without load was further analyzed. The simulation and analysis verify the feasibility and correctness of the model. The results show that the change in the length of the manipulator has a greater impact on the characteristic frequency than the change in the section radius. Compared with the pure deformation and coupling deformation of the flexible robot, the contribution rate of the characteristic frequency of its lateral bending deformation is very large. This research lays the foundation for the dynamic three-dimensional coupling modeling of the flexible manipulator and for the development of subsequent control algorithms.
Multifaceted intervention to reduce haemodialysis catheter related bloodstream infections: REDUCCTION stepped wedge, cluster randomised trial
Authors: Kotwal Sradha , Cass Alan , Coggan Sarah , Gray Nicholas A , Jan Stephen , McDonald Stephen , Polkinghorne Kevan R , Rogers Kris , Talaulikar Girish , Di Tanna Gian Luca , Gallagher Martin 
Published: April 2022

AbstractObjectiveTo identify whether multifaceted interventions, or care bundles, reduce catheter related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) from central venous catheters used for haemodialysis.DesignStepped wedge, cluster randomised design.Setting37 renal services across Australia.ParticipantsAll adults (age ≥18 years) under the care of a renal service who required insertion of a new haemodialysis catheter.InterventionsAfter a baseline observational phase, a service-wide, multifaceted intervention bundle that included elements of catheter care (insertion, maintenance, and removal) was implemented at one of three randomly assigned time points (12 at the first time point, 12 at the second, and 13 at the third) between 20 December 2016 and 31 March 2020.Main outcomes measureThe primary endpoint was the rate of CRBSI in the baseline phase compared with intervention phase at the renal service level using the intention-to-treat principle.Results1.14 million haemodialysis catheter days of use were monitored across 6364 patients. Patient characteristics were similar across baseline and intervention phases. 315 CRBSIs occurred (158 in the baseline phase and 157 in the intervention phase), with a rate of 0.21 per 1000 days of catheter use in the baseline phase and 0.29 per 1000 days in the intervention phase, giving an incidence rate ratio of 1.37 (95% confidence interval 0.85 to 2.21; P=0.20). This translates to one in 10 patients who undergo dialysis for a year with a catheter experiencing an episode of CRBSI.ConclusionsAmong patients who require a haemodialysis catheter, the implementation of a multifaceted intervention did not reduce the rate of CRBSI. Multifaceted interventions to prevent CRBSI might not be effective in clinical practice settings.Trial registrationAustralia New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12616000830493.
Familial hypercholesterolaemia: a study protocol for identification and investigation of potential causes and markers of subclinical coronary artery disease in the Faroe Islands
Authors: Borg Sanna á , Nielsen Michael Rene Skjelbo , Søgaard Peter , Lundbye-Christensen Søren , Jóanesarson Jan , Zaremba Tomas , Kollslíð Rudi , Schmidt Erik Berg , Joensen Albert Marni , Bork Christian Sørensen 
Published: April 2022

IntroductionFamilial hypercholesterolaemia (FH) is the most common monogenic autosomal dominant genetic disorder and is associated with a high risk of premature atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. The prevalence of FH has been reported to be particularly high in certain founder populations. The population of the Faroe Islands is a founder population, but the prevalence of FH has never been investigated here. We aim to assess the prevalence of FH and to describe the genetic and clinical characteristics and potential causes of FH in the Faroe Islands. Furthermore, we aim to investigate whether indicators of subclinical coronary artery disease are associated with FH.Methods and analysisThe prevalence of FH will be estimated based on an electronic nationwide laboratory database that includes all measurements of plasma lipid levels in the Faroe Islands since 2006. Subsequently, we will identify and invite subjects aged between 18 and 75 years registered with a plasma low-density lipoprotein cholesterol above 6.7 mmol/L for diagnostic evaluation. Eligible FH cases will be matched to controls on age and sex. We aim to include 120 FH cases and 120 controls.Detailed information will be collected using questionnaires and interviews, and a physical examination will be undertaken. An adipose tissue biopsy and blood samples for genetic testing, detailed lipid analyses and samples for storage in a biobank for future research will be collected. Furthermore, FH cases and controls will be invited to have a transthoracic echocardiography and a cardiac CT performed.Ethics and disseminationThe project has been approved by the Ethical Committee and the Data Protection Agency of the Faroe Islands. The project is expected to provide important information, which will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.
Evaluating the impacts of tiered restrictions introduced in England, during October and December 2020 on COVID-19 cases: a synthetic control study
Authors: Zhang Xingna , Owen Gwilym , Green Mark A , Buchan Iain , Barr Ben 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesTo analyse the impact on SARS-CoV-2 transmission of tier 3 restrictions introduced in October and December 2020 in England, compared with tier 2 restrictions. We further investigate whether these effects varied between small areas by deprivation.DesignSynthetic control analysis.SettingWe identified areas introducing tier 3 restrictions in October and December, constructed a synthetic control group of places under tier 2 restrictions and compared changes in weekly infections over a 4-week period. Using interaction analysis, we estimated whether this effect varied by deprivation and the prevalence of a new variant (B.1.1.7).InterventionsIn both October and December, no indoor between-household mixing was permitted in either tier 2 or 3. In October, no between-household mixing was permitted in private gardens and pubs and restaurants remained open only if they served a ‘substantial meal’ in tier 3, while in tier 2 meeting with up to six people in private gardens were allowed and all pubs and restaurants remained open. In December, in tier 3, pubs and restaurants were closed, while in tier 2, only those serving food remained open. The differences in restrictions between tier 2 and 3 on meeting outside remained the same as in October.Main outcome measureWeekly reported cases adjusted for changing case detection rates for neighbourhoods in England.ResultsIntroducing tier 3 restrictions in October and December was associated with a 14% (95% CI 10% to 19%) and 20% (95% CI 13% to 29%) reduction in infections, respectively, compared with the rates expected with tier 2 restrictions only. The effects were similar across levels of deprivation and by the prevalence of the new variant.ConclusionsCompared with tier 2 restrictions, additional restrictions in tier 3 areas in England had a moderate effect on transmission, which did not appear to increase socioeconomic inequalities in COVID-19 cases.
Pattern of contraceptive use, determinants and fertility intentions among tribal women in Kerala, India: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Sreedevi Aswathy , Vijayakumar Krishnapillai , Najeeb Shana Shirin , Menon Vishnu , Mathew Minu Maria , Aravindan Lakshmi , Anwar Rithima , Sathish Syama , Nedungadi Prema , Wiwanitkit Viroj , Raman Raghu 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesTo assess the pattern of contraceptive use and its determinants, knowledge regarding contraceptives including oral contraceptive pills and fertility intentions among tribal women in the reproductive age group.DesignCommunity-based cross-sectional study.SettingCommunity development blocks in a predominantly tribal district of Wayanad in Kerala, India.ParticipantsWomen in the reproductive age group (15–49 years) from the tribal groups in the district numbering 2495.Outcome measuresPrimaryPrevalence of contraceptive use and its determinants.SecondaryKnowledge regarding contraceptives in general, oral contraceptives and fertility intentions.ResultsThe mean age of the study participants was 30.8 years (SD=9.8) and belonged to various tribal groups such as Paniya (59.2%), Kurichiyar (13.6%) and Adiya (10.9%). Current use of contraceptive was reported by about a fourth, 658 (26.4%) (95% CI 27.9 to 24.9) of women. Following logistic regression, belonging to Paniya tribe (adjusted OR (aOR) 2.67, 95% CI 1.49 to 4.77; p<0.001) and age at menarche >13 years (aOR 1.69, 95% CI 1.14 to 2.52; p<0.009) had significantly higher use of contraceptives whereas social vulnerability as indicated by staying in a kutcha house had a lesser likelihood of use of contraceptive (aOR 0.55, 95% CI 0.31 to 0.95; p<0.03). Oral contraceptive use was low (4.8%) among this population and no abuse was observed.Less than half (47%) of the respondents had an above average knowledge on contraception. Multivariable logistic regression indicated that above average knowledge was 2.2 times more likely with higher education (95% CI 1.2 to 3.9), lesser among those who desired more than two children (aOR 0.59; 95% CI 0.38 to 0.94; p<0.02).Two children per family was the preferred choice for 1060 (42.5%) women. No gender bias in favour of the male child was observed.ConclusionAwareness and use of contraceptives are poor though the fertility is not commensurately high. Along with developing targeted responses to contraceptive use among Indigenous people with indigenous data, awareness also requires attention. Ethnographic studies are also necessary to determine the differences in contraceptive use including traditional methods among the various Indigenous groups.
Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on intimate partner violence during pregnancy: evidence from a multimethods study of recently pregnant women in Ethiopia
Authors: Wood Shannon N. , Yirgu Robel , Wondimagegnehu Abigiya , Qian Jiage , Milkovich Rachel Mait , Decker Michele R , Glass Nancy , Seid Fatuma , Zekarias Lensa , Zimmerman Linnea A. 
Published: April 2022

ObjectivesThis multimethods study aimed to: (1) compare the prevalence of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy pre-COVID-19 and during the COVID-19 pandemic using quantitative data and (2) contextualise pregnant women’s IPV experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic through supplemental interviews.DesignQuantitative analyses use data from Performance Monitoring for Action-Ethiopia, a cohort of 2868 pregnant women that collects data at pregnancy, 6 weeks, 6 months and 1-year postpartum. Following 6-week postpartum survey, in-depth semistructured interviews contextualised experiences of IPV during pregnancy with a subset of participants (n=24).ParticipantsAll pregnant women residing within six regions of Ethiopia, covering 91% of the population, were eligible for the cohort study (n=2868 completed baseline survey). Quantitative analyses were restricted to the 2388 women with complete 6-week survey data (retention=82.7%). A purposive sampling frame was used to select qualitative participants on baseline survey data, with inclusion criteria specifying completion of quantitative 6-week interview after the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, and indication of IPV experience.InterventionsA State of Emergency in Ethiopia was declared in response to the COVID-19 pandemic approximately halfway through 6-week postpartum interview, enabling a natural experiment (n=1405 pre-COVID-19; n=983 during-COVID-19).Primary outcome measuresIPV during pregnancy was assessed via the 10-item Revised Conflict and Tactics Scale.Results1-in-10 women experienced any IPV during pregnancy prior to COVID-19 (10.5%), and prevalence of IPV during pregnancy increased to 15.1% during the COVID-19 pandemic (aOR=1.51; p=0.02). Stratified by residence, odds of IPV during the pandemic increased for urban women only (aOR=2.09; p=0.03), however, IPV prevalence was higher in rural regions at both time points. Qualitative data reveal COVID-19-related stressors, namely loss of household income and increased time spent within the household, exacerbated IPV.ConclusionsThese multimethods results highlight the prevalent, severe violence that pregnant Ethiopian women experience, with pandemic-related increases concentrated in urban areas. Integration of IPV response and safety planning across the continuum of care can mitigate impact.
They push their products through me: health professionals’ perspectives on and exposure to marketing of commercial milk formula in Cape Town and Johannesburg, South Africa – a qualitative study
Authors: Doherty Tanya , Pereira-Kotze Catherine Jane , Luthuli Silondile , Haskins Lyn , Kingston Gillian , Dlamini-Nqeketo Sithembile , Tshitaudzi Gilbert , Horwood Chistiane 
Published: April 2022

ObjectiveTo understand the views of public and private sector health professionals on commercial milk formula, to describe their exposure to companies that market commercial milk formula within their workplaces and to describe their awareness of South African (SA) regulations.DesignA qualitative study consisting of semistructured interviews.SettingThe study was conducted in Cape Town and Johannesburg, SA.ParticipantsForty health professionals who had regular contact with pregnant or postnatal women were interviewed between February 2020 and February 2021.ResultsAnalysis of the interviews revealed six themes. Health professionals in the private sector reported frequent contact with industry representatives with over two-thirds reporting exposure to industry representatives to present products, provide training or sponsor educational activities. Participants held strong opinions regarding the equivalency of breastfeeding to commercial milk formula citing information from industry representatives and product packaging. Health professionals were very knowledgeable on so-called formulas for special medical purposes and these were valued as solutions to infant feeding challenges. Of the 40 health professionals interviewed, less than half (19) had ever heard of the SA regulation related to marketing of breast milk substitutes (R991).ConclusionsThis study demonstrates clearly that health professionals, particularly in the private sector, are exposed to and promote the use of commercial milk formula among SA women. The findings of this study should be used to catalyse policy responses, social movements, consumer and professional association action to strengthen monitoring and enforcement of the Code regulations in order to protect breastfeeding and support the optimal health and well-being of the population.