bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How the occupational balance of healthcare professionals changed in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A mixed design study
Authors: Güney Yılmaz Güleser , Zengin Gülşah , Temuçin Keziban , Aygün Damla , Akı Esra
Published: September 2021

Background

Although it has been possible for many people to make a gradual transition to normal life or routine activities, the same seems far off for healthcare professionals. The current study examines in depth how the occupational balance of healthcare professionals has changed in the COVID‐19 pandemic.

Methods

The current study has a mixed design, which involves collecting both qualitative and quantitative data. In the first stage of the study, which is the quantitative one, Turkish Occupational Balance Questionnaire (OBQ11‐T) was used to collect data, whereas the second stage of the study, which is the qualitative one, was designed to explore occupational balance and the related issues via using semi‐structured interviews. The Mann–Whitney U test was used to compare parameters between the groups (working in active–passive contact with COVID patients). On the other hand, qualitative data were evaluated via consensual qualitative data analysis.

Results

The level of occupational balance of healthcare professionals included in the study group was found to be significantly lower than the level of occupational balance of healthcare professionals included in the control group (P = .005). Although there was no clear problem in self‐care activities of healthcare professionals, the balance between productivity and leisure time activities was disrupted.

Conclusions

Occupational balance and leisure time use of healthcare professionals, especially those who have active contact with COVID patients, have been affected. A further investigation can be carried out according to gender, age, and other demographic qualities.
The CJEU in Commission v Hungary Higher Education Defends Academic Freedom Through WTO Provisions
Authors: Hoxhaj Andi
Published: September 2021

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in Commission v Hungary Higher Education ruled that the legal conditions introduced to enable foreign higher education institutions to carry out their activities in Hungary are incompatible with EU law. The Commission referred Hungary to the CJEU, claiming that the amendments to the Higher Education Act of 2011 are incompatible with Hungary's commitments as a member of the EU within the following frameworks: the General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS); the freedom of establishment; the free movement of services; the provisions of the EU Charter of Fundamental Rights relating to academic freedom; the freedom to found higher education institutions; and the freedom to conduct a business. This note explains that Commission v Hungary Higher Education is the latest example of the ongoing efforts in Hungary to undermine the rule of law and threaten academic freedom in the EU
Determination of biogenic amines in Lighvan cheese using a novel hollow‐fibre electromembrane‐microextraction coupled with gas chromatography–mass spectrometry
Authors: Kamankesh Marzieh , Mohammadi Abdorreza , Ghanati Kiandokht
Published: September 2021

The fermentation process is the main formation source of biogenic amines in cheese. The other conditions, like enzymatic reaction, starter culture, temperature, period of maturation, milk treatment, the amount of proteolysis, oxygen, water activity, humidity and pH, can change the rate of the formation of biogenic amines. Tyramine has been defined as quality index for dairy products like cheese. In this work, we have successfully employed the advanced hollow‐fibre electromembrane extraction/dispersive microextraction followed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry as a rapid and sensitive technique for the determination of biogenic amines including putrescine, tyramine, histamine and cadaverine in Lighvan cheese samples.
Identifying gaps and improving investigation of fatal elder abuse and/or neglect
Authors: Drake Stacy A. , Akande Anthony , Kelly P. Adam , Yang Yijiong , Wolf Dwayne A.
Published: September 2021

Death investigator and autopsy reports for decedents 65 years and older within a major metropolitan area over a five‐year period were assessed for the possibility of elder abuse and/or neglect. The study consisted of two stages. A simple two‐question screening criteria was used to determine whether the decedent was (1) dependent on another for at least one activity of daily living and (2) had a presence of at least one indicator of abuse and/or neglect. Second, only cases with affirmative criteria responses were reviewed to identify inconsistent or deficient variables that precluded (or if present, allowed) determination of abuse and/or neglect. A multidisciplinary panel of local and national experts, including forensic pathologists, law enforcement, and geriatricians assessed these indicators as indicative of presence of abuse/neglect, and these indicators were subsequently developed as a supplemental data collection tool. Of a possible 2798 cases, 2324 (83%) were excluded using the screening criteria. This reduced the number of cases that warranted further investigation to 474 (17% of elderly deaths in this timeframe). All 474 decedents were dependent on another for at least one ADL and 322 (68%) had unexplained injuries. In 180 (38%) cases had recorded notation of a suspicion of abuse and/or neglect at the time of death. The results support the premise that a simple, two‐criterion screening can effectively identify cases of potential abuse and/or neglect and, when followed by a supplemental data collection tool, cases can be efficiently evaluated.
Human mobility impacts on the surging incidence of COVID‐19 in India
Authors: Praharaj Sarbeswar , Han Hoon
Published: September 2021

Human mobility triggers how fast and where infectious diseases spread and modelling community flows helps assess the impact of social distancing policies and advance our understanding of community behaviour in such circumstances. This study investigated the relationship between human mobility and the surging incidence of COVID‐19 in India. We performed a generalised estimating equation with a Poisson log‐linear model to analyse the daily mobility rate and new cases of COVID‐19 between 14 March and 11 September 2020. We found that mobility to grocery and retail locations was significantly associated (p < 0.01) with the incidence of COVID‐19, these being crowded and unorganised in most parts of India. In contrast, visits to parks, workplaces, and transit stations did not considerably affect the changing COVID‐19 cases over time. In particular, workplaces equipped with social distancing protocols or low‐density open spaces are much less susceptible to the spread of the virus. These findings suggest that human mobility data, geographic information, and health geography modelling have significant potential to inform strategic decision‐making during pandemics because they provide actionable knowledge of when and where communities might be exposed to the disease.
Using principal component analysis to examine associations of early pregnancy inflammatory biomarker profiles and adverse birth outcomes
Authors: Keenan‐Devlin Lauren S. , Caplan Madeleine , Freedman Alexa , Kuchta Kristine , Grobman William , Buss Claudia , Adam Emma K. , Entringer Sonja , Miller Gregory E. , Borders Ann E.B.
Published: September 2021

Objective

Inflammation as a risk factor for preterm birth is well‐established. The primary objective of this analysis was to examine whether individual cytokines versus a composite indicator of mid‐pregnancy inflammation are significantly associated with risk for adverse birth outcomes.

Study design

A multi‐site prospective study was conducted in a socio‐demographically diverse cohort of 610 pregnant participants. At a study visit between 12 and 20 6/7 weeks’ gestation, low‐grade inflammation was measured via log‐transformed serum concentrations of the biomarkers IFN‐γ, IL‐10, IL‐13, IL‐6, IL‐8, TNF‐α, and CRP. Principal component analysis (PCA) was used to identify underlying dimensions of inflammatory activity from the seven biomarkers measured. Gestational age and birth weight at delivery were obtained from medical chart review. The associations between inflammatory profiles and birth outcomes were assessed via linear and logistic regression models. Results were compared with those from individual inflammatory biomarkers, and model fit was assessed using Akaike's Information Criterion (AIC).

Results

Principal component analysis analysis yielded a two‐factor solution, with the first factor (IF1) composed of IL‐8, IL‐10, IL‐13, IFN‐ɣ, and TNF‐α, and the second factor (IF2) containing IL‐6 and CRP. When adjusted for race, education, BMI, smoking status, gestational age at time of blood draw, and study site, a one standard deviation (SD) increase in IF1 remained significantly associated with a decrease in standardized gestational age (β = ‐.13, 95% CI: ‐.21, ‐.05) and an increase in odds of preterm delivery (OR = 1.46, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.88) (Table 3). A one SD increase in IF2 was similarly associated with a decrease in standardized gestational age at delivery (β = ‐.13, 95% CI: ‐.23, ‐.04) and an increase in odds of preterm delivery (OR: 1.46, 95% CI: 1.04, 2.05). Neither IF1 nor IF2 was associated with measures of fetal growth. AIC identified that IL‐6 was a slightly better fit for length of gestation compared to either composite measure, though all performed similarly.

Conclusion

Independent of known sociodemographic risk factors, an elevated mid‐pregnancy inflammatory profile was associated with a nearly 50% increase in odds of preterm delivery. The composite performed similarly to IL‐6. These results suggest that maternal low‐grade inflammation is a risk factor for preterm delivery, and that mid‐pregnancy inflammatory biomarkers may be useful in predicting risk for preterm delivery.
Management and clinical consequences of red blood cell antibodies in pregnancy: A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Liu Shengxin , Ajne Gunilla , Wikman Agneta , Lindqvist Caroline , Reilly Marie , Tiblad Eleonor
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Anti‐D alloimmunization is the most common cause of severe hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The management of pregnancies affected by less frequent red blood cell (RBC) antibodies poses a challenge to clinicians, and perinatal outcomes are less well described. This study aimed to describe the frequency of clinically significant RBC antibodies in our pregnant population and analyze the risk of prenatal and postnatal treatment for HDFN in relation to our national risk classification system and management guidelines.

Material and methods

A retrospective cohort study in the population of all alloimmunized singleton pregnancies in the Stockholm region 1990–2016. Descriptive summaries of different RBC antibodies and pregnancy outcomes were presented, the risks of intrauterine blood transfusion (IUT) and neonatal treatment for HDFN were estimated by type of antibodies.

Results

Of the 1724 alloimmunized pregnancies, 1079 (63%) were at risk of HDFN and constituted our study cohort. Anti‐D was detected in 492 (46%) pregnancies, followed by anti‐E in 161 (15%), and anti‐c in 128 (12%). Eighty‐seven (8%) pregnancies had IUT, with the highest risk in pregnancies affected by anti‐D combined with other antibodies. The maximum titer recorded before IUT was 64 or above, except for two pregnancies affected by anti‐c, for which the maximum titers were 8 and 16. For the 942 (95%) live‐born neonates from 992 alloimmunized pregnancies without IUT, the median gestational age at birth was 38+5 weeks compared with 35+5 weeks for those who had IUT. Neonatal treatment was most common in the anti‐D alone and anti‐D combined groups, with 136 (57%) and 21 (44%), respectively, treated with phototherapy and 35 (15%) and 9 (20%) receiving exchange transfusions, respectively. For pregnancies complicated by moderate‐ and low‐risk antibodies, phototherapy was less frequent (32 [36%] and 21 [19%]) and exchange transfusion was rare (5 [6%] and 3 [3%]).

Conclusions

Anti‐D, especially in combination with other antibodies, presents the highest risk of severe HDFN. The classification of less frequent and less well‐known RBC antibodies into risk groups can help clinicians in assessing the risk of HDFN and counseling alloimmunized pregnant women regarding the risk of prenatal and postnatal treatments.
Inhibition of CD146 attenuates retinal neovascularization via vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 signalling pathway in proliferative diabetic retinopathy
Authors: Lin Jianqiang , Cui Kaixuan , Xu Yue , Tang Xiaoyu , Shi Yuxun , Lu Xi , Yang Boyu , He Qingjing , Yu Shanshan , Liang Xiaoling
Published: September 2021

Purpose

To investigate the expression of CD146 and its role in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR).

Methods

Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was performed to analyse the expression and relationship of sCD146, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), sVEGFR1 and sVEGFR2 in vitreous specimens from PDR and idiopathic epiretinal membranes (IERM) or idiopathic macular hole patients. The location of CD146 in ERMs was detected by immunofluorescence. The oxygen‐induced retinopathy (OIR) mice model was established and the adeno‐associated virus expressing a shRNA of CD146 (AAV1‐shCD146‐GFP) was administered via intravitreal injection. The effect of AAV1‐shCD146‐GFP was explored by immunofluorescence, Western blot and quantitative real‐time PCR.

Results

The levels of sCD146 in vitreous specimens from PDR patients and CD146 in retinas from OIR mice were significantly increased. Immunofluorescence showed that CD146 was co‐located with CD31, VEGF, VEGFR1 and VEGFR2, respectively. Intravitreal injection of AAV1‐shCD146‐GFP could dramatically reduce the formation of neovascularization and non‐perfusion area by inhibiting VEGFR2 phosphorylation.

Conclusion

Our results indicated that CD146 was involved in the development of retinal neovascularization via VEGFR2 pathway. Anti‐CD146 may be an innovative or adjuvant therapy, which provides a new direction for the treatment of PDR and other ocular neovascular diseases.
Regulation of fibroblast growth factor 9 on the differentiation of goat intramuscular adipocytes
Authors: Huang Kai , Wang Yong , Zhu Jiangjiang , Xiong Yan , Lin Yaqiu
Published: September 2021

It has been found that fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGF‐FGFR) signaling can regulate the expression of adipocyte differentiation genes. FGF9 is one of the members of FGFs that mainly binds receptors FGFR2 and FGFR3. FGF9 is highly expressed in the adipose tissue of humans and mice, but there are few reports on the role of FGF9 in goat intramuscular adipocyte differentiation. Therefore, this study explored the effect of FGF9 on adipocyte differentiation through cell culture, interference, and overexpression. The expression of receptors FGFR1–FGFR4 in adipocyte differentiation and their effects on differentiation were detected to screen receptor gene of FGF9. Finally, the interaction between FGF9 and the receptor was tested by cotransfection. Our results showed that FGF9 interacts with FGFR2 to inhibit goat intramuscular adipocyte differentiation by regulating peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and preadipocyte factor 1 (Pref1), which is a data support for subsequent pathway research.
In search of the roots of corporate reputation management: Being a consistent corporate social performer
Authors: Pérez‐Cornejo Clara , de Quevedo‐Puente Esther , Wilson Alan
Published: September 2021

Corporate social performance (CSP) has received a particularly high share of attention as one of the main determinants of corporate reputation. However, few studies have tested the extent to which the relationship between CSP and corporate reputation may be affected by industry, country, or other context‐related variables. Besides, some conceptual thinking suggests that the impact of CSP on corporate reputation may vary according to the level of consistency of a firm's behaviors. However, this view has not been empirically addressed. For this reason, the main objective of this study is to explore the impact of consistency in CSP management on corporate reputation. Specifically, we analyze both the effect of CSP internal consistency (or consistency between environmental and social performance) and CSP consistency over time on corporate reputation. The results based on data from an international sample of 133 companies for the period 2011 to 2016, support either CSP internal consistency or CSP consistency over time (positive increment of CSP over time) positively affecting corporate reputation. The results also confirm the moderation effect of CSP internal consistency on the relationship between CSP and corporate reputation. These results reveal that consistency in social responsibility management helps a firm to consolidate its corporate reputation.
Children selectively endorse speculative conjectures
Authors: Chu Junyi , Schulz Laura E.
Published: September 2021

Young children are epistemically vigilant, attending to the reliability, expertise, and confidence of their informants and the prior probability and verifiability of their claims. But the pre‐eminent requirement of any hypothesis is that it provides a potential solution to the question at hand. Given questions with no known answer, the ability to selectively adopt new, unverified, speculative proposals may be critical to learning. This study explores when people might reasonably reject known facts in favor of unverified conjectures. Across four experiments, when conjectures answer questions that available facts do not, both adults (n = 48) and children (4.0–7.9 years, n = 241, of diverse race and ethnicity) prefer the conjectures, even when the conjectures are preceded by uncertainty markers or explicitly violate prior expectations.
Actor‐network analysis of community‐based organisations in health pandemics: evidence from the COVID‐19 response in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Authors: Frimpong Louis Kusi , Okyere Seth Asare , Diko Stephen Kofi , Abunyewah Matthew , Erdiaw‐Kwasie Michael Odei , Commodore Tracy Sidney , Hernandez Daniel Oviedo , Kita Michihiro
Published: September 2021

Freetown, Sierra Leone, is confronted with health risks that are compounded by rapid unplanned urbanisation and weak capacities of local government institutions. Addressing them implies a shared responsibility between government and non‐state actors. In low‐income areas, the role of community‐based organisations (CBOs) in combating health disasters is well‐recognised. Yet, empirical evidence on how they have utilised their networks and coordinated community‐level strategies in responding to the COVID‐19 pandemic is scant. This paper, based on a qualitative study in two informal settlements in Freetown, employs actor‐network theory to understand how CBOs problematise COVID‐19 as a health risk, interact with other entities, and the subsequent tensions that arise. The findings show that community vulnerabilities and past experiences of health disasters informed CBOs' perception of COVID‐19 as a communal emergency. In response, they coordinated sensitisation and mobilisation programmes by relying on a network of actors to support COVID‐19 risk reduction strategies. Nonetheless, misunderstandings among them caused friction.
The maternal effects on Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) larvae depend on temperature
Authors: Olin Mikko , Kotakorpi Matti , Nurminen Leena , Ruuhijärvi Jukka
Published: September 2021

We studied the influences of female pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) length and growth (i.e., maternal effects) on the length of hatched and starved larvae as well as on larval starvation resistance in two different temperature conditions (mean temperatures 13.2 and 17.9°C). The data included fertilised eggs and reared larvae from 21 individuals caught during the spawning season from eutrophic Lake Pyhäjärvi in Finland. The length of the hatching larvae was dependent on female size but also on water temperature and on the potential energy the female had invested on reproduction. Maternal effects seemed to also influence the timing of larvae growth, and larvae that were large at hatching grew less on mere yolk sac reserves, and vice versa. Female length had a positive effect on the larval starvation resistance but only under cold conditions. The results suggest that higher temperature might reduce the advantage the larvae from large females get for starvation resistance.
Environmental and anthropogenic constraints on animal space use drive extinction risk worldwide
Authors: Hirt Myriam R. , Barnes Andrew D. , Gentile Alessandro , Pollock Laura J. , Rosenbaum Benjamin , Thuiller Wilfried , Tucker Marlee A. , Brose Ulrich
Published: September 2021

Animals require a certain amount of habitat to persist and thrive, and habitat loss is one of the most critical drivers of global biodiversity decline. While habitat requirements have been predicted by relationships between species traits and home‐range size, little is known about constraints imposed by environmental conditions and human impacts on a global scale. Our meta‐analysis of 395 vertebrate species shows that global climate gradients in temperature and precipitation exert indirect effects via primary productivity, generally reducing space requirements. Human pressure, however, reduces realised space use due to ensuing limitations in available habitat, particularly for large carnivores. We show that human pressure drives extinction risk by increasing the mismatch between space requirements and availability. We use large‐scale climate gradients to predict current species extinction risk across global regions, which also offers an important tool for predicting future extinction risk due to ongoing space loss and climate change.
Gaps in Functional Motor Disorders care in two European countries: time to address shared terminology, medico‐legal barriers and public investments
Authors: Di Vico Ilaria A. , Serranova Tereza , Colombari Michela , Rosikova Tereza , Růžička Evžen , Gandolfi Marialuisa , Tinazzi Michele
Published: September 2021

Background and purpose

Functional motor disorders (FMDs) are frequent and highly disabling conditions. Despite the substantial advances in FMDs diagnosis, mechanisms and treatments, their tangible application to care of patients with FMDs is yet to be established. We aimed to identify the main real‐life gaps and barriers in FMDs care, faced by both patients and physicians, in two different European countries, Italy and Czechia.

Methods

A cross‐cultural study was performed.

Results

Both patients and physicians are face practical difficulties and pay a high price for the poor management of FMDs as a result of outdated classifications and insufficient education. This, in turn, has led to inadequate access to care and the existence of common misbeliefs regarding symptom severity or even suspicion of malingering. FMDs need to be integrated into national healthcare systems and in research priorities so that substantial cost savings can be achieved and appropriate care provided to patients.

Conclusions

We found multiple serious real‐life unmet needs in FMD care, ranging from terminology and classification to poor recognition in national healthcare priorities. Based on these findings, we intend to mark the beginning of a collaborative project among researchers even in other different European settings to promote coordinated development efforts and goals in the evolving field of FMDs in clinical and research practice.
Simulation‐based training improves process times in acute stroke care (STREAM)
Authors: Bohmann Ferdinand O. , Gruber Katharina , Kurka Natalia , Willems Laurent M. , Herrmann Eva , du Mesnil de Rochemont Richard , Scholz Peter , Rai Heike , Zickler Philipp , Ertl Michael , Berlis Ansgar , Poli Sven , Mengel Annerose , Ringleb Peter , Nagel Simon , Pfaff Johannes , Wollenweber Frank A. , Kellert Lars , Herzberg Moriz , Koehler Luzie , Haeusler Karl Georg , Alegiani Anna , Schubert Charlotte , Brekenfeld Caspar , Doppler Christopher E. J. , Onur Özgür A. , Kabbasch Christoph , Manser Tanja , Steinmetz Helmuth , Pfeilschifter Waltraud ,   the STREAM Trial investigators
Published: September 2021

Background

The objective of the STREAM Trial was to evaluate the effect of simulation training on process times in acute stroke care.

Methods

The multicenter prospective interventional STREAM Trial was conducted between 10/2017 and 04/2019 at seven tertiary care neurocenters in Germany with a pre‐ and post‐interventional observation phase. We recorded patient characteristics, acute stroke care process times, stroke team composition and simulation experience for consecutive direct‐to‐center patients receiving intravenous thrombolysis (IVT) and/or endovascular therapy (EVT). The intervention consisted of a composite intervention centered around stroke‐specific in situ simulation training. Primary outcome measure was the ‘door‐to‐needle’ time (DTN) for IVT. Secondary outcome measures included process times of EVT and measures taken to streamline the pre‐existing treatment algorithm.

Results

The effect of the STREAM intervention on the process times of all acute stroke operations was neutral. However, secondary analyses showed a DTN reduction of 5 min from 38 min pre‐intervention (interquartile range [IQR] 25–43 min) to 33 min (IQR 23–39 min, p = 0.03) post‐intervention achieved by simulation‐experienced stroke teams. Concerning EVT, we found significantly shorter door‐to‐groin times in patients who were treated by teams with simulation experience as compared to simulation‐naive teams in the post‐interventional phase (−21 min, simulation‐naive: 95 min, IQR 69–111 vs. simulation‐experienced: 74 min, IQR 51–92, p = 0.04).

Conclusion

An intervention combining workflow refinement and simulation‐based stroke team training has the potential to improve process times in acute stroke care.
What Does the Situation Say? Theorizing Multiple Understandings of Climate Change
Authors: Schnegg Michael
Published: September 2021

Our ways of knowing the weather are transforming. Climate change modifies weather patterns, and the globalization of scientific knowledge promotes new ways of making the weather intelligible. Following both transformations, I explore how Damara pastoralists (ǂNūkhoen) in Namibia entertain various Indigenous, religious, political, and scientific explanations for the most distressing weather‐related phenomenon they experience—the lack of rain. Integrating qualitative and quantitative data, my ethnography reveals how people combine knowledge from multiple, even contradictory, registers to explain one situation, and use a different combination of sources to explain another. To understand this, I develop a phenomenological framework that shows how being‐in‐the‐world creates a phenomenon situationally. If phenomena differ depending on how we enact the world, it is unsurprising that these phenomena would then entail different explanations. With this, I theorize why people make sense of climate change in multiple ways, and why they move between them.
The tempo of greening in the European Alps: Spatial variations on a common theme
Authors: Choler Philippe , Bayle Arthur , Carlson Bradley Z. , Randin Christophe , Filippa Gianluca , Cremonese Edoardo
Published: September 2021

The long‐term increase in satellite‐based proxies of vegetation cover is a well‐documented response of seasonally snow‐covered ecosystems to climate warming. However, observed greening trends are far from uniform, and substantial uncertainty remains concerning the underlying causes of this spatial variability. Here, we processed surface reflectance of the moderate resolution imaging spectroradiometer (MODIS) to investigate trends and drivers of changes in the annual peak values of the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI). Our study focuses on above‐treeline ecosystems in the European Alps. NDVI changes in these ecosystems are highly sensitive to land cover and biomass changes and are marginally affected by anthropogenic disturbances. We observed widespread greening for the 2000–2020 period, a pattern that is consistent with the overall increase in summer temperature. At the local scale, the spatial variability of greening was mainly due to the preferential response of north‐facing slopes between 1900 and 2400 m. Using high‐resolution imagery, we noticed that the presence of screes and outcrops locally magnified this response. At the regional scale, we identified hotspots of greening where vegetation cover is sparser than expected given the elevation and exposure. Most of these hotspots experienced delayed snow melt and green‐up dates in recent years. We conclude that the ongoing greening in the Alps primarily reflects the high responsiveness of sparsely vegetated ecosystems that are able to benefit the most from temperature and water‐related habitat amelioration above treeline.
Climate change may interact with nitrogen fertilizer management leading to different ammonia loss in China’s croplands
Authors: Xu Xiangrui , Ouyang Xiao , Gu Yining , Cheng Kun , Smith Pete , Sun Jianfei , Li Yunpeng , Pan Genxing
Published: September 2021

Despite research into the response of ammonia (NH3) volatilization in farmland to various meteorological factors, the potential impact of future climate change on NH3 volatilization is not fully understood. Based on a database consisting of 1063 observations across China, nonlinear NH3 models considering crop type, meteorological, soil and management variables were established via four machine learning methods, including support vector machine, multi‐layer perceptron, gradient boosting machine and random forest (RF). The RF model had the highest R2 of 0.76 and the lowest RMSE of 0.82 kg NH3‐N ha−1, showing the best simulation capability. Results of model importance indicated that NH3 volatilization was mainly controlled by total input of N fertilizer, followed by meteorological factors, human managements and soil characteristics. The NH3 emissions of China's cereal production (paddy rice, wheat and maize) in 2018 was estimated to be 3.3 Mt NH3‐N. By 2050, NH3 volatilization will increase by 23.1−32.0% under different climate change scenarios (Representative Concentration Pathways, RCPs), and climate change will have the greatest impact on NH3 volatilization in the Yangtze river agro‐region of China due to high warming effects. However, the potential increase in NH3 volatilization under future climate change can be mitigated by 26.1−47.5% through various N fertilizer management optimization options.
Prosthetic rehabilitation status, dental prosthesis functionality and masticatory function in nursing home residents
Authors: Medeiros Mariana Marinho Davino de , Figueredo Olívia Maria Costa de , Pinheiro Mayara Abreu , Oliveira Luiz Fabrício Santos de , Wanderley Rayssa Lucena , Araújo Elza Cristina Farias de , Cavalcanti Yuri Wanderley , Rodrigues Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus
Published: September 2021

Objective

To evaluate the association of masticatory function with prosthetic rehabilitation status and dental prosthesis functionality in nursing home residents.

Background

Prosthetic rehabilitation status and dental prosthesis functionality may adversely affect mastication of older people, and this relationship is underestimated in nursing home residents.

Materials and methods

This cross‐sectional study included 179 nursing home residents who used dental prostheses [mean (SD) age: 78.9 (9.0) years]. Masticatory function data were determined by assessing (a) masticatory performance using two‐colour chewing gum, and (b) swallowing thresholds by counting the number of peanut chewing cycles. Older adults were categorised as: (1) using dental prostheses in both jaws (n = 100) and (2) partially dentate using removable partial dental prostheses (RPDPs) or complete dentures (CDs) in only one jaw (n = 41), or (3) edentulous using CD in only one jaw (n = 38). Stability, retention, occlusion, vertical dimension and defects were considered in assessing dental prosthesis functionality.

Results

Greater variance of hue (VOH) of the chewing gum and lower swallowing thresholds (worse masticatory function) was associated with edentulous using CD in only one jaw. Older adults wearing dental prostheses with poor occlusion and vertical dimensions presented worse masticatory function. Dental prosthesis stability was associated with lower VOH values. Higher number of chewing cycles while eating peanuts was associated with non‐broken dental prosthesis use.

Conclusion

Edentulous participants using CD in only one jaw and non‐functional dental prosthesis use negatively affect the masticatory function of nursing home residents.
Advancing understanding of influences on cervical screening (non)‐participation among younger and older women: A qualitative study using the theoretical domains framework and the COM‐B model
Authors: O'Donovan Bernadine , Mooney Therese , Rimmer Ben , Fitzpatrick Patricia , Flannelly Grainne , Doherty Lorraine , Martin Cara , O'Leary John , O'Connor Mairead , Sharp Linda
Published: September 2021

Background

Effective screening can prevent cervical cancer, but many women choose not to attend their screening tests.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate behavioural influences on cervical screening participation using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and COM‐B models of behaviour change.

Design

A qualitative study and semistructured phone interviews were conducted with women invited for routine screening tests within the national cervical screening programme in Ireland.

Setting and Participants

Forty‐eight women aged 25–65 years were recruited from the national screening register.

Results

Seven core themes were identified that mapped to three COM‐B components and 11 TDF domains: (1) knowledge of cervical cancer and screening, (2) coping with smear tests, (3) competing motivational processes—automatic and reflective, (4) cognitive resources, (5) role of social support, (6) environmental influences and (7) perceputal and practical influences. A range of knowledge about screening, perceived risk of cervical cancer and human papillomavirus infection was evident. Factors that influenced screening behaviours may be hierarchical—some were assigned greater importance than others. Positive screening behaviours were linked to autonomous motivation. Deficits in physical and psychological capability (inadequate coping skills) were barriers to screening, while physical and social opportunity (e.g. healthcare professional ‘champions’) could facilitate participation. Older women raised age‐related issues (e.g. screening no longer necessary) and had more negative attitudes to screening, while younger women identified practical barriers.

Conclusions

This study provides insight into screening participation and will aid development of theoretically informed interventions to increase uptake.

Patient or Public Contribution

Women invited for screening tests through the national screening programme were interviewed. A Public & Patient Involvement (PPI) Panel, established to provide input into all CERVIVA research projects, advised the research team on recruitment materials and were given the opportunity to review and comment on the interview topic guide. This panel is made up of six women with various cervical screening histories and experiences.
Microbial exopolysaccharides: role in functional food engineering and gut‐health management
Authors: Muninathan Chakravarthy , Guruchandran Srisowmeya , Viswanath Kalyan Adithya Jairam , Ganesan Nandhini Devi
Published: September 2021

The objective of this review was to evaluate the structural and functional role of Microbial exopolysaccharides (EPS) in food products. EPS are biologically produced natural macromolecules that provides distinctive rheological and physicochemical properties to food matrix. Understanding the interactions of EPS with food components at the molecular level enables the application in bakery products, dairy/non‐dairy‐based functional products, processed meat, as probiotics delivery vehicles, etc. Further information at the biological level throws light on the potential use for immunomodulation, microbiota modulation, and gut‐health management. At present, though the commercial applications of these polysaccharides are limited due to lower yield, the bio‐thickening properties at lower concentrations increases its scope for structural and functional food production through ex‐vivo/in‐vivo applications. The information relating to the successful application of EPS for functional foods is scattered and the exploited structural‐functional relationships are crucial for laying further investigations to develop futuristic products. This article discusses the application of EPS in functional food products and the prospective benefits.
Evaluation of a nurse‐supervised rehabilitation programme on clinical features and systemic inflammation in Chinese children with asthma: A propensity score‐matched analysis
Authors: Ha Hai‐xia , Hong Yan , Chen Yuan , Yang Guan‐shan , Zhou Jing
Published: September 2021

Aims

To evaluate whether a nurse‐supervised rehabilitation programmes could improve respiratory functions and systematic inflammation in children with asthma.

Background

Children with asthma always suffer from poor life quality, and physical training and pulmonary rehabilitation could be beneficial to asthma.

Design

A retrospective, observational, single‐centre cohort analysis.

Method

Baseline characteristics between the nurse‐supervised rehabilitation programme and usual‐care groups were matched by propensity‐score matching (PSM) in a 1:1 ratio. We compared the lung function and inflammatory markers between groups.

Results

Among 52 pairs of children, differences in lung function were improved in the nurse‐supervised rehabilitation group compared with those in usual‐care group, including the oxygen saturation, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced expiratory flow of 25%–75% and peak expiratory flow (all P < 0.05). Two asthma‐related inflammatory markers (hypersensitive C‐reactive protein and immunoglobulin E) also significantly decreased in the nurse‐supervised rehabilitation group (both P < 0.001).

Conclusions

The results indicate that the nurse‐supervised rehabilitation programme might be effective in improving symptom control, respiratory functions and systemic inflammation in children with asthma. The study suggests that the NSR for asthma merits further research.
Issue Politicization in the European Parliament. An Analysis of Parliamentary Questions for Oral Answer (2004–19)*
Authors: Guinaudeau Isabelle , Costa Olivier
Published: September 2021

This article complements analyses of the partisan politicization of the European Parliament from roll‐call votes with an analysis of political groups' use of parliamentary questions. Questions offer an institutional opening for issue politicization and for partisan differentiation. Parliamentary groups have incentives to shape EU policies by drawing the attention to their topics of predilection and by controlling ongoing action. We make use of a new dataset on questions for oral answer (2004–19) to test if this results in European party groups emphasizing differentiated topics in their questions to the Commission and the Council. Our analyses confirm groups' differentiated issue attention. These findings have important implications for understanding the partisan politicization of EU policies and confirming the truly political nature of deliberation in the EP. They reveal patterns of partisan opposition different from those expressed in votes and emphasize the relevance of parliamentary questions as a key institutional window for politicization.
Net design for selective control of the “plague minnow” Gambusia holbrooki that minimises impact on native Australian fishes
Authors: Morgan David L. , Lear Karissa O. , Ebner Brendan C. , Beatty Stephen J.
Published: September 2021

Gambusia holbrooki is one of the world's most environmentally damaging introduced species, being notoriously difficult to control once established. A composite double‐winged fyke net comprising four vertically stacked compartments was developed to determine the potential to control G. holbrooki, while reducing negative interactions of this aggressive species with small threatened fishes. The stacked fyke net captured three times as many G. holbrooki as a conventional fyke net while maintaining consistent catches of native fishes relative to that from a conventional fyke net, and detected species‐specific vertical distributions. This stratified net design represents a valuable management option for controlling this agonistic species or for limiting antagonistic interactions between G. holbrooki and native species during typical fyke sampling of native ecosystems.
Risk factors for postoperative bleeding and early death in percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy: A multicenter retrospective study
Authors: Ota Kazuhiro , Takeuchi Toshihisa , Masuda Daisuke , Sanomura Makoto , Kojima Keishi , Nakanishi Yoshihiko , Hoshimoto Masahiro , Higashino Takeshi , Imoto Akira , Okada Toshihiko , Nouda Sadaharu , Miyazaki Hirota , Ozaki Haruhiko , Fukuda Kirie Hashimoto , Kuramoto Takanori , Sugawara Noriaki , Onishi Toshikazu , Takahashi Yoshiaki , Tsujimoto Hiroyuki , Yokoya Yuta , Kawabata Kazumi , Nishida Shinya , Hakoda Akitoshi , Iwatsubo Taro , Kawaguchi Shimpei , Kojima Yuichi , Higuchi Kazuhide
Published: September 2021

Background and Aim

Comprehensive reports on the risk factors for bleeding and early death after percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) are limited. In this multicenter study, we retrospectively investigated the risk factors for bleeding and early death after PEG.

Methods

Patients (n = 1234) who underwent PEG between 2015 and 2020 at Osaka Medical and Pharmaceutical University and its affiliated hospitals (11 institutions in total) were evaluated for postoperative bleeding and early death (within 60 days) after PEG according to patient characteristics, construction method, medical history, medications, preoperative hematological findings, and perioperative adverse events. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to identify independent predictors of bleeding and early death after PEG.

Results

The risk factors for bleeding after PEG were PEG tube insertion using the modified introducer method (odds ratio [OR], 4.37; P = 0.0003), low platelet count (OR, 0.99; P = 0.014), antiplatelet therapy (OR, 2.11; P = 0.036), and heparinization (OR, 4.50; P = 0.007). Risk factors for early death were low body mass index (BMI) (OR, 0.89; P = 0.015), low serum albumin levels (OR, 0.50; P = 0.035), and comorbidity of active cancer (OR, 4.03; P < 0.0001). There was no significant association between bleeding and early death after PEG.

Conclusions

We identified several risk factors for bleeding and early death after PEG. Risk factors for bleeding were PEG tube insertion using the modified introducer method, low platelet count, antiplatelet therapy, and heparinization. Risk factors for early death were low BMI, low serum albumin levels, and comorbidity of active cancer.
Self‐reported dual sensory impairment, dementia, and functional limitations in Medicare beneficiaries
Authors: Assi Lama , Ehrlich Joshua R. , Zhou Yunshu , Huang Alison , Kasper Judith , Lin Frank R. , McKee Michael M. , Reed Nicholas S. , Swenor Bonnielin K. , Deal Jennifer A.
Published: September 2021

Background

Vision and hearing impairments often co‐exist with dementia, and all are independently associated with limitations in daily activities. Our aim was to examine the association of dual sensory impairment with functional limitations, and further examine the combined estimated association of sensory impairment and dementia with these functional limitations.

Methods

Cross‐sectional analysis of the National Health and Aging Trends Study (NHATS), a population‐based cohort of Medicare beneficiaries, was performed. Participants were selected from the 2015 round. Survey weighted Poisson regression models adjusted for dementia, demographics, and health status variables examined the association of self‐reported dual sensory impairment (no sensory impairment, single sensory impairment, dual sensory impairment) with scores of limitations in mobility, self‐care, and household activities. Models were repeated to take into account the combined effects of dual sensory impairment and dementia.

Results

Overall, 7124 participants representative of Medicare beneficiaries 65 years or older were included. Of them, 43.9% were 75 years or older and 55.3% were female. Older adults with dual sensory impairment had greater limitations with mobility (prevalence rate ratio [PRR] = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.28–1.63), self‐care (PRR = 1.41, 95% CI = 1.25–1.59), and household activities (PRR = 1.54, 95% CI = 1.37–1.72) compared with those without sensory impairment. They also had greater limitations than those with a single sensory impairment across the different activity categories. In models taking into account the combined estimated effect of both sensory impairment and dementia, those with dual sensory impairment and dementia had greater limitations than those without sensory impairment or dementia in each category (mobility: PRR = 1.85, 95% CI = 1.59–2.14, self‐care: PRR = 1.86, 95% CI = 1.59–2.18, household: PRR = 2.41, 95% CI = 2.09–2.77).

Conclusions

Older adults with dual sensory impairment had greater functional limitations compared with those without sensory impairment and those with a single sensory impairment. Strategies to improve visual and/or hearing function (e.g., sensory aids, rehabilitation) could potentially help prevent or minimize disability, even among those with dementia.
Comparison of food and nutrient intake in infants aged 6–12 months, following baby‐led or traditional weaning: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Pearce Jo , Langley‐Evans Simon C.
Published: September 2021

Background

A baby‐led approach to weaning (BLW) encompasses self‐feeding and self‐selecting graspable foods, offering an alternative to traditional weaning (TW). This cross‐sectional study explored adherence to characteristics of BLW and differences in food group exposure and nutrient intake between babies following either TW or BLW.

Methods

Nutritional data were collected via multiple‐pass 24‐h recall, following parental completion of an online survey.

Results

Infants were grouped according to age (6–8 months; TW [n = 36] and BLW [n = 24]) and (9–12 months; TW [n = 24] and BLW [n = 12]). BLW babies were more likely to be breast fed (p = 0.002), consumed a higher percentage of foods also consumed by their mother (p = 0.008) and were fed less purees (p < 0.001) at 6–8 months. TW babies were spoon fed more (p ≤ 0.001) at all ages. Amongst babies aged 6–8 months, total intake (from complementary food plus milk) of iron (p = 0.021), zinc (p = 0.048), iodine (p = 0.031), vitamin B12 (p = 0.002) and vitamin D (p = 0.042) and both vitamin B12 (p = 0.027) and vitamin D (p = 0.035) from complementary food alone was higher in babies following TW. Compared to TW, BLW babies aged 6–8 months had a higher percentage energy intake from fat (p = 0.043) and saturated fat (p = 0.026) from their milk. No differences in nutrient intake were observed amongst infants aged 9–12 months. Few differences were observed between groups in their number of exposures to specific food groups.

Conclusions

TW infants had higher intakes of key micronutrients at 6–8 months, although there were few differences in nutritional intake at 9–12 months or food group exposure between babies following TW or BLW. BLW appears to be socially desirable. Guidance for parents is required, along with larger, longer‐term studies, which explore the potential impact of BLW in later childhood.