bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
One‐year estimated glomerular filtration rate decline as a risk factor of cardiovascular and renal end‐points in high‐risk Japanese patients
Authors: Meguro Shu , Inaishi Jun , Sato Yasunori , Komuro Issei , Itoh Hiroshi
Published: December 2020

Aims/Introduction

As estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) progression might correlate with cardiovascular prognosis, the correlation between 1‐year decline in eGFR and cardiovascular incidences and renal outcome was investigated.

Materials and Methods

The 1‐year percentage decline in eGFR at the first observation year was calculated in a cohort of the standard versus intEnsive statin therapy for hypercholesteroleMic Patients with diAbetic retinopaTHY (EMPATHY) trial participants. The primary end‐point was the composite cardiovascular end‐point including the renal end‐point. The associations between the incidence of each end‐point and clinical markers were analyzed using the Cox proportional hazards regression model.

Results

A total of 4,461 patients were analyzed. The mean observation period was 765.3 ± 363.1 days. The best cut‐off value of 1‐year eGFR decline was 0.099 in the first year for renal end‐point prediction by receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. The area under the curve of the model including the 1‐year eGFR decline of the first year was significantly larger than the model without it (0.943, 95% confidence interval 0.915–0.971 to 0.967, 95% confidence interval 0.950–0.983, P = 0.019). Primary end‐point incidences and the renal end‐point were much higher in rapid eGFR decliners compared with non‐decliners (P < 0.0001). The cardiovascular end‐point incidence, except for the renal end‐point, was not different between the groups. According to Cox regression analysis, 1‐year eGFR decline during the first year was a significant risk factor for the end‐points, including the renal end‐point, independent of albuminuria and eGFR at baseline.

Conclusions

The 1‐year eGFR decline rate provided useful information for cardiovascular end‐point predictions, including the renal end‐point, in addition to the conventional risk factors.
Nitric oxide fumigation for control of navel orangeworm, Amyelois transitella, on walnut
Authors: Yang Xiangbing , Liu Yong‐Biao , Simmons Gregory , Light Douglas , Haff Ron
Published: December 2020

The navel orangeworm (NOW), Amyelois transitella (Walker), is a major post‐harvest pest of tree nuts including walnut, almonds and pistachios. Nitric oxide (NO) was recently discovered to be a potential fumigant under ultralow oxygen conditions for post‐harvest pest control. In this study, NO fumigation was evaluated for efficacy against eggs, larvae and pupae of NOW. NO fumigation was found to be similarly effective against NOW on artificial diet and in infested walnuts. Fumigations of 4, 8 and 16 hr with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, achieved complete control of small and large larvae in artificial diet. Complete control of pupae on artificial diet was achieved in 8, 16 and 24 hr fumigations with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively. For NOW in infested walnuts, complete control was achieved in 6, 8 and 16 hr fumigations with 1.5, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, for small larvae; in 4‐, 8‐ and 24‐hr fumigations with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, for large larvae; and in 8‐, 16‐ and 24‐hr fumigations with 2.0, 1.0 and 0.5% NO, respectively, for pupae. Eggs were more tolerant to NO fumigation than larvae and pupae, and complete control of NOW eggs was achieved in 8‐ and 16‐hr fumigation with 3.0 and 2.0% NO, respectively. This study demonstrated the efficacy of NO fumigation against NOW on walnut and its potential as an alternative post‐harvest treatment for the pest.
A novel Dicistro‐like virus discovered in Procambarus clarkii with “Black May” disease
Authors: Huang Pengdan , Shen Guoqing , Gong Jie , Zhu Mengru , Wang Yang , Zhang Xiao , Hashimu Ame Kassimu , Zang Yanan , Shen Huaishun
Published: December 2020

The peak period of morbidity and death in cultured Procambarus clarkii is around May each year and is called the “Black May” disease. The pathogen causing “Black May” disease is believed to be a white spot syndrome virus (WSSV). In 2018, a significant number of P. clarkii died in the pond culture of Xinglong Township, Xuyi County. Two sampling tests on the affected pond showed that, in addition to WSSV, a novel Dicistro‐like virus (PcDV) was present. Genomic sequence analysis indicated that this new virus belongs to the Dicistroviridae family, Picornaviridaes order. A high number of spherical particles were detected in gill tissues of P. clarkii with “Black May” disease by electron microscopy, a finding consistent with viruses from the Picornaviridaes order. From October 2018 to September 2019, we took monthly samples from Hubei, Jiangsu and Anhui provinces, and tested for the presence of PcDV and WSSV in P. clarkii. The detection rates of PcDV in P. clarkii peaked from April to June, consistent with the onset of the “Black May” disease. In conclusion, we believe that the discovery of PcDV will provide new research directions for investigating the pathogens causing “Black May” disease in P. clarkii.
Utility of tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion normalized by right ventricular size indices in dogs with postcapillary pulmonary hypertension
Authors: Yuchi Yunosuke , Suzuki Ryohei , Teshima Takahiro , Matsumoto Hirotaka , Koyama Hidekazu
Published: December 2020

Background

Tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE) is a common right ventricular (RV) function indicator. However, TAPSE was not decreased in dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease (MMVD) and postcapillary pulmonary hypertension (PH) because of its load, angle, and body weight dependency, and TAPSE was considered a preload‐dependent index.

Objectives

To evaluate the utility of TAPSE normalized by RV size in dogs with postcapillary PH.

Animals

Twenty healthy dogs and 71 MMVD dogs with or without PH.

Methods

In this prospective observational study, end‐diastolic RV internal dimension (RVIDd), end‐diastolic and end‐systolic RV area, and end‐diastolic RV wall thickness were measured as RV size indices. The TAPSE was measured using B‐mode and M‐mode methods. Normalized TAPSE was calculated by dividing TAPSE by each RV size index. The RV strain was obtained as the detailed RV function using 2‐dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography. All indices were compared among the PH severity groups and in the presence of right‐sided congestive heart failure (R‐CHF).

Results

Although nonnormalized TAPSE was higher with PH severity progression, each normalized TAPSE showed a significant decrease in the severe PH group (P < .05). The TAPSEB‐mode/RVIDd ratio had high area under the curve to predict R‐CHF and had moderate correlation with RV strain (P < .05). The TAPSEB‐mode/RVIDd and left atrial‐to‐aortic diameter ratios were independent predictors for R‐CHF.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Normalized TAPSE could reflect RV systolic dysfunction in dogs with severe PH, which could not be detected by nonnormalized TAPSE. The TAPSEB‐mode/RVIDd ratio might predict R‐CHF with high sensitivity and reproducibility.
Teaching Guide for: ‘Cultivating Expertise’
Authors: Akhimie Patricia
Published: December 2020

View Supplementary Video 1
Screening varices in patients with HBV‐related cirrhosis on antiviral therapy: Platelet alone or together with LSM
Authors: Wang Bingqiong , Zhou Jialing , Wu Xiaoning , Sun Yameng , Li Lei , Li Ping , Li Minghui , Jiang Wei , Xu Mingyi , Feng Bo , Xu Xiaoyuan , Cheng Jilin , Xie Wen , Han Tao , Wang Xiaozhong , Li Hai , Piao Hongxin , Wu Shanshan , Shi Yiwen , Chen Shuyan , Kong Yuanyuan , Ma Hong , Ou Xiaojuan , Jia Jidong , You Hong
Published: December 2020

Background & Aims

Non‐invasive assessment criteria to rule out high‐risk varices (HRV) in compensated hepatitis B virus (HBV) cirrhosis on antiviral therapy remains unclear.

Methods

HBV‐related compensated cirrhotic patients who underwent screening endoscopy during antiviral therapy were enrolled and randomly divided into the derivation and validation sets. HRV were defined as medium to large varices or small varices with red signs. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to determine the parameters associated with HRV.

Results

A total of 436 HBV‐related compensated cirrhotic patients screened for varices were enrolled, the median duration of antiviral therapy was 4 years (IQR: 2.5‐5.5 years). In the derivation set (N = 290, 17.2% with HRV), only platelet (PLT) count (OR = 0.972, 95% CI 0.961‐0.984, P < .05) was independently associated with HRV, whereas liver stiffness measurement was not associated with the presence of HRV. With a PLT count cut‐off value of 105 × 109/L, unnecessary endoscopies could be spared in 56.9% patients, with a 3.6%. risk of missing HRV. In the validation cohort (N = 146, 16.4% with HRV), the proportion of patients that could safely spare endoscopies (61.0%) identified by this PLT count cut‐off value was higher than that obtained by using Baveno VI criteria (34.9%), with an acceptable risk of missing HRV (3.4%).

Conclusion

Compared with the ‘Baveno VI criteria or beyond’ criteria, PLT count higher than 105 × 109/L could safely spare more screening endoscopies without increasing the risk of missing HRV in patients with HBV‐related compensated cirrhosis on antiviral therapy.
Skin manifestations during the COVID‐19 pandemic in the pediatric emergency department
Authors: Oliva Rodríguez‐Pastor Silvia , Martín Pedraz Laura , Carazo Gallego Begoña , Galindo Zavala Rocío , Lozano Sánchez Gema , de Toro Peinado Inmaculada , Rodriguez Benjumea Margarita , Mejias Asuncion , Núñez Cuadros Esmeralda
Published: December 2020

Background

The role of SARS‐CoV‐2 as the cause of chilblains in children remains a matter of debate but it is important to elucidate it for patient isolation and contact tracing. We sought to define the etiology, clinical presentation, time course, and outcomes of children presenting to the emergency department (ED) with cutaneous manifestations shortly after the first pandemic peak of COVID‐19 in Spain.

Methods

A prospective, observational study in children <15 years of age evaluated for skin lesions in the EDs of three pediatric hospitals. Children underwent a comprehensive work‐up including tests for SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies and polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and serology and PCR tests for other viruses and bacteria. A 1 month follow‐up visit was conducted.

Results

From April 14 through May 8, 2020, we enrolled 62 children. Of those, 34 had acro‐ischemic skin lesions and 28 had a variety of skin rashes. Overall, 40% of children had mild systemic symptoms. Children with chilblains were older, had pain more frequently and a more prolonged duration of skin lesions, while those with non‐specific rashes had fever more frequently. Lesions were resolved in 75% of children at follow up. Five patients demonstrated SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies, and none tested positive with PCR. Three additional patients tested positive with PCR for rhinovirus, Mycoplasma pneumoniae and Chlamydia pneumoniae.

Conclusions

The number of ED visits for chilblains, which are rare in pediatrics, was high soon after the first peak of COVID‐19 in Spain. The disease course was self‐limited, outcomes were favorable, and the possibility of viral transmission was negligible as all patients tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2 by PCR.
Associations between the infant and young child feeding index and nutritional status
Authors: Thaweekul Patcharapa , Sinlapamongkolkul Phakatip , Tonglim Jutamat , Sritipsukho Paskorn
Published: December 2020

Background

The infant and child feeding index (ICFI) is a single summary World Health Organization influenced index to assess feeding quality in infants and young children aged 6–36 months. This study aimed to demonstrate any associations between ICFI and nutritional status in a single Thai center.

Methods

The demographic data and feeding practices of healthy infants and children aged 6–36 months were collected from questionnaires given to 304 parents/caregivers; anthropometric measurements were taken. Associations between ICFI and weight‐for‐age Z scores (WAZ), length/height for age Z scores (LAZ/HAZ), weight‐for‐length/height Z scores (WLZ/WHZ), and body mass index‐for‐age Z scores (BAZ) were examined.

Results

The mean ICFI was 6.14 ± 1.63 and was lowest in the 6–8 months age group. Breastfed infants had significantly higher ICFI scores than those not breastfed. Factors influencing ICFI were infant age and milk volume intake. The ICFI was negatively associated with WAZ, WLZ/WHZ, and BAZ (β = −0.13, P = 0.037; β = −0.17, p = 0.01; β = −0.15, P = 0.026, respectively). Breastfeeding was also negatively associated with WAZ, LAZ/HAZ, WLZ/WHZ, and BAZ.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated a negative association between the ICFI and nutritional status. Breastfeeding may have obscured some positive effects from appropriate feeding practices, while dairy consumption may have hidden negative outcome from inappropriate ones. Despite the ICFI appearing to reflect infant and young child feeding behaviors, using the ICFI alone may not accurately reveal nutritional status.
Is stressor‐evoked cardiovascular reactivity a pathway linking positive and negative emotionality to preclinical cardiovascular disease risk?
Authors: DuPont Caitlin M. , Wright Aidan G. C. , Manuck Stephen B. , Muldoon Matthew F. , Jennings J. Richard , Gianaros Peter J.
Published: December 2020

Stressor‐evoked cardiovascular reactivity, trait positive emotionality, and negative emotionality are all associated with cardiovascular disease. It is unknown, however, whether cardiovascular reactivity may constitute a pathway by which trait positive or negative emotionality relates to disease risk. Accordingly, this study modeled the cross‐sectional relationships between trait positive and negative emotionality, stressor‐evoked cardiovascular reactivity, and severity of a subclinical vascular marker of cardiovascular risk, carotid artery intima‐media thickness (CA‐IMT). The sample consisted of healthy, midlife adults free from clinical cardiovascular disease (N = 286; ages 30–54; 50% female). Trait positive and negative emotionality were measured by three questionnaires. Heart rate and blood pressure reactivity were assessed across three stressor tasks. CA‐IMT was assessed by ultrasonography. Latent factors of positive and negative emotionality, blood pressure reactivity, heart rate reactivity, and CA‐IMT were created using structural equation modeling. Greater negative emotionality was marginally associated with more CA‐IMT (β = .21; p = .049), but lower blood pressure reactivity (β = −.19; p = .03). However, heightened blood pressure (β = .21; p = .03), but not heart rate reactivity (β = −.05; p = .75), associated with greater CA‐IMT. Positive emotionality was uncorrelated with cardiovascular reactivity (blood pressure: β = −.04; p = .61; heart rate: β = .16; p = .11) and CA‐IMT (β = .16; p = .07). Although trait negative emotionality associates with a known marker of cardiovascular disease risk, independent of positive emotionality, it is unlikely to occur via a stressor‐evoked cardiovascular reactivity pathway.
Identifying restoration opportunities beneath native mesquite canopies
Authors: Gornish Elise S. , Ganjurjav Hasbagan , Liang Maowei , Simonis Juniper L. , McClaran Mitchel P.
Published: December 2020

Effective restoration strategies are needed to address habitat degradation that accompanies worldwide environmental change. One method used to enhance restoration outcomes is the leveraging of beneficial relationships (facilitation) among plants. In the southwestern United States, native mesquite trees (Prosopis spp.) are commonly planted to stabilize soil, but the value of using mesquite canopies for enhancing restoration success is unknown. We explored this possibility in an attempt to understand how common species, that both are and are not typically used for restoration, might differentially respond to mesquite canopies. We used a Bayesian multivariate generalized mixed model structure to analyze a dataset describing natural vegetation density in the Santa Rita Experimental Range, Arizona, United States. We found that more dominant species were not more likely to be distributed under mesquite. We also found that, while all of the focal species were more likely to be under mesquite with increased mesquite cover, they varied in the strength of their responses and the degree of saturation. Finally, we found that the aggressive invasive grass Eragrostis lehmanniana was found at lower incidences with increasing mesquite canopy cover, compared to the total species average as well as several of the natives investigated in this study. This work highlights the importance of being conscious of canopy size and continuity when considering understory species for restoration. This work also suggests that mesquite canopies can be used to provide a “safe site” for restoration species because competitive pressure from invasives is slightly reduced.
Children explain in‐ and out‐group behavior differently
Authors: Essa Francine , Weinsdörfer Anika , Shilo Reut , Diesendruck Gil , Rakoczy Hannes
Published: December 2020

Adults manifest a number of attributional biases in explaining the behavior of in‐ versus out‐group members. The present study investigated the developmental origins of such biased explanation. Children from majority and minority populations in Israel, and from majority populations in Germany (N = 165), were asked to explain the behavior of in‐ and out‐group members. Across ages and groups, children more often referred to group membership when explaining an out‐group as compared to an in‐group member’s behavior; and more often to individual factors when explaining an in‐group as compared to an out‐group member’s behavior. These findings are consistent with the early emergence of fundamental differences in the conceptualizations of in‐ and out‐group members.
Distance‐based measurement determines the coexistence of B protein hetero‐ and homodimers in lily tepal and stamen tetrameric complexes
Authors: Mao Wan‐Ting , Hsu Wei‐Han , Li Jen‐Ying , Yang Chang‐Hsien
Published: December 2020

The floral quartet model proposes that plant MADS box proteins function as higher order tetrameric complexes. However, in planta evidence for MADS box tetramers remains scarce. Here, we applied a strategy using in vivo fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) based on the distance change and distance symmetry of stable tetrameric complexes in tobacco (Nicotiana benthamiana) leaf cells to improve the accuracy of the estimation of heterotetrameric complex formation. This measuring system precisely verified the stable state of Arabidopsis petal (AP3/PI/SEP3/AP1) and stamen (AP3/PI/SEP3/AG) complexes and showed that the lily (Lilium longiflorum) PI co‐orthologs LMADS8 and LMADS9 likely formed heterotetrameric petal complexes with Arabidopsis AP3/SEP3/AP1, which rescued petal defects of pi mutants. However, L8/L9 did not form heterotetrameric stamen complexes with Arabidopsis AP3/SEP3/AG to rescue the stamen defects of the pi mutants. Importantly, this system was applied successfully to find complicated tepal and stamen heterotetrameric complexes in lily. We found that heterodimers of B function AP3/PI orthologs (L1/L8) likely coexist with the homodimers of PI orthologs (L8/L8, L9/L9) to form five (two most stable and three stable) tepal‐ and four (one most stable and three stable) stamen‐related heterotetrameric complexes with A/E and C/E function proteins in lily. Among these combinations, L1 preferentially interacted with L8 to form the most stable heterotetrameric complexes, and the importance of the L8/L8 and L9/L9 homodimers in tepal/stamen formation in lily likely decreased to a minor part during evolution. The system provides substantial improvements for successfully estimating the existence of unknown tetrameric complexes in plants.
Prenatal selection of cord blood donors according to the estimated fetal weight percentile and new approaches; results of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Xinxin Lin , Crovetto Francesca , González Alba , Cuadras Daniel , Sanchez Mar , Azqueta Carmen , Farssac Elisenda , Torrabadella Marta , Querol Sergio , Gomez‐Roig Maria Dolores
Published: December 2020

Background

Umbilical cord blood (UCB) donation is becoming inefficient and we recently proposed the estimated fetal weight percentile (EFWp) ≥60th as a predictor for a prenatal selection of donors. The aim of this study is to prospectively validate this and to identify new potential prenatal predictive parameters.

Study Design and Methods

Prospective cohort study of low‐risk pregnancies undergoing third trimester ultrasound, whose UCB was collected at delivery (2016‐2018) and compared with a historical cohort (2013‐2016, N = 869). Several ultrasound parameters (EFWp, amniotic fluid, Doppler evaluation, placental thickness) were assessed ultrasound and perinatal data were collected. The association with standard of high quality of UCB was assessed by logistic regression analysis.

Results

Among 297 cases, 161 (54%) were selected according to the EFWp ≥60th for UCB units' collection. Cellular criteria for banking was achieved in 27 cases (16.8%), with an average increase of 1.7 times compared to the historical cohort (9.8%, P = .009). Selecting donors according to the 60th EFWp resulted in a higher probability of collecting clinical suitable UCB (P = .025). Among prenatal and perinatal parameters, EFWp, amniotic fluid, umbilical vein (UV) velocity, newborn weight and percentile and placental weight were significantly associated with a higher cellular content. At logistic regression analysis, significant contributors of UCB collection, were EFWp at 37‐38 weeks ultrasound (OR 1.04; 95% CI: 1‐1.08; P = .042) and UV velocity (OR 1.14; 95% CI: 1‐1.29; P = .037).

Conclusion

The evaluation of the EFWp equal or above 60 and the increased UV velocity can result in higher efficiency of public UCB donation programs.
Characterization of health issues in young first‐time blood donors
Authors: Hughes Jonathan A. , Bravo Marjorie D. , Townsend Mary , Kamel Hany
Published: December 2020

Background and objectives

Blood donors, especially young donors, are considered a healthy segment of the population. We sought to identify medical issues that may warrant medical referral in young first‐time blood donors.

Materials and methods

A retrospective cohort study was performed in first‐time donors ages 16–22 who presented in a system of nineteen regional United States blood centres over 10 years. Donor health attributes characterized include body mass index, blood pressure, total cholesterol and pre‐donation haemoglobin. Using standardized definitions, overweight and obese body mass, hypertension, elevated cholesterol and anaemia were identified and characterized in this donor population.

Results

Among 825 041 young first‐time donors presenting between January 2009 and December 2018, with available measurements, 46·9% were either overweight or obese, 59·8% demonstrated high blood pressure (22·2% elevated blood pressure, 37·6% stage 1 or 2 hypertension), elevated cholesterol was identified among 6·3% of males and 8·8% of females, and anaemia was present in 3·5% of males and 5·2% of females. During the study period, all unfavourable health outcomes significantly increased in prevalence (P < 0·0001) when comparing 2009 vs. 2018 rates.

Conclusion

Elevated weight and obesity are common in young first‐time allogeneic United States blood donors, with fewer donors having elevated total cholesterol or anaemia. Such medical issues may have significant importance for future health and well‐being as well as continued donor eligibility. Blood centres may be able to help support the identification and mitigation of important medical issues in donors and provide a public health benefit.
Assessing inpatient platelet ordering practice: evaluation of computer provider order entry overrides
Authors: O’Brien Kerry L. , Chen Yigu , Uhl Lynne
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

Judicious utilization of platelet products protects a limited resource and mitigates risks of transfusion. At many institutions, computer physician order entry systems provide prompts to guide transfusion decisions; many capture the indication for transfusion, and generate metadata when orders are dissonant with guidelines. We conducted a retrospective review to examine adherence to and overrides of hospital guidelines for platelet transfusion to identify opportunities for improved transfusion practice.

Materials and methods

Physician override reports (1/1/2018–3/31/2019) were examined and physician‐entered justification comments accompanying override orders were extracted, in addition to patient‐specific data (clinical service, age, sex, and pretransfusion platelet count). Two transfusion medicine physicians independently assessed comments in context of patient data and institutional guidelines and categorized as: indicated, protocol driven, or not indicated. Following adjudication, consensus was reached between the two reviewers. Override keyword frequencies were also determined.

Results

Over 15‐months, 1373 override orders were placed for 558 unique patients (25% of all adult inpatient platelet transfusions). haematology/oncology providers placed 573 (42%) override orders (261 unique patients), 46% of which were categorized as “not indicated”, based on consensus review. Overall, 470 (34%) override orders were categorized as “not indicated”. Examples of recurring key words included “bleeding/risk of bleeding”, “falling platelet count”, “platelet goal of XX”.

Conclusions

A large percentage of override orders for platelet transfusions were determined to be “not indicated” and out of compliance with institutional guidelines. The metadata captured identified concerns regarding clinical transfusion practice and opportunities for revised indications (e.g. threshold for retinal haemorrhage).
Flow field investigation in a vortex settling basin using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry and large eddy simulation
Authors: S. R. Nikou N. , Ziaei A. N. , Ansary H. , McDonough J. M.
Published: December 2020

Vortex settling basin is an efficient continuous flushing system to remove the sediment in water and wastewater treatment plants. In the current study, computational fluid dynamics was implemented to study sophisticated flow field within the Vortex settling basin. The performance of 3‐D Reynolds‐averaged Navier–Stokes turbulence models including standard k−ε and SST k−ω models and a large eddy simulation, Smagorinsky model, were assessed. The 3‐D velocity field was also measured using Acoustic Doppler Velocimetry. The effects of vortex generation on basin performance and flow properties in the VSB were analysed. Secondary currents were identified as important phenomena in settling and flushing of sediment particles through the bottom orifice. The experimental data were used to evaluate the accuracy of the calculated flow field. The results of the numerical simulation confirmed the superiority of the Smagorinsky model. This model satisfactorily simulated the water surface and the overall pattern of secondary currents in the VSB.
Retention strategies and barriers for millennial nurses: a scoping review protocol
Authors: McClain Ashley R. , Arnold Amber , Palokas Michelle , Christian Robin
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The objective of this scoping review is to explore the existing literature related to millennial nurse retention strategies and barriers; to examine and conceptually map the evidence; to extract any differences between nurse retention strategies and barriers for Generation Y and Generation Z; and to identify any gaps in the literature.

Introduction:

The millennial generation has become the largest group of nurses in the workforce and, as nursing leaders grow to understand their tendency to change employers frequently, it is important for organizations to identify and implement retention strategies and reduce retention barriers for this generation.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider studies that include registered nurses born between 1980 and 2000 with any level of educational preparation and in any setting or geographical location. The concept of this review is strategies and barriers for nurse retention.

Methods:

The review will be conducted in accordance with JBI methodology for scoping reviews. Studies written in English and published after 2010 will be included. The databases to be searched include MEDLINE (PubMed), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), Ovid Healthstar (Ovid), CINAHL (EBSCO), and PsycINFO (EBSCO). The search for unpublished studies will include MedNar (Mednar.com) and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses (ProQuest). Eligible studies will undergo data extraction by two independent reviewers using a tool created by the authors. Along with a narrative summary, results will be presented in diagrammatic or tabular form in a manner that aligns with the review objective and questions.
Midwifery students’ perceptions and experiences of learning in clinical practice: a qualitative review protocol
Authors: Yang Zhihui , Li Xinxin , Lin Huanhuan , Chen Fanfan , Zhang Lili , Wang Ning
Published: December 2020

Objective:

This systematic review aims to investigate and synthesize qualitative evidence related to midwifery students’ perceptions and experiences of learning in clinical practice.

Introduction:

Midwifery students are required to develop strong competencies during pre-registration education for future practice. Clinical placements provide a good opportunity for students to build essential practice capacities. Understanding the perceptions and experiences of midwifery students in clinical practice helps develop effective midwifery clinical educational strategies. A qualitative systematic review is therefore proposed to improve midwifery clinical education.

Inclusion criteria:

This proposed review will consider qualitative studies that have explored midwifery students’ perceptions and experiences of learning in clinical practice in all degrees. The search will be limited to English-language published and unpublished studies to the present.

Methods:

This review will follow the JBI approach for qualitative systematic reviews. A three-stage search will be conducted to include published and unpublished literature. Databases to be searched include PubMed, Science Direct, Web of Science, CINAHL, PsycINFO, American Nurses Association, Google Scholar, ProQuest Dissertation & Theses, and Index to Theses in Great Britain and Ireland. Identified studies will be screened for inclusion in the review by two independent reviewers. Any disagreements will be resolved through discussion. Data will be extracted using a standardized tool. Data synthesis will adhere to the meta-aggregative approach to categorize findings. The categories will be synthesized into a set of findings that can be used to inform midwifery education.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020208189
Ultrasonography relative to Cormack-Lehane in predicting difficult laryngoscopy: a systematic review of diagnostic test accuracy
Authors: Ferszt Peter , Hill Jeremy , Larson Sandra
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The objective of this review is to determine the diagnostic test accuracy of point-of-care ultrasound anterior soft tissue quantification techniques for predicting difficult laryngoscopy in relation to Cormack-Lehane scores.

Introduction:

Difficult airway management is a critical challenge for anesthesia providers, and a non-invasive test to confidently predict difficult airway is lacking. When difficult airway is not anticipated, the provider's management of the event deteriorates, resulting in significant morbidity or mortality. This systematic review of the diagnostic efficacy of newer ultrasound techniques has potential to advance difficult airway prediction and patient safety.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider adults 18 years and older presenting for elective surgery, who undergo a preoperative point-of-care ultrasound anterior soft tissue airway examination that is referenced to an intraoperative Cormack-Lehane airway examination, obtained using direct laryngoscopy under general anesthesia.

Methods:

Data sources will include Ovid MEDLINE, Trip Database, Embase, CINAHL Complete, Clinicaltrials.gov, Google Scholar, MedNar, Grey Literature Report, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses. Only studies published in English after the advent of the Cormack-Lehane reference test (1984) will be included. Studies will be critically appraised using a checklist for studies of diagnostic test accuracy. Details about the index tests, populations, study methods, and outcomes of significance to the review will be extracted. Where possible, sensitivity and specificity will be pooled in statistical bivariate meta-analysis. Diagnostic thresholds will be displayed on a paired forest plot or summary receiver operator characteristic curve, depending on the degree of variability.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42020205974
Technology-assisted methods to assess the quality of the therapeutic alliance between health care providers and patients: a scoping review protocol
Authors: DeArmond Megan , Vidal Evan , Vanier Cheryl
Published: December 2020

Objective:

The goal of this review is to identify and summarize technology-assisted methods that are being used in clinical, research, or educational settings to assess non-verbal behaviors that have been identified as contributors to the quality of the therapeutic alliance between health care providers and patients.

Introduction:

A strong therapeutic alliance is a critical component of positive patient outcomes. A health care provider's non-verbal behaviors help build a strong therapeutic alliance, but practice with expert feedback is often required to develop desirable non-verbal behaviors. Advances in technology have been harnessed to assess and provide feedback to health care providers, but the technological tools can be difficult to find and compare. Technology-assisted feedback has the potential to help health care providers hone important clinical skills without requiring highly trained instructors, improving medical care overall.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will consider quantitative and qualitative studies, as well as review articles. Participants must be health care providers (or students) who routinely conduct appointments with patients. Included studies must incorporate technology-assisted methods that are being used to collect or analyze information regarding at least one behavior associated with the therapeutic alliance in a clinical, research, or educational setting. Any type of patient encounter, whether actual, actor-based, virtual reality, or simulation-based, will be included.

Methods:

Five bibliographic databases will be searched, with results limited to English-language articles published from 2010 to the present. The search strategy yielded 404 results in PubMed. The proposed methodology follows the JBI methodology for scoping reviews.
Mining conflicts in the European Union: environmental and political perspectives
Authors: Kivinen Sonja , Kotilainen Juha , Kumpula Timo
Published: December 2020

Comprehensive knowledge on the issues contributing to mining conflicts is crucial in balancing between the exploitation of mineral deposits and local claims. We explore recent mining conflicts in the European Union using information derived from the Global Atlas of Environmental Justice to improve the understanding of the  potential impacts of the intensification of mining activities by the new minerals policies. The variety of causes of conflict is wide and ranges from environmental impacts to socio-economic and health concerns of the populations residing in the vicinity of the mines. While mining conflicts have arisen during all the phases of the life cycle of a mine, new mining projects have been well presented amongst the conflicts. Policy makers should increasingly pay attention to the multiple impacts that mining has had on the environment and socially, in order to be able to put the plans for increasing minerals extraction in Europe into practice.
Perception of danger in the southern Arizona borderlands
Authors: Nielsen Henrik
Published: December 2020

The mainstream paradigm of the US-Mexico borderlands is that   the undocumented migrants are posing a serious threat to the area, yet who or what is actually in danger at the border and what is the danger? This paper explores, through a phenomenological participant-researcher approach, the tension and different perceptions of danger connected to the southern Arizona borderlands. By joining the humanitarian aid group Ajo Samaritans as a volunteer, the borderland is both experienced and observed on the ground through active participation. In closing, it is observed that different actors convey different, and at times even direct opposite, dangers that elevate tension in the area. Under the surface, however, there are similarities and while this study argues that there are many threats as well as endangered entities in the desert, the undocumented migrants are the group most threatened and the desert itself poses the greatest danger.
A wilderness treaty for the Arctic: Svalbard to the Inuit Nunaat, defining a sovereign wilderness
Authors: Carleton Alexandra
Published: December 2020

Given the inherent endemism of the High Arctic and the proclivity of nations to vie over control of its lands and waters, the arrival of a treaty, which places protection of the endemic environment at its core, would be timely. The Arctic environment is changing, together with its identity as the home of indigenous peoples that are part of a contemporary reformulation of sovereignty. Treaty-formulation, which places the geography of the Arctic at its centre, also centralises her regional endemism and interconnectedness, a vital starting point for regional treaty-building.
Youth-led climate strikes: fresh opportunities and enduring challenges for youth research - commentary to Bowman
Authors: Wood Bronwyn
Published: December 2020

In this commentary I respond to Benjamin Bowman’s Fennia paper by extending upon his central thesis that argues that the prevailing methodological tools and framings used to research youth political participation perpetuate unhelpful and inadequate dichotomies about youth. Advancing upon this, I suggest that the youth climate strikes in 2019 highlight three prevalent discourses in youth research relating to climate change: (i) the tendency to view youth as isolated individuals, neglecting the role of adults and communities; (ii) the tendency to focus on individual behavioural change rather than recognise the need for systemic and societal responses to climate change, and (iii) the tendency to overlook structural characteristics of youth such as race, gender and social class. The resulting discourses of youth autonomy, individualism and homogeneity lead to a distorted picture of young activists and perpetuate harmful narratives which lead to stigma, despair and cynicism. The paper concludes by advocating for greater care in the research methodologies and critical frameworks we use to report on youth at public events, such as climate strikes, in order to allow for the complexity of the young political agent, the ambiguity of some of their actions and for opportunities that enable young people themselves to articulate their own participation.
How we have been productive when Coronavirus locked us out of University
Authors: Micaela Nascimento Andreia , Ferrinho Lopes Hugo
Published: December 2020

In the Covid-19 pandemic era researchers and academics worldwide have experienced an unprecedented phenomenon. In this context of uncertainty and instability, academia was not spared the consequences of the new Coronavirus that locked everybody out of university. However, research and academic productivity during these unprecedented times may not have adversely affected projects, students, and their supervisors. Building on the authors’ personal experience this paper highlights some positive impacts of pursuing a PhD during a pandemic, focusing the reflection along two lines: 1) that work during social isolation may be better than ever; and 2) how open science has been crucial in this coronavirus era.
Covid-19 and doctoral research in Brazil and Portugal: who pays the bill for confinement and remote work in research?
Authors: BARBOSA ROSELI
Published: December 2020

The Covid-19 pandemic has brought about several changes to doctoral programs due to the prohibition of face-to-face activities. This situation has generated many difficulties but has also facilitated research activities in Sociology in Brazil and Portugal. This essay discusses the changes introduced in sociological research and the main strategy found to overcome the difficulties – remote work – with the aim of raising questions for a research agenda on the subject. The notes and analyses presented here are produced from participant observation and full participation as an academic linked to three universities, where I had access to remote work data and operational notes issued by these universities during the pandemic. In these observations, I have identified that the professors, technicians and researchers pay the bill for remote work in the doctorate programs, and that the pandemic affects researchers unequally, depending on their gender, the stage of the course they are in, whether the academic relationship is national or foreign, whether they receive a scholarship or not, and whether they are at home or on student mobility.
Hardware-in-the-Loop Testing of an Electromagnetic Transducer With a Tuned Inerter for Vibratory Energy Harvesting
Authors: Asai Takehiko , Takino Minoru , Watanabe Yuta , Sugiura Keita
Published: December 2020

This paper assesses the vibratory energy harvesting performance of a tuned inertial mass electromagnetic transducer (TIMET) through hardware-in-the-loop (HIL) testing under random vibration. The TIMET has been developed by adding a tuning spring and an extra rotational inertial mass to a conventional electromagnetic transducer (ET) with a motor. The authors have already shown that the energy harvesting efficiency of the TIMET can be increased by taking advantage of the mechanical resonance effect of the rotational inertial mass due to the tuning spring through numerical simulation studies. In addition, further improvement in power generation of the TIMET can be achieved theoretically by controlling the current to the motor based on the appropriately developed algorithms. In this paper, the superiority of the TIMET over the ET under random disturbances when the current to the motor is controlled by the algorithms proposed for the ET in the literature is experimentally verified. Moreover, the accuracy of the numerical simulation using the developed device models is validated by comparing with the test results.
Modeling of Tertiary Creep in Copper at 215 and 250 °C
Authors: Sandström Rolf , Sui Fangfei
Published: December 2020

For a long time, only empirical models existed for creep curves in the tertiary stage. To understand the role of creep damage, including changes in the dislocation structure, cavitation, and necking, basic models that do not involve adjustable parameters have, however, recently been developed. These models were used to predict tertiary creep for copper at 75 °C. In the present paper, these models are applied to creep tests at higher temperatures (215 and 250 °C). These results demonstrate again that tertiary creep in copper is primarily controlled accelerated recovery of the dislocation structure and not by cavitation. The modeling results suggest that the role of cavitation is modest also in other creep exposed ductile alloys, which should be of importance to consider in the formulation of models for creep damage. Necking was only found to be of significance very close to rupture again in agreement with results at lower temperature.
Simulating High-Mode Vortex-Induced Vibration of a Riser in Linearly Sheared Current Using an Empirical Time-Domain Model
Authors: Kim Sang Woo , Sævik Svein , Wu Jie , Leira Bernt Johan
Published: December 2020

As the development of offshore oil and gas continues to move into deeper waters, the risers connecting the seabed infrastructure to the offshore platform are getting longer. This means that vortex-induced vibration (VIV) may occur at different frequencies along the riser due to current variation, making the VIV prediction challenging. To increase the VIV prediction accuracy, an empirical time-domain VIV model has been developed. The advantage of the model is that it can account for structural non-linearities such as variable tension and time-varying flow. The robustness of the time-domain VIV model has been verified with respect to the several tests, but the length/diameter (L/D) ratio of the risers used in the experiments has so far been relatively small, and the response mode number accordingly low. Therefore, additional validation is needed to understand the uncertainties for the prediction of VIV for deep-sea riser systems at high-mode order. The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the use of time-domain model for high-mode VIV response prediction of deep-sea riser systems. This was done by a comparison study applying the Hanøytangen high-mode VIV test data. The main comparison was made regarding the dominating frequency and fatigue damage estimation. For selected empirical parameters, the model demonstrated a good correlation with the experiments. However, the simplified riser model that was utilized in the simulations caused some discrepancies between numerical simulations and the experimental results, which need to be further investigated.
Guidance for Material Selection Based on Static and Dynamic Mechanical Properties at Sub-Zero Temperatures
Authors: Braun Moritz , Kahl Adrian , Willems Tom , Seidel Marc , Fischer Claas , Ehlers Sören
Published: December 2020

It is well known that material properties undergo significant changes with temperature. In order to meet extreme environmental requirements for ships and offshore structures operating in Arctic regions, the effect of temperature on material behavior needs to be considered. In recent studies, significantly higher fatigue strength was observed for base materials and welded joints in comparison to room temperature. Fatigue strength increased even for temperatures far below the allowed service temperature based on fracture toughness results; however, sub-zero temperatures fatigue data are scarce and the effects of steel strength and welding type on fatigue strength changes are unknown. Material selection for ships and offshore structures is typically based on empirical Charpy and fracture toughness relations at the design temperature, minus a safety margin. Thus, this study presents material test results including fatigue tests of butt-welded joints, tensile test, and Charpy impact toughness tests at room and sub-zero temperatures of different structural steel types. Additionally, the effect of welding techniques and steel strength are discussed. The results can be used to extend design approaches for ships and offshore structures subject to sub-zero temperatures and to improve material selection for ships and offshore structures operating in Arctic regions.
Dynamic Model for Friction-Induced Oxidation of Metals in Dry Sliding Processes
Authors: Valdés Canaval M. A. , Gómez L. M. , Toro A. , Isaza M. Cesar A. , Rudas J. S.
Published: December 2020

Oxidative mechanisms in tribological processes are commonly related with temperature and the real contact area. In this article, a lumped parameter dynamic model was developed to predict friction-generated oxide thicknesses in dry sliding conditions. The proposed model is based on conservative principles and causal equations applied to a pin-on-disk configuration in order to calculate the flash temperature with base on the heat transfer phenomena. Also, a mass balance was proposed to estimate the amount of hematite (Fe2O3), magnetite (Fe3O4), and wüstite (FeO) formed by friction heat. A new equation was proposed to predict the thicknesses of the oxides generated, and the model was validated based on experimental data available in specialized literature.