bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Beetroot Supplementation on Recovery After Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rojano-Ortega Daniel , Peña Amaro José , Berral-Aguilar Antonio J. , Berral-de la Rosa Francisco J.
Published: August 2021

Context:

Beetroots have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which may help attenuate inflammation and oxidative stress, enhancing recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD).

Objective:

To evaluate the effects of beetroot supplementation on oxidative stress, inflammation, and recovery after EIMD.

Data Sources:

SPORTDiscus, PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched, and hand-searching was performed by looking to relevant studies that were cited in other studies.

Study Selection:

For a study to be included in this review, the following inclusion criteria had to be met: (1) research conducted with human participants, (2) original articles in peer-reviewed publications, (3) original studies that had investigated beetroot supplementation intervention on muscle damage and recovery, (4) research conducted with 1 control/placebo group, and (5) articles published from inception to October 2020.

Study Design:

Systematic review using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) statement.

Level of Evidence:

Level 3.

Data Extraction:

Two of the 4 authors independently extracted data and assessed the methodological quality of the articles with the PEDro scale. All discrepancies were resolved through a consensus meeting.

Results:

A total of 9 studies were included in this review. The methodological quality of the included studies ranged from moderate to high. Most of the studies found a better recovery of functional variables and muscle soreness, but improvements in markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress were not reported.

Conclusion:

The existing evidence suggests that a short-term beetroot supplementation has the potential to accelerate recovery of functional measures and muscle soreness, but further research is needed to clarify if a longer supplementation period (with some days before exercise and some days after) could also promote recovery of markers of muscle damage, inflammation, and oxidative stress.
Japan and the international humanitarian system: In the periphery by design, principle or strategy?
Authors: Gómez Oscar A
Published: August 2021

This article aims to explain why Japan has been at the periphery of the international humanitarian system, at least for the past two decades. Based on a review of the main features of the country’s historical involvement in humanitarian crisis response, I suggest two main reasons: 1) the difficulty for Japan to adapt to the kind of institutions created after the end of the Cold War, mainly by Western actors, and 2) Japan’s preference for an integral approach to crisis management, using multiple international cooperation means, which falls outside of the present humanitarian diplomacy paradigm. As this paradigm comes into question, Japan can influence the emerging humanitarian system, particularly through the promotion of crisis management ownership and long-term commitment backed by multiple financial means.
Cytokines in various molecular subtypes of breast cancer
Authors: Autenshlyus Alexsander , Davletova Kristina , Varaksin Nikolay , Marinkin Igor , Lyakhovich Vyacheslav
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease that has multiple molecular and morphological subtypes. Nonetheless, the relation between various molecular subtypes and functional characteristics of a tumor in terms of cytokine secretion remains unknown.

Methods

We studied spontaneous and mitogen-induced cytokine secretion by invasive breast carcinoma of no special type (IBC NST; cultured tumors and cultured peripheral blood cells), depending on a molecular tumor subtype (where “mitogens” means “polyclonal activators” (PA): phytohemagglutinin p, phytohemagglutinin M, concanavalin A, and Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide). Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays were used to determine concentrations of IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-17, IL-18, IL-1β, IL-1Ra, TNF-α, IFN-γ, G-CSF, GM-CSF, VEGF, and MCP-1 in culture supernatants of the tumors and peripheral blood cells.

Results

The luminal B HER2-positive molecular subtype of IBC NST was found to feature the highest spontaneous secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 and the highest mitogen-induced secretion of IL-6, IL-8, IL-1Ra, and TNF-α by tumors; the highest mitogen-induced secretion of IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1β, TNF-α, IFN-γ, and G-CSF by peripheral blood cells; and the highest cytokine-producing potential (the ratio of mitogen-induced to spontaneous secretion) of peripheral blood cells for the secretion of IL-6, IL-8, and IL-1Ra as compared to other molecular subtypes. The triple-negative subtype of IBC NST was characterized by the lowest cytokine-producing potential of tumors for the secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 as compared to other molecular subtypes as well as a lower “stimulation index of polyclonal activators” (calculated as (cytokine secretion after incubation with PA)/(spontaneous cytokine secretion)) for IL-18 secretion as compared to luminal subtypes. The XYZ correlated with a suppressive effect of PA on cytokine secretion by tumors of the triple-negative molecular subtype.

Conclusion

Therefore, our findings indicate that in IBC NST of luminal B HER2-positive and triple-negative molecular subtypes, the cytokine network has distinctive functional features.
Blended Learning Acceptance Scale (BLAS) in Distance Higher Education: Toward an Initial Development and Validation
Authors: Bervell Brandford , Umar Irfan Naufal , Kumar Jeya Amantha , Asante Somuah Beatrice , Arkorful Valentina
Published: August 2021

The adoption of blended mode of e-learning is dominant basically because of the affordances of the combination of both the benefits of online and face-to-face sessions. In view of this, most traditional distance education institutions have acquired Learning Management System (LMS) for online learning to support the face-to-face aspect of lesson delivery to satisfy the blended mode. This has induced research into the acceptance of blended learning from both tutors’ and students’ perspectives. However, the gap in the literature is that, most of these researches employ instruments that measure only the LMS-based online aspect or the technology of the blended mode leaving the face-to-face aspect relegated. To fill the gap, data were collected from 267 tutors based on a cross-sectional survey design with the questionnaire as the instrument. The result was a development and validation through a partial least squares structural equation modeling of a Blended Learning Acceptance Scale (BLAS) that combines both LMS-based online learning and face-to-face aspects to measure blended learning acceptance in distance higher education.
Outcome of Anterior and Posterior Endoscopic Procedures for Cervical Radiculopathy Due to Degenerative Disk Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Alomar Soha A. , Maghrabi Yazid , Baeesa Saleh S. , Alves Óscar L.
Published: August 2021

Study design:

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objectives:

Cervical spine endoscopic discectomy and decompression have gained popularity in the last decade. This review aimed to shed light on the current outcomes of cervical spine endoscopic procedures for degenerative disc disease (DDD) and to calculate a pooled estimate of various outcome measures.

Methods:

We retrieved articles published in English related to endoscopic cervical spine procedures from 3 central databases from inception until September 2020. A subgroup analysis based on the anterior versus the posterior approach was performed.

Results:

Thirty-one articles fulfilled the eligibility criteria and included 1,410 patients. A successful outcome was observed in 91.3% (88.6-93.4%, P = 0.000). This percentage was lower for the anterior approach (89.6% [85.8-92.5%], P = 0.000) than for the posterior approach (94.2% [90.4-96.5%], P = 0.000). A higher percentage of poor outcomes was reported for the anterior approach (5.7% [3.2-10.1%], P = 0.000 vs. 2.3% [1-5.5%], P = 0.000 for the posterior approach). The overall complication rate was 7.2% (5.2-9.8%, P = 0.000). There was a slightly higher complication rate for the anterior approach (7.9% [4.5-13.3%], P = 0.000) than for the posterior approach (6.7% [4.4-10%], P = 0.000). The revision rate was 4.2% (2.6-6.8%, P = 0.000); and 4.2% (1.8-9.7%, P = 0.000) for the anterior approach and 4.00% (2.2-7.4%, P = 0.000) for the posterior approach.

Conclusions:

There is a higher success rate and lower complication rate with the posterior approach than with the anterior approach. However, high-quality randomized controlled trials are vital to evaluate the efficacy of these procedures.
Comparative Ethnographic Narrative Analysis Method: Comparing Culture in Narratives
Authors: Saint Arnault Denise , Sinko Laura
Published: August 2021

Narrative data analysis aims to understand the stories’ content, structure, or function. However narrative data can also be used to examine how context influences self-concepts, relationship dynamics, and meaning-making. This methodological paper explores the potential of narrative analysis to discover and compare the processes by which culture shapes selfhood and meaning making. We describe the development of the Comparative Ethnographic Narrative Analysis Method as an analytic procedure to systematically compare narrators’ experiences, meaning making, decisions, and actions across cultures. This analytic strategy seeks to discover shared themes, examine culturally distinct themes, and illuminate meta-level cultural beliefs and values that link shared themes. We emphasize the need for a shared research question, comparable samples, shared non-biased instruments, and high-fidelity training if one uses this qualitative method for cross-cultural research. Finally, specific issues, trouble-shooting practices, and implications are discussed.
Proposal of orientation-independent measure of intensity for earthquake-resistant design
Authors: Poulos Alan , Miranda Eduardo
Published: August 2021

A new measure of ground motion intensity in the horizontal direction is proposed. Similarly to other recently proposed measures of intensity, the proposed intensity measure is also independent of the as-installed orientation of horizontal sensors at recording stations. This new measure of horizontal intensity, referred to as MaxRotD50, is defined using the maximum 5%-damped response spectral ordinate of two orthogonal horizontal directions and then computing the 50th percentile for all non-redundant rotation angles, that is, the median of the set of spectral ordinates in a range of 90°. This proposed measure of intensity is always between the median and maximum spectral ordinate for all non-redundant orientations, commonly referred to as RotD50 and RotD100, respectively. A set of 5065 ground motion records is used to show that MaxRotD50 is, on average, approximately 13%–16% higher than Rot50 and 6% lower than RotD100. The new measure of intensity is particularly well suited for earthquake-resistant design where a major concern for structural engineers is the probability that the design ground motion intensity is exceeded in at least one of the two principal horizontal components of the structure, which for most structures are orthogonal to each other. Currently, design codes in the United States are based on RotD100, and hence using MaxRotD50 for structures with two orthogonal principal horizontal components would result in a reduction of the ground motion intensities used for design purposes.
Using web conferencing to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in research: a feasibility study
Authors: Anderson Kate , Gall Alana , Butler Tamara , Arley Brian , Howard Kirsten , Cass Alan , Garvey Gail
Published: August 2021

Background

While web conferencing technologies are being widely used in communication and collaboration, their uptake in conducting research field work has been relatively slow. The benefits that these technologies offer researchers for engaging with hard-to-reach populations are beginning to be recognised, however, the acceptability and feasibility of using web conferencing technology to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in research is unknown.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate whether the use of web conferencing to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in research is an acceptable and feasible alternative to conventional face-to-face methods.

Methods

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people aged between 18 and 24 years were recruited via emails, flyers and snowballing to participate in an Online Yarning Circle (OYC) about wellbeing conducted via web conferencing. Five young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians were trained as peer facilitators and each conducted one or more OYCs with support from an experienced Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander researcher. The OYCs were recorded and the researchers conducted post-OYC interviews with the facilitators. OYC recordings, facilitator interviews and researchers’ reflections about the method were analysed to assess acceptability and feasibility for use with this population.

Results

11 OYCs were conducted with 21 participants. The evaluation focused on (a) acceptability of the method for participants and facilitators and (b) feasibility of data collection method and procedures for use in research. Our evaluation revealed good acceptability and feasibility of the method, with only minor challenges experienced, which were predominantly logistical in nature and related to scheduling, obtaining documentation of consent, and technical issues. These challenges were offset by the greater control over the level of engagement that was comfortable for individual participants and the greater ease with which they felt they could withdraw from participating. This shift in the traditional researcher-participant power dynamic was recognised by both participants and peer facilitators and was regarded as a support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people’s participation in research.

Conclusions

The use of web conferencing to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people in research offers an acceptable and feasible alternative to face-to-face research methods. The benefits conferred by these technologies associated with yielding greater control and power to the research participant has broad relevance to research with marginalised populations.
Association between post-hospital clinic and telephone follow-up provider visits with 30-day readmission risk in an integrated health system
Authors: Nguyen Huong Q. , Baecker Aileen , Ho Timothy , Huynh Dan N. , Watson Heather L. , Li Jing , Shen Ernest
Published: August 2021

Background

Follow-up visits with clinic providers after hospital discharge may not be feasible for some patients due to functional limitations, transportation challenges, need for physical distancing, or fear of exposure especially during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

The aim of the study was to determine the effects of post-hospital clinic (POSH) and telephone (TPOSH) follow-up provider visits versus no visit on 30-day readmission. We used a retrospective cohort design based on data from 1/1/2017 to 12/31/2019 on adult patients (n = 213,513) discharged home from 15 Kaiser Permanente Southern California hospitals. Completion of POSH or TPOSH provider visits within 7 days of discharge was the exposure and all-cause 30-day inpatient and observation stay readmission was the primary outcome. We used matching weights to balance the groups and Fine-Gray subdistribution hazard model to assess for readmission risk.

Results

Unweighted all-cause 30-day readmission rate was highest for patients who completed a TPOSH (17.3%) followed by no visit (14.2%), non-POSH (evaluation and management visits that were not focused on the hospitalization: 13.6%) and POSH (12.6%) visits. The matching weighted models showed that the effects of POSH and TPOSH visits varied across patient subgroups. For high risk (LACE 11+) medicine patients, both POSH (HR: 0.77, 95% CI: 0.71, 0.85, P < .001) and TPOSH (HR: 0.91, 95% CI: 0.83, 0.99, P = .03) were associated with 23 and 9% lower risk of 30-day readmission, respectively, compared to no visit. For medium to low risk medicine patients (LACE< 11) and all surgical patients regardless of LACE score or age, there were no significant associations for either visit type with risk of 30-day readmission.

Conclusions

Post-hospital telephone follow-up provider visits had only modest effects on 30-day readmission in high-risk medicine patients compared to clinic visits. It remains to be determined if greater use and comfort with virtual visits by providers and patients as a result of the pandemic might improve the effectiveness of these encounters.
A process evaluation of the Mind Your Back trial examining psychologically informed physical treatments for chronic low back pain
Authors: Petrozzi M. John , Spencer Grace , Mackey Martin G.
Published: August 2021

Background

In chronic conditions, such as back pain, the use of interventions that address physical, social and psychological aspects within a biopsychosocial framework are encouraged, however, applying this holistic multimodal approach in physical therapy practice (i.e., chiropractic and physiotherapy) is challenging. To explore the problem of delivering a biopsychosocially informed package of care in physical therapy practice a recent randomised control trial (RCT) called ‘Mind Your Back’ was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a combined physical and internet-delivered psychological intervention (psychologically informed physical treatments) compared to standard treatment for improving disability and self-efficacy in people with chronic LBP. The results of the trial indicated no difference between the two intervention groups. Although high-quality RCTs are considered gold standard for effectiveness of interventions, qualitative research methods embedded within a process evaluation framework are also used to reveal other issues and important information that help to explain clinical trial results, and to further the field of digital health interventions research. Therefore, within a process evaluation framework, the aim is to explore participants experiences of the interventions received throughout the Mind Your Back trial which led to a null result.

Methods

In-line with recommendations for a process evaluation this study used in-depth interviews and qualitative thematic analysis with participants of both arms of the trial 5–6 months after study completion. Semi-structured telephone interviews were conducted with twenty-five participants to explore their experiences of taking part in the Mind Your Back trial. Interviews were conducted in November 2017, transcribed verbatim and data analysed thematically.

Results

Two main themes were identified: (1) Personalised support and therapeutic alliance are important, and (2) MoodGYM lacked relevant, personalised and tailored support.

Conclusion

It is important to deliver tailored digital health supports that is personalised and fosters a therapeutic alliance.
Influence of miR-221/222 on cardiomyocyte calcium handling and function
Authors: Knyrim Maria , Rabe Sindy , Grossmann Claudia , Gekle Michael , Schreier Barbara
Published: August 2021

Background

Cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death worldwide. Cardiac electrical remodeling including altered ion channel expression and imbalance of calcium homeostasis can have detrimental effects on cardiac function. While it has been extensively reported that miR-221/222 are involved in structural remodeling, their role in electrical remodeling still has to be evaluated. We previously reported that subunits of the L-type Ca2+ channel (LTCC) are direct targets of miR-221/222. Furthermore, HL-1 cells transfected with miR-221 or -222 mimics showed a reduction in LTCC current density while the voltage-dependence of activation was not altered. The aim of the present study was to determine the influence of miR-221/222 on cardiomyocyte calcium handling and function.

Results

Transient transfection of HL-1 cells with miR-221/222 mimics led to slower depolarization-dependent Ca2+ entry and increased proportion of non-responding cells. Angiotensin II-induced Ca2+ release from the SR was not affected by miR-221/222. In miR-222-transfected neonatal cardiomyocytes the isoprenaline-induced positive inotropic effect on the intracellular Ca2+ transient was lost and the positive chronotropic effect on spontaneous beating activity was strongly reduced. This could have severe consequences for cardiomyocytes and could lead to a reduced contractility and systolic dysfunction of the whole heart.

Conclusions

This study adds a new role of miR-221/222 in cardiomyocytes by showing the impact on β-adrenergic regulation of LTCC function, calcium handling and beating frequency. Together with the previous report that miR-221/222 reduce GIRK1/4 function and LTCC current density, it expands our knowledge about the role of these miRs on cardiac ion channel regulation.
Technology wish lists and the significance of temperature-sensing wildlife telemetry
Authors: Weaver Savannah J. , Westphal Michael F. , Taylor Emily N.
Published: August 2021

Telemetry has revolutionized studies in wildlife biology, ecology, physiology, and conservation. With the increased demand for telemetry, new technology has made great strides to enable long studies in harsh and remote areas on a wide variety of study species. As the climate crisis continues to impact animals, temperature-sensing telemetry has become a helpful technique for understanding the effects of climate change and how to protect wildlife from them. However, temperature-sensing telemetry and telemetry in general still pose technological challenges and accessibility issues for the researchers who use it. Currently available telemetry technology is expensive, too large and heavy for many study species, and cannot measure all variables researchers want to study. These technological improvements have especially been neglected for temperature-sensing telemetry, which may be underutilized given the current climate crisis. To understand why innovation has stalled, and where it should be directed going forward, we gathered opinions from researchers who use telemetry and from manufacturers that create and supply telemetry equipment. Our goal was to broadly describe the current technological landscape, compare it to what we envision for the future, and make suggestions for how to reach that future.
A novel feature extraction method based on highly expressed SNPs for tissue-specific gene prediction
Authors: Dhaliwal Jasbir , Wagner John
Published: August 2021

Background

Gene expression provides a means for an organism to produce gene products necessary for the organism to live. Variation in the significant gene expression levels can distinguish the gene and the tissue in which the gene is expressed. Tissue-specific gene expression, often determined by single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), provides potential molecular markers or therapeutic targets for disease progression. Therefore, SNPs are good candidates for identifying disease progression. The current bioinformatics literature uses gene network modeling to summarize complex interactions between transcription factors, genes, and gene products. Here, our focus is on the SNPs’ impact on tissue-specific gene expression levels. To the best of our knowledge, we are not aware of any studies that distinguish tissue-specific genes using SNP expression levels.

Method

We propose a novel feature extraction method based on highly expressed SNPs using k-mers as features. We also propose optimal k-mer and feature sizes used in our approach. Determining the optimal sizes is still an open research question as it depends on the dataset and purpose of the analysis. Therefore, we evaluate our algorithm’s performance on a range of k-mer and feature sizes using a multinomial naive Bayes (MNB) classifier on genes in the 49 human tissues from the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) portal.

Conclusions

Our approach achieves practical performance results with k-mers of size 3. Based on the purpose of the analysis and the number of tissue-specific genes under study, feature sizes [7, 8, 9] and [8, 9, 10] are typically optimal for the machine learning model.
Developing an intervention to optimise the outcome of cardiac surgery in people with diabetes: the OCTOPuS pilot study
Authors: Holt Richard I. G. , Barnard-Kelly Katharine , Dritsakis Giorgos , Thorne Kerensa I. , Cohen Lauren , Dixon Elizabeth , Patel Mayank , Newland-Jones Philip , Partridge Helen , Luthra Suvitesh , Ohri Sunil , Salhiyyah Kareem , Picot Jo , Niven John , Cook Andrew ,   on behalf of the OCTOPuS study group, Velissaris Theodore , Johnson Paula , Trodden Rita , Green Mark , Rojkova Jana , Sass Thea , Stanley Jo , Collier Alexandra , Renz Susi , Boxall Jess , Northey Josh , Stanton Louise , Whitehead Amy , Dhatariya Ketan , Stanisstreet Debbie , Baig Kamran , Voysey Merryn , Drinkwater Donna , Lord Joanne , Shepherd Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Background

Cardiothoracic surgical outcomes are poorer in people with diabetes compared with those without diabetes. There are two important uncertainties in the management of people with diabetes undergoing major surgery: (1) how to improve diabetes management in the weeks leading up to an elective procedure and (2) whether that improved management leads to improved postoperative outcomes. The aim of this study was to develop and pilot a specialist diabetes team-led intervention to improve surgical outcomes in people with diabetes.

Design

Open pilot feasibility study

Setting

Diabetes and cardiothoracic surgery departments, University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust

Participants

Seventeen people with diabetes undergoing cardiothoracic surgery

Intervention

Following two rapid literature reviews, a prototype intervention was developed based on a previously used nurse-led outpatient intervention and tested.

Primary outcome

Feasibility and acceptability of delivering the intervention

Secondary outcomes

Biomedical data were collected at baseline and prior to surgery. We assessed how the intervention was used. In depth qualitative interviews with participants and healthcare professionals were used to explore perceptions and experiences of the intervention and how it might be improved.

Results

Thirteen of the 17 people recruited completed the study and underwent cardiothoracic surgery. All components of the OCTOPuS intervention were used, but not all parts were used for all participants. Minor changes were made to the intervention as a result of feedback from the participants and healthcare professionals. Median (IQR) HbA1c was 10 mmol/mol (3, 13) lower prior to surgery than at baseline.

Conclusion

This study has shown that it is possible to develop a clinical pathway to improve diabetes management prior to admission. The clinical and cost-effectiveness of this intervention will now be tested in a multicentre randomised controlled trial in cardiothoracic centres across the UK.

Trial registration

ISRCTN; ISRCTN10170306. Registered 10 May 2018.
Novel OCT findings in choroidal osteoma: brief report
Authors: Leitão Guerra Ricardo Luz , Arantes Rafael Cicconi , Marback Eduardo Ferrari , Shields Carol L
Published: August 2021

The aim of this article is to report the presence of choroidal loculation of fluid and choroidal cavern in a case of choroidal osteoma, previously undescribed in this disease.
Pseudoelastic pure P-mode wave equation
Authors: Sun Bingbing , Alkhalifah Tariq
Published: August 2021

We have developed a pseudoelastic wave equation describing pure pressure waves propagating in elastic media. The pure pressure-mode (P-mode) wave equation uses all of the elastic parameters (such as density and the P- and S-wave velocities). It produces the same amplitude variation with offset (AVO) effects as PP-reflections computed by the conventional elastic wave equation. Because the new wave equation is free of S-waves, it does not require finer grids for simulation. This leads to a significant computational speedup when the ratio of pressure to S-wave velocities is large. We test the performance of our method on a simple synthetic model with high-velocity contrasts. The amplitude admitted by the pseudoelastic pure P-mode wave equation is highly consistent with that associated with the conventional elastic wave equation over a large range of incidence angles. We further verify our method’s robustness and accuracy using a more complex and realistic 2D salt model from the SEG Advanced Modeling Program. The ideal AVO behavior and computational advantage make our wave equation a good candidate as a forward simulation engine for performing elastic full-waveform inversion, especially for marine streamer data sets.
On the inverse problem of reflection Green’s function seismograms over stratified acoustic media: Estimation of background models
Authors: Amundsen Lasse
Published: August 2021

A theory is presented for estimating the background velocity and density of an acoustic stratified medium by iterative least-squares waveform inversion in the frequency-horizontal slowness domain of low-frequency precritical reflection incidence seismograms of time length [Formula: see text]. The initial model is constant. The prerequisites for the method are that the reflection seismograms should be Green’s function seismograms and that the fundamental frequency component [Formula: see text] is present. Then, the gradients of the objective function provide the low-wavenumber trend of the medium. A matrix formulation for the model update is expressed mathematically by the classic seismogram residual, Jacobian, gradient, and Hessian in the Levenberg-Marquardt approximation. The first iteration, which is equal to a constant-parameter migration inversion (CPMI), is thoroughly analyzed, and expressions for band-limited gradients and block Hessians are found. For primary precritical reflection incidence seismograms of infinite bandwidth, it is shown theoretically that the partial gradients in the CPMI model become a reflection strength-weighted sum of shifted discrete sign functions, typical of step or staircase functions, which provide interface locations in Born depth and amplitudes that can be mapped to velocity and density information. For frequency-band-limited primary reflection seismograms, the partial gradients become a reflection strength-weighted sum of wavenumber-band-limited discrete sign functions. When the fundamental frequency component in the seismograms is present, the band-limited discrete sign functions are oscillatory but keep the information of the step function characteristic of the partial gradient. When the fundamental frequency component in the seismograms is absent, the band-limited discrete sign functions keep information of where the steps are located but lose the information of the amplitudes of the steps. The Hessian elements are nonstandard with the Hessian modeled over a broader frequency range than the frequencies of the observed low-frequency seismogram to avoid it becoming close to singular. The main mathematical findings are illustrated by a simple model and seismograms, for which the background models are found after two iterations. For the sake of completeness, the background models are classically used as initial models in a Levenberg-Marquardt least-squares inversion scheme to estimate the layer velocities and densities from broadband seismograms.
Activation of Orexinergic Neurons Inhibits the Anesthetic Effect of Desflurane on Consciousness State via Paraventricular Thalamic Nucleus in Rats
Authors: Zhao Shiyi , Wang Sa , Li Huiming , Guo Juan , Li Jiannan , Wang Dan , Zhang Xinxin , Yin Lu , Li Rui , Li Ao , Li Huihui , Fan Ze , Yang Qianzi , Zhong Haixing , Dong Hailong
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND:

Orexin, a neuropeptide derived from the perifornical area of the hypothalamus (PeFLH), promotes the recovery of propofol, isoflurane, and sevoflurane anesthesias, without influencing the induction time. However, whether the orexinergic system also plays a similar role in desflurane anesthesia, which is widely applied in clinical practice owing to its most rapid onset and offset time among all volatile anesthetics, has not yet been studied. In the present study, we explored the effect of the orexinergic system on the consciousness state induced by desflurane anesthesia.

METHODS:

The c-Fos staining was used to observe the activity changes of orexinergic neurons in the PeFLH and their efferent projection regions under desflurane anesthesia. Chemogenetic and optogenetic techniques were applied to compare the effect of PeFLH orexinergic neurons on the induction, emergence, and maintenance states between desflurane and isoflurane anesthesias. Orexinergic terminals in the paraventricular thalamic nucleus (PVT) were manipulated with pharmacologic, chemogenetic, and optogenetic techniques to assess the effect of orexinergic circuitry on desflurane anesthesia.

RESULTS:

Desflurane anesthesia inhibited the activity of orexinergic neurons in the PeFLH, as well as the neuronal activity in PVT, basal forebrain, dorsal raphe nucleus, and ventral tegmental area, as demonstrated by c-Fos staining. Activation of PeFLH orexinergic neurons prolonged the induction time and accelerated emergence from desflurane anesthesia but only influenced the emergence in isoflurane anesthesia, as demonstrated by chemogenetic and pharmacologic techniques. Meanwhile, optical activation of orexinergic neurons exhibited a long-lasting inhibitory effect on burst-suppression ratio (BSR) under desflurane anesthesia, and the effect may be contributed by the orexinergic PeFLH-PVT circuitry. The orexin-2 receptor (OX2R), but not orexin-1 receptor (OX1R), in the PVT, which had been inhibited most significantly by desflurane, mediated the proemergence effect of desflurane anesthesia.

CONCLUSIONS:

We discovered, for the first time, that orexinergic neurons in the PeFLH could not only influence the maintenance and emergence from isoflurane and desflurane anesthesias but also affect the induction under desflurane anesthesia. Furthermore, this specific effect is probably mediated by orexinergic PeFLH-PVT circuitry, especially OX2Rs in the PVT.
Development, Validation, and Results of a Survey of Personal Electronic Device Use Among 299 Anesthesia Providers From a Single Institution
Authors: Porter Steven B. , Renew J. Ross , Paredes Stephania , Roscher Christopher R. , Plevak Matthew F. , Yost Kathleen J.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND:

The pattern of perioperative use of personal electronic devices (PEDs) among anesthesia providers in the United States is unknown.

METHODS:

We developed a 31-question anonymous survey of perioperative PED use that was sent to 813 anesthesiologists, anesthesiology residents, and certified registered nurse anesthetists at 3 sites within one health system. The electronic survey assessed patterns of PED use inside the operating room (OR), outside the OR, and observed in others. Questions were designed to explore the various purposes for PED use, the potential impact of specific hospital policies or awareness of medicolegal risk on PED use, and whether PED was a source of perioperative distraction.

RESULTS:

The overall survey response rate was 36.8% (n = 299). With regard to often/frequent PED activity inside the OR, 24% reported texting, 5% reported talking on the phone, and 11% reported browsing on the Internet. With regard to often/frequent PED activity outside the OR, 88% reported texting, 26% reported talking on the phone, and 63% reported browsing the Internet. With regard to often/frequent PED activity observed in others, 52% reported others texting, 14% reported others talking on the phone, and 34% reported others browsing the Internet. Two percent of respondents self-reported a distraction compared to 15% who had observed a distraction in others. Eighty percent of respondents recognized PED as a potential distraction for patient safety.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our data reinforce that PED use is prevalent among anesthesia providers.
Predictive and Preventive Potential of Preoperative Gut Microbiota in Chronic Postoperative Pain in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Yao Zhi-Wen , Yang Xiao , Zhao Bing-Cheng , Deng Fan , Jiang Yu-Mei , Pan Wan-Ying , Chen Xiao-Dong , Zhou Bo-Wei , Zhang Wen-Juan , Hu Jing-Juan , Zhu Lin , Liu Ke-Xuan
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND:

Evidence suggests a potential relationship between gut microbiota and chronic postoperative pain (CPP). This study aimed to explore the predictive and preventive potential of preoperative gut microbiota in CPP in breast cancer survivors.

METHODS:

In the clinical experiments, we designed a nested case-control study to compared preoperative gut microbiota of breast cancer survivors with and without CPP using 16s rRNA sequencing. The primary outcome was clinically meaningful pain in or around the operative area 3 months after surgery. Logistic prediction models based on previously identified risk factors for CPP in breast cancer survivors were tested with and without differential bacteria to evaluate the model’s potential for improvement with the addition of gut microbiota information. In the animal experiments, preoperative fecal microbiota was transplanted from patients with and without CPP to mice, and a spared nerve injury (SNI) model was used to mimic neuropathic pain in CPP. Mechanical hyperalgesia and the expression of markers of spinal microglia and peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) were assessed.

RESULTS:

Sixty-six CPP patients and 66 matched controls were analyzed. Preoperative gut microbiota composition was significantly different in the 2 groups at phylus, family, and genera levels. The discrimination of the clinical prediction model (determined by area under the receiver operating characteristic curve) improved by 0.039 and 0.099 after the involvement of differential gut microbiota at the family and genus levels, respectively. After fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT), “CPP microbiota” recipient mice exhibited significantly increased mechanical hyperalgesia and decreased expression of Ppar-γ and arginase-1 (Arg-1) in the spinal cord.

CONCLUSIONS:

Preoperative gut microbiota has the potential to predict and prevent the development of CPP and plays a causal role in its development via the PPAR-γ-microglia pathway in the spinal cord. Thus, it could be targeted to develop a prevention strategy for CPP in breast cancer survivors.
Rewarded by Friends and Punished by Enemies: The CIO and the Taft-Hartley Act
Authors: Dean Adam , Obert Jonathan
Published: August 2021

The Wagner Act, passed by a Democratic-controlled Congress in 1935, provided unprecedented federal protections for American labor unions. The Taft-Hartley Act, passed by a Republican-controlled Congress just twelve years later, effectively rolled back significant parts of Wagner. Previous research on Taft-Hartley identifies three factors that led to this anti-labor backlash. First, the American public was repulsed by the large strike wave that followed the end of World War II. Second, southern Democrats were concerned that powerful labor unions would organize African Americans and upset the South's racial hierarchy. Third, the Republican Party was increasingly embracing a conservative, probusiness ideology. This article contributes a new angle to this old debate by exploring the role of the CIO, its 1943 decision to create the country's first political action committee (PAC), and the consequences of its informal alliance with the Democratic Party. Using original data on CIO density and congressional voting on the Taft-Hartley Act, we demonstrate that CIO strength polarized the parties: higher levels of CIO density led Democrats to vote in favor of organized labor but led Republicans to vote in an increasingly anti-labor manner.
German Trade Unions, Their History, and the Use of Memory
Authors: Berger Stefan
Published: August 2021

This article summarizes the results of the work of a commission of the German Trade Union Confederation, Deutscher Gewerkschaftsbund (DGB), on the memory cultures of social democracy and trade unionism in Germany and highlights its recommendations on how to strengthen the public memory of the achievements of trade unionism in German society. It argues that the contemporary memory cultures are highly deficient and in need of a major boost in order to make trade unionism fit for the struggles of the twenty-first century. Memory will be a crucial resource for trade unions, as it gives them a “practical past” with which to operate in the presence with a view to strengthening and protecting workers’ rights in the future.
Copper-mediated Regioselective C–H Cyanation of Phenols with Assistance of Bipyridine-type Bidentate Auxiliary
Authors: Kajiwara Rikuo , Hirano Koji , Miura Masahiro
Published: August 2021

A Cu-mediated ortho-selective C–H cyanation of phenols with ethyl cyanoformate as the cyano source has been developed. The key to success is the introduction of 4,4′-di-tert-butyl-2,2′-bipyridine (dtbpy) bidentate auxiliary on the phenol oxygen, which is easily attachable, detachable, and recyclable. The newly developed protocol is tolerant of several carbonyl functional groups, which are incompatible with previous Lewis-acid-promoted cyanation of phenols.
Caminhos para pagamentos digitais
Authors: Kemmer Cernev Adrian , Diniz Eduardo Henrique
Published: August 2021

Na China e no Brasil, os sistemas virtuais para transações financeiras aperfeiçoam-se para um modelo em que a infraestrutura é oferecida pelos bancos centrais, de forma a evitar a oligopolização do mercado.
Vale a pena diversificar a carteira na China?
Authors: Diniz-Maganini Natalia , Hua Sheng Hsia
Published: August 2021

O mercado chinês oferece vantagens como a baixa correlação com outros mercados, a variedade crescente de ativos disponíveis, acesso cada vez mais facilitado e internacionalização e estabilidade da moeda renminbi. Mas nem sempre é fácil para o investidor conhecer as opções – seus riscos – e encontrar os melhores caminhos para aplicar.
Riscos emergentes na análise de investimentos
Authors: Yamahaki Camila , Velloso Breviglieri Gustavo , Vendramini Annelise
Published: August 2021

A pandemia reforçou a importância da gestão de aspectos ambientais, sociais e de governança que emergiram com a crise da covid-19 para que empresas, bancos e investidores estejam mais preparados para o futuro.
Trabalho em tempos sombrios
Authors: Amad Costa Sergio
Published: August 2021

Dos 380 acordos firmados e convenções coletivas realizadas em janeiro de 2021, 61% definiram correções salariais abaixo do inpc. Reajustes iguais à inflação aconteceram em 29% das negociações e em apenas 10% dos casos ocorreram ganhos reais.
Knowledge of infection prevention and control practices among health care workers caring for patients with suspected or confirmed COVID-19: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Elsebaie Eman H , Salem Amany A , Sedrak Amal S , Ayad Ahmed , Ahmed Sahar A , El Razik Bassante A , Elsaid Noha M Abu bakr
Published: August 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is increasing rapidly. Hospital acquired infections enhance local outbreaks, impacting the vulnerable populations. Infection prevention and control practices (IPC) refer to all the activities used to reduce the risk of infection spread.  This study aims to estimate the proportion of health care workers (HCWs) who acquired SARS-CoV2 infection, and evaluate their knowledge to IPC and suggest recommendations to reduce the risk of SARS-CoV2 infection.  

Methods: This is a cross-sectional study conducted in Egypt from June 8, 2020, till August 19, 2020. A purposive sample of 518 HCWs from different governorates was included in the study. HCWs filled a structured questionnaire developed by the World Health Organization on a Google Form and a printed copy. The questionnaire link was shared on social media forums including HCWs such as Facebook.  

Results: The mean age of HCWs was 33±7 and 65% were males. The majority of health care workers were affiliated with the Ministry of Health and Population (62.5%), recruited from Cairo (52.4%), and were physicians (78.2%). About 11% of the HCWs had been infected with SARS-CoV2. Their mean knowledge percent score regarding IPC was 36.19 ± 11.26. The highest rate of infection was among those with little experience (p=0.002), and those worked inside Cairo (p=0.018). About 89% mentioned that the leading cause of infection with SARS-CoV2 was the shortage in Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). About 42% recommended raising the awareness for the importance of IPC to decrease risk of infection.  

Conclusions: HCWs had a low score of knowledge toward IPC. There was a considerable proportion of SARS-CoV2 infection among them. Lack of knowledge and shortage of PPE were the contributing factors. It is necessary to provide juniors with IPC training, and hospitals with sufficient PPE.
A better approach to discuss medical science and engineering data with a modified Lehmann Type – II model
Authors: Iqbal Muhammad Zafar , Arshad Muhammad Zeshan , Özel Gamze , Balogun Oluwafemi Samson
Published: August 2021

Background: Modeling with the complex random phenomena that are frequently observed in reliability engineering, hydrology, ecology, medical science, and agricultural sciences was once thought to be an enigma. Scientists and practitioners agree that an appropriate but simple model is the best choice for this investigation. To address these issues, scientists have previously discussed a variety of bounded and unbounded, simple to complex lifetime models.

Methods: We discussed a modified Lehmann type II (ML-II) model as a better approach to modeling bathtub-shaped and asymmetric random phenomena. A number of complementary mathematical and reliability measures were developed and discussed. Furthermore, explicit expressions for the moments, quantile function, and order statistics were developed. Then, we discussed the various shapes of the density and reliability functions over various model parameter choices. The maximum likelihood estimation (MLE) method was used to estimate the unknown model parameters, and a simulation study was carried out to evaluate the MLEs' asymptotic behavior.

Results: We demonstrated ML- II's dominance over well-known competitors by modeling anxiety in women and electronic data.