bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vivo measurements of lamination patterns in the human cortex
Authors: Tomer Omri , Barazany Daniel , Baratz Zvi , Tsarfaty Galia , Assaf Yaniv
Published: March 2022

The laminar composition of the cerebral cortex is tightly connected to the development and connectivity of the brain, as well as to function and pathology. Although most of the research on the cortical layers is done with the aid of ex vivo histology, there have been recent attempts to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with potential in vivo applications. However, the high‐resolution MRI technology and protocols required for such studies are neither common nor practical. In this article, we present a clinically feasible method for assessing the laminar properties of the human cortex using standard pulse sequence available on any common MRI scanner. Using a series of low‐resolution inversion recovery (IR) MRI scans allows us to calculate multiple T1 relaxation time constants for each voxel. Based on the whole‐brain T1‐distribution, we identify six different gray matter T1 populations and their variation across the cortex. Based on this, we show age‐related differences in these population and demonstrate that this method is able to capture the difference in laminar composition across varying brain areas. We also provide comparison to ex vivo high‐resolution MRI scans. We show that this method is feasible for the estimation of layer variability across large population cohorts, which can lead to research into the links between the cortical layers and function, behavior and pathologies that was heretofore unexplorable.
American Head and Neck Society Endocrine Surgery Section and International Thyroid Oncology Group consensus statement on mutational testing in thyroid cancer: Defining advanced thyroid cancer and its targeted treatment
Authors: Shonka David C. , Ho Alan , Chintakuntlawar Ashish V. , Geiger Jessica L. , Park Jong C. , Seetharamu Nagashree , Jasim Sina , Abdelhamid Ahmed Amr H. , Bible Keith C. , Brose Marcia S. , Cabanillas Maria E. , Dabekaussen Kirsten , Davies Louise , Dias‐Santagata Dora , Fagin James A. , Faquin William C. , Ghossein Ronald A. , Gopal Raj K. , Miyauchi Akira , Nikiforov Yuri E. , Ringel Matthew D. , Robinson Bruce , Ryder Mabel M. , Sherman Eric J. , Sadow Peter M. , Shin Jennifer J. , Stack Brendan C. , Tuttle R. Michael , Wirth Lori J. , Zafereo Mark E. , Randolph Gregory W.
Published: March 2022

Background

The development of systemic treatment options leveraging the molecular landscape of advanced thyroid cancer is a burgeoning field. This is a multidisciplinary evidence‐based statement on the definition of advanced thyroid cancer and its targeted systemic treatment.

Methods

An expert panel was assembled, a literature review was conducted, and best practice statements were developed. The modified Delphi method was applied to assess the degree of consensus for the statements developed by the author panel.

Results

A review of the current understanding of thyroid oncogenesis at a molecular level is presented and characteristics of advanced thyroid cancer are defined. Twenty statements in topics including the multidisciplinary management, molecular evaluation, and targeted systemic treatment of advanced thyroid cancer are provided.

Conclusions

With the growth in targeted treatment options for thyroid cancer, a consensus definition of advanced disease and statements regarding the utility of molecular testing and available targeted systemic therapy is warranted.
Comparison of Turkish version of the medical outcomes study‐HIV health survey with short form health survey‐36 in people living with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Tukenmez Tigen Elif , Erturk Sengel Buket , Ozben Beste , Korten Volkan
Published: March 2022

Background/aim

Several questionnaires have been developed to evaluate the quality of life (QoL) for people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). The aim of this study was to compare Turkish version of the Medical Outcomes Study‐HIV Health Survey (MOS‐HIV) with Short Form Health Survey (SF‐36) in people with HIV.

Patients and methods

A hundred and 14 patients with HIV were consecutively included. The MOS‐HIV and SF‐36 questionnaires were applied to all patients at the same day. MOS HIV included 35 items and assessed general health perceptions (GH), physical functioning (PF), social functioning (SF), mental health (MH), bodily pain (P), cognitive functioning, health distress, overall QoL, health transition, role functioning (RF), energy/vitality (EV), physical (Physical health summary score) and mental (MHSS) health summary scores. SF‐36 included 36 items and measured eight domains of health concepts including SF, PF, P, RF, GH, role emotional, vitality (V) and MH. Correlation analysis and Bland‐ Altman plots were used to compare the MOS‐HIV and SF‐36 questionnaires.

Results

GH, PF, P, RF, EV, SF, and MH domains of the MOS‐HIV were significantly correlated with those of SF 36. The agreement between the tests were 91.2% for PF, 92.1% for RF and pain, 94.7% for GH, 95.6% for EV, 92.1% for SF and 93.9% for MH.

Conclusion

Turkish version of the MOS HIV showed moderate correlations and agreement with SF 36 suggesting its use as an alternative to SF 36 in assessing QoL in these patients.
FHD flow and heat transfer over a porous rotating disk accounting for Coriolis force along with viscous dissipation and thermal radiation
Authors: Sharma Kushal
Published: March 2022

The prime concern of the current findings includes the effect of viscous dissipation and nonlinear thermal radiation on the study of ferrofluid flow and heat transfer past a porous rotating disk. The time‐independent flow of incompressible ferrofluid is modeled for the considered geometry, and via similarity transformations, the given system is converted to a dimensionless system of the nonlinear ordinary differential equations. Here, the findings are explored computationally with help of Maple software. The study exhibits the effect of the involved emerging parameters: the interaction parameter , Prandtl number , rotation parameter , radiation parameter , Eckert number , and these are discussed graphically. Moreover, the numerical values of heat transfer rate and skin frictions are also presented in tabular form. From the perspective of numerical findings, it is perceived that the radial flow is dominant when we increase the rotation of the disk. Furthermore, the magnitude of magnetic‐fluid temperature is enhanced with the surge in the magnetic field, viscous dissipation, and thermal radiation mechanism. Finally, the current research can successfully fill a gap in the existing literature.
Association of increased basic salivary proline‐rich protein 1 levels in induced sputum with type 2‐high asthma
Authors: Chen Fengjia , Liang Yuxia , Zeng Zhimin , Du Lijuan , Xu Changyi , Guo Yubiao , Xie Canmao
Published: March 2022

Background

The aim of this study is to reveal whether basic salivary proline‐rich protein BstNI subfamily 1 (PRB1) may be used as a diagnostic biomarker for type 2‐high asthma.

Methods

PRB1 protein levels in the induced sputum of 67 subjects with asthma and 27 controls were determined by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Correlation analyses between PRB1 in the induced sputum and airway inflammatory indicators were also performed.

Results

PRB1 protein levels were significantly upregulated in the induced sputum of asthmatic patients (p =0.0098) and correlated with clinical eosinophil‐related indicators and type 2 airway inflammation. These results indicate that PRB1 is a promising biomarker for type 2‐high asthma.

Conclusions

The expression of PRB1 in induced sputum is a potential biomarker for type 2‐high asthma. The results of this study present new insights into the diagnosis and treatment of asthma.
Comprehensively evaluating and modelling droplet diameters and kinetic energies of low‐pressure sprinklers
Authors: Hui Xin , Zheng Yudong , Meng Fanyu , Tan Haibin , Yan Haijun
Published: March 2022

Proper droplet diameter and kinetic energy can effectively reduce the risk of soil erosion during low‐pressure sprinkler irrigation. In this study, we comprehensively evaluated the radial distributions of droplet diameter, velocity, kinetic energy, kinetic energy per unit droplet volume, and specific power for three common low‐pressure sprinklers, i.e. Nelson D3000, R3000 and Komet KPT, with two operating pressures (103 and 138 kPa) and three nozzle outlet diameters (3.97, 5.95 and 7.94 mm). Additionally, the relationships between these droplet characteristic parameters were analysed. Overall, the maximum values of five characteristic parameters were observed at the end of the jet under various treatments. Although R3000 had a larger droplet diameter (0.10–6.42 mm) and kinetic energy (1.08 × 10−10–8.59 × 10−3 J) distribution range than D3000 and KPT, the D3000 specific power (mean value of 0.4274 W m−2) was the highest of the three sprinklers. Therefore, KPT was suggested more in low‐pressure sprinkler irrigation than in the other two sprinklers because its application rates were reduced along the radial direction. In addition to selecting a suitable sprinkler type for minimizing specific power, determining a reasonable sprinkler spacing was also significant (P < 0.01). Furthermore, a universal specific power model with an appropriate accuracy (RMSE = 0.011 W m−2, NRMSE = 29%) was proposed. This study provides a key basis for the selection and combination of low‐pressure sprinklers.
Golgi quality control and autophagy
Authors: Chang Hsiang‐Yi , Yang Wei Yuan
Published: March 2022

Organelles can easily be disrupted by intracellular and extracellular factors. Studies on ER and mitochondria indicate that a wide range of responses are elicited upon organelle disruption. One response thought to be of particular importance is autophagy. Cells can target entire organelles into autophagosomes for removal. This wholesale nature makes autophagy a robust means for eliminating compromised organelles. Recently, it was demonstrated that the Golgi apparatus is a substrate of autophagy. On the other hand, various reports have shown that components traffic away from the Golgi for elimination in an autophagosome‐independent manner when the Golgi apparatus is stressed. Future studies will reveal how these different pieces of machinery coordinate to drive Golgi degradation. Quantitative measurements will be needed to determine how much autophagy contributes to the maintenance of the Golgi apparatus.
How to estimate a vector autoregression after March 2020
Authors: Lenza Michele , Primiceri Giorgio E.
Published: March 2022

This paper illustrates how to handle a sequence of extreme observations—such as those recorded during the COVID‐19 pandemic—when estimating a vector autoregression, which is the most popular time‐series model in macroeconomics. Our results show that the ad hoc strategy of dropping these observations may be acceptable for the purpose of parameter estimation. However, disregarding these recent data is inappropriate for forecasting the future evolution of the economy, because it may underestimate uncertainty.
The global component of inflation volatility
Authors: Carriero Andrea , Corsello Francesco , Marcellino Massimiliano
Published: March 2022

Global developments play an important role for domestic inflation rates. Earlier literature has found that a substantial amount of the variation in a large set of national inflation rates can be explained by a single global factor. However, inflation volatility has been typically neglected, although it is clearly relevant both from a policy point of view and for structural analysis and forecasting. We study the evolution of inflation rates in several countries, using a novel model that allows for commonality in both levels and volatilities, in addition to country‐specific components. We find that inflation volatility is indeed important, and a substantial fraction of it can be attributed to a global factor that is also driving inflation levels and their persistence. The extent of commonality among core inflation rates and volatilities is substantially smaller than for overall inflation, which leaves scope for national monetary policies. Finally, we show that the point and density forecasting performance of the model is good relative to standard benchmarks, which provides additional evidence on its reliability.
SNHG10/miR‐141‐3p/WTAP axis promotes osteosarcoma proliferation and migration
Authors: Ge Jiejie , Liu Meng , Zhang Yuchao , Xie Linsen , Shi Zhisong , Wang Guanghui
Published: March 2022

LncRNAs have been suggested to participate in the growth and metastasis of cancer through a variety of molecular mechanisms. Recently, SNHG10, a newly discovered lncRNA, is reported to play a role of an oncogene in osteosarcoma (OS) genesis. Nonetheless, the mechanism underlying OS remains unclear. The present work found that SNHG10 expression increased within OS cells and tissues, while suppressing its expression decreased OS cell proliferation, migration, invasion, but increased their apoptosis. As for the mechanism, we confirmed that SNHG10 could bind to miR‐141‐3p, while the latter could bind to WTAP. SNHG10 upregulated WTAP through decreasing miR‐141‐3p expression. More importantly, SNHG10 deletion remarkably reduced proliferation, migration, and invasion of cells, but accelerated their apoptosis. However, when cells were subjected to miR‐141‐3p inhibitor cotransfection or overexpressed WTAP, these effects were partially recovered. In summary, this study suggested that the expression of SNHG10 markedly elevated within OS, and the SNHG10/miR‐141‐3p/WTAP axis facilitated OS progression.
Preparation, characterization and catalytic application of Zn‐based metal–organic framework catalyst for synthesis of 3,3‐(arylmethylene)bis‐1H‐indole derivatives
Authors: Rathod Vaishali N , Pawar Ganesh T , Gaikwad Suresh T , Lande Machhindra K
Published: March 2022

BACKGROUND

A mesoporous zinc‐based pyridine‐2,5‐dicarboxylate metal–organic framework (Zn‐based MOF) catalyst was prepared by a solvothermal method. The catalytic potency of Zn‐based MOF for the one‐pot synthesis of 3,3‐(arylmethylene)bis‐1H‐indole derivatives was investigated.

RESULTS

Various analytical techniques were used to characterize the physicochemical structure of Zn‐based MOF catalyst, including powder X‐ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy–energy‐dispersive X‐ray analysis, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and Brunauer–Emmett–Teller surface area analysis. Zn‐based MOF was then employed as a catalyst for the catalytic one‐pot transfer synthesis of 3,3‐(arylmethylene)bis‐1H‐indole derivatives. Optimizations of Zn‐based MOF catalyst in terms of effect of solvent and reaction time were investigated.

CONCLUSIONS

Zn‐based MOF catalyst was synthesized by solvothermal treatment, characterized and used as a Lewis acid catalyst for the synthesis of biologically active 3,3′‐(arymethylene)bis‐1H‐indole derivatives. The catalyst offers notable benefits such as reusability of catalytic character, easy separation, nontoxicity, large pore size and providing excellent yield of 3,3′‐phenylmethylene‐1H‐indole derivatives. Zn‐based MOF was confirmed as containing tetragonal phase with large pore diameter, morphology looking like a spherical core and exhibiting no significance loss of catalytic performance when used in organic synthesis for three to four reaction runs. Thereby Zn‐based MOF was evidenced as showing excellent catalytic activity. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry (SCI).
Comparison of Multiparametric and Fast MRI Protocols in Detecting Clinically Significant Prostate Cancer and a Detailed Cost Analysis
Authors: Alver Kadir Han , Yagci Ahmet Baki , Utebey Ayse Ruksan , Turk Nilay Sen , Ufuk Furkan
Published: March 2022

Background

Due to the long acquisition time and high cost of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (mpMRI), biparametric and, more recently, fast prostate magnetic resonance imaging (fpMRI) protocols have been described. However, there is insufficient data about the diagnostic performance and cost of fpMRI.

Purpose

To compare the diagnostic performances and cost analysis of fpMRI and mpMRI in clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCA).

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

A total of 103 patients (63 had csPCA) with a mean age of 66.83 (± 7.22) years were included.

Field Strength/Sequence

A 1.5‐T; T1‐ and T2‐weighted turbo spin‐echo imaging (T1WI and T2WI), echo‐planar diffusion‐weighted images, and dynamic contrast‐enhanced T1W imaging.

Assessment

Three readers independently evaluated the fpMRI and mpMRI images in different sessions blinded to all patient information. Diagnostic performances of fpMRI and mpMRI were evaluated. Kappa coefficient (κ) was used to determine the interreader and intrareader agreement. A detailed cost analysis was performed for each protocol.

Statistical Tests

Receiver operating characteristics analysis, area under the curve (AUC), and κ test were used. Diagnostic performance parameters were also calculated.

Results

Of the 63 malignant index lesions (csPCA), 53/63 of those (84.1%) originated from the peripheral zone and 10/63 lesions (15.9%) originated from the transition zone. The AUC values for fpMRI were 0.878 for reader 1, 0.937 for reader 2, and 0.855 for reader 3. For mpMRI, the AUC values were 0.893 for reader 1, 0.94 for reader 2, and 0.862 for reader 3. Inter and intrareader agreements were moderate to substantial (κ range, 0.5–0.79). The total cost per examination was calculated as €12.39 and €30.10 for fpMRI and mpMRI, respectively.

Data Conclusions

Fast MRI protocol has similar diagnostic performance with mpMRI in detecting csPCA, and fpMRI can be considered an alternative protocol that could create a lower financial burden on health‐care systems.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy Stage

6
Evaluation of the ASPEN guidelines for refeeding syndrome among hospitalized patients receiving enteral nutrition: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Adika Edem , Jia Rongqing , Li Jianhua , Seres David , Freedberg Daniel E.
Published: March 2022

Background

Until recently, refeeding syndrome (RFS) has lacked standardized diagnostic criteria. This study sought to (1) determine whether RFS, as operationalized in the 2020 American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (ASPEN) guideline definition, is associated with adverse clinical outcomes and (2) identify key risk factors for RFS.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, adults hospitalized from 2015 to 2019 were included if they were ordered for enteral feeding during hospitalization. Data were collected for up to 30 days, and RFS was operationalized as per the ASPEN 2020 guidelines as a ≥10% (corresponding to mild RFS), ≥25% (moderate), and ≥50% (severe) decline in prefeeding serum phosphorus, magnesium, or potassium. The mortality associated with RFS was assessed, and risk factors for RFS were identified using multivariable logistic regression modeling.

Results

Of 3854 participants, 3480 (90%) developed mild RFS. Thirty‐day mortality was higher in those without mild RFS (24%) than in those with mild RFS (18%) (P < 0.01). When RFS was reoperationalized as a 50% decline in electrolytes, 25% of patients developed RFS with a 20% 30‐day mortality. Risk factors for development of RFS included renal failure, elevated creatinine, and low platelets; additionally, prefeeding serum phosphorus level was strongly associated with development of RFS (adjusted odds ratio, 6.09; 95% confidence interval, 4.95–7.49 for those in the highest tertile of prefeeding phosphorus compared with the lowest).

Conclusion

The ASPEN operationalization of RFS as a decline in baseline electrolyte values was not associated with death. Prefeeding serum phosphorus level strongly predicted severe RFS.
Assessment of the degree of degradation of sloping cropland in a typical black soil region
Authors: Zhang Shouhao , Sun Lei , Jamshidi Abdul Hakim , Niu Yong , Fan Zhaofei , Zhang Hongda , Liu Xia
Published: March 2022

Evaluation of the degree of sloping cropland degradation in black soil regions of China is essential for the sustainable use of sloping cropland. However, the existing methods used to evaluate sloping cropland degradation are mostly based on point or management levels, and information at the regional scale is lacking. In this paper, we employed bibliometrics and frequency analysis to identify high‐frequency indicators to construct a total index set (TIS) for evaluating the degree of sloping cropland degradation. Soil measurement data from sloping cropland in typical black soil regions in Northeast China were used to construct a minimum data set (MDS). The TIS included 10 indexes: A‐horizon thickness, clay content, organic matter content, pH, slope gradient, ridge‐slope angle, gully density, bulk density, large water‐stable aggregate content, and cation exchange capacity. The first six of these were included in the MDS. Undegraded soil, mildly degraded soil, moderately degraded soil, severely degraded soil, and extremely severe degradation soil accounted for 11.6%, 28.7%, 34.1%, 22.9%, and 2.7% of investigated sampling plots, respectively. Ridge‐slope angle and slope gradient were the main factors affecting soil degradation. Soil degradation was mainly presented as worsening soil physicochemical characteristics and soil acidification. The significant positive correlation between ridge‐slope angle and soil degradation degree might indicate that the contour tillage management, which is usually adopted when slope gradient is steep, would lead to severer degradation level than the downslope tillage applied commonly where slope is gentle.
Meta‐analysis and traditional systematic literature reviews—What, why, when, where, and how?
Authors: Paul Justin , Barari Mojtaba
Published: March 2022

Meta‐analysis is a research method for systematically combining and synthesizing findings from multiple quantitative studies in a research domain. Despite its importance, most literature evaluating meta‐analyses are based on data analysis and statistical discussions. This paper takes a holistic view, comparing meta‐analyses to traditional systematic literature reviews. We described steps of the meta‐analytic process including question definition, data collection, data analysis, and reporting results. For each step, we explain the primary purpose, the tasks required of the meta‐analyst, and recommendations for best practice. Finally, we discuss recent developments in meta‐analytic techniques, which increase its effectiveness in business research.
California proposal to treat homeless with BH issues troubling to advocates
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: March 2022

Stabilizing people with hard‐to‐treat mental illnesses and substance use disorders and getting Californians off the street and into housing is the impetus behind a new framework announced by Gov. Gavin Newsom earlier this month, which includes court‐ordered psychiatric treatment. The new plan, however, does not meet the approval of the state's mental health advocates, who say forcing people into care violates their civil rights.
Qualitative properties of nonlocal discrete operators
Authors: Bravo Jennifer , Lizama Carlos , Rueda Silvia
Published: March 2022

In this article, we prove new convexity results for nonlocal discrete operators across an entire region that covers sequential orders in two parameters. We review and extend current studies on the properties of positivity, monotonicity, and convexity, explore borderline cases, and provide new insights on such properties by means of original examples evidencing the sharpness of the results. Our method is based on the novel principle of transference.
An update on nanoparticle usage in breast cancer imaging
Authors: Waller Joseph , DeStefano Kyle , Chiu Barbara , Jang Isabel , Cole Yonesha , Agyemang Charles , Miao Tyler , Shah Jaffer , Martin Clarissa , Umair Muhammad
Published: March 2022

Introduction

The objective of this literature review is to highlight both the recent promises of Nanoparticles (NPs) for breast imaging and potential solutions to the challenges that arise with using different types of NPs.

Methods

We searched for key terms on PubMed including NPs, MRI, CT, and contrast agent (CA). We selected 57 articles published from 2012 to 2020 and discussed NP such as nanocarriers, titanium oxide tubes, and carbon nanotubes, as well as gold, gold‐silver alloy, silver, magnetic, gadolinium dicarbide, allochroic, and calcium phosphate.

Results

While early studies on NPs investigated their ability to target breast cancer stem cells, as well as enable the visualization of metastasis and deliver therapeutic agents with minimal toxicity, newer particles demonstrate a greater multifunctionality of NPs than previously thought. In this review, we use existing research to demonstrate the surprisingly broad range of applications of NPs with regards to breast cancer and imaging, which includes activating immune cells, identifying protein signatures for early‐stage breast cancer, and ablating tumors through a laser irradiation‐triggered photothermal effect.

Conclusion

With the multifunctionality of NPs in mind and the challenges associated with imaging breast tissue, specifically mammographically dense breast tissue, the current knowledge of NPs should be reviewed for potential use in mammograms.
An integrative review of the use of the concept of reassurance in clinical practice
Authors: Akyirem Samuel , Salifu Yakubu , Bayuo Jonathan , Duodu Precious Adade , Bossman Irene Fosuhemaa , Abboah‐Offei Mary
Published: March 2022

Aim

To synthesize evidence on the concept of reassurance in nursing practice.

Design

Integrative review.

Review Method

PubMed, OVID MEDLINE, CINAHL and PsycINFO were searched from their inception to the 30 May 2020. The search results were screened. We assessed the quality of primary studies using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool. Included studies were analysed using narrative synthesis. The review protocol was pre‐registered (PROSPERO‐CRD42020186962).

Results

Thirty‐two papers out of the 2,771 search results met our inclusion criteria. The synthesis of evidence generated three intricate themes, namely “antecedents of reassurance,” “defining attributes of reassurance” and “outcomes of reassurance.” Emotional distress was the main antecedent of reassurance. The three sub‐themes identified under defining attributes of reassurance include self‐awareness, emotional connectedness and verbal and non‐verbal techniques. Ultimately, reposing the confidence of patients and their families in healthcare professionals and the care delivery process to enable them to overcome their challenges constitutes the outcomes of reassurance.
Evaluating peripheral intravascular catheter insertion, maintenance and removal practices in small hospitals using a standardized audit tool
Authors: Hoskins Alex , Worth Leon J , Malloy Michael J , Smith Mary , Atkins Sue , Bennett Noleen
Published: March 2022

Aim

The aim of this study was to evaluate clinical practice about peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion, maintenance and removal in a cohort of Victorian hospitals.

Design

A standardized PIVC audit tool was developed, and results from point prevalent surveys were conducted.

Methods

Hospitalized patients requiring a PIVC insertion were eligible for audit. Audit data submitted between 2015 and 2019 were extracted for the current study.

Results

3566 PIVC insertions in 15 Victorian public hospitals were evaluated. 57.6% of PIVCs were inserted in wards, 18.7% in operating theatres and 11.6% in Emergency Departments (ED). 45.2% were inserted by nurses and 38.2% by medical staff. The preferred site for insertion was the dorsum of the hand and forearm (58.8%). 22.6% did not report a visual infusion phlebitis score at least daily, and 48% did not document a daily dressing assessment. Reasons for PIVC removal included no longer required (63%) and phlebitis (4.8%). No bloodstream infections were reported.
Testing Function Focused Care for Acute Care using the Evidence Integration Triangle: Protocol description
Authors: Resnick Barbara , Boltz Marie , Galik Elizabeth , Kuzmik Ashley , Ellis Jeanette , Wells Chris , Zhu Shijun
Published: March 2022

This manuscript provides the protocol for a National Institute of Aging‐funded cluster randomized clinical trial that focuses on helping nurses in acute care to engage patients with dementia in physical activity while hospitalized using an approach referred to as function‐focused care. Physical activity is defined as bodily movement produced by skeletal muscles resulting in the expenditure of energy and includes functional tasks such as bathing and dressing, leisure activity, ambulation, and moderate and vigorous intensity physical activity such as dancing, bike riding, or walking upstairs. The development of Function Focused Care for Acute Care (FFC‐AC) was based on the Social Ecological Model and Social Cognitive Theory and includes four steps: (1) Environment and Policy Assessments; (2) Education; (3) Establishing Patient Goals; and (4) Mentoring and Motivating of Staff (all levels of nursing staff), Patients, and Families. Function‐focused care activities include motivating older patients to participate in bed mobility; personal care activities such as bathing, dressing, ambulating as they are able; and other types of physical activities. The integration of the intervention among the nurses on the units is guided by the Evidence Integration Triangle (EIT), which includes the participation of a stakeholder team and practical outcome measures. The intervention is therefore referred to as FFC‐AC‐EIT. In addition to describing the protocol developed to test the effectiveness and feasibility of FFC‐AC‐EIT, a description of ways to overcome some of the barriers and challenges that can be encountered with this study is provided.
Registration of ‘Ahring’ little bluestem
Authors: Springer Tim L. , Carr Brandon
Published: March 2022

‘Ahring’ (Reg. no. CV‐16, PI 699123) little bluestem [Schizachyrium scoparium (Michx.) Nash] was selected for greater 7‐d seed germination at low water potential and superior field emergence. Two cycles of recurrent selection were used to develop Ahring from germplasm UO‐2. Cycle 1 consisted of germinating 3,500 open‐pollinated pure seed of germplasm UO‐2 (designated UO‐2 C0) in water of −0.8 MPa potential for 7 d. All spikelets that germinated in 7 d (∼250) were selected to create population UO‐2 C1. Cycle 2 selection was identical to Cycle 1 selection except that population UO‐2 C1 was used to create population UO‐2 C2. The 7‐d laboratory seed germination of Ahring was 17% higher than UO‐2 C0 in deionized water. Sixty days after planting, field emergence of Ahring (35%) was greater than either population UO‐2 C1 (32%) or UO‐2 C0 (22.0%) or the cultivars ‘Cimarron’ (32%) or ‘Aldous’ (27%). Thus, recurrent selection for increased seed germination in a negative water potential resulted in a little bluestem population capable of greater field emergence. Ahring little bluestem is useful for wildlife habitat, grazing, soil stabilization, water conservation, renewable energy, and horticultural landscapes in the south‐central and southern Great Plains of the United States. Ahring was cooperatively released by the USDA‐ARS and the USDA‐NRCS.
Organic fertilization regimes suppress fungal plant pathogens through modulating the resident bacterial and protistan communities
Authors: Sun Anqi , Jiao Xiaoyan , Ren Peixin , Yu Danting , Li Fangfang , Chen Qing‐Lin , Bi Li , He Ji‐Zheng , Hu Hang‐Wei
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Fungal plant pathogens are an emerging threat to economically important crop production worldwide and a significant risk to global food security. However, we have limited knowledge of how agricultural management practices drive the emergence and spread of pathogens within crop microbiomes and the underlying ecological mechanisms.

Materials and Methods

We characterized the profiles of potential fungal plant pathogens, as well as bacterial and protistan communities, in sorghum phyllosphere, root endosphere, and rhizosphere and bulk soils collected from a long‐term experiment with multiple inorganic and organic fertilization regimes.

Results

We found contrasting patterns of fungal plant pathogens across the four sorghum–soil compartments and that organic fertilization regime significantly reduced the diversity and proportions of fungal plant pathogens in rhizosphere and bulk soils. We further found that the changes in fungal plant pathogens were driven more by resident bacterial and protistan communities than by soil physicochemical parameters. There was a significantly negative relationship between the diversity of fungal plant pathogens in the rhizosphere and bulk soils with sorghum yield and protein contents. Structural equation modeling revealed that long‐term organic fertilization regimes contributed to the suppression of fungal plant pathogens mainly through modulating the resident bacterial and protistan communities.

Conclusion

These findings advance our understanding of the responses of fungal plant pathogens in crop microbiomes to fertilization regimes, with implications for more targeted strategies to manage the impacts of fungal pathogens on plant health and economic losses.
Corrosion evolution of UNS C90300 bronze in simulated acid rain of Hong Kong
Authors: Zhou Zhenju , Zhou Yu , Huang Yingjian , Zhu Qiuqing , Tang Yongming
Published: March 2022

Corrosion evolutions of UNS C90300 bronzes with and without artificial patina were investigated in the simulated acid rain of Hong Kong. The corrosion products mainly composed of cuprite were formed on the surface exhibiting slight protection for the bronze substrate. The ratios of Sn and Zn in the corrosion products are lower than in the alloy. The artificial patina effectively enhances the corrosion resistance of bronze substrate, even after 30 days of immersion. For both bare and patinated bronzes the Sn‐ and Zn‐based species are absent in the outer layers of corrosion products, and Cu2O species in the outer layer can partially transform into Cu (II) ionic state due to the abundant supply of dissolved oxygen.
Identification of alpha‐Synuclein Disaggregator from Camellia sp. Insight of Molecular Docking and Molecular Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Vats Sheetal , Kondabala Rajesh , Saxena Sanjai
Published: March 2022

Misfolded protein formation and aggregation are the central hallmarks for various neurodegenerative disorders. When it comes to Parkinson's disease (PD), alpha‐synuclein (α‐syn) is the culprit protein. The presence of α‐syn protein in lewy bodies and lewy neurites confirmed its presence in the occurrence of PD. The protein is natively present in the soluble monomeric forms, but certain factors such as oxidative stress convert the structure into insoluble oligomeric formats. This study focuses on the inhibitory effects of various antioxidant compounds on α‐syn oligomerization. We had collected the list of compounds present in the Camellia sp. plant. Using a computational approach, we found the potential interaction sites between the antioxidant compounds and α‐syn using a computational approach. Molecular docking and simulation studies suggest that the compound Theaflavin‐3‐3‐digallate shows best interactions with −7.1 kcal/mol and can reduce the alpha‐sheet structure of α‐syn structure to loop region.
Epoxy Vitrimer Based on Temperature‐Responsive Pure Organic Room Temperature Phosphorescent Materials
Authors: Wu Peng , Lou Lingyun , Xu Tianqi , Zhao Jianming , Hai Mingtan , Wang Dong , Cao Hui , He Wanli , Yang Zhou
Published: March 2022

Pure organic room temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials are introduced to polymer matrices in recent researches for their attractive properties like mechanical character, low cost, facile fabrication and so on. Besides, polymers are considered to provide a rigid environment for phosphors to reduce nonradiative pathways and achieve efficient RTP emission. Vitrimers are new thermosetting polymers with dynamic covalent bond networks and temperature‐depended topology structure changes. Herein we report a rational design strategy for tailoring intermolecular interactions to enhance room temperature phosphorescence from purely organic materials in amorphous vitrimer matrices at ambient conditions. Unlike conventional polymer‐based phosphorescent materials, vitrimer matrices show not only rigid environment and optical transparency but thermal dynamic characteristics. A temperature‐responsive phosphorescent system of small phosphor DTPA‐CZ and vitrimer matrices is obtained, with a phosphorescence lifetime of 1.025 s and a photoluminescence efficiency up to 78.7 %.
Using Multi‐Level Correlation Information to Identify Amyloidogenic Peptides
Authors: Zou Hongliang , Zhan Chun
Published: March 2022

In recent years, more and more researchers draw their attention on exploring the characteristics of peptides. This study focused on identifying amyloidogenic peptides, since prior works reported that amyloidogenic peptides may keep a close relationship with neurodegenerative disease. To investigate this issue, we collected peptide sequences from Pep424 dataset. Fifty classes of physicochemical (PC) properties were employed to encode samples. Then, Pearson's correlation coefficient (PCC) was used to capture the correlation information among distinct PC properties. After that, we adopted the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm to select these most discriminative features. Next, these selected features were fed into support vector machine (SVM) for identifying amyloidogenic peptides. An accuracy of 89.62 % was obtained in jackknife test. A significant improvement was achieved by the proposed method, as compared with the state‐of‐the‐art predictors. It means that our method is effective and competitive in exploring amyloidogenic peptides field. We provide the dataset and Matlab codes for academic use, which can be available at https://figshare.com/articles/online resource/iAMY/17371877.
3d Metal Doping of Core@Shell Wüstite@ferrite Nanoparticles as a Promising Route toward Room Temperature Exchange Bias Magnets
Authors: Muzzi Beatrice , Albino Martin , Petrecca Michele , Innocenti Claudia , Fernández César de Julián , Bertoni Giovanni , Marquina Clara , Ibarra Manuel Ricardo , Sangregorio Claudio
Published: March 2022

Nanometric core@shell wüstite@ferrite (Fe1−xO@Fe3O4) has been extensively studied because of the emergence of exchange bias phenomena. Since their actual implementation in modern technologies is hampered by the low temperature at which bias is operating, the critical issue to be solved is to obtain exchange‐coupled antiferromagnetic@ferrimagnetic nanoparticles (NPs) with ordering temperature close to 300 K by replacing the divalent iron with other transition‐metal ions. Here, the effect of the combined substitution of Fe(II) with Co(II) and Ni(II) on the crystal structure and magnetic properties is studied. To this aim, a series of 20 nm NPs with a wüstite‐based core and a ferrite shell, with tailored composition, (Co0.3Fe0.7O@Co0.8Fe2.2O4 and Ni0.17Co0.21Fe0.62O@Ni0.4Co0.3Fe2.3O4) is synthetized through a thermal‐decomposition method. An extensive morphological and crystallographic characterization of the obtained NPs shows how a higher stability against the oxidation process in ambient condition is attained when divalent cation doping of the iron oxide lattice with Co(II) and Ni(II) ions is performed. The dual‐doping is revealed to be an efficient way for tuning the magnetic properties of the final system, obtaining Ni‐Co doped iron oxide core@shell NPs with high coercivity (and therefore, high energy product), and increased antiferromagnetic ordering transition temperature, close to room temperature.
Selection of DevOps best test practices: A hybrid approach using ISM and fuzzy TOPSIS analysis
Authors: Rafi Saima , Akbar Muhammad Azeem , Mahmood Sajjad , Alsanad Ahmed , Alothaim Abdulrahman
Published: March 2022

Testing is a complex phase in DevOps process due to need of an automated process that provides feedback at different strategies of continuous development and operations pipeline. Software organization face several challenges during the testing phase due to lack of understanding on testing best practices for the DevOps paradigm. The objective of this study is to prioritize DevOps best testing practices, which can facilitate the selection of testing practices during DevOps process. To perform this research, we have extended the work done by Hornbeek, using the 15 DevOps testing practices discussed in his study. First, we categorize the test practices against culture, automation, lean, measurement, and sharing (CALMS) pillars of DevOps adoption principles. Next, a questionnaire‐based survey was conducted to collect feedback from industry practitioners on the DevOps test practices and their categorization against CALMS criteria. Finally, we applied Interpretive Structure Modeling (ISM) to find the interrelationship between CALMS criteria, and fuzzy TOPSIS was used to prioritize the DevOps test practices that will assist practitioners to better manage the testing activities during DevOps process.
Glossar für statistische Analysetechniken
Authors: Glatz Christoph , Prandner Dimitri , Aschauer Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Um den Zugang zu diesem Buch auch für Personen zu erleichtern, die wenig Erfahrung mit quantitativer Sozialforschung haben, wird in diesem Glossar ein grundlegender Einblick in die Praxis der Umfrageforschung sowie in statistische Analysetechniken gegeben. Wir geben Hinweise, wie man soziale und politische Einstellungen in Umfragen erhebt und welche Möglichkeiten der statistischen Analyse vorliegen. Insbesondere komplexere Verfahren wie Regressionsanalyse, Faktorenanalsen, Reliabilitätsanalysen und Kontrastgruppenanalysen werden näher erklärt.
Soziale Kontakte und Wohlbefinden zu Beginn der Corona-Krise 2020
Authors: Glatz Christoph , Bodi-Fernandez Otto
Published: March 2022

Menschen sind soziale Wesen, weshalb Kontakte zu anderen Personen einen wichtigen Beitrag für das eigene Wohlbefinden leisten. Durch die Corona-Krise dreht sich diese Vorstellung dagegen um – Abstand halten heißt das neue Gebot, um die Gesundheit zu wahren. Vor diesem Hintergrund untersuchen wir in diesem Buchbeitrag den Verlauf von Sozialkontakten und Wohlbefinden, sowie den Zusammenhang zwischen diesen beiden Konstrukten von Ende März bis Anfang Juli 2020. Wie erwartet zeigt sich ein sprunghafter Anstieg physischer sozialer Kontakte seit Anfang Mai und somit seit den damals eingeführten Lockerungsverordnungen. Gleichzeitig verringerten sich die nicht-physischen Sozialkontakte (via Telefon & Internet) seit dem 1. Lockdown kontinuierlich, was auf eine Substitution für physische Sozialkontakte hinweist. Affektives- und kognitives Wohlbefinden zeigen einen kleinen und gleichmäßigen Anstieg über diesen Zeitraum. Weitere Analysen weisen auf einen signifikanten aber geringen Einfluss von physischen Sozialkontakten auf das Wohlbefinden hin – der physische Kontakt zu Freunden und Verwandten führt demnach zu einem geringen Anstieg des Wohlbefindens. Weiterführende Vergleiche zwischen alleinlebenden und nicht-alleinlebenden Österreicher*innen zeigten, dass alleinlebende Personen häufiger auf nicht-physische Sozialkontakte zurückgriffen als physische Sozialkontakte durch restriktive Maßnahmen erschwert wurden.
Konservative Schließung oder neue Solidarität? Wertewandel und Zukunftsvorstellungen in Zeiten der Corona-Krise
Authors: Aschauer Wolfgang , Eder Anja , Höllinger Franz
Published: March 2022

In aktuellen sozialwissenschaftlichen Analysen wird vielfach angenommen, dass die Covid-19-Pandemie zu tief greifenden gesellschaftlichen Veränderungen führen könnte. Die Schlussfolgerungen sind jedoch nicht einheitlich. Einerseits wird ein gesellschaftlicher Wandel hin zu mehr Solidarität, zu einem stärkeren Sozialstaat und zu ökologischer und ökonomischer Nachhaltigkeit suggeriert, andererseits wird auch auf das Wiedererstarken des Nationalstaates und soziale Schließungsprozesse hingewiesen. In diesem Beitrag untersuchen wir mit einem Fokus auf die aktuelle Values in Crisis Studie 2020 und in Verbindung mit österreichspezifischen Daten aus weiteren repräsentativen Umfragen (z. B. European Social Survey), ob sich ein Wertewandel in Hinblick auf die individuellen Grundwerte nach Schwartz beobachten lässt und wie sich dieser nach Generationen unterscheidet. Anschließend werden die Zukunftserwartungen und -wünsche der Österreicher*innen für die Zeit nach Corona analysiert und der Einfluss von soziodemografischen Faktoren, Werten und Einstellungen auf die Zukunftsvorstellungen untersucht.
Intra-operative ultrasound: does it improve the results of percutaneous repair of acute Achilles tendon rupture?
Authors: Samy Ahmed Mohamed
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Percutaneous repair is a good option for acute Achilles tendon rupture. Although it overcomes the complications of open technique, it carries the risk of sural nerve injury and inadequate repair. In this study, we explore if the use of intra-operative ultrasound with percutaneous technique has any advantageous effect on final results of repair.

Methods

This is a prospective randomized study done between May 2014 and December 2020. It included 91 patients with complete acute Achilles tendon rupture distributed in 2 groups with homogenous clinical and demographic data. Group A (n = 47) included those managed by percutaneous repair with assistant of an intra-operative ultrasound. Group B (n = 44) included those done without the assistant of ultrasound. Post-operative evaluation was done clinically by the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score, calf muscle circumference and single heel rise test and radiologically by Magnetic Resonance Image.

Results

Patients of both groups reported continuous improvement of the American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society score with time. However, patient of group A recorded better functional outcome score at 3 months postoperatively. We recorded longer operative time in group A than those in group B. Continuous improvement of maximum calf circumference was observed in both groups. Satisfactory healing was noticed to happen faster in patients of group A than those of group B. We recorded two cases of re-rupture and two cases of sural nerve injury in group B with no reported complication in group A.

Conclusion

The use of an intra-operative ultrasound with percutaneous repair of acute rupture of Achilles tendon can improve the quality of repair as evidenced by quicker satisfactory healing and earlier regain of activity. Also, it can help in proper localization of sural nerve in relation to lateral edge of Achilles tendon.

Trial registration

Clinical Trials.gov Identifier: NCT04935281.