bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
President Ford, the ASALH, and the political origins of black history month
Authors: Tomsovic Phil , Preston Thomas
Published: September 2022

In 1976, the Association for the Study of Afro‐American Life and History (ASALH) expanded their observance of black history from a week to a month. This decision was made because of the fortuitous timing of America's bicentennial, which the ASALH saw as an ideal opportunity not only to spotlight African American history as a fundamental part of United States history and to highlight black contributions to the country but also to celebrate its founder, Carter G. Woodson, whose centennial anniversary fell on the same year. To honor the new observance, the ASALH asked President Gerald Ford to issue a proclamation. Ford agreed to honor the observance, but chose to do so by issuing a presidential message instead of a proclamation. In this article, we examine the Ford administration's handling of ASALH's request, arguing that the decisions made resulted from several competing factors, both personal and political. Ford's personal sympathy for the struggle of black Americans and his wish to be seen favorably by black voters were tempered by his desire to act cautiously due to the shifting political considerations surrounding the 1976 election.
Administration of carbetocin—a long‐acting oxytocin analogue—before sperm collection by transrectal ultrasound‐guided massage of the accessory sex glands in bucks (Capra hircus) and ibexes (Capra pyrenaica)
Authors: Ungerfeld Rodolfo , Giriboni Julia , Toledano‐Díaz Adolfo , Guerrero Madeleine , Santiago‐Moreno Julián
Published: September 2022

Transrectal ultrasonic‐guided massage of the accessory sex glands (TUMASG) is a technique that allows collecting semen requiring few electrical stimuli or even no pulse. A long‐acting analogue of oxytocin (carbetocin, 0.1 mg) was i.v. administered before TUMASG in 10 conscious bucks (Experiment 1) and 10 anaesthetized Iberian ibexes (Experiment 2) to shorten the time of semen collection, decrease the number of electrical stimuli and/or improve the semen quality. The ejaculated volume, concentration, quality parameters and kinetics variables of the sperm were determined in fresh semen. The time length of the procedures and the number of electric pulses applied were recorded. Furthermore, stress response indicators (number of vocalizations in Experiment 1; heart and respiratory rates, rectal temperature, cortisol levels, totals proteins and neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio in Experiment 2) were documented. In bucks, the administration of carbetocin tended to shorten the time needed for semen collection but no‐showed differences in the fresh seminal quality. In the Iberian ibexes, there were no significant differences between groups in the time length of procedures or in the number of animals that ejaculated. Carbetocin administration only reduced the respiratory rate, did it modify fresh semen characteristics in ibexes. In conclusion, the administration of carbetocin did not appear as a useful tool to improve welfare during semen collection with TUMASG or semen quality in conscious bucks and anaesthetized ibexes, having only slight advantages related to the procedure.
Experiences of patients and their health care providers of canalith repositioning maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo: a qualitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Vasanthan Lenny Thinagaran , Sriram Vimal , Chockalingam Manigandan
Published: September 2022

Objective:

This review aims to synthesize the available evidence on the experiences of patients undergoing canalith repositioning maneuvers (provided both by health care providers and by themselves) and of health care providers offering canalith repositioning maneuvers in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo.

Introduction:

Despite having proven effectiveness for treating benign paroxysmal positional vertigo, the underutilization of canalith repositioning maneuvers by health care providers is a concern. Understanding the experiences of patients receiving canalith repositioning maneuvers and health care providers providing them is imperative for effective canalith repositioning maneuvers implementation.

Inclusion criteria:

This review will include qualitative studies describing the experiences of health care providers or patients in canalith repositioning maneuver treatment provided by their health care providers or by themselves as part of self-provision of canalith repositioning maneuvers for benign paroxysmal positional vertigo with or without other interventions, in any setting. The canalith repositioning maneuvers provided by non-qualified health professionals, such as student health professionals, health care assistants, or technicians, who need the supervision of qualified health professionals to practice their profession, will be excluded. Similarly, canalith repositioning maneuvers provided by non-professional caregivers, family caregivers, volunteer caregivers, or other informal caregivers will also be excluded.

Methods:

MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase (Elsevier), Cochrane CENTRAL, PsycINFO, Scopus, Web of Science, and CINAHL (EBSCO) will be searched. Gray literature to be searched include OpenGrey, PsyArXiv, bioRxiv, medRxiv, and Google Scholar. Articles published in English will be considered, regardless of the publication date. Studies will be screened and critically appraised for methodological quality by two independent reviewers. A standardized tool from the JBI System for the Unified Management, Assessment and Review of Information for data extraction, the meta-aggregation approach for data synthesis, and the ConQual approach for confidence evaluation will be followed.

Systematic review registration number:

PROSPERO CRD42021292993.
Quidam Cicero: la influencia de Cicerón en el pensamiento de Agustín
Authors: Unger Parra Biviana
Published: September 2022

El estudio de la relación de Agustín de Hipona con las fuentes clásicas ha sido un problema de difícil abordaje en la historia de la filosofía, pues está conectado con la cuestión del uso que la cultura cristiana hizo de las fuentes filosóficas de la Antigüedad. En el caso de Cicerón, político y filósofo romano, los estudios que abordan su presencia en las obras de Agustín se han limitado a identificar los temas y herramientas comunes, sin llegar a formular cómo se apropian y se comprenden los motivos filosóficos clásicos.
A Resistive Model to Characterize Overall Effectiveness Influenced by Multiple Coolant Temperatures
Authors: Rutledge James L. , Fuqua Matthew N. , Polanka Marc D. , Baker William P.
Published: September 2022

The surface temperature of a film cooled turbine hot gas path component is typically nondimensionalized according to the overall effectiveness. This nondimensionalization scheme takes advantage of the fact that the surface temperature must be bounded by the coolant temperature and the freestream recovery temperature. Additional complexity arises when the surface temperature is influenced by the addition of a second coolant stream. While the surface temperature remains bounded by the cooler of the two coolant streams, the presence of the warmer stream means that the resulting overall effectiveness is now a function not only of the appropriately nondimensionalized coolant and freestream flowrates, but an additional nondimensional parameter that describes the relative difference in the two coolant temperatures. Previously, it was thought that experiments or computational fluid dynamics simulations would be required to discern this effect. In the present work, however, we introduce a linear resistive model that is based upon the exact solution to the energy equation and which accounts for the effect of any number of independent sources that influence the surface temperature. The model’s efficacy was demonstrated using experimental data acquired on conducting models in which two rows of holes ejected coolant from two independent plenums at two different temperatures.
The Effect of Age and Fall History on Lower Extremity Neuromuscular Function During Descent of a Single Transition Step
Authors: Gerstle Emily E. , O’Connor Kristian , Keenan Kevin G. , Slavens Brooke A. , Cobb Stephen C.
Published: September 2022

Despite the higher injury rate of falls on steps versus level ground, few studies have examined the influence of age and fall history on step descent. The purpose of this study was to determine the lead and trail limb neuromuscular function (peak joint moments and powers, electromyographic activity) differences between young females (n = 15) and older females with (n = 15) and without (n = 15) a fall history while descending a single step. Trail limb moments and powers did not differ between groups. Lead limb sagittal plane powers at the hip and knee were greater in the young adults. Electromyographic co-activation levels (knee and ankle) were not significantly different between groups. However, peroneal activation was greater in the older groups, which may have assisted in stabilizing the ankle joint in lieu of increased co-activation at the ankle. These results demonstrate consideration of step descent is important in working with older women at risk of falls.
Functional Performance, Leg Muscle Strength, and Core Muscle Endurance in Multiple Sclerosis Patients With Mild Disability: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Ozkul Cagla , Eldemir Kader , Eldemir Sefa , Yildirim Muhammed Seref , Saygili Fettah , Guclu-Gunduz Arzu , Irkec Ceyla
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to investigate the relationship of sit-to-stand and walking performance with leg muscle strength and core muscle endurance in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) with mild disabilities. In this study, 49 PwMS (Expanded Disability Status Scale score = 1.59 ± 0.79) and 26 healthy controls were enrolled. The functional performances, including sit-to-stand and walking performances, were evaluated with the five-repetition sit-to-stand test, timed up and go test, and 6-min walking test. The PwMS finished significantly slower five-repetition sit-to-stand, timed up and go, and 6-min walking test than the healthy controls. In addition, the significant contributors were the weakest trunk lateral flexor endurance for five-repetition sit-to-stand; the Expanded Disability Status Scale score, and the weakest hip adductor muscle for timed up and go; the weakest hip extensor muscles strength for 6-min walking test. The functional performances in PwMS, even with mild disabilities, were lower compared with healthy controls. Decreases in both leg muscle strength and core muscle endurance are associated with lower functional performance in PwMS.
Rounding out cyclic dinucleotide signaling in
Clostridioides difficile:
A role and a mechanism for c-di-AMP
Authors: Purcell Erin B.
Published: September 2022

The second messenger c-di-AMP contributes to various homeostatic and stress responses in bacteria. In this issue of
Science Signaling
, Oberkampf
et al
. have identified it as a mediator of osmotic stress and bile salt resistance in the opportunistic pathogen
Clostridioides difficile
, with additional roles in cell wall homeostasis and biofilm formation.
Vaccination with Live or Heat-Killed Aspergillus fumigatus Δ
sglA
Conidia Fully Protects Immunocompromised Mice from Invasive Aspergillosis
Authors: Fernandes Caroline Mota , Normile Tyler G. , Fabri Joao Henrique Tadini Marilhano , Brauer Veronica Soares , de S. Araújo Glauber R. , Frases Susana , Nimrichter Leonardo , Malavazi Iran , Del Poeta Maurizio
Published: September 2022

Infections by
Aspergillus fumigatus
occur by the inhalation of environmental fungal spores called conidia. We found that live mutant conidia accumulating glycolipids named sterylglucosides are not able to cause disease when injected into the lung.
Characterization and Genome Sequence of Arthrobacter Phage Iter
Authors: Daly Kathleen A. , Nesbit Audrey E. , Buchholz Jacob D. , Kanak Alison E.
Published: September 2022

Arthrobacter phage Iter was isolated in North Georgia. Its genome is 43,963 bp with 70 open reading frames (ORFs) and a GC content of 67.4%. It shares 89.11% nucleotide identity with
Arthrobacter
phage Phives. Actinobacteriophages that share over 50% nucleotide identity are sorted into clusters, with Iter in cluster AZ.
Circular Metagenome-Assembled Genome of
Methanobacterium
sp. Strain ERen5, a Putative Methanogenic, H
2
-Utilizing Terrestrial Subsurface Archaeon
Authors: Lipus Daniel , Jia Zeyu , Bartholomäus Alexander , Burckhardt Oliver , Sondermann Megan , Wagner Dirk , Kallmeyer Jens
Published: September 2022

A circular, single-contig
Methanobacterium
sp. metagenome-assembled genome (MAG) was recovered from high-CO
2
enrichments inoculated with drill core material from the tectonic Eger Rift terrestrial subsurface. Annotation of the recovered MAG highlighted putative methanogenesis genes, providing valuable information on archaeal activity in the deep biosphere.
Genome Sequence of the Cluster CD
Gordonia
Phage Widow
Authors: Curtis Ben , Ganbaatar Bayarjavkhlan , Lawrence Griffin , Oglesby Wyatt , Rice Jaylee , Tremblay Emelia , Maginnis Melissa , Molloy Sally D. , Neely Melody N.
Published: September 2022

Widow is a novel cluster CD bacteriophage isolated from a soil sample using the bacterial host
Gordonia terrae
. The Widow genome is 43,656 bp in length and encodes 64 protein-coding genes and no tRNAs. The genome shares 52 to 92% gene content with other cluster CD members.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacteriophage Loca, Isolated on a Microbacterium foliorum Culture
Authors: Ounsinegad Aurod , Ashcraft Megan , Bliss Emily , Brawley Dasire , Clements Grace , Densmore Austin , Gastin Alexis , Luciano Marisol , Moore Cole , Munoz Virginia , Pernarelli Aryana , Pitner Maci , Velsen Esmae , Wiggam Kara , Goppert Marlee , Edwards Dustin
Published: September 2022

Microbacteriophage Loca was extracted from a shopping cart handle swab sample in Stephenville, TX, and isolated on a
Microbacterium foliorum
NRRL-24224 culture. The 17,475-bp double-stranded DNA genome contains 25 predicted protein-coding genes and has >96% nucleotide identity to bacteriophages Quaker and Livingwater.
Draft Genomes of Methanocalculus taiwanensis P2F9704a
T
and Methanocalculus chunghsingensis K1F9705b
T
, Hydrogenotrophic Methanogens Belonging to the Family
Methanocalculaceae
Authors: Chen Sheng-Chung , Lai Shu-Jung , You Yi-Ting , Shih Chao-Jen , Wu Yen-Chi , Wu Chih-Hung , Liao Ching-Hua
Published: September 2022

The family
Methanocalculaceae
comprises hydrogen- and formate-utilizing methanogens. Here, we report two additional draft genome sequences of
Methanocalculaceae
, those of
Methanocalculus taiwanensis
P2F9704a
T
(equivalent to BCRC 16182
T
and DSM 14663
T
) and
Methanocalculus chunghsingensis
K1F9705b
T
(equivalent to DSM 14646
T
and OCM 772
T
), which were selected for further species delineation and comparative genomic analyses.
The Age Composition and Postmetamorphic Growth Characteristics of the Moor Frog (Rana arvalis) from Habitats with a Short Activity Season
Authors: Lyapkov S. M. , Ibragimova D. V. , Nakonechnyi N. V.
Published: September 2022

The between-population and sexual differences in demographic and postmetamorphic growth characteristics were studied inRana arvalisfrom several habitats of Khanty-Mansiiskii Autonomous Okrug–Yugra (KhMAO) with a relatively short (about 3.5 months) activity season. Skeletochronology was used for age determination. The annual size increments and the rates of these increments were determined on the base of back-calculated body length at each age. In three of four populations, a higher average age in females but not significant sexual differences in the average body length were revealed. In both males and females of all studied KhMAO populations, the rate of the annual size increment between the 1st and 2nd wintering was maximal. The rate of the annual size increment between the 2nd and 3rd wintering was kept relatively high. In comparison withR. arvalispopulations of Bryansk, Moscow, and Kirov oblasts with a longer activity season (seven, six, and five months, respectively), frogs from KhMAO populations had a relatively small average body length at each age and low population averages of the body length. At the same time, the character of between-age dynamics in the rate of the size increments of KhMAO populations enabled us to reveal the effects of counter-gradient selection not yet mentioned in the literature. These effects represent the maintenance of a relatively high rate of annual increments up to the 5th wintering inR. arvalisfrom KhMAO populations with a short activity season.
CRISPR/Cas: History and Perspectives
Authors: Shmakova A. A. , Shmakova O. P. , Karpukhina A. A. , Vassetzky Y. S.
Published: September 2022

Discovery of the CRISPR/Cas system revolutionized biology and biomedicine in the 21st century. Here we discuss the milestones in the development of CRISPR/Cas genome editing technology, from the history of discovery to current developments, including medical applications. Technical and ethical problems associated with the use of CRISPR/Cas for editing human embryonic genomes are also discussed.
Gender discrepancy in the predictive effect of aortic root diameter on incidence of cardiovascular events among rural Northeast Chinese
Authors: Yu Shasha , Guo Xiaofan , Li Guangxiao , Yang Hongmei , Zheng Liqiang , Sun Yingxian
Published: September 2022

Objectives

The possible predictive effect of echocardiographic aortic root diameter (ARD) on the incidence of cardiovascular events (CVEs) in a large, general population is limited. In addition, there is a lack of data about rural participants. We intend to figure out the possible relationship between ARD and the incidence of CVEs among the general population from rural China.

Design

Population-based cohort study.

Setting

Rural areas in Liaoning Province, Northeast China.

Participants

At baseline, 9810 participants (mean age 53±10, 49.1% male) were enrolled in the Northeast China Rural Cardiovascular Health Study between 2012 and 2017.

Main outcome measures

Cardiac ultrasonography, lifestyle, medical history, laboratory testing, blood pressure, weight and height. ARD measurement was conducted at the level of the sinuses of Valsalva. Furthermore, the ARD was indexed to height or body surface area.

Results

During a median follow-up of 4.66 years, 550 non-fatal or fatal CVEs were recorded. Adjusting for blood pressure, age, total cholesterol, fasting blood glucose, estimated glomerular filtration rate, current smoking and drinking, previous cardiovascular diseases and antihypertensive treatment; ARD/height (HR per 1-unit increase=1.781, 95% CI: 1.160 to 2.736, p=0.008) was associated with an increased risk of CVEs in men only. The combination of left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) and aortic dilation was an independent and powerful predictor for cardiovascular prognosis compared with aortic dilation alone in men but not in women.

Conclusions

Our study enrols a large sample of rural Chinese residents, and first confirms that ARD/height has a predictive effect on the incidence of CVEs among rural Chinese residents. The combination of LVH and aortic dilation is synergistic, which increases its predictive effect on CVEs in men only, suggesting that aortic dilatation predicts cardiovascular prognosis better than LVH does in men but not in women.
Effects of adjunctive brexpiprazole on sleep-wake and circadian parameters in youth with depressive disorders: study protocol for a clinical trial
Authors: Carpenter Joanne S , Zmicerevska Natalia , Crouse Jacob J , Nichles Alissa , Garland Alexandra , Song Yun Ju Christine , Wilson Chloe , Rohleder Cathrin , McHugh Catherine , Leweke F. Markus , Koethe Dagmar , Scott Elizabeth M , Hickie Ian B
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Sleep-wake and circadian disturbance is a key feature of mood disorders with a potential causal role and particular relevance to young people. Brexpiprazole is a second-generation antipsychotic medication with demonstrated efficacy as an adjunct to antidepressant treatment for major depressive disorder (MDD) in adults, with preliminary evidence suggesting greater effectiveness in subgroups of depressed patients with sleep disturbances. This clinical trial aims to evaluate the relationships between changes in sleep-wake and circadian parameters and changes in depressive symptoms following adjunctive brexpiprazole treatment in young adults with MDD and sleep-wake disturbance.

Methods and analysis

This study is designed as a 16 week (8 weeks active treatment, 8 weeks follow-up) mechanistic, open-label, single-arm, phase IV clinical trial and aims to recruit 50 young people aged 18–30 with MDD and sleep-wake cycle disturbance through an early intervention youth mental health clinic in Sydney, Australia. At baseline, participants will undergo multidimensional outcome assessment and subsequently receive 8 weeks of open-label treatment with brexpiprazole as adjunctive to their stable psychotropic medication. Following 4 weeks of treatment, clinical and self-report measures will be repeated. Ambulatory sleep-wake monitoring will be conducted continuously for the duration of treatment. After 8 weeks of treatment, all multidimensional outcome assessments will be repeated. Follow-up visits will be conducted 4 and 8 weeks after trial completion (including sleep-wake, clinical and self-report assessments). Circadian rhythm biomarkers including salivary melatonin, cortisol and core body temperature will be collected during an in-lab assessment. Additionally, metabolic, inflammatory and genetic risk markers will be collected at baseline and after 8 weeks of treatment.

Ethics and dissemination

This trial protocol has been approved by the Human Research Ethics Committee of the Sydney Local Health District (X19-0417 and 2019/ETH12986, Protocol Version 1–3, dated 25 February 2021). The results of this study, in deidentified form, will be disseminated through publication in peer-reviewed journals, scholarly book chapters, presentation at conferences and publication in conference proceedings.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619001456145.
Effects of chess-based cognitive remediation training as therapy add-on in alcohol and tobacco use disorders: protocol of a randomised, controlled clinical fMRI trial
Authors: Gerhardt Sarah , Lex Gereon , Holzammer Jennifer , Karl Damian , Wieland Alfred , Schmitt Roland , Recuero Ainoa Jiménez , Montero Juan Antonio , Weber Tillmann , Vollstädt-Klein Sabine
Published: September 2022

Background

Alcohol and tobacco use disorders (AUD, TUD) are frequent, both worldwide and in the German population, and cognitive impairments are known to facilitate instances of relapse. Cognitive training has been proposed for enhancing cognitive functioning and possibly improving treatment outcome in mental disorders. However, these effects and underlying neurobiological mechanisms are not yet fully understood regarding AUD and TUD. Examining the effect of chess-based cognitive remediation training (CB-CRT) on neurobiological, neuropsychological and psychosocial aspects as well as treatment outcomes will provide insights into mechanisms underlying relapse and abstinence and might help to improve health behaviour in affected individuals if used as therapy add-on.

Methods and analysis

N=96 individuals with either AUD (N=48) or TUD (N=48) between 18 and 65 years of age will participate in a randomised, controlled clinical functional MRI (fMRI) trial. Two control groups will receive treatment as usual, that is, AUD treatment in a clinic, TUD outpatient treatment. Two therapy add-on groups will receive a 6-week CB-CRT as a therapy add-on. FMRI tasks, neurocognitive tests will be administered before and afterwards. All individuals will be followed up on monthly for 3 months. Endpoints include alterations in neural activation and neuropsychological task performance, psychosocial functioning, and relapse or substance intake. Regarding fMRI analyses, a general linear model will be applied, and t-tests, full factorial models and regression analyses will be conducted on the second level. Behavioural and psychometric data will be analysed using t-tests, regression analyses, repeated measures and one-way analyses of variance.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the ethics committee of the medical faculty Mannheim of the University of Heidelberg (2017-647N-MA). The findings of this study will be presented at conferences and published in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration

The study was registered in the Clinical Trials Register (trial identifier: NCT04057534 at clinicaltrials.gov).
Evaluating the effect of short-course rifapentine-based regimens with or without enhanced behaviour-targeted treatment support on adherence and completion of treatment for latent tuberculosis infection among adults in the UK (RID-TB: Treat): protocol for an open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial
Authors: Rangaka Molebogeng X , Hamada Yohhei , Duong Trinh , Bern Henry , Calvert Joanna , Francis Marie , Clarke Amy Louise , Ghanouni Alex , Layton Charlotte , Hack Vanessa , Owen-Powell Ellen , Surey Julian , Sanders Karen , Booth Helen L , Crook Angela , Griffiths Chris , Horne Robert , Kunst Heinke , Lipman Marc , Mandelbaum Mike , White Peter J , Zenner Dominik , Abubakar Ibrahim
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The successful scale-up of a latent tuberculosis (TB) infection testing and treatment programme is essential to achieve TB elimination. However, poor adherence compromises its therapeutic effectiveness. Novel rifapentine-based regimens and treatment support based on behavioural science theory may improve treatment adherence and completion.

Methods and analysis

A pragmatic multicentre, open-label, randomised controlled trial assessing the effect of novel short-course rifapentine-based regimens for TB prevention and additional theory-based treatment support on treatment adherence against standard-of-care. Participants aged between 16 and 65 who are eligible to start TB preventive therapy will be recruited in England. 920 participants will be randomised to one of six arms with allocation ratio of 5:5:6:6:6:6: daily isoniazid +rifampicin for 3 months (3HR), routine treatment support (control); 3HR, additional treatment support; weekly isoniazid +rifapentine for 3 months (3HP), routine treatment support; weekly 3HP, additional treatment support ; daily isoniazid +rifapentine for 1 month (1HP), routine treatment support; daily 1HP, additional treatment support. Additional treatment support comprises reminders using an electronic pillbox, a short animation, and leaflets based on the perceptions and practicalities approach. The primary outcome is adequate treatment adherence, defined as taking ≥90% of allocated doses within the pre-specified treatment period, measured by electronic pillboxes. Secondary outcomes include safety and TB incidence within 12 months. We will conduct process evaluation of the trial interventions and assess intervention acceptability and fidelity and mechanisms for effect and estimate the cost-effectiveness of novel regimens. The protocol was developed with patient and public involvement, which will continue throughout the trial.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval has been obtained from The National Health Service Health Research Authority (20/LO/1097). All participants will be required to provide written informed consent. We will share the results in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

EudraCT 2020-004444-29.
SPUR: psychometric properties of a patient-reported outcome measure of medication adherence in type 2 diabetes
Authors: Wells Joshua Sterling , El Husseini Aya , Okoh Sandra , Jaffar Ali , Neely Claire , Crilly Philip , Dolgin Kevin , Kayyali Reem
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Poor medication adherence is associated with worsening patient health outcomes and increasing healthcare costs. A holistic tool to assess both medication adherence and drivers of adherence behaviour has yet to be developed. This study aimed to examine SPUR, a multifactorial patient-reported outcome measure of medication adherence in patients living with type 2 diabetes, with a view to develop a suitable model for psychometric analysis.

Furthermore, the study aimed to explore the relationship between the SPUR model and socio-clinical factors of medication adherence.

Research design and methods

The study recruited 378 adult patients living with type 2 diabetes from a mix of community and secondary-care settings to participate in this non-interventional cross-sectional study. The original SPUR-45 tool was completed by participants with other patient-reported outcome measures for comparison, in addition to the collection of two objective adherence measures; HbA1cand the medication possession ratio (MPR).

Results

Factor and reliability analysis conducted on SPUR-45 produced a revised and more concise version (27-items) of the tool, SPUR-27, which was psychometrically assessed. SPUR-27 observed strong internal consistency with significant correlations to the other psychometric measures (Beliefs about Medication Questionnaire, Diabetes Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire, Medicine Adherence Rating Scale) completed by participants. Higher SPUR-27 scores were associated with lower HbA1cvalues and a higher MPR, as well as other predicted socio-clinical factors such as higher income, increased age and lower body mass index.

Conclusions

SPUR-27 demonstrated strong psychometric properties. Further work should look to examine the test–retest reliability of the model as well as examine transferability to other chronic conditions and broader population samples. Overall, the initial findings suggest that SPUR-27 is a reliable model for the multifactorial assessment of medication adherence among patients living with type 2 diabetes.
Safety and efficacy of TRIANGLE operation applied in pancreatic surgery: a protocol of the systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wei Kongyuan , Klotz Rosa , Kalkum Eva , Holze Magdalena , Probst Pascal , Hackert Thilo
Published: September 2022

Background

Pancreatic surgery is regarded as the only curative treatment for pancreatic cancer (PC). As the neoadjuvant therapy is applied widely nowadays, the proportion of patients with PC undergoing surgery also with locally advanced tumour findings has increased accordingly. Especially in these situations, a radical resection of all tumour tissues is challenging. A novel surgical strategy has been introduced recently to achieve this aim, namely the TRIANGLE operation which comprises the radical resection of all nerve and lymphatic tissue between coeliac artery, superior mesenteric artery and mesenteric–portal axis without including extended lymphadenectomy outside this area. Due to currently published studies, Triangle Operation is a safe and feasible procedure. However, this has not been systematically analysed to date. This systematic review and meta-analysis aim to evaluate surgical and postoperative outcomes of Triangle Operation in pancreatic surgery.

Methods and analysis

Pubmed, Web of Science and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials in the Cochrane Library will be searched from inception until 31 December 2022. This study will include all articles comparing Triangle Operation versus non-Triangle Operation in pancreatic surgery to assess outcomes. The primary endpoints will be R0 resection rate and 1-year overall survival. The secondary endpoints will be delayed gastric emptying, postoperative pancreatic fistula, post pancreatectomy haemorrhages and reoperation incidence, overall complications, mortality and 3-year overall survival. The study selection, study quality assessment, data extraction and critical appraisal will be carried out by two reviewers. Inter-reviewer disagreements will be evaluated by discussion with a third reviewer. Besides, a subgroup analysis will be conducted focused on robotic surgery, laparoscopic surgery and open surgery in detail. Additionally, the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework will be performed to evaluate the strength of evidence.

Ethics and dissemination

This systematic review and meta-analysis will not require ethical approval. Results will be published in a peer-reviewed scientific journal.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021234721.
Rapid systematic review on developing web-based interventions to support people affected by cancer
Authors: Cooke Samuel , Nelson David , Green Heidi , McPeake Kathie , Gussy Mark , Kane Ros
Published: September 2022

Objective

To systematically identify and explore the existing evidence to inform the development of web-based interventions to support people affected by cancer (PABC).

Design

A rapid review design was employed in accordance with the guidance produced by the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group and reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses checklist. A rapid review was chosen due to the need for a timely evidence synthesis to underpin the subsequent development of a digital resource (Shared Lives: Cancer) as part of an ongoing funded project.

Methods and outcomes

Keyword searches were performed in MEDLINE to identify peer-reviewed literature that reported primary data on the development of web-based interventions designed to support PABC. The review included peer-reviewed studies published in English with no limits set on publication date or geography. Key outcomes included any primary data that reported on the design, usability, feasibility, acceptability, functionality and user experience of web-based resource development.

Results

Ten studies were identified that met the pre-specified eligibility criteria. All studies employed an iterative, co-design approach underpinned by either quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods. The findings were grouped into the following overarching themes: (1) exploring current evidence, guidelines and theory, (2) identifying user needs and preferences and (3) evaluating the usability, feasibility and acceptability of resources. Resources should be informed by the experiences of a wide range of end-users taking into consideration current guidelines and theory early in the design process. Resource design and content should be developed around the user’s needs and preferences and evaluated through usability, feasibility or acceptability testing using quantitative, qualitative or mixed methods.

Conclusion

The findings of this rapid review provide novel methodological insights into the approaches used to design web-based interventions to support PABC. Our findings have the potential to inform and guide researchers when considering the development of future digital health resources.

Trial registration number

The review protocol was registered on the Open Science Framework (https://osf.io/ucvsz).
Risk factors for mortality in a hospitalised neonatal cohort in Botswana
Authors: Kitt Eimear , Hayes Molly , Congdon Morgan , Ballester Lance , Sewawa Kgotlaetsile B , Mulale Unami , Mazhani Loeto , Arscott-Mills Tonya , Steenhoff Andrew , Coffin Susan
Published: September 2022

Objectives

A disproportionate number of neonatal deaths occur in low/middle-income countries, with sepsis a leading contributor of mortality. In this study, we investigate risk factors for mortality in a cohort of high-risk hospitalised neonates in Botswana. Independent predictors for mortality for infants experiencing either a sepsis or a non-sepsis-related death are described.

Methods

This is a prospective observational cohort study with infants enrolled from July to October 2018 at the neonatal unit (NNU) of Princess Marina Hospital (PMH) in Gaborone, Botswana. Data on demographic, clinical and unit-specific variables were obtained. Neonates were followed to death or discharge, including transfer to another hospital. Death was determined to be infectious versus non-infectious based on primary diagnosis listed on day of death by lead clinician on duty.

Results

Our full cohort consisted of 229 patients. The overall death rate was 227 per 1000 live births, with cumulative proportion of deaths of 22.7% (n=47). Univariate analysis revealed that sepsis, extremely low birth weight (ELBW) status, hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy, critical illness and infants born at home were associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality. Our multivariate model revealed that critical illness (HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.56 to 6.03) and being born at home (HR 4.82, 95% CI 1.76 to 13.19) were independently associated with all-cause mortality. Low birth weight status was independently associated with a decreased risk of mortality (HR 0.24, 95% CI 0.11 to 0.53). There was a high burden of infection in the cohort with more than half of infants (140, 61.14%) diagnosed with sepsis at least once during their NNU admission. Approximately 20% (n=25) of infants with sepsis died before discharge. Our univariate subanalysis of the sepsis cohort revealed that ELBW and critical illness were associated with an increased risk of death. These findings persisted in the multivariate model with HR 3.60 (95% CI 1.11 to 11.71) and HR 2.39 (95% CI 1 to 5.77), respectively.

Conclusions

High rates of neonatal mortality were noted. Urgent interventions are needed to improve survival rates at PMH NNU and to prioritise care for critically ill infants at time of NNU admission, particularly those born at home and/or of ELBW.
Stress perfusion cardiovascular magnetic resonance imaging: a guide for the general cardiologist
Authors: Hamilton-Craig Christian , Ugander Martin , Greenwood John P , Kozor Rebecca
Published: September 2022

Stress cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) is an emerging non-invasive imaging technique for the assessment of known or suspected ischaemic heart disease (IHD). Stress CMR provides information on myocardial perfusion, wall motion, ventricular dimensions and volumes, as well as late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) scar imaging in a single test without ionising radiation. Data from numerous multicentre randomised studies show high diagnostic and prognostic utility, its efficacy as a gatekeeper to invasive coronary angiography and use for guiding coronary revascularisation decisions. Stress CMR is cost-effective across multiple healthcare settings, yet its uptake and usage varies worldwide and is an underutilised technology. New developments include rapid acquisition protocols, automated quantification of perfusion and myocardial blood flow, and artificial intelligence-aided automated analysis and reporting. Stress CMR is becoming more accessible and standardised around the globe and is ready for ‘prime time’ use in the non-invasive assessment of patients with suspected IHD.
Vascular dementia has the highest hospitalisation rate in China: a nationwide hospital information system study
Authors: Wang Yue , Li Shiping , Zhou Qi , Wang Yongjun , Shi Jiong
Published: September 2022

Background

Although vascular dementia (VaD) is not uncommon in the hospital, most studies on VaD are community based. This study on VaD is the first to use a national hospital information system (HIS) in China.

Methods

This study was a hospital population-based cohort study, and data were acquired from the Hospital Quality Monitoring System, a Chinese national database that covers 1531 tertiary hospitals in China. The medical records in the HIS included demographic information, diagnoses, procedures, expenses, etc. VaD was diagnosed by hospital attending physicians and identified by the International Classification of Diseases (ICD) 10 code (F01.0-F01.9).

Results

1259 (82.23%) tertiary hospitals were included in this study, and 274 230 hospitalisation records of 123 700 VaD patients from 2016 to 2018 were identified for analysis. VaD (51.27%) was the most common type of dementia in hospitalised patients. The age-adjusted and sex-adjusted hospital incidence of VaD was estimated to be 2.97 per 100 000 person-years (95% CI 2.92 to 3.02). The mean age of VaD patients admitted to hospitals was 74.13±10.88, with more male (61.0%) patients. The main comorbidities were hypertension (67.2%), heart disease (63.6%) and cerebral infarction (55.5%). The mortality rate of VaD in hospital was 28.91‰ (95% CI 28.0 to 29.9) between 2016 and 2018. The top 1 cause of death due to VaD was pneumonia and other respiratory disorders.

Conclusions

VaD is the most common form of dementia in hospitalised patients. It casts huge burdens on affected patients and their caregivers. Vascular risk factors are prevalent in VaD patients. Reducing these factors is essential to improve patient care. The leading causes of death by VaD are pneumonia and other respiratory disorders. Hospital care and the management of respiratory illness are critical for VaD care in the hospital.
Interpopulation variation in thermal physiology among seasonal runs of Chinook salmon
Authors: Zillig Kenneth W. , Lusardi Robert A. , Cocherell Dennis E. , Fangue Nann A.
Published: September 2022

Conservation of species facing environmental change requires an understanding of interpopulation physiological variation. However, physiological data are often scarce and therefore pooled across populations and species, erasing potentially important variability between populations. Interpopulation variation in thermal physiology has been observed within the Salmonidae family, although it has not been associated with seasonally distinct migratory phenotypes (i.e., seasonal runs). To resolve whether thermal physiology is associated with life-history strategy, we acclimated four Sacramento River juvenile Chinook salmon ( Oncorhynchus tshawytscha) populations (Coleman fall-run, Feather River fall-run, Feather River spring-run, and Sacramento River winter-run) exhibiting different seasonal migratory phenotypes (fall-, spring-, and winter-run), at 11, 16, and 20 °C and assessed variation in growth rate, critical thermal maxima, and temperature-dependent metabolic traits. We identified population differences in the physiological parameters measured and found compelling evidence that the critically endangered and endemic Sacramento River winter-run Chinook population exhibits thermal physiology associated with its early-migration life-history strategy. Acclimation to warm temperatures limited the growth and metabolic capacity of winter-run Chinook salmon, highlighting the risk of future environmental warming to this endemic population.
A RARE CASE OF ISOLATED SALTER-HARRIS TYPE IV DISTAL ULNA FRACTURE IN A 12-YEAR-OLD BOY
Authors: Victor Leung Chun Yiu , Michelle Lee Syn Yuk
Published: September 2022

Forearm injuries are common in pediatric patients. However, isolated distal ulna fracture is rare. We report a case of isolated Salter–Harris IV distal ulna fracture in a 12 year-old boy. It was successfully managed with open reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first report of isolated Salter–Harris type IV distal ulna fracture treated with closed reduction and Kirschner wire fixation. On follow up, fracture healed well and the patient reported no functional limitation.
ABIPA: ARIMA-Based Integration of Accelerometer-Based Physical Activity for Adolescent Weight Status Prediction
Authors: Wang Yiyuan , Wattelez Guillaume , Frayon Stéphane , Caillaud Corinne , Galy Olivier , Yacef Kalina
Published: September 2022

Obesity is a global health concern associated with various demographic and lifestyle factors including physical activity (PA). Research studies generally used self-reported PA data or, when accelerometer-based activity trackers were used, highly aggregated data (e.g., daily average). This suggests that the rich potential of detailed activity tracker data is largely under-exploited and that deeper analyses may help better understand such relationships. This is particularly true in children and adolescents who are distinct and engage more in bursts of PA. This article presents ABIPA, a machine learning-based methodology that integrates various aspects of accelerometer-based PA data into weight status prediction for adolescents. We propose a method to derive features regarding the structure of different PA time series using Auto-Regressive Integrated Moving Average (ARIMA). The ARIMA-based PA features are combined with other individual attributes to predict weight status and the importance of these features is further unveiled. We apply ABIPA to a dataset about young adolescents (N = 206) containing, for each participant, a 7-day continuous accelerometer dataset (60 Hz, GENEActiv tracker from ActivInsights) and a range of their socio-demographic, anthropometric, and lifestyle information. The results indicate that our method provides a practical approach for integrating accelerometer-based PA patterns into weight status prediction and paves the way for validating their importance in understanding obesity factors.
Constructed Languages
Authors: Goodall Grant
Published: September 2022

Linguistic research focuses primarily on the thousands of naturally occurring languages, but there are also languages that have been consciously created by individuals. There are four main types of these constructed languages. First, so-called philosophical languages were created in the seventeenth century as a way to better capture the reality of the world. Second, many international auxiliary languages were constructed in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries as a way to solve practical problems of international communication. Third, many languages have been created in recent decades for the purposes of fiction (e.g., novels, film, television), especially in the realms of science fiction and fantasy, or simply as an enjoyable hobby. Fourth, it is now common to construct languages for use in psycholinguistic experiments. Each of these types of constructed languages presents interesting research questions and deserves increased attention from linguists.
Metal Organic Frameworks as Synthetic Precursors for SILAR: A Tale of Two Oxides
Authors: Myung Noseung , Rho Kongshik , Shon Eun Bee , Park Tae Wan , Kim Soo Yeon , Kato Masashi , Rajeshwar Krishnan
Published: September 2022

Here, we report a facile strategy for the synthesis of cadmium and cobalt metal-organic frameworks (MOFs), and their subsequent conversion to the corresponding oxide. Thus, Cd-MOF and Co-MOF were prepared by successive ionic layer adsorption and reaction (SILAR) using Cd2+ or Co2+ cation precursors and a p-phenylenediamine (PPD) anion precursor. As-synthesized particles with unique morphology were converted into CdO or Co3O4 after heat treatment under air. The resultant CdO and Co3O4 retained the original morphology of the MOF precursors. The optical and photoelectrochemical behavior of thus-prepared CdO was studied by diffuse reflectance spectroscopy and photovoltammetry. Finally, the capacitive behavior of the cobalt oxide electrode was assessed by cyclic voltammetry.