bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characteristics of variable plate conditions on the time-dependent flow of polar fluid over an expanding/contracting surface
Authors: Baag Sushama , Mishra Satyaranjan , Mathur Priya
Published: June 2022

The present scenario intended for the flow phenomena of micropolar fluid past an expanding/contracting surface is carried out to reveal the impact of a drag coefficient. Free convection due to the inclusion of the buoyant forces along with the radiative heat energy and non-uniform heat source/sink encourages the flow properties. The novelty of the present investigation is the use of variable plate conditions that affect the flow properties greatly. The transformation of the governing flow phenomena is obtained with the use of suitable similarity transformation and numerical treatment based upon Runge-Kutta fourth-order followed by shooting is imposed to get the solution of this transformed nonlinear system. Further, the simulation of the characterizing parameters is obtained and presented via graphs and tables. The major findings are; the enhancement in the axial velocity is characterized by the non-Newtonian behavior of the fluid and both the space and temperature dependent heat source favors for the augmentation in the fluid temperature.
Cu-kerosene and Al2O3-kerosene boundary layer nanofluid flow past a stretching/shrinking surface
Authors: Pattnaik Pradyumna Kumar , Mishra Sujogya , Baitharu Ajaya Prasad , Jena Swarnalata
Published: June 2022

A mathematical discussion of two different classes of nanofluids, such as Copper (Cu)-Kerosene and Aluminum oxide (Al2O3)-Kerosene, over a stretching/shrinking surface, has been discussed in this manuscript. Here Kerosene based nanofluids carry Copper and Aluminum oxide as nanoparticles. The ODEs are obtained from basic equations by introducing the similarity approach. The respective coupled nonlinear ODEs are solved with the help of a suitable numerical technique named as Runge-Kutta fourth-order method. It is found that Al2O3-Kerosene possesses a slightly greater velocity than Cu-Kerosene, but a reverse effect is found in the case of temperature and nanofluids. The presence of volume concentration is important due to the presence of nanoparticles as nanofluids property depends on the physical properties of nanoparticles.
Studies within a trial priorities to improve the evidence to inform recruitment and retention practice in clinical trials
Authors: Boxall Cherish , Treweek Shaun , Gillies Katie ,   on behalf of the Trials Methodology Research Partnership Trial Conduct Working Group
Published: June 2022

Background

Trial execution commonly relies on experience and judgement because there is a lack of evidence to inform how best to design and deliver clinical trials. Recruitment and retention are critical determinants to trial success have been persistent challenges that impact various stakeholders including funders, researchers, and the public. Studies within a trial (SWATs) are a way to discover best practices for recruitment and retention strategies, however, the current SWAT landscape has not been formally explored to date. This study aimed to (i) identify where current activity is taking place (ii) understand if SWATs are addressing PRioRiTY questions (iii) highlight gaps in the literature for future research.

Methods

In November 2020, registered SWATs in the SWAT repository store were extracted and categorised into ‘recruitment’, ‘retention’ or ‘other’ based on the primary outcome. Recruitment and retention SWATs were subsequently mapped against PRioRiTY 1 and 2 questions and descriptive statistics were used to present the findings.

Results

125 registered SWATs were extracted from the repository. 50 and 36 SWATs reported recruitment and retention as their primary outcome, respectively. A majority of recruitment SWATs investigated what and how information should be designed and delivered to potential trial participants ( n = 23, 46%) and the advantages and disadvantages of using technology during the recruitment process ( n = 9, 18%). Three of the Top 10 PRioRiTY 1 questions had no SWATs mapped against them. A majority of retention SWATs focused on the best ways to encourage participants to complete trial tasks ( n = 24, 67%), how incentives should be implemented ( n = 10, 28%) and strategies to make participants feel valued ( n = 9, 25%). Five of the Top 10 PRioRiTY 2 questions had no SWATs mapped against them.

Conclusions

This study identified a mismatch between registered SWAT activity and the priority questions in recruitment and retention. Trial teams should consider the PRioRiTy 1 and 2 questions for recruitment and retention, respectively, when designing a SWAT. In addition, there is a great breadth of research taking place, but replication of existing research is needed to produce confident evidence-based guidance for trialists and researchers to implement into their work.
Behavioral responses to earthquake shaking: Video footage analysis of the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake in Wellington, Aotearoa New Zealand
Authors: Vinnell Lauren J , Inch Piata , Johnston David M , Horspool Nick
Published: June 2022

Initiatives such as the ShakeOut earthquake drill (run nationally in Aotearoa New Zealand since 2012) are effective at teaching the protective actions “drop, cover, and hold” which can reduce the likelihood of injury during earthquakes. However, our understanding of human behavior during actual shaking is limited. Previous work has used retrospective self-reports to explore what actions people take during and immediately after an earthquake. While informative, such data is exposed to biases common in these types of methods. It is therefore important to complement the previous research with more objective data. This research builds on previously-developed methods of analyzing Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footage to examine actions taken during the 2016 Kaikōura earthquake at Wellington International Airport, Aotearoa New Zealand. Only one of the 68 codable individuals was observed to undertake “drop, cover, and hold” as recommended in New Zealand, although a quarter took some kind of protective action (e.g. dropping or covering). The majority responded by standing, walking, looking around, or helping those near them. Because this earthquake had distinct P-wave and S-waves, we were able to examine changes in behavior caused by increases in shaking intensity. Among the 36 individuals who could be observed during the strong S-wave jolt, 27 changed their behavior; 11 changed from not protecting themselves to taking at least one protective action, and another 8 who were already undertaking at least one protective action took a further one or more steps to protect themselves. Among the 10 people observed to have an uncontrolled response to the sudden increase in shaking intensity, nine were taking no actions to protect themselves demonstrating the importance of taking protective actions before the arrival of strong shaking. This article presents key considerations for CCTV analysis and useful observations of behavior during earthquake shaking which can help to reduce injuries and fatalities.
Development of High-Speed On–Off Valves and Their Applications
Authors: Wang He , Chen Zhen , Huang Jiahai , Quan Long , Zhao Bin
Published: June 2022

With the widespread application of the computer and microelectronic technology in the industry, digitization becomes the inevitable developing trend of the hydraulic technology. Digitization of the hydraulic components is critical in the digital hydraulic technology. High-speed on-off valves (HSVs) which convert a train of input pulses into the fast and accurate switching between the on and off states belong to widely used basic digital hydraulic elements. In some ways, the characteristics of the HSVs determine the performance of the digital hydraulic systems. This paper discusses the development of HSVs and their applications. First, the HSVs with innovative structures which is classified into direct drive valves and pilot operated valves are discussed, with the emphasis on their performance. Then, an overview of HSVs with intelligent materials is presented with considering of the switching frequency and flow capacity. Finally, the applications of the HSVs are reviewed, including digital hydraulic components with the integration of the HSVs and digital hydraulic systems controlled by the HSVs.
Giant idiopathic scrotal calcinosis: an exceptional case report in Mauritania
Authors: SOW Aboubakry , Diagana Mohamedou , Diop Aboubacry , Cheikhani Jdoud
Published: June 2022

Background

Scrotal calcinosis is a rare idiopathic and benign condition, first described over a century ago by Lewinski. We report an exceptional case due to its size of a scrotal calcinosis.

Case presentation

Our patient is a 60-year-old African man with no remarkable medical history who complains of a large scrotal mass that has been evolving for 20 years and which had been causing discomfort and sexual problems. We performed a one-step surgical excision of the scrotal mass. Histopathological evaluation of the specimen confirms scrotal calcinosis. Calcium and phosphate blood tests are within normal range. There has been no recurrence after a one-year follow-up.

Conclusions

Scrotal calcinosis is a rare and benign condition whose treatment is surgical once diagnosed and has a good prognosis.
TuRLK1, a leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase, is indispensable for stripe rust resistance of YrU1 and confers broad resistance to multiple pathogens
Authors: Zou Shenghao , Tang Yansheng , Xu Yang , Ji Jiahao , Lu Yuanyuan , Wang Huanming , Li Qianqian , Tang Dingzhong
Published: June 2022

Background

YrU1 is a nucleotide-binding site (NBS) and leucine-rich repeat (LRR) protein (NLR), with additional ankyrin-repeat and WRKY domains and confers effective resistance to stripe rust fungusPuccinia striiformisf. sp.Tritici(Pst). YrU1 was positionally cloned in the progenitor species of the A genome of bread wheat,Tricicum urartu,recently.However, the molecular mechanism and components involved in YrU1-mediated resistance are not clear.

Results

In this study, we found that the transcript level ofTuRLK1, which encodes a novel leucine-rich repeat receptor-like kinase, was up-regulated after inoculation withPstin the presence of YrU1, through RNA-seq analysis inT. urartuaccession PI428309. TuRLK1 contained only a small number of LRR motifs, and was localized in the plasma-membrane. Transient expression ofTuRLK1induced hypersensitive cell death response inN. benthamianaleaves. Silencing ofTuRLK1, using barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV)-induced gene silencing (VIGS) system in PI428309 that contains YrU1, compromised the resistance against stripe rust caused byPstCY33, indicating that TuRLK1 was required for YrU1-activated plant immunity. Furthermore, overexpression ofTuRLK1could enhance powdery mildew resistance in bread wheat andArabidopsis thalianaafter inoculating with the corresponding pathogens.

Conclusions

Our study indicates that TuRLK1 is required for immune response mediated by the unique NLR protein YrU1, and likely plays an important role in disease resistance to other pathogens.
The effect of disease co-occurrence measurement on multimorbidity networks: a population-based study
Authors: Monchka Barret A. , Leung Carson K. , Nickel Nathan C. , Lix Lisa M.
Published: June 2022

Background

Network analysis, a technique for describing relationships, can provide insights into patterns of co-occurring chronic health conditions. The effect that co-occurrence measurement has on disease network structure and resulting inferences has not been well studied. The purpose of the study was to compare structural differences among multimorbidity networks constructed using different co-occurrence measures.

Methods

A retrospective cohort study was conducted using four fiscal years of administrative health data (2015/16 – 2018/19) from the province of Manitoba, Canada (population 1.5 million). Chronic conditions were identified using diagnosis codes from electronic records of physician visits, surgeries, and inpatient hospitalizations, and grouped into categories using the Johns Hopkins Adjusted Clinical Group (ACG) System. Pairwise disease networks were separately constructed using each of seven co-occurrence measures: lift, relative risk, phi, Jaccard, cosine, Kulczynski, and joint prevalence. Centrality analysis was limited to the top 20 central nodes, with degree centrality used to identify potentially influential chronic conditions. Community detection was used to identify disease clusters. Similarities in community structure between networks was measured using the adjusted Rand index (ARI). Network edges were described using disease prevalence categorized as low (< 1%), moderate (1 to < 7%), and high (≥7%). Network complexity was measured using network density and frequencies of nodes and edges.

Results

Relative risk and lift highlighted co-occurrences between pairs of low prevalence health conditions. Kulczynski emphasized relationships between high and low prevalence conditions. Joint prevalence focused on highly-prevalent conditions. Phi, Jaccard, and cosine emphasized associations involving moderately prevalent conditions. Co-occurrence measurement differences significantly affected the number and structure of identified disease clusters. When limiting the number of edges to produce visually interpretable graphs, networks had significant dissimilarity in the percentage of co-occurrence relationships in common, and in their selection of the highest-degree nodes.

Conclusions

Multimorbidity network analyses are sensitive to disease co-occurrence measurement. Co-occurrence measures should be selected considering their intrinsic properties, research objectives, and the health condition prevalence relationships of greatest interest. Researchers should consider conducting sensitivity analyses using different co-occurrence measures.
Comparative efficacy and safety of infliximab and vedolizumab therapy in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Peyrin-Biroulet Laurent , Arkkila Perttu , Armuzzi Alessandro , Danese Silvio , Guardiola Jordi , Jahnsen Jørgen , Lees Charles , Louis Edouard , Lukáš Milan , Reinisch Walter , Roblin Xavier , Jang Minyoung , Byun Han Geul , Kim Dong-Hyeon , Lee Sung Jeong , Atreya Raja
Published: June 2022

Background and aims

There are limited comparative data for infliximab and vedolizumab in inflammatory bowel disease patients.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the efficacy and safety of infliximab and vedolizumab in adult patients with moderate-to-severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis.

Results

We identified six eligible Crohn’s disease and seven eligible ulcerative colitis trials that randomised over 1900 participants per disease cohort to infliximab or vedolizumab. In the Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis cohorts, infliximab yielded better efficacy than vedolizumab for all analysed outcomes (CDAI-70, CDAI-100 responses, and clinical remission for Crohn’s disease and clinical response and clinical remission for ulcerative colitis) during the induction phase, with non-overlapping 95% confidence intervals. In the maintenance phase, similar proportions of infliximab- or vedolizumab-treated patients achieved clinical response, clinical remission, or mucosal healing in both Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. For the safety outcomes, rates of adverse events, serious adverse events, and discontinuations due to adverse events were similar in infliximab- and vedolizumab-treated patients in both diseases. The infection rate was higher in infliximab for Crohn’s disease and higher in vedolizumab when treating patients with ulcerative colitis. There was no difference between the treatments in the proportions of patients who reported serious infections in both indications.

Conclusions

Indirect comparison of infliximab and vedolizumab trials in adult patients with moderate-to severe Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis demonstrated that infliximab has better efficacy in the induction phase and comparable efficacy during the maintenance phase and overall safety profile compared to vedolizumab.
Association between childhood friendship and cognitive ageing trajectory in later life: evidence from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS)
Authors: Xie Jinzhao , Fan Xiaoyan , Yin Ping , Gu Jing , Yang Chengwu
Published: June 2022

Background

Childhood experience has been suggested to affect cognitive function in later life. However, the association between childhood friendship status and cognitive ageing trajectory in middle-aged and older adults has not been fully assessed. This study examined the association between childhood friendship status and cognitive ageing trajectory and identified factors modifying this association.

Methods

We used four waves of data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS), a national representative longitudinal study of adults aged 45 years or older, 2011–2018. The CHARLS included surveys on childhood friendship and cognitive assessments. Childhood friendship status was categorised as poor, fair, and good. To examine the association between childhood friendship and cognitive ageing trajectory in later life, we applied multilevel linear regression models, and explored potential influences of sociodemographic factors, health status and behaviours, and childhood conditions on this association.

Results

Of the 4,350 participants, 1,919 (44.1%) were women. The mean age was 56.29 ± 7.80 years. We found childhood friendship was significantly associated with cognitive ageing trajectory in later life, with a dose–response relationship. After adjusting for covariates, comparing to participants with poor childhood friendships, those with better childhood friendships had lower rates of cognitive decline (β = 0.12, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03 to 0.22 [interaction term of fair friendship and time]; β = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.10 to 0.28 [interaction term of good friendship and time]) and higher level of cognitive functions (β = 0.40, 95% CI: 0.22 to 0.58 [fair friendships]; β = 0.61, 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.79 [good friendships]). These associations were stronger for those who were female, less educated, and had experienced more adverse childhood experiences.

Conclusions

Childhood friendship is associated with cognitive ageing in later life. Enhancing childhood friendships can play an important role to promote healthy ageing in the future.
Continue or not to continue? Attitudes towards deprescribing among community-dwelling older adults in China
Authors: Tan Jie , Wang MinHong , Pei XiaoRui , Sun Quan , Lu ChongJun , Wang Ying , Zhang Li , Wu Chenkai
Published: June 2022

Background

Inappropriate prescribing of medications and polypharmacy among older adults are associated with a wide range of adverse outcomes. It is critical to understand the attitudes towards deprescribing—reducing the use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs)—among this vulnerable group. Such information is particularly lacking in low - and middle-income countries.

Methods

In this study, we examined Chinese community-dwelling older adults’ attitudes to deprescribing as well as individual-level correlates. Through the community-based health examination platform, we performed a cross-sectional study by personally interviews using the revised Patients’ Attitudes Towards Deprescribing (rPATD) questionnaire (version for older adults) in two communities located in Suzhou, China. We recruited participants who were at least 65 years and had at least one chronic condition and one prescribed medication.

Results

We included 1,897 participants in the present study; the mean age was 73.8 years (SD = 6.2 years) and 1,023 (53.9%) were women. Most of older adults had one chronic disease (n = 1,364 [71.9%]) and took 1–2 regular drugs (n = 1,483 [78.2%]). Half of the participants (n = 947, 50%) indicated that they would be willing to stop taking one or more of their medicines if their doctor said it was possible, and 924 (48.7%) older adults wanted to cut down on the number of medications they were taking. We did not find individual level characteristics to be correlated to attitudes to deprescribing.

Conclusions

The proportions of participants’ willingness to deprescribing were much lower than what prior investigations among western populations reported. It is important to identify the factors that influence deprescribing and develop a patient-centered and practical deprescribing guideline that is suitable for Chinese older adults.
Association of thyroid dysfunction and autoantibody positivity with the risk of preterm birth: a hospital-based cohort study
Authors: Wu Jiang-Nan , Peng Ting , Xie Feng , Li Ming-Qing
Published: June 2022

Background

Evidence for the association of thyroid dysfunction and autoantibody positivity with preterm birth remains controversial. We aimed to study the association of maternal thyroid dysfunction and autoantibody positivity with the risk of preterm birth.

Method

A hospital-based cohort study of 40,214 women was conducted. Gestational age-specific percentiles of the FT4 and TSH concentrations were used for the definition of thyroid dysfunction. Autoantibody positivity was identified when the concentration > the threshold. The association of thyroid dysfunction and autoantibody positivity with the risk of preterm birth was estimated.

Results

No significant higher risk of preterm birth was found for women with variants of thyroid dysfunction or autoantibody positive than euthyroid women. Sensitivity and stratification analyses indicated that thyroperoxidase antibody (TPOAb) positivity in the first trimester (odds ratio [OR], 1.49; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17–1.90) and overt hypothyroidism restricted to women negative for TPOAb (OR, 4.94; 95%CI: 1.64–14.84) was associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Modification effects of gestational age were found for women who had the test ≤18 and > 18 weeks. Continuous FT4 measurements tested ≤18 weeks of gestation were associated with a higher risk of preterm birth (OR, 1.13, 95% CI: 1.00–1.28), while a negative relationship for FT4 concentrations tested > 18 weeks of gestation (OR = 0.68, 95% CI: 0.48–0.97).

Conclusions

Some specific thyroid function abnormalities were associated with an increased risk of preterm birth. Interaction between gestational age and FT4 concentration on the risk of preterm birth was identified, with a critical node of 18 weeks of gestation.
LukS-PV inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma cells migration by downregulating HDAC6 expression
Authors: Xu Xuexue , Ding Pengsheng , Shi Lan , Wu Gang , Ma Xiaoling
Published: June 2022

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a clinically common malignant tumor worldwide. LukS-PV is the S component of Panton-Valentine leukocidin secreted by Staphylococcus aureus, which has shown anti-cancer activity. Based on previous findings, this study investigated the effects of LukS-PV on HCC migration and the potential molecular mechanisms involving acetylation pathways.

Methods

After treating HCC cells with different concentrations of LukS-PV, we used scratch assays to determine the mobility of the cancer cells. Western blots were used to determine the expression levels of migration-related proteins. Quantitative proteomic sequencing was used to evaluate proteomic changes in target proteins. Immunoprecipitation and liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry analyses were used to validate the binding of related target proteins.

Results

LukS-PV inhibited HCC cell migration in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, LukS-PV attenuated the expression of histone deacetylase (HDAC)6, which is highly expressed in HCC cells. Further studies showed that LukS-PV increased the acetylation level of α-tubulin by down-regulating HDAC6, which resulted in the inhibition of HCC cell migration.

Conclusion

Taken together, our data revealed a vital role of LukS-PV in suppressing HCC cell migration by down-regulating HDAC6 and increasing the acetylation level of α-tubulin.
Prevalence of congenital heart disease among school children in Qinghai Province
Authors: He Shangfei , Zhao Fengqing , Liu Xudong , Liu Fangzhou , Xue Yumei , Liao Hongtao , Zhan Xianzhang , Lin Weidong , Zheng Murui , Jiang Junrong , Li Huoxing , Ma Xiaofeng , Wu Shulin , Deng Hai
Published: June 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of congenital heart disease (CHD) among school children in Qinghai province, a high-altitude region in China.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among school-aged children in 2019. All subjects completed a survey with a structure questionnaire and underwent CHD screening. CHD was screened by standard physical examination and further confirmed by echocardiography. Multivariate logistic regression were used to estimate the association of CHD prevalence with gender, nationality, and altitude.

Results

A total of 43,562 children aged 3–19 years participated in the study. The mean (SD) age was 11.2 (3.3) years. 49.7% were boys, and 80.0% were of Tibetan. CHD was identified in 293 children, with an overall prevalence of 6.73 ‰. Among them, 239 were unrecognized CHD, yielding a prevalence of 5.49 ‰. Atrial septal defect accounted for 51.9% of the CHD, followed by patent ductus arteriosus (31.1%), ventricular septal defect (9.9%). The CHD prevalence was significantly higher in female (8 ‰), Han race (18 ‰), children lived in Qumalai county (13 ‰), and children lived in a higher altitude (13 ‰). Female had greater prevalence of total CHD, atrial septal defect, and patent ductus arteriosus, but insignificant difference was observed in ventricular septal defect prvalence than male. In multivariable logistic regression analyses, female (OR, 1.48; 95% CI, 1.17–1.87, P = 0.001), Han population (OR, 3.28; 95% CI, 1.67–6.42, P = 0.001), and higher altitudes (OR, 2.28; 95% CI, 1.74–3.00, P < 0.001) were shown to be independently association with CHD prevalence.

Conclusions

The prevalence of CHD in Qinghai province was 6.73 ‰. Altitude elevation, female, and Han population were independently association with CHD prevalence.
Consensus on a standardised treatment pathway algorithm for lumbar spinal stenosis: an international Delphi study
Authors: Comer Christine , Ammendolia Carlo , Battié Michele C. , Bussières André , Fairbank Jeremy , Haig Andrew , Melloh Markus , Redmond Anthony , Schneider Michael J. , Standaert Christopher J. , Tomkins-Lane Christy , Williamson Esther , Wong Arnold YL.
Published: June 2022

Background

Lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS) is a common degenerative spinal condition in older adults associated with disability, diminished quality of life, and substantial healthcare costs. Individual symptoms and needs vary. With sparse and sometimes inconsistent evidence to guide clinical decision-making, variable clinical care may lead to unsatisfactory patient outcomes and inefficient use of healthcare resources.

Methods

A three-phase modified Delphi study comprising four consensus rounds was conducted on behalf of the International Taskforce for the Diagnosis and Management of LSS to develop a treatment algorithm based on multi-professional international expert consensus. Participants with expertise in the assessment and management of people with LSS were invited using an international distribution process used for two previous Delphi studies led by the Taskforce. Separate treatment pathways for patients with different symptom types and severity were developed and incorporated into a proposed treatment algorithm through consensus rounds 1 to 3. Agreement with the proposed algorithm was evaluated in the final consensus round.

Results

The final algorithm combines stratified and stepped approaches. When indicated, immediate investigation and surgery is advocated. Otherwise, a stepped approach is suggested when self-directed care is unsatisfactory. This starts with tailored rehabilitation, then more complex multidisciplinary care, investigations and surgery options if needed. Treatment options in each step depend on clinical phenotype and symptom severity. Treatment response guides pathway entrance and exit points. Of 397 study participants, 86% rated their agreement ≥ 4 for the proposed algorithm on a 0–6 scale, of which 22% completely agreed. Only 7% disagreed. Over 70% of participants felt that the algorithm would be useful for clinicians in public healthcare (both primary care and specialist settings) and in private healthcare settings, and that a simplified version would help patients in shared decision-making.

Conclusions

International and multi-professional agreement was achieved for a proposed LSS treatment algorithm developed through expert consensus. The algorithm advocates different pathway options depending on clinical indications. It is not intended as a treatment protocol and will require evaluation against current care for clinical and cost-effectiveness. It may, however, serve as a clinical guide until evidence is sufficient to inform a fully stratified care model.
Cross-cultural conceptualization of a good end of life with dementia: a qualitative study
Authors: Nishimura Mayumi , Dening Karen Harrison , Sampson Elizabeth L. , de Oliveira Vidal Edison Iglesias , de Abreu Wilson Correia , Kaasalainen Sharon , Eisenmann Yvonne , Dempsey Laura , Moore Kirsten J. , Davies Nathan , Bolt Sascha R. , Meijers Judith M. M. , Dekker Natashe Lemos , Miyashita Mitsunori , Nakanishi Miharu , Nakayama Takeo , van der Steen Jenny T.
Published: June 2022

Background

Research on the nature of a “good death” has mostly focused on dying with cancer and other life-limiting diseases, but less so on dementia. Conceptualizing common cross-cultural themes regarding a good end of life in dementia will enable developing international care models.

Methods

We combined published qualitative studies about end of life with dementia, focus group and individual interviews with the researchers, and video-conferencing and continuous email discussions. The interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. The data were analyzed thematically, and the researchers developed common themes referring to their original studies.

Results

Fourteen qualitative researchers representing 14 cross-cultural studies covering qualitative data of 121 people with dementia and 292 family caregivers. The researchers and data were from eight countries UK, The Netherlands, Japan, Portugal, Germany, Canada, Brazil, and Ireland. Three focus groups, five individual interviews, and video-conferencing were conducted and feedback on multiple iterations was gained by 190 emails between May 2019 and April 2020 until consensus was achieved. Nine cross-culturally common themes emerged from the discussions and shared interpretation of the data of persons with dementia and family caregivers. Three represent basic needs: “Pain and Symptoms Controlled,” “Being Provided Basic Care,” and “A Place like Home.” Other themes were “Having Preferences Met,” “Receiving Respect as a Person,” “Care for Caregivers,” “Identity Being Preserved,” “Being Connected,” and “Satisfaction with Life and Spiritual Well-being.” “Care for Caregivers” showed the greatest difference in emphasis across cultures. Good relationships were essential in all themes.

Conclusions

The common cross-cultural themes comprise a framework underpinned by value placed on personhood and dignity, emphasizing that interdependency through relationships is essential to promote a good end of life with dementia. These themes and valuing the importance of relationships as central to connecting the themes could support care planning and further development of a dementia palliative care model.

Trial registration

The Graduate School and Faculty of Medicine Kyoto University (R1924–1).
Observations of community-based multidisciplinary team meetings in health and social care for older people with long term conditions in England
Authors: Douglas Nick , Mays Nicholas , Al-Haboubi Mustafa , Manacorda Tommaso , Thana Lavanya , Wistow Gerald , Durand Mary Alison
Published: June 2022

Background

Community-based multi-disciplinary teams (MDTs) are the most common means to encourage health and social care service integration in England yet are rarely studied or directly observed. This paper reports on two rounds of non-participant observations of community-based multi-disciplinary team (MDT) meetings in two localities, as part of an evaluation of the Integrated Care and Support Pioneers Programme. We sought to understand how MDT meetings coordinate care and identify their ‘added value’ over bilateral discussions.

Methods

Two rounds of structured non-participant observations of 11 MDTs (28 meetings) in an inner city and mixed urban–rural area in England (June 2019-February 2020), using a group analysis approach.

Results

Despite diverse settings, attendance and caseloads, MDTs adopted similar processes of case management: presentation; information seeking/sharing; narrative construction; solution seeking; decision-making and task allocation. Patient-centredness was evident but scope to strengthen ‘patient-voice’ exists. MDTs were hampered by information governance rules and lack of interoperability between patient databases. Meetings were characterised by mutual respect and collegiality with little challenge. Decision-making appeared non-hierarchical, often involving dyads or triads of professionals. ‘Added value’ lay in: rapid patient information sharing; better understanding of contributing agencies’ services; planning strategies for patients that providers had struggled to find the right way to engage satisfactorily; and managing risk and providing mutual support in stressful cases.

Conclusions

More attention needs to be given to removing barriers to information sharing, creating scope for constructive challenge between staff and deciding when to remove cases from the caseload.
Transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation of young genes in plants
Authors: Raxwal Vivek Kumar , Singh Somya , Agarwal Manu , Riha Karel
Published: June 2022

Background

New genes continuously emerge from non-coding DNA or by diverging from existing genes, but most of them are rapidly lost and only a few become fixed within the population. We hypothesized that young genes are subject to transcriptional and post-transcriptional regulation to limit their expression and minimize their exposure to purifying selection.

Results

We performed a protein-based homology search across the tree of life to determine the evolutionary age of protein-coding genes present in the rice genome. We found that young genes in rice have relatively low expression levels, which can be attributed to distal enhancers, and closed chromatin conformation at their transcription start sites (TSS). The chromatin in TSS regions can be re-modeled in response to abiotic stress, indicating conditional expression of young genes. Furthermore, transcripts of young genes in Arabidopsis tend to be targeted by nonsense-mediated RNA decay, presenting another layer of regulation limiting their expression.

Conclusions

These data suggest that transcriptional and post-transcriptional mechanisms contribute to the conditional expression of young genes, which may alleviate purging selection while providing an opportunity for phenotypic exposure and functionalization.
Intermittent screening and treatment for malaria complementary to routine immunisation in the first year of life in Papua, Indonesia: a cluster randomised superiority trial
Authors: Poespoprodjo Jeanne Rini , Hafiidhaturrahmah  , Sariyanti Novita , Indrawanti Ratni , McLean Alistair R. D. , Simpson Julie A. , Kenangalem Enny , Burdam Faustina Helena , Noviyanti Rintis , Trianty Leily , Fadhilah Chairunisa , Soenarto Yati , Price Ric N.
Published: June 2022

Background

In Papua (Indonesia), infants with P. falciparum and/or P. vivax malaria are at risk of severe anaemia and death. We hypothesized that in an area of high malaria transmission, intermittent screening and treatment of infants with malaria (ISTi) will reduce morbidity compared to passive case detection (PCDi).

Methods

We conducted a cluster randomised, open label, superiority trial. A total of 21 clusters of village health posts (VHP) were randomised 1:1 to either IST for infants coinciding with 4 routine immunisation visits or PCDi. Healthy term infants born to consenting mothers enrolled into a maternal malaria cluster randomised trial were included in the study and followed for 12 months. Point of care malaria rapid diagnostic tests were used to detect peripheral parasitaemia at 2, 3, 4 and 9 months old in all infants in ISTi clusters and when symptomatic in PCDi clusters. Infants with detected peripheral parasitaemia were treated with dihydroartemisinin-piperaquine. The co-primary outcomes were the incidence rate of clinical malaria in the first year of life and the prevalence of parasitaemia at age 12 months. The incidence rate ratio and prevalence ratio between ISTi and PCDi were estimated using mixed-effects Poisson and log-binomial regression modelling (accounting for clustering at VHP level).

Results

Between May 2014 and February 2017, 757 infants were enrolled into the study, 313 into 10 ISTi clusters, and 444 into 11 PCDi clusters. Overall, 132 episodes of parasitaemia were detected, of whom 17 (12.9%) were in symptomatic infants. Over 12 months, the incidence rate (IR) of clinical malaria was 24 [95% CI, 10–50] per 1000 children-years at risk in the ISTi arm and 19 [95% CI, 8,38] per 1000 children-years in the PCDi arm (adjusted incidence rate ratio [aIRR] 1.77 [95% CI, 0.62–5.01]; p = 0.280). The prevalence of parasitaemia at 12 months was 13% (33/254) in the IST clusters and 15% (57/379) in the PCD clusters (adjusted prevalence ratio (aPR) = 0.92 (95% CI, 0.70–1.21), p = 0.55). There was no difference in the risk of anaemia between treatment arms.

Conclusions

In high malaria transmission area outside of Africa, our study suggests that compared to PCDi, ISTi offers no significant benefit in reducing the risk of clinical malaria in infants born to women receiving effective protection from malaria during pregnancy.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 02001428, registered on 20 Nov 2013.
Deep-learning-based analysis of preoperative MRI predicts microvascular invasion and outcome in hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Bao-Ye , Gu Pei-Yi , Guan Ruo-Yu , Zhou Cheng , Lu Jian-Wei , Yang Zhang-Fu , Pan Chao , Zhou Pei-Yun , Zhu Ya-Ping , Li Jia-Rui , Wang Zhu-Tao , Gao Shan-Shan , Gan Wei , Yi Yong , Luo Ye , Qiu Shuang-Jian
Published: June 2022

Background

Preoperative prediction of microvascular invasion (MVI) is critical for treatment strategy making in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to develop a deep learning (DL) model based on preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) to predict the MVI status and clinical outcomes in patients with HCC.

Methods

We retrospectively included a total of 321 HCC patients with pathologically confirmed MVI status. Preoperative DCE-MRI of these patients were collected, annotated, and further analyzed by DL in this study. A predictive model for MVI integrating DL-predicted MVI status (DL-MVI) and clinical parameters was constructed with multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 321 HCC patients, 136 patients were pathologically MVI absent and 185 patients were MVI present. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were significantly different between the DL-predicted MVI-absent and MVI-present. Among all clinical variables, only DL-predicted MVI status and a-fetoprotein (AFP) were independently associated with MVI: DL-MVI (odds ratio [OR] = 35.738; 95% confidence interval [CI] 14.027–91.056; p < 0.001), AFP (OR = 4.634, 95% CI 2.576–8.336; p < 0.001). To predict the presence of MVI, DL-MVI combined with AFP achieved an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.824.

Conclusions

Our predictive model combining DL-MVI and AFP achieved good performance for predicting MVI and clinical outcomes in patients with HCC.
Fatty acids composition and in vivo biochemical effects of Aleurites moluccana seed (Candlenut) in obese wistar rats
Authors: de Britto Rosa Matheus Camargos , Ribeiro Paula Reis , de Oliveira Silva Viviam , Selvati-Rezende Danubia Aparecida de Carvalho , da Silva Tácio Peres , Souza Fernanda Rezende , Cardoso Maria das Graças , Seixas Josilene Nascimento , Andrade Eric Francelino , Pardi Vanessa , Murata Ramiro Mendonça , Pereira Luciano José
Published: June 2022

Background

Candlenut (CN) has been used indiscriminately for weight loss. In vivo effects of CN in different doses are scarce.

Objective

To evaluate the effects of CN ingestion in obese rats.

Design

Thirty animals (obese and non-obese) received one of three different types of treatments: placebo, CN ingestion in a popular therapeutic regimen (8 days with oral administration of 0.2 mg/kg followed by 20 days with doses of 0.4 mg/kg), and ingestion of a doubled popular dose—called 2CN. Treatment was maintained for 28 days.

Results

The fatty acid profile of CN indicated mainly linolelaidic and palmitoleic acids. Rats receiving CN and 2CN showed reduced plasmatic levels of glucose and lipoproteins (p < 0.05). A dose-dependent carcass fat reduction was observed (p < 0.05). Blood levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) reduced with CN and increased with 2CN doses (p < 0.05). Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the atherogenic index remained similar among all treatments (p > 0.05). Hepatic vacuolation decreased with CN, but the 2CN dose produced mononuclear leucocyte infiltrate.

Conclusions

Although CN presented beneficial effects on the metabolism of rats, it also caused increased risk of liver damage.
Investigation on Acoustic Emission Parameters due to Fatigue Damage of Concrete Beams with Variable Notched Depth
Authors: Abdul Kudus Sakhiah , Muhamad Bunnori Norazura , Mustaffa Nur Kamaliah , Jamadin Adiza
Published: June 2022

Acoustic Emission (AE) application for Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) has undergone a swift advance through research and innovation in recent times. The AE monitoring is widely exploited as a tool for damage detection in materials research and structure monitoring. Various advantages of the AE, such as the potential use in large and complex structures, high-sensitivity, real-time monitoring capability, and potential application across a wide range of field study, has given the technique an edge over other approaches. Nevertheless, most of the reported studies had focused on the interpretation of the results in both quantitative and qualitative perspectives to extend the capabilities and application of AE for damage detection strategy. Eventually, the quantification of the damage level of the concrete structure relative to fatigue loading remained unanswered. Therefore, this study presented the experimental investigation of four types of plain concrete beams with a fixed dimension of 100 × 200 × 600 mm in the different notch-to-depth ratios under cyclic loading. A setup of the instrument consisting of four AE sensors type R6I was employed on each concrete beam sample to ensure a precise measurement for the three-point bending test. The b-value, improved b-value (Ib-value), severity, and intensity analysis methods were applied to quantify the damage level of the concrete structure under fatigue loading. Based on the results, the AE analysis successfully classified the damage levels following the observation made during the increasing cyclic loading on the notched concrete beams, the initiation of cracks, the steady growth of cracks, and beam failure. Valuable insights were recorded throughout the observation, including the progression of the fatigue failure mechanism from the Ib-value results, the intensity chart patterns from the intensity analysis, and the increased severity due to the increased loading cycles from the severity analysis. Conclusively, this study would enable researchers to understand the trend in monitoring the damage level under fatigue loading using the AE technique as well as providing fresh insights for further research.
Nutritional impact of mycotoxins in food animal production and strategies for mitigation
Authors: Xu Ran , Kiarie Elijah G. , Yiannikouris Alexandros , Sun Lvhui , Karrow Niel A.
Published: June 2022

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by filamentous fungi that are commonly detected as natural contaminants in agricultural commodities worldwide. Mycotoxin exposure can lead to mycotoxicosis in both animals and humans when found in animal feeds and food products, and at lower concentrations can affect animal performance by disrupting nutrient digestion, absorption, metabolism, and animal physiology. Thus, mycotoxin contamination of animal feeds represents a significant issue to the livestock industry and is a health threat to food animals. Since prevention of mycotoxin formation is difficult to undertake to avoid contamination, mitigation strategies are needed. This review explores how the mycotoxins aflatoxins, deoxynivalenol, zearalenone, fumonisins and ochratoxin A impose nutritional and metabolic effects on food animals and summarizes mitigation strategies to reduce the risk of mycotoxicity.
Evaluating social sustainability in Jordanian residential neighborhoods: a combined expert-user approach
Authors: Sharif Ahlam Ammar , Alshdiefat Ala’a Saleh , Rana Muhammad Qasim , Kaushik Amit , Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo
Published: June 2022

Neighborhood sustainability has assumed a pole position as a topic of interest in the past years, addressed through dedicated strands of most of the globally adopted sustainability rating tools, such as LEED and BREEAM. Considering sustainability assessment, the social sustainability of neighborhoods assumes a certain particularity, not only in terms of its high context dependence pertaining to its locality, but in its means of assessment as well, with people as a key potential evaluator for matters that are not bound to quantitative aspects. This research focused on developing a framework for rating social sustainability in neighborhoods, utilizing a quantitative approach that builds upon insights obtained by an extended group of experts and end users. It combines the Delphi and AHP techniques along with the case study approach to develop a framework that suits the Jordanian local context, where a particular neighborhood, Dahiyat Al Hussein in Amman, is used for validation. The research revealed that rating the social sustainability of neighborhoods is not only highly guided by the local context it addresses, but is also reliant on the level of understanding and adoption of the concept itself as attained by the people.