bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-distribution of Light At Night (LAN) and COVID-19 incidence in the United States
Authors: Meng Yidan , Zhu Vincent , Zhu Yong
Published: August 2021

Background

Light at night (LAN) as a circadian disruption factor may affect the human immune system and consequently increase an individual’s susceptibility to the severity of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19. COVID-19 infections spread differently in each state in the United States (US). The current analysis aimed to test whether there is an association between LAN and COVID-19 cases in 4 selected US states: Connecticut, New York, California, and Texas.

Methods

We analyzed clustering patterns of COVID-19 cases in ArcMap and performed a multiple linear regression model using data of LAN and COVID-19 incidence with adjustment for confounding variables including population density, percent below poverty, and racial factors.

Results

Hotspots of LAN and COVID-19 cases are located in large cities or metro-centers for all 4 states. LAN intensity is associated with cases/1 k for overall and lockdown durations in New York and Connecticut (P < 0.001), but not in Texas and California. The overall case rates are significantly associated with LAN in New York (P < 0.001) and Connecticut (P < 0.001).

Conclusions

We observed a significant positive correlation between LAN intensity and COVID-19 cases-rate/1 k, suggesting that circadian disruption of ambient light may increase the COVID-19 infection rate possibly by affecting an individual’s immune functions. Furthermore, differences in the demographic structure and lockdown policies in different states play an important role in COVID-19 infections.
Self-collection for HPV-based cervical screening: a qualitative evidence meta-synthesis
Authors: Camara Hawa , Zhang Ye , Lafferty Lise , Vallely Andrew J. , Guy Rebecca , Kelly-Hanku Angela
Published: August 2021

Background

Cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer affecting women worldwide, with 85% of the burden estimated to occur among women in low and middle-income countries (LMICs). Recent developments in cervical cancer screening include a novel self-collection method for the detection of oncogenic HPV strains in the collected samples. The purpose of this review is to synthesise qualitative research on self-collection for HPV-based testing for cervical screening and identify strategies to increase acceptability and feasibility in different settings, to alleviate the burden of disease.

Methods

This review includes qualitative studies published between 1986 and 2020. A total of 10 databases were searched between August 2018 and May 2020 to identify qualitative studies focusing on the perspectives and experiences of self-collection for HPV-based cervical screening from the point of view of women, health care workers and other key stakeholders (i.e., policymakers). Two authors independently assessed studies for inclusion, quality, and framework thematic synthesis findings. The Socio-Ecological Model (SEM) was used to synthesize the primary studies.

Results

A total of 1889 publications were identified, of which 31 qualitative studies were included. Using an adapted version of SEM, 10 sub-themes were identified and classified under each of the adapted model’s constructs: (a) intrapersonal, (b) interpersonal, and (c) health systems/public policy. Some of the themes included under the intrapersonal (or individual) construct include the importance of self-efficacy, and values attributed to self-collection. Under the intrapersonal construct, the findings centre around the use of self-collection and its impact on social relationships. The last construct of health systems focuses on needs to ensure access to self-collection, the need for culturally sensitive programs to improve health literacy, and continuum of care.

Conclusion

This review presents the global qualitative evidence on self-collection for HPV-based testing and details potential strategies to address socio-cultural and structural barriers and facilitators to the use of self-collection. If addressed during the design of an HPV-based cervical cancer screening testing intervention program, these strategies could significantly increase the acceptability and feasibility of the intervention and lead to more effective and sustainable access to cervical screening services for women worldwide.
Prevalence and correlates of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among adolescent girls and young women aged 15–24 years in Malawi: evidence from the 2015–16 Malawi demographic and health survey
Authors: Mandiwa Chrispin , Namondwe Bernadetta , Munthali Mtondera
Published: August 2021

Background

HIV epidemic remains a major public health issue in Malawi especially among adolescent girls and young women (AGYW). Comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge (defined as correct knowledge of two major ways of preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and rejection of three misconceptions about HIV) is a key component of preventing new HIV infections among AGYW. Therefore, the aim of this study was to identify the correlates of comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among AGYW in Malawi.

Methods

The study was based on cross-sectional data from the 2015–2016 Malawi Demographic and Health Survey. It involved 10,422 AGYW aged 15–24 years. The outcome variable was comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, bivariate and multivariable logistic regression model. All the analyses were performed using complex sample analysis procedure of the Statistical Package for Social Sciences to account for complex survey design.

Results

Approximately 42.2% of the study participants had comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge. Around 28% of the participants did not know that using condoms consistently can reduce the risk of HIV and 25% of the participants believed that mosquitoes could transmit HIV. Multivariable logistic regression model demonstrated that having higher education (AOR = 2.97, 95% CI: 2.35–3.75), belonging to richest households (AOR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.05–1.45), being from central region (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI:1.43–1.89), southern region (AOR = 1.65, 95% CI: 1.43–1.90),listening to radio at least once a week (AOR = 1.27, 95% CI: 1.15–1.40) and ever tested for HIV (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI: 1.68–2.09) were significantly correlated with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge.

Conclusions

The findings indicate that comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge among AGYW in Malawi is low. Various social-demographic characteristics were significantly correlated with comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge in this study. These findings suggest that public health programmes designed to improve comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge in Malawi should focus on uneducated young women, those residing in northern region and from poor households. There is also a need to target AGYW who have never tested for HIV with voluntary counselling and testing services. This measure might both improve their comprehensive HIV/AIDS knowledge and awareness of their health status.
Adenomyoepithelioma of the breast with prominent cystic changes: a case report
Authors: Chen Feng , Wu Hengping , Liu Yujian , Lv Minli , Zhong Jianquan
Published: August 2021

Background

Adenomyoepithelioma (AME) of the breast is a rare subtype of breast tumor. Most of AMEs reported are solid, however, cystic or prominent cystic changes are extremely rare.

Case presentation

A 51-year-old woman presented a lump in the upper outer quadrant of right breast, and it was accompanied by continuous breast pain and bilateral axillary itching for more than 2 months. There were no other symptoms found. Preoperative mammography and ultrasound examination were performed. Mammography showed a noncalcified lobulated mass, and it was considered to be a benign cyst with septum on ultrasound, but ductal carcinoma of breast, adenoid cystic carcinoma could not be excluded. At first, AME was not considered preoperatively, because the imaging features of this rare tumor may vary widely, which may result in an incorrect diagnosis. But eventually, AME was diagnosed by postoperative pathology and immunohistochemistry.

Conclusion

We herein present a rare case of breast AME with prominent cystic changes. AME has no-specific imaging features, but the benign or malignant nature of the lesion might be suspected on imaging.
“Joy of life” in nursing homes. Healthcare personnel experiences of the implementation of the national strategy. A qualitative study with content analysis of interviews
Authors: André Beate , Grønning Kjersti , Jacobsen Frode F. , Haugan Gørill
Published: August 2021

Background

Nursing homes are under strong pressure to provide good care to the residents. In Norway, municipalities have applied the ‘Joy-of-Life-Nursing-Home’ strategy to increase a health-promoting perception that focuses on the older persons` resources. Implementations represent introducing changes to the healthcare personnel; however, changing one’s working approaches, routines and working culture may be demanding. On this background, we explored how the ‘Joy-of-Life-Nursing-Home’ strategy is perceived by the employees in retrospective, over a period after the implementation and which challenges the employees experience with this implementation.

Method

We used a qualitative approach and interviewed 14 healthcare personnel working in nursing homes in one Norwegian municipality, which had implemented the ‘Joy-of-Life-Nursing-Home’ strategy. The analysis was conducted following Kvale’s approach to qualitative content analysis.

Results

The main categories were: (a) the characteristics of care activities before implementations of ‘Joy-of-Life-Nursing-Home’, (b) how ‘Joy-of-Life-Nursing-Home’ influenced the care activities, and (c) challenges with the implementation of ‘Joy-of-Life-Nursing-Home’. Some of the informants spoke well about the implementation concerning the care quality stating “to see the joy in the eyes of the resident then I feel we have succeeded”. For informants who experienced resistance toward the implementation, they felt it was too much to document, it was too complicated, and the requirements were too many.

Conclusions

Quality of care seems to have increased after the implementation, as perceived by the informants. Nevertheless, the fact that the informants seemed to be divided into two different groups related to their main perspective of the implementation is concerning. One group has positive experiences with the implementations process and the benefits of it, while the other group focuses on lack of benefits and problems with the implementation process. To understand what facilitates and hinders the implementation, research on contextual factors like work environment and leadership is recommended.
Application value of hand-sewn anastomosis in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Wang Zeshen , Wei Yuzhe , Liu Xirui , Li Zhenglong , Zhu Guanyu , Li Yanfeng , Wang Kuan
Published: August 2021

Background

Digestive tract reconstruction in totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy can be divided into two types: instrument anastomosis and hand-sewn anastomosis. This study explored the feasibility and safety of hand-sewn sutures in esophagojejunostomy of totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, compared with instrument anastomosis using an overlap linear cutter.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted from January 2017 to January 2020 at one institution. The clinical data of 50 patients who underwent totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy, with an average follow-up time of 12 months, were collected. The clinicopathologic data, short-term survival prognosis, and results of patients in the hand-sewn anastomosis (n=20) and the overlap anastomosis (n=30) groups were analyzed.

Results

There were no significant differences between the groups in sex, age, body mass index, American Society of Anesthesiologists score, tumor location, preoperative complications, abdominal operation history, tumor size, pTNM stage, blood loss, first postoperative liquid diet, exhaust time, or postoperative length of hospital stay. The hand-sewn anastomosis group had a significantly prolonged operation time (204±26.72min versus 190±20.90min, p=0.04) and anastomosis time (58±22.0min versus 46±15.97min, p=0.029), and a decreased operation cost (CNY 77,100±1700 versus CNY 71,900±1300, p<0.0001). Postoperative complications (dynamic ileus, abdominal infection, and pancreatic leakage) occurred in three patients (15%) in the hand-sewn anastomosis group and in four patients (13.3%) in the overlap anastomosis group (anastomotic leakage, anastomotic bleeding, dynamic ileus, and duodenal stump leakage).

Conclusion

The hand-sewn anastomosis method of esophagojejunostomy under totally laparoscopic total gastrectomy is safe and feasible and is an important supplement to linear and circular stapler anastomosis. It may be more convenient regarding obesity, a relatively high position of the anastomosis, edema of the esophageal wall, and short jejunal mesentery.
Exploring the role of gender and women in the political economy of health in armed conflict: a narrative review
Authors: Meagher Kristen , Attal Bothaina , Patel Preeti
Published: August 2021

Background

The ripple effects of protracted armed conflicts include: significant gender-specific barriers to accessing essential services such as health, education, water and sanitation and broader macroeconomic challenges such as increased poverty rates, higher debt burdens, and deteriorating employment prospects. These factors influence the wider social and political determinants of health for women and a gendered analysis of the political economy of health in conflict may support strengthening health systems during conflict. This will in turn lead to equality and equity across not only health, but broader sectors and systems, that contribute to sustainable peace building.

Methods

The methodology employed is a multidisciplinary narrative review of the published and grey literature on women and gender in the political economy of health in conflict.

Results

The existing literature that contributes to the emerging area on the political economy of health in conflict has overlooked gender and specifically the role of women as a critical component. Gender analysis is incorporated into existing post-conflict health systems research, but this does not extend to countries actively affected by armed conflict and humanitarian crises. The analysis also tends to ignore the socially constructed patriarchal systems, power relations and gender norms that often lead to vastly different health system needs, experiences and health outcomes.

Conclusions

Detailed case studies on the gendered political economy of health in countries impacted by complex protracted conflict will support efforts to improve health equity and understanding of gender relations that support health systems strengthening.
Exploring men’s use of mental health support offered by an Australian Employee Assistance Program (EAP): perspectives from a focus-group study with males working in blue- and white-collar industries
Authors: Matthews Lynda R. , Gerald Jacky , Jessup Glenda M.
Published: August 2021

Background

Men continue to be overrepresented in the Australian suicide statistics despite wide scale public health initiatives to improve men’s mental health literacy and to increase their help-seeking behaviour. Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) deliver free and confidential mental health support; however, their services are underutilised by men. In the absence of contemporary literature that explores end-user experiences of EAPs, we asked men from blue- and white-collar employment settings about the barriers and enablers to using EAP services and explored differences between employment settings.

Methods

Forty-four men participated in this qualitative study: 32 from one white-collar employer and 12 from one blue-collar employer. Two qualified mental health professionals facilitated five first-round and three second-round focus groups and one interview with white-collar workers, and two focus groups and three interviews with blue-collar workers. Data were thematically analysed using a framework approach.

Results

Four of the six main themes were barriers: no need for EAP—alternative supports; uncertainty of EAP services; scepticism and distrust of EAP; and societal and workplace cultures. Elements of enduring barriers to EAP use were contained within sub-themes. These included lack of knowledge about EAPs, issues of trustworthiness and confidentiality, and fear of stigma and career jeopardy. Enablers comprised the need for attractive, reliable messaging and proactive connections and service delivery. Differences within sub-themes for white-collar and blue-collar groups reflected the corporate nature of work and workplace culture for white-collar participants, and workers’ communication and practical problem resolution preferences for blue-collar workers.

Conclusion

Some elements identified in the barriers to EAP use are more entrenched than were previously estimated and these need to be a priority for action to increase confidence in EAP services by end-users. EAPs that have a visible and proactive presence in the workplace, that tailor their marketing and service delivery to different workgroups, that provide a competitive advantage to its service users, and more confidently conveys independence from its client organisations may help to increase men’s interest in accessing EAP support services. Further initiatives that reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and help-seeking both in society and the workplace are needed.
The contribution of helicopter emergency medical services in the pre-hospital care of penetrating torso injuries in a semi-rural setting
Authors: Gavrilovski M. , Griggs J. E. , ter Avest E. , Lyon R. M. ,   on behalf of Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex
Published: August 2021

Background

Although the merit of pre-hospital critical care teams such as Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) has been universally recognized for patients with penetrating torso injuries who present with unstable physiology, the potential merit in patients initially presenting with stable physiology is largely undetermined. The ability to predict the required pre-hospital interventions patients may have important implications for HEMS tasking, especially when transport times to definitive care are prolonged.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients who sustained a penetrating torso injury and were attended by the Air Ambulance Kent Surrey Sussex (AAKSS) over a 6-year period. Primary outcome was defined as the percentage of patients with penetrating torso injuries requiring HEMS-specific interventions anytime between HEMS arrival and arrival at hospital. Secondary outcomes were the association of individual patient- and injury characteristics with the requirement for HEMS interventions.

Results

During the study period 363 patients met inclusion criteria. 90% of patients were male with a median age of 30 years. 99% of penetrating trauma incident occurred more than 10-min drive from a Major Trauma Centre (MTC). Presenting GCS was > 13 in 83% of patients. Significant hemodynamic- or ventilatory compromise was present in more than 25% of the patients. Traumatic cardiac arrest was present in 34 patients (9.4%), profound hypotension with SBP < 80 mmHg in 30 (8.3%) and oxygen saturations < 92% in 30 (8.3%). A total of 121 HEMS-specific interventions were performed. Although HEMS-specific interventions were associated with presenting physiology (TCA OR 1.75 [1.41–2.16], SBP < 80 mmHg (OR 1.40 [1.18–1.67] and SpO2 < 92% (OR 1.39 [1.17–1.65], a minority of the patients presented initially with stable physiology but deteriorated on route to hospital and required HEMS interventions (n = 9, 3.3%).

Conclusion

HEMS teams provide potentially important contribution to the pre-hospital treatment of patients with penetrating torso injuries in rural and semi-rural areas, especially when they present with unstable physiology. A certain degree of over-triage is inevitable in these patients, as it is hard to predict which patients will deteriorate on route to hospital and will need HEMS interventions. The results of this study showing a potentially predictable geographical dispersion of penetrating trauma could inform multi-agency knife crime prevention strategy.
Host adaptation in gut Firmicutes is associated with sporulation loss and altered transmission cycle
Authors: Browne Hilary P. , Almeida Alexandre , Kumar Nitin , Vervier Kevin , Adoum Anne T. , Viciani Elisa , Dawson Nicholas J. R. , Forster Samuel C. , Cormie Claire , Goulding David , Lawley Trevor D.
Published: August 2021

Background

Human-to-human transmission of symbiotic, anaerobic bacteria is a fundamental evolutionary adaptation essential for membership of the human gut microbiota. However, despite its importance, the genomic and biological adaptations underpinning symbiont transmission remain poorly understood. The Firmicutes are a dominant phylum within the intestinal microbiota that are capable of producing resistant endospores that maintain viability within the environment and germinate within the intestine to facilitate transmission. However, the impact of host transmission on the evolutionary and adaptive processes within the intestinal microbiota remains unknown.

Results

We analyze 1358 genomes of Firmicutes bacteria derived from host and environment-associated habitats. Characterization of genomes as spore-forming based on the presence of sporulation-predictive genes reveals multiple losses of sporulation in many distinct lineages. Loss of sporulation in gut Firmicutes is associated with features of host-adaptation such as genome reduction and specialized metabolic capabilities. Consistent with these data, analysis of 9966 gut metagenomes from adults around the world demonstrates that bacteria now incapable of sporulation are more abundant within individuals but less prevalent in the human population compared to spore-forming bacteria.

Conclusions

Our results suggest host adaptation in gut Firmicutes is an evolutionary trade-off between transmission range and colonization abundance. We reveal host transmission as an underappreciated process that shapes the evolution, assembly, and functions of gut Firmicutes.
Comparing two fluoride therapies for caries management in young children: study protocol for a randomised clinical trial
Authors: Gao Sherry Shiqian , Zheng Faith Miaomiao , Chen Kitty Jieyi , Duangthip Duangporn , Lo Edward Chin Man , Chu Chun Hung
Published: August 2021

Background

Silver diamine fluoride (SDF) and sodium fluoride (NaF) are widely used for caries management. The objectives of this study are (i) to compare the caries-arresting and caries-preventive effects of SDF and NaF in young children, (ii) to determine children’s and parents’ acceptance of these fluoride therapies and (iii) to investigate the short-term (1 day) and long-term (1 year) adverse effects of these fluoride therapies.

Methods/design

This is a randomised, double-blind, active-controlled clinical trial to be conducted in Hong Kong kindergartens. The study has received approval from the local institutional review board. Written consent will be obtained from the parents/guardians before the study. The study will recruit at least 688 healthy 3-year-old children. This sample size is sufficient for an appropriate statistical analysis. Stratified randomisation will be performed for intervention allocation. The two intervention groups are 38% SDF and 5% NaF varnish applied on six primary upper anterior teeth. At baseline, one trained examiner will perform clinical examinations of the children in the kindergartens. The caries experience and oral hygiene status of each child will be recorded using the decayed, missing (due to caries) and filled primary tooth index and visual plaque index, respectively. Then, an independent operator will apply the assigned fluoride after the dental examinations. The examiner, the children and their parents will be blinded to the intervention allocation. In addition, a research assistant will evaluate the child’s acceptance using interval rating scales for children’s uncooperative behaviour. The examiner will then visit the children the next day to study the short-term potential adverse effects of the fluoride therapies. The same examiner will perform a follow-up examination after 1 year to evaluate the children’s caries experiences, their oral hygiene statuses and the adverse effects of the fluoride. Parental questionnaires will be used to assess parental satisfaction and concerns about the fluoride therapies.

Discussion

This study provides essential information about using SDF in an outreach kindergarten service for caries management from different aspects, which include the caries-arresting and caries-preventive effects, the adverse effects and children’s and parents’ acceptance. The success of the service can help to increase the adoption of SDF to reduce the global burden of early childhood caries.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04399369. Registered on May 2020
Metastatic gallbladder cancer to the ovary presenting as primary ovarian cancer: a case report
Authors: Kim Chorong , Hu Yoon Hyeon , Lee Kyoungyul , Lee Hyang Ah , Lee Dong Hun , Ouh Yung-Taek
Published: August 2021

Background

Krukenberg tumors are uncommon and are indicative of an ovarian metastatic carcinoma that originates from another site of primary malignancy. The majority of metastases to ovaries are derived from the stomach and colon. We present a rare case of a metastatic ovarian malignant tumor that originated from gallbladder adenocarcinoma.

Case presentation

A 45-year-old premenopausal Korean woman presented with abdominal distension. Bilateral multiseptated ovarian tumors and a wall-thickened gallbladder were found on abdominal computed tomography. The patient was diagnosed with metastatic ovarian carcinoma arising from gallbladder adenocarcinoma and was treated with adjuvant chemotherapy.

Conclusions

Metastases to the ovaries from other sites, including the gallbladder, are rare and usually resemble primary ovarian tumors. Therefore, potential metastatic ovarian tumors of newly diagnosed pelvic masses should be considered in differential diagnoses.
Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles in therapy against fibrotic diseases
Authors: Huang Yuling , Yang Lina
Published: August 2021

Fibrosis is likely to occur in many tissues and organs to induce cicatrisation and dysfunction. The therapeutic regimens for delaying and even reversing fibrosis are quite limited at present. In nearly a decade, mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have been widely acknowledged as useful in treating fibrotic diseases in preclinical and clinical trials. Further preclinical studies indicated that the effects of mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) are probably superior to that of MSCs. At present, MSC-EVs have attracted much attention in treating fibrosis of lung, liver, kidney, skin, and heart. By contrast, a significant knowledge-gap remains in treating fibrosis of other tissues and organs (including uterus, gastrointestinal tract, and peritoneum) with the aid of MSC-EVs. This review summarises the preclinical research status of MSC-EVs in treating fibrotic diseases and proposes solutions to existing problems, which contribute to further clinical research on the treatment of fibrotic diseases with MSC-EVs in the future.
Colon perforation as a complication of COVID-19: a case report
Authors: Nakatsutsumi Keita , Endo Akira , Okuzawa Hiraaki , Onishi Iichiro , Koyanagi Anri , Nagaoka Eiki , Morishita Koji , Aiboshi Junichi , Otomo Yasuhiro
Published: August 2021

Background

Coagulopathy induced by COVID-19 has received much attention. Arterial and venous thrombosis of multiple organs due to COVID-19-related coagulopathy is associated with a poor outcome.

Case presentation

A 67-year-female was transferred to our hospital in need of intensive care for severe COVID-19 pneumonia. On day 7 after admission, despite the treatments, her respiratory and hemodynamic status deteriorated. Computed tomography revealed massive ascites and free air as well as wall defects of the transverse colon. An emergency laparotomy was undertaken in the intensive-care unit, and 17 cm of the transverse colon was resected. Histopathological findings revealed two perforation sites of 25 and 7 mm in diameter, necrosis of the intestinal mucosa around the perforation sites, and the microcirculatory thrombosis in the mesentery vessels which was suspected of having been induced by COVID-19-related coagulopathy.

Conclusions

The case highlights the risk of intestinal ischemia and perforation induced by COVID-19 coagulopathy. Physicians treating COVID-19 should recognize the risk and evaluate patients carefully.
Road sinkhole detection with 2D ambient noise tomography
Authors: Wang Yao , Tran Khiem T. , Horhota David
Published: August 2021

Seismic methods are often used for detection of precollapsed sinkholes (voids) under roadways for remediation to minimize risks to the safety of the traveling public. Although active-source seismic methods can provide accurate subsurface profiles, they require closing the traffic flow for hours during testing and may potentially cause sinkhole collapse due to ground perturbation by source excitation. To address these issues, we have developed a new 2D ambient noise tomography (2D ANT) method for imaging voids under roadways. Instead of using the approximated Green’s function, whose required assumption of energy balance at both sides of each receiver pair is rarely satisfied, the crosscorrelation function of traffic noise recordings is inverted directly to obtain velocity structures. To adopt the concepts of seismic interferometry and derive the model structural kernel, passing-by vehicles are assumed to be moving sources along the receiver array. The source power-spectrum density is determined via the reverse time imaging approach to approximate the source distribution. The 2D ANT method is first demonstrated on a realistic synthetic model with the accurate recovery of the model variable layers and a buried void. To demonstrate its effectiveness on real-world problems, we successfully apply it to field data for assessment of a repaired sinkhole under U.S. Route 441, Florida, USA. The field experimental result finds that the method is capable of resolving the subsurface S-wave velocity ([Formula: see text]) structure and detecting a low-velocity anomaly. The inverted [Formula: see text] profile from 2D ANT generally agrees with that of 2D active-source full-waveform inversion, including the [Formula: see text] value and depth of the anomaly. To our best knowledge, this is the first study to directly invert the waveform crosscorrelation of traffic noise recordings to extract material property at the engineering meter scale (<30 m depth).
The Association of 9 Amino Acids With Cardiovascular Events in Finnish Men in a 12-Year Follow-up Study
Authors: Jauhiainen Raimo , Vangipurapu Jagadish , Laakso Annamaria , Kuulasmaa Teemu , Kuusisto Johanna , Laakso Markku
Published: August 2021

Background and Aims

To investigate the significance of 9 amino acids as risk factors for incident cardiovascular disease events in 9584 Finnish men.

Materials and Methods

A total of 9584 men (age 57.4 ± 7.0 years, body mass index 27.2 ± 4.2 kg/m2) from the Metabolic Syndrome in Men study without cardiovascular disease and type 1 diabetes at baseline were included in this study. A total of 662 coronary artery disease (CAD) events, 394 ischemic stroke events, and 966 cardiovascular disease (CVD; CAD and stroke combined) events were recorded in a 12.3-year follow-up. Amino acids were measured using nuclear magnetic resonance platform.

Results

In Cox regression analysis, phenylalanine and tyrosine were significantly associated with increased risk of CAD and CVD events, and phenylalanine with increased risk of ischemic stroke after the adjustment for confounding factors. Glutamine was significantly associated with decreased risk of stroke and CVD events and nominally with CAD events. Alanine was nominally associated with CAD events.

Conclusion

We identified alanine as a new amino acid associated with increased risk of CAD and glutamine as a new amino acid associated with decreased risk of ischemic stroke. We also confirmed that phenylalanine and tyrosine were associated with CAD, ischemic stroke, and CVD events.
Cardiovascular Outcomes in Thyroid Cancer Patients Treated With Thyroidectomy: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lee Eun Kyung , Ahn Hwa Young , Ku Eu Jeong , Yoo Won Sang , Lee Young Ki , Nam Kee-Hyun , Chai Young Jun , Moon Shinje , Jung Yuh-Seog
Published: August 2021

Context

Thyroid dysfunction is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in the general population; however, it remains controversial whether differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) treatment, including thyroidectomy and thyroid-stimulating hormone suppression, further increases the risk of CVD.

Objective

This study aimed to evaluate the risk of CVD in patients with DTC.

Methods

We performed a review of observational studies on associations between DTC and cardiovascular outcomes, indexed in MEDLINE, Embase, and Web of Science. We excluded studies that evaluated CVD as comorbidity before DTC diagnosis and those that used active surveillance without thyroidectomy as an intervention. Risk estimates were pooled using random- and fixed-effects models when 3 or more studies reported on the outcome of interest. Echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters were examined.

Results

Eighteen studies were included in the quantitative analysis (193 320 cases with DTC and 225 575 healthy controls). DTC was associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation (pooled risk ratio [RR] = 1.55 [95% CI: 1.30-1.84]), coronary artery disease (RR = 1.10 [1.00-1.21]), cerebrovascular accidents (RR = 1.15 [1.09-1.20]), and all-cause mortality (RR = 1.95 [1.03-3.69]). DTC was associated with higher diastolic blood pressure (standardized mean difference [SMD], 0.22 [0.01-0.42]), heart rate (0.37 [0.17-0.57]), left ventricular mass index (0.66 [0.45-0.88]), and interventricular septal thickness (0.91 [0.33-1.49]) and lower early to late ventricular filling velocities (−0.42 [−0.79 to −0.05]), but not with ejection fraction.

Conclusion

Patients with DTC are at an increased risk of atrial fibrillation, CVD, increased heart rate, and left ventricular mass development.
Acute Visceral Pain in Rats: Vagal Nerve Block Compared to Bupivacaine Administered Intramuscularly
Authors: Ben Rehouma Mouna , Kfoury Toni , Hamdi Leila , Bouchouareb Meriem , Soued Mickael , Benhamou Dan , Mazoit Jean Xavier
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND:

Visceral and parietal peritoneum layers have different sensory innervations. Most visceral peritoneum sensory information is conveyed via the vagus nerve to the nucleus of the solitary tract (NTS). We already showed in animal models that intramuscular (i.m.) injection of local anesthetics decreases acute somatic and visceral pain and general inflammation induced by aseptic peritonitis. The goal of the study was to compare the effects of parietal block, i.m. bupivacaine, and vagotomy on spinal cord and NTS stimulation induced by a chemical peritonitis.

METHODS:

We induced peritonitis in rats using carrageenan and measured cellular activation in spinal cord and NTS under the following conditions, that is, a parietal nerve block with bupivacaine, a chemical right vagotomy, and i.m. microspheres loaded with bupivacaine. Proto-oncogene c-Fos (c-Fos), cluster of differentiation protein 11b (CD11b), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) expression in cord and NTS were studied.

RESULTS:

c-Fos activation in the cord was inhibited by nerve block 2 hours after peritoneal insult. Vagotomy and i.m. bupivacaine similarly inhibited c-Fos activation in NTS. Forty-eight hours after peritoneal insult, the number of cells expressing CD11b significantly increased in the cord (P = .010). The median difference in the effect of peritonitis compared to control was 30 cells (CI95, 13.5–55). TNF-α colocalized with CD11b. Vagotomy inhibited this microglial activation in the NTS, but not in the cord. This activation was inhibited by i.m. bupivacaine both in cord and in NTS. The median difference in the effect of i.m. bupivacaine added to peritonitis was 29 cells (80% increase) in the cord and 18 cells (75% increase) in the NTS. Our study underlines the role of the vagus nerve in the transmission of an acute visceral pain message and confirmed that systemic bupivacaine prevents noxious stimuli by inhibiting c-Fos and microglia activation.

CONCLUSIONS:

In rats receiving intraperitoneal carrageenan, i.m. bupivacaine similarly inhibited c-Fos and microglial activation both in cord and in the NTS. Vagal block inhibited activation only in the NTS. Our study underlines the role of the vagus nerve in the transmission of an acute visceral pain message and confirmed that systemic bupivacaine prevents noxious stimuli. This emphasizes the effects of systemic local anesthetics on inflammation and visceral pain.
TRPM7 is a crucial regulator of pancreatic endocrine development and high-fat-diet-induced β-cell proliferation
Authors: Altman Molly K. , Schaub Charles M. , Dadi Prasanna K. , Dickerson Matthew T. , Zaborska Karolina E. , Nakhe Arya Y. , Graff Sarah M. , Galletta Thomas J. , Amarnath Gautami , Thorson Ariel S. , Gu Guoqiang , Jacobson David A.
Published: August 2021

The melastatin subfamily of the transient receptor potential channels (TRPM) are regulators of pancreatic β-cell function. TRPM7 is the most abundant islet TRPM channel; however, the role of TRPM7 in β-cell function has not been determined. Here, we used various spatiotemporal transgenic mouse models to investigate how TRPM7 knockout influences pancreatic endocrine development, proliferation and function. Ablation of TRPM7 within pancreatic progenitors reduced pancreatic size, and α-cell and β-cell mass. This resulted in modestly impaired glucose tolerance. However, TRPM7 ablation following endocrine specification or in adult mice did not impact endocrine expansion or glucose tolerance. As TRPM7 regulates cell proliferation, we assessed how TRPM7 influences β-cell hyperplasia under insulin-resistant conditions. β-Cell proliferation induced by high-fat diet was significantly decreased in TRPM7-deficient β-cells. The endocrine roles of TRPM7 may be influenced by cation flux through the channel, and indeed we found that TRPM7 ablation altered β-cell Mg2+ and reduced the magnitude of elevation in β-cell Mg2+ during proliferation. Together, these findings revealed that TRPM7 controls pancreatic development and β-cell proliferation, which is likely due to regulation of Mg2+ homeostasis.
Digital twins for managing railway maintenance and resilience
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Sresakoolchai Jessada , Lin Yi-hsuan
Published: August 2021

Background: To improve railway construction and maintenance, a novel digital twin that helps stakeholders visualize, share data, and monitor the progress and the condition during services is required. Building Information Modelling (BIM) is a digitalization tool, which adopts an interoperable concept that benefits the whole life-cycle assessment (LCA) of the project. BIM’s applications create higher performance on cost efficiency and optimal time schedule, helping to reduce any unexpected consumption and waste over the life cycle of the infrastructure.

Methods: The digital twin will be developed using BIM embedded by the lifecycle analysis method. A case study based on Taipei Metro (TM) has been conducted to enhance the performance in operation and maintenance. Life cycles of TM will be assessed and complied with ISO14064. Operation and maintenance activities will be determined from official records provided by TM. Material flows, stocks, and potential risks in the LCA are analyzed using BIM quantification embedded by risk data layer obtained from TM. Greenhouse emission, cost consumption and expenditure will be considered for integration into the BIM.

Results: BIM demonstrated strong potential to enable a digital twin for managing railway maintenance and resilience. Based on the case study, a key challenge for BIM in Taiwan is the lack of insights, essential data, and construction standards, and thus the practical adoption of BIM for railway maintenance and resilience management is still in the design phase.

Conclusions: This study exhibits a practical paradigm of the digital twin for railway maintenance and resilience improvement. It will assist all stakeholders to engage in the design, construction, and maintenance enhancing the reduction in life cycle cost, energy consumption and carbon footprint. New insight based on the Taipei Mass Rapid Transit system is highly valuable for railway industry globally by increasing the lifecycle sustainability and improving resilience of railway systems.
Development of an innovative process involving the use of ionic liquids for the recovery and purification of rare earths from permanent magnets and NIMH batteries
Authors: Hidalgo Jokin , Tripiana María , Sanchez-Cupido Laura , Barragán Manuel , González-Moya María , Siriwardana Amal
Published: August 2021

Background: Nowadays, the industry trends are reflecting an increase in the consumption of products containing rare earth elements (REEs), which leads to the generation of several REE-containing residues such as spent permanent magnets (SPM), permanent magnet swarf (PMS), and nickel metal hydride (NiMH) batteries.

Methods: Due to the risk of supply and to decrease the dependency of Europe in obtaining REEs, an innovative process for obtaining REEs in the form of rare earth oxalates (REOx) that can be easily transformed to an xide mixture by calcination is proposed. The  proposed method includes leaching of REEs from SPM, PMS, and NiMH batteries using different solvents such as ionic liquids and/or mineral acids; precipitation of REE in the form of REOx and purification of the final products by an ionic liquid extraction (ILE) process for removing the impurities using Cyphos 101 as ionic liquid. Intensive research, based on laboratory tests, is described for each of the parts of the process with the aim of providing optimized results.

Results: In this study, >99% recovery of the REE initially present in the leachates after the leaching phase is achieved, with a purity of the REOxafter the precipitation and purification steps higher than 95%.

Conclusion: A novel and innovative process for the extraction of REEs from secondary sources has been investigated in this paper, demonstrating strong potential for its implementation. The REEEs recovery rate and the purity obtained  together  with the low environmental impact of this process compared to conventional ones can contribute to a greener future where the usage of REEs will presumably be even more relevant.
Conditions of life and death at Panama Viejo: a bioarchaeological study of human skeletal remains (1519-1671)
Authors: Rivera-Sandoval Javier
Published: August 2021

Panama, founded in 1519, became one of the most important sites for the Spanish Crown, consolidating itself as an economic center that connected the trade routes between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans. This situation produced a convergence of people of different origins (indigenous, African, and European) in the city, generating a strong process of biological as well as social and cultural mixture, which impacted daily life during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries.

These processes were addressed by the research project: An ARTery of Empire (ARTEmpire) (European Research Council, Consolidator of Grant [CoG] 648535), which included archaeological excavations at the two sites occupied by Panama's main temple: one to the south-east of the Main Square (1519-1541) and the other where the cathedral was installed from 1542 until the city’s destruction in 1671. This article presents the results of the bioarchaeological study of 175 individuals recovered during the aforementioned archaeological excavations, reconstructing their living conditions. The sample consists mostly of female (55.43%) and young adult individuals (52.57%), highlighting the absence of older adults and the underrepresentation of children and juveniles. The preservation of the sample limited observations of population affiliation, but individuals with traits predominant in African (23.43%), European (21.71%), and Amerindian (9.71%) populations were identified.

Paleopathological analysis shows mostly lesions associated with infectious diseases, entheseal changes, porotic hyperostosis, degenerative joint disease, and trauma. In addition, the teeth reveal masticatory wear, calculus, decay, periodontal disease, and chipping. However, an initial observation of the sample indicates no significant differences that show that one sector of the population may have been more affected than another. This is interesting since individuals from diverse origins converged at Old Panama, responding to the process of globalization at this port.
Is There Evidence of Gender Preference for Offspring in France? Examining the Predilections of Native Women and Immigrant Women from Asia and Africa
Authors: Ezdi Sehar , Pastorelli Sabrina
Published: August 2021

This paper investigates gender preferences for offspring within the native French population and among immigrants from North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Turkey and Vietnam-Cambodia-Laos in France by combining the Family and Housing Survey (2011) and the Trajectories and Origins Survey (2008). In so doing, it is the first paper to examine the persistence (or lack thereof) of gender preferences among immigrants in France. This allows the findings of the paper to serve as a tool for monitoring the immigrant integration process in the country. Using (multilevel) logistic regressions to examine transitions to second and third child births contingent upon gender of existing children and by migration status provides two main results. First, regarding evidence of gender preferences, the results show: mixed gender preferences and weak daughter preference among native French women when transitioning to the third parity; mixed gender preferences among second-generation Turkish immigrant women when transitioning to the third parity; and a daughter preference for second-generation North African, Sub-Saharan African and Vietnamese-Laos-Cambodian immigrant women when transitioning to the third parity. Second, for the immigrant sample, these preferences emerge in the face of declining fertility, across subsequent generations of immigrants, and on average as a deviation from their country of origin gender preferences. This not only points to the malleability of gender preferences for offspring but also lends credence to both the selection and adaptation hypotheses in explaining immigrant integration in France.
A systematic review of randomised controlled trials of psychosocial interventions for acute mental health inpatients
Authors: Wainwright Laura D , Haddock Gillian , Dunster-Page Charlotte , Berry Katherine
Published: August 2021

Background/Aims

Inpatient wards provide an opportunity to intervene with medical, psychological and social care to contain distress and prevent future relapse. However, they have been criticised for an over-reliance on medication and risk management with limited psychosocial interventions. The aim of this study was to investigate clinical trials of psychosocial interventions for inpatients to identify interventions that are effective at improving quality of life, symptoms or patient functioning.

Methods

An electronic search of six databases was conducted for papers published from 1806 up until February 2017. A total of 18 randomised controlled trials was identified in which outcomes for symptoms, quality of life or functioning were reported.

Results

Overall, 15 trials showed a statistically significant result for at least one outcome. Seven categories were identified from the 18 studies, at least one in each category was found to be effective for symptoms, quality of life or functioning. The majority were effective (15 out of 18).

Conclusions

Given that the methodological quality was generally low and number of randomised controlled trials were small, it is difficult to draw definitive conclusions. Recommendations include more and repeated trials using rigorous methods of testing and reporting.