bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open vs robot‐assisted radical cystectomy (BORARC): a double‐blinded, randomised feasibility study
Authors: Maibom Sophia L. , Røder Martin A. , Aasvang Eske K. , Rohrsted Malene , Thind Peter O. , Bagi Per , Kistorp Thomas , Poulsen Alicia M. , Salling Lisbeth N. , Kehlet Henrik , Brasso Klaus , Joensen Ulla N.
Published: October 2021

Objective

To examine surgical outcomes and feasibility of blinding patients and care providers to the surgical technique of radical cystectomy (RC).

Patients and Methods

Single‐centre, parallel‐group, double‐blinded, randomised feasibility study of open RC (ORC) vs robot‐assisted RC with intracorporeal urinary diversion (iRARC) in an ‘Enhanced Recovery After Surgery’ setup. A total of 50 patients aged ≥18 years with bladder cancer planned for RC with an ileal conduit were included. Patients with previous major abdominal/pelvic surgery, pelvic radiation or anaesthesiological contraindications were excluded. Primary outcomes were proportion of unblinded patients and success of blinding using Bang's Blinding Index. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), complication rates, blood loss, pain, and opioid consumption.

Results

A total of 26% of the patients were unblinded before discharge. We demonstrated that patients and doctors remained blinded for the allocated treatment, but nurses did not. Blood loss was greater in the ORC group as was operative time in the iRARC group. We found no difference in complication rate, LOS, or use of analgesics.

Conclusions

The present study demonstrates that blinding of surgical technique in RC is possible. The results of secondary outcomes are consistent with the findings of previous unblinded randomised controlled trials. Our study highlights that it is possible to perform a blinded phase III study to explore the optimal surgical technique in RC.
Peer pressure: The puzzle of aristocrats’ tax compliance in early nineteenth‐century Moscow
Authors: Korchmina Elena
Published: October 2021

How can developing countries successfully implement an income tax in the absence of a strong state? Recent theoretical research has suggested a possible solution: relying on voluntary compliance with tax demands can avoid the need for costly enforcement. This article provides empirical evidence for such a mechanism by investigating the introduction of the income tax in Russia in 1812. It uses a novel dataset to estimate the individual‐level tax compliance of Russian nobles. The dataset is constructed from self‐reported tax returns of all Russian aristocrats (around 4 000) who owned real estate in Moscow province. On the basis of both private narrative sources and state financial documents, findings show that the Russian nobility reliably declared their income: only 10 to 30 per cent of aristocrats evaded tax despite the limited legal repercussions of doing so. This surprisingly high level of tax compliance was achieved by the threat of public disclosure, whereby nobles had to declare their incomes to their peers. Nobles could face reputational risks from attempted evasion, particularly in the shadow of the looming Napoleonic invasion. Russia thus achieved its fiscal aims despite its low administrative capacity and without resorting to coercion.
Seeing the churches like the state: taxes and wealth redistribution in late antique Italy
Authors: Eisenberg Merle , Tedesco Paolo
Published: October 2021

Two key economic questions tend to be asked about the transformation of the Roman world. First, how did Roman fiscal structures continue, disintegrate and transform? Second, how did emerging churches play a role in the redistribution of wealth through new administrative structures to create a new social system, what Ian Wood has called a ‘temple society’? These two processes – one focussing on the continuity or discontinuity of the Roman economic structures and the other on churches within that system – are usually examined separately or assumed to follow, what we call here, a ‘Gallic model’. In this article, we first demonstrate that Wood’s ‘temple society’ is far more complex in its emergence in Italy than in Gaul. Second, we argue that the churches of Italy remained embedded within late Roman fiscal structures, even as they transformed during late antiquity. Fiscal arrangements, examined through the churches of Rome and Ravenna, established churches as ever more central economic actors to the state fiscal system by 600 and shaped their long‐term wealth redistribution process.
Risk factors for 2‐year mortality in patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness: An international multicentre study
Authors: Estraneo Anna , Magliacano Alfonso , Fiorenza Salvatore , Formisano Rita , Grippo Antonello , Angelakis Efthymios , Cassol Helena , Thibaut Aurore , Gosseries Olivia , Lamberti Gianfranco , Noé Enrique , Bagnato Sergio , Edlow Brian L. , Chatelle Camille , Lejeune Nicolas , Veeramuthu Vigneswaran , Bartolo Michelangelo , Mattia Donatella , Toppi Jlenia , Zasler Nathan , Schnakers Caroline , Trojano Luigi
Published: October 2021

Background and purpose

Patients with prolonged disorders of consciousness (pDoC) have a high mortality rate due to medical complications. Because an accurate prognosis is essential for decision‐making on patients' management, we analysed data from an international multicentre prospective cohort study to evaluate 2‐year mortality rate and bedside predictors of mortality.

Methods

We enrolled adult patients in prolonged vegetative state/unresponsive wakefulness syndrome (VS/UWS) or minimally conscious state (MCS) after traumatic and nontraumatic brain injury within 3 months postinjury. At enrolment, we collected demographic (age, sex), anamnestic (aetiology, time postinjury), clinical (Coma Recovery Scale–Revised [CRS‐R], Disability Rating Scale, Nociception Coma Scale–Revised), and neurophysiologic (electroencephalogram [EEG], somatosensory evoked and event‐related potentials) data. Patients were followed up to gather data on mortality up to 24 months postinjury.

Results

Among 143 traumatic (n = 55) and nontraumatic (n = 88) patients (VS/UWS, n = 68, 19 females; MCS, n = 75, 22 females), 41 (28.7%) died within 24 months postinjury. Mortality rate was higher in VS/UWS (42.6%) than in MCS (16%; p < 0.001). Multivariate regression in VS/UWS showed that significant predictors of mortality were older age and lower CRS‐R total score, whereas in MCS female sex and absence of alpha rhythm on EEG at study entry were significant predictors.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that a feasible multimodal assessment in the postacute phase can help clinicians to identify patients with pDoC at higher risk of mortality within 24 months after brain injury. This evidence can help clinicians and patients' families to navigate the complex clinical decision‐making process and promote an international standardization of prognostic procedures for patients with pDoC.
Vitiligo Treatment Impact score (VITs): development and validation of a vitiligo burden of treatment questionnaire using the ComPaRe Vitiligo e‐cohort
Authors: Shourick J. , Seneschal J. , Andreu N. , Meurant J.‐M. , Pane I. , Ravaud P. , Tran V.‐T. , Ezzedine K.
Published: October 2021

Background

Vitiligo management is challenging and requires long‐term adherence of patients who often complain of the burden associated with treatment.

Objective

To develop and validate a patient reported measurement of the burden of treatment in vitiligo.

Methods

The study was nested within the ComPaRe Vitiligo e‐cohort, an online e‐cohort of vitiligo patients in France. Items were derived from a literature review and from the qualitative analysis of a survey using open‐ended questions of 204 patients with Vitiligo. Construct validity of the resulting instrument was assessed by comparing the instrument's score to the Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI), Vitiligo Impact Patient score (VIPs) and Treatment Burden Questionnaire (TBQ) scores. Reliability was assessed by test‐retest with 15 ± 10 days of interval between both assessments.

Results

In total, 343 adult participants participated in the validation of the Vitiligo Treatment Impact score (VITs). The VITs is a 19‐item questionnaire assessing the burden of treatment in patients with vitiligo with results suggesting four domains (‘Finding a doctor’, ‘Phototherapy’, ‘Topical treatment’ and ‘Impact on outdoor activities and photoprotection’). The VITs total score was well correlated with the DLQI, VIP and TBQ scores. Agreement between test and retest was good (ICC 0.705, 95% CI 0.491–0.818).

Conclusions

We developed a patient reported measurement of the burden of treatment in vitiligo with good psychometric properties.
Conditional ablation of vasopressin‐synthesizing neurons in transgenic rats
Authors: Watanabe Jun , Takayanagi Yuki , Yoshida Masahide , Hattori Tatsuya , Saito Michiko , Kohno Kenji , Kobayashi Eiji , Onaka Tatsushi
Published: October 2021

Vasopressin‐synthesizing neurons are located in several brain regions, including the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN), supraoptic nucleus (SON) and suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). Vasopressin has been shown to have various functions in the brain, including social recognition memory, stress responses, emotional behaviors and circadian rhythms. The precise physiological functions of vasopressin‐synthesizing neurons in specific brain regions remain to be clarified. Conditional ablation of local vasopressin‐synthesizing neurons may be a useful tool for investigation of the functions of vasopressin neurons in the regions. In the present study, we characterized a transgenic rat line that expresses a mutated human diphtheria toxin receptor under control of the vasopressin gene promoter. Under a condition of salt loading, which activates the vasopressin gene in the hypothalamic PVN and SON, transgenic rats were i.c.v. injected with diphtheria toxin. Intracerebroventricular administration of diphtheria toxin after salt loading depleted vasopressin‐immunoreactive cells in the hypothalamic PVN and SON, but not in the SCN. The number of oxytocin‐immunoreactive cells in the hypothalamus was not significantly changed. The rats that received i.c.v. diphtheria toxin after salt loading showed polydipsia and polyuria, which were rescued by peripheral administration of 1‐deamino‐8‐d‐arginine vasopressin via an osmotic mini‐pump. Intrahypothalamic administration of diphtheria toxin in transgenic rats under a normal hydration condition reduced the number of vasopressin‐immunoreactive neurons, but not the number of oxytocin‐immunoreactive neurons. The transgenic rat model can be used for selective ablation of vasopressin‐synthesizing neurons and may be useful for clarifying roles of vasopressin neurons at least in the hypothalamic PVN and SON in the rat.
Comparative analysis of Dipodomys species indicates that kangaroo rat hindlimb anatomy is adapted for rapid evasive leaping
Authors: Freymiller Grace A. , Whitford Malachi D. , Schwaner M. Janneke , McGowan Craig P. , Higham Timothy E. , Clark Rulon W.
Published: October 2021

Body size is a key factor that influences antipredator behavior. For animals that rely on jumping to escape from predators, there is a theoretical trade‐off between jump distance and acceleration as body size changes at both the inter‐ and intraspecific levels. Assuming geometric similarity, acceleration will decrease with increasing body size due to a smaller increase in muscle cross‐sectional area than body mass. Smaller animals will likely have a similar jump distance as larger animals due to their shorter limbs and faster accelerations. Therefore, in order to maintain acceleration in a jump across different body sizes, hind limbs must be disproportionately bigger for larger animals. We explored this prediction using four species of kangaroo rats (Dipodomys spp.), a genus of bipedal rodent with similar morphology across a range of body sizes (40–150 g). Kangaroo rat jump performance was measured by simulating snake strikes to free‐ranging individuals. Additionally, morphological measurements of hind limb muscles and segment lengths were obtained from thawed frozen specimens. Overall, jump acceleration was constant across body sizes and jump distance increased with increasing size. Additionally, kangaroo rat hind limb muscle mass and cross‐sectional area scaled with positive allometry. Ankle extensor tendon cross‐sectional area also scaled with positive allometry. Hind limb segment length scaled isometrically, with the exception of the metatarsals, which scaled with negative allometry. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that kangaroo rat hind limbs are built to maintain jump acceleration rather than jump distance. Selective pressure from single‐strike predators, such as snakes and owls, likely drives this relationship.
Increasing access to care for trauma‐exposed rural veterans: A mixed methods outcome evaluation of a web‐based skills training program with telehealth‐delivered coaching
Authors: Fletcher Terri L. , Amspoker Amber B. , Wassef Miryam , Hogan Julianna B. , Helm Ashley , Jackson Christie , Jacobs Adam , Shammet Rayan , Speicher Sarah , Lindsay Jan A. , Cloitre Marylène
Published: October 2021

Purpose

While rural veterans with trauma exposure report high rates of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and functional impairment, utilization of health services is low. This pilot study used mixed qualitative and quantitative methods to evaluate the potential benefits of a transdiagnostic web‐based skills training program paired with telehealth‐delivered coaching to address a range of symptoms and functional difficulties. The study directed substantial outreach efforts to women veterans who had experienced military sexual trauma given their growing representation in the Veterans Healthcare Administration (VHA) and identified need for services.

Methods

Participants were 32 trauma‐exposed veterans enrolled in rural‐serving VHA facilities who screened positive for either PTSD or depression. Symptoms of PTSD, depression, emotion regulation, and interpersonal problems were assessed at baseline, midpoint, posttreatment, and 3‐month follow‐up. Veterans completed exit interviews to identify benefits and limitations of the program.

Results

Intent‐to‐treat analyses revealed significant symptom reduction for all outcomes, with large to moderate effect sizes at 3‐month follow‐up. Outcomes did not differ by gender or military sexual trauma status. Veterans’ rating of the therapeutic alliance was high and interview responses indicated that the presence of the coach was critical to success in the program.

Conclusion

This remotely delivered transdiagnostic intervention provided significant benefits across a range of symptoms and functional outcomes and was viewed positively by veterans. The results indicate that further research (ie, a randomized controlled trial) is warranted. Attention to the role of the coach as a means by which to increase engagement and retention in technology‐delivered interventions is warranted.
Role of the major determinant of polar flagellation FlhG in the endoflagella‐containing spirochete Leptospira
Authors: Fule Lenka , Halifa Ruben , Fontana Celia , Sismeiro Odile , Legendre Rachel , Varet Hugo , Coppée Jean‐Yves , Murray Gerald L. , Adler Ben , Hendrixson David R. , Buschiazzo Alejandro , Guo Shuaiqi , Liu Jun , Picardeau Mathieu
Published: October 2021

Spirochetes can be distinguished from other bacteria by their spiral‐shaped morphology and subpolar periplasmic flagella. This study focused on FlhF and FlhG, which control the spatial and numerical regulation of flagella in many exoflagellated bacteria, in the spirochete Leptospira. In contrast to flhF which seems to be essential in Leptospira, we demonstrated that flhG− mutants in both the saprophyte L. biflexa and the pathogen L. interrogans were less motile than the wild‐type strains in gel‐like environments but not hyperflagellated as reported previously in other bacteria. Cryo‐electron tomography revealed that the distance between the flagellar basal body and the tip of the cell decreased significantly in the flhG− mutant in comparison to wild‐type and complemented strains. Additionally, comparative transcriptome analyses of L. biflexa flhG− and wild‐type strains showed that FlhG acts as a negative regulator of transcription of some flagellar genes. We found that the L. interrogans flhG− mutant was attenuated for virulence in the hamster model. Cross‐species complementation also showed that flhG is not interchangeable between species. Our results indicate that FlhF and FlhG in Leptospira contribute to governing cell motility but our data support the hypothesis that FlhF and FlhG function differently in each bacterial species, including among spirochetes.
Evaluation of Additive Friction Stir Deposition for the Repair of Cast Al-1.4Si-1.1Cu-1.5Mg-2.1Zn
Authors: Peter Martin L. , Luccitti Allen , Walluk Mark
Published: October 2021

The deposition of new alloy to replace a worn or damaged surface layer is a common strategy for repairing or remanufacturing structural components. Solid-state methods, such as additive friction stir deposition (AFSD), mitigate the challenges associated with traditional fusion methods by depositing material at temperatures below the melting point. In this study, AFSD of aluminum alloy 6061-T6 was investigated as a means to fill machined grooves in a substrate of cast aluminum alloy Al-1.4Si-1.1Cu-1.5Mg-2.1Zn. The combination of machining and deposition simulate a repair in which damaged material is mechanically removed and then replaced using AFSD. Three groove geometries were evaluated by means of metallographic inspection and tensile and fatigue testing. For the process conditions and groove geometries used in this study, the effective repair depth was limited to 2.3–2.6 mm; below that depth, the interface between the filler and substrate materials exhibited poor bonding associated with insufficient shear deformation. Mechanical test data indicated that, under optimized processing conditions, the strength of the deposited filler alloy may approach that of the cast substrate. In addition, the fatigue life during fully reversed axial fatigue testing was 66% of that predicted from historical data for comparable stress amplitudes. The results suggest that there is potential to utilize AFSD of 6061 as a viable repair process for cast Al-1.4Si-1.1Cu-1.5Mg-2.1Zn and other comparable alloys.
Airfoil Shape and Angle of Attack Optimization Based on Bézier Curve and Multi-Island Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Jiabing , Wang Chaochen , Zhou Bowen , Zeng Linlang , Yang Kun
Published: October 2021

In order to improve the aerodynamic performance of the airfoil, the airfoil shape and the angle of attack (AOA) are optimized at the same time by the multi-island genetic algorithm in this paper. The goal of the optimization is to maximize the lift-to-drag ratio which is calculated by the computational fluid dynamics method. The airfoil is parameterized by the Bézier curve. The thickness and the camber of airfoil are no longer restricted to ensure a wide range of airfoil generation. The airfoil is optimized under different Reynolds numbers. The optimized airfoils obtained by the unconstrained AOA method are compared with several standard airfoils. The results show that the maximum lift-to-drag ratio of the optimized airfoil is much greater than the compared airfoils, and the optimized airfoils have good aerodynamic characteristics in a wide range of angle of attack. By comparing with the optimized airfoils obtained by the constrained AOA method, it shows that the constrained AOA method can't guarantee that the preconstrained angle of attack is the optimal angle of attack of the airfoil, nor can obtain the maximum lift-to-drag ratio airfoil of all angles of attack and all airfoils. However, by using the angle of attack as one of the optimization variables, these problems can be solved well.
Cause Analysis and Database Establishment of Typical Pressure Equipment Explosion Accidents
Authors: Fang Zhou , Fu Junjie , Wang Zhe , Chen Zhiwei , Li Guanghai
Published: October 2021

Explosion accidents of pressure equipment could cause serious harm. The most of accident reports were described in words, which were difficult to explain the cause of accident briefly, intuitively and clearly. Three kinds of typical pressure equipment including boiler, pressure vessel and pressure pipeline were studied. The explosion accidents in China in recent years were analyzed statistically. The causes of many actual accidents were sorted out, classified and studied. The causes of explosion accidents in different pressure equipment were analyzed in detail from the aspects of pressure, temperature and safety valve for equipment. The database considering explosion accident cases of pressure equipment was established by Access to digitize accident reports. This Database can carry out some functions such as managing information, indexing explosion cases, querying accident data and analyzing causes of accidents. Corresponding disposal strategies, emergency plans and related technical guidance can be provided as well. The comprehensive study shows that the most explosion accidents of pressure equipment were caused by the abnormal working state of the equipment. In order to avoid the occurrence of explosion accidents, researchers should pay more attention to the real-time monitoring of equipment operation status in future work.
Effect of Plastic Constraint and Cladding on Semi-Elliptical Shaped Crack in Fracture Toughness Evaluation for a Reactor Pressure Vessel Steel
Authors: Shimodaira Masaki , Tobita Tohru , Nagoshi Yasuto , Lu Kai , Katsuyama Jinya
Published: October 2021

In the structural integrity assessment of a reactor pressure vessel (RPV), the fracture toughness (KJc) should be higher than the stress intensity factor at the crack tip of a semi-elliptical shaped under-clad crack (UCC), which is prescribed in JEAC4206-2016. However, differences in crack depth and existence of cladding between the postulated crack and fracture toughness test specimens would be affected to the plastic constraint state and KJc evaluation. In this study, we performed fracture toughness tests and finite element analyses to investigate the effect of plastic constraint and cladding on the semi-elliptical shaped crack in KJc evaluation. The apparent KJc value evaluated at the deepest point of the crack exceeded 5% fracture probability based on the Master Curve method estimated from C(T) specimens, and the conservativeness of the current integrity assessment method was confirmed. Few initiation sites were observed along the tip of semi-elliptical shaped crack other than the deepest point. The plastic constraint state was also analyzed along the crack tip, and it was found that the plastic constraint at the crack tip near the surface was lower than that for the deepest point. Moreover, it was quantitatively showed that the UCC decreased the plastic constraint. The local approach suggested higher KJc value for the UCC than that for the surface crack, reflecting the low constraint effect for the UCC.
Analysis and Treatment of Defects on the Buried Civil Gas Pipeline
Authors: Wang Jielu , Li Wei , Hou Shaoxing
Published: October 2021

In recent years, with the development of society, people pay more attention to environmental problems year by year. Because gas has the characteristics of low pollution and high calorific value, the proportion of gas in energy structure is increasing year by year. With the continuous development of civil gas business, the safety of gas pipeline has become a widely concerned focus. How to ensure the safe operation of gas pipeline has become the first problem to be considered by each pipeline gas operators. Civil gas pipeline accidents have the characteristics of sociality, suddenness and complexity. The civil gas pipeline system is distributed in the area where the population and public facilities are concentrated. Once the accident occurs, it not only causes serious casualties and property losses, but also causes social insecurity, environmental pollution and other problems. Therefore, the Chinese regulations, Periodical Inspection Regulation for City Gas Pressure Pipeline and Thermal Pressure Pipeline (TSG D7004-2010), require regular inspection of civil gas pipelines.

During the regular inspection of a gas pipeline, the damaged point of the pipeline anticorrosive coating is found by the PCM (Pipeline Current Mapper) system. We decided to dig the point and make a direct inspection. Two dents and a gouge were found on the pipe. We evaluated these defects according to the technical standard. Because the pipeline delivery can’t be stopped for the time being, we used carbon fiber reinforcement method to repair the defects temporarily. This paper describes in detail the process of defect evaluation and repair, which has certain reference significance for the repair and use management of civil gas pipeline defects.
A Review of Conservatisms in Fracture Mechanics Assessments
Authors: Sharples John , James Peter
Published: October 2021

This paper provides an overview of the conservatisms inherent in current fracture mechanics assessment methodologies and practices. This is mainly with respect to the UK R6 and BS7910 methodologies but several of the aspects considered will also be common to other methods. Where appropriate, recent and current work aimed at understanding and reducing conservatisms are highlighted. The overview is associated with the fracture evaluations of limiting defect size and fatigue crack growth.
Review and Problem Analysis on the Development of Hydrogen Fueling Stations in China
Authors: Duan Zhixiang , Shi Kun
Published: October 2021

As the most potential secondary energy, hydrogen energy can provide power for hydrogen fuel cell vehicles and is an important part of clean energy. Hydrogen fueling station is an important part of hydrogen energy utilization. Reasonable layout and construction of hydrogen fueling stations can promote the rapid development of fuel cell vehicles and hydrogen energy industry.

The development status of hydrogen fueling stations in China is summarized from the aspects of process and equipment, standard system, approval process, whole industry chain and core technology. The problems existing in the development of hydrogen fueling stations are analyzed and discussed, suggestions for promoting the development of hydrogenation stations in China are put forward, and the development trend of hydrogenation stations in China are analyzed also. The main conclusions are as follows: (1) At present, hydrogen industry in China is still in the early stage of development, and the localization rate of equipment for hydrogen fueling station is not high. (2) The approval process of hydrogen fueling station is not standardized, so it is urgent for the state to issue unified normative documents. (3) It is necessary to promote the whole chain of hydrogen production, storage and transportation, hydrogenation and hydrogen utilization to realize the healthy development of hydrogen energy. (4) The localization of key technology and equipment and the perfect standard system of hydrogen fueling station are the important guarantee for the rapid development of hydrogen fueling station in China in the future.
Improvement and Assessment of the Plastic Collapse Bending Moment Equations in Circumferentially Cracked Pipe
Authors: Desclaux Cécilia , Lacroix Valéry , Hasegawa Kunio
Published: October 2021

The plastic collapse bending moment in a pipe cross-section with a circumferential crack is defined in ASME B&PV Code Section XI, Appendix C using simplified equilibrium equations by approximating the pipe mean radius Rm and the neutral axis angle β. In previous papers it was demonstrated by the authors that, for externally cracked pipes, those simplified equilibrium equations are not conservative and hence improved equations were developed and proposed which account for the cracked pipe ligament mean radius Rmc.

In this paper, it is demonstrated that the accuracy of the collapse bending moment equation can be refined by taking into account the neutral axis position Yna of the cracked pipe section. This leads to exact collapse bending moment equations without any approximation on the pipe mean radius Rm nor on the neutral axis angle β.

In this framework, it is shown that, for externally cracked pipes, the Appendix C equations could lead to more than 20% less conservative collapse bending moment than with the exact equations. An extended finite element method analysis completes this study to assess the relevance of the model used to determine the plastic collapse bending moment.
Probabilistic Fracture Mechanics Evaluation of a BWR Feedwater Nozzle
Authors: Wong Kevin K. L. , Dominguez Garivalde , Shim Do Jun , Richter Steven K.
Published: October 2021

A probabilistic fracture mechanics (PFM) evaluation was performed for the nozzle blend radius and nozzle-to-shell weld of a boiling water reactor (BWR) feedwater nozzle using the PFM methodology in Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Boiling Water Reactor Vessel and Internals Program (BWRVIP) BWRVIP-108-A and BWRVIP-241-A, which are the technical basis for inspection relief in ASME Code Case N-702. Using a finite element model of the feedwater nozzle, stress analysis was performed for plant-specific piping loads and bounding transients, which were grouped by severity and projected cycle counts. Monte Carlo simulations were performed using the VIPER-NOZ (Vessel Inspection Program Evaluation for Reliability, including Nozzle) PFM software to determine probabilities of failure for the reactor pressure vessel (RPV) with an inspection population of 25% of the feedwater nozzles every ten years for sixty years of plant operation. The results show that the probabilities of failure for normal operation and low temperature over pressure (LTOP) event meet the acceptance criteria for RPV failure in NUREG-1806 by the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC). Thus, there is potential to seek regulatory relief to reduce the inspection population of BWR feedwater nozzles from 100% to 25% every ten years using the technical basis of ASME Code Case N-702.
Morphological ontogeny of Limnozetes schatzi sp. nov. (Acari: Oribatida: Limnozetidae) from Norway
Authors: Seniczak Anna , Seniczak Stanisław
Published: October 2021

The morphological ontogeny of Limnozetes schatzi sp. nov. from Norway is described and illustrated. The adult of this species is the most similar to that of L. rugosus (Sellnick, 1925), but differs from it mainly by the body shape (it is stockier in dorsal aspect and less convex in lateral aspect than L. rugosus), longer prodorsal seta in and notogastral setae, lack of seta c3, which in some individuals of L. rugosus is present, and sculpture of notogaster. Moreover, in L. schatzi seta l' on femur III is absent, but in L. rugosus it is present. Seta d on femora I–III and seta l' on femora I and II have relatively long barbs, covered often with debris. The juveniles of L. schatzi have all gastronotal setae short, whereas the latter species has some setae longer (lm and lp in larva, lp in nymphs).
Supplementary description of Scheloribates crassus Hammer, 1967 (Acari, Oribatida, Scheloribatidae) from New Zealand
Authors: Liu Cheng-Lin , YAN YI , Zhang Zhi-Qiang , Xie Li-Xia
Published: October 2021

The original description of Scheloribates crassus Hammer, 1967 was incomplete, lacking information and figures about some morphological structures. Our specimens of S. crassus match broadly with the original description of the type specimens. However, there are the following differences: the morphological structures of leg I–II, the number of saccules, the presence of small holes between h3. Therefore, to help with its identification and discussion in the future, supplementary description of specimens is necessary. The supplementary description of Scheloribates crassus Hammer, 1967 is presented on the basis of specimens from Auckland and Bay of Plenty, New Zealand in this paper.
Cyclopropane Fatty Acids Are Important for
Salmonella enterica
Serovar Typhimurium Virulence
Authors: Karlinsey Joyce E. , Fung Angela M. , Johnston Norah , Goldfine Howard , Libby Stephen J. , Fang Ferric C.
Published: October 2021

A variety of eubacteria, plants, and protozoa can modify membrane lipids by cyclopropanation, which is reported to modulate membrane permeability and fluidity. The ability to cyclopropanate membrane lipids has been associated with resistance to oxidative stress in
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
, organic solvent stress in
Escherichia coli
, and acid stress in
E. coli
and
Salmonella
.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Microbial Sciences—the Texas Perspective
Authors: Torres Alfredo G. , Bottazzi Maria Elena , Wormley Floyd L.
Published: October 2021

The way that diversity, equity, and inclusion impact scientific careers varies for everyone, but it is evident that institutions providing an environment where being different or having differences creates a sense of being welcomed, supported, and valued are beneficial to the scientific community at large. In this commentary, three short stories from Texas-based microbiologists are used to depict (i) the importance of bringing the guiding principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion within their professional roles, (ii) the need to apply and translate those principles to support and enable successful scientific careers among peers and trainees, and (iii) the impact of effective science communication to increase the understanding of microbial environments among the community at large.
Development and Evaluation of a Cryopreserved Whole-Parasite Vaccine in a Rodent Model of Blood-Stage Malaria
Authors: Stanisic Danielle I. , Ho Mei-Fong , Nevagi Reshma , Cooper Emily , Walton Maddison , Islam Md Tanjir , Hussein Waleed M. , Skwarczynski Mariusz , Toth Istvan , Good Michael F.
Published: October 2021

Malaria is a mosquito-borne infectious disease that is caused by parasites of the genus,Plasmodium. There are seven differentPlasmodiumspp. that can cause malaria in humans, withP. falciparumcausing the majority of the morbidity and mortality.
Supplemental Material: Tectonostratigraphy and major structures of the Georgian Greater Caucasus: Implications for structural architecture, along-strike continuity, and orogen evolution
Authors: Trexler C.C. , al. et
Published: October 2021

Structural orientation data and raw data from geochemical and thermochronological analyses.
Sjögren-related cardiomyopathy presenting with cardiogenic shock
Authors: Al Turk Yahia , Lemor Alejandro , Fayed Mohamed , Kim Henry
Published: October 2021

Previous reports have described non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy related to a variety of autoimmune diseases. However, very few case reports describe Sjögren disease as a contributing factor to cardiomyopathy. We report the case of a 69-year-old woman with a history of Sjögren disease who presented with cardiogenic shock. Laboratory testing and cardiac MRI revealing apical septal late gadolinium enhancement were consistent with an autoimmune aetiology. After ruling out ischaemic, infectious and other possible causes, the patient’s clinical presentation was thought to be related to underlying Sjögren disease. She was treated with intravenous steroids and evidence-based heart failure therapy, but she eventually died after having declined heart transplantation. Given the rarity of Sjögren disease, no diagnostic criteria or standard treatment has been established for cardiomyopathy related to this disease. Diagnosis should be considered in patients who show evidence of autoimmune processes after other possible causes are ruled out.
Sight-threatening progressive corneo-scleral involvement in porphyria cutanea tarda
Authors: Prasad Sonali , Vidhata Vidhata , Prasad Subhash
Published: October 2021

Porphyria cutanea tarda is the most common type of porphyria. It is associated with a deficiency of uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase enzyme responsible for heme synthesis. Clinical manifestations are predominantly dermatological and very rarely present with ocular involvement. Although scleral thinning in the interpalpebral area is a well-documented entity, sight-threatening corneal involvement is rarely described. We, herein report a case of a 58-year-old man who presented with ocular surface dryness, photophobia and mild redness. Slit-lamp biomicroscopy revealed corneo-scleral thinning in both eyes. The diagnosis was confirmed with a urine porphyrin test, serum iron and serum ferritin levels. We started him on conservative management after which he was lost to follow-up. He presented again after 6 years with total corneal opacification and progressive loss of vision in the right eye.
Favourable outcome in a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia and pulmonary mucormycosis managed with combination antifungal therapy of liposomal amphotericin B and caspofungin
Authors: Khera Sanjeev , Singh Vikram , Pattanayak Somali
Published: October 2021

Pulmonary mucormycosis (PM) accounts for more than half the cases of mucormycosis in paediatric haematological malignancies, with mortality reaching as high as 90%. Surgical debridement of lesion along with liposomal amphotericin B (L-AMB) constitutes the mainstay of management of mucormycosis and offers best chances of survival. There are no reliable data available in the literature justifying the use of combination antifungal therapy (CAfT). We describe a child with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) who developed multiple localised PM during induction chemotherapy. He was managed with CAfT with L-AMB and caspofungin in view of progressive PM on high-dose L-AMB monotherapy. There was complete resolution of PM after 6 months of CAfT at the end of intensive chemotherapy of ALL. There were no significant side effects of CAfT. CAfT may be of value in cases of mucormycosis refractory to high doses of L-AMB, where surgical debridement is not feasible.
Role of club doctors in the mental health management of Australian rules football players: a Delphi study
Authors: Weber Ben , Bos Jason , Clancy Elizabeth Mary , Menon Ranjit , Cross Tom , Hall Kate
Published: October 2021

Professional team athletes experience a range of mental health problems, both sports and non-sports related. However, there is limited information available for those charged with responsibility for managing these mental health conditions, particularly within the context of professional sporting clubs. This paper reports on consensus findings from a study of club doctors, who are primary care providers for professional team athletes within a specific code, the Australian Football League (AFL). Drawing on findings from a systematic literature search, a two-round Delphi procedure was used to develop a consensus on best practice for managing mental health conditions for club doctors as primary care providers for professional team athletes. Participants in this study were current and former club doctors employed in professional AFL clubs across Australia, with 28 doctors participating across two survey rounds. Overall, 77 statements were presented, with 50 endorsed as essential or important by ≥ 80% of the participants across the two rounds. Primary themes across nine domains include: (1) Prevention and Mental Health Promotion Activities; (2) Screening; (3) Engaging External Specialists; (4) Duty of Care; (5) Treatment: Assessment, Treatment and Case Coordination; (6) Communication; (7) Confidentiality; (8) Sleep Management and (9) Substance Use Management. This study is the first to offer club doctors working in professional team settings consensus guidelines for the management of mental health conditions, and the opportunity for greater clarification and consistency in role delivery.
Acute urinary retention and risk of cancer: population based Danish cohort study
Authors: Bengtsen Maria Bisgaard , Farkas Dóra Körmendiné , Borre Michael , Sørensen Henrik Toft , Nørgaard Mette
Published: October 2021

Objective

To examine the risk of urogenital, colorectal, and neurological cancers after a first diagnosis of acute urinary retention.

Design

Nationwide population based cohort study.

Setting

All hospitals in Denmark.

Participants

75 983 patients aged 50 years or older with a first hospital admission for acute urinary retention during 1995-2017.

Main outcome measures

Absolute risk of urogenital, colorectal, and neurological cancer and excess risk of these cancers among patients with acute urinary retention compared with the general population.

Results

The absolute risk of prostate cancer after a first diagnosis of acute urinary retention was 5.1% (n=3198) at three months, 6.7% (n=4233) at one year, and 8.5% (n=5217) at five years. Within three months of follow-up, 218 excess cases of prostate cancer per 1000 person years were detected. An additional 21 excess cases per 1000 person years were detected during three to less than 12 months of follow-up, but beyond 12 months the excess risk was negligible. Within three months of follow-up the excess risk for urinary tract cancer was 56 per 1000 person years, for genital cancer in women was 24 per 1000 person years, for colorectal cancer was 12 per 1000 person years, and for neurological cancer was 2 per 1000 person years. For most of the studied cancers, the excess risk was confined to within three months of follow-up, but the risk of prostate and urinary tract cancer remained increased during three to less than 12 months of follow-up. In women, an excess risk of invasive bladder cancer persisted for several years.

Conclusions

Acute urinary retention might be a clinical marker for occult urogenital, colorectal, and neurological cancers. Occult cancer should possibly be considered in patients aged 50 years or older presenting with acute urinary retention and no obvious underlying cause.
Intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with subacute stroke in an inpatient rehabilitation facility: describing a protocol of a prospective cohort study
Authors: Sartor Monique Messaggi , Grau-Sánchez Jennifer , Guillén-Solà Anna , Boza Roser , Puig Josep , Stinear Cathy , Morgado-Perez Andrea , Duarte Esther
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Rehabilitation is recognised as a cornerstone of multidisciplinary stroke care. Intensity of therapy is related to functional recovery although there is high variability on the amount of time and techniques applied in therapy sessions. There is a need to better describe stroke rehabilitation protocols to develop a better understanding of current practice increasing the internal validity and generalisation of clinical trial results. The aim of this study is to describe an intensive rehabilitation programme for patients with stroke in an inpatient rehabilitation facility, measuring the amount and type of therapies (physical, occupational and speech therapy) provided and reporting functional outcomes.

Methods and analysis

This will be a prospective observational cohort study of patients with subacute stroke admitted to our inpatient rehabilitation facility during 2 years. A therapy recording tool was developed in order to describe the rehabilitation interventions performed in our unit. This tool was designed using the Delphi method, literature search and collaboration with senior clinicians. Therapists will record the time spent on different activities available in our unit during specific therapy sessions. Afterwards, the total time spent in each activity, and the total rehabilitation time for all activities, will be averaged for all patients. Outcome variables were divided into three different domains: body structure and function outcomes, activity outcomes and participation outcomes and will be assessed at baseline (admission at the rehabilitation unit), at discharge from the rehabilitation unit and at 3 and 6 months after stroke.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Medical Research Committee at Hospital del Mar Research Institute (Project ID: 34/C/2017). The results of this study will be presented at national and international congress and submitted for publication in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

NCT04191109.
A rapid systematic review of measures to protect older people in long-term care facilities from COVID-19
Authors: Frazer Kate , Mitchell Lachlan , Stokes Diarmuid , Lacey Ella , Crowley Eibhlin , Kelleher Cecily C
Published: October 2021

Objectives

The global COVID-19 pandemic produced large-scale health and economic complications. Older people and those with comorbidities are particularly vulnerable to this virus, with nursing homes and long term care facilities (LTCF) experiencing significant morbidity and mortality associated with COVID-19 outbreaks. The aim of this rapid systematic review was to investigate measures implemented in LTCF to reduce transmission of COVID-19 and their effect on morbidity and mortality of residents, staff and visitors.

Setting

Long-term care facilities.

Participants

Residents, staff and visitors of facilities.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Databases (PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Cochrane Databases and repositories and MedRXiv prepublished database) were systematically searched from inception to 27 July 2020 to identify studies reporting assessment of interventions to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in nursing homes among residents, staff or visitors. Outcome measures include facility characteristics, morbidity data, case fatalities and transmission rates. Due to study quality and heterogeneity, no meta-analysis was conducted.

Results

The search yielded 1414 articles, with 38 studies included. Reported interventions include mass testing, use of personal protective equipment, symptom screening, visitor restrictions, hand hygiene and droplet/contact precautions, and resident cohorting. Prevalence rates ranged from 1.2% to 85.4% in residents and 0.6% to 62.6% in staff. Mortality rates ranged from 5.3% to 55.3% in residents.

Conclusions

Novel evidence in this review details the impact of facility size, availability of staff and practices of operating between multiple facilities, and for-profit status of facilities as factors contributing to the size and number of COVID-19 outbreaks. No causative relationships can be determined; however, this review provides evidence of interventions that reduce transmission of COVID-19 in LTCF.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020191569.