bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring the geometry of nature and architecture: comparing the visual properties of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater and its natural setting
Authors: Vaughan Josephine , Ostwald Michael J.
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Frank Lloyd Wright's famous house Fallingwater has been the subject of enduring scholarly debate centred on the allegedly clear parallels between its form and that of its surrounding natural setting. Despite these claims being repeated many times, no quantitative approach has ever been used to test this argument. In response, this paper uses a quantitative method, fractal analysis, to measure the relationship between the architecture of Fallingwater and of its natural surroundings.

Design/methodology/approach

Using fractal dimension analysis, a computational method that mathematically measures the characteristic visual complexity of an object, this paper mathematically measures and tests the similarity between the visual properties of Fallingwater and its natural setting. Twenty analogues of the natural surroundings of Fallingwater are measured and the results compared to those developed for the properties of eight views of the house.

Findings

Although individual results suggest various levels of visual similarity or difference, the complete set of results do not support the claim that the form of Frank Lloyd Wright's Fallingwater exhibits clear visual similarities to the surrounding landscape.

Originality/value

In addition to testing a prominent theory about Wright's building for the first time, the paper demonstrates a rare application of fractal analysis to interpreting relations between architecture and nature.
Risk of retinal diseases in patients with psoriasis: A population‐based cohort study in Taiwan
Authors: Dai Ying‐Xiu , Tai Ying‐Hsuan , Lee Din‐Dar , Chang Yun‐Ting , Chen Tzeng‐Ji , Chen Mu‐Hong
Published: July 2021

Psoriasis has been associated with the risk of several ocular complications; however, its relationship with retinal diseases remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the risk of developing retinal diseases in patients with psoriasis. Study participants were recruited from the National Health Insurance Research Database in Taiwan. A total of 11 729 psoriasis patients and 117 290 matched controls were included, showing an incidence rate of 121.15 and 28.34 cases of retinal diseases per 100 000 person‐years, respectively. Compared with controls, patients with psoriasis had an adjusted hazard ratio (aHR) of 3.40 (95% confidence interval [CI], 2.63–4.39) for retinal diseases after adjustment for potential confounders. Regarding the individual retinal disease, psoriasis patients had a significantly higher risk of developing retinal detachment (aHR, 5.07; 95% CI, 2.92–8.79), retinal vascular occlusion (aHR, 3.75; 95% CI 2.42–5.82), and retinopathy (aHR, 2.84; 95% CI, 1.99–4.05) than controls. In conclusion, patients with psoriasis had a significantly higher risk of retinal diseases than controls. Further studies are necessary to investigate the pathophysiology underlying the relationship between psoriasis and retinal diseases.
Acquisition geometry analysis with point‐spread functions
Authors: Revelo‐Obando Billy , Blacquière Gerrit
Published: July 2021

Seismic data are traditionally acquired based on spatial sampling requirements, noise properties and budgetary constraints. However, designing a survey without taking into account the complexity of the subsurface may result in an image without the expected quality. Also, the subsequent preprocessing and processing steps may exploit or misuse the acquired data. The design should therefore incorporate the complexity of the subsurface and the (pre)processing steps that will be followed. We propose an analysis method that evaluates if the proposed combination of survey design, preprocessing and processing for a specific subsurface model fulfils a pre‐defined quality criterion. With our method, we estimate a set of point‐spread functions that correspond to the chosen combination, and we analyse their resolution and illumination‐detection properties in the spatial and wavenumber domains, respectively. The estimated point‐spread functions include the scattering and propagation effects generated by the subsurface, including internal multiples. We show that in some cases, the use of internal multiples in imaging can improve amplitude and resolution compared with the use of primaries only. The proposed analysis method is also used to evaluate the effect of blending noise when blended acquisition is carried out.
A Two‐Wave Cross‐Lagged Study on AI Service Quality: The Moderating Effects of the Job Level and Job Role
Authors: Nguyen Tuyet‐Mai , Malik Ashish
Published: July 2021

This study examines whether the adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the workplace can make employees satisfied with AI service quality and increase their job satisfaction. The study's conceptual framework was tested using a cross‐lagged panel analysis (N = 313) of hotel employees and managers in Vietnam. This research shows that AI satisfaction with service quality mediated the impact of AI service quality on employees’ job satisfaction. Job level had a moderating effect on the impact of AI service quality on AI satisfaction and job satisfaction, such that AI service quality had an impact on AI satisfaction only in the non‐supervisory group but had an impact on job satisfaction in both non‐supervisory and supervisor/manager groups. AI service quality affected AI satisfaction in both job roles (frontline and back‐end employee roles), but only influenced job satisfaction for the back‐end employee role. The implications of our findings for future research and practice are discussed.
Development and first evaluation of an attractant impregnated adhesive tape against blood‐sucking flies
Authors: Zhu Junwei J. , Roh Gwang‐Hyun , Asamoto Yosuke , Bizati Kujtim , Liu Jen‐Chieh , Lehmann Alexander , Harrison Kyle , Taylor David B. , Otake Hironao
Published: July 2021

Stable flies are one of the most important arthropod pests of livestock that reduce cattle weight gain and milk production leading to annual economic losses in excess of $2 billion to the US cattle industry. The host‐seeking behavior is primarily mediated by associated odors from stable fly larval development environments and host animals. The present paper reports the development and evaluation of attractant‐impregnated adhesive tapes to reduce stable fly attacks on cattle. Laboratory bioassays showed that only m‐cresol impregnated adhesive tapes caught significantly more stable flies (16 ± 1) than the control tape without attractant added (7 ± 1), with a 77% fly recapture rate. Attractant‐impregnated adhesive tapes deployed in cattle feedlots showed significant impacts in reducing fly population, with a total of one million stable flies captured over a period of three weeks (mean catches from 57 596 to 102 088 stable flies per trap per week). It further relieved cattle stress with a significant reduction of biting fly avoidance behavior, (6 ± 0.4 cows observed with tail wagging in control vs. 3 ± 0.4 from the trap‐deployed). The efficacy of the developed tapes lasted up to 1‐week longevity, although 70% of m‐cresol was released starting from the second day. The m‐cresol impregnated adhesive tape provided an 80% reduction in cattle stress due to stable fly attack. This is the first report of a technology developed by integrating an attractant compound into an adhesive material on a plastic film with demonstrated effectiveness in trapping biting flies that attack livestock animals.
Anti‐inflammatory peptides and metabolomics‐driven biomarkers discovery from sea cucumber protein hydrolysates
Authors: Zhang Xuanming , Li Haonan , Wang Lizhen , Zhang Shanshan , Wang Fengxia , Lin Houwen , Gao Sheng , Li Xiaobin , Liu Kechun
Published: July 2021

The hydrolysates from Apostichopus japonicus sea cucumber are an important source of nitrogen that may be added to foods. We evaluated the effect of A. japonicus hydrolysates on inflammation‐associated leukocyte recruitment. The results revealed that leukocyte migration to the site of injury was significantly blocked by AJH‐1 (<10 kDa), suggesting a protective effect against CuSO4‐induced neuromast damage in a zebrafish model. Based on liquid chromatography/time‐of‐flight/mass spectrometry, and metabolomic analysis, the nine biomarker candidates in AJH‐1 were Val, Ala‐Pro‐Arg, Gly‐Lys, Asp propyl ester, Glu methyl ester, His butyl ester, Ile‐Ala‐Ala‐Lys, Tyr‐Lys, and Asn‐Pro‐Gly‐Lys. We used molecular docking to predict the binding affinity and docked position of the peptides onto the angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE). All the identified peptides had adequate binding affinity toward ACE, especially peptides Ala‐Pro‐Arg and Gly‐Lys. These peptides may be used in the development of therapeutic foods.

Practical Application

The study revealed the anti‐inflammatory properties of the fractionated sea cucumber protein hydrolysate (<10 kDa). The characteristic peptides may be used as functional ingredients in nutraceutical foods and beverages.
The health and educational costs of preterm birth to 18 years of age in Australia
Authors: Newnham John P. , Schilling Chris , Petrou Stavros , Morris Jonathan M , Wallace Euan M. , Brown Kiarna , Edwards Lindsay , Skubisz Monika M. , White Scott W. , Rynne Brendan , Arrese Catherine A. , Doherty Dorota A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Preterm birth is the greatest cause of death up to five years of age and an important contributor to lifelong disability. There is increasing evidence that a meaningful proportion of early births may be prevented, but widespread introduction of effective preventive strategies will require financial support.

Aims

This study estimated the economic cost to the Australian government of preterm birth, up to 18 years of age.

Materials and Methods

A decision‐analytic model was developed to estimate the costs of preterm birth in Australia for a hypothetical cohort of 314 814 children, the number of live births in 2016. Costs to Australia’s eight jurisdictions included medical expenditures and additional costs to educational services.

Results

The total cost of preterm birth to the Australian government associated with the annual cohort was estimated at $1.413 billion (95% CI 1047‒1781). Two‐thirds of the costs were borne by healthcare services during the newborn period and one‐quarter of the costs by educational services providing special assistance. For each child, the costs were highest for those born at the earliest survivable gestational age, but the larger numbers of children born at later gestational ages contributed heavily to the overall economic burden.

Conclusion

Preterm birth leaves many people with lifelong disabilities and generates a significant economic burden to society. The costs extend beyond those to the healthcare system and include additional educational needs. Assessments of economic costs should inform economic evaluations of interventions aimed at the prevention or treatment of preterm birth.
Radical plurality on universal grounds
Authors: Bobrowicz Ryszard , Gustafsson Lundberg Johanna
Published: July 2021

This paper focuses on recent debates between the proponents of individualism and communitarianism. As the authors argue, the dichotomous character of these debates is inherently problematic, as no one functions just as an individual or member. Starting from the discussion around the Netflix series "Unorthodox" in the Swedish context, the authors engage with Sharon Todd's radical conception of plurality, and K.E. Løgstrup's notions of interdependence and the resulting ethical demand to show how these debates could be reframed into the constructive tension between plurality and universality.
Mortality in pediatric hydrocephalus
Authors: Tully Hannah M , Doherty Dan , Wainwright Mark
Published: July 2021

Aim

To clarify the extent to which medical comorbidities and goals‐of‐care decisions influence death among individuals with childhood‐onset hydrocephalus.

Method

This was a retrospective cohort study of 1705 individuals (759 males, 946 females, mean age 11y 5mo, SD 6y 6mo, range 0–37y 7mo at last follow‐up) with childhood‐onset hydrocephalus, of whom 88 (5.2%) were deceased. Existing medical records, death records, and publicly available internet sources were analyzed. We estimated hazard ratios for putative risk factors through Cox regression based upon 10 529 person‐years of data and quantitatively and qualitatively analyzed the circumstances surrounding each death.

Results

Mortality did not differ statistically by demographic factors, although higher proportions of non‐White and Hispanic individuals were deceased. Most deaths were related to medical comorbidities rather than hydrocephalus itself. Of the 14 deaths directly related to hydrocephalus, seven were caused by shunt complications and four occurred after decisions to forgo treatment, apparently in response to poor outcomes predicted by the medical team. Half the deaths were preceded by shifts to comfort‐based care; however, these decisions appeared to substantially change the patient’s clinical trajectory only half the time.

Interpretation

Children are more likely to die with, rather than from, hydrocephalus. Our results emphasize the complexities of medical decision‐making and the influence of clinicians in guiding these choices.
Methodological considerations for studying neural oscillations
Authors: Donoghue Thomas , Schaworonkow Natalie , Voytek Bradley
Published: July 2021

Neural oscillations are ubiquitous across recording methodologies and species, broadly associated with cognitive tasks, and amenable to computational modelling that investigates neural circuit generating mechanisms and neural population dynamics. Because of this, neural oscillations offer an exciting potential opportunity for linking theory, physiology and mechanisms of cognition. However, despite their prevalence, there are many concerns—new and old—about how our analysis assumptions are violated by known properties of field potential data. For investigations of neural oscillations to be properly interpreted, and ultimately developed into mechanistic theories, it is necessary to carefully consider the underlying assumptions of the methods we employ. Here, we discuss seven methodological considerations for analysing neural oscillations. The considerations are to (1) verify the presence of oscillations, as they may be absent; (2) validate oscillation band definitions, to address variable peak frequencies; (3) account for concurrent non‐oscillatory aperiodic activity, which might otherwise confound measures; measure and account for (4) temporal variability and (5) waveform shape of neural oscillations, which are often bursty and/or nonsinusoidal, potentially leading to spurious results; (6) separate spatially overlapping rhythms, which may interfere with each other; and (7) consider the required signal‐to‐noise ratio for obtaining reliable estimates. For each topic, we provide relevant examples, demonstrate potential errors of interpretation, and offer suggestions to address these issues. We primarily focus on univariate measures, such as power and phase estimates, though we discuss how these issues can propagate to multivariate measures. These considerations and recommendations offer a helpful guide for measuring and interpreting neural oscillations.
Decrease of ceramides with long‐chain fatty acids in psoriasis: Possible inhibitory effect of interferon gamma on chain elongation
Authors: Kim Bo‐Kyung , Shon Jong Cheol , Seo Hee Seok , Liu Kwang‐Hyeon , Lee Jong Won , Ahn Sung Ku , Hong Seung Phil
Published: July 2021

Reportedly, decreases in fatty acid (FA) chain length of ceramide (CER) are associated with interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ), which shows increased expression in psoriasis. However, the underlying mechanism of this association remains unclear. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to clarify this association between FA chain length of CER, IFN‐γ, and the major transcriptional factors involving psoriasis. CER profiling according to FA chain length and class was performed in murine epidermis (n = 10 BALB/c mice topically treated with imiquimod, n = 10 controls) and human stratum corneum (SC) (n = 12 psoriasis, n = 11 controls). The expression of lipid synthetic enzymes, including elongases (ELOVLs), in murine epidermis was also measured using RT‐PCR. Furthermore, the association of IFN‐γ with various enzymes and transcription factors involved in the generation of long‐chain CERs was also investigated using in vitro keratinocyte. A significant decrease in the percentage of long‐chain CERs was observed in psoriasis‐like murine epidermis and human psoriatic SC. Additionally, the expression levels of ELOVL1, ELOVL4, and ceramide synthase3 (CerS3) were significantly decreased in psoriasis‐like murine epidermis and IFN‐γ‐treated keratinocyte. There was also a significant decrease in the expression of transcriptional factors, including peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor (PPAR), in IFN‐γ treated keratinocyte. Thus, it could be suggested that IFN‐γ may regulate ELOVL and CerS levels by down‐regulating the transcriptional factors. Additionally, given the possible involvement of PPARs or liver X receptor agonist in the CER elongation process, they may serve as potential therapeutic agents for lengthening the CER FAs in psoriasis.
Structural and mechanistic insights into amyloid‐β and α‐synuclein fibril formation and polyphenol inhibitor efficacy in phospholipid bilayers
Authors: Sanders Henry M. , Jovcevski Blagojce , Marty Michael T. , Pukala Tara L.
Published: July 2021

Under certain cellular conditions, functional proteins undergo misfolding, leading to a transition into oligomers which precede the formation of amyloid fibrils. Misfolding proteins are associated with neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases. While the importance of lipid membranes in misfolding and disease aetiology is broadly accepted, the influence of lipid membranes during therapeutic design has been largely overlooked. This study utilized a biophysical approach to provide mechanistic insights into the effects of two lipid membrane systems (anionic and zwitterionic) on the inhibition of amyloid‐β 40 and α‐synuclein amyloid formation at the monomer, oligomer and fibril level. Large unilamellar vesicles (LUVs) were shown to increase fibrillization and largely decrease the effectiveness of two well‐known polyphenol fibril inhibitors, (‐)‐epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and resveratrol; however, use of immunoblotting and ion mobility mass spectrometry revealed this occurs through varying mechanisms. Oligomeric populations in particular were differentially affected by LUVs in the presence of resveratrol, an elongation phase inhibitor, compared to EGCG, a nucleation targeted inhibitor. Ion mobility mass spectrometry showed EGCG interacts with or induces more compact forms of monomeric protein typical of off‐pathway structures; however, binding is reduced in the presence of LUVs, likely due to partitioning in the membrane environment. Competing effects of the lipids and inhibitor, along with reduced inhibitor binding in the presence of LUVs, provide a mechanistic understanding of decreased inhibitor efficacy in a lipid environment. Together, this study highlights that amyloid inhibitor design may be misguided if effects of lipid membrane composition and architecture are not considered during development.
Autophagy and tumorigenesis
Authors: Rangel Michael , Kong Jerry , Bhatt Vrushank , Khayati Khoosheh , Guo Jessie Yanxiang
Published: July 2021

Autophagy is a catabolic process that captures cellular waste and degrades them in the lysosome. The main functions of autophagy are quality control of cytosolic proteins and organelles, and intracellular recycling of nutrients in order to maintain cellular homeostasis. Autophagy is upregulated in many cancers to promote cell survival, proliferation, and metastasis. Both cell‐autonomous autophagy (also known as tumor autophagy) and non‐cell‐autonomous autophagy (also known as host autophagy) support tumorigenesis through different mechanisms, including inhibition of p53 activation, sustaining redox homeostasis, maintenance of essential amino acids levels in order to support energy production and biosynthesis, and inhibition of antitumor immune responses. Therefore, autophagy may serve as a tumor‐specific vulnerability and targeting autophagy could be a novel strategy in cancer treatment.
Association between bacteria other than Helicobacter pylori and the risk of gastric cancer
Authors: Gunathilake Madhawa , Lee Jeonghee , Choi Il Ju , Kim Young‐Il , Kim Jeongseon
Published: July 2021

Background

The gastric microbiota, including Helicobacter pylori (HP), has a remarkable role in gastric cancer (GC) occurrence. Evidence for the role of non‐HP bacteria in GC risk is limited. We aimed to observe the association between bacteria other than HP and risk of GC in a Korean population.

Methods

In this study, 268 GC cases and 288 healthy controls were included. Demographic data and total energy intake data were collected using a general questionnaire and a semiquantitative food frequency questionnaire, respectively. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed using DNA extracted from gastric biopsy samples.

Results

Actinobacteria, Bacteroidetes, Firmicutes, Fusobacteria, and non‐HP Proteobacteria were the five main phyla in the gastric environment. The five phyla were negatively related to the relative abundance of Helicobacter species (all p < 0.001). The Shannon index, richness, and Pilou‐evenness were negatively correlated with Helicobacter species (all p < 0.001), while the microbial dysbiosis index was positively correlated with Helicobacter species (p < 0.001). Participants with a higher relative abundance of Actinobacteria species showed a significantly increased risk of GC (OR: 3.16, 95% CI = 1.92–5.19, p‐trend<0.001). The non‐HP microbiota composition among the four groups (HP+cases, HP‐ cases, HP+controls, and HP‐ controls) was significantly different (ANOSIM R = 0.10, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

Other than HP, several bacterial species might be associated with GC risk. HP status and GC status could determine the differences in microbial compositions. Further large prospective studies are warranted to confirm our findings.
Identifying sectoral impacts on global scarce water uses from multiple perspectives
Authors: Yang Xuechun , Liang Sai , Qi Jianchuan , Feng Cuiyang , Qu Shen , Xu Ming
Published: July 2021

Scarce water uses driven by hotspots in production and consumption stages of global supply chains have been well studied. However, hotspots in primary inputs and intermediate transmission stages also leading to large amounts of global scarce water uses are overlooked. This gap can lead to the underestimation of the impacts of certain nation sectors on global scarce water uses. This study identifies critical primary suppliers and transmission centers in global supply chains contributing to scarce water uses, based on environmentally extended multi‐regional input‐output (EE‐MRIO) model and complex network analysis methods. Results show that some critical primary suppliers (e.g., the service auxiliary to financial intermediation sector in the United States and the financial intermediation services sector in India) and transmission centers (e.g., the raw milk sector in the United States and the transmission services of electricity sector in China) are unidentifiable in previous studies. These findings provide hotspots for supply‐side measures (e.g., optimization of primary input and product allocation behaviors) and productivity improvement measures. The critical inter‐sectoral transactions (mainly involving the agricultural and food products sectors in India, China, and the United States) further provide explicit directions for these measures. Moreover, this study conducts a community detection, which identifies communities (i.e., the clusters of nation sectors closely interconnected) leading to global scarce water uses. Most of the communities involve sectors from different nations, providing foundations for international cooperation strategies.
Ankle structure of the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) and its role in the deployment of the subdigital adhesive system
Authors: Higham Timothy E. , Zhuang Minga , Russell Anthony P.
Published: July 2021

The remarkable ability of geckos to adhere to smooth surfaces is often thought of in terms of external structures, including the branching setae that make contact with the surface producing van der Waals forces. Some geckos also exhibit unique movements of the distal segments of the limbs during locomotion and static clinging, including active digital hyperextension and considerable pedal rotation. During static clinging, geckos can exhibit considerable adduction/abduction of the pes while the crus and thigh remain firmly adpressed to the substratum. This decoupling of pedal adduction/abduction from ankle flexion/extension and pedal long‐axis rotation is a significant departure from pedal displacements of a typical lizard lacking adhesive ability. The structure of the ankle is likely key to this decoupling, although no detailed comparison of this complex joint between pad‐bearing geckos and other lizards is available. Here we compare the configuration of the mesotarsal joint of nongekkotan lizards (Iguana and Pristidactylus) with that of the Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko) using prepared skeletons, scanning electron microscopy, and micro‐computed tomographic (µCT) scans. We focus on the structure of the astragalocalcaneum and the fourth distal tarsal. The mesotarsal joint exhibits a suite of modifications that are likely associated with the secondarily symmetrical pes of pad‐bearing geckos. For example, the lateral process of the astragalocalcaneum is much more extensive in G. gecko compared with other lizards. The mesotarsal joint exhibits several other differences permitting dissociation of long‐axis rotation of the pes from flexion–extension movement, including a reduced ventral peg on the fourth distal tarsal, an articulatory pattern dominated by a well‐defined, expansive distomesial notch of the astragalocalcaneum, and an associated broad proximodorsal articulatory facet of the fourth distal tarsal. Pad‐bearing geckos are capable of effectively deploying their intricate adhesive system across a broad array of body angles because of this highly modified ankle. Future research should determine whether the differences encountered in G. gecko (and their extent) apply to the Gekkota as a whole and should examine how the elements of the ankle move dynamically during locomotion across a range of taxa.
Epidemiological trends of HBV and HDV coinfection among Viennese HIV+ patients
Authors: Schmidbauer Caroline , Chromy David , Schmidbauer Victor U. , Schwarz Michael , Jachs Mathias , Bauer David J. M. , Binter Teresa , Apata Michael , Nguyen Dung T. , Mandorfer Mattias , Simbrunner Benedikt , Rieger Armin , Mayer Florian , Breuer Monika , Strassl Robert , Schmidt Ralf , Holzmann Heidemarie , Trauner Michael , Gschwantler Michael , Reiberger Thomas
Published: July 2021

Background and Aims

Despite vaccination recommendations, hepatitis B (HBV) and D (HDV) coinfections are common in HIV+individuals.

Methods

HBV immunization status (anti‐HBs) as well as HBV (HBsAg/HBV‐DNA) and HDV (anti‐HDV) coinfection rates were assessed in 1870 HIV+individuals at HIV diagnosis (baseline, BL) and last follow‐up (FU).

Results

Sixty‐eight (3.6%) HIV patients were never tested for HBV. At BL, 89/1802 (4.9%) HIV patients were HBV coinfected. Four hundred and fifteen (23.0%) showed virological HBV clearance [HBsAg(‐)/anti‐HBc(+)/anti‐HBs(+)] and 210 (11.7%) presented with anti‐HBc(+) only. Seven hundred and ten (39.4%) were HBV naïve [HBsAg(‐)/anti‐HBs(‐)/anti‐HBc(‐)/HBV‐DNA(‐)], but only 378 (21.0%) received vaccinations with detectable anti‐HBs(+) titres. Among the 89 HBV/HIV‐coinfected patients, only 52 (58.4%) were tested for HDV: 11/49 (22.4%) had anti‐HDV(+) and 3/12 (25.0%) showed HDV‐RNA viraemia. During a median FU of 6.5 (IQR 7.2) years, 44 (4.6%) of the 953 retested BL HBV‐negative patients acquired new HBV infection (including 15/304, 4.9% of vaccinated patients). Of the 89 patients, 22 (24.7%) patients cleared their HBsAg, resulting in 60/1625 (3.7%) HIV/HBV individuals at FU: 34 (56.7%) showed HBV‐DNA suppression and 15 (25.0%) were HBV viraemic, while 12/89 (13.5%) remained without a FU test. Vaccinations induced anti‐HBs(+) in 137 of the retested 649 (21.1%) BL HBV‐naïve patients.

Conclusion

HBV testing is well established among Viennese HIV+patients with HBV coinfection rates around 4%‐5%. HBV vaccinations are insufficiently implemented since anti‐HBs titres were detected in only 21.1% of HBV‐naive HIV(+) patients and new HBV infections occurred in previously vaccinated patients. HDV testing is not systematically performed despite up to 25% of HIV/HBV patients may show HDV coinfection.
The effect of exercise on the protein profile of rat knee joint intra‐ and extra‐articular ligaments
Authors: Kharaz Yalda A. , Birch Helen , Chester Alexandra , Alchorne Eleanor , Simpson Deborah , Clegg Peter , Comerford Eithne
Published: July 2021

Injuries to the intra‐articular anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and the extra‐articular medial collateral ligament (MCL) result in significant knee joint instability, pain, and immobility. Moderate endurance‐type exercise can increase ligament strength but little is known on the effect of short‐term regular bouts of high‐intensity exercise on the extracellular matrix (ECM) structure of knee ligaments. Therefore, this study aimed to identify the effect of short‐term regular bouts high exercise on the proteome of the rat ACL and MCL using mass spectrometry. Sprague‐Dawley male rats (n = 6) were split into control and exercise groups, and subjected to high‐intensity training for four 4 weeks followed by proteomic analyses of the ACL and MCL. Knee joint health status was assessed using OARSI and a validated histological scoring system. Histopathological analyses demonstrated no significant changes in either in cruciate, collateral ligaments, or cartilage between the control and exercised knee joints. However, significant proteins were found to be more abundant in the exercised ACL compared to ACL control group but not between the exercised MCL and control MCL groups. The significant abundant proteins in ACL exercise groups were mostly cytoskeletal, ribosomal and enzymes with several abundant matrisomal proteins such as collagen proteins and proteoglycans being found in this group. In conclusion, our results indicate that short‐term regular bouts of high‐intensity exercise have an impact on the intra‐articular ACL but not extra‐articular MCL ECM protein expression.
Acute effects of breaking up sitting time with isometric exercise on cardiovascular health: Randomized crossover trial
Authors: Silva Gustavo O. , Carvalho Juliana F. , Kanegusuku Hélcio , Farah Breno Q. , Correia Marilia A. , Ritti‐Dias Raphael M.
Published: July 2021

The objective of this study was to analyze the acute effects of breaking up prolonged sitting with isometric exercise on the cardiovascular health of sedentary adults. This is a three‐condition randomized crossover trial. The sample was comprised of 17 subjects (11 women; 29 ± 10 years old; 25,1 ± 5,1 kg/m2). The participants completed, in randomized order, three experimental conditions (control, breaks with isometric leg extension exercise, and breaks with walking), with the order of the conditions determined through simple automatic randomization. All the conditions had in common a sitting period of 3 h. During the conditions with isometric exercise and walking breaks the participants performed breaks with isometric leg extension exercise and with walking every 30 min, while in the control condition they remained seated with no breaks. Before and after this period, vascular function (primary outcome), blood pressure, and cardiac autonomic modulation (secondary outcomes) were measured. Generalized estimated equations were used to analyze the data. The results did not indicate significant interaction effects for vascular function among experimental conditions (p > 0,05 for all). We also did not find significant interaction effects for systolic or diastolic blood pressure among the conditions (p > 0,05 for all). The heart rate variability parameters did not present significant interaction effects among conditions (p > 0,05 for all). In conclusion, breaking up sitting with isometric exercise does not seem to lead to significant effects on the cardiovascular health of sedentary adults.
Adolescent Health Series: Adolescent neurocognitive development in Western and Sub‐Saharan African contexts
Authors: Pozuelo Julia R. , Kilford Emma J.
Published: July 2021

The transitional period of adolescence has long been associated with physical, social and behavioural change. During this time, adolescents start to develop their own self‐identity, make important life decisions and acquire the necessary skills to successfully transition to adulthood. More recently, advances in brain imaging technology have enabled increased understanding of structural and functional changes in the human brain during this developmental period, and how they relate to social, emotional, motivational and cognitive development. The ability to integrate these developing cognitive processes in increasingly complex social contexts is a key aspect of mature decision‐making, which has implications for adolescent health, educational, economic and social outcomes. Insights from the field of developmental cognitive neuroscience could increase our understanding of this influential stage of life and thus inform potential interventions to promote adolescent health, a critical goal for global health research. Many social changes occur during adolescence and the social environment shapes both brain and cognitive development and the decisions adolescents make. Thus, it is important to study adolescent neurocognitive development in socio‐cultural context. Yet, despite evidence from Western studies that socio‐cultural and economic factors impact on adolescent neurocognitive development, existing studies of adolescent neurocognitive development in sub‐Saharan Africa are relatively scarce. We summarise research findings from Western and sub‐Saharan African contexts and highlight areas where research is lacking. Longitudinal studies from more diverse global samples will be needed to build a comprehensive model of adolescent development, that characterises both commonalities in developmental trajectories, as well as the way these can meaningfully differ between both individuals and contexts.
Ex vivo hemostatic and immuno‐inflammatory profiles of freeze‐dried plasma
Authors: Peng Henry T. , Rhind Shawn G. , Devine Dana , Jenkins Craig , Beckett Andrew
Published: July 2021

Background

Hemorrhage is a leading cause of preventable death in civilian and military trauma. Freeze‐dried plasma is promising for hemostatic resuscitation in remote prehospital settings, given its potential benefits in reducing blood loss and mortality, long storage at ambient temperatures, high portability, and rapid reconstitution for transfusion in austere environments. Here we assess the ex vivo characteristics of a novel Terumo's freeze‐dried plasma product (TFDP).

Study design and methods

Rotational thromboelastometry (ROTEM) tests (INTEM, EXTEM, and FIBTEM) were conducted on plasma samples at 37°C with a ROTEM delta‐machine using standard reagents and procedures. The following samples were analyzed: pooled plasma to produce TFDP, TFDP reconstituted, and stored immediately at −80°C, reconstituted TFDP stored at 4°C for 24 h and room temperature (RT) for 4 h before freezing at −80°C. Analysis of plasma concentrations of selected cytokines, chemokines, and vascular molecules was performed using a multiplex immunoassay system. One‐way ANOVA with post hoc tests assessed differences in hemostatic and inflammatory properties.

Results

No significant differences in ROTEM variables (coagulation time [CT], clot formation time, α‐angle, maximum clot firmness, and lysis index 30) between the TFDP‐producing plasma and reconstituted TFDP samples were observed. Compared to control plasma, reconstituted TFDP stored at 4°C for 24 h or RT for 4 h showed a longer INTEM CT. Levels of immuno‐inflammatory mediators were similar between frozen plasma and TFDP.

Conclusions

TFDP is equivalent to frozen plasma with respect to global hemostatic and immuno‐inflammatory mediator profiles. Further investigations of TFDP in trauma‐induced coagulopathy models and bleeding patients are warranted.
Emerging gene therapies for enhancing the hemostatic potential of platelets
Authors: Leung Jerry , Cau Massimo F. , Kastrup Christian J.
Published: July 2021

Platelet transfusions are an integral component of balanced hemostatic resuscitation protocols used to manage severe hemorrhage following trauma. Enhancing the hemostatic potential of platelets could lead to further increases in the efficacy of transfusions, particularly for non‐compressible torso hemorrhage or severe hemorrhage with coagulopathy, by decreasing blood loss and improving overall patient outcomes. Advances in gene therapies, including RNA therapies, are leading to new strategies to enhance platelets for better control of hemorrhage. This review will highlight three approaches for creating modified platelets using gene therapies: (i) direct transfection of transfusable platelets ex vivo, (ii) in vitro production of engineered platelets from platelet‐precursor cells, and (iii) modifying the bone marrow for in vivo production of modified platelets. In summary, modifying platelets to enhance their hemostatic potential is an exciting new frontier in transfusion medicine, but more preclinical development as well as studies testing the safety and efficacy of these agents are needed.
DEHT is a suitable plasticizer option for phthalate‐free storage of irradiated red blood cells
Authors: Larsson Linda , Ohlsson Sara , Derving Julia , Diedrich Beatrice , Sandgren Per , Larsson Stella , Uhlin Michael
Published: July 2021

Background and Objectives

Due to increasing concerns about possible endocrine‐disrupting properties, the use of the plasticizer di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) will be banned in future blood storage. Di(2‐ethylhexyl) terephthalate (DEHT) provides sufficient red blood cell (RBC) quality during conventional blood bank storage. It is important that a new plasticizer also maintains acceptable quality during exposure to high cell stress, such as irradiation, which is commonly used to prevent graft‐versus‐host disease.

Materials and Methods

A total of 59 RBC units were collected and processed in polyvinyl chloride (PVC)‐DEHT or PVC‐DEHP blood bags combined with either saline‐adenine‐glucose‐mannitol (SAGM) or phosphate‐adenine‐glucose‐guanosine‐saline‐mannitol (PAGGSM) additive solution. All units were X‐ray irradiated on day 2 post‐collection. Sampling for assessment of parameters of storage lesion was performed on day 2 pre‐irradiation and day 14 and 28 post‐irradiation.

Results

Though irradiation increased cell stress, DEHT/PAGGSM and current common European preference DEHP/SAGM were equally affected up to 14 days post‐irradiation for all measured parameters. At day 28, haemolysis and microvesicle count were slightly increased in DEHT, whereas extracellular potassium ions, glucose, lactate, pH, mean corpuscular volume and microvesicle phosphatidylserine remained unaffected by plasticizer choice throughout storage. No individual unit exceeded 0.8% haemolysis, not even in DEHT/SAGM, the combination overall most affected by irradiation. Of the four combinations, membrane stability was least impacted in DEHP/PAGGSM.

Conclusion

We demonstrate that DEHT is a suitable plasticizer for storage of RBCs after X‐ray irradiation cell stress. This strengthens the option of DEHT as a viable non‐phthalate substitute for DEHP.
Long‐term impact of legume‐based cropping with chemical and integrated fertilisation on viable weed seed density, diversity and community structure
Authors: Nath Chaitanya P. , Hazra Kali K. , Praharaj Chandra S. , Singh Ummed , Singh Sati S. , Kumar Narendra , Nandan Rajiv , Singh Narendra P.
Published: July 2021

Dominance, evenness and diversity of weeds in the seedbank have been recommended as potential indicators for monitoring the sustainability of cropping systems. We aimed to investigate viable seed density and diversity in soil after 13 years of diversified cropping and nutrient management practices. The long‐term field experiment comprised four cropping sequences: maize (Zea mays L.)–wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) (M‐W), maize–wheat–mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) (M‐W‐Mb), maize–wheat–maize–chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) (M‐W‐M‐C) and pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan L.)–wheat (P‐W) in main plots and three nutrient management regimes: without fertilisation (CT), recommended inorganic fertilisers (RDF) and integrated nutrient management (INM) in subplots. The importance value index (IVI), the sum of relative frequency, density and abundance, was used to measure how dominant a species was in a given treatment. The M‐W rotation recorded a higher IVI of Phyllanthus niruri L. and Medicago denticulata L. compared with legume‐based cropping (M‐W‐Mb, M‐W‐M‐C and P‐W). INM also resulted in higher IVI of these species than RDF in the 0–15 cm soil layer. The P‐W rotation resulted in 33%–40% (at 0–7.5 cm), 16%–26% (at 7.5–15 cm) and 27%–36% (at 0–15 cm) higher seed density compared to the remaining rotations (expressed as the mean of other rotations). However, the sequence of seed density was INM = CT > RDF for the nutrient management. Weed species diversity (Shannon and richness indices) in the seedbank was higher in legume‐based cropping than the M‐W. The M‐W rotation also had higher ecological dominance than legume‐based rotations throughout the soil profile. Averaged across depths, RDF had 16% higher ecological dominance than the INM practice. Above‐ground weed density in wheat at harvest was significantly lower in M‐W‐Mb and M‐W‐M‐C than the M‐W rotation indicating that weed pressure and competition in wheat are reduced when systems were diversified with mungbean and chickpea. However, the P‐W rotation and INM can increase both weed seed density and species diversity compared with continuous cereal–cereal rotation (M‐W) and chemical fertilisation (RDF) in the long term. Thus, diversification of M‐W with legume (chickpea and mungbean) can be an important strategy to enhance species diversity vis‐à‐vis to reduce weed competition, herbicide inputs and avoiding the evolution of herbicide resistance.
Asociación entre la cuota moderadora y la frecuencia en la consulta a los servicios de urgencias en pacientes adultos con asma, usuarios del Régimen Contributivo en Colombia
Authors: Aranguren Bello Hernán Camilo , Buitrago Gutiérrez Giancarlo , Ruiz Morales Álvaro
Published: July 2021

Objetivo. Determinar la relación entre el nivel de cuota moderadora y la frecuencia de consulta a los servicios de urgencias en pacientes con asma que pertenecen al régimen contributivo en Colombia. Métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio observacional analítico de cohorte retrospectivo en el cual se incluyeron las personas mayores de 18 años cotizantes con diagnóstico de asma, usuarios del régimen contributivo registrados en la base de datos para el cálculo de la Unidad por Capitación entre los años 2012 y 2014. Se hizo reclutamiento de los pacientes durante el año 2013 y posterior seguimiento a la cohorte durante un año, desde la fecha de ingreso. Se tomó como variable de desenlace la frecuencia de consulta al servicio de urgencias, se evaluó la influencia de las principales variables de confusión y se aplicó un modelo de regresión binomial negativa para el análisis de los datos. Resultados. Se incluyeron 54 516 pacientes asmáticos con sus comorbilidades, de los cuales un 13,69% consultó a urgencias. Luego de controlar por el índice de Charlson y la edad de consulta a urgencias, el riesgo de consultar a urgencias es 1,1 veces más frecuente en el nivel 3 de cuota moderadora con respecto al nivel 1. Conclusiones. Se sugiere que las cuotas moderadoras podrían comportarse como una barrera de acceso a los servicios de salud en pacientes asmáticos. Se recomienda la realización de estudios que evalúen de modo más preciso esta hipótesis.
Estratégias de cuidado interprofissional na assistência a saúde da puérpera na atenção primária à saúde. Uma revisão integrativa sobre prática clínical na assistência a saúde da puérpera na atenção primária à saúde. Uma revisão integrativa sobre prática clínica
Authors: Mendes Candice Feitosa de Alencar , Ferreira Ilziane Tomaz , Gonçalves Bianca Ianne Carlos , De Vasconcelos Patrícia Freire , Ferreira Junior Antonio Rodrigues , Dos Anjos Saiwori de Jesus Silva Bezerra
Published: July 2021

Introdução. A Atenção Primária à Saúde visa a promoção da saúde materna, e a prevenção e tratamento de complicações que possam ocorrer no período gravídico e puerperal. Objetivo. Analisar a literatura acerca do cuidado multiprofissional à puérpera na Atenção Primária à Saúde. Método. Foram realizadas buscas com os descritores em ciência da saúde (Equipe de Assistência ao Paciente, Período Pós-Parto e Atenção Primária à Saúde), nas seguintes bases de dados: Literatura Latino-Americana e do Caribe em Ciências da Saúde (LILACS), Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library e Medline. Foram incluídos na integra artigos publicados e indexados nas referidas bases que abordassem o cuidado às puérperas. Resultados. A análise da síntese quantitativa compreendeu-se em 12 publicações. Os cuidados às puérperas apresentados foram: visita domiciliar, assistência médica, assistência psicológica, educação em saúde, assistência nutricional e acolhimento. Conclusão. Para fortalecer os conhecimentos e as práticas de cuidado neste período, cada profissional deve reconhecer o cenário de apoio necessário ao binômio mãe-filho. Assim, o uso da visita domiciliar como instrumento primordial deve ser o campo de atuação de toda a equipe, desenvolvendo uma colaboração interprofissional, e contextualizando os aspectos físico e mental da saúde.
Estrategias de evaluación del desarrollo de los Cuidados Paliativos: una revisión sistemática
Authors: Sanchez-Cárdenas Miguel Antonio , Correa Morales Juan Esteban , Guerrero Benítez Angie Carolina , Suarez Prieto Vilma Katherine , Moreno García Jenny Rocío , León Delgado Martha Ximena
Published: July 2021

Introducción. Dada la alta carga de enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles y el sufrimiento grave es importante estudiar los cuidados paliativos en los sistemas de salud pública. Objetivo. Analizar las estrategias de evaluación del desarrollo de los cuidados paliativos. Material y métodos. Se realizó una revisión sistemática de la literatura utilizando dos motores de búsqueda: pubMed y Embase, se seleccionaron artículos que evalúan el desarrollo en cuidados paliativos en al menos dos países. Se evaluó la calidad de los estudios según las fuentes de información utilizadas para la construcción de las estrategias de evaluación. Los resultados se presentan en una síntesis narrativa. Resultados. Se identificaron 15 estrategias de evaluación de los cuidados paliativos que comparten una estructura en común y se estableció una clasificación según su metodología en cuatro grupos: de registro, clasificación nominal, clasificación numérica y estrategias mixtas. Conclusiones. La clasificación de las estrategias de evaluación de los cuidados paliativos facilitará la elección del modelo más adecuado para las necesidades de cada contexto así como también la identificación de los medios necesarios para asegurar la implementación universal en los sistemas de salud.