bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A thematic analysis of men’s help‐seeking on an Australian health helpline
Authors: Lopriore Stefanie , Turnbull Deborah , Martin Sean A.
Published: January 2021

Aims and objectives

The current study aimed to qualitatively explore men's help‐seeking behaviours by analysing male callers’ talk on an Australian health helpline. Analysis focused on identifying the ways in which men positioned themselves as help‐seekers and the extent to which help‐seeking behaviours deviated or conformed to the narrative commonly reported on in men's health literature which, generally speaking, positions men as reluctant help‐seekers and health service users.

Methods

The present study utilised naturally occurring instances of men's help‐seeking during 196 calls to the helpline, Healthdirect Australia. Thematic analysis was used to explore recurrent themes in help‐seeking interactions.

Findings

The analysis yielded three broad themes, which were formulated as caller archetypes. These themes included the ‘reluctant caller’, the ‘unwell patient’ and the ‘concerned carer’, as well as a number of associated sub‐themes within these broad categories.

Conclusions

The findings demonstrated that male callers sought help in a variety of different ways, rather than prescribing to a homogenous pattern of help‐seeking. However, it was acknowledged that some data did align with help‐seeking behaviour which indicated men's reluctance to engage with their own health.

So what?

The present study contributes to men's health promotion by identifying the various social devices used by men to facilitate help‐seeking. The findings highlight the changing and flexible landscape of contemporary masculinity and its impact on health engagement. Recognising the versatility in men's health behaviour is important for ensuring that men have positive experiences during healthcare encounters which, in turn, may facilitate future health service uptake and engagement.
Soret, viscous dissipation, and thermal radiation effects on MHD free convective flow of Williamson liquid with variable viscosity and thermal conductivity
Authors: Onwubuoya Cletus , Dada Moses S.
Published: January 2021

The flow model of heat and mass transport of a Williamson liquid through a porous stretching sheet with radiation, viscous dissipation, Soret effect, and chemical reaction has been explored. The motion starts from the slot to the free stream. The present study is unique, because it examines the flow of a Williamson fluid under the influence of variable viscosity and thermal conductivity. The Williamson fluid term as added to the momentum and energy equation is considered in a nonlinear form as compared with other studies in literature. The flow model is a set of coupled highly nonlinear partial differential equations that are simplified and lead to coupled nonlinear total differential equations by employing sufficient similarity variables. The simplified equations are later solved by utilizing the spectral homotopy analysis method. Our experiment shows that the injected variable viscosity, together with thermal conductivity, has a great impact on the fluid profiles. An increase in the Williamson parameter (β) leads to a decrease in the thickness of the hydrodynamic thermal layer. Our numerical calculations were compared with earlier published work, and they were discovered to be correct.
Understanding the link between work engagement and affective organisational commitment: The moderating effect of role stress
Authors: Orgambídez Alejandro , Benítez Miriam
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to explore the moderating effect of role ambiguity and role conflict on the relationship between work engagement and affective organisational commitment. Using convenience sampling, a final sample of 179 IT‐specialists of services companies in southern Spain was obtained. Moderation analyses were performed using the hierarchical regressions and bootstrapping method (Bias‐Corrected confidence intervals). Results showed that work engagement was positively related to affective commitment while role ambiguity and role conflict were negatively related to it. However, only role conflict moderated the relationship between work engagement and affective commitment. That is, at high levels of role conflict, IT‐specialists perceiving higher levels of work engagement reported lower levels of affective commitment. This study highlights the hindrance effect of role conflict on one of the most important consequences of work engagement: affective commitment with the organisation. An adequate definition of role and positions could help to reduce the levels of role conflict, increasing the emotional bond to the organisation.
Comparing the results of one‐session, two‐session, and three‐session MSWO preference assessments
Authors: Conine Daniel E. , Morris Samuel L. , Kronfli Faris R. , Slanzi Crystal M. , Petronelli Abigail K. , Kalick Lindsay , Vollmer Timothy R.
Published: January 2021

The multiple‐stimulus‐without‐replacement (MSWO) preference assessment is commonly used in behavior‐analytic research and practice. As originally published, the MSWO included 5 sessions in an effort to confirm stimulus preferences. Subsequent researchers have evaluated the validity of MSWO outcomes when the assessment is abbreviated. Generally, valid outcomes have been noted for 3‐session MSWOs (that is, the outcomes match those of the 5‐session version), while validity outcomes for 1‐ or 2‐session MSWOs have varied across studies. The current study utilized data from 157 MSWO preference assessments conducted in previously published research with 49 total participants and analyzed the extent to which 1‐session or 2‐session variations of those assessments would have yielded similar outcomes as a 3‐session assessment. Results indicate that the hierarchies produced by both abbreviated formats were strongly correlated with those produced by a 3‐session assessment. However, neither 1‐ nor 2‐session MSWOs reliably identified the same highest‐preferred stimuli as a 3‐session MSWO.
Physical Determinants of Vitamin D Photosynthesis: A Review
Authors: Neville Jonathan J , Palmieri Tommaso , Young Antony R
Published: January 2021

Vitamin D synthesis by exposure of skin to solar ultraviolet radiation (UVR) provides the majority of this hormone that is essential for bone development and maintenance but may be important for many other health outcomes. This process, which is the only well‐established benefit of solar UVR exposure, depends on many factors including genetics, age, health, and behavior. However, the most important factor is the quantity and quality of UVR reaching the skin. Vitamin D synthesis specifically requires ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation that is the minority component (<5%) of solar UVR. This waveband is also the most important for the adverse effects of solar exposure. The most obvious of which is sunburn (erythema), but UVB is also the main cause of DNA damage to the skin that is a prerequisite for most skin cancers. UVB at the Earth's surface depends on many physical and temporal factors such as latitude, altitude, season, and weather. Personal, cultural, and behavioral factors are also important. These include skin melanin, clothing, body surface area exposed, holiday habits, and sunscreen use. There is considerable disagreement in the literature about the role of some of these factors, possibly because some studies have been done by researchers with little understanding of photobiology. It can be argued that vitamin D supplementation obviates the need for solar exposure, but many studies have shown little benefit from this approach for a wide range of health outcomes. There is also increasing evidence that such exposure offers health benefits independently of vitamin D: the most important of which is blood‐pressure reduction. In any case, public health advice must optimize risk versus benefit for solar exposure. It is fortunate that the individual UVB doses necessary for maintaining optimal vitamin D status are lower than those for sunburn, irrespective of skin melanin. © 2020 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
EphA2 Is a Clinically Relevant Target for Breast Cancer Bone Metastatic Disease
Authors: Vaught David B , Merkel Alyssa R , Lynch Conor C , Edwards James , Tantawy Mohammed Noor , Hilliard Timothy , Wang Shan , Peterson Todd , Johnson Rachelle W , Sterling Julie A , Brantley‐Sieders Dana
Published: January 2021

EphA2 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is highly expressed in breast tumor cells across multiple molecular subtypes and correlates with poor patient prognosis. In this study, the potential role of EphA2 in this clinically relevant phenomenon is investigated as metastasis of breast cancer to bone is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in patients. It was found that the EphA2 function in breast cancer cells promotes osteoclast activation and the development of osteolytic bone disease. Blocking EphA2 function molecularly and pharmacologically in breast tumors reduced the number and size of bone lesions and the degree of osteolytic disease in intratibial and intracardiac mouse models, which correlated with a significant decrease in the number of osteoclasts at the tumor–bone interface. EphA2 loss of function in tumor cells impaired osteoclast progenitor differentiation in coculture, which is mediated, at least in part, by reduced expression of IL‐6. EPHA2 transcript levels are enriched in human breast cancer bone metastatic lesions relative to visceral metastatic sites; EphA2 protein expression was detected in breast tumor cells in bone metastases in patient samples, supporting the clinical relevance of the study's findings. These data provide a strong rationale for the development and application of molecularly targeted therapies against EphA2 for the treatment of breast cancer bone metastatic disease. © 2021 The Authors. JBMR Plus published by Wiley Periodicals LLC. on behalf of American Society for Bone and Mineral Research.
One more time with less jargon: An introduction to “Rupture Repair in Practice”
Authors: Muran J. Christopher , Eubanks Catherine F. , Samstag Lisa Wallner
Published: January 2021

In this introduction to this issue on Rupture–Repair in Practice, we present our understanding of alliance ruptures using common language to appeal to all theoretical orientations. Specifically, we define withdrawal movements away from another or oneself (efforts towards isolation or appeasement) and confrontation movements against another (efforts towards aggression or control). In addition to these interpersonal markers, we suggest that therapist emotional experiences can be considered as intrapersonal markers indicating rupture. We emphasize understanding ruptures as relational phenomena. Then we present various pathways toward rupture–repair, highlighting renegotiation of therapy tasks or goals and exploration of patient and therapist contributions and needs. We explain how these paths can be understood as critical change processes that can transform obstacles in treatment into opportunities. We finish with some mention of our alliance‐focused training for self‐development. This issue represents an important step towards demonstrating the transtheoretical and practical potential of rupture–repair.
Prevalence and factors associated with poor performance in the 5‐chair stand test: findings from the Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II and proposed Newcastle protocol for use in the assessment of sarcopenia
Authors: Dodds Richard Matthew , Murray James C. , Granic Antoneta , Hurst Christopher , Uwimpuhwe Germaine , Richardson Sarah , Brayne Carol , Matthews Fiona E. , Sayer Avan A. ,   MRC CFAS
Published: January 2021

Background

Poor performance in the 5‐chair stand test (5‐CST) indicates reduced lower limb muscle strength. The 5‐CST has been recommended for use in the initial assessment of sarcopenia, the accelerated loss of muscle strength and mass. In order to facilitate the use of the 5‐CST in sarcopenia assessment, our aims were to (i) describe the prevalence and factors associated with poor performance in the 5‐CST, (ii) examine the relationship between the 5‐CST and gait speed, and (iii) propose a protocol for using the 5‐CST.

Methods

The population‐based study Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II recruited people aged 65 years and over from defined geographical localities in Cambridgeshire, Newcastle, and Nottingham. The study collected data for assessment of functional ability during home visits, including the 5‐CST and gait speed. We used multinomial logistic regression to assess the associations between factors including the SARC‐F questionnaire and the category of 5‐CST performance: fast (<12 s), intermediate (12–15 s), slow (>15 s), or unable, with slow/unable classed as poor performance. We reviewed previous studies on the protocol used to carry out the 5‐CST.

Results

A total of 7190 participants aged 65+ from the three diverse localities of Cognitive Function and Ageing Study II were included (54.1% female). The proportion of those with poor performance in the 5‐CST increased with age, from 34.3% at age 65–69 to 89.7% at age 90+. Factors independently associated with poor performance included positive responses to the SARC‐F questionnaire, physical inactivity, depression, impaired cognition, and multimorbidity (all P < 0.005). Most people with poor performance also had slow gait speed (57.8%) or were unable to complete the gait speed test (18.4%). We found variation in the 5‐CST protocol used, for example, timing until a participant stood up for the fifth time or until they sat down afterwards.

Conclusions

Poor performance in the 5‐CST is increasingly common with age and is associated with a cluster of other factors that characterize risk for poor ageing such as physical inactivity, impaired cognition, and multimorbidity. We recommend a low threshold for performing the 5‐CST in clinical settings and provide a protocol for its use.
Climate change and anadromous fish: How does thermal acclimation affect the mechanics of the myotomal muscle of the Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar?
Authors: Hittle Kathleen A. , Kwon Elizabeth S. , Coughlin David J.
Published: January 2021

In response to accelerated temperature shifts due to climate change, the survival of many species will require forms of thermal acclimation to their changing environment. We were interested in how climate change will impact a commercially and recreationally important species of fish, Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar). As climate change alters the thermal environment of their natal streams, we asked how their muscle function will be altered by extended exposure to both warm and cold temperatures. We performed a thermal acclimation study of S. salar muscle mechanics of both fast‐twitch, or white, and slow‐twitch, or red, myotomal muscle bundles to investigate how temperature acclimated Atlantic salmon would respond across a range of different temperatures. Isometric contraction properties, maximum shortening velocity, and oscillatory power output were measured and compared amongst three groups of salmon—warm acclimated (20°C), cold‐acclimated (2°C), and those at their rearing temperature (12°C). The Atlantic salmon showed limited thermal acclimation in their contraction kinetics, and some of the shifts in contractile properties that were observed would not be predicted to mitigate the impact of a warming environment. For instance, the maximum shortening velocity at a common test temperature was higher in the warm acclimated group and lower in the cold‐acclimated group. In addition, critical swimming speed did not vary with temperature of acclimation when tested at a common temperature (12°C). Our results suggest that Atlantic salmon populations will continue to struggle in response to a warming environment.
Thrombotic microangiopathies: First report of 294 cases from a single institution experience in Argentina
Authors: Dos Santos Célia , Paiva Juvenal , Romero María Lucila , Agazzoni Mara , Kempfer Ana Catalina , Rotondo Sabrina , Casinelli María Marta , Alberto María Fabiana , Sánchez‐Luceros Analía
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Introduction: Thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs) are rare disorders associated with fatal outcomes if left uncared for. However, healthcare problems in developing countries tend to limit medical assistance to patients.

Methods

Methods: We prospectively studied an Argentine cohort of 294 consecutive patients from 2013 to 2016. Patients’ subcategory classification relied on clinical symptoms and presence or absence of trigger events associated with TMA.

Results

Main suspected disorders were the primary TMAs known as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP) (n = 72/294, 24%) and atypical haemolytic uraemic syndrome (aHUS) (n = 94/294, 32%). In acute phase, demographic parameters for acquired TTP (aTTP) (n = 28) and aHUS (n = 47) showed that both groups were characterised by a young median age (37 and 25 years, respectively) and female predominance (60% and 86%). Median of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13 activity was significantly lower in aTTP than in aHUS group (1.4% vs 83%) and was associated with a more severe thrombocytopenia (15 × 109 vs 53 × 109/L). Creatinine (Cr) and urea (Ur) were significantly increased in aHUS compared to aTTP subjects (Cr: 3.7 vs 0.7 mg/dL, Ur: 118 vs 33 mg/dL). Gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms were more frequent in aHUS and aTTP, respectively.

Conclusion

The first description of a TMA cohort in Argentina revealed similar clinical presentations to those of other countries.
The spleen: “epicenter” in malaria infection and immunity
Authors: Ghosh Debopam , Stumhofer Jason S
Published: January 2021

The spleen is a complex secondary lymphoid organ that plays a crucial role in controlling blood-stage infection with Plasmodium parasites. It is tasked with sensing and removing parasitized RBCs, erythropoiesis, the activation and differentiation of adaptive immune cells, and the development of protective immunity, all in the face of an intense inflammatory environment. This paper describes how these processes are regulated following infection and recognizes the gaps in our current knowledge, highlighting recent insights from human infections and mouse models.
Mass spectral studies on the human skin surface for mosquito vector control applications
Authors: Wooding Madelien , Dodgen Tyren , Rohwer Egmont R. , Naudé Yvette
Published: January 2021

Human skin surface chemical cues comprise a complex mixture of compounds that mosquitoes use to locate and select their human host, based on inter‐ and intra‐human variation in chemical profiles. The complexity of the skin surface matrix calls for advanced analytical techniques to enable separation and identification of biomarkers, which may be used as topical attractants and repellants in future mosquito vector control programmes. The perceived mosquito attractiveness between 20 volunteers and the preference of mosquitoes to bite certain regions, namely, ankle versus wrist, of the human host were investigated in this study, by comparing skin surface chemical profiles. Ion mobility was combined with high resolution mass spectrometry to provide additional confidence in biological marker discovery and identification of human skin surface compounds. This study employed a non‐intrusive sampling scheme using a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) sampler and solvent desorption analysed with ultra‐performance liquid chromatography with ion mobility high‐resolution mass spectrometry (UPLC‐IMS‐HRMS). Statistical approaches guided the identification of 14 biological markers discerning difference in perceived mosquito attractiveness and 20 biomarkers associated with the different skin regions sampled. A broad range (m/z96.0437 to 788.6095) of chemical compounds was detected from a variety of classes (including sugars, steroids, fatty acids, peptides and peptide derivatives, and compounds of food origin). Ten compounds were unequivocally identified on the human skin surface, and caffeine was reported on the human skin surface for the first time. Furthermore, 77 compounds, of which 64 to the authors' knowledge have not previously been reported, were detected on the human skin surface using accurate mass, collision cross section (CCS) values and fragmentation patterns. This approach enabled comprehensive human skin surface chemical profiling and provides an extensive list of tentatively identified skin surface compounds together with accurate mass values and adducts with their corresponding CCS values.
A U‐shaped association between baseline neutrophil count and COVID‐19‐related mortality: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Fu Wei , Chen Chi , Chen Xin‐Lin , Wang Kun , Zuo Peiyuan , Liu Yuwei , Zhang Meng , Zhao Xiaofang , Xie Songpu , Zhang Hao , Geng Yan , Liu Chengyun
Published: January 2021

Several descriptive studies have reported that higher neutrophil count (NC) may be correlated with poor prognosis in patients with confirmed COVID‐19 infection. However, the findings from these studies are limited by methodology and data analysis. This study is a cohort study. We nonselectively and consecutively collected a total of 663 participants in a Chinese hospital from January 7 to February 28. Standardized and two‐piecewise Cox regression model were employed to evaluate the association between baseline neutrophil count (bNC), neutrophil count change rate (NCR), and death. bNC had a U‐shaped association with death. In the range of 0.1 to ≤1.49 × 109/L (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.05–0.66) and >3.55 × 109/L of bNC (HR = 2.82, 95% CI = 1.19–6.67), the trends on bNC with mortality were opposite. By recursive algorithm, the bNC at which the risk of the death was lower in the range of >1.49 to ≤3.55 × 109/L (HR = 13.64, 95% CI = 0.25–74.71). In addition, we find that NCRs (NCR1 and NCR2) are not associated with COVID‐19‐related deaths. Compared with NCR, bNC has the potential to be used for early risk stratification in patients with COVID‐19 infection. The relationship between bNC and mortality was U‐shaped. The safe range of bNC was 1.64–4.0 × 109/L. Identifying the correlation may be helpful for early risk stratification and medical decision‐making.
Rapid qualitative profiling and quantitative analysis of phenolics in Ribes meyeri leaves and their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities by HPLC‐QTOF‐MS/MS and UHPLC‐MS/MS
Authors: Zhao Yayun , Lu Honglin , Wang Qiang , Liu Hailiang , Shen Haitao , Xu Wenbin , Ge Juan , He Dajun
Published: January 2021

Ribes meyeri leaves are used as traditional Kazakh medicine in China. However, no study on the characterization of the phenolic compounds in R. meyeri leaves has been reported, resulting in the lack of quality control measures and poor standardization. This study was conducted to identify the phenolic compounds in R. meyeri leaves and evaluate their antioxidant and antidiabetic activities. A total of 77 phenolics were tentatively identified by liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry. Ultra‐high performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple quadrupole mass spectrometry was applied to simultaneously quantify 12 phenolics in R. meyeri leaves. Rutin, epigallocatechin, isoquercitrin, epicatechin, protocatechuic acid, and kaempferol‐3‐O‐rutinoside were abundant in the R. meyeri leaves. The methanol extract and four different extracts enhanced the glucose uptake in 3T3‐L1 adipocytes. The ethyl acetate extracts showed a total phenolic content of 966.89 ± 3.59 mg gallic acid equivalents/g, a total flavonoid content of 263.58 ± 17.09 mg catechin equivalents/g, and good protein‐tyrosine phosphatase‐1B inhibitory activities (IC50: 0.60 ± 0.03 μg/mL). To our knowledge, this work is the first to identify and quantify the major phenolics in R. meyeri leaves.
Role of single slip assumption on the viscoelastic liquid subject to non‐integer differentiable operators
Authors: Saeed Syed Tauseef , Abro Kashif Ali , Almani Sikandar
Published: January 2021

The main focus of this study is to investigate the impact of heat generation/absorption with single slip assumptions based on Newtonian heating on magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) time‐dependent Maxwell fluid over an unbounded plate embedded in a permeable medium. The mathematical modeling based on fractional treatment of governing equation subject to the temperature distribution, shearing stress, and velocity field is developed. The fractionalized analytical solutions have been traced out separately through Atangana‐Baleanu (AB) and Caputo‐Fabrizio (CF) fractional differential operators. These differential operators with and without non‐locality have been employed on the developed governing partial differential equations. The mathematical analysis of developed fractionalized governing partial differential equations has been established by means of systematic and powerful techniques of Laplace transform with its inversion. For the sake of physical investigation of the considered problem, the effective Prandtl number and fractional parameter have been invoked on temperature with and without single slip assumption. Our results suggest that the velocity profile decrease by increasing the effective Prandtl number. The existence of an effective Prandtl number may reflect the control of the thickness of momentum and enlargement of thermal conductivity. Additionally, the magnetic field and relaxation phenomenon have been analyzed on the profile of velocity with and without single slip assumption.
Dynamics of an infinite age‐structured particle system
Authors: Jasińska Dominika , Kozitsky Yuri
Published: January 2021

The Markov evolution is studied of an infinite age‐structured population of migrants arriving in and departing from a continuous habitat
—at random and independently of each other. Each population member is characterized by its age a ≥ 0 (time of presence in the population) and location x ∈ X. The population states are probability measures on the space of the corresponding marked configurations. The result of the paper is an explicit construction of the evolution μ0 → μt of such states by solving a standard Fokker–Planck equation for this models. We also found a stationary state μ existing if the emigration rate is separated away from zero. Under additional conditions imposed on μ0, it is shown that μt weakly converges to μ as t → +∞.
Sharp estimates of the unique solution for two‐point fractional boundary value problems with conformable derivative
Authors: Laadjal Zaid , Abdeljawad Thabet , Jarad Fahd
Published: January 2021

In this work, we investigate the condition of the given interval which ensures the existence and uniqueness of solutions for two‐point boundary value problems within conformable‐type local fractional derivative. The method of analysis is obtained by the principle of contraction mapping. Furthermore, benefiting from calculating the integral of the Green's function, we are able to improve a recent result by obtaining a sharper lower bound for an eigenvalue problem. Two examples are presented to clarify the obtained results. Finally, we present an open problem for the interested reader.
Online donation behavior in nonprofit organizations: The role of congruent processing styles
Authors: Koksal Ahmet , Darrat Mohamad , James Karen
Published: January 2021

With the advent of technology, donors are increasingly donating via online channels. This shift deems it necessary for nonprofit organizations to better understand the online donor behavior. As such, the purpose of this paper is twofold. First, we investigate if nonprofit organizations are perceived differently in terms of their cognitive and affective natures. Then, we examine how different consumer processing styles, i.e. cognitive and affective, interact with consumer perceptions of nonprofit cognitive/affective orientations in influencing their donation intentions. Our results indicate that consumers with a high need for cognition are more willing to donate to predominantly cognitive nonprofit organizations, while those with high need for emotion are more willing to donate to predominantly affective nonprofit organizations. Based on these results, we suggest that nonprofit organizations can garner more donations if they request funds from donors whose processing styles are congruent with the organization. Additional recommendations for future research are provided.
Artificial intelligence, fetal echocardiography, and congenital heart disease
Authors: Day Thomas G. , Kainz Bernhard , Hajnal Jo , Razavi Reza , Simpson John M.
Published: January 2021

There has been a recent explosion in the use of artificial intelligence (AI), which is now part of our everyday lives. Uptake in medicine has been more limited, although in several fields there have been encouraging results showing excellent performance when AI is used to assist in a well‐defined medical task. Most of this work has been performed using retrospective data, and there have been few clinical trials published using prospective data. This review focuses on the potential uses of AI in the field of fetal cardiology. Ultrasound of the fetal heart is highly specific and sensitive in experienced hands, but despite this there is significant room for improvement in the rates of prenatal diagnosis of congenital heart disease in most countries. AI may be one way of improving this. Other potential applications in fetal cardiology include the provision of more accurate prognoses for individuals, and automatic quantification of various metrics including cardiac function. However, there are also ethical and governance concerns. These will need to be overcome before AI can be widely accepted in mainstream use. It is likely that a familiarity of the uses, and pitfalls, of AI will soon be mandatory for many healthcare professionals working in fetal cardiology.
Machine learning improves early prediction of small‐for‐gestational‐age births and reveals nuchal fold thickness as unexpected predictor
Authors: Saw Shier Nee , Biswas Arijit , Mattar Citra Nurfarah Zaini , Lee Hwee Kuan , Yap Choon Hwai
Published: January 2021

Objective

To investigate the performance of the machine learning (ML) model in predicting small‐for‐gestational‐age (SGA) at birth, using second‐trimester data.

Methods

Retrospective data of 347 patients, consisting of maternal demographics and ultrasound parameters collected between the 20th and 25th gestational weeks, were studied. ML models were applied to different combinations of the parameters to predict SGA and severe SGA at birth (defined as 10th and third centile birth weight).

Results

Using second‐trimester measurements, ML models achieved an accuracy of 70% and 73% in predicting SGA and severe SGA whereas clinical guidelines had accuracies of 64% and 48%. Uterine PI (Ut PI) was found to be an important predictor, corroborating with existing literature, but surprisingly, so was nuchal fold thickness (NF). Logistic regression showed that Ut PI and NF were significant predictors and statistical comparisons showed that these parameters were significantly different in disease. Further, including NF was found to improve ML model performance, and vice versa.

Conclusion

ML could potentially improve the prediction of SGA at birth from second‐trimester measurements, and demonstrated reduced NF to be an important predictor. Early prediction of SGA allows closer clinical monitoring, which provides an opportunity to discover any underlying diseases associated with SGA.
Association of proton pump inhibitor use with endothelial function and metabolites of the nitric oxide pathway: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Nolde Michael , Bahls Martin , Friedrich Nele , Dörr Marcus , Dreischulte Tobias , Felix Stephan B. , Rückert‐Eheberg Ina‐Maria , Ahn Nayeon , Amann Ute , Schwedhelm Edzard , Völzke Henry , Lerch Markus M. , Linseisen Jakob , Meisinger Christa , Baumeister Sebastian E.
Published: January 2021

Study Objective

Long‐term intake of proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) might increase the risk of cardiovascular events. One suggested mechanism is that PPIs inhibit the enzyme dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH) and thereby block the degradation of endothelial asymmetrical dimethylarginine (ADMA). Excess ADMA in turn leads to impaired endothelial nitric oxide (NO) generation. So far, this mechanism has only been established in human cell cultures. Previous studies that examined this pathway in human populations measured circulating ADMA and found no association with PPI use and excess plasma ADMA. But in a recent study, plasma ADMA was not correlated with intracellular ADMA. We therefore focused on changes in plasma citrulline as an indicator for potential DDAH inhibition.

Design

We analyzed the association between regular daily PPI intake and flow‐mediated dilation (FMD) of the brachial artery as well as plasma concentrations of citrulline, arginine, ADMA, and symmetric dimethylarginine using inverse probability weighting to adjust for confounding and censoring.

Data Source

Data of 1298 participants from two independent cohorts of the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania were used.

Patients

Participants of the population‐based Study of Health in Pomerania are a stratified random sample of the study region.

Intervention

Regular daily intake of PPIs.

Measurements

FMD of the brachial artery and plasma concentrations of citrulline, arginine, ADMA, and symmetric dimethylarginine.

Main Results

Eighty‐seven participants (57.5% female) were regular daily users of PPIs. In the fully adjusted models, associations were identified for FMD and plasma citrulline concentrations. PPI users revealed a 0.99% (95% CI: −1.96 to −0.02) lower FMD and 3.03 µmol/L (95% CI: −4.96 to −1.10) lower plasma citrulline levels as compared to non‐users.

Conclusion

Our data provide evidence that long‐term intake of PPIs might inhibit human DDAH activity, resulting in impaired endothelial NO production and reduced vascular function. In the long run, this might explain an increased risk for cardiovascular diseases associated with long‐term PPI use.
Mechanistic impact of water on polypyridobisimidazole (M5) structure and properties
Authors: Lustig Steven R , Allen Steven R , Londono J David , Lowery Joseph L
Published: January 2021

The hydrophilicity of polypyridobisimidazole challenges the development of M5 fiber for high tensile modulus applications. The material's intractability makes it practically impossible to determine whether the observed loss of stiffness upon water sorption is due to chemical hydrolysis or physical softening or subtle changes in post‐spin structure. This work quantitatively characterizes the mechanisms by which water challenges the technical development of M5 fiber. M5 fibers with different heat and humidity treatments are characterized using two‐dimensional, high‐resolution X‐ray crystallography. Molecular modeling elucidates the detailed structure and identifies where molecular water resides in the M5 crystal. Water interrupts both intermolecular and intramolecular hydrogen bonding as well as changing the larger‐range morphological order within the fiber crystallites. Molecular modeling suggests a specific mechanism as to how water molecules interrupt intramolecular hydrogen bonding. This single mechanism predicts the tensile modulus softening between heat‐treated and subsequently moistened fiber that agrees quantitatively with experimental data. These results support the contention that M5 modulus softening with water ingression can be explained by purely physical conversion of the inherent intrachain molecular hydrogen bonding to intermolecular hydrogen bonding with water, without having to invoke an additional chemical hydrolysis contribution. Quantum molecular dynamics simulations suggest that the polypyridobisimidazole molecule actually exists in two keto–enol tautomeric forms, which interconvert dynamically. Current results indicate that neither form is particularly sensitive to chemical hydrolysis. We currently hypothesize that post‐spinning heat treatment provides a structure that resists chemical hydrolysis. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Plasma ion implantation of 3D‐printed PEEK creates optimal host conditions for bone ongrowth and mineralisation
Authors: Kruse Hedi V. , McKenzie David R. , Clark Jonathan R. , Suchowerska Natalka
Published: January 2021

Polyether ether ketone (PEEK) is a three‐dimensional (3D)‐printable material with excellent mechanical properties for bone replacement implants. However, bioactivation is needed to improve its osseointegration. Plasma immersion ion implantation (PIII) provides PEEK surfaces with a high density of radicals, improving hydrophilicity and enabling covalent bonds with biological molecules. On the PIII‐treated surface, amorphous calcium phosphate‐associated protein depositions form a strongly bonded, mineralised layer during incubation in a cell culture medium. The strong adhesion is attributed to covalent linking of protein to the PEEK surface, which cannot be achieved by improved hydrophilicity or the introduction of functional groups alone. After 3D‐printed porous PEEK scaffolds were PIII‐treated, osteoblast‐like cell attachment increased by 8.8%, proliferation rate increased by 27% and mineralisation was enhanced, encouraging rapid osseointegration of patient‐specific implants.
Using the diagnostic thinking inventory in musculoskeletal physiotherapy: a validity and reliability study
Authors: Hamzeh Hayat , Madi Mohammad , Hensman Marianne
Published: January 2021

Background

Development of clinical reasoning is an essential aspect in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice that is linked to better outcomes. The measurement of clinical reasoning has placed an emphasis on diagnostic reasoning using different types of examinations. The Diagnostic Thinking Inventory (DTI) is a self‐assessment tool developed to measure two aspects of diagnostic reasoning: flexibility in thinking (FT) and structure in memory (SM). DTI is valid and reliable that has been used extensively in medical field.

Objective

To investigate the validity and reliability of DTI in musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice.

Methods

Two groups of musculoskeletal physiotherapists completed DTI. Expert musculoskeletal physiotherapists assessed face and content validity. Data from the second group of musculoskeletal physiotherapists were used to assess test–retest reliability. Internal consistency was calculated using Cronbach's alpha. Construct validity was assessed by comparing both groups. Data were analyzed using the IBM SPSS statistics 25.0 version.

Results

The experts agreed that DTI measures diagnostic reasoning. For test–retest reliability, average intraclass correlation coefficient was 0.91, 0.92 and 0.90 (p < 0.001) for DTI, FT and SM scores, respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.909, 0.919 and 0.897 (p < 0.001) for DTI, FT and SM, respectively. The independent samples t‐test demonstrated that the experts group achieved higher and statistically significant score (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

DTI is valid and reliable in measuring diagnostic reasoning in the context of musculoskeletal physiotherapy practice. It can be used to assess the impact of continuing education on musculoskeletal physiotherapists' diagnostic reasoning.
People with mild PD have impaired force production in all lower limb muscle groups: A cross‐sectional study
Authors: Salmon Renee , Preston Elisabeth , Mahendran Niruthikha , Flynn Allyson , Ada Louise
Published: January 2021

Background

Power is reduced in people with Parkinson's disease as a consequence of bradykinesia, but it is not clear whether reduced power is also due to a deficit in force production. The aim of this study was to quantify force production in all major lower limb muscle groups in people with PD during the “on” phase after medication, compared with aged‐matched neurologically normal control participants.

Method

Design: A cross‐sectional study was undertaken.

Participants

Thirty ambulatory people with PD and 24 neurologically normal controls.

Outcome measures

Isometric force production of the hip flexors and extensors, hip adductors and abductors, hip internal rotators and external rotators, knee flexors and extensors, ankle dorsiflexors and plantarflexors, ankle invertors and evertors using hand‐held dynamometry.

Results

There was a significant deficit in force production in participants with PD in all lower limb muscle groups tested, compared with control participants. On average, force production of participants with PD was 78% (range 67%–87%) of control participants, despite participants with PD regularly participating in exercise, being measured during their “on” phase after medication and having normal walking ability. The most severely affected muscle groups were the hip adductors (67%) and ankle plantarflexors (68%).

Conclusion

People with PD have a significant loss of force production in all lower limb muscle groups compared with age‐matched neurologically‐normal controls.

Implications for Physiotherapy Practice

Clinicians should regularly assess the strength of all lower limb muscle groups, regardless of participation in physical activity, responsiveness to levodopa medication and walking ability.
Randomized greedy algorithm for independent sets in regular uniform hypergraphs with large girth
Authors: Nie Jiaxi , Verstraëte Jacques
Published: January 2021

In this paper, we consider a randomized greedy algorithm for independent sets in r‐uniform d‐regular hypergraphs G on n vertices with girth g. By analyzing the expected size of the independent sets generated by this algorithm, we show that , where converges to 0 as g → ∞ for fixed d and r, and f(d, r) is determined by a differential equation. This extends earlier results of Garmarnik and Goldberg for graphs [8]. We also prove that when applying this algorithm to uniform linear hypergraphs with bounded degree, the size of the independent sets generated by this algorithm concentrate around the mean asymptotically almost surely.
Development of Methodologies for the Chemical Quality Control of Zircon, A Precursor for Zirconium Production
Authors: Jayabun Sk. , Sengupta Arijit
Published: January 2021

Methodologies have been developed for the chemical quality control of zircon mineral by EDXRF and D.C.Arc carrier distillation technique. EDXRF technique was found to be preferred for major and minor constituents including non‐metal analytes, while D.C.Arc carrier distillation OES was found to be good for minor and trace metallic constituents including low Z elements. A comparative evaluation of the analytical performance (detection limit, sensitivity, precision, linear dynamic range) was performed. A multipoint standardization was carried out using the base material of 1 : 1 SiO2 : ZrO2 powder mixture to establish calibration curves for the analytes after identification of interference free and the best performed emission and X‐ray analytical lines. In zircon sample, Si, Zr and Y were found to be present as major constituent, with Ga, Ca, Ru, Rh, Fe, Mn, Mg, I, S as minor and Zn, Cr, Sn, Li as trace constituents. The total uncertainty of the EDXRF measurements was evaluated. The statistical t‐test analysis was carried out for 10 degrees of freedom with 95 % confidence interval. The experimentally obtained t‐values were found to be lower compared to the corresponding tcri value revealing the reliability of the measurements. Elemental distributions of the analytes were also investigated using five different zircon samples.
Copper‐Functionalized Silica‐Coated Magnetic Nanoparticles for an Efficient Suzuki Cross‐Coupling Reaction
Authors: Sonei Samin , Taghavi Faezeh , Khojastehnezhad Amir , Gholizadeh Mostafa
Published: January 2021

In this study, a new, efficient and inexpensive strategy has been developed based on the heterogeneous copper catalyst for the synthesis of different biaryl compoundsviathe Suzuki–Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. In this respect, the core@shell modified Fe3O4@SiO2magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) has been prepared by immobilization of aminoguanidine and then the copper (II) ion into the surface of magnetic nanoparticles. After full characterization of the prepared catalyst by various technique such as TEM, SEM, EDX, TGA, XRD, VSM, ICP and FT‐IR, its catalytic activity has been investigated in the synthesis of different biarly compounds through the Suzuki‐Miyaura cross‐coupling reaction. Interestingly, similar to Pd‐based catalysts, this new heterogeneous Cu‐based catalyst can catalyze the Suzuki–Miyaura reaction in solvent free condition with good to excellent yields. Besides, this heterogeneous nano copper catalyst was able to separate from the reaction mixture by easy separation procedures and can reuse more than six runs.
Synthesis of New Chiral Triazoles Linked 1,5‐Benzodiazepine Conjugates via Copper‐Catalyzed 1,3‐Dipolar Cycloaddition Reaction
Authors: Haouas Amel , Mtiraoui Hasan , Bouzayani Nadia , Ibrahim Sana , Marque Sylvain , Hajji Melek , Bel‐Hadj‐Tahar Radhouane , Msaddek Moncef
Published: January 2021

A simple synthesis of 1,4‐disubstituted 1,2,3‐triazoles linked‐1,5‐benzodiazepinones was performed via a Cu(I)‐catalyzed 1,3‐dipolar alkyne‐azide coupling reaction (CuAAC). A new chiral 1,5‐benzodiazepine conjugates moiety containing alkyne spacers is designed and used as dipoles to give the access to the target cycloadducts with high yields. Both chiral center and freeze conformations allow to reach important diastereoselectivity from 70 up to 100 %.
Carbon‐Supported Single‐Atom Catalysts for Formic Acid Oxidation and Oxygen Reduction Reactions
Authors: Han Ali , Zhang Zedong , Yang Jiarui , Wang Dingsheng , Li Yadong
Published: January 2021

The commercialization of fuel cells, especially for direct formic acid fuel cells (DFAFCs) and proton‐exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs), is significantly restrained by the high cost, poor stability, and sluggish kinetics of platinum group metals (PGM) catalysts for both the anodic formic acid oxidation reaction (FAOR) and the cathodic oxygen reduction reaction (ORR). Currently, it has confronted with challenges, including exploring highly active, cost‐effective, and stable catalysts to replace PGM for DFAFCs and PEMFCs. Recently, the increasing investigation has been focused on the single‐atom catalysts (SACs) to enhance the catalytic performance owing to the maximum atom utilization and highly exposed active sites. The aim of this review is to present the recent research activities on carbon supported SACs. At the beginning of the review, metal‐based SACs supported on different carbon supports, and the typical characterization methods are introduced. Subsequently, recent advances in metal‐based SACs for FAOR and ORR catalysis are scientifically summarized. Particularly, some representative metal‐based SACs for ORR activity are further exemplified with a deeper understanding of structure‐activity relationships. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of SACs are prospected, such as the mechanism understanding and commercial applications.