bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In vitro starch digestibility and estimation of glycemic index in algae‐based couscous
Authors: Khemiri Sheyma , Nunes Maria Cristiana , Raymundo Anabela , Smaali Issam
Published: September 2022

Enrichment of foods by algae or their derived nutrients is of a great interest to enhance nutritional properties leading to health promotion and disease prevention by a sustainable way. In this context, five Chlorella vulgaris and one micro‐macroalgae blend (Algaessence®) with different biochemical compositions were used (6%) in the formulation of couscous in an attempt to modulate glycemic response and enhance functional aspect. Phytochemicals, such as carotenoids and phenolics were retained to a higher extent in algae‐couscous being the highest (5.58 mg GAE/g and 1.05 mg/g, respectively) in the couscous formulated with autotrophic Chlorella (designated as Organic). Starch fractions and in vitro starch digestion of the products were determined. The highest starch content was found in control couscous (73.83%) which resulted in higher digestible starch (70.55%). The kinetic constant, designative of the hydrolysis rate in the early stage, was the lowest in algae‐couscous (0.022). The lowest hydrolysis index of 70.27% and 71.71% were observed in Organic and White couscous (heterotrophic), respectively; leading to lower glycemic index of 78.21% (Organic) and 79.00% (White). The obtained results evidence the potential use of algae in the formulation of value‐added food products designated for controlled diets.
The effectiveness of warming approaches in preventing perioperative hypothermia: Systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xiong Zenghua , Zhu Jiehong , Li Qihong , Li Yan
Published: September 2022

Aim

To assess if experimental warming interventions are superior to routine warming interventions in preventing perioperative hypothermia.

Background

Perioperative hypothermia is a critical issue for the complications of surgery. There are various kinds of perioperative warming interventions, including experimental and routine warming interventions.

Methods

We performed a systematic literature review and meta‐analysis for the randomized clinical trials of experimental warming interventions vs. routine warming interventions in the perioperative period.

Findings

A total of 15 studies were included with 983 participants allocated to experimental warming interventions and 939 controls with routine warming interventions, who were receiving a variety of surgeries. The focused outcome was the intraoperative and postoperative body temperature. All included studies were randomized clinical trials.

Among the participants receiving operations, the meta‐analysis showed that routine warming intervention groups experienced lower intraoperative and postoperative body temperatures compared to the experimental warming groups. The meta‐analysis results included positive mean differences, significant tests for overall effect and significant heterogeneity in the random‐effects model.

Conclusions

In spite of significant heterogeneity, experimental warming interventions are likely to demonstrate superior warming effects when compared to routine warming interventions, as shown by the current meta‐analysis results of randomized clinical trials.
Effects of prenatal breast‐feeding education on postnatal breast‐feeding fear in pregnant women in the COVID‐19 pandemic: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Sabancı Baransel Esra , Uçar Tuba , Güney Esra
Published: September 2022

Aim

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of prenatal breast‐feeding education provided to pregnant women who experience fear of breast‐feeding in the COVID‐19 pandemic period.

Methods

A prospective randomized controlled trial study was conducted with 128 pregnant women (64 in the experimental group and 64 in the control group) between November 2021 and February 2022. The data were collected via the Numeric Pain Rating Scale, the Breastfeeding Motivation Scale and the Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale to assess fear, motivation and attitudes regarding breast‐feeding. The pregnant women in the experimental group were provided with and education programme on ‘safe breastfeeding in the COVID‐19 pandemic’. The breast‐feeding education included in standard care was given to the control group after pre‐test data collection was completed.

Results

The significant differences in the mean Numeric Pain Rating Scale, Breastfeeding Motivation Scale and Iowa Infant Feeding Attitude Scale scores of the groups were in favour of the experimental group (P < 0.05). It was determined that in the first postnatal month, in the experimental group, the numbers of women who believed that their breast‐feeding was not affected by COVID‐19 and the numbers of infants solely breastmilk‐fed were higher compared to the control group (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

Prenatal breast‐feeding education about safe breast‐feeding in the COVID‐19 pandemic period can reduce fears of breast‐feeding and increase motivation and approving attitudes regarding breast‐feeding.
In the interest of everyone? Support for social movement unionism among union officials in Quebec (Canada)
Authors: Frangi Lorenzo , Hadziabdic Sinisa , Masi Anthony C.
Published: September 2022

Using a mixed‐method research design involving interviews and a survey, we examined how union officials in Quebec perceive social movement unionism (SMU). We show that union officials view SMU as a multifaceted phenomenon with ideal and pragmatic dimensions. They are torn between strong support for the ideals of SMU and a practical reluctance to use members’ dues to provide services to non‐members. Experience with civil society organisations mitigates this tension, encouraging union officials to defend the interests of everyone not only as an ideal, but also as a strategy that allows unions to protect members and unrepresented workers.
MgTiO3–Ca1−xSm2x/3TiO3 (x = 0.2–0.5) microwave dielectric composites with greatly improved temperature stability
Authors: Yang Shuang , Jia Ying Qiang , Li Lei , Chen Xiang Ming
Published: September 2022

MgTiO3–CaTiO3 composite is one of the most important commercial microwave dielectric ceramics. However, the significant nonlinear change in resonant frequency with temperature and the temperature dependence of its temperature coefficient of resonant frequency (τf) severely deteriorate the temperature stability of MgTiO3–CaTiO3 composite. In this study, the Ca2+ in CaTiO3 was partially substituted with Sm3+ to prepare a series of (1 − y)MgTiO3–yCa1−xSm2x/3TiO3 (x = 0.2–0.5) composites that was subsequently characterized. With increasing x from 0 to 0.5, the y value for obtaining the near‐zero average τf between 20 and 80°C increases from 0.07 to 0.23; the dielectric constant of the composite correspondingly increases from 21.5 to 27.1, whereas the Qf value first increases and then decreases. Notably, (1 − y)MgTiO3–yCa1−xSm2x/3TiO3 composites with greatly improved temperature stability are realized, and the nonlinearity of the change in resonant frequency with temperature and the rate of change of τf with temperature are reduced by 48%–73%, relative to those of 0.93MgTiO3–0.07CaTiO3 composite. These results are attributed to the significantly reduced temperature dependence of τf for the constituent phase of Ca1−xSm2x/3TiO3. This study sheds light on the development of temperature‐stable microwave dielectric composites featuring constituent phases with τf of opposite signs.
Effect of a lattice distortion strategy on the phase transition and properties in KNN‐based ceramics
Authors: Xi Kaibiao , Li Yuanliang , Sun Yan , Li Chunsheng , Li Zhongqiu , Vetri Nicholas , Zheng Zhanshen , Yang Chen , Wang Didi , Jia Pengwei
Published: September 2022

High performance lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics are of great importance to the sustainable development of the environment. To obtain excellent comprehensive performance KNN‐based lead‐free piezoelectric ceramics, a lattice distortion strategy combined with domain configuration was designed in (1 − x)K0.5Na0.5Nb0.95Sb0.05O3–xCaHfO3 ((1 − x)KNNS–xCH) system by introduced Ca2+ into the A‐site and Hf4+ into the B‐site. The results demonstrated that the rhombohedral–orthorhombic–tetragonal polymorphic phase boundary (PPB) was constructed in 0.02 ≤ x ≤ 0.04 and significant lattice distortion occurred in R‐ and T‐phase. Moreover, the 0.97KNNS–0.03CH sample exhibited excellent electrical performance (e.g., kp ∼ 43.8%, d*33 ∼ 478.6 pm/V, and d33 ∼ 392 pC/N) together with a high Curie temperature (TC ∼ 295°C) profited from the PPB and domain configurations. The ceramics also showed the optimal thermal stability, which was beneficial to promote the development of KNN‐based ceramics.
Do zoom meetings really help? A comparative analysis of synchronous and asynchronous online learning during Covid‐19 pandemic
Authors: Zhang Ruonan , Bi Nicky Chang , Mercado Trinidee
Published: September 2022

Background

Online learning and teaching were globally popularized due to the impact of Covid‐19. The pandemic has made both synchronous and asynchronous online learning inevitable in regions privileged with the technological affordance.

Aims

This study was designed to examine and compare the effectiveness of both learning modes through the Community of Inquiry framework.

Materials & Methods

Comparative analyses on a sample of N = 170 undergraduate students who took both synchronous and asynchronous online courses in Spring 2021.

Results

The paired‐sample T‐tests results indicated a significant difference in social presence, cognitive presence and self‐evaluated performance.

Discussion & Conclusion

Teaching presence significantly influenced social presence and cognitive presence in both learning modes. However, under synchronous learning mode, social presence significantly impacted self‐evaluation, grades and school identification. While social presence only influenced school identification under asynchronous learning mode. Theoretical and practical implications were also included.
Long‐term effectiveness of ustekinumab comparable to antitumor necrosis factor agents in patients with Crohn's disease
Authors: Shiga Hisashi , Tarasawa Kunio , Moroi Rintaro , Makuuchi Motoki , Takahashi Takahiro , Shimoyama Yusuke , Kuroha Masatake , Kakuta Yoichi , Fushimi Kiyohide , Fujimori Kenji , Kinouchi Yoshitaka , Masamune Atsushi
Published: September 2022

Background

Ustekinumab (UST), an antibody against the p40 subunit of interleukin‐12/23, has been proven to be effective in patients with Crohn's disease (CD). However, large, long‐term comparative studies of UST against anti‐‐tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents are lacking. We compared the effectiveness of anti‐TNF agents and UST in CD patients without prior use of biologics.

Methods

We used a large nationwide anonymized Japanese database containing administrative medical claims data and various related patient data. In a propensity score‐matched cohort with similar clinical characteristics, 2‐year effectiveness was compared between patients treated with infliximab or adalimumab (anti‐TNF group) and those treated with UST (UST group). Primary outcomes were cumulative rates of hospitalization, surgery, and persistence.

Results

Among 53 540 CD patients, 7047 were extracted for eligibility, of which 5665 were treated with an anti‐TNF agent and 1382 with UST. After propensity score matching, the cumulative hospitalization rates were comparable between anti‐TNF and UST groups (P = 0.85; 25.3% vs 26.5% at 1 year, 33.8% vs 39.8% at 2 years). The cumulative surgery rates were also comparable between these groups (P = 0.46; 5.5% vs 5.1% at 1 year, 8.3% vs 8.4% at 2 years). The persistence rate at 1 year was higher in UST group (90.8% vs 92.5%), and that at 2 years was higher in anti‐TNF group (81.2% and 74.6%); however, there was no significant difference in the cumulative persistence rate (P = 0.55).

Conclusions

Anti‐TNF agents and UST appear to have comparable effectiveness for CD patients without prior use of biologics.
Nutritional follow‐up in children after discharge: Organisation in a tertiary care centre
Authors: Kooij Marissa , Koster Emma , Eveleens Renate , Joosten Koen
Published: September 2022

Background

Aiming to improve the standard of care for patients with a nutritional intervention, we evaluated how nutritional follow‐up (FU) is organised at discharge and after 6 months.

Methods

From 16 November 2020 until 20 December 2020, we retrospectively included patients admitted for > 1 day to the general ward of a tertiary hospital. Medical charts were reviewed for demographics, anthropometric measurements and nutritional interventions (e.g., tube, parenteral nutrition). Involved healthcare provider (HCP), dietitian and speech and language therapist (SLT) were scored. Nutritional care FU was categorised as in a primary, secondary or tertiary care setting.

Results

We included 206 (52.4% male) patients, with a median length of stay of 4 (3–8) days. Prehospitalisation 58 (28.2%) patients had a nutritional intervention compared to 74 (35.9%) patients at discharge. In total, 80 (38.8%) patients received nutritional care FU by a total of 114 HCP, and approximately half (53.5%) were dietitians. FU was mostly conducted by a dietitian in the tertiary care (78.7%) and by an SLT in the primary care (54.5%). For 15 (20.3%) patients, the discharge letter included complete reports of nutritional interventions. At 6 months FU, 26.6% of the children still had a nutritional intervention. Mean weight standard deviation score increased significantly between discharge from the hospital and 6 months FU.

Conclusions

A considerable amount of paediatric patients received a nutritional intervention pre‐ and post‐hospitalisation. Nutritional care is organised around a multitude of different HCP; however, not all cases are multidisciplinary. Nutritional care was scarcely reported correctly in the discharge letter.
Being Under Pressure to Sext: Adolescents' Experiences, Reactions, and Counter‐Strategies
Authors: Lunde Carolina , Joleby Malin
Published: September 2022

This study explored adolescents' experiences of being under pressure to sext (sending nude images), offering insights into what situations adolescents view as pressuring, how adolescents react to the pressure, and what counter‐strategies they use. Written statements from 225 adolescents (age 13–16 years, M = 14.4 years, SD = 0.93) were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicated a range of situations including both explicit and implicit pressure. The pressure elicited different emotional responses, including severe physical and psychological reactions, becoming distressed, and being seemingly unconcerned. A majority of the adolescents reported successful strategies on how to ward off the unwanted sexual requests. This study provides insight into how young people cope with potentially harmful situations online.
Oxidative stress state inhibits exosome secretion of hPDLCs through a specific mechanism mediated by PRMT1
Authors: Chen Ziqi , Lu Miao , Zhang Yanan , Wang He , Zhou Jie , Zhou Mengjiao , Zhang Tingwei , Song Jinlin
Published: September 2022

Background and Objectives

Periodontitis, the most common chronic inflammation characterized by persistent alveolar bone resorption in the periodontitis, affects almost half of the adult population worldwide. Oxidative stress is one of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying periodontitis, which affects the occurrence and development of periodontitis. Exosomes are increasingly recognized as vehicles of intercellular communication and are closely related to periodontitis. However, the effects of oxidative stress on exosome secretion and the specific mechanisms remain elusive in human periodontal ligament cells (hPDLCs). The relationship between exosome secretion and the osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs also needs to be investigated.

Methods

Isolated PDLSCs were identified using flow cytometry. Osteogenesis was measured using alizarin red staining and ALP staining. Expression of exosomal markers and PRMT1 was analyzed using western blot. Immunofluorescence was used to measure exosome uptake and the expression of EEA1.

Results

The secretion capacity of exosomes was markedly suppressed under oxidative stress. Protein arginine methyltransferase 1 (PRMT1) has been strongly associated with both oxidative stress and inflammation, and PRMT1 was significantly upregulated under oxidative stress conditions. Lentivirus‐mediated overexpression of PRMT1 caused a significant reduction in the secretion of exosomes, but multivesicular bodies (MVBs) containing a large number of intraluminal vesicles (ILVs) were increased. Rab11a and Rab27a expression, which mediate MVBs fusion with cell membranes, decreased, although this phenomenon was restored after knocking down PRMT1 expression under oxidative stress.

Conclusions

These results indicated that PRMT1 mediated a decrease in exosome secretion of hPDLCs. The decrease in Rab11a and Rab27a leads to a large accumulation of MVBs in cells and is one of the main reasons for impaired exosome secretion. The decrease in osteogenic differentiation of hPDLCs caused by H2O2 may originate in part from the inhibition of exosome secretion.
Shine light on sleep: Morning bright light improves nocturnal sleep and next morning alertness among college students
Authors: He Meiheng , Ru Taotao , Li Siyu , Li Yun , Zhou Guofu
Published: September 2022

The relationship between daytime light, especially morning light and sleep, has not been well documented. People who work in an office spend most of their time indoors and thus have less access to high‐level daylight. The current study employed a field intervention approach to investigate whether exposure to 1.5 h of bright electric light in the early morning for 1 workweek would benefit sleep among students who spent most of their time in an office at the university. Twelve students (24.92 ± 1.78 years) underwent a 2 workday baseline measurement and two inconsecutive 5 workday interventions (with 1 week washout) with morning bright light and regular office light (1000 lx, 6500 K vs. 300 lx, 4000 K, at eye level). The sleep outcomes were recorded with actigraphy and a sleep diary. In addition, self‐ratings of daytime sleepiness, mood, mental fatigue, perceived effort, and next morning sleepiness were measured each workday. The results showed that exposure to morning bright light versus regular office light yielded a higher sleep efficiency (83.82% ± 1.60 vs. 80.35% ± 1.57, p = 0.02), a smaller fragmentation index (15.26% ± 1.31 vs. 17.18% ± 1.28, p = 0.05), and a shorter time in bed (7.12 ± 0.13 vs. 7.51 ± 0.12, p = 0.03). Meanwhile, an earlier sleep onset time, shorter sleep latency, and lower morning sleepiness were observed after a 5 workday morning bright light intervention compared with the baseline (ps <0.05), no such benefit was found for self‐ratings (ps >0.05). These findings support existing evidence that morning bright light could function as an enhancer of sleep and alertness for office occupants.
Hepatitis of unknown origin in children: Updated evidence and concise review
Authors: Jha Ajay Kumar
Published: September 2022

The rapid emergence of severe acute hepatitis across several European countries and several geographical regions in the United States has created panic among health institutions, local authorities, governmental organizations and regulatory bodies. Early reporting, stringent surveillance and supportive care can temporarily help tackle this crisis. However, definitive containment measures and management require characterization of the clinical spectrum, epidemiological assessment and extensive investigations. Furthermore, a sound management strategy requires randomized trials to explore the treatment options.
Shear wave elastography: How well does it perform in chronic hepatitis D virus infection?
Authors: Yang Alexander H. , Yardeni David , Hercun Julian , Kleiner David E. , Ling Alexander , Marko Jamie , Heller Theo , Koh Christopher
Published: September 2022

Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection is associated with accelerated progression of liver disease to cirrhosis. Shear wave elastography (SWE) is a non‐invasive evaluation method of liver fibrosis. Its performance in accurately characterizing HDV fibrosis compared to other noninvasive markers remains unknown. We assessed the performance of SWE in patients with chronic HDV, Hepatitis B (HBV) and Hepatitis C (HCV) infection. Cirrhosis was determined by histology or clinical data. Area under receiver operator characteristics (AUROC) was used to assess diagnostic performance in identifying cirrhosis by SWE in comparison with Fibroscan® (VCTE) and serologic tests of fibrosis. 158 patients with chronic hepatitis (HDV:44%, HBV: 46% and HCV: 29%) were evaluated. Cirrhosis was diagnosed in 28 (17.7%) patients. Mean noninvasive fibrosis measurements for the HBV/HCV and HDV groups, respectively, were as follows: APRI: 0.73 ± 1.08 and 1.3 ± 1.38; FIB‐4: 1.90 ± 2.24 and 2.33 ± 2.24; VCTE: 8.9 ± 6.7 kPa vs 10.4 ± 5.3 kPa; SWE: 1.5 ± 0.2 m/s and 1.6 ± 0.2 m/s. The performance of SWE in detecting HDV‐induced cirrhosis (AUROC 0.84, 95% CI 0.71–0.97) was slightly lower than in HBV/HCV induced disease (AUROC 0.88, 95% CI 0.81–0.96). For HDV patients, the performance of SWE was comparable to VCTE and slightly better than APRI and FIB‐4 especially in APRI and FIB‐4 indeterminate zones. The overall less accurate performance of noninvasive markers in HDV in comparison with HBV and HCV may be a result of significant hepatic inflammation in HDV.
Liver stiffness (Fibroscan®) is a predictor of all‐cause mortality in people with non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Braude Michael , Roberts Stuart , Majeed Ammar , Lubel John , Prompen Jirayut , Dev Anouk , Sievert William , Bloom Stephen , Gow Paul , Kemp William
Published: September 2022

Background and aims

Progressive liver fibrosis related to non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is associated with all‐cause and liver‐related mortality. We assessed vibration‐controlled transient elastography (VCTE) as a predictor of mortality.

Method

Data from patients who underwent VCTE for NAFLD at four large health services in Victoria, Australia between the years 2008 and 2019 were linked to state‐wide data registries. Cause of death (COD) and predictors of all‐cause mortality were subsequently analysed using descriptive statistics and Cox‐proportional regression analysis.

Results

Of 7079 VCTE records submitted for data linkage, 6341 were matched via data registry linkage. There were 217 deaths over a 22 653 person‐year follow‐up. COD included malignancies other than hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (18.0%, n = 39), sepsis (16.1%, n = 35), decompensated liver disease (15.2%, n = 33), cardiac disease (15.2%, n = 33) and HCC 6.0% (n = 13). Controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) was not associated with mortality in univariable analysis (HR = 1.00, CI 1.0–1.0, p = .488). Increased liver stiffness measurement (LSM) (HR 1.02 per kiloPascal, CI 1.01–1.03, p < .001), Charlson comorbidity index (CCI) (HR 1.32 for each point, CI 1.27–1.38, p < .001) and age (HR 1.05 per annum, CI 1.03–1.07, p < .001) were each associated with higher rates of all‐cause mortality in multivariable analysis. LSM ≥10 kPa suggestive of compensated advanced chronic liver disease (cACLD) was associated with mortality in multivariable analysis (HR 2.31, CI 1.73–3.09, p < .001).

Conclusion

VCTE LSM, in addition to age and CCI, is independently associated with increased all‐cause mortality in a large cohort with NAFLD.
Attending to our conceptualisations of race and racism in the pursuit of antiracism: A critical interpretative synthesis of the nursing literature
Authors: Collier‐Sewell Freya
Published: September 2022

Race and racism are matters of urgent concern for the international nursing community. Recent global events have presented the discipline with an opportunity to generate and sustain long overdue discussions. However, with this opportunity comes a need to consciously attend to what we mean by race and racism, especially in the context of the nursing literature. Indeed, the development of antiracism depends on how we conceptualise race and racism; it is these conceptualisations that actively shape the scope and priorities of antiracist organising and action. The aim of this critical interpretative synthesis (CIS) is to examine conceptualisations of race and racism in the nursing literature by drawing on contemporary race scholarship. The synthesis of diverse literature is enabled through the explorative and expansive process of the CIS method. This review generates three synthesising arguments—a problem ‘of’ not ‘for’; conceptual inconsistencies and drift; and reliance on the lens of experience—that both critique and contribute to the nursing literature. In the pursuit of antiracism, this article urges us to pay close attention to our conceptualisations of race and racism by illuminating the pitfalls that occur when our conceptualisations are inconsistent, contradictory, or simply neglected.
The CC–NB–LRR protein BSR1 from Brachypodium confers resistance to Barley stripe mosaic virus in gramineous plants by recognising TGB1 movement protein
Authors: Wu Qiuhong , Cui Yu , Jin Xuejiao , Wang Guoxin , Yan Lijie , Zhong Chenchen , Yu Meihua , Li Wenli , Wang Yong , Wang Ling , Wang Hao , Dang Chen , Zhang Xinyu , Chen Yongxing , Zhang Panpan , Zhao Xiaofei , Wu Jiajie , Fu Daolin , Xia Lanqin , Nevo Eviatar , Vogel John , Huo Naxin , Li Dawei , Gu Yong Q. , Jackson Andrew O. , Zhang Yongliang , Liu Zhiyong
Published: September 2022

Although some nucleotide binding, leucine‐rich repeat immune receptor (NLR) proteins conferring resistance to specific viruses have been identified in dicot plants, NLR proteins involved in viral resistance have not been described in monocots.

We have used map‐based cloning to isolate the CC‐NB‐LRR (CNL) Barley stripe mosaic virus (BSMV) resistance gene barley stripe resistance 1 (BSR1) from Brachypodium distachyon Bd3‐1 inbred line. Stable BSR1 transgenic Brachypodium line Bd21‐3, barley (Golden Promise) and wheat (Kenong 199) plants developed resistance against BSMV ND18 strain. Allelic variation analyses indicated that BSR1 is present in several Brachypodium accessions collected from countries in the Middle East.

Protein domain swaps revealed that the intact LRR domain and the C‐terminus of BSR1 are required for resistance. BSR1 interacts with the BSMV ND18 TGB1 protein in planta and shows temperature‐sensitive antiviral resistance. The R390 and T392 residues of TGB1ND (ND18 strain) and the G196 and K197 residues within the BSR1 P‐loop motif are key amino acids required for immune activation.

BSR1 is the first cloned virus resistance gene encoding a typical CNL protein in monocots, highlighting the utility of the Brachypodium model for isolation and analysis of agronomically important genes for crop improvement.
A distinct sensitivity to the priming effect between labile and stable soil organic carbon
Authors: Zhang Qiufang , Feng Jiguang , Li Jian , Huang Ching‐Yu , Shen Yawen , Cheng Weixin , Zhu Biao
Published: September 2022

Soil organic carbon (SOC) is a mixture of various carbon (C) compounds with different stability, which can be distinctly affected by the priming effect (PE). However, little is known about how the PE changes with SOC stability.

We address this issue by combining results from two experiments and a metaanalysis.

We found that the PE increased with the prolongation of soil preincubation, suggesting that higher PE occurred for more stable SOC than for labile SOC. This was further supported by the metaanalysis of 42 observations. There were significant negative relationships between the difference in PE (ΔPE) between labile and more stable SOC and their differences in SOC, microbial biomass C and soil C : N ratio, indicating that soil C availability exerts a vital control on ΔPE.

We conclude that, compared with labile SOC, stable SOC can be more vulnerable to priming once microbes are provided with exogenous C substrates. This high vulnerability of stable SOC to priming warrants more attention in future studies on SOC cycling and global change.
Feathers and the Making of Luxury Experiences at the Sixteenth‐Century Spanish Court☆
Authors: Hanß Stefan
Published: September 2022

This article charts the activities of featherworkers (plumajeros) at the Habsburg court in Madrid. Drawing on archival records, objects, and paintings from sixteenth‐century Spain, I argue that royal featherworkers' skills, wit, and intricacy in the transformation of materials established feathers as luxury items. In sixteenth‐century Spanish court society, feathers evoked sensory experiences that provoked emotions, staged civility, and materialized courtly hierarchies. Deploying the concept of ‘material cross‐citationality’, the article examines the significance of artisanal interventions to animate and enliven such qualities of feathers, and to turn feathers into luxury experiences. The combination of in‐depth archival research and materials‐based analysis, digital microscopy, and remaking experiments allows also for the identification of the materials and costs of featherwork depicted in some of the most iconic portraits of the Habsburg family, situating such visual artefacts within the broader world of material acts of courtly affordances.
Highways and firms' exports: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Dan , Sheng Liugang , Yu Miaojie
Published: September 2022

This article investigates the impact of highway networks on Chinese firms' exports. We construct firm‐level measures of highway access using GIS information on firm locations and highway routes and adopt an instrumental variable approach to deal with the endogeneity issue. The analysis finds that improvements in highway access significantly promote firms' exports, after controlling for firm characteristics and unobservable city and industry time‐varying factors. Highway access helps firms to expand the scope of their exports and imports as well. More interestingly, the positive effects of highway access on exports are stronger for less productive firms. With greater highway access, less productive firms lower their markups while more productive firms experience an increase in average markups.
Angle‐specific analysis of knee strength deficits after ACL reconstruction with patellar and hamstring tendon autografts
Authors: Hart Luke M. , Izri Erwan , King Enda , Daniels Katherine A. J.
Published: September 2022

After anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), there are differences in the neuromuscular deficits observed in patients with bone‐patellar tendon‐bone (BPTB) and with hamstring tendon (HT) autografts. The differences in knee extensor and flexor strength are commonly reported, but analyses have largely focused on peak torque metrics despite the requirement to generate torque through range when returning to sport. The aim of this study was to investigate the angle‐specific strength and strength asymmetry differences between BPTB and HT around the time of return to play after ACLR. A total of 357 male field sport athletes with either a BPTB (n = 297) or an HT (n = 60) autograft underwent concentric knee flexor and extensor isokinetic strength testing 9 months post‐ACLR. Angle‐specific torques were compared between grafts and limbs using 1D Statistical Parametric Mapping and discrete‐point variables. Inter‐limb extensor torque asymmetry was greater in BTPB than HT at knee angles of >30° (p = 0.001, peak d = 5.53), with flexor torque asymmetry lower in BPTB than HT at flexion angles of >25° (p = 0.001, peak d = 2.68). Angle of maximum asymmetry and angle of operated limb peak torque differed in knee extension for BPTB (p < 0.001, d = 0.32) but not HT, whereas knee flexion angle of maximum asymmetry and operated limb peak torque differed in both BTPB (p < 0.001, d = 0.75) and HT (p < 0.001, d = 0.43). Graft type affected extensor torque at knee angles of 67°–85° and flexor torque at knee angles of 27°–85°. Angle‐specific strength analysis may inform the rehabilitation process and improve rehabilitation and return‐to‐play decision making strategies in comparison with the use of peak torque values alone.
Did sexism drive Latino support for Trump? Latinx, sexism, and presidential vote choice
Authors: Hickel Flavio Rogerio , Deckman Melissa
Published: September 2022

Background

While the “machismo” media narrative explaining Donald Trump's electoral support among Latinxs has some intuitive appeal, the relative dearth of scholarship on the influence of sexism on Latinx political attitudes precludes critical evaluation of this claim.

Objective

This study aims to determine whether Latinxs exhibit more sexist attitudes, compared to other racial/ethnic groups and whether sexism has a differential impact on Latinx electoral support for Trump, compared to non‐Latinx counterparts.

Methods

We use the correlational analysis of 2016 and 2020 American National Election Study (ANES). The Online Appendix replicates these analyses with the 2012 ANES and 2018, 2019, and 2020 CCES.

Results

While Latinxs do express higher levels of sexism than other Americans, Latinx sexists are no more likely to vote for Donald Trump, compared to sexists of other racial/ethnic backgrounds, after controlling for a host of relevant covariates.

Conclusion

The machismo media narrative is at best sloppy journalism and at worst a misleading reproduction of harmful stereotypes against Latinxs.
Physical activity, burnout and quality of life in medical students: A systematic review
Authors: Taylor Charlotte E. , Scott Emma J. , Owen Katherine
Published: September 2022

Background

Medical students are at risk of burnout and reduced quality of life (QoL). The risk of burnout doubles from third to sixth year of medical school, and medical students have an 8%–11% lower QoL than nonmedical students. It is imperative to prevent this, as burnout and reduced QoL is independently associated with errors in practice. This systematic review aims to examine whether physical activity/exercise is associated with burnout and/or QoL in medical students.

Methods

Articles were identified through database searches of Embase, Medline, PsycINFO, Scopus and Web of Science. Studies were included if both physical activity/exercise and burnout or QoL were measured and limited to those focussing on medical students. Risk of bias was assessed using accredited cohort and cross‐sectional checklists. A narrative synthesis was conducted due to heterogeneity in the dataset.

Findings

Eighteen studies were included, comprising 11,500 medical students across 13 countries. Physical activity was negatively associated with burnout and positively associated with QoL. Furthermore, the findings were suggestive of a dose–response effect of physical activity on both burnout and QoL; higher intensities and frequencies precipitated greater improvements in outcomes.

Conclusions

This multinational review demonstrates that physical activity is associated with reduced burnout and improved QoL in medical students. It also identifies a paucity of research into the optimal intensity, frequency, volume and mode of physical activity. Further research, building on this review, is likely to inform the long overdue development of evidence‐based, well‐being curricula. This could involve incorporating physical activity into medical education which may improve well‐being and better prepare students for the demands of medical practice.
Non‐cryopreserved peripheral blood stem cells as a safe and effective alternative for autologous transplantation in multiple myeloma
Authors: Araújo Anelise Bergmann , Soares Tahiane Brum , Schmalfuss Tissiana , Angeli Melissa Helena , Furlan Juliana Monteiro , Salton Gabrielle Dias , Burin Mariana Monteiro , Röhsig Liane Marise
Published: September 2022

Background

Autologous stem cell transplantation is the standard procedure for multiple myeloma and the grafts are usually cryopreserved. Previous studies reported advantages in the use of fresh peripheral blood stem cells (PBSC) autotransplantation compared to cryopreservation of the grafts. This study compared the transplant‐related outcomes of two graft preservation methods: fresh storage (4°C/72 h) and cryopreservation (−80°C).

Study Design and Methods

We performed an analysis of 45 patients with multiple myeloma under autotransplantation (17 fresh and 28 cryopreserved) from 2017 to 2021. Fresh PBSC were maintained in the refrigerator for three days in a concentration up to 300 × 103 TNC/μL. Cryopreserved PBSC were concentrated by plasma reduction after centrifugation (950 g/10 min/4°C) and an equal volume of cryoprotection solution was added for a final concentration of 300 × 103 TNC/μL, 5% DMSO, 6% hydroxyethyl starch, and 3% human albumin.

Results

Neutrophil engraftment was significantly faster with fresh PBSCs (10 vs. 11.5 days, p = 0.045). Adverse effects were more common in cryopreserved PBSC transplantation (75% vs. 35.3% patients; p = 0.013). Post transplantation hospital stay was 20 and 22 days for fresh and cryopreserved PBSCs respectively (p = 0.091). There was no difference in platelet engraftment time (10.5 days for both; p = 0.133), number of antibiotics used after transplantation (3 for fresh and 2.5 for cryopreserved; p = 0.828), days of antibiotic use after transplantation (12.2 days for fresh and 13.3 days for cryopreserved, p = 0.579), and overall survival (p = 0.736).

Conclusion

The infusion of fresh PBSC refrigerated for up to three days is effective and safe for autologous transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma, which is a useful alternative to cryopreserved PBSC.
Ex vivo evaluation of a novel cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes
Authors: Kalmukov Ivan A. , Galliano Andrea , Godolphin Janet , Ferreira Rui , Cardoso Ines , Norgate Daisy J. , Bacon Nicholas J.
Published: September 2022

Objective

To determine the ability of a cell salvage device to recover canine erythrocytes by direct aspiration of diluted packed red blood cells (pRBC) and saline rinse from blood‐soaked surgical swabs.

Study design

Experimental study.

Sample population

Twelve recently expired units of canine pRBC.

Methods

pRBC units donated from a pet blood bank (after quality analysis) were diluted with anticoagulant, divided into two equal aliquots, and subsequently harvested by direct suction (Su), or soaked into swabs, saline‐rinsed and suctioned (Sw). The volume of product, manual packed cell volume (PCV), and red blood cell mass (rbcM) were measured and compared before and after salvaging. The rbcM recovery was recorded as percentage ([rbcM post salvage]/[rbcM presalvage]x100). Statistical analysis of all measured values was performed (significance p < .05).

Results

No difference was detected between pre‐ and post‐salvage PCV or mean rise of PCV for either group. The volume of salvaged blood was 143 ml (SD ± 2.89 ml; Su) and 139.83 ml (SD ± 3.30 ml; Sw), p < .001. The average rbcM recovered was 88.43% (Su) and 84.74%. (Sw) averaged 84.74% (p = .015). Blood type and order of processing did not influence recovery.

Conclusion

The tested cell saver device reliably salvages canine blood in this ex vivo setting. Cell salvage via direct suction produces higher volumes of salvaged blood than rinsing blood‐soaked swabs and salvaging the flush.

Clinical significance

Washing blood‐saturated surgical swabs results in a high harvest of red blood cells. The authors recommend it as an adjunct to direct suction to maximize erythrocyte recovery.
Los rieles de una ilusión. Historia del Ferrocarril del Norte (1870-1950)
Authors: Escobar Muriel Oswaldo
Published: September 2022

Al mirar nuestra infraestructura en la actualidad, es muy difícil entender por qué Colombia no tiene una gran red de ferrocarriles. Cuando esa misma mirada se posa en la Colombia de la segunda mitad del siglo XIX, no se concibe cómo el país comprometió parte de su futuro en ese sistema de transporte, estando por fuera de sus posibilidades. Este libro cuenta la historia del Ferrocarril del Norte, que la clase dirigente sabía que había que construirlo, pero se interponía un sinnúmero de inconvenientes. En Bogotá, se originaron proyectos que buscaban su comunicación con el río Magdalena: uno de ellos fue este ferrocarril, planificado a medias, con intereses económicos discutibles, una desafortunada intervención inglesa y continuamente enfrentado al fantasma del fracaso. Como un sistema lineal que debía conectar a la capital con el gran río, solo fue construido parcialmente, pero dejó experiencias, conocimiento y una línea de unos kilómetros que aún hoy existe. Sobre estas huellas, dejadas por una generación de hombres que creían en el futuro, debemos reemprender el camino para lograr una red de ferrocarriles que interconecte las zonas del país donde sea posible unirlas.
Construcción del espacio público en Colombia: propuestas desde la percepción ciudadana en Puerto Colombia, Atlántico
Authors: Velásquez Muñoz Carlos Javier , Buelvas Cárdenas Jorge Luis
Published: September 2022

El espacio público es escenario estructurante de las ciudades, si bien hoy, en la mayoría de las ciudades colombianas, además de que este es escaso, presenta altos índices de deterioro. Lo anterior lleva a la necesidad de estudiar, analizar y diseñar estrategias que orienten procesos de generación y recuperación de espacio público. Este artículo, derivado de la realización de una tesis de maestría en Urbanismo y Desarrollo Territorial, analiza las condiciones físico-espaciales y la percepción ciudadana sobre el espacio público efectivo en el municipio de Puerto Colombia, Atlántico, a partir de la medición de su cantidad y calidad, haciendo uso de instrumentos de recolección y cálculo de datos y herramientas de análisis espacial y construcción cartográfica. Su resultado es la generación de propuestas de reordenación del sistema de espacio público existente acorde con las características de la zona, tomando en cuenta la percepción ciudadana y cumpliendo con la política y normativa vigente.
Repliegue interior y habitabilidad urbana en la megápolis: arquitectura e historia familiar en una casa de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Cruz Petit Bruno
Published: September 2022

El uso intensivo del espacio interior habitacional en las ciudades del siglo XXI consolida un proceso de retiro a una esfera privada espacial no siempre satisfactoria para los usuarios. La necesidad de considerar elementos no únicamente en términos de satisfacción individual, sino también colectiva y ambiental, nos lleva a pensar en la integración de demandas de calidad de vida de los usuarios vinculadas a la conexión familiar en un microentorno saludable, por medio un modelo de habitabilidad tripartito, con tres dimensiones fundamentales: la psico-eficiencia, la socio-eficiencia y la ecoeficiencia. Partiendo del levantamiento planimétrico y fotográfico de un caso de estudio ubicado en la Ciudad de México, se procedió a un análisis basado en la tríada teórica previamente elaborada. El resultado del mismo señala que en la intersección de dichas dimensiones se ubican elementos controvertidos de la habitabilidad del entorno interior residencial (como una conexión urbana y familiar compatible con la privacidad y la salud en un ambiente lo más sustentable posible), objetivos que el proyectista tuvo que tratar de lograr negociando soluciones que se adaptaran a deseos no siempre coincidentes de los usuarios.
On Topological Data Analysis for Structural Dynamics: An Introduction to Persistent Homology
Authors: Gowdridge T. , Dervilis N. , Worden K.
Published: September 2022

Topological methods can provide a way of proposing new metrics and methods of scrutinizing data, that otherwise may be overlooked. A method of quantifying the shape of data, via a topic called topological data analysis (TDA) will be introduced. The main tool of TDA is persistent homology. Persistent homology is a method of quantifying the shape of data over a range of length scales. The required background and a method of computing persistent homology are briefly discussed in this work. Ideas from topological data analysis are then used for nonlinear dynamics to analyze some common attractors, by calculating their embedding dimension, and then to assess their general topologies. A method will also be proposed, that uses topological data analysis to determine the optimal delay for a time-delay embedding. TDA will also be applied to a Z24 bridge case study in structural health monitoring, where it will be used to scrutinize different data partitions, classified by the conditions at which the data were collected. A metric, from topological data analysis, is used to compare data between the partitions. The results presented demonstrate that the presence of damage alters the manifold shape more significantly than the effects present from temperature.
Research on Movement Intentions of Human's Left and Right Legs Based on Electro-Encephalogram Signals
Authors: Dong Fangyan , Wu Liangda , Feng Yongfei , Liang Dongtai
Published: September 2022

Active rehabilitation can use electro-encephalogram (EEG) signals to identify the patient's left and right leg movement intentions for rehabilitation training, which helps stroke patients recover better and faster. However, the lower limb rehabilitation robot based on EEG has low recognition accuracy so far. A classification method based on EEG signals of motor imagery is proposed to enable patients to accurately control their left and right legs. Firstly, aiming at the unstable characteristics of EEG signals, an experimental protocol of motor imagery was constructed based on multijoint trajectory planning motion of left and right legs. The signals with time-frequency analysis and event-related desynchrony/synchronization (ERD/S) analysis have proved the reliability and validity of the collected EEG signals. Then, the EEG signals generated by the protocol were preprocessed and common space pattern (CSP) was used to extract their features. Support vector machine (SVM) and linear discriminant analysis (LDA) are adapted and their accuracy of classification results are compared. Finally, on the basis of the proposed classifier with excellent performance, the classifier is used in the active control strategy of the lower limb rehabilitation robot, and the average accuracy of the left leg and right leg controlled by two healthy volunteers was 95.7%, 97.3%, 94.9%, and 94.6%, respectively, by using the ten-fold cross test. This research provides a good theoretical basis for the realization and application of brain-computer interfaces in rehabilitation training.
Experimental Measurements Using Digital Image Correlation Methods: Brief Background and Perspective on Future Developments
Authors: Sutton Michael A.
Published: September 2022

Digital image correlation (DIC) methods initially were developed in the early 1980s to simplify basic in-plane laboratory experiments, modified in the 1990s to obtain full three-dimensional surface displacements and shape measurements on curved or planar specimens and then extended to interior measurements at the end of the last millennium. The enclosed article provides a brief description of the various digital image correlation methods, followed by a personal perspective regarding recent and future developments utilizing DIC measurements.