bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reported information sharing and satisfaction with maternity care providers during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Associations with socioeconomic status and shifts to telehealth
Authors: Thayer Zaneta , Gildner Theresa
Published: June 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has dramatically affected pregnant people’s prenatal care, labor, and delivery experiences. Given these rapid changes, providers have needed to be proactive in sharing information about COVID‐19‐related care impacts. The purpose of this study was to investigate: (a) Whether patient demographics or disrupted care (eg, canceled appointments and rapid shift to telehealth) is associated with patient‐reported information sharing from the providers; and (b) Whether patient‐reported provider information sharing or disruptions to care are associated with patient satisfaction with provider.

Methods

Data come from a convenience sample of 1999 pregnant people living in the United States who completed an online survey between April 16 and May 7 2020.

Results

Thirty‐eight percent of participants said that their provider had not discussed how the pandemic would affect their care during pregnancy, labor, or delivery. Participants with lower education, less income, or whose appointments had been canceled or rescheduled because of the pandemic were significantly less likely to report information sharing. Provider satisfaction was significantly lower among participants who did not report information sharing, those who had appointments by way of telehealth, and those who reported that all their appointments had been rescheduled/canceled.

Discussion

At the beginning of the pandemic, there were significant socioeconomic inequities in reported information sharing by the providers, which in turn was negatively associated with provider satisfaction. Providers need to be aware of the role implicit bias may play in information sharing—both generally and during public health crises—and consider ways to reduce the impacts of disrupted care delivery on patient satisfaction. If left unaddressed, perceived poor provider communication and associated low satisfaction with providers could contribute to adverse perinatal outcomes.
Clinical and molecular genetic findings of Crisponi/cold‐induced sweating syndrome (CS/CISS) spectrum in patients from Turkey
Authors: Yilmaz Gulec Elif , Turgut Gozde Tutku , Gezdirici Alper , Karaman Volkan , Ozturk Fatma Nihal , Avci Sahin , Kalayci Tugba , Senturk Leyli , Ayaz Akif , Kayserili Hulya , Uyguner Zehra Oya , Altunoğlu Umut
Published: June 2022

Crisponi/cold‐induced sweating syndrome (CS/CISS) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder characterized by episodic hyperthermia, arthrogryposis, impaired feeding ability, and respiratory distress. The classic CS/CISS is mainly associated with CRLF1 and, rarely, CLCF1. PERCHING syndrome, previously known as CS/CISS type‐3 associated with biallelic pathogenic variants in KLHL7, is notable for its few overlapping manifestations. This study presents genotype–phenotype relationships in CS/CISS‐like spectrum associated with CRLF1 and KLHL7. Clinical findings of 19 patients from 14 families and four patients from three families were found in association with six different CRLF1 and three different KLHL7 variants, respectively. c.167T>C and c.713delC of the CRLF1 gene and the c.642G>C of the KLHL7 were novel. The c.708_709delCCinsT allele of CRLF1 was identified in 10 families from the Mardin province of Turkey, underlining that an ancestral haplotype has become widespread. CRLF1‐associated phenotypes revealed novel manifestations such as prenatal oligohydramnios, benign external hydrocephalus, previously unreported dysmorphic features emerging with advancing age, severe palmoplantar keratoderma and facial erythema, hypopigmented macules and streaks, and recurrent cardiac arrests. KLHL7 variants presented with glabellar nevus flammeus, blepharophimosis, microcephaly, thin corpus callosum, and cleft palate. Abnormalities of sweating, observed in one patient reported herein, is known to be very rare among KLHL7‐related phenotypes.
Long‐term fallows rate best among agri‐environment scheme effects on farmland birds—A meta‐analysis
Authors: Staggenborg Julia , Anthes Nils
Published: June 2022

Agri‐environment schemes (AES) serve to counteract the ongoing decline of farmland bird populations, but their success remains controversial. We conducted a meta‐analysis to compare standardized effect size estimates among European AES options—classified into 15 categories that capture relevant management practices—for farmland bird abundance and species richness. Effect strengths varied substantially between AES categories. Long‐term fallows, nonproductive crops such as wild bird seed mixtures, artificial food supply, and winter cover yielded the strongest positive associations with farmland bird abundance. Average effect sizes were larger but also more variable in cropland compared to grassland‐dominated farming systems. This observation highlights the need to develop more effective conservation schemes for grassland inhabitants, which face similarly severe population declines as cropland inhabitants. Schemes that provided large ecological contrasts between treatment and control sites yielded particularly strong relative benefits, but AES‐specific effect sizes further varied with foraging and nesting site guilds of the target species. Our study confirms that the AES that is currently implemented can benefit farmland birds. However, clear improvements require AES to focus on options with maximal improvements in habitat quality and to locally implement sufficiently diverse AES options to serve the often‐incongruent needs of several bird guilds and species.
rFVIII‐Fc in severe haemophilia A: The incentive switch in case of high risk of joint bleedings
Authors: Horvais Valérie , Wargny Matthieu , Repessé Yohann , Guillet Benoît , Beurrier Philippe , Ardillon Laurent , Pan‐Petesch Brigitte , Cussac Vincent , Trossaërt Marc
Published: June 2022

Background

Efmoroctocog alfa, the first recombinant factor VIII fusion protein with extended half‐life (rFVIII‐Fc), has been hypothesized to lower FVIII consumption in patients with severe Haemophilia A (pwSHA), without reducing clinical efficacy. What about real life?

Method

MOTHIF‐II was a noninterventional, multicentre, before/after study, via the collection of retrospective data from July 2015 to June 2016 (called T1), and from July 2017 to June 2018 (called T2), in 7 French haemophilia treatment centres. We examined the prescriptions and dispensations of factor VIII and the Annual Bleeding Rate (ABR), in pwSHA without current inhibitors on prophylaxis, before and after the introduction of rFVIII‐Fc. The data gathered from the BERHLINGO research database and from the French Healthcare claims database with a determinist pairing process based on the national unique identification number.

Results

A total of 156 pwSHA were included in the prescription cohort and 83 in the ABR cohort. For switched patients, the mean amounts of prescribed FVIII were significantly higher during T1 compared to T2 (4333 (2052) vs. 3921 (2029) IU/kg/year/patient, p: 0.028); a significant decrease in their ABR was also observed between T1 and T2 (6.3 (6.0) vs. 4.4 (5.4), p: 0.047). These patients had a more severe bleeding profile centred on haemarthrosis.

Conclusion

The results are related to those of the pivotal clinical trials for the reduction in FVIII consumption following the switch to rFVIII‐Fc, with a significant improvement in the haemorrhagic phenotype for pwSHA.
Clinical utility and prognostic implications of the 4S‐AF scheme: Report from Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Atrial Fibrillation Registry
Authors: Chao Tze‐Fan , Tse Hung‐Fat , Teo Wee‐Siong , Park Hyung‐Wook , Shimizu Wataru , Chen Shih‐Ann , Lip Gregory Y. H. ,   Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society Atrial Fibrillation Registry Investigators
Published: June 2022

Background

The 4S‐AF classification scheme comprises of four domains (stroke risk [St], symptoms [Sy], severity of atrial fibrillation (AF) burden [Sb] and substrate [Su]), which has been recommended in the 2020 ESC guidelines to characterize and evaluate patients with AF.

Objectives

We aimed to determine whether the 4S‐AF scheme would be useful for AF characterization and provides prognostic information in a large contemporary prospective Asian registry conducted by the Asia Pacific Heart Rhythm Society (APHRS).

Methods

Among 4666 patients enrolled in APHRS registry, 3586 of them whose data about left atrial (LA) dimension and European Heart Rhythm Association (EHRA) symptom score were available have constituted as the study population. The 4S‐AF score was calculated as the sum of each domain with a maximum score of 9. The clinical endpoint was defined as the 1‐year composite risk of any thromboembolic event, ischaemic stroke, heart failure, acute coronary syndrome, significant coronary artery disease requiring coronary intervention and all‐cause mortality.

Results

Based on the 4S‐AF domains, 86.7% were ‘non‐low risk’ for stroke; 94.3% had EHRA Class I‐II, 48.5% were newly diagnosed or paroxysmal AF; and only 8.4% had no cardiovascular risk factors or LA enlargement. The risk of clinical events was higher in patients who were ‘non‐low risk’ for stroke (aOR 2.175, 95% CI 1.060–4.461), with permanent AF (aOR 1.579, 95% CI 1.106–2.225) and increasing points for substrate (aORs 2.376–4.968 from score 2 to 4). When compared to the first tertile of 4S‐AF score (0–3 points), patients in the second tertile (4–5 points) had approximately 2.5‐fold increase in adverse events (OR 2.478, 95% CI 1.678–3.661, p < .001), while those in the third tertile (6–9 points), had a 3.5‐fold increase (OR 3.484, 95% CI 2.322–5.226, p < .001), both without significant differences between the 5 participating countries (p for interaction > .05). If all 4S‐AF domains were appropriately treated, this was associated with a lower risk of composite clinical outcomes (aOR 0.384, p < .001; p for interaction for different countries = .234).

Conclusions

Categorization according to the 4S‐AF scheme can be related to the risk of the composite adverse event rate in Asian AF patients, and appropriate treatments based on the 4S‐AF scheme resulted in better clinical outcomes. These observations support the characterization and management according to the 4S‐AF scheme in Asian patients.
Two sorts of natural history: On a central concept in critical theory and ethical naturalism
Authors: Hogh Philip
Published: June 2022

The concept of natural history has received a great deal of attention in contemporary practical philosophy, especially as a result of Michael Thompson's concept of natural‐historical judgments which aims to explain the normativity of the human life‐form. With this concept, the norms effective in a life‐form are understood as something natural and constitutive for that life‐form. Although Thompson does not present a historical‐philosophical model, he claims to be able to determine the normativity of the historically developing human life‐form. By contrast, Theodor W. Adorno developed his own concept of natural history on the one hand as an interpretative conceptual model of historical reality, on the other hand, to indicate the normativity of the natural‐historical course of human history itself. The normativity of natural history that Adorno focuses on is historically and socially determined, in contrast to the categorically conceived natural normativity that is at the heart of Thompson's approach. This article analyses the similarities and differences between the two approaches in such a way that it becomes clear to what extent ethical naturalism also provides possibilities for critique that can be made fruitful for a critical theory inspired by Adorno.
Diabetic neuropathy is a generalized phenomenon with impact on hand functional performance and quality of life
Authors: Kender Zoltan , Groener Jan B. , Jende Johann M. E. , Kurz Felix T. , Fleming Thomas , Sulaj Alba , Schuh‐Hofer Sigrid , Treede Rolf‐Detlef , Bendszus Martin , Szendroedi Julia , Nawroth Peter P. , Kopf Stefan
Published: June 2022

Background and purpose

Diabetic sensorimotor peripheral neuropathy is usually considered to affect predominantly the lower limbs (LL‐N), whereas the impact of upper limb neuropathy (UL‐N) on hand functional performance and quality of life (QoL) has not been evaluated systematically. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and characteristics of UL‐N and its functional and psychosocial consequences in type 2 diabetes.

Methods

Individuals with type 2 diabetes (n = 141) and an age‐ and sex‐matched control group (n = 73) underwent comprehensive assessment of neuropathy, hand functional performance, and psychosocial status.

Results

The prevalence of UL‐N was 30.5% in patients with diabetes and that of LL‐N was 49.6%, with 25.5% exhibiting both. Patients with diabetes showed similar sensory phenotype regarding both large and small fiber functions in hands and feet. Patients with UL‐N showed reduced manual dexterity, but normal hand grip force. Additionally, there was a correlation between reduced dexterity and sensory deficits. Patients with UL‐N had reduced estimates of psychosocial health including health‐related QoL compared to control subjects and patients without UL‐N. UL‐N correlated with the severity of LL‐N, but not with duration of diabetes, glycemia, age, or sex.

Conclusions

This study points to a substantial prevalence of UL‐N in type 2 diabetes. The sensory phenotype of patients with UL‐N was similar to LL‐N and was characterized by loss of sensory function. Our study demonstrated an association of UL‐N with impaired manual dexterity and reduced health‐related QoL. Thus, upper limb sensorimotor functions should be assessed early in patients with diabetes.
Evidence supporting deep brain stimulation of the medial septum in the treatment of temporal lobe epilepsy
Authors: Cole Eric R. , Grogan Dayton P. , Laxpati Nealen G. , Fernandez Alejandra M. , Skelton Henry M. , Isbaine Faical , Gutekunst Claire‐Anne , Gross Robert E.
Published: June 2022

Electrical brain stimulation has become an essential treatment option for more than one third of epilepsy patients who are resistant to pharmacological therapy and are not candidates for surgical resection. However, currently approved stimulation paradigms achieve only moderate success, on average providing approximately 75% reduction in seizure frequency and extended periods of seizure freedom in nearly 20% of patients. Outcomes from electrical stimulation may be improved through the identification of novel anatomical targets, particularly those with significant anatomical and functional connectivity to the epileptogenic zone. Multiple studies have investigated the medial septal nucleus (i.e., medial septum) as such a target for the treatment of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. The medial septum is a small midline nucleus that provides a critical functional role in modulating the hippocampal theta rhythm, a 4–7‐Hz electrophysiological oscillation mechanistically associated with memory and higher order cognition in both rodents and humans. Elevated theta oscillations are thought to represent a seizure‐resistant network activity state, suggesting that electrical neuromodulation of the medial septum and restoration of theta‐rhythmic physiology may not only reduce seizure frequency, but also restore cognitive comorbidities associated with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. Here, we review the anatomical and physiological function of the septohippocampal network, evidence for seizure‐resistant effects of the theta rhythm, and the results of stimulation experiments across both rodent and human studies, to argue that deep brain stimulation of the medial septum holds potential to provide an effective neuromodulation treatment for mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. We conclude by discussing the considerations necessary for further evaluating this treatment paradigm with a clinical trial.
Application of electrolysed water in the quality and safety control of fruits and vegetables: A review
Authors: Lu Ling , Guo Hongyan , Kang Ningbo , He Xiaoguang , Liu Guishan , Li Juan , He Xiaoling , Yan Xiaoxia , Yu Hao
Published: June 2022

Fruits and vegetables (F&V) provide people with a variety of essential vitamins, antioxidants and dietary fibre, thus constituting integral components of human diet. With the surge of interest in F&V, their consumption ratio has kept increasing in recent years. Unfortunately, microorganisms and pesticide residues on the surfaces of F&V may be hazardous to humans. As an emerging technology, electrolysed water (EW) shows great application potential in reducing these hazards. EW treatment not only effectively removes microorganisms from F&V but also degrades pesticide residues on their surfaces. In addition, EW treatment affects the physiological metabolism of harvested F&V, which is conducive to maintain their sensory quality and nutritional value. This article reviews the principles of EW preparation, advantages and disadvantages, and the application of EW in F&V in the last decade, including disinfection of irrigation water, removal of pesticide residues, disinfection after harvest its effects on physicochemical parameters and enzyme activity of F&V, etc. Moreover, the combination of EW and other technology, including ozone, short‐time heat treatment, ultraviolet irradiation and ultrasound, to further improve the quality control effects of F&V is discussed.
Using pooled data for genomic prediction in a bivariate framework with missing data
Authors: Baller Johnna L. , Kachman Stephen D. , Kuehn Larry A. , Spangler Matthew L.
Published: June 2022

Pooling samples to derive group genotypes can enable the economically efficient use of commercial animals within genetic evaluations. To test a multivariate framework for genetic evaluations using pooled data, simulation was used to mimic a beef cattle population including two moderately heritable traits with varying genetic correlations, genotypes and pedigree data. There were 15 generations (n = 32,000; random selection and mating), and the last generation was subjected to genotyping through pooling. Missing records were induced in two ways: (a) sequential culling and (b) random missing records. Gaps in genotyping were also explored whereby genotyping occurred through generation 13 or 14. Pools of 1, 20, 50 and 100 animals were constructed randomly or by minimizing phenotypic variation. The EBV was estimated using a bivariate single‐step genomic best linear unbiased prediction model. Pools of 20 animals constructed by minimizing phenotypic variation generally led to accuracies that were not different than using individual progeny data. Gaps in genotyping led to significantly different EBV accuracies (p < .05) for sires and dams born in the generation nearest the pools. Pooling of any size generally led to larger accuracies than no information from generation 15 regardless of the way missing records arose, the percentage of records available or the genetic correlation. Pooling to aid in the use of commercial data in genetic evaluations can be utilized in multivariate cases with varying relationships between the traits and in the presence of systematic and randomly missing phenotypes.
Association between plasma Vitamin B5 levels and all‐cause mortality: A nested case‐control study
Authors: Hong Yuan , Zhou Ziyi , Zhang Nan , He Qiangqiang , Guo Zhangyou , Liu Lishun , Song Yun , Chen Ping , Wei Yaping , Xu Qiuyue , Li Ya , Wang Binyan , Qin Xianhui , Xu Xiping , Duan Yong
Published: June 2022

We aimed to evaluate the prospective association of vitamin B5 with all‐cause mortality and explore its potential modifiers in Chinese adults with hypertension. A nested, case‐control study was conducted in the China Stroke Primary Prevention Trial, including 505 deaths of all causes and 505 matched controls. The median follow‐up duration was 4.5 years. The primary outcome measure in this investigation was all‐cause mortality, which encompassed deaths for any reason. The mean plasma vitamin B5 concentration for cases (43.7 ng/mL) was higher than that in controls (40.9 ng/mL) (p = .001). When vitamin B5 was further assessed as quintiles, compared with the reference group (Q1: < 33.0 ng/mL), the risk of all‐cause mortality increased by 29% (OR = 1.29, 95% CI: 0.83‐2.01) in Q2, 22% (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.77‐1.94) in Q3, 62% (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.00‐2.62) in Q4, and 77% (OR = 1.77, 95% CI: 1.06‐2.95) in Q5. The trend test was significant (p = .022). When Q4‐Q5 were combined, a significant 41% increment (OR = 1.41, 95% CI: 1.03‐1.95) in all‐cause death risk was found compared with Q1‐Q3. The adverse effects were more pronounced in those with normal folate levels (p‐interaction = .019) and older people (p‐interaction = .037). This study suggests that higher baseline levels of plasma vitamin B5 are a risk factor for all‐cause mortality among Chinese patients with hypertension, especially among older adults and those with adequate folate levels. The findings, if confirmed, may inform novel clinical and nutritional guidelines and interventions to optimize vitamin B5 levels.
Mathematical modeling and simulation of refractance window drying of mango pulp for moisture, temperature, and heat flux distribution
Authors: Kumar Manibhushan , Madhumita Mitali , Srivastava Brijesh , Prabhakar Pramod K.
Published: June 2022

This study aims to simulate the coupled heat and mass transfer during refractance window (RW) drying of mango pulp. A simulation model was developed by considering temperature and moisture‐dependent effective diffusivity. With the help of COMSOL Multiphysics, a three‐dimensional (3D) model was developed to solve heat and mass transfer equations. RW drying of mango pulp (6 mm thick) was executed at differe temperature of 75, 80, 85, and 90°C and air velocity of .7 m/s. There was a quick rise in product temperature, and it remained constant throughout the experiment. The drying time required to reduce mango pulp's moisture content from 5.33 to .25 (g water/g dry matter) ranged between 5.7 and 8.5 h during RW drying. Surface moisture was 28, 30, 31, and 33% lower than moisture content at the bottom of pulp after 15 min of drying when drying temperatures were 75, 80, 85, and 90°C, respectively. Diffusivity increases with increasing temperature, and values range from 2.50 × 10−10 to 3.68 × 10−10 m2/s. Out of six empirical models, page, modified page, and two‐term exponentials were the best fit for drying characteristics.

Practical Applications

This study explores the heat and mass transfer modeling and simulation of RW drying of mango pulp. The three‐dimensional (3D) model gave a better understanding and visualized the effect of different heat source temperature combinations on temperature profile and their distribution and moisture content and their distribution throughout the sample. The method and mode used for this experiment can enable many researchers to conduct experimental studies on RW drying products. Also, a simulation model is a precise tool for forecasting drying product characteristics, drying behaviors, and physicochemical changes during the drying process. Simulation applications for better designing processes in food industries shall be more in the coming future. The present finding can be used by food processors and researchers for predicting the drying dynamics and subsequent upscaling of the RW drying process at an industrial scale.
Hot air‐assisted radiofrequency drying of avocado: Drying behavior and the associated effect on the characteristics of avocado powder
Authors: Özbek Hatice Neval , Koç Banu , Koçak Yanık Derya , Göğüş Fahrettin
Published: June 2022

Hot air‐assisted radio frequency drying (HA‐RF) was performed to dry avocados and produce avocado powder. An electrode gap of 80 mm and sample thickness of 2 cm were selected as the ideal HA‐RF drying parameters. The HA‐RF drying kinetics were compared with hot air (HA) drying. The HA‐RF drying resulted in a faster and shorter drying process with the higher drying rate than HA drying. HA‐RF drying provided a 100% reduction in drying time (from 180 to 90 min) compared to the HA drying. The quality attributes of avocado powder obtained by HA‐RF drying were also assessed by comparing with HA and freeze‐dried samples. The color values, total phenolic content (TPC), antioxidant activity, porosity, dispersibility, solubility, caking degree, and hygroscopicity were affected by drying methods. The HA‐RF drying resulted in higher TPC (170.91 mg GAE/100 g dw) and antioxidant activity (39.39%) in avocado powder than HA drying (154.74 mg GAE/100 g dw and 30.09%, respectively). On the other hand, freeze‐dried samples had the highest TPC (202.05 mg GAE/100 g dw) and antioxidant activity (52.65%). The HA‐RF‐dried products exhibited the lowest color change (6.49), Carr index (21.43%), Hausner ratio (1.27), and wettability (2.07 s) compared to the HA and freeze dried samples. When all quality characteristics were considered, the HA‐RF drying method was advanced to the other methods, especially in fast drying time, and was found to be the best method for producing avocado powder.

Practical Applications

This study explored the effect of drying methods (HA‐RF drying and HA drying) on the drying characteristics and quality of dried avocado powder and its comparison with freeze drying. The study showed that HA‐RF drying resulted in a shorter processing time than other drying methods. The HA‐RF‐dried powder quality was comparable to that of a freeze‐dried one.
Emerging approaches to multiple chronic condition assessment
Authors: Suls Jerry , Salive Marcel E. , Koroukian Siran M. , Alemi Farrokh , Silber Jeffrey H. , Kastenmüller Gabi , Klabunde Carrie N.
Published: June 2022

Older adults experience a higher prevalence of multiple chronic conditions (MCCs). Establishing the presence and pattern of MCCs in individuals or populations is important for healthcare delivery, research, and policy. This report describes four emerging approaches and discusses their potential applications for enhancing assessment, treatment, and policy for the aging population. The National Institutes of Health convened a 2‐day panel workshop of experts in 2018. Four emerging models were identified by the panel, including classification and regression tree (CART), qualifying comorbidity sets (QCS), the multimorbidity index (MMI), and the application of omics to network medicine. Future research into models of multiple chronic condition assessment may improve understanding of the epidemiology, diagnosis, and treatment of older persons.
Predictors of breast self‐examination behavior among adult females in Najran city, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al‐Qahtani Awad M. , Ibrahim Heba A. , Elgzar Wafaa T.
Published: June 2022

Aim

This study aimed to explore the predictors of breast self‐examination (BSE) behavior among adult females in Najran city, Saudi Arabia.

Methods

A descriptive correlational design was utilized to recruit 1,075 participants from the primary health centers in Najran city, Saudi Arabia, from the beginning of March to the end of October 2021. A self‐reported questionnaire was used for data collection; it consisted of demographic data and health history, breast cancer knowledge test and protection motivation theory (PMT) scale. Data analysis was performed using the Statistical Package for Social Science software, version 23 (IBM, Armonk, NY, USA).

Results

Only 38.2% of the study participants had ever‐performed BSE. Participants' knowledge, education, previous family history of breast cancer, and personal history of benign breast tumors are significant socio‐demographic predictors of BSE behavior (p < .001). Also, the higher threats appraisal, reward appraisal, and efficacy appraisal increased the participants' probability of practicing BSE (p < .001) compared to a low level as references based on binary logistic regression results. In addition, low response cost was another predictor for BSE behavior compared with higher levels (p < .001).

Conclusion

Participants' knowledge, education, previous family history of breast cancer, and the PMT constructs (threats appraisal, reward appraisal, efficacy appraisal, and response cost) were significant predictors of BSE behavior.
Correlates of sedentary behavior in Asian preschool‐aged children: A systematic review
Authors: Chen Bozhi , Kui Kiran Yan , Padmapriya Natarajan , Müller Andre Matthias , Müller‐Riemenschneider Falk
Published: June 2022

This systematic review aims to identify the multilevel correlates of sedentary behavior (SB) and its sub‐domains among preschool‐aged children aged 0–7 years in Asia. We systematically searched for studies published from 2000 onwards using terms related to SB correlates and Asia in six databases. Eligible studies were observational and used quantitative methods to examine correlates of total, and domain‐specific SB (screen viewing [SV] and non‐screen‐based SB) in Asian children living in Asia. Two reviewers independently screened identified references. Following quality assessment of included studies, we performed narrative synthesis to summarize the evidence on the intrapersonal, interpersonal, environmental correlates of total and domain‐specific SB (PROSPERO: CRD42018095268). Twenty‐two studies from 4 regions and 12 countries/territories were included. Out of the 94 correlates explored, the following associations were consistent: older age, being a boy, non‐Chinese ethnicity (Southeast Asia), younger maternal age, higher maternal and paternal television‐viewing time with higher SV; higher SV at earlier age with higher SV and total SB; and presence of TV/computer in the bedroom with higher leisure‐time SB. We encourage more studies from low‐ and middle‐income Asian countries with an increased focus on different SB domains, further exploration of environmental correlates, and the use of objective measurements to capture SB.
The crisis of love in Michel Houellebecq’s Sérotonine
Authors: Refsum Christian
Published: June 2022

In this article I argue that Michel Houellebecq’s novelistic descriptions of isolated and depressed protagonists in Sérotonine (2019) and in his earlier novels should not simply be read as symptomatic of the crisis of love in late capitalism. By focusing on situations where love might or might not manifest itself, Houellebecq also explores the potentiality of love. Despite the vast reception of Houellebecq’s poems and novels, his critics have not sufficiently understood how the love theme is central throughout his work. This article explains its significance by focusing on Sérotonine and drawing lines to the earlier novels. In Sérotonine, as in Soumission (2016), the potentiality of love is closely related to an ambivalent pondering on the threshold of religion. Both novels have protagonists characterised by avoidance, negativity and indecisiveness. Love is both a potential and a testing ground for survival, on a personal as well as on a cultural level.
Care home managers' views on the media coverage of COVID‐19 outbreaks in care homes for older adults: A case study in Stockholm
Authors: Morath Lenke P. , Burström Bo , Liljas Ann E. M.
Published: June 2022

The COVID‐19 pandemic has particularly affected older adults and resulted in high rates of infections and deaths in care homes. We have conducted a case study in which three managers of care homes for older adults in central Stockholm have shared their thoughts on the media coverage of care homes for older adults during the COVID‐19 pandemic. We analysed the data using conventional content analysis and identified three themes and five categories. The results show that the managers experienced the media coverage of care homes during the pandemic to be negative and incomplete, causing feelings of sadness and shame amongst themselves and their staff. The negative media coverage further generated added workload as they had to arrange for discussions to answer questions by staff and close relatives of the residents. Informants also thought that there is a lack of knowledge about the role of care homes and subsequently what to expect of them. Finally, informants reported that the pandemic might create an opportunity for system‐level policy changes. In light of this, we discuss possible victim blaming of staff and how greater public awareness of the care home sector could facilitate for a debate on policy changes and the low social status of caring for older adults.
Hypoallergenicity assessment of an extensively hydrolyzed whey‐protein formula in cow’s milk allergic infants
Authors: Dahdah Lamia , Roelofs Mieke , Knipping Karen , de Vries Esther , Rijnierse Anneke , Garssen Johan , Brand Paul L. P. , Fiocchi Alessandro
Published: June 2022

Background

 Extensively hydrolyzed formulas are recommended for the dietary management of infants with cow's milk allergy (CMA).

Objectives

Hypoallergenicity, growth, and gastrointestinal (GI) tolerability of a new extensively hydrolyzed whey‐protein formula (eHWF) in CMA children were assessed.

Methods

In this prospective, randomized, international, multi‐center study (Trial NL3889), 34 children with confirmed CMA (74% IgE‐mediated) underwent a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) with an eHWF developed with non‐porcine enzymes, supplemented with prebiotic short‐chain galacto‐ and long‐chain fructo‐oligosaccharides (0.8 g/L, ratio 9:1), arachidonic acid (0.35/100 g), and docosahexaenoic acid (0.35/100 g). If tolerant to the eHWF, children participated in a 7‐day open food challenge with this eHWF. Anthropometrics and GI tolerability were assessed in an optional 16‐weeks follow‐up.

Results

Of the 34 children who started the DBPCFC with the eHWF, 25 subjects (19 boys, mean age: 61 weeks, 18 with IgE‐mediated CMA) completed the DBPCFC and 7‐day open challenge without major protocol deviations and tested negative at both challenges. One child experienced a late moderate eczematous allergic reaction in the optional follow‐up period, indicating the need for close monitoring of subjects starting new formula. Weight and length gain followed the World Health Organization growth curves. Changes in frequency and consistency of stools upon test formula intake were transient.

Conclusions

The newly developed eHWF is a suitable option in CMA treatment as all subjects tolerated the product. This result is in line with the international criteria for hypoallergenicity (American Academy of Pediatrics) that state that more than 90% of CMA children must tolerate the formula. Use of the formula is also associated with normal growth curves and GI tolerability.

Trial registration

Trial NL3889, https://www.trialregister.nl/trial/3889.
Follow up of Kawasaki disease based on nationwide survey data in Japan
Authors: Nakamura Yosikazu , Matsubara Yuri , Kosami Koki , Ae Ryusuke , Sasahara Teppei , Aoyama Yasuko , Koike Soichi , Ishikawa Shizukiyo , Makino Nobuko
Published: June 2022

Background

The long‐term prognosis of those with a history of Kawasaki disease (KD) is still unknown.

Methods

Using a permanent registry system in Japan (koseki), 6,576 persons with a history of KD were followed up. The average follow‐up period was 30 years. The endpoint was death.

Results

With a 99.5% follow‐up rate, 68 deaths (48 males and 20 females) were observed. The overall standardized mortality ratio, of which reference was vital statistics in Japan, was not elevated. However, the observation according to the presence or absence of cardiac sequelae showed that the standardized mortality ratio for those with cardiac sequelae significantly elevated. Nine persons, all of whom were males, died of KD (including those cases where KD was suspected), but all deaths occurred in individuals who were under 30 years of age.

Conclusions

This study revealed the long‐term prognosis for KD, but almost all participants were younger than 40 years. Continuing follow up of this cohort is required to clarify whether a history of KD relates to the development of atherosclerosis when participants become middle aged or older.
Hepatocellular carcinoma requiring liver transplantation in hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 despite nitisinone therapy and α1‐fetoprotein normalization
Authors: Bhushan Shreya , Noble Charlton , Balouch Fariha , Lewindon Peter , Lampe Guy , Hodgkinson Peter , McGill Jim , Ee Looi
Published: June 2022

Background

Hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 is a rare metabolic condition associated with an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma. Nitisinone (2‐[2‐nitro‐4‐trifluoromethylbenzoyl]‐1,3‐cyclohexanedione, NTBC) treatment has reduced but not eliminated the risk. The delayed initiation of nitisinone treatment, and persistently abnormal α1‐fetoprotein (AFP) levels are recognized to be risk factors for late‐onset hepatocellular carcinoma. We report three children diagnosed and treated with nitisinone since infancy who developed hepatocellular carcinoma despite long‐term normalization of AFP.

Methods

A retrospective review of all patients with tyrosinemia on nitisinone managed at our center was undertaken. Patient demographics, age at diagnosis, duration of therapy, timing of AFP normalization, and radiographic imaging findings were noted.

Results

Three patients at our center with tyrosinemia type 1 developed hepatocellular carcinoma 9–13 years after diagnosis despite long‐term nitisinone therapy and normalization of AFP. Two patients developed new nodules on imaging with an elevation of AFP leading to the diagnosis and subsequent liver transplant. The third patient proceeded with liver transplant because of a very nodular liver and increasing splenomegaly despite normal AFP and no change in surveillance gadoxetate magnetic resonance imaging. Early hepatocellular carcinoma was found in her liver explant. All three patients were cirrhotic at diagnosis.

Conclusions

Patients with hereditary tyrosinemia type 1, especially those already cirrhotic at diagnosis, remain at high risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma despite long‐term nitisinone therapy and AFP normalization, and warrant close monitoring and surveillance.
Distant but Close in Sight: Firm‐level Evidence on French–German Productivity Gaps in Manufacturing
Authors: Grebel Thomas , Napoletano Mauro , Nesta Lionel
Published: June 2022

We study productivity‐level distributions of manufacturing firms in France and Germany, and how these distributions evolved across the Great Recession. We show the presence of a systematic productivity advantage of German firms over French ones in the decade 2003–2013, but the gap has narrowed down after the Great Recession. Convergence is explained by the better growth performance of French firms in the post‐recession period, especially of those located in the top percentiles of the productivity distribution. We also highlight the role of sectoral growth, firm size, and export intensity in explaining the above convergence. In contrast, the contribution of allocative efficiency was small.
The Gender Wealth Gap in Europe: Application of Machine Learning to Predict Individual‐level Wealth
Authors: Kukk Merike , Meriküll Jaanika , Rõõm Tairi
Published: June 2022

This article provides comparative estimates of the gender wealth gaps for 22 European countries, employing data from the Household Finance and Consumption Survey. The data on wealth are collected at the household level, while individual‐level data are needed for the estimates of gender wealth gaps. We propose a novel approach using machine learning and model averaging methods to predict individual‐level wealth data for multi‐person households. Our results suggest that random forest performs best as the predicting tool for this exercise, outperforming elastic net and Bayesian model averaging. The estimated gender wealth gaps tend to be in favor of men, especially at the top of the wealth distribution. Men have 24 percent more wealth than women on average. We also find that a high home ownership rate is associated with a smaller country‐level gender wealth gap. Our estimates suggest that the individual‐level wealth inequality is on average 3 pp higher than the household‐level wealth inequality in multi‐member households.
Approach to Automation of Line Heating by Combination of Reinforcement Learning and Finite Element Method Simulation
Authors: Shibahara Masakazu , Ikushima Kazuki , Maekawa Manami , Ashida Ryo , Kato Takuya , Notsu Akira
Published: June 2022

In recent years, ship hulls have very complicated shapes in order to reduce frictional resistance and wave resistance during navigation. In particular, in the bow and stern, curved skin plates with complex shapes are used. Line heating is used to produce such complex shapes. Line heating is a bending technique using plastic deformation due to heating. The relationship between the heat input and the deformation is nonlinear, which may lead to difficulty in making a heating plan for forming the target shape. Thus, skilled workers are necessary in line heating, and the work time and dimensional accuracy depend on their skills. Another problem is the transfer of this technique to future generations. In order to overcome these problems, automation of the line heating process has been investigated urgently. On the other hand, artificial intelligence (AI) technology has been rapidly developed in recent years. An AI system can deal with nonlinear relationships and ambiguous feature quantities, which are difficult to express mathematically. By using AI, automation of the planning of the heating line can be expected. The purpose of the present study is to obtain the optimal heat input conditions for forming an arbitrary shape in line heating. In order to accomplish this, we constructed an AI system that integrated deep layer reinforcement learning and line heating simulation. The proposed system was applied to the formation of fundamental shapes of line heating, including the bowl shape, the saddle shape, and the twisted shape. As a result, the proposed system was found to be able to generate heating plans for these shapes with fewer heating lines.
Axial Compression and Buckling Analysis of Columnar Structures with Tetra-Anti-Chiral Configuration
Authors: Tabacu Stefan , Stanescu Doru Nicolae
Published: June 2022

The present work is focused on the investigation of tetra-anti-chiral structures by means of numerical and analytical methods. Specimens were evaluated under compressive load using analytical and numerical methods. The paper summarizes a theoretical solution for the estimate of Poisson’s ratio and the plateau force. The models can handle structures with various configurations, such as the radius of the connection node, lengths, and thickness of the ligaments. A section dedicated to the evaluation of the buckling load is included to extend the investigation of the behavior under compressive loads. The theoretical model is based on Euler’s formula, and a series of amendments are performed to adapt the formula to the analysis of chiral structures. Throughout the paper, theoretical results are compared with results from the simulations to validate the principles stated. Two sets of numerical models were developed: a fully 3D model using hexahedral finite elements and a 2.5D model using a beam finite element model. An overall comparison of results is presented, showing a good agreement between datasets. The present work might set the background for future activities, allowing for a selection of individual investigation methods.
Intercooled Recuperative Aero Engine System Optimization
Authors: Decang Lou , Yong Kang , Wen Guo , Qiuyue Zhao
Published: June 2022

By installing an intercooler and a recuperator, the intercooled recuperative aero engine (IRA) has the advantage of improving thermal efficiency as well as reducing fuel consumption and emissions. Both the aerodynamic and thermal performance of the intercooler and recuperator, as well as their configuration have decisive effects on the performance of the engine. This paper first describes the overall parameters and the structural scheme for the IRA engine. Then numerical simulation and modeling tests were conducted to investigate the performance of different types of matrices for the intercooler. Results show that the cross-corrugated matrix, compared to the tube matrix, had higher effectiveness and lower pressure loss. For the recuperative system, which includes the matrix module and the pipe system, a porous medium model was established for the U-tube recuperator matrix according to the experimental results. With this model, the optimized arrangement of the eight recuperator modules in the exhaust nozzle was achieved. After optimization, the gas almost equally flows through each matrix module, which can ensure the heat transfer effectiveness as design. A flow network was built up to optimize the pipe system of the recuperator. With this network, the diameter of the pipes inside the air supply/backflow ducting system was optimized to make the coolant flow through each matrix module matching the gas side.
A Novel Testing Method to Quantify Mechanical Properties of the Intact Annulus Fibrosus Ring From Rat-Tail Intervertebral Discs
Authors: Sinopoli Sabrina I. , Gregory Diane E.
Published: June 2022

The annulus fibrosus is the ring-like exterior of the intervertebral disc, which is composed of concentrically organized layers of collagen fiber bundles. The mechanical properties of the annulus have been studied extensively; however, tests are typically performed on extracted fragments or multilayered samples of the annulus and not on the annulus as a whole. The purpose of this study was twofold: (1) to develop a novel testing technique to measure the mechanical properties of the intact, isolated annulus; and (2) to perform a preliminary analysis of the rate-dependency of these mechanical properties. Twenty-nine whole annulus ring samples were dissected from 11 skeletally mature Sprague Dawley rat tails and underwent a tensile failure test at either 2%/s (n = 16) or 20%/s (n = 13). Force and displacement were sampled at 100 Hz and were subsequently normalized to stress and strain. Various mechanical properties were derived from the stress–strain curves and statistically compared between the rates. All mechanical variables, with the exception of initial failure stress, were found to be unaffected by rate. Interestingly, initial failure stress was higher for samples tested at the slower rate compared to the higher rate which is atypical for viscoelastic tissues. Although in general rate did not appear to impact the annulus ring response to tensile loading, this novel, intact annular ring testing technique provides an alternative way to quantify mechanical properties of the annulus.
A Comparative Study of Thermoconvective Flows of a Newtonian Fluid Over Three Horizontal Undulated Surfaces in a Porous Medium
Authors: Siddheshwar P. G. , Narayana Mahesha , Saha Richa , Nagouda Smita S.
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a comparison between the results of three thermoconvective flows of a Newtonian fluid over uniformly heated, undulated horizontal surfaces in a porous medium against the background of the results of a flat plate. The undulations are assumed to have sinusoidal, sawtooth, and triangular waveforms. A system of nonlinear coupled partial differential equations arising in the study is solved using the Keller–Box method. Streamlines and isotherms have been plotted and analyzed to examine the effect of parameters on the fluid dynamics and heat transfer. At large surface amplitudes, secondary flow is observed in the cases of sinusoidal and triangular waveforms, but not in the cases of a sawtooth surface and a flat plate. The magnitude of the slip velocity at the horizontal surface is greatest for the sine waveform, while it is least in the case of triangular. The flat plate does not support slip in the velocity to the extent seen in the case of undulated surfaces. The variation of the mean Nusselt number and mean skin friction with surface amplitude and the Rayleigh number indicate that heat transfer and viscous friction at the boundary increase with individual and collective increases in the values of the amplitude and the Rayleigh number. Further, the mean Nusselt number and mean skin friction are found to be maximum for the sinusoidal surface and minimum for the triangular one. The heat transfer and skin friction by the flat surface are much less than that of all three undulated surfaces.