bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Meningococcal surveillance in Southeast Asia and the Pacific
Authors: Marshall Helen S
Published: November 2021

Meningococcal disease is an uncommon infection associated with high case fatality rates, especially in some low resource countries. The burden of meningococcal disease in the Asia Pacific region is relatively low although likely to be underreported. Carriage rates of the causative bacteria, Neisseria meningitidis are also lower than in many other countries, with those of Asian ethnicity having a lower carriage prevalence than other ethnicities. There is a large degree of variability in establishment of infectious disease surveillance and case definitions used across Southeast Asia and Pacific nations. Although disease surveillance is a critically important component of disease control, not all countries mandate reporting of meningococcal disease and many do not have molecular typing capability. Adequate surveillance must include serogroup distribution and disease burden estimation. Improving surveillance capability and transfer to a more active surveillance model with capacity for PCR and genome sequencing will be important for early detection of outbreaks in the future.
Electrostatic potential of a rectangular uniformly charged plate: exact solution and limiting cases
Authors: Fagundes Daniel Almeida
Published: November 2021

In this paper I derive the exact solution to the electrostatic potential of a rectangular uniformly charged plate with charge density, σ, along the symmetry axis passing through its center, at distance z. The analytical solution generalizes recently obtained formulae for the special case of a square plate. Moreover, given the generality of the solution I obtain a set of limiting and particular cases well-known in the literature, such as: (i) the finite square plate; (ii) an infinite charged sheet; (iii) a 1D finite charged rod; (iv) a 1D infinite charged rod; (v) a single charge at the origin. I also discuss possible benefits of using these results in the context of teaching electrostatics in university physics classes, in the form of challenging exercises to be worked out in groups, and as a helpful tool to emphasize the power of limits and approximations in physics.
Interplay of domain structure and phase transitions: theory, experiment and functionality
Authors: Grünebohm Anna , Marathe Madhura , Khachaturyan Ruben , Schiedung Raphael , Lupascu Doru C , Shvartsman Vladimir V
Published: November 2021

Domain walls and phase boundaries are fundamental ingredients of ferroelectrics and strongly influence their functional properties. Although both interfaces have been studied for decades, often only a phenomenological macroscopic understanding has been established. The recent developments in experiments and theory allow to address the relevant time and length scales and revisit nucleation, phase propagation and the coupling of domains and phase transitions. This review attempts to specify regularities of domain formation and evolution at ferroelectric transitions and give an overview on unusual polar topological structures that appear as transient states and at the nanoscale. We survey the benefits, validity, and limitations of experimental tools as well as simulation methods to study phase and domain interfaces. We focus on the recent success of these tools in joint scale-bridging studies to solve long lasting puzzles in the field and give an outlook on recent trends in superlattices.
Metastability and dynamic modes in magnetic island chains
Authors: Wysin G M
Published: November 2021

The uniform states of a model for one-dimensional chains of thin magnetic islands on a nonmagnetic substrate coupled via dipolar interactions are described here. Magnetic islands oriented with their long axes perpendicular to the chain direction are assumed, whose shape anisotropy imposes a preference for the dipoles to point perpendicular to the chain. The competition between anisotropy and dipolar interactions leads to three types of uniform states of distinctly different symmetries, including metastable transverse or remanent states, transverse antiferromagnetic states, and longitudinal states where all dipoles align with the chain direction. The stability limits and normal modes of oscillation are found for all three types of states, even including infinite range dipole interactions. The normal mode frequencies are shown to be determined from the eigenvalues of the stability problem.
Phase field simulation of the void destabilization and splitting processes in interconnects under electromigration induced surface diffusion
Authors: Zhang Jiaming , Huang Peizhen
Published: November 2021

Interconnect lines of integrated circuits inevitably exist micro-damage, such as voids, inclusions or cracks. Under the effect of different intrinsic physical mechanisms as well as external driving forces, the micro-damage will have different morphological evolution and even destabilize and split, which can affect the various properties of the interconnect lines. Based on the theory of diffusion interface of microstructure evolution in solid materials, a phase field model is established to simulate the morphological evolution of micro-damage in the interconnect line under electromigration-induced surface diffusion. Unlike the previously published work, the bulk free energy density and the degenerate mobility used in the model are both constructed by quartic double-well potential function. The applicability of the model for the morphological evolution of intracrystalline voids is proved by asymptotic analysis. The governing equation of the phase field method is solved by finite element method. And, the validity of the method is confirmed by the agreement of the numerical solutions with the theoretical solutions of a small circular void. The effects of the relative electric field intensity χ, the line width

h

~

and the initial aspect ratio β on the morphological evolution of voids are discussed in detail. The results indicate that the intracrystalline voids drift in the direction of the electric field, and there is a destabilization critical value χ
cr for the morphological evolution. When χ ⩾ χ
cr, there exist two splitting forms after destabilization for circular void, type I and type II, respectively. The value of χ
cr decreases as

h

~

decreases or β increases. The smaller

h

~

or the larger β is more prone to cause destabilization of the void. The effect of the change of

h

~

or β on χ
cr is more significant as

h

~

or β is relatively small. In particular, when

h

~

or β is sufficiently large, there exists upper or lower limit for χ
cr, respectively.
Blood pressure wave propagation—a multisensor setup for cerebral autoregulation studies
Authors: Zienkiewicz Aleksandra , Favre Michelle , Ferdinando Hany , Iring Stephanie , Serrador Jorge , Myllylä Teemu
Published: November 2021

Objective. Cerebral autoregulation is critically important to maintain proper brain perfusion and supply the brain with oxygenated blood. Non-invasive measures of blood pressure (BP) are critical in assessing cerebral autoregulation. Wave propagation velocity may be a useful technique to estimate BP but the effect of the location of the sensors on the readings has not been thoroughly examined. In this paper, we were interested in studying whether the propagation velocity of a pressure wave in the direction from the heart to the brain may differ compared with propagation from the heart to the periphery, as well as across different physiological tasks and/or health conditions. Using non-invasive sensors simultaneously placed at different locations of the human body allows for the study of how the propagation velocity of the pressure wave, based on pulse transit time (PTT), varies across different directions. Approach. We present a multi-sensor BP wave propagation measurement setup intended for cerebral autoregulation studies. The presented sensor setup consists of three sensors, one placed on each of the neck, chest and finger, allowing simultaneous measurement of changes in BP propagation velocity towards the brain and to the periphery. We show how commonly tested physiological tasks affect the relative changes of PTT and correlations with BP. Main results. We observed that during maximal blow, valsalva and breath hold breathing tasks, the relative changes of PTT were higher when PTT was measured in the direction from the heart to the brain than from the heart to the peripherals. In contrast, during a deep breathing task, the relative change in PTT from the heart to the brain was lower. In addition, we present a short literature review of the PTT methods used in brain research. Significance. These preliminary data suggest that the physiological task and direction of PTT measurement may affect relative PTT changes. The presented three-sensor setup provides an easy and neuroimaging compatible method for cerebral autoregulation studies by allowing measurement of BP wave propagation velocity towards the brain versus towards the periphery.
Estimation of future changes in photovoltaic potential in Australia due to climate change
Authors: Poddar Shukla , Evans Jason P , Kay Merlinde , Prasad Abhnil , Bremner Stephen
Published: November 2021

Solar photovoltaic (PV) energy is one of the fastest growing renewable energy sources globally. However, the dependency of PV generation on climatological factors such as the intensity of radiation, temperature, wind speed, cloud cover, etc can impact future power generation capacity. Considering the future large-scale deployment of PV systems, accurate climate information is essential for PV site selection, stable grid regulation, planning and energy output projections. In this study, the long-term changes in the future PV potential are estimated over Australia using regional climate projections for the near-future (2020–2039) and far-future (2060–2079) periods under a high emission scenario that projects 3.4 °C warming by 2100. The effects of projected changes in shortwave downwelling radiation, temperature and wind speed on the future performance of PV systems over Australia is also examined. Results indicate decline in the future PV potential over most of the continent due to reduced insolation and increased temperature. Northern coastal Australia experiences negligible increase in PV potential during the far future period due to increase in radiation and wind speed in that region. On further investigation, we find that the cell temperatures are projected to increase in the future under a high emission scenario (2.5 °C by 2079), resulting in increased degradation and risks of failure. The elevated cell temperatures significantly contribute to cell efficiency losses, that are expected to increase in the future (6–13 d yr−1 for multi-crystalline silicon cells) mostly around Western and central Australia indicating further reductions in PV power generation. Therefore, long-term PV power projections can help understand the variations in future power generation and identify regions where PV systems will be highly susceptible to losses in Australia.
Air pollution, human health and climate change: Newspaper coverage of Australian bushfires
Authors: Linnenluecke Martina , Marrone Mauricio
Published: November 2021

We examine 512 Australian newspaper articles published over a 5-year period (2016 to 2021) that report on air pollution due to bushfire smoke and resulting human health impacts. We analyze to what extent these articles provide information on the possible range of negative health impacts due to bushfire smoke pollution, and to what extent they report on climate change as a driver behind increased bushfire risk. A temporary surge in articles in our sample occurs during the unusually severe 2019/2020 Black Summer bushfires. However, most articles are limited to general statements about the health impacts of bushfire smoke, with only 50 articles in the sample (9%) mentioning an explicit link between bushfire smoke inhalation and cardiovascular and respiratory problems or increases in mortality risk. 148 of the 512 articles in the sample (29%) established a connection between bushfire risk and climate change. We carry out a further keyword analysis to identify differences in reporting by Australia’s two main publishing groups (News Corp Australia and Nine Entertainment), which shows that articles in News Corp Australia outlets offered the lowest climate change coverage. We suggest that more detailed communication strategies are needed to strengthen public preparedness for future impacts.
Recent advancements in nonwoven bio-degradable facemasks to ameliorate the post-pandemic environmental impact
Authors: Khan Junaid , Momin Syed Abdul , Mariatti M , Vilay V , Todo M
Published: November 2021

Plastics have become a severe risk to natural ecosystems and human health globally in the last two decades. The outbreak of the coronavirus pandemic, which led to the manufacturing and use of billions of facemasks made from non-biodegradable and petroleum-derived polymers has aggravated the situation further. There is an urgent need to develop bio-degradable facemasks with excellent filtration efficiency and antimicrobial characteristics using scalable technology. This review article aims to provide the fundamentals of mask technology, its environmental footprint, facemask’s lifecycle assessment, conventional manufacturing routes, and state-of-the-art reports on using bio-degradable polymers for facemask applications. The article also focuses on the current challenges of the conventional facemask and the prospects of an ideal facemask that could significantly reduce the ill effects of petroleum-based polymers. The review includes concise information on the basics of polymer biodegradation and standardized tests to evaluate biodegradability. The use of currently available facemasks has been an effective measure to curb the infection rate, however, is a threat to the environment. Reusing the facemask after decontamination is not a solution from a safety perspective as cloth-based facemasks have lower filtration efficiencies which get further reduced with the washing cycle necessitating a shift towards biodegradable facemask. Systematic information is provided through this article to stimulate research on a bio-degradable facemask with excellent filtration efficiency, antimicrobial properties, and cost-effectiveness for global usage.
On topological materials as photocatalysts for water splitting by visible light
Authors: Ranjbar Ahmad , Mirhosseini Hossein , Kühne Thomas D
Published: November 2021

We performed a virtual materials screening to identify promising topological materials for photocatalytic water splitting under visible light irradiation. Topological compounds were screened based on band gap, band edge energy, and thermodynamics stability criteria. In addition, topological types for our final candidates were computed based on electronic structures calculated usingthe hybrid density functional theory including exact Hartree–Fock exchange. Our final list contains materials which have band gaps between 1.0 and 2.7 eV in addition to band edge energies suitable for water oxidation and reduction. However, the topological types of these compounds calculated with the hybrid functional differ from those reported previously. To that end, we discuss the importance of computational methods for the calculation of atomic and electronic structures in materials screening processes.
Features of ion generation by a picosecond laser in the range of 1011–1013 W cm−2 power densities
Authors: Kondrashev S , Beebe E , Kanesue T , Okamura M , Scott R
Published: November 2021

Picosecond lasers (ps-lasers) have significant advantages for the generation of low charge state ions compared to nanosecond lasers because the influence of heat conductivity on a solid target is almost negligible in the case of ps-laser ablation for laser pulse durations less than 10 ps. However, there is no comprehensive data on ion yields for different elements and target irradiation conditions for laser power densities at the target surface around and below 1013 W cm−2, which is of interest to our study of such plasmas as a source of low charge state ions for various applications, particularly for external injection of those ions into an Electron Beam Ion Source (EBIS). We investigated ion generation from Al, Ti, Cu, Nb and Ta target elements by a ps-laser with power densities in the range of 1011–1013 W cm−2 at the target surface. A ps-laser with 1.27 mJ maximum energy within an 8 ps pulse and repetition rate up to 400 Hz has been used to generate a laser-ablated plasma. Dependencies of ion current versus time, total charge of registered ions as well as ion kinetic energy distributions are characterized using a Faraday cup. Significant difference in ion current dynamics between first, second and following shots onto the same target spot was found for all five target elements. The total charge of ions registered by the Faraday cup increases linearly with increasing laser pulse energy and is almost independent of the target element and number of shots onto the same target spot for all five target elements studied. The results obtained give us a basis for specification and design of the source of low charge state ions for external injection into EBIS.
Dynamics of intracellular neonatal Fc receptor–ligand interactions in primary macrophages using biophysical fluorescence techniques
Authors: Pannek Andreas , Houghton Fiona J. , Verhagen Anne M. , Dower Steven K. , Hinde Elizabeth , Gleeson Paul A.
Published: November 2021

The neonatal Fc receptor (FcRn) is responsible for the recycling of endocytosed albumin. Here we reveal the spatiotemporal dynamics of intracellular albumin–FcRn interactions required for recycling in living primary macrophages by fluorescence lifetime imaging microscopy and raster image correlation spectroscopy.
The mitospecific domain of Mrp7 (bL27) supports mitochondrial translation during fermentation and is required for effective adaptation to respiration
Authors: Anderson Jessica M. , Box Jodie M. , Stuart Rosemary A.
Published: November 2021

Mitochondria perform protein synthesis uncoupled from OXPHOS complex assembly regulation during glycolysis-based fermentation. Mitotranslation during fermentation requires the mitospecific domain of ribosomal protein Mrp7 (bL27) and Mam33 and confers a cellular advantage for effective adaptation from glucose fermentation to aerobic respiration.
Localizing the Responsibility to Protect in Civil Society: Paving the Road to Norm Degeneration?
Authors: Gilgan Chloe
Published: November 2021

The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) is the relevant framework for state responses to mass atrocities, which are ongoing in Syria. This article examines how that framework has been localized by civil society and the effects of that localization. Using an empirical case study of the UK’s responses to Syrian refugees during 2014–16, the research demonstrates how state practice of a norm can affect civil society advocacy, which may have a deleterious effect on a norm’s life cycle. The research also revealed that civil society is resisting a link between R2P and refugee protection in practice, despite states’ international commitments to both and despite how both overlap in some cases. Two conclusions are reached. First, the research found a complex, iterative relationship between states and civil society. How the UK has understood and practiced R2P has directly affected how civil society contests and modifies R2P in response, despite the norm’s relevance to the Syrian case. Rather than using advocacy and engagement with states to reconceptualize the norm to fit its broader remit, some civil society actors have rejected or modified the norm instead. This has effectively helped entrap R2P within a narrow understanding and has made it politically expedient to show support for the norm’s aspirations implicitly rather than explicitly in the organizational discourse. Second, based on the results of this interdependent relationship, the political resistance against R2P is further entrenched, even when based upon the state’s narrow understandings, which serve to marginalize the norm.
Supplementing the Forest Health National Aerial Survey Program with Remote Sensing during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons Learned from a Collaborative Approach
Authors: Hanavan Ryan P , Kamoske Aaron G , Schaaf Abigail N , Eager Tom , Fisk Haans , Ellenwood Jim , Warren Kayanna , Asaro Christopher , Vanderbilt Brian , Hutten Karen , Leatherman Lila , Finco Mark , Frament William , Ryerson Daniel , Ross Jen , Schwert Brenna , Chastain Robert , Smith Ben , Hof Justin , Tischler Crystal , Downing Marla
Published: November 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has created unprecedented challenges in the way the USDA Forest Service conducts business. Standard data collection methods were immediately challenged due to travel restrictions and due to uncertainty regarding when it would be safe to return to a “business as usual” approach. These challenges were met with an inspiring collaboration between forest health specialists directly involved in the annual Aerial Detection Survey (ADS) program and remote sensing specialists from the Forest Service and academia. This group worked together to generate informative training materials, new workflows, and weekly help sessions to directly address problems that arose during this capacity building exercise. Small ad hoc teams were created to identify regionally specific program resources to enhance remote sensing utilization while supplementing information gaps where aerial detection surveys were either limited or not possible. The lessons learned from this challenge provide an opportunity to continue the exploration of combining ADS, remote sensing, and field data to deliver comprehensive information for managing the nation’s forests, while applying what is working and learning and growing from both successes and limitations.
Suturable Mesh Demonstrates Improved Outcomes over Standard Suture in a Porcine Laparotomy Closure Model
Authors: Dumanian Gregory A.
Published: November 2021

Background:

Laparotomy closures fail due to suture pull-through. I hypothesize that a suturable mesh may limit pull-through via mechanisms of force distribution and fibrous encapsulation of the device filaments.

Methods:

Fifteen domestic swine 74 kg in size were randomly allocated to three groups for laparotomy closure with either size 0 suturable mesh, number 1 suturable mesh, or number 1 polypropylene. All three devices were placed in running fashion with 1-cm bites and 1-cm travels. Primary endpoints were hernia formation at 13 weeks and a semiquantitative analysis of the histological tissue response. Secondary endpoints included adhesions, surgical site occurrence (SSO), and documentation of “loose sutures.”

Results:

There were numerically fewer hernias in the number 1 suturable mesh group. Nine of the 10 suturable mesh devices were well encapsulated within the tissues and could not be pulled away, whereas four of the five polypropylene sutures were loose. Adhesions were least for number 1 suturable mesh. Histologically, the suturable mesh implanted devices showed good fibrovascular ingrowth and were judged to be “nonirritants.” The soft-tissue response was statistically greater (P = 0.006) for the number 1 suturable mesh than for the number 1 polypropylene.

Conclusions:

The mechanism by which meshes support closure sites is clearly demonstrated with this model. Suturable mesh has the potential to change surgical algorithms for abdominal wall closure.
Comprehensive Rehabilitation of the Athlete: A Specific and Purposeful Approach
Authors: Carreño Leah , Thomasma Eliot , Mason John , Pitt Will , Crowell Michael
Published: November 2021

There is a need to improve the quality of rehabilitation in sports medicine to return athletes to optimal function safely and quickly, reducing the risk of reinjury. This paper describes a planning paradigm to guide clinical reasoning during individual treatment sessions and a model for planning the rehabilitation program from acute injury to return to play. The design of a rehabilitation program should be a collaborative, team effort, and accounting for the specific needs of the athlete. As the athlete progresses from acute injury management all the way back to full competition, the rehabilitation professional emphasizes the components of pain management, motion, motor control, and force production in varying degrees based upon phases of tissue healing and the athlete’s response. Utilizing high-value, evidence-based treatments maximize both the effectiveness and efficiency of rehabilitation to restore and improve upon preinjury levels of physical performance.
Structural Racism and Psychiatric Practice
Authors: Talley Rachel M. , Edwards Matthew L. , Berlant Jeffrey , Wagner Elizabeth S. , Adler David A. , Erlich Matthew D. , Goldman Beth , Dixon Lisa B. , First Michael B. , Oslin David W. , Siris Samuel G.
Published: November 2021

Structural racism has received renewed focus over the past year, fueled by the convergence of major political and social events. Psychiatry as a field has been forced to confront a legacy of systemic inequities. Here, we use examples from our clinical and supervisory work to highlight the urgent need to integrate techniques addressing racial identity and racism into psychiatric practice and teaching. This urgency is underlined by extensive evidence of psychiatry's long-standing systemic inequities. We argue that our field suffers not from a lack of available techniques, but rather a lack of sustained commitment to understand and integrate those techniques into our work; indeed, there are multiple published examples of strategies to address racism and racial identity in psychiatric clinical practice. We conclude with recommendations geared toward more firmly institutionalizing a focus on racism and racial identity in psychiatry, and suggest applications of existing techniques to our initial clinical examples.
Epigenetic signature of chronic low back pain in human T cells
Authors: Grégoire Stéphanie , Cheishvili David , Salmon-Divon Mali , Dymov Sergiy , Topham Lucas , Calderon Virginie , Shir Yoram , Szyf Moshe , Stone Laura S.
Published: November 2021

Objective:

Determine if chronic low back pain (LBP) is associated with DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that will reveal novel mechanisms and potential therapeutic targets and explore the feasibility of epigenetic diagnostic markers for pain-related pathophysiology.

Methods:

Genome-wide DNA methylation analysis of 850,000 CpG sites in women and men with chronic LBP and pain-free controls was performed. T cells were isolated (discovery cohort, n = 32) and used to identify differentially methylated CpG sites, and gene ontologies and molecular pathways were identified. A polygenic DNA methylation score for LBP was generated in both women and men. Validation was performed in an independent cohort (validation cohort, n = 63) of chronic LBP and healthy controls.

Results:

Analysis with the discovery cohort revealed a total of 2,496 and 419 differentially methylated CpGs in women and men, respectively. In women, most of these sites were hypomethylated and enriched in genes with functions in the extracellular matrix, in the immune system (ie, cytokines), or in epigenetic processes. In men, a unique chronic LBP DNA methylation signature was identified characterized by significant enrichment for genes from the major histocompatibility complex. Sex-specific polygenic DNA methylation scores were generated to estimate the pain status of each individual and confirmed in the validation cohort using pyrosequencing.

Conclusion:

This study reveals sex-specific DNA methylation signatures in human T cells that discriminates chronic LBP participants from healthy controls.
Use of lower extremity orthoses in patients with cerebral palsy and related factors
Authors: Akaltun Mazlum Serdar , Altindag Ozlem , Bicer Sükrü , Turan Neytullah , Gursoy Savas , Gur Ali
Published: November 2021

Background:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the frequency of using lower extremity orthosis prescribed for patients with cerebral palsy (CP) and to determine the factors associated with orthosis use.

Study design:

The study had a retrospective and descriptive design.

Methods:

One hundred and twenty-nine patients with CP who were prescribed orthoses were included in this study. The sociodemographic data and orthosis use status of patients were questioned with telephone calls. Motor functions were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Spasticity was evaluated with the modified Ashworth scale, and range of motion was evaluated by goniometry. The study had a retrospective and descriptive design and included 129 patients with CP (53 females and 76 males) who were prescribed orthosis. The sociodemographic data and orthosis use status of patients were questioned with telephone calls. Motor functions were evaluated with Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS). Spasticity was evaluated with the modified Ashworth scale, and range of motion was evaluated by goniometry.

Results:

A total of 53 patients who were included in the study were female, and 76 were male. The most commonly used orthosis was Ankle-Foot Orthosis. The number of patients who used orthosis every day was 45 (34.8%). The most common reason for not using orthosis was difficulty in wearing it. The mean age was significantly lower in the group that used orthosis regularly (P < 0.05). Spasticity and range of motion limitations were low in the group that used orthosis regularly at significant levels (P < 0.05). A significant relation was detected in logistic regression analysis between age and orthosis use (P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

Regular orthosis use is at quite low levels in patients with CP. The decision for prescribing orthosis should be made with a rehabilitation team, with the patient included before orthosis is prescribed. Problems related to orthosis use should be addressed at regular intervals after prescribing orthosis.
Changes of Key Rate-Limiting Enzyme Activity in Glucose Metabolism After Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation
Authors: Wang Liwen , Wu Liangliang , Fu Yue , Jiang Longyuan , Huang Zitong , Yang Zhengfei , Fang Xiangshao
Published: November 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the activity of key rate-limiting enzymes of glucose metabolism after restoration of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), to explore the potential pathophysiological mechanism of impaired myocardial energy metabolism after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Methods:

Twenty-one male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into three experimental groups assigned in accordance with different observation times after ROSC: Sham, instrumented rats without induced cardiac arrest or resuscitation; post-resuscitation (PR2 h); PR24 h. In these groups, CPR, including precordial compressions and synchronized mechanical ventilation, was initiated 6 min after asphyxia-induced cardiac arrest. Hearts were harvested after ROSC and samples were used to detect high-energy phosphate and glucose metabolic enzyme activity.

Results:

Compared with sham, the contents of phosphocreatine and adenosine triphosphate reduced in the PR2 h group, while remained unchanged in the PR24 h group. Activities of hexokinase and pyruvate kinase did not change after ROSC. Phosphofructokinase activity decreased only in the PR24 h group. Activities of pyruvate dehydrogenase and citrate synthase fell in PR2 h group and recovered in the PR24 h group. However, isocitrate dehydrogenase and α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase activities fell in the PR2 h group, but did not recover in the PR24 h group.

Conclusions:

Lowered key rate-limiting enzymes activity in glucose metabolism resulted in impairment of energy production in the early stage of ROSC, but partially recovered in 24 h. This process has a role in the mechanism of impaired myocardial energy metabolism after CPR. This investigation might shed light on new strategies to treat post resuscitation myocardial dysfunction.
Improving symptom-related communication skills among cancer patients in an oncology ward: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Zeng Kai , Wang Ning , Wang Mei , Hu Lijuan , Deng Guoyu , Stephenson Matthew , Zhang Lili
Published: November 2021

Introduction and aims:

As a symptom is a subjective perception of patients, good symptom management requires the patients to actively talk to clinicians about their symptom experience and to effectively express concerns about treatment. It has been found that the patients displayed poor communication behaviors and lacked communication knowledge and skills in the oncology ward of a tertiary hospital in PR China, indicating the need for improvement. This project aimed to promote the cancer patients’ symptom-related communication with clinicians in this hospital setting.

Method:

A baseline audit against six evidence-based audit criteria derived from best practice recommendations was conducted, utilizing the JBI Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System tool. Identification of facilitators and barriers to best practice was then carried out and strategies were implemented to overcome identified barriers. A postimplementation audit was undertaken to assess any improvement in practice.

Results:

The baseline audit showed that the nurses’ compliance with best practice recommendations was unsatisfactory, with five out of six criteria recording 0% compliance. Strategies including nurse education, patient symptom assessment, patient education and use of communication tools were implemented. The postimplementation audit showed significantly improved compliance in the nurses’ practice with all best practice recommendations, with all audit criteria achieving at least 69% compliance.

Conclusion:

The project achieved improved practice in patient communication promotion across all six audit criteria. However, further effort is needed to strengthen and maintain best practice. Patient symptom-related communication behavior should be measured in the future.
Comprehensive geriatric assessment among elderly people in a convalescence unit: a best practice implementation project
Authors: Sianes-Gallén Mònica , Pujol-García Anna María , González-Ferrero Alba , Plaza-Valle Patricia , Aguilera-Gómez Ricardo , Canta-López Elena , Antón-Nieto Esperanza , González-Ávila Bárbara , Torrecabota-Gambín Aroa , Jornet-Gibert Montsant
Published: November 2021

Aim:

The aim of this project was to audit the usual assessment practices employed when admitting patients to a convalescence unit on the outskirts of Barcelona, Spain. The project implemented strategies to improve evidence-based practice using the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. The specific objectives of this project were (1) to improve completion of the comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) record, (2) to improve professionals’ CGA knowledge, (3) to promote interdisciplinary work, (4) to improve tailored therapeutic plan generation by implementing evidence-based practice criteria within the instrument, and (5) to evaluate the records and action plans derived from the CGA.

Methods:

Pre-/post-implementation audit methodology was used the Practical Application of Clinical Evidence System and Getting Research into Practice, and was developed in multiple phases. The implementation phase took 6 months. A sample of 34 consecutive admissions had their CGA patient records evaluated. Descriptive statistics were calculated.

Results:

A total of 64 records (34 pre/30 post) were reviewed to assess CGA completion. The baseline audit results showed that only two audit criteria were higher than 50%, indicating poor knowledge about the concept of CGA and poor compliance with the current program. Following the implementation of the strategies, which included education and the development of a checklist, there was an improvement in all the criteria audited: the record was correctly completed in 67% of cases, and 80% of team members were knowledgeable and competent in CGA.

Conclusion:

Several barriers were identified at baseline, and various strategies were implemented to improve CGA compliance. The results show that the project increased awareness of the importance of a comprehensive assessment of the care that patients receive, resulting in better CGA completion.
Lessons on integrated knowledge translation through algorithm's utilization in homecare services: a multiple case study
Authors: Ruest Mélanie , Léonard Guillaume , Thomas Aliki , Guay Manon
Published: November 2021

Aim:

Integrated knowledge translation (IKT) is an increasingly recommended collaborative approach to minimize knowledge translation gap. Still, few studies have documented the impact of IKT to optimize knowledge uptake in healthcare settings. An IKT-based clinical algorithm (Algo) was deployed in Quebec (Canada) homecare services to support skill mix for selecting bathing equipment for community-dwelling adults. The objective of this study was to document the characteristics related to Algo's IKT process.

Methods:

A multiple-case study with a nested concurrent mixed design was conducted in provincial homecare services. Based on Knott and Wildavsky's seven-stage classification and the integrated-Promoting Action on Research Implementation in Health Services model, Innovation, Recipients, and Context, characteristics related to Algo's levels of utilization were documented. Quantitative (electronic questionnaire) and qualitative (semistructured interviews and focus groups) data were collected for each case (i.e., homecare service). Descriptive statistics and thematic analysis were performed to describe each case through a mixed methods matrix, for intra/intercase analyses.

Results:

Knowledge translation characteristics of five Algo's levels of utilization were documented: reception, cognition, reference, effort, and impact. Innovation characteristics (e.g., underlying knowledge) were found to facilitate its dissemination and its use. However, the Recipients (e.g., unclear mechanisms to implement change) and Context (e.g., organizational mandates nonaligned with skill mix) characteristics hampered its application through intermediate and advanced levels of utilization.

Conclusion:

The knowledge translation analysis of Algo allowed for documenting the IKT-based benefits in terms of utilization in healthcare settings. Although an IKT approach appears to be a strong facilitator for initiating the implementation process, additional characteristics should be considered for promoting and sustaining its use on local, organizational, and external levels of context. Facilitation strategies should document the administrative benefits related to Algo's utilization and contextualize it according to homecare services’ characteristics.
‘It seems like common sense now’: experiences of allied health clinicians participating in a knowledge translation telementoring program
Authors: Wilkinson Shelley A. , Hickman Ingrid , Cameron Ashley , Young Adrienne , Olenski Samantha , BPhty Prue McRae , O’Brien Maxine
Published: November 2021

Introduction and aims:

Clinicians understanding and applying the skills of knowledge translation is essential for the delivery of high value, effective health care. However, many clinicians lack confidence and capacity to undertake knowledge translation. Our team recently piloted a group telementoring knowledge translation support service (KTSS) with allied health professionals (AHPs) undertaking knowledge translation in their practice. This article aims to investigate barriers and enablers to participants’ participation and identify evidence-based strategies to improve future delivery of the initiative.

Methods:

The evaluation utilized semistructured interviews with participants who completed the first KTSS. Interview transcripts were analysed to identify key themes and subthemes. Subthemes were also mapped to an implementation science framework and model (theoretical domains framework and behaviour change wheel) to guide evidence-based identification of effective strategies to address, overcome, or enhance issues raised.

Results:

Six of the nine participants invited were interviewed. Five barriers and six enablers of KTSS participation, and five improvement ideas for a future KTSS program, were suggested. Barriers included knowledge gaps, competing time demands, and organizational expectations. Enablers included organizational support, motivation and preparation, and local champions. Additional strategies included additional preparation, an initial rapport building session, and strategies to meet the emotional needs of the participants. These were reinforced by the framework mapping results, with the further addition of a peer modelling strategy.

Conclusion:

Through a qualitative methodology we have examined and identified the experiences of AHPs who have participated in a knowledge translation telementoring program with clear strategies to enhance further programs offered.
Detection and genetic characterization of the novel torque teno virus group 6 in Taiwanese general population
Authors: Hsiao Kuang-Liang , Wang Li-Yu , Cheng Ju-Chien , Cheng Yu-Jung , Lin Chiung-Ling , Liu Hsin-Fu
Published: November 2021

Torque teno virus (TTV) is one of the most common human viruses and can infect an individual with multiple genotypes chronically and persistently. TTV group 6 is a recently discovered phylogenetic group first isolated from eastern Taiwan indigenes, but whether the TTV group 6 was also prevalent in the general population still unknown. One hundred and three randomly collected blood samples from general population and 66 TTV positive DNA samples extracted from Taiwan indigenes were included. A group-6-specific PCR was developed for re-screen over TTV positive samples. Two TTV group 6 positive samples from general population were cloned and sequenced for identifying mix-infected TTVs and confirming their classification by maximum-likelihood and Bayesian inference phylogeny. TTV group 6 can be detected in 4.5% (4/89) and 7.6% (5/66) of TTV positive samples from Taiwanese general population and eastern Taiwan indigenes, respectively. Sample VC09 was mix-infected with TTV groups 3 and 6. Sample VC99 was mix-infected with TTV groups 3, 4 and 6. A highly diverse triple overlapping region was observed, which may represent a unique phenomenon of TTV. The group-6-specific PCR can successfully detect TTV group 6. TTV group 6 may be prevalent worldwide regardless of the geographic region and/or ethnic groups.
Immunofluorescence-guided segmentation of three-dimensional features in micro-computed tomography datasets of human lung tissue
Authors: Lawson Matthew J. , Katsamenis Orestis L. , Chatelet David , Alzetani Aiman , Larkin Oliver , Haig Ian , Lackie Peter , Warner Jane , Schneider Philipp
Published: November 2021

Micro-computed tomography (µCT) provides non-destructive three-dimensional (3D) imaging of soft tissue microstructures. Specific features in µCT images can be identified using correlated two-dimensional (2D) histology images allowing manual segmentation. However, this is very time-consuming and requires specialist knowledge of the tissue and imaging modalities involved. Using a custom-designed µCT system optimized for imaging unstained formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded soft tissues, we imaged human lung tissue at isotropic voxel sizes less than 10 µm. Tissue sections were stained with haematoxylin and eosin or cytokeratin 18 in columnar airway epithelial cells using immunofluorescence (IF), as an exemplar of this workflow. Novel utilization of tissue autofluorescence allowed automatic alignment of 2D microscopy images to the 3D µCT data using scripted co-registration and automated image warping algorithms. Warped IF images, which were accurately aligned with the µCT datasets, allowed 3D segmentation of immunoreactive tissue microstructures in the human lung. Blood vessels were segmented semi-automatically using the co-registered µCT datasets. Correlating 2D IF and 3D µCT data enables accurate identification, localization and segmentation of features in fixed soft lung tissue. Our novel correlative imaging workflow provides faster and more automated 3D segmentation of µCT datasets. This is applicable to the huge range of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues held in biobanks and archives.
Numerical validation of novel scaling laws for air entrainment in water
Authors: Catucci Daniele , Briganti Riccardo , Heller Valentin
Published: November 2021

The Froude scaling laws have been used to model a wide range of water flows at reduced size for almost a century. In such Froude scale models, significant scale effects for air–water flows (e.g. hydraulic jumps or wave breaking) are typically observed. This study introduces novel scaling laws, excluding scale effects in the modelling of air–water flows. This is achieved by deriving the conditions under which the governing equations are self-similar. The one-parameter Lie group of point-scaling transformations is applied to the Reynolds-averaged Navier–Stokes equations, including surface tension effects. The scaling relationships between variables are derived for the flow variables, fluid properties and initial and boundary conditions. Numerical simulations are conducted to validate the novel scaling laws for (i) a dam break flow interacting with an obstacle and (ii) a vertical plunging water jet. Results for flow variables, void fraction and turbulent kinetic energy are shown to be self-similar at different scales, i.e. they collapse in dimensionless form. Moreover, these results are compared with those obtained using the traditional Froude scaling laws, showing significant scale effects. The novel scaling laws are a more universal and flexible alternative with a genuine potential to improve laboratory modelling of air–water flows.
Macroevolutionary pattern ofSaussurea(Asteraceae) provides insights into the drivers of radiating diversification
Authors: Zhang Xu , Landis Jacob B. , Sun Yanxia , Zhang Huajie , Lin Nan , Kuang Tianhui , Huang Xianhan , Deng Tao , Wang Hengchang , Sun Hang
Published: November 2021

Evolutionary radiations have intrigued biologists for more than a century, yet our understanding of the drivers of radiating diversification is still limited. We investigate the roles of environmental and species-intrinsic factors in driving the rapid radiation ofSaussurea(Asteraceae) by deploying a number of palaeoenvironment-, diversity- and trait-dependent models, as well as ecological distribution data. We show that three main clades ofSaussureabegan to diversify in the Miocene almost simultaneously, with increasing diversification rates (DRs) negatively dependent on palaeotemperature but not dependent on species diversity. Our trait-dependent models detect some adaptive morphological innovations associated with DR shifts, while indicating additional unobserved traits are also likely driving diversification. Accounting for ecological niche data, we further reveal that accelerations in DRs are correlated with niche breadth and the size of species' range. Our results point out a macroevolutionary scenario where both adaptive morphological evolution and ecological opportunities provided by palaeoenvironmental fluctuations triggered an exceptionally radiating diversification. Our study highlights the importance of integrating phylogenomic, morphological, ecological and model-based approaches to illustrate evolutionary dynamics of lineages in biodiversity hotspots.