bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Design, Simulation, and Analysis of Micro/Nanoelectromechanical System Rotational Devices
Authors: Kalaiarasi A. R. , Deepa T. , Angalaeswari S. , Subbulekshmi D. , Kathiravan Raja
Published: November 2021

This work is focused on design and simulation of microelectromechanical system (MEMS)/nanoelectromechanical system (NEMS) rotational devices such as micro/nanothermal rotary actuator and micro/nanogear. MEMS/NEMS technologies have allowed the development of advanced miniaturized rotational devices. MEMS/NEMS-based thermal actuator is a scaled version of movable device which will produce amplified motion when it is subjected to thermal forces. One of the applications of such thermal micro/nanoactuator is integrating it into micro/nanomotor that makes a thermal actuated micro/nanomotor. In this work, design and simulation of micro/nanothermal rotary actuator are done using MEMS/NEMS technology. Stress, current density, and temperature analysis are done for microthermal rotary actuator. The performance of the device is observed by varying the dimensions and materials such as silicon and polysilicon. Stress analysis is used to calculate the yield strength of the material. Current density is used to calculate the safer limit of the material. Temperature analysis is used to calculate the melting point of the material. Also, in this work, design and simulation of microgear have been done. Micro/nanogears are devices that can be used to improve motion performance. The essential is that it transmits rotational motion to a different axis.
Shikonin Inhibits Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer H1299 Cell Growth through Survivin Signaling Pathway
Authors: Wang Haini , Zuo Junli
Published: November 2021

Overexpressed survivin is associated with worse survival of several types of human tumors. In this study, the antitumor activity of shikonin in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) by regulating survivin pathway was investigated. Results showed that shikonin inhibited the NSCLC H1299 cell proliferation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, shikonin fits well with survivin by molecular docking. Shikonin also inhibited the mRNA expression and protein level of survivin in H1299 cells. Shikonin arrested H1299 cell cycle at the G0/G1 phase by regulating CDK/cyclin family members. In addition, shikonin regulated the expression of X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis- (XIAP-) mediated caspases 3 and 9, thus leading to the damage of mitochondrial membrane potential and induction of H1299 cell apoptosis. Overall, shikonin inhibited H1299 cell growth by inducing apoptosis and blocking the cell cycle. The underlying mechanism involves targeting survivin, which subsequently regulates the protein expression of XIAP/caspase 3/9, CDK2/4, and cyclin E/D1. Thus, shikonin, a survivin inhibitor, is a promising therapeutic strategy in NSCLC treatment.
Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization Based on Cosine Distance Mechanism and Game Strategy
Authors: Li Nana , Liu Yanmin , Shi Qijun , Wang Shihua , Zou Kangge
Published: November 2021

The optimization problems are taking place at all times in actual lives. They are divided into single objective problems and multiobjective problems. Single objective optimization has only one objective function, while multiobjective optimization has multiple objective functions that generate the Pareto set. Therefore, to solve multiobjective problems is a challenging task. A multiobjective particle swarm optimization, which combined cosine distance measurement mechanism and novel game strategy, has been proposed in this article. The cosine distance measurement mechanism was adopted to update Pareto optimal set in the external archive. At the same time, the candidate set was established so that Pareto optimal set deleted from the external archive could be effectively replaced, which helped to maintain the size of the external archive and improved the convergence and diversity of the swarm. In order to strengthen the selection pressure of leader, this article combined with the game update mechanism, and a global leader selection strategy that integrates the game strategy including the cosine distance mechanism was proposed. In addition, mutation was used to maintain the diversity of the swarm and prevent the swarm from prematurely converging to the true Pareto front. The performance of the proposed competitive multiobjective particle swarm optimizer was verified by benchmark comparisons with several state‐of‐the‐art multiobjective optimizer, including seven multiobjective particle swarm optimization algorithms and seven multiobjective evolutionary algorithms. Experimental results demonstrate the promising performance of the proposed algorithm in terms of optimization quality.
Realization of the Ultrasonic Motor Speed Control System Based on H-Bridge
Authors: Jiawan Tan , Langtao Yan , Yusheng Liu , Sanshan Huang
Published: November 2021

In view of the requirement that the speed of rotor speed of ultrasonic motor can be stabilized quickly, combined with the mathematical model of two-phase traveling wave ultrasonic motor, we designed the rotor speed stability control strategy of the two-phase traveling wave ultrasonic motor based on voltage and current double feedback. We simulated, analyzed, and verified the designed strategy using Matlab/Simulink simulation tool. The rationality of the simulation results proves the correctness of the designed control strategy, which lays a theoretical foundation for the production design of two-phase traveling wave ultrasonic motor.
miRNAomic Approach to Plant Nitrogen Starvation
Authors: Yousuf Peerzada Yasir , Shabir Peerzada Arshid , Hakeem Khalid Rehman
Published: November 2021

Nitrogen (N) is one of the indispensable nutrients required by plants for their growth, development, and survival. Being a limited nutrient, it is mostly supplied exogenously to the plants, to maintain quality and productivity. The increased use of N fertilizers is associated with high-cost inputs and negative environmental consequences, which necessitates the development of nitrogen-use-efficient plants for sustainable agriculture. Understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying N metabolism in plants under low N is one of the prerequisites for the development of nitrogen-use-efficient plants. One of the important and recently discovered groups of regulatory molecules acting at the posttranscriptional and translational levels are microRNAs (miRNAs). miRNAs are known to play critical roles in the regulation of gene expression in plants under different stress conditions including N stress. Several classes of miRNAs associated with N metabolism have been identified so far. These nitrogen-responsive miRNAs may provide a platform for a better understanding of the regulation of N metabolism and pave a way for the development of genotypes for better N utilization. The current review presents a brief outline of miRNAs and their regulatory role in N metabolism.
Deep Learning-Based Big Data Analytics for Internet of Vehicles: Taxonomy, Challenges, and Research Directions
Authors: Chiroma Haruna , Abdulhamid Shafi’i M. , Hashem Ibrahim A. T. , Adewole Kayode S. , Ezugwu Absalom E. , Abubakar Saidu , Shuib Liyana
Published: November 2021

The Internet of Vehicles (IoV) is a developing technology attracting attention from the industry and the academia. Hundreds of millions of vehicles are projected to be connected within the IoV environments by 2035. Each vehicle in the environment is expected to generate massive amounts of data. Currently, surveys on leveraging deep learning (DL) in the IoV within the context of big data analytics (BDA) are scarce. In this paper, we present a survey and explore the theoretical perspective of the role of DL in the IoV within the context of BDA. The study has unveiled substantial research opportunities that cut across DL, IoV, and BDA. Exploring DL in the IoV within BDA is an infant research area requiring active attention from researchers to fully understand the emerging concept. The survey proposes a model of IoV environment integrated into the cloud equipped with a high-performance computing server, DL architecture, and Apache Spark for data analytics. The current developments, challenges, and opportunities for future research are presented. This study can guide expert and novice researchers on further development of the application of DL in the IoV within the context of BDA.
Influence of Fasting Glucose Level on Gastric Cancer Incidence in a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Tran Tao Thi , Lee Jeonghee , Gunathilake Madhawa , Cho Hyunsoon , Kim Jeongseon
Published: November 2021

Background:

High fasting glucose has been indicated in relation to a higher risk of gastric cancer, but the majority of studies have focused on diabetes (fasting glucose ≥126 mg/dL). Here, we investigated whether fasting glucose levels, including prediabetic and diabetic levels, influence gastric cancer incidence.

Methods:

A prospective study was conducted with 41,837 participants aged 16 and older who underwent health examinations at the National Cancer Center in South Korea from August 2002 to December 2014. Participants were followed up until December 2017 to identify incident gastric cancer cases. A fasting glucose test was performed based on venous blood samples taken from participants after 8 hours of fasting. We used the Cox proportional hazards regression model to explore the association of fasting glucose levels with gastric cancer incidence.

Results:

We identified 263 incident gastric cancer cases during the follow-up period. A significant association of high fasting glucose with gastric cancer incidence was found for postmenopausal women [hazard ratio (HR) = 1.88; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.11–3.20]. There was also a significant association between high fasting glucose and gastric cancer incidence among all participants who were nonsmokers (HR = 1.89; 95% CI = 1.21–2.95), had a BMI < 25 kg/m2 (HR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.00–2.12), and did not have a first-degree family history of gastric cancer (HR = 1.45; 95% CI = 1.06–1.99).

Conclusions:

Our findings support that high fasting glucose is a risk factor for gastric cancer development in postmenopausal women.

Impact:

Our results provide evidence for future planning and management regarding cancer prevention.
Prevalence of Parkinson’s Disease in Adults Aged 65 Years and Older in China: A Multicenter Population-Based Survey
Authors: Song Zhengyu , Liu Shuai , Li Xiyu , Zhang Meilin , Wang Xiaodan , Shi Zhihong , Ji Yong
Published: November 2021

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is a common neurodegenerative disease. With the aging of the Chinese population, it is important to understand the prevalence of PD in the elderly. Objective: Little data are available on the current prevalence of PD in China. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of PD in Chinese individuals aged 65 years and older and to analyze associated risk factors. Methods: We performed a population-based cross-sectional survey using a multistage cluster sampling design. Residents aged 65 years and older were drawn from 11 urban districts and 10 rural counties across China. Data were entered into spreadsheets and analyzed using SPSS 24. Results: We identified 151 patients with PD among 8,124 residents aged 65 years and over, including 75 men and 76 women. The overall prevalence of PD in the study population was 1.86%, and the standardized prevalence of PD was 1.60%. The crude prevalence in men (2.12%) was higher than that in women (1.66%) and the standardized prevalence in urban areas (1.98%) was higher than that in rural areas (1.48%). Logistic regression analysis showed that independent risk factors for PD were older age, heavy metal or pesticide exposure, urban residence, rapid eye movement sleep behavior disorder, and heart disease. Conclusions: The prevalence of PD among individuals aged 65 years and older in China has remained constant. The prevalence of PD is higher in men than in women and higher in urban areas than in rural areas.
Leveraging Genetic Data to Elucidate the Relationship Between COVID‐19 and Ischemic Stroke
Authors: Zuber Verena , Cameron Alan , Myserlis Evangelos P. , Bottolo Leonardo , Fernandez‐Cadenas Israel , Burgess Stephen , Anderson Christopher D. , Dawson Jesse , Gill Dipender
Published: November 2021

Background

The relationship between COVID‐19 and ischemic stroke is poorly understood due to potential unmeasured confounding and reverse causation. We aimed to leverage genetic data to triangulate reported associations.

Methods and Results

Analyses primarily focused on critical COVID‐19, defined as hospitalization with COVID‐19 requiring respiratory support or resulting in death. Cross‐trait linkage disequilibrium score regression was used to estimate genetic correlations of critical COVID‐19 with ischemic stroke, other related cardiovascular outcomes, and risk factors common to both COVID‐19 and cardiovascular disease (body mass index, smoking and chronic inflammation, estimated using C‐reactive protein). Mendelian randomization analysis was performed to investigate whether liability to critical COVID‐19 was associated with increased risk of any cardiovascular outcome for which genetic correlation was identified. There was evidence of genetic correlation between critical COVID‐19 and ischemic stroke (r
g
=0.29, false discovery rate [FDR]=0.012), body mass index (r
g
=0.21, FDR=0.00002), and C‐reactive protein (r
g
=0.20, FDR=0.00035), but no other trait investigated. In Mendelian randomization, liability to critical COVID‐19 was associated with increased risk of ischemic stroke (odds ratio [OR] per logOR increase in genetically predicted critical COVID‐19 liability 1.03, 95% CI 1.00–1.06,
P
‐value=0.03). Similar estimates were obtained for ischemic stroke subtypes. Consistent estimates were also obtained when performing statistical sensitivity analyses more robust to the inclusion of pleiotropic variants, including multivariable Mendelian randomization analyses adjusting for potential genetic confounding through body mass index, smoking, and chronic inflammation. There was no evidence to suggest that genetic liability to ischemic stroke increased the risk of critical COVID‐19.

Conclusions

These data support that liability to critical COVID‐19 is associated with an increased risk of ischemic stroke. The host response predisposing to severe COVID‐19 is likely to increase the risk of ischemic stroke, independent of other potentially mitigating risk factors.
Photo Essay: Bringing Acupuncture to the People
Authors: Meng Eana
Published: November 2021

This photo essay examines key events in the career of physician-activist Tolbert Small, a doctor for the Black Panther Party and one of the first American doctors to practice acupuncture. It features the historic 1972 Black Panther Party delegation to China where Small first learned about acupuncture, as well as the Harriet Tubman Medical Office where he incorporated acupuncture into his practice.
Reflections on (Re)making History
Authors: Meng Eana
Published: November 2021

Who and what makes history? This essay describes how physician-activist Tolbert Small (b. 1942) has been collecting, preserving, and recording his own history, as well as of those around him. Small has been practicing medicine in California’s San Francisco Bay Area since 1968, serving a diversity of patients: from thousands of community members to revolutionaries such as Angela Davis and George Jackson. A physician for the Black Panther Party from 1970 to 1974, Small joined the party’s 1972 delegation to China, where he witnessed acupuncture. He then integrated the practice into his medical toolkit upon returning home. Small’s personal archives document an important chapter of American social and medical history. His stories, along with those of the revolutionaries who introduced acupuncture into New York City’s Lincoln Detox Center during the 1970s, ask us to revisit conventional historical narratives as well as the way in which acupuncture history is made.
Community Medicine as Racial Justice
Authors: Wu Yi-Li , Dandridge Tenisha
Published: November 2021

Tenisha Dandridge is a cofounder and the current president of the Black Acupuncturist Association (US). She advocates using Chinese medicine and acupuncture to address the racial health disparities afflicting African Americans. In June 2020 an editor of Asian Medicine interviewed her about her career and medical activism. The main themes of the interview include: how racial bias results in disproportionately high rates of morbidity and mortality among African Americans; how the theories and therapies of Chinese medicine are well suited for addressing the psychophysiological harms caused by racial discrimination; why it is important to increase Black representation in the acupuncture profession; and how community-based modes of healing can expand African Americans’ interest in, access to, and utilization of acupuncture and ear seed acupressure.
From Headhunting to Head Taxes
Authors: Manse Maarten
Published: November 2021

This article investigates Dutch colonial practices on the Moluccan island of Seram in the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. Seram’s mountainous interior was the domain of ungoverned, peripatetic Alfurs who engaged in headhunting. For a long time, they were rendered untouched by colonialism and administered through coastal intermediaries. After 1900, renewed imperial-civilizational vigour demanded the direct incorporation and ‘civilization’ of Seram’s stateless spaces. A series of expeditions subjected the Alfurs to registration, categorization, and taxation, which this article argues were seen as pivotal, moralizing tools of colonial social-engineering, used to inscribe subjected people into the state and instil compliant and ‘productive’ behaviour. However, rather than a replacement of indigenous orders with European modernity, colonization produced a hybrid fusion of colonial strategies of domination with indigenous cultural practices of state-evasion. This article demonstrates that colonial governance was a site of interaction, in which colonial developmentalism and modernity were actively negotiated and challenged.
Invisible Resilience: Indigenous Knowledge Systems of Earthquake Disaster Management in Kagera Region, Tanzania
Authors: Hambati Herbert
Published: November 2021

Indigenous environmental disaster management systems are maintained in remotely located communities through intergenerational transmission. This fieldwork illuminates a wealth of unprecedented survival techniques, strategies and skills for offsetting the worst effects of a natural disaster in earthquake-prone areas of north-west Tanzania. Normally, responses from the government and its foreign development partners are hamstrung by bureaucratic red tape, taking too long in reaching disaster victims to be of any actual help. The formal mechanisms of global assistance constitute disaster management failure by design. Rather, it is the local experts who sustain human lives in the weeks and months before external aid comes to the rescue. Yet local communities’ contributions to their own survival remain invisible to central government and the global arena. Traditional means of forecasting environmental catastrophes and of providing essential assistance in the aftermath of natural disasters are reflections of cultural values, socio-economic sophistication and scientific expertise within communities whose resilience needs to be recognized, assisted and promoted. Educational curricula of the future, involving a new generation of academicians, should integrate this crucial indigenous knowledge into the nation’s mainstream disaster management framework.
Architects of the Engaruka Techno-Cultural Complex: Testing the Sonjo Connection
Authors: Kadalida Penina E.
Published: November 2021

Engaruka is an archaeological site that became known to the world of scientific researchers for the first time in 1883. Since then the site has been the subject of many research undertakings varying in purpose and intensity. Most of the published literature about Engaruka has focused on its economy, technology, population, probable reasons for its success and demise, as well as speculations about its first settlers. Several different ethnic groups have been proposed as Engaruka’s architects: the Iraqw, Tatoga, Maasai, and the Sonjo. Despite the impressive scope of collected evidence, the original occupants of Engaruka have yet to be determined conclusively. The analysis of available evidence assembled here supports the hypothesis that the Sonjo people were the creators of Engaruka, by virtue of these indicators: (i) terrace patterns, (ii) pottery technologies, (iii) stone structures, (iv) fire places, and (v) contemporary ethnography.
On the authorship and publication dates of Theraphosa and Theraphosidae (Araneae, Mygalomorphae): a clarification
Authors: BREITLING RAINER
Published: November 2021

The genus Theraphosa was established by Thorell (1870) as the type genus of the simultaneously published family Theraphosidae, the most diverse group of mygalomorph spiders. This authorship and publication date have long been accepted by the majority of authors. However, there has been a long-standing minority view that the genus name should be attributed to Walckenaer (1805), and the publication date of the family name changed to 1869.

            A thought-provoking recent publication has examined this case. Based on a limited selection of the relevant literature, the authors struggled to make sense of their sources and prematurely concluded that the minority opinion might indeed be correct. They overlooked the potentially destabilising implications of this reattribution.

            This paper revisits the evidence in the light of a much wider range of relevant publications, places it in its important historical context and, on the basis of the current rules of nomenclature, concludes that the traditional consensus has indeed been correct.

                Thus, Theraphosa Thorell, 1870 is the type genus of Theraphosidae Thorell, 1870 and a nomen protectum, while Theraphosa Schinz, 1823 is a nomen oblitum, mostly limited to the German textbook literature of the early 19th century. Teraphosa Eichwald, 1830 and Teraphosa Gistel, 1848 are junior synonyms of Avicularia Lamarck, 1818 (syn. nov.). Theraphosa Walckenaer, 1805 is a suprageneric name of the class-series (synonymous to Mygalomorphae) and not available at the genus level.
Damsel in distress: is the nomenclature of Lachesis melanocephala Solórzano & Cerdas, 1986 (Serpentes, Viperidae) in need of rescue?
Authors: ENTIAUSPE-NETO OMAR M.
Published: November 2021

The neotropical viperid snake genus Lachesis Daudin, 1803 accomodates four venomous species that occur in forested areas from Central America, in Nicaragua and Costa Rica, to most of South America, southwards into southeastern Brazil and Bolivia (Campbell & Lamar 2004). This genus is unique among neotropical crotalines in having a high number of ventrals, dorsal, and cephalic scales, while also being oviparous (Campbell & Lamar 2004). Lachesis melanocephala Solórzano & Cerdas, 1986 is a large-sized viper, distributed from the Pacific coast of southwestern Costa Rica to northwestern Panama (Campbell & Lamar 2004). This species reaches up to 2.4 meters of total length, and can be diagnosed based on its uniformly black dorsal head pattern and inconspicuous postocular black stripe (Fig. 1; Campbell & Lamar 2004).
From flakes to ribbons: The barrier factor of composites containing flakes of rectangular shape
Authors: Tsiantis Andreas , Wang Yanwei , Huang Xianbo , Papathanasiou TD
Published: November 2021

We present a comprehensive computational and theoretical analysis of diffusion through flake composites in which the flakes are of rectangular shape, spanning the entire spectrum from squares to ribbons. Following a large number of detailed 3D simulations in realistic Representative Volume Elements (RVEs), each containing 1000s of individual flakes, we propose a scaling which, for the first time in the technical literature, introduces the planar aspect ratio r of the flakes as a parameter affecting the barrier properties of the resulting composite. Subsequently, we examine the effect of r in several cases of practical significance, such as under the assumptions of (i) constant number-density N/Δ V and flake volume fraction ϕ, (ii) constant N/Δ V and flake diagonal and (iii) constant ϕ and varying N/Δ V—describing the problem of the fragmentation of ribbons into flakes. Both deterministic and stochastic systems in terms of r, are considered. One key result is that square flakes offer the best barrier performance compared to flakes of general rectangular shape—as long as N/Δ V and ϕ or the diagonal of the flakes remain constant. Randomness in flake aspect ratio only moderately impacts the barrier improvement factor as long as ϕ and N/Δ V remain constant but has a strong effect under the assumption of constant N/Δ V and flake diagonal. Finally, we show that, for r < 10 and M < 1, the scaling proposed in this work is valid not only for unidirectional flakes but also for flakes showing random in-plane orientations.
The Life Course Origins of the Immigrant Advantage? Parental Nativity, Parental Education, and Academic Achievement Gaps From Kindergarten to High School in the United States
Authors: Kihara Tate
Published: November 2021

In the United States, there is a wide academic achievement gap, beginning in early childhood, between children with more and less educated parents. However, we know little about the differences in size and trajectories of achievement gaps associated with parental education and nativity. Drawing on two US education datasets that enable me to follow a cohort of children from kindergarten to high school, I estimate the size and trajectories of standardized test-score gaps associated with parental education, separately for children of native-born and immigrant parents. I find that the test-score gap between children with more and less educated native-born parents stays wide and stable from kindergarten entry to high school. In contrast, the test-score gap between children with more and less educated immigrant parents is narrower in kindergarten because of higher achievement of children with less educated immigrant parents, compared to their counterparts with less educated native-born parents. Moreover, the gap between more and less educated immigrant parents further narrows in their early life course because the achievement of children with less educated immigrant parents improves relative to children with more educated immigrant parents. Differences by parental nativity in the size and trajectories of achievement gaps associated with parental education can be partially explained by the fact that children with less educated immigrant parents have relatively greater resources than their peers with less educated native-born parents from early in life. My findings provide evidence that the “immigrant advantage” in academic achievement, a common finding in the literature on immigrant education in the United States, originates early in the life course.
Methods and Measurement of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Healthcare Expenditures in India During 2013–2014 to 2016–2017
Authors: Garg Charu C. , John Pratheeba , Mokashi Tushar
Published: November 2021

Improving investments in primary health care has become a mounting priority in the context of Universal Health Coverage and India’s National Health Policy 2017 goal to provide cost-effective care. The paper uses the India National Health Accounts, health care providers and health care functions classifications, to allocate current health expenditures (CHE) to primary, secondary and tertiary (PST) care and analyse the trends and composition of PST expenditures between 2013–2014 and 2016–2017. Findings reveal that 45.2% of CHE was spent on primary care in 2016–2017. The government spends 52% of its CHE for primary care. Private spending on primary care has declined from 44% to 41% during the study period. Disaggregate analysis shows that 41% of primary care expenditures were on medicines, 29% on curative care and 15% on preventive care services. About 32% of primary care expenditures were spent at government facilities/providers as compared to 10% at private facilities/doctors. Private sector share of secondary care (38%) and tertiary care (75%) reinforces the role of private sector in providing secondary and tertiary care services. In cognisance of national and international goals, an additional investment of 0.7% of gross domestic product or additional US$11 (₹754) per capita would be required in primary care.
Vaccines and pregnancy
Authors: Afuwape Ibidolapo , Parsons Joanne , Bick Debra , Dale Jeremy , Hillman Sarah C.
Published: November 2021

The development of vaccines has been one of the major interventions in global health. Since they were first developed over two centuries ago, vaccines have played a prominent role in reducing morbidity and mortality from infectious diseases, including in pregnant women. The development of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines has brought with it the possibility of reducing the high morbidity and mortality caused by this virus. This article focuses on the use of vaccines in pregnancy and discusses the benefits of maternal immunisation, recommended vaccines in pregnancy, the factors affecting uptake of vaccines, and COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy.
Feasibility of Intradialytic Cycling Program in a Remote Community Hemodialysis Unit: Mixed-Methods Analysis of Implementation
Authors: Kaminska Malgorzata E. , Roots Robin K. , Singh Anurag
Published: November 2021

Background:

There is growing evidence demonstrating the benefits of intradialytic cycling. However, there are relatively few centers where this practice has been adopted with no reports from hemodialysis units in rural, remote, and northern locations. Maintaining mobility and quality of life for patients on kidney replacement therapy living in remote northern communities is inhibited by inclement weather and lack of access to resources and infrastructure that support physical activity. The integration of intradialytic cycling during hemodialysis offers patients a form of safe physical activity year-round.

Objective:

This study focuses on better understanding the feasibility and acceptability of implementing intradialytic cycling in a remote northern geographical context.

Design:

A feasibility study using a mixed-methods explanatory design was adopted for this study.

Setting:

The research is conducted in Prince George, British Columbia.

Participants:

The participants are patients attending a community-based dialysis unit in remote northern British Columbia and health professionals working in the same facility.

Methods:

Quantitative measures were captured through cycling logbooks and quality of life measure, and qualitative data were obtained through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis.

Results:

Six (43%) eligible patients used leg ergometers more than once for a median of 2.5 (interquartile range: 1-4) months and 87% of hemodialysis sessions. Participants cycled for a median of 65 (interquartile range: 39-76) minutes per session, with frequent variability noted between participants and different hemodialysis sessions for the same participant. Nine patients completed the European Quality of Life Health Questionnaire prestudy, with 5 (56%) also completing it poststudy. Interviews with 9 patients, 4 nurses, and 1 physiotherapist led to the identification of themes instrumental to implementation: a supportive community dialysis unit, shared responsibility, knowledge of patients/providers, and benefits associated with engagement. Themes that were identified as being key to acceptability in this remote dialysis unit were trust, connection, and engagement through common values.

Limitations:

Due to dialysis unit size, we had a small number of participants.

Conclusions:

This study demonstrates the feasibility of implementing best practice in a remote community and provides insight into the elements of context and participation that contribute to acceptability in the implementation of intradialytic cycling.
Balanced Scorecard: A Systematic Literature Review and Future Research Issues
Authors: Kumar Jitender , Prince Neha , Baker H. Kent
Published: November 2021

This study provides a systematic literature review on the balanced scorecard (BSC), highlights gaps in the literature and identifies areas for further research. We review a sample of 114 BSC articles published in 14 accounting and 56 management journals between 1992 and 2021. Each article must either be in the Australian Business Deans Council (ABDC), Scopus-indexed or Academic Journal Guide (AJG) list, or receive at least 100 citations, as reported by Google Scholar. We separate the BSC literature into 11 major themes, examine the research methods, statistical tools used and identify the country affiliated with the authors. Companies typically use the BSC as a performance measurement system instead of a management control system. The BSC is more compatible with private versus public sector organizations. Successful implementation of the BSC requires support from the top management and effective communication and coordination. Additionally, a cause-and-effect relationship should exist among its four perspectives—customers, internal business, innovation and learning, and financial. BSC’s critics question its superiority over other performance measurement tools. But the number of supporters is much higher than the opponents. Articles mainly focus on developed, not developing, countries and tend to be conceptual papers rather than data-based empirical studies. The most commonly used statistical tool used is regression analysis. Our review of BSC articles provides insights about BSC strategy, implementation, execution and control that should be of interest to researchers and managers. However, this qualitative study uses judgment to identify BSC themes.
Freely Engaged: Volition and Work Engagement Among Temporary Agency Workers of the Indian IT Industry
Authors: Rajthilak R.  , Alok Swati , Kumar Navya
Published: November 2021

A lack of job security and other challenges mark the circumstances of temporary agency workers (TAWs). Yet, data from 511 TAWs of the Indian information technology (IT) industry captured via a structured questionnaire revealed the presence of volition or TAWs holding temporary jobs by choice. The study was conducted in two phases. In phase one, logistic regression was used to differentiate between voluntary and involuntary TAWs. In phase two, multiple regression was used to analyse the influence of volition on work engagement–overall and its individual components (vigour, dedication, and absorption). Logistic regression analysis showed that TAWs who were younger, single, educated in smaller cities and had worked for less than a year with a client were more likely to voluntarily choose temporary work. Further, multiple regression analysis demonstrated that such volition significantly boosts TAWs’ work engagement, in line with Self-Determination Theory’s perspective on autonomous motivation. The predictive model of categorizing TAWs into voluntary and involuntary groups based on demographic and job characteristics will help client and staffing organizations design customized policies for each group and promote factors enabling voluntary selection of temporary work arrangements.
Clinical Outcomes and Postoperative Complications After All-Epiphyseal Double-Bundle ACL Reconstruction for Skeletally Immature Patients
Authors: Sasaki Shizuka , Sasaki Eiji , Kimura Yuka , Yamamoto Yuji , Tsuda Eiichi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki
Published: November 2021

Background:

The treatment strategy for pediatric anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears, especially in patients with open physes, remains controversial.

Purpose:

To assess clinical outcomes and postoperative complications after all-epiphyseal double-bundle ACL (DB-ACL) reconstruction for patients with open physes.

Study Design:

Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

Methods:

Included were 102 patients aged ≤15 years who underwent ACL reconstruction at a single institution and had a minimum of 2 years of follow-up. Of these patients, 18 had undergone all-epiphyseal DB-ACL reconstruction (mean age, 12.4 ± 1.2 year) and 84 had undergone conventional DB-ACL reconstruction (mean age, 14.1 ± 0.9 year). The outcomes of the all-epiphyseal group were compared with those of the conventional group. Objective clinical outcomes included KT-1000 arthrometer measurements of side-to-side difference in anterior tibial translation, Lachman test grade, and pivot-shift test grade. Radiographic angular deformity (defined as >3° of the side-to-side difference in femorotibial angle) and incidence of second ACL injury were also compared.

Results:

The postoperative side-to-side difference in laxity significantly improved from 6.1 ± 2.4 to 0.6 ± 0.9 mm in the all-epiphyseal group ( P = .001), and postoperative laxity was similar to that of the conventional group (0.4 ± 0.8 mm; P = .518). A Lachman grade 1 positive result was observed in 20% of the all-epiphyseal group and 3% of the conventional group ( P = .042), and a pivot-shift grade 1 positive result was observed in 22% of the all-epiphyseal group and 4% of the conventional group ( P = .074). A total of 4 patients (26.7%) in the all-epiphyseal group and 4 (6.1%) in the conventional group demonstrated angular deformity ( P = .035). The incidence of postoperative ipsilateral ACL tear was 16.7% in the all-epiphyseal group and 23.8% in the conventional group ( P = .757). The incidence of contralateral ACL tear was 11.1% in the all-epiphyseal group and 14.3% in the conventional group ( P ≥ .999).

Conclusion:

All-epiphyseal DB-ACL reconstruction for skeletally immature patients achieved satisfactory clinical outcomes compared with conventional DB-ACL reconstruction. The incidence of ipsilateral graft rupture was relatively high in both groups. The all-epiphyseal group had a significantly higher incidence of angular deformity.
Nurses’ Experiences as Care Providers for Refugees in Emergency and Critical Care in Jordan: A Qualitative Interview Study
Authors: Backlund Maja , Olausson Sepideh
Published: November 2021

During the global refugee crisis of the 2010s, hundreds of thousands of Syrians fled to Jordan. As displaced Palestinians have had refugee status for several decades in Jordan already, this study aimed to explore nurses’ perceptions of caring for Palestinian and Syrian refugees within the context of critical and emergency care. The qualitative design was executed through twelve semi-structured interviews with nurses working in refugee camps and public hospitals. Three main themes were identified describing the nurses’ empathetic understanding of the refugees’ situation, various challenging factors, as well as different aspects of the opportunities that they perceived in critical care and emergency care. The experiences of publicly employed nurses generally differed from those working in the camps. In addition, the findings indicate the importance of further research conducted locally, as it suggests several elements that have a negative impact on the quality of advanced healthcare for refugees.
Preparation of nanoparticles of β-cyclodextrin-loaded scutellarein anti-tumor activity research by targeting integrin αvβ3
Authors: Wang Jundong , Li Tianhao , Yue Chaochi , Zhong Sen , Yang Xiangdong , Li Jun , Li Yuanzhi
Published: November 2021

Background

The problems associated with the poor water solubility of anticancer drugs are one of the most important challenges in achieving effective cancer therapy. The present study was designed to evaluate the effect of scutellarein on human colon cancer cells in vitro by using a target αvβ3 novel scutellarein (Scu)-loaded niosome nanoparticle (β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD).

Results

β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD has a diameter of 140.2 nm and zeta potential of − 11.3 mV with constant physicochemical stability. The MTT assay showed both Scu and β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD caused a decrease in cell proliferation and viability of LoVo, but β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD showed better activity in vitro. Colony formation assay and flow cytometry assay showed that β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD has a better effect on cell proliferation and apoptosis. In vivo, animal experimental results showed that β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD can significantly inhibit tumor growth, and the bodyweight of mice decreases during the treatment of scutellarein and its derivatives. β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD could inhibit the protein levels of Ki67 and αvβ3, thereby inhibiting tumor growth.

Conclusions

Although further in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary, our results suggested that β-CD-CL-Scu-cRGD could be an outstanding carrier to deliver Scu for potential therapeutic approaches into colon cancer.
Optimization of library preparation based on SMART for ultralow RNA-seq in mice brain tissues
Authors: Jia Erteng , Shi Huajuan , Wang Ying , Zhou Ying , Liu Zhiyu , Pan Min , Bai Yunfei , Zhao Xiangwei , Ge Qinyu
Published: November 2021

Background

Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides new insights to address biological and medical questions, and it will benefit more from the ultralow input RNA or subcellular sequencing.

Results

Here, we present a highly sensitive library construction protocol for ultralow input RNA sequencing (ulRNA-seq). We systematically evaluate experimental conditions of this protocol, such as reverse transcriptase, template-switching oligos (TSO), and template RNA structure. It was found that Maxima H Minus reverse transcriptase and rN modified TSO, as well as all RNA templates capped with m7G improved the sequencing sensitivity and low abundance gene detection ability. RNA-seq libraries were successfully prepared from total RNA samples as low as 0.5 pg, and more than 2000 genes have been identified.

Conclusions

The ability of low abundance gene detection and sensitivity were largely enhanced with this optimized protocol. It was also confirmed in single-cell sequencing, that more genes and cell markers were identified compared to conventional sequencing method. We expect that ulRNA-seq will sequence and transcriptome characterization for the subcellular of disease tissue, to find the corresponding treatment plan.
Sampling the fish gill microbiome: a comparison of tissue biopsies and swabs
Authors: Clinton Morag , Wyness Adam J. , Martin Samuel A. M. , Brierley Andrew S. , Ferrier David E. K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Understanding the influence of methodology on results is an essential consideration in experimental design. In the expanding field of fish microbiology, many best practices and targeted techniques remain to be refined. This study aimed to compare microbial assemblages obtained from Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) gills by swabbing versus biopsy excision. Results demonstrate the variation introduced by altered sampling strategies and enhance the available knowledge of the fish gill microbiome.

Results

The microbiome was sampled using swabs and biopsies from fish gills, with identical treatment of samples for 16S next generation Illumina sequencing. Results show a clear divergence in microbial communities obtained through the different sampling strategies, with swabbing consistently isolating a more diverse microbial consortia, and suffering less from the technical issue of host DNA contamination associated with biopsy use. Sequencing results from biopsy-derived extractions, however, hint at the potential for more cryptic localisation of some community members.

Conclusions

Overall, results demonstrate a divergence in the obtained microbial community when different sampling methodology is used. Swabbing appears a superior method for sampling the microbiota of mucosal surfaces for broad ecological research in fish, whilst biopsies might be best applied in exploration of communities beyond the reach of swabs, such as sub-surface and intracellular microbes, as well as in pathogen diagnosis. Most studies on the external microbial communities of aquatic organisms utilise swabbing for sample collection, likely due to convenience. Much of the ultrastructure of gill tissue in live fish is, however, potentially inaccessible to swabbing, meaning swabbing might fail to capture the full diversity of gill microbiota. This work therefore also provides valuable insight into partitioning of the gill microbiota, informing varied applications of different sampling methods in experimental design for future research.
Transcriptome analysis provides insights into the root response of Chinese fir to phosphorus deficiency
Authors: Chen Wanting , Zhou Mengyan , Zhao Mingzhen , Chen Ranhong , Tigabu Mulualem , Wu Pengfei , Li Ming , Ma Xiangqing
Published: November 2021

Background

Phosphorus is one of the essential elements for plant growth and development, but available phosphorus (Pi) content in many soil types is low. As a fast-growing tree species for timber production, Chinese fir is in great demand of Pi, and the lack of Pi in soil restricts the increase of productivity of Chinese fir plantation. Root morphology and the synthesis and secretion of organic acids play an important role in the uptake of phosphorus, but the molecular mechanisms of Chinese fir root responses to Pi deficiency are largely unexplored. In this study, seedlings of Yang 061 clone were grown under three Pi supply levels (0, 5 and 10 mg·L-1 P) and morphological attributes, organic acid content and enzyme activity were measured. The transcriptome data of Chinese fir root system were obtained and the expression levels of phosphorus responsive genes and organic acid synthesis related genes on citric acid and glyoxylate cycle pathway were determined.

Results

We annotated 50,808 Unigenes from the transcriptome of Chinese fir roots. Among differentially expressed genes, seven genes of phosphate transporter family and 17 genes of purple acid phosphatase family were up-regulated by Pi deficiency, two proteins of SPX domain were up-regulated and one was down-regulated. The metabolic pathways of the citric acid and glyoxylate cycle pathway were mapped, and the expression characteristics of the related Unigenes under different phosphorus treatments were analyzed. The genes involved in malic acid and citric acid synthesis were up-regulated, and the activities of the related enzymes were significantly enhanced under long-term Pi stress. The contents of citric acid and malic acid in the roots of Chinese fir increased after 30 days of Pi deficiency.

Conclusion

Chinese fir roots showed increased expression of genes related with phosphorus starvation, citrate and malate synthesis genes, increased content of organic acids, and enhanced activities of related enzymes under Pi deficiency. The results provide a new insight for revealing the molecular mechanism of adaption to Pi deficiency and the pathway of organic acid synthesis in Chinese fir roots.