bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diurnal changes in blood pressure and heart rate in children with narcolepsy with cataplexy
Authors: Wang Jingyu , Yan Zhihui , Dong Xiaosong , Li Jing , Zhao Long , Zhang Xueli , Lv Changjun , Zhao Ziyan , Strohl Kingman P. , Han Fang
Published: September 2022

The hypocretin neurons in the lateral hypothalamus are connected not only to brain alertness systems but also to brainstem nuclei that regulate blood pressure and heart rate. The premise is that regulation of blood pressure and heart rate is altered and affected by methylphenidate, a stimulant drug in children with narcolepsy with cataplexy. The changes in 24‐hr ambulatory systolic and diastolic blood pressure and heart rate were compared among pre‐treated narcolepsy with cataplexy patients (40 males, 10 females), with mean age 10.4 ± 3.5 years (M ± SD, range 5–17 years) with values from 100 archival age–sex–body mass index matched controls. Patients had a lower diurnal systolic blood pressure (−6.5 mmHg; p = 0.000) but higher heart rate (+11.0 bpm; p = 0.000), particularly evident in the waketime, while diastolic blood pressure was comparable. With methylphenidate (18 mg sustained release at 08:00 hours), patients with narcolepsy with cataplexy had higher systolic blood pressure (+4.6 mmHg, p = 0.015), diastolic blood pressure (+3.3 mmHg, p = 0.005) and heart rate (+7.1 bpm, p = 0.028) during wake time, but nighttime cardiovascular values were unchanged from pre‐treated values; amplitude variation in cardiovascular values was unchanged over 24 hr. In conclusion, children with narcolepsy with cataplexy had downregulation blood pressure profile but a higher heart rate, and lesser non‐dipping profiles. Daytime methylphenidate treatment increases only waketime blood pressure and further elevated heart rate values.
Various responses of pine marten morphology and demography to temporal climate changes and primary productivity
Authors: Wereszczuk A. , Fedotova A. , Marciszak A. , Popiołek M. , Zharova A. , Zalewski A.
Published: September 2022

Climate and environmental changes affect species' morphology and ecology, with different responses to shifting abiotic and biotic factors observed across species. Here, we tested how the structural body size of the pine marten and its population sex ratio shifted over time alongside climate change. We analysed temporal changes in morphological traits using 11 measurements of pine marten skulls (N = 158) collected between 1903 and 2020 and originating from Poland. We linked them with climatic and primary production variations and assessed demographic shifts by calculating temporal sex ratio changes over 61 years (N = 205). Skull size, as a proxy of body size, increased in response to warmer and less snowy winters. However, changes in primary productivity rapidly shaped postorbital constriction regardless of shifts in body size, potentially demonstrating increased diet diversity in pine marten. Congruent with climate change, the population sex ratio has skewed towards males over time. Our results indicate that climate conditions and primary production affect the structural size of the skull, and we highlight the various potential responses of pine marten morphology and ecology to climate change. Recently, shifting population demographics resulting from these processes may constitute a threat to marten populations.
Spot It and Learn It! Word Learning in Virtual Peer‐Group Interactions Using a Novel Paradigm for School‐Aged Children
Authors: Levy Helena , Hanulíková Adriana
Published: September 2022

We use a novel paradigm to examine the effect of language exposure and variable input on the acquisition of words in primary school–aged children. Children growing up with different languages and foreign or regional accents in their input might benefit from their experience with variability when learning new words from peers with unfamiliar accents. We ask to what extent language and accent experience helps monolingual and bilingual children learn new words in the context of accent variability. Children (aged 7–11 years) played a computerized card game with virtual peers that resembles natural advanced lexical acquisition, during which new words are learned from child speakers and are produced actively in peer‐group interactions. Successful word learning was predicted by the amount of input in regional and foreign accents but not by exposure to other languages (i.e., bilingualism). We discuss how accent experience affects word learning under variable input conditions.
Effect of habitat topography on the structure and diversity of benthic communities across five marinas from the southwestern Atlantic Ocean
Authors: Marchetti Otávio César , Rodrigues Isadora Drovandi , Oricchio Felipe Theocharides , Dias Gustavo Muniz
Published: September 2022

Marine urbanization promotes the addition of hard substrata that barely resembles natural substrate nearby. We manipulated habitat topography in five marinas across one of the most populated regions from the Southwestern Atlantic Ocean to describe the effect of habitat complexity on the diversity of benthic communities across sites with distinct conditions and biotas. The highest biomass was found in the two marinas under high pollution and freshwater disturbances, regardless of habitat complexity. Habitat topography did not affect species richness but determined the structure of sessile communities in all marinas. The structure of mobile communities was affected only in the most diverse site, increasing the abundance of isopods. In general, fragile ascidians, hydrozoans, and non‐calcified polychaetes dominated complex habitats, while structurally defended animals such as barnacles, serpulids, and encrusting bryozoans dominated simple habitats, suggesting that dominant species are selected by habitat complexity based on their morphological traits. However, the final community structure was also determined by differences across marinas, suggesting that the effect of increasing habitat topography is mostly site‐specific. Therefore, strategies to minimize the disparity between natural and artificial habitats must consider historic local community and a multiple stressors scenario.
Complications and treatment errors in periodontal therapy in medically compromised patients
Authors: Leira Yago , Cho Hana , Marletta Debora , Orlandi Marco , Diz Pedro , Kumar Navdeep , D’Aiuto Francesco
Published: September 2022

Patients who are medically compromised may be at an increased risk of complications and treatment errors following periodontal therapy. A review of the evidence on the topic is presented, in relation to the type of complication reported, of periodontal treatment, and of patients' medical status. Further, a framework for risk assessment and appropriate treatment modifications is introduced, with the aim of facilitating the management of patients with existing comorbidities and reducing the incidence of treatment complications.
The contralateral effects of anticipated stimuli on brain activity measured by ERP and fMRI
Authors: Ohgami Yoshimi , Kotani Yasunori , Yoshida Nobukiyo , Akai Hiroyuki , Kunimatsu Akira , Kiryu Shigeru , Inoue Yusuke
Published: September 2022

The present study examined the effects of unilateral stimulus presentation on the right hemisphere preponderance of the stimulus‐preceding negativity (SPN) in the event‐related potential (ERP) experiment, and aimed to elucidate whether unilateral stimulus presentation affected activations in the bilateral anterior insula in the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) experiment. Separate fMRI and ERP experiments were conducted using visual and auditory stimuli by manipulating the position of stimulus presentation (left side or right side) with the time estimation task. The ERP experiment revealed a significant right hemisphere preponderance during left stimulation and no laterality during the right stimulation. The fMRI experiment revealed that the left anterior insula was activated only in the right stimulation of auditory and visual stimuli whereas the right anterior insula was activated by both left and right stimulations. The visual condition retained a contralateral dominance, but the auditory condition showed a right hemisphere dominance in a localized area. The results of this study indicate that the SPN reflects perceptual anticipation, and also that the anterior insula is involved in its occurrence.
Conscious agency vs. pre‐conscious sensory filtering: Disparate suppression of trigeminal blink reflex by self‐stimulation and by prepulses
Authors: Versace Viviana , Campostrini Stefania , Dezi Sabrina , Sebastianelli Luca , Ortelli Paola , Saltuari Leopold , Valls‐Solé Josep , Kofler Markus
Published: September 2022

Modulation of the blink reflex (BR) to supraorbital nerve (SON) stimulation by a weak somatosensory prepulse (sPP) consists of inhibition of R2 and facilitation of R1. Similar BR changes occur with self‐stimulation. Our aim was to compare neurophysiological processes underlying both effects. We assessed BR parameters in 18 healthy participants following right SON stimulation either performed by an experimenter (experiment 1A) or following self‐stimulation (experiments 1B, 1C). In experiments 1A and 1C, sPPs to digit 2 preceded SON stimuli by 40, 100, 200 and 500 ms. In experiment 1B: self‐stimulation was delayed by 40, 100, 200, and 500 ms. In experiment 2, BRs were elicited by an experimenter randomly during a 2‐s period before participants applied self‐stimulation. In experiment 1, as expected, sPPs caused facilitation of R1 and inhibition of R2, which peaked at 100 ms ISI, similarly in experiments 1A and 1C. Self‐stimulation caused a decrease of R2, which was evident in a broad range of time intervals. In experiment 2, R2 was already inhibited at the onset of the 2‐s period, while R1 began to rise significantly 1.4 s before self‐stimulation. Both effects progressively increased until self‐triggering. The results concur with a time‐locked gating mechanism of prepulses at brainstem level, whereas self‐stimulation modulates BR in a tonic manner, reflecting a cognitive influence due to self‐agency.
Government sponsorship and innovation: the Gazelle Plan in China's Zhongguancun Science Park
Authors: Zhang Chao , Guan Jiancheng
Published: September 2022

Promoting high‐growth enterprises' innovation performance has become an explicit policy focus in recent years. This study extends the extant literature on the effects of public funding schemes by focusing on an under‐researched sponsorship scheme designed to develop the financial market and mobilize external finance for innovation. We posit that external finance has positive and moderating effects on innovation. The positive effect improves firms' innovation performance; the moderating effect diminishes when the amount of external finance received by firms exceeds a threshold level. We further hypothesize that sponsorship improves firms' innovation performance by enhancing the positive and diminishing moderating effects. To test our hypotheses, we selected Zhongguancun Science Park's Gazelle Plan as the study context. We constructed a balanced panel of 37,270 firm‐year observations and adopted difference‐in‐differences and panel threshold models to provide an evidenced‐based approach for refining public support policies for firm innovation. The results suggest that the Gazelle Plan has limited effects on enhancing the positive and moderating effects of venture capital and promoting new product sales. Implications and suggestions for academia and policymakers are provided.
A new genus in the diverse Andean Pedaliodes complex uncovered using target enrichment (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae)
Authors: Pyrcz Tomasz Wilhelm , Lachowska‐Cierlik Dorota , Willmott Keith Richard , Mrozek Artur , Mahecha‐Jiménez Oscar , Fåhraeus Christer , Boyer Pierre , Martín Sebastián , Espeland Marianne
Published: September 2022

A new genus of Neotropical Satyrinae butterflies, Viloriodes Pyrcz & Espeland gen. n. is described in the Pedaliodes Butler complex comprising 11–13 genera and more than 400 species. Support for the new genus is provided by a phylogenetic analysis based on target enrichment (TE) data including 618 nuclear loci with a total of 248,940 nucleotides, and the mitochondrial gene cytochrome oxidase subunit 1 (COI). Five species, whose DNA sequences were obtained by TE during this study, form a strongly supported clade sister to the large clade comprising Pedaliodes and four other genera. Complementary COI analysis confirms the monophyly of Viloriodes gen. n., with the above five plus eight other species clustering in highly supported clades in both Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses, and a TE + COI concatenated tree. Based on molecular and morphological data, 30 species are assigned to Viloriodes gen. n. The new genus can be recognized by a set of subtle morphological characteristics of colour patterns and male and female genitalia. An analysis of divergence times indicates that Viloriodes gen. n. and Steromapedaliodes Forster separated around 5.9 Mya. Viloriodes gen. n. has a wider geographic distribution than any other genus of the Pedaliodes complex, being found from central Mexico to northern Argentina and to the Guyana Shield, typically occurring at lower elevations than Pedaliodes.
OsDWD1 E3 ligase‐mediated OsNPR1 degradation suppresses basal defense in rice
Authors: Choi Changhyun , Im Jong Hee , Lee Jinjeong , Kwon Soon Il , Kim Woe‐Yeon , Park Sang Ryeol , Hwang Duk‐Ju
Published: September 2022

Many ubiquitin E3 ligases function in plant immunity. Here, we show that Oryza sativa (rice) DDB1 binding WD (OsDWD1) suppresses immune responses by targeting O. sativa non‐expresser of pathogenesis‐related gene 1 (OsNPR1) for degradation. Knock‐down and overexpression experiments in rice plants showed that OsDWD1 is a negative regulator of the immune response and that OsNPR1 is a substrate of OsDWD1 and a substrate receptor of OsCRL4. After constructing the loss‐of‐function mutant OsDWD1R239A, we showed that the downregulation of OsNPR1 seen in rice lines overexpressing wild‐type (WT) OsDWD1 (OsDWD1WT‐ox) was compromised in OsDWD1R239A‐ox lines, and that OsNPR1 upregulation enhanced resistance to pathogen infection, confirming that OsCRL4OsDWD1 regulates OsNPR1 protein levels. The enhanced disease resistance seen in OsDWD1 knock‐down (OsDWD1‐kd) lines contrasted with the reduced disease resistance in double knock‐down (OsDWD1/OsNPR1‐kd) lines, indicating that the enhanced disease resistance of OsDWD1‐kd resulted from the accumulation of OsNPR1. Moreover, an in vivo heterologous protein degradation assay in Arabidopsis thaliana ddb1 mutants confirmed that the CUL4‐based E3 ligase system can also influence OsNPR1 protein levels in Arabidopsis. Although OsNPR1 was degraded by the OsCRL4OsDWD1‐mediated ubiquitination system, the phosphodegron‐motif‐mutated NPR1 was partially degraded in the DWD1‐ox protoplasts. This suggests that there might be another degradation process for OsNPR1. Taken together, these results indicate that OsDWD1 regulates OsNPR1 protein levels in rice to suppress the untimely activation of immune responses.
Liguleless narrow and narrow odd dwarf act in overlapping pathways to regulate maize development and metabolism
Authors: Abraham‐Juárez María Jazmín , Busche Michael , Anderson Alyssa A. , Lunde China , Winders Jeremy , Christensen Shawn A. , Hunter Charles T. , Hake Sarah , Brunkard Jacob O.
Published: September 2022

Narrow odd dwarf (nod) and Liguleless narrow (Lgn) are pleiotropic maize mutants that both encode plasma membrane proteins, cause similar developmental patterning defects, and constitutively induce stress signaling pathways. To investigate how these mutants coordinate maize development and physiology, we screened for protein interactors of NOD by affinity purification. LGN was identified by this screen as a strong candidate interactor, and we confirmed the NOD‐LGN molecular interaction through orthogonal experiments. We further demonstrated that LGN, a receptor‐like kinase, can phosphorylate NOD in vitro, hinting that they could act in intersecting signal transduction pathways. To test this hypothesis, we generated Lgn‐R;nod mutants in two backgrounds (B73 and A619), and found that these mutations enhance each other, causing more severe developmental defects than either single mutation on its own, with phenotypes including very narrow leaves, increased tillering, and failure of the main shoot. Transcriptomic and metabolomic analyses of the single and double mutants in the two genetic backgrounds revealed widespread induction of pathogen defense genes and a shift in resource allocation away from primary metabolism in favor of specialized metabolism. These effects were similar in each single mutant and heightened in the double mutant, leading us to conclude that NOD and LGN act cumulatively in overlapping signaling pathways to coordinate growth‐defense tradeoffs in maize.
Cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular acclimatization in children and adults at 3800 m
Authors: Rieger M. G. , Tallon C. M. , Perkins D. R. , Smith K. J. , Stembridge M. , Piombo S. , Radom‐Aizik S. , Cooper D. M. , Ainslie P. N. , McManus A. M.
Published: September 2022

Maturational differences exist in cardiopulmonary and cerebrovascular function at sea‐level, but the impact of maturation on acclimatization responses to high altitude is unknown. Ten children (9.8 ± 2.5 years) and 10 adults (34.7 ± 7.1 years) were assessed at sea‐level (BL), 3000 m and twice over 4 days at 3800 m (B1, B4). Measurements included minute ventilation (), end‐tidal partial pressures of oxygen () and carbon dioxide, echocardiographic assessment of pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and stroke volume (SV) and ultrasound assessment of blood flow through the internal carotid and vertebral arteries was performed to calculate global cerebral blood flow (gCBF). At 3000 m, was increased from BL by 19.6 ± 19.1% (P = 0.031) in children, but not in adults (P = 0.835); SV was reduced in children (−11 ± 13%, P = 0.020) but not adults (P = 0.827), which was compensated for by a larger increase in heart rate in children (+26 beats min−1 vs. +13 beats min−1, P = 0.019). Between B1 and B4, adults increased by 38.5 ± 34.7% (P = 0.006), while did not increase further in children. The rise in PASP was not different between groups; however, ∆PASP from BL was related to ∆ in adults (R2 = 0.288, P = 0.022), but not children. At BL, gCBF was 43% higher in children than adults (P = 0.017), and this difference was maintained at high altitude, with a similar pattern and magnitude of change in gCBF between groups (P = 0.845). Despite increasing in children but not adults at a lower altitude, the pulmonary vascular and cerebrovascular responses to prolonged hypoxia are similar between children and adults.

image

Key points

Children have different ventilatory and metabolic requirements from adults, which may present differently in the pulmonary and cerebral vasculature upon ascent to high altitude.

Children (ages 7–14) and adults (ages 23–44) were brought from sea level to high altitude (3000 to 3800 m) and changes in ventilation, pulmonary artery systolic pressure (PASP) and cerebral blood flow (CBF) were assessed over 1 week.

Significant increases in ventilation and decreases in left ventricle stroke volume were observed at a lower altitude in children than adults.

PASP and CBF increased by a similar relative amount between children and adults at 3800 m.

These results help us better understand age‐related differences in compensatory responses to prolonged hypoxia in children, despite similar changes in pulmonary artery pressure and CBF between children and adults.
Kinesiology Faculty Reflections on COVID-19 and Future Directions in Online Education
Authors: Baker Kayla , Bopp Melissa , Bulger Sean M. , Chen YuChun , Duffey Michele L. , Myers Brian , Voelker Dana K. , Woodard Kaylee F.
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic proved to be an unprecedented disruptor on college and university campuses as stakeholders at all organizational levels were challenged to consider new approaches to teaching and learning using online course modalities with very limited preparation time and faculty support. Using a case study approach, this paper reviews valuable lessons learned through the experience, particularly regarding shifts in course delivery to include online and hybrid modalities on a widespread scale. Specifically, the authors reviewed the processes, outcomes, and student perceptions associated with online and hybrid course delivery in various kinesiology courses at three different higher education institutions. The paper also offers useful perspectives for kinesiology program administrators and faculty who are contemplating the continued application of online and hybrid course formats in greater capacity postpandemic.
Work-Integrated Learning in the Development of a Kinesiology Degree
Authors: Guay Kyle , Simpson Carey L.
Published: September 2022

Preparing kinesiology undergraduates with the foundational knowledge required by professional organizations is no longer enough when considering the skills students are required to demonstrate upon entering the job market. Work-integrated learning, embedded through curricular and cocurricular activities, has seen extensive growth in the posteducation landscape of Canadian institutions. With increasing expectations from future employers, graduates in the field of kinesiology require more experiential opportunities to meet these expectations. The aim of this paper is to provide commentary on how the Bachelor of Kinesiology program at Capilano University underwent the necessary changes to incorporate a required professional practice stream to align with industry expectations. The authors discuss the development of laddering course learning outcomes, course content, reflection, and student evaluation. Additionally, they provide rationale for its inclusion in the second year of the program.
Mutations in protein kinase Cγ promote spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 by impairing kinase autoinhibition
Authors: Pilo Caila A. , Baffi Timothy R. , Kornev Alexandr P. , Kunkel Maya T. , Malfavon Mario , Chen Dong-Hui , Rossitto Leigh-Ana , Chen Daniel X. , Huang Liang-Chin , Longman Cheryl , Kannan Natarajan , Raskind Wendy H. , Gonzalez David J. , Taylor Susan S. , Gorrie George , Newton Alexandra C.
Published: September 2022

Spinocerebellar ataxia type 14 (SCA14) is a neurodegenerative disease caused by germline variants in the diacylglycerol (DAG)/Ca
2+
-regulated protein kinase Cγ (PKCγ), leading to Purkinje cell degeneration and progressive cerebellar dysfunction. Most of the identified mutations cluster in the DAG-sensing C1 domains. Here, we found with a FRET-based activity reporter that SCA14-associated PKCγ mutations, including a previously undescribed variant, D115Y, enhanced the basal activity of the kinase by compromising its autoinhibition. Unlike other mutations in PKC that impair its autoinhibition but lead to its degradation, the C1 domain mutations protected PKCγ from such down-regulation. This enhanced basal signaling rewired the brain phosphoproteome, as revealed by phosphoproteomic analysis of cerebella from mice expressing a human SCA14-associated H101Y mutant PKCγ transgene. Mutations that induced a high basal activity in vitro were associated with earlier average age of onset in patients. Furthermore, the extent of disrupted autoinhibition, but not agonist-stimulated activity, correlated with disease severity. Molecular modeling indicated that almost all SCA14 variants not within the C1 domain were located at interfaces with the C1B domain, suggesting that mutations in and proximal to the C1B domain are a susceptibility for SCA14 because they uniquely enhance PKCγ basal activity while protecting the enzyme from down-regulation. These results provide insight into how PKCγ activation is modulated and how deregulation of the cerebellar phosphoproteome by SCA14-associated mutations affects disease progression.
TRAF3 enhances type I interferon receptor signaling in T cells by modulating the phosphatase PTPN22
Authors: Hornick Emma L. , Wallis Alicia M. , Bishop Gail A.
Published: September 2022

Type I interferons (IFNs) are among the most powerful tools that host cells deploy against intracellular pathogens. Their effectiveness is due both to the rapid, directly antiviral effects of IFN-stimulated gene products and to the effects of type I IFN on responding immune cells. Type I IFN signaling through its receptor, IFNAR, is tightly regulated at multiple steps in the signaling cascade, including at the level of IFNAR downstream effectors, which include the kinase JAK1 and the transcriptional regulator STAT1. Here, we found that tumor necrosis factor receptor (TNFR)–associated factor 3 (TRAF3) enhanced the activation of JAK1 and STAT1 specifically in CD4
+
T cells by preventing recruitment of the negative regulatory phosphatase PTPN22 to the IFNAR complex. The balance between signals through IFNAR and other cytokine receptors influences CD4
+
T cell differentiation and function during infections. Our work reveals TRAF3 and PTPN22 as key regulators of CD4
+
T cell activation by type I IFNs.
Study of Complete Genome Sequence of Uncultivated
Hyphomonadaceae
sp.
Authors: Ajvazi Xhesida , Serra Moncadas Lucas , Andrei Adrian-Stefan
Published: September 2022

We report here a complete metagenome-assembled genome sequence belonging to the
Proteobacteria
phylum within the
Hyphomonadaceae
family. The circular chromosome was obtained from a metagenomic long-read sequencing run and displays a length of 4.1 Mbp along with a GC content of 62.5% at a coverage of 81×.
Infection and Transmission of SARS-CoV-2 B.1.617.2 Lineage (Delta Variant) among Fully Vaccinated Individuals
Authors: Caserta Leonardo C. , Martins Mathias , Cronk Brittany , Anderson Renee , Eldridge Harry , Gallow Deidre , Kruppa Frank , Plocharczyk Elizabeth , Diel Diego G.
Published: September 2022

The SARS-CoV-2 lineage B.1.617.2 (Delta variant) emerged in Asia and rapidly spread to other countries, becoming the dominant circulating lineage. Worldwide infections with B.1.617.2 peaked at a time in which vaccination rates were increasing.
Adhesion of Bartonella henselae to Fibronectin Is Mediated via Repetitive Motifs Present in the Stalk of
Bartonella
Adhesin A
Authors: Thibau Arno , Vaca Diana J. , Bagowski Marlene , Hipp Katharina , Bender Daniela , Ballhorn Wibke , Linke Dirk , Kempf Volkhard A. J.
Published: September 2022

Trimeric autotransporter adhesins (TAAs) are important virulence factors and are widely present in various pathogenic Gram-negative bacteria. TAA-expressing bacteria cause a wide spectrum of human diseases, such as cat scratch disease (
Bartonella henselae
), enterocolitis (
Yersinia enterocolitica
), meningitis (
Neisseria meningitis
), and bloodstream infections (multidrug-resistant
Acinetobacter baumannii
).
Supplemental Material: Oceanic intraplate faulting as a pathway for deep hydration of the lithosphere: Perspectives from the Caribbean
Authors: Bishop B.T. , al. et
Published: September 2022

PDF contains a map with labeled seismic station locations, plots of results obtained using alternate velocity models, an illustration of ray path differences induced by misestimated Mohorovičić Discontinuity depths, and an Hκ-plot for seismic station PRV. Excel file (Table S3) contains a catalog of relocated hypocenters obtained using the preferred velocity model.
New Problems in the Theory of Transcendental Polyadic Numbers
Authors: Chirskii V. G.
Published: September 2022

Theorems on the bounded infinite linear independence of the values of generalized hypergeometric series whose parameters are transcendental polyadic Liouville numbers are presented. Problems of interest in the theory of polyadic numbers are formulated.
Perioperative management with ferric carboxymaltose and tranexamic acid to reduce transfusion rate in gynaecological carcinoma surgery (TRANAFER-Study): study protocol for a single-blind, monocentre, randomised trial
Authors: Amstad Gabriela , Geiger James , Werlen Laura , Montavon Celine , Heinzelmann Viola
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Radical abdominal surgery is part of the standard treatment for women with advanced gynaecological carcinoma. The surgery often leads to intraoperative blood loss frequently exceeding 1000 mL. Approximately 50% of women undergoing radical surgery require blood transfusions. Perioperative blood transfusions have been shown to increase the risk of postoperative complications, delayed wound healing, increased length of stay, increased postoperative morbidity and mortality. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between perioperative anaemia and surgical morbidity and mortality. By reducing transfusions and improving recovery from surgery, preoperative diagnostic and management of perioperative anaemia is a great opportunity to optimise postoperative patient outcome.

Methods and analysis

This is a single-blind, monocentre, randomised trial with four parallel groups (three therapeutic groups and one control group without treatment according to current standards of care) conducted in women undergoing radical gynaecological surgery. The primary study objective is to determine the effect of perioperative treatment with either intravenous iron, tranexamic acid or with a combination of both medicines on the reduction of intraoperative and postoperative red blood cell transfusions in gynaecological carcinoma patients. A total of N=126 women with gynaecological carcinoma will be recruited at the University Hospital Basel, Department of Gynaecology. Blood parameters will be measured at the recruitment, prior to surgery, 2 days after surgery and on the 21st–28th day after surgery. Recruitment started in August 2021.

Ethics and dissemination

The study will be performed according to the guidelines of the Declaration of Helsinki and is approved by the Ethics Committee for Northwest and Central Switzerland in Basel (EKNZ Protocol ID 2020-01194). The results of this study will be published and presented in various scientific forums.

Trial registration number

NCT03792464.
Application of Dialectical Behaviour Therapy in treating common psychiatric disorders: study protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Tan Michelle Yan Ling , McConnell Bridget , Barlas Joanna
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Dialectical behaviour therapy (DBT) is a well-known intervention for treating borderline personality disorder, and has been increasingly adapted for other disorders. Standard DBT consists of four treatment modes, delivered over a year. Adaptations to DBT include changes to modes of delivery, treatment length, and skills modules taught to clients, or incorporating interventions from other evidence-based therapies. There is a need to synthesise existing evidence on DBT so that stakeholders—clinicians, researchers and policymakers—can understand how it has been provided for various psychiatric conditions, and whether it has been effective.

Methods and analysis

This study proposes a scoping review conducted according to Arksey and O’Malley’s (2005) procedures, to map and summarise the literature on DBT interventions for treating a range of psychiatric concerns. Electronic databases (ie, the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, PsycINFO, SCOPUS, EBSCOhost and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses), conference proceedings and the US National Institutes of Health Ongoing Trial Register will be searched for intervention studies that involve a control or comparison group, and that report quantitative data on pre/post-measures for psychiatric symptom severity. The initial search was conducted on 18 September 2020, and data charting has not commenced. An update will be performed in September 2022, pending this protocol’s publication. Data charting will collect individual studies’ characteristics, methodology and reported findings. Outcomes will be reported by following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines for Scoping Reviews.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this study. The goal of dissemination is to keep DBT stakeholders abreast on latest updates in clinical applications of DBT. Findings from this research are intended to inform a more specific topic of study (eg, a meta-analysis), to further aid in the development of DBT interventions for psychiatric populations.

Registration details

The study protocol was pre-registered with the Open Science Framework on 24 August 2021 (https://osf.io/vx6gw).
Cardiopulmonary and muscular effects of different doses of high-intensity physical training in substance use disorder patients: study protocol for a block allocated controlled endurance and strength training trial in an inpatient setting
Authors: Loe Henrik , Mosti Mats Peder , Wisløff Ulrik , Haberstroh Carolin , Flemmen Grete
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Patients with substance use disorder (SUD) have high prevalence of lifestyle-related comorbidities. Physical exercise is known to yield substantial prophylactic impact on disease and premature mortality, and there seems to be an inverse association between physical fitness and adverse health outcomes. High-intensity training is regarded as most effective for improving physical fitness, but less is known concerning the ideal training dose necessary to achieve clinically relevant effects in these patients. The aim of this study is to compare the effect of low-dose and high-dose, high-intensity training, on physical fitness in patients diagnosed with SUD.

Methods and analysis

This study will recruit 40 in-patients of mixed genders, aged 18–70 years. Participants will be block allocated to low-dose or high-dose training, encompassing 24 high-intensity interval and maximal strength training sessions (3/week × 8 weeks). After a 10 min warm-up, the low-dose group will perform 1×4 min intervals at ⁓90% of maximal heart rate and 2×4 repetitions strength training at ⁓90% of 1 repetition maximum. The high-dose group will perform 4×4 min intervals at ⁓90% of maximal heart rate and 4×4 repetitions strength training at ⁓90% of 1 repetition maximum. Clinical measurements and physical tests will be conducted at baseline, midway and on completion and a questionnaire on physical activity will be administered at baseline.

Ethics and dissemination

This protocol is in accordance with the Standard Protocol Items: Recommendations for Interventional Trials statement. All participants will sign a written informed consent. The Regional Committee of Medical Research Ethics, Norway has approved the study. A study of this kind is warranted, and the results will be published in an open access journal to ensure public access, and presented at national and international conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04065334.
Partnerships in the introduction of new routine vaccines in Bangladesh: evidence from a prospective process evaluation
Authors: Luies Sharmin Khan , Sultana Tahmina , Budden Ashwin , Asaduzzaman Mohammad , Hossain Md. Billal , Kelly Matthew , Gray Darren , Uddin Md. Jasim , Sarma Haribondhu
Published: September 2022

Objective

To assess the contribution of partners in the introduction of two new vaccines concurrently: pneumococcal 10-valent conjugate vaccine (PCV-10) and inactivated polio vaccine (IPV) into the routine Expanded Programme on Immunization (EPI) in Bangladesh.

Design

We conducted a prospective process evaluation that included the theory of change development, root cause analysis and in-depth investigation. As part of process tracking, we reviewed relevant documents, observed trainers’ and vaccinators’ training and key stakeholder meetings. We analysed the data thematically.

Setting

We purposively selected eight Upazila (subdistrict) and one city corporation covering nine districts and seven administrative divisions of Bangladesh.

Participants

Nineteen national key informants were interviewed and 16 frontline health workers were invited to the group discussions considering their involvement in the vaccine introduction process.

Results

The EPI experienced several challenges during the joint introduction of PCV-10 and IPV, such as frequent changes in the vaccine introduction schedule, delays in budget allocation, vaccine supply shortage and higher wastage rates of IPV. EPI addressed these challenges in collaboration with its partners, that is, the World Health Organization (WHO) and United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF), who provided technical assistance to develop a training curriculum and communication materials and enhanced demand generation at the community level. In addition, the WHO conducted a country readiness assessment for PCV-10, and UNICEF supported vaccine shipment. Other government ministries, City Corporations and municipalities also supported the EPI.

Conclusions

The partnership among the EPI stakeholders effectively addressed various operational challenges during the joint introduction of PCV-10 and IPV helped strengthen Bangladesh’s immunisation systems. These accomplishments are attributed to several factors that should be supported and strengthened for future vaccine introductions in Bangladesh and other low and-middle countries.
Effectiveness and safety of fibrinolytic therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19 with ARDS: protocol for a prospective meta-analysis
Authors: Kovács Emőke Henrietta , Dembrovszky Fanni , Ocskay Klementina , Szabó László , Hegyi Péter , Molnar Zsolt , Tánczos Krisztián
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The use of fibrinolytic therapy has been proposed in severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). During the COVID-19 pandemic, anticoagulation has received special attention due to the frequent findings of microthrombi and fibrin deposits in the lungs and other organs. Therefore, the use of fibrinolysis has been regarded as a potential rescue therapy in these patients. In this prospective meta-analysis, we plan to synthesise evidence from ongoing clinical trials and thus assess whether fibrinolytic therapy can improve the ventilation/perfusion ratio in patients with severe COVID-19-caused ARDS as compared with standard of care.

Methods and analysis

This protocol was registered in PROSPERO. All randomised controlled trials and prospective observational trials that compare fibrinolytic therapy with standard of care in adult patients with COVID-19 and define their primary or secondary outcome as improvement in oxygenation and/or gas exchange, or mortality will be considered eligible. Safety outcomes will include bleeding event rate and requirement for transfusion. Our search on 25 January 2022 identified five eligible ongoing clinical trials. A formal search of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Embase, CENTRAL will be performed every month to identify published results and to search for further trials that meet our eligibility criteria.

Dissemination

This could be the first qualitative and quantitative synthesis summarising evidence of the efficacy and safety of fibrinolytic therapy in critically ill patients with COVID-19. We plan to publish our results in peer-reviewed journals.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021285281.
Intensive care unit registered nurses’ perceived barriers towards ventilated associated pneumonia prevention in southeast Iran: a cross-sectional descriptive – an analytical study
Authors: Dehghan Mahlagha , Arab Mansoor , Akafzadeh Tayebe , Malakoutikhah Alireza , Mazallahi Mahbubeh , Forouzi Mansooreh Azizzadeh
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Ventilated associated pneumonia (VAP) is one of the most common nosocomial infection and complication occurring in intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. This study aimed to assess the ICU registered nurses’ perceived barriers towards VAP prevention in southeast Iran.

Setting

This was a cross-sectional descriptive–an analytical study to examine the registered nurses’ perceived barriers towards VAP prevention in southeast Iran.

Participants

The study population consisted of 242 nurses working in ICU and emergency departments.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The data was collected using demographic characteristics’ questionnaire and a researcher-made ventilator-associated pneumonia barriers prevention questionnaire.

Results

The mean score of nurses’ perceived barriers towards VAP prevention was 2.82±0.46. The highest mean score of perceived barriers were related to items of ‘lack of staff’, ‘lack of a team-based approach to care and interventions’, and ‘lack of support from management’.

Conclusions

This study indicates most of the barriers are related to organisational factors and lack of teamwork. Further studies are needed to obtain more accurate results.

Trial registration number

The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Kerman University of Medical Sciences (IR.KMU.REC.1395.908).
Prevalence and characteristics of hazardous and harmful drinkers receiving general practitioners’ brief advice on and support with alcohol consumption in Germany: results of a population survey
Authors: Kastaun Sabrina , Garnett Claire , Wilm Stefan , Kotz Daniel
Published: September 2022

Objective

The German treatment guideline on alcohol-related disorders recommends that general practitioners (GPs) offer brief advice on, and support with, reducing alcohol consumption to hazardous (at risk for health events) and harmful (exhibit health events) drinking patients. We aimed to estimate the implementation of this recommendation using general population data.

Design

Cross-sectional analysis of data (2021/2022) of a nationwide, population-based household survey.

Setting

Germany.

Participants

Population-based sample of 2247 adult respondents who reported hazardous or harmful drinking according to the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test-Consumption (AUDIT-C; score women: 4–12 and men: 5–12).

Main outcome measure

Ever receipt of ‘brief GP advice on, or support with, reducing alcohol consumption’. Differences in the likelihood of ever receiving advice and/or support (yes/no) relative to respondents’ sociodemographic, smoking and alcohol consumption characteristics were estimated using logistic regressions.

Results

Ever receipt of GP advice on/support with reducing drinking was reported among 6.3% (95% CI=5.3% to 7.4%), and the offer of support among 1.5% (95% CI=1.1% to 2.1%) of the hazardous and harmful drinking respondents. The likelihood of having ever received advice/support was positively associated with being older (OR=1.03 per year, 95% CI=1.01 to 1.04), a current or former (vs never) smoker (OR=2.36, 95% CI=1.46 to 3.80; OR=2.17, 95% CI=1.23 to 3.81) and with increasing alcohol consumption (OR=1.76 per score, 95% CI=1.59 to 1.95). One in two harmful drinking respondents (AUDIT-C score 10–12) reported appropriate advice/support. The likelihood was negatively associated with being woman (eg, OR=0.32, 95% CI=0.21 to 0.48), having a medium or high (vs low) education and with increasing household income.

Conclusions

A small proportion of hazardous and harmful drinking people in Germany report having ever received GP advice on, or support with, reducing alcohol consumption. The implementation of advice/support seems to be linked to specific socio-demographic characteristics, tobacco smoking and alcohol consumption level. Health policy measures should aim to increase alcohol screening, brief intervention rates and awareness for at-risk populations in primary care.

Trial registration number

DRKS00011322, DRKS00017157.
White rice, brown rice and the risk of type 2 diabetes: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Yu Jiayue , Balaji Bhavadharini , Tinajero Maria , Jarvis Sarah , Khan Tauseef , Vasudevan Sudha , Ranawana Viren , Poobalan Amudha , Bhupathiraju Shilpa , Sun Qi , Willett Walter , Hu Frank B , Jenkins David J A , Mohan Viswanathan , Malik Vasanti S
Published: September 2022

Objective

Intake of white rice has been associated with elevated risk for type 2 diabetes (T2D), while studies on brown rice are conflicting. To inform dietary guidance, we synthesised the evidence on white rice and brown rice with T2D risk.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

PubMed, EMBASE and Cochrane databases were searched through November 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Prospective cohort studies of white and brown rice intake on T2D risk (≥1 year), and randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing brown rice with white rice on cardiometabolic risk factors (≥2 weeks).

Data extraction and synthesis

Data were extracted by the primary reviewer and two additional reviewers. Meta-analyses were conducted using random-effects models and reporting followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Risk of bias was assessed using the Newcastle Ottawa Scale for prospective cohort studies and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool for RCTs. Strength of the meta-evidence was assessed using NutriGrade.

Results

Nineteen articles were included: 8 cohort studies providing 18 estimates (white rice: 15 estimates, 25 956 cases, n=5 77 426; brown rice: 3 estimates, 10 507 cases, n=1 97 228) and 11 RCTs (n=1034). In cohort studies, white rice was associated with higher risk of T2D (pooled RR, 1.16; 95% CI: 1.02 to 1.32) comparing extreme categories. At intakes above ~300 g/day, a dose–response was observed (each 158 g/day serving was associated with 13% (11%–15%) higher risk of T2D). Intake of brown rice was associated with lower risk of T2D (pooled RR, 0.89; 95% CI: 0.81 to 0.97) comparing extreme categories. Each 50 g/day serving of brown rice was associated with 13% (6%–20%) lower risk of T2D. Cohort studies were considered to be of good or fair quality. RCTs showed an increase in high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (0.06 mmol/L; 0.00 to 0.11 mmol/L) in the brown compared with white rice group. No other significant differences in risk factors were observed. The majority of RCTs were found to have some concern for risk of bias. Overall strength of the meta-evidence was moderate for cohort studies and moderate and low for RCTs.

Conclusion

Intake of white rice was associated with higher risk of T2D, while intake of brown rice was associated with lower risk. Findings from substitution trials on cardiometabolic risk factors were inconsistent.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020158466.
Effect of sand particle size on interface shear behaviour between bio-cemented sand by MICP treatment and steel structure
Authors: Wang Han-Lin , Zhang Qian-Yi , Yin Zhen-Yu , Jing Houde
Published: September 2022

This study presents an experimental investigation of the effect of sand particle size on the shear behaviour of bio-cemented sand-steel structure interface, with sand treated by microbially induced calcite precipitation (MICP). Five sand groups were involved with different median particle sizes. The MICP treatment followed the surface percolation method featuring bacterial suspensions with a fixed optical density (linearly related to active cell concentration or urease activity). Scanning electron microscopy was used to identify the microstructure of the samples, while interface shear test was performed to observe the macroscale mechanical behaviour. The testing results indicated that smaller sand particle size was associated with a relatively larger effective calcium carbonate bonding area, providing a more significant bonding effect. Thus, smaller sand particle sizes in the treated samples were associated with higher values for the interface cohesion and a more pronounced increase in the interface friction angle at the peak state (compared to the corresponding untreated samples). By contrast, because the bonding effect broke close to the interface during shearing, the bottom of the treated samples became planar and smooth. Hence, a lower interface friction angle at the ultimate state was identified for a treated sample, compared to the corresponding untreated one.