bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Structural and physicochemical characterization of porous starch prepared by enzymatic hydrolysis, solvent‐exchange, and freeze–thaw cross‐linking treatments
Authors: Mohan Naaznee , Mellem John J.
Published: February 2022

Porous starches have been researched for applications of its characteristics, although it has been noted that different methods are used to influence the properties manifested. In this study, native starch isolated from hyacinth bean (Lablab purpureus) was used to create porous starch using three different methods, viz, solvent‐exchange (SE), enzyme hydrolysis (EH), and addition of mercaptosuccinic acid known as freeze–thaw (FT). The structural characteristics (Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy, X‐Ray Diffraction) of SE and EH were very similar to those of NS. The gelatinization properties of the porous starches were higher (97.15–112.86) than those of NS (93.00–103.69). The pasting properties of SE and EH were improved, while FT did not possess any pasting abilities, this was due to its high solubility (42.92 ± 1.70) and lipophilic nature (4.63 ± 0.42). The adsorption properties of SE (4.0616.35) and EH (4.31–15.45) were similar to those of NS (3.53–15.50). The swelling power of SE (9.16 ± 0.19) and EH (9.25 ± 0.13) was similar to that of NS (9.76 ± 0.43), while the amylose contents (15.48–19.43) were lower than those of NS (20.68 ± 4.39). Only the SE (11.42 ± 3.40) from the porous starches had resistant starch present, while EH had mostly rapidly digestible (13.23 ± 0.00) and slowly digestible starch (127.16 ± 0.00). These structural and physicochemical characteristics show that these porous starches may be suitable in delivery systems, improving solubility of drugs and adsorbing dyes.
Sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors do not increase the risk of fractures in real‐world clinical practice in Korea: A national observational cohort study
Authors: Ha Kyoung Hwa , Kim Dae Jung , Choi Yong Jun
Published: February 2022

Aims/Introduction

This study aimed to determine whether sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) were related to increased fracture risk in adults with type 2 diabetes compared with dipeptidyl peptidase‐4 inhibitors (DPP‐4i).

Materials and Methods

Between 1 May 2016 and 31 December 2018, we carried out a new‐user cohort study using the Korean National Health Insurance Service database. Propensity score matching was carried out on 478,826 new users of an SGLT2i or DPP‐4i. After propensity score matching on >80 covariates, 84,460 individuals were initiated on SGLT2i or DPP‐4i, with 42,230 individuals in each treatment group. The time to first fracture event was compared between the SGLT2i and DPP‐4i groups using Cox proportional hazards models, and the results are reported as hazard ratios with 95% confidence intervals for fracture occurrence. Subgroup analyses investigated fractures between treatment groups according to baseline characteristics.

Results

Individuals who were started on SGLT2i were not linked with increased fracture risk in both as‐treated and intention‐to‐treat analyses (as‐treated: hazard ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.92–1.04; intention‐to‐treat: hazard ratio 0.94, 95% confidence interval 0.89–1.00). We identified no significant interaction between the individuals' age, sex, fracture history or thiazolidinedione use in any subgroup analyses, showing that none of these variables appeared to be impact modifiers in the connection between SGLT2i and fractures.

Conclusions

Our study found no increase in the risk of fracture among individuals treated with SGLT2i in a real‐world clinical setting for type 2 diabetes.
Honest agents in a corrupt equilibrium
Authors: Henke Alexander , Khalil Fahad , Lawarree Jacques
Published: February 2022

We present a principal–auditor–agent model with adverse selection where the agent can bribe the auditor and the auditor can extort the agent. We show that it is optimal to deter extortion but allow bribery, and we analyze the impact of honest agents in this setting. Unlike strategic agents, honest agents refuse to bribe and therefore cannot reap the benefit of bribery. This unwillingness to bribe raises the cost of participation of honest agents and creates a negative externality by offering a scope for rent to all strategic agents. This negative externality is larger when an agent's bargaining strength is higher. We find that the principal's payoff is nonmonotonic in honesty, and increasing honesty is helpful only if it is widespread enough, leading to a potential corruption trap. We also show that an increase in productivity lowers the threshold for honesty to be beneficial.
Vasocutaneous fistula formation and repair following inguinal hernia repair in a rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta)
Authors: Kavoussi Parviz K. , Wilkerson Gregory , Gray Stanton B.
Published: February 2022

A 6‐year‐old adult male rhesus macaque (Macaca mulatta) developed a vasocutaneous fistula following an anatomic inguinal hernia repair years earlier. The vasocutaneous fistula was surgically repaired, the vas deferens was ligated, and the wound was closed in layers with non‐overlapping suture lines with no further adverse sequalae of events.
A scoping review of outpatient interventions to support the reduction of prescription opioid medication for chronic non cancer pain
Authors: Nickerson Kathie , Lieschke Gena , Rajappa Hema , Smith Angela , Inder Kerry Jill
Published: February 2022

Background

Prescription opioid use is a global health issue. Previous systematic reviews have not identified that any specific intervention supports prescription opioid reduction effectively. In keeping with the nature of a scoping review, this review details an overview of the existing literature on this topic, with quality of evidence being discussed rather than formally analysed.

Aim

This review aimed to examine and describe outpatient interventions that support the reduction of prescription opioid medication for chronic non cancer pain.

Eligibility criteria

Abstracts were reviewed against the inclusion criteria of outpatient clinical interventions, for the purpose of prescription opioid dose reduction, offered to adults with CNCP.

Sources of evidence

Following a structured review approach an electronic database search, of Medline, Embase, Cochrane, Cinahl, and Proquest and grey literature was undertaken. Search results were screened by title for relevance.

Charting methods

Two reviewers adhering to the PRISMA‐ScR checklist charted and assessed studies for quality using Critical Appraisal Skills Programme checklist assessment tools. Extracted data were collated and synthesised for presentation as a tabular and narrative review.

Results

From the initial search of 5089 papers, 19 underwent full‐text review and quality appraisal. A variety of interventions were described to support reduction in prescription opioid use, however only one study of at least fair quality was able to demonstrate a demonstrated a statistically significant benefit in reducing measured opioid dose compared with a control group. Interventions were implemented in both specialist pain services and in primary care with multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary clinician care. Barriers and facilitators were observed in both settings.

Conclusion and implications for clinical practice

Further rigorous research needs to be conducted to conclusively answer the question of what outpatient interventions support opioid reduction in chronic non cancer pain. This scoping review is the first step of inquiry in the development of a nursing intervention to support reduction of prescription opioids.
Balancing selection gain and genetic diversity in the genomic planning of crosses
Authors: Michel Sebastian , Löschenberger Franziska , Moreno‐Amores Jose , Ametz Christian , Sparry Ellen , Abel Eva , Ehn Magdalena , Bürstmayr Hermann
Published: February 2022

Creating new genetic variation by crossing two or more parents is the initial and often most important step when developing new crop varieties. Hence, several mate selection indices have been suggested to support the planning of crosses in genomic breeding pipelines that have been established in many breeding programmes in recent years. The corresponding index weights are however difficult to determine objectively, and these indices often feature weights determined by laborious grid searches or rules of thumb. The aim of this study was to compare methods that employ the latter approach with mate selection indices based on desired gains in simulations and an empirical Fusarium head blight experiment for winter wheat. The results indicated that the suggested desired gain indices outperform routinely used methods in terms of reaching a favourable balance between the short‐term selection gain, long‐term selection gain, as well as the genetic diversity. They might have beyond that a high prospect for making a broader spectrum of genetic diversity accessible in the framework of germplasm exchange between breeding programmes.
New information about the toxicological profile of Prorocentrum panamense (Prorocentrales, Dinophyceae) and its global distribution
Authors: Gaiani Greta , Rey María , Tudó Àngels , Rambla Maria , Diogène Jorge , Campàs Mònica , Alcaraz Carles
Published: February 2022

Dinoflagellates of the genera Prorocentrum and Dinophysis are known producers of toxic compounds belonging to the okadaic acid (OA) group. The ingestion of shellfish contaminated with these toxins causes a human disease named diarrheic shellfish poisoning (DSP). In this study, the first record of Prorocentrum panamense, a potential toxin‐producer species, was reported in the Canary Islands together with its toxicological characterization. Prorocentrum panamense cells were collected during April 2017 from natural pools located in the Northeastern part of Gran Canaria. This new record represents an expansion of P. panamense distribution area, previously restricted to the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean, Arabian Gulf and the Caribbean, and its introduction mechanisms are discussed. Laboratory cultures of P. panamense were settled and toxin production was assessed in both cell pellets and culture media at four different growth phases (latency, exponential, early stationary and late stationary) implementing LC‐MS/MS and neuro‐2a cell‐based assay (CBA). LC‐MS/MS allowed the identification of OA in the fraction corresponding to the late stationary phase, and tests performed on neuro‐2a cells showed, for most of the fractions, OA‐like activity observable by both cell morphology changes and cell mortality. This information is fundamental for a better understanding of the genus Prorocentrum global distribution, its ecology, and risks associated to toxic producing species.
TCP15 interacts with GOLDEN2‐LIKE 1 to control cotyledon opening in Arabidopsis
Authors: Alem Antonela L. , Ariel Federico D. , Cho Yuhan , Hong Jong Chan , Gonzalez Daniel H. , Viola Ivana L.
Published: February 2022

After germination, exposure to light promotes the opening and expansion of the cotyledons and the development of the photosynthetic apparatus in a process called de‐etiolation. This process is crucial for seedling establishment and photoautotrophic growth. TEOSINTE BRANCHED 1, CYCLOIDEA, and PROLIFERATING CELL FACTORS (TCP) transcription factors are important developmental regulators of plant responses to internal and external signals that are grouped into two main classes. In this study, we identified GOLDEN2‐LIKE 1 (GLK1), a key transcriptional regulator of photomorphogenesis, as a protein partner of class I TCPs during light‐induced cotyledon opening and expansion in Arabidopsis. The class I TCP TCP15 and GLK1 are mutually required for cotyledon opening and the induction of SAUR and EXPANSIN genes, involved in cell expansion. TCP15 also participates in the expression of photosynthesis‐associated genes regulated by GLK1, like LHCB1.4 and LHCB2.2. Furthermore, GLK1 and TCP15 bind to the same promoter regions of different target genes containing either GLK or TCP binding motifs and binding of TCP15 is affected in a GLK1‐deficient background, suggesting that a complex between TCP15 and GLK1 participates in the induction of these genes. We postulate that GLK1 helps to recruit TCP15 for the modulation of cell expansion genes in cotyledons and that the functional interaction between these transcription factors may serve to coordinate the expression of cell expansion genes with that of genes involved in the development of the photosynthetic apparatus.
Introgression from Gossypium hirsutum is a driver for population divergence and genetic diversity in Gossypium barbadense
Authors: Wang Pengpeng , Dong Na , Wang Maojun , Sun Gaofei , Jia Yinhua , Geng Xiaoli , Liu Min , Wang Weipeng , Pan Zhaoe , Yang Qiuyue , Li Hongge , Wei Chunyan , Wang Liru , Zheng Hongkun , He Shoupu , Zhang Xianlong , Wang Qinglian , Du Xiongming
Published: February 2022

During the domestication and improvement processes, interspecific introgression from Gossypium hirsutum has reorganized the genomic architecture of Gossypium barbadense; however, the introgression details and the trait‐related genetic loci remain largely unknown. Here, we perform a genome‐wide population analysis and genetically recategorize 365 G. barbadense accessions into four subgroups which is different from previous categorizations. A total of 315 introgression events from G. hirsutum to G. barbadense, which primarily contributed to population divergence and agronomic trait variation in G. barbadense, are identified. We find that 70% introgression from G. hirsutum have greatly increased the genetic diversity and divergence of G. barbadense. Some loci are identified with divergent haplotype selection for adaptation to the environment at high latitudes. Through genome‐wide association study and genome linkage disequilibrium interval haplotyping analyses, two fiber micronaire‐related haplotype blocks are detected, one of which (FM2) is introgressed from G. hirsutum. Seven distinguished traits related to growth period, plant architecture, and stronger vegetative growth habit are found to have pleiotropic effects controlled by a single gene in G. barbadense. Thus, this study provides new insights into the breeding history of G. barbadense and highlights introgression is a driver for improving cultivars in G. barbadense.
Assessing antimicrobial resistance occurrence in the Portuguese food system: Poultry, pigs and derived food, 2014–2018
Authors: Costa Miguel , Cardo Miguel , Cara d'Anjo Maria , Leite Andreia
Published: February 2022

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) spread in the food system is a major threat to public and animal health. We describe AMR trends in zoonotic bacteria and identify risk factors associated with AMR occurrence in animals and derived food in Portugal. Data from the Portuguese AMR surveillance programme on food‐producing animals, 2014–2018, were used. AMR frequencies were calculated for Escherichia coli, Campylobacter and Salmonella in broilers, turkeys, pig populations and their derived food products. AMR‐associated factors were studied for Salmonella isolates: population, sampling stage (farm, slaughterhouse and processing plant), sample type (environmental, carcase and food), sampler (HACCP, industry, official and official and industry), sample context (control and eradication programmes and monitoring), year (2014–2018) and season. Logistic regression was applied to estimate crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (aOR) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The final models were obtained using a backward stepwise method. This study included 2,157 Escherichia coli, 561 Campylobacter and 1,071 Salmonella isolates. The highest prevalence estimates amongst tested antimicrobials for each bacterial species in 2014–2018 had the following ranges: (i) (fluoro)quinolones: E. coli: 84%–93%, Campylobacter: 94%–98%; (ii) tetracyclines: E. coli: 68%–91%, Campylobacter: 87%–91%, Salmonella: 72%; (iii) penicillins: E. coli: 82%–100%; (iv) sulphonamides: E. coli: 68%–82%. Compared with the reference categories for host (broiler), year (2014), season (winter) and sampler (HACCP own checks), resistance to at least one antimicrobial in Salmonella was significantly less likely in laying hens (aOR 0.28; 95% CI: 0.18–0.42), 2016 (aOR 0.56; 95% CI: 0.33–0.93), 2017 (aOR 0.29; 95% CI: 0.17–0.51) and 2018 (aOR 0.35; 95% CI: 0.20–0.61), autumn (aOR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.40–0.97) and more likely to occur in broiler products (aOR 5.14; 95% CI: 2.61–10.54), pork products (aOR 6.84; 95% CI: 3.74–12.98) and official and industry combined sampling (aOR 2.16; 95% CI: 1.06–4.47). This study reveals a high prevalence of Salmonella resistance, especially during the summer and in post‐farm stages of the Portuguese food system to nearly all antimicrobials and in the summer in farms to (fluoro)quinolones. Measures to tackle resistance are required.
A Short Review on Various Purification Techniques Suitable for Biohydrogen-Mixed Gases
Authors: Abdul Muin Nor Azira , Nwaha Isah Abdullahi , Asli Umi Aisah , Sadikin Aziatul Niza , Norazahar Norafneeza , Kamaruddin Mohd Johari , Hassim Mimi Haryani , Wai Shin Ho , Azman Nur Raudhah
Published: February 2022

The need of establishment of biohydrogen purification techniques is due the fact that biohydrogen production will be completely transformed into industrial scale soon or later. For biohydrogen process development to be commercially feasible, all the process involved, including purification should be low cost, practical and efficient; particularly when the biohydrogen production is technically challenging. In any case, carbon dioxide and other gaseous impurities are usually evolved during hydrogen production, and highly purified hydrogen is desirable in fuel cells application and other hydrogenation processes. Particularly, is critical to achieve high purity of hydrogen especially in a fuel cell application where it requires 99.9% only hydrogen. This paper reviews four main principle methods that are suitable for biohydrogen mixed gases, namely cryogenic separation, absorption, adsorption and membrane separation. The comparison based on their strengths and weaknesses, regarding the rate and yield of hydrogen, energy requirement and efficiency in terms of hydrogen selectivity, recovery and purity for fuel cell application. Cryogenic separation is among the earliest technique used for hydrogen purification. Though, due to the low temperature requirement, cryogenic separation is least preferred as gas separation is energy intensive and costly. Cyrogenic separation is commonly combine with membrane separation. It was also acknowledged that the membrane separation technique is widely used for biohydrogen purification. Most of research mostly in advancement of the membrane for high selectivity for hydrogen and low selectivity for carbon dioxide.Another method, pressure swing adsorption (PSA) is one of commonly used in conventional hydrogen purification. The hydrogen purity produced by PSA was higher than absorption but the cost to operate it is the same at the expense of low hydrogen recovery. Also, chemical absorption of hydrogen separation from mixed gaseous mixture is discussed due to its simplicity of operation and possible to operate using existing common absorber.
Emission Characteristics of Agricultural and Industrial Cellulosic Wastes Blended with Gasoline
Authors: Oyelami S , Olafimihan EO , Okedere OB
Published: February 2022

Agricultural and industrial wastes like sawdust and corncobs are definitely pollutants as they are disposed in dump sites and burnt in open air in most developing countries, like Nigeria. Proper utilization of these wastes could help reduce the environmental pollution arising from wastes disposal and combustion of fuels. Emissions generated from running an internal combustion (IC) engine with blends of gasoline and bio-ethanol produced from these wastes, as well as those of pure gasoline were compared in this work. A gas emission analyzer was placed at the exhaust of the IC engine and the readings were taken for each blend and for each round of testing period. The read out emissions were then compared with each other.Â  The range of emissions for carbon monoxide (CO) were 1.45-2.75; 2.10-2.90; 2.00-2.62 and 3.0 % vol., for corncobs bio-ethanol/gasoline, softwood sawdust bio-ethanol/gasoline, hardwood sawdust bio-ethanol/gasoline and pure gasoline samples respectively while the emission ranges for hydrocarbon (HC) were 260-435; 328-360; 313-350 and 480 ppm for the same samples respectively. In the case of carbon dioxide (CO2), the samples gave 2.6-4.0; 2.2-3.9; 3.2-4.2 and 3.0 % vol. emissions. Thus all stakeholders considering the adoption of fuel blends in the countryâ€™s quest for increased energy mix can be properly guided on the pollutants associated with the investigated waste materials. This may help in the choice of appropriate waste to energy.
Schiffer variations and the generic Torelli theorem for hypersurfaces
Authors: Voisin Claire
Published: February 2022

We prove the generic Torelli theorem for hypersurfaces in $\mathbb {P}^{n}$ of degree $d$ dividing $n+1$, for $d$ sufficiently large. Our proof involves the higher-order study of the variation of Hodge structure along particular one-parameter families of hypersurfaces that we call ‘Schiffer variations.’ We also analyze the case of degree $4$. Combined with Donagi's generic Torelli theorem and results of Cox and Green, this shows that the generic Torelli theorem for hypersurfaces holds with finitely many exceptions.
Evolution of Anand Parameters for Thermally Aged Sn-Ag-Cu Lead-Free Alloys at Low Operating Temperature
Authors: Lall Pradeep , Yadav Vikas , Suhling Jeff , Locker David
Published: February 2022

In extreme environmental applications, such as aerospace and automotive, electronics may endure high or low operating temperatures during service, handling, and storage. An electronic assembly may experience strain rates of 1–100 per sec of strain and ambient temperatures of –65 to +200 °C. Electronic assembly's temperature depends mainly on location, energy dissipation, and thermal architecture. Electronic assemblies in automotive applications may be located underhood, on engine, on-transmission, and or in wheel well. Study of property evolution of solders used for interconnection is important for assurance of reliability. Degradation in material properties for lead-free solder alloys can be caused by change in microstructure due to variation in temperatures. There is need for data on the effect of operating period and operating conditions on the material properties. Addition of dopants in Sn-Ag-Cu (SAC) alloys has been shown to improve mechanical properties and minimize deterioration due to aging at lower strain rates. SAC-Q is formulated with Sn-Ag-Cu with addition of Bi (SAC+Bi). It has been observed that adding Bismuth (Bi) to SAC alloy can play an important role to make the solder alloy resistant to aging-induced degradations. In author's prior research the evolution of Anand parameters and materials properties for SAC solder (SAC105, SAC305, and SAC-Q) at high temperatures and high strain rates has been studied. However, data on thermally aged SAC solder alloys at high strain rate levels at low operating temperatures are not available in published literature. In this paper, materials characterization of thermally aged SAC (SAC105 and SAC-Q) solder at low operating temperatures (−65 °C to 0 °C) and at high strain rates (10–75 per sec) has been studied. Stress–strain curves have been measured at low operating temperatures using impact hammer-based tensile tests with cooling chamber. The fabricated SAC lead-free solder specimen was isothermally aged up to 6 months at 50 °C before testing. Anand viscoplastic model has been used to compute nine Anand parameters to describe the material constitutive behavior. Anand Model parameters evolution due to thermal aging has been studied for SAC solders. The computed nine Anand parameters from experimental data then were used to simulate the tensile test to predict the stress–strain curve and compared to experimental stress–strain curves to verify the accuracy of the model. A good correlation was found between experimental data and Anand-predicted data.
The Reliability and Validity of a Novel Ankle Isometric Plantar Flexion Strength Test
Authors: Kobayashi Takumi , Mizota Takeshi , Kon Kana , Kasaya Miku , Miyabe Shogo , Shindome Tomo , Ishibashi Kousuke
Published: February 2022

Context: Strengthening of ankle plantar flexor muscles is one of the important components in the rehabilitation of many lower limb injuries and disorders. However, there are few simple methods to evaluate ankle plantar flexor strength in clinical situations without using equipment. The purpose of this study was to verify the intraexaminer and interexaminer reliability and the concurrent validity of a novel ankle isometric plantar flexion (PF) strength test (PF break test [PFBT]). Design: Case–control study. Methods: The intraexaminer and interexaminer reliabilities of the PFBT were evaluated in 57 orthopedic patients and 30 healthy adults. The range of motion of the ankle joint and the number of heel raises were compared between positive and negative PFBT cases. Then, isometric ankle PF torque (ankle PF of 0°, 15°, and 30°) was compared in knee extension and in the 50° flexion position between positive and negative PFBT cases in 30 healthy adults. Results: The intraexaminer reliability (κ) of the PFBT was .81 to .94, and the interexaminer reliability (κ) was .37 to .74. The PFBT positive group had a significantly smaller range of motion in the ankle joint (P < .05) and a significantly lower number of heel raises (P < .001) than the PFBT negative group in orthopedic patients, but no significant differences in healthy adults. The PFBT positive group had less ankle PF torque than the PFBT negative group at all ankle PF angles (P < .01). The isometric PF torque in the end range of ankle PF in knee extension could predict the results of the PFBT and correctly classified 90.0% of cases (P < .001). Conclusion: The PFBT is considered a simple and valid method to evaluate isometric ankle PF strength in the clinical setting.
Acute Effects of 3 Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Waveforms on Exercising and Recovery Microvascular Oxygenation Responses
Authors: Cayot Trent E. , Bellew James W. , Kennedy Samantha , Pursley Ericka , Smith Noah , Stemme Kathryn
Published: February 2022

Context: When emphasizing muscular strength during postoperative rehabilitation it is recommended to use a neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) waveform that elicits the greatest muscle force and local metabolic demand that is also well tolerated. The present investigation examined the effects that 3 different clinically used NMES waveforms had on the electrically elicited force (EEF), local metabolic demand (exercising muscle oxygen saturation [SmO2]), and the subsequent reactive hyperemia response (recovery total hemoglobin concentration [THb]) of the knee extensors. Design: Single session repeated-measures design. Methods: EEF, local metabolic demand, and reactive hyperemia responses were measured during and subsequent to 3 NMES waveforms: Russian burst modulated alternating current (RUS), biphasic pulsed current (VMS™), and burst modulated biphasic pulsed current (VMS-Burst™). Exercising SmO2 and recovery THb were assessed noninvasively using a near-infrared spectroscopy sensor placed on the vastus lateralis. Participants completed one set of 10 repetitions of each NMES waveform and were provided with 5 minutes of passive, interset recovery. Two-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance examined if NMES waveform or repetition significantly affected (P < .05) EEF or exercising SmO2. Two-way, repeated-measures analysis of variance examined if NMES waveform or recovery time affected recovery THb. Results: VMS™ and VMS-Burst™ yielded higher EEF (F = 11.839, P < .001) and greater local metabolic stress (lower exercising SmO2, F = 13.654, P < .001) compared with RUS. Greater rate of EEF decline throughout the NMES set was observed during RUS (%Δ = −50 [6] %Rep1) compared with VMS-Burst™ (%Δ = −30 [7] %Rep1) and VMS™ (%Δ = −32 [7] %Rep1). VMS™ elicited a higher reactive hyperemia response (higher recovery THb) compared with RUS (F = 3.427, P = .048). Conclusions: The present findings support the use of VMS™ or VMS-Burst™ compared with RUS when promoting muscular strength. In addition, the use of VMS™ might provide a greater blood volume to the target muscle subsequent to NMES contractions compared with RUS.
A noninvasive iRFP713 p53 reporter reveals dynamic p53 activity in response to irradiation and liver regeneration in vivo
Authors: Humpton Timothy J. , Hock Andreas K. , Kiourtis Christos , De Donatis Marco , Fercoq Frédéric , Nixon Colin , Bryson Sheila , Strathdee Douglas , Carlin Leo M. , Bird Thomas G. , Blyth Karen , Vousden Karen H.
Published: February 2022

Genetically encoded probes are widely used to visualize cellular processes in vitro and in vivo. Although effective in cultured cells, fluorescent protein tags and reporters are suboptimal in vivo because of poor tissue penetration and high background signal. Luciferase reporters offer improved signal-to-noise ratios but require injections of luciferin that can lead to variable responses and that limit the number and timing of data points that can be gathered. Such issues in studying the critical transcription factor p53 have limited insight on its activity in vivo during development and tissue injury responses. Here, by linking the expression of the near-infrared fluorescent protein iRFP713 to a synthetic p53-responsive promoter, we generated a knock-in reporter mouse that enabled noninvasive, longitudinal analysis of p53 activity in vivo in response to various stimuli. In the developing embryo, this model revealed the timing and localization of p53 activation. In adult mice, the model monitored p53 activation in response to irradiation and paracetamol- or CCl
4
-induced liver regeneration. After irradiation, we observed potent and sustained activation of p53 in the liver, which limited the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and promoted DNA damage resolution. We propose that this new reporter may be used to further advance our understanding of various physiological and pathophysiological p53 responses.
Structures of human pannexin-1 in nanodiscs reveal gating mediated by dynamic movement of the N terminus and phospholipids
Authors: Kuzuya Maki , Hirano Hidemi , Hayashida Kenichi , Watanabe Masakatsu , Kobayashi Kazumi , Terada Tohru , Mahmood Md. Iqbal , Tama Florence , Tani Kazutoshi , Fujiyoshi Yoshinori , Oshima Atsunori
Published: February 2022

Pannexin (PANX) family proteins form large-pore channels that mediate purinergic signaling. We analyzed the cryo-EM structures of human PANX1 in lipid nanodiscs to elucidate the gating mechanism and its regulation by the amino terminus in phospholipids. The wild-type channel has an amino-terminal funnel in the pore, but in the presence of the inhibitor probenecid, a cytoplasmically oriented amino terminus and phospholipids obstruct the pore. Functional analysis using whole-cell patch-clamp and oocyte voltage clamp showed that PANX1 lacking the amino terminus did not open and had a dominant negative effect on channel activity, thus confirming that the amino-terminal domain played an essential role in channel opening. These observations suggest that dynamic conformational changes in the amino terminus of human PANX1 are associated with lipid movement in and out of the pore. Moreover, the data provide insight into the gating mechanism of PANX1 and, more broadly, other large-pore channels.
Intrapore lipids hydrophobically gate pannexin-1 channels
Authors: Anderson Connor L. , Thompson Roger J.
Published: February 2022

Large-pore channels such as pannexin-1 (PANX1) typically lack pore-lining constriction points, leaving only speculations on how these channels functionally “close.” In this issue of
Science Signaling
, Kuzuya
et al
. found that rearrangements in the PANX1 amino-terminal helix mediate channel gating by a surprising mechanism in which lipids block the ion conduction pathway, creating a hydrophobic gate.
Sustained Control of Pyruvate Carboxylase by the Essential Second Messenger Cyclic di-AMP in Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Krüger Larissa , Herzberg Christina , Wicke Dennis , Scholz Patricia , Schmitt Kerstin , Turdiev Asan , Lee Vincent T. , Ischebeck Till , Stülke Jörg
Published: February 2022

If bacteria experience a starvation for potassium, by far the most abundant metal ion in every living cell, they have to activate high-affinity potassium transporters, switch off growth activities such as translation and transcription of many genes or replication, and redirect the metabolism in a way that the most essential functions of potassium can be taken over by metabolites. Importantly, potassium starvation triggers a need for glutamate-derived amino acids.
Self-testing kit for sexually transmitted infections increases diagnoses while reducing costs
Authors: Saul Helen , Gursul Deniz , Wilson Janet
Published: February 2022

The study

Wilson JD, Wallace HE, Loftus-Keeling M, et al. Swab-yourself trial with economic monitoring and testing for infections collectively (SYSTEMATIC): Part 2. A diagnostic accuracy, and cost-effectiveness, study comparing rectal, pharyngeal and urogenital samples analysed individually, versus as a pooled specimen, for the diagnosis of gonorrhoea and chlamydia.
Clin Infect Dis
2020;73:3183-93.

To read the full NIHR Alert, go to:
https://evidence.nihr.ac.uk/alert/sexually-transmitted-infections-self-testing-increases-diagnoses-reduces-costs/
What is the major driver of China’s hospital medical expenditure growth? A decomposing analysis
Authors: Yan Xiaoling , Liu Yuanli , Rao Keqin , Li Jinlei
Published: February 2022

Objectives

This study aimed to quantify increases in the medical expenditures of public hospitals associated with changes in service use and prices, which could inform policy efforts to curb the future growth of hospital medical expenditures.

Design

Nationwide and provincial data regarding service volume, service price and intensity of public hospitals’ outpatient and inpatient care from 2008 to 2018 were extracted from the China Health Statistical Yearbooks, and population size data were obtained from the 2019 China Statistical Yearbook.

Methods

A decomposition analysis was performed to measure the relative effects of changes in service use (volume or its subcomponent factors) and service price and intensity on the increase in the inpatient and outpatient total medical expenditures of public hospitals from 2008 to 2018.

Results

After adjusting for price inflation, the total medical expenditure of public hospitals increased by approximately threefold from 2008 to 2018. During this period, the increase in service volume was associated with 67.4% of the observed increase in the total medical expenditures in the inpatient sector and 57.2% of the observed increase in the total medical expenditures in the outpatient sector. Most of the service volume effect is due to an increase in the hospital utilisation rate. The growth in the utilisation rate was associated with 73.7% of the observed growth in the total medical expenditures in the inpatient sector and 60.3% of the observed growth in the total medical expenditures in the outpatient sector.

Conclusion

Service use, rather than price, appears to be the major driver of increases in medical expenditures in Chinese hospitals. An important policy implication for China and other countries with similar drivers is that the effect of controlling price and intensity growth on containing medical costs could be limited and controlling service utilisation growth could be essential.
Neuromechanical changes in Achilles tendinopathy and the effects of exercise-induced mechanical tendon loading: a protocol for a systematic review
Authors: Contreras-Hernandez Ignacio , Falla Deborah , Schneebeli Alessandro , Martinez-Valdes Eduardo
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Achilles tendinopathy (AT) is a debilitating overuse injury characterised by pain, impaired functional performance, morpho-mechanical changes to the Achilles tendon and triceps surae neuromuscular alterations. Loading-based exercise has become the principal non-surgical choice for the treatment of AT; however, mechanistic evidence by which loading-based treatment may help to resolve tendon pain remains unclear. This systematic review aims to summarise the evidence of the neuromechanical changes produced by AT and by exercise-induced mechanical loading.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review protocol was informed and reported in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA-P) and the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Pubmed, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL Plus, Web of Science and SPORTDiscus electronic databases will be searched from inception to February 2021. Additionally, grey literature and key journals will be reviewed. Risk of bias will be determined independently by two reviewers using the version 2 of the Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomised trials (RoB 2) and the risk of bias in non-randomised studies - of interventions (ROBINS-I) tool according to Cochrane recommendations. Quality of the cumulative evidence will be assessed with the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) guidelines. If homogeneity exists between groups of studies, a random-effects meta-analysis will be conducted. If not, results will be synthesised narratively.

Ethics and dissemination

Our findings will be disseminated through publication in a peer-reviewed journal and presented at conferences. No ethical approval was required.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021231933.
Exploring the perceptions and barriers of nurses working in remote areas on tele-educational delivery of pharmacy knowledge in Henan, China: a qualitative study
Authors: Zhang Wan , Jia Xuedong , Yao Xiali , Zhang Xiang , Liang Yan , Zhang Yingjie , Zhang Xiao , Su Pei , Zhang Xiaojian , Du Shuzhang , Yin Zhao
Published: February 2022

Objective

There are insufficient educational resources and opportunities available to nurses at county-level medical institutions in China to receive pharmacy knowledge education. Video conference pharmacy education (VCPE) has become a solution. However, a few studies have explored the perceptions of nurses participating in VCPE. The study was aimed to explore the perceptions of nurses participating in VCPE at county-level medical institutions in remote areas in China. The barriers and suggestions to improve the VCPE were also assessed.

Setting

The study was conducted in two county-level hospitals in Henan, China.

Design and participants

This qualitative study comprises two focus group discussions. Twenty-three nurses from two county-level hospitals in Henan province participated in the interview in May 2019.

Results

The average age of our participants was 34.83±6.24 years old (from 26 to 55 years old). By deeply analysing the data, the following four domains were extracted: Four themes were extracted on VCPE from this qualitative study: (1) the pharmacy knowledge gains from VCPE, (2) the shortcomings VCPE, (3) the advantages of the VCPE and (4) the expectations and suggestions for the VCPE.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate VCPE is a valuable tool to provide education to nurses working at remote area county-level institutions. The results contribute to improvements in future VCPE deliveries.
Qualitative analysis of a virtual research meeting summarises expert-based strategies to promote hydration in residential care during COVID-19 and beyond
Authors: Keller Heather , Wei Cindy , Slaughter Susan , Yoon Minn N , Lengyel Christina , Namasivayam-Macdonald Ashwin , Martin Laurel , Heckman George , Gaspar Phyllis , Mentes Janet , Syed Safura
Published: February 2022

Objectives

Poor fluid intake is a complex and long-standing issue in residential care, further exacerbated by COVID-19 infection control procedures. There is no consensus on how best to prevent dehydration in residents who vary in their primary reasons for insufficient fluid intake for a variety of reasons. The objectives of this research were to determine expert and provider perspectives on: (1) how COVID-19 procedures impacted hydration in residential care and potential solutions to mitigate these challenges and (2) strategies that could target five types of residents based on an oral hydration typology focused on root causes of low fluid intake.

Design

Qualitative study based on virtual group discussion. The discussion was audiorecorded with supplementary field notes. Qualitative content analysis was completed.

Setting

Residential care.

Participants

27 invited researcher and provider experts.

Results

Challenges that have potentially impacted hydration of residents because of COVID-19 procedures were categorised as resident (eg, apathy), staff (eg, new staff) and home-related (eg, physical distancing in dining rooms). Potential solutions were offered, such as fun opportunities (eg, popsicle) for distanced interactions; training new staff on how to approach specific residents and encourage drinking; and automatically providing water at meals. Several strategies were mapped to the typology of five types of residents with low intake (eg, sipper) and categorised as: supplies (eg, vessels with graduated markings), timing (eg, identify best time of day for drinking), facility context (eg, identify preferred beverages), socialisation (eg, promote drinking as a social activity) and education (eg, educate cognitively well on water consumption goals).

Conclusions

COVID-19 has necessitated new procedures and routines in residential care, some of which can be optimised to promote hydration. A variety of strategies to meet the hydration needs of different subgroups of residents can be compiled into multicomponent interventions for future research.
Descriptive comparison of admission characteristics between pandemic waves and multivariable analysis of the association of the Alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) of SARS-CoV-2 with disease severity in inner London
Authors: Snell Luke B , Wang Wenjuan , Alcolea-Medina Adela , Charalampous Themoula , Batra Rahul , de Jongh Leonardo , Higgins Finola , Nebbia Gaia ,   COG-UK HOCI Investigators, Wang Yanzhong , Edgeworth Jonathan , Curcin Vasa
Published: February 2022

Background

The Alpha variant (B.1.1.7 lineage) of SARS-CoV-2 emerged and became the dominant circulating variant in the UK in late 2020. Current literature is unclear on whether the Alpha variant is associated with increased severity. We linked clinical data with viral genome sequence data to compare admitted cases between SARS-CoV-2 waves in London and to investigate the association between the Alpha variant and the severity of disease.

Methods

Clinical, demographic, laboratory and viral sequence data from electronic health record systems were collected for all cases with a positive SARS-CoV-2 RNA test between 13 March 2020 and 17 February 2021 in a multisite London healthcare institution. Multivariate analysis using logistic regression assessed risk factors for severity as defined by hypoxia at admission.

Results

There were 5810 SARS-CoV-2 RNA-positive cases of which 2341 were admitted (838 in wave 1 and 1503 in wave 2). Both waves had a temporally aligned rise in nosocomial cases (96 in wave 1 and 137 in wave 2). The Alpha variant was first identified on 15 November 2020 and increased rapidly to comprise 400/472 (85%) of sequenced isolates from admitted cases in wave 2. A multivariate analysis identified risk factors for severity on admission, such as age (OR 1.02, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.03, for every year older; p<0.001), obesity (OR 1.70, 95% CI 1.28 to 2.26; p<0.001) and infection with the Alpha variant (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.26 to 2.24; p<0.001).

Conclusions

Our analysis is the first in hospitalised cohorts to show increased severity of disease associated with the Alpha variant. The number of nosocomial cases was similar in both waves despite the introduction of many infection control interventions before wave 2.
Perceptions, challenges and experiences of frontline healthcare providers in Emergency Departments regarding Workplace Violence during the COVID-19 pandemic: A protocol for an exploratory qualitative study from an LMIC
Authors: Naseem Maleeha , Shahil Feroz Anam , Arshad Hajra , Ashraf Sarah , Asim Muhammad , Jamali Seemin , Mian Asad
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Workplace violence (WPV) against Healthcare Workers (HCWs) has emerged as a global issue. Emergency Department (ED) HCWs as front liners are more vulnerable to it due to the nature of their work and exposure to unique medical and social situations. COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in the number of cases of WPV against HCWs, especially against ED HCWs. In most cases, the perpetrators of these acts of violence are the patients and their attendants as families. The causes of this rise are multifactorial; these include the inaccurate spread of information and rumours through social media, certain religious perspectives, propaganda and increasing anger and frustration among the general public,ED overcrowding, staff shortages etc. We aim to conduct a qualitative exploratory study among the ED frontline care providers at the two major EDs of Karachi city. The purpose of this study is to determine the perceptions, challenges and experiences regarding WPV faced by ED healthcare providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods and analysis

For this research study, a qualitative exploratory research design will be employed using in-depth interviews and a purposive sampling approach. Data will be collected using in-depth interviews from study participants working at the EDs of Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) and the Aga Khan University Hospital(AKUH) Karachi, Pakistan. Thestudy data will be analysed thematically using NVivo V.12 Plus software.

Ethics and dissemination

The ethical approval for this study was obtained from the Aga Khan University Ethical Review Committee and from Jinnah postgraduate Medical Center (JPMC). The results of the study will be disseminated to the scientific community and to the research subjects participating in the study.

The findings of this study will help to explore the perceptions of ED healthcare providers regarding WPV during the COVID-19 pandemic and provide a better understanding of study participant's’ challenges concerning WPV during the COVID-19 pandemic.