bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estimating the economic cost of nurse sensitive adverse events amongst patients in medical and surgical settings
Authors: Murphy Aileen , Griffiths Peter , Duffield Christine , Brady Noeleen M. , Scott Anne Philomena , Ball Jane , Drennan Jonathan
Published: May 2021

Aims

To identify the costs associated with nurse sensitive adverse events and the impact of these events on patients’ length of stay.

Design

Retrospective cohort study using administrative hospital data.

Methods

Data were sourced from patient discharge information (N = 5544) from six acute wards within three hospitals (July 2016–October 2017). A retrospective patient record review was undertaken by extracting data from the hospitals’ administrative systems on inpatient discharges, length of stay and diagnoses; eleven adverse events sensitive to nurse staffing were identified within the administrative system. A negative binomial regression is employed to assess the impact of nurse sensitive adverse events on length of stay.

Results

Sixteen per cent of the sample (n = 897) had at least one nurse sensitive adverse event during their episode of care. The model revealed when age, gender, admission type and complexity are controlled for, each additional nurse sensitive adverse event experienced by a patient was associated with an increase in the length of stay beyond the national average by 0.48 days (p = .001). Applying this to the daily average cost of inpatient stay per patient (€1456), we estimate the average cost associated with each nurse sensitive adverse event to be €694. Extrapolating this nationally, the economic cost of nurse sensitive adverse events to the health service in Ireland is estimated to be €91.3 million annually.

Conclusion

These potentially avoidable events are associated with a significant economic burden to health systems. The estimates provided here can be used to inform and prepare the way for future economic evaluations of nurse staffing initiatives that aim to improve care and safety.

Impact

As many of these nurse sensitive adverse events are avoidable, in addition to patient benefits, there is a potential substantial financial return on investment from strategies such as improved nurse staffing that can reduce their occurrence.
Radiosensitizing effects of curcumin alone or combined with GLUT1 siRNA on laryngeal carcinoma cells through AMPK pathway‐induced autophagy
Authors: Dai Li‐Bo , Zhong Jiang‐Tao , Shen Li‐Fang , Zhou Shui‐Hong , Lu Zhong‐Jie , Bao Yang‐Yang , Fan Jun
Published: May 2021

In this study, we investigated the ability of curcumin alone or in combination with GLUT1 siRNA to radiosensitize laryngeal carcinoma (LC) through the induction of autophagy. Protein levels in tumour tissues and LC cells were measured by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. In vitro, cell proliferation, colony formation assays, cell death and autophagy were detected. A nude mouse xenograft model was established through the injection of Tu212 cells. We found that GLUT1 was highly expressed and negatively associated with autophagy‐related proteins in LC and that curcumin suppressed radiation‐mediated GLUT1 overexpression in Tu212 cells. Treatment with curcumin, GLUT1 siRNA, or the combination of the two promoted autophagy. Inhibition of autophagy using 6‐amino‐3‐methypourine (3‐MA) promoted apoptosis after irradiation or treatment of cells with curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA. 3‐MA inhibited curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA‐mediated non‐apoptotic programmed cell death. The combination of curcumin, GLUT1 siRNA and 3‐MA provided the strongest sensitization in vivo. We also found that autophagy induction after curcumin or GLUT1 siRNA treatment implicated in the AMP‐activated protein kinase‐mTOR‐serine/threonine‐protein kinase‐Beclin1 signalling pathway. Irradiation primarily caused apoptosis, and when combined with curcumin and GLUT1 siRNA treatment, the increased radiosensitivity of LC occurred through the concurrent induction of apoptosis and autophagy.
Niche divergence contributes to geographical parthenogenesis in two dandelion taxa
Authors: Meirmans Patrick G.
Published: May 2021

Many sexual‐asexual complexes show a distinct pattern where the asexuals have larger and more northerly ranges than closely related sexuals. A prime candidate to explain this so‐called “geographical parthenogenesis” is ecological niche divergence between the sexuals and asexuals. Modern niche modelling techniques allow testing niche divergence by directly comparing the niches of sexuals and asexuals. In this study, I use such techniques to perform range‐wide tests of whether nine bioclimatic variables, including annual mean temperature and annual precipitation, contribute to geographical parthenogenesis in two dandelion taxa: Taraxacum section Ruderalia and Taraxacum section Erythrosperma, which are both comprised of sexual diploids and asexual triploids. For both sections, I found evidence of niche divergence, though the exact nature of this divergence was different for the two sections. In section Ruderalia, the sexuals preferred warmer and wetter conditions, whereas in section Erythrosperma, the sexuals preferred dryer conditions. Using Species Distribution Modelling, consistent differences between the sexuals and asexuals were found when looking at the niche determinants: the variables that are most important for modelling the distribution. Furthermore, and in contrast with theoretical expectations that predict that the sexuals should have a wider niche, in section Erythrosperma the asexuals were found to have a wider niche than the sexuals. In conclusion, differences in niche optima, niche determinants, and niche width all contribute to the pattern of geographical parthenogenesis of these two dandelion taxa. However, the results also indicate that the exact causation of geographical parthenogenesis is not uniform across taxa.
A grounded theory of clinical nurses’ process of coping during COVID‐19
Authors: Nowell Lorelli , Dhingra Swati , Andrews Kimberley , Jackson Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Aims and Objectives

To explore clinical nurses’ process of coping during COVID‐19 and develop a grounded theory that can be used by leaders to support clinical nurses during a disaster.

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic has provoked widespread disruption to clinical nurses’ work. It is important to understand clinical nurses’ processes of coping during disasters to support the nursing workforce during events such as global pandemics.

Design

We employed the Corbin and Strauss variant of grounded theory methodology, informed by symbolic interactionism, and applied the EQUATOR guidelines for qualitative research publication (COREQ).

Methods

Data collection entailed semi‐structured interviews with experienced clinical nurses (n =20) across diverse settings. We analysed data by identifying key points in the nurses’ coping processes inductively building concepts around these points.

Results

The predictor of nurses’ outcomes in this grounded theory was their confidence in their ability to cope during the pandemic. When nurses lacked confidence, they experienced working in the context of acute COVID—a state of chaos and anxiety, with negative consequences for nurses. However, when nurses were confident in their abilities to cope with the pandemic, they experienced working in the context of chronic COVID, a calmer state of acceptance. There were many workplace factors that influenced nurses’ confidence, including adequacy of personal protective equipment, clear information and guidance, supportive leadership, teamwork and adequate staffing.

Conclusions

Understanding clinical nurses’ experience of coping during COVID‐19 is essential to maintain the nursing workforce during similar disasters.

Relevance to clinical practice

Nurse leaders can target areas that support nurses’ confidence, such as adequate PPE and staffing. In turn, increased confidence enables clinical nurses to cope during disasters such as a global pandemic.
Enhanced anti‐angiogenic activity of novel melatonin‐like agents
Authors: Hwang Su Jung , Jung Yeonghun , Song Ye‐Seul , Park Suryeon , Park Yohan , Lee Hyo‐Jong
Published: May 2021

Hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1 (HIF‐1) plays an important role in cellular responses to hypoxia, including the transcriptional activation of several genes involved in tumor angiogenesis. Melatonin, also known as N‐acetyl‐5‐methopxytryptamine, is produced naturally by the pineal gland and has anti‐angiogenic effects in cancer through its ability to modulate HIF‐1α activity. However, the use of melatonin as a therapeutic is limited by its low oral bioavailability and short half‐life. Here, we synthesized melatonin‐like molecules with enhanced HIF‐1α targeting activity and less toxicity and investigated their effects on tumor growth and angiogenesis, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms. Among melatonin derivatives, N‐butyryl‐5‐methoxytryptamine (NB‐5‐MT) showed the most potent HIF‐1α targeting activity. This molecule was able to (a) reduce the expression of HIF‐1α at the protein level, (b) reduce the transcription of HIF‐1α target genes, (c) reduce reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, (d) decrease angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, and (e) suppress tumor size and metastasis. In addition, NB‐5‐MT showed improved anti‐angiogenic activity compared with melatonin due to its enhanced cellular uptake. NB‐5‐MT is thus a promising lead for the future development of anticancer compounds with HIF‐1α targeting activity. Given that HIF‐1α is overexpressed in the majority of human cancers, the melatonin derivative NB‐5‐MT could represent a novel potent therapeutic agent for cancer.
Upregulation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 in dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathies
Authors: Manz Anita , Allenspach Karin , Kummer Stefan , Richter Barbara , Walter Ingrid , Macho‐Maschler Sabine , Tichy Alexander , Burgener Iwan A , Luckschander‐Zeller Nicole
Published: May 2021

Background

In inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) in humans, phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (pSTAT3) is upregulated in mucosal epithelial cells and correlates with clinical severity.

Hypothesis/Objective

To investigate the expression pattern of pSTAT3 in the mucosa of dogs with chronic inflammatory enteropathy (CIE) and explore correlations between its expression and clinical and histopathological severity scoring.

Animals

Twenty‐eight canine CIE patients grouped into food‐responsive enteropathy (FRE;  9), steroid‐responsive enteropathy (SRE;  10), and protein‐losing enteropathy (PLE;  9). Ten healthy beagle dogs served as controls (CO).

Methods

Retrospective case control study. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect pSTAT3 in canine duodenal mucosa samples.

Results

Compared to CO, SRE (P < .001) and PLE (P < .001) dogs had significantly higher pSTAT3 expression in the villus epithelium. The SRE group had a significantly higher expression in the villus lamina propria (VLP) compared to controls (P = .009). In the crypt epithelium (CE), all CIE dogs had significantly higher pSTAT3 expression (FRE, P = .002; SRE, P = .003; PLE, P < .001) compared to CO. In the lamina propria crypt region (CLP), dogs with FRE (P = .04) and SRE (P = .03) had significantly upregulated pSTAT3 compared to controls. A positive correlation was found between canine chronic enteropathy clinical activity index (CCECAI) scoring and pSTAT3 expression for both epithelial (rho = .541; P < .001) and crypt regions (rho = .32; P = .02).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

pSTAT3 is upregulated in CIE in dogs, correlates with clinical severity, and may be helpful as a clinical marker in dogs with CIE.
Efficacy of a low‐dose praziquantel and fenbendazole protocol in the treatment of asymptomatic schistosomiasis in dogs
Authors: Cridge Harry , Lupiano Henrique , Nipper Julia D. , Mackin Andrew J. , Steiner Jörg M.
Published: May 2021

Background

Established treatment protocols for schistosomiasis (Heterobilharzia americana) in dogs are expensive. Anecdotal reports suggest that lower doses of praziquantel, combined with fenbendazole, may eliminate asymptomatic infections.

Objectives

Evaluate the efficacy of a low‐dose praziquantel and fenbendazole protocol to manage asymptomatic schistosomiasis in dogs and compare fecal saline sedimentation (FSS) and fecal PCR (FPCR) for therapeutic monitoring.

Animals

Twelve asymptomatic dogs with positive FPCR and FSS results for schistosomiasis.

Methods

Prospective observational study. On day 0, dogs received praziquantel at a median dose of 5 mg/kg PO q8h for 2 days, with fenbendazole at 24 mg/kg PO q24h for 7 days. Fecal PCR and FSS were repeated in all dogs on days 30, 60, and 90.

Results

By day 30, 10 of 12 dogs were negative by FSS, but only 3 of 12 were negative by FPCR. By day 60, all 12 dogs were negative by FSS, and 8 of 12 had become negative by FPCR. By day 90, all 12 dogs remained negative by FSS, but 5 of 12 were positive by FPCR (including 2 that were negative by FPCR on day 60). Three dogs that were positive by FPCR on day 60 were re‐treated and subsequently became both FPCR and FSS negative. One FPCR‐positive dog developed a mild increase in serum ALP activity, another developed mild hypercalcemia, and a third developed diarrhea.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

A low‐dose praziquantel/fenbendazole protocol may be effective for asymptomatic schistosomiasis in some dogs, but monitoring to ensure treatment success is recommended. Fecal saline sedimentation and FPCR may demonstrate discrepant results, with FPCR being positive more frequently.
An elementary approach to the Merton problem
Authors: Herdegen Martin , Hobson David , Jerome Joseph
Published: May 2021

In this article we consider the infinite‐horizon Merton investment‐consumption problem in a constant‐parameter Black–Scholes–Merton market for an agent with constant relative risk aversion R. The classical primal approach is to write down a candidate value function and to use a verification argument to prove that this is the solution to the problem. However, features of the problem take it outside the standard settings of stochastic control, and the existing primal verification proofs rely on parameter restrictions (especially, but not only, ), restrictions on the space of admissible strategies, or intricate approximation arguments. The purpose of this paper is to show that these complications can be overcome using a simple and elegant argument involving a stochastic perturbation of the utility function.
Wild ungulate responses to anthropogenic land use: a comparative Pantropical analysis
Authors: Costa Hugo C. M. , Benchimol Maíra , Peres Carlos A.
Published: May 2021

Escalating human development has severely threatened natural ecosystems, especially in the Tropics, resulting in the wholesale replacement and fragmentation of native habitats and their biotas. As a result, wild vertebrates have often become isolated in natural vegetation patches surrounded by different anthropogenic land cover (ALC) types of variable habitat quality. In many regions, ALC is the dominant form of human‐modified habitat available, but its importance to wildlife remains poorly understood.

We present the first Pantropical comparative analysis of the responses of all wild hoofed mammal populations (terrestrial ungulates: Perissodactyla, Artiodactyla, and Proboscidea) to six major ALC types (exotic pastures, annual croplands, abandoned croplands, perennial croplands, tree plantations, and agroforestry).

Specifically, we evaluate whether life‐history trait, threat status, and structural landscape contrast can explain ungulate habitat use in these ALC types. We also investigate which land uses are most likely to contribute to the persistence of Tropical cervids, bovids, tapirs, suids, and tayassuids.

We show that habitat breadth and body mass are key positive and negative life‐history predictors of wild ungulate responses to ALC, respectively. Additionally, our results indicate that perennial and annual croplands are the most detrimental to wild ungulates, whereas agroforestry exerts a relatively benign effect. ALC is more detrimental to Neotropical ungulates than to their ecological analogues in the Palaeotropics.

We emphasise the pervasive effects of large‐scale mechanised cropland, and the often positive role of agroforestry systems as supplementary habitats in sustaining wild ungulate assemblages. Large tracts of natural habitat under varying degrees of connectivity can enhance the persistence of viable Tropical ungulate populations.
Unmasking the demand for masks: Analytics of mandating coronavirus masks
Authors: Goel Rajeev K. , Haruna Shoji
Published: May 2021

This paper analytically examines the demand for surgical masks following the recent health precautions due to coronavirus. Using a simple linear demand curve and alternatively examining the impacts of requirements that mandate (a) the wearing of masks by frontline workers; (b) suggested but not required masking by the whole public; and (c) compulsory masking by the whole public. The impacts of the different scenarios on the price elasticity of demand are determined along with the slope (or the rate of change) of elasticity. Some of these results differ when a non‐linear demand curve is considered instead. The equilibrium mask prices increase when masks are universally mandated, whereas the consumer surplus is higher when masks are recommended but not mandated. However, the ranking of consumer surplus is shown to be sensitive to the supply elasticity of masks. These considerations enable a structured means to view the demand implications of masking requirements and provide some food for policy thought.
A robust prediction model for displacement of concrete dams subjected to irregular water‐level fluctuations
Authors: Ren Qiubing , Li Mingchao , Li Heng , Song Lingguang , Si Wen , Liu Han
Published: May 2021

Monitoring and predicting the displacement of concrete dams is one of the most crucial considerations for ensuring their long‐term safe operation. Most existing models are designed for dams subjected to common structural and environmental conditions, with little attention paid to atypical operational conditions, such as structural strengthening or sudden changes in the external environment. The motivation for this work is to develop a reliable prediction model for displacement behavior of concrete dams subjected to irregular upstream water‐level fluctuations. In our study, a reconstruction method for unevenly sampled time series is presented to analyze such data. Then, an improved model, factor weighted support vector regression (FWSVR), which differentiates various factors and their effects through a weighting matrix, is theoretically derived. The weights are determined by the RReliefF algorithm, and together with FWSVR form the final RReliefF‐based FWSVR (RFWSVR) model. In particular, the hyperparameters involved in the above modeling strategy are optimized by the Grey Wolf Optimizer. Eventually, the prediction robustness of the developed model was verified on the data from four representative monitoring points of a real‐world dam, where its accuracy was compared to classical dam behavior modeling methods, FWSVR models using other weighting methods, and an ensemble learning algorithm. Comparative evaluation of the performance of the different methods was conducted with the help of recognized statistical indices. The evaluation results show that the overall performance of the proposed RFWSVR model is optimal for the displacement prediction at the selected points when the dam case is subjected to irregular water‐level changes. This novel modeling approach may be generalized for modeling the evolution behavior of other civil or hydraulic structures.
Effects of Judet Quadricepsplasty in the Treatment of Post‐traumatic Extension Contracture of the Knee
Authors: Luo Yong , Li Hongxing , Mei Lin , Mao Xinzhan
Published: May 2021

Objective

To investigate the clinical outcomes and the affecting factors of Judet's quadricepsplasty on the stiffness of post‐traumatic knee flexion.

Methods

A retrospective survey was analyzed from June 2015 to October 2018. A total of 15 patients (eight males, seven females; mean age, 48.27 years) with extension contracture of the knee were treated by Judet's quadricepsplasty. All cases were injuries induced by fracture trauma. The mean interval between the initial procedure and quadricepsplasty was 56.2 months (range, 13–276 months). The knee range of motion (ROM) was assessed with a goniometer. The results of the procedure were analyzed by measuring the degrees of flexion of the operated knees at different time points (before, immediately after, and late postoperatively). We evaluated Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, Judet's criteria, change in the degree of knee flexion, and complications.

Results

All patients were followed up for 14 to 47 months, with an average of 31.53 months. The degree of flexion increased from 23.33° (range, 10°–50°) preoperatively to 107.33° (range, 100°–125°) intraoperatively, followed by a slight fall in the range of flexion in the late postoperative period, which reached an average of 95.33° (range, 60°–115°) in the last follow‐up. The knee joint function was assessed according to the Judet's criteria, eight cases (53.33%) achieved excellent results, six (40%) good, one (6.67%) fair, and zero (0.00%) poor results at final follow‐up. The long‐term excellent and good rate was 93.33%. The range of flexion of the knee during operation and at the last time of follow‐up was better than that before surgery (P < 0.001). The final flexion was significantly lower than that measured at immediate postoperative (P < 0.001). The mean postoperative HSS score for the entire group was 93.73 (range, 89–96). Fifteen excellent results were obtained according to the HSS knee score. Skin infection was seen in one patient (6.67%). There were no complications such as deep sepsis, intraoperative rupture of the quadriceps tendon, fracture of the lateral femoral condyle, skin dehiscence.

Conclusion

Judet quadricepsplasty is an effective method to treat knee extension contracture and improve knee range of motion (ROM). It should be performed by an experienced orthopaedic surgeon and followed by physiotherapy with continuous passive motion (CPM). The knee ROM obtained with the surgery has an excellent long‐term effect.
Role of ingestible carotenoids in skin protection: A review of clinical evidence
Authors: Baswan Sudhir M. , Klosner Allison E. , Weir Cathy , Salter‐Venzon Dawna , Gellenbeck Kevin W. , Leverett Jesse , Krutmann Jean
Published: May 2021

Carotenoids, a class of phytonutrients, have been well established to boost skin's innate resistance against ultraviolet (UV) B‐induced erythema (sunburn). Many of the published clinical studies thus far have focused on the measurement of erythema as the primary clinical indicator of skin protection against UVB radiation. More recent studies have shown that carotenoid supplementation provides even more skin protection than previously shown as new clinical and molecular endpoints beyond UVB‐induced erythema have been reported. These recent studies have demonstrated that carotenoids also provide photoprotection against UVA‐induced pigmentation and inhibit molecular markers of oxidative stress such as intercellular adhesion molecule 1, heme oxygenase‐1, and matrix metalloproteinases 1 and 9. This article provides a comprehensive review of the published clinical evidence on skin benefits of carotenoids in the last five decades and indicates new perspectives on the role of ingestible carotenoids in skin protection.
Risk factors for very preterm delivery out of a level III maternity unit: The EPIPAGE‐2 cohort study
Authors: Desplanches Thomas , Morgan Andrei S. , Jones Peter , Diguisto Caroline , Zeitlin Jennifer , Martin‐Marchand Laetitia , Benhammou Valérie , Lecomte Bénédicte , Rozé Jean‐Christophe , Truffert Patrick , Ancel Pierre‐Yves , Sagot Paul , Roussot Adrien , Fresson Jeanne , Blondel Béatrice
Published: May 2021

Background

Regionalisation programmes aim to ensure that very preterm infants are born in level III units (inborn) through antenatal referral or transfer. Despite widespread knowledge about better survival without disability for inborn babies, 10%‐30% of women deliver outside these units (outborn).

Objective

To investigate risk factors associated with outborn deliveries and to estimate the proportion that were probably or possibly avoidable.

Methods

We used a national French population‐based cohort including 2205 women who delivered between 24 and 30+6 weeks in 2011. We examined risk factors for outborn delivery related to medical complications, antenatal care, sociodemographic characteristics and living far from a level III unit using multivariable binomial regression. Avoidable outborn deliveries were defined by pregnancy risk (obstetric history, antenatal hospitalisation) and time available for transfer.

Results

25.0% of women were initially booked in level III, 9.1% were referred, 49.8% were transferred, and 16.1% had outborn delivery. Risk factors for outborn delivery were gestational age <26 weeks (adjusted relative risk (aRR) 1.37, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13, 1.66), inadequate antenatal care (aRR 1.39, 95% CI 1.10, 1.81), placental abruption (aRR 1.66, 95% CI 1.27, 2.17), and increased distance to the closest level III unit ((aRR 2.79, 95% CI 2.00, 3.92) in the 4th versus 1st distance quartile). Among outborn deliveries, 16.7% were probably avoidable, and 25.6% possibly avoidable, which could increase the proportion of inborn deliveries between 85.9% and 92.9%. Avoidable outborn deliveries were mainly associated with gestational age, intrauterine growth restriction, preterm premature rupture of membranes, and haemorrhage, but not distance.

Conclusions

Our study identified some modifiable risk factors for outborn delivery; however, when regionalised care relies heavily on antenatal transfer, as it does in France, only some outborn deliveries may be prevented. Earlier referral of high‐risk women will be needed to achieve full access to tertiary care.
Racial inequity in preterm delivery among college‐educated women: The role of racism
Authors: Brase Piper , MacCallum‐Bridges Colleen , Margerison Claire E.
Published: May 2021

Background

Non‐Hispanic Black (NHB) women face a 50% increased risk of delivering preterm compared to non‐Hispanic White (NHW) women in the United States. Sociodemographic and pregnancy risk factors do not fully explain this inequity. This inequity exists even among women with a college education, although recent empirical analysis on racial inequities in preterm delivery (PTD) among college‐educated women is lacking. Furthermore, the contribution of preconception risk factors to the racial inequity in PTD has not been examined.

Objectives

To determine whether: (i) there is a NHB‐NHW inequity in PTD among college‐educated women; (ii) the prevalence of known, measured sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception PTD risk factors differs between NHB and NHW college‐educated women; (iii) equalising the distribution of risk factors between college‐educated NHB and NHW women reduces or eliminates the racial inequity in PTD.

Methods

We analysed US natality data from 2015 to 2016 among women with a college degree or higher (n = 2 326 512). We calculated frequencies of sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception risk factors among all women and separately by race/ethnicity. We used modified Poisson regression models to estimate the association between race/ethnicity and PTD controlling for known, measured sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception factors.

Results

The largest percentage point differences in risk factors between NHW and NHB women were observed for marital status, trimester of care initiation, body mass index, and birth interval. Among college‐educated women, the unadjusted risk of PTD for NHB women was 1.77 (95% CI 1.74, 1.79) times the risk for NHW women. After controlling for sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception factors, this attenuated to RR 1.47 (95% CI 1.45, 1.49).

Conclusions

A racial inequity in PTD persists among college‐educated women. Racism contributes to the NHB‐NHW inequity in PTD, in part, through its influence on known sociodemographic, pregnancy, and preconception risk factors for PTD and, in part, through unmeasured pathways.
Effect of comorbid pulmonary disease on the severity of COVID‐19: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Gülsen Askin , König Inke R. , Jappe Uta , Drömann Daniel
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) caused by infection with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 was first detected in Wuhan, China, in late 2019 and continues to spread worldwide. Persistent questions remain about the relationship between the severity of COVID‐19 and comorbid diseases, as well as other chronic pulmonary conditions. In this systematic review and meta‐analysis, we aimed to examine in detail whether the underlying chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases (COPD), asthma and chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs) were associated with an increased risk of more severe COVID‐19. A comprehensive literature search was performed using five international search engines. In the initial search, 722 articles were identified. After eliminating duplicate records and further consideration of eligibility criteria, 53 studies with 658,073 patients were included in the final analysis. COPD was present in 5.2% (2191/42,373) of patients with severe COVID‐19 and in 1.4% (4203/306,151) of patients with non‐severe COVID‐19 (random‐effects model; OR = 2.58, 95% CI = 1.99–3.34, Z = 7.15, p < 0.001). CRD was present in 8.6% (3780/44,041) of patients with severe COVID‐19 and in 5.7% (16,057/280,447) of patients with non‐severe COVID‐19 (random‐effects model; OR = 2.14, 95% CI = 1.74–2.64, Z = 7.1, p < 0.001). Asthma was present in 2.3% (1873/81,319) of patients with severe COVID‐19 and in 2.2% (11,796/538,737) of patients with non‐severe COVID‐19 (random‐effects model; OR = 1.13, 95% CI = 0.79–1.60, Z = 0.66, p = 0.50). In conclusion, comorbid COPD and CRD were clearly associated with a higher severity of COVID‐19; however, no association between asthma and severe COVID‐19 was identified.
The role of the media in the amplification of a contested health risk: Rubber granulate on sport fields
Authors: de Vries Marion , Claassen Liesbeth , te Wierik Margreet , Das Enny , Mennen Marcel , Timen Aura , Timmermans Danielle
Published: May 2021

This study aims to increase insights into the potential role of the media in the amplification and attenuation of modern risks in society, by studying the dynamics and contents of the newspaper coverage about the potential health risk posed by rubber granulate in the Netherlands. We thematically analysed 153 national newspaper articles about the risks posed by rubber granulate between September 2016 and February 2017. Our results suggest that newspaper coverage might have contributed to heightened public risk perceptions by presenting the negligible health risk as uncertain, focusing on controversy between authorities and experts, describing responses such as concerns, commotion, and adopted risk mitigation measures by members of the public, and by providing insufficient contextualization on whether hazardous substances in rubber granulate pose a threat to health. The risks posed by rubber granulate is one of the many modern risks that has become subject to heated and mediated public discussions. Our results provide in‐depth insights into important content elements in media coverage during such discussions and the impact of these elements on public perceptions. Public health institutes and other authorities might be able to mitigate the amplification of risks through media coverage by means of appropriate preparedness and response.
Ex ante Inequality of Opportunity in Health among the Elderly in China: A Distributional Decomposition Analysis of Biomarkers
Authors: Ding Lanlin , Jones Andrew M. , Nie Peng
Published: May 2021

Using pooled data from the 2011 and 2015 waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) linked with the 2014 CHARLS Life History Survey, we analyse ex ante inequality of opportunity (IOp) in blood‐based biomarkers among Chinese adults aged 60+. We apply a re‐centered influence function approach and a Shapley‐Shorrocks decomposition to partition the contributions of different sets of measured circumstances and find that these account for between 2.01 percent and 23.95 percent of total health inequality across the range of biomarkers. The decompositions show that spatial circumstances such as urban/rural and province of residence at birth are the dominant factors for most of the biomarkers. Distributional decompositions further reveal that the relative contributions of household socioeconomic status and health and nutrition in childhood increase in the right tails of the distribution, where the clinical risk is focused, for most of the biomarkers.
Blueprints for rural economy: Philip Lowe's work in rural and environmental social science
Authors: Ward Neil , Phillipson Jeremy
Published: May 2021

Philip Lowe died in February 2020, and so an academic career spanning five decades in environmental and rural social science and the sociology of knowledge came to an end. A pioneer of the social science of environmentalism, since the early 1990s, Philip Lowe had been closely associated with the Centre for Rural Economy at Newcastle University in the UK and had been the intellectual force behind establishing rural economy as both a subject and mode of social science analysis. This article reflects on a career and the evolving concept of ‘rural economy’ as an economic form, a policy realm and a knowledge practice. Through this history, it presents an account of the contribution of Philip Lowe's research and writing that, as a result of his death, now stands as a bounded and complete body of work for the benefit of future generations of scholars.
Inoculation theory in the post‐truth era: Extant findings and new frontiers for contested science, misinformation, and conspiracy theories
Authors: Compton Josh , van der Linden Sander , Cook John , Basol Melisa
Published: May 2021

Although there has been unprecedented attention to inoculation theory in recent years, the potential of this research has yet to be reached. Inoculation theory explains how immunity to counter‐attitudinal messages is conferred by preemptively exposing people to weakened doses of challenging information. The theory has been applied in a number of contexts (e.g., politics, health) in its 50+ year history. Importantly, one of the newest contexts for inoculation theory is work in the area of contested science, misinformation, and conspiracy theories. Recent research has revealed that when a desirable position on a scientific issue (e.g., climate change) exists, conventional preemptive (prophylactic) inoculation can help to protect it from misinformation, and that even when people have undesirable positions, “therapeutic” inoculation messages can have positive effects. We call for further research to explain and predict the efficacy of inoculation theory in this new context to help inform better public understandings of issues such as climate change, genetically modified organisms, vaccine hesitancy, and other contested science beliefs such as conspiracy theories about COVID‐19.
Autograft cellular composition and outcome in myeloma patients: Results of the prospective multicenter GOA study
Authors: Turunen Antti , Silvennoinen Raija , Partanen Anu , Valtola Jaakko , Siitonen Timo , Putkonen Mervi , Sankelo Marja , Pyörälä Marja , Kuittinen Taru , Penttilä Karri , Sikiö Anu , Savolainen Eeva‐Riitta , Mäntymaa Pentti , Pelkonen Jukka , Varmavuo Ville , Jantunen Esa
Published: May 2021

Background

Autologous stem cell transplantation (auto‐SCT) is a widely used treatment option in multiple myeloma (MM) patients. The optimal graft cellular composition is not known.

Study design and methods

Autograft cellular composition was analyzed after freezing by flow cytometry in 127 MM patients participating in a prospective multicenter study. The impact of graft cellular composition on hematologic recovery and outcome after auto‐SCT was evaluated.

Results

A higher graft CD34+ cell content predicted faster platelet recovery after auto‐SCT in both the short and long term. In patients with standard‐risk cytogenetics, a higher graft CD34+ count (>2.5 × 106/kg) was linked with shorter progression‐free survival (PFS; 28 vs. 46 months, p = 0.04), but there was no difference in overall survival (OS) (p = 0.53). In a multivariate model, a higher graft CD34+CD133+CD38− (>0.065 × 106/kg, p = 0.009) and NK cell count (>2.5 × 106/kg, p = 0.026), lenalidomide maintenance and standard‐risk cytogenetics predicted better PFS. In contrast, a higher CD34+ count (>2.5 × 106/kg, p = 0.015) predicted worse PFS. A very low CD3+ cell count (≤20 × 106/kg, p = 0.001) in the infused graft and high‐risk cytogenetics remained predictive of worse OS.

Conclusions

Autograft cellular composition may impact outcome in MM patients after auto‐SCT. More studies are needed to define optimal graft composition.
Radiation exposure associated with percutaneous fluoroscopically guided lag screw fixation for sacroiliac luxation in dogs
Authors: Naiman Jaron H. , Zellner Eric M. , Petrovsky Brian L. , Riegel Thomas O. , Schmitt Elizabeth M. , Yuan Lingnan , Mochel Jonathan P. , Kraus Karl H.
Published: May 2021

Objective

To determine radiation exposure to surgical personnel and to evaluate the accuracy of a modified percutaneous lag screw fixation technique for sacroiliac luxation (SIL) under fluoroscopic guidance in dogs.

Study design

Cadaveric experimental study.

Sample population

Seventeen beagle cadavers with iatrogenic SIL.

Methods

Seventeen beagles with iatrogenic SIL underwent reduction and stabilization with 3.5‐mm screws. Hypodermic needles (14 gauge) and fluoroscopy were used to orient two Kirschner wires for temporary stabilization and to guide drilling of glide and pilot holes using cannulated drill bits. Duration of surgery and radiation exposure were recorded. Postoperative computed tomographic evaluation of screw position and angulation was performed.

Results

Average time for fixation was 15.85 minutes (range, 6.37–33.5). Cumulative radiation doses of 0.4 mrem for the dominant arm of the assistant and 0 mrem for the primary surgeon were recorded. The mean dorsoventral and craniocaudal screw angles were 0.68° ± 3.4° (range − 5.4° to 9.5°) and 1.9° ± 3.2° (range − 4.3° to 9.1°), respectively. Sixteen of the 17 dogs had 100% sacral screw purchase, with the remaining case achieving 93.4% purchase.

Conclusion

Fluoroscopy‐assisted percutaneous placement of 3.5‐mm cortical screws in lag fashion performed with 14‐gauge needles in conjunction with Kirschner wires and cannulated drill bits yielded repeatable accurate screw placement with low levels of ionizing radiation exposure to the surgical team.

Clinical significance

The described technique may be a viable method for minimally invasive osteosynthesis fixation of SIL with low levels of radiation exposure to the surgical team. These results provide evidence to support further evaluation of radiation exposure in clinical cases and can aid in study design and sample size determination.
Dry weight minimum in the underground storage and proliferation organs of six creeping perennial weeds
Authors: Ringselle Björn , Oliver Benedikte W. , Berge Therese W. , Sundheim Fløistad Inger , Berge Liv , Brandsæter Lars Olav
Published: May 2021

Many herbaceous perennial plant species gain significant competitive advantages from their underground creeping storage and proliferation organs (CR), making them more likely to become successful weeds or invasive plants. To develop efficient control methods against such invasive or weedy creeping perennial plants, it is necessary to identify when the dry weight minimum of their CR (CR DWmin) occurs. Moreover, it is of interest to determine how the timing of CR DWmin differs in species with different light requirements at different light levels. The CR DWmin of Aegopodium podagraria, Elymus repens and Sonchus arvensis were studied in climate chambers under two light levels (100 and 250 μmol m−2 s−1), and Reynoutria japonica, R. sachaliensis and R. × bohemica under one light level (250 μmol m−2 s−1). Under 250 μmol m−2 s−1, the CR DWmin occurred before one fully developed leaf in R. sachaliensis, around 1–2 leaves in A. podagraria and E. repens and around four leaves in S. arvensis, R. japonica and R. × bohemica. In addition to reducing growth in all species, less light resulted in a higher shoot mass fraction in E. repens and S. arvensis, but not A. podagraria; and it delayed the CR DWmin in E. repens, but not S. arvensis. Only 65% of planted A. podagragra rhizomes produced shoots. Beyond the CR DWmin, Reynoutria spp. reinvested in their old CR, while the other species primarily produced new CR. We conclude that A. podagraria, R. sachaliensis and E. repens are vulnerable to control efforts at an earlier developmental stage than S. arvensis, R. japonica and R. × bohemica.
Epidemiologic case investigation on the zoonotic transmission of Staphylococcusaureus infection from goat to veterinarians
Authors: Piva Silvia , Mariella Jole , Cricca Monica , Giacometti Federica , Brunetti Barbara , Mondo Elisabetta , De Castelli Lucia , Romano Angelo , Ferrero Irene , Ambretti Simone , Roccaro Mariana , Merialdi Giuseppe , Scagliarini Alessandra , Serraino Andrea , Peli Angelo
Published: May 2021

Staphylococcus aureus infection led to a case of goat abortion, and four veterinarians contracted S. aureus infection from the goat during and after the abortion. Three veterinarians assisted a doe during the dystocic delivery of a dead foetus. Seventy‐two hours after the dystocia, which ended with the goat's death, the veterinarians who assisted during the kidding and the veterinarian who performed the necropsy showed the presence of multiple, isolated, painful pustules 1–5 mm in diameter located along their forearms and knees. S. aureus was isolated from the pustules of the veterinarians, the placenta and uterus of the goat, the organs (brain, thymus gland, abomasum, liver and spleen) of the foetus, the scrotum and eye swabs of the buck, and mammary pustules of another goat from the same herd. Histological analysis revealed purulent metritis and inflammation of the placental cotyledons. Additional investigations eliminated the chances of other infections. S. aureus isolates recovered from the veterinarians, goats, foetus and buck were sensitive to the tested anti‐microbials and did not encode staphylococcal enterotoxin genes (sea, ser, sep, see, seg and sei). The isolates were closely related, as indicated by the results of Fourier‐transform infrared spectroscopy and comparative whole‐genome sequencing analysis. The results of this study clearly support the hypothesis that an episode of professional zoonosis was caused by S. aureus infection during the abortion and also highlight the need for bacterial subtyping in epidemiological surveys.
Homogenization of periodic 1-3 piezocomposite using wave propagation: Toward an experimental method
Authors: Balé Antoine , Rouffaud Rémi , Levassort Franck , Brenner Renald , Hladky-Hennion Anne-Christine
Published: May 2021

1-3 piezocomposites are first choice materials for integration in ultrasonic transducers due to their high electromechanical performance, particularly, in their thickness mode. The determination of a complete set of effective electroelastic parameters through a homogenization scheme is of primary importance for their consideration as homogeneous. This allows for the simplification of the transducer design using numerical methods. The method proposed is based on acoustic wave propagation through an infinite piezocomposite, which is considered to be homogeneous material. Christoffel tensor components for the 2 mm symmetry were expressed to deduce slowness curves in several planes. Simultaneously, slowness curves of a numerical phantom were obtained using a finite element method (FEM). Dispersive curves were initially calculated in the corresponding heterogeneous structure. The subsequent identification of the effective parameters was based on a fitting process between the two sets of slowness curves. Then, homogenized coefficients were compared with reference results from a numerical method based on a fast Fourier transform for heterogeneous periodic piezoelectric materials in the quasi-static regime. A relative error of less than 2% for a very large majority of effective coefficients was obtained. As the aim of this paper is to implement an experimental procedure based on the proposed homogenization scheme to determine the effective parameters of the material in operating conditions, it is shown that simplifications to the procedure can be performed and a careful selection of only seven slowness directions is sufficient to obtain the complete database for a piezocomposite containing square-shaped fibers. Finally, further considerations to adapt the present work to a 1-3 piezocomposite with a fixed thickness are also presented.
Recovering reverberation interference striations by a conditional generative adversarial network
Authors: Gao Bo , Pang Jie , Li Xiaolei , Song Wenhua , Gao Wei
Published: May 2021

In shallow water, the reverberation interference striations (RISs) are often polluted by serious random seafloor scattering, and it is the main limitation for the performance of active sonar. In this letter, a conditional generative adversarial network (CGAN) is used to recover the clear RISs from distorted ones. The experimental distorted RIS data induced by an explosive source are imported into the well-trained CGAN, and the precise interference striations are obtained. This means that the deterministic part of reverberation can be extracted exactly from the stochastic scattering field. The CGAN is robust when reverberation-to-noise ratios are higher than 2 dB.
Enhancing the Mental Performance of Head Coaches in Professional Sports: A Case Study of Collaboration With the Head Coach of a Professional Basketball Team
Authors: Maher Charles A.
Published: May 2021

This case reflects the approach used by a sport and performance psychologist with the head coach of a professional basketball team in the United States to enhance the mental performance of the coach. As part of his independent practice, the psychologist worked with the head coach in assisting that individual in developing and improving his mental performance. The approach was considered a collaboration between the head coach and the psychologist. Following an assessment of the coach’s mental and emotional needs, an individual mental performance development plan was formulated with the active involvement of the coach; the plan included several separate yet interrelated elements: (a) purpose and goals, (b) plan activities and their implementation, and (c) progress evaluation. In addition to a description of the collaborative approach, information is provided in this case about the implementation of the plan by the coach, as well as about the progress made toward his mental performance development goals. Furthermore, an evaluation of the approach is presented in terms of its practicality, utility, propriety, and technical relevance. Finally, practitioner reflections are offered along with suggestions for when such an approach may be useful for practitioners in working with coaches in professional sports and college settings.