bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The distribution of national urban hierarchies of connectivity within global city networks
Authors: Loginova Julia , Sigler Thomas , Searle Glen , O'Connor Kevin
Published: September 2021

This paper demonstrates how the national urban hierarchies can be understood through the lens of connectivity within globally scaled economic networks. We first examine the global city network structure using ak‐core decomposition method. Values ofk‐coreness are then used to understand the distribution of global connectivity within national urban systems. This is observed through a measure of statistical dispersion applied to a novel global dataset of 68,602 weighted headquarter‐subsidiary relations of 31,371 firms linking 4181 cities collected in 2019. Our results confirm the existence of a hierarchical core–periphery structure at a global scale, yet reveal varying degrees of hierarchy at a national scale. At a national scale, single‐core, double‐core or multi‐core network structures characterize the way in which national and global city networks intersect, indicating that there is a distinction between global cities as the core and urban‐systems‐as‐networks that connect nations to the global economy.
Critical Criminology and Race: Re‐examining the Whiteness of US Criminological Thought
Authors: LEÓN KENNETH SEBASTIÁN
Published: September 2021

Race and racism are defining features of criminal justice systems in the United States. Race is also a defining feature of criminological theory. There have been robust efforts to address racism within theories and institutional practices pertaining to crime, law, and institutions of formal social control, but whiteness remains at the core of criminological knowledge production. The current article provides empirical support for showing how whiteness conditions the academic discourses of criminology and criminal justice (CCJ) in the United States. CCJ research plays an important role in discussions of racial justice and public policy. By studying the racialised (that is, white) nature of the CCJ research industry, we can better understand where critical criminology ‘fits’ in the broader struggle for social, racial and epistemological justice.
Combining historical accounts with contemporary bird survey data identifies changes in an avian community over a period of anthropogenic change
Authors: Alderson Jonah , Sander Heather A.
Published: September 2021

Declines in bird abundance and diversity are well documented over regional‐to‐global extents. Identifying long‐term change in bird communities over smaller extents, particularly during periods of rapid anthropogenic change, is vital to understanding how such change affects species, though such local‐level declines are less well documented. Although datasets exist to support such analyses over large extents, their late twentieth and early twenty‐first century focus and broadly dispersed sampling locations limit their usefulness in local‐level analyses. Local‐level studies may therefore lack data at appropriate spatio‐temporal scales; however, descriptive, historical accounts could inform such analyses. We integrated historical accounts with contemporary data to identify local changes in songbird abundance. We focused on Johnson County, Iowa, USA, during a period of agricultural expansion and intensification and urbanization. We used Kruskal–Wallis and Dunn’s multiple‐comparison tests to identify changes in songbird functional‐group abundance using an early twentieth century account and contemporary field‐collected data, both classified to ordinal scales to facilitate analyses. Species richness increased overall, largely due to colonization by exotic species. The relative abundance of most groups remained similar (e.g. exotics, non‐migratory, urban‐tolerant, granivores) and species that use anthropogenic resources increased in abundance, but many groups decreased (e.g. grassland species and insectivores). These findings shed light on ways in which avian communities change over relatively small extents during periods of rapid anthropogenic land‐cover change. Additionally, by demonstrating a systematic approach for integrating qualitative historical accounts with contemporary abundance data, this work will facilitate additional studies that build understanding of long‐term, local‐level change in bird communities. Identifying local‐level changes in avian communities in urbanizing agricultural regions such as this one could additionally identify species likely to require conservation interventions to survive periods of intense land‐cover change.
Halitosis, what experiences and methods apply Dutch dental hygienists
Authors: Elsenberg Catharina P.M. , Sidiqi Sana , Buunk‐Werkhoven Yvonne A.B.
Published: September 2021

Objectives

The aim of this research is to gain more insight in the methods and experiences of dental hygienists in the Netherlands regarding the treatment of patients with halitosis.

Material and methods

A total of 92 dental hygienists completed the questionnaire (consisting of 19 questions on personal and professional characteristics, clinical observation and treatment of halitosis, the referral of patients with halitosis, the presence and usefulness of a protocol). The questionnaire was distributed using a social media platform for dental professionals in oral health care from all over the Netherlands.

Results

83.4% of 90 dental hygienists had paid attention to the patient's breath but only 37.8% of dental hygienists always informed the patient. Reasons for not informing patients were the fear of the patient's possible reaction or because other oral health problems were more important. Of the included dental hygienists 67.8% had never referred a patient for treatment of halitosis. 86.7% of the dental hygienists stated there was no protocol for diagnosis and treatment of patients with halitosis. However, 90.0% of the dental hygienists acknowledged a protocol would be useful.

Conclusions

The majority of the dental hygienists in the Netherlands had paid attention to the patient's breath, but only a small group of dental hygienists informed their patients about halitosis. In dental practices halitosis is an underestimated problem. During the coronavirus pandemic people are more aware with the smell of their breath. Dental hygienists indicated scaling and root planning and/or providing information and instruction by patients with a bad breath.
Comparing the use of silicone and polyurethane Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in newborns: A retrospective study
Authors: Gomes de Souza Nayana Maria , Silveira Rocha Rebeca , Pinheiro Ferreira Roberta , Bastos da Silveira Reis Claudia , Souza Bandeira Roberta Sthephanie , Façanha Melo Ana Paula
Published: September 2021

Aims and objectives

To compare polyurethane and silicone peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in newborns regarding the success rates of insertion and duration and the reasons for nonelective removal.

Background

Previous studies have attempted to identify predictors of PICC complications in newborns, such as lower extremity insertion or femoral catheter insertion, procedures that require 60 minutes or more, duration longer than 30 days and non‐central position of the catheter tip. However, there is little evidence on which type of PICC material causes less complications, especially in newborns.

Design

Retrospective cohort, guided by the STROBE tool.

Methods

We divided the newborns into two groups according to the type of PICC material: polyurethane and silicone. Our sample was composed of 449 PICCs, of which 246 polyurethane PICCs and 203 silicone PICCs, inserted in 294 newborns. Bivariate analysis was performed for data comparison. All statistically significant variables in the bivariate analysis were included in the logistic regression (p ≤ .05).

Results

Of the 449 PICCs that we analysed, the central position of the catheter tip predominated for both types of materials, with a higher prevalence of false passage for the polyurethane group. There was no difference between the average duration. The incidence of nonelective PICC removal was 49.27% for the silicone group, and infiltration/extravasation and rupture were among the reasons for nonelective removal.

Conclusion

The overall success rates in the insertion and duration of the PICC were almost identical for both types of material, despite the high incidence of false passage for polyurethane PICCs. Nonelective removals were higher for silicone PICCs, which also had a higher incidence for infiltration/extravasation and rupture.

Relevance to clinical practice

Can contribute to the knowledge of the strengths and weaknesses of polyurethane and silicone PICCs, with a view to reduce the incidence of nonelective removals.
Comparison of perinatal outcomes between controlled‐release dinoprostone vaginal delivery system (PROPESS) and metreurynter for cervical ripening in labor induction: A retrospective single‐center study in Japan
Authors: Yamaguchi Mizuki , Takakura Sho , Enomoto Naosuke , Teishikata Yasuhiro , Kitamura Asa , Maki Shintaro , Tanaka Kayo , Maezawa Tadashi , Tanaka Hiroaki , Ikeda Tomoaki
Published: September 2021

Aim

This study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of a controlled‐release dinoprostone vaginal delivery system (PROPESS) and a metreurynter for labor induction.

Methods

This retrospective case‐controlled study included 117 pregnant women (51 and 66 in the PROPESS and metreurynter groups, respectively) who required labor induction after >37 weeks' gestation at Mie University Hospital between January 2018 and September 2020. The primary outcome was the success rate of vaginal delivery. The secondary outcomes were changes in the Bishop score from the first insertion of PROPESS or the metreurynter to removal, uterine hyperstimulation and non‐reassuring fetal status during the first insertion, proportion of pregnant women who needed pre‐delivery oxytocin after removal, time to vaginal delivery after the first insertion, proportion of pregnant women who delivered vaginally within 12 or 24 h after the first insertion, and neonatal outcomes.

Results

The proportion of pregnant women, especially primiparas, who delivered vaginally was significantly higher in the PROPESS group (26/34 [76.5%]) than in the metreurynter group (25/52 [48.1%];p = 0.01). Moreover, among multiparas in the PROPESS group who delivered vaginally, nine (56.3%) out of 16 women delivered vaginally within 3 h of labor onset.

Conclusions

PROPESS for cervical ripening may reduce the risk of undergoing cesarean section in pregnant women requiring labor induction, especially primiparas. It is important to consider the possibility of precipitate labor when using the PROPESS in multiparas.
LncRNA SCIRT absorbs miR‐221 to advance the expression of lncRNA GAS5 in oral squamous cell carcinoma to inhibit cancer cell apoptosis
Authors: Yang Lei , Yang Kaicheng , Wang Huichao , Chen Yanping , Zhao Jianguang
Published: September 2021

Background

Although SCIRT has been reported to suppress breast cancer, its role in other cancers, such as oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC), is hardly known. We predicted that SCIRT might interact with miR‐221 to target lncRNA GAS5 and analyzed the interaction between SCIRT and miR‐221 in OSCC.

Methods

SCIRT and miR‐221 expression levels were quantified using RT‐qPCR. SCIRT subcellular localization was analyzed by subcellular fractionation assay. RNA pull‐down assay was applied to study the interaction between SCIRT and miR‐221. The role of SCIRT and miR‐221 in regulating GAS5 expression was analyzed by overexpression assay and RT‐qPCR. Cell apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry.

Results

SCIRT and GAS5 were downregulated, while miR‐221 was overexpressed in OSCC. SCIRT was detected in both nucleus and cytoplasm and directly interacted with miR‐221, while SCIRT overexpression failed to affect miR‐221 expression. In addition, GAS5 expression was increased by SCIRT and decreased by miR‐221. Moreover, SCIRT suppressed the role of miR‐221 in suppressing GAS5 expression and OSCC cell apoptosis.

Conclusion

SCIRT sponges miR‐221 to upregulate lncRNA GAS5 in OSCC and inhibit cancer cell apoptosis.
The protein kinase SlCIPK23 boosts K+ and Na+ uptake in tomato plants
Authors: Amo Jesús , Lara Alberto , Martínez‐Martínez Almudena , Martínez Vicente , Rubio Francisco , Nieves‐Cordones Manuel
Published: September 2021

Regulation of root transport systems is essential under fluctuating nutrient supply. In the case of potassium (K+), HAK/KUP/KT K+ transporters and voltage‐gated K+ channels ensure root K+ uptake in a wide range of K+ concentrations. In Arabidopsis, the CIPK23/CBL1‐9 complex regulates both transporter‐ and channel‐mediated root K+ uptake. However, research about K+ homeostasis in crops is in demand due to species‐specific mechanisms. In the present manuscript, we studied the contribution of the voltage‐gated K+ channel LKT1 and the protein kinase SlCIPK23 to K+ uptake in tomato plants by analysing gene‐edited knockout tomato mutant lines, together with two‐electrode voltage‐clamp experiments in Xenopus oocytes and protein–protein interaction analyses. It is shown that LKT1 is a crucial player in tomato K+ nutrition by contributing approximately 50% to root K+ uptake under K+‐sufficient conditions. Moreover, SlCIPK23 was responsible for approximately 100% of LKT1 and approximately 40% of the SlHAK5 K+ transporter activity in planta. Mg+2 and Na+ compensated for K+ deficit in tomato roots to a large extent, and the accumulation of Na+ was strongly dependent on SlCIPK23 function. The role of CIPK23 in Na+ accumulation in tomato roots was not conserved in Arabidopsis, which expands the current set of CIPK23‐like protein functions in plants.
Orthotopic heart transplant in a pediatric patient with mixed connective tissue disease
Authors: Miller Chelsea , White Shelby , L’Ecuyer Thomas , McCulloch Michael
Published: September 2021

Background

Patients with autoimmune inflammatory syndromes such as mixed connective tissue disease (MCTD) and systemic lupus erythematosus have previously been considered marginal candidates for orthotopic heart transplant (OHT).

Methods

A retrospective chart review was completed for this case report.

Results

We present the case of an 11‐year‐old girl with known MCTD who developed congestive heart failure refractory to medical therapy and underwent OHT.

Conclusions

Despite her autoimmune condition, this patient has not experienced antibody‐mediated rejection post‐transplant and her inflammatory symptoms have greatly improved.
Total platelet donation count and donation frequency are determinants of plateletpheresis‐associated lymphopenia
Authors: Thuer Linda , Brosig Andreas , Hutchinson James A. , Hähnel Viola , Offner Robert , Burkhardt Ralph , Ahrens Norbert
Published: September 2021

Background

Plateletpheresis using a leukocyte reduction system (LRS) traps donor WBCs in the LRS chamber, which may lead to lymphopenia, especially in frequent plateletpheresis donors. It seems plausible that this might cause adverse effects. However, current knowledge about potential confounders and donor health impacts is incomplete.

Donors and methods

Recent platelet donors and donations collected at University Hospital Regensburg from 2016 to 2019 using the Terumo BCT Trima Accel LRS system were retrospectively analyzed and compared with historical platelet donors and donations collected mainly with Fresenius Kabi Amicus non‐LRS system from 2010 to 2013. Additionally, recent donors were prospectively surveyed using a health‐related topics questionnaire.

Results

Analysis of 819 recent donors with 11,254 blood counts and 1464 questionnaires and 1011 historical donors with 12,848 blood counts revealed that increased annual platelet donation frequencies were associated with decreased lymphocyte counts in both groups. Median lymphocyte counts in recent donors with no versus ≥24 previous annual donations declined from 2.0 to 1.2 × 103/μL (p < 2.2 × 10−16), and those in historical donors with no versus ≥24 previous annual donations decreased from 2.0 to 1.5 × 103/μL (p = 6 × 10−4), respectively. The questionnaire results showed that donation frequency and lymphopenia were not associated with upper respiratory tract infection (URTI) incidence or duration, but platelet donors who concomitantly donated granulocytes had significantly shorter URTI durations than those who did not (p = .008).

Conclusion

This study confirmed that plateletpheresis‐associated lymphopenia occurs in LRS and to a lesser degree in non‐LRS platelet donors, but revealed no evidence of a negative impact on donor health.
Profile of the single‐use, multiple‐pass protein A adsorber column in immunoadsorption
Authors: Schossee Nadine , Veit Gabriele , Gittel Julia , Viebahn Johannes , Niklaus Marius , Klingler Philipp , Üçeyler Nurcan , Klinker Erdwine , Kobsar Anna , Boeck Markus , Koessler Juergen
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Immunoadsorptions (IA) are used to remove autoantibodies from the plasma in autoimmune disorders. In this study, we evaluated the effects of a single‐use, recombinant staphylococcal protein A‐based immunoadsorber on blood composition of the patient.

Materials and Methods

In a cohort of patients with myasthenia gravis or stiff‐person syndrome, essential parameters of blood cell count, coagulation, clinical chemistry or plasma proteins and immunoglobulins (Ig) were measured before and after IA (n = 11).

Results

In average, IA reduced the levels of total IgG, IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 by approximately 60%, the acetylcholine receptor autoantibody levels by more than 70%. IgG3, IgA or IgM were diminished to a lower extent. In contrast to fibrinogen or other coagulation factors, the column markedly removed vitamin K‐dependent coagulation factors II, VII, IX and X by approximately 40%–70%. Accordingly, international normalized ratio and activated partial thromboplastin time were increased after IA by 59.1% and 32.7%, respectively. Coagulation tests almost returned to baseline values within 24 h. Blood cell count, electrolytes, total protein or albumin were not essentially affected. No clinical events occurred.

Conclusion

The single‐use, multiple‐pass protein A adsorber column is highly efficient to remove IgG1, IgG2 and IgG4 or specific acetylcholine receptor autoantibodies from the plasma. Coagulation parameters should be monitored, since the column has the capacity to largely reduce vitamin K‐dependent factors.
Production Characteristics, Evaluation, and Prediction of CO2 Water-Alternating-Gas Flooding in Tight Oil Reservoir
Authors: Chai Xiaolong , Tian Leng , Zhang Mengyuan , Shao Hongzhi , Wang Jianguo , Zhang Kaiqiang
Published: September 2021

It is complex and obviously different for the production characteristics of CO2 water-alternating-gas (WAG) flooding in tight reservoir and influenced by quite a few factors. Therefore, the prediction of oil production is a key matter of efficient development of CO2 WAG to be solved in tight reservoirs. In order to cope with this issue, in this paper, the production characteristics of CO2 WAG flooding are analyzed and classified in tight oil reservoir of block A as an example. On this basis, properties of reservoir, fracture factors, and operational factors are taken into account and the sensitivity of the influencing factors is carried out. Subsequently, the gray relation analysis is used to confirm the primary influencing factors. Finally, the evaluated model is established to predict oil production rapidly. The results illustrate that the wells of CO2 WAG flooding in tight reservoirs can be divided into four types of fluid production characteristics. The production is affected by permeability, reservoir thickness, amount of sand entering the ground, amount of liquid entering the ground, gas/water ratio, the injection rate, injection pressure, permeability variation coefficient, water sensitive index, acid sensitive index, and expulsion pressure. And the primary influencing factors are the amount of sand entering the ground, reservoir thickness, and amount of liquid entering the ground. The oil production can be predicted quickly based on the relation between production and comprehensive evaluation factor of production. The average relative error between the predicted results and the actual production is 8%, which proves the reliability and accuracy of this method.
Load Limits for Attached Equipment
Authors: Becht Charles
Published: September 2021

It is an ASME B31.3 requirement that piping systems be designed such that the reactions are not detrimental to the equipment to which they are connected. This equipment can be machinery, pressure vessels, tankage, or air fin heat exchangers, as well as a myriad of other possibilities. The Designer needs to be aware of the applicable load limits. Some are described herein as examples; however, this is not a complete list. The remainder of this chapter does not provide specific Code requirements; it provides general information on load limits for equipment.
Materials of Construction
Authors: Becht Charles
Published: September 2021

The requirements for materials are covered in Chapter III of ASME B31.3. Selection of the appropriate material for a given service is not covered by the Code. As stated in para. 323.5, “Selection of materials to resist deterioration in service is not within the scope of this Code.” Practical considerations make it impossible for the Code to provide guidance relevant to the essentially unlimited process applications covered by the Code. Some precautionary considerations are included in Appendix F based on specific experience or interests of Code Committee members, but this is a very limited list of considerations.
High-Pressure Piping
Authors: Becht Charles
Published: September 2021

Chapter IX of ASME B31.3 only applies when the owner specifies its use. It applies to piping in High-Pressure Fluid Service. Note that the definition of High-Pressure Fluid Service simply requires that the owner specify use of Chapter IX. Some guidance is provided in FK300, which states “Although High Pressure Fluid Service is often considered to be service exceeding that allowed by the ASME B16.5, Class 2500 pressure-temperature rating for a particular material group, there are no pressure limitations for the application of these rules.” This is not a requirement, and the base Code may be satisfactorily used at pressures higher than ASME B16.5, Class 2500. However, the base Code rules become increasingly conservative and, in fact, impossible to use as the pressure approaches the allowable stress (including quality factors). See Section 17.3 for a discussion of pressure design of straight pipe. By the same token, Chapter IX may be used at lower pressures; it has been used with high-strength steels with pressures as low as 28,000 kPa (5,000 psi).
Pressure Design
Authors: Becht Charles
Published: September 2021

The ASME B31.3 Code provides four basic methods for the design of components for internal pressure, as described in para. 302.2:
Design for Displacement Strains
Authors: Becht, IV Charles
Published: September 2021

The allowable stress for thermal expansion and other deformation-induced stresses is substantially higher than for sustained loads. This is due to the difference between load-controlled conditions, such as weight and pressure, and deformation-controlled conditions, such as thermal expansion or end displacements (e.g., due to thermal expansion of attached equipment).
Supports
Authors: Becht Charles
Published: September 2021

Requirements for supports and other devices to restrain the piping are provided in Chapter II of ASME B31.3, specifically in Section 321, Piping Support.

ASME B31.3 provides general requirements for piping supports as well as descriptions of conditions for which they must be designed. The support elements (e.g., springs, hanger rods, etc.) are within the scope of ASME B31.3, but the support structures to which they are attached are not. The supports must achieve the objectives in the design of the piping for sustained and occasional loads as well as thermal displacement.
Exhaust Gas Turbine
Authors: Kollmann Karl , Douglas Calum E. , Gülen S. Can
Published: September 2021

As discussed in Chapter 2, the supercharger (basically, an air compressor) can also be driven by an exhaust gas turbine. In this case, the overall system is referred to as a turbocharger or turbosupercharger (Abgasturbolader in German). The focus in Kollmann’s manuscript is exclusively on radial compressors used as superchargers driven by a gear drive connected to the main engine shaft. This is not so surprising considering that, although significant R&D effort was spent on the turbine design (especially, turbine blade cooling), turbocharged German aircraft engines did not enter service until the end of the war. Even then, the service experience was limited to Junkers Ju 388 (mostly for high altitude reconnaissance) powered by two 1,500-HP BMW 801 J turbocharged engines. Many other designs (e.g., the DB 623) were eventually abandoned. The dilemma facing the German engineers at the time (1940s) was this: whether to develop an aircraft engine from the get-go with a turbocharger or to develop a turbocharger to be fitted into an existing engine (e.g., the DB 603). Since the need for the turbochargers arose during the war by the need for higher flight altitudes (10 to 14 km), e.g., to attack the Allied bomber formations and their fighter escort, the urgency of the situation made the choice for them1. Not surprisingly, they went with the latter option.
Basic Theory of Centrifugal Compressors
Authors: Kollmann Karl , Douglas Calum E. , Gülen S. Can
Published: September 2021

This chapter is where Dr. Kollmann’s original manuscript starts. His introduction of the fundamental aerothermodynamic principles governing the design of centrifugal (radial) compressors is not in a form that one would find in standard textbooks, vintage or modern. Dr. Kollmann essentially lists the pertinent equations in the form of a ‘crib sheet’ that an experienced engineer would consult in his or her daily work. This is not surprising because, in all likelihood, when he was writing this manuscript (or at least this part of it) Dr. Kollmann did not have access to all his papers and books. In fact, the authors have a suspicion (a rather strong one from the cover page, as shown in the title page of the present book) that Dr. Kollmann wrote this section while he was actually in Allied custody or at ‘home supervision’.
Alternative Systems
Authors: Kollmann Karl , Douglas Calum E. , Gülen S. Can
Published: September 2021

The idea of precompression of the cylinder charge air is as old as the internal combustion itself. It is generally accepted that the first supercharger design in the modern sense was actually a turbocharger, patented in 1905 by the Swiss engineer Alfred Büchi (1879-1959). It comprised an axial compressor, an aftercooler and an exhaust gas turbine applied to a radial piston-cylinder engine as shown in the German patent drawings in Figure 8-1. Not surprisingly, it took him more than two decades to make the system work due to low component efficiencies, i.e., the problem that bedeviled all early gas turbine inventors due to the insufficient knowledge of aerodynamics.
Innovative remote plasma source for atomic layer deposition for GaN devices
Authors: Knoops Harm C. M. , Arts Karsten , Buiter Jan W. , Martini Luca Matteo , Engeln Richard , Hemakumara Dilini Tania , Powell Michael , Kessels Wilhelmus M. M. (Erwin) , Hodson Chris J. , O’Mahony Aileen
Published: September 2021

High-quality dielectric films could enable GaN normally off high-electron-mobility transistors (HEMTs). Plasma atomic layer deposition (ALD) is known to allow for controlled high-quality thin-film deposition, and in order to not exceed energy and flux levels leading to device damage, the plasma used should preferably be remote for many applications. This article outlines ion energy flux distribution functions and flux levels for a new remote plasma ALD system, Oxford Instruments Atomfab™, which includes an innovative, RF-driven, remote plasma source. The source design is optimized for ALD for GaN HEMTs for substrates up to 200 mm in diameter and allows for Al2O3 ALD cycles of less than 1 s. Modest ion energies of <50 eV and very low ion flux levels of <1013 cm−2 s−1 were found at low-damage conditions. The ion flux can be increased to the high 1014 cm−2 s−1 range if desired for other applications. Using low-damage conditions, fast ALD saturation behavior and good uniformity were demonstrated for Al2O3. For films of 20 nm thickness, a breakdown voltage value of 8.9 MV/cm was obtained and the Al2O3 films were demonstrated to be suitable for GaN HEMT devices where the combination with plasma pretreatment and postdeposition anneals resulted in the best device parameters.
Time Trends and Sociodemographic Inequalities in Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviors Among Brazilian Adults: National Surveys from 2003 to 2019
Authors: Werneck André O. , Barboza Luciana L. , Araújo Raphael H.O. , Oyeyemi Adewale L. , Damacena Giseli N. , Szwarcwald Célia L. , Silva Danilo R.
Published: September 2021

Background: The authors analyzed time trends and sociodemographic inequalities in different physical activity and sedentary behavior domains between 2003 and 2019. Methods: A secondary analysis of data from 5 cross-sectional Brazilian epidemiological surveys (World Health Survey—2003, National Household Sample Survey—2008/2015, and Brazilian Health Survey—2013/2019) conducted among a nationally representative sample of Brazilian adults. The authors used data on different domains of physical activity (leisure, commute, total transport, and total physical activity) and sedentary behavior (TV viewing and other types of screens) that were available in the different surveys. Gender, age group, country region, ethnicity, type of area and city, and quintiles of income and educational achievement were used as sociodemographic correlates. Results: The prevalence of leisure-time physical activity increased over time (2008: 7.0% vs 2019: 26.5%). There was also an increased trend of social inequality in leisure-time physical activity. A trend of reduction was observed for active commuting (2008: 35.0% vs 2019: 21.8%), while total transport physical activity was stable (2013: 49.5% vs 2019: 49.6%). Directions of findings were opposite for sedentary behavior, with reduced trend for >3 hours per day of TV viewing (2008: 34.8% vs 2019: 21.8%) and increased trend for >3 hours per day of other types of screen time (2008: 6.4% vs 2019: 22.2%). Conclusion: A positive trend exists in leisure-time physical activity, but there was also an increase in social inequalities for physical activity in Brazil.
IKKβ–NF-κB signaling in adult chondrocytes promotes the onset of age-related osteoarthritis in mice
Authors: Catheline Sarah E. , Bell Richard D. , Oluoch Luke S. , James M. Nick , Escalera-Rivera Katherine , Maynard Robert D. , Chang Martin E. , Dean Christopher , Botto Elizabeth , Ketz John P. , Boyce Brendan F. , Zuscik Michael J. , Jonason Jennifer H.
Published: September 2021

NF-κB signaling in articular chondrocytes increases with age and promotes the onset of age-related osteoarthritis in mice.
Transporting leptin to its targets
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: September 2021

Leptin exerts its physiological effects after transcytosis in tanycytes mediated by the leptin receptor and EGFR.
Model Systems to Study the Chronic, Polymicrobial Infections in Cystic Fibrosis: Current Approaches and Exploring Future Directions
Authors: O’Toole George A. , Crabbé Aurélie , Kümmerli Rolf , LiPuma John J. , Bomberger Jennifer M. , Davies Jane C. , Limoli Dominique , Phelan Vanessa V. , Bliska James B. , DePas William H. , Dietrich Lars E. , Hampton Thomas H. , Hunter Ryan , Khursigara Cezar M. , Price-Whelan Alexa , Ashare Alix , Cramer Robert A. , Goldberg Joanna B. , Harrison Freya , Hogan Deborah A. , Henson Michael A. , Madden Dean R. , Mayers Jared R. , Nadell Carey , Newman Dianne , Prince Alice , Rivett Damian W. , Schwartzman Joseph D. , Schultz Daniel , Sheppard Donald C. , Smyth Alan R. , Spero Melanie A. , Stanton Bruce A. , Turner Paul E. , van der Gast Chris , Whelan Fiona J. , Whitaker Rachel , Whiteson Katrine
Published: September 2021

A recent workshop titled “Developing Models to Study Polymicrobial Infections,” sponsored by the Dartmouth Cystic Fibrosis Center (DartCF), explored the development of new models to study the polymicrobial infections associated with the airways of persons with cystic fibrosis (CF). The workshop gathered 35+ investigators over two virtual sessions.
Colicin-Mediated Transport of DNA through the Iron Transporter FepA
Authors: Cohen-Khait Ruth , Harmalkar Ameya , Pham Phuong , Webby Melissa N. , Housden Nicholas G. , Elliston Emma , Hopper Jonathan T. S. , Mohammed Shabaz , Robinson Carol V. , Gray Jeffrey J. , Kleanthous Colin
Published: September 2021

Decades of excessive use of readily available antibiotics has generated a global problem of antibiotic resistance and, hence, an urgent need for novel antibiotic solutions. Bacteriocins are protein-based antibiotics produced by bacteria to eliminate closely related competing bacterial strains.
Unipolar Peptidoglycan Synthesis in the
Rhizobiales
Requires an Essential Class A Penicillin-Binding Protein
Authors: Williams Michelle A. , Aliashkevich Alena , Krol Elizaveta , Kuru Erkin , Bouchier Jacob M. , Rittichier Jonathan , Brun Yves V. , VanNieuwenhze Michael S. , Becker Anke , Cava Felipe , Brown Pamela J. B.
Published: September 2021

While the structure and function of the bacterial cell wall are well conserved, the mechanisms responsible for cell wall biosynthesis during elongation are variable. It is increasingly clear that rod-shaped bacteria use a diverse array of growth strategies with distinct spatial zones of cell wall biosynthesis, including lateral elongation, unipolar growth, bipolar elongation, and medial elongation.
Predicting the Presence and Abundance of Bacterial Taxa in Environmental Communities through Flow Cytometric Fingerprinting
Authors: Heyse Jasmine , Schattenberg Florian , Rubbens Peter , Müller Susann , Waegeman Willem , Boon Nico , Props Ruben
Published: September 2021

Monitoring of microbial community composition is crucial for both microbiome management research and applications. Existing technologies, such as plating and amplicon sequencing, can become laborious and expensive when high-throughput measurements are required.
Paleogeographic position of the central Dodecanese Islands, southeastern Greece: The push-pull of Pelagonia
Authors: Grasemann B. , Schneider D.A. , Soukis K. , Roche V. , Hubmann B.
Published: September 2021

The paleogeographic position of the central Dodecanese Islands at the transition between the Aegean and Anatolian plates plays a considerable role in understanding the link between both geologically unique domains.

In this study, we investigate the tectonic history of the central Dodecanese Islands and the general correlation with the Aegean and western Anatolian and focus on the poorly studied islands of Kalymnos and Telendos. Three different major tectonic units were mapped on both islands from bottom to top: (1) The Kefala Unit consists of late Paleozoic, fossil-rich limestones, which have been deformed into a SE-vergent fold-and-thrust belt sealed by an up to 200-m-thick wildflysch-type olistostrome with marble and ultramafic blocks on a scale of tens of meters. (2) The Marina Basement Unit consists of a Variscan amphibolite facies basement with garnet mica schists, quartzites, and amphibolites. (3) Verrucano-type formation violet shales and Mesozoic unmetamorphosed limestones form the Marina Cover Unit. Correlation of these units with other units in the Aegean suggests that Kalymnos is paleogeographically located at the southern margin of the Pelagonian domain, and therefore it was in a structurally upper tectonic position during the Paleogene Alpine orogeny.

New white mica 40Ar/39Ar ages confirm the Carboniferous deformation of the Marina Basement Unit followed by a weak Triassic thermal event. Single-grain white mica 40Ar/39Ar ages from pressure solution cleavage of the newly defined Telendos Thrust suggest that the Marina Basement Unit was thrusted toward the north on top of the Kefala Unit in the Paleocene. Located at a tectonically upper position, the units exposed in the central Dodecanese escaped subduction and the syn-orogenic, high-pressure metamorphism. However, these units were affected by post-orogenic extension, and the contact between the Marina Basement Unit and the non-metamorphic Marina Cover Unit has been reactivated by the cataclastic top-to-SSW, low-angle Kalymnos Detachment. Zircon (U-Th)/He ages from the Kefala and Marina Basement Units are ca. 30 Ma, which indicates that exhumation and cooling below the Kalymnos Detachment started in the Oligocene. Conjugate brittle high-angle normal fault systems, which resulted in the formation of four major WNW-ESE–trending graben systems on Kalymnos, localized mainly in the Marina Cover Unit and probably rooted in the mechanically linked Kalymnos Detachment. Since Oligo-Miocene deformation in the northern Dodecanese records top-to-NNE extension and the Kalymnos Detachment accommodated top-to-SSW extension, we suggest that back-arc extension in the whole Aegean realm and transition to the Anatolian plate is bivergent.
Protocol for the e-POWUS Project: multicentre blinded-randomised controlled trial of ultrasound speed choice to improve sonography quality in pregnant women with obesity
Authors: Delabaere Amélie , Chauveau Benoit , Lémery Didier , Ollier Amandine , Guiguet-Auclair Candy , Mourgues Charline , Legrand Anne
Published: September 2021

Introduction

During pregnancy, maternal obesity increases the risk of fetal abnormalities. Despite advances in ultrasound imaging, the assessment of fetal anatomy is less thorough among these women. Currently, the construction of ultrasound images uses a conventional ultrasound propagation velocity (1540 m/s), which does not correspond to the slower speed of propagation in fat tissue.

The main objective of this randomised study is to compare the completeness of fetal ultrasonography according to whether the operator could choose the ultrasound velocity (1420, 1480 or 1540 m/s) or was required to apply the 1540 m/s velocity.

Methods and analysis

This randomised trial is an impact study to compare a diagnostic innovation with the reference technique. The trial inclusion criteria require that a pregnant woman with obesity be undergoing a fetal morphology examination by ultrasound from 20+0to 25+0gestational weeks.

Randomisation will allocate women into two groups. The first will be the ‘modulable speed’ group, in which operators can choose the speed of ultrasound propagation to be considered for the morphological analysis: 1420, 1480 or 1540 m/s. In the second ‘conventional speed’ group, operators will perform the morphological examination with the ultrasound speed fixed at 1540 m/s. The adjudication committee, two independent experts, will validate the completeness of each examination and the quality of the images.

Ethics and dissemination

This research protocol does not change the standard management. The only possible impact is an improvement of the ultrasound examination by improving the quality of the image and the completeness of morphological examination. TheAgence du Médicament et produits de santéapproved this study (2018-A03478-47). The anonymised data will be available on request from the principal investigator. Results will be reported in peer-reviewed journals and at scientific meetings.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov (http://www.clinicaltrials.gov) Registry (NCT04212234).
Clinician attitude towards safety in medication management: a participatory action research study in an emergency department
Authors: Bakhshi Fatemeh , Mitchell Rebecca , Nikbakht Nasrabadi Alireza , Javadi Mostafa , Varaei Shokoh
Published: September 2021

Objectives

Edication management is a process in which medications are selected, procured, delivered, prescribed, reviewed, administered and monitored to assure high-quality patient care and safety. This paper explores clinicians’ attitudes towards medication management which is both open to influence and strongly linked to successful changes in mediation behaviour. We aimed to investigate effects of engaging in participatory action research to improve emergency medicine clinicians’ attitudes to safety in medication management.

Setting

Emergency department of one university affiliated hospital.

Participants

A total of 85 clinicians including nurses and physicians partook as participants. Eight managers and clinicians participated as representatives.

Design

Data are drawn from two-cycle participatory action research. Initially, a situation analysis on the current medication management and clinician views regarding medication management was conducted using three focus groups. Evaluation and reflection data were obtained through qualitative interviews. All qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Results

Clinicians initially expressed negative attitudes towards existing and new plans for medication management, in that they were critical of current medication-related policy and procedures, as well as wary of the potential relevance and utility of potential changes to medication management. Through the action research, improvement actions were implemented including interprofessional courses, pharmacist-led interventions and the development of new guidelines regarding medication management. Participants and their representatives were engaged in all participatory action research stages with different levels of involvement. Extracted results from evaluation and reflection stages revealed that by engaging in the action research and practice new interventions, clinicians’ attitude towards medication management was improved.

Conclusions

The results support the impact of participatory action research on enhancing clinicians’ positive attitudes through their involvement in planning and implementing safety enhancing aspects of medication management.
Predictors of physical activity levels in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy: clinical cohort study protocol
Authors: Fonvig Christina Esmann , Troelsen Jens , Dunkhase-Heinl Ulrike , Lauritsen Jens Martin , Holsgaard-Larsen Anders
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Children and adolescents with cerebral palsy may be trapped in a vicious circle of low physical fitness, resulting in deconditioning that causes a further decrease in physical activity (PA), a lower quality of life and an increased risk of developing non-communicable diseases. Therefore, establishing a healthy and active lifestyle during childhood is even more important for individuals with a disability. However, the factors that influence habitual PA in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy remain unknown.

The present protocol outlines a prospective cohort study with the aim of investigating potential predictors of habitual PA in children and adolescents with cerebral palsy in order to provide evidence for optimising PA levels and associated overall health.

Methods and analysis

This prospective cohort study will enrol participants with cerebral palsy between the ages of 8 and 15 years at Gross Motor Function Classification System levels I–III. Using a modified version of the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health model as a conceptual analytical framework, the analysis will be divided into six components and will provide predictors for habitual PA measured by accelerometry. The potential predictive variables are registry data on physical function (Danish Cerebral Palsy Follow-Up Programme); validated proxy-reported questionnaires on quality of life (Paediatric Quality of Life Inventory), overall health, pain and participation in daily activities (Paediatric Outcomes Data Collection Instrument) and supplementary questions regarding sleep, screen time and socioeconomic status.

Ethics and dissemination

The project is approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency (19/16396) and has been declared not notifiable by the Regional Committee on Health Research Ethics, cf. Committee Act Art. 14, paragraph 1 (S-20192000-23). The study results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals, presented at international conferences, and published in a PhD dissertation.

Trial registration number

NCT04614207.
Diagnosis of infection after cardiovascular surgery (DICS): a study protocol for developing and validating a prediction model in prospective observational study
Authors: Zhang Hai-Tao , Han Xi-Kun , Wang Chuang-Shi , Zhang He , Li Ze-Shi , Chen Zhong , Pan Ke , Zhong Kai , Pan Tuo , Wang Dong-Jin
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Postoperative infection (PI) is one of the main severe complications after cardiovascular surgery. Therefore, antibiotics are routinely used during the first 48 hours after cardiovascular surgery. However, there is no effective method for early diagnosis of infection after cardiovascular surgery, particularly, to determine whether postoperative patients need to prolong the use of antibiotics after the first 48 hours. In this study, we aim to develop and validate a diagnostic model to help identify whether a patient has been infected after surgery and guide the appropriate use of antibiotics.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective study, we will develop and validate a diagnostic model to determine whether the patient has a bacterial infection within 48 hours after cardiovascular surgery. Baseline data will be collected through the electronic medical record system. A total of 2700 participants will be recruited (n=2000 for development, n=700 for validation). The primary outcome of the study is the newly PI during the first 48 hours after cardiovascular surgery. Logistic regression penalised with elastic net regularisation will be used for model development and bootstrap and k-fold cross-validation aggregation will be performed for internal validation. The derived model will be also externally validated in patients who are continuously included in another time period (N=700). We will evaluate the calibration and differentiation performance of the model by Hosmer-Lemeshow good of fit test and the area under the curve, respectively. We will report sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value in the validation data-set, with a target of 80% sensitivity.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from Medical Ethics Committee of Affiliated Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing University Medical College (2020-249-01).

Trial registration number

Chinese Clinical Trial Register (www.chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2000038762); Pre-results.