bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chitosan nanoparticles attenuate intestinal damage and inflammatory responses in LPS‐challenged weaned piglets via prevention of IκB degradation
Authors: Xu Yinglei , Li Qing , Ge Pu , Mao Huiling , Yang Caimei
Published: November 2021

Chitosan nanoparticles (CNP), widely applied as oral drug/gene/vaccine carrier, were found to have anti‐inflammatory properties. In this study, the effects of CNP on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced intestinal damage in weaned piglets and the related mechanisms were investigated. Twenty‐four weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire, 21 ± 2 day of age, initial mass: 8.58 ± 0.59 kg) were randomly assigned into four groups: control, LPS, CNP and CNP + LPS. The control and LPS groups were fed a corn–soybean meal‐based control diet, whereas the CNP and CNP + LPS groups were fed a control diet supplemented with 400 mg/kg CNP. After 28 days of feeding, piglets in LPS and CNP + LPS groups were injected with LPS (100 μg/kg); meanwhile, the piglets in control and CNP groups were injected with sterile saline. After 4 h from the LPS challenge, pigs were sacrificed to collect the intestinal samples for analysis. The results showed that CNP could attenuate the intestinal damages and inflammatory response stimulated by LPS treatment. LPS induced dramatically higher levels of CD177+ neutrophils invasion in jejunum mucosa (p < 0.01), which accompanied by increased secretion of marks of inflammation (p < 0.01) compared with the control, whereas CNP administration obviously inhibited LPS‐induced CD177+ neutrophils invasion (p < 0.01) and secretion of marks of inflammation, such as interleukin‐8 (p < 0.05), intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (p < 0.05) secretion in jejunum mucosa compared with LPS group. Moreover, CNP was shown to inhibit IκB‐α degradation in cytoplasm, which resulted in reduced nuclear translocation of NF‐κB p65 in LPS‐challenged piglets. These findings suggest that CNP attenuates intestinal damage and inflammatory responses in LPS‐challenged weaned piglets by impairing the NF‐κB signalling pathway.
Treatment and outcomes of dogs with hepatocutaneous syndrome or hepatocutaneous‐associated hepatopathy
Authors: Loftus John P. , Miller Adam J. , Center Sharon A. , Peters‐Kennedy Jeanine , Astor Michael
Published: November 2021

Background

Superficial necrolytic dermatitis (SND) in dogs is a rare disorder most commonly associated with hepatocutaneous syndrome. Although often reported as fatal, sporadically reported long‐term remissions might be more common than previously believed and linked to treatment regimens.

Hypothesis/Objectives

Evaluate treatments and associated outcomes in dogs with hepatocutaneous‐associated hepatopathy (HCH) with or without SND, designated collectively aminoaciduric canine hypoaminoacidemic hepatopathy syndrome (ACHES).

Animals

Forty‐one dogs of various breeds and ages diagnosed with ACHES.

Methods

Retrospective study. Electronic surveys, medical records (2014‐2019), and communication with veterinarians provided data. Three treatment categories were each dichotomized: IV amino acid (IV‐AA) infusions (≥2 vs <2), supplements including S‐adenosylmethionine (SAMe), arginine with ornithine, glutathione, lysine, proline, omega‐3 fatty acids, or zinc (≥3 vs <3), and diet type (home‐cooked vs commercial). Optimal treatment was defined as receiving ≥2 IV‐AA treatments, ≥3 nutritional supplements, and a home‐cooked diet.

Results

Most dogs (29/41, 71%) received IV‐AA infusions (23/29, ≥2 infusions). Twenty‐one dogs (51%) were fed commercial diets; 17/41 (41%) were fed home‐cooked diets. Most dogs received SAMe (32/41, 78%) and a median of 3 supplements. In 4 dogs, HCH remission occurred. Overall all‐cause median survival time (MST) was 359 days, and disease‐specific MST was 557 days (range, 1‐1783 days). Optimally treated dogs (n = 9) lived significantly longer (MST, >1783 days,P = .02) than variably treated dogs (MST, 214 days).

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Optimized ACHES management can resolve SND and HCH and confer long‐term survival.
Demographic history and identification of threats revealed by population genomic analysis provide insights into conservation for an endangered maple
Authors: Ma Yongpeng , Liu Detuan , Wariss Hafiz Muhammad , Zhang Rengang , Tao Lidan , Milne Richard I. , Sun Weibang
Published: November 2021

Recent advancements in whole genome sequencing techniques capable of covering nearly all the nucleotide variations of a genome would make it possible to set up a conservation framework for threatened plants at the genomic level. Here we applied a whole genome resequencing approach to obtain genome‐wide data from 105 individuals sampled from the 10 currently known extant populations of Acer yangbiense, an endangered species with fragmented habitats and restricted distribution in Yunnan, China. To inform meaningful conservation action, we investigated what factors might have contributed to the formation of its extremely small population sizes and what threats it currently suffers at a genomic level. Our results revealed that A. yangbiense has low genetic diversity and comprises different numbers of genetic groups based on neutral (seven) and selected loci (13), with frequent gene flow between populations. Repeated bottleneck events, particularly the most recent one occurring within ~10,000 years before present, which decreased its effective population size (Ne) < 200, and severe habitat fragmentation resulting from anthropogenic activities as well as a biased gender ratio of mature individuals in its natural habitat, might have together contributed to the currently fragmented and endangered status of A. yangbiense. The species has suffered from inbreeding and deleterious mutation load, both of which varied among populations but had similar patterns; that is, populations with higher FROH (frequency of runs of homozygosity) always carried a larger number of deleterious mutations in the homozygous state than in populations with lower FROH. In addition, based on our genetic differentiation results, and the distribution patterns of homozygous deleterious mutations in individuals, we recommend certain conservation actions regarding the genetic rescue of A. yangbiense. Overall, our study provides meaningful insights into the conservation genetics and a framework for the further conservation for the endangered A. yangbiense.
Plasticity, pleiotropy and fitness trade‐offs in Arabidopsis genotypes with different telomere lengths
Authors: Campitelli Brandon E. , Razzaque Samsad , Barbero Borja , Abdulkina Liliia R. , Hall Mitchell H. , Shippen Dorothy E. , Juenger Thomas E. , Shakirov Eugene V.
Published: November 2021

Telomere length has been implicated in the organismal response to stress, but the underlying mechanisms are unknown.

Here we examine the impact of telomere length changes on the responses to three contrasting abiotic environments in Arabidopsis, and measure 32 fitness, developmental, physiological and leaf‐level anatomical traits.

We report that telomere length in wild‐type and short‐telomere mutants is resistant to abiotic stress, while the elongated telomeres inku70mutants are more plastic. We detected significant pleiotropic effects of telomere length on flowering time and key leaf physiological and anatomical traits. Furthermore, our data reveal a significant genotype by environment (G × E) interaction for reproductive fitness, with the benefits and costs to performance depending on the growth conditions.

These results imply that life‐history trade‐offs between flowering time and reproductive fitness are impacted by telomere length variation. We postulate that telomere length in plants is subject to natural selection imposed by different environments.
Liver pathology in pregnancy
Authors: Birkness‐Gartman Jacqueline E. , Oshima Kiyoko
Published: November 2021

Liver dysfunction occurs in up to 3% of pregnancies and can be due to pregnancy‐associated liver injury, exacerbation of pre‐existing liver disease, or co‐incident with pregnancy. The most common form of pregnancy‐associated liver injury is intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP). This condition is typically benign and self‐limited, but is associated with fetal morbidity and mortality with high levels of serum bile acids. Acute fatty liver of pregnancy (AFLP) and the hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (including pre‐eclampsia, eclampsia, and hemolysis, elevated liver enzymes, and low platelets [HELLP] syndrome) are more commonly associated with maternal and fetal complications and may necessitate expedient delivery. Histologically, ICP shows nonspecific features of cholestasis, while AFLP and the hypertensive disorders have more characteristic histologic findings. While not a true liver disease, hyperemesis gravidarum can cause elevated liver enzymes. Pregnant patients are at increased risk of developing severe hepatitis E and herpesvirus infections, Budd–Chiari syndrome, and gallstones, and they may also experience worsening of known chronic liver disease. Mass lesions in pregnancy including hemangiomas, focal nodular hyperplasia, and hepatocellular adenomas and carcinomas can present unique challenges for diagnosis and management. This review will explore the pathophysiology, presentation, histologic features, and management of these conditions.
Suspicious Citizenship, Bureaucratic Coordination, and the Deportation of Cambodian American Refugees
Authors: Zelnick Jennifer A.
Published: November 2021

Individuals of Cambodian descent who came to the United States as refugees following the Khmer Rouge, American war in Vietnam, and secret bombings in Southeast Asia (i.e., Cambodian American refugees) who were granted Lawful Permanent Residency (LPR) can be deported to Cambodia upon conviction of certain crimes, even if they lack Cambodian documentation and citizenship. This article traces how Cambodian American refugees are transformed from LPRs to illegalized deportable refugees to deportees entitled to Cambodian documentation and citizenship after arrival. This documentation process is predicated on transnational bureaucratic coordination, resulting in exclusion from the United States and inclusion in Cambodia to create new Cambodian citizens. This article argues that deportees endure a subject unmaking and remaking process that engenders suspicious citizenship: when individuals who are objects of suspicion by both the United States and Cambodian state become suspicious of these same state powers. Through their experiences with the suspicious citizenship process, deportees engage in complaint about documentary opacity, illegibility, falsification, and corruption to challenge the sociolegal normalization of their deportations and their alleged inherent belonging in Cambodia while remaining legible to the Cambodian state. [deportation, documentation, bureaucracy, citizenship, suspicion]
Neural correlates of word representation vectors in natural language processing models: Evidence from representational similarity analysis of event‐related brain potentials
Authors: He Taiqi , Boudewyn Megan A. , Kiat John E. , Sagae Kenji , Luck Steven J.
Published: November 2021

Natural language processing models based on machine learning (ML‐NLP models) have been developed to solve practical problems, such as interpreting an Internet search query. These models are not intended to reflect human language comprehension mechanisms, and the word representations used by ML‐NLP models and human brains might therefore be quite different. However, because ML‐NLP models are trained with the same kinds of inputs that humans must process, and they must solve many of the same computational problems as the human brain, ML‐NLP models and human brains may end up with similar word representations. To distinguish between these hypotheses, we used representational similarity analysis to compare the representational geometry of word representations in two ML‐NLP models with the representational geometry of the human brain, as indexed with event‐related potentials (ERPs). Participants listened to stories while the electroencephalogram was recorded. We extracted averaged ERPs for each of the 100 words that occurred most frequently in the stories, and we calculated the similarity of the neural response for each pair of words. We compared this 100 × 100 similarity matrix to the 100 × 100 similarity matrix for the word pairs according to two ML‐NLP models. We found significant representational similarity between the neural data and each ML‐NLP model, beginning within 250 ms of word onset. These results indicate that ML‐NLP systems that are designed to solve practical technology problems have a representational geometry that is correlated with that of the human brain, presumably because both are influenced by the structural properties and statistics of language.
The fit between firm capability and business model for SME growth: a resource orchestration perspective
Authors: Liu Along , Gu Jibao , Liu Hefu
Published: November 2021

Despite the increasing attention on the role of the business model in affecting firm performance, knowledge of how to leverage the influence of business models remains scarce. Drawing on resource orchestration theory, we theorize how firm capabilities, such as technology capability and marketing capability, moderate the relationship between the business model and firm performance in the context of small and medium‐sized enterprises (SMEs). Matched survey data and objective performance data were collected from 140 Chinese manufacturing SMEs in two waves to test our model. The results reveal that the interaction of the efficiency‐centered business model with technology capability and the interaction of the novelty‐centered business model with marketing capability both positively impact SME performance. Theoretical and practical insights on how firm capabilities can leverage the performance impact of business models are discussed.
Regulatory competition, administrative discretion, and environmental policy implementation
Authors: Woods Neal D.
Published: November 2021

This study assesses what causes American states to assume the authority to administer federal environmental programs within their borders, rather than leave implementation to the Environmental Protection Agency. Some observers have argued that interstate competition for mobile capital may motivate states to seek this authority so that they may reduce the regulatory burdens imposed on industrial polluters. Other scholars highlight the importance of intrastate political and economic factors or vertical influences emanating from federal officials. I argue that the relative importance of each of these classes of explanations will vary across environmental policy arenas, depending on the amount of implementation discretion that federal programs provide to state agencies. Results from event history analyses of two major environmental programs are generally, though not entirely, consistent with this theory.
Position specific physical performance and running intensity fluctuations in elite women’s football
Authors: Winther A. K. , Baptista I. , Pedersen S. , Randers M. B. , Johansen D. , Krustrup P. , Pettersen S. A.
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the physical performance of elite female football players during match play along with transient alterations in running performance following 1‐ and 5‐min univariate peak periods. 54 elite female players from four top‐level Norwegian teams were monitored for one season (n = 393 match observations), and physical performance data collected using STATSport GPS APEX. Results revealed significant differences in physical performance between the positions during full match play, particularly between wide and central players. Both full backs (FBs) and wide midfielders (WMs) covered more total distance (TD), high‐speed running distance (HSRD), and sprint distance (SpD) than center backs (CBs) (p < 0.05–0.001), while WMs also covered more HSRD than both central midfielders (CMs) (p < 0.01) and forwards (FWs) (p < 0.05), and more acceleration ‐and deceleration distance (Accdist and Decdist) than both CBs and CMs (p < 0.01–0.001). A similar pattern was observed for the peak period analysis, with FBs and WMs covering more SpD in peak 1 min than CBs and CM (p < 0.001) and more SpD in peak 5‐min than CBs, CMs, and FWs (p < 0.001). Irrespective of the variable analyzed, greater distances were covered during the peak 5‐min period than in the next‐5 and mean 5‐min periods (p < 0.001). Significant (p < 0.001), but small to trivial (Cohen's Dz: 0.07–0.20), decreases in distance covered were also observed for each variable following each univariate peak 5‐min period. In conclusion, practitioners should account for differences in physical performance when developing training programs for female football players and be aware of transient reductions in physical performance following univariate peak 1‐ and 5‐min periods. Specifically, the very high intensity in 1‐min peak periods adds support to the principal of executing speed endurance activities during training to mirror and be prepared for the physical demands of match play.
Preverbal Subjects with a Partitive Article: A Comparison Between Aosta Valley Francoprovençal and French*
Authors: Ihsane Tabea
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we focus on two constructions that allow preverbal subjects headed by a so‐called partitive article in French, that is, sentences with a stage‐level predicate and generic emphatic constructions. The aim is to explain why their counterparts were generally not accepted by speakers of Francoprovençal, an endangered and understudied Gallo‐Romance language, in a translation task carried out in fieldwork in the Aosta Valley in Italy (Ihsane 2018, Stark & Gerards 2020). To account for our results, we propose that preverbal subjects in the two languages have different statuses and develop the typology of languages postulated by Dobrovie‐Sorin & Laca (2003): we argue that there are more than two types of languages when it comes to the status of preverbal subjects and that Francoprovençal differs not only from French (Ihsane 2018), but also from languages like Spanish: it generally has topical subjects like Spanish but also allows some subjects that represent new information to occur preverbally. In contrast to French, however, this option is restricted to nominals that reach a certain degree of referential givenness (Gundel 2003).
Risk factors and outcomes of BK viremia among deceased donor kidney transplant recipients based on donor characteristics
Authors: Breyer Isabel , Dodin Ban , Djamali Arjang , Jorgenson Margaret R. , Garg Neetika , Aziz Fahad , Mohamed Maha A. , Mandelbrot Didier A. , Parajuli Sandesh
Published: November 2021

Introduction

BK polyomavirus (BKV) is a common infection among kidney transplant recipients (KTR). Risk factors and outcomes based on donor characteristics remain largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, we aimed to analyze the impact of donor factors through a paired kidney analysis. We included 289 pairs of adult deceased donor transplants (578 KTRs total); each pair had received kidneys from the same donor. Recipient pairs were divided into three groups: “no BK group” if neither KTR developed BK viremia (n = 336), “discordant” if the only one did (n = 176), and “concordant” if both did (n = 66). Acute rejection (AR), graft failure, and BK nephropathy (BKN) were outcomes of interest.

Results

Donors in the concordant group were younger, had lower kidney donor profile index (KDPI), and were less likely to be donor after circulatory death (DCD). In multivariate analyses, KTRs who had a donor with a higher body mass index (BMI) (hazard ratio (HR): 0.97; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.95–0.99; p = .009) were less likely to develop BKV. Concordance was not associated with AR (HR: 0.83; 95% CI: 0.51–1.34; p = .45), graft failure (HR: 1.77; 95% CI: 0.42–7.50; p = .43), or BKN (HR: 1.02; 95% CI: 0.51–2.03; p = .96).

Discussion

Our study suggests lower donor BMI is associated with BKV infection, and concordance or discordance between paired kidney recipients is not associated with poor outcomes.
Viral safety of recovered plasma for contract fractionation; an Iranian experience, 2006–2015
Authors: Amini‐Kafiabad Sedigheh , Pourfatollah Ali Akbar
Published: November 2021

Objective

The current study analysed the viral safety among Iranian blood donors.

Background

Plasma products demand is increasing in the world. With contract plasma fractionation, the plasma wastage decreases and the access of patients to plasma‐derived medicines (PDM) improves.

Study and Design Method

Screening results including hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), anti‐hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) Ag/Ab of 19 054 036 donations from 2006 to 2015 were analysed. The plasma for fractionation was tested for HBV DNA, HCV RNA, HIV RNA, HAV RNA, and Parvovirus B19 DNA by fractionators. New samples were collected from the positive donors and retested. The prevalence of serological and nucleic acid testing (NAT) markers per 105 donations, 95% confidential interval (CI), and p‐values were calculated.

Results

The prevalence of markers was as follows: 250/105 donations for HBsAg from 516 in 2006 to 116/105 donations in 2015; 74/105 donations for HCV, decreasing from 127 to 41/105 and 3.6/105 for HIV during current study. During 10 years, 5 713 641 units of recovered plasma were shipped for contract fractionation to produce PDM; 0.26/105 donations for HBV DNA and 0.14/105 for HCV RNA were reported positive. The results of five retested samples for HBV and one sample for HCV were negative.

Conclusion

The prevalence of HBV, HCV, and HIV in blood donations was extremely low. Thanks to the availability, high quality and safety of recovered plasma as a result of the improvements in the quality system at IBTO, this plasma could be used for the production of PDMPs.
Therapeutic apheresis and non‐blood donor related apheresis current practices at various blood centres of healthcare organisations of India: A brief online survey
Authors: Kumawat Vijay , Tripathi Parmatma Prasad , Patidar Gopal Kumar
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To determine the variability in therapeutic apheresis (TA) and non‐blood donor related apheresis practices, and the extent of expertise and knowledge of blood centre staff.

Background

Apheresis activity that was earlier limited to therapeutic plasma exchange (TPE) and donor apheresis at few centres in India has seen remarkable surge involving many centres practising TA and non‐blood donor related apheresis. The decentralised transfusion medicine practice in country has resulted in wide variability of knowledge and practice of TA. An online survey was conducted to achieve study objectives.

Study design and methods

A 22 questionnaire survey was sent to the 215 blood centres through e‐mail link focussing on three aspects; basic information of the participating centres, details of TA procedures and education and training levels of the staff.

Results

Majority (71.9%) of centres were teaching institutions among analysed 57 centres. TPE (85.9%) and therapeutic cytapheresis (71.9%) were the most common TA procedures. The clinical haematology (68.4%) followed by neurology (64.9%) were the specialities utilising TA. The 64.9% centres used continuous flow cell separator and central venous access (52%) was preferred vascular access. A combination of normal saline, fresh frozen plasma and 5% albumin replacement fluid was first choice. Doctors involved in TA were trained in apheresis during their MD/DNB degree, but no structured training program existed for other category of staff.

Conclusion

There was a wide variability in TA practice in India and a dedicated training program for all categories of staff was emphasised by majority of participants.
Conformable microneedle pH sensors via the integration of two different siloxane polymers for mapping peripheral artery disease
Authors: Lee Wonryung , Jeong Seung-hwan , Lim Young-Woo , Lee Hyunhwan , Kang Joohyuk , Lee Hyunjae , Lee Injun , Han Hyung-Seop , Kobayashi Shingo , Tanaka Masaru , Bae Byeong-Soo
Published: November 2021

A conformable microneedle biochemical detection platform that can diagnose metabolic disease has been developed.
Integrated immunovirological profiling validates plasma SARS-CoV-2 RNA as an early predictor of COVID-19 mortality
Authors: Brunet-Ratnasingham Elsa , Anand Sai Priya , Gantner Pierre , Dyachenko Alina , Moquin-Beaudry Gaël , Brassard Nathalie , Beaudoin-Bussières Guillaume , Pagliuzza Amélie , Gasser Romain , Benlarbi Mehdi , Point Floriane , Prévost Jérémie , Laumaea Annemarie , Niessl Julia , Nayrac Manon , Sannier Gérémy , Orban Catherine , Messier-Peet Marc , Butler-Laporte Guillaume , Morrison David R. , Zhou Sirui , Nakanishi Tomoko , Boutin Marianne , Descôteaux-Dinelle Jade , Gendron-Lepage Gabrielle , Goyette Guillaume , Bourassa Catherine , Medjahed Halima , Laurent Laetitia , Rébillard Rose-Marie , Richard Jonathan , Dubé Mathieu , Fromentin Rémi , Arbour Nathalie , Prat Alexandre , Larochelle Catherine , Durand Madeleine , Richards J. Brent , Chassé Michaël , Tétreault Martine , Chomont Nicolas , Finzi Andrés , Kaufmann Daniel E.
Published: November 2021

Statistical models of plasma immunovirological features validate SARS-CoV-2 vRNA as an early predictor of COVID-19 mortality.
Bayesian probabilistic assignment of chemical shifts in organic solids
Authors: Cordova Manuel , Balodis Martins , Simões de Almeida Bruno , Ceriotti Michele , Emsley Lyndon
Published: November 2021

Machine-learned chemical shifts enable probabilistic assignment in organic solids without knowledge of the structure.
Germline biallelic mutation affecting the transcription factor Helios causes pleiotropic defects of immunity
Authors: Shahin Tala , Kuehn Hye Sun , Shoeb Mohamed R. , Gawriyski Lisa , Giuliani Sarah , Repiscak Peter , Hoeger Birgit , Yüce Petronczki Özlem , Bal Sevgi Köstel , Zoghi Samaneh , Dmytrus Jasmin , Seruggia Davide , Castanon Irinka , Rezaei Nima , Varjosalo Markku , Halbritter Florian , Rosenzweig Sergio D. , Boztug Kaan
Published: November 2021

A homozygous mutation in
IKZF2
disrupts the interactions of Helios with epigenetic remodelers, leading to impaired T cell activation.
Can we talk about price with patients when choosing antiretroviral therapy? A survey with people living with HIV and prescribers in France
Authors: Papot Emmanuelle , Kalampalikis Nikos , Doumergue Marjolaine , Pilorgé Fabrice , Quatremère Guillemette , Yazdanpanah Yazdan , Préau Marie
Published: November 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate people living with HIV (PLWH) and HIV specialist prescribers’ perception of discussing antiretroviral therapy (ART) price in PLWH’s care and the acceptability of choosing or switching to various types of less expensive ARTs.

Design

Cross-sectional surveys (one in a convenience sample of PLWH and one in a voluntary response sample of HIV specialist prescribers).

Setting and participants

The surveys were conducted among PLHW attending an HIV clinic in the North of Paris (cohort of 4922 PLWH in 2016), and HIV specialists working in French HIV clinics (210 across 12 districts/28), between January and June 2016.

Method

Self-administered questionnaires were constructed using data collected during focus groups with PLWH and prescribers. Pretests were carried out to select the questions and items. Descriptive analyses of the 129 complete questionnaires of PLWH and 79 of prescribers are presented.

Results

Among PLWH, 128/129 were on ART and 54% (69/128) gave a fair estimation of the price of their current regimen. Among prescribers, 24% (19/79) thought that their patients knew this price. Taking into account the price of ART was not perceived as a negative step in the history of French response to HIV epidemic for 53% (68/129) of PLWH and 82% (65/79) of prescribers. Seventy-seven PLWH (60%) would agree to switch to less expensive antiretroviral regimens (as effective and with similar adverse events) if pills were bigger; 42 (33%) if there were more daily doses, and 37 (29%) if there were more pills per dose; prescribers were more circumspect.

Conclusion

A high proportion of PLWH gave a fair estimate of their ART price and this seemed unexpected by HIV specialists. Consideration of drug prices when choosing ART was perceived as conceivable by PLWH and prescribers if effectiveness and tolerance were also considered.
Therapy-dependent inconsistencies in self-reported use of complementary and alternative medicine in the general population: findings from a longitudinal study
Authors: Jensen Heidi Amalie Rosendahl , Ekholm Ola
Published: November 2021

Objective

Information on the use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in the general population is often collected by means of surveys, causing the reliability of data to rely on the memory accuracy of the respondent. The objective of this study was to examine the consistency in self-reported CAM use using data from two survey waves 4 years apart.

Design

Longitudinal study.

Setting/participants

Data were obtained from the Danish Health and Morbidity Surveys. A nationally representative subsample of the individuals invited in 2013 was reinvited in 2017. In all, 2297 individuals (≥16 years) completed the self-administered questionnaire in both waves, including questions on for example, CAM use.

Main outcome measures

The use of six different CAM therapies (acupuncture; craniosacral therapy; faith healing and/or clairvoyance; nutritional counselling; massage; osteopathy or other manipulative therapies; reflexology) was assessed by the response categories ‘Yes, within the past 12 months’, ‘Yes, but previously than within the past 12 months’ and ‘No’. For each CAM therapy, an inconsistent response was defined as either the response combination (1) ‘Yes, within the past 12 months’ in 2013 and ‘No’ in 2017, or (2) ‘Yes, within the past 12 months’ or ‘Yes, but previously than within the past 12 months’ in 2013 and ‘No’ in 2017.

Results

The inconsistency percentages varied across CAM therapies. The highest levels of inconsistency for CAM use within the past 12 months were observed for nutritional counselling (64.9 %) and faith healing and/or clairvoyance (36.4 %). The lowest proportion of inconsistent responses was observed for acupuncture (18.3%). Overall, the same pattern was observed for lifetime CAM use.

Conclusions

The results highlight the difficulty in obtaining reliable prevalence estimates on the use of CAM in the general population. Future studies should take these findings into account when interpreting similar analyses.
Mobile Health Biometrics to Enhance Exercise and Physical ActivityAdherence inType2 Diabetes (MOTIVATE-T2D): protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial
Authors: Hesketh Katie , Low Jonathan , Andrews Robert , Jones Charlotte A , Jones Helen , Jung Mary E , Little Jonathan , Mateus Ceu , Pulsford Richard , Singer Joel , Sprung Victoria S , McManus Alison M , Cocks Matthew
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Exercise and physical activity (PA) are fundamental to the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Current exercise and PA strategies for newly diagnosed individuals with type 2 diabetes are either clinically effective but unsuitable in routine practice (supervised exercise) or suitable in routine practice but clinically ineffective (PA advice). Mobile health (mHealth) technologies, offering biometric data to patients and healthcare professionals, may bridge the gap between supervised exercise and PA advice, enabling patients to engage in regular long-term physically active lifestyles. This feasibility randomised controlled trial (RCT) will evaluate the use of mHealth technology when incorporated into a structured home-based exercise and PA intervention, in those recently diagnosed with type 2 diabetes.

Methods and analysis

This feasibility multicentre, parallel group RCT will recruit 120 individuals with type 2 diabetes (diagnosis within 5–24 months, aged 40–75 years) in the UK (n=60) and Canada (n=60). Participants will undertake a 6-month structured exercise and PA intervention and be supported by an exercise specialist (active control). The intervention group will receive additional support from a smartwatch and phone app, providing real-time feedback and enabling improved communication between the exercise specialist and participant. Primary outcomes are recruitment rate, adherence to exercise and loss to follow-up. Secondary outcomes include a qualitative process evaluation and piloting of potential clinical outcome measures for a future RCT.

Ethics and dissemination

The trial was approved in the UK by the South East Scotland Research Ethics Committee 01 (20/SS/0101) and in Canada by the Clinical Research Ethics Board of the University of British Columbia (H20-01936), and is being conducted in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki and Good Clinical Practice. Results will be published in peer-reviewed journals and presented at national and international scientific meetings.

Trial registration numbers

ISRCTN14335124; ClinicalTrials.gov:NCT04653532.
Statin and dual antiplatelet therapy for the prevention of early neurological deterioration and recurrent stroke in branch atheromatous disease: a protocol for a prospective single-arm study using a historical control for comparison
Authors: Huang Yen-Chu , Lee Jiann-Der , Weng Hsu-Huei , Lin Leng-Chieh , Tsai Yuan-Hsiung , Yang Jen-Tsung
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Branch atheromatous disease (BAD) contributes to small-vessel occlusion in cases of occlusion or stenosis of large calibre penetrating arteries, and it is associated with a higher possibility of early neurological deterioration (END) and recurrent stroke in acute ischaemic stroke. As the pathology of BAD is due to atherosclerosis, we postulate that early intensive medical treatment with dual antiplatelet therapy (DAPT) and high-intensity statins may prevent END and recurrent stroke in acute small subcortical infarction caused by BAD.

Methods and analysis

In this prospective, single-centre, open-label, non-randomised, single-arm study using a historical control, we will compare early DAPT and high-intensity statin treatment with a historical control group of patients with BAD who were treated with single antiplatelet therapy without high-intensity statin treatment. Patients will be eligible for enrolment if they are admitted for acute ischaemic stroke within 24 hours, have a National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) score of 1–8 and are diagnosed with BAD by MRI. Patients will take aspirin, clopidogrel and high-intensity statins (atorvastatin or rosuvastatin) within 24 hours of stroke onset, followed by aspirin or clopidogrel alone from day 22. The primary endpoint is the percentage of patients who develop END within 7 days of stroke onset (defined as an increase in the NIHSS score ≥2 points) and recurrent stroke within 30 days. The total sample sizes will be 138 for the intervention group and 277 for the control group. A historical control group will be drawn from previous prospective observation studies.

Ethics and dissemination

The protocol of this study has been approved by the Institutional Review Board of Chang Gung Memorial Hospital (202001386A3). All participants will have to sign and date an informed consent form. The findings arising from this study will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and academic conferences.

Trial registration number

NCT04824911.
Transforming training into practice with the conflict management framework: a mixed methods study
Authors: Lyons Oscar , Forbat Liz , Menson Esse , Chisholm Julia C , Pryde Kate , Conlin Siobhan , Felton Victoria , Ingle Susanne , McKenzie Celia , Ramachandran Rohana , Sayer Charlotte , Snowball Carly , Strachan-Gadsby Emma , Tisovszky Natasha , Barclay Sarah
Published: November 2021

Objective

To implement and evaluate the use of the conflict management framework (CMF) in four tertiary UK paediatric services.

Design

Mixed methods multisite evaluation including prospective pre and post intervention collection of conflict data alongside semistructured interviews.

Setting

Eight inpatient or day care wards across four tertiary UK paediatric services.

Interventions

The two-stage CMF was used in daily huddles to prompt the recognition and management of conflict.

Results

Conflicts were recorded for a total of 67 weeks before and 141 weeks after implementation of the CMF across the four sites. 1000 episodes of conflict involving 324 patients/families across the four sites were recorded. After implementation of the CMF, time spent managing episodes of conflict around the care of a patient was decreased by 24% (p<0.001) (from 73 min to 55 min) and the estimated cost of this staff time decreased by 20% (p<0.02) (from £26 to £21 sterling per episode of conflict). This reduction occurred despite conflict episodes after implementation of the CMF having similar severity to those before implementation. Semistructured interviews highlighted the importance of broad multidisciplinary leadership and training to embed a culture of proactive and collaborative conflict management.

Conclusions

The CMF offers an effective adjunct to conflict management training, reducing time spent managing conflict and the associated staff costs.
Cost-effectiveness of domiciliary non-invasive ventilation in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Hall James , Turner Alice Margaret , Dretzke Janine , Moore David , Jowett Sue
Published: November 2021

Background

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a chronic disease associated with recurring exacerbations, which influence morbidity and mortality for the patient, while placing significant resource burdens on healthcare systems. Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) in a domiciliary setting can help prevent admissions, but the economic evidence to support NIV use is limited.

Methods

A Markov model-based cost-utility analysis from the UK National Health Service perspective compared the cost-effectiveness of domiciliary NIV with usual care for two end-stage COPD populations; a stable COPD population commencing treatment with no recent hospital admission; and a posthospital population starting treatment following admission to hospital for an exacerbation. Hospitalisation rates in patients receiving domiciliary NIV compared with usual care were derived from randomised controlled studies in a recent systematic review. Other model parameters were updated with recent evidence.

Results

At the threshold of £20 000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) domiciliary NIV is 99.9% likely cost-effective in a posthospital population, but unlikely (4%) to be cost-effective in stable populations. The incremental cost-effective ratio (ICER) was £11 318/QALY gained in the posthospital population and £27 380/QALY gained in the stable population. Cost-effectiveness estimates were sensitive to longer-term readmission and mortality risks, and duration of benefit from NIV. Indeed, for stable Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) for stage 4 patients, or with higher mortality and exacerbation risks, ICERs were close to the £20 000/QALY threshold.

Conclusion

Domiciliary NIV is likely cost-effective for posthospitalised patients, with uncertainty around the cost-effectiveness of domiciliary NIV in stable patients with COPD on which further research should focus.
The influence of a magnet field on sulfur removal from liquid iron by hydrogen plasma arc melting
Authors: Zhang Yujia , Kong Yang , Guo Xiliang , Wang Jiang , Ren Zhongming , Yu Jianbo
Published: November 2021

In this work, the static magnetic field was applied to plasma arc melting (PAM) method. The influence on sulfur removal from iron by Ar-20%H2(PAM) was investigated experimentally. The results show that, sulfur content decreases more noticeably with the magnet field. The mechanism of sulfur removal by hydrogen plasma arc melting (HPAM) was found to obey a first-order rate law. From kinetic analysis, the adoption of magnet field enhanced purification efficiency about 45% under the same conditions. The numerical simulations were necessarily carried out to investigate the fluid flows of the melt. The results show that the magnet field changes the flow regime and strengthens the flow velocity of the melt. Moreover, the dead zone in melt by typical HPAM was eliminated. It is reasonable that dissolved sulfur atoms transferring to the top interface to react with active hydrogen atoms was promoted. In addition, during solidification process, thermoelectric magnetic (TEM) flows promote solute atoms that discharged from the solid–liquid interface moving to the upside of specimen. As a consequence, iron with much lower sulfur content could be obtained at the bottom of specimens, and sulfur removal was enhanced further during solidification under a static magnetic field.
Stability, Bifurcation, and a Pair of Conserved Quantities in a Simple Epidemic System with Reinfection for the Spread of Diseases Caused by Coronaviruses
Authors: Camacho Jorge Fernando , Vargas-De-León Cruz
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we study a modified SIRI model without vital dynamics, based on a system of nonlinear ordinary differential equations, for epidemics that exhibit partial immunity after infection, reinfection, and disease-induced death. This model can be applied to study epidemics caused by SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, and SARS-CoV-2 coronaviruses, since there is the possibility that, in diseases caused by these pathogens, individuals recovered from the infection have a decrease in their immunity and can be reinfected. On the other hand, it is known that, in populations infected by these coronaviruses, individuals with comorbidities or older people have significant mortality rates or deaths induced by the disease. By means of qualitative methods, we prove that such system has an endemic equilibrium and an infinite line of nonhyperbolic disease-free equilibria, we determine the local and global stability of these equilibria, and we also show that it has no periodic orbits. Furthermore, we calculate the basic reproductive number

R

0

and find that the system exhibits a forward bifurcation: disease-free equilibria are stable when

R

0

<
1
/
σ

and unstable when

R

0

>
1
/
σ

, while the endemic equilibrium consist of an asymptotically stable upper branch that appears from

R

0

>
1
/
σ

,

σ

being the rate that quantifies reinfection. We also show that this system has two conserved quantities. Additionally, we show some of the most representative numerical solutions of this system.
Semigroup of Finite-State Deterministic Intuitionistic Fuzzy Automata with Application in Fault Diagnosis of an Aircraft Twin-Spool Turbofan Engine
Authors: Kousar Sajida , Aslam Farah , Kausar Nasreen , Gaba Yaé Ulrich
Published: November 2021

The twin-spool turbofan engine is an important component of almost every modern aircraft. Fault detection at an early stage can improve engine performance and health. The current research is based on the construction of an inference system for fault diagnosis in a generalized fuzzy environment. For such an inference system, finite-state deterministic intuitionistic fuzzy automata (FDIFA) are established. A semigroup of FDIFA and its algebraic properties including substructures and structure-preserving maps are studied. The FDIFA semigroups are used as variables for the inference system, and FDIFA semigroup homomorphisms are used to indicate the relation between variables. The newly established model is then applied to diagnose the possible fault and their nature in aircraft twin-spool turbofan engines by modelling the performance of the supercharger and air cooler.
Sensitivity Study of the Computational Parameters for the Deformation of Homogeneous Earth Dams
Authors: Sun Yiqing , Shen Zhenzhong , Xu Liqun , Gan Lei , Zhang Wenbing , Yang Jinmeng , Zhang Hongwei , Huang Zhangxin , Ma Baotai , Yu Jiaao , Wang Shuo
Published: November 2021

The deformation of dams has always been the focus of dam safety research. To more accurately study the effect of the Duncan–Chang model on the deformation of homogeneous Earth dams, this paper simulates the displacement variation of a homogeneous Earth dam through the finite element method based on the Duncan–Chang E-B model. The sensitivity of the Duncan–Chang E-B model parameters and the dam material density on the displacement of a homogeneous earthen dam in Gansu Province, China, were investigated using single-factor and multifactor analysis methods. The results show that the displacement variation of the dam during the completion and operation periods is consistent with the general rule for Earth and rock dams; the three parameters

R

f

,

φ

0

, and

Δ
φ

are more sensitive to dam deformation; and the three parameters

m

,

n

, and

K

are less sensitive to dam deformation.
Text Mining in Management Research: A Bibliometric Analysis
Authors: Song Guandong , Wu Jiying , Wang Sihui
Published: November 2021

The goal of this paper is to provide a bibliometric analysis of scientific publications that employ text mining in management. To accomplish this, the authors collected 1282 documents from the Web of Science and performed performance analysis and science mapping with the help of the Bibliometrix package in Rstudio. The performance analysis used a range of bibliometric indicators such as productivity, citations, h-index, and m-quotient, in order to identify research trends and the most influential journals, authors, countries, and literature in the study. Science mapping used author keywords co-occurrence, co-authorship, and co-citation analysis to reflect the conceptual, social, and intellectual structure of the research. Specifically, we have seen an exponential increase in the use of text mining in management in recent years. The United States is the dominant country for research, having the earliest studies and the highest number of literature and citations. Furthermore, the research themes showed that topic modeling is at the forefront of current text mining research about management. This study will help scholars and management practitioners interested in the intersection of text mining and management to quickly understand the latest advances in research.
Spatiotemporal Evolution Patterns and Driving Factors of Synergistic Development of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Industries: The Case Study of China
Authors: Li Ji , Xia Jiangtao , Zuo Yifan , Cui Jiabao , Qiu Qihang , Liu Xuan , Zeng Hongfa
Published: November 2021

Synergistic development of the culture, sports, and tourism industries is an emerging trend in China, providing new formats for industrial evolution and fresh momentum for industrial upgrading. Therefore, building a robust framework to evaluate the synergistic development is relevant to China’s economic and social development. This study used a coupling coordination model to calculate the coupling coordination degree of the three industries, for 31 provinces in China from 2013 to 2017. Subsequently, it employed spatial autocorrelation techniques and GeoDetector to identify factors affecting the synergistic development from global and local perspectives before discussing the driving mechanisms. The results showed that (1) the synergistic development of the three industries was generally stable with a slight imbalance. (2) The development level varied across regions. The general spatial pattern was low in northeastern and western China, stable and average in the central region, and high in the eastern region. (3) The synergistic development has a prominent “proximity dependence” effect reflected by a notable spatial agglomeration feature and positive spatial autocorrelation trend and (4) twenty-one indicators of six driving factors (industrial pulling force, population supporting force, consumer purchasing power, transportation pushing force, resource attraction force, and economic driving force) affected the synergistic development.