bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Actions define a character: Assessment centers as behavior‐focused personality measures
Authors: Heimann Anna Luca , Ingold Pia V. , Lievens Filip , Melchers Klaus G. , Keen Gert , Kleinmann Martin
Published: August 2021

To expand our knowledge of personality assessment, this study connects research and theory related to two common selection methods: assessment centers (ACs) and personality inventories. We examine the validity of personality‐based AC ratings within a multi‐method framework. Drawing from the self‐other knowledge asymmetry model (Vazire, 2010), we propose that AC ratings are suited to capture personality traits that are observable in social interactions, whereas other methods (i.e., self‐ratings) are useful to assess more internal traits. We obtained data from two personality‐based ACs, self‐ and other‐rated personality inventories, and supervisor ratings of job performance. Confirmatory factor analyses indicated that personality‐based AC ratings reflected the Big Five traits. Consistent with the self‐other knowledge asymmetry model, AC ratings of more observable personality traits (Extraversion, Agreeableness, and Intellect/Openness) were correlated with inventory‐based measures of these traits. AC ratings demonstrated incremental validity in predicting job performance over inventory‐based personality measures for some traits (including Agreeableness, and Intellect/Openness) but self‐ratings also demonstrated incremental validity over AC ratings (for Conscientiousness). This implies that different personality measures capture unique information, thereby complementing each other. Yet, AC effect sizes were modest, suggesting that running personality‐based ACs is advisable only under specific circumstances.
Genetic variability and molecular evolution of arabis mosaic virus based on the coat protein gene sequence
Authors: Komorowska Beata , Hasiów‐Jaroszewska Beata , Budzyńska Daria
Published: August 2021

Arabis mosaic virus (ArMV) is an important pathogen infecting a wide range of plant species worldwide. In the present study, we carried out exhaustive phylogenetic analyses based on the coat protein (CP) sequence of ArMV isolates originating from different host plants and geographic regions. Maximum‐likelihood reconstruction revealed the presence of three distinct, well‐supported phylogroups. BaTS analyses indicated that the diversity of ArMV isolates may be correlated with both host plant and geographic origin. Moreover, population genetic analyses showed significant differences in the level of genetic diversity among variants within ArMV that originated from rhubarb plants, as expected by quasispecies. Further analysis revealed that both selection and recombination are shaping the population structure of ArMV. In total 14 groups of residues were detected as coevolving for different amino acid properties.
Varieties of health care digitalization: Comparing advocacy coalitions in Austria and Germany
Authors: Bogumil‐Uçan Simon , Klenk Tanja
Published: August 2021

The paper compares the politics of e‐health policy with a particular focus on the implementation of e‐health records (e‐HRs) in two SHI countries: Austria and Germany. Although these countries share many similarities in terms of political and health care regime, they differ widely with respect to health care digitalization. Thus, the question arises which configuration of factors has facilitated health system digitalization in Austria while being potentially absent in Germany. As a research strategy, we use the Advocacy Coalition Framework to identify the respective actor coalitions for and against the advancement of e‐HRs and analyze how their formation, their resources, and strategies are related to country‐specific governance structures. We find that differences in the beliefs of patient representatives; variations in the institutional access for physician associations; and, finally, differing internal dynamics within the pro e‐HRs main coalition do account for differences in health care digitalization.
Youth underemployment: A review of research on young people and the problems of less(er) employment in an era of mass education
Authors: Churchill Brendan , Khan Chabel
Published: August 2021

In this article, we examine the problem of youth underemployment and how it is conceptualised, operationalised and understood within wider sociology, with particular focus on the sociology of youth and youth studies literature. We outline the contours of this body of work, showing how in most cases underemployment is undefined and used as a general term to describe the challenges and inadequacies of the contemporary labour market for young people. Further, we show how despite a lack of clarity, most researchers in this field contend that underemployment is increasing for young people, becoming a normative experience, cutting across class, ethnicity and gender. For some, however, underemployment is a ‘choice’, but as the literature shows, how different groups of young people respond to underemployment varies. In addition, we show how overeducation, another form of underemployment, is being understood by both researchers and young people as a ‘new normal’ rather than being challenged as another flank in the on‐going neo‐liberalisation and massification of education. We conclude with a call to think through the ideas presented and to develop new understandings of youth underemployment that can facilitate change. The sensitising concept ofless(er)employment is proposed as best placed to facilitate this reanimation.
Acceptance and willingness to pay for COVID‐19 vaccines among pregnant women in Vietnam
Authors: Nguyen Long Hoang , Hoang Men Thi , Nguyen Lam Duc , Ninh Ly Thi , Nguyen Ha Thi Thu , Nguyen Anh Duy , Vu Linh Gia , Vu Giang Thu , Doan Linh Phuong , Latkin Carl A. , Tran Bach Xuan , Ho Cyrus S.H. , Ho Roger C.M.
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess acceptance of COVID‐19 vaccination and the willingness to pay (WTP) for it, and investigate associated factors among pregnant women in Vietnam.

Methods

Cross‐sectional survey of pregnant women in two obstetric hospitals in Hanoi and Ca Mau provinces, Vietnam. Data on acceptance and WTP for COVID‐19, demographic characteristics, maternal characteristics, and risk perceptions toward COVID‐19 were collected. Multivariate logistic and linear regression models were performed to identify factors associated with the acceptance and WTP for the vaccine.

Results

Of 651 pregnant women, 60.4% accepted to receive the vaccine, and 82.6% of the total pregnant women were willing to pay for a COVID‐19 vaccine with the mean amount of WTP of USD 15.2 (SD ± 27.4). The most common reason for refusing vaccination was “Worry about the safety of the vaccine” (66.9%) in Hanoi and “The preventive effect of COVID‐19 is low” (45.2%) in Ca Mau. A higher income, having children, self‐perceived risk of COVID‐19 infection, and perceived risk to friends were associated with a higher likelihood of acceptance and WTP for the vaccine.

Conclusions

Implementing COVID‐19 vaccination and resource mobilisation among pregnant women in Vietnam is feasible, although communication programmes to improve risk perception and awareness about vaccine should be developed for facilitating acceptance of the vaccine.
AgroLux: bioluminescent Agrobacterium to improve molecular pharming and study plant immunity
Authors: Jutras Philippe V. , Soldan Riccardo , Dodds Isobel , Schuster Mariana , Preston Gail M. , van der Hoorn Renier A. L.
Published: August 2021

Agroinfiltration in Nicotiana benthamiana is widely used to transiently express heterologous proteins in plants. However, the state of Agrobacterium itself is not well studied in agroinfiltrated tissues, despite frequent studies of immunity genes conducted through agroinfiltration. Here, we generated a bioluminescent strain of Agrobacterium tumefaciens GV3101 to monitor the luminescence of Agrobacterium during agroinfiltration. By integrating a single copy of the lux operon into the genome, we generated a stable ‘AgroLux’ strain, which is bioluminescent without affecting Agrobacterium growth in vitro and in planta. To illustrate its versatility, we used AgroLux to demonstrate that high light intensity post infiltration suppresses both Agrobacterium luminescence and protein expression. We also discovered that AgroLux can detect Avr/Cf‐induced immune responses before tissue collapse, establishing a robust and rapid quantitative assay for the hypersensitive response (HR). Thus, AgroLux provides a non‐destructive, versatile and easy‐to‐use imaging tool to monitor both Agrobacterium and plant responses.
Complications after proximal abducting ulnar osteotomy and prognostic factors in 66 dogs
Authors: Danielski Alan , Krekis Alexander , Yeadon Russell , Solano Miguel Angel , Parkin Tim , Vezzoni Aldo , Pfeil Ingo
Published: August 2021

Objective

To report complications and prognostic factors in dogs undergoing proximal abducting ulnar osteotomy (PAUL). To evaluate the ability to predict complications on the basis of post‐operative radiographic examination.

Study Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Animals

Sixty‐six dogs.

Methods

Medical records of dogs treated with PAUL between 2014 and 2019 were reviewed for demographics, intraoperative findings, and post‐operative complications. Post‐operative radiographs were reviewed by two masked expert orthopedic surgeons, who were asked to predict the likelihood of major mechanical complications. The prognostic value of variables was tested with univariate and multivariable logistic regression. Inter‐investigator agreement to predict complications was evaluated with two‐by‐two tables and kappa coefficient.

Results

Seventy‐four PAULs in 66 dogs were included. Duration of follow‐up ranged from 12 to 75 months (median: 53 months). Post‐operative complications were documented in 19/74 limbs (16 dogs), including major complications in 13 limbs. These complications consisted mainly of non‐union (six limbs), implant failure (two limbs), and infection (two limbs) requiring revision surgery in nine limbs. Body weight was the only variable associated with an increased risk of post‐operative complications (p = .04). Agreement between expert predictions was low (respectively k = −0.08 and k = 0.11).

Conclusion

Major complications were reported in one fourth of limbs treated with PAUL and were more likely as body weight increased. Suboptimal plate and screw placement or osteotomy reduction on post‐operative radiographs were poorly predictive of complications.

Clinical Significance

Complications are fairly common after PAUL, particularly in heavier dogs, and post‐operative radiographic examination seems unreliable to predict those.
Predominant cause of faster force recovery in females than males after intense eccentric contractions in mouse fast‐twitch muscle
Authors: Watanabe Daiki , Ikegami Ryo , Kano Yutaka
Published: August 2021

Key points

We investigated the mechanisms underlying faster force recovery from eccentric contractions (ECCs) in female than in male mice, focusing on mitochondrial responses.

At 3 days after repeated ECCs (REC3), female mice showed faster recovery from ECC‐induced force depression than male mice. At REC3, the mitochondria in females displayed superior responses to those in males: (i) mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter content of muscles at REC3 was higher than that of rested muscles in females, and (ii) mitochondrial volume density in females was higher than that in males at REC3. Ovariectomized (OVX) female mice showed lower mitochondrial responses at REC3, similar to those observed in male mice, but oestrogen replacement nullified such lower responses in OVX.

We concluded that: (i) superior mitochondrial responses after ECCs, at least in part, cause faster force recovery from ECCs in females than in males, and (ii) oestrogen contributes to such superior responses in the mitochondria in females.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mechanisms underlying sex differences in force recovery after eccentric contractions (ECCs). The left limbs of female and male mice were exposed to repeated ECCs (five sets of 50 contractions) elicited in vivo in the plantar flexor muscles. Isometric torques were measured before, immediately and at 3 days after ECCs (REC3), and gastrocnemius muscles obtained at REC3 were used for biochemical and morphological analyses. At REC3, a greater torque depression at 40 Hz was observed in males than females. Additionally, the following differences were observed at REC3: (i) in males but not females, triad structure was distorted, (ii) mitochondrial Ca2+ uniporter (MCU) content was increased in females but not in males, and (iii) mitochondrial volume density at REC3 was lower in males than in females. To examine the contribution of oestrogen to torque recovery, female mice were assigned to sham‐operated (Sham), ovariectomized (OVX) and OVX treated with 17β‐oestradiol (OVX + E2) groups. At REC3, (i) greater torque depression at 40 Hz was observed in the OVX group than in the Sham and OVX + E2 groups, (ii) MCU content was increased in the Sham and OVX + E2 groups but not the OVX group, and (iii) mitochondrial volume density at REC3 was lower in the OVX group than the Sham and OVX + E2 groups. These results suggest that faster force recovery in females than in males is, at least partly, ascribable to superior mitochondrial responses, and oestrogen supplementation, in part, enhances such responses.
Utilization of Nuklearna Elektrarna Krško Full Scope Simulator for Plant Operation Optimization, Nuclear Education and Engineering in 20 Years
Authors: Žvar Matjaž , Žagar Tomaž
Published: August 2021

This article gives an impact analysis of utilization of nuclear power plant full scope simulator on operation parameters, training and education in nuclear power plant Krško (NEK). The Slovenian Nuclear Safety Administration issued their simulator decree to NEK in April 1995. The first training session on the simulator was performed in April 17, 2000 and since then the simulator has been used on daily bases to improve operator knowledges, skills, and performances. At the time, this was the first full scope simulator with the capability to simulate Beyond design basis accidents (severe accidents). The ability to simulate core meltdown and containment breach made it very suitable for emergency preparedness drills. After the 2017 simulator upgrade, fuel meltdown in the spent fuel pool can be simulated using the Modular Accident Analysis Program—MAAP5. This capability is still unique for full scope simulators even today. The simulator is also used for pretesting of plant modifications before their implementation on site or for just-in-time training for infrequent performed evolutions or for procedure development and testing. The Pressurized Water Reactor Owners Group used the NEK simulator in 2018 to develop the new set of the Severe Accident Management Guidelines, incorporated with a completely new usage approach. In all of these years, the simulator has been actively participating in the increased reliability and stability of the electricity production and in achieving NEK's vision to be a worldwide leader in nuclear safety and excellence.
Performance Improvement of Cross-Flow Turbine With a Cylindrical Cavity and Guide Wall
Authors: Ogawa Naoto , Goto Mirei , Iio Shouichiro , Kitahora Takaya , Choi Young-Do , Inagaki Morihito
Published: August 2021

The cross-flow turbine has been utilizing to develop small hydropower less than about 500 kW in the world. The turbine cost is lower than the other turbines because of its smaller number of assembled parts and more straightforward structures. However, the maximum efficiency of the cross-flow turbine is lower than that of traditional turbines. Improving the turbine efficiency without increasing manufacturing costs is the best way to develop small hydropower in the future. This study is aiming to improve the turbine efficiency at the design point and partial load. The runner's outflow angle varies with turbine speed and guide vane opening (GVO) in the typical cross-flow turbine. The tangential velocity component remains in the outflow in these conditions; thus, a change in the outflow direction along the runner's radial direction is helpful for performance improvement. The authors experimentally change the desirable outflow angle by attaching a cavity and a guide wall at the outside casing tip. The turbine performance test was conducted for various turbine speeds and GVOs. Next, flow visualization around the runner was performed. As a result, both of cavity and guide wall improve the turbine performance. The outlet flow patterns are different by attaching the cavity and the guide wall, especially between the partial and optimum load conditions.
Response of Autoignition-Stabilized Flames to One-Dimensional Disturbances: Intrinsic Response
Authors: Gopalakrishnan Harish Subramanian , Gruber Andrea , Moeck Jonas
Published: August 2021

Burning carbon-free fuels such as hydrogen in gas turbines promises power generation with reduced greenhouse gas emissions. A two-stage combustor architecture with an autoignition-stabilized flame in the second stage allows for efficient combustion of hydrogen fuels. However, interactions between the autoignition-stabilized flame and the acoustic field of the combustor may result in self-sustained oscillations of the flame front position and heat release rate, which severely affect the stable operation of the combustor. We study one such 'intrinsic' mode of interaction wherein acoustic waves generated by the unsteady flame travel upstream and modulate the incoming mixture resulting in flame front oscillations. In particular, we study the response of an autoignition-stabilized flame to upstream traveling acoustic disturbances in a one-dimensional configuration. We first present a numerical framework to calculate the response of autoignition-stabilized flames to acoustic and entropy disturbances in a one-dimensional combustor. The flame response is computed by solving the energy and species mass balance equations. We validate the framework with compressible direct numerical simulations. Lastly, we present results for the flame response to upstream traveling acoustic perturbations. The results show that autoignition-stabilized flames are highly sensitive to acoustic temperature fluctuations and exhibit a characteristic frequency-dependent response. Acoustic pressure and velocity fluctuations constructively or destructively superpose with temperature fluctuations, depending on the mean pressure and relative phase between the fluctuations. The findings of the present work are essential for understanding the intrinsic feedback mechanism in combustors with autoignition-stabilized flames.
A Data-Driven Fault Diagnosis Method Using Modified Health Index and Deep Neural Networks of a Rolling Bearing
Authors: Lin Muyangzi , Shan Miyuan , Zhou Jie , Pan Yunjie
Published: August 2021

To improve fault diagnosis accuracy, a data-driven fault diagnosis model based on the adjustment Mahalanobis–Taguchi system (AMTS) was proposed. This model can analyze and identify the characteristics of vibration signals by using degradation monitoring as the classifier to capture and recognize the faults of the product more accurately. To achieve this goal, we first used the modified ensemble empirical mode decomposition (MEEMD) scalar index to capture the bearing condition; then, by using the key intrinsic mode function (IMF) extracted by AMTS as the input of classifier, the optimized properties of bearing is decomposed and extracted effectively. Next, to improve the accuracy of the fault diagnosis, we tested different modes, employing the modified health index (MHI), which is designed to overcome the shortcomings of the proposed health index as a classifier in a single fault mode and the deep neural networks (DNNs) as a classifier in a multifault mode. To evaluate the effectiveness of our model, the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) bearing data were used for verification. Results indicated a strong robustness with 99.16% and 1.09s, 99.86% and 6.61s fault diagnosis accuracy in different data modes. Furthermore, we argue that this data-driven fault diagnosis obviously lowers the maintenance cost of complex systems by significantly reducing the inspection frequency and improves future safety and reliability.
Additions to the ptyctimous mite fauna (Acari, Oribatida) of Taiwan
Authors: Niedbala Wojciech , Ermilov Sergey G.
Published: August 2021

The present study is based on ptyctimous oribatid mite material collected in Taiwan in 2018 and 2019. Four new species—Oribotritia chiayiensis Niedbała sp. nov. (Oribotritiidae), Phthiracarus liaoi Niedbała sp. nov. (Phthiracaridae), Plonaphacarus paraprotrusus Niedbała sp. nov. (Steganacaridae), and Notophthiracarus diamphidios Niedbała sp. nov. (Steganacaridae)—are described. Supplementary description of Acrotritia hauseri (Euphthiracaridae) is provided. A list of other identified ptyctimous mite taxa, including 10 species from six genera and five families, is presented. Four species (A. hauseri, A. mahunkai, Phthiracarus gibber, and P. parmatus) are recorded for the first time in Taiwan.
Recruiting Women to a Male-Dominated Activity: A Case Study of Women’s Nonparticipation in Fantasy Sport
Authors: Ruihley Brody J. , Grappendorf Heidi
Published: August 2021

Fantasy Sports Collection, Inc. (FSC) is a fantasy sport organization offering fantasy play since 2005. Having plateaued in consumer growth, FSC is faced with difficult financial decisions. In a brainstorming session regarding new initiatives, Molly Brinkmeyer suggested an idea to purposefully market to and recruit more women to preestablished offerings. Molly’s reasons driving this idea were the fact that only 14% of their consumers were women and, after an evaluation of FSC’s marketing campaigns, employees of FSC quickly saw that advertisements were overtly produced for men. FSC’s management team felt that this was an idea worth pursuing. They charged Molly with acquiring information about women’s fantasy sport participation and gave her a 3-week window to learn more and report back. She found that women’s top perceptions of the activity were that: (a) the activity was time consuming; (b) the activity required research, surveillance, and information; (c) they had no interest or understanding of it; (d) they felt the activity was too competitive; (e) they thought it wasn’t real; and (f) they still had a positive opinion of fantasy sport. With this new information, marketing decisions could now be made to address existing concerns by women regarding fantasy sport participation.
The Zinc Transporter ZnuABC Is Critical for the Virulence of Chromobacterium violaceum and Contributes to Diverse Zinc-Dependent Physiological Processes
Authors: Santos Renato E. R. S. , da Silva Júnior Waldir P. , Harrison Simone , Skaar Eric P. , Chazin Walter J. , da Silva Neto José F.
Published: August 2021

Chromobacterium violaceum
is a ubiquitous environmental bacterium that causes sporadic life-threatening infections in humans. How
C. violaceum
acquires zinc to colonize environmental and host niches is unknown.
Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell-Derived Type I Interferon Is Involved in Helicobacter pylori Infection-Induced Differentiation of Schlafen 4-Expressing Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells
Authors: Xiang Xiaodan , Wu Yaping , Li Hongwei , Li Cun , Yan Lu , Li Qian
Published: August 2021

During chronic infection with
Helicobacter pylori
, Schlafen 4-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (SLFN4

+

MDSCs) create a microenvironment favoring intestinal metaplasia and neoplastic transformation. SLFN4 can be induced by alpha interferon (IFN-α), which is mainly secreted from plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDCs).
Geodynamic significance of a buried transient Carboniferous landscape
Authors: McNab Fergus , White Nicky
Published: August 2021

It is increasingly clear that present-day dynamic topography on Earth, which is generated and maintained by mantle convective processes, varies on timescales and length scales on the order of 1–10 m.y. and 103 km, respectively. A significant implication of this behavior is that Phanerozoic stratigraphic records should contain indirect evidence of these processes. Here, we describe and analyze a well-exposed example of an ancient landscape from the Grand Canyon region of western North America that appears to preserve a transient response to mantle processes. The Surprise Canyon Formation lies close to the Mississippian-Pennsylvanian boundary and crops out as a series of discontinuous lenses and patches that are interpreted as remnants of a westward-draining network of paleovalleys and paleochannels within a coastal embayment. This drainage network is incised into the marine Redwall Limestone whose irregular and karstified upper surface contains many caves and collapse structures. The Surprise Canyon Formation itself consists of coarse imbricated conglomerates, terrestrial plant impressions including Lepidodendron, and marine invertebrate fossils. It is overlain by marine, fluvial, and aeolian deposits of the Supai Group. These stratal relationships are indicative of a transient base-level fall whose amplitude and regional extent are recognized as being inconsistent with glacio-eustatic sea-level variation. We propose that this transient event is caused by emplacement and decay of a temperature anomaly within an asthenospheric channel located beneath the lithospheric plate. An analytical model is developed that accounts for the average regional uplift associated with landscape development and its rapid tectonic subsidence. This model suggests that emplacement and decay of a ~50 °C temperature anomaly within a channel that is 150 ± 50 km thick can account for the observed vertical displacements. Our results are corroborated by detrital zircon studies that support wholesale drainage reorganization at this time and by stratigraphic evidence for spatially variable regional epeirogeny. They are also consistent with an emerging understanding of the temporal and spatial evolution of the lithosphere-asthenosphere boundary.
Supplemental Material: Early Pleistocene climate-induced erosion of the Alaska Range formed the Nenana Gravel
Authors: Sortor Rachel , al. et
Published: August 2021

Expanded methods, discussion of outliers, sample data and supplemental figures.
Structure and Properties of 1,3,3-Trimethyl-6′-chlorospiro[indoline-2,2′-2H-chromene]
Authors: Pugachev A. D. , Tkachev V. V. , Aldoshin S. M. , Makarova N. I. , Rostovtseva I. A. , Metelitsa A. V. , Stankevich N. V. , Shilov G. V. , Lukyanov B. S.
Published: August 2021

Indoline spiropyran containing an σ-acceptor chlorine atom in 6′ position of the 2H-chromene part of the molecule was synthesized and studied. The use of 1,2,3,3-tetramethyl-3H-indolium perchlorate as a starting compound made it possible to achieve higher product yields as compared to previous studies. The molecular structure of the compound was established by single crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The features of the crystal structure and intermolecular interactions were investigated using CrystalExplorer17 software package. The photochromic behavior in acetonitrile solution was studied for the first time. It was found that the merocyanine form of spiropyran is characterized by an absorption maximum at 592 nm, which is 37 nm closer to the range of the “biological window” in comparison with the nitro-substituted analog.
The Regularized Mesh Scheme to Solve Quasilinear Parabolic Equation with Time-Fractional Derivative
Authors: Lapin A. V. , Laitinen E.
Published: August 2021

A quasilinear parabolic problem with a time fractional derivative of the Caputo type and mixed boundary conditions is considered. The coefficients of the elliptic operator depend on the gradient of the solution, and this operator is uniformly monotone and Lipschitz-continuous. For this problem, unconditionally stable linear regularized semi-discrete scheme is constructed based on the $$L1$$-approximation of the fractional time derivative. Stability estimates are obtained by the variational method. Accuracy estimates are given provided that the initial data and the solution to the differential problem are sufficiently smooth. The proved result of stability of the semi-discrete scheme is valid for the mesh scheme obtained from the semi-discrete problem using the finite element method in spatial variables.
Severe metabolic derangement: a case of concomitant diabetic ketoacidosis and beer potomania
Authors: Stasishin Dmitriy , Schaffer Patrick , Khan Zeryab , Murphy Christie
Published: August 2021

Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) and hyponatraemia associated with beer potomania are severe diagnoses warranting intensive care level management. Our patient, a middle-aged man, with a history of chronic alcohol abuse and insulin non-compliance, presents with severe DKA and severe hyponatraemia. Correcting sodium and metabolic derangements in each disorder require significant attention to fluid and electrolyte levels. Combined they prove challenging and require an individualised approach to prevent the overcorrection of sodium. Furthermore, management of these conditions lends to the importance of understanding the pathophysiology behind their hormonal and osmotic basis.
Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage: a rare complication of clopidogrel use
Authors: Soriano Rachelle , Al-Rawaf Saud , Diab Khalil
Published: August 2021

Diffuse alveolar haemorrhage (DAH) has been reported as a rare complication of clopidogrel use and is usually a diagnosis of exclusion. We describe the case of an 88-year-old Native American woman who presented with acute hypoxic respiratory failure with CT scan of the chest showing diffuse bilateral ground-glass opacities. She had been on clopidogrel for 6 months for a carotid artery stent. Bronchoscopy with bronchoalveolar lavage and transbronchial biopsies revealed DAH. Infectious and autoimmune work-up were all negative. Clopidogrel was stopped and high-dose steroids were started. Her symptoms gradually improved until she was discharged from the hospital. The differential DAH is broad. Anticoagulant-induced DAH should be part of the differential diagnosis, and is usually a diagnosis of exclusion.
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis following SARS-CoV-2 infection
Authors: Knack Rafael Silvestre , Hanada Taliê , Knack Renata Silvestre , Mayr Kamilla
Published: August 2021

Infectious diseases have long been considered one of the triggers for autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. Since the appearance of the new coronavirus in December 2019 in the city of Wuhan, China, there have been many reports suggesting that infection with coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) precedes the appearance of several autoimmune and autoinflammatory diseases. We describe a case report of a patient who was infected with the SARS-CoV-2 virus and later developed a picture of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Observational cross-sectional study of 5279 bronchoscopy results for the practical effectiveness of various biopsy techniques in the diagnosis of lung diseases with particular emphasis on lung cancer
Authors: Błach Justyna , Frąk Małgorzata , Krawczyk Pawel , Pankowski Juliusz , Pankowski Adam , Buczkowski Jarosław , Szlubowski Artur , Siwiec Jan , Krudyś Piotr , Michnar Marek , Kieszko Robert , Milanowski Janusz
Published: August 2021

Introduction

Bronchoscopy is the main method in the diagnosis of various lung diseases. Endobronchial ultrasound-guided transbronchial needle aspiration (EBUS-TBNA) is the most modern bronchoscopic technique useful in diagnosis and staging of lung cancer (LC).

Objective

The aim of the study was to assess the yield of bronchoscopy in patients with suspected various respiratory diseases including LC. In particular, we examined the efficiency of different biopsy techniques in the diagnosis of LC in correlation with its localisation and pathomorphological type.

Patients and methods

The results of pathomorphological examinations from 5279 bronchoscopies performed in 2016–2018 were analysed. The material was collected with EBUS-TBNA, endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) and endobronchial forceps biopsy. Clinical and demographic factors were analysed using the Fisher χ2test.

Results

5279 patients were diagnosed due to various respiratory symptoms. LC was confirmed in 36.42% of patients. 40.81% of patients had no definitive pathomorphological diagnosis. Among patients with LC, the most frequent diagnosis was non-small cell LC: squamous cell lung cancer (SCC)—32.07% and adenocarcinoma (AC)—30.61%, then small cell LC—25.83% and not otherwise specified non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC-NOS)—11.49%. Diagnosis of SCC was obtained significantly more often (χ2=43.143, p<0.000001) by forceps biopsy (41.09%) than by EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA (26.62%). On the contrary, diagnosis of AC or NSCLC-NOS was significantly more often (χ2=20.394, p<0.000007, and χ2=3.902, p<0.05, respectively) observed in EBUS-TBNA/EUS-FNA (34.31% and 12.6%) than in endobronchial biopsies (24.52% and 9.64%).

Conclusions

The use of bronchoscopy in the diagnosis of various lung diseases is vital but also has many limitations. Effectiveness of EBUS-TBNA and endobronchial forceps biopsy in the diagnosis of lung cancer is strongly affected by tumour localisation and type of cancer.
Association between cytokine levels, sepsis severity and clinical outcomes in sepsis: a quantitative systematic review protocol
Authors: Gharamti Amal , Samara Omar , Monzon Anthony , Scherger Sias , DeSanto Kristen , Sillau Stefan , Franco-Paredes Carlos , Henao-Martínez Andrés , Shapiro Leland
Published: August 2021

Introduction

It is widely assumed thatsepsis is a life-threatening systemic inflammation caused by a dysregulated host response to infection mediated by an increase in multiple proinflammatory cytokines. The levels of key proinflammatory cytokines tumour necrosis factor, interleukin-1β and interferon γ are poorly characterised during sepsis. We believe this project will produce a ‘gold-standard’ document to which other reports on cytokine levels will be compared. The objective of this systematic review will be to identify key cytokine circulating levels in patients with sepsis and assess the association between these levels and morbidity and mortality outcomes related to sepsis.

Methods and analysis

We would include reports of any design except for case reports. Sepsis patients will comprise those with a diagnosis of sepsis, severe sepsis or septic shock. The primary exposure is levels of three proinflammatory cytokines. The primary outcome is mortality at 28 or 30 days. Study subjects can be of any age, sex or ethnicity. Studies will be restricted to the English language. Medline, Embase, Cochrane Library and Web of Science Core Collection will be searched for eligible studies. A database search will include studies from 1985 to May 2020. Two reviewers will independently screen and select studies, assess methodological quality and extract data. A meta-analysis will be performed, if possible, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment Development and Evaluation Summary of Findings presented.

Ethics and dissemination

Formal ethical approval is not required as data will be extracted from existing literature. This systematic review will be disseminated through a peer-reviewed publication and at conference meetings.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020179800.
Combined association of obesity and other cardiometabolic diseases with severe COVID-19 outcomes: a nationwide cross-sectional study of 21 773 Brazilian adult and elderly inpatients
Authors: Silva Natanael de Jesus , Ribeiro-Silva Rita de Cássia , Ferreira Andrêa Jacqueline Fortes , Teixeira Camila Silveira Silva , Rocha Aline Santos , Alves Flávia Jôse Oliveira , Falcão Ila Rocha , Pinto Elizabete de Jesus , Santos Carlos Antônio de Souza Teles , Fiaccone Rosemeire Leovigildo , Ichihara Maria Yury Travassos , Paixão Enny S , Barreto Mauricio L
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To investigate the combined association of obesity, diabetes mellitus (DM) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) with severe COVID-19 outcomes in adult and elderly inpatients.

Design

Cross-sectional study based on registry data from Brazil’s influenza surveillance system.

Setting

Public and private hospitals across Brazil.

Participants

Eligible population included 21 942 inpatients aged ≥20 years with positive reverse transcription-PCR test for SARS-CoV-2 until 9 June 2020.

Main outcome measures

Severe COVID-19 outcomes were non-invasive and invasive mechanical ventilation use, intensive care unit (ICU) admission and death. Multivariate analyses were conducted separately for adults (20–59 years) and elders (≥60 years) to test the combined association of obesity (without and with DM and/or CVD) and degrees of obesity with each outcome.

Results

A sample of 8848 adults and 12 925 elders were included. Among adults, obesity with DM and/or CVD showed higher prevalence of invasive (prevalence ratio 3.76, 95% CI 2.82 to 5.01) and non-invasive mechanical ventilation use (2.06, 1.58 to 2.69), ICU admission (1.60, 1.40 to 1.83) and death (1.79, 1.45 to 2.21) compared with the group without obesity, DM and CVD. In elders, obesity alone (without DM and CVD) had the highest prevalence of ICU admission (1.40, 1.07 to 1.82) and death (1.67, 1.00 to 2.80). In both age groups, obesity alone and combined with DM and/or CVD showed higher prevalence in all outcomes than DM and/or CVD. A dose–response association was observed between obesity and death in adults: class I 1.32 (1.05 to 1.66), class II 1.41 (1.06 to 1.87) and class III 1.77 (1.35 to 2.33).

Conclusions

The combined association of obesity, diabetes and/or CVD with severe COVID-19 outcomes may be stronger in adults than in elders. Obesity alone and combined with DM and/or CVD had more impact on the risk of COVID-19 severity than DM and/or CVD in both age groups. The study also supports an independent relationship of obesity with severe outcomes, including a dose–response association between degrees of obesity and death in adults.
Preferences for group arts therapies: a cross-sectional survey of mental health patients and the general population
Authors: Millard Emma , Medlicott Emma , Cardona Jessica , Priebe Stefan , Carr Catherine
Published: August 2021

Objectives

The arts therapies include music therapy, dance movement therapy, art therapy and dramatherapy. Preferences for art forms may play an important role in engagement with treatment. This survey was an initial exploration of who is interested in group arts therapies, what they would choose and why.

Design

An online cross-sectional survey of demographics, interest in and preferences for the arts therapies was designed in collaboration with patients. The survey took 10 min to complete, including informed consent and 14 main questions. Summary statistics, multinomial logistic regression and thematic analysis were used to analyse the data.

Setting

Thirteen National Health Service mental health trusts in the UK asked mental health patients and members of the general population to participate.

Participants

A total of 1541 participants completed the survey; 685 mental health patients and 856 members of the general population. All participants were over 18 years old, had capacity to give informed consent and sufficient understanding of English. Mental health patients had to be using secondary mental health services.

Results

Approximately 60% of participants would be interested in taking part in group arts therapies. Music therapy was the most frequent choice among mental health patients (41%) and art therapy was the most frequent choice in the general population (43%). Past experience of arts therapies was the most important predictor of preference for that same modality. Expectations of enjoyment, helpfulness, feeling capable, impact on mood and social interaction were most often reported as reasons for preferring one form of arts therapy.

Conclusions

Large proportions of the participants expressed an interest in group arts therapies. This may justify the wide provision of arts therapies and the offer of more than one modality to interested patients. It also highlights key considerations for assessment of preferences in the arts therapies as part of shared decision-making.
Effects of minimum unit pricing for alcohol in South Africa across different drinker groups and wealth quintiles: a modelling study
Authors: Gibbs Naomi , Angus Colin , Dixon Simon , Parry Charles , Meier Petra
Published: August 2021

Objectives

To quantify the potential impact of minimum unit pricing (MUP) for alcohol on alcohol consumption, spending and health in South Africa. We provide these estimates disaggregated by different drinker groups and wealth quintiles.

Design

We developed an epidemiological policy appraisal model to estimate the effects of MUP across sex, drinker groups (moderate, occasional binge, heavy) and wealth quintiles. Stakeholder interviews and workshops informed model development and ensured policy relevance.

Setting

South African drinking population aged 15+.

Participants

The population (aged 15+) of South Africa in 2018 stratified by drinking group and wealth quintiles, with a model time horizon of 20 years.

Main outcome measures

Change in standard drinks (SDs) (12 g of ethanol) consumed, weekly spend on alcohol, annual number of cases and deaths for five alcohol-related health conditions (HIV, intentional injury, road injury, liver cirrhosis and breast cancer), reported by drinker groups and wealth quintile.

Results

We estimate an MUP of R10 per SD would lead to an immediate reduction in consumption of 4.40% (−0.93 SD/week) and an increase in spend of 18.09%. The absolute reduction is greatest for heavy drinkers (−1.48 SD/week), followed by occasional binge drinkers (−0.41 SD/week) and moderate drinkers (−0.40 SD/week). Over 20 years, we estimate 20 585 fewer deaths and 9 00 332 cases averted across the five health-modelled harms.

Poorer drinkers would see greater impacts from the policy (consumption: −7.75% in the poorest quintile, −3.19% in richest quintile). Among the heavy drinkers, 85% of the cases averted and 86% of the lives saved accrue to the bottom three wealth quintiles.

Conclusions

We estimate that MUP would reduce alcohol consumption in South Africa, improving health outcomes while raising retail and tax revenue. Consumption and harm reductions would be greater in poorer groups.
Global palliative care research (2002-2020): bibliometric review and mapping analysis
Authors: Abu-Odah Hammoda , Molassiotis Alex , Liu Justina Yat Wa
Published: August 2021

Background and objective

Despite the important benefits of a bibliometric approach on mapping a research field, relatively little efforts have previously been conducted to map and analyse the global trends of palliative care (PC)-related research. This bibliometric review aimed to provide an overall picture and systematic mapping of the state of research trends within the field of PC internationally.

Methods

Scopus and Web of Science databases were searched to retrieve original articles focusing on PC between 2002 and 2020. Searching was conducted on 5 May 2020, and was updated on 6 May 2021. All retrieved articles were assessed by title and abstract, and the bibliometric metadata of those that met the inclusion criteria were downloaded for analysis. The results were analysed by VOSviewer and Gephi software.

Results

A total of 19,199 articles met the inclusion criteria. Significant growth of the number of published articles was reported by around five-fold from 2002 to 2020. The USA and UK were the most productive countries in terms of the number of papers published and citations. Weak collaborations were observed between low-income or middle-income countries and high-income countries. Cancer-related PC research was the most common focus. Seven clusters of research were identified and included heart failure and cancer prognosis, nursing home, pain and symptoms management, PC knowledge and attitudes, quality improvement of services, PC ethics, and the ongoing assessment of PC services.

Conclusions

There is a need to expand PC-related research to non-cancer diseases. More international research and cross-institutional cooperation is required to address more global PC issues and benefit from wider sharing of expertees, potentially leading to higher quality or more impactful studies. Setting up research agendas and priorities from funding bodies and institutions may also enhance cooperation among researchers.
Hibiscus sabdariffa tea affects diet-induced thermogenesis and subjective satiety responses in healthy men but not in women: a randomized crossover trial
Authors: Faria Natália Cristina de , Soares Ana Paula da Costa , Graciano Guilherme Fonseca , Correia Maria Isabel Toulson Davisson , Pires Magda Carvalho , Valenzuela Virginia Del Carmen Troncoso , Anastácio Lucilene Rezende
Published: August 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa tea on energy expenditure, satiety response and food intake. This is an open-label, crossover, randomized clinical trial that comprised 21 subjects (11 women, 10 men). The individuals were evaluated at acute moments (fasting and after eating standardized breakfast accompanied by water or H. sabdariffa tea). Resting energy expenditure was measured by indirect calorimetry, subjective satiety responses were evaluated with a visual analogue scale and food intake was assessed by using food records. The volunteers who drank the H. sabdariffa tea had lower perception of hunger (p = 0.002) and greater feeling of satiety (p = 0.01) and fullness (p = 0.009) compared to control. Men who ingested the H. sabdariffa tea had an increase in nitrogen energy expenditure (water: 1501 ± 290.7 kcal, H. sabdariffa tea: 1619 ± 288.9 kcal; p = 0.029). In comparison to control, men presented less perception of hunger (p = 0.003) and desire to eat (p = 0.016), increased satiety (p = 0.021) and fullness (p = 0.01), and women oxidized more fat (p = 0.034) when they drank H. sabdariffa tea. There was no difference between treatments regarding the energy and macronutrient intake from the first meal and throughout the day (p > 0.05) for all participants. The H. sabdariffa tea only affected energy expenditure and satiety responses in men. Clinical trial registry: ReBEC Platform of the Brazilian Clinical Trials Registry ( https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/ ) – RBR-5HZ86T.

Novelty: H. sabdariffa tea promoted an increase in energy expenditure and caused less perception of hunger/desire to eat in men. H. sabdariffa tea intake increased postprandial fat oxidation in women.
WinSETT — creating a centre for equity, diversity, and inclusion
Authors: Emerson Carolyn J. , Lefsrud Lianne M. , Robinson Jane , Hollett Susan
Published: August 2021

Dr. Margaret-Ann Armour was a foundational builder of equity, diversity, and inclusion in Canada. This article describes her vision and leadership in creating the Canadian Centre for Women in Science, Engineering, Trades, and Technology (WinSETT Centre, www.winsett.ca ) to generate and sustain national conversations and diversity initiatives. We outline the activities associated with these phases — beginning the diversity initiative, building on success, creating capacity, and launching a national centre — to demonstrate how this change effort has evolved. The comprehensive work since 2003 illustrates the focus, tenacity, and institutional entrepreneurship of Dr. Armour to “move the dial” for diversity and inclusion in Canada. She was a pioneer in social entrepreneurship, creating the organizations, initiatives, and networks to support systemic change.