bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Automated activity and progress analysis based on non-monotonic reasoning of construction operations
Authors: Johansen Karsten Winther , Nielsen Rasmus , Schultz Carl , Teizer Jochen
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Real-time location sensing (RTLS) systems offer a significant potential to advance the management of construction processes by potentially providing real-time access to the locations of workers and equipment. Many location-sensing technologies tend to perform poorly for indoor work environments and generate large data sets that are somewhat difficult to process in a meaningful way. Unfortunately, little is still known regarding the practical benefits of converting raw worker tracking data into meaningful information about construction project progress, effectively impeding widespread adoption in construction.

Design/methodology/approach

The presented framework is designed to automate as many steps as possible, aiming to avoid manual procedures that significantly increase the time between progress estimation updates. The authors apply simple location tracking sensor data that does not require personal handling, to ensure continuous data acquisition. They use a generic and non-site-specific knowledge base (KB) created through domain expert interviews. The sensor data and KB are analyzed in an abductive reasoning framework implemented in Answer Set Programming (extended to support spatial and temporal reasoning), a logic programming paradigm developed within the artificial intelligence domain.

Findings

This work demonstrates how abductive reasoning can be applied to automatically generate rich and qualitative information about activities that have been carried out on a construction site. These activities are subsequently used for reasoning about the progress of the construction project. Our framework delivers an upper bound on project progress (“optimistic estimates”) within a practical amount of time, in the order of seconds. The target user group is construction management by providing project planning decision support.

Research limitations/implications

The KB developed for this early-stage research does not encapsulate an exhaustive body of domain expert knowledge. Instead, it consists of excerpts of activities in the analyzed construction site. The KB is developed to be non-site-specific, but it is not validated as the performed experiments were carried out on one single construction site.

Practical implications

The presented work enables automated processing of simple location tracking sensor data, which provides construction management with detailed insight into construction site progress without performing labor-intensive procedures common nowadays.

Originality/value

While automated progress estimation and activity recognition in construction have been studied for some time, the authors approach it differently. Instead of expensive equipment, manually acquired, information-rich sensor data, the authors apply simple data, domain knowledge and a logical reasoning system for which the results are promising.
Refining the referral process: Increasing diversity for technology startups through targeted recruitment, screening and interview strategies
Authors: Kaul Kelsey
Published: June 2021

Purpose

In this paper, the author will help technology startups consider the importance of diversifying their teams. Since over 90% of startups fail, and most within the first three years, understanding the importance of team makeup can improve the viability of an organization. This paper aims to offer steps startups can make to increase their team’s diversity.

Design/methodology/approach

The author draws upon research about startup successes and failures as well as best practices in diversity and inclusion.

Findings

Through strategic steps to improve the referral, screening and interview process startups can diversify their teams and create better business outcomes.

Practical implications

If startups do not make an effort early on to hire diverse talent they may risk failure of their organization.

Originality/value

Diversity is more important than ever, and startups sometimes consider this step too late. This paper will offer steps that can be taken early on and with no cost to the team, with benefits that will be long-lasting.
Next‐generation sequencing for typing human papillomaviruses and predicting multi‐infections and their clinical symptoms
Authors: Kim Sang‐Yeon , Hwang Kyung‐A , Ann Ji‐Hoon , Kim Ji‐Hye , Nam Jae‐Hwan
Published: June 2021

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has more than 100 different types, some of which are associated with cancer. The most common example is that of cervical cancer, which is associated with HPV16 and HPV18. Here, we performed next‐generation sequencing (NGS) to type 2436 samples obtained from Korean women to elucidate the correlation between multiple infections, virus types, and cytology. NGS revealed that types 58, 56, and 16 were the most common in high‐risk (HR) types, whereas types 90, 54, and 81 were the most common in low‐risk (LR) types. The incidence of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) or high‐grade squamous intraepithelial lesion (HSIL) was 11.45% in single‐type cases and 27.17% in multiple infections by the two types of HPV. ASCUS or HSIL was 29.79% in only the HR type multiple infections and 29.81% in mixed high‐ and low‐risk types of multiple infections, whereas it was 18.79% in LR type multiple infections (P ≤ 0.0001). Co‐infection by LR‐HPV and HR‐HPV is therefore more likely to cause cell lesions. Collectively, these results show that the higher the incidence of multiple infections, the greater the frequency of cell lesions. Thus, to predict the clinical symptoms, it would be beneficial to confirm the HPV type and multiple infections using NGS, although this could be relatively expensive.
Decreased precipitation in the late growing season weakens an ecosystem carbon sink in a semi‐arid grassland
Authors: Yang Zhongling , Wei Yueyue , Fu Guangya , Xiao Rui , Chen Ji , Zhang Yaojun , Wang Dong , Li Junyong
Published: June 2021

Net ecosystem gas exchange (NEE), a balance between gross ecosystem primary productivity (GPP) and ecosystem respiration (ER), is an important indicator of terrestrial ecosystem CO2sink or source. Increasing frequency in droughts during different periods of the growing season may affect terrestrial ecosystem carbon (C) balance. However, detecting how drought timing controls ecosystem C processes is insufficiently explored because it is a challenge to accurately monitor and forecast drought dynamics.

In a 5‐year (2015–2019) precipitation manipulation experiment in a temperate steppe in northern China, we imposed a 60% decrease in precipitation in the early (April–June, DEP) and late (July–September, DLP) growing seasons in plots under rainout shelters to simulate drought occurrence timing. The responses of GPP, ER and NEE to DEP and DLP were examined to determine how the timing of decreased precipitation affects CO2fluxes.

Both DEP and DLP reduced GPP and ER. Decreased precipitation in the late growing season reduced NEE due to a greater decline in GPP than ER. In contrast, the lack of an effect of DEP on NEE can be attributed to a proportional decline in GPP and ER. Reduced normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) and GPP induced by decreased precipitation explained the decline in GPP and ER respectively. Drought in the late growing season weakened the ecosystem C sink. The result indicates a low resistance in net C uptake to DLP. However, we did not find evidence that previous precipitation decreases resulted in a lower overall rate of ecosystem C exchange, indicating a high resilience in C processes in this semi‐arid grassland.

Synthesis and applications. Our study provides solid evidence that drought in the late growing season weakens ecosystem C sink in the semi‐arid grassland. The findings suggest that management practices aimed at enhancing water availability during the late growing season should be preferred for increasing C sequestration.
Adaptation of Mediterranean forest species to climate: Lessons from common garden experiments
Authors: Ramírez‐Valiente Jose Alberto , Santos del Blanco Luis , Alía Ricardo , Robledo‐Arnuncio Juan J. , Climent Jose
Published: June 2021

Mediterranean ecosystems are biodiversity hotspots located between temperate mesic climates and semi‐deserts and deserts. Mediterranean climates are characterized by a drought season but its length and severity can be highly variable across regions. In this review, we explored population genetic variation in functional traits and fitness in Mediterranean oak and pine species. We tested the hypothesis that increased drought tolerance has evolved as an adaptation to xeric and warm areas of the Mediterranean climate while increased competitive abilities have been favoured in more mesic regions, following a productivity‐persistence trade‐off within species.

We first reviewed the literature and performed a meta‐analysis of studies on Pinus sp. and Quercus sp. from Mediterranean climates, and then analysed a set of unpublished data from Spanish common garden experiments of species from the Mediterranean Basin, searching for evidence of trait genetic variation among populations, local adaptation and trait–environment associations.

The meta‐analysis showed that 82.9% (95% CI 75.7–89.4) of traits per study showed significant population genetic differentiation and that 52.5% (35.6–69.2) of traits in studies with two or more Mediterranean environments exhibited population‐by‐environment interaction. Population differences in traits related to drought tolerance, cold hardiness and fitness were usually correlated with provenance precipitation and temperature gradients, suggesting that adaptation to different climatic regimes is an important process driving intraspecific genetic divergence. Within the Spanish trial network, however, predicted fitness functions based on climatic transfer distance failed to reveal significantly higher fitness of populations at experimental sites with climates closer to their provenances’ ones. Neither the literature review nor the new analyses of the Spanish trial network provided evidence of a negative association between growth‐ and persistence‐related traits at the intraspecific level.

Synthesis. Population genetic differentiation in functional traits and fitness is common in Mediterranean species, driven, at least in part, by the adaptation to contrasting temperature and precipitation regimes. Because of experimental constraints or biological reality, our study failed to detect a trade‐off between resource‐use strategies within species, calling for future studies to investigate further whether intraspecific evolution of stress tolerance occurs at the expense of growth potential in Mediterranean environments or not.
Risk stratification of emergency department patients with acute pulmonary thromboembolism: Is chest pain a reason to investigate?
Authors: Clements Warren , McMahon George AL , Joseph Tim , Goh Gerard S , Kuang Ronny JD , Smit De Villiers , Varma Dinesh
Published: June 2021

Background

This study aimed to risk‐stratify chest pain as a presenting symptom in patients with a diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism (PE) to assess for any association. In addition, this study aimed to assess traditionally acknowledged PE risk factors in an Australian population.

Methods

This was a retrospective single‐centre cohort study assessing patients who presented to our emergency department during the period of 1 January 2019 to 1 January 2020. 730 consecutive patients who went on to computed tomography pulmonary angiography (CTPA) examination after presentation were included.

Results

The rate of CTPA being positive in this study was 11.6% (85/730). Chest pain was associated with a non‐significant reduction in the odds of PE (OR 0.774, P = 0.327). Univariate analysis showed significantly increased odds of a diagnosis of PE with presentation for leg pain/swelling (OR 6.670, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis showed increasing age (OR 1.018, 95% CI 1.002–1.034, P = 0.024), clinical signs of a DVT (OR 3.194, 95% CI 1.803–5.657, P < 0.001) and positive D‐dimer (OR 1.762, 95% CI 1.011–3.071, P = 0.046) were associated with increased odds of PE.

Conclusion

In this study, Emergency Department presentation with chest pain, whilst the most common reason to perform a CTPA, resulted in reduced odds with regard to the diagnosis of pulmonary thromboembolism. The use of CTPA in this setting may be rationalised according to other factors such as localised leg pain as a symptom, signs of DVT, increasing age or positive D‐dimer.
Agricultural workers in meatpacking plants presenting to an emergency department with suspected COVID‐19 infection are disproportionately Black and Hispanic
Authors: House Hans R. , Vakkalanka J. Priyanka , Behrens Nathan G. , De Haan Jessica , Halbur Christopher R. , Harrington Elaine M. , Patel Pooja H. , Rawwas Lulua , Camargo Carlos A. , Kline Jeffrey A.
Published: June 2021

Objective

Facilities that process and package meat for consumer sale and consumption (meatpacking plants) were early sites of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreaks. The aim of this study was to characterize the association between meatpacking plant exposure and clinical outcomes among emergency department (ED) patients with COVID‐19 symptoms.

Methods

This was a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a single ED, from March 1 to May 31, 2020, who had: 1) symptoms consistent with COVID‐19 and 2) a COVID‐19 test performed. The primary outcome was COVID‐19 positivity, and secondary outcomes included hospital admission from the ED, ventilator use, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay (LOS; <48 or ≥48 h), and mortality.

Results

Patients from meatpacking plants were more likely to be Black or Hispanic than the ED patients without this occupational exposure. Patients with a meatpacking plant exposure were more likely to test positive for COVID‐19 (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59 to 3.53) but had similar rates of hospital admission (aRR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.07) and hospital LOS (aRR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.45 to 1.23). There was no significant difference in ventilator use among patients with meatpacking and nonmeatpacking plant exposure (8.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.531), ICU admissions (4.1% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.094), and mortality (2.0% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.473).

Conclusions

Workers in meatpacking plants in Iowa had a higher rate of testing positive for COVID‐19 but were not more likely to be hospitalized for their illness. These patients were disproportionately Black and Hispanic.
The role of fallowing in the restoration of woody species in the Woodlands of Northern Uganda
Authors: Byakagaba Patrick , Okullo John Bosco L. , Eilu Gerald , Mwavu Edward N.
Published: June 2021

The study sought to determine the extent to which fallowing can lead to recovery towards an historic woody vegetation of Sudanian woodlands in northern Uganda. Fallow sites of three distinct ages were assessed. Plots were established in crop fields that had been under cultivation for over 10 years, sites that had been under fallow for 3–6 years (young fallow) and fallow sites of at least 9 years (old fallow) in three districts. In each plot, all woody plants were enumerated and species composition, diversity and richness assessed. Young fallow plots were dominated by pioneer species such as Piliostigma thonningii and Annona senegalensis, while old fallow by a mix of late and early successional species such as Vachellia hockii (formerly Acacia hockii) and Combretum collinum. Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea butter tree) was the most abundant in all fallow categories. Species composition in crop field was different from young and old fallow. Species richness increased significantly from abandoned Crop field to Young fallow and then to Old fallow. Simpson's Diversity Index showed similar trends. V. paradoxa contributed most to overall similarity among the fallow categories. Fallowing can facilitate restoration of characteristic species of Sudanian woodlands.
Is Managerial Ability Associated with Capital Structure Adjustment Speed?*
Authors: Cho Hyungjin , Choi Ga‐Young , Choi Sera
Published: June 2021

We find that firms with more capable managers exhibit a slower adjustment speed of capital structure toward the target level. This result is stronger for younger and smaller firms. These can be explained by capable managers’ avoidance of transaction costs and their decision to focus on core activities rather than on capital structure adjustment. Lastly, the negative relation between firm value and the deviation from target capital structure is weaker for firms with competent managers, implying that the stock market does not discount the value of firms deviating from the target capital structure if they are managed by competent managers.
Characteristics of nursing and allied health student placements in the Northern Territory over time (2017‐2019) and placement satisfaction
Authors: Campbell Narelle , Moore Leigh , Farthing Annie , Anderson Jessie , Witt Susan , Lenthall Sue , Petrovic Erica , Lyons Chloe , Rissel Chris
Published: June 2021

Objective

Assess nursing and allied health student satisfaction with their remote Northern Territory integrated learning placement and consideration of future rural/remote work

Describe the characteristics of these students

Examine changes in student characteristics over time.

Design

A cross‐sectional survey of students and a review of student placement data.

Setting

Northern Territory, Australia.

Participants

Former students having a work integrated learning placement of more than 1 week in the Northern Territory from 2017 to 2019.

Main outcome measure(s)

Agreement with the statements ‘This placement has encouraged me to consider living and working in a rural or remote location after I graduate’ and ‘Overall, I was satisfied with my placement.’ The administrative record review examined student numbers, and placement length over time.

Results

A total of 341 students responded to the online survey. Overall satisfaction with the placement was very high (93%), and 84% agreed/strongly agreed that the placement had encouraged them to consider working in a rural or remote setting. High‐quality clinical supervision and educational resources were associated with overall placement satisfaction. Overall placement satisfaction, prior interest in working remotely and satisfaction with educational resources were associated with consideration of working remotely. The number of students having a placement increased by 29% in 2017 to 2019. The number of placement weeks also increased (35%).

Conclusions

The number/placement time of nursing and allied health students has increased in the NT. Satisfaction with remote work integrated learning placements is an the important pathway to growing a local health professional workforce in remote and rural settings.
Infrastructural Activism: Google Bus Blockades, Affective Politics, and Environmental Gentrification in San Francisco
Authors: Maharawal Manissa M.
Published: June 2021

Between 2013 and 2018, the San Francisco Bay Area saw the rise of “Google bus blockades”—a form of protest against gentrification, growing inequality and a housing crisis linked to the economic impacts of the technology sector on the region. Based on two years of ethnographic fieldwork with housing activists in the San Francisco Bay Area, this article argues that the disruptive tactic of “the Google Bus blockade” can be understood as a form of infrastructural activism—a flexible political form that uses the interruption of infrastructure for political ends. The blockades politicised the “Google buses” and transformed them into symbols of gentrification and sites of resistance. Protestors constructed a political analysis that drew connections between struggles for housing, racial and environmental justice and brought together material, affective and political critiques of infrastructure.
The association between increasing oral anticoagulant prescribing and atrial fibrillation related stroke in Ireland
Authors: Kennedy Cormac , Gabr Ahmed , McCormack Joan , Collins Rónán , Barry Michael , Harbison Joe
Published: June 2021

Aims

Recent increases in the number of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) prescribed oral anticoagulants (OAC) are evident in Ireland and internationally, largely due to the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This study aimed to determine the rate of stroke in the context of increasing anticoagulation utilisation, with a focus on AF‐related ischaemic stroke (IS).

Methods

Dispensing data for OACs were identified for the period 2010–2018 as well as hospital discharges for IS (2005–2018). Irish National Stroke Register data were used to elucidate the characteristics of patients with acute ischaemic stroke.

Results

The number of patients prescribed OACs increased by 94% from 2010–2018 with a significant change from 2013 (β = 2.57, P = .038), associated with a large increase in the number of patients on DOACs. There was 3.3‐fold increase in expenditure on OACs nationally from 2013 to 2018, of which 94% was DOAC related. Using the 2013 timepoint, ischaemic stroke rates until 2018 did not show a significant deviation from the previous trend (β = 0.00, P = .898). The percentage of AF‐related ischaemic stroke was stable from 2013 to 2017 with a 4.5% decrease in 2018. The percentage of ischaemic stroke patients with previously diagnosed AF decreased from 2013 to 2018; however, there was an increase in the percentage of ischaemic strokes while on OAC in this cohort.

Conclusion

Large increases in OAC utilisation have not resulted in changes in ischaemic stroke rates at a national level. The percentage of ischaemic strokes with a previous diagnosis of AF has decreased indicating a possible benefit from greater OAC utilisation. However, the percentage presenting with an ischaemic stroke while on OAC treatment is increasing. The increase in patients presenting with stroke while treated with OAC may largely reflect the national increase in patients prescribed DOACs but the findings raise concerns about treatment failures. The real‐world effectiveness of DOACs requires further examination.
Omecamtiv mecarbil does not prolong QTc intervals at therapeutic concentrations
Authors: Trivedi Ashit , Hsu Cheng‐Pang , Jafarinasabian Pegah , Terminello Bianca , Zhang Hanze , Flach Stephen , Israel Samuel , Brooks Ashley , Xue Hongqi , Darpo Borje , Abbasi Siddique , Dutta Sandeep , Lee Edward
Published: June 2021

Aims

Omecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a novel selective cardiac myosin activator under investigation for the treatment of heart failure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of therapeutic concentrations of OM on electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and exclude a clinically concerning effect on the rate‐corrected QT (QTc) interval.

Methods

In part A, 70 healthy subjects received a 25 mg oral dose of OM, and pharmacokinetics were assessed. Only subjects with maximum observed plasma concentration ≤ 350 ng/mL (n = 60) were randomized into part B, where they received a single oral dose of placebo, 50 mg OM and 400 mg moxifloxacin in a 3‐period, 3‐treatment, 6‐sequence crossover study with continuous ECG collection.

Results

After a 50‐mg dose of OM, mean placebo‐corrected change from baseline QTcF (∆∆QTcF; Fridericia correction) ranged from −6.7 ms at 1 hour postdose to −0.8 ms at 4 hours postdose. The highest upper bound of the 1‐sided 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.7 ms (4 h postdose). Moxifloxacin resulted in a clear increase in mean ∆∆QTcF, with a peak value of 13.1 ms (90% CI: 11.71–14.57) at 3 hours; lower bound of the 1‐sided 95% CI was > 5 ms at all of the 3 prespecified time points. Based on a concentration–QTc analysis, an effect on ∆∆QTcF exceeding 10 ms can be excluded up to OM plasma concentrations of ~800 ng/mL. There were no serious or treatment‐emergent adverse events leading to discontinuation from the study.

Conclusion

OM does not have a clinically relevant effect on the studied ECG parameters.
Interrupting the Pathway From Discrimination to Black Adolescents’ Psychosocial Outcomes: The Contribution of Parental Racial Worries and Racial Socialization Competency
Authors: Anderson Riana E. , Jones Shawn C.T. , Saleem Farzana T. , Metzger Isha , Anyiwo Nkemka , Nisbeth Kyle Simone , Bess Kiana D. , Resnicow Kenneth , Stevenson Howard C.
Published: June 2021

Racial discrimination can lead to psychosocial problems for Black adolescents, including internalization (e.g., depression) and externalization (e.g., conduct problems). Black parents (N = 186; Mage = 42.9) of adolescents (ages 10–18) were assessed to investigate how parental worries and racial socialization competency (i.e., confidence, skills, and stress) contribute to the association between parental discrimination experiences and their adolescents’ psychosocial problems. Mediation analyses indicated that the total direct models with discrimination, worries, and problems had good fit, and that the addition of worry mediated the discrimination‐problems association. Furthermore, racial socialization competency moderated the association between worry and problems, wherein greater competency was associated with less impact of worry on problems. Findings illuminate potential intervention targets for buffering discrimination’s influence on adolescents’ psychosocial functioning.
No evidence for a specific vitamin D deficit in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Goldschagg Nicolina , Teupser Daniel , Feil Katharina , Strupp Michael
Published: June 2021

Background and purpose

The aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration between patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), patients with other vestibular diseases and patients with other neurological non‐vestibular diseases presenting in a tertiary neurological academic outpatient clinic.

Methods

The serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured in 680 patients (368 male, mean age ± SD 58 ± 17 years, 661 Caucasian) without vitamin D supplementation. 158 patients had BPPV; 221 had other vestibular diseases (including 122 with peripheral vestibular disorders, such as unilateral vestibulopathy or Ménière's disease; 46 with central vestibular disorders, such as vestibular migraine or cerebellar dizziness; 53 with functional dizziness); and 301 patients with other neurological non‐vestibular diseases.

Results

There was no significant difference in the serum 25(OH)D concentration between patients with BPPV (mean ± SD 23.4 ± 9.4 ng/ml) and those with other vestibular disorders (24.9 ± 10.1 ng/ml, p = 0.324). Patients with other neurological disorders had even lower concentrations (21.4 ± 10.6 ng/ml) than patients with BPPV (p < 0.005), patients with other vestibular disorders (p < 0.005) and all patients with vestibular disorders (24.9 ± 10.1 ng/ml, p < 0.005).

Conclusion

Our analysis does not support the theory of a specific relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentration and the occurrence of BPPV or other vestibular disorders.
On the transferability of CTOA from small‐scale DWTT to full‐scale pipe using a cohesive zone model
Authors: Bassindale Chris , Wang Xin , Tyson William R. , Xu Su
Published: June 2021

Highlights

Dynamic ductile fracture propagation of pipeline steels was studied using 3D CZM.

JIS STPG370 steel was examined.

CZM calibrated for a small‐scale specimen (DWTT) transferred to large‐scale pipes.

Calibrated CZMs can be used to reproduce experimental data with good agreements.

The fracture velocities and the CTOAs are in good agreements.
Measuring positive caregiving experiences in family caregivers of nursing home residents: A comparison of the Positive Experiences Scale, Gain in Alzheimer Care INstrument, and Positive Aspects of Caregiving questionnaire
Authors: Smaling Hanneke JA , Joling Karlijn J , Achterberg Wilco P , Francke Anneke L , van der Steen Jenny T
Published: June 2021

Aim

To compare the Positive Experiences Scale (PES), Gain in Alzheimer Care INstrument (GAIN) and Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) in assessing positive caregiving experiences among caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia, and to explore which caregiver and care recipient characteristics relate to positive caregiving experiences.

Methods

A total of 63 caregivers (mean age 59.2 years; SD 11.8) of nursing home residents with dementia from four Dutch nursing homes participated in this cross‐sectional observational study. Internal consistency, convergent validity and user‐friendliness (i.e. perception of item relevance and comprehensibility, ease of use, missing items, and user preference) were examined using Cronbach's alpha's, correlation coefficients and descriptive statistics, respectively.

Results

The Cronbach's alpha for the GAIN, PAC and PES was 0.90, 0.94 and 0.68, respectively. The sum score of the PES showed a ceiling effect. Convergent validity was confirmed for all three instruments. The PES had the least missing data (mean number of missing items 0.2, SD 0.5) and was preferred by 40% of the caregivers, followed by the GAIN (mean number of missing items 0.6, SD 1.7, preferred by 11%). Positive caregiving experiences were negatively associated with educational level (range −0.28 to −0.35). Only the PES correlated positively with caregiver age (r = 0.25).

Conclusions

All three questionnaires can be used to assess positive caregiving experiences, but the GAIN might be the most suitable questionnaire for caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia. Further research is necessary to examine generalizability of the findings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 636–643.
Development conditions for creative clusters in Poland in view of institutional environment factors
Authors: Mackiewicz Marta , Namyślak Beata
Published: June 2021

The paper aims to identify the factors affecting the development of creative clusters, with a special focus on institutional setting. This knowledge is important for the development of regions, as clusters play a significant role in accelerating the innovation processes and networking, especially that creative industries have a particular tendency for networking. The study found that the location of creative clusters is influenced by the concentration of creative industries while institutional factors play a much smaller role. The development of clusters is mainly hindered by internal factors, such as problems with defining a common strategy, inability to raise funding for operations (especially if public support was received in the early stages of development), or ill‐designed cooperation with scientific institutions. The practical application of the paper can be found in the conclusions regarding cluster policy at the regional level. First, it would be reasonable to develop models of cooperation between local authorities and clusters, including in particular creation of demand for cluster services. Second, it is important to maintain a strategic dialog between cluster coordinators and local authorities to ensure ongoing monitoring of the needs of the creative sector. Third, it is desirable to promote partnerships and clusters in publicly funded competitions.
Boiling for 15 minutes improves nutrient profiles in fishes included in the diets of dialysis patients
Authors: Tsai Wan‐Chuan , Chiu Yen‐Ling , Wu Hon‐Yen , Sun Wen‐Huei , Tai Shan‐Ju , Luan Chia‐Chin , Peng Yu‐Sen , Hsu Shih‐Ping
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Little is known about the effects of boiling on nutrient levels in fishes that have a relatively high phosphorus‐to‐protein ratio (PPR), which are important sources of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of boiling for a shorter duration (15 min) on nutrient contents in fishes were similar to those of boiling for a longer duration (30 min), which has been shown to decrease the PPR in meat.

Methods

The protein, fat, and phosphorus contents and the PPR of three cooked fish species and their corresponding fish broths were chemically analyzed. The effects of boiling on changes in protein, fat, phosphorus, and the PPR was examined by comparing fish that were prepared with usual cooking methods (no boiling), boiled for 15 min, and boiled for 30 min. The nutrients in fish broths that were boiled for 15 min were also compared with those boiled for 30 min.

Findings

There were no significant differences in the changes in phosphorus, PPR, protein, and fat content in fish and fish broths prepared with the two boiling methods. In the fish boiled for 15 min, the phosphorus content was 24% lower (p = 0.001), and the PPR was 20% lower (p = 0.04) than those in nonboiled fish. Additionally, boiling for 30 min reduced the phosphorus content by 31% (p = 0.001), and the PPR by 27% (p = 0.04) compared to nonboiled fish, but the protein and fat contents were unchanged after both 15 and 30 min of boiling.

Discussion

The 15‐ and 30‐min boiling methods resulted in a similar reduction in phosphorus and the PPR in fish, with minimal effects on protein and fat. A shorter duration of boiling is recommended to achieve better nutrient profiles in fishes consumed by dialysis patients.
Hemodialysis leads to plasma depletion of lectin complement pathway initiator molecule ficolin‐2
Authors: Nielsen Ture Lange , Pilely Katrine , Lund Kit P. , Warming Peder Emil , Plesner Louis Lind , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Garred Peter
Published: June 2021

Introduction

This study aimed to investigate changes in complement system‐related molecules in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Methods

Patients >18 years of age on maintenance hemodialysis were included. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) methods complement related molecules ficolin‐1, ficolin‐2, ficolin‐3 mannose‐binding lectin, long pentraxin 3, complement activation products C3c, and complement activation potentials were measured before and after a single hemodialysis treatment. All patients were dialyzed with synthetic high flux filters >1.6 m2, respectively, Polyamix and Polysulfone, and the Kt/V was maintained >1.3.

Findings

Three hundred and four patients were included. There was a modest decrease in plasma level of ficolin‐1 (p < 0.001). Ficolin‐2 was virtually depleted with median 3.9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.6–6.1, range 0.3–13.5) μg/ml before dialysis to median 0.0 (IQR: 0.0–0.5, range 0.0–5.5) μg/ml after dialysis (p < 0.001). No significant difference before and after hemodialysis was seen for mannose‐binding lectin and long pentraxin 3 (p > 0.05). In a random subgroup of 160 patients ficolin‐2‐binding, ficolin‐3‐mediated lectin pathway capacity and classical pathway capacity were significantly decreased due to hemodialysis. The complement capacity of the alternative pathway was increased after hemodialysis (p = 0.0101), while mannose‐binding lectin‐mediated lectin pathway capacity was unaltered (p = 0.79). There was an increase in the complement activation product C3c (p < 0.0001), while the concentration of total C4 and C3 did not change (p > 0.158). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses showed an increased risk for all‐cause mortality with increasing ficolin‐2 (p = 0.002) after hemodialysis.

Discussion

Plasma ficolin‐2 was virtually depleted from the circulation after hemodialysis. However, elevated plasma ficolin‐2 levels after hemodialysis was independently associated with increased mortality.
Early cannulation arteriovenous graft (Acuseal) versus standard arteriovenous graft in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: He Jinyun , Zeng Qianwen , Lang Fen , Yang Min , Liu Zelong , Zeng Lijuan , Liang Ruiming , Wu Shuwen , Tang Qing
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The use of Acuseal arteriovenous graft (AAVG) is spreading in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients for its advantages in early cannulation. However, comparison of clinical outcomes between AAVGs and standard arteriovenous grafts (SAVGs) is limited. In this study, we compared the performance of AAVGs and SAVGs.

Methods

Consecutive ESRD patients underwent prosthetic vascular access between October 2017 and May 2019 at a single center were identified. Patients were divided into AAVG group and SAVG group. Patients' demographics, perioperative characteristics, and clinical outcomes were collected. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were compared using Kaplan‐Meier analyses. Postsurgery complications were compared using chi‐square test or the Fisher's exact test.

Findings

A total of 304 arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) were implanted in 145 males and 159 females (mean age, 60.1 years; range, 20–91 years), comprising 143 AAVGs and 161 SAVGs. Median time to first cannulation was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR], 1–15 days) in the AAVG group and 30 days (IQR, 20–52 days) in the SAVG group (P < 0.001). Adjusted primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency at 12 months were not significant different between AAVGs and SAVGs (P = 0.911, P = 0.945, and P = 0.640, respectively). There was no statistical significance in regards to thrombosis (AAVG, 34.3%; SAVG, 26.1%; P = 0.120) and infection (AAVG, 4.9%; SAVG, 2.5%; P = 0.261) between the groups.

Discussion

Acuseal grafts provide comparable patency, and complication rates to SAVGs, with less time to first cannulation from the graft implanted.
Indications and waiting list priority for deceased donor liver transplantation in HIV/HCV co‐infected hemophilic patients in Japan through contaminated blood product
Authors: Eguchi Susumu , Egawa Hiroto , Eguchi Hidetoshi , Uehira Tomoko , Endo Tomoyuki , Genda Takuya , Shinoda Masahiro , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Shimamura Tsuyoshi , Tsukada Kunihisa , Hara Tetsuya , Nakao Kazuhiko , Yatsuhashi Hiroshi , Yotsuyanagi Hiroshi , Natsuda Koji , Soyama Akihiko , Hidaka Masaaki , Hara Takanobu , Takatsuki Mitsuhisa
Published: June 2021

HIV/HCV co‐infection from blood products for hemophilia has been a social problem in Japan. Liver transplantation (LT) is an important treatment option for hepatic failure and cirrhosis of the liver in co‐infected patients, and appropriate indications for LT, especially organ form deceased donors, are required by society. The aim is to propose priority status for the waiting list for deceased donor (DD) LT in HIV/HCV co‐infected patients in Japan based on medical and scientific considerations. Since 2009, we have been working on the subject in research projects under grants‐in‐aid for health and labour sciences research on AIDS measures provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (the Kanematsu project and Eguchi project). Our research showed that hepatic fibrosis is advanced in HIV/HCV co‐infected Japanese patients, especially those with hemophilia who became infected from blood products at a faster rate than HCV mono‐infected patients. In addition, those patients who developed portal hypertension had a poor prognosis at a young age. The results of our research contributed to increasing the priority score of those patients on the deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) waiting list in 2013 and to establishing a scoring system for DDLT corresponding to the Model for End‐stage Liver disease (MELD) score in 2019. This paper introduces changes in priority and the current state of priority of the DDLT waiting list for HIV/HCV co‐infected patients in Japan.
CD5‐expressing CD8+ T‐cell subsets differ between children with type 1 diabetes and controls
Authors: Wadenpohl Josefine , Seyfarth Julia , Hehenkamp Paul , Hoffmann Maximilian , Kummer Sebastian , Reinauer Christina , Döing Carsten , Förtsch Katharina , Mayatepek Ertan , Meissner Thomas , Jacobsen Marc
Published: June 2021

Different lymphocyte subsets are involved in autoimmune pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes (T1D). Previous studies suggested a role of CD5‐expressing T and B cells including rare unconventional lymphocytes with combined T‐ and B‐cell features [dual expressing (DE) cells]. We performed algorithm‐supported multiparameter flow cytometry and quantitative PCR to investigate immune cell subsets and DE cells in children with T1D (n = 20) and matched controls (n = 20). Comparisons of conventional immune cells detected increased proportions of CD3+ T cells in T1D patients, whereas CD19+ B‐cell proportions were comparable to controls. Self‐organizing maps for flow cytometry analyses (FlowSOM) showed highly similar CD5‐expressing B‐cell subsets and no differences for DE cells were detected between the study groups by flow cytometry or specific quantitative PCR. Notably, differences in CD8+ T cells were indicated by FlowSOM and similarity‐based t‐distributed stochastic neighbor embedding (tSNE) analyses. Study group comparisons confirmed significantly reduced CD8+ T‐cell proportions with moderate or low CD5 expression in T1D patients. Finally, in vitro experiments showed stable CD5 expression differences of CD8+ T cells after T‐cell activation, cytokine stimulation and culture. We observed differences of T‐cell coreceptor CD5 expression in T1D patients with potential relevance for immune regulation of CD8+ T‐cell activation.
Fluid management and strength postsimulated use of primary and secondary dressings for treating diabetic foot ulcers: Robotic phantom studies
Authors: Lustig Adi , Gefen Amit
Published: June 2021

Non‐offloaded diabetic heel ulcers and the wound dressings used to treat them may be subjected to considerable bodyweight forces. A novel robotic foot phantom with a diabetic heel ulcer was designed and constructed to test the combined performances of applied primary and secondary dressings, in simulated non‐offloaded (standing) and offloaded (supine) postures. We specifically compared the performances of the primary Exufiber dressing (Mölnlycke Health Care) combined with the secondary Mepilex Border Flex dressing (Mölnlycke) against a corresponding pair from an alternative manufacturer. Fluid retention and distribution between the primary and secondary dressings of each pair were determined using weight tests, and mechanical strength of the primary dressings was further measured postsimulated use through tensile testing. The Exufiber and Mepilex Border Flex pair performed similarly in the two simulated postures (retention = ~97%), whereas the comparator pair exhibited a 13%‐decrease in retention for a supine to standing transition. Furthermore, the Exufiber dressing delivered up to 2‐times more fluid to its paired secondary dressing and endured 1.7‐times greater strain energy than the corresponding primary dressing before failure occurred. The present robotic foot phantom and associated methods are versatile and suitable for testing any dressing, in consideration of the relevant clinical factors and practice.
Ti4+modified MgZrNb2O8microwave dielectric ceramics with an ultra‐high quality factor
Authors: Zhang Xing , Liu Cheng , Shi Liang , Xu Wenhao , Zhang Hongyang , Zeng Rui , Zhang Huaiwu
Published: June 2021

Ti4+‐modified MgZrNb2O8(MgZr1‐xTixNb2O8,x = 0, 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4) ceramics were synthesized using the traditional solid‐state reaction method. Pure MgZr1–xTixNb2O8was detected without any secondary phase via the X‐ray diffraction patterns. According to the sintering behavior and the surface morphology results, the introduction of Ti4+reduced the sintering temperature and promoted the grain growth. The correlations between the dielectric properties and the crystal structure were analyzed through the Rietveld refinement and Raman spectroscopy. The slight shifts of the Raman peaks, corresponding to different vibration modes, were induced by the substitution of Ti4+for Zr4+and related to the improved quality factor. In general, the sample of MgZr0.9Ti0.1Nb2O8 sintered at 1320°C for 4 h exhibited promising microwave dielectric properties with an ultra‐highQ×fvalue of 130 123 GHz (at 7.308 GHz, 20°C), which is potential for 5G communication applications.
Experiences of food and mealtime from the perspective of patients with chronic life‐limiting disease: A mixed‐method systematic review
Authors: Wallin Viktoria , Omerov Pernilla , Mattsson Elisabet , Klarare Anna
Published: June 2021

Aim

To describe and synthesise experiences of food and mealtimes from the perspective of patients with chronic life‐limiting disease.

Design

A mixed‐method systematic review.

Data Sources

The databases Academic Search Complete, CINAHL, Nursing and Allied Health Database, PsycINFO, PubMed, Soc Index and Web of Science Core Collection were searched (January 2000 to March 2019).

Review Methods

Out of 3151 identified articles, 24 were included for appraisal and synthesis, using a data based convergent design.

Results

Four themes were derived: ‘understanding hampered eating—perhaps it is best to let nature run its course’; ‘food and meals evoke distress—reducing joy, testing interim ways’; ‘struggling with food and meals—eating to please others and to postpone death’; and ‘food and meals as caring and love—flanked by social disconnecting’.

Conclusion

For patients with chronic life‐limiting disease, food entailed potential to remain healthy, improve well‐being and prolong life. Meanwhile, eating difficulties were experienced as fundamentally affecting social life and interactions; consequently, joy around food and meals was lost.
Azacytidine plus olaparib for relapsed acute myeloid leukaemia, ineligible for intensive chemotherapy, diagnosed with a synchronous malignancy
Authors: Iluta Sabina , Pasca Sergiu , Gafencu Grigore , Jurj Ancuta , Terec Andreea , Teodorescu Patric , Selicean Cristina , Jitaru Ciprian , Preda Alexandra , Cenariu Diana , Constantinescu Catalin , Iordache Maria , Tigu Bogdan , Munteanu Raluca , Feder Richard , Dima Delia , Zdrenghea Mihnea , Gulei Diana , Ciuleanu Tudor‐Eliade , Tomuleasa Ciprian
Published: June 2021

Patients with relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), ineligible for intensive chemotherapy and allogeneic stem cell transplantation, have a dismal prognosis. For such cases, hypomethylating agents are a viable alternative, but with limited success. Combination chemotherapy using a hypomethylating agent plus another drug would potentially bring forward new alternatives. In the present manuscript, we present the cell and molecular background for a clinical scenario of a 44‐year‐old patient, diagnosed with high‐grade serous ovarian carcinoma, diagnosed, and treated with a synchronous AML. Once the ovarian carcinoma relapsed, maintenance treatment with olaparib was initiated. Concomitantly, the bone marrow aspirate showed 30% myeloid blasts, consistent with a relapse of the underlying haematological disease. Azacytidine 75 mg/m2 treatment was started for seven days. The patient was administered two regimens of azacytidine monotherapy, additional to the olaparib‐based maintenance therapy. After the second treatment, the patient presented with leucocytosis and 94% myeloid blasts on the bone marrow smear. Later, the patient unfortunately died. Following this clinical scenario, we reproduced in vitro the combination chemotherapy of azacytidine plus olaparib, to accurately assess the basic mechanisms of leukaemia progression, and resistance to treatment. Combination chemotherapy with drugs that theoretically target both malignancies might potentially be of use. Still, further research, both pre‐clinical and clinical, is needed to accurately assess such cases.