bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequential relationships of food intake in nursing home residents with dementia: Behavioural analyses of videotaped mealtime observations
Authors: Liu Wen , Chen Yong
Published: June 2022

Aims and Objectives

This study examined the sequential relationships of food intake and the moderating role of the characteristics of intake and resident conditions.

Background

Nursing home residents commonly experience insufficient food intake. While multilevel factors influence intake, evidence on sequential relationships is lacking.

Design

The study was an observational study using secondary, behavioural analyses following the STROBE Statement.

Methods

Videotaped observations (N = 160) collected from a dementia communication trial during 2011–2014 were coded using the refined Cue Utilisation and Engagement in Dementia Mealtime Video‐coding Scheme during 2018–2019. The 160 videos involved 27 residents living with dementia and 36 staff in 9 nursing homes. Independent variables were the state (solid intake, liquid intake, no intake) of an intake episode occurring during mealtime (current episode), eating technique (resident‐initiated, staff‐facilitated) used in the next episode occurring after the current episode (subsequent episode), interval between adjacent episodes, and resident comorbidities and dementia stage. The dependent variable was the state of subsequent episode.

Results

Successful liquid and solid intake increased odds of subsequent liquid and solid intake. Comorbidities were associated with decreased odds of subsequent liquid and solid intake for staff‐facilitated episodes. When liquid intake occurred, staff‐facilitation decreased odds of subsequent liquid intake; longer intervals between adjacent episodes increased odds of subsequent solid intake.

Conclusion

Food intake was strongly and sequentially associated, and such temporal relationships were dependent on characteristics of the intake process and resident conditions.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

The study findings supported that initiating successful intake facilitates continuity of successful intake during mealtime. Behavioural interventions tailored by comorbidities that modify characteristics of the food intake process may improve food intake.
Progress towards the elimination of hepatitis B in children in Colombia: A novel two‐phase study approach
Authors: Ríos‐Hincapié Cielo Yaneth , Murad‐Rivera Rocío , Tohme Rania A. , Ropero Alba María , Gómez Bertha , Librado Cardona Diana , Forest Duque Brigitte Neffer , Cuellar Diego , Cardenas Iván , Krow‐Lucal Elisabeth , Wannemuehler Kathleen , de la Hoz Restrepo Fernando , Sánchez‐Molano Sandra Marcela , Delgado Carlos Eugenio , Rivillas‐Garcia Juan Carlos , Wasley Annemarie
Published: June 2022

The World Health Organization (WHO) has established a target to eliminate mother‐to‐child‐transmission (EMTCT) of hepatitis B virus (HBV), defined as a prevalence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) of ≤0.1% among children, by 2030. Using nationally representative serosurveys to verify achievement of this target requires large sample sizes and significant resources. We assessed the feasibility of a potentially more efficient two‐phase method to verify EMTCT of HBV in Colombia. In the first phase, we conducted a risk assessment to identify municipalities at the highest risk of ongoing HBV transmission. We ranked the 1122 municipalities of Colombia based on the reports of HBV infection in pregnant women per 1000 population. Municipalities with ≥0.3 reports per 1000 persons (equating to the top quartile) were further assessed based on health facility birth rates, coverage with three doses of hepatitis B vaccine (HepB3) and seroprevalence data. Hepatitis B risk was considered to be further increased for municipalities with HepB3 coverage or health facility birth rate <90%. In the second phase, we conducted a multistage household serosurvey of children aged 5–10 years in 36 municipalities with the highest assessed HBV risk. HBsAg was not detected in any of 3203 children tested, yielding a 90% upper confidence bound of <0.1% prevalence. Coverage with HepB3 and hepatitis B birth dose was high at 97.5% and 95.6%, respectively. These results support the conclusion that Colombia has likely achieved EMTCT of HBV.
Knockout of SlTOM1 and SlTOM3 results in differential resistance to tobamovirus in tomato
Authors: Kravchik Michael , Shnaider Yulia , Abebie Bekele , Shtarkman Meital , Kumari Reenu , Kumar Surender , Leibman Diana , Spiegelman Ziv , Gal‐On Amit
Published: June 2022

During tobamovirus–host coevolution, tobamoviruses developed numerous interactions with host susceptibility factors and exploited these interactions for replication and movement. The plant‐encoded TOBAMOVIRUS MULTIPLICATION (TOM) susceptibility proteins interact with the tobamovirus replicase proteins and allow the formation of the viral replication complex. Here CRISPR/Cas9‐mediated mutagenesis allowed the exploration of the roles of SlTOM1a, SlTOM1b, and SlTOM3 in systemic tobamovirus infection of tomato. Knockouts of both SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 in sltom1a/sltom3 plants resulted in an asymptomatic response to the infection with recently emerged tomato brown rugose fruit virus (ToBRFV). In addition, an accumulation of ToBRFV RNA and coat protein (CP) in sltom1a/sltom3 mutant plants was 516‐ and 25‐fold lower, respectively, than in wild‐type (WT) plants at 12 days postinoculation. In marked contrast, sltom1a/sltom3 plants were susceptible to previously known tomato viruses, tobacco mosaic virus (TMV) and tomato mosaic virus (ToMV), indicating that SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 are not essential for systemic infection of TMV and ToMV in tomato plants. Knockout of SlTOM1b alone did not contribute to ToBRFV and ToMV resistance. However, in triple mutants sltom1a/sltom3/sltom1b, ToMV accumulation was three‐fold lower than in WT plants, with no reduction in symptoms. These results indicate that SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 are essential for the replication of ToBRFV, but not for ToMV and TMV, which are associated with additional susceptibility proteins. Additionally, we showed that SlTOM1a and SlTOM3 positively regulate the tobamovirus susceptibility gene SlARL8a3. Moreover, we found that the SlTOM family is involved in the regulation of plant development.
Race‐induced trauma, antiracism, and radical self‐care
Authors: Waite Roberta , Iheduru‐Anderson Kechi
Published: June 2022

Being racialized as Black in the United States has contributed to this population having to operate with a level of race‐induced trauma, especially those who are darkly melanated. Historically, Black persons have been terrorized into colonization, and the cultural psychology of anti‐Blackness has been entrenched in our society. Through the practice of racialization, the historical, social, and political processes of constructing racial identities and meanings have impacted the formation of understanding of the body and the rationalization of hierarchy. In addition, the internalization of these ideas of hierarchy and difference within power/knowledge relations that they (re)produce is pervasive among people in the United States. This article aims to explicitly highlight racism as trauma, address the relevance of radical self‐care when disrupting anti‐Black racism, and consider steps to promote trauma responsiveness when incorporating these practices.
COMPOSITE HUMAN‐ANIMAL FIGURES IN EARLY URBAN NORTHERN MESOPOTAMIA: SHAMANS OR IMAGES OF RESISTANCE?
Authors: McMahon Augusta
Published: June 2022

Urban growth in northern Mesopotamia in the early fourth millennium BC was accompanied by an increase in clay container sealings, reflecting the intensified movement and management of resources and manufactured items. The diverse imagery impressed into these sealings includes a human‐ibex grasping a pair of snakes, a bird‐human, and other composite figures. The human‐ibex in particular has been identified as a ‘shaman’, but this is not an appropriate term. The early fourth millennium BC was a period of enormous social and economic upheaval generated by the growth of cities and institutions. Composite figures may have expressed resistance to increasingly structured lived experiences, acknowledging the paradoxes of urban living and affirming the continued presence of the unexplainable.
Influence of eye tilt on corneal densitometry
Authors: Consejo Alejandra , Jiménez‐García Marta , Rozema Jos J. , Abass Ahmed
Published: June 2022

Purpose

To investigate whether Pentacam densitometry readings are affected by corneal tilt.

Methods

In a prospective study, the right eyes of 86 healthy participants aged 42.8 ± 20.0 years (range 18–79 years) were imaged using Scheimpflug tomography. Elevation maps were exported to calculate corneal tilt using custom‐made software, and densitometry readings were acquired directly from the corneal densitometry analysis add‐on to the standard software Oculus Pentacam HR. Simple mediation analysis was applied to study age as a confounding factor in the correlation between corneal tilt and corneal densitometry.

Results

Corneal tilt and corneal densitometry are not independent from one another because age is significantly correlated with both corneal tilt (r = 0.50, p < 0.001) and corneal densitometry (r = 0.91, p < 0.001). Only 3.8% of the correlation between tilt and densitometry operates directly, while the remaining 96.2% depends on age.

Conclusions

Corneal tilt plays a role in corneal densitometry readings, even though the interaction is strongly influenced by age. Age is a well‐known factor in densitometry readings that should be taken into consideration when interpreting Scheimpflug densitometry.
Fiscal condition, institutional constraints, and public pension contribution: are pension contribution shortfalls fiscal illusion?
Authors: Hoang Trang , Maher Craig S.
Published: June 2022

One important aspect of public finance is understanding expenditure allocations among competing purposes. Applying the public choice paradigm and fiscal illusion framework, this study explores the interplay between current state expenditures and financial needs, and long‐term financial responsibility to pension funds. Using state finance and pension data during 2004–2018, we found actuarially determined employer contributions paid by a state are inversely related to budgetary fund balances, total reserve fund balances, and state expenditures. Especially when governments are fiscally stressed, state officials appear to delay pension contributions while prioritizing operational spending. Interestingly, more stringent TELs and technical BBRs are effective at promoting prudent pension fund management. The study contributes to the public finance literature by providing empirical evidence to advance the argument that government's financing choices can affect the level of public expenditure while demonstrating the mechanism of the relationship between fiscal illusion and government budgetary decisions.
Assessment of mandibular cortical index in patients with hepatic cirrhosis: A case‐control study
Authors: Tenório Jefferson Rocha , Bueno Marcus Vinícius , Franco Juliana Bertoldi , Peres Maria Paula Siqueira de Melo , Moratto Beatriz Mota Nunes , Munhoz Luciana , Arita Emiko Saito , Ortega Karem L.
Published: June 2022

Aims

To assess the presence of alterations suggestive of reduced bone mineral density (BMD) by using mandibular cortical index (MCI) in panoramic radiographs of cirrhotic individuals and to evaluate their relationship with other characteristics of hepatic cirrhosis (HC).

Methods and Results

This is an observational case‐control study assessing the medical records of 165 cirrhotic patients matched by sex and age with healthy individuals. MELD (model of end stage liver disease) score, etiology, complications, comorbidities, and serum levels of vitamin D were collected. MCI was used to obtain BMD. Binary logistic regression was used to test associations and the risk estimates were expressed in odds ratio. Most of the sample consisted of men (73.93%) with median age of 56 years old. In the study group, the mean value of MELD was 16.5 and hepatitis C was the main etiology of HC (33.9%). Cirrhotic individuals are 3.99 times more likely to present alterations suggestive of reduced BMD (p < .01). There was no statistical significance in the association of MCI with levels of vitamin D, comorbidities, etiology or cirrhosis complications.

Conclusions

MCI suggestive of reduced BMD is more likely to be identified in panoramic radiographs of cirrhotic individuals than of healthy ones.
A territorial approach to social learning: Facilitating consumer knowledge of local food through participation in the guarantee process
Authors: Nikolaidou Sofia , Kouzeleas Stelios , Goussios Dimitris
Published: June 2022

Recognition of the link between the origin of local food, farming practices and their territorial settings is important in increasing consumers’ trust and perceived value of quality schemes. Using the concepts of social learning and Participatory Guarantee Systems (PGS), this study aims to strengthen consumers’ knowledge regarding local food and its territorial anchoring, by associating product quality with territorial attributes while facilitating consumer participation in the guarantee process. First, a total of 199 online questionnaires assessing consumer preferences for local food showed limited awareness and knowledge of practices connecting products, production processes and quality attributes. Additionally, based on an existing PGS for a local cheese with (Thessaly, Greece), we combined consumer expectations and producers’ guarantees through farm visits and a participatory focus group facilitated by interactive visualisation technology. Results showed that visualised knowledge of intangible and tangible territorial resources raised consumers’ awareness and appreciation of specific quality attributes while helping co‐construct shared meanings related to the place of production, local know‐how and historical and cultural practices. Thus, it appears that this approach further prepared the ground for consumers’ future ‘physical’ or ‘virtual’ engagement in a bottom‐up collaboration for the ongoing negotiation of trust and social control built on trust.
Partisan media exposure, polarization, and candidate evaluations in the 2016 general election
Authors: Morris David S. , Morris Jonathan S.
Published: June 2022

Objective

This study aims to examine the influence of Republican and Democratic partisan television news on attitudes toward candidates for president immediately following the 2016 general election.

Method

Using two waves of the 2016 American National Election Study, we examine feelings toward Donald Trump and Hillary Clinton before and after the election.

Results

Exposure to Republican partisan media did have a significant negative effect on feelings toward Hillary Clinton, even when controlling for party identification, ideology, and feelings toward Clinton before the election. Consumption of Democratic partisan television, however, had no influence on feelings toward Donald Trump.

Conclusion

Further fragmentation and the expansion of partisan media has—and will continue to—benefit Republicans over Democrats.
Politics or need? Explaining state protective measures in the coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Mayer Martin K. , Morris John C. , Williamson Ryan D. , Hume Jan C. , McKnight Steven P. , Naher Nurun , Weber Sindhu , Zhang Xiaodan
Published: June 2022

Objective

We explain evolving policy choices made by all 50 states in response to the coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic in the United States against the background of each state's political and public health landscape.

Method

We create an index of eight state preventative measures and explain variation in that index by infection and death rates, vaccination rates, support for President Trump in 2020, and the political party of the governor. We control for population density and the health vulnerability of each state.

Results

State response was largely driven by three factors: the death rate from COVID‐19, Trump votes in 2020 and Republican control of the governorship.

Conclusion

Understanding state response to the pandemic requires going beyond a partisan lens and considering the shifting onus of responsibility for taking action to protect against the virus from states to individual citizens in an increasingly politicized sphere of pandemic response.
Gastric or duodenal perforation and secondary septic peritonitis following therapeutic nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug administration
Authors: Pfeifer Julie M. , Levy Nyssa A. , Carter Diana L. , Beal Matthew W.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To report which nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) were associated with gastric or duodenal perforation (GDP) in dogs presented to a university teaching hospital and to report the frequency of prescription of NSAIDs by the corresponding referring veterinary community during the same time period.

Design

Retrospective cohort study of dogs from January 2007 to March 2020.

Setting

Single university teaching hospital.

Animals

A total of 30 dogs met inclusion criteria.

Measurements and Main Results

Four dogs were administered more than 1 NSAID within 7 days of GDP, 3 dogs received a combination of an NSAID and a corticosteroid, and 1 dog received 2 NSAIDs and a corticosteroid. Four dogs received an overdose of an NSAID. One dog received an overdose of 1 NSAID and received an additional NSAID at the labeled dose within 7 days of GDP. Eighteen dogs received only 1 NSAID at the labeled dose. In these 18 dogs, meloxicam was administered in 44.4% (8/18), firocoxib in 27.8% (5/18), deracoxib in 16.7% (3/18), and piroxicam in 11.1% (2/18). One hundred and sixty surveys on NSAID prescribing practice were returned. Carprofen was the most commonly prescribed NSAID (70.6%), followed by meloxicam (10.6%), deracoxib (8.4%), firocoxib (7.8%), aspirin (1.5%), and other (0.9%).

Conclusions

NSAID administration, even at labeled doses, appears to be a precipitating factor for GDP. Despite carprofen being the most frequently prescribed NSAID over the study period, no case of GDP received it as a single therapeutic agent. Further prospective evaluation is needed to verify these findings.
Whole blood donor return rates after deferral for tattooing or body piercing—Survey across blood donation services: The BEST collaborative study
Authors: Quee Franke , O'Brien Sheila F. , Prinsze Femmeke , Steele Whitney R. , Grégoire Yves , Cutajar Alexandra , Wendel Silvano , Compernolle Veerle , Goldman Mindy , van den Hurk Katja ,   Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative
Published: June 2022

Background and Objectives

To protect transfusion recipients from transfusion‐transmissible infections, blood donors are deferred from donating after recent tattooing or piercing. To explore to what extent and how this deferral impacts donor availability, we performed an international study to investigate how many donors were deferred for a recent tattoo or piercing and how many of these donors returned to donate.

Materials and Methods

We surveyed blood centre members of the Biomedical Excellence for Safer Transfusion (BEST) Collaborative and the European Blood Alliance Donor Studies Working Group on their numbers of donations, tattoo and piercing deferrals, and return rates in the year 2017.

Results

Eight blood centres participated. Overall, deferral rates were lower for repeat donors compared to new donors. Repeat donors were more likely to return than new donors. Women and young donors were more often deferred than male and older donors. Men were more demotivated by tattoo or piercing deferral, resulting in lower return rates compared to women. Return rates differed greatly between blood centres.

Conclusion

Tattoo and piercing deferrals lead to missed donations and result in lower return rates. However, the numbers vary largely internationally, probably due to cultural and policy differences. Shortening deferral periods after tattooing or piercing may reduce the impact on donor availability, which should be investigated in single‐centre studies.
Move Structuring and Metadiscourse Strategies in Public Listed Companies’ Chairperson Statements
Authors: Vivian Yee Chiew Ling , Yin Mei Cecilia Cheong
Published: June 2022

In tandem with the importance of chairperson statements as a quick non-technical reference for investment decision making among investors, this study examines the move structuring and each move’s metadiscourse strategies used in Malaysian chairperson statements within the context of value-investing. Drawing on 53 chairperson statements of eleven Malaysian public listed companies shortlisted from 805 companies, this study identifies and describes the genre’s move structuring and interpersonal metadiscourse strategies from textual perspective. It was found that the chairperson statements’ schematic structuring is different from the previous structuring models with four new moves. Marked differences were found in the distribution of interactive and interactional markers across the moves. The findings have thereotical significance.
Pembelajaran Secara dalam Talian: Tahap Kesediaan dan Keberkesanan Pelaksanaannya kepada Pelajar
Authors: Abd Razak Rozelia Haizah , Mohd Rusli Nur Farahkhanna
Published: June 2022

The aim of this study is to explain the preparation level and the effectiveness of online learning to students. The data were obtained through library research and observation including questionnaires form as the instrument. 32 form two students from Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Kuala Jengal, Dungun, Terengganu were selected as respondents. Findings show that the level of students' readiness for online learning methods is at a satisfactory level. The effectiveness of online learning methods for the subjects of the Malay language among students was analyzed using the constructivist learning theory. The results showed that students preparation level in joining online learning are higher and almost all of them had facilities to join the classes. The study also shows that online learning have a positive effect on students ’interest and motivation. However, student involvement in learning activities is at a satisfactory level because not all students are actively involved in the activities provided by the teacher. In terms of implications, this study help to increase knowledge on issues related to online learning, and help students and teachers to adapt to new teaching methods to ensure that educational needs can be met.
The Implementation of Literature Teaching Approaches in the ESL Classroom: A Systematic Review
Authors: Mohamad Fikray Farhanah , Habil Hadina
Published: June 2022

According to Widowson (1984), teachers are having dilemmas in choosing the right teaching method for the non-native learners. Thus, the methods to teaching literature are constantly changing to suit learners’ needs and differences (Padurean, 2015). This paper aims to highlight on two main objectives. Firstly, it aims to describe the literature teaching approaches applied by teachers in the ESL classroom. Secondly, it intends to elaborate on the challenges in applying appropriate literature teaching approaches in the lesson. This research employs thematic analysis of 22 journal articles related to the teaching and learning of literature in the ESL settings through the use of systematic review approach. Specific samples’ inclusion and exclusion criteria are applied during the screening process of article search and the main platform for sample collection are Scopus and Google Scholar. The distribution of year for the article sampling is set between the years of 2003 to 2021. Important keywords such as ESL teaching strategies, literature teaching approaches, challenges in teaching literature, ESL teaching and learning, and second language pedagogy were used to search for relevant samples. The findings show that there are six approaches to teaching literature that may be applied by the ESL teachers in their classroom, which are the information-based, paraphrastic, stylistic, language-based, reader response and moral philosophical approach. Meanwhile, previous research shows that the challenges to implement appropriate literature teaching approaches are the examination-oriented system, large class size, time constraint, learners’ attitude, poor language competence, and inappropriate texts selection.
The Discussion About the Identification of the Anand Model Parameters and Two Alternative Identification Methods
Authors: Xu Yuqian , Zeng Qiwen , Wang Yuexing , Wu Mingyong , Chen Xiangyu , Chen Gang
Published: June 2022

The Anand model is a unified viscoplastic model, which is widely employed to describe the solder material deformation. The parameters in the Anand model for a certain material are usually identified by using the classical method based on two algebraic equations derived from the original differential equation of the Anand model. However, the second algebraic equation describing the relationship between the stress and inelastic strain is obtained with some terms about the unsteady value of internal variable neglected. But the effects induced by the omission of some unsteady terms on the effectiveness of classical method are not researched comprehensively. Therefore, in this paper, the effects of the omitted terms on the accuracy of the classical method are discussed. The inelastic deformation for the material which the second algebraic equation cannot describe due to the omission of unsteady terms is presented. The precondition for obtaining accurate results from the second algebraic equation is given out. Two criteria used to judge the effectiveness of the second algebraic equation are derived. To reduce the error related to the second algebraic equation of the classical method for some materials, two alternative identification methods are proposed. By combining the step of solving differential equation and genetic algorithm, the parameters in the Anand model originally identified by the second algebraic equation are determined in the processes of the two proposed methods. The effectiveness of the two alternative methods is presented by identifying the material Anand parameters where the classical method cannot be applied.
Imprinted Glass Fiber-Reinforced Epoxy Nanocomposites Vascular Self-Healing Wind Turbine Blades
Authors: Saadeh Walaa H. , Qandil Mohammad D. , Amano Ryoichi S.
Published: June 2022

Wind energy is a primary renewable energy source and has been one of the most promising sources of clean, long-term energy. Self-healing is the autonomous ability to recover from failure. Self-healing material systems in wind turbine blades can reduce maintenance, repair, and energy compensation costs. Investigation of the self-healing wind turbine blades is of core interest in this study. This paper initially introduces self-healing properties into vacuum-assisted resin transfer molding molded fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) nanocomposites and lab preparation for studying the effect of incorporation of carbon nanotubes (CNTs) on the self-healing capabilities using dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) and Grubbs first-generation catalyst. A vascular network was imprinted in a single glass fiber FRP sheet utilizing hexagonal 3D printed templates, infused with DCPD, and later embedded into a multilayer FRP. The effect of adding epoxy resin with 0.3 wt% CNTs to the multilayer FRP was investigated. The samples were tested before and after recovery by performing the three-point bending test. The maximum flexural strengths and percent recovery for the non-healed and healed FRP samples were calculated. Interestingly, the strength of the samples increased at least ten times after the addition of CNTs to the composite, and the percentage of stress recovery was doubled on average.
Spatial centrosome proteome of human neural cells uncovers disease-relevant heterogeneity
Authors: O’Neill Adam C. , Uzbas Fatma , Antognolli Giulia , Merino Florencia , Draganova Kalina , Jäck Alex , Zhang Sirui , Pedini Giorgia , Schessner Julia P. , Cramer Kimberly , Schepers Aloys , Metzger Fabian , Esgleas Miriam , Smialowski Pawel , Guerrini Renzo , Falk Sven , Feederle Regina , Freytag Saskia , Wang Zefeng , Bahlo Melanie , Jungmann Ralf , Bagni Claudia , Borner Georg H. H. , Robertson Stephen P. , Hauck Stefanie M. , Götz Magdalena
Published: June 2022

The centrosome provides an intracellular anchor for the cytoskeleton, regulating cell division, cell migration, and cilia formation. We used spatial proteomics to elucidate protein interaction networks at the centrosome of human induced pluripotent stem cell–derived neural stem cells (NSCs) and neurons. Centrosome-associated proteins were largely cell type–specific, with protein hubs involved in RNA dynamics. Analysis of neurodevelopmental disease cohorts identified a significant overrepresentation of NSC centrosome proteins with variants in patients with periventricular heterotopia (PH). Expressing the PH-associated mutant pre-mRNA-processing factor 6 (PRPF6) reproduced the periventricular misplacement in the developing mouse brain, highlighting missplicing of transcripts of a microtubule-associated kinase with centrosomal location as essential for the phenotype. Collectively, cell type–specific centrosome interactomes explain how genetic variants in ubiquitous proteins may convey brain-specific phenotypes.
Droughts and societal change: The environmental context for the emergence of Islam in late Antique Arabia
Authors: Fleitmann Dominik , Haldon John , Bradley Raymond S. , Burns Stephen J. , Cheng Hai , Edwards R. Lawrence , Raible Christoph C. , Jacobson Matthew , Matter Albert
Published: June 2022

In Arabia, the first half of the sixth century CE was marked by the demise of Himyar, the dominant power in Arabia until 525 CE. Important social and political changes followed, which promoted the disintegration of the major Arabian polities. Here, we present hydroclimate records from around Southern Arabia, including a new high-resolution stalagmite record from northern Oman. These records clearly indicate unprecedented droughts during the sixth century CE, with the most severe aridity persisting between ~500 and 530 CE. We suggest that such droughts undermined the resilience of Himyar and thereby contributed to the societal changes from which Islam emerged.
Krypton in the Chassigny meteorite shows Mars accreted chondritic volatiles before nebular gases
Authors: Péron Sandrine , Mukhopadhyay Sujoy
Published: June 2022

Volatile elements are thought to have been delivered to Solar System terrestrial planets late in their formation through accretion of chondritic meteorites. Mars can provide information on inner Solar System volatile delivery during the earliest planet formation stages. We measured krypton isotopes in the martian meteorite Chassigny, representative of the planet’s interior. We found chondritic krypton isotope ratios, which imply early incorporation of chondritic volatiles. The atmosphere of Mars has different (solar-type) krypton isotope ratios, indicating that it is not a product of magma ocean outgassing or fractionation of interior volatiles. Atmospheric krypton instead originates from accretion of solar nebula gas after formation of the mantle but before nebular dissipation. Our observations contradict the common hypothesis that during planet formation, chondritic volatile delivery occurred after solar gas acquisition.
G7: Balance security and collaboration
Authors: Broadman Harry G. , Abdallah Chaouki
Published: June 2022

Increased government scrutiny of cross-border university research relationships, tightened export controls on technologies, and strengthened national regimes regulating technology-related foreign direct investment are now priorities for most democracies. These policy changes are motivated by the common goal of shoring up economic and national security. But the approaches are neither uniform nor harmonized, even among the relatively homogeneous G7 nations, undermining cross-border research and development (R&D) collaboration. When the leaders of G7 meet in late June in Schloss Elmau, Germany, they should make it a priority to coordinate controls on knowledge flows and technology. They need to act together to demonstrate how democracies can counter illicit activities for acquiring technologies.
Ancient DNA reveals Black Death source
Authors: Gibbons Ann
Published: June 2022

Graves in Kyrgyzstan hold early victims of plague that swept medieval Europe
Studies tying weather extremes to global warming gain rigor
Authors: Voosen Paul
Published: June 2022

Record-shattering events spur climate attribution advances
Microorganisms Accelerate REE Mineralization in Supergene Environments
Authors: Li Xurui , Liang Xiaoliang , He Hongping , Li Jintian , Ma Lingya , Tan Wei , Zhong Yin , Zhu Jianxi , Zhou Mei-Fu , Dong Hailiang
Published: June 2022

Understanding the role of microorganisms in the formation of regolith-hosted rare earth element (REE) deposits is beneficial for improving the metallogenic theory and deposit exploitation, given that such deposits absolutely exist in subtropical regions with strong microbial activities. Little is known of the microbial community composition and its contribution to REE mineralization in this kind of deposit.
Enterococcus faecalis
-Induced Macrophage Necroptosis Promotes Refractory Apical Periodontitis
Authors: Dai Xingzhu , Ma Rongyang , Jiang Weiyi , Deng Zilong , Chen Lijuan , Liang Yuee , Shao Longquan , Zhao Wanghong
Published: June 2022

Oral infectious diseases represent a major neglected global population health challenge, imposing an increasing burden on public health and economy. Refractory apical periodontitis (RAP), mainly caused by
Enterococcus faecalis
, is a representative oral infectious disease with considerable therapeutic challenges.
Fermentation Blues: Analyzing the Microbiota of Traditional Indigo Vat Dyeing in Hunan, China
Authors: Li Shan , Shi Yuru , Huang Hui , Tong Yan , Wu Shaohua , Wang Yuhua
Published: June 2022

Chemical reducing agents included in modern indigo dyeing to initiate indigo reduction can be harmful to both human health and the environment. Given that traditional indigo dyeing involves natural fermentation in a dye vat using natural organic additives without the use of toxic chemicals and that changes in the microbiota during traditional indigo fermentation potently affect the onset of indigo reduction, elucidation of these microbial community transitions could help develop methods to control the initiation of indigo reduction.
Tailored exercise and manual therapy versus standardised exercise for patients with shoulder subacromial pain: a feasibility randomised controlled trial (the Otago MASTER trial)
Authors: Ribeiro Daniel C , Jafarian Tangrood Zohreh , Wilson Ross , Sole Gisela , Abbott J Haxby
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The aim of this study was to assess whether it was feasible to conduct a full trial comparing a tailored versus a standardised exercise programme for patients with shoulder subacromial pain.

Design

Two-arm, patient-blinded and assessor-blinded, randomised controlled feasibility trial.

Methods

Twenty-eight participants with shoulder subacromial pain were randomly allocated into one of two intervention groups—tailored or standardised exercise. Participants in the tailored exercise programme received exercises and manual therapy tailored to their scapular and shoulder movement impairments. Participants in the standardised exercise programme received progressive strengthening exercise. The primary outcome measures were (1) the participant recruitment rate; (2) the proportion of participants enrolled from the total number screened; (3) drop-out rates; and (4) adherence to the rehabilitation programme. Other outcome measures were: (5) pain levels; (6) Patient-Specific Functional Scale; (7) the Shoulder Pain and Disability Index; and (8) pain self-efficacy. We compared changes in pain and disability scores between groups using a repeated mixed-model analysis of variance. Since this is a feasibility study, we did not adjust alpha for multiple comparisons, and considered 75% CI as the probability threshold at 3-month follow-up. Health-related quality of life was assessed using the Short-Form 12 and quality-adjusted life years (QALYs) were estimated.

Results

The recruitment rate was 3 participants per month, the proportion of participants enrolled was 23%, the drop-out rate was 14% and the overall adherence to the rehabilitation programme was 85%. No between-group differences were found for most outcome measures. Adverse events (n=2, only in the tailored group) were minor in nature and included skin injury or pain following taping.

Conclusions

Our feasibility trial showed that additional strategies are required for improving recruitment, enrolment and minimising drop-out of participants into the trial and making it feasible to conduct a full trial.

Trial registration number

ANZCTR: 12617001405303.
Prospective study of factors associated with asthma attack recurrence (ATTACK) in children from three Ecuadorian cities during COVID-19: a study protocol
Authors: Morillo Diana , Mena-Bucheli Santiago , Ochoa Angélica , Chico Martha E , Rodas Claudia , Maldonado Augusto , Arteaga Karen , Alchundia Jessica , Solorzano Karla , Rodriguez Alejandro , Figueiredo Camila , Ardura-Garcia Cristina , Bachmann Max , Perkin Michael Richard , Chis Ster Irina , Cruz Alvaro , Romero Natalia Cristina , Cooper Philip
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Asthma is a growing health problem in children in marginalised urban settings in low-income and middle-income countries. Asthma attacks are an important cause of emergency care attendance and long-term morbidity. We designed a prospective study, the Asthma Attacks study, to identify factors associated with recurrence of asthma attacks (or exacerbations) among children and adolescents attending emergency care in three Ecuadorian cities.

Methods and analysis

Prospective cohort study designed to identify risk factors associated with recurrence of asthma attacks in 450 children and adolescents aged 5–17 years attending emergency care in public hospitals in three Ecuadorian cities (Quito, Cuenca and Portoviejo). The primary outcome will be rate of asthma attack recurrence during up to 12 months of follow-up. Data are being collected at baseline and during follow-up by questionnaire: sociodemographic data, asthma history and management (baseline only); recurrence of asthma symptoms and attacks (monthly); economic costs of asthma to family; Asthma Control Test; Pediatric Asthma Quality of life Questionnaire; and Newcastle Asthma Knowledge Questionnaire (baseline only). In addition, the following are being measured at baseline and during follow-up: lung function and reversibility by spirometry before and after salbutamol; fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO); and presence of IgG antibodies to SARS-CoV-2 in blood. Recruitment started in 2019 but because of severe disruption to emergency services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, eligibility criteria were modified to include asthmatic children with uncontrolled symptoms and registered with collaborating hospitals. Data will be analysed using logistic regression and survival analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval was obtained from the Hospital General Docente de Calderon (CEISH-HGDC 2019-001) and Ecuadorian Ministry of Public Health (MSP-CGDES-2021-0041-O N° 096-2021). The study results will be disseminated through presentations at conferences and to key stakeholder groups including policy-makers, postgraduate theses, peer-review publications and a study website. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.
Predictive role of modifiable factors in stroke: an umbrella review
Authors: Wang Xiaotong , Liang Man , Zeng Fanxin , Wang Yue , Yang Yuetian , Nie Fangfang , Shang Mengke , Ta Na , Wen Lu , Ou Lanxin , Yang Zhibin , Liu Wanyang
Published: June 2022

Background

A growing number of meta-analyses reviewed the existing associations between modifiable factors and stroke. However, the methodological quality of them and quality of evidence remain to be assessed by validated tools. Thus, this umbrella review was conducted to consolidate evidence from systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies investigating the association between modifiable factors and incidence of stroke.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Wanfang and China National Knowledge Infrastructure databases for systematic reviews and meta-analyses of cohort studies from inception until March 2021. Assess the methodological quality of systematic reviews 2 was used to evaluate the methodological quality of each included published meta-analysis. Excess significance test was used to investigate whether the observed number of studies (O) with nominally significant results (‘positive’ studies, p<0.05) was larger than the expected number of significant results (E). Statistically significant (p<0.05) associations were rated into five levels (strong, highly suggestive, suggestive, weak and no) using specific criteria. Sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results

2478 records were identified through database searching. At last, 49 meta-analyses including 70 modifiable factors and approximately 856 801 stroke cases were included in the present review. The methodological quality of three meta-analyses was low, while others were critically low. Evidence of walking pace was strong. High suggestive evidence mainly included total meat, processes meat, chocolate, sodium, obesity, pulse pressure, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, sleep duration and smoking. Suggestive evidence mainly included dietary approaches to stop hypertension (DASH) diet, vitamin C, magnesium, depression and particulate matter 2.5. After sensitivity analyses, evidence of DASH diet, magnesium and depression turned to weak. No publication bias existed, except only one study which could be explained by reporting bias.

Discussion

Diet with rich macronutrients and micronutrients, healthy dietary patterns and favourable physical, emotional health and environmental management should be promoted to decrease the burden of stroke.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021249921.
Surgical resection, radiotherapy and percutaneous thermal ablation for treatment of stage 1 non-small cell lung cancer: protocol for a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Chockalingam Arun , Konstantinidis Menelaos , Koo Brandon , Moon John Timothy , Tran Andrew , Nourouzpour Sahar , Lawson Emily , Fox Kathleen , Habibollahi Peiman , Odisio Bruno , Loya Mohammed , Bassir Ali , Nezami Nariman
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) makes up the majority of lung cancer cases. Currently, surgical resection is the gold standard of treatment. However, as patients are becoming medically more complex presenting with advanced disease, minimally invasive image-guided percutaneous ablations are gaining popularity. Therefore, comparison of surgical, ablative and second-line external beam therapies will help clinicians, as management of NSCLC changes. We will conduct a meta-analysis, reviewing literature investigating these therapies in adult patients diagnosed with stage 1 NSCLC, with neither hilar nor mediastinal nodal involvement, confirmed either through cytology or histology regardless of type.

Methods and analysis

We will search electronic databases (MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, ClinicalTrials.gov, Cochrane) from their inception to January 2021 to identify randomised controlled trials (RCTs), cluster RCTs and cohort studies comparing survival and clinical outcomes between any two interventions (lobectomy, wedge resection, video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery/robot-assisted thoracoscopic surgery, radiofrequency ablation, microwave ablation, cryoablation and consolidated radiation therapies (external beam radiation therapy, stereotactic body radiation therapy, and 3D conformal radiation therapy). The primary outcomes will include cancer-specific survival, lung disease-free survival, locoregional recurrence, death, toxicity and non-target organ injury. We will also search published and unpublished studies in trial registries and will review references of included studies for possible inclusion. Risk of bias will be assessed using tools developed by the Cochrane collaboration. Two reviewers will independently assess the eligibility of studies and conduct the corresponding risk of bias assessments. For each outcome, given enough studies, we will conduct a network meta-analysis. Finally, we will use the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis tool to assess quality of the evidence for each of the primary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

We aim to share our findings through high-impact peer review. As interventional techniques become more popular, it will be important for providers in multidisciplinary teams caring for these patients to receive continuing medical education related to these interventions. Data will be made available to readers.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021276629.
Broadening the diversity of consumers engaged in guidelines: a scoping review
Authors: Synnot Anneliese , Hill Sophie , Jauré Allison , Merner Bronwen , Hill Kelvin , Bates Peta , Liacos Alexandra , Turner Tari
Published: June 2022

Background

Guideline developers are encouraged to engage patients, carers and their representatives (‘consumers’) from diverse backgrounds in guideline development to produce more widely applicable guidelines. However, consumers from diverse backgrounds are infrequently included in guidelines and there is scant research to support guideline developers to do this.

Objectives

To identify principles and approaches to broaden the diversity of consumers engaged in guideline development.

Design

Scoping review and semi-structured interviews.

Methods

We conducted comprehensive searches to March 2020 for studies, reports and guidance documents. Inclusion criteria included the terms ‘consumer’ (patients, carers and their representatives), ‘diversity’ (defined using the PROGRESS-PLUS mnemonic) and ‘consumer engagement’ (the active involvement of consumers at any stage of guideline development). We also conducted four interviews with consumers and guideline developers. We used descriptive synthesis to identify themes, and summarised information about implemented approaches used to broaden diversity of consumers in guidelines.

Results

From 10 included documents, we identified eight themes. Themes covered general engagement concepts (Respectful partnerships; Recruitment; Expectations, process and review); specific concepts about guideline development group (GDG) engagement (Characteristics of guideline personnel; Consumers’ role, characteristics and prominence; Preparing and supporting consumers); and other (non-GDG) approaches (Online methods; Consultations and research-based approaches). The most commonly included PROGRESS-PLUS categories were Disability, Race/culture/ethnicity/language, Place of residence and Other vulnerable (eg, ‘disadvantaged groups’). Each theme included the views of both consumers and guideline developers. We found descriptions of 12 implemented engagement approaches to broaden diversity of consumers in guidelines.

Conclusions

Relationship-building, mitigating power imbalances and meeting consumers where they are at underpin our findings. Engaging with diverse groups may require greater attention to building formal, respectful partnerships and employing inclusive engagement methods.