bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Theory, research and practice in child welfare: The current state of the art in social work
Authors: Frost Nick , Dolan Pat
Published: January 2021

This paper aims to utilize social theory to inform relationship‐based social work practice with children, young people and families. We see ‘direct relationship‐based working’ drawing on theory and evidence as best placed to take forward high quality, humanistic social work practice. We outline the problems with policy and practice development led by the latest high profile ‘scandal’ or by the overemphasis on experimental design and systematic reviews. This issue was highlighted during a recent debate about appropriate methodologies for exploring Family Group Conferences: the debate is explored as illustrative of our concerns. A flexible model is proposed, which draws on eclectic sources of evidence, social theory and professional knowledge. We propose some principles for a reflective, humanistic and responsive form of social work professionalism.
President Biden's international trade agenda: Implications for the Canadian agrifood sector
Authors: Cardwell Ryan , Kerr William A.
Published: January 2021

The 4 years of the Trump administration was marked by a number of events and policies that affected the Canadian agrifood sector. Changes to preferential trade agreements, the collapse of the World Trade Organization's dispute settlement framework, increased domestic support for US farmers, and diplomatic tensions between the United States and China all shaped international trade flows and created an environment of policy uncertainty. The Biden administration will change course on several important trade policy issues. We discuss how these changes could affect the Canadian agrifood sector along a number of dimensions, including a return to multilateralism, (re)engagement in preferential trade agreements, and movements toward a less combative and more predictable trade policy agenda. We expect Canadian agrifood trade flows under the Biden administration to exceed what they would have been under a second Trump administration.
Effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic and deep brain stimulation on long‐range synchrony of oscillatory activity in a rat model of developmental schizophrenia
Authors: Lippmann Benjamin , Barmashenko Gleb , Funke Klaus
Published: January 2021

Aberrant neuronal network activity likely resulting from disturbed interactions of excitatory and inhibitory systems may be a major cause of cognitive deficits in neuropsychiatric diseases, like within the spectrum of schizophrenic phenotypes. In particular, the synchrony and pattern of oscillatory brain activity appears to be disturbed within limbic networks, e.g. between prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. In a rat model of maternal immune activation (MIA), we compared the acute effects of deep brain stimulation within either medial prefrontal cortex or ventral hippocampus with the effects of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS), using the intermittent theta‐burst protocol (iTBS), on oscillatory activity within limbic structures. Simultaneous local field potential recordings were made from medial prefrontal cortex, ventral hippocampus, nucleus accumbens and rostral part of ventral tegmental area before and after deep brain stimulation in anaesthetized rats previously (~3 h) treated with sham or verum rTMS. We found a waxing and waning pattern of theta and gamma activity in all structures which was less synchronous in particular between medial prefrontal cortex and ventral hippocampus in MIA offspring. Deep brain stimulation in medial prefrontal cortex and pre‐treatment with iTBS‐rTMS partly improved this pattern. Gamma‐theta cross‐frequency coupling was stronger in MIA offspring and could partly be reduced by deep brain stimulation in medial prefrontal cortex. We can confirm aberrant limbic network activity in a rat MIA model, and at least acute normalizing effects of the neuromodulatory methods. It has to be proven whether these procedures can have chronic effects suitable for therapeutic purposes.
Accountability and legitimacy of non‐profit organisations: Challenging the current status quo and identifying avenues for future research
Authors: Yasmin Sofia , Ghafran Chaudhry
Published: January 2021

Issues of accountability, legitimacy and trust have remained at the forefront of debate surrounding non‐profit organisations and their activities. The purpose of this study is to review the literature on non‐profit accountability from the lens of organisational legitimacy. Specifically, we ask what we can learn from the literature on non‐profit organisation (NPO) accountability and consider what further work needs to be done to strengthen NPO legitimacy. We attempt to go beyond mere gap‐spotting and seek to challenge the current status quo within this body of literature.
Effects of feeding lambs fresh versus dried Puccinellia tenuiflora (Griesb.) Scribn. & Merr. on water and nutrient intake and apparent digestibility
Authors: Zhong Rongzhen , Cheng Long , Fang Yi , Li Zelin , Lamptey Vida , Zhou Daowei
Published: January 2021

The objective was to investigate effects of feeding lambs fresh versus dried Puccinellia. tenuiflora (Griesb.) Scribn. & Merr. on nutrient and water intake and apparent digestibility. Twenty‐four lambs were offered fresh or dried (48 hr) grass. The dry matter (DM) content of fresh grass was 65% of dried grass and the neutral detergent fiber exclude ash (aNDFom) content of fresh grass was 87% of dried grass, whereas the metabolizable energy concentration of two forages was similar. Lambs eating fresh grass had higher (p < .05) DM intake (944 versus 837 g DM day−1 sheep−1), metabolizable energy intake (9.1 versus 7.9 MJ day‐1sheep−1), and crude protein intake (86 versus 75 g day‐1 sheep−1) than those eating dried grass. However, there was no significant difference between treatments in drinking water intake, fecal nutrient output or nutrient digestibility. In conclusion, feeding lambs fresh P. tenuiflora improved voluntary feed intake without depressing nutrient digestibility.
Impact of polyelectrolyte‐surfactant interactions on the rheology and wet lubrication performance of conditioning shampoo
Authors: Benhur Adeline Maria , Diaz Jangelis , Amin Samiul
Published: January 2021

Objective

The purpose of this study is to understand the impact of the cationic polymer merquat on the rheological behavior of the mixed surfactant system of sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) and cocamidopropyl betaine (CapB) as well as the impact of varying formulation conditions on the wet lubrication performance of the SLES‐CapB‐Merquat system.

Methods

Rotation mechanical Rheometry was used to study the rheological response of the SLES‐CapB‐Merquat systems. Frequency sweeps were conducted to analyze the rheological properties of the system at low frequency ranges and bulk viscosity of the system was studied at high shear rates at varying salt and polymer concentrations. Wet combing tests and hair friction tests were run on the Dia‐stron MTT175 flexible miniature tensile tester in order to evaluate the conditioning effects of the different formulations.

Results

The SLES‐CapB system on its own exhibits very little viscosity. The bulk rheology results show that the addition of Merquat enhances the viscosity and viscoelastic properties of the SLES‐CapB‐Merquat system indicating the presence of electrostatic interactions between the surfactant and polyelectrolyte. Addition of salt had a significant impact on the system’s rheological response due to the charge screening effect of salt. Wet combing force data indicate that the charged polyelectrolyte binds to the hair substrate resulting in reduced combing force values after the product was applied. The addition of silicone oil to the formulation seemed to greatly enhance the conditioning effect of the formulation.

Conclusion

The charge interactions between SLES, CapB and Merquat results in the formation of an integrated gel like network, thus building the viscosity of the system. Variation of parameters like polymer and salt concentration has the potential to modify the bulk rheological properties and consequently the wet lubrication properties of the system.
Montelukast alleviates inflammation in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis by altering Th17 differentiation in a mouse model
Authors: Han Bing , Zhang Yan‐Yan , Ye Ze‐Qing , Xiao Yun , Rasouli Javad , Wu Wen‐Cheng , Ye Su‐Min , Guo Xin‐Yue , Zhu Lin , Rostami Abdolmohamad , Wang Li‐Bin , Zhang Yuan , Li Xing
Published: January 2021

Montelukast is a leukotriene receptor antagonist that is known to prevent allergic rhinitis and asthma. Blocking the Cysteinyl leukotriene receptor (CysLTR1), one of the primary receptors of leukotrienes, has been demonstrated to be efficacious in ameliorating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model of multiple sclerosis (MS), through disrupting chemotaxis of infiltrating T cells. However, the role of CysLTR1 in the pathogenesis of MS is not well understood. Here, we show that MS patients had higher expression of CysLTR1 in the circulation and central nervous system (CNS). The majority of CD4+ T cells expressed CysLTR1 in MS lesions. Among T‐cell subsets, Th17 cells had the highest expression of CysLTR1, and blocking CysLTR1 signalling abrogated their development in vitro. Inhibition of CysLTR1 by montelukast suppressed EAE development in both a prophylactic and therapeutic manner and inhibited myelin loss in EAE mice. Similarly, the in vivo results showed that montelukast inhibited Th17 response in EAE mice and that Th17 cells treated with montelukast had reduced encephalitogenic in adoptive EAE. Our findings strongly suggest that targeting Th17 response by inhibiting CysLTR1 signalling could be a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of MS and CNS inflammatory diseases.
Effect of an intensive intervention on the increase of physical activity and the decrease of sedentary lifestyle in inactive postmenopausal
Authors: Alonso‐Domínguez Rosario , Sánchez‐Aguadero Natalia , Llamas‐Ramos Inés , Lugones‐Sánchez Cristina , González‐Sánchez Susana , Gómez‐Marcos Manuel A. , García‐Ortiz Luis ,   Ewomen Investigators
Published: January 2021

Background

During the transition to menopause, women experience different psychological, hormonal, and physical alterations that can affect their health. Physical activity is considered an important strategy in the prevention and control of such changes.

Aim

To evaluate the short‐term effect of an intensive intervention, based on a combined exercise programme using a Smartband, on the increase of physical activity and the decrease of sedentary lifestyle in postmenopausal and inactive women.

Design

Randomized clinical trial with two parallel groups.

Methods

In total, 100 postmenopausal and inactive women aged 45–70 years will be randomized to a control group or an intervention group. Both groups will be given a standardized advice about physical activity. The intervention group will carry out a supervised 12‐week programme of aerobic and muscle strengthening exercise; moreover, the women in this group will receive a Smartband to assist them in the intervention. The main result will be the increase of physical activity and the decrease of sedentary lifestyle, measured with an accelerometer for 1 week. This programme will be conducted by a nurse and a physiotherapist of the health centre. The study was approved by the Drug Research Ethics Committee of the Salamanca Health Service on 15 February 2019. The project was funded by the Autonomous Government of Castile and Leon and by the Carlos III Health Institute.

Discussion

Physical activity is an important strategy to consider when addressing the changes caused by menopause, although the current evidence shows that further studies should be carried out with longer intervention periods and new technologies.

Impact

This study will allow determining the effectiveness of the intensive intervention based on a combined programme of physical activity using a Smartband in postmenopausal and inactive women.

Trials Registration

ClinicalTrials.gov with identifying code NCT03872258.
Co‐designing diagnosis: Towards a responsible integration of Machine Learning decision‐support systems in medical diagnostics
Authors: Kudina Olya , de Boer Bas
Published: January 2021

Rationale

This paper aims to show how the focus on eradicating bias from Machine Learning decision‐support systems in medical diagnosis diverts attention from the hermeneutic nature of medical decision‐making and the productive role of bias. We want to show how an introduction of Machine Learning systems alters the diagnostic process. Reviewing the negative conception of bias and incorporating the mediating role of Machine Learning systems in the medical diagnosis are essential for an encompassing, critical and informed medical decision‐making.

Methods

This paper presents a philosophical analysis, employing the conceptual frameworks of hermeneutics and technological mediation, while drawing on the case of Machine Learning algorithms assisting doctors in diagnosis. This paper unravels the non‐neutral role of algorithms in the doctor's decision‐making and points to the dialogical nature of interaction not only with the patients but also with the technologies that co‐shape the diagnosis.

Findings

Following the hermeneutical model of medical diagnosis, we review the notion of bias to show how it is an inalienable and productive part of diagnosis. We show how Machine Learning biases join the human ones to actively shape the diagnostic process, simultaneously expanding and narrowing medical attention, highlighting certain aspects, while disclosing others, thus mediating medical perceptions and actions. Based on that, we demonstrate how doctors can take Machine Learning systems on board for an enhanced medical diagnosis, while being aware of their non‐neutral role.

Conclusions

We show that Machine Learning systems join doctors and patients in co‐designing a triad of medical diagnosis. We highlight that it is imperative to examine the hermeneutic role of the Machine Learning systems. Additionally, we suggest including not only the patient, but also colleagues to ensure an encompassing diagnostic process, to respect its inherently hermeneutic nature and to work productively with the existing human and machine biases.
Nanotechnology for modern medicine: next step towards clinical translation
Authors: Sindhwani Shrey , Chan Warren C. W.
Published: January 2021

The field of nanotechnology has been a significant research focus in the last thirty years. This emphasis is due to the unique optical, electrical, magnetic, chemical and biological properties of materials approximately ten thousand times smaller than the diameter of a hair strand. Researchers have developed methods to synthesize and characterize large libraries of nanomaterials and have demonstrated their preclinical utility. We have entered a new phase of nanomedicine development, where the focus is to translate these technologies to benefit patients. This review article provides an overview of nanomedicine's unique properties, the current state of the field, and discusses the challenge of clinical translation. Finally, we discuss the need to build and strengthen partnerships between engineers and clinicians to create a feedback loop between the bench and bedside. This partnership will guide fundamental studies on the nanoparticle–biological interactions, address clinical challenges and change the development and evaluation of new drug delivery systems, sensors, imaging agents and therapeutic systems.
Host immune responses in dermatophytes infection
Authors: Celestrino Giovanna Azevedo , Verrinder Veasey John , Benard Gil , Sousa Maria Glória Teixeira
Published: January 2021

Dermatophytosis is a skin infection caused by keratinophilic, filamentous fungi. These are highly prevalent, common mycoses, affecting approximately 20% of the population. These fungi invade the stratum corneum, and other keratinised tissues, like nails and hair, where they grow by secreting enzymes and degrading keratin to obtain nutrients. Clinical presentation is variable and may depend on many factors, such as the infection site, the host's immunity and the dermatophyte's virulence. Generally, patients with acute superficial dermatophytosis mount cell‐mediated immune responses. However, those suffering from chronic or recurrent infections are unable to develop this response, for reasons yet unknown. Several reports have described severe and occasionally life‐threatening invasive diseases (deep dermatophytosis) associated with genetic mutations in the innate immunity‐associated molecule CARD9, displaying the need to better understand its immune response. These dermatoses have substantial clinical consequences, producing chronic and difficult to treat skin lesions. They also lead to a decline in the patient's quality of life and impact their self‐esteem. This review summarises findings on the immune response against dermatophytes.
Environmental and developmental factors driving xylem anatomy and micro‐density in black spruce
Authors: Buttò Valentina , Rozenberg Philippe , Deslauriers Annie , Rossi Sergio , Morin Hubert
Published: January 2021

Wood density is the product of carbon allocation for structural growth and reflects the trade‐off between mechanical support and water conductivity. We tested a conceptual framework based on the assumption that micro‐density depends on direct and indirect relationships with endogenous and exogenous factors.

The dynamics of wood formation, including timings and rates of cell division, cell enlargement, and secondary wall deposition, were assessed from microcores collected weekly between 2002 and 2016 from five black spruce stands located along a latitudinal gradient in Quebec, Canada. Cell anatomy and micro‐density were recorded by anatomical analyses and X‐ray measurements.

Our structural equation model explained 80% of micro‐density variation within the tree‐ring with direct effects of wall thickness (σ = 0.61), cell diameter (σ = −0.51), and photoperiod (σ = −0.26). Wood formation dynamics had an indirect effect on micro‐density. Micro‐density increased under longer periods of cell‐wall deposition and shorter durations of enlargement.

Our results fill a critical gap in understanding the relationships underlying micro‐density variation in conifers. We demonstrated that short‐term responses to environmental variations could be overridden by plastic responses that modulate cell differentiation. Our results point to wood formation dynamics as a reliable predictor of carbon allocation in trees.
Wrist Reconstruction after En bloc Resection of Bone Tumors of the Distal Radius
Authors: Liu Weijian , Wang Baichuan , Zhang Shuo , Li Yubin , Hu Binwu , Shao Zengwu
Published: January 2021

Wrist reconstruction after en bloc resection of bone tumors of the distal radius has been a great challenge. Although many techniques have been used for the reconstruction of long bone defects following en bloc resection of the distal radius, the optimal reconstruction method remains controversial. This is the first review to systematically describe various reconstruction techniques. We not only discuss the indications, functional outcomes, and complications of these reconstruction techniques but also review the technical refinement strategies for improving the stability of the wrist joint.

En bloc resection should be performed for Campanacci grade III giant cell tumors (GCT) as well as malignant tumors of the distal radius. However, wrist reconstruction after en bloc resection of the distal radius represents a great challenge. Although several surgical techniques, either achieving a stable wrist by arthrodesis or reconstructing a flexible wrist by arthroplasty, have been reported, the optimal reconstruction procedure remains controversial. The purpose of this review was to investigate which reconstruction methods might be the best option by analyzing the indications, techniques, limitations, and problems of different reconstruction methods. With the advancement of imaging, surgical techniques and materials, some reconstruction techniques have been further refined. Each of the techniques discussed in this review has its advantages and disadvantages. Wrist arthrodesis seems to be preferred over wrist arthroplasty in terms of grip strength and long‐term complications, while wrist arthroplasty seems to be superior to wrist arthrodesis in terms of wrist motion. All things considered, wrist arthroplasty with a vascularized fibular head autograft might be a good option because of better wrist function, acceptable grip strength, and a relatively lower complication rate. Moreover, wrist arthrodesis is still an option if the fibular head autograft reconstruction fails. Orthopaedic oncologists should familiarize themselves with the characteristics of each technique to select the most appropriate reconstruction method depending on each patient's situation.
Systemic Risk: The Threat to Societal Diversity and Coherence
Authors: Renn Ortwin , Lucas Klaus
Published: January 2021

Insights from complexity science can be applied to the analysis of social processes in heterogeneous societies. Many features that characterize and influence complex structures in nearly every domain of nature, technology, and society can be derived from simple modeling processes in physics and chemistry. If one applies these features to the structure of social risks, a number of insights are gained that can be subject to further empirical analysis. In particular, they add—to the well‐known steering mechanisms of hierarchy, competition, and cooperation—the contribution of self‐organization, the effect of which is underestimated in almost all theories of social science. But in view of the crises facing modern democracy, such as migration and populism, it is precisely this mechanism of dynamic structure generation that is decisive for an effective and fair risk governance. In this article, we analyze the threat to societal diversity and coherence on the basis of complexity science.
X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy analysis of TiBx (1.3 ≤ x ≤ 3.0) thin films
Authors: Hellgren Niklas , Greczynski Grzegorz , Sortica Mauricio A. , Petrov Ivan , Hultman Lars , Rosen Johanna
Published: January 2021

We report on a comprehensive analysis of titanium boride thin films by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Films were grown by both direct current magnetron sputtering and high-power impulse magnetron sputtering from a compound TiB2 target in Ar discharge. By varying the deposition parameters, the film composition could be tuned over the wide range 1.3≲B/Ti≲3.0, as determined by elastic recoil detection analysis and Rutherford backscattering spectrometry. By comparing spectra over this wide range of compositions, we can draw original conclusions about how to interpret XPS spectra of TiBx. By careful spectra deconvolution, the signals from Ti–Ti and B–B bonds can be resolved from those corresponding to stoichiometric TiB2. The intensities of the off-stoichiometric signals can be directly related to the B/Ti ratio of the films. Furthermore, we demonstrate a way to obtain consistent and quantum-mechanically accurate peak deconvolution of the whole Ti 2p envelope, including the plasmons, for both oxidized and sputter-cleaned samples. Due to preferential sputtering of Ti over B, the film B/Ti ratio is best determined without sputter etching of the sample surface. This allows accurate compositional determination, assuming that extensive levels of oxygen are not present in the sample. Fully dense films can be accurately quantified for at least a year after deposition, while underdense samples do not give reliable data if the O/Ti ratio on the unsputtered surface is ≳3.5. Titanium suboxides detected after sputter etching is further indicative of oxygen penetrating the sample, and quantification by XPS should not be trusted.
Spatial patterns and conservation of genetic and phylogenetic diversity of wildlife in China
Authors: Hu Yibo , Fan Huizhong , Chen Youhua , Chang Jiang , Zhan Xiangjiang , Wu Hua , Zhang Baowei , Wang Meng , Zhang Wenyan , Yang Lin , Hou Xian , Shen Xing , Pan Tao , Wu Wei , Li Jun , Hu Haihua , Wei Fuwen
Published: January 2021

Meta-analyses reveal the large-scale spatial patterns of genetic and phylogenetic diversity for Chinese terrestrial vertebrates.
Feldspar recycling across magma mush bodies during the voluminous Half Dome and Cathedral Peak stages of the Tuolumne intrusive complex, Yosemite National Park, California, USA
Authors: Oppenheim Louis F. , Memeti Valbone , Barnes Calvin G. , Chambers Melissa , Krause Joachim , Esposito Rosario
Published: January 2021

Incremental pluton growth can produce sheeted complexes with no magma-magma interaction or large, dynamic magma bodies communicating via crystal and melt exchanges, depending on pulse size and frequency of intrusions. Determining the degree and spatial extent of crystal-melt exchange along and away from plutonic contacts at or near the emplacement level, such as in the large, long-lived Tuolumne intrusive complex (TIC) in California, sheds light onto the process and evolution of incremental growth.

This study used field mapping and petrographic and geochemical analysis of plagioclase and K-feldspar populations in the equigranular Half Dome (eHD), porphyritic Half Dome (pHD), and Cathedral Peak (CP) Granodiorites of the southeastern section of the TIC to determine the presence and/or extent of feldspar recycling at interunit contacts. Our results suggest that contacts between major units are predominantly ∼400-m- to 3-km-thick gradational zones. K-feldspar is compositionally distinct in eHD and neighboring gradational zones and shows no evidence of mixing. K-feldspar in a gradational zone between pHD and CP shows evidence of mixing between the two. Plagioclase in eHD and CP display distinct ranges of anorthite content, Sr, and light rare earth element abundances; both populations are observed in pHD. Major oxide and trace element calculations of melts in equilibrium with plagioclase cores indicate that the melts were more silicic, less calcic, and lower in Sr and Rb than corresponding analyzed whole-rock samples. These results suggest that the magmas also underwent plagioclase and biotite accumulation. The presence of two plagioclase populations in pHD is consistent with eHD and CP hybridizing to form pHD in an increasingly maturing and exchanging TIC magmatic system during the eHD-pHD-CP stages but before groundmass and small K-feldspar phenocrysts crystallized.
Supplemental Material: Age and deposition of the Fort Crittenden Formation: A window into Late Cretaceous Laramide and Cenozoic tectonics in southeastern Arizona
Authors: Caylor Emilia A. , al. et
Published: January 2021

Maximum depositional ages, Lu-Hf, AFT, and AHe data.
Transport time after combat-related injury and patient-reported outcomes among US service members
Authors: Hawari Raneem J , McCabe C T , Dougherty A L , Eskridge S L , Watrous J R , Sazon J , Galarneau M R
Published: January 2021

Introduction

The ‘golden hour’ is a universal paradigm that suggests trauma patients have lower morbidity and mortality when provided with medical care within 1 hour after injury. The objective of this study was to examine whether transport time from point of injury to a military treatment facility (MTF) in-theatre was associated with patient-reported outcomes, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and quality of life (QOL), among US service members with combat-related injury.

Methods

Participants were injured between March 2003 and March 2016 and completed standardised assessments of PTSD, depression and QOL for theWounded Warrior Recovery Project (WWRP) between January 2013 and November 2017. Multivariable regressions were used to assess the relationship between transport time (≤1 hour or >1 hour from injury to MTF) and positive screens for PTSD and depression, and QOL, respectively.

Overall, 45.6% of participants (n=879) arrived at an MTF within 1 hour postinjury. About 8 years passed between when participants were injured on deployment and when they completed their first WWRP assessment. Approximately 48% of participants screened positive for PTSD and 51.3% for depression, with a mean QOL score of 0.513 (SD=0.150). After adjusting for covariates, transport time was not significantly associated with PTSD (OR 1.04, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.38; p=0.77), depression (OR 0.92, 95% CI 0.69 to 1.21; p=0.55) or QOL (β=0.009; p=0.38).

Conclusion

Transport time was not associated with patient-reported outcomes among US service members with combat-related injury. These findings are important as we seek to understand how combat casualties may be affected by extended medical evacuation or transport times anticipated in future expeditionary operations.
Cohort profile: the St Vincent’s Melbourne Arthroplasty Outcomes (SMART) Registry, a pragmatic prospective database defining outcomes in total hip and knee replacement patients
Authors: Gould Daniel , Thuraisingam Sharmala , Shadbolt Cade , Knight Josh , Young Jesse , Schilling Chris , Choong Peter F , Dowsey Michelle M
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The St Vincent’s Melbourne Arthroplasty Outcomes (SMART) Registry is an institutional clinical registry housed at a tertiary referral hospital in Australia. The SMART Registry is a pragmatic prospective database, which was established to capture a broad range of longitudinal clinical and patient-reported outcome data to facilitate collaborative research that will improve policy and practice relevant to arthroplasty surgery for people with advanced arthritis of the hip or knee. The purpose of this cohort profile paper is to describe the rationale for the SMART Registry’s creation, its methods, baseline data and future plans for the Registry. A full compilation of the data is provided as a reference point for future collaborators.

Participants

The SMART Registry cohort comprises over 13 000 consecutive arthroplasty procedures in more than 10 000 patients who underwent their procedure at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne, since January 1998. Participant recruitment, data collection and follow-up is ongoing and currently includes up to 20 years follow-up data.

Findings to date

SMART Registry data are used for clinical audit and feedback, as well as for a broad range of research including epidemiological studies, predictive statistical modelling and health economic evaluations. At the time of writing, there were 46 publications from SMART Registry data, with contributions from more than 67 coauthors.

Future plans

With the recent linking of the SMART Registry with Medicare Benefits Schedule and Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme data through the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, research into prescribing patterns and health system utilisation is currently underway. The SMART Registry is also being updated with the Clavien-Dindo classification of surgical complications.
Effect of screening young men for Chlamydia trachomatis on the rates among women: a network modelling study for high-prevalence communities
Authors: Qu Zhuolin , Azizi Asma , Schmidt Norine , Craig-Kuhn Megan Clare , Stoecker Charles , Hyman James Mac , Kissinger Patricia J
Published: January 2021

Objective

Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct) is the most commonly reported sexually transmitted infection in the USA and causes important reproductive morbidity in women. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend routine screening of sexually active women under age 25 but not among men. Despite three decades of screening women, chlamydia prevalence in women remains high. Untested and untreated men can serve as a reservoir of infection in women, and male-screening based intervention can be an effective strategy to reduce infection in women. We assessed the impact of screening men on the Ct prevalence in women.

Design

We created an individual-based network model to simulate a realistic chlamydia epidemic on sexual contact networks for a synthetic population (n=5000). The model is calibrated to the ongoing routine screening among African American (AA) women in the USA and detailed a male-screening programme, Check It, that bundles best practices for Ct control. We used sensitivity analysis to quantify the relative importance of each intervention component.

Setting

Community-based venues in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA.

Participants

Heterosexual AA men, aged 15 to 24, who had sex with women in the past 2 months.

Intervention

Venue-based screening, expedited index treatment, expedited partner treatment and rescreening.

Results

We estimate that by annually screening 7.5% of the AA male population in the age-range, the chlamydia prevalence would be reduced relatively by 8.1% (95% CI 5.9% to 10.4%) in AA women and 8.8% (95% CI 6.9% to 10.8%) in AA men. Each man screened could prevent 0.062 (95% CI 0.030 to 0.094) cases in men and 0.204 (95% CI 0.143 to 0.267) cases in women. The model suggested the importance of intervention components ranked from high to low as venue-based screening, expedited index treatment, expedited partner treatment and rescreening.

Conclusion

The findings indicated that male-screening has the potential to substantially reduce the prevalence among women in high-prevalence communities.
Barriers, facilitators, preferences and expectations of joint protection programmes for patients with hand arthritis: a cross-sectional survey
Authors: Bobos Pavlos , MacDermid Joy , Ziebart Christina , Boutsikari Eleni , Lalone Emily , Ferreira Louis , Grewal Ruby
Published: January 2021

Objectives

The objective of this survey was to investigate the barriers, facilitators, expectations and patient preferences regarding joint protection (JP) programmes in people with hand arthritis.

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

Tertiary clinic.

Participants

Patients with hand arthritis: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis and other forms of arthritis.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

This study used a survey among people with hand arthritis. Descriptive statistics and percentages were reported for all the data about the barriers, facilitators and preferences around JP.

Results

A total of 192 patients consented to participate. Most of the patients (82%) were unaware of JP. Factors that may act as barriers to participation and were regarded as ‘a very big concern’ were: cost of the programme (44%), time of offering the programme (39%), work commitments (36%) and having a centre/clinic close to the house (28%). Factors that may act as facilitators and rated as ‘extremely helpful’ were: research that shows that JP works (26%) and having the centre/clinic close to the house (25%). An online format for JP was the most preferred option (54%). Half (46%) preferred a timeframe of 1 hour, three times per week and 44% preferred a 2-hour programme, for three times per week.

Conclusions

Awareness of the potential benefits of JP, and prior experience with JP programme were very low. Common potentially modifiable patient-reported barriers to participate in future JP interventions, included: cost, work commitments, distance from home to clinic and times that the intervention were provided. These barriers might be addressed with free and accessible forms of delivery of JP, which may lead to better uptake and participation in JP programmes.
NO WAIT: new organised well-adapted immediate triage: a lean improvement project
Authors: Elkholi Ahmed , Althobiti Huda , Al Nofeye Jamal , Hasan Mohamed , Ibrahim Ahmed
Published: January 2021

Long waiting times in the emergency department (ED) are associated with decreased patient satisfaction and increased morbidity and mortality. Triage may be a contributing factor to prolonged wait times in the ED. At Alhada Armed Forces Hospital (Taif, Saudi Arabia), patients other than level 1 and 2 on the Canadian Triage and Acuity Scale are requested to wait until triage. During peak hours (08:00−22:00), the waiting time prior to triage is prolonged, and several patients leave the ED before triage. In this project, a multidisciplinary team was assembled to revise patient flow from the time of arrival at the ED to the time of triage. Lean methodology was used to identify the redundancies and design a seamless flow process for ED patients. Through reorganising the triage area using minimal additional resources, the project team devised a novel floor plan for the triage area which provided a unique patient flow in the ED. The median patient wait time from arrival to triage was reduced from 27 min to 4.09 min and the percentage of patients leaving the ER before triage was reduced to 0%. This project is the first of its kind in Saudi Arabia, as well as in the Gulf region, and provides a radical solution to the problem of patient waiting in the ED during peak hours.
Nuclear cardiology: state of the art
Authors: Schofield Rebecca , Menezes Leon , Underwood Stephen Richard
Published: January 2021

Radionuclide imaging remains an essential component of modern cardiology. There is overlap with the information from other imaging techniques, but no technique is static and new developments have expanded its role. This review focuses on ischaemic heart disease, heart failure, infection and inflammation. Radiopharmaceutical development includes the wider availability of positron emission tomography (PET) tracers such as rubidium-82, which allows myocardial perfusion to be quantified in absolute terms. Compared with alternative techniques, myocardial perfusion scintigraphy PET and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) have the advantages of being widely applicable using exercise or pharmacological stress, full coverage of the myocardium and a measure of ischaemic burden, which helps to triage patients between medical therapy and revascularisation. Disadvantages include the availability of expertise in some cardiac centres and the lack of simple SPECT quantification, meaning that global abnormalities can be underestimated. In patients with heart failure, despite the findings of the STICH (Surgical Treatment for Ischemic Heart Failure) trial, there are still data to support the assessment of myocardial hibernation in predicting when abolition of ischaemia might lead to improvement in ventricular function. Imaging of sympathetic innervation is well validated, but simpler markers of prognosis mean that it has not been widely adopted. There are insufficient data to support its use in predicting the need for implanted devices, but non-randomised studies are promising. Other areas where radionuclide imaging is uniquely valuable are detection and monitoring of endocarditis, device infection, myocardial inflammation in sarcoidosis, myocarditis and so on, and reliable detection of deposition in suspected transthyretin-related amyloidosis.
Individual non-esterified fatty acids and incident atrial fibrillation late in life
Authors: Pellegrini Cara N , Buzkova Petra , Lichtenstein Alice H , Matthan Nirupa R , Ix Joachim H , Siscovick David S , Heckbert Susan R , Tracy Russell P , Mukamal Kenneth J , Djoussé Luc , Kizer Jorge R
Published: January 2021

Objective

Obesity and dysmetabolism are major risk factors for atrial fibrillation (AF). Expansion of fat depots is associated with increased circulating total non-esterified fatty acids (NEFAs), elevated levels of which are associated with incident AF. We undertook comprehensive serum measurement of individual NEFA to identify specific associations with new-onset AF late in life.

Methods

The present study focused on participants with available serum and free of AF selected from the Cardiovascular Health Study, a community-based longitudinal investigation of older US adults. Thirty-five individual NEFAs were measured by gas chromatography. Cox regression was used to evaluate the association of individual NEFAs with incident AF.

Results

The study sample included 1872 participants (age 77.7±4.4). During median follow-up of 11.3 years, 715 cases of incident AF occurred. After concurrent adjustment of all NEFAs and full adjustment for potential confounders, higher serum concentration of nervonic acid (24:1 n-9), a long-chain monounsaturated fatty acid, was associated with higher risk of AF (HR per SD: 1.18, 95% CI 1.08 to 1.29; p<0.001). Conversely, higher serum concentration of gamma-linolenic acid (GLA) (18:3 n-6), a polyunsaturated n-6 fatty acid, was associated with lower risk of AF (HR per SD: 0.81, 95% CI 0.71 to 0.94; p=0.004). None of the remaining NEFAs was significantly associated with AF.

Conclusions

Among older adults, serum levels of non-esterified nervonic acid were positively associated, while serum levels of non-esterified GLA were inversely associated, with incident AF. If confirmed, these results could offer new strategies for AF prevention and early intervention in this segment of the population at highest risk.
Role of SIRT2 in regulating the dexamethasone-activated autophagy pathway in skeletal muscle atrophy
Authors: Han Ziqiu , Chang Cen , Zhu Weiyi , Zhang Yanlei , Zheng Jing , Kang Xiangping , Jin Guoqin , Gong Zhangbin
Published: January 2021

The proteolytic autophagy system is involved in a major regulatory pathway in dexamethasone (Dex)-induced muscle atrophy. Sirtuin 2 (SIRT2) is known to modulate autophagy signaling, exerting effects in skeletal muscle atrophy. We examined the effects of SIRT2 on autophagy in Dex-induced myoatrophy. Tostudy this, mice were randomly distributed among the normal, Dex, and sirtinol groups. C2C12 cells were differentiated into myotubes and transduced with lentivirus carrying Sirt2–green fluorescent protein (GFP) or Sirt2 short hairpin RNA (Sirt2-shRNA)–GFP. To evaluate the mass and function of skeletal muscles, we measured myofiber cross-sectional area, myotube size, gastrocnemius (GA) muscle wet mass:body mass ratio (%), and time to exhaustion. The expression levels of SIRT2, myosin heavy chain, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 (LC3), and Beclin-1 were measured using Western blotting and quantitative reverse transcription – polymerase chain reaction. Inhibition of SIRT2 markedly attenuated GA muscle mass and endurance capacity. The same phenotype was observed in Sirt2-shRNA-treated myotubes, as evidenced by their decreased size. Conversely, overexpression of SIRT2 alleviated Dex-induced myoatrophy in vitro. Moreover, SIRT2 negatively regulated the expression of LC3b and Beclin-1 in skeletal muscles. These findings suggest that SIRT2 activation protects myotubes against Dex-induced atrophy through inhibition of the autophagy system; this phenomenon may serve as a target for treating glucocorticoid-induced myopathy.
Clethodim suppresses hair fescue in lowbush blueberry
Authors: White Scott N. , Graham Gavin
Published: January 2021

Hair fescue (Festuca filiformis Pourr.) is a tuft-forming perennial grass of concern in lowbush blueberry (Vaccinium angustifolium Ait.) as tufts form dense sods that reduce lowbush blueberry yield and inhibit harvest. Although generally tolerant to ACCase-inhibiting herbicides, injury to some Festuca spp. following clethodim applications has been reported. ACCase-inhibiting herbicides are important for non-bearing and bearing year perennial grass management in lowbush blueberry but have not been extensively evaluated for hair fescue management. The objectives of this research were to (1) determine the relative efficacy of foramsulfuron, fluazifop-P-butyl, sethoxydim, and clethodim on hair fescue, and (2) determine if foramsulfuron tank mixtures with fluazifop-P-butyl, sethoxydim, and clethodim improve hair fescue suppression. None of the herbicides evaluated caused unacceptable injury to lowbush blueberry. Foramsulfuron (35 g a.i. ha−1) reduced hair fescue total tuft density, flowering tuft density, and flowering tuft inflorescence number. Fluazifop-P-butyl (250 g a.i. ha−1) and sethoxydim (495 g a.i. ha−1) caused variable levels of visual injury to hair fescue and did not reduce total tuft density, flowering tuft density, or flowering tuft inflorescence number. Clethodim (91 g a.i. ha−1), however, caused >50% visual injury to hair fescue and reduced hair fescue total tuft density, flowering tuft density, and flowering tuft inflorescence number. Fluazifop-P-butyl and sethoxydim tank mixtures with foramsulfuron did not increase hair fescue suppression relative to foramsulfuron alone. A foramsulfuron + clethodim tank mixture provided equivalent hair fescue suppression as either herbicide applied alone. Foramsulfuron and clethodim should therefore be used in rotation rather than tank mixture to manage hair fescue in lowbush blueberry.
H1jet, a fast program to compute transverse momentum distributions
Authors: Lind Alexander , Banfi Andrea
Published: January 2021

We present H1jet, a fast code that computes the total cross section and differential distribution in the transverse momentum of a colour singlet. In its current version, the program implements only leading-order $$2\rightarrow 1$$

2
→
1

and $$2\rightarrow 2$$

2
→
2

processes, but could be extended to higher orders. We discuss the processes implemented in H1jet, give detailed instructions on how to implement new processes, and perform comparisons to existing codes. This tool, mainly designed for theorists, can be fruitfully used to assess deviations of selected new physics models from the Standard Model behaviour, as well as to quickly obtain distributions of relevance for Standard Model phenomenology.
Phase space of multi-fluid universe in F(T)-gravity and some enhancements for the oscillating interaction model
Authors: Tajahmad Behzad , Motavalli Hossein
Published: January 2021

Recently, a Friedmann–Robertson–Walker universe filled with various cosmological fluids has been considered by Odintsov et al. (Phys Rev D 96:044022, 2017) from phase space vantage point where various expressions for the Equation-of-State (EoS) parameter were studied. Since these types of EoS parameters are generative of appreciable results in the Hilbert–Einstein model, hence we intend to investigate all the cases in a homogeneous F(T)-gravity (T is the torsion) through phase space analysis in precise detail. In short, three viable models of interaction between dark matter and dark energy, including usual-type, power-law type, and oscillating type, are investigated comprehensively. It is indicated that the power-law interaction in the related dynamical systems should be of increasing nature with time to get more critical points. Due to the failure of the oscillating model of Odintsov et al. (2017) in F(T)-gravity, four modified models are suggested and examined in both F(T) and Hilbert–Einstein models. As to be seen, the modified models not only are generative of critical points equivalent to that of Odintsov et al. (2017), but also give rise to further critical points covering crucial stages of the evolution of the universe. In the context of these four models, such as the old one, at early times the interactions are negligible and they commence to grow as the cosmic time approaches the late-time in which the unification of early inflation and late acceleration is obtained. Using an indirect method, it is shown that the oscillating models have substantial roles in transitions between eras.