bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Practising fashion and wardrobe studies: A geographical reframing?
Authors: Maguire Helen , Fahy Frances
Published: October 2021

Everyday household sustainability challenges and dilemmas, particularly related to consumption of domestic resources energy, water, and food, are already an important focus in contemporary geographical inquiry. This paper seeks to advance the perspective by exploring a less obvious aspect: everyday fashion consumption practices specifically in the use phase of clothing. Whereas research on clothing sustainability impact has largely pursued production, acquisition, and divestment, here the spotlight is on the active everyday use of clothing already owned. Data were gathered in Ireland using wardrobe studies, a range of visual, verbal, and aural methodological approaches employed to uncover knowledge about wardrobe contents, user practices, cultures, and experiences, along with overarching systems. A central aim of the paper is to explore what geography can learn from wardrobe studies methodologies, thereby opening new opportunities to investigate and to generate valuable data regarding sustainable consumption in both the home and the wardrobe. Consequent to a critical review of current geographical work concerning the sustainability implications of clothing use and an examination of existing research on the geographical dimensions of household sustainability, the paper presents some key ways in which wardrobe studies may be more widely employed by geographers as an effective research method to reframe, analyse, and appreciate the complexities of everyday actions in the clothing use phase. Much research on clothing sustainability impact has largely pursued production, acquisition, and divestment. Here, the spotlight is on the active everyday use of clothing already owned. Data were gathered in Ireland using wardrobe studies, a range of visual, verbal, and aural methodological approaches employed to uncover knowledge about wardrobe contents, user practices, cultures, and experiences, along with overarching systems. A central aim of the paper is to explore what geography can learn from wardrobe studies methodologies, thereby opening new opportunities to investigate and to generate valuable data regarding sustainable consumption in both the home and the wardrobe.
Populist ecologies
Authors: Atkins Ed , Menga Filippo
Published: October 2021

Right‐wing variants of populism are on the rise across the globe, creating new patterns of interaction between society and the environment. These new socio‐ecological relationships – dubbed “populist ecologies” – are not homogenous and, instead, can vary from country to country and populist to populist. In this paper, we adopt two illustrative case studies to outline two particular right‐wing populist ecologies. First, we turn to the government of Jair Bolsonaro in Brazil (2019 onwards) and detail the ways in which Bolsonaro's anti‐science agenda is evident in his response to patterns of deforestation and the “burning of the Amazon” in 2019. Second, we explore the politics of Matteo Salvini in Italy, highlighting how, in this form of right‐wing populism, the environment has become a container for wider political ambitions. In doing so, this work highlights the complexity of the relationship between contemporary right‐wing populism and the environment – and the ways in which populist ecologies may act to conceal the more‐nefarious elements of the populist moment.
The “stateless” Rohingya in Bangladesh: Crisis management and policy responses
Authors: Habib Md Reza
Published: October 2021

Since 1978, subjugation, discrimination, and human rights violations have forced the Rohingya to flee Myanmar and seek refuge in Bangladesh. The legalized “statelessness” and marginalized ethnoreligious status of the Rohingya in Myanmar and their violent expulsion eventually determined their status in Bangladesh and the government response. Initially, the Bangladesh government and local communities took a liberal attitude towards the humanitarian crisis, accommodated the refugees in camps along the border region, and offered assistance. However, there are over a million Rohingya in the country now, and its resources limited, to begin with, are under enormous strain. The tensions between the Rohingya and host communities have led the government to oppose the integration and encourage the voluntary repatriation of refugees to Myanmar. This study analyses the shift in Bangladesh government domestic, as well as regional policies such as Look East policy, in managing the Rohingya crisis and proffers policy recommendations at the end.
Aspirin effects on platelet gene expression are associated with a paradoxical, increase in platelet function
Authors: Myers Rachel A. , Ortel Thomas L. , Waldrop Alexander , Dave Sandeep , Ginsburg Geoffrey S. , Voora Deepak
Published: October 2021

Aspirin has known effects beyond inhibiting platelet cyclooxygenase‐1 (COX‐1) that have been incompletely characterized. Transcriptomics can comprehensively characterize the on‐ and off‐target effects of medications. We used a systems pharmacogenomics approach of aspirin exposure in volunteers coupled with serial platelet function and purified platelet mRNA sequencing to test the hypothesis that aspirin's effects on the platelet transcriptome are associated with platelet function. We prospectively recruited 74 adult volunteers for a randomized crossover study of 81‐ vs. 325 mg/day, each for 4 weeks. Using mRNA sequencing of purified platelets collected before and after each 4‐week exposure, we identified 208 aspirin‐responsive genes with no evidence for dosage effects. In independent cohorts of healthy volunteers and patients with diabetes, we validated aspirin's effects on five genes: EIF2S3, CHRNB1, EPAS1, SLC9A3R2 and HLA‐DRA. Functional characterization of the effects of aspirin on mRNA as well as platelet ribosomal RNA demonstrated that aspirin may act as an inhibitor of protein synthesis. Database searches for small molecules that mimicked the effects of aspirin on platelet gene expression in vitro identified aspirin but no other molecules that share aspirin's known mechanisms of action. The effects of aspirin on platelet mRNA were correlated with higher levels of platelet function both at baseline and after aspirin exposure—an effect that counteracts aspirin's known antiplatelet effect. In summary, this work collectively demonstrates a dose‐independent effect of aspirin on the platelet transcriptome that counteracts the well‐known antiplatelet effects of aspirin.
Personal condition but social cure: Agentic ingroups elevate well‐being in chronically ill patients through perceptions of personal control
Authors: Relke Susanne , Fritsche Immo , Masson Torsten , Kleine Anne‐Kathrin , Thien Katharina , von Glahn Lisa , Leuteritz Katja , Richter Diana
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Social‐cure research has shown that ingroup identification can be beneficial for personal health and well‐being. Initial evidence for healthy participants suggests that this might be due to group membership providing a sense of personal control. In this research, we investigate this pathway for chronically ill patients, assuming that any ingroup (even patient identity) can serve as social cure by increasing control as long as the ingroup is perceived as agentic (i.e., effective).

Design

We conducted six correlational field studies with patients suffering from different chronic conditions, e.g., cancer (Ntotal = 795).

Methods

All participants were asked about one specific ingroup, e.g., their self‐help group. Our main measures were ingroup identification, ingroup agency, personal control and well‐being, as well as self‐esteem and social support (both discussed as alternative mediators). We performed simple mediation and/or moderated mediation analyses for each study and across studies (merging Studies 2–6).

Results

Overall, the impact of ingroup identification on personal well‐being was uniquely mediated via personal control (Studies 1, 2, 3, 6) but, as expected, only for those perceiving their ingroup as highly agentic (Studies 4, 5, 6).

Conclusions

Ingroup agency is a boundary condition for the control‐based pathway of the social cure effect supporting the model of group‐based control. This has practical implications for clinical interventions with chronically ill patients.
C‐reactive protein (CRP) trajectory as a predictor of anastomotic leakage after rectal cancer resection: A multicentre cohort study
Authors: Hoek Vincent T. , Sparreboom Cloë L. , Wolthuis Albert M. , Menon Anand G. , Kleinrensink Gert‐Jan , D'Hoore André , Komen Niels , Lange Johan F. ,   the APPEAL II collaborators
Published: October 2021

Aim

This study aimed to identify whether CRP‐trajectory measurement, including increase in CRP‐level of 50 mg/l per day, is an accurate predictor of anastomotic leakage (AL) in patients undergoing resection for rectal cancer.

Methods

A prospective multicentre database was used. CRP was recorded on the first three postoperative days. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and area under the receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve were used to analyse performances of CRP‐trajectory measurements between postoperative day (POD) 1–2, 2–3, 1–3 and between any two days.

Results

A total of 271 patients were included in the study. AL was observed in 12.5% (34/271). Increase in CRP‐level of 50 mg/l between POD 1–2 had a negative predictive value of 0.92, specificity of 0.71 and sensitivity of 0.57. Changes in CRP‐levels between POD 2–3 were associated with a negative predictive value, specificity and sensitivity of 0.89, 0.93 and 0.26, respectively. Changes in CRP‐levels between POD 1–3 showed a negative predictive value of 0.94, specificity of 0.76 and sensitivity of 0.65. In addition, 50 mg/l changes between any two days showed a negative predictive value of 0.92, specificity of 0.66 and sensitivity of 0.62. The area under the ROC curve for all CRP‐trajectory measurements ranged from 0.593–0.700.

Conclusion

The present study showed that CRP‐trajectory between postoperative days lacks predictive value to singularly rule out AL. Early and safe discharge in patients undergoing rectal surgery for adenocarcinoma cannot be guaranteed based on this parameter. High negative predictive values are mainly caused by the relatively low prevalence of AL.
Long‐term (1979–2019) dynamics of protected orchid bees in Panama
Authors: Roubik David W. , Basset Yves , Lopez Yacksecari , Bobadilla Ricardo , Perez Filonila , Ramírez S. José Alejandro
Published: October 2021

Plants and pollinators are linked but their dynamics are scarcely known. Chemical monitoring of male “orchid bees” at two sites revealed 75% of species were stable or increasing. Forest bees of 33 species, with live sighting at Pipeline Road (PR), and trapping on Barro Colorado Island (BCI), included 132,000 individuals. No species or community changes occurred in strong El Niño‐Southern Oscillation (ENSO) climate events, which lasted 145 total months during more than 70 bee generations. Parasite and host bees fluctuated in unison. A few very common species, adapted to relatively disturbed habitat, diminished over time at PR, while sightings and traps revealed stable abundance ranks in Euglossa 40 years on BCI. Bee abundance and biomass were stable but 50% of species had few records. Orchid bees appear more stable in older forest, they were evidently insulated from ENSO disturbance, and probably benefit from the increasing abundance of flowering lianas and vines.
Towards an understanding of the latitudinal patterns in thermal tolerance and vulnerability of woody plants under climate warming
Authors: Peng Shijia , Liu Yunpeng , Lyu Tong , Zhang Xiaoling , Li Yaoqi , Wang Zhiheng
Published: October 2021

Predicting spatial patterns in thermal tolerance and vulnerability of species under climate warming remains a challenge. Current knowledge is mainly from experiment‐based thermal physiology of limited numbers of ectotherms, yet large‐scale evaluations on plants remain elusive. Here, using distribution maps with spatial resolutions of 20 × 20 km for 5628 woody species in China, we propose a novel approach, i.e. thermal distribution curves, to describe species' realized thermal niches and then estimate their thermal tolerance and warming risks under projected climate warming in 2050s and 2070s. We find that species' vulnerability and potential local extinction risks within grid cells decrease with latitude and increase with aridity due to narrow thermal tolerance of species located at low latitudes and arid regions. Over 90% of species could still tolerate future warming in most areas, indicating relatively optimistic expectation of potential local extinctions. Our study presents a new framework to quantify climate warming impacts on a large number of species without sufficient physiological information and provides fundamental references for conservation planning under climate change.
Emerging palaeoecological frameworks for elucidating plant dynamics in response to fire and other disturbance
Authors: Napier Joseph D. , Chipman Melissa L.
Published: October 2021

Motivation

Rapid climate change is altering plant communities around the globe fundamentally. Despite progress in understanding how plants respond to these climate shifts, accumulating evidence suggests that disturbance could not only modify expected plant responses but, in some cases, have larger impacts on compositional shifts than climate change. Climate‐driven disturbances are becoming increasingly common in many biomes and are key drivers of vegetation dynamics at both species and community levels. Palaeoecological records provide valuable observational windows for elucidating the long‐term impacts of these disturbances on plant dynamics; however, sparse resolution and difficulty in disentangling drivers of change limit our ability to understand the impact of disturbance on plant communities. In this targeted review, we highlight emerging opportunities in palaeoecology to advance our understanding about how disturbance, especially fire, impacts the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of terrestrial plant communities.

Location

Global examples, with many from North America.

Conclusions

We propose a set of palaeoecological and integrative approaches that could greatly enhance our understanding of how disturbance regimes influence global plant dynamics. Specifically, we identify four future study areas: (1) focus on palaeoecological disturbance proxies beyond fire and leverage multi proxy research to examine the influence of interacting disturbances on plant community dynamics; (2) use advances in disturbance and vegetation reconstructions, including ancient sedimentary DNA, to provide the spatial, temporal and taxonomic resolution needed to resolve the relationship between changing disturbance regimes and corresponding shifts in plant community composition; (3) integrate palaeoecological, archaeological and Indigenous knowledge to disentangle the complex interplay between climate, human land use, fire and vegetation structure; and (4) apply “functional palaeoecology” and the synergy between palaeoecology and genetics to understand how fire disturbance has served as a long‐standing selective agent on plants. These frameworks could increase the resolution of disturbance‐driven plant dynamics, potentially providing valuable information for future management.
Assigned Values in the GeoPT Proficiency Testing Scheme
Authors: Thompson Michael
Published: October 2021

GeoPT, the proficiency test organised by the International Association of Geoanalysts (IAG), provides z‐scores that indicate a participant’s performance on a scale expressing fitness for purpose. Analytical results are converted into z‐scores by using an “assigned value” and a standard deviation set by the IAG as a criterion of fitness for purpose. The assigned value is a consensus derived from the participants’ results themselves, intended to be the best possible estimate of the true value that can be derived from the results and methodological information reported by the participants. In some instances where no assigned value is produced, a “provisional value” is made available. This paper discusses the different statistical ways in which an assigned value can be determined and concludes that as well as the judicious use of statistics, demonstrable expertise in the analytical chemistry and a detailed knowledge of the composition of the test materials are required in the assessment of assigned values.
Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate extract of Astragalus membranaceus aerial parts
Authors: Guo Lili , Sun Yu , Ping Xueli , Liu Jing , Wang Xiaomin , Qin Nan
Published: October 2021

There is a growing consensus that plant‐derived antimicrobials may be a safe and effective alternative to synthetic chemical preservatives against foodborne pathogens. This study aims to investigate the potential application of the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus (AMSL) in food preservation. Antibacterial activity of AMSL was evaluated by the disk diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, and then the activity stability at different conditions (temperatures, pHs and ultraviolet irradiations) was analyzed and the antibacterial mechanism was revealed. Chemical composition of the active substances was also identified by UPLC–MS/MS. The results showed that the extracts from AMSL had low activities against Geotrichum candidum and Escherichia coli, while good action on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans. In contrast, the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of AMSL was the most active against Bacillus subtilis with a diameter of inhibition zone of 15.75 mm and the MIC value of 12.5 mg/mL. EAF exhibited good stability against heating at 80°C for 30 min, 60 min exposure to UV light, and it was effective in pH range of 2.0–6.0. After treating by EAF, the growth of the Bacillus subtilis was inhibited with delayed logarithmic phase, and the cell wall and the cell membrane of the bacteria were damaged deduced from the increased extracellular activity of alkaline phosphatase, the leakage of nucleic acids, and the increase of extracellular conductivity. Further SEM and TEM analysis confirmed the destroying of the cell wall integrity and cell membrane permeability with visually wrinkled even empty cells caused by EAF. Subsequent analysis revealed that flavonoids were the predominant components of EAF, followed by organic acids. Our findings provided a theoretical possibility that the AMSL could be used as a natural food preservative in the food industry.
Sampling and asymptotic network properties of spatial multi‐trophic networks
Authors: McLeod Anne , Leroux Shawn J. , Gravel Dominique , Chu Cindy , Cirtwill Alyssa R. , Fortin Marie‐Josée , Galiana Núria , Poisot Timothée , Wood Spencer A.
Published: October 2021

Collecting well‐resolved empirical trophic networks requires significant time, money and expertise, yet we are still lacking knowledge on how sampling effort and bias impact the estimation of network structure. Filling this gap is a critical first step towards creating accurate representations of ecological networks and for teasing apart the impact of sampling compared to ecological and evolutionary processes that are known to create spatio‐temporal variation in network structure. We use a well‐sampled spatial dataset of lake food webs to examine how sample effort influences network structure. Specifically, we predict asymptotic network properties (ANPs) for our dataset by comparing lake‐specific network metrics with increasing sampling effort. We then contrast three sampling strategies – random, smallest lake to largest lake or largest lake to smallest lake – to assess which strategy best captures the regional metaweb (i.e. network of all potential interactions) network properties. We demonstrate metric‐specific relationships between sample effort and network metrics, often diverging from the ANPs. For example, low sample effort can contribute to much lower and poorer estimates of closeness centralization, as compared to approximations of modularity with similar sample efforts. In fact, many network metrics (e.g. connectance) have a quadratic relationship with sample effort indicating a sampling ‘sweet spot', which represents optimal sample effort for a close approximation of the ANP. Further, we find that sampling larger lakes followed by smaller lakes is a more optimal sampling strategy for capturing metaweb properties in this lentic ecosystem. Overall, we provide clear ways to better understand the impacts of sampling bias in food‐web studies which may be particularly critical given the rapid increase in studies comparing food webs across space and time.
The Evolution of Income Composition Inequality in Italy, 1989–2016
Authors: Iacono Roberto , Ranaldi Marco
Published: October 2021

We study the evolution of inequality in income composition in terms of capital and labor income in Italy between 1989 and 2016. We document a rise in the share of capital income accruing to the bottom of the distribution, while the top of the distribution increases its share of labor income. This implies a falling degree of income composition inequality in the period considered and a weaker relationship between the functional and personal distribution of income in Italy. This result is robust to various specifications of self‐employment income; nonetheless, it hinges crucially on the treatment of rental incomes. While the dynamics of imputed rents has brought about a more equitable distribution of capital incomes across the income distribution, that of actual rents has led to higher concentration of capital incomes at the top in the decade preceding the outbreak of the financial crisis. Finally, we conceptualize a rule of thumb for policy makers seeking to reduce income inequality in the long run.
Hepatic steatosis is associated with anthropometry, cardio‐metabolic disease risk, sex, age and urbanisation, but not with ethnicity in adult Kenyans
Authors: Kastberg Sophie E. , Lund Helene S. , De Lucia‐Rolfe Emanuella , Kaduka Lydia U. , Boit Michael K. , Corpeleijn Eva , Friis Henrik , Bernard Sophie , Paquette Martine , Baass Alexis , Rasmussen Jon J. , Christensen Dirk L.
Published: October 2021

Objective

We aimed to determine the associations of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with cardio‐metabolic risk factors for diabetes in adult Kenyans.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was undertaken among rural and urban Kenyans of different ethnic origin. Ultrasonography scanning (USS) methods were used for the assessment of hepatic fat accumulation for NAFLD assessment and abdominal fat distribution, and simple anthropometry measurements were performed. All participants underwent a 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test, and biochemical, haemodynamic and lifestyle data were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess sex, age, residency and ethnic differences in the association between NAFLD and various metabolic parameters.

Results

In total, 743 individuals (59.1% women) with a mean age of 38.0 (range 18–68) years participated in the study. Overall, 118 individuals (15.9%) had NAFLD, of whom 94.1% had mild steatosis. Age >40 years was significantly associated with having NAFLD compared with <30 years of age with no difference found in NAFLD between ethnic groups (Luo, Kamba, Maasai). All body composition and clinical measurements were associated with NAFLD (p < 0.045 for OR).

Conclusion

Finding lower odds for NAFLD in men was unexpected, as was the lack of differences in NAFLD among the ethnic groups, while higher odds for NAFLD with increasing age and in urban vs. rural populations was expected. Especially the sex‐specific results warrant further studies in black African populations on biology of body composition for having NAFLD, and whether this translates into insulin resistance and higher risk of diabetes and consequently cardiovascular disease in black African women.
Fast Reconstruction Method of the Stress Field for the Steam Turbine Rotor Based on Deep Fully Convolutional Network
Authors: Guo Ding , Liu Tianyuan , Zhang Di , Xie Yonghui
Published: October 2021

Since it is difficult to directly measure the transient stress of a steam turbine rotor in operation, a rotor stress field reconstruction model based on the deep fully convolutional network for the startup process is proposed. The stress distribution in the rotor can be directly predicted based on the temperature of a few measurement points. First, the finite element model is used to accurately simulate the temperature and stress field of the rotor startup process, generating training data for the deep learning method. Next, data of only 15 temperature measurement points are arranged to predict the stress distribution in the critical area of the rotor surface, with the accuracy (R2-score) reaching 0.997. The time cost of the trained neural network model at a single case is 1.42 s in CPUs and 0.11 s in GPUs, shortened by 97.3% and 99.8% with comparison to finite element analysis, respectively. In addition, the influence of the number of temperature measurement points and the training size is discussed, verifying the stability of the model. With the advantages of fast calculation, high accuracy, and strong stability, the fast reconstruction model can effectively realize the stress prediction during startup processes, resulting in the possibility of a real-time diagnosis of rotor strength in operation.
Low-temperature atomic layer deposition of indium oxide thin films using trimethylindium and oxygen plasma
Authors: Mahmoodinezhad Ali , Morales Carlos , Naumann Franziska , Plate Paul , Meyer Robert , Janowitz Christoph , Henkel Karsten , Kot Małgorzata , Zoellner Marvin Hartwig , Wenger Christian , Flege Jan Ingo
Published: October 2021

Indium oxide (InxOy) thin films were deposited by plasma-enhanced atomic layer deposition (PEALD) using trimethylindium and oxygen plasma in a low-temperature range of 80–200 °C. The optical properties, chemical composition, crystallographic structure, and electrical characteristics of these layers were investigated by spectroscopic ellipsometry (SE), x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), x-ray diffraction (XRD), as well as current-voltage and capacitance-voltage measurements. The SE results yielded a nearly constant growth rate of 0.56 Å per cycle and a thickness inhomogeneity of ≤1.2% across 4-in. substrates in the temperature range of 100–150 °C. The refractive index (at 632.8 nm) was found to be 2.07 for the films deposited at 150 °C. The PEALD-InxOy layers exhibit a direct (3.3 ± 0.2 eV) and an indirect (2.8 ± 0.1 eV) bandgap with an uptrend for both with increasing substrate temperature. Based on XPS characterization, all InxOy samples are free of carbon impurities and show a temperature-dependent off-stoichiometry indicating oxygen vacancies. XRD diffraction patterns demonstrate an onset of crystallization at 150 °C. Consistent with the optical, XPS, and XRD data, the films deposited at ≥150 °C possess higher electrical conductivity. Our findings prove that a low-temperature PEALD process of InxOy is feasible and promising for a high-quality thin-film deposition without chemical impurities on thermally fragile substrates.
Sit-to-Stand Power Across the Lifespan: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Campitelli Anthony , Paulson Sally , Vincenzo Jennifer , Glenn Jordan M. , Gills Joshua L. , Jones Megan D. , Powers Melissa , Gray Michelle
Published: October 2021

Lower-body power measured by a linear position transducer during the sit-to-stand (STS) movement declines with age and may be a predictor of physical disability in older adults. The purpose of this study was to establish normative data for STS power across the lifespan and to determine if differences exist between age cohorts, sexes, and age cohort–sex subgroups. Adults (N = 557) aged 18–89 were divided into five age cohorts and performed the STS connected to a linear position transducer, which calculated power and velocity during the movement. Significantly lower (p < .01) velocity was observed in a younger age cohort in females than males, whereas males saw a significant average power decrement (p < .01) in a younger age cohort than females. STS power norms give clinicians a metric predicting physical disability and may be of particular interest to males as their power production begins to decline at an earlier age.
Unique Characteristics of Quadriceps Muscle Morphology and Function in Older Tennis Players
Authors: Yoshiko Akito , Beppu Moroe , Chosa Naoki , Watanabe Kohei
Published: October 2021

We investigated the quadriceps muscle size and quantitative characteristics in older tennis players. Thirty-eight senior tennis players (70.8 ± 5.3 years) and 38 controls (71.6 ± 5.1 years) were included. To measure the muscle size and quality, we measured muscle thickness in the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius, and muscle echo intensity in the RF and vastus lateralis using B-mode transverse ultrasound, respectively. We measured knee extension peak torque for muscle function. Muscle thickness in the RF, vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius were significantly larger in tennis players than in controls. Tennis players had a lower echo intensity in RF and a higher knee extension peak torque compared to controls. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis implied that echo intensity and muscle thickness were predictors of knee extension peak torque. Higher muscle quality contributes to a higher knee extension peak torque in tennis players. Playing tennis may prevent age-related muscle atrophy and maintain muscle quality in older individuals.
Preparing Preservice Teachers via Teaching Methods Courses: A Literature Review
Authors: Wu Fei , Phelps Ashley , Hodges Michael , Zhang Xin , Keating Xiaofen D. , Zhang Yiqiong
Published: October 2021

Purpose: To review past research on teaching methods courses with preservice physical education teachers and preservice elementary classroom teachers. Method: This study was guided by the 2017 National Standards for Initial Physical Education Teacher Education. A thorough literature search was conducted using online databases, and a total of 28 articles were selected for review. Results: About two thirds of the reviewed studies were related to elementary methods courses, and 10.7% of the studies were quantitative. Perceptions and confidence in teaching physical education were the focus of studies for preservice elementary classroom teachers, while pedagogical knowledge development and restructuring was the primary emphasis for preservice physical education teachers via elementary methods course. Research on the secondary methods course yielded no salient themes. Conclusions: Research on the topic has been incongruent with the national standards. More experimental and quantitative studies are needed in the future.
An EMT–primary cilium–GLIS2 signaling axis regulates mammogenesis and claudin-low breast tumorigenesis
Authors: Wilson Molly M. , Callens Céline , Le Gallo Matthieu , Mironov Svetlana , Ding Qiong , Salamagnon Amandine , Chavarria Tony E. , Viel Roselyne , Peasah Abena D. , Bhutkar Arjun , Martin Sophie , Godey Florence , Tas Patrick , Kang Hong Soon , Juin Philippe P. , Jetten Anton M. , Visvader Jane E. , Weinberg Robert A. , Attanasio Massimo , Prigent Claude , Lees Jacqueline A. , Guen Vincent J.
Published: October 2021

EMT induces cilium assembly and signaling to promote mammogenesis and tumorigenesis.
Identifying a living great-grandson of the Lakota Sioux leader Tatanka Iyotake (Sitting Bull)
Authors: Moltke Ida , Korneliussen Thorfinn Sand , Seguin-Orlando Andaine , Moreno-Mayar J. Víctor , LaPointe Ernie , Billeck William , Willerslev Eske
Published: October 2021

The identification of a living relative of Sitting Bull with a new method opens the door to future genealogical research.
The impact of Hfq-mediated sRNA-mRNA interactome on the virulence of enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli
Authors: Pearl Mizrahi Sivan , Elbaz Netanel , Argaman Liron , Altuvia Yael , Katsowich Naama , Socol Yaakov , Bar Amir , Rosenshine Ilan , Margalit Hanah
Published: October 2021

An elaborate network of sRNA-mRNA interactions controls the pathogenicity of enteropathogenic
Escherichia coli.
Revealing the Brønsted-Evans-Polanyi relation in halide-activated fast MoS
2
growth toward millimeter-sized 2D crystals
Authors: Ji Qingqing , Su Cong , Mao Nannan , Tian Xuezeng , Idrobo Juan-Carlos , Miao Jianwei , Tisdale William A. , Zettl Alex , Li Ju , Kong Jing
Published: October 2021

Ex-situ Arrhenius analyses and calculations reveal the activation mechanism of halide salts for molybdenum disulfide growth.
Performance Characteristics of the Abbott BinaxNOW SARS-CoV-2 Antigen Test in Comparison to Real-Time Reverse Transcriptase PCR and Viral Culture in Community Testing Sites during November 2020
Authors: Almendares Olivia , Prince-Guerra Jessica L. , Nolen Leisha D. , Gunn Jayleen K. L. , Dale Ariella P. , Buono Sean A. , Deutsch-Feldman Molly , Suppiah Suganthi , Hao LiJuan , Zeng Yan , Stevens Valerie A. , Knipe Kristen , Pompey Justine , Atherstone Christine , Bui David P. , Powell Tracy , Tamin Azaibi , Harcourt Jennifer L. , Petway Marla , Bohannon Caitlin , Folster Jennifer M. , MacNeil Adam , Salerno Reynolds , Kuhnert-Tallman Wendi , Tate Jacqueline E. , Thornburg Natalie , Kirking Hannah L. , Sheiban Khalilullah , Kudrna Julie , Cullen Theresa , Komatsu Kenneth K. , Villanueva Julie M. , Rose Dale A. , Neatherlin John C. , Anderson Mark , Rota Paul A. , Honein Margaret A. , Bower William A. ,   CDC COVID-19 Surge Diagnostic Testing Laboratory Patricia L. Shewmaker CDC, Magdalena Medrzycki CDC, Phili Wong CDC, Shilpi Jain CDC, Alexandra Tejada-Strop CDC, Shannon Rogers CDC, Brian Emery CDC, Houping Wang CDC
Published: October 2021

Point-of-care antigen tests are an important tool for SARS-CoV-2 detection. Antigen tests are less sensitive than real-time reverse transcriptase PCR (rRT-PCR).
Accurate Quantification of Overlapping Herpesvirus Transcripts from RNA Sequencing Data
Authors: Casco Alejandro , Gupta Akansha , Hayes Mitchell , Djavadian Reza , Ohashi Makoto , Johannsen Eric
Published: October 2021

Many viruses employ extensively overlapping transcript structures. This complexity makes it difficult to quantify gene expression by using conventional methods, including RNA-seq.
Assessment of drug use pattern using WHO core drug use indicators in selected general hospitals: a cross-sectional study in Tigray region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tassew Segen Gebremeskel , Abraha Haftom Niguse , Gidey Kidu , Gebre Abadi Kahsu
Published: October 2021

Objective

Inappropriate use of medicine is a global challenge with greater impact on developing countries. Assessment of drug use pattern is used to identify gaps in medicine utilisation to implement strategies for promoting rational drug use. This study aimed to assess drug use pattern using the WHO drug use indicators in selected general hospitals in Tigray region, Ethiopia.

Design

A cross-sectional study was conducted using WHO drug use indicators in two public hospitals located in Tigray.

Setting

Prescriptions recorded from 1 January 2017 to 1 June 2019 were randomly selected, and participants who visited the public hospitals from 1 March 2019 to 30 August 2019 and hospital pharmacies were interviewed.

Participants

100 patients who visited both outpatient clinics and hospital pharmacy departments of the public hospitals.

Results

The average number of medicines per prescription was 1.69 (±0.81). Prescriptions containing antibiotics and injectables were 58.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The percentages of medicines prescribed with a generic name from essential medicines list of Ethiopia were 97.5% (974) and 88.1% (970) in Mekelle Hospital and Quiha Hospital, respectively. The patients spent an average of 6.6(±3.5) min with their general practitioners, while only 22.8 (±21.7) s with their pharmacists. Of the patients interviewed, 56.9% knew their dosing regimen and 32.7% of them had their medication labelled.

Conclusion

The finding of the present study revealed deviation of drug use pattern from the WHO optimal levels suggesting the hospitals had limitations in appropriate utilisation of medicines. Understanding the factors attributed to the observed gaps and implementing corrective measures are required to conform with the recommended standards of appropriate drug utilisation.
Trends, composition and distribution of nurse workforce in China: a secondary analysis of national data from 2003 to 2018
Authors: Lu Han , Hou Luoya , Zhou Weijiao , Shen Liqiong , Jin Shida , Wang Mengqi , Shang Shaomei , Cong Xiaomei , Jin Xiaoyan , Dou Dou
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Given the increased ageing population and frequent epidemic challenges, it is vital to have the nurse workforce of sufficient quantity and quality. This study aimed to demonstrate the trends, composition and distribution of nurse workforce in China.

Design

Secondary analysis using national public datasets in China from 2003 to 2018.

Setting/participants

National population, nurse workforce and physician workforce.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Frequency and proportion were used to demonstrate: (1) the longitudinal growth of nurse workforce; (2) the diversity of nurse workforce in gender, age, work experience and education level; and (3) the distribution of nurse workforce among provinces, rural–urban areas and hospital/community settings. The Gini coefficient and Theil L index were used to measure the inequality trends of nurse workforce.

Results

The total number of nurses increased from 1.3 million to 4.1 million and the density increased from 1 to 2.94 per 1000 population over 2003–2018. The nurses to physician ratio changed from 0.65:1 to 1.14:1. The majority of the nurse workforce was female, under 35 years old, with less than 30 years of work experience, with an associate’s degree and employed within hospitals. Central and eastern regions had more nurses and there were 5.08 nurses per 1000 population in urban areas while less than two in rural areas in 2018. The Gini coefficient and between-provincial Theil index experienced a consistent decline. Within-province inequality accounted for overall inequality has risen from 52.38% in 2010 to 71.43% in 2018 suggested that the differences of distribution are mainly reflected in urban and rural areas.

Conclusion

Chinese nurse workforce has been changed significantly in the past 15 years that may be associated with the reformations of policy, nursing education in China. Our study suggests current features in the nurse workforce and can be used to strengthen future health services.
Evaluation of sweating responses in patients with collagen disease using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART): a study protocol for an investigator-initiated, prospective, observational clinical study
Authors: Ashida Miwa , Koga Tomohiro , Morimoto Shimpei , Yozaki Mariko , Ehara Daisuke , Koike Yuta , Murota H
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Sweat secretion is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and is less active during winter than in the summer. Raynaud’s phenomenon is affected by an excessive strain of the sympathetic nerves after exposure to a cold environment, thus reducing the quality of life of patients with collagen disease. Herein, we focus on the eccrine sweat glands that receive both adrenergic and cholinergic innervation. Our hypothesis is that excessive activation of sympathetic nerve in Raynaud’s phenomenon can affect sweating, especially in winter. This study is designed to evaluate the neuroactive sweating responses in patients with collagen disease and to assess its association with skin findings in peripheral circulatory disorders.

Methods and analysis

The study will be conducted at a single centre in Japan. Patients with systemic sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, and dermatomyositis will be assessed using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test. The primary outcomes will be sweat volume and reaction time due to axon reflex and the Raynaud’s condition score. The secondary outcomes will include patient background, skin symptoms (digital ulcers, pernio-like eruptions, subcutaneous calcifications, telangiectasia, nailfold capillary dilatation/bleeding and degree of skin sclerosis) and skin surface temperature. Evaluation will be done two times, during the summer and winter, allowing for the assessment of seasonal differences in sweating responses.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval of this study was certified by the clinical research review board of Nagasaki University Hospital (Reference number: CRB19-001). We will disseminate the findings of this study through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

jRCTs072190009; pre-results.
Impact of electronic cigarette ever use on lung function in adults aged 45–85: a cross-sectional analysis from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Joshi Divya , Duong MyLinh , Kirkland Susan , Raina Parminder
Published: October 2021

Objective

To describe the sociodemographic characteristics associated with e-cigarette ever use and to examine the impact of e-cigarette ever use on lung function impairment in an ageing population.

Design

A cross-sectional analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.

Setting

A national stratified sample of 44 817 adults living in Canadian provinces.

Participants

Respondents included participants aged 45–85 and residing in the community in Canadian provinces.

Outcome measures

The Global Lung Function Initiative normative values for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC) appropriate for age, sex, height and ethnicity were used to interpret the severity of lung function impairment. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the impact of e-cigarette ever use on obstructive and restrictive lung function impairment.

Results

The prevalence of e-cigarette ever use was 6.5% and varied by sociodemographic factors including higher prevalence among individuals younger than 65 years, those with lower education attainment and those with lower annual household income. E-cigarette ever use was associated with 2.10 (95% CI 1.57 to 2.08) times higher odds of obstructive lung function impairment after adjusting for conventional cigarette smoking and other covariates. Individuals with exposure to e-cigarette ever use and 15 or more pack-years had 7.43 (95% CI 5.30 to 10.38) times higher odds for obstructive lung function impairment when compared with non-smokers and non-e-cigarette users after adjusting for covariates. Smokers with 15 or more pack-years had higher odds of restrictive lung function impairment irrespective of e-cigarette ever use.

Conclusions

Ever use of e-cigarettes was found to be associated with obstructive lung function impairment after adjusting for covariates, suggesting that e-cigarette use may be adding to the respiratory and other chronic disease burden in the population.
Palliative care for people who use substances during communicable disease epidemics and pandemics: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Buchman Daniel Z , Ding Philip , Lo Samantha , Dosani Naheed , Fazelzad Rouhi , Furlan Andrea D , Isenberg Sarina R , Spithoff Sheryl , Tedesco Alissa , Zimmermann Camilla , Lau Jenny
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Communicable disease epidemics and pandemics magnify the health inequities experienced by marginalised populations. People who use substances suffer from high rates of morbidity and mortality and should be a priority to receive palliative care, yet they encounter many barriers to palliative care access. Given the pre-existing inequities to palliative care access for people with life-limiting illnesses who use substances, it is important to understand the impact of communicable disease epidemics and pandemics such as COVID-19 on this population.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a scoping review and report according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in seven bibliographical databases from the inception of each database to August 2020. We also performed a grey literature search to identify the publications not indexed in the bibliographical databases. All the searches will be rerun in April 2021 to retrieve recently published information because the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing at the time of this writing. We will extract the quantitative data using a standardised data extraction form and summarise it using descriptive statistics. Additionally, we will conduct thematic qualitative analyses and present our findings as narrative summaries.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethics approval is not required for a scoping review. We will disseminate our findings to healthcare providers and policymakers through professional networks, digital communications through social media platforms, conference presentations and publication in a scientific journal.
Brain MRI and neuropsychological findings at long-term follow-up after COVID-19 hospitalisation: an observational cohort study
Authors: Hellgren Lovisa , Birberg Thornberg Ulrika , Samuelsson Kersti , Levi Richard , Divanoglou Anestis , Blystad Ida
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To report findings on brain MRI and neurocognitive function, as well as persisting fatigue at long-term follow-up after COVID-19 hospitalisation in patients identified as high risk for affection of the central nervous system.

Design

Ambidirectional observational cohort study.

Setting

All 734 patients from a regional population in Sweden with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis admitted to hospital during the period 1 March to 31 May 2020.

Participants

A subgroup (n=185) with persisting symptoms still interfering with daily life at a telephone follow-up 4 months after discharge were invited for a medical and neuropsychological evaluation. Thirty-five of those who were assessed with a neurocognitive test battery at the clinical visit, and presented a clinical picture concerning for COVID-19-related brain pathology, were further investigated by brain MRI.

Main outcome measures

Findings on brain MRI, neurocognitive test results and reported fatigue.

Results

Twenty-five patients (71%) had abnormalities on MRI; multiple white matter lesions were the most common finding. Sixteen patients (46%) demonstrated impaired neurocognitive function, of which 10 (29%) had severe impairment. Twenty-six patients (74%) reported clinically significant fatigue. Patients with abnormalities on MRI had a lower Visuospatial Index (p=0.031) compared with the group with normal MRI findings.

Conclusions

In this group of patients selected to undergo MRI after a clinical evaluation, a majority of patients had abnormal MRI and/or neurocognitive test results. Abnormal findings were not restricted to patients with severe disease.