bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Circular RNA circ‐RCCD promotes cardiomyocyte differentiation in mouse embryo development via recruiting YY1 to the promoter of MyD88
Authors: Liu Yiwen , Gao Jianfang , Xu Min , Zhou Qianqian , Zhang Zhongxiao , Ye Jiaxin , Li Rui
Published: June 2022

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is the most common birth defect, affecting approximately 1% of live births. Genetic and environmental factors are leading factors to CHD, but the mechanism of CHD pathogenesis remains unclear. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are kinds of endogenous non‐coding RNAs (ncRNAs) involved in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, especially in heart diseases. In this study, three significant differently expressed circRNA between maternal embryonic day (E) E13 and E17 was found by microarray assay. Among them, the content of circ‐RCCD increases with the development of heart and was enriched in primary cardiomyocytes of different species, which arouses our attention. Functional experiments revealed that inhibition of circ‐RCCD dramatically suppressed the formation of beating cell clusters, the fluorescence intensity of cardiac differentiation marker MF20, and the expression of the myocardial‐specific markers CTnT, Mef2c, and GATA4. Next, we found that circ‐RCCD was involved in cardiomyocyte differentiation through negative regulation of MyD88 expression. Further experiments proved that circ‐RCCD inhibited MyD88 levels by recruiting YY1 to the promoter of MyD88; circ‐RCCD inhibited nuclear translocation of YY1. These results reported that circ‐RCCD promoted cardiomyocyte differentiation by recruiting YY1 to the promoter of MyD88. And, this study provided a potential role and molecular mechanism of circ‐RCCD as a target for the treatment of CHD.
Optimal multireservoir operation for flood control under constrained operational rules
Authors: Yang Zetai , Zheng Hao , Feng Suzhen , Chen Cheng , Wang Jinwen
Published: June 2022

This paper presents a multireservoir flood control model that incorporates operating rules to alleviate the risk that results from traditional flood control models. The model is accurately reformulated into one that can be solved with the mixed integer linear programming (MILP) and approximated with a two‐stage linear programming (TSLP) to speed up the solution by excluding all the binary variables. A scroll decision‐making strategy is proposed by assuming only a few days of future inflows being predicted with certainty. With 10 historical and 30 designed floods in different magnitudes, the models and methods are applied to the Yangtze River basin, which includes 11 cascade reservoirs. The results on average show the MILP reduces the rule violation by 17%, while the TSLP is more than 150 times faster in CPU time. Excluding one of the reservoirs from the simulation reveals that the Three Gorges (TG) contributes the most in flood detention, accounting for 76% on average for once‐in‐a‐century floods. Interestingly, with the scroll decision‐making strategy implemented, the change from 3 to 7 days of certain forecasting has the most significant reduction in both the rule violation and flood detention, indicating that the forecasting accuracy of more recent inflows is more valuable for flood control.
Autonomy in agrarian studies, politics, and movements: An inter‐paradigm debate
Authors: Vergara‐Camus Leandro , Jansen Kees
Published: June 2022

Autonomy has been a term often used in agrarian studies to express the ability of individuals or collective subjects to escape the rule of capital or the control of the state. Academic interventions on autonomy in different fields and disciplines discuss how global capitalism operates and what kind of subjects, spaces, and practices can resist it and build alternatives to it. However, a closer look at the literature reveals contending notions of autonomy. This special issue therefore aims to stimulate theoretical debates on autonomy. This introduction provides an overview of the general problematic and major theoretical debates around which the discussion on autonomy has been taking place. This problematic is not specific to rural social subjects but involves the discussion within the Left about the need and possibility for radical social change. This article explores how ideas about autonomy are used by radical agrarian movements and critical agrarian studies scholars. It also presents the key issues covered by and the arguments of the different contributors to this special issue.
Making it work: Fathers' nonstandard work schedules and parenting activities
Authors: Zilanawala Afshin , McMunn Anne
Published: June 2022

Objective

We examined associations between types of nonstandard work schedules among fathers, couple‐level work schedules, and fathers' parenting activities in infancy and middle childhood in the United Kingdom.

Background

An emerging body of literature has interrogated the implications of fathers' nonstandard schedules for their parenting. The evidence is mixed owing to the range of child ages investigated and country context. It remains unclear whether nonstandard working hours are related to different types of parenting activities.

Method

The authors used the Millennium Cohort Study, a nationally representative birth cohort from the UK, and two measures of fathers' parenting: basic care (9‐month and 7‐year interviews) and play and recreation (7 years). Regression models predicted parenting from fathers' nonstandard work schedules at 9‐months (n = 11,412) and 7 years (n = 7791).

Results

Fathers who regularly worked night schedules engaged in more basic care in both infancy and middle childhood, compared to fathers who regularly worked standard schedules. Evening schedules were related to lower levels of basic care among infants and 7‐year‐olds. There were stronger positive associations with parenting when considering mothers' work schedules. Fathers' parenting at both ages was higher in families in which both parents worked at nonstandard times or parents were engaged in split‐shift schedules.

Conclusion

Fathers' night work schedules were associated with more parenting activities in infancy and middle childhood. The combination of fathers' and mothers' work schedules were relatively more important than considering fathers' work schedules in isolation.
Bionic design of the oral swallowing in vitro and its application in the dysphagia
Authors: Qian Shanhua , Wu Yue , Wang Zhiyong , Zhang Cheng , Huang Jianfeng , Yu Jinghu
Published: June 2022

Dysphagia, the swallowing disorder, is a common disease among the elders and stroke patients. Therefore, based on the bionic swallowing device (BSD) in vitro of similar human‐tongue motion during swallowing, the development of functional food is necessary to improve the food swallowing quality of the deglutition disorders patients. In this study, the tongue motion was thoroughly investigated by extracting the characteristic data, and appropriate mechanisms in vitro were adopted to replicate the motion of the tongue swallowing according to the normal swallowing oropharyngeal data. The application of the BSD was also investigated at different swallowing grades (SGs). The study results indicated that the tongue motion consisted of tongue root point (TRP) and several tongue motor points (TMPs). The cam‐link and push‐rod mechanisms showed ellipse lines for TRP motion and straight lines for TMPs, respectively. Higher correlation coefficients between the tongue trajectories in the oropharyngeal data and simulated curves of the combined mechanism were observed. The average correlation coefficients between the tongue trajectories of patients at five SGs and those of the BSD were 0.87, proving its effectiveness and potential application. Furthermore, the corn‐paste experiments of the BSD showed that dysphagia at five SGs could be a suitable choice for certain food concentrations. This will provide valuable insight into developing more functional foods in vitro for high deglutition disorders.
Exercise and bariatric surgery: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of the feasibility and acceptability of exercise and controlled trial methods
Authors: Baillot Aurélie , St‐Pierre Maxime , Bernard Paquito , Burkhardt Laura , Chorfi Wafaa , Oppert Jean‐Michel , Bellicha Alice , Brunet Jennifer
Published: June 2022

This systematic review and meta‐analysis assessed the feasibility and acceptability of exercise and controlled trial methods in adults awaiting or having undergone bariatric surgery (BS). Search methods used to identify relevant articles were inclusion of articles identified in a systematic review, new database search of articles published 2019–2021, and hand searching reference lists. Titles/abstracts and full‐texts were screened by two reviewers independently against inclusion criteria: adults awaiting or having undergone BS, controlled trial, exercise group compared with a comparison group without exercise. Twenty‐eight articles were reviewed; most interventions were supervised, performed after BS, and lasted ≤13 weeks. Pooled data for exercise intervention attendance and dropout rates were 84% (k = 10) and 5% (k = 19), respectively, though possibly misestimated due to poor/selective reporting. Median study and recruitment duration were 18 weeks and 24 months, respectively, with a pooled enrollment rate of 2.5 participants/month. Pooled data for refusal to participate, enrollment, and retention rates were 23% (k = 16), 43% (k = 18), and 87% (k = 26), respectively. Despite the lack of data available in studies included, exercise and controlled trial methods seem feasible and acceptable for adults awaiting or having undergone BS. To better identify methodological or practical challenges, and assess bias, better reporting of feasibility and acceptability indicators is needed in future studies.
Smart urban transport and logistics: A business analytics perspective
Authors: He Long , Liu Sheng , Shen Zuo‐Jun Max
Published: June 2022

New technologies and innovative business models are leading to connected, shared, autonomous, and electric solutions for the tomorrow of urban transport and logistics (UTL). The efficiency and sustainability of these solutions are greatly empowered by the capability of understanding and utilizing the tremendous amount of data generated by passengers, drivers, and vehicles. In this study, we first review the innovative applications in UTL and several related research areas in the operations management (OM)/operations research (OR) literature. We then highlight the sources, types, and uses of data in different applications. We further elaborate on business analytics techniques and software developed to facilitate the planning and management of UTL systems. Finally, we conclude the paper by reflecting on the emerging trends and potential research directions in data‐driven decision making for smart UTL.
Economic insecurity, racial anxiety, and right‐wing populism
Authors: Rebechi Alessio , Rohde Nicholas
Published: June 2022

This paper studies the roles of economic insecurity (EI) and attitudes to racial inequality as predictors of voting patterns in the 2016 US election. Using data from the 2016 Voter Survey, we show that both perceptions of EI and concerns over anti‐White discrimination are significant correlates of Republican support. Effect sizes on racial attitudes are much larger than those found on EI, although the effects of insecurity become larger when accounting for both short‐term and long‐term economic stress. We also show there is very little heterogeneity in the effects of insecurity across racial groups—both Whites and minorities are more likely to vote Republican when experiencing short‐term insecurity. Our results suggest that policies that mitigate micro‐level economic risk may lessen support for populist political candidates.
Orania: A white homeland in post‐apartheid South Africa
Authors: Majavu Mandisi
Published: June 2022

This paper employs the race formation theory to trace the historical origins of the idea of Orania, an exclusively White town in post‐apartheid South Africa. A key finding is that Orania is a historical product of the centuries‐old, racist idea of a White homeland in South Africa which is referred to as The Boer Republics in South African historiography. Throughout South African history, White separatist ideas have always served as the foundation for the Afrikaner White homeland narrative. This paper uses the concept of White identity politics to frame the discourse of the “vulnerable White minority” that White residents of Orania deploy to conceal their White separatist ideas under the aegis of culture. This article demonstrates that the practice of White identity politics in Orania offers learning opportunities for anti‐racist academics who research new forms of racism in the 21st century.
Characterization of the novel HLA‐DPA1*01:03:40 allele by sequencing‐based typing
Authors: Cargou Marine , Andreani Marco , Battarra Mariarosa , Wojciechowski Elodie , Visentin Jonathan
Published: June 2022

HLA‐DPA1*01:03:40 differs from HLA‐DPA1*01:03:01:02 by one nucleotide substitution in codon 60 in exon 2.
Prospective evaluation of lymphatic embolization as part of the treatment in dogs with presumptive idiopathic chylothorax
Authors: Carvajal Jose L. , Case J. Brad , Vilaplana Grosso Federico R. , Fox‐Alvarez William A. , Regier Penny J. , Verpaalen Valentine , Toskich Beau B.
Published: June 2022

Objective

To describe the embolization technique and short‐term clinical outcome in dogs undergoing lymphatic embolization (LE) as part of treatment for presumptive idiopathic chylothorax (IC). Additionally, to document findings in computed tomography lymphangiography (CTLa) following embolization.

Study design

Prospective case series.

Animals

Eight client‐owned dogs.

Methods

Dogs underwent CTLa followed by thoracic duct ligation (TDL), pericardiectomy (PC) and LE. A mixture of 3:1 lipiodol: n‐butyl cyanoacrylate embolic solution was injected through a catheterized mesenteric lymphatic vessel via limited abdominal approach using intraoperative fluoroscopy. CTLa was scheduled for 12 weeks postoperatively, and long‐term follow‐up was obtained via telephone contact.

Results

LE was technically successful in six of the eight dogs; and clinically successful in five of the six dogs. In the unsuccessful dog, a diagnosis of lymphangiosarcoma was determined, and the owners elected for euthanasia. Five dogs who underwent successful LE underwent CTLa at 12 weeks. Complete resolution of pleural effusion occurred in three dogs and scant pleural effusion in two dogs. A robust lymphatic embolus preventing antegrade continuation of radiocontrast was documented in all five dogs. Five of the six dogs that underwent LE, were alive and clinically normal at 358–960 days postoperatively.

Conclusions

LE is a feasible part of treatment for dogs with IC. Additionally, a robust lymphatic embolus and lack of radiocontrast flow past the embolus was documented at 12 weeks following surgery.

Clinical significance

LE has the potential to reduce surgical failure by reducing efferent lymphatic chyle flow, occluding missed lymphatic branches and preventing the development of collateral branches.
On Prandtl–Ishlinskii Hysteresis Modeling of a Loaded Pneumatic Artificial Muscle
Authors: Al Saaideh Mohammad , Al Janaideh Mohammad
Published: June 2022

Modeling of the hysteresis nonlinearities of the pneumatic artificial muscle (PAM) is critical when it is proposed to drive various high-precision mechatronics applications. This letter aims to characterize the hysteresis nonlinearities obtained experimentally of the PAM system under the load force effect. The load-dependent Prandtl–Ishlinskii (LDPI) model with a load-dependent weight function is proposed to model the measured hysteresis loop under different load forces. Comparing the measured hysteresis loops to the estimated loops of the LDPI model demonstrates the proposed model’s ability to characterize the asymmetric and load force effects in the hysteresis nonlinearities of the PAMs.
Study on the Capacity Degradation Mechanism and Capacity Predication of Lithium-Ion Battery Under Different Vibration Conditions in Six Degrees-of-Freedom
Authors: Li Wenhua , He Mingze , Wang Yangyang , Shao Fangxu
Published: June 2022

In order to study the degradation mechanism of lithium-ion batteries subjected to vibration aging in actual use and also to achieve capacity estimation and prediction, the following work has been done: First, the road spectra of two commonly seen domestic roads in China are collected in the field and modeled on a six degrees-of-freedom motion platform as the vibration working conditions of the batteries. Second, aging cycle experiments were conducted on batteries with different placement directions (X-axis direction, Y-axis direction, and Z-axis direction) under two vibration conditions, and the effects of experimental conditions on the decline results were analyzed; third, quantification of battery decline patterns to analyze the main causes of battery capacity decline; and then, through further analysis of the two vibration conditions on the lithium battery by in-situ and ex-situ methods as its internal mechanisms. Finally, the quantified results were input into the generative adversarial networks and long-term and short-term memory network prediction model to predict the capacity, and the errors of 20 predictions are as follows: the average values are 2.8561% for Group X, 2.7997% for Group Y, 3.0182% for Group Z, and 2.9478% for Group N, which meet the requirements of battery management system estimation. This paper provides a basis for the study of aging mechanism and capacity estimation of lithium-ion batteries under vibration aging conditions, which helps manufacturers to package batteries more rationally to extend battery life and develop battery management system (BMS)-related strategies.
Resistive switching of two-dimensional Ag2S nanowire networks for neuromorphic applications
Authors: Hosseini Mahshid , Frick Nikolay , Guilbaud Damien , Gao Ming , LaBean Thomas H.
Published: June 2022

Randomly assembled networks of nanowires (NWs) can display complex memristive behaviors and are promising candidates for use as memory and computing elements in neuromorphic applications due to device fault tolerance and ease of fabrication. This study investigated resistive switching (RS) in two-dimensional, self-assembled silver sulfide (Ag2S) NW networks first experimentally and then theoretically using a previously reported stochastic RS model. The simulated switching behavior in these networks showed good correlation with experimental results. We also demonstrated fault-tolerance of a small NW network that retained RS property despite being severely damaged. Finally, we investigated information entropy in NW networks and showed unusual dynamics during switching as a result of self-organization of the memristive elements. The results of this work provide insights toward physical implementation of randomly assembled RS NW networks for reservoir and neuromorphic computing research.
Burnout in Secondary School Athletic Trainers, Part II: Correlations With Substance Use
Authors: Oglesby Leslie W. , Gallucci Andrew R. , Porter Anna K. , Elliott Ashlyne P.
Published: June 2022

Burnout has been associated with increased energy drink consumption and increased occurrence of binge drinking of alcohol in collegiate athletic trainers (ATs), but this has not been examined in ATs in other work settings. The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between burnout and use of various substances in secondary school ATs. Statistical analyses found a significant direct relationship between emotional exhaustion and energy drink consumption, but no other findings were statistically significant. These findings suggest that other factors besides burnout are contributing to a high rate of binge drinking of alcohol in secondary school ATs.
The Regulatory Network Involving PcoR, RsaL, and MvaT Coordinates the Quorum-Sensing System in Pseudomonas fluorescens 2P24
Authors: Yu Xiaoyu , Zhang Bo , Zhang Li-qun , Wu Xiaogang
Published: June 2022

The PcoI/PcoR quorum-sensing system of
Pseudomonas fluorescens
2P24 is important for its effective colonization in the plant rhizosphere. Many regulatory elements appear to directly or indirectly influence the QS system.
Comparative Small RNA and Degradome Sequencing Provides Insights into Antagonistic Interactions in the Biocontrol Fungus Clonostachys rosea
Authors: Piombo Edoardo , Vetukuri Ramesh Raju , Sundararajan Poorva , Kushwaha Sandeep , Funck Jensen Dan , Karlsson Magnus , Dubey Mukesh
Published: June 2022

Small RNAs (sRNAs) are emerging as key players in pathogenic and mutualistic fungus-plant interactions; however, their role in fungus-fungus interactions remains elusive. In this study, we employed the necrotrophic mycoparasite
Clonostachys rosea
and the plant-pathogenic mycohosts
Botrytis cinerea
and
Fusarium graminearum
and investigated the sRNA-mediated gene regulation in mycoparasitic interactions.
Evaluating the Contribution of the Predicted Toxin–Antitoxin System HigBA to Persistence, Biofilm Formation, and Virulence in Burkholderia pseudomallei
Authors: Chapartegui-González Itziar , Khakhum Nittaya , Stockton Jacob L. , Torres Alfredo G.
Published: June 2022

Melioidosis is an underreported human disease caused by the Gram-negative intracellular pathogen
Burkholderia pseudomallei
(
Bpm
). Both the treatment and the clearance of the pathogen are challenging, with high relapse rates leading to latent infections.
Genome Sequences of 17 Strains from Eight Races of Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris
Authors: Bellenot Caroline , Carrère Sébastien , Gris Carine , Noël Laurent D. , Arlat Matthieu
Published: June 2022

Xanthomonas campestris
pv. campestris is a group of phytopathogenic bacteria causing black rot disease on Brassicaceae crops. Here, we report on draft genome sequences of 17 strains representing eight of nine known races of this pathogen, including the pathotype strain CFBP 6865.
Cellular RNA Targets of Cold Shock Proteins CspC and CspE and Their Importance for Serum Resistance in Septicemic Escherichia coli
Authors: Yair Yael , Michaux Charlotte , Biran Dvora , Bernhard Jörg , Vogel Jörg , Barquist Lars , Ron Eliora Z.
Published: June 2022

Virulent
Escherichia coli
strains that cause infections outside the intestinal tract—extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC)—constitute a major clinical problem worldwide. They are involved in several distinct conditions, including urinary tract infections, newborn meningitis, and sepsis.
Mind the Gap: Bridging the Divide from Sequencing Data to Empiric Phenotypes in the Human Gut Microbiota
Authors: Fansler Ryan T. , Zhu Wenhan
Published: June 2022

The gut microbiome exerts a powerful influence on human health and disease. Elucidating the underlying mechanisms of the microbiota’s influence is hindered by the immense complexity of the gut microbial community and the glycans they forage.
Connections between Exoproteome Heterogeneity and Virulence in the Oral Pathogen Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
Authors: Fu Yanyan , Maaβ Sandra , du Teil Espina Marines , Wolters Anouk H. G. , Gong Yanan , de Jong Anne , Raangs Erwin , Buist Girbe , Westra Johanna , Becher Dörte , van Dijl Jan Maarten
Published: June 2022

Periodontitis is one of the most common inflammatory diseases worldwide, causing high morbidity and decreasing the quality of life of millions of people. The bacterial pathogen
Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans
is strongly associated with aggressive forms of periodontitis.
Nutrient Availability Does Not Affect Community Assembly in Root-Associated Fungi but Determines Fungal Effects on Plant Growth
Authors: Maciá-Vicente Jose G. , Bai Bing , Qi Run , Ploch Sebastian , Breider Florian , Thines Marco
Published: June 2022

Recent studies have shown that root-associated fungi that do not engage in classical mycorrhizal associations can facilitate the hosts’ access to nutrients in a mycorrhiza-like manner. However, the generality of this capacity remains to be tested.
Differentiated Evolutionary Strategies of Genetic Diversification in Atlantic and Pacific Thaumarchaeal Populations
Authors: Hwang Yunha , Girguis Peter R.
Published: June 2022

Ammonia-oxidizing archaea (AOA) are one of the most abundant chemolithoautotrophic microbes in the marine water column and are major contributors to global carbon and nitrogen cycling. Despite their ecological importance and geographical pervasiveness, there have been limited systematic comparisons and characterizations of their population-level genetic diversity over time and space.
Minilungs from Human Embryonic Stem Cells to Study the Interaction of Streptococcus pneumoniae with the Respiratory Tract
Authors: Sempere Julio , Rossi Suélen Andreia , Chamorro-Herrero Irene , González-Camacho Fernando , de Lucas María Pilar , Rojas-Cabañeros José María , Taborda Carlos Pelleschi , Zaragoza Óscar , Yuste José , Zambrano Alberto
Published: June 2022

Streptococcus pneumoniaeis responsible for high morbidity and mortalities rates worldwide, affecting mainly children and adults older than 65 years. Pneumococcus is also the most common etiologic agent of bacterial pneumonia and nonepidemic meningitis, and it is a frequent cause of bacterial sepsis.
Multilocus Sequence Typing and Virulence Potential of
Vibrio parahaemolyticus
Strains Isolated from Aquatic Bird Feces
Authors: Muangnapoh Chonchanok , Tamboon Eakapong , Supha Neunghatai , Toyting Jirachaya , Chitrak Atchara , Kitkumthorn Nakarin , Ekchariyawat Peeraya , Iida Tetsuya , Suthienkul Orasa
Published: June 2022

Vibrio parahaemolyticus
is a Gram-negative, foodborne pathogenic bacterium that causes human gastroenteritis. This organism is ubiquitously present in the marine environment.
Mid-loaf crisis: Internal breadcrust surfaces in rhyolitic pyroclasts reveal dehydration quenching
Authors: Tuffen Hugh , Farquharson Jamie I. , Wadsworth Fabian B. , Webb Cameron , Owen Jacqueline , Castro Jonathan M. , Berlo Kim , Schipper C. Ian , Wehbe Katia
Published: June 2022

Breadcrust bombs are pyroclasts displaying fractured, dense surfaces enveloping expanded interiors, and are associated with Vulcanian explosions. We document pyroclasts from the 2008–2009 CE eruption of Chaitén (Chile) that are internally as well as externally breadcrusted. The pyroclasts are cut by intersecting micrometer-to millimeter-thick tuffisites with dense glassy walls, which grade into strongly inflated pumiceous material. We find H2O diffusion gradients proximal to the breadcrusted surfaces, such that H2O is depleted from far-field magma (0.68 ± 0.04 wt%) into dense, fractured vein walls (0.2–0.3 wt%), indicating a spatial association between H2O mass transfer within the pyroclast interior and both suppressed vesiculation and breadcrusting. We experimentally confirm that diffusive H2O depletion suppresses bubble growth at shallow conduit conditions. Therefore, we interpret the breadcrust formation to be induced by H2O diffusion and the associated rise in viscosity rather than by cooling in the classical breadcrust-formation models. We posit that a “dehydration quench” is important as degassing continues to very low H2O contents in shallowconduit magma that continues to vesiculate.
Epidote U-Pb geochronology and H isotope geochemistry trace pre-orogenic hydration of midcrustal granitoids
Authors: Peverelli Veronica , Berger Alfons , Mulch Andreas , Pettke Thomas , Piccoli Francesca , Herwegh Marco
Published: June 2022

Hydrothermal veins and altered feldspar are evidence for fluid circulation in granitic rocks in the continental crust. The hydrothermal alteration of feldspar affects the deformation behavior of granitoids, especially if it occurs before orogeny. Geochronology can establish the timing of fluid circulation to determine if this fluid-driven alteration plays a role in crustal deformation. Although existing dating techniques cannot be applied to feldspar alteration directly, absolute ages of fluid circulation can be obtained from hydrothermal veins. We combined U-Pb geochronology and hydrogen isotope data (δD) from epidote [Ca2Al2(Al,Fe3+) Si3O12(OH)] to unravel the hydration of post-Variscan granitoids in the Alpine orogen. The recent protocol for epidote U-Pb dating proves for the first time that fluids of meteoric origin infiltrated the granitoids in Permian times by exploiting synrift faults, consistent with the δD values of the epidote-forming fluids. This hydration event caused at least some degree of feldspar hydration and weakening of the granitic rocks ~260 m.y. before their pervasive structural overprint by the Alpine orogeny. The preservation of Permian U-Pb ages despite Alpine orogenic processes confirms epidote as a powerful tool with which to unveil pre-orogenic hydration events in metagranitoids. Our analytical approach broadens insights into the water cycle in the middle continental crust in orogens.
Revascularization in stable coronary artery disease
Authors: Al-Lamee Rasha K , Foley Michael , Rajkumar Christopher A , Francis Darrel P
Published: June 2022

Management of stable coronary artery disease (CAD) centers on medication to prevent myocardial infarction and death. Many anti-anginal medications also have benefit for reducing symptoms, and have been proven to be effective against placebo control. Before effective preventive medications were available, patients with stable CAD often underwent revascularization with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) or percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), on the plausible assumption that these procedures would prevent adverse events and reduce symptoms. However, recent randomized controlled trials have cast doubt on these assumptions.

Considering results from the recent ISCHEMIA trial, we discuss the evidence base that underpins revascularization for stable CAD in contemporary practice. We also focus on patient groups at high risk of myocardial infarction and death, for whom revascularization is often recommended. We outline the areas of uncertainty, unanswered research questions, and key areas of potential miscommunication in doctor-patient consultations.
Realist evaluation of the impact of the research translation process on health system sustainability: a study protocol
Authors: Mosedale Abby , Hendrie Delia , Geelhoed Elizabeth , Zurynski Yvonne , Robinson Suzanne
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Sustainability at a system level relates to the capacity of the system to be able to service the ongoing health needs of the population. It is a multifaceted concept encompassing both the affordability and efficiency of a system and the system’s ability to adapt and change.

To address issues that currently threaten health system sustainability, healthcare leaders, policy makers, clinicians and researchers are searching for solutions to ensure the delivery of safe, value-based care into the future. The timely translation of research evidence into sustainable interventions that can be adopted into the health system is one way of bolstering the sustainability of the system as a whole. We present a protocol for the realist evaluation of a research translation funding programme to understand how the research translation process contributes to health system sustainability and value-based healthcare.

Methods and analysis

Underpinned by the realist evaluation framework, we will: (1) Develop the Initial Program Theory (IPT) of the research translation process; (2) Test the program theory through case study analysis; and (3) Refine and consolidate the theory through stakeholder consultation. The evaluation uses a case example of a research translation programme, chosen for its representation of a microcosm of the broader health system and the heterogeneity of service improvement activities taking place within it. Across the three phases, analysis of data from documents about the research translation program and interviews and focus groups with stakeholders and program users will draw on the context (C), mechanism (M), outcome (O) formula that is core to realist evaluation. In addition, system dynamic methods will capture the feedback loops and complex relationships among the IPT and context-mechanism-outcome configurations. This approach to evaluation of a research translation funding programme may be adapted to similar programmes operating in other settings.

Ethics and dissemination

Curtin University Human Research Ethics Committee, Western Australia, approved this study (approval number: HRE2020-0464). Results will be published in scientific journals, and communicated to respondents and relevant partners.
Investigating the reciprocal temporal relationships between tobacco consumption and psychological disorders for youth: an international review
Authors: Stevenson Jeremy , Miller Caroline Louise , Martin Kimberley , Mohammadi Leila , Lawn Sharon
Published: June 2022

Objective

To investigate reciprocal temporal relationships between tobacco consumption and psychological disorders for youth.

Design: Review

Data sources

Five databases (PubMed, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL and PsycINFO) on 26 September 2019 and updated on 11 May 2021, indexing tobacco, mental illness and longitudinal.

Study selection: Methods used consensus and multiple reviewers.

Interventions

Cohort studies (n=49) examining tobacco and selected psychological disorders (depression, anxiety, bipolar, psychosis, borderline personality disorder) among youth, and systematic reviews (n=4) of these relationships met inclusion criteria.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Effect of tobacco on psychological disorders and effect of psychological disorders on tobacco.

Data extraction and synthesis

Independent extraction by the first author and checked by final author. Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Tools were used for all studies.

Included studies had moderate-to-high appraisal scores. We synthesised findings using vote counting for effect direction and descriptive data.

Results

Fifty-three studies were included in the review. Thirteen of 15 studies showed a positive effect direction of tobacco on depression (p<0.001). Six of 12 studies showed a positive effect direction of depression on tobacco (p=0.016). Six of eight studies showed a positive effect direction of tobacco on anxiety (p=0.016). Eleven of 18 studies showed a positive effect direction of anxiety on tobacco (p=0.003). No effect between tobacco and bipolar, or tobacco and psychosis was found. No studies examined tobacco and borderline personality disorder.

Conclusions

Reciprocal relationships existed between tobacco and both depression and anxiety for youth, though causality is unconfirmed. No positive effect direction was found between tobacco and psychosis, perhaps because nicotine has conflicting effects on psychosis. For other relationships examined, evidence was weak because of low number of studies. More research to inform prevention and early intervention is needed.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020150457.
Stakeholder involvement in care transition planning for older adults and the factors guiding their decision-making: a scoping review
Authors: Carbone Sarah , Kokorelias Kristina Marie , Berta Whitney , Law Susan , Kuluski Kerry
Published: June 2022

Objective

To synthesise the existing literature on care transition planning from the perspectives of older adults, caregivers and health professionals and to identify the factors that may influence these stakeholders’ transition decision-making processes.

Design

A scoping review guided by Arksey and O’Malley’s six-step framework. A comprehensive search strategy was conducted on 7 January 2021 to identify articles in five databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL Plus, PsycINFO and AgeLine). Records were included when they described care transition planning in an institutional setting from the perspectives of the care triad (older adults, caregivers and health professionals). No date or study design restrictions were imposed.

Setting

This review explored care transitions involving older adults from an institutional care setting to any other institutional or non-institutional care setting. Institutional care settings include communal facilities where individuals dwell for short or extended periods of time and have access to healthcare services.

Participants

Older adults (aged 65 or older), caregivers and health professionals.

Results

39 records were included. Stakeholder involvement in transition planning varied across the studies. Transition decisions were largely made by health professionals, with limited or unclear involvement from older adults and caregivers. Seven factors appeared to guide transition planning across the stakeholder groups: (a) institutional priorities and requirements; (b) resources; (c) knowledge; (d) risk; (e) group structure and dynamic; (f) health and support needs; and (g) personality preferences and beliefs. Factors were described at microlevels, mesolevels and macrolevels.

Conclusions

This review explored stakeholder involvement in transition planning and identified seven factors that appear to influence transition decision-making. These factors may be useful in advancing the delivery of person and family-centred care by determining how individual-level, group-level and system-level values guide decision-making. Further research is needed to understand how various stakeholder groups balance these factors during transition planning in different health contexts.
Associations among neuroticism, self-efficacy, resilience and psychological distress in freshman nursing students: a cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Mei Xiaoxiao , Wang Huiyuan , Wang Xinqin , Wu Xiaona , Wu Jieyi , Ye Zengjie
Published: June 2022

Objectives

The current study examines the mediating roles of resilience and self-efficacy and the moderating role of gender in the association between neuroticism and psychological distress in Chinese freshman nursing students (FNSs).

Methods

A total of 1220 FNSs were enrolled from the Be Resilient to Nursing Career (ChiCTR2000038693) Programme and the following instruments were administered to them: NEO Five-Factor Inventory, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale and Kessler Psychological Distress Scale. A moderated mediation analysis and a generalised additive model analysis were performed.

Results

The direct and indirect effects of neuroticism on psychological distress were significantly mediated by self-efficacy (B = 0.200, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.039), resilience (B = 0.021, 95% CI 0.007 to 0.038) and the interaction between self-efficacy and resilience (B = 0.016, 95% CI 0.005 to 0.028). The interactions between neuroticism and gender (β = 0.102, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.203, p<0.05) and between resilience and gender were significant (β = 0.160, 95% CI 0.045 to 0.275, p<0.01). A non-linear and positive association was confirmed between neuroticism and psychological distress.

Conclusions

Self-efficacy and resilience significantly mediate the relationship between neuroticism and psychological distress. Gender moderates the relationships between neuroticism and resilience and between resilience and psychological distress.
Continuing education programme on vaccines for primary healthcare professionals: mixed-method protocol
Authors: González-Cano-Caballero María , García-Gámez Marina , Fernández-Fernández Eloísa , Fernández-Ordoñez Eloísa , Cano-Caballero María Dolores , Guerra-Marmolejo Cristina
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Vaccination is a fundamental intervention in disease prevention; therefore, the advice and recommendations of health professionals have a major influence on the population’s decision to be vaccinated or not. Professionals must have sufficient competencies to carry out their work and recommend vaccination with evidence-based knowledge. The aim is to design and validate a strategy to improve professional competencies in vaccination to positively influence adherence and increase vaccination rates in the population.

Methods and analysis

Training will be designed based on evidence and previous studies and piloted with healthcare providers. To test changes in knowledge, a pretest and post-test will be conducted. To test feasibility, a think-aloud method will be used with participants and triangulated with focus groups using SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis. Transfer will be measured using the questionnaire ‘factors for the indirect evaluation of transfer’ and an efficacy questionnaire 1½ months later; for satisfaction, an ad hoc questionnaire will be used. A summative approach will be used for the analysis of the focus groups and descriptive and bivariate statistics for the questionnaires.

Ethics and dissemination

This study was approved by the Andalusian Research Ethics Committee, Spain (approval number: 0524-N-20). The results will be made available to the public at journal publications and scientific conferences.
Diagnostic delay of myositis: protocol for an integrated systematic review
Authors: Namsrai Tergel , Desborough Jane , Chalmers Anita , Lowe Christine , Cook Matthew , Phillips Christine , Parkinson Anne
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Idiopathic inflammatory myopathies (IIM). described as ‘inflammatory myositis’, are a heterogeneous group of rare muscular autoimmune diseases characterised by skeletal muscle inflammation. Its complex characteristics with lack of accurate diagnostic tests, unified classification system and comprehensive widely used diagnostic criteria could lead to diagnostic delay. This study will review diagnostic delay in myositis and provide an overview and clearer insight of patients’ experiences, causes and consequences of diagnostic delay in myositis.

Methods and analysis

The literature source will be a systematic search of PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest and sources of grey literature, conducted from database inception to December 2021 without restrictions on publication date. All study types (qualitative and quantitative) except review articles, examining diagnostic delay, incorrect diagnosis, missed diagnosis or slow diagnosis of all types of myositis in all ages will be included. Evidence of patients’ experiences associated with diagnostic delay will also be examined. Studies in languages other than English, German and Indonesian will be excluded. Outcomes will be diagnostic delay time, patients’ experiences, and causes and consequences associated with diagnostic delay in myositis. Two review authors will independently screen the titles and abstracts of search results against the inclusion criteria. The Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT) will be used to appraise selected studies. Two independent authors will extract data using a prepiloted data extraction tool. If sufficient quantitative data is available, a meta-analysis will be conducted along with subgroup analysis including pooled diagnostic delay in each type of myositis. Qualitative data will be analysed in line with meta-aggregation methods. If data is insufficient, a narrative synthesis will be conducted.

Ethics and dissemination

As this work is a systematic review, ethical approval was not required. Findings of the study will be disseminated through publications in peer-reviewed journals, conferences and symposia.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022289830.
Understanding patient views and experiences of the IDENTIfication of PALLiative care needs (IDENTI-Pall): a qualitative interview study protocol
Authors: Mitchell Sarah , Leach Isabel , Turner Nicola , Mayland C R
Published: June 2022

Introduction

More people are living with multimorbidity, defined as two or more long-term physical or mental health conditions. Multimorbidity is associated with poor quality of life and high treatment burden. Palliative care identification tools have been developed for use in primary care to seek out patients who could benefit from a palliative approach to their care. There has been little evaluative research on such tools; patient perspectives on the process of identifying their palliative care needs is a significant gap. The aim of this research is to provide new understanding into patient perspectives of the experience of having their palliative care needs identified, and the impact on their healthcare.

Methods and analysis

This qualitative study will employ semistructured interviews to elicit the views of participants. We will purposively sample 10–12 adults with advanced serious illness who have been identified by their primary care team as having palliative care needs, and/or are receiving care from specialist palliative care services. A family member or carer may be included in an interview at the participant’s request. A descriptive, thematic analysis will be carried out using the data analysis software NVivo.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval has been granted by the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee. Study findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals and through conference presentations. Other activities include the development of patient-centred outcomes for clinical practice and policy in relation to the use of palliative care identification tools.

Trial registration number

National Institute for Health Research (NIHR) Clinical Studies Portfolio, UK Clinical Research Network (UKCRN) Study number 51296.
Improving the turnaround times of infectious disease markers reporting in an NHS stem cell department
Authors: Li Ying , Proudlove Nathan
Published: June 2022

The Stem Cell Donation and Transplantation Department at NHS Blood and Transplant (NHSBT) facilitates unrelated donor haematopoietic stem cell transplantations for patients with life-threatening haematological malignancies or other blood diseases. Donors must be screened for infectious disease markers (IDMs) prior to donation. The purpose of IDM testing is to assess whether the donor currently has, or previously had, an infectious disease that could be transmitted to the recipient. The turnaround time (TaT) from sample collection to the return of IDM results is important to transplant clinicians and their patients. NHSBT has a target TaT of 80% within seven calendar days. Our initial analysis showed us that we failed to meet this in any week in the previous year, and our service was neither efficient nor consistent, so there was considerable improvement potential.

This quality improvement (QI) project aimed to improve the TaT of the IDM reporting service. We tested three change ideas through four Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycles. We collected data on TaTs from our laboratory information management system (LIMS) and updated our statistical process control charts after each PDSA cycle. Over the course of the project, we reduced the mean TaT from 8.9 days to 5.5 days and increased the proportion of samples reported within the 7-day benchmark from 50% to 89%, reaching the key performance indicator (KPI) target.

Conducting this project was a rewarding experience. Although we encountered unanticipated technical issues during PDSA experiments, and we found that some change plans were not as effective in improving the KPIs as we expected, the improvement by the end of the study period was substantial. This QI project enabled us to meet our TaT targets and, ultimately, help ensure that our patients receive timely transplants. It suggests that QI may have wider applications across our part of NHSBT.