bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Latent profile analysis of ethical consumers in the United States and Malaysia
Authors: Shim KyuJin , Cho Hichang
Published: March 2021

Through using Moral Foundations Theory (MFT) and the Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) method, this study proposes a new approach to ethical consumer categorization. Based on a survey using national survey data of more than 1,000 people in the United States and Malaysia, this study found three common ethical consumer groups based on ethical sensitivity in both countries—moral enthusiast, moral interested, and moral indifferent. In addition to the aforementioned commonalities, we found national differences in consumer profiles: the U.S. sample also shows a moral progressivist group inclined to liberal ethics, while the Malaysia sample shows a moral intuitionist group with a relativistic approach in ethical decision making. The results indicate that ethical consumer profiling based on MFT has a sufficient level of criterion validity as it helps predict moral outrage, pro‐business attitudes, and boycott intentions in response to corporate irresponsibility. The study also demonstrates cross‐cultural differences in moral foundations and moral judgments in the context of ethical consumerism and corporate social irresponsibility.
The prognostic significance of single‐nucleotide polymorphism array‐based whole‐genome analysis and uniparental disomy in myelodysplastic syndrome
Authors: Ou Yang , Yang Yan , Yu Hongbin , Zhang Xin , Liu Min , Wu Yu
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) is a group of heterogeneous hematological diseases characterized by ineffective hematopoiesis and dysplastic morphology. Single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP‐A)‐based whole genome analysis has a much higher resolution for chromosomal alterations when compared with conventional cytogenetic tools. In the present study, we evaluated the diagnostic value and prognostic significance of SNP‐A in MDS patients with normal karyotypes.

Methods

A total of 127 patients with MDS and myeloproliferative neoplasms or acute myeloid leukemia with myelodysplasia‐related changes were included in our study. The advantages and disadvantages of SNP‐A were compared with those of traditional metaphase cytogenetic analysis (MC). The Kaplan‐Meier analysis and COX regression analysis were used to investigate the prognostic value of SNP‐A and uniparental disomy (UPD) in MDS patients with normal karyotype. Furthermore, the chromosomal abnormalities detected by SNP‐A in patients with specific gene mutations were explored.

Results

SNP‐A was more sensitive toward meaningful chromosomal aberrations (58.2% vs 36.9%; P < .05) than MC. Among the patients with normal karyotype, those who were detected with new chromosomal abnormalities via SNP‐A presented with inferior survival compared with those without the abnormalities (P = .003). Additionally, the presence of UPD was an independent prognostic factor in patients with normal karyotype (P = .01). TP53 and RUNX1 mutations often occurred with abnormalities in chromosomes 17p and 21q, respectively.

Conclusions

Compared with MC, SNP‐A capable of detecting UPD can offer more diagnostic and prognostic information; TP53 and RUNX1 gene mutations are often accompanied by abnormalities in their chromosomes (17p, 22q).
Temporal trends in the burden of heart failure
Authors: Chan Daniel Z. L. , Kerr Andrew J. , Doughty Rob N.
Published: March 2021

Heart failure is a common healthcare problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. The burden of heart failure is changing; increases secondary to an ageing population may be offset by improved primary cardiovascular prevention and advances in heart failure therapies. In this review, we evaluate recent international trends in heart failure incidence, morbidity and mortality. Although the age‐standardised incidence of heart failure has been decreasing since 2000, the incidence in those age groups <55 years is increasing with patients being diagnosed at younger ages. Despite improvements in therapies for heart failure, prognosis still remains poor with up to one‐third of patients not surviving beyond 1 year following diagnosis and no improvements in mortality over the past 10 years. The case‐mix of heart failure patients is changing with a greater proportion having non‐ischaemic aetiology and preserved ejection fraction, and a higher prevalence of non‐cardiovascular comorbidity and mortality.
Indigenous cultural re‐presentation and re‐affirmation: The case of Māori IT professionals
Authors: Díaz Andrade Antonio , Techatassanasoontorn Angsana A. , Singh Harminder , Staniland Nimbus
Published: March 2021

Western worldviews dominate the information systems (IS) literature, accepted and taken for granted as the natural way of doing things. While diversity in terms of gender and ethnicity has been studied in the IS field, there is scant research on the experiences of Indigenous information technology (IT) professionals. This study uses narrative inquiry to provide temporal, contextualised accounts of IT professional experiences from the Indigenous (Māori) community in Aotearoa, New Zealand. These accounts demonstrate how participants actively draw from their culture to enact their professional activities. We identify three cultural elements that differentiate the practices of Māori IT professionals from Western approaches that dominate the IS literature: whakapapa (genealogical connections), tikanga (customary traditions) and tino rangatiratanga (collective cultural determination). Further, we theorise how Indigenous IT professionals capitalise on the re‐presentational power of digital artefacts as a vehicle for cultural re‐affirmation to project their Indigenous identity in contemporary society. Our findings are useful for attempts to enhance Indigenous representation in the IT workforce and for designing systems and artefacts that are relevant to and inclusive for Indigenous communities.
2D‐HARECXS analysis of dopant and oxygen vacancy sites in Al‐doped yttrium titanate
Authors: Ohtsuka Masahiro , Oda Kenji , Tanaka Makoto , Kitaoka Satoshi , Muto Shunsuke
Published: March 2021

A Y2Ti2O7/Al2O3 multilayer, exhibiting high thermal reflectivity and oxidation resistivity, holds potential as a functional surface coating for advanced gas turbine blades. Slight Al doping of Y2Ti2O7 has been found to significantly improve the structural stability of the multilayer, the detailed mechanism of which remains unclear. Hence, we examined the site occupancies of doped Al using high‐angular resolution electron channeling X‐ray spectroscopy with two‐dimensional rocking of the incident electron beam. A statistical linear regression analysis of a set of observed ionization channeling patterns (ICPs) of fluorescent X‐rays quantitatively confirmed that Al3+ preferentially occupied the Ti4+ site, rather than the Y3+ site, because of the large difference in the ionic radii of Al3+ and Y3+. Furthermore, the comparison of theoretical and experimental X‐ray ICPs showed that oxygen vacancies VO were introduced at the 48f site, the first‐nearest neighbor of the Ti site, which was consistent with the hypothesis that oxygen vacancies compensate for the local charge imbalance associated with preferential substitution of Al3+ for Ti4+. Our findings can aid in improving the thermal properties of environmental barrier coatings applied to advanced jet engines and also demonstrate the utility of beam‐rocking schemes for investigating dopant effects in various functional materials.
Avian migrants encounter higher temperatures but continue to add mass at an inland stopover site in the Great Lakes region
Authors: VanTol Schuyler D. , Koehn Carolyn R. , Keith Rich , Keith Brenda , Proppe Darren S.
Published: March 2021

As the climate changes, mismatches in phenology between predator and prey species may become more common. For example, many songbirds rely on short peaks in insect and fruit production at stopover sites during migration. Previous research indicates that migratory songbirds are able to modify their departure and arrival dates to some extent despite their reliance on more stable cues such as photoperiod and more stable endogenous factors. However, insect and plant phenology may shift more rapidly with changing climate, reducing foraging opportunities along migratory routes. To quantify changes in songbird arrival patterns at stopover sites during fall migration we analyzed forty years of banding data in nine passerine species commonly captured at banding stations in southwestern Michigan. Weather data revealed that the region has warmed by nearly 2° (C) over this timeframe. For each species, we assessed annual trends in arrival date and temperature at arrival. To determine whether arrival trends impacted stopover site function we also quantified trends in site use and morning mass gain. Arrival dates advanced significantly in three species, and were delayed significantly in three other species. However, air temperature at arrival increased significantly over time for all nine study species. Over the same time period, site use and the pattern of morning mass gain remained stable or increased for all species. Despite the changing climate and the resulting increase in temperature at arrival for migrants, our data indicate that these stopover locations continue to function as a refueling sites. Nonetheless, we must be wary of thresholds and ecological mismatches that may occur if warming trends continue.
Triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio variability and incident diabetes: A 7‐year prospective study in a Chinese population
Authors: Cai Zefeng , Chen Zekai , Fang Wei , Li Weijian , Huang Zegui , Wang Xianxuan , Chen Guanzhi , Wu Weiqiang , Chen Zhichao , Wu Shouling , Chen Youren
Published: March 2021

Aims/Introduction

The correlation between triglyceride to high‐density lipoprotein cholesterol (TG/HDL‐C) ratio variability and incident diabetes has not been fully elucidated. We aimed to characterize the relationship between TG/HDL‐C ratio variability and new‐onset diabetes in Chinese adults.

Materials and Methods

A total of 45,911 patients with three TG and HDL measurements between 2006 and 2011 were enrolled. Average real variability (ARV) were used to evaluate variability, and participants were grouped according to tertiles of TG/HDL‐ARV.

Results

There were 3,724 cases of incident diabetes mellitus during the observation period (6.24 ± 1.2 years). The 7‐year cumulative incidences of diabetes mellitus in tertiles 1, 2 and 3 were 6.13%, 8.09% and 11.77%, respectively. New‐onset diabetes increased with the tertiles of TG/HDL‐ARV. This association was further confirmed after adjustment for mean TG/HDL‐C ratio, TG/HDL‐C ratio change slope, fasting plasma glucose variability (ARV) and other traditional risk factors for diabetes, the hazard ratio value for incident diabetes was 1.38 (1.25–1.50) for the highest tertile, and risk of diabetes increases by 4% with a one standard deviation increase in TG/HDL‐C ratio variability. Restricted cubic splines showed a dose–response relationship between TG/HDL‐C ratio variability and incident diabetes. Similar results were obtained in various subgroup and sensitivity analyses.

Conclusions

High TG/HDL‐C variability was associated with a higher risk of diabetes in Chinese adults, independent of the direction of TG/HDL‐C variability.
Cost‐of‐illness of atopic dermatitis in Germany: data from dermatology routine care
Authors: Mohr N. , Naatz M. , Zeervi L. , Langenbruch A. , Bieber T. , Werfel T. , Wollenberg A. , Augustin M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Progress in the management of atopic dermatitis (AD) and the recent introduction of the first biologic have raised interest in the costs of treating AD.

Objectives

Since there is a lack of recent data, the objective of this study was to determine the annual costs of adults with AD from the societal perspective.

Methods

A nationwide cross‐sectional study was conducted in 111 dermatological offices under routine conditions. Cost parameters were collected with a standardised questionnaire on disease‐related costs. This questionnaire allows the determination of costs for systemic and topical treatment, outpatient and inpatient visits, rehabilitation stays and travel costs. Direct costs were determined for the statutory health insurance (SHI) and for the patients (out‐of‐pocket costs). Societal costs also included the indirect costs due to incapacity to work. Costs were calculated for all severity grades and further stratified by mild and moderate‐to‐severe AD.

Results

From August 2017 to June 2019, N = 1291 adult patients from all over Germany were included. The total annual costs in the group with all severity grades (n = 706) amounted to € 3616 ± € 6452 (median € 874) per patient. For patients with mild AD (n = 367), the annual costs were € 1466 ± € 3029 (median € 551) per patient, while they were € 5229 ± € 7538 (median € 1791) for patients with moderate‐to‐severe AD (n = 682). The total economic burden for treating adult patients with AD in Germany is estimated at more than € 2.2 billion.

Conclusions

In total, the data from this study show that compared to for example psoriasis, AD has a moderate level of costs‐of‐illness in Germany. The approval of new therapies is expected to lead to markedly more resource utilisation in the next years.
Unexpected larval habit of Listronotus bonariensis (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) raises questions about population dynamics analysis and management
Authors: McNeill Mark Richard , van Koten Chikako , Goldson Stephen Latham
Published: March 2021

Listronotus bonariensis (Kuschel) is a pest of agriculturally important graminaceous species, with mining larvae that kill the stems of the host plants. In this study, larval populations were measured in spring and summer in irrigated dairy grassland comprising Lolium perenne L. (cv. Nui) with and without the endophyte Epichloë festucae var. lolii Latch, M.J. Chr. and Samuels and Poa annua L.. Larvae were extracted from tillers taken from the swards of these two grass species and extracted from turves, and L. bonariensis population densities were estimated from tiller and turf larval counts on a m−2 basis. Over the study period, the total number of larvae and larval densities extracted from turves was on average 2× greater than indicated from tillers. In most seasons, larval densities from turves were significantly higher than those from the tillers, though there was no correlation between tiller and turf larval densities. Mean head capsule widths of larvae emerging from turf samples showed significant seasonal effects compared with tillers, while mean head capsule widths of all four instars were significantly greater when extracted from tillers compared with turves. There was a significant endophyte effect on head capsule widths of larvae collected in summer, but the effect was not consistent across instars or source. Conversely, no significant endophyte effect on head capsule width was found in spring populations from either tillers or turves. This study shows that in irrigated dairy pasture, a high proportion of L. bonariensis larvae can live externally of tillers, presumably among the organic matter around the base of grasses in irrigated dairy pasture, and that density estimates based only on tiller populations will have significantly underestimated actual numbers. Having a precise indication of larval population densities is essential when developing life tables or determining economic damage threshold levels.
The Recorded Interaction Task: A Validation Study of a New Observational Tool to Assess Mother‐Infant Bonding
Authors: Edwards Hannah , Buisman‐Pijlman Femke TA , Esterman Adrian , Phillips Craig , Orgeig Sandra , Gordon Andrea
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Mother‐infant bonding describes the early emotional connectedness between a mother and her infant. The quality of the mother‐infant bond early in life is related to the subsequent quality of the child's attachment, the quality of further mother‐infant interactions, and various other social outcomes across the child's life span. The Recorded Interaction Task (RIT) was developed to assess mother‐infant bonding using observational methods in a naturalistic but standardized setting, thus addressing shortcomings of previous self‐report tools. The RIT focusses on the common interaction between mother and infant (aged 2 to 5 months old), during a diaper (nappy) change. The interaction is video recorded and later assessed. The RIT must be validated before it can be used to assess mother‐infant bonding in future research or in clinical practice.

Methods

Face and content validity of the RIT were assessed by a panel of 6 experts in bonding and assessment of maternal and infant behavior. The RIT and self‐reported Postpartum Bonding Questionnaire (PBQ) were administered to 15 mother‐infant dyads with the correlation between their scores used to assess convergent validity.

Results

Acceptable face and content validity of the RIT was demonstrated. A weak correlation between the RIT and PBQ (r = −0.13) and their subscales (r = −0.22) were observed. A strong correlation between the RIT maternal behavior and infant behavior subscales was recorded (r = 0.69).

Discussion

The RIT appears to be a viable tool for the observational assessment of mother‐infant bonding. Reliability testing and piloting will be required before the RIT can be used in future research or clinical practice.
Masked high progesterone levels during in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer treatment in a patient with 21‐hydroxylase deficiency: A case report
Authors: Mizusawa Yuri , Katayama Kazuaki , Matsumoto Yukiko , Kokeguchi Shoji , Shiotani Masahide
Published: March 2021

The most common form of congenital adrenal hyperplasia is 21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD). Women with 21OHD have reduced fertility because of excessive production of adrenal androgen and progesterone, which can inhibit folliculogenesis, disturb the normal gonadotropin secretion pattern and development of the endometrium, and affect endometrial receptivity. Here, we report on an infertile woman with 21OHD who initially showed normal progesterone levels and spontaneous ovulation with the treatment by an endocrinologist. However, in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer repeatedly failed because of a gradual elevation in progesterone, which was masked by fertility treatment. The case underlines that close coordination is required between the endocrinologist and reproductive specialist for the total treatment for woman with 21OHD.
The effect of metformin on homocysteine levels in patients with polycystic ovary syndrome: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Li Xiaofeng , Fang Zhuofan , Yang Xin , Pan Huijuan , Zhang Chunfang , Li Xiaoling , Bai Yan , Wang Fang
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Metformin is widely used as an insulin sensitizer in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients. However, previous studies have found that the effect of metformin on the level of homocysteine were not consistent in PCOS patients. The aim of this review was to analyze the effect of metformin on homocysteine levels in patients with PCOS patients.

Methods

The Cochrane Library, Pubmed, and Web of Science were searched according to predefined search terms. There is no restriction for publication time and language.

Results

Eleven studies were included and the data were extracted. The homocysteine level in PCOS patients was significantly increased after taking metformin (mean difference [MD] −1.33; 95% confidence interval [CI] −2.16 to −0.49, p = 0.002). Subgroup analysis showed that the level of homocysteine was generally increased in PCOS patients with body mass index (BMI) ≥25 after taking metformin alone (MD −1.82; 95% CI −2.56 to −1.07, p < 0.00001). There was no significant change in homocysteine level in PCOS patients with BMI <25 (MD 0.69; 95% CI −0.41 to 1.79, p = 0.22). Subgroup analysis showed that there was no significant difference when taking metformin >3 months or taking metformin ≤3 months (p = 0.84). Taking metformin ≥1700 mg/days significantly increased homocysteine levels in PCOS patients (MD −2.05; 95% CI −2.40 to −1.70, p < 0.00001). When taking metformin <1700 mg/days, there was no significant difference in homocysteine level in PCOS patients (MD 0.15; 95% CI −1.06 to 1.37, p = 0.80). The difference between the two subgroups was significant (p = 0.0006). There was no significant difference in vitamin B12 level before and after metformin treatment (MD 24.70; 95% CI −22.54 to 71.93, p = 0.31). There was a decrease in serum folic acid level after metformin administration (MD 1.03; 95% CI 0.80 to 1.26, p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Taking metformin alone increased homocysteine levels and decreased folic acid levels in nonpregnant PCOS patients. And, it was suggested that the dosage of metformin should be less than 1700 mg/days. The supplement of folic acid and B vitamins during metformin administration may be essential in nonpregnant PCOS patients. We should pay much attention to the potential effect of metformin in PCOS patients.
Doppler assessment of the fetus in pregnant women recovered from COVID‐19
Authors: Anuk Ali T. , Tanacan Atakan , Yetiskin Fatma D. Y. , Buyuk Gul N. , Senel Selvi A. , Keskin Huseyin L. , Moraloglu Ozlem , Uygur Dilek
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate the maternal‐fetal Doppler patterns in pregnant women recovered from COVID‐19.

Methods

This prospective case–control study was conducted in Ankara City Hospital between July 1, 2020 and August 30, 2020. Thirty pregnant women who were diagnosed with COVID‐19 and completed the quarantine process were compared with 40 healthy pregnant women in terms of the fetal Doppler parameters. All pregnant women diagnosed with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection were followed up in our clinic and their diagnoses have been confirmed in nasopharyngeal and oropharyngeal samples by quantitative real time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) method. Doppler ultrasonographic assessment of the uterine arteries (UtA) and middle cerebral artery (MCA) were used in addition to umbilical artery (UA) Doppler between 23 and 40 weeks of gestation. Also, cerebroplacental ratio (CPR) was calculated according to gestational age.

Results

The pulsatility and resistance indices of umbilical and UtA showed a significant increase in pregnant women in the study group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis revealed that pulsatility and resistance indices of the mean UtA were independently associated with disease (OR > 1000, 95%CI 9.77 to >1000, p = 0.009; OR 0,000 95%CI 0,000‐0,944, p = 0,049), respectively. Medical treatment was given to 16/30 (53%) of pregnant women diagnosed with COVID‐19.

Conclusion

In conclusion, uterine artery Doppler indices in the third trimester may have clinical value in pregnant women recovered from COVID‐19.
Seasonal effects in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, richness and intensity in vervet monkeys living in a semi‐arid environment
Authors: Blersch R. , Bonnell T. R. , Barrett L. , Henzi S. P.
Published: March 2021

Parasite and pathogen incidence and prevalence is driven by both periodic variation in environmental conditions and host characteristics. Given the increasing risk of zoonotic transmission to humans, and the close phylogenetic relationship between humans and non‐human primates, understanding this variation in parasite dynamics is becoming essential for epidemiologists and conservationists alike. The extreme seasonal temperatures coupled with declining annual rainfall and severe periodic drought of the semi‐arid Karoo poses distinct challenges to both hosts and pathogens and serves as a window into how animals confront climate change‐induced environmental changes. Here we quantified annual variation in gastrointestinal parasite prevalence, intensity and richness in three troops of wild vervet monkeys (Chlorocebus pygerythrus) and determined what climatic variables were driving these changes. Further, we assessed whether there is long‐term temporal dependence in intra‐individual faecal egg counts. We found variation in the prevalence of five genera of helminths identified in the study population, but little variation in parasite richness across the year. Such variation was driven primarily by precipitation and maximum daily temperature. Finally, we found structure in faecal egg counts, suggesting that contrary to previous findings, egg shedding of Trichostrongylus sp. and ?Protospirura sp. are not stochastic processes and may serve as an indicator of individual levels of infection in our population. Combined, these results provide the first report of seasonal effects in gastrointestinal parasites of vervet monkeys living in an extreme environment.
Uroflowmetry pattern in detrusor underactivity and bladder outlet obstruction in male patients with lower urinary tract symptoms
Authors: Wada Naoki , Watanabe Masaki , Ishikawa Mayumi , Takeuchi Keigo , Miyauchi Kotona , Abe Noriyuki , Banjo Hiroko , Kita Masafumi , Kakizaki Hidehiro
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To investigate if uroflowmetry (UFM) curve patterns could differentiate between detrusor underactivity (DU) and bladder outlet obstruction (BOO).

Methods

A hundred consecutive data sets of male patients who were evaluated using UFM and invasive urodynamics (pressure flow study) were retrospectively collected. DU and BOO were diagnosed according to the bladder contractility index and BOO index. The UFM curve with two or more notches was defined as sawtooth pattern, and the interrupted pattern was defined if several curves with interruptions reducing to zero were noted. We also compared other UFM parameters including maximum and average flow rates (Qmax and Qave), voiding time, time to Qmax, the slope to first peak flow, the number of notches on the curve (sawtooth pattern), the number of curves (interrupted pattern), and the maximum drop on the sawtooth pattern.

Results

Twenty‐five and forty‐nine patients were categorized in the BOO group and the DU group, respectively. The incidence of sawtooth pattern was significantly higher in the DU group (57%) than in the BOO group (32%), while the incidence of interrupted pattern was not different between the two groups (36% in the BOO group and 49% in the DU group). There were significant differences in age (area under the curve = 0.75), prostatic volume (0.67), the slope to first peak flow (0.58), the number of notches on the curve (0.61), and the maximum drop (0.76) between the two groups.

Conclusions

The sawtooth UFM pattern is more common in patients with DU than in those with BOO. New parameters on UFM curve patterns could be helpful to evaluate DU and BOO without invasive urodynamics.
Renal supportive care programs: An observational study assessing impact on hospitalization and survival outcomes
Authors: Chia Xiu Xian , Johnston Rebecca , Aggarwal Rajesh , Huynh Thang , Notaras Stephanie , Zekanovic Dragana , Gordon Katrina , Sasongko Victoria , Makris Angela
Published: March 2021

Aim

Renal supportive care (RSC) programs are used to manage non‐dialysis end‐stage kidney disease (ESKD) patients. The aim of this study was to analyse the impact of RSC programs on hospitalization and survival outcomes in these patients.

Methods

A retrospective, single‐centre observational cohort study of non‐dialysis ESKD patients was undertaken. Hospitalizations and survival from eGFR≤15 ml/min was compared between patients managed in an RSC program (RSC group) and patients receiving standard conservative therapy (non‐RSC group). Local databases, physician letters and electronic medical records were used for data collection. Prevalent patients from 2013 to 2017 with eGFR ≤15 ml/min were included. Cox proportion hazard testing and generalized linear modelling was undertaken to adjust for confounders.

Results

A total of 172 patients were included (95 RSC; 75 non‐RSC). The median age was 82 years [IQR 78–85], 46% were male, the median Charlson‐comorbidity Index was 5 [IQR 4–7]. The RSC group had significantly lowered haemoglobin level (102 g/L vs. 111 g/L) and fewer English‐speakers (34% vs. 44%). RSC was associated with the decreased number of days in hospital per year (estimated means 46.6 days [95% CI 21–67] vs. 83.2 days [95%CI 60.5–105.8]; p = .01) and decreased number of hospital admissions per year (estimated means 5.4 [95%CI 2.1–8.8] vs. 12.3 [95%CI 8.2–16.4]; p = .01) compared with non‐RSC. Median overall survival from eGFR≤15 in the entire cohort was 735 days, with no significant difference between RSC and non‐RSC groups (p = .9), both unadjusted and adjusted for confounders.

Conclusion

RSC programs can significantly decrease the number and length of hospitalizations in conservatively managed ESKD patients.
Nursing is never neutral: Political determinants of health and systemic marginalization
Authors: Dickman Nathan Eric , Chicas Roxana
Published: March 2021

The nursing community in the United States polarized in September 2020 between Dawn Wooten's whistleblowing about forced hysterectomies at an immigration center in Georgia and the American Nurses Association's refusal to endorse a presidential candidate despite the Trump administration's mounting failures to address the public health crisis posed by the COVID‐19 pandemic. This reveals a need for more attention to political aspects of health outcome inequities. As advocates for health equity, nurses can join in recent scholarship and activism concerning the political determinants of health. In this paper, we examine recent work on the political determinants of health with an aim to add two things. First, we seek to build further on the notion of “political” determinants of health by distinguishing policy and governance structures from dynamics of politicization through appeal to critical disabilities studies. Second, we seek to apply this further nuanced approach to challenge rhetorical uses of “vulnerable populations,” where this phrase serves to misrecognize systemic institutionalized forces that actively exploit and marginalize people and groups. By refocusing attention to political systems organized around and perpetuating inequitable health outcomes, nurses and other health care professionals—as well as those whom they serve—can concentrate their effort and power to act on political determinants of health in bringing about more equitable health outcomes.
Expanding wheat yields with expansin
Authors: Cosgrove Daniel J.
Published: March 2021

This article is a Commentary on Calderini et al. (2021), 230: 629‐640.
Brown planthopper infestations alter sugar metabolism in the rice plant as well as brown planthopper
Authors: Liu Yong‐Kang , Xu Wen‐Xuan , Xu Jing‐Jing , Zheng Si‐Rui , Yan Jia‐Jie , Ding Yu‐Tong , Shen Bo , Tang Bin
Published: March 2021

Carbohydrate plays an important role in rice resistance or tolerance to pests, and also affects the continuous feeding of brown planthoppers (BPHs) on rice. However, the change in the sugar metabolism of BPH and rice plant after BPH infestation is not well studied. In this study, the rice variety Taichung Native 1 (TN1) was taken as a control group, and four kinds of common rice varieties in Zhejiang province (China), Zhong Jiazao 17 (ZJZ17), Zhong Zheyou 8 (ZZY8), Tian Youhuazhan (TYHZ), and Jing Liangyouhuazhan (JLYHZ), were taken as experimental group. The results showed that the BPHs best preferred the TN1 rice variety. BPHs in fifth instar feeding on the other four rice varieties had lower levels of trehalose, glucose, and glycogen, and the difference in sugar levels further resulted in differences in trehalose‐6‐phosphate synthase and trehalase expression and trehalase activity. In addition, after BPHs infestation, the glucose content in the sheath at 30 days decreased, while it increased in the sheath at 60 days. Moreover, the trehalose content in the sheath at 30 and 60 days decreased. The starch in the leaves at 60 days also decreased. This study demonstrated that both BPHs and rice plant showed changes in carbohydrate metabolism after BPHs feeding on rice, but these changes varied with rice varieties and rice growth stage. These results provide a basis for a better understanding the physiological interaction between BPH and rice plant.
Development of an assessment scale for engagement in activities for patients with moderate to severe dementia
Authors: Tanaka Hiroyuki , Umeda Ren , Shoumura Yuko , Kurogi Tatsunari , Nagata Yuma , Ishimaru Daiki , Yoshimitsu Koji , Tabira Takayuki , Ishii Ryouhei , Nishikawa Takashi
Published: March 2021

Background

Various types of therapy, including occupational therapy, are utilised for the treatment of moderate to severe dementia. In order to determine the optimal rehabilitation strategy for such patients and examine the treatment efficacy, an assessment scale for engagement in various group activities that can be easily applied in clinical situations is required. We herein report the development of the Assessment Scale for Engagement in Activities (ASEA) and its clinical utility.

Methods

The ASEA was developed by nine occupational therapists and a psychiatrist with experience in developing measures for dementia, in accordance with the COSMIN (COnsensus‐based Standards for the selection of health status Measurement INstruments) checklist. This assessment comprises 10 items covering four domains: Engagement in the Activity, Interaction, Arousal, and Affect. Participants with moderate to severe dementia who resided in a psychiatric acute phase hospital in Japan were assessed in terms of engagement in activities using the ASEA and Todai‐shiki Observational Rating Scale (TORS), and in terms of cognitive function using the Mini‐Mental State Examination (MMSE). We examined the internal consistency, inter‐ and intra‐rater reliability, content validity, and concurrent validity of the ASEA.

Results

Cronbach's alpha of the ASEA was 0.889. The overall inter‐rater reliability was 0.937 (Spearman rank correlation, P < 0.001), and the intraclass correlation (ICC) for each item was 0.490–0.965 (P < 0.018–0.001). The overall test–retest reliability was 0.778 (Spearman's rank correlation, P < 0.001), and the ICC for each item was 0.498–0.863 (P < 0.023–0.001). The test–retest correlations were significant for almost all items, aside from ‘Interaction with others’ (P = 0.051). The concurrent validity, examined using the TORS and MMSE, was 0.920 and 0.304 (Spearman's rank correlation, P < 0.001–0.006).

Conclusions

The ASEA has confirmed reliability and validity, aside from ‘Interaction with others’ regarding test–retest reliability. Generally, this assessment tool has clinical utility and allows the evaluation of activity engagement among patients with moderate to severe dementia.
Anti‐A and SARS‐CoV‐2: an intriguing association
Authors: de Freitas Dutra Valeria , Bonet‐Bub Carolina , Yokoyama Ana Paula H. , Achkar Ruth , Machado Rafael Rahal Guaragna , Assunção Murilo , Candelária Gabriela , Soares Camila Pereira , Fachini Roberta Maria , Fontão‐Wendel Rita , Hamerschlak Nelson , Reis Luiz Fernando Lima , Araujo Danielle Bastos , Nudelman Victor , Pinho Joao R. R. , Rizzo Luiz V. , Sakashita Araci M. , Scuracchio Patrícia , Durigon Edison Luiz , Wendel Silvano , Kutner Jose M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Blood groups and anti‐A isohemagglutinin may be involved in susceptibility to SARS‐CoV‐2 infection.

Materials and Methods

We retrospectively studied 268 COVID‐19 convalescent plasma donors and 162 COVID‐19 inpatients (total 430 subjects, confirmed by RT‐PCR) and 2,212 healthy volunteer first‐time blood donors as a control group. These were further divided into two groups: those with anti‐A (blood types O and B) and those without it (types A and AB). Titres of nucleoproteins, and neutralizing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody were measured in the convalescent plasma donors and inpatients. Multivariate logistic regression and non‐parametric tests were applied.

Results

Persons having types O or B showed less infection prevalence than those of types A or AB (OR = 0·62, 95% CI 0·50–0·78; P < 0·001), but there was no difference when COVID‐19 inpatients were analysed. Immunoglobulins M, G and A were lower in COVID‐19 subjects of types O or B group than those of A or AB (0·16 vs. 0·19; P = 0·03, 2·11 vs. 2·55; P = 0·02, 0·23 vs. 0·32; P = 0·03, respectively).

Conclusion

In this retrospective cohort, COVID‐19 individuals were less likely to belong to blood types O and B, and also had lower SARS‐CoV‐2 antibody titres than A and AB individuals. COVID‐19 severity did not associate with the blood groups.
Tables of Moments and Deflections for a Rectangular Plate Fixed on All Edges and Carrying a Uniformly Distributed Load
Authors: Evans Thomas H.
Published: March 2021

The problem of the clamped rectangular plate with a uniform load was solved by Hencky in 1913 and independently by Boobnoff in 1914. The former calculated values only for the case of a square plate. In 1937, Wojtaszak, using Hencky’s method, calculated several other cases. In this paper the maximum moments and deflections for all side ratios between 1.0 and 2.0, by intervals of 0.1, are determined following Hencky’s procedure. Growing out of the necessity for solving eight groups of simultaneous equations in twelve unknowns a short cut on the usual trial and error process of solution was developed.
Chain Links Under Cross Forces
Authors: Reynolds Jos. B.
Published: March 2021

This paper develops theory for stresses and deflections of links with circular neutral axes when freely supported at the ends of one diameter and loaded with two equal loads, perpendicular to the plane of the neutral axis, at the ends of the diameter perpendicular to the first. It also develops theory for deflections of oblong links whose neutral axes consist of semicircles connected by straight sides when supported at the middle points of the end arcs and loaded with equal loads perpendicular to the plane of the neutral axis at the midpoints of the sides. The theory is checked by experimental tests.
Critical-Speed Behavior of Unsymmetrical Shafts
Authors: Taylor H. D.
Published: March 2021

The development of large two-pole turbine generators with rotors running above the critical speed, and having long core bodies slotted for field coils, makes desirable a working familiarity with the vibrational characteristics of unsymmetrical shafts. It is the purpose of this paper to describe these characteristics which are distinctly peculiar. This problem has received some attention from previous writers (6-9), who have pointed out an unstable range of operation due to dissymmetry of the shaft, and some of whom made small-scale tests for demonstration. In the present investigation, experimental work on a special rotor of 10 1/2 ft span and weighing over 5000 lb was carried out, to test in some detail the indications of a thorough analysis of the problem by the late V. Petrovsky of the Lynn Works of the General Electric Co. This analysis is given in outline in an Appendix.

The first part of the paper deals briefly with the static characteristics of unsymmetrical shafts, as a basis for defining the “degree of dissymmetry.” The critical-speed behavior of ordinary round shafts is then reviewed and the theoretical differences due to dissymmetry are described. These are: (a) With moderate dissymmetry compared with the degree of damping, a marked increase in the critical-speed amplitude, and a pronounced variation in the amplitude with the angular position of the unbalance of the rotor; (b) with greater dissymmetry, beyond a limiting value, an infinite critical-speed amplitude, or rather, two infinite peaks, with unstable operation between them; (c) considerable distortion of the phase-angle curves, such that in general the phase angle may be much larger or smaller than 90 deg at the critical speed; (d) double-frequency vibration, if the shaft is horizontal, with an auxiliary peak, or “subcritical” at half the main critical speed.

Tests on the 5000-lb rotor are described which give general confirmation of these characteristics.
The Impact of a Mass Striking a Beam
Authors: Lee E. H.
Published: March 2021

The integral equation for the horizontal impact of a mass on a beam was developed by Timoshenko in 1912. He showed that any such impact problem can be solved provided sufficient patience and tenacity are applied in using the tedious numerical method of solution by dividing the time into small increments during which the contact force can be considered constant. This method is too lengthy to be applied in practice, and moreover, a solution is required giving characteristics of the impact as a whole, rather than slowly progressing through its duration with no indication of the future development of the impact.

In the first part of this paper a concise approximate solution is developed, making the assumptions that the duration of contact is small in comparison with the period of the fundamental mode of vibration of the beam, and that only the fundamental mode of oscillation of the beam need be considered. Results obtained by this method are checked against those determined by the lengthier numerical method. Good agreement is reached in some examples, but other results show large errors, both in the contact compression force and in the resulting motion.

Light was brought to bear on this difficulty by using a solution based on energy and momentum considerations, giving a curve which supplies a rapid determination of the distribution of energy among the various modes of vibration of the beam. This curve gives directly the condition for the vibrational energy developed in the beam, due to the impact, to be confined mainly to the fundamental mode. This is shown by examples to be the required condition for the validity of the previous approximate method.

The solution using energy and momentum considerations is developed to give the motions of the beam and mass resulting from the impact (free vibrations in the beam and uniform velocity of the mass) so that the subsequent development of the impact can be ascertained and repeated impacts dealt with. The investigation also gives the deflection curves of the beam produced by the impact; these show a wide deviation from static-deflection curves.
Some Observations on the Theory of Contact Pressures
Authors: Way Stewart
Published: March 2021

The stress system in a semi-infinite elastic solid with given normal surface loading is of importance in many problems of machine and structural design and strength of materials. It often happens in such cases that the stresses in which one is primarily interested are those in the surface of the body. This paper presents some observations that can be made regarding the stresses and displacements in the surface.
Combustion and Emissions of a Gas-to-Liquid Diesel Engine Utilizing Optimized Spiral-Helical Intake Manifold Designs
Authors: Abdellatif Yasser M. , Saker Ahmad T. , Elbashir Aboubaker M. , Ahmed Samer F.
Published: March 2021

Two simultaneous strategies were used to reduce diesel engine emissions. Optimized manifold designs were used with gas-to-liquid (GTL) fuel and its blend with diesel fuel. Six new spiral-helical manifolds were tested, which could be divided into two groups. The first group is with the same inner diameter (2.6 cm) and outlet angle (30 deg), but the different number of spiral turns (1t, 2t, etc.). The second group is with different inner diameters. The results showed that the highest pressure and heat release were achieved by m(2.6,30,1t) with the diesel–GTL blend. In addition, the heat release rate decreases with the increase in the number of turns. The same combination also reduced the pressure rise rate (dP/dθ) by about 24% compared to the normal manifold. For the emissions, the maximum reduction in CO emissions was achieved by using m(2.6,30,3t) and GTL with about 34%. In addition, the maximum hydrocarbon (HC) reduction was achieved by m(2.1,30,3t) and GTL, which is about 99% lower than that of the normal manifold. NO emissions were reduced by about 25% when m(2.6,30,4t) and GTL are used. The total particulate matters (PM) were the lowest for m(2.6,30,1t) and normal manifold in the case of diesel. Generally, it was found that the combination of m(2.6,30,1t) with GTL and its blend gave the optimum performance and low emissions among all manifolds.
Numerical Investigation Into the Effect of Structural Parameters of Parallel Flow Field With Cooling Channels on Fuel Cell Performance
Authors: Li Chen , Xu Xiaoming , Hu Hao , Mei Nan , Yang Yi
Published: March 2021

The electrochemical reaction inside a high-power fuel cell generates a lot of heat. Excessive heat affects the performance of the membrane, so it is necessary to introduce coolant. The main objective of coolant is regulating the temperature of relatively high-power proton exchange membrane fuel cell (PEMFC) stacks efficiently. The coolant channel has a great influence on the performance of PEMFC. In this work, a multiphase, 3D PEMFC model with serpentine flow channel is developed. In order to rank structural parameters according to the degree of influence on fuel cell performance, this study analyzed the current density, O2 mass fraction, and the distributions of temperature based on an orthogonal test scheme with three factors and three levels. The results show that rib width between the reactant flow channel and the cooling channel has the greatest influence on the current density, and gas flow channel width has the least influence.
Deep immune profiling of MIS-C demonstrates marked but transient immune activation compared with adult and pediatric COVID-19
Authors: Vella Laura A. , Giles Josephine R. , Baxter Amy E. , Oldridge Derek A. , Diorio Caroline , Kuri-Cervantes Leticia , Alanio Cécile , Pampena Maria Betina , Wu Jennifer E. , Chen Zeyu , Huang Yinghui Jane , Anderson Elizabeth M. , Gouma Sigrid , McNerney Kevin O. , Chase Julie , Burudpakdee Chakkapong , Lee Jessica H. , Apostolidis Sokratis A. , Huang Alexander C. , Mathew Divij , Kuthuru Oliva , Goodwin Eileen C. , Weirick Madison E. , Bolton Marcus J. , Arevalo Claudia P. , Ramos Andre , Jasen C. J. , Conrey Peyton E. , Sayed Samir , Giannini Heather M. , D’Andrea Kurt ,   The UPenn COVID Processing Unit, Meyer Nuala J. , Behrens Edward M. , Bassiri Hamid , Hensley Scott E. , Henrickson Sarah E. , Teachey David T. , Betts Michael R. , Wherry E. John , Adamski Sharon , Alam Zahidul , Addison Mary M. , Byrne Katelyn T. , Chandra Aditi , Descamps Hélène C. , Han Nicholas , Kaminskiy Yaroslav , Kammerman Shane C. , Kim Justin , Greenplate Allison R. , Hamilton Jacob T. , Markosyan Nune , Noll Julia Han , Omran Dalia K. , Pattekar Ajinkya , Perkey Eric , Prager Elizabeth M. , Pueschl Dana , Rennels Austin , Shah Jennifer B. , Shilan Jake S. , Wellhausen Nils , Vanderbeck Ashley N.
Published: March 2021

MIS-C is defined by lymphocyte activation, including elevated plasmablast frequencies and marked activation of CX3CR1
+
CD8
+
T cells.
Messaging by mitochondria
Authors: Wong Wei
Published: March 2021

Intercellular mitochondrial transfer promotes metabolic homeostasis and stimulates wound healing.
Evidence for the Mycobacterial Mce4 Transporter Being a Multiprotein Complex
Authors: Rank Laura , Herring Laura E. , Braunstein Miriam
Published: March 2021

How lipids travel between membranes of diderm bacteria is a challenging mechanistic question because lipids, which are hydrophobic molecules, must traverse a hydrophilic periplasm. This question is even more complex for mycobacteria, which have a unique cell envelope that is highly impermeable to molecules.
Supplemental Material: Archean geodynamics: Ephemeral supercontinents or long-lived supercratons
Authors: Liu Yebo , al. et
Published: March 2021

Supplemental text, six supplemental figures, and three supplemental tables providing further details for regional geology, methods, demagnetization data, rock magnetic results, poles used for paleogeography reconstructions and Euler poles for reproducing the models.