bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections of volunteer counselors working remotely during the COVID‐19 pandemic—Implications for policy and practice
Authors: Mayers Pat M. , Olckers Lorna , Prinsloo Erna Louisa , Raine Joy , Zweigenthal Virginia
Published: December 2022

Purpose

We reflect on our experience of running a remote volunteer counseling service, known as the Counseling Collective, to support patients and their families during the second wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Cape Town, South Africa, and the learning and implications for practice and policy regarding the effective utilization of volunteers during a crisis or disaster context.

Background

The Beta SARS‐Co‐2 variant dominated the second COVID‐19 wave which gained momentum in December 2020, as public sector health teams prepared to deescalate services over the South African summer season. The ferocity with which the wave hit the city soon made it clear that volunteers would be needed to assist with counseling services as the Beta variant caused serious disease, resulting in a significant upswing in hospitalisations and deaths.

Methods

Four counselors and a colleague with oversight responsibilities of the volunteers reflected on the service we provided. This was done with the benefit of hindsight a year after the activities of the Counseling Collective were wrapped up.

Lessons Learned

Virtual volunteers are a largely untapped resource in the South African health care system. Much is to be gained by using this underutilized resource to deliver patient‐centred services, especially in times of crisis.

Conclusion

Networks of retired and self‐employed health professionals, particularly nurses,—skilled volunteers—are a valuable resource and can be deployed for critical work using their versatile skillsets, in public health emergencies. Telephonic consultations are a useful modality for providing quality care and need to be built into the business of health services. Skills to conduct such consultations and for the provision of palliative care services need to be mainstreamed into the skillsets of health professionals.

Policy and clinical relevance

Public health disaster plans should include a blueprint for the rapid recruitment and deployment of volunteer counselors to assist permanent staff in providing crucial patient‐centred care.
Associations among workplace incivility, stress coping, and nursing performance in hospital nurses: A path analysis
Authors: Kim Eun Ha , Yi Yeojin
Published: December 2022

Purpose

This study aimed to identify the associations among workplace incivility, stress‐coping strategy, and nursing performance and confirm how workplace incivility influences nursing performance through the stress‐coping strategy.

Design

This is a descriptive, cross‐sectional study. Data were collected using a self‐reported questionnaire from 245 nurses working at seven hospitals in Korea between December 2019 and January 2020.

Methods

The associations among the study variables (workplace incivility, stress coping, and nursing performance) were analyzed using path analysis with bootstrapping.

Results

Supervisors' incivility affected directly and negatively nursing performance although problem‐focused coping was mediating between them. By contrast, coworkers' and doctors' incivility was not directly associated with nursing performance through stress‐coping strategies.

Conclusion

Problem‐focused coping enhanced nursing performance and was a more effective stress‐coping strategy than emotion‐focused coping for nurses affected by coworkers' and doctors' incivilities. Supervisors' incivility may be considered a threatening factor to nursing performance even though problem‐focused coping partially mediates between supervisors' incivility and nursing performance.

Clinical Relevance

Organizations must prevent all kinds of workplace incivilities from occurring. Nursing managers should periodically monitor the relationship between the supervisors and nurses and be aware of nurses' stress‐coping strategies under stressful situations.
Global guidance for the recognition, diagnosis, and management of tumor‐induced osteomalacia
Authors: Jan de Beur Suzanne M. , Minisola Salvatore , Xia Wei‐bo , Abrahamsen Bo , Body Jean‐Jacques , Brandi Maria Luisa , Clifton‐Bligh Roderick , Collins Michael , Florenzano Pablo , Houillier Pascal , Imanishi Yasuo , Imel Erik A. , Khan Aliya A. , Zillikens M. Carola , Fukumoto Seiji
Published: December 2022

Tumor‐induced osteomalacia (TIO) is a rare paraneoplastic syndrome caused by mesenchymal tumors that secrete fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23). Patients present with progressive bone pain, muscle weakness, and fragility fractures. TIO is characterized by hypophosphatemia, excess renal phosphate excretion, and low/inappropriately normal 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25(OH)2D) levels. Rarity and enigmatic clinical presentation of TIO contribute to limited awareness among the medical community. Accordingly, appropriate diagnostic tests may not be requested, leading to delayed diagnosis and poorer patient outcomes. We have developed a global guidance document to improve the knowledge of TIO in the medical community, enabling the recognition of patients with TIO and appropriate referral. We provide recommendations aiding diagnosis, referral, and treatment, helping promote a global standard of patient management. We reviewed the literature and conducted a three‐round Delphi survey of TIO experts. Statements were drafted based on published evidence and expert opinions (≥70% consensus required for final recommendations). Serum phosphate should be measured in patients presenting with chronic muscle pain or weakness, fragility fractures, or bone pain. Physical examination should establish features of myopathy and identify masses that could be causative tumors. Priority laboratory evaluations should include urine/serum phosphate and creatinine to assess renal tubular reabsorption of phosphate and TmP/GFR, alkaline phosphatase, parathyroid hormone, 25‐hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25(OH)2D, and FGF23. Patients with the clinical/biochemical suspicion of TIO should be referred to a specialist for diagnosis confirmation, and functional imaging should be used to localize causative tumor(s). Recommended treatment is tumor resection or, with unresectable/unidentifiable tumors, phosphate salts plus active vitamin D, or burosumab.
Management and outcomes of patients with chest pain and psychiatric disorders in the era of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponins
Authors: Roos Andreas , Sedin Eva , Edgren Gustaf
Published: December 2022

Background

The management of patients with psychiatric disease and chest pain in the emergency department (ED) in the era of high‐sensitivity cardiac troponin assays is unexplored.

Objectives

To investigate differences in management and outcomes comparing patients with versus without psychiatric disorders who present with chest pain in the ED.

Methods

All visits to seven different EDs in Sweden from 9 December 2010 to 31 December 2016 by patients with chest pain were included. Odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate differences in clinical management. Hazard ratios with 95% CIs were used for comparisons of all‐cause mortality and risk of cardiovascular events.

Results

Altogether, 216,653 visits were identified, of which 40,054 (18%) occurred in patients with psychiatric disorders. The risk of a myocardial infarction (MI) was reduced almost by half in patients with an affective (OR 0.63; 95% CI: 0.59–0.68) or psychotic disorder (OR 0.57; 95% CI: 0.47–0.70). These patients were less likely to be treated with any cardiovascular medication or to undergo percutaneous coronary intervention. Contrastingly, patients with psychiatric disease had a 1.8‐ to 2.6‐fold increased risk of being diagnosed with an MI registered after the index visit but within 30 days.

Conclusions

Patients with psychiatric disease and chest pain undergo less intense investigation and are less likely to receive cardiovascular medications compared with patients without psychiatric disease, even in the presence of myocardial injury. In addition, they experience a higher risk of being diagnosed with an MI within 30 days after a visit with no MI.
Regional variation in sudden unexpected death in infancy in New Zealand
Authors: Mitchell Edwin A , Taylor Barry J , Milne Barry J
Published: December 2022

Aim

To estimate the relative risk of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) by district health board (DHB) in New Zealand after adjustment for socio‐economic deprivation, ethnicity and other demographic factors.

Methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using data from the Integrated Data Infrastructure, a large research database containing linked data from a range of government agencies. The study population was all live births and their mothers in New Zealand from 2012 to 2018. The exposure of interest was DHB. The outcome was SUDI.

Results

There were 418 068 live births in New Zealand from 2012 to 2018, and of these 415 401 (99.4%) had valid DHB data. There was considerable variation in the proportion of infants in each DHB living in the most deprived decile varying from 4.5% in Nelson, West Coast and Canterbury to 29.7% in Counties Manukau. There were 267 SUDI cases, giving an overall rate of 0.64/1000 live births during the study period (2012–2018). The SUDI rate varied from 1.11/1000 in Northland to 0.30/1000 in Waitemata and Auckland. Counties Manukau had the largest number of deaths (n = 54; rate = 1.08/1000). Five DHB regions had increased risk of SUDI compared to the reference group but, after adjustment, no DHB was significantly increased.

Conclusions

This study found that there is marked variation in SUDI risk by DHB, but this is explained by socio‐economic and demographic variation within DHBs. This study emphasises the importance of the contribution of social determinants of health to SUDI.
Vessel traffic influences distribution of Aotearoa New Zealand's endemic dolphin (Cephalorhynchus hectori)
Authors: Carome William , Rayment William , Slooten Elisabeth , Bowman M. Hamish , Dawson Stephen M.
Published: December 2022

Cetacean tourism and vessel traffic have grown considerably around the world in recent decades. At Akaroa Harbor, Aotearoa New Zealand, recreational vessel traffic, dolphin tourism, and cruise ship presence increased substantially between 2008 and 2020. We examined the relationship between vessel traffic parameters and the presence of Hector's dolphins (Cephalorhynchus hectori) during the austral summer 2019–2020, using automated vessel tracking and autonomous passive acoustic monitoring. Data were collected between December 2019 and May 2020, including the entirety of the first COVID‐19 nationwide lockdown. Generalized additive models revealed that increasing levels of motor vessel traffic, the presence of cruise ships, and high levels of dolphin tour vessel traffic resulted in decreases in acoustic detections of dolphins. Our findings suggest that Hector's dolphins at Akaroa Harbor were displaced from core habitat in response to each of these vessel traffic parameters. We recommend that managers use immediately actionable tools to reduce the impacts of vessels on these dolphins.
Energy consumption, economic growth and energy transition in Africa: A cross‐sectional dependence analysis
Authors: Omaye Solomon Ochada , Sa'ad Suleiman , Hamma Adama Ahmad , Dotti Rakiya
Published: December 2022

By adopting Westerlund's panel cointegration test, and the panel Granger, non‐causality test, this study investigates the long‐run and causal relationship between energy consumption and economic growth and energy transition in Africa. The test took into account cross‐sectional dependency for five African areas from 1990 to 2018. The models additionally contain labour and capital stocks to investigate causality and cointegration in the areas. The cross‐sectional dependency test shows that the African region sample is cross‐sectionally correlated. The panel cointegration test shows evidence of a long‐run relationship between economic growth, energy consumption, labour and capital stock in all areas. The non‐causality result shows a uni‐directional causality from economic growth to energy use.
Does night‐time transpiration provide any benefit to wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) plants which are exposed to salt stress?
Authors: Lu Yingying , Jeffers Ruth , Raju Anakha , Kenny Tamara , Ratchanniyasamu Evangeline , Fricke Wieland
Published: December 2022

The study aimed to test whether night‐time transpiration provides any potential benefit to wheat plants which are subjected to salt stress. Hydroponically grown wheat plants were grown at four levels of salt stress (50, 100, 150, and 200 mM NaCl) for 5–8 days prior to harvest (day 14–18). Salt stress caused large decreases in transpiration and leaf elongation rates during day and night. The quantitative relation between the diurnal use of water for transpiration and leaf growth was comparatively little affected by salt. Night‐time transpirational water loss occurred predominantly through stomata in support of respiration. Diurnal gas exchange and leaf growth were functionally linked to each other through the provision of resources (carbon, energy) and an increase in leaf surface area. Diurnal rates of water use associated with leaf cell expansive growth were highly correlated with the water potential of the xylem, which was dominated by the tension component. The tissue‐specific expression level of nine candidate aquaporin genes in elongating and mature leaf tissue was little affected by salt stress or day/night changes. Growing plants under conditions of reduced night‐time transpirational water loss by increasing the relative humidity (RH) during the night to 95% had little effect on the growth response to salt stress, nor was the accumulation of Na+ and Cl− in shoot tissue altered. We conclude that night‐time gas exchange supports the growth in leaf area over a 24 h day/night period. Night‐time transpirational water loss neither decreases nor increases the tolerance to salt stress in wheat.
Beneficial effects, challenges and opportunities of the filamentous fungus,Aspergillus nigerwith special reference to the shrimp feed industry—A review
Authors: Jannathulla Rajabdeen , Dayal Jagabattula Syama
Published: December 2022

The shrimp industry, including its culture and feed sectors, exhibited steady growth over the years with a reduced cost–benefit ratio due to increasing production costs attributed mainly to enhanced feed costs. The unsustainable availability and rapid increase in fishmeal cost have forced the aquafeed sector to reduce dietary inclusion levels. The filamentous fungus,Aspergillus nigerplays an important role in utilising plant protein sources for formulating cost‐effective shrimp feed.A.nigerhas been reported to produce numerous hydrolytic enzymes to degrade the limiting factors of plant proteins such as antinutrients and fibre fractions. This fungus enhanced not only the quantity but also the quality of proteins and amino acids, especially methionine and lysine. Likewise, it also increased the availability of soluble minerals, particularly phosphorous, by degrading the phytic‐phosphorus, thereby helping to replace dietary fishmeal up to 80% in penaeid shrimps. Consequently, this fungus could reduce feed formulation cost significantly. However, the mycotoxins produced by this fungus pose difficulties during large‐scale fermentation, and its implications on the workers and environment cast doubt about its efficacy and utility. However, recent developments indicate thatA.nigercould be an alternative choice in reducing the pressure on fishmeal demand by enhancing the nutrient utilization of plant‐based materials leading to the formulation of, cost‐effective feeds that can sustain shrimp culture and production in the future.
Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided oocyte retrieval in cattle: State‐of‐the‐art and its impact on the in vitro fertilization embryo production outcome
Authors: Ferré Luis B. , Alvarez‐Gallardo Horacio , Romo Salvador , Fresno Cristóbal , Stroud Todd , Stroud Brad , Lindsey Brad , Kjelland Michael E.
Published: December 2022

Transvaginal ultrasound‐guided oocyte retrieval (commonly called OPU) and in vitro embryo production (IVP) in cattle has shown significant progress in recent years, in part, as a result of a better understanding of the full potential of these tools by end users. The combination of OPU and IVP (OPU‐IVP) has been successfully and widely commercially used worldwide. The main advantages are a greater number of embryos and pregnancies per unit of time, faster genetic progress due to donor quick turn around and more elite sires mating combinations, larger spectrum of female age (calves, prepuberal, heifer, cow) and condition (open, pregnant) from which to retrieve oocytes, a reduced number of sperm (even sexed) required to fertilize the oocytes, among other benefits. OPU‐IVP requires significant less donor preparation in comparison to conventional embryo transfer (<50% of usual FSH injections needed) to the extent of no stimulating hormones (FSH) are necessary. Donor synchronization, stimulation, OPU technique, oocyte competence, embryo performance, and its impact on cryopreservation and pregnancy are discussed.
Effects of air pollution and weather on the initial COVID‐19 outbreaks in United States, Italy, Spain, and China: A comparative study
Authors: Alaniz Alberto J. , Carvajal Mario A. , Carvajal Jorge G. , Vergara Pablo M.
Published: December 2022

Contrasting effects have been identified in association of weather (temperature and humidity) and pollutant gases with COVID‐19 infection, which could be derived from the influence of lockdowns and season change. The influence of pollutant gases and climate during the initial phases of the pandemic, before the closures and the change of season in the northern hemisphere, is unknown. Here, we used a spatial‐temporal Bayesian zero‐inflated‐Poisson model to test for short‐term associations of weather and pollutant gases with the relative risk of COVID‐19 disease in China (first outbreak) and the countries with more cases during the initial pandemic (the United States, Spain and Italy), considering also the effects of season and lockdown. We found contrasting association between pollutant gases and COVID‐19 risk in the United States, Italy, and Spain, while in China it was negatively associated (except for SO2). COVID‐19 risk was positively associated with specific humidity in all countries, while temperature presented a negative effect. Our findings showed that short‐term associations of air pollutants with COVID‐19 infection vary strongly between countries, while generalized effects of temperature (negative) and humidity (positive) with COVID‐19 was found. Our results show novel information about the influence of pollution and weather on the initial outbreaks, which contribute to unravel the mechanisms during the beginning of the pandemic.
Currency internationalization and openness: A paradigm from renminbi
Authors: Li Huiqing , Jia Daofan , Li Jia
Published: December 2022

This article intended to empirically test the interactive effects among renminbi (RMB) internationalization, trade and financial openness. Based on the monthly data from the first month of 2011 to the sixth month of 2018, we first build a vector error correction model includes RMB internationalization index, financial openness, trade openness, inflation rate, exchange rate and economic growth rate. Second, both linear and nonlinear Granger causality tests are conducted to analyze the causality of those variables. The results reveal that financial and trade openness have the greatest effects on the degree to which RMB is internationalized. In the short run, the trade openness will promote the development of RMB internationalization, while the financial openness will restrain such an effect. Long‐term conclusions are the opposite. Meanwhile, financial openness can influence RMB internationalization nonlinearly while RMB internationalization cannot influence financial openness either linearly or nonlinearly. In addition, a strong two‐way nonlinear Granger causality exists between RMB internationalization and exchange rate, and RMB internationalization and trade openness, respectively. Moreover, we find more nonlinear Granger relationships compared to linear Granger relationships, which implied that the relationships between RMB internationalization and other essential elements need to be assessed in the context of a complex nonlinear mechanism. The findings have important policy implication for RMB internationalization and provide a reference to jointly promote currency internationalization and openness.
Evaluation of Consent to Link Twitter Data to Survey Data
Authors: Mneimneh Zeina
Published: December 2022

This study presents an initial framework describing factors that could affect respondents’ decisions to link their survey data with their public Twitter data. It also investigates two types of factors, those related to the individual and to the design of the consent request. Individual-level factors include respondents’ attitudes towards helpful behaviours, privacy concerns and social media engagement patterns. The design factor focuses on the position of the consent request within the interview. These investigations were conducted using data that was collected from a web survey on a sample of Twitter users selected from an adult online probability panel in the United States. The sample was randomly divided into two groups, those who received the consent to link request at the beginning of the survey, and others who received the request towards the end of the survey. Privacy concerns, measures of social media engagement and consent request placement were all found to be related to consent to link. The findings have important implications for designing future studies that aim at linking social media data with survey data.
Multivariate Mixture Model for Small Area Estimation of Poverty Indicators
Authors: Bikauskaite Agne , Molina Isabel , Morales Domingo
Published: December 2022

When disaggregation of national estimates in several domains or areas is required, direct survey estimators, which use only the domain-specific survey data, are usually design-unbiased even under complex survey designs (at least approximately) and require no model assumptions. Nevertheless, they are appropriate only for domains or areas with sufficiently large sample size. For example, when estimating poverty in a domain with a small sample size (small area), the volatility of a direct estimator might make that area seems like very poor in one period and very rich in the next one. Small area (or indirect) estimators have been developed in order to avoid such undesired instability. Small area estimators borrow strength from the other areas so as to improve the precision and therefore obtain much more stable estimators. However, the usual model-based assumptions, which include some kind of area homogeneity, may not hold in real applications. A more flexible model based on multivariate mixtures of normal distributions that generalises the usual nested error linear regression model is proposed for estimation of general parameters in small areas. This flexibility makes the model adaptable to more general situations, where there may be areas with a different behaviour from the other ones, making the model less restrictive (hence, more close to nonparametric) and more robust to outlying areas. An expectation-maximisation (E-M) method is designed for fitting the proposed mixture model. Under the proposed mixture model, two different new predictors of general small area indicators are proposed. A parametric bootstrap method is used to estimate the mean squared errors of the proposed predictors. Small sample properties of the new predictors and of the bootstrap procedure are analysed by simulation studies and the new methodology is illustrated with an application to poverty mapping in Palestine.
A multi‐country systematic review of research on sanctions and equity in social welfare programs
Authors: Holcomb Stephanie , Hetling Andrea , Yeo Vee
Published: December 2022

Social welfare programs have increasingly implemented work requirements, with punitive measures such as sanctions to enforce compliance. Frontline workers, operating in public environments with limited resources, have discretion over when to issue sanctions and often use short cuts, sometimes guided by bias, to manage caseloads. This study conducts a multi‐country systematic literature review of research related to who gets sanctioned and why with a focus on the experiences of racial, ethnic, and immigrant groups. Through our review of 23 studies, we find that there are significant disparities in sanction use and experience, and that differences are shaped by both frontline and institutional practice. While disparities were highlighted across programs, impacted groups differed based on geopolitical and historical contexts. We summarise findings across studies to provide insights into creating more equitable welfare policies and programs and offer suggestions for future research.
Arabinogalactan protein polysaccharide chains are required for normal biogenesis of plasmodesmata
Authors: Okawa Ryoya , Hayashi Yoko , Yamashita Yasuko , Matsubayashi Yoshikatsu , Ogawa‐Ohnishi Mari
Published: December 2022

Arabinogalactan proteins (AGPs) are a plant‐specific family of extracellular proteoglycans characterized by large and complex galactose‐rich polysaccharide chains. Functional elucidation of AGPs, however, has been hindered by the high degree of redundancy of AGP genes. To uncover as yet unexplored roles of AGPs in Arabidopsis, a mutant of Hyp O‐galactosyltransferase (HPGT), a critical enzyme that catalyzes the common initial step of Hyp‐linked arabinogalactan chain biosynthesis, was used. Here we show, using the hpgt1,2,3 triple mutant, that a reduction in functional AGPs leads to a stomatal patterning defect in which two or more stomata are clustered together. This defect is attributed to increased and dysregulated symplastic transport following changes in plasmodesmata structure, such that highly permeable complex branched plasmodesmata with cavities in branching parts increased in the mutant. We also found that the hpgt1,2,3 mutation causes a reduction of cellulose in the cell wall and accumulation of pectin, which controls cell wall porosity. Our results highlight the importance of AGPs in the correct biogenesis of plasmodesmata, possibly acting through the regulation of cell wall properties surrounding the plasmodesmata.
Restrictive and liberal transfusion strategies in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation: A retrospective observational study
Authors: Ng Pauline Yeung , Chan Ho Ching Victor , Ip April , Ling Lowell , Chan Kai Man , Leung Kit Hung Anne , Chan King Chung Kenny , So Dominic , Shum Hoi Ping , Ngai Chun Wai , Chan Wai Ming , Sin Wai Ching
Published: December 2022

Background

To compare the outcomes of patients requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support who had a restrictive transfusion strategy with those who had a liberal strategy.

Study Design and Methods

We retrospectively reviewed all adult patients from 2010 to 2019 who received a minimum of one packed red blood cell (pRBC) during ECMO. Hemoglobin values before each transfusion were retrieved. Restrictive transfusion strategy was defined as a transfusion threshold ≤8.5 g/dl in all transfusion episodes for a single patient, while liberal transfusion strategy was defined as a transfusion threshold >8.5 g/dl in any transfusion episode.

Results

The analysis included 763 patients, with 138 (18.1%) patients in the restrictive and 625 (81.9%) in the liberal transfusion strategy group. The median hemoglobin level, taking into account all measured hemoglobin values, during ECMO support was 8.3 and 9.9 g/dl, and the average units of pRBC received per day were 0.7 (0.3–1.8) and 1.2 (0.6–2.3), respectively. There were no significant differences in intensive care unit (ICU) mortality (adjusted odds ratio (OR), 0.86; 95% CI 0.56–1.30; p = .47), hospital mortality (adjusted OR, 0.79; 95% CI 0.52–1.21; p = .28), and 90‐day mortality (adjusted OR, 0.84; 95% CI 0.55–1.28; p = .42) between the two groups. Among subgroup analyses, a restrictive transfusion strategy was associated with decreased risk of ICU mortality in patients on veno‐venous ECMO (adjusted OR, 0.36; 95% CI 0.17–0.73; p = .005). There was no heterogeneity on outcomes across patients stratified by age, APACHE IV score, or need for large volume transfusion.

Discussion

Our data suggested it may be safe to adopt a restrictive red cell transfusion threshold of 8.5 g/dl in patients on ECMO, and highlighted the need for prospective trials in this heavily‐transfused population.
Recommendations for in vitro evaluation of blood components collected, prepared and stored in non‐DEHP medical devices
Authors: Klei Thomas R. L. , Begue Stephane , Lotens Anaïs , Sigurjónsson Ólafur E. , Wiltshire Michael D. , George Chloë , van den Burg Peter J. M. , Evans Ryan , Larsson Linda , Thomas Stephen , Najdovski Tome , Handke Wiebke , Eronen Juha , Mallas Birte , de Korte Dirk
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

DEHP, di(2‐ethylhexyl) phthalate, is the most common member of the class of ortho‐phthalates, which are used as plasticizers. The Medical Device Regulation has restricted the use of phthalates in medical devices. Also DEHP has been added to the Annex XIV of REACH, “Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals” due to its endocrine disrupting properties to the environment. As such, the sunset date for commercialisation of DEHP‐containing blood bags is May 27th 2025. There are major concerns in meeting this deadline as these systems have not yet been fully validated and/or CE‐marked. Also, since DEHP is known to affect red cell quality during storage, it is imperative to transit to non‐DEHP without affecting blood product quality. Here, EBA members aim to establish common grounds on the evaluation and assessment of blood components collected, prepared and stored in non‐DEHP devices.

Materials and Methods

Based on data as well as the input of relevant stakeholders a rationale for the validation of each component was composed.

Results

The red cell components will require the most extensive validation as their quality is directly affected by the absence of DEHP, as opposed to platelet and plasma components.

Conclusion

Studies in the scope of evaluating the quality of blood products obtained with non‐DEHP devices, under the condition that they are carried out according to these recommendations, could be used by all members of the EBA to serve as scientific support in the authorization process specific to their jurisdiction or for their internal validation use.
Medication use in Canadian blood donors
Authors: Goldman Mindy , Miller Owen , O'Brien Sheila F.
Published: December 2022

Background and Objectives

Policies regarding medication use vary between blood centres. We evaluated medication use in eligible Canadian Blood Services whole blood donors to inform possible process improvements and allow comparisons between donors and the general population.

Materials and Methods

All donors are asked about medication use in the last 3 days, and medications and their reason for use are documented in our donor computer system. Donor computer records were reviewed from January 1, 2020, to March 31, 2022 to extract information on medications by donor age and sex; medications were grouped into therapeutic classes. Stability of medication use over time was determined in a random sample of 100 donors who made at least two donations in the study period.

Results

One‐third of successful (eligible) donors were taking medications; of these, 80% were on one or two medications. Five classes of medication accounted for 72% of medication use, and 13 classes account for 93% of use. Use remains relatively stable over time.

Conclusion

Medication use is common, with a few classes accounting for most use. Drop‐down lists and storage of information from one donation to the next may enhance efficiency.
Stifle joint osteoarthritis in small‐breed and medium‐breed dogs is more severe after cranial cruciate ligament injury than medial patellar luxation
Authors: Villatoro Ashley S. , Langenbach Anke , Yoon Jin , Garcia Tanya C. , Marcellin‐Little Denis J.
Published: December 2022

This retrospective observational study aimed to characterize the severity and distribution of OA in the stifle joints of small and medium dogs with CCL injury and/or MPL. Radiographs of the stifle joints from 218 dogs from 10 small and medium breeds were included; 127 joints had CCL injury, 76 joints had MPL, and 73 joints had CCL injury and MPL. OA was graded at 33 sites within the joint. The mean ± SD OA score was 20.3 ± 9.9. For all joints, OA was more severe in heavier than lighter dogs (P = 0.003). Joints with MPL (14.9 ± 8.2) had lower OA scores than joints with CCL injury (22.2 ± 10.0, P = 0.003) or CCL injury and MPL (22.6 ± 9.4, P < 0.001). OA scores were higher in joints with MPL for older dogs (r = 0.408, P < 0.001) but did not change with age in joints with CCL injury. The pattern of OA did not differ among joints with CCL injury or MPL. The retrospective nature of the study limited findings to associations but did not allow conclusions regarding factors causing OA or enhancing its progression. We concluded that, in small‐ and medium‐breed dogs, the patterns of stifle OA joint after CCL injury and MPL are similar. Radiographic OA after CCL injury is more severe than MPL. An increase in age leads to an increase in OA at the time of presentation at a referral hospital in stifle joints with MPL and without CCL injury.
Muscle spindles and their role in maintaining robust locomotion
Authors: Santuz Alessandro , Akay Turgay
Published: December 2022

Muscle spindles, one of the two main classes of proprioceptors together with Golgi tendon organs, are sensory structures that keep the central nervous system updated about the position and movement of body parts. Although they were discovered more than 150 years ago, their function during movement is not yet fully understood. Here, we summarize the morphology and known functions of muscle spindles, with a particular focus on locomotion. Although certain properties such as the sensitivity to dynamic and static muscle stretch are long known, recent advances in molecular biology have allowed the characterization of the molecular mechanisms for signal transduction in muscle spindles. Building upon classic literature showing that a lack of sensory feedback is deleterious to locomotion, we bring to the discussion more recent findings that support a pivotal role of muscle spindles in maintaining murine and human locomotor robustness, defined as the ability to cope with perturbations. Yet, more research is needed to expand the existing mechanistic understanding of how muscle spindles contribute to the production of robust, functional locomotion in real world settings. Future investigations should focus on combining different animal models to identify, in health and disease, those peripheral, spinal and brain proprioceptive structures involved in the fine tuning of motor control when locomotion happens in challenging conditions.

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The Role of Hydrodynamic Instabilities on Near-Lean Blowout Flame Shapes in a Swirl-Stabilized Spray Combustor
Authors: Rock Nicholas , Stouffer Scott , Hendershott Tyler , Corporan Edwin , Wrzesinski Paul
Published: December 2022

This study investigates the role of hydrodynamic instabilities on near-lean blowout (LBO) flame shapes in a swirl-stabilized spray combustor. Hydrodynamic instabilities often manifest themselves in swirling flows as a helical vortex that winds around the vortex breakdown bubble. However, the heat released from combustion tends to suppress coherent vortex structures, which can limit the helical vortex to certain combustor geometries and operating conditions. Flame shape changes often accompany changes in hydrodynamic stability because they reposition the heat release and consequently modify the degree of coherent vortex suppression. In this study, laser diagnostics measurements were used to characterize the flow fields and spray patterns corresponding to different flame shapes that were observed in the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) referee combustor. In particular, the flame fluctuated between its original shape, FS1, and a new flame shape, FS2, when the combustor operated on the threshold of LBO. Proper orthogonal decomposition (POD) was used to analyze the measurements. POD showed that the appearance of FS2 coincided with coherent vortex structures that resembled those in the hydrodynamically unstable nonreacting flow field. Furthermore, fuel Mie scattering measurements and phase-averages of the velocity field provided evidence that the FS2 spray was periodically disturbed by a helical vortex. Near the swirler exit, this helical vortex structure involved both outer and inner shear layer vortices that appeared to be synchronized with each other. However, the inner shear layer vortices decayed as the flow progressed downstream and only the outer shear layer vortices remained throughout the measurements' field of view. In contrast, there was no indication of a helical vortex structure in either the flow field or fuel spray measurements corresponding to FS1.
Design Optimization by Virtual Prototyping Using Numerical Simulation to Ensure Thermomechanical Reliability in the Assembly and Interconnection of Electronic Assemblies
Authors: Döring Ralf , Dudek R. , Rzepka S. , Scheiter L. , Noack E. , Seiler B.
Published: December 2022

A methodology is presented that allows the evaluation of the thermomechanical reliability of electronic packages using “virtual prototyping.” Here, a virtual flip chip ball grid array (FC-BGA) is examined in comparison to a reference chip scale package (CSP). The comparison is performed using finite element simulation. A combined measurement-simulation technique is used to calibrate the finite element simulations on a reference object. The adjustment is based on the in-plane deformation field obtained by both simulation and optical measurement. For the latter, an optical sensor is used for in-plane deformation and strain field analysis based on the gray-scale correlation method. The findings obtained can be extrapolated to alternative package types with different but similar design to evaluate their suitability for the desired application before physical fabrication.
Flow State at Impeller Inlet: Optimization of Conical Frustum Section of Elbow Inlet Conduit in Large Low-Lift Pump Station
Authors: Yan Tianxu , Qiu Baoyun , Yuan Jianping , Pavesi Giorgio , Zhao Fangling , Wang Huijie
Published: December 2022

In large low-lift pump stations, the pump assembly comprises an inlet conduit, a pump, and an outlet conduit. A short conical frustum section that connects the elbow section with the impeller inlet directly affects the impeller inflow state, thereby influencing the overall performance. Therefore, investigating the conical frustum section contributes to studying the effect of inflow states on the performances of pump assemblies and similar pumping systems. To improve the pump assembly efficiency, three parameters of the conical frustum section, i.e., the contraction angle, height, and centerline inclination angle, are investigated and optimized via univariate and multivariate analyses. The flow field and external characteristics of the pump assembly are investigated via computational fluid dynamics simulation with a constant head. Furthermore, a comprehensive analysis and discussion of the performance improvement mechanisms are presented. The results indicate that the axial velocity distribution at the impeller inlet conforming to the cascade high-efficiency characteristics will achieve a better pump performance compared with a uniform distribution. The pump efficiency distribution can be predicted and visualized based on the cascade efficiency characteristics and the flow state at the impeller inlet using a machine learning method. In addition, the directions and distribution of the lateral and axial components of the inflow velocities have great impacts on the circulation distribution. A sensible circulation distribution at the guide vane outlet can suppress the entropy production and reduce hydraulic loss of the outlet conduit. In this case, a significant increase in the pump assembly efficiency is obtained.
Stability Characteristics of an Actively Valved Resonant Pulse Combustor
Authors: Zhu Xuren , Lisanti Joel C. , Guiberti Thibault F. , Roberts William L.
Published: December 2022

Resonant pulse combustors, one of the deflagration-based pressure gain combustion devices, can significantly increase thermal efficiency in gas turbine engines. This experimental study investigates the stability characteristics of a newly designed actively valved resonant pulse combustor, capable of sustained operation and meaningful stagnation pressure gain. The resonant pulse combustor was fired with liquid gasoline fuel while ion and pressure sensors captured the temporally resolved heat release and chamber pressure. First, experimental results were used to demonstrate the general operating principle of the combustor. Then, the stability characteristics of the device were investigated through frequency domain analysis of the ion probe and pressure signal traces. A low frequency oscillation (also observed in steady flames and passively valved resonant pulse combustors), was observed as the device was brought near to its blowout limit. Finally, an index was defined to predict the stability characteristics of the resonant pulse combustor by quantifying the competition between low frequency oscillations and combustion-driven resonance. Experimental results demonstrated the ability of this index to provide early prediction of a blowout event for this device.
Lower Extremity Response to Blast Loading: A Computational Study
Authors: Vikram Aman , Chawla Anoop , Mukherjee Sudipto
Published: December 2022

This study has investigated the response of the Total Human Model for Safety (THUMS) lower extremity finite element model under blast loading. Response of the model was estimated in simulated underbody blast (UBB) loading using floorplate impact velocities of increasing severity. Correlation and analysis (CORA) ratings suggested a good match between numerical response and available experimental data. The model response was then investigated in an antipersonnel landmine explosion. The model was found stable in the nearfield blast and sensitive to the threat definition. The lower extremity injury was predicted when detonation occurred below the heel. The model predicted major injuries localized to the hindfoot and midfoot with minimal damage to the forefoot, consistent with the findings in the literature. The damage to the individual bones of the foot was measured in terms of percentage change in mass and element eroded.
Clear speech in Tashlhiyt Berber: The perception of typologically uncommon word-initial contrasts by native and naive listeners
Authors: Zellou Georgia , Lahrouchi Mohamed , Bensoukas Karim
Published: December 2022

Tashlhiyt Berber is known for having typologically unusual word-initial phonological contrasts, specifically, word-initial singleton-geminate minimal pairs (e.g., sin vs ssin) and sequences of consonants that violate the sonority sequencing principle (e.g., non-rising sonority sequences: fsin). The current study investigates the role of a listener-oriented speaking style on the perceptual enhancement of these rarer phonological contrasts. It examines the perception of word-initial singleton, geminate, and complex onsets in Tashlhiyt Berber across clear and casual speaking styles by native and naive listeners. While clear speech boosts the discriminability of pairs containing singleton-initial words for both listener groups, only native listeners performed better in discriminating between initial singleton-geminate contrasts in clear speech. Clear speech did not improve perception for lexical contrasts containing a non-rising-sonority consonant cluster for either listener group. These results are discussed in terms of how clear speech can inform phonological typology and the role of phonetic enhancement in language-universal vs language-specific speech perception.
The Effects of Increasing Trunk Flexion During Stair Ascent on the Rate and Magnitude of Achilles Tendon Force in Asymptomatic Females
Authors: Atkins Lee T. , Lowrey Michael , Reagor Sarah , Walker Kirsten , Cage Dhalston
Published: December 2022

Research indicates that increasing trunk flexion may optimize patellofemoral joint loading. However, this postural change could cause an excessive Achilles tendon force (ATF) and injury risk during movement. This study aimed to examine the effects of increasing trunk flexion during stair ascent on ATF, ankle biomechanics, and vertical ground reaction force in females. Twenty asymptomatic females (age: 23.4 [2.5] y; height: 1.6 [0.8] m; mass: 63.0 [12.2] kg) ascended stairs using their self-selected and flexed trunk postures. Compared with the self-selected trunk condition, decreases were observed for peak ATF (mean differences [MD] = 0.14 N/kg; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.06 to 0.23; Cohen d = −1.2; P = .003), average rate of ATF development (MD = 0.25 N/kg/s; 95% CI, 0.07 to 0.43; Cohen d = −0.9; P = .010), ankle plantar flexion moment (MD = 0.08 N·m/kg; 95% CI, 0.03 to 0.13; Cohen d = −1.1; P = .005), and vertical ground reaction force (MD = 38.6 N/kg; 95% CI, 20.3 to 56.90; Cohen d = −1.8; P < .001). Increasing trunk flexion did not increase ATF. Instead, this postural change was associated with a decreased ATF rate and magnitude and may benefit individuals with painful Achilles tendinopathy.
Hitching a ride in macrophages
Authors: VanHook Annalisa M.
Published: December 2022

Toxoplasma gondii
infection confers a migratory phenotype upon macrophages.
H
2
O
2
-Driven Hydroxylation of Steroids Catalyzed by Cytochrome P450 CYP105D18: Exploration of the Substrate Access Channel
Authors: Pardhe Bashu Dev , Kwon Kyoung Pyo , Park Jong Kook , Lee Jun Hyuck , Oh Tae-Jin
Published: December 2022

The structural modification of steroids is a challenging chemical reaction. Modifying the core ring and the side chain improves the biological activity of steroids.
Virucidal Activities of Acidic Electrolyzed Water Solutions with Different pH Values against Multiple Strains of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Takeda Yohei , Nikaido Masaru , Jamsransuren Dulamjav , Matsuda Sachiko , Ogawa Haruko
Published: December 2022

Acidic electrolyzed water (AEW) demonstrates virucidal activity against multiple viruses. Since AEW exhibits low toxicity, is inexpensive, and is environmentally friendly, it can be a useful disinfectant against severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2).
Staphylococcus aureus
Fibronectin-Binding Proteins Contribute to Colonization of the Female Reproductive Tract
Authors: Lyon Laurie M. , Doran Kelly S. , Horswill Alexander R.
Published: December 2022

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is an opportunistic pathogen and frequent colonizer of human skin and mucosal membranes, including the vagina, with vaginal colonization reaching nearly 25% in some pregnant populations. MRSA vaginal colonization can lead to aerobic vaginitis (AV), and during pregnancy, bacterial ascension into the upper reproductive tract can lead to adverse birth outcomes.
Proteomics Profiling Reveals Regulation of Immune Response to Salmonella enterica Serovar Typhimurium Infection in Mice
Authors: Huang He , Even Zachary , Wang Zhihan , Li Ling , Erickson Alyssa , Golovko Mikhail , Golovko Svetlana , Darland Diane , Mathur Ramkumar , Wang Xusheng
Published: December 2022

Regulation of the immune response to
Salmonella enterica
serovar Typhimurium (
S.
Typhimurium) infection is a complex process, influenced by the interaction between genetic and environmental factors. Different inbred strains of mice exhibit distinct levels of resistance to
S.
Typhimurium infection, ranging from susceptible (e.g., C57BL/6J) to resistant (e.g., DBA/2J) strains. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms contributing to the host response remain elusive.