bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of antipyretics on performance of influenza surveillance in Ghana
Authors: Frimpong Joseph Asamoah , Ampofo William Kwabena , Nyarko Kofi Mensah , Duque Jazmin , Aboagye James , Koram Kwadwo , Widdowson Marc‐Alain
Published: November 2022

Background

The World Health Organization's case definition for influenza‐like illness (ILI) includes a measured temperature of ≥38°C. We conducted this study to assess the effect of antipyretics on performance of ILI surveillance in Ghana.

Methods

A cross‐sectional study was conducted in two districts of Ghana from September 2013 to May 2014. We collected epidemiological data and respiratory specimens from an expanded ILI case definition, which included patients presenting to health facilities with measured temperature ≥38°C or reported fever (but afebrile at the time of evaluation), and cough, with onset in the last 10 days. Specimens were tested for influenza viruses by real time reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction.

Results

Of 321 participants who met our expanded ILI case definition, 236 presented with temperature of <38°C but reported subjective fever. Of these, 17% (39/236) were positive for influenza virus; Of those with fever ≤38°C who took antipyretics, 21%(16/77) were positive for influenza, compared with 14%(23/159) of those who did not take antipyretics. The addition of subjective fever to the standard ILI case definition captured approximately an additional 57% influenza cases but also required testing of approximately four times as many patients. However, including those without fever on presentation that had taken antipyretics found an additional 23% of Influenza cases and only two times as much testing.

Conclusion

Depending on the goals of surveillance (monitoring virus circulation or determining disease burden) and available resources, a more sensitive case definition including subjective fever and history of use of antipyretics may be warranted.
Sm3+‐based single‐band ratiometric thermometer with tunable sensitivity
Authors: Yang Yuanbo , Li Panlai , Zhang Zixuan , Wang Zhijun , Suo Hao , Li Leipeng
Published: November 2022

Rational design of single‐band ratiometric (SBR) thermometers has gained considerable attention over the past 5 years. However, the intensity of the excited state absorption mechanism, which is often involved in SBR thermometry, is not such unsatisfactory. Here, we provide a novel SBR temperature measurement method, depending on Sm3+‐doped calcium tungstate. It has been demonstrated that the charge‐transfer‐ and ground‐state absorption mechanisms have the totally opposite responses to the change of temperature. Relying on these two excitation mechanisms, a sensitive SBR thermometry is proposed. In addition, its relative sensitivity could be modulated flexibly by just adjusting excitation modes. The maximum relative sensitivity is as high as 1.98% per K at 318 K. Our results are expected to provide a reference for more researchers to design optical thermometers.
Origin of the distinction in hardness of lower tungsten carbides: An experimental and ab initio theoretical study
Authors: Deng Chao , Zhong Lisheng , Wang Xianhui , Zhu Jianlei , Peng Jianhong , Hu Xu
Published: November 2022

The so‐called lower tungsten carbides W2C and Fe3W3C often appear in tungsten carbide–reinforced iron matrix (WC–Fe) composites. The effect of their presence on the mechanical properties of the material, such as hardness, is not well understood. In this study, we extensively measured the hardness distribution in the WC–Fe composites and also performed hundreds of microhardness measurements to determine the hardness values for the lower carbides. The hardness values calculated by ab initio were compared, where the theoretical values of Fe3W3C had little difference from the experimental values. However, the experimentally obtained hardness data for W2C were significantly smaller than the reported theoretical data. Moreover, the experimental hardness values for W2C reported in the literatures are very different. To understand the origin of the discrepancy, the focused‐ion‐beam–transmission‐electron‐microscopy technique was used to obtain the high‐resolution images of W2C, which revealed a high density of planar defects. As a further comparison, ab initio molecular dynamics simulations illustrate that the complex interactions between different atomic pairs in Fe3W3C make it difficult for this type of crystal defect to occur. The lattice of W2C can adjust—resulting in shuffle defects and stacking faults—to a certain degree affecting its hardness, which was not revealed in previous studies.
Enhanced high dielectric characteristics tri‐layered structural ceramics for 5G/6G communications
Authors: Huang Zipeng , Qiao Jianli , Sun Niefeng , Chen Chunmei , Wang Yang , Li Lingxia
Published: November 2022

Tri‐layered structural Zn0.997Cu0.003ZrNb2O8–TiO2+ZnO/TiO2+CuO/TiO2–Zn0.997Cu0.003ZrNb2O8 ceramics with different mass fractions of TiO2+ZnO/TiO2+CuO/TiO2 were successfully prepared. The advantages of the multilayered design were completely demonstrated, and the microwave dielectric characteristics were modified by the components of each dielectric layer. In comparison to the random distribution‐type, Zn0.997Cu0.003ZrNb2O8@TiO2+ZnO, this tri‐layered construction could increase the Q f value by approximately 100%. Meanwhile, based on the electronic compensation mechanisms, the Q f value of the tri‐layered structural ceramics with TiO2‐doped interlayer can be increased by nearly 20% compared with that of the pure TiO2 interlayer. The Zn0.997Cu0.003ZrNb2O8–TiO2+ZnO–Zn0.997Cu0.003ZrNb2O8 tri‐layered ceramic exhibited excellent dielectric characteristics ( = 33.75, Q ×  f = 59 000 GHz, and  = +2.27 ppm/°C) with 0.05 wt% TiO2+ZnO sintered at 1240°C for 6 h, and the integrated optimization of microwave dielectric characteristics was achieved. This article provides a strategy for the synthesis of high‐performance microwave dielectric components for application in 5G/6G wireless communication technologies.
Effect of Al2O3 addition on the thermal expansion of sodium alkaline‐earth silicate glasses: A molecular dynamics study
Authors: Urata Shingo , Kado Rikiya
Published: November 2022

Coefficient of thermal expansion (CTE) is an important property to consider when utilizing oxide glasses in thermal treatment processes to avoid thermal damage at the interfaces of the glasses with heterogeneous materials. It is thus important to know the effect of additives on CTE for designing glasses. The use of alumina efficiently improves chemical and mechanical durability of oxide glasses while maintaining the functionality and productivity; however, alumina‐doping often induces nonlinear variation of CTE. In this work, we therefore tried to investigate the relationship between CTE and the microstructure of sodium alkaline‐earth aluminosilicate glasses using classical molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. To accurately model the glasses, we extended a force‐matching potential by optimizing the parameter sets for Ca–O, Mg–O, and Na–O pair interactions using Bayesian optimization. The MD simulations reproduced the nonlinear variation of CTE as a function of alumina content, and detailed structural analyses identified inhomogeneous expansion in the glasses. It was found that the nonuniform CTE change at the nanoscale was related to the formation of an alumina‐rich region, in which more fivefold‐coordinated aluminum exist, when alumina content exceeded Na2O content. Accordingly, the microstructural change by alumina‐doping was identified as the origin of the nonlinear variation in the CTE of the glasses.
The correlation of the scattering coefficient and morphology‐based microstructure in yttria‐stabilized zirconia coatings
Authors: Wang Yao , Hsu Pei‐Feng
Published: November 2022

The microstructure dependence of thermal radiative properties is critically needed to the design and operation of the thermal barrier coating systems. In this study, different yttria‐stabilized zirconia coating layers are fabricated by air plasma spray with three average porosities 5.9%, 14.5%, and 23.3% at coating thickness from 283 to 955 µm. The room‐temperature, spectral directional–hemispherical transmittance, and reflectance are measured over the wavelength range from 1.35 to 2.5 µm. The radiative properties of absorption and scattering coefficients are reduced by using a hybrid method of the discrete ordinate method and the Kubelka–Munk four‐flux method. Using the image processing tools developed in‐house, the porosity and pore size distribution (PSD) are obtained from SEM images for each coating. A numerical algorithm is used to convert the two‐dimensional PSD into a three‐dimensional PSD assuming that all pores are spheroid. The scattering coefficient is directly computed by the Mie theory based on the PSD. The new approach provides a predictive model of radiative properties based on the PSD, which is extracted from the coating cross‐section images. Comparison of radiative properties obtained by the direct Mie theory computation and those obtained by the reduction from spectral measurement is made and discrepancy is discussed.
‘Feeling down one evening doesn't count as having mental health problems’—Swedish adolescents' conceptual views of mental health
Authors: Hermann Veronica , Durbeej Natalie , Karlsson Ann‐Christin , Sarkadi Anna
Published: November 2022

Aims

To explore Swedish adolescents' conceptual views of mental health and mental health problems.

Design

A qualitative descriptive study design.

Methods

Semi‐structured focus group interviews and individual interviews were conducted with, in total, 32 Swedish adolescents (15–18 years old) in October–November 2020. Data were analysed using systematic text condensation.

Results

Three themes were identified through the analysis: Mental health is about how we feel; One's mental health depends on one's situation, thoughts and ways of coping; and Mental health problems should be taken seriously and can get severe.

Conclusion

The results indicate that adolescents understand the complexity and holistic nature of mental health and mental health problems. According to the participating adolescents, positive mental health and mental health problems should be considered simultaneously to understand a young person's mental health state. Good health was described as having both absence of mental health problems and high levels of well‐being: feeling well. Mental health problems were defined as something other than normal difficulties in life, but ranging from minor difficulties to more severe conditions. However, all kinds of mental health problems were termed as feeling unwell. The results suggest that adolescents are in need of support to cope with normal difficulties in life rather than lectures about life sometimes being challenging. In addition, the results highlight the need to prevent school‐related stress and offer adolescents support for minor mental health problems.

Impact

The findings have implications for nurses and other professionals who encounter adolescents in their profession, for example specialist nurses, school nurses and public health professionals. The findings add knowledge that could be useful for communication with adolescents about their mental health and methods to assess their mental health status.

Patient or Public Contribution

The preliminary results were presented to three classes, in year nine in lower secondary school, for validation.
Mathematical modeling of Bacillus cereus in Saengsik, a powdered ready‐to‐eat food and its application in quantitative microbial risk assessment
Authors: Hwang Daekeun , Park Jin Hwa , Yoon Yohan , Ha Sang‐Do , Rhee Min Suk , Koo Minseon , Kim Hyun Jung
Published: November 2022

In this study, we developed a mathematical model to describe the fate of Bacillus cereus in Saengsik, a powdered ready‐to‐eat food with reduced moisture content, and to estimate the probability of B. cereus infection from Saengsik consumption, using quantitative microbial risk assessment (QMRA). The isothermal kinetic behavior of B. cereus was analyzed as a function of temperature (5–40°C). Bacterial cell counts were fitted to the Weibull model using GinaFit, and the obtained delta values (required time for the first decimal reduction) for each temperature were 128.3–17,124.1 hr and concave (ρ < 1) were observed under all experimental conditions. The obtained delta values were analyzed using the Davey model as a function of temperature, and the performance of the developed model of survival of B. cereus was appropriate based on the validation parameters (Bf, Af, and RMSE) within the acceptable range. QMRA model was developed using data on the prevalence and concentration of B. cereus along with time and temperature along the retail‐to‐consumer steps. Using a baseline model with the currently available data, the probability of B. cereus infection was zero. These results provide useful information for the risk assessment and management of microbial risk in foods, especially those with very low‐moisture content.
Primary renal neuroendocrine neoplasms: A systematic literature review, report of four local cases, and original survival analysis of 63 patients from a national registry 2012–2018
Authors: Paisey Sangeeta A. , Weerasuriya Scott , Palmer Kieran , White Benjamin E. , Srirajaskanthan Rajaventhan , Chandrakumaran Kandiah , Ramage John K.
Published: November 2022

Primary renal neuroendocrine neoplasms (NEN) are rare. We aimed to conduct a systematic review, present local cases, and analyse data from the England's National Cancer Registration and Analysis Service (NCRAS) to provide comprehensive evidence on clinical experience, incidence, and survival to better characterize these tumours. First, a systematic review using the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) method; second, a synthesis of local cases; and, finally, a retrospective population‐based cohort analysis of renal NEN recorded between 2012 and 2018 on NCRAS were performed. Kaplan–Meier estimator was used to calculate overall survival and Cox proportional hazard regression to identify prognostic factors. Systematic review identified 48 articles and the evidence was summarized and presented. We reported data from four local cases presenting with abdominal and back pain but without carcinoid syndrome. In population‐based analysis, we identified 63 cases of renal NEN between 2012 and 2018 from the registry. Age‐standardized incidence was 0.09–0.32 per million with a median age of 64 years (interquartile range = 48–72 years). Survival was worse in males and those aged 64 years and over. Five‐year survival for renal neuroendocrine tumours (NET) was 69.8% (95% confidence interval = 66.6–72.7) and neuroendocrine carcinomas (NEC) was 38.4% (95% confidence interval = 34.6–42.0). No independent predictive factor was identified in the multivariable analyses. We have given a systematic review of evidence, published local experience, and reported incidence and survival of renal NEN in England for the first time. We have provided clinicians with evidence on diagnosis and proposed a treatment algorithm of theses rare tumours. The incidence and median age of presentation in England is similar to other published series. Renal NET has better survival than renal NEC as expected. A uniform classification system would reduce inconsistencies in reporting and standardize treatment decisions for this neoplasia.
Home care nursing practice for older persons with heart failure living at home
Authors: Bjornsdottir Kristin , Ceci Christine
Published: November 2022

Aims and Objectives

To enhance knowledge of how older people with heart failure, living at home, manage their illness with the support of their family caregivers and home care nursing services.

Background

Heart failure monitoring and self‐care have been important means of reducing the serious impact of heart failure. Drawing on theories of practice as enacted and conceptualising service users and their family caregivers as active, the idea of attunement was used to explore how home care nurses work in supporting them.

Design

Ethnographic case study.

Method

Data collection involved home visits and interviews (10 home care users, 10 caregivers, five home care team leaders). Data were field‐notes and transcribed interviews. Themes were deductively developed from the findings, informed by the theoretical background, using content analysis. The COREQ checklist was used.

Findings

Three themes were developed from the data: (1) Practices of attunement in relations, (2) Becoming among difficulties and (3) Off track—difficult to attune around self‐care.

Conclusions

The findings reflect the complexity of heart failure monitoring at home, showing how, in addition to self‐care measures, users are supported by an array of informal and formal care. The caregiving situation is shaped by relations among participants and involves making oneself available to the situation. We suggest a stance of attunement for home care nurses, which demands tact and calls for interest, engagement and openness.

Relevance to Clinical Practice

Study findings caution against limiting heart failure monitoring to circumscribed tasks, instead calling for a holistic understanding of what may be helpful for users. Home care nurses need time to attune with users living with heart failure and their caregivers to prevent exacerbations and promote well‐being.

No Patient or Public Contribution

Although patients were not formally involved in study design ethnography favours their voice.
On the connectedness of commodity markets: A critical and selective survey of empirical studies and bibliometric analysis
Authors: Balcilar Mehmet , Usman Ojonugwa , Agan Busra
Published: November 2022

The low correlation between commodities and traditional assets, particularly after the crash of the equity market in the year 2000, is seemingly a major factor influencing global investors' appetite to embrace commodities as a profitable alternative financial asset. In this paper, we critically and selectively provide the knowledge map of the connectedness of commodity markets based on the scientific articles published on the Web of Science (WoS). In doing this, we group the literature survey based on notable commodity markets and provide an overview of the empirical literature based on single‐ and cross‐commodity markets. The key finding of the literature survey is that there is connectedness within and across commodity markets, with evidence of time variations triggered largely by global financial crises. In addition, from 144 articles over the last two decades (1990–2021), significant conceptual clusters and networks arise, which suggest a close density of networks in terms of the keyword clusters, keyword plus co‐occurrences, country collaborations, and journal co‐citations. Furthermore, there are significant conceptual clusters that cover the association of connectedness type, commodity market, type of statistical analysis, association of major energy shocks, futures market, co‐movement, and association of transmission in stock and gold markets. Our analysis, therefore, suggests, among other things, the need for future research to analyze the pricing of pollution credits as the newest commodity market. This helps economic actors, investors, and policymakers have a better understanding of the dynamic behavior of commodity prices.
Transanal total mesorectal excision for primary rectovaginal carcinosarcoma: A case report and literature review
Authors: Onishi Takuto , Amano Tsukuru , Miyake Toru , Nakamura Akiko , Yoneoka Yutaka , Nisimura Hiroki , Tsuji Shunichiro , Tani Masaji , Murakami Takashi
Published: November 2022

We report a case of rectovaginal septum carcinosarcoma successfully treated with surgical excision via transanal total mesorectal excision following platinum‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy. A 48‐year‐old woman presented with a 3‐week defecation pain preceding the visit. Pelvic imaging showed an 8‐cm sized lesion in the lower rectovaginal septum. Transvaginal biopsy and immunohistochemical analysis were performed. After three courses of carboplatin‐paclitaxel‐bevacizumab therapy, the mass reduced by half. Subsequently, laparoscopic excision with transanal total mesorectal excision, and radical hysterectomy were performed. The anus was preserved, and dysuria improved within a month. The final histopathological diagnosis was carcinosarcoma of the rectovaginal septum from an uncertain origin, presumably endometriotic or mesonephric. Twelve months following surgery, solitary liver metastasis was confirmed; however, there was no evidence of local recurrence. Total mesorectal excision following platinum‐based neoadjuvant chemotherapy may be an ideal treatment for gynecological malignancies in the rectovaginal septum, especially for large tumors localized deep into the pelvis.
Parenting stress and attachment insecurity in young adulthood: A social relations model
Authors: An Danming , Jager Justin , Putnick Diane L. , Bornstein Marc H.
Published: November 2022

Objective

We used the Social Relations Model to inspect the individual‐ and dyad‐specific components of attachment among young adults and their parents, and examined the relationship between these components and parenting stress.

Background

Young adulthood is a transitional period in which the whole family is concerned with “launching” the young adult and exploring new ways to interact with and attach to one another. However, research on young adulthood attachment has primarily focused on young adults' attachment style rather than reciprocal attachments among family members.

Method

When the young adults were age 23, mothers, fathers, and young adults from 156 families reported their mutual attachment security. At ages 18 and 23, parents of the adolescent/young adult reported their parenting stress in interparental and parent–child relationship domains.

Results

Attachment in the families of young adults can be separated into three components: (1) actor effects (each family member's internal working model of attachment), (2) partner effects (characteristics of each family member as an attachment figure), and (3) relationship effects (dyad‐specific attachment between family members). Increase in parenting stress in a family subsystem (dyad of family members) predicted attachment insecurity within the subsystem. Additionally, compensatory effects across family subsystems were observed.

Conclusion

Attachment in the family during young adulthood is explained by family members' own characteristics as well as dyad‐specific interactions and is predicted by parenting stress in family subsystems.
Comparison of the histopathological characteristics of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible, chronic suppurative osteomyelitis, and craniofacial fibrous dysplasia
Authors: Jia Kuankuan , Zhang Jianyun , Li Tiejun , Zhang Yi , An Jingang
Published: November 2022

Background

There are relatively few reports on the histopathological characteristics of diffuse sclerosing osteomyelitis of the mandible (DSOM), which is difficult to distinguish from chronic suppurative osteomyelitis (CSO) and craniofacial fibrous dysplasia (CFD). This study aimed to summarize and compare the histopathological characteristics of DSOM, CFD, and CSO.

Materials and Methods

In this study, hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections of patients with DSOM, CSO, and CFD at the Peking University Hospital of Stomatology from 2015 to 2020 were retrieved. The histopathological characteristics were summarized, including new bone formation, inflammatory cell infiltration, bone trabecular morphology, osteoclasts, sequestrum, bacterial mass, and calcified spherules, similar to cementicles. The histopathological characteristics of DSOM, CSO, and CFD were compared, and the results were statistically analyzed.

Results

In total, 50, 13, and 10 patients with DSOM, CSO, and CFD were included in this study, respectively. In terms of new bone formation, both DSOM and CSO showed reactive bone formation (p = 1), whereas CFD mainly showed fiber osteogenesis (p < 0.001). The inflammatory cells of DSOM were mainly lymphocytes and plasma cells, whereas those of CSO were mainly lymphocytes and neutrophils (p < 0.001), and there was usually no inflammatory cell infiltration in the CFD specimens (p < 0.001). DSOM, CSO, and CFD showed irregular bone trabeculae (p = 0.045, p = 0.703) and active osteoclasts (p1 = 0.189, p2 = 0.256). DSOM showed a small amount of bacterial mass but no sequestrum; neither of which was found in CFD (p = 1, p = 1), but it was common in CSO (p = 0.011 and p = 0.025). DSOM and CSO showed smooth and regular basophilic lines (p = 0.308), whereas CFD showed a rough and irregular basophilic line (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The histopathological characteristics of the three diseases were partly similar, but there were evident differences. The main differences are the type of new bone formation, types and distribution of inflammatory cells, and presence of sequestrum and bacterial masses. These differences will help clinicians diagnose DSOM.
Perceived School Fairness and Willingness to Report Bias‐Based Bullying Among Youth During COVID‐19 Pandemic
Authors: Kim Isak , Burgess Deanna , Chatters Seria Shia
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

As COVID‐19 has let many students into remote learning environments and exacerbated inequality among marginalized individuals, there is a growing concern about Bias‐Based Bullying (BBB) in online spaces among school‐aged youths. Learning modality and perceived school fairness may affect youth's likelihood of reporting BBB.

METHODS

Data were collected as part of “No Place For Hate” (NPFH) project, which was conducted by an equity office of a school district. A sample of middle and high school students (N = 1117) in the school district was used as an analytic sample. We conducted a series of independent samples t tests and calculated a hierarchical stepwise multivariate regression model to examine the proposition.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that students in fully remote modality reported slightly higher levels of witnessing BBB (t = 2.29, p < .05), lower perceived school fairness (t = −2.94, p < .01), and higher levels of likelihood of reporting BBB (t = 2.31, p < .05). Results of the regression model showed that perceived school fairness was positively associated with likelihood of reporting BBB, even when considering the influences of sociodemographic characteristics, learning modality, and experience of witnessing BBB.

CONCLUSIONS

Findings of this study suggest that learning modality and perceived school fairness can meaningfully explain witnesses' likelihood of reporting BBB. Additional research should continue investigating how schools can encourage students to increase their likelihood of reporting and adopt the bystander response of reporting against BBB at school to ensure school health and safety.
Survey of New Jersey K‐12 Professionals on Work‐Based Learning During COVID‐19: A Preliminary Study and Future Implications
Authors: Campbell Maryanne L. , Shendell Derek G.
Published: November 2022

BACKGROUND

The New Jersey Safe Schools Program (NJSS) offers an online professional development certification course, titled “Designing and Implementing Student Training Plans,” for NJ high school (HS) teachers developing secondary school student work‐based learning (WBL) programs. WBL provides students opportunities to engage in career‐related field tasks, aligned to curricular instruction.

METHODS

In January‐July 2021, during 7 cohorts of trainings, questions in the training's assignment gauged teacher and student concerns regarding worksite placements during the COVID‐19 pandemic, learning delivery format preferences, and alternative activities for WBL credit.

RESULTS

In January‐July 2021, 68 of 134 HS teachers (51%) were concerned placing students in WBL and indicated “no” and “I don't know” (37% and 31%, respectively) about employer willingness to offer virtual mentorship during the pandemic.

CONCLUSIONS

This preliminary study presents insights of newly credentialed WBL supervisory HS teachers regarding impacts of COVID‐19 on student health and workplace safety, preferred WBL formats, and potential implementation of COVID‐19 safety trainings.
More and bigger lizards reside on islands with more resources
Authors: Stadler S. R. , Brock K. M. , Bednekoff P. A. , Foufopoulos J.
Published: November 2022

While global patterns in body size evolution in island vertebrates have been described extensively, the ecological processes that generate these patterns are not well understood. Here we used variation among lizard populations occupying an archipelago to test hypotheses about body size evolution. We examined 35 populations of Aegean wall lizards (Podarcis erhardii, Lacertidae), a species widely distributed across the Balkan mainland and hundreds of Aegean islands. We evaluated measures of resource availability (island area and seabird density), intraspecific competition (lizard abundance) and predation risk (presence of rats, carnivorous mammals, vipers, and birds of prey) as possible factors affecting lizard body size. Lizard body size increased with island size overall, as well as with seabird colony density, suggesting a role for increased food resources and especially seabird subsidies in the evolution of body size. Lizards were larger where lizard population density was higher, suggesting a possible role for intraspecific competition in the evolution of body size. In our sample, rats, carnivorous mammals, and vipers did not have obvious effects on lizard body size, and lizards were smaller on islands with resident birds of prey. Males were larger than females on average, yet sexual dimorphism did not vary consistently with measures of resource availability and competition. Overall, our results suggest that local resource levels predict population density and body size in these lizards, and that nesting seabirds in particular can substantially affect lizard body size.
Definitions, phenotypes, and subphenotypes in acute kidney injury—Moving towards precision medicine
Authors: Rodrigues Camila Eleuterio , Endre Zoltán H.
Published: November 2022

The current definition of acute kidney injury (AKI) is generic and, based only on markers of function, is unsuitable for guiding individualized treatment. AKI is a complex syndrome with multiple presentations and causes. Targeted AKI management will only be possible if different phenotypes and subphenotypes of AKI are recognised, based on causation and related pathophysiology. Molecular signatures to identify subphenotypes are being recognised, as specific biomarkers reveal activated pathways. Assessment of individual clinical risk needs wider dissemination to allow identification of patients at high risk of AKI. New and more timely markers for glomerular filtration rate (GFR) are available. However, AKI diagnosis and classification should not be limited to GFR, but include tubular function and damage. Combining damage and stress biomarkers with functional markers enhances risk prediction, and identifies a population enriched for clinical trials targeting AKI. We review novel developments and aim to encourage implementation of these new techniques into clinical practice as a strategy for individualizing AKI treatment akin to a precision medicine‐based approach.
Incidence, prevalence and risk factors of delirium in ICU patients: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Wu Nan‐Nan , Zhang Ya‐Bin , Wang Shu‐Yun , Zhao Yu‐Hua , Zhong Xue‐Mei
Published: November 2022

Background

Delirium is one of the most common problems in intensive care units (ICU), and it has a detrimental influence on the patients' health. Estimating the prevalence of delirium in ICU patients and understanding the risk factors for delirium are crucial tasks.

Aim

To offer empirical support for early detection of the risk of delirium in ICU patients, we conducted a systematic review and meta‐analysis to analyse the incidence, prevalence and risk factors of delirium in ICU patients.

Study Design

From inception to 19th December 2021, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database (CNKI), Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Database (CBM) and Weipu Database (VIP) were searched for inclusion to the study. The quality of the included studies was assessed by two investigators independently. The outcomes of the meta‐analysis, which was conducted using the Stata 12.0 software, were reported using odds ratios (OR) and 95 percent confidence intervals (CI). Heterogeneity was determined using the I2 statistic.

Results

In this meta‐analysis, 51 studies with a total of 39 076 patients were evaluated. The incidence and prevalence of delirium in ICU patients were 31 per 1000 and 33%, respectively. A total of 28 risk factors were identified. Of these 28 risk factors, the top five modifiable risk factors were pain (OR = 19.74, 95% CI [8.86–30.61]), use of physical restraints (OR = 15.46, 95% CI [3.68–27.25]), respiratory diseases (OR = 14.3, 95% CaI [8.42–20.19]), sleep deprivation (OR = 9.4, 95% CI [6.8–12.1]) and surgery (OR = 8.98, 95% CI [7–15.27]). Non‐modifiable risk factors included age (OR = 1.06, 95% CI[1.04, 1.07]) and gender (OR = 1.45, 95% CI[1.13, 1.77]). Of these 51 studies included in this analysis, 30 studies were shown with a low risk of bias while 21 studies were shown with a moderate risk of bias. Our results also demonstrated that 21 studies and 30 studies with intermediate methodological quality and low methodological quality respectively.

Conclusion

Delirium was shown to be prevalent among ICU patients. There are 28 risk factors for delirium that we discovered. These risk factors can assist physicians, nurses and other health care professionals prevent delirium in ICU patients.

Relevance to practice

Delirium in ICU patients can potentially be prevented through appropriate prevention strategies by intensive care staff.
The IPTA Nashville consensus conference on post‐transplant lymphoproliferative disorders after solid organ transplantation in children: I—Methodology for the development of consensus practice guidelines
Authors: Wilkinson James D. , Allen Upton , Green Michael , Dipchand Anne I. , Dharnidharka Vikas R. , Esquivel Carlos O. , Maecker‐Kolhoff Britta , Preiksaitis Jutta , Swerdlow Steven H. , Webber Steven A. ,   IPTA Pediatric PTLD Consensus Guidelines Conference
Published: November 2022

The International Pediatric Transplant Association (IPTA) Consensus Conference on Practice Guidelines for the Diagnosis, Prevention, and Management of Post‐Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorders after Solid Organ Transplantation in Children took place on March 12–13, 2019, and the work of conference members continued until the end of December 2021. The goal was to produce evidence‐based consensus guidelines on the definitions, diagnosis, prevention, and management of PTLD and related disorders based on the critical review of the literature and consensus of experts. This report describes the goals, organization, and methodology of the consensus conference and follow‐up activities. The results of each working group (Definitions, Prevention, Management, and Epstein–Barr viral [EBV] load/Biomarker Monitoring) are presented in separate manuscripts within this volume of Pediatric Transplantation.
Food safety in the aging population: Qualitative findings on what to communicate and how
Authors: Berger Natalie , Koch Severine , Jungnickel Katrin , Böl Gaby‐Fleur
Published: November 2022

The present study investigated older adults’ risk perception, beliefs, and self‐perception in the field of kitchen hygiene and food safety. A qualitative study with semi‐structured focus groups was conducted. A total of 37 older adults (60–80 years of age) from Germany participated in four focus groups that were stratified by gender. Focus groups covered older adults’ food‐handling practices, their perceptions of vulnerability, and their informational needs in the field of food safety. A thematic analysis approach was adopted. The coding categories and subcategories were developed inductively by the researchers based on the data. The coded data were then used to identify overarching themes and subthemes. Main results showed that older adults had confidence in their knowledge and skills with regard to food safety, perceived their post‐war generation overall to be resistant and other so‐called at‐risk groups to be more vulnerable. Moreover, they expressed low informational needs in the area of food safety. The results suggest that age‐specific aspects play a role in older adults’ risk perception and highlight the need to develop age‐specific risk communication strategies that take into account older adults’ beliefs, knowledge, and informational needs.
Help‐seeking among psychiatrically hospitalized military personnel at risk for suicide
Authors: Novak Laura A. , LaCroix Jessica M. , Perera Kanchana U. , Stivers Max , Schvey Natasha A. , Goodie Jeffrey L. , Olsen Cara , Sbrocco Tracy , Goldston David B. , Soumoff Alyssa , Weaver Jennifer , Ghahramanlou‐Holloway Marjan
Published: November 2022

Introduction

Promoting help‐seeking is a key suicide prevention strategy. Yet, research on help‐seeking patterns by high‐risk individuals is limited. This study examined help‐seeking among United States military Service members admitted for psychiatric inpatient care.

Methods

Participants were active duty Service members (N = 111) psychiatrically hospitalized for a suicide‐related event. Data were collected as part of a larger randomized controlled trial. Reported types and perceived helpfulness of resources sought 30 days before hospitalization were examined. Hierarchical binary logistic regressions were used to examine associations among types of helping resources, mental health treatment stigma, and perceived social support.

Results

Approximately 90% of participants sought help prior to hospitalization, most frequently from behavioral health providers and friends. Accessed resources were generally considered helpful. Adjusting for covariates, mental health treatment stigma was not associated with seeking help from any resource type. Higher perceived social support was associated with greater likelihood of help‐seeking from a friend (OR = 1.08, p = 0.013 [95% CI = 1.02, 1.14]). Marital status, education level, and organizational barriers were associated with specific types of resources, and/or not seeking help.

Conclusion

Help‐seeking is a complex human behavior. Promoting help‐seeking among vulnerable subgroups requires further understanding of multiple interconnected factors.
Crustal density structure and flexure mechanism of the Tarim Basin, China, constrained by latest in situ gravity observations
Authors: Liu Daiqin , Wang Zhenyu , Fu Guangyu , Liang Xiaofeng , Yao Yuan , Hu Yan , Li Jie
Published: November 2022

The crustal density structure in the Tarim Basin, NW China in response to the plate flexure is so far poorly constrained. We present new insights into the crustal density structure of the Tarim Basin using gravity/GNSS data from 728 mobile stations. The results suggest that the basin is not a uniform unit but spliced by at least two independent blocks. The high Bouguer gravity anomaly to the middle‐south basin corresponds to convex crustal strata. Basing on the results of flexure analysis, we conclude that the crustal lithosphere beneath the Tarim Basin might have been suffered from the upwelling intrusion of deep material that weakened the strength and made the structure convex‐upward, and subsequently deformed under the vertical and horizontal loading.
Platelet transfusion practice pattern before and after implementation of a local restrictive transfusion protocol in a neonatal intensive care unit
Authors: Zabeida Alexandra , Chartrand Lily , Lacroix Jacques , Villeneuve Andréanne
Published: November 2022

Background

Following the results of the PlaNeT‐2 randomized controlled trial showing decreased morbidity and mortality in neonates transfused at a threshold of 25 versus 50 × 109 platelets/L, a protocol supporting restrictive platelet transfusions was established in 2019 at the Sainte‐Justine Hospital neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). This study aimed to: (1) determine the impact of a local restrictive transfusion protocol on the number of platelet transfusions and donor exposure; (2) compare platelet‐transfusion determinants and justifications before and after its implementation.

Study design and methods

Prospective observational cohort chart‐review study comparing all neonates consecutively admitted to the NICU during two 5‐months periods: 2013 (before; N = 401) versus 2021 (after; N = 402). Possible determinants were assessed via logistic regressions and justifications via a questionnaire.

Results

Mean (± standard deviation) gestational age and birth weight were 34.9 ± 4.2 weeks and 2.5 ± 1.0 kg, respectively. In 2021, 5.0% were platelet‐transfused versus 9.2% in 2013 (p = .027). Platelet transfusions decreased from a mean of 2.6 ± 1.7 in 2013 to 1.4 ± 0.7 in 2021 (p = .045). Adherence to protocol thresholds was of 70%. After protocol implementation, no infant received ≥4 platelet transfusions nor was exposed to ≥4 donors, compared to 29.7% and 21.6%, respectively, in 2013. Platelet transfusion justifications and determinants remained similar, except for severe intraventricular hemorrhage being an additional determinant in 2021.

Discussion

Restrictive local transfusion thresholds in a NICU decreased the proportion of platelet‐transfused neonates by 46% and reduced donor exposure in transfused patients.
Exercise‐induced changes to the human gut microbiota and implications for colorectal cancer: a narrative review
Authors: Boytar Alexander N. , Nitert Marloes Dekker , Morrision Mark , Skinner Tina L. , Jenkins David G.
Published: November 2022

Physical activity is associated with reduced risks of colorectal cancer (CRC) incidence, recurrence and mortality. While these findings are consistent, the mechanism/s underlying this association remain unclear. Growing evidence supports the many ways in which differing characteristics of the gut microbiota can be tumourigenic or protective against CRC. CRC is characterised by significant dysbiosis including reduced short chain fatty acid‐producing bacteria. Recent findings suggest that exercise can modify the gut microbiota, and these changes are inverse to the changes seen with CRC; however, this exercise‐microbiota interaction is currently understudied in CRC. This review summarises parallel areas of research that are rapidly developing: The exercise–gut microbiota research and cancer–gut microbiota research and highlights the salient similarities. Preliminary evidence suggests that these areas are linked, with exercise mediating changes that promote the antitumorigenic characteristics of the gut microbiota. Future mechanistic and population‐specific studies are warranted to confirm the physiological mechanism/s by which exercise changes the gut microbiota, and the influence of the exercise–gut interaction on cancer specific outcomes in CRC.

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Muscle glycogen unavailability and fat oxidation rate during exercise: Insights from McArdle disease
Authors: Rodriguez‐Lopez Carlos , Santalla Alfredo , Valenzuela Pedro. L , Real‐Martínez Alberto , Villarreal‐Salazar Mónica , Rodriguez‐Gomez Irene , Pinós Tomàs , Ara Ignacio , Lucia Alejandro
Published: November 2022

Carbohydrate availability affects fat metabolism during exercise; however, the effects of complete muscle glycogen unavailability on maximal fat oxidation (MFO) rate remain unknown. Our purpose was to examine the MFO rate in patients with McArdle disease, comprising an inherited condition caused by complete blockade of muscle glycogen metabolism, compared to healthy controls. Nine patients (three women, aged 36 ± 12 years) and 12 healthy controls (four women, aged 40 ± 13 years) were studied. Several molecular markers of lipid transport/metabolism were also determined in skeletal muscle (gastrocnemius) and white adipose tissue of McArdle (Pygm p.50R*/p.50R*) and wild‐type male mice. Peak oxygen uptake (), MFO rate, the exercise intensity eliciting MFO rate (FATmax) and the MFO rate‐associated workload were determined by indirect calorimetry during an incremental cycle‐ergometer test. Despite having a much lower (24.7 ± 4 vs. 42.5 ± 11.4 mL kg−1 min−1, respectively; P < 0.0001), patients showed considerably higher values for the MFO rate (0.53 ± 0.12 vs. 0.33 ± 0.10 g min−1, P = 0.001), and for the FATmax (94.4 ± 7.2 vs. 41.3 ± 9.1 % of , P < 0.0001) and MFO rate‐associated workload (1.33 ± 0.35 vs. 0.81 ± 0.54 W kg−1, P = 0.020) than controls. No between‐group differences were found overall in molecular markers of lipid transport/metabolism in mice. In summary, patients with McArdle disease show an exceptionally high MFO rate, which they attained at near‐maximal exercise capacity. Pending more mechanistic explanations, these findings support the influence of glycogen availability on MFO rate and suggest that these patients develop a unique fat oxidation capacity, possibly as an adaptation to compensate for the inherited blockade in glycogen metabolism, and point to MFO rate as a potential limiting factor of exercise tolerance in this disease.

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Key points

Physically active McArdle patients show an exceptional fat oxidation capacity.

Maximal fat oxidation rate occurs near‐maximal exercise capacity in these patients.

McArdle patients’ exercise tolerance might rely on maximal fat oxidation rate capacity.

Hyperpnoea might cloud substrate oxidation measurements in some patients.

An animal model revealed overall no higher molecular markers of lipid transport/metabolism.
Ice Slurry Ingestion Lowers Thermoregulatory Strain in Wheelchair Tennis Players During Repeated Sprint Intervals in the Heat
Authors: Stephenson Ben T. , O’Brien Thomas J. , Hutchinson Michael J. , D’Angeli Christina , Cockram Alex , Mason Barry S. , Goosey-Tolfrey Victoria L.
Published: November 2022

Purpose: To examine the efficacy of per-cooling via ice slurry ingestion (ICE) in wheelchair tennis players exercising in the heat. Method: Eight wheelchair tennis players undertook sprints (4 sets of 10 × 5 s over 40 min) in a hot environment (∼32 °C), interspersed by 3 boluses of 2.67 g·kg (6.8 g·kg total) ICE or drinking temperate water (control condition). Athletes performed an on-court test of repeated sprint ability (20 × 20 m) in temperate conditions immediately before and 20 minutes after the heat exposure, and time to complete each sprint as well as intermediate times were recorded. Gastrointestinal and weighted mean skin and forehead temperatures were collected throughout the heat exposure, as were thermal sensation, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration. Sweat rate was calculated from body mass changes and fluid/ice intakes. Results: Compared with the control condition, ICE resulted in a significantly lower gastrointestinal temperature (95% CI, 0.11–0.17 °C; P < .001), forehead temperature (0.58–1.06 °C; P < .001), thermal sensation (0.07–0.50 units; P = .017), and sweat rate (0.06–0.46 L·h−1; P = .017). Skin temperature, heart rate, and blood lactate concentration were not significantly different between conditions (P ≥ .598). There was no overall change preheating to postheating (P ≥ .114) or an effect of condition (P ≥ .251) on repeated sprint times. Conclusions: ICE is effective at lowering objective and subjective thermal strain when consumed between sets of repeated wheelchair sprints in the heat. However, ICE has no effect on on-court repeated 20-m sprint performance.