bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Los modelos urbanos CIAM en las universidades colombianas, 1945-1960
Authors: Botti Giaime
Published: April 2022

Este artículo examina la introducción y la difusión de los modelos y las teorías CIAM en las facultades de arquitectura de las universidades colombianas desde las primeras experimentaciones en Bogotá –legibles en paralelo a unos proyectos urbanos de arquitectos formados fuera de Colombia– hasta la llegada de los “expertos” internacionales –Le Corbusier, Sert, Wiener and Breuer– quienes a través de sus actividad ayudaron a definir el marco para la difusión y consolidación de las practicas CIAM en las universidades. Basándose en fuentes de archivo y hemerográficas, este articulo documenta un variado corpus de proyectos de estudiantes que muestran una clara asimilación de los principios (zoning funcional, separación de tráfico), instrumentos (Grille) y conceptos (Centro cívico, Unidad vecinal) elaborados por los CIAM. Una mirada más cercana, sin embargo, prueba que esta recepción tomó las formas de un “undiluted borrowing” (Stephen Ward), una rápida pero acrítica asimilación de ciertos elementos, en este texto etiquetados como “ortodoxamente” CIAM, mientras las posiciones críticas al interior de los mismos Congresos, como las del Team X, pasaron básicamente inadvertidas en Colombia.
An overview of array invariant for source-range estimation in shallow water
Authors: Song H. C. , Byun Gihoon
Published: April 2022

Traditional matched-field processing (MFP) refers to array processing algorithms, which fully exploit the physics of wave propagation to localize underwater acoustic sources. As a generalization of plane wave beamforming, the “steering vectors,” or replicas, are solutions of the wave equation descriptive of the ocean environment. Thus, model-based MFP is inherently sensitive to environmental mismatch, motivating the development of robust methods. One such method is the array invariant (AI), which instead exploits the dispersion characteristics of broadband signals in acoustic waveguides, summarized by a single parameter known as the waveguide invariant β. AI employs conventional plane wave beamforming and utilizes coherent multipath arrivals (eigenrays) separated into beam angle and travel time for source-range estimation. Although originating from the ideal waveguide, it is applicable to many realistic shallow-water environments wherein the dispersion characteristics are similar to those in ideal waveguides. First introduced in 2006 and denoted by χ, the dispersion-based AI has been fully integrated with β. The remarkable performance and robustness of AI were demonstrated using various experimental data collected in shallow water, including sources of opportunity. Further, it was extended successfully to a range-dependent coastal environment with a sloping bottom, using an iterative approach and a small-aperture array. This paper provides an overview of AI, covering its basic physics and connection with β, comparison between MFP and AI, self-calibration of the array tilt, and recent developments such as adaptive AI, which can handle the dependence of β on the propagation angle, including steep-angle arrivals.
Population genetics meets single-cell sequencing
Authors: Sumida Tomokazu S. , Hafler David A.
Published: April 2022

Single-cell technology can be used to understand the genetic basis of human diseases
Europe tries to save Mars rover after split with Russia
Authors: Clery Daniel
Published: April 2022

Team leader says delay to 2028 or 2030 is likely
The COVID-19 Humoral Immunological Status Induced by CoronaVac and AstraZeneca Vaccines Significantly Benefits from a Booster Shot with the Pfizer Vaccine
Authors: Farias Jessica Pires , da Silva Patrícia de Souza , Fogaça Mayanna Moreira Costa , Santana Itana Vivian Rocha , Luiz Wilson Barros , Birbrair Alexander , Amorim Jaime Henrique
Published: April 2022

COVID-19 continues to spread around the world despite significant progress in vaccine distribution and population immunity. The dynamics of the antiviral antibody response postvaccination is critical to evaluate vaccine effectiveness across different vaccine platforms and over time.
An Unusual Aspartic Acid Cluster in the Reovirus Attachment Fiber σ1 Mediates Stability at Low pH and Preserves Trimeric Organization
Authors: Glorani Giulia , Ruwolt Max , Holton Nicole , Loll Bernhard , Neu Ursula
Published: April 2022

Enteric viruses withstand the highly acidic environment of the stomach during transmission, and many of them use low pH as a trigger for conformational changes associated with entry. For many nonenveloped viruses, the structural basis of these effects is not clear.
Titration of C-5 Sterol Desaturase Activity Reveals Its Relationship to Candida albicans Virulence and Antifungal Susceptibility Is Dependent upon Host Immune Status
Authors: Regan Jessica , DeJarnette Christian , Luna-Tapia Arturo , Parker Josie E. , Reitler Parker , Barnett Stacey , Tucker Katie M. , Kelly Steven L. , Palmer Glen E.
Published: April 2022

Mutations that completely inactivate Erg3p enable the prevalent human pathogen
C. albicans
to endure the azole antifungals
in vitro
. However, such null mutants are less frequently identified in azole-resistant clinical isolates than other resistance mechanisms, and previous studies have reported conflicting outcomes regarding antifungal resistance of these mutants in animal models of infection.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus IMI 507023
Authors: Nikodinoska Ivana , Makkonen Jenny , Blande Daniel , Moran Colm
Published: April 2022

We report here the draft genome sequence of
Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus
strain IMI 507023, a lactic acid bacterium, isolated from corn silage in Nicholasville, Kentucky, USA. The strain is deposited in the Centre for Agriculture and Bioscience International (CABI) Culture Collection with the accession number IMI 507023.
The Passenger Domain of Bartonella bacilliformis BafA Promotes Endothelial Cell Angiogenesis via the VEGF Receptor Signaling Pathway
Authors: Tsukamoto Kentaro , Kumadaki Kayo , Tatematsu Kaoru , Suzuki Natsumi , Doi Yohei
Published: April 2022

Bartonella bacilliformis
causes life-threatening bacteremia or dermal eruption known as Carrion’s disease in South America. During infection,
B. bacilliformis
promotes endothelial cell proliferation and the angiogenic process, but the underlying molecular mechanism has not been well understood.
Large-scale, crustal-block vertical extrusion between the Hines Creek and Denali faults coeval with slip localization on the Denali fault since ca. 45 Ma, Hayes Range, Alaska, USA
Authors: Benowitz Jeff A. , Roeske Sarah M. , Regan Sean P. , Waldien Trevor S. , Elliott Julie L. , O’Sullivan Paul B.
Published: April 2022

Oblique convergence along strike-slip faults can lead to both distributed and localized deformation. How focused transpressive deformation is both localized and maintained along sub-vertical wrench structures to create high topography and deep exhumation warrants further investigation. The high peak region of the Hayes Range, central Alaska, USA, is bound by two lithospheric scale vertical faults: the Denali fault to the south and Hines Creek fault to the north. The high topography area has peaks over 4000 m and locally has experienced more than 14 km of Neogene exhumation, yet the mountain range is located on the convex side of the Denali fault Mount Hayes restraining bend, where slip partitioning alone cannot account for this zone of extreme exhumation. Through the application of U-Pb zircon, 40Ar/39Ar (hornblende, muscovite, biotite, and K-feldspar), apatite fission-track, and (U-Th)/He geo-thermochronology, we test whether these two parallel, reactivated suture zone structures are working in tandem to vertically extrude the Between the Hines Creek and Denali faults block on the convex side of the Mount Hayes restraining bend. We document that since at least 45 Ma, the Denali fault has been bent and localized in a narrow fault zone (<160 m) with a significant dip-slip component, the Mount Hayes restraining bend has been fixed to the north side of the Denali fault, and that the Between the Hines Creek and Denali faults block has been undergoing vertical extrusion as a relatively coherent block along the displacement “free faces” of two lithospheric scale suture zone faults. A bent Denali fault by ca. 45 Ma supports the long-standing Alaska orocline hypothesis that has Alaska bent by ca. 44 Ma. Southern Alaska is currently converging at ~4 mm/yr to the north against the Denali fault and driving vertical extrusion of the Between the Hines Creek and Denali faults block and deformation north of the Hines Creek fault. We apply insights ascertained from the Between the Hines Creek and Denali faults block to another region in southern Alaska, the Fairweather Range, where extreme topography and persistent exhumation is also located between two sub-parallel faults, and propose that this region has likely undergone vertical extrusion along the free faces of those faults.
Prognostication and shared decision making in neurocritical care
Authors: Goostrey Kelsey , Muehlschlegel Susanne
Published: April 2022

Prognostication is crucial in the neurological intensive care unit (neuroICU). Patients with severe acute brain injury (SABI) are unable to make their own decisions because of the insult itself or sedation needs. Surrogate decision makers, usually family members, must make decisions on the patient’s behalf. However, many are unprepared for their role as surrogates owing to the sudden and unexpected nature of SABI. Surrogates rely on clinicians in the neuroICU to provide them with an outlook (prognosis) with which to make substituted judgments and decide on treatments and goals of care on behalf of the patient. Therefore, how a prognostic estimate is derived, and then communicated, is extremely important. Prognostication in the neuroICU is highly variable between clinicians and institutions, and evidence based guidelines are lacking. Shared decision making (SDM), where surrogates and clinicians arrive together at an individualized decision based on patient values and preferences, has been proposed as an opportunity to improve clinician-family communication and ensure that patients receive treatments they would choose. This review outlines the importance and current challenges of prognostication in the neuroICU and how prognostication and SDM intersect, based on relevant research and expert opinion.
How the ‘HIV/TB co-epidemic–HIV stigma–TB stigma’ syndemic impacts on the use of occupational health services for TB in South African hospitals: a structural equation modelling analysis of the baseline data from the HaTSaH Study (cluster RCT)
Authors: Wouters Edwin , van Rensburg André Janse , Engelbrecht Michelle , Buffel Veerle , Campbell Linda , Sommerland Nina , Rau Asta , Kigozi G , van Olmen Josefien , Masquillier Caroline
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Tuberculosis (TB) has become an occupational health hazard in South African hospitals where healthcare workers (HCWs) are additionally confronted daily with HIV and its associated stigma, causing asyndemic. Early TB diagnosis and treatment are vital, but the uptake of these services through occupational healthcare units (OHUs) is low. The current study hypothesises that (1) the link between HIV and TB and (2) the perceived HIV stigmatisation by colleagues create (3) a double HIV–TB stigma which increases (4) internalised TB stigma and leads to (5) a lower willingness to use OHU services for TB screening and treatment.

Design

A cross-sectional study using the baseline data from the HIV and TB Stigma among Healthcare workers Study (HaTSaH Study).

Setting

Six hospitals in the Free State province of South Africa.

Participants

820 HCWs of the six selected hospitals.

Results

The study results demonstrate that the co-epidemic (β=0.399 (screening model) and β=0.345 (treatment model)) combined (interaction effect: β=0.133 (screening) and β=0.132 (treatment)) with the persistent stigmatisation of HIV is altering the attitudes towards TB (β=0.345 (screening) and β=0.400 (treatment)), where the stigmatising views of HIV are transferred to TB—illustrating the syndemic impact. Our model demonstrated that this syndemic not only leads to higher levels of internal TB stigma (β=0.421 (screening) and β=0.426 (treatment)), but also to a lower willingness to use the OHU for TB screening (probit coefficient=−0.216) and treatment (probit coefficient=−0.160). Confidentiality consistently emerged as a contextual correlate of OHU use.

Conclusions

Theoretically, our results confirm HIV as a ‘syndemic generator’ which changes the social meaning of TB in the hospital context. Practically, the study demonstrated that the syndemic of TB and HIV in a highly endemic context with stigma impacts the intended use of occupational TB services.

Trial registration number

Pre-results of the trial registered at the South African National Clinical Trials Register, registration ID: DOH-27-1115-5204.
Utilisation of health management information and its determinant factors among health professionals working at public health facilities in North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Ngusie Habtamu Setegn , Ahmed Mohammedjud Hassen , Kasaye Mulugeta Desalegn , Kanfe Shuma Gosha
Published: April 2022

Objective

The study aimed to assess health management information utilisation and associated factors among health professionals working at public health facilities in North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia.

Setting

The study was conducted at public health facilities in the North Wollo Zone, Northeast Ethiopia.

Participants

A total of 664 (56.3% male and 43.7% female) health professionals participated in the study. All health professionals permanently working in North Wollo Zone were included in this study. However, health professionals who were not present during the data collection period by any means and who had less than 6 months of experience were not included in this study.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

The main outcome measure was health management information utilisation.

Result

About 58.4% (n=388) (95% CI: 54.4% to 62.0%) of the study participants use health management information. The multivariable logistic regression model indicated that participants who had managerial positions are more likely to use health management information with an adjusted OR (AOR) of 3.11 and 95% CI 1.84 to 5.24. Similarly, having a good motivation level (AOR=4.42 (95% CI: 2.82 to 6.93)), perceived good culture of health information (AOR=6.17 (95% CI: 3.35 to 11.36)), a standard set of indicators (AOR=4.11 (95% CI: 2.65 to 6.38)), having good governance of health information system (AOR=1.75 (95% CI:1.13 to 2.72)) and health management information system (HMIS) training (AOR=3.10 (95% CI: 1.89 to 5.07)) were the predictors positively associated with higher utilisation of health management information.

Conclusion

This study revealed that utilisation of health management information was still inadequate. Enhancing motivation, building a culture of information use, having standardised indicators, strengthening the governance of health information systems and comprehensive HMIS training were measures to be taken to improve utilisation of health management information in this study setting.
Brain functional changes in individuals with bulimia nervosa: a protocol for systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Sun Yiming , Ye Q , Wen Q , Liu X R , Sun R , Dai Y
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Bulimia nervosa (BN) is a disorder with high health and socioeconomic burdens that typically arises in late adolescence and early adulthood. Previous neuroimaging studies have found functional brain changes in patients with BN. This study aims to review the latest neurobiological evidence from studies of individuals with BN, examine the consistency of these findings and evaluate the food addiction hypothesis of the disease.

Methods and analysis

A systematic search will be performed using the Cochrane Library, PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases, covering the period from database inception to 30 November 2021. Two researchers will be responsible for study selection, quality assessment and data extraction. The anisotropic effect size version of the signed differential mapping method will be used to conduct a coordinate-based meta-analysis. Publication bias will be examined with the Egger test. The quality of studies will be evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethics approval is required for this is a systematic review protocol and does not require the collection of primary data. Findings will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journal or related conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022307233.
Effect of obesity treatment interventions in preschool children aged 2–6 years: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Nordlund Samantha , McPhee Patrick George , Gabarin Ramy , Deacon Charlotte , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Morrison Katherine Mary
Published: April 2022

Objectives

(1) To summarise the literature on the impact of paediatric weight management interventions on health outcomes in preschool age children with overweight or obesity and (2) to evaluate the completeness of intervention description and real-world applicability using validated tools.

Design

Systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

MEDLINE, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library and PsychInfo were searched between 10 March 2015 and 21 November 2021.

Eligibility criteria

Randomised controlled trials addressing weight management in preschool children (2–6 years) with overweight or obesity.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two reviewers independently extracted key information from each study and assessed risk of bias. Random-effects meta-analysis was performed where there was evidence for homogeneous effects. The certainty of evidence was assessed by the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation.

Results

Of the 16 908 studies retrieved, 9 trials (1687 participants) met the inclusion criteria. These interventions used motivational interviewing (MI) or multicomponent educational interventions related to health behaviour approaches and were 6–12 months in duration. All studies contained some risk of bias. A difference was found in the intervention groups compared with controls for body mass index (BMI) z score (mean difference −0.10, 95% CI −0.12 to −0.09; eight trials, 1491 participants; p<0.001; I268%), though there was substantial heterogeneity. There were no subgroup effects between studies using MI compared with studies using multicomponent interventions. The certainty of the evidence was considered low. The trials were reported in sufficient detail and were considered pragmatic.

Conclusions

Paediatric weight management interventions delivered to the parents of young children with obesity result in small declines in BMI z score. The results should be interpreted cautiously as they were inconsistent and the quality of the evidence was low.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42020166843.
Children with cancer and their families after active treatment: analyses of biopsychosocial needs and implications for healthcare – a study protocol
Authors: Inhestern Laura , Paul Verena , Winzig Jana , Rutkowski Stefan , Escherich Gabriele , Bergelt Corinna
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Patients and families affected by paediatric cancer experience psychosocial burden not only during active treatment but also during follow-up care. Use of health services during follow-up treatment should be organised according to patients’ and family members’ needs with regard to their physical and mental situation. This study aims (1) at analysing healthcare use (medical and psychosocial) and associated factors in follow-up care of paediatric cancer patients and (2) at investigating the psychosocial situation and support needs of children and their families during follow-up care. Based on the results, recommendations for healthcare planning and for the development of new and the optimisation of existing support offers will be derived.

Methods and analysis

We will conduct a prospective observational study using a naturalistic explorative design with quantitative and qualitative methods. Paediatric cancer patients in follow-up care, their parents and siblings will be invited to fill out a questionnaire at three measurement points (baseline, 6 months follow-up, 12 months follow-up; target n=252 complete data sets over all measurement points). Additionally, parents will be interviewed using a semistructured interview guideline (target n=15–20) at baseline. Quantitative data will be analysed using descriptive statistics, linear mixed models and regression models. Moreover, explorative analyses will be conducted. Qualitative data will be analysed using qualitative content analyses.

Ethics and dissemination

The study was approved by the Local Psychological Ethics Committee (LPEK-0281). Our findings will be published in scientific, peer-reviewed journals and presented to clinicians and researchers on conferences. To assure that results will be available to affected patients and families, a lay summary will be written and disseminated using several ways (upload on the homepage of the research group, upload on the homepage of the psychosocial working group in the Society for Paediatric Oncology/Haematology in Germany, sending to relevant patient organisations).

Trial registration number

DRKS00025289.
Prehospital risk assessment in patients suspected of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Demandt Jesse P A , Zelis Jo M , Koks Arjan , Smits Geert H J M , van der Harst Pim , Tonino Pim A L , Dekker Lukas R C , van het Veer Marcel , Vlaar Pieter-Jan
Published: April 2022

Objective

To review, inventory and compare available diagnostic tools and investigate which tool has the best performance for prehospital risk assessment in patients suspected of non-ST-segment elevation acute coronary syndrome (NSTE-ACS).

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis. Medline and Embase were searched up till 1 April 2021. Prospective studies with patients, suspected of NSTE-ACS, presenting in the primary care setting or by emergency medical services (EMS) were included. The most important exclusion criteria were studies including only patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction and studies before 1995, the pretroponin era. The primary end point was the final hospital discharge diagnosis of NSTE-ACS or major adverse cardiac events (MACE) within 6 weeks. Risk of bias was evaluated by the Quality Assessment of Diagnostic Accuracy Studies Criteria.

Main outcome and measures

Sensitivity, specificity and likelihood ratio of findings for risk stratification in patients suspected of NSTE-ACS.

Results

In total, 15 prospective studies were included; these studies reflected in total 26 083 patients. No specific variables related to symptoms, physical examination or risk factors were useful in risk stratification for NSTE-ACS diagnosis. The most useful electrocardiographic finding was ST-segment depression (LR+3.85 (95% CI 2.58 to 5.76)). Point-of-care troponin was found to be a strong predictor for NSTE-ACS in primary care (LR+14.16 (95% CI 4.28 to 46.90) and EMS setting (LR+6.16 (95% CI 5.02 to 7.57)). Combined risk scores were the best for risk assessment in an NSTE-ACS. From the combined risk scores that can be used immediately in a prehospital setting, the PreHEART score, a validated combined risk score for prehospital use, derived from the HEART score (History, ECG, Age, Risk factors, Troponin), was most useful for risk stratification in patients with NSTE-ACS (LR+8.19 (95% CI 5.47 to 12.26)) and for identifying patients without ACS (LR−0.05 (95% CI 0.02 to 0.15)).

Discussion

Important study limitations were verification bias and heterogeneity between studies. In the prehospital setting, several diagnostic tools have been reported which could improve risk stratification, triage and early treatment in patients suspected for NSTE-ACS. On-site assessment of troponin and combined risk scores derived from the HEART score are strong predictors. These results support further studies to investigate the impact of these new tools on logistics and clinical outcome.

Funding

This study is funded by ZonMw, the Dutch Organisation for Health Research and Development.

Trial registration number

This meta-analysis was published for registration in PROSPERO prior to starting (CRD York, CRD42021254122).
Perspectives on factors influencing transmission of COVID-19 in Zambia: a qualitative study of health workers and community members
Authors: Sialubanje Cephas , Sitali Doreen C , Mukumbuta Nawa , Liyali Libonda , Sumbwa Phyllis Ingutu , Kamboyi Harvey Kakoma , Ng'andu Mary , Goma Fastone Matthew
Published: April 2022

Objective

To explore the health professionals’ and community members’ perspectives on the factors influencing transmission of the novel COVID-19 in Zambia.

Design

An exploratory qualitative study using in-depth interviews as data collection technique.

Setting

Four primary healthcare facilities and local communities of Lusaka city and Chirundu international border town under Lusaka province, Zambia.

Participants

Purposive sampling of 60 study participants comprising health professionals (n=15) and community members (n=45). Health staff were health inspectors and surveillance officers. Community members included public market traders, civic and religious leaders, immigration officers, bus and international truck drivers.

Results

Both health professionals and community members were aware of the COVID-19 pandemic, the preventive and control measures. Nevertheless, stark differences were observed on the two groups’ perspectives on COVID-19 and the factors influencing its transmission. Most health staff expressed high personal risk and susceptibility to the disease and a positive attitude towards the prevention and control measures. Conversely, myths and misconceptions influenced most community members’ perspectives on the disease and their attitude towards the COVID-19 guidelines. Participants were unanimous on the low levels of adherence to the COVID-19 preventive and control measures in the community. Reasons for non-adherence included limited information on COVID-19, negative attitude towards COVID-19 guidelines, social movement and travel patterns, networks and interactions, living and work conditions, water and sanitation facilities, and observation of behaviours of important role models such as politicians and other community leaders. These factors were perceived to increase the risk of COVID-19 transmission.

Conclusion

These findings highlight important factors influencing transmission of COVID-19 in Zambia. Future interventions should focus on providing information to mitigate myths and misconceptions, increasing people’s risk perception to the disease, and improving attitude towards the prevention and control interventions and mitigating structural and socioeconomic barriers.
Relationship of age-related hearing loss with cognitive decline and dementia in Sinitic tonal language-speaking populations: protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Fu Xinxing , Liu Bo , Wang Shuo , Tian Rong , Eikelboom Robert H , Jayakody Dona M P
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Existing research on the potential association between age-related hearing loss (ARHL) and cognitive decline and dementia in tonal language-speaking populations is limited and inconsistent. There is psychophysiological evidence suggesting a tonal language background may be linked to enhanced general cognitive functions. We aim to systematically review the current evidence on the association between hearing loss and cognitive impairment/decline and dementia in older adults who speak a Sinitic tonal language, the most commonly spoken tonal language.

Methods and analysis

This systematic review will consider peer-reviewed articles that employ objective or subjective hearing measurement and cognitive impairment or diagnosis of dementia. All relevant research publications in English or Chinese and published up to March 2022 will be considered for inclusion. Embase, MEDLINE, Web of Science, PsycINFO Google Scholar, SinoMed and Chinese Biomedical Database will be used, using both medical subject heading terms and keywords. The quality of evidence of an association between ARHL and cognitive impairment and/or dementia will be evaluated by the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) system. A random-effects meta-analysis will be carried out with the Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval will not be required for this systematic review. The results will be disseminated through peer-reviewed publications and conferences.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42021235310.
Effect of clinical peer review on mortality in patients ventilated for more than 24 hours: a cluster randomised controlled trial
Authors: Schmitt Jochen , Roessler Martin , Scriba Peter , Walther Felix , Grählert Xina , Eberlein-Gonska Maria , Kuhlen Ralf , Schoffer Olaf
Published: April 2022

Background

Although clinical peer review is a well-established instrument for improving quality of care, clinical effectiveness is unclear.

Methods

In a pragmatic cluster randomised controlled trial, we randomly assigned 60 German Initiative Qualitätsmedizin member hospitals with the highest mortality rates in ventilated patients in 2016 to intervention and control groups. The primary outcome was hospital mortality rate in patients ventilated fore more than 24 hours. Clinical peer review was conducted in intervention group hospitals only. We assessed the impact of clinical peer review on mortality using a difference-in-difference approach by applying weighted least squares (WLS) regression to changes in age-adjusted and sex-adjusted standardised mortality ratios (SMRs) 1 year before and 1 year after treatment. Recommendations for improvement from clinical peer review and hospital survey data were used for impact and process analysis.

Results

We analysed 12 058 and 13 016 patients ventilated fore more than 24 hours in the intervention and control hospitals within the 1-year observation period. In-hospital mortality rates and SMRs were 40.6% and 1.23 in intervention group and 41.9% and 1.28 in control group hospitals in the preintervention period, respectively. The groups showed similar hospital (bed size, ownership) and patient (age, sex, mortality, main indications) characteristics. WLS regression did not yield a significant difference between intervention and control groups regarding changes in SMRs (estimate=0.04, 95% CI= −0.05 to 0.13, p=0.38). Mortality remained high in both groups (intervention: 41.8%, control: 42.1%). Impact and process analysis indicated few perceived outcome improvements or implemented process improvements following the introduction of clinical peer review.

Conclusions

This study did not provide evidence for reductions in mortality in patients ventilated for more than 24 hours due to clinical peer review. A stronger focus on identification of structures and care processes related to mortality is required to improve the effectiveness of clinical peer review.
Abortion education in UK medical schools: a survey of medical educators
Authors: Rennison Catriona , Woodhead Emily Jane , Horan Corrina , Lohr Patricia A , Kavanagh Jayne
Published: April 2022

Aim

The 2019 National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance on abortion care emphasised the importance of teaching the topic at undergraduate and postgraduate level. This study aimed to investigate the current provision of undergraduate abortion education in UK medical schools.

Methods

Relevant medical ethics and clinical leads from the 33 established UK medical schools were invited to complete surveys on the ethico-legal or clinical aspects, respectively, of their institution’s abortion teaching. The surveys explored how abortion is currently taught, assessed the respondent’s opinion on current barriers to comprehensive teaching, and their desire for further guidance on undergraduate abortion teaching.

Results

Some 76% (25/33) of medical schools responded to one or both surveys. The number of hours spent on ethico-legal teaching ranged from under 1 hour to over 8 hours, with most clinical teaching lasting under 2 hours. Barriers to teaching were reported by 68% (21/31) of respondents, the most common being difficulty accessing clinical placements, lack of curriculum time, and the perception of abortion as a sensitive topic. Some 74% (23/31) of respondents would welcome additional guidance on teaching abortion to medical undergraduates.

Conclusions

Education on abortion, particularly clinical education, varies widely among UK medical schools. Most educators experience barriers to providing comprehensive abortion teaching and would welcome up-to-date guidance on teaching both the clinical and ethico-legal aspects of abortion to medical students. It is essential that medical schools address the barriers to teaching, to ensure all medical students have the knowledge, skills and attitudes to provide competent and respectful abortion-related care once qualified.
Comparison of the acute effects of ankle bathing versus moderate-intensity aerobic exercise on vascular function in young adults
Authors: Cho Min Jeong , Choi Ho Il , Kim Hyun Jeong , Bunsawat Kanokwan , Kunutsor Setor K. , Jae Sae Young
Published: April 2022

We examined the efficacy of ankle bathing versus aerobic exercise to improve vascular function in young adults who were randomized to aerobic exercise (AE) (n = 13, 40%–60% of heart rate reserve), ankle bathing (AB) (n = 15, 43 °C), or a control condition (CON) (n = 14, ankle bathing, 36 °C) for 40 min. Conduit vessel function [brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD)], carotid and femoral artery blood flow and shear rate (SR), and arterial stiffness [carotid-to-femoral pulse wave velocity (cf-PWV), augmentation index (AIx@75), β-stiffness index, and arterial compliance] were evaluated. Compared with CON, AE and AB increased FMD at 30 min and 90 min (interaction: p < 0.05); AB decreased carotid artery blood flow and SR at 30 min, while both AE and AB increased femoral artery blood flow and SR at 30 min and 90 min (interaction: p < 0.05); AE and AB decreased cf-PWV and AIx@75 at 30 min and 90 min (interaction: p < 0.05); and AE improved both carotid and femoral β-stiffness index and arterial compliance, while AB reduced β-stiffness index and increased arterial compliance only in the femoral artery (interaction: p < 0.05). These findings suggest that ankle bathing may serve as an alternative strategy for enhancing vascular function.

Novelty: We observed similar improvements in conduit vessel function, femoral artery blood flow and shear rate, and arterial stiffness following ankle bathing and acute aerobic exercise in young adults. These findings have identified ankle bathing as a potential therapeutic strategy for enhancing vascular function, which may be particularly relevant for those with limited ability to engage in regular aerobic exercise.
Changes in antioxidant enzyme levels following capture in juvenile American Alligators (Alligator mississippiensis) are tissue dependent
Authors: Finger John W. , Kelley Meghan D. , Hamilton Matthew T. , Zhang Yufeng , Elsey Ruth M. , Mendonca Mary T. , Kavazis Andreas N.
Published: April 2022

Many parameters used to investigate stress in vertebrates are temporally sensitive. The act of capture and sampling can influence them, hindering their functionality for evaluating the effects of stressors. Consequently, the investigation and subsequent incorporation of less time-sensitive parameters are necessary to better evaluate stressors affecting vertebrates. In this study, we investigated how capture stress and handling associated with sampling influence antioxidant status in American Alligators ( Alligator mississippiensis (Daudin, 1802); hereinafter Alligator), long-lived, top-trophic carnivores found in the southeastern United States, by measuring levels of two antioxidant enzymes in destructive (brain and pancreas) and nondestructive (tail scutes) tissues: superoxide dismutase 1 (SOD1) and glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPX1). Capture stress had no effect on pancreatic SOD1 and no effect on brain and pancreatic GPX1 (all p > 0.05). However, brain SOD1, scute SOD1, and scute GPX1 were all impacted by capture stress. These disparate results illustrate that the influence of capture stress on antioxidant enzymes in Alligators is tissue and marker dependent, necessitating further investigation. Our results provide a firm foundation to further investigate oxidative status in crocodilians.
MATHEMATICAL ANALYSIS OF A DELAYED MALWARE PROPAGATION MODEL ON MOBILE WIRELESS SENSOR NETWORK
Authors: YU XIAODONG , ZEB ANWAR , ZHANG ZIZHEN
Published: April 2022

The security of mobile wireless sensor networks has captivated extensive attention of researchers because of their wide range of applications and vulnerability to attacks caused by malware. In this paper, we investigate a delayed malware propagation model on mobile wireless sensor network incorporating nonlinear incidence rate, logistic growth rate and recovery rate. Local asymptotic stability of the endemic equilibrium and existence of Hopf bifurcation at crucial value of the time delay are analyzed. Then, properties of Hopf bifurcation are explored. Specifically, global exponential stability is investigated via linear matrix inequality. An example is presented finally to underline the effectiveness of findings in our paper numerically and graphically.
FEATURE FUSION-BASED FEATURE POINT EXTRACTION AND MATCHING OF THE THREE-DIMENSIONAL HUMAN VERTEBRAE MODEL
Authors: HUI YU , TANG JI-YONG , YE KUN , DU JING , LIU YU-KE , HUANG WEI
Published: April 2022

In the positioning and registration of a three-dimensional human vertebrae model, the main difficulty encountered is the extraction and matching of the model feature points. To accurately locate the vertebrae, it is necessary to optimize the existing feature point extraction and matching method. In this context, the present study was envisaged to achieve the purpose of accurate extraction and matching by integrating the features of curvature and Euclidean distance. It was found that this method removed the redundant point cloud data in the 3D model, thereby effectively improving the matching rate. Initially, the feature points were manually picked as the circle center, and the mean value ([Formula: see text]) of average curvature ([Formula: see text]) of all points in the specified infinitesimal radius ([Formula: see text]) sphere neighborhood were calculated. When [Formula: see text], it implied the point [Formula: see text] tended to be flat relative to the whole point cloud surface, and was not regarded as a feature point. When [Formula: see text], the point [Formula: see text] exhibited a greater curvature relative to the whole point cloud surface, that is, a more prominent point. In this case, point [Formula: see text] met the basic conditions for becoming a feature point and was included in the candidate feature point set. Subsequently, the Euclidean distance between the points in the candidate feature point set and the manually picked circle center points was calculated individually. The smaller the Euclidean distance between the two points, the higher the degree of feature similarity between the two points, and the stronger the matching of feature points. Therefore, the manually picked points were replaced with the candidate feature point with the closest distance that accurately reflected the change of the local geometric characteristics of the point. It was found that the accuracy of the improved method of the feature point extraction and matching was about 18% higher than that before the improvement, which verifies the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Analyzing the Effect of Uncertainty in Low Power SRAM Cells Using Artificial Intelligence Technique
Authors: Manoharan Hariprasath , Kumar N. Satheesh , Saikumar P. Janardhan , Venkatesan M. , Balamanikandan A. , Venkatachalam K.
Published: April 2022

This paper addresses the uncertainty that is present in the design of static random access memory (SRAM) cells using an artificial intelligence (AI) technique. The SRAM has much uncertainty in high-performance portable very large-scale integration (VLSI) chips due to their performance and storage density. This paper presents the way for solving the uncertainty problem by evaluating point-by-point recreation derived for the memory cells inform of the power, speed, and area investment funds acquired in the advanced cell configuration when contrasted with the standard regular architecture for autonomous vehicles using AI algorithm. The adiabatic low power technique is implemented to enrich the configuration of the 6T-SRAM cells. The procedure of the adiabatic process will provide high loss in terms of dissipation of energy which is connected to ground (0V) and transition can be converted from ‘1’ to ‘0’. Moreover, this transition will be decreased to a high amount of degree within corresponding memory cells. Thus uncertainties with the AI model can able to deliver low power reduction using the automatic model of operation as standard adiabatic 6T SRAM cells are implemented. To prove the effectiveness in the reduction of uncertainties a low power margin is obtained with marginal values of 0.25 Volts which is much lesser than the existing models.
A new high-resolution palaeotemperature record during the Middle–Late Ordovician transition derived from conodont δ
18
O palaeothermometry
Authors: Liu Kang , Jiang Maosheng , Zhang Liyu , Chen Daizhao
Published: April 2022

Climate cooling has been commonly considered as one of the most plausible triggers of the Great Ordovician Biodiversification Event (GOBE). However, the details of coeval sea-surface temperature (SST) variation during and after the biodiversification peak are still unclear owing to lack of continuous, high-resolution palaeotemperature records. Here, we report the first high-resolution
in situ
secondary ion mass spectrometry conodont apatite oxygen isotope (

δ

18
O
apatite
) curve from the Kalpin Shuinichang and Dawangou sections (the auxiliary Global Stratotype Section and Point (GSSP) for the base of the Upper Ordovician Series) to reconstruct the detailed Ordovician palaeotemperature history in the Tarim Basin, northwestern China. The new oxygen isotope data, based on mono-generic specimens, reveal a similar first-order variation trend to published records from other palaeocontinents, which is thus suggestive of a global signal. A −0.7‰

δ

18
O
apatite
shift (
c.
3.2°C warming) is identifiable in the Dawangou Formation (early–middle Darriwilian). This is followed by a long-term +2.2‰ positive shift in

δ

18
O
apatite
(
c.
10°C cooling) in the overlying strata spanning the Saergan and the Kanling formations (late Darriwilian–Sandbian), probably indicating a global climatic signal. Examining the coeval marine
87
Sr/
86
Sr records, the early–middle Darriwilian minor

δ

18
O
apatite
decrease is coincident with the onset of a long-term negative
87
Sr/
86
Sr excursion, possibly indicating a slight climate warming in response to increasing volcanic degassing in the context of accelerating spreading of mid-oceanic ridges. In contrast, the following long-term positive

δ

18
O
apatite
excursion, in parallel with persistent
87
Sr/
86
Sr drop, probably indicates a major climate cooling initially caused by the rapid tropical continental weathering, which in turn may have reduced the continental radiogenic Sr influx.

Supplementary material
: Three supplementary tables (S1, S2, and S3) indicating the
in-situ
oxygen isotopic results of conodont apatite from the Kalpin Shuinichang-Dawangou composite section, Qinghu standard, and Durango standard, respectively are available at
https://doi.org/10.6084/m9.figshare.c.5924175
From Receivers to Givers: Understanding Practice of Reciprocity in an Online Support Community
Authors: Kim Chelsea , Wang Hao-Chuan
Published: April 2022

In online communities, members often join as resource receivers and later transition to contributors. This study aims to examine the process of the transition through the lens of reciprocity. In the context of Gomusin Café, an online support group where women with romantic partners serving in South Korean military exchange social support, we conducted semi-structured interviews (n = 16) probing how the members return the support they received to unspecified audience (generalized reciprocity) and to repeated interaction partners (direct reciprocity). We found experiencing common hardships and forming social attachment to the community as important preceding conditions for the members to practice generalized reciprocity. The members also sought direct reciprocity despite it's not technically and normatively supported in the platform. We discuss theoretical and practical implications of these findings.
Exploring Attachment among Iranian University Students with Respect to the Role of Age and Gender: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Azizi Zeinab , Rezai Afsheen
Published: April 2022

The home cultural attachment (HCA) theory deals with long-term relationships among humans and how they react when they leave their beloved family members and friends and their homeland. It is essential to explore the factors influencing it. In this regard, the present study explores the role of age and gender on Iranian university students’ HCA quantitatively and qualitatively. To this end, a total of 201 university students, including both genders, were selected from Ayatollah Boroujerdi University through a random sampling method. The required quantitative data were collected using the HCA questionnaire, validated by Shahsavandi et al. (2010) and the qualitative data were gathered through a reflective written statement from 20 university students who completed the questionnaire. The data were analyzed using an independent sample

t

-test, a one-way ANOVA test, and a content analysis approach. Findings evidenced that there was not any statistically significant difference between the two genders concerning HCA. The results indicated that age was not a strong predictor of HCA. Besides, the complementary qualitative findings confirmed that gender and age do not play a role in Iranian university students’ HCA. The study ends with offering some implications for stakeholders.
An AtanTV Nonconvex Regularization Model for MRI Reconstruction
Authors: Luo Zhijun , Zhu Zhibin , Zhang Benxin
Published: April 2022

Recently, the nonconvex regularization model has attracted much research attention in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). In comparison with the traditional total variation (TV) regularization method, a nonconvex TV regularizer can effectively improve the fitting performance and prevent bias problems. In this work, we utilize the arctangent function as nonconvex TV regularize term (AtanTV) for MRI reconstruction. With appropriate parameters, the AtanTV model can avoid the systematic underestimation characteristic and maintain the objective function still convex. To address the AtanTV model, we propose an efficient alternating direction method of multipliers (ADMM) method to solve it. Experimental results indicate the superior performance (PSNR, RE, SSIM, etc.) of the proposed MRI reconstruction method.