bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Medication calculation skills of graduating nursing students within European context
Authors: Elonen Imane , Salminen Leena , Brasaitė‐Abromė Indrė , Fuster Pilar , Kukkonen Pia , Leino‐Kilpi Helena , Löyttyniemi Eliisa , Noonan Brendan , Stubner Juliane , Svavarsdóttir Margrét H. , Thorsteinsson Hrund , Koskinen Sanna
Published: June 2021

Aim

The aim of this study is to evaluate the medication calculation skills of graduating nursing students in six European countries and analyse the associated factors.

Background

Medication calculation skills are fundamental to medication safety, which is a substantial part of patient safety. Previous studies have raised concerns about the medication calculation skills of nurses and nursing students.

Design

As part of a broader research project, this study applies a multinational cross‐sectional survey design with three populations: graduating nursing students, nurse managers and patients.

Methods

The students performed two calculations (tablet and fluid) testing medication calculation skills requiring different levels of conceptual understanding and arithmetic. The managers and patients answered one question about the students’ medication kills. In total, 1,796 students, 538 managers and 1,327 patients participated the study. The data were analysed statistically. The STROBE guideline for cross‐sectional studies was applied.

Results

Almost all (99%) of the students performed the tablet calculation correctly, and the majority (71%) answered the fluid calculation correctly. Older age, a previous degree in health care and satisfaction with their current degree programme was positively associated with correct fluid calculations. The patients evaluated the students’ medication skills higher than the nurse managers did and the evaluations were not systematically aligned with the calculation skills tested.

Conclusions

Nursing students have the skills to perform simple medication calculations, but a significant number of students have difficulties with calculations involving multiple operations and a higher level of conceptual understanding. Due to the variation in students’ medication calculation skills and the unalignment between the managers’ and patients’ evaluations and the calculation tests, further research is needed.

Relevance to clinical practice

Graduating nursing students enter clinical field as qualified professionals, but there is still room for improvement in their medication calculation skills. This calls for attention in the fields of clinical nursing, education and research.
The effects of natural resources on human capital accumulation: A literature survey
Authors: Mousavi Amir , Clark Jeremy
Published: June 2021

We survey the growing literature studying the effects of natural resource abundance or dependence on human capital accumulation, a key factor in development and economic growth. This survey distinguishes between measures of resource abundance versus dependence, and between input, outcome, or participation measures of education and health. We find that a majority of studies find adverse effects of natural resource abundance or dependence on education and health, but that a small to sizeable minority find mixed or beneficial effects. The sheer robustness of negative findings across numerous approaches lends credibility to theories that reliance on resource extraction risks negative effects on the quantity or quality of supply of education and health services, and the demand for advanced education. At the same time, the minority of studies finding positive resource effects suggests there are both methodological and policy lessons that can be learned.
Matched neurofeedback during fMRI differentially activates reward‐related circuits in active and sham groups
Authors: Guler Seyhmus , Cohen Alexander L. , Afacan Onur , Warfield Simon K.
Published: June 2021

Background and Purpose: Functional MRI neurofeedback (fMRI‐nf) leverages the brain's ability to self‐regulate its own activity. However, self‐regulation processes engaged during fMRI‐nf are incompletely understood. Here, we used matched feedback in an fMRI‐nf experimental protocol to investigate whether brain processes recognize true neurofeedback signals.

Methods: We implemented an existing fMRI‐nf protocol to train lateralized motor activity using a finger‐tap task in conjunction with real‐time feedback. Twelve healthy, right‐handed, adult participants were assigned into age‐ and sex‐matched active and sham study groups. Matched participant pairs received the same visual feedback, based on brain activity of the participant from the active group. We compared group‐averaged activation maps before, during, and after neurofeedback, and analyzed changes in lateralized motor activity due to neurofeedback.

Results: Active and sham groups demonstrated different brain activation to the same feedback during neurofeedback. In particular, there was higher activation in visual cortex, secondary somatosensory cortex, and right inferior frontal gyrus in the active group compared to the sham group. Conversely, sham participants demonstrated higher activation in anterior cingulate cortex, left frontal pole, and posterior superior temporal gyrus. Despite differing brain activations during neurofeedback, neither group demonstrated significant improvement in lateralized motor activity from pre to postfeedback scan in the same session. We also observed no significant difference between pre and postfeedback activation maps, suggesting that no significant finger‐tap related functional reorganization had occurred.

Conclusions: These findings suggest that fMRI neurofeedback paradigms that monitor or incorporate activity from regions reported here would provide enhanced efficacy for research investigation and clinical intervention.
Prognostic significance of CD30 expression in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Rodrigues‐Fernandes Carla Isabelly , Abreu Lucas Guimarães , Radhakrishnan Raghu , Perez Danyel Elias da Cruz , Amaral‐Silva Gleyson Kleber , Gondak Rogério de Oliveira , Rahimi Siavash , Brennan Peter A. , Fonseca Felipe Paiva , Vargas Pablo Agustin
Published: June 2021

Background

CD30 is variably expressed in diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL), but its prognostic potential for the affected patients remains debatable and unclear. Therefore, we aimed to determine the frequency of CD30 expression in DLBCL and its potential for prognostic determination.

Methods

An electronic systematic review was performed using multiple databases, followed by a quantitative meta‐analysis to assess the frequency of CD30 expression with positivity cut‐off values of >0% and >20%, and to determine its association with clinicopathological features and patients’ survival.

Results

Using a cut‐off value >0%, we observed that 3.5%–59.1% of the cases were considered positive for CD30. There was a significant association of the protein expression with a lower number of extra‐nodal sites affected by the neoplasm, with Ann Arbor advanced stage, the absence of B‐symptoms, the lack of MYC and BCL2 translocations, and a lower ECOG performance. Using a cut‐off value >20%, we observed that 2.5%–36.7% of the cases were considered positive for CD30, being significantly associated with a lower number of extra‐nodal sites affected by the neoplasm, Ann Arbor stages III/IV, non‐GCB tumours, the lack of MYC and BCL2 translocations, and a lower ECOG value. CD30 expression was significantly associated with a better survival rate, regardless of what cut‐off parameter was used.

Conclusion

Despite variations in the cut‐off values used to determine CD30 positivity in DLBCL, the expression of this protein seems to be associated with a higher survival rate and better prognosis.
The effect of broadband access on electronic patient engagement activities: Assessment of urban‐rural differences
Authors: Ekezue Bola F. , Bushelle‐Edghill Jennifer , Dong Su , Taylor Yhenneko J.
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Lack of access to high‐speed internet may explain disparities in the use of technologies that support electronic patient engagement (EPE). This study describes trends in how people with and without fixed broadband connectivity in urban and rural communities used EPE tools to interact with health care providers between 2014 and 2018.

Methods

We linked Federal Communications Commission fixed broadband data with the Association of American Medical Colleges Consumer Survey of Health Care Access data for years 2014‐2018 (n = 23,131). ZIP Codes with a 25Mbps download speed and 3Mbps upload speed were determined to have broadband connectivity access. We evaluated 6 activities involving the use of 4 EPE tools (email, text, website, chat, video, and mobile app) and the intensity of use (0 = none, 1‐3 = low, 4‐6 = high). Multivariate logistic and multinomial regression models were used to determine factors associated with EPE.

Results

More than half (57.1%) of those without broadband access lived in rural areas. Overall, the intensity in the use of EPE tools increased from 2014 to 2016, then declined steadily with higher increases in use observed in urban and suburban than in rural areas. Lack of broadband access was associated with increased odds of zero intensity versus low‐intensity use of EPE tools in rural areas (OR = 1.72, 95% CI: 1.42‐2.09).

Conclusions

Inequality in broadband connectivity access may explain why rural communities lag in using various electronic tools for interacting with health care providers. Continued efforts to increase broadband connectivity in rural communities could improve their engagement with care providers.
Direct antiviral agent treatment leads to rapid and significant fibrosis regression after HCV eradication
Authors: Kang Qian , Xu Jinghang , Luo Hao , Tan Ning , Chen Hongyu , Cheng Ran , Pan Jiali , Han Yifan , Yang Yuqing , Liu Dan , Xi Hongli , Yu Min , Xu Xiaoyuan
Published: June 2021

Limited data are currently available regarding fibrosis progression after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the effects of HCV eradication on liver stiffness measurements (LSMs), aspartate aminotransferase/platelet ratio index (APRI) scores, fibrosis‐4(FIB‐4) scores, chitinase‐3‐like protein 1 (CHI3L1) levels and Golgi protein 73 (GP73) levels in patients with chronic hepatitis C (CHC). One hundred and two patients who received direct antiviral agents (DAAs) therapy at Peking University First Hospital participated in the present study. Clinical information and serum samples were collected at baseline, at the end of treatment (EOT), and at the weeks 12, 24 and 48 after treatment (W12, W24 and W48, respectively). Of the 102 patients, 51 had mild‐to‐moderate fibrosis (F1/F2), and 51 had advanced fibrosis (F3/F4). The LSMs improved for all patients at the EOT, with observed changes of 2.85 kPa, and the decrease continued to W12. However, a more pronounced improvement was noted for the advanced fibrosis (F3/F4) patients, with a change of 3.6 kPa from baseline to the EOT. Significant decreases between the baseline and EOT measurements were observed in the APRI and FIB‐4 scores [0.64 (0.39–1.21) vs. 0.35 (0.26–0.52), p<0.001; 2.53 (1.30–3.91) vs. 1.87 (0.89–2.5), p<0.001], after which the values decreased until W12, with no significant difference observed. Serum CHI3L1 and GP73 levels were profoundly decreased at the EOT compared with those at baseline [134.07 (154.49) vs. 103.75 (98.04), p=0.025; 98.24 (64.76) vs. 88.91 (50.89), p=0.002]. DAA treatments could significantly improve liver fibrosis of CHC patients as evidenced by decreased liver stiffness, APRI scores and FIB‐4 scores. Improvements in liver fibrosis markers (especially serum CHI3L1 and GP73) were prominent in patients with advanced fibrosis, indicating that serum CHI3L1 and GP73 could be noninvasive markers for monitoring fibrosis in CHC patients.

Significance Statement

The prospective cohort evaluated the effect of direct antiviral agents (DAAs) on fibrosis regression after hepatitis C virus (HCV) eradication of Chinese people in the real‐world study. This study highlighted that rapid and significant fibrosis regression rather than reduction in inflammation was achieved with DAA treatment, and this regression could be detected as early as the end of treatment. We found the serum CHI3L1 and GP73 levels can be used to monitor changes in fibrosis in CHC patients.
Light, power, action! Interaction of respiratory energy‐ and blue light‐induced stomatal movements
Authors: Vialet‐Chabrand Silvere , Matthews Jack S. A. , Lawson Tracy
Published: June 2021

Although the signalling pathway of blue light (BL)‐dependent stomatal opening is well characterized, little is known about the interspecific diversity, the role it plays in the regulation of gas exchange and the source of energy used to drive the commonly observed increase in pore aperture.

Using a combination of red and BL under ambient and low [O2] (to inhibit respiration), the interaction between BL, photosynthesis and respiration in determining stomatal conductance was investigated. These findings were used to develop a novel model to predict the feedback between photosynthesis and stomatal conductance under these conditions.

Here we demonstrate that BL‐induced stomatal responses are far from universal, and that significant species‐specific differences exist in terms of both rapidity and magnitude. Increased stomatal conductance under BL reduced photosynthetic limitation, at the expense of water loss. Moreover, we stress the importance of the synergistic effect of BL and respiration in driving rapid stomatal movements, especially when photosynthesis is limited.

These observations will help reshape our understanding of diurnal gas exchange in order to exploit the dynamic coordination between the rate of carbon assimilation (A) and stomatal conductance (gs), as a target for enhancing crop performance and water use efficiency.
Tomato chlorosis virus–encoded p22 suppresses auxin signalling to promote infection via interference with SKP1‐Cullin‐F‐boxTIR1 complex assembly
Authors: Liu Sijia , Wang Cuilin , Liu Xuedong , Navas‐Castillo Jesús , Zang Lianyi , Fan Zaifeng , Zhu Xiaoping , Zhou Tao
Published: June 2021

Phytohormone auxin plays a fundamental role in plant growth and defense against pathogens. However, how auxin signalling is regulated during virus infection in plants remains largely unknown. Auxin/indole‐3‐acetic acid (Aux/IAA) is the repressor of auxin signalling and can be recognized by an F‐box protein transport inhibitor response 1 (TIR1). Ubiquitination and degradation of Aux/IAA by SKP1‐Cullin‐F‐boxTIR1 (SCFTIR1) complex can trigger auxin signalling. Here, with an emerging important plant virus worldwide, we showed that tomato chlorosis virus (ToCV) infection or stable transgenic overexpression of its p22 protein does not alter auxin accumulation level but significantly decreases the expression of auxin signalling–responsive genes, suggesting that p22 can attenuate host auxin signalling. Further, p22 could bind the C‐terminal of SKP1.1 and compete with TIR1 to interfere with the SCFTIR1 complex assembly, leading to a suppression of Aux/IAA degradation. Silencing and over‐expression assays suggested that both NbSKP1.1 and NbTIR1 suppress ToCV accumulation and disease symptoms. Altogether, ToCV p22 disrupts the auxin signalling through destabilizing SCFTIR1 by interacting with the C‐terminal of NbSKP1.1 to promote ToCV infection. Our findings uncovered a previously unknown molecular mechanism employed by a plant virus to manipulate SCF complex–mediated ubiquitin pathway and to reprogram auxin signalling for efficient infection.
Risk sharing under the dominant peer‐to‐peer property and casualty insurance business models
Authors: Denuit Michel , Robert Christian Y.
Published: June 2021

This paper purposes to formalize the three business models dominating peer‐to‐peer (P2P) property and casualty insurance: the self‐governing model, the broker model, and the carrier model. The former one develops outside the insurance market whereas the latter ones may originate from the insurance industry, by partnering with an existing company or by issuing a new generation of participating insurance policies where part of the risk is shared within a community and higher losses, exceeding the community's risk‐bearing capacity are covered by an insurance or reinsurance company. The present paper proposes an actuarial modeling based on conditional mean risk sharing, to support the development of this new P2P insurance offer under each of the three business models. In addition, several specific questions are also addressed in the self‐governing model. Considering an economic agent who has to select the optimal pool for a risk to be shared with other participants, it is shown that uniform comparison of the Lorenz or concentration curves associated to the respective total losses of the pools under consideration allows the agent to decide which pool is preferable.
Rogue waves and lumps on the nonzero background in the ‐symmetric nonlocal Maccari system
Authors: Cao Yulei , Cheng Yi , Malomed Boris A. , He Jingsong
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the ‐symmetric version of the Maccari system is introduced, which can be regarded as a two‐dimensional generalization of the defocusing nonlocal nonlinear Schrödinger equation. Various exact solutions of the nonlocal Maccari system are obtained by means of the Hirota bilinear method, long‐wave limit, and Kadomtsev–Petviashvili (KP) hierarchy method. Bilinear forms of the nonlocal Maccari system are derived for the first time. Simultaneously, a new nonlocal Davey‐Stewartson–type equation is derived. Solutions for breathers and breathers on top of periodic line waves are obtained through the bilinear form of the nonlocal Maccari system. Hyperbolic line rogue wave (RW) solutions and semirational ones, composed of hyperbolic line RW and periodic line waves are also derived in the long‐wave limit. The semirational solutions exhibit a unique dynamical behavior. Additionally, general line soliton solutions on constant background are generated by restricting different tau‐functions of the KP hierarchy, combined with the Hirota bilinear method. These solutions exhibit elastic collisions, some of which have never been reported before in nonlocal systems. Additionally, the semirational solutions, namely, (i) fusion of line solitons and lumps into line solitons and (ii) fission of line solitons into lumps and line solitons, are put forward in terms of the KP hierarchy. These novel semirational solutions reduce to ‐lump solutions of the nonlocal Maccari system with appropriate parameters. Finally, different characteristics of exact solutions for the nonlocal Maccari system are summarized. These new results enrich the structure of waves in nonlocal nonlinear systems, and help to understand new physical phenomena.
Revising dating estimates and the antiquity of eusociality in termites using the fossilized birth–death process
Authors: Jouault Corentin , Legendre Frédéric , Grandcolas Philippe , Nel André
Published: June 2021

Deciphering the timing and tempo of lineage diversification of organisms has greatly benefited from advances in Bayesian phylogenetic analyses using morphological data. Those advances, however, have not been used for termites despite a rich fossil record. Here, we estimate divergence times for living and fossil termites using the fossilized birth–death (FBD) process on a previously published morphological matrix expanded with two new fossils that we describe (see Appendices S1 and S2). Those fossils, based on soldier specimens, are the mid‐Cretaceous mastotermitid Milesitermes engeli gen. et sp. nov., and the Middle Eocene Reticulitermes grimaldii sp. nov. The latter is the oldest occurrence of a Rhinotermitidae soldier and the first termite soldier described from Baltic amber. Our dating estimates provide new stem‐ages and crown‐ages for termites, suggesting older ages than previously thought for several lineages. Importantly, crown‐Isoptera – and, therefore, eusociality – may have arisen approximately 200 Ma. We conclude with further directions to keep improving our understanding of the timing of differentiation in termites.
TB or not TB? Definitive determination of species within the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex in unprocessed sputum from adults with presumed multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis
Authors: Mbelele Peter M. , Sauli Elingarami , Mpolya Emmanuel A. , Mohamed Sagal Y. , Addo Kennedy K. , Mfinanga Sayoki G. , Heysell Scott K. , Mpagama Stellah
Published: June 2021

Objectives

Differences among Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC) species may predict drug resistance or treatment success. Thus, we optimised and deployed the genotype MTBC assay (gMTBC) to identify MTC to the species level, and then performed comparative genotypic drug‐susceptibility testing to anti‐tuberculosis drugs from direct sputum of patients with presumed multidrug‐resistant tuberculosis (MDR‐TB) by the MTBDRplus/sl reference method.

Methods

Patients with positive Xpert® MTB/RIF (Xpert) results were consented to provide early‐morning‐sputum for testing by the gMTBC and the reference MTBDRplus/sl. Chi‐square or Fisher’s exact test compared proportions. Modified Poisson regression modelled detection of MTC by gMTBC.

Results

Among 73 patients, 53 (73%) were male and had a mean age of 43 (95% CI; 40–45) years. In total, 34 (47%), 36 (49%) and 38 (55%) had positive gMTBC, culture and MTBDR respectively. Forty patients (55%) had low quantity MTC by Xpert, including 31 (78%) with a negative culture. gMTBC was more likely to be positive in patients with chest cavity 4.18 (1.31–13.32, P = 0.016), high‐quantity MTC by Xpert 3.03 (1.35–6.82, P = 0.007) and sputum smear positivity 1.93 (1.19–3.14, P = 0.008). The accuracy of gMTBC in detecting MTC was 95% (95% CI; 86–98; κ = 0.89) compared to MTBDRplus/sl. All M. tuberculosis/canettii identified by gMTB were susceptible to fluoroquinolone and aminoglycosides/capreomycin.

Conclusions

The concordance between the gMTBC assay and MTBDRplus/sl in detecting MTC was high but lagged behind the yield of Xpert MTB/RIF. All M. tuberculosis/canettii were susceptible to fluoroquinolones, a core drug in MDR‐TB treatment regimens.
Naturally occurring anti‐Kpain an infant with recurrent bacterial infection: A case report and review of the literature
Authors: Kandasamy Dhivya , Shastry Shamee , Chenna Deepika , Prethika Ponniah Amutha , Vaidya Ashwinkumar , Rajendran Vinu
Published: June 2021

Naturally occurring anti‐Kpaantibody is extremely rare and was first reported in 1957, named after the first producer ‘Penney’. However, the subsequent anti‐Kpareports presented were all anti‐Kpadue to isoimmunization. Individuals with severe bacterial infections particularly Gram‐negative bacteria are known to be capable of producing cross‐reactive antibodies against Kell blood group system. However, such uncommon antibodies like anti‐Kpacan be easily missed in routine pre‐transfusion testing unless the panel cells containing low incidence antigen are used for antibody screening. Here, we report a case of naturally occurring anti‐Kpaantibody, identified incidentally during pre‐transfusion testing of a 12‐month‐old female infant with the diagnosis of Niemann–Pick disease and recurrent bacterial (Escherichia coli) infection.
Steel Surface Defect Detection Using an Ensemble of Deep Residual Neural Networks
Authors: Konovalenko Ihor , Maruschak Pavlo , Brevus Vitaly
Published: June 2021

Steel defect diagnostics is important for industry task as it is tied to the product quality and production efficiency. The aim of this paper is evaluating the application of residual neural networks for recognition of industrial steel defects of three classes. Developed and investigated models based on deep residual neural networks for the recognition and classification of surface defects of rolled steel. Investigated the influence of various loss functions, optimizers and hyperparameters on the obtained result and selected optimal model parameters. Based on an ensemble of two deep residual neural networks ResNet50 and ResNet152, a classifier was constructed to detect defects of three classes on flat metal surfaces. The proposed technique allows classifying images with high accuracy. The average binary accuracy of classifying the test data is 96.7% for all images (including defect-free ones). The fields of neuron activation in the convolutional layers of the model were investigated. Feature maps formed in the process were found to reflect the position, size, and shape of the objects of interest very well. The proposed ensemble model has proven to be robust and able to accurately recognize steel surface defects. Erroneous recognition cases of the classifier application are investigated. It was shown that errors most often occur in ambiguous situations, where surface artifacts of different types are similar.
A research on the effect of retrogression and re-aging heat treatment on hot tensile properties of AA7075 aluminum alloys
Authors: Sunar Talha , Ozyurek Dursun
Published: June 2021

Aluminium alloys are preferred in most industries due to the functional properties they provide. It is known that alloys that can be processed with heat treatments shows better mechanical properties. 7xxx series alloys can be processed vi heat treatments and are often used in environmental conditions such as extreme temperatures and corrosive environments. Corrosive sensitivities such as stress corrosion cracking (SCC) can be observed with the effect of working conditions. It is known that retrogression and re-aging (RRA) heat treatment provide corrosion resistance and decrease the SCC velocity. The purpose of this study is to examine the tensile behaviour of annealed and retrogression-re-aging (RRA) heat treated AA7075 alloys at elevated temperatures. The mechanical properties of the alloys were investigated by conducting tensile tests at room temperature (RT), 100, 200, and 300°C. Hardness tests were performed at room temperature on the samples which were taken from tensile test specimens after tensile tests. The potential effects of test temperature on mechanical and microstructural properties were examined. The annealed and RRA heat treated alloys were characterized by scanning electron microscope (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. As a result, an increase in strength and hardness of the RRA treated AA7075 alloys was observed. Ductility of the RRA alloy was lower compared to the annealed AA7075 alloy. Fracture surface examinations showed that there was a semi-ductile fracture below 200°C and ductile fracture at temperatures of 200 and 300°C. Ductility was observed to increase with increasing temperature.
Directivity of blade-tower interaction noise
Authors: Yauwenas Yendrew , Zajamšek Branko , Reizes John , Timchenko Victoria , Doolan Con
Published: June 2021

This paper presents a combined experimental and numerical study that characterises the directivity of blade-tower interaction (BTI) noise. Numerical computations were performed using a hybrid approach combining unsteady Reynolds-averaged Navier-Stokes equations and Curle's acoustic analogy, allowing the noise from the blades and the tower to be computed separately. The noise directivity of the blade and the tower components have a dipole pattern and a monopole-like pattern, respectively; hence, the resulting BTI noise directivity resembles an oval. Partial cancellations between the blade and tower components are also shown to affect the BTI noise directivity.
Rheological response of entangled isotactic polypropylene melts in strong shear flows: Edge fracture, flow curves, and normal stresses
Authors: Parisi Daniele , Han Aijie , Seo Jiho , Colby Ralph H.
Published: June 2021

Isotactic polypropylene (iPP) melts are industrial semicrystalline polymers whose processing typically involves strong shear flows. The study of the rheological response of iPP melts, well beyond the linear viscoelastic limit, is limited by edge fracture, which manifests in rotational rheometers. In this work, we used a reflection polariscope under shear to detect the onset shear rate at which edge fracture is observed for various rotational rheometry fixture diameters. The onset shear rate for edge fracture was found to correlate with the zero-shear viscosity, thereby enabling the prediction of edge fracture by only knowing the zero-shear viscosity; a quantity that is easier to measure compared to the second normal stress difference. Edge fracture is then mitigated by using a cone-partitioned plate, which enabled the study of the first normal stress difference, and in combination with capillary rheometry, allowed the measurement of flow curves with a very well-resolved shear thinning region. For strongly polydisperse iPPs at high shear rates, we found that viscosity scales as the −0.7 power of the shear rate, while primary normal stress difference scales as the square root of the shear rate. The dependence of the shear thinning of iPPs on polydispersity was then unravelled, offering a broad set of data to develop and test molecular models.
Quality of Movement Is Associated With Cognitive Function in Physically Inactive Older Women
Authors: Sobrinho Andressa Crystine da Silva , de Almeida Mariana Luciano , Silva Vagner Ramon Rodrigues , Rodrigues Guilherme da Silva , Rodrigues Karine Pereira , Monteiro Camila de Paula , Bueno Júnior Carlos Roberto
Published: June 2021

The relationship between the quality of movement, considering different global and universal basic patterns of movement and cognition domains in older adults remain unclear. The current study explored this association in physically inactive older women. In total, 187 participants, aged 60–70 years (mean = 64.9, SD = 6.9 years), were recruited from a physical education program in a public university. The older adults performed the following tests: Functional Movement Screen, Montreal Cognitive Assessment, and Modified Baecke Questionnaire for the Older Adults. The regression analysis showed an association between age (β = −0.11, 95% confidence interval, CI, [−0.10, 0.30], p = .03); visuospatial abilities (β = 0.36, 95% CI [0.24, 1.23], p < .001); language (β = 0.23, 95% CI [0.20, 1.08], p < .001); and orientation domains (β = 0.13, 95% CI [0.11, 1.22], p = .016) of the Montreal Cognitive Assessment and the Functional Movement Screen. The quality of movement was related to both age and cognitive performance, such as the visuospatial abilities, language, and orientation domains, in physically inactive older women.
Mesenchymal growth hormone receptor deficiency leads to failure of alveolar progenitor cell function and severe pulmonary fibrosis
Authors: Xie Ting , Kulur Vrishika , Liu Ningshan , Deng Nan , Wang Yizhou , Rowan Simon Coyle , Yao Changfu , Huang Guanling , Liu Xue , Taghavifar Forough , Liang Jiurong , Hogaboam Cory , Stripp Barry , Chen Peter , Jiang Dianhua , Noble Paul W.
Published: June 2021

Mesenchymal vesicular GHR supports alveolar epithelial progenitor cell renewal and limits lung fibrosis.
An MD2-perturbing peptide has therapeutic effects in rodent and rhesus monkey models of stroke
Authors: Fang Zongping , Wu Di , Deng Jiao , Yang Qianzi , Zhang Xijing , Chen Jian , Wang Shiquan , Hu Sijun , Hou Wugang , Ning Siming , Ding Yi , Fan Zhongmin , Jiang Zhenhua , Kang Junjun , Liu Yingying , Miao Jinlin , Ji Xunming , Dong Hailong , Xiong Lize
Published: June 2021

Tat-CIRP perturbed the function of MD2 and provided robust neuroprotection in cells, rodents, and gyrencephalic nonhuman primates.
A phase 2 trial of inhaled nitrous oxide for treatment-resistant major depression
Authors: Nagele Peter , Palanca Ben J. , Gott Britt , Brown Frank , Barnes Linda , Nguyen Thomas , Xiong Willa , Salloum Naji C. , Espejo Gemma D. , Lessov-Schlaggar Christina N. , Jain Nisha , Cheng Wayland W. L. , Komen Helga , Yee Branden , Bolzenius Jacob D. , Janski Alvin , Gibbons Robert , Zorumski Charles F. , Conway Charles R.
Published: June 2021

Twenty-five percent inhaled nitrous oxide improves symptoms of treatment-resistant major depression with fewer adverse effects than the 50% concentration.
Continuous health monitoring: An opportunity for precision health
Authors: Gambhir Sanjiv S. , Ge T. Jessie , Vermesh Ophir , Spitler Ryan , Gold Garry E.
Published: June 2021

Continuous health monitoring and integrated diagnostics should enable society to better understand human health and combat disease before it strikes.
A single-shot Lassa vaccine induces long-term immunity and protects cynomolgus monkeys against heterologous strains
Authors: Mateo Mathieu , Reynard Stéphanie , Journeaux Alexandra , Germain Clara , Hortion Jimmy , Carnec Xavier , Picard Caroline , Baillet Nicolas , Borges-Cardoso Virginie , Merabet Othmann , Vallve Audrey , Barron Stéphane , Jourjon Ophélie , Lacroix Orianne , Duthey Aurélie , Dirheimer Manon , Jouvion Gregory , Moreau Pierre-Henri , Fellmann Lyne , Carbonnelle Caroline , Raoul Hervé , Tangy Frédéric , Baize Sylvain
Published: June 2021

A single-dose vaccine confers cross-protection and long-term efficacy against Lassa virus in cynomolgus monkeys.
Human Urine Alters Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Virulence and Transcriptome
Authors: Paudel Santosh , Bagale Kamal , Patel Swapnil , Kooyers Nicholas J. , Kulkarni Ritwij
Published: June 2021

Methicillin-resistant
Staphylococcus aureus
(MRSA) is an uncommon cause of urinary tract infections (UTI) in the general population. However, it is important to understand MRSA pathophysiology in the urinary tract because isolation of MRSA in urine samples often precedes potentially life-threatening MRSA bacteremia.
The glucose transport system of the hyperthermophilic anaerobic bacterium Thermotoga neapolitana
Authors: Galperin MY , Noll KM , Romano AH
Published: June 2021

The glucose transport system of the extremely thermophilic anaerobic bacterium Thermotoga neapolitana was studied with the nonmetabolizable glucose analog 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DOG). T. neapolitana accumulated 2-DOG against a concentration gradient in an intracellular free sugar pool that was exchangeable with external source of energy, such as pyruvate, and was inhibited by arsenate and gramicidin D. There was no phosphoenolpyruvate-dependent phosphorylation of glucose, 2-DOG, or fructose by cell extracts or toluene-treated cells, indicating the absence of a phosphoenolpyruvate:sugar phosphotransferase system. These data indicate that D-glucose is taken up by T. neapolitana via an active transport system that is energized by an ion gradient generated by ATP, derived from substrate-level phosphorylation.
Complete Genome Sequence of Bacillus coagulans BC01, a Promising Human Probiotic Strain Isolated from Thick Broad Bean Sauce
Authors: Yu Yang , Yu Xueping , Ouyang Jialiang , Ma Xin
Published: June 2021

We report the whole-genome sequence of a promising human probiotic,
Bacillus coagulans
BC01, isolated from thick broad-bean sauce.
B. coagulans
BC01 is widely used in China, where it is considered a treatment for diarrhea, constipation, and allergies and an immunity booster. The complete genome sequence of
B. coagulans
BC01 will help future research to provide more molecular information about its features and safety.
Petrographic and chemical studies of the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary sequence at El Guayal, Tabasco, Mexico: Implications for ejecta plume evolution from the Chicxulub impact crater
Authors: Salge Tobias , Tagle Roald , Schmitt Ralf-Thomas , Hecht Lutz
Published: June 2021

A combined petrographic and chemical study of ejecta particles from the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary sequence of El Guayal, Tabasco, Mexico (520 km SW of Chicxulub crater), was carried out to assess their formation conditions and genetic relation during the impact process. The reaction of silicate ejecta particles with hot volatiles during atmospheric transport may have induced alteration processes, e.g., silicification and cementation, observed in the ejecta deposits. The various microstructures of calcite ejecta particles are interpreted to reflect different thermal histories at postshock conditions. Spherulitic calcite particles may represent carbonate melts that were quenched during ejection. A recrystallized microstructure may indicate short, intense thermal stress. Various aggregates document particle-particle interactions and intermixing of components from lower silicate and upper sedimentary target lithologies. Aggregates of recrystallized calcite with silicate melt indicate the consolidation of a hot suevitic component with sediments at ≳750 °C. Accretionary lapilli formed in a turbulent, steam-condensing environment at ~100 °C by aggregation of solid, ash-sized particles. Concentric zones with smaller grain sizes of accreted particles indicate a recurring exchange with a hotter environment.

Our results suggest that during partial ejecta plume collapse, hot silicate components were mixed with the fine fraction of local surface-derived sediments, the latter of which were displaced by the preceding ejecta curtain. These processes sustained a hot, gas-driven, lateral basal transport that was accompanied by a turbulent plume at a higher level. The exothermic back-reaction of CaO from decomposed carbonates and sulfates with CO2 to form CaCO3 may have been responsible for a prolonged release of thermal energy at a late stage of plume evolution.
Robotic nephroureterectomy in a horseshoe kidney for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Latif Edward Ramez , Ahmed Issam , Thomas Milan , Eddy Ben
Published: June 2021

Upper tract urothelial carcinoma represents a small proportion (5%–10%) of all urothelial cancers. Although there are several management options, in undifferentiated or high-risk cases, surgery in the form of nephroureterectomy is the gold standard. Horseshoe kidney is the most common congenital renal fusion anomaly affecting 1 in 400–600 patients. We present the case of a smoker in her mid-50s with an incidental finding of a papillary lesion in the right renal pelvis of her horseshoe kidney on CT scan. She went on to have endoscopic assessment confirming no other foci of disease. She was definitively managed with a robotic nephroureterectomy.
Life-threatening haematochezia in a man with two gastrointestinal stromal tumours
Authors: Moin Kinza , Alneyadi Maitha , Shantour Sulaiman , Alao David Olukolade
Published: June 2021

A man in his 30s was brought by ambulance to the emergency department with a complaint of frank bright red rectal bleeding and dizziness. His blood pressure was 60/18 mm Hg. He was resuscitated with intravenous normal saline and an emergency blood transfusion. Following a negative emergency oesophagogastroduodenoscopy and colonoscopy, an angiographic CT of the abdomen revealed a large tumour in the ileum. After failing to stabilise him with multiple blood transfusions, he had an emergent laparotomy and surgical resection of the tumour, which was confirmed by histocytology as gastrointestinal stromal tumour (GIST). He made full recovery and was discharged home after 10 days. We discussed the challenges of managing significant lower gastrointestinal bleeding and reviewed the current management of GIST.
Motivational interviewing with community-dwelling older adults after hip fracture (MIHip): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Taylor Nicholas F , O"Halloran Paul D , Watts Jennifer J , Morris Rebecca , Peiris Casey L , Porter Judi , Prendergast Luke A , Harding Katherine E , Snowdon David A , Ekegren Christina L , Hau Raphael , Mudiyanselage Shalika B , Rimayanti Made U , Noeske Kate E , Snowdon Megan , Kim Daniel , Shields Nora
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Community-dwelling people recovering from hip fracture have the physical capacity to walk in their community but lack the confidence to do so. The primary aim of this trial is to determine whether motivational interviewing increases time spent walking at 12 months in community-dwelling people after hip fracture compared with an attention placebo control group. Secondary aims are to evaluate cost effectiveness, patient and health service outcomes and to complete a process evaluation.

Methods and analysis

An assessor-blinded parallel group randomised controlled design with embedded health economic evaluation and process evaluation will compare the effects of n=270 participants randomly allocated to an experimental group (motivational interviewing) or a control group (dietary advice). For inclusion, participants are aged ≥65 years, living at home independently within 6 months of discharge from hospital after hip fracture and able to walk independently and communicate with conversational English. Key exclusion criteria are severe depression or anxiety, impaired intellectual functioning and being medically unstable to walk. Participants allocated to the experimental group will receive 10 (8 weekly and 2 booster) telephone-based sessions of motivational interviewing to increase walking over 16 weeks. Participants allocated to the control group will receive an equivalent dose of telephone-based dietary advice. The primary outcome is daily time spent walking over 7 days assessed at weeks 0, 9, 26 and 52. Secondary outcomes include measures of psychological-related function, mobility-related function, community participation, health-related quality of life and falls. Health service utilisation and associated costs will be assessed. Process evaluation will assess the fidelity of the motivational interviewing intervention and explore contextual factors through semistructured interviews.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval obtained from Eastern Health (E19-002), Peninsula Health (50261/EH-2019), Alfred Health (617/20) and La Trobe University (E19/002/50261). The findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed journals, conference presentations and public seminars.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12619000936123.
Evaluation of risk mitigation measures for people with substance use disorders to address the dual public health crises of COVID-19 and overdose in British Columbia: a mixed-method study protocol
Authors: Nosyk Bohdan , Slaunwhite Amanda , Urbanoski Karen , Hongdilokkul Natt , Palis Heather , Lock Kurt , Min Jeong E , Zhao Bin , Card Kiffer G , Barker Brittany , Meilleur Louise , Burmeister Charlene , Thomson Erica , Beck-McGreevy Phoenix , Pauly Bernie
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic was preceded by an ongoing overdose crisis and linked to escalating drug overdose deaths in British Columbia (BC). At the outset of these dual public health emergencies, the BC government announced interim Risk Mitigation Guidance (RMG) that permitted prescribing medication alternatives to substances, including opioids, alcohol, stimulants and benzodiazepines, an intervention sometimes referred to as ‘safe supply’. This protocol outlines the approach for a study of the implementation of RMG and its impacts on COVID-19 infection, drug-related and systemic harms, continuity of care for people with substance use disorder (SUD), as well as their behavioural, psychosocial and well-being outcomes.

Methods and analysis

We conducted a parallel mixed-method study that involved both analysis of population-level administrative health data and primary data collection, including a 10-week longitudinal observational study (target n=200), a cross-sectional survey (target n=200) and qualitative interviews (target n=60). We implemented a participatory approach to this evaluation, partnering with people with lived or living expertise of drug use, and researchers and public health decision-makers across the province. Linked population-level administrative databases will analyse data from a cohort of BC residents with an indication of SUD between 1996 and 2020. We will execute high-dimensional propensity score matching and marginal structural modelling to construct a control group and to assess the impact of RMG dispensation receipt on a collaboratively determined set of primary and secondary outcomes.

Ethics and dissemination

Study activities were developed to adhere to the Tri-Council Policy Statement: Ethical Conduct for Research Involving Humans, recommended COVID-19 research practices, and guided by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action for public health, data governance and research ethics related to Indigenous people. Results will be disseminated incrementally, on an ongoing basis, through the consortium established for this study, then published in peer-reviewed journals.
Field axial loading tests of screw micropiles in sand
Authors: Khidri Mujtaba , Deng Lijun
Published: June 2021

A screw micropile consists of a smooth shaft at the top, threaded shaft at the middle, and tapered shaft at the bottom. Research is required to investigate the axial behavior and capacities of this pile type in sand. A field load test program was performed on six types of full-scale screw micropiles installed at a sandpit site using torque. Selected piles were instrumented with axial strain gauges. A geotechnical investigation, including cone penetration tests (CPTs) and standard penetration tests, was undertaken. In total, 41 piles, including eight instrumented piles, were tested. The ultimate capacities and the unit shaft resistance distributions were determined. The shaft resistance was then compared with the tip resistance of CPT. The coefficient of lateral earth pressure and combined shaft resistance factor was determined for each pile segment, and then an effective stress method based on the combined shaft resistance factor was used to estimate the capacity of test piles. A theoretical torque model was developed using CPT sleeve friction; the model was verified by comparing the estimated torque to the measured torque of test piles. In the end, empirical torque factors were developed.
Linking Twitter and survey data: asymmetry in quantity and its impact
Authors: Al Baghal Tarek , Wenz Alexander , Sloan Luke , Jessop Curtis
Published: June 2021

Linked social media and survey data have the potential to be a unique source of information for social research. While the potential usefulness of this methodology is widely acknowledged, very few studies have explored methodological aspects of such linkage. Respondents produce planned amounts of survey data, but highly variant amounts of social media data. This study explores this asymmetry by examining the amount of social media data available to link to surveys. The extent of variation in the amount of data collected from social media could affect the ability to derive meaningful linked indicators and could introduce possible biases. Linked Twitter data from respondents to two longitudinal surveys representative of Great Britain, the Innovation Panel and the NatCen Panel, show that there is indeed substantial variation in the number of tweets posted and the number of followers and friends respondents have. Multivariate analyses of both data sources show that only a few respondent characteristics have a statistically significant effect on the number of tweets posted, with the number of followers being the strongest predictor of posting in both panels, women posting less than men, and some evidence that people with higher education post less, but only in the Innovation Panel. We use sentiment analyses of tweets to provide an example of how the amount of Twitter data collected can impact outcomes using these linked data sources. Results show that more negatively coded tweets are related to general happiness, but not the number of positive tweets. Taken together, the findings suggest that the amount of data collected from social media which can be linked to surveys is an important factor to consider and indicate the potential for such linked data sources in social research.