bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic analysis of Starmerella apis in honey bees (Apis mellifera)
Authors: Michalczyk Maria , Sokół Rajmund , Lipczyńska‐Ilczuk Karolina , Bancerz‐Kisiel Agata
Published: June 2022

Honey bees are among the most effective pollinators that promote plant reproduction. Bees are highly active in the pollen collection season, which can lead to the transmission of selected pathogens between colonies. The clade Starmerella comprises yeasts that are isolated mainly from bees and their environment. When visiting plants, bees can come into contact with Starmerella spp. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and phylogenetic position of S. apis in bee colonies. Bee colonies were collected from nine apiaries in three regions. Ten colonies were sampled randomly from each apiary, and pooled samples were collected from the central part of the hive in each colony. A total of 90 (100%) bee colonies from nine apiaries were examined. Starmerella apis was detected in 31 (34.44%) samples, but related species were not identified. The 18S rRNA amplicon sequences of S. apis were compatible with the GenBank sequences of Starmerella spp. from India, Japan, Syria, Thailand, and the USA. The amplicon sequences of S. apis were also 99.06% homologous with the sequences deposited in GenBank under accession numbers JX515988 and NG067631.This is the first study to perform a phylogenetic analysis of S. apis in Polish honey bees.
Ovule initiation: the essential step controlling offspring number in Arabidopsis
Authors: Yu Shi‐Xia , Jiang Yu‐Tong , Lin Wen‐Hui
Published: June 2022

Seed is the offspring of angiosperms. Plants produce large numbers of seeds to ensure effective reproduction and survival in varying environments. Ovule is a fundamentally important organ and is the precursor of the seed. In Arabidopsis and other plants characterized by multi‐ovulate ovaries, ovule initiation determines the maximal ovule number, thus greatly affecting seed number per fruit and seed yield. Investigating the regulatory mechanism of ovule initiation has both scientific and economic significance. However, the genetic and molecular basis underlying ovule initiation remains unclear due to technological limitations. Very recently, rules governing the multiple ovules initiation from one placenta have been identified, the individual functions and crosstalk of phytohormones in regulating ovule initiation have been further characterized, and new regulators of ovule boundary are reported, therefore expanding the understanding of this field. In this review, we present an overview of current knowledge in ovule initiation and summarize the significance of ovule initiation in regulating the number of plant offspring, as well as raise insights for the future study in this field that provide potential routes for the improvement of crop yield.
Feasibility of wearable technology for ‘real‐world’ gait analysis in children with Prader–Willi and Angelman syndromes
Authors: Kraan C. M. , Date P. , Rattray A. , Sangeux M. , Bui Q. M. , Baker E. K. , Morison J. , Amor D. J. , Godler D. E.
Published: June 2022

Abstract

Background

Prader–Willi syndrome (PWS) and Angelman syndrome (AS) are neurodevelopmental disorders in need of innovative ‘real‐world’ outcome measures to evaluate treatment effects. Instrumented gait analysis (IGA) using wearable technology offers a potentially feasible solution to measure “real‐world’ neurological and motor dysfunction in these groups.

Methods

Children (50% female; 6–16 years) diagnosed with PWS (n = 9) and AS (n = 5) completed ‘real‐world’ IGA assessments using the Physilog®5 wearable. PWS participants completed a laboratory assessment and a ‘real‐world’ long walk. The AS group completed ‘real‐world’ caregiver‐assisted assessments. Mean and variability results for stride time, cadence, stance percentage (%) and stride length were extracted and compared across three different data reduction protocols.

Results

The wearables approach was found to be feasible, with all participants able to complete at least one assessment. This study also demonstrated significant agreement, using Lin's concordance correlation coefficient (CCC), between laboratory and ‘real‐world’ assessments in the PWS group for mean stride length, mean stance % and stance % CV (n = 7, CCC: 0.782–0.847, P = 0.011–0.009).

Conclusion

‘Real‐world’ gait analysis using the Physilog®5 wearable was feasible to efficiently assess neurological and motor dysfunction in children affected with PWS and AS.
Minimally invasive procedures for the management of female pattern hair loss
Authors: Melo Daniel Fernandes , Cortez de Almeida Rita Fernanda , Frattini Simone Carolina , Santos Leopoldo Duailibe Nogueira , Ramos Paulo Müller
Published: June 2022

Background

Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL) is one of the most common types of hair loss in women. It is characterized by progressive follicular miniaturization leading to diffuse hair thinning over the midfrontal scalp with a negative impact on quality of life. Pharmacological treatments are commonly used, and hair follicle transplantation is an option for those cases with adequate donor area. Minimally invasive procedures, such as microneedling, mesotherapy, microinfusion of drugs into the scalp with tattoo machines (MMP®), and platelet‐rich plasma (PRP) have been reported as adjuvant treatments.

Aims

This study aims to summarize and discuss the efficacy of minimally invasive procedures described for the management of FPHL.

Methods

Published articles indexed on the Pubmed database and Scopus that described minimally invasive procedures for the management of FPHL in humans were considered. Citations were reviewed and added for completeness. The search was for articles in English only. After excluding duplicate titles, 23 relevant articles were considered.

Conclusion

Minimally invasive procedures are promising options and may play a role in FPHL treatment. They can be used as adjunctive therapy for FPHL, in case of poor response to clinical therapy, or when patients prefer other care than the standard. We reinforce that these methods should be performed by an experienced medical professional following strict aseptic techniques. However, microneedling, mesotherapy, MMP, and PRP lack standardization and are supported by a low level of evidence yet. For the future, larger randomized clinical trials are essential to determine the efficacy and optimal protocols for these treatments.
The moderating role of dispositional mindfulness in the associations of morningness‐eveningness with depressive and anxiety symptoms
Authors: Gorgol Joanna , Stolarski Maciej , Jankowski Tomasz
Published: June 2022

Several studies have shown that eveningness is positively related to both depressive and anxiety symptoms. However, little is known about factors that may play a protective role against the undesirable emotional consequences of evening preference. Thus, in the present study, we explored the moderating effects of dispositional mindfulness on the relationship between morningness‐eveningness and the presence of depressive symptoms, as well as between morningness‐eveningness and the presence of anxiety symptoms. The study was conducted on a group of 1107 individuals (559 women and 548 men) aged 18–55 years (M = 36.26, SD = 9.89). Consistent with previous findings, eveningness was positively related to the presence of both depressive and anxiety symptoms. The magnitude of these effects decreased with higher dispositional mindfulness. The latter result remained significant when the analogical moderating effects of personality, established in earlier studies, were controlled for in the regression models. This leads to the conclusion that dispositional mindfulness may act as a protective factor against the elevated depressive and anxiety symptoms reported by evening‐oriented individuals.
Utility of fungal polymerase chain reaction on nasal swab samples in the diagnosis and monitoring of sinonasal aspergillosis in dogs
Authors: Biénès Tom , Vangrinsven Emilie , Fastrès Aline , Garigliany Mutien‐Marie , Billen Frédéric , Clercx Cécile
Published: June 2022

Background

In dogs with sinonasal aspergillosis (SNA) the utility of PCR in the diagnosis and monitoring of the disease after treatment has not been assessed.

Objectives

To evaluate the presence of fungal DNA using quantitative PCR targeting Aspergillus fumigatus (Aspfum) and Aspergillus spp. (PanAsp), and PCR targeting multiple fungal species (PanFun), in samples obtained from nasal cavities of dogs with SNA, other nasal diseases and healthy dogs.

Animals

Sixty‐two dogs including 20 with SNA, 12 with cured SNA (of which 10 are from the SNA group), 20 dogs with Non‐SNA nasal disease, and 20 healthy dogs.

Methods

Prospective cross‐sectional study. Aspfum, PanAsp, and PanFun were performed on blindly collected nasal swabs obtained in anesthetized dogs.

Results

In SNA dogs, Aspfum and PanAsp were positive in 13/20 and 14/20 dogs. In all dogs in the 3 other groups, A. fumigatus DNA was not detected using Aspfum. PanAsp was positive in 3 non‐SNA dogs: 1 with cured SNA and 2 with Non‐SNA nasal disease. A Ct cut‐off value of 33.3 for Aspfum demonstrated 65% sensitivity and 100% specificity. A Ct cut‐off value of 34.5 for PanAsp demonstrated 70% sensitivity and 96.2% specificity. PanFun was positive in 16/20, 12/12, 19/20, and 7/20 dogs in the SNA, cured SNA, Non‐SNA, and healthy groups, respectively.

Conclusion and Clinical Importance

Aspfum and PanAsp on blindly collected nasal swabs can be useful for the detection of SNA at diagnosis and at cure, especially when more invasive methods are not available.
A chromosome‐level Populus qiongdaoensis genome assembly provides insights into tropical adaptation and a cryptic turnover of sex determination
Authors: Li Yiling , Wang Deyan , Wang Weiwei , Yang Wenlu , Gao Jinwen , Zhang Wenyan , Shan Lanxing , Kang Minghui , Chen Yang , Ma Tao
Published: June 2022

Populus species have long been used as model organisms to study the adaptability of trees and the evolution of sex chromosomes. As a species belonging to the section Populus and limited to tropical areas, the P. qiongdaoensis genome contains important information for tropical poplar studies and protection. Here, we report a chromosome‐level genome assembly and annotation of a female P. qiongdaoensis. Gene family clustering, positive selection detection and historical reconstruction of population dynamics revealed the tropical adaptation of P. qiongdaoensis, and showed convergent evolution with another tropical poplar, P. ilicifolia, at the molecular level, especially on some functional genes (e.g., PIF3 and PIL1). In addition, we also identified a ZW sex determination system on chromosome 19 of P. qiongdaoensis, and inferred that it seems to have a similar sex determination mechanism to other poplars, controlled by a type‐A cytokinin response regulator (RR) gene. However, comparison and phylogenetic analysis of the sex determination regions confirmed a cryptic sex turnover event in the section Populus, which may be caused by the translocation and duplication of the RR gene driven by Helitron‐like transposable elements. Our study provides new insights into the environmental adaptation and sex chromosome evolution of poplars, and emphasizes the importance of using long read sequencing in ecological and evolutionary inferences of plants.
Control strategy for stable formation of high‐speed virtually coupled trains with disturbances and delays
Authors: Liu Yafei , Zhou Yang , Su Shuai , Xun Jing , Tang Tao
Published: June 2022

Virtual coupling (VC) brings unprecedented opportunities for the train operation system by controlling multiple trains as a virtually coupled train set (VCTS) via train automation and communication. To deal with communication delays and small disturbances in a VCTS, this paper developed a tube‐based control approach for the VCTS, focusing on optimizing the control performances and meanwhile guaranteeing the individual and string stability. Specifically, a tube model predictive control (MPC) framework is constructed to handle safety constraints and regulate bounded small disturbances. Then, the individual stability and string stability are ensured by designing the constraint sets for inputs and proper coefficient tuning within the stable region. Finally, simulation‐based experiments verify that the proposed approach shows better robustness and higher efficiency, which can regulate train states within a tube, and the VCTS can be asymptotically stable and string stable facing disturbances and delays.
Asphalt pavement macrotexture reconstruction from monocular image based on deep convolutional neural network
Authors: Dong Shihao , Han Sen , Wu Chi , Xu Ouming , Kong Haiyu
Published: June 2022

Pavement macrotexture is one of the major factors affecting pavement functions, and it is meaningful to reconstruct the pavement macrotexture rapidly and accurately for pavement life cycle performance and quality evaluation. To reconstruct pavement macrotexture from monocular image, a novel method was developed based on a deep convolutional neural network (CNN). First, the red‐green‐blue (RGB) images and depth maps (RGB‐D) of pavement texture were acquired by smartphone and laser texture scanner, respectively, from various asphalt mixture slab specimens fabricated in the laboratory, and the pavement texture RGB‐D dataset was established from scratch. Then, an encoder–decoder CNN architecture was proposed based on residual network‐101, and different training strategies were discussed for model optimization. Finally, the precision of the CNN and the three‐dimensional characteristics of the reconstructed macrotexture were analyzed. The results show that the established RGB‐D dataset can be used for training directly, and the established CNN architecture is plausible and effective. The mean texture depth and f8mac of the reconstructed macrotexture both correlate with the benchmarks significantly, and the correlation coefficients are 0.88 and 0.96, respectively. It could be concluded that the proposed CNN can reconstruct the macrotexture from monocular RGB images precisely, and the reconstructed macrotexture could be further used for pavement macrotexture evaluation.
Singing accuracy across the lifespan
Authors: Pfordresher Peter Q.
Published: June 2022

Although singing is a nearly universal human behavior, many adults consider themselves poor singers and avoid singing based on self‐assessment of pitch matching accuracy during singing (here referred to as singing accuracy), in contrast to the uninhibited singing exhibited by children. In this article, I report results that shed light on how singing accuracy changes across the lifespan, using data from a large online sample, including participants ranging from 6 to 99 years old. Results suggest that singing accuracy improves dramatically from childhood to young adulthood, unperturbed by voice changes during adolescence, and remain at a similarly high level for the remainder of life, exhibiting no strong tendency toward age‐related decline. Vocal or instrumental musical training has significant positive effects on singing accuracy, particularly in childhood, though there was no evidence for gender differences. Finally, pitch discrimination varied with age similarly to singing accuracy, in support of views that singing accuracy reflects sensorimotor learning. Taken together, these results are consistent with the view that singing accuracy is a learned motor skill that benefits from engagement and can remain a fruitful endeavor into old age.
How did consumers react to the COVID‐19 pandemic over time?
Authors: Kapetanios George , Neuteboom Nora , Ritsema Feiko , Ventouri Alexia
Published: June 2022

Non‐pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) have been the key policy instrument utilized to contain the impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic. This paper disentangles the effects of NPIs from that of the virus and looks at the specific channels through which the virus impacts consumption. Using geo‐located transaction data, we find that consumers' behaviour towards the virus has explanatory power for the drop in consumption in the early stages of the pandemic. This effect disappears in the later stages of the pandemic, suggesting that consumers have adapted their behaviour. As the COVID‐19 pandemic progressed, consumers tended to make ‘safer’ consumption decisions, by avoiding crowded places.
Associations of physical condition with lung function and asthma in adolescents from the general population
Authors: Mensink‐Bout Sara M. , Jahangir Marc R. , de Jongste Johan C. , Raat Hein , Jaddoe Vincent W. V. , Duijts Liesbeth
Published: June 2022

Background

The relation of physical condition with respiratory outcomes in adolescents is unclear. We examined the hypothesis that adolescents with a lower physical condition represented by a lower cardiorespiratory fitness and physical activity, and a higher screen time have a lower lung function and higher risk of asthma.

Methods

In a population‐based prospective cohort study on 4854 children aged 13 years, we assessed cardiorespiratory fitness by using the peak work rate measured by the steep ramp test. Information on physical activity and screen time was obtained by self‐reported questionnaires. Lung function was measured by spirometry and current asthma was assessed by a parental‐reported questionnaire.

Results

Taking sociodemographic, lifestyle, and growth‐related confounders and multiple hypothesis testing into account, a 1 SD lower cardiorespiratory fitness was associated with a lower FEV1, FVC, and FEF75 (Z‐score difference (95% CI): −0.31 (−0.35, −0.28), −0.30 (−0.33, −0.26), −0.13 (−0.17, −0.10), respectively), and a higher risk of asthma (Odds Ratio (95% CI) 1.25 (1.06, 1.46)). A 1 SD higher screen time was associated with a lower FVC (Z‐score difference (95% CI): −0.06 (−0.10, −0.03)). Physical activity and screen time were not related to asthma. Results did not materially change after additional adjustment for respiratory outcomes at an earlier age.

Conclusion

Adolescents with a lower cardiorespiratory fitness had a lower lung function and a higher risk of asthma. Those with a higher screen time had a lower FVC. Further studies are needed to explore the effect of improvements in physical condition on long‐term respiratory outcomes.
Environmental inequality: Air pollution and asthma in children
Authors: Paciência Inês , Cavaleiro Rufo João , Moreira André
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Whether you benefit from high‐quality urban environments, such as those rich in green and blue spaces, that may offer benefits to allergic and respiratory health depends on where you live and work. Environmental inequality, therefore, results from the unequal distribution of the risks and benefits that stem from interactions with our environment.

Methods

Within this perspective, this article reviews the evidence for an association between air pollution caused by industrial activities, traffic, disinfection‐by‐products, and tobacco/e‐cigarettes, and asthma in children. We also discuss the proposed mechanisms by which air pollution increases asthma risk, including environmental epigenetic regulations, oxidative stress, and damage, disrupted barrier integrity, inflammatory pathways, and enhancement of respiratory sensitization to aeroallergens.

Results and conclusions

Environmental air pollution is a major determinant of childhood asthma, but the magnitude of effect is not shared equally across the population, regions, and settings where people live, work, and spend their time. Improvement of the exposure assessment, a better understanding of critical exposure time windows, underlying mechanisms, and drivers of heterogeneity may improve the risk estimates. Urban conditions and air quality are not only important features for national and local authorities to shape healthy cities and protect their citizens from environmental and health risks, but they also provide opportunities to mitigate inequalities in the most deprived areas where the environmental burden is highest. Actions to avoid exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollutants should be complementary at different levels—individual, local, and national levels—to take effective measures to protect children who have little or no control over the air they breathe.
Moral Identity Predicts Adherence to COVID‐19 Mitigation Procedures Depending on Political Ideology: A Comparison Between the USA and New Zealand
Authors: McHugh Cillian , Griffin Siobhán M. , McGrath Melanie J. , Rhee Joshua J. , Maher Paul J. , McCashin Darragh , Roth Jenny
Published: June 2022

Reducing the spread of infectious viruses (e.g., COVID‐19) can depend on societal compliance with effective mitigations. Identifying factors that influence adherence can inform public policy. In many cases, public health messaging has become highly moralized, focusing on the need to act for the greater good. In such contexts, a person's moral identity may influence behavior and serve to increase compliance through different mechanisms: if a person sees compliance as the right thing to do (internalization) and/or if a person perceives compliance as something others will notice as the right thing to do (symbolization). We argue that in societies that are more politically polarized, people's political ideology may interact with their moral identity to predict compliance. We hypothesized that where polarization is high (e.g., USA), moral identity should positively predict compliance for liberals to a greater extent than for conservatives. However, this effect would not occur where polarization is low (e.g., New Zealand). Moral identity, political ideology, and support for three different COVID‐19 mitigation measures were assessed in both nations (N = 1,980). Results show that while moral identity can influence compliance, the political context of the nation must also be taken into account.
Prognostic value of red cell distribution width and mean corpuscular volume on mortality in hemodialysis patients
Authors: Zhang Jialing , Lu Xiangxue , Feng Jianan , Wang Shixiang , Li Han
Published: June 2022

Background: Anemia is a common consequence of chronic kidney disease (CKD). Red cell distribution width (RDW) and mean corpuscular volume (MCV) are principally used for differential diagnosis of anemia. Limited evidence is available for its prognostic value for mortality in hemodialysis (HD) patients. We aimed to definite the relationship between RDW and MCV and mortality in HD patients. Method: This cohort study examined all‐cause and cardiovascular (CV) mortality with 181 maintenance HD patients from February 2015. Patients were divided into four groups according to the median of RDW and MCV. Pearson analysis was conducted to determine the related factors of RDW and MCV. The independent association of RDW and MCV with mortality was examined with Kaplan–Meier curve and Cox regression analysis. Results: This study included 181 HD patients for a median follow‐up of 71 months. We found RDW was positively related to neutrophil count, C‐reaction protein, and ferritin, while negatively related to hemoglobin, albumin, and creatinine. Only neutrophil count and ferritin were significantly related to MCV in this study. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, the high RDW group was associated with higher risk of all‐cause mortality (odds ratio, 3.787; 95% confidence interval, 1.037 to 13.834; p = 0.044). The relationship between RDW and MCV and CV mortality was not significant. Conclusions: RDW could emerge as an additive risk factor for all‐cause mortality in maintenance HD patients, independent of other factors. An absolute value of MCV to predict mortality and the underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms should be confirmed in the future.
On the Way to Limited Competitiveness: Political Consequences of the 2011 Electoral Reform in Hungary
Authors: Maškarinec Pavel , Charvát Jakub
Published: June 2022

This article tests the effects of a new electoral system in Hungary that was introduced by the governing FIDESZ party in 2011. We are especially concerned with the shape of single‐member district (SMD) level electoral competition following a significant transformation that tends to be viewed as serving FIDESZ's goal of preserving its constitutional majority. The results show not only transformation of Hungarian electoral politics between 2010 and 2018 elections but also the fact that the return of bipolarization is far from reality in Hungarian electoral politics. On one hand, the reform resulted in an increased number of districts with clear dominance of the two strongest parties nationally, but on the other hand, this trend was connected to asymmetrical bipartism, with clear advantage of the FIDESZ. Furthermore, there was a persistently high number of SMDs where the competition took place between the FIDESZ and one of the third‐place parties.
Investigation of oxygen saturation in regions of skin by near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Mizukoshi Koji , Hamanaka Yoshihiro , Niwayama Masatsugu
Published: June 2022

Background

Oxygen is essential for life, and investigation of the skin's oxygen environment and identification of its effects on the skin may lead to the discovery of new antiaging targets. To understand individual skin differences and age‐related changes, we developed a noninvasive method using near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) to measure the regional saturation of oxygen (rSO2) of human skin.

Materials and methods

To construct an NIRS sensor probe specialized for skin measurement, the distance between the sensor transmitter and receiver was optimized based on data for the thickness of the facial skin to the subcutaneous fat layer. To analyze the relationship between skin oxygen saturation and body oxygen saturation, rSO2 was measured by NIRS, oxygen saturation of peripheral artery (SpO2) was measured by pulse oximeter, and physical conditions were considered, such as body mass index (BMI) and muscle mass, in Japanese women (age 20s–60s).

Results

Both skin rSO2 and SpO2 varied among individuals and decreased with age. Only SpO2 showed a relationship with BMI and muscle mass, whereas rSO2 showed no relationship with these physical conditions. No relationship between rSO2 and SpO2 was observed.

Conclusion

Individual and age‐related differences in skin by rSO2 values were found by NIRS optimized for local skin; however, the factors affecting rSO2 differed from those affecting SpO2, and further study is needed.
TDTHub, a web server tool for the analysis of transcription factor binding sites in plants
Authors: Grau Joaquín , Franco‐Zorrilla José M.
Published: June 2022

Transcriptional regulation underlies most developmental programs and physiological responses to environmental changes in plants. Transcription factors (TFs) play a key role in the regulation of gene expression by binding specifically to short DNA sequences in the regulatory regions of genes: the TF binding sites (TFBSs). In recent years, several bioinformatic tools have been developed to detect TFBSs in candidate genes, either by de novo prediction or by directly mapping experimentally known TFBSs. However, most of these tools contain information for only a few species or require multi‐step procedures, and are not always intuitive for non‐experienced researchers. Here we present TFBS‐Discovery Tool Hub (TDTHub), a web server for quick and intuitive studies of transcriptional regulation in plants. TDTHub uses pre‐computed TFBSs in 40 plant species and allows the choice of two mapping algorithms, providing a higher versatility. Besides the main TFBS enrichment tool, TDTHub includes additional tools to assist in the analysis and visualization of data. In order to demonstrate the effectiveness of TDTHub, we analyzed the transcriptional regulation of the anthocyanin biosynthesis pathway. We also analyzed the transcriptional cascades in response to jasmonate and wounding in Arabidopsis and tomato (Solanum lycopersicum), respectively. In these studies, TDTHub helped to verify the most relevant TF nodes and to propose new ones with a prominent role in these pathways. TDTHub is available at http://acrab.cnb.csic.es/TDTHub/, and it will be periodically upgraded and expanded for new species and gene annotations.
How nursing stakeholders in the Republic of Ireland define evidence‐based practice and why it matters
Authors: Cleary‐Holdforth Joanne , Fineout‐Overholt Ellen , O'Mathúna Dónal
Published: June 2022

Background

Evidence‐based practice (EBP) has garnered increasing exposure in professional healthcare discourse over three decades. While the term is used frequently, its interpretation varies widely. An accurate, shared understanding of what EBP means is essential to the achievement of EBP implementation in clinical practice. As part of a national study in the Republic of Ireland, nurses, midwives, educators, and students shared their personal understanding of what EBP was to them.

Aim

To establish nurses', midwives', educators', and students' knowledge and understanding of the concept of EBP in the Republic of Ireland.

Methods

In a national study exploring EBP beliefs, implementation, and organizational readiness for EBP among nurses, midwives, educators, and students, an open‐ended question invited participants to explain what EBP is, in their own words. Content analysis was used to interpret participants' responses.

Results

Five themes emerged from the data from the single open‐ended question: (1) varying definitions of EBP, (2) best practice, (3) nurses' and midwives' role in EBP, (4) knowledge, and (5) barriers and facilitators of EBP. The dominant finding centered on the substantial conflation of EBP with research utilization and other concepts such as quality improvement.

Linking Evidence to Action

Poor knowledge and understanding of EBP is a fundamental challenge to EBP implementation. Conflation of EBP with research utilization and other healthcare concepts is not uncommon among nurses and midwives globally and has persisted for some time. This has the potential to hinder the advancement of EBP in nursing and midwifery and, therefore, measures to enhance EBP knowledge and promote EBP implementation are key. Professional regulating bodies, educators, and clinical and educational organizations all have a role to play. The findings from this aspect of this national study offer a realistic, context‐specific starting point for tailored educational interventions for clinicians, educators, and students and identify professional and organizational strategies that promote EBP as the expectation and “the way things are done here.”
Improved blood pressure and flow‐mediated dilatation via increased plasma adropin and nitrate/nitrite induced by high‐intensity interval training in patients with type 2 diabetes
Authors: Davoodi Mohsen , Hesamabadi Behnam Keshtkar , Ariabood Erfaneh , Izadi Mohammad Reza , Ghardashi‐Afousi Alireza , Bigi Mohammad Ali Babaee , Asvadi‐Fard Maryam , Gaeini Abbas Ali
Published: June 2022

New Findings

What is the central question of this study?

Exercise training increases adropin and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) plasma levels in middle‐aged and older healthy people. We hypothesized that high‐intensity interval training may improve blood pressure and flow‐mediated dilatation through the effects of adropin and NOx in patients of this age with type 2 diabetes.

What is the main finding and its importance?

High‐intensity interval training may be more effective than moderate‐intensity continuous training in improving endothelial function, blood pressure and flow‐mediated dilatation through its effects on adropin and NOx in patients with type 2 diabetes.

Adropin is a newly identified bioactive protein that is important in energy hemostasis and vascular endothelial function. Lower levels of adropin in patients with type 2 diabetes are related to coronary atherosclerosis, characterized by impaired flow‐mediated dilatation (FMD). The purpose of the present study was to investigate FMD and plasma levels of adropin and nitrite/nitrate (NOx) in patients with type 2 diabetes at baseline and follow‐up after 12 weeks of high‐intensity interval training (HIIT) or moderate‐intensity continuous training (MICT). Sixty‐six persons with type 2 diabetes were divided into HIIT, MICT, and control groups. The HIIT group intervention was 12 intervals (1.5 min) at 85–90% maximal heart rate (HRmax) separated by 2 min at 55–60% HRmax in three sessions per week for 12 weeks. MICT training consisted of 42 min of cycling at 70% HRmax. Before and after the intervention, FMD was recorded with high‐resolution Doppler ultrasound. Plasma levels of adropin and NOx were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. After training FMD was significantly higher in the MICT and HIIT groups compared to the control group (P < 0.05). Plasma levels of adropin and NOx were higher in both exercise groups, but the increase was greater in the HIIT group (P < 0.01). Peak oxygen consumption was increased after exercise training in both groups compared to the control group (P < 0.01). Percentage FMD showed a positive correlation with plasma levels of adropin and NOx (both P < 0.01), and a negative correlation with diastolic blood pressure (r = −0.530, P = 0.035) and systolic blood pressure (r = −0.606, P = 0.013) in the HIIT group. The results indicate that HIIT improved FMD whilst increasing adropin, NOx and peak oxygen consumption. Increased plasma levels of adropin may contribute, in part, to blood pressure reduction by increasing nitric oxide production.
Electroencephalographic response to transient adaptation of vestibular perception
Authors: Cooke Josephine I. , Guven Onur , Castro Abarca Patricia , Ibitoye Richard T. , Pettorossi Vito E. , Bronstein Adolfo M.
Published: June 2022

When given a series of sinusoidal oscillations in which the two hemicycles have equal amplitude but asymmetric velocity, healthy subjects lose perception of the slower hemicycle (SHC), reporting a drift towards the faster hemicycle (FHC). This response is not reflected in the vestibular–ocular reflex, suggesting that the adaptation is of higher order. This study aimed to define EEG correlates of this adaptive response. Twenty‐five subjects underwent a series of symmetric or asymmetric oscillations and reported their perceived head orientation at the end using landmarks in the testing room; this was converted into total position error (TPE). Thirty‐two channel EEG was recorded before, during and after adaptation. Spectral power and coherence were calculated for the alpha, beta, delta and theta frequency bands. Linear mixed models were used to determine a region‐by‐condition effect of the adaptation. TPE was significantly greater in the asymmetric condition and reported error was always in the direction of the FHC. Regardless of condition, alpha desynchronised in response to stimulation, then rebounded back toward baseline values. This pattern was accelerated and attenuated in the prefrontal and occipital regions, respectively, in the asymmetric condition. Functional connectivity networks were identified in the beta and delta frequency bands; these networks, primarily comprising frontoparietal connections, were more coherent during asymmetric stimulation. These findings suggest that the temporary vestibulo‐perceptual ‘neglect’ induced by asymmetric vestibular stimulation may be mediated by alpha rhythms and frontoparietal attentional networks. The results presented further our understanding of brain rhythms and cortical networks involved in vestibular perception and adaptation.

image

Key points

Whole‐body asymmetric sinusoidal oscillations, which consist of hemicycles with equal amplitude but differing velocities, can induce transient ‘neglect’ of the slower hemicycle in the vestibular perception of healthy subjects.

In this study, we aimed to elucidate EEG correlates of this ‘neglect’, thereby identifying a cortical role in vestibular perception and adaptation.

We identified a desynchronisation–resynchronisation response in the alpha frequency band (8–14 Hz) that was accelerated in the prefrontal region and attenuated in the occipital region when exposed to asymmetric, as compared to symmetric, rotations.

We additionally identified functional connectivity networks in the beta (14–30 Hz) and delta (1–4 Hz) frequency bands consisting primarily of frontoparietal connections.

These results suggest a prominent role of alpha rhythms and frontoparietal attentional networks in vestibular perception and adaptation.
Sequential compound fusion and kiss-and-run mediate exo- and endocytosis in excitable cells
Authors: Ge Lihao , Shin Wonchul , Arpino Gianvito , Wei Lisi , Chan Chung Yu , Bleck Christopher K. E. , Zhao Weidong , Wu Ling-Gang
Published: June 2022

Vesicle fusion at preestablished plasma membrane release sites releases transmitters and hormones to mediate fundamental functions like neuronal network activities and fight-or-flight responses. This half-a-century-old concept—fusion at well-established release sites in excitable cells—needs to be modified to include the sequential compound fusion reported here—vesicle fusion at previously fused Ω-shaped vesicular membrane. With superresolution STED microscopy in excitable neuroendocrine chromaffin cells, we real-time visualized sequential compound fusion pore openings and content releases in generating multivesicular and asynchronous release from single release sites, which enhances exocytosis strength and dynamic ranges in excitable cells. We also visualized subsequent compound fusion pore closure, a new mode of endocytosis termed compound kiss-and-run that enhances vesicle recycling capacity. These results suggest modifying current exo-endocytosis concepts by including rapid release-site assembly at fused vesicle membrane, where sequential compound fusion and kiss-and-run take place to enhance exo-endocytosis capacity and dynamic ranges.
High-speed acoustic holography with arbitrary scattering objects
Authors: Hirayama Ryuji , Christopoulos Giorgos , Martinez Plasencia Diego , Subramanian Sriram
Published: June 2022

Recent advances in high-speed acoustic holography have enabled levitation-based volumetric displays with tactile and audio sensations. However, current approaches do not compute sound scattering of objects’ surfaces; thus, any physical object inside can distort the sound field. Here, we present a fast computational technique that allows high-speed multipoint levitation even with arbitrary sound-scattering surfaces and demonstrate a volumetric display that works in the presence of any physical object. Our technique has a two-step scattering model and a simplified levitation solver, which together can achieve more than 10,000 updates per second to create volumetric images above and below static sound-scattering objects. The model estimates transducer contributions in real time by reformulating the boundary element method for acoustic holography, and the solver creates multiple levitation traps. We explain how our technique achieves its speed with minimum loss in the trap quality and illustrate how it brings digital and physical content together by demonstrating mixed-reality interactive applications.
Concealable physically unclonable function chip with a memristor array
Authors: Gao Bin , Lin Bohan , Pang Yachuan , Xu Feng , Lu Yuyao , Chiu Yen-Cheng , Liu Zhengwu , Tang Jianshi , Chang Meng-Fan , Qian He , Wu Huaqiang
Published: June 2022

A physically unclonable function (PUF) is a creditable and lightweight solution to the mistrust in billions of Internet of Things devices. Because of this remarkable importance, PUF need to be immune to multifarious attack means. Making the PUF concealable is considered an effective countermeasure but it is not feasible for existing PUF designs. The bottleneck is finding a reproducible randomness source that supports repeatable concealment and accurate recovery of the PUF data. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate a concealable PUF at the chip level with an integrated memristor array and peripherals. The correlated filamentary switching characteristic of the hafnium oxide (HfOx)-based memristor is used to achieve PUF concealment/recovery with SET/RESET operations efficiently. PUF recovery with a zero-bit error rate and remarkable attack resistance are achieved simultaneously with negligible circuit overhead. This concealable PUF provides a promising opportunity to build memristive hardware systems with effective security in the near future.
Notes on Interplay between the QCD and EW Perturbative Corrections to the Pole-Running-to-Top-Quark Mass Ratio
Authors: Kataev A. L. , Molokoedov V. S.
Published: June 2022

A specific representation of the known one-loop EW correction to the relation between the pole and running $$\overline {{\text{MS}}} $$-scheme masses of the top-quark through particle masses of the Standard Model is given within the Fleischer–Jegerlehner tadpole scheme, where the vacuum expectation value of the Higgs field is renormalized. The importance of taking into account both the EW and QCD effects in this relation in the considered case is emphasized. It is noted that the discard of the EW corrections leads to over 10 GeV shift in the difference between the pole and running t-quark masses. This magnitude exceeds essentially the modern uncertainties of the considered relation, following from the treatment of the Tevatron and LHC data where both pole and running t-quark masses are defined in the widespread approach when only the QCD corrections are kept in mind between them.
Evaluating a system-wide, safety investigation in healthcare course in Norway: a qualitative study
Authors: Haraldseid-Driftland Cecilie , Macrae Carl , Guise Veslemøy , Schibevaag Lene , Alsvik Janne Gro , Rosenberg Adriana , Wiig Siri
Published: June 2022

Objective and setting

National, system-wide safety investigation represents a new approach to safety improvement in healthcare. In 2019, a new master’s level course in Safety Investigation in Healthcare was established to support the training and development of a new team of investigators from an independent investigatory body. The course was established at one Norwegian university and a total of 19 students were enrolled and completed the course. The aim of this study was to qualitatively evaluate the course, and the objectives were to explore the students’ needs and expectations prior to the course conduct, and their experiences and suggestions for improvements after course completion.

Design

The study design was a qualitative explorative study with individual and focus group interviews. Data collection included five individual interviews prior to course participation and two focus group interviews, after course participation, with a total sample size of 13 participants. Data were analysed according to thematic analysis.

Results

The results showed a need for a common conceptual foundation for the multidisciplinary team of safety investigators who were all employed in the same investigatory body. Course participation contributed to create reflexive spaces for the participants and generated new knowledge about the need for a broad range of investigatory tools and approaches. This contrasted with the initial aspiration among the participants to have a recipe for how to conduct safety investigations.

Conclusions

Course participation contributed to a common language among a highly multidisciplinary group of safety investigators and supported building a culture of collaborative learning. The need for additional activities to further develop a safety investigation curriculum in healthcare was identified. It is recommended that such a curriculum be co-created with independent investigators, safety scientists, patients and users, and healthcare professionals to ensure a strong methods repertoire and a sound theoretical backdrop for investigatory practice.
International perspective on healthcare provider gender bias in musculoskeletal pain management: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Wilford Katherine Fisher , Mena-Iturriaga Maria Jesus , Vugrin Margaret , Wainer Macarena , Sizer Phillip S , Seeber Gesine Hendrijke
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Chronic pain affects millions of individuals worldwide. Healthcare provider gender bias in the management of these individuals has societal and individual ramifications. Yet, a thorough and comprehensive literature summary on this topic is lacking. Therefore, this study aims to systematically: (1) identify and map the available scientific and grey literature as it relates to healthcare provider gender bias in the assessment, diagnosis and management of (chronic) musculoskeletal pain and (2) identify current gaps that necessitate further research.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will be conducted in accordance with recent guidelines, and the results will be reported via the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews. The following databases will be searched: PubMed (National Library of Medicine), Embase (Elsevier), Scopus (Elsevier), CINAHL Complete (Ovid), Academic Search Complete (Ebscohost), Pre-Prints Database (National Library of Medicine) and Rehabilitation Reference Center from inception to August 2022. Additionally, relevant grey literature will be identified. All screening will be done by two independent reviewers during two stages: first title/abstract screening followed by full-text screening. Data will be extracted from the bibliometric, study characteristics, and pain science families of variables. Results will be descriptively mapped, and the frequency of concepts, population, characteristics and other details will be narratively reported. Additionally, results will be presented in tabular and graphical form.

Ethics and dissemination

As this study will neither involve human subject participation nor utilisation of protected data, ethical approval is not required. This study’s methodological approach follows current recommendations. Study findings will be disseminated through conference presentations and international peer-review journal publication. In addition, infographics available in English, Spanish and German will be disseminated.

Registration details

This project will be registered in Open Science Framework prior to data collection.
Aortic stenosis post-COVID-19: a mathematical model on waiting lists and mortality
Authors: Stickels Christian Philip , Nadarajah Ramesh , Gale Chris P , Jiang Houyuan , Sharkey Kieran J , Gibbison Ben , Holliman Nick , Lombardo Sara , Schewe Lars , Sommacal Matteo , Sun Louise , Weir-McCall Jonathan , Cheema Katherine , Rudd James H F , Mamas Mamas , Erhun Feryal
Published: June 2022

Objectives

To provide estimates for how different treatment pathways for the management of severe aortic stenosis (AS) may affect National Health Service (NHS) England waiting list duration and associated mortality.

Design

We constructed a mathematical model of the excess waiting list and found the closed-form analytic solution to that model. From published data, we calculated estimates for how the strategies listed under Interventions may affect the time to clear the backlog of patients waiting for treatment and the associated waiting list mortality.

Setting

The NHS in England.

Participants

Estimated patients with AS in England.

Interventions

(1) Increasing the capacity for the treatment of severe AS, (2) converting proportions of cases from surgery to transcatheter aortic valve implantation and (3) a combination of these two.

Results

In a capacitated system, clearing the backlog by returning to pre-COVID-19 capacity is not possible. A conversion rate of 50% would clear the backlog within 666 (533–848) days with 1419 (597–2189) deaths while waiting during this time. A 20% capacity increase would require 535 (434–666) days, with an associated mortality of 1172 (466–1859). A combination of converting 40% cases and increasing capacity by 20% would clear the backlog within a year (343 (281–410) days) with 784 (292–1324) deaths while awaiting treatment.

Conclusion

A strategy change to the management of severe AS is required to reduce the NHS backlog and waiting list deaths during the post-COVID-19 ‘recovery’ period. However, plausible adaptations will still incur a substantial wait to treatment and many hundreds dying while waiting.