bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Posterior Antiglide Plating vs Lateral Neutralization Plating for Weber B Distal Fibular Fractures: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Clinical and Biomechanical Studies
Authors: Deng Yi , Staniforth Thomas Lindsay , Zafar Mohammad Saqib , Lau Yeong Joe
Published: April 2022

Background:

Distal fibular fractures are extremely common, yet there remains controversy about which type of plating technique is the most appropriate. We aimed to compare clinical and biomechanical outcomes following posterior antiglide plating and lateral neutralization plating for Weber B distal fibular fractures.

Methods:

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature was conducted by two independent reviewers according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. We included all comparative studies of distal fibular fracture fixation with either a posterior antiglide plate or a lateral neutralization plate. Our primary outcome of interest was reoperation for hardware removal. Secondary outcomes included hardware discomfort, peroneal tendon irritation, infection, wound complications, and mechanical torque to failure.

Results:

A total of 1122 patients with Weber B ankle fractures were included across nine eligible clinical studies, and 76 cadaveric ankles were subject to testing across three eligible biomechanical studies. Meta-analyses revealed a two-fold greater odds of requiring removal of hardware in the lateral plating group compared to the posterior plating group (odds ratio [OR] 2.48, 95% CI 1.58 to 3.91, P < .0001), and a three-fold greater odds of experiencing hardware discomfort in the lateral plating group compared to the posterior plating group (OR 2.96, 95% CI 1.83 to 4.80, P < .0001). There were no significant differences in rates of peroneal tendon irritation, infection, wound complications, operative time, and torque to failure when comparing the two plating methods.

Conclusion:

The results of this review indicate that using posterior antiglide plating for distal fibular Weber B–type fractures is associated with significantly fewer reoperations due to hardware complications and less hardware discomfort compared to lateral neutralization plating. This technique does not appear to increase the risk of peroneal tendon irritation or increase operative time.
Clinical and Radiologic Results of a Human Bone Graft Screw in Tarsometatarsal II/+III Arthrodesis
Authors: Amann Pascal , Pastl Klaus , Neunteufel Elena , Bock Peter
Published: April 2022

Background:

For arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joints, there is the possibility of using a transplant screw made of allogenic human bone material (Shark Screw). This article investigates the clinical outcome and radiologic integration of the allogenic bone screw for arthrodesis of the tarsometatarsal joints II/+III.

Methods:

This is a prospective study involving 20 feet of 17 patients who received TMT II/+III arthrodesis with an allogenic bone screw. A visual analog scale (VAS pain and function), Foot Function Index (FFI), American Orthopaedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) midfoot score, and Foot and Ankle Outcome Score (FAOS) were used as measures to compare preoperative with postoperative results. Radiologic integration in the recipient bone was also evaluated.

Results:

A significant mean pre- to postoperative improvement of all evaluated scores has been observed ( P < .05) after a mean follow-up of 15.87 months (minimum 12 months, maximum 33 months). VAS score (pain) decreased from 7.6 to 1.4 points as well as a decrease of the VAS (function) from 7.25 to 1.8 points. Further, a reduction of the FFI from 62.3% to 16.7% and an increase from 29.7 to 79.9 points of the AOFAS was detected. Analyzing the FAOS score, in all surveyed subscales, there was an increase in the score (Symptoms: 55.2 to 85.6 points; Pain: 30.5 to 86.9 points; Function: 33.1 to 88.3 points; Quality of life: 27.8 to 79.7 points). Moreover, in all cases, a complete radiologic integration into the receiving bone was appreciated, and after a minimum follow-up time from 12 months, the screw in 19 feet (95%) was no longer distinguishable from the original bone.

Conclusion:

With these first results of the allogenic bone screw in TMT II/+III arthrodesis, a significant improvement from preoperative to postoperative was confirmed in the collected scores, and a full radiographic integration was demonstrated in all feet.
Validation of a Spanish Translation of the Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model in Two Mexican University Student Samples
Authors: Corral-Frías Nadia S. , Corona-Espinosa Alejandro , Watson David
Published: April 2022

The validity, and thus utility, of psychological instruments requires continued evaluation of their underlying psychometric properties across contexts. Measurement tools have been developed over the past few decades to assess personality constructs developed through various theoretical frameworks. The Big Five has been a particular focus of such inquiry; however, few studies have validated a Spanish version for use in Mexico. Using two separate Mexican college student samples (Sample 1: n = 289, Sample 2: n = 309) we tested factorial structure, reliability, and validity of a Spanish translation of the Faceted Inventory of the Five-Factor Model (FI-FFM; Watson, Nus, & Wu). An exploratory factor analysis showed a similar structure to the original FI-FFM, albeit with some exceptions primarily within the Extraversion and Agreeableness domains. Furthermore, the FI-FFM scales were internally consistent and highly stable over time (average interval = 5 months). Finally, the scales showed strong convergent and discriminant validity and the facet scales displayed validity in predicting outcomes.
Sculpting Astrocyte Diversity through Circuits and Transcription
Authors: Cheng Yi-Ting , Woo Junsung , Deneen Benjamin
Published: April 2022

Astrocytes are the most abundant glial cell in the central nervous system and occupy a wide range of roles that are essential for brain function. Over the past few years, evidence has emerged that astrocytes exhibit cellular and molecular heterogeneity, raising the possibility that subsets of astrocytes are functionally distinct and that transcriptional mechanisms are involved in encoding this prospective diversity. In this review, we focus on three emerging areas of astrocyte biology: region-specific circuit regulation, molecular diversity, and transcriptional regulation. This review highlights our nascent understanding of how molecular diversity is converted to functional diversity of astrocytes through the lens of brain region–specific circuits. We articulate our understanding of how transcriptional mechanisms regulate this diversity and key areas that need further exploration to achieve the overarching goal of a functional taxonomy of astrocytes in the brain.
Child Immigrant Detention: Spokesperson Key Messages, Engineered Frames, and Cultural Rules
Authors: Len-Ríos María E.
Published: April 2022

Public relations professionals engineer acceptability for policy, such as child immigrant detention, through key messages. Agenda building, engineered frames, and rules theories guide study of spokesperson attributions from 221 articles from January 2017 to October 2019. Findings show attributions to U.S. government spokespersons appeared most in stories. Journalist inquiries were declined at times by spokespersons citing legal and privacy arguments. While all spokespersons addressed the vulnerability of detained children, government spokespersons framed adult immigrant criminality as causing children harm. Opinion polls show government efforts to present child detention as a law-and-order issue appears to clash with cultural rules that value child well-being.
Undefining Childhood: A Time–Space Ethnography of the Enduring Child
Authors: Tilhou Rebecca
Published: April 2022

This post-qualitative ethnography reveals elements of childhood and learning that may remain constant across the lifetime continuum. The research occurred for 13 months on a rural peninsula in the Mid-Atlantic region of the United States. Traditional ethnographic data collection methods included field notes, shooting scripts and photo documentation, document collection, interviews, and talks. A post-qualitative analysis produced rich narratives through the lenses of space–time physics, new materialism, and the field of Children’s Geographies. Findings indicate new ways to consider childhood and how humans across the lifespan continuously make meaning about both local environments and the greater world.
An amended approximation of the non-Gaussian probability distribution function
Authors: Darabi Ehsan , Hillgärtner Markus , Itskov Mikhail
Published: April 2022

Network models of rubber elasticity are based on the conformational entropy of an idealized chain and mostly motivated by the non-Gaussian statistical theory by Kuhn and Grün. However, the non-Gaussian probability distribution function cannot be expressed in a closed form and requires an approximation. All such approximations applied in the literature demonstrate pronounced inaccuracies in comparison to the analytical solution. The ideal choice of the approximation function depends on a variety of factors, such as the chain parameters or the desired application of the approximation (the probability distribution function itself, the corresponding entropic energy, or the force developed by the chain). In addition, when making a choice regarding the best approximation for a given application, the applied error measure plays a significant role since the approximation that grants, for example, the best maximal relative error is not necessarily the same that provides the best mean absolute error. In the literature, this application-specific evaluation of available approximations is commonly disregarded. In this paper, we evaluate previously proposed approximations on the application-specific basis and develop an approach to derive a family of approximations for the free energy of a polymer chain in a broader range of the number of its chain segments. The analytical method based on the Padé technique delivers an approximation of the non-Gaussian probability distribution function that can be easily tailored depending on the desired application. The proposed approach is capable to provide much stronger predictions in comparison to the Kuhn and Grün model in a wide range of chain segment numbers.
Reduced Modular Segregation of White Matter Brain Networks in Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
Authors: He Wenbo , Liu Weichen , Mao Min , Cui Xiaohong , Yan Ting , Xiang Jie , Wang Bin , Li Dandan
Published: April 2022

Objective:

Despite studies reporting alterations in the brain networks of patients with ADHD, alterations in the modularity of white matter (WM) networks are still unclear.

Method:

Based on the results of module division by generalized Louvain algorithm, the modularity of ADHD was evaluated. The correlation between the modular changes of ADHD and its clinical characteristics was analyzed.

Results:

The participation coefficient and the connectivity between modules of ADHD increased, and the modularity coefficient decreased. Provincial hubs of ADHD did not change, and the number of connector hubs increased. All results showed that the modular segregation of WM networks of ADHD decreased. Modules with reduced modular segregation are mainly responsible for language and motor functions. Moreover, modularity showed evident correlation with the symptoms of ADHD.

Conclusion:

The modularity changes in WM network provided a novel insight into the understanding of brain cognitive alterations in ADHD.
Oral Cladribine in Patients who Change From First-Line Disease Modifying Treatments for Multiple Sclerosis: Protocol of a Prospective Effectiveness and Safety Study (CLAD CROSS)
Authors: Tsivgoulis Georgios , Deftereos Spyros , Gobbi Claudio , Gulowsen Celius Elisabeth , Kulakowska Alina , Maniscalco Giorgia , Mendes Irene , Grigoriadis Nicolaos
Published: April 2022

Background

Recently, the number of available disease modifying therapies for multiple sclerosis (MS) has increased. However, a proportion of patients treated with these agents continue to experience relapses and disease progression. Cladribine tablets, approved in 2017 for highly active relapsing MS, comprise a sparsely administered oral treatment which exerts its therapeutic effect through a reduction and subsequent repletion of the lymphocyte population.

Purpose/Study Sample

Here we describe the design of CLAD CROSS, a prospective, non-interventional, multicenter, Phase IV study in patients with a confirmed diagnosis of RRMS who switch from first-line disease modifying drugs (DMDs) to treatment with cladribine tablets in routine clinical practice. 242 adult patients will be recruited in 61 sites (6 countries) over 30 months and will be followed up for 2 years following prescription of cladribine tablets per the decision of the treating physicians.

Research Design

The primary endpoint is the change in annualized relapse rate (ARR) between the 12-month pre-baseline period and over the 12-month period before end of study. Secondary endpoints are the percentage of patients with 6-month disability progression or improvement at the end of the study, measured by the Expanded Disability Status Scale, Timed 25 Foot Walk and 9-Hole Peg Test scales and quality of life, treatment satisfaction, and healthcare resource utilization, measured through the MSIS-29, TSQM 1.4, and EQ-5D-3L scales, respectively. MRI lesions will be compared in the exploratory setting between the 12-month pre-baseline period, baseline, and at years 1 and 2. Adverse events will be monitored throughout the study. Interim analyses are pre-planned when 30% and 60% of patients will complete the 12-month follow-up visit.

Conclusions

CLAD CROSS will provide efficacy data on cladribine tablets, used as a follow-up treatment to first-line DMDs in the real-world setting, will further establish its safety profile and will collect information to support pharmacoeconomic studies.
Methodological reflections on using qualitative research to explore the causal mechanisms of complex health interventions
Authors: Bonell Chris , Warren Emily , Melendez-Torres GJ
Published: April 2022

We reflect on how qualitative research can be used to develop or refine theories about how the mechanisms triggered by intervention enactment might generate outcomes, referring to examples from a ‘realist trial’ of a whole-school health intervention. Qualitative research can explore mechanisms directly, by asking participants how they think interventions work, or indirectly, by exploring participant experiences of intervention-related actions to understand the conditions and consequences of these actions. Both of these approaches can inform theorisation of how mechanisms are triggered and generate outcomes, and how this is contingent on context. We discuss methods for sampling, data collection and data analysis, and recommend dimensional analysis as a means to analyse qualitative data on mechanisms. We then consider how to draw on qualitative research to inform hypotheses to be tested statistically.
‘Maybe I’m a quiet activist’: Sex work scholars and negotiations of ‘minor’ academic-activism
Authors: Laing Mary , Cook Ian R , Baker Tom , Calder-Dawe Octavia
Published: April 2022

With the intensification of calls for social ‘impact’ from research, there is renewed emphasis on academic-activism as a means to realize social change. But what ‘counts’ as activism in these visions of academic-activist impact? Drawing on interviews with sex work scholars in the United Kingdom and Aotearoa New Zealand, we examine the borders – and the disruption of borders – between ‘traditional’ forms of activism and a wider array of more ‘minor’ practices frequently perceived as too ‘ordinary’ to claim that label. In doing this, we explore quiet, implicit and everyday forms of activism, arguing that activism is embodied, frequently undertaken by those who do not self-identify as activists, and sits ambivalently within broader institutional drives for research-based ‘impact’.
Ventilating the blast lung: Exploring ventilation strategies in primary blast lung injury
Authors: Tollman Jaden , Ahmed Zubair
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Primary blast lung injury (PBLI) is the most common and fatal of all primary blast injuries. The majority of those with PBLI will require early intubation and mechanical ventilation, and thus, ventilation strategy forms a crucial part of any management plan. Methods: A comprehensive, but not systematic, PubMed and Google Scholar database search identified articles that contribute to our current understanding of ventilation strategies in PBLI for a narrative educational review.

Results

A PBLI ventilation strategy must strive to minimise all four of ventilator-associated lung injury (VALI), volutrauma, barotrauma and biotrauma. The three main ventilation strategies available are conventional low tidal volume (LTV) ventilation, airway pressure release ventilation (APRV) and high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV). Conventional LTV ventilation together with a variable positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and permissive hypercapnia has demonstrated reduced inflammation and mortality with a greater number of ventilator-free days. APRV has the potential to reduce dynamic strain, PaO2/FiO2 ratios, levels of applied mechanical power and extravascular lung water while encouraging spontaneous breathing. HFOV is able to effectively avoid VALI while curbing inflammation and histological lung injury, though not necessarily mortality. Conclusions: Presently, PBLI should largely be managed with conventional LTV ventilation alongside a variable PEEP and permissive hypercapnia with APRV and HFOV reserved as rescue strategies for where conventional LTV ventilation fails. Clinicians should additionally consider supplementing their strategy with adjunctive therapies such as prone positioning, inhaled nitric oxide and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation that may further reduce mortality and combat severe respiratory and/or cardiac failure.
Elastohydrodynamic lubrication analysis of cam-roller pairs of internal combustion engines
Authors: Shuyi Li , Feng Guo , Nannan Sun , Guixiang Zhu , Shen Chao , Xiaoling Liu
Published: April 2022

Based on the cam-roller pair of an internal combustion engine, a mathematical model of transient thermal elastohydrodynamic lubrication under finite line-contact and the corresponding numerical solver have been established. Under an actual load spectrum and other working parameters from an industry partner, the detailed lubrication performance of the cam-roller pair has been obtained in a cam rotation cycle. Particularly, the influences of the roller convexity, the roller tilting and the skidding between cam and roller on the contact pair lubrication are presented. The lubrication performance of the cam-roller pair depends on the roller convexity markedly, and an optimal roller convexity can effectively reduce the probability of the lubrication film rupture and improve the uniformity of pressure distribution in the contact zone. The roller tilting can worsen the lubrication of the contact zone, and increase the possibility of lubrication failure. If the tilting is taken into consideration at the beginning of the roller convexity design, its negative effect can be effectively alleviated to a certain extent. The skidding results in noticeable increase in temperature and friction coefficient, which can deteriorate the contact zone lubrication. The results provide some theoretical data basis for the lubrication design of cam-roller pairs.
Thermodynamics of CMC bladed marine gas turbine-LM 2500: Effect of cycle operating parameters
Authors: Rathore SS , Kar VR , Sanjay
Published: April 2022

Recent developments in ceramic-matrix composites and their successful use in combustor liners and shrouds have generated interest among researchers to adopt these materials in rotating gas turbine blades, especially in the first stages of high-pressure turbines where gas temperatures are highest. CMC blades have the potential of being retrofitted to replace superalloy turbine blades in operating gas turbines. In this paper, a comparative study on the thermodynamic performance of a marine gas turbine engine, LM 2500, featuring directionally solidified nickel superalloy blades versus novel CMC blades in the high-pressure turbine sections has been reported. Mathematical modeling of the gas turbine cycle components has been developed and then coded in C++ language. The effects of turbine inlet temperature on thermodynamic efficiencies, coolant mass flow rates, and work ratios on the two systems have been analyzed. Finally, the exergy analysis of the systems’ components has been done to identify the benefits of adopting CMC blades in the LM 2500 system. It has been observed that when compared to the directionally solidified bladed turbine system, the projected first law efficiency of CMC bladed LM 2500 gas turbines can be enhanced over 7% (from 34.17% to 41.21%). The projected work ratio can be improved by over 16% (from 0.49 to 0.57) at the turbine inlet temperature of 1725 K.
Parametric study of the impact of EGR and fuel properties on diesel engine performance using a predictive thermodynamic model
Authors: Billerot Pierre-Lou , Tétrault Pascal , Lemaire Romain , Seers Patrice
Published: April 2022

This paper presents a detailed quasi-dimensional model that can assist in the design process as it allows predicting the performance and emissions of compression ignition (CI) engines functioning with different fuels, such as kerosene and Diesel. The proposed model includes a new dedicated fuel injection mass flow rate sub-model that is coupled to the multi-zone spray packet concept for spray development. Moreover, fuel spray development and its interaction with in-cylinder swirl is considered and allows studying the influence of combustion chamber design, fuel injection strategy, as well as fuel properties. The model is validated against single and double injection strategies using kerosene and diesel fuels and is shown to be capable of predicting engine performance with a good accuracy. The results obtained from the parametric studies have shown proper trend with respect to the effect of the bowl-to-bore diameter ratio, EGR rate and temperature or fuel properties. This latter predicts that fuels with higher lower heating values (LHVs) can decrease NO and soot emissions by using retarded injection timing, while the boiling temperature has a small effect on the evaporation and mixture formation process. Finally, a fuel with a high enthalpy of vaporization can achieve lower soot emissions by increasing the swirl ratio or increasing the injection timing although doing so is detrimental to the power output.
Melatonin pretreatment modulates anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, YKL-40, and matrix metalloproteinases in endotoxemic rat lung tissue
Authors: Ates Gulten , Tamer Sule , Yorulmaz Hatice , Mutlu Sevcihan , Olgac Vakur , Aksu Abdullah , Caglar Nuray Balkis , Özkök Elif
Published: April 2022

We aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin administered before and during endotoxemia on the lung tissue of rats, cytokine, YKL-40, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and inhibitor levels, oxidative stress parameters, and energy balance. Sepsis was induced with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), the cell wall molecule of gram negative bacteria. Rats were divided into four groups, Control, LPS (Escherichia coli O127:B8, 20 mg/kg), melatonin (10 mg/kg), and melatonin+LPS (M+LPS). After injections, lung tissues samples were taken for experimental analyses. YKL-40, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes levels were measured, high-energy components were analyzed; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), MMP-2, YKL-40, MMP-9, myeloperoxidase (MPO), tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1, and interleukin (IL)-10 immunoreactivities were investigated. In LPS group, YKL-40, creatine phosphate (both, p < 0.05), SOD, GR, adenosine mono-phophate (AMP), adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) (for all, p < 0.01) were significantly decreased, while TBARS and adenosine di-phosphate (ADP) levels were increased ( p < 0.01, p < 0.05; respectively) compared to other groups. MMP-2 and -9, TIMP-1, TNF-α, IL-10, and MPO immunoreactivity were investigated in LPS group. On the contrary, in M+LPS group, MMP-9, TIMP-1 immunoreactivities were not found and IL-10 and MMP-2 immunoreactivities were found with little involvement. In M+LPS group, YKL-40, GR, AMP, ATP, creatine phosphate (for all, p < 0.05), and SOD ( p < 0.01) levels were significantly increased and TBARS levels were decreased ( p < 0.05). In our study, we suggest that melatonin exerts a protective and curative effect by reducing the matrix metalloproteinase levels responsible for tissue damage balance, stimulating the release of antioxidant enzymes, regulating cytokines and energy balance during endotoxemia.
Isotyping and quantitation of the humoral immune response to SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Goyins Krystal A , Yu Jieh-Juen , Papp Sara B , Beddard Rachel , Murthy Ashlesh K , Chambers James P , Arulanandam Bernard P
Published: April 2022

Understanding the immune response to SARS-CoV-2 is important for development of effective diagnostics and vaccines. We report here a broad antibody response to SARS-CoV-2 spike protein receptor binding domain (RBD) in 100 convalescent patient plasma samples. Antibody isotypes IgA, IgM, and IgG exhibited significantly higher anti-RBD titers when compared to SARS-CoV-2 negative controls. IgG subtyping indicated IgG1 and IgG3 to be most abundant. Greater than 90 % of SARS-CoV-2 positive plasma samples tested exhibited significant neutralization capacity using a surrogate virus neutralization assay. Of the IgG subclasses, IgG1 and IgG3 exhibited the highest viral neutralization capacity; whereas, IgG2 and IgG4 viral neutralization was not observed. Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 elicited total IgG binding to emerging variant (alpha, beta, and delta) RBDs indicated decreased binding. Furthermore, neutralization by SARS-CoV-2 convalescent plasma of delta and omicron variant RBDs was significantly decreased suggesting that neutralizing antibodies in convalescent plasma are less effective in inhibiting variants currently in circulation.
Duplex Ultrasound Assessment of Radial Artery Access Site: Complications and Clinical Outcomes
Authors: Darwazeh Ghaleb A. , Starr Jean , Satiani Bhagwan
Published: April 2022

Introduction:

The radial artery is often utilized for invasive hemodynamic monitoring as well as an access site for arterial and cardiac catheterization. Complications requiring intervention, although uncommon, may have implications for future utilization of this site and harvesting for coronary bypass. We aimed to better define the occurrence and the risk factors associated with radial artery access (RAA).

Methods:

Patients referred for upper extremity arterial duplex (UEAD) examinations with clinical findings suspicious for complications after RAA between 2008 and 2016 were reviewed. Electronic medical records and vascular laboratory records were reviewed for demographics and peri-procedural data.

Results:

The radial artery was used for 19,253 arterial lines, and 13,402 cardiac catheterizations during the study period at our institution. During this time, a total of 131 patients were referred to our vascular laboratory for UEAD based on abnormal clinical findings after RAA. Sixty-two (47%) patients had undergone radial artery catheter (A-line) placement for hemodynamic monitoring, and 69 (53%) had left heart catheterization (LHC). Six patients required surgical intervention: 5 after A-line and 1 after LHC. A-line was more frequently associated with a positive UEAD finding compared with LHC (79% vs 57%, P = .007). Among patients with A-lines, there was no significant relationship between presence of a positive UEAD finding and the specialty or level of training of the operator, the number of attempts, the usage of ultrasound guidance, or catheter indwelling time. There was also no significant relationship between a positive UEAD finding and the size of sheath (5Fr vs 6Fr) among patients who underwent LHC.

Conclusions:

A positive UEAD finding in patients with clinically apparent complications after RAA is uncommon, and the need for surgical intervention is similarly infrequent. Follow-up UEAD studies may be useful to determine long-term patency of the radial artery and usability for future access or for coronary artery bypass grafting.
Recent developments in adsorption heat pumps for heating applications
Authors: Riaz Nadia , Sultan Muhammad , Noor Shazia , Sajjad Uzair , Farooq Muhammad , Khan Muhammad U , Hanif Shazia , Riaz Fahid
Published: April 2022

Adsorption heat pumps (AHPs) have gained noticeable attention in recent years. The review discusses significant research in the domain of adsorption heat pumps focusing on heating applications, the working principle, adsorption equilibrium and kinetics, the design of adsorbent beds, physical models, operating parameters, and physical and thermodynamic characteristics of adsorbents. A comparison is presented among AHPs and traditional heating technologies and systems for AHPs that certain market participants have created. The review focuses on the most appropriate conditions for each measurement technique and the constraints of the modeling processes that are an essential element for the comprehensive performance evaluation of adsorption cooling units. For adsorption bed applications, it is suggested to use various bed designs and heat exchanger structures. Moreover, significant literature gaps and constraints in designing AHPs for heating applications are identified and analyzed. The heat and mass transfer resistance should be reduced by developing novel adsorbent materials and an improved interface among the duct wall and the bed, where heat transfer fluid circulates to increase adsorption heat pump system performance. Furthermore, optimum operational modes for the intended application might significantly enhance system performance.
Bridging the gap between research and clinical care: strategies to increase staff awareness and engagement in clinical research
Authors: Shepherd Maggie , Endacott Ruth , Quinn Helen
Published: April 2022

Background

Research active hospitals have better patient outcomes and improvements in healthcare are associated with greater staff engagement in research. However, barriers to research activity include inadequate knowledge/training and perceptions that research is a specialist activity. Nursing is an academic discipline but the infrastructure supporting nursing research worldwide is variable and sustaining clinical academic careers remains challenging. The National Institute of Health Research 70@70 Senior Nurse Research Leader programme provides dedicated time to increase clinical academic opportunities and foster a research culture across England; we describe initiatives developed by one National Institute of Health Research 70@70 leader to increase clinical staff engagement in research.

Aim

The purpose of this work was to develop initiatives to facilitate clinical research opportunities and bridge the gap between clinical care and research.

Methods

New strategies were developed in one health service to increase clinical staff engagement in research activity. This included: (a) Chief Nurse Research Fellows: clinical staff undertaking bespoke research training to identify local clinical research priorities, (b) an exemplar nurse-led Embedding Research In Care unit to pioneer innovation, evaluation and research participation supported by a research facilitator and (c) a Clinical Academic Network for nursing, midwifery and allied healthcare professionals to aid collaborative working.

Results

The first cohort of Chief Nurse Research Fellows have successfully completed a bespoke training programme and, with mentoring, developed projects to tackle clinical problems. The Embedding Research In Care unit initiative was configured and the first Embedding Research In Care unit has been awarded. A Clinical Academic Network group of 25+ nurses, midwives and allied health professionals was established and provides peer support and mentoring.

Conclusions

This multi-faceted approach has successfully supported research training/engagement, enabled career development and identified nurses/midwives with potential to undertake clinical academic careers. A range of strategies, such as those described in this paper, are required to successfully bridge the gap between clinical care and research and provide additional opportunities for clinical staff to become engaged in a research active career.
A survey on work status and competencies of Clinical Research Nurses in China
Authors: Hao Peng , Wu Linda , Liu Yanfei
Published: April 2022

Background

The clinical trials industry in China has enjoyed robust growth; the demand for qualified personnel to conduct clinical trials with higher quality has increased. The Clinical Research Nurse has emerged as a new workforce in China.

Aims

This study aimed to examine the current work status of Clinical Research Nurses in China and to investigate their competencies in knowledge and behavior associated with this profession.

Methods

An online survey was analyzed. The current work status of Clinical Research Nurses in China was characterized. In addition, their competencies were self-assessed across nine competency categories and the “contribution to science” domain, based on the International Association of Clinical Research Nurses Scope and Standards of Practice.

Results

A total of 638 eligible questionnaires were included in the final analysis. Of whom, 98.28% (627/638) were females. The mean age was 35 years (range: 22–64 years). Over 80% of whom were working at the largest Chinese cities and the majority (78.2%) held a Bachelor’s degree in nursing. The average time of clinical research experience was 5.67 years. Three quarters of the 638 had an annual income of <150,000 Yuan RMB. The average weekly working time was 45.46 h; clinical trial-related work accounted for 62.68% of their workload. There were some gaps between the Clinical Research Nurses’ self-assessed competencies in knowledge and behavior, with the widest gaps along the ethical principles, leadership and professional development, protocol compliance, and document management categories.

Conclusion

This is the first large-scale survey of Clinical Research Nurses in China. Our results profile this emerging workforce as a population of young, moderately trained/experienced, predominantly female nurses working in the largest Chinese cities. They performed well on most knowledge/behavior parameters; still, gaps exist. Therefore, there is a pressing need to enhance professional education and training for Clinical Research Nurses in China.
Midwifery research in areas of deprivation and need: the MeRIDiAN project
Authors: Whitehouse Claire L , Raven Jamie-Louise , Keable Joanna , Parslow-Williams Siobhan , Smith Hazel A
Published: April 2022

Background

Areas with high levels of deprivation often have the lowest numbers of research participation. In January 2020, a maternity research service was established at a UK National Health Service (NHS) Trust incorporating a project monitoring equity of access to pregnant people from areas of deprivation and need.

Aims

The aim is to monitor maternity research opportunities for pregnant people in areas of deprivation and need.

Method

A collaborative working group was established. Using the Index of Multiple Deprivation levels (IMD) levels; 1–4 were considered ‘areas in need’. Data were collected over a 12-month period from January 2020.

Results

Fifty-four pregnant people (3.1%), out of 1762 who delivered during 2020, were recruited to one of three research studies (‘Big Baby’, ‘POOL’ and ‘PAN-COVID’). The majority of pregnant people (65.9%) who delivered a baby were in IMD levels 1–4. Recruitment within IMD levels 1–4: ‘PAN-COVID’ at 86.7%, followed by ‘Big Baby’ with 77.3% and ‘POOL’ at 70.6%. COVID-19 pandemic presented challenges which impacted research delivery, including availability of research studies.

Conclusion

This project was founded due to concerns that pregnant people from areas of need would be under-represented in research. We have found that this has not occurred. Recommendations are being put in place to ensure equity of access for all.
Multi-professional perceptions of clinical research delivery and the Clinical Research Nurse role: a realist review
Authors: Tinkler Linda , Robertson Steven , Tod Angela
Published: April 2022

Introduction & Background

The delivery of clinical research and the Clinical Research Nurse (CRN) role is fundamental to the wider health agenda, yet both remain misunderstood outwith research teams.

Methods

A realist review was conducted to identify factors that influence how clinical research is perceived by healthcare professionals operating outside NHS clinical research teams. Keyword searches were undertaken across four healthcare databases including grey literature, with iterative snowball searching. Data were extracted from 42/387 sources. Coding generated 3664 extracts of text across 160 themes. Theories generated were presented as ‘If-Then’ statements.

Results

Thirteen theory statements described factors that may influence how clinical research is perceived by healthcare professionals operating outside clinical research teams across three contextual levels: • Micro: Individual characteristics/behaviours/CRN perceptions • Meso: Interpersonal relationships at the interface between CRN roles and healthcare delivery • Macro: Systemwide/infrastructural/cultural issues impacting clinical research delivery.

Conclusion

Factors at micro, meso and macro level contexts may influence how clinical research is perceived by healthcare professionals operating outside clinical research teams. This has the potential to affect the success of clinical research delivery. Meso level theories regarding the perceptions of healthcare professionals outwith research teams may provide insight. Empirical testing of one such theory is underway.
Development and evaluation of a clinical research nursing module for undergraduate nursing schools: expanding Clinical Research Nurses' outreach
Authors: Capili Bernadette , Baker Laura , Thangthaeng Nopporn , Legor Kristen , Larkin Mary E , Jones Carolynn T
Published: April 2022

Background

Clinical Research Nurses (CRNs) care for study participants and manage clinical research studies; yet the CRN practice role is rarely covered in undergraduate nursing curricula in the United States. Despite a burgeoning need for CRNs, the pipeline of clinical research nurse positions remains sparse. The International Association of Clinical Research Nurses’s (IACRN) strategic goal to “engage with nursing schools to heighten awareness and inclusion of the CRN role competencies in nursing education” prompted the development of an educational lecture module to be disseminated to nursing schools. This project is a pilot launch of the module.

Methods

A task force of IACRN was formed to develop educational materials that could be used as outreach to undergraduate nursing schools. The content included a slide presentation covering an overview of clinical research, the CRN practice, three embedded videos showing CRN and study participant perspectives, and coverage of the care of participants of research by staff nurses. Due to COVID-19 we revised our live lecture approach using either a live synchronous webinar presentation, or an embedded asynchronous course module with YouTube videos for course learning management systems. We presented the content to 408 nursing students attending three academic programs. To evaluate effectiveness and satisfaction, an anonymous, post-presentation survey using web-based QualtricsXM was distributed to students.

Results

Content and delivery of the module was positively evaluated. There was an improvement in knowledge in each topic. Evaluation responses showed that the content could likely or very likely improve care for their patients (87.4%) and improve patient education for patients in clinical trials (95%).

Conclusions

Delivering a synchronous or asynchronous module about the CRN practice role to nursing students in academic nursing programs is valuable to increasing awareness of the care of patients in clinical trials, the CRN role, and future professional development.
Duality of practice in clinical research nursing
Authors: Hill Gordon , Ellis Mairghread , Irvine Lindesay
Published: April 2022

Background

International evidence suggests that Clinical Research Nurses (CRN) can have a dual role incorporating both clinical care and research responsibilities. This duality of role often assists in meeting the clinical care and research needs of the participants and can contribute to the credibility of the CRN role. Conversely, it can also lead to feelings of confusion and role conflict as CRN’s time is divided.

Aim

To identify and explore experiences of clinical and research roles among CRNs. This emerged as a theme in a wider research project exploring CRNs’ experiences of working with clinical nurses.

Methods

Following an Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis approach, 10 CRNs participated in face-to-face semi-structured interviews. Transcribed data were analysed and a number of themes emerged. Duality of role was one of these.

Findings

Findings indicated that if CRNs fulfil a dual role, this can assist in care provision, research delivery and in building positive relationships with clinical nurses. However, there were also instances when a dual role led to clinical nurses questioning the value of research and to issues with competing demands of clinical care and research. These experiences had an important impact on some of the CRNs and led to reflection on the value of their role.

Conclusions

This study identifies new understandings of a dual role of the CRN. The findings will inform the preparation and practice of this group of nurses, whilst also leading to a deeper understanding of the CRN’s role in care and research delivery. It will also contribute to a wider appreciation of organisational factors and social interactions that impact on health care research.
Capturing the value and core concepts of the Clinical Research Nurse
Authors: Hansen Bryan R , Whitehouse Claire L , Nkimbeng Manka , Beer Kelly , Mackintosh Katherine , Allgood Sarah , Petchler Claire , Wright Rebecca
Published: April 2022

Background

As nurses, we identify our profession as a caring one, but how does this identity translate from a conceptual definition, to real-world practice for the Clinical Research Nurse?

Aim

To offer a novel, four-point conceptual model that encapsulates the Clinical Research Nurse’s intrinsic value, active leadership, and direct contribution to high quality, person-centered, safe care, addressing current misperceptions of research nursing.

Methods

This paper describes the provision of ‘care’, safely delivered by the Clinical Research Nurse through a four-point conceptual model and case-driven example.

Discussion

Clinical research nursing is conceptualized within the domains of Care and Trust, Role, Impact, and Integration. The case example demonstrates real-world application of these domains and the expertise required to balance the complexities of clinical needs and research demands in a healthcare environment.

Conclusions

This paper offers a mechanism for understanding the importance of the Clinical Research Nurse and their role in maintaining safety and a high-level view of the care arena. These reflections are considered with an international application for the role.
Las tensiones de los modelos de atención a la salud en las trayectorias de padecimiento de personas con factores de riesgo para enfermedades crónicas no transmisibles
Authors: Pernía Agustín , Elli Natalia María , Fontana Florencia Belén , Ruscitto Federico , Lifszyc Stephanie , Sarcona Eugenia
Published: April 2022

Objetivo:

describir los elementos que caracterizan los modelos de atención a partir de las trayectorias del padecimiento de personas con factores de riesgo para Enfermedades Crónicas No Transmisibles (ECNT) que asistieron a tres centros de salud de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires.

Material y métodos:

estudio de carácter cualitativo y exploratorio. Se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas basadas en el modelo de Trayectoria del Padecimiento Crónico. Estas estuvieron dirigidas a 15 personas que participaron en tratamientos ofrecidos en tres centros de salud de la Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires. Se analizaron los datos obtenidos para describir los modelos de atención utilizados por las personas.

Resultados

las trayectorias del padecimiento evidenciaron la existencia de dos grandes modelos de atención que reflejan las tensiones propias del sistema de salud. Por un lado, un modelo de atención tradicional que reproduce una lógica curativa y biologicista de la salud, cuyo abordaje individualista ejerce presión sobre las personas, dificultando la continuidad del tratamiento. Y por el otro, un modelo de atención integral, que incluye una perspectiva preventivo-promocional y entiende las dimensiones biopsicosociales como constitutivas de la salud. Este último incorpora la ayuda mutua para generar compromiso y participación en las personas para la gestión de su padecimiento.

Conclusiones:

el compromiso y la ayuda mutua se identificaron como facilitadores para la realización de acciones de cuidado de la salud. Se destaca que reflexionar sobre las tensiones de los diferentes modelos de atención de las ECNT y sus efectos subjetivos en las personas permite repensar las estrategias para su abordaje.
Writing Through and Writing Against: Materials of Resistance
Authors: Gale Ken , Wyatt Jonathan , Moreira Claudio , Diversi Marcelo
Published: April 2022

This article concerns how writing, collaborative writing in particular, acts: how it moves, how it resists, how it does, the four humans writing alongside our co-authoring ‘materials’ – a guitar, for instance – and other more-than-human co-authors, such as affect, friendship, time. We explore writing against systems of oppression and writing through materials of resistance. Writing through can ignite the seething potentiality of a breaking through, and a writing towards the not-yet-known of other lives. We sense this as an unleashing that can act as a challenge to the self-perpetuating autopoieses that neoliberal autonomies and competitive frameworks require. Writing through materials of resistance offers an inducement to work towards the social capaciousness and the thinking with those collective orientations. Writing through refuses the surrender of freedom and offers, through practices of speculation, fabulation and experimentation, an animation of movement that can tap into the capacious fugitive energies of emergent and new collective futures.
Are Religious People Happy or Non-Religious People Unhappy in Religious Contexts?
Authors: Ugur Zeynep B. , Aydın Faruk
Published: April 2022

In this study, we shed light on how the social aspect of religiosity affects well-being of religious and non-religious individuals utilizing a province-level representative dataset with more than 196,000 observations from Turkey. The large-scale data from an Islam-dominant country is one of the strengths of this article. First, in line with previous studies, we show that the average religiosity in the province where individuals live matters especially for the well-being of religious individuals. Second, the bulk of non-religious people do not care about others’ religiosity nor what others think of their own religiosity. Moreover, 94% of the non-religious do not feel under pressure. When put together, the analysis results suggest that what drives person–culture fit in religiosity in Turkey is not non-religious people’s marginalization. Rather, religious people seem to benefit from being in the company of fellow religious individuals as they attach an importance to others’ religiosity.