bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Communicating with clarity
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: September 2022

It’s easy to be discouraged by the apparently grim state of science communication. Politicians and charlatans are promoting conspiracy theories about everything from COVID-19 to climate change. Scientists are ignored by friends and relatives who would rather believe the pseudoscientific claims of a huckster with a podcast. Experts who enter the political and public milieu sometimes find themselves unable to communicate clearly, creating confusion and disdain. In the midst of this angst, Alan Alda has emerged as an unassailable voice of hope and optimism, firm in the belief that better science communication is attainable and can be transformative.
Effect of Probiotic E. coli Nissle 1917 Supplementation on the Growth Performance, Immune Responses, Intestinal Morphology, and Gut Microbes of Campylobacter jejuni Infected Chickens
Authors: Helmy Yosra A. , Closs Gary , Jung Kwonil , Kathayat Dipak , Vlasova Anastasia , Rajashekara Gireesh
Published: September 2022

Campylobacter jejuni
is the most common cause of bacterial foodborne gastroenteritis and holds significant public health importance. The continuing increase of antibiotic-resistant
Campylobacter
necessitates the development of antibiotic-alternative approaches to control infections in poultry and in humans.
Outcomes of Convalescent Plasma with Defined High versus Lower Neutralizing Antibody Titers against SARS-CoV-2 among Hospitalized Patients: CoronaVirus Inactivating Plasma (CoVIP) Study
Authors: Bartelt Luther A. , Markmann Alena J. , Nelson Bridget , Keys Jessica , Root Heather , Henderson Heather I. , Kuruc JoAnn , Baker Caroline , Bhowmik D. Ryan , Hou Yixuan J. , Premkumar Lakshmanane , Cornaby Caleb , Schmitz John L. , Weiss Susan , Park Yara , Baric Ralph , de Silva Aravinda M. , Lachiewicz Anne , Napravnik Sonia , van Duin David , Margolis David M.
Published: September 2022

In this study, in a high-risk population of patients admitted for COVID-19, we found an earlier time to hospital discharge among participants receiving CCP with nAb titers of >1:640 compared with participants receiving CCP with a lower nAb titer and no CCP-related AEs. The significance of our research is in identifying a dose response of CCP and clinical outcomes based on nAb titer.
Draft Genome Sequence of Lentilactobacillus kosonis NBRC 111893, Isolated from a Japanese Sugar-Vegetable Fermented Beverage called Kôso
Authors: Chiou Tai-Ying , Suda Wataru , Oshima Kenshiro , Hattori Masahira , Matsuzaki Chiaki , Yamamoto Kenji , Takahashi Tomoya
Published: September 2022

Lentilactobacillus kosonis
NBRC 111893 is a species of heterolactic acid bacteria isolated from kôso, a Japanese sugar-vegetable fermented beverage. The draft genome sequence of
L. kosonis
NBRC 111893 is useful for understanding the features of the genus
Lentilactobacillus
and its possible uses in fermented foods.
Community Assembly of Fungi and Bacteria along Soil-Plant Continuum Differs in a Zoige Wetland
Authors: Li Jie , Liu Yu-Xuan , Lü Peng-Peng , Wang Yong-Long , Li Zhong-Feng , Zhang Yue , Gan Hui-Yun , Li Xing-Chun , Mandal Dipa , Cai Jing , Guo Zi-Xuan , Yao Hui , Guo Liang-Dong
Published: September 2022

Elucidating the community microbiome assemblage alone the soil-plant continuum will help to better understand the biodiversity maintenance and ecosystem functioning. Here, we examined the fungal and bacterial communities in rhizosphere soil, roots, and leaves of two dominant AM plants and a non-AM plant in Zoige Wetland.
The Ediacaran−Cambrian transition in the southern Great Basin, United States
Authors: Smith Emily F. , Nelson Lyle L. , O’Connell Nizhoni , Eyster Athena , Lonsdale Mary C.
Published: September 2022

The Ediacaran−Cambrian boundary strata in the Great Basin of the southwestern United States record biological, geochemical, and tectonic change during the transformative interval of Earth history in which metazoans diversified. Here, we integrate new and compiled chemostratigraphic, paleontological, sedimentological, and stratigraphic data sets from the Death Valley region, the White-Inyo Ranges, and Esmeralda County in Nevada and California and evaluate these data within a regional geologic framework. A large negative carbon isotope (δ13C) excursion—also known as the Basal Cambrian Excursion, or BACE—is regionally reproducible, despite lateral changes in sedimentary facies and dolomitization across ∼250 km, consistent with a primary marine origin for this perturbation. Across the southern Great Basin, Ediacaran body fossils are preserved in a variety of taphonomic modes, including cast and mold preservation, two-dimensional compressional preservation, two-dimensional and three-dimensional pyritization, and calcification. The stratigraphic framework of these occurrences is used to consider the relationships among taphonomic modes for fossil preservation and paleoenvironmental settings within this basin. In this region, Ediacaran-type fossils occur below the nadir of the BACE, while Cambrian-type trace fossils occur above. Sedimentological features that include giant ooids, stromatolites, and textured organic surfaces are widespread and abundant within the interval that records biotic turnover and coincide with basaltic volcanism and the BACE. We hypothesize that the prevalence of these sedimentological features, the BACE, and the disappearance of some Ediacaran clades were caused by environmental perturbation at the Ediacaran-Cambrian boundary.
Supplemental Material: Molybdenum isotopes in mafic igneous rocks record slab-mantle interactions from subarc to postarc depths
Authors: Fang Wei , Dai Li-Qun , al. et
Published: September 2022

Methods, data, and supplemental figures. 
Halotolerant Terephthalic Acid-Degrading Bacteria of the Genus Glutamicibacter
Authors: Yastrebova O. V. , Malysheva A. A. , Plotnikova E. G.
Published: September 2022

Terephthalic acid (TPA) is an isomer of ortho-phthalic acid, which is widely used in the chemical industry to produce artificial fibers and plastics, including polyethylene terephthalate; it is a widespread environmental pollutant. The ability of two strains of Glutamicibacter spp. PB8-1 (=ВКМ Ac-2934D) and BO25 (=ВКМ Ac2935D) isolated from the salt mining area (Perm krai, Russia) to grow using terephthalic acid as the only source of carbon and energy was studied. The strains PB8-1 and BO25 could utilize high concentrations of TPA (30 g/L), which was shown for TPA-degrading bacteria for the first time. Strains PB8-1 and BO25 were halotolerant bacteria: they grew in the NaCl-free medium or at NaCl concentrations of up to 90 g/L in a rich medium and up to 60 g/L in a mineral medium supplemented with TPA. No bacteria capable of degrading TPA under saline conditions were previously described. The growth of the strain BO25 using TPA was accompanied by the accumulation and subsequent degradation of protocatechuic acid (PCA), suggesting that the TPA metabolism occurred through PCA, which was previously described for bacteria of different taxa, including actinobacteria. Thus, TPA-degrading strains Glutamicibacter spp. PB8-1 and BO25 are promising for the development of bioremediation methods for saline soils and wastewater contaminated with TPA.
Current Challenges for German Business in the Russian Market
Authors: Kotov A. V.
Published: September 2022

The reaction of leading German companies in the Russian market after the start of the special military operation on the territory of Ukraine is considered. Companies interested in resolving the situation as soon as possible decided whether to leave the Russian market or not. The author analyzed the decisions of firms in the general context of winding down German business activities after 2014. After the acute phase of the pandemic ended, trade and economic cooperation between Russia and Germany showed a tendency to recover. However, since February 24, 2022, German companies with a small number of exceptions have generally supported anti-Russian sanctions. The conceptual typology of firms’ decisions, i.e., exit, activity compression, stabilization, and continuation of work in a difficult environment, is explored. It is concluded that the long-term trajectory of the real actions of German companies has fundamentally changed. The analysis made it possible to establish that the foundation of pragmatic market relations towards Russia is being eroded in the German foreign economic policy. This explains why German companies declare their willingness to pay. If during the annexation of Crimea to Russia groups of lobbyists for the interests of the German economy fought to maintain contacts, now such efforts are coming to naught.
Identifying latent classes of Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) consequences in a sample of collegiate female cross country runners
Authors: Carson Traci Lyn , West Brady T , Sonneville Kendrin , Zernicke Ronald F , Clarke Philippa , Harlow Sioban , Karvonen-Gutierrez Carrie
Published: September 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to identify patterns of clustering of the 10 health consequences identified in the Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) framework among collegiate female Cross-Country runners. We also assessed risk characteristics associated with each cluster.

Methods

This randomly sampled population included 211 current National Collegiate Athletics Association (NCAA) Division I (DI) female cross country runners who completed a quantitative survey. We used latent class analysis (LCA) to group athletes into mutually exclusive classes based on shared response patterns of RED-S consequences. We computed descriptive statistics to identify demographics, personal characteristics, disordered eating and emotional health characteristics associated with each class.

Results

The average age of the sample was 21 years with mean body mass index 20.4 kg/m2. The LCA identified three unique classes of potential RED-S presentations: (1) low probability of RED-S consequences; (2) complex physical and psychological concerns with a higher burden of cardiovascular concern and (3) very high probability of anxiety with high burden of menstrual disturbance, bone injury and gastrointestinal concern. All classes were characterised by high levels of menstrual disturbance and distinguished by the number and burden of other potential RED-S consequences and in reported abuse history, emotional regulation and perfectionism.

Conclusion

This study identified a high burden of menstrual disturbance in NCAA D1 cross country runners, and three unique presentations of RED-S consequences. Future research is warranted to better understand how early prevention and intervention strategies may mitigate RED-S consequences in distance runners.
Efficacy of a smartphone-based care support programme in improving post-traumatic stress in families with childhood cancer: protocol of a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Ma Jun , Qian Han-Zhu , Peng Yueyang , Xiang Yali , Yang Minghua , Hahne Jessica , Gu Can
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Diagnosis and treatment represent distressing experiences for the families of children with cancer. Psychosocial challenges are faced by these families in China because of limited health services and resources for psychosocial oncology care. Effective interventions tailored to the knowledge level and cultural values of this population are needed. The goal of this study is to evaluate a smartphone-based care support (SBCS) programme for the families of children with cancer in China.

Methods and analysis

A parallel randomised controlled trial will be conducted to examine the efficacy of an evidence-based and culturally tailored SBCS programme for the families of children with cancer in China. A total of 180 families will be recruited. The intervention will consist of an introduction session and four main sessions and will be conducted sequentially on a single weekend day. Participating families will be included in the intervention group. The post-traumatic stress and quality of life of families will be evaluated at baseline, during the intervention, immediately after the intervention, and 2 and 6 months after the intervention.

Ethics and dissemination

Ethical approval for this protocol has been obtained from the Nursing and Behavioural Medicine Research Ethics Review Committee, Xiangya School of Nursing, Central South University (Protocol #: E2020125). The findings of the trial will be disseminated through conference presentations and publications in peer-reviewed journals.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2000040510.
Psychological and situational factors associated with COVID-19 vaccine intention among postpartum women in Pakistan: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Premji Shahirose Sadrudin , Khademi Sahar , Forcheh Ntonghanwah , Lalani Sharifa , Shaikh Kiran , Javed Arshia , Saleem Erum , Babar Neelofur , Muhabat Qamarunissa , Jabeen Nigar , Nausheen Sidrah , Shahid Ali Shahnaz
Published: September 2022

Objectives

Contributing factors to COVID-19 vaccination intention in low-income and middle-income countries have received little attention. This study examined COVID-19-related anxiety and obsessive thoughts and situational factors associated with Pakistani postpartum women’s intention to get COVID-19 vaccination.

Design

Cross-sectional study administering a survey by a telephone interview format between 15 July and 10 September 2020.

Setting

Four centres of Aga Khan Hospital for Women and Children—Garden, Kharadar, Karimabad and Hyderabad—in Sindh Province, Pakistan.

Participants

Women who were enrolled in our longitudinal Pakistani cohort study were approached (n=1395), and 990 women (71%) participated in the survey, of which 941 women who were in their postpartum period were included in the final analysis.

Primary outcome measure and factors

COVID-19 vaccine intention, sociodemographic and COVID-19-related factors, Coronavirus anxiety, obsession with COVID-19 and work and social adjustment were assessed. Multiple multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with women’s intentions.

Results

Most women would accept a COVID-19 vaccine for themselves (66.7%). Only 24.4% of women were undecided about vaccination against COVID-19, and a small number of women rejected the COVID-19 vaccine (8.8%). Women with primary education were less likely to take a COVID-19 vaccine willingly than those with higher education. COVID-19 vaccine uncertainty and refusal were predicted by having no experience of COVID-19 infection, childbirth during the pandemic, having no symptoms of Coronavirus anxiety and obsession with COVID-19. Predictors for women’s intention to vaccinate themselves and their children against COVID-19 were similar.

Conclusion

Understanding the factors shaping women’s intention to vaccinate themselves or their children would enable evidence-based strategies by healthcare providers to enhance the uptake of the COVID-19 vaccine and achieve herd immunity against Coronavirus.
Clonidine as analgesia during retinopathy of prematurity screening in preterm infants (cloROP): protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Carlsen Misic Martina , Eriksson Mats , Normann Erik , Pettersson Miriam , Blomqvist Ylva , Olsson Emma
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Preterm infants are at risk of negative consequences from stress and pain at the same time as they often are in need of intensive care that includes painful interventions. One of the frequent painful procedures preterm infants undergo is eye examination screening to detect early signs of ROP (retinopathy of prematurity). These examinations are both stressful and painful, and despite a multitude of research studies, no conclusive pain-relieving treatment has been demonstrated. The main aim of this trial is to investigate the analgesic effect of clonidine during ROP eye examinations.

Methods and analysis

The planned study is a multicentre randomised controlled trial with a crossover design. Infants will be recruited from two different neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) in Sweden. Infants born before gestation week 30 (and therefore eligible for ROP screening) and cared for in either of the NICUs will be eligible for inclusion in the study. The primary outcome will be Premature Infant Pain Profile–Revised score within 30 s after starting the examination. Secondary outcomes will be changes in the galvanic skin response parameters (area small peaks, area huge peaks, peaks per second and average rise time) within 30 s after starting the eye examination, together with the number and evaluation of adverse events reported within 72 hours after the examination and the examining physician’s assessment of how easy the infant was to examine.

Ethics and dissemination

Approval from the Swedish Ethical Review Authority and the Swedish Medical Products Agency has been obtained for the study. Parents of eligible infants will be getting both verbal and written information about the study including that participation is voluntary. Data will be collected and treated in accordance with the European general data protection regulations. The results will be reported on group level and published in a scientific journal.

Trial registration number

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04902859).

EudraCT (2021-003005-21).
Protocol for systematic review and network meta-analysis of comparative effectiveness of surgical interventions for primary congenital glaucoma
Authors: Lee Yun Jeong , Kang Donghwee , Lee Joo Eon , Son Eunji , Ha Ahnul , Kim Young Kook
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Primary congenital glaucoma (PCG), a type of childhood glaucoma, is primarily treated surgically to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). Failure to intervene could result in partial, or even total, blindness. Various surgical intervention types have been proposed for PCG, though the evidence on comparative effectiveness remains limited. The current protocol is an ongoing network meta-analysis enabling comparative investigation of surgical interventions for which randomised controlled trials (RCTs) are available. Our aim is to systematically compare the efficacy of various types of surgical intervention for patients with PCG.

Methods and analysis

Studies of interest will assess the effects of those surgical interventions on surgery-naïve children (age <18 years) suffering PCG. RCTs regardless of language or publication date will be searched from three electronic databases (Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Embase and MEDLINE) from 4 April 2022. Two reviewers will screen, first, titles and abstracts, followed by full-text papers, for useful data that they will extract. The primary outcome measure will be the IOP-lowering effect of a given surgical intervention. The two reviewers also will assess the internal validity of studies using the relevant and domain-based risk-of-bias assessment tool. Overall evidence quality will be assessed according to the Confidence in Network Meta-Analysis approach and will be presented in summarised form with network diagrams. For enhanced visualisation of the included interventions’ effects, forest plots will be constructed. Pairwise effect sizes also will be calculated based on the evidence that is available in the network.

Ethics and dissemination

This work will synthesise evidence obtained from published studies, and as such, no ethics review or approval will be required. A paper presenting the findings will be submitted to a peer-reviewed scientific journal for publication.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42022313954.
Cluster randomised controlled trial to determine the impact of an activity enabling uniform on primary school student’s fitness and physical activity: study protocol for the Active WeAR Everyday (AWARE) study
Authors: Nathan Nicole , McCarthy Nicole , Hall Alix , Shoesmith Adam , Lane Cassandra , Jackson Rebecca , Sutherland Rachel , Groombridge Daniel , Reeves Penny , Boyer James , Duggan Bernadette , Wolfenden Luke
Published: September 2022

Introduction

Multicomponent school-based physical activity (PA) interventions can improve students’ cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and PA. Due to the complex nature of such interventions when delivered at scale their effect sizes markedly reduce. Modifying student school uniforms, so that they are more PA enabling, may be a simple intervention that could enhance student health. The primary aim of this trial is to assess the effectiveness of an activity enabling uniform intervention (shorts, polo shirt and sports shoes) in improving children’s CRF.

Methods and analysis

A cluster randomised controlled trial will be conducted in 24 primary schools in New South Wales (NSW), Australia. Schools will be randomly allocated to either intervention or usual practice following baseline data collection. Active WeAR Everyday intervention schools will allow students in grades 4–6 (aged approx. 9–12 years) to wear their existing sports uniform (shorts, polo shirt and sports shoes) every day. To avoid any financial cost to students they will be provided with two additional sports shirts and one pair of shorts. Study outcomes will be assessed at baseline and 9 months postbaseline. The primary outcome is students’ CRF measured using the 20 m multistage fitness test. Secondary outcomes include students’: mean daily steps and steps/minute measured via accelerometer, quality of life, mental well-being and perceived PA self-efficacy. The acceptability, feasibility and cost of the intervention will be assessed. Analyses will be performed using an intention-to-treat framework. Linear mixed effects regression models will be used to assess intervention effects on the primary outcome at follow-up. Planned exploratory analyses will examine effects by subgroups (eg, gender).

Ethics and dissemination

This study has received approval from Hunter New England Local Health District Human Ethics Committee (2020/ETHO2602) the University of Newcastle, Human Research Ethics Committee (H-2021-0013), NSW Department of Education (SERAP: 2020387) and Catholic School Offices.

Trial registration number

ACTRN12621000201875.
Incidence of post-COVID syndrome and associated symptoms in outpatient care in Bavaria, Germany: a retrospective cohort study using routinely collected claims data
Authors: Donnachie Ewan , Hapfelmeier Alexander , Linde Klaus , Tauscher Martin , Gerlach Roman , Greissel Anna , Schneider Antonius
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To estimate the treatment incidence of post-COVID syndrome (postinfectious sequelae present at least 12 weeks following infection) in the context of ambulatory care in Bavaria, Germany, and to establish whether related diagnoses occur more frequently than in patients with no known history of COVID-19.

Design

Retrospective cohort analysis of routinely collected claims data.

Setting

Ambulatory care in Bavaria, Germany, observed from January 2020 to March 2022 (data accessed May 2022).

Participants

391 990 patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis, 62 659 patients with other respiratory infection and a control group of 659 579 patients with no confirmed or suspected diagnosis of COVID-19.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Primary outcome is diagnosis of post-COVID syndrome documented in ambulatory care. Secondary outcomes are: chronic fatigue syndrome, psychological disorder, fatigue, mild cognitive impairment, disturbances of taste and smell, dyspnoea, pulmonary embolism and myalgia.

Results

Among all patients with confirmed COVID-19, 14.2% (95% CI 14.0% to 14.5%) received a diagnosis of a post-COVID syndrome, and 6.7% (95% CI 6.5% to 6.9%) received the diagnosis in at least two quarterly periods during a 2-year follow-up. Compared with patients with other respiratory infections and with controls, patients with COVID-19 more frequently received a variety of diagnoses including chronic fatigue syndrome (1.6% vs 0.6% and 0.3%, respectively), fatigue (13.3% vs 9.2% and 6.0%), dyspnoea (9.9% vs 5.1% and 3.2%) and disturbances of taste and smell (3.2% vs 1.2% and 0.5%). The treatment incidence of post-COVID syndrome was highest among adults aged 40–59 (19.0%) and lowest among children aged below 12 years (2.6%).

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate a moderately high incidence of post-COVID syndrome 2 years after COVID-19 diagnosis. There is an urgent need to find efficient and effective solutions to help patients with dyspnoea, fatigue, cognitive impairment and loss of smell. Guidelines and treatment algorithms, including referral criteria, and occupational and physical therapy, require prompt and coherent implementation.
Using a discrete choice experiment to develop a decision aid tool to inform the management of persistent pain in pharmacy: a protocol for a randomised feasibility study
Authors: Loría-Rebolledo Luis Enrique , Ryan Mandy , Bond Christine , Porteous Terry , Murchie Peter , Adam Rosalind
Published: September 2022

Introduction

In an era of personalised healthcare, it has become increasingly important to elicit individual-level preferences. While discrete choice experiments (DCEs) are widely used to measure patient preferences in the delivery of healthcare, the focus has been sample-level analysis. Using the DCE methodology, this project has designed a digital decision aid tool (DAT) with the potential to estimate individual preferences in real time to inform clinical consultation decisions in persistent pain management.

Methods

Using a feasibility randomised control trial, this study aims to assess the feasibility of using this Understanding Persistent Pain (UPP) DAT in a pharmacy-based clinical setting and to test processes for a future definite randomised trial. Community and practice-based pharmacists (up to 10) will be recruited in The National Health Service (NHS) Grampian and trained in the use of the digital UPP DAT. Pharmacists will recruit up to 60 patients who are living with persistent pain. Patients will be randomised to one of two groups: using the UPP DAT or usual care. Pharmacists will follow-up patients as needed according to clinical need and following standard practice. DCE response data collected by the UPP DAT will be analysed using the penalised logit model, allowing estimation of individual preferences in real time. We will follow-up pharmacists and patients who use the UPP DAT to gather feedback on their experiences.

Ethics and dissemination

This study received ethical approval from the North of Scotland Research Ethics Committee (21/NS/0059) and received Research & Development Management Permission to proceed from NHS Grampian (2021UA003E). The study has been registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov database. Findings will be disseminated in peer-reviewed publications, presentations and newsletters and made available in the University of Aberdeen and Pharmacy Research UK websites. Participants gave informed consent to participate in the study before taking part.

Trial registration number

NCT05102578; clinicaltrials.gov.
Is there a role for carbetocin in the prophylaxis of postpartum obstetric haemorrhage?
Authors: Day Andrea , Barclay Philip , Page Louise
Published: September 2022

Postpartum haemorrhage is a common complication of pregnancy, most commonly due to uterine atony. Uterotonics have a vital role in preventing postpartum haemorrhage but the choice of the most effective agent with the fewest adverse effects is a subject of debate. Carbetocin, a synthetic analogue of oxytocin has been available in the UK since 2007 but is not currently widely used. It has a longer duration of action than oxytocin, which avoids the need for an infusion and as it is heat-stable it can be stored at room temperature. Current UK clinical guidelines, based on the results of older meta-analyses, do not recommend carbetocin as a first-line agent. ACochranereview, published in 2018, ranked carbetocin in the top three drug regimens for preventing postpartum haemorrhage and an international consensus statement on uterotonic use for caesarean birth concluded that carbetocin may become the preferred drug for caesarean birth, by reducing the need for additional uterotonics. The higher cost of carbetocin when compared with oxytocin is a limiting factor, but the significant healthcare costs of a postpartum haemorrhage and the physiological impact of this event suggests it a reasonable alternative to consider, especially if ergometrine is contraindicated or in those who are undergoing a caesarean birth or are at high risk of bleeding.
Regional survey of foundation trainee doctors’ views on a career in gastroenterology: implications for diversity and inclusion
Authors: Akbani Umair , Vasant Dipesh Harshvadan
Published: September 2022

Objective

We aimed to establish the perception of foundation doctors (FDs) towards gastroenterology, focusing on identifying determinants which make the career desirable or undesirable between genders, and to recognise factors to increase diversity in recruitment.

Method

An electronic survey was circulated to Northwest of England FDs, categorical variables and data were analysed using χ2test including comparisons by gender and exposure to gastroenterology either as an undergraduate or FD.

Results

133 responses were received (males 55.6%, 37 foundation year 1 (FY1) doctors, 85 FY2 doctors and 11 FY3 doctors). Four (3.0%) FDs were considering a career in gastroenterology. Gastroenterology was perceived positively by 72 (54.1%) of FDs. Significant differences were found between genders in the importance of the following factors influencing specialty selection; patient-centred care (female 52.5% vs male 25.7%, p=0.01), good mentorship (female 67.8% vs male 45.9, p=0.012), income (female 33.9% vs male 59.5%, p=0.003) and length of training (female 27.1% vs male 52.7%, p=0.003). The male predominant existing workforce (female 27.1% vs male 6.8%, p=0.001), and requirement to be a medical registrar (female 74.6% vs male 56.8%, p=0.033) were negatively perceived aspects of gastroenterology among female FDs. Most FDs (female 80.5%, male 70.7%) indicated increased acceptability of less than full time training and greater flexibility may attract more females to gastroenterology.

Conclusion

Increased flexibility in training and greater postfoundation exposure and mentorship may improve diversity within the specialty. The role of general medicine poses significant concern for FDs and may need further evaluation.
Underdiagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia in HIV-infected individuals: a pilot study using soluble transferrin receptors and intensive bone marrow iron stores to improve the diagnosis
Authors: Mankgele Mahlatse , Variava Ebrahim , Moloantoa Tumelo , Otwombe Kennedy , Hlongwane Khuthadzo , Disenyane Dineo , Bida Meshack , Chikwati Raylton , Snyman Tracy , Martinson Neil , Mahlangu Johnny
Published: September 2022

Aim

We compared soluble transferrin receptors (sTfR), serum ferritin, mean cell volume (MCV) of red cells and the sTfR-ferritin index with the intensive method bone marrow trephine (BMT) iron stores in the diagnosis of iron deficiency anaemia (IDA) in Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)-positive hospitalised participants.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, we recruited hospitalised HIV-positive and coronavirus of 2019 (COVID-19)-negative adults with anaemia who required a bone marrow examination as part of their diagnostic workup. We measured the full blood count, ferritin, sTfR and assessed iron using the intensive method in Haemotoxylin and Eosin (H&E)-stained BMT core biopsies of consenting participants.

Results

Of the 60 enrolled participants, 57 were evaluable. Thirteen (22.80%) had IDA on H&E BMT iron stores assessment, and 44 (77.19%) had anaemia of chronic diseases (ACD). The sTfR and the sTfR-ferritin index had sensitivities of 61.54% and 53.85%, respectively, for IDA diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of ferritin was 7.69% and 92.31%, respectively. The sTfR and sTfR-ferritin index’s diagnostic specificity was relatively low at 46.15% and 38.46%, respectively.

Conclusion

In this pilot study in HIV-positive participants, the prevalence of iron deficiency using the BMT assessment was low. Both the sTfR and the sTfR-ferritin index had a better quantitative correlation to bone marrow iron stores when compared with the MCV and ferritin and, may be more accurate surrogate markers of IDA.
Volumetric resolution of chronic subdural hematomas treated with surgical evacuation versus middle meningeal artery embolization during immediate, early, and late follow up: propensity-score matched cohorts
Authors: Housley Steven B , Monteiro Andre , Khawar Wasiq I , Donnelly Brianna M , Lian Ming Xia , Fritz Alexander G , Waqas Muhammad , Cappuzzo Justin M , Snyder Kenneth V , Siddiqui Adnan H , Levy Elad I , Davies Jason M
Published: September 2022

Background

Literature on volumetric resolution and recurrence over time between surgical evacuation alone (SEA) and standalone middle meningeal artery embolization (MMAE) in comparable chronic subdural hematoma (cSDH) patients is limited.

Methods

A retrospective database analysis of cSDH patients managed with either SEA or MMAE was conducted. Propensity-score matching was performed for axial and coronal lengths, maximum diameter, and midline shift. Volumetric measurements at multiple time intervals and recurrence were compared between the groups.

Results

48 matched hematoma pairs in patients with similar demographics, comorbidities, medications, and symptoms were obtained. Median volume was significantly lower at 24 hours in the SEA group (12.6 mL vs 52.7 mL, p<0.001) but not at remaining intervals. Median volume reduction was significantly greater in the SEA group at 24 hours (39.1 mL vs 8.8 mL in the MMAE group, p<0.001) and at 3–12 weeks (50.8 mL vs 23.7 mL, p<0.001), but not at remaining intervals. The SEA group had a significantly greater median hematoma resolution rate at 24 hours (39.1 mL/day vs 8.8 mL/day, p<0.001) and 3–12 weeks (1 mL/day vs 0.4 mL/day, p<0.001), but not at remaining intervals. Near-complete resolution at 3–12 weeks and 12–60 weeks was not significantly different between groups. Overall, the recurrence rate was significantly higher in the SEA group (22.9% vs 4.2%, p=0.01).

Conclusions

In comparable cSDH patients, SEA resulted in better volumetric outcomes in immediate postoperative and early follow-up periods, as expected. However, this difference was not significant at more distant follow-up intervals. Furthermore, surgical patients experienced a significantly higher rate of recurrence.
Applying suggested new terminology and definitions for human milk feeding in the Alberta Pregnancy Outcomes and Nutrition (APrON) longitudinal pregnancy cohort
Authors: Jarman Megan , Shen Ye , Yuan Yan , Madsen Mette , Robson Paula J. , Bell Rhonda C.
Published: September 2022

The complexity of human milk-feeding behaviours may not be captured using simpler definitions of “exclusive” and “non-exclusive” breastfeeding. New definitions have been suggested to describe variation in these behaviours more fully but have not been widely applied. We applied the new definitions to data derived from 3-day human milk-feeding diaries. Participants ( n = 1091) recorded the number, beginning/end time, and modes of feeding of infants aged 3 months. Data were used to create six exclusive groups according to feeding mode(s): (1) human milk at-breast only; (2) human milk at-breast and human milk in a bottle; (3) human milk at-breast and infant formula in a bottle; (4) human milk at-breast and human milk and infant formula mixed in the same bottle; (5) human milk at-breast, human milk in a bottle, and infant formula in a bottle (not mixed); and (6) a bottle that sometimes contained human milk and sometimes infant formula (not mixed), never at-breast. Differences in maternal and infant characteristics were examined among groups. Fifty-seven percent fed at-breast only (Group 1). Those in Group 1 spent a similar amount of time feeding directly at-breast (median 132 (IQR 98–172) min/day) as those in Groups 2 (124 (95–158)), 3 (143 (100–190)), and 5 (114 (84–142)) ( p > 0.05), indicating that adding bottle feeding did not always reduce the time infants were fed at-breast. Applying new suggested definitions to describe human milk-feeding behaviours from the mothers’ perspective highlights the complexity of patterns used and warrants further application and research to explore impacts on health outcomes.
Petrogenesis of siliciclastic sediments and sedimentary rocks explored in three-dimensional Al2O3–CaO*+Na2O–K2O–FeO+MgO (A–CN–K–FM) compositional space
Authors: Fedo Christopher M. , Babechuk Michael G.
Published: September 2022

Quantitatively determining the amount of chemical weathering within sedimentary rocks (and weathering profiles) took a major step forward with the creation of the chemical index of alteration (CIA) 40 years ago. The CIA relates the proportion of immobile aluminum to the mobile cations of calcium, sodium, and potassium and is grounded in empirical and modeled geochemical data for mineral reactions that occur during hydrolysis. However, the CIA should be applied cautiously because it is a one-dimensional value that in the most complex situations, as with clastic sedimentary rocks, homogenizes the compositional inputs of source, weathering, sorting, and diagenesis. Subsequently developed two-dimensional (2D) ternary diagrams (Al2O3–CaO*+Na2O–K2O; Al2O3–CaO*+Na2O+K2O–FeO+MgO) permitted the capacity to explore mineralogical-geochemical pathways in data sets that may separate those inputs, but interpreting the ternary diagrams may be complicated because they differentiate and group certain elements. Here we develop a three-dimensional tetrahedral diagram (Al2O3–CaO*+Na2O–K2O–FeO+MgO, A–CN–K–FM) that incorporates the same critical elements and permits the simultaneous assessment of felsic and mafic rocks and minerals on the same diagram while retaining the ability to separate plagioclase from alkali feldspar and monitor post-depositional potassium changes. Using the tetrahedral plot, we show that both the CIA value and positions on the 2D ternary diagrams can generate potentially misleading interpretations without properly budgeting the ferromagnesian components in parallel. We first show how the tetrahedron works, then use it with numerous previously published examples to identify how the competing mafic and felsic inputs shape the composition of source rocks, weathering profiles, actively transporting sediment, paleosols, and sedimentary rocks in sedimentary petrogenesis.
Compatibility of new sainfoin populations as forage mixtures with alfalfa and orchardgrass in Alberta
Authors: Poudel Hari P. , Acharya Surya N.
Published: September 2022

Sainfoin is a highly nutritious non-bloating leguminous forage crop of temperate regions. Despite non-bloating properties, its use in pastures was limited due to low dry matter yield (DMY), lack of persistence in the mixed pasture, and slow regrowth. The paradigm then shifted when new sainfoin cultivars planted in mixtures with alfalfa reduced 98% bloat incidence in ruminants. Two experiments were conducted to determine the compatibility of sainfoin with grass and alfalfa. Experiment (Exp.) I was established by drilling alfalfa cv. Longview and orchardgrass cv. Kayak with new sainfoin populations in alternate or cross-seeding rows under irrigated and unirrigated conditions in Lethbridge, AB. Exp. II was established by drilling sainfoin populations in mixture with alfalfa cultivars in alternate rows under irrigation. DMY and botanical composition (dry matter basis) were observed for both experiments. In Exp. I, monoculture orchardgrass produced the least DMY compared with the mixtures under both growing conditions and over all growing seasons. Alfalfa–sainfoin mixture yielded higher under irrigatated and less under unirrigated conditions relative to alfalfa monoculture. The percentage DMY contribution of sainfoin in alfalfa–sainfoin mixtures decreased but increased in sainfoin–orchardgrass mixtures over successive harvests under both environments. In Exp. II, we observed that new sainfoin populations mixed with alfalfa cvs. Beaver and Longview yielded greater ( P < 0.05) than their corresponding monocultures and this increase was not associated with the proportion of the species in the mixture suggesting new sainfoin populations are as productive as alfalfa.
Possible charmed-strange molecular dibaryons
Authors: Kong Shu-Yi , Zhu Jun-Tao , He Jun
Published: September 2022

In this work, we systematically investigate the dibaryons with charm number $$C=1$$

C
=
1

and strangeness number $$S=\pm $$

S
=
±

1 from the interactions of a charmed baryon and a strange baryon $$\Lambda _c\Lambda $$

Λ
c

Λ

, $$\Lambda _c\Sigma ^{(*)}$$

Λ
c

Σ

(

∗
)

, $$\Sigma _c^{(*)}\Lambda $$

Σ
c

(

∗
)

Λ

, and $$\Sigma ^{(*)}_c\Sigma ^{(*)}$$

Σ
c

(

∗
)

Σ

(

∗
)

, and corresponding interactions of a charmed baryon and an antistrange baryon $$\Lambda _c{\bar{\Lambda }}$$

Λ
c

Λ

¯

, $$\Lambda _c{\bar{\Sigma }}^{(*)}$$

Λ
c

Σ

¯

(

∗
)

, $$\Sigma ^{(*)}_c{\bar{\Lambda }}$$

Σ
c

(

∗
)

Λ

¯

, and $$\Sigma ^{(*)}_c{\bar{\Sigma }}^{(*)}$$

Σ
c

(

∗
)

Σ

¯

(

∗
)

. With the help of the effective Lagrangians with SU(3), heavy quark, and chiral symmetries, the potentials of the interactions considered are constructed by light meson exchanges. To search for the possible molecules, the quasipotential Bethe–Salpeter equation with the interaction potential kernel is solved to find poles from scattering amplitude. The results suggest that attractions widely exist in charmed-strange system with $$C=1$$

C
=
1

and $$S=-1$$

S
=
-
1

. The S-wave bound states can be produced from most of the channels. Few bound states are also produced from the charmed-antistrange interactions. Couple-channel effect are considered in the current work to discuss the couplings of the molecular states to the channels considered. More experimental research for these charmed-strange dibaryons are suggested.
Modelling the impact of argon atoms on a tungsten surface
Authors: Shermukhamedov Shokirbek , Probst Michael
Published: September 2022

Sputtering from plasma-facing surfaces upon particle impact is an important process in material science. It is especially relevant in the diverter region of fusion devices, which nearly always consist of tungsten. Besides the main plasma components, argon is used in fusion devices to improve energy confinement. As a consequence, hot Ar atoms interact with W surfaces and can cause sputtering and other material degrading events. Atomistic simulations of the plasma-wall interactions make it possible to carry out a detailed analysis of sputtering, reflection, and retention processes. We report the results of molecular dynamics simulations with neural network potential energy expressions modelling the bombardment of tungsten samples by argon atoms in the energy range from 100 to 800 eV. The obtained sputtering results are in good agreement with available literature data. Furthermore, our data provide additional insight into atomic details of the processes involved in sputtering. We also investigate the effect of surface temperature on sputtering and reflection probabilities, which significantly affects the irradiation process at higher impact energies.

Graphical abstract
K-stability of Gorenstein Fano group compactifications with rank two
Authors: Lee Jae-Hyouk , Park Kyeong-Dong , Yoo Sungmin
Published: September 2022

We give a classification of Gorenstein Fano bi-equivariant compactifications of semi-simple complex Lie groups with rank two, and determine which of them are equivariant K-stable and admit (singular) Kähler–Einstein metrics. As a consequence, we obtain several explicit examples of K-stable Fano varieties admitting (singular) Kähler–Einstein metrics. We also compute the greatest Ricci lower bounds, equivalently the delta invariants for K-unstable varieties. This gives us three new examples on which each solution of the Kähler–Ricci flow is of type II.
Isometries of Kellendonk–Savinien spectral triples and Connes metrics
Authors: Conti Roberto , Farsi Carla
Published: September 2022

We study the large and the small isometry groups of Kellendonk–Savinien spectral triples associated to a choice function for a self-similar compact ultrametric Cantor set; in particular, we show that under reasonable assumptions they coincide. To characterize these isometry groups, we use the Michon rooted weighted tree associated to an ultrametric Cantor set: the small and large isometry groups turn out to be equal to the subgroup of the automorphism group of the tree consisting of elements that commute with the choice function in a suitable sense. When the rooted tree is binary, these isometry groups are equal to [Formula: see text]. We also examine examples of Connes metrics associated to Pearson–Bellissard spectral triples, presenting a gamut of cases in where it is infinite.
First-principles calculations to investigate structural, electronic, mechanical, optical, thermophysical and vibrational properties of TaFeSb
Authors: Gour Atul , Rathore Rahul , Singh Sadhna , Arya B. S.
Published: September 2022

In this work, the structural, electronic, mechanical, optical, thermophysical and phonon properties of TaFeSb are investigated using density functional theory in stable cubic state. On the basis of elastic properties reported, it is confirmed that this compound shows hardness (due to high bulk modulus), is ductile and has anisotropic nature. The band structure and density of states calculations of TaFeSb exhibit semiconducting nature. Various optical properties viz. high absorption and low reflectivity are calculated, which confirm its applications in optoelectronics. The thermophysical properties of TaFeSb at high temperatures and high pressures are studied for the first time, which can pave new directions to thermoelectric applications at high temperatures and high pressures. It is found that TaFeSb follows Debye T3 law and Dulong–Petit limit at elevated temperatures and pressures. Moreover, we have done detailed analysis on phonon dispersion relation, density of phonon states and thermal properties of TaFeSb, which would help in heat dissipation in computer chips and thermoelectric devices.
Transmission of thermal energy in a ferromagnetic nanofluid flow
Authors: Muhammad Noor , Nadeem S. , Zaman F. D.
Published: September 2022

In this study, the impact of Newtonian heating is incorporated into a two-dimensional ferrofluid. The flowing chemically reactive species of ferromagnetic fluid fluids. By virtue of this property, such fluids are necessary for heat transfer in engineering equipment and devices. The main focus of flowing fluids in these devices is to enhance the transfer of heat and decrease friction drag at the surface. Thus, the paper focuses on the analysis of the rate of heat transfer via Fourier’s law. The fluid in the problem is taken to be a viscous fluid containing chemically reactive species. Chemically reactive species consist of two or more base fluids. Therefore, the main interest is in watching the heat transfer impacts on the ferromagnetic fluid. This is important in the presence of chemically reactive species. The results obtained are shown to be in excellent agreement in specific cases available in literature.