bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Exploring patterns of personal alarm system use and impacts on outcomes
Authors: Andrew Nadine E. , Wang Yun , Teo Ken , Callisaya Michele L. , Moran Christopher , Snowdon David A. , Ellmers Sonya , Beare Richard , Richardson Dean , Srikanth Velandai
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To describe the patterns of personal emergency response systems (PERS) use in a statewide cohort of older Australians.

Methods

PERS data from clients enrolled in the Personal Alarm Victoria program between January 2014 and June 2017 were analysed. Alarm activation reasons were extracted, and a medical record audit was performed for a sub‐cohort of patients admitted to a local hospital following an alarm event. Descriptive statistics were used.

Results

There were 42,180 clients enrolled during the study (mean age 80 years, 80% female, 93% living alone). An ambulance attended 44% of the fall‐related events and 81% of events coded as unwell. Activation reasons were distributed equally between a fall and feeling unwell, and a repeating pattern of activation reasons was observed. In our sub‐cohort (n = 92), the majority of admissions (86%) followed an alarm activation coded as unwell.

Conclusion

We demonstrated recurring patterns associated with the reasons for alarm use.
Classroom‐based physical activity and math performance: Integrated physical activity or not?
Authors: Mavilidi Myrto F. , Vazou Spyridoula
Published: March 2021

Aim

This 8‐week intervention examined the effect of two different types of classroom‐based physical activity on math performance in elementary school children.

Methods

Students in 4th and 5th grade (N = 560; 32 classes, 9–11 years old) from six schools were assigned to integrated physical activity (Move for Thought [M4T], n = 221), activity break (AB; n = 134) and a control group (n = 205; usual instruction) for eight weeks. Students completed a standardised math test before and after the intervention. Programme fidelity was measured with a teacher daily log, recording the duration and frequency of the physical activity sessions. Linear mixed models were used for the analyses. Grade and gender were explored as moderators.

Results

Move for Thought group outperformed AB (p < 0.001, d = 0.44) and control groups (p = 0.013, d = 0.38). However, subgroup analyses showed that these effects were evident only in Grade 4. No gender differences were found. Intervention fidelity showed that the classroom‐based physical activities (M4T and AB) were used about every other day, with higher implementation among 4th graders.

Conclusion

This study indicated that integrating physical activity with mathematics has stronger effects on mathematics than activity breaks and traditional instruction.
Serpin neuropathology in the P497S UBQLN2 mouse model of ALS/FTD
Authors: Higgins Nicole R. , Greenslade Jessie E. , Wu Josephine J. , Miranda Elena , Galliciotti Giovanna , Monteiro Mervyn J.
Published: March 2021

Accumulating evidence suggests X‐linked dominant mutations in UBQLN2 cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) with frontotemporal dementia (FTD) through both loss‐ and gain‐of‐function mechanisms. However, the mechanisms by which the mutations cause disease are still unclear. The goal of the study was to uncover the possible pathomechanism(s) by which UBQLN2 mutations cause ALS/FTD. An analysis of proteomic changes in neuronal tissue was used to identify proteins with altered accumulation in the P497S UBQLN2 transgenic mouse model of ALS/FTD. We then used immunocytochemistry and biochemical techniques to confirm protein changes in the mutant P497S mice. Additionally, we used cell lines inactivated of UBQLN2 expression to determine whether its loss underlies the alteration in the proteins seen in P497S mice. The proteome screen identified a dramatic alteration of serine protease inhibitor (serpin) proteins in the mutant P497S animals. Double immunofluorescent staining of brain and spinal cord tissues of the mutant and control mice revealed an age‐dependent change in accumulation of Serpin A1, C1, and I1 in puncta whose staining colocalized with UBQLN2 puncta in the mutant P497S mice. Serpin A1 aggregation in P497S animals was confirmed by biochemical extraction and filter retardation assays. A similar phenomenon of serpin protein aggregation was found in HeLa and NSC34 motor neuron cells with inactivated UBQLN2 expression. We found aberrant aggregation of serpin proteins, particularly Serpin A1, in the brain and spinal cord of the P497S UBQLN2 mouse model of ALS/FTD. Similar aggregation of serpin proteins was found in UBQLN2 knockout cells suggesting that serpin aggregation in the mutant P497S animals may stem from loss of UBQLN2 function. Because serpin aggregation is known to cause disease through both loss‐ and gain‐of‐function mechanisms, we speculate that their accumulation in the P497S mouse model of ALS/FTD may contribute to disease pathogenesis through similar mechanism(s).
Automated assessment of cortical mastoidectomy performance in virtual reality
Authors: Wijewickrema Sudanthi , Talks Benjamin James , Lamtara Jesslyn , Gerard Jean‐Marc , O’Leary Stephen
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Cortical mastoidectomy is a core skill that Otolaryngology trainees must gain competency in. Automated competency assessments have the potential to reduce assessment subjectivity and bias, as well as reducing the workload for surgical trainers.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop and validate an automated competency assessment system for cortical mastoidectomy.

Participants

Data from 60 participants (Group 1) were used to develop and validate an automated competency assessment system for cortical mastoidectomy. Data from 14 other participants (Group 2) were used to test the generalisability of the automated assessment.

Design

Participants drilled cortical mastoidectomies on a virtual reality temporal bone simulator. Procedures were graded by a blinded expert using the previously validated Melbourne Mastoidectomy Scale: a different expert assessed procedures by Groups 1 and 2. Using data from Group 1, simulator metrics were developed to map directly to the individual items of this scale. Metric value thresholds were calculated by comparing automated simulator metric values to expert scores. Binary scores per item were allocated using these thresholds. Validation was performed using random sub‐sampling. The generalisability of the method was investigated by performing the automated assessment on mastoidectomies performed by Group 2, and correlating these with scores of a second blinded expert.

Results

The automated binary score compared with the expert score per item had an accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of 0.9450, 0.9547 and 0.9343, respectively, for Group 1; and 0.8614, 0.8579 and 0.8654, respectively, for Group 2. There was a strong correlation between the total scores per participant assigned by the expert and calculated by the automatic assessment method for both Group 1 (r = .9144, P < .0001) and Group 2 (r = .7224, P < .0001).

Conclusion

This study outlines a virtual reality‐based method of automated assessment of competency in cortical mastoidectomy, which proved comparable to the assessment provided by human experts.
Water, Health and Wealth: The Impact of Piped Water Outages on Disease Prevalence and Financial Transactions in Zambia
Authors: Ashraf Nava , Glaeser Edward , Holland Abraham , Steinberg Bryce Millett
Published: March 2021

Providing clean water requires maintenance, as well as the initial connections that are typically measured. Frequently, the water supply fails in the developing world, especially when users do not pay the marginal cost of water. This paper uses the timing of frequent, unexpected water service outages in Lusaka, Zambia to identify the short‐term impacts of piped water access on contagious disease, economic activity and time use. We use microdata from the primary water utility in the city on the timing and location of supply complaints to identify outages, matched to extensive administrative data across the city. Conditional on fixed effects for time and water service district within Lusaka, we find that increases in outages are associated with increased incidence of diarrhoeal disease, upper respiratory infections, typhoid fever and measles. We match outages to geolocated microdata on financial transactions from the largest mobile money provider in Zambia, and find that outages cause a reduction in financial transactions. Outages also increase the time that young girls spend at their chores, possibly at the expense of time that they spend doing schoolwork. Imperfect infrastructure appears to burden the poor in ways that go far beyond obvious health consequences.
Right ventricular pressure–volume loop produced with simultaneous application of three‐dimensional echocardiography and high‐fidelity micromanometry in a patient with pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Nakaya Toshitaka , Tsujino Ichizo , Nakamura Junichi , Chiba Yasuyuki , Iwano Hiroyuki
Published: March 2021

Accurate assessment of right ventricular (RV) function has received a growing attention. Pressure–volume (PV) loop analysis is the gold standard method for evaluating RV function; however, it is not widely employed because of its invasive nature and complexity. The present report is the first to have drawn a RV PV loop in a patient with pulmonary hypertension, with a simultaneous recording of RV pressure and volume using high‐fidelity micromanometry and three‐dimensional echocardiography. This allows for less invasive and simple assessment of RV function, potentially promoting better understanding and management of pulmonary hypertension and other cardiovascular diseases.
Anti‐herbivore silicon defences in a model grass are greatest under Miocene levels of atmospheric CO2
Authors: Biru Fikadu N. , Islam Tarikul , Cibils‐Stewart Ximena , Cazzonelli Christopher I. , Elbaum Rivka , Johnson Scott N.
Published: March 2021

Silicon (Si) has an important role in mitigating diverse biotic and abiotic stresses in plants, mainly via the silicification of plant tissues. Environmental changes such as atmospheric CO2concentrations may affect grass Si concentrations which, in turn, can alter herbivore performance. We recently demonstrated that pre‐industrial atmospheric CO2increased Si accumulation inBrachypodium distachyongrass, yet the patterns of Si deposition in leaves and whether this affects insect herbivore performance remains unknown. Moreover, it is unclear whether CO2‐driven changes in Si accumulation are linked to changes in gas exchange (e.g. transpiration rates). We therefore investigated how pre‐industrial (reduced; rCO2, 200 ppm), ambient (aCO2, 410 ppm) and elevated (eCO2, 640 ppm) CO2concentrations, in combination with Si‐treatment (Si+ or Si−), affected Si accumulation inB. distachyonand its subsequent effect on the performance of the global insect pest,Helicoverpa armigera. rCO2increased Si concentrations by 29% and 36% compared to aCO2and eCO2respectively. These changes were not related to observed changes in gas exchange under different CO2regimes, however. The increased Si accumulation under rCO2decreased herbivore relative growth rate (RGR) by 120% relative to eCO2,whereas rCO2caused herbivore RGR to decrease by 26% compared to eCO2. Si supplementation also increased the density of macrohairs, silica and prickle cells, which was associated with reduced herbivore performance. There was a negative correlation among macrohair density, silica cell density, prickle cell density and herbivore RGR under rCO2suggesting that these changes in leaf surface morphology were linked to reduced performance under this CO2regime. To our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate that increased Si accumulation under pre‐industrial CO2reduces insect herbivore performance. Contrastingly, we found reduced Si accumulation under higher CO2, which suggests that some grasses may become more susceptible to insect herbivores under projected climate change scenarios.
Photocatalytic performance of Fe‐substituted ZnAl2O4 powders under sunlight irradiation on degradation of industrial dyes
Authors: Tangcharoen Thanit , T‐Thienprasert Jiraroj , Kongmark Chanapa
Published: March 2021

Using the sol–gel auto combustion method with diethanolamine (DEA) as fuel, a sequence of iron‐substituted zinc aluminates, ZnFexAl2‐xO4 powders, including variable Fe3+ ion concentrations (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) were effectively prepared. X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), the Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET) method, UV–visible diffuse reflectance spectroscopy (UV‐DRS), and vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM) were employed to examine the structures, chemical bonds, morphologies, composition, surface area, and optical properties as well as the magnetic behavior of the obtained samples. A single‐phase spinel structure was obtained for the calcined aluminate powders with different interplanar spacing and crystallite sizes, as revealed by the classification results. The bandgap energy (Eg) of adapted aluminates was in the range of 2.04‐3.14 eV, identified as being much lower compared to the pure sample (5.60 eV). Thus, Fe3+‐substituted ZnAl2O4 samples could be successfully photoexcited using both ultraviolet and visible light, as suggested by the results. Examination of how the four main pollutant types decay when irradiated by sunlight was carried out to assess the samples and establish photocatalytic activity. These contaminants included rhodamine B (RhB), methylene blue (MB), methyl orange (MO), and methyl red (MR). The performance of photocatalytic degradation reached 98% after 150 min for all optimal samples of organic dyes. Besides, each of the altered photocatalysts could be recycled and displayed high stability. The S‐shaped curve of ferrimagnetism can result in those samples as found by the magnetic measurements, though pure ZnAl2O4 displays diamagnetic characteristics. The adapted samples show intense improvement in the remanent magnetization (Mr) when compared to pure ZnAl2O4, signifying that magnetic photocatalyst recovery by applying an external magnetic field is easy. Thus, these results offer a convincing sign that ZnAl2O4 powders replaced by Fe3+ could provide the ability to aid in the ecologically friendly collection of solar energy.
Preoperative functional status is associated with discharge to nonhome in geriatric individuals
Authors: Hung Ya‐Ching , Wolf Joshua H. , D'Adamo Christopher R. , Demos Jasmine , Katlic Mark R. , Svoboda Shane
Published: March 2021

Introduction

Discharging older individuals to rehabilitation facilities is associated with adverse outcomes, including readmission or increased mortality rate. As preoperative functional status is an important factor impacting patient outcome, we hypothesized that this would be associated with patient disposition to nonhome locations.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed using data from the 2013–2018 American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program, including targeted variables from the Geriatric Pilot Project. Patients aged 65 and older in 33 institutions across the nation were included (n = 44,219). Preoperative functional status was categorized as independent, partially dependent, and dependent. The primary outcome was home versus nonhome disposition. Nonhome was defined as rehabilitation facility and nursing home. Descriptive analyses were performed. Variables associated with postoperative discharge to nonhome were identified using logistic regression.

Results

The largest percentage of operations was orthopedics (40.8%), followed by general surgery (29.2%) and vascular operations (10.0%). The majority of the patients were independent before operations (93.1% independent, 6% partially dependent, and 0.9% totally dependent). In regression analyses, patients who were partially dependent preoperatively had five times higher odds of discharging to nonhome, compared to patients who were independent (odds ratio [OR] 5.04, p < 0.01). Similarly, patients who were totally dependent had 3.2 higher odds of discharging to nonhome than patients who were independent (OR 3.22, p < 0.01).

Conclusion

Better preoperative functional status is associated with patient discharge to home in older adults. Preoperative interventions aimed at improving functional status, such as prehabilitation, may be beneficial in improving patient outcomes.
Physical activity moderates the effect of sedentary time on an older adult's physical independence
Authors: Hetherington‐Rauth Megan , Magalhães João P. , Júdice Pedro B. , Ara Ignacio , Rosa Gil B. , Correia Inês R. , Mañas Asier , Sardinha Luís B.
Published: March 2021

Background/objectives

Moderate‐to‐vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and breaks in sedentary time (BST) have been proposed as viable solutions to improve an older adult's physical independence, whereas sedentary time (ST) has been associated with detrimental effects. We sought to assess the joint effects of ST, BST, and MVPA on the physical independence of older adults and determine whether and to what extent the ST relationship with physical independence is moderated by MVPA and/or BST.

Design

Cross‐sectional.

Setting

Laboratory of Exercise and Health, Faculty of Human Kinetics.

Participants

Older adults (≥65 years old) from the national surveillance system in Portugal (n = 821).

Measurements

Physical activity and ST were assessed by accelerometry. Physical independence was assessed using a 12‐item composite physical function (CPF) questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to model the outcomes.

Results

Higher ST was related to lower CPF score (β = −0.01, p < 0.0001), whereas higher MVPA was related to better CPF score (β = 0.02, p < 0.0001). BST was not related to physical independence after accounting for MVPA and ST (β = 0.03, p = 0.074). MVPA had a moderating effect on the relationship of ST with CPF score (p < 0.0001), where MVPA ≥36.30 min/day ameliorated the significant inverse relationship between ST and CPF. Engaging in ≥107.78 of MVPA resulted in ST having a significant positive relationship with CPF score. No moderation effect was found for BST (p > 0.05).

Conclusion

Regardless of the time spent in MVPA and BST, ST was inversely related to CPF. However, MVPA was found to be a moderator of the relationship between ST and physical independence, such that engaging in at least 36 min/day of MVPA may blunt the negative effects of ST. At high levels of MVPA (≥108 min/day), having some ST may actually provide some benefit to an older adult's ability to maintain physical independence.
Signal acquisition and analysis of ambulatory electromyographic recordings for the assessment of sleep bruxism: A scoping review
Authors: Thymi Magdalini , Lobbezoo Frank , Aarab Ghizlane , Ahlberg Jari , Baba Kazuyoshi , Carra Maria Clotilde , Gallo Luigi M. , De Laat Antoon , Manfredini Daniele , Lavigne Gilles , Svensson Peter
Published: March 2021

Background

Ambulatory electromyographic (EMG) devices are increasingly being used in sleep bruxism studies. EMG signal acquisition, analysis and scoring methods vary between studies. This may impact comparability of studies and the assessment of sleep bruxism in patients.

Objectives

(a) To provide an overview of EMG signal acquisition and analysis methods of recordings from limited‐channel ambulatory EMG devices for the assessment of sleep bruxism; and (b) to provide an overview of outcome measures used in sleep bruxism literature utilising such devices.

Method

A scoping review of the literature was performed. Online databases PubMed and Semantics Scholar were searched for studies published in English until 7 October 2020. Data on five categories were extracted: recording hardware, recording logistics, signal acquisition, signal analysis and sleep bruxism outcomes.

Results

Seventy‐eight studies were included, published between 1977 and 2020. Recording hardware was generally well described. Reports of participant instructions in device handling and of dealing with failed recordings were often lacking. Basic elements of signal acquisition, for example amplifications factors, impedance and bandpass settings, and signal analysis, for example rectification, signal processing and additional filtering, were underreported. Extensive variability was found for thresholds used to characterise sleep bruxism events. Sleep bruxism outcomes varied, but typically represented frequency, duration and/or intensity of masticatory muscle activity (MMA).

Conclusion

Adequate and standardised reporting of recording procedures is highly recommended. In future studies utilising ambulatory EMG devices, the focus may need to shift from the concept of scoring sleep bruxism events to that of scoring the whole spectrum of MMA.
Effect of low‐nutrient‐density diet with probiotic mixture (Bacillus subtilis ms1, B. licheniformis SF5‐1, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae) supplementation on performance of weaner pigs
Authors: Sampath Vetriselvi , Duk Ha Byoung , Kibria Sumya , Kim In Ho
Published: March 2021

A total of one hundred and forty, 28 day‐old weaner pigs [Duroc × (Yorkshire × Landrace)] with an initial body weight (BW) of 6.56 ± 1.25 kg were used in a six‐week treatment (7 replicate pens per treatment; barrows, and 2 gilts/pen) to evaluate the effect of low‐nutrient‐density diet supplement with probiotic mixture supplementation on the growth performance, nutrient digestibility, faecal microbial and gas emission of weaner pigs. Pigs fed low‐density diet with probiotic mixture supplementation had linearly increased (p = 0.028, 0.014) the body weight (BW) at weeks 3, and 6. Moreover, average daily gain (ADG) was linearly improved (p = 0.018, 0.014, 0.014) at weeks 3, 6 and the overall experiment. However, there were no interactive effects found on the nutrient digestibility of dry matter (DM), nitrogen (N) and energy (E) throughout the experiment. Dietary inclusion of a low‐density diet with probiotic mixture supplementation has improved the faecal lactobacillus counts linearly, but E. coli was unaffected during the trial. On day 42, Ammonium gas emission was significantly decreased in pigs fed a low‐density diet with probiotic mixture supplementation. However, H2S, acetic acid and CO2 were not significantly affected by the probiotic mixture supplementation diet. Low‐density diet with probiotic mixture supplementation had positively affected the growth performance, faecal microbial and faecal gas emission on weaner pigs.
Responses of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii during the transition from P‐deficient to P‐sufficient growth (the P‐overplus response): The roles of the vacuolar transport chaperones and polyphosphate synthesis
Authors: Plouviez Maxence , Fernández Emilio , Grossman Arthur Robert , Sanz‐Luque Emanuel , Sells Matthew , Wheeler David , Guieysse Benoit
Published: March 2021

Phosphorus (P) assimilation and polyphosphate (polyP) synthesis were investigated in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii by supplying phosphate (PO43−; 10 mg P·L−1) to P‐depleted cultures of wildtypes, mutants with defects in genes involved in the vacuolar transporter chaperone (VTC) complex, and VTC‐complemented strains. Wildtype C. reinhardtii assimilated PO43− and stored polyP within minutes of adding PO43− to cultures that were P‐deprived, demonstrating that these cells were metabolically primed to assimilate and store PO43−. In contrast, vtc1 and vtc4 mutant lines assayed under the same conditions never accumulated polyP, and PO43− assimilation was considerably decreased in comparison with the wildtypes. In addition, to confirm the bioinformatics inferences and previous experimental work that the VTC complex of C. reinhardtii has a polyP polymerase function, these results evidence the influence of polyP synthesis on PO43− assimilation in C. reinhardtii. RNA‐sequencing was carried out on C. reinhardtii cells that were either P‐depleted (control) or supplied with PO43− following P depletion (treatment) in order to identify changes in the levels of mRNAs correlated with the P status of the cells. This analysis showed that the levels of VTC1 and VTC4 transcripts were strongly reduced at 5 and 24 h after the addition of PO43− to the cells, although polyP granules were continuously synthesized during this 24 h period. These results suggest that the VTC complex remains active for at least 24 h after supplying the cells with PO43−. Further bioassays and sequence analyses suggest that inositol phosphates may control polyP synthesis via binding to the VTC SPX domain.
Cefovecin pharmacokinetics after single‐dose intramuscular administration in cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus)
Authors: Yu Jennifer H. , Papich Mark G. , Garcés Torres Rodrigo , Emerson Jessica , Kinney Matthew E. , Helmick Kelly , Crosier Adrienne , Sanchez Carlos R. , Murray Suzan
Published: March 2021

Cefovecin is a third‐generation cephalosporin with potential value for use in exotic felids due to its long duration of action. A sparse sampling protocol was implemented with 18 zoo‐housed cheetahs (Acinonyx jubatus) to evaluate the pharmacokinetics of cefovecin (Convenia®) after a single 8 mg/kg intramuscular injection. Blood was collected serially for 15 days following administration, and plasma cefovecin concentrations were determined using high‐pressure liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection. Pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated using population pharmacokinetic methods and non‐linear mixed effects modeling (NLME). Cefovecin was well tolerated by all cats, with no adverse effects observed. Peak plasma cefovecin concentration was 84.75 µg/ml, with a mean residence time of 207.9 h and an elimination half‐life of 144.1 h (6.00 days). Plasma concentrations of cefovecin were maintained >7 µg/ml in all individuals for the entire study duration (15 days). These concentrations are lower, and the half‐life slightly shorter, than the values reported for domestic cats. Cefovecin was highly protein‐bound (approximately 99.9%) in cheetah plasma, which is nearly identical to domestic cats. These results indicate that cefovecin is potentially useful as a long‐acting antibiotic in cheetahs.
Demographic, socioeconomic, and sociocultural factors associated with any breastfeeding in homeless mothers
Authors: Frenoy Pauline , Vandentorren Stéphanie , Arnaud Amandine , Vuillermoz Cécile , Rico Berrocal Raquel , Martin‐Fernandez Judith , Azria Elie , de Lauzon‐Guillain Blandine , Bernard Jonathan Y. , Lioret Sandrine
Published: March 2021

In high‐income countries, breastfeeding has been shown to be positively associated with socioeconomic position. However, less is known about breastfeeding practices and their associated factors among extremely disadvantaged populations. We aimed to assess the associations of cultural origins and socioeconomic factors with any breastfeeding initiation and duration in homeless families. We analyzed data from 456 children aged 6 months to 5 years from the cross‐sectional ENFAMS survey, conducted in 2013 among a random sample of homeless families in shelters in the Greater Paris area. Data were collected by bilingual interviewers in 17 languages. Four nested multivariable robust Poisson regression models were run in a hierarchical framework to determine the factors associated with breastfeeding initiation and with any breastfeeding for 6 months or more. Most of the children (86.0%) had previously been or were currently being breastfed at the time of the survey; 58.9% were fed with breast milk ≥6 months. A higher maternal age and African origin were positively associated with breastfeeding ≥6 months, although the relation to the region of origin was moderated by education level. Migration to escape war, unrest or other violence and the child's birth in France were inversely associated with breastfeeding ≥6 months. Any breastfeeding by these homeless mothers seems influenced predominantly by their cultural origin and complicated by a difficult migration trajectory. The possible influence of poor material circumstances and cumulative hardship should encourage interventions targeted at homeless mothers that emphasize social/family support with a commitment to improving the family's living conditions.
Perceptions and beliefs about anaemia: A qualitative study in three agroecological regions of Ghana
Authors: Awuah Raphael Baffour , Colecraft Esi K. , Wilson Mark L. , Adjorlolo Leonard Kofi , Lambrecht Nathalie J. , Nyantakyi‐Frimpong Hanson , Jones Andrew D.
Published: March 2021

Little evidence exists concerning perceptions of anaemia in Ghanaian communities, which limits understanding of how to potentially improve health in settings with high anaemia prevalence. We explored lay perceptions of anaemia to understand local knowledge and beliefs and to provide an opportunity to inform interventions. A cross‐sectional, qualitative study was conducted in selected communities in three regions of Ghana with high prevalence of anaemia. Forty‐eight focus group discussions (FGDs) were conducted with adolescent girls, adult women of reproductive age and adult men (16 FGDs for each demographic group). Participants across the three demographic groups generally described anaemia as inadequate blood in the body and reported that poor diet, heat, alcohol intake, physiological factors and diseases such as malaria were the main causes of anaemia. Consequences of anaemia mentioned in the FGDs included dizziness, weight loss, loss of appetite and weakness. Prevention of anaemia was perceived to result from improved diet, avoidance of exposure to heat and improved sanitation to avoid diseases. The findings suggest that despite areas of convergence between lay and biomedical knowledge on the causes, consequences and prevention of anaemia, the burden of anaemia remains high in the study regions. This highlights a disconnect between local knowledge of anaemia and the health and nutrition behaviours needed to reduce its incidence. Effective interventions can be developed with and for communities that build upon existing knowledge while filling remaining knowledge gaps or misconceptions.
The advancing mycelial frontier of ectomycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Fernandez Christopher W.
Published: March 2021

This article is a Commentary onHagenboet al. (2021),230: 1609–1622.
PacBio sequencing of Glomeromycota rDNA: a novel amplicon covering all widely used ribosomal barcoding regions and its applicability in taxonomy and ecology of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi
Authors: Kolaříková Zuzana , Slavíková Renata , Krüger Claudia , Krüger Manuela , Kohout Petr
Published: March 2021

There is no consensus barcoding region for determination of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal (AMF) taxa. To overcome this obstacle, we have developed an approach to sequence an AMF marker within the ribosome‐encoding operon (rDNA) that covers all three widely applied variable molecular markers.

Using a nested PCR approach specific to AMF, we amplified a part (c. 2.5 kb) of the rDNA spanning the majority of the small subunit rRNA (SSU) gene, the complete internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and a part of the large subunit (LSU) rRNA gene. The PCR products were sequenced on the PacBio platform utilizing Single Molecule Real Time (SMRT) sequencing.

Employing this method for selected environmental DNA samples, we were able to describe complex AMF communities consisting of various glomeromycotan lineages.

We demonstrate the applicability of this new 2.5 kb approach to provide robust phylogenetic assignment of AMF lineages without known sequences from pure cultures and to consolidate information about AMF taxon distributions coming from three widely used barcoding regions into one integrative dataset.
Refractive blur affects judgement of pedestrian walking direction at night
Authors: Wood Joanne M , Chiu Chiau‐Ni , Kim Gie Hee , Le Jenny , Lee Hyun Jung , Nguyen Tien , Black Alex A
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Many individuals drive with uncorrected refractive errors, which has implications for night driving, where poor visibility contributes to the increased crash risk relative to daytime. This study explored how small amounts of refractive blur affects the judgment of the walking direction of night‐time pedestrians and whether different types of retro‐reflective clothing influence this effect.

Methods

Judgement of the walking direction of night‐time pedestrians was investigated for 20 young participants with normal vision (mean age, 21.8 ± 1.6 years) for two levels of binocular blur (+0.50DS, +1.00DS) compared to baseline (best‐corrected refractive correction). Participants seated in a stationary car with low beam headlamps observed a pedestrian wearing three clothing conditions: retro‐reflective vest (1) and retro‐reflective biomotion clothing (incorporating thin (2) or thick (3) retro‐reflective strips), who walked across the road in three directions (straight across, away or towards the car). The order of conditions was randomised among participants. Participants reported the perceived pedestrian walking direction and how confident they rated their response. Outcome measures included the proportion of correct responses (response accuracy) and confidence ratings.

Results

Blur had a significant effect on accuracy in judging pedestrian walking direction; accuracy decreased significantly with increasing blur (p < 0.001), with all blur levels being significantly different from one another. The effect of pedestrian clothing was also significant (p < 0.001); direction judgements were least accurate for vest, followed by both thin and thick biomotion, where accuracy judgements were similar. There was also a significant interaction between blur and clothing (p < 0.05). Similar trends were found for confidence ratings across the blur and clothing conditions. Greater confidence was significantly associated with increased response accuracy for the biomotion clothing, but not the vest.

Conclusion

Findings highlight that even small amounts of blur (+0.50DS), that do not reduce visual acuity below the legal driving limits, reduce the ability to accurately judge pedestrian walking direction at night. Retro‐reflective clothing in a biomotion configuration facilitated the highest accuracy and confidence in judgment of pedestrian walking direction, for both thin and thick strips compared to vest, for all blur levels.
Phase I Clinical Trials in Adoptive T-Cell Therapies
Authors: Devlin Sean M. , Iasonos Alexia , O’Quigley John
Published: March 2021

We develop three approaches to phase I dose finding designs for engineered T cells in oncology. Our goal is to address a very particular difficulty in this clinical setting: an inability to fully administer the dose allocated to some patients. Current designs can be biased as a result of this incomplete information being ignored or discarded from the analysis. The performance of the three proposed solutions is largely similar, and all offer an advantage over the currently used design. One of the three methods is supported by theoretical study, and we provide some new results on this approach.
Successful management of T‐cell mediated rejection in a recent kidney transplant recipient with COVID‐19 associated severe acute respiratory syndrome
Authors: Mohamed Maha , Smith Jeannina , Parajuli Sandesh , Garg Neetika , Aziz Fahad , Mandelbrot Didier , Djamali Arjang , Zhong Weixiong
Published: March 2021

COVID‐19‐associated vasculitis has been reported as a defining feature of systemic disease including acute kidney injury. However, the understanding of COVID‐19 kidney transplant‐related injuries is still evolving. We report a case of AKI with isolated vasculitis (v2 lesion) in a new kidney transplant recipient with COVID‐19 pneumonia.
Assessment of chronic disease management mode (CDMM) on participants with primary hypertension
Authors: Ling Dan , Wang Rong , Chen Qun , Liu Xinyuan , Qi Xueli , Chen Chen , Shi Xiaoman , Dong Zhaoheng
Published: March 2021

Objective

Hypertension requires continuous and long‐term care to prevent associated complications. Chronic disease management mode (CDMM) was developed to improve patients' self‐management. We aimed to evaluate quality of care and clinical outcomes of CDMM versus routine care.

Methods

300 patients aged >30 years with primary hypertension were randomly allocated to the CDMM intervention group (n = 162) or the usual care control group (n = 138). CDMM comprised nursing consultations, telephone contact, online WeChat link, health education, and appropriate referrals during hospitalisation and after discharge. QLICD‐HY (V 2.0) scale was used to evaluate the quality of life. Care outcomes were biochemical parameters, body mass index, blood pressure levels, waist circumference, psychological indicators and quality of life assessed on admission (baseline) and one month post‐care for both groups. Data were collected and analysed using SPSS 20.0.

Results

After one month, the intervention group had 6 mm Hg (95% CI: −5.12 to −9.08) lower SBP and 0.6 mM/L (95% CI: −0.52 to −0.68) lower LDL than the control group. In terms of improvements in BMI, UmAlb or waist circumference, there were no differences between both groups. The intervention group scored better on psychological indicators than controls (P < 0.05), and scores reflecting social and psychological function in the intervention group were significantly higher than scores at baseline, and higher than scores of controls after one month (P < 0.05). In the control group, there was no statistically significant difference between the scores at baseline and after one month.

Conclusions

Under CDMM hypertension care, improvement of blood pressure and LDL was clinically significant. Intervention care further improves social and psychological function among participants with primary hypertension.
Simulation of a passively aerated biological filter (PABF) immobilized with non‐woven polyester fabric (NWPF) for wastewater treatment using GPS‐X
Authors: Hellal Mohamed S. , Abou‐Elela Sohair I.
Published: March 2021

Simulation of a passively aerated biological filter packed with non‐woven polyester fabric (NWPF) was carried out using GPS‐X V.7 software. System was operated at HLR and OLR rates of 11.1 m3/m2. d and 2.5 kg BOD m3. d, respectively. Calibration of experimental results indicated excellent correlation between experimental and modelled effluent. Simulation was done by incremental increase of HLR, OLR until break through point. System was very efficient at OLR up to 4.1 kg BOD/m3. d where removal rates of 81–91% COD and 86–97% TSS were achieved. Increasing OLR to 2.25 folds of its original value (5.7 kg BOD/m3. d) decreased the efficiency of the system by 55% COD and 37% TSS. Increasing surface area of the packing material increased the overall efficiency of the treatment system. This study proved that simulation of any project prior implementation is a better optimization tool for design and construction as well as reducing costs of laboratory analyses.
Carbohydrate improves exercise capacity but does not affect subcellular lipid droplet morphology, AMPK and p53 signalling in human skeletal muscle
Authors: Fell J. Marc , Hearris Mark A. , Ellis Daniel G. , Moran James E. P. , Jevons Emily F. P. , Owens Daniel J. , Strauss Juliette A. , Cocks Matthew , Louis Julien B. , Shepherd Sam O. , Morton James P.
Published: March 2021

Key points

Muscle glycogen and intramuscular triglycerides (IMTG, stored in lipid droplets) are important energy substrates during prolonged exercise.

Exercise‐induced changes in lipid droplet (LD) morphology (i.e. LD size and number) have not yet been studied under nutritional conditions typically adopted by elite endurance athletes, that is, after carbohydrate (CHO) loading and CHO feeding during exercise.

We report for the first time that exercise reduces IMTG content in both central and peripheral regions of type I and IIa fibres, reflective of decreased LD number in both fibre types whereas reductions in LD size were exclusive to type I fibres.

Additionally, CHO feeding does not alter subcellular IMTG utilisation, LD morphology or muscle glycogen utilisation in type I or IIa/II fibres.

In the absence of alterations to muscle fuel selection, CHO feeding does not attenuate cell signalling pathways with regulatory roles in mitochondrial biogenesis.

We examined the effects of carbohydrate (CHO) feeding on lipid droplet (LD) morphology, muscle glycogen utilisation and exercise‐induced skeletal muscle cell signalling. After a 36 h CHO loading protocol and pre‐exercise meal (12 and 2 g kg–1, respectively), eight trained males ingested 0, 45 or 90 g CHO h–1 during 180 min cycling at lactate threshold followed by an exercise capacity test (150% lactate threshold). Muscle biopsies were obtained pre‐ and post‐completion of submaximal exercise. Exercise decreased (P < 0.01) glycogen concentration to comparable levels (∼700 to 250 mmol kg–1 DW), though utilisation was greater in type I (∼40%) versus type II fibres (∼10%) (P < 0.01). LD content decreased in type I (∼50%) and type IIa fibres (∼30%) (P < 0.01), with greater utilisation in type I fibres (P < 0.01). CHO feeding did not affect glycogen or IMTG utilisation in type I or II fibres (all P > 0.05). Exercise decreased LD number within central and peripheral regions of both type I and IIa fibres, though reduced LD size was exclusive to type I fibres. Exercise induced (all P < 0.05) comparable AMPKThr172 (∼4‐fold), p53Ser15 (∼2‐fold) and CaMKIIThr268 phosphorylation (∼2‐fold) with no effects of CHO feeding (all P > 0.05). CHO increased exercise capacity where 90 g h–1 (233 ± 133 s) > 45 g h–1 (156 ± 66 s; P = 0.06) > 0 g h–1 (108 ± 54 s; P = 0.03). In conditions of high pre‐exercise CHO availability, we conclude CHO feeding does not influence exercise‐induced changes in LD morphology, glycogen utilisation or cell signalling pathways with regulatory roles in mitochondrial biogenesis.
Study of plasma etching impact on chemoepitaxy directed self-assembly
Authors: Gusmão Cacho Maria Gabriela , Benotmane Khatia , Le Pennec Aurélie , Bouet Charlotte , Pimenta-Barros Patricia , Rademaker Guido , Argoud Maxime , Tiron Raluca , Possémé Nicolas
Published: March 2021

Directed self-assembly (DSA) of block copolymers is one of the most promising solutions investigated to obtain small and dense patterns for the sub-10 nm nodes. One of the most important aspects of the DSA technology is the orientation control of the block copolymer, which is determined by surface properties and different guiding techniques. Regarding the Arkema-CEA (ACE) chemoepitaxy process, one of the critical parameters is the preservation of the neutral layer’s properties during hydrofluoric acid wet etching, especially regarding its adherence to the titanium nitride (TiN) hard mask. In this paper, the different etching steps involved in the ACE integration flow are evaluated. Their effects on the surface properties of the TiN hard mask and on the adherence of the neutral layer are investigated by x-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and contact angle measurements. Finally, the results obtained are used to optimize the different etching steps, thus demonstrating the chemoepitaxy of a polystyrene-b-poly(methyl methacrylate) block copolymer with 32 nm pitch without alignment defects on a 100 μm2 surface.
Multiple Viral microRNAs Regulate Interferon Release and Signaling Early during Infection with Epstein-Barr Virus
Authors: Bouvet Mickaël , Voigt Stefanie , Tagawa Takanobu , Albanese Manuel , Chen Yen-Fu Adam , Chen Yan , Fachko Devin N. , Pich Dagmar , Göbel Christine , Skalsky Rebecca L. , Hammerschmidt Wolfgang
Published: March 2021

Acute antiviral functions of all nucleated cells rely on type I interferon (IFN-I) pathways triggered upon viral infection. Host responses encompass the sensing of incoming viruses, the activation of specific transcription factors that induce the transcription of IFN-I genes, the secretion of different IFN-I types and their recognition by the heterodimeric IFN-α/β receptor, the subsequent activation of JAK/STAT signaling pathways, and, finally, the transcription of many IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs).
Subacute Meckel’s diverticulum perforation
Authors: Robles Méndez Hernández Alberto , Mora-Torres Oscar Alejandro , Andrade Lopez Hugolino , Perez Castro Y Vazquez Jorge Alfonso
Published: March 2021

Meckel’s diverticulum is the most common intestinal congenital defect, its prevalence is 0.2%–4.0% and it occurs more commonly in children younger than 2-year old with intestinal bleeding and abdominal pain. Perforation in the elderly is very rare with no more than 35 articles reported worldwide. Here we report the case of a 62-year-old man who was admitted to hospital with a history of acute abdominal pain with a 20-day onset. The patient was treated with laparotomy and 30 cm ileal resection was performed for an 8×5 cm perforated ileum tumour at 50 from ileocecal valve with a side-to-side mechanical anastomosis for reconstruction. Having morbidity Clavien-Dindo scale I in postsurgical and good outcome in 6-month follow-up. Meckel’s diverticulum is an infrequent pathology in paediatric and even rarer in adult population, however, it is always important to keep in mind how to act when is seen either as a finding or as a complication.
Global health without sexual and reproductive health and rights? Analysis of United Nations documents and country statements, 2014–2019
Authors: Gilby Lynda , Koivusalo Meri , Atkins Salla
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The initial International Conference on Population and Development in 1994 contains the first reference to sexual and reproductive health and reproductive rights (SRHR). It has been considered agreed language on SRHR in future United Nations (UN) documents. However, opposition to SRHR in global forums has increased, including in conjunction with an increase in religious, far-right populist politics. This study provides an empirical analysis of UN documents to discover whether opposition to SRHR has resulted in changes in the language on SRHR between and what these changes are.

Methods

This is a qualitative policy analysis in which 14 UN resolutions, 6 outcome documents from the Commission on the Status of Women (CSW) and 522 country and group statements and 5 outcome reports from the Commission on Population and Development were collected from the organisations websites from 2014 to 2019. Framework analysis was used. The text from documents was charted and indexed and themes developed from these.

Results

The results demonstrated a disappearance of the language on abortion in the CSW outcome documents from 2017 and a change in the language on comprehensive sexuality education in the CSW as well as the UN General Assembly resolutions from 2018. This change included a removal of ‘sexuality’ to an increased emphasis on the role of families. Furthermore, documents showed an inability of some states to accept any mention of sexual and reproductive health at all, expanding from the usual contestations over abortion.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that the global shift in politics and anti-SRHR actors at UN negotiations and conferences have removed previously agreed on language on SRHR from future UN resolutions and outcome documents. This is a concern for the global realisation of SRHR.