bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Primary diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma of the head and neck in a Brazilian single‐center study
Authors: Bernardo Paula Sabbo , Hancio Thaís , Vasconcelos Flavia da Cunha , Nestal de Moraes Gabriela , de Sá Bigni Ricardo , Wernersbach Pinto Luciana , Thuler Luiz Claudio Santos , Maia Raquel Ciuvalschi
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Lymphomas represent around 10% of head and neck neoplasms, among which the diffuse large B‐cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common histologic subtype. In the present study, we characterized demographic parameters, anatomical sites, and survival rates of patients in a Brazilian cancer center.

Materials and methods

Single‐center retrospective epidemiological study of 243 head and neck DLBCL patients. Demographic characteristics, tumor localization, HIV status, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity, and treatment modality were obtained from electronic medical records.

Results

The most common primary head and neck tumor location in patients with DLBCL was Waldeyer's ring. Interestingly, age above 80 years, male gender, high LDH levels, and HIV positivity were significantly associated with shorter overall survival (OS) rates and increased risk of death. We further demonstrated that treatment had a protective effect, improving OS, and reducing risk of death. Notably, we found no benefit of combination of chemotherapy and radiotherapy versus isolated treatment modalities.

Conclusion

The study showed that primary head and neck DLBCL is more incident in middle age and elderly patients with a small male patients’ majority in a Brazilian population. Moreover, we observed a 3‐year OS rate of almost 60% and multivariate analysis showed that treatment was the only protective factor.
Percutaneous Robot‐Assisted versus Freehand S2 Iliosacral Screw Fixation in Unstable Posterior Pelvic Ring Fracture
Authors: Han Wei , Zhang Teng , Su Yong‐gang , Zhao Chun‐peng , Zhou Li , Wu Xin‐bao , Wang Jun‐qiang
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To assess the efficiency, safety, and accuracy of S2 (IS) screw fixation using a robot‐assisted method compared with a freehand method.

Methods

This is a retrospective clinical study. We analyzed the patients treated with S2 IS screw fixation for unstable pelvic fractures from January 2016 to January 2019 in our institution. Sixty‐three patients (17 men and 46 women) aged between 21 and 55 years (with an average age of 39.22 ± 9.28) were included in this study. According to the Tile classification, there were 26 (41.3%) type B fractures and 37 (58.7%) type C fractures. All patients were divided into robot‐assisted (RA) group (38 patients) or the traditional freehand (FH) group (25 patients). In RA group, the S2 IS screws were implanted with a robot‐assisted technique. And S2 IS screws were implanted with a traditional freehand technique in FH group. The screw‐related complications were recorded during and after the surgery. The position of all screws and fracture reduction was assessed by postoperative CT scans according to the Gras classification. The number of guide wire attempts and the radiation exposure for S2 screw implantation during operation were also recorded. Finally, the Matta standard was used to evaluate the fracture reduction of the IS joint.

Results

A total of 89 IS screws were implanted into S2 iliosacral joint. Fifty‐four screws were placed by RA (38 patients) and 35 screws were by FH (25 patients). There was no difference between the two groups with respect to demographic data. There was no screw‐related complications or revision surgery in any group. In terms of screw placement, the excellent and good rate was 100% in the RA group, better than that in the FH group where it was only 85.7% (P < 0.001). The fluoroscopy time was 8.06 ± 3.54 s in RA group, which was much less than that in the FH group (27.37 ± 8.82 s, P < 0.001). The guide wire attempts in the RA group (0.685 ± 0.820) were much less than those in the FH group (5.77 ± 3.34) (P < 0.001). Both the fluoroscopy time per screw and the number of guide wire attempts in the RA group were much less than those in the FH group (P < 0.001). The overall postoperative excellent and good rate of Matta standard in RA and FH groups were 86.8% (34/4) and 90.0% (23/25), respectively (P = 0.750), and there was no statistical difference.

Conclusion

The robot‐assisted surgery is an accurate and minimally invasive technique. S2 IS screw implantation assisted by TiRobot to treat the posterior pelvic ring fractures, have a high success rate than the freehand technique. Percutaneous RA S2 IS screw fixation for unstable posterior pelvic ring injuries is safe and clinically feasible and has great clinical application value.
Efficacy of Transosseous Tunnel Placement for Triple Endobutton Plate in Acromioclavicular Joint Reconstruction: A Three‐Dimensional Printing Guide Design Technology
Authors: Zhang Lei , Wen Youliang , Zhang Meng‐yao , Zhou Xin , Fu Shi‐jie , Wang Guo‐you
Published: December 2021

Objective

Explore an accurate transosseous tunnel drilling method based on three‐dimensional (3D) printing technology for acromioclavicular joint reconstruction (ACD), design a guide design, and evaluate its accuracy.

Methods

Using Mimics software to reconstruct 100 cases of acromioclavicular joint computed tomography (CT) data. In design 2, the non‐collinear tunnel is superimposed on the 3D model, and a virtual drilling is performed between the clavicle and the coracoid using a triple inner gusset. Then, in the Geomagic Studio software model, an elliptical plane is calculated and extracted as a guide design for precise drilling. Then put the design and the 3D shoulder model together for 3D printing. Ten lengths were measured, and the effects of the virtual model, the actual model, and the guide rail design were compared.

Results

We successfully compared 10 parameters of 3D virtual model and actual model. There was no significant difference between actual and virtual bone tunnels in 10 measurements (P > 0.05).

Conclusions

The accuracy of ACD combined with 3D printing guidance design technology in the transosseous tunnel of adult shoulder is reliable.
How young people experienced COVID‐19 disease containment measures in the Western Cape, South Africa: A qualitative study including the perspectives of young people, their parents, teachers and school counsellors
Authors: Coetzee Bronwynè J. , Gericke Hermine , Human Suzanne , Stallard Paul , Loades Maria
Published: December 2021

Background

Little is known about the potential impact of COVID‐19 disease containment measures on children's mental health and well‐being, particularly in low‐ and middle‐income countries. We sought to explore this amongst young adolescents in South Africa and from the perspectives of multiple key stakeholders.

Methods

We conducted 25 individual semi‐structured telephonic interviews with children (n = 7, aged 12–13 years), teachers (n = 8), parents/caregivers (n = 7) and school counsellors (n = 3) from two public primary schools in the Western Cape, South Africa. Interviews were conducted between July and September 2020 and transcribed verbatim. The data were analysed inductively using thematic analysis procures.

Results

We generated three overarching themes: “locked down at home”, “social disconnection” and “back to school.” Children had varying reactions to COVID‐19 and lockdown including excitement, frustration, anxiety, boredom and loneliness. Parents were anxious about teaching, and technology did not consistently provide the necessary support. Children felt disconnected from their peers at home, and at school, reconnecting with friends was obstructed by disease containment measures. All participants were concerned about children completing the academic year successfully and worried excessively about the implications of this year on their future.

Conclusion

Young people and their immediate networks, in a low‐ and middle‐income context, described a variety of negative impacts of disease containment measures emotionally, although there was a wide variety of experiences. Children, parents, teachers and counsellors all wanted resources and support and were concerned about the longer‐term impacts of disease containment measures.
Genetic analysis of the Asiatic cotton (Gossypium arboreum) petal spot phenotypes
Authors: Erpelding John E.
Published: December 2021

The cotton species Gossypium arboreum L. is self‐pollinated, and most accessions in the United States Department Agriculture, National Plant Germplasm System, produce flowers with red pigmented petal spots, which represents the primitive phenotype and more attractive to pollinators. Few accessions have the ghost spot phenotype, and genetic analysis of this trait was conducted for PI 615742. Two F2 populations were developed by crossing PI 615742 with G. arboreum accessions PI 452097, having red petal spots, and with PI 529708, showing the spotless phenotype. The PI 615742 × PI 529708 population data indicate a single completely dominant gene which confers the ghost spot phenotype. Petal spot phenotypes observed for the PI 615742 × PI 452097 population indicate red pigmented spots are also conferred by a single completely dominant gene. These results support a two‐gene model in which the presence of petal spots and pigment development are controlled by independent genes that co‐segregate with stem pigmentation. The accessions and population data can aid in characterizing the mechanisms controlling floral traits and pigment expression.
Transition in cardiology 1: Pediatric patients with congenital heart disease to adulthood
Authors: Yamamura Kenichiro , Nagata Hazumu , Sakamoto Ichiro , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Ohga Shouichi
Published: December 2021

With advances in medical care, the majority of infants and children with chronic diseases are now able to reach adulthood. However, many of them still need special health care because of their original diseases, sequelae, and complications. The transition from the child health care system to the adult health care system is a crucial step for these patients. The goal of transitional care is to maximize the lifelong function and potential of these patients by uninterruptedly providing appropriate health‐care services. To achieve this goal, we should (i) coordinate the transfer to adequate medical institutions and departments for adults, (ii) educate patients to improve self‐management, and (iii) support the transition to social and welfare services for adults. Transitional care in pediatric cardiology has been a step ahead of such care in other diseases because of the relatively high incidence and the long history of adult congenital heart disease. Education of the patients to establish autonomy reduces dropping out and unexpected hospitalizations and it is the most important part of transitional care. To achieve this goal, we should provide explanations to pediatric patients according to their age and level of understanding from their first visit, rather than waiting until they reach a certain age. Tools for education and readiness checks are also being developed. To achieve a situation in which pediatric patients with chronic disease can take care of their own health and fully utilize their abilities at the growing step, transitional care plays a crucial role not only in pediatric cardiology but also in other subspecialties.
Using laser marking to engrave optimal patterns for in‐plane displacement and strain measurement
Authors: Bouyra Quentin , Blaysat Benoît , Chanal Hélène , Grédiac Michel
Published: December 2021

The checkerboard constitutes the best pattern for in‐plane displacement and strain measurement because it maximizes image gradient. The use of laser marking to deposit such a pattern on flat surfaces is investigated in this paper. Optimal settings for the parameters influencing the quality of the pattern are given. This pattern being periodic, the images are processed with the localized spectrum analysis, which is one of the spectral techniques used to process such images. It is shown that the metrological performance in terms of measurement resolution is equivalent to the one obtained with transferred checkerboards. Compared to the classic transfer technique generally used to deposit such patterns, the benefit of using laser marking is its ease of use, a much higher print speed and the fact that a thin coat of white paint instead of a thicker layer of white adhesive is employed to ensure a good contrast in the images. Various examples of strain measurements are given, in particular the measurement of the strain field around a knot embedded in a wood specimen subjected to a tensile test.
Hemostatic efficacy of pathogen‐reduced platelets in children undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass
Authors: Hsien Sophia , Dayton Jeffrey D. , Chen Dennis , Stock Arabella , Bacha Emile , Cushing Melissa M. , Nellis Marianne E.
Published: December 2021

Background

Pediatric patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) often require blood component transfusions. Pathogen‐reduction (PR) of platelets reduces the risk of microbial contamination; however, its effect on hemostatic efficacy in this population is unclear. This study sought to characterize the hemostatic efficacy of PR platelets in children undergoing CPB.

Study Design and Methods

We performed a retrospective chart review of patients admitted to a pediatric intensive care unit following CPB surgery from 2015 to 2019. Demographic data, validated scoring of repair complexity, products received, and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was postoperative chest tube bleeding.

Results

A total of 140 patients were enrolled. The majority of surgeries (124/140) were Risk Adjustment for Congenital Heart Surgery (RACHS) 1–3 repairs. Seventy‐four percent of patients (104/140) received only standard platelets whereas 26% (36/140) received PR platelets. There were no differences between the groups in the age (p = .90), sex (p = .20) or RACHS score (p = .06). Postoperatively, there was no difference in the median chest tube output for 1 h (p = .27), 2 h (p = .26), 4 h (p = .09), 8 h (p = .16), or for the first 24 h following surgery (p = .23) in patients who received standard versus PR platelets. There was also no difference in receipt of platelets (p = .18), cell saver (p = .79), or cryoprecipitate (p = .28).

Conclusion

Patients receiving PR platelets did not have more blood loss or require more transfusions than those who received standard platelets. This suggests that PR platelets may provide acceptable hemostasis with the additional benefits of reduced risk of microbial contamination in pediatric patients undergoing CPB.
Macrophage plasticity in Duchenne muscular dystrophy: a nexus of pathological remodelling with therapeutic implications
Authors: Petrof Basil J.
Published: December 2021

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is characterized by chronic skeletal muscle necrosis, leading to muscle regeneration failure and fibrosis. Although macrophages (MPs) are normally essential for muscle regeneration, dysregulated MP function promotes pathological muscle remodelling. Infiltrating MPs can be predominantly pro‐inflammatory (M1 biased), anti‐inflammatory (M2 biased) or of a mixed phenotype and can originate from the adult bone marrow (monocyte dependent) or embryonic precursors (monocyte independent). In mdx mice (genetic model of DMD) lacking either Toll‐like receptor (Tlr) 2 or Tlr4, it is found that MP infiltration of dystrophic muscle is significantly reduced and that the MP phenotype is shifted toward a more anti‐inflammatory profile. This is accompanied by significant improvements in muscle histology and force production. Lack of the chemokine receptor CCR2, which impedes monocyte release from the bone marrow, leads to similar beneficial effects in mdx mice. Evidence was also found for Tlr4‐regulated induction of trained innate immunity in MPs cultured from the bone marrow of mdx mice before their entry into the muscle. These MPs exhibit epigenetic and metabolic alterations, accompanied by non‐specific hyper‐responsiveness to multiple stimuli, which is manifested by potentiated upregulation of both pro‐ and anti‐inflammatory genes. In summary, exaggerated recruitment of monocyte‐derived MPs and signs of trained innate immunity at the level of the bone marrow are features of the immunophenotype associated with dystrophic muscle disease. These phenomena are regulated by Toll‐like receptors that bind endogenous damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) molecules, suggesting that DAMP release from dystrophic muscles modulates MP plasticity at the bone marrow level through Toll‐like receptor‐driven mechanisms.

image
A Study of the Efficacy of Flame Electrical Resistance for Standoff Measurements During the Oxyfuel Cutting Process
Authors: Martin Christopher R. , Untaroiu Alexandrina , Xu Kemu , Mahbobur Raman S. M.
Published: December 2021

This is a study of the suitability of preheat flame electrical resistance as a potential method for measuring the standoff distance an oxyfuel cutting torch and a work piece. Careful scrutiny of forty-seven individual experiments demonstrate that when cut quality is good, there is a linear repeatable relationship between the two with uncertainty about ±0.3 mm (0.015 in.). As the cut quality degrades, the formation of top-edge dross reduces the electrical path length in the flame, and momentary reduction in the reaction rate in the kerf reduces the free electrons in the flame, causing increases in flame resistance. In these conditions, measurement uncertainty reduces to ±1 mm (0.040 in.) or worse.
Influence of Drainage and Tilt on Heat Transfer Performance of Array Pulsating Cold End Heat Pipe
Authors: Guowei Xiahou , Hao Liu , Shun Zhang , Yecong He
Published: December 2021

To meet the heat dissipation of a horizontally mounted chip with high heat flow density, a new type of array pulsating cold end heat pipe was proposed, which consists of a T-shaped hot end and an array pulsating cold end. The special structure is available to drain the hot end of the heat pipe, and the installation method of the cold end has an important influence on heat transfer. For this reason, a detailed experimental study of heat transfer performance was carried out in this paper. It is found that: there is a capillary lifting force at the cold end interface, which prevents the condensate returning to the hot end; therefore, the hot end has to be drained; the drainage methods are divided into hot-end liquid drainage and hot-end capillary drainage, the latter is significantly better than the former; for liquid drainage, the appropriate increase of the filling rate can improve the drainage effect; according to the cold end installation method of the new heat pipe, it can be divided into two kinds of inclined heat pipe and vertical heat pipe, the heat transfer performance of both heat pipes are quite excellent, of which the inclined heat pipe has slightly better drainage and heat transfer performance than the vertical heat pipe, but the gap between the two gradually becomes smaller with the increase of power. Under the same operating conditions, the average temperature of the heat source of the inclined heat pipe with capillary drainage is lower than that of the aluminum fin radiator by 5.79%−10.78%, and the decreasing amplitude increases with the increase of the heating power.
Real-Time Trajectory Planning for Automated Vehicle Safety and Performance in Dynamic Environments
Authors: Febbo Huckleberry , Jayakumar Paramsothy , Stein Jeffrey L. , Ersal Tulga
Published: December 2021

Safe trajectory planning for high-performance automated vehicles in an environment with both static and moving obstacles is a challenging problem. Part of the challenge is developing a formulation that can be solved in real-time while including the following set of specifications: minimum time-to-goal, a dynamic vehicle model, minimum control effort, both static and moving obstacle avoidance, simultaneous optimization of speed and steering, and a short execution horizon. This paper presents a nonlinear model predictive control-based trajectory planning formulation, tailored for a large, high-speed unmanned ground vehicle, that includes the above set of specifications. The ability to solve this formulation in real-time is evaluated using NLOptControl, an open-source, direct-collocation-based optimal control problem solver in conjunction with the KNITRO nonlinear programming problem solver. The formulation is tested with various sets of specifications. A parametric study relating execution horizon and obstacle speed indicates that the moving obstacle avoidance specification is not needed for safety when the planner has a small execution horizon and the obstacles are moving slowly. However, a moving obstacle avoidance specification is needed when the obstacles are moving faster, and this specification improves the overall safety without, in most cases, increasing the solve-times. The results indicate that (i) safe trajectory planners for high-performance automated vehicles should include the entire set of specifications mentioned above, unless a static or low-speed environment permits a less comprehensive planner and (ii) the resulting formulation can be solved in real-time.
Multi-Phase Rate Transient Behaviors of the Multi-Fractured Horizontal Well With Complex Fracture Networks
Authors: He Youwei , Xu Yingjie , Tang Yong , Qiao Yu , Yu Wei , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: December 2021

Complex fracture networks (CFN) provide flow channels and significantly affect well performance in unconventional reservoirs. However, traditional rate transient analysis (RTA) models barely consider the effect of CFN on production performance. The impact of multi-phase flow on rate transient behaviors is still unclear especially under CFN. Neglecting these effects could cause incorrect rate transient response and erroneous estimation of well and fracture parameters. This paper investigates multi-phase rate transient behaviors considering CFN and tries to investigate in what situations the multi-phase models should be used to obtain more accurate results. First, an embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) is generated instead of Local Grid Refinement method to overcome time-intensive computation. The model is coupled with reservoir models using non-neighboring connections (NNCs). Second, eight cases are designed using the EDFM technology to analyze effect of natural fractures, formation permeability, and relative permeability on rate transient behaviors. Third, Blasingame plot, log–log plot, and linear flow plot are used to analyze the differences of rate transient response between single-phase and multi-phase flow in reservoirs with CFN. For multi-phase flow, severe deviations can be observed on RTA plots compared with single-phase model. Combination of three RTA type curves can characterize the differences from early to late flow regimes and improve the interpretation accuracy as well as reduce the non-unicity. Finally, field data analysis in Permian Basin demonstrates that multi-phase RTA analysis are required for analyzing production and pressure data since single-phase RTA analysis will lead to big errors especially under high water cut during fracturing fluid flowback period, early production of unconventional gas wells or after waterflooding, or water huff-n-puff.
An Improved Dynamic Modeling Approach of Aerostatic Thrust Bearing Considering Frequency-Varying Stiffness and Damping of Air Film
Authors: Zhuang Hui , Ding Jianguo , Chen Peng , Chang Yu , Zeng Xiaoyun , Liu Xingbao
Published: December 2021

The damped mass-spring model is often used for the dynamic modeling and vibration analysis of aerostatic bearing systems by taking the air film as equivalent springs, especially when the bearing is used as a key component in mechanical equipment. However, the stiffness and damping of the air film are frequency-dependent, making the commonly used approach of taking static stiffness or fixed value as the spring coefficient no longer applicable for a bearing subject to a complex external force containing different frequencies. To address this issue, this paper develops the damped mass-spring model for the aerostatic thrust bearing considering the frequency-varying stiffness and damping by means of the linear superposition method. It indicates that the air bearing is still a linear system under a micro disturbance despite the frequency-dependent character of dynamic coefficients because the bearing vibration satisfies the superposition principle. The improved dynamic modeling approach is able to accurately and efficiently predict the overall dynamic response of the thrust plate with both axial and tilting motion when the plate is subjected to a multi-frequency vibration. In solving the overall dynamic response, the stiffness and damping associated with the responses of the transient part and steady part correspond to the natural vibration frequency and external disturbance frequencies, respectively. The feasibility and accuracy of the improved modeling approach are partly or completely verified by the direct trajectory calculation method, the computational fluid dynamics, dynamic mesh simulation, and a modal test. The proposed modeling method provides an effective way for the vibration analysis of air bearings, and in the meantime avoids the possible numerical errors caused by the traditional modeling approach.
Lentiviral Infections Persist in Brain despite Effective Antiretroviral Therapy and Neuroimmune Activation
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Nazanin , Roda Weston , Branton William G. , Clain Julien , Rabezanahary Henintsoa , Zghidi-Abouzid Ouafa , Gelman Benjamin B. , Angel Jonathan B. , Cohen Eric A. , Gill M. John , Li Michael , Estaquier Jérome , Power Christopher
Published: December 2021

Antiretroviral therapy (ART) suppresses HIV-1 in plasma and CSF to undetectable levels. However, the impact of contemporary ART on HIV-1 brain reservoirs remains uncertain.
Spatiotemporal Variations in Antarctic Protistan Communities Highlight Phytoplankton Diversity and Seasonal Dominance by a Novel Cryptophyte Lineage
Authors: Hamilton Maria , Mascioni Martina , Hehenberger Elisabeth , Bachy Charles , Yung Charmaine , Vernet Maria , Worden Alexandra Z.
Published: December 2021

The climate-sensitive waters of the West Antarctic Peninsula (WAP), including its many fjords, are hot spots of productivity that support multiple marine mammal species. Here, we profiled protistan molecular diversity in a WAP fjord known for high productivity and found distinct spatiotemporal patterns across protistan groups.
Rotavirus NSP1 Contributes to Intestinal Viral Replication, Pathogenesis, and Transmission
Authors: Hou Gaopeng , Zeng Qiru , Matthijnssens Jelle , Greenberg Harry B. , Ding Siyuan
Published: December 2021

Rotavirus remains one of the most important causes of severe diarrhea and dehydration in young children worldwide. Although NSP1 is dispensable for rotavirus replication in cell culture, its exact role in virus infection
in vivo
remains unclear.
Yeast Double Transporter Gene Deletion Library for Identification of Xenobiotic Carriers in Low or High Throughput
Authors: Almeida Ludimila Dias , Silva Ali Salim Faraj , Mota Daniel Calixto , Vasconcelos Adrielle Ayumi , Camargo Antônio Pedro , Pires Gabriel Silva , Furlan Monique , Freire Helena Martins Ribeiro da Cunha , Klippel Angélica Hollunder , Silva Suélen Fernandes , Zanelli Cleslei Fernando , Carazzolle Marcelo Falsarella , Oliver Stephen G. , Bilsland Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

Our library of double transporter deletion strains is a powerful tool for rapid identification of potential drug import and export routes, which can aid in determining the chemical groups necessary for transport via specific carriers. This information may be translated into a better design of drugs for optimal absorption by target tissues and the development of drugs whose utility is less likely to be compromised by the selection of resistant mutants.
The African continental divide: Indian versus Atlantic Ocean spreading during Gondwana dispersal
Authors: Peace Alexander L. , Phethean Jordan J.J.
Published: December 2021

It is well established that plate-tectonic processes operate on a global scale and that spatially separate but temporally coincident events may be linked. However, identifying such links in the geological record and understanding the mechanisms involved remain speculative. This is particularly acute during major geodynamic events, such as the dispersal of supercontinents, where multiple axes of breakup may be present as well as coincidental collisional events. To explore this aspect of plate tectonics, we present a detailed analysis of the temporal variation in the mean half rate of seafloor spreading in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans, as well as plate-kinematic attributes extracted from global plate-tectonic models during the dispersal of Gondwana since ca. 200 Ma. Our analysis shows that during the ~20 m.y. prior to collision between India and Asia at ca. 55 Ma, there was an increase in the mean rate of seafloor spreading in the Indian Ocean. This manifests as India rapidly accelerating toward Asia. This event was then followed by a prompt deceleration in the mean rate of Indian Ocean seafloor spreading after India collided with Asia at ca. 55 Ma. Since inception, the mean rate of seafloor spreading in the Indian Ocean has been generally greater than that in the Atlantic Ocean, and the period of fastest mean half spreading rate in the Indian Ocean was coincident with a slowdown in mean half seafloor spreading rate in the competing Atlantic Ocean. We hypothesize that faster and hotter seafloor spreading in the Indian Ocean resulted in larger ridge-push forces, which were transmitted through the African plate, leading to a slowdown in Atlantic Ocean spreading. Following collision between India and Asia, and a slowdown of Indian Ocean spreading, Atlantic spreading rates consequently increased again. We conclude that the processes in the Indian and Atlantic Oceans have likely remained coupled throughout their existence, that their individual evolution has influenced each other, and that, more generally, spreading in one basin inevitably influences proximal regions. While we do not believe that ridge push is the main cause of plate motions, we consider it to have played a role in the coupling of the kinematic evolution of these oceans. The implication of this observation is that interaction and competition between nascent ocean basins and ridges during supercontinent dispersal exert a significant control on resultant continental configuration.
Interactive Material. Influence of pre-existing structure on pluton emplacement and geomorphology: The Merrimac plutons, northern Sierra Nevada, California, USA
Authors: Langenheim V.E. , al. et
Published: December 2021

Figures 2–5, 7–9, and 13 are interactive. For Figures 2–5,
9, and 13, use the radio buttons to toggle between different maps. For Figure
7, use the radio buttons to toggle between age range variations and
uncertainties for different samples in each pluton. For Figure 8, use the radio
buttons to toggle between zircon trace element compositions of different
plutons.
Bah humbug! Association between sending Christmas cards to trial participants and trial retention: randomised study within a trial conducted simultaneously across eight host trials
Authors: Coleman Elizabeth , Arundel Catherine , Clark Laura , Doherty Laura , Gillies Katie , Hewitt Catherine , Innes Karen , Parker Adwoa , Torgerson David , Treweek Shaun
Published: December 2021

Objectives

To determine the effectiveness of sending Christmas cards to participants in randomised controlled trials to increase retention rate at follow-ups, and to explore the feasibility of doing a study within a trial (SWAT) across multiple host trials simultaneously.

Design

Randomised SWAT conducted simultaneously across eight host trials.

Setting

Eight randomised controlled trials researching various areas including surgery and smoking cessation.

Participants

3223 trial participants who were still due at least one follow-up from their host randomised controlled trial.

Intervention

Participants were randomised (1:1, separately by each host trial) to either received a Christmas card in mid-December 2019 or to not receive a card.

Main outcome measure

Proportion of participants completing their next follow-up (retention rate) within their host randomised controlled trial.

Results

1469 participants (age 16-94 years; 70% (n=1033) female; 96% (813/847) white ethnicity) across the eight host randomised controlled trials were involved in the analysis (cut short owing to covid-19). No evidence was found of a difference in retention rate between the two arms for any of the host trials when analysed separately or when the results were combined (85.3% (639/749) for cards versus 85.4% (615/720) for no card; odds ratio 0.96, 95% confidence interval 0.71 to 1.29; P=0.77). No difference was observed when comparing just participants who were due a follow-up in the 30 days after receiving the card (odds ratio 0.96, 0.42 to 2.21). No evidence of a difference in time to complete the questionnaire was found (hazard ratio 1.01, 95% confidence interval 0.91 to 1.13; P=0.80). These results were robust to post hoc sensitivity analyses. The cost of this intervention was £0.76 (€0.91; $1.02) per participant, and it will have a carbon footprint of approximately 140 g CO
2
equivalent per card. One benefit of this approach was the need to only submit one ethics application.

Conclusions

Sending Christmas cards to participants in randomised controlled trials does not increase retention. Undertaking a SWAT within multiple randomised controlled trials at the same time is, however, possible. This approach should be used more often to build an evidence base to support selection of recruitment and retention strategies. Although no evidence of a boost to retention was found, embedding a SWAT in multiple host trials simultaneously has been shown to be possible.

Study registration

SWAT repository
https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/TheNorthernIrelandNetworkforTrialsMethodologyResearch/FileStore/Filetoupload,846275,en.pdf#search=SWAT%2082
.
“It’s not rocket science” and “It’s not brain surgery”—“It’s a walk in the park”: prospective comparative study
Authors: Usher Inga , Hellyer Peter , Lee Keng Siang , Leech Robert , Hampshire Adam , Alamri Alexander , Chari Aswin
Published: December 2021

Objective

To compare cognitive testing scores in neurosurgeons and aerospace engineers to help settle the age old argument of which phrase—“It’s not brain surgery” or “It’s not rocket science”—is most deserved.

Design

International prospective comparative study.

Setting

United Kingdom, Europe, the United States, and Canada.

Participants

748 people (600 aerospace engineers and 148 neurosurgeons). After data cleaning, 401 complete datasets were included in the final analysis (329 aerospace engineers and 72 neurosurgeons).

Main outcome measures

Validated online test (Cognitron’s Great British Intelligence Test) measuring distinct aspects of cognition, spanning planning and reasoning, working memory, attention, and emotion processing abilities.

Results

The neurosurgeons showed significantly higher scores than the aerospace engineers in semantic problem solving (difference 0.33, 95% confidence interval 0.13 to 0.52). Aerospace engineers showed significantly higher scores in mental manipulation and attention (−0.29, −0.48 to −0.09). No difference was found between groups in domain scores for memory (−0.18, −0.40 to 0.03), spatial problem solving (−0.19, −0.39 to 0.01), problem solving speed (0.03, −0.20 to 0.25), and memory recall speed (0.12, −0.10 to 0.35). When each group’s scores for the six domains were compared with those in the general population, only two differences were significant: the neurosurgeons’ problem solving speed was quicker (mean z score 0.24, 95% confidence interval 0.07 to 0.41) and their memory recall speed was slower (−0.19, −0.34 to −0.04).

Conclusions

In situations that do not require rapid problem solving, it might be more correct to use the phrase “It’s not brain surgery.” It is possible that both neurosurgeons and aerospace engineers are unnecessarily placed on a pedestal and that “It’s a walk in the park” or another phrase unrelated to careers might be more appropriate. Other specialties might deserve to be on that pedestal, and future work should aim to determine the most deserving profession.
Renal effectiveness and safety of the sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors: a population-based cohort study
Authors: Alkabbani Wajd , Zongo Arsene , Minhas-Sandhu Jasjeet K , Eurich Dean T , Shah Baiju R , Alsabbagh Mhd Wasem , Gamble John-Michael
Published: December 2021

Introduction

To assess the comparative effectiveness and safety of renal-related outcomes associated with sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2-i) initiation among patients with type 2 diabetes using real-world data.

Research design and methods

We conducted a population‐based cohort study using administrative healthcare data from Alberta (AB), Canada and primary care data from the Clinical Practice Research Datalink (CPRD), UK. From a cohort of new metformin users, we identified initiators of a SGLT2-i or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor (DPP4-i) between January 1, 2014 and March 30, 2018 (AB) or between January 1, 2013 and November 29, 2018 (CPRD). Initiators of an SGLT2-i or DPP4-i were followed until death, disenrolment, therapy discontinuation, or study end date. The effectiveness outcome was renal disease progression, defined as a composite of new-onset macroalbuminuria, serum creatinine doubling with estimated glomerular filtration rate of ≤45 mL/min/1.73 m2, renal replacement therapy, hospital admission or death from renal causes. The safety outcome was hospitalization due to acute kidney injury (AKI). We adjusted for confounding using high-dimensional propensity score matching and estimated HRs using Cox proportional hazards regression. Aggregate data from each database were combined by random-effects meta‐analysis.

Results

Among the 29 465 included patients (20 564 AB, 8901 CPRD), 37.5% were new SGLT2-i users in AB and 21.3% in CPRD. Compared with DPP4 initiators, SGLT2-i initiators were associated with a reduced risk of renal disease progression (pooled HR 0.79, 95% CI 0.62 to 1.00); however, there was no significant difference in the risk of AKI (pooled HR 0.89, 95% CI 0.58 to 1.36). These findings were consistent with other exposure definitions and antidiabetic comparators.

Conclusions

Our findings support a renoprotective effect of SGLT2-i without an increased risk of AKI, compared with clinically relevant active comparators.
Exploring the feasibility of establishing a core set of sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health indicators in humanitarian settings: a multimethods, multicountry qualitative study protocol
Authors: Kobeissi Loulou Hassan , Ashna Manizha , Messier Kassandre , Moran Allisyn C , Say Lale , Strong Kathleen Louise , Foster Angel
Published: December 2021

Introduction

In 2019, over 70 million people were forcibly displaced worldwide. Women and girls comprise nearly half of this population and are at heightened risk of negative sexual and reproductive health outcomes. With the collapse of health systems, reduced resources and increased vulnerabilities from displacement, there is a need to strengthen current practices and ensure the delivery of comprehensive sexual, reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health (SRMNCAH) services. Recognising the need for consistency in data collection, analysis and use, the WHO developed a list of core SRMNCAH monitoring and evaluation indicators for services and outcomes in humanitarian settings. This research will explore the feasibility of collecting this core set of SRMNCAH indicators in displacement contexts.

Methods and analysis

We will undertake a multimethods qualitative study in seven humanitarian settings: Afghanistan, Albania, Bangladesh, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Iraq and Jordan. We selected sites that reflect diversity in geographic region, sociocultural characteristics, primary location(s) of displaced persons and nature and phase of the crisis. Our study consists of four components: key informant interviews, facility assessments, observational sessions at select facilities and focus group discussions with front-line healthcare personnel. We will analyse our data using descriptive statistics and for content and themes. We will begin by analysing data from each setting separately and will then combine these data to explore concordant and discordant results, triangulate findings and develop global recommendations.

Ethics and dissemination

The University of Ottawa’s Research Ethics Board and the Research Project Review Panel (RP 2) of the World Health Organization-Department of Sexual and Reproductive Health as well as local IRBs of PIs’ research institutions reviewed and approved this protocol. We intend to disseminate findings through workshops at the WHO country, regional and headquarter levels, as well as through local, national and international conferences, workshops, peer-reviewed publications, and reports.
Prevalence of specific micronutrient deficiencies in urban school going children of India aged between 6 and 16 years: study protocol for a multicentric cross-sectional study
Authors: Awasthi Shally , Kumar Divas , Singh Shweta , Dixit Swati , Agarwal Girdhar , Mahdi Abbas Ali
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Childhood and adolescence are the period of rapid physical and cognitive growth and development, requiring adequate nutrition. Malnutrition in the form of undernutrition or micronutrient deficiency or overweight/obesity affects the health, cognition and educational achievement of this age group. The objective of this study is to assess the prevalence of calcium, iron, zinc, selenium, folate, vitamin A, 25 hydroxy vitamin D and vitamin B12 deficiencies in the serum and haemoglobin, ferritin and lead levels and its association with reported dietary intake and cognitive abilities, in urban school going children aged 6–16 years in 10 cities of India.

Methods and analysis

A multicentric cross-sectional study will be conducted to recruit 2400 participants (240 per site) across India. Participants will be selected using random sampling and will be categorised into age groups of 6–11 years and 12–16 years, with equal distribution. Data on socioeconomic status, anthropometric measures and 3-day dietary intake and cognitive performance will be collected. Blood samples will be collected for biochemical analysis of micronutrients. Findings will estimate the prevalence of micronutrient deficiencies and their association with dietary habits and cognitive functioning.

Ethics and dissemination

Study protocol has been reviewed and approved by institutional ethics committee of all 10 participating sites. Results will be shared and published in a peer-reviewed journal, so that the findings will be helpful for the stakeholders in planning nutritional interventions for targeted groups.

Trial registration number

CTRI/2019/02/017783.
Sociological variety and the transmission efficiency ofMycobacterium tuberculosis: a secondary analysis of qualitative and quantitative data from 15 communities in Zambia
Authors: Murray Emma J , Dodd Peter J , Marais Ben , Ayles Helen , Shanaube Kwame , Schaap Albertus , White Richard G , Bond Virginia
Published: December 2021

Objectives

Selected Zambian communities formed part of a cluster randomised trial: the Zambia and South Africa TB and AIDS Reduction study (ZAMSTAR). There was wide variability in the prevalence ofMycobacterium tuberculosisinfection and tuberculosis (TB) disease across these communities. We sought to clarify whether specific communities could have been more/less vulnerable toM. tuberculosistransmission as a result of sociological variety relevant to transmission efficiency.

Design

We conducted a mixed methods secondary analysis using existing data sets. First, we analysed qualitative data to categorise and synthesise patterns of socio-spatial engagement across communities. Second, we compared emergent sociological variables with a measure of transmission efficiency: the ratio of the annual risk of infection to TB prevalence.

Setting

ZAMSTAR communities in urban and peri-urban Zambia, spanning five provinces.

Participants

Fifteen communities, each served by a health facility offering TB treatment to a population of at least 25 000. TB notification rates were at least 400 per 100 000 per annum and HIV seroprevalence was estimated to be high.

Results

Crowding, movement, livelihoods and participation in recreational activity differed across communities. Based on 12 socio-spatial indicators, communities were qualitatively classified as more/less spatially crowded and as more/less socially ‘open’ to contact with others, with implications for the presumptive risk ofM. tuberculosistransmission. For example, watching video shows in poorly ventilated structures posed a presumptive risk in more socially open communities, while outdoor farming and/or fishing were particularly widespread in communities with lower transmission measures.

Conclusions

A dual dynamic of ‘social permeability’ and crowding appeared relevant to disparities inM. tuberculosistransmission efficiency. To reduce transmission, certain socio-spatial aspects could be adjusted (eg, increasing ventilation on transport), while more structural aspects are less malleable (eg, reliance on public transport). We recommend integrating community level typologies with genome sequencing techniques to further explore the significance of ‘social permeability’.

Trial registration number

ISRCTN36729271.
Study protocol: haemostatic efficacy and safety of preemptive antifibrinolysis with multidose intravenous tranexamic acid in elderly hip fracture patients: design of a prospective randomised controlled trial
Authors: Liu Jiacheng , Lei Yiting , Liao Junyi , Liang Xi , Hu Ning , Huang Wei
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Hip fracture surgery is often associated with substantial blood loss and a high allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) rate. Preoperative hidden blood loss (HBL) has been observed clinically but there is little evidence for the efficacy of tranexamic acid (TXA) in controlling preoperative HBL. We designed a randomised controlled trial to evaluate the efficacy of preemptive antifibrinolysis with multidose intravenous TXA (IV-TXA) in reducing preoperative HBL in elderly patients with hip fractures.

Methods and analysis

This is a prospective, randomised, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients older than 65 years diagnosed with primary unilateral femoral neck fracture or intertrochanteric fracture will be randomly assigned to group A (receiving 100 mL of intravenous normal saline every 12 hours preoperatively and 1.5 g of IV-TXA every 12 hours postoperatively for 3 days) or group B (receiving 1.5 g of IV-TXA every 12 hours preoperatively and 1.5 g of IV-TXA every 12 hours postoperatively for 3 days). The primary outcomes will be the hidden blood loss, haemoglobin decrease and ABT rate. The secondary outcomes include the levels of inflammatory factors (such as C reactive protein) and coagulation and fibrinolysis parameters (such as D-dimer). Other outcomes such as injury time, length of stay and hospitalisation expenses will also be compared between groups.

Ethics and dissemination

This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. The findings of the study will be disseminated through peer-reviewed journals and conference presentations.

Trial registration number

ChiCTR2100045960.