bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Agricultural workers in meatpacking plants presenting to an emergency department with suspected COVID‐19 infection are disproportionately Black and Hispanic
Authors: House Hans R. , Vakkalanka J. Priyanka , Behrens Nathan G. , De Haan Jessica , Halbur Christopher R. , Harrington Elaine M. , Patel Pooja H. , Rawwas Lulua , Camargo Carlos A. , Kline Jeffrey A. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjectiveFacilities that process and package meat for consumer sale and consumption (meatpacking plants) were early sites of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) outbreaks. The aim of this study was to characterize the association between meatpacking plant exposure and clinical outcomes among emergency department (ED) patients with COVID‐19 symptoms.MethodsThis was a retrospective cohort study of patients presenting to a single ED, from March 1 to May 31, 2020, who had: 1) symptoms consistent with COVID‐19 and 2) a COVID‐19 test performed. The primary outcome was COVID‐19 positivity, and secondary outcomes included hospital admission from the ED, ventilator use, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, hospital length of stay (LOS; <48 or ≥48 h), and mortality.ResultsPatients from meatpacking plants were more likely to be Black or Hispanic than the ED patients without this occupational exposure. Patients with a meatpacking plant exposure were more likely to test positive for COVID‐19 (adjusted relative risk [aRR] = 2.37, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.59 to 3.53) but had similar rates of hospital admission (aRR = 0.94, 95% CI = 0.82 to 1.07) and hospital LOS (aRR = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.45 to 1.23). There was no significant difference in ventilator use among patients with meatpacking and nonmeatpacking plant exposure (8.2% vs. 11.1%, p = 0.531), ICU admissions (4.1% vs. 12.0%, p = 0.094), and mortality (2.0% vs. 4.1%, p = 0.473).ConclusionsWorkers in meatpacking plants in Iowa had a higher rate of testing positive for COVID‐19 but were not more likely to be hospitalized for their illness. These patients were disproportionately Black and Hispanic.
The role of fallowing in the restoration of woody species in the Woodlands of Northern Uganda
Authors: Byakagaba Patrick , Okullo John Bosco L. , Eilu Gerald , Mwavu Edward N. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe study sought to determine the extent to which fallowing can lead to recovery towards an historic woody vegetation of Sudanian woodlands in northern Uganda. Fallow sites of three distinct ages were assessed. Plots were established in crop fields that had been under cultivation for over 10 years, sites that had been under fallow for 3–6 years (young fallow) and fallow sites of at least 9 years (old fallow) in three districts. In each plot, all woody plants were enumerated and species composition, diversity and richness assessed. Young fallow plots were dominated by pioneer species such as Piliostigma thonningii and Annona senegalensis, while old fallow by a mix of late and early successional species such as Vachellia hockii (formerly Acacia hockii) and Combretum collinum. Vitellaria paradoxa (Shea butter tree) was the most abundant in all fallow categories. Species composition in crop field was different from young and old fallow. Species richness increased significantly from abandoned Crop field to Young fallow and then to Old fallow. Simpson's Diversity Index showed similar trends. V. paradoxa contributed most to overall similarity among the fallow categories. Fallowing can facilitate restoration of characteristic species of Sudanian woodlands.
Is Managerial Ability Associated with Capital Structure Adjustment Speed?*
Authors: Cho Hyungjin , Choi Ga‐Young , Choi Sera 
Published: June 2021

AbstractWe find that firms with more capable managers exhibit a slower adjustment speed of capital structure toward the target level. This result is stronger for younger and smaller firms. These can be explained by capable managers’ avoidance of transaction costs and their decision to focus on core activities rather than on capital structure adjustment. Lastly, the negative relation between firm value and the deviation from target capital structure is weaker for firms with competent managers, implying that the stock market does not discount the value of firms deviating from the target capital structure if they are managed by competent managers.
Characteristics of nursing and allied health student placements in the Northern Territory over time (2017‐2019) and placement satisfaction
Authors: Campbell Narelle , Moore Leigh , Farthing Annie , Anderson Jessie , Witt Susan , Lenthall Sue , Petrovic Erica , Lyons Chloe , Rissel Chris 
Published: June 2021

AbstractObjective

Assess nursing and allied health student satisfaction with their remote Northern Territory integrated learning placement and consideration of future rural/remote work

Describe the characteristics of these students

Examine changes in student characteristics over time.

DesignA cross‐sectional survey of students and a review of student placement data.SettingNorthern Territory, Australia.ParticipantsFormer students having a work integrated learning placement of more than 1 week in the Northern Territory from 2017 to 2019.Main outcome measure(s)Agreement with the statements ‘This placement has encouraged me to consider living and working in a rural or remote location after I graduate’ and ‘Overall, I was satisfied with my placement.’ The administrative record review examined student numbers, and placement length over time.ResultsA total of 341 students responded to the online survey. Overall satisfaction with the placement was very high (93%), and 84% agreed/strongly agreed that the placement had encouraged them to consider working in a rural or remote setting. High‐quality clinical supervision and educational resources were associated with overall placement satisfaction. Overall placement satisfaction, prior interest in working remotely and satisfaction with educational resources were associated with consideration of working remotely. The number of students having a placement increased by 29% in 2017 to 2019. The number of placement weeks also increased (35%).ConclusionsThe number/placement time of nursing and allied health students has increased in the NT. Satisfaction with remote work integrated learning placements is an the important pathway to growing a local health professional workforce in remote and rural settings.
Infrastructural Activism: Google Bus Blockades, Affective Politics, and Environmental Gentrification in San Francisco
Authors: Maharawal Manissa M. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBetween 2013 and 2018, the San Francisco Bay Area saw the rise of “Google bus blockades”—a form of protest against gentrification, growing inequality and a housing crisis linked to the economic impacts of the technology sector on the region. Based on two years of ethnographic fieldwork with housing activists in the San Francisco Bay Area, this article argues that the disruptive tactic of “the Google Bus blockade” can be understood as a form of infrastructural activism—a flexible political form that uses the interruption of infrastructure for political ends. The blockades politicised the “Google buses” and transformed them into symbols of gentrification and sites of resistance. Protestors constructed a political analysis that drew connections between struggles for housing, racial and environmental justice and brought together material, affective and political critiques of infrastructure.
The association between increasing oral anticoagulant prescribing and atrial fibrillation related stroke in Ireland
Authors: Kennedy Cormac , Gabr Ahmed , McCormack Joan , Collins Rónán , Barry Michael , Harbison Joe 
Published: June 2021

AimsRecent increases in the number of patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) prescribed oral anticoagulants (OAC) are evident in Ireland and internationally, largely due to the availability of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs). This study aimed to determine the rate of stroke in the context of increasing anticoagulation utilisation, with a focus on AF‐related ischaemic stroke (IS).MethodsDispensing data for OACs were identified for the period 2010–2018 as well as hospital discharges for IS (2005–2018). Irish National Stroke Register data were used to elucidate the characteristics of patients with acute ischaemic stroke.ResultsThe number of patients prescribed OACs increased by 94% from 2010–2018 with a significant change from 2013 (β = 2.57, P = .038), associated with a large increase in the number of patients on DOACs. There was 3.3‐fold increase in expenditure on OACs nationally from 2013 to 2018, of which 94% was DOAC related. Using the 2013 timepoint, ischaemic stroke rates until 2018 did not show a significant deviation from the previous trend (β = 0.00, P = .898). The percentage of AF‐related ischaemic stroke was stable from 2013 to 2017 with a 4.5% decrease in 2018. The percentage of ischaemic stroke patients with previously diagnosed AF decreased from 2013 to 2018; however, there was an increase in the percentage of ischaemic strokes while on OAC in this cohort.ConclusionLarge increases in OAC utilisation have not resulted in changes in ischaemic stroke rates at a national level. The percentage of ischaemic strokes with a previous diagnosis of AF has decreased indicating a possible benefit from greater OAC utilisation. However, the percentage presenting with an ischaemic stroke while on OAC treatment is increasing. The increase in patients presenting with stroke while treated with OAC may largely reflect the national increase in patients prescribed DOACs but the findings raise concerns about treatment failures. The real‐world effectiveness of DOACs requires further examination.
Omecamtiv mecarbil does not prolong QTc intervals at therapeutic concentrations
Authors: Trivedi Ashit , Hsu Cheng‐Pang , Jafarinasabian Pegah , Terminello Bianca , Zhang Hanze , Flach Stephen , Israel Samuel , Brooks Ashley , Xue Hongqi , Darpo Borje , Abbasi Siddique , Dutta Sandeep , Lee Edward 
Published: June 2021

AimsOmecamtiv mecarbil (OM) is a novel selective cardiac myosin activator under investigation for the treatment of heart failure. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of therapeutic concentrations of OM on electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters and exclude a clinically concerning effect on the rate‐corrected QT (QTc) interval.MethodsIn part A, 70 healthy subjects received a 25 mg oral dose of OM, and pharmacokinetics were assessed. Only subjects with maximum observed plasma concentration ≤ 350 ng/mL (n = 60) were randomized into part B, where they received a single oral dose of placebo, 50 mg OM and 400 mg moxifloxacin in a 3‐period, 3‐treatment, 6‐sequence crossover study with continuous ECG collection.ResultsAfter a 50‐mg dose of OM, mean placebo‐corrected change from baseline QTcF (∆∆QTcF; Fridericia correction) ranged from −6.7 ms at 1 hour postdose to −0.8 ms at 4 hours postdose. The highest upper bound of the 1‐sided 95% confidence interval (CI) was 0.7 ms (4 h postdose). Moxifloxacin resulted in a clear increase in mean ∆∆QTcF, with a peak value of 13.1 ms (90% CI: 11.71–14.57) at 3 hours; lower bound of the 1‐sided 95% CI was > 5 ms at all of the 3 prespecified time points. Based on a concentration–QTc analysis, an effect on ∆∆QTcF exceeding 10 ms can be excluded up to OM plasma concentrations of ~800 ng/mL. There were no serious or treatment‐emergent adverse events leading to discontinuation from the study.ConclusionOM does not have a clinically relevant effect on the studied ECG parameters.
No evidence for a specific vitamin D deficit in benign paroxysmal positional vertigo
Authors: Goldschagg Nicolina , Teupser Daniel , Feil Katharina , Strupp Michael 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackground and purposeThe aim was to investigate whether there is a difference in serum 25‐hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) concentration between patients with benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV), patients with other vestibular diseases and patients with other neurological non‐vestibular diseases presenting in a tertiary neurological academic outpatient clinic.MethodsThe serum 25(OH)D concentration was measured in 680 patients (368 male, mean age ± SD 58 ± 17 years, 661 Caucasian) without vitamin D supplementation. 158 patients had BPPV; 221 had other vestibular diseases (including 122 with peripheral vestibular disorders, such as unilateral vestibulopathy or Ménière's disease; 46 with central vestibular disorders, such as vestibular migraine or cerebellar dizziness; 53 with functional dizziness); and 301 patients with other neurological non‐vestibular diseases.ResultsThere was no significant difference in the serum 25(OH)D concentration between patients with BPPV (mean ± SD 23.4 ± 9.4 ng/ml) and those with other vestibular disorders (24.9 ± 10.1 ng/ml, p = 0.324). Patients with other neurological disorders had even lower concentrations (21.4 ± 10.6 ng/ml) than patients with BPPV (p < 0.005), patients with other vestibular disorders (p < 0.005) and all patients with vestibular disorders (24.9 ± 10.1 ng/ml, p < 0.005).ConclusionOur analysis does not support the theory of a specific relationship between serum 25(OH)D concentration and the occurrence of BPPV or other vestibular disorders.
On the transferability of CTOA from small‐scale DWTT to full‐scale pipe using a cohesive zone model
Authors: Bassindale Chris , Wang Xin , Tyson William R. , Xu Su 
Published: June 2021

Highlights

Dynamic ductile fracture propagation of pipeline steels was studied using 3D CZM.
JIS STPG370 steel was examined.
CZM calibrated for a small‐scale specimen (DWTT) transferred to large‐scale pipes.
Calibrated CZMs can be used to reproduce experimental data with good agreements.
The fracture velocities and the CTOAs are in good agreements.
Measuring positive caregiving experiences in family caregivers of nursing home residents: A comparison of the Positive Experiences Scale, Gain in Alzheimer Care INstrument, and Positive Aspects of Caregiving questionnaire
Authors: Smaling Hanneke JA , Joling Karlijn J , Achterberg Wilco P , Francke Anneke L , van der Steen Jenny T 
Published: June 2021

AimTo compare the Positive Experiences Scale (PES), Gain in Alzheimer Care INstrument (GAIN) and Positive Aspects of Caregiving (PAC) in assessing positive caregiving experiences among caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia, and to explore which caregiver and care recipient characteristics relate to positive caregiving experiences.MethodsA total of 63 caregivers (mean age 59.2 years; SD 11.8) of nursing home residents with dementia from four Dutch nursing homes participated in this cross‐sectional observational study. Internal consistency, convergent validity and user‐friendliness (i.e. perception of item relevance and comprehensibility, ease of use, missing items, and user preference) were examined using Cronbach's alpha's, correlation coefficients and descriptive statistics, respectively.ResultsThe Cronbach's alpha for the GAIN, PAC and PES was 0.90, 0.94 and 0.68, respectively. The sum score of the PES showed a ceiling effect. Convergent validity was confirmed for all three instruments. The PES had the least missing data (mean number of missing items 0.2, SD 0.5) and was preferred by 40% of the caregivers, followed by the GAIN (mean number of missing items 0.6, SD 1.7, preferred by 11%). Positive caregiving experiences were negatively associated with educational level (range −0.28 to −0.35). Only the PES correlated positively with caregiver age (r = 0.25).ConclusionsAll three questionnaires can be used to assess positive caregiving experiences, but the GAIN might be the most suitable questionnaire for caregivers of nursing home residents with dementia. Further research is necessary to examine generalizability of the findings. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 636–643.
Development conditions for creative clusters in Poland in view of institutional environment factors
Authors: Mackiewicz Marta , Namyślak Beata 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe paper aims to identify the factors affecting the development of creative clusters, with a special focus on institutional setting. This knowledge is important for the development of regions, as clusters play a significant role in accelerating the innovation processes and networking, especially that creative industries have a particular tendency for networking. The study found that the location of creative clusters is influenced by the concentration of creative industries while institutional factors play a much smaller role. The development of clusters is mainly hindered by internal factors, such as problems with defining a common strategy, inability to raise funding for operations (especially if public support was received in the early stages of development), or ill‐designed cooperation with scientific institutions. The practical application of the paper can be found in the conclusions regarding cluster policy at the regional level. First, it would be reasonable to develop models of cooperation between local authorities and clusters, including in particular creation of demand for cluster services. Second, it is important to maintain a strategic dialog between cluster coordinators and local authorities to ensure ongoing monitoring of the needs of the creative sector. Third, it is desirable to promote partnerships and clusters in publicly funded competitions.
Boiling for 15 minutes improves nutrient profiles in fishes included in the diets of dialysis patients
Authors: Tsai Wan‐Chuan , Chiu Yen‐Ling , Wu Hon‐Yen , Sun Wen‐Huei , Tai Shan‐Ju , Luan Chia‐Chin , Peng Yu‐Sen , Hsu Shih‐Ping 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionLittle is known about the effects of boiling on nutrient levels in fishes that have a relatively high phosphorus‐to‐protein ratio (PPR), which are important sources of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids. We hypothesized that the beneficial effects of boiling for a shorter duration (15 min) on nutrient contents in fishes were similar to those of boiling for a longer duration (30 min), which has been shown to decrease the PPR in meat.MethodsThe protein, fat, and phosphorus contents and the PPR of three cooked fish species and their corresponding fish broths were chemically analyzed. The effects of boiling on changes in protein, fat, phosphorus, and the PPR was examined by comparing fish that were prepared with usual cooking methods (no boiling), boiled for 15 min, and boiled for 30 min. The nutrients in fish broths that were boiled for 15 min were also compared with those boiled for 30 min.FindingsThere were no significant differences in the changes in phosphorus, PPR, protein, and fat content in fish and fish broths prepared with the two boiling methods. In the fish boiled for 15 min, the phosphorus content was 24% lower (p = 0.001), and the PPR was 20% lower (p = 0.04) than those in nonboiled fish. Additionally, boiling for 30 min reduced the phosphorus content by 31% (p = 0.001), and the PPR by 27% (p = 0.04) compared to nonboiled fish, but the protein and fat contents were unchanged after both 15 and 30 min of boiling.DiscussionThe 15‐ and 30‐min boiling methods resulted in a similar reduction in phosphorus and the PPR in fish, with minimal effects on protein and fat. A shorter duration of boiling is recommended to achieve better nutrient profiles in fishes consumed by dialysis patients.
Hemodialysis leads to plasma depletion of lectin complement pathway initiator molecule ficolin‐2
Authors: Nielsen Ture Lange , Pilely Katrine , Lund Kit P. , Warming Peder Emil , Plesner Louis Lind , Iversen Kasper Karmark , Garred Peter 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionThis study aimed to investigate changes in complement system‐related molecules in patients undergoing hemodialysis.MethodsPatients >18 years of age on maintenance hemodialysis were included. Using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) methods complement related molecules ficolin‐1, ficolin‐2, ficolin‐3 mannose‐binding lectin, long pentraxin 3, complement activation products C3c, and complement activation potentials were measured before and after a single hemodialysis treatment. All patients were dialyzed with synthetic high flux filters >1.6 m2, respectively, Polyamix and Polysulfone, and the Kt/V was maintained >1.3.FindingsThree hundred and four patients were included. There was a modest decrease in plasma level of ficolin‐1 (p < 0.001). Ficolin‐2 was virtually depleted with median 3.9 (interquartile range [IQR]: 2.6–6.1, range 0.3–13.5) μg/ml before dialysis to median 0.0 (IQR: 0.0–0.5, range 0.0–5.5) μg/ml after dialysis (p < 0.001). No significant difference before and after hemodialysis was seen for mannose‐binding lectin and long pentraxin 3 (p > 0.05). In a random subgroup of 160 patients ficolin‐2‐binding, ficolin‐3‐mediated lectin pathway capacity and classical pathway capacity were significantly decreased due to hemodialysis. The complement capacity of the alternative pathway was increased after hemodialysis (p = 0.0101), while mannose‐binding lectin‐mediated lectin pathway capacity was unaltered (p = 0.79). There was an increase in the complement activation product C3c (p < 0.0001), while the concentration of total C4 and C3 did not change (p > 0.158). Multivariate Cox proportional hazard analyses showed an increased risk for all‐cause mortality with increasing ficolin‐2 (p = 0.002) after hemodialysis.DiscussionPlasma ficolin‐2 was virtually depleted from the circulation after hemodialysis. However, elevated plasma ficolin‐2 levels after hemodialysis was independently associated with increased mortality.
Early cannulation arteriovenous graft (Acuseal) versus standard arteriovenous graft in patients with end‐stage renal disease
Authors: He Jinyun , Zeng Qianwen , Lang Fen , Yang Min , Liu Zelong , Zeng Lijuan , Liang Ruiming , Wu Shuwen , Tang Qing 
Published: June 2021

AbstractIntroductionThe use of Acuseal arteriovenous graft (AAVG) is spreading in end‐stage renal disease (ESRD) patients for its advantages in early cannulation. However, comparison of clinical outcomes between AAVGs and standard arteriovenous grafts (SAVGs) is limited. In this study, we compared the performance of AAVGs and SAVGs.MethodsConsecutive ESRD patients underwent prosthetic vascular access between October 2017 and May 2019 at a single center were identified. Patients were divided into AAVG group and SAVG group. Patients' demographics, perioperative characteristics, and clinical outcomes were collected. Primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency rates were compared using Kaplan‐Meier analyses. Postsurgery complications were compared using chi‐square test or the Fisher's exact test.FindingsA total of 304 arteriovenous grafts (AVGs) were implanted in 145 males and 159 females (mean age, 60.1 years; range, 20–91 years), comprising 143 AAVGs and 161 SAVGs. Median time to first cannulation was 3 days (interquartile range [IQR], 1–15 days) in the AAVG group and 30 days (IQR, 20–52 days) in the SAVG group (P < 0.001). Adjusted primary, primary assisted, and secondary patency at 12 months were not significant different between AAVGs and SAVGs (P = 0.911, P = 0.945, and P = 0.640, respectively). There was no statistical significance in regards to thrombosis (AAVG, 34.3%; SAVG, 26.1%; P = 0.120) and infection (AAVG, 4.9%; SAVG, 2.5%; P = 0.261) between the groups.DiscussionAcuseal grafts provide comparable patency, and complication rates to SAVGs, with less time to first cannulation from the graft implanted.