bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Emerging palaeoecological frameworks for elucidating plant dynamics in response to fire and other disturbance
Authors: Napier Joseph D. , Chipman Melissa L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractMotivationRapid climate change is altering plant communities around the globe fundamentally. Despite progress in understanding how plants respond to these climate shifts, accumulating evidence suggests that disturbance could not only modify expected plant responses but, in some cases, have larger impacts on compositional shifts than climate change. Climate‐driven disturbances are becoming increasingly common in many biomes and are key drivers of vegetation dynamics at both species and community levels. Palaeoecological records provide valuable observational windows for elucidating the long‐term impacts of these disturbances on plant dynamics; however, sparse resolution and difficulty in disentangling drivers of change limit our ability to understand the impact of disturbance on plant communities. In this targeted review, we highlight emerging opportunities in palaeoecology to advance our understanding about how disturbance, especially fire, impacts the ecological and evolutionary dynamics of terrestrial plant communities.LocationGlobal examples, with many from North America.ConclusionsWe propose a set of palaeoecological and integrative approaches that could greatly enhance our understanding of how disturbance regimes influence global plant dynamics. Specifically, we identify four future study areas: (1) focus on palaeoecological disturbance proxies beyond fire and leverage multi proxy research to examine the influence of interacting disturbances on plant community dynamics; (2) use advances in disturbance and vegetation reconstructions, including ancient sedimentary DNA, to provide the spatial, temporal and taxonomic resolution needed to resolve the relationship between changing disturbance regimes and corresponding shifts in plant community composition; (3) integrate palaeoecological, archaeological and Indigenous knowledge to disentangle the complex interplay between climate, human land use, fire and vegetation structure; and (4) apply “functional palaeoecology” and the synergy between palaeoecology and genetics to understand how fire disturbance has served as a long‐standing selective agent on plants. These frameworks could increase the resolution of disturbance‐driven plant dynamics, potentially providing valuable information for future management.
Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of ethyl acetate extract of Astragalus membranaceus aerial parts
Authors: Guo Lili , Sun Yu , Ping Xueli , Liu Jing , Wang Xiaomin , Qin Nan 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThere is a growing consensus that plant‐derived antimicrobials may be a safe and effective alternative to synthetic chemical preservatives against foodborne pathogens. This study aims to investigate the potential application of the stems and leaves of Astragalus membranaceus (AMSL) in food preservation. Antibacterial activity of AMSL was evaluated by the disk diffusion method and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) assay, and then the activity stability at different conditions (temperatures, pHs and ultraviolet irradiations) was analyzed and the antibacterial mechanism was revealed. Chemical composition of the active substances was also identified by UPLC–MS/MS. The results showed that the extracts from AMSL had low activities against Geotrichum candidum and Escherichia coli, while good action on Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Aspergillus flavus, and Candida albicans. In contrast, the ethyl acetate fraction (EAF) of AMSL was the most active against Bacillus subtilis with a diameter of inhibition zone of 15.75 mm and the MIC value of 12.5 mg/mL. EAF exhibited good stability against heating at 80°C for 30 min, 60 min exposure to UV light, and it was effective in pH range of 2.0–6.0. After treating by EAF, the growth of the Bacillus subtilis was inhibited with delayed logarithmic phase, and the cell wall and the cell membrane of the bacteria were damaged deduced from the increased extracellular activity of alkaline phosphatase, the leakage of nucleic acids, and the increase of extracellular conductivity. Further SEM and TEM analysis confirmed the destroying of the cell wall integrity and cell membrane permeability with visually wrinkled even empty cells caused by EAF. Subsequent analysis revealed that flavonoids were the predominant components of EAF, followed by organic acids. Our findings provided a theoretical possibility that the AMSL could be used as a natural food preservative in the food industry.
Hepatic steatosis is associated with anthropometry, cardio‐metabolic disease risk, sex, age and urbanisation, but not with ethnicity in adult Kenyans
Authors: Kastberg Sophie E. , Lund Helene S. , De Lucia‐Rolfe Emanuella , Kaduka Lydia U. , Boit Michael K. , Corpeleijn Eva , Friis Henrik , Bernard Sophie , Paquette Martine , Baass Alexis , Rasmussen Jon J. , Christensen Dirk L. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe aimed to determine the associations of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) with cardio‐metabolic risk factors for diabetes in adult Kenyans.MethodsA cross‐sectional study was undertaken among rural and urban Kenyans of different ethnic origin. Ultrasonography scanning (USS) methods were used for the assessment of hepatic fat accumulation for NAFLD assessment and abdominal fat distribution, and simple anthropometry measurements were performed. All participants underwent a 2‐h oral glucose tolerance test, and biochemical, haemodynamic and lifestyle data were obtained. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess sex, age, residency and ethnic differences in the association between NAFLD and various metabolic parameters.ResultsIn total, 743 individuals (59.1% women) with a mean age of 38.0 (range 18–68) years participated in the study. Overall, 118 individuals (15.9%) had NAFLD, of whom 94.1% had mild steatosis. Age >40 years was significantly associated with having NAFLD compared with <30 years of age with no difference found in NAFLD between ethnic groups (Luo, Kamba, Maasai). All body composition and clinical measurements were associated with NAFLD (p < 0.045 for OR).ConclusionFinding lower odds for NAFLD in men was unexpected, as was the lack of differences in NAFLD among the ethnic groups, while higher odds for NAFLD with increasing age and in urban vs. rural populations was expected. Especially the sex‐specific results warrant further studies in black African populations on biology of body composition for having NAFLD, and whether this translates into insulin resistance and higher risk of diabetes and consequently cardiovascular disease in black African women.
Fast Reconstruction Method of the Stress Field for the Steam Turbine Rotor Based on Deep Fully Convolutional Network
Authors: Guo Ding , Liu Tianyuan , Zhang Di , Xie Yonghui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Since it is difficult to directly measure the transient stress of a steam turbine rotor in operation, a rotor stress field reconstruction model based on the deep fully convolutional network for the startup process is proposed. The stress distribution in the rotor can be directly predicted based on the temperature of a few measurement points. First, the finite element model is used to accurately simulate the temperature and stress field of the rotor startup process, generating training data for the deep learning method. Next, data of only 15 temperature measurement points are arranged to predict the stress distribution in the critical area of the rotor surface, with the accuracy (R2-score) reaching 0.997. The time cost of the trained neural network model at a single case is 1.42 s in CPUs and 0.11 s in GPUs, shortened by 97.3% and 99.8% with comparison to finite element analysis, respectively. In addition, the influence of the number of temperature measurement points and the training size is discussed, verifying the stability of the model. With the advantages of fast calculation, high accuracy, and strong stability, the fast reconstruction model can effectively realize the stress prediction during startup processes, resulting in the possibility of a real-time diagnosis of rotor strength in operation.
Unique Characteristics of Quadriceps Muscle Morphology and Function in Older Tennis Players
Authors: Yoshiko Akito , Beppu Moroe , Chosa Naoki , Watanabe Kohei 
Published: October 2021

We investigated the quadriceps muscle size and quantitative characteristics in older tennis players. Thirty-eight senior tennis players (70.8 ± 5.3 years) and 38 controls (71.6 ± 5.1 years) were included. To measure the muscle size and quality, we measured muscle thickness in the rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius, and muscle echo intensity in the RF and vastus lateralis using B-mode transverse ultrasound, respectively. We measured knee extension peak torque for muscle function. Muscle thickness in the RF, vastus lateralis, and vastus intermedius were significantly larger in tennis players than in controls. Tennis players had a lower echo intensity in RF and a higher knee extension peak torque compared to controls. Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis implied that echo intensity and muscle thickness were predictors of knee extension peak torque. Higher muscle quality contributes to a higher knee extension peak torque in tennis players. Playing tennis may prevent age-related muscle atrophy and maintain muscle quality in older individuals.
Assessment of drug use pattern using WHO core drug use indicators in selected general hospitals: a cross-sectional study in Tigray region, Ethiopia
Authors: Tassew Segen Gebremeskel , Abraha Haftom Niguse , Gidey Kidu , Gebre Abadi Kahsu 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveInappropriate use of medicine is a global challenge with greater impact on developing countries. Assessment of drug use pattern is used to identify gaps in medicine utilisation to implement strategies for promoting rational drug use. This study aimed to assess drug use pattern using the WHO drug use indicators in selected general hospitals in Tigray region, Ethiopia.DesignA cross-sectional study was conducted using WHO drug use indicators in two public hospitals located in Tigray.SettingPrescriptions recorded from 1 January 2017 to 1 June 2019 were randomly selected, and participants who visited the public hospitals from 1 March 2019 to 30 August 2019 and hospital pharmacies were interviewed.Participants100 patients who visited both outpatient clinics and hospital pharmacy departments of the public hospitals.ResultsThe average number of medicines per prescription was 1.69 (±0.81). Prescriptions containing antibiotics and injectables were 58.2% and 15.9%, respectively. The percentages of medicines prescribed with a generic name from essential medicines list of Ethiopia were 97.5% (974) and 88.1% (970) in Mekelle Hospital and Quiha Hospital, respectively. The patients spent an average of 6.6(±3.5) min with their general practitioners, while only 22.8 (±21.7) s with their pharmacists. Of the patients interviewed, 56.9% knew their dosing regimen and 32.7% of them had their medication labelled.ConclusionThe finding of the present study revealed deviation of drug use pattern from the WHO optimal levels suggesting the hospitals had limitations in appropriate utilisation of medicines. Understanding the factors attributed to the observed gaps and implementing corrective measures are required to conform with the recommended standards of appropriate drug utilisation.
Trends, composition and distribution of nurse workforce in China: a secondary analysis of national data from 2003 to 2018
Authors: Lu Han , Hou Luoya , Zhou Weijiao , Shen Liqiong , Jin Shida , Wang Mengqi , Shang Shaomei , Cong Xiaomei , Jin Xiaoyan , Dou Dou 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesGiven the increased ageing population and frequent epidemic challenges, it is vital to have the nurse workforce of sufficient quantity and quality. This study aimed to demonstrate the trends, composition and distribution of nurse workforce in China.DesignSecondary analysis using national public datasets in China from 2003 to 2018.Setting/participantsNational population, nurse workforce and physician workforce.Primary and secondary outcome measuresFrequency and proportion were used to demonstrate: (1) the longitudinal growth of nurse workforce; (2) the diversity of nurse workforce in gender, age, work experience and education level; and (3) the distribution of nurse workforce among provinces, rural–urban areas and hospital/community settings. The Gini coefficient and Theil L index were used to measure the inequality trends of nurse workforce.ResultsThe total number of nurses increased from 1.3 million to 4.1 million and the density increased from 1 to 2.94 per 1000 population over 2003–2018. The nurses to physician ratio changed from 0.65:1 to 1.14:1. The majority of the nurse workforce was female, under 35 years old, with less than 30 years of work experience, with an associate’s degree and employed within hospitals. Central and eastern regions had more nurses and there were 5.08 nurses per 1000 population in urban areas while less than two in rural areas in 2018. The Gini coefficient and between-provincial Theil index experienced a consistent decline. Within-province inequality accounted for overall inequality has risen from 52.38% in 2010 to 71.43% in 2018 suggested that the differences of distribution are mainly reflected in urban and rural areas.ConclusionChinese nurse workforce has been changed significantly in the past 15 years that may be associated with the reformations of policy, nursing education in China. Our study suggests current features in the nurse workforce and can be used to strengthen future health services.
Evaluation of sweating responses in patients with collagen disease using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test (QSART): a study protocol for an investigator-initiated, prospective, observational clinical study
Authors: Ashida Miwa , Koga Tomohiro , Morimoto Shimpei , Yozaki Mariko , Ehara Daisuke , Koike Yuta , Murota H 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionSweat secretion is controlled by the sympathetic nervous system and is less active during winter than in the summer. Raynaud’s phenomenon is affected by an excessive strain of the sympathetic nerves after exposure to a cold environment, thus reducing the quality of life of patients with collagen disease. Herein, we focus on the eccrine sweat glands that receive both adrenergic and cholinergic innervation. Our hypothesis is that excessive activation of sympathetic nerve in Raynaud’s phenomenon can affect sweating, especially in winter. This study is designed to evaluate the neuroactive sweating responses in patients with collagen disease and to assess its association with skin findings in peripheral circulatory disorders.Methods and analysisThe study will be conducted at a single centre in Japan. Patients with systemic sclerosis, Sjogren’s syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus, mixed connective tissue disease, and dermatomyositis will be assessed using the quantitative sudomotor axon reflex test. The primary outcomes will be sweat volume and reaction time due to axon reflex and the Raynaud’s condition score. The secondary outcomes will include patient background, skin symptoms (digital ulcers, pernio-like eruptions, subcutaneous calcifications, telangiectasia, nailfold capillary dilatation/bleeding and degree of skin sclerosis) and skin surface temperature. Evaluation will be done two times, during the summer and winter, allowing for the assessment of seasonal differences in sweating responses.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval of this study was certified by the clinical research review board of Nagasaki University Hospital (Reference number: CRB19-001). We will disseminate the findings of this study through peer-reviewed publications and conference presentations.Trial registration numberjRCTs072190009; pre-results.
Impact of electronic cigarette ever use on lung function in adults aged 45–85: a cross-sectional analysis from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Joshi Divya , Duong MyLinh , Kirkland Susan , Raina Parminder 
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveTo describe the sociodemographic characteristics associated with e-cigarette ever use and to examine the impact of e-cigarette ever use on lung function impairment in an ageing population.DesignA cross-sectional analysis of data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging.SettingA national stratified sample of 44 817 adults living in Canadian provinces.ParticipantsRespondents included participants aged 45–85 and residing in the community in Canadian provinces.Outcome measuresThe Global Lung Function Initiative normative values for forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory ratio (FEV1/FVC) appropriate for age, sex, height and ethnicity were used to interpret the severity of lung function impairment. Multinomial logistic regression analysis was used to examine the impact of e-cigarette ever use on obstructive and restrictive lung function impairment.ResultsThe prevalence of e-cigarette ever use was 6.5% and varied by sociodemographic factors including higher prevalence among individuals younger than 65 years, those with lower education attainment and those with lower annual household income. E-cigarette ever use was associated with 2.10 (95% CI 1.57 to 2.08) times higher odds of obstructive lung function impairment after adjusting for conventional cigarette smoking and other covariates. Individuals with exposure to e-cigarette ever use and 15 or more pack-years had 7.43 (95% CI 5.30 to 10.38) times higher odds for obstructive lung function impairment when compared with non-smokers and non-e-cigarette users after adjusting for covariates. Smokers with 15 or more pack-years had higher odds of restrictive lung function impairment irrespective of e-cigarette ever use.ConclusionsEver use of e-cigarettes was found to be associated with obstructive lung function impairment after adjusting for covariates, suggesting that e-cigarette use may be adding to the respiratory and other chronic disease burden in the population.
Palliative care for people who use substances during communicable disease epidemics and pandemics: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Buchman Daniel Z , Ding Philip , Lo Samantha , Dosani Naheed , Fazelzad Rouhi , Furlan Andrea D , Isenberg Sarina R , Spithoff Sheryl , Tedesco Alissa , Zimmermann Camilla , Lau Jenny 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionCommunicable disease epidemics and pandemics magnify the health inequities experienced by marginalised populations. People who use substances suffer from high rates of morbidity and mortality and should be a priority to receive palliative care, yet they encounter many barriers to palliative care access. Given the pre-existing inequities to palliative care access for people with life-limiting illnesses who use substances, it is important to understand the impact of communicable disease epidemics and pandemics such as COVID-19 on this population.Methods and analysisWe will conduct a scoping review and report according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews reporting guidelines. We conducted a comprehensive literature search in seven bibliographical databases from the inception of each database to August 2020. We also performed a grey literature search to identify the publications not indexed in the bibliographical databases. All the searches will be rerun in April 2021 to retrieve recently published information because the COVID-19 pandemic is ongoing at the time of this writing. We will extract the quantitative data using a standardised data extraction form and summarise it using descriptive statistics. Additionally, we will conduct thematic qualitative analyses and present our findings as narrative summaries.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval is not required for a scoping review. We will disseminate our findings to healthcare providers and policymakers through professional networks, digital communications through social media platforms, conference presentations and publication in a scientific journal.
Brain MRI and neuropsychological findings at long-term follow-up after COVID-19 hospitalisation: an observational cohort study
Authors: Hellgren Lovisa , Birberg Thornberg Ulrika , Samuelsson Kersti , Levi Richard , Divanoglou Anestis , Blystad Ida 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesTo report findings on brain MRI and neurocognitive function, as well as persisting fatigue at long-term follow-up after COVID-19 hospitalisation in patients identified as high risk for affection of the central nervous system.DesignAmbidirectional observational cohort study.SettingAll 734 patients from a regional population in Sweden with a laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 diagnosis admitted to hospital during the period 1 March to 31 May 2020.ParticipantsA subgroup (n=185) with persisting symptoms still interfering with daily life at a telephone follow-up 4 months after discharge were invited for a medical and neuropsychological evaluation. Thirty-five of those who were assessed with a neurocognitive test battery at the clinical visit, and presented a clinical picture concerning for COVID-19-related brain pathology, were further investigated by brain MRI.Main outcome measuresFindings on brain MRI, neurocognitive test results and reported fatigue.ResultsTwenty-five patients (71%) had abnormalities on MRI; multiple white matter lesions were the most common finding. Sixteen patients (46%) demonstrated impaired neurocognitive function, of which 10 (29%) had severe impairment. Twenty-six patients (74%) reported clinically significant fatigue. Patients with abnormalities on MRI had a lower Visuospatial Index (p=0.031) compared with the group with normal MRI findings.ConclusionsIn this group of patients selected to undergo MRI after a clinical evaluation, a majority of patients had abnormal MRI and/or neurocognitive test results. Abnormal findings were not restricted to patients with severe disease.
Opportunity to inform social needs within a hospital setting using data-driven patient engagement
Authors: Hahn-Goldberg Shoshana , Pariser Pauline , Schwenk Colton , Boozary Andrew 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundHigh-risk patients account for a disproportionate amount of healthcare use, necessitating the development of care delivery solutions aimed specifically at reducing this use. These interventions have largely been unsuccessful, perhaps due to a lack of attention to patients’ social needs and engagement of patients in developing solutions.MethodsThe project team used a combination of administrative data, information culled from charts and interviews with high-risk patients to understand social needs, the current experience of addressing social needs in the hospital, and patient preferences and identified opportunities for improvement. Interviews were conducted in March and April 2020, and patients were asked to reflect on their experiences both before and during the COVID-19 pandemic.ResultsA total of 4579 patients with 26 168 visits to the emergency department and 2904 inpatient admissions in the previous year were identified. Qualitative analysis resulted in three themes: (1) the interaction between social needs, demographics, and health; (2) the hospital’s role in addressing social needs; and (3) the impact of social needs on experiences of care. Themes related to experiences before and during COVID-19 did not differ. Three opportunities were identified: (1) training for staff related to stigma and trauma, (2) improved documentation of social needs and (3) creation of navigation programmes.DiscussionCertain demographic factors were clearly associated with an increased need for social support. Unfortunately, many factors identified by patients as mediating their need for such support were not consistently captured. Going forward, high-risk patients should be included in the development of quality improvement initiatives and programmes to address social needs.