bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Revisiting port sustainability as a foundation for the implementation of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs)
Authors: Alamoush Anas S. , Ballini Fabio , Ölçer Aykut I. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractPort sustainability studies are increasing rapidly and are skewed toward environmental aspects, while at the same time their results are fragmented, making it difficult to collectively assess conclusions. This study, therefore, aims at building a framework which categorises port actions, measures, and implementation schemes (policy tools to improve the uptake), utilising the critical literature review method. Additionally, linkage of port sustainability to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs) is highlighted. Port sustainability includes internal (port side) and external (ships and land transport) actions and measures. The study results form 16 homogeneous and interconnected sustainability categories, including a non-exhaustive list of operationalising measures, encompassing the three dimensions of sustainability (environment, economy and society) while implementation schemes are divided into four groups. Considering that ports are under scrutiny and perceiving growing pressure to improve their sustainable pathways, for example by addressing climate change and energy consumption, the identified ports’ sustainability actions and measures, including the linkage with the UN SDGs, are overarching and multidimensional and seen as a step in achieving far-reaching sustainable implementation. The study’s practical implications guide port policymakers and industry practitioners to go beyond the low hanging fruit (customary practices), and enable them to take reliable decisions for broader sustainability implementation. Additionally, the identified research implications stimulate further academic discussions.
Cancer follow-up supported by patient-reported outcomes in patients undergoing intended curative complex surgery for advanced cancer
Authors: Ravn Sissel , Thaysen Henriette Vind , Verwaal Victor Jilbert ,   HIPEC ePRO collaborative at Aarhus University Hospital, Soerensen Mette Møller , Funder Jonas , Mikkelsen Mette Shou , Christiansen Thora , Søgaard Charlotte , Seibæk Lene , Iversen Lene Hjerrild 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background and aim
Patient activation (PA) and Patient Involvement (PI) are considered elements in good survivorship. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a follow-up supported by electronic patient-reported outcomes (ePRO) on PA and PI.

Method
From February 2017 to January 2019, we conducted an explorative interventional study. We included 187 patients followed after intended curative complex surgery for advanced cancer at two different Departments at a University Hospital. Prior to each follow-up consultation, patients used the ePRO to screen themselves for clinical important symptoms, function and needs. The ePRO was graphically presented to the clinician during the follow-up, aiming to facilitate patient activation and involvement in each follow-up. PA was measured by the Patient Activation Measurement (PAM), while PI was measured by five indicator questions. PAM and PI data compared between (− ePRO) and interventional (+ ePRO) consultations. PAM data were analysed using a linear mixed effect regression model with intervention (yes/no) and time along with the interaction between them as categorical fixed effects. The analyses were further adjusted for time (days) since surgery.

Results
According to our data, ePRO supported consultations did not improve PA. The average mean difference in PAM score between + ePRO and − ePRO consultations were − 0.2 (95% confidence interval − 2.6; 2.2, p = 0.9). There was no statistically significant improvement in PAM scores over time in neither + ePRO nor − ePRO group (p = 0.5). Based on the five PI-indicator questions, the majority of all consultations were evaluated as “some, much or very much” involved in consultation; providing a wider scope of dialogue, encouraged patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns. Nevertheless, another few patients reported not to be involved at all in the consultations.

Conclusion
We did not demonstrate evidence for ePRO supported consultations to improve patient activation, and patient activation did not improve over time. Our results generate the hypotheses that factors related to ePRO supported consultation had the potential to support PI by offering a wider scope of dialogue, and encourage patients to ask questions and share their experiences and concerns during follow-up.
Tracing the journey of Thattai Bhatia community through their culinary identity
Authors: Rana Navreet Kaur 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe paper acknowledges the remarkable contribution of cookbooks which have always played an instrumental role in researching the history of any community. However, it brings to light the fact that there are several reasons like migration, small size of the community or the nomadic lifestyles when the culinary regime of the community could not be documented. In such cases, the everyday food choices of an ethnic community can lead us to tracing its origin and journey. The paper, thus, argues that in situations where there is paucity of literature documenting the culinary system or foodways, culinary identity of the community can become an effective method to trace the history of the community. The same is proved with the help of a case study of the Thattai Bhatia community. Thattai Bhatia is a small diaspora largely settled in the Persian Gulf, originally migrated from Rajasthan in India and later from Thatta in Sindh, Pakistan. The research reveals the reasons behind their distinct foodways such as abstinence from consuming liquor, meat, garlic and onion in particular, despite their intermingling with different ethnicities due to migration. The paper draws evidences from their regular foodways and traverses backwards to trace their origins, their history and the reasons that have shaped their contemporary food choices. With limited availability of literature, the author had to depend on the information provided during interviews by some of the community members about their food practices. All the findings are substantiated with references from the historical literature available.
Combination therapy of Allium cepa L. and Cucumis sativa L. extracts in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat model
Authors: Ighodaro O. M. , Adeosun A. M. , Ujomu T. S. , Durosinlorun O. O. , Okosa C. C. 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
Background
The study assessed the effects of aqueous extracts of Allium cepa, Cucumis sativa and their combined formulation (1:1) on changes in body weight, fasting blood glucose level (FBGL), pancreas morphology and serum lipid concentration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Forty-two male rats were randomly assigned to six groups: A, B, C, D, E, and F (n = 7). Except for the control animals (group A), diabetes mellitus was experimentally induced in other groups (B to F) via a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin. Thereafter, the diabetic control animals (group B) were left untreated and other diabetic groups were treated as follows: C (Allium cepa 10 mL/kg of body weight (mL/kg BW), D (Cucumis sativa 10 mL/kg BW), E (Allium cepa and Cucumis sativa 10 mL/kg BW), and F (Metformin 12 mg/kg BW). All treatments lasted for seven days and FBGL was monitored at two days intervals. The rats were then sacrificed, and blood samples were collected for serum lipid estimation.

Results
Treatments of diabetic rats with Allium cepa, Cucumis sativa and their combined formulation prevented significant (P < 0.05) loss in body weight which was evident in the diabetic control counterparts. Similarly, the various treatment options curtailed the hike in blood glucose induced by streptozotocin. The hypoglycemic effect of Allium cepa was particularly notable and comparable to that of Metformin. Serum high-density lipoprotein and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterols which were significantly altered in the diabetic control animals were restored to near normal following treatments with Cucumis sativa, and its combination with Allium cepa. These observations were substantiated by the outcome of the histopathological examination of the representative pancreases.

Conclusion
Allium cepa appears to be more effective in blood glucose homeostasis in the diabetic animals compared to Cucumis sativa and their combined formulation. Conversely, Cucumis sativa and its combination with Allium cepa had better effects on the physiological levels of serum cholesterols in the animals. Regular consumption of Allium cepa and Cucumis sativa may be helpful in controlling blood glucose and cholesterol levels in the diabetics.
The Gut Microbiome Modifies the Association Between a Mediterranean Diet and Diabetes in USA Hispanic/ Latino Population
Authors: Wang Dong D , Qi Qibin , Wang Zheng , Usyk Mykhaylo , Sotres-Alvarez Daniela , Mattei Josiemer , Tamez Martha , Gellman Marc D , Daviglus Martha , Hu Frank B , Stampfer Meir J , Huttenhower Curtis , Knight Rob , Burk Robert D , Kaplan Robert C 
Published: November 2021

AbstractContextThe interrelationships among the gut microbiome, the Mediterranean diet (MedDiet), and a clinical endpoint of diabetes is unknown.ObjectiveTo identify gut microbial features of a MedDiet and examine whether the association between MedDiet and diabetes varies across individuals with different gut microbial profiles.MethodsThis study included 543 diabetic, 805 prediabetic, and 394 normoglycemic participants from a cohort study of USA Hispanic/Latino men and women. Fecal samples were profiled using 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Adherence to MedDiet was evaluated by an index based on 2 24-hour dietary recalls.ResultsA greater MedDiet adherence was associated with higher abundances of major dietary fiber metabolizers (e.g., Faecalibacterium prausnitzii, false-discovery-rate–adjusted P [q] = 0.01), and lower abundances of biochemical specialists (e.g., Parabacteroides, q = 0.04). The gut microbiomes of participants with greater MedDiet adherence were enriched for functions involved in dietary fiber degradation but depleted for those related to sulfur reduction and lactose and galactose degradation. The associations between MedDiet adherence and diabetes prevalence were significantly stronger among participants with depleted abundance of Prevotella (pinteraction = 0.03 for diabetes, 0.02 for prediabetes/diabetes, and 0.02 for prediabetes). A 1-SD deviation increment in the MedDiet index was associated with 24% (odds ratio [OR] 0.76; 95% CI, 0.59-0.98) and 7% (OR 0.93; 95% CI, 0.72-1.20) lower odds of diabetes in Prevotella noncarriers and carriers, respectively.ConclusionAdherence to MedDiet is associated with diverse gut microorganisms and microbial functions. The inverse association between the MedDiet and diabetes prevalence varies significantly depending on gut microbial composition.
Assessment of Calf Skeletal Muscle in Male Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients With Different Courses Using T1ρ Mapping
Authors: Zhao Yufei , Guo Li , Jiang Yang , Wu Honghong , Dai Jingyue , Cui Ying , Mao Hui , Ju Shenghong , Wei Qiong , Peng Xin-Gui 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Context
The current clinical methods for detecting skeletal muscle complications of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) are invasive and insensitive. There is an urgent need for noninvasive assessment of skeletal muscle microstructure changes during the disease progression and treatment to assist the clinical management.

Objective
This work aimed to investigate the T2DM caused changes in the fast-twitch tibialis anterior (TA) and slow-twitch soleus (SOL) skeletal muscles using T1ρ magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

Methods
This cross-sectional study took place from December 2014 to December 2020 at Zhongda Hospital Southeast University. A total of 26 new-onset and 15 long-term T2DM patients were enrolled, with the addition of 20 young and 13 older healthy volunteers as age-matched controls. T1ρ relaxation times of SOL and TA muscles in different groups were measured. Parametric and nonparametric tests were used to analyze the relationship between the T1ρ values in SOL and TA muscles and the length of illness, level of fasting blood glucose, and status of homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR).

Results
T1ρ relaxation times of SOL and TA muscles both of new-onset and long-term T2DM patients were significantly higher than those of the young (P &lt; .01, P &lt; .05) and older healthy controls (P &lt; .05, P &lt; .01). Positive correlations were observed between the T1ρ relaxation times of the TA or SOL and the duration of T2DM (R2 = 0.420, R2 = 0.326), the level of fasting blood glucose (R2 = 0.253, R2 = 0.071) and HOMA-IR (R2 = 0.232, R2 = 0.414).

Conclusion
Quantitative MRI measurement of T1ρ provides a noninvasive tool to assess T2DM-induced changes in the skeletal muscles of T2DM patients.
Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Reduces Acute Kidney Injury After Cardiac Surgery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Long Yu-qin , Feng Xiao-mei , Shan Xi-sheng , Chen Qing-cai , Xia Zhengyuan , Ji Fu-hai , Liu Hong , Peng Ke 
Published: November 2021

BACKGROUND:
Results from previous studies evaluating the effects of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on morbidity and mortality after cardiac surgery are inconsistent. This meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) aims to determine whether RIPC improves cardiac and renal outcomes in adults undergoing cardiac surgery.

METHODS:
PubMed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were comprehensively searched to identify RCTs comparing RIPC with control in cardiac surgery. The coprimary outcomes were the incidence of postoperative myocardial infarction (MI) and the incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI). Meta-analyses were performed using a random-effect model. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to volatile only anesthesia versus propofol anesthesia with or without volatiles, high-risk patients versus non–high-risk patients, and Acute Kidney Injury Network (AKIN) or Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) criteria versus other criteria for AKI diagnosis.

RESULTS:
A total of 79 RCTs with 10,814 patients were included. While the incidence of postoperative MI did not differ between the RIPC and control groups (8.2% vs 9.7%; risk ratio [RR] = 0.87, 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.76–1.01, P = .07, I
2 = 0%), RIPC significantly reduced the incidence of postoperative AKI (22% vs 24.4%; RR = 0.86, 95% CI, 0.77–0.97, P = .01, I
2 = 34%). The subgroup analyses showed that RIPC was associated with a reduced incidence of MI in non–high-risk patients, and that RIPC was associated with a reduced incidence of AKI in volatile only anesthesia, in non–high-risk patients, and in the studies using AKIN or KDIGO criteria for AKI diagnosis.

CONCLUSIONS:
This meta-analysis demonstrates that RIPC reduces the incidence of AKI after cardiac surgery. This renoprotective effect of RIPC is mainly evident during volatile only anesthesia, in non–high-risk patients, and when AKIN or KDIGO criteria used for AKI diagnosis.
Development and validation of a modularized external fixator for generating standardized fracture healing micromotions in rats
Authors: Qi Weichen , Feng Xiaoreng , Zhang Teng , Wu Hao , Fang Christian , Leung Frankie 
Published: November 2021

Aims To fully verify the reliability and reproducibility of an experimental method in generating standardized micromotion for the rat femur fracture model. Methods A modularized experimental device has been developed that allows rat models to be used instead of large animal models, with the aim of reducing systematic errors and time and money constraints on grouping. The bench test was used to determine the difference between the measured and set values of the micromotion produced by this device under different simulated loading weights. The displacement of the fixator under different loading conditions was measured by compression tests, which was used to simulate the unexpected micromotion caused by the rat’s ambulation. In vivo preliminary experiments with a small sample size were used to test the feasibility and effectiveness of the whole experimental scheme and surgical scheme. Results The bench test showed that a weight loading < 500 g did not affect the operation of experimental device. The compression test demonstrated that the stiffness of the device was sufficient to keep the uncontrollable motion between fracture ends, resulting from the rat’s daily activities, within 1% strain. In vivo results on 15 rats prove that the device works reliably, without overburdening the experimental animals, and provides standardized micromotion reproductively at the fracture site according to the set parameters. Conclusion Our device was able to investigate the effect of micromotion parameters on fracture healing by generating standardized micromotion to small animal models. Cite this article: Bone Joint Res 2021;10(11):714–722.
High Q-factor terahertz metamaterial for superior refractive index sensing
Authors: Askari M. , Pakarzadeh H. , Shokrgozar F. 
Published: November 2021

Terahertz (THz) science and technology have received increasing demand in recent decades for sensing applications. Additionally, THz metamaterials have presented unique characteristics for sensing applications owing to their adjustable resonance frequency. In this paper, we propose a polarization independent metasurface structure serving as a refractive-index-based sensor at THz frequencies. The unit cell is composed of two perpendicularly intersecting metallic bars at the middle of which a cylindrical metallic element is placed. The structure represents a sharp resonance with a high Q-factor of 475 in the absorption profile, which, in some cases, can even reach values as high as 3052.75, revealing confinement of the profile in a narrow band around the resonance frequency of 1.75 THz. Furthermore, the highest values of sensitivity and the figure of merit turn out to be, respectively, 7000 nm/RIU and 19.44 1/RIU, both of which can even take higher values of 11500 nm/RIU and 89.15 1/RIU, respectively, in some special cases of structural dimensions. Finally, the sensor is successfully employed for detecting crystalline sugar molecules.
Exploring the effects of degraded vision on sensorimotor performance
Authors: Sheppard William E. A. , Dickerson Polly , Baraas Rigmor C. , Mon-Williams Mark , Barrett Brendan T. , Wilkie Richard M. , Coats Rachel O. 
Published: November 2021

Purpose
Many people experience unilateral degraded vision, usually owing to a developmental or age-related disorder. There are unresolved questions regarding the extent to which such unilateral visual deficits impact on sensorimotor performance; an important issue as sensorimotor limitations can constrain quality of life by restricting ‘activities of daily living’. Examination of the relationship between visual deficit and sensorimotor performance is essential for determining the functional implications of ophthalmic conditions. This study attempts to explore the effect of unilaterally degraded vision on sensorimotor performance.

Methods
In Experiment 1 we simulated visual deficits in 30 participants using unilateral and bilateral Bangerter filters to explore whether motor performance was affected in water pouring, peg placing, and aiming tasks. Experiment 2 (n = 74) tested the hypothesis that kinematic measures are associated with visuomotor deficits by measuring the impact of small visual sensitivity decrements created by monocular viewing on sensorimotor interactions with targets presented on a planar surface in aiming, tracking and steering tasks.

Results
In Experiment 1, the filters caused decreased task performance—confirming that unilateral (and bilateral) visual loss has functional implications. In Experiment 2, kinematic measures were affected by monocular viewing in two of three tasks requiring rapid online visual feedback (aiming and steering).

Conclusions
Unilateral visual loss has a measurable impact on sensorimotor performance. The benefits of binocular vision may be particularly important for some groups (e.g. older adults) where an inability to complete sensorimotor tasks may necessitate assisted living. There is an urgent need to develop rigorous kinematic approaches to the quantification of the functional impact of unilaterally degraded vision and of the benefits associated with treatments for unilateral ophthalmic conditions to enable informed decisions around treatment.
Are elevated plasma fibrinogen associated with lung function? An 8-year follow-up of the ELSA study
Authors: Adam Camila Thais , Schneider Ione Jayce Ceola , Vieira Danielle Soares Rocha , Schmidt Tauana Prestes , Wehrmeister Fernando Cesar , de Oliveira Cesar 
Published: November 2021

Background
Fibrinogen is an important biomarker of inflammation, but findings from longitudinal studies that correlated fibrinogen with lung function in older adults are inconsistent.

Aim
To investigate the relationship between fibrinogen plasma levels and lung function impairment later in life.

Methods
Longitudinal analysis of 2,150 participants of the English Longitudinal Study of Ageing (ELSA) aged 50 years and older. Associations between changes in plasma fibrinogen between waves 2 (2004–05) and 4 (2008–09) and lung function in wave 6 (2012–13) were performed using multiple linear regression adjusted by potential confounders.

Results
Regarding the fibrinogen profile, 18.5% of the participants presented higher levels in both waves. In the adjusted models, the maintenance of high fibrinogen levels was associated with a significant reduction of lung function only for men. FEV1 showed a reduction of 0.17L, FVC of 0.22L, and the percentages predicted were 5.16% for FEV1 and 6.21% for FVC compared to those that maintained normal levels of fibrinogen.

Discussion
To the best of our knowledge, this was the first study investigating the relationship between changes in fibrinogen levels over a long follow-up period and lung function in older adults without pre-existing chronic diseases. ELSA has information on critical demographic and clinical parameters, which allowed to adjust for potential confounding factors.

Conclusion
It was found that the persistence of high levels of plasma fibrinogen in older English men, but not women, is associated with lung function decline. Therefore, plasma fibrinogen showed to be an important biomarker of pulmonary dysfunction in this population.