bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Fractal analysis reveals functional unit of ventilation in the lung
Authors: Bayat Sam , Broche Ludovic , Dégrugilliers Loïc , Porra Liisa , Paiva Manuel , Verbanck Sylvia 
Published: October 2021

AbstractVentilation is inhomogeneous in the lungs across species. It has been hypothesized that ventilation inhomogeneity is largely determined by the design of the airway branching network. Because exchange of gases at the alveolar barrier is more efficient when gas concentrations are evenly distributed at subacinar length scales, it is assumed that a ‘functional unit’ of ventilation exists within the lung periphery, where gas concentration becomes uniform. On the other hand, because the morphology of pulmonary airways and alveoli, and the distribution of inhaled fluorescent particles show self‐similar fractal properties over a wide range of length scales, it has been predicted that fractal dimension of ventilation approaches unity within an internally homogeneous functional unit of ventilation. However, the existence of such a functional unit has never been demonstrated experimentally due to lack of in situ gas concentration measurements of sufficient spatial resolution in the periphery of a complex bifurcating network. Here, using energy‐subtractive synchrotron radiation tomography, we measured the distribution of an inert gas (Xe) in the in vivo rabbit lung during Xe wash‐in breathing manoeuvres. The effects of convective flow rate, diffusion and cardiac motion were also assessed. Fractal analysis of resulting gas concentration and tissue density maps revealed that fractal dimension was always smaller for Xe than for tissue density, and that only for the gas, a length scale existed where fractal dimension approached unity. The length scale where this occurred was seen to correspond to that of a rabbit acinus, the terminal structure comprising only alveolated airways.Key points
Gas ventilation is inhomogeneous in the lung of many species. However, it is not known down to what length scales this inhomogeneity persists.
It is generally assumed that ventilation becomes homogeneous at subacinar length scales, beyond the spatial resolution of commonly available imaging techniques, hence this has not been demonstrated experimentally.
Here we measured the distribution of inhaled Xe gas in the rabbit lung using synchrotron radiation energy‐subtractive imaging and used fractal analysis to show that ventilation becomes internally uniform within regions about the size of rabbit lung acini.
Thermocapillary Fingering of a Gravity-Driven Self-Rewetting Fluid Film Flowing Down a Vertical Slippery Wall
Authors: Ma Chicheng , Liu Jianlin 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
The surface tension of a self-rewetting fluid (SRF) has a nonmonotonic variation with the increase of temperature, implying potential applications in many industrial fields. In this paper, flow patterns and stability analysis are numerically performed for a gravity-driven self-rewetting fluid film flowing down a heated vertical plane with wall slip. Using the thin film theory, the evolution equation for the interfacial thickness is derived. The discussion is given considering two cases in the review of the temperature difference between the interfacial temperature and the temperature corresponding to the minimum surface tension. The base state of the two-dimensional flow is first obtained, and the influence of the Marangoni effect and slippery effect is analyzed. Then linear stability analysis and related numerical verification are displayed, showing good consistency with each other. For a low interfacial temperature, the Marangoni promotes the fingering instability, and for a high interfacial temperature, the inverse Marangoni impedes the surface instability. The wall slip is found to influence the free surface in a complex way because it can either destabilize or stabilize the flow of the free surface.
Conduct and reporting of formula milk trials: systematic review
Authors: Helfer Bartosz , Leonardi-Bee Jo , Mundell Alexandra , Parr Callum , Ierodiakonou Despo , Garcia-Larsen Vanessa , Kroeger Cynthia M , Dai Zhaoli , Man Amy , Jobson Jessica , Dewji Fatemah , Kunc Michelle , Bero Lisa , Boyle Robert J 
Published: October 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo systematically review the conduct and reporting of formula trials.DesignSystematic review.Data sourcesMedline, Embase, and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) were searched from 1 January 2006 to 31 December 2020.Review methodsIntervention trials comparing at least two formula products in children less than three years of age were included, but not trials of human breast milk or fortifiers of breast milk. Data were extracted in duplicate and primary outcome data were synthesised for meta-analysis with a random effects model weighted by the inverse variance method. Risk of bias was evaluated with Cochrane risk of bias version 2.0, and risk of undermining breastfeeding was evaluated according to published consensus guidance. Primary outcomes of the trials included in the systematic review were identified from clinical trial registries, protocols, or trial publications.Results22 201 titles were screened and 307 trials were identified that were published between 2006 and 2020, of which 73 (24%) trials in 13 197 children were prospectively registered. Another 111 unpublished but registered trials in 17 411 children were identified. Detailed analysis was undertaken for 125 trials (23 757 children) published since 2015. Seventeen (14%) of these recently published trials were conducted independently of formula companies, 26 (21%) were prospectively registered with a clear aim and primary outcome, and authors or sponsors shared prospective protocols for 11 (9%) trials. Risk of bias was low in five (4%) and high in 100 (80%) recently published trials, mainly because of inappropriate exclusions from analysis and selective reporting. For 68 recently published superiority trials, a pooled standardised mean difference of 0.51 (range −0.43 to 3.29) was calculated with an asymmetrical funnel plot (Egger’s test P<0.001), which reduced to 0.19 after correction for asymmetry. Primary outcomes were reported by authors as favourable in 86 (69%) trials, and 115 (92%) abstract conclusions were favourable. One of 38 (3%) trials in partially breastfed infants reported adequate support for breastfeeding and 14 of 87 (16%) trials in non-breastfed infants confirmed the decision not to breastfeed was firmly established before enrolment in the trial.ConclusionsThe results show that formula trials lack independence or transparency, and published outcomes are biased by selective reporting.Systematic review registrationPROSPERO 2018 CRD42018091928.
Effectiveness of hygiene kit distribution to reduce cholera transmission in Kasaï-Oriental, Democratic Republic of Congo, 2018: a prospective cohort study
Authors: D'Mello-Guyett Lauren , Cumming Oliver , Bonneville Sharla , D’hondt Rob , Mashako Maria , Nakoka Brunette , Gorski Alexandre , Verheyen Dorien , Van den Bergh Rafael , Welo Placide Okitayemba , Maes Peter , Checchi Francesco 
Published: October 2021

IntroductionHousehold contacts of cholera cases are at a greater risk ofVibrio choleraeinfection than the general population. There is currently no agreed standard of care for household contacts, despite their high risk of infection, in cholera response strategies. In 2018, hygiene kit distribution and health promotion was recommended by Médecins Sans Frontières for admitted patients and accompanying household members on admission to a cholera treatment unit in the Democratic Republic of Congo.MethodsTo investigate the effectiveness of the intervention and risk factors for cholera infection, we conducted a prospective cohort study and followed household contacts for 7 days after patient admission. Clinical surveillance among household contacts was based on self-reported symptoms of cholera and diarrhoea, and environmental surveillance through the collection and analysis of food and water samples.ResultsFrom 94 eligible households, 469 household contacts were enrolled and 444 completed follow-up. Multivariate analysis suggested evidence of a dose-response relationship with increased kit use associated with decreased relative risk of suspected cholera: household contacts in the high kit-use group had a 66% lower incidence of suspected cholera (adjusted risk ratio (aRR) 0.34, 95% CI 0.11 to 1.03, p=0.055), the mid-use group had a 53% lower incidence (aRR 0.47, 95% CI 0.17 to 1.29, p=1.44) and low-use group had 22% lower incidence (aRR 0.78, 95% CI 0.24 to 2.53, p=0.684), compared with household contacts without a kit. Drinking water contamination was significantly reduced among households in receipt of a kit. There was no significant effect on self-reported diarrhoea or food contamination.ConclusionThe integration of a hygiene kit intervention to case-households may be effective in reducing cholera transmission among household contacts and environmental contamination within the household. Further work is required to evaluate whether other proactive localised distribution among patients and case-households or to households surrounding cholera cases can be used in future cholera response programmes in emergency contexts.
Increasing emergency department attendances in central London with methamphetamine toxicity and associated harms
Authors: Harnett James T , Dargan Paul I , Dines Alison M , Archer John R H , Greene Shaun L , Hunter Laura J , Wood David M 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundMethamphetamine is a stimulant drug of abuse with increasing prevalence of use worldwide leading to public health concern. While previous research by our group a decade ago found no evidence of increasing harms associated with methamphetamine use in the UK, there are conflicting data on whether or not this is still the case. This paper aims to identify trends in methamphetamine-related harms and characterise the clinical features of ED presentations involving methamphetamine with gamma-hydroxybutyrate/gamma-butyrolactone (GHB/GBL).MethodsWe retrospectively interrogated a database of all toxicology-related presentations to two central London EDs, extracting data on drugs involved for presentations relating to methamphetamine between 2005 and 2018 to enable analysis of trends. Further clinical data were extracted for presentations between 2014 and 2018 to give a 4-year case series.ResultsA total of 1244 presentations involving the use of methamphetamine were identified. The number of presentations rose from 4 in 2005 (1.9% of all recreational drug presentations) to 294 (16.2%) in 2018. A total of 850 cases were identified for the 2014–2018 case series, 94.9% were male with a median (range) age of 35.1 (16–67) years. The most common clinical features in the methamphetamine presentations were neuropsychiatric: agitation (41.5%), anxiety (35.2%), hallucinations (16.5%) and psychosis (14.8%). GHB/GBL was co-used in 54.2% of presentations and appeared to attenuate the neuropsychiatric features seen. Use of GHB/GBL was associated with a higher Poisoning Severity Score and requirement for level 2/3 (high dependency unit/intensive care unit (ICU)) care.ConclusionED attendances in central London relating to methamphetamine use have risen over the last decade. Combining methamphetamine with GHB/GBL is common and is associated with a higher Poisoning Severity Score and need for ICU level care. Further work is required to establish whether further resources need to be directed at this clinical and public health problem.
Survival of the Fittest? The Scientific Basis for the Royal Navy Pre-Joining Fitness Test
Authors: Allsopp A J , Scarpello E G , Andrews S , Pethybridge R J 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Royal Navy introduced a pre-joining fitness test to the selection procedures for RN Ratings from Summer 2003. The scientific basis for the test came from the present study to investigate if anthropometric and physical fitness measures predicted training failure. Fitness and anthropometric data from 1641 trainees were collected, together with their training outcome (i.e. pass or fail), during the period from September 2001 to March 2002. In addition, a retrospective interrogation of medical records identified those who reported any lower limb injuries.The overall rate of training attrition was 22%. Success in training was associated with: gender; age; physical fitness; and, in the case of females, Body Mass Index (BM1). The reported incidence of lower limb injury (LLI) was associated with: gender; physical fitness; and, for female trainees, BMI. The reported incidence of LLI was approximately 50% in the ‘least-fit’ female group compared to 10% in the ‘most-fit’ male group. 16% of females and 2% of males were considered ‘unfit’ (i.e. did not attain the prescribed run standards of 13min 15s and llmin 13s respectively). 3% of trainees were considered ‘obese’ (a BMI >30 kg.m-2) whereas more than 25% were overweight (BMI > 25 kg.m-2).As a result of this work, selection candidates must now demonstrate a minimum standard of aerobic fitness prior to arrival at HMS Raleigh. The future impact of this selection measure on the reported incidence of lower limb injury and financial costs of training requires further investigation.
Immediate Life Support Training in an Operational Environment
Authors: Smith J E , Charlton K W , Piper N 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe Immediate Life Support (ILS) course is a 1 day programme designed by the Resuscitation Council (UK) to bridge the gap between Basic Life Support (BLS) and Advanced Life Support (ALS). During the build up to Operation TELIC, the aim was to provide ILS training to all staff who may be involved in the acute care of patients within PCRF ARGUS, and also to members of staff from other units who may be involved in similar situations. In total, 101 staff received ILS training during Op TELIC, all of whom were successful in completing the course.
Sleep duration and sleep difficulties as predictors of occupational injuries: a cohort study
Authors: Alhainen Maria , Härmä Mikko , Pentti Jaana , Ervasti Jenni M , Kivimäki Mika , Vahtera Jussi , Stenholm Sari 
Published: October 2021

Study objectivesTo examine the association between sleep duration and sleep difficulties with different types and causes of workplace and commuting injuries.MethodsThe data were derived from the Finnish Public Sector study including 89.543 participants (178.309 person-observations). Participants reported their sleep duration and sleep difficulties between 2000 and 2012. These were linked to occupational injury records from the national register maintained by the Federation of Accident Insurance Institutions. Risk of injuries was followed up 1 year after each study wave. Logistic regression analysis with generalised estimating equations (GEEs) was used to examine the association between sleep duration/difficulties and risk of injuries, and multinomial logistic regression with GEE was used to examine the association with injury types and causes.ResultsBoth sleep duration and difficulties were associated with injuries. Employees with short sleep (≤6.5 hours) had 1.07-fold odds of workplace injuries (95% CI 1.00 to 1.14) and 1.14 times higher odds of commuting injuries (95% CI 1.04 to 1.26) compared with employees with normal sleep duration. For employees with disturbed sleep, the corresponding ORs were 1.09-fold (95% CI 1.02 to 1.17) and 1.14-fold (95% CI 1.04 to 1.26) compared with those without sleep difficulties, respectively. The risk of commuting injuries was higher among those who had difficulty in falling asleep (OR 1.29, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.55), woke up too early (OR 1.11, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.23) or had non-restorative sleep (OR 1.18, 95% CI 1.05 to 1.33).ConclusionsShort sleep duration and sleep difficulties are associated with slightly increased risk of workplace and commuting injuries.
Metabolomic differences in lung function metrics: evidence from two cohorts
Authors: Kelly Rachel S. , Stewart Isobel D. , Bayne Haley , Kachroo Priyadarshini , Spiro Avron , Vokonas Pantel , Sparrow David , Weiss Scott T. , Knihtilä Hanna M. , Litonjua Augusto A. , Wareham Nicholas J. , Langenberg Claudia , Lasky-Su Jessica A. 
Published: October 2021

RationaleThe biochemical mechanisms underlying lung function are incompletely understood.ObjectivesTo identify and validate the plasma metabolome of lung function using two independent adult cohorts: discovery—the European Prospective Investigation into Cancer–Norfolk (EPIC-Norfolk, n=10 460) and validation—the VA Normative Aging Study (NAS) metabolomic cohort (n=437).MethodsWe ran linear regression models for 693 metabolites to identify associations with forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) and the ratio of FEV1to forced vital capacity (FEV1/FVC), in EPIC-Norfolk then validated significant findings in NAS. Significance in EPIC-Norfolk was denoted using an effective number of tests threshold of 95%; a metabolite was considered validated in NAS if the direction of effect was consistent and p<0.05.Measurements and main resultsOf 156 metabolites that associated with FEV1in EPIC-Norfolk after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, height, smoking and asthma status, 34 (21.8%) validated in NAS, including several metabolites involved in oxidative stress. When restricting the discovery sample to men only, a similar percentage, 18 of 79 significant metabolites (22.8%) were validated. A smaller number of metabolites were validated for FEV1/FVC, 6 of 65 (9.2%) when including all EPIC-Norfolk as the discovery population, and 2 of 34 (5.9%) when restricting to men. These metabolites were characterised by involvement in respiratory track secretants. Interestingly, no metabolites were validated for both FEV1and FEV1/FVC.ConclusionsThe validation of metabolites associated with respiratory function can help to better understand mechanisms of lung health and may assist the development of biomarkers.
Direct deposition of lead sulfide nano-optoelectronic films on polymer substrate
Authors: Xiong Shuxian , Li Wei , Yan Changzeng , Sun Rong 
Published: October 2021

Nanocrystals have exhibited unique optoelectronic properties and demonstrated a wide range of applications in light-emitting devices, semiconductor devices and solar cell devices. However, previous studies usually deposit nanocrystal films on traditional rigid substrates, limiting their applications in large-scale, direct-deposited flexible device fabrication processes, such as roll-to-roll printing process. Here, we report a direct deposition method for lead sulfide (PbS) nanocrystal films on flexible polymer substrates. By adding triethanolamine-coordinated Pb precursors to the reaction system to enhance the adhesion to the substrate and controlling the precursor ratios, we obtained high-quality flexible PbS films. The film is composed of octahedral PbS nanocrystals with preferred (111) orientation. The optical band gap of the nanocrystal films can be tuned from 1.32 eV to 1.60 eV by adjusting the ratio of the precursors, and an ideal band gap of 1.4 eV for single-junction solar cells was also obtained when Pb to S ratio reaches 1.4:1. More importantly, the flexible PbS films exhibit high charge carrier mobility of up to 25 cm2 V[Formula: see text] s[Formula: see text], which is comparable to that of PbS films grown on traditional rigid substrates (e.g. silicon wafers or glasses). To our knowledge, this mobility is also the highest for PbS fabricated directly on flexible substrates. Our study provides a new approach for the preparation of low-cost and roll-to-roll processable nanocrystal films for future flexible optoelectronic devices.
Predictors of COVID-19 Infection: A Prevalence Study of Hospitalized Patients
Authors: Tu Huilan , Zhao Hong , Su Junwei , Wu Wenrui , Xu Kaijin , Hu Jianhua , Zhang Xuan , Yang Meifang , Sheng Jifang 
Published: October 2021

Aim. To find the predictors of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in hospitalized patients. Methods. A prevalence study compared the characteristics of COVID-19 patients with non-COVID-19 patients from January 19, 2020, to February 18, 2020, during the COVID-19 outbreak. Laboratory test results and pulmonary chest imaging of confirmed COVID-19 and non-COVID-19 patients were collected by retrieving medical records in our center. Results. 96 COVID-19 patients and 122 non-COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study. COVID-19 patients were older (53 vs. 39;

P

< 0.001) and had higher body mass index (BMI) than non-COVID-19 group (24.21 ± 3.51 vs. 23.00 ± 3.27,

P

= 0.011); however, differences in gender were not observed between the two groups. Logistic regression analysis showed that exposure history (OR: 23.34,

P

< 0.001), rhinorrhea (odds radio (OR): 0.12,

P

= 0.006), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (OR: 1.03,

P

= 0.049), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (OR: 1.01,

P

= 0.020), lymphocyte (OR: 0.27,

P

= 0.007), and bilateral involvement on chest CT imaging (OR: 23.01,

P

< 0.001) were independent risk factors for COVID-19. Moreover, bilateral involvement on chest CT imaging (AUC = 0.904,

P

< 0.001) had significantly higher AUC than others in predicting COVID-19. Conclusions. Exposure history, elevated ALT and LDH, absence of rhinorrhea, lymphopenia, and bilateral involvement on chest CT imaging provide robust evidence for the diagnosis of COVID-19, especially in resource-limited conditions where nucleic acid detection is not readily available.
Ranitidine and Risk of Bladder and Kidney Cancer: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Nørgaard Mette , Andersen Ina Trolle , Heide-Jørgensen Uffe , Erichsen Rune , Rees Judy R. , Karagas Margaret R. , Sørensen Henrik Toft 
Published: October 2021

Abstract

Background:
In 2019, ranitidine was withdrawn due to high levels of N-nitrosodimethylamine, a probable human carcinogen. The risk of bladder and kidney cancer in ranitidine users, however, remains unclear.

Methods:
In a Danish nationwide cohort study, we included adults (18 years or older) without previous cancer, who between 1996 and 2008 redeemed at least two prescriptions for ranitidine and, as two separate comparison cohorts, patients with at least two prescriptions for other H2-receptor antagonists (H2-blockers), or proton pump inhibitors (PPI). Follow-up for bladder or kidney cancer started at date of the second prescription and continued to date of cancer, death, emigration, or December 31, 2018, whichever occurred first. We used propensity scores for ranitidine use to compute stabilized inverse probability of treatment (sIPT) weights and used Cox regression to compute crude and weighted HRs.

Results:
We identified 31,393 initiators of ranitidine, 65,384 initiating other H2-blockers, and 509,849 initiating PPI. Compared with other H2-blockers, the crude HR for bladder cancer was 1.33 [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.15–1.55], but sIPT weighting attenuated this to 1.11 (95% CI: 0.95–1.29). Compared with PPI initiators, the weighted HR was 1.24 (95% CI: 1.04–1.48). For kidney cancer, the weighted HR was 0.89 (95% CI: 0.72–1.10) compared with users of H2-blockers and 0.87 (95% CI: 0.67–1.13) compared with users of PPI.

Conclusions:
Our findings did not suggest a substantial increase in bladder or kidney cancer occurrence in ranitidine users.

Impact:
These findings are reassuring for previous ranitidine users.