bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Disparities among crop species in the evolution of growth rates: the role of distinct origins and domestication histories
Authors: Gómez‐Fernández Alicia , Osborne Colin P. , Rees Mark , Palomino Javier , Ingala Carlos , Gómez Guillermo , Milla Rubén 
Published: November 2021

Summary

Growth rates vary widely among plants with different strategies. For crops, evolution under predictable and high‐resource environments might favour rapid resource acquisition and growth, but whether this strategy has consistently evolved during domestication and improvement remains unclear.

Here we report a comprehensive study of the evolution of growth rates based on comparisons among wild, landrace, and improved accessions of 19 herbaceous crops grown under common conditions. We also examined the underlying growth components and the influence of crop origin and history on growth evolution.

Domestication and improvement did not affect growth consistently, that is growth rates increased or decreased or remained unchanged in different crops. Crops selected for fruits increased the physiological component of growth (net assimilation rate), whereas leaf and seed crops showed larger domestication effects on morphology (leaf mass ratio and specific leaf area). Moreover, climate and phylogeny contributed to explaining the effects of domestication and changes in growth.

Crop‐specific responses to domestication and improvement suggest that selection for high yield has not consistently changed growth rates. The trade‐offs between morpho‐physiological traits and the distinct origins and histories of crops accounted for the variability in growth changes. These findings have far‐reaching implications for our understanding of crop performance and adaptation.
Early pacemaker implantation for transcatheter aortic valve implantation is safe and effective
Authors: Patel Kush P , Lim Wei Yao , Pavithran Asha , Assadi Rangeena , Wan Daniel , Kennon Simon , Ozkor Mick , Earley Mark , Sporton Simon , Dhinoja Mehul , Hayward Carl , Muthumala Amal , Hunter Ross , Lowe Martin , Lambiase Pier , Segal Oliver , Mathur Anthony , Schilling Richard , Baumbach Andreas , Mullen Michael J , Chow Anthony WC 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundPermanent pacemaker (PPM) implantation is a common complication of transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI). The optimum timing of PPM implantation is still unclear as conduction abnormalities evolve and a balance needs to be struck between conservative delays in the hope of conduction recovery and overutilization of pacing. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of early PPM implantation, without an observation period, among TAVI patients.MethodsThis is a retrospective, observational study of 1398 TAVI patients. Clinical and pacing data were collected at baseline, 30 days and at a median of 15 (4–21) months post‐TAVI. Study endpoints included PPM‐related complications, pacing utilization and hospital length of stay.ResultsOne hundred five patients (8.2%) required a PPM, of which 13 were implanted pre and 92 post‐TAVI. Seventy‐six percent required pacing for either second‐ or third‐degree heart block. Time to implantation for post‐TAVI PPM was 1 (0–3) day. Six patients experienced a pacing‐related complication‐ lead displacement (n = 3), hematoma (n = 2), and device infection (n = 1). Pacing utilization defined as pacing >10% of the time or a pacing requirement at the time of the pacing check was demonstrated in 83% of patients. Multivariate analysis revealed complete heart block (CHB) was the only independent predictor of pacing utilization. Hospital length of stay for the post‐TAVI PPM group was longer than the group without PPM (4 [2–8] vs. 3 [2–4] days; p < .001).ConclusionsEarly PPM implantation in TAVI patients is safe and majority of patients require pacing in the short and mid‐term.
Future roots for future soils
Authors: Lynch Jonathan P. , Mooney Sacha J. , Strock Christopher F. , Schneider Hannah M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractMechanical impedance constrains root growth in most soils. Crop cultivation changed the impedance characteristics of native soils, through topsoil erosion, loss of organic matter, disruption of soil structure and loss of biopores. Increasing adoption of Conservation Agriculture in high‐input agroecosystems is returning cultivated soils to the soil impedance characteristics of native soils, but in the low‐input agroecosystems characteristic of developing nations, ongoing soil degradation is generating more challenging environments for root growth. We propose that root phenotypes have evolved to adapt to the altered impedance characteristics of cultivated soil during crop domestication. The diverging trajectories of soils under Conservation Agriculture and low‐input agroecosystems have implications for strategies to develop crops to meet global needs under climate change. We present several root ideotypes as breeding targets under the impedance regimes of both high‐input and low‐input agroecosystems, as well as a set of root phenotypes that should be useful in both scenarios. We argue that a ‘whole plant in whole soil’ perspective will be useful in guiding the development of future crops for future soils.
The assessment of cognitive impairment in maintenance hemodialysis patients and the relationship between cognitive impairment and depressive symptoms
Authors: Feng Jianan , Lu Xiangxue , Wang Shixiang , Li Han 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIntroductionCognitive impairment and depression are common mental health problems in chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients with maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Previous studies have proven that cognitive impairment and depression were risk factors for poor prognosis in MHD patients. However, the related factors of cognitive function and the association between cognitive impairment and depression in MHD patients are still unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the related factors affecting the cognitive function of MHD patients and evaluate the relationship between cognitive function and depression in MHD patients.MethodsThis single‐center, cross‐sectional study enrolled 160 MHD patients. Cognitive function and depressive symptoms were measured using Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) and Patient Health Questionnaire‐9 (PHQ‐9), respectively.ResultsCognitive impairment was detected in 58.1% of 160 MHD patients. Multivariate linear regression analysis showed that age, level of education and homocysteine (HCY) were independent influencing factors of MoCA scores and the scores of attention and abstract thinking were independently correlated with PHQ‐9 score after adjusting for confounding factorsConclusionsThese findings indicated that age, level of education and HCY were independently associated with cognitive function, and attention and abstract thinking could independently affect depressive symptoms in MHD patients.
Foreign direct investment and onshore employment dynamics: Evidence from German firms with affiliates in the Czech Republic
Authors: Koerner Konstantin , Moritz Michael , Schäffler Johannes 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn this paper, we revisit questions about the onshore employment effects of firms that conduct foreign direct investment (FDI) in countries with substantially lower average wages. Our results derive from the use of rich administrative records on the universe of employees in German multinational enterprises (MNEs) that were active in the Czech Republic in 2010. Compared with former studies, the unique data set in this study includes a much higher fraction of small‐ and medium‐sized firms and leads to strikingly different results for service MNEs. Applying coarsened exact matching for firms and an event‐study design, we show that the domestic employment growth of MNEs decreases relative to that of non‐MNEs and that the affected workers are those with low or medium educational attainment in the manufacturing sector and with medium or high educational attainment in the service sector. Regarding workers’ tasks, our results do not show that FDI affects routine jobs beyond a worker's skill level.
Development and evaluation of a community of practice to improve stem cell donor recruitment in Canada
Authors: Kum Elena , Jagelaviciute Gabriele , Chen Angela C. , Baharmand Iman , Rihani Samer , Rumball Gabriella , Patel Div , Kandel Rana , Okonofua Sylvia , Li Edward W. , Hrycyshyn Adriyan , Chan Sze Wah Samuel , Kumar Shamini Vijaya , Williams Kenneth , Prokosch Lillie , Ho Michelle , Park Brady , Fingrut Warren 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesCommunities of practice (CoPs) represent effective models to achieve quality outcomes in health care. We report the development and evaluation of a CoP to improve stem cell donor recruitment in Canada.Materials and MethodsIn September 2017, we invited national stakeholders in stem cell donor recruitment to participate in a Facebook group and regular e‐meetings. E‐meetings involved speakers and roundtable discussion on topics related to donor recruitment. The Facebook group facilitated sharing of resources. We evaluated stakeholder perspective of the CoP and the impact on recruitment outcomes.ResultsAs of December 2020, the CoP included 382 members who published 243 posts to the Facebook group about patient/donor stories (40%), resources (27%), updates/questions (21%) and recruitment outcomes (12%). In January 2020, we surveyed 44 CoP participants; the majority felt that the Facebook group (86%) and e‐meetings (59%) supported the community, and that the CoP fostered collaboration (82%), improved their donor recruitment knowledge (75%) and practice (77%) and improved their ability to recruit needed donors (64%). The launch of the CoP correlated with improved donor recruitment outcomes. In 2016–2017, CoP participants recruited 2918 registrants (46% male; 55.9% non‐Caucasian) compared to 4531 registrants in 2018–2019 (52.9% male; 62.7% non‐Caucasian). Members of the CoP developed innovative resources to support recruitment efforts and led national campaigns securing coverage in major media outlets.ConclusionWe describe the first CoP in stem cell donor recruitment to be formally evaluated. The CoP model may be adopted by donor recruitment organisations, registries and blood banks worldwide to improve recruitment outcomes.Highlights• A community of practice (CoP) in stem cell donor recruitment was valued by participants and supported efforts to improve recruitment outcomes.• The CoP model may be adopted by donor recruitment organizations, donor registries, and blood banks worldwide to improve recruitment outcomes.
Motivation, blood donor satisfaction and intention to return during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Weidmann Christian , Derstroff Marie , Klüter Harald , Oesterer Martin , Müller‐Steinhardt Michael 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackground and ObjectivesThis study aimed to describe motives as well as donation experiences and the intention to return for further donations of German whole blood donors who donated at the beginning of the COVID‐19 pandemic.Materials and MethodsTo describe motives and donor experiences, a retrospective survey was conducted among whole blood donors that had a donation appointment at the German Red Cross Blood Donation Service in the first 4 weeks of the pandemic. A donor questionnaire including 17 retrospective questions was sent to 7500 donors. Donor motivation and donor experiences were compared for different donor groups using chi‐square statistics. Finally, in an ordinal logistic regression model predictors for the intention to return were identified.ResultsMore than half of the participating donors (56.9%) wanted to contribute to the fight against the pandemic by donating blood. Most of the donors were satisfied with their last donation experience and felt safe during the blood donor appointment. However, some donors would have liked more information on how to deal with the pandemic (20.3%). Intention to return for further donations was strongly associated with overall satisfaction (OR: 1.67, CI: 1.47–1.90) and the feeling of being safe during blood donation (OR: 1.33, CI: 1.05–1.68).ConclusionDonor satisfaction with the last donation was high and the vast majority of donors felt very safe. However, those donors who felt unsafe expressed a low intention to return and blood donation services should therefore carefully monitor donor satisfaction.
Modeling of Frictional Stick-Slip of Contact Interfaces Considering Normal Fractal Contact
Authors: Zong Kai , Qin Zhaoye , Chu Fulei 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
In this paper, a new modeling approach is proposed to represent the tangential frictional stick-slip behaviors of contact interfaces in mechanical systems considering the surface fractal feature and normal loading conditions. Initially, surrogate asperities are defined to express the fractal feature of contact surface topography and the normal load of interface, and Jenkins elements are used to describe the tangential stick-slip motions between surrogate contact asperities. Then, a geometric series distribution principle of the normal loads at contact asperities is proposed to determine the yield forces of the Jenkins elements. The criterion for identifying the micro- and macro-slips of the contact interfaces is proposed, which are determined by the stick and slip conditions of the largest contact spot. An experimental setup for measuring the frictional stick-slip of contact interfaces is constructed, upon which tangential quasi-static experiments are conducted. Satisfactory agreements between the theoretical and experimental results indicate that the proposed modeling approach can perfectly predict the stick-slip behavior of contact interfaces. Finally, mechanical characteristics of the contact interfaces are investigated in detail by employing the validated modeling approach. Owing to the definite physical significance of the proposed modeling approach, the mechanism of the tangential stick-slip behavior of contact interfaces is partially demonstrated.
Differences in problem alcohol drinking by military service type among male professional military personnel in South Korea using Military Health Survey data
Authors: Park Jeongok , Jung Eunyoung , Bae Eunkyoung 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesAlcohol drinking prevalence in Korea is higher than in other countries and is associated with various social and health problems. Korean culture tends to be tolerant of alcohol drinking and to regard it as an important medium for maintaining good interpersonal relationships in one’s social life. Although alcohol drinking is a means of relieving stress, especially among soldiers, who engage in more binge drinking than civilians, there is lack of research focused on problem drinking among soldiers. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to explore the extent of problem drinking across all military services and to identify factors associated with problem drinking by military service type.DesignSecondary data analysis.SettingDataset of the Military Health Survey in 2015.ParticipantsAltogether, 2252 male professional military personnel were included in this study.Main outcome measureProblem drinking in this study was defined as at-risk drinking and alcohol abuse or dependence with an Alcohol Use Disorders Identification-Korean (AUDIT-K) score of 10 points or higher.ResultsThe average AUDIT-K score was 7.38±4.10 points. The prevalence of problem drinking was 16.4% for the Army, 34.5% for the Navy and 32.1% for the Air Force. Factors associated with problem drinking for each military service type were sleep satisfaction (OR 2.33, 95% CI 1.284 to 4.236) and family support (OR 0.66, 95% CI 0.487 to 0.904) in the Army, smoking status (OR 1.85, 95% CI 1.130 to 3.039) and sleep satisfaction (OR 2.29, 95% CI 1.142 to 4.574) in the Navy and marital status (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.382 to 0.951), smoking (past smokers and non-smokers OR 2.81, 95% CI 1.593 to 4.973, current smokers and non-smokers OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.114 to 2.544), subjective oral health (OR 1.83, 95% CI 1.011 to 3.297) and family support (OR 0.63, 95% CI 0.45 to 0.88) in the Air Force.ConclusionWhen implementing health projects to address drinking problems, it is necessary to ensure that service-type-specific factors are considered for integrated management.
Transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation combined with electroacupuncture for rapid recovery of patients after laparotomy for gastrointestinal surgery: a study protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors: Li Hao , Wen Qian , Lu Lingyun , Hu Hangqi , He Ying , Zhou Yaming , Wu Xiaoting , Li Ning 
Published: November 2021

IntroductionAbdominal surgery is associated with common complications, including decreased or poor appetite, abdominal distension, abdominal pain caused by decreased or absent gastrointestinal motility, anal arrest with flatus and defecation, and nausea and vomiting resulting from the use of anaesthetics and opioid analgesics. These complications seriously affect postoperative recovery, prolong hospital stay and aggravate patient burden. This study aims to investigate for the first time the efficacy of transcutaneous electrical acupoint stimulation (TEAS) combined with electroacupuncture (EA) therapy for rapid recovery after laparotomy for gastrointestinal surgery. There have been no clinical studies of this combination therapy.Methods and analysisThis will be a prospective, single-centre, three-arm, randomised controlled trial. A total of 480 patients undergoing abdominal surgery will be stratified according to surgery type (ie, gastric or colorectal procedure) and randomised into three groups; namely, the EA, TEAS +EA and control groups. The control group will receive enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS)-standardised perioperative management, including preoperative education, optimising the anaesthesia scheme, avoiding intraoperative hypothermia, restrictive fluid infusion and reducing surgical trauma. The EA group will receive EA stimulation at LI4, PC6, ST36, ST37 and ST39 based on the ERAS-standardised perioperative management. Moreover, the TEAS +EA group will receive ERAS-standardised perioperative management; EA stimulation at the LI4, PC6, ST36, ST37 and ST39; and TEAS stimulation at ST21 and SP15. The primary outcome will be the GI-2 (composite outcome of time to first defaecation and time to tolerance of a solid diet). Secondary outcomes will include the time of first passage of flatus, time to first defaecation, time to tolerance of a solid diet, time to first ambulation, hospital duration from operation to discharge, pain and nausea vomiting scores on the Visual Analogue Scale, medication use, incidence of postoperative complications and evaluation of treatment modality acceptability. All statistical analyses will be performed based on the intention-to-treat principle.Ethics and disseminationEthics approval has been granted by the Ethics Committee on Biomedical Research, West China Hospital of Sichuan University (approval number: 2021; number 52). The results are expected to be published in peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberChiCTR2100045646.
Integrating health services for HIV infection, diabetes and hypertension in sub-Saharan Africa: a cohort study
Authors: Birungi Josephine , Kivuyo Sokoine , Garrib Anupam , Mugenyi Levicatus , Mutungi Gerald , Namakoola Ivan , Mghamba Janneth , Ramaiya Kaushik , Wang Duolao , Maongezi Sarah , Musinguzi Joshua , Mugisha Kenneth , Etukoit Bernard M , Kakande Ayoub , Niessen Louis Wihelmus , Okebe Joseph , Shiri Tinevimbo , Meshack Shimwela , Lutale Janet , Gill Geoff , Sewankambo Nelson , Smith Peter G , Nyirenda Moffat J , Mfinanga Sayoki Godfrey , Jaffar Shabbar 
Published: November 2021

BackgroundHIV, diabetes and hypertension have a high disease burden in sub-Saharan Africa. Healthcare is organised in separate clinics, which may be inefficient. In a cohort study, we evaluated integrated management of these conditions from a single chronic care clinic.ObjectivesTo determined the feasibility and acceptability of integrated management of chronic conditions in terms of retention in care and clinical indicators.Design and settingProspective cohort study comprising patients attending 10 health facilities offering primary care in Dar es Salaam and Kampala.InterventionClinics within health facilities were set up to provide integrated care. Patients with either HIV, diabetes or hypertension had the same waiting areas, the same pharmacy, were seen by the same clinical staff, had similar provision of adherence counselling and tracking if they failed to attend appointments.Primary outcome measuresRetention in care, plasma viral load.FindingsBetween 5 August 2018 and 21 May 2019, 2640 patients were screened of whom 2273 (86%) were enrolled into integrated care (832 with HIV infection, 313 with diabetes, 546 with hypertension and 582 with multiple conditions). They were followed up to 30 January 2020. Overall, 1615 (71.1%)/2273 were female and 1689 (74.5%)/2266 had been in care for 6 months or more. The proportions of people retained in care were 686/832 (82.5%, 95% CI: 79.9% to 85.1%) among those with HIV infection, 266/313 (85.0%, 95% CI: 81.1% to 89.0%) among those with diabetes, 430/546 (78.8%, 95% CI: 75.4% to 82.3%) among those with hypertension and 529/582 (90.9%, 95% CI: 88.6 to 93.3) among those with multimorbidity. Among those with HIV infection, the proportion with plasma viral load <100 copies/mL was 423(88.5%)/478.ConclusionIntegrated management of chronic diseases is a feasible strategy for the control of HIV, diabetes and hypertension in Africa and needs evaluation in a comparative study.
Association between hip joint impingement and lumbar disc disease in elite rowers
Authors: Wedatilake Thamindu , Palmer Antony , Fernquest S , Redgrave Ann , Arnold Liz , Kluzek Stefan , McGregor Alison , Teh James , Newton Julia , Glyn-Jones Sion 
Published: November 2021

ObjectivesLumbar disc disease is a known cause of back pain. Increasingly it is thought that cam morphology of the hip may have a causal role in development of lumbar disc disease. The aim of this study was to describe the morphology of the hip and investigate the association of cam morphology with lumbar disc disease observed on MRI in elite rowers.MethodsCross-sectional observational study of 20 elite rowers (12 male, 8 female, mean age 24.45, SD 2.1). Assessment included clinical examination, questionnaires, 3T MRI scans of the hips and lumbar spine. Alpha angle of the hips and Pfirrmann score of lumbar discs were measured.Results85% of rowers had a cam morphology in at least one hip. Alpha angle was greatest at the 1 o’clock position ((bone 70.9 (SD 16.9), cartilage 71.4 (16.3)). 95% of the group were noted to have labral tears, but only 50% of the group had history of groin pain. 85% of rowers had at least one disc with a Pfirrmann score of 3 or more and 95% had a history of back pain. A positive correlation was observed between the alpha angle and radiological degenerative disc disease (correlation coefficient=3.13, p=0.012). A negative correlation was observed between hip joint internal rotation and radiological degenerative disc disease (correlation coefficient=−2.60, p=0.018).ConclusionsRowers have a high prevalence of labral tears, cam morphology and lumbar disc disease. There is a possible association between cam morphology and radiological lumbar degenerative disc disease, however, further investigation is required.