bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Healthcare providers’ perspectives on the relevance and utility of recommended sex trafficking indicators: A qualitative study
Authors: Pederson Anna C. , Gerassi Lara B. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAimsThe aims of this study were to (1) explore the barriers and challenges of sex trafficking identification and (2) understand how sex trafficking indicators are perceived (i.e. relevance and utility) by healthcare providers at five sites of a large sexual health care organization in a Midwestern state within the United States.DesignA qualitative, collective case study was conducted.MethodIn‐depth, semi‐structured interviews were conducted with 23 healthcare staff (e.g. medical assistants, nurse practitioners) who provided sexual and reproductive healthcare between fall 2018 and spring 2020.ResultsFindings suggest that providers perceived behavioural and verbal sex trafficking indicators (e.g. patients appearing nervous or being unable to answer questions) as relevant, particularly with a female patient accompanied by a ‘controlling’ male. Medical and physical indicators (e.g. repeat STIs, bruises and tattoos) were perceived as generally lacking clinical utility or irrelevant. Some indicators were only perceived as relevant when combined or only later, upon reflection (e.g. older, female adult accompanying one or more female patients).ConclusionHealthcare providers may be aware of sex trafficking indicators conducive to identifying female patients, in relationships with older men, who are at risk of sex trafficking. Our study finds that healthcare providers may not be aware of all recommended sex trafficking indicators and the nuances of how patients present.ImpactProvider trainings on sex trafficking dynamics and nuanced clinical presentations should include observing ST indicators in simulated interviews, assessing and safety planning (including using harm reduction strategies) with seemingly ambiguous cases. In addition, we recommend that trainings emphasize the relationship between the continuum of agency and victimization in sex trafficking and patient presentations.
The expression pattern, polymorphisms and association analyses of the porcine NREP gene
Authors: Knoll Aleš , Nesvadbová Michaela , Urban Tomáš 
Published: September 2021

AbstractNREP (neuronal regeneration related protein homolog) plays a role in the transformation of neural, muscle, and fibroblast cells and in smooth muscle myogenesis. The NREP gene was selected for detailed study as an expressional and functional candidate gene on the basis of data from the expression microarray, which detected the differences in gene expression between Czech Large White pigs and wild boars in the longissimus lumborum et thoracis and biceps femoris muscle tissues. Quantitative real‐time PCR results confirmed that porcine NREP was expressed in both skeletal muscles and significantly overexpressed in Czech Large White pigs compared with wild boars (14.5‐ and 11.6‐fold; p < .05). We identified 9 polymorphic sites in the genomic DNA of NREP. Six of these polymorphisms were in complete linkage disequilibrium, and therefore, only 4 loci were informative. The associations of the HF571253:g.103G>A, HF571253:g.134G>A, HF571253:g.179T>C and HF571253:g.402_409delT polymorphisms with backfat thickness, lean meat content and average daily gain were assessed in Czech Large White pigs. The GG genotypes HF571253:g.103G>A and HF571253:g.134G>A, the TT genotypes HF571253:g.179T>C and 67 HF571253:g.402_409delT genotypes had favourable effects on the studied traits. Our results indicate the possibility of utilizing the variability of the NREP gene in marker‐assisted selection in order to improve meat production in pigs.
Unveiling Inconsistency: Consensus and Contestation along the Council–Comitology Cycle of EU Policy‐Making
Authors: Fernández Pasarín Ana Mar , Font Nuria 
Published: September 2021

AbstractDo Member States behave inconsistently along the EU policy life cycle? Existing research has extensively examined patterns of conduct in the Council and in comitology. However, the question of whether national governments' behaviours differ along both stages of EU policy‐making is under‐explored. This article examines whether and under what conditions voting outcomes along the Council–comitology cycle differ. Based on a dataset combining voting records in the Council and in comitology, the study tests hypotheses derived from delegation theory and demonstrates that legislative contestation, changing legislative preferences, and stringent delegation procedures increase inconsistency. Moreover, it demonstrates that inconsistency increases when there is contestation in the Council and changes in national governments' preferences between the two votes increase. Ultimately, inconsistency is associated with the reversal of Council contestation in comitology.
A global alfalfa diversity panel reveals genomic selection signatures in Chinese varieties and genomic associations with root development
Authors: Chen Lin , He Fei , Long Ruicai , Zhang Fan , Li Mingna , Wang Zhen , Kang Junmei , Yang Qingchuan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractAlfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an important forage crop worldwide. However, little is known about the effects of breeding status and different geographical populations on alfalfa improvement. Here, we sequenced 220 alfalfa core germplasms and determined that Chinese alfalfa cultivars form an independent group, as evidenced by comparisons of FST values between different subgroups, suggesting that geographical origin plays an important role in group differentiation. By tracing the influence of geographical regions on the genetic diversity of alfalfa varieties in China, we identified 350 common candidate genetic regions and 548 genes under selection. We also defined 165 loci associated with 24 important traits from genome‐wide association studies. Of those, 17 genomic regions closely associated with a given phenotype were under selection, with the underlying haplotypes showing significant differences between subgroups of distinct geographical origins. Based on results from expression analysis and association mapping, we propose that 6‐phosphogluconolactonase (MsPGL) and a gene encoding a protein with NHL domains (MsNHL) are critical candidate genes for root growth. In conclusion, our results provide valuable information for alfalfa improvement via molecular breeding.
Decreased in‐hospital mortality rate following implementation of a comprehensive electronic medical record system
Authors: South Mike , Cheng Daryl , Andrew Lauren , Egan Nicholas , Carlin John 
Published: September 2021

AimTo evaluate changes in in‐hospital mortality rate following implementation of a comprehensive electronic medical record (EMR) system.MethodsBefore and after study of 355,709 hospital discharges, over an 8‐year period, at a paediatric teaching hospital. The major outcome measures were crude number of in‐hospital deaths, deaths per 1000 discharges, and standardised mortality ratio.ResultsPrimary analysis of data from 2 years before and 2 years after EMR go‐live showed a reduction in absolute mortality of 33 deaths, a reduction in the mortality rate of 0.48 per 1000 discharges (95% CI 0.09, 0.88 per 1000): and a relative 22% decrease (95% CI: 4%, 36%, P = 0.02) in deaths per 1000 discharges from 2.20 to 1.72. There was also a reduction in standardised mortality ratio of 47% (95% CI: 18%, 66%, P = 0.004). Post‐hoc analysis of mortality rates for an additional 2‐year pre‐intervention period indicated that these changes in the mortality rate were not part of a pre‐existing downward trend. Further analysis of an additional 20‐month post‐intervention period suggests that the reduced mortality rate has been sustained.ConclusionWe documented evidence of a clinically important decrease in in‐hospital mortality rate following the implementation of a modern comprehensive EMR system in an Australian paediatric teaching hospital. The study does not prove a causal relationship, and it is possible that other factors explain some, or all, of this difference, but no changes in the hospital population or other major interventions were identified as alternative explanations for this observed change.
Mechanism of action and the uses betaine in pig production
Authors: Fu Rong , Wang Qin , Kong Caihua , Liu Kena , Si Huaxin , Sui Shiyan 
Published: September 2021

AbstractBetaine, the trimethyl derivative of glycine, is a good methyl group donor, and an important component in pig production. However, betaine has not been extensively studied in this field. Therefore, in this study, we reviewed the effects of betaine in pig production performance, meat quality and reproductive performance, as well as its mechanisms, to provide a theoretical basis for the optimal use and development of this compound.
Magnetic resonance imaging–guided focused ultrasound thalamotomy for an essential tremor patient with a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator: A case report
Authors: Ito Hisashi , Aoki Sho , Odo Takashi , Fukutake Shigeru , Kishihara Jun , Yamamoto Kazuaki , Taira Takaomi , Yamaguchi Toshio 
Published: September 2021

AbstractWe report a 52 years‐old, right‐handed man with medication‐refractory essential tremor (ET). Because of ventricular fibrillation (Vf) due to coronary spasm, he had been treated with an MR‐conditional subcutaneous implantable cardioverter defibrillator (S‐ICD) and medications including amiodarone, nifedipine, and isosorbide nitrate. Amiodarone was discontinued as Vf was not observed for more than 2 years, and it induced thyrotoxicosis. Vf did not occur after the cessation of amiodarone. Moreover, he did not suffer from an angina attack after the administration of vasodilators. After receiving informed consent to stop S‐ICD during the procedure, we performed MRI‐guided focused ultrasound (MRgFUS) left ventral intermediate nucleus thalamotomy. The right‐hand tremor disappeared immediately, and we observed neither Vf nor S‐ICD‐related complications during the procedure. MRgFUS thalamotomy may be feasible as one of the therapeutic options for ET patients even with S‐ICD.
The genome sequence provides insights into salt tolerance of Achnatherum splendens (Gramineae), a constructive species of alkaline grassland
Authors: Ren Guangpeng , Jiang Yanyou , Li Ao , Yin Mou , Li Minjie , Mu Wenjie , Wu Ying , Liu Jianquan 
Published: September 2021

SummaryAchnatherum splendens Trin. (Gramineae) is a constructive species of the arid grassland ecosystem in Northwest China and is a major forage grass. It has good tolerance of salt and drought stress in alkaline habitats. Here, we report its chromosome‐level genome, determined through a combination of Illumina HiSeq sequencing, PacBio sequencing and Hi‐C technology. The final assembly of the ~1.17 Gb genome sequence had a super‐scaffold N50 of 40.3 Mb. A total of 57 374 protein‐coding genes were annotated, of which 54 426 (94.5%) genes have functional protein annotations. Approximately 735 Mb (62.37%) of the assembly were identified as repetitive elements, and among these, LTRs (40.53%) constitute the highest proportion, having made a major contribution to the expansion of genome size in A. splendens. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that A. splendens diverged from the Brachypodium distachyon–Hordeum vulgare–Aegilops tauschii subclade around 37 million years ago (Ma) and that a clade comprising these four species diverged from the Phyllostachys edulis clade ~47 Ma. Genomic synteny indicates that A. splendens underwent an additional species‐specific whole‐genome duplication (WGD) 18–20 Ma, which further promoted an increase in copies of numerous saline–alkali‐related gene families in the A. splendens genome. By transcriptomic analysis, we further found that many of these duplicated genes from this extra WGD exhibited distinct functional divergence in response to salt stress. This WGD, therefore, contributed to the strong resistance to salt stress and widespread arid adaptation of A. splendens.
Effect of body condition score on the testicular biometrical measures, semen characteristics and testosterone level in jackass
Authors: Masoud Shimaa R. , Kishta Afaf A. , Kandil Omaima M. , Fathalla Said I. , Shawky Sherif M. , Abdoon Ahmed Sabry S. 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThis study was undertaken to evaluate the effect of body condition score (BCS) on testicle and epididymis biometrics, semen characteristics and testosterone level in Egyptian Jack. This study was conducted on 50 mature Jacks divided according to their body condition score into four groups: Poor (G1), moderate (G2), good (G3) and fat (G4). The complete testis was collected immediately after execution in the Giza Zoo abattoir; then, the epididymis was carefully dissected at the testicular junction. Biometrical measures including length, weight and volume were determined for the right and left testis and epididymis. Also, epididymal sperm was collected from all examined animas and evaluated for sperm concentration, progressive motility, viability and sperm abnormalities. Serum samples were collected for determination of total testosterone level. Results showed that the body condition score of the examined animal affects their biometrical measure of testicles and epididymis. There is a significant decrease (p < .05) in biometrical measures for the testicles and epididymis, sperm concentration, motility, viability and testosterone level in poor BCS animals (G1). The highest values were recorded in Good BCS (G3) Jacks. Conclusion: Jacks with good BCS (G3) should be selected for breeding activity in donkey.
Psychological factors and performance in women’s football: A systematic review
Authors: Pettersen Susann Dahl , Adolfsen Frode , Martinussen Monica 
Published: September 2021

The amount of research conducted on female football players, compared to male players, is sparce. Even though research on female football players has increased the past decade, there is still a lack of studies of how psychological factors affect their performance. The objective of the current systematic review was therefore to summarize existing quantitative research into the relationship between psychological factors and performance in women's football. Literature was sourced from MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and PsychInfo. Two independent reviewers applied the selection criteria and assessed the quality of the studies. A total of 14 studies met the inclusion criteria. The total number of participants was 1449, and 15 psychological factors were examined in relation to football performance. The results revealed a tendency for higher leveled players to score higher on psychological factors like mental toughness, conscientiousness, and executive functions. They also had lower levels of anxiety. Enjoyment and a perceived mastery climate were related to increased levels of performance and perceived competence. Mood was unrelated to performance. Limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Relationship between the prevalence of Dibothriocephalus latus (Cestoda: Diphyllobothriidea) and the load of Escherichia coli: New findings in a neglected fish‐borne parasitic zoonosis
Authors: Menconi Vasco , Zoppi Simona , Pastorino Paolo , Di Blasio Alessia , Tedeschi Roberta , Pizzul Elisabetta , Mugetti Davide , Tomasoni Mattia , Dondo Alessandro , Prearo Marino 
Published: September 2021

AbstractThe sub‐Alpine lakes of Switzerland, Italy and France have long been reported as an endemic area of diphyllobothriosis, a parasitic zoonosis caused by Dibothriocephalus latus. With this study, we explored the hypothesis for a relationship between the prevalence of D. latus in Perca fluviatilis and the Escherichia coli load in lake water. To do this, we identified eleven sampling sites in three areas (north, centre and south) of Lake Iseo (north Italy) to determine E. coli load and the prevalence of D. latus in P. fluviatilis. Prevalence and 95% confidence interval (CI) of D. latus infestation ranged from 0% (95% CI: 0.71–0.0) in Sarnico (southern area) to 20% (95% CI: 33.0–11.2) in Pisogne (northern area). There were significant differences in prevalence between the sites (χ2 = 31.12; p‐value = .0006) and in E. coli load (Kruskal–Wallis test; p‐value = .0005). There was decreasing gradient of E. coli load and prevalence of D. latus infestation from north to south. A significant positive correlation (r = .881; p‐value = .003) was found between E. coli load and prevalence of D. latus. Also, linear regression showed a significant relationship between E. coli load and prevalence of infestation (R2 = .775). Our findings offer an explanation for the link between E. coli load in water and D. latus prevalence. The potential factors in this link are the efficiency of the local wastewater treatment plant, the bathymetric profile of the lake and the life cycle of D. latus, which is mainly affected by light and water temperature.
Selection pressure at altitude for genes related to alcohol metabolism: A role for endogenous enteric ethanol synthesis?
Authors: Sturgess Connie , Montgomery Hugh 
Published: September 2021

New Findings

What is the topic of this review?
Highland natives have undergone natural selection for genetic variants advantageous in adaptation to the hypobaric hypoxia experienced at high altitude. Why genes related to alcohol metabolism appear consistently selected for has not been greatly considered. We hypothesize that altitude‐related changes in the gut microbiome offer one possible explanation.

What advances does it highlight?
Low intestinal oxygen tension might favour the production of ethanol through anaerobic fermentation by the gut microbiome. Subsequent increases in endogenous ethanol absorption could therefore provide a selection pressure for gene variants favouring its increased degradation, or perhaps reduced degradation if endogenously synthesized ethanol acts as a metabolic signalling molecule.

AbstractReduced tissue availability of oxygen results from ascent to high altitude, where atmospheric pressure, and thus the partial pressure of inspired oxygen, fall (hypobaric hypoxia). In humans, adaptation to such hypoxia is necessary for survival. These functional changes remain incompletely characterized, although metabolic adaptation (rather than simple increases in convective oxygen delivery) appears to play a fundamental role. Those populations that have remained native to high altitude have undergone natural selection for genetic variants associated with advantageous phenotypic traits. Interestingly, a consistent genetic signal has implicated alcohol metabolism in the human adaptive response to hypobaric hypoxia. The reasons for this remain unclear. One possibility is that increased alcohol synthesis occurs through fermentation by gut bacteria in response to enteric hypoxia. There is growing evidence that anaerobes capable of producing ethanol become increasingly prevalent with high‐altitude exposure. We hypothesize that: (1) ascent to high altitude renders the gut luminal environment increasingly hypoxic, favouring (2) an increase in the population of enteric fermenting anaerobes, hence (3) the synthesis of alcohol which, through systemic absorption, leads to (4) selection pressure on genes relating to alcohol metabolism. In theory, alcohol could be viewed as a toxic product, leading to selection of gene variants favouring its metabolism. On the contrary, alcohol is a metabolic substrate that might be beneficial. This mechanism could also account for some of the interindividual differences of lowlanders in acclimatization to altitude. Future research should be aimed at determining any shifts to favour ethanol‐producing anaerobes after ascent to altitude.
Exploring the Relationship Between Sleep Quality, Sleep Hygiene, and Psychological Distress in a Sample of Canadian Varsity Athletes
Authors: Murphy Jessica , Gladney Christopher , Sullivan Philip 
Published: September 2021

Student athletes balance academic, social, and athletic demands, often leading to increased levels of stress and poor sleep. This study explores the relationship between sleep quality, sleep hygiene, and psychological distress in a sample of student athletes. Ninety-four student athletes completed the six-item Kessler Psychological Distress Scale (K6), Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale, and four components from the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. Age, gender, and sport were also collected. The Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index revealed that 44.7% of student athletes received ≥6.5 hr of sleep each night; 31% of athletes showed signs of severe mental illness according to the K6. Stepwise regression predicted K6 scores with the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index and the Sleep Hygiene Practice Scale scores as independent variables. A significant model accounting for 26% of the variation in K6 scores emerged; sleep schedule and sleep disturbances were significant predictors. Athletic staff should highlight the importance of sleep for mental health; suggestions on how to help athletes are provided.
Impact of personal protective equipment on neonatal resuscitation procedures: a randomised, cross-over, simulation study
Authors: Cavallin Francesco , Lupi Fiorenzo , Bua Benedetta , Bellutti Marion , Staffler Alex , Trevisanuto Daniele 
Published: September 2021

Background and objectiveHealthcare providers should use personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing aerosol-generating medical procedures during highly infectious respiratory pandemics. We aimed to compare the timing of neonatal resuscitation procedures in a manikin model with or without PPE for prevention of SARS-COVID-19 transmission.MethodsA randomised controlled cross-over (AB/BA) trial of resuscitation with or without PPE in a neonatal resuscitation scenario. Forty-eight participants were divided in 12 consultant–nurse teams and 12 resident–nurse teams. The primary outcome measure was the time of positive pressure ventilation (PPV) initiation. The secondary outcome measures were duration of tracheal intubation procedure, time of initiation of chest compressions, correct use of PPE and discomfort/limitations using PPE.ResultsThere were significant differences in timing of PPV initiation (consultant–nurse teams: mean difference (MD) 6.0 s, 95% CI 1.1 to 10.9 s; resident–nurse teams: MD 11.0 s, 95% CI 1.9 to 20.0 s), duration of tracheal intubation (consultant–nurse teams: MD 22.0 s, 95% CI 7.0 to 36.9 s; resident–nurse teams: MD 9.1 s, 95% CI 0.1 to 18.1 s) and chest compressions (consultant–nurse teams: MD 32.3 s, 95% CI 14.4 to 50.1 s; resident–nurse teams: MD 9.1 s, 95% CI 0.1 to 18.1 s). Twelve participants completed the dressing after entering the delivery room. PPE was associated with visual limitations (43/48 participants), discomfort in movements (42/48), limitations in communication (32/48) and thermal discomfort (29/48).ConclusionsIn a manikin model, using PPE delayed neonatal resuscitation procedures with potential clinical impact. Healthcare workers reported limitations and discomfort when wearing PPE.Trial registration numberNCT04666233.