bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The associations between physical activity intensity, cardiorespiratory fitness, and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Kerr Catherine J. , Waterworth Sally P. , Brodie David , Sandercock Gavin R. H. , Ingle Lee 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackground and AimHigh levels of physical activity and cardiorespiratory fitness may protect against non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. We investigated whether different physical activity intensities and cardiorespiratory fitness were independent predictors of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease.MethodsWe included healthy adults with no prior diagnosis of liver dysfunction. Non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence was estimated based on fatty liver index scores. We created tertiles of self‐reported low, moderate, and vigorous physical activity. Participants completed an incremental treadmill test to estimate cardiorespiratory fitness, and data were subsequently separated into quintile groups (Q1 [least fit] through Q5 [most fit]).ResultsNon‐alcoholic fatty liver disease prevalence in our sample of 7111 adults was 28.3% in male adults and 6.5% in female adults. Logistic regression showed the relative odds of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease were 42% lower if > 60 min/week of vigorous physical activity was maintained (odds ratio [OR] = 0.58, confidence interval [CI]: 0.49–0.68). There was a negative dose–response association between cardiorespiratory fitness and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease between Q1 and Q4. Compared with Q1, odds were 39% (OR = 0.61, CI: 0.51–0.73) lower in Q2, through to 51% lower in Q5 (OR = 0.49, CI: 0.41–0.60). Moderate physical activity did not reduce the odds of non‐alcoholic liver disease.ConclusionsWe found the lowest prevalence of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease in adults achieving > 60 min/week of vigorous physical activity. However, a stronger dose–response relationship existed between cardiorespiratory fitness and non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease. Improving cardiorespiratory fitness as a potential therapeutic target for treatment and prevention of non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease warrants further investigation.
The pentatricopeptide repeat protein EMB1270 interacts with CFM2 to splice specific group II introns in Arabidopsis chloroplasts
Authors: Zhang Li , Chen Jingli , Zhang Liqun , Wei Ying , Li Yajuan , Xu Xinyun , Wu Hui , Yang Zhong‐Nan , Huang Jirong , Hu Fenhong , Huang Weihua , Cui Yong‐Lan 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTChloroplast biogenesis requires the coordinated expression of chloroplast and nuclear genes. Here, we show that EMB1270, a plastid‐localized pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) protein, is required for chloroplast biogenesis in Arabidopsis thaliana. Knockout of EMB1270 led to embryo arrest, whereas a mild knockdown mutant of EMB1270 displayed a virescent phenotype. Almost no photosynthetic proteins accumulated in the albino emb1270 knockout mutant. By contrast, in the emb1270 knockdown mutant, the levels of ClpP1 and photosystem I (PSI) subunits were significantly reduced, whereas the levels of photosystem II (PSII) subunits were normal. Furthermore, the splicing efficiencies of the clpP1.2, ycf3.1, ndhA, and ndhB plastid introns were dramatically reduced in both emb1270 mutants. RNA immunoprecipitation revealed that EMB1270 associated with these introns in vivo. In an RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay (REMSA), a truncated EMB1270 protein containing the 11 N‐terminal PPR motifs bound to the predicted sequences of the clpP1.2, ycf3.1, and ndhA introns. In addition, EMB1270 specifically interacted with CRM Family Member 2 (CFM2). Given that CFM2 is known to be required for splicing the same plastid RNAs, our results suggest that EMB1270 associates with CFM2 to facilitate the splicing of specific group II introns in Arabidopsis.
Examining Engagement With Public Health in the Implementation of School‐Based Health Initiatives: Findings From the COMPASS Study
Authors: Vermeer Julianne , Battista Kate , Leatherdale Scott T. 
Published: August 2021

ABSTRACTBACKGROUNDAdolescence coincides with the adoption of health behaviors that schools are not necessarily equipped to properly address. Collaboration between schools and external health services such as public health could fill gaps in addressing student health.METHODSThe current study uses student‐ and school‐level survey data from 59 nonprivate secondary schools in Ontario, Canada in year 6 (2017–2018) of the COMPASS study to examine barriers to improving student health, and analyze the effect of public health engagement on student health behaviors.RESULTSThe majority of schools have received resources from their local public health unit, however, less than one third of schools were developing/implementing programs jointly, and 12% of schools reported no engagement. Students had higher odds of better overall mental health, of meeting screen time guidelines, and were less likely to bully others if public health units solved issues together with schools regarding these health behaviors.CONCLUSIONSThere is a notable lack of consistent public health engagement in schools participating in the COMPASS study despite a need for such services. Creating mechanisms to develop and strengthen effective partnerships between schools and external service providers such as public health might alleviate some barriers to implementing health interventions in Ontario secondary schools.
Pharmacokinetics of furosemide in goats following intravenous, intramuscular, and subcutaneous administrations
Authors: Cetin Gul , Corum Orhan , Durna Corum Duygu , Atik Orkun , Turk Erdinc , Tekeli Ibrahim Ozan , Uney Kamil 
Published: August 2021

AbstractFurosemide, a loop diuretic drug, is recommended for use in cases of edema, ascites, congestive heart failure, toxicosis, and acute renal failure in goats. However, its pharmacokinetics and bioavailability have not been reported yet in this species. The aim of this study was to determine the pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of furosemide in goats following intravenous (IV), intramuscular (IM), and subcutaneous (SC) administrations at a dose of 2.5 mg/kg. Six clinically healthy goats received furosemide by each route in a three‐way crossover pharmacokinetic design with a 15‐day washout period between administrations. The plasma concentrations of furosemide were determined using the high‐performance liquid chromatography‐UV method and analyzed by non‐compartmental analysis. The elimination half‐life following IV, IM, and SC administration was 0.71 (0.67–0.76) h, 0.69 (0.61–0.74) h, and 0.70 (0.67–0.79) h, respectively. The volume of distribution at steady state and total clearance for the IV route were 0.17 (0.16–0.19) L/kg and 0.30 (0.27–0.33) L/h/kg, respectively. The peak plasma concentrations of furosemide following IM and SC administrations were 11.19 (10.33–11.95) and 6.49 (5.92–7.00) μg/ml at 0.23 (0.16–0.25) and 0.39 (0.33–0.42) h, respectively. The bioavailability was 109.84 (104.92–116.99)% and 70.80 (55.77–86.67)% for the IM and SC routes, respectively. The pharmacokinetics of furosemide following the IV, IM, and SC administrations in goats demonstrated significant differences, which may have clinical and toxicological implications requiring further investigations.
Determination of minimum horizontal curve radius for safe stopping sight distance of vehicles overpassing truck platoons
Authors: Garcia Alfredo , Pastor‐Serrano Daniel 
Published: August 2021

AbstractIn the last few years, the importance of trucks on inland cargo transportation has not stopped increasing. Meanwhile, truck platooning is emerging, along with automated driving, to reduce costs using new technologies. In this context, this research aims to provide a first study on the effects of truck platoons on freeways’ road safety, focusing on the reduction of visibility caused by truck platoons with shorter gaps on horizontal curves. This safety issue will also affect motorways and multilane roads. A geometric model has been developed and computed, which provides the available sight distances and the stopping sight distance (SSD) for a vehicle overpassing a platoon in a circular curve without transition curves. There are many variables, such as radius, lane width, vehicle and truck platoon parameters, and relative position. The overpassing vehicle has been included in the model for both human‐driven and automated, considering the adaptive cruise control radar cone of visibility. The main result of this study is the minimum curve radius in order to allow a safe SSD, considering different design criteria. Moreover, depending on the level of automation of the vehicle, this minimum radius will be different, being higher for automated vehicles. Results prove the importance of the studied phenomenon and the necessity to implement further countermeasures. Additionally, a case study where the effects of truck platooning on the visibility of a real motorway stretch are evaluated.
Ambulating, digital and isolated: The case of Swedish labour inspectors
Authors: Håkansta Carin 
Published: August 2021

AbstractThe focus of this paper is the impact of digitalisation on a public sector organisation: the Swedish Work Environment Agency. Building on internal documents and interviews with labour inspectors and managers, it shows that ICT‐enabled temporal and spatial flexibility increased the social isolation among the inspectors and that standardising technology negatively affected their work practice discretion. The interviewed inspectors considered these problems a managerial responsibility to solve. Management, in contrast, considered isolation a passing phenomenon and judged standardisation and replicability through ICT more important than inspectors’ discretion. This study illustrates how new technology in an organisation, although considered necessary, raises questions about how to maintain communities of practice and how to avoid negative effects on the discretion of street‐level agents. It contributes to theory by introducing the concepts of Communities of Practice and street‐level bureaucracy into the discussion of isolation by digitalisation.
Automatability of Work and Preferences for Redistribution*
Authors: van Hoorn AndrÉ 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAlthough the importance of technological change for increasing prosperity is undisputed and economists typically deem it unlikely that labour‐saving technology causes long‐term employment or income losses, people’s anxiety about automation and its distributive consequences can be an important shaper of economic and social policies. This paper considers the political economy of automation, proposing that individuals in occupations more at risk of job loss due to automation have stronger preferences for government redistribution. I analyse individual‐level cross‐national data from the European Social Survey and other sources, covering up to 32 countries and more than 170,000 individuals. I find a robust positive association between occupational automation risk and preferences for redistribution. As long as the conditional (mean) independence assumption is satisfied, my estimates suggest that a one standard deviation increase in automatability increases preferences for redistribution with roughly 0.05 standard deviations, which is comparable to the difference in preferences for redistribution between women and men.
Assessing acute functional decline in older patients in home nursing care settings using the Modified Early Warning Score: A qualitative study of nurses’ and general practitioners’ experiences
Authors: Jeppestøl Kristin , Kirkevold Marit , Bragstad Line K. 
Published: August 2021

AbstractAims and objectivesThe study describes experiences of registered nurses and general practitioners when using the Modified Early Warning Score (MEWS) to assess acute functional decline in older home nursing care patients.BackgroundAcute functional decline is common among older home nursing care patients; typically characterised by nonspecific symptoms and a mix of manifestations. Early warning score systems for detecting clinical deterioration have been thoroughly evaluated in hospital settings, but few studies have evaluated these systems used with older people in a community care setting.MethodsA descriptive exploratory research design and a qualitative approach. 36 nurses and eight general practitioners were purposively sampled. Data were collected in seven mixed focus groups and analysed using an inductive thematic content analysis in an iterative process that moved between text, codes, categories and themes. The COREQ checklist was used.ResultsTwo main themes were developed in the analysis. The first theme derived, was that the MEWS along with medical‐technical equipment and clinical judgement, was used to support nurses’ and general practitioners’ clinical decisions in assessing older deteriorating patients. The second theme referred to nurses’ and general practitioners’ experiences with several adjustments when using the MEWS with the older patient group and in complying with its trigger recommendations.ConclusionThe use of the MEWS when assessing older patients in home nursing care is potentially useful in supporting clinical reasoning. However, the tool's usefulness is limited because it is not experienced as sufficiently adapted to neither the home nursing care services nor to older patients.Implications for practiceThis study increases our knowledge of how the MEWS tool is used in a community care setting and highlights the importance of adjustment of assessment procedures for older persons with acute functional decline.
Retinal image size in pseudophakia
Authors: Atchison David A , Rozema Jos J 
Published: August 2021

AbstractPurposeApproaches are developed to determine relative retinal magnifications in anisometropic patients undergoing cataract surgery; these can be used to balance between full spectacle corrections with equal intraocular lens (IOL) powers and a pure IOL power correction.MethodsThe analysis started from the original and pseudophakic Navarro eye models, where in the latter case an IOL replaced the natural lens. A third model was a simplified Navarro‐IOL model with a single surface cornea and a thin lens. These models were manipulated by altering vitreous length, corneal power and lens position. Retinal image sizes were determined for both full IOL corrections and full spectacle corrections by raytracing and approximate equations. Relative magnification (RM) was determined as the ratio of retinal image size of an eye to that of the appropriate standard eye.ResultsFor raytracing and full IOL correction, vitreous length led to RM change of 5%/mm, while for corneal power and IOL position this was −0.4%/D and 1.4%/mm, respectively. For raytracing and spectacle correction, effects were 0%/D (vitreous depth), −1.6%/D (corneal power) and +1.0%/mm (IOL position). For full IOL correction, the approximate RM calculations were highly accurate. For spectacle correction, the approximate RM calculations were exact for vitreous length changes, reasonably accurate for corneal power changes but very inaccurate for changes in anterior chamber depth.ConclusionRelative magnification approximations may be useful to assess the risk of aniseikonia in anisometropic patients targeted for postoperative emmetropia. Some of these patients would be corrected best by a combination of spectacles and IOLs.
Cryoballoon left atrial roof ablation for persistent atrial fibrillation—Analysis with high‐resolution mapping system
Authors: Miyazaki Shinsuke , Hasegawa Kanae , Mukai Moe , Aoyama Daisetsu , Nodera Minoru , Uzui Hiroyasu , Tada Hiroshi 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundAdditional benefit of cryoballoon left atrial roof line ablation (CB‐RA) beyond cryoballoon pulmonary vein isolation (CB‐PVI) is suggested in patients with persistent atrial fibrillation (PsAF). We sought to investigate the feasibility of CB‐RA for PsAF and to determine the ablation area.Methods and ResultsFifty‐three PsAF patients (67[58.5–75.5] years, 36 men, 11 longstanding PsAF) underwent CB‐PVI. Subsequently, 44(83.0%) out of 53 patients underwent additional CB‐RA. Voltage maps were created in all patients with a high‐resolution mapping system. The total number and duration of CB‐RAs were 3.9 ± 0.7 and 468 ± 84 s. LA roof areas were complete low voltage areas (LVAs) /scar in 37/44(84.1%) patients (“complete roof modification”). The normal LA posterior wall (LAPW) voltage area was 6.1(4.1–8.4) cm2, and the %LAPW isolation area was 61.0(47.2–71.7)%. The %LAPW isolation area was significantly greater in CB‐RA patients than those without (64.0[54.2–73.2] vs. 45.0[39.5–50.5]%, p = .041) despite significantly larger LAs in the former group. The %LAPW isolation area was significantly greater in patients with transverse LA diameters < 45 mm than those ≥ 45 mm (p < .0001). The single procedure 1‐year AF freedom was 87.4% (22.5% on antiarrhythmic drug) and tended to be higher in CB‐RA patients than those without. Among the 44 CB‐RA patients, it was significantly higher in patients with a complete roof modification than those without (94.4% vs. 75.0%, p = .0049). One CB‐RA patient experienced a delayed cardiac tamponade requiring drainage at 4‐months post‐procedure.ConclusionsCB‐RA significantly expanded the LAPW isolation area, and a complete roof modification resulted in a high arrhythmia freedom in PsAF patients.
Psychosocial situation, adherence, and utilization of video consultation in young adult long‐term pediatric liver transplant recipients during COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Kröncke Sylvia , Lund Louisa Katharina , Buchholz Angela , Lang Melanie , Briem‐Richter Andrea , Grabhorn Enke Freya , Sterneck Martina 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundYoung adults who underwent liver transplantation in childhood (YALTs) are highly vulnerable to non‐adherent behavior and psychosocial problems. During the COVID‐19 pandemic, special efforts may be necessary to maintain contact with these patients and offer support. This can be achieved through the use of telemedicine. The study's objective was to assess adherence and the psychosocial situation of YALTs during the COVID‐19 pandemic in Germany and to evaluate the utilization of video consultations.MethodsIn May 2020, a questionnaire was sent to YALTs treated at the Hamburg University Transplant Center, accompanied by the offer of video appointments with the attending physician. The questionnaire included the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Scale 7, the Patient Health Questionnaire 2, and questions compiled by the authors.ResultsOf 98 YALTs, 12% used the video consultation, while 65% had an in‐person appointment. The 56 patients who completed the questionnaire did not report reduced medication adherence during the pandemic, but 40% missed follow‐up visits with their primary care physician or check‐up laboratory tests. About 70% of YALTs were afraid to visit their physician and the transplant center, and 34% were afraid of a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection. Mental health and well‐being were unimpaired.ConclusionsDuring the COVID‐19 pandemic, YALTs in our study did not show an increased need for psychosocial support, but a majority were afraid to attend medical appointments, and 40% reported lower appointment adherence. Acceptance of video consultations was lower than expected. The reasons for this need to be further investigated in order to optimize care.
The diagnosis and management of intestinal obstruction after pediatric liver transplantation
Authors: Sun Chao , Song Zhuolun , Dong Chong , Zheng Weiping , Wang Kai , Qin Hong , Yang Yang , Han Chao , Zhang Fubo , Xu Min , Cao Shunqi , Cao Yu , Gao Wei , Shen Zhongyang 
Published: August 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe aim of this study was to analyze the risk factors, causes, and management of intestinal obstruction after pediatric liver transplantation.MethodsRetrospective analysis was performed on pediatric liver transplantation recipients from January 1st 2013 to December 31st 2019 at Organ Transplant Center, Tianjin First Central Hospital. The cases of intestinal obstruction were analyzed.ResultsA total of 1034 pediatric liver transplantations were performed during the study period, 66 intestinal obstructions were diagnosed in 61 recipients. Three recipients suffered intestinal obstructions twice, and one recipient suffered three times. Forty of the 66 cases were treated with non‐surgical treatment, including fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, purgation, enema, and parenteral nutrition. Surgical intervention was performed in 26 cases. Diaphragmatic hernia, intestinal inflammatory stenosis, PTLD, and intestine perforation are essential causes of intestinal obstruction in pediatric liver transplant recipients. Diaphragmatic hernia was independent risk factors for intestinal obstruction. The 1‐, 2‐ and 3‐year survival rate of the recipients with or without intestinal obstruction were 98.4%, 96.5%, 96.5% and 95.3%, 94.4%, 94.0%, respectively, without significant difference.ConclusionsMost cases of intestinal obstruction after liver transplantation in children can be remitted by non‐surgical treatment, but there are still some cases need to be treated by surgery. Both measures are related to ideal outcomes, intestinal obstruction does not increase the mortality rate in pediatric liver transplantation.
Outdoor cultivation of a novel isolate of the microalgae Scenedesmus sp. and the evaluation of its potential as a novel protein crop
Authors: Olsen Malene Fog Lihme , Pedersen Jakob Skov , Thomsen Sune Tjalfe , Martens Helle Jakobe , Petersen Annette , Jensen Poul Erik 
Published: August 2021

AbstractA Danish strain of the green microalgae Scenedesmus sp. was isolated, identified and characterized with respect to productivity under outdoor cultivation conditions at northern latitudes. The algae were cultivated outdoors in Denmark in closed tubular photobioreactors using only sunlight, simple inorganic nutrients and under ambient temperatures. The biomass composition was evaluated in terms of protein content and quality. The average volumetric and areal biomass productivity obtained for the Scenedesmus sp. isolate during outdoor cultivation was 0.083 g dry matter L−1 and 6.40 g dm m−2 day−1, respectively. Thus, productivities are comparable to data reported in the literature under similar conditions. A strain‐specific nitrogen to protein conversion factor of 5.5 was determined for the Scenedesmus sp. strain enabling more accurate protein estimations from simple nitrogen determination methods like Kjeldahl analysis in the future. The protein content was determined to be 52.4% of dried biomass for this Scenedesmus strain. The sum of essential amino acids was 42% which is high compared to other microalgae. The results are compared and discussed in comparison to other microalgae and soybean as a common plant protein source.
Antilocality at the Phase Edge
Authors: Zyman Erik 
Published: August 2021

AbstractMuch work has argued that syntactic movement is subject to antilocality constraints that prevent it from being too short. If so, a crucial question is precisely what those constraints are. This article investigates the interaction between antilocality and phases, and it argues that antilocality manifests in a particular way at phase edges. The article defends a generalization dubbed Phasal Antilocality: for a phase YP, movement from within a constituent at the edge of YP must cross an XP dominating YP. It is shown that Phasal Antilocality, together with other ingredients, explains the intricate generalizations about when PP extraction is and is not possible from subjects. The analysis also correctly predicts that violations resulting from illicit PP extractions from subjects should be ameliorated under a wide range of circumstances. Finally, the article considers a possible deduction of Phasal Antilocality effects from Last Resort, the need for Merge to immediately satisfy a previously unsatisfiable feature.