bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Protect the land. Poison the sea. An environmental history of the Kirkcudbright Training Area and the firing of depleted uranium by the British Army (1982–2013)
Authors: Boyd Alexander 
Published: August 2023

AbstractLocated in the South West of Scotland, the Kirkcudbright Training Area, alongside the extensive Dundrennan weapons ranges, have been used since the Second World War for the training of the British Army. From the Cold War to today, Dundrennan has been the testing ground for the majority of British armoured vehicles, and the controversial firing of depleted uranium shells which took place from 1982 to 2013. This paper examines the response to the firings from protestors, campaigners and environmental campaign groups, and outlines why Scottish nationalists found common ground with them in opposing the actions of the Ministry of Defence (MOD). The response by the MOD, and in particular the Defence Infrastructure Organisation (DIO), to accusations of environmental mismanagement of the site are also discussed here. This counter narrative, which stresses the role of military conservation practices (known as ‘khaki conservation’) disseminated through the DIO publication Sanctuary is also scrutinised, noting the tensions between the requirements of the military and its environmental impact.
Precarious work: A global perspective
Authors: Shin Kwang‐Yeong , Kalleberg Arne L. , Hewison Kevin 
Published: August 2023

AbstractPrecarious work is universal, though its forms and consequences vary across countries due to institutional, cultural, and historical differences. This article reviews recent research on precarious work from a global perspective, emphasizing the comparative and interdisciplinary research needed for a comprehensive understanding of the structural transformations in contemporary capitalism that promote precarious work. The article has three foci. First, research that details the diverse forms of precarious work, which have become increasingly heterogeneous as national labor markets have been interwoven with global production networks. Second, research on precarious work that emphasizes its disparate impacts for women, youth, the elderly, racial and ethnic minority groups, and migrants, revealing an articulation of precarity and social cleavages. Third, research on the politics associated with precarious work and how some precarious workers have successfully organized and mobilized their interests, such as by unionizing and becoming involved in electoral politics. Still, questions remain regarding precarious work: how precarious workers differ from regular workers in representing their interests and demands and whether precarious workers are a new, independent social class or remain part of a changing working class. Finally, topics for future research on the global dimensions of precarious work are discussed.
A novel approach for quantifying similarities between different debris flow sites using field investigations and numerical modelling
Authors: Abraham Minu Treesa , Satyam Neelima , Pradhan Biswajeet 
Published: August 2023

AbstractDebris flows are geomorphological processes that affect the landscape evolution process of any region. In this study, an integrated methodology is proposed to identify the chance of further debris flows and quantify the similarities between debris flow locations, materials and rheology, using field and laboratory investigations and remote sensing data. The method was tested for four failure‐triggered debris flow sites in the Western Ghats of India, using dimensionless parametric similarity values ranging from 0 to 1. The maximum parametric similarity was observed as 0.84 when comparing the flow accumulation values of Sites 3 and 4, and the maximum overall site similarity was 0.68. The calibrated rheological parameters of one site were found to be satisfactory in modelling the shape of debris flow at all other sites. The findings can be used to identify similar hotspots in the region and to simulate debris flows for quantitative hazard assessment.
Biomechanical comparison of canine median sternotomy closure using suture tape and orthopedic wire cerclage
Authors: Rivenburg Rachel E. , Maxwell Elizabeth A. , Bertran Judith , Souza Carlos H. De Mello , Smith Benjamin L. 
Published: August 2023

AbstractObjectiveTo compare the mechanical properties of suture tape and orthopedic wire cerclage in an ex vivo canine median sternotomy model.Study designEx vivo.AnimalsTwelve large‐breed canine cadaveric sternums.MethodsMedian sternotomies were performed, leaving the manubrium intact. The specimens were randomly assigned to group W (20‐gauge stainless steel orthopedic wire cerclage in a figure‐of‐eight pattern) or group ST (suture tape in a figure‐of‐eight pattern). Each specimen was laterally distracted until failure using an electrodynamic materials‐testing system.ResultsNo differences were observed for displacement, yield load, maximum load, implant failure between the groups. The orthopedic wire construct was stiffer than the suture tape construct.ConclusionSuture tape was biomechanically similar to orthopedic wire cerclage for sternotomy closure in dogs, although wire constructs were stiffer.Clinical significanceSuture tape may represent an alternative to cerclage wire for sternotomy closure in dogs. Additional studies evaluating its clinical use are needed.
Complete genome sequence of
Bacillus subtilis
strain MARUCo01 isolated from marine sediments of the Indian Ocean in Bagamoyo, Tanzania
Authors: Maghembe Reuben , Moto Edward , Makaranga Abdalah , Mdoe France , Mpemba James , Magulye Maximilian A. K. , Mark Deogratius , Mtewa Andrew 
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT

Bacillus subtilis
has emerged as a species with potential for versatile nonribosomal peptides and polyketides of therapeutic importance, including antibiotics. From our molecular bioprospecting project, we report a full genome of
Bacillus subtilis
strain MARUCo01 locally isolated from sediments of the Indian Ocean along the coast of Bagamoyo in Tanzania.
Trends of hospitalisation for patients with liver cirrhosis in Ningxia, China: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Shi Chao , Shi Hongjuan , Chen Chen , Liu Yining , Lv Yongtao , Zhang Hua , Liang Peifeng 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo evaluate the changing trends of hospitalisation for patients with liver cirrhosis between 2015 and 2019 by using hospitalisation summary records in Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region (NHAR), China.DesignA cross-sectional study.SettingHospitalisation summary records between 1 January 2015 and 31 December 2019 from 28 top-ranking hospitals in NHAR were extracted and rigorously analysed.ParticipantsDuring the study period, hospitalisation records referring to liver cirrhosis were included. Records with missing data were excluded. A total of 16 566 patients with liver cirrhosis were included in this study.Outcome measuresInternational Classification of Diseases codes, tenth version (ICD-10) and text-diagnoses were used to identify hospitalisation records referring to liver cirrhosis.ResultsBetween 2015 and 2019, hospitalisation rates for liver cirrhosis declined from 8.38% to 5.57%. Chronic viral hepatitis accounted for almost 70% of all liver cirrhosis admissions; the remaining 30% of patients were admitted due to non-viral hepatitis cirrhosis (28.06%) and alcoholic cirrhosis (2.05%). The male-to-female hospitalisation rate ratio for liver cirrhosis was 2.57. The hospitalisation rate for workers with hepatitis cirrhosis was significantly higher than farmers (hospitalisation rate ratio (RR)=1.06, 95% CI 1.01 to 1.15, p<0.001); this was also the case for alcoholic cirrhosis (RR=5.23, 95% CI 3.34 to 8.20). However, the hospitalisation rate for workers with non-viral hepatitis cirrhosis was significantly lower than for farmers (RR=5.23, 95% CI 3.34 to 8.20, p<0.001). The hospitalisation rate increased in patients over the age of 30 years and reached a peak at the age of 45–50 years.ConclusionsThe hospitalisation rate for liver cirrhosis has declined over recent years and chronic viral hepatitis remains the major cause of liver cirrhosis in NHAR. Hospitalisation summary records can efficiently reflect the local changing trends of hospitalisation for liver cirrhosis and represent an efficient strategy for the surveillance of chronic disease.
Prognostic value of blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio for acute kidney injury and in-hospital mortality in intensive care unit patients with intracerebral haemorrhage: a retrospective cohort study using the MIMIC-IV database
Authors: Yang Fugang , Wang Rui , Lu Wei , Hu Hongtao , Li Zhiqiang , Shui Hua 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveWe sought to evaluate the prognostic ability of blood urea nitrogen to serum albumin ratio (BAR) for acute kidney injury (AKI) and in-hospital mortality in patients with intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH) in intensive care unit (ICU).DesignA retrospective cohort study using propensity score matching.SettingICU of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center.ParticipantsThe data of patients with ICH were obtained from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (V.1.0) database. A total of 1510 patients with ICH were enrolled in our study.Main outcome and measureThe optimal threshold value of BAR is determined by the means of X-tile software (V.3.6.1) and the crude cohort was categorised into two groups on the foundation of the optimal cut-off BAR (6.0 mg/g). Propensity score matching and inverse probability of treatment weighting were performed to control for confounders. The predictive performance of BAR for AKI was tested using univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was used to investigate the association between BAR and in-hospital mortality.ResultsThe optimal cut-off value for BAR was 6.0 mg/g. After matching, multivariate logistic analysis showed that the high-BAR group had a significantly higher risk of AKI (OR, 2.60; 95% confidence index, 95% CI, 1.86 to 3.65, p<0.001). What’s more, a higher BAR was also an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (HR, 2.84; 95% confidence index, 95% CI, 1.96 to 4.14, p<0.001) in terms of multivariate Cox regression analysis. These findings were further demonstrated in the validation cohort.ConclusionsBAR is a promising and easily available biomarker that could serve as a prognostic predictor of AKI and in-hospital mortality in patients with ICH in the ICU.
Predicting falls-related admissions in older adults in Alberta, Canada: a machine-learning falls prevention tool developed using population administrative health data
Authors: Sharma Vishal , Kulkarni Vinaykumar , Joon Tanya , Eurich Dean T , Simpson Scot H , Voaklander Don , Wright Bruce , Samanani Salim 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo construct a machine-learning (ML) model for health systems with organised falls prevention programmes to identify older adults at risk for fall-related admissions.DesignThis prognostic study used population-level administrative health data to develop an ML prediction model.SettingThis study took place in Alberta, Canada during 2018–2019.ParticipantsAlbertans aged 65 and older with at least one prior admission. Those with palliative conditions or emigrated out of Alberta were excluded.ExposureUnit of analysis was the individual person.Main outcomes/measuresWe identified fall-related admissions. A CatBoost model was developed on 2018 data to predict risk of fall-related emergency department visits or hospitalisations. Temporal validation was done using 2019 data to evaluate model performance. We reported discrimination, calibration and other relevant metrics measured at the end of 2019 on both ranked predictions and predicted probability thresholds. A cost-savings simulation was performed using 2019 data.ResultsFinal number of study participants was 224 445. The validation set had 203 584 participants with 19 389 fall-related events (9.5% pretest probability) and an ML model c-statistic of 0.70. The highest ranked predictions had post-test probabilities ranging from 40% to 50%. Net benefit analysis presented mixed results with some net benefit using the ML model in the 6%–30% range. The top 50 percentile of predicted risks represented nearly $C60 million in health system costs related to falls. Intervening on the top 25 or 50 percentiles of predicted risk could realise substantial (up to $C16 million) savings.ConclusionML prediction models based on population-level administrative data can assist health systems with fall prevention programmes identify older adults at risk of fall-related admissions and reduce costs. ML predictions based on ranked predictions or probability thresholds could guide subsequent interventions to mitigate fall risks. Increased access to diverse forms of data could improve ML performance and further reduce costs.
Resources available for parent-provider vaccine communication in pregnancy in Canada: a scoping review
Authors: Surti Monica Santosh , Amarbayan Megan Mungunzul , McNeil Deborah A , Hayden K Alix , Donald Maoliosa , Patey Andrea M , Bruce Marcia , Castillo Eliana 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveVaccination in pregnancy (VIP) is a protective measure for pregnant individuals and their babies. Healthcare provider’s (HCP) recommendations are important in promoting VIP. However, a lack of strong recommendations and accessible resources to facilitate communication impact uptake. This study sought to determine the extent of and characterise the resources available for parent-provider vaccine communication in pregnancy in Canada using a behavioural theory-informed approach.DesignScoping review.MethodsIn accordance with the JBI methodology, nine disciplinary and interdisciplinary databases were searched, and a systematic grey literature search was conducted in March and January 2022, respectively. Eligible studies included resources available to HCPs practising in Canada when discussing VIP, and resources tailored to pregnant individuals. Two reviewers piloted a representative sample of published and grey literature using inclusion-exclusion criteria and the Authority, Accuracy, Coverage, Objectivity, Date, Significance guidelines (for grey literature only). Sixty-five published articles and 1079 grey reports were screened for eligibility, of which 19 articles and 166 reports were included, respectively.ResultsFrom the 19 published literature articles and 166 grey literature reports, 95% were driven by the ‘Knowledge’ domain of the Theoretical Domains Framework, while n=34 (18%) addressed the ‘Skills’ domain. Other gaps included a lack of VIP-specific tools to address hesitancy and a lack of information on culturally safe counselling practices.ConclusionThe study suggests a need for resources in Canada to improve VIP communication skills and improve access to vaccination information for HCPs and pregnant individuals. The absence of such resources may hinder VIP uptake.
Use of audience response systems (ARS) in physiotherapists’ training: a qualitative study
Authors: Bertoni Gianluca , Marchesini Evelin , Zanchettin Francesca Elena , Crestini Michele , Testa Marco , Battista Simone 
Published: August 2023

ObjectiveTo explore the experience of using audience response systems (ARS) in postgraduate physiotherapy training.DesignQualitative interview study following the ‘reflexive thematic analysis’ by Braun and Clarke.SettingHigher education university.ParticipantsTen Italian students (60% men, N=6; 40% women, N=4) agreed to partake in the interviews.ResultsWe generated four themes. Specifically, the ARS were perceived: (1) as a ‘Shared Compass’ (theme 1) between the student and the lecturers to monitor and modify the ongoing students’ learning journey; (2) useful to ‘Come Out of Your Shell’ (theme 2) as they help students to overcome shyness and build a team with peers; (3) as ‘A Square Peg in a Round Hole’ (theme 3) as they should not be used in situations that do not suit them; (4) as ‘Not Everyone’s Cup of Tea’ (theme 4) as mixed opinions among ARS’ utilities were found under some circumstances (eg, memorisation process and clinical reasoning).ConclusionPhysiotherapy lecturers must use ARS critically, respecting when (eg, not at the end of the lesson) and how to propose them, keeping in mind that some skills (eg, practical ones) might not benefit from their use. Moreover, they need to consider that the ARS are not a tool for everyone, so ARS must be integrated into a multimodal teaching paradigm.
Clinical characteristics in patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in Japan: a case–control study using a 5-year large-scale claims database
Authors: Tokutsu Kei , Ito Kaoru , Kawazoe Shigeki , Minami Sota , Fujimoto Kenji , Muramatsu Keiji , Matsuda Shinya 
Published: August 2023

ObjectivesTo examine the clinical characteristics of patients with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and associated comorbidities.DesignA case–control study using the national health insurance and the long-term elderly health insurance claims database.SettingEligible patients diagnosed with NASH (ICD-10 K-75.8, other inflammatory liver disease or K-76.0, other fatty liver) between April 2015 and March 2020 were included.ParticipantsPatients who met the diagnostic definitions for NASH (n=545) were matched with non-NASH controls (n=185 264) and randomly selected according to sex, birth year and residential area.InterventionsNo interventions were made.Primary and secondary outcome measuresORs were estimated for the relationship between patient background, such as age and sex, body mass index (BMI), NASH-related comorbidities and lifestyle-related diseases.ResultsIn total, 545 patients with NASH (38.3% men) and 185 264 non-NASH controls (43.2% men) were identified, with median ages of 68 (IQR 63.0–75.0) and 65 (IQR 44.0–74.0) years, respectively. BMI was significantly higher in patients with NASH than in controls (25.8 kg/m2vs 22.9 kg/m2, p<0.001). The proportions of women, patients with hypertension, patients with dyslipidaemia and patients with type 2 diabetes were higher in the NASH group. In addition, NASH was associated with an increased risk of hepatic cirrhosis (OR 28.81 (95% CI 21.79 to 38.08)), followed by liver cancer (OR 18.38 (95% CI 12.56 to 26.89)). There was no significant association between NASH and risk for depression (OR 1.11 (95% CI 0.87 to 1.41)), insomnia (OR 1.12 (95% CI 0.94 to 1.34)) or chronic kidney diseases (OR 0.81 (95% CI 0.58 to 1.12)).ConclusionsIn the daily medical care of patients, it is necessary to consider sex and age differences and to pay close attention to the risk of liver cancer, as well as other lifestyle-related comorbidities associated with NASH.
Influence of Temperament on the Acceptance of Two Conscious Sedation Techniques in Toddlers Undergoing Dental Treatment: A Randomised Cross Over Trial
Authors: Janiani Palak , Gurunathan Deepa , Nuvvula Sivakumar 
Published: August 2023

Background. Pediatric dentists often find it challenging to handle pediatric patients due to their fear, unease, and anxiety toward dental procedures. To address this, sedation agents such as intranasal midazolam and nitrous oxide are commonly used as pharmacological behavior management methods. A child’s temperament affects their behavior in unfamiliar settings. Aim. To study the effect of child temperament on the acceptance of the nasal mask and intranasal drug administration in children undergoing dental treatment. Methods. Thirty-two anxious children aged three to five were randomly assigned to two groups. During the first visit, one group received intranasal midazolam sedation, while the other group received nitrous oxide administered through a mask. On the subsequent visit, the groups crossed over. The parent assessed the child’s temperament, and the acceptance of the sedation methods was recorded. The Ohio State University Behavioral Rating Scale (OSUBRS) was employed to assess behavior during the administration of local anesthesia. Statistical analysis was carried out using the chi-square test and Mann–Whitney U test (

p

value <0.05). Results. Children exhibited greater acceptance of the nasal mask compared to using the intranasal route for delivering midazolam during the induction process. A significant statistical influence of temperament was observed on the acceptance of the nasal mask and the intranasal atomisation device (

p

value <0.05). The mean OSUBRS scores did not show any statistically significant differences between the sedation groups (

p

= 0.14). Conclusion. Most children demonstrated a more favorable acceptance of the nasal mask during the induction process; however, intranasal midazolam can serve as an effective alternative for anxious patients who struggle to keep the nitrous oxide mask on during the dental procedure. The adoption of these methods is influenced directly by the child’s temperament.
Brain α2δ-1–Bound NMDA Receptors Drive Calcineurin Inhibitor–Induced Hypertension
Authors: Zhou Jing-Jing , Shao Jian-Ying , Chen Shao-Rui , Pan Hui-Lin 
Published: August 2023

BACKGROUND:

Calcineurin is highly enriched in immune T cells and the nervous system. Calcineurin inhibitors, including cyclosporine and tacrolimus (FK506), are the cornerstone of immunosuppressive regimens for preserving transplanted organs and tissues. However, these drugs often cause persistent hypertension owing to excess sympathetic outflow, which is maintained by N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR)-mediated excitatory input to the hypothalamic paraventricular nucleus (PVN). It is unclear how calcineurin inhibitors increase NMDAR activity in the PVN to augment sympathetic vasomotor activity. α2δ-1 (encoded by the
Cacna2d1
gene), known colloquially as a calcium channel subunit, is a newly discovered NMDAR-interacting protein. In this study, we determined whether α2δ-1 plays a role in calcineurin inhibitor–induced synaptic NMDAR hyperactivity in the PVN and hypertension development.

METHODS:
Immunoblotting and coimmunoprecipitation assays were used to quantify synaptic protein levels and the physical interaction between GluN1 (the obligatory NMDAR subunit) and α2δ-1. Whole-cell patch-clamp recordings of retrogradely labeled, spinally projecting PVN were conducted in perfused brain slices to measure presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDAR activity. Radio-telemetry was implanted in rodents to continuously record arterial blood pressure in conscious states.

RESULTS:

Prolonged treatment with FK506 in rats significantly increased protein levels of α2δ-1, GluN1, and the α2δ-1-GluN1 complex in PVN synaptosomes. These effects were blocked by inhibiting α2δ-1 with gabapentin or interrupting the α2δ-1-NMDAR interaction with an α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide. Treatment with FK506 potentiated the activity of presynaptic and postsynaptic NMDARs in spinally projecting PVN neurons; such effects were abolished by gabapentin,
Cacna2d1
knockout, or α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide. Furthermore, microinjection of α2δ-1 C-terminus peptide into the PVN diminished renal sympathetic nerve discharges and arterial blood pressure that had been increased by FK506 treatment. Remarkably, concurrent administration of gabapentin prevented the development of FK506-induced hypertension in rats. Additionally, FK506 treatment induced sustained hypertension in wild-type mice but not in
Cacna2d1
knockout mice.

CONCLUSIONS:
α2δ-1 is essential for calcineurin inhibitor–induced increases in synaptic NMDAR activity in PVN presympathetic neurons and sympathetic outflow. Thus, α2δ-1 and α2δ-1-bound NMDARs represent new targets for treating calcineurin inhibitor–induced hypertension. Gabapentinoids (gabapentin and pregabalin) could be repurposed for treating calcineurin inhibitor–induced neurogenic hypertension.