bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An application of media and network multiplexity theory to the structure and perceptions of information environments in hurricane evacuation
Authors: Lee Seungyoon , Benedict Bailey C. , Ge Yue ‘Gurt’ , Murray‐Tuite Pamela , Ukkusuri Satish V.
Published: January 2021

Understanding how information use contributes to uncertainties surrounding evacuation decisions is crucial during disasters. While literature increasingly establishes that people consult multiple information sources in disaster situations, little is known about the patterns in which multiple media and personal network sources are combined simultaneously and sequentially across decision‐making phases. We address this gap using survey data collected from households in Jacksonville, Florida affected by 2016's Hurricane Matthew. Results direct attention to perceived consistency of information as a key predictor of uncertainty regarding hurricane impact and evacuation logistics. Frequently utilizing National Weather Service, national and local TV channels, and personal network contacts contributed to higher perceived consistency of information, while the use of other local and online sources was associated with lower perceived consistency. Furthermore, combining a larger number of media and official sources predicted higher levels of perceived information consistency. One's perception of information amount did not significantly explain uncertainty. This study contributes to the theorizing of individuals' information environment from the perspective of media and network multiplexity and provides practical implications regarding the need of information coordination for improved evacuation decision‐making.
BCL‐6 promotes the methylation of miR‐34a by recruiting EZH2 and upregulating CTRP9 to protect ischemic myocardial injury
Authors: Lin Jiunn‐Miin , Hsu Chih‐Hsiang , Chen Jeen‐Chen , Kao Shao‐Hsuan , Lin You‐Cian
Published: January 2021

Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) and the following heart failure are public health problems faced all over the globe. The current study set out to investigate the role of B‐cell lymphoma 6 (BCL‐6) in cardiac protection after AMI. Initially, AMI mouse models and H9c2 cell oxygen–glucose deprivation (OGD) models were established. The cell models were transfected with the vectors containing oe‐BCL‐6, oe‐EZH2, sh‐EZH2, miR‐34a mimic, and miR‐34a inhibitor. RT‐qPCR and Western blot analysis were applied to detect the expression patterns of microRNA‐34a (miR‐34a), BCL‐6, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), and C1q tumor necrosis factor‐related protein 9 (CTRP9) in the treated cell models. ChIP‐qPCR and co‐immunoprecipitation assay were performed to detect EZH2 enrichment and H3K27me3 levels in the miR‐34a promoter region and the interaction between BCL‐2 and EZH2, respectively. EdU staining, TUNEL staining, and flow cytometry were performed to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis, while ELISA was conducted to detect the oxidative stress levels. It was found that miR‐34a was highly expressed in heart tissues of AMI models, while BCL‐6 and EZH2 were poorly expressed. BCL‐2 overexpression increased the recruitment of EZH2, upregulated H3K27me3 level in the miR‐34a promoter region, and inhibited the miR‐34a expression. Ctrp9, the downstream negative‐regulatory molecule of miR‐34a, was upregulated. Besides, miR‐34a/CTRP9 expression changes were found to affect cardiomyocyte apoptosis, oxidation stress, and proliferation, and prevent myocardial injury in AMI mice. Our findings indicate that BCL‐6 increases the level of H3K27me3 in the promoter region of miR‐34a via EZH2 recruitment and CTRP9 upregulation, which inhibits the apoptosis of myocardial cells.
Epidermal growth factor/epidermal growth factor receptor moves into the osteoblasts' cell nuclei where it is involved to regulate STAT5's signaling
Authors: Yin Bohao , Fan Zhiyuan , Jin Yingzhe , Chen Hongchi , Zhang Baokun , Liu Jingwen , Zhang Wei
Published: January 2021

Epidermal growth factor (EGF) has vital biological impacts on the osteoblasts. However, the knowledge on the cellular properties of EGF/EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) on osteoblasts is scanty. As such, we explored the EGF/EGFR's cell behavior in the osteoblast (MC3T3‐E1 cell) using the indirect immunofluorescence assay, Western‐blot, and fluorescence resonance energy transfer. Our findings revealed that EGF could internalize into the cytoplasm under EGFR mediation. Besides, the co‐localization analysis demonstrated that caveolin played a critical role in EGFR's endocytosis. We also analyzed the cytoplasmic trafficking pathway of EGF/EGFR in MC3T3‐E1 cell. The colocalization analysis showed that EGFR entered into Rab5, Rab4, and Rab9‐positive endosomes. More importantly, we found that EGFR could move into the MC3T3‐E1 cells' nuclei. Based on this, we investigated the EGFR's nuclear‐localized functions, and the results suggested that nuclear‐localized EGFR has important biological functions. This work lays a foundation for further study on EGF/EGFR's biological functions on the osteoblasts.
A new option for education during surgical procedures and related clinical anatomy in a virtual reality workspace
Authors: Iwanaga Joe , Kamura Yasuhiko , Nishimura Yuu , Terada Satoshi , Kishimoto Naotaka , Tanaka Tsuyoshi , Tubbs R. Shane
Published: January 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic and mandatory social distancing has brought challenges to anatomy educators who generally need in‐person classes. The purpose of this study is to share the experience of a distant online lecture on a surgical procedure and related anatomy in a three‐dimensional (3D) virtual reality (VR) workspace and to compare it with reported teaching methods, that is, an in‐person class and a Zoom online class. The lecture was delivered by three authors of this article in a VR workspace that enables people to meet through VR. The lectures were about combinations of dental surgical procedures and related clinical anatomy. Physically, the attendees could have been located anywhere in the world, so lecturers joined from the United States and the attendees were all from Japan. VR environment and its flexibility enabled attendees to join the lecture actively, helping them to gain understanding of the surgical procedure and anatomy more efficiently. The use of VR technology with a live communication tool demonstrated in this study has several advantages over previous education methods, although there are still technical issues or disadvantages that need to be addressed. Development of the technology and app/software is required so that more data can be processed at higher speed. Use of VR technology with a live communication tool could be an alternative teaching method. Its overall advantages are a closer look at the slides/monitor and concurrent observation of the multiple assets in various directions by multiple attendees. These advantages cannot be achieved by any other teaching method without VR assets with the workspace provided by Spatial. Even during the mandatory social distancing due to the COVID‐19 pandemic, this could enable us to foster 3D understanding of surgery and related anatomy. Further study is now needed to evaluate the effectiveness of this newly proposed teaching method by comparing it with traditional in‐person and online classes with a live communication tool.
30‐day patient reported outcomes can be predicted by change in left atrial pressure and not change in transmitral gradient following MitraClip
Authors: Pierre Keniel , Adedinsewo Demilade A. , Al‐Hijji Mohammed , Miranda William R. , Alkhouli Mohamad , Eleid Mackram F. , Guerrero Mayra , Pollak Peter M. , Rihal Charanjit S. , El Sabbagh Abdallah
Published: January 2021

Background

Change in left atrial pressure (LAP) has been shown to be associated with symptom improvement post‐MitraClip; however, the association between acute procedural changes in transmitral diastolic mean gradient (MG) compared to LAP and symptom improvement is not well established.

Methods

164 consecutive patients undergoing MitraClip at Mayo Clinic between June 2014 and May 2018 were included. Preclip and postclip MG and LAP were recorded. Baseline demographics, clinical, and echocardiographic outcomes, including 30‐day New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional status were obtained from patient charts.

Results

Median age was 81.5 years (IQR: 76.3, 87), 34% were female and 94.5% had NYHA class III and IV functional status at baseline. At baseline, median MG was 4 mmHg (IQR: 3, 5) and LAP was 19 mmHg (IQR: 16, 23.5). Following MitraClip deployment, the median MG was 4 mmHg (IQR: 3, 6) and the median LAP was 17 mmHg (IQR: 14, 21), 69.5% of patients had less than moderate MR. There was no statistically significant association between change in MG and NYHA functional class at 30 days (OR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.76–1.20). However, a reduction in LAP following MitraClip deployment was significantly associated with improvement in NYHA functional status at 30 days following adjustments for age and sex (aOR 3.36, 95% CI: 1.34–8.65). There was no significant correlation between change in mean LAP and change in MG (p = .98).

Conclusion

Unlike change in left atrial pressure, change in MG post‐MitraClip was not associated with patient reported outcomes at 30 days and did not correlate with change in left atrial pressure. Long‐term follow up is needed to evaluate the impact of LA pressure on symptoms.
Survival relative to pacemaker status after transcatheter aortic valve implantation
Authors: Myat Aung , Mouy Florence , Buckner Luke , Cockburn James , Baumbach Andreas , MacCarthy Philip , Banning Adrian P. , Curzen Nick , Hilling‐Smith Roland , Blackman Daniel J. , Mullen Michael , de Belder Mark , Cox Ian , Kovac Jan , Manoharan Ganesh , Zaman Azfar , Muir Douglas , Smith David , Brecker Stephen , Turner Mark , Khogali Saib , Malik Iqbal S. , Alsanjari Osama , D'Auria Francesca , Redwood Simon , Prendergast Bernard , Trivedi Uday , Robinson Derek , Ludman Peter , de Belder Adam , Hildick‐Smith David
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To determine whether a permanent pacemaker (PPM) in situ can enhance survival after transcatheter aortic valve implantation (TAVI), in a predominantly inoperable or high risk cohort.

Background

New conduction disturbances are the most frequent complication of TAVI, often necessitating PPM implantation before hospital discharge.

Methods

We performed an observational cohort analysis of the UK TAVI registry (2007–2015). Primary and secondary endpoints were 30‐day post‐discharge all‐cause mortality and long‐term survival, respectively.

Results

Of 8,651 procedures, 6,815 complete datasets were analyzed. A PPM at hospital discharge, irrespective of when implantation occurred (PPM 1.68% [22/1309] vs. no PPM 1.47% [81/5506], odds ratio [OR] 1.14, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.71–1.84; p = .58), or a PPM implanted peri‐ or post‐TAVI only (PPM 1.44% [11/763] vs. no PPM 1.47% [81/5506], OR 0.98 [0.51–1.85]; p = .95) did not significantly reduce the primary endpoint. Patients with a PPM at discharge were older, male, had right bundle branch block at baseline, were more likely to have received a first‐generation self‐expandable prosthesis and had experienced more peri‐ and post‐procedural complications including bailout valve‐in‐valve rescue, bleeding and acute kidney injury. A Cox proportional hazards model demonstrated significantly reduced long‐term survival in all those with a PPM, irrespective of implantation timing (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14 [1.02–1.26]; p = .019) and those receiving a PPM only at the time of TAVI (HR 1.15 [1.02–1.31]; p = .032). The reasons underlying this observation warrant further investigation.

Conclusions

A PPM did not confer a survival advantage in the first 30 days after hospital discharge following TAVI.
Stable and Surface‐active Co Nanoparticles Formed from Cation (x) Promoted Au/x‐Co3O4 (x=Cs) as Selective Catalyst for [2+2+1] Cyclization Reactions
Authors: Oseghale Charles O. , Mogudi Batsile M. , Onisuru Oluwatayo Racheal , Akinnawo Christianah Aarinola , Fapojuwo Dele Peter , Meijboom Reinout
Published: January 2021

Surface‐active and highly stable cobalt nanoparticles generated from alkali ion‐promoted gold catalyst for catalyzed carbonylative [2+2+1] cyclization reaction, is described. The gold nanoparticle‘s (AuNPs) role was assumed to dissociate the CO and H2 into atomic species on the catalyst surface by spillover, which in‐situ reduces the robust mesoporous cobalt oxide to metallic cobalt (Co3+→Co2+→Co), as the active catalytic species that catalyzed the reaction; thereby providing up to 93 % yield of cyclopentenone adducts. Prior to this, catalyst pre‐treatment with H2 gas (130 °C, 3 h, 20 atm) was performed to reduce the catalyst. It appeared that the low reducibility temperature and increased surface basicity ascribed to the presence of alkali ion‐promoters in the catalyst revealed a strong correlation with the catalyst activity, for the intra‐ and intermolecular reactions under milder reaction conditions. Thus, a sustainable, highly reusable, and environmentally friendly green catalyst for the carbonylation reaction, such as Pauson‐Khand, was developed.
Optimizing membrane synthesis parameters via Taguchi method: An approach to prepare high performance mixed‐matrix membranes for carbon capture applications
Authors: Ahmad Muhammad , Sarfraz Muhammad , Ba‐Shammakh Mohammed , Naseer Kashaf , Ahmed Mirza A.
Published: January 2021

Mixed‐matrix membranes (MMMs) comprising polysulfone (PSF) and zeolite 4A (Z4A) were prepared for carbon capture applications. Membranes of varying compositions were fabricated by solution casting technique. Viscous solutions of dissolved ingredients were cast on a clean glass plate followed by evaporation and drying of prepared membrane. Fabricated composite membranes were subjected to morphological, structural, and permeation analyzes. The morphological results showed a uniform dispersal of zeolite nanoparticles with agglomerates formation at higher nanofiller loadings. The structural analysis corroborated the noninteractive behaviour of organic polymer and inorganic zeolite phases. Permeation results suggested that the fabricated membranes were more permeable to CO2 gas, which can be described by higher diffusivity and structural affinity for CO2. Taguchi statistical analysis was employed to optimize carbon capture performance of developed hybrid membranes by carefully controlling the membrane casting parameters such as loading levels of functional nanofiller, sonication time, and drying time of casting solution. The statistical investigation of permeation results suggested the sensitivity of casting parameters on membrane performance in the following manner: zeolite loading > sonication time > drying time. The optimized membrane casting parameters obtained from signal‐to‐noise ratio analysis performed on Minitab led to synthesis of a composite membrane with both high CO2/N2 selectivity and CO2 permeability. The chosen technique also assisted in justifying the dependence of permeation results on various membrane casting parameters, associating it with the morphological results. The technique also facilitated the optimization of the membrane characteristics and is recommended for future study based on membrane separation processes.
A Facile Liquid Phase Exfoliation of Tungsten Diselenide using Dimethyl Sulfoxide as Polar Aprotic Solvent to Produce High‐quality Nanosheets
Authors: Kashyap Pradeep Kumar , Kumar Ashish , Srivastava Ritu , Gupta Sarika , Gupta Bipin Kumar
Published: January 2021

Two‐dimensional (2D) ultra‐thin nanosheets of semiconducting layered structure of transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDs) are in high demand for fundamental studies as well as potential applications in optoelectronic devices, advanced display devices and many more. The real challenge in this area is to produce large scale nanosheets with a single stable phase.Herein, we report a top‐down strategy for liquid‐phase exfoliation of bulk tungsten diselenide (WSe2) powder to produce hexagonal (2H) few layers (2–3 layers) of nanosheets by ultra‐sonication method using a highly‐efficient dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) as polar aprotic solvent. As produced nanosheets are further characterized by different spectroscopic techniques such as Raman and ultraviolet‐visible (UV‐Vis) spectroscopy to validate the quality of exfoliated WSe2 nanosheets and estimated the direct optical band gap after exfoliation of WSe2. Further, the Raman spectroscopy evidences the transition from bulk to few layers of WSe2 nanosheets. The TEM/HRTEM images and XPS results also confirm the good quality and efficient exfoliation of WSe2 nanosheets. Moreover, the estimated optical band gap from UV‐Vis and Tauc plot confirm the transition occurs from indirect band gap (∼1.27 eV) to direct optical band gap ∼1.55 eV after exfoliation of WSe2 nanosheets. Hence, the proposed method provides a simple, large scale and inexpensive exfoliation approach to produce high‐quality single phase 2H‐WSe2 nanosheets.
Zebrafish heart regenerates after chemoptogenetic cardiomyocyte depletion
Authors: Missinato Maria A. , Zuppo Daniel A. , Watkins Simon C. , Bruchez Marcel P. , Tsang Michael
Published: January 2021

Background

Zebrafish can regenerate adult cardiac tissue following injuries from ventricular apex amputation, cryoinjury, and cardiomyocyte genetic ablation. Here, we characterize cardiac regeneration from cardiomyocyte chemoptogenetic ablation caused by localized near‐infrared excited photosensitizer‐mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.

Results

Exposure of transgenic adult zebrafish, Tg(myl7:fapdl5‐cerulean), to di‐iodinated derivative of the cell‐ permeable Malachite Green ester fluorogen (MG‐2I) and whole‐body illumination with 660 nm light resulted in cytotoxic damage to about 30% of cardiac tissue. After chemoptogenetic cardiomyocyte ablation, heart function was compromised, and macrophage infiltration was detected, but epicardial and endocardial activation response was much muted when compared to ventricular amputation. The spared cardiomyocytes underwent proliferation and restored the heart structure and function in 45–60 days after ablation.

Conclusions

This cardiomyocyte ablation system did not appear to activate the epicardium and endocardium as is noted in other cardiac injury models. This approach represents a useful model to study specifically cardiomyocyte injury, proliferation and regeneration in the absence of whole organ activation. Moreover, this system can be adapted to ablate distinct cell populations in any organ system to study their function in regeneration.
Simulated heat waves reduce cognitive and motor performance of an endotherm
Authors: Danner Raymond M. , Coomes Casey M. , Derryberry Elizabeth P.
Published: January 2021

Heat waves cause mass mortality of animals, including humans, across the globe annually, which has drawn new attention to how animals cope with high air temperatures. Recent field research has explored behavioral responses to high air temperatures, which can influence reproductive success and mortality.

Less well studied are the effects of high air temperatures on cognition, which may underlie behavioral changes. Specifically, it is poorly known if cognitive declines occur at high temperatures, and if cognitive and motor components of behavior are similarly affected.

We tested how well zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis), a model for cognition research, performed two learned foraging tasks (color association and detour‐reaching) at mild (22°C) and high (43 and 44°C) air temperatures that occur naturally in their range. We habituated birds to the trial conditions and temperatures on days preceding the test trials and at the trial temperature for 30 min immediately prior to each test trial. Trials lasted less than 10 min. At high air temperatures, zebra finches exhibited heat dissipation behaviors during most tasks, suggesting thermoregulatory challenge.

Cognitive performance declined at high air temperatures in two of three measures: Color association was unaffected, but birds missed more food rewards, and did more unproductive behaviors. Motor performance declined at high temperatures on the color association task, including longer times to complete the task, move between food rewards, and process individual seeds. Performance declines varied among components of behavior and among individuals.

We combined our behavioral data with existing climate data and predicted that in the austral summer of 2018–2019, zebra finches experienced air temperatures that caused cognitive and motor declines in our captive birds in 34% and 45% of their Australian range, respectively.

This study provides novel experimental evidence that high air temperatures cause cognitive and motor performance decline in birds. Further, our results provide insights to how those declines might affect bird ecology and evolution. First, differences in declines among behavioral components may allow identification of behaviors that are most susceptible to decline in the wild. Second, variation in performance declines and heat dissipation behaviors among individuals suggests variability in heat tolerance, which could lead to differential fitness in the wild. Last, these results suggest that high air temperatures cause cognitive declines in the wild and that understanding cognition could help refine predictive models of population persistence.
Controlling Factors and Prediction of Lead Uptake and Accumulation in Various Soil–Pepper Systems
Authors: Shi Jingxuan , Xu Qiao , Zhou Zhen , Wu Xiaoshuai , Tong Jianhao , Cai Qiongyao , Wu Qianhua , Shi Jiyan
Published: January 2021

Lead (Pb) is a typical toxic heavy metal element in soils and plants, which has a potential threat to human health through the food chain. Uptake of Pb in the soil–vegetable system has attracted broad attention, whereas reports on the main controlling factors of Pb uptake and accumulation in different soil–vegetable systems are limited. The effect of soil properties on Pb uptake and accumulation in pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) was studied by a pot experiment with 16 typical soils in China. The results showed that the Pb bioavailability was lower in alkaline soils, and that soil cation exchange capacity (CEC), CaCO3, and total phosphorus contents might influence the uptake and transfer of Pb by peppers. Soil pH and CEC were the most significant factors affecting Pb accumulation in pepper fruits. Soil pH was negatively correlated with Pb uptake and accumulation due to its influence on Pb mobility and bioavailability. The accumulation of Pb decreased as soil CEC increased, which might inhibit the absorption and transfer of Pb in peppers. The multiple linear regression function based on soil Pb content, pH, and CEC could provide enough information for a good prediction of the accumulation of Pb in soil–pepper systems (R2 = 0.733). The results are in favor of developing a Pb threshold for vegetables in agricultural soils in China, thus improving the food safety of crops. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1443–1451. © 2021 SETAC

Abstract

Controlling factors and prediction models of lead (Pb) accumulation in pepper in different soils in China. CEC = cation exchange capacity.
Illicit Drugs as a Potential Risk to the Aquatic Environment of a Large Freshwater Lake after a Major Music Festival
Authors: Maasz Gabor , Molnar Eva , Mayer Matyas , Kuzma Monika , Takács Péter , Zrinyi Zita , Pirger Zsolt , Kiss Tibor
Published: January 2021

The present study strengthens the view that residues of drugs of abuse may become widespread surface water contaminants following a local music festival. Overall, 10 illicit drugs were detected from the aquatic environment after the festival; cocaine and 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine were present in the highest concentrations. The presence of illicit drugs and their metabolites over 3 monitored festival yr suggested that consumption of these drugs was temporally linked with events. Weather conditions seriously influenced detection of contaminants deriving from events at the lakeshore. Most of the illicit drugs retained their pharmacological activities, with a potentially adverse impact on wildlife. Environ Toxicol Chem 2021;40:1491–1498. © 2021 The Authors. Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry published by Wiley Periodicals LLC on behalf of SETAC.

Abstract

Illicit drugs on the aquatic environment after a major music festival. MDAI = 5,6-methylenedioxy-2-aminoindane; MDA = 3,4-methylenedioxyamphetamine; MDMA = 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine.
The link between health and economic preferences: Evidence from 22 OECD countries
Authors: Cen Xi , Johnston David W. , Kung Claryn S. J. , Shields Michael A. , Sun Eric C.
Published: January 2021

We study the link between health status and economic preferences using survey data from 22 Organisation for Economic Co‐operation and Development (OECD) countries. We hypothesize that there is a relationship between poor health and the preferences that people hold, and therefore their choices and decisions. We find that individuals with a limiting health condition are more risk averse and less patient, and that this is true for physical and mental health conditions. The magnitudes of the health gap are approximately 60% and 70% of the gender gap in risk and time preferences, respectively. Importantly, the health gaps are large for males, females, young, old, school dropouts, degree holders, employed, nonemployed, rich, and poor. They also hold for countries with different levels of gross domestic product (GDP), inequality, social expenditure, and disease burden.
Opioid reduction in ambulatory thyroid and parathyroid surgery after implementing enhanced recovery after surgery protocol
Authors: Lide Riley C. , Creighton Erin Weatherford , Yeh Jessica , Troughton Mikayla , Hollowoa Blake , Merrill Tyler , Robbins Alexa , Orman Gray , Breckling Meghan , Vural Emre , Moreno Mauricio , Stack Brendan C.
Published: January 2021

Background

Opioid abuse is widespread in the United States and the risk for chronic use is increased in surgical patients, including patients with thyroid and parathyroid.

Methods

Records for 171 patients prior to and 67 patients following implementation of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol for ambulatory thyroid/parathyroid surgeries were reviewed. The ERAS included superficial cervical plexus block, multimodal premedication, and postoperative reliance on acetaminophen and ibuprofen with judicious prescribing of opioids.

Results

Post‐ERAS patients were prescribed a mean 72 morphine milligram equivalents (MME); pre‐ERAS patients were prescribed a mean 163 MME (p < 0.001). 97.1% of pre‐ERAS patients were prescribed opioids with 91.1% filled; 68.7% of post‐ERAS study patients were prescribed opioids with 84.8% filled.

Conclusion

Implementation of ERAS and focus on prescribing practices decreased the MME prescribed and used for ambulatory thyroid and parathyroid surgery. Future steps include increased patient education and tracking pain scores and medication utilization out of hospital.
Appearance characteristics of incision, satisfaction with the aesthetic effect, and quality of life in of thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy
Authors: Liu Yong Hong , Xue Ling Bo , Zhang Shuai , Yang Yan Fang , Li Jie
Published: January 2021

Objective

This study aimed to assess the correlation between satisfaction with aesthetic effect (SAE) and quality of life (QoL) in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy and identify the impact of appearance characteristics of scars on SAE.

Methods

This prospective, single‐centre, cross‐sectional study from November 2018 to June 2019 enrolled 285 thyroid cancer patients three months after their thyroidectomy. The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire Core 30 was used to assess QoL 3 months after thyroidectomy, while the Patient Scar Assessment Scale (PSAS) was used to assess the SAE of patients.

Results

The mean PSAS score was 35.00, and the mean QoL score was 69.96. Correlation analysis demonstrated that PSAS was negatively correlated with QoL score. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that age, marital status, radiotherapy, surgery type, neurological deficits, and PSAS were independent risk factors with decreased QoL. Furthermore, correlation analysis showed that scar colour, stiffness, thickness, irregularity and length were positively correlated with poor PSAS. Scar irregularity and length were independent risk factors with poor PSAS.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that scar irregularity and length were independent risk factors with SAE, and poor SAE was correlated with decreased QoL in thyroid cancer patients after thyroidectomy.
The vulnerabilities of the Brazilian health workforce during health emergencies: Analysing personal feelings, access to resources and work dynamics during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Lotta Gabriela , Fernandez Michelle , Corrêa Marcela
Published: January 2021

Public health emergencies are a test of resilience for health systems, which depend on health workforces that are well managed and cared for. The COVID‐19 pandemic exposed the weakness of many health systems in preparing their health workforces. The crisis also exacerbated the unequal conditions between different professions, an issue that is still understudied in the workforce literature. This paper analyzes the consequences of the COVID‐19 pandemic for different health professionals, considering the ways in which Brazil's the health system does or does not protect them. We also analyse the role of pre‐existing inequalities between different professions and social groups within the workforce in shaping their different experiences of the pandemic. We present data comparing the perceptions of different health professionals facing the pandemic in Brazil: physicians, nurses, and community health workers. Data were collected in an online survey in Brazil with 1630 health care workers between June 15th and July 1st. Findings suggest that none of the professions felt well prepared to work under emergencies. However, differences relating to professional background were exacerbated during the pandemic, creating unequal conditions for different health workers. These inequalities may pose new challenges for the post‐pandemic scenario.
Significance of exponential space‐based heat source and inclined magnetic field on heat transfer of hybrid nanoliquid with homogeneous–heterogeneous chemical reactions
Authors: Al‐Kouz Wael , Swain Kharabela , Mahanthesh Basavarajappa , Jamshed Wasim
Published: January 2021

Many chemical reactive methods, like combustion, catalysis, and biochemical involve homogeneous–heterogeneous chemical reaction (HHCR). The collaboration among the heterogeneous and homogeneous reactions is exceedingly multifarious, including the creation and depletion both within the liquid and catalytic surfaces. Here, we observe the influences of Cu and Al2O3 nanoparticles past an elongating sheet under HHCR. An inclined magnetic field with an acute angle is applied to the direction of the flow. Further, radiative heat, temperature, and exponential space‐based heat source aspects are modifying the thermal equation. The governing nonlinear equations are deciphered by utilizing the Runge–Kutta‐based shooting method. It is found that HHCR reduces the solute layer thickness, whereas the increase in the angle of inclination of applied magnetism thickens momentum layer thickness.
Effects of environmental factors on changing sex structure of cultivated mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Lamarck, 1819) in the coastal zone of the Black Sea
Authors: Chelyadina Natalya , Pospelova Natalya , Popov Mark
Published: January 2021

Anthropogenically‐induced stressors such as eutrophication and pollution cause fundamental changes of environmental factors in many coastal ecosystems worldwide and may subsequently alter the sex structure of bivalve populations. Such a change of sex structure was observed in the mussel Mytilus galloprovincialis at the Black Sea coast of Crimea, where the sex ratio shifted toward male mussels. This pattern may be caused by the sex inversion in females, higher female mortality, and their falling off to the bottom. Experiments with cultivated mussels M. galloprovincialis were conducted in natural and laboratory conditions to identify the reasons for this phenomenon. The inversion of the mussel sex proceeds in one direction: from females to males. The change of sex occurs under the influence of environmental factors during the post‐spawning restructuring of gonads. Such factors can be adverse hydrological and hydrochemical conditions; environmental pollution; food availability; age and size of mollusks. The sex inversion of mussels in the polluted water area was 20% higher than in the relatively clean water of the mussel farm. The higher mortality of mussel females (69%) in the polluted area as compared to the clean one (19%) was also observed. In a laboratory experiment, the mortality level of females was 34% higher than that of males. The sex ratio on the farm, 1:2.9 (♀:♂), and on the bottom under the farm, 2.6:1 (♀:♂), was found, and the predominance of females at the bottom under the farm was noted. A bias in the sex structure in one direction—from females to males—can have economic implications in aquaculture as well as ecological significance. The increasing anthropogenic impacts on natural mussel populations can cause abnormal bias of sex ratio.
The developmental hourglass model and recapitulation: An attempt to integrate the two models
Authors: Uesaka Masahiro , Kuratani Shigeru , Irie Naoki
Published: January 2021

Recapitulation is a hypothetical concept that assumes embryogenesis of an animal parallels its own phylogenetic history, sequentially developing from more ancestral features to more derived ones. This concept predicts that the earliest developmental stage of various animals should represent the most evolutionarily conserved patterns. Recent transcriptome‐based studies, on the other hand, have reported that mid‐embryonic, organogenetic periods show the highest level of conservation (the developmental hourglass model). This, however, does not rule out the possibility that recapitulation would still be detected after the mid‐embryonic period. In accordance with this, recapitulation‐like morphological features are enriched in late developmental stages. Moreover, our recent chromatin accessibility‐based study provided molecular evidence for recapitulation in the mid‐to‐late embryogenesis of vertebrates, as newly evolved gene regulatory elements tended to be activated at late embryonic stages. In this review, we revisit the recapitulation hypothesis, together with recent molecular‐based studies that support the developmental hourglass model. We contend that the recapitulation hypothesis does not entirely contradict the developmental hourglass model and that these two may even coexist in later embryonic stages of vertebrates. Finally, we review possible mechanisms underlying the recapitulation pattern of chromatin accessibility together with the hourglass‐like evolutionary conservation in vertebrate embryogenesis.
Development of a novel multi‐strain wheat Qu with high enzyme activities for Huangjiu fermentation
Authors: Yu Peibin , Du Jing , Cao Chunlei , Cai Guolin , Sun Junyong , Wu Dianhui , Lu Jian
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND

Wheat Qu has long been used as a fermentation starter to produce Huangjiu. Wheat Qu quality depends on its microbial community structure and the hydrolytic enzymes generated by the micro‐organisms.

RESULTS

Strain YF1 and YF2 were successfully screened as they exhibited high acidic protease (231.9 ± 1.4 U g−1) and cellulase (7.1 ± 0.6 U g−1) activities. Based on a morphological and sequence analysis of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) gene, YF1 and YF2 were identified as Rhizopus oryzae and Aspergillus niger, respectively. Cooked wheat Qu was produced using mixed fungal starter fermentations with Aspergillus oryzae SU‐16, YF1, and YF2. For Qu‐making, the optimized conditions for fermentation time, water content, and inoculum size were 47.8 h, 69.4%, and 6.1%, respectively. Under these conditions, compared with single‐strain cooked wheat Qu, enzyme activities of amylase, acidic protease, and cellulase increased by 27.4%, 657.1%, and 1276.2%, respectively. Short peptides and free amino acids contents increased by 19.6% and 131.8%, respectively. This wheat Qu was used for Huangjiu brewing, and the alcohol content increased by approximately 14.6% because of the increased starch hydrolysis efficiency mainly attributed to its high enzyme activity.

CONCLUSION

Using mixed fungal strains as starter cultures may be an efficient strategy to improve wheat Qu quality, with great potential for application in industrial Huangjiu production. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry
Diagnostic Accuracy of Transvaginal Ultrasound and Magnetic Resonance Imaging for Adenomyosis
Authors: Liu Linly , Li Wentao , Leonardi Mathew , Condous George , Da Silva Costa Fabricio , Mol Ben W. , Wong Lufee
Published: January 2021

We aim to first systematically review and perform a meta‐analysis of the diagnostic accuracy of transvaginal ultrasound (TVUS) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and, second, to evaluate the accuracy of various sonographic diagnostic criteria for adenomyosis. A search of PubMed and Embase yielded 32 eligible studies. In diagnosing adenomyosis, the diagnostic performance of TVUS was found to be high and comparable to the performance of MRI. Of the eight sonographic criteria, only five were assessable. The best individual criterion was echogenic subendometrial lines and buds. Limited data exist for the various sonographic criteria, and further studies are required to compare their performance.
Secondary prevention of hepatitis B virus‐related hepatocellular carcinoma with current antiviral therapies
Authors: Choi Jonggi , Lim Young‐Suk
Published: January 2021

Over the past decades, marked advancement has been made in the prevention and treatment of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Due to highly effective antiviral therapies for chronic hepatitis B (CHB), long‐term clinical outcomes in patients with CHB has also been dramatically improved. However, current antiviral therapies for CHB cannot completely abolish the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In addition, current treatment guidelines for CHB should be interpreted with caution given that HBV‐associated hepatocarcinogenesis could be underway in patients who are not eligible for antiviral therapies by current guidelines. Therefore, efforts to reconcile treatment guidelines with recent clinical evidence should be made for reducing further development of HCC. In this article, we review the secondary prevention of HBV‐related HCC with current antiviral therapies.
Different Surgical Strategies in the Prevention of Frey Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta‐analysis
Authors: De Virgilio Armando , Costantino Andrea , Russo Elena , Ferreli Fabio , Pellini Raul , Petruzzi Gerardo , Zocchi Jacopo , Spriano Giuseppe , Mercante Giuseppe
Published: January 2021

Objective/Hypothesis

To define the best surgical technique able to reduce Frey syndrome (FS) incidence after parotidectomy.

Study Design

Systematic review and network meta‐analysis.

Methods

An arm‐based network analysis was conducted using a Bayesian hierarchical model. The primary and secondary outcomes were the incidence of subjective (clinical) and objective (positive starch‐iodine test result) FS, respectively.

Results

A total of 3830 patients with a median age of 50.35 years (n = 2323; IQR 44.25–54.18) were included for six interventions [temporoparietal fascia (TPFF), free fat graft (FFG), acellular dermal matrix (ADM), sternocleidomastoid muscle (SCM) flap, and superficial musculoaponeurotic system (SMAS) flap]. If compared to no treatment, the greatest reduction of subjective (clinical) FS incidence was measured for the TPFF (OR: 0.07, CI: 0.004–0.57), the ADM (OR: 0.09, CI: 0.02–0.35), and the FFG (OR: 0.11, CI: 0.03–0.42) techniques. However, a significant difference was measured also for the SCM flap (OR: 0.38, CI: 0.18–0.73) and for the SMAS flap (OR: 0.42, CI: 0.19–0.97). All treatments showed a significant reduction of the objective FS incidence if compared to no treatment (FFG, OR: 0.06, CI: 0.002–0.62; TPFF, OR: 0.07, CI: 0.01–0.33; ADM, OR: 0.11, CI: 0.03–0.44; SMAS, OR: 0.36, CI: 0.17–0.71; SCM, OR: 0.40, CI: 0.19–0.74).

Conclusions

TPFF, ADM, and FFG seem to be the best treatment strategies to prevent FS after parotidectomy. Further randomized controlled trials comparing these techniques should be conducted to define specific indications. Laryngoscope, 131:1761–1768, 2021
Measuring pH in low ionic strength glacial meltwaters using ion selective field effect transistor (ISFET) technology
Authors: Bagshaw Elizabeth A. , Wadham Jemma L. , Tranter Martyn , Beaton Alexander D. , Hawkings Jon R. , Lamarche‐Gagnon Guillaume , Mowlem Matthew C.
Published: January 2021

Measuring pH in glacial meltwaters is challenging, because they are cold, remote, subject to freeze‐thaw cycles and have low ionic strength. Traditional methods often perform poorly there; glass electrodes have high drift and long response times, and spectrophotometric techniques are unpractical in cold, remote environments. Ion selective field effect transistor (ISFET) sensors are a promising alternative, proven in marine and industrial applications. We assess the suitability of two models of ISFET, the Honeywell Durafet and Campbell Scientific Sentron, for use in glacial melt through a series of lab and field experiments. The sensors have excellent tolerance of freeze‐thaw and minimal long‐term drift, with the Durafet experiencing less drift than the Sentron model. They have predictable response to temperature, although the Durafet housing causes some lag during rapid cycling, and the impact of stirring is an order of magnitude less than that of glass electrodes. At low ionic strength (< 1 mmol L−1), there is measurable error, but this is quantifiable, and less than glass electrodes. Field tests demonstrated low battery consumption, excellent longevity and resistance to extreme conditions, and revealed biogeochemical processes that were unlikely to be recorded by standard methods. Meltwater pH in two glacial catchments in Greenland remained > 7 with consistent diurnal cycles from the very first meltwater flows. We recommend that ISFET sensors are used to assess the pH of glacial meltwater, since their tolerance is significantly better than alternative methods: the Durafet is accurate to ± 0.2 pH when waters are > 1 mmol L−1 ionic strength, and ± 0.3 pH at < 1 mmol L−1.
Sixth‐order, P‐stable, Numerov‐type methods for use at moderate accuracies
Authors: Medvedeva Marina A. , Simos T. E. , Tsitouras Ch.
Published: January 2021

We consider a family of half‐implicit Numerov‐type methods for the numerical solution of the problem y′′ = f(x, y). These methods use off‐step points and waste four function evaluations (stages) per step. They attain sixth algebraic orders, while other methods of this type need five function evaluations per step. After we exploit this reduction in stages we construct a particular method and present various numerical tests on stiff periodic problems that justify its efficiency.
A wideband low‐profile antenna using hybrid metasurface structure
Authors: Chen Dongxu , Yang Wanchen , Xue Quan , Che Wenquan
Published: January 2021

A novel wideband low‐profile antenna using a hybrid metasurface (MS) structure is presented. The proposed hybrid MS radiator consists of metal patches of different shapes or arrangements, and is fed by a microstrip line through a coupling slot etched on the ground plane. Several resonance modes can be excited for the hybrid MS radiator when a linearly polarized incident plane wave reaches, while one more resonance mode can be introduced by the coupling slot. As a result, wideband and stable radiation can be obtained. The results of the fabricated antenna prototype indicate a large bandwidth of 57.4% (5.23 ~ 9.44 GHz) and a stable gain with a 2‐dB gain bandwidth of 39.2% in a low profile of 0.09λ0. The performances are demonstrated by both simulated and experimental results.
Radiation dosimetry of a clinical prototype dedicated cone‐beam breast CT system with offset detector
Authors: Tseng Hsin Wu , Karellas Andrew , Vedantham Srinivasan
Published: January 2021

Purpose

A clinical‐prototype, dedicated, cone‐beam breast computed tomography (CBBCT) system with offset detector is undergoing clinical evaluation at our institution. This study is to estimate the normalized glandular dose coefficients () that provide air kerma‐to‐mean glandular dose conversion factors using Monte Carlo simulations.

Materials and methods

The clinical prototype CBBCT system uses 49 kV x‐ray spectrum with 1.39 mm 1st half‐value layer thickness. Monte Carlo simulations (GATE, version 8) were performed with semi‐ellipsoidal, homogeneous breasts of various fibroglandular weight fractions (, chest wall diameters ( cm), and chest wall to nipple length (), aligned with the axis of rotation (AOR) located at 65 cm from the focal spot to determine the . Three geometries were considered – ‐cm detector with no offset that served as reference and corresponds to a clinical CBBCT system, ‐cm detector with 5 cm offset, and a ‐cm detector with 10 cm offset.

Results

For 5 cm lateral offset, the ranged  mGy/mGy and reduction in with respect to reference geometry was observed only for 18 cm () and 20 cm () diameter breasts. For the 10 cm lateral offset, the ranged  mGy/mGy and reduction in was observed for all breast diameters. The reduction in was , , , , and for 8, 10, 14, 18, and 20 cm diameter breasts, respectively. For a given breast diameter, the reduction in with offset‐detector geometries was not dependent on . Numerical fits of were generated for each geometry.

Conclusion

The and the numerical fit, would be of benefit for current CBBCT systems using the reference geometry and for future generations using offset‐detector geometry. There exists a potential for radiation dose reduction with offset‐detector geometry, provided the same technique factors as the reference geometry are used, and the image quality is clinically acceptable.
Revamp resources, processes to better recruit, retain online students
Authors: Pavlik Amelia
Published: January 2021

The needs of online students are not the same as on‐campus students’ needs — just ask Rhonda Moll and Rich Simpson of California Baptist University.
Carbon nanotubes in carbon/epoxy multiscale textile preform composites: A review
Authors: Bilisik Kadir , Syduzzaman Md.
Published: January 2021

Carbon nanotube integrated textile structural composites are one of the demanded materials especially for space/aerospace and defense industries in the 21st century due to their better damage tolerance properties compared to the metal and ceramics. This review paper exclusively performed on carbon nanotubes (CNTs) added carbon fiber/epoxy multiscale composites, including recent innovative methods of integrating CNTs to carbon filaments using the direct method such as growing on fiber, chemical grafting, and nanostitching or indirect methods such as mixing with matrix and application via lay‐up and dip coating. In addition, various composite fabrication techniques, including vacuum bag molding, resin transfer molding, and resin film infusion molding techniques were discussed. Critical thermo‐mechanical and electrical properties considering numerous micromechanics based composite modeling and computational analysis were explained. The review concludes that CNTs added carbon fiber/epoxy multiscale composites possess considerable potential in the use of advanced nanocomposites applications.