bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The taquito hot seat: Socializing monolingual bias through error correction practices in a Portuguese language classroom
Authors: Anya Uju
Published: October 2021

Portuguese language students in the United States typically also speak Spanish, and Portuguese programs, influenced by ideologies of linguistic purism, ceaselessly battle against its interference. This article describes a qualitative study of the treatment of Spanish utterances—called taquitos by participants—in a beginner‐level Portuguese class. It presents the classroom as a space of language socialization where students are apprenticed into a culture of strict language separation that demonstrates our field's monolingual bias. Microanalysis of videorecorded classes shows how error correction practices socialize students into upholding monolingual immersion through constant vigilance and mobilization against taquitos. Gaze, body orientation, and gestures as attention markers reveal a taquito hot seat that marginalizes and places Spanish‐speaking students in intense negative focus for not producing Portuguese in “uncontaminated” forms. Given the harm such practices may cause, the article urges the field to examine our rigid insistence upon artificial classroom monolingual immersion and promote flexible, strategic translanguaging for more effective world language pedagogy.
Field Study of Vertical Screening Distance Criteria for Vapor Intrusion of Ethylene Dibromide
Authors: Hers Ian , Wilson John T. , Kolhatkar Ravi V. , Lahvis Matthew A. , Luo Emma (Hong) , Jourabchi Parisa
Published: October 2021

Several regulatory agencies recommend screening petroleum vapor intrusion (PVI) sites based on vertical screening distance between a petroleum hydrocarbon source in soil or groundwater and a building foundation. U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (U.S. EPA) indicate the risk of PVI is minimal at buildings that are separated by more than 6 feet (1.8 m) from a dissolved‐phase source and 15 feet (4.6 m) from a light nonaqueous phase liquid (LNAPL) source. This vertical screening distance method is not, however, recommended at sites with leaded gasoline sources containing ethylene dibromide (EDB) because of a lack of field data to document EDB attenuation in the vadose zone. To help address this gap, depth‐discrete soil‐gas samples were collected at a leaded gasoline release site in Sobieski, Minnesota (USA). The maximum concentration of EDB in groundwater (175 μg/L) at the site was high relative to those observed at other leaded gasoline release sites. Soil gas was analyzed for EDB using a modification of U.S. EPA Method TO‐14A that achieved analytical detection limits below the U.S. EPA Vapor Intrusion Screening Level (VISL) for EDB based on a 10−6 cancer risk (<0.16 μg/m3). Concentrations of EDB in soil gas above LNAPL reached as high as 960 μg/m3 and decreased below the VISL within a source‐separation distance of 7 feet. This result coupled with BioVapor model predictions of EDB concentrations indicate that vertical screening distances recommended by regulatory agencies at PVI sites are generally applicable for EDB over the range of anticipated source concentrations and soil types at most sites.
Quantification and optimization of clot retraction in washed human platelets by Sonoclot coagulation analysis
Authors: Yadav Pooja , Beura Samir K. , Panigrahi Abhishek R. , Singh Sunil K.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Clot retraction is a pivotal process for haemostasis, where platelets develop a contractile force in fibrin meshwork and lead to the increased rigidity of clot. The pathophysiological alteration in contractile forces generated by the platelet‐fibrin meshwork can lead to haemostatic disorders. Regardless of its utter significance, clot retraction remains a limited understood process owing to lack of quantification methodology. Sonoclot analysis is a point‐of‐care technique used in clinical laboratories for whole blood analysis that provides in vitro qualitative as well as quantitative assessment of coagulation process from initial fibrin formation to clot retraction.

Methods

Human washed platelets were isolated by differential centrifugation method and analysed via optical imaging, microscopy and Sonoclot analysis using 1‐2 × 108/mL of washed platelets, 1 U/mL of thrombin, 1 mg/mL of fibrinogen and 1 mM of calcium chloride.

Results

In this study, we demonstrate the novelty of this instrument in the quantitative evaluation of clot retraction in washed platelets and attempted to optimize the reference range of Sonoclot parameters including ACT ‐ 87.3 ± 20.997, CR ‐ 16.23 ± 3.538 and PF ‐ 3.57 ± 0.629, (n = 10).

Discussion

Sonoclot analysis provides a simple and quantitative method to better understand in vitro clot retraction and its modulation by retraction components including platelet count, fibrinogen and platelet–fibrin interaction compared with existing conventional methods. Sonoclot may prove to be a valuable tool in thrombus biology research to understand fundamental basis of blood clot retraction.
Significant predictors of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Chen Chuan‐Shu , Li Jian‐Ri , Yang Cheng‐Kuang , Cheng Chen‐Li , Yang Chi‐Rei , Ou Yen‐Chuan , Ho Hao‐Chung , Lin Chia‐Yen , Hung Sheng‐Chun , Chen Cheng‐Che , Wang Shu‐Chi , Wang Shian‐Shiang
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To investigate the significant predictors of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.

Methods

Between January 2001 and December 2015, 548 patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma who underwent radical nephroureterectomy in a single institution were included in this retrospective cohort study. Several clinicopathological characteristics and outcomes were explored. The crucial end‐point was the diagnosis of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy.

Results

Of the 548 patients, the median age was 68 years (range 24–93 years), and the median follow‐up time after radical nephroureterectomy was 41 months (range 8–191 months). Contralateral upper tract recurrence occurred in 28 patients (5.1%). The median time period between radical nephroureterectomy and contralateral upper tract recurrence was 15.4 months (range 3.4–52.4 months). In the multivariate analysis, preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 mL/min/1.73 m2 (hazard ratio 3.08, P = 0.003) and tumor multifocality (hazard ratio 2.16, P = 0.043) were independent risk factors.

Conclusion

Preoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate <30 and tumor multifocality are significant predictors of contralateral upper tract recurrence after radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma.
Video‐urodynamic effects of vibegron, a new selective β3‐adrenoceptor agonist, on antimuscarinic‐resistant neurogenic bladder dysfunction in patients with spina bifida
Authors: Aoki Katsuya , Momose Hitoshi , Gotoh Daisuke , Morizawa Yosuke , Hori Shunta , Nakai Yasushi , Miyake Makito , Anai Satoshi , Torimoto Kazumasa , Tanaka Nobumichi , Yoneda Tatsuo , Matsumoto Yoshihiro , Fujimoto Kiyohide
Published: October 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the efficacy, safety and tolerability of vibegron for the treatment of antimuscarinic‐resistant neurogenic bladder dysfunction in patients with spina bifida.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 15 patients with antimuscarinic‐resistant neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spina bifida underwent a video‐urodynamic study before and during the administration of vibegron 50 mg once daily instead of antimuscarinic agents from February 2019 through April 2021. The video‐urodynamic study was carried out to evaluate bladder compliance, maximum cystometric bladder capacity, detrusor overactivity, detrusor leak point pressure and vesicoureteral reflux before and >3 months after the beginning of vibegron administration.

Results

Treatment with vibegron significantly improved bladder compliance and maximum cystometric bladder capacity compared with antimuscarinic agents, respectively (7.4 ± 4.2 vs 30.4 ± 48.2 mL/cmH2O, P = 0.0001; 231.4 ± 81.2 vs 325.2 ± 106.5 mL, P = 0.0005). Detrusor overactivity did not change after the administration of vibegron. Bladder deformity, which was confirmed in 12 patients, improved in half of the patients after taking vibegron. Vesicoureteral reflux, which was confirmed in two patients, was extinguished after taking vibegron. Newly occurring adverse events were not observed, and all patients continued to take vibegron during the treatment period.

Conclusions

Favorable efficacy of vibegron for antimuscarinic‐resistant neurogenic bladder dysfunction due to spina bifida was shown video‐urodynamically without apparent adverse events. Vibegron is a favorable option for the treatment of antimuscarinic‐resistant neurogenic bladder dysfunction in patients with spina bifida.
Exosomes from adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells alleviate liver ischaemia reperfusion injury subsequent to hepatectomy in rats by regulating mitochondrial dynamics and biogenesis
Authors: Zhang Qianzhen , Piao Chenxi , Ma Haiyang , Xu Jiayuan , Wang Yue , Liu Tao , Liu Guodong , Wang Hongbin
Published: October 2021

Hepatic ischaemia reperfusion injury (HIRI) is a major factor leading to liver dysfunction after liver resection and liver transplantation. Adipose‐derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADSCs) have potential therapeutic effects on HIRI. Exosomes derived from ADSCs (ADSCs‐exo) have been widely studied as an alternative of ADSCs therapy. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the potential protective effect and related mechanism of ADSCs‐exo on HIRI subsequent to hepatectomy. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, I30R+PH, ADSCs and ADSCs‐exo group. After 24 h of reperfusion, liver and serum of the rats were immediately collected. ADSCs‐exo improved liver function, inhibited oxidative stress and reduced apoptosis of hepatocytes in HIRI subsequent to hepatectomy in rats. ADSCs‐exo significantly promoted the recovery of mitochondrial function, markedly increased the content of ATP in the liver tissue, and improved the ultrastructure of mitochondria in hepatocytes. Moreover, ADSCs‐exo significantly increased the expression of OPA‐1, MFN‐1 and MFN‐2 proteins related to mitochondrial fusion, while DRP‐1 and Fis‐1 mRNA and protein expression associated with mitochondrial fission were significantly decreased after the treatment with ADSCs‐exo. In addition, ADSCs‐exo significantly increased the expression of PGC‐1α, NRF‐1 and TFAM genes and proteins related to mitochondrial biogenesis. ADSCs‐exo improves liver function induced by HIRI subsequent to hepatectomy in rats and maintains mitochondrial homeostasis by inhibiting mitochondrial fission, promoting mitochondrial fusion and promoting mitochondrial biogenesis. Therefore, ADSCs‐exo may be considered as a potential promising alternative to ADSCs in the treatment of HIRI subsequent to hepatectomy.
Reviewing causes of death of individuals with intellectual disability in New South Wales, Australia: a record‐linkage study
Authors: Walker A. R. , Trollor J. N. , Reppermund S. , Srasuebkul P.
Published: October 2021

Background

People with intellectual disability (ID) have a much higher mortality rate than the general population. To reduce the rate of mortality of people with ID, it is critical that causes of death are properly understood, recorded and reported. Formal reviews of causes of death are used in some countries to ensure that causes of death are accurate. To date, the impact of these formal reviews on understanding causes of death of people with ID has not been quantified.

Methods

The study aimed to quantify the impact of formal reviews of deaths on the understanding of causes of death of people with ID who died while living in residential care. Individuals (851) with ID who died in residential care in New South Wales (NSW), Australia, between 1 December 2002 and 31 December 2013, who had a cause of death recorded in both the NSW Cause of Death Unit Record File (COD‐URF; cause of death recorded at time of death) and NSW Ombudsman dataset (cause of death recorded after in‐depth review) were included in the study. We assessed agreement in coding for cause of death by comparing the International Classification of Diseases 10th Revision (ICD‐10) codings at three levels of diagnostic specificity, for both underlying and additional causes of death. We conducted our analysis through both descriptive comparison and through two boosted regression trees.

Results

Approximately half of the underlying causes of death were different after review by the NSW Ombudsman compared with the COD‐URF. Certain causes of death (determined by ICD‐10 chapter) were less likely to predict matches between the dataset than others, with individuals with mental, behavioural and neurodevelopmental disorders recorded in the COD‐URF least likely to have a matching cause of death in NSW Ombudsman dataset. For deaths where there was no agreement at any level between the datasets, a high level of unknown causes of death was recorded.

Conclusions

Formal review of deaths of people with ID in residential care is important to determining true causes of death and therefore developing appropriate health policy for people with ID.
Periodontitis and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Hussain Syed Basit , Leira Yago , Zehra Syeda Ambreen , Botelho João , Machado Vanessa , Ciurtin Coziana , D’Aiuto Francesco , Orlandi Marco
Published: October 2021

This systematic review and meta‐analysis evaluated the association between periodontitis (PD) and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). A systematic search was conducted through the following electronic databases: Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, EMBASE, Scopus, LILACS, CINAHL and SIGLE (System for Information on Grey Literature in Europe) for relevant publications up to September 2020 with no language restriction. The association between PD and SLE was assessed by the prevalence of PD in SLE patients (both sex and females only) as the primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included differences in common gingival parameters including probing pocket depth (PPD), clinical attachment level (CAL), disease activity index (SLEDAI) scores of SLE patients with or without PD. A total of 1183 citations and 22 full text articles were screened. Eighteen articles were included in the qualitative synthesis, and 13 in the quantitative analysis. SLE diagnosis was associated with greater odds of PD (OR = 1.33, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 1.20–1.48), but these were non‐significant when examined in females (OR = 3.20, 95%CI: 0.85–12.02). Patients with SLE exhibited no differences in PPD (SMD: −0.09 mm, 95%CI: −0.45–0.27) and CAL (SMD: 0.05 mm, 95%CI: −0.30–0.40) when compared with systemically healthy controls. PD diagnosis was, however, associated with higher SLEDAI scores in patients suffering from SLE (SMD: 0.68, 95% CI: 0.03–1.32). PD and SLE are both inflammatory diseases and their association could be bi‐directional. This review suggested that the patients with SLE have greater odds of suffering with PD. Further investigations are required to assess the association between PD and SLE.
Dealing with uncertainty in clinical reasoning: A threshold model and the roles of experience and task framing
Authors: Stojan Jennifer N. , Daniel Michelle , Hartley Sarah , Gruppen Larry
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Uncertainty is integral to clinical practice and clinical reasoning but has proven difficult to study and model. Little is known about how clinicians manage uncertainty. According to evidence‐based medicine theory, clinicians should utilise new information to reduce uncertainty until reaching action thresholds for further information gathering or treatment. We examined the impact of experience and task framing on uncertainty thresholds and the extent to which these thresholds guided clinical decisions. Finally, we sought to determine the impact of framing by having participants provide threshold responses as a range or as specific numbers.

Methods

One hundred sixty‐eight fourth‐year medical students, 93 residents and 72 faculty were presented a case of viral pneumonia with a suspected superimposed bacterial infection. Participants identified their testing and treatment thresholds with either a specific number or an inter‐threshold range of probabilities that would compel them to test further. Afterwards, they were told the patient had a 20% pre‐test probability of a superimposed infection and asked whether they would treat the patient with antibiotics, order additional testing or neither. Responses were compared with their previously stated threshold values to assess decision‐making consistency.

Results

Testing thresholds were 15.8%, 20.6% and 25.8%, treatment thresholds were 78.5%, 71.6% and 73.4% and threshold spans (difference between testing and treatment thresholds) were 62.7, 51 and 47.6 for students, residents and faculty, respectively. Sixty‐four percent of respondents made judgements consistent with their thresholds, 28% escalated their decision (doing more than their thresholds predicted) and 7.6% de‐escalated their decision (doing less than their thresholds predicted). Framing had an impact on both faculty and resident decisions and a larger impact on students.

Discussion

These findings help us understand how clinical reasoning and threshold determinations vary with clinical experience. As uncertainty can lead to unnecessary testing and cognitive discomfort, examining decision thresholds helps us ascertain how diagnostic and treatment decisions are made.
Pathogen‐driven coevolution across the CBP60 plant immune regulator subfamilies confers resilience on the regulator module
Authors: Zheng Qi , Majsec Kristina , Katagiri Fumiaki
Published: October 2021

Components of the plant immune signaling network need mechanisms that confer resilience against fast‐evolving pathogen effectors that target them. Among eight Arabidopsis CaM‐Binding Protein (CBP) 60 family members, AtCBP60g and AtSARD1 are partially functionally redundant, major positive immune regulators, and AtCBP60a is a negative immune regulator. We investigated possible resilience‐conferring evolutionary mechanisms among the CBP60a, CBP60g and SARD1 immune regulatory subfamilies.

Phylogenetic analysis was used to investigate the times of CBP60 subfamily neofunctionalization. Then, using the pairwise distance rank based on the newly developed analytical platform Protein Evolution Analysis in a Euclidean Space (PEAES), hypotheses of specific coevolutionary mechanisms that could confer resilience on the regulator module were tested.

The immune regulator subfamilies diversified around the time of angiosperm divergence and have been evolving very quickly. We detected significant coevolutionary interactions across the immune regulator subfamilies in all of 12 diverse core eudicot species lineages tested. The coevolutionary interactions were consistent with the hypothesized coevolution mechanisms.

Despite their unusually fast evolution, members across the CBP60 immune regulator subfamilies have influenced the evolution of each other long after their diversification in a way that could confer resilience on the immune regulator module against fast‐evolving pathogen effectors.
Development and validation of the Scale for Staff–Family Partnership in Long‐term Care (SSFPLC)
Authors: Jang Hye‐Young , Song Eun‐Ok , Ahn Jung‐Won
Published: October 2021

Background

A partnership between staff and families is crucial to maintain nursing home residents' health and promote quality of care, and currently, there is a need for a measurement tool to assess the partnership.

Objectives

This study aimed to develop a tool for assessing the partnership between staff and the families of older adult nursing home residents from the perspective of staff members and to verify its reliability and validity.

Methods

The instrument was developed in the following four stages: (1) generation of an item pool via literature review and focus group interview, (2) experts' content validity analysis of 32 items, (3) a preliminary survey on 30 staff members and (4) validity and reliability tests of the instrument on 346 staff members in nursing homes between July and October 2018.

Results

The final instrument consists of 17‐items in four categories (family's trust and support, collaborative relationship and communication, encouragement to participate in care and professional care). Each item was rated on a 4‐point Likert scale, and the higher scores indicating better partnership between staff and families of nursing home residents. The reliability of the instrument was 0.90, and the test–retest intra‐class correlation coefficient was 0.96.

Conclusion

The Scale for Staff–Family Partnership in Long‐term Care (SSFPLC) showed acceptable reliability and validity as an instrument to assess the partnership between nursing home staff and families.

Implications for practice

This tool can be used for evaluating staff and family partnerships within nursing homes.
The aesthetics of food
Authors: Plakias Alexandra
Published: October 2021

Current debates in food aesthetics are moving away from a focus on whether food is art, and worries about the subjectivity and objectivity of taste, and towards questions about food's aesthetic properties, the cultural and social significance of food, our modes of aesthetic engagement with food, and issues involving cultural appropriation and the authenticity of dishes.
Facing a Common Human Fate: Relating Global Identity and Climate Change Mitigation
Authors: Loy Laura S. , Reese Gerhard , Spence Alexa
Published: October 2021

Collective efforts of the world community are required to mitigate global climate change. Understanding oneself as part of this world community might be crucial for individual behavior change reducing carbon emissions. We examined whether a global identity (i.e., the identification with all humans and a concern for their well‐being) is related to self‐reported climate‐protective behavior in two studies. In a German quota sample (N = 498), global identity was positively related to the personal and societal relevance people attributed to the issue of climate change and self‐reported climate‐protective behavior directly and indirectly through personal and societal relevance attribution. In a U.K. quota sample (N = 400), global identity was positively related to the relevance people attributed to a received news text on climate change. Moreover, global identity was positively related to three observed indicators of climate‐protective behavioral intentions after reading the news text, either directly or indirectly through relevance attribution. These results affirm the importance of a social identity perspective on climate protection. We suggest that the causal effects of global identity and ways to promote its cultivation should be investigated in more depth in future research.
Has Eastern Europe Always Lagged Behind the West? Historical Evidence from Pre‐1870
Authors: Morys Matthias
Published: October 2021

The collapse of communism in Central, East and South‐East Europe led to great hopes in the early 1990s. Three decades on, the initial optimism has given way to a mixed assessment: while the political transformation appears irreversible in some countries, a relapse to more authoritarian forms of government has occurred elsewhere. Similarly, the economic catch‐up process takes much longer than originally anticipated. Many of the challenges might not be a legacy of state socialism but could be more deeply rooted. We provide an overview of where quantitative economic history research stands on the origins and persistence of this fundamental West‐East‐divide, focusing on the period before 1870 (by which time income differences were well established). Serfdom was proposed as an early answer. Non‐agricultural explanations fall into three strands: demography, institutional weaknesses, and market access. We briefly discuss to what extent the factors identified here might have generated long‐run stagnation in region.
The Lasting Well‐Being Effects of Early Adulthood Macroeconomic Crises
Authors: Hovi Matti
Published: October 2021

This paper studies the effects of macroeconomic crises experienced in early adulthood on subjective well‐being (SWB) later in life. Using repeated cross‐sectional survey data of over 100,000 individuals from 38 countries around the world combined with historical data on macroeconomic circumstances, I find that having experienced a macroeconomic crisis at ages 18–25 is detrimental to SWB. This result is in line with earlier literature that focuses on other individual‐level outcomes. However, the analysis presented in this paper reveals that outcomes related to individual’s earnings, employment status, family life, and religion cannot fully explain the lasting effect of macroeconomic crises on well‐being. Results on heterogeneous responses show that the negative effect is largest for females and for individuals with low educational attainment.
Factors contributing to honor‐endorsing men's suicide capability: Firearm ownership, practical capability, and exposure to painful and provocative events
Authors: Bock Jarrod E. , Tucker Raymond P. , Brown Ryan P. , Harrington Erin E. , Bauer Brian W. , Daruwala Samantha E. , Capron Daniel W. , Anestis Michael D.
Published: October 2021

Objective

White men in U.S. cultures of honor die by suicide at greater rates than other demographic groups. This finding has been attributed to factors such as the prevalence and use of firearms in men's suicide in honor states, as well as motivational risk factors (e.g., thwarted belongingness). Other features of honor cultures (e.g., physical aggression, risk‐taking behaviors) suggest that honor‐endorsing men may frequently experience painful and provocative events (PPEs), which, in turn, may facilitate practical capability for suicide. The present work tested this hypothesis and honor ideology's relationship to firearm ownership and storage practices.

Method

In two samples of mostly White U.S. men—one undergraduate sample (N = 472, Mage = 19.76) and one middle‐ to older adult sample (N = 419, Mage = 65.17)—we assessed honor ideology endorsement, PPEs, practical capability for suicide, and firearm‐related outcomes.

Results

Honor endorsement was greater among firearm owners (particularly self‐protective owners), but it was unrelated to storage practices. Honor endorsement was positively associated with PPEs and practical capability. Additionally, the relationship between honor ideology and practical capability was indirectly explained by PPE exposure.

Conclusions

Results highlight multiple avenues—PPEs, practical capability for suicide, (self‐protective) firearm ownership—by which masculine honor norms may place men at risk for suicide.
Synthesis, characterization and potential application of magnetized nanoparticles for photocatalysis of Levafix CA reactive azo‐dye in aqueous effluent
Authors: Thabet Rahma H. , Fouad Mai K. , Ali Ismael A. , El Sherbiny Shakinaz A. , Tony Maha A.
Published: October 2021

Dyes represent major environmental concerns since their presence in aqueous effluents posed a threat to the ecological system. This work is focused on developing a sustainable photo‐Fenton strategy for efficient Levafix Blue oxidation. Nanostructured magnetite as the precursor of the oxidation technique has been synthesized via a simple co‐precipitation technique. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were applied to characterize the samples. The experimental dye removal data revealed that almost complete dye removal (99.9%) was attained at pH 3.0 using 800 and 40 mg/L of H2O2 and magnetite reagents, respectively within 30‐min of irradiation time. The process follows the first‐order reaction model with endothermic and non‐spontaneous oxidation reaction in nature with a low activation energy barrier of 14.29 kJ/mol. Finally, the experimental data reveals that magnetite could be easily recovered and recycled up to six treatment cycles with a removal efficiency of 71% confirms the process sustainability.
Regional flow–ecology relationships in small, temperate rivers
Authors: Hough Ian , Moggridge Helen , Warren Philip , Shucksmith James
Published: October 2021

Flow–ecology relationships within river systems are an important area of ongoing investigation, because of potential applications such as understanding the ecological impact of flow alteration at modified sites. This study analyses relationships between flow characteristics and benthic macroinvertebrates from 18 streams of similar size and typology within Northern England, to develop quantitative flow–ecology relationships applicable at regional scale. High and low flow event frequencies displayed statistically significant relationships with the ecological metrics of LIFE Score, Shannon's Diversity and a velocity flow affinity trait score. Results suggest that flow event frequencies have a significant role in influencing ecology within the river network system. Hence, this indicates that future flow regime design in the region may be enhanced if this variable is considered.
On calibration of piezoelectric sensors with laser doppler vibrometer
Authors: Ghaffari H. O. , Mok U. , Pec Matej
Published: October 2021

We present a method for calibrating piezoelectric sensors using a laser Doppler vibrometer. Our method uses an average of Fourier transform terms of the recorded signal from the piezoelectric sensor, which is compared with the laser probe measurement in the overlapping frequency range. We use our method to calibrate the response of miniature needle sensors employed in acoustic emission testing to several different excitation sources of stress waves in the frequency range of 20–300 kHz. We demonstrate that the output of the piezoelectric sensors can be accurately scaled with particle velocity.
Principles for the Buffering of Genetic Variation
Authors: Hartman John L. , Garvik Barbara , Hartwell Lee
Published: October 2021

Most genetic research has used inbred organisms and has not explored the complexity of natural genetic variation present in outbred populations. The translation of genotype to phenotype is complicated by gene interactions observed as epistasis, canalization, robustness, or buffering. Analysis of double mutations in inbred experimental organisms suggests some principles for gene interaction that may apply to natural variation as well. The buffering of variation in one gene is most often due to a small number of other genes that function in the same biochemical process. However, buffering can also result from genes functioning in processes extrinsic to that of the primary gene.
Closed Genome Sequence of a Salmonella enterica Serovar Bovismorbificans Strain Isolated from Dried Pork Sausage Associated with an Outbreak in France
Authors: Delannoy Sabine , Cadel-Six Sabrina , Bonifait Laetitia , Tran Maï-Lan , Cherchame Emeline , Baugé Louise , Romero Karol , Rouxel Sandra , Thépault Amandine , Cordevant Christophe , Chemaly Marianne , Brisabois Anne , Fach Patrick
Published: October 2021

We report here the closed genome sequence of one
Salmonella enterica
subsp.
enterica
serovar Bovismorbificans strain isolated from dried pork sausage consumed by a patient suffering from salmonellosis.
Complete Genome Sequence of Infectious Bronchitis Virus Strain JP/KH/64, Isolated in Japan
Authors: Mase Masaji , Hiramatsu Kanae , Watanabe Satoko , Iseki Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

Here, we report the complete genome sequence of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) strain JP/KH/64, which is the reference strain for the JP-I genotype in Japan. This information should be useful for an in-depth understanding of the evolution of the JP-I genotype.
Complete Genome Sequence of the Marine-Derived Bacterium
Streptomyces
sp. Strain GMY02
Authors: Widada Jaka , Damayanti Ema , Mustofa
Published: October 2021

We report the complete genome sequence of
Streptomyces
sp. strain GMY02, isolated from Indonesian marine sediment. This bacterium has a circular 8,512,626-nucleotide chromosome.
Genome Sequences of Community SARS-CoV-2 B.1.526 and P.1 Variants Circulating in the Dominican Republic
Authors: Paulino-Ramirez Robert , Calderon Victor Virgilio , Vallejo Degaudenzi Alejandro
Published: October 2021

Nearly complete genome sequences were obtained for a severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) variant of concern and two variants of interest from nasopharyngeal swab samples obtained during surveillance activities in urban communities, among individuals with no previous travel history, in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic.
Exploration for Thermostable β-Amylase of a
Bacillus
sp. Isolated from Compost Soil to Degrade Bacterial Biofilm
Authors: Pan Ieshita
Published: October 2021

More than 85% of nosocomial infections are due to the development of bacterial biofilms. Recent research proposed that biofilm-like structures are not only visible in autopsies, biopsies, patients with chronic wounds, and exudates in animal models but are also present in biomedical devices, implants, prosthetic valves, urinary catheters, etc.
Validation of Commercial SARS-CoV-2 Immunoassays in a Nigerian Population
Authors: Ige Fehintola , Hamada Yohhei , Steinhardt Laura , Iriemenam Nnaemeka C. , Uwandu Mabel , Greby Stacie Marta , Aniedobe Maureen , Salako Babatunde Lawal , Rangaka Molebogeng X. , Abubakar Ibrahim , Audu Rosemary
Published: October 2021

This study used positive and negative sample panels from Nigeria to test the performance of several commercially available SARS-CoV-2 serological assays. Using these prepandemic and SARS-CoV-2-positive samples, we found much lower levels of sensitivity in four commercially available assays than most assay manufacturer reports and independent evaluations.
Supplemental Material: Formation of low-gradient bedrock chutes by dry rockfall on planetary surfaces
Authors: Sun Zhongheng , Lamb Michael , al. et
Published: October 2021

Supplemental Figures S1–S8, Videos S1–S3, and Data files S1–S8.
Epstein-Barr virus reactivation induced myeloperoxidase-specific antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (MPO-ANCA)-associated vasculitis
Authors: Noonan Timothy Philip , Konstantinov Konstantin N , Echevarria Leonor
Published: October 2021

We present a patient with systemic symptoms including 4 months of dyspnoea worsened with exertion, fatigue, rhinorrhoea, intermittent facial swelling, generalised lymphadenopathy and weight loss. Laboratory studies demonstrated proteinuria and eosinophilia. His serology was consistent with Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV) reactivation. A lymph node biopsy was consistent with EBV-associated reactive lymphoid hyperplasia. He was told to continue symptomatic treatment for EBV infection. After several admissions, vasculitis workup and myeloperoxidase-antineutrophil cytoplasmic autoantibody (ANCA) studies were positive. Evolution of clinical symptoms, laboratory parameters and our literature review suggested the diagnosis of EBV-associated ANCA vasculitis. Steroids were started after the patient continued to deteriorate; the viral load started increasing, so we added valganciclovir with favourable clinical response and no relapse during the follow-up for 6 months. This suggests that with evidence of viraemia (primary or reactivation), antiviral treatment likely has clinical benefit while immunosuppression is being considered.
Effects of fetal haemoglobin on systemic oxygenation in preterm infants and the development of retinopathy of prematurity PacIFiHER Report No. 2
Authors: Jiramongkolchai Kim , Repka Michael X , Tian Jing , Aucott Sue W , Shepard Jennifer , Collins Megan , Clemens Julia , Feller Mia , Burd Irina , Roizenblatt Marina , Smith Kerry , Arevalo J Fernando , Gehlbach Peter L , Handa James T
Published: October 2021

Background/aims

Fetal haemoglobin (HbF) has an oxyhaemoglobin dissociation curve that may affect systemic oxygenation and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The study aim is to characterise the effects of HbF levels on systemic oxygenation and ROP development.

Methods

Prospective study conducted from 1 September 2017 through 31 December 2018 at the Johns Hopkins NICU. Preterm infants with HbF measured at birth, 31, 34 and 37 weeks post-menstrual age (PMA), complete blood gas and SpO2recorded up to 42 weeks PMA, and at least one ROP exam were included.

Results

Sixty-four preterm infants were enrolled. Higher HbF was associated with significantly higher SpO2, lower PCO2, lower FiO2from birth to 31 weeks PMA and 31 to 34 weeks PMA (rs=0.51, rs=−0.62 and rs=−0.63; p<0.0001 and rs=0.71, rs=−0.58 and rs=−0.79; p<0.0001, respectively). To maintain oxygen saturation goals set by the neonatal intensive care unit, higher median FiO2was required for HbF in the lowest tercile from birth compared with HbF in the highest tercile to 31 weeks and 31 to 34 weeks PMA; FiO2=35 (21–100) versus 21 (21–30) p<0.006 and FiO2=30 (28–100) versus 21 (21–30) p<0.001, respectively. Preterm infants with ROP had poorer indices of systemic oxygenation, as measured by median levels of SpO2 and PCO2, and lower levels of HbF (p<0.039 and p<0.0001, respectively) up to 34 weeks PMA.

Conclusion

Low HbF levels correlated with poor oxygenation indices and increased risk for ROP. O2saturation goals to prevent ROP may need to incorporate relative amount of HbF.
Predicting the impact of control strategies on the tuberculosis burden in South and North Korea using a mathematical model
Authors: Cho Hyunwoo , Park Youngmok , Seok Jeongjoo , Yeom Joon Sup , Choi Jun Yong , Kim Hee Jin , Kang Young Ae , Lee Jeehyun
Published: October 2021

Background

Among high-income countries, South Korea has a considerable tuberculosis (TB) burden; North Korea has one of the highest TB burdens in the world. Predicting the impact of control strategies on the TB burden can help to efficiently implement TB control programmes.

Methods

We designed a deterministic compartmental model of TB in Korea. After calibration with notification of incidence data from South Korea, the TB burden for 2040 was predicted according to four different intervention strategies: latent TB infection (LTBI) treatment, rapid diagnosis, active case-finding and improvement of the treatment success rate. North Korea’s burden in 2040 was similarly estimated by adjusting the model parameters.

Results

In South Korea, the number of patients with drug-susceptible TB (DS-TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) were predicted to be 27 581 and 625, respectively, in 2025. Active case-finding would lower DS-TB by 6.2% and MDR-TB by 26.7%, respectively, in 2040. The improvement in the success rate of DS-TB treatment would reduce the MDR-TB burden by 34.5%. In North Korea, the number of patients with DS-TB and MDR-TB are, respectively, predicted to be 77 629 and 5409 in 2025. Active case-finding would reduce DS-TB by 22.2% and MDR-TB by 69.7%. LTBI treatment would reduce DS-TB by 20.6% and MDR-TB by 38.6%.

Conclusion

The impact of control strategies on the TB burden in South and North Korea was investigated using a mathematical model. The combined intervention strategies would reduce the burden and active case-finding is expected to result in considerable reduction in both South and North Korea.
Methadone and neuropathic cancer pain subcomponents: a prospective cohort pilot study
Authors: Fawoubo Audrey , Perceau-Chambard Élise , Ruer Murielle , Filbet Marilene , Tricou Colombe , Economos Guillaume
Published: October 2021

Forty per cent of cancer pain associate neuropathic and nociceptive pain simultaneously, and refractory pain affects 15% of cancer pain. Methadone is an effective opioid in treating nociceptive pain and could have an effect on neuropathic pain. Uncertainty remains on its effects on the different subcomponents of neuropathic pain.

Objectives

To identify which subcomponents of neuropathic cancer pain are addressed using methadone.

Methods

An observational prospective cohort study of palliative care inpatients after rotation for refractory neuropathic cancer pain. Pain intensity was assessed weekly for 28 days, using a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and the Neuropathic Pain Symptom Inventory (NPSI).

Results

Forty-eight patients were included and 17 completed the 28 days follow-up. VAS pain rating decreased by at least 20 mm in 47% of patients and the pain intensity was significantly lower at day 28 with 53% of patients with a VAS inferior to 4 (p<0.001). The pressure/squeezing component (NPSI score) decreased by more than 2 points in 50% of patients.

A linear regression showed allodynia and pressure/squeezing were responsible for the largest part of the overall alleviation of pain (p=0.01).

Conclusions

Methadone could significantly improve neuropathic pain through a targeted effect of allodynia and its pressure/squeezing component.
Validation of the Residual Cancer Burden Index as a prognostic tool in women with locally advanced breast cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy
Authors: Gomes da Cunha Juliana Pierobon , Goncalves Rodrigo , Silva Fernando , Aguiar Fernando Nalesso , Mota Bruna Salani , Chequim Bruna Bello , Soares José Maria , Baracat Edmund C , Filassi José Roberto
Published: October 2021

Aims

To correlate the ‘Residual Cancer Burden’ (RCB) index with overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) in women undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy at the Cancer Institute of the State of São Paulo.

Methods

We analysed the medical records of patients with breast cancer who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy and breast surgery, from 2011 to December 2017. Variables analysed were age, clinical and pathological staging, molecular subtype, number of recurrences or metastases, number of deaths, value and class of the RCB index. We used the Kaplan-Meier and the log-rank statistics to evaluate the possible association between RCB and OS and DFS. A regression model was used to determine the independent association of the RCB with the outcomes controlling for confounding factors.

Results

347 patients were included in the analysis with a mean age of 49.39 years. Initial clinical staging was T3 in 57.9% of patients and 43.8% of patients had N1 axillary status. Survival analysis showed a statistically significant better prognosis for the RCB 0 (pCR) subgroup compared with RCB 1, 2 and 3 (log rank p=0.01). In a multivariate analysis, only the RCB classification showed a statistically significant correlation with DFS (RCB 1, HR 6.9, CI 1.9 to 25.4, p=0.004; RCB 2, HR 4.2, CI 1.6 to 10.8, p=0.03; and RCB 3, HR 7.6, CI 2.76 to 20.8, p=0.00).

Conclusion

We demonstrated a positive and significant relationship between the RCB index and the risk of relapse and death.
Performance of the CellaVision DC-1 digital cell imaging analyser for differential counting and morphological classification of blood cells
Authors: van der Vorm Lisa N , Hendriks Henriët A , Smits Simone M
Published: October 2021

Aims

Recently, a new automated digital cell imaging analyser (Sysmex CellaVision DC-1), intended for use in low-volume and small satellite laboratories, has become available. The purpose of this study was to compare the performance of the DC-1 with the Sysmex DI-60 system and the gold standard, manual microscopy.

Methods

White blood cell (WBC) differential counts in 100 normal and 100 abnormal peripheral blood smears were compared between the DC-1, the DI-60 and manual microscopy to establish accuracy, within-run imprecision, clinical sensitivity and specificity. Moreover, the agreement between precharacterisation and postcharacterisation of red blood cell (RBC) morphological abnormalities was determined for the DC-1.

Results

WBC preclassification and postclassification results of the DC-1 showed good correlation compared with DI-60 results and manual microscopy. In addition, the within-run SD of the DC-1 was below 1 for all five major WBC classes, indicating good reproducibility. Clinical sensitivity and specificity were, respectively, 96.7%/95.9% compared with the DI-60% and 96.6%/95.3% compared with manual microscopy. The overall agreement on RBC morphology between the precharacterisation and postcharacterisation results ranged from 49% (poikilocytosis) to 100% (hypochromasia, microcytosis and macrocytosis).

Conclusions

The DC-1 has proven to be an accurate digital cell imaging system for differential counting and morphological classification of WBCs and RBCs in peripheral blood smears. It is a compact and easily operated instrument that can offer low-volume and small satellite laboratories the possibilities of readily available blood cell analysis that can be stored and retrieved for consultation with remote locations.
The effect of branched-chain amino acid on muscle damage markers and performance following strenuous exercise: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Doma Kenji , Singh Utkarsh , Boullosa Daniel , Connor Jonathan Douglas
Published: October 2021

This systematic review and meta-analysis determined whether the ergogenic effects of branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) ameliorated markers of muscle damage and performance following strenuous exercise. In total, 25 studies were included, consisting of 479 participants (age 24.3 ± 8.3 years, height 1.73 ± 0.06 m, body mass 70.8 ± 9.5 kg, females 26.3%). These studies were rated as fair to excellent following the PEDro scale. The outcome measures were compared between the BCAA and placebo conditions at 24 and 48 hours following muscle-damaging exercises, using standardised mean differences and associated p-values via forest plots. Our meta-analysis demonstrated significantly lower levels of indirect muscle damage markers (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase and myoglobin) at 48 hours post-exercise (standardised mean difference [SMD] = −0.41; p < 0.05) for the BCAA than placebo conditions, whilst muscle soreness was significant at 24 hours post-exercise (SMD = −0.28 ≤ d ≤ −0.61; p < 0.05) and 48 hours post-exercise (SMD = −0.41 ≤ d≤ −0.92; p < 0.01). However, no significant differences were identified between the BCAA and placebo conditions for muscle performance at 24 or 48 hours post-exercise (SMD = 0.08 ≤ d ≤ 0.21; p > 0.05). Overall, BCAA reduced the level of muscle damage biomarkers and muscle soreness following muscle-damaging exercises. However, the potential benefits of BCAA for muscle performance recovery is questionable and warrants further investigation to determine the practicality of BCAA for ameliorating muscle damage symptoms in diverse populations. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020191248.

Novelty: BCAA reduces the level of creatine kinase and muscle soreness following strenuous exercise with a dose–response relationship. BCAA does not accelerate recovery for muscle performance.