bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia in patients with previously untreated acute myeloid leukaemia
Authors: Paterno Giovangiacinto , Guarnera Luca , Palmieri Raffaele , Del Prete Valentina , Bonanni Fabrizio , Buzzatti Elisa , Moretti Federico , Casciani Paola , Savi Arianna , Di Cave David , Maurillo Luca , Buccisano Francesco , Venditti Adriano , Del Principe Maria Ilaria
Published: December 2021

Background

Several studies in immunocompromised patients, such as those with HIV infection, undergoing cancer chemotherapy or organ transplant, have led to the development of guidelines on the use of prophylaxis to prevent Pneumocystis jirovecii pneumonia (PJP), in these specific conditions. Instead, since the association between PJP and acute myeloid leukaemia (AML) is not clearly defined, the role of prophylaxis in patients with AML is not yet established.

Methods

We retrospectively analysed 251 consecutive patients with newly diagnosed non‐M3‐AML, admitted at the Hematology Unit of University Tor Vergata in Rome, during the period 2010–2020. The aim of the study was to evaluate the incidence of PJP among AML patients during their first hospital admission, and to identify subjects at a high risk to develop PJP.

Results

Among 251 consecutive patients with non‐M3‐AML, 67 bronchoalveolar lavages (BAL) were performed. PJP was proven in 11/67 (16.7%) subjects undergoing BAL (11 males, median age 71 years), with an incidence of 4.3%. The most common reason for BAL execution were radiological findings such as ground‐glass opacities (6/11, 55%) and atypical patterns like consolidations and nodules (5/11, 45%). One patient died because of PJP after 11 days of trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole therapy. In multivariate analysis older age and smoking habit were independent factors significantly associated with PJP (p = .021 and 0.017 respectively).

Conclusion

We conclude that PJP infection is not uncommon among patients with AML. If intensive chemotherapy is planned, physicians should be aware of this risk and prophylaxis should be considered, particularly in older patients.
Affective dimensions of pandemic life: The mediatised cultivation of outrage
Authors: Conradson David
Published: December 2021

The mediatised circulation of narratives that invite or induce strong emotional responses has been a key dimension of the COVID‐19 pandemic. These circulations have shaped the affective dimensions of pandemic life—including collective feelings of fear, anger, relief and happiness—while also contributing to polarised debates regarding lockdowns and vaccinations. In this context, this commentary examines the emergence of public outrage in Aotearoa New Zealand over two women alleged to have broken a lockdown travel restriction. It describes an escalation of judgement and anger, and considers whether the mediatised cultivation of such feelings might displace or undermine empathy and civility.
S‐ICD screening revisited: do passing vectors sometimes fail?
Authors: Wiles Benedict M. , Morgan John M. , Allavatam Venugopal , ElRefai Mohamed , Roberts Paul R.
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Pre‐implant ECG screening is performed to ensure that S‐ICD recipients have at least one suitable sensing vector, yet cardiac over‐sensing remains the commonest cause of inappropriate shock therapy in the S‐ICD population. One explanation would be the presence of dynamic variations in ECG morphology that result in variations in vector eligibility.

Methods

Adult ICD patients had a 24‐h ambulatory ECG performed using a digital Holter positioned to record all three S‐ICD vectors. Using an S‐ICD simulator, automated screening was then performed at one‐minute intervals. In vectors with a mean vector score > 100 (the accepted value for a passing vector when screened on a single occasion), the percentage of all screening assessments that passed, eligible vector time (EVT), was calculated. EVT was compared statistically to QRS duration, corrected time to peak T (pTc) and mean vector score.

Results

Ambulatory monitoring was performed in 14 patients (mean age 63.7 ± 5.2 years, 71.4% male) with 42 vectors analysed. In 19 vectors the mean vector score was > 100. Within this “passing” cohort EVT varied between 42.7% and 100%. In 7/19 (37%) the EVT was <75%. A negative correlation was found between QRS duration and EVT (Pearson correlation ‐.60, p = .007). No correlation was found between EVT and mean vector score or pTc.

Conclusion

Vector eligibility is dynamic. When “passing” vectors are subjected to repeated screening, 37% are found to be ineligible, more than a quarter of the time. Further investigation is required to determine the clinical significance of these findings.
Anesthetic considerations in children with asthma
Authors: Regli Adrian , Sommerfield Aine , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: December 2021

Due to the high prevalence of asthma and general airway reactivity, anesthesiologists frequently encounter children with asthma or asthma‐like symptoms. This review focuses on the epidemiology, the underlying pathophysiology, and perioperative management of children with airway reactivity, including controlled and uncontrolled asthma. It spans from preoperative optimization to optimized intraoperative management, airway management, and ventilation strategies. There are three leading causes for bronchospasm (1) mechanical (eg, airway manipulation), (2) non‐immunological anaphylaxis (anaphylactoid reaction), and (3) immunological anaphylaxis. Children with increased airway reactivity may benefit from a premedication with beta‐2 agonists, non‐invasive airway management, and deep removal of airway devices. While desflurane should be avoided in pediatric anesthesia due to an increased risk of bronchospasm, other volatile agents are potent bronchodilators. Propofol is superior in blunting airway reflexes and, therefore, well suited for anesthesia induction in children with increased airway reactivity.
Interventions for Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men: Critical appraisal
Authors: Valdes Beatriz , Martinez Jacob , Quidley‐Rodriguez Narciso , Salani Deborah , Provencio‐Vasquez Elias , De Santis Joseph P.
Published: December 2021

Objective

Some interventions have been developed and tested to reduce high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and men who have sex with men (MSM). The purpose of this paper is to critically appraise published interventions designed to reduce high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM.

Design/sample/measurement

A critical appraisal of published interventions designed to reduce high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM was conducted. Using guidelines established by the Johns Hopkins Nursing Evidence‐Based Practice Rating Scale published research articles were categorized and evaluated using these guidelines.

Results

The critical appraisal identified nine intervention studies that met all inclusion criteria. The critical appraisal of these interventions highlighted strengths and weaknesses of these interventions which should be considered when developing future interventions to decrease high risk sexual practices among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM.

Conclusion

While several interventions have been created to specifically address HIV infection among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM, these interventions were varied. Suggestions for future intervention development to decrease high risk sexual behaviors among Hispanic/Latino gay, bisexual, and MSM based on the findings of the critical appraisal of the literature are included.
Public health nurse education in the Nordic countries
Authors: Alstveit Marit , Lahti Sari , Jónsdóttir Sigríður Sía , Egeland Nina , Sørensen Susanne Klit , Eklund Anna Josse
Published: December 2021

Background

Higher education should promote critical reflection and guide students towards international activities. In the Nordic countries public health nurse educational programmes are mostly based on guidelines issued by national educational authorities, which describe students’ learning outcomes.

Aim

The aim of this paper is twofold: to give an overview of public health nurse education and service in the Nordic countries and thereby discuss opportunities for collaboration within the programmes.

Data sources and compilation of data

National legislations for public health nurse education and services are used as data. Since all sources are written in the language of each country, all the authors wrote the parts that describe each countries conditions in English and contributed to the compilation of data.

Results

We found both similarities and differences in public health nurse education and services. Opportunities for collaboration between the programmes are discussed.

Conclusion

Critical reflection by the public health nurse students can be enhanced by arranging collaboration projects, an exchange of clinical placement, and joint master projects. Collaboration among academic staff within the educational programmes, in education and research, have the potential to enhance quality both within public health nurse education and in developing the profession of public health nursing.
Photo urticaria caused by exposure to LED emitting 633‐nm wavelength during hot yoga exercise
Authors: Takeuchi Anna , Fukumoto Takeshi , Nishigori Chikako
Published: December 2021

Photo urticaria (PU) is a rare type of urticaria that develops after exposure to various wavelengths of light. Inducing urticarial wheals using light sources of pertinent wavelengths can help make the definitive diagnosis of PU. The action spectra (AS) in Japanese patients with PU commonly fall within the ultraviolet radiation A and visible light range. Herein, to the best of our knowledge, we present the first case of PU caused by 633‐nm wavelength within the visible light spectrum. Our patient worked as a “hot yoga” instructor, where light‐emitting diodes (LEDs) on the ceiling were used to irradiate the entire room with 633‐nm wavelength of light for “light treatment.” She reported itching and wheals on the face and neck during her “hot yoga” sessions. “Hot yoga” has recently gained popularity globally. The “light treatment” is based on the theory that 633‐nm wavelength light within the visible light spectrum reportedly prevents the skin from aging. We induced wheals with erythema by irradiating her skin using a 633‐nm LED at a dose of 0.008 J/cm2/s for 1 h. Her condition was diagnosed as PU caused by exposure to 633 nm. Light. Her symptoms have not recurred since she has avoided being exposed to the 633‐nm wavelength of LED light.
Contract farming, community effect, and farmer valuation of biofortified crop varieties in China: The case of high‐zinc wheat
Authors: Li Jian , Qing Ping , Hu Wuyang , Li Minglai
Published: December 2021

Biofortification is a feasible and cost‐efficient approach to reduce human micronutrient deficiency, but few studies have investigated its economic value from the perspective of producers. We propose an actual output‐based payment card (AOPC) method to elicit producer valuation of biofortified high‐zinc wheat in North China Plain and assess the impacts of contract farming and community network on their valuation. Unlike financial payments, AOPC uses actual output as the payment vehicle. The results show that Chinese wheat producers' valuation of the biofortified variety is featured by a dispersed and bimodal distribution. We find that contract farming positively affects farmer valuation, highlighting the role of institutional arrangement in biofortified crop planting. We also document the existence of community effects, which leads to similar valuation among farmers better connected through the shared community network. Further analysis reveals that contract farming and community network effects on producer valuation are heterogeneous between elderly and younger producers and producers with and without young children. Our findings shed new light on producer valuation of biofortified crop planting in developing countries and provide implications for advancing the process of crop biofortification to reduce global micronutrient malnutrition.
Thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance in end‐stage renal disease patients before and 1 year after starting maintenance hemodialysis: A prospective multicenter study
Authors: Tawfik Mona , Fathy Noha , Mousa Amany A. , Ghonem Mohamed , Abdelsalam Mostafa
Published: December 2021

Background

Thyroid dysfunction and insulin resistance (IR) are common findings in patients with ESRD. We aimed to evaluate thyroid dysfunction and IR in ESRD before and after 1 year of starting hemodialysis (HD).

Methods

This was a prospective study that recruited newly starting HD patients who fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Patients were evaluated for TSH, free T4, free T3, fasting insulin, fasting glucose, HOMA‐IR, serum ferritin, and hs‐CRP levels before starting their first dialysis session and after 1 year of regular HD.

Results

Eighty‐one patients have completed the 1‐year follow‐up period. After 1 year of regular HD, there were statistically significant increments of hs‐CRP, serum ferritin, and TSH levels. On the other hand, fasting insulin level and HOMA‐IR showed statistically significant increments after 1 year of starting HD. After 1 year of regular HD, TSH level showed a positive correlation with hs‐CRP and serum ferritin level, while free T3 was negatively correlated with HOMA‐IR. On the other hand, there was a significant positive correlation between HOMA‐IR, hs‐CRP, and serum ferritin levels, while HOMA‐IR was negatively correlated with Kt/V.

Conclusions

This study suggests overlapping complex pathogenesis of thyroid dysfunction, chronic inflammation, and IR in chronic HD patients.
Criminal justice in Indian country: Examining declination rates of tribal cases
Authors: Branton Regina , King Kimi , Walsh Justin
Published: December 2021

Objective

This study examines how U.S. Attorney Offices (USAO) use their declination powers in Indian country (IC) cases, compared to non‐IC cases.

Methods

We utilize the “National Caseload Data” provided by the Executive Office for U.S. Attorneys. These data allow us to identify whether a crime occurred on IC and identify whether the USAO declined to prosecute a case. Further, we examine if and how the passage of the Tribal Law and Order Act (TLOA) affected rates of declination of IC cases.

Results

The findings indicate that IC cases are significantly more likely to be declined when compared to non‐IC cases. This suggests violence in IC may be linked to the federal government's lack of judicial oversight of criminal cases that occur in IC. Additionally, the findings indicate that the passage of TLOA in 2010 significantly reduced the declination rates in IC.

Conclusion

The vicious cycle of violence on tribal lands is partially a result of the federal government's lack of judicial oversight of criminal cases that occur in IC. The failure to prosecute IC criminal cases results in perpetuating the occurrence of violent crime in tribal lands.
Neighbourhood Factors in Children's Outdoor Play: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Visser Kirsten , van Aalst Irina
Published: December 2021

This systematic review discusses 25 recent studies (from 2000 to 2019, 13 quantitative and 12 qualitative) on the associations between neighbourhood characteristics and outdoor play of children (7–14 years old). Both physical and social contexts are shown to influence outdoor play, though studies differ on which elements matter most. Play‐friendly environments with informal and safe opportunities are more stimulating than formal playgrounds. Moreover, parents' social safety concerns limit children's independent outdoor play. Investigation of moderating factors is limited to age and gender differences and offers inconclusive evidence. Further research should collect evidence from both parents' and children's perspectives on how and for whom neighbourhood features matter.
Variation in the promoter of the sorbitol dehydrogenase gene MdSDH2 affects binding of the transcription factor MdABI3 and alters fructose content in apple fruit
Authors: Wang Zhengyang , Ma Baiquan , Yang Nanxiang , Jin Ling , Wang Lan , Ma Songya , Ruan Yong‐Ling , Ma Fengwang , Li Mingjun
Published: December 2021

Fructose (Fru) content is a key determinant of fruit sweetness and quality. An F1 hybrid population of the apple cultivars ‘Honeycrisp’ × ‘Qinguan’ was used to investigate the quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions and genes controlling Fru content in fruit. A stable QTL on linkage group (LG) 01 in ‘Honeycrisp’ was detected on the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genetic linkage maps. In this region, a sorbitol dehydrogenase (SDH) gene, MdSDH2, was detected and showed promoter variations and differential expression patterns between ‘Honeycrisp’ and ‘Qinguan’ fruits as well as their hybrids. A SNP variant (A/G) in the MdSDH2 promoter region (SDH2p‐491) affected the binding ability of the transcription factor MdABI3, which can affect the expression of MdSDH2. Promoter sequences with an A nucleotide at SDH2p‐491 had stronger binding affinity for MdABI3 than those with a G. Among 27 domesticated apple cultivars and wild relatives, this SNP (A/G) was associated with Fru content. Our results indicate that MdSDH2 can alter Fru content as the major regulatory gene and that ABA signaling might be involved in Fru content accumulation in apple fruit.
Robots with Tails
Authors: Ben-Tzvi Pinhas , Liu Yujiong
Published: December 2021

Until recently, most four-legged robots have lacked a feature that is found again and again in nature—a tail. Studies of animal locomotion and robots in the laboratory indicate that leaving out tails has been a design drawback. In fact, research conducted by our lab at Virginia Tech has shown that an articulated robotic tail can effectively maneuver and stabilize a quadruped both for static and dynamic locomotion.
What Color Is Your Hydrogen?
Authors: Siegel R.P.
Published: December 2021

It’s possible to produce hydrogen in ways that don’t have carbon impacts. Most of the research and entrepreneurial interest is in “green” processes that do not generate net carbon emissions. The scramble is on to find the least expensive and most energy-efficient method for producing it.
On the length scale and Strouhal numbers for sound transmission across coupled duct cavities at low Mach number
Authors: Tang S. K. , Tang Yijia
Published: December 2021

The sound transmission across two coupled cavities along a rectangular duct in the presence of a low Mach number flow is examined experimentally in the present study. An effort is also made for a deeper understanding of how the flow, excitation sound frequency, and excitation level influence the sound transmission loss. The results confirm that the high sound transmission loss across the cavities is associated with the strong out-of-phase pressure fluctuations within the cavities. The sound transmission loss deteriorates significantly once the flow speed exceeds a threshold value. A different length scale is proposed. This length scale, together with the threshold flow speed and the peak sound transmission loss frequency, gives a Strouhal number, which is basically independent of the cavity offset for a fixed cavity length. The present finding extends the previous effort of the authors, enabling the prediction of the flow speed limit and operating frequency of the coupled cavities for duct silencing at a low Mach number.
When a Ban Is Not a Ban: Institutional Work and the Russian Doping Scandal
Authors: Dowling Mathew , Harris Spencer , Washington Marvin
Published: December 2021

There are fewer cases of such blatant acts to defy and subsequent heroic efforts to rearrange institutional norms than the Russian doping scandal. In adopting a neo-institutional perspective, the authors theorize the scandal as a case of attempted but failed institutional disruption. More specifically, the authors draw upon the institutional change literature and the institutional work perspective to explain the key events surrounding actors’ response to the scandal. The analysis utilized Gioia’s methodological approach to examine secondary empirical data. Findings reveal how stakeholders circumvented traditional governance structures in an attempt to disrupt institutional arrangements, but despite this, much of the preexisting institutional infrastructure has remained intact. The authors explain this outcome, in part, as a consequence of the counter-institutional work of key governing agencies and other actors to maintain the status quo within international sport.
Evolution of the grass leaf by primordium extension and petiole-lamina remodeling
Authors: Richardson A. E. , Cheng J. , Johnston R. , Kennaway R. , Conlon B. R. , Rebocho A. B. , Kong H. , Scanlon M. J. , Hake S. , Coen E.
Published: December 2021

Shared systems in leaf development

The long, narrow leaves of grasses look rather different from the often shorter, flatter leaves of eudicot plants. Richardson
et al
. combined developmental genetics and computational modeling to reveal that these two types of leaves, which are widely separated by evolution, have more in common than expected. Expression of similar patterning genes in the primordial zone is confined to a wedge for the eudicot leaf but expanded to concentric domains in the grass leaf, driving development of the cylindrical, encircling sheath characteristic of grass leaves. Addition or removal of gene expression in a marginal zone contributes to the development of the broader leaf characteristic of eudicots. Thus, grass and eudicot leaves are diversified elaborations of shared toolkits. —PJH
Multidimensional tropical forest recovery
Authors: Poorter Lourens , Craven Dylan , Jakovac Catarina C. , van der Sande Masha T. , Amissah Lucy , Bongers Frans , Chazdon Robin L. , Farrior Caroline E. , Kambach Stephan , Meave Jorge A. , Muñoz Rodrigo , Norden Natalia , Rüger Nadja , van Breugel Michiel , Almeyda Zambrano Angélica María , Amani Bienvenu , Andrade José Luis , Brancalion Pedro H. S. , Broadbent Eben N. , de Foresta Hubert , Dent Daisy H. , Derroire Géraldine , DeWalt Saara J. , Dupuy Juan M. , Durán Sandra M. , Fantini Alfredo C. , Finegan Bryan , Hernández-Jaramillo Alma , Hernández-Stefanoni José Luis , Hietz Peter , Junqueira André B. , N’dja Justin Kassi , Letcher Susan G. , Lohbeck Madelon , López-Camacho René , Martínez-Ramos Miguel , Melo Felipe P. L. , Mora Francisco , Müller Sandra C. , N’Guessan Anny E. , Oberleitner Florian , Ortiz-Malavassi Edgar , Pérez-García Eduardo A. , Pinho Bruno X. , Piotto Daniel , Powers Jennifer S. , Rodríguez-Buriticá Susana , Rozendaal Danaë M. A. , Ruíz Jorge , Tabarelli Marcelo , Teixeira Heitor Mancini , Valadares de Sá Barretto Sampaio Everardo , van der Wal Hans , Villa Pedro M. , Fernandes Geraldo W. , Santos Braulio A. , Aguilar-Cano José , de Almeida-Cortez Jarcilene S. , Alvarez-Davila Esteban , Arreola-Villa Felipe , Balvanera Patricia , Becknell Justin M. , Cabral George A. L. , Castellanos-Castro Carolina , de Jong Ben H. J. , Nieto Jhon Edison , Espírito-Santo Mário M. , Fandino Maria C. , García Hernando , García-Villalobos Daniel , Hall Jefferson S. , Idárraga Alvaro , Jiménez-Montoya Jaider , Kennard Deborah , Marín-Spiotta Erika , Mesquita Rita , Nunes Yule R. F. , Ochoa-Gaona Susana , Peña-Claros Marielos , Pérez-Cárdenas Nathalia , Rodríguez-Velázquez Jorge , Villanueva Lucía Sanaphre , Schwartz Naomi B. , Steininger Marc K. , Veloso Maria D. M. , Vester Henricus F. M. , Vieira Ima C. G. , Williamson G. Bruce , Zanini Kátia , Hérault Bruno
Published: December 2021

Resilient secondary tropical forests?

Although deforestation is rampant across the tropics, forest has a strong capacity to regrow on abandoned lands. These “secondary” forests may increasingly play important roles in biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation, and landscape restoration. Poorteret al. analyzed the patterns of recovery in forest attributes (related to soil, plant functioning, structure, and diversity) in 77 secondary forest sites in the Americas and West Africa. They found that different attributes recovered at different rates, with soil recovering in less than a decade and species diversity and biomass recovering in little more than a century. The authors discuss how these findings can be applied in efforts to promote forest restoration. —AMS
Elemental electrical switch enabling phase segregation–free operation
Authors: Shen Jiabin , Jia Shujing , Shi Nannan , Ge Qingqin , Gotoh Tamihiro , Lv Shilong , Liu Qi , Dronskowski Richard , Elliott Stephen R. , Song Zhitang , Zhu Min
Published: December 2021

Single element switch

Phase-change materials are attractive for computer memory and switching, in part due to their small size and fast switching speeds. However, competitive materials frequently have many elements, which decreases the switching reliability. Shenet al. built a pure tellurium device that is capable of fast switching through a phase transformation (see the Perspective by Calarco and Arciprete). Unlike many other phase-change materials, the change in resistance happens because the tellurium melts during the switching process. The resulting device can be switched 100 million times before failure and is an appealing route for avoiding the issues from multi-element phase-change materials. —BG
Charge transfer across C–H⋅⋅⋅O hydrogen bonds stabilizes oil droplets in water
Authors: Pullanchery Saranya , Kulik Sergey , Rehl Benjamin , Hassanali Ali , Roke Sylvie
Published: December 2021

Why oil and water do not mix

It is well known that oil forms stable droplets that carry a negative electrophoretic mobility (and negative charge) upon dispersing in water. However, the underlying mechanism is a long-debated topic. Using vibrational sum-frequency scattering spectroscopy, Pullanchery
et al
. recorded the interfacial vibrational spectrum in the oxygen–deuterium and carbon–hydrogen stretching regions of a hexadecane–water interface. Their spectral analysis accompanied by molecular dynamics simulations showed that water molecules form “improper” interfacial hydrogen bonds with alkyl hydrogens, resulting in the water-to-oil charge transfer that stabilizes oil droplets. This work demonstrates that sum-frequency scattering spectroscopy is a powerful technique that can improve our understanding of hydrophobicity in water-mediated chemical and biological systems. —YS
Humanity versus the world
A Natural History of the Future: What the Laws of Biology Tell Us About the Destiny of the Human Species
Rob Dunn Basic Books, 2021. 320 pp.
Authors: Hannibal Mary Ellen
Published: December 2021

A biologist confronts the evolutionary arms race at play in human-remade landscapes
Artificial intelligence “sees” split electrons
Authors: Perdew John P.
Published: December 2021

Machine-learning creates a density functional that accounts for fractional charge and spin
Universities are not political prizes
Authors: Thorp H. Holden
Published: December 2021

Institutions of higher education are valued by democracies because of their civic goal—to foster in the next generation of citizens a regard for individual freedoms and rights, principled debates, and tolerance for opposing opinions. The leaders of these institutions are expected to demonstrate their commitment to these values by supporting academic freedom—the ability of faculty, staff, and students to challenge wisdom, explore new ideas, and advance knowledge through free inquiry. But lately, some university administrators have been responding to the ever more polarized political climate by giving lip service to academic freedom while playing politics—either ignoring or playing both sides of conflicts that threaten to undermine the very tradition of free and diverse thinking and discourse.
Gene editing produces single-sex litters in mice
Authors: Pennisi Elizabeth
Published: December 2021

CRISPR approach may curb culling of lab animals, chicks
Draft Genome Sequences of Two Strains of Enterococcus lactis Showing High Potential as Cattle Probiotic Supplements
Authors: Korzhenkov A. A. , Petrova K. O. , Izotova A. O. , Shustikova T. E. , Kanikovskaya A. A. , Patrusheva E. V. , Patrushev M. V. , Toshchakov S. V.
Published: December 2021

Probiotic supplements are currently widely used in cattle feeding practices. However, knowledge regarding the genomic landscape of cattle probiotic microorganisms is relatively scarce and is based on analogies with human probiotics. Here, we report on the draft genome sequences of two
Enterococcus lactis
strains, VKPM B-4989 and VKPM B-4992, which were isolated from the rumen of a healthy calf and utilized as a probiotic additive.
Functions of Chordotonal Sensilla in Bushcrickets (Orthoptera, Tettigoniidae)
Authors: Zhantiev R. D. , Korsunovskaya O. S.
Published: December 2021

Acoustic and vibrational sensitivity of single identified auditory receptors in bushcrickets was studied by electrophysiological methods. In the intermediate organ, some neurons were identified whose response to acceleration did not depend on the stimulus frequency over a significant frequency range; along with them, there were cells showing increased sensitivity to frequencies of 0.4–0.8 kHz for displacement, and/or 0.1–0.3, 1–1.2, and 1.4–3 kHz for all the vibration parameters. In addition, most of the studied receptors had a zone of increased sensitivity to highfrequency vibrations at 1.5–2.5 kHz. In the sensilla of the crista acustica, increased sensitivity was recorded at frequencies of 0.1–0.3, 0.4–0.8, 1–1.2, and 1.4–2.5 kHz. The best frequencies of a single sensillum may lie in different frequency ranges for different vibration parameters. Such differences in sensitivity to vibration acceleration, vibration velocity, and displacement, and also the different best frequencies in the receptors of the intermediate organ and the crista acustica were probably determined by differences in size, position, and morphological details of the sensilla, their own resonances, and reactions to resonance vibrations of the trachea section bearing the vibroreceptors. Thus, the chordotonal sensillum is a bifunctional mechanoreceptor which, along with auditory sensitivity, can combine the functions of both a displacement receiver and an accelerometer due to the different mechanical properties of its cells and the surrounding structures.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)-associated stress cardiomyopathy secondary to autoimmune conditions successfully treated with anakinra
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Abdalla Abuelmagd , McCarthy Geraldine , Stack John
Published: December 2021

We describe two young cases of reactive haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) with the resultant stress cardiomyopathy in the setting of underlying autoimmune diseases, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and Still’s disease. The initial presentation was similar in both cases with fever, hyperinflammatory response, hypotension (vasoplegia), bicytopenia and hyperferritinemia. Despite standard of care and multiple broad-spectrum antibiotics, both cases remained pyrexic and were ultimately admitted to the intensive therapy unit to treat cardiogenic shock. Echocardiogram of both cases showed low ejection fraction, the cause for which was not found until the final diagnosis of HLH was made. Both cases made a complete clinical and cardiac recovery following the initiation of high-dose glucocorticoids and anakinra.
Clinical review of retinotopy
Authors: Nij Bijvank Jenny , Maillette de Buy Wenniger Lucas , de Graaf Pim , Petzold Axel
Published: December 2021

Two observations made 29 years apart are the cornerstones of this review on the contributions of Dr Gordon T. Plant to understanding pathology affecting the optic nerve. The first observation laid the anatomical basis in 1990 for the interpretation of optical coherence tomography (OCT) findings in 2009. Retinal OCT offers clinicians detailed in vivo structural imaging of individual retinal layers. This has led to novel observations which were impossible to make using ophthalmoscopy. The technique also helps to re-introduce the anatomically grounded concept of retinotopy to clinical practise. This review employs illustrations of the anatomical basis for retinotopy through detailed translational histological studies and multimodal brain-eye imaging studies. The paths of the prelaminar and postlaminar axons forming the optic nerve and their postsynaptic path from the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus to the primary visual cortex in humans are described. With the mapped neuroanatomy in mind we use OCT-MRI pairings to discuss the patterns of neurodegeneration in eye and brain that are a consequence of the hard wired retinotopy: anterograde and retrograde axonal degeneration which can, within the visual system, propagate trans-synaptically. The technical advances of OCT and MRI for the first time enable us to trace axonal degeneration through the entire visual system at spectacular resolution. In conclusion, the neuroanatomical insights provided by the combination of OCT and MRI allows us to separate incidental findings from sinister pathology and provides new opportunities to tailor and monitor novel neuroprotective strategies.
Preceding group A streptococcus skin and throat infections are individually associated with acute rheumatic fever: evidence from New Zealand
Authors: Oliver Jane , Bennett Julie , Thomas Sally , Zhang Jane , Pierse Nevil , Moreland Nicole J , Williamson Deborah A , Jack Susan , Baker Michael
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Acute rheumatic fever (ARF) is usually considered a consequence of group A streptococcus (GAS) pharyngitis, with GAS skin infections not considered a major trigger. The aim was to quantify the risk of ARF following a GAS-positive skin or throat swab.

Methods

This retrospective analysis used pre-existing administrative data. Throat and skin swab data (1 866 981 swabs) from the Auckland region, New Zealand and antibiotic dispensing data were used (2010–2017). Incident ARF cases were identified using hospitalisation data (2010–2018). The risk ratio (RR) of ARF following swab collection was estimated across selected features and timeframes. Antibiotic dispensing data were linked to investigate whether this altered ARF risk following GAS detection.

Results

ARF risk increased following GAS detection in a throat or skin swab. Māori and Pacific Peoples had the highest ARF risk 8–90 days following a GAS-positive throat or skin swab, compared with a GAS-negative swab. During this period, the RR for Māori and Pacific Peoples following a GAS-positive throat swab was 4.8 (95% CI 3.6 to 6.4) and following a GAS-positive skin swab, the RR was 5.1 (95% CI 1.8 to 15.0). Antibiotic dispensing was not associated with a reduction in ARF risk following GAS detection in a throat swab (antibiotics not dispensed (RR: 4.1, 95% CI 2.7 to 6.2), antibiotics dispensed (RR: 4.3, 95% CI 2.5 to 7.4) or in a skin swab (antibiotics not dispensed (RR: 3.5, 95% CI 0.9 to 13.9), antibiotics dispensed (RR: 2.0, 95% CI 0.3 to 12.1).

Conclusions

A GAS-positive throat or skin swab is strongly associated with subsequent ARF, particularly for Māori and Pacific Peoples. This study provides the first population-level evidence that GAS skin infection can trigger ARF.
Impact of Statewide Prevention and Reduction of Clostridioides difficile (SPARC), a Maryland public health–academic collaborative: an evaluation of a quality improvement intervention
Authors: Rock Clare , Perlmutter Rebecca , Blythe David , Bork Jacqueline , Claeys Kimberly , Cosgrove Sara E , Dzintars Kate , Fabre Valeria , Harris Anthony D , Heil Emily , Hsu Yea-Jen , Keller Sara , Maragakis Lisa L , Milstone Aaron M , Morgan Daniel J , Dullabh Prashila , Ubri Petry S , Rotondo Christina , Brooks Richard , Leekha Surbhi
Published: December 2021

To evaluate changes in Clostridioides difficile incidence rates for Maryland hospitals that participated in the Statewide Prevention and Reduction of C. difficile (SPARC) collaborative. Pre-post, difference-in-difference analysis of non-randomised intervention using four quarters of preintervention and six quarters of postintervention National Healthcare Safety Network data for SPARC hospitals (April 2017 to March 2020) and 10 quarters for control hospitals (October 2017 to March 2020). Mixed-effects negative binomial models were used to assess changes over time. Process evaluation using hospital intervention implementation plans, assessments and interviews with staff at eight SPARC hospitals. Maryland, USA. All Maryland acute care hospitals; 12 intervention and 36 control hospitals. Participation in SPARC, a public health–academic collaborative made available to Maryland hospitals, with staggered enrolment between June 2018 and August 2019. Hospitals with higher C. difficile rates were recruited via email and phone. SPARC included assessments, feedback reports and ongoing technical assistance. Primary outcomes were C. difficile incidence rate measured as the quarterly number of C. difficile infections per 10 000 patient-days (outcome measure) and SPARC intervention hospitals’ experiences participating in the collaborative (process measures). SPARC invited 13 hospitals to participate in the intervention, with 92% (n=12) participating. The 36 hospitals that did not participate served as control hospitals. SPARC hospitals were associated with 45% greater C. difficile reduction as compared with control hospitals (incidence rate ratio=0.55, 95% CI 0.35 to 0.88, p=0.012). Key SPARC activities, including access to trusted external experts, technical assistance, multidisciplinary collaboration, an accountability structure, peer-to-peer learning opportunities and educational resources, were associated with hospitals reporting positive experiences with SPARC. SPARC intervention hospitals experienced 45% greater reduction in C. difficile rates than control hospitals. A public health–academic collaborative might help reduce C. difficile and other hospital-acquired infections in individual hospitals and at state or regional levels.
Optical design challenges of subnivean camera trapping under extreme Arctic conditions
Authors: Pusenkova Anastasiia , Poirier Mathilde , Kalhor Davood , Galstian Tigran , Gauthier Gilles , Maldague Xavier
Published: December 2021

Camera trapping is widely used in different ecological studies and is particularly important for remote locations and extreme environments. However, the application of camera traps in Arctic regions remains very limited. One of the challenges is the formation of hoar on the lens of cameras. In this article, we propose a solution to address this problem by changing the camera parameters and its position in order to optimize the camera trap for long-term subnivean deployment in the Canadian Arctic. Preliminary field tests show that this approach allows tracking lemmings in the frozen environment without natural light or external electrical power supply, where the direct observations are impossible for the most part of the year. We obtained the first videos of lemmings under the snow during the Arctic winter. Extending the observational network of the newly designed camera traps will help to better understand lemming population dynamics. The demonstrated approach is also promising for other polar applications.
Effect of microwave treatment on the thermal properties and dynamic splitting behavior of red sandstone
Authors: Yang Chun , Hassani Ferri , Zhou Keping , Xiong Xin , Wang Famin , Shao Yan
Published: December 2021

Microwave energy is a promising application in future rock breakage operations in the civil, mining, processing, and space industries. Rock engineering projects frequently experience mechanical vibration and blasting impacts. Thus, understanding the dynamic fracturing behavior of microwave-treated rock is essential for its future application in microwave-assisted mechanical rock breakage. A customized industrial microwave system with a multimode resonant cavity was used to heat red sandstone at different microwave power levels (up to 4 kW) for a constant exposure time (4 min). The rock surface temperature distribution after microwave treatment was measured by an infrared camera. Dynamic splitting tests were conducted using a split Hopkinson pressure bar (SHPB) system in combination with a high-speed camera. Experimental results indicate that the rock dynamic splitting strength is negatively related to the microwave power, and the maximum reduction is 47.8%. Microwave treatment induced an obvious nonuniform temperature distribution and C-shaped surface cracks on disc specimens. During the dynamic splitting test, the crack induced by dynamic loading always initiates from the crack tip induced by microwave irradiation and then propagates along the loading diameter. The distribution of the inner high-temperature zone in the disc specimen is symmetric along the horizontal centerline of the disc specimen.
Reproductive phenological shifts and other phylogenetic trait changes in the Arbutoideae (Ericaceae) in the context of drought, seed predation, and fire
Authors: Parker V. Thomas , Stickrod Morgan A.
Published: December 2021

Phenology is an ecologically critical attribute that is commonly coordinated with other plant traits. Phenological shifts may be the result of evolutionary adjustments to persistently new conditions, or they may be transitory, varying with annual fluxes in abiotic conditions. In summer-dry, fire-prone Mediterranean-type climates, for example, many plant lineages have historically migrated from forests to more arid shrublands resulting in adaptive trait changes. These shifts in habitat abiotic conditions and biotic interactions influence morphology of flowers and fruits and interact with phenological timing. The Arbutoideae (Ericaceae) is one lineage that illustrates such modifications, with fruit characters evolving among genera from fleshy to dry fruit, thin to stony endocarps, and bird to rodent dispersal, among other changes. We scored herbarium collections and used ancestral trait analyses to determine phenological shifts among the five Arbutoid genera found in semi-arid climates. Our objective was to determine if phenology shifts with the phylogenetic transition to different reproductive characters. Our results indicate that phenological shifts began with some traits, like the development of a stony endocarp or dry fruits, but not with all significant trait changes. We conclude that early phenological shifts correlating with some reproductive traits were permissive for the transition to other later character changes.
Having it all: hybridizing conventional and community science monitoring for enhanced data quality and cost savings
Authors: Owens Emily , Heard Stephen B. , Johns Rob C.
Published: December 2021

Large-scale monitoring is used to track population trends for many ecologically and economically important wildlife species. Often, population monitoring involves professional staff travelling to collect data (i.e., conventional monitoring) or in efforts to reduce monitoring costs, by engaging volunteers (i.e., community science). Although many studies have discussed the advantages and disadvantages of conventional vs. community science monitoring, few have made direct, quantitative comparisons between these two approaches. We compared data quality and financial costs between contemporaneous and overlapping conventional and community science programs for monitoring a major forest pest, the spruce budworm ( Choristoneura fumiferanae Clem.). Although community science trapping sites were clumped around urban areas, abundance estimates from the programs were strongly spatially correlated. However, annual program expenditures were nearly four times lower in the community science versus the conventional program. We modelled a hypothetical hybrid model of the two programs, which provided full spatial coverage and potentially the same data, but at half the cost of the conventional program and with the added opportunity for public engagement. Our study provides a unique quantitative analysis of merits and costs of conventional versus community science monitoring. Our study offers insights on how to assess wildlife monitoring programs where multiple approaches exist.
Research on Comprehensive Evaluation of Service Capability of the Third-Party Logistics Suppliers with AHP and Gray Entropy Theory
Authors: Li Jun , Pan Xuhua , Li Mingxiao , Wang Gang , Zhang Zhixin
Published: December 2021

To solve the problem of third-party logistics (3PL) evaluation and selection, a hybrid method with AHP and gray theory is proposed. First, the literature review about the 3PL evaluation method and technology is introduced. Furthermore, TPL comprehensive service capability evaluation system is established from aspects of service, time, cost and enterprise qualification. Besides, a comprehensive evaluation model process with gray entropy and AHP is introduced. Finally, a detailed evaluation process of 3PL supplier service capability in F company is introduced by an example, and the results show that the evaluation method in the paper is helpful to choose the TPL for logistics outsourcing.
DO OPEN INNOVATION AND DOMINANT DESIGN FOSTER DIGITAL INNOVATION?
Authors: NYLUND PETRA A. , BREM ALEXANDER
Published: December 2021

The emergence of digital innovation in academia and practice has been established, and it is time to consider when and how it affects innovation performance. Before this background, we examine how innovation practices such as open innovation and dominant design impact innovation performance, particularly in the case of digital innovation. We develop a theoretical framework that is tested on a long panel of patent data for 788 technologies over 32 years. Open innovation has no impact on the innovative performance of technologies in general, but for digital innovation, we find a positive effect. In addition, dominant design has a stronger impact on the innovative performance for digital innovations than for other innovations. We conclude that the management of digital innovation is different from that of other innovations since both open innovation and dominant design are more important for innovative performance. Indeed, some of the benefits of openness may only apply to digital innovation.
THE EFFECT OF EXECUTIVE INCENTIVES ON TECHNOLOGICAL INNOVATION OF DECLINING ENTERPRISES – THE MODERATING EFFECT OF DECLINE DEGREE AND ORGANISATIONAL SLACK
Authors: DUAN HAIYAN , AHMED KAMRAN , NANERE MARTHIN
Published: December 2021

We examine the effects of different types of executive incentives on technological innovation of declining firms and the moderating effects of the degree of decline and organisational slack on executive incentives and enterprise technological innovation. We also assess the synergetic effects of different types of executive incentives on technological innovation of declining enterprises. We find the following: first, executive compensation incentive, equity incentive and control incentives are beneficial to promote technological innovation in declining enterprises. Second, the degree of decline negatively moderates the relationship between equity incentive and technological innovation. Third, organisational slack positively moderates the relationship between equity incentive and technological innovation, as well as the relationship between control incentives and technological innovation, especially for severely declining enterprises. Fourth, there are synergistic effects between executive control incentive and compensation incentive, control incentives and equity incentive on technological innovation. The contributions are as follows: first, taking declining enterprises as sample, we suggest that to increase the role of compensation incentive and equity incentive in promoting technological innovation in declining enterprises, the control incentives should be strengthened. Second, organisational slack should be fully exploited for severely declining enterprises so that executives should have the motivation and conditions to carry out technological innovation and further help declining enterprises to turnaround successfully.