bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effectiveness of preventive B‐Lynch sutures in patients at a high risk of postpartum hemorrhage
Authors: Kuwabara Mayuka , Takahashi Yuichiro , Iwagaki Shigenori , Imai Noriaki , Asai Kazuhiko , Matsui Masako , Shimaoka Ryuichi , Ono Hitomi
Published: September 2022

Aim

We aimed to evaluate the clinical outcomes and adverse events of preventive B‐Lynch suture performed during cesarean section in patients at a high risk of postpartum hemorrhage.

Methods

This retrospective observational study included patients who underwent a cesarean section and the B‐Lynch suture at a tertiary perinatal medical center between January 2019 and May 2021. The B‐Lynch sutures were placed preventively before excessive blood loss occurred in patients with uterine atony, placental position abnormality (placenta previa and low‐lying placenta), placenta accreta, thrombocytopenia, coagulopathy, and other risk factors of bleeding. Partial compression sutures for bleeding points and vaginal gauze packing were placed if required.

Results

The B‐Lynch suture was performed in 38 patients, and hysterectomy was avoided in all patients. Only one patient required intrauterine balloon tamponade as an additional treatment 5 days after the cesarean section. No apparent postoperative bleeding occurred within 2 h after the cesarean section in 35 patients (92%), and blood transfusion was avoided in 14 patients (37%). Thirty‐three adverse events occurred in 23 patients; these included an inflammatory response, hematomas, retained products of conception, and ileus in one, two, and two patients, respectively. In most cases, the events were not severe and were unrelated to the procedure. In one patient, a second‐look operation was performed and no complications were observed in the uterus and abdominal cavity.

Conclusions

Preventive B‐Lynch suture seemed effective and safe after a short‐term observation. When excessive bleeding is expected during a cesarean section, an early introduction of this procedure is recommended.
Effect of in ovo administration of Newcastle disease vaccine conjugated with Astragalus polysaccharide on growth performance, intestinal development, and mucosal immunity in broiler chickens
Authors: Xue Ligang , Zhang Yingnan , Wang Dan , Luan Weimin , Yang Shubao
Published: September 2022

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of in ovo administration of a mixture of Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) and Newcastle disease vaccine (NDV) on growth performance, intestinal development, and mucosal immunity in newly hatched chicks. Six hundred specific‐pathogen‐free (SPF) Leghorn fertilised eggs were incubated in a commercial hatchery and divided into four groups: (a) control group injected with 1 ml of 0.9% physiological saline, (b) APS group injected with 1 ml of 1 mg/ml APS solution, and (c) NDV group injected with 1 ml of 104.0 EID50/dose of NDV solution, and (d) APS + NDV group injected with a mixture of 0.5 ml of 2 mg/ml APS plus 0.5 ml 104.0 EID50/dose ND vaccine (NDV) on Day 18.5 of incubation. The results showed that in ovo injection of APS or the mixture of APS and NDV increased the body weight at 1 day (IW) and final weight (FW) at 28 days and increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 1–7, 8–14, 15–21, and 1–28 days of age. The villus height (VH) was increased (p < 0.05), and the crypt depth (CD) was decreased (p < 0.05) in the duodenum compared with the control group. The VH/CD ratios were increased (p < 0.05) in the APS + NDV group compared with controls, NDV group, and APS group on d3. The levels of slgA in washings were increased (p < 0.05) on Days 3, 7, 14, 21, and 28, and the number of IgA+ cells in the duodenum was increased on Days 7, 14, 21, and 28. In addition, the IgA+ cells were promoted from the villus root to the apex in the APS + NDV group. It can be concluded that in ovo administration of NDV conjugated with APS compared with NDV alone may be more effective in promoting growth performance and intestinal mucosal immunity.
Short‐ and long‐term outcomes of polyethylene band attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs: 60 cases (2010‐2020)
Authors: Glenn O. , Tomlinson A. , Pinchbeck G. , Burrow R.
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To report the short‐ and long‐term outcomes following attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts in dogs using a novel polyethylene band.

Materials and Methods

Records were retrospectively reviewed for dogs that underwent congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunt attenuation by a polyethylene banding technique, at a single institution between 2010 and 2020. Short‐term outcome data were collected from peri‐operative clinical records with follow‐up examinations, scheduled at 6 and 18 weeks post‐operatively, and post‐operative imaging when performed. Long‐term follow‐up was collected by validated owner questionnaire, telephone interview or medical records. Long‐term outcomes were categorised by “excellent”, “good” or “poor”.

Results

Sixty dogs were included. Post‐operative complications occurred in 10 of 60 dogs (16.7%), four major and six minor, with a peri‐operative mortality of 6.7%. Persistent shunting was identified in nine of 53 dogs (17%) available for follow‐up examination and four dogs underwent a revision surgery. Long‐term follow‐up was available for 44 dogs at a median of 75 months post‐operatively (range 7 to 128). Long‐term outcomes were “excellent” (26) or “good” (8) in 81.8% of dogs and “poor” (8) in 18.2%. At the time of follow‐up, 30 of 44 (68.2%) dogs were not receiving any medical treatment and 27 of 28 (96.4%) questionnaire respondents were satisfied with the response to surgery.

Clinical Significance

Polyethylene band attenuation of congenital extrahepatic portosystemic shunts provides comparable outcomes to cellophane. The material used in this study is widely available and consistent while being pre‐sterilised and pre‐folded makes it easy to use.
Neurological disease suspected to be caused by tick‐borne encephalitis virus infection in 6 horses in Switzerland
Authors: Magouras Ioannis , Schoster Angelika , Fouché Nathalie , Gerber Vinzenz , Groschup Martin H. , Ziegler Ute , Fricker Raffael , Griot Christian , Vögtlin Andrea
Published: September 2022

Background

Reports on acute tick‐borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) infections with signs of neurologic disease in horses are limited.

Objectives

To describe the epidemiological, clinical, and laboratory findings of suspected acute TBEV infections in 6 horses.

Animals

Six horses originating from TBEV endemic regions of Switzerland were presented to equine hospitals with acute onset of neurologic disease between 2011 and 2019.

Methods

Retrospective case series. Horses with acute onset of signs of neurologic disease that were subjected to clinical and microbiological examinations to rule out infectious diseases affecting the central nervous system.

Results

All horses exhibited acute signs of neurologic disease including ataxia and proprioceptive deficits. Horses tested positive for TBEV using virus neutralization test and samples were further tested for TBEV‐specific IgM. The presence of TBEV‐specific IgM antibodies was confirmed in 5 horses (cases 1‐5, Laboratory Unit [LU] values ranging from 30 to 56). One horse (case no. 6) with an LU value just below the test threshold (LU = 22.3) was also included under the hypothesis that the horse was transitioning from acute to chronic infection. All horses originated from areas where humans with confirmed tick‐borne encephalitis reported to have been bitten by ticks.

Conclusions and Clinical Importance

Acute TBEV infection should be a differential diagnosis in horses with signs of neurologic disease and originating from TBEV endemic areas. The establishment of harmonized diagnostic criteria would help to overcome the diagnostic challenges associated with TBEV and other Flavivirus infections in horses.
Metabolism and residue differences of Enrofloxacin between the brain and peripheral tissues and the resulting brain damages in crucian carp (Carassius auratus var. Pengze)
Authors: Wan Gen , Zhang Fan , Wang Runping , Wei Lili , Huang Jianzhen , Lu Xinmin , Cai Zhihuan , Wang Long , Zhong Zhiwei , Xu Yanyan , Ruan Jiming
Published: September 2022

This study aimed to explore the metabolism and residue differences of Enrofloxacin (ENR) at two doses between the brain and peripheral tissues (liver, kidney, and muscle) along with the brain damages caused by ENR in crucian carp (Carassius auratus var. Pengze). The concentrations of ENR in tissues were determined using a validated high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. Relying on the hematoxylin–eosin (HE) staining method, brain damages caused by the drug were evaluated by the section of pathological tissue. Metabolism and residue results showed that ENR could be detected in the brain throughout the experiment both at median lethal dose (LD50 at 96 h, 1949.84 mg/kg) and safe dose (SD, 194.98 mg/kg), as well as in the three peripheral tissues. The maximum residue at LD50 followed the decreasing order of liver >kidney > brain > muscle. Although the Cmax of ENR at SD in the brain was significantly lower than that in other peripheral tissues (p < .05), it still reached 41.91 μg/g. The T1/2 of ENR in brain tissue at the same dose was both shorter than that in peripheral tissues. At LD50, the amount of ENR residues in brain was lower than that in peripheral tissues on the whole, except that it had been higher than in the muscle for the first 3 h. At SD, the drug residue in brain tissue was lower than that in peripheral tissues from 12 h to 960 h, but it exceeded the muscle and kidney at 1 h and 6 h, respectively. At 960 h, the residual amount of ENR at SD in the brain was 0.09 μg/g, while it was up to 0.15 μg/g following the oral administration at LD50. Demonstrated by the HE staining, there were pathological lesions caused by ENR in the brain at LD50, which were characterized by sparse neural network and increased staining of glial cells. The present results indicated that metabolism and residue of ENR in crucian carp were affected by the tissue type and drug dosage, and the ENR could also bring about histopathological changes in the brain.
Institutional Attachments and Patterns of Ambition in State Legislatures
Authors: Bowra Bethany , Makse Todd
Published: September 2022

Studies of ambition often frame decisions to run for reelection, seek higher office, or retire in terms of the nature of those opportunities and the risks associated with them. However, career decisions can also be framed in terms of the value of one's present position, which depends on what we refer to as institutional attachments. In contrast to institutional positions (leadership, committee chairs), institutional attachments relate to social position in the legislature. In this article, we explore how factors related to institutional attachments influence career decisions. Specifically, we ask whether a legislator's cohort, including its size, compatibility, and experience in possessing majority status affect the propensity to exhibit static ambition. Looking at a sample of more than 5500 state legislative open‐seat opportunities in 47 states between 2003 and 2016, we find some but not all these traits are predictive of career decisions.
Two is better than one: Coupling DNA metabarcoding and stable isotope analysis improves dietary characterizations for a riparian‐obligate, migratory songbird
Authors: Hoenig Brandon D. , Trevelline Brian K. , Kautz Andrea , Latta Steven C. , Porter Brady A.
Published: September 2022

While an increasing number of studies are adopting molecular and chemical methods for dietary characterization, these studies often employ only one of these laboratory‐based techniques; this approach may yield an incomplete, or even biased, understanding of diet due to each method's inherent limitations. To explore the utility of coupling molecular and chemical techniques for dietary characterizations, we applied DNA metabarcoding alongside stable isotope analysis to characterize the dietary niche of breeding Louisiana waterthrush (Parkesia motacilla), a migratory songbird hypothesized to preferentially provision its offspring with pollution‐intolerant, aquatic arthropod prey. While DNA metabarcoding was unable to determine if waterthrush provision aquatic and terrestrial prey in different abundances, we found that specific aquatic taxa were more likely to be detected in successive seasons than their terrestrial counterparts, thus supporting the aquatic specialization hypothesis. Our isotopic analysis added greater context to this hypothesis by concluding that breeding waterthrush provisioned Ephemeroptera and Plecoptera, two pollution‐intolerant, aquatic orders, in higher quantities than other prey groups, and expanded their functional trophic niche when such prey were not abundantly provisioned. Finally, we found that the dietary characterizations from each approach were often uncorrelated, indicating that the results gleaned from a diet study can be particularly sensitive to the applied methodologies. Our findings contribute to a growing body of work indicating the importance of high‐quality, aquatic habitats for both consumers and their pollution‐intolerant prey, while also demonstrating how the application of multiple, laboratory‐based techniques can provide insights not offered by either technique alone.
The genome of Areca catechu provides insights into sex determination of monoecious plants
Authors: Zhou Guangzhen , Yin Hongyan , Chen Fei , Wang Yicheng , Gao Qiang , Yang Fusun , He Chaozhu , Zhang Liangsheng , Wan Yinglang
Published: September 2022

The areca palm (Areca catechu) has a monoecious spadix, with male flowers on the apical side and females on the basal side. Here, we applied multiomics analysis to investigate sex determination and floral organ development in areca palms.

We generated a chromosome‐level reference genome of A. catechu with 16 pseudochromosomes, composed of 2.73 Gb and encoding 31 406 genes. Data from RNA‐seq and ATAC‐seq (assay for transposase accessible chromatin sequencing) suggested that jasmonic acid (JA) synthesis and signal transduction‐related genes were differentially expressed between female and male flowers via epigenetic modifications.

JA concentration in female flowers was c. 10 times than that in males on the same inflorescence, while JA concentration in hermaphroditic flowers of abnormal inflorescences was about twice that in male flowers of normal inflorescences. JA promotes the development of female flower organs by decreasing the expression of B‐function genes, including AGL16, AP3, PIb and PIc.

There is also a region on pseudochromosome 15 harboring sex‐related genes, including CYP703, LOG, GPAT, AMS and BiP. Among them, CYP703, AMS and BiP were specifically expressed in male flowers.
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi influence host infection during epidemics in a wild plant pathosystem
Authors: Eck Jenalle L. , Kytöviita Minna‐Maarit , Laine Anna‐Liisa
Published: September 2022

While pathogenic and mutualistic microbes are ubiquitous across ecosystems and often co‐occur within hosts, how they interact to determine patterns of disease in genetically diverse wild populations is unknown.

To test whether microbial mutualists provide protection against pathogens, and whether this varies among host genotypes, we conducted a field experiment in three naturally occurring epidemics of a fungal pathogen,Podosphaera plantaginis, infecting a host plant,Plantago lanceolata, in the Åland Islands, Finland. In each population, we collected epidemiological data on experimental plants from six allopatric populations that had been inoculated with a mixture of mutualistic arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi or a nonmycorrhizal control.

Inoculation with arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi increased growth in plants from every population, but also increased host infection rate. Mycorrhizal effects on disease severity varied among host genotypes and strengthened over time during the epidemic. Host genotypes that were more susceptible to the pathogen received stronger protective effects from inoculation.

Our results show that arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi introduce both benefits and risks to host plants, and shift patterns of infection in host populations under pathogen attack. Understanding how mutualists alter host susceptibility to disease will be important for predicting infection outcomes in ecological communities and in agriculture.
Serum copeptin as a biomarker of hypertension in children with obesity
Authors: Gor Zeynep , Bezen Digdem , Turkmenoglu Yelda , Vurgun Eren , Irdem Ahmet , Dursun Hasan
Published: September 2022

Background

Hypertension (HT) in obesity has been reported frequently in children in recent years. The role of copeptin and uric acid here are not well known. We aimed to investigate the relationship between HT and serum copeptin and uric acid levels in children with obesity.

Methods

We included 80 children with obesity who were admitted to our hospital between April 2018 and September 2018. The patients were separated into two groups: hypertensive and non‐hypertensive. Serum copeptin levels were measured using the enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

Copeptin levels were significantly higher in patients with HT than in those without (p = 0.0001). In addition, serum uric acid levels in patients with HT were significantly higher, while the serum potassium levels were significantly lower (p = 0.01) than in those without HT (p = 0.001). In correlation analyses, a positive correlation was detected between blood sodium and copeptin levels (p = 0.037).

Conclusions

Hypertensive children with obesity had higher serum copeptin and uric acid and lower blood potassium levels. Moreover, copeptin levels were positively correlated with blood sodium levels. Thus, in addition to copeptin, serum uric acid, potassium, and sodium levels may be important in the diagnosis and follow‐up of children with HT.
An early perceptual locus of absolute pitch
Authors: Ngan Vince S. H. , Cheung Leo Y. T. , Ng Hezul T. Y. , Yip Ken H. M. , Wong Yetta Kwailing , Wong Alan C.‐N.
Published: September 2022

Absolute pitch (AP) refers to the naming of musical tone without external reference. The influential two‐component model states that AP is limited by the late‐emerging pitch labeling process only and not the earlier perceptual and memory processes. Over the years, however, support for this model at the neural level has been mixed with various methodological limitations. Here, the electroencephalography responses of 27 AP possessors and 27 non‐AP possessors were recorded. During both name verification and passive listening, event‐related potential analyses showed a difference between AP and non‐AP possessors at about 200 ms in their response toward tones compared with noise stimuli. Multivariate pattern analyses suggested that pitch naming was subserved by a series of transient processes for the first 250 ms, followed by a stage‐like process for both AP and non‐AP possessors with no group differences between them. These findings are inconsistent with the predictions of the two‐component model, and instead suggest the existence of an early perceptual locus of AP.
Dual bronchodilator treatment for prevention of COPD in at‐risk smokers
Authors: Thamrin Cindy , Martin Allison , Badal Tanya , Jeagal Edward , Cochrane Belinda , Farah Claude S. , King Gregory G. , Nagarajah Mohan , Li Qiang , Liu Xiaoqiu , Berend Norbert , Jenkins Christine R.
Published: September 2022

No abstract available.
Blood conservation strategies at United States hospitals during the COVID‐19 pandemic: Findings from a multi‐institutional analysis ‐ International Society of Blood Transfusion survey
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy W. , Karafin Matthew S. , Allen Elizabeth S. , Abels Elizabeth , Park Yara A. , Stephens Laura D. , Ward Dawn C. , Woo Jennifer S. , Gehrie Eric A. , Booth Garrett S. , Adkins Brian D.
Published: September 2022

Background

Due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, the transfusion medicine community has experienced unprecedented blood supply shortages since March 2020. As such, numerous changes to everyday practice have occurred with a specific emphasis on blood conservation. We sought to determine the strategies used to mitigate blood shortages and promote blood conservation during the pandemic.

Methods

An anonymous, 37‐question survey was developed using Research Electronic Data Capture and distributed via e‐mail to transfusion medicine specialists across the US obtained via publicly available databases.

Results

Amongst surveyed [41.1% response rate (51/124 institutions)], 98.0% experienced a product shortage, with the greatest number reporting red blood cell (RBC) shortages (92.0%). This led to 35.3% of institutions altering the composition and/or number of blood product suppliers, including a 100% increase in the number of institutions acquiring blood from organizations that connect hospital transfusion services with blood collection centers (e.g., Blood Buy) compared to before March 2020. Prospective triaging of blood products was the most common blood conservation strategy (68.1%), though 35.4% altered their RBC exchange or transfusion program for patients receiving chronic RBC transfusion/exchange. As a result of these changes, 78.6% of institutions reported that these changes resulted in a reduction in blood product usage, and 38.1% reported a decrease in product wastage.

Conclusions

Most hospitals experienced the effects of the supply shortage, and many of them implemented blood conserving measures. Conservation strategies were associated with decreased blood utilization and waste, and future studies could evaluate whether these changes persist.
Effects of commercial amniotic membrane extract on the re‐epithelialization time and the early expression of matrix metalloproteinase‐9 in cats with experimentally induced corneal ulcers
Authors: Silveira Bruna Carvalho , Ribeiro Alexandre Pinto , Pizzinatto Fabio Dumit , Lobo Paloma Moraes , Miranda Hanna Rodrigues , de Assis Pereira Nathalia
Published: September 2022

Objectives

To investigate whether a commercially available amniotic membrane extract (AME) can accelerate corneal wound healing and suppress the early expression of MMP‐9 in the tears of cats with experimentally induced superficial ulcerative keratitis.

Procedures

A total number of 16 cats were included. At the end of keratectomy, cats in the treatment group (TG, n = 8) received 40 μl of AME (EyeQ® Amniotic Eye Drops, Vetrix®) four times daily, while cats in the control group (CG, n = 8) received 40 μl of saline at the same time points. Tears were collected 24 and 48 h after keratectomy, and the total MMP‐9 was quantified by ELISA.

Results

The corneal re‐epithelialization rate did not differ between groups (p = .26), being 0.48 ± 0.05 mm2/h in the CG and 0.41 ± 0.03 mm2/h in the TG. Similarly, the average time to achieve corneal wound healing did not differ between groups (p = .25) and was 61.50 ± 3.54 h in the CG and 70.50 ± 6.71 h in the TG. The dimensions of the ulcerated areas also did not differ at any time point between the groups (p > .05). In both groups, corneas healed without scarring, pigmentation, or vascularization. The expression of MMP‐9 in the tears was similar in both groups at 24 h post‐keratectomy, with a slight decrease at 48 h (p > .05).

Conclusions

The instillation of a commercial AME (EyeQ®) is safe, but it did not decrease the corneal re‐epithelialization time or the early expression of MMP‐9 in the tears of cats with experimentally induced superficial ulcerative keratitis in this study.
Extracellular vesicles and their non‐coding RNA cargos: Emerging players in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Collado Aida , Gan Lu , Tengbom John , Kontidou Eftychia , Pernow John , Zhou Zhichao
Published: September 2022

Extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, microvesicles and apoptotic bodies, have recently received attention as essential mechanisms for cell‐to‐cell communication in cardiovascular disease. EVs can be released from different types of cells, including endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, cardiac cells, fibroblasts, platelets, adipocytes, immune cells and stem cells. Non‐coding (nc)RNAs as EV cargos have recently been investigated in the cardiovascular system. Up‐ or downregulated ncRNAs in EVs have been shown to play a crucial role in various cardiovascular diseases. Communication via EV‐derived ncRNAs can occur between cells of the same type and between different types of cells involved in the pathophysiology of cardiovascular disease. In the present review, we highlight the important aspects of diverse cell‐derived EVs and their ncRNA cargos as disease mediators and potential therapeutic targets in atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, ischaemic heart disease and cardiac fibrosis. In addition, we summarize the potential of EV‐derived ncRNAs in the treatment of cardiovascular disease. Finally, we discuss the different methods for EV isolation and characterization. A better understanding of the specific role of EVs and their ncRNA cargos in the regulation of cardiovascular (dys)function will be of importance for the development of diagnostic and therapeutic tools for cardiovascular disease.

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Analyses of Damping Sustainability of Additively Manufactured Nickel Alloy Components Subjected to High Strain Loading Cycles
Authors: Hollkamp John P. , Scott-Emuakpor Onome , Celli Dino
Published: September 2022

While integrally bladed rotors in turbine engines have multiple benefits, they are more susceptible to vibration and as a result, high cycle fatigue failure. In response, damping treatments such as viscoelastic layers, hard coatings, and particle dampers have been utilized to reduce vibration of integrally bladed rotors and promote long service life. In recent experiments, nickel-based alloy 718 structural beams representative of turbine blades were manufactured via laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) with internal geometries containing unfused powder. Compared to fully fused beams, these beams with internal particle dampers have demonstrated a significant improvement in damping performance, suppressing vibrations by as much as 95%. However, the inherent damping of the particle dampers decreases as the strain amplitude increases when some of the unfused powder fuses to the walls of the pockets. This study investigates the effect of the location of the particle dampers within the beam on the sustainability of its damping performance. To compare the effect of the particle damper's location, the LPBF nickel-based alloy 718 beams are subjected to successive resonance dwells with increasing strain amplitude. After each dwell, the damping performance is assessed via the half-power bandwidth method of the frequency response function. Results from this study indicate that while the location of the particle dampers within the specimen does influence when the damping begins to degrade, it is not the optimal parameter for damping sustainability. The aim of this and future work is to improve the long-term damping performance and viability of the internal particle damper so that it can be more effectively utilized to extend the lifetime of turbomachinery components.
Design of a Compact Dry Cooler With an Aluminum Heat Exchanger Core for a Supercritical CO2 Power Cycle Is Evaluated for a Concentrating Solar Power Application
Authors: Katcher Kelsi M. , Amogne Dereje , Patil Abhay
Published: September 2022

As the supercritical CO2 power cycle develops and the component technologies mature, there is still a need to reduce the associated capital and operating costs to maintain a competitive levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) in order to enter the market. When considering concentrating solar power (CSP) coupled with an sCO2 power block and sensible thermal storage, the technology presents a clean source for utility-scale power generation to support baseload or peak-load electrical demand. However, the LCOE of the technology is still considered higher than the competing technologies and should be reduced to better compete in the market; 2030 targets for dispatchable solar plants are 5¢/kWh for baseload CSP and 10¢/kWh for peaker plants, as set by the United States Department of Energy. In response to this need, this study is targeting improvements in the power cycle precooler to reduce power block contribution to LCOE. This study considers a dry cooler, as CSP plants are sensitive to water consumption because many installations are slated for remote or arid locations where solar irradiance is very high, but water is scarce. Furthermore, the power block footprint for an sCO2 system is quite compact, especially as compared to a steam cycle. Therefore, there is interest in installing a more compact dry cooler that is proportional to the reduced footprint sCO2 power block, while conventional dry coolers are an order of magnitude larger. The competing goals of size, performance, and cost were considered in this study to develop a compact dry cooler that can easily be packaged with the power block, significantly reducing the installation and transport cost compared to the current state of the art, while maintaining or improving upon the heat transfer performance and impact on plant LCOE. This paper details the high-level findings of a large dry cooler sensitivity study for design point selection, design of the compact dry cooler, expected year-round performance for the dry cooler and the power cycle, and the predicted LCOE for a 30-year plant life. It was found that an aluminum heat exchanger core can be suitably designed to meet the pressure and temperature requirements for a precooler in an sCO2 recompression Brayton cycle. The dry cooler assembly was found to have improved heat transfer performance, allowing for increased cycle efficiencies and a reduced plant LCOE. When coupled with a centrifugal blower and compact transition duct, the dry cooler assembly was able to reduce the installation footprint by over 50%.
Metatarsophalangeal Joint Dynamic Stiffness During Toe Rocker Changes With Walking Speed
Authors: Nigro Luke , Arch Elisa S.
Published: September 2022

Dynamic joint stiffness (or simply “stiffness”) is a customization criteria used to tune mechanical properties of orthotic and prosthetic devices. This study examines metatarsophalangeal (MTP) joint stiffness during the toe-rocker phase of barefoot walking and establishes baseline characteristics of MTP joint stiffness. Ten healthy individuals walked at 4 speeds (0.4, 0.6, 0.8, and 1.0 statures·s−1) over level ground. MTP sagittal plane joint angles and moments were calculated during the toe-rocker phase of stance. Least-squares linear regressions were conducted on the MTP moment versus angle curve to determine joint stiffness during early toe rocker and late toe rocker. Multilevel linear models were used to test for statistically significant differences between conditions. Early toe rocker stiffness was positive, while late toe rocker was negative. Both early toe rocker and late toe rocker stiffness increased in magnitude significantly with speed. This study establishes baseline characteristics of MTP joint stiffness in healthy walking, which previously had not been examined through a range of controlled walking speeds. This information can be used in the future as design criteria for orthotic and prosthetic ankle and ankle–foot devices that can imitate, support, and facilitate natural human foot motion during walking better than existing devices.
Comparison of Kinematic Movement Patterns Between 2 Subgroups of Females With Low Back Pain and Healthy Women During Sit-to-Stand and Stand-to-Sit
Authors: Orakifar Neda , Shaterzadeh-Yazdi Mohammad Jafar , Salehi Reza , Mehravar Mohammad , Namnik Neda , Haghpanah Seyyed Arash
Published: September 2022

The purpose of study was to compare the kinematic patterns of the thoracic, lumbar, and pelvis segments and hip joints between 2 low back pain subgroups and healthy women during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit. Kinematic data of 44 healthy women and 2 subgroups of females with low back pain in 2 subgroups of movement system impairment model (rotation-extension [Rot.Ext] and rotation-flexion [Rot.Flex]) were recorded. Participants performed sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit at a preferred speed. Each task was divided into a pre buttock lifted off/on (pre-BOff/n) phase and a post-BOff/n phase. The Rot.Ext subgroup showed greater range of motion in the thoracic during pre-BOff phase of sit-to-stand (P < .001) and pre-BOn phase of stand-to-sit (P = .01) compared to the other 2 groups. The Rot.Flex subgroup displayed limited left hip joint excursion during sit-to-stand pre-BOff (P = .04) and stand-to-sit post-BOn phases (P = .02). The Rot.Flex subgroup showed greater pelvis tilt excursion during sit-to-stand post-BOff (P = .04) and stand-to-sit pre-BOn (P = .01) and post-BOn phases (P = .01). In subgroups of women with chronic low back pain, there were kinematic changes in adjacent body segments/joints of lumbar spine during sit-to-stand and stand-to-sit tasks.
Roseoflavin, a Natural Riboflavin Analogue, Possesses
In Vitro
and
In Vivo
Antiplasmodial Activity
Authors: Hemasa Ayman L. , Mack Matthias , Saliba Kevin J.
Published: September 2022

The ability of the human malaria parasite
Plasmodium falciparum
to access and utilize vital nutrients is critical to its growth and proliferation. Molecules that interfere with these processes could potentially serve as antimalarials.
Polyimidazolium Protects against an Invasive Clinical Isolate of Salmonella Typhimurium
Authors: Mon Khin K. Z. , Si Zhangyong , Chan-Park Mary B. , Kenney Linda J.
Published: September 2022

Frequent outbreaks of
Salmonella
Typhimurium infection, in both animal and human populations and with the potential for zoonotic transmission, pose a significant threat to the public health sector. The rapid emergence and spread of more invasive multidrug-resistant clinical isolates of
Salmonella
further highlight the need for the development of new drugs with effective broad-spectrum bactericidal activities.
Histoplasma capsulatum Complement Fixation and Immunodiffusion Assay Sensitivity in Culture-Confirmed Cases of Histoplasmosis: a 10-Year Retrospective Review (2011 to 2020)
Authors: Fida Madiha , Misra Anisha , Harring Julie A. , Kubbara Aahd , Theel Elitza S.
Published: September 2022

The detection of antibodies against
Histoplasma capsulatum
remains a frequently relied-on approach to diagnose histoplasmosis. We retrospectively assessed the performances of complement fixation (CF) and immunodiffusion (ID) assays for anti-
Histoplasma
antibody detection in patients with culture-confirmed histoplasmosis at Mayo Clinic (Rochester, MN) over a 10-year period (2011 to 2020).
New Data on the Biology of Kildin Cod Gadus morhua kildinensis (Gadidae) from Lake Mogilnoe (Kildin Island, the Barents Sea) Obtained by Echo Sounding and Underwater Photography
Authors: Stroganov A. N. , Strelkov P. P. , Shilin N. I. , Mukhina N. V. , Menshakova M. Yu. , Fedyuk M. L.
Published: September 2022

The distribution of the Kildin cod Gadus morhua kildinensis in Lake Mogilnoye (Kildin Island, Barents Sea) is assessed based on the results of echo sounding and hydrological surveys, underwater photography and field observations. Underyearlings live in the lower part of the freshened upper layer, younger age groups locate in vicinity of the natural dam in the southeastern part of the lake, adults are distributed along the water area of the lake within the depth range of 4.0–6.4 m (mainly 5.0–5.4 m), characterized by favorable temperature values, water salinity, and oxygen saturation.
Synthesis, Structure, and Magnetic Properties of Ditopic Ferrocenylboron-Capped Tris-Pyridineoximate Iron, Cobalt, and Nickel(II) Pseudoclathrochelates
Authors: Belova S. A. , Belov A. S. , Efimov N. N. , Pavlov A. A. , Nelubina Yu. V. , Novikov V. V. , Voloshin Y. Z.
Published: September 2022

Tris-pyridineoximate iron, cobalt, and nickel(II) pseudoclathrochelates with apical ferrocenyl substituent were obtained in the reasonable yields (50–70%) in a boiling ethanol by the template condensation of 2-acetylpyridineoxime with ferrocenylboronic acid on the corresponding M2+ ion as a matrix. The composition and structure of new ditopic compounds, isolated in the forms of their ionic associates with perchlorate anion, were determined using elemental analysis, UV-vis spectroscopy, MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry, and NMR spectroscopy. According to the magnetometry data, the iron(II) pseudoclathrochelate is a diamagnetic compound, while the temperature dependences of magnetic susceptibility of the nickel and cobalt(II) complexes are characteristic of the high-spin systems with S = 1 and 3/2, respectively. As follows from the X-ray diffraction data for the iron and nickel(II) pseudoclathrochelates, the Ni–N distances (2.15–2.17 Å) are characteristic of the high-spin Ni2+ complexes, while they in its iron(II)-containing analog, slightly exceed of 2 Å, thus suggesting the low-spin state of this ion.
Hybrid Microwave Solid-Phase Synthesis of Wollastonite Based on Natural Renewable Raw Materials
Authors: Shichalin O. O. , Tarabanova A. E. , Papynov E. K. , Fedorets A. N. , Buravlev I. Yu. , Kapustina O. V. , Kornakova Z. E. , Gribova V. V. , Gribanova S. S.
Published: September 2022

A method was tested to perform the solid-phase synthesis of ceramic wollastonite under hybrid microwave heating using such natural renewable raw materials as sea shells as a source of CaCO3 with the addition of commercial SiO2 powder. The XRD, SEM, TGA, and EDS methods were used to explore the effect of the mechanical homogenization time and the conditions for the chemical interaction of raw materials, provided that the required phase composition is reached. It was studied how temperature (800–1150°C) and time (15–60 min) of sintering affect the composition and structure of the ceramic wollastonite samples, including those in the presence of the strengthening additive sodium tetraborate. The formation of an apatite (Ca10(PO4)6(OH)2) layer on the surface of the obtained samples under conditions of their contact with artificial human blood plasma was assessed to confirm the biocompatible properties of these materials. The proposed method of synthesis is promising for obtaining a chemically pure valuable biomaterial in the form of synthetic wollastonite with the possibility of rational use of biogenic raw materials.
Erratum to: Results of 40Ar/39Ar Dating of Ores of the Ermakovo F–Be Deposit, West Transbaikalia, Russia
Authors: Damdinov B. B. , Damdinova L. B. , Yudin D. S.
Published: September 2022

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X22340013
Erratum to: A Hundred Years of the “Living Matter” Concept: Its Amount, Quality, and Distribution in the Ocean
Authors: Vereshchaka A. L.
Published: September 2022

An Erratum to this paper has been published: https://doi.org/10.1134/S1028334X22340037
Circular Permutants of BrUSLEE Protein as Fluorescent pH Indicators
Authors: Mamontova A. V. , Simonyan T. R. , Lukyanov K. A. , Bogdanov A. M.
Published: September 2022

Abstract—

Two variants of circularly permuted BrUSLEE, a green fluorescent protein with a short fluorescence lifetime, have been engineered. We characterized the pH-dependence of fluorescence decay kinetics of these fluorophores. It was shown that both permutants (cpBrUS and cpBrUS-145) exhibit three-component fluorescence decay kinetics, with the lifetime of the one component varying within the ~3000–300 ps range upon pH shift from 5.5 to 9.0. At the same time, the original BrUSLEE does not show a significant change in the fluorescence decay kinetics within the physiologically relevant pH-range of 6.0–8.5. The described pH-dependence allows considering the BrUSLEE permutants as pH indicators with the fluorescence lifetime readout.
Association of concussion with high school academic standing: sex, school grade and race as stratifiers
Authors: Takagi-Stewart Julian , Qiu Qian , Mills Brianna , Avery Aspen D , Muma Amy , Vavilala Monica S
Published: September 2022

Introduction

The purpose was to examine the association between concussion history and academic standing among high school students, and whether the association varies by sex, school grade and race/ethnicity.

Methods

Data from the 2019 Youth Risk Behaviour Survey were used for our cross-sectional study. Exposure was self-reported history of concussions in the past 12 months. Outcome was self-reported academic standing in the past 12 months. Poisson regression was used to analyse the exposure–outcome association, and whether there were differences by our stratifying variables.

Results

Having a history of concussion in the past 12 months was significantly associated with a higher risk of poor academic standing during the same period, and the association varied by race/ethnicity.

Discussion

Youth with a history of concussion may be at risk for poorer academic standing, indicating to the importance of prevention. Future studies are needed to examine the interaction of race/ethnicity on the presented association.
Randomised feasibility trial of a virtual intervention to address infant car seat misuse
Authors: Kendi Sadiqa , Taylor Michael F , Thomas Bobbe , Khemraj Uma D , Mohamed Mohamed A. , Macy Michelle L. , Chamberlain James M.
Published: September 2022

Background

Serious car seat installation errors occur at high rates in infants and children. These errors significantly increase the risk of child injury in a motor vehicle crash, and few interventions have addressed the challenge longitudinally.

Methods

This was a pilot randomised controlled feasibility trial of virtual car seat safety checks for caregivers of newborns recruited from an urban newborn nursery. The control (enhanced usual care (EUC)) group received an in-person car seat check as a newborn and virtual check at 9 months. The intervention group received two additional virtual checks at 3 and 6 months. Installation and infant positioning errors were documented and corrected by a child passenger safety technician (CPST). We measured feasibility and acceptability by tracking caregiver and CPST challenges, and caregiver retention. Group differences were tested for statistical significance using χ2or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables, and two sample t-tests for continuous variables.

Results

33 caregivers were randomised to the EUC and 28 to the intervention group. Virtual checks were feasible, with variable participation levels at each quarter. Wi-Fi and app challenges noted in 30%. There was satisfaction with the virtual car seat checks. At baseline, car seat installation and infant positioning errors occurred at equal frequency, and at 9 months the intervention group had a significantly lower mean proportion than the EUC group in all categories of errors. In summary, virtual seat checks are feasible and the optimal timing of repeat checks requires additional study. A larger study is needed to further evaluate the effect of longitudinal virtual checks on errors.
Mortality and cause of death in multiple sclerosis in western Norway 1950–2021: a registry-based linkage study
Authors: Willumsen Johannes Sverre , Grytten Nina , Aarseth Jan , Myklebust Tor Åge , Myhr Kjell-Morten , Midgard Rune
Published: September 2022

Background

Persons with multiple sclerosis (pwMS) have higher risk of mortality compared with the general population. Longitudinal studies are important for understanding the evolution of survival in pwMS.

Objective

Examine changes in mortality among pwMS during the past seven decades.

Methods

We followed pwMS from Hordaland and Møre and Romsdal in Western Norway, with disease onset from before 1950, identified from population-based epidemiological surveys and the Norwegian MS Registry and Biobank, until 1 January 2021. Data were linked to the Norwegian Cause of Death Registry to obtain underlying cause of death. We examined all-cause, and cause-specific mortality using standardised mortality ratios (SMR) and excess death rates (EDR). We calculated life expectancies and assessed survival stratified by sex, age and disease phenotype at onset. We compared hazard ratios (HRs) for mortality, in pwMS diagnosed before and after the era of disease-modifying treatment (DMT).

Results

Of 3624 pwMS, 964 (55.5% women) had died, predominantly of multiple sclerosis (49.0%). Median life expectancy for pwMS was 74.3 years (95% CI 73.3 to 75.3), compared with 83.1 years for the general population (p<0.001). From disease onset, pwMS survived 14.6 years shorter than the general population (p<0.001). Overall, SMR was 2.3 (95% CI 2.13 to 2.42) and EDR was 6.8 (95% CI 6.42 to 7.09) for pwMS. Treatment-eligible pwMS diagnosed in the DMT era had the lowest risk of mortality, HR 0.49 (95% CI 0.34 to 0.70,p<0.001).

Conclusion

Excess mortality among pwMS declined during the past seven decades, possibly due to improved diagnostics, better symptomatic treatment and access to DMTs.
Clinical utility of cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers in the evaluation of cognitive impairment: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Hazan Jemma , Wing Michelle , Liu Kathy Y , Reeves Suzanne , Howard Robert
Published: September 2022

Background

The analytical and clinical validity of cerebrospinal (CSF) biomarkers has been extensively researched in dementia. Further work is needed to assess the ability of these biomarkers to improve diagnosis, management and health outcomes in the clinical setting

Objectives

To assess the added value and clinical utility of CSF biomarkers in the diagnostic assessment of cognitively impaired patients under evaluation for Alzheimer’s disease (AD).

Methods

Systematic literature searches of Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO and Web of Science research databases were conducted on 17 December 2022. Data from relevant studies were extracted and independently screened for quality using a tool for bias. Clinical utility was measured by clinicians’ changes in diagnosis, diagnostic confidence and patient management (when available), after their examination of patients’ CSF biomarkers. Cost-effectiveness was assessed by consideration of additional cost per patient and quality-adjusted life years.

Results

Searches identified 17 studies comprising 2090 patient participants and 593 clinicians. The meta-analysis revealed that clinicians’ use of CSF biomarkers resulted in a pooled percentage change in diagnosis of 25% (95% CI 14 to 37), an increase in diagnostic confidence of 14% (95% CI 9 to 18) and a pooled proportion of patients whose management changed of 31% (95% CI 12 to 50). CSF biomarkers were deemed cost-effective, particularly in memory services, where pre-test AD prevalence is higher compared with a primary care setting.

Conclusions

CSF biomarkers can be a helpful additional diagnostic tool for clinicians assessing patients with cognitive impairment. In particular, CSF biomarkers consistently improved clinicians’ confidence in diagnosing AD and influenced on diagnostic change and patient management. Further research is needed to study the clinical utility of blood-based biomarkers in the clinical setting.