bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Notes on the diatom collection of the Natural History Museum, London (BM) II–IV. Some type specimens in the genus Aulacodiscus Ehrenberg and nomenclatural notes on Thumia Cleve ex F.B. Taylor
Authors: WILLIAMS DAVID M.
Published: January 2021

The diatom collection at the Natural History Museum, London (BM) is in the process of reviewing the card index that is the primary guide. The cards direct the user to the glass slides in the collection that are supposed to include specimens of the particular species indicated. The cards indicate which slides contain type specimens. Not all the types have been discovered. Occasionally, a card will refer to a name that has never been published, effectively a manuscript or herbarium name. This series of notes has been created to clarify some of those names and, where necessary, validly publish the names (part I was published earlier, Williams 2020).
Carbon-13 Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Chemical Shift Calculation Protocol Applied to Rigid Triterpenes Molecules
Authors: Rocha Rênica Alves de Morais , Giacomello Thaís Forest , Neto Antonio Maia de Jesus Chaves , Mota Gunar Vingre Da Silva , Costa Fabio Luiz Paranhos
Published: January 2021

Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy is one of the most powerful experimental techniques for obtaining three-dimensional structures of complex molecules, mainly for the analysis of the relative and absolute configurations of organic compounds. For this reason, this has become one
of the most promising tools in the field of chemistry. From the theoretical point of view, advanced computational protocols have been developed for calculating nuclear magnetic resonance, mainly hydrogen-1 and carbon-13, parameters of isolated molecules, in which the environmental effects
are neglected. These effects are predominantly related to the inherently large size of such systems, making conventional ab initio theories either very computationally demanding or even prohibitive. Despite the current advances in spectroscopic techniques, instances of revision of structures
erroneously established for natural products are still common in the literature. Therefore, it is still necessary the development of quantum-chemical protocols that may assist in the correct structural determination of these compounds. This work aimed to test a universal scaling factor, based
on a linear regression, for the calculation of carbon-13 nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts for rigid molecules, which has low computational cost and great accuracy to aid in the structural determination of natural products. The carbon-13 chemical shifts were calculated using the mPW1PW91/3-21G
level of theory. Scaled chemical shifts were obtained according to the relation: 1.14x(calculated chemical shifts)–4.71. To test the application of the created scaling factor to problems related to stereochemistry, we investigated its ability to differentiate pentacyclic triterpenes
regioisomers. Our results show that the mPW1PW91/3-21G//PM7 level of theory applied to the calculations, together with the use of the scaling factor, is an efficient and low-cost tool as an alternative to computational requirement approaches, usually applied to the calculation of carbon-13
nuclear magnetic resonance chemical shifts.
Microgravity-Induced Alterations in the H3.3B (H3F3B) Gene Expression and the Histone H3 Structure
Authors: Hekmat Azadeh , Manesh Mojtaba Sadeghi , Hajebrahimi Zahra , Hatamie Shadie
Published: January 2021

It has been believed that microgravity directly can modify the structure, function, and morphology of biosystems and numerous researches have been performed to recognize these alterations. Since histone H3 is an essential protein in the field of epigenetics, this research aimed to evaluate
the effects of simulated microgravity on the human H3.3B (H3F3B) gene expression and histone H3 structure. The two-dimensional clinostat was applied for simulating microgravity. Analysis of the gene expression by real-time quantitative PCR revealed that simulated microgravity diminished the
expression level of H3.3B considerably (P < 0.001). The UV-Visible absorption and extrinsic fluorescence emission results displayed that after 72 h of simulated microgravity the tertiary structure of histone H3 changed and the surface hydrophobicity of the protein incremented remarkably.
Nevertheless, circular dichroism (CD) data showed that simulated microgravity did not perturb the secondary structure of histone H3. Collectively, microgravity can strictly affect the gene expression level of H3.3. Furthermore, histone H3 72 h after subjecting to simulated microgravity can
exhibit a molten globule structure. The significance of this research lied in the fact that simulating microgravity can be an effective physical force in gene expression regulation and the protein folding process. This finding could help astrobiologists to realize major health risks for astronaut
crews and space travelers and reduce these harmful effects. Furthermore, our observations can open fascinating research lines in astrobiology, biophysics, and exobiology.
Effect of Reaction Time on the Performance of Co3O4 Electrode Materials for High Performance Supercapacitors
Authors: Zhao Yan , Li Yucai , Zhang Dong , Song Shiwei , Wang Jian , Ke Yunjie , Guo Rui , Ding Yanbo , Zhu Xiandong
Published: January 2021

Electrochemical performance of the material depends on the morphology and structural characteristics of the material. Co3O4 samples shows the remarkable electrochemical performance owing to the high porosity, appropriate pore size distribution and novel architecture
and reaction time effect of morphology. In this work, Co3O4 nanowires grown on Ni foam have been synthesized through a facile hydrothermal approach, revealing large capacitance of 2178.4 mF cm-2 at the current density of 2 mA cm-2 and cycling stability
with 79.6% capacitance retention after 6000 cycles. The as-assembled device delivers excellent electrochemical performance for high specific capacitance of 356 mF cm-2 at the current density of 2 mA cm-2 and high cycle stability.
Fabrication and Optical Performance of Mo1-xWxS2 Monolayer with Different Composition Ranges via One-Step Chemical Vapor Deposition Approach
Authors: Chen Fei , Jiang Xia , Zheng Xin , Lu Bin , Deng Tingting
Published: January 2021

Fabrication of 2D TMDCs with variable bandgap can supply a prospective platform for the multi-functional applications in optoelectronics. Here, we present a one-step CVD strategy for realization of 2D Mo1-xWxS2 flakes with different x
ranges through adjusting growth temperature. Detailed Raman and photoluminescence spectra/mappings have elucidated that as-produced Mo1-xWxS2 alloys exhibit significant compositiondependent structural and optical modulation. The variation of Mo1-xWxS2
alloy with diverse composition ranges has discussed based on the effect of growth temperature on the evaporation and interdiffusion of Mo/W atoms. The present results will provide a favorable guidance for the controllable fabrication of other 2D TMDC alloys, providing prospective materials
for functional optoelectronics.
Dynamic Clock Skew Estimation and Fusion Acquainted with Environmental Factors
Authors: Yu Baoguo , Shu Yuquan , Li Chunge , Zhu Zhengyan , Yang Zhe , Wei Haitao , Bao Yachuan
Published: January 2021

Clock skew reflects the drift rate of a clock w.r.t. the nominal or reference clock frequency, which is the root cause of clock drifting. However, as the output of clock is largely affected by some environmental factors. Therefore, clock skew estimation is particularly difficult in
wireless sensor networks (WSNs), as the working environments of WSN are usually dynamic, unpredictable or even hazard. Besides, sensors are usually powered by batteries with limited communication and computation capacity. The clock skew is found to be non-stationary containing severe measurement
and process noises. Thus, we attempt to jointly consider the environmental factors into the clock skew estimation using Kalman filter. We propose to use the change of temperature and/or voltage to enhance the clock skew estimation performance. Besides, in multi-hop wireless networks, where
the synchronization is done in a hierarchical procedure, one node may have the chance to receive more than one timestamps. Therefore, we propose to use the information fusion technique to dynamically combine the information contained in different timestamps to promote the clock skew estimation
accuracy. Besides, we further derive the statistic lower bound of estimation errors, which can serve as a benchmark. The performance of the proposed schemes have been verified by extensive simulation results, where the root mean square error (RMSE) can be reduced by around 60% when compared
with the previous solutions.
Hybrid ZnCo2O4@Co3S4 Nanowires for High-Performance Asymmetric Supercapacitors
Authors: Tong Yongli , Cheng Xinyu , Qi Dongli , Chi Baoqian , Zhang Weiqiang
Published: January 2021

We successfully fabricate hierarchical ZnCo2O4@Co3S4 nanowires directly supported on nickel foam by a facile hydrothermal route. The as-synthesized product possesses large specific surface area and short reaction path, which result in superior
electrochemical performances as the electrode of supercapacitor (SC). The obtained electrode material shows high area capacitance of 2.02 C g-1 at current density of 0.8 A g-1 with 95.3% retention of initial capacitance after 6000 cycles. Moreover, the assembled asymmetric
supercapacitor (ASC) device using ZnCo2O4@Co3S4 nanowires as anode material displays noticeable electrochemical capability with an energy density of 79.8 mW h g-1 at power density of 1795 W kg-1 and 73.2 mW h g-1
at 9760 W kg-1. In addition, the device shows remarkable cycling capability, maintaining 82.2% retention after long-term cycles. It reveals the as-fabricated material would be promising energy storage materials.
Evaluation of Visual Functions in Children Using Manifest Refraction: Effect of Age and Refractive Error
Authors: Cho Yenling , Chen Xue , Huang Lisha , Yang Xue , Wang Yuhua
Published: January 2021

It remains unclear whether positive relative accommodation (PRA), negative relative accommodation (NRA), or binocular cross cylinder (BCC) values present differently when manifest refraction (MR) is performed before or after drug-induced mydriasis. This study aimed to compare visual
functions in children as measured by refraction and MR after the administration of mydriatics. A total of 483 children (4–18 years old) were categorized into three groups based on MR performed at three visit points: initial MR, refraction after rapid pupil dilation (RRP), and refraction
after slow pupil dilation (RSP). The investigated subjects included PRA, NRA, and BCC values. No significant differences in the PRA (P = 0.120), NRA (P = 0.492), and BCC (P = 0.240) values were detected among the MR, RRP, and RSP groups. When the PRA values among different
groups were stratified by age, no significant differences were detected. Although there were no statistically significant differences in the NRA values among groups for children aged 4–6 years (P = 0.077) and 7–11 years (P = 0.865), there was a significant difference
in the NRA values among groups for children aged 12–18 years (P =0.044). In addition, the BCC values among groups for children aged 7–11 years (P = 0.044) also showed significant differences. Meanwhile, the differences between PRA (P <0.001) and NRA (P =
0.016) among emmetropes, pseudomyopes, myopes, and hyperopes were statistically significant, while the refractive error was not affected by MR assessed with BCC (P = 0.380). Performing MR after pupil dilation could replace MR before mydriasis in children aged 4–6 years, while
MR before mydriasis could be omitted for children aged 4–6 years.
Linking Change-Oriented Organizational Citizenship Behavior to Turnover Intention: Effects of Servant Leadership and Career Commitment
Authors: Li Yue , Xie Wei
Published: January 2021

Prior research in public management has emphasized the value of change-oriented organizational citizenship behavior (CO-OCB) and provided valuable insights on the antecedents of CO-OCB. However, questions regarding the consequences of CO-OCB have received limited attention. Using data collected from Chinese civil servants, this study utilized a moderated mediation model to examine how CO-OCB relates to turnover intention in the public sector. The results demonstrated that CO-OCB was negatively related to turnover intention through the mediating role of career commitment, and servant leadership moderated the positive association between CO-OCB and career commitment. More importantly, our findings showed that the indirect relationship between CO-OCB and turnover intention through career commitment was more pronounced when servant leadership was higher. Results are discussed in terms of their implications for research and practice.
New directions in the theorisation of temporary urbanisms: Adaptability, activation and trajectory
Authors: Andres Lauren , Kraftl Peter
Published: January 2021

This article rethinks processes and practices of urban temporariness in a more agile, localised and context-specific way, where rhythms and dynamics of the everyday are clearly acknowledged. It discusses the directions of research required to theorise ‘temporary urbanisms’. To do so, three overlapping literatures are used: Lefebvrian conceptualisations of rhythms and the everyday; evolutionary analyses of path of change and path creation; and geographies of architecture. This article recognises that although temporariness is (evidently) a universal urban condition, diverse discursive and practical dynamics exist directing urban temporariness along particular channels and shaping space significantly while impacting people’s living environments.
Impact of School Resource Officer and/or Security Guard Presence on Native American Referrals and Arrests in Montana’s Schools
Authors: Walker Laurie A. , Bokenkamp Kirsten , Devereaux Turquoise Skye
Published: January 2021

Native Americans experience disproportionate referrals to law enforcement and arrests in public schools in Montana. The study uses U.S. Office of Civil Rights data reported at the school level ( n = 822) for the 2015–2016 school year, which is aggregated by race and gender. All students in schools with school resource officers (SROs) and/or security guards (SGs) present have higher total numbers and rates of referrals and arrests. Native American female students are twice as likely to be referred to law enforcement ( p < .001) and 2.5 times more likely to be arrested when SROs and/or SGs are present at the school ( p < .05). Native American male students are 2.2 times more likely to be referred to law enforcement ( p < .001) and 1.7 times more likely to be arrested when SROs and/or SGs are present at the school ( p < .001). Native American mean rates of referrals and arrest are higher in urban and reservation contexts ( p < .05). Native American student disparities in referrals and arrests mirror disproportionate percentage of Native American female and male adults incarcerated in Montana. Native American students are more likely to experience the school-to-prison pipeline unless SROs and SGs are removed from Montana schools.
A Scoping Review of Resilience in Survivors of Human Trafficking
Authors: Knight Logan , Xin Yitong , Mengo Cecilia
Published: January 2021

Resilience is critical among survivors of trafficking as they are mostly vulnerable populations who face multiple adversities before, during, and after trafficking. However, resilience in survivors of trafficking is understudied. This scoping review aims to clarify the current state of knowledge, focusing on definitions of resilience, how resilience has been studied, and factors associated with resilience among survivors. Five databases were searched using key words related to trafficking and resilience. Studies were included if they were published in English between 2000 and 2019 and focused on resilience with the study design including at least one of these four features: (a) use of standardized measures of resilience, (b) qualitative descriptions of resilience, (c) participants were survivors or professionals serving survivors, and (d) data sources such as case files or program manuals directly pertained to survivors. Eighteen studies were identified. Findings indicated that resilience was primarily described as emergent from interactions between the survivor and the environment. Resilience in trafficking appeared largely similar to resilience in other kinds of victimization. Nonetheless, trafficking survivors also may display resilience in alternative ways such as refusing treatment. Positive interpersonal relationships were the most commonly mentioned resilience factor. In addition, current research lacks studies featuring longitudinal designs, interventions, participatory methods, types of trafficking other than sexual trafficking, and demographic characteristics such as age, gender, and national origin. Future research needs to establish definitions and measures of resilience that are culturally and contextually relevant to survivors and build knowledge necessary for designing and evaluating resilience-enhancing interventions.
Evaluation of APOE polymorphisms and the risk for age-related macular degeneration in a Southeastern Brazilian population
Authors: Viturino Marina GM , Neto Jamil M , Bajano Flávia F , Costa Sueli MS , Roque Alicia B , Borges Gessica FS , Ananina Galina , Rim Priscila HH , Medina Flávio M , Costa Fernando F , Vasconcellos José PC de , Melo Mônica B de
Published: January 2021

This study aimed to evaluate the role of APOE polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) in the risk of age-related macular degeneration in a sample of the Southeastern Brazilian population. Seven hundred and five unrelated individuals were analyzed, 334 with age-related macular degeneration (case group), and 371 without the disease (control group). In the case group, patients were further stratified according to disease phenotypes, divided into dry and wet age-related macular degeneration, and non-advanced and advanced age-related macular degeneration. APOE polymorphisms (rs429358 and rs7412) were evaluated through polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. In the comparison of cases vs. controls, none of the associations reached statistical significance, considering the Bonferroni-adjusted P-value, although there was a suggestive protection for the E3/E4 genotype (OR = 0.626; P-value = 0.037) and E4 carriers (OR = 0.6515; P-value = 0.047). Statistically significant protection for both the E3/E4 genotype and E4 carriers was observed in the comparisons: advanced age-related macular degeneration vs. controls (OR = 0.3665, P-value = 0.491 × 10−3 and OR = 0.4031, P-value = 0.814 × 10−3, respectively), advanced age-related macular degeneration vs. non-advanced age-related macular degeneration (OR = 0.2529, P-value = 0.659 × 10−4 and OR = 0.2692, P-value = 0.631 × 10−4, respectively). In the comparison of wet age-related macular degeneration vs. control, protection was statistically significant only for E3/E4 (OR = 0.4052, P-value = 0.001). None of the comparisons demonstrated any significant association for E2 genotypes or E2 carriers in age-related macular degeneration risk in this study. Findings suggest a protective role of the E4 haplotype in the APOE gene in the risk for advanced and wet forms of age-related macular degeneration, in a sample of the Brazilian population. To our knowledge, this is the first Brazilian study to show the association between APOE polymorphisms and age-related macular degeneration.
Retinol-binding protein, retinol, and modified-relative-dose response in Ugandan children aged 12–23 months and their non-pregnant caregivers
Authors: Whitehead Ralph D , Ford Nicole D , Mapango Carine , Ruth Laird J , Zhang Ming , Schleicher Rosemary L , Ngalombi Sarah , Halati Siti , Ahimbisibwe Martin , Lubowa Abdelrahman , Sheftel Jesse , Tanumihardjo Sherry A , Jefferds Maria Elena D
Published: January 2021

Retinol-binding protein (RBP), retinol, and modified-relative-dose response (MRDR) are used to assess vitamin A status. We describe vitamin A status in Ugandan children and women using dried blood spot (DBS) RBP, serum RBP, plasma retinol, and MRDR and compare DBS-RBP, serum RBP, and plasma retinol. Blood was collected from 39 children aged 12–23 months and 28 non-pregnant mothers aged 15–49 years as a subsample from a survey in Amuria district, Uganda, in 2016. DBS RBP was assessed using a commercial enzyme immunoassay kit, serum RBP using an in-house sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and plasma retinol/MRDR test using high-performance liquid chromatography. We examined (a) median concentration or value (Q1, Q3); (b) R2 between DBS-RBP, serum RBP, and plasma retinol; and (c) Bland-Altman plots. Median (Q1, Q3) for children and mothers, respectively, were as follows: DBS-RBP 1.15 µmol/L (0.97, 1.42) and 1.73 (1.52, 1.96), serum RBP 0.95 µmol/L (0.78, 1.18) and 1.47 µmol/L (1.30, 1.79), plasma retinol 0.82 µmol/L (0.67, 0.99) and 1.33 µmol/L (1.22, 1.58), and MRDR 0.025 (0.014, 0.042) and 0.014 (0.009, 0.019). DBS RBP-serum RBP R2 was 0.09 for both children and mothers. The mean biases were −0.19 µmol/L (95% limits of agreement [LOA] 0.62, −0.99) for children and −0.01 µmol/L (95% LOA −1.11, −1.31) for mothers. DBS RBP-plasma retinol R2 was 0.11 for children and 0.13 for mothers. Mean biases were 0.33 µmol/L (95% LOA −0.37, 1.03) for children, and 0.29 µmol/L (95% LOA −0.69, 1.27) for mothers. Serum RBP-plasma retinol R2 was 0.75 for children and 0.55 for mothers, with mean biases of 0.13 µmol/L (95% LOA −0.23, 0.49) for children and 0.18 µmol/L (95% LOA −0.61, 0.96) for mothers. Results varied by indicator and matrix. The serum RBP-retinol R2 for children was moderate (0.75), but poor for other comparisons. Understanding the relationships among vitamin A indicators across contexts and population groups is needed.
Compound Disadvantage between Economic Declines at the City and Neighborhood Levels for Older Americans’ Depressive Symptoms
Authors: Settels Jason
Published: January 2021

American cities and neighborhoods vary in their residents’ typical levels of mental health. Despite scholarship emphasizing that we cannot thoroughly understand city and neighborhood problems without investigating how they are intertwined, limited research examines how city and neighborhood effects interact as they impact health. I investigate these interactions through a study of the effects of the Great Recession of 2007–2009. Using Waves 1 (2005–2006) and 2 (2010–2011) of the National Social Life, Health, and Aging Project survey ( N = 1,341) and in accordance with the compound disadvantage model, I find through fixed-effects linear regression models that city- and neighborhood-level economic declines combine multiplicatively as they impact older Americans’ depressive symptoms. I furthermore find that this effect is only partly based on personal socioeconomic changes, suggesting contextual channels of effect. My results show that we cannot fully understand the effects of city-level changes without also considering neighborhood-level changes.
Comparison of the validity and reliability of local positioning systems against other tracking technologies in team sport: A systematic review
Authors: Pino-Ortega José , Oliva-Lozano José M , Gantois Petrus , Nakamura Fábio Yuzo , Rico-González Markel
Published: January 2021

Given the accuracy in data collection, radar-based local positioning systems (LPS) are a promising technology to monitor training load in team sports. The objective of this study was to systematically review articles that compare the validity and reliability of LPS to other electronic performance and tracking system (EPTS) in team sports. The authors searched three electronic databases (SPORTDiscus, PubMed, and Web of Science) to identify relevant studies published by October 21, 2019. A Boolean search was performed, including sport ( population), search terms related to intervention technology ( intervention technology), and outcome measures of the technology ( outcomes). Seven studies evaluated the validity and reliability of LPS in team sports in comparison with other EPTS, including semi-automatic video technology (VID) and Global Positioning System (GPS). Two articles compared LPS to VID, three articles compared LPS to GPS, and two articles compared LPS to both GPS and VID. LPS is considered a valid and reliable EPTS in the field of load monitoring of team sports, usually resulting in higher accuracy than VID or GPS. However, special care should be taken when analyzing load indicators at high speeds or different trajectories, since the validity and reliability depend on the EPTS itself.
UV-Protection Performance of Calophyllum inophyllum Seed Extracts: A Natural Ultraviolet Screening Agent
Authors: Ku Wen-Jun , Lin Cheng-Jung , Lin Po-Heng
Published: January 2021

Demand for sunscreen products has been rising in recent years due to increasing cases of skin damage caused byultraviolet radiation (UVR). Recent studies have proved that some materials in commercial sunscreen products are harmful to the marine ecosystem. Therefore, the development of a photoprotective and environmentally friendly screening agent has been a leading direction for the cosmetic industry. Calophyllum inophyllum is a seaside plant found in the Pacific Rim, regarded as a potential source of biodiesel feedstock given the high oil content of its seeds. Due to the harsh environment of its natural habitat, C. inophyllum has developed UV-absorbing secondary metabolites, which are natural sources for screening agents. In this study, samples of seed extracts of C. inophyllum were subjected to in vitro UV, Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and cytotoxicity analysis; all the samples extracted by solvents of various polarities showed different chemical compositions by FTIR spectroscopy and levels of cytotoxicity. The n-hexane seed extract showed the highest UVA and UVB absorption efficiencies. In the in vitro cytotoxicity test on human skin fibroblast cells, seed oil of C. inophyllum demonstrated low cytotoxicity. Results have shown that seed extracts of C. inophyllum can be an ideal material for a natural high-efficiency screening agent.
Bioaccumulation assessment of nanomaterials using freshwater invertebrate species
Authors: Kuehr Sebastian , Kosfeld Verena , Schlechtriem Christian
Published: January 2021

Background

The high production volume of engineered nanomaterials (ENMs) may lead to high pressure on the environment, and a scientific assessment of ENMs that bioaccumulate in organisms and biomagnify in the food web is necessary. Within the regulation of chemicals in several jurisdictions, such as the European regulation REACH, the bioconcentration factor is the standard endpoint. The bioconcentration factor is mostly determined by flow-through fish tests. However, nanomaterials tend to agglomerate, which may lead to sedimentation in aquatic environments. The bioavailability of the tested nanomaterials may be thus impaired for pelagic species, including fish, in comparison to benthic or filtrating species. Several risk assessment regulations allow the usage of data gained during tests using invertebrates and such data may allow a waiver of further tests using vertebrates. The aim of this study was to elucidate the potential of different freshwater invertebrate species to be used in laboratory bioaccumulation studies on ENMs and to give some guidance for the use of bioaccumulation endpoints derived from studies using aquatic invertebrate species in the risk assessment process for ENMs.

Results

The existing literature related to the testing of nanomaterial bioaccumulation with freshwater invertebrates was screened and reviewed to find suitable test species with regard to their ecology and physiology, as well as laboratory test systems allowing to investigate the bioavailability/bioaccumulation of nanomaterials with the respective species. Bivalvia, gastropoda, isopoda, amphipoda, and branchiopoda were reviewed and their suitability for bioaccumulation testing was assessed. Amphipods and bivalves represent worst-case scenarios and show clear advantages to be used as test organisms. However, only amphipods allow the examination of two clearly independent exposure pathways (water and diet).

Conclusion

Amphipods are suitable test organisms for bioaccumulation testing of ENMs. The results from amphipod bioconcentration and biomagnification tests can be included in a tiered assessment suggested at the end of this study allowing a clear grading of the tested nanomaterials as “bioaccumulative” or “non bioaccumulative.” Due to the worst-case scenario of the amphipod test, this approach may allow a waiver of further vertebrate tests.
Anthropometry of the medial femoral condyle in the Chinese population: the morphometric analysis to design unicomparmental knee component
Authors: Lu Feifan , Sun Xiaowei , Wang Weiguo , Zhang Qidong , Guo Wanshou
Published: January 2021

Background

This study aimed to assess the radii of the distal and posterior articular surfaces of the medial femoral condyle in a Chinese population and provide detailed parameters of the knee joint for the future design of UKA components.

Methods

This study included 500 consecutive Chinese patients who underwent knee MRI from Jan 2019 to Jan 2020. The two most appropriate circles were used to reveal the distal and posterior joint surfaces in the sagittal plane of the MRI images. The radius of the circle representing the distal articular surface in the sagittal plane was measured as R1, and the radius of the posterior articular surface was measured as R2. The distance between the centers of the two rotation circles was recorded as d. An independent t test was used to compare the differences between men and women. The Pearson correlation coefficient was calculated to analyze the correlation between R1 and R2. SPSS v19.0 software was used for statistical analysis.

Results

The average values of R1, R2, R1/R2 and d were calculated. Scatter plots were constructed to show the trend of changes in the radius of the distal and posterior articular surfaces of the femoral condyle. R1, R2 and d differed significantly between men and women (p < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that R1 was positively correlated with R2 (r = 0.61, p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The data of the radii of the distal and posterior articular surfaces of the medial femoral condyle were provided. In the UKA design, the relationships between the radii of the distal and posterior articular surfaces should be taken into account.
Primitive isolated hydatid cyst of the spleen: total splenectomy versus spleen saving surgical modalities
Authors: Mejri Atef , Arfaoui Khaoula , Ayadi Mohamed Firas , Aloui Badreddine , Yaakoubi Jasser
Published: January 2021

Background

This study aims to describe the clinical features of the isolated primitive splenic hydatid cyst, discuss and compare the different surgical approaches of this uncommon disease.

Methods

This is a descriptive retrospective study carried out over a period of 7 years extending from January 2013 to December 2019 reporting eight cases of isolated primitive splenic hydatid cysts. Data were collected from the register of the general surgery department of the Jendouba regional hospital. Files concerning another associated hydatid localization were excluded. Four patients underwent total splenectomy and four of them underwent different spleen preserving surgical techniques including resection of the protruding dome, partial splenectomy and pericystectomy.

Results

The diagnosis was incidentally made in 50% of cases. The main other revealing complaints are pain in the left upper quadrant of abdomen in 25% of cases and a painless renitent mass in the same quadrant in only 12,5%. None of patients who underwent total splenectomy had fever or sings of postoperative sepsis. Compared to those who had total splenectomy, patients who underwent spleen preserving surgery had a longer average hospital stay (9 vs 6,25 days) related to post-operative complications including abscess in the residual cavity after protruding dome resection in one patient and post-operative haemorrhage in one patient.

Conclusions

The current case series argues in favor of total splenectomy, preferably by laparoscopic route whenever the technical platform allows it, associated with some specific peri-operative therapeutic measures. It seems to be the safest way that helps to avoid post-operative complications of spleen saving surgical modalities. These complications are usually difficult to manage in poor countries with limited technical resources. Total splenectomy guarantees at least a decreased hospital stay, reduced healthcare costs, and the absence of recurrence in highly endemic underdeveloped countries.
“I am called girl, but that doesn’t matter” -perspectives of male nurses regarding gender-related advantages and disadvantages in professional development
Authors: Mao Aimei , Cheong Pak Leng , Van Iat Kio , Tam Hon Lon
Published: January 2021

Background

Exploration of professional development experiences of male nurses can help develop evidence-based strategies to attract males into nursing. The study aims to investigate the advantages and disadvantages of being a male in nursing profession that male nurses and male nursing students experience in their professional development.

Methods

A descriptive qualitative research was designed. Purposive sampling was applied and 24 males (12 nursing students and 12 clinical nurses) participated. Semi-structured individual interviews were used in data collection. Thematic analysis was used in data analysis.

Results

Professional development of male nurses was related to three interplayed identities: a man, a nurse, and a minority. Three themes emerged relating to the professional development of the males: “feeling role strains” “taking perceived advantage of masculine traits” and “taking an egalitarian viewpoint”. There was no clear line between the gender-related advantages and disadvantages as factors influencing professional development can be turned by the males from barriers to facilitators.

Conclusions

Male nurses perceive nursing as equally suitable for males and females and make use of masculine traits to thrive in their professional development.
Qualitative evaluation of the Autism Behavior Inventory: use of cognitive interviewing to establish validity of a caregiver report scale for autism spectrum disorder
Authors: Pandina Gahan , Ness Seth , Trudeau Jeremiah , Stringer Sonja , Knoble Naomi , Lenderking William R. , Bangerter Abigail
Published: January 2021

Purpose

The Autism Behavior Inventory (ABI) is an observer-reported outcome scale measuring core and associated features of autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Extensive scale development (reported elsewhere) took place, in alignment with the Food and Drug Administration’s patient-reported outcome guidance, to address the need for instruments to measure change and severity of ASD symptoms.

Methods

Cognitive interviewing was used to confirm understanding and content validity of the scale prior to its use in clinical trials. Respondents were caregivers of individuals with ASD (N = 50). Interviews used a hybrid of the “think-aloud” and verbal probing approach to assess ABI’s content validity and participant understanding of the instrument, including: item clarity and relevance; item interpretation; appropriateness of response scales; and clarity of instructions. Audio-recordings of the interviews were transcribed for qualitative data analysis. The scale was revised based on participant feedback and tested in a second round of interviews (round 1 N = 38, round 2 N = 12).

Results

In total, 67/70 items reached ≥ 90% understandability across participants. Caregivers were able to select an appropriate response from the options available and reported finding the examples helpful. Based on participant feedback, instructions were simplified, 8 items were removed, and 10 items were reworded. The final revised 62-item scale was presented in round 2, where caregivers reported readily understanding the instructions, response options, and 61/62 items reached ≥ 90% understandability.

Conclusions

Cognitive interviews with caregivers of a diverse sample of individuals with ASD confirm the content validity and relevance of the ABI to assess core and associated symptoms of ASD.
Incentivizing appropriate malaria case management in the private sector: a study protocol for two linked cluster randomized controlled trials to evaluate provider- and client-focused interventions in western Kenya and Lagos, Nigeria
Authors: Woolsey Aaron M. , Simmons Ryan A. , Woldeghebriel Meley , Zhou Yunji , Ogunsola Oluwatosin , Laing Sarah , Olaleye Tayo , Kipkoech Joseph , Rojas Bomar Mendez , Saran Indrani , Odhiambo Mercy , Malinga Josephine , Ambani George , Kimachas Emmah , Fashanu Chizoba , Wiwa Owens , Menya Diana , Laktabai Jeremiah , Visser Theodoor , Turner Elizabeth L. , O’Meara Wendy Prudhomme
Published: January 2021

Background

A large proportion of artemisinin-combination therapy (ACT) anti-malarial medicines is consumed by individuals that do not have malaria. The over-consumption of ACTs is largely driven by retail sales in high malaria-endemic countries to clients who have not received a confirmatory diagnosis. This study aims to target ACT sales to clients receiving a confirmatory diagnosis using malaria rapid diagnostic tests (mRDTs) at retail outlets in Kenya and Nigeria.

Methods

This study comprises two linked four-arm 2 × 2 factorial cluster randomized controlled trials focused on malaria diagnostic testing and conditional ACT subsidies with the goal to evaluate provider-directed and client-directed interventions. The linked trials will be conducted at two contrasting study sites: a rural region around Webuye in western Kenya and the urban center of Lagos, Nigeria. Clusters are 41 and 48 participating retail outlets in Kenya and Nigeria, respectively. Clients seeking care at participating outlets across all arms will be given the option of paying for a mRDT—at a study-recommended price—to be conducted at the outlet. In the provider-directed intervention arm, the outlet owner receives a small monetary incentive to perform the mRDT. In the client-directed intervention arm, the client receives a free ACT if they purchase an mRDT and receive a positive test result. Finally, the fourth study arm combines both the provider- and client-directed interventions. The diagnosis and treatment choices made during each transaction will be captured using a mobile phone app. Study outcomes will be collected through exit interviews with clients, who sought care for febrile illness, at each of the enrolled retail outlets.

Results

The primary outcome measure is the proportion of all ACTs that are sold to malaria test-positive clients in each study arm. For all secondary outcomes, we will evaluate the degree to which the interventions affect purchasing behavior among people seeking care for a febrile illness at the retail outlet.

Conclusions

If our study demonstrates that malaria case management can be improved in the retail sector, it could reduce overconsumption of ACTs and enhance targeting of publicly funded treatment reimbursements, lowering the economic barrier to appropriate diagnosis and treatment for patients with malaria.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.govNCT04428307, registered June 9, 2020, and NCT04428385, registered June 9, 2020.
Lignin intermediates lead to phenyl acid formation and microbial community shifts in meso- and thermophilic batch reactors
Authors: Prem Eva Maria , Mutschlechner Mira , Stres Blaz , Illmer Paul , Wagner Andreas Otto
Published: January 2021

Background

Lignin intermediates resulting from lignocellulose degradation have been suspected to hinder anaerobic mineralisation of organic materials to biogas. Phenyl acids like phenylacetate (PAA) are early detectable intermediates during anaerobic digestion (AD) of aromatic compounds. Studying the phenyl acid formation dynamics and concomitant microbial community shifts can help to understand the microbial interdependencies during AD of aromatic compounds and may be beneficial to counteract disturbances.

Results

The length of the aliphatic side chain and chemical structure of the benzene side group(s) had an influence on the methanogenic system. PAA, phenylpropionate (PPA), and phenylbutyrate (PBA) accumulations showed that the respective lignin intermediate was degraded but that there were metabolic restrictions as the phenyl acids were not effectively processed. Metagenomic analyses confirmed that mesophilic genera like Fastidiosipila or Syntrophomonas and thermophilic genera like Lactobacillus, Bacillus, Geobacillus, and Tissierella are associated with phenyl acid formation. Acetoclastic methanogenesis was prevalent in mesophilic samples at low and medium overload conditions, whereas Methanoculleus spp. dominated at high overload conditions when methane production was restricted. In medium carbon load reactors under thermophilic conditions, syntrophic acetate oxidation (SAO)-induced hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis was the most important process despite the fact that acetoclastic methanogenesis would thermodynamically be more favourable. As acetoclastic methanogens were restricted at medium and high overload conditions, syntrophic acetate oxidising bacteria and their hydrogenotrophic partners could step in for acetate consumption.

Conclusions

PAA, PPA, and PBA were early indicators for upcoming process failures. Acetoclastic methanogens were one of the first microorganisms to be impaired by aromatic compounds, and shifts to syntrophic acetate oxidation coupled to hydrogenotrophic methanogenesis occurred in thermophilic reactors. Previously assumed associations of specific meso- and thermophilic genera with anaerobic phenyl acid formation could be confirmed.
Synbiotic supplementation with prebiotic Schizophyllum commune derived β-(1,3/1,6)-glucan and probiotic concoction benefits gut microbiota and its associated metabolic activities
Authors: Singh Vineet , Muthuramalingam Karthika , Kim Young Mee , Park Sanggyu , Kim Sung Hong , Lee Jongdae , Hyun Changlim , Unno Tatsuya , Cho Moonjae
Published: January 2021

Synbiotics synergistically favors beneficial effects of prebiotics and probiotics towards host metabolic health by modulating gut ecosystem. In this study, we sought to examine the effects of prebiotics (Schizophyllum commune derived β-(1,3/1,6)-glucan), probiotics (concoction made of eight different bacterial strains) and synbiotics (prebiotics + probiotics) on gut microbiota and its associated metabolic functions through 16S rRNA gene sequences analysis. Results showed that probiotics strains used in this study were detected more in the synbiotic and probiotic treatments, while prebiotic dietary intervention increased the total bacterial abundance and metabolisms related to host immune strengthening. Probiotics and synbiotics dietary interventions enhanced similar metabolisms relating to butanediol and s-adenosyl-l-methionine biosynthesis. Probiotics treatment also showed depleted metabolic activities related to SCFA productions, that were not depleted in prebiotics treatment. With varying differential abundance patterns and metabolic activities across the treatments, our results suggest that synbiotic treatment provide more beneficial effects over probiotics and prebiotics.
Preparing for a “dirty bomb” attack: the optimum mix of medical countermeasure resources
Authors: Rump Alexis , Ostheim Patrick , Eder Stefan , Hermann Cornelius , Abend Michael , Port Matthias
Published: January 2021

Background

In radiological emergencies with radionuclide incorporation, decorporation treatment is particularly effective if started early. Treating all people potentially contaminated (“urgent treatment”) may require large antidote stockpiles. An efficacious way to reduce antidote requirements is by using radioactivity screening equipment. We analyzed the suitability of such equipment for triage purposes and determined the most efficient mix of screening units and antidote daily doses.

Methods

The committed effective doses corresponding to activities within the detection limits of monitoring portals and mobile whole-body counters were used to assess their usefulness as triage tools. To determine the optimal resource mix, we departed from a large-scale scenario (60,000 victims) and based on purchase prices of antidotes and screening equipment in Germany, we calculated efficiencies of different combinations of medical countermeasure resources by data envelopment analysis. Cost-effectiveness was expressed as the costs per life year saved and compared to risk reduction opportunities in other sectors of society as well as the values of a statistical life.

Results

Monitoring portals are adequate instruments for a sensitive triage after cesium-137 exposure with a high screening throughput. For the detection of americium-241 whole-body counters with a lower daily screening capacity per unit are needed. Assuming that 1% of the potentially contaminated patients actually need decorporation treatment, an efficient resource mix includes 6 monitoring portals and 25 mobile whole-body counters. The optimum mix depends on price discounts and in particular the fraction of victims actually needing treatment. The cost-effectiveness of preparedness for a “dirty bomb” attack is less than for common health care, but costs for a life year saved are less than for many risk-reduction interventions in the environmental sector.

Conclusion

To achieve economic efficiency a high daily screening capacity is of major importance to substantially decrease the required amount of antidote doses. Among the determinants of the number of equipment units needed, the fraction of the potentially contaminated victims that actually needs treatment is the most difficult to assess. Judging cost-effectiveness of the preparedness for “dirty bomb” attacks is an issue of principle that must be dealt with by political leaders.