bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fatal methemoglobinemia in three suicidal sodium nitrite poisonings
Authors: Dean Dorothy E. , Looman Karen B. , Topmiller Robert G.
Published: February 2021

Nitrites are chemicals that are abundant in the environment, widely used as preservatives for meat, and in pharmaceuticals. Volatile products containing nitrites have been used recreationally for the euphoric effect associated with mild hypoxia. Dietary exposure to small amounts is considered harmless. Deaths by ingestion of nitrite salts are not common, but accidental exposure and as suicidal and homicidal agents have been noted. Death is a consequence of oxidation of hemoglobin ferrous (Fe+2) iron (Hb) to the ferric (Fe+3) form (methemoglobin, MetHb), causing a reduction in the oxygen‐carrying capacity of the blood. We report three cases of ingestion of sodium nitrite in two college students (one mildly decomposed) and one adult in early middle age. All of the decedents in these cases developed fatal methemoglobinemia. Sodium nitrite in chemical form was found near the bodies. MetHb was detected in the postmortem blood of each decedent. The MetHb concentrations in the two decedents with a short postmortem interval were less than MetHb concentrations reported in the current literature. The MetHb concentrations reported in the mildly decomposed person were greater than for the other two, but still less than the concentration previously considered lethal. The data from these cases indicate that levels of MetHb can vary widely in fatal cases, and should not be used as the sole criterion for determination of a death caused by sodium nitrite. Following a discussion of the cases, there is a review of the pathophysiology of MetHb production and a current literature review.
Effects of oxidative modification of peroxyl radicals on the structure and foamability of chickpea protein isolates
Authors: Zhu Zengfang , Mao Xiaoying , Wu Qingzhi , Zhang Jian , Deng Xiaorong
Published: February 2021

A chickpea protein isolate (CPI) was oxidized using peroxyl radicals derived from 2,2'‐azobis (2‐amidopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH), and the structural and foaming properties of the oxidized CPI were evaluated. The oxidation degree of protein was determined by measuring carbonyl content, dimer tyrosine content, free thiol content, and total thiol content. The structural changes of oxidized protein were evaluated by surface hydrophobicity, endogenous fluorescence intensity, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, SDS‐PAGE, and amino acid content changes. Compared with the control group (0 mmol/L AAPH), moderate oxidation (0.04 mmol/L AAPH) led to the formation of a soluble protein with flexibility, which could improve the foaming properties of the protein (foaming capacity and stability increased by 25.50% and 6.38%, respectively). Over‐oxidized (25 mmol/L AAPH) protein exhibited improved foaming capability, but its foam stability was reduced owing to the formation of insoluble aggregates. The results indicate that oxidation can change protein conformation, and the protein structure can affect the foamability of the CPI.

Practical Application

CPI is a protein supplement food. Protein oxidation can occur during processing and storage, thereby affecting protein function. In this study, we evaluated how peroxy free radicals affect the structure, solubility and foaming properties of CPI, and clarified the mechanism between them. It has been found that peroxy free radicals can accelerate the oxidation of proteins and have a significant effect on foaming. Therefore, the degree of oxidation should be controlled to improve the quality of CPI.
The addition of alpha amylase improves the quality of Chinese dried noodles
Authors: Wang Jin‐Rong , Guo Xiao‐Na , Li Yonghui , Zhu Ke‐Xue
Published: February 2021

The effect of α‐amylase on the quality attributes of Chinese dried noodles (CDN) was investigated. Adding α‐amylase markedly decreased the cooking time and cooking loss of CDN at the level of 12.5 (mg/100 g flour). The elasticity of CDN was increased significantly (P < 0.05) after adding α‐amylase. The firmness of noodles with 12.5 mg α‐amylase per 100 g flour showed no obvious change compared to the control, whereas it decreased significantly (P < 0.05) when the amount of α‐amylase increased to 25 (mg/100 g flour). In addition, the chewiness of CDN with 12.5 mg α‐amylase per 100 g flour increased, while it showed a significant (P < 0.05) decreasing trend with further increased α‐amylase levels. Starch structural and thermal properties were also changed by α‐amylase, which showed increased relative crystallinity, swelling power, but decreased pasting property. The changed starch property restrained the cross‐linking of gluten. The decrease in optimal cooking time and increase in elasticity of CDN were due to the increased swelling power and decreased peak time of the starch. In addition, the decreased setback of starch and protein cross‐linking degree were responsible for the decreased firmness and chewiness of CDN with α‐amylase ranging from 25 to 50 mg/100 g flour. Overall, α‐amylase could be used as a functional additive to improve the quality of CDN when the amount was at 12.5 mg/100 g flour.
Can computed tomography differentiate adenocarcinoma in situ from minimally invasive adenocarcinoma?
Authors: Yoshida Mitsuteru , Yuasa Masao , Ogawa Hirohisa , Miyamoto Naoki , Kawakami Yukikiyo , Kondo Kazuya , Tangoku Akira
Published: February 2021

Background

Given the subtle pathological signs of adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) and minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), effective differentiation between the two entities is crucial. However, it is difficult to predict these conditions using preoperative computed tomography (CT) imaging. In this study, we investigated whether histological diagnosis of AIS and MIA using quantitative three‐dimensional CT imaging analysis could be predicted.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed the images and histopathological findings of patients with lung cancer who were diagnosed with AIS or MIA between January 2017 and June 2018. We used Synapse Vincent (v. 4.3) (Fujifilm) software to analyze the CT attenuation values and performed a histogram analysis.

Results

There were 22 patients with AIS and 22 with MIA. The ground‐glass nodule (GGN) rate was significantly higher in patients with AIS (p < 0.001), whereas the solid volume (p < 0.001) and solid rate (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in those with MIA. The mean (p = 0.002) and maximum (p = 0.025) CT values were significantly higher in patients with MIA. The 25th, 50th, 75th, and 97.5th percentiles (all p < 0.05) for the CT values were significantly higher in patients with MIA.

Conclusions

We demonstrated that quantitative analysis of 3D‐CT imaging data using software can help distinguish AIS from MIA. These analyses are useful for guiding decision‐making in the surgical management of early lung cancer, as well as subsequent follow‐up.
Predictors for assessing the flowering duration and dynamics of the complex umbellate of fennel in seed production
Authors: Lefort Céline , Raveneau Marie‐Paule , Cannavacciuolo Mario , Guerry Benoît , Fustec Joëlle
Published: February 2021

Flowering is a critical stage of fennel seed production, which strongly depends on climate factors. In crops such as fennel, the complexity of the umbellate structure and the lack of knowledge about its flowering dynamics make the prediction of the duration of this phenological stage uneasy. In the context of climate change, a reliable predictive tool for the duration of fennel flowering is needed. Our aim was to increase knowledge on fennel flowering dynamics and to propose a model to be used by seed producers. In 2018 and 2019, we studied the development of secondary and tertiary umbels during flowering stage which was determined from the Bundesanstalt Bundessortenamt und Chemische Industrie scale, in plants of four genotypes grown in tunnels. Multiple linear regression (MLR) models were used to select the more accurate equations which consisted of one or more variables as predictors of flowering duration and its dynamics across secondary and tertiary umbels. In all model subsets, the criterion‐based procedure was used, followed by a criterion‐based hybrid procedure to take advantage of the Mallows' Cp, adjusted R2 and Bayesian information criterion, for equations and predictor selection. Two variables related to temperature, namely the temperature summation expressed in degree days and the number of days with temperature lower than 15°C, were identified as relevant parameters for predicting flowering duration expressed in days, in secondary as well as tertiary umbels. In addition, the equations and accurate predictors identified for modelling differences in time between flowering starts and ends of secondary and tertiary umbels also highlighted the importance of the number of days when the temperature amplitude is higher than 20°C, the number of days when the mean temperature is higher than 27°C, and the number of days when the relative humidity is higher than 80%.
Complete laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy with laparoscopic Roux‐Y reconstruction using a 5‐mm stapler: A case of a 2‐month‐old infant
Authors: Murakami Masakazu , Kaji Tatsuru , Nagano Ayaka , Matsui Mayu , Onishi Shun , Yamada Koji , Ieiri Satoshi
Published: February 2021

Laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy for choledochal in children is performed only at particular institutions because of the technical difficulty. Although choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy are feasible, the small working space of infants makes intraabdominal Roux‐Y reconstruction technically challenging. A 2‐month‐old girl diagnosed with a choledochal cyst underwent complete laparoscopic choledochal cyst excision and hepaticojejunostomy, including intraabdominal Roux‐Y reconstruction with a 5‐mm stapler. After cyst excision, Roux‐Y reconstruction was performed in the intraabdominal cavity. Jejunojejunostomy was performed in a side‐to‐side fashion using a 5‐mm stapler, and the entry hole was closed laparoscopically by hand‐sewing, along with the mesentery defect. All procedures were performed by laparoscopic surgery. The postoperative course was uneventful, and the patient showed a quick recovery. Using small‐diameter instruments, completely laparoscopic procedures for choledochal cyst are feasible.
Mental health at the intersections of marginalization: A conceptual model to explore the mental health concerns of women sanitation workers in India
Authors: Monteiro Tanya S. , Nalini R.
Published: February 2021

In India, sanitation work is predominantly undertaken by persons from oppressed castes whose customary roles relegate them to stigmatized occupations. Women sanitation workers, comprising nearly half of the urban workforce, grapple with multiply marginalized identities and social positions. Marginalized at the intersections of caste, gender, and occupation, they contend with violence and socio‐economic discrimination. The literature on the occupational and psychosocial risks of sanitation workers indicates that the mental health concerns of women sanitation workers remain largely unaddressed in research and public policy. This paper draws on an analytical review of research on women sanitation workers’ occupational and psychosocial risks with the objective of conceptualizing the relationship between marginalization and mental health. Utilizing intersectionality and social systems theories to present women sanitation workers as a critical case, their experiences of marginalization at the intersections of caste, gender, and occupation are analyzed. Consequently, a conceptual model of mental health outcomes at the intersections of multiply marginalized identities and social positions is developed to analyze the implications of marginalization for mental health. Guidelines for action to inform public policy and social work practice are suggested, emphasizing the need for intersectional interventions and a social justice framework in mental health care for marginalized groups.
A novel peptide isolated from garlic shows anticancer effect against leukemic cell lines via interaction with Bcl‐2 family proteins
Authors: Rasaratnam Karunaithas , Nantasenamat Chanin , Phaonakrop Narumon , Roytrakul Sittiruk , Tanyong Dalina
Published: February 2021

Leukemia is a group of cancer caused by the abnormal proliferation and differentiation of hematopoietic stem cells. Efforts geared toward effective therapeutic strategies with minimal side effects are underway. Peptides derived from natural resources have recently gained special attention as alternative chemotherapeutic agents due to their minimal adverse effects. In the present study, the aim was to isolate peptides from garlic (Allium sativum) and investigate their anticancer activity against leukemic cell lines. The protein extract of A. sativum was pepsin‐digested to obtain protein hydrolysate followed by sequential purification methods. A novel anticancer peptide, VKLRSLLCS (VS‐9), was identified and characterized by mass spectrometric analysis. The peptide was demonstrated to significantly inhibit the cell proliferation of MOLT‐4 and K562 leukemic cell lines while exhibiting minimal inhibition against normal PBMC. Particularly, VS‐9 could induce apoptosis and upregulate mRNA levels of caspase 3, caspase 8, caspase 9, and Bax while downregulating Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, and Bcl‐w. Molecular docking of VS‐9 with the anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein family suggested that VS‐9 could bind the binding groove of the BH3 domain on target proteins. Protein–peptide interaction analysis by affinity chromatography and LC‐MS/MS further showed that VS‐9 could bind Bcl‐2 proteins. Results suggest VS‐9 as a potential garlic‐derived novel anticancer peptide possessing apoptosis‐inducing properties against leukemic cell lines via anti‐apoptotic Bcl‐2 protein family.
First insights into the genetics of 21‐hydroxylase deficiency in the Roma population
Authors: Kocova Mirjana , Anastasovska Violeta , Petlichkovski Aleksandar , Falhammar Henrik
Published: February 2021

Background

21‐hydroxylase deficiency (21OHD) is an autosomal recessive disorder with an incidence of 1:10,000‐1:20,000 and is the result of various mutations in the CYP21A2 gene. 21OHD has been described in many different populations, but it has not been studied in Roma individuals so far. The aim of the study was to analyse the genotype in Roma patients with 21OHD and the prevalence of the disease in the Roma population of North Macedonia.

Methods

Molecular analysis of the nine most frequent CYP21A2 mutations in all known Roma patients with CAH in North Macedonia, relatives and healthy individuals of Roma ancestry, using the PCR/ACRS method.

Results

Ten Roma patients with 21OHD were identified, of which nine had the salt‐wasting and one had the simple virilizing form. Calculated incidence of 21OHD in the North Macedonian Roma population was 1:3375. Interestingly, 9/10 patients (90%) were homozygous for the In2G splicing mutation (293‐13A/C > G). Standard therapy with hydrocortisone and fludrocortisone had been introduced according to the guidelines. In 16 healthy relatives investigated for CYP21A2 mutations, heterozygosity for the In2G mutation was detected in 13/32 (40.6%) alleles. In 100 healthy Roma individuals, none related to the analysed families, no CYP21A2 mutations were detected.

Conclusion

The Roma population in North Macedonia had a very high incidence of classic 21OHD. Almost all patients had the severe salt‐wasting form and the In2G/In2G genotype.
Comparing effectiveness of rubber dam and gingival displacement cord with copy abutment in reducing residual cement in cement‐retained implant crowns: A crossover RCT
Authors: Andrijauskas Paulius , Zukauskas Saulius , Alkimavicius Jonas , Peciuliene Vytaute , Linkevicius Tomas
Published: February 2021

Objective

To evaluate the amount of residual cement after cementation of implant crown abutments with rubber dam and retraction cord with copy abutments techniques.

Material and Methods

Thirty single posterior metal‐ceramic implant‐supported restorations were delivered to 20 patients. The crowns were fabricated with occlusal openings obturated with composite, and then luted with resin‐reinforced glass‐ionomer cement on customised standard abutments. The cementation procedure was performed twice in the same specimens using rubber dam (group 1) and retraction cord with copy abutment (group 2). If no cement remnants were seen on periapical radiographs after cleaning, the crown‐abutment unit was dismounted. All quadrants of the specimens were photographed to calculate the percentage proportions of residual cement area. Mann–Whitney and Kruskal–Wallis tests were used for statistical analysis.

Results

In each group, 120 measurements were performed (30 implants, 4 surfaces each). The median percentage ratio with interquartile range (IQR) between the cement remnant area and total specimen area was 1.39% (IQR 0.77%–2.29%) and 0.58% (IQR 0.31%–1.33%) in groups 1 and 2, respectively. Lesser cement remnants were found in group 2 with a statistically significant difference (p < .001). The comparison of the mesial, distal, buccal, and lingual surfaces in each group showed no statistically significant differences between them (group 1, p = .482; group 2, p = .330).

Conclusions

The retraction cord and copy abutment reduced the excess cement more efficiently than the rubber dam did. Notwithstanding, undetected cement remnants were observed with both methods, and neither should be considered reliable in clinical applications.
Subterranean freshwater gastropod biodiversity and conservation in the United States and Mexico
Authors: Gladstone Nicholas S. , Niemiller Matthew L. , Hutchins Benjamin , Schwartz Benjamin , Czaja Alexander , Slay Michael E. , Whelan Nathan V.
Published: February 2021

Many taxonomic groups successfully exploit groundwater environments and have adapted to a subterranean (stygobiotic) existence. Among these groups are freshwater gastropods (stygosnails), which represent a widespread and taxonomically diverse component of groundwater ecosystems in North America. However, owing to sampling difficulty and lack of targeted study, stygosnails remain among the most understudied of all subterranean groups. We conducted a literature review to assess the biodiversity and geographic associations of stygosnails, along with the threats, management activities, and policy considerations related to the groundwater systems they inhabit. We identified 39 stygosnail species known to occur in a range of groundwater habitats from karst regions in the United States and Mexico. Most stygosnails exhibit extreme narrow‐range endemism, resulting in a high risk of extinction from a single catastrophic event. We found that anthropogenically driven changes to surface environments have led to changes in local hydrology and degradation of groundwater systems inhabited by stygosnails such as increased sedimentation, introduction of invasive species, groundwater extraction, or physical collapse of water‐bearing passages. Consequently, 32 of the 39 described stygosnail species in the United States and Mexico have been assessed as imperiled under NatureServe criteria, and 10 species have been assessed as threatened under International Union for Conservation of Nature criteria. Compared with surface species of freshwater snails, stygosnail conservation is uniquely hindered by difficulties associated with accessing subterranean habitats for monitoring and management. Furthermore, only three species were found to have federal protection in either the United States or Mexico, and current laws regulating wildlife and water pollution at the state and federal level may be inadequate for protecting stygosnail habitats. As groundwater systems continue to be manipulated and relied on by humans, groundwater‐restricted fauna such as stygosnails should be studied so unique biodiversity can be protected.
Initial cytodiagnosis of salivary gland tumour on liver fine needle aspirate
Authors: Rani Deepa , Gupta Anurag , Singh Pradyumn , Gupta Atul
Published: February 2021

A 63‐year‐old woman presented with pain in the right hypochondrium. Contrast enhanced MRI scan of the abdomen revealed a large relatively well defined heterogeneously enhancing space occupying lesion with multiple smaller nodules, suggestive of hemangioendothelioma or isolated metastasis. Liver cytology was difficult but the final diagnosis was made after clinico‐pathological correlation.
Association of sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 inhibitors with outcomes in type 2 diabetes with reduced and preserved left ventricular ejection fraction: Analysis from the CVD‐REAL 2 study
Authors: Lam Carolyn S. P. , Karasik Avraham , Melzer‐Cohen Cheli , Cavender Matthew A. , Kohsaka Shun , Norhammar Anna , Thuresson Marcus , Chen Hungta , Wittbrodt Eric , Fenici Peter , Kosiborod Mikhail ,   CVD‐REAL Investigators and Study Group
Published: February 2021

This study of real‐world data from the Maccabi database in Israel compared the risk of heart failure hospitalization (HHF) or death in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D) initiating sodium‐glucose cotransporter‐2 (SGLT2) inhibitors versus other glucose‐lowering drugs (OGLDs) according to baseline left ventricular (LV) ejection fraction (EF). After propensity‐matching patients by baseline EF there were 10 614 episodes of treatment initiation; 57% had diabetes for >10 years, the mean glycated haemoglobin level was 66 mmol/mol (8.2%), ∼43% had cardiovascular disease, ∼7% had heart failure and ∼ 20% had chronic kidney disease. A total of 2876 patients (∼9%) had reduced EF (<50%). Over a mean follow‐up of 1.5 years there were 371 HHFs or deaths, 88 (23.7%) in patients with reduced EF. Initiation of SGLT2 inhibitors versus OGLDs was associated with lower risk of HHF or death overall (hazard ratio [HR] 0.57, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.46‐0.70]; P < 0.001) and in patients with both reduced EF (HR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40‐0.93) and preserved EF (HR 0.55, 95% CI 0.43‐0.70), with no significant heterogeneity (Pinteraction = 0.72). Our findings from real‐world clinical practice show that the lower risk of HHF and death associated with use of SGLT2 inhibitors versus OGLDs is consistent in T2D patients with both reduced and preserved EF.
Safety and efficacy of an extended‐release peptide YY analogue for obesity: A randomized, placebo‐controlled, phase 1 trial
Authors: Tan Tricia M.‐M. , Minnion James , Khoo Bernard , Ball Laura‐Jayne , Malviya Reshma , Day Emily , Fiorentino Francesca , Brindley Charlie , Bush Jim , Bloom Stephen R.
Published: February 2021

Aim

To report the results from a Phase 1 trial of an extended‐release peptide YY analogue, Y14, developed for the treatment of obesity.

Methods

Y14 was evaluated in overweight/obese volunteers in a Phase 1 randomized placebo‐controlled trial, conducted in a clinical trial unit in the United Kingdom. Part A was a blinded single‐ascending‐dose study evaluating doses up to 36 mg. Part B was double‐blinded and tested multiple ascending doses between 9 and 36 mg, given at 7‐ to 14‐day intervals, over the course of 28 days, with up to five doses given per participant. The primary outcome was safety and tolerability; the secondary outcome was assessment of pharmacokinetic (PK) characteristics. Exploratory outcomes included food intake, body weight change and glucose tolerance after multiple doses.

Results

Between April 11, 2017 and December 24, 2018, 53 participants were enrolled into Part A and 24 into Part B of the trial. The PK characteristics were compatible with administration every 7 to 14 days. The most common adverse events (AEs) were nausea, vomiting or administration site reactions, which were mild in most cases and settled with time. No serious AE occurred. Participants given multiple doses of Y14 lost between −2.87 and −3.58 kg body weight compared with placebo (P <0.0001) at 31 days from the first dose, with profound reductions in food intake of 38% to 55% (P <0.0001, compared to placebo) and there was no evidence of tachyphylaxis.

Conclusions

Our results support the continued development of Y14 as a novel treatment for obesity.
The nuclear activity of the actin‐binding Moesin protein is necessary for gene expression in Drosophila
Authors: Bajusz Csaba , Kristó Ildikó , Abonyi Csilla , Venit Tomáš , Vedelek Viktor , Lukácsovich Tamás , Farkas Attila , Borkúti Péter , Kovács Zoltán , Bajusz Izabella , Marton Annamária , Vizler Csaba , Lipinszki Zoltán , Sinka Rita , Percipalle Piergiorgio , Vilmos Péter
Published: February 2021

Ezrin–Radixin–Moesin (ERM) proteins play an essential role in the cytoplasm by cross‐linking actin filaments with plasma membrane proteins. Research has identified the nuclear localization of ERMs, as well as the involvement of a single Drosophila ERM protein, Moesin, in nuclear mRNA exports. However, the question of how important the nuclear activity of ERM proteins are for the life of an organism has so far not been explored. Here, we present the first attempt to reveal the in vivo relevance of nuclear localization of Moesin in Drosophila. With the help of a nuclear export signal, we decreased the amount of Moesin in the nuclei of the animals. Furthermore, we observed various developmental defects, demonstrating the importance of ERM function in the nucleus for the first time. Transcriptome analysis of the mutant flies revealed that the lack of nuclear Moesin function leads to expression changes in nearly 700 genes, among them heat‐shock genes. This result together with additional findings revealed that in Drosophila the expression of protein chaperones requires the nuclear functions of Moesin.

Database

GEO accession number: GSE155778.
Indoor Air Background Levels of Volatile Organic Compounds and Air‐Phase Petroleum Hydrocarbons in Office Buildings and Schools
Authors: Rago BS Richard , Rezendes BS Andy , Peters MS Jay , Chatterton BS Kelly , Kammari MS Arun
Published: February 2021

A background indoor air study has been completed which includes the collection of indoor air samples from office buildings and schools. The anonymous study was designed with input from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection. The sampling was implemented in 2013, 2014, and 2015 and included the collection of 25 school building samples and 61 office building samples. The study generated 14,668 new indoor air background data points, with samples collected from buildings located in 26 cities in 18 states, including Arizona, California, Connecticut, Indiana, Kansas, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah, and Washington. Indoor air background concentrations of target compound volatile organic compounds (VOCs) ranged from less than the laboratory method reporting limit of 0.044 μg/m3 to concentrations up to 1190 μg/m3, with hydrocarbon ranges from less than the reporting method limit of 10 μg/m3 to concentrations up to 3000 μg/m3. Some VOCs were identified ubiquitously in indoor air background, and some were identified at concentrations which exceeded risk‐based regulatory screening levels. These study results provide useful and updated information on indoor air background and air quality in offices and schools and can be used in future regulatory guidance update considerations, for further examination of relationships between these data and residential study data, in human health risk assessments and risk communication, and in planning future studies.
Butterflies on the dry edge of the Atlantic Forest: water availability determines community structure at the Northern limit of Atlantic Forest
Authors: de Brito Marcos Roberto Monteiro , Lion Marilia Bruzzi , Oliveira Isabela Freitas , Cardoso Márcio Zikán
Published: February 2021

The composition of communities of fruit‐feeding butterflies in the Brazilian Atlantic forest changes in response to landscape fragmentation and can be used as an indicator of habitat quality. Landscape fragmentation, aridity, and early signs of global warming at the northernmost distribution of this biome may impose extra challenges for species persistence.

We aim to clarify the drivers of fruit‐feeding butterflies' metacommunity structure in the northernmost portion of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. We propose to disentangle consequences of habitat loss from fragmentation per se by using both habitat amount and patch scale metrics.

We sampled fruit‐feeding butterflies in 15 forest fragments of up to ~30 ha during 1 year. We used fragment size, shape, distance to nearest perennial stream, Euclidean distance to nearest neighbour, forest habitat amount, proximity index, and the percentage of sugarcane within a buffer to elucidate patterns of species richness, abundance, and beta diversity.

A configuration metric, stream distance, was the only variable predicting metacommunity total abundance and richness: fragments farther from water had fewer species and individuals. However, forest habitat amount and sugar cane were important to rarefied richness and species replacement between fragments.

Our findings suggest that streams and associated riparian zones provide source populations for the butterfly metacommunities in this landscape, which fits the mass effect model. We also emphasise that small forest patches have high conservation value for persistence of butterfly populations, because each fragment preserves a substantial portion of the total species pool.
Disidentity and nonconsumption of smartwatches
Authors: Gerhart Natalie , Ogbanufe Obi
Published: February 2021

Ubiquitous technologies have changed the way consumers interact with technology products and with each other. The pervasiveness of these technologies is changing the extent to which individuals identify or disidentify with technologies, and in turn, consume or reject the technology product. Given the importance of identification for consumer product use and consumption, an understanding of disidentification that can lead to rejection and nonconsumption becomes equally important, especially with respect to ubiquitous technologies. This research draws on social identity theory and reactance theory to develop a disidentity framework for a ubiquitous consumer technology: a smartwatch. We investigate the factors that influence smartwatch disidentification, and in turn, nonconsumption. Findings suggest that smartwatch nonconsumption is strongly related to disidentification, which is due to intrusiveness, dissimilarity, disrepute, and indistinctiveness. In addition, we find that features specific to ubiquitous products—intrusiveness and privacy concern—show mixed results in relation to smartwatch disidentity. These findings have important implications for consumer brand identification, disidentification, and nonconsumption, as well as implications for marketers.
Domain morphology of newly designed lead‐free antiferroelectric NaNbO3‐SrSnO3 ceramics
Authors: Ding Hui , Zhang Mao‐Hua , Koruza Jurij , Molina‐Luna Leopoldo , Kleebe Hans‐Joachim
Published: February 2021

Reversible antiferroelectric‐ferroelectric phase transitions were recently observed in a series of SrSnO3‐modified NaNbO3 lead‐free antiferroelectric materials, exhibiting well‐defined double polarization hysteresis loops at ambient conditions. Here, transmission electron microscopy was employed to investigate the crystallography and domain configuration of this newly designed system via electron diffraction and centered dark‐field imaging. It was confirmed that antiferroelectricity is maintained in all compositions, manifested by the characteristic ¼ superlattice reflections in the electron‐diffraction patterns. By investigating the antiferroelectric domains and domain boundaries in NaNbO3, we demonstrate that antiphase boundaries are present and their irregular periodicity is responsible for the streaking features along the ¼ superlattice reflections in the electron‐diffraction patterns. The signature domain blocks observed in pure NaNbO3 are maintained in the SrSnO3‐modified ceramics, but disappear when the amount of SrSnO3 reaches 7 mol.%. In particular, a well‐defined and distinct domain configuration is observed in the NaNbO3 sample modified with 5 mol.% SrSnO3, which presents a parallelogram domain morphology.
Fabrication of continuous linear pores in an SOFC anode using unidirectional carbon fibers as sacrificial templates
Authors: Choi Seongcheol , Cheung Carson , Graeve Olivia A.
Published: February 2021

We describe the manufacturing of a solid‐oxide fuel cell anode of NiO−8 mol.% Y2O3‐stabilized ZrO2 with micro‐scale continuous linear pores (CLPs) and nano‐scale interparticle pore structures, achieved through thermal decomposition of unidirectional amorphous carbon fibers. The CLP structure prepared by this sacrificial templating method is characterized by its controllable uniform size, a tortuosity (ie, uniformity) of 1.003, and a coefficient of variation of 0.59. These highly regular CLPs are expected to minimize Knudsen diffusion, resulting in enhanced mass transport of hydrogen gas at the active sites, known as triple‐phase boundary sites. Simulations using the Lattice Boltzmann Method (LBM) were used to determine the mass transport in the systems. An optimum diameter of 3 µm and an interparticle pore size of 185 nm was shown to maximize the acceleration of mass transport of H2 and maintain the number of TPB sites to minimize concentration overpotential. Thus, the proposed porous design can increase the energy efficiency of a solid‐oxide fuel cell primarily by reducing the concentration overpotential.
Suicide care from the nursing perspective: A meta‐synthesis of qualitative studies
Authors: Clua‐García Rafael , Casanova‐Garrigós Georgina , Moreno‐Poyato Antonio R.
Published: February 2021

Aims

To explore nurses' experiences of suicide care and to identify and synthesize the most suitable interventions for the care of people with suicidal behaviour from a nursing perspective.

Design

Qualitative meta‐synthesis.

Data sources

Comprehensive search of five electronic databases for qualitative studies published between January 2015 and June 2019.

Review methods

The PRISMA statement was used for reporting the different phases of the literature search and the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) qualitative research checklist was used as an appraisal framework. Data synthesis was conducted using Sandelowski and Barroso's method.

Results

Seventeen articles met the inclusion criteria. The data analysis revealed 13 subcategories from which four main categories emerged: ‘Understanding suicidal behaviour as a consequence of suffering’, ‘Nurses’ personal distress in suicide care’, ‘The presence of the nurse as the axis of suicide care’ and, ‘Improving nurses’ relational competences for a better therapeutic environment’.

Conclusion

Further training of nurses on the therapeutic relationship, particularly in non‐mental health care work settings, and monitoring of the emotional impact on nurses in relation to suicide is required to promote more effective prevention and care.

Impact

This review provides new insights on how suicide is interpreted, the associated emotions, the way suicide is approached and proposals for improving clinical practice from the point of view of nurses. The results demonstrate that the nurse–patient relationship, ongoing assessment, and the promotion of a sense of security and hope are critical in nursing care for patients who exhibit suicidal behaviour. Consequently, to promote an effective nursing care of suicide, nurses should be provided with further training on the therapeutic relationship. Thus, health institutions do not only provide the time and space to conduct an adequate therapeutic relationship, but also, through their managers, they should supervise and address the emotional impact that is generated in nurses caring for patients who exhibit suicidal behaviour.
Association of hip fractures with cardiometabolic‐renal risk factors in Southern Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes – the Hong Kong Diabetes Register
Authors: Yun‐Ning Cheung Elaine , Pik‐Shan Kong Alice , Siu‐Him Lau Eric , Yee‐Kwan Chow Elaine , On‐Yan Luk Andrea , Ching‐Wan Ma Ronald , Ping Lam Tsz , Yuk‐Wai Lee Wayne , Chun‐Yiu Cheng Jack , Ebeling Peter R , Chung‐Ngor Chan Juliana
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Diabetes and bone health are closely related. We examined the incidence and risk factors of hip fractures in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

Materials and Methods

In this prospective cohort, we consecutively enrolled 22,325 adults with T2D above the age of 40 years in the Hong Kong Diabetes Register between 1994 and 2015 with crude hip fracture incidence rate censored in 2017.

Results

At baseline, the mean age of this cohort was 60.9 ± 10.5 years (mean duration of diabetes 6 years, 52.4% male). During a mean ± standard deviation (SD) follow‐up period of 8.7 ± 5.2 years with 193,553 person‐years, 603 patients were hospitalized due to hip fractures with an incidence (95% confidence interval, CI) of 315.1 (290.4–341.3) per 100,000 person‐years. On multivariable analysis with competing death risk adjusted, the independent hazard ratios (95% CI) for hip fractures in T2D were 2.01 (1.61–2.51) for female sex, 1.08 (1.07–1.09) for age, 0.93 (0.90–0.95) for body mass index, 1.52 (1.25–1.85) for albuminuria and 1.12 (1.02–1.23) for low density lipoprotein‐cholesterol. In men, the 30‐day, 1‐year and 5‐year post‐hip fracture mortality rate (95% CI) were 5.8 (2.4–9.1) %, 29.2 (22.3–35.5) % and 65.9 (57.3–72.8) % respectively. The corresponding rates in women were 3.4 (1.6–5.1) %, 18.6 (14.7–22.4) %, and 46.8 (40.9–52.1) %.

Conclusions

Southern Chinese patients with T2D have a high risk of hip fracture associated with suboptimal cardiometabolic‐renal risk factors and a high post‐fracture mortality rate. The effects of improving modifiable risk factors on bone health warrants further evaluation.
Are evolutionary transitions in sexual size dimorphism related to sex determination in reptiles?
Authors: Katona Gergely , Vági Balázs , Végvári Zsolt , Liker András , Freckleton Robert P. , Bókony Veronika , Székely Tamás
Published: February 2021

Sex determination systems are highly variable in vertebrates, although neither the causes nor the implications of this diversity are fully understood. Theory suggests that sex determination is expected to relate to sexual size dimorphism, because environmental sex determination promotes sex‐specific developmental bias in embryonic growth rates. Furthermore, selection for larger size in one sex or the other has been proposed to drive the evolution of different genetic sex determination systems. Here, we investigate whether sex determination systems relate to adult sexual size dimorphism, using 250 species of reptiles (Squamata, Testudines and Crocodylia) representing 26 families. Using phylogenetically informed analyses, we find that sexual size dimorphism is associated with sex determination: species with TSDIa sex determination (i.e. in which the proportion of female offspring increases with incubation temperature) have more female‐biased size dimorphism than species with TSDII (i.e. species in which males are produced at mid temperatures). We also found a trend that species with TSD ancestors had more male‐biased size dimorphism in XY sex chromosome systems than in ZW sex chromosome systems. Taken together, our results support the prediction that sexual size dimorphism is linked to sex‐dependent developmental variations caused by environmental factors and also by sex chromosomes. Since the extent of size dimorphism is related to various behavioural, ecological and life‐history differences between sexes, our results imply profound impacts of sex determination systems for vertebrate diversity.
The mass production of systematic reviews about COVID‐19: An analysis of PROSPERO records
Authors: Dotto Lara , Kinalski Mateus de Azevedo , Machado Pablo Soares , Pereira Gabriel Kalil Rocha , Sarkis‐Onofre Rafael , dos Santos Mateus Bertolini Fernandes
Published: February 2021

Objective

This study aimed to assess the characteristics of different designs of systematic reviews (SRs) registered in the International Prospective Register of Systematic Reviews (PROSPERO) about COVID‐19.

Methods

The search was performed in the PROSPERO database using the strategy proposed by the database and considered only human studies. The last date of the search was April 27, 2020. Full text of all records was accessed, and data were extracted by a single researcher, which was further double‐checked by another researcher. A descriptive analysis was performed considering record characteristics using tables.

Results

We included 564 records from which the vast majority were registered as SRs (n = 513, 91%). In general, we found poor reporting and missing or confusing information, since 84% of the records (n = 474) did not report the full search that would be adopted, 16% (n = 90) did not report clearly the databases that would be used, and 49.1% (n = 277) did not report the number of primary outcomes. The main focus of most of the records involved clinical, epidemiological, complication, and laboratory characteristics (n = 173, 30.7%) or the treatment of COVID‐19 (n = 138, 24.5%).

Conclusion

A large number of SRs about COVID‐19 have been conducted, and many of the assessed records were poorly reported and would be difficult to replicate. Besides, collected data points to an epidemic of redundant reviews on COVID‐19.
What can high‐P sheared orthogneisses tell us? An example from the Curinga–Girifalco Line (Calabria, southern Italy)
Authors: Tursi Fabrizio , Acquafredda Pasquale , Festa Vincenzo , Fornelli Annamaria , Langone Antonio , Micheletti Francesca , Spiess Richard
Published: February 2021

High‐P (HP) mineral parageneses are usually poorly developed within metagranitoids, as these rocks are commonly affected by fluid‐deficient conditions when experiencing a metamorphic cycle. However, since ductile shear zones can act as preferential pathways for fluids in the Earth's crust, if metagranitoids are involved in ductile shear under HP conditions, the presence of fluids during deformation can induce recrystallization and equilibration in these rocks. With this in mind, we investigate the formation and evolution of mineral assemblages in the orthogneisses of the Castagna Unit from the northern Serre Massif (Calabria, southern Italy). During Alpine tectonics, the thrusting along the Curinga–Girifalco Line juxtaposed these rocks, representative of the Hercynian intermediate crust, below the lithologies of the Hercynian lower crust. A detailed microstructural study of the orthogneisses, sampled along a progressively increasing ductile deformation gradient, revealed a variation in the mineral assemblage between the weakly deformed orthogneisses and those in the shear zone. Phase diagram calculations in the MnNCKFMASHTO system indicate that the progressive replacement of relict minerals by new, Alpine minerals in the shear zone, was related to the presence of fluids during deformation. This allowed equilibration of the sheared orthogneisses up to metamorphic peak conditions of ~0.9–1.0 GPa and ~560–590°C. Our integrated study highlights that both weakly deformed and mylonitic orthogneiss share the same peak metamorphic conditions, and that the new equilibrium mineral assemblage was stabilized in the mylonitic orthogneisses along a fluid‐conservative prograde path, where no fluid was added or lost. After metamorphic peak, the fluid was channelled towards the inner part of the shear zone, with fluid‐present conditions that were restricted to the mylonitic orthogneisses close to the tectonic contact. These mylonitic orthogneisses record cooling and exhumation to 0.6–0.7 GPa and 360–400°C, showing an overall anticlockwise P–T path. By comparing our findings with existing structural studies, we highlight that the Castagna Unit was under‐thrusted to lower‐crustal depths during the Alpine orogeny, before the re‐activation of the Curinga–Girifalco Line during the Oligocene to Miocene extensional tectonic phase, that enabled the exhumation of this unit.
User perceptions of mobile digital apps for mental health: Acceptability and usability ‐ An integrative review
Authors: Chan Amy Hai Yan , Honey Michelle L. L.
Published: February 2021

Accessible summary

What is known on the subject?

Mobile mental health apps are increasingly being used by both mental health nurses to promote individual self‐managemental of mental health conditions and by consumers.

Perceptions about specific apps are known, but the overarching acceptability and usability of mental health apps in general less understood.

What the paper adds to existing knowledge?

This paper identified consumer perceptions of mobile mental health apps.

Six key areas were identified that future mobile app developers should consider to maximize consumer engagement with mental health apps.

Consumers also highlighted that apps do not replace traditional mental health nursing—rather these supplement existing care.

What are the implications for practice?

This review found that mental health apps are generally viewed positively by consumers; however, factors such as ease of use, usefulness of content and privacy need to be considered to maximise and sustain app engagement.

Introduction

There is increasing interest in the use of mobile mental health applications (apps) to manage mental health conditions. Understanding user perceptions is key to maximise app engagement and inform how apps can be used to support mental health nursing care.

Aim

This integrative review explores consumers’ perceptions of mobile mental health apps to gain insight into user preferences and acceptability.

Methods

This integrative review was based on searching four databases: CINAHL, EMBASE, Medline, PsycInfo. Inclusion criteria were: (i) articles published after 2000; (ii) focused on apps for mental health disorders; (iii) explored consumers’ perception of using a mental health app. Abstracts were screened and eligible papers reviewed. Data on user perceptions were extracted and analysed thematically.

Results

Seventeen articles were identified. Overall, consumers did not feel that app use replaced traditional health care. Six themes were identified: “Helpfulness,” “Improvements/enhancements,” “Technical issues,” “Easy to use,” “Satisfaction with the app” and “Perceived issues.” Consumers indicated a preference for personalization for the app to meet individual needs.

Discussion and Implications for Practice

Mental health apps are generally viewed positively by consumers; however, factors such as ease of use, usefulness of content and privacy need to be considered to maximise and sustain app engagement.