bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyploidy in Orchid Breeding, Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Bolanos-Villegas Pablo , Chen Fure-Chyi
Published: February 2022

The orchid market is a dynamic horticultural business in which novelty and beauty command high prices. The development of miniature to large and showy flowers, in addition to fragrance, is mainly of interest. Overall organ size might be modified by doubling the chromosome number, which can be accomplished by careful study of meiotic chromosome disjunction in hybrids or species. Meiosis is the process in which diploid (2n) pollen mother cells recombine their DNA sequences and then undergo two rounds of division to give rise to four haploid (n) cells called sporads. Thus, by interfering in chromosome segregation, one can induce the development of diploid recombinant sporads called dyads. These dyads may be used for breeding polyploid progenies with enhanced fertility and large flower size. This review gives an overview of developments in orchid breeding placed in the large context of ploidy breeding in higher plants to facilitate innovation
Arthropods in Two Organic Agro-Ecosystems; Biodiversity, Distribution, and Weeds Impacts
Authors: Zidan Islam , Hassan Mourad , Abou-Elella Gomaa , El-Saiedy Elsayed , Nawar Mohamed
Published: February 2022

Due to a lack of knowledge about arthropod biodiversity in Egyptian organic agro-ecosystems; the study aimed to introduce information on the diversity, richness, and distribution of insect and mite species in two organic agro-ecosystems, also, to investigate the impact of plant-arthropod interactions. Samples collected from two organic farms, i) Shampoliah farm, Fayoum (GCS 29°21'07.4"N 30°44'17.8"E), and ii) SEKEM farm, Sharkia (GCS 18 30°22'56.1"N 31°39'17.4"E). Results shown 39 species recorded in Shampoliah farm, and 35 species in SEKEM of mite, insect, medicinal, and weed species. When 14 species shared among two sites. Study has measured the H', D and 1/D indices within each location, and the similarity/dissimilarity between locations. The study hypothesized the possible plant-arthropod interactions that explain why diversity differs from an ecosystem to another; due to; plant size, plant morphological characters, soil fertilization, plant nutritional content, and the prey-predator interactions. The added hypothesis; is to show that the importance of natural habitat is supporting natural enemies and distribution of arthropods, which could vary dramatically with the type of pest species, IPM, and landscape type considered.
Bipolar Hemiarthroplasty Does Not Result in a Higher Risk of Revision Compared with Total Hip Arthroplasty for Displaced Femoral Neck Fractures
Authors: Farey John E. , Cuthbert Alana R. , Adie Sam , Harris Ian A.
Published: February 2022

Background:

Previous randomized studies have suggested that there is no short-term difference between the risk of revision following total hip arthroplasty (THA) and hemiarthroplasty (HA) for hip fracture in elderly patients. The aim of the present study was to compare the long-term revision rates of primary THA and HA for femoral neck fracture in order to determine whether unipolar or bipolar HA increases the all-cause risk of revision in patients 50 to 79 years old.

Methods:

Data for 36,188 patients who underwent primary arthroplasty, including 13,035 unipolar and 8,220 bipolar HAs and 14,863 THAs, from September 1, 1999, to December 31, 2019, were obtained from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry. Unadjusted analyses were performed, as well as analyses adjusted for age, sex, femoral cement, and procedure year. The primary outcome was time to first revision for any cause. Secondary analyses were performed for the reason for revision (i.e., infection, dislocation, and periprosthetic fracture). Instrumental variable analysis of hospital preference (for either HA or THA) was performed in order to mitigate the effect of any unmeasured confounding. All analyses were restricted to hospitals performing at least 10 procedures in the prior year.

Results:

A total of 18,955 procedures were available for the comparison of modular unipolar HA to THA. Both the adjusted analysis performed with use of Cox proportional hazards (hazard ratio [HR], 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64 to 2.31; p < 0.001) and the instrumental variable analysis (HR, 2.82; 95% CI, 1.89 to 4.22; p < 0.001) demonstrated a higher risk of revision following modular unipolar HA compared with THA from 3 months postoperatively. A total of 13,168 procedures were available for the comparison of bipolar HA to THA. The adjusted analysis performed with use of Cox proportional hazards showed a significantly higher risk of revision for bipolar HA (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.08 to 1.54; p = 0.01). The instrumental variable analysis showed a similar effect size that was not significant (HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 0.91 to 1.78; p = 0.16).

Conclusions:

Bipolar HA and THA demonstrated no significant difference in revision risk at long-term follow-up. Unipolar HA demonstrated higher risk of revision from 3 months postoperatively compared to THA. The higher risk of revision for dislocation observed following THA may be offset by the higher risk of revision for acetabular erosion or pain following bipolar HA, resulting in more equivalent revision risk.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Equality of Rights and Courts: Constitutional-Based Arguments on the Fixed-Standard of Minimum Age for Marriage in Lights of Maqāshid al-Syarīah
Authors: Al Maliki Muhammad Alwi , Muslimin JM , Asmawi Asmawi
Published: February 2022

This study presents the dynamics of constitutional-based arguments in the discourse of fixed-standard of minimum age for marriage through the judicial review mechanism at the Constitutional Court. Two decisions contain this provision. In the first decision (No. 30-74/PUU/XII/2014), the Court rejected reviewing the law. Meanwhile, the Court partially granted the request in the second decision (No. 27/PUU/XV/2017). This study aims to analyze the dynamics of changes in these provisions: constitutional-based arguments and their logic of legal reasoning. This article is written by applying a case and conceptual approach. Legal cases are derived from several documents analyzed using ideas and theories of teleological dimensions in Islamic law. The study results revealed that the change in the provisions was caused by differences in the Judge’s legal considerations in the two Court decisions resulting from different philosophical perspectives originating from the articles of legal texts. Those considerations and changes are in accordance with maqāshid al- syarī’ah: the efforts to fulfill the protection of the soul (hifẓ al- nafs), property (hifẓ al- māl), and honor (hifẓ al- irdh).

Keywords

Equality of Rights, Legal Reasoning, Constitutional Court, Minimum Age For Marriage, Maqāshid al- Syarī’ah.
Analisis Pembelajaran Komunikasi Arab Dalam Pembelajaran Bahasa Arab Di SMA Aisyiyah Boarding School Bandung
Authors: Oktaviani Selpi , Abdurrahman Maman
Published: February 2022

This research is motivated by the difficulties experienced by students when learning Arabic communication takes place. Therefore, this study aims to describe Arabic communication learning, starting from planning, processing, evaluation and the obstacles that students feel when learning Arabic communication activities. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive methods. The sample in this study were students of class X Social and teachers who taught Arabic communication. Data collection techniques used were observation, interviews, documentation and student questionnaires. To analyze the data, researchers used qualitative data analysis with data verification steps, data presentation and data reduction. The results showed that 1) Arabic communication learning planning by the teacher was well prepared, the teacher used the 2013 curriculum and Arabic communication modules that were compiled by themselves 2) The Arabic communication learning process went well and according to the procedure but there were some students who were slow to understand the material provided by the teacher 3) Evaluation of Arabic Communication learning including daily exams, midterm and final semester exams including oral tests, written tests and group assignments. 4) The obstacles experienced by students in learning Arabic communication, namely; the lack of student interest in learning Arabic, the lack of self-confidence when communicating using Arabic, the difference in the student's school background that makes students' Arabic language skills diverse
Aspek Kecemasan (Anxitas) dalam Puisi Al-Kulira Karya Nazek Al-Malaika (Kajian Psikologi Sastra)
Authors: Nikmah Murisatin , Faizun Mochammad
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study to find out the anxiety aspect in literary works. The main data source of this study is Nazek Al-Malaika's Al-Kulira poem, one of the poems based on the emotional effects of the cholera outbreak in Egypt in 1947. This study uses qualitative descriptive method by describing and analyzing the form and meaning contained in the poem Al-Kulira by nazek Al-Malaika then identify which sentences or lines of poetry correspond to the aspect of anxiety and relate to the theory of psychoanalytic personality sigmund Freud. The result of this study is Freud distinguished three structures or agents in human psychic life , "the conscious", "the preconscious", and the "unconscious." In the psychic unconscious there is a personality dynamic in the form of anxiety consisting of objective anxiety, neurotic anxiety, and morality anxiety

 

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui aspek kecemasan (Anxitas) dalam karya sastra. Sumber data utama penelitian ini adalah puisi Al-Kulira karya Nazek Al-Malaika, salah satu puisi yang didasarkan pada efek emosional dari wabah kolera di Mesir pada tahun 1947. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif kualitatif, yakni dengan mendeskripsikan dan menganalisis bentuk dan makna yang terkandung di dalam puisi Al-Kulira karya nazek Al-Malaika untuk kemudian diidentifikasi mana kalimat atau baris puisi yang sesuai dengan aspek kecemasan (Anxitas) dan berhubungan dengan teori kepribadian psikoanalisis Sigmund Freud. Hasil dari penelitian ini adalah Freud membedakan tiga struktur atau agen dalam kehidupan psikis manusia terdiri dari, “yang sadar”, “prasadar”, dan “tak sadar.” Dalam psikis tak sadar terdapat dinamika kepribadian berupa kecemasan (Anxitas) yang terdiri dari kecemasan (Anxitas) objektif, kecemasan (Anxitas) neurotik, dan kecemasan (Anxitas) moral
Tube-assisted Minimally Invasive versus Open Posterior Decompression for Multilevel Degenerative Cervical Myelopathy: A Prospective Comparative Study
Authors: Srikantha Umesh , Perikal Parichay , Hari Akshay , Lokanath Yadhu , Somasundaram Deepak , Kondavagilu Shwethashri , Subramaniam Nirmala , Kommineni Partha Sarathi , Jagannatha Aniruddha T , Khanapure Kiran S , Varma Ravi Gopal , Hegde Alangar S
Published: February 2022

Objective: There have been several reports of minimally invasive decompression for cervical canal stenosis and degenerative myelopathy. Most of these reports are for less than 4 levels and there have not been any comparative studies between Open and MIS cervical decompression for multilevel (≥4) degenerative cervical myelopathy. Methods: Twenty consecutive patients were allotted to undergo either ‘Open’ cervical laminectomy (n=10) or MIS posterior cervical decompression (n=10). All patients were evaluated for 1. Clinical, (JOA, MDI, NDI, Nurick grade, Blood loss, Duration of surgery); 2. Radiological (CSA of dural sac and Spinal cord, Muscle edema on post-op T2W MRI); 3. Laboratory (TLC, CRP, ESR, CPK) and 4. Physical (Isometric neck extensor muscle strength). Differences between Open and MIS groups were calculated with respect to above parameters.Results: The mean number of levels decompressed was 4.4 (range, 4–6). MIS group had significantly longer duration of surgery and lesser blood loss as compared to open group. The patients in open group were more disabled than MIS group pre-operatively, as evidenced by higher MDI and NDI. However, proportionate improvements were seen in both groups post-operatively in terms of all clinical parameters. Postoperative increase in CSA of spinal cord was also identical in both groups. Elevations in CRP and ESR were significantly higher in Open group post-operatively as compared to MIS group. Post-operative extensor neck muscle strength improved to a higher extent in MIS group as compared to open group though this was not statistically significant. No patient had any major post-operative complications.Conclusion: MIS posterior cervical decompression is safe and effective, can achieve similar extent of decompression and degree of clinical improvement as compared to open surgery. MIS has definite advantages of lesser blood loss, reduced tissue injury and better improvement in post-operative neck muscle strength as compared to open surgery.
Quantifying mechanical forces during vertebrate morphogenesis
Authors: Maniou Eirini , Todros Silvia , Urciuolo Anna , Moulding Dale , Magnusson Michael , Giomo Monica , Pavan Piero G. , Galea Gabriel L. , Elvassore Nicola
Published: February 2022

Morphogenesis, the establishment of rudimentary organ structures, requires embryonic cells to generate forces and perform mechanical work to shape their tissues. Incorrect functioning of these force fields can lead to congenital malformations including neural tube defects. The understanding of these dynamic processes requires quantification and profiling of three-dimensional mechanics during evolving vertebrate morphogenesis, which is not tractable with current technology. We fabricated elastic spring-like force sensors with micron-level resolution directly into specific three-dimensional domains of the closing neural tubes of growing chicken embryos through intravital three-dimensional bioprinting. Integration of calibrated sensor readouts with computational mechanical modelling allows direct quantification of forces and work performed by embryonic tissues. The two halves of the closing neural tube at the embryonic midline reach over a hundred nano-Newton compression during neural fold apposition. Unexpectedly, diminishing pro-closure force by pharmacologically inhibiting Rho-associated kinase reveals active anti-closure forces which must depend on alternative mechanisms or tissue properties, and which progressively widen the neural tube. Pro-morphogenetic forces must therefore overcome anti-morphogenetic forces to achieve neural tube closure.
Research on the "Dual" Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic and China-US Trade Frictions on Enterprises’ Relocation ——Based on survey data of 413 companies
Authors: zhu changhao , xia maosen , Jiang lingling
Published: February 2022

In response to COVID-19 epidemic and China-US trade frictions, based on the survey data of 413 companies, starting from the descriptive statistical analysis of whether the companies with different characteristics have migrated or not, with the help of the feature selection method in machine learning, The balanced characteristics of the enterprise migration survey data were analyzed by feature selection, and finally 13 important characteristic variables that affect whether the company migrated or not were selected from 102. On this basis, the effects of the dual effects of COVID-19 epidemic and China-US trade friction on the migration of enterprises were further investigated and analyzed through the Probit model. The results show that the growth rates of import and export and export in the first and second half of 2020 have a significant impact on the migration of enterprises. Among them, the growth rate of import and export in the first and second half of the year has a positive and negative effect on the migration of enterprises, while the growth rate of exports The impact on the company's relocation is negative. In addition, the type of business economy, the proportion of foreign trade, and the emotional characteristics of 2021 orders also have a significant impact on the company's relocation.
Air Pollution in Bangladesh and Its Consequences
Authors: Khandker Salamat , Mohiuddin ASM , Ahmad Sheikh Akhtar , McGushin Alice , Abelsohn Alan
Published: February 2022

This study aims to review the literature about air pollution, both outdoor and household, and its health consequences in Bangladesh. We searched articles in March 2021 using the PubMed/Scopus database, government publications, NGO report and reports of DoE. As a result, peer-reviewed published documents with analytical data and results were retrieved. We also reviewed studies related to ambient and household air quality, the sources of air pollution, the health and economic implications, and the role of NGOs and Govt. of Bangladesh. The sources of ambient air pollution in Bangladesh include Anthropogenic origins like the burning of fossil fuel, coal, wood, open burning of waste or agricultural residues, emission from motor vehicles and industries, use of biomass fuel for cooking, and transboundary air pollution; and Natural sources like windblown dust, sea spray, forest fires, and methane gas emitted by animals. Brick kilns, surface dust, and vehicle emissions contribute about 85.0% of local air pollution in Dhaka, the largest urban area. The contribution from transportation is aggravated by traffic congestion, contaminated fuels, including leaded fuels, two-stroke auto-rickshaws, overloading, and the dust generated due to friction with the roadways. Industries inside cities and brick kilns surrounding the town are also significant contributors. In recent years, the air pollution of Dhaka city has worsened, causing adverse health effects and environmental degradation. The government response has included eliminating the leaded fuel, initiating the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), and phasing out the two-stroke auto-rickshaw, replacing them with CNG driven auto rickshaw. It also implemented and updated regulations, formulated policies and strategic plans.
Prevalence of Inter-arm blood pressure difference among young healthy adults: Results from a large cross-sectional study on 3235 participants
Authors: Essa Rawand Abdulrahman , Ahmed Sirwan Khalid
Published: February 2022

More than 100 years ago, the difference in blood pressure (BP) between arms was first reported. Recent studies have shown that different blood pressure between the right and left arm leads to cardiovascular events. Three thousand and thirty volunteers participated in our cross-sectional study. The sIABP was equal in 163 of 3030 persons (5.37%), dIABP was equal in 222 out of 3030 persons (7.32%), from a total of 792/3030 persons (26.1 %) sIAD > 10 mmHg, and dIAD > or =10 mmHg was found in 927 out of 3030 persons (33.5%) in the right arm, and 32.4% in the left arm. In 2692 of 3030 volunteers BP, initially recorded in the dominant hand (right arm), showing sIAD> or = 10 mmHg was found in 943 (37.1%) volunteers, and when the first measurement was done in 338 left-handed volunteers it showed sIAD> or = 10 mmHg in 112 of 338 (34.1%), P < 0.001; 95% confidence interval for systolic right hand were (115.73: 116.73), and for systolic left hand 95% confidence interval were (113.17:114.15). Furthermore, height, residential area, and heart rate above 90 bpm had a significant effect on IAD (P =. 041, .002, <001, respectively). In conclusions significant inter-arm systolic and diastolic BP differences above (10 mm Hg) is common in the young, healthy population. Hand dominance is a significant consideration while measuring blood pressure. It is mandatory to measure blood pressure in both arms in a sitting position with a stable condition.
Sustainability of Farming Nile Tilapia in Net-Cages in a Reservoir of the Brazilian Semi-Arid Region During an Extended Drought Event
Authors: Henry-Silva Gustavo Gonzaga , Cacho Júlio César da Silva , Moura Rodrigo Sávio Teixeira , Flickinger Dallas Lee , Valenti Wagner Cotroni
Published: February 2022

Stakeholders in the aquaculture industry are currently seeking the development of sustainable production systems and methodologies to measure sustainability. The present study evaluated the environmental, social and economic dimensions of sustainability of a net-cage tilapia production system with two stocking densities implemented in a reservoir in the semi-arid northeast region of Brazil during an extended drought event. The three dimensions of sustainability were evaluated through a set of 33 indicators. The Internal Rates of Return were below the Minimum Attractive Rates of Return and the Net Present Value indicator was negative for both stocking densities, showing no attractive financial benefits and no capital return capable of generating sufficient annual profits and revenues to keep the system in operation over time. The activity improved the local food supply and quality of animal protein in the state where the enterprise is carried out. Compensation of labor represented 22 and 24% of the production costs with 125 and 100 fish/m3, respectively. Various age groups and ethnic groups were represented among the employees, but the enterprise was operated only by men. Phosphorus accumulations were 2.1 and 2.0 kg/tonne and particulate material accumulations of 110 and 100 kg/tonne for 125 fish/m3 and 100 fish/m3, respectively. The prolonged drought conditions that occur in the Brazilian semiarid region can compromise the environmental, economic and social sustainability of fish farming in reservoirs in the region.
Design and Energy Analysis of a New Fault-Tolerant SRAM Cell in Quantum-dot Cellular Automata
Authors: Khosroshahy Milad Bagherian , Moaiyeri Mohammad Hossein , Abdoli Alireza
Published: February 2022

Quantum-dot cellular automata (QCA) is an emerging technology pro posed in response to the limitations of CMOS technology. Moreover, static RAM (SRAM) is a crucial part of memory design, and efficient RAM design can play a significant role in this regard. This paper proposes a fault-tolerant QCA SRAM cell based on QCA three- and five-input majority gates. A novel structure of QCA-RAM based on a fault-tolerant five-input majority cell is proposed, which outperformed its counterparts in terms of complexity, area, and total energy dissipation. The proposed design is implemented on a single layer and does not require any rotated cell, which significantly improves the manufacturability and robustness of the design. Furthermore, our design can tolerate a single omission fault. Our majority gate improves complexity, area, and energy dissi pation, on average, by 54%, 68%, and 67% in 1 Ek, respectively, as compared to its previous counterparts. The proposed fault-tolerant SRAM cell improves the complexity, area, and total energy dissipation by almost 13%, 25%, and 35% in 1 Ek, respectively, as compared to its state-of-the-art QCA-based single-layer fault-tolerant counterpart.
The spatial structure of regional logistics and influencing factors: an empirical analysis based on Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Ye Meng , Mao Wenjie , wang yaqi
Published: February 2022

The purpose of the paper is to find the influencing factors of the regional logistics spatial structure and propose suggestions to stimulate the vitality of the regional economy. Taking Sichuan Province as an example, this paper uses principal component analysis to improve the gravity model to measure the logistics gravity between cities. Use the social network analysis method to calculate the regional logistics spatial network correlation structure in Sichuan Province from 2010 to 2018. The QAP analysis method is then used to identify the factors that affect the development level of regional logistics specialization. The research results show that the logistics relationship between cities has become closer from 2010 to 2018, but network resilience needs to be strengthened. The division of blocks is the same as that of the five major economic regions of Sichuan Province, but there is an urgent need to enhance cooperation between plates. The correlation coefficient between the level of logistics specialization and the degree of betweenness centrality is not significant, indicating that the logistics mode of node cities is single, and the informatization and standardization need to be improved.
Comparison of Hand-sewn Direct Repair Versus Resection and Hand-sewn Anastomosis Techniques for the Reversal of Diverting Loop Ileostomy After Low Anterior Rectal Resection: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Keramati Mohammadreza , Yazd Seyed Mostafa Meshkati , Karoobi Mohammadreza , Tafti Seyed Mohsen Ahmadi , Kazemeini Alireza , Behboudi Behnam , Fazeli Mohammad Sadegh , Keshvari Amir
Published: February 2022

BackgroundThis is the first randomized clinical trial evaluating and comparing bowel function and early and late outcomes of two different hand-sewn surgical techniques used for the closure of diverting protective loop ileostomy.MethodsIn this prospective, randomized, single-blind clinical trial, a total of 40 patients with a history of rectal cancer, low anterior resection, and diverting loop ileostomy who were candidates for ileostomy reversal were included. The patients were randomly assigned into two groups, including hand-sewn direct repair of the ileal defect (group A) and resection and hand-sewn anastomosis of the ileum (group B). One patient in group A lost the follow-up and excluded from the study.ResultsThe mean age of patients was 56.42±10.47 and 52.10±10.24 years in groups A and B, respectively. Evaluating the early postoperative period, group A developed an earlier first gas passage (1.68±0.74 vs. 2.25±0.91 days, p<0.05) and stool passage (2.10±0.93 vs. 2.80±1.00 days, p<0.05). The oral diet was also tolerated significantly earlier in group A (p<0.05). Group A also revealed shorter operating time (83.68±8.95 vs. 89.50±8.09 minutes, p<0.05) and hospital stay (4.73±0.73 vs. 6.80±2.39 days, p <0.05). None of the participants in both groups developed signs of bowel obstruction during the early and late postoperative follow-up period.ConclusionsDirect hand-sewn repair for the closure of diverting loop ileostomy is a safe technique with better postoperative bowel function, oral diet tolerance, and less hospital stay compared to resection and hand-sewn anastomosis of the ileum.Trial registration: This prospective RCT was carried out at the Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran. This study was approved by the Research Ethics Committee of Tehran University of Medical Sciences (reference number: IR.TUMS.VCR.REC.1395.494). Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials (URL: http://en.irct.ir/trial/9335 ), registration number: IRCT201703158861N2, Registration date: 08/05/2017. The WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform (ICTRP), (URL: https://trialsearch.who.int/Trial2.aspx?TrialID=IRCT201703158861N2)
Door-to-door recruitment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Lessons learned from a population-based, longitudinal cohort study in North Carolina, USA
Authors: Karasik Jaclyn
Published: February 2022

Background
The COVID-19 pandemic has disproportionately impacted many of the same communities that have been historically harmed by or underrepresented in public health research. In a prospective cohort study on COVID-19 in North Carolina, USA, we employed a door-to-door recruitment strategy on a randomly selected sample of households to maximize inclusivity and improve study diversity.
Discussion
Rapidly shifting current events and an evolving pandemic required continuous updating of our approach. Using a variety of recruitment strategies and participation methods allowed us to quickly adapt and to reach a broad range of people with diverse needs and circumstances. Door-to-door recruitment had many unexpected benefits, allowing us to easily reach people that were working from home and leaving people with positive impressions of public health research. However, even when we were able to elicit a response from prospective participants, follow-up has remained a substantial challenge.
Conclusions
It is paramount for public health practitioners to employ creative strategies and to invest time and resources to include hard-to-reach communities in research.
Framing Global Climate Change in Newspapers, 2000-2015: A Five Nation Study
Authors: Zehr Stephen
Published: February 2022

Australia, New Zealand, India, United Kingdom, and United States newspapers from 2000-2015 were analyzed for global climate change (GCC) news framing. The combination of the time range, cross-national approach, and detail on framing is rare in research on GCC communication. This article reports on diversity across news frames, attends to some cross-national differences, and resituates the question of journalistic balancing in GCC reporting. Political framing along with environmental effects and science frames were dominant both cross-nationally and over time. Less prevalent were frames that more directly linked GCC to the economy, causal factors, and the lifeworld. Habermas’ legitimation crisis theory is used to bring attention to the significance of observable imbalance in reporting. Newspaper accounts situated GCC more as a crisis of the political sphere while deemphasizing economic or lifestyle causes and their significance for the private or public lifeworld. The findings are intended to inform social science studies of GCC as well as, potentially, informing journalistic practice in GCC and other environmental reporting.
Comparison of SARS-CoV-2 sequencing using the ONT GridION and the Illumina MiSeq
Authors: Tshiabuila Derek , Giandhari Jennifer , Pillay Sureshnee , Ramphal Upasana , Ramphal Yajna , Maharaj Arisha , Anyaneji Ugochukwu Jacob , Naidoo Yeshnee , Tegally Houriiyah , San Emmanuel James , Wilkinson Eduan , Lessells Richard J. , de Oliveira Tulio
Published: February 2022

Background: Over 4 million SARS-CoV-2 genomes have been sequenced globally in the past 2 years. This has been crucial in elucidating transmission chains within communities, the development of new diagnostic methods, vaccines, and antivirals. Although several sequencing technologies have been employed, Illumina and Oxford Nanopore remain the two most commonly used platforms. The sequence quality between these two platforms warrants a comparison of the genomes produced by the two technologies. Here, we compared the sequence quality produced by the Oxford Nanopore Technology GridION and the Illumina MiSeq for 28 sequencing runs. Results: Our results show that the MiSeq had a significantly higher number of sequences classified by Nextclade as good and mediocre compared to the GridION. The MiSeq also had a significantly higher sequence coverage and mutation counts than the GridION. Conclusion: Due to the low sequence coverage, high number of indels, and sensitivity to viral load noted with the GridION when compared to MiSeq, we can conclude that the MiSeq is more favourable for genomic surveillance, as successful genomic surveillance is dependent on high quality, near-whole genome sequences.
Edmonton Frailty Scale Score Predicts Postoperative Delirium: A Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Sieber Frederick , Gearhart Susan , Bettick Dianne , Wang Nae-Yuh
Published: February 2022

Background: Frailty has been associated with postoperative delirium (POD). Studies suggest that the Fried phenotype has a stronger association with POD than the Edmonton Frailty Scale (EFS) criteria. Although phenotypic frailty is recognized as a good predictor of delirium, the EFS has higher ratings for feasibility in the surgical setting. Thus, our aim was to determine the association between EFS-assessed vulnerability and POD in an elective surgical population of older adults. A secondary aim was to determine which domains assessed by the EFS were closely associated with POD. Methods: After IRB approval was received, electronic medical records of surgical patients at our institution were downloaded from 12/1/2018 to 3/1/2020. Inclusion criteria included age ≥65 years, preoperative EFS assessment within 6 months of surgery, elective surgery not scheduled for intensive care unit (ICU) stay but followed by at least 1 day postoperative stay, and at least two in-hospital evaluations with the 4 A's test (arousal, attention, abbreviated mental test-4, acute change [4AT]) on the surgical ward. Vulnerability was determined by EFS score ≥6. Patients were stratified into two groups according to highest postoperative 4AT score: 0-3 (no POD) and ≥4 (POD). Odds of POD associated with EFS score ≥6 were evaluated by using logistic regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results: The dataset included 324 patients. Vulnerability was associated with higher incidence of POD (P=0.0007). EFS ≥6 was consistently associated with POD in all bivariate models. Vulnerability predicted POD in multivariable modeling (OR 95%CI = 3.5 [1.1-11.5]; P=0.04). Multivariable analysis of EFS domains revealed an overall trend in which higher scores per domain had a higher odds for POD. The strongest association occurred with presence of incontinence (OR 95%CI = 3.8 [1.2-11.0]; P=0.02). Conclusions: EFS criteria for vulnerability predict POD in older, non-ICU patients undergoing elective surgery.
Variations in Anthropometric Measures of Obesity with Age in the Jackson Heart Study
Authors: Gao Yan , Min Yuan-I , Bell Ronny A. , Bertoni Alain G. , Correa Adolfo
Published: February 2022

Background– Based on body mass index (BMI), the prevalence of obesity has been shown to vary by age and sex. However, age- or sex-related variations in obesity defined by anthropometric measures of central adiposity, which may be better proxies for obesity-related risk, is unclear.Methods– Using data from 4063 African American (AA) participants in the Jackson Heart Study, linear and Poisson regression model analyses were conducted to estimate mean difference of standardized anthropometric measures and prevalence ratios of obesity based on body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and waist-to-hip ratio (WHR) by age cohort and sex.Results– We found sex- and age-variations in the prevalence of obesity for all measures; however, these patterns varied. In cross-sectional analyses at Visit 2, older cohorts showed a lower prevalence of obesity based on BMI but a higher prevalence of obesity based on WHtR and WHR. In longitudinal analyses, for BMI, and WC, and WHtR, the mean and the prevalence of obesity from Visit 2 to Visit 3 increased only among younger cohorts; however, for WHR, the mean and the prevalence of obesity increased consistently from Visit 2 to 3 across all age cohorts for both sexes. Conclusions–WHR appeared to be a more consistent anthropometric measure for monitoring the prevalence of obesity particularly among elderly AAs. Instead of BMI, WHR would be used to monitor the prevalence of obesity among elderly AAs in clinic.
Trauma Team Training In Norwegian Hospitals: An Observational Study
Authors: Bredin Ida Celine , Gaup Hedi Marina Joks , Brattebø Guttorm , Wisborg Torben
Published: February 2022

Background: Traumatic injuries are a leading cause of deaths in Norway, especially among younger males. Trauma-related mortality can be reduced by structural measures, such as organization of a trauma system. Many hospitals in Norway treat few seriously injured patients, one of the reasons for development of the Norwegian trauma system. Since its implementation, there has been continuous improvement of this system, including trauma team training. Regular trauma team training is compulsory, with the aims of compensating for lack of experience and maintaining competence. The purpose of this study was to present an overview of current trauma team training activities in Norway. Methods: For this observational study, an online questionnaire was sent to local trauma coordinators from 38 Norwegian hospitals—including 4 trauma centers and 34 acute hospitals with trauma function. The study was performed during April–June 2020, with a two-month response window. Results: Of the 38 contacted trauma coordinators, 33 (87%) responded. All respondents had a role in trauma team training. All responding hospitals conducted regular trauma team training, with varying frequency. Additionally, all included hospitals described a quite homogenous approach.Conclusions: All responding hospitals performed regular trauma team training using a homogenous approach, which is in line with previous assessments. We observed a minor improvement in frequency compared to prior assessments. Our findings suggest that Norwegian trauma teams likely maintain their competence through team training. All hospitals followed the current recommendations from the National Trauma Plan.
In vitro assembly, positioning and contraction of a division ring in minimal cells
Authors: Kohyama Shunshi , Merino-Salomon Adrian , Schwille Petra
Published: February 2022

Constructing a minimal machinery for autonomous self-division of synthetic cells is a major goal of bottom-up synthetic biology. One paradigm has been the E. coli divisome, with the MinCDE protein system guiding assembly and positioning of a presumably contractile ring based on FtsZ and its membrane adaptor FtsA. Here, we demonstrate the full in vitro reconstitution of this machinery consisting of five proteins within lipid vesicles, allowing to observe the following sequence of events in real time: 1) Assembly of an isotropic filamentous FtsZ network, 2) its condensation into a ring-like structure, along with pole-to-pole mode selection of Min oscillations resulting in equatorial positioning, and 3) onset of ring constriction, deforming the vesicles from spherical shape. Besides demonstrating these essential features, we highlight the importance of decisive experimental factors, such as macromolecular crowding. Our results provide an exceptional showcase of the emergence of cell division in a minimal system, and may represent a major breakthrough towards developing a synthetic cell.
The Influence of Time on the Sensitivity of SARS-CoV-2 Serological Testing
Authors: Ortiz Arturo Torres , Torrente Fernanda Fenn , Twigg Adam , Hatcher James , Saso Anja , Lam Tanya , Johnson Marina , Wagstaffe Helen , Dhillon Rishi , Mai Anabelle Lea , Goldblatt David , Still Rachel , Buckland Matthew , Gilmour Kimberly , Grandjean Louis
Published: February 2022

Background: Serological testing is used to quantify SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, guide booster vaccination and select patients for anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibodies therapy. However, our understanding of how serological tests perform as time passes after infection is limited.Methods: Four assays were compared in parallel: 1) the multiplexed spike, nucleoprotein and receptor binding domain Meso Scale Discovery (MSD) assay 2) the Roche Elecsys-Nucleoprotein assay (Roche-N) 3) the Roche Spike assay (Roche-S) and 4) the Abbott Nucleoprotein assay (Abbott-N) on serial positive monthly samples from hospital staff up to 200 days following infection as part of the Co-Stars study.Results: We demonstrate that 50% of the Abbott-N assays give a negative result after 175 days (median survival time 95% CI 168-185 days) while the Roche-N assay (93% survival probability at 200 days, 95% CI 88-97%) maintained seropositivity. The MSD spike (97% survival probability at 200 days, 95% CI 95-99%) and the Roche-S assay (95% survival probability at 200 days, 95% CI 93-97%) also remained seropositive. The best performing quantitative Roche-S assay showed no evidence of waning Spike antibody titres over 200-days.Conclusions: The Abbott-N assay fails to detect SARS-CoV-2 antibodies as time passes since infection. In contrast the Roche and the MSD assays maintained high sensitivity. The limitations of the Abbott assay must be considered in clinical decision making. The long duration of detectable neutralizing spike antibody titres by the quantitative Roche-S assay provides further evidence in support of long-lasting SARS-CoV-2 protection to pre-existing strains of SARS-CoV-2 following natural infection.Trial registration: Co-STARs study was registered with ClinicalTrials.gov on May 8th, 2020, with trial number NCT04380896 (www.clinicaltrials.gov, NCT04380896)
Timing Selection for Loosened Tooth Fixation Based on Degree of Alveolar Bone Resorption – a Finite Element Analysis
Authors: Ding Xi , Ye Zhang-yan , Ye Hao , Yu Xi-xi , Wang Yong , Wu Li-jun
Published: February 2022

Objective: To make a three-dimensional finite element biomechanical analysis of mandibular dentition and its bone interface with varying degrees of alveolar bone resorption, and evaluate timing of fixation to prevent tooth loosening. Methods: Volunteer CT images in combination with periodontitis classification were used to construct a finite element model of mandibles with varying degrees of alveolar bone resorption. By simulating occlusal force loading, biomechanical analysis was made on the periodontal membrane, tooth root and surrounding bone interface of mandibular dentition with varying degrees of alveolar bone resorption. Results: A finite element model of the mandible with varying degrees of alveolar bone resorption was established. The von Mises stress value of the periodontal cortical bone, cancellous bone, root surface and periodontal membrane of mandibular dentition was positively related with the degree of alveolar bone resorption, and the von Mises stress at the interface between the periodontal membrane and tooth root was increased significantly in moderate to severe periodontitis models. The von Mises stress at the interface between the periodontal cortical bone and cancellous bone was increased significantly in the severe periodontitis model. During oblique loading, the stress value at each interface was significantly higher than during vertical loading. Conclusion: The model established in this study can effectively realize a biomechanical study of a mandible with varying degrees of alveolar bone resorption. In clinical treatment of teeth with moderate to severe periodontitis, loosened tooth fixation can be used to prevent tooth loosening.
A comparative study of removal efficiency of organic contaminant in landfill leachate contaminated groundwater under micro-nano-bubble and common bubble aeration
Authors: Bai Mei , Liu Zhibin , Zhan Liangtong , Liu Zhu , Fan Zhanhuang
Published: February 2022

Landfill leachate contaminated groundwater is widespread all over the world. In order to study the organic contaminant removal efficiency of landfill leachate contaminated groundwater under oxygen micro-nano-bubble (MNB) aeration, a series of lab-scale experiments of oxygen MNB aeration as well as common bubble (CB) aeration were conducted. On the one hand, the difference of mass transfer, microbial activity enhancement and contaminant removal efficiency between MNB and CB aeration were estimated. On the other hand, the composition variations of dissolved organic matter (DOM) in groundwater treated by MNB or CB aeration were characterized by ultraviolet-visible (UV-VIS) absorption spectrum and fluorescence excitation-emission matrix (EEM). The test results showed that the oxygen utilization efficiency and volumetric oxygen transfer coefficient of MNB aeration were 10 and 50 times that of oxygen CB aeration, respectively. On the 30th day after MNB aeration, the dehydrogenase activity (DHA) of groundwater increased by 101.25%. Compared with CB aeration, the chemical oxygen demand (COD), 5-day biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5) and ammonia nitrogen removal efficiency under MNB aeration increased by 29.72%, 13.43% and 138.59%, respectively. With the biodegradation effect of MNB aeration, a large number of protein-like and soluble microbial by-product substances were degraded, and humic and fulvic acid-like substances were degraded to a certain level. Oxygen MNB aeration played a chemical oxidation effect while enhancing the biodegradation of groundwater, and it was an energy-efficient landfill leachate contaminated groundwater treatment method.
Increased El Niño amplitude during the last deglacial warming
Authors: Yseki Marco , Turcq Bruno , Gutierrez Dimitri , Salvatteci Renato , Espinoza-Morriberón Dante , Boucher Hugues , Martinez Philippe , Carré Matthieu
Published: February 2022

It is still unclear how El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), the leading mode of global-scale interannual climate variability, will respond to global warming. The last deglaciation offers natural experimental conditions to observe the behavior of ENSO in a period of abrupt warming and sea level rise. Here we present a record of ENSO-related interannual variability of river discharge in Peru during the last deglaciation (17.3-13 kyr) and the Late Holocene (2.7-1.3 kyr), based on high-resolution records of Titanium concentration in marine sediments from the Peruvian margin (Callao, 12°S and Pisco 14°S). We find that the amplitude of ENSO events was 16 to 100 % larger during the last deglaciation compared to the Late Holocene, which supports the hypothesis that ENSO in the EP is strengthened by ice sheet meltwater discharge. A possible strengthening of ENSO in response to future ice sheet melting should be considered.
National, Regional, and Global Cardiomyopathy Burden from 1990 – 2019
Authors: Guo Guanjun , Chen Hui , Qi Zhanru , Zhang Ning , Yao Jing , Fang Aijuan , Cheng Siyuan
Published: February 2022

Objective: To gauge the incidence of both alcoholic cardiomyopathy (AC) and other cardiomyopathy (OC) in 204 nations and regions over the 1990 – 2019 period. Methods: The Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 was leveraged to gather comprehensive information pertaining to both AC and OC. The calculated prevalence rates, mortality rates, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) related to these forms of cardiomyopathy were presented as counts and age-standardized rates (ASRs) per 100,000 persons with percentage change and 95% uncertainty intervals (UIs). The overall burden of cardiomyopathy was established by combining data pertaining to both AC and OC, with calculations and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) being determined based upon corresponding standard error values determined by dividing the width of 95% UI by 1.96×2.Results: At the national level, ASR rates for cardiomyopathy varied by 144.6-fold among surveyed countries in 2019, while the rates ASR rates for AC and OC respectively varied by 408.0-fold and 380.6-fold. Age-standardized cardiomyopathy-associated mortality rates also varied by 58.4-fold among surveyed nations. The highest such AC-related death rates were observed in Latvia, with an age-standardized mortality rate of 16.3 (95%UI 11.0 to 21.1) per 100,000 persons, whereas some nations reported 0 AC-related deaths in 2019. National age-standardized OC-related mortality rates varied by 105-fold among surveyed nations. Despite overall reductions in cardiomyopathy ASRs from 1990 – 2019, the overall numbers of cases, deaths, years lost in life (YLLs), and years lost due to disability (YLDs) have all increased over this period for both AC and OC.Conclusion: These data suggest that cardiomyopathy, including both AC and OC, remains a persistent threat to global public health as evidenced by increased numbers of cases, deaths, and DALYs over the past three decades, with clear geographic differences in overall cardiomyopathy burden. Additional study will be essential to more fully understand the risk factors associated with the development of this disease in an effort to guide its prevention, early diagnosis, and treatment.