bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Simultaneous Intra- and Extracochlear Electrocochleography During Cochlear Implantation to Enhance Response Interpretation
Authors: Sijgers Leanne , Pfiffner Flurin , Grosse Julian , Dillier Norbert , Koka Kanthaiah , Röösli Christof , Huber Alexander , Dalbert Adrian
Published: March 2021

The use of electrocochleography (ECochG) for providing real-time feedback of cochlear function during cochlear implantation is receiving increased attention for preventing cochlear trauma and preserving residual hearing. Although various studies investigated the relationship between intra-operative ECochG measurements and surgical outcomes in recent years, the limited interpretability of ECochG response changes leads to conflicting study results and prevents the adoption of this method for clinical use. Specifically, the movement of the recording electrode with respect to the different signal generators in intracochlear recordings makes the interpretation of signal changes with respect to cochlear trauma difficult. Here, we demonstrate that comparison of ECochG signals recorded simultaneously from intracochlear locations and from a fixed extracochlear location can potentially allow a differentiation between traumatic and atraumatic signal changes in intracochlear recordings. We measured ECochG responses to 500 Hz tone bursts with alternating starting phases during cochlear implant insertions in six human cochlear implant recipients. Our results show that an amplitude decrease with associated near 180° phase shift and harmonic distortions in the intracochlear difference curve during the first half of insertion was not accompanied by a decrease in the extracochlear difference curve’s amplitude ( n = 1), while late amplitude decreases in intracochlear difference curves (near full insertion, n = 2) did correspond to extracochlear amplitude decreases. These findings suggest a role for phase shifts, harmonic distortions, and recording location in interpreting intracochlear ECochG responses.
Can Dual Compression Offer Better Mandarin Speech Intelligibility and Sound Quality Than Fast-Acting Compression?
Authors: Chen Yuan , Wong Lena L. N. , Kuehnel Volker , Qian Jinyu , Voss Solveig Christina , Shangqiguo Wang
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of dual compression for Mandarin-speaking hearing aid users. Dual compression combines fast and slow compressors operating simultaneously across all frequency channels. The study participants were 31 hearing aid users with symmetrical moderate-to-severe hearing loss, with a mean age of 67 years. A new pair of 20-channel behind-the-ear hearing aids (i.e., Phonak Bolero B90-P) was used during the testing. The results revealed a significant improvement in speech reception thresholds in noise when switching from fast-acting compression to dual compression. The sound quality ratings revealed that most listeners preferred dual compression to fast-acting compression for listening effort, listening comfort, speech clarity, and overall sound quality at +4 dB signal-to-noise ratio. These results are consistent with predictions based on the theoretical understanding of dual and fast-acting compression. However, whether these results can be generalized to other languages or other dual compression systems should be verified by future studies.
Against climate apartheid: Confronting the persistent legacies of expendability for climate justice
Authors: L Rice Jennifer , Long Joshua , Levenda Anthony
Published: March 2021

While the uneven causes and impacts of climate change are widely known, it is also becoming evident that many elements of the response to the climate crisis are also reinforcing discrimination, segregation, and displacement among marginalized peoples. This is entrenching a system of climate apartheid, one that is evidenced by uneven vulnerabilities to the climate crisis, as well as inequitable implementation of climate-oriented infrastructures, policies, and programs. These efforts often secure privileged populations while harming, excluding, and criminalizing populations whose lives have been made precarious by climate change. Like previous incarnations of state-sponsored “separateness,” climate apartheid is rooted in processes of colonization, racial capitalism, and hetero-patriarchy that render some populations expendable. In this paper, we show how these interlocking historical structures of oppression facilitate a response to climate change that is systematically promoting spatial, socio-economic, and ecological segregation in many mainstream attempts to safeguard economic and socio-political structures amidst global ecological catastrophe. We then offer frameworks and interventions intended to introduce meaningful pathways forward for climate justice that seek to render all life indispensable.
Two-Factor Learning for Launch: How Entrepreneurs Can Increase the Probability of Positive Responses to Their Minimum Viable Products
Authors: Lortie Jason , Cox Kevin C. , Kelly Scott , Bolivar Troy
Published: March 2021

Lean startup methodologies are believed to reduce the overall risk and cost for launching new businesses. Many of these methodologies provide processes and tools that aid new entrepreneurs in their attempts to make informed decisions before, during, and after the launch of their minimum viable product (MVP). Drawing on theories from the Knowledge Based View, Organizational Learning, Lean Entrepreneurship, and Herzberg’s Two-Factor Theory of Hygiene and Motivating Factors, we propose a theoretical framework of incremental innovation and lean launch that is capable of increasing the probability of the MVP receiving a positive environmental response. Our framework models the phenomena of responses to MVPs within a specific market through knowledge of existing offerings and the ideas we introduce around satisfaction and dissatisfaction as two separate continuums of responses intended customers may have to MVPs. Additionally, we propose that the relationship between individual and organizational knowledge can be moderated by the individual’s level of embeddedness, and that the relationship between organizational knowledge and the environmental response to the MVP can be moderated by the organization’s capabilities and access to resources.
The Development of Music Expertise: Applications of the Theories of Deliberate Practice and Deliberate Play
Authors: Lordo Jackie
Published: March 2021

Musicians and athletes share many common traits. Both groups learn a combination of physical and mental skills to attain expert status. In this literature review, I provide a short history of research on expertise development and two models: Bloom’s model of expertise development and the Developmental Model of Sport Participation. The Bloom model categorizes learning activities between combinations of free play and deliberate practice throughout the three stages of development. However, Developmental Model of Sport Participation includes a new category, deliberate play, which combines aspects of play and deliberate practice. Research indicating music learning through deliberate practice, deliberate play, and music play is presented. If students are able to learn through the more enjoyable deliberate play and music play, teachers should consider including these activities to better match developmental stages and potentially improve retention. Implications for future research and music teachers are discussed.
Dorsal vaginal graft urethroplasty in female urethral stricture: a contemporary series
Authors: Chakraborty Joy Narayan , Vyas Nachiket
Published: March 2021

Background

Bladder outlet obstruction (BOO) is an uncommon entity in women. The incidence is only 2.7–8% of women referred for voiding symptoms. It is common to treat female urethral strictures by repeated urethral dilatations with subsequent self-intermittent catheterisation, which often leads to stricture recurrence. We aim to review the technique and outcomes of Dorsal vaginal graft Urethroplasty (DVGU) to manage urethral strictures in females.

Methods

This study is a retrospective chart review of 24 women with urethral stricture who underwent dorsal vaginal graft urethroplasty by a single surgeon. Patients were selected based on history, physical examination, uroflowmetry, urethral calibration, urethroscopy and voiding cystourethrography. We compared the pre- and postoperative values of variables such as the peak flow (Qmax), post-void residual (PVR) and self-reporting satisfaction score.

Results

Mean (range) age of the patients was 46.54 (38–55) years. The mean PVR was 6.35 ml/s and 148.12 ml/s, respectively. The mean Qmax before and after surgery was 6.35–25.12 ml/s, respectively (p < 0.05). The mean PVR decreased from 148.12 ml (preoperative) to 41.67 ml (postoperative) (p < 0.05). Before and after surgery, the mean calibration size was 12.76 F and 24.50 F, respectively (p < 0.05). Self-reported satisfaction score (Patient Global impression of improvement) showed that five (5) patients scored 1 (very much better), sixteen (16) patients scored 2 (much better) and three (3) patients scored 3 (a little better). Three women (12.5%) had stricture recurrence. Two of them got stabilised with initial soft dilatation, and the third women required continued self-catheterisation. Overall, the success rate was 87.5% with a mean (range) follow-up of 22.62 (12–36) months.

Conclusion

Dorsal onlay vaginal graft urethroplasty is a simple, safe and practical approach to treat female urethral stricture with a reasonable success rate. It can be considered as a first-line option for definitive repair.
Occurrence of a single-species cyanobacterial bloom in a lake in Cyprus: monitoring and treatment with hydrogen peroxide-releasing granules
Authors: Keliri Eleni , Paraskeva Christia , Sofokleous Angelos , Sukenik Assaf , Dziga Dariusz , Chernova Ekaterina , Brient Luc , Antoniou Maria G.
Published: March 2021

Background

Excess loads of nutrients finding their way into waterbodies can cause rapid and excessive growth of phytoplankton species and lead to the formation of cyanobacterial harmful algal blooms (cyano-HABs). Toxic cyanobacteria produce a broad range of bioactive metabolites, some of which are known as cyanotoxins. These metabolites can negatively impact the ecosystem, and human and animal health, thus their presence needs to be closely monitored and mitigated. This study aimed to monitor St. George Lake (Athalassa National Forest Park, Cyprus) for its water quality characteristics, and initiate a new methodology to control the bloom that occurred in the lake during summer 2019, by comparing hydrogen peroxide treatment with novel metallic peroxide granules as source of hydrogen peroxide.

Results

Lake monitoring showed that pH, salinity, total dissolved solids and conductivity varied throughout the year, and nutrients concentration was high, indicating a eutrophic lake. The cyanobacteriumMerismopediasp. bloomed in the lake between June and September 2019, comprising up to 99% of the phytoplankton biovolume. The presence of microcystin synthase encoding gene (mcyB, mcyE) was documented, however microcystins were not detected by tandem mass spectroscopy. Treatment with liquid hydrogen peroxide in concentrations 1 to 5 mg L−1had no effect on the phycocyanin fluorescence (Ft) and quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) indicating an ineffective treatment for the denseMerismopediabloom (1 million cells mL−1 ± 20%). Metallic peroxide granules tested for their H2O2releasing capacity in St. George Lake water, showing that CaO2released higher H2O2concentration and therefore have better mitigation efficiency than MgO2granules.

Conclusion

The present study highlights the importance of monitoring several water parameters to conclude on the different actions to be taken to limit eutrophication in the catchment area. The findings demonstrated that testing for the presence of genes involved in cyanotoxin production may not be sufficient to follow cyanotoxins in the water, therefore it should be accompanied with analytical confirmation. Treatment experiments indicated that slow release of H2O2from peroxide granules may be an alternative to liquid hydrogen peroxide when applied in appropriate doses, but further investigation is needed before it is applied at the field.

Graphic Abstract
Transcriptomes analysis reveals novel insight into the molecular mechanisms of somatic embryogenesis in Hevea brasiliensis
Authors: Wang Ying , Li Hui-Liang , Zhou Yong-Kai , Guo Dong , Zhu Jia-Hong , Peng Shi-Qing
Published: March 2021

Background

Somatic embryogenesis (SE) is a promising technology for plant vegetative propagation, which has an important role in tree breeding. Though rubber tree (Hevea brasiliensisMuell. Arg.) SE has been founded, few late SE-related genes have been identified and the molecular regulation mechanisms of late SE are still not well understood.

Results

In this study, the transcriptomes of embryogenic callus (EC), primary embryo (PE), cotyledonary embryo (CE), abnormal embryo (AE), mature cotyledonary embryo (MCE) and withered abnormal embryo (WAE) were analyzed. A total of 887,852,416 clean reads were generated, 85.92% of them were mapped to the rubber tree genome. The de novo assembly generated 36,937 unigenes. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified in the pairwise comparisons of CE vs. AE and MCE vs. WAE, respectively. The specific common DEGs were mainly involved in the phytohormones signaling pathway, biosynthesis of phenylpropanoid and starch and sucrose metabolism. Among them, hormone signal transduction related genes were significantly enriched, especially the auxin signaling factors (AUX-like1,GH3.1,SAUR32-like,IAA9-like,IAA14-like,IAA27-like,IAA28-likeandARF5-like). The transcription factors includingWRKY40,WRKY70,MYBS3-like,MYB1R1-like,AIL6andbHLH93-likewere characterized as molecular markers for rubber tree late SE.CML13,CML36,CAM-7,SERK1andLEAD-29-likewere also related to rubber tree late SE. In addition, histone modification had crucial roles during rubber tree late SE.

Conclusions

This study provides important information to elucidate the molecular regulation during rubber tree late SE.
Long-term impact of baseline serum uric acid levels on living kidney donors: a retrospective study
Authors: Tanaka Kosuke , Yamanaga Shigeyoshi , Hidaka Yuji , Nishida Sho , Kinoshita Kohei , Kaba Akari , Ishizuka Toshinori , Hamanoue Satoshi , Okumura Kenji , Kawabata Chiaki , Toyoda Mariko , Miyata Akira , Kashima Masayuki , Yokomizo Hiroshi
Published: March 2021

Background

Preoperative characteristics of living kidney donors are commonly considered during donor selection and postoperative follow-up. However, the impact of preoperative uric acid (UA) levels is poorly documented. The aim of this study was to evaluate the association between preoperative serum UA levels and post-donation long-term events and renal function.

Methods

This was a single-center retrospective analysis of 183 living kidney donors. The donors were divided into high (≥5.5 mg/dl) and low (< 5.5 mg/dl) UA groups. We analyzed the relationship between preoperative UA levels and postoperative estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), as well as adverse events (cardiovascular events and additional prescriptions for hypertension, gout, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus), over 5 years after donation.

Results

In total, 44 donors experienced 52 adverse events over 5 years. The incidence of adverse events within 5 years was significantly higher in the high UA group than in the low UA group (50% vs. 24%,p = 0.003); this was true even after the exclusion of hyperuricemia-related events (p = 0.047). UA emerged as an independent risk factor for adverse events (p = 0.012). Donors with higher UA levels had lower eGFRs after donation, whereas body mass index, hemoglobin A1c, blood pressure, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol did not have any impact on the eGFR.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that preoperative UA levels should be considered during donor selection and postoperative follow-up.
Fertility outcomes in women after controlled ovarian stimulation with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist long protocol: fresh versus frozen embryo transfer
Authors: Ding Xiaoyan , Yang Jingwei , Li Lan , Yang Na , Lan Ling , Huang Guoning , Ye Hong
Published: March 2021

Background

Along with progress in embryo cryopreservation, especially the vitrification, freeze all strategy has become more acceptable than ever. Some studies have found comparable or higher live birth rate with frozen embryo transfer (FET) than with fresh embryo transfer(ET)in gonadotropin releasing hormone antagonist (GnRH-ant) protocol. However from our literature research, there have been no reports about live birth rate comparison between fresh ET and FET with gonadotropin releasing hormone agonist (GnRH-a) long protocol. The aim of this study is to retrospectively investigate whether patients benefit from freeze all strategy in GnRH-a protocol using real-world data.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study, in which women undergoing fresh ET or FET with GnRH-a long protocol at Chongqing Reproductive and Genetics Institute from January 2016 to December 2018 were evaluated. The primary outcome was live birth rate. The secondary outcomes were implantation rate, clinical pregnancy rate, pregnancy loss and ectopic pregnancy rate.

Results

A total of 7,814 patients met inclusion criteria, implementing 5,216 fresh ET cycles and 2,598 FET cycles, respectively. The demographic characteristics of the patients were significantly different between fresh ET and FET groups, except BMI. After controlling for a broad range of potential confounders including age, infertility duration, BMI, AMH, number of oocytes retrieved and of available embryos, multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that there was no significant difference in clinical pregnancy rate, ectopic pregnancy rate and pregnancy loss rate between two groups (all P > 0.05). However, the implantation rate and live birth rate in fresh ET group were significantly higher than FET group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.012, respectively).

Conclusions

Under GnRH-a long protocol, compared to FET, fresh ET was associated with higher implantation rate and live birth rate in infertile patients that underwent in vitro fertilization (IVF). The freeze all strategy should be individualized and made with caution especially with GnRH-a long protocol.
Thoracoscopic versus open resection for symptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformations in neonates: a decade-long retrospective study
Authors: Zheng Jintao , Tang Huajian , Xu Huiyu , Li Jiequan , Mao Xiangming , Liu Guoqing
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential advantages of thoracoscopic versus open resection for symptomatic congenital pulmonary airway malformation (CPAM) in neonates.

Methods

A retrospective review of the medical records of neonates (age ≤ 28 days) who underwent surgery for symptomatic CPAM from 2010 to 2020.

Results

Of the 24 patients, 14 patients underwent thoracoscopic resection and 10 patients underwent open resection. 4 patients with CPAM located in the upper or middle lobes underwent lobectomy, and 20 underwent lung-preserving wedge resection in the lower lobe. Between the two groups, there were no statistically significant differences in related preoperative variables, including gestational age at birth, body weight, head circumference, lesion size, cystic adenomatoid malformation volume ratio (CVR), and age at operation (P > .05). The differences in intraoperative variables were statistically significant. The length of the surgical incision was significantly shorter in thoracoscopic resection group than in open resection group (1.4 cm [1.3–1.8] vs. 6.0 cm [5.0–8.0], P = .000), along with significantly less operative blood loss (3 ml [1–6] vs. 5 ml [2–10], P = .030) but significantly longer operation time (159 min [100–220] vs. 110 min [70–170], P = .003). Regarding postoperative variables, ventilator days, duration of chest tube use and length of hospital stay were not statistically significant (P > .05).

Conclusion

Both thoracoscopic and open resection for symptomatic CPAM achieve good clinical outcomes, even in neonates. Thoracoscopic resection has minimal aesthetic effects and does not increase the risk of surgical or postoperative complications. Lung-preserving resection may be feasible for neonatal CPAM surgery.
Evaluation of expression and serum concentration of anti-Mullerian hormone as a follicle growth marker following consumption of fennel and flaxseed extract in first-generation mice pups
Authors: Pourjafari Fahimeh , Haghpanah Tahereh , Sharififar Fariba , Nematollahi-Mahani Seyed Noreddin , Afgar Ali , Ezzatabadipour Massood
Published: March 2021

Background

The aim of the present study was to assess the expression and serum level of AMH in first-generation female mice pups following fennel and flaxseed consumption.

Methods

Twenty pregnant NMRI mice were allocated into four groups including control (CTL), fennel (FV), flaxseed (LU) and FV+ LU. Sixty-four female offsprings after lactation period, received the same regimen as their mothers for 56 and 240 days. The ovarian follicles development, serum concentration of AMH, as well as gene and protein expression of AMH were evaluated in the female offsprings at post-natal day 56 (PND56) and 240 (PND240).

Results

The number of total growing follicles were raised in the FV group in compression to the all experimental groups. In contrast, LU group showed a marked decrease in their numbers. The highest level of serum AMH was seen in the FV-diet mice, whereas LU negatively affected it. The expression level of AMH also increased in the FV and FV + LU groups, while a reduction was observed in the LU group. As well, IHC data showed that the number of AMH-positive cells in almost ovarian follicles of FV and FV + LU-treated mice was in compared to those of the LU group.

Conclusions

The overall effect of fennel treatment (alone and in combination with flaxseed) on ovary might be maintain primordial follicle storage through increased expression and serum level of AMH.
Multiplex and on-site PCR detection of swine diseases based on the microfluidic chip system
Authors: Jiang Yan , Jiang Shan , Wu Yue , Zhou Bin , Wang Kaimin , Jiang Luyan , Long Yunfeng , Chen Gan , Zeng Dexin
Published: March 2021

Background

At present, the process of inspection and quarantine starts with sampling at the customs port, continues with transporting the samples to the central laboratory for inspection experiments, and ends with the inspected results being fed back to the port. This process had the risks of degradation of biological samples and generation of pathogenic microorganisms and did not meet the rapid on-site detection demand because it took a rather long time. Therefore, it is urgently needed to develop a rapid and high-throughput detection assay of pathogenic microorganisms at the customs port. The aim of this study was to develop a microfluidic chip to rapidly detect swine pathogenic microorganisms with high-throughput and higher accuracy. Moreover, this chip will decrease the risk of spreading infection during transportation.

Results

A series of experiments were performed to establish a microfluidic chip. The resulting data showed that the positive nucleic acid of four swine viruses were detected by using a portable and rapid microfluidic PCR system, which could achieve a on-site real-time quantitative PCR detection. Furthermore, the detection results of eight clinical samples were obtained within an hour. The lowest concentration that amplified of this microfluidic PCR detection system was as low as 1 copies/μL. The results showed that the high specificity of this chip system in disease detection played an important role in customs inspection and quarantine during customs clearance.

Conclusion

The microfluidic PCR detection system established in this study could meet the requirement for rapid detection of samples at the customs port. This chip could avoid the risky process of transporting the samples from the sampling site to the testing lab, and drastically reduce the inspection cycle. Moreover, it would enable parallel inspections on one chip, which greatly raised the efficiency of inspection.
Granulocytic anaplasmosis in captive ring-tailed lemur (Lemur catta) in Poland
Authors: Adaszek Łukasz , Wilczyńska Anna , Ziętek Jerzy , Kalinowski Marcin , Teodorowski Oliwier , Winiarczyk Dagmara , Skrzypczak Maciej , Winiarczyk Stanisław
Published: March 2021

Background

Anaplasma are obligate intracellular bacteria and aetiological agents of tick-borne diseases of both veterinary and medical interest. The genus Anaplasma comprises six species: Anaplasma marginale, Anaplasma centrale, Anaplasma ovis, Anaplasma phagocytophilum, Anaplasma bovis and Anaplasma platys. They can infect humans, carnivores, ruminants, rodents, insectivores, birds and reptiles. The aim of this study was to present the first clinical case of granulocytic anaplasmosis in a captive ring-tailed lemur in Poland.

Case presentation

A 4-year-old female lemur presented anorexia, epistaxis and tick infestation. The microscopic examination of a blood smear revealed morulae in neutrophils. Polymerase chain reaction test and sequencing of obtained PCR product confirmed infection by the GU183908 Anaplasma phagocytophilum strain. Therapeutic protocol included doxycycline (2.5 mg/kg p.o., b.i.d.) for 3 weeks and the lemur recovered within 24 h.

Conclusions

This is the first report on granulocytic anaplasmosis in a ring-tailed lemur in Europe, indicating that A. phagocytophilum infection must also be considered in differential diagnosis in this animal species, especially in individuals with thrombocytopenia associated with Ixodes ricinus parasitism.
The value of kidney injury molecule 1 in predicting acute kidney injury in adult patients: a systematic review and Bayesian meta-analysis
Authors: Geng Jiwen , Qiu Yuxuan , Qin Zheng , Su Baihai
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The aim of the study was to systematically review relevant studies to evaluate the diagnostic value of urinary kidney injury molecule 1 (uKIM-1) for acute kidney injury (AKI) in adults.

Method

We searched PubMed and Embase for literature published up to November 1st, 2019 and used the Quality Assessment Tool for Diagnosis Accuracy Studies (QUADAS-2) to assess the quality. Then, we extracted useful information from each eligible study and pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve (AUC) values.

Results

A total of 14 studies with 3300 patients were included. The estimated sensitivity of urinary KIM-1 (uKIM-1) in the diagnosis of AKI was 0.74 (95% CrI 0.62–0.84), and the specificity was 0.84 (95% CrI, 0.76–0.90). The pooled diagnostic odds ratio (DOR) was 15.22 (95% CrI, 6.74–42.20), the RD was 0.55 (95% CrI 0.43–0.70), and the AUC of uKIM-1 in diagnosing AKI was 0.62 (95% CrI 0.41–0.76). The results of the subgroup analysis showed the influence of different factors.

Conclusion

Urinary KIM-1 is a good predictor for AKI in adult patients with relatively high sensitivity and specificity. However, further research and clinical trials are still needed to confirm whether and how uKIM-1 can be commonly used in clinical diagnosis.
Response to influenza vaccination in immunocompromised children with rheumatic disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Jensen Lotte , Nielsen Susan , Christensen Anne Estmann , Pedersen Freddy Karup , Trebbien Ramona , Fischer Thea Kølsen , Rosthøj Susanne , Toftedal Peter , Bohr Anna-Helene , Wehner Peder Skov , Poulsen Anja
Published: March 2021

Background

Prevention of illness due to infection by influenza viruses is important for children with rheumatic diseases. Biological disease modifying antirheumatic drugs have become increasingly important in the treatment of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, and combinations of immunosuppressive drugs are used for the treatment of systemic disorders, which increase the risk of secondary immunodeficiency. Therefore, we investigated whether children with rheumatic disease can mount a protective antibody response after influenza immunization.

Methods

The prospective multicentre cohort study was conducted in Denmark during the influenza season 2015–2016. Children with rheumatic disease aged six months to 19 years were eligible. Controls were immunologically healthy children. A blood sample was collected before and after vaccination and analysed by haemagglutination inhibition (HI) assay for the 2015–2016 influenza vaccine-strains. In case of flu-like symptoms the child was tested for influenza. For statistical analyses the patients were grouped according to medical treatment or disease.

Results

A total of 226 patients and 15 controls were enrolled. No differences were found for the increase of antibodies from pre-vaccine to post-vaccine between the groups in our primary analyses: A/Cal H1N1pdm09 (p = 0.28), A/Swi H3N2 (p = 0.15) and B/Phu Yamagata (p = 0.08). Only when combining patients across groups a lower increase in antibodies was found compared to controls. Among all patients the pre-vaccine rates for seroprotection using the HI-titer cut-off ≥ 40 were 93.1–97.0 % for all three strains. For seroprotection using the HI-titer cut-off ≥ 110 the pre-vaccine rates for all patients were 14.9–43.6 % for all three strains and an increase in the proportions of patients being seroprotected after vaccination was found for A/Cal H1N1pdm09 and A/Swi H3N2. None of the children with flu-like symptoms tested positive for the vaccine strains.

Conclusions

Children with rheumatic diseases increase in antibody titres after influenza immunization, however, it remains uncertain whether a protective level is achieved.
Does reactivation of cytomegalovirus contribute to severe COVID-19 disease?
Authors: Söderberg-Nauclér Cecilia
Published: March 2021

The majority of people infected with SARS-CoV-2 are asymptomatic or have mild to moderate symptoms. However, for unknown reasons, about 15 % have severe pneumonia requiring hospital care and oxygen support, and about 5 % develop acute respiratory distress syndrome, septic shock, and multiorgan failure that result in a high mortality rate. The risk of severe COVID-19 is highest among those who are over 70 years of age. Why severe COVID-19 develops in some people but not others is not understood. Could some cases involve reactivation of latent cytomegalovirus (CMV)?
Variations in the cerebrospinal fluid dynamics of the American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis)
Authors: Young Bruce A. , Adams James , Beary Jonathan M. , Mardal Kent-Andre , Schneider Robert , Kondrashova Tatyana
Published: March 2021

Background

Studies of mammalian CSF dynamics have been focused on three things: paravascular flow, pressure and pulsatility, and “bulk” flow; and three (respective) potential motive forces have been identified: vasomotor, cardiac, and ventilatory. There are unresolved questions in each area, and few links between the different areas. The American alligator (Alligator mississippiensis) has pronounced plasticity in its ventilatory and cardiovascular systems. This study was designed to test the hypothesis that the greater cardiovascular and ventilatory plasticity ofA. mississippiensiswould result in more variation within the CSF dynamics of this species.

Methods

Pressure transducers were surgically implanted into the cranial subarachnoid space of 12 sub-adult alligators; CSF pressure and pulsatility were monitored along with EKG and the exhalatory gases. In four of the alligators a second pressure transducer was implanted into the spinal subarachnoid space. In five of the alligators the CSF was labeled with artificial microspheres and Doppler ultrasonography used to quantify aspects of the spinal CSF flow.

Results

Both temporal and frequency analyses of the CSF pulsations showed highly variable contributions of both the cardiac and ventilatory cycles. Unlike the mammalian condition, the CSF pressure pulsations in the alligator are often of long (~ 3 s) duration, and similar duration CSF unidirectional flow pulses were recorded along the spinal cord. Reduction of the duration of the CSF pulsations, as during tachycardia, can lead to a “summation” of the pulsations. There appears to be a minimum duration (~ 1 s) of isolated CSF pulsations. Simultaneous recordings of cranial and spinal CSF pressures reveal a 200 ms delay in the propagation of the pressure pulse from the cranium to the vertebral canal.

Conclusions

Most of the CSF flow dynamics recorded from the alligators, are similar to what has been reported from studies of the human CSF. It is hypothesized that the link between ventilatory mechanics and CSF pulsations in the alligator is mediated by displacement of the spinal dura. The results of the study suggest that understanding the CSF dynamics ofAlligatormay provide unique insights into the evolutionary origins and functional regulation of the human CSF dynamics.
Farmers’ perceptions of navy bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) production constraints, preferred traits and farming systems and their implications on bean breeding: a case study from South East Lowveld region of Zimbabwe
Authors: Mutari Bruce , Sibiya Julia , Bogweh Nchanji Eileen , Simango Kennedy , Gasura Edmore
Published: March 2021

Background

Navy bean is an important legume crop in Zimbabwe. Although its production in Zimbabwe is limited by multiple constraints including biotic, abiotic and socio-economic, there is no documented evidence. Thus, this study aimed at identifying farmers’ production constraints, preferred traits and cultivars of navy bean, and strategies used to mitigate some of these constraints.

Methods

A Participatory Rural Appraisal approach involving transect walks, focus group discussions (FGDs), and formal surveys with semi-structured questionnaires was conducted in four villages of the Lowveld region of Zimbabwe. In each of the four villages, two FGDs (one for men and one for women) were conducted. A total of 176 (75 males and 101 females) navy bean-growing households were interviewed. Data from household interviews and FGDs was analysed using the Statistical Package for Social Scientists computer package.

Results

The most important constraints to navy bean production were drought stress (Females—86%, Males—73%), heat stress (Females—58%, Males—55%), power outages (Females—46%, Males—54%), poor soil fertility (Females—32%; Males—33%) and susceptibility to pod shattering (Females—32%, Males—43%). Mitigation strategies included mulching (18%), ridges (12%), reduced acreage (11%), and cultivating to retain more soil moisture (11%) for drought stress, while irrigating at night (32%), and adjusting planting dates (29%) were used to manage heat stress. Farmer-preferred traits included tolerance to drought and heat, early maturing varieties and disease resistance. Marketing constraints included non-payment for produce in hard currency, lack of diversity in terms of off-takers, high inflation, low grain producer price, delayed payment and breach of contract by contractors.

Conclusion

There will be increased adoption of improved navy bean cultivars if breeding programs address the aforementioned constraints and consider farmer-preferred traits when developing new cultivars. Breeders should work closely with extension officers to ensure that cultivars released are cultivated with appropriate agronomic packages for increased productivity and high adoption.
Phenomenology, Saudi Arabia, and an argument for the standardization of clinical ethics consultation
Authors: Brummett Abram , Muaygil Ruaim
Published: March 2021

Background

The purpose of this study is to make a philosophical argument against the phenomenological critique of standardization in clinical ethics. We used the context of clinical ethics in Saudi Arabia to demonstrate the importance of credentialing clinical ethicists.

Methods

Philosophical methods of argumentation and conceptual analysis were used.

Results

We found the phenomenological critique of standardization to be flawed because it relies on a series of false dichotomies.

Conclusions

We concluded that the phenomenological framing of the credentialing debate relies upon two extreme views to be navigated between, not chosen among, in the credentialing of clinical ethicists.
Cost analysis in implementation studies of evidence-based practices for mental health and substance use disorders: a systematic review
Authors: Bowser Diana M. , Henry Brandy F. , McCollister Kathryn E.
Published: March 2021

Background

This study is a systematic literature review of cost analyses conducted within implementation studies on behavioral health services. Cost analysis of implementing evidence-based practices (EBP) has become important within implementation science and is critical for bridging the research to practice gap to improve access to quality healthcare services. Costing studies in this area are rare but necessary since cost can be a barrier to implementation and sustainment of EBP.

Methods

We followed Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) methodology and applied the Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) checklist. Key search terms included: (1) economics, (2) implementation, (3) EBP, and (4) behavioral health. Terms were searched within article title and abstracts in: EconLit, SocINDEX, Medline, and PsychINFO. A total of 464 abstracts were screened independently by two authors and reduced to 37 articles using inclusion and exclusion criteria. After a full-text review, 18 articles were included.

Results

Findings were used to classify costs into direct implementation, direct services, and indirect implementation. While all studies included phases of implementation as part of their design, only five studies examined resources across multiple phases of an implementation framework. Most studies reported direct service costs associated with adopting a new practice, usually summarized as total EBP cost, cost per client, cost per clinician, and/or cost per agency. For studies with detailed analysis, there were eleven direct cost categories represented. For five studies that reported costs per child served, direct implementation costs varied from $886 to $9470 per child, while indirect implementation costs ranged from $897 to $3805 per child.

Conclusions

This is the first systematic literature review to examine costs of implementing EBP in behavioral healthcare settings. Since 2000, 18 studies were identified that included a cost analysis. Given a wide variation in the study designs and economic methods, comparison across studies was challenging, which is a major limitation in the field, as it becomes difficult to replicate studies or to estimate future costs to inform policy decisions related to budgeting. We recommend future economic implementation studies to consider standard economic costing methods capturing costs across implementation framework phases to support comparisons and replicability.
Prevalence of heterophilic antibodies in serum samples from horses in an equine hospital, and elimination of interference using chicken IgY
Authors: Dong Bo , Bergman Daniel , Holst Bodil Ström
Published: March 2021

Background

Heterophilic antibodies in serum and plasma can interfere with mammalian antibodies in immunoassays and result in false test results, usually false positive. Although studies screening for heterophilic antibodies as well as elimination studies have been conducted in dogs and cats, knowledge of the presence of heterophilic antibodies in other species in veterinary medicine is limited. In this study, a 2-site sandwich-type interference assay that detects anti-mouse antibodies was used to detect heterophilic antibodies in a population of horses treated in an animal hospital.

Results

A total of 194 serum samples from 127 individual horses were analyzed. There were 11/127 (8.7%) interference-positive horses, and these were analyzed in an assay exchanging the capture mouse IgG with chicken IgY. The positive samples were negative in the chicken IgY assay, indicating elimination of a possible interference, with the chicken-based assay. Four interference-positive samples were from geldings, and anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) was analyzed from these samples. AMH concentrations were negative in these samples as expected in geldings, indicating that the heterophilic antibodies did not cause interference in the AMH assay.

Conclusion

The present study shows that there are heterophilic antibodies in horse serum samples like in samples from humans, dogs, and cats. The use of chicken-based reagents, such as chicken IgY, which do not cross-react with mammalian IgG, eliminates the effects of interfering antibodies in the samples. Equine heterophilic antibodies do not necessarily cause interference in commercial immunoassays.
Incidence and risk factors of retinopathy of prematurity in an Italian cohort of preterm infants
Authors: Dani Carlo , Coviello Caterina , Panin Fiorenza , Frosini Saverio , Costa Simonetta , Purcaro Velia , Lepore Domenico , Vento Giovanni
Published: March 2021

Objective

Non-negligible differences in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) and its risk factors between different neonatal intensive care units (NICUs) are reported. Our aim was to assess the incidence and risk factors for ROP development in a large cohort of very preterm infants who were assisted in two Italian NICUs.

Methods

Preterm infants with gestational age between 23+ 0and 29+ 6weeks were stratified into subgroups of infants who developed ROP and those who did not; their clinical characteristics were compared with univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

We studied a total of 178 infants of whom 67 (38%) developed ROP (stage 1:n = 12; stage 2:n = 41; stage 3:n = 14). Regression analysis demonstrated that maternal milk (OR 0.979, 95% Cl 0.961–0.998) decreased the risk of developing ROP, while intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (OR 2.055, 95% Cl 1.120–3.772) increased it. Moreover, maternal milk was found to decrease (OR 0.981, 95% Cl 0.964–0.997) the risk of ROP at discharge, while RBC transfusion increased it (OR 1.522, 95% Cl 1.208–1.916).

Conclusions

In our cohort the occurrence of ROP was similar to that previously reported. Strategies for promoting the use of mother’s own milk, preventing IVH, and standardizing the approach to RBC transfusions could contribute to decreasing the risk of ROP in very preterm infants.
Optimisation of microalgal cultivation via nutrient-enhanced strategies: the biorefinery paradigm
Authors: Figueroa-Torres Gonzalo M. , Pittman Jon K. , Theodoropoulos Constantinos
Published: March 2021

Background

The production of microalgal biofuels, despite their sustainable and renowned potential, is not yet cost-effective compared to current conventional fuel technologies. However, the biorefinery concept increases the prospects of microalgal biomass as an economically viable feedstock suitable for the co-production of multiple biofuels along with value-added chemicals. To integrate biofuels production within the framework of a microalgae biorefinery, it is not only necessary to exploit multi-product platforms, but also to identify optimal microalgal cultivation strategies maximising the microalgal metabolites from which biofuels are obtained: starch and lipids. Whilst nutrient limitation is widely known for increasing starch and lipid formation, this cultivation strategy can greatly reduce microalgal growth. This work presents an optimisation framework combining predictive modelling and experimental methodologies to effectively simulate and predict microalgal growth dynamics and identify optimal cultivation strategies.

Results

Microalgal cultivation strategies for maximised starch and lipid formation were successfully established by developing a multi-parametric kinetic model suitable for the prediction of mixotrophic microalgal growth dynamics co-limited by nitrogen and phosphorus. The model’s high predictive capacity was experimentally validated against various datasets obtained from laboratory-scale cultures of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii CCAP 11/32C subject to different initial nutrient regimes. The identified model-based optimal cultivation strategies were further validated experimentally and yielded significant increases in starch (+ 270%) and lipid (+ 74%) production against a non-optimised strategy.

Conclusions

The optimised microalgal cultivation scenarios for maximised starch and lipids, as identified by the kinetic model presented here, highlight the benefits of exploiting modelling frameworks as optimisation tools that facilitate the development and commercialisation of microalgae-to-fuel technologies.
Intestinal microbiota and functional characteristics of black soldier fly larvae (Hermetia illucens)
Authors: Zhineng Yuan , Ying Ma , Bingjie Tang , Rouxian Zeng , Qiang Zhou
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Black soldier fly transforms organic waste into insect protein and fat, which makes it valuable for ecological utilization. This process is associated with the intestinal microbiota. This research was developed to determine the type and functional characteristics of intestinal microbiota present in black soldier fly larvae.

Methods

In this research, metagenomics has been used to study black soldier fly larvae gut bacteria, which involves the high abundance of the gut microbe advantage bacterium group, the impact, and the physiological functions of the microbiota. Furthermore, intestinal bacteria and their related functions were investigated by bioinformatics analysis to evaluate potential microbial strains that may be used to improve feed utilization efficiency in factory farming.

Result

The results showed that black soldier fly larvae’s intestine contains more than 11,000 bacteria. The high relative abundance of group W (larvae fed with 75% wheat bran and 25% soybean powder) may promote feed utilization efficiency, whereas high relative abundance of group T microbiota (larvae fed with 75% wheat bran and 25% soybean powder supplemented with 1% tetracycline) may play an important role in black soldier fly larvae survival.

Conclusion

The gut bacteria in black soldier fly larvae were involved in polysaccharide biosynthesis and metabolism, translation, membrane transport, energy metabolism, cytoskeleton, extracellular structures, inorganic ion transport and metabolism, nucleotide metabolism, and coenzyme transport physiological processes. The 35 significant differential microbes in group W may have a positive impact on feed utilization and physiological process.
Locked twins—remote from term: a case report
Authors: Fessehaye Abraham , Abubeker Ferid A. , Daba Mekdes
Published: March 2021

Background

Locked twins is a rare and hazardous obstetric complication, which occurs in approximately 1:1000 twin pregnancies. One of the known etiologic factors for locked twins is size of the twins. We report a case of chin-to-chin locked twins that occurred at gestational age of 30 weeks pus 6 days.

Case summary

A 27 years-old primigravida Ethiopian mother presented with a history of pushing down pain and passage of liquor of 6 hours duration at gestational age of 30 weeks plus 6 days. With a diagnosis of twin pregnancy (first twin non-vertex), abdominal delivery was decided in latent first stage of labor but mother refused caesarian delivery and she was allowed to labor with the hope of achieving a vaginal delivery. In second stage, interlocking twin was encountered and a low vertical cesarean section was done to effect delivery of twins without the need to decapitate the first twin.

Conclusion

Locked twin is a rare obstetric complication. Whenever it is encountered, successful delivery can be achieved without the need to have decapitation of the first twin during caesarian section.