bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health service inequalities during the COVID-19 pandemic among elderly people living in large urban and non-urban areas in Florida, USA
Authors: Yu Xinhua
Published: November 2020

Objective:

Health inequalities were often exacerbated during the emerging epidemic. This study examined urban and non-urban inequalities in health services among COVID-19 patients aged 65 years or above in Florida, USA, from 2 March to 27 May 2020.

Methods:

A retrospective time series analysis was conducted using individual patient records. Multivariable Poisson’s and logistic models were used to calculate adjusted incidence of COVID-19 and the associated rates of emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and deaths.

Results:

As of 27 May 2020, there were 13,659 elderly COVID-19 patients (people aged 65 years or above) in Florida and 14.9% of them died. Elderly people living in small metropolitan areas might be less likely to be confirmed with COVID-19 infection than those living in large metropolitan areas. The emergency department visit and hospitalization rates decreased significantly across metropolitan statuses for both men and women. Those patients living in small metropolitan or rural areas were less likely to be hospitalized than those living in large metropolitan areas (35% and 34% vs 41%). Elderly women aged 75 years or above living in rural areas had 113% higher adjusted incidence of COVID-19 than those living in large metropolitan areas, and the rates of hospitalizations were lower compared with those counterparts living in large metropolitan areas (29% vs 46%; odds ratio: 0.37 (0.25–0.54), p < 0.001).

Conclusion:

For elderly people living in Florida, USA, those living in small metropolitan or rural areas were less likely to receive adequate health care than those living in large or medium metropolitan areas during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Understanding the compactness of employment activities in high-density cities through cellphone location data
Authors: Zhou Xingang , Lang Wei , Yeh Anthony GO , Niu Xinyi
Published: November 2020

Urban development in many cities worldwide presents a dispersed development with urban sprawl and excessive land use. Compact city development facilitates an efficient use of land that aims to reduce excessive land consumption and commuting. However, the ignorance of the relationships between land use and the compactness of employment activities has resulted in excessive commuting. The separation of jobs and housing due to functional zoning has caused criticism in compact city development. This research aims to examine the compactness of workers’ employment activities and its relationship with land use to enrich our knowledge on compact city development. The relationship between urban and employment activity compactness is examined through cellphone location data in Shanghai, China. A set of indicators, including intrazonal employment ratio and interzonal commuting distance, are examined to measure the compactness of employment activities. Land-use compactness is measured through building density, land-use diversity, and accessibility. The effect of land-use compactness on employment activity compactness is analyzed through structural equation modeling. A high proportion of residential land use reduces the intrazonal employment ratio and increases the average interzonal commuting distance. A high proportion of industrial and commercial land use increases the intrazonal employment ratio. These are the spatial characteristics to improve urban compactness. This study contributes to decision-making for compact development, which is of great significance to promoting compact activities. It can also provide spatial planning policies that facilitate workers’ access to local employment opportunities with short travel distances through land use planning for mixed land use.
Cryptococcal Meningitis Presenting as Endophthalmitis in an Otherwise Asymptomatic Patient
Authors: Peck Travis J. , Ammar Michael J. , Dunn James P.
Published: November 2020

Purpose:

Cryptococcus neoformans is a budding yeast that has a tropism for the central nervous system where it may cause meningitis, which has a high mortality rate. Endophthalmitis is rare and typically occurs in the setting of meningitis and disseminated disease. This report describes an atypical presentation of cryptococcal endophthalmitis and outlines the appropriate workup and management for this disease.

Methods:

A case report is presented.

Results:

A 66-year-old man on chemotherapy who presented with blurry vision without any extraocular symptoms was diagnosed with cryptococcal endophthalmitis and found to have underlying bloodstream and central nervous system infection on subsequent workup. He was treated with intravenous and intravitreal antifungals and remained systemically well, although a large subretinal mass lesion remained stable at 2-month follow-up.

Conclusions:

Cryptococcal endophthalmitis may be the initial presentation of disseminated cryptococcal disease. If vitreous cultures grow Cryptococcus, clinicians should presume that meningitis is present, regardless of symptoms, until proven otherwise.
Personality traits and physical functioning: a cross-sectional multimethod facet-level analysis
Authors: Kekäläinen Tiia , Terracciano Antonio , Sipilä Sarianna , Kokko Katja
Published: November 2020

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether personality traits and their facets are associated with a multi-methods assessment of physical activity and walking performance and whether they explain the discrepancy between self-reported and accelerometer-assessed physical activity.

Methods

The participants were community-dwelling, 70–85-year-old men and women from Finland (n = 239) who were part of a clinical trial. Personality traits and their facets were measured using the 240-item NEO Personality Inventory-3. Physical activity was assessed using questions about frequency, intensity and duration of exercise (self-reported metabolic equivalent minutes (MET)) and by tri-axial accelerometers (light and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and total MET-minutes). Walking performance was measured by 6-min walking distance and 10-m walking speed. Linear regression analyses were controlled for age, sex, education, body mass index, disease burden, and intervention group.

Results

Theactivityfacet of extraversion was positively associated with self-reported MET-minutes, accelerometer-assessed light physical activity and walking performance. Thepositive emotionsfacet of extraversion was positively associated with self-reported MET-minutes and walking performance. Openness and its facets and theexcitement seekingfacet of extraversion were positively associated with walking performance. Conscientiousness and most of its facets were associated with both physical activity and walking performance, but these associations were not statistically significant after accounting for all control variables. Theimpulsivenessfacet of neuroticism was negatively associated with accelerometer-assessed light physical activity and walking performance, but the associations with walking performance attenuated after accounting for all control variables. Accelerometer-assessed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity was not associated with personality traits or facets. Discrepancy analyses suggest that openness and theexcitement-seekingfacet of extraversion were associated with higher self-reported than accelerometer-assessed physical activity.

Conclusions

Consistently across methods, older adults who scored higher on facets of extraversion and conscientiousness tended to be more active and outperformed peers on walking performance. Older adults who scored higher in the facets of openness and theexcitement-seekingfacet of extraversion had better walking performance but also overestimated their self-reported physical activity compared to the accelerometers.
Young «oil site» of the Uzon Caldera as a habitat for unique microbial life
Authors: Peltek Sergey E. , Bryanskaya Alla V. , Uvarova Yuliya E. , Rozanov Aleksey S. , Ivanisenko Timofey V. , Ivanisenko Vladimir A. , Lazareva Elena V. , Saik Olga V. , Efimov Vadim M. , Zhmodik Sergey M. , Taran Oxana P. , Slynko Nikolay M. , Shekhovtsov Sergey V. , Parmon Valentin N. , Dobretsov Nikolay L. , Kolchanov Nikolay A.
Published: November 2020

Background

The Uzon Caldera is one of the places on our planet with unique geological, ecological, and microbiological characteristics. Uzon oil is the youngest on Earth. Uzon oil has unique composition, with low proportion of heavy fractions and relatively high content of saturated hydrocarbons. Microbial communities of the «oil site» have a diverse composition and live at high temperatures (up to 97 °C), significant oscillations of Eh and pH, and high content of sulfur, sulfides, arsenic, antimony, and mercury in water and rocks.

Results

The study analyzed the composition, structure and unique genetics characteristics of the microbial communities of the oil site, analyzed the metabolic pathways in the communities. Metabolic pathways of hydrocarbon degradation by microorganisms have been found. The study found statistically significant relationships between geochemical parameters, taxonomic composition and the completeness of metabolic pathways. It was demonstrated that geochemical parameters determine the structure and metabolic potential of microbial communities.

Conclusions

There were statistically significant relationships between geochemical parameters, taxonomic composition, and the completeness of metabolic pathways. It was demonstrated that geochemical parameters define the structure and metabolic potential of microbial communities. Metabolic pathways of hydrocarbon oxidation was found to prevail in the studied communities, which corroborates the hypothesis on abiogenic synthesis of Uzon hydrothermal petroleum.
First isolation and whole-genome sequencing of a Shewanella algae strain from a swine farm in Brazil
Authors: Alves Vinicius Buiatte de Andrade , Carvalho Eneas , Madureira Paloma Alonso , Marino Elizangela Domenis , Vaz Andreia Cristina Nakashima , Vidal Ana Maria Centola , Ruiz Vera Letticie de Azevedo
Published: November 2020

Background

Infections caused byShewanellaspp. have been increasingly reported worldwide. The advances in genomic sciences have enabled better understanding about the taxonomy and epidemiology of this agent. However, the scarcity of DNA sequencing data is still an obstacle for understanding the genus and its association with infections in humans and animals.

Results

In this study, we report the first isolation and whole-genome sequencing of aShewanella algaestrain from a swine farm in Brazil using the boot sock method, as well as the resistance profile of this strain to antimicrobials. The isolate was first identified asShewanella putrefaciens, but after whole-genome sequencing it showed greater similarity withShewanella algae. The strain showed resistance to 46.7% of the antimicrobials tested, and 26 resistance genes were identified in the genome.

Conclusions

This report supports research made withShewanellaspp. and gives a step forward for understanding its taxonomy and epidemiology. It also highlights the risk of emerging pathogens with high resistance to antimicrobial formulas that are important to public health.
Dementia with aphasia and mirror phenomenon: examination of the mechanism using neuroimaging and neuropsychological findings: a case report
Authors: Osawa Aiko , Maeshima Shinichiro , Arai Hidenori , Kondo Izumi
Published: November 2020

Background

Aphasia often appears in persons living with dementia; however, aphasia and the mirror phenomenon are rarely present at the same time.

Case presentation

Here, we report a case of fluent conversation with a person in a mirror or a magazine, and examine the underlying mechanism using brain imaging and neuropsychological findings. We found that the appearance of the mirror phenomenon may be associated with a visuospatial dysfunction caused by a decreased function of the posterior region of the right temporal and parietal lobe. Moreover, active talking to a person in a mirror or a person in a magazine could be associated with disinhibition caused by a decline in bilateral frontal lobe function.

Conclusions

This case represents a very valuable and interesting presentation because it is the first report of a long-term follow-up of the course of dementia using neurological imaging, and of the neuropsychological analysis of the mechanism of conversation with a mirror image combined with aphasia.
Effects of robot viscous forces on arm movements in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized crossover study
Authors: Abdel Majeed Yazan , Awadalla Saria , Patton James L.
Published: November 2020

Background

Our previous work showed that speed is linked to the ability to recover in chronic stroke survivors. Participants moving faster on the first day of a 3-week study had greater improvements on the Wolf Motor Function Test.

Methods

We examined the effects of three candidate speed-modifying fields in a crossover design: negative viscosity, positive viscosity, and a “breakthrough” force that vanishes after speed exceeds an individualized threshold.

Results

Negative viscosity resulted in a significant speed increase when it was on. No lasting after effects on movement speed were observed from any of these treatments, however, training with negative viscosity led to significant improvements in movement accuracy and smoothness.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that negative viscosity could be used as a treatment to augment the training process while still allowing participants to make their own volitional motions in practice.

Trial registration

This study was approved by the Institutional Review Boards at Northwestern University (STU00206579) and the University of Illinois at Chicago (2018-1251).
Investigator analytic repeatability of two new intervertebral motion biomarkers for chronic, nonspecific low back pain in a cohort of healthy controls
Authors: To Daphne , Breen Alexander , Breen Alan , Mior Silvano , Howarth Samuel J.
Published: November 2020

Background

Understanding the mechanisms underlying chronic, nonspecific low back pain (CNSLBP) is essential to advance personalized care and identify the most appropriate intervention. Recently, two intervertebral motion biomarkers termed “Motion Sharing Inequality” (MSI) and “Motion Sharing Variability” (MSV) have been identified for CNSLBP using quantitative fluoroscopy (QF). The aim of this study was to conduct intra- and inter-investigator analytic repeatability studies to determine the extent to which investigator error affects their measurement in clinical studies.

Methods

A cross-sectional cohort study was conducted using the image sequences of 30 healthy controls who received QF screening during passive recumbent flexion motion. Two independent investigators analysed the image sequences for MSI and MSV from October to November 2018. Intra and inter- investigator repeatability studies were performed using intraclass correlations (ICC), standard errors of measurement (SEM) and minimal differences (MD).

Results

Intra-investigator ICCs were 0.90 (0.81,0.95) (SEM 0.029) and 0.78 (0.59,0.89) (SEM 0.020) for MSI and MSV, respectively. Inter-investigator ICCs 0.93 (0.86,0.97) (SEM 0.024) and 0.55 (0.24,0.75) (SEM 0.024). SEMs for MSI and MSV were approximately 10 and 30% of their group means respectively. The MDs for MSI for intra- and inter-investigator repeatability were 0.079 and 0.067, respectively and for MSV 0.055 and 0.067.

Conclusions

MSI demonstrated substantial intra- and inter-investigator repeatability, suggesting that investigator input has a minimal influence on its measurement. MSV demonstrated moderate intra-investigator reliability and fair inter-investigator repeatability. Confirmation in patients with CNSLBP is now required.
Data from the European registry for patients with McArdle disease and other muscle glycogenoses (EUROMAC)
Authors:   EUROMAC Consortium, Scalco Renata S. , Lucia Alejandro , Santalla Alfredo , Martinuzzi Andrea , Vavla Marinela , Reni Gianluigi , Toscano Antonio , Musumeci Olimpia , Voermans Nicol C. , Kouwenberg Carlyn V. , Laforêt Pascal , San-Millán Beatriz , Vieitez Irene , Siciliano Gabriele , Kühnle Enrico , Trost Rebeca , Sacconi Sabrina , Stemmerik Mads G. , Durmus Hacer , Kierdaszuk Biruta , Wakelin Andrew , Andreu Antoni L. , Pinós Tomàs , Marti Ramon , Quinlivan Ros , Vissing John
Published: November 2020

Background

The European registry for patients with McArdle disease and other muscle glycogenoses (EUROMAC) was launched to register rare muscle glycogenoses in Europe, to facilitate recruitment for research trials and to learn about the phenotypes and disseminate knowledge about the diseases through workshops and websites. A network of twenty full and collaborating partners from eight European countries and the US contributed data on rare muscle glycogenosis in the EUROMAC registry. After approximately 3 years of data collection, the data in the registry was analysed.

Results

Of 282 patients with confirmed diagnoses of muscle glycogenosis, 269 had McArdle disease. New phenotypic features of McArdle disease were suggested, including a higher frequency (51.4%) of fixed weakness than reported before, normal CK values in a minority of patients (6.8%), ptosis in 8 patients, body mass index above background population and number of comorbidities with a higher frequency than in the background population (hypothyroidism, coronary heart disease).

Conclusions

The EUROMAC project and registry have provided insight into new phenotypic features of McArdle disease and the variety of co-comorbidities affecting people with McArdle disease. This should lead to better management of these disorders in the future, including controlling weight, and preventive screening for thyroid and coronary artery diseases, as well as physical examination with attention on occurrence of ptosis and fixed muscle weakness. Normal serum creatine kinase in a minority of patients stresses the need to not discard a diagnosis of McArdle disease even though creatine kinase is normal and episodes of myoglobinuria are absent.
Downstream or upstream administration of P2Y12 receptor blockers in non-ST elevated acute coronary syndromes: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Mojoli Marco , Varbella Ferdinando , Caporale Roberto , Rigattieri Stefano , Andò Giuseppe , Cirillo Plinio , Pierini Simona , Santarelli Andrea , Sganzerla Paolo , De Cesare Nicoletta , Limbruno Ugo , Lupi Alessandro , Ricci Roberto , Cernetti Carlo , Favero Luca , Saia Francesco , Roncon Loris , Gasparetto Valeria , Ferlini Marco , Ronco Federico , Ferri Luca , Trabattoni Daniela , Russo Alessandra , Guiducci Vincenzo , Penzo Carlo , Tarantino Fabio , Mauro Ciro , Marchese Alfredo , Castiglioni Battistina , La Manna Alessio , Martinato Matteo , Gregori Dario , Angiolillo Dominick J. , Musumeci Giuseppe
Published: November 2020

Background

The optimal timing to administer a P2Y12 inhibitor in patients presenting with a non-ST elevation acute coronary syndrome remains a topic of debate. Pretreatment with ticagrelor before coronary anatomy is known as a widely adopted strategy. However, there is poor evidence on how this compares with administration of a P2Y12 inhibitor after defining coronary anatomy (i.e., downstream administration). Moreover, there are limited head-to-head comparisons of the two P2Y12 inhibitors—ticagrelor and prasugrel—currently recommended by the guidelines.

Study design

DUBIUS is a phase 4, multicenter, parallel-group, double randomized study conducted in NSTE-ACS patients designed to compare a pretreatment strategy (including only ticagrelor) versus a downstream strategy (including prasugrel or ticagrelor) and to compare downstream prasugrel with downstream ticagrelor. A total of 2520 patients will be randomly assigned to pretreatment with ticagrelor or to no pretreatment. The PCI group of the downstream arm will be further randomized to receive prasugrel or ticagrelor. The two primary hypotheses are that the downstream strategy is superior to the upstream strategy and that downstream ticagrelor is non-inferior to downstream prasugrel, both measured by the incidence of a composite efficacy and safety endpoint of death from vascular causes, non-fatal MI, or non-fatal stroke, and Bleeding Academic Research Consortium (BARC) type 3, 4, and 5 bleedings.

Conclusions

The DUBIUS study will provide important evidence related to the benefits and risks of pretreatment with ticagrelor compared with a strategy of no pretreatment. Moreover, the clinical impact of using downstream ticagrelor compared with downstream prasugrel will be assessed.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02618837. Registered on 1 December 2015.
Bladder rupture due to urogenital tract trauma caused by ox horn injury in a patient with pelvic organ prolapse: a case report
Authors: Mengistu Zelalem , Molla Mezigebu
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Genitourinary tract trauma caused by ox horn injury in the presence of pelvic organ prolapse (POP) is an extremely rare phenomenon and associated with devastating morbidity.

Case presentation

A 50-year-old multiparous postmenopausal woman from rural northwest Ethiopia presented with the primary complaint of urinary incontinence 6 days after she suffered ox horn injury to her prolapsed genitalia. She had stage 3 pelvic organ prolapse with the leading point being the cervix. The anterior vaginal and posterior bladder walls were disrupted with visible draining of the left ureter. The wound was dirty and edematous with whitish discharge. She was admitted to the urogynecology ward and provided with wound care until the infection subsided. Apical prolapse suspension was performed using right sacrospinous fixation, and bladder repair was carried out 6 weeks following the prolapse suspension. She recovered well and was continent when discharged.

Conclusion

Ox horn injury involving the female lower urogenital tract in the presence of POP is extremely rare. Late presentation after sustaining injury is associated with increased risk of morbidity and long hospital stay, and treatment requires multistage surgery.
Do descriptive norms messaging interventions backfire? Protocol for a systematic review of the boomerang effect
Authors: Kuang Jinyi , Delea Maryann G. , Thulin Erik , Bicchieri Cristina
Published: November 2020

Background

Descriptive norms messaging interventions are used to motivate people to adopt or maintain desirable behaviors. Such interventions provide people with information that describes an undesirable behavior as uncommon or a desirable behavior as prevalent within a relevant social group. Descriptive norms messaging interventions have shown promise in increasing individual and social benefit for a broad range of health and sustainability programs. However, evidence suggests that people who have adopted desirable behaviors sometimes regress to undesirable behaviors after receiving descriptive norms messages due to the type of information provided in the messages. This phenomenon is called the boomerang effect. We aim to conduct a systematic review of boomerang effects on health and environmental sustainability behaviors resulting from exposure to descriptive norms messaging interventions.

Methods

We will employ our search strategy to identify studies of descriptive norms messaging interventions published prior to December 31, 2020. We will search the Cochrane Library, Campbell Library, PsycINFO, PubMed, Social Science Research Network (SSRN), and Web of Science to retrieve peer-reviewed articles published in English. We will restrict inclusion to studies (e.g., randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental studies, and observational studies) of health and environmental sustainability interventions that assess behaviors before and after exposure to descriptive norms messaging. Two reviewers will independently extract data about study populations and design, intervention components, and behavioral measures. We will use the revised Cochrane Risk of Bias assessment tool (RoB2) and Risk Of Bias in Non-randomized Studies—of Intervention (ROBINS-I) to assess the risk of bias, and the Liverpool Quality Assessment Tool (LQAT) to assess the quality of evidence. We will conduct thematic analyses to codify interventions, and examine intervention effects across subgroups of individuals based on their behavior prior to intervention exposure (e.g., those practicing desirable behaviors vs. undesirable behaviors). We will also conduct moderator analyses to determine whether boomerang effects are contingent upon other factors including intervention framing and delivery modality.

Discussion

This systematic review will provide information about descriptive norms messaging intervention effects across subgroups of individuals and elucidate factors that potentially moderate boomerang effects. The review will yield evidence-based recommendations for the structure and content of descriptive norms messages that can be employed to avoid unintended boomerang effects within the context of health and sustainability programming.

Systematic review registration

PROSPEROCRD42020156989
Mapping evidence on HIV status awareness among key and vulnerable populations in sub-Sahara Africa: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Avoka Clement , Adzordor Patience , Bawontuo Vitalis , Akila Diana A. , Kuupiel Desmond
Published: November 2020

Background

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continue to be a major public health issue, especially in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Literature shows significant HIV status awareness, testing, and treatment have generally improved among the population since the inception of the UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme. Despite this, it is possible literature gaps exist that require future research to inform in-country programmes to improve the gains post-UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme. This study, therefore, aims to synthesize literature and describe the evidence on HIV status awareness among key and vulnerable populations in SSA focusing on the first UNAIDS 90 since it is essential for treatment initiation.

Method

This systematic scoping review will be guided by the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and improved by Levac and colleagues. Literature searches will be conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Science Direct from 2016 to 2020. A snowball approach will also be used to search for relevant articles from the reference of all included studies. This study will include both published and grey literature, articles that include HIV key and vulnerable populations, HIV status awareness, and evidence from SSA countries. Two reviewers will independently conduct the abstract and full-text article screening as well as pilot the data extraction form. Thematic content analysis and a summary of the themes and sub-themes will be reported narratively.

Discussions

The evidence that will be provided by this study may be useful to inform in-country programmes to improve the gains made post-UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme from 2021 onwards. This study also anticipates identifying literature gaps to guide researchers interested in this field of study in the future. Peer review journals, policy briefs, and conference platforms will be used to disseminate this study’s findings.
Estimation of soil loss using remote sensing and GIS-based universal soil loss equation in northern catchment of Lake Tana Sub-basin, Upper Blue Nile Basin, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Balabathina Veera Narayana , Raju R. P. , Mulualem Wuletaw , Tadele Gedefaw
Published: November 2020

Background

Soil erosion is one of the major environmental challenges and has a significant impact on potential land productivity and food security in many highland regions of Ethiopia. Quantifying and identifying the spatial patterns of soil erosion is important for management. The present study aims to estimate soil erosion by water in the Northern catchment of Lake Tana basin in the NW highlands of Ethiopia. The estimations are based on available data through the application of the Universal Soil Loss Equation integrated with Geographic Information System and remote sensing technologies. The study further explored the effects of land use and land cover, topography, soil erodibility, and drainage density on soil erosion rate in the catchment.

Results

The total estimated soil loss in the catchment was 1,705,370 tons per year and the mean erosion rate was 37.89 t ha−1 year−1, with a standard deviation of 59.2 t ha−1 year−1. The average annual soil erosion rare for the sub-catchments Derma, Megech, Gumara, Garno, and Gabi Kura were estimated at 46.8, 40.9, 30.9, 30.0, and 29.7 t ha−1 year−1, respectively. Based on estimated erosion rates in the catchment, the grid cells were divided into five different erosion severity classes: very low, low, moderate, high and extreme. The soil erosion severity map showed about 58.9% of the area was in very low erosion potential (0–1 t ha−1 year−1) that contributes only 1.1% of the total soil loss, while 12.4% of the areas (36,617 ha) were in high and extreme erosion potential with erosion rates of 10 t ha−1 year−1 or more that contributed about 82.1% of the total soil loss in the catchment which should be a high priority. Areas with high to extreme erosion severity classes were mostly found in Megech, Gumero and Garno sub-catchments. Results of Multiple linear regression analysis showed a relationship between soil erosion rate (A) and USLE factors that soil erosion rate was most sensitive to the topographic factor (LS) followed by the support practice (P), soil erodibility (K), crop management (C) and rainfall erosivity factor (R). Barenland showed the most severe erosion, followed by croplands and plantation forests in the catchment.

Conclusions

Use of the erosion severity classes coupled with various individual factors can help to understand the primary processes affecting erosion and spatial patterns in the catchment. This could be used for the site-specific implementation of effective soil conservation practices and land use plans targeted in erosion-prone locations to control soil erosion.
Vitamin C ameliorates tetrahydrocannabinol-induced spermatotoxicity in-vitro
Authors: Alagbonsi Abdullateef Isiaka , Olayaki Luqman Aribidesi
Published: November 2020

Background

We investigated the in-vitro effects of vitamin C on delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) -induced reduction in spermatozoa motility and kinematics.

Methods

Six rats were used for the study. Semen from each of the 6 rats was randomly divided into 6 groups such that each rat’s semen was in all of the groups. Groups I-III received placebo, THC (1 mM), and vitamin C (5 mM) respectively. Group IV was pre-treated with cannabinoid receptors’ blockers (CBs−) 1 and 2, followed by THC. Groups V and VI received THC and vitamin C, but group VI was additionally pre-treated with CBs−.

Results

The spermatozoa progressive motility, average path velocity (VAP), curvilinear velocity (VCL), straight-line velocity (VSL), amplitude of lateral head (ALH) and beat cross frequency (BCF) were reduced by THC (6.08 ± 1.16%; 5.64 ± 0.82 μm/s; 6.96 ± 0.74 μm/s; 2.75 ± 0.23 μm/s; 0.31 ± 0.02 μm; and 0.78 ± 0.08 Hz respectively) but increased by vitamin C (51.20 ± 1.32%; 17.90 ± 0.21 μm/s; 25.11 ± 0.96 μm/s; 8.80 ± 0.27 μm/s; 0.75 ± 0.01 μm; and 3.15 ± 0.03 Hz respectively) when compared to control (39.72 ± 0.38%; 13.70 ± 0.29 μm/s; 18.04 ± 0.58 μm/s; 7.54 ± 0.34 μm/s; 0.65 ± 0.02 μm; and 2.79 ± 0.01 Hz respectively). Vitamin C inhibited the THC-induced reduction in these parameters (37.36 ± 0.73%; 10.98 ± 0.45 μm/s; 13.58 ± 0.30 μm/s; 7.11 ± 0.22 μm/s; 0.58 ± 0.01 μm; and 2.60 ± 0.01 Hz respectively) in the absence of CBs−1 and 2, and even caused additional increases in progressive motility (49.54 ± 1.01%), VAP (15.70 ± 0.38 μm/s) and VCL (22.53 ± 0.29 μm/s) above the control levels with CBs−.

Conclusion

Vitamin C ameliorates the THC-induced reduction in spermatozoa motility in-vitro by modulation of their kinematics.
Autonomic balance determines the severity of COVID-19 courses
Authors: Leitzke M. , Stefanovic D. , Meyer J.-J. , Schimpf S. , Schönknecht P.
Published: November 2020

COVID-19 has left mankind desperately seeking how to manage dramatically rising infection rates associated with severe disease progressions. COVID-19 courses range from mild symptoms up to multiple organ failure and death, triggered by excessively high serum cytokine levels (IL 1β, IL 6, TNF α, IL 8). The vagally driven cholinergic anti-inflammatory pathway (CAP) stops the action of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), the transcriptional factor of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Thus, well-balanced cytokine release depends on adequate vagal signaling. Coronaviruses replicate using NF-κB transcriptional factor as well. By degrading the cytoplasmatic inhibitor of NF-κB subunits (IκB), coronaviruses induce unrestricted NF-κB expression accelerating both, virus replication and cytokine transcription.

We hypothesize that CAP detriment due to depressed vagal tone critically determines the severity of COVID-19.
Biosynthesis, characterization, and in vitro assessment on cytotoxicity of actinomycete-synthesized silver nanoparticles on Allium cepa root tip cells
Authors: Nayaka Sreenivasa , Chakraborty Bidhayak , Bhat Meghashyama Prabhakara , Nagaraja Shashiraj Kareyallappa , Airodagi Dattatraya , Swamy Pallavi Sathyanarayana , Rudrappa Muthuraj , Hiremath Halaswamy , Basavarajappa Dhanyakumara Shivapoojar , Kanakannanavar Bharati
Published: November 2020

Background

The industrial production of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and its commercial applications are being considerably increased in recent times, resulting in the release of AgNPs in the environment and enhanced probability of contaminations and their adverse effects on living systems. Based on this, the present study was conducted to evaluate the in vitro cytotoxicity of actinomycete-synthesized AgNPs on Allium cepa (A. cepa) root tip cells. A green synthesis method was employed for biosynthesis of AgNPs from Streptomyces sp. NS-33. However, morphological, physiological, biochemical, and molecular analysis were carried out to characterize the strain NS-33. Later, the synthesized AgNPs were characterized and antibacterial activity was also carried out against pathogenic bacteria. Finally, cytotoxic activity was evaluated on A. cepa root tip cells.

Results

Results showed the synthesis of spherical and polydispersed AgNPs with a characteristic UV-visible (UV-Vis.) spectral peak at 397 nm and average size was 32.40 nm. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) depicted the presence of silver, whereas Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) studies indicated the presence of various functional groups. The phylogenetic relatedness of Streptomyces sp. NS-33 was found with Streptomyces luteosporeus through gene sequencing. A good antibacterial potential of AgNPs was observed against two pathogenic bacteria. Concerning cytotoxicity, a gradually decreased mitotic index (MI) and increased chromosomal aberrations were observed along with the successive increase of AgNPs concentration.

Conclusions

Therefore, the release of AgNPs into the environment must be prevented, so that it cannot harm plants and other beneficial microorganisms.
Coronary slow flow in patients with impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance
Authors: Metwally Yasser Gaber , Sedrak Heba Kamal , Shaltout Inas Fahiem
Published: November 2020

Background

The relationship between coronary slow flow (CSF) and insulin resistance (IR) is still a subject of debate with conflicting data. So the aim was to assess the relationship between IR as measured by IR index (HOMA-IR) and coronary slow flow as measured by the TIMI frame count in patients which (impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) and IR.

Results

Out of 87 patients enrolled, 64 (73.6%) patients were assigned to the IGT group while 23 (26.4%) patients were assigned to the NGT group. There were significantly higher BMI (30.15 ± 2.29 vs 23.90 ± 2.5, P < 0.001), waist circumference (105.05 ± 9.0.06 vs 92.92 ± 16.5, P < 0.001), and frequency of hypertension (60.9% vs 34.8, P = 0.03). Also, there were significantly higher 2-h post-prandial (hPP) glucose (161 ± 30 vs 110 ± 20, P < 0.05), fasting serum insulin level (9.56 ± 2.5 vs 7.03 ± 2.1, P < 0.001), HDL (40 ± 6.5 vs 49 ± 5.6, P < 0.001), HOMA-IR index (2.84 ± 0.03 vs 1.6 ± 0.05, P < 0.05), and mean TIMI frame count (33 ± 5 vs 26 ± 4, P < 0.001) among the IGT group, while HDL was significantly lower in the IGT group (40 ± 6.5 vs 49 ± 5.6, P < 0.001). There was a highly significant positive correlation between TIMI frame count and HOMA-IR (r = 0.43, P < 0.001); predictors that add significance to the model were age > 50 years, hypertension, high waist circumference, HDL < 35, and HOMA-IR. For HOMA-IR (OR 95% CI = 1.9 (1.05–3.49), P = 0.02 demonstrating that HOMA-IR is a powerful independent predictor of high TIMI frame count (Table 4).

Conclusion

IR is an independent risk factor for slow coronary flow in patients with IGT. Those with evident coronary slow flow, IGT should be managed aggressively even before any evidence of frank diabetes. Also, IR workup should be recommended among the other standard workup for those patients; if documented, targeting IR in such patients should be a priority (whenever possible) while selecting medications for comorbid cardiac disease, as well as using interventions targeted against IR should be considered among the other standard management for slow flow.
Nutrients in finger millet and soil at different elevation gradients in Central Nepal
Authors: Luitel Dol Raj , Siwakoti Mohan , Jha Pramod K.
Published: November 2020

Background

Finger millet, a subsistence food crop, is a unique cereal with high nutritional quality particularly in hilly regions in Nepal. Hence, grain nutrients (protein, calcium, and iron percent) of ten different landraces of finger millet and soil quality (SOC, N, P and K) at different altitudes in central Nepal were analyzed.

Methods

Triplicate finger millet grain samples were collected from ten local landraces cultivated in randomized complete block design (RCBD) experiments at three different elevations (365 m, 1040 m and 1856 m) under the farmer management system for 2 years 2016 and 2017. Similarly, triplicate soil samples were collected from each experiment plot of different elevation. Kjeldahl method was used to determine grain protein and atomic absorption spectrophotometry method was used to determine calcium and iron. Soil nitrogen (N) was estimated by Kjeldahl method, the available phosphorous (P) by a modified Olsen’s method, potassium by Hanway and Heidel method and pH by using digital pH meter.

Results

The protein calcium and iron content in finger millet grain was significantly different (P < 0.05) among the local landraces and elevation levels. In all landraces of finger millet, the grain protein, calcium and iron content was found to increase along the increasing altitude. An average increase of 3.13% protein was found when altitude increased from 365 to 1856 m. However, only 2.04% and 1.09% of average grain protein increased as elevation increased from 365 m to 1040 m and 1040 m to 1856 m, respectively. The average Ca content increased by 0.47% when altitude increased from 365 to 1856 m. Similarly, the average Ca increased by 0.21% and by 0.26% as altitude increased from 365 m to 1040 m, and 1040 m to 1856 m, respectively and an average 0.33% Fe increase was found from 365 to 1856 m altitude. An increase of 0.11% and 0.21% of Fe was found from 365 to 1040 m and from 1040 to 1856 m, respectively. Soils at all experimental sites were acidic. The SOC, P, K of soil also increased with increasing altitude.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated the relationship among nutrients in finger millet (proteins, Ca and Fe), soil components (SOC, N, P and K), and altitudes, with respect to ambient climate. The grain nutrients (Nitrogen, Ca and Fe) of finger millet at higher altitudes were found higher than lower altitudes. Similarly, the temperature and grain nutrients showed strong negative correlation with growing season temperature. This study reveals relations of finger millet nutrients with climatic and soil conditions which are crucial to design the promotion policies of nutrient rich local crops in Nepal.
Cloud computing in geoscience: Mysteries, miseries, and benefits
Authors: Oikonomou Dimitrios , Zabihi Naeini Ehsan , Alaei Behzad , Larsen Eirik
Published: November 2020

Cloud computing has become an integral part of our daily life and work. In the oil and gas industry, cloud computing is becoming increasingly attractive to experts, operators, and software companies. However, we believe that there is still some level of mystery for many geoscientists in what cloud computing can actually offer, what the pros and cons are, and how it is different from the preceding technologies. We attempt to explain some of the mysteries around the concept of cloud computing and furthermore discuss the benefits and shortcomings of the cloud for the oil and gas industry.
Gender equality in academic psychiatry in the UK in 2019
Authors: Dhingra Sukriti , Killaspy Helen , Dowling Sarah
Published: November 2020

Aims and method

To investigate whether gender balance in academic psychiatry in the UK has improved since a 2005 initiative to encourage career progression for female academics in UK universities. We surveyed the gender of academic psychiatrists across the UK and compared our findings with our previous 2003 London-wide survey and with the Royal College of Psychiatrists’ 2001 workforce census.

Results

The percentage of women in academic psychiatry posts in the UK more than doubled, from 20% in 2001 to 40% in 2019, with increases at senior lecturer (from 25 to 50%), reader/associate professor (from 29 to 48%) and professor level (from 11 to 21%). Outside London, men occupy 72% of all posts and 89% of professorial posts. Within London, men occupy 45% of all posts and 74% of professorial posts.

Clinical implications

The representation of women in academic psychiatry has improved but men continue to dominate at professorial level. Gender equality appears worse outside London. The situation is exacerbated by the diminishing availability of posts across the UK.
Applying spectral analysis for identification of alteration zones in north Saveh area, Iran
Authors: Rangzan Kazem , Beyranvand Somayeh , Pourkaseb Hoshang , Ranjbar Hojjatollah , Zarasvandi Alireza
Published: November 2020

An extensive series of volcanic rocks are exposed in the north of Saveh city, Iran, which consist of phyllic, argillic and propylitic hydrothermal alteration types. For the purpose of the investigation, a FieldSpec3® spectroradiometer was used to measure the spectral response of the mineral content of these rocks. The spectral analyses of reflectance curve by The Spectral Geologist (TSG) software could discriminate kaolinite and montmorillonite (argillic), illite, muscovite, phengite and paragonite (phyllic), hornblende and chlorite, siderite (propylitic), hematite and goethite from the gossans. It also detected gypsum of hydrothermal alteration zones. The Advanced Spaceborne Thermal Emission and Reflectance Radiometer (ASTER) image, which was used for mapping the hydrothermal alteration minerals, contains the Visible and Near Infrared (VNIR) wavelengths between 0.52 µm and 0.86 µm, Short Wave Infrared (SWIR) wavelengths between 1.6 µm and 2.43 µm and Thermal Infrared (TIR) wavelengths between 8.125 µm and 11.65 µm with 15, 30 and 90 m spatial resolutions, respectively. For calibration of the ASTER images, the extracted spectra of different rocks and minerals were used for atmospheric and radiometric corrections. Mixture tuned matched filtering (MTMF) and Spectral Angle Mapper (SAM) were applied on ASTER data to map the hydrothermal alteration of minerals. The use of the spectroradiometry techniques in conjunction with other data exhibits the ability of these new methods for non-destructive and rapid identification of mineral types for more detailed investigation. The results show that the area has undergone different levels of hydrothermal alteration, so much so that phyllic, argillic and propylitic types of hydrothermal alteration are present in the study area. This may point to high potential and promising zones for the exploration of porphyry mineralisation.
Thermal Remote Sensing for Water Outflows Detection and Determination of the Role of Lineaments in Underground Hydrodynamics of Evia Island, Central Greece
Authors: Athanasiadou Laoura , Psomiadis Emmanouil , Stamatis Georgios
Published: November 2020

The coastal karst system of Evia Island is developed due to the extended presence of carbonate formations, discharges into the sea either at the coastal zone or via submarine springs, having a direct relation to the tectonic system of the area. Thermal infrared remote sensing has been proved its capability in monitoring thermal differentiations of coastal water plumes. This work aims to locate the freshwater outflows through remote sensing and specific with the use of Landsat’s 8 thermal images and to reveal how the lineaments of the area control this karstification process. L8 contains two thermal bands (Band 10, high gain and Band 11, low gain) with resolution 30m which record the scattering of infrared radiation from the sea surface. Spectral Band 10 was selected due to the high gain characteristics which provide more suitable radiometric resolution (sensitivity). Finally, combing thermal images with geological maps, sea surface temperature (SST) maps have been created.
Urban geology: educational proposal for Geoscience. a case study from the inner city of Athens, Greece.
Authors: Kontokostas George , Antonarakou Asimina , Fountopoulou Marisa , Drinia Hara , Lozios Stelios
Published: November 2020

The limited exploitation and low understanding of geological notions, in modern education in physical sciences, motivated the planning of research procedures about the understanding of rock formations, of recognizing rocks, of informing about geological and hydrographic potential, for students of secondary school of Attica, using techniques entailed in the scientific/educational methodology by inquiry, suggesting educational walking paths through the historical center of Athens. Selected places of the walk trail served our educational aims. Via the educational intervention, students improved their understanding of geological notions, their creativity, their cooperation and their critical thinking. The educational walk trail motivated the students’ interest in the science of geology.
Upper Silurian (Gorstian, Ludfordian, PŘÍDOLÍ) Graptolite Biozonation in the Muhurr area (Albania)
Authors: Pashko Pandeli Llazar
Published: November 2020

Three stratigraphical sections and several outcrops through the upper Silurian graptolite shales of the Muhurr area, Albania have been revised. Based on a new detailed re-examination and re-evaluation of graptolite collections and previously unpublished and published studies, a biozonal scheme with much new biostratigraphical data is established. The graptolite assemblages are dominated by Monograptidae: Neodiversograptus, Saetograptus, Bohemograptus, Colonograptus, Pseudomonoclimacis and Lobograptus which are associated with several Retiolitidae. A total of 37 graptolite species has been identified; selected important species are illustrated. The present study recognized and defined the following seven upper Silurian graptolite biozones: nilssoni and scanicus-chimaera in the Gorstian Stage, leintwardinensis, tenuis and formosus in the Ludfordian Stage and parultimus-ultimus and perneri in the Přídolí Series.