bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tabebuia rosea (pink poui).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: April 2021

T. rosea is a medium to large tree attaining a height of 28-37 m with a d.b.h. of 50-100 cm. It is widespread from Mexico to Peru, Venezuela and Ecuador. T. rosea is a very important species in these regions, its timber is valuable and of good quality, it is excellent to work and has an attractive finish. It shows good performance in forestry plantations and enrichment planting trials, and also has high potential to be used in afforestation projects. This species is also used in agroforestry (e.g. alley cropping), as a live fence, as a shade tree and as an ornamental. It is the national tree of El Salvador.
Balanites aegyptiaca (simple-thorned torchwood).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa
Published: April 2021

B. aegyptiaca has a long history for use as a resource and has diverse traditional and cultural roles in many societies, especially African desert peoples. It has probably been cultivated in Egypt for more than 4000 years; stones of the fruits were placed as votive offerings in the tombs of the Twelfth Dynasty. Biblical connections have also been established, the tree reputedly being the source of one of the ingredients of the perfume 'spikenard' (Holland, 1922). Conventional products from B. aegyptiaca are varied and have prompted local planting and management of the resource even though heavy exploitation of wild trees continues. Commercial exploitation has been shown to be a feasible development option: a US$80 million pharmaceutical and food industry for Sudan has been suggested (Abu-Al-Futuh, 1983). The fruit has potential in industrial utilization. Abu-Al-Futuh (1983) provides information on world production, demand and prices of fruit products and estimates that products worth US$80 million, providing a net revenue of US$25 million, are obtainable from 400,000 tonnes of fruits. Diosgenin, a natural sapogenin, is the most valuable product of B. aegyptiaca, but world demand is threatened by microbiologically-derived steroids. However, natural sapogenins could support growing pharmaceutical industries in developing countries which may lack the technology for manufacturing sapogenins (Abu-Al-Futuh, 1983; Davis et al., 1983). World demand for fermentation products is also increasing, together with alcohols, fuel oil, carbon dioxide, etc. and products from this tree could support local perfumery and chemical industries. Limited market surveys indicate that debittered kernels and vegetable oil are valued foods and wider markets could be sought. Seed cake and fermentation by-products can be used as fodder; the former is a good protein source with potential importance for poor rural areas. B. aegyptiaca generally shows much promise as a multipurpose tree for the Sahelian zone and is highly recommended for plantation trials and agroforestry development. More toxicological testing is necessary before it can be recommended as a food (despite having been eaten for years), but it can be used in the manufacture of many products (diosgenins, fuel oil and fermentation products) which may aid industrial development and provide useful byproducts, for example, protein rich fodder for many developing countries.
Analysis of Critical Thinking Skills Based on Learning Motivation, Responsibility, and Physics Learning Discipline of Senior High School Students in Takalar
Authors: Dewanthikumala  , Jasruddin  , Abdullah H
Published: April 2021

This study is a correlational research, which aims to (1) describe learning motivation, responsibility, learning discipline, and critical thinking skills in physics, (2) analyze the correlation between learning motivation and critical thinking skills in physics, (3) analyze the correlation between responsibility and critical thinking skills in physics, and (4) analyze the correlation between learning discipline and critical thinking skills in physics. The research variables were learning motivation, responsibility, and learning discipline as the independent variables; whereas, critical thinking skills in physics was the dependent variable. The subjects of the study were all students in grade XI IPA at senior high school students in Takalar regency of academic year 2019/2020 with 288 students. Data collection techniques in the study were collected through questionnaires and multiple choice tests. Analysis of the data used in the study used theoretical and empirical data analysis where the hypothesis was determined through three predictor regression analysis. Based on the result of statistics descriptive analysis, it is obtained that learning motivation, responsibility, learning discipline, and critical thinking skills of students in physics are in moderate category. Whereas, the results of hypothesis test analysis indicate that there is a positive and significant correlation between learning motivation and critical thinking skills in physics; responsibility and critical thinking skills in physics; learning discipline and critical thinking skills in physics; learning motivation, responsibility, learning discipline, and critical thinking skills in physics.
Determination the Magnitude of Completeness, b-Value and a-Value for Seismicity Analysis in East Java, Indonesia
Authors: Chasanah U , Handoyo E
Published: April 2021

Determine of magnitude of completeness (Mc), b-value and a-value are essential for a correct interpretation of seismicity analysis earthquake catalogue IRIS of East Java, Indonesia during the period 1990-2020. All estimated parameters were analyzed by apply The Maximum Curvature (MAXC) method. This method is a fast and straightforward way to estimating Mc and consists in determining the point of the maximum curvature by calculating the maximum value of the first derivative of the Frequency-Magnitude distribution (FMD) curve. In practice, this matches the magnitude bin with the highest occurrence frequency of events in the cumulative and non-cumulative of FMD. The value of the magnitude of completeness, which was evaluated on the frequency-magnitude distribution, was found range from Mc 3.4 to 4.0. Then, b-value (0.73 to 0.82 ± 0.02) and a-value 5.560 to 6.312 was obtained for the area Wongsorejo and the Montong faults in East Java and which is characterized by more heterogeneous crustal structure. The areas that have low b-value indicated as the area with a high seismic moment release and high stress accumulation. Low b-value areas are located mainly along the Java Trench. Seismicity of East Java is a result of the combined impacts of complex tectonic features. Understanding and clarifying the mechanisms of these tectonic features in relation to Mc, b-value and a-value can help us to better assess seismic risk in subduction zones.
Understanding and Awareness of Undergraduate Physics Student in Earthquake Phenomena in Indonesia: A Response of a Series Earthquakes on July 5-7, 2020 in Java
Authors: Deta U A , Nugraha C P , Lestari N A , Ambasari R , Ain T N , Yantidewi M , Jauhariyah M N R , Prahani B K
Published: April 2021

Earthquakes are a natural disaster that often occurs in Indonesia. This is due to geographic location and very active tectonic conditions. Indonesia experienced both small and large-scale earthquakes which sometimes accompanied by tsunami waves. One of the earthquakes occurred on the island of Java on July 5-7 in succession. From this phenomenon, researchers conducted research that aims to determine the attention or awareness of physics students on the earthquake phenomenon on 5-7 July 2020, to find out students ‘knowledge about the Earthquake Disaster and to find out physics students’ understanding of the Causes of Earthquakes on 5-7 July 2020. This research used the questionnaire method and interview. The respondents in this research were 62 physics students at the State University of Surabaya. The results showed that the dominant response was 61.3% or as many as 38 physics students knew about the earthquake but paid less attention. Meanwhile, physics students ‘understanding of the Earthquake Disaster was included in the intelligible category, and physics students’ understanding of the Causes of the Earthquake on July 7, 2020, obtained the most dominant results, 29% answered that it was caused by the subduction activity of the Indo-Austrian plate. So, it can be concluded that the understanding and awareness of undergraduate physics students in the earthquake phenomenon in Indonesia is still lacking. Therefore, physics students still need to be given in-depth understanding and literacy about the earthquakes.
Effect of Evaporation Deposition Time on Thickness and Impedance Value of Polyaniline Layers
Authors: Putri N P , Yulisetiana E , Santjojo D J D H , Masruroh  , Sakti S P
Published: April 2021

Quartz Crystal Microbalance (QCM) works by using the principle of frequency shifting in quartz crystals due to mass deposition on the surface of the crystals. QCM sensors can be applied as chemical sensors and gas sensors. To increase its sensitivity and selectivity, QCM must be coated with active ingredients, one of which is Polyaniline (Pani). There are several methods for the Pani layer deposition above QCM. In this study, the evaporative deposition method was carried out. The purpose of this study was to analyse the effect of deposition time on the thickness and impedance value of the Pani layer. Before being coated by Pani, QCM was given a polystyrene coating to increase its adhesion. The variation of deposition time used was 10; 15; 30 and 60 seconds. The characterization carried out was measured the impedance of the layer by using an impedance analyser, observing the layer morphology by using an optical microscope, and determining the thickness of the layer using the Saurbrey equation approach. The results showed that the longer the deposition time caused the Pani layer to be deposited thicker and had a more even morphology. The layer impedance value was also getting bigger. The maximum thickness obtained at the deposition time of 60 seconds was 32.21 μm with a layer impedance value of 891.57 Ω. With a huge impedance value, the Pani layer provides a substantial damping effect on QCM.
Investigation of Swelling Ratio and Textures Analysis of Acrylamide-Nanocellulose Corncobs Hydrogel
Authors: Kurniati M , Nuraini I , Winarti C
Published: April 2021

Corncobs have a high level of cellulose hence making it suitable to be used as the main ingredient in making hydrogels. Hydrogel are crosslinked polymers capable of absorbing water hundreds to thousands of times their dry weight, but are insoluble in water due to the three-dimensional structure of the polymer network. Hydrogel can be synthesized using corncobs cellulose and acrylate-acrylamide with chemical crosslinking methods. This study aims to determine the effect of adding corncobs cellulose and acrylate-acrylamide on hydrogel ability to swelling ratio, gel fraction and texture analysis. Nanohydrogel were synthesized by cellulose concentration by 5-25% while acrylamide was varied 10,12 and 16 %. The treatment concentration ratio of nanocellulose solution to acrylamide also showed a significantly different effect at 5% level. The optimum hydrogel synthesis was the treatment of 10 % cellulose ratio and 16% acrylamide ratio which has a swelling ability of 15152.3% (g/g) and gel fraction 56.6%. The increasing the concentration of cellulose caused the hardness value to be higher but the springiness value tends to decrease. Morphology analysis showed the surface of hydrogels that are porous, has lumps and forms a three-dimensional tissue.
Seed bank persistence of a South American cordgrass in invaded northern Atlantic and Pacific Coast estuaries
Authors: Abbas Ahmed M , Pickart Andrea J , Goldsmith Laurel M , Davenport Desiree N , Newby Britney , Muñoz-Rodríguez Adolfo F , Grewell Brenda J , Castillo Jesús M
Published: April 2021

Invasive alien plant species impart considerable impacts that contribute to the decline of biodiversity worldwide. The ability of an invasive species to overcome barriers to establish and spread in new environments, and the long-term effects of plant invasions supporting their persistence are keys to invasion success. The capacity of introduced species to form soil seed banks can contribute to their invasiveness, yet few studies of invaders have addressed seed bank dynamics. Improved knowledge of this recruitment process can improve conservation management. We studied temporal and spatial changes in soil seed bank characteristics of the cordgrass Spartina densiflora from two continental invaded ranges. In the Odiel Marshes (Southwest Iberian Peninsula), S. densiflora formed transient seed banks (<1 year). At Humboldt Bay Estuary (California), viable seeds persisted for at least 4 years though the germination percentage fell abruptly after the first year from 29 % to less than 5 % of remaining viable seeds. Total soil seed bank density increased with S. densiflora above-ground cover in both estuaries, pointing to the transient component of the seed bank as a critical component of vegetation dynamics during S. densiflora invasion. Even so, seed densities as high as c. 750 seeds m-2 in Odiel Marshes and c. 12 400 seeds m-2 in Humboldt Bay were recorded in some plots without fruiting S. densiflora plants. S. densiflora spikelet (dispersal unit) density was more than double close to the sediment surface than deeper within soil. Our study shows the importance of evaluating seed banks during the design of invasive species management since seed bank persistence may vary among invaded sites, and can affect the timing and duration required for desired management outcomes.
Policy and Professional Responses to Forced Marriage in Scotland
Authors: Chantler Khatidja , Mirza Nughmana , Mackenzie Mhairi
Published: April 2021

This article draws from our mixed methods study of forced marriage (FM) in Scotland focusing on policy and practice responses to FM in Scotland using the concepts of candidacy and structural competency. Through an analysis of FM policy in six case-study areas, interviews with Child or Adult Protection Leads and twenty-one interviews with a range of welfare professionals, we discuss the conceptual, emotional and practical challenges of responding to FM. Despite a standard Scottish Government policy and statutory framework, the varied policy and professional responses to FM across local authorities demonstrate a need for practitioners to be fully cognisant of the ways in which structural inequalities play out in individual lives. The four key themes explored in this article are as follows: (i) patchy ownership of FM policy at a local level; (ii) ‘race anxiety’; (iii) event versus process-based understandings of FM and (iv) the challenges of protecting adults experiencing FM who have capacity. These themes are highly relevant to social work practice and offer a significant and original analysis of the ways in which structural, social and cultural factors shape practitioner understanding, response and support of victims of FM.
Clinical Evaluation of an Improved Metagenomic Next-Generation Sequencing Test for the Diagnosis of Bloodstream Infections
Authors: Jing Chendi , Chen Hongbin , Liang Yong , Zhong Ying , Wang Qi , Li Lifeng , Sun Shijun , Guo Yifan , Wang Ruobing , Jiang Zhi , Wang Hui
Published: April 2021

Background

Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of plasma cell-free DNA has emerged as a promising diagnostic technology for bloodstream infections. However, a major limitation of current mNGS assays is the high rate of false-positive results due to contamination.

Methods

We made novel use of 3 control groups—external negative controls under long-term surveillance, blood samples with a negative result in conventional tests, and a group of healthy people—that were combined and dedicated to distinguishing contaminants arising from specimen collection, sample processing, and human normal flora. We also proposed novel markers to filter out false-positive interspecies calls. This workflow was applied retrospectively to 209 clinical plasma samples from patients with suspected bloodstream infections. Every pathogen identified by the mNGS test was reviewed to assess the diagnostic performance of the workflow.

Results

Our mNGS workflow showed clinical sensitivity of 87.1%, clinical specificity of 80.2%, positive predictive value of 77.9%, and negative predictive value of 88.6% compared with the composite reference standard. Notably, mNGS showed great improvement in clinical specificity compared with the current test while keeping clinical sensitivity at a high level.

Conclusion

The mNGS workflow with multiple control groups dedicated to distinguishing nonpathogen microbes from real causal pathogens has reducing false-positive results. This contribution, with its optimization of workflow and careful use of controls, can help mNGS become a powerful tool for identifying the pathogens responsible for bloodstream infections.
Cardiac Biomarkers in Pediatrics: An Undervalued Resource
Authors: Bohn Mary Kathryn , Steele Shannon , Hall Alexandra , Poonia Jasmin , Jung Benjamin , Adeli Khosrow
Published: April 2021

Background

The clinical use of common cardiac biomarkers, such as brain natriuretic peptides and troponins, has traditionally been limited to adult populations in the assessment of heart failure and acute coronary syndrome, respectively. While many have discounted the value of these markers in pediatric populations, emerging evidence suggests they may be useful in the diagnosis and prognostication of many cardiac and noncardiac pathologies in neonates, children, and adolescents, and an increasing number of pediatric hospitals are routinely measuring cardiac markers in their clinical practice.

Content

This review summarizes and critically evaluates the current literature regarding the application of cardiac biomarkers for clinical decision-making in the pediatric population. Main potential clinical indications discussed herein include primary cardiac disease, immune-related conditions, and noncardiac disease. Important diagnostic and interpretative challenges are also described in relation to each potential indication.

Despite a general lack of clinical awareness regarding the value of cardiac biomarkers in pediatrics, there is increasing literature to support their application in various contexts. Cardiac biomarkers should be considered an undervalued resource in the pediatric population with potential value in the diagnosis and prognosis of myocarditis, congenital heart disease, and heart failure, as well as in the assessment of severity and cardiac involvement in immune-related and other systemic conditions. While interpretation remains challenging in pediatrics due to the age- and sex-specific dynamics occurring throughout growth and development, this should not prevent their application. Future research should focus on defining evidence-based cut-offs for specific indications using the most up-to-date assays.
The presence of Brazilian neologisms in dictionaries
Authors: Alves Ieda Maria , Maroneze Bruno Oliveira
Published: April 2021

This article aims at describing how Brazilian Portuguese dictionaries register lexical innovations by making a comparison between two Portuguese language general-purpose dictionaries which offer recent online versions: Houaiss and Aulete. In order to carry out this comparison, some morphological elements (morphemes and bound bases) and lexical units were chosen. Such elements have recently undergone changes in meaning and usage which may be noticed from the systematic observation of neologisms in Brazilian Portuguese. Our study has revealed that both dictionaries introduce new words and new grammatical usages; they differ in the manner they present the grammatical structures corresponding to these new words.
On the Buck-Stopping Identification of Numbers†
Authors: Kim Dongwoo
Published: April 2021

Kripke observes that the decimal numerals have the buck-stopping property: when a number is given in decimal notation, there is no further question of what number it is. What makes them special in this way? According to Kripke, it is because of structural revelation: each decimal numeral represents the structure of the corresponding number. Though insightful, I argue, this account has some counterintuitive consequences. Then I sketch an alternative account of the buck-stopping property in terms of how we specify the positions of numbers in the progression.
Gravitational wave physics and astronomy in the nascent era
Authors: Arimoto Makoto , Asada Hideki , Cherry Michael L , Fujii Michiko S , Fukazawa Yasushi , Harada Akira , Hayama Kazuhiro , Hosokawa Takashi , Ioka Kunihito , Itoh Yoichi , Kanda Nobuyuki , Kawabata Koji S , Kawaguchi Kyohei , Kawai Nobuyuki , Kobayashi Tsutomu , Kohri Kazunori , Koshio Yusuke , Kotake Kei , Kumamoto Jun , Machida Masahiro N , Matsufuru Hideo , Mihara Tatehiro , Mori Masaki , Morokuma Tomoki , Mukohyama Shinji , Nakano Hiroyuki , Narikawa Tatsuya , Negoro Hitoshi , Nishizawa Atsushi , Ohgami Takayuki , Omukai Kazuyuki , Sakamoto Takanori , Sako Shigeyuki , Sasada Mahito , Sekiguchi Yuichiro , Serino Motoko , Soda Jiro , Sugita Satoshi , Sumiyoshi Kohsuke , Susa Hajime , Suyama Teruaki , Takahashi Hirotaka , Takahashi Kazuya , Takiwaki Tomoya , Tanaka Takahiro , Tanaka Masaomi , Tanikawa Ataru , Tominaga Nozomu , Uchikata Nami , Utsumi Yousuke , Vagins Mark R , Yamada Kei , Yoshida Michitoshi
Published: April 2021

The detections of gravitational waves (GW) by the LIGO/Virgo collaborations provide various possibilities for both physics and astronomy. We are quite sure that GW observations will develop a lot, both in precision and in number, thanks to the continuous work on the improvement of detectors, including the expected new detector, KAGRA, and the planned detector, LIGO-India. On this occasion, we review the fundamental outcomes and prospects of gravitational wave physics and astronomy. We survey the development, focusing on representative sources of gravitational waves: binary black holes, binary neutron stars, and supernovae. We also summarize the role of gravitational wave observations as a probe of new physics.
The effect of nicotine and dextrose on endoplasmic reticulum stress in human coronary artery endothelial cells
Authors: Gonzales Krista , Feng Victoria , Bikkina Priyanka , Landicho Marie Angelica , Haas Michael J , Mooradian Arshag D
Published: April 2021

Cigarette smoking is one of the major causes of coronary artery disease (CAD) as is diabetes. However, nicotine has been generally regarded as safe and is used in smoking cessation programs. This presumption of nicotine safety was examined in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAEC). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress was measured using the secreted alkaline phosphatase (SAP) assay. The ER stress markers inositol-requiring enzyme 1α (IRE1α), phospho-IRE1α, double-stranded RNA-activated protein kinase-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK), phospho-PERK, activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6), and glucose-related protein 78 (GRP78) were measured by western blot. Cell viability was measured using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and crystal violet staining. Intact and cleaved caspase 3, BH3 interacting-domain death agonist (BID), and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) were measured by western blot. In cells transfected with the SAP expression plasmid, treatment with nicotine resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in SAP expression with no noticeable toxicity. Nicotine (10 nM) also increased IRE1α and PERK phosphorylation, and ATF6 and GRP78 expression. Although nicotine at concentrations up to 10 μM did not cause cell death, treatment of HCAEC with 10 nM nicotine in the presence of 13.8 mM dextrose aggravated ER stress, increased cell death, increased cleaved caspase 3 and BID, and decreased BCL2. Nicotine at concentrations commonly achieved in nicotine-replacement therapy (NRT) significantly increased ER stress in HCAEC and aggravated dextrose-induced ER stress and cell apoptosis. People using electronic cigarettes and on NRT may be at increased risk for CAD.
Progression of Kernel Mold on Hazelnut
Authors: Pscheidt Jay W. , Heckert Stephanie
Published: April 2021

Hazelnut kernel mold, caused by a number of fungal species, has been a chronic problem in Pacific Northwest hazelnut production areas for many years. Two highly susceptible breeding selections and two commercial cultivars were used to investigate kernel mold development over time and possible correlations with rainfall. Nuts were allowed to naturally fall onto orchard soil, regularly collected, cracked open, and evaluated for kernel mold. Disease progress for each selection or cultivar was evaluated each year with both linear and exponential models. The general progression of kernel mold was similar for the two breeding selections and cultivars Ennis and Lewis, where kernel mold increased slowly during the nut dropping period but more rapidly after normal harvest. An exponential model described disease progress better than a linear model for 8 of the 10 significant disease progress curves examined. Although some years had significantly higher estimated rates of disease increase, this parameter was inversely related to the area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC). The incidence of kernel mold did not significantly increase over time for 8 of the 18 disease progress curves examined, including 6 of 8 curves for commercial cultivars. The relationship between initial kernel mold incidence and AUDPC was described well with a simple linear model indicating that initial disease incidence appeared to be a good predictor of AUDPC. The longer nuts remained on the ground, especially after harvest, the higher the incidence of kernel mold. Kernel mold incidence was not significantly correlated with rainfall totals for any period of time from flowering to harvest. Multiple harvests ending shortly after all nuts have fallen should result in lower incidence of kernel mold for growers.
An Interrupted Time-Series Analysis of Pediatric Emergency Department Visits During the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Pandemic
Authors: Irvine Michael A. , Portales-Casamar Elodie , Goldman Ran D.
Published: April 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to estimate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on pediatric emergency department (PED) visits after declaration of stay-at-home orders within British Columbia, Canada, and the change in cases by acuity and age for 6 months during the pandemic.

Methods

Retrospective data on PED visits at British Columbia Children's Hospital were collected between December 1, 2019, and August 31, 2020, and for 2 previous years. An interrupted time-series analysis was performed to estimate the difference in daily visits after stay-at-home orders on March 17, 2020, as well as before and after. Further analysis was performed to estimate the drop and recovery of admission and visits by age and acuity.

Results

After adjustment for year and seasonality, we documented a drop in the expected number of daily visits of 83 (95% confidence interval [CI], 78–89) after stay-at-home orders. Thereafter, daily visits increased by 12.9 (95% CI, 11.3–14.4) every month. Probability of admission adjusted for seasonality and acuity increased 6.9% (95% CI, 4.9%–9.0%) after stay-at-home orders and decreased in the odds of −0.7% (95% CI, −1% to −0.4%) monthly thereafter.

Conclusions

The coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic has had a dramatic and lasting impact on the number of PED visits, with contracted rates 6 months into the pandemic. Further increase in acuity-adjusted rate of admissions after stay at home orders suggests that individuals may be delaying arrival to the emergency department. Further assessment is needed to determine if patients are seeking care through other venues or not seeking care altogether.
Responding to a Behavioral Health Crisis
Authors: Esposito Jeremy , Lavelle Jane , M'Farrej Mirna , Jhonsa Anik , Perry Erin , Felix Amy , Crescenzo Kelly , Abbadessa Mary Kate F. , Hayes Katie
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Emergency department (ED) visits for behavioral health (BH) emergencies continue to rise, and institutions across the country encounter barriers and struggle to put BH processes in place to address their needs. After learning of an unanticipated closure of a local psychiatric crisis response center (CRC), our ED implemented quality improvement interventions to respond to an acute surge of BH patients.

Methods

Interventions included an enhanced BH database, the role of social workers as extenders, shared electronic health record documentation, increased staffing, clinical pathway updates, and processes to improve communication. We aimed to develop a care model to maintain safe care with timely evaluation and patient disposition despite an anticipated surge of ED patients.

Results

After the CRC closure, 7383 patients met our cohort definition over 18 months, whereas 4326 patients met the cohort definition in the 18 months prior the CRC closure. Of the total patients seen in the study period, 42% were evaluated by the ED team with psychiatry and social work, and the median length of stay for discharged patients evaluated by this team decreased from 4.2 hours to 3.5 hours after CRC closure.

Conclusions

A multifaceted approach allowed our ED to successfully respond to an unexpected surge of BH patients. Other institutions may be able to apply a population health and quality improvement approach when addressing the rising prevalence of ED BH visits. Future studies and practices should explore the optimal role of the acute care setting in the continuum of care of these patients.
The role of cytokines in enhanced recovery after surgery
Authors: Weledji Elroy P.
Published: April 2021

Immune response and metabolic regulation are highly integrated and the proper function of each is dependent on the other. Cytokines are helpful towards the host response but potentially hazardous if uncontrollable or in excess. This is seen metabolically in the ‘diabetes of injury’ and the immunosuppression that follows major surgery or trauma. The brief review evaluates the role of cytokines in the metabolic response to surgery and the association with the new insight of enhanced recovery after surgery.
Gadoxetate Disodium-Enhanced Imaging of Gradenigo Syndrome in End-Stage Renal Disease
Authors: Sattarova Victoria , Gencturk Mehmet , Lee Michael S. , McClelland Collin M.
Published: April 2021

A 65-year-old man with end-stage renal disease on peritoneal dialysis was admitted for new onset binocular double vision, failure to thrive, and debilitating right-sided headaches. Medical history was significant for tympanomastoidectomy for polymicrobial mastoiditis and treatment with IV antibiotics. MRI brain without contrast was read by radiology initially as showing expected postsurgical changes; however, given patient's history of mastoiditis infection, there was a high clinical suspicion for Gradenigo syndrome. MRI brain was repeated with gadoxetate contrast to minimize the risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in a patient with severe renal disease and this revealed an intracranial empyema involving both the trigeminal and abducens nerves confirming the diagnosis of Gradenigo syndrome. This case presented a diagnostic challenge because of suboptimal visualization on initial nonenhanced MRI. Gadoxetate was chosen because of its unique properties including high hepatobiliary excretion making it a safer form of gadolinium-based contrast agent that may not have the potential to precipitate NSF.
Shared genetic etiology between cortical brain morphology and tobacco, alcohol, and cannabis use
Authors: Rabinowitz Jill A. , Campos Adrian I. , Ong Jue-Sheng , García-Marín Luis M. , Alcauter Sarael , Mitchell Brittany L. , Grasby Katrina S. , Cuéllar-Partida Gabriel , Gillespie Nathan A. , Huhn Andrew S. , Martin Nicholas G. , Thompson Paul M. , Medland Sarah E. , Maher Brion S. , Rentería Miguel E.
Published: April 2021

Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have independently identified hundreds of genomic regions associated with brain morphology and substance use. However, the genetic overlap between brain structure and substance use has not been characterized. Here we leverage GWAS summary data of 71 brain imaging measures and alcohol, tobacco, and cannabis use to investigate their genetic overlap using LD score regression. We also used genomic structural equation modeling to model a ‘substance use common genetic factor’ and examined its genetic overlap with brain structure. After accounting for multiple testing, we identified eight significant negative genetic correlations, including between alcoholic drinks per week and average cortical thickness and intracranial volume with the age of smoking initiation; and five positive genetic correlations, including between insula surface area and lifetime cannabis use, and between the common factor with pericalcarine surface area. Our findings highlight a shared genetic etiology between variation in cortical brain morphology and substance use.
Sex Differences in Brain Structures and Functional Connectivity among Patients with Bipolar I Disorder
Authors: Li Ming-Yang , Tsai Shih-Jen , Yang Albert C.
Published: April 2021

Objectives

Studies have demonstrated that sex differences may play a crucial role in the alternations of brain structures in individuals with bipolar disorder, but findings are not consistent. The current study identified sex differences in brain structure and function among a large sample of individuals with bipolar I disorder (BD-I).

Methods

Structural and functional magnetic resonance imaging datasets were acquired from 105 individuals with BD-I (36 men and 69 women) and 210 healthy adults (72 men and 138 women). A general linear regression model was used for voxel-wise analysis of grey matter (GM) and functional connectivity. Age, sex, diagnosis, and sex-by-diagnosis interaction were defined as predictors.

Results

In GM, the left caudate (p < .001), left thalamus (p < .001), right caudate (p = .003), right thalamus (p < .001), left anterior cingulate gyrus (p = .015), and left middle/posterior cingulate gyrus (p = .022) exhibited sex-by-diagnosis interaction. Furthermore, by using these six brain regions as seeds, we observed sex-by-diagnosis interaction in the alteration of functional connectivity between the left thalamus and right angular gyrus (p = .019).

Conclusions

Our data revealed a sex-by-diagnosis interaction associated with structure and function of the limbic system in individuals with BD-I. These findings may serve as reference for future studies on the pathophysiology of bipolar disorder.
Simultaneous Monitoring of Disease and Microbe Dynamics Through Plasma DNA Sequencing in Pediatric Patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Barsan Valentin , Xia Yuntao , Klein David , Gonzalez-Pena Veronica , Youssef Sarah , Inaba Yuki , Mahmud Ousman , Natarajan Sivaraman , Agarwal Vibhu , Pang Yakun , Autry Robert , Pui Ching-Hon , Inaba Hiroto , Evans William , Gawad Charles
Published: April 2021

Treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) necessitates continuous risk assessment of leukemic disease burden as well as infections that arise in the setting of immunosuppression and myelosuppression. This study was performed to assess the feasibility of a hybrid capture NGS panel to longitudinally measure molecular leukemic disease clearance and microbial species abundance in 20 pediatric patients with ALL throughout induction chemotherapy. This proof-of-concept helps establish a technical and conceptual framework that we anticipate will be expanded and applied to additional patients with leukemias, as well as extended to additional cancers. Molecular monitoring can help to accelerate the attainment of insights into the temporal biology of host-microbe-leukemia interactions, including how those changes correlate with and alter anticancer therapy efficacy. We also anticipate fewer invasive bone marrow aspirations or biopsies will be required as these methods improve with standardization and are validated for clinical use.

Key Points

A custom-designed hybridization capture next generation sequencing (NGS) panel noninvasively and quantitatively measures leukemic disease burden and microbial species abundance through serial peripheral blood draws throughout induction chemotherapy.

Sequencing of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) alongside microbial cell free DNA (mcfDNA) in the same sample reveals the effectiveness of chemotherapy alongside the immunosuppressive consequences of cytotoxic therapy.

Efforts to incorporate ctDNA and mcfDNA NGS monitoring in higher risk patient populations have the potential to uncover mechanisms of response, resistance, and infectious complications that correlate with patient outcomes.
Factors associated with nonessential workplace attendance during the Covid-19 pandemic in the UK in early 2021: evidence from cross-sectional surveys
Authors: Michie Susan , Potts Henry WW , West Robert , Amlot Richard , Smith Louise E , Fear Nicola T , Rubin G James
Published: April 2021

Background and aims

Working from home where possible is important in reducing spread of Covid-19. In early 2021, a quarter of people in England who believed they could work entirely from home reported attending their workplace. To inform interventions to reduce this, this study examined associated factors.

Methods

Data from the ongoing CORSAIR survey series of nationally representative samples of people in the UK aged 16+ years in January-February 2021 were used. The study sample was 1422 respondents who reported that they could work completely from home. The outcome measure was self-reported workplace attendance at least once during the preceding week. Factors of interest were analysed in three blocks: 1) sociodemographic variables, 2) variables relating to respondents’ circumstances, and 3) psychological variables.

Results

26.8% (95%CI=24.5%-29.1%) of respondents reported having attended their workplace at least once in the preceding week. Sociodemographic variables and living circumstances significantly independently predicted non-essential workplace attendance: male gender (OR=1.85,95%CI=1.33-2.58), dependent children in the household (OR=1.65,95%CI=1.17-2.32), financial hardship (OR=1.14,95%CI=1.08-1.21), socio-economic grade C2DE (OR=1.74, 95%CI=1.19-2.53), working in sectors such as health or social care (OR=4.18, 95%CI=2.56-6.81), education and childcare (OR=2.45, 95%CI=1.45-4.14) and key public service (OR=3.78, 95%CI=1.83-7.81), and having been vaccinated (OR=2.08,95%CI=1.33-3.24).

Conclusions

Non-essential workplace attendance in the UK in early 2021 during the Covid-19 pandemic was significantly independently associated with a range of sociodemographic variables and personal circumstances. Having been vaccinated, financial hardship, socio-economic grade C2DE, having a dependent child at home, working in certain key sectors were associated with higher likelihood of workplace attendance.
Genomic monitoring unveil the early detection of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.351 lineage (20H/501Y.V2) in Brazil
Authors: Slavov Svetoslav Nanev , Leister Patané José Salvatore , Santos Bezerra Rafael dos , Giovanetti Marta , Fonseca Vagner , Martins Antonio Jorge , Viala Vincent Louis , Rodrigues Evandra Strazza , dos Santos Elaine Vieira , dos Santos Barros Claudia Renata , Marqueze Elaine Cristina , Santos Bibiana , Aburjaile Flavia , Neto Raul Machado , Moretti Debora Botequio , Haddad Ricardo , Calado Rodrigo Tocantins , Paulo Kitajima João , Freitas Erika , Schlesinger David , de Alcantara Luiz Carlos Junior , Elias Maria Carolina , Sampaio Sandra Coccuzzo , Kashima Simone , Covas Dimas Tadeu
Published: April 2021

Sao Paulo State, the most populous area in Brazil, currently experiences a second wave of the COVID-19 pandemic which overwhelmed the healthcare system. Recently, due to the paucity of SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences, we established a Network for Pandemic Alert of Emerging SARS-CoV-2 Variants to rapidly understand the spread of SARS-CoV-2 and monitor in nearly real-time the circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants into the state. Through full genome analysis of 217 SARS-CoV-2 complete genome sequences obtained from the largest regional health departments we were able to identify the co-circulation of multiple SARS-CoV-2 lineages such as i) B.1.1 (0.92%), ii) B.1.1.1 (0.46%), iii) B.1.1.28 (25.34%), iv) B.1.1.7 (5.99%), v) B.1.566 (1.84%), vi) P.1 (64.05%), and P.2 (0.92%). Further our analysis allowed the detection, for the first time in Brazil of the South African variant of concern (VOC), the B.1.351 (501Y.V2) (0.46%). The identified lineage was characterized by the presence of the following mutations: ORF1ab: T265I, R724K, S1612L, K1655N, K3353R, SGF 3675_F3677del, P4715L, E5585D; Spike: D80A, D215G, L242_L244del, A262D, K417N, E484K, N501Y, D614G, A701V, C1247F; ORF3a: Q57H, S171L, E: P71L; ORF7b: Y10F, N: T205I; ORF14: L52F. Origin of the most recent common ancestor of this genomic variant was inferred to be between middle October to late December 2020. Analysis of generated sequences demonstrated the predominance of the P.1 lineage and allowed the early detection of the South African strain for the first time in Brazil. Our findings highlight the importance to increase active monitoring to ensure the rapid detection of new SARS-CoV-2 variants with a potential impact in pandemic control and vaccination strategies.
Use of multiple Polygenic Risk Scores for distinguishing Schizophrenia-spectrum disorder and Affective psychosis categories; the EUGEI study
Authors: Rodriguez Victoria , Alameda Luis , Quattrone Diego , Tripoli Giada , Gayer-Anderson Charlotte , Spinazzola Edoardo , Trotta Giulia , Jongsma Hannah E , Stilo Simona , Cascia Caterina La , Ferraro Laura , Barbera Daniele La , Lasalvia Antonio , Tosato Sarah , Tarricone Ilaria , Bonora Elena , Jamain Stéphane , Selten Jean-Paul , Velthorst Eva , de Haan Lieuwe , Llorca Pierre-Michel , Arrojo Manuel , Bobes Julio , Bernardo Miguel , Arango Celso , Kirkbride James , Jones Peter B , Rutten Bart P , Richards Alexander , Sham Pak C , O’Donovan Michael , Van Os Jim , Morgan Craig , Forti Marta Di , Murray Robin M , Vassos Evangelos
Published: April 2021

Schizophrenia (SZ), Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Depression (D) run in families. This susceptibility is partly due to hundreds or thousands of common genetic variants, each conferring a fractional risk. The cumulative effects of the associated variants can be summarised as a polygenic risk score (PRS). Using data from the EUGEI case-control study, we aimed to test whether PRSs for three major psychiatric disorders (SZ, BD, D) and for intelligent quotient (IQ) as a neurodevelopmental proxy, can discriminate affective psychosis (AP) from schizophrenia-spectrum disorder (SSD). Participants (573 cases, 1005 controls) of european ancestry from 17 sites as part of the EUGEI study were successfully genotyped following standard quality control procedures. Using standardised PRS for SZ, BD, D, and IQ built from the latest available summary statistics, we performed simple or multinomial logistic regression models adjusted for 10 principal components for the different clinical comparisons. In case-control comparisons PRS-SZ, PRS-BD and PRS-D distributed differentially across psychotic subcategories. In case-case comparison, both PRS-SZ (OR=0.7, 95 %CI 0.53-0.92) and PRS-D (OR=1.29, 95%CI 1.05-1.6) differentiated global AP from SSD; and within AP categories, only PRS-SZ differentiated BD from psychotic depression (OR=2.38, 95%CI 1.32-4.29). Combining PRS for severe psychiatric disorders in prediction models for psychosis phenotypes can increase discriminative ability and improve our understanding of these phenotypes. Our results point towards potential usefulness of PRSs for diagnostic prediction in specific populations such as high-risk or early psychosis phases.
SARS-CoV-2 infectivity by viral load, S gene variants and demographic factors and the utility of lateral flow devices to prevent transmission
Authors: Lee Lennard YW , Rozmanowski Stefan , Pang Matthew , Charlett Andre , Anderson Charlotte , Hughes Gareth J , Barnard Matthew , Peto Leon , Vipond Richard , Sienkiewicz Alex , Hopkins Susan , Bell John , Crook Derrick W , Gent Nick , Walker A Sarah , Peto Tim EA , Eyre David W
Published: April 2021

Background

How SARS-CoV-2 infectivity varies with viral load is incompletely understood. Whether rapid point-of-care antigen lateral flow devices (LFDs) detect most potential transmission sources despite imperfect sensitivity is unknown.

Methods

We combined SARS-CoV-2 testing and contact tracing data from England between 01-September-2020 and 28-February-2021. We used multivariable logistic regression to investigate relationships between PCR-confirmed infection in contacts of community-diagnosed cases and index case viral load, S gene target failure (proxy for B.1.1.7 infection), demographics, SARS-CoV-2 incidence, social deprivation, and contact event type. We used LFD performance to simulate the proportion of cases with a PCR-positive contact expected to be detected using one of four LFDs.

Results

231,498/2,474,066 (9%) contacts of 1,064,004 index cases tested PCR-positive. PCR-positive results in contacts independently increased with higher case viral loads (lower Ct values) e.g., 11.7%(95%CI 11.5-12.0%) at Ct=15 and 4.5%(4.4-4.6%) at Ct=30. B.1.1.7 infection increased PCR-positive results by ∼50%, (e.g. 1.55-fold, 95%CI 1.49-1.61, at Ct=20). PCR-positive results were most common in household contacts (at Ct=20.1, 8.7%[95%CI 8.6-8.9%]), followed by household visitors (7.1%[6.8-7.3%]), contacts at events/activities (5.2%[4.9-5.4%]), work/education (4.6%[4.4-4.8%]), and least common after outdoor contact (2.9%[2.3-3.8%]). Contacts of children were the least likely to test positive, particularly following contact outdoors or at work/education. The most and least sensitive LFDs would detect 89.5%(89.4-89.6%) and 83.0%(82.8-83.1%) of cases with PCR-positive contacts respectively.

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infectivity varies by case viral load, contact event type, and age. Those with high viral loads are the most infectious. B.1.1.7 increased transmission by ∼50%. The best performing LFDs detect most infectious cases.

Key points

In 2,474,066 contacts of 1,064,004 SARS-CoV-2 cases, PCR-positive tests in contacts increased with higher index case viral loads, the B.1.1.7 variant and household contact. Children were less infectious. Lateral flow devices can detect 83.0-89.5% of infections leading to onward transmission.