bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical performance of a machine-learning algorithm to predict intra-operative hypotension with noninvasive arterial pressure waveforms
Authors: Wijnberge Marije , van der Ster Björn J.P. , Geerts Bart F. , de Beer Friso , Beurskens Charlotte , Emal Dina , Hollmann Markus W. , Vlaar Alexander P.J. , Veelo Denise P.
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

Intra-operative hypotension is associated with adverse postoperative outcomes. A machine-learning-derived algorithm developed to predict hypotension based on arterial blood pressure (ABP) waveforms significantly reduced intra-operative hypotension. The algorithm calculates the likelihood of hypotension occurring within minutes, expressed as the Hypotension Prediction Index (HPI) which ranges from 0 to 100. Currently, HPI is only available for patients monitored with invasive ABP, which is restricted to high-risk procedures and patients. In this study, the performance of HPI, employing noninvasive continuous ABP measurements, is assessed.

OBJECTIVES

The first aim was to compare the performance of the HPI algorithm, using noninvasive versus invasive ABP measurements, at a mathematically optimal HPI alarm threshold (Youden index). The second aim was to assess the performance of the algorithm using a HPI alarm threshold of 85 that is currently used in clinical trials. Hypotension was defined as a mean arterial pressure (MAP) below 65 mmHg for at least 1 min. The predictive performance of the algorithm at different HPI alarm thresholds (75 and 95) was studied.

DESIGN

Observational cohort study.

SETTING

Tertiary academic medical centre.

PATIENTS

Five hundred and seven adult patients undergoing general surgery.

RESULTS

The performance of the algorithm with invasive and noninvasive ABP input was similar. A HPI alarm threshold of 85 showed a median [IQR] time from alarm to hypotension of 2.7 [1.0 to 7.0] min with a sensitivity of 92.7 (95% confidence interval [CI], 91.2 to 94.3), specificity of 87.6 (95% CI, 86.2 to 89.0), positive predictive value of 79.9 (95% CI, 77.7 to 82.1) and negative predictive value of 95.8 (95% CI, 94.9 to 96.7). A HPI alarm threshold of 75 provided a lower positive predictive value but a prolonged time from prediction to actual hypotension.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that the algorithm can be employed using continuous noninvasive ABP waveforms. This opens up the potential to predict and prevent hypotension in a larger patient population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Clinical trials registration number NCT03533205.
Swallowing ability and intra-oral water-retaining ability during moderate propofol sedation in healthy human volunteers
Authors: Hanamoto Hiroshi , Togawa Eriko , Yokoe Chizuko , Niwa Hitoshi
Published: April 2021

BACKGROUND

The cough reflex or aspiration under monitored anaesthesia care might be associated with sedative-induced changes in swallowing and intra-oral water-retaining abilities.

OBJECTIVES

To investigate the effects of moderate propofol sedation on swallowing and intra-oral water-retaining ability.

DESIGN

Prospective observational study.

SETTING

Single tertiary care centre during 2017.

PARTICIPANTS

A total of 13 healthy adult volunteers.

INTERVENTION

Volunteers in the supine position were asked to retain 10 ml of orally injected water for 5 min. After 5 minutes or when the water was spontaneously swallowed, the retention time and residual intra-oral water volume were measured. Subjects then voluntarily swallowed a further 10 ml of injected water and the residual water volume was measured. This whole process was repeated under sedation with propofol at effect-site concentrations of 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5 μg ml−1.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome was the estimated volume swallowed (swallowing volume); the secondary outcome was water retention time.

RESULTS

Median water retention time decreased from 300 to 11 s (P < 0.001), and greater spontaneous swallowing was induced with increased propofol effect-site concentrations measuring up to 1.5 μg ml−1 (P < 0.001). The median of the estimated swallowing volumes with voluntary swallowing while awake and with all three concentrations of propofol were 9.5, 9.6, 9.6 and 9.4 ml, respectively (P = 0.805); more water remained after spontaneous swallowing than after voluntary swallowing at all concentrations. Differences in mean estimated swallowing volumes between voluntary and spontaneous swallowing were 3.4 ml (95% CI, 0.9 to 6.0, P = 0.016) for 0.5 μg ml−1, 4.1 ml (95% CI, 1.8 to 6.3, P = 0.002) for 1.0 μg ml−1 and 5.1 ml (95% CI, 3.4 to 6.8, P < 0.001) for 1.5 μg ml−1.

CONCLUSIONS

Moderate propofol sedation decreases water-retaining ability but has no effect on voluntary swallowing. Ensuring that patients can respond under sedation may effectively prevent the unexpected cough reflex and aspiration by enabling occasional voluntary swallowing.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

UMIN Clinical Trials Registry identifier: UMIN000027517.
PDSS2 Inhibits the Ferroptosis of Vascular Endothelial Cells in Atherosclerosis by Activating Nrf2
Authors: Yang Kai , Song Hejian , Yin Delu
Published: April 2021

Cardiovascular disease ranks the leading cause of mortality worldwide. Prenyldiphosphate synthase subunits collectively participate in the formation and development of atherosclerosis (AS). This study aimed to investigate the role of PDSS2 in AS and its underlying mechanisms. Human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs) were treated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein to establish the AS model. The gene expression levels were determined by qRT-PCR, Western blot, and ELISA. CCK-8, colony formation was applied to determine the proliferation of HCAECs. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay and luciferase assay were applied to verify the interaction between PDSS2 and Nrf2. The results showed that the serum levels of PDSS2 and Nrf2 were decreased in patients with AS. Overexpression of PDSS2 suppressed the release of reactive oxygen species, iron content and ferroptosis of HCAECs, and promoted the proliferation of HCAECs. Moreover, PDSS2 activated antioxidant Nrf2. PDSS2 interacted with Nrf2 to alleviate the ferroptosis of HCAECs. However, knockdown of Nrf2 alleviated the effects of PDSS2 on the proliferation and ferroptosis of HCAECs. In vivo assays, overexpression of PDSS2 and Nrf2 suppressed the progression of AS. In conclusion, overexpression of PDSS2 suppressed the ferroptosis of HCAECs by promoting the activation of Nrf2 pathways. Thence PDSS2 may play a cardio-protective role in AS.
Large Hemorrhagic Extrascleral Ciliary Body Melanoma Recurrence Treated With Transarterial Embolization and Coiling Followed by Exenteration
Authors: Weber Johannes , Flatz Lukas , Sommacal Andreas , Varde Meghana Anika
Published: April 2021

A 59-year-old male patient who suffered from a systemically metastasized, large extrascleral uveal melanoma recurrence of the left eye presented with active hemorrhage from the tumor. He had undergone proton beam irradiation for an epithelioid ciliary body melanoma 4 years before presentation and was lost to follow-up. Magnetic resonance angiography showed vascularization of the lesion via the ophthalmic and maxillary artery. Selective transarterial embolization of the tumor was conducted with polyvinyl alcohol microparticles followed by coiling of the supplying arteries. The bleeding stopped after 2 days and the tumor started to become necrotic. As tumor removal was the primary wish of the patient at this point in time, exenteration was carried out a week later without significant blood loss, intraoperative or postoperative complications. Socket healing was adequate, and the patient reported improved quality of life. He refused systemic palliative treatment and died 3 months after the intervention.
Reopening the severely contracted lens capsular bag post-phacovitrectomy by injecting OVD and removing the fibrous membranous material
Authors: Liu Ya-Jun , Zhang Wen-Wen , Chen Fei-Fei , He Zi-Fang , Xie Zheng-Gao
Published: April 2021

Implantation of an intraocular lens (IOL) after combined vitrectomy and cataract surgery is usually required to reduce postoperative refraction errors. However, because of the severe fibrosis of the anterior capsule and the adhesion between the anterior and posterior capsules, it is difficult to reopen the capsular bag to complete the secondary IOL implantation. In this study, a surgical approach is described for reopening the severe adhesion between capsules and removing the significant fibroproliferative membranous material by injecting ophthalmic viscosurgical device into the periphery of the capsular bag to separate the anterior and posterior capsules. The IOL was implanted into the capsular bag without any zonular rupture or posterior capsule tear. The position of the IOL was stable during postoperative follow-up up to 3 months. This procedure to open a severely fibrosis capsule was safe and effective.
Fatal and Nonfatal Injury Patterns of Stranded Motorists
Authors: Drake Stacy A. , Yang Yijiong , Gao Si , Mora Stephen , Garza Robin , Moore Laura , Todd S. Rob , Wilson Chad , Wolf Dwayne A.
Published: April 2021

Because nonfatal and fatal incidents for stranded motorists are not separated from vehicular accidents, little data are available on incident characteristics. To close this gap, data fields were inserted into databases at a medical examiner's office and two trauma centers to collect injury-related information. Forensic nurses and pathologists aided in forming a collaboration among the agencies involved and supported data collection efforts. Data collected over a 5-year period were examined for injury patterns to determine risk factors affecting these patterns. Of the total sample (N = 219), 24.7% had spinal injuries resulting in fatal injuries for 46 of 54 individuals. The odds were stranded motorists with spine-related injuries (C1–C7) had 9.13 times higher risk for a fatal outcome compared with those without spine-related injuries. Severe injuries (Abbreviated Injury Scale scores ≥ 4) noted for head/neck (29.7%) and chest (24.2%) were significantly associated with fatality. Of the 219 cases, 22.8% were inside of a stopped vehicle, and 77.2% were outside a vehicle at the time of injury. Outcomes illustrated the success of the interprofessional collaboration between trauma centers and a medicolegal death investigation agency that resulted in data useful for forensic nurses and pathologists documenting evidence, emergency and trauma responding personnel in patient priority stabilization, and injury prevention specialists for highway safety programs.
Difference and Disdain as Indicators of the Public Stigma of Mental Illness
Authors: Corrigan Patrick W. , Talluri Sai Snigdha , Qin Sang
Published: April 2021

Viewing a stigmatized group as different from everyone else is believed to be a contentless stigma that leads to disdain. This study tests whether three emotions—intergroup anxiety, anger, and empathy—mediate the path between difference and disdain. Six hundred thirty-eight research participants from MTurk provided valid responses to an online survey via Qualtrics. The survey used standardized measures of difference, disdain, intergroup anxiety, anger, and empathy. The hypothesized path model was tested using structural equation modeling (SEM). Fit indicators from SEM and corresponding betas supported a two-mediator model. Specifically, difference was found to be significantly associated with disdain. The path between the two was positively mediated by anger and negatively mediated by empathy. Difference and disdain may become important constructs in predicting and assessing stigma change. Perspective-taking that enhances empathy may prove especially useful for decreasing difference and disdain perceptions about people with mental illness.
Relationship of Vitamin D Deficiency and Fatty Liver in Children as Defined by Multiple Imaging and Histologic Endpoints
Authors: Rudolph Bryan , Selig Tyler , Li Yingjie , Ovchinsky Nadia , Kogan-Liberman Debora , Liszewski Mark C. , Levin Terry L. , Ewart Michelle , Liu Qiang , Viswanathan Shankar , Lin Juan , Xue Xiaonan , Burk Robert D. , Strickler Howard D.
Published: April 2021

Objectives:

The relationship between vitamin D deficiency (VDD) and pediatric nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains uncertain due to conflicting results and few studies with histologic endpoints. We therefore used multiple imaging and histologic NAFLD endpoints to more comprehensively assess the association between VDD and NAFLD in a large pediatric population.

Methods:

Data were obtained from an ongoing pediatric NAFLD study in Bronx, NY. Briefly, overweight and obese children aged 2 to 18 years with alanine aminotransferase levels ≥35 U/L were serially enrolled. Liver biopsy was obtained in accordance with clinical guidelines. All participants had liver imaging, namely, controlled attenuation parameter to assess steatosis and, to assess fibrosis, vibration controlled transient elastography (FibroScan), and acoustic radiation force impulse imaging. Levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D were measured serologically.

Results:

N = 276 (88%) of 315 participants had 25-OH vitamin D results, of whom 241 (87%) were Hispanic, 199 (72%) were male, and 92 (33%) underwent liver biopsy. VDD was univariately associated with high waist circumference (P = 0.004), high-density lipoprotein level (P = 0.01), season (P = 0.009), and controlled attenuation parameter score (P = 0.01). In multivariate analysis, only waist circumference (P = .0002) and biopsy inflammation grade (P = 0.03) were associated with VDD, though the latter had not approximated statistical significance in univariate analysis (P = 0.56). There was no association between VDD and hepatic steatosis, ballooning, NAFLD activity score, and acoustic radiation force impulse or vibration controlled transient elastography elasticity scores.

Conclusions:

VDD was not associated with NAFLD defined by imaging and histologic endpoints, except for a possible relation with histologic inflammation grade.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Mood and Insomnia in Persons With Dementia
Authors: Jin Jeff W. , Nowakowski Sara , Taylor Amy , Medina Luis D. , Kunik Mark E.
Published: April 2021

Background:

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a goal-oriented intervention that aims to improve detrimental emotional or behavioral distress by modifying individuals’ thought processes. This review evaluates the efficacy and specific adaptations of CBT in persons with mild cognitive impairment and dementia.

Methods:

A literature search of PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO was conducted up to March 2020. Study quality was assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias criteria.

Results:

Twelve publications were identified. Seven of the studies demonstrated CBT efficacy to improve depression, anxiety, and/or quality of life. One study’s positive postintervention outcome became insignificant with longer term follow up. Two of the studies improved sleep outcomes. Four studies integrated caregivers into intervention delivery. Three studies utilized content, memory, and adherence adaptations aimed to improve intervention efficacy. Two studies included adaptations to address caregiver burden and depression.

Conclusion:

There is strong evidence to suggest that CBT is associated with improvements in anxiety, depression, and quality of life in persons with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. CBT showed a reduction in insomnia and improvements in sleep quality. However, there is insufficient evidence to draw conclusions on the effects of CBT on insomnia. These results suggest that further investigation into insomnia outcomes is needed.
Race-ethnicity and Perceptional Determinants of COVID-19 Vaccination Intentions: A Cross-sectional Study Among Health Workers and the General Population in the San Francisco Bay Area
Authors: Weng Yingjie , Lu Di , Bollyky Jenna , Jain Vivek , Desai Manisha , Lindan Christina , Boothroyd Derek , Judson Timothy , Doernberg Sarah B. , Holubar Marisa , Sample Hannah , Huang Beatrice , Maldonado Yvonne , Rutherford George W. , Grumbach Kevin ,   for the California Pandemic Consortium
Published: April 2021

Objective

To compare intention to receive COVID-19 vaccination by race-ethnicity, to identify perceptional factors that may mediate the association between race-ethnicity and intention to receive the vaccine, and to identify the demographic and perceptional factors most strongly predictive of intention to receive a vaccine.

Design

Cross-sectional survey conducted from November, 2020 to January, 2021, nested within two longitudinal cohort studies of prevalence and incidence of SARS CoV-2 among the general population and healthcare workers.

Study Cohort

3,161 participants in the Track COVID cohort (a population-based sample of adults) and 1,803 participants in the CHART Study cohort (a cohort of employees at three large medical centers).

Results

Rates of high vaccine willingness were significantly lower among Black (45.3%), Latinx (62.5%), Asian (65%), multi-racial (67.2%), and other race (61.0%) respondents than among white respondents (77.6%). Black, Latinx, and Asian respondents were significantly more likely than white respondents to endorse reasons to not get vaccinated, especially lack of trust. Participants’ motivations and concerns about COVID-19 vaccination only partially explained racial-ethnic differences in vaccination willingness. Being a health worker in the CHART cohort and concern about a rushed government vaccine approval process were the two most important factors predicting vaccination intention.

Conclusions

Special efforts are required to reach historically marginalized racial-ethnic communities to support informed decision-making about COVID-19 vaccination. These campaigns must acknowledge the history of racism in biomedical research and health care delivery that has degraded the trustworthiness of health and medical science institutions among non-white population and may continue to undermine confidence in COVID-19 vaccines.
COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy among persons living in homeless shelters in France
Authors: Longchamps C , Ducarroz S , Crouzet L , Vignier N. , Pourtau L. , Allaire C , Colleville AC , Aarbaoui T El , Melchior M ,   the ECHO study group
Published: April 2021

COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy is frequent and can constitute a barrier to the dissemination of vaccines once they are available. Unequal access to vaccines may also contribute to socioeconomic inequalities with regard to COVID-19. We studied vaccine hesitancy among persons living in homeless shelters in France between May and June 2020 (n=235). Overall, 40.9% of study participants reported vaccine hesitancy, which is comparable to general population trends in France. In multivariate regression models, factors associated with vaccine hesitancy are: being a woman (OR=2.55; 95% CI 1.40-4.74), living with a partner (OR=2.48, 95% CI 1.17-5.41), no legal residence in France (OR=0.51, 95% CI 0.27-0.92), and health literacy (OR=0.38, 95% CI 0.21, 0.68). Our results suggest that trends in vaccine hesitancy and associated factors are similar among homeless persons as in the general population. Dissemination of information on vaccine risks and benefits needs to be adapted to persons who experience severe disadvantage.
Analysis of the mechanism of Aldo-keto reductase dependent cis-platin resistance in HepG2 based on transcriptomic and NADH metabolic analysis
Authors: Sun Tingting , Sun Xue , Wang Xin , Guo Rui , Yu Yuanhua , Gao Le
Published: April 2021

Aldo-keto oxidoreductase (AKR) inhibitors could reverse several cancer cells’ resistance to Cis-platin, but their role in resistance remains unclear. Our RNA-seq results showed de novo NAD biosynthesis-related genes, and NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductases were significantly upregulated in Cis-platin-resistant HepG2 hepatic cancer cells (HepG2-RC cells) compared with HepG2 cells. Knockdown of AKR1Cs could increase Cis-platin sensitivity in HepG2-RC cells about two-fold. Interestingly, the AKR1C inhibitor meclofenamic acid could increase Cis-platin sensitivity of HepG2-RC cells about eight-fold, indicating that knockdown of AKR1Cs only partially reversed the resistance. Meanwhile, the amount of total NAD and the ratio of NADH/NAD+ were increased in HepG2-RC cells compared with HepG2 cells. The increased NADH could be explained as a directly operating antioxidant to scavenge radicals induced by Cis-platin. We report here that NADH, which is produced by NAD(P)H-dependent oxidoreductases, plays a key role in the AKR-associated Cis-platin resistance of HepG2 hepatic cancer cells.
Phylogenetic analysis of SARS-CoV-2 lineage development across the first and second waves in Eastern Germany, 2020
Authors: Yi Buqing , Poetsch Anna R. , Stadtmüller Marlena , Rost Fabian , Winkler Sylke , Dalpke Alexander H.
Published: April 2021

SARS-CoV-2 lineages prevalent in the first and second waves in Eastern Germany were different, with many new variants including four predominant lineages in the second wave, having been introduced into Eastern Germany between August to October 2020, indicating the major cause of the second wave was the introduction of new variants.
Possible link between higher transmissibility of B.1.617 and B.1.1.7 variants of SARS-CoV-2 and increased structural stability of its spike protein and hACE2 affinity
Authors: Kumar Vipul , Singh Jasdeep , Hasnain Seyed E. , Sundar Durai
Published: April 2021

The Severe Acute syndrome corona Virus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) outbreak in December 2019 has caused a global pandemic. The rapid mutation rate in the virus has caused alarming situations worldwide and is being attributed to the false negativity in RT-PCR tests, which also might lead to inefficacy of the available drugs. It has also increased the chances of reinfection and immune escape. We have performed Molecular Dynamic simulations of three different Spike-ACE2 complexes, namely Wildtype (WT), B.1.1.7 variant (N501Y Spike mutant) and B.1.617 variant (L452R, E484Q Spike mutant) and compared their dynamics, binding energy and molecular interactions. Our result shows that mutation has caused the increase in the binding energy between the Spike and hACE2. In the case of B.1.617 variant, the mutations at L452R and E484Q increased the stability and intra-chain interactions in the Spike protein, which may change the interaction ability of human antibodies to this Spike variant. Further, we found that the B.1.1.7 variant had increased hydrogen interaction with LYS353 of hACE2 and more binding affinity in comparison to WT. The current study provides the biophysical basis for understanding the molecular mechanism and rationale behind the increase in the transmissivity and infectivity of the mutants compared to wild-type SARS-CoV-2.
Use of rock‐physics analysis of well logs to determine compaction history of Cretaceous shales in the Rovuma basin, Offshore Mozambique
Authors: Nhabanga Oscar J. , Ringrose Philip S. , Holt Rune M.
Published: April 2021

Cretaceous shales from the emerging gas province of the Rovuma basin are examined using well‐log data from two exploration wells. The P‐wave acoustic impedance (AIp) data were estimated, and then brittleness and ductility were assessed within the framework of the Reuss–Voigt limits for acoustic impedance. We then predicted the shale consolidation using a weighting function (Wc) which varies between 0 for the case of grains in suspension (the Reuss limit) and 1 for the case of consolidated rock or cemented shale (the Voigt limit). At the Reuss limit, the formation AIp is highly sensitive to pressure while at the Voigt limit the formation AIp is insensitive to pressure. For the wells in this study, most data plot close to the lower bound with Wc < 0.5, hence showing a significant sensitivity to pressure. Although the Cretaceous shales in the Rovuma basin are dominated by a mechanical compaction regime, some onset of chemical compaction is observed. The rock‐physics analysis showed that the same shale in these two exploration wells had very distinctive and contrasting elastic properties. The deeper well interval clearly shows a ductile shale while the shallower well shows a range of ductile to brittle behaviour matching with the onset of chemical diagenesis at temperatures >58°C. These differences in the development and rate of chemical diagenesis in the same formation are likely due to contrasts in the rate of burial and have important implications for future seismic exploration studies.
Roles of leaf functional traits in fungal endophyte colonization: Potential implications for host–pathogen interactions
Authors: González‐Teuber Marcia , Palma‐Onetto Valeria , Aguilera‐Sammaritano Juan , Mithöfer Axel
Published: April 2021

Fungal endophytes (FE) are an important component of leaf microbial communities. They usually live asymptomatically within leaf tissues; however, FE can provide additional defensive features against microbial pathogens to the host. Leaf functional traits (LFTs) regulate FE entry, colonization and community composition in plants.

There is evidence that thin leaves with less structural and chemical traits but high nutrient content are more prone to FE colonization than well‐defended thick leaves. This illustrates the relevance of trade‐offs (= an increase in a trait, with a decrease in another trait) in LFTs, suggesting that the leaf economics spectrum (LES, which describes relationships in a suite of leaf traits aligned from a resource‐acquisitive to a resource‐conservative ecological strategy) may be a predictor of FE colonization and community composition in plants.

We hypothesize that LES‐modulated changes in the leaf internal environment (i.e. thin, low‐defended vs. thick, well‐defended leaves) will (a) have consequences for host resistance to pathogens due to changes in the FE colonization and diversity and, subsequently, in the foliar chemical profile and (b) may cause a switch in FE behaviour to a pathogenic lifestyle.

Synthesis. Still, our knowledge of how the coexistence between host plants and FE is regulated remains limited. LFTs may act as relevant ecological hub of FE colonization, community composition and life behaviour in natural ecosystems, with potential bottom‐up effects on other organisms, including pathogens. We highlight and discuss critical aspects in this topic and end by proposing new avenues of research in this emerging field.
Aichi virus inactivation by heat in 2‐ml glass vials
Authors: Ailavadi Sukriti , Morgan Mark T. , D'Souza Doris H.
Published: April 2021

Aichi virus (AiV) that results in gastroenteritis worldwide, is spread through contaminated shellfish and water. The resistance/tolerance of AiV to common inactivation processes along with the absence of commercially available vaccines makes it necessary to study its thermal inactivation kinetics. This research evaluated the heat inactivation of AiV in cell‐culture media using 2‐ml sterile glass vials by the linear and Weibull models. Heat treatments of AiV titers of 7 log plaque forming units (PFU)/ml were conducted thrice in a water‐bath at 50, 54, and 58 °C for up to 90 min. Plaque assays for each dilution in duplicate were used to determine infectious virus titers. Linear model D‐values for AiV at 50 ± 1 °C (± = standard error) (come‐up time = 68 s), 54 ± 0.7 °C (130 s), and 58 ± 0.6°C (251 s) were 43.3 ± 4.23 (R2 = 0.40, RMSE = 0.56), 5.69 ± 0.28 (R2 = 0.80, RMSE = 0.43), and 1.20 ± 0.63 min (R2 = 0.69, RMSE = 0.39), respectively, and the linear model z‐value was 5.14 ± 0.39°C (R2 = 0.99, RMSE = 0.08). For the same temperatures, the Weibull model td = 1 values were 20.98 ± 8.8 (R2 = 0.62, RMSE = 0.46, α (scale parameter) = 2.30, β (shape parameter) = 0.38), 3.84 ± 0.69 (R2 = 0.85, RMSE = 0.38, α = 1.08, β = 0.66), and 0.87 ± 0.10 min (R2 = 0.80, RMSE = 0.32, α = 0.22, β = 0.61), respectively and the z‐value (using Td = 1) was 5.79 ± 0.22 °C (R2 = 1.0, RMSE = 0.03). A better fit was obtained with the Weibull model for log reductions versus time with higher R2 and lower RMSE values. Application of AiV inactivation parameters can help reduce the risk of AiV outbreaks.
Understanding human attitudes towards bats and the role of information and aesthetics to boost a positive response as a conservation tool
Authors: Boso Àlex , Álvarez Boris , Pérez Beatriz , Imio Juan Carlos , Altamirano Adison , Lisón Fulgencio
Published: April 2021

An understanding of human attitudes towards wildlife can be an essential element in the success or failure of a conservation initiative, policy or practice and represents one of the main conservation problems for wildlife species. Despite the ecosystem services bats provide, they often are a socially stigmatized group, misperceived and even hunted. This problem has been on the increase as a result of the Covid‐19 pandemic. We examined how aesthetic appeal and informational factors could influence human attitudes towards bats in a survey of 1966 participants from Spanish‐speaking countries. Gender, educational level, religiousness and previous experiences with bats were relevant variables to understand attitudes towards them. The results indicate that both aesthetic and informational stimuli increase the positive responses, reducing the negatives on the participants' attitudes. Our results show the importance of public attitudes to achieve conservation goals, especially in the context of human‐wildlife conflict. Bats are not charismatic animals and are still surrounded in mystery; however, our findings could benefit bat conservation plans, allowing the development of new communication strategies both locally and nationally and increasing public acceptance that will facilitate bat conservation.
Effect of commonly used surgical solutions on the tensile strength of absorbable sutures: an in‐vitro study
Authors: Cawthorne Donald P. , Castillo Tiana E. , Sivakumar Brahman S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Within recent decades the use of various surgical solutions to prevent bleeding, ward off infection or decrease post‐operative pain has become common‐place in orthopaedic procedures. However, little work has been done to determine the effects that these solutions have on the tensile strength of various sutures, particularly those that are used for deep closures, which are often absorbable in nature. Whilst numerous authors have attempted to reach conclusions regarding the nature of these effects, a consensus has yet to be reached and this paper is designed with the aim to contribute to the current literature on the subject and improve surgical practice.

Methods

This in‐vitro study incubated three different surgical sutures in five commonly used surgical solutions at 37°C for 30 min, prior to applying a constant increase in force to determine the effects these solutions have on tensile strength. A control set was included.

Results

No significant difference was found in the tensile strength of Vicryl and PDS‐II sutures, whilst Monocryl incubated in chlorhexidine exhibited a borderline significant increase in tensile strength.

Conclusions

Common surgical solutions used on orthopaedic procedures can impact on the tensile strength of suture materials; however, further research is required on the subject.
Interactions of the influences of habitat protection, habitat heterogeneity, and periodic flooding on waterbirds of the lower Paraná River, Argentina
Authors: Quiroga Virginia M. , Ronchi‐Virgolini Ana Laura , Lorenzón Rodrigo E. , Lammertink Martjan
Published: April 2021

How waterbirds respond to environmental characteristics of river systems is of interest because of the high biodiversity of waterbirds in these systems, their ecological roles, and the importance of waterbirds in hunting for sport or sustenance. We studied the influence of natural factors (water‐level fluctuations and environmental heterogeneity) and human‐related factors (habitat protection, which primarily excludes cattle grazing and hunting) on waterbirds in the Pre‐Delta region of the Paraná River system during three years. Our objectives were to evaluate the environmental factors that influence the assemblages of waterbirds and whether these variables explain differences in waterbird assemblages between protected and non‐protected areas. Both species richness and abundance of waterbirds per point count increased with the diversity of land cover categories at count spots. Species richness also increased with the surface of open water. The larger surface of open water in the non‐protected area contributed to explaining the higher species richness and abundance of waterbirds, including species with hunting pressure, in this area. During floods, the protected area maintained a high abundance of waterbirds, probably because the higher proportion of trees and aquatic vegetation in this area provided perches and foraging sites. We recommend enlarging protected areas in the Pre‐Delta region because of their role of sheltering waterbirds during floods. Protected and non‐protected areas serve complementary functions in providing habitat for waterbirds; therefore, it is important to maintain both of these management types in the landscape.

Abstract in Spanish is available with online material.
Design, synthesis, and antitumor activity evaluation of pretubulysin analogs
Authors: Xu Xiangrong , Fan Meixia , Qi Junhui , Yao Lei
Published: April 2021

Pretubulysin, a biosynthetic precursor of the tubulysins, shows potent biological activity in a variety of tumor cell lines. Although there are several total synthesis routes to tubulysin and pretubulysin reported, the commercialization still has been hampered due to the complexity of the structure. To find structurally simpler pretubulysin analogs, a series of 2‐(3‐(methylamino)propyl)thiazole‐4‐carboxamides are designed and synthesized, and their anticancer activities are screened using MCF‐7 (breast cancer), and NCI‐H157 (lung cancer) cell lines. Taxol (IC50 = 0.01 µM) and pretubulysin are used as the control. Compounds 8c (IC50 = 0.05 µM, MCF‐7; 0.09 µM, NCI‐H157) and 8h (IC50 = 0.01 µM, MCF‐7; 0.02 µM, NCI‐H157) exhibited certain antitumor activities comparable to those of Taxol. The urea analogs of pretubulysin might represent a promising scaffold for the further development of novel antitumor drugs.
Recurrent pericarditis associated with human coronavirus (HKU1) infection in a patient with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Authors: Furqan Muhammad M. , Lak Hassan M. , Mahalwar Gauranga , Abou‐Hassan Ossama , Verma Beni R. , Jellis Christine L. , Klein Allan L.
Published: April 2021

The presence of human coronavirus HKU1 infection associated with pericardial inflammation is not reported. We are reporting a young woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, who was positive for HKU1 during her pericarditis flare. Diagnostic imaging demonstrated pericardial effusion, edema, and late gadolinium enhancement on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography. She was on multiple anti‐inflammatory medications and achieved remission with anakinra. Her management and a brief literature review is also presented.
Accuracy study of a novel alternate method measuring erythrocyte sedimentation rate for prototype hematology analyzer Celltac α+
Authors: Maki Ryosuke , Tabe Yoko , Yamamoto Takamasa , Takemura Hiroyuki , Sawada Tomohiro , Esaki Tatsuhiro , Higuchi Makoto , Misawa Shigeki , Miyake Kazunori , Miida Takashi , Nagai Yutaka , Ohsaka Akimichi
Published: April 2021

Introduction

The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) is a nonspecific inflammation indicator. In laboratory testing, automated ESR analyzers may use the reference Westergren method (Reference WG), modified Westergren (Modified WG), or Alternate ESR method (Alternate ESR) based on photometric rheology. A prototype hematology analyzer Celltac α+ (Nihon Kohden Corporation) with built‐in Novel ESR analysis technology (Novel ESR) was developed to improve the accuracy of Alternate ESR. Alternate ESR uses only the aggregation phase information of Reference WG. The Novel ESR adds sedimentation and packing phase information obtained by hematology analyzer measurands. High correlation with WG was ensured by predicting the ESR value using Hematocrit (Hct) and MCV values as correcting parameters.

Methods

Novel ESR was compared with Modified WG (MONITOR‐40, Joko Corporation) and Reference WG, according to internationally recognized guidelines: Precision, carryover, limit of quantification, comparability, linearity, accuracy, and fibrinogen sensitivity. Samples from healthy volunteers and clinical patients were used. The correction performance of Novel ESR and Modified WG was compared with Reference WG by regression analysis in three range categories for ESR and measurands affecting ESR correction (Hct, MCV, and MCH).

Results

Novel ESR showed sufficient basic performance and comparability with Modified WG. In the accuracy study comparing with Reference WG, the regression equation was y = 1.026x + 0.5(r =  .945,P <  .001;n = 271). When evaluating the correction performance, the slopes were within 0.8‐1.2, except for the high part of Hct. All intercepts were within 10 mm.

Conclusion

This study validated the correction performance to the initial estimated ESR value by aggregation phase information using information reflecting sedimentation and packing phase obtained from automated hematology analyzer. The Celltac α+ Novel ESR provided results equivalent to Reference WG.
Influence of the stoichiometry, microstructure, and metallization method on the dielectric properties of 0.94 Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.06 BaTiO3
Authors: Mussi Toschi Vitória , Bogicevic Christine , Bouyanfif Houssny , Laville Henri , Janolin Pierre‐Eymeric
Published: April 2021

The morphotropic composition of the lead‐free solid solution between Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3 and BaTiO3 (0.94 Na0.5Bi0.5TiO3‐0.06 BaTiO3 or NBT‐6BT) is of particular interest for the next generation of high‐temperature capacitors but remains plagued by the diversity of dielectric properties reported in the literature. In order to explain the apparent inconsistencies among the reported dielectric properties of NBT‐6BT, we examine the influence of stoichiometry, phase separation, and metallization method. We show that the nominal stoichiometry has a crucial effect, since increasing the nominal Na/Bi ratio increases conductivity and dielectric losses (tan δ). It also increases the real part of the permittivity (ε’) and the frequency dispersion of both ε’ and tan δ, thereby altering the shape of the evolution with temperature of the dielectric properties. Moreover it increases the depolarization temperature (Td) and decreases the temperature of maximum permittivity (Tm). Phase separation also occurs during the synthesis of NBT‐6BT as Na evaporation leads to the formation of secondary Ba‐containing phases. We report that these phases can have a positive impact on the dielectric properties: a moderate volume fraction (2.5 to 3.0%) and average grain surface (0.9 to 3.0 µm2) of these secondary Ba‐containing phases increase the relative permittivity, decrease the dielectric losses, and increase the insulation resistance. We also show that the metallization method impacts the dielectric properties and therefore may contribute to the differences between various reports. The dielectric properties of NBT‐6BT samples are measured during successive heating/cooling cycles and reveal that the permittivity value is lower during the first heating when silver paste, even cured, is used. These three components contribute to explaining the diversity of the reported dielectric properties of NBT‐6BT.
Release kinetics of fungicidal antimicrobials into packaged foods
Authors: Aina Toyin , Danyuo Yiporo , Oparah Josephine , Obayemi John D. , Dozie‐Nwachukwu Stella , Onodugo Chinweoma D. , Ani Chukwuemeka J. , Odusanya Olushola , Soboyejo Winston O.
Published: April 2021

This article presents the release kinetics (RK) of a fungicidal antimicrobial agent (AMA), potassium sorbate (PS), that prolongs the shelf life of packaged food. The effects of PS release are explored on peanut and fresh bread to determine the effects of PS on Aspergillus niger (AN) microbe growth. The AN was cultured in a potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium to obtain AMA activity on the film. AMA activity of PS incorporated into cellulose acetate (CA) based film was tested on peanuts and fresh bread for an extended period of time. The RK of PS from the films was obtained by studying the de‐swelling properties of PS loaded film at room temperature (24°C) and at elevated temperature (37°C). The diffusion coefficients of PS released through the film network were obtained to be between 8.32 × 10−10 to 7.3 × 10−7 m2/s. The release exponents (n) of PS from the film occurred by anomalous transport with n‐values ranging from 0.13 to 0.16 at 24°C and 0.5 to 0.89 at 37°C. The average flux released from the CA film was consistent with the percentage PS release from the CA film showing that modeling the effective diffusion of PS from a porous media is feasible. The released PS was potent enough to inhibit the growth of AN for a week then over a period of 2 years. Thereafter, the implications of the results in designing smart food packaging for enhanced food preservation were discussed.
Quantifying the life cycle environmental impacts of water pollution control in a typical chemical industrial park in China
Authors: Lyu Yizheng , Gao Yang , Ye Hanyun , Liu Yang , Han Siyu , Tian Jinping , Chen Lujun
Published: April 2021

As the most important production space for the development of chemical industry in China, chemical industrial parks (CIPs) are facing a new challenge of water pollution prevention and control, in addition to those posed by traditional and emerging pollutants. It is thus important to systematically reveal the compositewater‐environmental impact of CIPs for contributing to the sustainable development of the chemical industry. CIPs have the issue of intensive wastewater generation characterized by complex pollutant components and high pollution loads. Thus, establishing an environmentally friendly wastewater treatment system has always been a major challenge for CIPs. China has developed many CIPs and the two‐stage wastewater treatment system is widely employed in practice, that is, in‐plant wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) in individual enterprises followed by centralized WWTPs in parks. Since the CIP wastewater emission limits are continuously improved, a comprehensive evaluation of the environmental impacts of the in‐use wastewater treatment system will be insightful for future policy making. This study employed life cycle assessment (LCA) to reveal the life cycle environmental impact of the two‐stage wastewater treatment system in a typical CIP. We found that the life cycle environmental impacts of the whole system mainly stem from the in‐plant WWTPs of chemical manufacturers because of chemicals and electricity consumed in the multi‐stage advanced oxidation technologies, while the increase of human toxicity potential and marine aquatic ecotoxicity potential are primarily due to sludge incineration. Three scenarios targeting the reduction of environmental impacts were proposed based on the LCA results. We evaluated the pollution mitigation potential, which can reach at most 8% of the original measured impacts. Finally, from the perspective of systematic thinking, four policy implications for improving the water management system of CIPs were proposed.
Grumpy face during adult sleep: A clue to negative emotion during sleep?
Authors: Maranci Jean‐Baptiste , Aussel Alexia , Vidailhet Marie , Arnulf Isabelle
Published: April 2021

Negative facial expressions and frowns have been studied (albeit more rarely than smiles) in fetus’ and neonate’ sleep, but they have not been investigated during adult sleep. Video polysomnography (including corrugator muscle electromyography and face‐focussed video) was used to study negative facial expressions in sleeping adults, including healthy subjects and patients with/out parasomnia. Frowns were observed during sleep in 89/91 (97.8%) adults during normal (29 healthy subjects) and abnormal sleep (29 patients without parasomnia, 15 patients with disorders of arousal and 18 patients with rapid eye movement [REM] sleep behaviour disorder [RBD]). In healthy subjects, the following events occurred in decreasing frequency: isometric corrugator activations, brief frowns, and then prolonged frowns and raised eyebrows (both similarly rare). Frowns predominated in REM sleep, and had a lower frequency in non‐REM sleep. In healthy subjects, frowns were elementary and not associated with other face movements to the point of composing negative expressions. In contrast, frowns were occasionally associated with overt negative facial expressions in REM sleep in patients with RBD and a young patient with night terrors. They included mostly painful expressions and rarely sadness and anger in connection with apparently negative behaviours (shouts, painful moaning, and speeches). Frowns persist during normal sleep (mostly in REM sleep) in adults, but overt negative facial expressions are restricted to patients with parasomnia. Whether elementary frowns translate a negative dream emotion should be determined, but overt negative facial expressions during RBD could be used as a direct access to dream emotions.
The influence of provisioning on animal‐mediated seed dispersal
Authors: Sengupta Asmita , McConkey Kim R. , Kwit Charles
Published: April 2021

Anthropogenic provisioning of food to wildlife is ubiquitous across the globe. It may be intentional such as in the form of bird feeders or offering of food to animals by tourists, or unintentional when animals use anthropogenic food sources like crops, plantations or garbage dumps. Provisioning has profound effects on wildlife ecology and behaviour, but the consequences of these changes to mutualistic and antagonistic interactions have rarely been investigated. Here we demonstrate how provisioning can affect the role of wildlife as seed dispersers. As provisioning directly influences the amount and quality of resources, it can substantially impact fruit removal by wildlife, seed displacement and the probability of germination at the sites of deposition – more often in ways that are detrimental. In most cases, fruit removal decreases as animals choose to feed more on the abundant and higher‐calorie anthropogenic foods. However, for animals whose size and abundance are increased by provisioning, dispersal quantity could be enhanced. Seed dispersal distances are also reduced by provisioning, and seeds are often deposited at sites unsuitable for germination. More studies are required to understand how these broad patterns might vary across different contexts and wildlife species. Provisioning has the potential to greatly modify plant communities through the direct impacts it has on resources and wildlife seed dispersal services.
A Tale of Two Villages: Development and Household Change in India
Authors: Breton Etienne
Published: April 2021

Despite decades of sweeping socioeconomic and cultural transformations, extended households remain widespread in many regions of the world. The mechanisms explaining this persistence are not well‐established. The research reported on here investigates these mechanisms in India, where the prevalence of stem and joint households ranks among the highest in the world. Combining demographic and ethnographic data, this study compares processes of household change in two villages in India's Deccan Plateau. Results highlight key pathways by which development can contribute to both the decline and persistence of joint households. In the first village, joint households have become virtually extinct in recent years. Analyses suggest that frequent labor migrations, depopulation, and slow economic growth largely explain this decline. In the second village, there was a recent increase in the prevalence of joint households. The expansion of irrigation created economic opportunities in farming and other industries. Many young men now jointly invest in land with their father and brother(s) instead of purchasing separate houses. This suggests that agricultural improvements and the revitalization of the village economy have stimulated the formation of joint households. In both villages, ethnographic data reveal the ambivalent preferences and practical considerations underpinning residential decisions.