bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putative biotic drivers of plant phenology: With special reference to pathogens and deciduousness
Authors: Burdon Rowland D. , Bartlett Michael J.
Published: June 2022

Plant phenology is not only manifested in the seasonal timing of vegetative and reproductive processes but also has ontogenetic aspects. The adaptive basis of seasonal phenology has been considered mainly in terms of climatic drivers. However, some biotic factors as likely evolutionary influences on plants’ phenology appear to have been under‐researched. Several specific cases of putative biotic factors driving plant phenology are outlined, involving both herbivores and pathogens. These illustrate the diversity of likely interactions rather than any systematic coverage or review. Emphasis is on woody perennials, in which phenology is often most multifaceted and complicated by the ontogenetic aspect. The complete seasonal leaf fall that characterizes deciduous plants may be a very important defense against some pathogens. Whether biotic influences drive acquisition or long‐term persistence of deciduousness is considered. In one case, of leaf rusts in poplars, countervailing influences of the rusts and climate suggest persistence. Often, however, biotic and environmental influences likely reinforce each other. The timing and duration of shoot flushing may in at least some cases contribute to defenses against herbivores, largely through brief periods of “predator satiation” when plant tissues have highest food value. Wide re‐examination of plant phenology, accommodating the roles of biotic factors and their interplays with environments as additional adaptive drivers, is advocated toward developing and applying hypotheses that are observationally or experimentally testable.
Camera traps are an effective tool for monitoring insect–plant interactions
Authors: Naqvi Qaim , Wolff Patrick J. , Molano‐Flores Brenda , Sperry Jinelle H.
Published: June 2022

Insect and pollinator populations are vitally important to the health of ecosystems, food production, and economic stability, but are declining worldwide. New, cheap, and simple monitoring methods are necessary to inform management actions and should be available to researchers around the world. Here, we evaluate the efficacy of a commercially available, close‐focus automated camera trap to monitor insect–plant interactions and insect behavior. We compared two video settings—scheduled and motion‐activated—to a traditional human observation method. Our results show that camera traps with scheduled video settings detected more insects overall than humans, but relative performance varied by insect order. Scheduled cameras significantly outperformed motion‐activated cameras, detecting more insects of all orders and size classes. We conclude that scheduled camera traps are an effective and relatively inexpensive tool for monitoring interactions between plants and insects of all size classes, and their ease of accessibility and set‐up allows for the potential of widespread use. The digital format of video also offers the benefits of recording, sharing, and verifying observations.
Marine turtles are only minimally sexually size dimorphic, a pattern that is distinct from most nonmarine aquatic turtles
Authors: Figgener Christine , Bernardo Joseph , Plotkin Pamela T.
Published: June 2022

Turtles have been prominent subjects of sexual size dimorphism (SSD) analyses due to their compact taxonomy, mating systems, and habitat diversity. In prior studies, marine turtles were grouped with fully aquatic non‐marine turtles (NMATs). This is interesting because it is well‐established that the marine environment imposes a distinct selective milieu on body form of vagile vertebrates, driven by convergent adaptations for energy‐efficient propulsion and drag reduction. We generated a comprehensive database of adult marine turtle body sizes (38,569 observations across all species), which we then used to evaluate the magnitude of SSD in marine turtles and how it compares to SSD in NMAT. We find that marine turtles are only minimally sexually size dimorphic, whereas NMAT typically exhibit female‐biased SSD. We argue that the reason for this difference is the sustained long‐distance swimming that characterizes marine turtle ecology, which entails significant energetic costs incurred by both sexes. Hence, the ability of either sex to allocate proportionately more to growth than the other is likely constrained, meaning that sexual differences in growth and resultant body size are not possible. Consequently, grouping marine turtles with NMAT dilutes the statistical signature of different kinds of selection on SSD and should be avoided in future studies.
Mycophagous beetle females do not behave competitively during intrasexual interactions in presence of a fungal resource
Authors: Mitchem Lisa D. , Formica Vincent A. , Debray Reena , Homer Dana E. , Brodie Edmund D.
Published: June 2022

Intrasexual interactions can determine which individuals within a population have access to limited resources. Despite their potential importance on fitness generally and mating success especially, female–female interactions are not often measured in the same species where male–male interactions are well‐defined. In this study, we characterized female–female interactions in Bolitotherus cornutus, a mycophagous beetle species native to Northeastern North America. We used dyadic, behavioral assays to determine whether females perform directly aggressive or indirectly exclusionary competitive behaviors. Polypore shelf fungus, an important food and egg‐laying resource for B. cornutus females, is patchily distributed and of variable quality, so we tested for competition over fungus as a resource. Behavior of females was assessed in three sets of dyadic trials with randomly paired female partners. Overall, females did not behave aggressively toward their female partner or perform exclusionary behaviors over the fungal resource. None of the behaviors performed by females were individually repeatable. Two scenarios may explain our lack of observed competition: our trial context may not induce competition, or female B. cornutus simply may not behave competitively in the wild. We compare our results to a similar study on male–male interactions in the same species and propose future studies on female–female interactions under different competitive contexts to expand the understanding of female competition.
Aphid galls as a double food source for woodpeckers
Authors: Londei Tiziano
Published: June 2022

An adult female and a young great spotted woodpeckerDendrocopos majorwere found exploiting galls of the elm balloon‐gall aphidEriosoma lanuginosumby eating both the insects and their honeydew. Literature offers sparse and indirect information to explain this behavior. Taking both aphids and honeydew from within galls is reported here for the first time for a bird species. Only one other vertebrate, the Eurasian red squirrelSciurus vulgaris, would show similar behavior. In contrast with the seeming rarity of such a feeding way, likely advantages in the double food source suggest it may have been overlooked.
Positive effects of exotic species dampened by neighborhood heterogeneity
Authors: Bowler Catherine H. , Shoemaker Lauren G. , Weiss‐Lehman Christopher , Towers Isaac R. , Mayfield Margaret M.
Published: June 2022

It is well known that species interactions between exotic and native species are important for determining the success of biological invasions and how influential exotic species become in invaded communities. The strength and type of interactions between species can substantially vary, however, from negative and detrimental to minimal or even positive. Increasing evidence from the literature shows that exotic species have positive interactions with native species more often than originally thought. Gaps in our theory for how population growth is limited when interactions are positive, however, restrict our understanding of the mechanisms by which exotic “facilitators” contribute to diversity maintenance in invaded systems. Here, we quantified interactions between seven native and four exotic (established nonnative) common annual plant species in the highly diverse, York Gum woodlands of Western Australia. We used a Bayesian demographic modeling approach that allowed for interaction coefficients to be positive or negative, and explored key sources of variation in species responses to native and exotic neighbors at per capita (individual) and neighborhood levels. We observed positive per capita effects from exotic neighbors on exotic focal species as well as on several native focal species. However, all focal species were, on average, inhibited by their interaction neighborhood, when the variance in identity and abundance of observed neighbors was considered. At the neighborhood scale, exotic species were found to suppress all focal species, particularly those with high intrinsic fecundity. Our study demonstrates that within‐neighborhood heterogeneity can regulate per capita positive effects of invaders, limiting runaway population growth of both natives and exotic invaders.
Putting the Mantel test back together again
Authors: Somers Keith M. , Jackson Donald A.
Published: June 2022

The Mantel test has been widely used in ecology and evolution, but over the last two decades it has been frequently critiqued because results were inconsistent with expectations and there were issues with Type I (false‐positive) and Type II (false‐negative) error rates. Three‐matrix extensions of the Mantel test have been challenged for similar reasons. Even the null hypotheses underlying the Mantel test have been questioned. As a result, use of the Mantel test and its variants has been discouraged or limited to special situations. Here, we examine Mantel test criticisms including the lack of agreement between traditional variable‐based Pearson correlations (r) and observation‐based Mantel correlations (rm), and the unusual Type I and Type II error rates. We propose an alternate proximity measure that resolves these issues. We use simulations and examples to contrast Mantel results based on Euclidean distance, squared Euclidean distance, and the simple difference (Diff) with traditional bivariate Pearson correlations. We demonstrate that use of the simple difference in Mantel tests can resolve the underlying problems with poor agreement between bivariate Pearson and Mantel correlations, as well as appropriate Type I and Type II errors (i.e., where r = cor(x,y) and rm = cor(dx,dy), if dx = Diff(x) and dy = Diff(y), r = rm). We also show that the simple difference can provide solutions to issues with partial Mantel tests and distance‐based MANOVA. Because our results resolve many of the issues with Mantel tests, we hope that these findings will restore the popularity of the Mantel test.
2,5‐Dimercapto‐1,3,4‐Thiadiazole (DMCT)‐Based Polymers for Rechargeable Metal–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Bhargav Amruth , Manthiram Arumugam
Published: June 2022

Organosulfur materials are a sustainable alternative to the present‐day layered oxide cathodes in lithium‐based batteries. One such organosulfur material that was intensely explored from the 1990s to early 2010s is 2,5‐dimercapto‐1,3,4‐thiadiazole (DMCT). However, research interest declined as the electrode reactions with DMCT were assumed to be too sluggish to be practical. Armed with the advances in metal–sulfur batteries, we revisit DMCT‐based materials in the form of poly[tetrathio‐2,5‐(1,3,4‐thiadiazole)], referred to as pDMCT‐S. With an appropriate choice of electrode design and electrolyte, pDMCT‐S cathode paired with a Li‐metal anode shows a capacity of 715 mA h g−1 and a Coulombic efficiency of 97.7% at a C/10 rate, thus quelling the concerns of sluggish reactions. Surprisingly, pDMCT‐S shows significantly improved long‐term cyclability compared to a sulfur cathode. Investigations into the origin of the stability reveals that the discharge product Li‐DMCT in its mesomeric form can strongly bind to polysulfides, preventing their dissolution into the electrolyte and shuttling. This unique mechanism solves a critical problem faced by sulfur cathodes. Encouragingly, this mechanism results in a stable performance of pDMCT‐S with Na‐metal cells as well. This study opens the potential for exploring other organic materials that have inherent polysulfide sequestering capabilities, enabling long‐life metal–sulfur batteries.
Cost Effective Electrochemical Sensor for L‐Methionine Based on Graphitic Carbon Nitride Sheets Modified Electrode
Authors: Ajith Ajay , John S. Abraham
Published: June 2022

L‐methionine (L−Me) deficiency in human body leads to several complications. In the present work, graphitic carbon nitride nanosheets (GCN−S) modified glassy carbon electrode (GC/GCN−S) was developed as a cost effective electrochemical sensor for L−Me. The oxidation of L−Me at bare GC electrode shows an ill‐defined peak and it was unstable whereas a well‐defined stable oxidation peak was obtained at GC/GCN−S electrode. While increasing L−Me concentration from 100 nM to 0.2 mM, the amperometric current increases linearly with R2=0.9901 and LOD was found to be 0.32 nM (S/N=3). Finally, GC/GCN−S electrode was used to determine L−Me in blood serum samples.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on Biomass Yeast Integrated Sulfur‐doped Graphene and Carboxylated Carbon Nanotubes/MoS2 for Highly‐sensitive Detection of Pb2+
Authors: Yin Miao , Pu Hongchen , Zhang Yaoyao , Gao Panpan , Sun Qiaoqian , Yin Wei , Fa Huanbao
Published: June 2022

Glassy carbon electrodes (GCEs) modified with sulfur‐doped graphene (SG)/carboxylated carbon nanotube (CNT−COOH)/MoS2/yeast composite were prepared for electrochemical detection for lead ions by the simple hydrothermal methods and ultrasonic methods. The combination of SG and CNT−COOH could form a double‐layer carbon structure, providing more active detection sites for detection for lead, which could also contribute to adherence of yeast and MoS2. The SG/CNT−COOH/MoS2/yeast exhibited a high response in detecting low concentrations of lead ions. And then the SG/CNT−COOH/MoS2/yeast was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT‐IR), X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Transmission electron microscope (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Compared with traditional detection technology, the linear range of the sensor was 10−6∼10−14 g/L. And the lower of detection (LOD) down to 2.61×10−15 g/L was achieved. The sensor showed prospective applications in detection of Pb2+ in real serum samples.
Rapid, inexpensive fabrication of electrophoretic microdevices for fluorescence detection
Authors: Nelson Daniel A. , Thompson Brandon L. , Scott An‐Chi , Nouwairi Renna , Birch Christopher , DuVall Jacquelyn A. , Roux Delphine Le , Li Jingyi , Root Brian E. , Landers James P.
Published: June 2022

The laser print, cut, and laminate (PCL) method for microfluidic device fabrication can be leveraged for rapid and inexpensive prototyping of electrophoretic microchips useful for optimizing separation conditions. The rapid prototyping capability allows the evaluation of fluidic architecture, applied fields, reagent concentrations, and sieving matrix, all within the context of using fluorescence‐compatible substrates. Cyclic olefin copolymer and toner‐coated polyethylene terephthalate (tPeT) were utilized with the PCL technique and bonding methods optimized to improve device durability during electrophoresis. A series of separation channel designs and centrifugation conditions that provided successful loading of sieving polymer in less than 3 min was described. Separation of a 400‐base DNA sizing ladder provided calculated base resolution between 3 and 4 bases, a greater than 18‐fold improvement over separations on similar substrates. Finally, the accuracy and precision capabilities of these devices were demonstrated by separating and sizing DNA fragments of 147 and 167 bases as 148.62 ± 2 and 166.48 ± 3 bases, respectively.
Optimal production of bio‐char with maximum carbon content under both inert (N2) and reactive (CO2) environment employing RSM
Authors: Das Sutapa , Goud Vaibhav V.
Published: June 2022

Biomass‐derived char (bio‐char) is a stable and concentrated form of carbon that finds multiple applications from carbon sequestration to catalyst. The ambient conditions during bio‐char production play a major role in determining its physico‐chemical characteristics. This study employs a design optimization (RSM) technique to analyze the slow pyrolysis of rice husk under two different environments—inert (N2) and reactive (CO2), and analyzes the bio‐char produced. The slow pyrolysis process was optimized in a way to determine the conditions required for obtaining significant bio‐char yield with maximum carbon content. The optimal conditions under N2 environment were identified to be 521°C, 48 min, 0.87 LPM and under CO2 environment were identified to be 545°C, 43 min and 0.87 LPM, respectively. The bio‐char produced under CO2 environment was observed to have higher porosity, surface area, pH and aromaticity. These results indicated that the bio‐char obtained under a reactive (CO2) environment could be used as a potential adsorbent. The bio‐char obtained under N2 environment was found to have higher carbon content and thus, could be utilized as soil conditioners or soil enhancers, to increase the soil fertility.
Geophysical and geochemical characterization reveals topography controls on critical zone structure in a low hilly region
Authors: Wu Huayong , Song Xiaodong , Liu Feng , Li Decheng , Zhang Gan‐Lin
Published: June 2022

Characterizing the structure of the critical zone (CZ), which is often tens of metres deep, is challenging and crucial to understand earth surface processes. Existing findings on the effect of topography on CZ thickness focused exclusively on mountainous regions with steep slopes, not considering low hilly regions with gentle slopes. Seismic refraction and borehole surveys were conducted to characterize the effects of topography on a red soil CZ structure in the low hilly region of Jiangxi Province, subtropical China. This CZ is derived from Quaternary red clay (QRC) overlying Cretaceous sandstone bedrock. Regolith with a thickness of 8.2–9.5 m consisted of an upper layer of QRC (4.8–6.2 m thick) and a lower layer of weathered sandstone (2.6–4.0 m thick). The boundary between weathered and unweathered sandstone was identified by a Ca depletion profile and calcite weathering front. The boundary between the QRC and weathered sandstone was identified by morphological and textural features and a feldspar weathering front. The QRC had seismic refraction velocities <1.3 km s−1, the weathered sandstone had velocities of 1.3–1.7 km s−1, while the sandstone bedrock had velocities >1.7 km s−1. Following the profile sequence downslope, regolith thickness decreased linearly with decreasing ground elevation. The linear fitted regression slope was <1. This was predominantly determined by QRC thickness, which in turn was mainly controlled by the difference between slopes of ground and bedrock surface and by surface erosion. Following the profile sequence across the slope, regolith thickness decreased linearly with decreasing ground elevation, with a slope of ~1. This was controlled by QRC thickness, which in turn was mainly controlled by surface erosion only, since the bedrock surface was nearly level. These results suggest that topography can control CZ structure in hilly regions with gentle slopes.
High‐performance sodium ion conducting gel polymer electrolyte based on a biodegradable polymer polycaprolactone
Authors: Sehrawat Poonam , Parveen Shadma , Hashmi S.A.
Published: June 2022

Gel polymer electrolytes (GPEs) are gaining recent focus for high‐performance quasi‐solid‐state energy storage devices owing to their high ionic conductivity, good interfacial properties, flexibility with high safety in comparison to liquid electrolytes. Among various polymer hosts, developed so far, polycaprolactone (PCL) is attractive for its biodegradable and biocompatible nature. In this report, we demonstrate a novel GPE composition incorporating a liquid electrolyte 1 M sodium triflurosulfonate (NaTf) in ethylene carbonate (EC):propylene carbonate (PC) mixture, immobilized in PCL as the host polymer in the form of mechanically stable, free‐standing and flexible thick films. The GPE films are characterized using various physicochemical and electrochemical techniques. The GPE comprising an approximately 80 wt.% concentration of liquid electrolyte offers an optimum ionic conductivity of ~1.3 × 10−3 S cm−1, wide electrochemical stability window up to approximately 4.3 V and high sodium ion transport number (tNa+ ~ 0.67) at room temperature. Besides, the GPE film is thermally stable up to approximately 100°C. The sodium stripping/plating tests reveal highly stable cycling under ±46 mV for over 100 hours followed by ±30 mV at a current density of 0.05 mA cm−2 indicating reversible Na‐plating/stripping behavior. The high Na+‐conductivity and suitable Na‐storage properties make a favorable biodegradable electrolyte for practical sodium‐ion battery applications.
Experimental and numerical analysis of the thermal and mechanical behaviour of steel and recycled aggregate concrete composite elements exposed to fire
Authors: Simões Yagho S. , Fernandes Felipi P. D. , Castro Alessandra L. , Munaiar Neto Jorge
Published: June 2022

Using recycled aggregates in the production of concrete has been a viable alternative for sustainable development. Notwithstanding advanced information on this material at room temperature, its behavior when exposed to fire is still incipient. Thus, based on experimental analyses, the objective of this article is to evaluate the behavior of concrete produced with recycled aggregates for thermal insulation of steel elements, as well as to verify the physical and mechanical properties of these mixtures. For this purpose, eight prototypes, one made of steel and the others coated with different types of concrete, conventional and with recycled aggregates, were inserted in a horizontal oven and heated for 2 h. Based on experimental tests, numerical models were proposed and tested using the ABAQUS computational code, with consistent results when coherent thermal properties were adopted. The experimental results show that recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) has great thermal insulation potential and sustainable benefits, considering that the steel elements coated with this type of material, with the exception of those that underwent spalling, presented temperatures close to or below compared with concrete with natural aggregates. In this regard, it is observed that the thermal conductivity of RACs was inferior to conventional concrete, indicating that this material is a promising strategy for thermal insulation of steel structures.
Current developments of digital ground modelling in tunnelling
Authors: Exenberger Hans , Massimo‐Kaiser Ines Maria , Flora Matthias
Published: June 2022

This article analyses and discusses the current state of the art in the development of digital ground models in tunnelling. Following a review and discussion of the literature research combined with interview responses, a deficit analysis was performed. It shows why current projects mainly work with models and software that function as isolated solutions. A lack of software developments and limited collaborative work mean that the effects of current findings cannot immediately be implemented in models. Accordingly, the enormous potential of full coaction can only be imagined. A further problem is the lack of loss‐free data exchange across varying project phases and participants. Science is already moving in the right direction with the goal of harmonising the basic systematics. Finally, requirements for a digital ground model are formulated, and in combination with collaborative working and improved communication, these result in a large number of advanced possible applications.
Prerequisites for BIM‐based invoicing in NATM projects
Authors: Winkler Leopold , Melnyk Oleksandr , Goger Gerald
Published: June 2022

The successful management of big tunnelling projects requires the complete documentation of technical and financial data as well as their ongoing evaluation. The current study reviews the possibilities for digital documentation of tunnel construction with the subsequent integration of this data with an invoicing software. It suggests an implementation model, a building information modeling (BIM) project element list and a digital on‐site data recording tool for a workflow in New Austrian Tunnelling Method (NATM) projects. This digital resource enables central data management that improves and speeds up automated invoicing processes.
Efficient digitization of the Zentrum am Berg research tunnel – From laser scan to triangulated surface model within one day
Authors: Dorninger Peter , Studnicka Nikolaus
Published: June 2022

Unthinkable just a few years ago, the precise laser‐scanning survey of a kilometer‐long tunnel in one day by one operator has become possible. This article describes how 261 scans were taken with a RIEGL VZ‐400i laser scanner to digitize the Zentrum am Berg (ZaB) research tunnel with millimeter resolution. The data has been automatically registered during the acquisition process within the instrument. After applying multistation adjustment, a block adjustment postprocess step, the high accuracy of the point cloud with respect to a network of 35 retroreflective bireflex targets has been approved. For further applications such as analysis, simulation, or visualization, a homogeneous 3D‐meshed surface model has been created automatically from the point cloud representing an as‐built 3D documentation of the tunnel.
Adaptive and parameterised 3D BIM model for the tunnel tender and excavation phase
Authors: Wenighofer Robert , Eder Nina , Speckmoser Valentin , Villeneuve Marlene , Winkler Leopold , Galler Robert
Published: June 2022

Building information modelling (BIM) is a frequently discussed topic in tunnelling since it promises less loss of information and reduced lifetime cost of underground infrastructure. There is still some way to go as standardisation in this sector is immature, the implementation of three‐dimensional (3D) BIM models is developed for pilot cases of tunnelling only, and data transfer between software tools is a challenge. The long linear structures of tunnels make a specific approach of parameterised and adaptive modelling necessary to meet the requirements of repetitive construction elements and the natural differences of forecast and actual excavation conditions. This approach renders the matching of construction elements in the model and service items feasible for determining quantities for the tender and billing in tunnel projects. In this article, we show that only 57 % of service items can actually be linked to a physical item in traditional two‐dimensional (2D) design and highlight the need to consider how to incorporate these items into a BIM model. We also use a case study to propose an approach for parameterised and adaptive modelling of repetitive construction elements and show a way of a continuous data transfer from the forecast tunnelling class distribution via 3D BIM modelling to a billing software without data loss.
Translabial ultrasound evaluation after tension‐free transobturator tape technique: Outcomes based on the tape's position
Authors: Gugliotta Giorgio , Schiattarella Antonio , Giunta Margherita , De Franciscis Pasquale , Polito Salvatore , Calagna Gloria
Published: June 2022

Objective

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of postoperative translabial ultrasound to assess the position of the tape implanted with the tension‐free transobturator tape technique.

Methods

We enrolled women with clinically and urodynamically proven type I or II stress urinary incontinence who were referred for transobturator tape treatment.

Results

A total of 50 women underwent a transobturator tape procedure and were included in the analysis. We divided the patients into two study groups (group A and group B), characterized by normal and obstructed flow at least 30 days after the surgical procedure visit, respectively. We performed a translabial ultrasound evaluation to assess the suburethral localization of the sling. On the longitudinal scan, the distance between the bladder neck and the suburethral sling was >10 mm in all patients in group A (16.7 ± 1.6). On the contrary, the values in group B were ≤10 mm (5.3 ± 4.8).

Conclusion

Our findings highlight the role of a skilled sonographic operator performing translabial ultrasound as a first‐line method for evaluating postoperative transobturator tape procedure and sling positioning. Moreover, translabial ultrasound could be helpful to determine a “cutoff” of the bladder neck to sling distance, as this is related to the onset of the obstruction.
The effect of magnesium sulfate on maternal serum electrolytes and parathyroid hormone in pre‐eclampsia
Authors: Farahani Masoumeh , Sharifinejad Niusha , Hashemnejad Maryam , Mashak Banafsheh , Mahboubipour Hamid , Farahani Mahnaz , Rastad Hadith , Nirouei Matineh
Published: June 2022

Objective

To evaluate possible interactions of magnesium sulfate—the drug of choice in the management of pre‐eclampsia/eclampsia—in response to a few case reports that revealed maternal electrolyte disturbances, especially symptomatic changes, following magnesium sulfate administration in pre‐eclampsia.

Methods

Prospectively, women with pre‐eclampsia were given 4 g of intravenous magnesium sulfate followed by a 2 g/h infusion up to 24 h after delivery. Sequential blood samples were drawn from each patient and used to measure the serum levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and parathyroid hormone.

Results

A total of 30 pregnant women with pre‐eclampsia were evaluated. They were aged between 20 and 41 years with median gestational age of 37.6 (interquartile range 35.4–38.9) weeks. Only five patients reached the therapeutic window of magnesium in at least one of our measuring intervals during magnesium sulfate infusion. Plasma magnesium concentrations increased significantly during magnesium sulfate administration and dropped during the next 12 and 24 h after infusion discontinuation (P < 0.05). Fifteen of 30 (50%) patients developed asymptomatic hypocalcemia, mainly at hour 24 of infusion. Negative moderate correlations were detected between the calcium and magnesium concentrations at 12 and 24 hours of infusion (ρ = −0.390, P = 0.044 and ρ = 0.315, P = 0.096, respectively). None of the patients with hypocalcemia reached the therapeutic level of magnesium or experienced parallel hyperphosphatemia. Eleven of 30 (36.6%) patients developed hyperphosphatemia mainly at 2 and 12 h of magnesium sulfate infusion.

Conclusions

Our study implies that magnesium sulfate could cause hypermagnesemia‐induced hypocalcemia in women with pre‐eclampsia, independent from parathyroid hormone. The negative correlations between calcium and magnesium concentrations could be indicative of dose‐dependent associations between serum magnesium level and degree of hypocalcemia in our study.
Shining a light on postnatal perineal granulation tissue
Authors: Brophy Caroline , Corbett Gillian A. , O′Brien Laoise
Published: June 2022

Perineal granulation tissue affects 2.7% of vaginal deliveries. Associated with nulliparity and instrumental delivery, it causes pain and delays recovery for new mothers.
Tips for handling common avian and reptile pets
Authors: Sayers Ian
Published: June 2022

Background: Exotic pets are increasingly being presented to veterinary practices. Familiarity with basic handling techniques of commonly presented species helps significantly in building client confidence and improving the client bond with the practice. Basic handling skills are integral in enabling a clinical examination, as well as being the first step in obtaining appropriate diagnostic samples. Species size can vary dramatically which will have a bearing on particular techniques used, but techniques have a degree of commonality. This article will consider handling of common pet avian and reptile species.

Aim of the article: This article aims to provide handling advice for common avian and reptile pets, but not for all of the 20,000+ species that exist; for example, reference to crocodilia, venomous species, large terrestrial chelonia and large flightless birds are beyond the scope of this article.
Inside Cover
Authors: Ghimire Hemendra , Viennois Emilie , Hu Xinjie , Qin Gengsheng , Merlin Didier , Perera A. G. Unil
Published: June 2022

Rapid, reliable, minimally invasive, and cost‐effective screening for ulcerative colitis (UC). Gold‐standard endoscopic tests are expensive, invasive, with associated risks, and are not comfortable to use, affecting compliance rates. This novel approach could provide an indication of UC encouraging them on endoscopic tests.

Further details can be found in the article by Hemendra Ghimire, Emilie Viennois, Xinjie Hu, Gengsheng Qin, Didier Merlin, and A. G. Unil Perera (e202100307)

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Broad‐spectrum cytotoxicity to cancer cells of Brevilaterin C from Brevibacillus laterosporus and its specific mechanism on human epidermal cancer cells
Authors: Chen Zhou , Wang Lulu , Hong Dan , Liu Yangliu , Han Panpan , Li Siting , Jia Yingmin
Published: June 2022

Antimicrobial peptides (AMP) from Brevibacillus laterosporus have good prospects as clinical treatments for cancer. Nevertheless, details about their anticancer spectrum and mode of cytotoxicity remain poorly understood. A newly found AMP (named Brevilaterin C) secreted by B. laterosporus S62‐9 exhibited strong inhibition on almost cancer cell lines examined at a concentration of 8 µg/ml but was relatively safe for normal cells. We further systematically examined its cytotoxicity and mechanism toward human epidermal cancer cell A431. A dosage of 3 µg/ml of Brevilaterin C could significantly increase lactate dehydrogenase release of tumor cells. Moreover, it could remarkably increase the ratio of apoptosis and reactive oxygen species generation of A431, indicating effective induction of apoptosis. Moreover, the formation of JC‐1 aggregates was effectively prevented by a low concentration of Brevilaterin C, indicating its effective induction of A431's apoptosis. Brevilaterin C exhibited broad‐spectrum cytotoxicity to cancer cells, indicating a good potential prospect in the medical field.
Elevation of neutrophil carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 associated with multiple inflammatory mediators was related to different clinical stages in ischemic stroke patients
Authors: Zhang Yi , Wang Yijie , Wu Wei , Liu Ping , Sun Shanshan , Hong Meng , Yuan Yuan , Xia Qi , Chen Zhi
Published: June 2022

Background

We aimed to analyze the level of carcinoembryonic antigen‐related cell adhesion molecule 1 (CEACAM1) in neutrophils of ischemic stroke (IS) patients at different stages, together with its roles in neutrophils.

Patients and methods

Sixty‐seven patients were classified into acute phase group (n = 19), subacute phase group (n = 28), and stable phase group (n = 20), and 20 healthy individuals who had received physical examination at the same time period as healthy control. We then analyzed the expression level of CEACAM1 and cell viability in CEACAM1 positive and CEACAM1 negative neutrophils by flow cytometry and the content of plasma CEACAM1, neutrophil gelatinase‐associated lipocalin (NGAL), matrix metalloproteinases‐9 (MMP‐9) was measured using enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), while that of interleukin‐10 (IL‐10) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) was determined using a Human Enhanced Sensitivity Flex set.

Results

Compared with healthy control, the percentage of CEACAM1 positive neutrophils in IS patients showed a significant increase, and a significant increase was also noticed in the content of plasma CEACAM1 at the subacute stage. Reduction in cell viability was observed in CEACAM1 positive neutrophils compared with CEACAM1 negative counterparts. There was a positive correlation between CEACAM1 expression rate in neutrophils and plasma CEACAM1 and IL‐10 content in the subacute group. Compared with acute group and healthy control group, there was an instinct increase in the level of plasma MMP‐9 and NGAL in subacute group.

Conclusions

Our data showed that there was a rapid increase of CEACAM1 in neutrophils at the acute stage of IS. We speculated that CEACAM1 may serve as an inhibitory regulator involving in the progression of IS.
Design, synthesis, and antimicrobial activity of novel Isoxazolyl Imidazo[2,1‐b]Thiazole libraries
Authors: Saini Ramakrishna , Dharavath Nagaraju , Malladi Srinivas Reddy
Published: June 2022

A simple and efficient iodine‐promoted synthesis has been developed for the synthesis of isoxazolyl aryl thiazole amines (3) from easily available isoxazolyl aryl ethanones (1) and thiourea (2) in good yields. Furthermore, isoxazolyl aryl thiazole amines (3) are utilized as building blocks for the synthesis of novel isoxazolyl imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole libraries 6. All the synthesized compounds were characterized by IR, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and Mass spectral data. The title compounds 6a‐ah were evaluated for their antimicrobial activity. Compounds 6d, 6 g, 6p, 6q, 6r, 6 s, 6u, 6v, 6w, and 6x exhibited significant antimicrobial activity as that of standard drugs.
Dynamic change of circulating innate and adaptive lymphocytes subtypes during a cascade of gastric lesions
Authors: Fu Weiwei , Wang Wenyan , zhang Jing , Zhao Yang , Chen Keyan , Wang Ye , Zhang Jing , Xiong Ying , Guo Xiaohuan , Ding Shigang
Published: June 2022

According to the Correa model, the intestinal-type gastric cancer (GC) is preceded by premalignant lesions, including chronic gastritis, intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia. However, the dynamic change of innate and adaptive immune response during this process has not been studied comprehensively. In this study, we performed a comprehensive and trajectory analysis of circulating innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) and adaptive Th lymphocytes subtypes in patients spanning a cascade of gastric lesions. Increased circulating ILC2s frequency was found in the gastritis, premalignant stage and GC group, whereas further decreased ILC2s were detected in the GC group compared with the premalignant group. Moreover, ILC3s level was higher in both gastritis, premalignant lesion and GC stage, compared with healthy controls. Furthermore, up-regulated T follicular helper (Tfh) cell proportions were detected in the gastritis and premalignant process. In conclusion, by analyzing the circulating ILCs and Th cells frequency and the key cytokine production or immunoglobulin level, we demonstrated the potential involvement of ILC3 and Tfh in the gastric diseases. These findings will help to understand the immunologic mechanisms in both GC and the premalignant process and contribute to serve potential therapeutic targets to prevent the GC development.
Epidemiological characteristics of hand, foot, and mouth disease clusters during 2016–2020 in Beijing, China
Authors: Cui Yan , Yang Yan‐Na , Zheng Ran‐Ran , Xie Ming‐Zhu , Zhang Wan‐Xue , Chen Lin‐Yi , Du Juan , Yang Yang , Xi Lu , Li Hua , Li Hong‐Jun , Lu Qing‐Bin
Published: June 2022

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease that usually occurs in children under 5 years and is caused by a group of enteroviruses. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiological characteristics of HFMD clusters from 2016 to 2020 in Tongzhou, Beijing, and explored the genetic evolution of CV‐A6. The HFMD case information came from the Information System of China Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as well as the clusters information verification and on‐site investigation by Tongzhou CDC. ARIMA model was applied to forecast HFMD clusters in 2020. Totally 440 HFMD clusters were reported during 2016–2020. The large peak of the clusters occurred in April–July, followed by a smaller peak in October–November during 2016–2019. However, in 2020, the two peaks disappeared. The main site of HFMD clusters was childcare facilities (65.0%) and mostly occurred in urban areas (46.1%). The detection rate of CV‐A6 was the highest (36.1%), and cases with CV‐A6 infection had the highest proportion of fever. The phylogenetic analysis based on CV‐A6 VP1 gene showed that the predominant strains mainly located in Group F during 2016–2017, while changed into Group A during 2018–2020. HFMD clusters presented seasonality, mainly located in childcare facilities and urban areas, and CV‐A6 was the major causative agent. Targeted prevention and control measures should be taken to reduce HFMD clusters.
Antibody response three months after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection
Authors: Oktay Gültekin Efdal , Gültekin Onur , Coskun Arzu , Aksak Tiince
Published: June 2022

The coronavirus disease‐19 (COVID‐19) pandemic became the greatest public health challenge globally. In our study, it was aimed to determine the antibody levels in the third month after the COVID‐19 infection and the symptoms that continued until the third month from the onset of the infection. One hundred people who applied to Tarsus State Hospital with the suspicion of COVID‐19 and were positive for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection by real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction were included. We collected serum samples from individuals, who were 3 months postinfection, and tested them in anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 Quanti‐Vac ELISA IgG kit coated with recombinant S1 antigen for testing SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies. Antibody levels were found to be higher in those aged ≥55 years, nonsmokers, those with comorbidities, and those who were hospitalized. The four most common symptoms that individuals initially encounter; are weakness, muscle and joint pain, loss of taste and smell, and cough. In 3 months after COVID‐19 infection, the most common four symptoms are; muscle and joint pain, insomnia, fatigue, and other problems were determined. In conclusion; more research is needed to determine threshold levels of serum antibodies that could prevent reinfection of SARS‐CoV‐2.
Antibody response after two doses of homologous or heterologous SARS‐CoV‐2 vaccines in healthcare workers at health promotion centers: A prospective observational study
Authors: Nah Eun‐Hee , Cho Seon , Park Hyeran , Kim Suyoung , Noh Dongwon , Kwon Eunjoo , Cho Han‐Ik
Published: June 2022

Assaying of anti‐spike‐protein receptor‐binding domain (S‐RBD) antibodies are used to aid evaluations of the immune statuses of individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the antibody response after two doses of homologous or heterologous severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) vaccines and to identify the factors affecting this response among healthcare workers (HCWs) at health promotion centers. In this prospective observational study, 1095 consenting HCWs were recruited from 16 health checkup centers and were tested at T0 (day of first dose), T1‐1 (1 month after first dose), T2‐0 (day of second dose), T2‐1 (1 month after second dose), and T2‐3 (3 months after second dose). SARS‐CoV‐2 antibodies were measured using a chemiluminescence microparticle immunoassay with SARS‐CoV‐2 IgG II Quant in the ARCHITECT system (Abbott Diagnostics). At T1‐1, anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐RBD IgG levels were significantly higher in participants who received messenger RNA (mRNA) vaccines than in those who received viral vector vaccines (p < 0.001). At T2‐1, anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐RBD IgG levels were about 10 times higher than at T1‐1 in participants who received homologous mRNA vaccines, which decreased to a third of those at T2‐3. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐RBD IgG levels were highest among those who received homologous mRNA vaccines, followed by heterologous mRNA viral vector vaccines and homologous viral vector vaccines at T2‐3 (p < 0.001). In a multivariable linear regression analysis, being female, taking at least one mRNA vaccine, and having a history of recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) were significantly associated with anti‐S‐RBD levels. Anti‐SARS‐CoV‐2 S‐RBD IgG levels were decreased at 3 months after two‐dose vaccinations and were associated with sex, vaccine type, and COVID‐19 history.
The clinical and bioinformatics analysis for the role of antihypertension drugs on mortality among patients with hypertension hospitalized with COVID‐19
Authors: Zhao Liyang , Li Yusi , Yi Wenjuan , Yan Kuo , Yang Chao , Radhakrishnan Sridhar , Li Rui , Tan Ruirong , Fan Gang , Dai Mengyuan , Liu Miao , Shao Ning‐Yi
Published: June 2022

Comorbidities such as hypertension could exacerbate symptoms of coronaviral disease 2019 (COVID)‐19 infection. Patients with hypertension may receive both anti‐COVID‐19 and antihypertension therapies when infected with COVID‐19. However, it is not clear how different classes of anti‐hypertension drugs impact the outcome of COVID‐19 treatment. Herein, we explore the association between the inpatient use of different classes of anti‐hypertension drugs and mortality among patients with hypertension hospitalized with COVID‐19. We totally collected data from 278 patients with hypertension diagnosed with COVID‐19 admitted to hospitals in Wuhan from February 1 to April 1, 2020. A retrospective study was conducted and single‐cell RNA‐sequencing (RNA‐Seq) analysis of treatment‐related genes was performed. The results showed that Angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) and calcium channel blocker (CCB) drugs significantly increased the survival rate but the use of angiotensin‐converting enzyme inhibitor/β‐block/diuretic drugs did not affect the mortality caused by COVID‐19. Based on the analysis of four public data sets of single‐cell RNA‐Seq on COVID‐19 patients, we concluded that JUN, LST1 genes may play a role in the effect of ARB on COVID‐19‐related mortality, whereas CALM1 gene may contribute to the effect of CCB on COVID‐19‐related mortality. Our results provide guidance on the selection of antihypertension drugs for hypertensive patients infected with COVID‐19.
Steerable versus nonsteerable sheath technology in atrial fibrillation ablation: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Mhanna Mohammed , Beran Azizullah , Al‐Abdouh Ahmad , Sajdeya Omar , Barbarawi Mahmoud , Alsaiqali Mahmoud , Jabri Ahmad , Al‐Aaraj Ahmad , Alharbi Abdulmajeed , Chacko Paul
Published: June 2022

Introduction

Catheter placement and stability are well‐known challenges in atrial fibrillation (AF) ablation. As a result, steerable sheaths (SS) were developed to improve catheter stabilization and maintain proper catheter–tissue contact. The purpose of this systematic review and meta‐analysis is to see if employing a SS influences procedure outcome.

Method

We performed a comprehensive literature search for studies that evaluated the efficacy and safety of SS compared to nonsteerable sheaths (NSS) in AF ablation. The primary outcome was the rate of atrial arrhythmia (AA) freedom by the time of the last follow‐up. The secondary outcomes were the procedure‐related complications and procedural characteristics. Risk ratio (RR) or the mean difference (MD) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using the random‐effects model.

Results

A total of 10 studies, including 967 AF patients (mean age: 59.2 ± 11.1 years, 516 patients managed with SS vs. 454 with NSS), were included. SS group showed a higher rate of freedom of AA compared to NSS (RR: 1.19; 95% CI 1.09–1.29; p < .001). Both techniques had similar rate for procedural‐related complication (RR: 1.09, 95% CI 0.50–2.39; p = .83). The SS strategy had a shorter procedure time (MD −10.6 [min], 95% CI −20.97, −0.20; p = .05) but comparable fluoroscopic and radiofrequency application times to the NSS group.

Conclusions

The SS for AF catheter ablation not only reduced the total procedure time but also significantly increased the rate of successful ablation while maintaining a similar safety profile when compared to the traditional NSS.