bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between injury kinematics, neurological recovery, and pathology following concussion
Authors: Wofford Kathryn L , Grovola Michael R , Adewole Dayo O , Browne Kevin D , Putt Mary E , O’Donnell John C , Cullen D Kacy
Published: November 2021

Mild traumatic brain injury affects millions of individuals annually primarily through falls, traffic collisions, or blunt trauma and can generate symptoms that persist for years. Closed-head rotational loading is the most common cause of mild traumatic brain injury and is defined by a rapid rotational acceleration of brain tissue within an intact skull. Injury kinematics—the mechanical descriptors of injury-inducing motion—explain movement of the head, which govern energy transfer, and, therefore, determine injury severity. However, the relationship between closed-head rotational injury kinematics—such as angular velocity, angular acceleration, and injury duration—and outcome after mild traumatic brain injury is not completely understood. To address this gap in knowledge, we analysed archived surgical records of 24 swine experiencing a diffuse closed-head rotational acceleration mild traumatic brain injury against 12 sham animals. Kinematics were contrasted against acute recovery outcomes, specifically apnea time, extubation time, standing time, and recovery duration. Compared to controls, animals experiencing a mild traumatic brain injury were far more likely to have apnea (P < 0.001), shorter time to extubation (P = 0.023), and longer time from extubation to standing (P = 0.006). Using least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-based regressions, kinematic parameters, including maximum negative angular velocity and time from peak angular velocity to maximum angular deceleration, were selected to explain variation in apnea time, standing time, and recovery duration. Simplified linear models employing the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator-selected variables explained a modest degree of variation in apnea time (adjusted R2 = 0.18), standing time (adjusted R2 = 0.19), and recovery duration (adjusted R2 = 0.27). Neuropathology was correlated with multiple injury kinematics, with maximum angular acceleration exhibiting the strongest correlation (R2 = 0.66). Together, these data suggest the interplay between multiple injury kinematics, including maximum negative angular velocity (immediately preceding cessation of head motion) and time from peak angular velocity to maximum angular deceleration, best explain acute recovery metrics and neuropathology after mild traumatic brain injury in swine. Future experiments that independently manipulate individual kinematic parameters could be instrumental in developing translational diagnostics for clinical mild traumatic brain injury.
Circular RNA Sequencing Reveals Serum Exosome Circular RNA Panel for High-Grade Astrocytoma Diagnosis
Authors: Li Peiyao , Xu Zihao , Liu Tao , Liu Qing , Zhou Hecheng , Meng Shujuan , Feng Ziyang , Tang Ying , Liu Changhong , Feng Jianbo , Fu Haijuan , Liu Qiang , Wu Minghua
Published: November 2021

Background

Although major advances have been made in the histopathological diagnosis of high-grade astrocytoma (HGA), methods for effective and noninvasive diagnosis remain largely unknown. Exosomes can cross the blood–brain barrier and are readily accessible in human biofluids, making them promising biomarkers for HGA. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have potential as tumor biomarkers owing to their stability, conservation, and tissue specificity. However, the landscape and characteristics of exosome circRNAs in HGA remain to be studied.

Methods

CircRNA deep sequencing and bioinformatics approaches were used to generate a circRNA profiling database and analyze the features of HGA cell circRNAs and HGA cell-derived exosome circRNAs. Exosome circRNA expression in the serum and tissues of healthy individuals and patients with HGA was detected using reverse transcription-quantitative PCR. Additionally, the receiver operating characteristic curve and overall survival curves were analyzed.

Results

By investigating the characteristics of HGA cell-derived exosome circRNAs and HGA cell circRNAs, we observed that exosomes were more likely to enrich short-exon and suppressor circRNAs than HGA cells. Moreover, a serum exosome circRNA panel including hsa_circ_0075828, hsa_circ_0003828, and hsa_circ_0002976 could be used to screen for HGA, whereas a good prognosis panel comprised high concentrations of hsa_circ_0005019, hsa_circ_0000880, hsa_circ_0051680, and hsa_circ_0006365.

Conclusions

This study revealed a comprehensive circRNA landscape in HGA exosomes and cells. The serum exosome circexosome circRNA panel and tissue circRNAs are potentially useful for HGA liquid biopsy and prognosis monitoring. Exosome circRNAs as novel targets should facilitate further biomarker discovery and aid in HGA diagnosis and therapy monitoring.
Clinical Frailty Scale classes are independently associated with 6-month mortality for patients after acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Ekerstad Niklas , Javadzadeh Dariush , Alexander Karen P , Bergström Olle , Eurenius Lars , Fredrikson Mats , Gudnadottir Gudny , Held Claes , Ängerud Karin Hellström , Jahjah Radwan , Jernberg Tomas , Mattsson Ewa , Melander Kjell , Mellbin Linda , Ohlsson Monica , Ravn-Fischer Annica , Svennberg Lars , Yndigegn Troels , Alfredsson Joakim
Published: November 2021

Aims

Data on the prognostic value of frailty to guide clinical decision-making for patients with myocardial infarction (MI) are scarce. To analyse the association between frailty classification, treatment patterns, in-hospital outcomes, and 6-month mortality in a large population of patients with MI.

Methods and results

An observational, multicentre study with a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data using the SWEDEHEART registry. In total, 3381 MI patients with a level of frailty assessed using the Clinical Frailty Scale (CFS-9) were included. Of these patients, 2509 (74.2%) were classified as non-vulnerable non-frail (CFS 1–3), 446 (13.2%) were vulnerable non-frail (CFS 4), and 426 (12.6%) were frail (CFS 5–9). Frailty and non-frail vulnerability were associated with worse in-hospital outcomes compared with non-frailty, i.e. higher rates of mortality (13.4% vs. 4.0% vs. 1.8%), cardiogenic shock (4.7% vs. 2.5% vs. 1.9%), and major bleeding (4.5% vs. 2.7% vs. 1.1%) (all P < 0.001), and less frequent use of evidence-based therapies. In Cox regression analyses, frailty was strongly and independently associated with 6-month mortality compared with non-frailty, after adjustment for age, sex, the GRACE risk score components, and other potential risk factors [hazard ratio (HR) 3.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 2.30–4.79]. A similar pattern was seen for vulnerable non-frail patients (fully adjusted HR 2.07, 95% CI 1.41–3.02).

Conclusion

Frailty assessed with the CFS was independently and strongly associated with all-cause 6-month mortality, also after comprehensive adjustment for baseline differences in other risk factors. Similarly, non-frail vulnerability was independently associated with higher mortality compared with those with preserved functional ability.
US fathers’ reports of bonding, infant temperament and psychosocial stress based on family sleep arrangements
Authors: Gettler Lee T , Kuo Patty X , Sarma Mallika S , Lefever Jennifer E Burke , Cummings E Mark , McKenna James J , Braungart-Rieker Julia M
Published: November 2021

Background and objectives

Evolutionary-grounded sleep research has been critical to establishing the mutual dependence of breastfeeding and nighttime sleep proximity for mothers and infants. Evolutionary perspectives on cosleeping also often emphasize the emotional motivations for and potential benefits of sleep proximity, including for parent-infant bonding. However, this potential link between infant sleep location and bonding remains understudied for both mothers and fathers. Moreover, in Euro-American contexts bedsharing has been linked to family stress and difficult child temperament, primarily via maternal reports. We know relatively little about whether paternal psychosocial dynamics differ based on family sleep arrangements, despite fathers and other kin often being present in the cosleeping environment across cultures. Here, we aim to help address some of these gaps in knowledge pertaining to fathers and family sleep arrangements.

Methodology

Drawing on a sample of Midwestern U.S. fathers (N=195), we collected sociodemographic and survey data to analyze links between infant nighttime sleep location, paternal psychosocial well-being, father-infant bonding, and infant temperament. From fathers’ reports, families were characterized as routinely solitary sleeping, bedsharing, or roomsharing (without bedsharing).

Results

We found that routinely roomsharing or bedsharing fathers, respectively, reported stronger bonding than solitary sleepers. Bedsharing fathers also reported that their infants had more negative temperaments and also tended to report greater parenting-related stress due to difficulties with their children.

Conclusions

These cross-sectional results help to highlight how a practice with deep phylogenetic and evolutionary history, such as cosleeping, can be variably expressed within communities with the potential for family-dependent benefits or strains.
Predictive value of baseline cognitive functioning on health-related quality of life in individuals with coronary artery disease: a 5-year longitudinal study
Authors: Kazukauskiene Nijole , Fineberg Naomi A , Bunevicius Adomas , Narvaez Linares Nicolás Francisco , Poitras Marilou , Plamondon Helene , Pranckeviciene Aiste , Gecaite-Stonciene Julija , Brozaitiene Julija , Varoneckas Giedrius , Mickuviene Narseta , Burkauskas Julius
Published: November 2021

Aims

Emerging studies suggest an association exists between coronary artery disease (CAD) and the development of neurodegenerative diseases, with CAD acting as a precursor. Our study aimed to investigate the relationship between baseline measures of cognitive functioning and long-term health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in individuals with CAD with specification to Type D personality traits and sex.

Methods and results

This prospective observational cohort study consisted of 864 participants (mean age 58 SD = 9 years, 74.0% men) with CAD after acute coronary syndrome. Baseline characteristics included comprehensive cognitive testing, measures of sociodemographic and clinical factors, and psychological assessment scales, such as Type D personality scale and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression scale. The Minnesota Living with Heart Failure Questionnaire assessed participants’ HRQoL, conducted through phone interviews at baseline, every 6 months for up to 2 years, and after 5 years. Cognitive functioning correlated with HRQoL at all time intervals over the 5-year follow-up. Regarding sex and Type D personality, significant differences emerged in associations between impaired cognitive functioning at baseline and HRQoL measured over the period of 5 years. Men participants with characteristics of Type D personality were especially vulnerable to impaired cognitive functioning affecting the 5-year quality of life.

Conclusion

Men with CAD who obtained scores indicating characteristics of Type D personality were significantly more likely to have lower baseline cognitive functions and long-term HRQoL outcomes. This information could inform healthcare practitioners to screen for personality characteristics and closely follow-up those at a greater risk.
Eye-Transcriptome and Genome-Wide Sequencing for Scolecophidia: Implications for Inferring the Visual System of the Ancestral Snake
Authors: Gower David J , Fleming James F , Pisani Davide , Vonk Freek J , Kerkkamp Harald M I , Peichl Leo , Meimann Sonja , Casewell Nicholas R , Henkel Christiaan V , Richardson Michael K , Sanders Kate L , Simões Bruno F
Published: November 2021

Molecular genetic data have recently been incorporated in attempts to reconstruct the ecology of the ancestral snake, though this has been limited by a paucity of data for one of the two main extant snake taxa, the highly fossorial Scolecophidia. Here we present and analyze vision genes from the first eye-transcriptomic and genome-wide data for Scolecophidia, for Anilios bicolor, and A. bituberculatus, respectively. We also present immunohistochemistry data for retinal anatomy and visual opsin-gene expression in Anilios. Analyzed in the context of 19 lepidosaurian genomes and 12 eye transcriptomes, the new genome-wide and transcriptomic data provide evidence for a much more reduced visual system in Anilios than in non-scolecophidian (=alethinophidian) snakes and in lizards. In Anilios, there is no evidence of the presence of 7 of the 12 genes associated with alethinophidian photopic (cone) phototransduction. This indicates extensive gene loss and many of these candidate gene losses occur also in highly fossorial mammals with reduced vision. Although recent phylogenetic studies have found evidence for scolecophidian paraphyly, the loss in Anilios of visual genes that are present in alethinophidians implies that the ancestral snake had a better-developed visual system than is known for any extant scolecophidian.
Cross-National Perspectives on Aging and Place: Implications for Age-Friendly Cities and Communities
Authors: Woolrych Ryan , Sixsmith Judith , Duvvuru Jamuna , Portella Adriana , Fang Mei Lan , Menezes Deborah , Henderson James , Fisher Jenny , Lawthom Rebecca
Published: November 2021

Background and Objectives

The age-friendly cities and communities (AFCC) agenda has led to a range of policy initiatives aimed at supporting aging in place for older people. While there is case study evidence of how people age across urban contexts, there has been little research exploring cross-national understandings of age-friendly places among older people. The objective of this article is to identify the place experiences of older people living across cities and communities in India, Brazil, and the United Kingdom and to discuss implications for the AFCC agenda.

Research Design and Methods

A total of 300 semistructured interviews were undertaken with older people across 9 cities and 27 communities in India, Brazil, and the United Kingdom. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis undertaken by each national team and then discussed and revised at collaborative workshops with researchers from each of the 3 country teams.

Results

The data capture the ways in which place is constructed from the perspective of older people drawing upon social, community, and cultural dimensions of aging across diverse urban environments. We explore how older people negotiate place in the context of their everyday life and identify the relational and interconnected ways in which place attachment, belonging, and identity are constructed.

Discussion and Implications

Age-friendly interventions need to attend to the changing physical, social and cultural dimensions of aging and place. Integrated place-making practices are required to support older people to age in the right place across rapidly transforming urban contexts globally.
Stress drops of hydraulic fracturing induced microseismicity in the Horn River basin: challenges at high frequencies recorded by borehole geophones
Authors: Klinger Adam G , Werner Maximilian J
Published: November 2021

The ground motions caused by seismicity associated with fluid injection can pose a significant hazard. Borehole geophone arrays can provide access to tiny seismic events, which can extend the investigated magnitude range. However, the high frequency phase arrivals (i.e., >100 Hz) also present challenges associated with high frequency cut-offs (fmax), stronger attenuation and resonances within geophones. These effects limit our ability to accurately constrain attenuation models and high frequency source parameters. We investigate 112 −0.6 $\le \, M_{\rm w}\, \le$ 0.7 seismic events and calculate corner frequencies and stress drops from 90 of these events recorded during hydraulic fracturing treatment in the Horn River basin, British Columbia. High frequency resonances (>250 Hz) caused by spurious frequency excitation and/or coupling issues can significantly distort the shape of phase arrival spectra and affect source parameter estimates. Critically, resonances vary in strength between (nearly) colocated events, which may compromise the validity of a spectral ratio approach. For stations showing the cleanest spectra, the Brune model provides a decent fit to the displacement spectra. However, bandwidth limitations, low signal-to-noise ratios, high frequency cut-offs and significant attenuation still hinder our ability to retrieve high frequency source parameters. We find that a frequency independent Qp = 180 ± 40 provides a reasonable model for crustal attenuation but the large uncertainty caused by resonances prevents a robust constraint. From those events that show the best fits, we find a mean Madariaga corner frequency of 210 Hz ± 30 from P-phase arrivals, which is in the range of expected values if self-similarity extends into negative magnitudes. We also calculate a mean stress drop of 1.6 MPa ± 1.2, which is within the tectonic range but slightly lower than other deeper regional studies, which can be explained by lower effective stresses and/or a lower crustal shear strength. We find no evidence for a change in stress drop with depth or distance from the point of injection. A plausible explanation is that effective stresses are lowered relatively quickly over the entire fault zone via direct hydraulic connections. However, the large uncertainties make it difficult to interpret source parameter variability in detail. For high resolution monitoring and source properties of microseismicity, there is an urgent need for high quality high frequency recordings unaffected by spurious frequencies.
Controlled Mass Rearing of Cochineal Insect (Hemiptera: Dactylopiidae) Using Two Laboratory-Scale Production Systems in Peru
Authors: Roque-Rodríguez Francisco Javier
Published: November 2021

The carmine cochineal (Dactylopius coccus Costa) has high economic value as it is a natural source of carminic acid, an organic chromophore used in a wide range of sectors including pharmaceutics, food, and cosmetics. High demand is fuelling the search for innovative production techniques in order to move away from dependence on the prickly pear, which carries a number of limitations. The aim of this study was to establish cochineal colonies and breed and mass-produce the insects using two laboratory-scale production systems. The first system (STC-01) comprised a prismatic acrylic box with three compartments; synthetic matrices were placed vertically inside the box to provide support and a source of nutrients for the cochineal, and the system was lit artificially during fixed daylight periods. The second system (STC-02) comprised an automated micro-tunnel allowing the insects to move towards the sunlight, containing synthetic matrices arranged horizontally. There was a significant difference in yield between the two systems in a cochineal total life cycle of 120 d (80–90 d harvest period in both cases), with STC-01 being superior and producing a maximum yield of 4.86 ± 0.68 g fresh weight per day per square metre compared with 3.20 ± 0.14 g fresh weight per day per square metre production yield in STC-02. We conclude that cochineal production under controlled artificial conditions is feasible and sustainable, removing the need for natural and biological support and overcoming the environmental limitations posed by traditional production methods.
Determining habitat requirements for the southeastern pocket gopher (Geomys pinetis) at multiple scales
Authors: Parsons Elizabeth I , Gitzen Robert A , Pynne J T , Conner L Mike , Castleberry Steven B , Duncan Sarah I , Austin James D , McCleery Robert A
Published: November 2021

Pocket gophers provide vital ecosystem services; however, species like the southeastern pocket gopher (Geomys pinetis), endemic to the southeastern United States, are declining. Long-term conservation of this species requires greater understanding of its habitat characteristics. Our objective here was to determine habitat features associated with southeastern pocket gopher occurrence at the local (100 ha) and home-range (0.09 ha) scales. We assessed occurrence and carried out vegetation surveys at 177 sites across the species’ range during the growing season (March–September) 2016–2017. At the local scale, we found a negative relationship between occurrence and groundcover height and a quadratic relationship with canopy closure. At the home-range scale, occurrence was positively related to grass groundcover and had a quadratic relationship with canopy closure. Restoration of southeastern pocket gopher habitat should focus on creating or maintaining areas with intermediate canopy (~45–55%) and an understory dominated by grasses and forbs.
Cougar use of residential areas and interactions with people in periods of population stability and growth
Authors: Kertson Brian N , Keren Ilai N
Published: November 2021

The presence of large carnivores close to people poses unique challenges for wildlife managers working to maintain fully functioning ecosystems while simultaneously minimizing potential risks to public safety and private property. In western North America, cougar (Puma concolor) use of residential areas is relatively commonplace and has contributed to undesirable interactions with people. A common assumption is that cougar population growth translates into greater proximity to people and more interactions, but to our knowledge, direct evaluation of this assumption has not occurred. We used GPS telemetry locations and confirmed cougar–human interaction reports to construct single-sex Leslie matrices, utilization distributions, and a two-stage hurdle model within a Bayesian framework to investigate the effects of population trajectory on cougar use of residential areas and interactions with people in the wildland–urban interface of western Washington. We collected data during two time periods with different expected population growth rates, anticipating greater cougar use of residential areas and interaction levels during the period of increased growth. Contrary to our initial expectations, we did not detect meaningful differences in cougar presence in residential areas or number of interactions with humans between study periods. Instead, we documented consistent space use patterns by all demographic classes that seemed to be governed by different life-history strategies. Interactions with humans were largely a function of individual cougar behaviors during both study periods. The consistent presence of abundant, well-connected wildlands coupled with cougar dispersal likely mitigated the potential effects of population trajectory as the increased expected growth rate in Period 2 manifested primarily as subadult emigration via wildlands. We found that a source population does not necessarily translate into greater proximity to people and more interactions. Cougar management in wildland–urban environments would benefit from the application of strategies that address the complex interplay of biological and anthropogenic factors that contribute to cougar presence in residential areas and their likelihood of interacting with people.
Tuberculosis Diagnosis in HIV-Infected Children: Comparison of the 2012 and 2015 Clinical Case Definitions for Classification of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis Disease
Authors: Marcy Olivier , Goyet Sophie , Borand Laurence , Msellati Philippe , Ung Vibol , Tejiokem Mathurin , Do Chau Giang , Ateba-Ndongo Francis , Ouedraogo Abdoul Salam , Dim Bunnet , Perez Paul , Asselineau Julien , Carcelain Guislaine , Blanche Stéphane , Delacourt Christophe , Godreuil Sylvain
Published: November 2021

Background

There is no gold standard for tuberculosis diagnosis in children. Clinical Case Definitions for Classification of Intrathoracic Tuberculosis in Children were proposed by international experts in 2012 and updated in 2015. We aimed to compare the 2012 and 2015 Clinical Case Definitions in HIV-infected children with suspected tuberculosis.

Methods

We enrolled HIV-infected children with suspected tuberculosis in Burkina Faso, Cambodia, Cameroon, and Vietnam (ANRS [Agence Nationale de Recherches sur le SIDA et les hépatites virales] 12229 PAANTHER [Pediatric Asian African Network for Tuberculosis and HIV Research] 01 Study). We classified children using the 2012 and 2015 Case Definitions considering as tuberculosis cases those with confirmed tuberculosis and those with probable and unconfirmed tuberculosis in the 2012 and the 2015 classifications, respectively. We assessed agreement between both classifications.

Results

Of 438 children enrolled, 197 (45.0%) children were classified as tuberculosis (45 confirmed, 152 probable) using the 2012 Case Definition and 251 (57.3%) were classified as tuberculosis (55 confirmed, 196 unconfirmed) using the 2015 classification. Inter-classification agreement for tuberculosis diagnosis was 364/438, 83.1%, with a kappa statistic of 0.667 (95% confidence interval 0.598-0.736). Of 152 children with probable tuberculosis (2012), 142 (93.4%) were considered as tuberculosis by the 2015 version and 10 (6.6%) as unlikely tuberculosis including 9 with spontaneous clinical improvement. Of 132 possible tuberculosis (2012), 58 (43.9%) were reclassified as tuberculosis (2015).

Conclusions

Agreement between the 2 versions of the Case Definition was substantial but more children were considered as tuberculosis using the 2015 version. Spontaneous symptom resolution reinforces both confidence in the “unlikely” category as being children without tuberculosis and the importance of the clinician’s treatment decision in the study.
Traumatic xylophagia leading to foreign body removal and tracheostomy in the setting of postpartum psychosis
Authors: Anderson Brady J , Allen David Z , McKee Sean P , Low Garren , Yuksel Sancak
Published: November 2021

Postpartum psychosis (PPP) is a severe mood disorder following childbirth that rarely leads to injurious or suicidal behavior. This report illustrates otolaryngologic intervention for pharyngeal laceration and airway instability following traumatic foreign body ingestion in the setting of PPP.

A 25-year-old woman with PPP presented with hemoptysis after attempting suicide by traumatically forcing tree branches into her oropharynx. Imaging revealed pneumomediastinum, and flexible laryngoscopy and esophagoscopy showed a large foreign body (tree branch) extending from the hypopharynx to the gastroesophageal junction. She was taken to the operating room for direct microlaryngoscopy, bronchoscopy and esophagoscopy with removal of the 25-cm tree branch. Panendoscopy revealed a mucosal laceration at the cricopharyngeus with supraglottic and hypopharyngeal edema but no injury to the larynx. Due to airway concerns, a cuffed tracheostomy was placed along with a gastrostomy tube for feeding access. She tolerated her postoperative course with successful decannulation and oral feeding prior to discharge.
Addressing health communication in the era of alternative truths: the view from medical assistance
Authors: Renshaw Anthony , Lai Irene
Published: November 2021

The negative impact of medical misinformation on travellers in a multinational organizational context is substantial. A clear framework for assessing and reducing the risk of inaccurate health information is required in the current rapidly changing travel context, especially to locations where the healthcare system is unfamiliar.
High SARS-CoV-2 viral load in travellers arriving in Spain with a negative COVID-19 test prior to departure
Authors: Molero-Salinas Andrea , Rico-Luna Carla , Losada Carmen , Buenestado-Serrano Sergio , de la Cueva García Víctor Manuel , Egido José , Adán-Jiménez Javier , Catalán Pilar , Muñoz Patricia , Pérez-Lago Laura , García de Viedma Darío
Published: November 2021

Hundred and ninety-six travellers with negative-COVID-19-tests prior to departure tested positive, on arrival at Madrid (April/June 2021), from a total of 45 211 travellers tested (0.43%). Viral loads (Ct: 20.3) were higher compared to the general population (Ct: 27.09). Our data reveal weaknesses in pre-departure testing and alert about high-viral-load-SARS-CoV-2 carriers in intercontinental flights.
APOPHIS – effects of the 2029 Earth’s encounter on the surface and nearby dynamics
Authors: Valvano G , Winter O C , Sfair R , Machado Oliveira R , Borderes-Motta G , Moura T S
Published: November 2021

The 99942 Apophis close encounter with Earth in 2029 may provide information about asteroid’s physical characteristics and measurements of Earth’s effects on the asteroid surface. In this work, we analysed the surface and the nearby dynamics of Apophis. The possible effects of its 2029 encounter on the surface and environment vicinity are also analysed. We consider a 340 m polyhedron with a uniform density (1.29, 2.2, and 3.5 g cm−3). The slope angles are computed, as well their variation that arises during the close approach. Such variation reaches 4° when low densities are used in our simulations and reaches 2° when the density is high. The zero-velocity curves, the equilibrium points, and their topological classification are obtained. We found four external equilibrium points and two of them are linearly stable. We also perform numerical simulations of bodies orbiting the asteroid, taking into account the irregular gravitational field of Apophis and two extra scenarios of perturbations: the solar radiation pressure and the Earth’s perturbation during the close approach. The radiation pressure plays an important role in the vicinity of the asteroid, only cm-sized particles survived for the time of integration. For densities of 2.2 and 3.5 g cm−3, a region of 5 cm radius particles survived for 30 yr of the simulation, and for 1.29 g cm−3, only particles with 15 cm of radius survived. The ejections and collisions are about 30–50 times larger when the close encounter effect is added but around 56–59 per cent of particles still survive the encounter.
Partial Regularity for Local Minimizers of Variational Integrals With Lower-Order Terms
Authors: Campos Cordero Judith
Published: November 2021

We consider functionals of the form $$\begin{equation*} \mathcal{F}(u):=\int_\Omega\!F(x,u,\nabla u)\,\mathrm{d} x, \end{equation*}$$ where $\Omega\subseteq\mathbb{R}^n$ is open and bounded. The integrand $F\colon\Omega\times\mathbb{R}^N\times\mathbb{R}^{N\times n}\to\mathbb{R}$ is assumed to satisfy the classical assumptions of a power p-growth and the corresponding strong quasiconvexity. In addition, F is Hölder continuous with exponent $2\beta\in(0,1)$ in its first two variables uniformly with respect to the third variable and bounded below by a quasiconvex function depending only on $z\in\mathbb{R}^{N\times n}$. We establish that strong local minimizers of $\mathcal{F}$ are of class $\operatorname{C}^{1,\beta}$ in an open subset $\Omega_0\subseteq\Omega$ with $\mathcal{L}^n(\Omega\setminus\Omega_0)=0$. This partial regularity also holds for a certain class of weak local minimizers at which the second variation is strongly positive and satisfying a bounded mean oscillation (BMO) smallness condition. This extends the partial regularity result for local minimizers by Kristensen and Taheri (2003) to the case where the integrand depends also on u. Furthermore, we provide a direct strategy for this result, in contrast to the blow-up argument used for the case of homogeneous integrands.
International Organisations and “Local” Networks: Localisation and Refugee Participation in the Ethiopian-South Sudanese Borderlands
Authors: Gidron Yotam , Carver Freddie
Published: November 2021

Recent debates on “refugee participation” and the “localisation” of refugee programmes have focused on the potential role of refugee-led organisations. In this article, we explore the engagement of humanitarian actors with South Sudanese refugees in Gambella (western Ethiopia) in order to problematise this focus. There are no formally registered refugee-led organisations in Gambella. Community organisations operating in the region tend to be informal, highly decentralised, networked, transnational, fluid, and under-bureaucratised. They are organisations that strictly hierarchical, centralised, and intensively administered humanitarian agencies find extremely difficult to fathom or work with. We argue that a serious commitment to localisation and participation would require aid actors to explore how they could make their own modes of organisation and operation more relevant to the networked, transnational structures already present in the daily lives of people – even when these challenge the frameworks based on which aid is commonly delivered – rather than encourage the formation of new refugee-led organisations mimicking the priorities and structures of the humanitarian community.
Detection, Identification, and Molecular Characterization of a 16SrII-V Subgroup Phytoplasma Associated with Nicotiana plumbaginifolia
Authors: Liao Pei-Qing , Chen Yuh-Kun , Mejia Helen Mae , Chien Yuan-Yu , Lee Ya-Chien , Tan Choon-Meng , Chiu Yi-Ching , Yang Jun-Yi
Published: November 2021

Nicotiana plumbaginifolia Viviani, commonly known as curl-leaved tobacco, is an annual herbaceous plant belonging to Solanaceae family. This plant is native to Mexico, South America, and parts of the Caribbean and has been reported to be present in Taiwan since 2006. In March 2021, N. plumbaginifolia Viviani, found in Yunlin County, Taiwan, was observed to have phyllody, virescence, and witches’-broom, which is consistent with the disease symptoms caused by phytoplasma infection. Samples of the healthy and symptomatic plants were collected for analysis of the causal agent associated with the diseased N. plumbaginifolia Viviani. Under transmission electron microscopy, the phytoplasma-like pleomorphic bodies were found in the sieve tubes of the diseased plants. The 16S ribosomal RNA (rRNA)-based phylogenetic analysis and the iPhyClassifier-based virtual restriction fragment length polymorphism study demonstrated that the phytoplasma identified in this study can be classified into the 16SrII-V subgroup, which is similar to the peanut witches’-broom phytoplasma, a ‘Candidatus phytoplasma aurantifolia’-related strain. Further identification of SAP54/PHYL1 and SAP11 homologs in the phytoplasma explain the disease symptoms of phyllody, virescence, and witches’-broom observed in diseased N. plumbaginifolia Viviani. The discovery of new phytoplasma plant hosts has gained scientific importance in light of the attempt to unravel an efficient strategy to fight the rapid spread of this disease, which poses a threat to the agricultural sector and food security in Taiwan.
Searching for the Mechanism that Mediates Mefenoxam-Acquired Resistance in Phytophthora infestans and How It Is Regulated
Authors: González-Tobón Juliana , Childers Richard Rabideau , Rodríguez Alejandra , Fry William , Myers Kevin L. , Thompson Jeremy R. , Restrepo Silvia , Danies Giovanna
Published: November 2021

Phytophthora infestans, the causal agent of late blight disease of potatoes, is mainly controlled by the use of fungicides. Isolates that are resistant to commonly used fungicides have been reported. Also, several studies show that originally mefenoxam-sensitive isolates acquire resistance to this fungicide when exposed to sublethal concentrations. This phenomenon, termed “mefenoxam-acquired resistance,” has been observed in different Phytophthora species and seems to be unique to mefenoxam. In this study, we aimed to elucidate the molecular mechanism mediating this type of resistance as well as a possible regulatory process behind it. A combination of computational analyses and experimental approaches was used to identify differentially expressed genes with a potential association to the phenomenon. These genes were classified into seven functional groups. Most of them seem to be associated with a pleiotropic drug resistance (PDR) phenotype, typically involved in the expulsion of diverse metabolites, drugs, or other substances out of the cell. Despite the importance of RNA Polymerase I for the constitutive resistance of P. infestans to mefenoxam, our results indicate no clear interaction between this protein and the acquisition of mefenoxam resistance. Several small non-coding RNAs were found to be differentially expressed and specifically related to genes mediating the PDR phenotype, thus suggesting a possible regulatory process. We propose a model of the molecular mechanisms acting within the cell when P. infestans acquires resistance to mefenoxam after exposed to sublethal concentrations of the fungicide. This study provides important insights into P. infestans’ cellular and regulatory functionalities.
Association between maximum temperature and PM2.5 with pregnancy outcomes in Lima, Peru
Authors: Tapia Vilma L. , Vasquez-Apestegui Bertha Vanessa , Alcantara-Zapata Diana , Vu Bryan , Steenland Kyle , Gonzales Gustavo F.
Published: November 2021

Background:

We have previously documented an inverse relationship between PM2.5 in Lima, Peru, and reproductive outcomes. Here, we investigate the effect of temperature on birth weight, birth weight-Z-score adjusted for gestational age, low birth weight, and preterm birth. We also explore interactions between PM2.5 and temperature.

Methods:

We studied 123,034 singleton births in three public hospitals of Lima with temperature and PM2.5 during gestation between 2012 and 2016. We used linear, logistic, and Cox regression to estimate associations between temperature during gestation and birth outcomes and explored possible modification of the temperature effect by PM2.5.

Results:

Exposure to maximum temperature in the last trimester was inversely associated with both birth weight [β: −23.7; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −28.0, −19.5] and z-score weight-for-gestational-age (β: −0.024; 95% CI: −0.029, −0.020) with an interquartile range of 5.32 °C. There was also an increased risk of preterm birth with higher temperature (interquartile range) in the first trimester (hazard ratio: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.001, 1.070). The effect of temperature on birthweight was primarily seen at higher PM2.5 levels. There were no statistically significant associations between temperature exposure with low birth weight.

Conclusions:

Exposition to maximum temperature was associated with lower birth weight and z-score weight-for-gestational-age and higher risk of preterm birth, in accordance with much of the literature. The effects on birth weight were seen only in the third trimester.
National Needs Assessment for a Pediatric Trauma Toolkit: General Requirements for Moderate- and High-Volume Hospitals
Authors: Cassidy Laura D. , Benett Sarah , Marion Erica , Nichols Lisa , Burke Rita , Gray Lisa , Morrell Patricia , Schwing Lisa , Waunch Amy , Haley Kathy
Published: November 2021

Background:

Optimal outcomes have been reported for children treated at pediatric trauma centers; however, most children are treated at nonpediatric trauma centers or nonpediatric general hospitals. Hospitals that are not verified or designated pediatric trauma centers may lack the training and level of comfort and skill when treating severely injured children.

Objective:

This study focused on identifying common pediatric guidelines for standardization across all trauma centers to inform a pediatric trauma toolkit.

Methods:

A needs assessment survey was developed highlighting the guidelines from an expert committee review. The purpose of the survey was to prioritize needed items for the development of a pediatric trauma toolkit. Professional trauma organizations distributed the survey to their respective memberships to ensure good representation of people who care for traumatically injured children and work in trauma centers. Deidentified survey results were analyzed with frequencies and descriptive statistics provided. Data were compared by hospital trauma verification level using a chi-square test. The value of p < .05 was considered statistically significant.

Results:

A total of 303 people responded to the survey. The majority of respondents reported a high value in the creation of a pediatric trauma toolkit for the guidelines that were included. There was variability in the reported access to the guidelines, indicating a significant need for the toolkit development and dissemination.

Conclusion:

As expected, Level III centers reported the largest gaps in access to standardized pediatric guidelines and demonstrated high levels of interest and need.
An Interprofessional Approach to Family-Centered Child Protective Services Referral: A Case Report
Authors: Roney Linda Nancy , Knapik Katherine R. , Eaves Tanika , Neitlich Joshua A. , Lapointe Kayla
Published: November 2021

Background:

Members of the trauma team often find themselves in a uniquely challenging position wherein their role on the care team may necessitate developing a working relationship with alleged or confirmed perpetrators of abuse.

Case Presentation:

A 9-week-old admitted to the hospital with hyponatremia and evaluation for suspected child physical abuse. Specific details of the case were a barrier to communication and interactions between the patient's mother and the trauma nurse. This report will provide a discussion of takeaway lessons to support communication with this patient population.

Conclusion:

Peplau's Theory of Interpersonal Relations is utilized as a framework for engaging in therapeutic communication with a family that is part of a child protective services evaluation. The mnemonic, A-TEAM (Aware, Transparent, Empathetic, A nonjudgmental approach, and Managed by an interprofessional team), is introduced as a strategy for trauma nurses and other health care team members to engage in therapeutic communication with a family that is part of a child protective services evaluation during their admission.
Valid Acoustic Models of Cochlear Implants: One Size Does Not Fit All
Authors: Svirsky Mario A. , Capach Nicole Hope , Neukam Jonathan D. , Azadpour Mahan , Sagi Elad , Hight Ariel Edward , Glassman E. Katelyn , Lavender Annette , Seward Keena P. , Miller Margaret K. , Ding Nai , Tan Chin-Tuan , Fitzgerald Matthew B.
Published: November 2021

Hypothesis:

This study tests the hypothesis that it is possible to find tone or noise vocoders that sound similar and result in similar speech perception scores to a cochlear implant (CI). This would validate the use of such vocoders as acoustic models of CIs. We further hypothesize that those valid acoustic models will require a personalized amount of frequency mismatch between input filters and output tones or noise bands.

Background:

Noise or tone vocoders have been used as acoustic models of CIs in hundreds of publications but have never been convincingly validated.

Methods:

Acoustic models were evaluated by single-sided deaf CI users who compared what they heard with the CI in one ear to what they heard with the acoustic model in the other ear. We evaluated frequency-matched models (both all-channel and 6-channel models, both tone and noise vocoders) as well as self-selected models that included an individualized level of frequency mismatch.

Results:

Self-selected acoustic models resulted in similar levels of speech perception and similar perceptual quality as the CI. These models also matched the CI in terms of perceived intelligibility, harshness, and pleasantness.

Conclusion:

Valid acoustic models of CIs exist, but they are different from the models most widely used in the literature. Individual amounts of frequency mismatch may be required to optimize the validity of the model. This may be related to the basalward frequency mismatch experienced by postlingually deaf patients after cochlear implantation.
SARS-CoV-2 could be spread through hospital medication dispensed to patients
Authors: Grau Santiago , Ferrández Olivia , Echeverría-Esnal Daniel , Maldonado Rafael , Puig Berta , Ramirez Aida , Canal Mireia , Montero Albert , González Cristina , Herranz Milagros , Masclans Joan Ramon , Horcajada Juan Pablo , Padilla Eduardo
Published: November 2021

Our objective was to analyze in vitro the persistence of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) in the packaging material of the drugs dispensed to hospital wards. Additionally, to evaluate if the protection with a double plastic bag prevents the contamination of the medication dispensed to an intensive care unit (ICU).

On the first part, different materials containing different drugs within an ICU were sampled to confirm the lack of contamination by SARS-CoV-2. The confirmation of the virus was performed using real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. As a control group, in the microbiology laboratory we inoculated the virus into the different surfaces containing the same drugs included in the first part. Samples were obtained with a sterile swab at 3, 6, 8, 10, 14, 21, and 30 days after inoculation and analyzed through real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction.

None of the studied materials containing the drugs within an ICU was contaminated by SARS-CoV-2. In the second part, SARS-CoV-2 was found in all surfaces for up to 30 days.

The use of double-bag unit-dose system to deliver medication in a pandemic seems effective to prevent the potential transmission of SARS-CoV-2. A striking SARS-CoV-2 RNA stability of up to 30 days was found in the surfaces containing the drugs.
Change of limb alignment in Korean children and adolescents with idiopathic genu valgum
Authors: Moon Seo Ho , Kwon Soon-Sun , Park Moon Seok , Kim Nak Tscheol , Sung Ki Hyuk
Published: November 2021

There has been no study evaluating the change of limb alignment for patients with genu valgum. The purpose of this study was to investigate the change of limb alignments in children and adolescents with idiopathic genu valgum through evaluating distal femur, proximal tibia, and knee joint line.

Consecutive children and adolescents, under the age of 18, with genu valgum were included. Mechanical tibiofemoral angle, mechanical lateral distal femoral angle, mechanical medial proximal tibia angle, and joint line convergence angle were measured. The rate of changes for each radiographic measurement were analyzed using a linear mixed model.

A total of 1539 teleroentgenograms from 518 limbs of 273 individuals were included in this study. Linear mixed model showed that the change of limb alignment was significantly associated with age, but not associated with gender and laterality. The mechanical tibiofemoral angle was most valgus initially, decreasing until reaching its lowest value of 2.8° at 10 years old. The mechanical lateral distal femoral angle decreases from initial neutral alignment and increases in valgus continuously. The mechanical medial proximal tibia angle decreases from initial valgus and progresses to be neutral at around the age of 10. The joint line convergence angle decreases sharply from initial valgus alignment to 0° at the age of 5.

Valgus alignment in children with idiopathic genu valgum decreases until approximately the age of 10. In younger children, the tibia and joint line contribute most to overall valgus alignment; in older children, the femur contributes the most. Based on our results, we recommend monitoring patient limb alignment until it stabilizes around the age of 10, and then carefully planning and performing corrective surgery with complete consideration of the changing bony alignment.