bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding perspectives and barriers that affect fishers’ responses to bycatch reduction technologies
Authors: Suuronen Petri
Published: March 2022

Reducing the capture of non-target species and juvenile fishes through a variety of gear modifications and bycatch reduction devices are presumed to provide long-term biological and socioeconomic benefits and improve the reputation of fisheries. The adoption of these technologies by fisheries, however, has been low compared to research and development efforts. Research has focused on technical design and catch rate responses to these technological interventions with a limited focus on assessing fishers’ attitudes towards these technologies. This essay gives a personal reflection, based on an extensive collaboration with fishers, of the perspectives and barriers that may affect their responses. I also provide suggestions on how to genuinely engage fishers in the process that could lead to agreeable solutions. Above all, change should be approached from the perspective of those whose behavior one is seeking to influence, acknowledging the heterogeneity among fisheries and fishers. The essential element for the success is fishers’ motivation and readiness to the change. Fishers need a clear vision of what the changes mean for their livelihood and evidence that the technology to minimize bycatch performs sufficiently well in various conditions.
Development of Avocado Reference Material for Pesticide Residue Analysis
Authors: Morales Laura V , Salinas Andrés S , González Ivonne A , Holguin Katherin , Sinuco Diana C , Díaz-Galiano Francisco J , Ahumada Diego A , Fernández-Alba Amadeo R
Published: March 2022

Background

Pesticide quantitation in foods relies on the availability of matrix reference materials, which, however, are scarce because of the general instability of pesticides. In particular, no avocado reference material has been developed.

Objective

This research aimed to develop a reference material to support the determination of pesticide residues in avocado.

Method

Avocado was spiked with 11 selected pesticides at levels of 0.01–0.35 mg/kg. The production process included the assessment of between-unit heterogeneity, stability during dispatch, and best storage conditions according to ISO 17034. Reference values were estimated through an interlaboratory comparison study involving laboratories of demonstrated competence and adhering to ISO/IEC 17025. The corresponding expanded uncertainties were calculated as 4–19% in compliance with the Guide to the Expression of Uncertainty in Measurement.

Results

The reference material was sufficiently homogeneous and stable at 4°C during the entire study period (365 days) for most of the pesticides, and at 40°C during 10 days, but it was unstable at 50 and 60°C during 10 days. Four pesticides showed downward trends; however, this behavior was considered in the uncertainty budget. As this material complied with all requirements of proficiency testing, it was used in an interlaboratory proficiency test designed to investigate analytical performance and assist laboratories in improving the quality of measurement results.

Conclusions

The presented material can be used for the development of novel analytical methods or in-house reference materials and adds to the scarce supply of reference materials for the determination of pesticides in vegetable matrixes with high oil contents and intermediate water contents.

Highlights

A novel reference material has been developed for the reliable and accurate quantitation of multiple pesticides in avocado, allowing researchers to avoid the preparation of in-house reference materials for this purpose.
Maximum-Likelihood Estimation Using the Zig-Zag Algorithm
Authors: Hautsch Nikolaus , Okhrin Ostap , Ristig Alexander
Published: March 2022

We analyze the properties of the Maximum Likelihood (ML) estimator when the underlying log-likelihood function is numerically maximized with the so-called zig-zag algorithm. By splitting the parameter vector into sub-vectors, the algorithm maximizes the log-likelihood function alternatingly with respect to one sub-vector while keeping the others constant. For situations when the algorithm is initialized with a consistent estimator and is iterated sufficiently often, we establish the asymptotic equivalence of the zig-zag estimator and the “infeasible” ML estimator being numerically approximated. This result gives guidance for practical implementations. We illustrate how to employ the algorithm in different estimation problems, such as in a vine copula model and a vector autoregressive moving average model. The accuracy of the estimator is illustrated through simulations. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of our results in an application, where the Bitcoin heating 2017 is analyzed by a dynamic conditional correlation model.
Enduring Cancer Disparities by Persistent Poverty, Rurality, and Race: 1990-1992 to 2014-2018
Authors: Moss Jennifer L , Pinto Casey N , Srinivasan Shobha , Cronin Kathleen A , Croyle Robert T
Published: March 2022

Background

Most persistent poverty counties are rural and contain high concentrations of racial minorities. Cancer mortality across persistent poverty, rurality, and race is understudied.

Methods

We gathered data on race and cancer deaths (all sites, lung and bronchus, colorectal, liver and intrahepatic bile duct, oropharyngeal, breast and cervical [females], and prostate [males]) from the National Death Index (1990-1992; 2014-2018). We linked these data to county characteristics: 1) persistent poverty or not; and 2) rural or urban. We calculated absolute (range difference [RD]) and relative (range ratio [RR]) disparities for each cancer mortality outcome across persistent poverty, rurality, race, and time.

Results

The 1990-1992 RD for all sites combined indicated persistent poverty counties had 12.73 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 11.37 to 14.09) excess deaths per 100 000 people per year compared with nonpersistent poverty counties; the 2014-2018 RD was 10.99 (95% CI = 10.22 to 11.77). Similarly, the 1990-1992 RR for all sites indicated mortality rates in persistent poverty counties were 1.06 (95% CI = 1.05 to 1.07) times as high as nonpersistent poverty counties; the 2014-2018 RR was 1.07 (95% CI = 1.07 to 1.08). Between 1990-1992 and 2014-2018, absolute and relative disparities by persistent poverty widened for colorectal and breast cancers; however, for remaining outcomes, trends in disparities were stable or mixed. The highest mortality rates were observed among African American or Black residents of rural, persistent poverty counties for all sites, colorectal, oropharyngeal, breast, cervical, and prostate cancers.

Conclusions

Mortality disparities by persistent poverty endured over time for most cancer outcomes, particularly for racial minorities in rural, persistent poverty counties. Multisector interventions are needed to improve cancer outcomes.
Variation in ecosystem services of street tree assemblages can guide sustainable urban development
Authors: Yao Jing , Chen Nina , Guo Fangqin , Liu Miao , Chen Wei , He Xingyuan
Published: March 2022

Urban afforestation is an important strategy for promoting sustainable urban development. In cities where large new green spaces are not available, the planting of curbside trees is deemed to be an important afforestation strategy. However, variations in the ecosystem services provided by street tree assemblages across socioeconomic gradients have been unexplored. We examined such variations in ecosystem services provided by street tree assemblages along an urban–suburban continuum. Our findings were as follows. (i) Not all ecosystem services showed increasing trends along the urban–suburban continuum. Some ecosystem services at the street tree assemblage level, such as air purification and rainfall interception were prominent in areas of high urbanization intensity. (ii) Diverse ecosystem service trends were found in relation to differential characteristics of street trees assemblages. Structural properties of street tree assemblages, such as tree density and age structure, are likely key factors influencing variations. (iii) Although street tree density could partially compensate for the loss of large old trees, the protection of such trees is important because of their close associations with key ecosystem services, such as total carbon storage. To maximize the value of street trees in promoting urban sustainable development, trade-offs among multiple ecosystem services should be integrated within the overall planning process and adjustments of planting regimes.
Development and Validation of a Parenting Stress Module for Parents of Children Using Cochlear Implants
Authors: Cejas Ivette , Coto Jennifer , Sarangoulis Christina , Hoffman Michael F , Quittner Alexandra L
Published: March 2022

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a cochlear implant (CI)-specific parenting stress measure using the FDA Guidance on Patient-Reported Outcomes (2009).

Methods

The development and psychometric validation of the Parenting Stress-CI module for both the Early Childhood (EC; 0–5 years) and School-Age (SA; 6–12 years) versions are reported in this article. Instrument development consisted of qualitative interviews with parents of children with CIs (EC: N = 19; SA: N = 21), content analysis, item development, and cognitive testing of the instrument. Last, we conducted the psychometric validation (EC: N = 72; SA: N = 64), including analyses of internal consistency, test–retest reliability (∼2 weeks between administrations; N = 24), and convergent validity with the Parenting Stress Index-4 (PSI-4).

Results

The final EC version includes 15 questions, and the SA version includes 8 questions. Both the EC and SA versions had strong reliability (EC α = .88; SA α = .85), with all items significantly correlated with the overall module (r = .43–.80). Both versions also had strong test–retest reliability (r = .99, p < .001). Last, analyses of convergent validity demonstrated significant correlations with the PSI-4 Total Stress scale for both Parenting Stress-CI versions (EC r = .66, p < .00; SA r = .45, p < .001).

Conclusions

The Parenting Stress-CI modules are reliable and valid condition-specific parenting stress instruments for parents of children with CIs ages 0–12 years, filling a significant gap in the literature. These fully validated instruments can be used to assess parental needs for support and guide the development of targeted, family centered interventions.
Different acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferases vary widely in function, and a targeted amino acid substitution enhances oil accumulation
Authors: Hatanaka Tomoko , Tomita Yoshiki , Matsuoka Daisuke , Sasayama Daisuke , Fukayama Hiroshi , Azuma Tetsushi , Soltani Gishini Mohammad Fazel , Hildebrand David
Published: March 2022

Triacylglycerols (TAGs) are the major component of plant storage lipids such as oils. Acyl-CoA:diacylglycerol acyltransferase (DGAT) catalyzes the final step of the Kennedy pathway, and is mainly responsible for plant oil accumulation. We previously found that the activity of Vernonia DGAT1 was distinctively higher than that of Arabidopsis and soybean DGAT1 in a yeast microsome assay. In this study, the DGAT1 cDNAs of Arabidopsis, Vernonia, soybean, and castor bean were introduced into Arabidopsis. All Vernonia DGAT1-expressing lines showed a significantly higher oil content (49% mean increase compared with the wild-type) followed by soybean and castor bean. Most Arabidopsis DGAT1-overexpressing lines did not show a significant increase. In addition to these four DGAT1 genes, sunflower, Jatropha, and sesame DGAT1 genes were introduced into a TAG biosynthesis-defective yeast mutant. In the yeast expression culture, DGAT1s from Arabidopsis, castor bean, and soybean only slightly increased the TAG content; however, DGAT1s from Vernonia, sunflower, Jatropha, and sesame increased TAG content >10-fold more than the former three DGAT1s. Three amino acid residues were characteristically common in the latter four DGAT1s. Using soybean DGAT1, these amino acid substitutions were created by site-directed mutagenesis and substantially increased the TAG content.
Toward Developing a Powered Ankle-Foot Prosthesis With Electromyographic Control to Enhance Functional Performance: A Case Study in a U.S. Service Member
Authors: Knight Ashley D , Bass Sarah R , Elrod Jonathan M , Hassinger Louise M , Dearth Christopher L , Gonzalez-Vargas Jose , Hendershot Brad D , Han Zhixiu
Published: March 2022

The only commercially available ankle-foot prosthesis with powered propulsion lacks ruggedization and other capabilities for service members seeking to return to duty and/or other physically demanding activities. Here, we evaluated a ruggedized powered ankle-foot prosthesis with electromyographic control (“Warrior Ankle”; WA) in an experienced male user of the predicate (Empower) prosthesis. The participant (age = 56 years, mass = 86.8 kg, stature = 173 cm) completed a 650 m simulated hike with varying terrain at a fixed, self-selected speed in the WA and predicate prosthesis, with and without a 22.8 kg weighted vest (“loaded” and “unloaded,” respectively). Peak dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angles were extracted from each gait cycle throughout the simulated hike (∼500 prosthetic-side steps). The participant walked faster with the WA (1.15 m/s) compared to predicate (0.80 m/s) prosthesis. On the prosthetic side, peak dorsiflexion angles were larger for the WA (loaded: 27.9°; unloaded: 26.9°) compared to the predicate (loaded: 19.4°; unloaded: 21.3°); peak plantarflexion angles were similar between prostheses and loading conditions [WA (loaded: 15.5°; unloaded: 14.9°), predicate (loaded: 16.9°; unloaded: 14.8°). The WA better accommodated the varying terrain profile, evidenced by greater peak dorsiflexion angles, as well as dorsiflexion and plantarflexion angles that more closely matched or exceeded those of the innate ankle [dorsiflexion (WA: 31.6°, predicate: 27.5°); plantarflexion (WA: 20.7°, predicate: 20.5°)]. Furthermore, the WA facilitated a faster walking speed, suggesting a greater functional capacity with the WA prosthesis. Although further design enhancements are needed, this case study demonstrated feasibility of a proof-of-concept, ruggedized powered ankle-foot prosthesis with electromyographic control.
Transverse oscillations and damping of magnetic flux tubes with a thick transitional layer
Authors: Bahari Karam
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the magnetohydrodynamic kink waves and their damping are investigated in a thin coronal flux tube model. The thickness of the inhomogeneous transitional layer is of the order of the tube’s radius. The governing equations are solved analytically in all regions of the tube except for the thin dissipative layer. The dispersion relation is derived and solved numerically. The oscillation frequency does not vary much when varying the thickness of the transitional layer. When the transitional layer is thin, the damping rate of the kink wave increases significantly with the increase in the thickness of the transitional layer; however, when the transitional layer is thick, the damping rate does not vary much with the increase in the thickness of the transitional layer. For small values of the thickness of the transitional layer, our results are in agreement with results obtained in the thin tube, thin boundary approximation. In flowing tubes, the effect of flow on the damping rate of the waves depends on the direction of the wave propagation and plasma flow. The resonant instability of the kink waves in flux tubes with flowing transitional layer has been investigated.
First high resolution interferometric observation of a solar prominence with ALMA
Authors: Labrosse Nicolas , Rodger Andrew S , Radziszewski Krzysztof , Rudawy Paweł , Antolin Patrick , Fletcher Lyndsay , Levens Peter J , Peat Aaron W , Schmieder Brigitte , Simões Paulo J A
Published: March 2022

We present the first observation of a solar prominence at 84 − 116 GHz using the high resolution interferometric imaging of ALMA. Simultaneous observations in Hα from Białkaw Observatory and with SDO/AIA reveal similar prominence morphology to the ALMA observation. The contribution functions of 3 mm and Hα emission are shown to have significant overlap across a range of gas pressures. We estimate the maximum millimetre-continuum optical thickness to be τ3mm ≈ 2, and the brightness temperature from the observed Hα intensity. The brightness temperature measured by ALMA is ∼6000 – 7000 K in the prominence spine, which correlates well with the estimated brightness temperature for a kinetic temperature of 8000 K.
Creation of a Multidisciplinary Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment (DUET) Team: Initial Patient Characteristics, Outcomes, and Future Directions
Authors: Vyas Darshali A , Marinacci Lucas , Bearnot Benjamin , Wakeman Sarah E , Sundt Thoralf M , Jassar Arminder S , Triant Virginia A , Nelson Sandra B , Dudzinski David M , Paras Molly L
Published: March 2022

Background

Consensus guidelines recommend multidisciplinary models to manage infective endocarditis, yet often do not address the unique challenges of treating people with drug use–associated infective endocarditis (DUA-IE). Our center is among the first to convene a Drug Use Endocarditis Treatment (DUET) team composed of specialists from Infectious Disease, Cardiothoracic Surgery, Cardiology, and Addiction Medicine.

Methods

The objective of this study was to describe the demographics, infectious characteristics, and clinical outcomes of the first cohort of patients cared for by the DUET team. This was a retrospective chart review of patients referred to the DUET team between August 2018 and May 2020 with DUA-IE.

Results

Fifty-seven patients were presented to the DUET team between August 2018 and May 2020. The cohort was young, with a median age of 35, and injected primarily opioids (82.5% heroin/fentanyl), cocaine (52.6%), and methamphetamine (15.8%). Overall, 14 individuals (24.6%) received cardiac surgery, and the remainder (75.4%) were managed with antimicrobial therapy alone. Nearly 65% of individuals were discharged on medication for opioid use disorder, though less than half (36.8%) were discharged with naloxone and only 1 patient was initiated on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis. Overall, the cohort had a high rate of readmission (42.1%) within 90 days of discharge.

Conclusions

Multidisciplinary care models such as the DUET team can help integrate nuanced decision-making from numerous subspecialties. They can also increase the uptake of addiction medicine and harm reduction tools, but further efforts are needed to integrate harm reduction strategies and improve follow-up in future iterations of the DUET team model.
Inferring lumbar lordosis in Neandertals and other hominins
Authors: Williams Scott A , Zeng Iris , Paton Glen J , Yelverton Christopher , Dunham ChristiAna , Ostrofsky Kelly R , Shukman Saul , Avilez Monica V , Eyre Jennifer , Loewen Tisa , Prang Thomas C , Meyer Marc R
Published: March 2022

Lumbar lordosis is a key adaptation to bipedal locomotion in the human lineage. Dorsoventral spinal curvatures enable the body's center of mass to be positioned above the hip, knee, and ankle joints, and minimize the muscular effort required for postural control and locomotion. Previous studies have suggested that Neandertals had less lordotic (ventrally convex) lumbar columns than modern humans, which contributed to historical perceptions of postural and locomotor differences between the two groups. Quantifying lower back curvature in extinct hominins is entirely reliant upon bony correlates of overall lordosis, since the latter is significantly influenced by soft tissue structures (e.g. intervertebral discs). Here, we investigate sexual dimorphism, ancestry, and lifestyle effects on lumbar vertebral body wedging and inferior articular facet angulation, two features previously shown to be significantly correlated with overall lordosis in living individuals, in a large sample of modern humans and Neandertals. Our results demonstrate significant differences between postindustrial cadaveric remains and archaeological samples of people that lived preindustrial lifestyles. We suggest these differences are related to activity and other aspects of lifestyle rather than innate population (ancestry) differences. Neandertal bony correlates of lumbar lordosis are significantly different from all human samples except preindustrial males. Therefore, although Neandertals demonstrate more bony kyphotic wedging than most modern humans, we cast doubt on proposed locomotor and postural differences between the two lineages based on inferred lumbar lordosis (or lack thereof), and we recommend future research compare fossils to modern humans from varied populations and not just recent, postindustrial samples.
Short-term bioelectric stimulation of collective cell migration in tissues reprograms long-term supracellular dynamics
Authors: Wolf Abraham E , Heinrich Matthew A , Breinyn Isaac B , Zajdel Tom J , Cohen Daniel J
Published: March 2022

The ability to program collective cell migration can allow us to control critical multicellular processes in development, regenerative medicine, and invasive disease. However, while various technologies exist to make individual cells migrate, translating these tools to control myriad, collectively interacting cells within a single tissue poses many challenges. For instance, do cells within the same tissue interpret a global migration ‘command’ differently based on where they are in the tissue? Similarly, since no stimulus is permanent, what are the long-term effects of transient commands on collective cell dynamics? We investigate these questions by bioelectrically programming large epithelial tissues to globally migrate ‘rightward’ via electrotaxis. Tissues clearly developed distinct rear, middle, side, and front responses to a single global migration stimulus. Furthermore, at no point poststimulation did tissues return to their prestimulation behavior, instead equilibrating to a 3rd, new migratory state. These unique dynamics suggested that programmed migration resets tissue mechanical state, which was confirmed by transient chemical disruption of cell–cell junctions, analysis of strain wave propagation patterns, and quantification of cellular crowd dynamics. Overall, this work demonstrates how externally driving the collective migration of a tissue can reprogram baseline cell–cell interactions and collective dynamics, even well beyond the end of the global migratory cue, and emphasizes the importance of considering the supracellular context of tissues and other collectives when attempting to program crowd behaviors.
Circulating inflammatory monocytes oppose microglia and contribute to cone cell death in retinitis pigmentosa
Authors: Funatsu Jun , Murakami Yusuke , Shimokawa Shotaro , Nakatake Shunji , Fujiwara Kohta , Okita Ayako , Fukushima Masatoshi , Shibata Kensuke , Yoshida Noriko , Koyanagi Yoshito , Akiyama Masato , Notomi Shoji , Nakao Shintaro , Hisatomi Toshio , Takeda Atsunobu , Paschalis Eleftherios I , Vavvas Demetrios G , Ikeda Yasuhiro , Sonoda Koh-Hei
Published: March 2022

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is an intractable inherited disease that primarily affects the rods through gene mutations followed by secondary cone degeneration. This cone-related dysfunction can lead to impairment of daily life activities, and ultimately blindness in patients with RP. Paradoxically, microglial neuroinflammation contributes to both protection against and progression of RP, but it is unclear which population(s)— tissue-resident microglia and/or peripheral monocyte-derived macrophages (mφ)— are implicated in the progression of the disease. Here, we show that circulating blood inflammatory monocytes (IMo) are key effector cells that mediate cone cell death in RP. Attenuation of IMo and peripherally engrafted mφ by Ccl2 deficiency or immune modulation via intravenous nanoparticle treatment suppressed cone cell death in rd10 mice, an animal model of RP. In contrast, the depletion of resident microglia by a colony-stimulating factor 1 receptor inhibitor exacerbated cone cell death in the same model. In human patients with RP, IMo was increased and correlated with disease progression. These results suggest that peripheral IMo is a potential target to delay cone cell death and prevent blindness in RP.
Low-energy probes of the small cosmic microwave background amplitude in models of the radiative Higgs mechanism
Authors: Jung Sunghoon , Kawana Kiyoharu
Published: March 2022

The small cosmic microwave background (CMB) amplitude As ≃ 10−9 (or small temperature fluctuation δT/T ≃ 10−5) typically requires an unnaturally small effective coupling of an inflaton λϕ ∼ 10−14. In models with non-minimal coupling ξ, extra suppression of the amplitude, e.g. by the inflaton’s large field values, usually allows λϕ to be much larger, but at the price of ξ ≫ 1. Although the difficulties have not been strictly quantified, models with λϕ ≪ 1 or ξ ≫ 1 are harder to build. We show that the absence of new physics signals at TeV scale can suggest a relatively small $\xi \lesssim {\cal O}(1\mbox{--}100)$ with $\lambda _\phi \lesssim {\cal O}(10^{-4}\mbox{--}10^{-8})$, while constraining larger ξ with larger λϕ more strongly. Above all, this is possible by a connection between low- and high-energy physics that can be made in scenarios where the U(1)X Higgs is an inflaton at a high scale while its renormalization running also induces the Coleman–Weinberg mechanism for the electroweak symmetry breaking at a low scale. The best TeV-scale signals are Z′ resonances and Higgs signal strengths. We further find the connection particularly useful since the Z′ mass is upper bounded in order to produce the correct As and the weak scale simultaenously. Utilizing the intriguing upper bounds, we work out the prospects for LHC 13 and 100 TeV pp colliders probing the parameter space of the small CMB amplitude in such a model.
DOSE AND DOSE-RATE DEPENDENCE OF DSB-TYPE MUTANTS INDUCED BY X-RAYS OR TRITIUM BETA-RAYS: AN APPROACH USING A HYPERSENSITIVE SYSTEM
Authors: Nagashima Haruki , Hayashi Yuki , Tanimoto Saki , Sakamoto Yuki , Tauchi Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

To evaluate biological effects triggered by low levels of radiation, we established a uniquely sensitive experimental system to detect somatic mutations. By using the system, we found that mutant frequencies induced by X-rays were statistically significant at doses over 0.15 Gy, and a linear dose relationship with the mutant frequency was observed at doses over 0.15 Gy. The mutation spectra analysis revealed that mutation events generated by X-ray doses below 0.1 Gy were similar to those observed in unirradiated controls. In addition, a significant inflection point for both, the mutant frequency and the mutation spectra, was found at dose-rates around 11 mGy/day when cells were cultured in medium containing tritiated water. Because induced radiation-type events presented a clear dose/dose-rate dependency above the critical dose or the inflection point, these observations suggest that mutation events generated by radiation could change at a threshold dose-rate or a critical dose.
The Effect of Breastfeeding and an Intensive Breast Milk Nutritional Support Program on Hospitalization Rates for Hyperbilirubinemia in Term Newborns: An Open Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Cinar Nursan , Karakaya Suzan Özge , Caner Ibrahim , Peksen Sultan , Tabakoglu Pinar , Cinar Vedat
Published: March 2022

Objective

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of breastfeeding and intensive breast milk nutritional support program (IBNSP) on hospitalization rates for hyperbilirubinemia in normal term newborns.

Methods

This study’s sample consisted of 68 newborn infants (experimental group: 34; control group: 34) born at a university hospital from October 2020 to April 2021. Five steps of breastfeeding and IBNSP were administered to the experimental group for the first 48 h after birth. This program starts at the postpartum first hour and continues until the 48th hour. It includes face-to-face training, practical support on breastfeeding, and one-to-one demonstration and practice methods. The control group received the standard care recommended by the World Health Organization. Both groups’ bilirubin levels were measured 24 and 72 h after birth. Participants in both groups were hospitalized for risky (according to bilirubin values) situations. The groups’ bilirubin levels and hospitalization rates for hyperbilirubinemia were compared.

Results

There was no statistically significant difference between the experimental (5.19 ± 1.27) and the control (5.83 ± 1.52) groups’ bilirubin levels at 24 h after birth, (t = −1.881, p = 0.064); however, the control group infants (12.03 ± 3.67 mg/dl) had higher bilirubin levels than the infants in the experimental group 72 h after birth (9.55 ± 2.82 mg/dl) (t = −3.122, p = 0.003). The experimental group’s hospitalization rate for hyperbilirubinemia (n: 1, 2.9%) was lower than the control group’s rate (n: 8, 23.5%), and this difference was statistically significant (X2 = 6.275, p = 0.014).

Conclusions

Breastfeeding and IBNSP effectively prevent hospitalization for hyperbilirubinemia and reduce newborns’ bilirubin levels.
The monophyly of Crenuchinae and description of two new species ofPoecilocharax(Teleostei: Crenuchidae) based on phenotypic and genotypic evidence
Authors: Ohara Willian M , Pastana Murilo , Camelier Priscila
Published: March 2022

Crenuchinae is a subfamily of the fish family Crenuchidae distributed in the Amazon Basin with pronounced sexual dimorphism and exuberant colour patterns. Recent fieldwork in the tributaries of the Rio Aripuanã drainage, a large tributary of the Rio Madeira (Amazon Basin), resulted in the discovery of two distinctive, undescribed species of the crenuchin genus Poecilocharax, which are formally described herein, combining morphological and molecular data. These are the first representatives of Crenuchinae discovered after a gap of 57 years and the first records of Poecilocharax from the tributaries of the right bank of the Rio Amazonas draining the Brazilian crystalline shield. Based on a taxonomic review including all species of the subfamily, we provide an expanded morphological diagnosis for Crenuchinae. This now includes characteristics related to the lateral-line canals of head and body, the number of dorsal-fin rays and sexually dimorphic traits. In addition, we review previous characteristics used to diagnose Crenuchus and Poecilocharax, providing comments on their polarity and distribution across the subfamily. A dichotomous key is provided for the first time for species of Crenuchinae.
Early Detection and Temporal Dynamics of Pratylenchus scribneri Infection in Potato Roots Determined Using Quantitative PCR and Root Staining
Authors: Arora Deepika , Yan Guiping
Published: March 2022

The root-lesion nematode, Pratylenchus scribneri, is a migratory endo-parasitic nematode that impacts potato production on a large scale. Effective management of this nematode requires an understanding of its population dynamics alongside early detection. Typically, the nematode population estimates are made from infested soil; however, considering the endo-migratory lifestyle of this nematode, it also is crucial to determine the nematode population residing inside the host roots. In this study, a SYBR green-based quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) assay was developed for detection and quantification of P. scribneri in potato roots. The assay used a previously reported primer pair (ITS-2F/ITS-2R), and it proved to be specific and sensitive, detecting as low as 1/128th equivalents of a P. scribneri individual per 0.2 g of potato roots. The robustness of the assay was reflected in high correlation observed between the P. scribneri densities determined microscopically and the densities detected by qPCR in artificially inoculated (R2 = 0.93) and naturally infected (R2 = 0.73) root samples. A time-course experiment conducted in the greenhouse using qPCR detected P. scribneri in potato roots as early as 5 days after planting. The results correlated well with the microscopic observations (R2 = 0.80) and were complemented further with root staining. Additionally, three P. scribneri reproduction peaks were observed during one 3-month growth cycle of potato. Overall, the assay developed in this study is specific to P. scribneri in DNA extracts of root tissue and allows early detection and understandings of reproduction timings of this important nematode of potato.
Services and Payer Mix of Black-serving Hospitals and Related Severe Maternal Morbidity
Authors: Ona S. , Huang Y. , Ananth C.V. , Gyamfi-Bannerman C. , Wen T. , Wright J.D. , D’Alton M.E. , Friedman A.M.
Published: March 2022

(Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2021;224:605.e1–605.e14)

Black-serving hospitals are linked to a greater risk for adverse maternal outcomes. Previous studies on maternal disparities have generally included few hospital factors. In order to understand these disparities more detailed evaluation of hospital factors identified with maternal outcomes may be necessary. This cross-sectional study analyzed detailed attributes of Black-serving hospitals and how these attributes are associated with adverse maternal outcomes. A concomitant objective was to determine the relationship between Black-serving hospitals and risk for severe maternal morbidity (SMM), defined by CDC criteria for organ failure indicators and possible life-threatening illness. It was hypothesized that some of the maternal risk associated with Black-serving hospitals could be accounted for by generally being referral centers for specialized surgical and medical care, having greater Medicaid burdens, and having patients more likely to require safety-net services.
Hospital Quality Improvement Interventions, Statewide Policy Initiatives, and Rates of Cesarean Delivery for Nulliparous, Term, Singleton, Vertex Births in California
Authors: Rosenstein M.G. , Chang S.C. , Sakowski C. , Markow C. , Teleki S. , Lang L. , Logan J. , Cape V. , Main E.K.
Published: March 2022

(JAMA. 2021;325:1631–1639. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.3816. PMID: 33904868)

Cesarean delivery (CD) rates are concerningly high for women with nulliparous, term, singleton, vertex (NTSV) deliveries, and ongoing racial disparities suggest hospital culture, policies, and attitudes play a role. California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative (CMQCC) is a collaborative that seeks to improve maternity care and outcomes and reduce the CD rate of NTSV births in the state of California. This study aimed to evaluate California’s cesarean delivery rate for NTSV births given the new CMQCC initiative employed to reduce that number.
Effect of Variable Preoxygenation Endpoints on Safe Apnea Time Using High-flow Nasal Oxygen for Women in Labor: A Modeling Investigation
Authors: Stolady D. , Laviola M. , Pillai A. , Hardman J.G.
Published: March 2022

(Br J Anaesth. 2021;126:889e895)

When using general anesthesia in pregnant patients, achieving an adequate safe apnea time is important. High-flow, humidified, nasal oxygen (HFNO) through a nasal cannula can provide convenient apneic oxygen supplementation, but there is a lack of studies on this practice in obstetrics and some studies have shown HFNO is not as effective as tight-fitting facemask oxygenation in pregnant patients. While HFNO may result in a lower FE’O2, this study hypothesizes that apneic oxygenation with HFNO will provide a longer safe apnea period than facemask techniques in obstetric patients.
The Effect of Carbetocin Dose on Transmural Dispersion of Myocardial Repolarization in Healthy Parturients Scheduled for Elective Cesarean Delivery Under Spinal Anesthesia: A Prospective, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Clunies-Ross N. , Roston T.M. , Taylor J. , Whyte S. , Albert A. , Görges M. , Chau A.
Published: March 2022

(Anesth Analg. 2021;132:485–492)

Transmural dispersion of myocardial repolarization (TDR) is the interval between the peak of the T wave and end of the TV wave (Tp-e). Increased TDR is a more reliable predictor of drug torsadogenicity than prolonged QT interval. Carbetocin, a synthetic analog of oxytocin, is used to prevent postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) following cesarean delivery (CD), though the effect dose varies. Carbetocin has been shown to increase mean correct QT, but there is a paucity of information on the effects of carbetocin of TDR. This study examined the effects of carbetocin dose on TDR in patients undergoing CD under spinal anesthesia.
Biomarkers and the Prediction of Adverse Outcomes in Preeclampsia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Lim S. , Li W. , Kemper J. , Nguyen A. , Mol B.W. , Reddy M.
Published: March 2022

(Obstet Gynecol. 2021;137:72–81. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004149)

Progress has been made recently to predict and diagnose preeclampsia in pregnant women. Angiogenic and antiangiogenic biomarkers such as placental growth factor (PlGF) and soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase-1 (sFlt-1) have been examined and recently implemented clinically as predictive measurements of preeclampsia. This study aims to review and analyze sFlt-1, PlGF, and the sFLt-1/PlGF ratio and their ability to predict time to delivery and adverse outcomes in patients with preeclampsia.
SARS-CoV-2–specific Antibodies in Breast Milk After COVID-19 Vaccination of Breastfeeding Women
Authors: Perl S.H. , Uzan-Yulzari A. , Klainer H. , Asiskovich L. , Youngster M. , Rinott E. , Youngster I.
Published: March 2022

(JAMA. 2021;325:2013–2014. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.5782)

During the COVID-19 worldwide pandemic, breastfeeding women were encouraged to receive the COVID-19 vaccine. The aim of this study was to investigate whether SARS-CoV-2 antibodies are found in breast milk following maternal immunization and to identify any adverse outcomes in mother and neonates.
REGIONAL ANALGESIA Programmed Intermittent Epidural Bolus for Labor Analgesia During First Stage of Labor: A Sequential Allocation Trial to Determine the Effective Interval Time Between Boluses of a Fixed Volume of 2.5 mL of Bupivacaine 0.25% Plus Fentanyl 8 µg/mL
Authors: Shatalin D. , Arzola C. , Downey K. , Ye X.Y. , Carvalho J.C.A.
Published: March 2022

(Can J Anaesth. 2021;68:653–660. doi: 10.1007/s12630-021-01922-6. Epub February 2, 2021)

Programmed intermittent epidural bolus (PIEB) has been increasingly recommended and used during labor analgesia. This study aimed to determine the recommended time interval between boluses of 2.5 mL of bupivacaine 0.25% plus fentanyl 8 µ/mL to provide effective analgesia in 90% of pregnant women (EI90) during the first stage of labor.
Breathing for Two
Authors: Rudder M. , Russo M. , Ventetuolo C.E.
Published: March 2022

(N Engl J Med. 2021;384:61–68)

This feature contained details about one patient’s case, with a clinician’s commentary interspersed throughout. The case was that of a 29-year-old woman at 26 weeks gestation with undifferentiated connective tissue disease, presenting with cough and shortness of breath.
Experiences and Perceptions Gained by Student Nurse Externs Working During a Pandemic
Authors: Ruth-Sahd Lisa
Published: March 2022

There are no data available presenting the experiences and perceptions of student nurse externs (SNEs) working during the COVID-19 pandemic. This qualitative study was conducted with 12 SNEs to determine their experiences and perceptions during the summer of 2020. The Colaizzi method was used to identify and analyze statements. Four main themes emerged from the data: 1) appreciating holistic compassionate care, 2) progressing from fear toward hope, 3) desiring ethical decision-making skills, and 4) recognizing communication barriers. Implications include emphasizing communication, ethical decision-making strategies, disaster preparedness, and externships as a way to bridge the gap between education and practice.
Delivering Better Solutions for Women Physicians Who Experience Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Childrearing
Authors: Buyske Jo , Hawn Mary T.
Published: March 2022

As the number of women physicians entering the field of medicine has increased over the past decades, pregnancy and maternity leave are becoming common place during both training and independent practice. However, the current system is not designed for extended leaves of absence from the clinical environment. In this commentary, the authors review recent changes in regulatory requirements impacting women physicians in postgraduate training who experience pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing and identify solutions that may result in more optimal work environments for women physicians in practice who experience pregnancy, childbirth, and childrearing.
Clinical and Radiographic Comparison of Splinting Constructs for Distal Radius Fractures: An Effort to Free the Elbow
Authors: Stevens Nicole M. , Pean Christian , Norris Zoe , Tejwani Nirmal
Published: March 2022

Objectives:

To compare short-term functional outcomes, reduction loss, and rates of surgery for distal radius fractures initially immobilized with a traditional sugar-tong splint versus clamshell splint freeing the elbow.

Design:

Prospective randomized trial.

Setting:

Level 1 trauma center.

Patients:

Eighty-nine consecutive patients sustaining distal radius fractures were enrolled between 2018 and 2020. Short-term first follow-up (1–2 weeks) radiographic parameters and 6 weeks for functional questionnaires were established to assess initial outcomes.

Main Outcome Measures:

The main outcome measures were reduction loss based on radiographic criteria, rate of surgery, and short-term patient functional outcome using the Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) score.

Results:

There were no differences noted in DASH scores (P-value = 0.8) or loss of reduction (P-value = 0.69), and splint type was not correlated with likelihood to have surgery (P = 0.22). A binomial regression model demonstrated splint type was not a significant predictor variable of loss of fracture reduction in the regression model.

Conclusions:

These results suggest both sugar-tong splint and clamshell splint construct are acceptable options in the acute management of distal radius fractures.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level I. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Child With Severe Chronic Illness in the ICU: A Concise Review
Authors: Edwards Jeffrey D. , Goodman Denise M.
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVES:

Children with severe chronic illness are a prevalent, impactful, vulnerable group in PICUs, whose needs are insufficiently met by transitory care models and a narrow focus on acute care needs. Thus, we sought to provide a concise synthetic review of published literature relevant to them and a compilation of strategies to address their distinctive needs.

Data Sources:

English language articles were identified in MEDLINE using a variety of phrases related to children with chronic conditions, prolonged admissions, resource utilization, mortality, morbidity, continuity of care, palliative care, and other critical care topics. Bibliographies were also reviewed.

Study Selection:

Original articles, review articles, and commentaries were considered.

Data Extraction:

Data from relevant articles were reviewed, summarized, and integrated into a narrative synthetic review.

Data Synthesis:

Children with serious chronic conditions are a heterogeneous group who are growing in numbers and complexity, partly due to successes of critical care. Because of their prevalence, prolonged stays, readmissions, and other resource use, they disproportionately impact PICUs. Often more than other patients, critical illness can substantially negatively affect these children and their families, physically and psychosocially. Critical care approaches narrowly focused on acute care and transitory/rotating care models exacerbate these problems and contribute to ineffective communication and information sharing, impaired relationships, subpar and untimely decision-making, patient/family dissatisfaction, and moral distress in providers. Strategies to mitigate these effects and address these patients’ distinctive needs include improving continuity and communication, primary and secondary palliative care, and involvement of families. However, there are limited outcome data for most of these strategies and little consensus on which outcomes should be measured.

CONCLUSIONS:

The future of pediatric critical care medicine is intertwined with that of children with serious chronic illness. More concerted efforts are needed to address their distinctive needs and study the effectiveness of strategies to do so.
Systematic Review and Comparison of Publicly Available ICU Data Sets—A Decision Guide for Clinicians and Data Scientists
Authors: Sauer Christopher M. , Dam Tariq A. , Celi Leo A. , Faltys Martin , de la Hoz Miguel A. A. , Adhikari Lasith , Ziesemer Kirsten A. , Girbes Armand , Thoral Patrick J. , Elbers Paul
Published: March 2022

OBJECTIVE:

As data science and artificial intelligence continue to rapidly gain traction, the publication of freely available ICU datasets has become invaluable to propel data-driven clinical research. In this guide for clinicians and researchers, we aim to: 1) systematically search and identify all publicly available adult clinical ICU datasets, 2) compare their characteristics, data quality, and richness and critically appraise their strengths and weaknesses, and 3) provide researchers with suggestions, which datasets are appropriate for answering their clinical question.

DATA SOURCES:

A systematic search was performed in Pubmed, ArXiv, MedRxiv, and BioRxiv.

STUDY SELECTION:

We selected all studies that reported on publicly available adult patient-level intensive care datasets.

DATA EXTRACTION:

A total of four publicly available, adult, critical care, patient-level databases were included (Amsterdam University Medical Center data base [AmsterdamUMCdb], eICU Collaborative Research Database eICU CRD], High time-resolution intensive care unit dataset [HiRID], and Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care-IV). Databases were compared using a priori defined categories, including demographics, patient characteristics, and data richness. The study protocol and search strategy were prospectively registered.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Four ICU databases fulfilled all criteria for inclusion and were queried using SQL (PostgreSQL version 12; PostgreSQL Global Development Group) and analyzed using R (R Foundation for Statistical Computing, Vienna, Austria). The number of unique patient admissions varied between 23,106 (AmsterdamUMCdb) and 200,859 (eICU-CRD). Frequency of laboratory values and vital signs was highest in HiRID, for example, 5.2 (±3.4) lactate values per day and 29.7 (±10.2) systolic blood pressure values per hour. Treatment intensity varied with vasopressor and ventilatory support in 69.0% and 83.0% of patients in AmsterdamUMCdb versus 12.0% and 21.0% in eICU-CRD, respectively. ICU mortality ranged from 5.5% in eICU-CRD to 9.9% in AmsterdamUMCdb.

CONCLUSIONS:

We identified four publicly available adult clinical ICU datasets. Sample size, severity of illness, treatment intensity, and frequency of reported parameters differ markedly between the databases. This should guide clinicians and researchers which databases to best answer their clinical questions.