bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sensitivity of marine fish thermal habitat models to fishery data sources
Authors: Nazzaro Laura , Slesinger Emily , Kohut Josh , Saba Grace K. , Saba Vincent S.
Published: September 2021

Statistical models built using different data sources and methods can exhibit conflicting patterns. We used the northern stock of black sea bass (Centropristis striata) as a case study to assess the impacts of using different fisheries data sources and laboratory‐derived physiological metrics in the development of thermal habitat models for marine fishes. We constructed thermal habitat models using generalized additive models (GAMs) based on various fisheries datasets as input, including the NOAA Northeast Fisheries Science Center (NEFSC) bottom trawl surveys, various inshore fisheries‐independent trawl surveys (state waters), NEFSC fisheries‐dependent observer data, and laboratory‐based physiological metrics. We compared each model's GAM response curve and coupled them to historical ocean conditions in the U.S. Northeast Shelf using bias‐corrected ocean temperature output from a regional ocean model. Thermal habitat models based on shelf‐wide data (NEFSC fisheries‐dependent observer data and fisheries‐independent spring and fall surveys) explained the most variation in black sea bass presence/absence data at ~15% deviance explained. Models based on a narrower range of sampled thermal habitat from inshore survey data in the Northeast Area Monitoring and Assessment Program (NEAMAP) and the geographically isolated Long Island Sound data performed poorly. All models had similar lower thermal limits around 8.5℃, but thermal optima, when present, ranged from 16.7 to 24.8℃. The GAMs could reliably predict habitat from years excluded from model training, but due to strong seasonal temperature fluctuations in the region, could not be used to predict habitat in seasons excluded from training. We conclude that survey data source can greatly impact development and interpretation of thermal habitat models for marine fishes. We suggest that model development be based on data sources that sample the widest range of ocean temperature and physical habitat throughout multiple seasons when possible, and encourage thorough consideration of how data gaps may influence model uncertainty.
Conventional wisdom on roosting behavior of Australian flying‐foxes—A critical review, and evaluation using new data
Authors: Lunn Tamika J. , Eby Peggy , Brooks Remy , McCallum Hamish , Plowright Raina K. , Kessler Maureen K. , Peel Alison J.
Published: September 2021

Fruit bats (Family: Pteropodidae) are animals of great ecological and economic importance, yet their populations are threatened by ongoing habitat loss and human persecution. A lack of ecological knowledge for the vast majority of Pteropodid species presents additional challenges for their conservation and management.

In Australia, populations of flying‐fox species (Genus: Pteropus) are declining and management approaches are highly contentious. Australian flying‐fox roosts are exposed to management regimes involving habitat modification, through human–wildlife conflict management policies, or vegetation restoration programs. Details on the fine‐scale roosting ecology of flying‐foxes are not sufficiently known to provide evidence‐based guidance for these regimes, and the impact on flying‐foxes of these habitat modifications is poorly understood.

We seek to identify and test commonly held understandings about the roosting ecology of Australian flying‐foxes to inform practical recommendations and guide and refine management practices at flying‐fox roosts.

We identify 31 statements relevant to understanding of flying‐fox roosting structure and synthesize these in the context of existing literature. We then contribute a contemporary, fine‐scale dataset on within‐roost structure to further evaluate 11 of these statements. The new dataset encompasses 13‐monthly repeat measures from 2,522 spatially referenced roost trees across eight sites in southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales.

We show evidence of sympatry and indirect competition between species, including spatial segregation of black and grey‐headed flying‐foxes within roosts and seasonal displacement of both species by little red flying‐foxes. We demonstrate roost‐specific annual trends in occupancy and abundance and provide updated demographic information including the spatial and temporal distributions of males and females within roosts.

Insights from our systematic and quantitative study will be important to guide evidence‐based recommendations on restoration and management and will be crucial for the implementation of priority recovery actions for the preservation of these species in the future.
Spatial conservation prioritization for the Amur tiger in Northeast China
Authors: Long Zexu , Gu Jiayin , Jiang Guangshun , Holyoak Marcel , Wang Guiming , Bao Heng , Liu Peiqi , Zhang Minghai , Ma Jianzhang
Published: September 2021

The Amur tiger (Panthera tigris altaica) is critically endangered and also the subspecies of the tiger with the most restoration potential in China. It is challenging to protect large‐ranging carnivores like tigers under increasing pressure of human development. To provide a more technically robust foundation for tiger habitat conservation prioritization, we conducted a comprehensively empirical analysis based on a broadly collected occurrence dataset of tigers and their prey. We modeled tiger distribution by running an ensemble model integrating nine different algorithms. We found that the ensemble model performed well and outperformed any individual model regarding the discrimination ability. We used cumulative resistant kernel analysis to identify core habitats as with high predicted movement density and used factorial least‐cost paths to model corridors among tiger occurrence locations. We found that core habitats for Amur tigers are distributed in three mountain areas, namely, eastern Wanda Mountain, southern Zhangguangcailing, and Laoyeling‐Dalongling. We found significant protection gaps as existing protected areas only cover less than one‐fourth of predicted core habitats, but this proportion will rise significantly with the establishment of the Northeast China Tiger and Leopard National Park. Furthermore, we ranked spatial priorities for the expansion of the protected area network, simultaneously considering biological and socioeconomic dimensions under the Zonation framework. Our study presented the most up‐to‐date and detailed maps of the predicted potential distribution and area of the most important habitats for the Amur tigers in China, which can provide quantitative guidance in the effort to maximize the efficiency of conservation initiatives at a regional scale.
Re‐do MitraClip in patients with functional mitral valve regurgitation and advanced heart failure
Authors: Kreusser Michael M. , Weber Andreas , Geis Nicolas A. , Grossekettler Leonie , Volz Martin J. , Hamed Sonja , Katus Hugo A. , Pleger Sven T. , Frey Norbert , Raake Philip W.
Published: September 2021

Aim

Percutaneous mitral valve repair (PMVR) via MitraClip implantation is a therapeutic option for severe mitral regurgitation (MR) in advanced stages of heart failure (HF). However, progressive left ventricular dilation in these patients may lead to recurrent MR after PMVR and consequent re‐do MitraClip implantation. Here, we describe the characteristics and outcomes of this clinical scenario.

Methods and results

Patients with systolic HF and functional MR undergoing a re‐do MitraClip procedure were retrospectively analysed. Inclusion criteria were age ≥18 years, technical, device and procedural success at first MitraClip procedure, functional MR and systolic HF with an ejection fraction (EF) of <45%. Seventeen out of 684 patients undergoing PMVR with the MitraClip device at our institution between September 2009 and July 2019 were included. All patients displayed advanced HF with an EF of 20% (±9.9) and highly elevated N‐terminal pro‐brain natriuretic peptide. Technical success of the re‐do MitraClip procedure was 100%, whereas procedural and device success were only achieved in 11 patients (65%). Unsuccessful re‐do procedures were related to lower EF and implantation of more than one clip at initial procedure. However, despite reduction in MR grade and no occurrence of significant mitral stenosis after the procedure, the mortality during 12 months follow‐up remained high (8 of 17; 47%).

Conclusions

In a cohort of patients with advanced HF undergoing PMVR, re‐do MitraClip procedure was feasible, but procedural success was unsatisfactory and morbidity and mortality remained high, possibly reflecting the advanced stage of HF in these patients.
Suppression of acute heart failure rehospitalization by biventricular pacing in wide QRS and mid‐range ejection fraction
Authors: Akamine Koshiro , Kondo Hidekazu , Yonezu Keisuke , Hirota Kei , Tawara Katsunori , Kodama Nozomi , Abe Ichitaro , Fukuda Tomoko , Yufu Kunio , Takahashi Naohiko
Published: September 2021

We present a 66‐year‐old male patient with heart failure, mid‐range ejection fraction and QRS widening suffering from recurrent hospitalization due to acute heart failure. We measured intra‐cardiac pressure by cardiac catheterization to clearly demonstrate the augmentation of afterload by a vasoconstricting drug induced increase of left ventricular end‐diastolic blood pressure and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure with pulmonary arterial V‐wave augmentation (indicator of worsening of mitral regurgitation). Because the patient was considered as refractory to optimal medication, cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT) was performed. After CRT implantation, these factors were improved, and the patient has not experienced recurrent hospitalization for >2 years.
Beetroot as a functional food with huge health benefits: Antioxidant, antitumor, physical function, and chronic metabolomics activity
Authors: Chen Liping , Zhu Yuankang , Hu Zijing , Wu Shengjie , Jin Chengtao
Published: September 2021

Previously, beetroot is mainly consumed as a food additive. In recent years, the beetroot, especially the betalains (betanin) and nitrates it contains, now has received increasing attention for their effective biological activity. Betalains have been proven to eliminate oxidative and nitrative stress by scavenging DPPH, preventing DNA damage, and reducing LDL. It also has been found to exert antitumor activity by inhibiting cell proliferation, angiogenesis, inducing cell apoptosis, and autophagy. In some chronic diseases, nitrate is the main component for lowing blood lipids, glucose, and pressure, while its role in treating hypertension and hyperglycemia has not been clearly stated. Moreover, the intake of nitrate‐rich beetroot could enhance athletic performance and attenuate muscle soreness in certain types of exercise. The objective of this review is to provide sufficient evidence for the clarification of health benefits of beetroot, especially in the aspect of biooxidation, neoplastic diseases, some chronic diseases, and energy supplementation.
Fundamental questions on central counterparties: A review of the literature
Authors: Berndsen Ron
Published: September 2021

Central counterparties (CCPs) function as financial infrastructures for capital markets in derivatives. They are designed to reduce aggregate counterparty credit risk. Although CCPs have existed for well over a century, they have only gained prominence after the Great Financial Crisis compelled the G20 to implement the mandatory clearing policy to make over‐the‐counter derivative transactions safer. This has led to a boom in CCP literature, 60% of which has been published in the last 5 years. This article provides a review of the literature on derivative CCPs focusing on some fundamental topics regarding the raison d'être, resilience, and governance of the CCP.
Cannabinoid receptor 2 is necessary to induce toll‐like receptor‐mediated microglial activation
Authors: Reusch Nico , Ravichandran Kishore Aravind , Olabiyi Bolanle Fatimat , Komorowska‐Müller Joanna Agnieszka , Hansen Jan N. , Ulas Thomas , Beyer Marc , Zimmer Andreas , Schmöle Anne‐Caroline
Published: September 2021

The tight regulation of microglia activity is key for precise responses to potential threats, while uncontrolled and exacerbated microglial activity is neurotoxic. Microglial toll‐like receptors (TLRs) are indispensable for sensing different types of assaults and triggering an innate immune response. Cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) signaling is a key pathway to control microglial homeostasis and activation, and its activation is connected to changes in microglial activity. We aimed to investigate how CB2 signaling impacts TLR‐mediated microglial activation. Here, we demonstrate that deletion of CB2 causes a dampened transcriptional response to prototypic TLR ligands in microglia. Loss of CB2 results in distinct microglial gene expression profiles, morphology, and activation. We show that the CB2‐mediated attenuation of TLR‐induced microglial activation is mainly p38 MAPK‐dependent. Taken together, we demonstrate that CB2 expression and signaling are necessary to fine‐tune TLR‐induced activation programs in microglia.
Gray matter asymmetry in asymptomatic carotid stenosis
Authors: Gao Lei , Xiao Yaqiong , Xu Haibo
Published: September 2021

Even clinically “asymptomatic” carotid stenosis is associated with multidomain cognitive impairment, gray matter (GM) atrophy, and silent lesion. However, the links between them remain unclear. Using structural MRI data, we examined GM asymmetry index (AI) and white matter hyperintensity (WMH) in 24 patients with severe asymptomatic carotid stenosis (SACS), 24 comorbidity‐matched controls, and independent samples of 84 elderly controls and 22 young adults. As compared to controls, SACS patients showed worse verbal memories, higher WMH burden, and right‐lateralized GM in posterior middle temporal and mouth‐somatomotor regions. These clusters extended to pars triangularis, lateral temporal, and cerebellar regions, when compared with young adults. Further, a full‐path of WMH burden (X), GM volume (atrophy, M1), AI (asymmetry, M2), and neuropsychological variables (Y) through a serial mediation model was analyzed. This analysis identified that left‐dominated GM atrophy and right‐lateralized asymmetry in the posterior middle temporal cortex mediated the relationship between WMH burden and recall memory in SACS patients. These results suggest that the unbalanced hemispheric atrophy in the posterior middle temporal cortex is crucial to mediating relationship between WMH burden and verbal recall memories, which may underlie accelerated aging and cognitive deterioration in patients with SACS and other vascular cognitive impairment.
Treatment trends for advanced oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in the era of human papillomavirus
Authors: Mirza Faris A. , Johnson Christopher Z. , Byrd James Kenneth , Albergotti William Greer
Published: September 2021

Background

Given recent increase in prevalence of oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC) and advances in surgical capabilities, we sought to determine whether a change in frequency of surgery‐based treatment for locally advanced OPSCC has occurred.

Methods

Patients with T3‐T4b OPSCC in the National Cancer Database diagnosed from 2010 to 2016 were categorized as receiving primary surgery or radiation‐based therapy and stratified by human papillomavirus (HPV) status. Trends in treatment selection and factors associated with treatment type were examined.

Results

6566 patients with HPV‐positive were included, of whom 489 (7.45%) received surgery and 4698 patients with HPV‐negative, of whom 362 (7.71%) received surgery. The percentage of patients treated with surgery decreased from 11.8% to 5.9% for HPV‐positive disease and from 9.8% to 6.3% for HPV‐negative disease. Factors associated with surgery included younger age, health insurance, and treatment at academic centers.

Conclusions

In HPV‐positive and HPV‐negative disease, the percentage of locally advanced OPSCC undergoing surgery‐based therapy has decreased.
NOD/scid IL‐2Rγnull mice reconstituted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells from patients with Crohn's disease reflect the human pathological phenotype
Authors: Unterweger Anna‐Lena , Rüscher Alena , Seuß Marietta , Winkelmann Paula , Beigel Florian , Koletzko Leandra , Breiteneicher Simone , Siebeck Matthias , Gropp Roswitha , Aszodi Attila
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Crohn's disease (CD) is characterized by pronounced intestinal fibrosis and severe mucosal damage and conventional animal models are limited to reflect these pathological manifestations. The aim of this study was to examine whether the combination of patient immune‐profiling and preclinical studies in a mouse model based on NOD/scid IL‐2Rγnull (NSG) reconstituted with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from CD patients has the capacity to harmonize ex vivo human and in vivo animal studies.

Methods

Immunological profiles of CD (n = 24) and ulcerative colitis (UC) patients (n = 47) were established by flow cytometry of subgroups of immune cells and subjected to hierarchical cluster and estimation graphics analyses. Pathological phenotypes of NSG mice, which were reconstituted with PBMC from CD, UC, and non‐IBD donors (NSG‐CD, NSG‐UC, and NSG‐non‐IBD) were compared. Readouts were the clinical, colon, and histological scores; subtypes of immune cells from spleen and colon; and levels of inflammatory markers, such as c‐reactive protein (CRP), monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)‐3, transforming growth factor‐beta (TGFß), and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Fibrocytes were identified by immunohistochemistry in colonic sections.

Results

CD patients were significantly clustered in a group characterized by increased levels of TH1, TH2 cells, and decreased levels of CD14+ CD163+ monocytes (p = .003). In contrast to NSG‐UC mice, NSG‐CD mice exhibited an immune‐remodeling phenotype characterized by enhanced collagen deposition, elevated levels of CD14+ CD163+ monocytes, HGF, and TGFß. This phenotype was further corroborated by the presence of human fibrocytes as components of fibrotic areas.

Conclusion

The NSG‐CD model partially reflects the human disease and allows for studying the development of fibrosis.
Long‐term effects of obesity on COVID‐19 patients discharged from hospital
Authors: Shang Luorui , Wang Li , Zhou Fangyuan , Li Jinxiao , Liu Yuhan , Yang Shenglan
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Obesity has been reported as a risk factor for COVID‐19 prognosis. However, the long‐term effects of obesity on patients discharged from the hospital are unclear, and the present study aims to address this issue.

Methods

A cohort study was conducted using data from patients diagnosed with COVID‐19 who were discharged from Wuhan Union Hospital between February 20, 2020, and March 20, 2020. The 118 patients with COVID‐19 were divided into the non‐obesity group and the obesity group according to their body mass index (BMI). All the patients were invited to fill out a series of scales to assess cardiopulmonary function. Data on population baseline characteristics, clinical manifestations, laboratory examinations, chest computed tomography (CT), and lung function were collected and analyzed.

Results

The clinical manifestations and pathological changes on CT images of obese patients were more serious after discharge than those of non‐obese patients. In addition, we found significant abnormalities in metabolic indicators such as blood lipids, uric acid, and liver function in obese patients. Most importantly, the antibody titer of COVID‐19 obese patients was inversely correlated with BMI.

Conclusion

In the long term, obesity affects clinical manifestations, immune function and endocrine metabolism in patients discharged after recovering from COVID‐19.
SARS‐CoV‐2 infection shortly after BNT162b2 vaccination results in high anti‐spike antibody levels in nursing home residents and staff
Authors: Urlaub Doris , Wolfsdorff Natalie , Durak Deniz , Renken Frank , Watzl Carsten
Published: September 2021

Introduction

One dose of a coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) vaccine can elicit high antibody titers in individuals who were previously infected by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2). However, it is unclear how a SARS‐CoV‐2 infection shortly after a first COVID‐19 vaccine dose affects antibody responses.

Methods

Here we investigate residents and staff of a nursing home, where a COVID‐19 outbreak occurred shortly after the first BNT162b2 immunization.

Results and Conclusions

Our data show that individuals who got infected as early as 10 days after their first immunization show antibody levels comparable to fully vaccinated individuals.
Association of Helicobacter pylori and gastric atrophy with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction in Taixing, China
Authors: Gao Peipei , Cai Ning , Yang Xiaorong , Yuan Ziyu , Zhang Tiejun , Lu Ming , Jin Li , Ye Weimin , Suo Chen , Chen Xingdong
Published: September 2021

Gastric atrophy caused by Helicobacter pylori infection was suggested to influence the risk of adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEGJ), however, the evidence remains limited. We aimed to examine the associations of H. pylori infection and gastric atrophy (defined using serum pepsinogen [PG] I to PGII ratio) with AEGJ risk, based on a population‐based case‐control study in Taixing, China (2010‐2014), with 349 histopathologically confirmed AEGJ cases and 1859 controls. We explored the potential effect modification by H. pylori serostatus and sex on the association of serum PGs with AEGJ risk. We used unconditional logistic regression models to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). H. pylori seropositivity was associated with an elevated AEGJ risk (OR = 1.95, 95% CI: 1.47‐2.63). Neither CagA‐positive nor VacA‐positive strains dramatically changed this association. Gastric atrophy (PGI/PGII ratio ≤4) was positively associated with AEGJ risk (OR = 2.36, 95% CI: 1.72‐3.22). The fully adjusted ORs for AEGJ progressively increased with the increasing levels of PGII (P‐trend <.001). H. pylori showed nonsignificant effect modification (P‐interaction = .385) on the association of gastric atrophy with AEGJ. In conclusion, H. pylori and gastric atrophy were positively associated with AEGJ risk. These results may contribute evidence to the ongoing research on gastric atrophy‐related cancers and guide the prevention and control of AEGJ.
Endoscopic laser treatment for urine leakage caused by an isolated calyx after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy
Authors: Inoue Ryo , Isoyama Naohito , Ozawa Sho , Kobayashi Keita , Yamamoto Yoshiaki , Yano Seiji , Hirata Hiroshi , Matsumoto Hiroaki , Matsuyama Hideyasu
Published: September 2021

Introduction

An isolated calyx is a rare complication in which the renal calyx and pelvis are disconnected. The treatment is often complicated.

Case presentation

An 81‐year‐old man underwent robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma (cT1bN0M0). Postoperatively, urine leakage was observed and did not improve with conservative measures. Retrograde pyelography and computed tomography revealed that urine leakage originated from the isolated calyx caused by infundibular stenosis. Endoscopic treatment via the transurethral approach was selected to preserve renal function. Ureteroscopy showed that the upper calyx was completely obstructed by the sutures. Therefore, we cut the suture thread using laser, and a ureteral stent was placed in the upper renal calyx. Fluid drainage immediately disappeared after the procedure, and the patient did not lose renal function.

Conclusion

Endoscopic management might be an option for isolated calyx after robot‐assisted partial nephrectomy.
Internet traffic matrix prediction with convolutional LSTM neural network
Authors: Jiang Weiwei
Published: September 2021

With the rapid growing trend of Internet, prediction‐based network operation optimization and management has drawn the attention from both the academia and the industry. For predicting Internet traffic, deep learning models have been proven more effective than linear and statistical models. However, some of the previous studies model the Internet traffic prediction as a multivariate time series prediction problem simply, without using the Internet traffic matrix structure. In this letter, the Internet traffic matrix prediction problem is firstly modeled as a video prediction task. Then a ConvLSTM‐based Seq2Seq model named ConvLSTM‐TM is proposed for predicting the traffic matrix in the next time slot. Based on three real‐world traffic matrix datasets, ConvLSTM‐TM outperforms five deep learning baselines with a lower prediction error. For replication, the dataset, code, and results are publicly available in a Github repository.
Experiences and perceptions of pharmacy students and pharmacists with a community pharmacy‐based objective structured clinical examination
Authors: Cornelison Bernadette , Zerr Beth
Published: September 2021

Introduction

Self‐care therapeutics teaches students how to apply the Pharmacists' Patient Care Process to determine if a patient's concern is appropriate for self‐care and then independently prevent, diagnose, and treat the condition. Objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs) have been shown to be a reliable and valid form of assessment used in pharmacy education. There is limited research examining the use of a community pharmacy‐based OSCE to evaluate self‐care clinical skills in first year pharmacy (P1) students.

Objectives

To evaluate P1 students' and facilitators' experiences and perceptions of a community pharmacy‐based OSCE. Student performance on the OSCE was evaluated as a secondary objective.

Methods

Students completed an OSCE that consisted of two patient cases. Students' experiences with the OSCE were collected using a standardized questionnaire. The questionnaire consisted of 41 questions that assessed four areas: attributes of the OSCE, quality of the OSCE performance, OSCE scoring and objectivity, and comparison with other assessment methods. Facilitator experiences and perceived value of the OSCE were assessed using a questionnaire. The responses were evaluated using a chi‐square test.

Results

Eighty‐eight students completed the OSCE and questionnaire. Students found the OSCE to be fair (91%) and cover a wide range of skills (76%). The majority of the students (91%) agreed that the OSCE provided opportunities to learn and was a practical and useful experience (86%). Approximately two‐thirds (66%) of the students felt that the OSCE provided a true measure of essential clinical skills needed in self‐care therapeutics. Fourteen facilitators participated in the OSCE and completed the questionnaire. Community pharmacists represented most of the facilitators (57%). Facilitators agreed that the OSCE tests the knowledge and skills needed to practice in community pharmacy (100%).

Conclusion

A community pharmacy‐based OSCE may be a valuable tool to assess clinical skills and provide clinical learning experiences for pharmacy students.
Role of infectious diseases pharmacists in outpatient intravenous and complex oral antimicrobial therapy: Society of Infectious Diseases Pharmacists insights
Authors: Rivera Christina Grace , Mehta Meera , Ryan Keenan Levy , Stevens Ryan William , Tucker Kendall Jamaal , Mahoney Monica Victoria
Published: September 2021

Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) is a well‐established mechanism to facilitate patient discharge, lower inpatient admission cost, and decrease the risk of health care–acquired infections. Although there are numerous benefits to patients and health care institutions, OPAT is complex and not without risks. Patients may be discharged on long courses of oral antimicrobials, known as complex outpatient antimicrobial therapy (COpAT), which also requires careful monitoring and oversight. This, coupled with the need for antimicrobial stewardship across the continuum of care, positions pharmacists with infectious diseases (ID) training as crucial leaders in the field of OPAT. The development, implementation, and maintenance of these services requires the careful attention of health care personnel in discharge antimicrobial selection, continuity of care at key care transitions, implementation of optimal care bundles, provision of thorough patient education throughout the OPAT process, coordination with a multidisciplinary team including home infusion and nursing, and monitoring of program metrics to determine successes and opportunities for improvement. Ongoing support for optimal delivery of patient care will be required as OPAT practice, and health care delivery at large, continues to evolve. This involves continued advocacy for collaborative practice development, optimizing payment for nondispensatory OPAT services, and integration of effective telehealth programs. This article summarizes the need for practice expansion of ID pharmacist specialists in OPAT/COpAT management across the care continuum and best practices for establishment of these services.
A need for engagement opportunities and personal connections: Understanding the social community outcomes of engineering undergraduates in a mentoring program
Authors: Washington Valerie , Mondisa Joi‐Lynn
Published: September 2021

Background

Social community may play a role in how successful undergraduate engineering mentoring programs are in increasing diversity, retention rates, and graduation rates. However, there is minimal research about how mentoring programs influence the development of the social community outcomes of connectedness, satisfaction, social capital, resilience, and communities of practice, or whether these outcomes differ among demographic groups.

Purpose

This work examines the social community outcomes of undergraduate engineering mentoring program participants and makes recommendations for programs based on participant experiences and outcomes.

Methods

In this exploratory multi‐methods study, we use quantitative and qualitative methods to examine social community among participants in a mentoring program for undergraduate engineering students. More specifically, we administered a survey and conducted interviews to examine the five social community outcomes among engineering undergraduate participants in the University of Michigan's Michigan Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (M‐STEM) Academies. Survey results were evaluated for social community outcomes among demographic groups and a thematic analysis was performed on the interview responses.

Results

Our findings indicate that (1) female participants value their M‐STEM connections differently from male participants; (2) program alumni engagement has a positive impact on current participants' social community outcomes; and (3) strategies for resilience vary based on sex and race.

Conclusions

We recommend that mentoring programs offer face‐to‐face activities to help female participants develop stronger connections with other participants. Programs should also offer ways for program alumni to remain engaged with the program and continue to support younger mentoring program cohorts.
Surgical implications of the confluence patterns of the left intrahepatic bile ducts in right hepatectomy for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma
Authors: Hosokawa Isamu , Furukawa Katsunori , Takayashiki Tsukasa , Kuboki Satoshi , Takano Shigetsugu , Miyazaki Masaru , Ohtsuka Masayuki
Published: September 2021

Background

Although the most important goal in surgery for perihilar cholangiocarcinoma (PHC) is to achieve tumor‐free proximal ductal margins, little is known about the implications of confluence patterns of the left intrahepatic bile ducts for the proximal ductal margin status in right hepatectomy (RH) for PHC.

Methods

Of 203 patients who underwent surgical resection for PHC with curative intent, confluence patterns of the left intrahepatic bile duct were evaluated in 94 consecutive patients who underwent RH, and they were classified into the following two types: normal type: the bile duct of segment 4 (B4) drained into the common trunk of the bile ducts of segment 2 (B2) and segment 3 (B3) at the right side of the umbilical portion of the left portal vein to form the left hepatic duct; and hepatic confluence type: B2 entered the common trunk of B3 and B4 at the hepatic confluence or B4 entered the common trunk of B2 and B3 at the hepatic confluence. The proximal ductal margin status following RH was compared between the two types of confluence patterns.

Results

Of 94 consecutive patients, 69 (73%) were the normal type, and 25 (27%) were the hepatic confluence type. There were no significant differences in patients' characteristics, surgical characteristics, surgical outcomes, and histopathological features between the two groups. However, in patients with Bismuth‐Corlette type II and IIIa PHC, the achievement rates of negative proximal ductal margins at the first dividing line were significantly higher in the hepatic confluence type group than in the normal type group (16/16 [100%] vs 34/52 [65%], respectively; P = .007).

Conclusions

Confluence patterns of the left intrahepatic bile ducts might affect proximal ductal margin status in RH for PHC.
A narrative review of current and emerging MRI safety issues: What every MRI technologist (radiographer) needs to know
Authors: Mittendorff Lisa , Young Adrienne , Sim Jenny
Published: September 2021

Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been traditionally regarded as a safe imaging modality due to the absence of ionising radiation. However, MRI is a source of potential hazards with a variety of risks including, but not limited to, those associated with the various electromagnetic fields used for imaging. All MRI technologists (radiographers) require sound knowledge of the physical principles of the MRI scanner and must understand the associated safety risks and how to avoid adverse events from occurring. MRI technologists now assume more responsibility in clinical decision‐making, and their knowledge base has consequently had to expand significantly. In addition, rapid advancements in MRI technology and other correlated areas such as medical implant technology, and the associated increase in MRI safety issues, place increasing demands on the MRI technologist to constantly keep abreast of current and future developments. This article reviews current and emerging MRI safety issues relevant to the three MRI electromagnetic fields and highlights the key information that all MRI technologists should be fully cognisant of to ensure competent and safe practice within the MRI environment.
Chronological salp swarm algorithm based deep belief network for intrusion detection in cloud using fuzzy entropy
Authors: Karuppusamy Loheswaran , Ravi Jayavadivel , Dabbu Murali , Lakshmanan Srinivasan
Published: September 2021

Cloud computing is susceptible to the existing information technology attacks, as it extends and uses the traditional operating system, information technology infrastructure, and applications. However, in addition to the existing threats, the cloud computing environment faces various security issues in detecting anomalous network behaviors. In order to resolve the security issues, an effective intrusion detection system named Chronological Salp Swarm Algorithm‐based Deep Belief Network is proposed for detecting the suspicious intrusions in a cloud environment. Accordingly, the proposed Chronological Salp Swarm Algorithm‐based Deep Belief Network is developed by integrating the Chronological concept with the Salp Swarm Algorithm. The optimal solution for detecting the intrusion is revealed using the fitness function, which accepts the minimal error vale as the optimum solution. Here, the weights are optimally tuned by the proposed algorithm to generate an effective and optimal solution for detecting the intruders. The proposed Chronological Salp Swarm Algorithm‐based Deep Belief Network obtained better performance through the facility of exploitation and the exploration in search space. The performance of the proposed method is analyzed using two datasets, namely KDD cup dataset and BoT‐IoT dataset, the comparative analysis is performed with the existing methods, such as Host based intrusion detection system, Deep learning, and Deep Neural Network + Genetic Algorithm. The proposed Chronological Salp Swarm Algorithm‐based Deep Belief Network obtained better performance in terms of accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity, with the values of 0.9618%, 0.9702%, and 0.9307% using KDD cup dataset, and 0.9764%, 0.9824%, and 0.9309% using BoT‐IoT dataset.
Genetics, sex, and gender
Authors: Reale Chiara , Invernizzi Federica , Panteghini Celeste , Garavaglia Barbara
Published: September 2021

This review aims to give an overview of what has been discovered so far and what still needs to be analyzed about how sex and gender affect the disease development. These two terms are often confused and indifferently used. In principle, the term “sex” refers to biological differences between males and females, specifically reproductive organs and their functions, while the term “gender” refers to the social context in which people live and which contributes to a subjective sexual identity, masculine or feminine. This dichotomy, however, is not so rigid and both sex and gender influence different aspects of human health, such as brain, health and aging and drug treatment and pharmacokinetics. In particular, we want to focus on genetic differences between men and women: indeed, the expression of the genes mapped on X chromosome or Y chromosome and all epigenetic interactions affect the diseases development. Finally, we will briefly outline sex and gender differences in clinical manifestations of three neurological diseases: Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and obsessive compulsive disorder. In the era of personalized medicine, we must not forget the importance of gender medicine to promote personalized care for any kind of patients.
Confocal Raman microspectroscopy combined with chemometrics as a discrimination method of clostridia and serotypes of Clostridium botulinum strains
Authors: Zhang Jin , Jiang Hong , Gao Pengya , Wu Yuan , Sun Hui , Huang Ying , Xu Xuefang
Published: September 2021

Rapid and accurate identification of Clostridium botulinum is of great importance because it has been considered as an emerging food‐borne pathogen and potential zoonotic agent. Raman spectroscopy can differentiate bacteria based on Raman scattering spectral patterns of whole cells in a fast, reagentless, and easy‐to‐use manner. This study demonstrates that confocal Raman microspectroscopy (CRM) combined with chemometrics can serve as a fast, reliable, and nondestructive method for detection and identification of C. botulinum at both species and serotypes level without any laborious pre‐treatments. Three significant bacillus pathogens including C. botulinum, C. perfringens, and C. difficile were investigated with CRM. Additionally, two main C. botulinum strains causing botulism, C. botulinum type A, and C. botulinum type B were examined with CRM. Principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to differentiate the three species. PCA and linear discrimination analysis (LDA) were used for serotyping C. botulism strains. Four common and important preprocessing methods including Savitzky–Golay algorithm smoothing (SG), standard normal variate (SNV), multivariate scatter correction (MSC), and Savitzky–Golay algorithm 1st Derivative (SG 1st Der) were applied to improve the accuracy of identification and explore the impact of various single preprocessing methods on the model. The results proved that CRM coupled with chemometrics can be utilized for fast, reliable, and nondestructive identification of clostridia and serotypes of C. botulinum strains. This study proves for the first time that the CRM combined with chemometrics methods can be used as a potential means to detect and identify C. botulinum.
Study on physicochemical characteristics of lutein nanoemulsions stabilized by chickpea protein isolate‐stevioside complex
Authors: Xu Yayuan , Song Jiangfeng , Dai Zhuqing , Niu Liying , Dajing Li , Wu Caie
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Chickpea protein isolate (CPI) originating from chickpeas has the advantages of facilitating the stability of food emulsions. Stevioside (STE) exhibits a notable surface activity and can improve the water solubility of numerous hydrophobic nutrients. STE and protein mixtures show great potential as emulsions stabilizers. The present study aimed to prepare a novel nanoemulsion for encapsulating lutein (LUT) by ultrasonic homogenization using chickpea protein isolate‐stevioside complex (CPI‐STE) as a stabilizer and also to investigate the physicochemical characteristics.

RESULTS

The results obtained showed that different preparation conditions demonstrated significant influences on the physicochemical properties of CPI‐STE‐LUT nanoemulsions. Under the optimal condition, the average particle size of CPI‐STE‐LUT nanoemulsions was 195.1 nm, and the emulsifying and encapsulation efficiencies of lutein were 91.04% and 87.56%, respectively. CPI‐STE‐LUT nanoemulsions stabilized by CPI‐STE could significantly increase the emulsifying and encapsulation efficiencies of lutein compared to that stabilized by CPI. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy revealed that hydrogen bond was the main binding force of CPI and lutein, and there was a covalent bond between the two molecules. Furthermore, the stability of CPI‐STE‐LUT nanoemulsions in gastrointestinal phase was higher than that of CPI‐LUT nanoemulsions, which could load lutein more effectively and be more resistant to digestive enzymes.

CONCLUSION

The present study reports the physicochemical characterization of CPI‐STE‐LUT nanoemulsions for the first time. CPI‐STE‐LUT nanoemulsions were characterized by a small average particle size lower than 200 nm, as well as high emulsifying and encapsulation efficiencies, and good stability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Highly active biostimulant Paecilomyces variotii extracts reduced controlled‐release urea application while maintaining rice yield
Authors: Wang Xiaoqi , Yao Yuanyuan , Liu Zhiguang , Chen Baocheng , Zhang Min , Wang Qingbin , Ma Jinzhao
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

The high cost of controlled‐release urea (CRU) has prompted this study to explore whether the amount of CRU can be reduced by adding biostimulants while maintaining or increasing rice yield. A 2 year field experiment was conducted with CRU at three levels (60%, 80%, and 100% of the recommended nitrogen (N) fertilizer) and a novel biostimulant Paecilomyces variotii extract (ZNC), to investigate their synergistic effects on yield, nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), and net profitability of rice.

RESULTS

Controlled‐release urea achieved a significantly higher gain yield and NUE than conventional urea with the same N level, which could be attributed to its N supply. Even if the N level of CRU was reduced by 40%, both rice yield and net profit were still significantly higher than for the full amount of urea. Paecilomyces variotii extract sprayed on the surface of CRU at a dose of only 87.5 mL ha−1 exhibited ultra‐high effectiveness by increasing the panicles, the N accumulation, and the rice yield. Controlled‐release urea enriched by ZNC achieved significantly higher gain yield than CRU alone, increasing the yield by 9.2% and 8.7%, respectively, in 2 years under the full recommended N rate. The combination of 80% CRU and ZNC showed no significant difference in rice yield from treatment with 100% CRU, indicating that the rate of CRU could be reduced by ZNC. The application of ZNC further increased NUE, N partial factor productivity, and net profit.

CONCLUSION

The CRU and ZNC combination provided a feasible approach for reducing N input while maintaining rice yield and agricultural sustainability. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
It's more than just cancer biology: Health disparities in patients with pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors
Authors: Underwood Patrick W. , Riner Andrea N. , Neal Dan , Cameron Miles E. , Yakovenko Anastasiya , Reddy Sushanth , Rose John Bart , Hughes Steven J. , Trevino Jose G.
Published: September 2021

Background and Objectives

Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PNETs) represent a rare form of pancreatic cancer. Racial/ethnic disparities have been documented in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, but health disparities have not been well described in patients with PNETs.

Methods

A retrospective review of patients with PNETs in the National Cancer Database was performed for 2004–2014. Approximately 16 605 patients with PNETs and available vital status were identified. Survival was compared by race/ethnicity and socioeconomic status using Kaplan–Meier methods and Cox regression.

Results

There were no significant differences in survival between Non‐Hispanic, White; Hispanic, White; or Non‐Hispanic, Black patients on univariate analysis. Kaplan–Meier analysis showed that patients from communities with lower median household income and education level had worse survival (p < 0.001). Patients age less than 65 without insurance, similarly, had worse survival (p < 0.001). Multivariable modeling found no association between race/ethnicity and risk of mortality (p = 0.37). Lower median household income and lower education level were associated with increased mortality (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Unlike most other malignancies, race/ethnicity is not associated with survival differences in patients with PNETs. Patients with lower socioeconomic status had worse survival. The presence of identifiable health disparities in patients with PNETs represents a target for intervention and opportunity to improve survival in patients with this malignancy.
Body size, trophic position, and the coupling of different energy pathways across a saltmarsh landscape
Authors: Keppeler Friedrich W. , Olin Jill A. , López‐Duarte Paola C. , Polito Michael J. , Hooper‐Bùi Linda M. , Taylor Sabrina S. , Rabalais Nancy N. , Fodrie F. Joel , Roberts Brian J. , Turner R. Eugene , Martin Charles W. , Jensen Olaf P.
Published: September 2021

Body size is considered an important structuring mechanism of food webs because consumers are usually larger and more mobile than their prey and may couple energy among habitats. We explored the links among trophic position (TP), body size, and the coupling of different energy channels (phytoplankton and C4‐marsh plants) in a saltmarsh landscape in the northern Gulf of Mexico—a dynamic system considered weakly shaped by biotic interactions. Body size was positively associated with TP, and this relationship was stronger in the phytoplankton pathway vs. the C4‐marsh pathway. There was a gradual increase in the coupling of phytoplankton and C4‐marsh plants at larger body sizes and higher TP. Phytoplankton supported longer food chains and larger body sizes than C4‐marsh plants. Results support predictions of the landscape theory for food web architecture and indicate that the role of body size in determining trophic interactions may vary across food web compartments.
Monitoring of lubricating oils used in diesel engine by biodiesel contamination from fuel dilution
Authors: da S. Bezerra Kelly , de O. Zuppa Neto Tatiana , Souza Carita L. S. , Gomes Lucas O. , Antoniosi Filho Nelson R.
Published: September 2021

When the biodiesel enters the crankcase, its degradation can lead to the formation of organic acids and polymerisation, to the point of clogging the system and the internal combustion engines. Therefore, this article proposed the study of lubricant oils in order to trace its biodiesel contamination. The results showed that in relation to the viscosity at 40°C there was reduction above the limit allowed for some samples. The viscosity index results showed considerable changes. Using infrared spectroscopy was noted that the contamination by fatty acid esters does not follow a pattern related to time of use in the motor. However, as the lubricant oil samples were used, they probably contain degradation products that altered the levels of oxygenated compounds. For this reason, the mass spectrometry coupled to gas chromatography quantified the predominant oil and fat steroids contents and confirmed the contamination by biodiesel.