bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multimodality and translanguaging in negotiation of meaning
Authors: Canals Laia
Published: June 2021

The present study examines the role that multimodality and translanguaging play in scaffolding oral interactions during language‐related episodes (LREs) involving meaning negotiation. The oral tasks carried out using synchronous video‐based computer‐mediated communication were part of a tandem virtual exchange (Spain, Canada). The participants, 18 dyads of English and Spanish college‐level learners, conducted three oral interaction tasks in pairs online. LREs were identified and transcribed and data were analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively, including all instances of translanguaging and uses of multiple modes of meaning‐making. Quantitative data revealed that translanguaging involved not only English and Spanish, but also other shared languages and occurred mostly during meaning negotiation. Additionally, the use of multimodal elements, including gestures, postures, gaze, multiple digital and physical devices (mobile devices, computers, props, notes) was examined. Qualitative data analyses revealed the interplay between multimodality and learners’ multilingual repertoires which reinforced and complemented meaning‐making during these episodes.
New geochemical tools for investigating resource and energy functions at deep‐sea cold seeps using amino acid δ15N in chemosymbiotic mussels (Bathymodiolus childressi)
Authors: Vokhshoori Natasha L. , McCarthy Matthew D. , Close Hilary G. , Demopoulos Amanda W. J. , Prouty Nancy G.
Published: June 2021

In order to reconstruct the ecosystem structure of chemosynthetic environments in the fossil record, geochemical proxies must be developed. Here, we present a suite of novel compound‐specific isotope parameters for tracing chemosynthetic production with a focus on understanding nitrogen dynamics in deep‐sea cold seep environments. We examined the chemosymbiotic bivalve Bathymodiolus childressi from three geographically distinct seep sites on the NE Atlantic Margin and compared isotope data to non‐chemosynthetic littoral mussels to test whether water depth, seep activity, and/or mussel bed size are linked to differences in chemosynthetic production. The bulk isotope analysis of carbon (δ13C) and nitrogen (δ15N), and δ15N values of individual amino acids (δ15NAA) in both gill and muscle tissues, as well as δ15NAA‐derived parameters including trophic level (TL), baseline δ15N value (δ15NPhe), and a microbial resynthesis index (ΣV), were used to investigate specific geochemical signatures of chemosynthesis. Our results show that δ15NAA values provide a number of new proxies for relative reliance on chemosynthesis, including TL, ∑V, and both δ15N values and molar percentages (Gly/Glu mol% index) of specific AA. Together, these parameters suggested that relative chemoautotrophy is linked to both degree of venting from seeps and mussel bed size. Finally, we tested a Bayesian mixing model using diagnostic AA δ15N values, showing that percent contribution of chemoautotrophic versus heterotrophic production to seep mussel nutrition can be directly estimated from δ15NAA values. Our results demonstrate that δ15NAA analysis can provide a new set of geochemical tools to better understand mixotrophic ecosystem function and energetics, and suggest extension to the study of ancient chemosynthetic environments in the fossil record.
Volcanic controls on the microbial habitability of Mars‐analogue hydrothermal environments
Authors: Moreras‐Marti Arola , Fox‐Powell Mark , Zerkle Aubrey L. , Stueeken Eva , Gazquez Fernando , Brand Helen E. A. , Galloway Toni , Purkamo Lotta , Cousins Claire R.
Published: June 2021

Due to their potential to support chemolithotrophic life, relic hydrothermal systems on Mars are a key target for astrobiological exploration. We analysed water and sediments at six geothermal pools from the rhyolitic Kerlingarfjöll and basaltic Kverkfjöll volcanoes in Iceland, to investigate the localised controls on the habitability of these systems in terms of microbial community function. Our results show that host lithology plays a minor role in pool geochemistry and authigenic mineralogy, with the system geochemistry primarily controlled by deep volcanic processes. We find that by dictating pool water pH and redox conditions, deep volcanic processes are the primary control on microbial community structure and function, with water input from the proximal glacier acting as a secondary control by regulating pool temperatures. Kerlingarfjöll pools have reduced, circum‐neutral CO2‐rich waters with authigenic calcite‐, pyrite‐ and kaolinite‐bearing sediments. The dominant metabolisms inferred from community profiles obtained by 16S rRNA gene sequencing are methanogenesis, respiration of sulphate and sulphur (S0) oxidation. In contrast, Kverkfjöll pools have oxidised, acidic (pH < 3) waters with high concentrations of SO42‐ and high argillic alteration, resulting in Al‐phyllosilicate‐rich sediments. The prevailing metabolisms here are iron oxidation, sulphur oxidation and nitrification. Where analogous ice‐fed hydrothermal systems existed on early Mars, similar volcanic processes would likely have controlled localised metabolic potential and thus habitability. Moreover, such systems offer several habitability advantages, including a localised source of metabolic redox pairs for chemolithotrophic microorganisms and accessible trace metals. Similar pools could have provided transient environments for life on Mars; when paired with surface or near‐surface ice, these habitability niches could have persisted into the Amazonian. Additionally, they offer a confined site for biosignature formation and deposition that lends itself well to in situ robotic exploration.
Macroecological trend of increasing values of intraspecific genetic diversity and population structure from temperate to tropical streams
Authors: Salinas‐Ivanenko Sofia , Múrria Cesc
Published: June 2021

Aim

Assuming genetic variants are selectively neutral, estimates of intraspecific genetic diversity and population structure should increase simultaneously in parallel to coalescent time, population size and gene flow. However, other processes, such as genetic drift associated with demographic fluctuations, might cause a loss of genetic diversity while not affecting population structure. In this study, we assess large‐scale patterns of estimates of intraspecific genetic variation across species to determine the roles of dispersal, biogeography, divergence time and demographic fluctuations in decoupling genetic diversity and population structure.

Location

Pristine first‐order streams distributed in seven regions from Neotropical to boreal climate, covering a gradient of habitat persistence through major biogeographical changes (e.g., Pleistocene glaciations).

Time period

2008–2010.

Major taxa studied

Freshwater insect lineages that differ in dispersal propensity.

Methods

Intraspecific nucleotide diversity (π) and population structure (ΦST) were estimated for 33 species using 2,128 sequences of the cox1 gene. The correlation between π and ΦST was tested using linear regression models. The geographical distribution of haplotypes was represented in networks. Phylogenetic trees were time calibrated to determine divergence time.

Results

At a global scale, a positive relationship between π and ΦST was found. Neotropical species showed the highest values of π and ΦST, probably owing to historical environmental stability. Across Europe, the low estimates of π and the wide array of ΦST values and haplotype networks found across species, lineages and latitude were contrary to the biogeographical and dispersal paradigms.

Main conclusions

Beyond the macroecological trend found, genetic trajectories of co‐distributed temperate species were disassociated from their functional traits and probably caused by persistent demographic fluctuations associated with local‐scale habitat instability. Overall, the idiosyncratic relationship between π and ΦST across species prevents the establishment of conclusive global patterns and questions the phylogeographical patterns established when studying a reduced number of co‐distributed species.
Extending the offshoring literature to explain backshoring: An application to the Spanish footwear industry
Authors: Martínez‐Mora Carmen , Merino Fernando
Published: June 2021

Backshoring as a way of undoing the offshoring strategy has become quite common in many industries and countries. This paper analyses the reasons that may justify this strategy based on International Economics and Transaction Cost Economics. Specifically, we point that the framework to analyse offshoring can be valid, but that the knowledge, experience, etc. of the country that once hosted those activities reduce the costs in the second degree relocation. We present the results of a survey administered to firms in the Spanish footwear industry to evaluate such proposals. The results reveal that backshoring can be explained in the same theoretical framework as the offshoring decision and therefore this strategy simply constitutes a response to the characteristics of the environment of these firms since their offshoring strategy differed in terms of the destination country, business model, etc.
Rapid implementation of telehealth in geriatric outpatient clinics due to COVID‐19
Authors: Callisaya Michele L. , Lee Angel Hui‐Ching , Khushu Anjali
Published: June 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has resulted in the rapid implementation of telehealth. However, little is known about its suitability for the older population. We evaluated the use of telehealth in geriatric outpatient clinics. Half of the appointments needed to be re‐scheduled due to language barrier, poor connection, hard of hearing and inability to perform assessments. Advantages included time efficiency and ability to visualise the home. Preference for the future was initial appointments as face–face, but reviews as either telehealth or face–face.
A new classification for the diagnosis of superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors using endocytoscopy: A prospective study
Authors: Muramoto Takashi , Ohata Ken , Sakai Eiji , Inamoto Rin , Kurebayashi Marie , Takayanagi Syunya , Kimoto Yoshiaki , Suzuki Yuichiro , Ishii Rindo , Ono Kohei , Negishi Ryoju , Takita Maiko , Minato Yohei , Ohno Akiko , Chiba Hideyuki , Hashimoto Hirotsugu , Morikawa Teppei , Matsuhashi Nobuyuki
Published: June 2021

Background and Aim

Although the frequency of endoscopic diagnosis of superficial non‐ampullary duodenal epithelial tumors (SNADETs) has been increasing in recent years, no criteria for the endoscopic diagnosis of these tumors have been established yet. The aim of this study was to assess the usefulness of endocytoscopy for diagnosis SNADETs and to establish new criteria.

Methods

This prospective study was conducted at the NTT Medical Center Tokyo from May 2019 to July 2020, and a total of 100 consecutive SNADETs were enrolled. All the endocytoscopic images of the lesions and surrounding normal mucosa were classified into three groups according to the degree of structural atypia and the nuclear morphology and size. The endocytoscopic diagnoses using endocytoscopic classification was compared with the final histopathological diagnoses.

Results

Data of 93 patients with 98 lesions were included in the analysis. The preoperative diagnosis by endocytoscopy coincided with the final histopathological diagnosis in 85 (86.7%) of 98 SNADETs. In addition, the sensitivity and specificity for VCL 4/5 were 87.7% and 85.4%, respectively. In contrast, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of preoperative diagnosis by biopsy were 64.3%, 50.9%, and 82.9%, respectively. Preoperative diagnosis by endocytoscopy showed significantly superior accuracy and sensitivity as compared with preoperative biopsy diagnosis (P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

This new classification (endocytoscopic classification) allows prediction of the tumor histopathology in real time, during endocytoscopy without biopsy, and is expected to be of help in determining the appropriate therapeutic strategies for individual cases of SNADETs. (Clinical trial registration number: UMIN000038643.)
Prognostic features of gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms in primary and metastatic sites: Grade, mesenteric tumour deposits and emerging novelties
Authors: Kankava Ketevani , Maisonneuve Patrick , Mangogna Alessandro , Centonze Giovanni , Cattaneo Laura , Prinzi Natalie , Pusceddu Sara , Fazio Nicola , Pisa Eleonora , Di Domenico Stefano , Bertani Emilio , Mazzaferro Vincenzo , Albertelli Manuela , Grillo Federica , Milione Massimo
Published: June 2021

Updates in classification of gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms better reflect the biological characteristics of these tumours. In the present study, we analysed the characteristics of neuroendocrine tumours that could aid in a more precise stratification of risk groups. In addition, we have highlighted the importance of grade (re)assessment based on investigation of secondary tumour lesions. Two hundred and sixty‐four cases of neuroendocrine tumours of gastro‐entero‐pancreatic origin from three centres were included in the study. Tumour morphology, mitotic count and Ki67 labelling index were evaluated in specimens of primary tumours, lymph node metastases and distant metastases. These variables were correlated with overall survival (OS) and relapse‐free survival (RFS). Tumour stage, number of affected lymph nodes, presence of tumour deposits and synchronous/metachronous metastases were tested as possible prognostic features. Mitotic count, Ki‐67 labelling index, primary tumour site, tumour stage, presence of tumour deposits and two or more affected lymph nodes were significant predictors of OS and RFS. At the same time, mitotic count and Ki‐67 labelling index can be addressed as continuous variables determining prognosis. We observed a very high correlation between the measures of proliferative activity in primary and secondary tumour foci. The presence of isolated tumour deposits was identified as an important determinant of both RFS and OS for pancreatic (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.61, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.96‐14.6, P < 0.0001 for RFS; HR = 3.28, 95% CI = 1.56‐6.87, P = 0.0017 for OS) and ileal/jejunal neuroendocrine tumours (HR = 1.98, 95% CI = 1.25‐3.13, P = 0.0036 for RFS and HR 2.59, 95% CI = 1.27‐5.26, P = 0.009 for OS). The present study identifies the presence of mesenterial tumour deposits as an important prognostic factor for gastro‐entero‐pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours, provides evidence that proliferative parameters need to be treated as continuous variables and further supports the importance of grade determination in all available tumour foci.
Early development of the cortical layers in the human brain
Authors: Terashima Mei , Ishikawa Aoi , Männer Jörg , Yamada Shigehito , Takakuwa Tetsuya
Published: June 2021

The cortical plate (CP) first appears at seven postconceptional weeks (pcw), when it splits the preexisting preplate into two layers, the marginal zone and the presubplate (pSP). Although three‐dimensional (3D) analysis using fetal magnetic resonance imaging and two‐dimensional tissue observations have been reported, there have been no studies analyzing the early development of the layer structure corresponding to the pSP stage in 3D. Here, we reconstructed 3‐D models of the brain with a focus on the cortical layers in pSP stage. To achieve this, we digitized serial tissue sections of embryos between CS20 and CS23 from the Kyoto Collection (n = 7, approximately 7–8.5 pcw), and specimens at early fetal phase from the Blechschmidt Collection (n = 2, approximately 9.5–12 pcw, crown rump length [CRL] 39 and 64 mm). We observed tissue sections and 3D images and performed quantitative analysis of the thickness, surface area, and volume. Because the boundary between pSP and the intermediate zone (IZ) could not be distinguished in hematoxylin and eosin‐stained sections, the two layers were analyzed together as a single layer in this study. The histology of the layers was observed from CS21 and became distinct at CS22. Subsequently, we observed the 3‐D models; pSP‐IZ was present in a midlateral region of the cerebral wall at CS21, and an expansion centered around this region was observed after CS22. We observed it over the entire cerebral hemisphere at early fetal phase (CRL 39 mm). The thickness of pSP‐IZ was visible in 3D and was greater in the midlateral region. At the end of the pSP stage (CRL 64 mm), the thick region expanded to lateral, superior, and posterior regions around the primordium of the insula. While, the region near the basal ganglia was not included in the thickest 10% of the pSP‐IZ area. Middle cerebral artery was found in the midlateral region of the cerebral wall, near the area where pSP‐IZ was observed. Feature of layer structure growth was revealed by quantitative assessment as thickness, surface area, and volume. The maximum thickness value of pSP‐IZ and CP increased significantly according to CRL, whereas the median value increased slightly. The layer structure appeared to grow and spread thin, rather than thickening during early development, which is characteristic during pSP stages. The surface area of the cerebral total tissue, CP, and pSP‐IZ increased in proportion to the square of CRL. The surface area of CP and pSP‐IZ approached that of the total tissue at the end of the pSP stage. Volume of each layer increased in proportion to the cube of CRL. pSP‐IZ and CP constituted over 50% of the total tissue in volume at the end of the pSP stages. We could visualize the growth of pSP‐IZ in 3D and quantify it during pSP stage. Our approach allowed us to observe the process of rapid expansion of pSP‐IZ from the midlateral regions of the cerebral wall, which subsequently becomes the insula.
Financial institution objectives and auto loan pricing: Evidence from the survey of consumer finances
Authors: van Rijn Jordan , Zeng Shuwei , Hellman Paul
Published: June 2021

Prior studies of interest rate differentials between credit unions and commercial banks suffer from selection bias since they rely on data at the level of the financial institution or branch which cannot account for demand‐side or loan‐level characteristics. We improve on these studies by using household‐ and loan‐level data from the Federal Reserve's Survey of Consumer Finances from 2001 to 2019. We find that, on average, households that receive auto loans from credit unions pay 0.70 percentage points less on interest rates for new vehicles—and 1.40 percentage points less on used vehicles—relative to observably similar households that receive auto loans from banks. The aggregated savings to credit union members is larger than the estimated value of the credit union corporate income tax exemption. Nonetheless, the benefit from lower auto loan rates is likely an underestimate of the true value to consumers of credit unions' presence in the market.
A political foundation of public investment and welfare spending
Authors: Villamil Anne , Wang Xiaobing , Xue Ning
Published: June 2021

This paper develops a political economy model to examine the implications of political selection under an authoritarian regime. We formalize the fiscal policy choice of local governments, focusing on two political selection mechanisms and their implications for public investment and welfare spending. A growth‐oriented promotion system induces local officials to increase public investment, which may increase output but crowd out welfare transfers. This mimics the recent investment‐driven growth in China and relatively low effort to tackle high inequality. Under a broader incentive structure, we show that it is possible for an authoritarian regime to attain the social welfare of a democracy.
The impact of indoor residual spraying on Plasmodium falciparum microsatellite variation in an area of high seasonal malaria transmission in Ghana, West Africa
Authors: Argyropoulos Dionne C. , Ruybal‐Pesántez Shazia , Deed Samantha L. , Oduro Abraham R. , Dadzie Samuel K. , Appawu Maxwell A. , Asoala Victor , Pascual Mercedes , Koram Kwadwo A. , Day Karen P. , Tiedje Kathryn E.
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the first population genetic study to examine the impact of indoor residual spraying (IRS) on Plasmodium falciparum in humans. This study was conducted in an area of high seasonal malaria transmission in Bongo District, Ghana. IRS was implemented during the dry season (November–May) in three consecutive years between 2013 and 2015 to reduce transmission and attempt to bottleneck the parasite population in humans towards lower diversity with greater linkage disequilibrium. The study was done against a background of widespread use of long‐lasting insecticidal nets, typical for contemporary malaria control in West Africa. Microsatellite genotyping with 10 loci was used to construct 392 P. falciparum multilocus infection haplotypes collected from two age‐stratified cross‐sectional surveys at the end of the wet seasons pre‐ and post‐IRS. Three‐rounds of IRS, under operational conditions, led to a >90% reduction in transmission intensity and a 35.7% reduction in the P. falciparum prevalence (p < .001). Despite these declines, population genetic analysis of the infection haplotypes revealed no dramatic changes with only a slight, but significant increase in genetic diversity (He: pre‐IRS = 0.79 vs. post‐IRS = 0.81, p = .048). Reduced relatedness of the parasite population (p < .001) was observed post‐IRS, probably due to decreased opportunities for outcrossing. Spatiotemporal genetic differentiation between the pre‐ and post‐IRS surveys (D = 0.0329 [95% CI: 0.0209 – 0.0473], p = .034) was identified. These data provide a genetic explanation for the resilience of P. falciparum to short‐term IRS programmes in high‐transmission settings in sub‐Saharan Africa.
A review of significance of Aspergillus detection in airways of ICU COVID‐19 patients
Authors: Pasquier Grégoire , Bounhiol Agathe , Robert Gangneux Florence , Zahar Jean‐Ralph , Gangneux Jean Pierre , Novara Ana , Bougnoux Marie‐Elisabeth , Dannaoui Eric
Published: June 2021

It is now well known that patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 infection admitted in ICU and mechanically ventilated are at risk of developing invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA). Nevertheless, symptomatology of IPA is often atypical in mechanically ventilated patients, and radiological aspects in SARS‐CoV‐2 pneumonia and IPA are difficult to differentiate. In this context, the significance of the presence of Aspergillus in airway specimens (detected by culture, galactomannan antigen or specific PCR) remains to be fully understood. To decipher the relevance of the detection of Aspergillus, we performed a comprehensive review of all published cases of respiratory Aspergillus colonisation and IPA in COVID‐19 patients. The comparison of patients receiving or not antifungal treatment allowed us to highlight the most important criteria for the decision to treat. The comparison of surviving and non‐surviving patients made it possible to unveil criteria associated with mortality that should be taken into account in the treatment decision.
Acute and chronic fatigue in nurses providing direct patient care and in non‐direct care roles: A cross‐sectional analysis
Authors: Ross Alyson , Geiger‐Brown Jeanne , Yang Li , Flynn Sharon , Cox Robert , Wehrlen Leslie , Lee Lena J.
Published: June 2021

Nurses are at risk for work‐related fatigue, which can impact their health, well‐being, and job readiness. The purpose of this study was to examine the levels, types, and factors associated with fatigue in registered nurses (RNs) in direct patient care (DCRNs) and in non‐direct patient care (non‐DCRNs) roles. A cross‐sectional survey was administered to 313 RNs. Measures included: Multidimensional Fatigue Symptom Inventory, Occupational Fatigue Exhaustion Recovery, Brief COPE, PROMIS® Global Sleep Disturbance, and Job Content Questionnaire. Acute fatigue levels in RNs were similar to those in diseased populations, and nearly 50% reported moderate/high levels of chronic fatigue. DCRNs reported higher levels of acute and chronic fatigue than non‐DCRNs, but the differences were small and disappeared when accounting for other factors associated with fatigue including sleep disturbance, job strain, workplace support, maladaptive coping, and especially intershift recovery, which accounted for 20%–41% of fatigue variability. This study suggests that it may not be only nurses providing direct patient care who are at risk for acute and chronic fatigue. Intershift recovery may be particularly important in alleviating acute and chronic fatigue in nurses.
Spending allocations during low and high fiscal stress: Priority setters and spending advocates in Danish municipalities, 2008–2015
Authors: Foged Søren K.
Published: June 2021

Are local governments' resources distributed differently during low as compared to high fiscal stress? Based on a proposed theoretical framework of public budgeting, focusing on the power relations between priority setters and spending advocates, two opposing hypotheses on this question are formulated. Using regression analysis, the two hypotheses are tested on the allocation of spending in seven policy areas of all 98 Danish municipalities from 2008 to 2015, which was a period that saw both a low and a high degree of fiscal stress. The empirical analysis consistently supports one of the hypotheses (Hypothesis 1), stating that rising fiscal stress benefits priority setters' influence on spending allocations vis‐à‐vis the influence of spending advocates. This finding can be interpreted as a pragmatic local government approach to fiscal stress, where the need for cutbacks is addressed by curbing the influence of spending advocates and shielding strategically important policy areas.
Impact of duloxetine on succinylcholine‐induced postoperative myalgia after direct microlaryngoscopic surgeries: Randomized controlled double‐blind study
Authors: Mostafa Mohamed F. , Ali Ibraheim Osama , Ibrahim Ahmed K. , Ibrahim Reham A. E. , Herdan Ragaa
Published: June 2021

Background

Succinylcholine is a preferred muscle relaxant for rapid sequence intubation. Postoperative myalgia (POM) is one of its commonest adverse effects with unknown pathogenesis. Various modalities were examined to reduce POM. We hypothesized that duloxetine may reduce the incidence and severity of fasciculation or succinylcholine‐induced POM in outpatient surgeries.

Methods

This randomized double‐blinded trial involved controlled 70 adult participants scheduled for elective direct microlaryngoscopic surgeries. Before induction of general anesthesia by 2 h, 35 patients received duloxetine 30 mg orally (group D) and 35 patients received similar oral starch placebo capsules (group C). Fasciculations, POM, sedation score, time to first rescue analgesia, total analgesic consumption 24 h after surgery, patients’ satisfaction, and adverse effects were recorded.

Results

Incidence of fasciculation was 77.1% and 94.3% in groups D and C (p value = 0.04), whereas its severity was not significant between groups (p value = 0.09). Incidence and severity of POM were significantly lower in group D (p values = 0.004 and 0.021). Positive correlation was recorded between fasciculations and POM scores (r = 0.732 and p < 0.001). Time required for first analgesia was prolonged in group D (p value < 0.001) with less total analgesic consumption (p value = 0.039). The potassium and creatine kinase levels showed significant differences between both groups after 30 min and 24 h, respectively (p value < 0.05). Sedation scores and patients’ satisfaction were better in duloxetine group (p value < 0.05) with no severe complications.

Conclusions

Preoperative oral duloxetine 30 mg administration decreased incidence and severity of succinylcholine‐related muscle POM and fasciculations. It was also effective in reducing postoperative rescue analgesic requirement with better patients’ satisfaction and no serious adverse effects.
Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole for nocardiosis in solid organ transplant recipients: Real‐life data from a multicentre retrospective study
Authors: Conan Pierre‐Louis , Matignon Marie , Bleibtreu Alexandre , Guillot Hélène , Van Laecke Steven , Brenier Henri , Crochette Romain , Melica Giovanna , Fernández‐Ruiz Mario , Dantal Jacques , Walti Laura N. , Levi Charlène , Chauvet Cécile , De Greef Julien , Marbus Sierk D. , Mueller Nicolas J. , Ieven Margareta , Vuotto Fanny , Lortholary Olivier , Coussement Julien , Lebeaux David
Published: June 2021

Background

Little is known regarding the optimal management of nocardiosis among solid organ transplant (SOT) recipients. It is often suggested to avoid trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (TMP‐SMX) monotherapy in heavily immunocompromised patients (such as SOT recipients) and/or in case of severe or disseminated nocardiosis. Our aim was to report our experience with TMP‐SMX monotherapy in SOT recipients with nocardiosis.

Methods

Using data from a previously published European study, we assessed the incidence of adverse events in SOT recipients receiving TMP‐SMX monotherapy and assessed its effectiveness.

Results

Thirty‐one SOT recipients with nocardiosis were included, mostly kidney transplant recipients (20/31, 65%). Eleven (36%) had disseminated infection, and four (13%) had brain nocardiosis. Most patients had lung and/or pleural involvement (26/31, 84%). Daily dose of trimethoprim at initiation was 10 [6.4‐14.8] mg/kg. The median estimated glomerular filtration rate at time of diagnosis of nocardiosis was 44 [30‐62] ml/min/1.73 m². TMP‐SMX was discontinued prematurely in one third of the patients (10/31, 32%, mostly for hematological toxicity [n = 3] or increased serum creatinine [n = 3]). Focusing on the 24 (77%) patients who completed at least 30 days of TMP‐SMX monotherapy, 4 had late (>30 days) drug discontinuation, 1 experienced treatment failure, and 19 completed planned TMP‐SMX monotherapy. Clinical outcome was favorable in these 19 patients, despite the fact that 8 (42%) had disseminated infection and 2 (11%) brain nocardiosis. Overall, all‐cause 1‐year mortality was 10% (3/31).

Conclusions

TMP‐SMX monotherapy appears to be effective for the treatment of most nocardiosis among SOT recipients. Interventional studies are needed to compare its safety and effectiveness with those of other regimens used to treat posttransplant nocardiosis.
Outcome of 25‐gauge pars plana vitrectomy via a lateral approach without proptosis of the globe: A retrospective study in 72 dogs (78 eyes)
Authors: Hirashima Susumu , Takiyama Naoaki , Umeda Yasuyoshi
Published: June 2021

Objective

To evaluate the postoperative visual outcome and complications of 25‐gauge pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) via a lateral approach without proptosis of the globe in dogs.

Procedures

We reviewed the medical records of dogs diagnosed with giant rhegmatogenous retinal detachment (RRD) at Yokohama Animal Eye Clinic from 2016 to 2019 and treated by 25‐gauge PPV. Medical records included signalment, follow‐up time, etiology and duration of RRD, angle between the outermost trocar ports, immediate postoperative anatomic success rate, pre‐ and postoperative visual status, and postoperative complications.

Results

Seventy‐two dogs (78 eyes, 13 breeds) were included. The most common breed was the Toy Poodle (48.6%), and the mean follow‐up time was 690.6 days. The most common etiology of RRD was cataract surgery (46.2%). The mean angle between the outermost trocar ports was 71.4º. Immediate postoperative anatomic success was noted in all eyes. Vision was regained or maintained in 87.2% of eyes, and the mean time to return of vision was 28.5 days. Maintenance of vision until the last known follow‐up was noted in 73.5% of eyes. The most common postoperative complication was glaucoma (40.3%), and glaucoma was the most common etiology of postoperative vision loss (88.9%).

Conclusion

Twenty‐five gauge PPV via a lateral approach without proptosis of the globe is a successful method for treating canine giant RRD.
Recovery of Coal Values from Middling and Rejects by Froth Flotation and Mozley Mineral Separation
Authors: Mdoe Reuben J. , Anupam Anand
Published: June 2021

The recovery of coals values from Middling and Rejects carries out by using Froth flotation and Mozley Mineral Separation. The middling and rejects are the waste products from gravity beneficiation process, it has been noted that most of washery plants are selling this product at low cost because they have less values.The independent variables selected for Mozley Mineral Separator and their ranges were indicated in the parentheses as follow, water flow rates (400, 600, 800ml/s), amplitude (1.25, 1.5, 1.75inch) and collection time (30, 40, 60 s) while the independent variables for froth flotation were; Pulp density (10, 12.5, 15 %), collector dosage (39.3, 44.4, 49.5 g/t) and frother dosage (61.8, 65.3, 68.8 g/t). The number of experimental runs and regression equation determined by using Design Expert softwareThe d80 for middling and rejects samples were 10.5mm and 12.89mm respectively. The ash contents for the middling sample treated by froth flotation decrease from 37% to 15.85% at the reagent concentration of 49.5g/t collector, 65.3g/t frother and pulp density of 10%. The froth flotation results of middling sample shown to have a great reduction of ash contents. The overall optimum middling recovery and yield for washery grade I and II attain at reagent concentration and pulp density of 47.703g/t, 68.568g/t and 13.2% for collector, frother and pulp density respectively. The feed of reject coal was 71% and the ash contents reduced to 28.87% with the recovery of 0.85%. The analysis through Mozley mineral separator did not show significant changes in the reduction of ash from both middling and rejects. The ash contents achieved were above the scope of the studies for recovering of coal values. The experiments for middling and reject by froth flotation and Mozley mineral separator may be carried out by varying other parameters as well as the type of methods.
Classification of the Angular Position During Wrist Flexion-extension Based on EMG Signals
Authors: Fajardo-Perdomo María Alexandra , Guardo-Gómez Verónica , Orjuela-Cañón Alvaro David , Ruiz-Olaya Andrés Felipe
Published: June 2021

Objective: To evaluate a group of features in a myoelectric pattern recognition algorithm to differentiate between five angular positions of the wrist during flexion-extension movements. Materials and Methods: An experimental configuration was made to capture the EMG and wrist joint angle related to flexion-extension movements. After that, a myoelectric pattern recognition algorithm based on a multilayer perceptron artificial neural network (ANN) was implemented. Three different groups were used: Time domain characteristics, autoregressive (AR) model parameters, and representation of time frequency using Wavelet transform (WT). Results and Discussion: The experimental results of 10 healthy subjects indicate that the coefficients of the AR models offer the best parameters for classification, with a differentiation rate of 78 % for the five angular positions studied. The combination of frequency and time frequency resulted in a differentiation rate that reached 82 %. Conclusions: An algorithm based on pattern recognition of EMG signals was used to carry out a comparative study of groups of features that allow for the differentiation of the angular position of the wrist in terms of flexion-extension movements. The method has the potential for application in the field of rehabilitation engineering to detect the user’s movement intent.
Design of a CPFR, Location, Inventory and Routing Approach to Diabetes and High Blood Pressure Medicine Supply Network Planning
Authors: Chuchoque-Urbina Francisco Andrés , Caro-Gutiérrez Martha Patricia , Montoya-Casas Carlos Eduardor
Published: June 2021

Objective: Designing a CPFR (collaborative planning forecasting and replenishment) model for the delivery of diabetes and arterial hypertension medicines from a health insurance company (EPS) to a healthcare provider (IPS) and comparing the performance of this collaborative chain to that of the traditional one through their corresponding supply chain costs. Methodology: A series of collaboration agreements involved in joint planning were established according to the designed CPFR model. This allowed (i) raising the levels of interaction between the health insurance company, the healthcare provider, the supplying pharmaceutical laboratories, and the patients; (ii) determining demand forecasts; (iii) locating distribution centers; and (iv) defining medicine distribution strategies oriented to the minimization of costs along the chain. Subsequently, the main differences between the current operation and CPFR models at the level of structure and decisions were characterized and then evaluated in terms of supply chain costs. Results: The significant impact of the proposed model is demonstrated. The total monthly cost of operating the chain is reduced by 11.2 % on average. Within the proposed innovation, an outstanding place is held by the savings reached in the purchase and distribution of medicines from the laboratory to the distribution centers, and by the customer satisfaction differences, which increased 15.3 % on average during the studied six-month period.
Potential Uses of Stormwater Runoff Sedimentgs Retained in a Constructed-Wetland/Storage-Tank
Authors: Pimiento Maria Alejandra , Lara Borrero Jaime Andrés , Torres Andrés
Published: June 2021

Objective: The goal of this work was to establish the quality conditions of the sediments retained in a constructed-wetland/storage-tank, which are to be used as productive material. Materials and methods: Sediments were collected every fortnight for five months in 2016, with sediment traps specially designed for the study case, to analyze particle size distribution, total organic carbon, and heavy metals concentrations. Sediment and hydrological data processing were performed using principal component analysis and multiple correspondence analysis. Results: The maximum measured concentrations were 110.80 mg/kg, 263.25 mg/kg, 798.85 mg/kg, and 3067 mg/kg for Cr, Cu, Pb, and Zn respectively; for total organic carbon was 20.6 mg. The sediment particles were considered thin (D50 < 150μm). Interesting relationships between rainfall and sediment characteristics were found. In shorter dry seasons, higher particle diameter, lower concentrations of heavy metals, and higher concentrations of total organic carbon were seen. Conclusions: Sediments are suitable for use in activities such as land remediation, vegetation of soils that are not for agricultural use, and as materials for ornamental and recreational areas. It is possible to use the sediments in embankments as tolerable soil for fillings of concrete structures and culverts in the core or foundation area.
A Critical Review of Physical Models in High Temperature Multiphase Fluid Dynamics: Turbulent Transport and Particle-Wall Interactions
Authors: Jain Nishan , Le Moine Alexandra , Chaussonnet Geoffroy , Flatau Alison , Bravo Luis , Ghoshal Anindya , Walock Michael J. , Murugan Muthuvel , Khare Prashant
Published: June 2021

This review article examines the last decade of studies investigating solid, molten, and liquid particle interactions with one another and with walls in heterogeneous multiphase flows. Such flows are experienced in state-of-the-art and future-concept gas turbine engines, where particles from the environment, including volcanic ash, runway debris, dust clouds, and sand, are transported by a fluid carrier phase and undergo high-speed collisions with high-temperature engine components. Sand or volcanic ash ingestion in gas turbine engines is known to lead to power-loss and/or complete engine failure. The particle-wall interactions that occur in high-temperature sections of an engine involve physics and intrinsic conditions that are sufficiently complex that they result in highly disparate and transient outcomes. These particles, which often times are made up of glassy constituents called calcium–magnesium–alumino–silicate (CMAS), are susceptible to phase change at combustor temperatures (1650°), and can deposit on surfaces, undergo elastic and plastic deformation, rebound, and undergo breakup. Considerable research has been put into developing empirical and physics-based models and numerical strategies to address phase interactions. This article provides a detailed account of the conceptual foundation of physics-based models employed to understand the behavior of particle-wall interaction, the evolution of numerical methods utilized for modeling these interactions, and challenges associated with improving models of particle-particle and particle-wall interactions needed to better characterize multiphase flows. It also includes description of a testbed for acquiring canonical data for model validation studies.
Modeling of Reactivity Effects and Transient Behavior of Large Sodium Fast Reactor
Authors: Ponomarev Alexander , Mikityuk Konstantin
Published: June 2021

In the paper, the reactivity characteristics of the core of the large sodium fast reactor Superphénix (SPX) were evaluated and compared with available experimental data. The analysis was performed using the TRACE system code modified for the fast reactor applications. The simplified core model was developed aiming to overcome the lack of detailed information on design and realistic core conditions. Point kinetics neutronic model with all relevant reactivity feedbacks was used to calculate transient power. The paper focuses on challenging issue of modeling of the transient thermal responses of primary system structural elements resulting in reactivity feedback specific to such large fast reactor, which cannot be neglected. For these effects, the model was equipped with dedicated heat structures to reproduce important feedback due to vessel wall, diagrid, strongback, control rod drive lines thermal expansion. Peculiarly, application of the model was considered for a whole range of core conditions from zero power to 100% nominal. The developed core model allowed reproducing satisfactorily the core reactivity balance between zero power at 180 °C and full power conditions. Additionally, the reactivity coefficients k, g, and h at three power levels (about 20, 50, and 80% of the nominal power) were calculated and satisfactory agreement with experimental measurements was also observed. The study demonstrated feasibility of application of relatively simple model with adjusted parameters for analysis of different conditions of very complex system. Reducing some differences with experimentally observed behavior of feedback coefficients, would require more sophisticated approaches on fuel pin model, more detailed information on management of control rods during power rise, more complicated models of primary system, its structural elements, and flow paths.
The Impact of COVID-19 on Sport and Daily Activities in an Italian Cohort of Football School Children
Authors: Farì Giacomo , Di Paolo Stefano , Ungaro Domenico , Luperto Gianluca , Farì Eleonora , Latino Francesca
Published: June 2021

Background: Sport activities were interrupted due to a quarantine imposed to limit the spread of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in Italy. This study aimed to describe the impact of COVID-19 on sports and on daily activities in an Italian cohort of school children signed up in a football school. Methods: A total of 44 children from an Italian football school were enrolled. An online survey was distributed to these children and their parents in May 2020. The questionnaire collected information on the daily use of electronic devices and on the number of hours per week spent in activities regarding nonsport activities, highlighting the differences between those who interrupted sports and those who continued driven remotely by their instructors during the lockdown. Results: A total of 26 players continued practicing sports during the COVID-19 quarantine, while 18 players suspended their sports. Daily time spent on electronic devices increased significantly in both groups during the pandemic (p < .0001), regardless of whether they continued to practice sports (p > .05). On the other hand, in the group of children who interrupted sports, the time spent on activities regarding nonsport physical activity significantly changed during pandemic, with a 50% decrease (p = .0027) of those who spent more than 3 hr per week before the quarantine in favor of those who spent less than 3 hr per week. Conclusion: Quarantine increases screen time, which is a sedentary behavior that represents a risk factor for the health of children. Maintaining regular physical activity during quarantine due to COVID-19 was important to preserve some aspects of a healthy lifestyle in children, such as physical activity regardless of sport. While reducing physical activity and adapting it remotely, it is desirable that it be encouraged by experienced instructors in order to limit potential physical and psychological harm to children.
Assessment of Injury History, Severity, and Medical Care for Athletes Participating in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu
Authors: Usuki Hiromichi , Grandgenett Nealy , Jawed-Wessel Sofia , Rosen Adam B. , McGrath Melanie L.
Published: June 2021

While Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) has a rate of injury similar to other combat sports, there is little information on the types of injuries sustained by BJJ athletes. The purpose of this study was to assess demographic information, participation rates, injuries, and medical care in BJJ athletes over a 12-month period. Seventy-eight athletes (75.0%) reported 136 injuries in the past year; however, medical attention was only sought for 59 (43.4%) of those injuries. No significant association was found between each demographic variable and injury prevalence. Despite the fact that a majority of BJJ athletes reported suffering an injury within the past year, slightly less than half of these injured athletes sought medical care. There was no difference in injury prevalence between belt ranks.
The Boltysh impact structure: An early Danian impact event during recovery from the K-Pg mass extinction
Authors: Pickersgill Annemarie E. , Mark Darren F. , Lee Martin R. , Kelley Simon P. , Jolley David W.
Published: June 2021

The Boltysh impact structure formed 0.65 Ma after the K-Pg boundary, coincident with the Lower C29n hyperthermal.
Probing the in-plane liquid-like behavior of liquid crystal elastomers
Authors: Tokumoto Haruki , Zhou Hao , Takebe Asaka , Kamitani Kazutaka , Kojio Ken , Takahara Atsushi , Bhattacharya Kaushik , Urayama Kenji
Published: June 2021

Liquid crystal elastomers can vary their shape freely with no extra mechanical energy like liquids when deformed in the plane.
Revealing generation, migration, and dissociation of electron-hole pairs and current emergence in an organic photovoltaic cell
Authors: Xu Ziyao , Zhou Yi , Yam Chi Yung , Groß Lynn , De Sio Antonietta , Frauenheim Thomas , Lienau Christoph , Chen Guanhua
Published: June 2021

Photoexcitation, electron-hole pair migration, charge separation, and current generation are simulated quantum mechanically.
Control of intestinal inflammation by glycosylation-dependent lectin-driven immunoregulatory circuits
Authors: Morosi Luciano G. , Cutine Anabela M. , Cagnoni Alejandro J. , Manselle-Cocco Montana N. , Croci Diego O. , Merlo Joaquín P. , Morales Rosa M. , May María , Pérez-Sáez Juan M. , Girotti María R. , Méndez-Huergo Santiago P. , Pucci Betiana , Gil Aníbal H. , Huernos Sergio P. , Docena Guillermo H. , Sambuelli Alicia M. , Toscano Marta A. , Rabinovich Gabriel A. , Mariño Karina V.
Published: June 2021

Glycosylation-dependent programs control intestinal inflammation.
A comprehensive nano-interpenetrating semiconducting photoresist toward all-photolithography organic electronics
Authors: Chen Renzhong , Wang Xuejun , Li Xin , Wang Hongxiang , He Mingqian , Yang Longfei , Guo Qianying , Zhang Shen , Zhao Yan , Li Yang , Liu Yunqi , Wei Dacheng
Published: June 2021

A semiconducting photoresist contributes to precise and reliable manufacture of highly integrated organic electronics.