bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nano eggshell calcium enhanced gel properties of Nemipterus virgatus surimi sausage: gel strength, water retention and microstructure
Authors: Huang Qun , Huang Xiang , Liu Lan , Song Hongbo , Geng Fang , Wu Wenjin , Luo Peng
Published: May 2021

The effects of nano eggshell calcium (NEC) at different levels (0–1.5 g/100 g) on the gel properties of Nemipterus virgatus surimi were investigated. The results indicated that under the condition of adding 1.0 g/100 g, the gel strength of surimi was the highest, the water‐holding capacity (WHC) was the best, and the cooking loss was the lowest. Sodium dodecyl sulphate–polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) revealed that the addition of NEC promoted the covalent cross‐linking between myosin heavy chains (MHC). Raman spectroscopy demonstrated that low contents (0.5–1.0 g/100 g) of NEC promoted the conformational transition of surimi protein from α‐helix to β‐sheet. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) showed that the surimi gel with 1.0 g/100 g NEC had a denser network structure. Nevertheless, in the mixed gel with 1.25–1.5 g/100 g NEC, the network structure of the mixed‐protein matrix was disrupted, and the mechanical and physicochemical parameters were deteriorated.
Enhancement of nutraceutical properties of licorice callus cultures using sample pre‐treatment strategy
Authors: Krittanai Supaluk , Buraphaka Hathairat , Sakamoto Seiichi , Putalun Waraporn
Published: May 2021

Licorice is an herbal plant in the Leguminosae family, and its roots and rhizomes are used as sweeteners in food and confectionery products. Moreover, it has a distinct inflammatory activity. In the present study, a sample pre‐treatment method to induce the deglycosylation of active metabolites in callus cultures of Glycyrrhiza inflata (GI) and Glycyrrhiza glabra (GG) was developed. The results of the method evaluation showed the biotransformation of ononin to formononetin, a rare flavonoid found in trace amounts in licorice. The magnitude of enhancement was 3‐ and 19‐fold in the GI and GG samples, respectively. Moreover, the anti‐inflammatory activity assay showed that the potency of the sample pre‐treatment group was higher than that of the untreated group because it exerted an enhanced suppression of cyclo‐oxygenase 2 (COX‐2), interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. This is the first report on the anti‐inflammatory activity of licorice callus, which has the potential to be utilised as a functional food for health promotion. These findings support the idea of using sample preparation to impart nutraceutical properties to plant products.
Role of dough viscoelastic properties and rice variety in the thermal expansion and the quality of unconventional rice‐based bread: case of steamed‐cooked ‘Ablo’
Authors: Dahdouh Layal , Hounsou Mathias , Matignon Brigitte , Ricci Julien , Madodé Yann , Hounhouigan Joseph , Akissoé Noël , Mestres Christian
Published: May 2021

Ablo is a rice‐based bread consumed in Southern Benin. We investigated the impact of pre‐cooking conditions and starch characteristics on dough and Ablo physical properties. The solid‐like behaviour of doughs measured by rheological sweep tests appears significantly negatively correlated to Ablo quality; above a starch gelatinisation level (7%–8%), the solid‐like behaviour of the doughs increased sharply and the fluidity decreased, leading to Ablo of poor quality. A comparison between three rice cultivars tends to show that rice with low amylose content and/or gelatinisation temperature gives dough with higher fluidity and Ablo with lower density. In addition, a specific rheological test for measuring simultaneously dough expansion and rheological properties during heating has been developed. It shows that whatever the rice variety, thermal expansion of proofed dough begins and is followed by a dough/crumb transition. This innovative rheological test could be used for studying dough/crumb transition for other types of breads.
Influence of enzyme treatment of rice bran on gamma‐aminobutyric acid synthesis by Lacto bacillus
Authors: Lai Quoc Dat , Doan Ngoc Thuc Trinh , Nguyen Hoang Dung , Nguyen Thi Xuan Nu
Published: May 2021

Gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system. The production GABA from the cheaper glutamic acid is a valuable process. Rice bran is a potential source of glutamic acid decarboxylase which was therefore selected for production of gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA) using lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus brevis (Lb.brevis) VTCC‐B397). The influences of treatment of defatted rice bran with α‐amylase, Alcalase (Al), Flavourzyme (Fl) and their combinations at different concentration ratios on the GABA synthesis were examined. With α‐amylase impacts, concentration of GABA (6.41 mg mL−1) was about 2.38 times higher than the control sample (2.69 mg mL−1) under hydrolysis conditions of pH 6.5, temperature of 95 °C and α‐amylase concentration of 0.15% (v/w) for 45 min. The α‐amylase hydrolysis as prerequisite for protein hydrolysis using Al: Fl (ratio Al: Fl of 3: 7, concentration of 2% (w/w), pH = 8, temperature of 50 °C) reached the highest GABA synthesis efficiency, at 8.43 mg mL−1. Results showed that the enzyme treatment positively affected the fermentation using Lb. brevis for GABA biosynthesis from defatted rice bran.
Content analysis of euthanasia polls in Australia and New Zealand: words do matter
Authors: Grove Graham , Hughes Ian , Lovell Melanie , Best Megan
Published: May 2021

Background

There has been widespread public and political interest in Euthanasia and Physician‐Assisted Suicide (EPAS) in recent years. Polling in Australia and New Zealand has generally shown a majority of people support some form of legal EPAS; however, the level of support varies between polls.

Aim

To explore whether public support for and opposition to EPAS as measured in historic Australian and New Zealand polls has been influenced by the wording of survey questions.

Methods

Australian and New Zealand random‐sample post‐1995 EPAS poll questions asked of the general public were identified and subjected to content analysis. Individual phrases and words were considered in terms of their favourability towards or unfavourability against EPAS and each poll question was assigned a net favourability score. Variation of support for EPAS based on year, location and favourability of language was analysed by various statistical methods.

Results

Mean public support for EPAS in Australia and New Zealand between 1995 and the present was 70.2% with support ranging between 47 and 85%. Support did not vary by location and has remained unchanged over time. However, support was positively associated with increasing levels of favourable wording, accounting for over 20% variation in mean support. Allusions to hopelessness had an especially strong effect on increasing support for EPAS.

Conclusion

Use of emotive phrases and language is associated with influencing attitudes to EPAS in Australia and New Zealand. Therefore, caution should be exercised when interpreting public support for EPAS based on individual polls.
Investigation of wound healing activity Cynarahumilis of root extracts
Authors: Salhi Najoua , Bouyahya Abdelhakim , Bounihi Amina , Masrar Azlarab , Bouabdellah Mounia , Chabraoui Layachi , Zengin Gokhan , Taghzouti Khalid , Rouas Lamiae , Cherrah Yahya
Published: May 2021

Background

Wound healing is among the frequent illnesses that affects the skin, and therefore, the screening of natural preparation to treat skin burn is important. In Morocco, Cynara humilis is a Moroccan medicinal plant widely used for the treatment of skin burn.

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the safety of C. humilis and its wound healing potential against skin burn.

Methods

In this work, C. humilis was selected based on an ethnopharmacological survey. As revealed by traditional medicine, C. humilis powder extract (CHPE) was used to test wound healing effects. Furthermore, to assure the safety of this powder, acute and subchronic dermal toxicities were investigated on animal models.

Results

The oral acute toxicity test of CHPE did not show mortality in treated rats (LD50>2000 mg/kg). Moreover, in the acute dermal toxicity, CHPE at 5 g/kg did not induce clinical signs observed during the observation period of 48 h. In the subchronic toxicity test, CHPE did not cause significant abnormalities in the physiological parameters and pathological changes in the major organs of the rats. Body weight evolution and macroscopic analysis of skin burn showed CHPE exhibited important wound healing effects in a time‐dependent manner. CHPE reduced significantly wound surface (6.93 ± 0.25 cm2) compared with the SDA group (8.30 ± 0.37 cm2) and the no‐treated group (10.05 ± 0.28 cm2). Moreover, the retention rate was increased importantly after the treatment with CHPE (61.66 ± 1.42%) compared with the SDA‐treated group (53.57% ± 2.83%) and the no‐treated group control animals (43.34% ± 1.27%).

Conclusion

These results were confirmed by a histological evaluation, which showed that CHPE increased the neovascularization, the collagen deposition, and the re‐epithelialization. The findings of this work suggest that CHPE could be a promising source for developing drugs against skin burn.
Clinical indicators and aetiological factors of sedentary lifestyle in patients with arterial hypertension
Authors: Martins Larissa Castelo Guedes , Lopes Marcos Venícios de Oliveira , Diniz Camila Maciel , Matos Natália Cabrera , Magalhães Letícia de Carvalho , Furtado Marília Alves
Published: May 2021

Aims

The aim of this study is to verify the clinical validity of clinical indicators and aetiological factors of sedentary lifestyle in individuals with arterial hypertension.

Background

Diagnostic validation is performed to expand nursing taxonomies and to revise or confirm the described concepts. New elements listed in the literature and those identified by the NANDA International definition for sedentary lifestyle need to be evaluated.

Design

This is a cross‐sectional and diagnostic validation study. The STROBE guidelines were used in this study.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty subjects aged over 18 years were evaluated. The diagnostic status of the participants was obtained by latent class analysis. Logistic regression was used to identify aetiological factors with the manifestation of sedentary lifestyle, considering a significance level of 5%.

Results

A total of 57.8% of the study participants met the diagnostic criteria for sedentary lifestyle. The clinical indicators with high sensitivity were as follows: "Average daily physical activity is less than recommended for gender and age"; "Does not perform physical activity during leisure time"; "Preference for activity low in physical activity" and "Overweight.” The significantly related factors associated with the diagnosis of sedentary lifestyle were as follows: "Insufficient knowledge on physical activity," "Lack of time," "Negative self‐perception of health," "Lack of security," "Lack of appropriate place," "Lack of motivation," "Activity intolerance," "Lack of sports ability," "Having a partner," "Using public transportation," "Perception of physical disability," "Pain," "Having a job/studying," "Laziness," "Impaired mobility," "Living in an urban area," "Education in a public institution," "Female gender," "Lack of confidence to practice physical exercise," "Education level," "Age" and "Lack of social support for the practice of physical exercise."

Conclusion

Four out of eight clinical indicators had a good adjustment by the latent class analysis. Of the 27 aetiological factors, 22 were significantly associated with sedentary lifestyle.

Relevance to practice

The correct identification of sedentary lifestyle and its elements supports care planning, especially for health promotion and disease prevention.
When push comes to shove: Local violence and residential mobility among families
Authors: Leibbrand Christine , Gabriel Ryan , Hess Chris , Crowder Kyle
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study examined whether exposure to, and perceptions of, local violence were associated with families' probabilities of moving and whether that relationship varied by the level of perceived collective efficacy in the neighborhood.

Background

Local violence can shape individuals' outcomes in long‐lasting ways. Parents who perceive their neighborhoods to be violent may be especially concerned about moving their children away from local violence and this desire may be heightened when families perceive that there are few social resources in their neighborhoods. However, limited research exists concerning the associations between perceptions of local violence, collective efficacy, and mobility decisions of families with children.

Method

The analyses used Fragile Families and Child Wellbeing Study Data (n = 3636) and mixed‐effects models to examine the relationship between primary caregivers' reported perceptions of neighborhood violence and their probabilities of moving with their families. The moderating role of community collective efficacy was assessed, as was the relationship between mobility and changes in families' perceptions of local violence.

Results

Perceptions of violence were significantly associated with increases in the probabilities that families move and decreases in perceptions of local violence after moving.

Implications

These results provide evidence for the importance of individuals' perceptions for shaping mobility outcomes and the value of mobility for shielding families from local violence.
Community‐based model for adolescent transgender health care
Authors: Towers Sarina , Prizgintas Diana , Crossen Kendall
Published: May 2021

Aim

This study aimed to investigate whether transgender and non‐binary (TGNB) youth prefer health care received in a community‐based setting.

Methods

All patients aged 12–18 years over a 1‐year period presenting for transgender health care to either Tauranga Paediatrics, Maternal Infant Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (MiCAMHS) or Gender Dynamix (a community‐based TGNB health service) were invited to complete an anonymous online survey about their experience of health care. Responses were obtained from 39 participants (68.4% response rate).

Results

Overall, patient responses indicated a preference for health care at Gender Dynamix. Adolescents preferred wait times (79%), as well as the physical environment (97%). Respondents felt less stigma in the community‐based setting (68%). Information sharing and family and whanau support was high at both Gender Dynamix (94%; 86%) and Tauranga Paediatrics (86%; 86%), and low at MiCAMHS (33%; 32%). Patients were more likely to report being heard at Gender Dynamix (91%). Patients felt respected by staff (Gender Dynamix = 100%, Tauranga Paediatrics = 79% and MiCAMHS = 50%). All three services also had a high quality of health care (Gender Dynamix = 94%, Tauranga Paediatrics = 64% and MiCAMHS = 50%). For respondents who had seen a paediatrician in multiple locations, 100% of respondents preferred to be seen at Gender Dynamix (n = 13).

Conclusions

TGNB youth prefer to receive their health care in a community‐based setting.
Revisiting of Carex sect. Confertiflorae s.l. (Cyperaceae): New data from molecular and morphological evidence and first insights on Carex biogeography in East Asia
Authors: Lu Yi‐Fei , Jin Xiao‐Feng , Ikeda Hiroshi , Yano Okihito , Benítez‐Benítez Carmen , Chen Wei‐Jie , Liu Yong‐Di , Jiménez‐Mejías Pedro , Yu Ming‐Jian
Published: May 2021

Carex sect. Confertiflorae s.l. is a medium‐sized species group (ca. 40 species) with its center of diversity in E Asia (China and Japan). According to morphological traits, the section has been proposed to split into two sections (sects. Confertiflorae sensu Ohwi and Molliculae Ohwi) up to five different ones (sects. Confertiflorae s.s., Molliculae, Dispalatae Ohwi, Ischnostachyae Ohwi, and Alliiformes Akiyama). Recent phylogenetic reconstructions showed Confertiflorae s.l. not to be monophyletic, as species traditionally considered part of it were found to belong to other clades, whereas species traditionally ascribed to other sections were nested within it. In this study, we investigated the phylogenetic structure, morphological affinities, and biogeographic history of sect. Confertiflorae s.l. We employed a taxon‐based approach to explore the morphological affinities of the species considered in sect. Confertiflorae and compared the micromorphology of the nutlets of almost all the taxa using SEM. We included 40 samples representing 31 species/subspecies of sect. Confertiflorae s.l. and used two nuclear (ETS and ITS) and three plastid (trnL‐F, matK, and rpl32‐trnL
UAG) molecular markers to reconstruct the phylogeny of the group. The phylogenetic analyses confirmed the polyphyly of sect. Confertiflorae s.l., whose representatives were found within five distinct clades. From these, two clades, sect. Confertiflorae and sect. Molliculae, were found to be closely related and contained the majority of the species. The composition of the two clades agreed with the morphological structure of the group, and we confirmed an exclusive combination of features (namely color of basal sheaths, presence of bract sheath, peduncle of lowest spike, inflorescence sex distribution, shape of pistillate glume apex, and color and veins of utricle, among others) characterizing each of the two clades. The origin of the two clades was found to be in the early Pliocene; however, the majority of the diversification events within each clade took place during the Pleistocene. This illustrates that although Asia has been regarded as having little potential ecological space for Carex to diversify due to its climate stability, groups of sedges sub‐endemic from that area may have a fairly recent origin related to glaciations. We proposed the rearrangement of sect. Confertiflorae as previously conceived as three independent sections: the monotypic Alliiformes, sect. Molliculae, and sect. Paludosae.
Application of physiologically based pharmacokinetic models to promote the development of veterinary drugs with high efficacy and safety
Authors: Zhou Kaixiang , Mi Kun , Ma Wenjin , Xu Xiangyue , Huo Meixia , Algharib Samah Attia , Pan Yuanhu , Xie Shuyu , Huang Lingli
Published: May 2021

Physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) models have become important tools for the development of novel human drugs. Food‐producing animals and pets comprise an important part of human life, and the development of veterinary drugs (VDs) has greatly impacted human health. Owing to increased affordability of and demand for drug development, VD manufacturing companies should have more PBPK models required to reduce drug production costs. So far, little attention has been paid on applying PBPK models for the development of VDs. This review begins with the development processes of VDs; then summarizes case studies of PBPK models in human or VD development; and analyzes the application, potential, and advantages of PBPK in VD development, including candidate screening, formulation optimization, food effects, target‐species safety, and dosing optimization. Then, the challenges of applying the PBPK model to VD development are discussed. Finally, future opportunities of PBPK models in designing dosing regimens for intracellular pathogenic infections and for efficient oral absorption of VDs are further forecasted. This review will be relevant to readers who are interested in using a PBPK model to develop new VDs.
The status of spotted wolffish, Anarhichas minor: A commercially ready species for U.S. marine aquaculture?
Authors: Le François Nathalie R. , Fairchild Elizabeth A. , Nardi George , Dupont‐Cyr Bernard‐Antonin
Published: May 2021

The requirements to rear spotted wolffish, Anarhichas minor, a cold water, demersal fish, native to the north Atlantic Ocean, have been developed over the past 25 years (since 1990s) and it now is commercially produced in one fish farm in Norway with additional plans for commercial development in the near future in Quebec, Canada. Spotted wolffish have numerous attributes that make them a desirable species to culture in the United States including, but not limited to: having a high value; desired by consumers and chefs; not supplied by U.S. or Canadian fisheries; an established broodstock available in neighboring Quebec; well‐developed hatchlings that do not require live feed; high rearing density tolerance; and low disease susceptibility. Here, we review the advancements made in broodstock management and spawning, egg incubation, juvenile rearing, and on‐growing of fish, as well as future research and development needs. Areas requiring further focus include reducing variability in gamete production; nutritional studies at all life stages; health expertise; genetic selection; and further refinement of standard operating procedures at the commercial level for all life‐stages. Given the state of advancement of wolffish cultivation and the existence of a commercial operation in Norway, we propose that spotted wolffish is commercially ready for production in the United States with the primary barrier being a steady source of eggs to supply emerging pilot‐scale or commercial operations.
Phylogeographic analysis of foot‐and‐mouth disease virus serotype O dispersal and associated drivers in East Africa
Authors: Munsey Anna , Mwiine Frank Norbert , Ochwo Sylvester , Velazquez‐Salinas Lauro , Ahmed Zaheer , Maree Francois , Rodriguez Luis L. , Rieder Elizabeth , Perez Andres , Dellicour Simon , VanderWaal Kimberly
Published: May 2021

The continued endemicity of foot and mouth disease virus (FMDV) in East Africa has significant implications for livestock production and poverty reduction, yet its complex epidemiology in endemic settings remains poorly understood. Identifying FMDV dispersal routes and drivers of transmission is key to improved control strategies. Environmental heterogeneity and anthropogenic drivers (e.g., demand for animal products) can impact viral spread by influencing host movements. Here, we utilized FMDV serotype O VP1 genetic sequences and corresponding spatiotemporal data in order to (i) infer the recent dispersal history, and (II) investigate the impact of external factors (cattle density, human population density, proximity to livestock markets, and drought) on dispersal velocity, location, and direction of FMDV serotype O in East Africa. We identified statistical evidence of long‐distance transmission events, and we found that FMDV serotype O tends to remain circulating in areas of high cattle density, high human population density, and in close proximity to livestock markets. The latter two findings highlight the influence of anthropogenic factors on FMDV serotype O spread in this region. These findings contribute to the understanding of FMDV epidemiology in East Africa and can help guide improved control measures.
Socioeconomic inequalities, modifiable lifestyle risk factors, and retinal vessel calibers: The African‐PREDICT Study
Authors: Maugana Vuledzani Felicia , Kruger Ruan , Schutte Aletta Elisabeth , Smith Wayne
Published: May 2021

Objective

Lifestyle risk factors vary between socioeconomic status (SES) groups and may influence cardiovascular function differently. The retinal microvasculature allows for monitoring early changes in cardiovascular health, and therefore, we investigated whether retinal vessel calibers associate differently with modifiable risk factors in different SES groups.

Methods

We included 1064 young adults (aged 20–30 years) grouped by low and high SES. The central retinal artery and vein equivalents (CRAE, CRVE) were determined from fundus images captured using the Dynamic Retinal Vessel Analyzer (Imedos Systems GmbH, Jena, Germany). We collected anthropometry, self‐reported alcohol consumption, and biochemical data.

Results

Retinal vessel calibers did not differ between SES groups (p ≥ .80) after adjusting for sex and ethnicity. Unique independent associations were observed in the low SES group, where CRAE (β = 0.08, p = .042) and CRVE (β = .14, p = .001) associated positively with cotinine and body mass index, respectively. In the high SES group, CRAE (β = –0.09, p = .027) associated negatively with alcohol consumption.

Conclusion

At young ages, retinal vessel calibers associated differently with modifiable lifestyle risk factors within each SES group. Our data highlight the importance of detecting adverse lifestyle risk factors among young adults from diverse socioeconomic settings to improve prevention of cardiovascular disease.
Immunological response and clinical profile in patients with recurrent dermatophytosis
Authors: Jha Krishna , Shaw Dipika , Karim Adil , Narang Tarun , Saikia Biman , Rudramurthy Shivaprakash M. , Saikia Uma Nahar , Dogra Sunil
Published: May 2021

Background

An alarming increase in the number of patients with chronic and recurrent dermatophytosis has invoked the need to study the immunological parameters of the host.

Objectives

To evaluate delayed type of hypersensitivity (DTH) response and immediate hypersensitivity (IH) response by flow cytometry evaluation of immune cells from peripheral blood and intradermal trichophyton skin test in patients with recurrent dermatophytosis.

Methods

A hundred patients with recurrent dermatophytosis and 50 controls (healthy controls and acute dermatophytosis controls) were included. Relevant risk factors for recurrence were analysed, and serum IgE levels were estimated. Flow cytometry evaluation of immune cells in peripheral blood and intradermal trichophyton skin test was done. Dermatophyte pathogens were isolated, and antifungal susceptibility was performed.

Results

Trichophyton mentagrophytes complex (95.84%) and T. rubrum (4.16%) were isolated in culture. Serum IgE was elevated in 83.15% cases (p = .01). IFN‐γ+ cells (p = .0501, p = .0001, p = .0014), Th1 cells (p = .1197, p = .0024, p = .0169), IL‐17+ cells (p = .0127, p = .0006, p = .0007) and Th17 cells (p = .0634, p = .0001, p = .0054) were reduced, and IL‐4+ cells (p = .0108, p = .0175, p = .0018) were increased in cases. Intradermal test demonstrated negative DTH response in all cases (p < .001, p < .001, p < .001), strongly positive IH response in 6%, and borderline positive IH response in 85% cases (p = .018, p < .001, p < .001). Topical corticosteroids application, undergarment types (tight fit), poor frequency of washing clothes, family history of tinea, sharing of towels were significant risk factors for recurrent dermatophytosis.

Conclusions

Reduced IFN‐γ+, Th1, IL‐17+ and Th17 cells population along with impaired DTH response by the intradermal test was observed in patients with recurrent dermatophytosis.
Carbon dioxide monitoring in children—A narrative review of physiology, value, and pitfalls in clinical practice
Authors: Humphreys Susan , Schibler Andreas , von Ungern‐Sternberg Britta S.
Published: May 2021

Continuous capnography has been recognised as an essential monitoring device in all anesthetized patients, despite which airway device is in use, regardless of their location, as a measure to improve patient safety. Capnography is the non‐invasive measurement of a sample of the exhaled carbon dioxide which has multiple clinical uses including as a method to confirm placement of a tracheal tube and/or to assess ventilation, perfusion and metabolism. Notably, capnography is used during routine paediatric anesthesia to assess ventilation and as a surrogate measure for arterial carbon dioxide pressure. The inaccuracies associated with these surrogate measures need to be considered to inform improved ventilation management of infants and children. This review highlights some major principles to understand the carbon dioxide elimination, the physiology of paediatric capnography, the clinical application and the limitations of capnography during anesthesia for neonates, infants and small children.
Demographic characteristics, clinical features, and optimal management of hospitalized patients with staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Authors: Vernali Steven , Blasiak Rachel C. , Morrell Dean S.
Published: May 2021

Background/Objectives

Optimal management of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) has not been established. Clindamycin may benefit patients via inhibition of ribosomal toxin production, but resistance patterns suggest penicillinase‐resistant penicillins or cephalosporins should be the first line. Our goal was to describe demographic and clinical characteristics of SSSS patients at our institution, delineate bacterial resistance patterns, and examine outcomes of varying therapeutic strategies in SSSS.

Methods

We performed a retrospective review of patients under the age of 18 with confirmed clinical SSSS diagnosis by the dermatology consult team at the University of North Carolina (UNC) Hospitals from January 2008 to April 2017. Median hospital and ICU length of stay (LOS) were compared using a Wilcoxon Rank Sum Test.

Results

We found 59 SSSS patients. Coverage with clindamycin and vancomycin versus absence of that combination was associated with shorter ICU LOS. Although trending toward reduced hospital LOS, this was not significantly altered with the use of vancomycin and clindamycin after adjustment for multiple comparisons. Individual use of either clindamycin or vancomycin did not significantly alter overall hospital or ICU LOS. Among 24 patients with a pathogen identified on culture, 18 (75.0%) revealed resistance to clindamycin, and 2 (8.3%) revealed MRSA.

Conclusions

Clindamycin resistance is more prevalent in hospitalized SSSS patients compared to our pediatric outpatient population. The combination of vancomycin and clindamycin results in shorter ICU LOS. Individual use of clindamycin or vancomycin does not significantly reduce hospital or ICU LOS after adjustment for multiple comparisons.
Exploring physiological stability of infants in Kangaroo Mother Care position versus placed in transport incubator during neonatal ground ambulance transport in Sweden
Authors: van den Berg Johannes , Jakobsson Ulf , Selander Bo , Lundqvist Pia
Published: May 2021

Background

The positive effects of Kangaroo mother care in NICU’s are well documented but, to a lesser extent, explored during inter‐hospital neonatal transport. Inter‐hospital transport, with the infant placed in a transport incubator, increases the risk of separation while infants in Kangaroo mother care position implies that the parents accompany the transport. There exists limited knowledge if physiological stability differs when transported in Kangaroo mother care position compared to transport in a transport incubator.

Aims

The aim of this study was to compare physiological stability of infants transported via ground ambulance in either Kangaroo mother care position or positioned in a transport incubator.

Method

In total, 24 infants were recruited to be transported between hospitals in either a Kangaroo mother care position (n = 16) or in a transport incubator (n = 8). Inclusion criteria were; current weight >1500 g; current gestational age above 31+0  weeks; no central catheter; no respiratory support and no planed painful or distressing interventions during the 48‐h follow‐up period post‐transport. Exclusion criteria were; infants whose parents did not speak or understand Swedish or English and infants with a current weight above 4500 g for the KMC group. Physiological stability was obtained during transport and for a 48‐h follow‐up period by measuring body temperature, respiratory and heart rate, oxygen saturation, pain score, transport risk assessment and number of interventions during transport and 48‐h post‐transport. Cost‐effectiveness and adverse events were also evaluated.

Results

Both groups had comparable background characteristics and physiological stability during transport and for the 48‐h follow‐up period after transport. Transporting in Kangaroo mother care position was more cost‐effective.

Study limitation

A small sample size in both groups.

Conclusion

Transporting an infant in Kangaroo mother care position can be regarded as a choice of transport mode when the infant fulfils the set criteria.
Antenatal venous thromboembolism
Authors: Crosby David A , McHugh Ann , Ryan Kevin , Byrne Bridgette
Published: May 2021

Key content

Venous thromboembolism (VTE) remains one of the leading causes of maternal mortality and morbidity in the developed world.

Clinical diagnosis of antenatal VTE is difficult and scoring systems have historically been of limited benefit in the pregnant population. However, evidence is emerging to suggest that pregnant women can be risk stratified for pulmonary embolism without the need for imaging in all cases.

Optimal treatment is with weight adjusted therapeutic dose low‐molecular‐weight heparin (LMWH) subcutaneously.

In rare cases, there may be a role for retrievable inferior vena cava (IVC) filters.

The obstetrician has a key role in the multidisciplinary team discussion with the aim of minimising maternal risk of haemorrhage or thrombosis.

Learning Objectives

To understand the optimal approach to diagnosing VTE in pregnancy and the antenatal management of acute VTE.

To understand the rare indications, risks and benefits of IVC filters in pregnancy.

To understand the complexity of decision making around the time of delivery to minimise the risk of bleeding and recurrent thrombosis.
Relationship of Chemical Composition and Moisture Sensitivity in LiNixMnyCo1−X−YO2 for Lithium-Ion Batteries
Authors: Choi Junbin , Dong Liang , Yu Chan-Yeop , O’Meara Cody , Lee Eungje , Kim Jung-Hyun
Published: May 2021

Chemical composition–moisture sensitivity relationship of LiNixMnyCo1−x−yO2 (NMC) cathode materials was investigated by exploring crystal structures, surface properties, and electrochemical performance behaviors of various commercial NMC powders: LiNi1/3Mn1/3Co1/3O2 (NMC111), LiNi0.5Mn0.3Co0.2O2 (NMC532), LiNi0.6Mn0.2Co0.2O2 (NMC622), and LiNi0.8Mn0.1Co0.1O2 (NMC811). The NMC powders were stored in different moisture conditions: moisture-free, humidified air, or immersed in water. Rietveld refinement analysis of X-ray diffraction (XRD) data and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were used to characterize the crystal structure changes and the evolution of particle surfaces morphologies. The effect of moisture contamination on the electrochemical properties of NMC cathodes was studied by galvanostatic cycling and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS). The moisture contamination resulted in either structural disorder or unwanted surficial deposition products, which increased a charge-transfer impedance and consequent performance degradation of battery cells. The results showed that NMC’s moisture vulnerability increased with Ni content (x) despite protective coatings on commercial particles, which stressed the necessity of alternative surface passivation strategies of Ni-rich NMC for broad applications such as electric vehicles and electrified aircraft propulsion.
A Liquid–Vapor Two-Phase Model of Direct Methanol Fuel Cells With Platinum Group Metal-Free Cathode Catalyst
Authors: Miao Zheng , Hu Bin , He Ya-Ling , Xu Jinliang , Li Xianglin
Published: May 2021

This study has developed a two-dimensional, two-phase transport model to investigate the transport characteristics in direct methanol fuel cells (DMFCs) using platinum group metal (PGM)-free cathode catalysts. The model considered anisotropic properties of the gas diffusion layer (GDL) caused by current collector’s mechanical compression, the interfacial mass transfer of water and methanol between liquid and vapor, and unique properties of the cathode PGM-free catalyst layer. Results showed that the liquid methanol solution from the anode could provide sufficient water to hydrate the proton exchange membrane (PEM), and the relative humidity of the cathode air did not impact the membrane hydration. Fully hydrating the cathode air may deteriorate the fuel cell performance, especially when the operating temperature is close to 100 °C because the exponential increase of the saturated water pressure with temperature decreased the partial pressure of oxygen. The optimized operating temperature increased with the increase of air pressure and was about 80 °C at 1.5 atm cathode pressure. To achieve the US Department of Energy’s performance target of 300 mW/cm2 peak power density, catalytic activities of both the anode and cathode catalysts need to be improved by one order of magnitude compared with the state-of-the-art commercial catalysts.
Seven-Rod Pumping Approach for the Most Efficient Production of TEM00 Mode Solar Laser Power by a Fresnel Lens
Authors: Liang Dawei , Almeida Joana , Tibúrcio Bruno D. , Catela Miguel , Garcia Dário , Costa Hugo , Vistas Cláudia R.
Published: May 2021

A seven-rod/seven-TEM00 mode beam Fresnel lens solar laser pumping approach is here proposed. The Fresnel lens with 4.0 m2 collection area was used as the primary solar concentrator to pump seven 2.5 mm diameter, 15 mm length Nd:YAG rods within a conical pump cavity through a secondary fused silica aspheric concentrator. Within the pump cavity, solar pump rays not completely absorbed by one of the seven rods were furtherly absorbed by other rods, ensuring hence a high absorption efficiency and avoiding the serious thermal lensing and thermal stress issues associated with classical large rod solar lasers. Seven individual plane-concave large-mode resonators were adopted to enable a good overlap between solar pump mode and TEM00 laser oscillating mode. By using both zemax® and lascad® software, the maximum total TEM00 mode solar laser power of 54.65 W was numerically calculated by optimizing the radius parameter of the Fresnel lens, the diameter of the laser rod, and the radius of curvature of the laser resonator output mirror. TEM00 mode solar laser collection efficiency of 13.66 W/m2 and solar power-to-TEM00 mode laser power conversion efficiency of 1.44% were calculated, representing substantial enhancements of 4.66 times and 4.38 times, respectively, as compared with previous experimental records of the TEM00 mode solar laser pumped through a Fresnel lens with 0.785 m2 collection area. The feasibility of TEM00 mode solar laser power delivery by hollow-core photonic crystal fibers was finally studied.
Tibiofemoral Cartilage Contact Pressures in Athletes During Landing: A Dynamic Finite Element Study
Authors: Erbulut Deniz U. , Sadeqi Sara , Summers Rodney , Goel Vijay K.
Published: May 2021

Cartilage defects are common in the knee joint of active athletes and remain a problem as a strong risk factor for osteoarthritis. We hypothesized that landing during sport activities, implication for subfailure ACL loading, would generate greater contact pressures (CP) at the lateral knee compartment. The purpose of this study is to investigate tibiofemoral cartilage CP of athletes during landing. Tibiofemoral cartilage contact pressures (TCCP) under clinically relevant anterior cruciate ligament subfailure external loadings were predicted using four dynamic explicit finite element (FE) models (2 males and 2 females) of the knee. Bipedal landing from a jump for five cases of varying magnitudes of external loadings (knee abduction moment, internal tibial torque, and anterior tibial shear) followed by an impact load were simulated. Lateral TCCP from meniscus (area under meniscus) and from femur (area under femur) increased by up to 94% and %30 respectively when external loads were incorporated with impact load in all the models compared to impact-only case. In addition, FE model predicted higher CP in lateral compartment by up to 37% (11.87 MPa versus 8.67 MPa) and 52% (20.19 MPa versus 13.29 MPa) for 90% and 50% percentile models, respectively. For the same percentile populations, CPs were higher by up to 25% and 82% in smaller size models than larger size models. We showed that subfailure ACL loadings obtained from previously conducted in vivo study led to high pressures on the tibiofemoral cartilage. This knowledge is helpful in enhancing neuromuscular training for athletes to prevent cartilage damage.
A Resistance Training Intervention for Adults With Intellectual Disability in the Community: A Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Obrusnikova Iva , Cavalier Albert R. , Suminski Richard R. , Blair Ashleigh E. , Firkin Cora J. , Steinbrecher Ashley M.
Published: May 2021

Adults with an intellectual disability have significantly lower levels of fitness compared with the general population. This study examined the effects of a 13-week theoretically guided, community-based, multicomponent resistance training intervention, resistance training for empowerment, on muscular strength and independent functional performance in 24 adults with an intellectual disability, aged 18–44 years. Twelve participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group and 12 to an active control group. An analysis of covariance revealed that the experimental group had significantly greater increases (p < .05) on the chest press and leg press one-repetition maximum tests and the 6-min walk test from the baseline to postintervention compared with the control group. The experimental group correctly and independently performed a significantly greater number of steps of resistance training exercise tasks than the control group. Marginal significance and large effect sizes were found for the prone plank test and the stair climb test. The resistance training for empowerment was effective in promoting muscular strength and independent functional performance among adults with an intellectual disability.
Quality Control of Protein Supplements: A Review
Authors: da Costa Bruno Ruiz Brandão , Roiffé Rafaela Rocha , de la Cruz Márcia Nogueira da Silva
Published: May 2021

The growing consumer awareness regarding health and fitness has been leading to a huge rise in the consumption of nutritional supplements and, consequently, to an increase in concerns about their quality. In this sense, one of the most consumed products is protein supplements and, despite being safer than other types of supplements, there are several studies showing incompatibilities between what is present on the labels and their actual content. Therefore, this review is focused on gathering information about the problems arising from poor manufacturing practices and inadequate quality control of sport protein supplements. These issues are mainly related to three aspects: reduction of the supplements’ nutritional value, the presence of pharmacological substances, and contamination with microorganisms or toxic metals. Regarding the first aspect, reports about the “classic” addition of nitrogen-rich compounds to mask the protein content measured by the Kjeldahl method were discussed, as well as recent topics such as the addition of cheaper proteins to produce an “undetectable” adulteration in whey protein supplements. With respect to the presence of pharmacological compounds, it is a finding that is not very common in protein supplements; however, even trace amounts of foreign substances in this type of product may cause adverse effects to consumers, and, in the case of an elite athlete, may result in doping. Finally, we discuss about the contamination with microorganisms and toxic metals, this latter being a subject that should be further explored due to few studies in the literature.
Acute Effect of Citrulline Malate on Repetition Performance During Strength Training: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Vårvik Fredrik Tonstad , Bjørnsen Thomas , Gonzalez Adam M.
Published: May 2021

Citrulline malate (CitMal) is a dietary supplement that is suggested to enhance strength training performance. However, there is conflicting evidence on this matter. Thus, the purpose of this meta-analysis was to determine whether supplementing with CitMal prior to strength training could increase the total number of repetitions performed before reaching voluntary muscular failure. A systematic search was conducted wherein the inclusion criteria were double-blind, placebo-controlled studies in healthy participants that examined the effect of CitMal on repetitions to failure during upper body and lower body resistance exercises. The Hedges’s g standardized mean differences (SMD) between the placebo and CitMal trials were calculated and used in a random effect model. Two separate subanalyses were performed for upper body and lower body exercises. Eight studies, including 137 participants who consisted of strength-trained men (n = 101) and women (n = 26) in addition to untrained men (n = 9), fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Across the studies, 14 single-joint and multijoint exercises were performed with an average of 51 ± 23 total repetitions during 5 ± 3 sets per exercise at ∼70% of one-repetition maximum. Supplementing with 6–8 g of CitMal 40–60 min before exercise increased repetitions by 3 ± 5 (6.4 ± 7.9%) compared with placebo (p = .022) with a small SMD (0.196). The subanalysis for the lower body resulted in a tendency for an effect of the supplement (8.1 ± 8.4%, SMD: 0.27, p = .051) with no significant effect for the upper body (5.7 ± 8.4%, SMD: 0.16, p = .131). The current analysis observed a small ergogenic effect of CitMal compared with placebo. Acute CitMal supplementation may, therefore, delay fatigue and enhance muscle endurance during high-intensity strength training.
Effect of Predicted Versus Measured Thoracic Gas Volume on Body Fat Percentage in Young Adults
Authors: Ducharme Jeremy B. , Gibson Ann L. , Mermier Christine M.
Published: May 2021

The BodPod® (COSMED, Concord, CA) uses predicted (pTGV) or measured thoracic gas volume (mTGV) during estimations of percentage body fat (%BF). In young adults, there is inconsistent evidence on the variation between pTGV and mTGV, and the effect of sex as a potential covariate on this relationship is unknown. This study examined the difference between TGV assessments and its effect on %BF and potential sex differences that may impact this relationship. A retrospective analysis of BodPod® pTGV and mTGV for 95 men and 86 women ages 18–30 years was performed. Predicted TGV was lower than mTGV for men (−0.49 ± 0.7 L; p < .0001). For men, %BF derived by pTGV was lower than that by mTGV (−1.3 ± 1.8%; p < .0001). For women, no differences were found between pTGV and mTGV (−0.08 ± 0.6 L; p > .05) or %BF (−0.03 ± 0.2%; p > .05). The two-predictor model of sex and height was able to account for 57.9% of the variance in mTGV, F(2, 178) = 122.5, p < .0001. Sex corrected for the effect of height was a significant predictor of mTGV (β = 0.483 L, p < .0001). There is bias for pTGV to underestimate mTGV in individuals with a large mTGV, which can lead to significant underestimations of %BF in young adults; this was especially evident for men in this study. Sex is an important covariate that should be considered when deciding to use pTGV. The results indicate that TGV should be measured whenever possible for both men and women ages 18–30 years.
Sport Clusters and Community Resilience in the United States
Authors: Kim Changwook , Kim Jinwon , Jang Seongsoo
Published: May 2021

How to enhance community resilience to natural disasters is a major question for researchers and policymakers. Although researchers agree that sport generates community benefits, few scholarly efforts in sport management have been invested in understanding the sport–resilience association. This paper attempted to address whether and how sport clusters—the clustering of sport industries—are associated with community resilience across locations. To achieve this, geographically weighted regression and visualization techniques were applied to macro-level data regarding community resilience and the clustering of 13 separate sport industries across 3,108 counties in the contiguous United States. The results indicate that, overall, the clustering of eight sport industries was significantly associated with community resilience and demonstrates the existence of spatially heterogeneous associations in magnitudes and signs of community resilience in sport clusters. The findings of this paper have the potential to help community sport scholars and policymakers implement location-specific resilience policies through sport industry development.