bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Food grade zinc oxide bulk particle composite can replace the toxic zinc oxide nano composite towards the control of pathogenic and spoilage bacteria
Authors: Visnuvinayagam S , Murthy L N , Parvathy U , Jeyakumari A , Sivaraman G K , Karthikeyan D
Published: December 2020

ZnO-Nanoparticle-Chitosan (ZnO-NP-CH) composite has potential biomedical and food applications due to its better antimicrobial activity. However, the presence of nano-metal-oxide in the composite makes the material unsuitable for any food applications. Moreover, the cost involved in the preparation of Zinc Oxide-Nano-Particle (ZnO-NP) is a major limitation for commercial food applications. Hence a suitable alternative for ZnO-NP is highly needed for food application. Since ZnO-Bulk Particles (ZnO-BP) are food grade and there is no study on the composite prepared from ZnO-Bulk Particle-Chitosan (ZnO-BP-CH), in the present study, antimicrobial activity was assessed for ZnO-BP-CH and compared with ZnO-NP-CH. Based on the study, it was observed that in the individual form of ZnO-NP possessed significantly higher antimicrobial activity than ZnO-BP. The composite form of ZnO-NP-CH and ZnO-BP-CH possessed higher antimicrobial activity than chitosan. However, no significant difference was observed between the composite forms. Hence, ZnO-BP-CH could be recommended as a suitable alternative to ZnO-NP-CH for future studies related to chitosan with ZnO composite to avoid costly nanomaterials preparation.
Deformed wing virus: using reverse genetics to tackle unanswered questions about the most important viral pathogen of honey bees
Authors: Woodford Luke , Evans David J
Published: December 2020

Deformed wing virus (DWV) is the most important viral pathogen of honey bees. It usually causes asymptomatic infections but, when vectored by the ectoparasitic mite Varroa destructor, it is responsible for the majority of overwintering colony losses globally. Although DWV was discovered four decades ago, research has been hampered by the absence of an in vitro cell culture system or the ability to culture pure stocks of the virus. The recent developments of reverse genetic systems for DWV go some way to addressing these limitations. They will allow the investigation of specific questions about strain variation, host tropism and pathogenesis to be answered, and are already being exploited to study tissue tropism and replication in Varroa and non-Apis pollinators. Three areas neatly illustrate the advances possible with reverse genetic approaches: (i) strain variation and recombination, in which reverse genetics has highlighted similarities rather than differences between virus strains; (ii) analysis of replication kinetics in both honey bees and Varroa, in studies that likely explain the near clonality of virus populations often reported; and (iii) pathogen spillover to non-Apis pollinators, using genetically tagged viruses to accurately monitor replication and infection.
Cognitive Processing Speed Is Strongly Related to Driving Skills, Financial Abilities, and Other Instrumental Activities of Daily Living in Persons With Mild Cognitive Impairment and Mild Dementia
Authors: Wadley Virginia G , Bull Tyler P , Zhang Yue , Barba Cheyanne , Bryan R Nick , Crowe Michael , Desiderio Lisa , Deutsch Georg , Erus Guray , Geldmacher David S , Go Rodney , Lassen-Greene Caroline L , Mamaeva Olga A , Marson Daniel C , McLaughlin Marianne , Nasrallah Ilya M , Owsley Cynthia , Passler Jesse , Perry Rodney T , Pilonieta Giovanna , Steward Kayla A , Kennedy Richard E
Published: December 2020

Background

Cognitive processing speed is important for performing everyday activities in persons with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). However, its role in daily function has not been examined while simultaneously accounting for contributions of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) risk biomarkers. We examine the relationships of processing speed and genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers to composites of daily function, mobility, and driving.

Method

We used baseline data from 103 participants on the MCI/mild dementia spectrum from the Applying Programs to Preserve Skills trial. Linear regression models examined relationships of processing speed, structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and genetic risk alleles for AD to composites of performance-based instrumental activities of daily living (IADLs), community mobility, and on-road driving evaluations.

Results

In multivariable models, processing speed and the brain MRI neurodegeneration biomarker Spatial Pattern of Abnormality for Recognition of Early Alzheimer’s disease (SPARE-AD) were significantly associated with functional and mobility composite performance. Better processing speed and younger age were associated with on-road driving ratings. Genetic risk markers, left hippocampal atrophy, and white matter lesion volumes were not significant correlates of these abilities. Processing speed had a strong positive association with IADL function (p < .001), mobility (p < .001), and driving (p = .002).

Conclusions

Cognitive processing speed is strongly and consistently associated with critical daily functions in persons with MCI in models including genetic and neuroimaging biomarkers of AD risk. SPARE-AD scores also significantly correlate with IADL performance and mobility. Results highlight the central role of processing speed in everyday task performance among persons with MCI/mild dementia.
The COVID-19 Pandemic and Psychosocial Outcomes Across Age Through the Stress and Coping Framework
Authors: Minahan Jillian , Falzarano Francesca , Yazdani Neshat , Siedlecki Karen L
Published: December 2020

Background and Objectives

The emergence of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) and the measures implemented to curb its spread may have deleterious effects on mental health. Older adults may be at increased risk for adverse psychosocial outcomes because opportunities to remain socially connected have diminished. Research is needed to better understand the impact of pandemic-related stress on mental health. The purpose of this study is 3-fold: (a) to examine the influences of COVID-19 pandemic-related stress on depression, anxiety, and loneliness; (b) to assess the mediating role of coping style and social support; and (c) to investigate whether these relationships vary across age.

Research Design and Methods

Participants (N = 1,318) aged 18–92 years completed an online survey assessing pandemic-related stress, mental health, social support, coping, and their experiences with social distancing, during the initial implementation of social distancing measures in the United States.

Results

Social support and coping style were found to relate to psychosocial outcomes. Avoidant coping was the strongest mediator of the relationship between pandemic-related stress and psychosocial outcomes, particularly depression. Avoidant coping more strongly mediated the relationship between stress and depression in younger adults compared to older adults.

Discussion and Implications

Results were consistent with the stress and coping framework and recent work highlighting older adults’ resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic. Findings highlight the associations between positive coping behaviors and psychosocial well-being and indicate that older adults may use unique adaptive mechanisms to preserve well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Licence Agreements and Insolvency Proceedings under Spanish Law
Authors: Martín Aresti Pilar
Published: December 2020

This article analyses the impact of insolvency proceedings on licence agreements aimed at protecting intellectual property rights from the perspective of Spanish law. The article takes as its starting point the assumption that, if insolvency is declared, any licence agreements entered into by the debtor are subject to the principles and rules regulating insolvency proceedings, such principles and rules justifying exceptional legal solutions that diverge from those resulting from the application of the ordinary principles of contract law.
The Strong Black Woman versus Mental Health Utilization: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hall J Camille , Conner Kyaien O , Jones Kimberly
Published: December 2020

Recent investigations have elucidated the influence of the strong Black woman (SBW) ideal on the mental health and treatment-seeking behaviors of Black women in the United States. However, factors related to how the SBW ideal affects Black women’s positive and negative attitudes toward seeking professional psychological help have yet to be identified. The current study fills this void in the literature through a qualitative examination of how the SBW ideal affects Black women’s mental health utilization. Analyses were based on 62 participants, including college students and community members, ranging in age from 18 to 72 years. The present study advances the idea that endorsement of the SBW ideal affects Black women’s mental utilization. These results offer evidence and clarification of the impact of the SBW ideal on Black women’s mental health and identity-specific points of intervention for mental health practitioners conducting therapeutic work with Black women. Authors provide practice recommendations for practitioners and suggestions for future research.
Bisphenol S is present in culture media used for ART and cell culture
Authors: Togola A , Desmarchais A , Téteau O , Vignault C , Maillard V , Buron C , Bristeau S , Guérif F , Binet A , Elis S
Published: December 2020

STUDY QUESTION

Do plastic laboratory consumables and cell culture media used in ART contain bisphenols?

SUMMARY ANSWER

The majority of human embryo culture media assessed contained bisphenol S close to the nanomolar concentration range, while no release of bisphenols by plastic consumables was detected under routine conditions.

WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY

The deleterious effect of the endocrine disruptor bisphenol A (BPA) on female fertility raised concerns regarding ART outcome. BPA was detected neither in media nor in the majority of plastic consumables used in ART; however, it might have already been replaced by its structural analogs, including bisphenol S (BPS).

STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION

Seventeen plastic consumables and 18 cell culture and ART media were assessed for the presence of bisphenols.

PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS

Ten different bisphenols (bisphenol A, S, AF, AP, B, C, E, F, P and Z) were measured using an isotopic dilution according to an on-line solid phase extraction/liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry method.

MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE

While the plastic consumables did not release bisphenols under routine conditions, 16 of the 18 cell culture and ART media assessed contained BPS. Six media exhibited BPS concentrations higher than 1 nM and reached up to 6.7 nM (1693 ng/l).

LARGE SCALE DATA

N/A.

LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION

Further studies are required to investigate a greater number of ART media to identify less potentially harmful ones, in terms of bisphenol content.

WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS

As BPS has already been reported to impair oocyte quality at nanomolar concentrations, its presence in ART media, at a similar concentration range, could contribute to a decrease in the ART success rate. Thus far, there has been no regulation of these compounds in the ART context.

STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS

This study was financially supported by the ‘Centre-Val de Loire’ Region (Bemol project, APR IR 2017), INRAE, BRGM, the French National Research Agency (project ANR-18-CE34-0011-01 MAMBO) and the BioMedicine Agency (Project 18AMP006 FertiPhenol). The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest that could be perceived as prejudicing the impartiality of the reported research.
Expert opinion on using angler Smartphone apps to inform marine fisheries management: status, prospects, and needs
Authors: Skov Christian , Hyder Kieran , Gundelund Casper , Ahvonen Anssi , Baudrier Jérôme , Borch Trude , deCarvalho Sara , Erzini Karim , Ferter Keno , Grati Fabio , van derHammen Tessa , Hinriksson Jan , Houtman Rob , Kagervall Anders , Kapiris Kostas , Karlsson Martin , Lejk Adam M , Lyle Jeremy M , Martinez-Escauriaza Roi , Moilanen Pentti , Mugerza Estanis , Olesen Hans Jakob , Papadopoulos Anastasios , Pita Pablo , Pontes João , Radford Zachary , Radtke Krzysztof , Rangel Mafalda , Sagué Oscar , Sande Hege A , Strehlow Harry V , Tutiņš Rūdolfs , Veiga Pedro , Verleye Thomas , Vølstad Jon Helge , Watson Joseph W , Weltersbach Marc Simon , Ustups Didzis , Venturelli Paul A
Published: December 2020

Smartphone applications (apps) that target recreational fishers are growing in abundance. These apps have the potential to provide data useful for management of recreational fisheries. We surveyed expert opinion in 20, mostly European, countries to assess the current and future status of app use in marine recreational fisheries. The survey revealed that a few countries already use app data to support existing data collection, and that this number is likely to increase within 5–10 years. The strongest barriers to use app data were a scarcity of useful apps and concern over data quality, especially biases due to the opt-in nature of app use. Experts generally agreed that apps were unlikely to be a “stand-alone” method, at least in the short term, but could be of immediate use as a novel approach to collect supporting data such as, fisheries-specific temporal and spatial distributions of fishing effort, and aspects of fisher behaviour. This survey highlighted the growing interest in app data among researchers and managers, but also the need for government agencies and other managers/researchers to coordinate their efforts with the support of survey statisticians to develop and assess apps in ways that will ensure standardisation, data quality, and utility.
Dynamic pricing in a two-class queueing system with arrival and service rate control
Authors: Ma Shuangfeng , Guo Wei
Published: December 2020

Dynamic pricing in a two-class queueing system with adjustable arrival and service rates is considered. We initially take adjustable rates into account to maximize the long-run average social welfare and further establish matched dynamic prices. For the rate-setting problem, we apply sensitivity-based optimization theory and an iterative algorithm to investigate the optimal arrival and service rates of the two classes of customers. Next, we apply the results obtained from the rate-setting problem to find the expected delay time using a recursive algorithm and explicitly determine formulae for the optimal prices of the two classes of customers. Finally, we carry out numerical experiments to illustrate our findings and the performance between two classes of customers at different levels of the holding cost. It appears that for a low holding cost, the optimal prices for the two classes of customers are monotonically increasing in the number of customers regardless of the class, but for a high holding cost, the optimal prices for the customers who have low waiting cost may drop when the number of the other class rises.
Optimal sports betting strategies in practice: an experimental review
Authors: Matej Uhrín , Gustav Šourek , Ondřej Hubáček , Filip Železný
Published: December 2020

We investigate the most popular approaches to the problem of sports betting investment based on modern portfolio theory and the Kelly criterion. We define the problem setting, the formal investment strategies and review their common modifications used in practice. The underlying purpose of the reviewed modifications is to mitigate the additional risk stemming from the unrealistic mathematical assumptions of the formal strategies. We test the resulting methods using a unified evaluation protocol for three sports: horse racing, basketball and soccer. The results show the practical necessity of the additional risk-control methods and demonstrate their individual benefits. Particularly, an adaptive variant of the popular ‘fractional Kelly’ method is a very suitable choice across a wide range of settings.
Stability of a non-local kinetic model for cell migration with density-dependent speed
Authors: Loy Nadia , Preziosi Luigi
Published: December 2020

The aim of this article is to study the stability of a non-local kinetic model proposed by Loy & Preziosi (2020a) in which the cell speed is affected by the cell population density non-locally measured and weighted according to a sensing kernel in the direction of polarization and motion. We perform the analysis in a $d$-dimensional setting. We study the dispersion relation in the one-dimensional case and we show that the stability depends on two dimensionless parameters: the first one represents the stiffness of the system related to the cell turning rate, to the mean speed at equilibrium and to the sensing radius, while the second one relates to the derivative of the mean speed with respect to the density evaluated at the equilibrium. It is proved that for Dirac delta sensing kernels centered at a finite distance, corresponding to sensing limited to a given distance from the cell center, the homogeneous configuration is linearly unstable to short waves. On the other hand, for a uniform sensing kernel, corresponding to uniformly weighting the information collected up to a given distance, the most unstable wavelength is identified and consistently matches the numerical solution of the kinetic equation.
Twisting of affine algebraic groups, II
Authors: Gelaki Shlomo
Published: December 2020

We use [11] to study the algebra structure of twisted cotriangular Hopf algebras ${}_J\mathcal{O}(G)_{J}$, where $J$ is a Hopf $2$-cocycle for a connected nilpotent algebraic group $G$ over $\mathbb{C}$. In particular, we show that ${}_J\mathcal{O}(G)_{J}$ is an affine Noetherian domain with Gelfand–Kirillov dimension $\dim (G)$, and that if $G$ is unipotent and $J$ is supported on $G$, then ${}_J\mathcal{O}(G)_{J}\cong U({\mathfrak{g}})$ as algebras, where ${\mathfrak{g}}={\textrm{Lie}}(G)$. We also determine the finite dimensional irreducible representations of ${}_J\mathcal{O}(G)_{J}$, by analyzing twisted function algebras on $(H,H)$-double cosets of the support $H\subset G$ of $J$. Finally, we work out several examples to illustrate our results.
Protection and Risk: Male and Female Genital Microbiota and Sexually Transmitted Infections
Authors: Tuddenham Susan , Ravel Jacques , Marrazzo Jeanne M
Published: December 2020

Unique compositional and functional features of the cervicovaginal microbiota have been associated with protection against and risk for sexually transmitted infections (STI). In men, our knowledge of the interaction between the penile microbiota and STI is less developed. The current state of our understanding of these microbiota and their role in select STIs is briefly reviewed, along with strategies that leverage existing findings to manipulate genital microbiota and optimize protection against STIs. Finally, we focus on major research gaps and present a framework for future studies.
Differential Frequencies of HLA-DRB1, DQA1, and DQB1 Alleles and Haplotypes Are Observed in the Arbovirus-Related Neurological Syndromes
Authors: Sonon Paulin , Brito Ferreira Maria Lúcia , Santos Almeida Renata , Saloum Deghaide Neifi Hassan , Henrique Willcox Glauco , Guimarães Elizabeth Lima , da Purificação Júnior Antônio Fernando , Cordeiro Marli Tenório , Antunes de Brito Carlos Alexandre , de Albuquerque Maria de Fátima Militão , Lins Roberto D , Donadi Eduardo A , Lucena-Silva Norma
Published: December 2020

Background

We took advantage of the 2015–2016 Brazilian arbovirus outbreak (Zika [ZIKV]/dengue/chikungunya viruses) associated with neurological complications to type HLA-DRB1/DQA1/DQB1 variants in patients exhibiting neurological complications and in bone marrow donors from the same endemic geographical region.

Methods

DRB1/DQA1/DQB1 loci were typed using sequence-specific oligonucleotides. In silico studies were performed using X-ray resolved dimer constructions.

Results

The DQA1*01, DQA1*05, DQB1*02, or DQB1*06 genotypes/haplotypes and DQA1/DQB1 haplotypes that encode the putative DQA1/DQB1 dimers were overrepresented in the whole group of patients and in patients exhibiting peripheral neurological spectrum disorders (PSD) or encephalitis spectrum disorders (ESD). The DRB1*04, DRB1*13, and DQA1*03 allele groups protected against arbovirus neurological manifestation, being underrepresented in whole group of patients and ESD and PSD groups. Genetic and in silico studies revealed that DQA1/DQB1 dimers (1) were primarily associated with susceptibility to arbovirus infections; (2) can bind to a broad range of ZIKV peptides (235 of 1878 peptides, primarily prM and NS2A); and (3) exhibited hydrophilic and highly positively charged grooves when compared to the DRA1/DRB1 cleft. The protective dimer (DRA1/DRB1*04) bound a limited number of ZIKV peptides (40 of 1878 peptides, primarily prM).

Conclusion

Protective haplotypes may recognize arbovirus peptides more specifically than susceptible haplotypes.
Risk Factors for Non–Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Type 16/18 Cervical Infections and Associated Lesions Among HPV DNA–Negative Women Vaccinated Against HPV-16/18 in the Costa Rica Vaccine Trial
Authors: Sierra Mónica S , Tsang Sabrina H , Hu Shangying , Porras Carolina , Herrero Rolando , Kreimer Aimée R , Schussler John , Boland Joseph , Wagner Sarah , Cortes Bernal , Rodríguez Ana C , Quint Wim , van Doorn Leen-Jan , Schiffman Mark , Sampson Joshua N , Hildesheim Allan ,   Costa Rica Human Papillomavirus Vaccine Trial (CVT) Group, Cortés Bernal , González Paula , Herrero Rolando , Jiménez Silvia E , Porras Carolina , Rodríguez Ana Cecilia , Hildesheim Allan , Kreimer Aimée R , Lowy Douglas R , Schiffman Mark , Schiller John T , Sherman Mark , Wacholder Sholom , Pinto Ligia A , Kemp Troy J , Sidawy Mary K , Quint Wim , van Doorn Leen-Jan , Struijk Linda , Palefsky Joel M , Darragh Teresa M , Stoler Mark H
Published: December 2020

Background

Factors that lead human papillomavirus (HPV) infections to persist and progress to cancer are not fully understood. We evaluated co-factors for acquisition, persistence, and progression of non–HPV-16/18 infections among HPV-vaccinated women.

Methods

We analyzed 2153 women aged 18–25 years randomized to the HPV-vaccine arm of the Costa Rica HPV Vaccine Trial. Women were HPV DNA negative for all types at baseline and followed for approximately 11 years. Generalized estimating equation methods were used to account for correlated observations. Time-dependent factors evaluated were age, sexual behavior, marital status, hormonally related factors, number of full-term pregnancies (FTPs), smoking behavior, and baseline body mass index.

Results

A total of 1777 incident oncogenic non–HPV-16/18 infections were detected in 12 292 visits (average, 0.14 infections/visit). Age and sexual behavior–related variables were associated with oncogenic non–HPV-16/18 acquisition. Twenty-six percent of incident infections persisted for ≥1 year. None of the factors evaluated were statistically associated with persistence of oncogenic non–HPV-16/18 infections. Risk of progression to Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia grade 2 or worst (CIN2+) increased with increasing age (P for trend = .001), injectable contraceptive use (relative risk, 2.61 [95% confidence interval, 1.19–5.73] ever vs never), and increasing FTPs (P for trend = .034).

Conclusions

In a cohort of HPV-16/18–vaccinated women, age and sexual behavior variables are associated with acquisition of oncogenic non–HPV-16/18 infections; no notable factors are associated with persistence of acquired infections; and age, parity, and hormonally related exposures are associated with progression to CIN2+.
Researcher Profile: Przemysław Prusinkiewicz
Authors: Shekar Rachel G
Published: December 2020

Przemysław (Przemek) Prusinkiewicz is a Professor of Computer Science at the University of Calgary, Canada, where he creates models, simulations and visualizations of plant development. He received his MSc and PhD at the Technical University of Warsaw, where he studied Computer Science and Engineering under Prof. Stanislaw Budkowski.
A comparative analysis: international variation in PET-CT service provision in oncology—an International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership study
Authors: Lynch Charlotte , Reguilon Irene , Langer Deanna L , Lane Damon , De Prithwish , Wong Wai-Lup , Mckiddie Fergus , Ross Andrew , Shack Lorraine , Win Thida , Marshall Christopher , Revheim Mona-Eliszabeth , Danckert Bolette , Butler John , Dizdarevic Sabina , Louzado Cheryl , Mcgivern Canice , Hazlett Anne , Chew Cindy , O’connell Martin , Harrison Samantha
Published: December 2020

Objective

To explore differences in position emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) service provision internationally to further understand the impact variation may have upon cancer services. To identify areas of further exploration for researchers and policymakers to optimize PET-CT services and improve the quality of cancer services.

Design

Comparative analysis using data based on pre-defined PET-CT service metrics from PET-CT stakeholders across seven countries. This was further informed via document analysis of clinical indication guidance and expert consensus through round-table discussions of relevant PET-CT stakeholders. Descriptive comparative analyses were produced on use, capacity and indication guidance for PET-CT services between jurisdictions.

Setting

PET-CT services across 21 jurisdictions in seven countries (Australia, Denmark, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, Norway and the UK).

Participants

None.

Intervention(s)

None.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

None.

Results

PET-CT service provision has grown over the period 2006–2017, but scale of increase in capacity and demand is variable. Clinical indication guidance varied across countries, particularly for small-cell lung cancer staging and the specific acknowledgement of gastric cancer within oesophagogastric cancers. There is limited and inconsistent data capture, coding, accessibility and availability of PET-CT activity across countries studied.

Conclusions

Variation in PET-CT scanner quantity, acquisition over time and guidance upon use exists internationally. There is a lack of routinely captured and accessible PET-CT data across the International Cancer Benchmarking Partnership countries due to inconsistent data definitions, data linkage issues, uncertain coverage of data and lack of specific coding. This is a barrier in improving the quality of PET-CT services globally. There needs to be greater, richer data capture of diagnostic and staging tools to facilitate learning of best practice and optimize cancer services.
Multiple polymerase acidic (PA) I38X substitutions in influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 virus permit polymerase activity and cause reduced baloxavir inhibition
Authors: Jones Jeremy C , Pascua Philippe N Q , Harrington Walter N , Webby Richard J , Govorkova Elena A
Published: December 2020

Background

Baloxavir marboxil is an antiviral drug that targets the endonuclease activity of the influenza virus polymerase acidic (PA) protein. PA I38T/M/F substitutions reduce its antiviral efficacy.

Objectives

To understand the effects of the 19 possible amino acid (AA) substitutions at PA 38 on influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 polymerase activity and inhibition by baloxavir acid, the active metabolite of baloxavir marboxil.

Methods

Influenza A(H1N1)pdm09 viral polymerase complexes containing all 19 I38X AA substitutions were reconstituted in HEK293T cells in a mini-replicon assay. Polymerase complex activity and baloxavir inhibitory activity were measured in the presence or absence of 50 nM baloxavir acid.

Results

Only three substitutions (R, K, P) reduced polymerase activity to <79% of I38-WT. When compared with the prototypical baloxavir marboxil resistance marker T38, 5 substitutions conferred 10%–35% reductions in baloxavir acid inhibitory activity (M, L, F, Y, C) and 11 substitutions conferred >50% reductions (R, K, S, N, G, W, A, Q, E, D, H), while two substitutions (V, P) maintained baloxavir acid inhibitory activity.

Conclusions

Most PA 38 substitutions permit a functional replication complex retaining some drug resistance in the mini-replicon assay. This study provides a targeted approach for virus rescue and analysis of novel baloxavir marboxil reduced-susceptibility markers, supports the consideration of a broader range of these markers during antiviral surveillance and adds to the growing knowledge of baloxavir marboxil resistance profiles.
Co-Pigmentation of Caffeic Acid and Catechin on Wine Color and the Effect of Ultrasound in Model Wine Solutions
Authors: Xue Zhen-Dan , Zhang Qing-An , Wang Ting-Ting
Published: December 2020

Objective

Wine color is considered an important indicator in judging red wine quality and is also employed to evaluate wine aging. However, wine color can be influenced by many factors.

Method

In this paper, it was investigated that the effects of caffeic acid and catechin on wine color and related mechanisms by HPLC and ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy for the wine model solutions containing malvidin-3-O-glucoside. The spectrum changes of the model wine solutions (Mv-glc, Mv-glc + caffeic acid, and Mv-glc + catechin) during 120 days storage were monitored to analyze the influence of co-pigmentation on red wine color.

Results

The results indicate that the color properties of red wine could be affected by caffeic acid and catechin to a certain extent. Moreover, caffeic acid had a stronger auxiliary color effect on the malvidin-3-O-glucoside than that of the catechin in the model wine solutions, and the former effect continued to increase with prolongation of storage time. The latter effect (catechin) only had a temporary auxiliary color effect in the beginning, and weakened from red to orange yellow with increased storage time. Furthermore, ultrasound irradiation improved co-pigmentation, resulting in the modification of wine color.

Conclusions

All results indicate that the co-pigmentation reaction of wine color could be modified by the addition of caffeic acid and ultrasonic treatment to improve the quality of red wine.
Two Decades of Ecstasy: Shifting Demographic Trends in Decedents Using MDMA
Authors: Armenian Patil , Rodda Luke N
Published: December 2020

Deaths associated with the party drug, 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA), over the 20-year period from 2000 to 2019 in San Francisco are presented to identify shifting demographic trends. Of the 148 cases, 129 (87.2%) were male with mean and median ages of 30 and 28 years, respectively. The most common manner of death (MOD) in males was homicide (65 of 129) and accident (49 of 129). The most common MOD in females was accident (15 of 19). Regarding racial demographics, Black homicide deaths accounted for 59 of 67 (88.1%) total homicides. The most prevalent cause of death for homicides was gunshot wounds (63 of 67, 94.0%). Homicide prevalence was high in the first decade of the study (53 of 88, 60.2%), sharply dropping off after 2011. White accidental deaths made up most of the accidental deaths (45 of 64, 70.3%). Since 2015, accidental deaths with MDMA began to rise (40 of 60, 66.7%)—most with other coingestants. Similar MDMA concentrations (median, mean ± SD) were observed between homicide (290, 450 ± 490 ng/mL) and accidental (250, 680 ± 1,120 ng/mL) deaths. MDMA concentrations were elevated in central blood compared to peripheral blood from unmatched cases. MDMA was detected in a variety of decedents during the two decades within 2000-2019, with primarily young Black male gunshot wound homicide victims in the first decade and primarily young White male accidental polydrug victims in the second decade. This study demonstrates that MDMA is no longer confined to a party setting, but can also be found in different socioeconomic strata, including its association with violent homicidal deaths.
Incorporation of Silver Nanoparticles in Hydrogel Matrices for Controlling Wound Infection
Authors: Pangli Harpreet , Vatanpour Saba , Hortamani Shamim , Jalili Reza , Ghahary Aziz
Published: December 2020

For centuries, silver has been recognized for its antibacterial properties. With the development of nanotechnology, silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have garnered significant attention for their diverse uses in antimicrobial gel formulations, dressings for wound healing, orthopedic applications, medical catheters and instruments, implants, and contact lens coatings. A major focus has been determining AgNPs’ physical, chemical, and biological characteristics and their potential to be incorporated in biocomposite materials, particularly hydrogel scaffolds, for burn and wound healing. Though AgNPs have been rigorously explored and extensively utilized in medical and nonmedical applications, important research is still needed to elucidate their antibacterial activity when incorporated in wound-healing scaffolds. In this review, we provide an up-to-date, 10-yr (2010–2019), comprehensive literature review on advancements in the understanding of AgNP characteristics, including the particles’ preparation and mechanisms of activity, and we explore various hydrogel scaffolds for delivering AgNPs.
Interrater Agreement and Reliability of Burn Size Estimations Between Emergency Physicians and Burn Unit
Authors: Yoo Michael J , Pawlukiewicz Alec J , Wray Jesse P , Long Brit J , Hunter Curtis J
Published: December 2020

The initial approach to burn injuries has remained relatively unchanged over the past several decades and revolves around trauma assessment and fluid resuscitation, frequently initiated in the emergency department (ED). While previous research suggests that emergency physicians (EP) are poor estimators at total body surface area (TBSA) affected, we believe that estimation differences are improving, specifically at academic centers with co-located burn units that emphasize burn injury education. This study investigated the interrater agreement and reliability of burn size estimations at an academic ED and its co-located burn unit. This single-center, retrospective study was conducted at a large academic ED with a co-located burn unit. The study included adult patients admitted to the burn unit after receiving paired burn size estimations from EPs and the burn unit. The primary endpoint was the interrater agreement, measured by the kappa coefficient, κ, of 10% TBSA estimation intervals. The secondary endpoint was the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), evaluating the reliability of exact, nonranged, and TBSA estimations. A chart review was performed for patients evaluated from November 1, 2016 to July 31, 2019. One thousand one hundred and eighty-four patients were admitted to the burn unit, 1176 of which met inclusion criteria for the primary endpoint. The κ of TBSA between EPs and the burn unit was 0.586, while the weighted κ was 0.775. These values correlate with moderate and substantial agreements, respectively. Additionally, 971 patients had exact TBSA estimations from paired EPs and the burn unit which were used for the secondary endpoint. The ICC between EPs and the burn unit was 0.966, demonstrating an excellent reliability. Further sub-analysis was performed, revealing mean over- and underestimation differences of exact TBSA estimations of 3.93 and 2.93, respectively. EPs at academic institutions with co-located burn units are accurate estimators of TBSA in the assessment of burn injuries. We believe that burn education, to include core rotations within the burn unit, plays a major role in improved burn size estimations.
Instant Cup of Soup: Can Kids Safely Prepare and Carry?
Authors: Allen Courtney E , Little Wendalyn K
Published: December 2020

Scalds are a common cause of burn injury in children. Instant soup and noodle products have been identified as a common cause of pediatric burn injuries, with both the preparation process and product packaging implicated as predisposing factors. A cohort of children was observed simulating the preparation of a cup of noodle soup to identify steps in the process in which injury was mostly likely to occur. Nineteen percent of participants spilled the simulated soup onto themselves, representing potential burn injuries had the liquid been hot. The upper extremity was the most commonly affected body area and spillage occurred most commonly while the participant was transporting the cup of simulated soup. Targeted caregiver education about the potential dangers to children from instant soup and noodle products and investigation into safer packaging are needed to decrease the risk of these injuries in children.
Predictors of HbA1c Trajectories in Predominantly Black Adolescents With Type 1 Diabetes
Authors: Keenan Mary E , Berlin Kristoffer S , Cook Jessica L , Ankney Rachel L , Klages Kimberly L , Semenkovich Katherine A , Rybak Tiffany M , Banks Gabrielle G , Choquette Adora E , Alemzadeh Ramin , Eddington Angelica R
Published: December 2020

Objective

Following the Journal of Pediatric Psychology’s special edition on health disparities, calling for Phase 2 research exploring mechanisms of racial groups in health disparities, this study aims to explore social information processing predictors of longitudinal hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) trajectories in a racially diverse group of adolescents. The social information processing model of glycemic control in type 1 diabetes (T1D) posits that adolescents who make negative attributions about reactions of friends are likely to find adherence difficult in social situations, have increased stress, and have suboptimal glycemic control.

Methods

One hundred eighty-four youth with T1D completed self-report measures and HbA1c at three time points within 1 year was extracted from medical records. Growth mixture modeling empirically derived classes of HbA1c trajectories and explored predictive relationships of social information processing variables, demographics, and diabetes characteristics.

Results

Three classes emerged: High Decelerating, Mid-High Accelerating, and Near-Optimal Accelerating. Black/African American participants were highly likely to be in the High and Mid-High groups. Higher anticipated adherence difficulties in social situations predicted increased odds of being in the Mid-High versus Near-Optimal HbA1c group. Increased diabetes stress predicted increased odds of being in the High versus Near-Optimal and Mid-High groups.

Conclusions

Continuing research on mechanisms behind this health disparity is necessary with more representation from varied racial and ethnic groups. Equal access to diabetes technology and psychosocial treatments are recommended and implications for clinical intervention development are discussed.
A retroperitoneal mass presenting as acute scrotum: a rare presentation and review of the literature
Authors: Alyami Ali , Alkhayal Abdullah
Published: December 2020

The acute scrotum is defined as a new-onset pain of the intrascrotal contents. The differential diagnosis of acute scrotum includes a variety of etiologies. We report a case of an 18 years old presented with acute scrotal pain with scrotal ultrasound suggestive of testicular torsion, underwent bilateral orchiopexy for suspected testicular torsion. The patient came later with persistent testicular pain. A computerized tomography (CT) scan of the abdomen and pelvis was done and showed a retroperitoneal mass. We suggest that patients with atypical presentation of the acute scrotum should undergo CT scan of the abdomen and pelvis to rule out retroperitoneal pathologies and referred pain.
Walter Reed Army Institute of Research (WRAIR): Fifty Years of Achievements That Impact Science and Society
Authors: Alving Carl R
Published: December 2020

Thirty-four historical achievements since 1970 that emanated from scientific research at the Walter Army Institute of Research are identified and documented. Impact areas include vaccines, drug development, and clinical assays to prevent or treat infectious diseases; neuropsychiatric management of warrior performance and combat casualty; blood delivery management; and radiation protection.
Photohadronic modelling of the 2010 gamma-ray flare from Mrk 421
Authors: Rosales de León Alberto , Brown Anthony M , Chadwick Paula M
Published: December 2020

Blazars are a subclass of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) that have a relativistic jet with a small viewing angle towards the observer. Recent results based on hadronic scenarios have motivated an ongoing discussion of how a blazar can produce high energy neutrinos during a flaring state and which scenario can successfully describe the observed gamma-ray behaviour. Markarian 421 is one of the closest and brightest objects in the extragalactic gamma-ray sky and showed flaring activity over a 14-days period in 2010 March. In this work, we describe the performed analysis of Fermi-LAT data from the source focused on the MeV range (100 MeV–1 GeV), and study the possibility of a contribution coming from the pγ interactions between protons and MeV SSC target photons to fit the very high energy (VHE) gamma-ray emission. The fit results were compared with two leptonic models (one-zone and two-zone) using the Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) test, which evaluates goodness-of-fit alongside the simplicity of the model. In all cases, the photohadronic model was favoured as a better fit description in comparison to the one-zone leptonic model, and with respect to the two-zone model in the majority of cases. Our results show the potential of a photohadronic contribution to a lepto-hadronic origin of gamma-ray flux of blazars. Future gamma-ray observations above tens of TeV and below 100 MeV in energy will be crucial to test and discriminate between models.
Constraining reionization in progress at z = 5.7 with Lyman-α emitters: voids, peaks, and cosmic variance
Authors: Gangolli Nakul , D’Aloisio Anson , Nasir Fahad , Zheng Zheng
Published: December 2020

A number of independent observations suggest that the intergalactic medium was significantly neutral at z = 7 and that reionization was, perhaps, still in progress at z = 5.7. The narrowband survey, SILVERRUSH, has mapped over 2000 Lyman-α emitters (LAEs) at these redshifts ( G58). Previous analyses have assumed that reionization was over by z = 5.7, but this data may actually sample the final stages of reionization when the last neutral islands were relegated to the cosmic voids. Motivated by these developments, we re-examine LAE void and peak statistics and their ability to constrain reionization. We construct models of the LAE distribution in (1 Gpc h−1)3 volumes, spanning a range of neutral fractions at z = 5.7 and 6.6. Models with a higher neutral fraction show an enhanced probability of finding holes in the LAE distribution. When comparing models at fixed mean surface density, however, LAEs obscured by neutral gas in the voids must be compensated by visible LAEs elsewhere. Hence, in these models, the likelihood of finding an overdense peak is also enhanced in the latter half of reionization. Compared to the widely used angular two-point correlation function (2PCF), we find that the void probability function (VPF) provides a more sensitive test of models during the latter half of reionization. By comparison, at neutral fractions $\sim 50{{\ \rm per\ cent}}$, the VPF and a simple peak thresholding statistic are both similar to the 2PCF in constraining power. Lastly, we find that the cosmic variance and large-scale asymmetries observed in the SILVERRUSH fields are consistent with large-scale structure in a ΛCDM universe.
The evolution of the low-density H i intergalactic medium from z = 3.6 to 0: data, transmitted flux, and H i column density,,
Authors: Kim T-S , Wakker B P , Nasir F , Carswell R F , Savage B D , Bolton J S , Fox A J , Viel M , Haehnelt M G , Charlton J C , Rosenwasser B E
Published: December 2020

We present a new, uniform analysis of the H i transmitted flux (F) and H i column density ($N_{\mathrm{H\,{\small I}}}$) distribution in the low-density IGM as a function of redshift z for 0 < z < 3.6 using 55 HST/COS FUV (Δz = 7.2 at z < 0.5), five HST/STIS + COS NUV (Δz = 1.3 at z ∼ 1) and 24 VLT/UVES, and Keck/HIRES (Δz = 11.6 at 1.7 < z < 3.6) AGN spectra. We performed a consistent, uniform Voigt profile analysis to combine spectra taken with different instruments, to reduce systematics and to remove metal-line contamination. We confirm previously known conclusions on firmer quantitative grounds in particular by improving the measurements at z ∼ 1. Two flux statistics at 0 < F < 1, the mean H i flux and the flux probability distribution function (PDF), show that considerable evolution occurs from z = 3.6 to z = 1.5, after which it slows down to become effectively stable for z < 0.5. However, there are large sightline variations. For the H i column density distribution function (CDDF, f ∝ $N_{\rm H\,{\small I}}^{-\beta }$) at $\log (N_{\mathrm{H\,{\small I}}}/1\, {\mathrm{cm}^{-2}})$ ∈ [13.5, 16.0], β increases as z decreases from β = 1.60 at z ∼ 3.4 to β = 1.82 at z ∼ 0.1. The CDDF shape at lower redshifts can be reproduced by a small amount of clockwise rotation of a higher-z CDDF with a slightly larger CDDF normalization. The absorption line number per z (dn/dz) shows a similar evolutionary break at z ∼ 1.5 as seen in the flux statistics. High-$N_{\mathrm{H\,{\small I}}}$ absorbers evolve more rapidly than low-$N_{\mathrm{H\,{\small I}}}$ absorbers to decrease in number or cross-section with time. The individual dn/dz shows a large scatter at a given z. The scatter increases towards lower z, possibly caused by a stronger clustering at lower z.
Tilt angle and lifetime of sunspot groups
Authors: Nagovitsyn Yury A , Osipova Aleksandra A , Pevtsov Alexei A
Published: December 2020

We use the Catalogue of Solar Activity (CSA) to study the latitudinal variations of tilt of solar active regions. The tilt angles β are computed taking into account changes of the heliographic grid with latitude φ. We show that when sunspot groups of different sizes and lifetimes are included, a classical representation of the Joy’s law as a linear function of latitude (β ∝ φ) is only the first approximation valid within a limited range of latitudes (−25° ≤ φ ≤ +25°). Outside this range, the functional dependence β = f(φ) becomes non-linear. Separating the data set on large long-living groups (LLG) and small short-living groups (SSG) reveals two quite different dependencies in β = f(φ): non-linearity in tilt is only present in LLGs and the steepness of linear section of β = f(φ) fit is higher for LLGs. This suggests a difference in the physical properties of two populations of solar groups, which could be hypothesized as an indication of different localization of subsurface zones of their formation in the framework of a distributed dynamo. However, since CSA contains the coordinates of sunspots averaged over the lifetime (or disc passage) of each group, one cannot rule out that the difference in tilts of SSG and LLG groups may be affected by the evolution of tilt angles during the lifetime/disc passage of the groups.