bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating User Experience of a Multimedia Storyteller Panorama Tour: The Story of the Markham Car Collection
Authors: Dawson Beata , Joseph Pauline , Champion Erik
Published: October 2020

A storyteller panorama tour, The Story of the Markam Car Collection, was developed as an example for museums and cultural institutions concerning the use of panoramas combined with multimedia to tell stories of specific large objects (antique cars). It was designed for multiple platforms to involve and engage audiences via large curved screens while allowing for access via portable devices. Understanding users’ requirements is essential when designing and developing virtual museum tours. Measuring digital productions’ usability is an ongoing challenge that affects the improvement of user experience and the actual output. A variety of techniques and approaches are available to test digital productions’ usability and the related user experience. It is possible to measure and evaluate the production’s usefulness, including users’ engagement and understanding. However, the best method for assessing museum-related digital productions varies depending on aims, capacity, audience, and local context. In this paper, we demonstrate the strategy we employed to evaluate the particular storyteller panorama tour’s usability, user experience, engagement, and resulting audience understanding. The results of the evaluations showed that storyteller panorama tours could be an effective, attractive, and engaging storyteller method for cultural institutions. However, the findings also indicated that the users’ age, gender, and computer-related experience influence the use and enjoyment levels. We share our experiences and offer an example of how to evaluate a storyteller panorama tour. We believe that the presented evaluation strategy would be applicable to other museum-related projects, as well.
Metadata Standards for Museum Objects: Presenting a Model for Organizing and Documenting Information about Carpets as Museum Objects
Authors: Darvishi Leila , Abam Zoya
Published: October 2020

Carpets, as a museum object, contain valuable information that can be used in a variety of artistic, historical, and cultural studies. This study explores the museum metadata standards and relevant texts, including the identity cards of carpets in museums and other resources available. The present study has been conducted by studying different documents through a descriptive-survey method. The required data were obtained through the study and analysis of the content of Persian and English resources related to carpets, identity cards of museums in the country and abroad, and metadata standards. As a result of so many selected elements they were evaluated in the form of a checklist through the implementation of two steps of the Delphi technique to analyze their importance and influence by the specialists to put them in various groups and levels in the suggested pattern. The results of them were analyzed based on descriptive statistics. Based on the findings of the research, 353 elements were placed in thirty subgroups and two main descriptive and managerial groups and three levels of description for organizing and documenting information about museum carpets have been provided through the implementation of the two steps of Delphi. According to the results, a model for organizing carpets in museums has been presented. This model can be used to integrate and facilitate the organization and documentation of the information about museum carpets.
“Digging Deeper?”: Insights From a Novice Researcher
Authors: Wohlfart Olivia
Published: October 2020

This article reflects on lessons learned from a qualitative research project. Due to my quantitative academic upbringing, I missed the opportunity to dig deeper into the qualitative research material. The article critically reflects the steps of constructing an interview guide, conducting interviews, performing a qualitative content analysis and interpreting the results. Ideas on overcoming these barriers are presented. The article concludes with a positive outlook in the form of recommendations for other novice researchers in qualitative research as well as an appeal to experienced researchers to accompany us on this path.
Digital Planimetry With a New Adaptive Calibration Procedure Results in Accurate and Precise Wound Area Measurement at Curved Surfaces
Authors: Foltynski Piotr , Ladyzynski Piotr
Published: October 2020

Background:

The purpose of this study was to determine the accuracy of wound area measurement at a curved surface using a digital planimetry (DP) with the newly proposed adaptive calibration.

Methods:

Forty wound shapes were printed and placed at the side surfaces of cylinders with diameters of 9.4 and 6.2 cm. Area measurements were carried out using a commercial device SilhouetteMobile (Aranz, New Zealand) and the planimetric app Planimator. Planimetric area measurements were carried out using 2 one-dimensional calibration markers placed above and below the wound shape. The method of adaptive calibration for DP was described. Reference area values of wound shapes were obtained by pixel counting on digital scans made with an optical scanner. Relative errors (REs) and relative differences (RDs) for area measurements were analyzed.

Results:

The median of REs for the DP with adaptive calibration (DPwAC) was equal to 0.60% and was significantly smaller than the median for the SilhouetteMobile device (SMD) (2.65%), and significantly smaller than the median for the DP (2.23%). The SD of RDs for the DPwAC of 0.87% was considerably lower than for the SMD (6.45%), and for the DP without adaptive calibration (2.51%). The mean of RDs for the DPwAC (0.082%) was not significantly different from zero, which means that the systematic error was not present for the DPwAC.

Conclusions:

The use of the adaptive calibration in DP to measure the areas at curved surface resulted in a significant increase of accuracy and precision, and removal of systematic error. The DPwAC revealed 4.4 times lower error and 7.4 times higher precision of area measurement at curved surfaces than the SMD.
Interfacility Transfers for Isolated Craniomaxillofacial Trauma: Perspectives of the Facial Trauma Surgeon
Authors: Pontell Matthew , Mount Delora , Steinberg Jordan P. , Mackay Donald , Golinko Michael , Drolet Brian C.
Published: October 2020

Study Design:

Secondary overtriage is a burden to the medical system. Unnecessary transfers overload trauma centers, occupy emergency transfer resources, and delay definitive patient care. Craniomaxillofacial (CMF) trauma, especially in isolation, is a frequent culprit.

Objective:

The aim of this study is to assess the perspectives of facial trauma surgeons regarding the interfacility transfer of patients with isolated CMF trauma.

Methods:

A 31-item survey was developed using Likert-type scale and open-ended response systems. Internal consistency testing among facial trauma surgeons yielded a Cronbach’s α calculation of .75. The survey was distributed anonymously to the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons, the North American Division of AO Craniomaxillofacial, and the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Statistical significance in response plurality was determined by nonoverlapping 99.9% confidence intervals ( P < .001). Sum totals were reported as means with standard deviations and z scores with P values of less than .05 considered significant.

Results:

The survey yielded 196 responses. Seventy-seven percent of respondents did not believe that most isolated CMF transfers required emergency surgery and roughly half (49%) thought that most emergency transfers were unnecessary. Fifty-four percent of respondents agreed that most patients transferred could have been referred for outpatient management and 87% thought that transfer guidelines could help decrease unnecessary transfers. Twenty-seven percent of respondents had no pre-transfer communication with the referring facility. Perspectives on the transfer of specific fracture patterns and their presentations were also collected.

Conclusion:

Most facial trauma surgeons in this study believe that emergent transfer for isolated CMF trauma is frequently unnecessary. Such injuries rarely require emergent surgery and can frequently be managed in the outpatient setting without activating emergency transfer services. The fracture-specific data collected are a representation of the national, multidisciplinary opinion of facial trauma surgeons and correlate with previously published data on which specific types of facial fractures are most often transferred unnecessarily. The results of this study can serve as the foundation for interfacility transfer guidelines, which may provide a valuable resource in triaging transfers and decreasing associated health-care costs.
Serum Calprotectin as a Blood-Based Biomarker for Monitoring Knee Osteoarthritis at Early but Not Late Stages
Authors: Safa Amin , Bagherifard Abolfazl , Hadi Al-Baseesee Hamadalla , Amini Kadijani Azade , Yahyazadeh Hooman , Azizi Masoumeh , Akbari Abolfazl , Mirzaei Alireza
Published: October 2020

Objective

The identification of early-stage osteoarthritis (OA) is crucial for the deceleration of its progression; however, no reliable biomarker is available for this purpose. The current study aimed to determine the role of serum calprotectin in the detection of early-stage knee OA.

Design

In a case-control study, serum samples were collected from 84 patients with primary bilateral knee OA and 52 healthy controls. The radiographic grading of knee OA was performed using the Kellgren-Lawrence classification system. Serum concentrations of calprotectin were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.

Results

The mean serum calprotectin level was 2908 ± 2516 ng/mL in OA patients and 901 ± 875 ng/mL in healthy control subjects ( P < 0.001). Mean serum calprotectin levels were significantly higher in the lower stages of OA: 3740 ± 2728 ng/mL in OA grade I, 3100 ± 2084 ng/mL in OA grade II, 2246 ± 1418 ng/mL in OA grade III, and 2035 ± 765 ng/mL in OA grade IV ( P = 0.047). Serum calprotectin levels were significantly higher in patients with a disease duration <42 months compared with those with a disease duration >42 months ( P = 0.043).

Conclusion

Serum calprotectin level increases significantly in the early stages of OA and shows a reverse association with disease severity. Therefore, it could be suggested as a promising blood-based marker for early-stage knee OA.
Synthesis of highly stable κ/ι-hybrid carrageenan micro- and nanogels via a sonication-assisted microemulsion route
Authors: Rodriguez Sol , Torres Fernando G , Arroyo Junior , Gonzales Karen N , Troncoso Omar P , López Daniel
Published: October 2020

Novel carrageenan micro- and nanogels were developed via a sonication-assisted microemulsion processing route. The diameter of the dry samples ranged 197.3 −421.35 nm whereas the diameter of the samples suspended in water ranged 467.8–605.9 nm. Hybrid κ/ι-carrageenan, rather than κ- or ι-carrageenan was used for the first time for the preparation of micro- and nanogels. KCl was used as a cross-linking agent and Tween 80 was used as surfactant. The micro- and nanogels suspended in water were found to simultaneously exhibit a lower diameter, and a lower swelling ratio with higher Tween 80 content. The micro- and nanogel suspension yields a zeta potential value of −50.5 mV, superior to values reported elsewhere for pure κ- or ι-carrageenan micro- and nanogels. The high stability was attributed to the high hydrophile-lipophile balance (HLB = 15) value of Tween 80. These results suggest that hybrid κ/ι-carrageenan micro- and nanogels are promising candidates for smart therapeutics applications.
Differences in brand versus generic esmolol in the treatment of perioperative supraventricular tachycardia and hypertension: A pilot study
Authors: Aretha Diamanto , Kiekkas Panagiotis , Sioulas Nektarios , Fligou Fotini
Published: October 2020

Background:

Once a patent expires, generic analogue drugs are alternatives to brand name drugs. Because bioequivalence/biodistribution problems have been reported for many generic analogue drugs, we prospectively evaluated 31 patients to reveal the differences in the doses used and the efficacy and adverse events of two different intravenous esmolol formulations.

Methods:

This was a prospective observational pilot study. Our aim was to reveal the possible differences in the required doses between two different formulations (brand name drug vs generic analogue drug) of intravenous esmolol in beats per minute, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and mean arterial pressure in intra- and postoperative patients with supraventricular tachycardia and hypertension. The patients were categorised into two groups according to the medication they received (brand name drug or generic analogue drug).

Results:

Esmolol was given to 31 patients (16 generic analogue drug and 15 brand name drug). Although there was a statistically significant difference in bolus (mg/kg) and continued (mg/kg/h) drug dose used (brand name drug/generic analogue drug, mean (standard deviation), 0.3 (0.1) vs 0.38 (0.1), p = 0.03 for bolus dose, and 0.22 (0.09) vs 0.29 (0.08) for continued dose at 10 min (p = 0.03), 0.19 (0.06) vs 0.24 (0.05) at 20 min (p = 0.01) and 0.14 (0.05) vs 0.18 (0.05) at 30 min (p = 0.02)), there were no time-related statistical significant differences in the reduction rates of the two drugs (p = 0.47). There were no time-related statistically significant differences between the two groups in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure and beats per minute, nor in their adverse events.

Conclusion:

In this pilot study, smaller doses were given for controlling the patient’s haemodynamics when a brand name drug was used. Because there were no significant time-related differences in the reduction rates of the two drugs nor in any haemodynamic differences between the two groups, optimal titration of the drug used could effectively control the patient’s haemodynamics. The adverse events were also similar in both groups.
Implicit Bias and Antidiscrimination Policy
Authors: Gawronski Bertram , Ledgerwood Alison , Eastwick Paul W.
Published: October 2020

The science behind implicit bias tests (e.g., Implicit Association Test) has become the target of increased criticism. However, policymakers seeking to combat discrimination care about reducing bias in people’s actual behaviors, not about changing a person’s score on an implicit bias test. In line with this argument, we postulate that scientific controversies about implicit bias tests are irrelevant for antidiscrimination policy, which should instead focus on implicit bias in actual discriminatory behavior that occurs outside of awareness (in addition to instances of explicit bias). Two well-documented mechanisms can lead to implicit bias in actual discriminatory behavior: biased weighting and biased interpretation of information about members of particular social groups. The policy relevance of the two mechanisms is illustrated with their impact on hiring and promotion decisions, jury selection, and policing. Implications for education and bias intervention are discussed.
Smarter, Not Harder: A Toolbox Approach to Enhancing Self-Control
Authors: Fujita Kentaro , Orvell Ariana , Kross Ethan
Published: October 2020

According to common sense, successful self-control requires “willpower.” Psychology often models willpower as the effortful inhibition of temptation impulses—a process theorized to require sufficient motivation and resources. This article challenges the centrality of willpower in self-control. Instead, successful self-control relies on a variety of strategies beyond effortful inhibition: diminishing the influence of immediately available rewards and bolstering motivation toward more abstract, distant rewards. Furthermore, self-control is better conceived as a “toolbox” of strategies; success entails finding the tools that work best for a given individual at a given time. In other words, improving self-control is not about becoming stronger, but rather about becoming smarter. This approach has policy implications and suggests priorities for research.
The Influence of In-Group Membership on Trust in Health-Care Professionals in Kazakhstan
Authors: Craig Brett J , Almatkyzy Gulaiim , Yurashevich Yuliya
Published: October 2020

Background:

Trust in providers is key to positive health outcomes. However, perceptions of trust in health-care professionals can vary by population. Factors beyond the immediate behaviors of health-care professionals such as group association may influence perceptions of trust.

Objective:

To examine the possible association of in-group membership and levels of trust in health-care professionals in Kazakhstan.

Method:

We used an online survey including the General Trust in Physicians scale along with demographic questions and a question regarding family members as health-care professionals. Bivariate analysis was used to compare the mean differences between general levels of trust and sociodemographic characteristics. Then multivariate analysis was conducted to examine the association between having a family member who is a health-care professional and general level of trust in health-care professionals among Kazakhstani citizens. Statistical tests were 2-sided.

Results:

A total of 497 Kazakhstani participants completed the survey. In adjusted multivariate regression, participants with family members as health-care professionals scored significantly higher on the trust scale ( P < .001), and other factors such as language ( P < .001) and interaction term of language and education ( P< .05) were also shown to be influential in the general level of trust.

Conclusion:

Further examinations of how group membership influences reported trust levels in health-care professionals in Kazakhstan are warranted. Such studies would be beneficial if trust in health-care professionals is to be understood and improved in order to achieve more desirable health outcomes.
Wait Times in Musculoskeletal Patients: What Contributes to Patient Satisfaction
Authors: Glogovac Georgina , Kennedy Mark E , Weisgerber Maria R , Kakazu Rafael , Grawe Brian M
Published: October 2020

Introduction:

The purpose of this study was to determine how wait time duration is associated with patient satisfaction and how appointment characteristics relate to wait time duration and patient satisfaction in the orthopedic surgery clinic.

Methods:

Two hundred sixty-four patients visiting one of 3 ambulatory orthopedic surgery clinics were asked to estimate their wait time and to rate their satisfaction with the visit. The associations between appointment characteristics, wait time, and satisfaction were analyzed using t tests, 1-way analysis of variance, and Pearson correlation coefficients.

Results:

Wait times were significantly different based on visit type, appointment time, whether an X-ray was required, and whether a trainee was involved ( P < .001). Patients with wait times less than 30 minutes had higher satisfaction scores ( P < .001). Satisfaction ratings were significantly different based on the surgeon’s management recommendation ( P = .0211), but were not significantly different based on sex, age, office location, visit type, appointment time subsection, or time spent with the physician ( P > .05).

Conclusion:

Wait times negatively correlated with satisfaction. New patient visits, appointment times in the later third of the day, appointments requiring an X-ray, and appointments involving a trainee had significantly longer wait times. Care should be taken to inform patients with visits involving these characteristics that they may experience longer than average wait times.
Repeatability of Peripapillary Optical Coherence Tomography Angiography Parameters in Older Adults
Authors: Robbins Cason B. , Grewal Dilraj S. , Thompson Atalie C. , Yoon Stephen P. , Plassman Brenda L. , Fekrat Sharon
Published: October 2020

Purpose:

This work assesses the intrasession repeatability of capillary perfusion density (CPD) and capillary flux index (CFI) measurements on peripapillary optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in healthy eyes of older adults.

Methods:

In this cross-sectional study, healthy volunteers aged 50 years or older underwent 4.5 × 4.5 mm OCTA imaging centered on the optic nerve head using Zeiss Cirrus HD-5000 AngioPlex (Carl Zeiss Meditec). Two consecutive images were acquired in the same eye during a single study session. CPD and CFI were assessed using AngioPlex Software (version 11.0.0.29946) for the radial peripapillary capillary plexus (average over whole scan area) and 4 quadrants (superior, inferior, temporal, and nasal). CPD and CFI repeatability was assessed by intraclass correlation (ICC), mean interocular differences using 2-tailed t test, and association with age using generalized estimating equations.

Results:

A total of 150 images were acquired from 75 eyes of 47 patients. For CPD, ICC results ranged from 0.7160 (nasal CPD) to 0.9218 (average CPD). For CFI, ICC results ranged from 0.6167 (temporal CFI) to 0.8976 (inferior CFI). Temporal CFI was significantly different between right and left eyes of the same patient ( P = .03). CPD and CFI decreased with age in all analyses (average CPD β coefficient –0.00172, P < .001; average CFI β coefficient −0.00278, P < .001).

Conclusions:

Moderate to good repeatability was observed for most peripapillary OCTA metrics; temporal measurements were least repeatable for CPD and CFI. Peripapillary CPD and CFI decrease with age even beyond the fifth decade in healthy older adults.
Methamphetamine Abuse Presenting as Stroke Related to the Cardiac Thrombus: A Case Report
Authors: Shakerian Behnam , Jebelli Mohammad
Published: October 2020

Methamphetamine has become a drug of widespread use in young abusers in Iran. It may induce hypertension, vasospasm, and direct vascular toxicity. Harmful consequences are common, including cardiac and cerebrovascular accidents. This is a report of a 37-year-old man with a 3-year history of drug use that presented to the emergency department within 30 min of the onset of syncope followed by speech difficulty and right-sided weakness. The patient had an extensive ischemic stroke because of left ventricular apical thrombus without any other significant risk factors such as hypertension, alcohol abuse, or ischemic heart disease.
Artificial intelligence in pulmonary medicine: computer vision, predictive model and COVID-19
Authors: Khemasuwan Danai , Sorensen Jeffrey S. , Colt Henri G.
Published: October 2020

Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming healthcare delivery. The digital revolution in medicine and healthcare information is prompting a staggering growth of data intertwined with elements from many digital sources such as genomics, medical imaging and electronic health records. Such massive growth has sparked the development of an increasing number of AI-based applications that can be deployed in clinical practice. Pulmonary specialists who are familiar with the principles of AI and its applications will be empowered and prepared to seize future practice and research opportunities. The goal of this review is to provide pulmonary specialists and other readers with information pertinent to the use of AI in pulmonary medicine. First, we describe the concept of AI and some of the requisites of machine learning and deep learning. Next, we review some of the literature relevant to the use of computer vision in medical imaging, predictive modelling with machine learning, and the use of AI for battling the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 pandemic. We close our review with a discussion of limitations and challenges pertaining to the further incorporation of AI into clinical pulmonary practice.
The integrated stress response in pulmonary disease
Authors: Emanuelli Giulia , Nassehzadeh-Tabriz Nikou , Morrell Nick W. , Marciniak Stefan J.
Published: October 2020

The respiratory tract and its resident immune cells face daily exposure to stress, both from without and from within. Inhaled pathogens, including severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and toxins from pollution trigger a cellular defence system that reduces protein synthesis to minimise viral replication or the accumulation of misfolded proteins. Simultaneously, a gene expression programme enhances antioxidant and protein folding machineries in the lung. Four kinases (PERK, PKR, GCN2 and HRI) sense a diverse range of stresses to trigger this “integrated stress response”. Here we review recent advances identifying the integrated stress response as a critical pathway in the pathogenesis of pulmonary diseases, including pneumonias, thoracic malignancy, pulmonary fibrosis and pulmonary hypertension. Understanding the integrated stress response provides novel targets for the development of therapies.
Targeting coagulation activation in severe COVID-19 pneumonia: lessons from bacterial pneumonia and sepsis
Authors: José Ricardo J. , Williams Andrew , Manuel Ari , Brown Jeremy S. , Chambers Rachel C.
Published: October 2020

Novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has rapidly spread throughout the world, resulting in a pandemic with high mortality. There are no effective treatments for the management of severe COVID-19 and current therapeutic trials are focused on antiviral therapy and attenuation of hyper-inflammation with anti-cytokine therapy. Severe COVID-19 pneumonia shares some pathological similarities with severe bacterial pneumonia and sepsis. In particular, it disrupts the haemostatic balance, which results in a procoagulant state locally in the lungs and systemically. This culminates in the formation of microthrombi, disseminated intravascular coagulation and multi-organ failure. The deleterious effects of exaggerated inflammatory responses and activation of coagulation have been investigated in bacterial pneumonia and sepsis and there is recognition that although these pathways are important for the host immune response to pathogens, they can lead to bystander tissue injury and are negatively associated with survival. In the past two decades, evidence from preclinical studies has led to the emergence of potential anticoagulant therapeutic strategies for the treatment of patients with pneumonia, sepsis and acute respiratory distress syndrome, and some of these anticoagulant approaches have been trialled in humans. Here, we review the evidence from preclinical studies and clinical trials of anticoagulant treatment strategies in bacterial pneumonia and sepsis, and discuss the importance of these findings in the context of COVID-19.
Analysis of drying stresses in green-glued plywood of Bete (Mansonia Altissima) specie
Authors: Makomra Valentin , Oum Lissouck René , Pommier Régis , Ngoc Anh Phan , Breysse Denys , Denaud Louis , Ayina Ohandja Louis Max
Published: October 2020

The wood veneer dried artificially before gluing for the manufacture of plywood generally suffers several damages (cracks, deformations), decreasing the competitiveness of the process and limiting the use of nervous species of wood. The proposed solution is to glue them at the green state. However, during the drying process, superficial and internal cracks are observed. These cracks appear when stresses due to the anisotropic shrinkage of the plywood exceed the mechanical strength of the wood material. In the present study, the response of a 3-ply plywood of Bete (Mansonia altissima) glued at the green state is simulated in order to evaluate these stresses and deformations during drying using a finite element method program. The numerical results and associated experimental data make it possible to better analyze and understand the mechanical behavior of the plywood during drying in order to look for reliable plywood through new process.
Investigations on the Optical Properties of InGaN/GaN Multiple Quantum Wells with Varying GaN Cap Layer Thickness
Authors: Wang Xiaowei , Liang Feng , Zhao Degang , Liu Zongshun , Zhu Jianjun , Yang Jing
Published: October 2020

Three InGaN/GaN MQWs samples with varying GaN cap layer thickness were grown by metalorganic chemical vapor deposition (MOCVD) to investigate the optical properties. We found that a thicker cap layer is more effective in preventing the evaporation of the In composition in the InGaN quantum well layer. Furthermore, the quantum-confined Stark effect (QCSE) is enhanced with increasing the thickness of GaN cap layer. In addition, compared with the electroluminescence measurement results, we focus on the difference of localization states and defects in three samples induced by various cap thickness to explain the anomalies in room temperature photoluminescence measurements. We found that too thin GaN cap layer will exacerbates the inhomogeneity of localization states in InGaN QW layer, and too thick GaN cap layer will generate more defects in GaN cap layer.
Natural alkaloids from narrow-leaf and yellow lupins transfer to soil and soil solution in agricultural fields
Authors: Hama Jawameer R. , Strobel Bjarne W.
Published: October 2020

Background

Lupin is a promising legume crop, belongs to the Fabaceae (or Leguminosae) family. Lupin production for traditional and functional foods or animal feed is limited, due to the content of toxic quinolizidine (QA)s and indole alkaloids (IA)s. These compounds may not only pose a risk to humans and animals through food consumption, but may also affect soil and aquatic ecosystems. Field experiments were conducted to study the alkaloids content in both narrow-leaved or blue (L. angustifolius) and yellow (L. luteus) lupin plant tissue during a full growing season and understand the environmental fate of alkaloids in soil and water. Suction cups were used to collect soil pore water (soil solution) at four depths: 10, 25, 50 and 70 cm. A full protocol for sample preparation and UPLC–MS/MS quantification of alkaloids in plant, soil and water was developed.

Results

During the field experiments the alkaloids in the plant tissues increased, at the harvest stage the content was highest with 21.4 and 24.6 mg/kg dry weight (dw) for blue and yellow lupin, respectively. In soil, alkaloids quantified during the growing season (max concentration was 1.3 × 102 µg/kg dw) and even detected after harvest (0.2 µg/kg dw). In soil pore water samples, alkaloids were not detected during summer, but the concentrations increased to 9.8 × 102 and 1.5 × 103 ng/L for blue and yellow, respectively, in September when autumn precipitation began.

Conclusions

The results show the amount of alkaloids transferred from plant tissue into soil and soil pore water estimated to be on average 0.016% and 0.005% in soil and soil pore water, respectively. Alkaloids leached from topsoil to subsoil layers; the concentrations decline with soil depth. This study demonstrates that alkaloids are mobile compounds in the soil environments, thus lupin production may affect soil or aquatic ecosystems, and reduce water quality.
Exhaust emission factors of greenhouse gases (GHGs) from European road vehicles
Authors: Clairotte Michaël , Suarez-Bertoa Ricardo , Zardini Alessandro A. , Giechaskiel Barouch , Pavlovic Jelica , Valverde Victor , Ciuffo Biagio , Astorga Covadonga
Published: October 2020

Background

Road transport is an important contributor to the European Union’s total greenhouse gas emissions. This study aims at summarizing methane (CH4) and nitrous oxide (N2O) exhaust emissions from L-category, light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles in the European Union. The assessment is based on measurements carried out in the Vehicle Emission Laboratory of the Joint Research Centre between 2009 and 2019. The exhaust chemical composition from a fleet of 38 L-category vehicles Euro 1 to Euro 4 (2- and 3-wheelers, small quadricycles such as quads and minicars), 63 light-duty vehicles from Euro 5b to Euro 6d-TEMP (passenger cars, including hybrid vehicles), and 27 light commercial and heavy-duty vehicles from pre-Euro I to Euro VI (including lorries, buses and garbage trucks) was analyzed by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy.

Results

CH4 emission factors monitored were from 1 to 234 mg/km for L-category vehicles (mean: 39 mg/km), from 0.1 to 40 mg/km for light-duty vehicles (mean: 7 mg/km), and from non-detectable to 320 mg/km for heavy-duty vehicles (mean: 19 mg/km). N2O emission factors monitored were from non-detectable to 5 mg/km for L-category vehicles (mean: 1 mg/km), from non-detectable to 40 mg/km for light-duty vehicles (mean: 7 mg/km), and from non-detectable to 118 mg/km for heavy-duty vehicles (mean: 19 mg/km). According to the 100-year Global Warming Potential of these greenhouse gases, these emissions corresponded to a range from negligible up to 9 g/km of CO2-equivalent for CH4 and from negligible up to 32 g/km of CO2-equivalent for N2O.

Conclusions

The higher contributors of CH4 were the two-stroke mopeds included in the L-category vehicles, while the higher emissions of N2O were found in the modern (Euro 5–6 or Euro V–VI) diesel light- and heavy-duty vehicles. Among them, vehicles complying with Euro 6 and Euro VI standard were associated to higher N2O emissions compared to those associated to Euro 5 and pre-Euro IV standards, which could be attributed to the introduction of the after-treatment systems designed to fulfill more stringent NOx standards. These updated emission factors and unique on its kind database represent a source of information for legislators and modelers to better assess the greenhouse gas emission reduction in the EU transport sector.
A case of germline mosaicism for a 7q32.1q33 deletion in a sperm donor: consequences on pregnancy follow-up and recommendations
Authors: Chalas Celine , Receveur Aline , Frydman Nelly , Massin Nathalie , Tachdjian Gerard , Drouineaud Veronique , Benachi Alexandra , Patrat Catherine , Petit Francois Michael
Published: October 2020

Background

Germline mosaicism is considered to be a rare event. However, its occurrence is underestimated due to the limited availability of germ cells. The genomic variations that underlie this phenomenon comprise single nucleotide polymorphism (SNPs), copy number variations (CNVs) and aneuploidies. In the case of CNVs, deletions are more frequent in the paternal germline while duplications are more commonly maternal in origin. Germline mosaicism increases with paternal age as the risk of SNPs increase with the number of germ cell divisions. We here report a case of germline mosaicism in the spermatozoa of a donor that resulted in one pathological pregnancy.

Results

Straws from the same sperm donor were provided to seven recipient couples, resulting in four pregnancies. Second trimester ultrasound analysis revealed bilateral talipes equinovarus associated with growth retardation in one of these pregnancies. Array-comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) carried out after amniocentesis revealed a 4 Mb deletion in the 7q32.1q33 region. The blood karyotypes and array-CGHs were normal in the mother, as well as in the donor. However, the microsatellite profile indicated a paternal origin. Fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis of the donor’s spermatozoa revealed the same chromosomal rearrangements in 12% of the spermatozoa population. Due to the documented risk of mental retardation associated with genomic rearrangements in the same region, the couple decided to terminate the pregnancy. Amniocentesis was performed in the other couples, which yielded normal FISH analysis results.

Conclusions

Several cases of germline mosaicism have been reported to date, but their frequency is probably underestimated. Moreover, it is important to note that germline mosaicism cannot be ruled out by conventional cytogenetic screening of blood cells. This case highlights the need for close follow-up of every pregnancy obtained through gamete donation, given that the occurrence of germline mosaicism may have major consequences when multiple pregnancies are obtained concomitantly.
Meta-analyses of genome wide association studies in lines of laying hens divergently selected for feather pecking using imputed sequence level genotypes
Authors: Falker-Gieske Clemens , Iffland Hanna , Preuß Siegfried , Bessei Werner , Drögemüller Cord , Bennewitz Jörn , Tetens Jens
Published: October 2020

Background

Feather pecking (FP) is damaging behavior in laying hens leading to global economic losses in the layer industry and massive impairments of animal welfare. The objective of the study was to discover genetic variants and affected genes that lead to FP behavior. To achieve that we imputed low-density genotypes from two different populations of layers divergently selected for FP to sequence level by performing whole genome sequencing on founder and half-sib individuals. In order to decipher the genetic structure of FP, genome wide association studies and meta-analyses of two resource populations were carried out by focusing on the traits ‘feather pecks delivered’ (FPD) and the ‘posterior probability of a hen to belong to the extreme feather pecking subgroup’ (pEFP).

Results

In this meta-analysis, we discovered numerous genes that are affected by polymorphisms significantly associated with the trait FPD. Among them SPATS2L, ZEB2, KCHN8, and MRPL13 which have been previously connected to psychiatric disorders with the latter two being responsive to nicotine treatment. Gene set enrichment analysis revealed that phosphatidylinositol signaling is affected by genes identified in the GWAS and that the Golgi apparatus as well as brain structure may be involved in the development of a FP phenotype. Further, we were able to validate a previously discovered QTL for the trait pEFP on GGA1, which contains variants affecting NIPA1, KIAA1211L, AFF3, and TSGA10.

Conclusions

We provide evidence for the involvement of numerous genes in the propensity to exhibit FP behavior that could aid in the selection against this unwanted trait. Furthermore, we identified variants that are involved in phosphatidylinositol signaling, Golgi metabolism and cell structure and therefore propose changes in brain structure to be an influential factor in FP, as already described in human neuropsychiatric disorders.
Cytokine profile in the sputum of subjects with post-tuberculosis airflow obstruction and in those with tobacco related chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Guiedem Elise , Pefura-Yone Eric Walter , Ikomey George Mondinde , Nkenfou Céline Nguefeu , Mesembe Martha , Yivala Mbanyamsig Mispa , Chendi Bih Hycenta , Jacobs Graeme Brendon , Chegou Novel Njweipi , Okomo Marie Claire Assoumou
Published: October 2020

Background

Previous studies have shown that tuberculosis (TB) is a risk factor for chronic airflow limitation. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is recognized as the result of chronic inflammation, usually related to noxious particles. Post-TB airflow obstruction and tobacco-related COPD have the same functional pathway characterized by persistent airflow limitation. We sought to compare the profile of 29 cytokines in the sputum of subjects with post-TB airflow obstruction and those with COPD related to tobacco.

Results

The forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1) and forced expiratory volume/forced vital capacity (FEV/FVC) ratio were lower in the COPD patients with the history of smoking compared to the post-TB airflow obstruction subgroup. The stages of the disease were more advanced in COPD / tobacco patients.

Among the cytokines, IL-1α, IL-1β, MIP-1β, sCD40L and VEGF levels were higher in COPD patients, compared to the controls withpvalues ​​of 0.003, 0.0001, 0.03, 0.0001 and 0.02 respectively. When the two COPD subgroups were compared, IL-1α, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-8 levels were higher in the COPD patients with the history of tobacco compared to the COPD patients with the history of TB withp-values ​​of 0.031, 0.05, 0.021 and 0.016, respectively.

Conclusion

COPD related to tobacco is more severe than post-TB airflow obstruction. The pathogenesis of post-TB airflow obstruction appears to involve the cytokines IL-1RA, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-17, GRO and sCD40L, while COPD related to tobacco involves more cytokines.
Patient and surrogate attitudes via an interviewer-administered survey on exception from informed consent enrollment in the Prehospital Air Medical Plasma (PAMPer) trial
Authors: Campwala Insiyah , Guyette Francis X. , Brown Joshua B. , Adams Peter W. , Early Barbara J. , Yazer Mark H. , Neal Matthew D. , Zuckerbraun Brian S. , Sperry Jason L.
Published: October 2020

Objectives

With increased focus on early resuscitation methods following injury to improve patient outcomes, studies are employing exception from informed consent (EFIC) enrollment. Few studies have assessed patients’ opinions following participation in an EFIC study, and none have been conducted within the realm of traumatic hemorrhage. We surveyed those patients and surrogates previously enrolled in the Prehospital Air Medical Plasma (PAMPer) Trial to clarify their opinions related to consent and emergency research.

Methods

Telephone calls were made between January–June 2019 to all patients who were enrolled under EFIC in the PAMPer study at the Pittsburgh site (169 of the 501 total patients enrolled, May 2014-Oct 2017) and their surrogates. Questions gauging approval of EFIC enrollment were asked before discussion of PAMPer trial outcomes, after disclosure of positive outcomes, and after a hypothetical negative trial outcome was proposed.

Results

Of the total 647 telephone calls made, ninety-three interviews, reflecting 70 of 169 patient enrollments, were conducted. This included 13 in which only the patient was interviewed, 23 in which the patient and a surrogate were interviewed, and 34 in which only a surrogate was interviewed. Nearly half (48.4%) of respondents did not recall their personal or family member enrollment in the study. No patients or surrogates recalled hearing about the study through community consultation or being aware of opt out procedures. Patients and surrogates were glad they were enrolled (90.3%), agreed with EFIC use for their personal enrollment (88.17%), and agreed with the general use of EFIC for the PAMPer study (81.7%). Disclosure of the true positive PAMPer study outcome resulted in a significant increase in opinions regarding personal enrollment, EFIC for personal enrollment, and EFIC for general enrollment (all p < 0.001). Disclosure of a hypothetical neutral or negative study outcome resulted in significant decreases in opinions regarding EFIC for personal enrollment (p = 0.003) and EFIC for general enrollment (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Clinical trial participants with traumatic hemorrhagic shock enrolled with EFIC, and surrogates of such participants, are generally accepting of EFIC. The results of the trial in which EFIC was utilized significantly affected patient and surrogate agreement with personal and general EFIC enrollment.
Tubercular infection in children living with adults receiving Directly Observed Treatment Short Course (DOTS): a follow up study
Authors: Srivastava Geetika , Faridi M. M. A. , Gupta Shiv Sagar
Published: October 2020

Background

Children living with sputum smear-positive adult tuberculosis (TB) patients are vulnerable to acquire tubercular infection. Contact tracing is an important strategy to control tubercular infection in the community. This study was done to find out prevalence of tuberculosis and tubercular infection in children living with sputum smear-positive adult patients receiving DOTS at recruitment and to find out incidence of tubercular infection and disease in these children on follow up.

Method

Children (< 15 years) living in contact with adults on DOTS were grouped as < 6 years and 6–14 years. They were further sub grouped as being - uninfected, infected, diseased and on prophylaxis and were followed at 3, 6 and 9 months. Tuberculin skin test (TST) and chest X-ray were done.

Results

At recruitment 152 children were enrolled and 21.1% (n = 32) had TB. On follow up, 4.3% (n = 5), 5.8% (n = 6) and 11.6% (n = 11) children developed TB after 3, 6 and 9 months respectively.9 children did not come for the last follow up so the overall prevalence of TB disease at 9 months was 37.7% (n = 54). Out of the 128 children with TST reading 23.4% (n = 30) child contacts were found to be infected already at recruitment. The incidence of TST conversion was 20.7% (n = 18), 26.9% (n = 18) and 16.3% (n = 7) respectively. The overall prevalence of tubercular infection in the children, who were in contact with TB patients for 9 months was 74.5% (n = 73).

Conclusion

About half the children were either suffering from TB or tubercular infection on recruitment. During 9 months follow up 22 unaffected children developed disease and 43acquired infection.
Risk factors for sub–therapeutic serum concentrations of magnesium sulfate in severe preeclampsia of Chinese patients
Authors: Li Jingjing , Tang Lian , Tang Ruiheng , Peng Lan , Chai Liqiang , Zhu Liping , Yu Yanxia
Published: October 2020

Background

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) is the standard drug for eclampsia prophylaxis and treatment. In China, the effective therapeutic serum magnesium level is 1.8–3.0 mmol/L. There is little information on how to achieve and maintain effective therapeutic concentrations. This study aimed to investigate risk factors for sub-therapeutic serum concentrations of MgSO4 in patients with severe preeclampsia.

Methods

Patients with severe preeclampsia who received MgSO4 intravenous infusion were retrospectively reviewed. The maternal demographic characteristics, regimens for the administration of MgSO4, and lab test results of patients were collected. Multivariate logistic regression analysis and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis were conducted for the risk factors influencing the serum magnesium concentration.

Results

A total of 93 patients with severe preeclampsia were included in the study. 52 (55.91%) patients did not attain therapeutic serum magnesium levels. A multivariate logistic regression analysis identified creatinine clearance (Ccr), whether the loading dose was given, and measurement time of serum magnesium concentration (referring to the time from start of MgSO4 infusion to blood draw for serum sampling) as independent risk factors for sub-therapeutic serum magnesium concentration (P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the continuous variable Ccr had a significant predictive value for the serum magnesium concentration, which resulted in a cutoff point of 133 mL/min; while measurement time had limited predictive value, with cutoff point of 2.375 h.

Conclusions

Ccr, whether the loading dose was given, and measurement time were independent risk factors for sub-therapeutic serum magnesium concentration. A loading dose of MgSO4 everytime before the maintenance dose, as well as the duration of MgSO4 maintenance dose of more than 2.375 h are recommended for all the patients with severe PE. Routine evaluation of serum magnesium levels is a recommended practice for women with severe PE and whose Ccr is ≥133 mL/min.