bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of self-isolation and quarantine on loot box spending and excessive gaming—results of a natural experiment
Authors: Hall Lauren C. , Drummond Aaron , Sauer James D. , Ferguson Christopher J.
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 has prompted widespread self-isolation and citywide/countrywide lockdowns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has encouraged increased digital social activities such as video game play to counteract social isolation during the pandemic. However, there is active debate about the potential for video game overuse, and some video games contain randomised purchases (loot boxes) that may psychologically approximate gambling. In this pre-registered study, we examined the effects of self-isolation and quarantine on excessive gaming and loot box spending. We recruited 1,144 (619 male, 499 female, 26 other) Australian, Aotearoa New Zealand, and US residents who self reported being quarantined or self-isolating (n = 447) or not (n = 619) during the COVID-19 pandemic to a cross-sectional natural experiment. We compared the associations between problem gambling symptomology, excessive gaming and loot box spending for isolated and non-isolated participants. Participants completed the Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale, Problem Gambling Severity Index, Internet Gaming Disorder Checklist, a measure of risky engagement with loot boxes, concern about contamination, and reported money spent on loot boxes in the past month, as well as whether they were quarantined or under self-isolation during the pandemic. Although, in our data, excessive gaming and loot box spending were not higher for isolated (self-isolated/ quarantined) compared to non-isolated gamers, the established association between problem gambling symptomology and loot box spending was stronger among isolated gamers than those not isolated. Concerns about being contaminated by germs was also significantly associated with greater excessive gaming and, to a lesser extent, loot box spending irrespective of isolation status. Gamers might be managing concerns about the pandemic with greater video game use, and more problem gamblers may be purchasing loot boxes during the pandemic. It is unclear whether these relationships may represent temporary coping mechanisms which abate when COVID-19 ends. Re-examination as the pandemic subsides may be required. More generally, the results suggest that social isolation during the pandemic may inflate the effect size of some media psychology and gaming effects. We urge caution not to generalise psychological findings from research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to be necessarily representative of the magnitude of relationships when not in a pandemic.
STUDY ON MEDICATION APPROPRIATENESS AMONG GERIATRICS IN TERTIARY CARE TEACHING HOSPITAL
Authors: P Lakshmi , Kuber B Ramya
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Older patients are considered as special population, the pharmaceutical care with focus of increasing medication appropriateness and reducing medication related problems is needed. Elderly patients have a higher prevalence of chronic and multiple illness and physiological changes associated with aging may masquerade as illness. Aim & Objectives: To assess and evaluate the drug prescribing pattern and inappropriate prescribing by using beers criteria 2015 among Geriatric patients. Materials & Methodology: A prospective observational study was conducted in general medicine out-patient department, SVRRGGH, Tirupati for period of 6months.The patients of general medicine out-patient department with age above 65yrs old were included in the study. The Patients who are not willing to participate in the study, inpatients and terminally ill patients were excluded from the study. Results & Discussion: Among 200 patients, distribution of age majority of the patients is male (71%) followed by females (29%), Most of patients have multiple diseases (64%) followed by Single disease (29%). All potentially inappropriate medicines (PIMS) are classified as category A, B, C. Drugs have to be avoided in geriatric patients (Category A) being the most common category of inappropriate as per Beers criteria updated by American Geriatric Society 2015.Our study reported 174 drugs as PIMs. Conclusion: It is also necessary to improve the geriatric care, as this age group possess risk for many diseases and medication use. In future a multidisciplinary approach, steps to be taken involving physicians, nurses and pharmacists has a team for bringing out rational drug use in geriatric population.
Leaf Litter Production and Nutrient Return in Coffee (Coffea canephora) Plantations of Different Ages in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Iloyanomon Cecilia Isibhakhomen , Taiwo Nnenna , Ogbeide Christerbeth Edugie
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the role of leaf litter and its nutrient input on soil fertility levels in coffee plantations of different ages in Ibadan, Nigeria. Four coffee plantations of 11, 19, 24 and 51 years were selected for the study. Each plantation was divided into four blocks where leaf litter, soil and plant samples were collected and analyzed for nutrient .Results indicated that mean total leaf  litter input in these plantations ranged from 2.50 - 3.5 tha-1yr-1  with a minimum in the 11 year old plantation and maximum in the 51 year plantation. Nitrogen input from leaf litter across the coffee plantations ranged from 27.60 – 60.07 kgNha-1year-1, which was insufficient to meet the nitrogen need of coffee trees. This was reflected by the low nitrogen content of soils of the coffee plantation (0.2 g/kg - 0.8 g/kg) which was below the soil critical nitrogen level of 0.9 g/kg recommended for coffee production. Phosphorus input from the leaf litter in the different plantations was also low 0.38 - 1.73 kgPha-1 as evident from the low phosphorus content of the soil 4.49 - 5.94 mg/kg. This was also reflected in the low leaf phosphorus content of 0.14 - 0.23 g/kg. The potassium content of the leaf litter was also insufficient 17- 55.8 kg Kha-1. Calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc were sufficient. Coffee leaf litter contributes considerable amount of nutrient to natural soil fertility management of coffee plantations but this is inadequate to meet the nutrient requirement of coffee. There is therefore need for application of fertilizer to supply limiting nutrients.
Care of the Covid-19 Patients: Experiences of Health Workers in Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Uzosike Tondor Cleopatra , Dan-Jumbo Alali , Bob-Manuel Mienye , Alali Aloni A. , Lawson Danagogo S.
Published: February 2021

Background: Frontline health workers are faced with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for patients infected with the Coronavirus and this has seriously affected their physical and mental health status due to the rapid spread of the disease globally and the unprepared state of health workers who were recruited with little or no skills in infectious disease care. This study describes the experiences of healthcare workers involved in the management of COVID-19 patients.

Methods: A qualitative study design was employed, using a phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted by telephone on health workers selected purposively from the four COVID-19 treatment centers. The health workers consisted of seven doctors, three nurses, and two hygienists.

Results: Data collected were transcribed and content analysis was done using Atlas. Ti. Some major highlights identified include; the bravery and commitment of health workers despite their proximity to patients, the anxiety and fear of becoming infected, the inconveniencing nature of the PPEs and its effect on their work efficiency, the patients mental and health status on admission (denial, fear, co-morbidities, need for special attention), and other challenges (boredom, shortage of personal protective equipment and medications, the need for special diet and privacy by some patients). Suggestions that emerged were; training, government action, and installing security cameras in patients’ wards. 

Conclusion: Findings indicate the need for training health workers to enhance preparedness for future pandemics, provision of psycho-social support for health workers and patients, and government commitment.
Suction Monitoring and Stability of Volcanic-Residual Soil Slope during Rainfall
Authors: Muntohar Agus Setyo , Fata Nurul , Jotisankasa Apiniti , Yang Kuo-Hsin
Published: February 2021

Some slopes in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, were covered by volcanic soil of the quaternary deposit of Merapi volcano. Typically, the soil layers of the slope consist of fine sand or silty sand. During the wet season (November – February), the slope is prone to instability due to rainfall infiltration. This paper presents the field suction monitoring of silty-sand slope. A 2.57 m high slope at Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta campus was instrumented with a mini tensiometer, moisture probe, and rain gauge to study the effect of suction on the slope stability during rainfall in wet season. The investigation shows that the rainfall decreases the suction and increase the moisture of soil. This situation leads to slope instability. The factor of safety fluctuates corresponding to the rainfall intensity. The lowest factor of safety was attained on 30 December, in which the rainfall intensity is the highest, i.e. 48 mm/day.
Psychological and medical applications of certain innovative therapies in correctional settings: Clinician, staff, and client observations from three institutions
Authors:   University of Colorado, USA, Hartung John , Leal Morales Norma Alicia
Published: February 2021

Three field studies are described in which Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and similar innovative therapies were used to treat residents of different correctional settings. Clients in a juvenile residential facility, an adult community corrections center, and an adult county jail were treated for psychological and medical complaints. The authors summarize how the practices were adapted to specific settings, how challenges were approached, and what staff and clients said about the programs. Though the sites and applications differed, some common findings and recommendations for future research are noted.
Routes of women submitted to cesariana in the public health care sector
Authors: Lima Sarah Dias Silva , Nakano Andreza Rodrigues
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: explorar os itinerários de cuidados à gestação e ao parto de mulheres submetidas à cesariana no setor público de saúde. Métodos: estudo qualitativo no qual foram analisadas 16 entrevistas com usuárias do setor público, de municípios do Rio de Janeiro, entre os anos de 2011 e 2012, com intervalo de 6 a 18 meses pós-parto. Estudo aprovado pelo CEP do IFF/FIOCRUZ, CAAE: 60909616.3.0000.5269. Resultados: realizar o pré-natal em serviços de saúde, fazer exames laboratoriais e ultrassonográficos são cuidados presentes nos itinerários de todas as entrevistadas, e a participação da família reforça estes cuidados. A maioria sabia qual maternidade procurar para o parto e entendia que a via seria definida por indicações médicas. Conclusão: Prevalece o cuidado à dimensão biológica da gestação e do parto, e a cesariana aparece como parte do acervo de cuidados e não como uma escolha. Descritores: Cesárea, Parto, Sistema Único de Saúde
Demand for microbiological cultures and prevalence of microorganisms in a university hospital from the pernambuco state
Authors: Brito Maria da Penha Silva de
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: Verificar a demanda de hemoculturas, aspirados traqueais e uroculturas realizadas no HU-UNIVASF/EBSERH e a prevalência dos microrganismos identificados no período de janeiro à junho de 2016. Métodos: Estudo retrospectivo documental com abordagem quantitativa. Resultados: O setor de microbiologia realizou 488 hemoculturas, 427 uroculturas e 197 aspirados traqueais. A positividade de hemoculturas mostrou-se entre 10,9 à 25,7%, e o percentual de contaminações variou de 6,8 à 14,0%. Os microrganismos mais prevalência nas hemoculturas foram Staphylococcus epidermidis (23,7%), Staphylococcus aureus (19,3%) e Klebisiella pneumoniae (9,6%). Nas uroculturas foram Klebisiella pneumoniae (23,1%), Candida sp. (13,5%) e Escherichia coli (12,5%). Nos aspirados traqueais foram Acinetobacter baumannii (29,2%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (26,6%) e Staphylococcus aureus (16,2%). Conclusão: A cultura mais solicitada foi hemocultura. A bactéria mais prevalente nas hemoculturas foi Staphylococcus epidermidis, nos aspirados traqueais Acinetobacter baumannii e nas uroculturas Klebisiella pneumoniae. Descritores: Hemocultura, microrganismos, infecção hospitalar, prevalência.
Doxorubicin‐induced senescence promotes stemness and tumorigenicity in EpCAM−/CD133− nonstem cell population in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HuH‐7
Authors: Karabicici Mustafa , Alptekin Sena , Fırtına Karagonlar Zeynep , Erdal Esra
Published: February 2021

The therapeutic induction of senescence is a potential means to treat cancer, primarily acting through the induction of a persistent growth‐arrested state in tumors. However, recent studies have indicated that therapy‐induced senescence (TIS) in tumor cells allows for the prolonged survival of a subgroup of cells in a dormant state, with the potential to re‐enter the cell cycle along with an increased stemness gene expression. Residual cells after TIS with increased cancer stem cell phenotype may have profound implications for tumor aggressiveness and disease recurrence. Herein, we investigated senescence‐associated stemness in EpCAM+/CD133+ liver cancer stem cell and EpCAM−/CD133− nonstem cell populations in HuH7 cell line. We demonstrated that treatment with doxorubicin induces senescence in both cell populations, accompanied by a significant increase in the expression of reprogramming genes SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC as well as liver stemness‐related genes EpCAM, CK19, and ANXA3 and the multidrug resistance‐related gene ABCG2. Moreover, doxorubicin treatment significantly increased EpCAM + population in nonstem cells indicating senescence‐associated reprogramming of nonstem cell population. Also, Wnt/β‐catenin target genes were increased in these cells, while inhibition of this signaling pathway decreased stem cell gene expression. Importantly, Dox‐treated EpCAM−/CD133− nonstem cells had increased in vivo tumor‐forming ability. In addition, when SASP‐CM from Dox‐treated cells were applied onto hİPSC‐derived hepatocytes, senescence was induced in hepatocytes along with an increased expression of TGF‐β, KLF4, and AXIN2. Importantly, SASP‐CM was not able to induce senescence in Hep3B‐TR cells, a derivative line rendered resistant to TGF‐β signaling. Furthermore, ELISA experiments revealed that the SASP‐CM of Dox‐treated cells contain inflammatory cytokines IL8 and IP10. In summary, our findings further emphasize the importance of carefully dissecting the beneficial and detrimental aspects of prosenescence therapy in HCC and support the potential use of senolytic drugs in HCC treatment in order to eliminate adverse effects of TIS.
Tislelizumab uniquely binds to the CC′ loop of PD‐1 with slow‐dissociated rate and complete PD‐L1 blockage
Authors: Hong Yuan , Feng Yingcai , Sun Hanzi , Zhang Bo , Wu Hongfu , Zhu Qing , Li Yucheng , Zhang Tong , Zhang Yilu , Cui Xinxin , Li Zhuo , Song Xiaomin , Li Kang , Liu Mike , Liu Ye
Published: February 2021

Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD‐1), an immune checkpoint receptor expressed by activated T, B, and NK cells, is a well‐known target for cancer immunotherapy. Tislelizumab (BGB‐A317) is an anti‐PD‐1 antibody that has recently been approved for treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and urothelial carcinoma. Here, we show that tislelizumab displayed remarkable antitumor efficacy in a B16F10/GM‐CSF mouse model. Structural biology and Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) analyses revealed unique epitopes of tislelizumab, and demonstrated that the CC′ loop of PD‐1, a region considered to be essential for binding to PD‐1 ligand 1 (PD‐L1) but not reported as targeted by other therapeutic antibodies, significantly contributes to the binding of tislelizumab. The binding surface of tislelizumab on PD‐1 overlaps largely with that of the PD‐L1. SPR analysis revealed the extremely slow dissociation rate of tislelizumab from PD‐1. Both structural and functional analyses align with the observed ability of tislelizumab to completely block PD‐1/PD‐L1 interaction, broadening our understanding of the mechanism of action of anti‐PD‐1 antibodies.
Probability of occurrence and phenology of pine wilt disease transmission by insect vectors in the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Atkins David H. , Davis Thomas S. , Stewart Jane E.
Published: February 2021

1. Pine wilt disease, caused by pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; abbreviated ‘PWN’), is a damaging and globally distributed insect‐vectored forest pathogen. Native forest tree mortality associated with PWN is newly reported from the Front Range of Colorado, but there is no regional information on PWN frequency or biology of local insect vectors, limiting management options.

2. A sampling array was established to survey PWN in native pines (Pinus ponderosa) and longhorn beetles (Monochamus clamatorandM. scutellatus) over 2 years and across natural and urban forest landscapes. We developed flight phenology models and evaluated effects of landscape factors on vector abundance and probability of infection.

3. Flight phenology was similar for vectors;Monochamusflight initiated in mid‐July and continued into October for both species. We report the firstM. clamator–PWN association in the United States. PWN was distributed in the region at rates lower than reported from its putative native range: 3.6 and 4.2% of sampled pines and beetles, respectively, tested positive for PWN. Many host trees were outwardly asymptomatic; infection frequency in tree populations varied considerably and four epicentres of vector infectivity were identified.

4. Epicentres varied in timing of anomalous infective vector frequency – some epicentres had high abundances of infected beetles early in the growing season whereas others had high abundances of infected beetles late in the growing season, though PWN‐positive beetles were captured at all sites.Monochamuspopulations were found primarily in natural forest stands but migrated to urban areas late in the growing season. The only landscape factor positively correlated with abundances of bothMonochamusspecies was distance to previous wildfire.

5. PWN epicentres in the southern Rocky Mountains exhibit specific temporal windows of vector activity that differ from proximal sites. Urban forests, where the disease was initially observed in the region, do not support vector populations. Our results suggest that natural forest landscapes in the region are important reservoirs of PWN, and vector populations are especially abundant near burned stands. Collectively, our findings are important for timing disease management activities appropriately and help to distinguish priority areas for mitigation efforts.
Giant and Reversible Barocaloric Effect in Trinuclear Spin‐Crossover Complex Fe3(bntrz)6(tcnset)6
Authors: Romanini Michela , Wang YiXu , Gürpinar Kübra , Ornelas Gladys , Lloveras Pol , Zhang Yan , Zheng Wenkai , Barrio Maria , Aznar Araceli , Gràcia‐Condal Adrià , Emre Baris , Atakol Orhan , Popescu Catalin , Zhang Hu , Long Yi , Balicas Luis , Lluís Tamarit Josep , Planes Antoni , Shatruk Michael , Mañosa Lluís
Published: February 2021

A giant barocaloric effect (BCE) in a molecular material Fe3(bntrz)6(tcnset)6 (FBT) is reported, where bntrz = 4‐(benzyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole and tcnset = 1,1,3,3‐tetracyano‐2‐thioethylepropenide. The crystal structure of FBT contains a trinuclear transition metal complex that undergoes an abrupt spin‐state switching between the state in which all three FeII centers are in the high‐spin (S = 2) electronic configuration and the state in which all of them are in the low‐spin (S = 0) configuration. Despite the strongly cooperative nature of the spin transition, it proceeds with a negligible hysteresis and a large volumetric change, suggesting that FBT should be a good candidate for producing a large BCE. Powder X‐ray diffraction and calorimetry reveal that the material is highly susceptible to applied pressure, as the transition temperature spans the range from 318 at ambient pressure to 383 K at 2.6 kbar. Despite the large shift in the spin‐transition temperature, its nonhysteretic character is maintained under applied pressure. Such behavior leads to a remarkably large and reversible BCE, characterized by an isothermal entropy change of 120 J kg−1 K−1 and an adiabatic temperature change of 35 K, which are among the highest reversible values reported for any caloric material thus far.
Evolutionary divergence of potential drought adaptations between two subspecies of an annual plant: Are trait combinations facilitated, independent, or constrained?
Authors: Burnette Timothy E. , Eckhart Vincent M.
Published: February 2021

Premise

Whether drought‐adaptation mechanisms tend to evolve together, evolve independently, or evolve constrained by genetic architecture is incompletely resolved, particularly for water‐relations traits besides gas exchange. We addressed this issue in two subspecies of Clarkia xantiana (Onagraceae), California winter annuals that separated approximately 65,000 years ago and are adapted, partly by differences in flowering time, to native ranges differing in precipitation.

Methods

In these subspecies and in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between them, we scored traits related to drought adaptation (timing of seed germination and of flowering, succulence, pressure–volume curve variables) in common environments.

Results

The subspecies native to more arid environments (parviflora) exhibited slower seed germination in saturated conditions, earlier flowering, and greater succulence, likely indicating superior drought avoidance, drought escape, and dehydration resistance via water storage. The other subspecies (xantiana) had lower osmotic potential at full turgor and lower water potential at turgor loss, implying superior dehydration tolerance. Genetic correlations among RILs suggest facilitated evolution of some trait combinations and independence of others. Where genetic correlations exist, subspecies differences fell along them, with the exception of differences in succulence and turgor loss point. In that case, subspecies difference overcame genetic correlations, possibly reflecting strong selection and/or antagonistic genetic correlations with other traits.

Conclusions

Clarkia xantiana subspecies’ differ in multiple mechanisms of drought adaptation. Genetic architecture generally does not seem to have constrained the evolution of these mechanisms, and it may have facilitated the evolution of some of trait combinations.
Sleep duration is related to increased mortality risk through white blood cell counts in a large national sample
Authors: Shattuck Eric C. , Sparks Corey S.
Published: February 2021

Objectives

Sleep, like many biological processes, is linked with immunity and inflammation such that “abnormal” sleep is associated with changes in circulating immune cells. These sleep patterns are also associated with increased mortality risk, and it may be that altered immune cell counts are one biological pathway through which sleep affects mortality. We used NHANES survey data to examine the associations between sleep duration, total white blood cell (WBC) count, and mortality from biological causes.

Methods

Several waves of public NHANES data (2005–2011; n = 11 353, ages 18+) were analyzed using bivariate statistics and causal mediation models including corrections for complex survey design.

Results

Deceased individuals were characterized by higher WBC but lower monocyte counts relative to surviving individuals. Significant associations between sleep duration, total WBC count, monocytes and mortality were found, as were marginally significant relationships between sleep and these cell counts. Significant mediated effects of sleep on mortality were found. Including covariates known to affect mortality, such as BMI, age, and self‐reported health resulted in a nonsignificant mediated effect of sleep on mortality for monocytes, while mediated effects for total WBC count remained.

Conclusions

This large, cross‐sectional analysis suggests that sleep duration is associated with changes in mortality risk through—in part—effects on leukocyte count. These findings support an immunological/inflammatory pathway linking sleep and mortality. Further research in populations with quantitatively different sleep patterns can determine whether this sleep‐immune‐mortality pathway is restricted to Western, industrial samples or is characteristic of humans in general.
Learning in Stereo: The Relationship Between Spatial Ability and 3D Digital Anatomy Models
Authors: Labranche Leah , Wilson Timothy D. , Terrell Mark , Kulesza Randy J.
Published: February 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) digital anatomical models show potential to demonstrate complex anatomical relationships; however, the literature is inconsistent as to whether they are effective in improving the anatomy performance, particularly for students with low spatial visualization ability (Vz). This study investigated the educational effectiveness of a 3D stereoscopic model of the pelvis, and the relationship between learning with 3D models and Vz. It was hypothesized that participants learning with a 3D pelvis model would outperform participants learning with a two‐dimensional (2D) visualization or cadaveric specimen on a spatial anatomy test, particularly when comparing those with low Vz. Participants (n = 64) were stratified into three experimental groups, who each attended a learning session with either a 3D stereoscopic model (n = 21), 2D visualization (n = 21), or cadaveric specimen (n = 22) of the pelvis. Medical and pre‐medical student participants completed a multiple‐choice pre‐test and post‐test during their respective learning session, and a long‐term retention (LTR) test 2 months later. Results showed no difference in anatomy test improvement or LTR performance between the experimental groups. A simple linear regression analysis showed that within the 3D group, participants with high Vz tended to retain more than those with low Vz on the LTR test (R2 = 0.31,P = 0.01). The low Vz participants may be cognitively overloaded by the complex spatial cues from the 3D stereoscopic model. Results of this study should inform resource selection and curriculum design for health professional students, with attention to the impact of Vz on learning.
The photon time delay in magnetized medium magnetosphere
Authors: Jorge Adrián William Romero , Rodríguez Querts Elizabeth , Pérez Martínez Aurora , Pérez Rojas Hugo
Published: February 2021

We calculate the time delay for photons propagating in a charged electron‐positron gas at finite temperature and in an external magnetic field with the final aim of studying the effect for photons in a neutron star magnetosphere. The dispersion relations are solved in terms of analytic functions, in the degenerate, strong magnetic field, and ultra‐relativistic limit. For fixed values of frequency, temperature, and chemical potential, we study the dependence of photon time delay with the magnetic field strength, as well as with distance. For the latter, we adopt a magnetic dipole configuration and obtain that, according to the expectation, photons of higher energy experience a minor time delay. Obtained results are compared with the previous ones obtained for the photon time delay in vacuum magnetosphere.
Genomic and Targeted Approaches Unveil the Cell Membrane as a Major Target of the Antifungal Cytotoxin Amantelide A
Authors: Elsadek Lobna A. , Matthews James H. , Nishimura Shinichi , Nakatani Takahiro , Ito Airi , Gu Tongjun , Luo Danmeng , Salvador‐Reyes Lilibeth A. , Paul Valerie J. , Kakeya Hideaki , Luesch Hendrik
Published: February 2021

Amantelide A, a polyhydroxylated macrolide isolated from a marine cyanobacterium, displays broad‐spectrum activity against mammalian cells, bacterial pathogens, and marine fungi. We conducted comprehensive mechanistic studies to identify the molecular targets and pathways affected by amantelide A. Our investigations relied on chemical structure similarities with compounds of known mechanisms, yeast knockout mutants, yeast chemogenomic profiling, and direct biochemical and biophysical methods. We established that amantelide A exerts its antifungal action by binding to ergosterol‐containing membranes followed by pore formation and cell death, a mechanism partially shared with polyene antifungals. Binding assays demonstrated that amantelide A also binds to membranes containing epicholesterol or mammalian cholesterol, thus suggesting that the cytotoxicity to mammalian cells might be due to its affinity to cholesterol‐containing membranes. However, membrane interactions were not completely dependent on sterols. Yeast chemogenomic profiling suggested additional direct or indirect effects on actin. Accordingly, we performed actin polymerization assays, which suggested that amantelide A also promotes actin polymerization in cell‐free systems. However, the C‐33 acetoxy derivative amantelide B showed a similar effect on actin dynamics in vitro but no significant activity against yeast. Overall, these studies suggest that the membrane effects are the most functionally relevant for amantelide A mechanism of action.
In‐hospital outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair in patients with and without end stage renal disease: A national propensity match study
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zia , Zahid Salman , Khan Muhammad U. , Kichloo Asim , Jamal Shakeel , Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Balla Sudarshan
Published: February 2021

Objectives

To study trends of utilization, outcomes, and cost of care in patients undergoing undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).

Background

Renal disease has been known to be a predictor of poor outcome in patients with mitral valve disease. Outcome data for patients with ESRD undergoing TMVr remains limited. Therefore, our study aims to investigate trends of utilization, outcomes, and cost of care among patients with ESRD undergoing TMVr.

Methods

We analyzed NIS data from January 2010 to December 2017 using the ICD‐9‐CM codes ICD‐10‐CM to identify patients who underwent TMVr. Baseline characteristics were compared using a Pearson 𝜒2 test for categorical variables and independent samples t‐test for continuous variables. Propensity matched analysis was done for adjusted analysis to compare outcomes between TMVr with and without ESRD. Markov chain Monte Carlo was used to account for missing values.

Results

A total of 15,260 patients (weighted sample) undergoing TMVr were identified between 2010 and 2017. Of these, 638 patients had ESRD compared to 14,631 patients who did not have ESRD. Adjusted in‐hospital mortality was lower in non‐ESRD group (3.9 vs. <1.8%). Similarly, ESRD patients were more likely to have non‐home discharges (85.6 vs. 74.9%). ESRD patients also had a longer mean length of stay (7.9 vs. 13.5 days) and higher mean cost of stay ($306,300 vs. $271,503).

Conclusion

ESRD is associated with higher mortality, complications, and resource utilization compared to non‐ESRD patients. It is important to include this data in shared decision‐making process and patient selection.
Mycobacterium szulgai pulmonary infection in a vitamin D–deficient patient: A case report
Authors: Lotfi Hadi , Sankian Mojtaba , Meshkat Zahra , Khalifeh Soltani Ahmad , Aryan Ehsan
Published: February 2021

Closer attention should be paid to vitamin D status in patients with mycobacterial diseases.
Financial profiles of workers most vulnerable to coronavirus‐related earnings loss in the spring of 2020
Authors: Helppie‐McFall Brooke , Hsu Joanne W.
Published: February 2021

In the spring of 2020, the COVID‐19 pandemic and related shutdowns had huge effects on unemployment. Using data from the Survey of Consumer Finances, we describe the financial profiles of US families whose workers were most vulnerable to coronavirus‐related earnings losses in the spring of 2020, based on whether a particular worker was deemed “essential” and whether a worker's job could be conducted remotely. We use descriptive analytic techniques to examine how families' baseline financial situations would allow them to weather COVID‐shutdown‐related earnings losses. We find that families with non‐teleworkable workers who were most vulnerable to layoff also had both demographic and financial profiles that are associated with greater vulnerability to income shocks: non‐teleworkable families were more likely to be people of color and single wage‐earners, and also to have less savings. The median non‐teleworkable family, whether in non‐essential or essential occupations, held only 3 weeks of income in savings, underscoring the importance of policy measures to blunt the financial effects of the COVID crisis.
Stability of kinetic parameters of Co3O4/CeO2 catalyzed methane combustion
Authors: Nasr Somaye , Hayes Robert E. , Semagina Natalia
Published: February 2021

The work assesses the effect of hydrothermal ageing on the kinetic parameters of lean methane combustion catalyzed by cobalt oxide supported on ceria. The reactions are performed at model conditions relevant to the exhaust of natural gas vehicles, that is, at temperatures between 200°C‐550°C with 0.05 mL/mL (5 vol%) and 0.10 mL/mL (10 vol%) of water in the feed, as well as in the dry feed. The addition of 0.05 mL/mL (5 vol%) of water results in a double decrease of the rate constant, which is not affected by further water increase to 0.10 mL/mL (10 vol%). The reactions in the dry and wet feeds show zero order to water and first order to methane; the activation energy of 73 kJ/mol is the same for all conditions for the supported and unsupported cobalt oxide catalysts. After 100 hours on stream, the supported catalyst shows the same methane conversion as the fresh catalyst.
Homogeneously catalyzed depolymerization of lignin from organosolv medium: Characterization, optimization, and minimization of coke formation
Authors: Süss Raphaela , Kamm Birgit , Arnezeder David , Zeilerbauer Lukas , Paulik Christian
Published: February 2021

This study focused on maximizing yields of oligomeric and monomeric products while minimizing coke formation in the depolymerization of lignin from an organosolv medium. A design of experiments (DoE) with temperature, time, and ethanol‐water ratio as factors was established and tested. Optimized reaction conditions were found at 185.4°C with 7.5 wt% sodium hydroxide as catalyst, an ethanol‐water ratio of 48.6% (v/v), and a residence time of 30 minutes. With these optimized parameters, maximum monomer and oligomer yields of 9.4 wt% and 86.2 wt% and minimized coke formation of 0.5 wt% were achieved. The oligomeric and monomeric products were characterized by GPC, GC‐MS, and OH‐group determination (Folin‐Ciocalteu).
Malaria Pigment Crystals: The Achilles′ Heel of the Malaria Parasite
Authors: Kapishnikov Sergey , Hempelmann Ernst , Elbaum Michael , Als‐Nielsen Jens , Leiserowitz Leslie
Published: February 2021

The biogenic formation of hemozoin crystals, a crucial process in heme detoxification by the malaria parasite, is reviewed as an antimalarial drug target. We first focus on the in‐vivo formation of hemozoin. A model is presented, based on native‐contrast 3D imaging obtained by X‐ray and electron microscopy, that hemozoin nucleates at the inner membrane leaflet of the parasitic digestive vacuole, and grows in the adjacent aqueous medium. Having observed quantities of hemoglobin and hemozoin in the digestive vacuole, we present a model that heme liberation from hemoglobin and hemozoin formation is an assembly‐line process. The crystallization is preceded by reaction between heme monomers yielding hematin dimers involving fewer types of isomers than in synthetic hemozoin; this is indicative of protein‐induced dimerization. Models of antimalarial drugs binding onto hemozoin surfaces are reviewed. This is followed by a description of bromoquine, a chloroquine drug analogue, capping a significant fraction of hemozoin surfaces within the digestive vacuole and accumulation of the drug, presumably a bromoquine–hematin complex, at the vacuole's membrane.
Von‐Kries‐enhanced chromaticity gamut
Authors: Brill Michael H.
Published: February 2021

This note describes a way of extending the physical lights inside the spectrum locus to supersaturated colors related to them by a Von Kries transformation. The extension is one‐way but quantitative: One can see a supersaturated light in a given state of chromatic adaptation, and one can compute its chromaticity through a proportion based on three physical lights, but one cannot further connect the perception and the computed chromaticity to test the adaptation model that is used to make the construction. The construction may nonetheless be useful in delimiting the chromaticities that are computed as intermediate states in a color‐management system.
The effects of self‐compassion components on shame‐proneness in individuals with depression: An exploratory study
Authors: Ceclan Andreea‐Alexandra , Nechita Diana‐Mirela
Published: February 2021

To date, there is no evidence regarding how self‐compassion's components, self‐kindness, common humanity and mindfulness could work as distinct interventions. Thus, the main objective of the present study was exploring the effects that the three separate components of self‐compassion would have on shame‐proneness levels in individuals with clinical depression. All the participants (n = 122) with a diagnostic of Major Depressive Disorder were randomized in four experimental groups: the self‐kindness exercises group, the mindfulness exercises group, the common humanity one and the control group. Results indicated that levels of depression and shame‐proneness, as measured by BDI‐II, TOSCA‐3 and ESS decreased from baseline to post‐intervention, but no significant differences were observed between groups. Therefore, we cannot conclude that one self‐compassion component is more efficient than the others, but the present study does offer, though, a strong starting point for more complex, future studies.
Comparing outcomes in chronic depression following inpatient psychotherapy for patients continuing versus discontinuing antidepressant medication
Authors: Høstmælingen Andreas , Ulvenes Pål , Nissen‐Lie Helene Amundsen , Eielsen Mikkel , Wampold Bruce E.
Published: February 2021

Research indicates that combination of psychotherapy and antidepressant medication (ADM) provides cumulative effects and thus outperforms monotherapy in treating chronic depression. In this quasi‐experimental study, we explored symptom change for patients with chronic depression treated with ADM when presenting for a 12‐week psychotherapeutic inpatient treatment programme. We compared outcomes through treatment and follow‐up of patients who continued medication with those who discontinued. We also tested possible moderator effects of initial depression severity on change between the groups. Based on prior research, we hypothesized that combination treatment would yield better results (i.e., more reduction in depression). Patients (N = 112) were referred from general practitioners or local secondary health care. Outcome was measured by Beck Depression Inventory‐II (BDI‐II), and comparisons were carried out using multilevel modelling. Although 35 patients discontinued ADM during treatment, 77 continued. Both continuers and discontinuers had a significant treatment effect that was maintained at 1‐year follow‐up. There was no difference in outcome between continuers and discontinuers of ADM. Patients with severe depression had significantly more symptom improvement than patients with moderate depression, but depression severity did not affect outcomes across continuers and discontinuers of ADM differently. The results could indicate that patients had developed resistance and/or tolerance to the prophylactic effects of medication and that ADM did not contribute to the reduction of depressive symptoms. The findings may also indicate that psychotherapy alone in some instances can be a viable alternative to continued combined treatment. Clinicians should carefully assess benefits of patients' ongoing use of antidepressant medication when entering psychotherapy.
Roles of positively charged dust in the formation of ion‐acoustic subsonic solitary waves in electron‐ion‐positively charged dust plasmas
Authors: Mamun A.A.
Published: February 2021

The electron‐ion‐positively charged dust plasma system containing Boltzmann distributed electron species, cold inertial ion species, and stationary positively charged dust (pcd) species are considered. The roles of pcd species in the formation of ion‐acoustic (IA) subsonic solitary waves (SWs) are investigated by the pseudo‐potential approach, which is valid for arbitrary amplitude time‐independent subsonic SWs, as well as by the reductive perturbation method, which is valid for the time‐dependent small amplitude subsonic SWs. It is observed that the presence of the pcd species reduces the phase speed of the IA waves, and consequently supports the IA subsonic SWs with the positive wave potential in such electron‐ion‐pcd plasmas. This is due to the reduction of the space charge electric field by the presence of the pcd species. The applications of the work in space environments (viz. Earth's mesosphere, cometary tails, Jupiter's magnetosphere, etc.), where pcd species have been detected, are briefly discussed.
Cell culture as a toolbox to generate phase I metabolites for antidoping screening
Authors: Savill Ryan , Baues Helge , Voigt Emmely , Zierau Oliver , Thieme Detlef , Keiler Annekathrin Martina
Published: February 2021

The knowledge of the biotransformation of compounds prohibited by the World Anti Doping Agency is of high concern as doping analyses are mostly based on the detection of metabolites instead of the parent compounds abused by athletes. While the self‐administration of doping‐relevant compounds is from an ethical point of view a rather problematic method to investigate metabolism, the usage of cell culture systems allows for studies on biotransformation in vitro. Five cell culture models with different tissue origin (liver, ovary, skin, kidney, and testis) were comparatively incubated with testosterone and epitestosterone as well as with the synthetic testosterone derivatives 17α‐methyltestosterone and 4‐chlorotestosterone to investigate the impact of synthetic modifications on phase I metabolic pathways. Cell culture supernatants were analyzed by high‐performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry. All cell lines possessed the default steroid phase I biotransformation reactions. The highest conversion rate was observed in ovarian (BG‐1) and liver cells (HepG2). For BG‐1 and skin cells (HaCaT), the 5α‐reductase products 5α‐dihydrotestosterone (for both) and 5α‐androstane‐3α/β,17β‐diol (for BG‐1 solely) were found to be prevailing after testosterone incubation. In kidney (COS‐1) and HepG2 cells, the 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity was predominant as supported by the observation that the 17α‐OH (epitestosterone) and the methyl group (17α‐methyltestosterone) impeded the conversion rate in these cell lines. In conclusion, future work should extend the characterization of the BG‐1 and HepG2 cells on phase II metabolic pathways to examine whether they are suitable models for the generation of metabolite reference collections comparable to those obtained by human excretion studies.
Spatial phylogenetics of the native woody plant species in Hainan, China
Authors: Zhu Zhi‐Xin , Harris AJ , Nizamani Mir Muhammad , Thornhill Andrew H. , Scherson Rosa A. , Wang Hua‐Feng
Published: February 2021

To better identify biodiversity hotspots for conservation on Hainan Island, a tropical island in southern China, we assessed spatial variation in phylogenetic diversity and species richness using 18,976 georeferenced specimen records and a newly reconstructed molecular phylogeny of 957 native woody plants. Within this framework, we delineated bioregions based on vegetation composition and mapped areas of neoendemism and paleoendemism to identify areas of priority for conservation. Our results reveal that the southwest of Hainan is the most important hot spot for endemism and plant diversity followed by the southeast area. The distribution of endemic species showed a scattered, rather than clustered, pattern on the island. Based on phylogenetic range‐weighted turnover metrics, we delineated three major vegetational zones in Hainan. These largely correspond to natural secondary growth and managed forests (e.g., rubber and timber forests) in central Hainan, old‐growth forests and natural secondary growth forest at the margins of Hainan, and nature reserves on the island (e.g., Jianfeng and Diaoluo National Nature Reserves). Our study helps to elucidate potential botanical conservation priorities for Hainan within an evolutionary, phylogenetic framework.
Construct social‐behavioral association network to study management impact on waterbirds community ecology using digital video recording cameras
Authors: Rasool Muhammad Awais , Zhang Xiaobo , Hassan Muhammad Azher , Hussain Tanveer , Lu Cai , Zeng Qing , Peng Boyong , Wen Li , Lei Guangchun
Published: February 2021

Studying social‐behavior and species associations in ecological communities is challenging because it is difficult to observe the interactions in the field. Animal behavior is especially difficult to observe when selection of habitat and activities are linked to energy costs of long‐distance movement. Migrating communities tend to be resource specific and prefer environments that offer more suitability for coexisting in a shared space and time. Given the recent advances in digital technologies, digital video recording systems are gaining popularity in wildlife research and management. We used digital video recording cameras to study social interactions and species–habitat linkages for wintering waterbirds communities in shared habitats. Examining over 8,640 hr of video footages, we built tetrapartite social‐behavioral association network of wintering waterbirds over habitat (n = 5) selection events in sites with distinct management regimes. We analyzed these networks to identify hub species and species role in activity persistence, and to explore the effects of hydrological regime on these network characteristics. Although the differences in network attributes were not significant at treatment level (p = .297) in terms of network composition and keystone species composition, our results indicated that network attributes were significantly different (p = .000, r2 = .278) at habitat level. There were evidences suggesting that the habitat quality was better at the managed sites, where the formed networks had more species, more network nodes and edges, higher edge density, and stronger intra‐ and inter‐species interactions. In addition, we also calculated the species interaction preference scores (SIPS) and behavioral interaction preference scores (BIPS) of each network. The results showed that species synchronize activities in shared space for temporal niche partitioning in order to avoid or minimize any potential competition for shared space. Our social network analysis (SNA) approach is likely to provide a practical use for ecosystem management and biodiversity conservation.