bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improved plant cytosine base editors with high editing activity, purity, and specificity
Authors: Ren Qiurong , Sretenovic Simon , Liu Guanqing , Zhong Zhaohui , Wang Jiaheng , Huang Lan , Tang Xu , Guo Yachong , Liu Li , Wu Yuechao , Zhou Jie , Zhao Yuxin , Yang Han , He Yao , Liu Shishi , Yin Desuo , Mayorga Rocio , Zheng Xuelian , Zhang Tao , Qi Yiping , Zhang Yong
Published: May 2021

Cytosine base editors (CBEs) are great additions to the expanding genome editing toolbox. To improve C‐to‐T base editing in plants, we first compared seven cytidine deaminases in the BE3‐like configuration in rice. We found A3A/Y130F‐CBE_V01 resulted in the highest C‐to‐T base editing efficiency in both rice and Arabidopsis. Furthermore, we demonstrated this A3A/Y130F cytidine deaminase could be used to improve iSpyMacCas9‐mediated C‐to‐T base editing at A‐rich PAMs. To showcase its applications, we first applied A3A/Y130F‐CBE_V01 for multiplexed editing to generate microRNA‐resistant mRNA transcripts as well as pre‐mature stop codons in multiple seed trait genes. In addition, we harnessed A3A/Y130F‐CBE_V01 for efficient artificial evolution of novel ALS and EPSPS alleles which conferred herbicide resistance in rice. To further improve C‐to‐T base editing, multiple CBE_V02, CBE_V03 and CBE_V04 systems were developed and tested in rice protoplasts. The CBE_V04 systems were found to have improved editing activity and purity with focal recruitment of more uracil DNA glycosylase inhibitors (UGIs) by the engineered single guide RNA 2.0 scaffold. Finally, we used whole‐genome sequencing (WGS) to compare six CBE_V01 systems and four CBE_V04 systems for genome‐wide off‐target effects in rice. Different levels of cytidine deaminase‐dependent and sgRNA‐independent off‐target effects were indeed revealed by WGS among edited lines by these CBE systems. We also investigated genome‐wide sgRNA‐dependent off‐target effects by different CBEs in rice. This comprehensive study compared 21 different CBE systems, and benchmarked PmCDA1‐CBE_V04 and A3A/Y130F‐CBE_V04 as next‐generation plant CBEs with high editing efficiency, purity, and specificity.
HIV self‐testing: A review and analysis to guide HIV prevention policy
Authors: O’Byrne Patrick
Published: May 2021

HIV self‐testing is a relatively new approach to HIV testing that, with increasing licensure in many countries, is an impending intervention. Considering such current or near‐future implementation, it is important for HIV prevention policymakers to reflect on if and how to incorporate HIV self‐testing. In this paper, using the Impact Fraction Model and the Anderson‐May equation, I discuss how HIV self‐testing should be an efficacious prevention approach when targeted appropriately. I then review the potential impacts of self‐testing on HIV surveillance and discuss possible ethical concerns about such testing. The outcome of this analysis is that, while some issues may arise related to surveillance, and while some ethical concerns can be raised, no empirical evidence substantiates either, suggesting that HIV self‐testing is an important strategy if it can be focused on and used by the persons most affected by HIV.
Sexual processes and life cycle transitions of the tropical Pacific Alexandrium minutum (Dinophyceae)
Authors: Liow Guat Ru , Lau Winnie Lik Sing , Law Ing Kuo , Gu Haifeng , Leaw Chui Pin , Lim Po Teen
Published: May 2021

Resting cysts of harmful marine dinoflagellates, including Alexandrium species, play an important role in their bloom dynamics, where massive cyst germination is regarded as the natural phenomenon that initiates blooms. The life cycle of Alexandrium minutum from the temperate region has been intensively studied, however, related studies on its tropical counterparts are scarce. In this study, sexual reproduction of a toxigenic A. minutum (tropical Pacific ribotype) was investigated in a laboratory setting. Gamete expression was observed in both compatible cross‐mating and self‐crossed cultures, but sexual induction was observed only in the compatible cross‐mating cultures, confirming the heterothallic nature of the species. Resting cysts were successfully produced in 41 out of 91 pairwise combinations of cross‐mating strains. The crossing matrix results showed that the mating system of the tropical Pacific A. minutum was complex, with at least four distinct mating groups observed. The resting cysts had a relatively shorter dormancy period (5–8 days). The rapid encystment‐excystment processes and a short cyst dormancy period in this tropical Pacific A. minutum are believed to play crucial roles in governing the bloom and its dynamics in the tropical coastal region.
The influence of soil amendments on a native wildflower seed mix in surface mine restoration
Authors: Rothman Sarah E. , Cole C. Andrew , Bruns Mary Ann , Hall Marvin
Published: May 2021

With a multitude of physical, biological, and chemical soil characteristics disrupted or degraded during surface mining, it is challenging to achieve proper reclamation, much less restoration, post‐mining. We sought to assess the potential of a native wildflower seed mix (NWSM) to establish and achieve high vegetative coverage in the first season using soil amendments. We also evaluated the influence of amendments on community composition and soil quality. In May 2018, we seeded a NWSM on a surface mine in experimental plots treated with either inorganic fertilizer, spent mushroom compost, or left untreated. Plant coverage and community composition within experimental plots were assessed in October 2018. Soil samples were collected at the beginning and end of the season to identify potential changes in organic carbon, nitrogen availability, bulk density, and pH. First‐season vegetation results indicate that soil amendments may not be ecologically necessary or economically sensible for initial revegetation using a NWSM. Unamended plots surpassed compost‐amended plots and equaled or surpassed fertilizer‐amended plots in coverage, species richness, and proportion of seedlings present that originated from the mix. However, results from soil analyses suggest that compost may be beneficial to meeting surface mine restoration goals by improving important soil characteristics, such as percent organic matter, labile carbon, nitrate content, and pH, that could aid ecosystem recovery. Given the high degree of heterogeneity both within and between surface mines, future work should focus on identifying initial soil characteristics that could enable land managers to meet both reclamation and restoration goals using a NWSM.
Impact of dental treatment on the oral health‐related quality of life of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: de Almeida Joelma Silva , Fernandes Regina Fátima , Andrade Áurea Castelo Branco , Almeida Bruna da Costa , Amorim Anderson Nixon da Silva , Lustosa Jorge Henrique da Cunha Mascarenhas , Mendes Regina Ferraz , Prado Júnior Raimundo Rosendo
Published: May 2021

Aim

To evaluate the impact of dental treatment on the oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL) of children and adolescents with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), through the perception of caregivers.

Methods and results

A prospective longitudinal study was conducted on 115 individuals with ASD, 6‐14 years of age, recruited from the referral centers for special needs individuals at Teresina, Brazil. A clinical examination was carried out and the OHRQoL was measured using the Brazilian version of the Parental‐Caregiver Perceptions Questionnaire (P‐CPQ) before and 3 months after dental treatment. Data were analyzed using Kolmogorov‐Smirnov, Levene, Mann‐Whitney, Kruskall‐Wallis, and Wilcoxon tests, and the Poison regression with backward method (P < .05). Treatment needs of children with ASD consisted of dental restorations (81.7%), oral prophylaxis (66.1%), endodontic treatment (10.4%), and tooth extractions (10.4%). The baseline P‐CPQ total score varied from 1 to 33 (mean score = 13.2 [±6.4]), and at 3 months after treatment it ranged from 0 to 10 (mean score 3.4 [±2.2] (P < .001). The effect magnitude varied between 0.55 and 0.56.

Conclusion

According to the perception of the caregivers, dental treatment had a positive impact on the OHRQoL of children and adolescents with ASD.
Stimulation of toll‐like receptor pathways by burn eschar tissue as a possible mechanism for hypertrophic scarring
Authors: Agrawal Ambika , Ding Jie , Agrawal Babita , Kwan Peter O. , Tredget Edward E.
Published: May 2021

Hypertrophic scars (HTS) are a common complication following burn injuries with prolonged inflammation. They do not respond well to current treatment options including mechanical, biomolecular and surgical therapies. Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 2 and 4 respond to microbes and damaged endogenous ligands to trigger pro‐inflammatory pathways, and they are expressed more in HTS fibroblasts compared to normal skin fibroblasts. TLR2 responds to microbial lipoteichoic acid (LTA) while TLR4 responds to microbial lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and endogenous ligands. We investigated the role of burn tissue and small leucine‐rich proteoglycans (decorin and biglycan) in the stimulation of TLR2 and TLR4 pathways using cells stably transfected with TLR2 or TLR4 linked to a reporter system. Normal skin (n = 5) was collected post‐abdominoplasty, and burn eschar samples (n = 18) were collected from 18 patients between 0 and 14 days post‐burn. We found that burn tissue stimulates TLR2 activity significantly more than normal tissue and contains significantly higher levels of LTA. Burn tissue was a stronger stimulator of TLR4 than was normal skin. Burn tissue samples' stimulation of TLR4 and TLR2 correlated. The time post‐burn (0–14 days) of wound tissue sampling correlated positively but moderately with TLR2 and TLR4 simulation. In comparison to the dose‐dependent effects of natural decorin or biglycan on TLR4 activation, their denatured forms exhibited stronger or weaker stimulation, respectively. They were not potent stimulators of TLR2. TLR2 and TLR4 stimulation is not limited to bacteria in wounds and likely involves multiple endogenous damage‐associated molecular patterns. Insight into mechanisms of HTS will facilitate the development of future targeted therapies to modify wound progression and provide benefits to patients suffering with HTS and other fibroproliferative disorders.
THE EFFECT OF REYNOLDS NUMBER OF AIR FLOW DURING THE AIR STERILIZATION PROCESS WITH ULTRAVIOLET GERMICIDAL IRRADIATION LAMP
Authors: Kouropoulos Giorgos
Published: May 2021

This case study examines the effect that the Reynolds number of air flow has on the population oflive pathogenic microorganisms during the process of air sterilization using ultraviolet germicidalirradiation (UVGI) lamp in a closed air-duct. With this aim, the first discussion is the mathematicalmodel which regulates changes to the Reynolds number in terms of the percentage of populationfor the following live pathogenic microorganisms: Escherichia coli, Mycobacterium tuberculosisand Streptococcus pneumoniae, under special condition of flow rate and intensity of UVirradiation. In conclusion, as the velocity and the Reynolds number of the air flow in the ductincreases, the exposure time of the pathogens to the field of UV-C irradiation decreases, theeffect of UV-C irradiation and the germicide capabilities of the UVGI lamp are reduced.Consequently, the population of live pathogenic microorganisms increases.
Relationship between Window and View Factors in the Workplace: A SEM Approach
Authors: Achoba Mercy Inikpi , Abdul Majid Roshida , Obiefuna Cyril Obinna
Published: May 2021

Office occupants’ have always preferred workplaces that have windows that connects them to the outside. Window access to the outside can influence occupants’ satisfaction with the combination of other workplace features. This study aims to identify the window and view factors relationship in the workplace, to confirm the reliability and validity of the measurement and structural model. Adopting a cross-sectional survey design, primary data from five offices in the Kogi State of Nigeria with 267 respondents were collected by using the convenience sampling method and analysis was performed with the Statistical Package for Social Science version 23 and AMOS 22.0 version as the modelling tool. The study identified eleven vital factors that are interrelated in the relationship between windows and view in the workplace. They are referred to as latent construct namely; Window distance (WDB), Seating arrangement (SAB), Room height (FHB), Office size (OSB), Window position (WPB), Window Sill level (WLC), Window size (SWC), Window type (TWC), View content (CVC), View satisfaction (VSC), and Occupants’ satisfaction (SAT). The result showed a valid model using the Structural Equation Model, and the effect of the current workplace negligence on occupants’. This study improves the existing knowledge on the window and view relationship in the workplace, and provide suggestions for Facility Managers, Architects, and Interior Designers on maintaining a healthy workplace environment
Planting Design Approach in Sustainable Urban Planning
Authors: Gulpınar Sekban Demet Ulku , Düzgüneş Ertan
Published: May 2021

The increased pressures associated with climate change and urbanization processes adversely affect the quality of life of the cities and damage the sustainability of the cities. Sustainability of a city depends on the social, economic and ecological flexible uses that these pressures can tolerate. The examination of these flexible uses within the city brings along the sustainability of the landscape. Landscape serving flexible uses for urban sustainability; All the unconscious elements that make up that landscape, especially the vegetation landscape element, should support the concept of sustainability. Within the scope of the study, it was aimed to determine sustainable design approaches in the fields of planting and to create an evaluation scale accordingly by examining the sustainable planting design approaches in urban scale. An answer was sought to the question of how sustainable the planting activities of Trabzon province are. In the study, 40 studies defined as sustainable landscape areas were examined and 27 sub-parameters were developed under 4 main titles within the framework of these studies. The parameters are examined in the regions represented by the city components that make up the city and it is tried to determine what is necessary for the sustainability of the city
INCIDENCES OF BITUMEN CONTAMINATION OF WATER SOURCES IN SOME COMMUNITIES OF ONDO STATE, NIGERIA
Authors: Atojunere Eganoosi Esme
Published: May 2021

Bitumen was discovered in some communities: Agbabu, Ilubinrin, Lodasa and Boridele in Ondo State, Nigeria around 1900 but was found inadequate for commercial exploitation. This report is on the levels of presence of bitumen in the areas and its effects on the available water sources and to make recommendations. Samples of water taken from 3 selected streams and 2 wells per location were subjected to physico-chemical analyses in line with America Public Health Association (APHA). Questionnaire were administered to sixty (60) people from bitumen-affected areas which covered sources of water, water pre-treatment measures, availability of water treatment facilities and effects of bitumen deposits on water bodies. Results obtained shown that most water users sourced water from groundwater recorded 73.33% followed by 16.67% for surface water and 9% for rain water harvesting. There might be population using a combination of the two or more sources of water. About 90% of the respondents knew that direct use of such water was harmful for drinking, washing, bathing and cooking. Water quality impairment such as colour and high level of salt are common in the water. This practice could have health implication on them if continued unabated. Pollution index for toxic metals (Pb,As and Hg ) and Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons(TPH) values determined were relatively high suggesting pollutant are related to  the bitumen deposits in the region. For example Ilubinrin well (0.5 mg/L), and Lodasa well (0.3 mg/L) while others were at non detection level. For TPH, there were variations in the tested water samples, Lodasa well recorded the highest value of 1480 mg/L, Agbabu stream 900, Ilubinrin stream and well 240 mg/L and 120 mg/L, respectively, Agbabu well 110 mg/L, and the least at Lodasa stream 80 mg/L. This could be attributed to seasonal rain that control streamflow of water bodies in the bitumen-rich area. The study indicated that bitumen, being a complex mixture of hydrocarbons and associated metals was responsible to the pollution level in the water bodies reported
Computational Fluid Dynamic Analysis of the ESFR Reactor Pit Cooling System in Case of Sodium Leakage
Authors: Grah Aleksander , Tsige-Tamirat Haileyesus , Guidez Joel , Gerschenfeld Antoine , Mikityuk Konstantin , Bodi Janos , Girardi Enrico
Published: May 2021

The decay heat removal system (DHRS) for the European sodium-cooled fast reactor (ESFR) concept consists of three cooling systems, which provide highly reliable, redundant, and diversified decay heat removal functions. Two of the systems provide a strong line of defense, whereas the third system provides long term-heat removal. This third DHR system, DHRS-3, involves in separating oil, and water-cooled loops integrated in the reactor pit serves the purpose of the safety vessel. It is expected that the proposed DHR concept enables a robust demonstration of the practical elimination of the prolonged loss of the decay heat removal function. For its confirmation, detailed numerical analysis is needed as a basis for further investigation. Supporting this approach, the current evaluation with means of computational fluid dynamic (CFD) provides a preliminary thermal analysis of the capability of the oil cooling system in the reactor to be used for residual heat removal in the pit in case of emergency. For the evaluation, different heat flux values are assumed at the vessel wall to examine the range of the resulting temperatures. The temperature of the main vessel wall should be below 800 °C. Furthermore, a sodium leakage at 500 °C into the reactor pit is assumed. The concrete structure is below 70 °C.
Gelatin neutralization of the inhibitory effect of sodium polyanethol sulfonate on Neisseria meningitidis in blood culture media
Authors: Eng J , Holten E
Published: May 2021

The inhibitory effect of sodium polyanethol sulfonate (0.05%) upon growth of Neisseria meningitidis was found to be neutralized by adding gelatin (l.1%) to the growth medium. The neutralizing effect was demonstrated in solid medium, as well as in nutrient broth for blood cultures. The findings parallel those of Wilkins and West (6) regarding gelatin neutralization of the inhibitory effect of sodium polyanethol sulfonate on Peptostreptococcus anaerobius.
Imferon agar: improved medium for isolation of pathogenic Neisseria
Authors: Payne S M , Finkelstein R A
Published: May 2021

Imferon, an iron-dextran complex, enhances the growth of Neisseria gonorrhoeae and N. meningitidis. The use of Imferon as a replacement for ferric nitrate, in a defined supplement for GC agar significantly increased the average colony sizes of both gonococci and meningococci. In comparison with Thayer-Martin medium, Imferon agar increased the speed and rate of isolation of gonococci from clinical specimens.
Isolation of bacteriophage from Thermoactinomyces
Authors: Treuhaft M W
Published: May 2021

Bacteriophages were isolated from strains of Thermoactinomyces vulgaris, T. candidus, and T. sacchari used to produce antigen for hypersensitivity pneumonitis screening at the Marshfield Medical Foundation. Whereas the one phage isolated from T. sacchari and two phages from T. vulgaris were species specific, three other phages isolated from T. vulgaris and the two phages isolated from T. candidus were infectious for both T. vulgaris and T. candidus, thus indicating a close relationship between these two species. A simple reproducible scheme for classification of newly isolated T. vulgaris-T. candidus phages into seven groups on the basis of host range is presented. Examination of plaque morphology of the T. vulgaris-T. candidus phages supported the host range classification scheme. The ease of isolation of phages from cultures of Thermoactinomyces suggests that they are commonly associated with this genus.
Evaluation of the Oxi/Ferm Tube System with Selected Gram-Negative Bacteria
Authors: Oberhofer Thomas R. , Rowen Joyce W. , Cunningham Grover F. , Higbee James W.
Published: May 2021

The Oxi/Ferm test system was evaluated for accuracy and reliability for identification of nonfermentative and oxidase-positive fermentative bacteria by using 375 bacterial strains obtained from stock culture and clinical specimens. The Oxi/Ferm system is a compartmentalized tube containing eight media to provide nine biochemical test results. When combined with the oxidase test, the results corresponding to the positive reactions are totaled and the composite number is located in the coding manual to identify the organisms. The 375 isolates studied were evaluated for accuracy of identification, using both the original and revised code manuals. In comparison with the conventional media used, there was 100% correlation in tests for hydrogen sulfide and indole production, over 96% for nitrogen gas, arginine, and urease, over 92% for xylose and dextrose oxidation, and less than 90% for citrate utilization and dextrose fermentation. There was an overall accuracy in identification of 89.3% using the original manual, with accuracy revised slightly upward to 90.7% using the revised manual. There was 100% accuracy in identification with 44.0% of the strains tested (11 species) using the original manual and with 66.1% (16 species) using the revised manual. Thirteen of the 40 original misidentifications and 14 of 35 revised misidentifications resulted from failure to code and were unidentifiable by Oxi/Ferm. The remainder were incorrectly identified or could not be differentiated from closely related strains. Eleven strains of
Alcaligenes odorans
were correctly identified using the original code, whereas no code was provided in the revised manual. The Oxi/Ferm system is both simple and rapid and is satisfactory for identification of the more common isolates.
La Crosse virus soluble cell culture antigen
Authors: Lindsey H S , Klimas R A , Obijeski J F
Published: May 2021

A virus-free soluble antigen, obtained by ammonium sulfate precipitation of the supernatant fluids of La Crosse virus-infected BHK-21 cell cultures, was more reactive and more specific than infected suckling mouse brain antigen when compared by immunodiffusion and counterelectrophoresis tests. By complement fixation tests, the antigen was cross-reactive with heterologous California group arbovirus hyperimmune mouse ascitic fluids, but to a lesser degree than was the standard sucrose-acetone-extracted infected suckling mouse brain antigen. The major virion nucleocapsid protein of La Crosse virus was found by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis to be the soluble antigen protein responsible for precipitation in immunodiffusion and counterelectrophoresis tests.
Iron-deficiency anaemia: the perils of excessive milk-drinking
Authors: Machta Joseph , Trompeter Sara , Yamamoto Adam Kenji , Eisen Sarah
Published: May 2021

Iron-deficiency anaemia is a widespread and largely preventable problem in the paediatric population, with numerous potential sequelae. We describe the case of a 2-year-old girl presenting with non-specific symptoms, who was found to be iron-deficient and anaemic, in the context of excessive cow’s milk consumption. We explore the patient’s diagnostic journey, including a neurological deterioration and the link between her iron deficiency and the final diagnosis.
Association between antidepressant medication use and steroid dependency in patients with ulcerative colitis: a population-based study
Authors: Blackwell Jonathan , Alexakis Christopher , Saxena Sonia , Creese Hanna , Bottle Alex , Petersen Irene , Hotopf Matthew , Pollok Richard C G
Published: May 2021

Background

Animal studies indicate a potential protective role of antidepressant medication (ADM) in models of colitis but the effect of their use in humans with ulcerative colitis (UC) remains unclear.

Objective

To study the relationship between ADM use and corticosteroid dependency in UC.

Design

Using the Clinical Practice Research Datalink we identified patients diagnosed with UC between 2005 and 2016. We grouped patients according to serotonin selective reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) exposure in the 3 years following diagnosis: ‘continuous users’, ‘intermittent users’ and ‘non-users’. We used logistic regression to estimate the adjusted risk of corticosteroid dependency between ADM exposure groups.

Results

We identified 6373 patients with UC. Five thousand two hundred and thirty (82%) use no ADMs, 627 (10%) were intermittent SSRI users and 282 (4%) were continuous SSRI users, 246 (4%) were intermittent TCA users and 63 (1%) were continuous TCA users.

Corticosteroid dependency was more frequent in continuous SSRI and TCA users compared with non-users (19% vs 24% vs 14%, respectively, χ2p=0.002). Intermittent SSRI and TCA users had similar risks of developing corticosteroid dependency to non-users (SSRI: OR 1.19, 95% CI 0.95 to 1.50, TCA: OR 1.14, 95% CI 0.78 to 1.66). Continuous users of both SSRIs and TCAs had significantly higher risks of corticosteroid dependency compared with non-users (SSRI: OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.15 to 2.27, TCA: OR 2.02, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.81).

Conclusions

Continuous ADM exposure has no protective effect in routine clinical practice in UC and identifies a population of patients requiring more intensive medical therapy. ADM use is a flag for potentially worse clinical outcomes in UC.
Using immunisation caregiver journey interviews to understand and optimise vaccination uptake: lessons from Sierra Leone
Authors: Jalloh Mohamed F , Hickler Benjamin , Parmley Lauren E , Sutton Roberta , Kulkarni Shibani , Mansaray Anthony , Eleeza Oliver , Patel Palak , Wilhelm Elisabeth , Conklin Laura , Akinjeji Adewale , Toure Mame , Wolff Brent , Prybylski Dimitri , Wallace Aaron S , Lahuerta Maria
Published: May 2021

Quantitative and qualitative assessments have revealed diverse factors that influence the uptake of childhood immunisation services and shed light on reasons for vaccination delays and refusals. UNICEF and partner organisations developed the Immunisation Caregiver Journey Framework as a novel way to understand caregiver experiences in accessing and receiving immunisation services for children. This framework aims to help immunisation programmes identify vaccination barriers and opportunities to improve vaccination uptake by enhancing the overall caregiver journey in a systems-focused manner, using human-centred design principles. In this paper, we adapt the framework into a flexible qualitative inquiry approach with theoretical guidance from interpretative phenomenology. We draw from the implementation experiences in Sierra Leone to inform methodological guidance on how to design and implement the Immunisation Caregiver Journey Interviews (ICJI) to understand the lived experiences of caregivers as they navigate immunisation services for their children. Practical guidance is provided on sampling techniques, conducting interviews, data management, data analysis and the use of data to inform programmatic actions. When properly implemented, the ICJI approach generates a rich qualitative understanding of how caregivers navigate household and community dynamics, as well as primary healthcare delivery systems. We argue that understanding and improving the caregiver journey will enhance essential immunisation outcomes, such as the completion of the recommended vaccination schedule, timeliness of vaccination visits and reduction in dropouts between vaccine doses.
COVID-19 and perinatal intimate partner violence: a cross-sectional survey of pregnant and postpartum individuals in the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Muldoon Katherine A , Denize Kathryn M , Talarico Robert , Boisvert Carlie , Frank Olivia , Harvey Alysha L J , Rennicks White Ruth , Fell Deshayne B , O'Hare-Gordon Meagan Ann , Guo Yanfang , Murphy Malia S Q , Corsi Daniel J , Sampsel Kari , Wen Shi Wu , Walker Mark C , El-Chaar Darine
Published: May 2021

Objective

The objectives of this study were to: (1) document violent and controlling behaviours within intimate partnerships during the perinatal period; and (2) determine individual, interpersonal and household-level factors influencing the risk of perinatal intimate partner violence (IPV).

Design

Cross-sectional survey.

Setting

The Ottawa Hospital, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada.

Participants

Patients who gave birth at The Ottawa Hospital and were >20 days post partum between 17 March and 16 June 2020.

Main outcomes and measures

Perinatal IPV was defined as regular controlling behaviours or act-based forms of emotional/physical/sexual abuse in the 12 months before pregnancy, during pregnancy and/or post partum. Log-binomial multivariable regression models were used to compute adjusted risk ratios (aRRs) and 95% CIs to identify potential risk factors for IPV: maternal age, postpartum depression, parity, increase in partner substance use and household income.

Results

Among 216 participants, the median maternal age was 33 years (IQR: 30–36). In total, 52 (24.07%) reported some form of perinatal IPV, 37 (17.13%) reported regular controlling behaviour and 9 (4.17%) reported both. Household income below the municipal median was the strongest risk factor for perinatal IPV (aRR: 3.24, 95% CI: 1.87 to 5.59). There was no apparent association between maternal age (aRR: 0.99, 95% CI: 0.94 to 1.04), postpartum depression (aRR: 1.03, 95% CI: 1.00 to 1.07), nulliparity (aRR: 1.18, 95% CI: 0.71 to 1.97) or increases in partner substance use (aRR: 0.73, 95% CI: 0.42 to 1.25) with IPV.

Conclusion

One in four individuals in this study experienced perinatal IPV. Household income was the strongest risk factor, and surprisingly, many hypothesised risk factors (eg, mental health, partner substance use, etc) were not significantly associated with perinatal IPV in this sample. This highlights the challenges in both measuring IPV and identifying individuals exposed to perinatal IPV during the high stress of the COVID-19 pandemic.
On Einstein Finsler metrics
Authors: Ülgen Semail , Sevim Esra Sengelen , Hacinliyan İrma
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we study Finsler metrics expressed in terms of a Riemannian metric, a 1-form, and its norm and find equations with sufficient conditions for such Finsler metrics to become Ricci-flat. Using certain transformations, we show that these equations have solutions and lead to the construction of a large and special class of Einstein metrics.
Sentiment Analysis Technologies in AliMe — An Intelligent Assistant for E-commerce
Authors: Song Shuangyong , Wang Chao , Liu Siyang , Chen Haiqing , Chen Huan , Bao Hongyun
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we introduce a sentiment analysis framework and its corresponding key techniques used in AliMe, an artificial intelligent (AI) assistant for e-commerce customer service, whose fundamental ability of sentiment analysis provides support for five upper-layer application modules: user sentiment detection, user sentiment comfort, sentimental generative chatting, user service quality control and user satisfaction prediction. Detailed implementation of each module is demonstrated and experiments show our framework not only performs well on each single task but also manifests its competitive business value as a whole.
Schrödinger's Code
Authors: Kelly Terence , Gu Weiwei , Maksimovski Vladimir
Published: May 2021

Undefined behavior ranks among the most baffling and perilous aspects of popular programming languages. This installment of Drill Bits clears up widespread misconceptions and presents practical techniques to banish undefined behavior from your own code and pinpoint meaningless operations in any software—techniques that reveal alarming faults in software supporting business-critical applications at Fortune 500 companies.
Skeletal muscle phenotype signaling with ex vivo endurance-type dynamic contractions in rat muscle
Authors: Jakobsgaard Jesper E. , Andresen Jacob , de Paoli Frank V. , Vissing Kristian
Published: May 2021

The application of cyclic ex vivo dynamic muscle contractions delivered in an intermittent pattern may be suitable for the exploration of skeletal muscle regulatory responses to endurance-type contractile activity. In the present study, it is demonstrated that the response to such stimulus of some nodal myocellular signaling proteins related to either metabolic or anabolic signaling events may be influenced by muscle phenotype, whereas the response of others appears to be independent of phenotype.
The effect of seasonal acclimatization on whole body heat loss response during exercise in a hot humid environment with different air velocity
Authors: Lei Tze-Huan , Fujiwara Masashi , Gerrett Nicola , Amano Tatsuro , Mündel Toby , Inoue Yoshimitsu , Okushima Dai , Nishiyasu Takeshi , Kondo Narihiko
Published: May 2021

Seasonal acclimatization to humid heat enhances eccrine sweat gland function and thus results in a higher local and whole body sweat rate but does not attenuate Tcore during exercise in a hot-humid environment. Sweating efficiency is lower after seasonal acclimatization to humid heat compared with preacclimatization with and without the increase of air velocity. However, having a lower sweating efficiency does not mitigate the Tcore response during exercise in a hot-humid environment.
The Effect of Baru (Dypterix alata Vog.) Almond Oil on Markers of Bowel Habits in Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Schincaglia Raquel M. , Pimentel Gustavo D. , Peixoto Maria do Rosário G. , Cuppari Lilian , Mota João Felipe
Published: May 2021

Gastrointestinal symptoms are common in patients in hemodialysis treatment and were frequently associated with low intake of dietary fibers and liquids, oral iron supplementation, phosphate binders, and low level of physical activity. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of baru almond oil in comparison with mineral oil supplementation on bowel habits of hemodialysis patients. Thirty-five patients on hemodialysis (57% men, 49.9 ± 12.4 years) were enrolled in a 12-week single-blind clinical trial. Patients were allocated (1 : 2) by sex and age into (1) the mineral group: 10 capsules per day of mineral oil (500 mg each) or (2) the baru almond oil group: 10 capsules per day of baru almond oil (500 mg each). Bowel habits were assessed by the Rome IV criteria, Bristol scale, and self-perception of constipation. Food consumption, physical activity level, and time spent sitting were also evaluated at the baseline and at the end of the study. After 12 weeks of supplementation, the baru almond oil group showed reduced Rome IV score (6.1 ± 5.5 vs 2.8 ± 4.3,

p
=
0.04

) and the straining on the evacuation score (1.2 ± 1.4 vs 0.4 ± 0.7;

p
=
0.04

), while the mineral group did not show any change in the parameters. The frequency of self-perception of constipation was lower in the baru almond oil group after intervention (45.0% vs 15.0%,

p
=
0.04

). Baru almond oil improved bowel habit and the straining on evacuation in hemodialysis patients.
The Immunomodulating Effect of Baicalin on Inflammation and Insulin Resistance in High-Fat-Diet-Induced Obese Mice
Authors: Noh Ji-Won , Kwon Oh-Jun , Lee Byung-Cheol
Published: May 2021

Background. Obesity is a chronic low-grade systemic inflammation state, which causes insulin resistance, diabetes, and other metabolic diseases. Baicalin is known to have anti-inflammatory and antiobesity effects. In this study, we investigated the cellular and molecular immunological effects of baicalin on obesity-induced inflammation. Methods. Male C57BL/6 mice were assigned to four groups: the normal chow, high-fat diet (HFD), BC2 (HFD + baicalin 200 mg/kg), and BC4 (HFD + baicalin 400 mg/kg) group; the three groups except normal chow were fed with a high-fat diet for 8 weeks to induce obesity followed by baicalin treatment with two doses for 8 weeks. The body weight, epididymal fat weight, liver weight, food intake, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), oral fat tolerance test (OFTT), and serum lipids were measured. We evaluated insulin resistance by measuring the serum insulin level and homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). Also, the major obesity-associated immune cells including monocytes, macrophages, T lymphocytes, and dendritic cells in the blood, fat, and liver and the inflammatory and insulin signaling-related gene expressions in the fat and liver were evaluated. Results. Baicalin significantly reduced the body weight and liver weight and improved serum fasting glucose, insulin, HOMA-IR, free fatty acid, HDL cholesterol, and the levels of glucose and triglyceride at each time point in the OGTT and OFTT. In the analysis of immune cells, baicalin significantly decreased inflammatory Ly6Chi monocytes, M1 adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), and M1 Kupffer cells. On the contrary, baicalin increased anti-inflammatory M2 ATMs and liver CD4+ T cells and CD4/CD8 ratio. In the analysis of inflammatory and insulin signaling molecules, baicalin significantly downregulated the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α, F4/80, and C-C motif chemokine 2 while upregulated the insulin receptor mRNA expression. Conclusion. From these results, baicalin can be a promising treatment option for obesity and its related metabolic diseases based on its anti-inflammatory property.
Moving Vehicle Detection and Classification Using Gaussian Mixture Model and Ensemble Deep Learning Technique
Authors: Jagannathan Preetha , Rajkumar Sujatha , Frnda Jaroslav , Divakarachari Parameshachari Bidare , Subramani Prabu
Published: May 2021

In recent decades, automatic vehicle classification plays a vital role in intelligent transportation systems and visual traffic surveillance systems. Especially in countries that imposed a lockdown (mobility restrictions help reduce the spread of COVID‐19), it becomes important to curtail the movement of vehicles as much as possible. For an effective visual traffic surveillance system, it is essential to detect vehicles from the images and classify the vehicles into different types (e.g., bus, car, and pickup truck). Most of the existing research studies focused only on maximizing the percentage of predictions, which have poor real‐time performance and consume more computing resources. To highlight the problems of classifying imbalanced data, a new technique is proposed in this research article for vehicle type classification. Initially, the data are collected from the Beijing Institute of Technology Vehicle Dataset and the MIOvision Traffic Camera Dataset. In addition, adaptive histogram equalization and the Gaussian mixture model are implemented for enhancing the quality of collected vehicle images and to detect vehicles from the denoised images. Then, the Steerable Pyramid Transform and the Weber Local Descriptor are employed to extract the feature vectors from the detected vehicles. Finally, the extracted features are given as the input to an ensemble deep learning technique for vehicle classification. In the simulation phase, the proposed ensemble deep learning technique obtained 99.13% and 99.28% of classification accuracy on the MIOvision Traffic Camera Dataset and the Beijing Institute of Technology Vehicle Dataset. The obtained results are effective compared to the standard existing benchmark techniques on both datasets.
Practical Bipartite Tracking for Networked Robotic Systems via Fixed‐Time Estimator‐Based Control
Authors: Su Peng , Gan Jinqiang , Ding Teng-Fei , Liang Chang-Duo , Ge Ming-Feng
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the fixed‐time practical bipartite tracking problem for the networked robotic systems (NRSs) with parametric uncertainties, input disturbances, and directed signed graphs is investigated. A new fixed‐time estimator‐based control algorithm for the NRSs is presented to address the abovementioned problem. By applying a sliding surface and the time base generator (TBG) approach, a new stability analysis method is proposed to achieve the fixed‐time practical bipartite tracking for the NRSs. We also derive the upper bound of the convergence time for employing the presented control algorithm to solve the practical bipartite tracking problem and further demonstrate that the convergence time is independent of the initial value. Finally, the simulation examples are given to verify the effectiveness of the presented algorithms.
Postintubation Decline in Oxygen Saturation Index Predicts Mortality in COVID-19: A Retrospective Pilot Study
Authors: Nozari Ala , Mukerji Shivali , Vora Molly , Garcia Alfonso , Park Alyssa , Flores Nicholas , Canelli Robert , Rodriguez Gerardo , Pinciroli Riccardo , Nagrebetsky Alexander , Ortega Rafael , Quraishi Sadeq A.
Published: May 2021

Background. Acute respiratory failure from COVID-19 pneumonia is a major cause of death after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We investigated whether PaO2/FiO2, oxygenation index (OI), SpO2/FiO2, and oxygen saturation index (OSI), commonly used to assess the severity of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), can predict mortality in mechanically ventilated COVID-19 patients. Methods. In this single-centered retrospective pilot study, we enrolled 68 critically ill mechanically ventilated adult patients with confirmed COVID-19. Physiological variables were recorded on the day of intubation (day 0) and postintubation days 3 and 7. The association between physiological parameters, PaO2/FiO2, OI, SpO2/FiO2, and OSI with mortality was assessed using multiple variable logistic regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted to evaluate the performance of the predictive models. Results. The ARDS severity indices were not statistically different on the day of intubation, suggesting similar baseline conditions in nonsurviving and surviving patients. However, these indices were significantly worse in the nonsurviving as compared to surviving patients on postintubation days 3 and 7. On intubation day 3, PaO2/FiO2 was 101.0 (61.4) in nonsurviving patients vs. 140.2 (109.6) in surviving patients,

p
=
0.004

, and on day 7 106.3 (94.2) vs. 178.0 (69.3),

p
<
0.001

. OI was 135.0 (129.7) in nonsurviving vs. 84.8 (86.1) in surviving patients (

p
=
0.003

) on day 3 and 150.0 (118.4) vs. 61.5 (46.7) (

p
<
0.001

) on day 7. OSI was 12.0 (11.7) vs. 8.0 (10.0) (

p
=
0.006

) on day 3 and 14.7 (13.2) vs. 6.5 (5.4) (

p
<
0.001

) on day 7. Similarly, SpO2/FiO2 was 130 (90) vs. 210 (90) (

p
=
0.003

) on day 3 and 130 (90) vs. 230 (50) (

p
<
0.001

) on day 7, while OSI was 12.0 (11.7) vs. 8.0 (10.0) (

p
=
0.006

) on day 3 and 14.7 (13.2) vs. 6.5 (5.4) (

p
<
0.001

) on day 7 in the nonsurviving and surviving patients, respectively. All measures were independently associated with hospital mortality, with significantly greater odds ratios observed on day 7. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for mortality prediction was greatest on intubation day 7 (AUC = 0.775, 0.808, and 0.828 for PaO2/FiO2, OI, SpO2/FiO2, and OSI, respectively). Conclusions. Decline in oxygenation indices after intubation is predictive of mortality in COVID-19 patients. This time window is critical to the outcome of these patients and a possible target for future interventions. Future large-scale studies to confirm the prognostic value of the indices in COVID-19 patients are warranted.
Rational Type Compatible Single-Valued Mappings via Unique Common Fixed Point Findings in Complex-Valued b-Metric Spaces with an Application
Authors: Mehmood Shahid , Rehman Saif Ur , Jan Naeem , Al-Rakhami Mabrook , Gumaei Abdu
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we establish some new generalized rational type common fixed point results for compatible three self-mappings in complex-valued b-metric space, in which a one self-map is continuous. In support of our results, we present some illustrative examples to verify the validity of our main work. Moreover, we present the application of two Urysohn integral type equations (UITEs) for the existence of a common solution to support our work. The UITEs are

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Numerical Analysis of Time-Fractional Diffusion Equations via a Novel Approach
Authors: Shah Nehad Ali , Saleem S. , Akgül Ali , Nonlaopon Kamsing , Chung Jae Dong
Published: May 2021

The aim of this paper is a new semianalytical technique called the variational iteration transform method for solving fractional-order diffusion equations. In the variational iteration technique, identifying of the Lagrange multiplier is an essential rule, and variational theory is commonly used for this purpose. The current technique has the edge over other methods as it does not need extra parameters and polynomials. The validity of the proposed method is verified by considering some numerical problems. The solution achieved has shown that the better accuracy of the proposed technique. This paper proposes a simpler method to calculate the multiplier using the Shehu transformation, making a valuable technique to researchers dealing with various linear and nonlinear problems.
FDA Approval Summary: Pralsetinib for the Treatment of Lung and Thyroid Cancers With RET Gene Mutations or Fusions
Authors: Kim Janice , Bradford Diana , Larkins Erin , Pai-Scherf Lee H. , Chatterjee Somak , Mishra-Kalyani Pallavi S. , Wearne Emily , Helms Whitney S. , Ayyoub Amal , Bi Youwei , Sun Jielin , Charlab Rosane , Liu Jiang , Zhao Hong , Liang Dun , Ghosh Soma , Philip Reena , Pazdur Richard , Theoret Marc R. , Beaver Julia A. , Singh Harpreet
Published: May 2021

The FDA granted accelerated approval for pralsetinib on September 4, 2020 for non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and December 1, 2020 for thyroid cancer, for: (i) adult patients with metastatic RET fusion–positive NSCLC, (ii) adult and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age with advanced or metastatic RET-mutant medullary thyroid cancer who require systemic therapy, and (iii) adult and pediatric patients ≥12 years of age with advanced or metastatic RET fusion–positive thyroid cancer who require systemic therapy and who are radioactive iodine refractory (if radioactive iodine is appropriate). Approval was based on the results of a multicenter, open-label, multi-cohort clinical trial (ARROW, NCT03037385), demonstrating substantial overall response rates (ORR) and durable responses in patients with RET-altered tumors. ORRs within the approved patient populations ranged from 57% [95% confidence interval (CI), 46–68] in patients with RET fusion–positive NSCLC previously treated with platinum chemotherapy to 89% (95% CI, 52–100) in patients with RET fusion–positive thyroid cancer, with response duration of at least 6 months in most responders. The product label includes warnings and precautions for pneumonitis, hypertension, hepatotoxicity, hemorrhagic events, tumor lysis syndrome, risk of impaired wound healing, and embryo-fetal toxicity. This article summarizes the major considerations during FDA review leading to the approval of pralsetinib.