bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification and Evaluation of Preservative Plants on Traditionally Fermented Cow Milk
Authors: Shambel Zerihun , Kebede Ewonetu , Mengistu Melese , Lamboro Tesfahun
Published: April 2021

The majority of communities in different regions of Ethiopia are relying on a variety of plants to improve the quality of their dairy products. However, this cultural perception was scientifically not well strengthened. Therefore, the objectives of the study were to identify milk preservative plants and evaluate the effects of preservative plants on fermented milk redox potential, Potential hydrogen (pH), and sensory analysis. The survey study was conducted on purposefully selected 80 households in the Haramaya district. However, the laboratory study was conducted on four top-ranked plants for the preparation of fermented milk samples at ambient temperature following similar techniques and procedures observed at households. All the collected data were analysed by Statitsical Analysis software (SAS). In the study area, five plants in the families of Oleaceae, Celastraceae, Lamiaceae, and Rutaceae were identified and used by the majority of respondents with perceptions of enhancing the flavour of their products. The Analysis of variance (ANOVA) results of redox potential were proved the cultural perception of the majority of respondents that they were used both Olea Africana and Catha edulis in substitute to each other for the same purpose. The pH of all treatments was continuously decreased and the milk samples treated by Olea Africana and Catha edulis were recorded the lowest values at the end. The observed pH results have disproved the communities cultural perceptions that they believed smoking increased the shelf life and extended the fermentation time whereas the Hedonic scores of panelists proved the local perceptions of respondents that they were mainly intended to make their products much more acceptable and preferable by its flavour to the consumers.
Food Properties of Lebui Bean Powder Extract Fermented by Rhizopus Sp.
Authors: Mushollaeni Wahyu , Tantalu Lorine
Published: April 2021

The fermentation that involves the performance of microbes is very effective for breaking the glycoside bonds that bind bioactive compounds in cells without using high temperatures and chemicals, as well as to improve the quality of nutritional components. Bioactive compounds in free form, obtained from the fermentation of black bean powder (Cajanus sp.) need to be extracted and characterized to obtain the types of bioactive compounds that have the potential to be applied in functional foods. Fermented black bean powder used in this experiment is the fermented lebui bean powder that has been fermented using the fungus Rhizopus sp. for two days. These lebui beans are local beans from Lombok Island, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia. This experiment aimed to determine the type and concentration of organic solvents, which can maintain the quality of nutritional contents and bioactive compounds of fermented lebui bean powder. The nested design was used. The main factor was the type of solvent (n-hexane or ethanol), while the solvent concentration (70% or 90%) was the second factor and nested in the main factor. The result showed that ethanol 90% was the best organic solvent to extract the bioactive compound in fermented lebui bean powder, and this extract contained protein, lipid, moisture, ash, fiber, and carbohydrates respectively 26.33%; 13.60%; 14.24%; 3.28%; 16.03%; and 26.54%. The bioactive compounds identified were phenolic, flavonoid, and anthocyanin, respectively 78.544 mgGAE/g; 217.358 mgQE/g; and 147.665 ppm.
Measuring Serum Toxicity Markers to Evaluate the Safety of Commercially Available Spirulina Products in Mice
Authors: Damessa Feven Tezera , Chacha Musa , Vianney John-Mary , Raymond Jofrey
Published: April 2021

Spirulina a multicellular, blue-green alga has drawn attention as a viable food supplement due to its suitable nutrient composition, however, there is a dearth of information regarding its safety. This study aimed to measure the heavy metal concentrations in commercially available Spirulina products and evaluate the safety using the in vivo method. A total of 54 mice were randomly divided into three groups; Group 1 (n = 18) served as a control and received a basal diet. Group 2 (n = 20) served as a test and received Spirulina powder (15%) blended with a basal diet. Group 3 (n = 16) serves as a standard and received a basal diet supplemented with nutritional supplements. The findings showed that the concentration of serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, cystatin C, and troponin I after consuming the experimental diets was not statistically different between groups (p > 0.05). The concentrations of mercury (0.000036 mg/kg), lead (0.0047 mg/kg), cadmium (0.00048 mg/kg), and arsenic (0.0046 mg/kg) was very little to cause toxic effect and the levels were below the European Communities Commission (EC) recommended maximum heavy metal levels in foodstuffs. Therefore, consumption of Spirulina at a proportion of 15% does not exert any hepatic, renal, and cardiac toxicities in the mice. However, evaluating the safety of higher doses (> 15%) is required.
Mulheres Afro-Atlânticas no “Norte” do Brasil Oitocentista
Authors: Rocha Solange Pereira , Costa Valéria Gomes , Santos Joceneide Cunha , Silva Iraneide Soares
Published: April 2021

Neste artigo, reconstituímos fragmentos de experiências de mulheres libertas no processo da Diáspora Africana nas Américas, em particular, em quatro províncias do “Norte” do Brasil oitocentista. Entre os temas desenvolvidos, destacamos o trabalho, etnicidade, redes de sociabilidade (família, amizades e parentesco espiritual) como parte de suas estratégias de resistência à escravidão. Desse modo, apresentamos as trajetórias de Catharina Mina (Maranhão), Thereza de Jesus de Souza (Pernambuco), Luiza (Paraíba) e Rozarida Maria do Sacramento (Bahia) e pessoas de suas relações sociais, assim como salientamos a complexidade de viver na sociedade escravista do período Oitocentos e o protagonismo feminino afro-atlântico para a conquista e a permanência da liberdade.
O PROTAGONISMO DAS MULHERES NEGRAS NA ESCRITA DA HISTÓRIA DAS ÁFRICAS E DAS AMÉFRICAS LADINAS
Authors: Carvalho Marina Vieira de , Viana Iamara Da Silva , Bracks Mariana
Published: April 2021

Texto de apresentação da 21ª edição.
Looking out for the perks of being a student
Authors: Marsh Ellie
Published: April 2021

Ellie Marsh is completing her MSc in Adult Nursing at London South Bank University. Here, she reflects on the unique opportunities available to students and the importance of noticing them.
A quality improvement project to reduce restrictive interventions in a mental health service
Authors: Savarimuthu Darren , Jung Katja
Published: April 2021

Background/aims

This article describes a quality improvement project that aimed to reduce restrictive interventions on an acute psychiatric ward. In light of a service level agreement and based on a trust-wide target, the purpose of the project was to reduce restrictive interventions by 20% within a period of 6 months. It was also anticipated that a least restrictive environment could have a positive impact on patient experience.

Methods

Three evidence-based interventions were introduced to the ward during the quality improvement project. These included positive behaviour support, the Safewards model and the productive ward initiative.

Results

There was a 63% reduction in restrictive interventions over a 6-month period through the successful implementation of a series of evidence-based interventions to manage behaviours that challenge on the mental health ward.

Conclusions

The project identified collaborative team working, staff training and adequate resources as essential elements in the success of the quality improvement initiative. However, co-production was found to be crucially significant in bringing sustainable changes in ward environment and in addressing restrictive practices.
Repeated filling of elastomeric infuser pumps for home-based subcutaneous medications: a case series
Authors: Julião Miguel , Sobral Maria Ana , Runa Daniela , Calçada Paula , Calaveiras Patrícia , Chaves Petra , Gonçalves Célia , Faria de Sousa Paulo , Bruera Eduardo
Published: April 2021

Background:

Several medical devices have been developed for continuous subcutaneous drug infusion for home palliative care (HPC), such as elastomeric infuser pumps (EIP). There is no evidence on the repeated filling of EIP for continuous subcutaneous delivery for HPC.

Aim:

A clinical case series report of terminally-ill patients cared for in HPC, with repeated filling of EIPs for home-based subcutaneous medications.

Methods:

A retrospective analysis of each patient's EIP-related entries in an anonymised database regarding: 1) EIP general functioning aspects; 2) clinical aspects: symptom control and local skin complications. Overall and per-patient cost-saving was also calculated.

Findings:

A total of 10 cases were analysed (four 50-hour EIP and six 30-hour EIP). All EIPs had a mean number of refillings (standard deviation (SD), mode) of 1.6 ((0.5), 2); with 3.2 drugs on average used in each EIP ((1.4), 4). Approximate total mean (SD) usage time for both types of EIP was 87 (29) hours; and all EIP were used, on average (SD), 49 (23) hours more than its labelled duration. All EIPs showed a complete reservoir deflation between refilling. Only one patient had a minor skin complication and no symptom aggravation was observed, except for two cases with mild anxiety and agitation. Cost-saving analysis for the complete case series showed that EIP refillings saved, on average, €24 per-patient and a total of nearly €240, for both types of infuser pumps.

Conclusion:

This preliminary study suggests that refilling is safe and reduces cost. Future research on EIP refilling using controlled and systematic methodologies are warranted.
Barriers to implementing palliative care in intensive care units: perceptions of physicians and nurses in Jordan
Authors: Khater Wejdan A , Akhu-Zaheya Laila M , AL-Nabulsi Hadeel W , Shattnawi Khulood K , Shamieh Omar , Joseph Rachel
Published: April 2021

Background:

Palliative care (PC) aims to relieve a person's suffering and provide the best possible quality of life (QoL) to people with chronic illnesses. Despite the significant impact of PC services on the QoL of patients, barriers exist that prevent healthcare providers from facilitating PC in intensive care units (ICUs).

Aim:

The purpose of this study was to explore the perceived barriers to implementing PC in ICUs.

Methods:

A qualitative approach was used to conduct 17 semi-structured interviews with clinicians across two ICUs (urban and suburban) in Jordan. Thematic analysis was used for the transcribed interviews.

Results:

Five main themes emerged: the ICU is a demanding and complex care environment; lack of preparation to implement PC; PC is a nicety, not a necessity; healthcare system-related barriers; and lack of cultural acceptance of PC. Lack of knowledge and training was identified as a major barrier for the effective implementation of PC by both physicians and nurses.

Conclusion:

Equipping healthcare providers with the knowledge and expertise to provide PC is essential to dispel myths related to PC and facilitate PC provision. Developing an interdisciplinary care team will support the effective implementation of PC services in any setting. Establishing national PC policies will foster the ethical and legal practice of PC in Jordan.
Surface Modification of Areca Fibre by Benzoyl Peroxide and Mechanical Behaviour of Areca-Epoxy Composites
Authors: Kamath Sakshi Shantharam , Bennehalli Basavaraju
Published: April 2021

Natural fibre composites are playing great role in current life scenario where the focus is more on replacing synthetic fibre composites with natural fibre composites. In this current study, investigation was done on tensile and flexural behaviour of benzoyl peroxide treated areca sheath fibre epoxy composites. The surface modification of the fibre was confirmed by FTIR analysis. Treatment concentration was the major criteria which effects mechanical properties of the composites. At 4% concentration tensile strength and flexural strength was found to be maximum which was reported as 37.05 N/mm2 and 235.5 N/mm2 respectively which gradually decreased with increasing concentration of benzoyl peroxide. SEM analysis proved that at lesser concentration, the bonding between fibre and resin was effective which reduced as the concentration of benzoyl peroxide increased. This results in ineffective stress transfer between reinforcing material and the matrix which was the reason for failure of composites manufactured at higher treatment concentration.
Insights into patient preferences for elective surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hotchen Andrew James , Khan Saad A. , Khan Maaz A. , Seah Matthew , Charface Zain H. , Khan Zarif , Khan Wasim , Kang Niel , Melton Joel Thomas Kirk , McCaskie Andrew W. , McDonnell Stephen M.
Published: April 2021

Aims

To investigate factors that contribute to patient decisions regarding attendance for arthroplasty during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

A postal questionnaire was distributed to patients on the waiting list for hip or knee arthroplasty in a single tertiary centre within the UK. Patient factors that may have influenced the decision to attend for arthroplasty, global quality of life (QoL) (EuroQol five-dimension three-level (EQ-5D-3L)), and joint-specific QoL (Oxford Hip or Knee Score) were assessed. Patients were asked at which ‘COVID-alert’ level they would be willing to attend an NHS and a “COVID-light” hospital for arthroplasty. Independent predictors were assessed using multivariate logistic regression.

Results

Of 540 distributed questionnaires, 400 (74.1%; 236 awaiting hip arthroplasty, 164 awaiting knee arthroplasty) complete responses were received and included. Less than half (48.2%) were willing to attend for hip or knee arthroplasty while a UK COVID-19 epidemic was in circulation (COVID-alert levels 3 to 5). Patients with worse joint-specific QoL had a preference to proceed with surgery at COVID-alert levels 3 to 5 compared to levels 1 and 2 (hip arthroplasty odds ratio (OR) 1.54 (95% confidence interval (CI) 1.45 to 1.63); knee arthroplasty OR 1.16 (1.07 to 1.26)). The odds of patients with worse joint-specific QoL being willing to attend for surgery at COVID-alert levels 3 to 5 increased further if surgery in a private, “COVID-light” hospital was available (hip arthroplasty OR 3.50 (95% CI 3.26 to 3.71); knee arthroplasty OR 1.41 (95% CI 1.29 to 1.53).

Conclusion

Patient decisions surrounding elective surgery have been influenced by the global COVID-19 pandemic, highlighting the importance of patient involvement in ensuring optimized provision of elective surgery during these challenging times. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(4):261–270.
Development of a core outcome set for idiopathic clubfoot management
Authors: Leo Donato Giuseppe , Russell Aisling , Bridgens Anna , Perry Daniel C. , Eastwood Deborah M. , Gelfer Yael
Published: April 2021

Aims

This study aims to define a set of core outcomes (COS) to allow consistent reporting in order to compare results and assist in treatment decisions for idiopathic clubfoot.

Methods

A list of outcomes will be obtained in a three-stage process from the literature and from key stakeholders (patients, parents, surgeons, and healthcare professionals). Important outcomes for patients and parents will be collected from a group of children with idiopathic clubfoot and their parents through questionnaires and interviews. The outcomes identified during this process will be combined with the list of outcomes previously obtained from a systematic review, with each outcome assigned to one of the five core areas defined by the Outcome Measures Recommended for use in Randomized Clinical Trials (OMERACT). This stage will be followed by a two round Delphi survey aimed at key stakeholders in the management of idiopathic clubfoot. The final outcomes list obtained will then be discussed in a consensus meeting of representative key stakeholders.

Conclusion

The inconsistency in outcomes reporting in studies investigating idiopathic clubfoot has made it difficult to define the success rate of treatments and to compare findings between studies. The development of a COS seeks to define a minimum standard set of outcomes to collect in all future clinical trials for this condition, to facilitate comparisons between studies and to aid decisions in treatment. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(4):255–260.
Methods for Analyzing Submerged Jet Erosion Test Data to Model Scour of Cohesive Soils
Authors: Wahl Tony L.
Published: April 2021

Highlights

Fifty-two jet erosion tests performed on four cohesive soils were analyzed by nine different methods.

Nonlinear methods performed well on some individual tests but fit inconsistently overall.

Several alternate linear solution methods outperformed the widely used Blaisdell method.

Simple linear regression of erosion rate versus applied shear stress provided the most consistent relationship between erosion rate and critical shear stress parameters.

Abstract. The submerged jet erosion test (JET) is widely used in lab and field settings to quantify erodibility of cohesive soils and determine erosion rate coefficients and critical shear stress values. Test devices with different scales and configurations have been developed in recent years, along with several alternative methods for processing the collected data to determine parameters of linear and nonlinear soil erosion equations. To facilitate standardization, 52 JET experiments were conducted on four different cohesive soils compacted at optimum water content and 2% dry and wet of optimum. Each test was analyzed using nine different methods, four based on the linear excess stress equation (including the commonly used Blaisdell method) and five based on nonlinear erosion equations, including two using the recently popular Wilson model. Results were analyzed to determine the erosion equations and parameter-fitting methods that most effectively represent the observed erosion rates and are of greatest utility for soil erosion modeling and the ranking and classification of soils according to erodibility. Methods based on nonlinear erosion equations fit some data sets well, but they exhibited poor correlation between the erosion rate coefficient and the threshold shear stress parameter for initiating erosion, which is problematic for soil erodibility classification work. Linear methods that simultaneously optimized erosion equation parameters to best fit the total depth of scour or the elapsed time needed to reach specific depths of scour performed better than the Blaisdell method, which has been the informally accepted standard of practice since the late 1990s. However, they also exhibited weak correlation of the erosion rate and critical shear stress parameters. Simple linear regression of average scour rate versus average applied stress provided an effective method for representing the erosion rate versus applied stress curve and exhibited the strongest correlation of the erosion rate coefficient and critical shear stress parameters. Keywords: Cohesive soil, Critical shear stress, Erodibility, Erosion, Erosion laws, Erosion models, Jet erosion test, Shear strss, Soil moisture.
Hubungan panjang berat dan faktor kondisi tiram (Crassostrea gigas) di Kawasan Estuari Tibang dan Ulee Lheue, Kota Banda Aceh
Authors: Kasmini Lili , Barus Termala A. , Sarong Muhammad A. , Mulya Miswar B.
Published: April 2021

Study on the length-weight relationships and condition factors of oyster (Crassostrea gigas) has been done in Tibang and Ulee Lheue estuary areas, Banda Aceh for 4 months starting from July to October 2017. The objective of the study was to observe the condition of oysters in Banda Aceh City. The sampling method used line transect, where each sampling location is divided into 3 stations. Length-weight relationship analysis was performed using Linear Allometric Model (LAM). The result of the analysis of Length-weight relationship in Tibang and Ulee Lheue waters of Banda Aceh City shows the average value of 1.92 and 1.97 (negative allometric). The K value shows at Tibang location (5.07) higher than Ulee Lheue (4.98). Based on the mean value Wr indicates that Ulee Lheue (103.92) has a higher value than Tibang (102.60). The conclusion of K and Wr values shows that the environment in the research location is still stable, so it can be concluded that Tibang and Ulee Lheue waters can still support the life of oysters.Penelitian tentang hubungan panjang berat dan faktor kondisi tiram (Crassostrea gigas) telah dilakukan di kawasan estuari Tibang dan Ulee Lheue, Kota Banda Aceh selama 4 bulan dimulai dari Juli hingga Oktober 2017. Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk melihat kondisi tiram di Kota Banda Aceh. Metode pengambilan sampel dilakukan dengan transek garis, dimana pada setiap lokasi sampling dibagi atas 3 stasiun. Analisis hubungan panjang berat dilakukan menggunakan Linear Allometric Model (LAM). Hasil analisis hubungan panjang berat di perairan Tibang dan Ulee Lheue Kota Banda Aceh menunjukkan nilai b rerata 1,92 dan 1,97 (alometrik negatif). Adapun nilai K menunjukkan rerata pada lokasi Tibang (5,07) lebih tinggi berbanding Ulee Lheue (4,98). Berdasarkan nilai rata-rata Wr menunjukkan bahwa perairan Ulee Lheue (103,92) memiliki nilai lebih tingi bebanding perairan Tibang (102,60). Adapun kesimpulan nilai K dan Wr menunjukkan keadaan lingkungan pada lokasi penelitian masih dalam keadaan stabil, sehingga dapat disimpulkan perairan Tibang dan Ulee Lheue masih dapat mendukung kehidupan tiram.
Keragaman dan pengelompokan ikan berdasarkan karakter morfologi di ekosistem Bendungan Colo Sukoharjo Jawa Tengah
Authors: Cahyono Ragil Nur , Budiharjo Agung , Sugiyarto Sugiyarto
Published: April 2021

The objective of the present study was to determine the diversity fishes in Colo Dam  ecosystem and grouping its based on morphological characteristics. Sampling was conducted in September to October 2017 at Sukoharjo Colo Dam Central Java used the  purposive random sampling method. Identification of fish species based Kottelat (1993). The diversity of fish was calculated using Shannon Wiener's diversity index. The relationship between abiotic factors and the diversity of fish was analyzed by regression test. Grouped fish with the Ntsys cluster method (2.02i). The results showed that the diversity of Colo Dam fish at station III was higher (1.16) than at stations I, II, and IV (0.84, 0.82, and 1.15), the abiotic factors affecting the diversity of fish species, and fish species that have large morphological equations have a high coefficient of similarity value in dendogram analysis.Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis keanekaragaman dan pengelompokan  ikan pada di Bendungan Colo. Pengambilan sampel dilakukan pada bulan September-Oktober 2017 di Bendungan Colo Sukoharjo menggunakan metode Purposive sampling. Identifikasi spesies ikan berdasarkan Kottelat (1993). Keanekaragaman ikan dihitung menggunakan indeks keragaman Shannon Wiener. Hubungan antar faktor abiotik dengan keanekaragaman ikan dianalisis dengan uji regresi. Pengelompokan ikan dengan metode cluster Ntsys (2.02i). Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa keragaman ikan Bendungan Colo di stasiun III lebih tinggi (1,16) dari pada stasiun I, II, dan IV (0,84; 0,82; dan 1,15), faktor abiotik mempengaruhi keanekeragaman jenis ikan, dan jenis-jenis ikan yang memiliki persamaan morfologi yang besar memiliki nilai koefisien kemiripan yang tinggi dalam analisis dendogram.
Dampak keberadaan Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara Idi Aceh Timur terhadap sosial ekonomi masyarakat nelayan
Authors: Insyafrijal Insyafrijal , Nasir Muhammad , Abdullah Faisal
Published: April 2021

The purpose of this study was to analyze the socio-economic impact of the community as beneficiaries of Idi fishing port (PPN) and to formulate a strategy to increase people's income. The method used in this research is descriptive method and case study, where descriptive method is used to collect data about the condition and activity of Idi fishing port operation within 5 (five) years, while the case study method is used to know the socio-economic condition of the community as the beneficiary ports, where the data were taken are workers within the port area as well as direct or indirect beneficiaries of port activities with a focal point on fishing communities as the largest workers in the port area. Formulation of income generation strategy using SWOT analysis. The results of the study explain that the condition of the community around the of Idi fishery port is not much different from the condition of other coastal communities where education is not the main priority. In addition, the amount of income in general is still strongly influenced by fish production and ship visits and has not yet met the needs of household fishermen's expenditure. Strategies that can be used to increase people's income is through increased efficiency in the preparation of facilities and infrastructure so that the process of fishing and loading and unloading fish can be faster, saving time and saving cost. Further information on the location of fishing ground and encourage the use of frozen freezer on board is recommended to be done so that the cost of fishing is cheaper and fish prices higher. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk  menganalisis dampak sosial ekonomi masyarakat nelayan sebagai penerima manfaat Pelabuhan Perikanan Nusantara (PPN) Idi serta merumuskan strategi peningkatan pendapatan masyarakat. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian adalah metode deskriptif dan studi kasus, dimana metode deskriptif digunakan untuk mengumpulkan data mengenai kondisi dan aktivitas operasional  PPN Idi dalam jangka waktu 5 (lima) tahun. Perumusan strategi peningkatan pendapatan masyarakat menggunakan analisis Internal Strengths dan weaknesses serta lingkungan Eksternal Opportunities dan Threats (SWOT). Hasil penelitian menjelaskan bahwa kondisi masyarakat nelayan disekitar PPN Idi tidak jauh berbeda dengan kondisi masyarakat pesisir lainnya dimana pendidikan bukan prioritas utama. Selain itu jumlah pendapatan secara umum masih sangat dipengaruhi oleh produksi ikan serta kunjungan kapal. Strategi yang bisa digunakan untuk meningkatkan pendapatan masyarakat yaitu melalui peningkatan efisiensi dalam penyiapan sarana serta prasarana sehingga proses nelayan berangkat dan bongkar muat ikan bisa lebih cepat, menghemat waktu dan biaya. Selanjutnya informasi lokasi keberadaan ikan secara berkala serta mendorong penggunaan freezer beku diatas kapal direkomendasikan untuk dilakukan sehingga biaya melaut lebih murah dan harga ikan lebih tinggi.
Simple reformulation of the coordinate transformation method for gratings with a vertical facet or overhanging profile
Authors: Ming Xianshun , Sun Liqun
Published: April 2021

We reformulate the coordinate transformation method (C method) for gratings with a vertical facet or overhanging profile (overhanging gratings), in which no tensor concept is involved, only the knowledge of elementary mathematics and Maxwell’s equations in the rectangular coordinate system is used, and we provide a detailed recipe for programming. This formulation is easy to understand and implement. It adopts the strategy of a rotating coordinate system from Plumey et al. [J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 14, 610 (1997)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.14.000610] and expresses it with the method of changing variables from Li et al. [Appl. Opt. 38, 304 (1999)APOPAI0003-693510.1364/AO.38.000304]. We investigate several typical overhanging gratings by the reformulated C method, and we validate and compare the results with the Fourier modal method, which shows that it is superior, especially for metal deep smooth gratings. This reformulation can facilitate the research in light couplers for optical engineers.
Automatic threshold selection algorithm to distinguish a tissue chromophore from the background in photoacoustic imaging
Authors: Khodaverdi Azin , Erlöv Tobias , Hult Jenny , Reistad Nina , Pekar-Lukacs Agnes , Albinsson John , Merdasa Aboma , Sheikh Rafi , Malmsjö Malin , Cinthio Magnus
Published: April 2021

The adaptive matched filter (AMF) is a method widely used in spectral unmixing to classify different tissue chromophores in photoacoustic images. However, a threshold needs to be applied to the AMF detection image to distinguish the desired tissue chromophores from the background. In this study, we propose an automatic threshold selection (ATS) algorithm capable of differentiating a target from the background, based on the features of the AMF detection image. The mean difference between the estimated thickness, using the ATS algorithm, and the known values was 0.17 SD (0.24) mm for the phantom inclusions and -0.05 SD (0.21) mm for the tissue samples of malignant melanoma. The evaluation shows that the thickness and the width of the phantom inclusions and the tumors can be estimated using AMF in an automatic way after applying the ATS algorithm.
The canonical α-SNAP is essential for gametophytic development in Arabidopsis
Authors: Liu Fei , Li Ji-Peng , Li Lu-Shen , Liu Qi , Li Shan-Wei , Song Ming-Lei , Li Sha , Zhang Yan
Published: April 2021

The development of male and female gametophytes is a pre-requisite for successful reproduction of angiosperms. Factors mediating vesicular trafficking are among the key regulators controlling gametophytic development. Fusion between vesicles and target membranes requires the assembly of a fusogenic soluble N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) complex, whose disassembly in turn ensures the recycle of individual SNARE components. The disassembly of post-fusion SNARE complexes is controlled by the AAA+ ATPase N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor (Sec18/NSF) and soluble NSF attachment protein (Sec17/α-SNAP) in yeast and metazoans. Although non-canonical α-SNAPs have been functionally characterized in soybeans, the biological function of canonical α-SNAPs has yet to be demonstrated in plants. We report here that the canonical α-SNAP in Arabidopsis is essential for male and female gametophytic development. Functional loss of the canonical α-SNAP in Arabidopsis results in gametophytic lethality by arresting the first mitosis during gametogenesis. We further show that Arabidopsis α-SNAP encodes two isoforms due to alternative splicing. Both isoforms interact with the Arabidopsis homolog of NSF whereas have distinct subcellular localizations. The presence of similar alternative splicing of human α-SNAP indicates that functional distinction of two α-SNAP isoforms is evolutionarily conserved.
A novel mechanism of streptomycin resistance in Yersinia pestis: Mutation in the rpsL gene
Authors: Dai Ruixia , He Jian , Zha Xi , Wang Yiting , Zhang Xuefei , Gao He , Yang Xiaoyan , Li Juan , Xin Youquan , Wang Yumeng , Li Sheng , Jin Juan , Zhang Qi , Bai Jixiang , Peng Yao , Wu Hailian , Zhang Qingwen , Wei Baiqing , Xu Jianguo , Li Wei
Published: April 2021

Streptomycin is considered to be one of the effective antibiotics for the treatment of plague. In order to investigate the streptomycin resistance of Y. pestis in China, we evaluated streptomycin susceptibility of 536 Y. pestis strains in China in vitro using the minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) and screened streptomycin resistance-associated genes (strA and strB) by PCR method. A clinical Y. pestis isolate (S19960127) exhibited high-level resistance to streptomycin (the MIC was 4,096 mg/L). The strain (biovar antiqua) was isolated from a pneumonic plague outbreak in 1996 in Tibet Autonomous Region, China, belonging to the Marmota himalayana Qinghai–Tibet Plateau plague focus. In contrast to previously reported streptomycin resistance mediated by conjugative plasmids, the genome sequencing and allelic replacement experiments demonstrated that an rpsL gene (ribosomal protein S12) mutation with substitution of amino-acid 43 (K43R) was responsible for the high-level resistance to streptomycin in strain S19960127, which is consistent with the mutation reported in some streptomycin-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. Streptomycin is used as the first-line treatment against plague in many countries. The emergence of streptomycin resistance in Y. pestis represents a critical public health problem. So streptomycin susceptibility monitoring of Y. pestis isolates should not only include plasmid-mediated resistance but also include the ribosomal protein S12 gene (rpsL) mutation, especially when treatment failure is suspected due to antibiotic resistance.
The role of oxygen intake and liver enzyme on the dynamics of damaged hepatocytes: Implications to ischaemic liver injury via a mathematical model
Authors: Ghosh Aditi , Onsager Claire , Mason Andrew , Arriola Leon , Lee William , Mubayi Anuj
Published: April 2021

Ischaemic Hepatitis (IH) or Hypoxic Hepatitis (HH) also known as centrilobular liver cell necrosis is an acute liver injury characterized by a rapid increase in serum aminotransferase. The liver injury typically results from different underlying medical conditions such as cardiac failure, respiratory failure and septic shock in which the liver becomes damaged due to deprivation of either blood or oxygen. IH is a potentially lethal condition that is often preventable if diagnosed timely. The role of mechanisms that cause IH is often not well understood, making it difficult to diagnose or accurately quantify the patterns of related biomarkers. In most patients, currently, the only way to determine a case of IH is to rule out all other possible conditions for liver injuries. A better understanding of the liver’s response to IH is necessary to aid in its diagnosis, measurement, and improve outcomes. The goal of this study is to identify mechanisms that can alter associated biomarkers for reducing the density of damaged hepatocytes, and thus reduce the chances of IH. We develop a mathematical model capturing dynamics of hepatocytes in the liver through the rise and fall of associated liver enzymes aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) related to the condition of IH. The model analysis provides a novel approach to predict the level of biomarkers given variations in the systemic oxygen in the body. Using IH patient data in the US, novel model parameters are described and then estimated for the first time to capture real-time dynamics of hepatocytes in the presence and absence of IH condition. The results may allow physicians to estimate the extent of liver damage in an IH patient based on their enzyme levels and receive faster treatment on a real-time basis.
The impact of COVID-19 vaccination campaigns accounting for antibody-dependent enhancement
Authors: Adil Mahmoud Yousif Nessma , Tsoungui Obama Henri Christian Junior , Ngucho Mbeutchou Yvan Jordan , Kwamou Ngaha Sandy Frank , Kayanula Loyce , Kamanga George , Ibrahim Toheeb Babatunde , Bwanu Iliya Patience , Iyanda Sulyman , Alawam Nemer Looli , Helle Kristina Barbara , Teboh-Ewungkem Miranda Ijang , Schneider Kristan Alexander
Published: April 2021

Background

COVID-19 vaccines are approved, vaccination campaigns are launched, and worldwide return to normality seems within close reach. Nevertheless, concerns about the safety of COVID-19 vaccines arose, due to their fast emergency approval. In fact, the problem of antibody-dependent enhancement was raised in the context of COVID-19 vaccines.

Methods and findings

We introduce a complex extension of the model underlying the pandemic preparedness tool CovidSim 1.1 (http://covidsim.eu/) to optimize vaccination strategies with regard to the onset of campaigns, vaccination coverage, vaccination schedules, vaccination rates, and efficiency of vaccines. Vaccines are not assumed to immunize perfectly. Some individuals fail to immunize, some reach only partial immunity, and—importantly—some develop antibody-dependent enhancement, which increases the likelihood of developing symptomatic and severe episodes (associated with higher case fatality) upon infection. Only a fraction of the population will be vaccinated, reflecting vaccination hesitancy or contraindications. The model is intended to facilitate decision making by exploring ranges of parameters rather than to be fitted by empirical data. We parameterized the model to reflect the situation in Germany and predict increasing incidence (and prevalence) in early 2021 followed by a decline by summer. Assuming contact reductions (curfews, social distancing, etc.) to be lifted in summer, disease incidence will peak again. Fast vaccine deployment contributes to reduce disease incidence in the first quarter of 2021, and delay the epidemic outbreak after the summer season. Higher vaccination coverage results in a delayed and reduced epidemic peak. A coverage of 75%–80% is necessary to prevent an epidemic peak without further drastic contact reductions.

Conclusions

With the vaccine becoming available, compliance with contact reductions is likely to fade. To prevent further economic damage from COVID-19, high levels of immunization need to be reached before next year’s flu season, and vaccination strategies and disease management need to be flexibly adjusted. The predictive model can serve as a refined decision support tool for COVID-19 management.
Barriers and enablers to effective interprofessional teamwork in the operating room: A qualitative study using the Theoretical Domains Framework
Authors: Etherington Cole , Burns Joseph K. , Kitto Simon , Brehaut Jamie C. , Britton Meghan , Singh Sukhbir , Boet Sylvain
Published: April 2021

Background

Effective teamwork is critical for safe, high-quality care in the operating room (OR); however, teamwork interventions have not consistently resulted in the expected gains for patient safety or surgical culture. In order to optimize OR teamwork in a targeted and evidence-based manner, it is first necessary to conduct a comprehensive, theory-informed assessment of barriers and enablers from an interprofessional perspective.

Methods

This qualitative study was informed by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF). Volunteer, purposive and snowball sampling were conducted primarily across four sites in Ontario, Canada and continued until saturation was reached. Interviews were recorded, transcribed, and de-identified. Directed content analysis was conducted in duplicate using the TDF as the initial coding framework. Codes were then refined whereby similar codes were grouped into larger categories of meaning within each TDF domain, resulting in a list of domain-specific barriers and enablers.

Results

A total of 66 OR healthcare professionals participated in the study (19 Registered Nurses, two Registered Practical Nurses, 17 anaesthesiologists, 26 surgeons, two perfusionists). The most frequently identified teamwork enablers included people management, shared definition of teamwork, communication strategies, positive emotions, familiarity with team members, and alignment of teamwork with professional role. The most frequently identified teamwork barriers included others’ personalities, gender, hierarchies, resource issues, lack of knowledge of best practices for teamwork, negative emotions, conflicting norms and perceptions across professions, being unfamiliar with team members, and on-call/night shifts.

Conclusions

We identified key factors influencing OR teamwork from an interprofessional perspective using a theoretically informed and systematic approach. Our findings reveal important targets for future interventions and may ultimately increase their effectiveness. Specifically, achieving optimal teamwork in the OR may require a multi-level intervention that addresses individual, team and systems-level factors with particular attention to complex social and professional hierarchies.
Crowdsourcing airway annotations in chest computed tomography images
Authors: Cheplygina Veronika , Perez-Rovira Adria , Kuo Wieying , Tiddens Harm A. W. M. , de Bruijne Marleen
Published: April 2021

Measuring airways in chest computed tomography (CT) scans is important for characterizing diseases such as cystic fibrosis, yet very time-consuming to perform manually. Machine learning algorithms offer an alternative, but need large sets of annotated scans for good performance. We investigate whether crowdsourcing can be used to gather airway annotations. We generate image slices at known locations of airways in 24 subjects and request the crowd workers to outline the airway lumen and airway wall. After combining multiple crowd workers, we compare the measurements to those made by the experts in the original scans. Similar to our preliminary study, a large portion of the annotations were excluded, possibly due to workers misunderstanding the instructions. After excluding such annotations, moderate to strong correlations with the expert can be observed, although these correlations are slightly lower than inter-expert correlations. Furthermore, the results across subjects in this study are quite variable. Although the crowd has potential in annotating airways, further development is needed for it to be robust enough for gathering annotations in practice. For reproducibility, data and code are available online: http://github.com/adriapr/crowdairway.git.
Prevalence, clinical features, and outcomes of SARS-CoV-2 infection in pregnant women with or without mild/moderate symptoms: Results from universal screening in a tertiary care center in Mexico City, Mexico
Authors: Cardona-Pérez J. Arturo , Villegas-Mota Isabel , Helguera-Repetto A. Cecilia , Acevedo-Gallegos Sandra , Rodríguez-Bosch Mario , Aguinaga-Ríos Mónica , Coronado-Zarco Irma , León-Juárez Moisés , Aguilar-Ayala Diana , Valdespino-Vázquez María Yolotzin , Moreno-Verduzco Elsa Romelia , Rivera María Antonieta , Valencia-Contreras Carolina , Gómez-Sousa María de Lourdes , Solis-Paredes Mario , Frías-Madrid Brenda , Velasco-Téllez César , Rodriguez-Aldama Juan Carlos , Avila-Sosa Valeria , Galván-Contreras Rafael , Figueroa-Damian Ricardo , Cortés-Bonilla Manuel , Estrada-Gutierrez Guadalupe , Espino-y-Sosa Salvador , Irles Claudine
Published: April 2021

The perinatal consequences of SARS-CoV-2 infection are still largely unknown. This study aimed to describe the features and outcomes of pregnant women with or without SARS-CoV-2 infection after the universal screening was established in a large tertiary care center admitting only obstetric related conditions without severe COVID-19 in Mexico City. This retrospective case-control study integrates data between April 22 and May 25, 2020, during active community transmission in Mexico, with one of the highest COVID-19 test positivity percentages worldwide. Only pregnant women and neonates with a SARS-CoV-2 result by quantitative RT-PCR were included in this study. Among 240 pregnant women, the prevalence of COVID-19 was 29% (95% CI, 24% to 35%); 86% of the patients were asymptomatic (95% CI, 76%-92%), nine women presented mild symptoms, and one patient moderate disease. No pregnancy baseline features or risk factors associated with severity of infection, including maternal age > 35 years, Body Mass Index >30 kg/m2, and pre-existing diseases, differed between positive and negative women. The median gestational age at admission for both groups was 38 weeks. All women were discharged at home without complications, and no maternal death was reported. The proportion of preeclampsia was higher in positive women than negative women (18%, 95% CI, 10%-29% vs. 9%, 95% CI, 5%-14%, P<0.05). No differences were found for other perinatal outcomes. SARS-CoV-2 test result was positive for nine infants of positive mothers detected within 24h of birth. An increased number of infected neonates were admitted to the NICU, compared to negative neonates (44% vs. 22%, P<0.05) and had a longer length of hospitalization (2 [2–18] days vs. 2 [2–3] days, P<0.001); these are potential proxies for illness severity. This report highlights the importance of COVID-19 detection at delivery in pregnant women living in high transmission areas.
Morpho-agronomic, biochemical and molecular analysis of genetic diversity in the Mesoamerican common bean panel
Authors: Nogueira Alison Fernando , Moda-Cirino Vania , Delfini Jessica , Brandão Luriam Aparecida , Mian Silas , Constantino Leonel Vinicius , Zeffa Douglas Mariani , dos Santos Neto José , Azeredo Gonçalves Leandro Simões
Published: April 2021

The common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) is of great importance to the food and nutritional security of many populations, and exploitation of the crop’s genetic diversity is essential for the success of breeding programs. Thus, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the genetic diversity of 215 common bean accessions, which included cultivars, obsolete cultivars, improved lines, and landraces using morpho-agronomic and biochemical traits, and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers (AFLP). Genetic parameters, box plots, Pearson’s correlation analysis, and Ward’s hierarchical clustering were used to analyze the data. The Jaccard similarity coefficient and neighbour-joining clustering method were used for molecular analysis. A wide variability among the accessions was observed for morpho-agronomic and biochemical traits. Selective accuracy (Ac) and broad-sense heritability (h2) values were high to intermediate for all traits, except seed yield. Ward’s hierarchical clustering analysis generated six groups. AFLP analysis also revealed significant differences among the accessions. There was no correlation between the differences based on genetic markers and those based on morpho-agronomic and biochemical data, which indicates that both datasets are important for elucidating the differences among accessions. The results of the present study indicate great genetic diversity among the evaluated accessions.
The successful reintroduction of African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) to Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique
Authors: Bouley Paola , Paulo Antonio , Angela Mercia , Du Plessis Cole , Marneweck David G.
Published: April 2021

Large carnivores have experienced widespread extirpation and species are now threatened globally. The ecological impact of the loss of large carnivores has been prominent in Gorongosa National Park, Mozambique, after most were extirpated during the 1977–92 civil war. To remedy this, reintroductions are now being implemented in Gorongosa, initiating with endangered African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus), hereafter ‘wild dogs’. We describe the first transboundary translocation and reintroduction of founding packs of wild dogs to Gorongosa over a 28-month study period and evaluate the success of the reintroduction based on five key indicator categories. We also assess how wild dog space use and diet influenced their success. We found that pre-release, artificial pack formation in holding enclosures aided group cohesion and alpha pair establishment. Post-release, we also observed natural pack formations as a result of multiple dispersal events. Founder and naturally formed packs produced pups in two of the three breeding seasons and packs successfully recruited pups. Survival rate for all wild dogs was 73% and all mortality events were from natural causes. Consequently, the population grew significantly over the study period. All indicators of success were fully achieved and this study documents the first successful reintroduction of wild dogs into a large, unfenced landscape in Mozambique and only the second on the continent. Potential mechanisms underlying these early successes were the avoidance of habitats intensively used by lions, dietary partitioning with lion, avoidance of human settlements, and Gorongosa’s management strategy. We predict further population expansion in Gorongosa given that 68% of the park is still unused by wild dogs. This expansion could be stimulated by continued reintroductions over the short- to medium-term. Recovery of wild dogs in Gorongosa could aid in the re-establishment of a larger, connected population across the greater Gorongosa-Marromeu landscape.