bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paleoecology and Predominance Facies of Late Devonian Foraminifera in Successions of the Catskill Delta Complex, Western New York, U.S.A.
Authors: Li Isabelle , Bartlett Kimberly , Kowalski Cody , Bembia Paul , Meehan Kimberly C.
Published: March 2021

Beyond yielding signals of extinction or stressed ecological conditions, modern and ancient foraminiferal assemblages reflect specific marine depositional environments and depths. Foraminiferal predominance facies and benthic foraminiferal depth zonation has been successfully used to identify specific marine environments dating back to the Carboniferous. Using insights from modern equivalents, correlative assemblages allow for paleoecological analysis and insights. Middle to Late Devonian (Frasnian) black and gray shale beds of western New York contain hundreds of diminutive calcareous and agglutinated foraminifera. The genera within these beds are reminiscent of shallow modern predominance facies. These foraminiferal assemblages and their associated predominance facies correlate well with prior lithologic and geochemical investigations that establish this portion of the Appalachian Basin as a deltaic setting but suggest it is likely inner neritic zone. Dominant genera include several species of Ammobaculites and Saccammina which suggest that paleodepths did not exceed 50 m throughout the Frasnian. Opportunistic genera reflect a muted crisis associated with the punctata isotopic event (Rhinestreet Event) and Lower Kellwasser (Pipe Creek) events. While there are definite shifts in the diversity of assemblages between gray and black shale, the foraminiferal type and feeding mode, indicative of depth and oxygen availability respectively, there is little variation between the distinct shale units. No significance was found between total organic carbon and foraminiferal type of feeding mode. Identification at the species level is problematic but assemblages at the genus-level suggest that the depositional environment was stressed. However, the effects of these marine crisis events were not significant for these foraminifera in comparison to those frequently reported; we found no local extinction for foraminifera at least through the lower Hanover Shale, just prior to the Hangenberg marine crisis event, within this deltaic complex of the Appalachian Basin in western New York.
ANSIEDAD, DEPRESIÓN, CALIDAD DE VIDA Y CONSUMO DE TABACO EN PERSONAS CON DIABETES MELLITUS TIPO 2
Authors: Pech Puebla Daniel , Lira Mandujano Jennifer , Cruz Morales Sara Eugenia , Reynoso Erazo Leonardo
Published: March 2021

Es importante evaluar las diferencias entre ansiedad y depresión, y la asociación entre fumar y calidad de vida de fumadores y no fumadores mexicanos con Diabetes Mellitus (DM). Objetivo. Evaluar las diferencias entre fumadores y no fumadores con Diabetes Mellitus tipo 2 (DM2) en ansiedad, depresión y calidad de vida; evaluar si la ansiedad y depresión moderan la asociación entre calidad de vida y consumo de tabaco; y evaluar el nivel de predicción de la calidad de vida hacia el fumar. Metodología. 44 personas fumadoras y no fumadoras con DM2. Se recopiló información del patrón de consumo, dependencia a la nicotina, ansiedad, depresión y calidad de vida. Resultados. La ansiedad como rasgo y la depresión como rasgo y estado moderan la asociación entre el patrón de consumo y calidad de vida. Conclusiones. Las personas fumadoras con DM tuvieron más síntomas de depresión y ansiedad, y se vieron más afectadas en calidad de vida. La ansiedad y depresión moderan la asociación entre calidad de vida y dependencia a la nicotina. Se resalta la importancia de tomar en cuenta estos factores moderadores en las intervenciones para dejar de fumar y el mantenimiento de la abstinencia de tabaco en personas con DM2.
COMORBILIDAD DE TRASTORNOS PSIQUIÁTRICOS SEVEROS Y TRASTORNOS POR USO DE SUSTANCIAS EN EL SERVICIO DE UN HOSPITAL PSIQUIÁTRICO ALEMÁN
Authors: Silva-Barrera Blanca Patricia , Alonso-Stenberg Kristian , Requena-Morales Rosa , Montoyo-Guijarro Andrés
Published: March 2021

La prevalencia del consumo de sustancias se relaciona de forma bidireccional con los trastornos psiquiátricos severos causando impacto en los servicios de urgencias de los hospitales psiquiátricos. Objetivo. describir la prevalencia del consumo de sustancias y su relación con los trastornos mentales en un hospital psiquiátrico alemán. Método. Se revisaron 1593 historias clínicas en adultos de 18 a 69 años, ingresados en el servicio de psiquiatría durante el 2000-2014. Se recogieron distintas variables: sociodemográficas, clínicas, diagnósticas ICD-10 y de consumo de sustancias. Se utilizó el uso de diversos estadísticos en función de la naturaleza de las variables (Chi-Cuadrado, coeficiente de contingencia de Pearson, coeficiente Phi, V de Cramer y Odds Ratio), seleccionando pruebas no paramétricas cuando no se cumplía el principio de normalidad en los datos (H de Kruskal-Wallis y U de Mann-Whitney). Resultados. Un tercio de la población presenta trastornos por consumo de sustancias, siendo común de gravedad en la atención de los servicios de urgencias psiquiátricas, en donde los hombres presentan mayor prevalencia de consumo en el alcohol y 1-2 sustancias entre 49-58 años de edad. Conclusiones. Los hombres presentan 2.803 veces más riesgo de consumo de alcohol que las mujeres y ello sugiere una relación significativa entre la gravedad del consumo y el trastorno mental grave.
SUBJETIVIDAD EN LA TRAYECTORIA DEL CONSUMO ADICTIVO DE SUSTANCIAS PSICOACTIVAS EN JÓVENES MEXICANOS
Authors: Pérez Islas Verónica , De San Jorge-Cárdenas Xóchitl , Agoff Carolina
Published: March 2021

El consumo adictivo de drogas en la actualidad obedece al impacto de la configuración cultural de la sociedad de consumo y a la transformación de instituciones que dejan a los jóvenes en el desamparo. Objetivo. Explorar y comprender la subjetividad en la trayectoria del consumo adictivo de Sustancias Psicoactivas (SPA). Método. Estudio cualitativo desde la Teoría Fundamentada, con un muestreo intencional para entrevistar a nueve jóvenes atendidos en dos Centros de Tratamiento del Estado de Veracruz (México) y reconstruir sus Historias de Vida y sus trayectorias adictivas, utilizando el principio de saturación. Resultados. Se identificaron seis categorías que marcaron la subjetividad: a) vivencias en el contexto familiar, b) condiciones del contexto social, c) lo que se busca y lo que se encuentra, d) llenar el vacío con SPA, e) experiencia en el consumo y f) trayectoria del consumo adictivo. Conclusiones. La subjetividad presente en el consumo adictivo de SPA implica una búsqueda constante de satisfacción para llenar el vacío emocional. El estudio de la experiencia subjetiva permitirá reorientar las estrategias de intervención, considerando la subjetividad del consumo adictivo actual y las condiciones sociales que la producen para una mayor comprensión de la génesis del consumo adictivo.
Genome Wide Pleiotropic Analysis to Identify Novel Variants
and Improve Genetic Risk Score Construction
Authors: Zhu Xiaofeng , Zhu Luke , Wang Heming , Cooper Richard , Chakravarti Aravinda
Published: March 2021

Systolic and diastolic blood pressure (S/DBP) are highly correlated and modifiable risk factors for cardiovascular disease (CVD). We report here a bidirectional Mendelian Randomization (MR) and GWAS pleiotropy analysis of S/DBP summary statistics from large published BP GWAS and construct a composite genetic risk score (GRS), capturing respectively 21%, 11%, and 227% more of SBP, DBP and PP heritability than achieved with the traditional GRS. The composite GRS improves the prediction of hypertension and CVD in persons of European as well as African and Asian descent. We identified and confirmed 120 novel BP pleiotropic variants that are not in linkage disequilibrium with known variants, including 17 novel BP loci. We further observed significant age-modulated genetic effects on BP, hypertension and CVD in both Europeans and Asians. Our study provides further insight into BP regulation and provides a novel way to construct a GRS for correlated traits.
Petrophysical characterization, microfacies analysis, and diagenetic attributes of the Lower Jurassic surface analog sequence in Gebel El-Maghara area, north Sinai, Egypt
Authors: Nabawy Bassem , Abudeif Abdelbaset M. , Masoud Marwa M.
Published: March 2021

This study concerns with the petrophysical characteristics of the Lower Jurassic surface analog in Gebel El-Maghara area (from base to top Mashaba, Rajabia, and Shusha formations), north Sinai, Egypt and implementation of the mineral components and diagenetic controls on reservoir characteristics. A full set of petrophysical measurements including porosity (∅He), permeability (k), grain and bulk densities (σg and σb, respectively), and true formation resistivity factor was applied. The Lower Jurassic sequence is subdivided into five hydraulic flow units (HFUs) that consist of three reservoir rock types (RRTs). These RRTs are composed of three microfacies association (MFAs). The RRT1 plug samples consist of the mostly clastic MFA1; they are porous, permeable, and have good reservoir quality that is using the flow zone indicator (FZI), and the reservoir quality index (RQI). The lowest reservoir quality is assigned to the RRT samples which are mostly composed tight carbonates. Based on the petrographical studies, SEM imaging, and the XRD analysis, dissolution and fracturing slightly enhanced the reservoir potentiality of the RRT1 samples, whereas physical compaction, tight cementation, and authigenic clay content (kaolinite, hematite, and goethite) are responsible for deterioration of the reservoir properties of RRT3 samples and reduction of the RRT2 samples.
Large Outbreak of Jimsonweed (Datura stramonium) Poisoning due to Consumption of Contaminated Humanitarian Relief Food: Uganda, March-April 2019
Authors: Mutebi Ronald R. , Ario Alex R. , Nabatanzi Maureen , Kyamwine Irene B. , Wibabara Yvette , Muwereza Peter , Eurien Daniel , Kwesiga Benon , Bulage Lilian , Kabwama Steven N. , Kadobera Daniel , Henderson Alden , Callahan John H. , Croley Timothy R. , Knolhoff Ann M. , Mangrum John B. , Handy Sara M. , McFarland Melinda A. , Sam Jennifer L. Fong , Harris Julie R. , Zhu Bao-Ping
Published: March 2021

BackgroundJimsonweed (Datura stramonium) contains toxic alkaloids that cause gastrointestinal and central nervous system symptoms when ingested. This can be lethal at high doses. The plant may grow together with leguminous crops, mixing with them during harvesting. Due to persistent famine in Uganda’s Karamoja region, area residents receive humanitarian food relief. On 13 March 2019, more than 200 case-patients were admitted to multiple health centres for acute gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms. We investigated to determine the cause and magnitude of the outbreak and recommend evidence-based control and prevention measures.MethodsWe defined a suspected case as sudden onset of confusion, dizziness, convulsions, hallucinations, diarrhoea, or vomiting with no other medically plausible explanations in a resident of Napak or Amudat District from 1 March − 30 April 2019. We reviewed medical records and canvassed all villages of the 8 affected sub-counties to identify cases. In a retrospective cohort study conducted in 17 villages that reported the earliest cases, we interviewed 211 residents about dietary history during 11–15 March. We used modified Poisson regression to assess suspected food exposures. Food samples underwent chemical (heavy metals, chemical contaminants, and toxins), proteomic, DNA, and microbiological testing in one national and three international laboratories.ResultsWe identified 293 suspected cases; five (1.7%) died. Symptoms included confusion (62%), dizziness (38%), diarrhoea (22%), nausea/vomiting (18%), convulsions (12%), and hallucinations (8%). The outbreak started on 12 March, 2–12 hours after Batch X of fortified corn-soy blend (CSB+) was distributed. In the retrospective cohort study, 66% of 134 persons who ate CSB+, compared with 2.2% of 75 who did not, developed illness (RRadj=22, 95% CI = 6.0–81). Samples of Batch X distributed 11–15 March contained 14 tropane alkaloids, including atropine (25-50ppm) and scopolamine (1-10ppm). Proteins of Solanaceae seeds and Jimsonweed DNA were identified. No other significant laboratory findings were observed.ConclusionThis was the largest documented outbreak caused by contamination of food with tropane alkaloids. Implicated food was immediately recalled. Routine food safety and quality checks could prevent future outbreaks.
Impacts of Elevated Ozone and Ozone protectanton Plant Growth, Nutrients, Biochemical and Yield properties of Turnip (Brassica rapa)
Authors: Kovilpillai Boomiraj , Nedumaran Sethupathi , Mani Sudhakaran , Mani Jayabalakrishnan Raja , Natarajan Sritharan , Ramasamy Jagadeeswaran
Published: March 2021

An experiment was conducted at woodhouse farm, Horticultural Research Station, Ooty, in the period of October 2017 to March 2018, to quantify the impact of elevated ozone and ozone protectants spray on plant growth, nutrients, biochemical and yield properties of turnip crop in a factorial completely randomized block design replicated thrice. The elevated ozone exposure significantly reduces the plant height, tuber size, tuber weight, Chlorophyll ‘a’, Chlorophyll ‘b’, Total chlorophyll, total nitrogen, total potassium, total Manganese, Iron, Zinc, Copper inturnip. Meanwhile, the elevated ozone exposure significantly increased the total phosphorous, catalase and peroxide activity inturnip. However, ozone protectants played a major role to nullify the tropospheric ozoneeffect on growth, physiology, development and yield of turnip and among them panchagavya performed well followed by neem oil and ascorbicacid.
Unconventional Implant Strategy for Patients With Limited Interocclusal Space in the Posterior Region: A Clinical Cohort Study With 1-year Follow-Up
Authors: Xia Xun , Wei Zhen-Yu , Huang Jiang-Qin , Hu Chang-Qi , Guo Shui-Gen , Yue Li-Chun , Wei Hong-Wu , Gong Jin-Mei
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the clinical outcomes of a new implant restoration strategy for patients with limited interocclusal space in the posterior region.Materials and MethodsA total of 37 patients (19 females and 18 males) were enrolled in this study and received 62 implants. A locking taper implant (Bicon) was used for the first stage procedure, which was placed >2mm under the bone. An extraoral cementation technique was used to cement the crown and abutment. The survival and success rate of the implant restorations were evaluated using the plaque index, modified bleeding index, probing depth, marginal bone loss, and the patient's subjective satisfaction. ResultsThe soft tissues around the implant were healthy and did not show any indications of peri-implantitis. The success rate of the new implant restorations was >96% at the 1-year follow-up. The patients presented satisfactory outcomes at the 1-year follow-up. The marginal bone loss and soft tissue changes were not significantly different at different depths of placement (p>0.05).ConclusionsAccording to the results, the use of a locking taper implant and adoption of appropriate prosthetic strategies might be an effective procedure for the prosthetic rehabilitation of patients with limited interocclusal space and reduced occlusal vertical dimensions.
Exposure to Phthalates and Cardiovascular Diseases with type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Zhang Haojie , Chen Jingsi , Chen Chi , Wan Heng , Chen Yi , Wang Yuying , Zhang Wen , Chen Bo , Lu Yingli , Wang Ningjian
Published: March 2021

Purpose Cardiovascular disease (CVD) results in more than half of the mortality and the majority of morbidity in patients with type 2 diabetes. We aim to evaluate the associations of urinary concentrations of phthalate metabolites with CVD in diabetic patients and explore whether CVD risk factors mediate or interact with these associations.Methods A total of 675 type 2 diabetic participants were enrolled from one community in Shanghai, China in 2018. CVD was defined as a self-reported diagnosis by a physician and included coronary heart disease, myocardial infarction or stroke; it was further reconfirmed in the records from the registration platform. Ten phthalate metabolites were measured in urine.Results Positive associations were found among the level of monoethyl phthalate and monoisobutyl phthalate and CVD (OR 1.138, 95% CI 1.032, 1.254; OR 1.369, 95% CI 1.049, 1.786, respectively). Monoisobutyl phthalate and monobenzyl phthalate were marginally and positively associated with carotid intima-media thickness and common carotid artery diameter, respectively. None of the CVD risk factors, including HOMA-IR, body mass index, lipid profile or blood pressure, significantly mediated the association between the metabolites and CVD. The conditional indirect effect on CVD was significantly stronger for current smoking and dyslipidemia for monoethyl phthalate and for no statin usage and men for monoisobutyl phthalate.Conclusion Phthalate exposure was positively associated with CVD in type 2 diabetes. Type 2 diabetic men who are currently smoking, have an uncontrolled lipid profile and are not using statins may be more susceptible to CVD when exposed to phthalates.
Patient safety in the process of pharmacotherapy carried out by nurses – A Polish-Slovak prospective observational study
Authors: Witczak Izabela , Rypicz Łukasz , Šupínová Mária , Janiczeková Elena , Pobrotyn Piotr , Mlynarska Agnieszka , Fedorowicz Olga
Published: March 2021

Aim
This study was aimed at the determination and comparison of safety levels at the nurse-managed stage of the pharmacotherapy process in Poland and Slovakia by identifying the key risk factors which directly affect patient safety.
Background/Introduction:
Pharmacotherapy, i.e. the use of medicines for combating a disease or its symptoms, is one of the crucial elements of patient care. Studies carried out with regard to nursing workloads in the pharmacotherapy process prove that nurses spend 40% of their work on the management of medications. Medicine administration is the most frequent task of all nursing activities, and there is a possibility of committing errors at this stage due to the complex and multifaceted nature of the pharmacotherapy process.
Methods
The study involved a group of 1774 nurses, of whom 1412 were from Poland and 362 from Slovakia. The original Nursing Risk in Pharmacotherapy (NURIPH) tool was used. The Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.832.
Results
Nurses from Slovakia most often, i.e. for 6 out of 9 factors (items: 1, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9), assessed the risk factors as “significant risk (3)”, and Polish nurses most often, i.e. for as many as 8 out of 9 risk factors (items: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 9), assessed the risk factors as “very significant (5)”. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were demonstrated in 8 (out of 9) risk factors.
Conclusions
The pharmacotherapy process implemented by nurses, regardless of the country, is burdened with a considerable number of risk factors and it might negatively affect patient safety. It has been found that the safety of the pharmacotherapy process is assessed by Polish nurses as much lower than by Slovak ones. Training activities in the field of adverse events, adverse reactions to medications and appropriate and effective communication should be introduced for all members of the medical staff involved in the pharmacotherapy process.
The Association between Perceived Hospital Ethical Climate and Self-evaluated Care Quality for COVID-19 Patients: The Mediating Role of Ethical Sensitivity Among Chinese Anti-pandemic Nurses
Authors: Jiang Wenjing , Zhao Xing’e , Jiang Jia , Zhang Huilin , Sun Shujuan , Li Xianhong
Published: March 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic called for a new ethical climate in the designated hospitals and imposed challenges on care quality for anti-pandemic nurses. Less was known about whether hospital ethical climate and nurses’ ethical sensitivity were associated with care quality. This study examined the association between the perceived hospital ethical climate and self-evaluated quality of care for COVID-19 patients among anti-pandemic nurses, and explored the mediating role of ethical sensitivity in this relationship.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted through an online survey. A total of 399 anti-pandemic nurses from ten designated hospitals in three provinces of China were recruited to fill out an online survey. Multiple linear regression analysis and a bootstrap test were used to examine the relationships between ethical climate, ethical sensitivity and care quality.Results: Nurses reported mean scores of 4.43 ± 0.577 (out of 5) for hospital ethical climate, 45.00 ± 7.085 (out of 54) for ethical sensitivity, and 5.35 ± 0.661 (out of 6) for self-evaluated care quality. After controlling for covariates, perceived hospital ethical climate was positively associated with self-evaluated care quality (direct effect = 0.710, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.628, 0.792), and was partly mediated by ethical sensitivity (indirect effect = 0.078, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.002, 0.145). Conclusions: Chinese nurses who cared for COVID-19 patients perceived high levels of hospital ethical climate, ethical sensitivity, and self-evaluated care quality. Positive perceptions of hospital ethical climate were both directly associated with a higher level of self-evaluated care quality and indirectly associated, through the mediation effect of ethical sensitivity among anti-pandemic nurses.
The effect of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and nitrogen fertilisation on biomass production, morphology, chemical composition and weed infestation of willow (Salix viminalis L.)
Authors: Helios Waldemar
Published: March 2021

The study was aimed at determining the effect of nitrogen fertilization and white clover on biomass yield weed infestation, morphology, and chemical composition of willow. A field experiment was established in 2013 at Wroclaw University of Environmental and Life sciences (Poland). The results showed that the number and dry mass of weeds per 1m 2 , the number of willow shoots and the fresh weight yield of willow were smaller where clover was sown. The plants were found to be higher after applying nitrogen fertilization. The dry mass yield and shoot diameter did not depend on the cultivation method. Nitrogen fertilization increased the content of ash, and in undersowing cultivation the willow stems had higher nitrogen content than in monoculture. On average, the phloem had 5.6 times higher crude ash content and 4.6 times higher nitrogen content than wood. The ratio of wood dry mass to phloem dry mass in undersowing cultivation and nitrogen fertilization was 3.97:1, and 3.91:1 for the control. On the basis of the conducted research, it can be concluded that in the first years after planting the undersowing growing of willow with white clover can be an alternative to plantations fertilized and non-fertilized with nitrogen.
Concentrations and Transportation of Metal and Organochlorine Pollutants in Vegetables and Risk Assessment of Human Exposure in Rural, Urban and Industrial Environments (Bouches-du-rhône, France)
Authors: Austruy Annabelle , Roulier Marine , Angeletti Bernard , Dron Julien , Dauphin Charles-Enzo , Ambrosi Jean-Paul , Keller Catherine , Chamaret Philippe
Published: March 2021

The bioaccumulation of metals (As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, V, Zn, Al, Fe) and organochlorine compounds (PCDD-Fs, and PCBs) was assessed in soils and vegetables of 3 sites of contrasted anthropogenic influence (rural and industrial-urban areas). Cultivated soils in industrial areas exhibited diffuse pollution in organochlorine pollutants (PCBs and PCDD-Fs). The pollutant levels encountered in vegetables were always lower than the regulatory or recommended values by EU. However, the contents measured in vegetables cultivated near industrialised areas were significantly higher than those observed in rural areas, this was notably the case for Co, Cd, Cr, Ni, Pb, V, NDL- and DL-PCB, PCDD and PCDF. The leaf pathway appeared as the main absorption pathway for many contaminants. The results suggested that population exposure to pollutants was mainly caused by the vegetable ingestion. In the vegetables and soils, the toxicity was mainly caused by the V, Co, Cd and Pb contents to which can be added As and PCDD-Fs for soils. Therefore, the proximity of vegetable crops to highly anthropised areas has led to long-term exposure of vegetables and soils to air pollutants, leading to an accumulation in the food-chain and thus a risk for human health.
Low-sintering-temperature garnet oxides by conformal sintering-aid coating
Authors: Chen Shaojie , Hu Xiangchen , Bao Wenda , Wang Zeyu , Yang Qun , Nie Lu , Zhang Xun , Zhang Jingxuan , Jiang Yilan , Han Yi , Wan Chunlei , Xie Jin , Yu Yi , Liu Wei
Published: March 2021

Garnet-type solid electrolytes have attracted an extensive attention for high-energy solid-state lithium batteries. However, the high processing temperature up to 1200°C with high cost limits the large-scale production. Here, we report a simple approach to reduce the sintering temperature by a conformal coating of nanoscale amorphous alumina, without sacrificing ionic conductivity. The ceramic sintered at 980°C shows a high ionic conductivity of 0.13 mS cm− 1 at room temperature. It reveals that the second phase segregated at grain boundaries can promote Li-ion transport, block electronic conduction, and improve mechanical property. The Li symmetry cells using this garnet electrolyte indicate a long-term 2500 cycle life and a high critical current density of 0.52 mA cm− 2. The garnet electrolyte enables the high-voltage cells using Li1.2Ni0.2Mn0.6O2 to deliver a high specific capacity of 248 mAh g− 1 at 0.05 C-rate. This work provides a new clue to lower sintering temperature for garnet electrolytes, which can extend to other ceramics towards practical applications.
Intranasal dexmedetomidine to facilitate mask induction and prevent emergence delirium.
Authors: Denis Michiel , Goethuys Hans , Vandermeulen Elly , Mesotten Dieter , Vundelinckx Joris
Published: March 2021

Background As children are exposed to stress and anxiety during the perioperative period, pre-anaesthetic medication to facilitate induction of anaesthesia without prolonging recovery is needed. Dexmedetomidine is increasingly being used for sedation in the intensive care units and for procedural anaesthesia outside the operating room. However, the effectiveness of pre-operative sedation with intranasal dexmedetomidine in paediatric patients undergoing ambulatory surgery has not yet been well characterised. Aims To identify the effectiveness of intranasal dexmedetomidine in facilitating mask induction and preventing emergence agitation. Methods In a single centre retrospective implementation study, we compared intranasal dexmedetomidine (2 µg/kg) administration, sequentially in all paediatric patients undergoing minor urological surgery between January 2019 and July 2019 with a period in which dexmedetomidine was not administered. The outcome measures were tolerance of mask induction, post-operative sedation and the Paediatric Anaesthesia Emergence Delirium scale (PAED) score. Results The 53 children in the control group were compared with 50 children in the dexmedetomidine group during implementation. The incidence of sedation on mask induction was greater in patients given dexmedetomidine compared to those who did not receive premedication (60% versus 0%, p<0.0001). The proportion of children who were asleep but easily arousable in the recovery room and in day-care hospital was greater in the dexmedetomidine group compared to the control group. (32% versus 7% in the recovery room; p=0.004, and 20% versus 2% in day-care hospital, p = 0.002). The PAED scores did not differ between the two groups, neither in the recovery room nor in day-care hospital. Conclusion In paediatric patients undergoing small urologic surgery, premedication with intranasal dexmedetomidine in a dose of 2µg/kg provides adequate sedation and anxiolysis on mask induction and in the postoperative period. These results from an implementation study need to be confirmed in a multicentre blinded randomised controlled trial.
A Novel Lytic Phage SZW_AS01 of Human Gut Bacteria Alistipes Shahii
Authors: Li Yanchen , Shen Juntao , Chen Junyu , Mo Luofei , Zhang Jieqiong , Liu Shiying , Dai Lei , Ma Yingfei , You Xiaoyan
Published: March 2021

Alisitipes phage SZW_AS01, a novel lytic phage that specifically infects Alistipes shahii, was isolated from wastewater samples in Shenzhen, China. The phage's genome consists of 45,392 bp, with a GC content of 47%. The genome encodes 56 putative open reading frames (ORFs) and 1 tRNA gene. Direct terminal repeats with a length of 55 bp are present at both ends of the genome. Phylogenetic analysis of the amino acid sequences of terminase large subunit shows that phage SZW_AS01 forms a distinct branch from the Siphoviridae family phages, but is far from the Podoviridae and Myoviridae family phages. Transmission electron microscopy confirmed that SZW_AS01 belongs to the Siphoviridae family. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a lytic phage infecting bacteria in the Alistipes genus.
Describing Community Understanding of Male Involvement in Antenatal, Delivery and Postnatal care; “rural context of Ibanda District, Southwest Uganda”
Authors: Bagenda Fred , Batwala Vincent , Muchunguzi Charles , Kabakyenga Jerome , Atuyambe Lynn
Published: March 2021

Introduction:Male involvement in the reproductive health of their partners has been shown to have positive outcomes of health. However male involvement description varies within communities due to different social and gender contexts. The description of male involvement is not documented in Ibanda.Therefore this study was done to describe male involvement in the local context.Methods:The study was conceptualized, planned, and executed with combined cross-sectional, exploratory, and Grounded Theory research designs because of its complexity in nature and the fact that this theory conceptualizes behavior. Data collection was using qualitative methods; narrative interviews and analyzed using a content-based approach. All methods were done in accordance with the relevant guidelines and regulations. Results:The two broad themes that describe male involvement were mostly instrumentalist and included the Level of involvement and social support perspective of involvement. Sub-themes were obtained under the description of male involvement as the extent to which males were involved, including just impregnating the wife without further attachment throughout the engagement. The subthemes/activities on the describing of male involvement as the perspective of social support included emotional support, role play in the wellbeing of mother and child, men's preparedness, and physical support. Physical support included; nutritional support, buying clothes for the expected baby, providing transportation, escorting the mother to a health facility, helping the wife with household chores as well as informative/appraisal supports.Conclusion:The description of male involvement in antenatal, delivery, and postnatal care was mostly based on the "Instrumental" approach with two broad themes of Level of involvement and Social support. The level of involvement varied from none to high while social support included; emotional, having a role to play in the wellbeing of the mother and baby, the preparedness of man, and physical support.It is therefore important to understand the context of male involvement in each community to use the most appropriate intervention to increase male involvement.
Decomposing Differences in Health Service Utilization between Older Rurul-to-Urban Migrant Workers and Older Rural Residents：What is Driving the Differences?
Authors: Li Dan , Zhang Jian
Published: March 2021

Background: In recent years, the widening gap of health service utilization between different groups in mainland China has become an important issue that cannot be avoided. Yet the related study on the health services utilization for older rural-to-urban migrant workers and comparative study on older rural-to-urban migrants in China is still in its infancy. Our study explored the health service utilization of the older rural-to-urban migrant workers based on a sinicization of the latest Andersen model, by comparison with the older rural dwellers. Further, our study revealed the facets and causes by decomposing the differences in the health service utilization into determinants.Methods: The data of China Labor-Force Dynamic Survey in 2016, the data of Urban Statistical Yearbook in 2016, and Statistical Bulletin were used. Our study applied the lasted Andersen Model according to China's currency situation. Before we studied the health service utilization, we used Coarsened Exact Matching to control the confounding factors to enhance the comparability of the two groups. The matched data were used to analyze the influencing factors. Fairlie decomposition method was used to analyze the differences and the sources of health service utilization between older rural-to-urban migrant workers and their rural counterparts.Results: After matching, the probability of two weeks outpatient of older rural-to-urban migrant workers (5.59%) was significantly lower than older rural dwellers (7.57%). The probability of inpatient of older rural migrant workers (5.59%) was significantly lower than older rural dwellers (9.07%). 17.98% of the total difference of two weeks outpatient utilization was due to the observed influence factors. 71.88% of the total difference of inpatient utilization was due to the observed influence factors. Income quantiles (49.57%), self-assessed health (80.91%), and sex ratio in the community (-102.29%) were significant in the differences of inpatient utilization.Conclusions: The findings have important implications for the difference in the health services utilization between older rural-to-urban migrant workers and older rural residents in China, urging the government to take full account of the heterogeneity. The results provide references for the healthcare policy reform in the process of active ageing in China.
Synthesis, Crystal Growth, Structure, Crystalline Perfection, Thermal, Linear and Nonlinear Optical Investigations on 2-Amino-5-Nitropyridine 4-Chlorobenzoic Acid (1:1): A Novel Organic Single Crystal for NLO and Optical Limiting Optical Applications
Authors: Vediyappan Sivasubramani , Raja Arumugam , Jauhar Ro Mu , Kasthuri Ramachandran , Vijayan Vishwanathan , Pandian Muthu Senthil , Perumalsamy Ramasamy
Published: March 2021

2-amino-5-nitropyridine 4-chlorobenzoic acid (1:1) (2A5NP4CBA), a potentially useful organic adduct compound has been synthesized and grown as optically transparent single crystals by conventional slow evaporation solution technique (SEST) for the first time in the literature. The formation of the new crystalline material was confirmed by the single-crystal X-ray diffraction (SXRD) analysis and the crystal structure of the grown crystal was found to be monoclinic. Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrum has been recorded by the KBr pellet technique to determine the various vibrational functional groups in the title material. The powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD) and high-resolution X-ray diffraction (HRXRD) analyses have been carried out and the obtained results reveal that the grown crystal has a single-phase and is free from structural grain boundaries. The obtained less value (32 arc-s) of full width at half maximum (FWHM) for (001) plane indicates the excellent crystalline quality of the title 2A5NP4CBA single crystal. The linear optical properties were evaluated by the UV-vis-NIR absorption and transmittance analyses and the obtained results reveal that the grown crystal possesses more than 70% of optical transmittance window with the cut-off edge at 419 nm. The thermal analysis discloses that the grown crystal possesses good thermal stability of about 187°C. To determine the appropriateness of the grown crystal for the high-power laser application, laser damage threshold (LDT) analysis has been carried out by Nd: YAG laser of a wavelength of 1064 nm. The third-order nonlinear optical coefficients such as nonlinear absorption (β), nonlinear refraction (n 2 ) and nonlinear susceptibility (χ (3) ) have been evaluated by utilizing the single beam Z-scan technique using a solid-state laser of wavelength 532 nm. The calculated ꭓ (3) value is found to be reasonably good compared to other organic single crystals which are reported in the literature. The optical limiting (OL) behavior of the title crystal was evaluated using a solid-state laser at 532 nm and the limiting threshold was found to be 7.8 mW/cm 2 .
Emissions from Fossil Fuels Produced on US Federal Lands Present Opportunities for Climate Mitigation
Authors: Ratledge Nathan , Zachary Laura , Huntley Chase
Published: March 2021

Between 2005 and 2019 emissions from fossil fuels produced on federal lands and waters accounted for nearly a quarter of annual US energy emissions, roughly 1,400 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per year. Despite their magnitude, emissions stemming from federal lands energy production have not historically featured in US climate policy. To better understand their future role in the US’s emissions profile, we model coal, oil and natural gas production on federal lands and waters to 2030, and then calculate associated lifecycle climate emissions. We estimate that total emissions from fossil fuels produced on federal lands and waters decline 28% below 2010 levels by 2030, which falls well short of the 45% global reduction target needed to be consistent with avoiding a 1.5°C temperature rise. The Biden-Harris administration will likely need to pursue a suite of actions if they hope to bring federal emissions in line with ambitious climate targets. Several options, including a carbon adder on royalties for new federal leases, can be quickly enacted without Congressional approval.
Effect of Initial Switch-On Within 24 Hours of Cochlear Implantation Using Slim Modiolar Electrodes: Potential Clinical Implications
Authors: Sunwoo Woongsang , Jeon Hyoung Won , Choi Byung Yoon
Published: March 2021

Reducing electrode impedance is an important factor in improving the functional benefits of cochlear implants (CIs). The immediate effect of early switch-on within 24 hours of surgery on impedance among CI recipients with various types of electrodes has been reported previously; however, the immediate change and the evolution of electrode impedances of slim modiolar electrodes after early switch-on within 24 hours of implantation has not. Therefore, the focus of this study was to compare the effect of early switch-on and conventional switch-on 3–4 weeks post-operation on impedance. Compared with impedance measured intraoperatively, our results demonstrate a significant drop in impedance for early switch-on, which sharply contrasted with elevated impedance values for conventional switch-on 3–4 weeks after implantation. Notably, a comparatively lower impedance than the conventional switch-on protocol was observed for up to 2 months post-operation. Most importantly, a much earlier stabilization of impedance can be achieved with the early switch-on protocol coupled with the slim modiolar electrode array compared to the conventional switch-on protocol, offering the advantage of reducing the number of required mapping sessions in the early stages of rehabilitation.
Unveiling the Interlayer Spacing Dependence of Zn-Ion Storage Performance in Layered Vanadium Phosphates
Authors: Hu Linfeng , Wu Zeyi , Lu Chengjie , Ye Fei , Pang Ruilvjing , Liu Yang , Sun Zhengming
Published: March 2021

Layered vanadium phosphate (VOPO4•2H2O) is reported as a promising cathode material for rechargeable aqueous Zn2+ batteries (ZIBs) owing to its unique layered framework and high discharge plateau. However, its sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics, the low specific capacity and poor electrochemcial stability remains a major issue in battery application. In this work, a group of phenylamine (PA)-intercalated VOPO4•2H2O with varied interlayer spacing (14.8, 15.6 and 16.5 Å) is synthesized respectively via a solvothermal method for cathode of aqueous ZIBs. The specific capacity is quite dependent on d-spacing in PA-VOPO4•2H2O system followed by an approximate linear tendency, and the maximum interlayer spacing (16.5 Å phase) results in a discharge capacity of 268.2 mAh•g-1 at 0.1 A•g-1 with a high discharge plateau of ~ 1.3 V and an energy density of 328.5 Wh•Kg-1. Both of the experimental data and DFT calculation identify that the optimal 16.5 Å spacing can boost fast Zinc-ion diffusion with an ultrahigh diffusion coefficient of ~ 5.7 × 10-8 cm-2•s-1. The intercalation of PA molecules also significantly increases the hydrophobility in the aqueous electrolyte, resulting in the inhibiting the decomposition / dissolution of VOPO4•2H2O and remarkably improved cycling stability over 2000 cycles at 5.0 A•g-1 with a capacity retention of ~200 mAh•g-1. Our study provides a feasible solution on the sluggish Zn2+ diffusion kinetics and poor cyclstability, and also shows a clear understanding on the interlayer chemistry of layered phosphates towards aqueous Zinc-ion storage.
A retrospective cohort study on clinical characteristics of heart failure patients with HFrEF, HFmrEFand HFpEF in geriatrics of Northeastern China
Authors: Zhao Ziwei , Hu Cuizhu , Wang Xiaoou , Tian Wen
Published: March 2021

Background: Heart failure (HF) has been considered as one of the leading cardiovascular disease with high morbidity and high mortality in the world. However, there is a lack of analysis on the clinical characteristics of different types of elderly HF patients in geriatrics of Northeastern China.We conducted this single-center, retrospective study to evaluate the clinical characteristics of HF patients with mid-range(HFmrEF), preserved (HFpEF) and reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in a Chinese cohort. Methods: The study was conducted on 1230 patients of age 60 or above, with HF from Jan. 02, 2014 to May 03, 2018 hospitalized in geriatrics department, the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. All the patients met the definition for HFrEF, HFmrEF and HFpEF according to 2016 European Society of Cardiology (ESC) guidelines.Targeted variables including demographics, vital signs, comorbidities and lab assessment results were compared among the three groups by Pearson’s χ2 test, and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed for risk factor exploration on the three types of HF. Results:Of the 1230 patients included (78.28±9.0years, 67.15%male), there are 93 patients with HFrEF(7.5%), 56 patients with HFmrEF (4.5%) and 1081 patients with HFpEF (87.8%). Compared to patients with HFpEF, those with HFmrEF were more likely to have comorbid acute myocardial infarction, infection and coronary artery disease, had higher level of N-terminal pro B-type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), cardiac troponin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), white blood cell (WBC). And patients with HFpEF were more frequently to be female, to be older, and to have comorbid peripheral artery disease, but less frequently had AMI, CAD and kidney disease than those with HFrEF. However, patients with HFmrEF had no significant difference from those with HFrEF. Multivariable analysis showed that comorbid atrial fibrillation,AMI and infection were associated with HFmrEF (p<0.05), whereas female, old age, comorbid hypertension,and PAD were associatedwithHFpEF, and CAD,kidney disease were associated with HFrEF (p<0.05). Conclusions:The results of our study supported that patients with HFmrEF were closer to patients with HFrEF in respect to most of the demographics andclinical characteristics observed, while showing certain differences from patients with HFpEF. Trial registration: The study was approved by the local ethics committee from the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University(#2020232,July 13,2020).
Identification of Suitable Reference Genes for Expression Studies in Pomegranate Under Different Biotic and Abiotic Stress Conditions
Authors: Doddaraju Puspha , Kumar Pavan , Dashyal Mahesh S , Girigowda Manjunath
Published: March 2021

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is an important economic fruit crop, facing many biotic and abiotic challenges during cultivation. Several research programs are in progress to understand both biotic and abiotic stress factors and mitigate these challenges using gene expression studies based on the qPCR approach. However, research publications are not available yet to select the standard reference gene for normalizing target gene expression values in pomegranate. The most suitable candidate reference gene is required to ensure precise and reliable results for qPCR analysis. In the current research, eight candidate reference genes' stability was evaluated under different stress conditions using different algorithms such as ∆Ct, geNorm, BestKeeper, NormFinder and RefFinder. The various algorithms revealed that EFA1 and 18S rRNA were common and most stable reference genes (RGs) under abiotic and wilt stress. Whereas comprehensive ranking by RefFinder showed GAPDH and CYPF were the most stable RGs under combined biotic (pooled samples of all biotic stress) and bacterial blight samples. The two most stable reference genes are adequate for normalizing target gene expression under wilt, nematode, bacterial blight and abiotic stress conditions using qPCR. The above data provide comprehensive details for the selection of a candidate reference gene in various stresses in pomegranate
Corneal incision on steepest meridian in phacoemulsification, could it correct the corneal astigmatism?
Authors: Ziada Hossam Eldin Abdelmonem
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Cataract surgery is regarded as refractive surgery when we are aiming at eliminating corneal astigmatism. So when planning a surgery both spherical and astigmatic components should be taken into account to achieve emmetropia postoperativelyPurpose: Measuring the changes of keratometric reading (K1, K2) after phacoemulsification surgery with planned incision on the steepest meridian in 50 eyes presenting as well with corneal astigmatism checking if this planned incision on steepest meridian could be an effective method or not to decrease the corneal astigmatism.Patients and Methods: A prospective study included 50 eyes of 35 patients that had immature senile cataract with corneal astigmatism more than 1 Diopter. Patients had been recruited and followed up in private eye center in Cairo. Phacoemulsification was done in all cases with placing the main clear corneal incision (0.5 mm from anatomical limbus, 2 mm tunnel length, 3 mm widths) on the steepest meridian. Follow up of patients included UCVA and BCVA at recorded 3 visits; 1 week, 1 month and 3months postoperatively, K-reading changes after 3 months postoperatively detected with pentacam, also, slit-lamp to assess both anterior and posterior segments.Results: this study showed a statistically significant change of front corneal astigmatism of 0.70 D and of 0.07 D of back corneal astigmatism.Conclusion: This method is effective in mild degree corneal astigmatism (up to 1D), while higher degree of astigmatism may need different method of intervention to be more effective in correction of astigmatism. We recommended measuring the IOL power depending on expected postoperative keratometric reading.