bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) components with mortality
Authors: Pölkki Anssi , Pekkarinen Pirkka T. , Takala Jukka , Selander Tuomas , Reinikainen Matti
Published: March 2022

Background

Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) is a practical method to describe and quantify the presence and severity of organ system dysfunctions and failures. Some proposals suggest that SOFA could be employed as an endpoint in trials. To justify this, all SOFA component scores should reflect organ dysfunctions of comparable severity. We aimed to investigate whether the associations of different SOFA components with in‐hospital mortality are comparable.

Methods

We performed a study based on nationwide register data on adult patients admitted to 26 Finnish intensive care units (ICUs) during 2012−2015. We determined the SOFA score as the maximum score in the first 24 hours after ICU admission. We defined organ failure (OF) as an organ‐specific SOFA score of three or higher. We evaluated the association of different SOFA component scores with mortality.

Results

Our study population comprised 63,756 ICU patients. Overall hospital mortality was 10.7%. In‐hospital mortality was 22.5% for patients with respiratory failure, 34.8% for those with coagulation failure, 40.1% for those with hepatic failure, 14.9% for those with cardiovascular failure, 26.9% for those with neurologic failure and 34.6% for the patients with renal failure. Among patients with comparable total SOFA scores, the risk of death was lower in patients with cardiovascular OF compared with patients with other OFs.

Conclusions

All SOFA components are associated with mortality, but their weights are not comparable. High scores of other organ systems mean a higher risk of death than high cardiovascular scores. The scoring of cardiovascular dysfunction needs to be updated.
Effects of farmland consolidation in southern China on wild bee species composition, nesting location and body size variations
Authors: Shi Xiaoyu , Axmacher Jan Christoph , Chong Hainan , Xiao Haijun , Luo Shudong , Xu Huanli , Li Wenbo , Zou Yi
Published: March 2022

Traditional smallholding‐dominated agricultural landscapes in Southern China are increasingly homogenized and consolidated, resulting in large mono‐cropped fields and impoverished pollinator communities. The exact impact of this farmland consolidation on composition and functional traits of wild bee communities remains poorly understood.

We studied these communities and functional traits in oilseed rape fields embedded in 18 agricultural landscapes located in Jiangxi Province, China, with 11 sites representing traditional (pre‐consolidation) and the remaining 7 sites consolidated agricultural landscapes.

The composition of wild bee assemblages was not differentiated into consolidated and traditional farmland communities. The mean body size of wild bee species similarly did not shows significant differences between consolidated and traditional farmland. The mean intraspecific body size for a dominant species, Lasioglossum proximatum, was larger in consolidated than traditional farmland, while individuals of co‐dominant Eucera floralia showed no such differentiation. In consolidated farmland, the proportion of semi‐natural habitat was positively linked to the abundance‐based average interspecific body size of wild bee species. For abundance‐based calculations, the proportion of aboveground nesting bee species was lower in consolidated landscapes than in traditional ones.

Our study suggests that farmland consolidation might affect intraspecific composition, particularly in abundant small‐bodied species. Above‐ground nesting bees may require specific management interventions in consolidated agricultural landscapes to promote their persistence, which could take the form of semi‐natural habitat patches introduced to fields that can also benefit the pollinator community more widely.
Local community attitudes and perceptions towards benefits and challenges associated with biodiversity conservation in Blouberg Nature Reserve, South Africa
Authors: Rampheri Mangana B. , Dube Timothy , Shoko Cletah , Marambanyika Thomas , Dhau Inos
Published: March 2022

This study assessed the benefits and challenges associated with local community involvement in biodiversity conservation in the Blouberg Nature Reserve (BNR) of South Africa. To achieve this, a descriptive research design was used in the study. Three hundred and thirty‐five households from four villages scattered around the nature reserve were selected using a stratified systematic sampling procedure to participate in a household questionnaire survey. The BNR Manager was purposefully selected for an in‐depth structured interview so that an overview of socio‐economic benefits and challenges to the community from the park's perspective could be known. Field data collection was conducted during the month of June 2019. Descriptive and inferential statistical methods as well as thematic analysis were used to analyse the field data. The main study findings indicated that the community members do not obtain sufficient socio‐economic benefits from the nature reserve. The majority of the household respondents (89.6%) were not participating in biodiversity conservation in the nature reserve, despite possessing knowledge about nature conservation. The chi‐square test results showed a significant association between household respondents’ conservation involvement and access to natural benefits (p = 0.008), and not cultural benefits (p = 0.740). Moreover, the chi‐square test results further show no significant association between household attributes (gender and age) and knowledge of the role of nature reserve (p > 0.05), whereas education had a bearing on the knowledge possessed by households (p < 0.05). Overall, the findings indicate the need for more community involvement to support biodiversity conservation within nature reserves.
The effect of insects on elephant‐induced tree damage within a small, fenced reserve in South Africa
Authors: Thompson Katie Elizabeth , Ford Andrew , Esteban Genoveva , Zoon Kayla , Pettorelli Nathalie
Published: March 2022

African savanna elephants (Loxodonta africana) have been recognised as ecosystem engineers, where their feeding habits have been shown to alter landscapes. Within small, fenced reserves, studies exploring elephant damage on trees and their recovery have overlooked secondary damages that could be contributing to tree mortality. The aim of this study is to assess the significance of both elephant damage and secondary damage, and the subsequent tree recovery. We identified secondary damage as insects and considered wood borers and termites in this study. This was conducted in in the small fenced Karongwe Private Game Reserve, South Africa. We analysed the level of damage, recovery and insect presence using vegetation transects, where all trees ≥2 m in height were surveyed (n = 1278 trees). Forty tree species were recorded, with 5 species accounting for 77% of the data set and used for further analysis. Termites were found to be more likely to colonise damaged trees without signs of recovery. However, wood borers were more likely to colonise damaged trees showing signs of recovery. Termites and wood borer presence on damaged trees was not dependent on tree height. We suggest carefully considering management approaches for elephant‐induced termite and wood borer damage on trees.
−8 cm H2O, the new paradigm in chest drain management following thoracoscopic lung resection?
Authors: Yaftian Nima , Dunne Benjamin , Ferrari Isabelle , Antippa Phillip
Published: March 2022

Background

Chest drain suction of −20 cm H2O has been used universally after lung resection. After introducing new guidelines,−8 cm H2O was used routinely for all non‐pneumonectomy, thoracoscopic lung resections. We conducted a review to determine outcomes and safety.

Methods

After introduction of the guidelines data were collected in the study institutions' thoracic surgical database and subsequently analysed.

Results

A total of 155 patients underwent thoracoscopic lung resection. Mean patient age was 61.5 ± 13.6 years. Video‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 92.2% (144/155) of patients and robotically‐assisted thoracoscopic surgery was performed in 7.8% (12/155) of patients. Lobectomy was performed in 56.8% (88/155) of patients, segmentectomy was performed in 11.6% (18/155) of patients and wedge resection was performed in 31.6% (49/155) of patients.

Median ICC duration time was 1 day (IQR 1–3). Median length of stay was 3 days (IQR 2–6). For patients undergoing lobectomy median ICC time was 2 days (IQR 1–4.5) and median length of stay was 3.5 days (IQR 2–7), for segmentectomy median ICC time was 1 day (IQR 1–5) and median length of stay was 2 days (IQR 1–5) and for wedge resection median ICC time was 1 day (IQR 1–1) and median admission time was 2 days (IQR 1–4).

Conclusion

A suction level −8 cm H2O is safe to use for thoracoscopic lung resections from day 0 post‐operatively. A dedicated, prospective study comparing levels of suction should be performed.
‘Who wants to silence us’? Perceived discrimination of conspiracy theory believers increases ‘conspiracy theorist’ identification when it comes from powerholders – But not from the general public
Authors: Nera Kenzo , Jetten Jolanda , Biddlestone Mikey , Klein Olivier
Published: March 2022

We examined how individuals who may be labelled ‘conspiracy theorists’ respond to discrimination against ‘conspiracy theorists’. In line with the Rejection‐Identification Model (Journal of Personality and Social Psychology, 77, 135, 1999), we hypothesized that perceived group‐based discrimination against conspiracy theorists would strengthen identification with the ‘conspiracy theorist’ ingroup. We propose that this relationship might be mediated by meta‐conspiracy beliefs, that is, the belief that the discrimination of conspiracy theorists is itself a conspiracy. Three studies (Ns = 97, 364, 747) among participants who had been labelled as ‘conspiracy theorist’ in the past (Studies 1 and 2) or who had been labelled as such at the beginning of the experiment (Study 3) revealed robust positive relationships between perceived discrimination of conspiracy theorists, meta conspiracy beliefs, and identification. Furthermore, in Studies 2 and 3, identification was strongly associated with positive intergroup differentiation and pride to be a conspiracy theorist. However, there was no evidence that a manipulation of discrimination with bogus public opinion polls affected ‘conspiracy theorist’ identification or meta‐conspiracy beliefs. A Bayesian internal meta‐analysis of the studies returned moderate (for group identification) to strong (for meta‐conspiracy beliefs) support for the null hypothesis. In contrast, in Study 3, a manipulation of discrimination by powerholders enhanced both identification and meta‐conspiracy beliefs. This suggests that the source of discrimination moderates the causal relationship between perceived discrimination of conspiracy theorists and group identification.
Does a mayor matter? Gentrification, land use policy, and the 2018 mayoral election in Burnaby, BC
Authors: Jones Craig E.
Published: March 2022

Following the 2018 electoral defeat of Burnaby's incumbent five‐term mayor, the city enacted a significant policy shift regarding its approach to renters in the gentrifying town centre of Metrotown. This change received unanimous support from Council, despite the fact that seven of eight Councillors were incumbents belonging to the former mayor's political party. In addition to two extensive on‐record interviews with former mayor Derek Corrigan in the summer of 2017, this research is informed by a close reading of municipal documents and media accounts, attendance at public events and interviews with housing stakeholders, and quantitative data analysis. Of note are the arguments that the former mayor provided to justify his opposition to the renter support policies that followed his departure from office. Metrotown renters’ displacement was attributed to the marginalized position of rental tenure in Canadian society, irresponsible life choices of the poor, and insufficient federal government housing supports for refugees in Metro Vancouver.
Chemotherapeutic potentials of β‐ionone against Trypanosoma congolense infection: Inhibition of parasite proliferation, anemia development, trans‐sialidase (TconTS3 and TconTS4) gene expressions, and phospholipase A2
Authors: Aminu Suleiman , Ibrahim Mohammed Auwal , Dada Chechet Gloria , Onyike Elewechi
Published: March 2022

Trypanosoma congolense is a pathogenic African animal trypanosome species causing devastating conditions leading to death of an infected host. The drawbacks of the existing trypanocidal drugs have led to the search for new drug candidates. In this study, β‐ionone at 15 and 30 mg/kg body weight (BW) was orally administered to T. congolense infected rats for 14 days followed by an assessment of anemia, organ damages, and the expression of T. congolense trans‐sialidase gene variants. A significant decrease in parasitemia (p < .05) was observed in the animals treated with 15 mg/kg BW β‐ionone besides increased animal survival rate. A trypanosome‐induced decrease in packed cell volume (PCV) and histopathological changes across tissues was significantly (p < .05) ameliorated following treatment with both doses of β‐ionone. This is in addition to reversing the parasite‐induced upsurge in free serum sialic acid (FSA) and expression of T. congolense trans‐sialidase gene variants (TconTS1, TconTS3, and TconTS4). Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation (p > .05) between FSA with the TconTS gene expressions. In addition, the compound inhibited partially purified T. congolense sialidase and phospholipase A2 via mixed inhibition pattern with inhibition binding constants of 25.325 and 4.550 µM, respectively, while molecular docking predicted binding energies of −5.6 kcal/mol for both enzymes. In conclusion, treatment with β‐ionone suppressed T. congolense proliferation and protected the animals against some of the parasite‐induced pathologies whilst the effect on anemia development might be due to inhibition of sialidase and PLA2 activities as well as the expression levels of TconTS3 and TconTS4.
Modeling total predation to avoid perverse outcomes from cat control in a data‐poor island ecosystem
Authors: Plein Michaela , O'Brien Katherine R. , Holden Matthew H. , Adams Matthew P. , Baker Christopher M. , Bean Nigel G. , Sisson Scott A. , Bode Michael , Mengersen Kerrie L. , McDonald‐Madden Eve
Published: March 2022

Data‐hungry, complex ecosystem models are often used to predict the consequences of threatened species management, including perverse outcomes. Unfortunately, this approach is impractical in the many systems that have insufficient data to parameterize ecosystem interactions or reliably calibrate or validate such models. We devised a different approach composed of a minimum realistic model that guides decisions in data‐ and resource‐scarce systems. We applied our approach to a case study in an invaded ecosystem from Christmas Island, Australia, where there are concerns that cat (Felis catus) eradication to protect native species, including the red‐tailed tropicbird (Phaethon rubricauda), could release mesopredation by invasive rats (Rattus rattus). We used biophysical constraints (metabolic demand) and observable parameters (e.g., prey preferences) to identify the combined cat and rat abundances that could threaten the tropicbird population. The population of tropicbirds was not sustained when predated by 1607 rats (95% credible interval [CI]: 103–5910) in the absence of cats and 21 cats (95% CI: 2–82) in the absence of rats. For every cat removed from the island, the bird's net population growth rate improved, provided rats did not increase by more than 77 individuals (95% CI: 30–174). Thus, in this context, 1 cat is equivalent to 30–174 rats. Our methods are especially useful for on‐the‐ground predator control in the absence of knowledge of predator–predator interactions to determine whether current abundance of predators threatened the prey population of interest; managing only 1 predator species was sufficient to protect the prey species given potential release of another predator; and control of multiple predator species was needed to meet the conservation goal. With our approach limited information can be used for maximum value in data‐poor systems because it shifts the focus from predicting future trajectories to identifying conditions that impede conservation.
Noninvasive assessment of liver fibrosis and its clinical significance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Tamaki Nobuharu , Kurosaki Masayuki , Huang Daniel Q. , Loomba Rohit
Published: March 2022

Liver fibrosis is the most important prognostic factor in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Several noninvasive markers for fibrosis, including blood‐based markers and imaging based‐markers have been developed. Indirect fibrosis markers (e.g., fibrosis‐4 index and NAFLD fibrosis score) consist of standard laboratory data and clinical parameters. Given its availability and high negative predictive value for advanced fibrosis, these markers are suitable for screening at primary care. Blood‐based fibrogenesis markers (enhanced liver fibrosis and N‐terminal propeptide of type 3 collagen), ultrasound‐based modalities (vibration‐controlled transient elastography, point shear wave elastography [SWE], and two‐dimensional SWE), and magnetic resonance elastography have high diagnostic accuracy for liver fibrosis and are suitable for diagnosing liver fibrosis at secondary care centers. Sequential use of these markers can increase diagnostic accuracy and reduce health care costs. Furthermore, combining noninvasive makers may assist in identifying candidates for pharmacological trials and reducing screening failure. Emerging data suggest that these noninvasive markers are associated with liver‐related events (hepatocellular carcinoma and decompensation) and mortality. Furthermore, delta change in noninvasive markers over time is also associated with time‐course change in fibrosis, liver‐related event risk, and mortality risk. However, the association between liver fibrosis and cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk is still controversial. CVD risk may decrease in patients with decompensated liver disease and noninvasive markers may be useful for assessing CVD risk in these patients. Therefore, noninvasive markers may be utilized as measures of fibrosis as well as real‐time prognostic tools, in place of liver biopsy.
Epidemiology of HIV infection and associated behaviours among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland: Nearly 40 years on
Authors: Croxford Sara , Emanuel Eva , Shah Ammi , Chau Cuong , Hope Vivian , Desai Monica , Ijaz Samreen , Shute Justin , Edmundson Claire , Harris Ross J. , Delpech Valerie , Phipps Emily
Published: March 2022

Introduction

People who inject drugs are at high risk of blood‐borne infections. We describe the epidemiology of HIV among people who inject drugs in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland (EW&NI) since 1981.

Methods

National HIV surveillance data were used to describe trends in diagnoses (1981–2019), prevalence (1990–2019), and behaviours (1990–2019) among people who inject drugs aged ≥15 years in EW&NI. HIV care and treatment uptake were assessed among those attending in 2019.

Results

Over the past four decades, the prevalence of HIV among people who inject drugs in EW&NI remained low (range: 0.64%–1.81%). Overall, 4978 people who inject drugs were diagnosed with HIV (3.2% of cases). Diagnoses peaked at 234 in 1987, decreasing to 78 in 2019; the majority were among white men born in the UK/Europe (90%), though the epidemic diversified over time. Late diagnosis (CD4 <350 cells/µl) was common (2010–2019: 52% [429/832]). Of those who last attended for HIV care in 2019, 97% (1503/1550) were receiving HIV treatment and 90% (1375/1520) had a suppressed viral load (<200 copies/ml).

HIV testing uptake has steadily increased among people who inject drugs (32% since 1990). However, in 2019, 18% (246/1404) of those currently injecting reported never testing. The proportion of people currently injecting reporting sharing needles/syringes decreased from 1999 to 2012, before increasing to 20% (288/1426) in 2019, with sharing of any injecting equipment at 37% (523/1429).

Conclusion

The HIV epidemic among people who inject drugs in EW&NI has remained relatively contained compared with in other countries, most likely because of the prompt implementation of an effective national harm reduction programme. However, risk behaviours and varied access to preventive interventions among people who inject drugs indicate the potential for HIV outbreaks.
The effect of COVID‐19 pandemic on lifestyle‐related behaviours in Turkey: A web‐based cross‐sectional study
Authors: Korkmaz Aslan Gülbahar , Kılınç Eda , Kartal Asiye
Published: March 2022

Background

The COVID‐19 pandemic and restrictions imposed to eradicate it have affected healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.

Aim

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours.

Methods

This cross‐sectional web‐based survey research was performed with a convenience sample of 1020 adults residing in Turkey. Data were collected with self‐report data collection tools on 8–28 April 2021: a sociodemographic characteristics form and the impact of COVID‐19 on lifestyle‐related behaviours questionnaire.

Results

Eating behaviours, physical activity and sleep patterns of the participants were negatively affected during COVID‐19 pandemic (p < 0.001). More than half of the participants experienced weight gain during the pandemic. Also, stress levels and smoking increased (p < 0.01). The participants reported having changes in their lifestyles most frequently due to the fear of COVID‐19 infection, stress, decreased motivation, closure of the facilities for social and sports activities and increased food prices. Predictors of lifestyle‐related behaviours were found to be education (β = .189), income (β = −.101), residing in a village (β = .113) and the presence of a chronic disease (β = .075) (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

During the pandemic, COVID‐19‐related restrictions should be applied whilst taking account of both social distancing measures and maintenance of healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours. Nurses should offer counselling for maintenance of healthy lifestyle‐related behaviours.
Effectiveness of a professional identity promotion strategy for nursing students during the COVID‐19 pandemic: A quasi‐experimental study
Authors: Wang Pan , Wang Hai‐Man , Qin Qiao‐Yun , Li Yan‐Ran , Hong Jing‐Fang , Li Shu‐Wen
Published: March 2022

Aim

To evaluate the effectiveness of a professional identity promotion strategy (PIPS) on nursing students' professional identity and resilience.

Methods

This study was a quasi‐experimental study with a random cluster sample of 103 sophomore undergraduate nursing students. One hundred students answered the questionnaires at both baseline and follow‐up (51 of 53 in the intervention group and 49 of 50 in the control group). Intervention and control groups underwent 5 months PIPS and standard professional education from May 2 to September 27, respectively. Participants completed the professional identity questionnaire for nursing students (PIQNS) and Connor–Davidson resilience scale (CD‐RISC). Data were collected at baseline (T0), after the intervention (T1) and 3 months after the intervention (T2), and analyzed using the Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, and repeated‐measures analysis of variance.

Results

There were no significant differences between the two groups (p > .05) regarding demographic questions, professional identity, or resilience at baseline (p > .05). Significant differences were found in professional identity between groups (p < .001), measurement times (p = .026), and in the interaction between groups and measurement times (p = .018) from T0 to T2. Significant differences were found in resilience between groups (p < .001), measurement times (p = .007), and in the interaction between groups and measurement times (p = .035) from T0 to T2.

Conclusions

The PIPS program improved nursing students' professional identity and resilience. Further long‐term effectiveness of the program needs to be tested with implementation through various forms of mobile technology.
Combining speed breeding with traditional and genomics‐assisted breeding for crop improvement
Authors: Pandey Saurabh , Singh Ashutosh , Parida Swarup K. , Prasad Manoj
Published: March 2022

Accelerated crop growth strategy innovations are required as we reach saturation peaks regarding the productivity of major food crops. Speed breeding (SB) is one of the most promising technologies adopted for this purpose. SB hastens crop production by reducing plant growth and development, breeding time and swift generation advancement. Prolonged daily light exposure shortens the life cycle in some long‐day or day‐neutral plants leading to early seed harvest. This approach is best suited for controlled environment prebreeding/breeding activities and analysed for several crop species. SB can be integrated with different traditional and advanced genomics‐assisted breeding technologies like marker‐assisted selection (MAS), genomic selection (GS), pollen‐based selection (PBS), overexpression/knock‐down transgenics and genome editing to achieve more precise and faster results on translational genetic enhancement. This review will discuss the approaches and strategies adopted for the SB and its potential to integrate existing crop improvement technologies to attain more efficient outcomes on major food crops' varietal improvement.
Task and information conflicts in the numerical Stroop task
Authors: Hershman Ronen , Beckmann Lisa , Henik Avishai
Published: March 2022

Studies of the Stroop color‐word task have provided evidence for the existence of two conflicts: (1) an early task conflict between noting the relevant color and reading afforded by the irrelevant word (or word‐like stimuli), and (2) a late information conflict between the information provided by the word and the information provided by the color. Measurements of pupil changes, in addition to reaction time (RT), have extended understanding regarding these two conflicts. The current work examines the generalizability of such understanding. We ask whether similar processes work in the comparative judgment of numbers (e.g., in the numerical Stroop task). We present two experiments that support and extend the knowledge gained in the word‐color context to numerical processing. Similar to results with the Stroop color‐word task, we found a dissociation between RT and pupillometry and an early task conflict followed by an information conflict.
The values you endorse set the body you see: The protective effect of intrinsic life goals on men's body dissatisfaction
Authors: Ku Lisbeth , Newby Charis , Moldes Olaya , Zaroff Charles M. , Wu Anise M. S.
Published: March 2022

The mass media portrayal of a muscular body type ideal has been increasingly tied to men's body image dissatisfaction. We examined the role of self‐determination theory's intrinsic life goals within this body image ideal and its potential as a moderator of this dissatisfaction. We first tested the moderating effect of intrinsic life goals on the link between magazine consumption and body image dissatisfaction via an online questionnaire (Study 1; N = 826), then experimentally manipulated these goals and exposure to images of muscular male models (Study 2; N = 150). A robust protective effect of intrinsic goals on body image satisfaction was observed – the relationship between magazine consumption and body image dissatisfaction was only significant among individuals with a lower level of intrinsic life goal orientation. When participants' intrinsic goals were momentarily heightened, they reported significantly less body image dissatisfaction, compared to those not receiving a strengthening of these goals. The results are the first to find a protective effect of intrinsic life goals on men's body image, and have important implications for intervention.
Memorias IX encuentro del Foro Internacional de Innovación Universitaria (FIIU)
Authors: Prieto Martínez Luis David , Diegoli Rafaela , Francis Salazar Susan , Guerra Joaquín , Vendrell Vidal Eduardo , Villa Sánchez Aurelio , Altuna Jon , Guibert José María , Auzmendi Elena
Published: March 2022

El IX Foro Internacional de Innovación Universitaria (FIIU), se realizó con el propósito de reflexionar y debatir sobre el futuro de la educación superior, y los modelos educativos con los que se pueden acometer los inmensos desafíos socioambientales que se han exacerbado con la pandemia originada por la covid-19. En este encuentro se conoció y profundizó la manera en que nuestras instituciones e investigadores han asumido el momento histórico que vivimos, así como se reconocieron los logros, aprendizajes y oportunidades que puedan motivan la reflexión crítica en torno a nuevos horizontes para el trabajo académico, y otras formas de adaptarnos, aprender y generar confianza con el entorno desde la perspectiva diferencial de Iberoamérica.
Highly efficient modulation doping: A path toward superior organic thermoelectric devices
Authors: Wang Shu-Jen , Panhans Michel , Lashkov Ilia , Kleemann Hans , Caglieris Federico , Becker-Koch David , Vahland Jörn , Guo Erjuan , Huang Shiyu , Krupskaya Yulia , Vaynzof Yana , Büchner Bernd , Ortmann Frank , Leo Karl
Published: March 2022

We investigate the charge and thermoelectric transport in modulation-doped large-area rubrene thin-film crystals with different crystal phases. We show that modulation doping allows achieving superior doping efficiencies even for high doping densities, when conventional bulk doping runs into the reserve regime. Modulation-doped orthorhombic rubrene achieves much improved thermoelectric power factors, exceeding 20 μW m
−1
K
−2
at 80°C. Theoretical studies give insight into the energy landscape of the heterostructures and its influence on qualitative trends of the Seebeck coefficient. Our results show that modulation doping together with high-mobility crystalline organic semiconductor films is a previosly unexplored strategy for achieving high-performance organic thermoelectrics.
Comet fading begins beyond Saturn
Authors: Kaib Nathan A.
Published: March 2022

The discovery probability of long-period comets (LPCs) passing near the Sun is highest during their first passage and then declines, or fades, during subsequent return passages. Comet fading is largely attributed to devolatilization and fragmentation via thermal processing within 2 to 3 astronomical unit (au) of the Sun (1 au being the Earth-Sun distance). Here, our numerical simulations show that comet-observing campaigns miss vast numbers of LPCs making returning passages through the Saturn region (near 10 au) because these comets fade during prior, even more distant passages exterior to Saturn and thus elude detection. Consequently, comet properties substantially evolve at solar distances much larger than previously considered, and this offers new insights into the physical and dynamical properties of LPCs, both near and far from Earth.
Atomically sharp domain walls in an antiferromagnet
Authors: Krizek Filip , Reimers Sonka , Kašpar Zdeněk , Marmodoro Alberto , Michalička Jan , Man Ondřej , Edström Alexander , Amin Oliver J. , Edmonds Kevin W. , Campion Richard P. , Maccherozzi Francesco , Dhesi Samjeet S. , Zubáč Jan , Kriegner Dominik , Carbone Dina , Železný Jakub , Výborný Karel , Olejník Kamil , Novák Vít , Rusz Jan , Idrobo Juan-Carlos , Wadley Peter , Jungwirth Tomas
Published: March 2022

The interest in understanding scaling limits of magnetic textures such as domain walls spans the entire field of magnetism from its physical fundamentals to applications in information technologies. Here, we explore antiferromagnetic CuMnAs in which imaging by x-ray photoemission reveals the presence of magnetic textures down to nanoscale, reaching the detection limit of this established microscopy in antiferromagnets. We achieve atomic resolution by using differential phase-contrast imaging within aberration-corrected scanning transmission electron microscopy. We identify abrupt domain walls in the antiferromagnetic film corresponding to the Néel order reversal between two neighboring atomic planes. Our work stimulates research of magnetic textures at the ultimate atomic scale and sheds light on electrical and ultrafast optical antiferromagnetic devices with magnetic field–insensitive neuromorphic functionalities.
Advancing gender equity in the academy
Authors: Beidas Rinad S. , Hannon Peggy A. , James Aimee S. , Emmons Karen M.
Published: March 2022

Implementation science offers a rigorous set of tools to help mitigate long-standing and worsening gender disparities in academia.
Performance of the Euroimmun Aspergillus Antigen ELISA for the Diagnosis of Invasive Pulmonary Aspergillosis in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid
Authors: Egger Matthias , Penziner Samuel , Dichtl Karl , Gornicec Max , Kriegl Lisa , Krause Robert , Khong Ethan , Mehta Sanjay , Vargas Milenka , Gianella Sara , Porrachia Magali , Jenks Jeffrey D. , Venkataraman Iswariya , Hoenigl Martin
Published: March 2022

Invasive pulmonary aspergillosis (IPA) is a life-threatening disease that affects mainly immunocompromised hosts. Galactomannan testing from serum and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) represents a cornerstone in diagnosing the disease.
Long-Term Incubation of Lake Water Enables Genomic Sampling of Consortia Involving
Planctomycetes
and Candidate Phyla Radiation Bacteria
Authors: Jaffe Alexander L. , Fuster Maxime , Schoelmerich Marie C. , Chen Lin-Xing , Colombet Jonathan , Billard Hermine , Sime-Ngando Télesphore , Banfield Jillian F.
Published: March 2022

Laboratory incubations of natural microbial communities can aid in the study of member organisms and their networks of interaction. This is particularly important for understudied lineages for which key elements of basic biology are still emerging.
Supplemental Material: Evidence for a more extensive Greenland Ice Sheet in southwestern Greenland during the Last Glacial Maximum
Authors: Sbarra C.M. , al. et , Briner J.P.
Published: March 2022

Animations of ice-sheet recession and crustal rebound for minimum and maximum LGM ice sheet configurations.
Isolated rhabdomyolysis of long head of triceps mimicking upper extremity deep vein thrombosis
Authors: Filipopoulos Benjamin , Balanathan Sharmila
Published: March 2022

Rhabdomyolysis is characterised by skeletal muscle breakdown, with release of toxic intracellular contents into the circulation. A man in his 20s presented to the emergency department with acute-onset right arm swelling, with pitting oedema extending into his forearm without clear precipitant. Initial differential diagnosis was upper extremity deep vein thrombosis, however none was identified on CT venogram. Instead, rhabdomyolysis of long head of triceps was diagnosed after multidisciplinary review of the venogram by the treating vascular surgeon and radiologist. Retrospectively, added serum creatine kinase was found to be 11 587 U/L, and together with MRI of the right arm, the diagnosis was established. Given the patient’s lack of comorbidities, normal renal function and reliability, he was managed conservatively as an outpatient without hospital admission for intravenous hydration. This is the only case to our knowledge of isolated long head of triceps’ rhabdomyolysis reported in Australia and the second case worldwide.
New insight into the roles of lipid transfer protein and seed storage albumin gene families involved in oil and protein accumulation in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: Chen Chuanhong , Chen Lunlin , Li Shuyu , Zhai Wen , Li Dongwei , Chen Jun
Published: March 2022

In rapeseed ( Brassica napus L.), lipid transfer protein (LTP) and seed storage albumin (SSA) gene families are involved in lipid and protein metabolism. Understanding the mechanism of oil biosynthesis has great value to increase oil production. The LTPs and SSA gene families were identified of Brassicaceae. The LTPs were divided into six groups according to their sequences, and LTPs of all five species in Brassicaceae also had the same pattern. The genes at a higher expression level were evenly distributed across five groups except group ii. The gene groups in these two gene families showed different expression patterns, with most of the LTP genes expressed at a higher level at 25 days after flowering (DAF), but SSA genes were highly expressed at 40 DAF stage. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the regulatory genes for LTPs also was performed, including response to biotic stimulus (GO:0009607), generation of precursor metabolites and energy (GO:0006091), electron transport chain (GO:0022900), oxidative phosphorylation (GO:0006119), adenosine triphosphate metabolic process (GO:0046034), and phosphorylation (GO:0016310). These results may facilitate further research to understand the expression patterns and regulatory mechanism of LTPs and SSAs.
nn-METER
Authors: Zhang Li Lyna , Han Shihao , Wei Jianyu , Zheng Ningxin , Cao Ting , Liu Yunxin
Published: March 2022

Inference latency has become a crucial metric in running Deep Neural Network (DNN) models on various mobile and edge devices. To this end, latency prediction of DNN inference is highly desirable for many tasks where measuring the latency on real devices is infeasible or too costly. Yet it is very challenging and existing approaches fail to achieve a high accuracy of prediction, due to the varying model-inference latency caused by the runtime optimizations on diverse edge devices. In this paper, we propose and develop nn-Meter, a novel and efficient system to accurately predict the DNN inference latency on diverse edge devices. The key idea of nn-Meter is dividing a whole model inference into kernels, i.e., the execution units on a device, and conducting kernel-level prediction. nn-Meter builds atop two key techniques: (i) kernel detection to automatically detect the execution unit of model inference via a set of well-designed test cases; and (ii) adaptive sampling to efficiently sample the most beneficial configurations from a large space to build accurate kernel-level latency predictors. nn-Meter achieves significant high prediction accuracy on four types of edge devices.
Orexin enhances neuronal synchronization in adult rat hypothalamic culture: a model to study hypothalamic function
Authors: Mavanji Vijayakumar , Georgopoulos Apostolos P. , Kotz Catherine M.
Published: March 2022

This study, for the first time, demonstrates that adult hypothalamic cultures are viable in vitro for a prolonged duration and are electrophysiologically active. In addition, the study shows that orexin enhances neural synchronization in adult hypothalamic cultures.
Muscle synergies of multidirectional postural control in astronauts on Earth after a long-term stay in space
Authors: Hagio Shota , Ishihara Akihiko , Terada Masahiro , Tanabe Hiroko , Kibushi Benio , Higashibata Akira , Yamada Shin , Furukawa Satoshi , Mukai Chiaki , Ishioka Noriaki , Kouzaki Motoki
Published: March 2022

The human neuromuscular system has adapted to the gravitational environment on Earth. Here, we demonstrated that prolonged exposure to a microgravity environment in space changes the functional coordination of multiple muscle activities regarding multidirectional standing postural control. Furthermore, the amount of change led to a greater regulatory balancing activity needed for postural control immediately after returning to Earth and differences in muscular coordination before space flight and 3 mo after the return to Earth.
[Retracted] Research on Spatio‐Temporal Complexity Evolution and Influencing Factors of “Nongrain” in Guangxi
Authors: Tang Chongzhen , Yi Yongyi , Kuang Yani
Published: March 2022

The “nongrain” problem of farmland has an important influence on grain production safety and planting structure stability in China. Using statistical analysis and spatial analysis tools to explore the spatial and temporal distribution characteristics of “nongrain” cultivation trend in Guangxi, and through the geographically weighted regression model to analyze the factors affecting the degree of “nongrain” cultivation trend in Guangxi. The results showed that (1) the proportion of nongrain crops in Guangxi was increasing from 2009 to 2019, and the decrease of rice planting areas and the increase of vegetable planting area were the main reasons for the trend of “nongrain” in Guangxi. (2) the proportion of oil crop planting area increased rapidly in northwest Guangxi, and the overall growth rate was faster in 2009–2014. The proportion of vegetable planting area increased rapidly in the western and central regions, and the overall growth rate was faster in 2014–2019. The proportion of sugarcane and cassava planting area showed a downward trend in most regions, and the sugarcane decreased significantly in the northwest and eastern regions. (3) The effect of urbanization rate on the degree of “nongrain” is positive in southern Guangxi and negative in northern Guangxi. The average annual temperature is positively correlated in the north and negatively correlated in the south. Agricultural population and average annual precipitation are positively correlated in all regions and are the most significant in the northeast and the north, respectively. The ratio of grain production to sowing and the total power of agricultural machinery are negatively correlated in most areas and are most significant in the northeast. Finally, based on the research conclusion, this study puts forward some policy suggestions for preventing “nongrain” and stabilizing grain production in China.
Pell Equations and ℱpl‐Continued Fractions
Authors: Kushwaha Seema
Published: March 2022

In this note, the solvability of the Pell equation, X2 − DY2 = 1, is discussed over ℤ × plℤ. In particular, we show that this equation is solvable over ℤ × plℤ for each prime p and natural number l. Moreover, we show that solutions to the Pell equation over ℤ × plℤ are completely determined by the ‐continued fraction expansion of .
Opioid-Free Labor Analgesia: Dexmedetomidine as an Adjuvant Combined with Ropivacaine
Authors: Gao Wei , Wang Jie , Zhang Zhiguo , He Haiying , Li Huiwen , Hou Ruili , Zhao Liping , Gaichu Daniel Muthee
Published: March 2022

Background. Side effects of the use of opioid analgesics during painless delivery are the main factors that affect rapid postpartum recovery. Opioid use can result in dangerous respiratory depression in the patient. Opioids can also disrupt the baby’s breathing and heart rate. The nonopioid analgesic dexmedetomidine, a new a2-adrenergic agonist, possesses higher selectivity, greater analgesic effects, and fewer side effects. Moreover, epidural administration of dexmedetomidine also reduces local anesthetic consumption. Objective. Our study aims to compare the analgesic effects as well as the side effects of ropivacaine with dexmedetomidine against sufentanyl as an epidural labor analgesia. Methods. This study is a randomized, double-blinded, controlled trial (registration no. ChiCTR2200055360) involving 120 primiparous (a woman who has given birth once), singleton pregnancy women who are greater than 38 weeks into gestation and have requested epidural labor analgesia. The participants were randomized to receive 0.1% ropivacaine with sufentanyl (0.4 μg/ml) or dexmedetomidine (0.4 μg/ml). The primary outcomes included Visual Analogue Score (VAS), duration of first epidural infusions, the requirement of additional PCEA bolus, and adverse reactions during labor analgesia. Results. Of the 120 subjects who consented, 91 parturient women (women in the condition of labor) had complete data for analysis. Demographics and VAS, as well as maternal and fetal outcomes, were similar between the groups. The duration of first epidural infusions in dexmedetomidine was significantly longer than sufentanyl (median value: 115 vs 68 min,

P

 < 0.01); the parturient women who received dexmedetomidine and who required additional PCEA bolus were fewer in comparison to those who received sufentanyl (27.5% vs 49.0%,

P

 < 0.05). Furthermore, the incidence of pruritus in the dexmedetomidine group was lower in comparison to the sufentanyl group (0% vs 11.8%,

P

 < 0.05). Conclusions. Dexmedetomidine, a nonopioid, is superior to the opioid analgesic sufentanyl in providing a prolonged analgesic effect as an epidural during labor. It also reduces local anesthetic consumption and has fewer side effects. The trial is registered with ChiCTR2200055360.
GSDME Increases Chemotherapeutic Drug Sensitivity by Inducing Pyroptosis in Retinoblastoma Cells
Authors: Li Fang , Xia Qinyun , Ren Lian , Nie Yuhong , Ren He , Guo Xiaoyu , Yu Jinqiang , Xing Yiqiao , Chen Zhen
Published: March 2022

Chemotherapy is an important part of retinoblastoma (RB) treatment. However, the development of drug resistance increases the likelihood of treatment failure. Therefore, increasing the sensitivity of chemotherapeutic drugs is very important. Recent research has explored the relationship between the expression level of gasdermin E (GSDME) and drug sensitivity in RB. Our study found that GSDME expression was significantly reduced in human RB tissues and cell lines. Downregulation of GSDME expression reduced the sensitivity of cells to chemotherapeutic drugs. Decitabine treatment and transfection with GSDME-overexpressing lentivirus (LV-GSDME) upregulated GSDME expression in Y79 and WERI-RB-1 cell lines. The half maximal inhibitory concentrations (IC50) for carboplatin-induced cell death were significantly reduced. Low-dose carboplatin could achieve the IC50, and no significant difference was found in the production of prodeath-activating proteins, but the mode of cell death changed from apoptosis to pyroptosis. Increased GSDME expression can reduce the required dose of chemotherapeutic drugs. After inhibition of caspase-3 activation, the IC50 of carboplatin-induced cell death was significantly increased in cells with high GSDME expression, and the method of cell death switched from pyroptosis to apoptosis, which increased the concentration of chemotherapeutic drugs. Furthermore, the sensitivity of cells to carboplatin was reduced. The in vivo xenograft tumor model further confirmed that GSDME upregulation could promote carboplatin-induced tumor cell death. Therefore, the sensitivity of cells to chemotherapeutic drugs can be predicted by detecting the GSDME expression level, and we used pyroptosis induction as a new method for promoting tumor death.
Exploring the Ability to Perform Activities of Daily Living and Cognitive Status after Hospitalization with COVID-19: A Multiple Case Study
Authors: Christensen Kate Allen , Christensen Jan , Eskildsen Signe Janum
Published: March 2022

Background. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation including occupational therapy after COVID-19 is recommended. However, evidence on how COVID-19 affects the ability to perform activities of daily living (ADL) is sparse. Objective. The aim of this study was to explore the ability to perform ADL and cognitive status in patients with COVID-19 at time of discharge and three months postdischarge. Methods. This prospective multiple case study included adults with COVID-19, who at time of discharge had decreased ADL performance compared to habitual functional level. Data collection included Assessment of Motor and Process Skills (AMPS) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) at discharge and three-month follow-up. Exploratory analysis was used to identify similarities and trends within and across cases. Results. Eleven patients were included. 75% had a significant increase in motor ability measures, and 27% had a significant increase in process ability measures at follow-up. 67% of follow-up cases showed mild cognitive impairment, where executive functioning and memory were most predominant. Conclusions. The ability to perform ADL was affected at discharge and at three-month follow-up. Furthermore, mild cognitive impairment was present at both hospital discharge and follow-up in most cases. Significance. Occupational therapists can apply performance-based assessments to identify the need for rehabilitation of ADL in patients with COVID-19 during and posthospitalization.