bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic performance of biomarkers in maternal sepsis: A prospective observational study
Authors: Katoch Tanvi , Singh Anju , Suri Vanita , Sethi Sunil , Sachdeva Naresh , Naseem Shano
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Maternal sepsis is a life‐threatening condition. Biomarkers have been found to be useful in early detection of sepsis in the critical care setting. We aimed to determine the diagnostic performance of different biomarkers such as procalcitonin, C‐reactive protein (CRP), absolute eosinophil count, and activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT) in maternal sepsis.

Methods

A total of 35 patients were enrolled in this prospective observational study. Patients with suspected sepsis were evaluated for multi‐organ dysfunction. The blood samples for testing of these biomarker levels were obtained at the time of enrollment in the study (day 1), and on day 3 and day 7. Trends of each marker were followed and correlated with the clinical picture.

Results

Of 35 enrolled patients, 30 completed the study. Among these, 18 had sepsis and 12 were designated as without sepsis. Sensitivities of procalcitonin, CRP, aPTT, and absolute eosinophil count were 83.33%, 77.78%, 55.56%, and 58.82% whereas their specificities were 66.67%, 75.0%, 100%, and 75%, respectively. Area under the curve was highest for procalcitonin (0.813) followed in decreasing order by CRP (0.778), aPTT (0.731), and eosinophil count (0.642), respectively.

Conclusion

Procalcitonin and CRP may be used as a valuable adjunct in the clinical stepwise approach for the prompt diagnosis of maternal sepsis.
Association between obstetric and medical risk factors and stillbirths in a low‐income urban setting
Authors: Gwako George N. , Obimbo Moses M. , Gichangi Peter B. , Kinuthia John , Gachuno Onesmus W. , Were Fredrick
Published: December 2020

Objective

To evaluate the association between obstetric and medical risk factors and stillbirths in a Kenyan set‐up.

Methods

A case‐control study was conducted in four hospitals between August 2018 and April 2019. Two hundred and fourteen women with stillbirths and 428 with live births at more than >28 weeks of gestation were enrolled. Data collection was via interviews and abstraction from medical records. Outcome variables were stillbirth and live birth; exposure variables were sociodemographic characteristics, and medical and obstetric factors. The two‐sample t test and χ2 test were used to compare continuous and categorical variables respectively. The association between the exposure and outcome variable was done using logistic regression. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Stillbirth was associated with pre‐eclampsia without severe features (odds ratio [OR] 9.1, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.6–32.5), pre‐eclampsia with severe features (OR 7.4, 95% CI 2.4–22.8); eclampsia (OR 9.2, 95% CI 2.6–32.5), placenta previa (OR 8.6 95% CI 2.8–25.9), placental abruption (OR 6.9 95% CI 2.2–21.3), preterm delivery(OR 9.5, 95% CI 5.7–16), and gestational diabetes mellitus, (OR 11.5, 95% CI 2.5–52.6). Stillbirth was not associated with multiparity, anemia, and HIV.

Conclusion

Proper antepartum care and surveillance to identify and manage medical and obstetric conditions with the potential to cause stillbirth are recommended.
Feasibility of training service providers on the AMBIANCE‐Brief measure for use in community settings
Authors: Madigan Sheri , Eirich Rachel , Racine Nicole , Borland‐Kerr Catherine , Cooke Jessica E. , Devereux Chloe , Plamondon André R. , Tarabulsy George M. , Cyr Chantal , Haltigan John D. , Bohr Yvonne , Bronfman Elisa , Lyons‐Ruth Karlen
Published: December 2020

The Atypical Maternal Behavior Instrument for Assessment and Classification—Brief (AMBIANCE‐Brief) was developed to provide a clinically useful and psychometrically sound assessment of disrupted parenting behavior for community practitioners. With prior evidence of this tool's reliability and validity in laboratory settings, this study aimed to determine whether providers from family service agencies could become reliable in the use of the level of disrupted communication following a brief training. Providers (N = 46) from three agency sites participated in a 2‐day AMBIANCE‐Brief training and, at the end of the training, coded eight videotaped mother–child interactions. Novice participant coding was compared to expert consensus ratings using intraclass correlations. On average, participants’ interrater agreement was good (ICCmean = .84, SD = 0.10), with 89% meeting the reliability standards of ICC ≥ .70. In response to queries, 100% of participants indicated that they would recommend the AMBIANCE‐Brief training to their colleagues, 85% reported that the AMBIANCE‐Brief measure would be useful or very useful for their clinical practice, and 56% of participant clinicians believed that parents would find the measure acceptable or very acceptable for integration into intervention or support planning. Altogether, these findings speak to the feasibility of using the AMBIANCE‐Brief in community settings. Future studies are needed in diverse clinical and community contexts to evaluate whether use of this assessment tool can inform more targeted interventions tailored to the specific needs of families.
ICN routing strategy based on reinforcement learning and neural network
Authors: Li Huizhu
Published: December 2020

Information‐Centric Networking (ICN) provides network infrastructure services to distribute and retrieve the content in more efficient way, in which the content is the only abstract entity with the arbitrary form. In particular, ICN routing plays an important role to support interest request and content distribution. Different from the previous routing proposals, this paper presents a Reinforcement Learning (RL) and Neural Network (NN) based ICN routing strategy to improve the distribution efficiency and the stability. Meanwhile, RL is used to obtain the stable routing, while NN is used to predict network delay and enhance the routing efficiency. The simulation experiments are driven based on NDNSIM, and the results show that the proposed ICN routing strategy is feasible and efficient.
The Association Between Implicit Racial Bias and Mindfulness in Mental Health Practitioners
Authors: Ivers Nathaniel N. , Johnson David A. , Rogers Jennifer L.
Published: December 2020

The mental health research literature on implicit bias is limited (Boysen, 2009), and little is known about how factors that are associated with self‐perceived multicultural counseling awareness, such as mindfulness, relate to implicit racial bias in practicing mental health professionals. Using a correlational research design, we examined the association between mental health practitioners' implicit bias, self‐perceived multicultural counseling competence, facets of dispositional mindfulness, and mindfulness practices. A total of 137 mental health professionals completed an online questionnaire. Results revealed a negative relationship between the observing component of dispositional mindfulness and the implicit racial preference associating White and “good” words. In addition, results indicated that the frequency of engaging in mindfulness practices negatively predicted implicit racial preference associating White and good. Implications for counselor training, practice, and future research are discussed.
Characterizing components of and attendance at resident‐driven Housing First programming in the context of community‐based participatory research
Authors: Collins Susan E. , Goldstein Silvi C. , King Victorio L. , Orfaly Victoria E. , Gu Jingyan , Clark Alex , Vess Alexander , Lee Gary , Taylor Emily M. , Fentress Taurmini , Braid Ashley K. , Clifasefi Seema L.
Published: December 2020

Aims

This secondary study characterized components of and engagement in the life‐enhancing alcohol‐management program (LEAP), which is resident‐driven housing first programming.

Methods

We used a process akin to conventional content analysis to operationalize the LEAP according to its component activities. We used generalized linear modeling to identify predictors of LEAP activity participation and to predict alcohol and quality‐of‐life outcomes from participation in specific LEAP activities categories.

Results

Overall, 86% of participants attended at least one LEAP activity, which comprised three categories: administrative leadership opportunities, meaningful activities, and pathways to recovery. Employment status alone predicted LEAP activity attendance: Employed residents attended 88% fewer LEAP activities than unemployed residents. Participants who sought out more pathways to recovery activities were more likely daily drinkers and more impacted by alcohol‐related harm. Those engaging in administrative leadership opportunities were overall less impacted by alcohol use and had a higher quality of life generally, and their alcohol outcomes further improved over time.

Conclusions

Programming developed with Housing First residents was well‐attended but could be made more inclusive by including evening programming to accommodate residents employed full time and engaging more severely impacted participants in administrative leadership activities, where the greatest benefits of programming were seen.
Thermal inactivation of COVID‐19 specimens improves RNA quality and quantity
Authors: Hemati Maral , Soosanabadi Mohsen , Ghorashi Tahereh , Ghaffari Hadi , Vahedi Azadeh , Sabbaghian Elaheh , Rasouli Nejad Zahra , Salati Amir , Danaei Navid , Kokhaei Parviz
Published: December 2020

The rapid spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19), a disease caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, poses a huge demand for immediate diagnosis. Real‐time reverse transcriptase‐polymerase chain reaction (rRT‐PCR) of nasopharyngeal (NP) and oropharyngeal (OP) swabs have been used to confirm the clinical diagnosis. To avoid the risk of viral‐exposure of laboratory workers, thermal inactivation is currently recommended but has unknown effects on the accuracy of the rRT‐PCR results. Thirty‐six NP/OP specimens were collected from COVID‐19 patients and subjected to thermal inactivation (60°C for 30 min) or the RNA extraction processes to activate the form. Here, our data showed that the concentration of extracted‐RNA increases upon thermal inactivation compared to the active form (p = .028).  Significantly higher levels of RNA copy number were obtained in inactivated compared to the active samples for both N and ORF1ab genes (p = .009, p = .032, respectively). Thermal inactivation elevated concentration and copy number of extracted‐RNA, possibly through viral‐capsid degradation and/or nucleoprotein denaturation.
Assessment of health‐related quality of life and health utilities in Australian patients with cirrhosis
Authors: McPhail Steven M , Amarasena Samath , Stuart Katherine A , Hayward Kelly , Gupta Rohit , Brain David , Hartel Gunter , Rahman Tony , Clark Paul J , Bernardes Christina M , Skoien Richard , Mckillen Benjamin , Lee Andrew , Pillay Leshni , Lin Lei , Khaing Myat Myat , Horsfall Leigh , Powell Elizabeth E , Valery Patricia C
Published: December 2020

Background and Aim

Health‐related quality‐of‐life measurements are important to understand lived experiences of patients who have cirrhosis. These measures also inform economic evaluations by modelling quality‐adjusted life years (QALYs). We aimed to describe health‐related quality of life, specifically multiattribute utility (scale anchors of death = 0.00 and full health = 1.00), across various stages and etiologies of cirrhosis.

Methods

Face‐to‐face interviews were used to collect Short Form 36 (SF‐36) questionnaire responses from CirCare study participants with cirrhosis (June 2017 to December 2018). The severity of cirrhosis was assessed using the Child‐Pugh score classified as class A (5–6 points), B (7–9), or C (10–15) and by the absence (“compensated”) versus presence (“decompensated”) of cirrhosis‐related complications.

Results

Patients (n = 562, average 59.8 years [SD = 11.0], male 69.9%) had a range of primary etiologies (alcohol‐related 35.2%, chronic hepatitis C 25.4%, non‐alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) 25.1%, chronic hepatitis B 5.9%, “other” 8.4%). Significantly lower (all P < 0.001) mean multiattribute utility was observed in the health states of patients with decompensated (mean = 0.62, SD = 0.15) versus compensated cirrhosis (mean = 0.68, SD = 0.12), Child‐Pugh class C (mean = 0.59, SD = 0.15) or B (mean = 0.63, SD = 0.15) versus A (mean = 0.68, SD = 0.16), and between those of working age (18–64 years; mean = 0.64, SD = 0.16) versus those aged 65+ years (mean = 0.70, SD = 0.16). The greatest decrements in health‐related quality of life relative to Australian population norms were observed across physical SF‐36 domains.

Conclusions

Persons with more advanced cirrhosis report greater life impacts. Estimates from this study are suitable for informing economic evaluations, particularly cost‐utility modelling, which captures the benefits of effective prevention, surveillance, and treatments on both the quality and quantity of patients' lives.
Fortification With Bovine Colostrum Enhances Antibacterial Activity of Human Milk
Authors: Gao Xiaoyan , Li Yanqi , Olin Anne Bille , Nguyen Duc Ninh
Published: December 2020

Objectives

Human milk (HM) is the optimal diet for neonates, but it does not provide enough nutrients for preterm infants. HM fortifiers based on highly processed mature bovine milk (BMFs) are routinely used for preterm infants despite risks of causing gut dysfunction and systemic infection. Gently‐processed bovine colostrum as a fortifier (BCF) may better protect against infection and inflammation. We hypothesized that BCF‐fortified HM has enhanced antimicrobial activity against pathogens that commonly cause neonatal sepsis, relative to BMF‐fortified HM.

Methods

Holder‐pasteurized HM samples (10 mothers) were aliquoted into 3 fractions: unfortified HM and HM fortified with either BMF or BCF. The samples were analyzed for pH, lactoferrin concentrations, and antimicrobial activities against Staphylococcus epidermidis, Escherichia coli, and Enterococcus faecalis.

Results

HM+BCF had a lower pH and higher lactoferrin levels than HM+BMF, with HM being intermediate. Relative to infant formula, HM decreased the growth of S epidermidis, E coli, and E faecalis, with no difference between preterm and term HM. Addition of BMF abolished the antimicrobial effect of HM against S epidermidis and E faecalis but not E coli. By contrast, addition of BCF into HM enhanced antimicrobial activity against S epidermidis and E coli, relative to unfortified HM. HM+BCF was superior to HM+BMF in inhibiting growth of all tested bacteria.

Conclusion

BMF fortification decreased whereas BCF fortification enhanced in vitro antimicrobial activity of HM. This effect may partly be derived from the high levels of antimicrobial factors found in BCF, including lactoferrin. BCF may be a better fortifier than BMF for preterm infants.
Optimization of soy protein isolate, microbial transglutaminase and glucono‐δ‐lactone in gluten‐free rice noodles
Authors: Ojukwu Moses , Ofoedu Chigozie , Seow Eng Keng , Easa Azhar M
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Rice flour does not contain gluten and lacks cohesion and extensibility, which is responsible for the poor texture of rice noodles. Different technologies have been used to mitigate this challenge, including hydrothermal treatments of rice flour, direct addition of protein in noodles, use of additives such as hydrocolloids and alginates, and microbial transglutaminase (MTG). Recently, the inclusion of soy protein isolate (SPI), MTG, and glucono‐δ‐lactone (GDL) in the rice noodles system yielded rice noodles with improved texture and more compact microstructure, hence the need to optimize the addition of SPI, MTG, and GDL to make quality rice noodles.

RESULTS

Numerical optimization showed that rice noodles prepared with SPI, 68.32 (g kg−1 of rice flour), MTG, 5.06 (g kg−1 of rice flour) and GDL, 5.0 (g kg−1 of rice flour) gave the best response variables; hardness (53.19 N), springiness (0.76), chewiness (20.28 J), tensile strength (60.35 kPa), and cooking time (5.15 min). The pH, sensory, and microstructure results showed that the optimized rice noodles had a more compact microstructure with fewer hollows, optimum pH for MTG action, and overall sensory panelists also showed the highest preference for the optimized formulation, compared to other samples selected from the numerical optimization and desirability tests.

CONCLUSION

Optimization of the levels of SPI, MTG, and GDL yielded quality noodles with improved textural, mechanical, sensory, and microstructural properties. This was partly due to the favourable pH value of the optimized noodles that provided the most suitable conditions for MTG crosslinking and balanced electrostatic interaction of proteins. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
A temperature‐mediated two‐step saccharification process enhances maltose yield from high‐concentration maltodextrin solutions
Authors: Li Caiming , Kong Haocun , Yang Qianwen , Gu Zhengbiao , Ban Xiaofeng , Cheng Li , Hong Yan , Li Zhaofeng
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Designing a high‐concentration (50%, w/w) maltodextrin saccharification process is a green method to increase the productivity of maltose syrup.

RESULTS

In this study, a temperature‐mediated two‐step process using β‐amylase and pullulanase was investigated as a strategy to improve the efficiency of saccharification. During the saccharification process, both pullulanase addition time and temperature adjustment greatly impacted the final maltose yield. These results indicated that an appropriate β‐amylolysis in the first stage (the first 8 h) was required to facilitate saccharification process, with the maltose yield of 8.46% greater than that of the single step saccharification. Molecular structure analysis further demonstrated that a relatively low temperature (50 °C), as compared with a normal temperature (60 °C), in the first stage resulted in a greater number of chains polymerized by at least seven glucose units and a less heterogeneity system within the residual substrate. The molecular structure of the residual substrate might be beneficial for the subsequent cooperation between β‐amylase and pullulanase in the following 40 h (second stage).

CONCLUSION

Over a 48 h saccharification, the temperature‐mediated two‐step process dramatically increased the conversion rate of maltodextrin and yielded significantly more maltose and less byproduct, as compared with a constant‐temperature process. The two‐step saccharification process therefore offered an efficient and green strategy for maltose syrup production in industry. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Trifolium subterraneum cover cropping for improving the nutritional status of a Mediterranean apricot orchard
Authors: Lombardo Sara , Restuccia Alessia , Abbate Cristina , Anastasi Umberto , Fontanazza Stefania , Scavo Aurelio , Guarnaccia Paolo , La Malfa Stefano , Pandino Gaetano , Mauromicale Giovanni
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

The utilization of Trifolium subterraneum L. cover crops may represent an innovative and efficient option in low‐input and organic farming, especially in Mediterranean agroecosystems where low and irregular rainfall require frequent soil tillage and use of herbicides to reduce moisture losses and weed competitiveness. Since imbalances of soil macro‐ and micro‐nutrients due to cover cropping establishment could be responsible for numerous problems in specialized orchards, such as disturbances in the normal tree growth and quality of fruits, the objective of this study was to investigate, the cumulative effects of a 3‐years established T. subterraneum cover cropping, compared with a spontaneous flora and a conventional management (as a control), on the levels of mineral nutrients in the apricot leaves and fruits.

RESULTS

Our findings indicated that T. subterraneum cover cropping tended to stimulate higher leaf macro‐ and micro‐nutrients content than conventional management and flora spontaneous cover cropping. In addition, the presence of T. subterraneum cover cropping, especially with the incorporation of dead mulches into the soil, increased the content of potassium (K), nitrogen (N), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) in apricot fruits.

CONCLUSION

Taking also into account the effects of T. subterraneum cover cropping on both the reduction of soil weed and enhancement of bacteria communities involved in the soil N‐cycle, we may suggest its application in Mediterranean orchards as an eco‐friendly alternative to synthetic herbicides for weed control and mineral N fertilizers, while enhancing the apricot tree nutritional status and fruit quality. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry
Different chromatographic methods for determination of alogliptin benzoate, metformin hydrochloride, and metformin impurity in bulk and pharmaceutical dosage form
Authors: Magdy Maimana A. , Ali Nouruddin W. , Taha Ahmed A. , Elgebaly Ahmed M. , Farid Nehal F.
Published: December 2020

Two simple, sensitive, and reproducible methods were developed for the determination of alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride in presence of metformin impurity “melamin” in pure form and in pharmaceutical formulation. Method (A) was a thin layer chromatographic method in which separation was achieved using ethyl acetate–methanol–formic acid (6:3.8:0.2, by volume) as a developing system followed by densitometric scanning at 230 nm. Method (B) was a high‐performance liquid chromatography method; separation was achieved on C18column, the mobile phase consisted of a mixture of sodium lauryl sulfate buffer 0.1% w/v, pH 3: methanol in the ratio 70:30, v/v and measurement was done at 220 nm. System suitability testing parameters were calculated to ascertain the quality performance of the developed chromatographic methods. The proposed methods have been validated regarding accuracy, precision, and selectivity, moreover they have been successfully applied to Westirizide tablets containing both alogliptin and metformin hydrochloride, results indicate that there was no interference from additives. No significance difference was found when these methods were compared to the reported one.
Predictors for Discontinuation of Intrauterine Devices That Underwent Ultrasound‐Guided Placement in a Long‐term Follow‐up Cohort
Authors: Balica Adrian , Dickson Kaitlyn M. , Egan Susan , Cabrera Javier
Published: December 2020

Objectives

To investigate long‐term outcomes of ultrasound‐guided intrauterine device (IUD) insertion. The rate of and reasons for IUD discontinuation were reviewed, including the prevalence of uterine fibroids.

Methods

A retrospective cohort of patients who underwent transabdominal ultrasound (TAUS)‐guided IUD insertion was reviewed. Information collected included age, body mass index, insertion date, indication for IUD use, indication for using TAUS guidance, and presence of uterine fibroids. The date of and reason for discontinuation were recorded.

Results

One hundred sixteen patients with successful TAUS‐guided IUD placement were identified. Of these, 51 patients (43.97%) no longer had an IUD in place. An overall actual‐to‐expected use ratio was calculated to be 63.49%. The most common reason for IUD discontinuation was spontaneous expulsion (11.21%). The prevalence of fibroid uteri was 27.6% in our cohort. The actual‐to‐expected use ratio of those with a fibroid uterus was calculated to be 43.28%, which was significantly lower than that for a nonfibroid uterus (73.80%; P = .002). There were 27 of 104 patients with IUD use of less than 1 year, and fibroids were present 44.4% of the time. Comparatively, of the 77 patients that had IUD continuation of greater than 1 year, only 24.7% had fibroids (P = .022). The yearly continuation rates over 5 years were 74.04%, 55.84%, 41.67%, 35.14%, and 32.0% respectively. Of the 18 patients who received TAUS‐guided insertion for a previous IUD expulsion, 33.3% had another spontaneous expulsion.

Conclusions

Uterine fibroids and a previous expulsion appear to be the most likely predictors of IUD discontinuation, particularly within 1 year after insertion.
Suture Knot Externalization Modification of the Fasanella‐Servat Technique for Involutional Ptosis
Authors: Ghodke Ameer , Mims Mark M. , Shockley William W. , Clark J. Madison
Published: December 2020

View Video S1 Laryngoscope, 131:1492–1496, 2021
Fluid mechanics of feeding determine the trophic niche of the hydromedusa Clytia gregaria
Authors: Corrales‐Ugalde Marco , Sutherland Kelly R.
Published: December 2020

Phenotypic features define feeding selectivity in planktonic predators and therefore determine energy flow through food webs. In current‐feeding cnidarian hydromedusae, swimming and predation are coupled such that swimming also brings prey into contact with feeding structures. Fluid mechanical disturbances may initiate escape responses by flow‐sensing prey. Previous studies have not considered how fluid signals define the trophic niche of current‐feeding gelatinous predators. We used the hydromedusa Clytia gregaria to determine (1) how passive (sinking) and active (swimming) feeding behavior affects pre‐encounter responses of prey to the medusae‐induced fluid motion, and (2) how prey responses affect the medusae's ingestion efficiencies. Videography of the predation process showed that passive prey such as invertebrate larvae were ingested during both feeding behaviors, whereas flow‐sensing prey such as copepods escaped the predator's active feeding behavior, but were unable to detect the predator's passive sinking behavior and were ingested (KW X2 = 19.8246, df = 4, p < 0.001). Flow visualizations using particle image velocimetry (PIV) showed fluid deformation values during passive feeding below threshold values that trigger escape responses of copepods. To address whether fluid signals mediate prey capture, we compared fluid signals produced by three hydromedusae with different diets. Aequorea victoria and Mitrocoma cellularia produced higher deformation than C. gregaria (two‐way ANOVA, F2,52 = 5.532, p = 0.007), which explains their previously documented negative selection for flow‐sensing prey like copepods. Through the analysis of hydromedusan feeding behaviors and pre‐encounter prey escapes, we provide evidence that fluid signatures shape the trophic niches of gelatinous predators.
MHA report calls on leaders to improve youth MH services
Authors: Canady Valerie A.
Published: December 2020

Years before COVID‐19, youth and young adults have been struggling with mental health issues, with researchers, clinicians, teachers, school administrators, family members and young people themselves sounding the alarm on young people's mental health, says a new report released Dec. 9 by Mental Health America (MHA), which calls for leaders to immediately engage in discussions about resources and support for young people to take care of their mental health.
Design and analysis of a discrete method for a time‐delayed reaction–diffusion epidemic model
Authors: Macías‐Díaz Jorge E. , Ahmed Nauman , Jawaz Muhammad , Rafiq Muhammad , Aziz ur Rehman Muhammad
Published: December 2020

In this work, we propose a time‐delayed reaction–diffusion model to describe the propagation of infectious viral diseases like COVID‐19. The model is a two‐dimensional system of partial differential equations that describes the interactions between disjoint groups of a human population. More precisely, we assume that the population is conformed by individuals who are susceptible to the virus, subjects who have been exposed to the virus, members who are infected and show symptoms, asymptomatic infected individuals, and recovered subjects. Various realistic assumptions are imposed upon the model, including the consideration of a time‐delay parameter which takes into account the effects of social distancing and lockdown. We obtain the equilibrium points of the model and analyze them for stability. Moreover, we examine the bifurcation of the system in terms of one of the parameters of the model. To simulate numerically this mathematical model, we propose a time‐splitting nonlocal finite‐difference scheme. The properties of the model are thoroughly established, including its capability to preserve the positivity of solutions, its consistency, and its stability. Some numerical experiments are provided for illustration purposes.
Growth, Body Composition, and Lung Function in Prepubertal Children with Cystic Fibrosis Diagnosed by Newborn Screening
Authors: Owen Elizabeth , Williams Jane E , Davies Gwyneth , Wallis Colin , Grant Robert L , Fewtrell Mary S
Published: December 2020

Background

Children with cystic fibrosis (CF) are at risk of altered body composition (BC). Newborn screening (NBS) may lead to improved BC outcomes. We investigated BC and its relationship with lung function in prepubertal children diagnosed with CF by NBS. Secondary aims explored predictors of fat‐free mass (FFM) and lung function.

Methods

Thirty‐seven screened (non‐meconium ileus) children with CF (20 boys) born 2007–2012 had a dual‐energy x‐ray absorptiometry scan at 5–8 years to determine whole‐body (WB) and appendicular BC. Anthropometry was performed and routine spirometry recorded. Results were converted to z‐scores, height‐adjusted (fat mass index [FMI] and FFM index [FFMI]) and compared with population mean values. Predictors of forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) were assessed using linear regression.

Results

Height, body mass index (BMI), and FEV1 were within normal limits, however, weight and BC were significantly low compared with reference data (weight, P = .03; WB FMI, P = .001; WB FFMI, P = .009). Gender differences were detected, with lower appendicular BC in boys and lower weight, BMI, and BC in girls. The association between FEV1 and WB FFMI (r = 0.38; P = .02) was stronger than with BMI (r = 0.29; P = .08). WB FFMI was the only significant predictor of FEV1 in a multivariable model (95% CI, 0.11–0.99; P = .016).

Conclusion

In this NBS CF population, gender differences in growth and BC were apparent despite preserved lung function. These results support BC assessment in prepubertal children, particularly girls, with an opportunity to direct interventions to optimize FFM.
Quality of life among infertile women living in a paradox of concerns and dealing strategies: A qualitative study
Authors: Kiani Zahra , Simbar Masoumeh , Hajian Sepideh , Zayeri Farid
Published: December 2020

Aim

The current work investigated the issues that cause apprehension in infertile women, the effects of this disquiet on their quality of life and the strategies that they adopt in dealing with their concerns.

Design

The qualitative research.

Method

This qualitative research sampled participants from a training centre in Mazandaran University of Medical Sciences and a privately owned infertility centre in Mazandaran Province, north of Iran. Purposive sampling continued until data saturation was reached. We conducted a conventional content analysis of the responses of 30 individuals (15 women with female infertility and 15 key informants) to in‐depth and semi‐structured in‐person interviews on May to November 2019 .

Results

The results uncovered two themes subsuming four categories of issues: The first theme revolves around “infertility concerns,” under which “concerns” and “the difficulty and vagueness of treatment” belonged. The second theme was “dealing with infertility,” which covered “adaptive strategies” and “inhibitors of reconciliation with perceived infertility.”
Mapping hazardous cavities over collapsed coal mines: Case study experiences using the microgravity method
Authors: Zahorec Pavol , Pašteka Roman , Papčo Juraj , Putiška René , Mojzeš Andrej , Kušnirák David , Plakinger Marian
Published: December 2020

Examples of the application of microgravity mehtod for the detection of potentially hazardous (empty) underground cavities caused by the collapse of coal mines are presented. Within these areas some alteration by previous remediation activity had occurred. This was not documented earlier and, therefore, such alteration was often unknown prior to the current investigations. We show a successful application of microgravity, leading to the detection of an empty cavity, in close proximity to where concrete injection was earlier performed. This was subsequently verified thorugh measurements in a borehole. In contrast, two other examples delivered results where the microgravity data, along with signals from other geophysical methods, led to the interpretation that subsidence resulting in the formation of sinkholes had been in‐filled, and in these situations the detection of more recent cavities was considered to be unreliable. These results point to the conclusion that microgravity interpretation of cavities is an effective approach, but the success of this approach may be compromised at sites where remediation activity has already occurred; in such situations the approach should be supplemented by other geophysical methods.
Using telehealth to assess depression and suicide ideation and provide mental health interventions to groups of chronically ill adolescents and young adults
Authors: Wright Shawna , Thompson Noreen , Yadrich Donna , Bruce Amanda , Bonar Jaime R. M. , Spaulding Ryan , Smith Carol E.
Published: December 2020

Telehealth distance health care is a significant resource for young, chronically ill patient populations given their numerous medical complexities and their concomitant depression and/or suicide ideation experiences. This manuscript shares the telehealth methods used to prepare for a larger study of interventions for increasing adolescents' and young adults' chronic care resiliency and skills for preventing depression. The young patients in this study were prescribed lifelong home parenteral nutrition infusions, treatment for those with short gut bowel diseases. The training methods for our mental health nurse and psychologist to conduct depression and suicide ideation assessments from a distance are presented. The study implementation methods of group facilitated interventions and discussion are reviewed. The group discussions were conducted via audiovisual telehealth devices over encrypted firewall‐protected connections with patients in their own homes and professionals in an office. The results of assessments of the 40 participants, 25% (n = 10) with depressive symptoms or suicide ideation, are described. Following participants' assessments, their subsequent depression measures were all in the normal range, without any suicide ideation, across the year of the study. Patient evaluation ratings were high in the areas of being able to connect with other young patients in similar situations, using the audiovisual equipment, and learning new useful information from the interventions. The methods developed for the study ensured that the safety and well‐being of participants were supported through telehealth.
Polymethylmethacrylate derivatives Eudragit E100 and L100: Interactions and complexation with surfactants
Authors: Ofridam Fabrice , Lebaz Noureddine , Gagnière Émilie , Mangin Denis , Elaissari Abdelhamid
Published: December 2020

Precipitation or coprecipitation of polyelectrolytes has been largely investigated. However, the precipitation of polyelectrolytes via addition of charged and non‐charged surfactants has not been systematically studied and reported. Consequently, the aim of this work is to investigate the effect of different surfactants (anionic, cationic, non‐charged and zwitterionic) on the precipitation of cationic and anionic polymethylmethacrylate polymers (Eudragit). The surfactants effect has been investigated as a function of their concentration. Special attention has been dedicated to the CMC range and to the colloidal characterization of the formed dispersions. Moreover, the effect of salt (NaCl) and pH was also addressed. It is pointed out that non‐ionic and zwitterionic surfactants do not interact with charged Eudragit E100 and L100. For oppositely charged Eudragit E100/SDS and Eudragit L100/CTAB, precipitation occurs, and the obtained dispersions have been characterized in terms of particle size distribution and zeta potential. It was established that the binding of SDS molecules to Eudragit E100 polymer chains is made through the negative charges of the surfactant heads under the CMC value whereas binding of CTAB to Eudragit L100 chains is made at a CTAB concentration 5 times above its CMC. For Eudragit E100/SDS system, a more acidic medium induces aggregation. A same result was observed for the Eudragit L100/CTAB at a more basic pH. Moreover, it was observed that increasing salt concentration (higher than 100 mM) led to aggregation as generally observed for polycations/anionic surfactant systems.
Horseradish peroxidase‐mediated functional hydrophobization of jute fabrics to enhance mechanical properties of jute/thermoplastic composites
Authors: Dong Aixue , Wu Huimin , Liu Ruirui , Wang Qiang , Fan Xuerong , Dong Zhen
Published: December 2020

In this study, nonpolar octyl gallate (OG), dodecyl gallate (DG), and octadecyl gallate (OCG) were grafted onto the surface of hydrophilic jute fabrics, which were mediated by horseradish peroxidase to improve the hydrophobicity of jute materials. The gallate‐grafted jutes were characterized by infrared spectroscopy and grafting percentage (Gp), and the hydrophobic properties were evaluated by water contact angle and wetting time measurements. The Gps determined by saponification was 3.91%, 5.12%, and 4.58% for OG, DG, and OCG, respectively. The nonpolar chain length and the grafting rate of the monomers had a considerable effect on the hydrophobicity of the modified jute fabrics. The as‐prepared hydrophobized jute fabrics had superior interfacial compatibility with nonpolar resins, such as polypropylene (PP) and polylactic acid (PLA) making them most suitable to be utilized in the development of jute fiber‐reinforced thermoplastic composites. The tensile and dynamic mechanical properties of the grafted jute/PP or jute/PLA composites were improved compared with pure PP, PLA, and non‐modified jute composites.
Polyetheretherketone implant surface functionalization technologies and the need for a transparent quality evaluation system
Authors: Schaffarczyk Dietmar , Knaus Jennifer , Peeters Gunther , Scholl Dieter , Schwitalla Andreas , Koslowski Christoph , Cölfen Helmut
Published: December 2020

For bone implants, osseointegration resulting in a good and fast bone–implant contact is of primary importance to secure a proper implant function and to avoid implant loosening or inflammation resulting in necessary revision surgeries causing pain to the patients and immense costs. In particular, polyetheretherketone (PEEK) is a promising implant material due to the close mechanical properties to bone, but it is entirely bio‐inert, hindering osseointegration and making surface functionalization necessary. Many different surface functionalization technologies have been reported of both physical and chemical nature. The same is true for the other prominent implant materials titanium and ceramics. Although they already have inherently better osseointegration than PEEK, they are much harder and stiffer than bone and brittle in the case of ceramics. Surface functionalization, which can be subdivided into surface coating and material modification, needs to be judged from a quality and safety viewpoint. However, a literature research resulted in the realization that no quality standard yet exists for implant surface functionalizations. This makes it difficult to near impossible to compare the safety and performance of different surface‐functionalized bone implants, clearly showing the need to establish a transparent quality evaluation system for bone implants. This perspective article gives the state of the art and then develops a quality evaluation system based on six main categories as important benchmarks for the quality of surface‐functionalized bone implant materials. A simple catalog of questions can be answered, and from the resulting scores the Safety and Performance Evidence Level (SPEL) representing the safety and quality of a given implant can be calculated as a percentage. This simple SPEL system allows an easy and transparent judgment and comparison of bone implants, ensuring the easy identification of safe and well‐performing high‐quality bone implants in the future. © 2020 The Authors. Polymer International published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Widespread multiple insecticide resistance in the major dengue vectorAedes albopictusin Hainan Province, China
Authors: Li Yiji , Zhou Guofa , Zhong Daibin , Wang Xiaoming , Hemming‐Schroeder Elizabeth , David Randy E , Lee Ming‐Chieh , Zhong Saifeng , Yi Guohui , Liu Zhuanzhuan , Cui Guzhen , Yan Guiyun
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Aedes albopictusis a highly invasive mosquito and has become a potential vector of dengue, chikungunya and Zika viruses. Insecticide‐based mosquito interventions are the main tools for vector‐borne disease control. However, mosquito resistance to insecticides is a major threat to effective prevention and control. FiveAe. albopictuspopulations across Hainan Province, China were investigated for susceptibility to multiple insecticide and resistance mechanisms.

RESULTS

Larval bioassays indicated that resistance to pyrethroids was common in all larval populations. Adult bioassays revealed all populations were either resistant or highly resistant to at least four of the six synthetic insecticides (deltamethrin, permethrin, cyfluthrin, propoxur, malathion, and DDT) tested. Pre‐exposure of mosquitoes to the synergistic agent piperonyl butoxide (PBO) increased mosquito mortality by 2.4–43.3% in bioassays to DDT, malathion, and permethrin and rendered mosquito sensitive to deltamethrin, cyfluthrin, and propoxur. The frequency of knockdown resistance (kdr) mutations (F1534S and F1534C) ranged from 69.8% to 89.3% and from 38.1% to 87.0% in field‐resistant and sensitive populations, respectively. F1534S mutation was significantly associated with pyrethroid resistance. No mutation was detected in the acetylcholinesterase (ace‐1) gene in the two examined populations.

CONCLUSION

This study provides evidence of widespread resistance to multiple insecticides inAe. albopictusin Hainan Province, China. Bothkdrmutations and metabolic detoxification were potential causes of insecticide resistance forAe. albopictus. Our findings highlight the need for insecticide resistance management and mosquito control measures that do not entirely depend on synthetic insecticides. © 2020 The Authors.Pest Management Sciencepublished by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
Synthesis of Dihydromotuporamine C via 3‐Azonia‐Cope Rearrangement of 11‐Membered Cyclic α‐Vinylamine
Authors: Song Zijie , Meng Shuyu , Wang Quanrui
Published: December 2020

A new synthesis of dihydromotuporamine C (dhMotC), a synthetic analogue of cytotoxic marine alkaloid, has been achieved from inexpensive starting materials. The first stage was the preparation of cyclodecanone by sequential [2+2]‐cycloaddition of N‐(1‐cycloocten‐1‐yl)pyrrolidine with methyl propiolate and electrocyclic ring‐opening, followed by basic hydrolysis. Beckmann rearrangement of cyclodecanone oxime and several step manipulations afforded the pivotal intermediate of the N‐benzylated 11‐membered cyclic α‐vinylamine. The final synthesis of dihydromotuporamine C involved tandem nucleophilic addition with ethynyl p‐tolyl sulfone and 3‐azonia‐Cope rearrangement to form the 15‐membered aza‐macrocycle and reductive amination to install the appended spermidine‐like moiety.
Two‐Dimensional Materials for Integrated Photonics: Recent Advances and Future Challenges
Authors: Wu Jianghong , Ma Hui , Yin Peng , Ge Yanqi , Zhang Yupeng , Li Lan , Zhang Han , Lin Hongtao
Published: December 2020

With the development of novel optoelectronic materials and nanofabrication technologies, integrated photonics is a rapidly developing field that will promote the development and application of next‐generation photonic devices. In recent years, emerging two‐dimensional materials (2DMs) including graphene, transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs), black phosphorus (BP), and ternary compounds show many complementarities and unique characteristics over those of traditional optoelectronic materials including broadband absorption, ultrafast carrier mobility, strong nonlinear effects, and compatibility for monolithic integration. Herein, the recent progress on waveguide‐integrated active devices for a full photonic circuit based on 2DMs is reviewed. Both the development of nanofabrication techniques and the working mechanism of active photonic components based on 2DMs containing integrated light sources, waveguide‐integrated modulators, photodetectors, as well as some advanced 2DMs‐based optoelectronic devices are illustrated in detail. In the end, the existing challenges and perspectives on novel 2DMs‐integrated photonics are summarized and discussed.
Band Structure–Controlled Zn1−xCdxS Solid Solution for Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production Improvement via Appropriately Enhancing Oxidation Capacity
Authors: Huang Meiling , Luo Xingyun , Ai Zizheng , Li Yanlu , Zhang Kang , Shao Yongliang , Huang Baibiao , Wu Yongzhong , Hao Xiaopeng
Published: December 2020

The solid solution semiconductor Zn1−xCdxS is suitable for the study of improving hydrogen production on the basis of energy band engineering. Herein, the most suitable bandgap and conduction/valence band position for hydrogen production are confirmed by balancing the relationship between light absorption capacity and redox reaction. Furthermore, it is verified that hydrogen production activity could also be greatly enhanced by improving the oxidation capacity while keeping the reduction capacity based on the principle of mutual promotion of the two half‐reactions in the water‐splitting process. First‐principles calculations are performed using density functional theory (DFT) methods to confirm the band structure composition of Zn1−xCdxS. The optimal hydrogen production activity is 15.58 mmol h−1 g−1. It provides a new idea for the solution of oxygen production and even overall water splitting with photocatalysis, although herein only the best conditions for hydrogen production are explored.
Fiber‐reinforced mortar for secondary roofing slabs
Authors: Venkateshwaran Akshay , Krishnan Padmaja , Liew J. Y. Richard
Published: December 2020

This study investigates the feasibility of completely replacing traditional mesh reinforcement with non‐corrodible fiber‐reinforced mortar (FRM) in secondary roofing slabs. Patch‐load tests were conducted on 36 secondary roofing slabs containing mesh reinforcement, FRM with polyester or structural synthetic fibers only, or a combination of these. The ferrocement specimens carried the highest load but failed due to the sudden rupture of the steel mesh. The slabs with only polyester fibers experienced a brittle failure with low load‐carrying capacity. On the other hand, the specimens containing only structural synthetic fibers achieved the requisite residual load‐carrying capacity for secondary roofing slabs and also exhibited enhanced ductility through high flexural toughness, thereby sustaining large deflections. This study demonstrates that slabs with structural synthetic fibers alone are sufficient for practical application. The results from the test program were analyzed using yield line theory, based on the stress–strain relation for FRM recommended by the fib Model Code 2010. The first crack and residual load‐carrying capacities of the slabs were estimated with reasonable accuracy, thereby providing an analytical basis to predict the behavior of secondary roofing slabs.
Lectotypification of Banisteriopsis caapi and B. quitensis (Malpighiaceae), names associated with an important ingredient of Ayahuasca
Authors: de Oliveira Regina Célia , Sonsin‐Oliveira Júlia , dos Santos Thaís Aparecida Coelho , Simas e Silva Marcelo , Fagg Christopher William , Sebastiani Renata
Published: December 2020

Ritually used in religious ceremonies and now popular culture, Banisteriopsis caapi (≡ Banisteria caapi) is the most important ingredient in an inebriating drink known as Ayahuasca. The nomenclatural history of B. caapi and B. quitensis is presented, and both names are lectotypified.