bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of Natural and Synthetic Mulches on Yield and Yield Attributing Parameters of Chili (Capsicum annum L. Solanaceae)
Authors: Neupane Rajesh , Neupane Subin Babu , Acharya Bhawana , Parajuli Shikshya , Oli Nischal , Timilsina Ram Hari
Published: July 2021

Aims: Production of chili (Capsicum annuum Linnaeus; Solanaceae) in rain-fed regions of Nepal during the winter is constrained by the limited availability of soil moisture. Mulching has been a proven tool to conserve soil moisture and enhance yield. A field study was conducted in the winter of 2019 to identify the most suitable mulch that enhances the yield and yield attributing parameters of chili.

Study Design: Seven treatments with three replications were evaluated under the randomized complete block design. Among the treatments, rice straw (5 kg/plot) and water reed (5 kg/plot) were used as natural mulches. While, plastic mulches: transparent (25 µ), silver (25 µ), black (25 µ), and black thick (50 µ) (double thickness) were used as synthetic mulches. Only soil with no mulch was the control.

Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at Bangau, Dang, Nepal from November 2019 to May 2020.

Methodology: We measured soil temperature at 10 cm depth using soil thermometer, and calculated soil moisture through oven dry method. Similarly, weight of ten fresh and ten dry fruits was recorded from each plot using an electronic scale. Number of fruits per plant was also counted. All the data were analyzed using ANOVA and means were separated following a post hoc test.

Results: The highest soil moisture (18.38%), number of fruits per plant (24.91), fruit fresh weight per ten fruits (59.86 g), and fruit dry weight per ten fruits (14.65 g) were recorded in black thick plastic mulched plots. Furthermore, the lowest fresh weed weight (95.30 g) was also measured in black thick plastic mulched plots. Whereas, the highest soil temperature (18.92°C) was recorded in transparent plastic mulched plots.

Conclusion: This study concludes black thick plastic as the most effective among the treatments tested in this study in enhancing yield and yield attributing parameters of chili.
Comorbidity within Axis-II Disorders: The Unending Issues
Authors: Enyidah Nonyenim Solomon , Nonye-Enyidah Esther Ijeoma
Published: July 2021

Personality Disorders have since the 19th century been known and established as psychiatric diagnosis, yet till date, issues of definition still remain unresolved. With a prevalence of 10-15% of the general population, and it’s associated extreme disruption in the lives of the patients and the communities, it is still not a principle focus of treatment. It’s assessment and diagnosis have been restricted to clinical settings and drug treatment and rehabilitation centres. A study in a Nigerian prison community has revealed a comorbidity prevalence rate of 70% with substance use disorder, a 25% comorbidity prevalence within the personality disorders and a strong association between personality disorders and criminality.
Evaluation of the Phytochemistry of Aqueous, Ethanolic and Methanolic Extracts of Morus mesozygia Linn. Stapf., Twig
Authors: Joshua Marcella Tari , Wachuku Edna O. , Boisa N. , Nduka Nsirim
Published: July 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to phytochemically analyze the aqueous, ethanolic and methanolic twig extracts of the species Morus mesozygia Linn. Stapf.

Study Design: This is a cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: This study was carried out at the Plant Anatomy and Physiology Research Laboratory, University of Port Harcourt, between July, 2018 and November, 2018.

Methodology: Morus mesozygia linn twigs were collected and washed with distilled water, air dried for seven days and milled into fine powder. Maceration method was used to extract the powdered twig into a brownish paste using three different solvents; distilled water, ethanol and methanol. The different plant extracts were subjected to qualitative phytochemical screening for alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, tannins and anthraquinones. Quantitative phytochemical analysis was done using a Gas chromatography – Mass Spectroscopy machine.

Results: The results of this study showed that the powdered Morus mesozygia linn twigs contained flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates, alkaloids, tannins, but not anthraquinones. The methanolic and aqueous twig extracts contained high amounts of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, carbohydrates and tannins, while the ethanolic extract also contained high amounts of the aforementioned phytochemicals in the same proportion, but had saponins in moderate amounts. It also showed that the methanolic twig extract had more carbohydrate than the other two extracts. The result of the GC-MS analysis showed that the three extracts contained complex compounds in varying amounts.

Conclusion: The qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analyses test results of Morus mesozygia Linn Stapf. revealed the presence of the substances like alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, oils, phenolic compounds, tannins and some complex compounds discovered using GC-MS technique, in their varying concentrations for the three different extracts.
Efficacy of Treatment in Ayurveda for the Management of Diabetic Nephropathy: A Case Study
Authors: Sharma Rashi , Sawarkar Punam , Sharma Meenu Bharti , Sharma Nitin , Sawarkar Gaurav
Published: July 2021

Diabetic Nephropathy is one of the serious clinical condition that originated as a complication of the Diabetes Mellitus. It is the main culprit for end-stage renal diseases, which ultimately may lead to life-threatening conditions. A 58 years old male patient was having diabetes mellitus and hypertension for 15 years came to Mahatma Gandhi Ayurved College, Hospital and research centre, Wardha, Maharashtra (India) having bilateral pedal edema, vomiting, nausea, general weakness, frequent nocturnal micturition, hiccough from last two months. He was treated with Gokshuradi Guggulu, Chandraprabha Vati, Bhumyamalaki Churna, a freshly prepared decoction of Trunpanchmula [combination of Kush (Desmostachya bipinnata), Kash (Saccharum pontaneum), Darbha(Saccharum munja), Nal (Saccharum officinarum)and kandeshu]  50 ml daily twice a day after food. All other allopathic treatments for hypertension and Diabetes were continued as before, but the patient took only Ayurveda’s treatment for Nephropathy. After continuous treatment for two months, Blood Urea level was remarkably decreased from 51 mg/dl to 45 mg/dl & Serum Creatinine also reduced from 3.0 mg/dl to 1.5 mg/dl with a gross decrease in proteinuria. Both Blood sugar fasting & post- prandial were also reduced from 246mg/dl & 346 mg/dl to 190mg/dl & 225mg/dl respectively. The present Case report is discussed here to show the efficacy of Ayurveda in diabetic Nephropathy.
Dynamics of Diseases of the Upper Digestive Tract in Children
Authors: Boraeva Tatiana Temirbolatovna , Vadaeva Milana Aslanbekovna , Matveeva Ulyana Viktorovna , Revazova Asya Bekovna , Albegova Bela Zakharovna , Kanukoeva Dinara Temurovna , Mishvelov Artem Evgenevich , Povetkin Sergey Nikolaevich
Published: July 2021

In the Russian Federation, there is a tendency to increase the incidence of a number of nosologies, the prevalence of chronic diseases and the deterioration of health among children and adolescents. Diseases of the digestive organs occupy a leading place in the structure of somatic pathology of childhood.

According to the statistical data of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of North Ossetia – Alania (RNO – Alania), for seven years the prevalence of pathology of the digestive organs, including inflammatory bowel diseases, among children and adolescents has increased in the republic as a whole and regions separately. By 2022, it is predicted that the level of general and newly detected morbidity among children with pathology of the upper digestive tract will increase by 1.5-2 times.
Self-Support Group for Chronic Renal Failure Patients and Caregivers on their Quality of Life: A Study Protocol
Authors: Sharma Ranjana , Singh Seema
Published: July 2021

Background: Chronic renal failure (CRF) or Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is an irreversible progressive loss of kidney functions in which, kidney fails to sustain the metabolic waste, fluid and electrolyte balance in the body. The prevalence of chronic renal failure is 15% to 17 % in adult population in many developing countries.

Objective: To find out the effectiveness of Self Support Group (SSG) for Chronic Renal Failure patients (CRF) and caregivers on their quality of life (QOL)

Methodology: It is a single arm trial, interventional hospital based study. The patients of chronic renal failure of age group 18 to 50 years and caregivers age group above 18 years. Selection of patients and caregivers as per inclusion criteria, detail explanation about nature and purpose of the study, from the subject will be taken before data collection by the investigator after that the formation of groups for chronic renal failure patients and caregivers. Empowerments of the group with knowledge of chronic renal failure and its management, than evaluation quality of life (QOL) for patient and their caregivers with use of QOL scale. The assessments of quality of life for four times, it include day one to three months, six months and nine months respectively. The setting of the study is selected hospitals of Vidarbha Region.

Expected Results:

Formation of Self Support Group for CRF patients and their caregivers in Hospital Setting

Improvement in knowledge regarding CRF of patients and their caregivers

Improvement in QOL for both CRF patients and caregivers

Conclusion: Conclusion will be drawn from the statistical analysis after completion of data collection.
Emerging methods for prostate cancer imaging: evaluating cancer structure and metabolic alterations more clearly
Authors: Retter Adam , Gong Fiona , Syer Tom , Singh Saurabh , Adeleke Sola , Punwani Shonit
Published: July 2021

Imaging plays a fundamental role in all aspects of the cancer management pathway. However, conventional imaging techniques are largely reliant on morphological and size descriptors that have well‐known limitations, particularly when considering targeted‐therapy response monitoring. Thus, new imaging methods have been developed to characterise cancer and are now routinely implemented, such as diffusion‐weighted imaging, dynamic contrast enhancement, positron emission technology (PET) and magnetic resonance spectroscopy. However, despite the improvement these techniques have enabled, limitations still remain. Novel imaging methods are now emerging, intent on further interrogating cancers. These techniques are at different stages of maturity along the biomarker pathway and aim to further evaluate the cancer microstructure (vascular, extracellular and restricted diffusion for cytometry in tumours) magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), luminal water fraction imaging] as well as the metabolic alterations associated with cancers (novel PET tracers, hyperpolarised MRI). Finally, the use of machine learning has shown powerful potential applications. By using prostate cancer as an exemplar, this Review aims to showcase these potentially potent imaging techniques and what stage we are at in their application to conventional clinical practice.
Characterization of Pathogenic Pseudomonas alcaligenes Isolated from Koi Carp in China
Authors: Bai Jie , Huo Yian , Hu Xiucai , Lü Aijun , Sun Jingfeng
Published: July 2021

Pseudomonas alcaligenes infection is rare in aquaculture. In this study, we provide the first report on the characterization of P. alcaligenes from koi (a variant of Common Carp Cyprinus carpio) in China. A gram-negative bacterium was isolated from the diseased koi and was named KCP-516. Morphological and biochemical tests as well as phylogenetic tree analyses derived from 16S ribosomal RNA, gyrase subunit A, and gyrase subunit B gene sequencing all strongly indicated that the isolate KCP-516 was P. alcaligenes. In liquid medium, the optimal growth conditions were 25°C, 2.5% NaCl, and pH 8. The pathogenicity of the isolate was demonstrated in koi, with 7.0 × 104 CFU/g fish weight identified as the dose lethal to 50% of test fish. The results will provide a scientific reference for the diagnosis and treatment of P. alcaligenes infection.
Discovery and Characterization of Spike N‐Terminal Domain‐Binding Aptamers for Rapid SARS‐CoV‐2 Detection
Authors: Kacherovsky Nataly , Yang Lucy F. , Dang Ha V. , Cheng Emmeline L. , Cardle Ian I. , Walls Alexandra C. , McCallum Matthew , Sellers Drew L. , DiMaio Frank , Salipante Stephen J. , Corti Davide , Veesler David , Pun Suzie H.
Published: July 2021

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic has devastated families and disrupted healthcare, economies and societies across the globe. Molecular recognition agents that are specific for distinct viral proteins are critical components for rapid diagnostics and targeted therapeutics. In this work, we demonstrate the selection of novel DNA aptamers that bind to the SARS‐CoV‐2 spike glycoprotein with high specificity and affinity (<80 nM). Through binding assays and high resolution cryo‐EM, we demonstrate that SNAP1 (SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein N‐terminal domain‐binding aptamer 1) binds to the S N‐terminal domain. We applied SNAP1 in lateral flow assays (LFAs) and ELISAs to detect UV‐inactivated SARS‐CoV‐2 at concentrations as low as 5×105 copies mL−1. SNAP1 is therefore a promising molecular tool for SARS‐CoV‐2 diagnostics.
Adaptive type‐II fuzzy nonsingular fast terminal sliding mode controller using fractional‐order manifold for second‐order chaotic systems
Authors: Labbaf Khaniki Mohammad Ali , Tavakoli‐Kakhki Mahsan
Published: July 2021

A novel fuzzy adaptive finite‐time controller is designed for synchronization and control of the Duffing–Holmes and the gyroscope systems in the presence of uncertainty and external disturbance. The fractional‐order fast nonsingular terminal sliding mode manifold is used to ensure the finite‐time control, speed up the convergence rate, and address the singularity problem of the conventional terminal sliding mode controller. Also, the novel control law successfully reduces the chattering phenomenon. Adaptive biased type‐II fuzzy inference system is used to determine the optimal values of the switching control term. The adaptation rules of the novel fuzzy inference system are achieved based on Lyapunov stability theorem. Finally, by using numerical simulations, the effectiveness and superiority of the proposed control scheme are verified against some other methods.
Qualitatively and quantitatively investigating the metabolism of 20(S)‐protopanaxadiol‐type ginsenosides by gut microbiota of different species
Authors: Zhang Ying , Yao Lingling , Tang Chunping , Jiang Jianlan , Ye Yang , Liu Jia
Published: July 2021

Ginsenosides Rb1, Rb2, Rb3 and Rc, four major protopanaxadiol (PPD)‐type ginsenosides, can be metabolized by gut microbiota. The composition of gut microbiota varies in different species. Existing publications have reported the metabolite fates of ginsenosides by gut microbiota from single species. However, their microbiota‐related metabolic species differences have not been evaluated yet. In current study, in vitro anaerobic incubations of PPD‐type ginsenosides with gut microbiota from humans, rabbits and rats were conducted. The metabolites of each ginsenoside were then identified by LC–MS. A total of 15 metabolites from the four ginsenosides were identified. The major metabolic pathways were stepwise removals of the C‐20 and C‐3 sugar moieties to obtain aglycone PPD. The results showed that the hydrolysis rate of C‐20 terminal β‐D‐glucopyranosyl was significantly higher than those of α‐L‐arabinopyranosyl, β‐D‐xylopyranosyl and α‐L‐arabinofuranosyl in different species. The activity of β‐glucosidase, the metabolic rates of parent compounds and the formation rates of their metabolites were significantly higher in gut microbiota from rabbits than from humans and rats. Our research draws researchers’ attention to the species differences of microbiota‐related drug metabolism.
Neglected but not negligible aspects of antidepressants and their availability in bipolar depression
Authors: Terao Takeshi
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Although many antidepressants are available, they are not always used appropriately. For appropriate use of antidepressants, the old concept of a linear dose–response relationship, in which the dose is linearly increased to achieve a sufficient antidepressant effect, should be reconsidered. Furthermore, there is ongoing debate on the safe and appropriate use of antidepressants in patients with bipolar depression. Antidepressants may be used under certain conditions in patients with bipolar depression. These neglected—but not negligible—aspects of antidepressants have been discussed herein.

Methods

A narrative qualitative review

Results

Dose–response relationships of antidepressants such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are not linear. They may be bell‐shaped, with efficacy initially increasing with an increase in dose but decreasing when the dose is increased beyond a certain point. Despite using international diagnostic criteria, uncertainty remains on whether operationally diagnosed depression is latent bipolar I depression, latent bipolar II depression, or true depression. Furthermore, operationally diagnosed bipolar II depression may be latent bipolar I depression, true bipolar II depression, or depression with false hypomanic episodes. Manic/hypomanic switches are most likely to occur in patients receiving tricyclic antidepressants, followed by those receiving serotonin and noradrenaline reuptake inhibitors and SSRIs, in that order. Also, these switches are most likely to occur in patients with bipolar I depression, followed by those with bipolar II depression and true depression, in that order.

Conclusions

Considering the diagnostic subtype of bipolar depression and antidepressant properties may help to determine the optimal treatment strategy.
Towards a holistic framework for sustainable value analysis in business models: A tool for sustainable development
Authors: Méndez‐León Eduardo , Reyes‐Carrillo Tatiana , Díaz‐Pichardo René
Published: July 2021

This article analyzes how the concept of sustainable value is used in the business model literature to understand and structure the concepts used in analyzing the value creation process in business models to date. We found that in discussing sustainable business models, sustainable value, a term encompassing the environmental, social, and economic benefits of a given model, has been used in place of the conventional term, value. However, the conceptual implications of this substitution have not been sufficiently addressed. A systematic literature review reveals both positive and negative perspectives of value as well as the misuse of several multilevel value concepts. We categorize these concepts according to their meaning, differences, similarities, and implications. As a result, we propose a holistic framework that structures them, integrates both positive and negative perspectives of value, and proposes an activity‐based analysis for sustainable value in business models. The contributions of this paper are twofold: theoretically, it structures value concepts in order to better understand the sustainable value process in business models, and practically, it offers a tool for sustainable development by providing a framework to analyze sustainable value in a variety of business models as a basis for improvement in sustainability.
Inflammatory breast cancer appearance at presentation is associated with overall survival
Authors: Balema Wintana , Liu Diane , Shen Yu , El‐Zein Randa , Debeb Bisrat G. , Kai Megumi , Overmoyer Beth , Miller Kathy D. , Le‐Petross Huong T. , Ueno Naoto T. , Woodward Wendy A.
Published: July 2021

Background

Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a clinical diagnosis. Here, we examined the association of a “classic” triad of clinical signs, swollen involved breast, nipple change, and diffuse skin change, with overall survival (OS).

Method

Breast medical photographs from patients enrolled on a prospective IBC registry were scored by two independent reviewers as classic (triad above), not classic, and difficult to assign. Chi‐squared test, Fisher's exact test, and Wilcoxon rank‐sum test were used to assess differences between patient groups. Kaplan–Meier estimates and the log‐rank test and Cox proportional hazard regression were used to assess the OS.

Results

We analyzed 245 IBC patients with median age 54 (range 26–81), M0 versus M1 status (157 and 88 patients, respectively). The classic triad was significantly associated with smoking, post‐menopausal status, and metastatic disease at presentation (p = 0.002, 0.013, and 0.035, respectively). Ten‐year actuarial OS for not classic and difficult to assign were not significantly different and were grouped for further analyses. Ten‐year OS was 29.7% among patients with the classic sign triad versus 57.2% for non‐classic (p < 0.0001). The multivariate Cox regression model adjusting for clinical staging (p < 0.0001) and TNBC status (<0.0001) demonstrated classic presentation score significantly associated with poorer OS time (HR 2.6, 95% CI 1.7–3.9, p < 0.0001).

Conclusions

A triad of classic IBC signs independently predicted OS in patients diagnosed with IBC. Further work is warranted to understand the biology related to clinical signs and further extend the understanding of physical examination findings in IBC.
Male professional footballers’ use of mental skills training and counselling: Dilemma or conundrum?
Authors: Abela Daniel , Falzon Ruth , Muscat Adele
Published: July 2021

Background

The study explores male footballers’ experiences of Mental Skills Training (MST) – usually carried out by sports psychologists, and counselling (Herzog & Hays, 2012).

Method

This research's aim begged a qualitative approach – interpretative phenomenological analysis. Semi‐structured, audio‐recorded interviews were used with seven participant‐footballers.

Findings

Participants faced a number of unique challenges throughout their career and consider support pivotal for their success in the industry. Parental and institutional support were key sources for support. Participants experienced counselling as a safe and reliable space, where the therapeutic relationship extended beyond football‐related issues. Participants explained that MST can be self‐taught, is a direct hands‐on approach, can be practised whilst injured, and a first point of contact with other services and forms of therapeutic support. Views on their expectations of MST and counselling services varied: either compatible and should be delivered by the same person, or different and should delivered separately. Participants identified others’ perceptions as possible challenges for footballers accessing MST and counselling.

Recommendations

Participants recommended further research with other athletes, with footballers from diverse countries and cultures, with other helping professionals, with leaders, with managers and sponsors of football, and with sports in general. Participants suggested counsellor‐training in sport psychology, sports psychologists and counsellors’ participation in sporting contexts, and developing working relationships with kindred professions. They also argued for awareness campaigns with the general public and with stakeholders. An amendment to the local national policy should incorporate mental and social well‐being of athletes as a priority for sporting institutions.
PROTOCOL: Effectiveness of interventions for improving social inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities in low‐ and middle‐income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Saran Ashrita , Hunt Xanthe , White Howard , Kuper Hannah
Published: July 2021

The objectives of this review are to: (1) examine the effectiveness of interventions for improving social inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities (physical, visual, hearing, intellectual or mental health conditions) in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs); and (2) to critically appraise the confidence in study finding of the included studies. Key questions include: (1) Are interventions to improve social inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities in LMICs effective, and what is the quality of evidence base? (2) What types of intervention, or intervention design features, are most effective in improving social inclusion outcomes for people with disabilities in LMICs? (3) Which interventions appear most effective for different categories of disability? (4) What are the barriers to people with disabilities participating in interventions to improve their social inclusion outcomes? And what factors facilitate participation in, and the success of, such interventions?
Meta‐analysis of cryoballoon ablation versus antiarrhythmic drugs as initial therapy for symptomatic atrial fibrillation
Authors: Mao Yin‐jun , Feng Wei‐ye , Huang Qun‐ying , Yu Fu‐ling , Chen Jian‐xing , Wang Hang
Published: July 2021

Background

The optimal first‐line approach for patients with symptomatic atrial fibrillation (AF) remains unclear. We compared the efficacy and safety of cryoballoon ablation (CBA) and antiarrhythmic drugs (AADs) in the initial management of symptomatic AF.

Hypothesis

CBA is superior to AAD as initial therapy for symptomatic AF.

Methods

We searched the EMBASE, PubMed, and Cochrane Library databases for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that compared CBA with AAD as first‐line treatment for AF from the date of database establishment until March 18, 2021. The risk ratio (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI) was used as a measure of treatment effect.

Results

Three RCTs that enrolled 724 patients in total were included in this meta‐analysis. Majority of the patients were relatively young and had paroxysmal AF. CBA was associated with a significant reduction in the recurrence of atrial arrhythmia compared with AAD therapy, with low heterogeneity (RR, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.49–0.71; p < .00001; I2 = 0%). There was a significant difference in the rate of symptomatic atrial arrhythmia recurrence (RR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.29–0.65; p < .0001; I2 = 0%); however, the rate of serious adverse events was similar between the two treatment groups (RR: 1.18; 95% CI: 0.71–1.97, p = .53; I2 = 0%). Transient phrenic nerve palsy occurred in four patients after the CBA procedure.

Conclusion

The current meta‐analysis suggests that CBA is more effective than AAD as initial therapy in patients with symptomatic paroxysmal AF. Serious iatrogenic adverse events are uncommon in CBAs.
The state of our understanding of prostate cancer in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Greenberg Scott A. , Washington Samuel L.
Published: July 2021

This study highlights the impact of the current state of the data infrastructure on the quality of population‐level data obtained. This study has taken an important step in characterizing not only the presentation, patterns of care, and outcomes of patients with prostate cancer but also the current data infrastructure in sub‐Saharan Africa.
Characteristic analysis and suppression of SiC MOSFET‐based crosstalk for inductive power transfer systems
Authors: Bo Qiang , Zhang Yuwang , Guo Yanjie , Wang Lifang
Published: July 2021

Due to the lower gate threshold voltage of silicon carbide (SiC) MOSFET as compared with the silicon (Si) MOSFET, crosstalk significantly limits the high‐speed switching performance of SiC MOSFET‐based inductive power transfer (IPT) systems. The paper studies the crosstalk characteristic and proposes a suppression method of crosstalk aiming at IPT systems with phase‐shifted control. Firstly, the generation mechanism of crosstalk is modeled and analyzed. Then, based on the analysis results, the special crosstalk problem for IPT systems with phase‐shifted control is discussed, and a crosstalk suppression method is analyzed based on the optimization of compensation network parameters. Finally, a 1‐kW IPT system prototype is built for experimental verification. The experimental results show that the optimization method can effectively suppress the crosstalk problem of the IPT system with phase‐shifted control and does not significantly affect the output power and transmission efficiency.
Plastic adjustments of biparental care behavior across embryonic development under elevated temperature in a marine ectotherm
Authors: Spatafora Davide , Massamba N'Siala Gloria , Quattrocchi Federico , Milazzo Marco , Calosi Piero
Published: July 2021

Phenotypic plasticity in parental care investment allows organisms to promptly respond to rapid environmental changes by potentially benefiting offspring survival and thus parental fitness. To date, a knowledge gap exists on whether plasticity in parental care behaviors can mediate responses to climate change in marine ectotherms. Here, we assessed the plasticity of parental care investment under elevated temperatures in a gonochoric marine annelid with biparental care, Ophryotrocha labronica, and investigated its role in maintaining the reproductive success of this species in a warming ocean. We measured the time individuals spent carrying out parental care activities across three phases of embryonic development, as well as the hatching success of the offspring as a proxy for reproductive success, at control (24℃) and elevated (27℃) temperature conditions. Under elevated temperature, we observed: (a) a significant decrease in total parental care activity, underpinned by a decreased in male and simultaneous parental care activity, in the late stage of embryonic development; and (b) a reduction in hatching success that was however not significantly related to changes in parental care activity levels. These findings, along with the observed unaltered somatic growth of parents and decreased brood size, suggest that potential cost‐benefit trade‐offs between offspring survival (i.e., immediate fitness) and parents' somatic condition (i.e., longer‐term fitness potential) may occur under ongoing ocean warming. Finally, our results suggest that plasticity in parental care behavior is a mechanism able to partially mitigate the negative effects of temperature‐dependent impacts.
Structural, Physical, Theoretical and Spectroscopic Investigations of Mixed‐Valent Eu2Ni8Si3 and Its Structural Anti‐Type Sr2Pt3Al8
Authors: Stegemann Frank , Block Theresa , Klenner Steffen , Zhang Yuemei , Fokwa Boniface P. T. , Doerenkamp Carsten , Eckert Hellmut , Janka Oliver
Published: July 2021

Eu2Ni8Si3 and its anti‐type representative Sr2Pt3Al8 were synthesized from the elements. They crystallize in the tetragonal crystal system with space group P42/nmc and with lattice parameters of a=997.9(1) and c=747.6(1) pm (Eu2Ni8Si3) as well as a=1082.9(2) and c=823.3(2) pm (Sr2Pt3Al8). Both compounds were investigated via single crystal X‐ray diffraction, indicating slight Si/Ni mixing for the silicide. Sr2Pt3Al8 exhibits a temperature independent magnetic susceptibility, suggesting superimposed dia‐ and Pauli‐paramagnetic contributions. The independent Al and Pt sites of the platinide were further characterized by 27Al and 195Pt solid‐state NMR spectroscopy, which were assigned with the help of electronic structure calculations. ICOHP calculations and Bader charges were used to analyze the bonding situation. Eu2Ni8Si3 in contrast is paramagnetic with a ferromagnetic transition at TC=46.9(2) K and exhibits an effective magnetic moment of μeff=6.61(1) μB per Eu atom. The latter is in line with an intermediate valence that was further proven by 151Eu Mößbauer spectroscopic investigations. At 300 K, the refined Eu2+/Eu3+ ratios are 60 %/40 %, at 78 K 62 % and 38 % (Eu2+/Eu3+) are observed, being in line with the ratio deduced from the magnetic susceptibility. Finally, at 6 K a ratio of 68 % Eu2+ and 32 % Eu3+ was observed. Below the Curie temperature, the Eu2+ signal shows a full magnetic hyperfine splitting, with an internal magnetic field value of B0=28.4 T.
Application of bio and chemical fertilizers improves yield, and essential oil quantity and quality of Moldavian balm (Dracocephalum moldavica L.) intercropped with mung bean (Vigna radiata L.)
Authors: Faridvand Shahin , Rezaei‐Chiyaneh Esmaeil , Battaglia Martin Leonardo , Gitari Harun I. , Raza Muhammad Ali , Siddique Kadambot H. M.
Published: July 2021

Intercropping Moldavian balm with mung bean is an ecological approach for improving resource productivity. A field experiment was conducted over two growing seasons (2018 and 2019) to determine the effect of fertilizer application on yield and essential oil (EO) productivity of Moldavian balm intercropped with mung bean. The experiment had a two‐factor randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replicates. The first factor comprised of five cropping patterns: Moldavian balm sole crop (MBs), mung bean sole crop (MGs), one row each of Moldavian balm +mung bean (1MB:1MG), two rows each of Moldavian balm +mung bean (2MB:2MG), and three rows of Moldavian balm +two rows of mung bean (3MB:2MG). The second factor comprised four fertilizer sources: no fertilizer application (C, control), 100% chemical fertilizer (NPK), 50% chemical fertilizer +100% bacterial fertilizer (NPK+BF), and 100% bacterial fertilizer +100% mycorrhizal fungi (BF+MF). The sole crop fertilized with NPK+BF produced the highest seed yields for MG (1189 kg/ha) and MB (7027 kg/ha), while 3MB:2MG fertilized with NPK+BF had the highest nutrient contents. Moldavian balm produced the highest EO content and yield in 2MB:2MG fertilized with NPK+BF. The EO of MB mainly comprised geranyl acetate (30–39%), geranial (20–31%), neral (18–24%), and geraniol (3–8%). In addition, the 3MB:2MG intercropping treatment fertilized with NPK+BF had the highest land equivalent ratio (LER = 1.35). We recommend an intercropping ratio of 2MB:2MG fertilized with NPK+BF is recommended as an alternative and eco‐friendly strategy for farmers to improve EO quantity and quality.
Morphofunctional programming of microglia requires distinct roles of type II myosins
Authors: Melo Pedro Neves , Souza da Silveira Mariana , Mendes Pinto Inês , Relvas João Bettencourt
Published: July 2021

The ramified morphology of microglia and the dynamics of their membrane protrusions are essential for their functions in central nervous system development, homeostasis, and disease. Although their ability to change and control shape critically depends on the actin and actomyosin cytoskeleton, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, we systematically analyzed the actomyosin cytoskeleton and regulators downstream of the small GTPase RhoA in the control of microglia shape and function. Our results reveal that (i) Myh9 controls cortical tension levels and affects microglia protrusion formation, (ii) cofilin‐mediated maintenance of actin turnover regulates microglia protrusion extension, and (iii) Myh10 influences microglia inflammatory activation. Overall we uncover molecular pathways that regulate microglia morphology and identify type‐II myosins as important regulators of microglia biology with differential roles in the control of cell shape (Myh9) and functions (Myh10).
Australian men's initial pathways into mental health services
Authors: Seidler Zac E. , Wilson Michael J. , Walton Courtney C. , Fisher Krista , Oliffe John L. , Kealy David , Ogrodniczuk John S. , Rice Simon M.
Published: July 2021

Issue addressed

Many men are challenged by barriers to mental health help‐seeking and engagement. For men who do access care, their pathways to engaging services can offer important insights to what might constitute gender‐specific care.

Methods

Data were drawn from an online cross‐sectional survey of N = 2009 Australian men (aged 16‐85; M = 43.5) reflecting on their initial pathways to mental health services, including their reasons for help‐seeking, how they first located a therapist and the source of any initial recommendation for engaging with services. Respondents were recruited with targeted advertisements via Movember's Facebook page.

Results

A relatively even age distribution was observed, with most respondents residing in metropolitan areas (60.4%), a majority employed full time (47.7%), and 25.7% identifying as gay or bisexual. Participants tended to be self‐motivated to seek help, with referrals by general practitioners to specialist mental health services. The most common underpinning precipitant for seeking help was anxiety, particularly for younger men, whereas older men tended to have sought help more commonly for familial, relationship or work‐related factors. Older men were also more likely to report self‐motivated help‐seeking, whereas younger men more commonly sought help on the recommendation of a family member.

Conclusions

There are varied pathways for men's initial mental health help‐seeking journeys that require an ongoing examination to ensure health promotion efforts are appropriately tailored and responding to men's needs.

So what

As more men access mental health services, having a nuanced understanding of their likely pathways to care can inform the help‐seeking efforts of other men as well as guide improved services and systems to reduce barriers.
Transformation performance and subsystem coupling of resource-based cities in China: An analysis based on the support-pressure framework
Authors: Song Mei , Hao Xuguang , Zhang Liyan , Song Mengran , Cheng Jiarong , Li Dandan , Zhang Wen , Wu Jin
Published: July 2021

The sustainable development of resource-based cities is vital to China's high-quality development. Based on the support-pressure framework, this study simplifies the city system into an economy–society subsystem (ESS) and a resource–environment subsystem (RES), and measures the economy social developmental level (ESDL) and resource environmental carrying capacity (RECC) of China's 116 resource-based cities using the improved entropy-TOPSIS model. Then, it applies the coupling coordination degree (CCD) and relative development models to explore their coupling coordination relationships and relative developmental types. The results are as follows. (1) The ESDL and RECC of China's resource-based cities have improved significantly, and there is a large divergence between cities in different regions, development stages, and dominant resource types. (2) The CCD between the ESDL and RECC of China's resource-based cities is still not ideal, and no city qualifies for the high coordination category. (3) Overall, the RECC lags behind the ESDL, and the cities with a lagging ESDL are concentrated in the western and northeastern regions. Based on these conclusions, three specific suggestions are put forth. This study may provide a scientific reference for the Chinese government to formulate a sustainable development plan for resource-based cities. Integr Environ Assess Manag 2022;18:770–783. © 2021 SETAC

KEY POINTS

Based on the support-pressure framework, we constructed a comprehensive evaluation index system of the urban economy social developmental level (ESDL) and resource environmental carrying capacity (RECC). We measured the ESDL and RECC in 2013 and 2018 of China's 116 resource-based cities using the improved entropy-TOPSIS model, and explored their coupling coordination relationships and relative developmental types. Significant improvement occurred in both subsystems of resource-based cities in China in 2013–2018; moreover, transformation performance of different resource-based cities is diverse, no resource-based city meets the criteria for the high coordination category, and the RECC overall lags behind the ESDL. We proposed three recommendations for the transformation of Chinese resource-based cities: strengthen the classification guidance, summarize the “Chinese transformation mode” as soon as possible, and cultivate new economic growth poles.
Long‐term functional stability of problem behavior exposed to psychotropic medications
Authors: Cox Alison D. , Virues‐Ortega Javier
Published: July 2021

Psychopharmacological and behavioral interventions are often combined in the treatment of problem behavior in people with intellectual and developmental disability (IDD). However, little is known about the interaction between medication pharmacodynamics and behavior function. A better understanding of these mechanisms could serve as the conceptual foundation for combined interventions. The current analysis is a systematic replication of Valdovinos et al. (2009). We conducted continuous functional analyses within analogue reversal and parametric analyses monitoring the impact of various dosages of primarily antipsychotic medications on problem behavior and its function. Four individuals with IDD and problem behavior who were also receiving psychotropic medications participated. Medication adjustments produced small to negligible decreases in problem behavior, and behavior function remained largely unchanged through the 14 medication adjustments evaluated. The continuous functional analysis helped to identify what could be delayed medication effects on problem behavior. The clinical and methodological implications of this replication are discussed.
Medication therapy problem documentation and reporting: A review of the literature and recommendations
Authors: Armistead Lori T. , Cruz Aliyah , Levitt Jordana M. , McClurg Mary R. , Blanchard Carrie M.
Published: July 2021

Pharmacists are increasingly using medication therapy problem (MTP) metrics to monitor their clinical impact and demonstrate their value to health care organizations and commercial payers. Although the practice of documenting and resolving MTPs is well reported in the literature, there remains great diversity in how MTPs are categorized, documented, and reported. We conducted a review of the literature to gain key insights into the MTP classification systems, methods of MTP documentation, and MTP‐related outcomes that are reported in the literature, as well as the elements of MTP documentation that are commonly employed in practice. Ninety‐one articles were identified. These insights were used to develop a set of recommendations to help standardize the practice of MTP documentation in the profession. This review highlights the findings from these studies and outlines a set of recommendations for identifying, categorizing, documenting, and monitoring MTPs that can be applied across care settings. The recommendations include clearly defining the purpose for documenting MTPs; using an established, standardized MTP categorization framework and applying that framework consistently in practice; establishing a clear process for identifying and resolving MTPs; systematizing the documentation and reporting process; tracking the resolution of MTPs identified; and monitoring MTP data and assessing impact. MTP identification, documentation, and reporting are an important strategy for capturing, monitoring, and sharing the unique contributions of pharmacists in providing patient care. Although additional research is needed to clearly demonstrate the relationship between MTPs and humanistic, clinical, and economic outcomes, MTP resolution may be a useful process metric to demonstrate the value‐added role of the pharmacist in the delivery of team‐based, patient‐centered care.
Validation of the triple‐checked criteria for drain management after pancreatectomy
Authors: Hashimoto Daisuke , Satoi Sohei , Yamamoto Tomohisa , Yamaki So , Ishida Mitsuaki , Sakaguchi Tatsuma , Hirooka Satoshi , Ikeura Tsukasa , Inoue Kentaro , Sekimoto Mitsugu
Published: July 2021

Background

Drain management is important for the detection and treatment of clinically relevant postoperative pancreatic fistula (CR‐POPF). We previously established the triple‐checked criteria for drain removal: drain fluid amylase (DFA) <5000 U/L on postoperative day (POD) 1 and DFA <3000 U/L on POD 3, or C‐reactive protein <15 mg/dL on POD 3. This study aimed to validate the efficacy of the triple‐checked criteria.

Methods

In this study, 681 patients who underwent pancreatectomy were included. Drains were removed according to our previous criteria (sequentially checked criteria: DFA <5000 U/L on POD 1 and DFA <3000 U/L on POD 3) from 2012 to 2016 (control group) and the triple‐checked criteria from 2017 to 2019 (intervention group).

Results

The control group included 406 patients, and the intervention group included 275 patients. Significantly more patients (n = 237, 86.2%) met the triple‐checked criteria in the intervention group, relative to the sequentially checked criteria for early drain removal policy (n = 309, 76.1%; P = .001). Sensitivity, accuracy, and negative predictive value were significantly higher in the intervention group than in the control group (P < .001). The incidence of CR‐POPF was not significantly different (11.1% vs 13.8%, P = .285).

Conclusions

The triple‐checked criteria contributed to effective drain removal after pancreatectomy without increasing CR‐POPF.
Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Follow‐Up of Children After Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome Temporally Associated With SARS‐CoV‐2 With Initial Cardiac Involvement
Authors: Bartoszek Marta , Małek Łukasz A. , Barczuk‐Falęcka Marzena , Brzewski Michał
Published: July 2021

Background

Pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome temporally associated with SARS‐CoV‐2 (PIMS‐TS) is an inflammatory disease occurring in a small minority of children a few weeks after acute infection. Cardiac manifestations are common, but little is known about the potentially persistent heart changes after PIMS‐TS.

Purpose

To analyze the frequency and type of myocardial complications of PIMS‐TS with initial cardiac involvement assessed with cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including parametric imaging, performed 3 months after hospitalization.

Study Type

Retrospective.

Population

Nineteen consecutive children (median age 10 years, interquartile range (IQR) 10–15 years, 74% male).

Field Strength/Sequence

Balanced steady state free precession (bSSFP, cine imaging), modified Look‐Locker (T1 mapping), T2‐prepared bSSFP (T2‐mapping), dark‐blood T2‐weighted turbo spin echo with fat suppression and phase sensitive inversion recovery (late gadolinium enhancement (LGE)) sequences at 1.5 T.

Assessment

Patients were scanned after a median of 99 days (IQR 89–104 days) from the diagnosis. MR data were reviewed by three independent observers, with 13, 2, and 5 years' experience in cardiac MRI. Pre‐ and post‐contrast T1, T2, extra‐cellular volume, and T2 signal intensity (T2 SI) ratio were calculated. Diagnosis of acute myocarditis was based on modified Lake Louise criteria. Cardiac MRI parameters were compared, where possible, to previously published pediatric normal values.

Statistical Tests

Interclass correlation coefficient and Bland–Altman repeatability analysis. A P‐value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

Despite cardiac involvement including decreased left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) (median LVEF = 47%, IQR 43%–53%) and increased troponin I (median 101 ng/mL, IQR 50–661 ng/mL) during hospitalization, there were no persistent cardiac changes observed in cardiac MR at follow‐up. All patients had normal size and function of the left ventricle and normal precontrast T1 and T2 relaxation times. There were no signs of LGE. Persistent, mild pericardial effusion (8–9 mm) was found in three (16%) patients.

Data Conclusion

There were no persistent changes on cardiac MRI in a group of children approximately 3 months post hospitalization due to PIMS‐TS with cardiac involvement. This supports the hypothesis that cardiac involvement during PIMS‐TS is a form of transient inflammatory response rather than direct and potentially persistent injury from the virus.

Level of Evidence

4

Technical Efficacy

Stage 3