bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Population pharmacokinetics and exposure‐response analyses of teduglutide in adult and pediatric patients with short bowel syndrome
Authors: Marier Jean‐Francois , Jomphe Claudia , Peyret Thomas , Wang Yi
Published: August 2021

Teduglutide is a recombinant analog of human glucagon‐like peptide‐2 that regulates the functional and structural integrity of the cells lining the gastrointestinal tract. Teduglutide is approved for the treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome (SBS) who are dependent on parenteral support (PS). Population pharmacokinetic (PK) and exposure‐response analyses were performed to support teduglutide dosing in patients with SBS. The analysis included 219 patients with SBS (aged <1 year, 5 patients; 1–11 years, 86 patients; 12–17 years, 8 patients; 18–79 years, 120 patients), and 259 non‐SBS subjects (including healthy volunteers and subjects with renal or liver impairment). A one‐compartment model with first‐order absorption and linear elimination adequately characterized the PKs of teduglutide. In patients with SBS, the apparent clearance (CL/F), volume of distribution (V/F), and elimination half‐life of teduglutide were 16.0 L/h, 33.9 L, and 1.47 h, respectively. CL/F depended on body weight and renal function, and V/F depended on body weight and age. Maximum concentration (Cmax) of teduglutide was similar in adult and pediatric patients, and in Japanese and non‐Japanese patients. A time‐ and exposure‐response model dependent on the Cmax of teduglutide adequately characterized the reduction in PS over more than 2 years of treatment. Daily dosing of 0.05 mg/kg teduglutide resulted in a maximum reduction in PS of 5.76 L/week. Higher Cmax values were associated with a more important reduction in PS over time. Adult and pediatric patients with SBS presented similar PKs and response to teduglutide.
Intermediate fire severity diversity promotes richness of forest carnivores in California
Authors: Furnas Brett J. , Goldstein Benjamin R. , Figura Peter J.
Published: August 2021

Aim

Fire can strongly influence ecosystem function, and human activities are disrupting fire activity at the global scale. Ecological theory and a growing body of literature suggest that a mixed severity fire regime promotes biodiversity in western North America. Some researchers advocate the use of pyrodiversity (i.e. heterogeneity in aspects of the fire regime such as time since fire or severity) as a conservation index to be maximized. Others caution against this approach arguing that the index oversimplifies fire–biodiversity interactions across trophic, spatial and temporal scales. We evaluated the effects of several landscape‐scale pyrodiversity indices, and their severity and time‐since‐fire components, on species richness of forest carnivores.

Location

Northern California, United States.

Methods

We gathered data on fire history and mammal occurrence from camera trap surveys at 1,451 sites across Northern California public and private forestlands during 2009–2018. We used these data to model the effects of fire severity diversity, and its components (i.e. low, moderate and high severity wildfires), on carnivore richness at short (10 years) and longer (25 years) timeframes. We repeated the modelling using a measure of time‐since‐fire diversity and its components (<10 years, 10–20 years, 20–30 years, 30–40 years, 40–100 years). We used Bayesian multispecies occupancy modelling to correct for imperfect measurement of species richness.

Results

We found that carnivore richness was highest at locations with intermediate fire severity diversity (0.46, 90%CI: 0.40–0.52) calculated using Simpson's Measure of Evenness (range: 0–1) for the 10‐year timeframe, and the results were almost identical yet less precise for the longer timeframe. When we separated fire severity diversity into its components, we found that carnivore richness was highest at locations where 17% (90%CI: 4–20) of the landscape had experienced low severity burns over the past decade. In contrast, we found no association between time‐since‐fire diversity and carnivore richness, however, an intermediate amount of one of the components (e.g., the total amount of fire in the past 10 years) was positively associated with carnivore richness. Our results are consistent with a mixed severity fire regime wherein there is a greater extent of low severity than high severity fire.

Main conclusions

Overall our results suggest that carnivores would benefit from landscapes managed for greater, but not maximal, fire severity diversity. Our results also suggest that prescribed, low severity burns may provide ecological services to wildlife not otherwise provided by silviculture in a managed forest landscape.
A global country‐level analysis of the relationship between obesity and COVID‐19 cases and mortality
Authors: Foo Oliver , Hiu Shaun , Teare Dawn , Syed Akheel A. , Razvi Salman
Published: August 2021

Aim

To assess the association of country‐level obesity prevalence with COVID‐19 case and mortality rates, to evaluate the impact of obesity prevalence on worldwide variation.

Methods

Data on COVID‐19 prevalence and mortality, country‐specific governmental actions, socioeconomic, demographic, and healthcare capacity factors were extracted from publicly available sources. Multivariable negative binomial regression was used to assess the independent association of obesity with COVID‐19 case and mortality rates.

Results

Across 168 countries for which data were available, higher obesity prevalence was associated with increased COVID‐19 mortality and prevalence rates. For every 1% increase in obesity prevalence, the mortality rate was increased by 8.3% (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 1.083, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.048‐1.119; P < 0.001) and the case rate was higher by 6.6% (IRR 1.066, 95% CI 1.035‐1.099; P < 0.001). Additionally, higher median population age, greater female ratio, higher Human Development Index (HDI), lower population density, and lower hospital bed availability were all significantly associated with higher COVID‐19 mortality rate. In addition, stricter governmental actions, higher HDI and lower mean annual temperature were significantly associated with higher COVID‐19 case rate.

Conclusion

These findings demonstrate that obesity prevalence is a significant and potentially modifiable risk factor of increased COVID‐19 national caseload and mortality. Future research to study whether weight loss improves COVID‐19 outcomes is urgently required.
Colonizer identity and trade in Africa: Were the British more favourable to free trade?
Authors: Tadei Federico
Published: August 2021

It has often been claimed that the structure of export trade between Africa and Europe during the colonial period depended on the colonizer's identity, with the British relying on free trade and the French, in contrast, employing monopsonistic policies. However, due to the lack of systematic data on colonial trade, this claim has remained untested. This study uses recently available data on export prices from African colonies to estimate monopsonistic profit margins for British and French trading companies. The results challenge the view of the British colonizers as champions of free trade. The level of profit margins was determined much more by the local conditions in Africa (history of trade and the presence of European producers) than by the identity of the colonial power. The British did not necessarily rely on free trade more than the French and did so only when implementing monopsonies was not a viable option.
The impact of adolescent stress on nicotine use and affective disorders in rodent models
Authors: Mooney‐Leber Sean M. , Caruso Michael J. , Gould Thomas J. , Cavigelli Sonia A. , Kamens Helen M.
Published: August 2021

Recent findings indicate that stress exposure during adolescence contributes to the development of both nicotine use and affective disorders, suggesting a potential shared biological pathway. One key system that may mediate the association between adolescent stress and nicotine or affective outcomes is the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis. Here we reviewed evidence regarding the effects of adolescent stress on nicotine responses and affective phenotypes and the role of the HPA‐axis in these relationships. Literature indicates that stress, possibly via HPA‐axis dysfunction, is a risk factor for both nicotine use and affective disorders. In rodent models, adolescent stress modulates behavioural responses to nicotine and increases the likelihood of affective disorders. The exact role that the HPA‐axis plays in altering nicotine sensitivity and affective disorder development after adolescent stress remains unclear. However, it appears likely that adolescent stress‐induced nicotine use and affective disorders are precipitated by repetitive activation of a hyperactive HPA‐axis. Together, these preclinical studies indicate that adolescent stress is a risk factor for nicotine use and anxiety/depression phenotypes. The findings summarized here suggest that the HPA‐axis mediates this relationship. Future studies that pharmacologically manipulate the HPA‐axis during and after adolescent stress are critical to elucidate the exact role that the HPA‐axis plays in the development of nicotine use and affective disorders following adolescent stress.
Cancer risk in Parkinson disease: An updated systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Leong Yong Qi , Lee Shaun Wen Huey , Ng Khuen Yen
Published: August 2021

Background and purpose

Increasing evidence suggests significant associations between Parkinson disease (PD) and cancer risks. We conducted an updated review of studies that examined the risks of various cancer among PD patients and how this differed when cancer preceded PD diagnosis or PD diagnosis preceded cancer.

Methods

Four databases were searched for studies that examined the association between PD and incidence of cancer from database inception to 4 June 2021. Three independent reviewers screened the articles for eligibility and extracted study data. Pooled relative risk with 95% confidence intervals were calculated using a random effects model.

Results

Forty studies involving 11 case–control studies, two nested case–control studies, 22 cohort studies, and five cross‐sectional studies were included. Compared to controls, PD patients had lower risks of lung, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and haematological cancers. Conversely, higher risks of melanoma and brain cancer were noted among PD patients. No association was found between PD and risk of female cancers. Subgroup analysis found negative associations between PD patients and risks of colon cancer, rectal cancer, and non‐Hodgkin lymphoma.

Conclusions

Findings from our meta‐analysis suggest PD patients had lower risks of lung, genitourinary, gastrointestinal, and haematological cancers and increased risks of melanoma and brain cancer. Future research to investigate the underlying mechanisms between PD and cancers is warranted.
First report from Sicily (Italy) of the orange spiny whitefly, Aleurocanthus spiniferus (Quaintance) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), and its potential risk for the Italian citrus industry
Authors: Rapisarda Carmelo , Longo Santi
Published: August 2021

The orange spiny whitefly, Aleurocanthus spiniferus, is reported for the first time in the district of Catania, Sicily (IT). The pest was observed on ornamental sour orange trees cultivated along roads in the town of Catania as well as in commercial citrus orchards of the Plain of Catania. Italy is the second European citrus‐producing country, after Spain, and more than 50% of Italian citrus are produced in Sicily, so the spread in this island of this new pest urgently requires adequate monitoring and control measures to protect this important crop.
Isotope record tracks changes in historical wintering ranges of a passerine in sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Milano Stefania , Frahnert Sylke , Hallau André , Töpfer Till , Woog Friederike , Voigt Christian Claus
Published: August 2021

Billions of birds migrate from the Palaearctic to sub‐Saharan Africa, yet we are unaware about where exactly they stay over winter and how consistent they have been using these wintering areas over historical times. Here, we inferred the historical wintering areas of Eurasian Golden Orioles (Oriolus oriolus) from stable isotope ratios of feathers. Over the past 200 years, Golden Orioles used two major wintering grounds. Between 1895 and 1971, the relative use of these areas depended on local rainfall intensities. Golden Orioles may depend strongly on humid wintering areas in sub‐Saharan Africa, which may put this species at stake when the global climate continues to change.
Connectivity and pore accessibility in models of soil carbon cycling
Authors: Baveye Philippe C. , Balseiro Romero María , Pot Valérie , Ortega‐Calvo José Julio
Published: August 2021

This article is a Letter to the Editor on:https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.15365. See also Response to this Letter at https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/gcb.15850.

This is a letter to Waring et al., 27, e15–e16.
Bio‐sourced polymers in cosmetic emulsions: a hidden potential of the alginates as thickeners and gelling agents
Authors: Terescenco Daria , Hadj Benali Lalia , Canivet Fabien , Benoit le Gelebart Maud , Hucher Nicolas , Gore Ecaterina , Picard Céline
Published: August 2021

Objective

The present work aims to investigate the impact of the alginates on the texture properties of cosmetic emulsions. For this purpose, five systems were selected: a classical emulsion without polymer and four emulsions containing polymers, as texture modifiers, at the level of 1%. Two different grades of alginates were chosen: one rich in mannuronic acid and one rich in guluronic acid. The objective was also to evaluate the potential of in‐situ gelation during formulation. The guluronic rich sample was gelled to evaluate the effect on the texture properties. Finally, alginates‐based systems were compared to the xanthan gum as a bio‐sourced polymer reference.

Methods

The sensory profile of the systems was established through a combination of prediction models and sensory analysis. The emulsion residual films obtained with natural polymers, Alginates and Xanthan Gum used as thickeners, as well as with the gelled version, were similar. However, the structural differences between polymers intervene during the characterisation of the sensory properties “before” and “during” application. A multi‐scale physicochemical analysis was used to explain these differences.

Results

Due to a controlled formulation process, the use of the polymers did not affect the microstructure of the emulsion which remained similar to the control one. The main impact of the polymers was observed on the macroscopic level: both alginates showed their unique textural signature, different from the classical Xanthan Gum. Due to weak structural differences, mechanical and textural properties were very close between the mannuronic rich and guluronic rich samples, when not gelled, compared to other emulsions. However, the molar mass and the mannuronic/guluronic acids ratio were proved to be crucial for the stretching and consistency properties, showing that this structural difference may have an impact when products are handled in traction and compression.

Conclusion

Meanwhile, the viscoelastic properties and the dynamic viscosity were greatly increased for the emulsion containing the gelled version of the alginate when compared to the classical polymers. The emulsion was also more consistent as proved by the textural analysis, pointing at better stability and suspension potential of the gelled emulsion versus the classical one containing the usual natural thickening agents.
Why do nurses choose to stay silent?: A qualitative study
Authors: Yalçın Begüm , Baykal Ülkü , Türkmen Emine
Published: August 2021

Aim

This study aimed to explore nurses' views and experiences regarding remaining silent.

Background

Silence is a barrier for organizational improvement and can occur for many reasons; it cannot be simply defined as the opposite of speaking out.

Method

An exploratory qualitative design was used for this study. Data were collected using semi‐structured interviews in 2016 with 24 nurses who were recruited by using a snowball sampling method.

Results

Three themes emerged as a result of the thematic analysis: fear, silence climate and disengagement. The first theme contained three subthemes: avoidance of being seen as a troublemaker, financial loss and reluctance to reveal lack of ability or knowledge. The results indicated that nurses remained silent when they felt unsupported or psychologically unsafe in their work environment.

Conclusion

Encouraging nurses to express their opinions is essential for creating a psychologically safe nursing work environment and an organizational climate that supports open communication. Because the majority of healthcare professionals are nurses, they can act as role models and change agents for other nurses if they are encouraged to share their ideas and opinions without fear of retribution.
Rooibos (Aspalathus linearis) influence on health and ovarian functions
Authors: Sirotkin Alexander V.
Published: August 2021

This paper reviews provenance, processing and properties of rooibos (Aspalathus linearis, Brum.f) and its numerous biologically active constituents, as well as the currently available knowledge concerning their physiological and medicinal effects and their possible extra‐ and intracellular mechanisms of action. Search for literature was performed in agreement with the preferred reporting items for systematic review criteria in Cochrane Library, PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS databases between the years 2000 and 2021. The limited number of in vitro studies suggests an influence of rooibos on basic ovarian cell functions, as well as its potential applicability to control female reproduction and prevent the effect of environmental contaminants on ovarian functions. Nevertheless, further studies are required for better understanding of the character and mechanisms of action, as well as of rooibos’ application in reproductive biology and medicine.
Effects of dietary supplementation with filamentous microalgae (Oedocladium sp. or Tribonema ultriculosum) on growth performance, fillet fatty acid composition, skin pigmentation, and immune response of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco
Authors: Chen Weijun , Wang Yu , Han Danxiang , Han Dong , Zhu Xiaoming , Xie Shouqi , Long Feiping , Jia Jing , Hu Qiang
Published: August 2021

A 40‐day feeding trial was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary microalgae Oedocladium sp. or Tribonema ultriculosum supplementation on growth performance, fillet fatty acid composition, skin pigmentation, and immune response of yellow catfish Pelteobagrus fulvidraco. Two hundred and seventy experimental fish (51.19 ± 1.17 g) were distributed among nine net cages (2 × 2 × 2 m3) in a randomized design and were fed diets containing 0% (control), 4% Oedocladium meal (Oedocladium), and 5% T. utriculosum meal (Tribonema) to apparent satiation twice a day. After the feeding trial, a hypoxic stress test was conducted to evaluate the effect of dietary microalgal supplementation on fish immune response. Compared to the control, microalgal supplementation did not affect fish growth performance. Dietary supplementation of T. utriculosum significantly increased fillet contents of palmitoleic acid by 100.44% and eicosapentaenoic acid by 12.51%, while the supplementation of Oedocladium meal in diet significantly increased the fish skin ventral lutein content by 61.6%. In addition, dietary Oedocladium or T. utriculosum supplementation significantly increased the plasma total superoxide dismutase activity (before hypoxic stress) and complement component 3 contents (after hypoxic stress). The addition of T. utriculosum meal also significantly increased the plasma immunoglobulin M content regardless of hypoxic stress. These results demonstrated Oedocladium sp. and T. utriculosum can be used to enhance fillet nutritional quality, skin pigmentation, and fish immune response.
Peatland microbial community responses to plant functional group and drought are depth‐dependent
Authors: Lamit Louis J. , Romanowicz Karl J. , Potvin Lynette R. , Lennon Jay T. , Tringe Susannah G. , Chimner Rodney A. , Kolka Randall K. , Kane Evan S. , Lilleskov Erik A.
Published: August 2021

Peatlands store one‐third of Earth's soil carbon, the stability of which is uncertain due to climate change‐driven shifts in hydrology and vegetation, and consequent impacts on microbial communities that mediate decomposition. Peatland carbon cycling varies over steep physicochemical gradients characterizing vertical peat profiles. However, it is unclear how drought‐mediated changes in plant functional groups (PFGs) and water table (WT) levels affect microbial communities at different depths. We combined a multiyear mesocosm experiment with community sequencing across a 70‐cm depth gradient, to test the hypotheses that vascular PFGs (Ericaceae vs. sedges) and WT (high vs. low) structure peatland microbial communities in depth‐dependent ways. Several key results emerged. (i) Both fungal and prokaryote (bacteria and archaea) community structure shifted with WT and PFG manipulation, but fungi were much more sensitive to PFG whereas prokaryotes were much more sensitive to WT. (ii) PFG effects were largely driven by Ericaceae, although sedge effects were evident in specific cases (e.g., methanotrophs). (iii) Treatment effects varied with depth: the influence of PFG was strongest in shallow peat (0–10, 10–20 cm), whereas WT effects were strongest at the surface and middle depths (0–10, 30–40 cm), and all treatment effects waned in the deepest peat (60–70 cm). Our results underline the depth‐dependent and taxon‐specific ways that plant communities and hydrologic variability shape peatland microbial communities, pointing to the importance of understanding how these factors integrate across soil profiles when examining peatland responses to climate change.
Comparative assessment of microsatellite and retrotransposon‐based markers for genetic characterization of commercial banana cultivars (Musa spp.)
Authors: González Carracedo Mario , Tejera‐Pérez Hugo , Hernández Ferrer Mariano , Jiménez Arias David , Pérez Pérez José Antonio
Published: August 2021

Banana cultivars of agronomic interest have been genetically characterized using two different molecular markers. On the one hand, a panel of 14 trinucleotide single sequence repeats (SSRs or microsatellites) was optimized for homogeneous PCR conditions. It was tested with 50 individuals from seven cultivars, yielding 76 alleles and 5.4 ± 1.8 alleles per locus, while the presence of cultivar‐exclusive alleles allowed the discrimination of all cultivars. On the other hand, a retrotransposon‐based marker system named inter‐primer binding site (iPBS) was implemented for the first time in the Musa genus. A total of 120 bands were detected in eight different Musa cultivars, from which 65.8% were polymorphic and 23.3% were cultivar exclusive. Both techniques allowed a cut‐off identification of all cultivars studied, but overall, iPBS analysis was a more straightforward and economical choice. Despite the fact that we were unable to distinguish local banana varieties belonging to the same cultivar, new cultivar‐specific molecular markers have been developed for the Musa genus, which could be used to guide new breeding programmes and maintain high quality of Plátano de Canarias.
Is it necessary to wait several minutes between applications of different topical ophthalmic solutions? A preliminary study with tropicamide eye drops in healthy dogs
Authors: Arad Dikla , Deckel Reut , Pe’er Oren , Ross Maya , Sebbag Lionel , Ofri Ron
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of topical tropicamide when placed at different time intervals before or after a saline drop.

Animals studied

Eight healthy Labrador and golden retriever dogs.

Procedures

The effect of 1% tropicamide on pupillary diameter (PD) was measured over 240 min when administered alone (control) and then 1 and 5 min prior to, or following, application of a saline drop, with 1‐week washout between each of the five trials. Data were analyzed using repeated‐measures ANOVA and Tukey post hoc test.

Results

Only 6/110 pairwise comparisons among the 5 trials were statistically significant (p ≤ .035), with post‐hoc analysis showing no significant differences (p ≥ .14) between the overall means of all trials. In all five trials, maximal PD was reached 30 min after tropicamide application and maintained until 210 min for 180 min (p = .0005).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that waiting 1 min between applications of different ophthalmic solutions may be sufficient for maximal drug effect. Care should be taken when extrapolating these results to other species and different ophthalmic formulations.
Determining the efficacy of the bovine amniotic membrane homogenate during the healing process in rabbits' ex vivo corneas
Authors: Capistrano da Silva Erotides , Carossino Mariano , Smith‐Fleming Kathryn M. , Langohr Ingeborg M. , Martins Bianca da C.
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy of bovine amniotic membrane homogenate (BAMH) on wounded ex vivo rabbit corneas.

Procedure

Eighteen corneas obtained from normal rabbit eyes were wounded equally using a 6 mm trephine and cultured into an air‐liquid interface model. Corneas were treated with phosphate‐buffered saline (PBS) (n = 6, control group), 0.2% ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA; n = 6), or BAMH (n = 6). All treatments were applied topically 6 times/day. Each cornea was macrophotographed daily with and without fluorescein stain to assess epithelialization and haziness. After 7 days, corneal transparency was evaluated, and the tissues prepared for histologic analysis of viability, and total and epithelial thickness.

Results

The mean epithelialization time was 6.2 ± 0.82 days for the control group, 6.2 ± 0.75 days for the EDTA‐treated group, and 5.1 ± 0.40 days for the BAMH‐treated group, demonstrating a significant difference between the BAMH and the other groups. The corneas that received EDTA had better transparency compared with the other groups. Histologically, all corneas had adequate morphology and architecture after healing. Analysis of corneal and epithelial thickness revealed no significant difference among groups.

Conclusion

Bovine amniotic membrane homogenate is an effective and promising treatment for stromal and epithelial ulcers.
Comparison of conjunctival microbiota of clinically normal Persian cats with and without nasolacrimal duct obstruction
Authors: Arteaga Kevin , Aftab Ghazal , Rajaei Seyed Mehdi , Faghihi Houman , Crasta Manuela
Published: August 2021

Objective

This study was performed to determine the conjunctival microbiota of Persian cats with and without nasolacrimal duct obstruction (NLDO).

Animals studied

Twenty‐five Persian cats: 15 with bilateral NLDO (Group A) and 10 with no NLDO (Group B).

Procedures

All fifty eyes were assessed. Sterile swab applicators were used for the collection of specimens, which were cultured. PCR was performed on conjunctival swab and blood samples for the detection of Mycoplasma spp. and feline herpesvirus 1(FHV‐1), respectively.

Results

FHV‐1 was detected in two cats in Group A. Twelve eyes from Group A and four from Group B were Mycoplasma spp. positive based on the PCR results. Moreover, fungal culture was positive in six eyes from Group A and three eyes from Group B. The dominant fungus isolated was Aspergillus spp. (6 out of 11 fungal isolates). Other isolated fungi were Alternaria spp. and Cladosporidium spp. Twenty‐three eyes had positive bacterial culture in Group A, while twelve eyes were positive in Group B. The most commonly isolated bacteria were Staphylococcus epidermidis (15 out of 38 bacterial isolates). β‐hemolytic Streptococcus spp., Corynebacterium spp., and Staphylococcus aureus were isolated in similar proportions in both groups. Escherichia coli was also present in both groups.

Conclusions

Results of this study revealed same isolated fungal and bacterial spp. and in similar proportions in Persian cats with and without NLDO.
An Investigation of the Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on Energy Consumption in the United States
Authors: Kahn Lindsey , Najafi Hamidreza
Published: August 2021

Lockdown measures and mobility restrictions to combat the spread of COVID-19 have impacted energy consumption patterns. The overall decline of energy use during lockdown restrictions can best be identified through the analysis of energy consumption by source and end-use sectors. Using monthly energy consumption data, the total 9-months use between January and September for the years 2015–2020 is calculated for each end-use sector (transportation, industrial, residential, and commercial). The cumulative consumption within these 9 months of the petroleum, natural gas, biomass, and electricity energy by the various end-use sectors are compared. The analysis shows that the transportation sector experienced the greatest decline (14.38%). To further analyze the impact of COVID-19 on each state within the USA, the consumption of electricity by each state and each end-use sector in the times before and during the pandemic is used to identify the impact of specific lockdown procedures on energy use. The distinction of state-by-state analysis in this study provides a unique metric for consumption forecasting. The average total consumption for each state was found for the years 2015–2019. The total average annual growth rate (AAGR) for 2020 was used to find a correlation coefficient between COVID-19 case and death rate, population density, and lockdown duration. A correlation coefficient was also calculated between the 2020 AAGR for all sectors and AAGR for each individual end-user. The results show that Indiana had the highest percent reduction in consumption of 10.07% while North Dakota had the highest consumption increase of 7.61%. This is likely due to the amount of industrial consumption relative to other sectors in the state.
Signatures of microstreaming patterns induced by non-spherically oscillating bubbles
Authors: Regnault Gabriel , Mauger Cyril , Blanc-Benon Philippe , Doinikov Alexander A. , Inserra Claude
Published: August 2021

In this study, we report recent theoretical and experimental developments dealing with the axisymmetric flow surrounding non-spherically oscillating microbubbles. A wide variety of microstreaming patterns is revealed using a theoretical modeling providing exact analytical solutions of the second-order mean flows. The streaming pattern is highly dependent on the modal content of the bubble interface oscillation, including possibly spherical, translational, and nonspherical modes, as well as any combination of these modes. Experimental results on fluid flow induced by a single, non-spherically oscillating bubble in an unbounded fluid are presented and successfully compared to the theoretical predictions.
Transfer learning for denoising the echolocation clicks of finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides sunameri) using deep convolutional autoencoders
Authors: Yang Wuyi , Chang Wenlei , Song Zhongchang , Zhang Yu , Wang Xianyan
Published: August 2021

Ocean noise has a negative impact on the acoustic recordings of odontocetes' echolocation clicks. In this study, deep convolutional autoencoders (DCAEs) are presented to denoise the echolocation clicks of the finless porpoise (Neophocaena phocaenoides sunameri). A DCAE consists of an encoder network and a decoder network. The encoder network is composed of convolutional layers and fully connected layers, whereas the decoder network consists of fully connected layers and transposed convolutional layers. The training scheme of the denoising autoencoder was applied to learn the DCAE parameters. In addition, transfer learning was employed to address the difficulty in collecting a large number of echolocation clicks that are free of ambient sea noise. Gabor functions were used to generate simulated clicks to pretrain the DCAEs; subsequently, the parameters of the DCAEs were fine-tuned using the echolocation clicks of the finless porpoise. The experimental results showed that a DCAE pretrained with simulated clicks achieved better denoising results than a DCAE trained only with echolocation clicks. Moreover, deep fully convolutional autoencoders, which are special DCAEs that do not contain fully connected layers, generally achieved better performance than the DCAEs that contain fully connected layers.
Neuromuscular Performance and Training Workload Over an In-Season Mesocycle in Elite Young Soccer Players
Authors: Clancy Colin , Gleeson Nigel , Mercer Tom
Published: August 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess neuromuscular performance capabilities over an in-season mesocycle in early-career professional soccer players and examine the relationship with training workload. Methods: Neuromuscular performance capabilities (isometric knee extensor: peak force, rate of force development, and peak twitch force) of 12 professional soccer players were assessed weekly over a 6-week period. Training and match workload were also recorded over the same period for each player (high-intensity running distance). Changes in neuromuscular performance and workload variables were analyzed. Results: There was evidence of fluctuations in neuromuscular performance capability over the mesocycle that reached statistical (P < .05) and practical (13.3% [peak-to-peak]) significance alongside interweek heterogeneity in training and match workload (∼17.5% [coefficient of variation], P < .05). Congruence among fluctuating patterns of intramesocycle training load and concomitant neuromuscular performance responses was noted over time for acute training load and acute:chronic workload ratio with peak force and rate of force development. Conclusion: Neuromuscular performance capabilities fluctuate over an in-season mesocycle and are influenced by high-intensity running workload, emphasizing the need for acute monitoring in elite soccer players.
The animal origin of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Lytras Spyros , Xia Wei , Hughes Joseph , Jiang Xiaowei , Robertson David L.
Published: August 2021

Trading of animals susceptible to bat coronaviruses is the likely cause of the COVID-19 pandemic
Change in Cofactor Specificity of Oxidoreductases by Adaptive Evolution of an Escherichia coli NADPH-Auxotrophic Strain
Authors: Bouzon Madeleine , Döring Volker , Dubois Ivan , Berger Anne , Stoffel Gabriele M. M. , Calzadiaz Ramirez Liliana , Meyer Sophia N. , Fouré Marion , Roche David , Perret Alain , Erb Tobias J. , Bar-Even Arren , Lindner Steffen N.
Published: August 2021

In the cell, NAD(H) and NADP(H) cofactors have different functions. The former mainly accepts electrons from catabolic reactions and carries them to respiration, while the latter provides reducing power for anabolism.
Genome Evolution in Bacteria Isolated from Million-Year-Old Subseafloor Sediment
Authors: Orsi William D. , Magritsch Tobias , Vargas Sergio , Coskun Ömer K. , Vuillemin Aurele , Höhna Sebastian , Wörheide Gert , D’Hondt Steven , Shapiro B. Jesse , Carini Paul
Published: August 2021

The nature and extent of genomic evolution in subseafloor microbial populations subsisting for millions of years below the seafloor are unknown. Subseafloor populations have ultralow metabolic rates that are hypothesized to restrict reproduction and, consequently, the spread of new traits.
Reconstitution of Bam Complex-Mediated Assembly of a Trimeric Porin into Proteoliposomes
Authors: Hussain Sunyia , Peterson Janine H. , Bernstein Harris D.
Published: August 2021

Porins are a widespread family of homotrimers that represent a substantial fraction of the total protein located in the OM of many proteobacteria. These proteins facilitate the nonspecific diffusion of small molecules across the outer membrane and strongly influence the susceptibility of bacteria to clinically used antibiotics.
Secondary Metabolites from Food-Derived Yeasts Inhibit Virulence of Candida albicans
Authors: Kunyeit Lohith , Kurrey Nawneet K. , Anu-Appaiah K. A. , Rao Reeta P.
Published: August 2021

The gut microbiome, primarily established by food, is complex and contributes to the health of the host. Molecular mechanisms that regulate microbial interactions and host health remain unclear.
Mucosal Bacteria Modulate Candida albicans Virulence in Oropharyngeal Candidiasis
Authors: Bertolini M. , Vazquez Munoz R. , Archambault L. , Shah S. , Souza J. G. S. , Costa R. C. , Thompson A. , Zhou Y. , Sobue T. , Dongari-Bagtzoglou A.
Published: August 2021

By comparing
Candida albicans
virulence and the mucosal bacterial composition in a mouse oral infection model, we were able to dissect the effects of the host environment (immunosuppression), infection with
C. albicans
, and local modulating factors (availability of sucrose as a carbon source) on the mucosal bacterial microbiome and its role on fungal virulence. We showed that changes in endogenous microbial communities in response to sucrose can lead to attenuation of fungal disease.
A Widespread Bacterial Secretion System with Diverse Substrates
Authors: Grossman Alex S. , Mauer Terra J. , Forest Katrina T. , Goodrich-Blair Heidi
Published: August 2021

The microbial constituency of a host-associated microbiome emerges from a complex physical and chemical interplay of microbial colonization factors, host surface conditions, and host immunological responses. To fill unique niches within a host, bacteria encode surface and secreted proteins that enable interactions with and responses to the host and cooccurring microbes.
Blockade of Autocrine CCL5 Responses Inhibits Zika Virus Persistence and Spread in Human Brain Microvascular Endothelial Cells
Authors: Mladinich Megan C. , Conde Jonas N. , Schutt William R. , Sohn Sook-Young , Mackow Erich R.
Published: August 2021

Our findings demonstrate that CCL5 is required for ZIKV to persistently infect human brain ECs that normally protect neuronal compartments. We demonstrate that ZIKV-elicited CCL5 secretion directs autocrine hBMEC activation of ERK1/2 survival pathways via CCR3/CCR5, and inhibiting CCL5/CCR3/CCR5 responses prevented ZIKV persistence and spread.
A Fungal Secretome Adapted for Stress Enabled a Radical Wood Decay Mechanism
Authors: Castaño Jesus , Zhang Jiwei , Zhou Mowei , Tsai Chia-Feng , Lee Joon Yong , Nicora Carrie , Schilling Jonathan
Published: August 2021

Brown rot fungi play a critical role in carbon recycling and are of industrial interest. These fungi typically use reactive oxygen species (ROS) to indiscriminately “loosen” wood cell walls at the outset of decay.
Host-Microbe Metagenomics: a Lens To Refocus Our Perspective on Infectious and Inflammatory Diseases
Authors: Kalantar Katrina L. , Langelier Charles R.
Published: August 2021

A dynamic relationship involving pathogen, host immune response, and microbiome characterizes the biological framework of many infectious and inflammatory diseases. Combined host/microbe metagenomics (mNGS) enables simultaneous assessment of all three features, enabling the study and diagnosis of diverse infectious and inflammatory processes ranging from pneumonia to sepsis to inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis.
Biostratigraphy, Age, and Paleoenvironment of the Pliocene Beaufort Formation on Meighen Island, Canadian Arctic Archipelago
Authors: Barendregt R.W. , Matthews Jr.* J.V. , Behan-Pelletier V. , Brigham-Grette J. , Fyles† J.G. , Ovenden L.E. , McNeil D.H. , Brouwers E. , Marincovich L. , Rybczynski N. , Fletcher§ T.L.
Published: August 2021

Meighen Island, in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, is one of the most important localities for study of the late Neogene Beaufort Formation because of the presence of marine sediments interbedded with terrestrial fossiliferous sands. The stratigraphic succession, fossils from the marine beds, correlation with reconstructions of sea level, and paleomagnetic data from the Bjaere Bay region of the island suggest that the Beaufort Formation on Meighen Island was likely deposited either at 3.2–2.9 Ma or during two intervals at ca. 4.5 Ma and 3.4 Ma. The exposed Beaufort Formation on Meighen Island probably encompasses at least one warm interval and eustatic sea-level highstand of the Pliocene.

Fossils of plants and arthropods are abundant in the alluvial sands exposed in the Bjaere Bay region. The lower part of the sequence (Unit A), beneath the muddy marine sequence (Unit B), contains plant taxa that have not been seen above the marine beds. Sediments below the marine beds are dominated more by fossils of trees, whereas the organic debris from above marine beds contains many fossils of plants, insects, and mites characteristic of open treeless sites. Regional tree line probably occurred on Meighen Island during deposition of the upper sediments, which implies a mean July climate at least 9 °C warmer than at present. When the marine sediments were deposited, nearshore water temperatures probably did not fall below 0 °C; hence, the Arctic Ocean probably lacked perennial ice cover. This confirms recent modeling experiments exploring the causes of Arctic amplification of temperature that have found the removal of sea ice to be a key factor in resolving previous proxy-model mismatches.
Case of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-associated euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis
Authors: Yeoh Huei Li , Lee Marilyn , Pan Woei Jack , Ong Hean Yee
Published: August 2021

Following non-elective orthopaedic surgery, a 61-year-old man with poorly controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus on empagliflozin developed high anion gap metabolic acidosis in the high-dependency unit. Metabolic acidosis persisted despite intravenous sodium bicarbonate, contributing to tachycardia and a run of non-sustained ventricular tachycardia. He was euglycaemic throughout hospital admission. Investigations revealed elevated urine and capillary ketones, and a diagnosis of sodium–glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor-associated euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis was made. He was treated with an intravenous sliding scale insulin infusion and concurrent dextrose 5% with potassium chloride. Within 24 hours of treatment, his arterial pH, anion gap and serum bicarbonate levels normalised. After a further 12 hours, the intravenous insulin infusion was converted to a basal/bolus regimen of subcutaneous insulin, and he was transferred to the general ward. He was discharged well on subcutaneous insulin 6 days postoperatively.
Request for euthanasia by a psychiatric patient with undetected intellectual disability
Authors: Schmahl Olga , Oude Voshaar Richard , van de Poel-Mustafayeva Aïda , Marijnissen Radboud
Published: August 2021

In the Netherlands, euthanasia or assisted suicide (EAS) in psychiatric disorders is legal in certain circumstances. Guidelines recommend a second opinion to independently check diagnosis and treatment resistance. A 68-year-old patient, diagnosed with bipolar I disorder, with a request for euthanasia because of tiredness, repeated falls and racing thoughts was seen for such a second opinion. Persisting in her wish, her reluctant family and psychiatrist became convinced of euthanasia. Our disagreement with the diagnosis of bipolar I disorder upset her, but she agreed with discontinuation of psychotropic drugs. Her mobility and tiredness improved, whereafter her request for euthanasia evolved into a death wish due to completed life. Intellectual disability and an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder could explain her struggle in life. This case report shows that extending the procedure regarding EAS with an independent psychiatric evaluation is important. For our patient, this second opinion supported her to find meaning in life.
Spontaneous pyohaemothorax in a teenager with von Willebrand disease: a case report and review of literature
Authors: Nagarajan Vaishnavi Divya , Shenoi Asha , Burgess Lucy , Radulescu Vlad C
Published: August 2021

An 18-year-old man with a history of type 3 von Willebrand disease (VWD) presented with a spontaneous pyohaemothorax. Type 3 VWD may present with both mucocutaneous and deep-seated bleeds, such as visceral haemorrhages, intracranial bleeds and haemarthrosis. There have been very few cases described in children of spontaneous pyohaemothorax. Management of this patient was challenging due to risks of bleeding following surgical drainage, requiring constant replacement with von Willebrand factor concentrate, while monitoring factor VIII levels to balance the risks of thrombosis.
Effectiveness of a short-structured training programme on knowledge of healthcare providers and programme managers involved in maternal and child health programmes in Odisha, India: a quality improvement study
Authors: Bhatia Vikas , Singh Arvind Kumar , Giri Prajna Paramita , Sahoo Durgesh Prasad
Published: August 2021

Objective

To evaluate the effectiveness of training programme on knowledge related to new interventions proposed under India Newborn Action Plan (INAP) and Integrated Action Plan against Pneumonia and Diarrhoea (IAPPD).

Design

Quality improvement study with pre-evaluation and post evaluation.

Setting

The study was conducted in 17 districts of Odisha, India.

Participants and interventions

The participants were healthcare providers and programme managers involved in maternal and child health programmes. Intervention was a short-structured (8 hours) training delivered to 127 batches with expected participation of 30 trainees in each batch. Training was divided into four modules covering new interventions related to INAP and IAPPD like causes of neonatal death, kangaroo mother care (KMC), feeding of low birthweight (LBW) infants, use of injection gentamicin, identification of possible serious bacterial infection (PSBI), identification and management of pneumonia and diarrhoea and key interventions for maternal health. Various modalities of teaching-learning method were used.

Outcome measures

Pretraining and post-training knowledge assessment was done with a pretested tool consisting of 15 items. Each item carried equal weightage in calculation of knowledge score thus maximum possible knowledge score was 15. Feedback assessment was also done after the training.

Results

The mean (SD) knowledge score significantly improved to 10.24 (2.24) after training as compared with 4.73 (1.94) before training, p<0.001 (n=982). There was significant improvement in knowledge for majority of the components namely causes of neonatal death (61.9% vs 28.1%), KMC (68.0% vs 54.6%), feeding of LBW infants (77.7% vs 6.9%), use of injection gentamicin (69.7% vs 11.2%), identification of PSBI (69.5% vs 59.5%). The improvement in knowledge score was more when healthcare providers and programme managers had provided a favourable response on feedback.

Conclusion

Systematic pretest and post-test assessment coupled with feedback assessment can ensure the effectiveness of training programmes offered in programmatic settings.