bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Optimizing the CRISPR/Cas9 system for genome editing in grape by using grape promoters
Authors: Ren Chong , Liu Yanfei , Guo Yuchen , Duan Wei , Fan Peige , Li Shaohua , Liang Zhenchang
Published: March 2021

The efficacy of the CRISPR/Cas9 system in grapevine (Vitis vinifera L.) has been documented, but the optimization of this system, as well as CRISPR/Cas9-mediated multiplex genome editing, has not been explored in this species. Herein, we identified four VvU3 and VvU6 promoters and two ubiquitin (UBQ) promoters in grapevine and demonstrated that the use of the identified VvU3/U6 and UBQ2 promoters could significantly increase the editing efficiency in grape by improving the expression of sgRNA and Cas9, respectively. Furthermore, we conducted multiplex genome editing using the optimized CRISPR/Cas9 vector that contained the conventional multiple sgRNA expression cassettes or the polycistronic tRNA-sgRNA cassette (PTG) by targeting the sugar-related tonoplastic monosaccharide transporter (TMT) family members TMT1 and TMT2, and the overall editing efficiencies were higher than 10%. The simultaneous editing of TMT1 and TMT2 resulted in reduced sugar levels, which indicated the role of these two genes in sugar accumulation in grapes. Moreover, the activities of the VvU3, VvU6, and UBQ2 promoters in tobacco genome editing were demonstrated by editing the phytoene desaturase (PDS) gene in Nicotiana benthamiana leaves. Our study provides materials for the optimization of the CRISPR/Cas9 system. To our knowledge, our simultaneous editing of the grape TMT family genes TMT1 and TMT2 constitutes the first example of multiplex genome editing in grape. The multiplex editing systems described in this manuscript expand the toolbox of grape genome editing, which would facilitate basic research and molecular breeding in grapevine.
Evaluation of myocardial injury patterns and ST changes among critical and non-critical patients with coronavirus-19 disease
Authors: Liaqat Anam , Ali-Khan Rao Saad , Asad Muhammad , Rafique Zakia
Published: March 2021

Novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) has led to a major public health crisis globally. Currently, myocardial damage is speculated to be associated with COVID-19, which can be seen as one of the main causes of death of patients with COVID-19. We therefore, aim to investigate the effects of COVID-19 disease on myocardial injury in hospitalized patients who have been tested positive for COVID-19 pneumonia in this study. A prospective study was conducted among 201 patients with COVID-19 in the Pakistan Military Hospital from April 1 to August 31, 2020, including non-critical cases and critical cases. COVID-19 patients were stratified as critical and non-critical according to the signs and symptoms severity; with those requiring intensive care and invasive mechanical ventilation as critical, and those did not requiring invasive mechanical ventilation as non-critical. A total of 201 COVID-19 patients with critical and non-critical categories presented with myocardial injury. All patients with myocardial injury had an elevation in CKMB and Troponin-I levels. Of these patients, 43.7% presented with new electrocardiography (ECG) changes, and ST depression was typically observed in 36.3% patients. In addition, 18.7% patients presented with abnormal echocardiography findings, with right ventricular dilatation and dysfunction commonly seen among critical group patients. Results analyzed by a logistic regression model showing COVID-19 direct contribution to myocardial injury in these patients. COVID-19 disease directly leads to cardiovascular damage among critical and non-critical patients. Myocardial injury is associated not only with abnormal ECG changes but also with myocardial dysfunction on echocardiography and more commonly observed among critical patients.
Two new canted antiferromagnetic systems: magnetic, theoretical, and crystallographic studies on trans-bis(2-iodopyridine)dihalocopper(ii)
Authors: Awwadi Firas F. , Alwahsh Manal I. , Turnbull Mark M. , Landee Christopher P. , Twamley Brendan
Published: March 2021

Two new canted antiferromagnetic systems (Cu(2iP)X2) were prepared (where 2ip = 2-iodopyridine and X = Cl or Br). The magnetic exchange is through two-halide magnetic exchange pathway (Cu–X⋯X–Cu).
The Impact of Lexical and Articulatory Factors in the Automatic Selection of Test Materials for a Web-Based Assessment of Intelligibility in Dysarthria
Authors: Lehner Katharina , Ziegler Wolfram
Published: March 2021

Purpose

The clinical assessment of intelligibility must be based on a large repository and extensive variation of test materials, to render test stimuli unpredictable and thereby avoid expectancies and familiarity effects in the listeners. At the same time, it is essential that test materials are systematically controlled for factors influencing intelligibility. This study investigated the impact of lexical and articulatory characteristics of quasirandomly selected target words on intelligibility in a large sample of dysarthric speakers under clinical examination conditions.

Method

Using the clinical assessment tool
KommPaS
, a total of 2,700 sentence-embedded target words, quasirandomly drawn from a large corpus, were spoken by a group of 100 dysarthric patients and later transcribed by listeners recruited via online crowdsourcing. Transcription accuracy was analyzed for influences of lexical frequency, phonological neighborhood structure, articulatory complexity, lexical familiarity, word class, stimulus length, and embedding position. Classification and regression analyses were performed using random forests and generalized linear mixed models.

Results

Across all degrees of severity, target words with higher frequency, fewer and less frequent phonological neighbors, higher articulatory complexity, and higher lexical familiarity received significantly higher intelligibility scores. In addition, target words were more challenging sentence-initially than in medial or final position. Stimulus length had mixed effects; word length and word class had no effect.

Conclusions

In a large-scale clinical examination of intelligibility in speakers with dysarthria, several well-established influences of lexical and articulatory parameters could be replicated, and the roles of new factors were discussed. This study provides clues about how experimental rigor can be combined with clinical requirements in the diagnostics of communication impairment in patients with dysarthria.
How many suns are in the sky? A SPHERE multiplicity survey of exoplanet host stars
Authors: Ginski C. , Mugrauer M. , Adam C. , Vogt N. , van Holstein R. G.
Published: March 2021

Aims. We are studying the influence of stellar multiplicity on exoplanet systems and, in particular, systems that have been detected via radial-velocity searches. We are specifically interested in the closest companions as they would have a strong influence on the evolution of the original planet-forming disks. In this study, we present new companions that have been detected during our ongoing survey of exoplanet hosts with VLT/SPHERE (Spectro-Polarimetric High-Contrast Exoplanet Research).

Methods. We are using the extreme adaptive optics imager SPHERE at the ESO/VLT to search for faint (sub)stellar companions. We utilized the classical coronagraphic imaging mode to perform a snapshot survey (3–6 min integration time) of exoplanet host stars in the Ks-band.

Results. We detected new stellar companions to the exoplanet host stars HD 1666, HIP 68468, HIP 107773, and HD 109271. With an angular separation of only 0.38′′ (40 au of projected separation), HIP 107773 is among the closest companions found for exoplanet host stars. The presence of the stellar companion explains the linear radial-velocity trend seen in the system. At such a small separation, the companion likely had a significant influence on the evolution of the planet-forming disk around the primary star. We find that the companion in the HD 1666 system may well be responsible for the high orbit eccentricity (0.63) of the detected Jupiter class planet, making this system one of only a few where such a connection can be established. A cross-match with the Gaia DR2 catalog shows, furthermore, that the near infrared faint companion around HD 109271 was detected in the optical and it is significantly brighter than in the near infrared, making it a white dwarf companion.
Orbital Surgical Guidelines: Pediatric Considerations
Authors: Tran Ann Q. , Kazim Michael
Published: March 2021

Pediatric orbital and skull base surgery comprises a wide array of tumors. An understanding of the location of the lesion, nature of the disease, and surrounding anatomy is paramount to surgical planning in these small spaces. The goals of pediatric skull base surgery are to avoid injury to the surrounding structures, minimize cosmetic deformities, and remove some or all of the tumors based on anticipated pathology and biologic cost of removal. Safe surgery on many of these tumors requires an understanding of the location of the lesion relative to the optic nerve or orbit. This is particularly challenging because the dimensions of the orbital confines change continuously as one navigates from rostral to caudal. Management of these tumors may require a multidisciplinary approach including orbital surgery, neurosurgery, otolaryngology, oral maxillofacial surgery, plastic surgery, and interventional neuroradiology.
Neuer Zentralverband: Allianz der sieben Einkaufsorganisationen im ZVEG
Authors: Freye Carolin
Published: March 2021

Die großen Einkaufsorganisationen in Deutschland haben einen neuen Verband gegründet: Im Januar 2021 nahm der Zentralverband der Einkaufsorganisationen im Gesundheitswesen e. V. (ZVEG) seine Arbeit auf. Markus Wild, CEO von Prospitalia, gibt einen Ausblick.
Aktuelle Rechtsprechung: Das EU-Vergaberecht in Zeiten der Pandemie
Authors: Kühn Matthias
Published: March 2021

Die Corona-Pandemie unterscheidet nicht zwischen Kliniken, die unreguliert einkaufen können, und den Kliniken, die als öffentliche Auftraggeber das Vergaberecht beachten müssen. Während viele Gesetze Erleichterungen vorsehen, gilt das Vergaberecht oberhalb der EU-Schwellenwerte unverändert. Wie geht die Rechtsprechung damit um?
Digitalisierung: „Procure-to-Pay” im C-Artikel-Management
Authors: Seeler Frank
Published: March 2021

An den Alb Fils Kliniken wurden mit Einführung der Plattform Mercateo sowie eines Freigabemoduls für Rechnungen mit dem Dienstleister Aequitixx erhebliche Prozessoptimierungen bei der Beschaffung von C-Artikeln im Bereich Wirtschaftsbedarf erzielt.
Nahtmaterial: Richtig genäht ist halb geheilt
Authors: Huber-Speitel Anja
Published: March 2021

Heute gibt es eine Fülle unterschiedlicher Nahtmaterialien. Je nach Gewebe und Wundheilung variieren die Ansprüche an Nadel und Faden.
Local and regional workforce return on investment from sponsoring rural generalist-based training for medical students
Authors: Kitchener Scott
Published: March 2021

The objective of this case study was to examine and evaluate the retention of medical graduates for a hospital and health service partnering with a university to deliver a rural medical program. Eight cohorts of the Griffith Rural Medical Longlook program were followed for workforce outcomes, including both rural and local workforce outcomes for the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service (DDHHS) and the region. The DDHHS partnered with Griffith Health for capital investment in the region, creating three main campuses in rural generalist hospitals and augmented resources in other rural health facilities. Most (60%) medical graduates placed for a year or more on the Longlook program chose regional internships in Queensland, including 31% who chose internship in the DDHHS. Students spending 2 years on the program in the DDHHS were more likely to remain for local internship (odds ratio (OR) 5.7) and to be practicing locally after internship (OR 3.3). Local retention of medical graduates from the partnership between the Faculty of Health at Griffith University and the DDHHS to establish and conduct the Rural Medical Longlook Program includes resourcing and utilisation of spare training capacity in rural generalist hospitals and in addressing junior medical workforce recruitment. What is known about the topic? Rural medical programs improve choice of regional centres for early career placements. Rural longitudinal integrated clerkships (LICs) are effective in influencing regional choices for early medical career placements. What does this paper add? This was a case study on the local retention of medical graduates for health services sponsoring rural medical programs. LICs are sustainable in rural generalist hospitals to increase clinical training capacity. There is evidence for longer rural placements improving rural retention, specific for rural LICs. Longer LICs are more effective in influencing regional internship choices and regional retention, as well as local internship choice and local retention. What are the implications for practitioners? Investment in increasing clinical training capacity in rural generalist health facilities can produce significant retention of medical graduates for the junior medical workforce. Retaining students in the regional health service for longer periods increases the likelihood of retention upon graduation.
Weyl-invariant gravity and the nature of dark matter
Authors: Shimon Meir
Published: March 2021

The apparent missing mass in Galaxies and Galaxy clusters, commonly viewed as evidence for dark matter, could possibly originate from gradients in the gravitational coupling parameter, G, and active gravitational mass, M
act, rather than hypothetical beyond-the-standard-model particles. We argue that in (the weak field limit of) a Weyl-invariant extension of general relativity, one can simply affect the change Φb(x) → Φb(x) + ΦDM(x), where Φb is the baryon-sourced potential and ΦDM is the ‘excess’ potential. This is compensated by gradients of GM
act and a fractional increase of O(−4ΦDM(x)) in the baryon density, well below current detection thresholds on all relevant scales.
Substrate effect on excitonic shift and radiative lifetime of two-dimensional materials
Authors: Guo Chunhao , Xu Junqing , Ping Yuan
Published: March 2021

Substrates have strong effects on optoelectronic properties of two-dimensional (2D) materials, which have emerged as promising platforms for exotic physical phenomena and outstanding applications. To reliably interpret experimental results and predict such effects at 2D interfaces, theoretical methods accurately describing electron correlation and electron-hole interaction such as first-principles many-body perturbation theory are necessary. In our previous work (2020 Phys. Rev. B
102 205113), we developed the reciprocal-space linear interpolation method that can take into account the effects of substrate screening for arbitrarily lattice-mismatched interfaces at the GW level of approximation. In this work, we apply this method to examine the substrate effect on excitonic excitation and recombination of 2D materials by solving the Bethe–Salpeter equation. We predict the nonrigid shift of 1s and 2s excitonic peaks due to substrate screening, in excellent agreements with experiments. We then reveal its underlying physical mechanism through 2D hydrogen model and the linear relation between quasiparticle gaps and exciton binding energies when varying the substrate screening. At the end, we calculate the exciton radiative lifetime of monolayer hexagonal boron nitride with various substrates at zero and room temperature, as well as the one of WS2 where we obtain good agreement with experimental lifetime. Our work answers important questions of substrate effects on excitonic properties of 2D interfaces.
Superfluid states in α – T
3 lattice*
Authors: Wu Yu-Rong , Zhang Yi-Cai
Published: March 2021

The superfluid states of attractive Hubbard model in α–T
3 lattice are investigated. It is found that one usual needs three non-zero superfluid order parameters to describe the superfluid states due to three sublattices. When two hopping amplitudes are equal, the system has particle–hole symmetry. The flat band plays an important role in superfluid pairing near half filling. For example, when the filling factor falls into the flat band, the large density of states in the flat band favors superfluid pairing and the superfluid order parameters reach relatively large values. When the filling factor is in the gap between the flat band and upper band, the superfluid order parameters take small values due to the vanishing of density of states. The superfluid order parameters show nonmonotonic behaviors with the increase of filling factor. At last, we also investigate the edge states with open boundary conditions. It is shown that there exist some interesting edge states in the middle of quasi-particle bands.
Reversible waveform conversion between microwave and optical fields in a hybrid opto-electromechanical system*
Authors: Qin Li-Guo , Wang Zhong-Yang , Huang Jie-Hui , Tian Li-Jun , Gong Shang-Qing
Published: March 2021

We present a scheme of reversible waveform conversion between microwave and optical fields in the hybrid opto-electromechanical system. As an intermediate interface, nanomechanical resonator optomechanically couples both optomechanical cavities in the optical and microwave frequency domains. We find the double-optomechanically induced transparency and achieve coherent signal waveform bi-directional transfer between microwave and optical fields based on quantum interference. In addition, we give an analytical expression of one-to-one correspondence between the microwave field and the optical output field, which intuitively shows the reversible waveform conversion relationship. In particular, by numerical simulations and approximate expression, we demonstrate the conversion effects of the three waveforms and discuss the bi-directional conversion efficiency and the bandwidth. such a hybrid opto- and electro-mechanical device has significant potential functions for electro-optic modulation and waveform conversion of quantum microwave-optical field in optical communications and further quantum networks.
Heredity of clusters in the rapidly cooling processes of Al-doped Zr50Cu50 melts and its correlation with the glass-forming ability*
Authors: Wen Dadong , Deng Yonghe , Gao Ming , Tian Zean
Published: March 2021

The heredity of clusters in rapidly cooled (Zr50Cu50)100 – x
Al
x
melts and its correlation with glass-forming ability (GFA) are studied via molecular dynamics simulations. Pair distribution function and the largest standard cluster (LSC) are adopted to characterize the local atomic structures in the (Zr50Cu50)100 – x
Al
x
systems. The [12/555] icosahedra and their medium-range order (IMRO) play an important role in forming (Zr50Cu50)100 – x
Al
x
metallic glasses (MGs). The fraction of [12/555], the number of IMRO, and the maximum size of IMRO in MGs increase significantly with increasing x. A tracking study further reveals that the configuration heredity of icosahedral clusters starts from supercooled liquids. No direct correlation exists between the GFA and the onset temperature of continuous or stated heredity. Instead, a larger hereditary supercooled degree of icosahedra matches with better GFA of Al-doped Zr50Cu50 alloys.
Reducing vehicle cold start emissions through carbon pricing: evidence from Germany
Authors: Frondel Manuel , Marggraf Clemens , Sommer Stephan , Vance Colin
Published: March 2021

A large proportion of local pollutants originating from the road transport sector is generated during the so-called cold-start phase of driving, that is, the first few minutes of driving after a car has stood inactive for several hours. Drawing on data from the German Mobility Panel (MOP), this paper analyzes the factors that affect the frequency of cold starts, approximated here by the number of car tours that a household takes over the course of a week. Based on fixed-effects panel estimations, we find a negative and statistically significant effect of fuel prices on the number of tours and, hence, cold starts. Using our estimates to explore the spatial implications arising from fuel price increases stipulated under Germany’s Climate Programme 2030, we find substantial impacts on the number of avoided tours even for modest fuel price increases of 20 cents per liter, particularly in urban areas. This outcome lends support to using carbon pricing as a means to improve both global climate and local air quality, pointing to a co-benefit of climate policy.
Photon and positron production by ultrahigh-intensity laser interaction with various plasma foils
Authors: BAKE Mamat Ali , ELAJI Arzigul
Published: March 2021

The generation of γ photons and positrons using an ultrahigh-intensity laser pulse interacting with various plasma solid foils is investigated with a series of quantum electrodynamic particle-in-cell (PIC) simulations. When ultrahigh-intensity lasers interact with plasma foils, a large amount of the laser energy is converted into γ photon energy. The simulation results indicate that for a fixed laser intensity with different foil densities, the conversion efficiency of the laser to γ photons and the number of produced photons are highly related to the foil density. We determine the optimal foil density by PIC simulations for high conversion efficiencies as approximately 250 times the critical plasma density, and this result agrees very well with our theoretical assumptions. Four different foil thicknesses are simulated and the effects of foil thickness on γ photon emission and positron production are discussed. The results indicate that optimal foil thickness plays an important role in obtaining the desired γ photon and positron production according to the foil density and laser intensity. Further, a relation between the laser intensity and conversion efficiency is present for the optimal foil density and thickness.
Deconstructing Discourses in Assessments of Child Neglect
Authors: Casey B , Hackett S
Published: March 2021

This article presents the findings of a qualitative study exploring how child neglect is ‘performed’ in social work practice. Informed by Foucauldian and feminist theoretical positions, semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten local authority social workers, eight Children’s Centre professionals in England and eight parents who had received professional intervention due to concerns about child neglect. In addition, ten case files were analysed where child neglect was a substantive concern. This article explores the discourses that were produced in social workers’ assessments of child neglect. In a neo-liberal context in which cuts are being made to childcare services, professionals were preoccupied with the identification and management of neglectful families by risk. Professional debates surrounding contested thresholds into services and categorisation of neglectful families are explored. Judgements of ‘good enough’ mothering as well as bureaucratic and managerial constraints to holistic, analytical and quality assessments are identified. The article also explores the bureaucratic performance of children’s assessed identities through which children become the objects of the assessment rather than active subjects. The article concludes with recommendations for practice and future research.
Challenges Faced by Highly Polyploid Bacteria with Limits on DNA Inheritance
Authors: Angert Esther R
Published: March 2021

Most studies of bacterial reproduction have centered on organisms that undergo binary fission. In these models, complete chromosome copies are segregated with great fidelity into two equivalent offspring cells. All genetic material is passed on to offspring, including new mutations and horizontally acquired sequences. However, some bacterial lineages employ diverse reproductive patterns that require management and segregation of more than two chromosome copies. Epulopiscium spp., and their close relatives within the Firmicutes phylum, are intestinal symbionts of surgeonfish (family Acanthuridae). Each of these giant (up to 0.6 mm long), cigar-shaped bacteria contains tens of thousands of chromosome copies. Epulopiscium spp. do not use binary fission but instead produce multiple intracellular offspring. Only ∼1% of the genetic material in an Epulopiscium sp. type B mother cell is directly inherited by its offspring cells. And yet, even in late stages of offspring development, mother-cell chromosome copies continue to replicate. Consequently, chromosomes take on a somatic or germline role. Epulopiscium sp. type B is a strict anaerobe and while it is an obligate symbiont, its host has a facultative association with this intestinal microorganism. Therefore, Epulopiscium sp. type B populations face several bottlenecks that could endanger their diversity and resilience. Multilocus sequence analyses revealed that recombination is important to diversification in populations of Epulopiscium sp. type B. By employing mechanisms common to others in the Firmicutes, the coordinated timing of mother-cell lysis, offspring development and congression may facilitate the substantial recombination observed in Epulopiscium sp. type B populations.
Children In Between: Child Migrants from England to the Cape in the 1830s
Authors: Swartz Rebecca
Published: March 2021

Between 1833 and 1841 the Children’s Friend Society, a London-based philanthropic organization, sent some eight hundred children from England to the Cape, where they were apprenticed to local settlers. This article focuses on two of them: Alfred Brooks, aged thirteen or fourteen, and twelve-year-old Elizabeth Foulger. Both of these children appear in archival traces because they transgressed and were subsequently disciplined by their masters. The article argues that a series of binaries shaped these young migrants’ lives: between infant and adult, black and white, and colonizer and colonized. The in-between status of the CFS apprentices had the potential to disrupt increasingly rigid hierarchies at the colonial Cape, during a time of significant social and political turmoil. The context of slave emancipation, as well as concerns over juvenile delinquency in London, affected these children’s experiences. Concerns over their categorization illustrate the complicated range of positions that migrant workers in the British empire could hold beyond simply ‘free’ and ‘unfree’. Thinking through the position of these young white emigrant workers in the post-emancipation Cape sheds light on the fragility of classed, gendered, racialized, adult and free identities in that context.
Effects of Parenting and Perceived Stress on BMI in African American Adolescents
Authors: Kipp Colby , Wilson Dawn K , Sweeney Allison M , Zarrett Nicole , Van Horn M Lee
Published: March 2021

Objective

This study set out to examine the role of parenting practices in protecting or exacerbating the negative effects of parent and adolescent stress on adolescent body mass index (BMI) over time. Separate longitudinal models were conducted to evaluate how parenting practices interacted with parental perceived stress and adolescent perceived stress in predicting adolescent BMI.

Methods

Baseline data were collected from 148 African American adolescents (Mage = 12.93, SD = 1.75; Mz-BMI = 0.78, SD = 0.50; MBMI%-ile = 96.7, SD = 3.90) and their caregivers (Mage = 44.45, SD = 8.65; MBMI = 37.63, SD = 8.21) enrolled in the Families Improving Together for Weight Loss trial. Adolescents self-reported their perceptions of caregiver parenting style and feeding practices. Both caregivers and adolescents self-reported their perceptions of chronic stress. BMI for parents and adolescents was assessed objectively at baseline and 16 weeks post-intervention.

Results

Hierarchical regression models predicting adolescent BMI z-score (z-BMI) indicated a significant interaction between parental perceived stress and parental pressure to eat. Simple slopes analyses demonstrated that for those parents that exhibit higher pressure to eat, parent stress was positively associated with adolescent z-BMI.

Conclusions

These findings provide preliminary support suggesting that certain parenting practices interact with chronic stress on adolescent weight-related outcomes and that future interventions may consider integrating these factors.
Antifungal Activity of Chaetoviridin A from Chaetomium globosum CEF-082 Metabolites Against Verticillium dahliae in Cotton
Authors: Zhang Yun , Zhu Heqin , Ye Yonghao , Tang Canming
Published: March 2021

Cotton Verticillium wilt (CVW) is a severe soilborne disease caused by the pathogen Verticillium dahliae, and it has a great impact on cotton production. Previous studies found that the biocontrol agent Chaetomium globosum CEF-082 and its metabolic filtrate could reduce the incidence of CVW; however, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. The metabolic crude extract of CEF-082 increased the sensitivity of V. dahliae to stress, degraded the cell wall of V. dahliae, and increased the emergence and plant height of cotton. Through separation and purification of the metabolic crude extract of CEF-082, chaetoviridin A was identified and found to be highly active against V. dahliae. The compound caused cell necrosis and mycelial deformation, increased the production of reactive oxygen species and nitrous oxide, and inhibited the germination of microsclerotia of V. dahliae, enhancing the cotton plant defense response. In addition, CEF-082 also colonized cotton plants.

[Formula: see text] Copyright © 2021 The Author(s). This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license .
Transmission of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 1 and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 During Aerosol-Generating Procedures in Critical Care: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies*
Authors: Chan Vinson Wai-Shun , Ng Helen Hoi-Lam , Rahman Laiba , Tang Audrey , Tang Kwan Pui , Mok Alex , Liu Jeremy Ho Pak , Ho Kenny Shiu Cheong , Chan Shannon Melissa , Wong Sunny , Teoh Anthony Yuen-Bun , Chan Albert , Wong Martin , Yuan Yuhong , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVES:

To assess the risk of coronavirus transmission to healthcare workers performing aerosol-generating procedures and the potential benefits of personal protective equipment during these procedures.

DATA SOURCES:

MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane CENTRAL were searched using a combination of related MeSH terms and keywords.

STUDY SELECTION:

Cohort studies and case controls investigating common anesthetic and critical care aerosol-generating procedures and transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1, Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus, and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 to healthcare workers were included for quantitative analysis.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Qualitative and quantitative data on the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2, and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus to healthcare workers via aerosol-generating procedures in anesthesia and critical care were collected independently. The Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies - of Interventions tool was used to assess the risk of bias of included studies.

DATA SYNTHESIS:

Seventeen studies out of 2,676 yielded records were included for meta-analyses. Endotracheal intubation (odds ratio, 6.69, 95% CI, 3.81–11.72; p < 0.001), noninvasive ventilation (odds ratio, 3.65; 95% CI, 1.86–7.19; p < 0.001), and administration of nebulized medications (odds ratio, 10.03; 95% CI, 1.98–50.69; p = 0.005) were found to increase the odds of healthcare workers contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The use of N95 masks (odds ratio, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.03–0.39; p < 0.001), gowns (odds ratio, 0.59; 95% CI, 0.48–0.73; p < 0.001), and gloves (odds ratio, 0.39; 95% CI, 0.29–0.53; p < 0.001) were found to be significantly protective of healthcare workers from contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 or severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.

CONCLUSIONS:

Specific aerosol-generating procedures are high risk for the transmission of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 from patients to healthcare workers. Personal protective equipment reduce the odds of contracting severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 1 and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.
A role for Gcn5 in heterochromatin structure, gene silencing and NER at theHMLlocus in budding yeast
Authors: Chen Hua , Zhang Ling , Wang Qikai , He Chenxi , Dender Lauren Frances , Gong Feng
Published: March 2021

Histone acetyltransferase Gcn5 plays an important role in transcription activation, DNA replication-coupled nucleosome assembly and nucleotide excision repair (NER). However, its functions on the heterochromatin are unexplored. Here, we find that removal of Gcn5 leads to more condensed heterochromatin structure, as revealed by topology analysis ofHMLcircles. Importantly, the altered heterochromatin structure is restored by re-expression of Gcn5 in thegcn5Δcells. As a result of the more compact heterochromatin, gene silencing at theHMLlocus is increased and NER efficiency atHMLis impaired in the absence of Gcn5. Interestingly, while the association of SIR complex withHMLis enhanced in cells lacking Gcn5, the altered compaction ofHMLheterochromatin is also observed due to the deletion of Gcn5 from Sir−cells. These findings reveal a role of Gcn5 in the regulation of heterochromatin structure, gene silencing and NER efficiency at the heterochromaticHMLlocus in yeast.
Peripheral clocks tick independently of their master
Authors: Finger Anna-Marie , Kramer Achim
Published: March 2021

The circadian system of mammals is hierarchically organized. The suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN) in the hypothalamus is considered the master circadian clock adapting to environmental light–dark cycles and synchronizing subsidiary oscillators in peripheral organs. While being an attractive concept, this has never been convincingly shown in vivo. New findings by Sinturel and colleagues (pp. 329–334) in this issue of Genes & Development now show the requirement of the SCN for temporal orchestration of the periphery in living animals. Surprisingly, this study also found that even in the absence of SCN or extra-SCN clocks, peripheral clocks remain rhythmic, indicating previously controversial circadian oscillator coupling within peripheral tissues.
The circular economy meets artificial intelligence (AI): understanding the opportunities of AI for reverse logistics
Authors: Wilson Matthew , Paschen Jeannette , Pitt Leyland
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Technology is an important force in the entrepreneurial ecosystem as it has the potential to impact entrepreneurial opportunities and processes. This paper explores the emerging technology of artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for reverse logistics within the circular economy (CE). It considers key reverse logistics functions and outlines how AI is known to, or has the potential to, impact these functions.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper is conceptual and utilizes the literature from entrepreneurship, the CE and reverse logistics to explore the implications of AI for reverse logistics functions.

Findings

AI provides significant benefits across all functions and tasks in the reverse logistics process; however, the various reverse logistics functions and tasks rely on different forms of AI (mechanical, analytical, intuitive).

Research limitations/implications

The paper highlights the importance of technology, and in particular AI, as a key force in the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem and discusses the specific implications of AI for entrepreneurial practice. For researchers, the paper outlines avenues for future research within the entrepreneurship and/or CE domains of the study.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to present a structured discussion of AI's implications for reverse logistics functions and tasks. It addresses a call for more research on AI and its opportunities for the CE and emphasizes the importance of emerging technologies, particularly AI, as an external force within the entrepreneurial ecosystem. The paper also outlines avenues for future research on AI in reverse logistics.
A comparison of the international protocols for the forensic assessment of conflict‐related sexual violence victims
Authors: Komar Debra , El Jundi Sami , Parra Roberto C. , Perich Pierre
Published: March 2021

International protocols for forensic investigations are often created by committee and in isolation. When field tested, the results of such tests are rarely reported to the wider forensic community. This study presents a comparative study of one such protocol, the International Protocol on the Documentation and Investigation of Sexual Violence in Conflict: Best Practice in the Documentation of Sexual Violence as a Crime or Violation of International Law. The protocol was used in a pilot study involving 20 victims of conflict‐related sexual assault in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The results of the pilot study were compared with an existing database of 341 victims of sexual assault (also from the same region of the DRC) who were examined using another protocol developed and utilized by Medicins Sans Frontier (MSF). The results clearly indicate the international protocol was far superior in all aspects, including comprehensive data capture and ease‐of‐use. Although the MSF protocol is intended for humanitarian purposes, all medical records are subject to potential downstream forensic applications. Given constraints in funding and resources in conflict zones, the wide‐spread adoption of the full international protocol would ensure that every victim receives a complete, forensically valid examination suitable for the future pursuit of justice.
Evaluation of plasma cleaning as an approach for the preparation of soil minerals for forensic comparison by photon and electron microscopy
Authors: Duggar Anna S. , Kubic Thomas A.
Published: March 2021

Although organic material is often used for forensic analysis, a substantial portion of the data gathered for determination of common origin of forensic soil samples is the inorganic, mineralogical composition of the sample, which may be obscured by the presence of soil organic material (SOM). Traditionally, SOM is removed by acidic, alkaline, or peroxide digest, or by combustion, but these techniques risk the damage to or destruction of target minerals of interest. Low–temperature plasma ashing, on the other hand, removes organic materials by exposing them to plasma ions with high‐kinetic energy, converting organics to easily removed volatile products (CO, CO2, H2O, or methane) while avoiding the thermal alterations caused by heat combustion. This study exposed grains of known mineral types to 20 min of a low‐pressure O2 plasma generated by a 10 MHz frequency generator. Powder x‐ray diffraction was chosen as an independent method to evaluate the minerals for chemical or structural changes caused by this ashing process. Side‐by‐side comparison of before and after diffractograms revealed minimal, if any, variation in the detected 2θ and subsequently calculated d‐spacing: differences in d values were found to generally be less than 1%, and most were within Hanawalt Search Index uncertainties by no less than a full order of magnitude. Peak intensity changes were similarly minimal. This study strongly suggests that low‐temperature plasma ashing can be used for the isolation of inorganic soil material fraction for forensic soil analysis with little or no concern for potential alteration of the mineral grains.
A Pirouette with the Twist of a Wheelchair: Embodied Translation and the Creation of Kinesthetic Commensurability
Authors: Hammer Gili
Published: March 2021

The field of integrated dance brings together dancers with and without disabilities to create a novel art form. In dancing together, participants engage in a process of “translation” to interpret and enact movement, a practice I term embodied translation. This practice involves distilling a movement to its kinesthetic and expressive core, then exploring potential manifestations of those elements through various uses of space, objects, and bodies. Performed among people whose means and range of movement vary widely, embodied translation necessitates the recognition of multiple pathways toward shared expression, engendering a collective of kinesthetic multiplicities. Based on fieldwork with projects of integrated dance in Israel and the United States, I examine participants’ verbal, embodied, kinesthetic, and material means of translation, questioning whether translation can in fact produce commensurability among diverse bodies. [translation, disability, dance, embodied knowledge, anthropology of movement, nonhuman]
Adoption of patient‐reported outcome measures with youth with intellectual/developmental disabilities: Contextual influences and practice patterns
Authors: Greenberg Kimberly K. , Schwartz Ariel E. , Kramer Jessica M.
Published: March 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to identify potential barriers to patient reported outcome measure (PROM) adoption with youth and young adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD) and to understand current PROM adoption patterns of paediatric practitioners working with this population.

Methods

We used a web‐based survey to collect data from paediatric practitioners who work with youth with IDD about factors influencing the adoption of PROMs and the frequency of PROM use across age groups (elementary, middle school and high school/transition age) and practice settings (school and rehabilitation).

Results

A total of 113 paediatric practitioners (occupational therapist = 48, physical therapist = 32, physician = 16, other = 17) responded to the survey with an average of 15 years of experience working with youth ages 8–21 with IDD. Accessibility and appropriateness, psychometric evidence, and time were most frequently ranked among the top three factors that influence practitioners' adoption of PROMs. Practitioners reported ‘never or rarely’ using PROMs 39%–65% of the time across age groups.

Conclusions

Our results suggest that paediatric practitioners may be infrequently using PROMs with youth with IDD because of perceived inaccessibility and time requirements of PROMs and practice‐environment barriers, including access to evidence and caseload demands. Because PROMs can facilitate client‐centred care, addressing these potential barriers to adoption may improve paediatric rehabilitation.
Globalization and nationalism: Retrospect and prospect
Authors: Obstfeld Maurice
Published: March 2021

Recent events have highlighted areas of conflict between economic integration with the outside world and the demands of domestic electorates. Historically, the tradeoffs have always become sharper in periods of crisis, such as the present. After reviewing the U‐shaped progress of globalization since the nineteenth century, this essay reconsiders John Maynard Keynes's views on “national self‐sufficiency” in the early 1930s. I argue that the postwar Bretton Woods system he helped to create evolved from those views as a balanced middle ground between market forces and governments' desires for domestic economic stability. The gradual erosion of that balance in favor of the market has helped produce discontent over globalization and more nationalism in politics. Enhanced multilateral cooperation in key areas offers the hope of supporting globalization while better meeting voters' aspirations. Despite daunting political obstacles to global cooperation these days, collective action challenges in areas such as climate, cybersecurity, and health—alongside economic policy—are becoming only more pressing over time.
Dynamic monitoring of cardiac foreign body by perioperative echocardiography: A case study
Authors: Huang Hejing , Wang Peng , Ji Xiufeng , Wang Zhinong , Zhao Jiaqi
Published: March 2021

Cardiac foreign bodies, especially those with sharp tips, may lead to unpredictable complications, such as penetrating cardiac injuries. Yet there have not been many reports of penetrating cardiac injuries caused by a needle that migrates from the neck to the heart. We herein present a review of such a case, focusing on the dynamic monitoring by perioperative echocardiography. The needle was represented on the monitor as a linear artifact that had penetrated through the ventricular wall and caused increasing pericardial effusion. Fortunately, the needle was successfully removed before it completely entered the right ventricular cavity. In this case, perioperative echocardiography played a significant role in clinical emergency decision making.
Asymmetric effects of sectoral shifts under low and high uncertainty
Authors: Berg Kimberly A. , Vu Nam T.
Published: March 2021

This paper studies the asymmetric effects of sectoral shifts on economic performance under low and high uncertainty using US data. A sectoral shift is found to induce more depressed economic activity under high uncertainty relative to under low uncertainty. These effects are statistically different across the two uncertainty regimes and are not driven solely by recessions. A tractable two‐sector dynamic stochastic general equilibrium model with sectoral shifts and stochastic volatility is able to qualitatively explain these empirical findings.
Pharmacokinetic study of Kovaltry in thirty‐five pediatric patients aged <12 years with severe hemophilia A
Authors: Huang Kun , Zhen Yingzi , Li Gang , Wu Xinyi , Wu Runhui , Chen Zhenping
Published: March 2021

Background

Kovaltry (BAY81‐8973) is an unmodified full‐length factor VIII (FVIII) concentrate that enhances the pharmacokinetic (PK) profiles as compared to some other standard half‐life time FVIII concentrates. However, the PK of Kovaltry in haemophiliac patients aged <12 years has not been reported previously.

Aim

To investigate the pharmacokinetics and clinical outcomes of Kovaltry in 35 paediatric patients aged <12 years.

Methods

A total of 35 boys with severe haemophilia A were enrolled from August 2019 to May 2020 in Beijing Children's Hospital. After 72‐hour washout, PK tests were performed post‐infusion of 50 IU/kg Kovaltry in a five‐timepoint assay. WinNonlin software was used to generate individual PK parameters. The dose, frequency and bleeding details were collected within the first 6 months after switching to Kovaltry from other FVIII concentrates.

Results

Compared to the blood group O, patients with blood group non‐O showed longer mean half‐life (t1/2) (p < .01), lower mean clearance (CL) (p = .01) and similar in vivo recovery (IVR) (p = .51). Higher von Willebrand factor antigen (VWF:Ag) level was correlated to longer t1/2 (p < .0001) and lower CL (p < .01). IVR was correlated to body mass index (BMI) (p < .0001). Patients with trough level >3 IU/dL demonstrated lower annual bleeding rate (ABR) (p < .01), annual joint bleeding rate (AJBR) (p < .01) and annual spontaneous bleeding rate (ASBR) (p < .01).

Conclusion

This study firstly reported the PK profiles of Kovaltry in 35 paediatric patients <12 years old. The great inter‐individual variability of PK parameters was also confirmed in these patients. VWF:Ag and blood group were major influencing factors of t1/2 and CL of Kovaltry, while BMI was a vital predictor for IVR. Patients with high trough FVIII level in routine prophylaxis had reduced bleeding rates.