bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Images of Microbiology
Authors:   University of Dundee, Bergkessel Megan , Cameron Amy ,   University of Dundee, Coulthurst Sarah ,   University of Dundee, De Rycker Manu ,   University of Dundee, Dorfmueller Helge ,   University of Dundee, Hardee Erin ,   University of Dundee, Houghton Lewis , Floyd Ali ,   University of Dundee, Fomina Marina ,   National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Gadd Geoffrey Michael ,   University of Dundee, Hsu Chih-Yu ,   University of Dundee, Kalamara Margarita ,   University of Dundee, Kang Xia ,   University of Dundee, Mackintosh Ailsa ,   University of Dundee, Mansoor Saria ,   University of Dundee, Manthri Sujatha ,   University of Dundee, Rosazza Thibault ,   University of Dundee, Stephenson Karen ,   University of Dundee, Thomas John ,   University of Dundee, Walker Louise ,   University of Aberdeen, Stanley-Wall Nicola ,   University of Dundee
Published: May 2021

Here you will find a series of images taken by scientists based at the University of Dundee that highlight the microbes they work with. The images in the collection are part of a physical exhibition located at the Dundee Science Centre.
Images of Microbiology Activity Book
Authors:   University of Dundee, Robertson-Albertyn Senga , Stanley-Wall Nicola ,   University of Dundee
Published: May 2021

Here you will find a series of activities based around images taken by scientists based at the University of Dundee that highlight the microbes they work with. The images in the collection are part of a physical exhibition located at the Dundee Science Centre.
Inheritance of Qualitative Morphological Traits and Variation of Quantitative Agronomic Traits of Enset (Ensete Ventricosum (Welw.) Cheesman) Clones Obtained From Wolaita Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Gessese Mesfin Kebede , Bosha Abraham
Published: May 2021

The present cultivated enset clonal landraces in Ethiopia originated from few wild progenitors. However, enset has a mixed mode of reproduction in which, the wild enset reproduces sexually through seeds, while cultivated enset is generally propagated vegetatively. The objective of this study was to understand the genetic structures of enset cultivars and estimate their genetic variability by evaluating the morphological data generated from progenies of cultivated and wild enset clones. Hence, seeds collected from six cultivated and four wild enset genotypes were used for this study. Data on four qualitative and six quantitative morphological traits were recorded from the progenies of the 10 enset genotypes. Progenies of seven enset genotypes segregated with 3:1 genetic ratio while progenies of the remaining genotypes segregated differently for the qualitative traits considered. With regard to the quantitative traits, the progenies of the 10 enset genotypes differed significantly for five of the six traits except pseudostem length. Generally the cultivated clones performed better than the wild types. This study demonstrated the possibility of creating genetic variation through selfing of the existing clones of enset for traits of interest and makes improvements either through selection or crossing the elite types to develop novel cultivar
The Paradox between Health and Work of the Metallurgical Complex in La Oroya
Authors: Mallma Perez Israel , Salazar Vásquez Lita
Published: May 2021

The La Oroya metallurgical complex reveals a process of structural or power pathology, where economic and environmental social policies lead to a citizenry without systemic freedom, characterized by environmental contamination (PAMA executed on average 67%, some processes with 0%) and sanitary (plumbosis 8.39 to 10.28 μg / dL), the economic dependence of this industry is also observed, which caused the weakening of the communities to maintain autonomy over their own destinies.The Doe Run Peru, operated the metallurgical complex, creating added value to the extractive-export chain of mineral concentrate, but also took advantage of the legal loopholes, the little coordination between the State institutions and the little authority of the supervisory institutions to get the most out of it, complying with the law in some cases, but without moral quality in some others, such as health in the oroinos.Government institutions must have strong links that provide a normative framework with prospects with sustainable development, where the beneficiary is society and not only certain interest groups. The economic benefits of the metallurgical complex operation are multiple, which begin with labor, the purchase and sale of materials and services, the collection of taxes and energy.
Clinical Performance of Paraoxonase-1-Related Variables and Novel Markers of Inflammation in Coronavirus Disease-19. A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Rodríguez-Tomàs Elisabet , Iftimie Simona , Castañé Helena , Baiges-Gaya Gerard , Hernández-Aguilera Anna , González-Viñas María , Castro Antoni , Camps Jordi , Joven Jorge
Published: May 2021

SARS-CoV-2 infection produces a response of the innate immune system causing oxidative stress and a strong inflammatory reaction termed ‘cytokine storm’ that is one of the leading causes of death. Paraoxonase-1 (PON1) protects against oxidative stress by hydrolyzing lipoperoxides. Alterations in PON1 activity have been associated with pro-inflammatory mediators such as the chemokine (C-C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2) and the glycoprotein galectin-3. We aimed to investigate the alterations in the circulating levels of PON1, CCL2 and galectin-3 in 126 patients with COVID-19 and their interactions with clinical variables and analytical parameters. A machine learning approach was used to identify predictive markers of the disease. For comparisons, we recruited 45 COVID-19 negative patients and 50 healthy individuals. Our approach identified a synergy between oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrogenesis in positive patients that is not observed in negative patients. PON1 activity was the parameter with the greatest power to discriminate between patients who were either positive or negative for COVID-19, while their levels of CCL2 and galectin-3 were similar. We suggest that the measurement of serum PON1 activity may be a useful marker for the diagnosis of COVID-19.
On the Relationship between Circulation Patterns, the Southern Annular Mode, and Rainfall Variability in Western Cape
Authors: Ibebuchi Chibuike Chiedozie
Published: May 2021

This study investigates circulation types (CTs) in Africa, south of the equator, that are related to wet and dry conditions in Western Cape, the statistical relationship between the selected CTs and the Southern Annular Mode (SAM), and changes in the frequency of occurrence of the CTs related to the SAM under the ssp585 scenario. Obliquely rotated principal component analysis applied to sea level pressure was used to classify CTs in Africa, south of the equator. Three CTs were found to have a high probability to be associated with wet days in Western Cape, and four CTs were equally found to have a high probability to be associated with dry days in Western Cape. Generally, the dry/wet CTs feature the southward/northward track of the mid-latitude cyclone, adjacent to South Africa; anti-cyclonic/cyclonic relative vorticity, and poleward/equatorward track of westerlies, south of South Africa. One of the selected wet CTs is significantly related to variations of the SAM. Years with an above-average SAM index correlate with the below-average frequency of occurrence of the wet CT. The results suggest that through the dynamics of the CT, the SAM might control the rainfall variability of Western Cape. Under the ssp585 scenario, the analyzed climate models indicated a possibility in the decrease of the frequency of occurrence of the aforementioned wet CT associated with cyclonic activity at the mid-latitudes, and an increase in the frequency of occurrence of the CT associated with enhanced SLP in the mid-latitudes.
A Case Series Study of Help-Seeking among Younger and Older Men in Suicidal Crisis
Authors: Saini Pooja , Chopra Jennifer , Hanlon Claire A. , Boland Jane
Published: May 2021

Due to the continuing high suicide rates among young men, there is a need to understand help-seeking behaviour and engagement with tailored suicide prevention interventions. The aim of this study was to compare help-seeking among younger and older men who attended a therapeutic centre for men in a suicidal crisis. In this case series study, data were collected from 546 men who were referred into a community-based therapeutic service in North West England. Of the 546 men, 337 (52%) received therapy; 161 (48%) were aged between 18 and 30 years (mean age 24 years, SD=3.4). Analyses included baseline differences, symptom trajectories for the CORE-34 Clinical Outcome Measure (CORE-OM) and engagement with the therapy. For the CORE-OM there was a clinically significant reduction in mean scores between assessment and discharge (p<0.001) for both younger and older men. At initial assessment, younger men were less affected by entrapment (46% v 62%; p=.02), defeat (33% v 52%; p=.01), not engaging in new goals (38% v 47%; p=.02), and positive attitudes towards suicide (14% v 18%; p=.001) than older men. At discharge assessment, older men were significantly more likely to have an absence of positive future thinking (15% v 8%; p=0.03), have less social support (45% v 33%; p=.02) and feelings of entrapment (17% v 14%; p=.02) than younger men. Future research needs to assess the long-term effects of help-seeking using a brief psychological intervention for young men in order to understand whether the effects of the therapy are sustainable over a period of time following discharge from the service.
Silica Nanoparticles Inhibit ATP Responses of Human Airway Epithelial 16HBE Cells
Authors: Milici Alina , Sanchez Alicia , Talavera Karel
Published: May 2021

Because of their low cost and easy production silica nanoparticles (NPs) are amply used in multiple manufactures as anti-caking, densifying and hydrophobic agents. However, this has increased the exposure levels of the general population and has raised concerns about possible toxicity of this nanomaterial. NPs are known to affect the function of the airway epithelium, but the biochemical pathways targeted by these particles remain largely unknown. Here we investigated the effects of NPs on the responses of cultured human bronchial epithelial (16HBE) cells to the damage-associated molecular pattern ATP, using fluorometric measurements of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. Upon stimulation with extracellular ATP these cells displayed a concentration-dependent increase in intracellular Ca2+, which was mediated by release from intracellular stores. Silica NPs inhibited the Ca2+ responses to ATP within minutes of application and at low micromolar concentrations, which are significantly faster and more potent than those previously reported for the induction of cellular toxicity and pro-inflammatory responses. NPs-induced inhibition appeared to be independent from the increase in intracellular Ca2+ they produce, and via a non-competitive mechanism. These findings suggest that NPs reduce the ability of airway epithelial cells to mount ATP-dependent protective responses such as the increase in mucociliary clearance and cough.
Patient satisfaction with rheumatological outpatient care in the Republic of Bashkortostan
Authors:   Republican Clinical Hospital named after G.G.Kuvatov, Ufa, Russian Federation, Zubairov I.Z. , Nazarova L.Sh. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russian Federation, Ahmerova S.G. ,   Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ufa, Russian Federation, Kalimullina D.Kh. ,   Republican Clinical Hospital named after G.G.Kuvatov, Ufa, Russian Federation,   Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ufa, Russian Federation, Fatkhullina G.F. ,   Republican Clinical Hospital named after G.G.Kuvatov, Ufa, Russian Federation, Nagaev R.Y. ,   Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ufa, Russian Federation, Bakirov A.B. ,   Ufa Research Institute of Occupational Health and Human Ecology, Ufa, Russian Federation,   Bashkir State Medical University of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Ufa, Russian Federation
Published: May 2021

Due to high prevalence of rheumatic diseases, which are often characterized by a chronic, progressive course and early patient disability, the problem of health care quality in rheumatology remains extremely relevant. The purpose of the study was to analyze patient satisfaction with availability and quality of rheumatological outpatient care provided by health care facilities of the Republic of Bashkortostan. A survey of 289 adult patients who visited a rheumatologist for outpatient care at health care facilities of the Republic of Bashkortostan was conducted from May,1 to December,1, 2019 The study results show that in general patients expressed high satisfaction with the services provided and conditions of health care facilities (77% and 78%, respectively). At the same time, satisfaction with doctors’ professional skills was moderate (54%), while satisfaction with the organization of making a rheumatological appointment and official website of the facility was low (37% and 29%, respectively). In general, the data obtained indicate that patients highly appreciate quality of rheumatological outpatient care in the Republic of Bashkortostan. However, the need to further improve professional competencies of doctors, organization of scheduling appointments and official websites of health care facilities call for a special attention.
HEALTHY LIFE EXPECTANCY IN THE CONTEXT OF POPULATION AGING: GLOBAL TRENDS IN THE COVID-19 ERA
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk, Russia, Goroshko N.V. ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia, Emelyanova E.K. ,   Novosibirsk State Medical University, Novosibirsk, Russia, Patsala S.V. ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Novosibirsk, Russia
Published: May 2021

Significance. Healthy life expectancy in the world is gradually increasing in the context of a progressive increase in the number and share of older people compared to the rest of the population. These are the most visible trends in the global development. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has become an unprecedented challenge to the mankind, threatening to slow down these processes due to the high mortality in older ages. Purpose of the study: to define trends in the global development of the aging process both “deep” and “wide”. Subject of the study: Healthy life expectancy in the context of population aging in the COVID-19 era. Material and methods. Statistical materials of WHO, UN, Eurostat and methods of general logical, analytical, statistical analysis and empirical research. Results. The nature of possible changes in the age structure and healthy life expectancy in the context of the global COVID-19 pandemic has been identified. Conclusion. The impact of the “pandemic effect” on healthy life expectancy and the age structure of the population will be more pronounced in economically developed countries, despite achievements in the healthcare system and developments in medicine. In such settings the depth of the population aging has already reached its maximum, therefore, the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic, which are most negative among the elderly, will be more pronounced compared to the developing world.
On Replicates for Comparing Species Densities in Space and Time
Authors: Hayek Lee-Ann C. , Buzas Martin A. , Buzas-Stephens Pamela , Buzas Jeffrey S.
Published: May 2021

Because benthic foraminifera exhibit spatial heterogeneity, a number of replicates or multiple biological samples are necessary to estimate population densities. In this study, we empirically examine the efficacy of taking four or fewer replicates to differentiate among mean densities in location and time using p-values as a metric for strength of evidence against the null hypothesis of no difference in taxon density. For spatial analyses, four stations along a traverse with four replicates per station were compared with ANOVA within Mission Bay, Texas, using the four most abundant taxa. The p-values for comparing mean densities among stations increased markedly for all taxa, as the number of samples per station decreased from four to two. Using a test level of 0.05, four replicates per station resulted, on average, in significant differences for three of four taxa, three replicates distinguished two of four taxa, and two replicates detected only one difference. For temporal analyses, a single station was sampled in the Indian River Lagoon, Florida, seasonally over four years. Again, p-values increased markedly as the number of samples per station decreased. Using a test level of 0.05, both four- and three-replicate groups were found to separate mean densities among the four years for three of four taxa, two replicates distinguished one taxon, and use of only one replicate could not detect any difference in mean densities among the four years. Based on these and previous field results, we recommend at least four replicates per station for environmental monitoring. However, when examining mean densities within larger ecological entities such as biofacies, just one sample at each station along a single traverse containing four stations in each bay could delineate Mission, Copano, and Mesquite bays in Texas.
High-throughput single-cell joint analysis of histone modifications and gene expression by Paired-Tag
Authors: Zhu Chenxu , Zhang Yanxiao , Li Yang Eric , Lucero Jacinta , Behrens M. Margarita , Ren Bing
Published: May 2021

We describe here Paired-Tag, a high-throughput multi-omics method for joint profiling of histone modifications and gene expressions in single cells. The assay is based on a combinatorial barcoding indexing strategy that does not require special instruments. It can be performed with nuclei extracted from cultured cells or frozen tissues, in standard molecular biology laboratories.
Fabrication of PDMS-based Acoustofluidic Devices for 3D Access to Single Cells and Small Organisms
Authors: Läubli Nino F. , Nelson Bradley J.
Published: May 2021

Acoustofluidic manipulation has demonstrated significant potential for the investigation and handling of small organisms. In this protocol, we describe the steps required for the fabrication of a PDMS-based device with 150 um high structures to be used for the rotational manipulation of single cells and small organisms.
Differentiation of human induced-pluripotent stem cells into smooth muscle cells
Authors: Pitrez Patricia R. , Ferreira Lino
Published: May 2021

Here we describe a protocol for the generation of SMCs from Hutchinson-Gilford Progeria Syndrome (HGPS)- induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and wild type iPSCs to study their vulnerability.
Genome-wide investigation and analysis of microsatellites and compound microsatellites in Leptolyngbya species, Cyanobacteria
Authors: Yao Dan , Du Lian-Ming , Li Meijin , Daroch Maurycy , Tang Jie
Published: May 2021

Microsatellites (simple sequence repeats, SSRs) are ubiquitously distributed in almost all known genomes. Here, the first investigation was designed to examine the SSRs and compound microsatellites (CSSRs) in 36 genomes of Leptolyngbya. The results disclosed diversified patterns of distribution, abundance, density and diversity of SSRs and CSSRs in Leptolyngbya genomes. The numbers of SSRs and CSSRs were extremely uneven distributed among genomes, ranging from 11,086 to 27,292 and from 286 to 1,102, respectively. Mononucleotide SSRs were the most abundant category in 14 genomes, while the other 22 genomes followed the pattern: di- > mono- > trinucleotide SSRs. Both SSRs and CSSRs were overwhelmingly distributed in coding regions. The numbers of SSRs and CSSRs were significantly correlated with genome size (P < 0.01) and but not closely correlated with GC content (P > 0.05). Moreover, the motif (A/T)n and (AG)n was predominant in mononucleotide and dinucleotide SSRs, and unique motifs of CSSRs were identified in 33 genomes. This study provides the first insight into SSRs and CSSRs in Leptolyngbya genomes and will be useful to contribute to future use as molecular markers in closely-related species.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy For Hospitalized COVID-19 Patients With Moderate To Severe Hypoxia
Authors: Jansen Deepa , Dickstein Daniel R. , Erazo Kasandra , Stacom Ellen , Lee David C. , Wainwright Sandra K.
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Few treatments have demonstrated mortality benefit among hospitalized hypoxic COVID-19 patients except for steroids. We evaluated the use of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) as a therapeutic intervention among hospitalized patients with a high oxygen requirement.Methods: We extracted data on patients with COVID-19 hypoxia who required at least 6 L/min oxygen supplementation, and were eligible for off-label HBOT from October 2020 to February 2021. We compared patient characteristics and used Fisher’s exact test and a survival analysis to assess the primary endpoint of inpatient death.Results: We offered HBOT to 36 patients, of which 24 received treatment and 12 did not receive treatment. Patients who did not receive treatment were significantly older (P < 0.01) and had worse baseline hypoxia (P = 0.06). Three of the 24 (13%) patients who received treatment died compared to 6 of 12 (50%) patients who did not receive treatment (RR ratio: 0.25, P = 0.04, 95% CI: 0.08 to 0.83). In the survival analysis, there was a statistically significant reduction in inpatient mortality in the treatment group (HR: 0.19, P = 0.02, 95% CI: 0.05-0.74). However, after adjusting for age and baseline hypoxia, there was no difference in inpatient mortality (hazard ratio: 0.48, P = 0.42, 95% CI: 0.08-2.86).Conclusions: The survival benefit of HBOT observed in our unadjusted analysis suggests the need to further study therapeutic benefits of HBOT in treating COVID-19 hypoxia through randomized clinical trials.
Relationship Between Fundamental Daily Living Habits and Health Literacy Exhibited by Self-Care Behavior in Sixth-Grade Students of Japanese Elementary Schools
Authors: Tsukamoto Naoko , Watanabe Aya , Katagiri Yukiko , Kudo Mikiko , Funaki Yuka , Nomura Akemi
Published: May 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to elucidate the relationship between fundamental daily living habits and health literacy exhibited by self-care behaviour in sixth-grade students in Japanese elementary schools by verifying the association of actual status of fundamental daily living habits with awareness of behavioural and health contingencies and healthy behavioural choices.Methods: In this study, a cross-sectional survey was undertaken with 287 sixth-grade students in Japanese elementary school. The questionnaire consisted of three elements of status of basic lifestyle habits, behavioural and health contingencies, and healthy behavioural choices.Results: These results indicate that while fundamental daily living habits are formed by including behavioural and health contingencies, the association of awareness of contingencies and behavioural choices with their actual status is not clear. It is found that during childhood, there is a risk of interruption in the awareness about the acquired behaviours and health contingencies, and it is evident that sustaining such awareness is necessary.Conclusions: This study makes a significant contribution to the literature because there are very few studies on children’s fundamental daily living habits from a health literacy viewpoint and it is not clear whether the fundamental daily living habits are associated with self-care ability as health literacy.
Quantification of the Impact of Factors Affecting the Technical Performance of Operating Room Personnel: Expert Judgment Approach
Authors: Chenani Khalil Taherzadeh , Nodoushan Reza Jafari , Jahangiri Mehdi , Madadizadeh Farzan , Fallah Hossein
Published: May 2021

Background: Incorrect assessment of the performance shaping factors (PSFs), especially in healthcare systems may lead to irreversible consequences such as death. The aim of the current study was to adapt PSFs taxonomy given in standardized plant analysis risk human reliability analysis (SPAR-H) technique to surgical context.Methods: Specialists from four teaching hospitals of Yazd city were participated in the current study using convenience sampling technique. PSFs taxonomy of the SPAR-H technique was revised and more context-specific definitions to surgical context were suggested. Step-wise weight assessment ratio analysis (SWARA) and eleven-digit numerical scale were used for quantification of the weight and negative influence rate of the PSFs during surgical processes, respectively. Probability density function (pdf) was used to specify the probability of the negative influence rate values, as well.Results: Nine PSFs were proposed following the SPAR-H taxonomy. Order of the importance of the PSFs was quietly conflicting in terms of weight and negative influence rate. From the perspective of experts, fatigue and threat stress were assessed as the most important PSFs in terms of both weight and negative influence rate. Conclusion: Current study has offered a domain-based understanding for the PSFs particularly in surgical context. Results of this study could be used to evaluate human error behaviors during the performance of high accuracy required tasks in operating room. Moreover, these results could be used in high-risk industries for improving patient safety programs in case of lacking literature in healthcare systems.
A Medical Mobile Application For Managing A Heart And Lung Machine During Cardiac Surgery
Authors: Boonchai Prarinya , Kulthinee Supaporn , Chotimol Phatiwat
Published: May 2021

Background: Opened heart surgery with cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) is a critical and complex procedure. A Heart-Lung machine (HLM) plays an important role for controlling the cardiopulmonary functions during the time of the surgery. Perfusionist must consider a variety of essential factors and calculate several cardiovascular parameters regarding the process of operating a HLM. To improving the quality of work, personal digital assistants must continually develop their skills and knowledge levels.Objective: The goal of this work is to construct a mobile application device that has a wide variety of functions which has the capacity to control targeted clinical planning and decision making for HLM users so to enable them to have control and evaluate the mobile application to user’s satisfaction. Methods: This smartphone app was constructed base on the ionic framework. The researchers have developed an unique algorithms for operating the HLM. The app was generated according to the phase of design, algorithm, validation, and user’s satisfaction of perfusionists.Results: The Project Researchers have officially assigned this medical mobile application with the name is Perfusion Assistant app that can be accessed and used effectively cross platform on iOS and Android. The application is comprised of five main categories which includes: a perfusion calculator, myocardial protection chart, drugs details, priming solution and parameters values. Result shown that all cardiovascular parameters did not significant differ from Perfusion Assistant app when compared to manual calculation. User’s satisfaction was at 3.64±0.76 in the first evaluation. After modification with feedback from experts, the app was evaluated with a 4.13±0.56 satisfaction. Conclusions: Perfusion Assistant app is an application designed in clinical planning and decision of HLM controlling for perfusionists and medical staff that work in an opened heart surgery arena. Perfusion Assistant app offers a variety of calculations related to CPB including blood flow rate, systemic vascular resistant, priming volume, and predicted hematocrit. Furthermore, Perfusion Assistant app provides a quick, easy access, and real-time application for CPB that user’s satisfaction was a good level.
Hearing Impairment in Angolan Children with Acute Bacterial Meningitis With and Without Otitis Media and Otorrhea
Authors: Lempinen Laura , Laulajainen-Hongisto Anu , Aarnisalo Antti A. , Bernardino Luis , Peltola Heikki , Pitkäranta Anne , Pelkonen Tuula , Jero Jussi
Published: May 2021

Background: Bacterial meningitis (BM) is a common cause of hearing loss in childhood. Our aim was to investigate bacterial etiology, hearing impairment, and outcome in childhood BM with vs. without otitis media (OM) in the resource-poor settings of Angola. Methods: Hearing was tested through brainstem-evoked response audiometry (ABR) in 391 (76%) of 512 children with confirmed BM. The bacteria identified from the ear discharge were compared to those from CSF and the relevance of findings was examined in terms of hearing among children with or without OM on day 1 and 7 of hospitalization, and at follow-ups of 1, 3 and 6 month(s).Results: No correlation was found in bacteriology between the ear discharge and CSF, and the most common ear pathogens more likely reflected chronic than acute middle ear infections. On day 7 in hospital, hearing impairment (>40 dB) was common, regardless of whether concomitant OM or not (in 27% vs. 30%, respectively), whereas on day 7, profound hearing loss (>80 dB) was diagnosed slightly more in children without OM 16% vs. 10% accordingly. Any hearing deficit on day 7 was associated with a higher risk of complicated or fatal clinical course (OR 2.76, CI95% 1.43-5.29, P = .002).Conclusion: No significant difference prevailed in hearing thresholds between children with or without OM in hospital on day 7 or at later follow-ups. Any hearing impairment on day 7 associated with a higher risk for complicated clinical course or death. Trial registration: ISRCTN62824827. Registered 22 June 2005, http://www.isrctn.com/ ISRCTN62824827.
Mechanical forcing of the North American monsoon by orography
Authors: Boos William , Pascale Salvatore
Published: May 2021

The core of the North American monsoon consists of a band of intense rainfall along the west coast of Mexico[1, 2] and is commonly thought to be caused by thermal forcing from both land and the elevated terrain of that region[3-5]. Here we use observations, a global climate model, and stationary wave solutions to show that this rainfall maximum is instead generated when Mexico's Sierra Madre mountains mechanically force an adiabatic stationary wave by diverting extratropical eastward winds toward the equator; eastward, upslope flow in that wave lifts warm and moist air to produce convective rainfall. Land surface heat fluxes do precondition the atmosphere for convection, particularly in summer afternoons, but even if amplified are insufficient for producing the observed rainfall maximum. These results, together with dynamical structures in observations and models, indicate that the core monsoon should be understood as convectively enhanced orographic rainfall in a mechanically forced stationary wave, not as a classic, thermally forced tropical monsoon. This has implications for the response of the North American monsoon to past and future global climate change, making trends in jet stream interactions with orography of central importance.
Long-term air pollution exposure and incident dementia in American elderly population: a national cohort study (2000-2018)
Authors: Shi Liuhua , Steenland Kyle , Li Haomin , Liu Pengfei , Zhang Yuhan , Lyles Robert , Requia Weeberb , Ilango Sindana , Chang Howard , Wingo Thomas , Weber Rodney , Schwartz Joel
Published: May 2021

Epidemiological evidence suggests air pollution exposure may increase risk of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias (ADRD). However, previous U.S. studies have predominantly focused on hospitalizations, which fails to fully capture ADRD. Here we constructed two national population-based cohorts of those aged 65 and above from the Medicare Chronic Conditions Warehouse (2000-2018), including doctor visits, to investigate the impact of long-term exposure to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), and ozone (O3) on dementia and AD incidence, respectively. We identified ~2.0 million incident dementia cases (N=12,233,371; dementia cohort) and ~0.8 million incident AD cases (N=12,456,447; AD cohort). Per interquartile range (IQR) increase in the 5-year average PM2.5 (3.2 µg/m3), NO2 (11.6 ppb), and warm-season O3 (5.3 ppb) over the past 5 years prior to diagnosis, the hazard ratios (HRs) were 1.060 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.054, 1.066), 1.019 (95% CI: 1.012, 1.026), and 0.990 (95% CI: 0.987, 0.993) for incident dementias, and 1.078 (95% CI: 1.070, 1.086), 1.031 (95% CI: 1.023, 1.039), and 0.982 (95%CI: 0.977, 0.986) for incident AD, respectively, for the three pollutants. For both outcomes there was strong evidence of linearity in concentration-response relationships for PM2.5 and NO2, suggesting the lack of a clear safe threshold for these health-harmful pollutants. Our study suggests that exposures to PM2.5 and NO2, but not O3, may increase the incidence of dementia and AD. Improving air quality may reduce the burden of ADRD and promote healthy aging.
Hyperimmunized Chickens Produce Neutralizing Antibodies Against SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Aston Emily J. , Mochly-Rosen Daria , Narayanan Aarthi , Egaña-Labrin Sofia , Wallach Michael G. , Gallardo Rodrigo A.
Published: May 2021

The novel severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, is responsible for the global COVID-19 pandemic. Effective interventions are urgently needed to mitigate the effects of COVID-19 and likely require multiple strategies. Egg-extracted antibody therapies are a low-cost and scalable strategy to protect at-risk individuals from SARS-CoV-2 infection. Commercial laying hens were hyperimmunized against the SARS-CoV-2 S1 protein using three different S1 recombinant proteins and three different doses. Sera and egg yolk were collected at three and six weeks after the second immunization for enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and plaque reduction neutralization assay to determine antigen-specific antibody titers and neutralizing antibody titers, respectively. In this study we demonstrate that hens hyperimmunized against the SARS-CoV-2 recombinant S1 and receptor binding domain (RBD) proteins produced neutralizing antibodies against SARS-CoV-2. We further demonstrate that antibody production was dependent on the dose and type of antigen administered. Our data suggest that antibodies purified from the egg yolk of hyperimmunized hens can be used as immunoprophylaxis in humans at risk of exposure to SARS-CoV-2.
Receipt and Sharing of Information to Improve Knowledge About Living Donor Kidney Transplant Among Individuals With Advanced CKD
Authors: Mohottige Dinushika , Davenport Clemontina , Lee Hui-Jie , Ephraim Patti , DePasquale Nicole , Cabacungan Ashley , Barrett Tyler , McElroy Lisa , Pendergrast Jane , Diamantidis Clarissa J. , Boulware L. Ebony
Published: May 2021

Background: Knowledge about living donor kidney transplant (LDKT) is associated with greater LDKT access. Yet, little is known about factors associated with high LDKT knowledge.Methods: As part of a clinical trial, we conducted a cross-sectional analysis of data obtained from individuals seen in nephrology clinics who were deemed candidates for pre-emptive LDKT. We assessed participants’ LDKT knowledge [10-point scale based on correct answers to questions about prognosis, donation, and financial aspects of LDKT; (high knowledge ≥8)], self-reported receipt of information about LDKT from various health professionals, and self-reported history of having shared information about LDKT with family members or friends. In multivariable logistic regression models adjusting for participants’ age, race, and total household income, we quantified the association of participants’ high LDKT knowledge with their receipt of LDKT information from health professionals and their sharing of LDKT information with family/friends. Results: Among 130 participants, the median (IQR) age was 59.5 (52.0-65.0) years, 60% were female, 47.7% were Black or African American, and 49.2% had a high school education or less. Participants had seen their nephrologists for a median (IQR) of 2.0 (1.0-4.0) years. Over half (55.4%) had high LDKT knowledge. Nearly one third reported having received LDKT information (33.1%) or sharing LDKT information with family/friends (28.5%). After adjustment, those who received (versus did not receive information) and shared information with family/friends had 3-fold higher odds of high LDKT knowledge (3.05 [1.24, 8.08]). Individuals who received LDKT information (versus did not receive information) from health professionals had 4-fold higher odds of high LDKT knowledge (adjusted OR [95% CI]: 4.01 [1.49, 12.18]. Conclusions: Both the receipt of LDKT information from health professionals and sharing of LDKT information with family members/friends were associated with high LDKT knowledge. Improved provision of LDKT information to patients with advanced CKD and encouragement to share information with family members or friends could aid efforts to improve LDKT rates.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00932334.
Pedicled Latissimus Dorsi Myocutaneous Flap Transthoracic Transposition for Repairing Neck and Shoulder Soft Tissue Defect Combined with Infection
Authors: Abula Abulaiti , Liu Yanshi , Cai Feiyu , Liu Kai , Ren Peng , Abulaiti Alimujiang , Maimaiti Xiayimaierdan , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: May 2021

Background: To explore the clinical application and selection of latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap in repairing neck and shoulder soft tissue defect combined with infection. Methods: From July 2017 to December 2019, 11 patients with neck and shoulder soft tissue defect combined with infection in our hospital were repaired by the pedicled latissimus dorsi myocutaneous flap (PLDMF) according to the shape and size of the soft tissue defects, including 9 males and 2 females, with an average age of 40.2±12.6 years. The average defect area after debridement of infected and necrotic tissue was (7.0±1.3) cm × (4.8±1.2) cm, and the average area of the flaps was (34.4±3.8) cm × (6.0±1.0) cm. The donor site was sutured directly. Results: Seven cases of skin flaps healed by the first intention, while 4 cases developed infections at the distal ends of the skin flaps after surgery, which all survived after anti-infection treatment and repeated dressing changes for infection control, and the donor and recipient sites of the flaps healed well. Followed up for an average of 17.3±3.8 months with good flap blood supply and limb function, there was no recurrence of infection. Conclusions: PLDMF is an idea for repairing neck and shoulder soft tissue defect combined with infection, with high survival rate, low postoperative infection recurrence rate, and good functional repair ability, leading to good clinical application value. However, surgical indications should be strictly carried out due to the inferior aesthetic of flaps.
What Caused Dire Clusters ? ~Analysis of Nosocomial COVID-19 Outbreaks in Kyoto City, Japan From the 1st Wave Through 3rd Wave in 2020/21
Authors: Nagao Miki , Ikeda Takeshi , Matsumura Yasufumi , Yamamoto Masaki , Noguchi Taro , Yukawa Satomi
Published: May 2021

Fifteen COVID-19 nosocomial clusters occurred in the first year of the pandemic in Kyoto City, involving 232 in-hospital patients and 157 healthcare workers (HCWs). Among them, 40 percent of index cases were HCWs. The in-hospital mortality rate among patients was 18.1%, whereas the mortality rate in the Kyoto City area during the study period was 1.79%. The time needed to contain outbreaks was shorter in hospitals with full-time infection control personnel assigned.
The Impact of Music Intervention on COVID-19 Patients with Mental Disorders: A Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Peng Sihan , Xie Ziyan , Zhang Xiyu , Xie Chunguang , Kang Jian , Yuan Haipo , Xu Gang , Zhang Xiangeng , Liu Ya
Published: May 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is a major health crisis that is affecting countries across the world. Patients infected with COVID-19 are often associated with mental health disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and sleep disorders. As a non-drug therapy applied in clinics for many years, music intervention is safe, effective, inexpensive, and devoid of side effects. Yet, there is a distinct lack of evidence to support the use of this technique. In this study, we aim to collect and evaluate the clinical evidence, in order to provide a basis for the efficacy and safety of music intervention in the treatment of COVID-19 patients with mental disorders.Methods: We plan to search a range of electronic databases from inception to the May 2021, including PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, and Chinese Science and Technology Periodical Database (VIP). All randomized controlled trials featuring music intervention to treat mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, or sleep disorders, for patients with COVID-19, will be included. The primary outcomes will be quantitative scores for anxiety, depression, and sleep disorder. The secondary outcomes will be quality of life and the safety profile of music intervention, including adverse events. Two reviewers will carry out the selection of studies, data extraction independently. The Cochrane risk of bias tool will be used to evaluate the risk of bias for the studies. We will use Review Manager V.5.3 software for data analysis. Subgroup analyses and sensitivity analyses are planned to assess the heterogeneity and reliability.Discussion: This is an up-to-date systematic review and meta-analysis of the efficacy and safety of music intervention on mental disorders (anxiety, depression, or sleep disorder) in COVID-19 patients, in order to provide clinicians, researchers, and policy makers, with powerful reference guidelines to facilitate treatment and improve the quality of life in COVID-19 patients with mental disorders.Systematic review registration: OSF 10.17605/OSF.IO/9RCX5
Changes in Child Undernutrition and Overweight in India from 2006 to 2019: An Analysis of 22 States
Authors: Varghese Jithin Sam , Gupta Aashish , Mehta Rukshan , Stein Aryeh D. , Patel Shivani A.
Published: May 2021

Objectives: India has historically displayed high levels of child stunting and low levels of child overweight. Using newly released data, we evaluated changes in priority indicators of child growth from 2006 to 2019 and examined the role of human development measures in these changes. Methods: We estimated cumulative and annualized changes in state- and district-level child growth indicators using three rounds of National Family Health Surveys (2005-06, 2015-16, 2019-20) in 22 states. Outcomes included stunting, underweight, wasting, and overweight. Human development was measured using a principal components analysis of nine survey-based items. We contrasted expected versus observed changes in district-level growth indicators between 2015 and 2019 based on changes in development measures using two-way Blinder Oaxaca decomposition. Results: From 2006 to 2019, the prevalence of stunting and underweight decreased by 10.9 percentage points (pp) and 7.1 pp, respectively, while the prevalence of wasting and overweight increased by 2.8 pp and 2.2 pp, respectively. Annualized rates of change for stunting, wasting, and underweight were lower from 2015 to 2020 compared with the 2006 to 2015 period, while rates of change in overweight were higher. Simultaneously, all nine human development indicators improved between 2006 and 2020. A unit increase between 2015 and 2020 in the human development score predicted a -4.7 pp (95% CI: - 5.7, -3.6) change in stunting, yet stunting declined by just -0.3 pp. Conclusions: Population-level reductions in child undernutrition have stalled and the rise in child overweight has accelerated between 2015 and 2020 relative to the 10 years preceding this period.
suPAR Cut-offs for Stratification of Low, Medium, and High-risk Acute Medical Patients in the Emergency Department
Authors: Seppälä Santeri , Andersen Andreas Peter , Nyyssönen Kristiina , Eugen-Olsen Jesper , Hyppölä Harri
Published: May 2021

Background: Soluble urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (suPAR) levels have previously been associated with readmission and mortality in acute medical patients in the ED. However, no specific cut-offs for suPAR has been tested in this population. Methods: Prospective observational study of acute medical patients. Follow-up of mortality and readmission was carried out for 30- and 90 days stratified into baseline suPAR < 4, 4-6 and > 6 ng/ml. suPAR levels were measured using suPARnostic® Turbilatex assay on a Cobas c501 (Roche Diagnostics Ltd) analyser. Results: A total of 1747 acute medical patients in the ED were included. Median age was 70 (IQR: 57-79) and 51.4% were men. Cox regression analysis showed that suPAR, independently of age, sex and C-reactive protein levels, predicted 30- and 90-day mortality (both p<0.001). Among patients with suPAR below 4 ng/ml (N=804, 46.0%), 8 (1.0%) died within 90-day follow-up, resulting in a negative predictive value of 99.0% and a sensitivity of 94.6%. Altogether 514 (29.4%) patients had suPAR4-6 ng/ml, of whom 43 (8.4%) died during 90-day follow-up. Among patients with suPAR above 6 ng/ml (N=429, 24.6%), 87 patients (20.3%) died within 90-day follow-up, resulting in a positive predictive value of 20.1% and a specificity of 78.7%. Conclusions: suPAR cut-offs of below 4, between 4-6 and above 6 ng/ml can identify acute medical patients who have low, medium or high risk of 30- and 90-day mortality. The turbidimetric assay provides fast suPAR results that may aid in the decision of discharge or admission of acute medical patients.
Early Development of The Trunk Neural Crest Cells in the Egyptian Cobra Naja H. Haje
Authors: Khannoon Eraqi R. , Alvarado Christian , de Bellard Maria Elena Elena
Published: May 2021

Background: Trunk neural crest cells (TNCC) are representing a model for epithelial to mesenchymal transition, this correlates the importance of studying the migration of these cells to cancer metastasis. Reptiles are unique group of animals being very morphologically diverse and their close position to synapsid leading to mammals. Recently, more publications focused on the migratory behavior of trunk NCC during embryonic development of squamates. Only one colubrid snake has been studied so far regarding the NCC migration. Results: Here we follow the migratory behavior of TNCC with HNK1 in the elapid snake Naja h. haje from early stage to 14 days postoviposition. Comparing the colubrid snake with the Egyptian cobra showed that both snakes overall follow the same TNCC migratory pathways of both birds and mammals by following the rostral and avoiding the caudal portions of the somites. Conclusions: First, TNCC intra-somitic migration as observed in turtles supports a contributing role for TNCC to scale precursors. Second, our observation of significant numbers of migrating TNCC in the intersomitic pathway suggest interesting evolutionary differences. Together, our present results of the Egyptian cobra in combination with those on a colubrid and turtle supports intersomitic TNCC as a unique reptile phenomena.