bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Electroencephalographic Abnormalities are Common inCOVID‐19 and are Associated with Outcomes
Authors: Lin Lu , Al‐Faraj Abrar , Ayub Neishay , Bravo Pablo , Das Sudeshna , Ferlini Lorenzo , Karakis Ioannis , Lee Jong Woo , Mukerji Shibani S. , Newey Christopher R. , Pathmanathan Jay , Abdennadher Myriam , Casassa Charles , Gaspard Nicolas , Goldenholz Daniel M. , Gilmore Emily J. , Jing Jin , Kim Jennifer A. , Kimchi Eyal Y. , Ladha Harshad S. , Tobochnik Steven , Zafar Sahar , Hirsch Lawrence J. , Westover M. Brandon , Shafi Mouhsin M.
Published: March 2021

Objective

The aim was to determine the prevalence and risk factors for electrographic seizures and other electroencephalographic (EEG) patterns in patients with Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) undergoing clinically indicated continuous electroencephalogram (cEEG) monitoring and to assess whether EEG findings are associated with outcomes.

Methods

We identified 197 patients with COVID‐19 referred for cEEG at 9 participating centers. Medical records and EEG reports were reviewed retrospectively to determine the incidence of and clinical risk factors for seizures and other epileptiform patterns. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis assessed the relationship between EEG patterns and clinical outcomes.

Results

Electrographic seizures were detected in 19 (9.6%) patients, including nonconvulsive status epilepticus (NCSE) in 11 (5.6%). Epileptiform abnormalities (either ictal or interictal) were present in 96 (48.7%). Preceding clinical seizures during hospitalization were associated with both electrographic seizures (36.4% in those with vs 8.1% in those without prior clinical seizures, odds ratio [OR] 6.51,p= 0.01) and NCSE (27.3% vs 4.3%, OR 8.34,p= 0.01). A pre‐existing intracranial lesion on neuroimaging was associated with NCSE (14.3% vs 3.7%; OR 4.33,p= 0.02). In multivariate analysis of outcomes, electrographic seizures were an independent predictor of in‐hospital mortality (hazard ratio [HR] 4.07 [1.44–11.51],p < 0.01). In competing risks analysis, hospital length of stay increased in the presence of NCSE (30 day proportion discharged with vs without NCSE: HR 0.21 [0.03–0.33] vs 0.43 [0.36–0.49]).

Interpretation

This multicenter retrospective cohort study demonstrates that seizures and other epileptiform abnormalities are common in patients with COVID‐19 undergoing clinically indicated cEEG and are associated with adverse clinical outcomes. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:872–883
Genetic Variation in WNT9B Increases Relapse Hazard in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Vandebergh Marijne , Andlauer Till F. M. , Zhou Yuan , Mallants Klara , Held Friederike , Aly Lilian , Taylor Bruce V. , Hemmer Bernhard , Dubois Bénédicte , Goris An
Published: March 2021

Objective

Many multiple sclerosis (MS) genetic susceptibility variants have been identified, but understanding disease heterogeneity remains a key challenge. Relapses are a core feature of MS and a common primary outcome of clinical trials, with prevention of relapses benefiting patients immediately and potentially limiting long‐term disability accrual. We aim to identify genetic variation associated with relapse hazard in MS by analyzing the largest study population to date.

Methods

We performed a genomewide association study (GWAS) in a discovery cohort and investigated the genomewide significant variants in a replication cohort. Combining both cohorts, we captured a total of 2,231 relapses occurring before the start of any immunomodulatory treatment in 991 patients. For assessing time to relapse, we applied a survival analysis utilizing Cox proportional hazards models. We also investigated the association between MS genetic risk scores and relapse hazard and performed a gene ontology pathway analysis.

Results

The low‐frequency genetic variant rs11871306 within WNT9B reached genomewide significance in predicting relapse hazard and replicated (meta‐analysis hazard ratio (HR) = 2.15, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.70–2.78, p = 2.07 × 10−10). A pathway analysis identified an association of the pathway “response to vitamin D” with relapse hazard (p = 4.33 × 10−6). The MS genetic risk scores, however, were not associated with relapse hazard.

Interpretation

Genetic factors underlying disease heterogeneity differ from variants associated with MS susceptibility. Our findings imply that genetic variation within the Wnt signaling and vitamin D pathways contributes to differences in relapse occurrence. The present study highlights these cross‐talking pathways as potential modulators of MS disease activity. ANN NEUROL 2021;89:884–894
Distribution and Evolution of Quantum Coherence for Open Multi‐Qubit Systems in Non‐Inertial Frames
Authors: Zeng Hao‐Sheng , Cao Hui‐Min
Published: March 2021

The distribution and evolution of quantum coherence for multi‐qubit W and GHz states of Dirac fields in the non‐inertial frames and under the action of local environments is studied. It is found that the N‐qubit W state has all orders of coherence (from bipartite to N‐partite subsystems), and the coherence of the whole system is equal to the sum of all the bipartite coherences in the whole time evolution. However, the evolved N‐qubit GHz state has its coherence belonged only to the whole system and no coherence resides in any subsystems. Further, it is found that the expressions of coherence for both W and GHz states are covariant with respect to the transformation of decaying rates.
Fatal postoperative intracranial hypotension‐associated venous congestion after elective laminectomy
Authors: Schopmeyer L. , Sindhunata P. B. , Drogt‐Bilaseschi I. , Lubbers D. D.
Published: March 2021

Postoperative intracranial hypotension‐associated venous congestion is a rare complication that features radiologic characteristics suggestive of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy without systemic hypoxia or hypotension actually occurring. This makes the condition prone to being misidentified as a complication of anaesthesia. In this case, a patient undergoing emergency haematoma evacuation after a previous lumbar laminectomy lost cerebrospinal fluid rapidly and accidentally via a wound drain. She subsequently developed postoperative seizures and eventually died some days later having never regained consciousness. A magnetic resonance imaging scan acquired after the event showed signs initially thought to be indicative of hypoxic ischaemic encephalopathy but was later identified to be postoperative intracranial hypotension‐associated venous congestion due to temporary obstruction of the great cerebral vein, resulting in local rather than systemic hypoxia. Anaesthetists should be aware of this rare condition and be familiar with its pathophysiology and presentation.
Torrefied agro‐industrial residue as filler in natural rubber compounds
Authors: Torres Lennard F. , McCaffrey Zach , Washington Wisdom , Williams Tina G. , Wood Delilah F. , Orts William J. , McMahan Colleen M.
Published: March 2021

This study explored the feasibility of using torrefied biomass as a reinforcing filler in natural rubber compounds. Carbon black was then replaced with the torrefied biomass in elastomer formulations for concentrations varying from 0% to 100% (60 parts per hundred rubber or phr total). Their influence on the curing process, dynamic properties, and mechanical properties was investigated. Results were compared with the properties of vulcanizates containing solely carbon black fillers. Time to cure (t90) for compounds with torrefied biomass fillers increased, while filler‐filler interactions (ΔG') decreased, compared to carbon black controls. At low strains, the tan δ values of the torrefied fillers vulcanizates were similar to the controls. Incorporation of torrefied biomass into natural rubber decreased compound tensile strength and modulus but increased elongation. Replacement with torrefied fillers resulted in a weaker filler network in the matrix. Still, results showed that moderate substitution concentrations (~20 phr) could be feasible for some natural rubber applications.
Microcellular foaming of poly(lactic acid) branched with food‐grade chain extenders
Authors: Venkatesan Krishnaa B. , Karkhanis Sonal S. , Matuana Laurent M.
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated the effectiveness and efficiency of two food‐grade multifunctional epoxies chain extenders (CE) in branching PLA and improving its foamability. Both CE grades were effective in branching PLA causing increased end mixing torque, shear, elongational viscosities, molecular weight but decreased crystallinity of poly(lactic acid) (PLA) with CE content, due to chain entanglements. CE with low epoxy equivalent weight (EEW) was more efficient than the counterpart with high EEW due to its high reactivity. Neat PLA foams showed poor cell morphology with areas without nucleated cells and had a low expansion, owing to its low elongational viscosity. By contrast, there was a considerable change in the morphology of the PLA foam structure caused by its branching. Chain‐extended PLA foams had uniform cell morphology with a high void fraction (up to ~85%) and expansion ratio (an eightfold expansion over unfoamed PLA) due to their high elongational viscosities, suggesting that melt properties of branched PLA were appropriate for optimum cell growth and stabilization during foaming. Overall, CE with low EEW was the most effective grade and 0.25% the optimum content that provided appropriate melt viscosity to produce PLA foams with a homogeneous structure, fine cells, high void fraction, high volume expansion ratio, and cell‐population density.
Hashtags for gatekeeping of information on social media
Authors: Potnis Devendra , Tahamtan Iman
Published: March 2021

Since the inception of gatekeeping research in the 1940s, most studies on gatekeeping have been human‐centric, treating and studying individuals as gatekeepers, who perform their gatekeeping role using a combination of the following mechanisms: forming communities, and/or broadcasting, discovering‐searching, collecting, organizing, or protecting information. However, the nature of communication channels and how information is produced by and shared with users has fundamentally changed in the last 80 years. One significant change is the growing use of technology‐enabled metadata like hashtags when sharing information on social media. Rarely any study investigates whether hashtags can perform gatekeeping of information and what it means for information gatekeeping. This paper fills in the gap by conducting a content analysis of 77 interdisciplinary studies on hashtags and gatekeeping to confirm how they can implement six gatekeeping mechanisms. This study shows that hashtags expand our understanding of the role of technology solutions in gatekeeping and advance research on hierarchical gatekeeping. The benefits of hashtags for gatekeeping suggest that they act as “information anchors” for online communities, thereby highlighting the utility of information gatekeepers for society.
Olefin Recovery by *BEA‐Type Zeolite Membrane: Affinity‐Based Separation with Olefin−Ag+ Interaction
Authors: Sakai Motomu , Tsuzuki Yuto , Fujimaki Naoyuki , Matsukata Masahiko
Published: March 2021

Ag+ was introduced into *BEA‐type zeolite membrane by an ion‐exchange method to enhance olefin selectivity. Ag−*BEA membrane exhibited superior olefin separation performance for both ethylene/ethane and propylene/propane mixtures. Particularly, the separation factor for ethylene at 373 K reached 57 with the ethylene permeance of 1.6×10−7 mol m−2 s−1 Pa−1. Adsorption properties of olefin and paraffin were evaluated to discuss contribution of Ag+ to separation performance enhancement. A strong interaction between olefin and Ag+ in the membrane caused preferential adsorption of olefin against paraffin, leading to selective permeation of olefin. Ag−*BEA membrane also exhibited high olefin selectivities from olefin/N2 mixtures. The affinity‐based separation through Ag−*BEA membrane showed a high potential for olefin recovery and purification from various gas mixtures.
Career development by design, not default: Creating a more efficient and data‐driven process by connecting aptitude‐based learner guidance to post‐secondary pathways, competency‐based credentials, and high‐demand jobs
Authors: Gyll Sean P.
Published: March 2021

This paper details a systematic process that links industry and competency‐based institutions' ability to create a more diverse talent pipeline while connecting learners to high‐demand jobs. To remain competitive, competency‐based institutions must closely align with industry and the government to keep their content up to date and relevant to today's job market. Paramount to this approach will be institutions' ability to assess incoming students' aptitudes before choosing educational pathways for which they may have natural skills but may be unaware of those career options. Case study data from a national leader in aptitude‐based learner guidance will show that when institutions apply a data‐driven approach to developing the workforce, women and ethnic minorities choose paths that match their strengths while socializing them into more non‐traditional roles. A value chain is proposed that aligns industry‐recognized credentials with competency‐based criteria while implementing flexible assessment libraries to validate those skills. With the immense human capital challenge facing our economic recovery, applying a clear and aligned process of recruiting a broad diversity of students is critical for success. The result is a structure of actionable data that learners can use to explore career options and review personalized matches while providing competency‐based institutions actionable data to recruit, advise, and plan for secondary pathways, college programs, internships, and careers.
Pivoting to online learning—The future of learning and work
Authors: Camacho Danielle J. , Legare Jill M.
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this article is to contribute to the emergent body of research that addresses the changing landscape of education transitioning from brick and mortar to online/remote learning. A review of related literature for this paper includes an early perspective of online education, emergent trends, methods used to support educators and learners and a summary of best practices and opportunities for educators. Transitioning courses from on‐ground to online education requires a student‐centered approach, a clear understanding of the objectives, and a plan to address each of the learning goals. Remote learning does not equate to a less rigorous learning experience, instead the online delivery will provide opportunities for synchronous and asynchronous interactions, and will require students to complete assignments and projects to demonstrate comprehension and mastery of the subject matter. Educators, administrators, institutional leaders may find insights into the merits of employing best practices in online education.
Transitions: Supporting youth and young adult health and wellness
Authors: Coutinho Maria Teresa
Published: March 2021

Adolescence is an important period to begin the process of transition into the adult health care system for youth with and without special health care needs. This health care transition process — moving a child to an adult health care delivery model — aims at ensuring continuity of care and positive health outcomes for young adults. It does not have to involve changing to a new provider, although sometimes that is necessary. However, for most adolescents in the United States, this process is fraught with difficulty and does not always take place in a manner that supports good health.
Keep your eye on…
Authors: Knopf Alison
Published: March 2021

Intervention services state by state

CNS imaging abnormalities in children with acute COVID‐19
Influence of premilling thermal treatments of yellow peas, navy beans, and fava beans on the flavor and end‐product quality of tortillas and pitas
Authors: Frohlich Peter , Young Gina , Borsuk Yulia , Sigvaldson Michelle , Bourré Lindsay , Sopiwnyk Elaine
Published: March 2021

Background and Objectives

Thermally pretreating pulses prior to milling has been successful in improving sensory properties of foods formulated with them. This research investigated the effect of pretreating yellow peas, navy beans, and fava beans using roasting and micronization and examined flour quality, end‐product quality, and sensory properties when the flours were used in tortilla and pita bread.

Findings

Tortillas and pitas made from flours of roasted pulses were generally darker in color. Micronizing was more successful at reducing bitter flavors in tortillas and bitter and beany flavors in pitas and had a greater impact on purchase intent scores.

Conclusions

Minimal effects on flour and end‐product quality were observed. Beany and bitter flavors in tortillas and pitas decreased when yellow peas and navy beans were thermally pretreated prior to milling. Flours milled from micronized navy beans and yellow peas resulted in higher purchase intent scores for tortillas and pitas, respectively.

Significance and Novelty

Thermal pretreatments had minimal effects on pulse flour quality and improved some sensory properties of the resulting tortillas and pitas. Identifying thermal pretreatments that can improve the sensory properties provides a greater opportunity for the use of pulse flours.
Understanding Electric Field‐Dependent Structure Variation of Functional Ionic Liquids at the Electrode Interface
Authors: Qin Jingyu , Wang Mi , Wang Yanlei , Wang Chenlu , Lu Yumiao , Huo Feng , He Hongyan
Published: March 2021

Understanding the electric field‐dependent structure variation of ionic liquids (ILs) near electrodes is crucial to the rational design of ILs‐based electrochemical applications. In the present work, the number density and ionic orientation show that anions in imidazole ILs accumulate first and then are pulled out while that in sulfonic imidazole ILs changes little as the electric field strengthens. Meanwhile, the evolution of layered structure of cation and anion leads to a stronger interfacial polarization compared to that in the bulk for various ILs. Moreover, the elongation and sulfonic modification of the side chain can further respectively strengthen and weaken the interfacial polarization. These quantitative relations among structure change, side‐chain length, sulfonic group, and the electric field can provide practical guidelines in the ionic liquid design and management of the related electrochemical processes.
NOx out of diesel engines – the necessity of thermodynamic considerations
Authors: Fleischer Holger , Greiner Gerhard , Horlacher Bernhard , Maier Heike , Öttinger Markus
Published: March 2021

In diesem Artikel wird die Abgasproblematik im Dieselmotor dargestellt, wobei besonders auf die thermodynamischen Aspekte eingegangen wird. Da die Emission von Stickstoffoxiden vermieden werden soll, werden Verfahren beschrieben, um die Emission von NO und NO2 zu minimieren. Dabei sollen gleichzeitig die Vorteile der Dieselmotoren im Hinblick auf minimalen Verbrauch und maximale Leistung erhalten bleiben. Wie die Umsetzung der so gewonnenen Erkenntnisse im Chemieunterricht erfolgen kann, wird am Beispiel einer Unterrichtseinheit erläutert: Dabei wird zunächst anhand der verschiedenen Oxidationsstufen (Oxidationszahlen) der Stickstoffatome in Stickstoffoxiden verdeutlicht, in welcher Richtung die Redoxprozesse bei Oxidation oder Reduktion erfolgen. Anschließend werden Versuche besprochen, die im Microscale‐Maßstab konzipiert sind. Sie können als Schülerversuche durchgeführt oder im Unterricht im Klassenzimmer zur Projektion verwendet werden.
Clinical outcomes of left bundle branch pacing compared to right ventricular apical pacing in patients with atrioventricular block
Authors: Zhang Shigeng , Guo Junfang , Tao Aibin , Zhang Baowei , Bao Zhonghua , Zhang Guohui
Published: March 2021

Background

Left bundle branch pacing (LBBP) can produce near normalization of QRS duration. This has recently emerged as alternative technique to right ventricular pacing and His bundle pacing.

Hypothesis

The purpose of this study is to evaluate clinical outcomes of LBBP compared to right ventricular apical pacing (RVAP).

Methods

A total of 70 AVB patients with indications for ventricular pacing were retrospectively studied. LBBP was attempted in 33 patients, classified as LBBP group. The other patients were classified as RVAP group. Pacing parameters, electrocardiogram and echocardiogram characteristics, heart failure hospitalization (HFH), and atrial fibrillation (AF) were evaluated perioperatively and at follow‐ups. Patients were followed in the device clinic for a minimum of 12 months and up to 24 months at a 3–6 monthly interval.

Results

LBBP was successful in 29 of 33(87.9%) patients while all 37 of the remaining patients successfully underwent RVAP. Paced QRS duration was significantly narrower in the LBBP group compare to RVAP(110.75 ± 6.77 ms vs. 154.29 ± 6.96 ms, p = .000) at implantation, and the difference persisted during follow‐ups. Pacing thresholds (at implantation: 0.68 ± 0.22 V in the LBBP group and 0.73 ± 0.23 V in the RVAP group, p = .620) remained low and stable during follow‐ups. The cardiac function in the LBBP group remained stable during follow‐ups (LVEF%:55.08 ± 4.32 pre‐operation and 54.17 ± 4.34 at the end of follow‐up, p = .609), and better than RVAP group (LVEF%: 54.17 ± 4.34 vs. 50.14 ± 2.14, p = .005). Less HFH was observed in the LBBP group (2/29,6.89%) compared to RVAP group (10/37,27.03%).

Conclusions

The present investigation demonstrates the safety and feasibility of LBBP that produces narrower paced QRS duration than RVAP. LBBP is associated with reduction in the occurrence of pacing‐induced left ventricular dysfunction and HFH compared to RVAP in patients requiring permanent pacemakers.
Effects of clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor on prevention of stent thrombosis in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention: A network meta‐analysis
Authors: Chen Wenwen , Zhang Chen , Zhao Jian , Xu Xiuxiu , Dang Heqin , Xiao Qiang , Li Yuanmin , Hou Haifeng
Published: March 2021

Background

Clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor, acting on platelet P2Y12 receptor, are commonly used for prevention of stent thrombosis (ST) among patients who underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). This study aimed to compare the effects of these drugs by a systematic review and network meta‐analysis.

Hypothesis

Efficacies of clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor on preventing ST are not the same.

Methods

PubMed, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) that investigated the effect of clopidogrel, prasugrel, or ticagrelor on prevention of ST in patients who underwent PCI. The efficacies between groups were compared by a Bayesian network meta‐analysis, by which the pooled odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) was calculated.

Results

Fourteen studies and 46 983 participants were included in this study. The pooled results illustrated that clopidogrel, prasugrel and ticagrelor were effective on prevention of ST. Patients treated with prasugrel (OR = 0.30, 95% CI = 0.052 ~ 0.73, P < 0.05) and ticagrelor (OR = 0.25, 95% CI = 0.035 ~ 0.65, P < 0.05) had lower incidence of ST compared to those treated with clopidogrel. Patients treated with ticagrelor showed similar frequency with those in prasugrel group (OR = 0.86, 95% CI = 0.22 ~ 2.3, P > 0.05). No significant heterogeneity was observed across included studies.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that prasugrel and ticagrelor are more effective than clopidogrel on prevention of ST among patients underwent PCI. Simultaneously, there is no significant difference in the prevention of ST between prasugrel and ticagrelor.
A low‐power native NMOS‐based bandgap reference operating from −55°C to 125°C with Li‐Ion battery compatibility
Authors: Caselli Michele , van Liempd Chris , Boni Andrea , Stanzione Stefano
Published: March 2021

The paper describes the implementation of a bandgap reference based on native‐MOSFET transistors for low‐power sensor node applications. The circuit can operate from −55°C to 125°C and with a supply voltage ranging from 1.5 to 4.2 V. Therefore, it is compatible with the temperature range of automotive and military‐aerospace applications, and for direct Li‐Ion battery attach. Moreover, the circuit can operate without any dedicated start‐up circuit, thanks to its inherent single operating point. A mathematical model of the reference circuit is presented, allowing simple portability across technology nodes, with current consumption and silicon area as design parameters. Implemented in a 55‐nm CMOS technology, the voltage reference achieves a measured average (maximum) temperature coefficient of 28 ppm/°C (43 ppm/°C) and a measured sample‐to‐sample variation within 57 mV, with a current consumption of 420 nA at 27°C.
Single cell capture, isolation, and long‐term in‐situ imaging using quantitative self‐interference spectroscopy
Authors: Fu Rongxin , Su Ya , Wang Ruliang , Lin Xue , Jin Xiangyu , Yang Han , Du Wenli , Shan Xiaohui , Lv Wenqi , Huang Guoliang
Published: March 2021

Single cell research with microfluidic chip is of vital importance in biomedical studies and clinical medicine. Simultaneous microfluidic cell manipulations and long‐term cell monitoring needs further investigations due to the lack of label‐free quantitative imaging techniques and systems. In this work, single cell capture, isolation and long‐term in‐situ monitoring was realized with a microfluidic cell chip, compact cell incubator and quantitative self‐interference spectroscopy. The proposed imaging method could obtain quantitative and dynamic refractive index distribution in living cells. And the designed microfluidic chip could capture and isolate single cells. The customized incubator could support cell growth conditions when single cell was captured in microfluidic chip. According to the results, single cells could be trapped, transferred and pushed into the culture chamber with the microfluidic chip. The incubator could culture single cells in the chip for 120 h. The refractive index sensitivity of the proposed quantitative imaging method was 0.0282 and the relative error was merely 0.04%.
How citizen science could improve species distribution models and their independent assessment
Authors: Matutini Florence , Baudry Jacques , Pain Guillaume , Sineau Morgane , Pithon Joséphine
Published: March 2021

Species distribution models (SDM) have been increasingly developed in recent years, but their validity is questioned. Their assessment can be improved by the use of independent data, but this can be difficult to obtain and prohibitive to collect. Standardized data from citizen science may be used to establish external evaluation datasets and to improve SDM validation and applicability.

We used opportunistic presence‐only data along with presence–absence data from a standardized citizen science program to establish and assess habitat suitability maps for 9 species of amphibian in western France. We assessed Generalized Additive and Random Forest Models’ performance by (1) cross‐validation using 30% of the opportunistic dataset used to calibrate the model or (2) external validation using different independent datasets derived from citizen science monitoring. We tested the effects of applying different combinations of filters to the citizen data and of complementing it with additional standardized fieldwork.

Cross‐validation with an internal evaluation dataset resulted in higher AUC (Area Under the receiver operating Curve) than external evaluation causing overestimation of model accuracy and did not select the same models; models integrating sampling effort performed better with external validation. AUC, specificity, and sensitivity of models calculated with different filtered external datasets differed for some species. However, for most species, complementary fieldwork was not necessary to obtain coherent results, as long as the citizen science data were strongly filtered.

Since external validation methods using independent data are considered more robust, filtering data from citizen sciences may make a valuable contribution to the assessment of SDM. Limited complementary fieldwork with volunteer's participation to complete ecological gradients may also possibly enhance citizen involvement and lead to better use of SDM in decision processes for nature conservation.
Microstructural characteristics of the stony coral genus Acropora useful to coral reef paleoecology and modern conservation
Authors: Zhao Meixia , Zhang Haiyang , Zhong Yu , Xu Xiaofeng , Yan Hongqiang , Li Gang , Yan Wen
Published: March 2021

Identification of fossil corals is often limited due to poor preservation of external skeleton morphology, especially in the genus Acropora which is widespread across the Indo‐Pacific. Based on skeleton characteristics from thin section, we here develop a link between the internal skeleton structure and external morphology. Ten characteristics were summarized to distinguish Acropora and five related genera, including the type and differentiation of corallites, the skeleton nature of corallites (septa, columellae, dissepiments, wall), and calcification centers within septa. Acropora is distinctive for its dimorphic corallites: axial and radial. Isopora is similar to Acropora but possess more than a single axial corallites. Montipora and Astreopora (family Acroporidae) have monomorphic corallites and a synapticular ring wall, with clustered calcification center in the former and medial lines in the latter. Pocillopora and Porties are classified by distinctive dissepiments, columellae and septa. These microstructural skeleton characteristics were effective in the genus identification of fossil corals from drilled cores in the South China Sea. Eighteen detailed characteristics (ten of axial corallites, four of radial corallites, and four of coenosteum) were used in the Acropora species classification. The axial corallites size and structure (including corallite diameter, synapticular rings, and septa), the septa of radial corallites, and the arrangement of coenosteum were critical indicators for species identification. This identification guide can help paleoenvironmental and paleoecological analyses and modern coral reef conservation and restoration.
Lower levels of physical activity are associated with pain progression in older adults, a longitudinal study
Authors: O’Neill Aoife , O’Sullivan Kieran , McCreesh Karen
Published: March 2021

Background

While pain is common in older adults, the association with physical activity remains unclear. Currently, the role physical activity plays in impacting pain developing over time is not well defined.

Methods

Latent transition analysis (LTA) is a model‐based approach to identifying underlying subgroups in a population, longitudinally, based on measured characteristics. In this study, LTA was used to explore the associations between physical activity levels and pain classes of adults aged over 50 years, from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (n = 8,175) across three waves of data collection (4 years).

Results

Using three previously established pain classes (No Pain; Low–Moderate Impact Pain; High Impact Pain), 66% of older adults were classified as having ‘No Pain’ across the three waves. At Wave 1, individuals reporting low (OR = 4.00, 95% CI [3.21, 5.17]) or moderate (OR = 1.59, 95% CI [1.27, 1.99]) levels of physical activity are more likely to be in the High Impact Pain class, than the No Pain class. Longitudinally, individuals in the No Pain class with low or moderate physical activity were more likely to transition to the High Impact Pain class compared to those with higher physical activity scores (from Wave 1 to Wave 2, OR = 1.90, 95% CI [1.15, 3.37]; and from Wave 2 to Wave 3, OR = 2.27, 95% CI [1.40, 4.74]).

Conclusion

Older adults who do not meet minimum physical activity guidelines for moderate intensity exercise are at increased risk of higher impact pain when followed over 4 years.

Significance

Older adults who do not meet minimum physical activity guidelines are at increased risk of transitioning to higher impact pain classes when followed over 4 years.
Teaching Antiracist Citational Politics as a Project of Transformation: Lessons from the Cite Black Women Movement for White Feminist Anthropologists
Authors: Craven Christa
Published: March 2021

The Cite Black Women movement has opened important possibilities for community building around citational politics and praxis. For white feminist anthropologists, reckoning with how whiteness has shaped the canon within feminist anthropology is particularly important. While this necessitates broader challenges to the racist and colonial legacies within anthropology, it is essential to interrogate how whiteness continues to be privileged in the ways feminist anthropology is charted and conveyed to new generations of students. This article centers on the lessons white feminist anthropologists can learn from the Cite Black Women movement for our teaching. I argue that we must commit to building pedagogical communities of antiracist citational politics and praxis—within which we can seek guidance, inspiration, and support for this work, but that also serve as an important site for mutual accountability. Not only does this bolster our individual efforts, but it forces us to move beyond wielding inclusive citation practices as a personal accomplishment deserving of special acknowledgment or accolades.
Comparative investigation of volatile components and bioactive compounds in beers by multivariate analysis
Authors: Ji Xiaoyue
Published: March 2021

The volatile components of nine commercial beers were characterized by headspace‐solid‐phase microextraction (HS‐SPME) coupled with gas chromatography‐mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). Multivariate analysis was conducted to evaluate the similarities and differences between the volatile components and bioactive compounds present in the target beer samples. Thirty‐eight volatile compounds were identified, and their chemical categories were determined. Alcohols and esters were determined to be the predominant volatile components in samples. The differences and classifications of the beer samples were analysed through principal component analysis and cluster analysis. The analysis of the volatile compounds in beer samples revealed that the type and content of the volatiles can influence beer quality and taste. The combination of SPME‐GC‐MS and multivariate statistical analysis proves to be an effective approach for differentiating beer types and for allowing the quality control of beer.
Determination of volatile organic compounds by HS‐GC‐IMS to detect different stages of Aspergillus flavus infection in Xiang Ling walnut
Authors: Wang Shan , Mo Haizhen , Xu Dan , Hu Huiling , Hu Liangbin , Shuai Liang , Li Hongbo
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) for evolution monitoring and early detection of Aspergillus flavus (A. flavus) contamination in walnuts. We successfully applied headspace–gas chromatography–ion mobility spectrometry (HS‐GC‐IMS) to evaluate walnut VOC changes caused by A. flavus contamination. A total of 48 VOCs were identified in walnuts contaminated with A. flavus. After identification of VOCs, a heat map and principal component analysis (PCA) highlighted ethyl acetate‐D, 3‐methyl‐2‐butanol, and cyclohexanone as potential biomarkers specific to A. flavus contamination in walnuts. These results provided valid targets for the development of sensors to evaluate the early mold contamination in stored walnuts.
Visual, hearing, and dual sensory impairment are associated with higher depression and anxiety in women
Authors: Pardhan Shahina , López Sánchez Guillermo F. , Bourne Rupert , Davis Adrian , Leveziel Nicolas , Koyanagi Ai , Smith Lee
Published: March 2021

Objective

We investigated cross‐sectional gender‐specific associations with vision, hearing, and both (dual) impairment with depression and chronic anxiety using a large representative sample of Spanish adults.

Methods

The present study utilized data from the Spanish National Health Survey 2017. A total of 23,089 adults (15–103 years, 45.9% men) participated in this survey. Participants self‐reported whether they had suffered depression and/or anxiety, and also whether they experience vision, hearing and both vision/hearing (dual) impairment. Multivariable logistic regression analyses were conducted to assess the associations between the three types of sensory impairment and anxiety or depression, in men and women.

Results

Across the whole sample (n = 23,089) the prevalence of depression and anxiety was between 2.00 and 2.56 times higher in women compared to men. Dual sensory impairment (hearing and vision) was associated with higher levels of depression (odds ratio [OR] = 2.980, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.170–4.091) and anxiety (OR = 2.636, 95% CI: 1.902–3.653) compared to single sensory impairment. Stratified associations by gender showed higher odd ratios for women with dual sensory loss (3.488 for depression and 3.478 for anxiety) compared to men (2.773 for depression and 1.803 for anxiety).

Conclusions

Dual sensory impairment (hearing and seeing) is are associated with increased depression and anxiety. Women with dual sensory impairment showed stronger associations compared to men among adults in Spain. Interventions are needed to address vision and/or hearing impairment in order to reduce anxiety and depression especially in women.
Gray matter structures associated with neuroticism: A meta‐analysis of whole‐brain voxel‐based morphometry studies
Authors: Liu Xiqin , Lai Han , Li Jingguang , Becker Benjamin , Zhao Yajun , Cheng Bochao , Wang Song
Published: March 2021

Neuroticism is major higher‐order personality trait and has been robustly associated with mental and physical health outcomes. Although a growing body of studies have identified neurostructural markers of neuroticism, the results remained highly inconsistent. To characterize robust associations between neuroticism and variations in gray matter (GM) structures, the present meta‐analysis investigated the concurrence across voxel‐based morphometry (VBM) studies using the anisotropic effect size signed differential mapping (AES‐SDM). A total of 13 studies comprising 2,278 healthy subjects (1,275 females, 29.20 ± 14.17 years old) were included. Our analysis revealed that neuroticism was consistently associated with the GM structure of a cluster spanning the bilateral dorsal anterior cingulate cortex and extending to the adjacent medial prefrontal cortex (dACC/mPFC). Meta‐regression analyses indicated that the neuroticism‐GM associations were not confounded by age and gender. Overall, our study is the first whole‐brain meta‐analysis exploring the brain structural correlates of neuroticism, and the findings may have implications for the intervention of high‐neuroticism individuals, who are at risk of mental disorders, by targeting the dACC/mPFC.
Diagnostic use of fine‐needle aspiration cytology and core‐needle biopsy in head and neck sarcomas
Authors: Sheppard Sean C. , Borner Urs , Wartenberg Martin , Giger Roland , Nisa Lluís
Published: March 2021

The diagnostic role of fine‐needle aspiration cytology (FNAC) and core‐needle biopsy (CNB) has not been comprehensively assessed in head and neck sarcomas. A systematic review of published cases (1990–2020) was conducted. Diagnostic performance of both FNAC/CNB to determine tumor dignity and histopathological diagnosis was calculated. One hundred and sixty‐eight cases were included for which FNAC (n = 156), CNB (n = 8), or both (n = 4) were used. Predominant histologies were skeletal muscle, chondrogenic and vascular sarcomas. FNAC correctly assessed dignity in 76.3% and histology in 45% of cases. Dignity was significantly better for vascular tumors, metastatic and recurrent specimens, and worse for chondrogenic sarcomas. CNB showed a 92% accuracy to identify dignity and 83% for histopathology. FNAC and CNB are useful methods for the diagnosis of head and neck sarcomas, particularly well‐suited in the context of recurrent or metastatic disease. The role of CNB remains largely unexplored for this indication.
Support for global health and pandemic preparedness in medical education in Germany: Students as change agents
Authors: Kreitlow Annika , Steffens Sandra , Jablonka Alexandra , Kuhlmann Ellen
Published: March 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has reinforced Germany's role as global health player, but the education system is lagging behind and does not adequately prepare health professionals for the new challenges. This study aims to strengthen global health in undergraduate medical education in Germany. Major objectives include: to review the current situation, explore changing demand for global health and introduce innovative teaching models and the drivers for change. Mixed methods and an explorative approach were applied, comprising a scoping review, online surveys carried out at Hanover Medical School, March/April 2020. Target groups were undergraduate medical students (n = 384) and additionally lecturers (n = 172), and finally new multiprofessional teaching courses initiated by students and developed collaboratively. The results reveal only slow pace of change on the level of the education system, while demand for global health education has increased markedly in all actor groups, but strongest in the group of students in the preclinical phase. Implementation of global health programmes illustrates how students can become change agents and enhance institutional innovation bottom‐up. However, in order to achieve wider transformative potential, these efforts must be flanked by macro‐level policy changes and integrated in future pandemic preparedness strategies.
Impacts of the Covid‐19 pandemic on the health of university students
Authors: Ihm Laura , Zhang Han , van Vijfeijken Alexandra , Waugh Mark G.
Published: March 2021

The Covid‐19 pandemic caused by the novel Sars‐CoV‐2 coronavirus, has resulted in millions of deaths and disruption to daily life across the globe. University students have been additionally affected by a sudden move to online learning, the closure of campuses and dramatic societal changes that have upended their experiences of higher education. Here we focus on the physical and mental health consequences of the pandemic for this population sector during 2020, and the interdependencies of these impacts. We survey the challenges for infection control on campuses and for monitoring the disease dynamics in student communities. Finally, we explore the psychological and mental health problems that have been exacerbated by the pandemic and evaluate the underlying factors that are most relevant to students.
Mass and heat transport impact on the peristaltic flow of a Ree–Eyring liquid through variable properties for hemodynamic flow
Authors: Rajashekhar C. , Mebarek‐Oudina F. , Vaidya H. , Prasad K. V. , Manjunatha G. , Balachandra H.
Published: March 2021

Variable properties play a prominent role in analyzing the blood flow in narrow arteries. Specifically, considering the variation of thermal conductivity and viscosity helps in the understanding of the rheological behavior of blood and other biological fluids, such as urine, spermatozoa, and eye drops. Inspired by these applications, the current study incorporates the impact of variable thermal conductivity and viscosity for modeling the peristaltic flow of a Ree–Eyring liquid through a uniform compliant channel. The governing equations are nondimensionalized with the assistance of similarity transformations. The long‐wavelength and small Reynolds wide variety approximation are utilized for solving the governing differential equations. Furthermore, the series solution method (perturbation technique) is utilized for solving the nonlinear temperature equation. The obtained results show that the velocity is greater in the case of the Newtonian liquid than that of the non‐Newtonian liquid.
Broadening Student and Teacher Participation: Multimodal Projects in a Classroom Affinity Space
Authors: Marsh Valerie L.
Published: March 2021

In this study, I explored how a high school English class’s multimodal project broadened student and teacher participation. Previous research has established that multimodal composing expands the nature of classroom texts, opens opportunities for identity expression, and extends access to audiences. Less is known about how affordances work together to increase options for more students and teachers to participate in school‐based writing. Informed by affinity space and multimodality frameworks, this article adds to a small pool of classroom affinity space studies. Through grounded theory analysis, findings reveal that a multimodal project provided students opportunities to participate as interactive audience members, pursue less typical routes to status, and express identity; their teacher experienced an opportunity to participate more flexibly. Pertinent to a rise in online learning and increasingly prevalent and complex ways to create multimodal content, findings illuminate classroom affinity space features focused on broadening participation.
Alendronate reduces the cognitive and neurological disturbances induced by combined doses of d‐galactose and aluminum chloride in mice
Authors: Zameer Saima , Hussain Salman , Vohora Divya , Kalam Najmi Abul , Ali Javed , Akhtar Mohd
Published: March 2021

Neurological disturbances including cholinergic dysfunction, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive impairments are the well‐reported consequences of old age‐related disorders like Alzheimer's disease (AD) or dementia. Bisphosphonates were shown to ameliorate dementia in osteoporotic patients, neuroinflammation, and cholinesterase activity in rodents. Thus, the present study has been designed to examine the role of alendronate against cognitive and neurological disturbances in mice induced by a combined oral dose of d‐galactose and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) for 6 weeks. d‐galactose acts as a senescence agent, whereas AlCl3 is a neurotoxin and in combination generates neuropathologies and cognitive depletion resembling aging and AD. It was found that memory was markedly impaired in d‐galactose + AlCl3‐treated mice as assessed in different behavioral paradigms. Additionally, d‐galactose + AlCl3 led to neurotoxicity assessed on the basis of neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, glial cell activation, neuronal damage, and augmented GSK‐3β level in mice hippocampus. Consequently, alendronate administration orally for 15 days in d‐galactose + AlCl3‐exposed mice prominently reversed all these behavioral and neuropathological changes. These findings show that alendronate can be a potential therapeutic molecule with multiple targets for the management of age‐related neurological disorders such as AD.