bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Morphological Indexes and the Pathogenicity of Bursaphelenchus xylophilus in Northern and Southern China
Authors: Kong Qing-Qing , Ding Xiao-Lei , Chen Yi-Fan , Ye Jian-Ren
Published: March 2021

The pine wood nematode (PWN) Bursaphelenchus xylophilus is recognized as a major invasive species in many countries and causes widespread mortality in pine trees. Pine wood nematode disease (PWD) has spread northward from southern China to several areas of Liaoning Province, which has temperatures outside of the optimal range for this disease. To determine whether obvious variations in the population adaptability of PWN are involved in its rapid spread from southern to northern China, this study compared the differences in morphology of eight southern strains and eight northern strains and the pathogenicity of the 16 strains to Pinus thunbergii, the pine species that is the most susceptible to PWD in China, and to P. tabuliformis, the main PWN host in northern Liaoning Province. The southern-strain females were smaller than the northern-strain females, except for strain GD32. The size differences between the males of the different strains were not significant. The difference in pathogenicity between the northern and southern strains to P. tabuliformis was more significant than the difference in their pathogenicity to P. thunbergii. The pathogenicity differentiation among northern strains was lower than that among southern strains, and the northern strains showed stronger pathogenicity to P. tabuliformis. The P. tabuliformis inoculation experiment showed that the pathogenicity of GD32, JS27, FJ14, LN13, and LN06 was significantly higher than that of FJ13. The results suggest that some PWN populations in the southern region, which are better adapted to P. tabuliformis, were likely directly transmitted to the northern region, resulting in the spread of PWD in the northern region. The spread of PWN from the south did not necessarily require a process of adaptation to the host or to the northern climate.
Estimation of Ecosystem Services Provided by Street Trees in Kyoto, Japan
Authors: Tan Xiaoyang , Hirabayashi Satoshi , Shibata Shozo
Published: March 2021

Street trees are integral components of urban green infrastructure. The importance of benefits provided by street trees has motivated the development of various tools to quantify the value of ecosystem services. The i-Tree Eco is a widely applied method for quantifying urban forest structure, ecosystem services, and values. Since its first release in 2006, i-Tree Eco has been successfully utilized in over 100 countries around the world. This study described one of the first applications of the i-Tree Eco international project in Kyoto, Japan, by customizing the models and parameters to enhance the accuracy of analysis results. Kyoto’s street trees are prominently dominated by Ginkgo (Ginkgo biloba L.), Trident Maple (Acer buergerianum Miq.), Japanese Zelkova (Zelkova serrata (Thunb.) Makino.), Tuliptree (Liriodendron tulipifera L.), Flowering dogwood (Cornus florida L.), London Planetree (Platanus × acerifolia), Plum/cherry (Prunus spp.), and Weeping willow (Salix babylonica), which account for 92% of the 1230 sample trees and deliver ecosystem service benefits at US$71,434.21 annually or US$58.07/tree/year. The annual value of each function was estimated at US$41.34/tree for carbon storage and sequestration, US$3.26/tree for stormwater runoff reduction, US$11.80/tree for adverse health mitigation effects, and US$1.67/tree for energy savings. The street tree species of Kyoto city that produce the highest average annual benefits are among the largest trees currently in the population, including P. × yedoensis (US$225.32/tree), Z. serrata (US$123.21/tree), S. babylonica (US$80.10/tree), and P. × acerifolia (US$65.88/tree). Our results demonstrated a comprehensive understanding of street trees benefits for Kyoto city, providing baseline information for decision-makers and managers to make effective urban trees management decisions, developing policy, and setting priorities.
What Do We Know about Botryosphaeriaceae? An Overview of a Worldwide Cured Dataset
Authors: Batista Eduardo , Lopes Anabela , Alves Artur
Published: March 2021

Botryosphaeriaceae-related diseases occur worldwide in a wide variety of plant hosts. The number of studies targeting the distribution, diversity, ecology, and pathogenicity of Botryosphaeriaceae species are consistently increasing. However, with the lack of consistency in species delimitation, the name of hosts, and the locations of studies, it is almost impossible to quantify the presence of these species worldwide, or the number of different host–fungus interactions that occur. In this review, we collected and organized Botryosphaeriaceae occurrences in a single cured dataset, allowing us to obtain for the first time a complete perspective on species’ global diversity, dispersion, host association, ecological niches, pathogenicity, communication efficiency of new occurrences, and new host–fungus associations. This dataset is freely available through an interactive and online application. The current release (version 1.0) contains 14,405 cured isolates and 2989 literature references of 12,121 different host–fungus interactions with 1692 different plant species from 149 countries.
Transcriptome Analysis of Ginkgo biloba L. Leaves across Late Developmental Stages Based on RNA-Seq and Co-Expression Network
Authors: Liu Hailin , Han Xin , Ruan Jue , Xu Lian , He Bing
Published: March 2021

The final size of plant leaves is strictly controlled by environmental and genetic factors, which coordinate cell expansion and cell cycle activity in space and time; however, the regulatory mechanisms of leaf growth are still poorly understood. Ginkgo biloba is a dioecious species native to China with medicinally and phylogenetically important characteristics, and its fan-shaped leaves are unique in gymnosperms, while the mechanism of G. biloba leaf development remains unclear. In this study we studied the transcriptome of G. biloba leaves at three developmental stages using high-throughput RNA-seq technology. Approximately 4167 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained, and a total of 12,137 genes were structure optimized together with 732 new genes identified. More than 50 growth-related factors and gene modules were identified based on DEG and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis. These results could remarkably expand the existing transcriptome resources of G. biloba, and provide references for subsequent analysis of ginkgo leaf development.
Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) for Cloud-Based Health Organizations
Authors: Georgiou Dimitra , Lambrinoudakis Costas
Published: March 2021

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) harmonizes personal data protection laws across the European Union, affecting all sectors including the healthcare industry. For processing operations that pose a high risk for data subjects, a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) is mandatory from May 2018. Taking into account the criticality of the process and the importance of its results, for the protection of the patients’ health data, as well as the complexity involved and the lack of past experience in applying such methodologies in healthcare environments, this paper presents the main steps of a DPIA study and provides guidelines on how to carry them out effectively. To this respect, the Privacy Impact Assessment, Commission Nationale de l’Informatique et des Libertés (PIA-CNIL) methodology has been employed, which is also compliant with the privacy impact assessment tasks described in ISO/IEC 29134:2017. The work presented in this paper focuses on the first two steps of the DPIA methodology and more specifically on the identification of the Purposes of Processing and of the data categories involved in each of them, as well as on the evaluation of the organization’s GDPR compliance level and of the gaps (Gap Analysis) that must be filled-in. The main contribution of this work is the identification of the main organizational and legal requirements that must be fulfilled by the health care organization. This research sets the legal grounds for data processing, according to the GDPR and is highly relevant to any processing of personal data, as it helps to structure the process, as well as be aware of data protection issues and the relevant legislation.
Vibroconvective Patterns in a Layer under Translational Vibrations of Circular Polarization
Authors: Kozlov Victor , Rysin Kirill , Vjatkin Aleksei
Published: March 2021

This article experimentally investigates thermal vibrational convection in horizontal layers, subject to circular translational oscillations in the horizontal plane. The definite direction of translational vibrations lacks investigation, and the case of a layer heated from above is considered. At large negative values of the gravitational Rayleigh number, the thermovibrational convection appears in a threshold manner with an increase in the vibration intensity. Our results show that in the case of strong gravitational stabilization, thermovibrational convection develops in the form of patterns with strong anisotropy of spatial periods in orthogonal directions. The vibroconvective patterns have the form of parallel rolls divided along their length into relatively short segments. The layer thickness determines the distance between the rolls, and the longitudinal wavelength, depends on the Rayleigh number. Convective cells are studied using the noninvasive thermohromic methodic. It is found that when using the tracers for flow visualization, the concentration and type of the visualizer particles have a serious impact on the shape of the observed vibroconvective structures. In particular, the presence of even a small number of tracers (used in the study of velocity fields by the PIV method) generates flows and intensifies the heat transfer below the threshold of thermovibrational convection excitation.
Circadian Clock Components Offer Targets for Crop Domestication and Improvement
Authors: McClung C. Robertson
Published: March 2021

During plant domestication and improvement, farmers select for alleles present in wild species that improve performance in new selective environments associated with cultivation and use. The selected alleles become enriched and other alleles depleted in elite cultivars. One important aspect of crop improvement is expansion of the geographic area suitable for cultivation; this frequently includes growth at higher or lower latitudes, requiring the plant to adapt to novel photoperiodic environments. Many crops exhibit photoperiodic control of flowering and altered photoperiodic sensitivity is commonly required for optimal performance at novel latitudes. Alleles of a number of circadian clock genes have been selected for their effects on photoperiodic flowering in multiple crops. The circadian clock coordinates many additional aspects of plant growth, metabolism and physiology, including responses to abiotic and biotic stresses. Many of these clock-regulated processes contribute to plant performance. Examples of selection for altered clock function in tomato demonstrate that with domestication, the phasing of the clock is delayed with respect to the light–dark cycle and the period is lengthened; this modified clock is associated with increased chlorophyll content in long days. These and other data suggest the circadian clock is an attractive target during breeding for crop improvement.
Whole Genome Sequencing in the Evaluation of Fetal Structural Anomalies: A Parallel Test with Chromosomal Microarray Plus Whole Exome Sequencing
Authors: Zhou Jia , Yang Ziying , Sun Jun , Liu Lipei , Zhou Xinyao , Liu Fengxia , Xing Ya , Cui Shuge , Xiong Shiyi , Liu Xiaoyu , Yang Yingjun , Wei Xiuxiu , Zou Gang , Wang Zhonghua , Wei Xing , Wang Yaoshen , Zhang Yun , Yan Saiying , Wu Fengyu , Zeng Fanwei , Wang Jian , Duan Tao , Peng Zhiyu , Sun Luming
Published: March 2021

Whole genome sequencing (WGS) is a powerful tool for postnatal genetic diagnosis, but relevant clinical studies in the field of prenatal diagnosis are limited. The present study aimed to prospectively evaluate the utility of WGS compared with chromosomal microarray (CMA) and whole exome sequencing (WES) in the prenatal diagnosis of fetal structural anomalies. We performed trio WGS (≈40-fold) in parallel with CMA in 111 fetuses with structural or growth anomalies, and sequentially performed WES when CMA was negative (CMA plus WES). In comparison, WGS not only detected all pathogenic genetic variants in 22 diagnosed cases identified by CMA plus WES, yielding a diagnostic rate of 19.8% (22/110), but also provided additional and clinically significant information, including a case of balanced translocations and a case of intrauterine infection, which might not be detectable by CMA or WES. WGS also required less DNA (100 ng) as input and could provide a rapid turnaround time (TAT, 18 ± 6 days) compared with that (31 ± 8 days) of the CMA plus WES. Our results showed that WGS provided more comprehensive and precise genetic information with a rapid TAT and less DNA required than CMA plus WES, which enables it as an alternative prenatal diagnosis test for fetal structural anomalies.
Protein-Coding Genes of Helicobacter pylori Predominantly Present Purifying Selection though Many Membrane Proteins Suffer from Selection Pressure: A Proposal to Analyze Bacterial Pangenomes
Authors: Rubio Alejandro , Pérez-Pulido Antonio
Published: March 2021

The current availability of complete genome sequences has allowed knowing that bacterial genomes can bear genes not present in the genome of all the strains from a specific species. So, the genes shared by all the strains comprise the core of the species, but the pangenome can be much greater and usually includes genes appearing in one only strain. Once the pangenome of a species is estimated, other studies can be undertaken to generate new knowledge, such as the study of the evolutionary selection for protein-coding genes. Most of the genes of a pangenome are expected to be subject to purifying selection that assures the conservation of function, especially those in the core group. However, some genes can be subject to selection pressure, such as genes involved in virulence that need to escape to the host immune system, which is more common in the accessory group of the pangenome. We analyzed 180 strains of Helicobacter pylori, a bacterium that colonizes the gastric mucosa of half the world population and presents a low number of genes (around 1500 in a strain and 3000 in the pangenome). After the estimation of the pangenome, the evolutionary selection for each gene has been calculated, and we found that 85% of them are subject to purifying selection and the remaining genes present some grade of selection pressure. As expected, the latter group is enriched with genes encoding for membrane proteins putatively involved in interaction to host tissues. In addition, this group also presents a high number of uncharacterized genes and genes encoding for putative spurious proteins. It suggests that they could be false positives from the gene finders used for identifying them. All these results propose that this kind of analyses can be useful to validate gene predictions and functionally characterize proteins in complete genomes.
Pleiotropic Roles of the Orthologue of the Drosophila melanogaster Intersex Gene in the Brown Planthopper
Authors: Zhang Hou-Hong , Xie Yu-Cheng , Li Han-Jing , Zhuo Ji-Chong , Zhang Chuan-Xi
Published: March 2021

Intersex(ix), a gene involved in the sex-determining cascade of Drosophila melanogaster, works in concert with the female-specific product of doublesex (dsx) at the end of the hierarchy to implement the sex-specific differentiation of sexually dimorphic characters in female individuals. In this study, the ix homolog was identified in the brown planthopper (BPH), Nilaparvata lugens, which contained two splice variants expressed in both female and male insects. We found that Nlix played a vital role in the early nymphal development of BPH, showing an accumulated effect. RNAi-mediated knockdown of Nlix at 4th instar led to the external genital defects in both sexes, consequently resulting in the loss of reproductive ability in female and male individuals. After dsRNA injection, the males were normal on testes, while the females had defective ovarian development. Nlix was also required for early embryogenesis. Notably, when the dsNlix microinjection was performed in newly emerged females, the copulatory bursas were abnormally enlarged while the other tissues of the reproductive system developed normally. Our results demonstrated the pleiotropic roles of Nlix in embryogenesis and development of the reproductive system in a hemimetabolous insect species.
Autosomal Microsatellite Investigation Reveals Multiple Genetic Components of the Highlanders from Thailand
Authors: Mawan Aornpriya , Prakhun Nonglak , Muisuk Kanha , Srithawong Suparat , Srikummool Metawee , Kampuansai Jatupol , Shoocongdej Rasmi , Inta Angkhana , Ruangchai Sukhum , Kutanan Wibhu
Published: March 2021

The hill tribes of northern Thailand comprise nine officially recognized groups: the Austroasiatic-speaking (AA) Khmu, Htin and Lawa; the Hmong-Mien-speaking (HM) IuMien and Hmong; and the Sino-Tibetan-speaking (ST) Akha, Karen, Lahu and Lisu. Except the Lawa, the rest of the hill tribes migrated into their present habitats only very recently. The Thai hill tribes were of much interest to research groups focusing on study of cultural and genetic variation because of their unique languages and cultures. So far, there have been several genetic studies of the Thai hill tribes. However, complete forensic microsatellite database of the Thai hill tribes is still lacking. To construct such database, we newly generated 654 genotypes of 15 microsatellites commonly used in forensic investigation that belong to all the nine hill tribes and also non-hill tribe highlanders from northern Thailand. We also combined 329 genotypes from previous studies of northern Thai populations bringing to a total of 983 genotypes, which were then subjected to genetic structure and population relationships analyses. Our overall results indicated homogenous genetic structure within the HM- and Tai-Kadai (TK)-speaking groups, large genetic divergence of the HM-speaking Hmong but not IuMien from the other Thai groups, and genetic heterogeneity within the ST- and AA-speaking groups, reflecting different population interactions and admixtures. In addition to establishing genetic relationships within and among these populations, our finding, which provides a more complete picture of the forensic microsatellite database of the multiple Thai highland dwellers, would not only serve to expand and strengthen forensic investigation in Thailand, but would also benefit its neighboring countries of Laos and Myanmar, from which many of the Thai hill tribes originated and where large populations of these ethnic groups still reside.
Relationship between the Geotourism Potential and Function in the Polish Part of the Roztocze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Brzezińska-Wójcik Teresa
Published: March 2021

The Polish part of the Roztocze Transboundary Biosphere Reserve area is characterized by diversified geotourism resources with relatively high value. However, their potential seems not to be fully used in the current product offer. The aim of the study was therefore to assess the spatial variability of the geotourism potential and function and to determine their interrelations in view of further development of geotourism in the Roztocze TBR and the perspective of creation of the “Kamienny Las na Roztoczu” geopark. The study was carried out with the use of the taxonomic method of multidimensional comparative analysis consisting of calculation and analysis of general, total, and partial indices of the geotourism potential and function in 22 communes. The results showed the highest total indicator of geotourism potential in two communes, i.e. Józefów and Krasnobród, and the highest value of the total geotourism function index in Krasnobród. The results of the analysis of the relationships between the geotourism potential and function indicate that the geotourism resources and products are fully used in terms of the development of the function only in Krasnobród commune. In turn, the value of the total geotourism function index in the Zwierzyniec commune exceeds the geotourism potential indicator, which implies that this area is overloaded by tourist movement. The total indicators of geotourism potential in the other communes, especially Józefów, Krasnobród, Lubycza Królewska, and Susiec, indicate the possibility of more intensive exploitation of geotourism resources in preparation of interesting products in compliance with the principles of sustainable development and, consequently, the development of the geotourism function.
Carbon Storage Potential of North American Oil & Gas Produced Water Injection with Surface Dissolution
Authors: Khan Chawarwan , Pearce Julie K. , Golding Suzanne D. , Rudolph Victor , Underschultz Jim R.
Published: March 2021

Carbon dioxide (CO2) geological storage traditionally involves capturing a CO2 stream from a point source such as a power station or from cement, steel, or natural gas processing plant, transporting it and compressing it, prior to injection as a supercritical phase into a suitable geological reservoir overlain by a cap-rock or seal. One of the main perceived risks in CO2 geological storage is migration or leakage of the buoyant CO2 stream through the seal, via faults or fractures, or other migration out of the storage complex. Injection of CO2 dissolved in water may be one solution to mitigate the leakage risk. This approach could take advantage of large volumes of wastewater already being reinjected into saline aquifers worldwide but particularly in North America, thus reducing costs. This study examines the potential to “piggyback” off the existing wastewater injection industry as a novel carbon storage option.
Cemented Dual Mobility Cup for Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty in Elder Patients with High-Risk Instability
Authors: Lamo-Espinosa José María , Gómez-Álvarez Jorge , Gatica Javier , Suárez Álvaro , Moreno Victoria , Díaz de Rada Pablo , Valentí-Azcárate Andrés , Alfonso-Olmos Matías , San-Julián Mikel , Valentí-Nin Juan Ramón
Published: March 2021

Several studies have shown that double mobility (DM) cups reduce postoperative dislocations. Does the cemented dual mobility cup reduce dislocations in a specific cohort of elder patients with a high dislocation risk? Our hypothesis is that this implant is optimal for elder patients because it reduces early dislocation. We have retrospectively reviewed elder patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty (THA) with cemented double mobility cup between March 2009 and January 2018. The inclusion criteria were patients (>75 years) who were operated on for primary THA (osteoarthritis or necrosis) with a cemented dual mobility cup and a high-risk instability (at least two patient-dependent risk factors for instability). The exclusion criteria were revision surgeries or hip fracture. In all the cases, the same surgical approach was performed with a Watson Jones modified approach in supine position. We have collected demographic data, instability risk factors. Patients were classified using the Devane’s score, Merle d’Aubigné score and the patient’s likelihood of falling with the Morse Fall Scale. Surgical and follow-up complications were collected from their medical history. Sixty-eight arthroplasties (68 patients) were included in the study. The median age was 81.7 years (SD 6.4), and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) score showed a distribution: II 27.94%, III 63.24% and IV 8.82%. Devane’s score was less than five in all of the cases. At least two patient-dependent risk factors for instability (87% had three or more) were present in each case. The median follow-up time was 49.04 months (SD 22.6). Complications observed were two cases of infection and one case of aseptic loosening at 15 months which required revision surgery. We did not observe any prosthetic dislocation. The cemented dual mobility cup is an excellent surgical option on primary total hip arthroplasties for elder patients with high-risk instability.
Assessment of Transportation by Air for Patients with Acute ST-Elevation Myocardial Infarction from Non-PCI Centers
Authors: Trifan Angel Liviu , Dragomir Liliana , Anghele Mihaela , Elkan Eva Maria , Munteanu Sorina , Moscu Cosmina , Stoian Valerian-Ionuț , Telehuz Anca , Zlati Monica Laura , Lungu Mihaiela , Voinescu Doina Carina , Cimpoesu Diana Carmen , Stoleriu Gabriela , Sandu Ion , Sapira Violeta
Published: March 2021

The aim of this study was to assess the delays that can potentially occur in the emergency transfer of patients with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) to percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) centers. We conducted a retrospective study using the medical reports pertaining to 97 patients who presented to the Emergency Department of the Emergency County Hospital of Galati during the year of 2018 with the diagnosis of STEMI and meeting eligibility criteria for PCI, thus warranting transfer to a hospital with PCI facilities. The pick-up time of patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction from the emergency department by the transfer crew is significantly shorter (p < 0.05) than those transferred by air, regardless of the PCI center to which the transfer was performed, Iasi or Bucharest, when compared to the time required to process the patients transferred by land to the same PCI centers. The results of the study shows that the helicopter use for transferring acute myocardial infarction patients to a PCI center must be considered, given the distance between non-PCI and PCI centers is over 200 km.
The Search of St. Peter’s Memory ad catacumbas in the Cemeterial Area ad Duos Lauros in Rome
Authors: De Caro Liberato , La Greca Fernando , Matricciani Emilio
Published: March 2021

The purpose of our study is to research Peter’s memory ad catacumbas. According to the Depositio Martyrum—a document of the late Emperor Constantine period—there was no memory of the first St. Peter’s Basilica on the Vatican Hill. We start with a critical analysis on the Roman Basilica attributed to Emperor Constantine in Liber Pontificalis, then we deepen the search of Peter’s memory in the catacombs of the Sts. Marcellinus and Peter (ad Duos Lauros), also known as Tor Pignattara. Indeed, the basilica and mausoleum built in this cemeterial area are the only buildings attributable, with certainty, to Emperor Constantine, who wished to be buried in the mausoleum, close to an apostle. Besides some striking archeological finds on Peter’s memory already discovered near a particular cubicle in these catacombs, a geometrical and mathematical study of the unusual architectonic characteristics of the basilica and mausoleum of Tor Pignattara shows that the buildings were part of a single architectonic plan, very likely designed for coding data useful to locate Peter’s burial site unambiguously, in the area of the cubicle mentioned.
Mothers’ Parenting Stress and Neighborhood Characteristics in Early Childhood (Ages 0–4)
Authors: Kim Eun Jung , Cho Min Jung , Kim Mi Jeong
Published: March 2021

Neighborhood characteristics are important when raising children. Traditional approaches to parental stress research have focused on the impacts of daily hassles and how individual factors, such as children’s temperament, family resources, and social support from friends and family reduce or exacerbate parental stress. There have been few studies on neighborhood characteristics and parental stress, and even fewer studies have examined the association longitudinally. The goal of the present study was to explore the association between mothers’ parental stress and neighborhood characteristics longitudinally across early childhood (ages 0–4). Using the 2008–2012 Panel Study on Korean Children, we followed 1536 mothers. The results showed that mothers’ parenting stress was highest when children were aged two to three, and neighborhood characteristics had significant associations with parenting stress. The study indicated that mothers who reported that their neighborhoods had sufficient childcare facilities, were convenient to access public recreational and cultural facilities, and those who reported that their neighborhoods were good places to raise children, exhibited significantly lower levels of parenting stress. Further, the effects of neighborhoods on mothers’ parenting stress were greatest when children were aged one and four. Hence, such findings should be incorporated when designing and developing communities.
Optimizing Emergency Medical Service Structures Using a Rule-Based Discrete Event Simulation—A Practitioner’s Point of View
Authors: Strauss Christoph , Bildstein Günter , Efe Jana , Flacher Theo , Hofmann Karen , Huggler Markus , Stämpfli Adrian , Schmid Michael , Schmid Esther , Gehring Christian , Häske David , Prückner Stephan , Stock Jan Philipp , Trentzsch Heiko
Published: March 2021

Many studies in research deal with optimizing emergency medical services (EMS) on both the operational and the strategic level. It is the purpose of this method-oriented article to explain the major features of “rule-based discrete event simulation” (rule-based DES), which we developed independently in Germany and Switzerland. Our rule-based DES addresses questions concerning the location and relocation of ambulances, dispatching and routing policies, and EMS interplay with other players in prehospital care. We highlight three typical use cases from a practitioner’s perspective and go into different countries’ peculiarities. We show how research results are applied to EMS and healthcare organizations to simulate and optimize specific regions in Germany and Switzerland with their strong federal structures. The rule-based DES serves as basis for decision support to improve regional emergency services’ efficiency without increasing cost. Finally, all simulation-based methods suggest normative solutions and optimize EMS’ performance within given healthcare system structures. We argue that interactions between EMS, emergency departments, and public healthcare agencies are crucial to further improving effectiveness, efficiency, and quality.
Determination of Colistin B in Chicken Muscle and Egg Using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography–Tandem Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Kumar Harsh , Kumar Dinesh , Nepovimova Eugenie , Oulkar Dasharath , Kumar Anil , Azad Ramiz Mohammad Rafi , Budakoti Subodh Kumar , Upadhyay Navneet Kumar , Verma Rachna , Kuča Kamil
Published: March 2021

Colistin, an imperative member of the polymyxin group, is a cationic peptide antibiotic. Itis also known as polymyxin E, but this peptide antibiotic has been forbidden for human consumption due to its high toxicity. Regrettably, this antibiotic is utilized as a feed additive and veterinary drug for animals. Due to the toxicity of colistin, the presence of its residue in the animal system represents a threat to human health regarding the consumption of meat, especially chicken. A novel method was proposed for quantifying colistin B in chicken muscles and eggs using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC–MS/MS). In this method, extraction of colistin B from samples was achieved by mixing the sample with acidified methanol:water (1/1, v/v), followed by centrifugation and filtration by a membrane filter excluding solid-phase extraction (SPE) clean up, as well as evaporation steps. The analysis was conducted by optimized liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS), and method performance was assessed in terms of the limit of quantitation, specificity, selectivity, precision, linearity and recovery in coherence with the guidelines of SANTE and the Commission Decision 2002/657/EC. The result obtained from the study showed the limit of quantitation (LOQ) as 10 µg Kg−1 for muscles and 5 µg Kg−1 for eggs, with acceptable recoveries along with precision. The linearity was plotted in the range of 5–25 µg L−1 (solvent) for egg and 10–50 µg Kg−1 (matrix-matched) for muscles. The result of average recoveries showed the value of 70–94% (3.3–12% relative standard deviation (RSD)) for chicken muscles and 88–107% (2.5–18.6% RSD) for egg samples, which meets the criteria for acceptability of method according to both SANTE and 2002/657/EC guidelines. This proposed protocol provides a cost-effective solution for food testing labs by reducing the cost of the sample preparation by 60% along with the time required for SPE cleanup. Further, the optimized method was also tested on real samples collected from nearby provinces in Solan city, Himachal Pradesh, India, and three out of 20 muscles were found to have colistin B in the range of 50–560 µg Kg−1.
Impact of World Trade Center-Related Health Research: An Application of the NIEHS Translational Framework
Authors: Madrigano Jaime , Concannon Thomas W. , Mann Sean , Siddiqi Sameer M. , Chari Ramya , Faherty Laura J.
Published: March 2021

The World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) has a research mission to identify physical and mental health conditions that may be related to the 9/11 terrorist attacks as well as effective diagnostic procedures and treatments for WTC-related health conditions. The ability of the WTCHP to serve its members and realize positive impacts on all of its stakeholders depends on effective translation of research findings. As part of an ongoing assessment of the translational impact of World Trade Center (WTC)-related research, we applied the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences (NIEHS) translational framework to two case studies: WTC-related research on post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cancer. We conducted a review of 9/11 health-related research in the peer-reviewed literature through October 2017, grey literature, and WTCHP program documentation. We mapped peer-reviewed studies in the literature to the NIEHS framework and used WTCHP program documentation and grey literature to find evidence of translation of research into clinical practice and policy. Using the NIEHS framework, we identified numerous translational milestones and bridges, as well as areas of opportunity, within each case study. This application demonstrates the utility of the NIEHS framework for documenting progress toward public health impact and for setting future research goals.
Perceived Neighborhood Characteristics and Cognitive Functioning among Diverse Older Adults: An Intersectional Approach
Authors: Thierry Amy D. , Sherman-Wilkins Kyler , Armendariz Marina , Sullivan Allison , Farmer Heather R.
Published: March 2021

Unfavorable neighborhood conditions are linked to health disparities. Yet, a dearth of literature examines how neighborhood characteristics contribute to cognitive health in diverse samples of older adults. The present study uses an intersectional approach to examine how race/ethnicity, gender, and education moderate the association between neighborhood perceptions and cognitive functioning in later life. We used data from adults ≥65 years old (n = 8023) in the 2010–2016 waves of the nationally representative Health and Retirement Study (HRS). We conducted race/ethnicity-stratified linear regression models where cognitive functioning, measured using the 35-point Telephone Interview Cognitive Screen (TICS), was regressed on three neighborhood characteristics—cleanliness, safety, and social cohesion. We examine whether there is heterogeneity within race/ethnicity by testing if and how the relationship between neighborhood characteristics and cognitive functioning differs by gender and education. Among White adults, worse neighborhood characteristics were associated with lower cognitive functioning among those with less education. However, for Black adults, poor perceived quality of one’s neighborhood was associated with worse cognitive functioning among those with more years of education compared to those with fewer years of education. Among Mexicans, perceived neighborhood uncleanliness was associated with lower cognitive functioning among those with less education, but higher cognitive functioning for those with higher levels of education. Thus, this study contributes to the literature on racial/ethnic disparities in cognitive aging disparities by examining neighborhood contextual factors as determinants of cognitive functioning. In particular, we find that higher education in the context of less favorable neighborhood environments does not confer the same benefits to cognitive functioning among all older adults.
Why Are Workplace Social Support Programs Not Improving the Mental Health of Canadian Correctional Officers? An Examination of the Theoretical Concepts Underpinning Support
Authors: Jessiman-Perreault Geneviève , Smith Peter M. , Gignac Monique A. M.
Published: March 2021

In Canada, public safety personnel, including correctional officers, experience high rates of mental health problems. Correctional officers’ occupational stress has been characterized as insidious and chronic due to multiple and unpredictable occupational risk factors such as violence, unsupportive colleagues and management, poor prison conditions, and shift work. Given the increased risk of adverse mental health outcomes associated with operational stressors, organizational programs have been developed to provide correctional officers with support to promote mental well-being and to provide mental health interventions that incorporate recovery and reduction in relapse risk. This paper uses two theories, the Job Demand Control Support (JDCS) Model and Social Ecological Model (SEM), to explore why workplace social support programs may not been successful in terms of uptake or effectiveness among correctional officers in Canada. We suggest that structural policy changes implemented in the past 15 years have had unintentional impacts on working conditions that increase correctional officer workload and decrease tangible resources to deal with an increasingly complex prison population. Notably, we believe interpersonal support programs may only have limited success if implemented without addressing the multilevel factors creating conditions of job strain.
Switch Strategy from Direct Aspiration First Pass Technique to Solumbra Improves Technical Outcome in Endovascularly Treated Stroke
Authors: Pampana Enrico , Fabiano Sebastiano , De Rubeis Gianluca , Bertaccini Luca , Stasolla Alessandro , Pingi Alberto , Cozzolino Valeria , Mangiardi Marilena , Anticoli Sabrina , Gasperini Claudio , Cotroneo Enrico
Published: March 2021

Background: The major endovascular mechanic thrombectomy (MT) techniques are: Stent-Retriever (SR), aspiration first pass technique (ADAPT) and Solumbra (Aspiration + SR), which are interchangeable (defined as switching strategy (SS)). The purpose of this study is to report the added value of switching from ADAPT to Solumbra in unsuccessful revascularization stroke patients. Methods: This is a retrospective, single center, pragmatic, cohort study. From December 2017 to November 2019, 935 consecutive patients were admitted to the Stroke Unit and 176/935 (18.8%) were eligible for MT. In 135/176 (76.7%) patients, ADAPT was used as the first-line strategy. SS was defined as the difference between first technique adopted and the final technique. Revascularization was evaluated with modified Thrombolysis In Cerebral Infarction (TICI) with success defined as mTICI ≥ 2b. Procedural time (PT) and time to reperfusion (TTR) were recorded. Results: Stroke involved: Anterior circulation in 121/135 (89.6%) patients and posterior circulation in 14/135 (10.4%) patients. ADAPT was the most common first-line technique vs. both SR and Solumbra (135/176 (76.7%) vs. 10/176 (5.7%) vs. 31/176 (17.6%), respectively). In 28/135 (20.7%) patients, the mTICI was ≤ 2a requiring switch to Solumbra. The vessel’s diameter positively predicted SS result (odd ratio (OR) 1.12, confidence of interval (CI) 95% 1.03–1.22; p = 0.006). The mean number of passes before SS was 2.0 ± 1.2. ADAPT to Solumbra improved successful revascularization by 13.3% (107/135 (79.3%) vs. 125/135 (92.6%)). PT was superior for SS comparing with ADAPT (71.1 min (CI 95% 53.2–109.0) vs. 40.0 min (CI 95% 35.0–45.2); p = 0.0004), although, TTR was similar (324.1 min (CI 95% 311.4–387.0) vs. 311.4 min (CI 95% 285.5–338.7); p = 0.23). Conclusion: Successful revascularization was improved by 13.3% after switching form ADAPT to Solumbra (final mTICI ≥ 2b was 92.6%). Vessel’s diameter positively predicted recourse to SS.
Variations in the Home Language Environment and Early Language Development in Rural China
Authors: Ma Yue , Jonsson Laura , Feng Tianli , Weisberg Tyler , Shao Teresa , Yao Zixin , Zhang Dongming , Dill Sarah-Eve , Guo Yian , Zhang Yue , Friesen Dimitris , Rozelle Scott
Published: March 2021

The home language environment is critical to early language development and subsequent skills. However, few studies have quantitatively measured the home language environment in low-income, developing settings. This study explores variations in the home language environment and child language skills among households in poor rural villages in northwestern China. Audio recordings were collected for 38 children aged 20–28 months and analyzed using Language Environment Analysis (LENA) software; language skills were measured using the MacArthur–Bates Mandarin Communicative Developmental Inventories expressive vocabulary scale. The results revealed large variability in both child language skills and home language environment measures (adult words, conversational turns, and child vocalizations) with 5- to 6-fold differences between the highest and lowest scores. Despite variation, however, the average number of adult words and conversational turns were lower than found among urban Chinese children. Correlation analyses did not identify significant correlations between demographic characteristics and the home language environment. However, the results do indicate significant correlations between the home language environment and child language skills, with conversational turns showing the strongest correlation. The results point to a need for further research on language engagement and ways to increase parent–child interactions to improve early language development among young children in rural China.
Alcohol-Induced Blood-Brain Barrier Impairment: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Carrino Donatello , Branca Jacopo Junio Valerio , Becatti Matteo , Paternostro Ferdinando , Morucci Gabriele , Gulisano Massimo , Di Cesare Mannelli Lorenzo , Pacini Alessandra
Published: March 2021

In recent years, alcohol abuse has dramatically grown with deleterious consequence for people’s health and, in turn, for health care costs. It has been demonstrated, in humans and animals, that alcohol intoxication induces neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration thus leading to brain impairments. Furthermore, it has been shown that alcohol consumption is able to impair the blood–brain barrier (BBB), but the molecular mechanisms underlining this detrimental effect have not been fully elucidated. For this reason, in this study we investigated the effects of alcohol exposure on a rat brain endothelial (RBE4) cell line, as an in vitro-validated model of brain microvascular endothelial cells. To assess whether alcohol caused a concentration-related response, the cells were treated at different times with increasing concentrations (10–1713 mM) of ethyl alcohol (EtOH). Microscopic and molecular techniques, such as cell viability assay, immunofluorescence and Western blotting, were used to examine the mechanisms involved in alcohol-induced brain endothelial cell alterations including tight junction distribution, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species production. Our findings clearly demonstrate that alcohol causes the formation of gaps between cells by tight junction disassembly, triggered by the endoplasmic reticulum and oxidative stress, highlighted by GRP78 chaperone upregulation and increase in reactive oxygen species production, respectively. The results from this study shed light on the mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced blood–brain barrier dysfunction and a better understanding of these processes will allow us to take advantage of developing new therapeutic strategies in order to prevent the deleterious effects of alcohol.
Towards Standardization in the Diagnostic Evaluation of ACL Injuries in Skeletally Immature Patients
Authors: Seabol Liliana , Boden Stephanie , Herman Max , Ruh Ethan , Kocher Mininder , McClincy Michael
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to establish consensus regarding a standardized approach to the diagnostic evaluation of ACL tears in pediatric/adolescent patients. Despite an abundance of literature evaluating management techniques, no standardized consensus exists regarding evaluation in these patients. A three-step classic Delphi technique was employed. The panel included 12 Orthopaedic Sports Medicine specialists from across the United States with training in pediatric and adult ACL injuries. Panelists were presented with four clinical vignettes. Consensus was established if ≥66% of respondents reached agreement. Across all four rounds of this study, 100% participation was achieved, and consensus was reached for a majority of diagnostic domains. For history, previous injuries, sports participation, and current symptoms were endorsed for all vignettes. The consensus radiographic sequences across all four vignettes included: standing AP, flexion (tunnel or notch view), lateral, long-leg alignment, and bone age (left hand) views. Radiographic interpretation responses met consensus with interpretations were split by gender. Cross-sectional imaging met consensus with 100% support for MRI. In this Delphi study, we identified a standardized diagnostic treatment approach derived from expert opinion applicable to all skeletally immature patients with ACL tears, which can serve as a framework for evaluation to aid clinical decision making.
Review of the Upright Balance Assessment Based on the Force Plate
Authors: Chen Baoliang , Liu Peng , Xiao Feiyun , Liu Zhengshi , Wang Yong
Published: March 2021

Quantitative assessment is crucial for the evaluation of human postural balance. The force plate system is the key quantitative balance assessment method. The purpose of this study is to review the important concepts in balance assessment and analyze the experimental conditions, parameter variables, and application scope based on force plate technology. As there is a wide range of balance assessment tests and a variety of commercial force plate systems to choose from, there is room for further improvement of the test details and evaluation variables of the balance assessment. The recommendations presented in this article are the foundation and key part of the postural balance assessment; these recommendations focus on the type of force plate, the subject’s foot posture, and the choice of assessment variables, which further enriches the content of posturography. In order to promote a more reasonable balance assessment method based on force plates, further methodological research and a stronger consensus are still needed.