bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prokaryotic communities from a lava tube cave in La Palma Island (Spain) are involved in the biogeochemical cycle of major elements
Authors: Gonzalez-Pimentel Jose Luis , Martin-Pozas Tamara , Jurado Valme , Miller Ana Zelia , Caldeira Ana Teresa , Fernandez-Lorenzo Octavio , Sanchez-Moral Sergio , Saiz-Jimenez Cesareo
Published: May 2021

Lava caves differ from karstic caves in their genesis and mineral composition. Subsurface microbiology of lava tube caves in Canary Islands, a volcanic archipelago in the Atlantic Ocean, is largely unknown. We have focused the investigation in a representative lava tube cave, Fuente de la Canaria Cave, in La Palma Island, Spain, which presents different types of speleothems and colored microbial mats. Four samples collected in this cave were studied using DNA next-generation sequencing and field emission scanning electron microscopy for bacterial identification, functional profiling, and morphological characterization. The data showed an almost exclusive dominance of Bacteria over Archaea. The distribution in phyla revealed a majority abundance of Proteobacteria (37–89%), followed by Actinobacteria, Acidobacteria and Candidatus Rokubacteria. These four phyla comprised a total relative abundance of 72–96%. The main ecological functions in the microbial communities were chemoheterotrophy, methanotrophy, sulfur and nitrogen metabolisms, and CO2 fixation; although other ecological functions were outlined. Genome annotations of the especially representative taxon Ga0077536 (about 71% of abundance in moonmilk) predicted the presence of genes involved in CO2 fixation, formaldehyde consumption, sulfur and nitrogen metabolisms, and microbially-induced carbonate precipitation. The detection of several putative lineages associated with C, N, S, Fe and Mn indicates that Fuente de la Canaria Cave basalts are colonized by metabolically diverse prokaryotic communities involved in the biogeochemical cycling of major elements.
GBP2 as a potential prognostic biomarker in pancreatic adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liu Bo , Huang Rongfei , Fu Tingting , He Ping , Du Chengyou , Zhou Wei , Xu Ke , Ren Tao
Published: May 2021

Background

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PAAD) is a disease with atypical symptoms, an unfavorable response to therapy, and a poor outcome. Abnormal guanylate-binding proteins (GBPs) play an important role in the host’s defense against viral infection and may be related to carcinogenesis. In this study, we sought to determine the relationship between GBP2 expression and phenotype in patients with PAAD and explored the possible underlying biological mechanism.

Method

We analyzed the expression of GBP2 in PAAD tissues using a multiple gene expression database and a cohort of 42 PAAD patients. We evaluated GBP2’s prognostic value using Kaplan–Meier analysis and the Cox regression model. GO and KEGG enrichment analysis, co-expression analysis, and GSEA were performed to illustrate the possible underlying biological mechanism. CIBERSORT and the relative expression of immune checkpoints were used to estimate the relationship between GBP2 expression and tumor immunology.

Result

GBP2 was remarkably overexpressed in PAAD tissue. The overexpression of GBP2 was correlated with an advanced T stage and poor overall survival (OS) and GBP2 expression was an independent risk factor for OS in PAAD patients. Functional analysis demonstrated that positively co-expressed genes of GBP2 were closely associated with pathways in cancer and the NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Most of the characteristic immune checkpoints, including PDCD1, PDCDL1, CTLA4, CD80, TIGIT, LAG3, IDO2, and VISTA, were significantly expressed in the high-GBP2 expression group compared with the low-GBP2 expression group.

Conclusion

GBP2 acted as a potential prognostic biomarker and was associated with immune infiltration and the expression of immune checkpoints in PAAD.
Effective use of Fire Department Connections
Authors: Park Jung-Ju , Hwang Euy-Hong , Choi Don-Mook
Published: May 2021

According to the current firefighting facility ordinance, connecting water pipes can be more than five stories in length, and the installation standard is applied to specific objects with a total floor area of > 6,000 m2 or more than seven stories. This standard is intended to enable fire brigades to quickly move to a fire point and extinguish a fire with extinguishing water supplied smoothly. However, the strict fire safety standards make it possible to install both the connecting water pipe facility and the indoor fire hydrant and sprinkler connecting the water outlet, thus creating a fire extinguishing facility that firefighters cannot use at the fire site. In this study, both domestic and foreign standards and fire cases of consolidated water pipes were reviewed, and various problems were analyzed through field surveys, experiments, and surveys. In addition, using the engineering mathematical calculation method and mathematical calculation program, it was confirmed that direct delivery to the 50th floor is possible with the A1 pump on fire trucks. The fire safety standards have been revised to ensure that fire brigades can extinguish fires under any circumstances, and it is suggested that piping should be installed.
Pathology of COVID-19: A Review of Emerging Evidences from Autopsy Studies
Authors: Palo Seetu , Mishra Debadutta
Published: May 2021

Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID‑19) is caused by novel Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus‑2 (SARS‑CoV‑2). The disease was first reported from Wuhan, China, in December 2019 and since then it continues to spread worldwide. Although, there are rapidly increasing number of studies on epidemiologic characteristics and clinical aspects of COVID‑19, its pathology still remains a largely unexplored territory, mainly due to limited autopsy studies. Autopsy studies are essential to demonstrate the spectrum of COVID‑19‑associated organ changes. This article reviews and highlights the important histopathological findings observed in different organ systems as evident from various published and anecdotal reports from across the world. Major histopathological findings in the lungs include different stages of Diffuse Alveolar Damage (DAD) and microthrombi along with variable degree of inflammation. Microscopic analysis of renal parenchyma may show acute tubular injury and fibrin thrombi in the glomerular capillaries. Heart, liver and brain show no significant inflammatory changes.
Effect of Slice Weight and Soaking Time on the Physico-Chemical Properties of Cassava Flour (Manihotesculentus) used for Bakery Products
Authors: Abah C. R. , Ishiwu C. N. , Obiegbuna J. E. , Okpalanma E. F. , Anarado C. S.
Published: May 2021

Quality cassava(Manihotesculentus, Crantz) flour is often influenced by process variables such as slice weight and soaking time which may affect its nutritional quality. In this study, the effect of process variables (slice weight and soaking time) on quality of cassava flour was carried out. Cassava root was peeled, washed and cut into varied sizes (25.86 - 54.14 g) and soaked at varied time (7.03 - 40.97 h). The proximate composition, physical and chemical properties of the flour were carried out using standard methods. The result in our findings showed that slice weight and soaking time had significant increase (p<0.05) on the proximate and physico-chemical properties of the flour.The amylose and amylopectin content of the flour increased with increasing soaking time while the hydrogen cyanide content decreased with increase in soaking time. Overall, the quality cassava flour displayed desirable properties for its incorporation into baked goods.
Phytochemical Screening, GC-MS Analysis and Antioxidant Activity of CurcurbitapepoL. usingIts Leaf Sample
Authors: Sunday Ezekwe Ahamefula , Nnedimma Nwadike Constance , Peter Wokocha Gift , Orlando George Boma
Published: May 2021

This study evaluated the phytochemical screening, gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis and antioxidant activity of Curcurbitapepo L. using its leaf sample with standard methods. The sample used for the study was procured from Imo State University school farm and was properly identified. Result of phytochemical screening revealed the presence of  saponins, flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, phlobactannins, proteins, and anthraquinnones, while the GC-MS analysis revealed a total of 78 compounds, out which Bis(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (C24H38O4) had the highest molecular weight, 2,4,6-Octatriene, 2,6-dimethyl- (C10H16) had the highest peak area of 10.21% while Morphinan-6-ol, 4,5-epoxy-N-methyl-, (5α 6α- (C17H21NO2) had the highest retention time. The antioxidant activity of the studied sample was enhanced against the control. Some of the compounds as revealed by GC-MS analysis could be of healthcare or industrial importance.  There is need for further studies on the leaf sample to ascertain further the observations of the present study. This study has evaluated the phytochemical screening, GC-MS analysis and antioxidant activity of C.pepo L. using its leaf sample.
Assessment of in Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Authors: Mohsen Sarah Alaa , Deeb Fatma Ahmed El , Ramadan Ehab Sayed , Eissa Mai Abd El-Raouf
Published: May 2021

Background: Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a common and potentially debilitating disorder. Neuropsychological assessment provides unique complementary information that is critical for evaluating higher cortical abilities. This study aimed to assess the neuropsychological functions in OCD patients which can then point to the brain structures or pathways and to study the correlation between these assessments and different clinical variables.

Methods: This cross-sectional case control study had included sixty patients who were divided into two groups, Group I: thirty OCD patients diagnosed by DSM-IV and Group II: thirty healthy controls who were recruited from the community, matched with patients’ age, gender, and education.

Results: The age of onset in our study was 19.13 ± 0.35 years, the mean duration was 7.44 ± 3.88 years, 40% of the studied cases had severe OCD symptoms and 33.3% of them were compulsive cleaners. There was a high significant difference between the two groups regarding WCST in favor of the control group. There was a high significant difference between the two groups regarding ROCF where the control group showed better results than the OCD patients.

Conclusions: Neuropsychological test performance remains an informative and objective means of investigation, especially when applied to psychiatric disorders. The executive functions in OCD patients were impaired in comparison to the normal study subjects.
Exploration of Antioxidant and Anticancer Activity of Stephania japonica Leaves Extract
Authors: Islam Md. Dobirul , Islam Ariful , Tasnin Naoshia , Akter Syeda Farida , Uddin Md. Salim
Published: May 2021

Aims: The demand for antioxidants from the natural source has drawn promising attention to outturn desired pharmacological effect by subsidizing the adverse effect for treating cancer. This study evaluated the antioxidant activity of Stephania japonica leaves extracts to explore the anticancer activity.   

Methods: Antioxidant potential of crude extracts were evaluated using various methods which include total antioxidant activity, ferric reducing antioxidant assay, DPPH free radical, ABTS free radical, nitric oxide and superoxide anion radical scavenging assay. Anticancer activity was determined in vitro by MTT assay and in vivo on mice against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cell.

Results: Phytoconstituents with free radical scavenging capacity were quantified in terms of inhibitory concentration (IC50) with the values of 17.00±3.22 µg/mL, 33.30 ± 5.45 µg/mL, 43.70±5.26 µg/mL and 52.30±1.07 µg/mL in DPPH, ABTS, superoxide anion radical and nitric oxide free radical scavenging assay, respectively as the highest quencher, acetone extract of S. japonica leaves (ASJL). ASJL and methanol extract (MSJL) showed low lethal dose (LD50) values of 21.76 and 26.63, respectively indicating higher toxicity.  In vitro anti-proliferative activity (MTT assay), ASJL and MSJL were exhibited 15.44±2.96 to 80.94±2.87 and 11.76±3.74 to 74.25±1.49 percent of cell growth inhibition, respectively at the concentration of 10.28 µg/mL to 833.33 µg/mL. In in vivo test, ASJL and MSJL at the dose of 100 mg/kg/day and 200 mg/kg/day (i.p.) showed cell growth inhibition of 58.25±4.24% to 79.09±2.45% and 46.26±2.68% to 61.74±4.41%, respectively on EAC cell tumor-bearing mice. The life span of intraperitoneal induced EAC cell bearing mice was increased to 29.05% and 57.02% on the treatment of ASJL with 100 and 200 mg/kg/day, respectively.

Conclusions: The free radical scavenger of S. japonica leaves extract was stimulated the host immunity and inhibited the EAC cell growth through initiating the apoptosis cell death program. Therefore, S. japonica leaves might be utilized as a potent anticancer natural source.
Antiviral Potential of Medicinal Plants and Plant Lectins: Use in COVID-19 Pandemic Era
Authors: Büker Eda , Saraçoğlu Ibrahim Adnan
Published: May 2021

At the time of writing the research paper, the world is faced with an acute respiratory syndrome pandemic that is named as coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). This pandemic is also called Covid-19, is a respiratory disease based on the lungs caused by the new coronavirus the SARS-CoV-2. In the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic period, decreased food intromission, inflammation concerned catabolism, decreased mobility owing to extend hospital stay as well as older age and comorbidities hence patients can be under hazard of malnutrition. It is understood from the nutrition guidances suggest the nutritional methods and cure take into account as a complementary role of the way to these patients. In any acute, pandemic or chronic disease ideal nutritional care accommodate to life-support cure has probable to develop the results of patients influenced by this life-menacing disease, bearing better and shorter healing from the acute phase. For this reason, in pandemic of the SARS-CoV-2 before and after get be sick, quality and species of chemical secondary metabolites of foods in nutritional care are very important in terms of healing. In this paper, we tried to explain how some lectins and some medicinal plants like a Salvia officinalis and Malva slyvestris are effective against the SARS-CoV-2 in human metabolism.
Respiratory Morbidity in Neonates at or Near-Term in Relation to Mode of Delivery - A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Memon Fouzia Rasool , Naz Asma , Pathan Nusrat Fozia , Baloch Shahida , Jamali Ameer Ali , Wagan Fareeda , Ahmer Arslan
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Antenatal corticosteroids are recommended by Royal College of Obstetrics and Gynaecology for caesarean section planned before thirty-eight plus six weeks gestation. However, these steroids are, not suggested for labour induced electively after thirty four weeks.

Objective: This study’s aim is to enumerate the possibility of respiratory morbidity in neonates for various deliberated approaches of delivery between thirty-five and thirty eight weeks gestation.

Methodology: This study was carried out during June 2018 and December 2020 at a tertiary obstetric unit and analysed 3796 neonates delivered between thirty-five and thirty eight weeks gestation for neonatal admission due to respiratory morbidity.

Results: The risk for respiratory problems in spontaneous labour was 9.9% (16/161), 5.0% (12/238), 1.2% (5/426) and 0.64% (6/930) at thirty five, thirty six, thirty seven and thirty eight weeks of gestation respectively. For induced labour, it was 25% (4/16), 4.8% (5/104), 4.1% (13/318) and 0.82% (4/485) at thirty-five, thirty six, thirty seven and thirty eight weeks respectively. While the risk of respiratory morbidity in elective caesarean section, was 13.8% (4/29), 27.1% (13/48), 4.1% (5/122) and 2.8% (9/318) at thirty-five, thirty six, thirty seven and thirty eight weeks respectively. Overall chance of respiratory morbidity in neonates was 6% after elective caesarean section, 2.8% after labour induction and 2.2% after spontaneous labour (p< 0.0001). The number of neonates with respiratory problems born by elective C-section was only 31 out of total 132 (23.5%). Whereas this risk was 2.8% at 35-38 weeks and 5.0% at 35-37 weeks after induced labour.

Conclusion: Elective delivery at 35-38 weeks is linked to respiratory morbidity in new born babies. More research is required to assess the role of prophylactic corticosteroids preceding elective induction of labour.
Risk Factors during Pregnancy for Asymptomatic Bacteriuria
Authors: Sial Sikander Ali , Detho Amir Bux , Memon Fouzia Rasool , Parveen Kousar , Memon Shabana , Bukhari Sadia , Ahmer Arslan
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Asymptomatic bacteriuria in pregnancy (ABU) is poorly understood and neglected in developing countries. It causes certain lethal maternal and fetal consequences if left untreated including low weighted births, premature delivery, full-blown urinary tract infection and pyelonephritis.

Objective: Our aim was to explore such factors having bad impact on pregnancy associated with asymptomatic bacteriuria and aware our community about these unspoken perils so that ABU likelihood may be reduced. Prevalence varies country to country. Developing and low economic countries are suffered more than developed so thereby upgrading and providing basic amenities of life the risk factors may be reduced.

Materials and Methods: This was a cross sectional study carried out in department of pathology PUMHSW. Sample size was 377, all selected were 18 years and above. All urinary samples were collected in sterile container and labeled and immediately transported to microbiology laboratory. Dipstick test, wet mount microscopy and Gram's staining were done. Blood, MacConkey's agar was inoculated and streaked with inoculi. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 23.

Results:  Samples found unlabeled (02) and contaminated (03) were dropped from study. A total of 372 were study samples. The most of patients were Gram negative 65(90.20%) predominantly Enterobacteriocae. When cultured, 72 were found growth positive (mixed plus pure) while 300 were negative. Risk factors were assayed in culture positive patients (ABU). A large number of patients (74%) belonged to lower economic class. Most common age group varied from 26-30 years (43%). Third trimester was the most common found in 37 patients ((49.3%). Gravid (G3 or more) were strong risk factors and were 55(73.3%).  Most of patients were illiterate 65 (90.27%). The past history of UTI was a significant risk 46(63.88%) while anemia was found statistically insignificant 17(23.61).

Conclusion: Asymptomatic bacteriuria is frequent in pregnant females and significantly increased when compounded by past history of UTI and low socioeconomic status. Therefore, it is necessary for mothers to be screened for ABU. There is a need of rapid and reliable screening methods so that upcoming disease burden can be reduced.
Antibacterial Activities and Phytochemical Screening of Crude Extracts of Calotropis gigantea (Giant Milk Weed)
Authors: Julius O. O. , Oluwasusi V. O. , Ibiyemi M. F. , Oluwatobi F. B.
Published: May 2021

The root and leaf of were screened for its antimicrobial and phytochemical activities. The solvents used for the roots and leaves extraction were ethanol and water. The extracts were tested against infectious disease causing bacterial such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus cereus, Klebsiellaaerogenesand α-haemolysin using the well diffusion method. The aqueous extracts of root of Calotropis gigantea against all the test bacteria ranged from 6.0 mm to 20.0 mm diameter zones of inhibition. The ethanolic extract of root of Calotropis gigantea inhibition against some the test microbe ranges from 6 mm to 14.0 mm diameter inhibitory zone. The ethanolic leaf extract of C. gigantea also showed an inhibition of 8mm to 20.0 mm. In present study, bacterial extract showed a varying zone of inhibition of the growth of tested organism than ethanol. Phytochemical properties of root and leaves of Calotropis gigantea obtain from ethanol and aqueous extracts were investigated. The results confirmed that presence of antibacterial activity and phytochemical in the shade dried extract of Calotropis gigantea against the human pathogenic organisms.
Mortality in Ankylosing Spondylitis According to Treatment: A Nationwide Retrospective Cohort Study of 5,900 Patients From Israel
Authors: Ben‐Shabat Niv , Shabat Aviv , Watad Abdulla , Kridin Khalaf , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , McGonagle Dennis , Comaneshter Doron , Cohen Arnon D. , Amital Howard
Published: May 2021

Objective

In this large population‐based study we aimed: 1) to assess mortality in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) compared to the general population, considering demographics, comorbidities, and treatment, and 2) to assess factors associated with mortality within patients with AS.

Methods

This study was designed as a retrospective cohort study using the electronic database of the largest health maintenance organization in Israel. All patients with AS diagnosed between 2002 and 2018 were included. Controls were matched by age, sex, clinic, and enrollment time. Follow‐up continued until death or the end of the study.

Results

The study comprised 5,930 AS patients and 29,018 matched controls who were followed up for a median period of 7.5 years. There were 667 deaths within the AS cohort and 2,919 deaths within controls; the mean age at death was 76.9 years and 77.1 years, respectively (P = 0.74). A total of 3,249 AS patients (54.8%) were treated only with nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, 1,760 (29.7%) were treated with tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), and 1,687 (28.4%) with disease‐modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Mortality rates were increased among AS patients compared to controls, with an age‐ and sex‐adjusted hazard ratio (HR) of 1.19 (95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.10–1.30). The association was significant for men (HR 1.15 [95% CI 1.04–1.27]) and women (HR 1.32 [95% CI 1.13–1.54]), and after adjusting for background comorbidities (HR 1.14 [95% CI 1.05–1.24]). AS patients treated with TNFi or with a combination of TNFi and DMARDs did not have significant difference in mortality rates compared to controls (HR 0.67 [95% CI 0.38–1.18] and HR 0.93 [95% CI 0.69–1.25], respectively). Age, male sex, mean C‐reactive protein (CRP) levels and general comorbidities were predictors of mortality within the AS cohort.

Conclusion

AS patients had an increased mortality risk compared to the general population after adjusting for age, sex, and baseline comorbidities. AS patients treated with TNFi did not demonstrate excess mortality compared to matched controls. Within the AS cohort, age, male sex, background comorbidities, and higher CRP levels were identified as risk factors for mortality.
Evidence‐Based Research on Effectiveness of Periodontal Treatment in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta‐Analysis
Authors: Silva Daniela S. , Costa Flávio , Baptista Isabel P. , Santiago Tânia , Lund Hans , Tarp Simon , daSilva José A. P. , Christensen Robin
Published: May 2021

Objective

To gauge the evidence of periodontal therapy's impact on measures of disease activity and systemic inflammatory burden in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods

A search for randomized trials and controlled cohort studies of RA patients with periodontitis was conducted on April 7, 2019, with an update on December 17, 2020 in PubMed, Cochrane Library (CENTRAL), Embase, ClinicalTrials.gov, and the World Health Organization International Clinical Trial Registry Platform portal. Two reviewers screened titles and abstracts and selected papers for full‐text review. We used Outcome Measures in Rheumatology (OMERACT)–endorsed outcome domains for RA trials and summarized continuous outcomes using standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs). We evaluated inconsistency using the I2 statistic and combined SMDs using random‐effects models for the meta‐analyses; fixed‐effect meta‐analyses were used for sensitivity analysis. To explore heterogeneity, we added stratified/meta‐regression analyses, expressed in T2.

Results

Of the 1,909 studies identified, 9 (including 10 comparisons) were eligible for quantitative synthesis (n = 388). Evidence suggested a favorable effect of periodontal treatment on disease activity (SMD –0.88 [95% CI –1.38, –0.38]; n = 311). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE) approach was used to judge the estimates' certainty; evidence rated as having low or very low certainty indicated that any possible effect of periodontal treatment in RA is likely to change as more evidence is provided. Selection bias and RA medication stability were highlighted as sources of heterogeneity between studies.

Conclusion

There is an urgent need for a well‐designed prospective cohort study (preferably a randomized controlled trial) of patients with RA and periodontitis using rigorous protocols, standardized diagnostic criteria, data collection, and adequate duration of follow‐up.
Disruptions in Rheumatology Care and the Rise of Telehealth in Response to the COVID‐19 Pandemic in a Community Practice–Based Network
Authors: George Michael D. , Danila Maria I. , Watrous Daniel , Reddy Shanmugapriya , Alper Jeffrey , Xie Fenglong , Nowell W. Benjamin , Kallich Joel , Clinton Cassie , Saag Kenneth G. , Curtis Jeffrey R.
Published: May 2021

Objective

The effect of the COVID‐19 pandemic on community‐based rheumatology care and the use of telehealth is unclear. We undertook this study to investigate the impact of the pandemic on rheumatology care delivery in a large community practice–based network.

Methods

Using a community practice–based rheumatologist network, we examined trends in in‐person versus telehealth visits versus canceled visits in 3 time periods: pre–COVID‐19, COVID‐19 transition (6 weeks beginning March 23, 2020), and post–COVID‐19 transition (May‐August). In the transition period, we compared patients who received in‐person care versus telehealth visits versus those who cancelled all visits. We used multivariable logistic regression to identify factors associated with canceled or telehealth visits.

Results

Pre–COVID‐19, there were 7,075 visits/week among 60,002 unique rheumatology patients cared for by ~300 providers practicing in 92 offices. This number decreased substantially (24.6% reduction) during the COVID‐19 transition period for in‐person visits but rebounded to pre–COVID‐19 levels during the post–COVID‐19 transition. There were almost no telehealth visits pre–COVID‐19, but telehealth increased substantially during the COVID‐19 transition (41.4% of all follow‐up visits) and slightly decreased during the post–COVID‐19 transition (27.7% of visits). Older age, female sex, Black or Hispanic race/ethnicity, lower socioeconomic status, and rural residence were associated with a greater likelihood of canceling visits. Most factors were also associated with a lower likelihood of having telehealth versus in‐office visits. Patients living further from the rheumatologists’ office were more likely to use telehealth.

Conclusion

COVID‐19 led to large disruptions in rheumatology care; these disruptions were only partially offset by increases in telehealth use and disproportionately affected racial/ethnic minorities and patients with lower socioeconomic status. During the COVID‐19 era, telehealth continues to be an important part of rheumatology practice, but disparities in access to care exist for some vulnerable groups.
Association of Superficial Cartilage Transverse Relaxation Time With Osteoarthritis Disease Progression: Data From the Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Biomarker Study of the Osteoarthritis Initiative
Authors: Fuerst David , Wirth Wolfgang , Gaisberger Martin , Hunter David J. , Eckstein Felix
Published: May 2021

Objective

To study whether layer‐specific cartilage transverse relaxation time (T2) and/or longitudinal change is associated with clinically relevant knee osteoarthritis (OA) disease progression.

Methods

The Foundation for the National Institutes of Health Biomarker Consortium was a nested case–control study on 600 knees from 600 Osteoarthritis Initiative participants. Progressor knees had both medial tibiofemoral radiographic joint space width (JSW) loss (≥0.7 mm) and a persistent increase in Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain score (≥9 on a 0–100 scale) at 24–48 months from baseline (n = 194). Multiecho spin‐echo (MESE) magnetic resonance images (MRIs) for cartilage T2 analysis had been acquired in the right knees only (97 progressor knees). These were compared to 104 control knees without JSW or pain progression. Fifty‐three knees had JSW progression, and 57 pain progression only. Cartilage thickness segmentations obtained from double‐echo steady‐state MRI were matched to MESE MRI to extract superficial and deep femorotibial cartilage T2. Superficial medial femorotibial compartment (MFTC) T2 at baseline was the primary, and change in deep MFTC T2 between baseline and 12 months was the secondary analytic outcome of this post hoc exploratory study.

Results

Baseline superficial MFTC T2 was significantly elevated in progressor knees (adjusted mean 47.2 msec [95% confidence interval (95% CI) 46.5, 48.0]) and JSW progression only knees (adjusted mean 47.3 msec [95% CI 46.3, 48.3]), respectively, versus non‐progressor knees (45.8 msec [95% CI 45.0, 46.5]) after adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, WOMAC pain score, and medial joint space narrowing grade (analysis of covariance). Change in T2 was not significantly associated with case status.

Conclusion

Baseline superficial, but not deep, medial cartilage T2 is associated with clinically relevant disease progression in knee OA.
Utilization of C(sp3)‐Carboxylic Acids and Their Redox‐Active Esters in Decarboxylative Carbon−Carbon Bond Formation
Authors: Karmakar Sukhen , Silamkoti Arundutt , Meanwell Nicholas A. , Mathur Arvind , Gupta Arun Kumar
Published: May 2021

Over the last several years, radical‐mediated decarboxylative cross‐coupling reactions employing alkyl carboxylic acids have emerged as a powerful tool for the regiospecific construction of carbon−carbon bonds. Under thermal or photocatalytic conditions, a wide variety of C(sp3)‐carboxylic acids and their redox‐active esters undergo decarboxylative C−C bond formation with suitable reactant partners, leading to complex chemical scaffolds with wide‐ranging applications. This synthetic strategy has several advantages over the more conventional organometallic reagents, including abundant starting material availability and high functional group tolerance associated with the mild reaction conditions. This review article highlights recent developments in the functionalization of α‐heteroatom‐substituted carboxylic acids as well as the more challenging unactivated acids, with representative examples discussed against the backdrop of insightful comments on reaction mechanisms. In addition, examples of the synthesis of natural products, drug molecules, and the late‐stage modification of bioactive molecules employing this non‐traditional C−C bond formation strategy are included. This review has been categorized into three main sections that are organized around the type of C−C bond being forged: C(sp3)−C(sp2), C(sp3)−C(sp3), and C(sp3)−C(sp). Further, the reactions of carboxylic acids and their redox‐active esters have been organized separately in each section.

magnified image
Engineering Copper Iodide (CuI) for Multifunctional p‐Type Transparent Semiconductors and Conductors
Authors: Liu Ao , Zhu Huihui , Kim Myung‐Gil , Kim Junghwan , Noh Yong‐Young
Published: May 2021

Developing transparent p‐type semiconductors and conductors has attracted significant interest in both academia and industry because metal oxides only show efficient n‐type characteristics at room temperature. Among the different candidates, copper iodide (CuI) is one of the most promising p‐type materials because of its widely adjustable conductivity from transparent electrodes to semiconducting layers in transistors. CuI can form thin films with high transparency in the visible light region using various low‐temperature deposition techniques. This progress report aims to provide a basic understanding of CuI‐based materials and recent progress in the development of various devices. The first section provides a brief introduction to CuI with respect to electronic structure, defect states, charge transport physics, and overviews the CuI film deposition methods. The material design concepts through doping/alloying approaches to adjust the optoelectrical properties are also discussed in the first section. The following section presents recent advances in state‐of‐the‐art CuI‐based devices, including transparent electrodes, thermoelectric devices, p–n diodes, p‐channel transistors, light emitting diodes, and solar cells. In conclusion, current challenges and perspective opportunities are highlighted.
Evaluating the freeze tolerance of bermudagrass genotypes
Authors: Gopinath Lakshmy , Moss Justin Quetone , Wu Yanqi
Published: May 2021

Bermudagrasses (Cynodon spp.) are commonly used in golf courses, athletic fields, and home lawns in the transitional climatic region of the United States. Winterkill, however, is a major concern for bermudagrasses grown in this region. Controlled environment testing is a reliable method to evaluate freeze tolerance contributing to the selection of freeze tolerant genotypes. Therefore, this study was designed to test the freeze tolerance of two elite experimental genotypes, OKC1873 and OKC1406, along with two industry standards (‘Tifway’ and ‘Tahoma 31’), by exposing them to various freeze temperatures (−4 to −14 ℃) in a controlled environment. The freezing test was replicated in time, and the mean lethal temperature to kill 50% of the population (LT50) for each genotype was determined. Tifway (freeze‐sensitive standard) had an LT50 value of −7.0 ℃. The genotype OKC1873 (−7.2 ℃), was in the same statistical group as Tifway. Tahoma 31 was the best‐performing genotype with the lowest LT50 value of −9.1 ℃. The genotype OKC1406 (−8.8 ℃) was in the same statistical group as Tahoma 31. Top‐performing experimental genotypes will move on for further screening in replicated field trials for future consideration for commercial release based on qualities such as improved freeze tolerance, desirable turfgrass quality, and sufficient disease resistance.
Risk factors for incisional hernia according to different wound sites after open hepatectomy using combinations of vertical and horizontal incisions: A multicenter cohort study
Authors: Iida Hiroya , Tani Masaji , Hirokawa Fumitoshi , Ueno Masaki , Noda Takehiro , Takemura Shigekazu , Nomi Takeo , Nakai Takuya , Kaibori Masaki , Kubo Shoji
Published: May 2021

Background: Although several risk factors for incisional hernia after hepatectomy have been reported, their relationship to different wound sites has not been investigated. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the risk factors for incisional hernia according to various wound sites after hepatectomy.

Methods: Patients from the Osaka Liver Surgery Study Group who underwent open hepatectomy using combinations of vertical and horizontal incisions (J‐shaped incision, reversed L‐shaped incision, reversed T‐shaped incision, Mercedes incision) between January 2012 and December 2015 were included. Incisional hernia was defined as a hernia occurring within 3 y after surgery. Abdominal incisional hernia was classified into midline incisional hernia and transverse incisional hernia. The risk factors for each posthepatectomy incisional hernia type were identified.

Results: A total of 1057 patients met the inclusion criteria. The overall posthepatectomy incisional hernia incidence rate was 5.9% (62 patients). In the multivariate analysis, the presence of diabetes mellitus and albumin levels <3.5 g/dL were identified as independent risk factors. Moreover, incidence rates of midline and transverse incisional hernias were 2.4% (25 patients), and 2.3% (24 patients), respectively. In multivariate analysis, the independent risk factor for transverse incisional hernia was the occurrence of superficial or deep incisional surgical site infection, and interrupted suturing for midline incisional hernia.

Conclusions: Risk factors for incisional hernia after hepatectomy depend on the wound site. To prevent incisional hernia, running suture use might be better for midline wound closure. The prevention of postoperative wound infection is important for transverse wounds, under the presumption of preoperative nutrition and normoglycemia.
Sulfide‐Catalyzed Diastereoselective Spirocyclopropanation: Constructing Spiro‐cyclopropanyl‐pyrazolones From α‐Arylidenepyrazolones
Authors: Su Yingpeng , He Haiyang , Zhao Yanan , Li Qinling , Feng Yawei , Cao Guiyan , Huang Danfeng , Wang Ke‐Hu , Huo Congde , Hu Yulai
Published: May 2021

An efficient and diastereoselective [2+1] annulation of arylidenepyrazolones with bromides has been developed that relies on in situ formation of sulfur ylide via a direct sulfide‐catalyzed process. A variety of spirocyclopropanyl pyrazolones were achieved in good to excellent yields (up to 93% yield) with high diastereoselectives (up to 20 : 1 dr). Meanwhile, several spirocyclopropanyl compounds were also prepared from corresponding enones. This catalytic strategy exhibits good functional group tolerance, gram‐scale capacity and broad substrate scope, and provides various spirocyclopropanyl derivatives.
Rhodium catalyzed 2‐alkyl‐benzimidazoles synthesis from benzene‐1,2‐diamines and tertiary alkylamines as alkylating agents
Authors: Yamini  , Sharma Saurabh , Das Pralay
Published: May 2021

Substituted 2‐alkyl‐benzimidazoles were synthesized from benzene‐1,2‐diamine and tertiary amines as alkylating agent under polystyrene supported rhodium (Rh@PS) nanoparticles (NPs) catalyzed conditions. The heterogeneous rhodium catalyst was applied first time for the synthesis of 2‐alkyl‐benzimidazoles. The reaction followed through oxidation of alkylamines, transamination, and oxidative cyclisation with benzene‐1,2‐diamines for the corresponding products synthesis with good yields. The process is applicable for vast substrate scope, several functional groups are tolerable, and the Rh@PS catalyst is recyclable up to four cycles without significant loss in catalytic activity.
Development of ecofriendly active food packaging materials based on blends of cross‐linked poly (vinyl alcohol) and Piper betle Linn. leaf extract
Authors: Bui Quynh Thi Phuong , Nguyen Thuong Thi , Nguyen Lam Thi Truc , Kim Sang Hoon , Nguyen Hoa Ngoc
Published: May 2021

Development of active packaging materials for food preservation has been a topic of interest over the years. Herein we report the preparation and characterization of novel active films based on the combination of poly (vinyl alcohol) (PVA), maltodextrin, agar and Piper betle Linn. leaf extract (PBLLE) for application in food preservation. Agar and maltodextrin were co‐used as cross‐linking agents aiming at improving the hydrophobicity of the PVA film. All the additives exhibited high compatibility with the PVA matrix and provided significant enhancement in film properties compared to the unmodified PVA. PBLLE was found to impart strong antibacterial activities and UV blocking property to the films. Moreover, the addition of PBLLE also remarkably increased the film flexibility owing to chemical and physical interactions between chemical compounds in the extract and the polymer network. The as‐prepared blend films showed their effectiveness in prolonging the self‐life of bread and mango, demonstrating a great potential for their practical applications in active food packaging field.
Research at public policy schools in the Asia‐Pacific region ranked
Authors: Dressel Björn , Stern David I.
Published: May 2021

This article presents the first‐ever ranking of public policy schools in the Asia‐Pacific region based on their research publication output. We used Scopus as our bibliographic database to assess the publication output of 45 schools between 2014 and 2018, based on affiliations listed on the publications rather than current faculty. The results show substantial variation in terms of research output; elite research schools are located in China, Australia, and Singapore. Ranking by total citations, three schools stand out—the Crawford School of Public Policy at the Australian National University, the Lee Kuan Yew School at the National University of Singapore, and the School of Public Policy & Management at Tsinghua University in China. Ranking by impact factor shows that the School of Government at Peking University and the Melbourne School of Government at Melbourne University are the two top‐ranked schools, but because of their relatively small research output in this period, their true rank is very uncertain.
Pushed to the edge: Environmental factors drive ecological responses of Aphanius fasciatus when in sympatry with invasive Gambusia holbrooki
Authors: Monti Flavio , Marcelli Massimiliano , Fastelli Paolo , Fattorini Niccolò
Published: May 2021

Interspecific competition may be particularly exacerbated when occurring between native and invasive alien species, with environmental conditions affecting drivers of natural selection and shaping spatio‐temporal dynamics of animal communities. The effects of invaders are particularly evident in aquatic ecosystems with delicate and complex balances, such as Mediterranean coastal wetlands, characterized by unpredictable water flows and variable reserves. Understanding how native species respond to human‐induced biological invasions is of paramount importance for planning management measures aiming at conservation purposes.

This study investigated whether the occurrence of a competing invader species resulted in changes in the ecological adaptations of a native species by comparing two coastal wetland fish species: the invasive eastern mosquitofish Gambusia holbrooki and the native Mediterranean killifish Aphanius fasciatus of conservation concern. The hypothesis was tested by sampling fishes at a coastal Ramsar site in central Italy, over 2 years.

Generalized linear mixed models were used to examine the occurrence of killifish in relation to water parameters and the presence of its putative competitor. The aim was to determine whether salinity, temperature, and water depth influenced the presence and abundance of killifish when in sympatry with mosquitofish.

Both the probability of presence and abundance of killifish increased with water salinity, but this increase was stronger when mosquitofish was present. Increasing water temperature and water depth were associated with a higher probability of presence and abundance of killifish respectively, although the effect of water depth was small. Both salinity and the presence of the invader acted synergistically in characterizing and shaping the population structure of the native species.

Living in the most extreme and stressed environments, the killifish is potentially at higher risk of extinction. These results highlight the importance of considering the interplay between multiple abiotic stressors combined with comparative data between invasive and native species as increasingly critical to aid in conservation efforts.
HMGB1‐like dorsal switch protein 1 of the mealworm, Tenebrio molitor, acts as a damage‐associated molecular pattern
Authors: Mollah Md. Mahi Imam , Kim Yonggyun
Published: May 2021

High‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear protein highly conserved in eukaryotes and ubiquitously expressed to regulate transcription and chromatin remodeling. Dorsal switch protein 1 (DSP1) is its insect homolog. A lepidopteran DSP1 acts as a damage‐associated molecular pattern (DAMP) in response to immune challenge. The objective of this study was to determine the role of DAMP in the mealworm beetle, Tenebrio molitor, a coleopteran insect. DSP1 of T. molitor (Tm‐DSP1) encodes 536 amino acids and shares sequence similarities with Homo sapiens HMGB1 (56.3%) and Spodoptera exigua DSP1 (59.2%). An antisera raised against S. exigua DSP1 was cross‐reactive to Tm‐DSP1. Like other insect DSPs, Tm‐DSP1 has a relatively long N‐terminal extension in addition to two conserved HMG box domains. It was expressed in all developmental stages of T. molitor and different larval tissues. Upon immune challenge, its expression level was upregulated. Its RNA interference (RNAi) treatment resulted in a significant reduction in immune responses measured by hemocyte nodule formation against bacterial infection. In addition, the induction of some antimicrobial peptide genes to the immune challenge was suppressed by its RNAi treatment. Interestingly, phospholipase A2 associated with eicosanoid biosynthesis was significantly suppressed in its catalytic activity by the RNAi treatment specific to Tm‐DSP1 expression. Without any pathogen infection, injection of a lepidopteran DSP1 induced both cellular and humoral immune responses. These results suggest that Tm‐DSP1 in T. molitor can act as a DAMP molecule and mediate immune responses upon immune challenge.
Clean development mechanism implementation: External and organizational factors drives expected business benefits
Authors: Zainuddin Zainorfarah , Iranmanesh Mohammad , Tseng Ming‐Lang , Foroughi Behzad , Tengku Hamzah Tengku Adeline Adura
Published: May 2021

This study aims to deal with the challenge of rationalizing and testing the interrelationships assumptions of external and organizational factors in the case of clean development mechanism implementation. Prior studies are lacking to introduce the expected business benefits as a mediator between external factors and clean development mechanism implementation. The moderating effect of environmental resources was rationalized and evaluated. The data were collected from 130 ISO 14001 certified manufacturing firms and analyzed using the partial least squares technique. The results revealed that expected business benefits mediate the impacts of all considered external factors and cause an insignificant direct association between market pressure and mechanism implementation. Organizational resources moderate positively the impact of competitor pressure on mechanism implementation. The findings extend the literature by illustrating the dependency of external factors and organizational factors and challenging the results of the studies, which have been driven by independence assumption. The findings are enabling policy‐makers and managers to effectively modify the strategies for enhancing the extent of mechanism implementation.