bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Characterization of a lytic EBP bacteriophage with large size genome against Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Asif Muhammad , Naseem Hafsa , Alvi Iqbal Ahmad , Basit Abdul , Rehman Shafiq‐ur‐
Published: May 2021

Enterobacter cloacae (E. cloacae) is an emerging nosocomial pathogen that had acquired antibiotic resistance against multiple classes of antibiotics. The current study was aimed to isolate and characterize lytic bacteriophage against E. cloacae. The bacteriophage EBP was isolated from a sewage water sample using E. cloacae as a host strain by double‐layer agar technique. EBP was found stabile at a wide range of temperatures (25, 37, 60, and 80°C) and pH (5, 6, 7, 8, and 9) with antibacterial activity up to 24 h of infection. The latent period of EBP was 20 min with a burst size of 252 phages per cell. It showed a narrow host range and infected 12/21 (57%) isolates of E. cloacae tested. It has helical symmetry with a head size of 105 and 120 nm long tail with contractile sheath. The EBP has 179.1 kb long double‐stranded DNA genome with 44.8% GC content. Majority of identified ORFs (187/281) were encoding putative proteins with unknown function. Necessary replication enzymes, structural proteins, and lytic enzymes were detected in the genome of EBP. Phylogenetic analysis revealed that EBP closely resembles with Coronobacter phage vB_CsaM_IeN, vB_CsaM_IeE, vB_CsaM_IeB, and Citrobacter phage Margaery. Based on electron microscopy and molecular characterization, EBP was classified as a Myoviridae phage.
Design and development of a biological implant for long term intravaginal retention in cattle
Authors: Stephen CP , Norman ST
Published: May 2021

Objective

Design, develop and trial an intravaginal device able to remain within the bovine vagina for up to 6 months, accommodating various technologies, while not adversely affecting the cow, or pregnancy.

Methods

Device scoping required minimal interference with vaginal drainage, no constant pressure on any single point of the vaginal mucosa and minimal footprint on the vaginal floor. A polycarbonate prototype was developed consisting of a central cargo space to house sensors and battery, with a separate retention module. Mathematical modelling informed the required length and flexibility of the arms on the retention module to reduce pressure necrosis and inflammation within the vagina. The prototype was initially trialled, with a loaded cargo pod, for 4 weeks in five non‐pregnant cows. Cows were monitored for signs of systemic infection and inflammation by collecting blood samples for haematology and acute phase inflammatory proteins. Cows were also assessed for general demeanour, signs of discomfort and positioning of the device. Later, the device was inserted into 20 early pregnant cows, with 20 contemporary, untreated controls. Cows were monitored, as in the initial trial, every 4 weeks for the next 5 to 6 months until calving.

Results

In Trial 1, there was 100% retention with no adverse effects. In Trial 2, device retention was 75% until calving with no adverse effects on cow health or pregnancy.

Conclusions

We describe the longest successful deployment of an intravaginal device in pregnant and non‐pregnant cattle, with long‐term retention, no adverse effects and 28 cm3 of cargo space.
Ethical issues in managing the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Raus Kasper , Mortier Eric , Eeckloo Kristof
Published: May 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has had an immense and worldwide impact. In light of future pandemics or subsequent waves of COVID‐19 it is crucial to focus on the ethical issues that were and still are raised in this COVID‐19 crisis. In this paper, we look at issues that are raised in the testing and tracing of patients with COVID‐19. We do this by highlighting and expanding on an approach suggested by Fineberg that could serve as a public health approach. In this way, we highlight several ethical issues. As regards testing, questions are raised such as whether it is ethical to use less reliable tests in order to increase testing capacity or minimize harm for patients. Another issue is how wide testing should be and whether selective testing is in accordance with principles of social justice. Patients who have recovered from COVID‐19 might have some degree of immunity but attributing certain ‘immunopriviliges’ raises ethical questions. The use of various tracing methodologies (mobile apps or databases and trained tracers) raised evident questions of social justice and privacy. We argue why it is key to always uphold a test of proportionality where a fair balance must be sought.
He Jiankui´s gene‐editing experiment and the non‐identity problem
Authors: Alonso Marcos , Savulescu Julian
Published: May 2021

Genetic engineering has been a topic of discussion for over 50 years, but it is only recently that gene editing has become a reality. CRISPR biotechnologies have made gene editing much safer, precise and feasible. We have witnessed the first cases of human germline genetic modification resulting in live births, conducted by He Jiankui. In this paper, we will analyse He Jiankui’s case in relation to one of the most difficult problems in procreative ethics (or the ethics of future generations): the non‐identity problem. We believe that this analysis will help us to understand the ethics involved in gene editing and hopefully allow for a better, more philosophically grounded legislation on CRISPR and other gene‐editing technologies.
Health care system barriers and facilitators to early prenatal care among diverse women in Florida
Authors: Reid Chinyere N. , Fryer Kimberly , Cabral Naciely , Marshall Jennifer
Published: May 2021

Background

Worldwide, women continue to experience barriers to accessing early prenatal care. Given the unique nature of the United States health care system, this study aimed to identify barriers and facilitators to early prenatal care reported by women in Florida.

Methods

A mixed‐methods study of postpartum women with entry to care after 14 weeks’ gestation was conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Florida. First, eligible women completed a survey including demographic characteristics and open‐ended questions on prenatal care barriers. Second, a semi‐structured interview was conducted to contextualize the conditions of access. The qualitative analysis was based on the combined theoretical frameworks of Phillippi and Khan.

Results

The majority of the 55 participants self‐identified as Hispanic (n = 28, 51%), non‐Hispanic White (n = 12, 22%), or non‐Hispanic Black (n = 9, 16%). Quantitative analysis identified frequent barriers, including the following: “couldn't get an appointment when wanted one” (n = 24, 47%); “didn't have insurance” (n = 21, 41%); and “not aware of pregnancy” (n = 21, 41%). From the combined quantitative and qualitative analyses, three major themes emerged that help to explain barriers faced by birthing people in Florida: personal factors (mental health, awareness of pregnancy, considering abortion, tumultuous life), community conditions (transportation, stigma/fear, social support), and health care system (language barriers, delay at clinic level, cost of care).

Discussion

Barriers to early prenatal care are multifaceted and operate at personal, societal, and health care systems levels. Prenatal care practitioners have multiple potential targets for interventions at the clinic level to help mitigate barriers to early prenatal care. Strategies should include health care policy reforms to Medicaid access and interventions at the clinic level aimed at fast‐tracking access to care.
Uncovering opportunities for effective species conservation banking requires navigating technical and practical complexities
Authors: White Thomas B. , Bull Joseph W. , Toombs Theodore P. , Knight Andrew T.
Published: May 2021

In the USA, Species Conservation Banking is a prominent example of compensatory biodiversity impact mitigation, with an annual market value estimated at US$354.2 million. Species Conservation Banking represents a useful case study of a well‐established program that can provide empirical insights into the practicalities of implementing quantitative compensatory biodiversity mitigation on‐the‐ground. Using semi‐structured key‐informant interviews structured around well‐established technical challenges to compensatory mitigation, this study aimed to understand (i) how and why these challenges are or are not addressed in practice; and (ii) how these challenges relate to practical challenges faced by conservation banking stakeholders on‐the‐ground. Challenges identified included: (i) defining trading currencies and equivalence, (ii) regulatory and political uncertainty, (iii) regulatory agency capacity, will and knowledge, (iv) lack of policies, standards, and competition with other mitigation mechanisms, (v) long‐term uncertainty/longevity, and (vi) lack of species knowledge and data transparency. These challenges are numerous, diverse, interlinked and transdisciplinary, and collectively inhibit the ability of practitioners to resolve underlying technical challenges—a finding likely applicable to related biodiversity offset programs. To help address challenges and navigate this complexity, we formulate several recommendations for conservation banking stakeholders to improve the chances of beneficial biodiversity outcomes being achieved.
Patients with geographic barriers to health care access are prescribed a higher proportion of drugs with pharmacogenetic testing guidelines
Authors: Dalton Rachel , Brown Joshua D. , Duarte Julio D.
Published: May 2021

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing may be particularly beneficial in medically underserved populations by reducing the number of appointments required to optimize drug therapy and increasing the effectiveness of less expensive off‐patent drugs. The objective of this study was to identify patient populations with poor health care access and assess prescribing trends for drugs with published PGx testing guidelines. We used electronic health record data from 67,753 University of Florida Health patients, geographic access scores calculated via the 2‐step floating catchment area method, and a composite measure of socioeconomic status. Comparing the poorest (Q4) and greatest (Q1) access score quartiles, poor geographic access was significantly associated with fewer prescriber encounters (incidence rate ratio [IRR] 0.88, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.86–0.91), fewer total unique drugs (IRR 0.92, 95% CI 0.9–0.95), and fewer PGx guideline drugs (IRR 0.94, 95% CI 0.9–0.99). After correcting for number of unique drugs, patients in low‐access areas were prescribed a greater proportion of PGx guideline drugs (IRR 1.08, 95% CI 1.04–1.13). We detected significant interactions between Black race and access score. Compared to Q1, Black patients with Q4 access scores were disproportionately affected and had fewer encounters (IRR 0.76, 95% CI 0.7–0.82) and a higher proportion of PGx drugs (IRR 1.26, 95% CI 1.13–1.41), creating further disparity. Overall, these results suggest that improved geographic access to PGx testing may allow prescribers to make more efficient use of limited opportunities to optimize therapy for drugs with PGx testing guidelines.
Treatment outcomes of a lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer alcohol and other drug counselling service in Australia: A retrospective analysis of client records
Authors: Lea Toby , Brener Loren , Lambert Sarah , Whitlam Genevieve , Holt Martin
Published: May 2021

Introduction

Substance use disorders are more prevalent among lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people than among their heterosexual and cisgender peers. There has been limited alcohol and other drug (AOD) treatment research with LGBTQ people outside of North America. This study aimed to examine the treatment outcomes of clients attending a LGBTQ‐specific AOD counselling service in Australia (ACON's Substance Support Service) and compare their client profile and treatment outcomes with LGBTQ and non‐LGBTQ clients of similar mainstream services.

Methods

This study was a retrospective analysis of the health records of 284 ACON clients and 1011 clients of five mainstream services in 2016–2018. Clients completed clinical interviews at treatment entry and periodically throughout treatment and completed measures of substance use, severity of dependence, psychological distress and quality of life.

Results

Most ACON clients were seeking treatment for methamphetamine (58%) and alcohol use (26%). Among ACON clients, there were reductions in past month days of substance use and severity of dependence between treatment entry and counselling sessions 4, 8 and 12 (all P < 0.001). There were statistically significant reductions in psychological distress and improved quality of life among ACON clients. Despite ACON and the mainstream services having similar treatment approaches, their client profiles were markedly different in terms of sociodemographic characteristics, substance use and source of referral, which precluded comparison of treatment outcomes.

Discussion and Conclusions

ACON's clients showed reduced substance use and improved psychosocial wellbeing during treatment. The findings support the provision of LGBTQ‐specific AOD services.
From the (skin) doctor’s office to the lecture hall: An innovative, practice‐oriented, media‐supported teaching project with supra‐regional interdisciplinary usage options
Authors: Wittbecker Linda Marlen , von Spreckelsen Regina , Bandholz Thyra Caroline , Lehmhaus Friedrich‐Wilhelm , Schwarz Thomas , Gläser Regine
Published: May 2021

Background

The transfer of practical knowledge and skills is the focus of modern medical teaching (master plan medical studies 2020). The aim of the teaching project is to provide medical students with important dermatological learning goals and contents by using innovative methods.

Methods

As part of a teaching project funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) at the Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Schleswig‐Holstein in Kiel, various new, partly media‐supported teaching modules were developed in addition to curricular teaching and optimized by regular acceptance evaluations during the development process.

Results

(1.) Professionally created instructional movies present essential techniques for diagnosis and therapy: standardized dermatological whole‐body examination, wound smear sampling, performing of biopsies, curettages and excisions as well as skin suturing techniques on exercise material and on patients. (2.) Tutor‐based courses offer students the ability to practice these techniques independently. (3.) Seminar lectures show different clinical pictures in university medicine and doctor’s offices as well as the important interaction between clinic and doctor’s practice in patient care. (4.) One‐day internships in a teaching practice convey the activity in this setting. (5.) Seminars on psychodermatology provide insight into the stress caused by the skin disease using the “bio‐psychosocial disease model”. So far, 282 students have participated in the modules. In 88–100 % of the evaluations, there was a desire for further expansion of the new courses and integration into curricular teaching.

Conclusions

Our innovative teaching modules resulted in great acceptance by the students. The freely available instructional films were successfully used by other university locations due to networking in the Academic Teaching Forum. One perspective is the supra‐regional and sustainable use of our teaching modules and the transfer of the concept to other departments and faculties.
Ocular syphilis – a case series of four patients
Authors: Jahnke Stephanie , Sunderkötter Cord , Lange Danica , Wienrich Ricarda , Kreft Burkhard
Published: May 2021

Ocular manifestations of syphilis with visual impairment symptoms may occur already at the stage of secondary syphilis. They may also be the only manifestation of syphilis and mimic other diseases of the eye. Therefore, in all patients with uveitis, optic neuritis, optic atrophy, acute ocular muscle paresis, or loss of visual acuity, syphilis infection should be ruled out, even if the medical history does not initially raise suspicion.

Ocular involvement should be treated as neurosyphilis. Delayed diagnosis and inadequate therapy are often associated with irreversible consequences for the affected patient. As with any syphilis infection, HIV infection should be considered and excluded, especially in the case of ocular manifestations.
Technology in the management of type 2 diabetes: Present status and future prospects
Authors: Daly Aideen , Hovorka Roman
Published: May 2021

The growing incidence of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is a significant health concern, representing 90% of diabetes cases worldwide. As the disease progresses, resultant insulin deficiency and hyperglycaemia necessitates insulin therapy in many cases. It has been recognized that a significant number of people who have a clinical requirement for insulin therapy, as well as their healthcare professionals, are reluctant to intensify treatment with insulin due to fear of hypoglycaemia, poor understanding of treatment regimens or lack of engagement, and are therefore at higher risk of developing complications from poor glycaemic control. Over the past decade, the rise of diabetes technologies, including dosing advisors, continuous glucose monitoring systems, insulin pumps and automated insulin delivery systems, has led to great improvements in the therapies available, particularly to those requiring insulin. Although the focus has largely been on delivering these therapies to the type 1 diabetes population, it is becoming increasingly recognized that people with T2D face similar challenges to achieve recommended glycaemic standards and also have the potential to benefit from these advances. In this review, we discuss diabetes technologies that are currently available for people with T2D and the evidence supporting their use, as well as future prospects. We conclude that there is a clinical need to extend the use of these technologies to the T2D population to curb the consequences of suboptimal disease management in this group.
Metacommunity resilience against simulated gradients of wildfire: disturbance intensity and species dispersal ability determine landscape recover capacity
Authors: Cunillera‐Montcusí David , Borthagaray Ana Inés , Boix Dani , Gascón Stéphanie , Sala Jordi , Tornero Irene , Quintana Xavier D. , Arim Matías
Published: May 2021

Disturbances, such as wildfires, are one of the main drivers of biodiversity dynamics, and their frequency and intensity are expected to increase due to global change. Such disturbances generate a mosaic of affected and unaffected patches that change landscape structure and, consequently, metacommunity networks. Therefore, to fully understand the consequences of such disturbances, a landscape perspective is required. In 2012, a wildfire burned 13 000 hectares in the NE Iberian Peninsula affecting a pond macroinvertebrate metacommunity. Communities were highly resilient to this disturbance, recovering after one hydroperiod. Their resilience was related to dispersal, being lower in species with weak dispersal abilities than those with strong dispersal abilities. This suggested that the metacommunity network played a major role in defining system resilience. In this context, we introduced a theoretical analysis based on this network in which we evaluated metacommunity resilience across several gradients of disturbance size and intensity incorporating species dispersal ability. Our study supports the empirical observation of a highly resilient metacommunity but also reveals that increased disturbance regimes might lead to a collapse of this resilience. Disturbance size and intensity interacted to determine the community recovery rate, which was high when both variables were low. Nevertheless, the transition from high to low resilience was sharp and depended on species dispersal. Diversity recovery was mostly driven by disturbance intensity, abruptly collapsing with its rise. This response highlighted the qualitative difference in the effect of size and intensity. These results not only illustrate the mechanisms shaping the studied metacommunity but also more generally stress the strong role of metacommunity mechanisms and landscape structure in biodiversity resilience. Finally, this study highlights the importance of using theoretical approaches rooted in empirical data to determine metacommunity dynamics and the need to preserve and build connected and heterogeneous landscapes to address future disturbance scenarios.
Flower diet enhances Adalia bipunctata larval development significantly when prey is limited
Authors: Holm Liv Linea , He Xueqing , Sigsgaard Lene
Published: May 2021

Predaceous coccinellids can feed on non‐prey food, but the ecological value of this feeding to maintain a coccinellid population is not well understood. Prey density can vary greatly in the field, whereas non‐prey food sources such as pollen and nectar are more predictable. In the present study, Adalia bipunctata L. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) larval performance on pure and mixed diets of a high‐quality non‐prey food with varying amounts of prey was investigated. Rosy apple aphid, Dysaphis plantaginea Passerini (Hemiptera: Aphididae), served as prey in the experiment and was given to A. bipunctata larvae either ad libitum as a surplus diet or as a limited diet, the amount of which was selected so that it would limit larval development, according to a pilot study. Flowers of buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum L. (Polygonaceae), a high‐value floral diet, served as the non‐prey food. Newly hatched A. bipunctata larvae were reared on each of five diets: (1) flowers only, (2) limited prey only, (3) limited prey plus flowers, (4) surplus prey only, (5) surplus prey plus flowers. Larval survival, developmental time, and adult dry weight were measured. The addition of floral diet had a significant positive impact on A. bipunctata larval survival and development when prey diet was limited, survival ratio was 6× higher and developmental time was 25% shorter. In conclusion, A. bipunctata immature development can benefit from a floral diet supplemented to a prey diet, which indicates that the use of flowers in cropping systems can help to enhance biocontrol services by A. bipunctata.
The molecular and phenotypic spectrum of CLCN4‐related epilepsy
Authors: He Hailan , Guzman Raul E. , Cao Dezhi , Sierra‐Marquez Juan , Yin Fei , Fahlke Christoph , Peng Jing , Stauber Tobias
Published: May 2021

Objective

This study was undertaken to expand the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of CLCN4‐related epilepsy and to investigate genotype–phenotype correlations.

Methods

We systematically reviewed the phenotypic and genetic spectrum of newly diagnosed and previously reported patients with CLCN4‐related epilepsy. Three novel variants identified in four patients reported in this study were evaluated through in silico prediction and functional analysis by Western blot, immunofluorescence, and electrophysiological measurements.

Results

Epilepsy was diagnosed in 54.55% (24/44) of individuals with CLCN4‐related disorders and was drug‐resistant in most cases. Of 24 patients, 15 had epileptic encephalopathy and four died at an early age; 69.57% of patients had seizure onset within the first year of life. Myoclonic seizures are the most common seizure type, and 56.25% of patients presented multiple seizure types. Notably, seizure outcome was favorable in individuals with only one seizure type. All patients showed intellectual disability, which was severe in 65.22% of patients. Additional common features included language delay, behavioral disorders, and dysmorphic features. Five patients benefitted from treatment with lamotrigine. Most variants, which were mainly missense (79.17%), were inherited (70.83%). Whereas frameshift, intragenic deletion, or inherited variants were associated with milder phenotypes, missense or de novo variants led to more severe phenotypes. All evaluated CLCN4 variants resulted in loss of function with reduced ClC‐4 currents. Nonetheless, genotype–phenotype relationships for CLCN4‐related epilepsy are not straightforward, as phenotypic variability was observed in recurrent variants and within single families.

Significance

Pathogenic CLCN4 variants contribute significantly to the genetic etiology of epilepsy. The phenotypic spectrum of CLCN4‐related epilepsy includes drug‐resistant seizures, cognitive and language impairment, behavioral disorders, and congenital anomalies. Notably, the mutation type and the number of seizure types correlate with the severity of the phenotype, suggesting its use for clinical prognosis. Lamotrigine can be considered a therapeutic option.
Cell death of hippocampal CA1 astrocytes during early epileptogenesis
Authors: Wu Zhou , Deshpande Tushar , Henning Lukas , Bedner Peter , Seifert Gerald , Steinhäuser Christian
Published: May 2021

Objective

Growing evidence suggests that dysfunctional astrocytes are crucial players in the development of mesial temporal lobe epilepsy (MTLE). Using a mouse model closely recapitulating key alterations of chronic human MTLE with hippocampal sclerosis, here we asked whether death of astrocytes contributes to the initiation of the disease and investigated potential underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

Antibody staining was combined with confocal imaging and semiquantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis to identify markers of different cellular death mechanisms between 4 h and 3 days after epilepsy induction.

Results

Four hours after kainate‐mediated induction of status epilepticus (SE), we found a significant reduction in the density of astrocytes in the CA1 stratum radiatum (SR) of the ipsilateral hippocampus. This reduction was transient, as within the next 3 days, astrocyte cell numbers recovered to the initial values, which was accompanied by enhanced proliferation. Four hours after SE induction, a small proportion of astrocytes in the ipsilateral CA1 SR expressed autophagy‐related genes and proteins, whereas we did not find astrocytes positive for cleaved caspase 3 or terminal deoxynucleotide transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick‐end labeling, ruling out apoptosis‐related astrocytic death. Importantly, at the same early time point post‐SE, many astrocytes in the ipsilateral CA1 SR showed strong expression of genes encoding pro‐necroptosis factors, including receptor‐interacting protein kinase 3 (RIPK3) and mixed lineage kinase domain‐like protein (MLKL). Phosphorylation of MLKL (pMLKL), formation of necrosome complexes composed of RIPK3 and pMLKL, and translocation of pMLKL to the nucleus and to the plasma membrane were often observed in astrocytes of the ipsilateral hippocampus 4 h post‐SE.

Significance

The present study revealed that astrocytes die shortly after induction of SE. Our expression data and immunohistochemistry suggest that necroptosis and autophagy contribute to astrocytic death. These findings help to better understand how dysfunctional and pathological remodeling of astrocytes contributes to the initiation of temporal lobe epilepsy.
Horn growth appears to decline under intense trophy hunting, but biases in hunt data challenge the interpretation of the evolutionary basis of trends
Authors: Morrissey Michael B. , Hubbs Anne , Festa‐Bianchet Marco
Published: May 2021

A recent article in Evolutionary Applications by LaSharr et al. reports on trends in the size of horns of bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis) throughout much of the species’ range. The article concludes that there are “... stable or increasing trends in horn growth over nearly 3 decades in the majority of hunt areas throughout the western U.S. and Canada.” However, the article equates nonsignificance of predominantly negative trends in the areas with the most selective harvest as evidence for the null hypothesis of no trends and also fails to consider well‐known and serious biases in the use of data collected in size‐regulated hunts. By applying meta‐analysis to the estimates reported by LaSharr et al., we show that there has been a pervasive overall trend of declining horn sizes in Alberta, where the combination of horn size‐based legality, combined with unrestricted hunter numbers are understood to generate the greatest selective pressures. Given the nature of the biases in the underlying data, the magnitudes of the trends resulting from our re‐analysis of LaSharr et al.'s (Evolutionary Applications, 2019, 12, 1823) trend estimates are probably underestimated.
Heterogeneous computing model for post‐injury walking pattern restoration and postural stability rehabilitation exercise recognition
Authors: Bijalwan Vishwanath , Semwal Vijay Bhaskar , Singh Ghanapriya , Crespo Ruben Gonzalez
Published: May 2021

The research paper presents the heterogeneous computing model for analysis & restoration of human walking deformity and posture instability. Gait‐related walking activities are very important for the analysis of postural instability, repairment of gait abnormality, diagnosis of cognitive declination, enhance the cognitive ability of human‐centered humanoid robot system, and many clinical diagnoses, for example, Parkinson, pathological gait, freezing of gait, etc. at an early stage. For experiment analysis, 10 different lower limb activities are being considered of healthy and crouch walking subjects. A total of 25 healthy and 10 crouch walk subjects are considered for experiment purposes of different age groups, sex, and mental status. To achieve this objective the pattern of 10 different rehabilitation activities are captured using RGB‐Depth (RGB‐D) camera and classified using heterogeneous deep learning models. Different deep learning models Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) and CNN‐LSTM (CNN‐Long Short Term Memory) are used for the classification of these rehabilitation exercises. The RGB‐D data is obtained using a Microsoft Kinect v2 sensor on a 100 Hz sampling frequency. Experimental results have shown significant activity recognition accuracy with 96% and 98% for CNN and CNN‐LSTM models respectively.
Important questions to progress science and sustainable management of anguillid eels
Authors: Righton David , Piper Adam , Aarestrup Kim , Amilhat Elsa , Belpaire Claude , Casselman John , Castonguay Martin , Díaz Estibaliz , Dörner Hendrik , Faliex Elisabeth , Feunteun Eric , Fukuda Nobuto , Hanel Reinhold , Hanzen Celine , Jellyman Don , Kaifu Kenzo , McCarthy Kieran , Miller Michael J. , Pratt Thomas , Sasal Pierre , Schabetsberger Robert , Shiraishi Hiromi , Simon Gaël , Sjöberg Niklas , Steele Kristen , Tsukamoto Katsumi , Walker Alan , Westerberg Håkan , Yokouchi Kazuki , Gollock Matthew
Published: May 2021

Anguillid eels are found globally in fresh, transitional and saline waters and have played an important role in human life for centuries. The population status of several species is now of significant concern. The threats to populations include direct exploitation at different life stages, blockages to migratory routes by dams and other structures, changes in river basin management that impact habitat carrying capacity and suitability, pollution, climate change, diseases and parasites. While much has been done to understand eel biology and ecology, a major challenge is to identify the key research and management questions so that effective and targeted studies can be designed to inform conservation, management and policy. We gathered 30 experts in the field of eel biology and management to review the current state of knowledge for anguillid eel species and to identify the main topics for research. The identified research topics fell into three themes: (a) Lifecycle and Biology; (b) Impacts and (c) Management. Although tropical anguillid eels are by far the least well understood, significant knowledge gaps exist for all species. Considerable progress has been made in the last 20 years, but the status of many species remains of great concern, particularly for northern temperate species. Without improved engagement and coordination at the regional, national and international level, the situation is unlikely to improve. Further, adaptive management mechanisms to respond to developments in science, policy and our knowledge of potential threats are required to ensure the future of these important and enigmatic species.
Unimplementable by design? Understanding (non‐)compliance with International Monetary Fund policy conditionality
Authors: Reinsberg Bernhard , Stubbs Thomas , Kentikelenis Alexander
Published: May 2021

Why do governments fail to implement policy commitments in contractual agreements with international organizations? While scholars have scrutinized domestic factors as obstacles to compliance, we argue that reform programs may beunimplementable by design. We study this hypothesis in the context of International Monetary Fund (IMF) programs, in which borrowing countries must commit to far‐reaching economic policy reforms for access to credit. We collect detailed compliance data on individual policy conditions to assess the determinants of compliance failures of IMF programs from 1980 to 2009. Controlling for a host of borrower‐specific variables, features of the loan, unexpected shocks during implementation, donor influence, and bureaucratic interest, we find that the number of conditions is a robust predictor of implementation failure. Our theoretical explanation for these findings is that over‐ambitious program designs are the result of intra‐organizational bargaining within the IMF bureaucracy. While an area department within the IMF drafts the initial reform program, functional departments use their amendment power to include policy conditions that they care about, without due consideration of local circumstances, which leads to over‐ambitious programs. These findings have important implications for theories of compliance as well as for policymaking in international organizations.
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the skin: implications for the dermatologist
Authors: Fried Lauren J. , Criscito Maressa C. , Stevenson Mary L. , Pomeranz Miriam K.
Published: May 2021

B‐cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most prevalent leukemia in the United States, and its diagnosis can have many dermatologic implications. For one, the cutaneous manifestations of CLL include several entities, most notably leukemia cutis, eosinophilic dermatosis of hematologic malignancy, and a heightened risk of skin infections. Additionally, CLL patients are at an increased risk of secondary malignancies, most commonly of the skin. Furthermore, a number of commonly utilized treatments for CLL have cutaneous implications which should be considered in the interdisciplinary management of CLL patients. In this review, we will provide an update on the diverse cutaneous manifestations of CLL and CLL‐directed therapies in order to help guide dermatologic management of this increasingly prevalent patient population.
Comparative evaluation of the effect of microfluidisation on physicochemical properties and usability as food thickener and Pickering emulsifier of autoclaved and TEMPO‐oxidised nanofibrillated cellulose
Authors: Sungsinchai Sirada , Niamnuy Chalida , Seubsai Anusorn , Prapainainar Paweena , Wattanapan Pattra , Thakhiew Wasina , Raghavan Vijaya , Devahastin Sakamon
Published: May 2021

Although chemical‐free production processes of nanofibrillated cellulose (NFC) have been investigated, comparative studies on the effect of chemical and chemical‐free processes to produce NFCs are limited. Combined effect of either of these production routes and defibrillation condition has also never been studied. Here, thermally treated NFCs were produced through microfluidisation for 6–12 passes (ANFC6‐ANFC12), while TEMPO‐oxidised NFC (TONFC) was prepared at six passes. Proportion of nanocellulose, viscosity, Gʹ and Gʺ values increased with increased microfluidisation pass in the cases of ANFCs. ANFC12 exhibited gel‐like behaviour with strongest three‐dimensional network structure and required lowest concentration to enhance thin liquid foods into honey‐like consistency. TONFC needed to be added by as much as 8.5, 1.3 and 2.3 times the amount of ANFC12 to achieve the same consistency in thickened water, milk and soup, respectively. ANFC12 can also be well used as Pickering emulsifier due to its higher viscosity and gel‐like property.
The role of nutraceutical fruit drink on neurodegenerative diseases: a review
Authors: Olaniran Abiola Folakemi , Taiwo Abiola Ezekiel , Bamidele Oluwaseun Peter , Iranloye Yetunde Mary , Malomo Adekunbi Adetola , Olaniran Olubukola David
Published: May 2021

A changing lifestyle in food consumption due to the frequent taking of junk drinks based on the fast‐food and ready‐to‐eat concept has brought about overloaded oxidative stress, thus weakening the body's defence mechanism to scavenge free oxygen radicals by destroying antioxidants. Oxidative stress occurs as a result of an imbalance between pro and antioxidant levels in favour of pro‐oxidants resulting in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases. Though researches on the probable cure for neurodegenerative diseases are ongoing, fruits have been found to play an important dietetic role in preventing neurodegenerative diseases and other physiological disorders. Most fruits have their own valuable, unique active ingredients, having tremendous nutraceutical potentials and therapeutic implications. Therefore, people are required to make rational choices on the correct type of food for consumption to engender proper growth and development. The role of fruits or fruit juice in ameliorating neurodegenerative diseases has created a reawakening in nutrition and human health research.
The protein properties of germinated naked barley with infrared and hot air‐drying and its noodle‐making potential
Authors: Su Chunyan , Ge Xiangzhen , Zhang Bo , Liu Yu , Zhang Qian , Feng Duo , Zhao Jiangyan , Li Wenhao , Yan Wenjie
Published: May 2021

The naked barley was germinated and then carried out with hot air‐ or infrared drying to explore the physicochemical and functional properties of protein isolated from barley. Moreover, the relationship between protein and the noodles made from wheat and germinated barley flour was evaluated. It was found that germination affected the protein properties, and the protein properties were correlated with the properties of noodles. The content of β‐sheet in protein was first increased and then decreased with germination time increased, and the protein had larger emulsification and foaming properties. Besides, the protein isolated from hot air‐dried germinated barley had higher gelatinisation enthalpy and secondary structure content. Furthermore, the wheat and germinated barley mixed noodles had increased elasticity and cohesiveness and reduced viscosity and water absorption. The hardness of noodles showed was positively correlated with water absorption capacity, and the extensibility of cooked noodles was positively correlated with the foaming capacity of proteins.
Variation of mineral contents with nutritional interest in a collection of Solanum tuberosum group Phureja tubers
Authors: Peña Clara , Palomeque Liliam , Restrepo‐Sánchez Luz‐Patricia , Kushalappa Ajjamada , Mosquera Teresa , Narváez‐Cuenca Carlos‐Eduardo
Published: May 2021

Colombia has a biodiversity centre of diploid potatoes located at south of the country. This study evaluated the amounts of potassium (K), calcium (Ca), iron (Fe) and zinc (Zn) in a biodiversity panel of potato tubers, constituting native cultivars, accessions of the Working Collection of Potato Breeding Program at the Universidad Nacional de Colombia (CCC) and commercial cultivars. The highest quantity of minerals found were as follows: 34 333 ± 4509 mg K kg−1 potato dry weight (DW; CCC112), 1965 ± 898 mg Ca kg−1 potato DW (CCC23), 87.5 ± 8.8 mg Fe kg−1 potato DW (CCC116) and 60.7 ± 5.1 mg Zn kg−1 potato DW (CCC31). As compared to those in commercial cultivars, the currently evaluated tubers had an increase of 1.4, 12.5, 3.5 and 3.6‐fold in K, Ca, Fe and Zn. These genotypes can be used in the future breeding programmes to enhance specific mineral contents in tubers.
Improved stability and transshipment of enzymatic hydrolysate with ACE inhibitory activity‐loaded nanogels based on glycosylated soybean protein isolate via the Maillard reaction
Authors: Cui Tingting , Jia Airong , Shi Yaping , Zhang Miansong , Bai Xinfeng , Liu Xue , Sun Jimin , Liu Changheng
Published: May 2021

In this study, soybean protein isolate (SPI)‐konjac glucomannan (KGM) conjugates were fabricated via the Maillard reaction and their potential to improve enzymatic hydrolysate with ACE inhibitory activity stability was assessed. Briefly, we loaded the enzymatic hydrolysate into SPI‐KGM conjugates using a pH‐driven method. Thereafter, the transport pathway of enzymatic hydrolysate with angiotensin‐converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity SPI‐KGM (ACE‐SPI‐KGM) core–shell nanogels was investigated using CaCo‐2 cell monolayer. The results of microstructure, encapsulation efficiency, ACE inhibition ratio and IC50 value verified that the nanogels displayed a spherical structure and excellent physicochemical properties. The ζ‐potential, Z‐average diameter and polydispersity index demonstrated that the stability of the core–shell nanogels was significantly superior to that of the enzymatic hydrolysate. In addition, the transport of the enzymatic hydrolysate in nanogels onto the CaCo‐2 cell monolayer revealed a higher transport capacity and was dominated by cell bypass transport. In summary, the SPI‐KGM conjugates could serve as potential as delivery systems for enzymatic hydrolysate with ACE inhibitory activity to fortify functional foods and medicines.
Effect of light, food additives and heat on the stability of sorghum 3‐deoxyanthocyanins in model beverages
Authors: Barbosa Mariana Pereira , Rigolon Thaís Caroline Buttow , Borges Larissa Lorrane Rodrigues , Queiroz Valéria Aparecida Vieira , Stringheta Paulo César , de Barros Frederico Augusto Ribeiro
Published: May 2021

This work aimed to evaluate the stability of sorghum 3‐deoxyanthocyanins (DXA) in model beverages (pH 3.5) elaborated with crude sorghum phenolic extract, containing ascorbic acid and sulphite, under fluorescent light exposure and subjected to heat treatment. There was no significant difference in the DXA degradation during storage under light exposure (24.16%) and absence of light (20.72%). DXA degradation did not differ in the presence of ascorbic acid during storage under light exposure (23.99–25.38%) and absence of light (19.87–21.74%). The addition of sulphite caused an initial bleaching reaction, but as a reversible reaction, the anthocyanin content was higher on the last day of storage compared to the first day. There were no significant differences in total anthocyanin content of all treatments subjected to the heat treatment (80 °C for 5 and 25 min). Thus, crude DXA are very stable under light, additives and heat, and may be useful as natural food colourants.
Which influenza viruses will emerge following the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic?
Authors: Laurie Karen L. , Rockman Steve
Published: May 2021

The world has experienced five pandemics in just over one hundred years, four due to influenza and one due to coronavirus (SARS‐CoV‐2). In each case of pandemic influenza, the pandemic influenza strain has replaced the previous seasonal influenza virus. Notably, throughout the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic, there has been a 99% reduction in influenza isolation globally. It is anticipated that influenza will re‐emerge following the SARS‐CoV‐2 pandemic and circulate again. The potential for which influenza viruses will emerge is examined.
Glove and instrument changing to prevent bacterial contamination in infected wound debridement and closure procedures: A prospective observational study
Authors: Carroll Alexandria M. , Kim Kevin G. , Walters Elliot T. , Phillips Brian K. , Singh Brinder , Dekker Paige K. , Steinberg John S. , Attinger Christopher E. , Kim Paul J. , Evans Karen K.
Published: May 2021

Many surgeons use a single table of instruments for both excisional debridement and coverage/closure of infected wounds. This study investigates the effectiveness of a two‐table set‐up of sterile instruments, in addition to glove exchange, to reduce instrument cross‐contamination during these procedures. This is a prospective, single‐site, institutional review board‐approved observational study of surgical debridements of infected wounds over a 17‐month period. Two separate sterile surgical tables were used for each case: Table A for initial wound debridement (debridement set‐up) and Table B for wound coverage/closure (clean set‐up). Swabs of each table and its respective instruments were taken after debridement but prior to coverage/closure. The primary outcome of interest was bacterial growth at 48 hours. There were 72 surgical cases included in this study. Culture results of Table A demonstrated bacterial growth in 23 of 72 (32%) cases at 48 hours compared with 5of 72 (7%) from Table B (P = .001). These data suggest that there is significant bacterial contamination of surgical instruments used for debridement of infected wounds. Use of a two‐table set‐up reduced instrument cross‐contamination by 78%, suggesting avoidable re‐contamination of the wound.
A prospective clinical trial evaluating changes in the wound microenvironment in patients with chronic venous leg ulcers treated with a hypothermically stored amniotic membrane
Authors: McQuilling John P. , Carter Marissa J. , Fulton Judith A. , Patel Keyur , Doner Bryan , Serena Thomas E. , Mowry Katie C.
Published: May 2021

Amniotic tissues have been long utilised to treat chronic wounds; however, there are few studies evaluating how the wound microenvironment responds to these therapies. The goal of this study was to evaluate the changes in wounds treated with a hypothermically stored amniotic membrane (HSAM). In this prospective single‐arm study, 15 female patients with venous leg ulcers were treated with HSAM from male donors and standard of care for 12 weeks. Over the course of the study, wound exudate was collected and evaluated using proteomic microarrays. Biopsies were collected during the course of treatment to detect the presence of HSAM tissue. By 4 weeks, 60% of subjects achieved 50% or greater reduction in wound size, and by 12 weeks, 53% of subjects achieved 100% re‐epithelialization. HSAM DNA was detected in 20% of biopsies as determined by the detection TSPY4, indicating HSAM was no longer present within the wound bed approximately 7 days from the last treatment for the majority of wounds. Proteomic analysis of wound exudate found that wounds on a healing trajectory had significantly higher levels of MMP‐10, MMP‐7, and TIMP‐4 and significantly lower levels of CX3CL1, FLT‐3 L, IL‐1ra, IL‐1a, IL‐9, IL‐2, IL‐3, MCP‐1, and TNF‐b compared with other wounds.