bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The impact of different rainfall products on landscape modelling simulations
Authors: Skinner Christopher J. , Peleg Nadav , Quinn Niall , Coulthard Tom J. , Molnar Peter , Freer Jim 
Published: May 2020

AbstractRainfall products can contain significantly different spatiotemporal estimates, depending on their underlying data and final constructed resolution. Commonly used products, such as rain gauges, rain gauge networks, and weather radar, differ in their information content regarding intensities, spatial variability, and natural climatic variability, therefore producing different estimates. Landscape evolution models (LEMs) simulate the geomorphic changes in landscapes, and current models can simulate timeframes from event level to millions of years and some use rainfall inputs to drive them. However, the impact of different rainfall products on LEM outputs has never been considered. This study uses the STREAP rainfall generator, calibrated using commonly used rainfall observation products, to produce longer rainfall records than the observations to drive the CAESAR‐Lisflood LEM to examine how differences in rainfall products affect simulated landscapes. The results show that the simulation of changes to basin geomorphology is sensitive to the differences between rainfall products, with these differences expressed linearly in discharges but non‐linearly in sediment yields. Furthermore, when applied over a 1500‐year period, large differences in the simulated long profiles were observed, with the simulations producing greater sediment yields showing erosion extending further downstream. This suggests that the choice of rainfall product to drive LEMs has a large impact on the final simulated landscapes. The combination of rainfall generator model and LEMs represents a potentially powerful method for assessing the impacts of rainfall product differences on landscapes and their short‐ and long‐term evolution. © 2020 The Authors. Earth Surface Processes and Landforms published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd
Micronutrients and in vivo antioxidant properties of powder fractions and ethanolic extract of Dichrostachys glomerata Forssk. fruits
Authors: Deli Markusse , Baudelaire Elie Djantou , Nguimbou Richard Marcel , Njintang Yanou Nicolas , Scher Joël 
Published: May 2020

AbstractDichrostachys glomerata powders were processed by sieve fractionation and ethanolic extraction followed by freeze‐drying. The micronutrient contents and the in vivo antioxidant properties of powder fractions in rats' high‐fat diet‐induced oxidation model were determined. Sieved fractionation was achieved by finely grinding the Dichrostachys fruits and fractionating on a sieve column to retain particle of sizes <180, 180–212, 212–315, and ≥315 µm. Unsieved powder and lyophilized ethanolic extract were used as control. All the powders were examined for the minerals, total carotenoids, and vitamins contents. For in vivo antioxidant properties assessment, the individual powder was dissolved in water and administered to rats at the dose of 250 mg/kg body weight. Oxidation was induced by treating the rat with high‐fat diet, and the measured parameters were malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. The results showed a significant influence (p < .05) of particle size on the micronutrient contents and in vivo antioxidant properties. The smaller the particle size of the powder fractions, the higher the minerals, vitamins, total carotenoids contents, and antioxidant properties. Comparatively, the ethanolic powder had the highest carotenoids content, while the powders of particle size <180 µm and 180–212 µm had the highest minerals and vitamin contents. The highest antioxidant properties were characterized by high superoxide dismutase, catalase activities, and low malondialdehyde production. The grinding of Dichrostachys fruit followed by controlled differential sieving process may compete with ethanol extraction for an efficient concentration of bioactive compounds and micronutrients except carotenoids.
Covid‐19: Ethical Challenges for Nurses
Authors: Morley Georgina , Grady Christine , McCarthy Joan , Ulrich Connie M. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe Covid‐19 pandemic has highlighted many of the difficult ethical issues that health care professionals confront in caring for patients and families. The decisions such workers face on the front lines are fraught with uncertainty for all stakeholders. Our focus is on the implications for nurses, who are the largest global health care workforce but whose perspectives are not always fully considered. This essay discusses three overarching ethical issues that create a myriad of concerns and will likely affect nurses globally in unique ways: the safety of nurses, patients, colleagues, and families; the allocation of scarce resources; and the changing nature of nurses’ relationships with patients and families. We urge policy‐makers to ensure that nurses’ voices and perspectives are integrated into both local and global decision‐making so as to minimize the structural injustices many nurses have faced to date. Finally, we urge nurses to seek sources of support throughout this pandemic.
Automated and rapid identification of multidrug resistant Escherichia coli against the lead drugs of acylureidopenicillins, cephalosporins, and fluoroquinolones using specific Raman marker bands
Authors: Götz Theresa , Dahms Marcel , Kirchhoff Johanna , Beleites Claudia , Glaser Uwe , Bohnert Jürgen A. , Pletz Mathias W. , Popp Jürgen , Schlattmann Peter , Neugebauer Ute 
Published: May 2020

AbstractA Raman‐based, strain‐independent, semi‐automated method is presented that allows the rapid (<3 hours) determination of antibiotic susceptibility of bacterial pathogens isolated from clinical samples. Applying a priori knowledge about the mode of action of the respective antibiotic, we identified characteristic Raman marker bands in the spectrum and calculated batch‐wise weighted sum scores from standardized Raman intensity differences between spectra of antibiotic exposed and nonexposed samples of the same strains. The lead substances for three relevant antibiotic classes (fluoroquinolone ciprofloxacin, third‐generation cephalosporin cefotaxime, ureidopenicillin piperacillin) against multidrug‐resistant Gram‐negative bacteria (MRGN) revealed a high sensitivity and specificity for the susceptibility testing of two Escherichia coli laboratory strains and 12 clinical isolates. The method benefits from the parallel incubation of control and treated samples, which reduces the variance due to alterations in cultivation conditions and the standardization of differences between batches leading to long‐term comparability of Raman measurements.
A molecular‐beacon‐based asymmetric PCR assay for detecting polymorphisms related to folate metabolism
Authors: Peng Qi , Liao Shengbin , He Yuejing , Liang Liyun , Su Xiaohua , Rao Chunbao , Li Wenrui , Li Siping , Lu Xiaomei 
Published: May 2020

AbstractBackgroundPolymorphisms (rs1801133 or C677T; rs1801131 or A1298C) of the MTHFR gene and rs1801394 (A66G) of the MTRR gene are important genetic determinants of folate metabolism. A convenient, sensitive, and reliable method is required to detect polymorphisms for the precise supplementation of folate.MethodsA rapid detection method based on molecular beacon probes that can detect rs1801133, rs1801131, and rs1801394 simultaneously was developed in this study. Specific primers and probes were designed, and the amplification system and conditions were optimized. We applied our method to a group of 500 unrelated women of gestational age in the Dongguan region of Guangdong Province in China. The clinical performance of this assay was evaluated by testing 94 samples in comparison with Sanger sequencing.ResultsThe molecular‐beacon‐based PCR assay we established is extremely sensitive, with a detection limit of 2 ng/μL of genomic DNA, and validated by direct sequencing in a blind study with 100% concordance.ConclusionThe results demonstrate that our molecular‐beacon‐based asymmetric PCR assay is an easy, reliable, high‐yield, and cost‐effective method for the simultaneous detection of three polymorphisms related to folate metabolism. It could help evaluate the risk of perinatal‐neonatal neural tube malformation, pregnancy hypertension, and other diseases and guide the individualized supplementation of folic acid. Data on the spectrum of mutations in the Dongguan District in this study are beneficial for guiding the supplementation of folic acid.
Seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires, Escherichia coli, and physicochemical properties in coastal rivers and streams of Puerto Rico
Authors: Truitt Zamara G. , Poon‐Kwong B. , Bachoon D.S. , Otero E. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLeptospirosis is an emerging zoonotic disease in the Caribbean region and the island of Puerto Rico. Information on the presence of pathogenic Leptospira in rivers and streams of Puerto Rico is currently lacking. This study aimed to evaluate seasonal shifts in the presence of pathogenic leptospires and the level of Escherichia coli from 32 coastal locations in Puerto Rico's dry and wet seasons. Physicochemical parameters (temperature, salinity, pH, and dissolved oxygen) were determined at each site. The temperature (25.8 °C) and pH (average 7.6) values were all within acceptable USEPA regulatory standards. Thirty‐eight percent of the sites of the dry season and 28% of the wet season sites contained dissolved oxygen levels ≤4 mg L−1, which is relatively low. In the dry season, 19 sites (59%) and 18 (56%) of the wet season sites had E. coli counts >410 most probable number (MPN) 100 ml−1 and would be considered unsafe for recreational use. The lipl32 gene quantitative polymerase chain reaction assay was used for the detection of pathogenic leptospires in the samples. Low concentrations of pathogenic leptospires (<60 genome copies 100 ml−1) at Camuy, Espíritu Santo, Río Guayanilla, Quebrada Majagual, and Río Fajardo were detected during the wet season. Pathogenic leptospires were detected (∼40 genome copies 100 ml−1) at only one site, Loíza, during the dry season. There was no predictable relationship between the physicochemical parameters, concentrations of E. coli, and the presence of pathogenic leptospires in water samples.
Quantitative Prostate MRI
Authors: Schieda Nicola , Lim Christopher S. , Zabihollahy Fatemeh , Abreu‐Gomez Jorge , Krishna Satheesh , Woo Sungmin , Melkus Gerd , Ukwatta Eran , Turkbey Baris 
Published: May 2020

Prostate MRI is reported in clinical practice using the Prostate Imaging and Data Reporting System (PI‐RADS). PI‐RADS aims to standardize, as much as possible, the acquisition, interpretation, reporting, and ultimately the performance of prostate MRI. PI‐RADS relies upon mainly subjective analysis of MR imaging findings, with very few incorporated quantitative features. The shortcomings of PI‐RADS are mainly: low‐to‐moderate interobserver agreement and modest accuracy for detection of clinically significant tumors in the transition zone. The use of a more quantitative analysis of prostate MR imaging findings is therefore of interest. Quantitative MR imaging features including: tumor size and volume, tumor length of capsular contact, tumor apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) metrics, tumor T1 and T2 relaxation times, tumor shape, and texture analyses have all shown value for improving characterization of observations detected on prostate MRI and for differentiating between tumors by their pathological grade and stage. Quantitative analysis may therefore improve diagnostic accuracy for detection of cancer and could be a noninvasive means to predict patient prognosis and guide management. Since quantitative analysis of prostate MRI is less dependent on an individual users' assessment, it could also improve interobserver agreement. Semi‐ and fully automated analysis of quantitative (radiomic) MRI features using artificial neural networks represent the next step in quantitative prostate MRI and are now being actively studied. Validation, through high‐quality multicenter studies assessing diagnostic accuracy for clinically significant prostate cancer detection, in the domain of quantitative prostate MRI is needed. This article reviews advances in quantitative prostate MRI, highlighting the strengths and limitations of existing and emerging techniques, as well as discussing opportunities and challenges for evaluation of prostate MRI in clinical practice when using quantitative assessment.Level of Evidence5Technical EfficacyStage 2
Immunoregulation with mTOR inhibitors to prevent COVID‐19 severity: A novel intervention strategy beyond vaccines and specific antiviral medicines
Authors: Zheng Yunfeng , Li Renfeng , Liu Shunai 
Published: May 2020

AbstractCoronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has become a major global public health concern. The mortality rate for critically ill patients is up to 60%, and, thus, reducing the disease severity and case mortality is a top priority. Currently, cytokine storms are considered as the major cause of critical illness and death due to COVID‐19. After a systematical review of the literature, we propose that cross‐reactive antibodies associated with antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) may actually be the cause of cytokine storms. It would be more difficult to develop vaccines for highly pathogenic human coronaviruses (CoVs) if ADE characteristics are taken into consideration. Therefore, it is urgent to find an effective way to prevent the occurrence of severe illness as severe acute respiratory syndrome CoV‐2 specific drugs or vaccines are still in development. If the activation of memory B cells can be selectively inhibited in high‐risk patients at an early stage of COVID‐19 to reduce the production of cross‐reactive antibodies against the virus, we speculate that ADE can be circumvented and severe symptoms can be prevented. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitors satisfy such needs and it is recommended to conduct clinical trials for mTOR inhibitors in preventing the severity of COVID‐19.
The safety of antiviral therapy and drug withdrawal for the prevention of mother‐to‐child transmission of HBV during pregnancy
Authors: Xiao Li‐Xin , Chen Yi‐Ru , Huang Ping , Mei Yong‐Yu , Pan Calvin Q. , Lin Chao‐Shuang 
Published: May 2020

AbstractThe efficacy of prenatal antiviral therapy (AVT) for preventing the vertical transmission of hepatitis B virus (HBV) is well demonstrated. However, data are limited regarding the safety of postpartum cessation of AVT, which may induce alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevation. We aimed to investigate the necessity of prolonging maternal AVT after delivery. Chronic hepatitis B mothers at the immune‐tolerant phase with HBV DNA levels >6 log10 IU/mL were prospectively enrolled and received AVT during the third trimester until delivery. Patients were offered to discontinue AVT either at delivery or postpartum week (PPW) 6. In addition, mothers who deferred AVT during pregnancy served as the control group. All mothers were followed until PPW 52 for clinical and virological parameters of hepatitis flares. Among 118 mothers recruited, 91 received AVT with 53 (group A) and 24 (group B) discontinue their treatment at delivery and PPW 6, respectively. Twenty‐seven mothers who deferred AVT during pregnancy were followed as the control (group C). A total of 104 of 118 mothers who completed the study, 50% (52/104) had postpartum‐elevated ALT levels, which were mild and moderate except 6 of 104 (5.77%) of patients had levels ≥5 times the upper limit of normal; 70% (36/52) of the ALT flares occurred within 12 weeks after delivery. In subgroup analyses, the frequency of ALT elevation was similar among the groups A vs B vs C (50.9% [27/53] vs 58.3% [14/24] vs 40.7% [11/27], respectively; P  = .447), as well as the mean peak ALT level (108.4/74.1/126.7 U/L in groups A/B/C, respectively; P = .291). Although postpartum ALT flares were common for mothers with or without AVT during pregnancy, most cases of ALT elevation were mild to moderate. Our study observed that extending AVT to PPW 6 did not affect maternal outcomes and ATV should be discontinued at birth. Close monitoring is warranted as severe flares rarely occurred.
Non‐stationary characteristics of intraseasonal precipitation variability in Northeast Asia during the boreal summer
Authors: Noh Tae‐Gyu , Yeh Sang‐Wook , Hyun Yu‐Kyung , Hwang Seung‐On 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this study, we examined the non‐stationary characteristics of precipitation variability in Korea on intraseasonal timescales during the boreal summer (June–July–August) for 1979–2017 by analysing the European Center for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts ERA‐interim reanalysis data set. We reconstructed the Korean precipitation variability on intraseasonal timescales in each year using three empirical orthogonal function modes of precipitation anomaly representing northward propagating intraseasonal oscillation from the tropics to subtropics. Then, we compared the reconstructed precipitation variability with the total precipitation variability in Korea. We found that the correlation coefficients between two precipitation variabilities change from year to year, indicating non‐stationary characteristics of intraseasonal precipitation variability contributing to the total precipitation variability. Years, when reconstructed precipitation is highly (less) correlated with total precipitation variability, are characterized by a large (small) amount of total precipitation, an early (late) start of the rainy season and enhanced (reduced) precipitation variability on an intraseasonal timescale. We further examined the reason why the relationship between two variabilities is non‐stationary. A large convective forcing in the western tropical Pacific and the associated atmospheric conditions, including the weakening of Western North Pacific subtropical high with its eastward shift and vertical shear of zonal wind affect the characteristic change of intraseasonal precipitation variability in Korea.
Regeneration of grade 3 ankle sprain, using the recombinant human amelogenin protein (rHAM+) in a rat model
Authors: Hanhan Salem , Goren Koby , Rivkin Amit , Saba Faris , Nevo Hani , Dar Naama , Shilo Dekel , Liebergall Meir , Shoseyov Oded , Deutsch Dan , Blumenfeld Anat , Haze Amir 
Published: May 2020

AbstractLateral ligament tears, also known as high‐grade ankle sprains, are common, debilitating, and usually heal slowly. Ten to thirty percent of patients continue to suffer from chronic pain and ankle instability even after 3 to 9 months. Previously, we showed that the recombinant human amelogenin (rHAM+) induced regeneration of fully transected rat medial collateral ligament, a common proof‐of‐concept model. Our aim was to evaluate whether rHAM+ can regenerate torn ankle calcaneofibular ligament (CFL), an important component of the lateral ankle stabilizers. Right CFLs of Sabra rats were transected and treated with 0, 0.5, or 1 µg/µL rHAM+ dissolved in propylene glycol alginate (PGA). Results were compared with the normal group, without surgery. Healing was evaluated 12 weeks after treatment by mechanical testing (ratio between the right and left, untransected ligaments of the same rat), and histology including immunohistochemical staining of collagen I and S100. The mechanical properties, structure, and composition of transected ligaments treated with 0.5 μg/μL rHAM+ (experimental) were similar to untransected ligaments. PGA (control) treated ligaments were much weaker, lax, and unorganized compared with untransected ligaments. Treatment with 1 μg/μL rHAM+ was not as efficient as 0.5 μg/μL rHAM+. Normal arrangement of collagen I fibers and of proprioceptive nerve endings, parallel to the direction of the force, was detected in ligaments treated with 0.5 μg/μL rHAM+, and scattered arrangement, resembling scar tissue, in control ligaments. In conclusion, we showed that rHAM+ induced significant mechanical and structural regeneration of torn rat CFLs, which might be translated into treatment for grades 2 and 3 ankle sprain injuries.
A geometric ratio to predict the flexion gap in total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Elmasry Shady S. , Sculco Peter K. , Kia Mohammad , Kahlenberg Cynthia A. , Cross Michael B. , Pearle Andrew D. , Mayman David J. , Wright Timothy M. , Westrich Geoffrey H. , Imhauser Carl W. 
Published: May 2020

AbstractMeasured resection is a common technique for obtaining symmetric flexion and extension gaps in posterior‐stabilized (PS) total knee arthroplasty (TKA). A known limitation of measured resection, however, is its reliance on osseous landmarks to guide bone resection and component alignment while ignoring the geometry of the surrounding soft tissues such as the medial collateral ligament (MCL), a possible reason for knee instability. To address this clinical concern, we introduce a new geometric proportion, the MCL ratio, which incorporates features of condylar geometry and MCL anterior fibers. The goal of this study was to determine whether the MCL ratio can predict the flexion gaps and to determine whether a range of MCL ratio corresponds to balanced gaps. Six computational knee models each implanted with PS TKA were utilized. Medial and lateral gaps were measured in response to varus and valgus loads at extension and flexion. The MCL ratio was related to the measured gaps for each knee. We found that the MCL ratio was associated with the flexion gaps and had a stronger association with the medial gap (β = −7.2 ± 3.05, P < .001) than with the lateral gap (β = 3.9 ± 7.26, P = .04). In addition, an MCL ratio ranging between 1.1 and 1.25 corresponded to balanced flexion gaps in the six knee models. Future studies will focus on defining MCL ratio targets after accounting for variations in ligament properties in TKA patients. Our results suggest that the MCL ratio could help guide femoral bone resections in measured resection TKA, but further clinical validation is required.
Hydrazine‐Enabled One‐Step Synthesis of Metal Nanoparticle–Functionalized Gradient Porous Poly(ionic liquid) Membranes
Authors: KhorsandKheirabad Atefeh , Zhou Xianjing , Xie Dongjiu , Wang Hong , Yuan Jiayin 
Published: May 2020

AbstractIn this communication, a one‐step synthetic route is reported toward free‐standing metal‐nanoparticle‐functionalized gradient porous polyelectrolyte membranes (PPMs). The membranes are produced by soaking a glass‐plate‐supported blend film that consists of a hydrophobic poly(ionic liquid) (PIL), poly(acrylic acid), and a metal salt, into an aqueous hydrazine solution. Upon diffusion of water and hydrazine molecules into the blend film, a phase separation process of the hydrophobic PIL and an ionic crosslinking reaction via interpolyelectrolyte complexation occur side by side to form the PPM. Simultaneously, due to the reductive nature of hydrazine, the metal salt inside the polymer blend film is reduced in situ by hydrazine into metal nanoparticles that anchor onto the PPM. The as‐obtained hybrid porous membrane is proven functional in the catalytic reduction of p‐nitrophenol. This one‐step method to grow metal nanoparticles and gradient porous membranes can simplify future fabrication processes of multifunctional PPMs.