bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
From earthquake swarm to a main shock–aftershocks: the 2018 activity in West Bohemia/Vogtland
Authors: Bachura M , Fischer T , Doubravová J , Horálek J 
Published: November 2020

SUMMARYIn earthquake swarms, seismic energy is released gradually by many earthquakes without a dominant event, which offers detailed insight into the processes on activated faults. The swarm of May 2018 that occurred in West Bohemia/Vogtland region included more than 4000 earthquakes with ML = 〈0.5, 3.8〉 and its character showed significant changes during the two weeks duration: what started as a pure earthquake swarm ended as a typical main shock–aftershock sequence. Based on precise double-difference relocations, four fault segments differing in strikes and dips were identified with similar dimensions. First, two segments of typical earthquake swarm character took place, and at the end a fault segment hosting a main shock–aftershock sequence was activated. The differences were observable in the earthquakes spatio-temporal evolutions (systematic versus disordered migration of the hypocentres), b-values (&gt;1.3 for the swarm, &lt;1 for the main shock–aftershocks), or the smoothness of seismic moment spatial distribution along the fault plane. Our findings can be interpreted by local variations of fault rheology, differential stress and/or smoothness of the faults surface, possibly related to the crustal fluids circulating along the fault plane and their interplay with the seismic cycle.
Climate- and density-dependent regulation of fish growth throughout ontogeny: North Sea sprat as a case study
Authors: Lindegren Martin , Rindorf Anna , Norin Tommy , Johns David , van Deurs Mikael 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Growth is a fundamental physiological process influencing the state and dynamics of fish stocks, yet the physical and biological conditions affecting individual weight and growth throughout ontogeny are poorly known and often unaccounted for in fisheries management. This is rather surprising given that changes in growth have strong direct effects on the total biomass and potential yield derived from any given stock. In this study, we investigate the underlying factors affecting fish growth throughout the life span of cohorts using statistical modelling and long-term observational data on sprat (Sprattus sprattus), a commercially and ecologically important small-pelagic fish species across European seas. Our results demonstrate a negative relationship between total abundance and weight, as well as a positive and dome-shaped relationship between temperature and zooplankton abundance (i.e. food availability), respectively. Furthermore, we demonstrate how such improved knowledge and understanding of the underlying factors affecting weight and growth could be accounted for in future assessment models, by including these considerations into short-term forecast simulations. This, in turn, would provide a stronger scientific basis for management advice and ensure the sustainability and profitability of fisheries, particularly on small and commercially valuable pelagic species with pronounced spatio-temporal variability in weight and growth.
Education, Access to Better Quality Work and Gender: Lessons from the Kagera Panel Data Set
Authors: Kamanzi Adalbertus , McKay Andy , Newell Andy , Rienzo Cinzia , Tafesse Wiktoria 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
For many decades the worldwide expansion of supply and demand for skilled work has been at the heart of economic growth and development. In this paper, we use the 1991–2010 panel data from the Kagera Health and Development Survey in North West Tanzania to examine the work outcomes at the end of the panel of those who were young (7 to 24 years) in the baseline. First, we illustrate the significant extent to which advanced education and skilled work go hand in hand. We analyse specifically the baseline household factors enabling individuals to access more advanced education, and we find quite different results by gender. We then analyse, again by gender, how this education plus baseline characteristics matter for attaining skilled or professional work. We also study the importance of migration in the process and the degree of intergenerational mobility in skilled work. The results show vividly how some key household factors help young men advance in their education and career, while childcare in particular retards the progress young women can make.
Effects of Dinotefuran on Brain miRNA Expression Profiles in Young Adult Honey Bees (Hymenopptera: Apidae)
Authors: Huang Minjie , Dong Jie , Guo Haikun , Wang Deqian 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Honey bees are important pollinators of wild plants and crops. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are endogenous regulators of gene expression. In this study, we initially determined that the lethal concentration 50 (LC50) of dinotefuran was 0.773 mg/l. Then, the expression profiles and differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs) in honey bee brains after 1, 5, and 10 d of treatment with the lethal concentration 10 (LC10) of dinotefuran were explored via deep small-RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. In total, 2, 23, and 27 DE miRNAs were identified after persistent exposure to the LC10 of dinotefuran for 1, 5, and 10 d, respectively. Some abundant miRNAs, such as ame-miR-375-3p, ame-miR-281-5p, ame-miR-3786-3p, ame-miR-10-5p, and ame-miR-6037-3p, were extremely significantly differentially expressed. Enrichment analysis suggested that the candidate target genes of the DE miRNAs are involved in the regulation of biological processes, cellular processes, and behaviors. These results expand our understanding of the regulatory roles of miRNAs in honey bee Apis mellifera (Hymenopptera: Apidae) responses to neonicotinoid insecticides and facilitate further studies on the functions of miRNAs in honey bees.
Environmental issues related to fracking
Authors: Carmalt S W , Moscariello Andrea 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Hydraulic fracturing or ‘fracking’ overlays a major industrial operation on the land in areas where shale and tight hydrocarbon resources can be exploited. Every aspect of the fracking operation can cause environmental damage, although the damage from any individual well is both unlikely and usually fairly limited. Such damage has been extensively documented, giving the impression that fracking activity is bad for the environment. There is no yes or no answer to the question ‘Is fracking harmful to the environment’; rather, it is an issue that must be resolved politically rather than scientifically.
The transcription factor WRKY75 positively regulates jasmonate-mediated plant defense to necrotrophic fungal pathogens
Authors: Chen Ligang , Zhang Liping , Xiang Shengyuan , Chen Yanli , Zhang Haiyan , Yu Diqiu 
Published: November 2020

AbstractNecrotrophic fungi cause devastating diseases in both horticultural and agronomic crops, but our understanding of plant defense responses against these pathogens is still limited. In this study, we demonstrated that WRKY75 positively regulates jasmonate (JA)-mediated plant defense against necrotrophic fungal pathogens Botrytis cinerea and Alternaria brassicicola, and also affects the sensitivity of plants to JA-inhibited seed germination and root growth. Quantitative analysis indicated that several JA-associated genes, such as OCTADECANOID-RESPONSIVE ARABIDOPSIS (ORA59) and PLANT DEFENSIN 1.2A (PDF1.2), were significantly reduced in expression in wrky75 mutants, and enhanced in WRKY75 overexpressing transgenic plants. Immunoprecipitation assays revealed that WRKY75 directly binds to the promoter of ORA59 and represses itstranscription. In vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that WRKY75 interacts with several JASMONATE ZIM-domain proteins, repressors of the JA signaling pathway. We determined that JASMONATE-ZIM-DOMAIN PROTEIN 8 (JAZ8) represses the transcriptional function of WRKY75, thereby attenuating the expression of its regulation. Overexpression of JAZ8 repressed plant defense responses to B. cinerea. Our study provides evidence that WRKY75 functions as a critical component of the JA-mediated signaling pathway to positively regulate Arabidopsis defense responses to necrotrophic pathogens.
Linking soils and human health: geospatial analysis of ground-sampled soil data in relation to community-level podoconiosis data in North West Cameroon
Authors: Gislam H , Burnside N G , Brolly M , Deribe K , Davey G , Wanji S , Suh C E , Kemp S J , Watts M J , Le Blond J S 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Background
Podoconiosis is a form of leg swelling, which arises when individuals are exposed over time to red clay soil formed from alkaline volcanic rock. The exact causal agent of the disease is unknown. This study investigates associations between podoconiosis disease data and ground-sampled soil data from North West Cameroon.

Methods
The mineralogy and elemental concentrations were measured in the soil samples and the data were spatially interpolated. Mean soil values were calculated from a 3 km buffer region around the prevalence data points to perform statistical analysis. Analysis included Spearman's rho correlation, binary logistic regression and principal component analysis (PCA).

Results
Six elements, barium, beryllium, potassium, rubidium, strontium and thallium, as well as two minerals, potassium feldspar and quartz, were identified as statistically related to podoconiosis. PCA did not show distinct separation between the spatial locations with or without recorded cases of podoconiosis, indicating that other factors such as shoe-wearing behaviour and genetics may significantly influence podoconiosis occurrence and prevalence in North West Cameroon.

Conclusion
Several soil variables were statistically significantly related to podoconiosis. To further the current study, future investigations will look at the inflammatory pathway response of cells after exposure to these variables.
Using Critical Incident Assessments to Understand Nursing Students’ Perceptions That Impact Learning
Authors: Embrey Katrina , Taggart Helen M. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Nurse faculty have a responsibility to examine nursing incidents that have a negative effect on students and identify methods for improvement. The purpose of this study was to explore nursing students’ perceptions of weekly incidents that impact learning in order to alert faculty to problems early in the program of study. A qualitative descriptive design was used to identify common themes of first-semester BSN students’ perceptions using Brookfield’s Critical Incident Questionnaire. Four themes were identified. Critical reflection, analysis, and active learning are vital components in nursing education.
Role of the Pubic Symphysis in Osseous Pelvic Development: A Novel Model of Bladder Exstrophy in Rabbits
Authors: Cottrill Ethan , Klyce Walter , Pennington Zach , Ehresman Jeff , Di Carlo Heather , Gearhart John P. , Sponseller Paul D. 
Published: November 2020

Background:
It has been posited that the osseous pelvic anomalies seen in patients with classic bladder exstrophy (CBE) result from disruption of the pubic symphysis. This hypothesis, however, has not been tested. In the present animal study, our objective was to determine whether the tension of the pubic symphysis helps maintain the shape of the pelvic ring, or whether the growing bones maintain a ring shape even without the tension of the symphysis.

Methods:
In total, 12 neonatal New Zealand White rabbits underwent pubic symphysiotomy (experimental group, n=9) or sham surgery (control group, n=3) on days 3 or 4 of life. Rabbits were scanned with cone-beam computed tomography at 1, 4, 12, and 20 weeks postoperatively to monitor changes in the following pelvic parameters, which are known to be altered in CBE: anterior segment angle, anterior segment length, intertriradiate distance, interpubic distance, and posterior segment angle. Changes within the experimental and control groups were evaluated using repeated-measures analysis of variance and post hoc Tukey honest significant difference testing. Two-tailed t tests were used to compare treatment groups at each time point.

Results:
Both groups showed increases in anterior segment length and intertriradiate distance during the study period; rabbits in the experimental group also showed a steady increase in interpubic distance (F=43.9; P<0.001). Experimental rabbits had significantly larger mean values for anterior segment angle, intertriradiate distance, interpubic distance, and posterior segment angle than did control rabbits at all time points. We found no difference in mean anterior segment length between control and experimental groups at any time point. The difference in interpubic distance was particularly pronounced by 20 weeks (experimental group, 13±2.7 mm; control group, 1.1±0.1 mm; P<0.001).

Conclusions:
The pubic symphysis is essential for normal pelvic development. Its absence led to early pelvic angulation and progressive pubic separation in a rabbit model. However, we found no significant difference in the mean anterior segment length, and it is likely that other factors are also implicated in the growth disturbance seen in CBE.

Level of Evidence:
Level V.
Association of Risk of Dementia With Direct Oral Anticoagulants Versus Warfarin Use in Patients With Non-valvular Atrial Fibrillation: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Lee Zong Xuan , Ang Eshen , Lim Xin Tian , Arain Salman Javed 
Published: November 2020

Abstract:
Atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Studies have shown the beneficial effects of anticoagulants in preventing dementia in this population. However, evidence around the use of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) versus warfarin in AF-related dementia prevention remains sparse. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the use of DOACs versus warfarin in dementia prevention in this population. MEDLINE, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and the CENTRAL databases were systematically searched from its inception until May 2020. Nine studies (n = 611,069) were included for quantitative meta-analysis. DOACs use was associated with a lower risk of composite dementia outcomes compared with warfarin use [odds ratio (OR) 0.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.34–0.94, P = 0.03]. No significant difference was found in subtypes of dementia (vascular dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive disorder) between both groups. No significant difference in the risk of composite dementia outcomes between the dabigatran and warfarin groups (OR 0.97, 95% CI 0.88–1.08, P = 0.61). Apixaban (OR 0.58, 95% CI 0.50–0.67, P < 0.00001) and rivaroxaban (OR 0.67, 95% CI 0.61–0.75, P < 0.00001) use were both associated with a significantly lower risk of composite dementia outcomes compared with warfarin use. Findings need to be interpreted with caution because of low certainty of evidence. In conclusion, this systematic review and meta-analysis of 9 comparative studies demonstrated the superiority of DOACs over warfarin in prevention of dementia in AF. Future prospective trials with adequate follow-up period are warranted to ascertain its causal relationship.
Effect of off-hour versus work-hour thrombolysis for acute ischemic stroke on emergency department patients’ outcome: a retrospective study
Authors: Ozakin Engin , Ozdemir Atilla O. , Aykac Ozlem , Cevik Arif A. 
Published: November 2020

Objective
Early management of patients with acute ischemic stroke is crucial regardless of the time of presentation. The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of off-hours management of patients with ischemic stroke that underwent thrombolytic therapy in the emergency department.

Methods
This is a single-center retrospective study included ischemic stroke patients who received thrombolysis in the emergency department from January 2009 to April 2017. Patients who presented between 08:00 and 17:00 Monday to Friday were in the ‘work-hour group (group 1)’ versus others who were considered ‘off-hours (group 2)’. Primary endpoint was 3-month mortality. Secondary endpoints included the National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale and dramatic recovery rate at 24 h, intracranial hemorrhage, systemic hemorrhage and modified Rankin Scale at the 3 months. Symptom-to-needle time, door-to-computed tomography time, and door-to-needle time were also compared between groups.

Results
A total of 399 ischemic stroke patients were included in the analysis, 137 (34%) during work-hours and 262 (66%) during off-hours. The mortality rate was not different at 3 months between groups: 24 (17.5%) in the work-hours group versus 38 (14.5%) in the off-hours group [odds ratio 1.25; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0. 72–2.19]. There were no differences between groups on secondary endpoints. The mean time of symptom-to-needle was significantly higher during off-hours (mean difference: 18.4 min; 95% CI, 7.81–29.0).

Conclusions
In this study, there were no significant differences in mortality and functional outcomes at 3 months between patients who underwent off-hour or work-hour thrombolysis in the emergency department.
Management of Trichomoniasis in the Setting of 5-Nitroimidazole Hypersensitivity
Authors: Van Gerwen Olivia T. , Camino Andres F. , Bourla Lorelei N. , Legendre Davey , Muzny Christina A. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract
Metronidazole and other 5-nitroimidazoles are the mainstay of Trichomonas vaginalis treatment, with few efficacious and safe treatment options available outside of this class. Patients with trichomoniasis and a history of a clinically confirmed hypersensitivity reaction to 5-nitroimidazoles present a management challenge for clinicians. The first step in managing such patients is metronidazole desensitization. In situations where this cannot be performed or tolerated, treatment with alternative regimens outside of the 5-nitroimidazole class, such as intravaginal boric acid or paromomycin, may be possible.
Benchmarks for HIV Testing: What Is Needed to Achieve Universal Testing Coverage at U.S. Ambulatory Healthcare Facilities
Authors: Hoover Karen W. , Khalil George M. , Cadwell Betsy L. , Rose Charles E. , Peters Philip J. 
Published: November 2020

Background:
Black and Hispanic men have the highest rates of HIV diagnoses. To decrease the number of U.S. men who are unaware of their HIV status, they should be tested at least once. Our objective was to estimate the increases needed in HIV testing rates at ambulatory health care visits to achieve universal coverage.

Methods:
We analyzed nationally representative medical record abstraction data to estimate the number of visits per person to physician offices, emergency departments, and outpatient clinics among men aged 18–39 years during 2009–2016, and the percentage of visits with an HIV test. We calculated the increase in the percentage of visits with an HIV test needed to achieve universal testing coverage of men by age 39 years.

Results:
Men had a mean of 75.3 million ambulatory visits per year and 1.67 visits per person. An HIV test was performed at 0.9% of the ambulatory visits made by white men, 2.5% by black men, and 2.4% by Hispanic men. A 3-fold increase in the percentage of visits with an HIV test would result in coverage of 46.2% of white, 100% of black, and 100% of Hispanic men; an 11-fold increase would be needed to result in coverage of 100% of white men.

Conclusions:
HIV testing rates of men at ambulatory health care visits were too low to provide HIV testing coverage of all men by aged 39 years. A 3-fold increase in the percentage of visits with an HIV test would result in universal testing coverage of black and Hispanic men by age 39 years.
Near Point-of-Care HIV Viral Load: Targeted Testing at Large Facilities
Authors: Ganesh Prakash , Heller Tom , Chione Boniface , Gumulira Joe , Gugsa Salem , Khan Shaukat , McGovern Seth , Nhlema Angellina , Nkhoma Lyse , Sacks Jilian A. , Trapence Clement , Tweya Hannock , Ehrenkranz Peter , Phiri Sam 
Published: November 2020

Introduction:
Point-of-care (POC) technologies in resource-limited settings can circumvent challenges of centralized laboratory testing, improving clinical management. However, higher device costs and uncertain indications for use have inhibited scaling up POC modalities. To address this gap, we investigated the feasibility and cost of targeted near-POC viral load (VL) testing in 2 large HIV clinics in Lilongwe, Malawi.

Methods:
VL testing using GeneXpert was targeted for patients suspected of treatment failure or returning to care after a previously elevated VL (>1000 copies/mL). Descriptive analysis of retrospective clinical and cost data is presented.

Results:
Two thousand eight hundred thirteen near-POC VL tests were conducted. One thousand five hundred eleven (54%) tests were for patients for whom results and reason for the test were documented: 57% (794/1389) of tests were to confirm a previously high VL, and 33% (462/1389) were due to clinical indications. Sixty-one percent (926/1511) of patients had a high VL, of whom 78% (719/926) had a recorded clinical action: 77% (557/719) switched to second line antiretroviral therapy, and 15% (194/719) were referred for intensive adherence counseling. Eighty-two percent (567/687) of patients received a clinical action on the same day as testing. The “all-in” cost was $33.71 for a valid POC VL test, compared with an international benchmark for a centralized VL test of $28.62.

Conclusion:
Targeted, near-POC VL testing was feasible and consistently enabled prompt clinical action. The difference between the “all-in” cost of near-POC VL and centralized testing of $5.09 could be further reduced in an optimized national program by combining targeted near-POC testing and centralized testing.
The Impact on Nasal Septal Anatomy and Physiology Following Le Fort I Osteotomy for Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Eliason Michael J. , Schafer Jeffrey , Archer Benjamin , Capra Gregory 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOrthognathic surgery utilizing a Le Fort I osteotomy is performed by oral and maxillofacial surgeons to correct midface and dental occlusal abnormalities. However, the potential sequelae on sinonasal function have had minimal discussion in the literature. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on nasal septum anatomy and physiology following Le Fort I osteotomy for maxillary repositioning surgery. Thirty patients who previously underwent elective orthognathic surgery with Le Fort I osteotomy were enrolled retrospectively to assess the change in their nasal septal anatomy and nasal breathing. Pre- and postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans were used to determine axial displacement of the septum, in both degrees and millimeters, at 4 different standardized anatomic sites following the surgery. These objective anatomic measurements were then compared to the patient's perception of nasal congestion and difficulty breathing via the validated Chronic Sinusitis Survey-Duration Based (CSS-D). Comparison of the CTs before and after surgery demonstrated a new deviation of the nasal septum in all 30 patients, with maximal axial displacements up to 7.22 mm and a mean of 2.64 mm. Postoperative angular displacement changes ranged from minimal to 24°. The CTs showed persistence of a new septal perforation in 20% (6 of 30 patients) following surgery. The CSS-D results demonstrated a mean worsening of nasal breathing and congestion scores from 1.4 before surgery to 3.0 at least 8 weeks after surgery (P < 0.001). Orthognathic surgery utilizing Le Fort I osteotomy may result in persistent nasal septal perforations, new displacement of the nasal septum, and increased perception of nasal dyspnea not previously reported. Further understanding of anatomic changes and nasal airway obstruction that may be caused following such operations warrants further study in order to improve surgical technique and postoperative outcomes.