bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The erector spinae plane block for obstetric analgesia: a case series of a novel technique
Authors: Vilchis Rentería J. S. , Peng P. W. H. , Forero M. 
Published: November 2020

SummaryThe management of pain during labour is central to obstetric anaesthetic practice. While epidural analgesia has long been considered the gold standard for intrapartum analgesia, neuraxial techniques can be challenging to perform, are contra‐indicated in circumstances such as coagulopathy. The erector spinae plane block is an interfascial plane block that has generated interest because of a needle tip position away from the neuraxis. This has the potential to mitigate the risks of nerve injury and epidural haematoma formation. The mechanism of action is linked to both paravertebral and epidural distribution of local anaesthetic, providing both somatic and visceral analgesia, with potential utility in obstetric settings. Four women in active labour received either unilateral or bilateral erector spinae plane blocks. All experienced a reduction in pain, ranging from 3 to 6 points measured on a 10‐point numerical rating scale. The duration of analgesia ranged from 60 to 120 min. In this report, we discuss potential for using the erector spinae plane block in the management of obstetric pain.
A modified creep model of polylactic acid (PLA‐max) materials with different printing angles processed by fused filament fabrication
Authors: Ye Juan , Yao Tianyun , Deng Zichen , Zhang Kai , Dai Shi , Liu Xiangbing 
Published: November 2020

AbstractThe creep behavior caused by the viscous mechanical effect of biodegradable polylactic acid (PLA‐max) material is of great significance to its application. To better understand the creep properties of PLA‐max materials processed by fused filament fabrication, the effects of printing parameters including printing angle and layer thickness on them are studied theoretically and experimentally. The experimental results show that within the range of loading stress and loading time, the creep deformation of the PLA‐max material decreases with the increase of the printing angle or the decrease of the layer thickness. The experimental results are processed and analyzed, and a modified Burger model is proposed to quantitatively analyze the creep deformation of PLA‐max. In this modified Burger model, the four parameters are functions of printing angle and stress level. The modified model can accurately calculate the creep deformation of the specimen at other printing angles, which provides an important reference for the design of functional structures with specific mechanical properties.
Missing the full story: First estimates of carbon deposition rates for the European flat oyster, Ostrea edulis
Authors: Lee Hannah Z. L. , Davies Ian M. , Baxter John M. , Diele Karen , Sanderson William G. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Globally, momentum to restore damaged habitats has been increasing. For example, the number of European shellfish restoration projects has quadrupled in the past 3 years. In line with the increasing focus on both restoration and climate change mitigation efforts, this study highlights how these two practices can complement each other.
This experimental study quantifies the active and passive sediment deposition associated with the European flat oyster (Ostrea edulis) and the organic and inorganic carbon fractions of the deposits. Treatments included ‘dead’, ‘live’, and control to account for (i) passive deposition, (ii) biodeposition and passive deposition, and (iii) background deposition respectively. By utilizing these data, the expected carbon deposition associated with a restored flat oyster bed was investigated.
The experiment was conducted ex situ, with natural seawater input. Covariate data on temperature, suspended particulate influx, salinity, and oxygen availability were recorded. Enhanced sedimentation (2.9 times) and organic carbon deposition (three times) were observed in the presence of living oysters, compared with the control. The shell structure of the oysters had no influence on passive sedimentation in this study.
By developing a full understanding of the ecosystem services (functioning, supporting, regulating, and cultural) provided by a habitat, it becomes possible to quantify overall ecosystem function. This evidence is key in advising policymakers, restoration funders, and marine spatial planners on the connection between keystone species restoration, ecosystem service restoration, and conservation management.
The enhancement of benthopelagic coupling by the European flat oyster, evidenced here for the first time, is contextualized from the perspective of quantification of ecosystem service provision for both restoration practices and blue carbon store management. The data produced in this study are discussed comparatively with work that has focused on other species from both Europe and the USA.
The benefits of bivalve reef restoration: A global synthesis of underrepresented species
Authors: zu Ermgassen Philine S. E. , Thurstan Ruth H. , Corrales Jorge , Alleway Heidi , Carranza Alvar , Dankers Norbert , DeAngelis Bryan , Hancock Boze , Kent Flora , McLeod Ian , Pogoda Bernadette , Liu Qing , Sanderson William G. 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

Bivalve habitat restoration is growing in geographic extent and scale globally. While addressing the wide‐scale loss of these biogenic habitats is still a key motivation behind restoration efforts, stakeholders and funders are increasingly drawn to shellfish restoration for the many ecosystem services these habitats provide.
There is clear evidence for the provision of ecosystem services from species targeted for restoration in the USA, in particular Crassostrea virginica. Ecosystem services, however, remain largely unquantified or even undescribed for the majority of other species targeted for restoration.
A structured review of the literature was undertaken and supplemented by expert knowledge to identify which ecosystem services are documented in the following other bivalve species targeted for restoration: Ostrea edulis, Ostrea angasi, Crassostrea rhizophorae, Perna canaliculus, Modiolus modiolus, Mytilus edulis, Mytilus platensis, Crassostrea gigas, Ostrea denselamellosa, Crassostrea ariakensis, and Crassostrea sikamea.
Key knowledge gaps in quantifying ecosystem services and the ecosystem engineering properties of habitat‐building bivalves contributing to the provision of ecosystem services were identified. Ecosystem services with the potential to be widely applicable across bivalve habitat‐building species were identified.
Though there is evidence that many of the ecosystem engineering properties that underpin the provision of ecosystem services are universal, the degree to which services are provided will vary between locations and species. Species‐specific, in situ, studies are needed in order to avoid the inappropriate transfer of the ecosystem service delivery between locations, and to further build support and understanding for these emerging targets of restoration.
Return of the native: Survival, growth and condition of European oysters reintroduced to German offshore waters
Authors: Merk Verena , Colsoul Bérenger , Pogoda Bernadette 
Published: November 2020

Abstract

The European oyster (Ostrea edulis) is under significant threat across its natural distribution range and even functionally extinct in some regions, such as in the German North Sea. Due to its ecological significance in terms of biodiversity and other ecosystem services, the species, and the habitat it provides, are defined as highly endangered by the OSPAR Convention.
Restoration measures are gaining momentum in Europe and conclusive recommendations for large‐scale biogenic reef restoration are relevant for example within the Marine Strategy Framework Directive and the Habitats Directive.
This study examined whether present‐day environmental conditions of sublittoral offshore waters are ecologically suitable for the return of European oysters. Seed oysters (shell length ~2 mm) were deployed in cages in offshore field experiments in 10–26 m water depth.
Survival, growth, and condition were investigated over the course of 2 years. Survival was high, even over winter. Growth was excellent, with oysters reaching a mean length of 55.0 ± 7.2 mm shell length and 19.2 ± 6.1 g wet weight after 2 years.
The formation of firmly aggregated oysters was observed and confirms O. edulis as a reef‐building species.
The overall condition of oysters in the field was excellent, identified by high condition indices and early reproductive activity.
These findings are highly relevant for future restoration measures in the North Sea as they confirm that present‐day environmental conditions and small, hatchery‐produced seed oysters are suitable of supporting sustainable and successful restoration efforts even in sublittoral offshore waters.
Securing logistics system and supply chain using Blockchain
Authors: Kumar Ajay , Abhishek Kumar , Rukunuddin Ghalib Muhammad , Nerurkar Pranav , Bhirud Sunil , Alnumay Waleed , Ananda Kumar S. , Chatterjee Pushpita , Ghosh Uttam 
Published: November 2020

AbstractPast international trade practices have been associated with opaque information flows that have hindered traceability and created hurdles in hassle‐free trade. Blockchain and allied technologies have been investigated as a panacea for the problems faced by supply chain and logistics industry. Network analysis also uncovered twenty types of legal and antisocial entities operating on bitcoin and provided a path for uncovering these antisocial entities. However, earlier works of literature have focused on limited aspects of a typical supply chain such as monitoring assets, securing traceability, data integrity negligence, and data access. To overcome such drawbacks, this article proposes permissioned Blockchain with relevant processes and functions to obtain a holistic framework for securing the supply chain and logistic operations. The efficacy of the proposed framework was demonstrated in the case study. Comparative study was performed with the existing frameworks where the proposed framework was found to be better at four counts compared on the basis of data integrity in supply chain, decentralized decision making and traceability. It was found that critical loopholes in a current supply chain can be overcome using the proposed framework.
Application of Bacillus sp. protease in the fabrication of silver/silver chloride nanoparticles in solution and cotton gauze bandages
Authors: Siritapetawee Jaruwan , Limphirat Wanwisa , Pakawanit Phakkhananan , Phoovasawat Chalermluck 
Published: November 2020

AbstractSilver (Ag)/silver chloride (AgCl) nanoparticles have been used worldwide for their antimicrobial activity. Proteases play an important role in many physiological processes during wound healing. Therefore, the aim of this study was to fabricate silver‐type nanoparticles exhibiting protease activity for medical applications such as wound healing and dressings. The Ag/AgCl nanoparticles were fabricated using Bacillus sp. protease and visible light activation. The size of the fabricated nanoparticles was estimated to be 35.29 ± 6.43 nm. The nanoparticles were coated on a cotton gauze bandage using immersion and ultrasonication. Scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy confirmed that the nanoparticles could be used to coat the gauze bandage. Synchrotron radiation X‐ray tomographic microscopy indicated that coating with the nanoparticles did not destroy the packing of cotton fibers in the gauze bandage. The nanoparticles exhibited fibrinolytic and collagenolytic activities. Protease activity remained after the nanoparticle coating was applied to the gauze bandage. The nanoparticles were not absorbed on a gelatin agar plate after incubation at 37 °C for 18 H. These results suggest that the coated cotton gauze bandage may be safe for further use, and the nanoparticles may not be absorbed into animal or human skin.
CRISPR/Cas9‐based genome engineering: A new breakthrough in the genetic manipulation of filamentous fungi
Authors: Ullah Mati , Xia Lin , Xie Shangxian , Sun Su 
Published: November 2020

AbstractFilamentous fungi have several industrial, environmental, and medical applications. However, they are rarely utilized owing to the limited availability of full‐genome sequences and genetic manipulation tools. Since the recent discovery of the full‐genome sequences for certain industrially important filamentous fungi, CRISPR/Cas9 technology has drawn attention for the efficient development of engineered strains of filamentous fungi. CRISPR/Cas9 genome editing has been successfully applied to diverse filamentous fungi. In this review, we briefly discuss the use of common genetic transformation techniques as well as CRISPR/Cas9‐based systems in filamentous fungi. Furthermore, we describe potential limitations and challenges in the practical application of genome engineering of filamentous fungi. Finally, we provide suggestions and highlight future research prospects in the area.
Resistance to cognitive biases: Longitudinal trajectories and associations with cognitive abilities and academic achievement across development
Authors: Toplak Maggie E. , Flora David B. 
Published: November 2020

AbstractCognitive failures on several reasoning and judgment tasks can be explained by miserly information processing tendencies. These tasks have been examined in child and youth samples, and we extend this work by examining the developmental trajectory of performance on these cognitive bias tasks and their association with other markers of cognitive sophistication. A longitudinal design was used to examine the development of resistance to cognitive biases in a sample of 204 typically developing children and youth. These youth were 8–14 years of age at first assessment and were assessed at three measurement occasions separated by 3 years. Resistance to cognitive biases as represented by performance on five reasoning and judgment tasks, including ratio bias, belief‐bias syllogisms, attribute framing problems, base‐rate sensitivity, and temporal discounting. The developmental trajectory of resistance to cognitive biases was examined. We also estimated associations between trajectories of resistance to cognitive biases and measures of cognitive abilities, actively open‐minded thinking, and superstitious thinking to examine how individual differences in other measures of cognitive sophistication were associated with the development of resistance to cognitive biases. Cognitive ability measures included intelligence (verbal and nonverbal) and executive function tasks (interference control and set‐shifting). Growth modeling results showed that resistance to cognitive biases increased linearly from 8 to 15 years of age, followed by a flat mean trajectory up to age 20. Cognitive ability, actively open‐minded thinking, and superstitious thinking predicted individual differences in resistance to cognitive biases, but not changes in resistance to cognitive biases. Performance on resistance to cognitive biases tasks was positively correlated with self‐ and parent‐reported academic achievement.
Flow injection–chemiluminescence determination of cetirizine dihydrochloride in pharmaceuticals using tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium (II)–Ag(III) complex reaction
Authors: Moazzam Muhammad , Asghar Muhammad , Yaqoob Mohammed , Ali Samar , Nabi Abdul 
Published: November 2020

AbstractA simple and sensitive flow injection–chemiluminescence (FI–CL) method was developed for determination of cetirizine dihydrochloride (CTZH) in pharmaceuticals. The method is primarily based on the enhancement effect of CTZH on the tris(2,2′‐bipyridyl)ruthenium (II)–diperiodatoargentate (III) ([Ru(bpy)3]2+–Ag(III) complex) CL system in an acidic medium. The optimum investigated variables of the CL reaction were: [Ru(bpy)3]2+, 50 × 10−6 mol/L; sulfuric acid, 1.0 × 10−3 mol/L; Ag(III) complex, 100 × 10−6 mol/L; potassium hydroxide, 1.0 × 10−3 mol/L; flow rate, 3.0 ml/min and sample loop volume, 300 μl. The detection and quantification limits were 2.0 × 10−4 and 5.0 × 10−4 mg/L (S/N of 3 and 10) respectively with a linear calibration range of 5.0 × 10−4 to 7.5 mg/L (R2 = 0.9999, n = 11), injection throughput of 110/h and the relative standard deviations of 1.5–3.5% over the range studied. The methodology was successfully applied to determine CTZH in different pharmaceutical samples and validated with a high‐performance liquid chromatography method, and resulted in the recovery of 94.6–108.6%. The probable CL reaction mechanism is described in brief.
Plasma D‐dimer predicts poor outcome and mortality after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage
Authors: Zhou Qi , Zhang Daming , Chen Xin , Yang Zhao , Liu Zhihui , Wei Baixing , Jin Mei , Feng Kairu , Guo Chunmei , Sun Junying , Chen Sheng , Zhang Ruijia , Piao Xiai , Gareev Ilgiz , Sun Zhenying , Wang Xiaoxiong , Li Lili , Zhao Shiguang , Yang Guang 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundThe elevation of plasma D‐dimer levels may predict a higher risk of thrombosis and play a role in the pathological process of patients after spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH). However, its function in predicting the prognosis of ICH has not been verified on large cases.Patients and MethodsRetrospective cohort study of 1,332 consecutive patients with spontaneous ICH at an academic medical center was conducted. Functional outcome at three months after ICH was dichotomized using the modified Rankin Scale (0–2 versus 3–6). D‐dimer level in blood was analyzed within 1 hr of admission. An ICH outcome score combining D‐dimer level for evaluating poor functional outcome and mortality was tested.ResultsThe proportion of patients with poor functional outcome and mortality at three months was significantly higher in patients with elevated D‐dimer level (p < .001). Multivariable analysis demonstrated that elevated D‐dimer level was an independent predictor of poor functional outcome (odds ratio 1.486, 95% confidence interval 1.086–2.060, p = .014) and mortality (odds ratio 2.015, 95% confidence interval 1.186–3.423, p = .01). An increasing ICH outcome score combining D‐dimer level was associated with increased poor functional outcome and mortality.ConclusionsElevated plasma D‐dimer level after spontaneous ICH is associated with poor functional outcome and mortality. The study suggests that elevated D‐dimer level has a predictive value for outcome and mortality in patients with spontaneous ICH.
Inhibition of the activin receptor signaling pathway: A novel intervention against osteosarcoma
Authors: Meier Daniela , Lodberg Andreas , Gvozdenovic Ana , Pellegrini Giovanni , Neklyudova Olga , Born Walter , Fuchs Bruno , Eijken Marco , M. Botter Sander 
Published: November 2020

AbstractOsteosarcoma is a cancer of pathological bone remodeling with high mortality and severe comorbidity. New therapies are urgently needed. Activin A, a member of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily, has been suggested to stimulate proliferation and invasion of osteosarcoma cells in vitro, thus representing a potential therapeutic target. In this study, inhibition of the activin receptor signaling pathway was explored as a therapy for osteosarcoma. In a murine intratibial osteosarcoma xenograft model, two types of inhibitors were tested: (a) a soluble activin type IIA decoy receptor (ActRIIA‐mFc), or (b) a modified variant of follistatin (FSTΔHBS‐hFc), either alone or in combination with a bisphosphonate. Both inhibitors reduced primary tumor development by nearly 50% compared to vehicle treatment. When ActRIIA‐mFc was combined with bisphosphonate, the effect on tumor size became even more pronounced (78% reduction vs. vehicle). Moreover, FSTΔHBS‐hFc increased body weight in the face of tumor progression (14% increase vs. vehicle), and ActRIIA‐mFc reduced the number of lung metastases when combined with bisphosphonate. The present study demonstrates a novel approach to treating osteosarcoma and encourages further investigation of inhibition of the activin receptor signaling pathway as an intervention against the disease.
The state of renal sympathetic denervation for the management of patients with hypertension: A systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Syed Moinuddin , Osman Mohammed , Alhamoud Hani , Saleem Maryam , Munir Muhamad Bilal , Kheiri Babikir , Balla Sudarshan , Kawsara Akram , Daggubati Ramesh 
Published: November 2020

AbstractBackgroundSympathetic nervous system plays a central role in the development and persistence of essential hypertension. In recent years renal sympathetic denervation (RSD) has emerged as a promising option for the treatment of patients with hypertension.MethodsWe conducted a literature search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane library and Clinicaltrials.gov from inception through April 20, 2020. Outcomes of interest were change in 24‐hour ambulatory systolic (ASBP) or diastolic blood pressure (ADBP) and change in office systolic (OSBP) or diastolic blood pressure (ODBP). We pooled data from randomized controlled trials (RCTS) comparing RSD to sham procedures in the management of hypertension using the random effect model.ResultsA total of 1,363 patients from eight studies were included in the current meta‐analysis. The mean age of the included patients was 56 ± 2.6 years, 29% were women and the median duration of maximum follow up was 6‐month (range 3–12 month). There was more reduction favoring RSD in ASBP (Weighted mean difference [WMD] ‐3.55; 95% CI ‐4.91 – −2.19, p < .001, I2 = 0%), ADBP (WMD ‐1.87; 95% CI ‐3.07 – −0.66, p = .002, I2 = 43%), OSBP (WMD ‐5.5; 95% CI ‐7.59 – −3.40, p < .001, I2 = 7%) and ODBP (WMD ‐3.20; 95% CI ‐4.47 – −1.94, p < .001, I2 = 14%).ConclusionThe use of RSD for the management of hypertension resulted in effective reduction in the ambulatory and office blood pressure compared to sham procedure. Adequately powered RCTs of RSD are needed to confirm safety, reproducibility and assess the impact on clinical outcomes.
Reconstruction of intraoral oncologic surgical defects with Integra® bilayer wound matrix
Authors: Srivastava Akanksha , Maniakas Anastasios , Myers Jeffrey , Chambers Mark S. , Cardoso Richard 
Published: November 2020

AbstractUtilization of biologic skin substitutes for the management of soft tissue defects as an alternative to autologous skin grafts has expanded over the past 2 decades. The purpose of this case series study was to report our experience with Integra® bilayer wound matrix for reconstruction of intraoral oncologic defects. Case records of 6 patients with intraoral oncologic defects reconstructed with Integra® bilayer wound matrix were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical defect location, size, and time to removal of surgical splint varied. Clinically, normal oral epithelialization was noted for all patients. One patient demonstrated a small area of dehiscence and bone exposure after adjuvant radiation therapy which resolved with minimal intervention. Integra bilayer wound matrix is a viable and versatile option for reconstruction of intraoral oncologic surgical defects. Further exploration of wound healing with Integra® matrix, surgical techniques, and cost‐effectiveness is advocated.