bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Defeated by the nines: nine extracellular strategies to avoid microbe-associated molecular patterns recognition in plants
Authors: Buscaill Pierre , van der Hoorn Renier A. L. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractRecognition of microbe-associated molecular patterns (MAMPs) by cell-surface receptors is pivotal in host-microbe interactions. Both pathogens and symbionts establish plant-microbe interactions using fascinating intricate extracellular strategies to avoid recognition. Here we distinguish nine different extracellular strategies to avoid recognition by the host, acting at three different levels. To avoid the accumulation of MAMP precursors (Level 1), microbes take advantage of polymorphisms in both MAMP proteins and glycans, or downregulate MAMP production. To reduce hydrolytic MAMP release (Level 2), microbes shield MAMP precursors with proteins or glycans and inhibit or degrade host-derived hydrolases. And to prevent MAMP perception directly (Level 3), microbes degrade or sequester MAMPs before they are perceived. We discuss examples of these nine strategies and envisage three additional extracellular strategies to avoid MAMP perception in plants.
Effects of autoclaving on compressive strength of bovine bones and their use as chewing agents for dogs
Authors: Pezzali J G , Machado G S , Marx F R , Eugênio D A , Schroeder B , Pignone V N , Trevizan L 
Published: April 2021

Abstract
This study aimed to evaluate the effect of autoclave processing on compressive stress of spongy and cortical bones, and the effect of autoclaved bones as chewing agents to reduce dental calculus in adult dogs. Spongy and cortical bones were autoclaved (1 ATM, 30 min, and 120°C) and compressive strength was evaluated in autoclaved and raw bone specimens. Autoclaved bones were offered to ten Beagle dogs divided into two groups of 5 dogs each: Group 1 – received a portion of the autoclaved bovine cortical bone (ACB) and Group 2 – received a portion of the autoclaved bovine spongy bone (ASB). Prior to the experimental period (1-d) and every two days thereafter, oral photographs were taken on both sides of the dental arch to evaluate dental calculus reduction over time. The vestibular surface of the canines, premolars, and molars teeth was evaluated using integration software to measure the proportion between the area covered by calculus and the total teeth area. The effect of bone type, treatment (raw vs. autoclaved), and their interaction were evaluated using the PROC GLIMMIX procedure of SAS (version 9.4). Linear equations were generated to estimate calculus reduction over time for ACB and ASB. Compressive strength was higher (P &lt; 0.05) in cortical bones compared to spongy bones. However, the autoclaving procedure did not affect (P &gt; 0.05) compressive strength, regardless of the bone type. The teeth area covered by calculus of dogs that were offered ACB reduced from 41% to 32% in 5 days, and at the end of 15 days a reduction of 62.2% was observed, resulting in a remaining of 15.5% of teeth area covered by calculus. In this group, the dental calculus area reduced by 57.7% after 5 days, and at the end of the trial, only 5.4% of teeth were still covered by calculus, which represents a reduction of 81%. The linear regression analysis revealed no significant difference between the slopes for the ACB and ASB equations (P &gt; 0.05). No health complications such as tooth fracture, intestinal obstructions, and oral lesions were observed throughout the study. Our results demonstrated that the autoclave processing did not impair compressive strength of spongy and cortical bones. This corroborates with the results observed in vivo, which suggests that autoclaved bones are chewing agents for adult dogs with additional benefits of lower risk of bacterial contamination.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in PRKG1 & SPATA13-AS1 are associated with bronchodilator response: a pilot study during acute asthma exacerbations in African American children
Authors: Fishe Jennifer N. , Labilloy Guillaume , Higley Rebecca , Casey Deirdre , Ginn Amber , Baskovich Brett , Blake Kathryn V. 
Published: April 2021

Objective
Inhaled bronchodilators are the first-line treatment for asthma exacerbations, but individual bronchodilator response (BDR) varies by race and ethnicity. Studies have examined BDR’s genetic underpinnings, but many did not include children or were not conducted during an asthma exacerbation. This pilot study tested single-nucleotide polymorphisms’ (SNPs’) association with pediatric African American BDR during an acute asthma exacerbation.

Methods
This was a study of pediatric asthma patients in the age group 2–18 years treated in the emergency department for an asthma exacerbation. We measured BDR before and after inhaled bronchodilator treatments using both the Pediatric Asthma Severity Score (PASS) and asthma severity score. We collected genomic DNA and examined whether 21 candidate SNPs from a review of the literature were associated with BDR using crude odds ratios (OR) and adjusted analysis.

Results
The final sample population was 53 children, with an average age of 7.2 years. The average initial PASS score (scale of ascending severity from 0 to 6) was 2.5. After adjusting for BMI, age category, gender and smoke exposure, rs912142 was associated with decreased odds of having low BDR (OR, 0.20; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.02–0.92), and rs7081864 and rs7903366 were associated with decreased odds of having high BDR (OR, 0.097; 95% CI, 0.009–0.62)

Conclusions
We found three SNPs significantly associated with pediatric African American BDR that provide information regarding a child’s potential response to emergency asthma exacerbation treatment. Once validated in larger studies, such information could guide pharmacogenomic evidence-based emergency asthma treatment to improve patient outcomes.
Recurrent implantation failure: how common is it?
Authors: Pirtea Paul , Scott Richard Thomas , de Ziegler Dominique , Ayoubi Jean Marc 
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review
To clarify a lingering issue, the true incidence of repeated implantation failures (RIF) in women undergoing successive frozen euploid single embryo transfers (FE-SET).

Recent findings
As not all Assisted reproductive techinique (ART) attempts are crowned by success, it has been questioned since incept of ART whether failures resulted from an embryonic or endometrial cause. RIF has received no precise definition but a trend has existed toward setting a more stringent definition, as reproductive biology has become more effective and ART success rates improved. No scientific society has yet convened on a universally accepted definition. The advent of effective and well tolerated pregestational testing of embryos for aneuploidy (PGT-A) has allowed to not transfer aneuploid embryos, which are bound not to succeed. This, therefore, justify revisiting the concept of RIF when only euploid embryos are transferred.

Summary
Contrary to lingering beliefs, the results of our study indicate that RIF following three successive euploid embryo transfers in a morphologically normal endometrium is a rare occurrence (<5%). This supports the concept that ART failures mainly result from embryonic causes. Our data also propose a new – functional – definition of RIF being an ART failure following 3 successive FE-SET attempts. Our findings, therefore seriously question the soundness of prescribing the often complex and expensive endometrial testing procedures that largely publicized for treating RIF.
A Prescription for Resilience
Authors: Mann Sharon N. , McLinton Sarven S. , McEwen Kathryn , Heath Georgina 
Published: April 2021

Objective:
Globally, leaders require strategies to sustain the performance and well-being of themselves and their teams while managing and adapting to uncertainty, workplace turbulence, and high job demands. This study evaluates the Resilience at Work Leader 180 Scale assessing leader behaviors that either promote or detract from resilience in others.

Method:
Study participants comprised Australian pharmacy employees (N = 80) in two groups made up of the senior leadership team (n = 10) and their direct report employees (n = 70). A mixed-methods design was employed using a directed content analysis.

Results:
Results indicate that the Resilience at Work Leader 180 Scale provides insight into leader behaviors that foster or detract from employee resilience.

Conclusion:
This scale is of value to researchers and organizations interested in a measure of leader resilience.
Management of chronic pulmonary disease in the time of coronavirus disease 2019
Authors: Palla John , Laguna Theresa A. 
Published: April 2021

Purpose of review
The purpose of this review is to discuss the most recent data describing the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) on the pediatric population with chronic pulmonary disease. We specifically focus on children with asthma, cystic fibrosis (CF), and lung transplant recipients.

Recent findings
Children with asthma, CF, and lung transplant recipients do not appear to have an increased risk of morbidity or mortality with COVID-19 infection compared to the general pediatric population. Data does not support the change or withdrawal of any asthma or CF maintenance medications; however, does advocate for the cessation of aerosolized medications whenever possible to minimize transmission risk. It may not be necessary to adjust immunosuppressive therapy when managing COVID-19 in pediatric lung transplant patients. Mechanisms of infection in airway epithelial cells in children may differ from adults, resulting in a milder phenotype.

Summary
Current data about pediatric patients with chronic lung disease infected with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is promising but remains scarce. Additional study is needed to definitively understand the complex interplay of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the airway of children with chronic lung disease, how it differs from adults, and how best to manage the symptoms of acute infection.
The Second Victim Experience and Support Tool: A Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Psychometric Evaluation in Italy (IT-SVEST)
Authors: Scarpis Enrico , Castriotta Luigi , Ruscio Edoardo , Bianchet Beatrice , Doimo Anna , Moretti Valentina , Cocconi Roberto , Farneti Federico , Quattrin Rosanna 
Published: April 2021

Objective

Second victims are defined as healthcare workers involved in an unanticipated adverse patient event, who experienced professional and psychological distress. The Second Victim Experience and Support Tool (SVEST) is a survey developed and validated in the United States, which describes the experience of second victims. This study aims to perform the cross-cultural adaptation of the SVEST and to evaluate its psychometric characteristics in the Italian context.

Methods
Translation and cross-cultural adaptation process was performed according to the World Health Organization guidelines. Then, 349 healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, residents, and technicians, involved in direct patient care—a potential second victim—completed the Italian version of SVEST in a validation survey at the Academic Hospital of Udine. The SVEST consists of 29 items, divided into 7 dimensions, 2 outcome variables, and 7 support options. The Italian version was assessed for internal consistency through Cronbach α, for content validity with content validity index for scales and for item and for construct validity with Confirmatory Factor Analysis.

Results
The internal consistency of the instrument was adequate in its overall evaluation with Cronbach α value of 0.88 (95% confidence interval = 0.86). The content validity index for scales was 0.94 and that for item was 0.70. The confirmatory factor analysis results showed a good model fit for the 9-factor structure (χ2 = 676.18, df = 327, P < 0.001). Root mean squared error of approximation, Akaike information criterion, and comparative fix index Tucker-Lewis index values also suggested a good fit to the data.

Conclusions
The Italian version of the SVEST can be used to evaluate second victim experiences, demonstrating adequate validity, reliability, and good psychometric properties.
Support for Healthcare Professionals After Surgical Patient Safety Incidents: A Qualitative Descriptive Study in 5 Teaching Hospitals
Authors: Serou Naresh , Husband Andy K. , Forrest Simon P. , Slight Robert D. , Slight Sarah P. 
Published: April 2021

Objective
Patient safety incidents can have a profound effect on healthcare professionals, with some experiencing emotional and psychological distress. This study explored the support medical and nonmedical operating room staff received after being involved in a surgical patient safety incident(s) in 5 UK teaching hospitals.

Methods
An invitation letter and information sheet were e-mailed to all medical and nonmedical operating room staff (N = 927) across the 5 sites. Semistructured interviews were arranged with a range of different healthcare professionals working in operating rooms across a wide variety of surgical specialities. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and analyzed using an inductive thematic approach.

Results
We conducted 45 interviews with medical and nonmedical operating room staff, who emphasized the importance of receiving personalized support soon after the incident. Operating room staff described how the first “go to” people were their peers and reported feeling comforted when their peers empathized with their own experience(s). Other participants found it very difficult to seek support, perceiving it as a sign of weakness. Although family members played an important role in supporting second victims, some participants felt unable to discuss the incident with them, fearing that they might not understand.

Conclusions
There should be clear support structures in place for operating room staff who have been involved in surgical incidents. Health organizations need to offer timely support to frontline staff after these incidents. Senior clinicians should be proactive in offering support to junior colleagues and empathize with their own experiences, thus shifting the competitive culture to one of openness and support.
Auxiliary Tests of Autonomic Functions
Authors: Quispe Rodrigo C. , Novak Peter 
Published: April 2021

Summary:
The autonomic nervous system is a complex neural network that controls several organ systems. Its assessment includes a detailed history of autonomic functions, clinical examination, and autonomic tests. Most widely used is a battery of tests that assess cardiovascular reflex autonomic and sudomotor tests, which include deep breathing (assesses parasympathetic function), Valsalva maneuver, tilt test (both assess parasympathetic and adrenergic functions), and sudomotor testing for the evaluation of postganglionic sudomotor fibers. These basic tests represent a foundation of autonomic testing. Nevertheless, the autonomic nervous system also controls organ systems not directly assessed by basic tests. This review describes a number of auxiliary autonomic tests that can be used in addition to basic autonomic tests or can be used independently to explore particular autonomic functions or to answer a specific clinical question. The auxiliary tests described in this review evaluate cardiovascular, thermoregulatory, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, eye, and exocrine functions. These tests are cold pressor test, sustained handgrip maneuver, reverse tilt test, venoarteriolar reflex, laser Doppler flare imaging, microneurography, neck suction, lower body negative pressure, venous occlusion plethysmography, pharmacologic assessment of postganglionic sympathetic outflow, plasma norepinephrine, sympathetic skin response, video cinefluoroscopic swallowing test, esophageal manometry test, small bowel manometry test, wireless motility capsule test, urodynamic studies, penile plethysmography, intracavernosal papaverine injection, infrared video pupillography, corneal confocal microscopy, pupillary response to dilute pilocarpine and hydroxyamphetamine, Schirmer test, tear osmolarity test, and salivary secretion test. The protocol of each test is described in detail. This review can be used as a quick reference for the auxiliary autonomic tests.
Performance of vaccination with CoronaVac in a cohort of healthcare workers (HCW) - preliminary report
Authors: de Faria Elizabeth , Guedes Ana Rubia , Oliveira Maura S. , de Godoy Moreira Moacyr Vergara , Maia Fernando Liebhart , dos Santos Barboza Antonio , Leme Mariana Deckers , Letaif Leila S. Harima , Miethke-Morais Anna , Bonfá Eloisa , Segurado Aluisio C. , Tomazini Francis M. , dos Santos Alcir Alves , Figueiredo Pedro , dos Santos Andrade Pâmela , de Oliveira Franciane Mendes , de Araújo Eliodoro Raissa Heloisa , de Jesus Jaqueline Goes , dos Santos Lazari Carolina , Sabino Ester C. , Costa Silvia F. , Pedroso de Lima Antonio Carlos , Levin Anna S. 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundCoronaVac, a vaccine containing inactivated SARS-CoV-2, demonstrated efficacy of 50.39% 14 days or more after the 2nd dose.The objective of this study is to report the occurrence of symptomatic COVID-19 in a cohort of HCW vaccinated with CoronaVac and to estimate its effectiveness.MethodsCoronaVac was given to HCWs inHospital das Clinicas on 18-21 January, 2021 (epi week 3) (22,402 HCWs), and on 14-16 February, 2021 (epi week 7) (21,652 HCWs). Weekly cases of symptomatic COVID-19 were evaluated. Using the period from 2020 epi week 24 through 2021 epi week 2 (before vaccination), a Poisson regression was fit to model the HCWs with COVID-19 of the hospital, and the officially reported cases in the city of São Paulo. The predicted numbers of cases among HCWs for 2021 epi weeks 3-12 were then compared to the observed numbers of cases (after vaccination). Effectiveness was estimated for weeks 9-12 (2 to 5 weeks after the 2nd dose). 142 samples after vaccination were evaluated for SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern.ResultsSince the 1st dose there were 380 HCW diagnosed with COVID-19. On visual analysis, the number of cases of COVID-19 in the city increased sharply in 2021. The number of cases among the HCW did not follow. The estimated effectiveness 2 and 3 weeks after 2nd dose was 50.7% and 51.8%, respectively, and increased over the next 2 weeks. 67/142 samples (47%) were variants of concern, mostly P1 (57).ConclusionCoronavac is effective in preventing COVID-19.
Association between comorbidities and death from COVID-19 in different age groups
Authors: Fleitas Pedro Emanuel , Almazán María Cristina , Cortez Sabrina Daniela , Paz Jorge Augusto , Cimino Rubén Oscar , Krolewiecki Alejandro Javier 
Published: April 2021

AbstractBackgroundThis new COVID-19 pandemic challenges health systems around the world; therefore, it is extremely important to determine which patients with COVID-19 can evolve to more severe outcomes. Accordingly, we decided to assess the role that comorbidities play in death from COVID-19.MethodsTwo age groups (<60 and ≥ 60 years) were defined for analysis. Decision trees were made to identify which comorbidities had the highest fatality rate (FR). Multiple logistic regressions were performed to measure the association between comorbidities and death.ResultsA significant difference was found between the FR of <60 group and ≥ 60 group. The most frequent comorbidity were cardiac diseases and diabetes. The combination of comorbidities with the highest FR was diabetes with kidney disease. Combinations of more than two comorbidities presented higher FR. The comorbidities had higher Odd ratios in the younger group than in the older group.ConclusionsComorbidities seem to play a greater role in death from COVID-19 in the younger group, while in the> 60 group; age seems to be the most important factor. We assigned a score to the comorbidities and their combinations for both age groups to help the health personnel make decisions.
Road preference of ants in a Japanese warm temperate forest and its implications for the regeneration of myrmecochorous sedges
Authors: Tanaka Koki , Tokuda Makoto 
Published: April 2021

AbstractIn warm temperate forests where light availability is generally low, roadsides often provide a refuge for myrmecochores. Therefore, whether or not ants disperse seeds along the roadsides should critically affect the regeneration of myrmecochores. Nonetheless, the dispersal behaviors of ants along roadsides have rarely been investigated in warm temperate forests. This study examined the road preference of two seed dispersing ants in warm temperate Japan, Formica japonica and Pheidole nodus. We located ant nests using baits placed at the vicinity of myrmecochorous sedges and examined the road preferences of ants and their consequences for seed dispersal by comparing the observed road proximity of ant nests with the simulated value assuming a random dispersal direction. Nests of both ant species were significantly closer to the road than in those simulated assuming random dispersal, which confirmed their road preferences. The road preference of F. japonica reduced the risk of seed loss into the forest interior to one‐ninth of the random dispersal. This trend was not observed in P. nodus due to its short dispersal distance relative to roadside width. Although light availability was higher around nests of P. nodus due to their closer proximity to the road than nests of F. japonica, adult sedges were located farther from the road than the nests of P. nodus. This implies that nests of P. nodus are unsuitable microhabitats for sedges. These results suggest that ants can disperse seeds along forest roadsides in warm temperate forests, but the efficiency vary among ant species.
Impact of the COVID‐19 pandemic lockdown on weight status and factors associated with weight gain among adults in Massachusetts
Authors: Mulugeta Wudeneh , Desalegn Hailemicheal , Solomon Samrawit 
Published: April 2021

SummaryThe study aims to examine the impact of the coronavirus disease‐2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic lockdown on weight, overweight and obesity, and identify factors associated with weight gain. At a safety net health system in Massachusetts, 11 534 adults were retrospectively followed within 3 months of the COVID‐19 lockdown. Chi‐square and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were reported for categorical and continues variables, respectively. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify factors associated with weight gain (≥0.01 kg and 5%). During the lockdown period, greater proportion of women gained weight compared to men (46.1% vs 40.6%, P < .01). The obesity rate after the lockdown increased among women (40.7%‐41.7, P < .01) but decreased among men (39.6%‐38.6, P < .01) compared to before the lockdown. Post‐lockdown obesity rates increased among Haitian (51.2%‐55.0%, P < .01) and Hispanic women (50.7%‐51.8%, P < .01). More than 5% weight gain was associated with 18 to 39 vs ≥60 years of age (OR = 1.45, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.97), food and housing insecurity (OR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.05, 1.97) and tobacco use (OR = 1.38, 95% CI = 1.07, 1.78) among men; and 18 to 39 vs ≥60 years of age (OR = 1.55, 95% CI = 1.25, 1.91), Hispanics (OR = 1.25, 95% CI = 1.01, 1.54), Brazilians (OR = 1.22, 95% CI = 1.03, 1.45), and tobacco use (OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.10, 1.69) among women. During the COVID‐19 lockdown, significant proportion of participants gained weight, but subgroup variations existed. Our study can inform healthcare professionals about the impact of the lockdown on unhealthy weight gain and identify vulnerable populations. Strategies are needed to combat unhealthy weight gain during and beyond the pandemic.