bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Virucidal efficacy of antimicrobial surface coatings against the enveloped bacteriophage Φ6
Authors: Calfee Michael Worth , Ryan Shawn P. , Abdel-Hady Ahmed , Monge Mariela , Aslett Denise , Touati Abderrahmane , Stewart Michael , Lawrence Susan , Willis Kristen 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimsAntimicrobial coatings, for use in combination with routine cleaning and disinfection, were evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing virus concentration on stainless steel surfaces.MethodsTwenty antimicrobial coating products, predominantly composed of organosilane quaternary ammonium compounds, were applied to stainless steel coupons, dried overnight and evaluated for efficacy against Φ6, an enveloped bacteriophage. Additionally, two peel and stick polymer-based films, a copper-based film and three copper alloys were evaluated. Efficacy was determined by comparison of recoveries from uncoated (positive control) and coated (test) surfaces.ResultsThe results indicated that some of the coating products initially demonstrated &gt;3-log reduction of Φ6; no direct correlation of efficacy was observed with an active ingredient or its concentration. The peel and stick films and copper alloys each demonstrated efficacy in initial testing. However, none of the spray-based products retained efficacy after subjecting the coating to abrasion with either a hypochlorite or quaternary ammonium-based solution applied in accordance with EPA Interim Guidance for Evaluating the Efficacy of Antimicrobial Surface Coatings. Of the products tested for this durability, only one peel and stick polymeric film retained efficacy; the copper alloys were not tested for their durability in this study.ConclusionsThese results suggest that while some organosilane quaternary ammonium compound-based products demonstrate antiviral efficacy, more research and development is needed to understand effective formulations with sufficient durability to perform as supplements to routine cleaning and disinfection.
The origin of an extreme case of sister‐species sympatry in a palm‐pollinator mutualistic system
Authors: Haran Julien , Beaudoin‐Ollivier Laurence , Benoit Laure , Kergoat Gael J. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAimMutualistic systems involving plants and brood pollinators show intriguing cases where a single plant is pollinated by several closely related sympatric species. This study aims at identifying the mechanisms involved in such an extreme case, where 10 sympatric weevil species are only associated with African oil palm inflorescences. We assessed the patterns and timing of speciation of this peculiar assemblage to explore the main drivers of its diversification.LocationTropical Africa.TaxonThe African oil palm Elaeis guineensis Jacquin (Arecaceae, Cocoseae), weevil genera Elaeidobius Kuschel and Prosoestus Faust (Curculionidae, Derelomini).MethodsWe first reassessed the status of the weevil species assemblage associated with the African oil palm based on a range of molecular species delimitation analyses. Second, we reconstructed a dated molecular phylogeny using Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood and carried out historical biogeographical analyses accounting for the main biogeographical barriers in tropical Africa.ResultsOur analyses generally confirm the validity of the species associated with the African oil palm and indicate that they form a monophyletic group. Dating analyses indicate that they originated about 7–8 million years ago (Mya) and that most speciation events occurred during the Pliocene and Pleistocene. Historical biogeography analyses reveal that one geographical barrier played a bigger role during their diversification. Age estimates suggest that extant weevil species remained in sympatry along the range of their host during the last 0.2 Mya.Main conclusionsThis case represents a remarkable example of a speciose mutualistic monophyletic insect assemblage. Our results indicate that past climatic oscillations in Western and Central Africa – where cycles of range contractions and expansions of the host drove the divergence of the weevils in allopatry – and the predominant role of a mountain range were instrumental in the emergence of the sympatric assemblage.
Decision‐making regarding oral nutritional supplements for nursing home residents with advanced dementia: A cross‐sectional pilot study
Authors: van Hamersveld ‐ Kramer Mieke , Perry Sander I. B. , Lodewijks Eva , Vasse Emmelyne , de van der Schueren Marian A. E. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundSurrogate decision‐making regarding oral nutritional supplements (ONS) for nursing home residents with advanced dementia is a complex process. In this cross‐sectional study, we assessed whether Dutch dietitians, elderly care physicians (physicians) and surrogate decision‐makers (SDMs) differ in the factors that they regard important when considering ONS. We also investigated differences in opinion regarding whether or not ONS is a life‐prolonging measure.MethodsThrough an online survey, 90 dietitians, 53 physicians and 70 SDMs of nursing home residents (all aged ≥ 65 years old with advanced dementia) rated the level of perceived influence of 11 pre‐defined factors on their decision‐making, ranked factors in order of importance and stated whether they considered ONS a life‐prolonging measure or not. By statistical analysis, we tested differences in the mean sum of ranks for perceived influence differing between groups. We also tested differences in proportions between groups of those who considered ONS a life‐prolonging measure.ResultsRating of perceived influence significantly differed for six factors. Quality of life was ranked as the most influential factor by all groups. Dietitians significantly differed in their opinion on the life‐prolonging effect of ONS from physicians (odds ratio = 0.29, 95% confidence interval  = 0.13–0.65), as well as from SDMs (odds ratio = 0.22, 95% confidence interval = 0.10–0.45).ConclusionsAlthough all groups proclaimed quality of life to be first priority in decision‐making, we found that Dutch dietitians, physicians and SDMs differed in what they regarded important when considering ONS for nursing home residents with advanced dementia. Regarding the life‐prolonging effect of ONS, dietitians differed in opinion from physicians, as well as from SDMs.
Dose‐response association between nurse staffing and patient outcomes following major cancer surgeries using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan
Authors: Hirose Naoki , Morita Kojiro , Matsui Hiroki , Fushimi Kiyohide , Yasunaga Hideo 
Published: October 2021

AbstractAims and ObjectivesTo examine the non‐linear dose‐response associations between nurse staffing levels and patient outcomes using a nationwide inpatient database in Japan.BackgroundPrevious studies showed that higher nurse staffing levels were associated with better patient outcomes. However, it remains unclear whether there are thresholds for the associations between higher nurse staffing levels and improved patient outcomes.DesignsRetrospective observational study design following the STROBE guideline.MethodsWe identified all patients aged ≥20 years who underwent one of six major cancer surgeries between July 2010 and March 2018 using data from the Diagnosis Procedure Combination database, a nationwide database for acute‐care inpatients in Japan. Restricted cubic spline regression analyses, the statistical method that allows non‐linear functional form, were performed with several scenarios of cut‐off points to examine the dose‐response associations between patient‐to‐nurse ratio per shift and failure to rescue, 30‐day in‐hospital mortality and postoperative complications.ResultsAmong 645,687 patients, restricted cubic spline regression analyses showed insignificant associations of patient‐to‐nurse ratio with failure to rescue and 30‐day in‐hospital mortality with no threshold, but a reverse J‐shaped association with postoperative complications with a threshold of patient‐to‐nurse ratio per shift of 5.4.ConclusionsIn terms of postoperative complications, additional registered nurses were associated with decreased postoperative complications. However, this incremental benefit of additional registered nurses may disappear if hospitals allocate five to six number of registered nurses in general wards.Relevance to Clinical PracticeThis study suggested that additional registered nurses over one per five to six patients may not bring the incremental benefit to decrease postoperative complications.
Comparative Study of the Effectiveness of Laboratory‐Formulated Polishing Pastes for Two CAD/CAM Ceramic Restorative Materials
Authors: Mahrous Amr A. , Ellakany Passent , Abualsaud Reem , Al‐Thobity Ahmad M. , Akhtar Sultan , Siddiqui Intisar A. , Gad Mohammed M. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractPurposeTo evaluate the effect of different polishing pastes with different particle sizes on the surface finish of two different CAD/CAM ceramics.Materials and MethodsA total of 128 specimens were prepared of two CAD/CAM ceramics: lithium disilicate (12.4 × 14.5 × 2 mm) and monolithic zirconia (17.5 × 12.5 × 2.5 mm). They were divided randomly into 8 groups according to surface treatment (n = 8). Group 1 (control) was left as received after crystallization or sintering with no further surface treatment; Group 2 (glazed); Group 3 (positive control), where specimens were polished using standardized surface treatment (medium grit silicon carbide discs, rubber cup and pumice slurry, then rubber cup and toothpaste). For groups 4 to 8, in addition to silicon carbide and pumice slurry polishing, specimens were further polished using a diamond paste (DP), and polishing pastes of microzirconia (MZ), nanosilica (NS), nanodiamond (ND), and nanozirconia (NZ), respectively. Surface roughness (Ra) was measured using noncontact profilometer. The mean values were compared using ANOVA and Post Hoc Tukey's test (α = 0.05). Specimens’ surfaces were studied using a scanning electron microscope (SEM).ResultsPositive control group and MZ exhibited significant Ra of lithium disilicate compared to control (p ˂ 0.001), glazed (p = 0.001), DPs (p = 0.002), NS (p ˂ 0.001), ND (p ˂ 0.001), and NZ (p = 0.002). In the case of zirconia, positive control showed a significantly higher Ra compared to all other groups (p ˂ 0.001). No statistical difference was found between all other polishing techniques (positive control, glazed, DPs, NS, ND, MZ, and NZ) (p > 0.05).ConclusionPolishing with ND, NZ, and NS lab‐formulated pastes produced surfaces with comparable smoothness to control and glazed specimens for lithium disilicate and zirconia ceramic materials.
OhrR is a central transcriptional regulator of virulence in Dickeya zeae
Authors: Lv Mingfa , Chen Yufan , Hu Ming , Yu Qinglin , Duan Cheng , Ye Sixuan , Ling Jinfeng , Zhou Jianuan , Zhou Xiaofan , Zhang Lianhui 
Published: October 2021

AbstractDickeya zeae is the causal agent of rice foot rot disease. The pathogen is known to rely on a range of virulence factors, including phytotoxin zeamines, extracellular enzymes, cell motility, and biofilm, which collectively contribute to the establishment of infections. Phytotoxin zeamines play a critical role in bacterial virulence; signalling pathways and regulatory mechanisms that govern bacterial virulence remain unclear. In this study, we identified a transcriptional regulator OhrR (organic hydroperoxide reductase regulator) that is involved in the regulation of zeamine production in D. zeae EC1. The OhrR null mutant was significantly attenuated in its virulence against rice seed, potato tubers and radish roots. Phenotype analysis showed that OhrR was also involved in the regulation of other virulence traits, including the production of extracellular cellulase, biofilm formation, and swimming/swarming motility. DNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that OhrR directly regulates the transcription of key virulence genes and genes encoding bis‐(3′–5′)‐cyclic dimeric guanosine monophosphate synthetases. Furthermore, OhrR positively regulates the transcription of regulatory genes slyA and fis through binding to their promoter regions. Our findings identify a key regulator of the virulence of D. zeae and add new insights into the complex regulatory network that modulates the physiology and virulence of D. zeae.
The effect of on‐site application density on the UV protection efficacy of sunscreens
Authors: Fujiwara Rumiko , Muta Keiko , Izutsu Yukiko , Hatao Masato 
Published: October 2021

AbstractBackgroundSun protection factor (SPF) and UVA protection factor (UVAPF) are performance indicators consumers recognize for UV protective cosmetics such as sunscreens. However, on‐site application density affects actual UV protection, despite these indicators. To understand actual UV protection better, a more reliable manner is needed to verify application density for further discussion of photoprotection efficacy regarding public health.ObjectivesTo estimate the UV protective efficacy of sunscreen in actual use based on the application density of UV protective cosmetics and the analysis of UV protective effect modulated by application density.MethodThe subjects applied the SPF‐labeled sunscreens as usual. We measured the application amount and area including any amount on their hands to calculate the average application density on the face. Also, sunscreens were applied at densities of 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 mg/cm2. The SPF values were measured at each application site to evaluate the effect of application density on photoprotection efficacy.ResultWe established a method of measuring application density utilizing three‐dimensional photograph analysis. The median application density of the sunscreen applied in actual use was 1.33 mg/cm2. The measured SPF values decreased in association with the decreased application density of sunscreens. Based on the estimate assuming the first‐order correlation, the SPF value required to get the protective effect equivalent to a sunscreen with SPF 15, 30, or 50 at 2 mg/cm2 was calculated to be 23.8, 47.5, and 79.2, respectively, with the application density of 1.33 mg/cm2.ConclusionWe demonstrated a reasonable procedure for estimating the photoprotection efficacy of sunscreens on the face. A suggestion was made to consider the application density for further discussion of photoprotection among consumers, especially for the long term with respect to public health.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of winter yaks in plateau and plain
Authors: Wang Jiabo , Guan Jiuqiang , Yixi Kangzhu , Shu Tao , Chai Zhixin , Wang Jikun , Wang Hui , Wu Zhijuan , Cai Xin , Zhong Jincheng , Luo Xiaolin 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe yak is an important source for the people living and ecological environment in the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau. In every winter, many domestic yaks will lose bodyweight or dead under cold and food scarcity. Moving the plateau yaks to farm in the plain is a useful approach to reduce their environmental stress and gain more production. In this study, we measured growth, slaughter and beef quality traits every month and sequenced mRNA expression levels of muscles of two groups yaks living in plateau and plain respectively. We found there is significant difference (p‐value <0.01) in the third (60 days), fourth (90 days), fifth (120 days) and sixth (150 days) weights between subpopulations in the plateau and plain. We identified 540 different expressed genes (DEGs) including 123 known genes and 417 unknown genes. Using the weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) to build a co‐express network, the modules were strong relative to weight traits. The findings highlighted the underlying way and a relative network to yield a new view about gene expression between the yaks living plateau and plain.
A conceptual model for automating spatial network analysis
Authors: Scheider Simon , de Jong Tom 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSpatial network analysis is a collection of methods for measuring accessibility potentials as well as for analyzing flows over transport networks. Though it has been part of the practice of geographic information systems for a long time, designing network analytical workflows still requires a considerable amount of expertise. In principle, artificial intelligence methods for workflow synthesis could be used to automate this task. This would improve the (re)usability of analytic resources. However, though underlying graph algorithms are well understood, we still lack a conceptual model that captures the required methodological know‐how. The reason is that in practice this know‐how goes beyond graph theory to a significant extent. In this article we suggest interpreting spatial networks in terms of quantified relations between spatial objects, where both the objects themselves and their relations can be quantified in an extensive or an intensive manner. Using this model, it becomes possible to effectively organize data sources and network functions towards common analytical goals for answering questions. We tested our model on 12 analytical tasks, and evaluated automatically synthesized workflows with network experts. Results show that standard data models are insufficient for answering questions, and that our model adds information crucial for understanding spatial network functionality.
Review of the invasive forage Grass, Guinea grass (Megathyrsus maximus): Ecology and potential impacts in arid and semi‐arid regions
Authors: Soti Pushpa , Thomas Vanessa 
Published: October 2021

AbstractSeveral introduced African grasses are known to present recurring patterns of invasiveness and cause a severe impact on the diversity and functioning of ecosystems worldwide. Megathyrsus maximus (Guinea grass), a forage grass species native to South Africa, is reported to be highly invasive and pose a serious threat to native biodiversity in the introduced range. Despite the severe ecological threats posed by M. maximus worldwide, there is a dearth of information on the ecological and agroecological impact of M. maximus when growing in unintended areas. In this review, we present general information on M. maximus, its distribution and ecological threats it poses, particularly in arid and semi‐arid regions. We highlight the gaps in current knowledge on the impact on recipient communities, challenges in effective management, and potential impacts due to climate change, particularly changes in rainfall patterns. We also stress the need for public awareness about the threats posed by M. maximus to prevent its invasion in unintended areas.
A Transparent Method for Step Detection Using an Acceleration Threshold
Authors: Ducharme Scott W. , Lim Jongil , Busa Michael A. , Aguiar Elroy J. , Moore Christopher C. , Schuna John M. , Barreira Tiago V. , Staudenmayer John , Chipkin Stuart R. , Tudor-Locke Catrine 
Published: October 2021

Step-based metrics provide simple measures of ambulatory activity, yet device software either includes undisclosed proprietary step detection algorithms or simply does not compute step-based metrics. We aimed to develop and validate a simple algorithm to accurately detect steps across various ambulatory and nonambulatory activities. Seventy-five adults (21–39 years) completed seven simulated activities of daily living (e.g., sitting, vacuuming, folding laundry) and an incremental treadmill protocol from 0.22 to 2.2 m/s. Directly observed steps were hand-tallied. Participants wore GENEActiv and ActiGraph accelerometers, one of each on their waist and on their nondominant wrist. Raw acceleration (g) signals from the anterior–posterior, medial–lateral, vertical, and vector magnitude directions were assessed separately for each device. Signals were demeaned across all activities and band-pass filtered (0.25, 2.5 Hz). Steps were detected via peak picking, with optimal thresholds (i.e., minimized absolute error from accumulated hand counted) determined by iterating minimum acceleration values to detect steps. Step counts were converted into cadence (steps/minute), and k-fold cross-validation quantified error (root mean squared error [RMSE]). We report optimal thresholds for use of either device on the waist (threshold = 0.0267g) and wrist (threshold = 0.0359g) using the vector magnitude signal. These thresholds yielded low error for the waist (RMSE < 173 steps, ≤2.28 steps/min) and wrist (RMSE < 481 steps, ≤6.47 steps/min) across all activities, and outperformed ActiLife’s proprietary algorithm (RMSE = 1,312 and 2,913 steps, 17.29 and 38.06 steps/min for the waist and wrist, respectively). The thresholds reported herein provide a simple, transparent framework for step detection using accelerometers during treadmill ambulation and activities of daily living for waist- and wrist-worn locations.
Use of opioids for refractory dyspnoea in hospitalised patients with serious illness: a narrative review
Authors: Karlic Kevin J , Hummel Ellen K , Houchens Nathan , Meddings Jennifer 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Refractory dyspnoea can be a challenging symptom to manage. Palliative care specialists are not always available for consultation, and while many clinicians may undergo training in palliative care, this education is not universal. Opioids are the most studied and prescribed pharmacological intervention for refractory dyspnoea; however, many clinicians hesitate to prescribe opioids due to regulatory concerns and fear of adverse effects. Current evidence suggests that rates of severe adverse effects, including respiratory depression and hypotension, are low when opioids are administered for refractory dyspnoea. Therefore, systemic, short-acting opioids are a recommended and safe option for the palliation of refractory dyspnoea in patients with serious illness, especially in a hospital setting that facilitates close observation. In this narrative review, we discuss the pathophysiology of dyspnoea; facilitate an evidence-based discussion on the concerns, considerations and complications associated with opioid administration for refractory dyspnoea; and describe one approach to managing refractory dyspnoea.
Using place-based characteristics to inform FDA tobacco sales inspections: results from a multilevel propensity score model
Authors: Dai Hongying , Henriksen Lisa , Xu Zheng , Rathnayake Nirosha 
Published: October 2021

BackgroundConducting routine inspections for compliance with age-of-sale laws is essential to reducing underage access to tobacco. We seek to develop a multilevel propensity score model (PSM) to predict retail violation of sales to minors (RVSM).MethodsThe Food and Drug Administration compliance check of tobacco retailers with minor-involved inspections from 2015 to 2019 (n=683 741) was linked with multilevel data for demographics and policies. Generalised estimating equation was used to develop the PSM using 2015–2016 data to predict the 2017 RVSM. The prediction accuracy of the PSM was validated by contrasting PSM deciles against 2018–2019 actual violation data.ResultsIn 2017, 44.3% of 26 150 zip codes with ≥1 tobacco retailer had 0 FDA underage sales inspections, 11.0% had 1 inspection, 13.5% had 2–3, 15.3% had 4–9, and 15.9% had 10 or more. The likelihood of having an RVSM in 2017 was higher in zip codes with a lower number of inspections (adjusted OR (aOR)=0.988, 95% CI (0.987 to 0.990)) and penalties (aOR=0.97, 95% CI (0.95 to 0.99)) and a higher number of violations (aOR=1.07, 95% CI (1.06 to 1.08)) in the previous 2 years. Urbanicity, socioeconomic status, smoking prevalence and tobacco control policies at multilevels also predicted retail violations. Prediction accuracy was validated with zip codes with the highest 10% of the PSM 3.4 times more likely to have retail violations in 2019 than zip codes in the bottom decile.ConclusionThe multilevel PSM predicts the RVSM with a good rank order of retail violations. The model-based approach can be used to identify hot spots of retail violations and improve the sampling plan for future inspections.