bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Metazoan activity facilitates passive sediment trapping in modern supratidal microbialites: Revealed using µ‐CT‐scanning and microscopy
Authors: Dodd Carla , Anderson Callum R. , Rishworth Gavin M. , Perissinotto Renzo , van Niekerk Xandri 
Published: June 2021

AbstractMicrobialites are formed through two processes, the trapping and binding of sediment grains and mineral precipitation. Sediment trapping and binding result in coarse sandy textures, whereas fine micritic textures are produced by mineral precipitation. Although well‐studied modern microbialites (e.g. Bahamas and Shark Bay) are formed through the former process, purely trapped‐and‐bound examples are rare throughout the geologic record and limited to shallow‐marine environments. Through the use of conventional microscopy and 3D micro‐computed tomography (µ‐CT) scanning, this study found that South African coastal microbialites have a primarily mineral precipitated texture, although detrital material is included sporadically. Furthermore, these modern microbialites exhibit both micritic and fibrous layering with high porosity. The novel use of 3D microtomography rotational scans has revealed that microbialites are extensively burrowed by metazoan activity and was also able to distinguish the occurrence and distribution of heavy minerals and detrital shell material in the samples. Some of the detrital grains appeared to be accidental/random inclusions, while in other cases the metazoan burrows provided space for the accumulation of sediment once abandoned. In both cases, sediment was incorporated as a product of intermittent accumulation, rather than systematic trapping and binding. The microfabric texture of South African microbialites is therefore a function of both biological (e.g. microbially mediated precipitation) and environmental (e.g. sporadic sediment deposition and inorganic cementation) influence. Overall, the findings presented here highlight the importance of these systems regarding microbialite formation, ichnology and taphonomy.
Ambivalent returns: Dhaqan celis and counter‐diasporic migration among second‐generation Somalis
Authors: Bakaari Farah , Escandell Xavier 
Published: June 2021

AbstractRapid globalisation and decades‐long civil wars have led to the rise of transnational families and mobility within the Somali diaspora. This article focuses on the phenomenon of dhaqan celis where first‐generation Somali parents living in Western nations take their children to their ethnic homeland for a period of cultural reorientation. Building on existing scholarship on dhaqan celis as well the literature on counter‐diasporic migrations and reverse transnationalism, we explore the forms of cultural and familial belonging that instigate dhaqan celis and how the perception of young returnees evolves over time. We argue that dhaqan celis, while representing an involuntary forced return, does not always develop into stories of exploitation and suffering but rather becomes a tool for inter‐generational connection and understanding.
Single‐shot quantitative phase imaging as an extension of differential interference contrast microscopy
Authors: Yasuhiko Osamu , Takeuchi Kozo , Yamada Hidenao , Ueda Yukio 
Published: June 2021

AbstractVarious studies have been conducted to obtain quantitative phase information based on differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy. As one such attempt, we propose in this study a single‐shot quantitative phase imaging (QPI) method by combining two developments. First, an add‐on optical system to a commercialized DIC microscope was developed to perform quantitative phase gradient imaging (QPGI) with single image acquisition using a polarization camera. Second, an algorithm was formulated to reconstitute QPI from the obtained QPGI by reducing linear artifacts, which arise in simply integrated QPGI images. To demonstrate the applicability of the developed system in cell biology, the system was used to measure various cell lines and compared with fluorescence microscopy images of the same field of view. Consistent with previous studies, nucleoli and lipid droplets can be imaged by the system with greater optical path lengths (OPL). The results also implied that combining fluorescence microscopy and the developed system might be more informative for cell biology research than using these methods individually. Exploiting the single‐shot performance of the developed system, time‐lapse imaging was also conducted to visualize the dynamics of intracellular granules in monocyte‐/macrophage‐like cells. Our proposed approach may accelerate the implementation of QPI in standard biomedical laboratories.
A Rapid Decision Support Tool for Estimating Impacts of a Vadose Zone Volatile Organic Compound Source on Groundwater and Soil Gas
Authors: Johnson Christian D. , Muller Katherine A. , Truex Michael J. , Tartakovsky Guzel , Becker David J. , Harms Carl M. , Popovic Jovan 
Published: June 2021

AbstractDiminishing rates of subsurface volatile contaminant removal by soil vapor extraction (SVE) oftentimes warrants an in‐depth performance assessment to guide remedy decision‐making processes. Such a performance assessment must include quantitative approaches to better understand the impact of remaining vadose zone contamination on soil gas and groundwater concentrations. The spreadsheet‐based Soil Vapor Extraction Endstate Tool (SVEET) software functionality has recently been expanded to facilitate quantitative performance assessments. The updated version, referred to as SVEET2, includes expansion of the input parameter ranges for describing a site (site geometry, source characteristics, etc.), an expanded list of contaminants, and incorporation of elements of the Vapor Intrusion Estimation Tool for Unsaturated‐zone Sources software to provide soil gas concentration estimates for use in vapor intrusion evaluation. As part of the update, SVEET2 was used to estimate the impact of a tetrachloroethene (PCE) vadose zone source on groundwater concentrations, comparing SVEET2 results to field‐observed values at an undisclosed site where SVE was recently terminated. PCE concentrations from three separate monitoring wells were estimated by SVEET2 to be within the range of 6.0–6.7 μg/L, as compared to actual field concentrations that ranged from 3 to 11 μg/L PCE. These data demonstrate that SVEET2 can rapidly provide representative quantitative estimates of impacts from a vadose zone contaminant source at field sites. In the context of the SVE performance assessment, such quantitative estimates provide a basis to support remedial and/or regulatory decisions regarding the continued need for vadose zone volatile organic compound remediation or technical justification for SVE termination, which can significantly reduce the cost to complete for a site.
Chronic macrocheilia: a clinico‐etiological series of 47 cases
Authors: Toumi Asma , Litaiem Noureddine , Gara Soumaya , Chabchoub Ines , Bacha Takwa , Slouma Maroua , Ben Hassine Lamia , Rammeh Soumaya , Jones Meriem , Zeglaoui Faten 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundMacrocheilia is an inflammatory disfiguring condition responsible for the swelling of the lips. This multi‐etiological entity represents a diagnostic and therapeutic challenge. Published data on macrocheilia is scarce, often limited to granulomatous cheilitis.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective study, including all patients presenting with chronic macrocheilia (CM) for nineteen years. CM was defined as a persistent enlargement of one or both lips for at least eight weeks. Both descriptive and analytical analyses were performed.ResultsOf the 47 patients identified, 20 (43%) had cutaneous leishmaniasis, 10 (21%) had Miescher's cheilitis, five (11%) had Melkersson–Rosenthal syndrome, five (11%) had sarcoidosis, one (2%) had lepromatous leprosy, one (2%) had systemic amyloidosis, and one (2%) had Crohn's disease. In four cases, the CM was unlabeled. Ulcerations were significantly associated with leishmaniasis (P < 0.05). Histological study showed a granulomatous infiltrate in 72% of cases. Medical treatment was adapted to the etiology of CM. Surgery was performed in two cases. Improvement of CM secondary to leishmaniasis was seen in all cases. In patients with idiopathic orofacial granulomatosis, partial improvement was noted in four cases and a total improvement in one case. Recurrences were noted in three cases after complete regression.ConclusionsMacrocheilia is a rare and disfiguring condition that requires an etiological investigation, considering that it can reveal a serious underlying systemic disease. We identified several factors that could help recognize the cause of CM, including age, history of intermittent swelling, the extent of lip enlargement, the existence of ulceration, and systemic symptoms.
Increased long‐term risk of heart failure and other adverse cardiac outcomes in dermatomyositis and polymyositis: Insights from a nationwide cohort
Authors: Yafasova A. , Diederichsen L. P. , Schou M. , Sun G. , Torp‐Pedersen C. , Gislason G. H. , Fosbøl E. L. , Køber L. , Butt J. H. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundMounting evidence suggests that dermatomyositis/polymyositis (DM/PM) are associated with increased risk of atherosclerotic events and venous thromboembolism. However, data on the association between DM/PM and other cardiac outcomes, especially heart failure (HF), are scarce.ObjectivesTo examine the long‐term risk and prognosis associated with adverse cardiac outcomes in patients with DM/PM.MethodsUsing Danish administrative registries, we included all patients ≥18 years with newly diagnosed DM/PM (1996–2018). Risks of incident outcomes were compared with non‐DM/PM controls from the background population (matched 1:4 by age, sex, and comorbidity). In a secondary analysis, we compared mortality following HF diagnosis between DM/PM patients with HF and non‐DM/PM patients with HF (matched 1:4 by age and sex).ResultsThe study population included 936 DM/PM patients (median age 58.5 years, 59.0% women) and 3744 matched non‐DM/PM controls. The median follow‐up was 6.9 years. Absolute 10‐year risks of incident outcomes for DM/PM patients vs matched controls were as follows: HF, 6.98% (CI, 5.16–9.16%) vs 4.58% (3.79–5.47%) (P = 0.002); atrial fibrillation, 10.17% (7.94–12.71%) vs 7.07% (6.09–8.15%) (P = 0.005); the composite of ICD implantation/ventricular arrhythmias/cardiac arrest, 1.99% (1.12–3.27%) vs 0.64% (0.40–0.98%) (P = 0.02); and all‐cause mortality, 35.42% (31.64–39.21%) vs 16.57% (15.10–18.10%) (P < 0.0001). DM/PM with subsequent HF was associated with higher mortality compared with HF without DM/PM (adjusted hazard ratio 1.58 [CI, 1.01–2.47]).ConclusionPatients with DM/PM had a higher associated risk of HF and other adverse cardiac outcomes compared with matched controls. Among patients developing HF, a history of DM/PM was associated with higher mortality.
Novel robotic TCD ultrasound with bubbles versus standard care to detect right to left shunt: Study methods
Authors: Rubin Mark N. , Alexandrov Andrei V. , Douville Colleen , Rinsky Brenda , Tsivgoulis Georgios 
Published: June 2021

ABSTRACTBackground and PurposeRight to left shunt (RLS), from patent foramen ovale (PFO) or elsewhere, is a recognized risk factor for stroke. Current standard of care for RLS diagnosis includes transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) which is insensitive, transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) which is invasive, and transcranial Doppler (TCD) which has excellent sensitivity and specificity for RLS but is heavily operator dependent and expertise is scarce. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the RLS detection rate of a novel robotic‐assisted TCD (ra‐TCD) to standard of care diagnostic techniques, including TTE, TEE, and TCD.MethodsThis is a multicenter, prospective, single‐arm, nonsignificant risk device study of ra‐TCD versus TTE for RLS diagnosis in adult patients who present with neurological signs and symptoms that include embolic stroke or transient ischemic attack on the differential diagnosis. Up to 150 subjects will be enrolled at up to seven centers considering the prevalence of PFO, suboptimal transtemporal windows, and potential dropouts. Enrolled patients will undergo ra‐TCD supine and at 45° in a manner otherwise in line with standard of care TCD bubble technique. The enrolled patients will have undergone TTE, and optionally standard TCD and TEE, per usual care.ResultsThe primary efficacy endpoint is percent detection of RLS by ra‐TCD compared against TTE. The primary safety endpoint is the incidence of device‐related serious adverse events.ConclusionsThis is the first multicenter, prospective study evaluating the accuracy, feasibility, and safety of novel ra‐TCD for the diagnosis of RLS as compared to standard of care diagnostics.
Effect of WeChat follow‐up education on breastfeeding efficiency of infants after congenital cardiac surgery and parents' satisfaction: A short‐term follow‐up study
Authors: Yu Xian‐Rong , Xie Wen‐Peng , Liu Jian‐Feng , Dai Wang‐Sheng , Cao Hua , Chen Qiang 
Published: June 2021

AimThis study aimed to investigate the impact of WeChat follow‐up education on infants' breastfeeding efficiency after congenital cardiac surgery and parents' satisfaction.MethodsA prospective study was conducted in a provincial hospital in China. Sixty participants were divided into two groups: 30 participants in the study group received WeChat follow‐up health education, and 30 participants in the control group received postoperative routine nursing education for infants after congenital cardiac surgery. The infants' breastfeeding efficiency, parents' satisfaction and relevant clinical data were recorded and analysed.ResultsAfter the WeChat follow‐up intervention, the breastfeeding efficacy score, the parents' satisfaction score and the exclusive breastfeeding rate in the study group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of feeding intolerance, abdominal distension, dyspeptic diarrhoea, weight gain or recurrent vomiting between the two groups during the 3‐month follow‐up period.ConclusionWeChat education can improve infants' breastfeeding efficiency after congenital cardiac surgery and can improve parents' satisfaction and exclusive breastfeeding rate during the short‐term follow‐up period.
Anaemia among under‐five children: Is maternal marriage at 18th birthday and above protective? Evidence from 15 countries in Sub‐Saharan Africa
Authors: Anjorin Seun , Yaya Sanni 
Published: June 2021

AbstractPrevalence of child marriage has remained high in many parts of Africa despite its multisectoral adverse effect. As it is now being suggested to have intergeneration impact, we examined if marriage at or after 18th birthday is associated with the risk of anaemia among under‐five children. Cross‐sectional data from Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2010 and 2018 in 15 African countries as of August 2020 were used. Maternal age of marriage was defined as when they started living with their husband or partner. Children with haemoglobin level below 11.0 g/dl after adjustment for altitude were categorised to be anaemic. The study involved a multivariable logistic regression analysis of 17,033 children data born by women between the childbearing ages. About 65% of under‐five children in Sub‐Saharan Africa (SSA) were anaemic, ranging from 40% in Rwanda to 82% in Mali. Girl child marriage ranged from 40% in South Africa to 97% in Niger with an average of about 60%. We observed a significant reduction (20%) in the risk of anaemia among under‐five children when their mothers married after at or after their 18th birthday. Country‐specific analysis showed that increased risk of anaemia was strongly associated with early marriage in Côte d'Ivoire and Mozambique. This study contributed to the growing evidence that maternal age of marriage might have an intergenerational impact. Maternal marriage at or after their 18th birthday reduces the risk of anaemia among under‐five children in Africa. Interventions aimed at tackling anaemia in Africa should capture and affect household socioeconomic risks and children's exposures.
Cross‐cultural validation and psychometric testing of the supportive supervisory scale in Spanish
Authors: Alconada‐Romero Álvaro , Horta‐García Gemma , Gea‐Sánchez Montserrat , Blanco‐Blanco Joan , Mateos José T. , Stewart Steven C. , Barallat‐Gimeno Eva , McGilton Katherine S. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundSupervisory effectiveness in long‐term care facilities has been identified a key factor in staff satisfaction and quality of care. Determining its utility in Spanish speaking countries will assist with understanding different cultural and health service contexts.ObjectivesTo develop and psychometrically test the Supervisory Support Scale in Spanish. The Spanish version of the Supportive Supervisory Scale could be useful for cross‐cultural comparisons of supervisory support, which is a key factor to improving work relationships in long‐term care facilities.MethodsValidation was carried out with 405 participants in 37 long‐term care facilities. One‐way analysis of variance was the test of significance performed to examine the differences among the facilities and Pearson product‐moment correlations were used to assess construct validation of the scale. The mean and standard deviation were calculated for each supervisory score in each facility. Structural equation modelling was used to confirm the dimensions of the scale.ResultsThe item‐to‐item correlations were positive, ranging from 0.44 to 0.78, indicating good reliability of the scale. The coefficient alpha for the total scale was 0.96. The 15‐item had mean item scores which ranged from 2.89 to 3.96 (SD = 1.01–1.26). Standardised factor loadings ranged within a narrow range: 0.75‐0.86 for the ‘respecting uniqueness’ latent variable and 0.76‐0.88 for the ‘being reliable’ latent variable. Construct validity was demonstrated as measure was positively associated with job satisfaction (r = 0.412, p < 0.0001) and was negatively correlated with HCAs’ stress and burden.ConclusionThe two‐factor solution identified in the original scale that highlighted two key attributes of the supervisor; being reliable and respecting uniqueness, was also demonstrated in the Spanish Supervisory Support Scale as there was a moderate fit of the model.Implications for practiceThe Spanish version of the Supportive Supervisory Scale could be useful for cross‐cultural comparisons of supervisory support in nursing facilities which is a key factor to improving staff relationships and care in nursing facilities.
Current practice and future prospects in left atrial appendage occlusion
Authors: Narasimhan Bharat , Aedma Surya Kiran , Bhatia Kirtipal , Garg Jalaj , Kanuri Sri Harsha , Turagam Mohit K. , Lakkireddy Dhanunjaya 
Published: June 2021

AbstractThe thromboembolic complications of Atrial fibrillation (AF) remain a major problem in contemporary clinical practice. Despite advances and developments in anticoagulation strategies, therapy is complicated by the high risk of bleeding complications and need for meticulous medication compliance. Over the past few decades, the left atrial appendage has emerged as a promising therapeutic target to prevent thromboembolic events while mitigating bleeding complications and compliance issues. Emerging data indicates that it is a safe, effective and feasible alternative to systemic anticoagulation in patients with non‐valvular AF. A number of devices have been developed for endocardial or epicardial based isolation of the left atrial appendage. Increasing experience has improved overall procedural safety and ease while simultaneously reducing device related complication rates. Furthermore, increasing recognition of the non‐mechanical advantages of this procedure has led to further interest in its utility for further indications beyond the prevention of thromboembolic complications. In this review, we present a comprehensive overview of the evolution of left atrial appendage occlusion, commercially available devices and the role of this modality in the current management of AF. We also provide a brief outline of the landmark trials supporting this approach as well as the ongoing research and future prospects of left atrial appendage occlusion
A review of the orphan small grain cereals improvement with a comprehensive plan for genomics‐assisted breeding of fonio millet in West Africa
Authors: Ibrahim Bio Yerima Abdou R. , Achigan‐Dako Enoch G. 
Published: June 2021

AbstractOrphan small grain cereals highly contribute to food and nutrition security worldwide, although the genetic and genomic resources for these cereals are far less available compared to major grain cereals. Consequently, there is low progress in their genetic improvement notwithstanding the high nutrient content, diversity, and health benefits of many of them. Therefore, additional efforts are expected to improve our understanding of the genes related to important agronomic traits. In this review, we provide an overview of achievements and bottlenecks in orphan small cereals improvement. We point out the need for the generation of basic knowledge that should guide the initial breeding process of orphan small cereals. Focusing on fonio, we showed how conventional breeding combined with advances in next‐generation sequencing technologies could potentially speed up the genetic improvement of the crop. Furthermore, a comprehensive action plan that integrates research, technological development and dissemination, and value chain improvement was illustrated in this review. These actions will foster the economy of West African fonio millet through wider cultivation, marketing, and consumption.
Validation of the elastic angle for quantitative and visible evaluation of skin elasticity in vivo
Authors: Myoung Joonoh , Jeong Eui Taek , Kim Mina , Lim Jun Man , Kang Nae Gyu , Park Sun Gyoo 
Published: June 2021

AbstractBackgroundReduction in skin elasticity due to aging causes skin sagging and wrinkles. Although there are various objective and reliable techniques for measuring skin elasticity, it is difficult to obtain a visual representation of skin elasticity with them. Therefore, we developed a novel device, the Swing anglemeter, and analyzed its effectiveness for measuring skin elasticity of the cheek.Materials and MethodsForty‐five healthy Korean women (age, 23‐60 years) participated. The Swing anglemeter works by dropping a rubber ball on a subject's cheek, which draws a curve as it collides with the cheek. After recording the movement of the ball using the slow‐motion function on a mobile phone, we defined the maximum angle at which the ball bounces off the skin as the elastic angle, using frame‐by‐frame video analysis. Changes in the elastic angle were assessed according to age, and correlation with the Ballistometer® results (Dia‐stron Ltd., Andover, UK) was analyzed for validation.ResultsElastic angles differed significantly (P < .001) according to age. A negative correlation was found between the elastic angle and age (r = −.799, P < .001). Compared with the Ballistometer® measurements, the elastic angle was negatively correlated with alpha (r = −.570, P < .001); it was positively correlated with the mean coefficient of restitution and area (r = .602, P < .001 and r = .535, P < .001, respectively).ConclusionThe elastic angle is a useful parameter for reflecting skin elasticity, both quantitatively and visually. Our method can help subjects understand their skin elasticity status. Therefore, we expect the device will be utilized in various fields within the cosmetic industry.