bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Variables associated with mobility levels in critically ill patients: A cohort study
Authors: Raurell‐Torredà Marta , Arias‐Rivera Susana , Martí Joan Daniel , Frade‐Mera María Jesús , Zaragoza‐García Ignacio , Gallart Elisabet , Velasco‐Sanz Tamara Raquel , San José‐Arribas Alicia , Blazquez‐Martínez Eva ,   MOviPre group
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundEarly mobilization in the intensive care unit (ICU) helps improve patients' functional status at discharge. However, many barriers hinder this practice.Aim and objectivesTo identify mobility levels acquired by critically ill patients and their variables.DesignA multi‐centre cohort study was conducted in adult patients receiving invasive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours.MethodsThe primary outcome was level of mobility according to the ICU mobility scale. The secondary outcome was human resource availability and existence of ABCDEF bundle guidelines. A logistic regression was performed, based on days 3 to 5 of the ICU stay and significant association with active mobility.ResultsSix hundred and forty‐two patients were included from 80 ICUs. Active moving in and out of bed was found on 9.9% of patient‐days from day 8 of the ICU stay. Bed exercises, or passive transfers, and immobility were observed on 45.6% and 42.2% of patient‐days, respectively. Patients achieving active mobility (189/642, 29.4%) were in ICUs with more physiotherapist hours. Active mobility was more likely with a 1:4 nurse‐patient ratio (odds ratio [OR] 3.7 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.2‐11.2]), high MRC sum‐score (OR 1.05 95% CI [1.04‐1.06]) and presence of delirium (OR 1.01 95% CI [1.00‐1.02]). By contrast, active mobility was hindered by higher BMI (OR 0.92 95% CI [0.88‐0.97]), a 1:3 nurse‐patient ratio (OR 0.54 95% CI [0.32‐0.93]), or a shift‐dependent nurse‐patient ratio (OR 0.27 95% CI [0.12‐0.62]).ConclusionsImmobility and passive mobilization were prevalent. A high MRC sum‐score and presence of delirium are protective factors of mobilization. A 1:4 nurse‐patient ratio shows a stronger association with active mobility than a 1:3 ratio.Relevance to clinical practiceSeverity‐criteria‐based nurse‐patient ratios hinder mobilization. Active mobilization may be enhanced by using nursing‐intervention‐based ratios, increasing physiotherapist hours, and achieving wider application of the ABCDEF bundle, resulting in more awake, cooperative patients.
Polyploid QTL‐seq towards rapid development of tightly linked DNA markers for potato and sweetpotato breeding through whole‐genome resequencing
Authors: Yamakawa Hiromoto , Haque Emdadul , Tanaka Masaru , Takagi Hiroki , Asano Kenji , Shimosaka Etsuo , Akai Kotaro , Okamoto Satoshi , Katayama Kenji , Tamiya Seiji 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPotato (Solanum tuberosum L.) and sweetpotato (Ipomoea batatas L.), which are nutritionally and commercially important tuberous crops, possess a perplexing heredity because of their autopolyploid genomes. To reduce cross‐breeding efforts for selecting superior cultivars from progenies with innumerable combinations of traits, DNA markers tightly linked to agronomical traits are required. To develop DNA markers, we developed a method for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping using whole‐genome next‐generation sequencing (NGS) in autopolyploid crops. To apply the NGS‐based bulked segregant method, QTL‐seq was modified. (1) Single parent‐specific simplex (unique for one homologous chromosome) single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), which present a simple segregation ratio in the progenies, were exploited by filtering SNPs by SNP index (allele frequency). (2) Clusters of SNPs, which were inherited unevenly between bulked progenies with opposite phenotypes, especially those with an SNP index of 0 for the bulk that did not display the phenotypes of interest, were explored. These modifications allowed for separate tracking of alleles located on each of the multiple homologous chromosomes. By applying this method, clusters of SNPs linked to the potato cyst nematode resistance H1 gene and storage root anthocyanin (AN) content were identified in tetraploid potato and hexaploid sweetpotato, respectively, and completely linked DNA markers were developed at the site of the presented SNPs. Thus, polyploid QTL‐seq is a versatile method that is free from specialized manipulation for sequencing and construction of elaborate linkage maps and facilitates rapid development of tightly linked DNA markers in autopolyploid crops, such as potato and sweetpotato.
Highly efficient detoxification of dinitrotoluene by transgenic switchgrass overexpressing bacterial nitroreductase
Authors: Su Kunlong , Wu Zhenying , Liu Yuchen , Jiang Shanshan , Ma Dongmei , Wang Yan , Fu Chunxiang 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDinitrotoluene (DNT) has been extensively used in manufacturing munitions, polyurethane foams and other important chemical products. However, it is highly toxic and mutagenic to most organisms. Here, we synthesized a codon‐optimized bacterial nitroreductase gene, NfsI, for plant expression. The kinetic analysis indicates that the recombinant NfsI can detoxify both 2,4‐DNT and its sulfonate (DNTS), while it has a 97.6‐fold higher catalytic efficiency for 2,4‐DNT than DNTS. Furthermore, we overexpressed NfsI in switchgrass (Panicum virgatum L.), which is a multiple‐purpose crop used for fodder and biofuel production as well as phytoremediation. The 2,4‐DNT treatment inhibited root elongation of wild‐type switchgrass plants and promoted reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation in roots. In contrast, overexpression of NfsI in switchgrass significantly alleviated 2,4‐DNT‐induced root growth inhibition and ROS overproduction. Thus, the NfsI overexpressing transgenic switchgrass plant removed 94.1% 2,4‐DNT after 6 days, whose efficiency was 1.7‐fold higher than control plants. Moreover, the comparative transcriptome analysis suggests that 22.9% of differentially expressed genes induced by 2,4‐DNT may participate in NfsI‐mediated 2,4‐DNT detoxification in switchgrass. Our work sheds light on the function of NfsI during DNT phytoremediation for the first time, revealing the application potential of switchgrass plants engineered with NfsI.
Rice shaker potassium channel OsAKT2 positively regulates salt tolerance and grain yield by mediating K+ redistribution
Authors: Tian Quanxiang , Shen Like , Luan Junxia , Zhou Zhenzhen , Guo Dongshu , Shen Yue , Jing Wen , Zhang Baolong , Zhang Qun , Zhang Wenhua 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMaintaining Na+/K+ homeostasis is a critical feature for plant survival under salt stress, which depends on the operation of Na+ and K+ transporters. Although some K+ transporters mediating root K+ uptake have been reported to be essential to the maintenance of Na+/K+ homeostasis, the effect of K+ long‐distance translocation via phloem on plant salt tolerance remains unclear. Here, we provide physiological and genetic evidence of the involvement of phloem‐localized OsAKT2 in rice salt tolerance. OsAKT2 is a K+ channel permeable to K+ but not to Na+. Under salt stress, a T‐DNA knock‐out mutant, osakt2 and two CRISPR lines showed a more sensitive phenotype and higher Na+ accumulation than wild type. They also contained more K+ in shoots but less K+ in roots, showing higher Na+/K+ ratios. Disruption of OsAKT2 decreases K+ concentration in phloem sap and inhibits shoot‐to‐root redistribution of K+. In addition, OsAKT2 also regulates the translocation of K+ and sucrose from old leaves to young leaves, and affects grain shape and yield. These results indicate that OsAKT2‐mediated K+ redistribution from shoots to roots contributes to maintenance of Na+/K+ homeostasis and inhibition of root Na+ uptake, providing novel insights into the roles of K+ transporters in plant salt tolerance.
Association of sleep duration on workdays or free days and social jetlag with job stress
Authors: Takaesu Yoshikazu , Shimura Akiyoshi , Komada Yoko , Futenma Kunihiro , Ishii Miho , Sugiura Ko , Watanabe Koichiro , Inoue Yuichi 
Published: May 2021

AimThe aim of this study was to investigate the impact of sleep problems on job stress in office workers.MethodsThis study included 4645 office workers from 29 companies who completed the study questionnaires between April 2017 and April 2019 in Japan. Sleep duration was assessed based on the participants' subjective sleep schedule on workdays and free days. The midpoint of sleep on free days (sleep‐corrected) and social jetlag were calculated in accordance with the Munich Chronotype Questionnaire. To assess job stress, we used the 57‐item Brief Job Stress Questionnaire.ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that the following factors were significantly associated with high job stress in office workers: a sleep duration <6 h on workdays (OR = 1.77, 95% CI = 1.46–2.15, P < 0.001), a sleep duration <6 h on free days (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.05–1.87, P = 0.022), a sleep duration of at least 8 h on free days (OR = 1.31, 95% CI = 1.06–1.60, P = 0.011), and more than 2 h of social jetlag (OR = 1.33, 95% CI = 1.04–1.70, P = 0.022).ConclusionThis study suggests that insufficient sleep, long sleep durations on free days, and social jetlag may be associated with high job stress in office workers.
Comparison of cystatin C, creatinine, and iohexol clearance in pediatric liver transplantation—a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Bluhme Emil , Malenicka Silvia , Fischler Bjorn , Nemeth Antal , Berg Ulla B. , Jorns Carl 
Published: May 2021

AbstractImpaired renal function after pediatric (LT) is a recognized problem. Accurate monitoring of (GFR) is imperative to detect declining renal function. GFR can be estimated via s‐creatinine and/or p‐cystatin C or measured by inulin and or/iohexol clearances. We retrospectively compared eGFRcrea and eGFRcyst, to mGFRiohex after LT. Data from 91 children with 312 concomitant measurements of s‐creatinine, p‐cystatin C, and iohexol clearance, obtained between 2007 and 2015, were analyzed. eGFR was calculated by using the p‐cystatin C‐based CAPA and CKD‐EPI formulas, and the s‐creatinine‐based Schwartz‐LYON, FAS, revised Schwartz and MDRD formulas. Also, the arithmetic means of cystatin C‐based and creatinine‐based equations were used. Every calculated eGFR was compared to mGFRiohex in statistical correlation, accuracy, precision, bias, and misclassifications. Among the different equations, p‐cystatin C‐based formulas (CAPA and CKD‐EPI) as well as the s‐creatinine‐based Schwartz‐LYON formula showed the most correct estimates regarding accuracy (84–87.5%), bias (0.19–4.0 ml/min/1.73 m2), and misclassification rate (24.7–25%). In patients with renal function <75 ml/min/1.73 m2, cystatin C‐based formulas were significantly more accurate and less biased than creatinine‐based formulas. In conclusion, S‐creatinine could be used in a clinical setting on a regular basis in liver transplanted pediatric patients, with reliable results, if eGFR is calculated by the Schwartz‐LYON formula. When suspected renal dysfunction, cystatin C‐based eGFR should be calculated, since it gives more accurate and less biased estimates than creatinine‐based eGFR, and should be confirmed by mGFR (iohexol).
Volatile signature indicates viability of dormant orthodox seeds
Authors: Michalak Marcin , Plitta‐Michalak Beata P. , Nadarajan Jayanthi , Colville Louise 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAll seeds eventually die even under optimal storage conditions. The moment of viability loss is difficult to predict and detect. In order to differentiate between dead and viable dormant orthodox seeds, GC–MS analysis was used to non‐invasively evaluate the volatile signature of seeds of Pyrus communis L. and Sorbus aucuparia L. Dormant seeds are capable of extended metabolic depression. However, their low metabolic rate remains largely unquantified, and there are no measurements of metabolites, i.e. volatile organic compounds (VOC) for physiologically dormant seeds during storage. Therefore, to address this issue, seeds were stored at a broad range of moisture content (MC) ranging from 2 to 30% under cryogenic (−196°C), cool (5°C) and elevated (40°C) temperatures. Volatile emission was highly dependent on seed MC and storage temperature and was higher under conditions associated with seed viability loss. However, changes in the emission of volatiles entrapped in seeds and released during 24 h after storage were detected for all conditions, providing insight into the processes occurring in dry dormant seeds. Among the 36 volatiles identified, three (acetaldehyde, ethanol, ethyl acetate) were highly correlated with seed germinability and show potential for the non‐invasive screening of viability. Significantly, all three VOC are derived mostly from glycolysis and peroxidation and were detected even under very low moisture and temperature storage conditions. This is the first study to report on VOC accumulation and emission from physiologically dormant seeds and provide a broader view into their viability.
The breathing brain: The potential of neural oscillations for the understanding of respiratory perception in health and disease
Authors: Jelinčić Valentina , Van Diest Ilse , Torta Diana M. , von Leupoldt Andreas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractDyspnea or breathlessness is a symptom occurring in multiple acute and chronic illnesses, however, the understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying its subjective experience is limited. In this topical review, we propose neural oscillatory dynamics and cross‐frequency coupling as viable candidates for a neural mechanism underlying respiratory perception, and a technique warranting more attention in respiration research. With the evidence for the potential of neural oscillations in the study of normal and disordered breathing coming from disparate research fields with a limited history of interdisciplinary collaboration, the main objective of the review was to converge the existing research and suggest future directions. The existing findings show that distinct limbic and cortical activations, as measured by hemodynamic responses, underlie dyspnea, however, the time‐scale of these activations is not well understood. The recent findings of oscillatory neural activity coupled with the respiratory rhythm could provide the solution to this problem, however, more research with a focus on dyspnea is needed. We also touch on the findings of distinct spectral patterns underlying the changes in breathing due to experimental manipulations, meditation and disease. Subsequently, we suggest general research directions and specific research designs to supplement the current knowledge using neural oscillation techniques. We argue for the benefits of interdisciplinary collaboration and the converging of neuroimaging and behavioral methods to best explain the emergence of the subjective and aversive individual experience of dyspnea.
Living with an ever‐present breathlessness: Women’s experiences of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV
Authors: Ekdahl Ann , Söderberg Siv , Rising‐Holmström Malin 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundLiving with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV has a major impact on a person's everyday life. This qualitative study focuses on women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV.AimThe aim of this study was to describe women's experiences of living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV.MethodA purposive sample of fifteen women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV participated in the study. Data were collected through individual semi‐structured interviews that were subjected to qualitative content analysis.FindingsOne theme was identified, stabilizing an ever‐present breathlessness by restoring strength, and three categories are as follows: managing a restricted everyday life as an expert of their illness, being afraid of contracting infections leading to suffocation and suffering and importance of continuous help and support from significant others and digital media. Breathlessness restricted women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, living with a body they have to wait for. Managing everyday life was adapted to their limited abilities and energy. This required detailed planning, good knowledge of their breathing and body. Women were afraid of contracting life‐threatening infections that caused suffering, especially COVID‐19. The fear leads to isolation and digital media was described as an important means of communication. Significant others gave support and help that was practical and emotional. Women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease experienced lack of continuous help and support from healthcare professionals.ConclusionStabilizing an ever‐present breathlessness by restoring strength required women with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease stage III or IV to conduct detailed planning to manage everyday life. Being afraid of contracting infections and the consequences of suffocation had increased since the pandemic COVID‐19 outbreak, which led to self‐isolation and an inactive everyday life. To get help, support and socialize, women used digital media.
Contribution of integrative taxonomy to tracking interspecific hybridisations between the biological control agent Torymus sinensis and its related taxa
Authors: Viciriuc Ionela‐Mădălina , Thaon Marcel , Moriya Seiichi , Warot Sylvie , Zhang Jinping , Aebi Alexandre , Ris Nicolas , Fusu Lucian , Borowiec Nicolas 
Published: May 2021

AbstractNative to China, the chestnut gall wasps Dryocosmus kuriphilus Yasumatsu (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) has invaded several countries on three continents in about half a century. To reduce the negative impact on the chestnut industry, the hymenopteran parasitoid Torymus sinensis Kamijo (Hymenoptera, Torymidae) was firstly translocated from China to Japan and then from Japan to other countries. From an agronomic point of view, this classical biological control programme is perceived as a great success story even if in Japan it was overshadowed by evidence of hybridisation with the indigenous species Torymus beneficus Yasumatsu & Kamijo. Based on numerous specimens collected in France and Italy but also in Asia, as well as on published data, we detected molecular and phenotypic signatures of a possible hybridisation. Our results evidenced for the first time that the European stock of T. sinensis has some rare molecular signatures of historical hybridisation that took place in Japan (0.66% of the mitochondrial haplotypes). Our morphometric study also shows that European and Japanese T. sinensis are morphologically intermediate between the two species that hybridised. The identity of the early‐ and late‐season strains of T. beneficus is discussed. Torymus beneficus late‐season strain (TbL) is considered to be the same as T. sinensis and only the early‐season strain (TbE) is the true T. beneficus. Torymus beneficus is morphologically very close to T. sinensis, and the interspecific distance of COI, though large, is comparable with the larger intraspecific variability found in other Chalcidoidea species. Though the two could be regarded as subspecies, for the stability of nomenclature it is better to continue treating them as distinct species.
Design, Simulation, and Experimental Validation of Thermally Infused Hydraulic Ram Pump
Authors: Mebrat Ashenafi Abebe , Tadesse Yilma , Beyene Asfaw 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
Hydraulic ram pump (HRP), also known as hydram, lifts water without using external power input. Its low performance combined with affordability of fuels has put this otherwise longstanding technology in the backburner of science and research for a long time, yielding to electric or fuel powered pumps. However, growing concerns about the impacts of fossil fuel use on the environment as well as the rising price of electricity has generated a renewed interest in such technology. The ram pump's operation in remote areas where power grid is not available adds research value on the technology. In this project, a novel approach, i.e., adding thermal energy to the flow to assist the water hammer pressure was modeled. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation was conducted using ansys. The results were validated experimentally in a 32 mm (27 mm internal diameter) drive pipe and a supply head of 2.18 m ram pump. The Analytical approach was more conservative. The results between simulation and experiment were fairly consistent, with only 6.99% error for pressure, and 10.16% for flowrate. The results show that pressure increased from 183.33 kPa to 342.32 kPa when thermally assisted to reach 150 °C. The experimental discharge flow increased from 11.72 l/min to 16.41 l/min for the corresponding temperature, a 42.01% increase.
Improving Pulmonary Nano-Therapeutics Using Helical Aerosol Streams - An In-Silico Study
Authors: Gurumurthy Adithya , Kleinstreuer Clement 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
The increasing prevalence of pulmonary ailments including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD), lung tuberculosis and lung cancer, coupled with the success of pulmonary therapy has led to a plethora of scientific research focusing on improving the efficacy of pulmonary drug delivery systems. Recent advances in nanoscience and nanoengineering help achieve this by developing stable, potent, inhalable nano-size drug formulations that potentially increase dosages at target sites with significant therapeutic effects. In this study, we numerically analyze a novel methodology of incorporating helical air-nanoparticle streams for pulmonary nano-therapeutics, using a customized version of the open-source computational fluid dynamics (CFD) toolbox OpenFOAM. As nanoparticles predominantly follow streamlines, helical airflow transports them in a centralized core along the human upper respiratory tract, thereby minimizing deposition and hence waste on the oropharyngeal walls, potentially also reducing the risk of drug-induced toxicity in healthy tissues. Advancing our previous study on micron-particle dynamics, helical streams are shown to improve the delivery of nanodrugs, to deeper lung regions when compared to a purely axial fluid-particle jet. For example, an optimal helical stream featuring a volumetric flow rate of 30 l/min, increased the delivery of 300 nm-particles to regions beyond generation 3 by 5%, in comparison to a conventional axial jet. Results from regional deposition studies are presented, to demonstrate the robustness of helical flows in pulmonary drug delivery; thus, paving the way towards successful implementation of the novel methodology in nanotherapeutics.
Sources of Error When Measuring Achilles Tendon Mechanics During the Stance Phase of Running
Authors: Krikelis Giorgos , Pain Matthew T. G. , Furlong Laura-Anne M. 
Published: May 2021

Abstract
In recent years, the use of methods to investigate muscle–tendon unit function that combine motion capture with ultrasound (MoCapUS) has increased. Although several limitations and individual errors of these methods have been reported, the total error from all the potential sources together has not been estimated. The aim of this study was to establish the total error in the Achilles tendon (AT) measurements, specifically its length (ATL), strain (ATS), and moment arm (ATMA) acquired with MoCapUS during running. The total error from digitizing, marker movement, ultrasound calibration, and probe rotation errors caused mean ATL error of 4.2 ± 0.6 mm, mean ATMA error of 0.1 ± 0.1 mm, and could potentially alter measured ATS by a mean 2.9 ± 0.2%. Correcting both the calcaneus insertion position (CIP) and properly synchronizing ultrasound and motion capture data caused changes of up to 5.4 ± 1.7 mm in ATL and 11.6 ± 1.3 mm in ATMA. CIP correction and synchronization caused a similar amount of change in ATL, as well as ATS. However, the ATMA change was almost exclusively due to the CIP correction. Finally, if all sources of error were combined, the total ATL error could reach 13.1 mm, the total ATMA error could reach 14.4 mm, and ATS differences could reach up to  ± 6.7%. The magnitude of such errors emphasizes the fact that MoCapUS-based AT measurements must be interpreted within the scope of their corresponding errors.