bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Migrating curlews on schedule: departure and arrival patterns of a long-distance migrant depend on time and breeding location rather than on wind conditions
Authors: Schwemmer Philipp , Mercker Moritz , Vanselow Klaus Heinrich , Bocher Pierrick , Garthe Stefan 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundDeparture decisions in long-distance migratory bird species may depend on favourable weather conditions and beneficial resources at the destination location, overarched by genetic triggers. However, few studies have tried to validate the significance of these three concepts simultaneously, and long-term, high-resolution tagging datasets recording individual movements across consecutive years are scarce. We used such a dataset to explore intraspecific and intra-individual variabilities in departure and arrival decisions from/to wintering grounds in relation to these three different concepts in bird migration.MethodsWe equipped 23 curlews (Numenius arquata) wintering in the Wadden Sea with Global Positioning System data loggers to record their spatio-temporal patterns of departure from and arrival at their wintering site, and the first part of their spring migration. We obtained data for 42 migrations over 6 years, with 12 individuals performing repeat migrations in consecutive years. Day of year of departure and arrival was related to 38 meteorological and bird-related predictors using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to identify drivers of departure and arrival decisions.ResultsCurlews migrated almost exclusively to Arctic and sub-Arctic Russia for breeding. They left their wintering site mainly during the evening from mid- to late April and returned between the end of June and mid-July. There was no difference in departure times between the sexes. Weather parameters did not impact departure decisions; if departure days coincided with headwind conditions, the birds accounted for this by flying at higher altitudes of up to several kilometres. Curlews breeding further away in areas with late snowmelt departed later. Departures dates varied by only < 4 days in individual curlews tagged over consecutive years.ConclusionsThese results suggest that the trigger for migration in this long-distance migrant is largely independent of weather conditions but is subject to resource availability in breeding areas. The high intra-individual repeatability of departure days among subsequent years and the lack of relationship to weather parameters suggest the importance of genetic triggers in prompting the start of migration. Further insights into the timing of migration in immatures and closely related birds might help to further unravel the genetic mechanisms triggering migration patterns.
Readability and quality assessment of internet-based patient education materials related to nasal septoplasty
Authors: Grose Elysia M. , Holmes Connor P. , Aravinthan Kaishan A. , Wu Vincent , Lee John M. 
Published: March 2021

Background Given that nasal septoplasty is a common procedure in otolaryngology – head and neck surgery, the objective of this study was to evaluate the quality and readability of online patient education materials on septoplasty. Methods A Google search was performed using eight different search terms related to septoplasty. Six different tools were used to assess the readability of included patient education materials. These included the Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, Flesch Reading Ease, Gunning-Fog Index, Simple Measure of Gobbledygook Index, Coleman-Liau Index, and Automated Readability Index. The DISCERN tool was used to assess quality and reliability. Results Eighty-five online patient education materials were included. The average Flesch-Reading Ease score for all patient education materials was 54.9 ± 11.5, indicating they were fairly difficult to read. The average reading grade level was 10.5 ± 2.0, which is higher than the recommended reading level for patient education materials. The mean DISCERN score was 42.9 ± 10.5 and 42% (36/85) of articles had DISCERN scores less than 39, corresponding to poor or very poor quality. Conclusion The majority of online patient education materials on septoplasty are written above the recommended reading levels and have significant deficiencies in terms of their quality and reliability. Clinicians and patients should be aware of the shortcomings of these resources and consider the impact they may have on patients’ decision making.
Rapid changes in mucociliary transport in the tracheal epithelium caused by unconditioned room air or nebulized hypertonic saline and mannitol are not determined by frequency of beating cilia
Authors: Kelly Susyn Joan , Martinsen Paul , Tatkov Stanislav 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Inspired air is heated and humidified in the nose before it reaches lower airways. This mechanism is bypassed during tracheostomy, directly exposing the airways to colder and drier air from the environment, known to negatively affect mucociliary transport; however, little is known about how quickly mucociliary transport deteriorates. This study determines the short-term effect of flowing room air and nebulized hypertonic saline and mannitol on mucociliary transport in the trachea. In an ovine perfused in vitro tracheal model (N = 9) the epithelium was exposed to 25 L/min of flow, heated to lamb body temperature (38 °C) and fully saturated with water vapor as the control, followed by either room air (22 °C and 50% relative humidity) or nebulized solutions of NaCl 7% and mannitol 20% up to 1 min for a short duration, until mucociliary transport had visually changed. Mucus transport velocity (MTV) and cilia beat frequency (CBF) were continuously measured with video-microscopy.

Results
Exposing the tracheal epithelium to air heated to body temperature and fully humidified had stable MTV 9.5 ± 1.1 mm/min and CBF 13.4 ± 0.6 Hz. When exposed to flow of room air, MTV slowed down to 0.1 ± 0.1 mm/min in 2.0 ± 0.4 s followed by a decrease in CBF to 6.7 ± 1.9 Hz, after 2.3 ± 0.8 s. Both MTV and CBF recovered to their initial state when heated and humidified air-flow was re-introduced. Exposing the tracheal epithelium to nebulized hypertonic saline and nebulized mannitol for 1 min increased MTV without a subsequent increase in CBF.

Conclusions
This study demonstrates mucociliary transport can deteriorate within seconds of exposing the tracheal epithelium to flowing room air and increase rapidly when exposed to nebulized hypertonic solutions. The reduction in MTV precedes slowing of CBF with room air and MTV increases without a subsequent increase in CBF during the nebulization. Their relationship is non-linear and a minimum CBF of approximately 6 Hz is required for MTV > 0, while MTV can reach 10.9 mm/min without CBF increasing. Clinically these findings indicate a potential rapid detrimental effect of breathing with non-humidified air via bypassed upper airways and the short-term effects of nebulized osmotic agents that increase MTV.
Safety and cost-effectiveness of single-use endolaser probe reprocessing in vitreoretinal surgery
Authors: Zacharias Leandro Cabral , da Silva Conci Lívia , Megnis Bianca Partezani , Falabretti Janaina Guerra , dos Santos Rodrigues Neto Taurino , da Silva Neto Epitácio Dias , Preti Rony Carlos , Cunha Leonardo Proveti , Monteiro Mário Luiz Ribeiro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Endolaser probes have been designed and sold for single-use only. However, in Brazil, they are not included in the list of single-use medical products that are prohibited from being reprocessed and could potentially be reused if safety requirements are accomplished. Therefore, this study aimed to determine and compare the quality, safety and costs of reprocessed versus original single-use endolaser probes of a specific brand and model.

Methods
The study, conducted at a university hospital in Sao Paulo, Brazil, was divided in two phases. The first one tested the feasibility, sterility and physical integrity of ten reprocessed laser probes. In the second phase, all vitrectomy procedures using endolaser probes (reprocessed and original ones) from August 2017 to October 2019 were evaluated. The operated cases were followed for any signs of infection and number of defective probes for each group were counted. The cost of acquiring a new probe and for all reprocessing stages were evaluated and quantified in US dollars($).

Results
Microbiologic, residual ethilen oxide and microscopic evaluation of integrity of reprocessed laser probes were all within acceptable range. The second phase of this study included 590 endolaser probes, of which 375 were original and 215 were reprocessed. Functionality rates differed significantly between groups. Among the original probes, 373 (99.47%) were functioning and 2 (0.53%) were non-functioning. Among the reprocessed ones, 201 (93.5%) were functioning and 14 (6.5%) were non-functioning (p < .001). The average cost of one reprocessing was $3.00, and the average cost of an original probe was $150.00. Considering the loss rates, potential savings were $147.60 for each once-reprocessed probe. The frequency of infectious endophthalmitis was null in both groups.

Conclusions
Our study showed that a single cycle endolaser probe reprocessing was safe and efficient, not associated with increase in endophthalmitis rate and proved to be significantly cost-effective, even considering a greater malfunction rate when compared to the original devices.
Entomopathogenic fungi as a promising biological control agent against banana fruit scarring beetle, Basilepta subcostata (Jac.) (Chrysomelidae: Coleoptera)
Authors: Viswakethu Velavan , Balakrishanan Padmanaban , Murugan Loganathan , Narayana swamy Baskar , Subbaraya Uma 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Banana fruit scarring beetle (BFSB), Basilepta subcostata (Jac.) (Chrysomelidae:Coleoptera), is an important insect pest feeds on leaf and fingers, which affects the cosmetic value of the fruit. The pest is distributed in Assam, Bihar, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, and North-eastern Hill regions of India.

Results
The pest is currently managed by foliar spray with insecticides. In order to identify eco-friendly control of the pest, attempts were made to isolate microbial agent and evaluate their potential to control the pest. A total of 27 entomopathogenic fugal isolates were obtained from Odoiporus longicollis (Oliver), Cosmopolites sordidus (Germar), Basilepta subcostata (Jac), and other insect Galleria mellonella (Fabr). Based on colony morphology, the collected fungal isolates were identified as Metarhizium spp. (17) and Beauveria spp. (10). Through ITS sequencing, the fungal isolates were further characterized at species level as B. bassiana (8), B. brongniartii (2), M. anisopliae (8), M. robertsii (6), M. guizhouense (2), and M. pinghaense (1). Their sequences were submitted in GenBank and obtained accession numbers. Among 27 isolates tested against B. subcostata under laboratory conditions, 3 isolates (M. anisopliae NRCBEPF-36, M. pinghaense NRCBEPF-7 and B. brongniartii NRCBEPF-27) recorded 100% beetle mortality, followed by 11 isolates with 95–99% and 13 isolates with 88–93% within 8 days of treatment.

Conclusion
This study highlights the two native North East India isolates B. brongniartii NRCBEPF-27 (MT151781) and M. anisopliae NRCBEPF-36 (MT140308) showed the significance to use as potential biocontrol agents against banana fruit scarring beetle B. subcostata. Further experiments under field conditions are required to evaluate their biological control efficacy against the pest.
Mathematical modelling of the COVID-19 pandemic with demographic effects
Authors: Kamara Abdul A. , Mouanguissa Lagès N. , Barasa Godfrey Okumu 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this paper, a latent infection susceptible–exposed–infectious–recovered model with demographic effects is used to understand the dynamics of the COVID-19 pandemics. We calculate the basic reproduction number ($${R}_{0}$$

R
0

) by solving the differential equations of the model and also using next-generation matrix method. We also prove the global stability of the model using the Lyapunov method. We showed that when the $${R}_{0}<1$$

R
0

<
1

or $${R}_{0}\le 1$$

R
0

≤
1

and $${R}_{0}>1$$

R
0

>
1

or $${R}_{0}\ge 1$$

R
0

≥
1

the disease-free and endemic equilibria asymptotic stability exist theoretically. We provide numerical simulations to demonstrate the detrimental impact of the direct and latent infections for the COVID-19 pandemic.
Role of adding T2 mapping sequence to the routine MR imaging protocol in the assessment of articular knee cartilage in osteoarthritis
Authors: Alsayyad Muhammad Atif Ibrahim , Ali Shehata Khaled A. , Khattab Rasha Tolba 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
This work aims at elucidating the role of adding complementary T2 mapping to the routine 1.5 Tesla MRI protocol in the articular knee cartilage assessment for early detection of osteoarthritis, and also, comparing the articular cartilage thickness and T2 relaxation times between the case and control groups regarding knee compartments affection.

Results
Both sensitivities and specificities were 73.3% and 100%, respectively, for the standard MR protocol alone and 96.7% and 90% after adding the T2 mapping to the standard MR protocol that leads to significant sensitivity improvement. A comparison between patients and controls as regards T2 values showed a highly statistically significant difference (independent T test, p <0.001).

Conclusion
A combination of both morphological and T2 mapping MRI, together with clinical evaluation represents a desirable multimodal approach to the diagnosis of osteoarthritis. In the early detection of osteoarthritis, adding T2 mapping sequence to the standard MR protocol at 1.5 Tesla improved sensitivity from 73.3 to 96.7%.
COVID-19 versus H1N1: challenges in radiological diagnosis—comparative study on 130 patients using chest HRCT
Authors: Samir Ahmed , Naguib Nagy N. N. , Elnekeidy Abdelaziz , Baess Ayman Ibrahim , Shawky Amal 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
During the current second wave of COVID-19, the radiologists are expected to face great challenges in differentiation between COVID-19 and other virulent influenza viruses, mainly H1N1. Accordingly, this study was performed in order to find any differentiating CT criteria that would help during the expected clinical overlap during the current Influenza season.

Results
This study was retrospectively conducted during the period from June till November 2020, on acute symptomatic 130 patients with no history of previous pulmonary diseases; 65 patients had positive PCR for COVID-19 including 50 mild patients and 15 critical or severe patients; meanwhile, the other 65 patients had positive PCR for H1N1 including 50 mild patients and 15 critical or severe patients. They included 74 males and 56 females (56.9%:43.1%). Their age ranged 14–90 years (mean age 38.9 ± 20.3 SD). HRCT findings were analyzed by four expert consultant radiologists in consensus. All patients with COVID-19 showed parenchymal or alveolar HRCT findings; only one of them had associated airway involvement. Among the 65 patients with H1N1; 56 patients (86.2%) had parenchymal or alveolar HRCT findings while six patients (9.2%) presented only by HRCT signs of airway involvement and three patients (4.6%) had mixed parenchymal and airway involvement. Regarding HRCT findings of airway involvement (namely tree in bud nodules, air trapping, bronchial wall thickening, traction bronchiectasis, and mucous plugging), all showed significant p value (ranging from 0.008 to 0.04). On the other hand, HRCT findings of parenchymal or alveolar involvement (mainly ground glass opacities) showed no significant relation.

Conclusion
HRCT can help in differentiation between non-severe COVID-19 and H1N1 based on signs of airway involvement.
COVID-19 pandemic: the implications of the natural history, challenges of diagnosis and management for care in sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Omo-Aghoja Lawrence , Moke Emuesiri Goodies , Anachuna Kenneth Kelechi , Omogbiya Adrian Itivere , Umukoro Emuesiri Kohworho , Toloyai Pere-Ebi Yabrade , Daubry Tarela Melish Elias , Eduviere Anthony Taghogho 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background
Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is a severe acute respiratory infection which has afflicted virtually almost all nations of the earth. It is highly transmissible and represents one of the most serious pandemics in recent times, with the capacity to overwhelm any healthcare system and cause morbidity and fatality.

Main content
The diagnosis of this disease is daunting and challenging as it is dependent on emerging clinical symptomatology that continues to increase and change very rapidly. The definitive test is the very expensive and scarce polymerase chain reaction (PCR) viral identification technique. The management has remained largely supportive and empirical, as there are no officially approved therapeutic agents, vaccines or antiviral medications for the management of the disease. Severe cases often require intensive care facilities and personnel. Yet there is paucity of facilities including the personnel required for diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). It is against this backdrop that a review of key published reports on the pandemic in SSA and globally is made, as understanding the natural history of a disease and the documented responses to diagnosis and management is usually a key public health strategy for designing and improving as appropriate, relevant interventions. Lead findings were that responses by most nations of SSA were adhoc, paucity of public health awareness strategies and absence of legislations that would help enforce preventive measures, as well as limited facilities (including personal protective equipment) and institutional capacities to deliver needed interventions.

Conclusion
COVID-19 is real and has overwhelmed global health care system especially low-income countries of the sub-Sahara such as Nigeria. Suggestions for improvement of healthcare policies and programs to contain the current pandemic and to respond more optimally in case of future pandemics are made herein.
Reducing Morning Hypoglycemia Among Children Undergoing Treatment for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Mohamed Ashraf , Bolen Christine , Morgan Jennifer , Rice Patricia Ann , Speas Meredith , Abdelmonem Ahmed , Russo Carolyn 
Published: March 2021

PURPOSE: Hypoglycemia has been observed in children receiving acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) therapy, and it can negatively affect patient outcomes. We documented a 4%-6% prevalence of hypoglycemia among patients in the two clinics in this study. We aim to reduce morning hypoglycemia in children on chemotherapy for ALL at two community pediatric oncology clinics (A and B) by 50% in 9 months. METHODS: We used the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) Model for Improvement as the framework. Prolonged hours of fasting for procedural sedation, gaps in the caregivers' knowledge of hypoglycemia risk, and a lack of awareness of the new mercaptopurine administration guidelines were the most likely contributing factors for hypoglycemia. We developed a hypoglycemia prevention educational program for staff and caregivers followed by a knowledge assessment tool. RESULTS: Each month, the average number of patients seen in both clinics was 43. The monthly average of blood glucose tests in these patients was 94. After implementing the intervention, the percentage of caregivers who received hypoglycemia education reached 88%. Of those, 78% scored ≥ 75% in the knowledge reassessment resurvey. The combined average hypoglycemic episodes in the two clinics decreased by 46%. A higher reduction in hypoglycemic episodes was observed in clinic A (75%) compared with clinic B (17%). CONCLUSION: Implementing hypoglycemia education led to a significant drop in hypoglycemic episodes among children on ALL therapy. Despite using a similar approach, one of the two clinics showed a more than fourfold improvement compared with the other.
Management of Severe Graves’ Hyperthyroidism in Pregnancy Following Immune Reconstitution Therapy in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hammerstad Sara Salehi , Celius Elisabeth G , Husby Henrik , Sørensen Ingvild M , Norheim Ingrid E 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Context
Alemtuzumab (ALZ), a CD52 monoclonal antibody, is highly efficacious in multiple sclerosis; however, side effects are common. Autoimmune thyroid disease (Graves’ disease and Hashimoto thyroiditis) is a well-known complication of ALZ. Treatment of ALZ-induced Graves’ disease can be challenging, and even more difficult during pregnancy.

Case description
We present a case of severe ALZ-induced Graves’ disease with a rapid increase in thyrotropin receptor antibodies (TRAb 240 IU/L) and thyrotoxicosis in early pregnancy. Treatment with high doses of antithyroid medication was needed. There was high risk of both fetal and neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Serial fetal sonography showed normal development. The newborn baby presented high levels of TRAb (240 IU/L) and developed neonatal thyrotoxicosis on day 8. Adequate monitoring, treatment, and follow-up of the newborn baby ensured normal thyroid function until disappearance of TRAb 6 weeks after birth.

Conclusion
Multiple sclerosis patients treated with ALZ may develop severe Graves’ disease with an increased risk of both fetal and neonatal thyrotoxicosis. Close follow-up with a multidisciplinary approach is needed to ensure a healthy outcome.
Observations of the Exercise-Induced Interarm Blood Pressure Difference
Authors: Walsh Maureen A. , Clarke Melanie M. , Allen Sarah R. , Holmstrup Michael E. , Lin Yen-Kuang , Jensen Brock T. 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Blood pressure (BP) is used to aid in appropriate clinical decision making and monitor safe exercise participation. A large interarm difference (IAD) in systolic BP (≥10 mm Hg between arms; IAD+) at rest is associated with premature morbidity and mortality. Moderate-intensity aerobic exercise is known to influence IAD.

Purpose
The aims of the present study were to examine the relationship between resting IAD and exercise IAD (eIAD), and to characterize eIAD during a prolonged steady-state bout of aerobic exercise in IAD− (<10 mm Hg between arms at rest) and IAD+ individuals.

Methods
Sixty-two participants were studied on two separate occasions. On the initial visit, anthropometric measures and a V˙O2peak test were completed. On the subsequent visit, participants cycled at 50% V˙O2peak for 30 min. Heart rate and sequential bilateral BP were measured at rest; at 5, 10, 20, and 30 min of exercise; and during active recovery. Descriptive statistics are reported as mean and SEM. The value of eIAD in predicting IAD was determined using multiple linear regression analysis. Absolute values and the percent (%) change in eIAD, systolic BP (right and left arms), and heart rate during exercise were examined between both IAD− and IAD+ individuals using a repeated-measures ANOVA.

Results
The incidence of IAD+ at rest was 19%. Twenty-five percent of the variation in resting IAD was predicted by eIAD (P < 0.05). There were significantly different absolute and relative eIAD, and SBP responses to exercise between IAD+ and IAD−.

Conclusion
There is a relationship between eIAD and resting IAD that warrants further attention. The eIAD response is inherently different between IAD− and IAD+ individuals. It may be important to measure BP bilaterally during aerobic exercise.