bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
μMAX&nbsp;of&nbsp;Saccharomyces Cerevisiae: So Often Used, So Seldom Put into Perspective
Authors: Rodrigues Carla Inês Soares , Della-Bianca Bianca Eli , Gombert Andreas K. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The maximum specific growth rate of a microbe in a given growth condition is of primary relevance for biological research and bioprocess development. In the case of the unicellular yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, this physiological parameter is routinely calculated in (almost) every laboratory, but this procedure conceals several challenges that are often neglected in scientific works, which might lead to misinterpretation of the reported data and of phenomena. We present here several pitfalls involved in µMAX calculation and interpretation, which was achieved through comparative analyses of: 1) the use of different methodologies for determining cell concentration, 2) different calibration procedures to correlate indirect (e.g. absorbance) to direct (e.g. dry cell mass) cell concentration measurements, 3) different statistical methods for determining the significance of µMAX differences, 4) the influence of culture media composition, and 5) the influence of the cultivation system (e.g. microplate, shake-flask or bioreactor). It becomes clear that each of these factors has a great influence on µMAX calculation and interpretation. We also present a case study involving three yeast strains and three different carbon sources, illustrating that opposite conclusions can be drawn in a screening procedure, if proper caution is not taken during data generation and analysis. Last but not least, we conclude this work with a series of recommendations that we believe could make experimental planning, data generation, µMAX calculation and interpretation more meaningful and scientifically sound, contributing to the improvement of yeast research and of microbiology in general.
A Novel Design and Evaluation of a Low Power Efficient Fault-Tolerant Reversible ALU Using QCA: Applications of Nanoelectronics
Authors: Gade Mary Swarna Latha , S Rooban 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Reversible logic based on Quantum-dot Cellular Automata (QCA) is the most requirement for achieving nano-scale architecture that promises significantly high device integration density, high-speed calculation, and low power consumption. The arithmetic logic unit (ALU) is the significant component of a processor for processing and computing. The primary objective of this work is to develop a multi-layer fault-tolerant arithmetic logic unit using reversible logic in QCA technology. Additionally, the reversible ALU has divided into arithmetic (RAU) and a logic unit (RLU). A reversible 2:1 MUX using the Fredkin gate has been implemented to select either the arithmetic or logical operations. Besides, to improve the efficiency of arithmetic operations, a novel QCA reversible full adder is implemented. To build the ALU, fault-tolerant reversible logic gates are used. The proposed reversible multilayer QCA ALU is designed to carry out eight arithmetic and sixteen logical operations with a minimum number of gates, constant inputs, and garbage outputs compared to the existing works. The functional verification and simulation of the presented circuits are assessed by the QCADesigner tool.
“Understanding the Complexities of Antibiotic Prescribing Behaviour in Acute Hospitals: A Systematic Review and Meta-Ethnography”
Authors: Wojcik Gosha , Ring Nicola , McCulloch Corrienne , Willis Diane S , Williams Brian , Kydonaki Kalliopi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background
Antimicrobial resistance poses a serious global public health threat. Hospital misuse of antibiotics has contributed to this problem and evidence-based interventions are urgently needed to change inappropriate prescribing practices. This paper reports the first theoretical stage of a longer-term project to improve antibiotic prescribing in hospitals through design of an effective behaviour-change intervention.
Methods
Qualitative synthesis using meta-ethnography of primary studies reporting doctors’ views and experiences of antibiotic prescribing in hospitals for example, their barriers to appropriate prescribing. Twenty electronic databases were systematically searched over a 10-year period and potential studies screened against eligibility criteria. Included studies were quality-appraised. Original participant quotes and author interpretations were extracted and coded thematically into NVivo. All study processes were conducted by two reviewers working independently with findings discussed with the wider team and key stakeholders. Studies were related by findings into clusters and translated reciprocally and refutationally to develop a new line-of-argument synthesis and conceptual model. Findings are reported using eMERGe guidance.
Results
Fifteen papers (13 studies) conducted between 2007–2017 reporting the experiences of 336 doctors of varying seniority working in acute hospitals across seven countries, were synthesised. Study findings related in four ways which collectively represented multiple challenges to appropriate antibiotic medical prescribing in hospitals: loss of ownership of prescribing decisions, tension between individual care and public health concerns, evidence-based practice versus bedside medicine, and diverse priorities between different clinical teams. The resulting new line-of-argument and conceptual model reflected how these challenges operated on both micro- and macro-level, highlighting key areas for improving current prescribing practice, such as creating feedback mechanisms, normalising input from other specialties and reducing variation in responsibility for antibiotic decisions.
Conclusions
This first meta-ethnography of doctors` experiences of antibiotic prescribing in acute hospital settings has enabled development of a novel conceptual model enhancing understanding of appropriate antibiotic prescribing. That is, hospital antibiotic prescribing is a complex, context-dependent and dynamic process, entailing the balancing of many tensions. To change practice, comprehensive efforts are needed to manage failures in communication and information provision, promote distribution of responsibility for antibiotic decisions, and reduce fear of consequences from not prescribing.
Enzymatic Dynamic Reductive Kinetic Resolution Towards 115 g/L (S)-2-Phenylpropanol
Authors: Rapp Christian , Pival-Marko Simone , Tassano Erika , Nidetzky Bernd , Kratzer Regina 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
BackgroundPublished biocatalytic routes towards chiral 2-phenylpropanol by oxidoreductases showed product concentrations of maximally 80 mM. Enzyme deactivation turned out as one major limitation and was attributed to adduct formation of the aldehyde substrate with the catalytic reductase.ResultsA Candida tenuis xylose reductase single-point mutant (CtXR D51A) with very high catalytic efficiency (43·103 s-1M-1) for (S)-2-phenylpropanal was identified. The enzyme showed high enantioselectivity for the (S)-enantiomer but was deactivated by 0.5 mM substrate within 2 h. A whole-cell biocatalyst based on the engineered reductase and a yeast formate dehydrogenase for NADH-recycling provided substantial stabilization of the reductase. The relatively slow in situ racemization of 2-phenylpropanal and the still limited biocatalyst stability required a subtle adjustment of the substrate-to-catalyst ratio. A value of 3.4 gsubstrate/gcell-dry-weight turned out as compromise between product enantiopurity and conversion. A catalyst loading of 40 gcell-dry-weight was used to convert 1 M racemic 2-phenylpropanal to (S)-phenylpropanol in 93.1 % e.e. ConclusionMainly hydrolases have been exploited for the production of profenols at industrial scale so far. The herein established bioreduction presents an alternative route towards profenols that is competitive to hydrolase-catalyzed kinetic resolutions.
A Robust and Simple Patient-derived Multicellular Spheroid Model Enables Liver Cancer Precision Drug Screening
Authors: Cherradi Sara , Almeida Nuno , Saviano Antonio , Durand Sarah , Felli Emanuele , Pessaux Patrick , Schuster Catherine , Baumert Thomas , Duong Hong Tuan 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background & Purpose. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second leading and fastest rising cause of cancer death worldwide. HCC is often diagnosed when it is not curable. Thus, there are many challenges associated with the treatment of HCC. Until now there is no simple and robust system for reliable pre-treatment screening of approved drugs. Methods. We developed a simple and robust patient-derived multicellular cell clustering model from 18 liver resections. We applied this technology on 9 HCC liver tissues and assessed FDA-approved drug responses.Results. The success rate of our model is 100% independently from the type of liver underlying disease. The model shows differential responses to HCC targeted- and immune-based treatments with a high reproducibility. Our work highlights that preserving the integrity of the primary liver architecture permits to perpetuate the physiopathology. Conclusion. This model system will help to understand the biological role of the tumor microenvironment and to accelerate the clinical research program for personalized liver cancer treatment based on functional screening.
Characterization of Urinary Cotinine Concentrations Among Non-smoking Adults in Smoking and Smoke-free Homes in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 3 (2015–2017)
Authors: Kim Jeonghoon , Shim In-Keun , Won Soo Ran , Ryu Jungmin , Lee Jongchun , Chung Hyen-Mi 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background: Although many indoor public places have implemented smoke-free regulations, private homes have remained sources of tobacco smoke pollutants. The purpose of this study was to determine urinary cotinine concentrations in the Korean non-smoking adult population who lived in smoking and smoke-free homes, and to examine the relationship of urinary cotinine concentrations with socio-demographic factors. Methods: Samples from 2575 non-smoking adults (≥19 years old) in the Korean National Environmental Health Survey Cycle 3 (2015–2017), a representative Korean study, were used. Smoking and smoke-free homes were defined based on whether there were smokers at homes. Weighted linear regression models were used to determine urinary cotinine concentrations and identify factors associated with urinary cotinine. Results: The geometric mean of urinary cotinine concentrations for non-smoking adults living in smoking homes was 2.4 μg/g creatinine (Cr; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 2.1–2.7), which was significantly higher than the mean of 1.4 μg/g Cr (95% CI = 1.3–1.6) for those living in smoke-free homes. In adults living in smoking homes, the urinary cotinine concentration was only associated with job classification. In adults living in smoke-free homes, several factors were associated with urinary cotinine concentration. Urinary cotinine concentration in adults living in smoke-free homes was significantly higher in those who lived in homes with ventilation duration <30 min/day, those who spent more time indoors at home, those who spent less time outdoors, and those who worked in non-manual occupations.Conclusions: The urinary cotinine concentration in Korean non-smoking adults living in smoking homes was higher than that in adults living in smoke-free homes. Even in smoke-free homes, home-related factors, such as ventilation duration and time spent indoors, were associated with urinary cotinine concentration. Further study is warranted to examine potential sources of tobacco smoke pollution in smoke-free homes.
The Impact of Land Use and Land Cover Changes on Soil Erosion in Western Iran
Authors: Damaneh Hadi Eskandari , Khosravi Hassan , Habashi Khalil , Damaneh Hamed Eskandari , Tiefenbacher John P. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Estimates of long-term change and land cover changes using satellite imagery update data about effects erosion on the destruction. This is relevant on semi-arid land where soil resources are scarce, and proper management requires matching LULC to the conditions to achieve sustainability. This study evaluates the impact of LULC changes on soil erosion using Landsat satellite images and the RUSLE model on plains around the Jarahi River and Shadegan International Wetlands. The maps of LULC were prepared with supervised classification and maximum-likelihood methods applied to pre-processed TM, ETM, and OLI images for 1989, 2003, and 2017. This study investigated the impacts of LULC changes on soil erosion. Based on the results, we observe that an assessment of LULC changes from 1989 to 2003 revealed diminishing bare land and wetland vegetation with increases in agricultural land and water features. The areas of agricultural lands and wetlands decreased from 2003 to 2017, while bare lands increased in the area. The areas with soil erosion rates < 1 Mg ha-1 y-1 have diminished, and areas having rates >1 Mg ha-1 y-1 increased in extent. We conclude that LULC changes led to increased soil erosion in Shadegan International Wetlands. Our study highlights the need to plan LULC changes to reduce soil erosion rates to achieve sustainable management. We argue that nature-based solutions can effectively reduce soil losses.
Correction of over-dosed insulin in a type-2- diabetic led to a better control of glycemia and arterial hypertension: a case report
Authors: Abobarin-Adeagbo Abimbola , Kraya Torsten , Girndt Matthias , Pliquett Rainer Ullrich 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:An association between hypoglycemia and arterial hypertension has been proposed. Here, for the first time, we report a case of a chronically over-dosed insulin therapy with uncontrolled hypertension, which improved after insulin-dose reduction.Case Presentation: A 73-year-old, male type-2 diabetic of Caucasian ethnicity was hospitalized for uncontrolled arterial hypertension and weakness. Prior to hospitalization, a fixed-dose insulin therapy (160 units per day) and antihypertensive medication with urapidile, valsartan and bisoprolol were prescribed. Hemoglobin A1c was 11.2%, symptomatic hypoglycemic episodes were not reported. During hospitalization, metformin, empagliflozin, and dulaglutide (1.5 mg per week) were added to insulin. Conventional insulin therapy was switched to an intensified insulin therapy with a cumulative daily dose of 46 units. 22 months after discharge, the medical therapy consisted of metformin, liraglutide, and insulin glargine (26 units per day), antihypertensive medication was reduced to bisoprolol and valsartan. Blood pressure was well controlled, hemoglobin A1c was 6.6%. As a likely explanation, undocumented, asymptomatic hypoglycemic events with a post-hypoglycemic hormonal stimulation were the cause for the poor glycemic and blood-pressure control. A step-wise reduction of insulin translated into a better glycemic and blood-pressure control.Conclusions: Undocumented, asymptomatic hypoglycemic events and post-hypoglycemic hormonal stimulation were the likely cause for the poor glycemic and blood-pressure control prior to index hospitalization. A step-wise reduction of insulin concurrently translated into a better glycemic and blood-pressure control.
Is Virtual Clinic the Way Forward: Patient Satisfaction Comparing Phone Clinic vs. Conventional Clinic
Authors: Wall Benjamin , Daly Patrick , Dunnill Aidan , Osan Jessica , Brogan Kit 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background:Outpatient clinics play a vital role in assessing and treating patients. They traditionally involve face-to-face consultation with a clinician to diagnose and treat many medical and surgical conditions. During the COVID-19 pandemic many of these traditional methods were replaced with telemedicine to minimise patient interaction and therefore potential exposure. This study utilises data from patient questionnaires with the aim of determining patient satisfaction in regard to telemedicine.Method:A list of patients who attended the Rockingham General hospital outpatient Orthopaedic phone clinic was obtained between 23rd of March and 30th of May, this list was then filtered into a randomised generator to provide a call list of patients. Patients were contacted and verbal consent was obtained to participate in satisfaction questionnaire that was completed via phone.Results: A total of 100 patients completed the questionnaire - 50 from elective surgery clinics and 50 from fracture clinics. The mean time for participants’ one-way commute to the hospital was 21 minutes (2 to 60 minutes). Only 4% of telehealth consultations resulted in patients being forced to miss work or school. 13% of patients were required to attend the hospital on the day of their consultation for either radiological imaging or for application or removal of casts or splint. We observed consistently high satisfaction scores across all parameters, in both elective and fracture clinics, culminating in a mean score of 9.08/10 on the Likert scale. In the qualitative component of the questionnaire, patients frequently acknowledged a high quality of care despite adverse circumstances.Conclusion:Telemedicine continues to develop and become a more widely accessible tool in the provision of outpatient orthopaedic care. With its ever-increasing availability and acceptance, it should play a more central role in delivering effective and efficient healthcare to all patients.
Ground Cover Vegetation Promotes Ecological Intensification of Pear Production
Authors: Ji Xiang-Yun , Wang Jin-Yan , Dainese Matteo , Zhang Hao , Chen Yi-Juan , Cavalieri Andrea , Jiang Jie-Xian , Wan Nian-Feng 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
The use of ground cover vegetation is becoming a prominent intervention for promoting biodiversity and associated ecosystem services in Chinese orchards. Despite the large number of studies that have examined the effects of ground cover vegetation on promoting natural enemy populations and related natural pest control, it is less understood whether enhanced natural pest control translates to increase yield and reduced pesticide use. We conducted a 2-year experiment comparing three cover vegetation (ryegrass, clover, and hairy vetch) practices versus a bare ground control in commercial pear orchards in the Yangtze River Delta of East China (YRDEC), China. Natural enemy density (predator and parasitoid abundance), invertebrate herbivore performance (piercing-sucking herbivore abundance and branch-boring and fruit-boring percentage), pesticide input and pear fruit yield were recorded. The results indicated that cover vegetation decreased herbivore abundance and boring percentage by 49.95 and 63.6% respectively, and thus decreased pesticide use by 26.10%. Meanwhile, we found that cover vegetation increased the abundance of natural enemies by 620.75%, and increased pear fruit yield by 6.82%. Piecewise structural equation modelling indicated that increased natural enemy densities, decreased herbivore performance and pesticide use, while increasing fruit yield. Our results confirm that the use of ground cover vegetations (especially with clover and hairy vetch) can promote ecological intensification and biological pest control in pear orchards.
Application of a simple skin stretching system and negative pressure wound therapy in repair of complex diabetic foot wounds
Authors: Wu Yaojun , Chen Liang , Wu Shaokun , Yu Liying , Chen Mimi , Wang Jingnan , Chen Jiejie , Pang Qingjiang 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Management of complex diabetic foot wounds with large skin defects poses a challenge for surgeon. We presented a simple skin stretching system and negative pressure wound therapy for the repair of complex diabetic foot wounds to examine the effectiveness and safety.A total of 16 patients with diabetic foot ulcers were retrospectively reviewed between January 2015 to October 2020. All patients underwent the treatment by 3 stages. In stage 2, these difficult-to-close wounds of diabetes foot were residual. This method was applied to the wounds with a median defect size of 20.42 cm² (range: 4.71 -66.76 cm²).The median time for closure of complex diabetic foot wounds was 14 days ranging from 8 days to 19 days. With respect to the absolute rates of reduction, it was observed with a median of 1.86 cm² per day, ranging from 0.29 cm² per day to 8.35 cm² per day. In accordance with the localization of the defect, the patients were divided into 3 groups: side of the foot (37.5%), dorsum of the foot (50.0%), and others (12.5%). There was no statistically difference between side of the foot and dorsum of the foot in terms of the median defect size with P = 0.069 (Kruskal–Wallis test). Otherwise, there were statistically significant differences regarding the median time and the median absolute rates (P < 0.05; Kruskal–Wallis test). No severe complications were encountered in this study.In summary, our results show that application of the simple skin stretching system and NPWT is an effective and safe approach for complex diabetic foot wounds. Nevertheless, more attentions should be paid for the appropriate patient selection and intraoperative judgment to ensure wound closure and avoid undue complications.
An examination of three prescribing cascades in a cohort of older adults with dementia
Authors: Trenaman Shanna Claire , Bowles Susan K , Kirkland Susan , Andrew Melissa K 
Published: February 2021

Abstract
Background

Prescribing cascades are a source of inappropriate prescribing for older adults with dementia. We aimed to study three prescribing cascades in older Nova Scotians with dementia using administrative databases.
Methods

Cohort entry for Nova Scotia Seniors’ Pharmacare Program beneficiaries was at the date of dementia diagnosis. Prescription drug dispensation data was extracted for inciting medication and second treatment (cholinesterase inhibitor and bladder anticholinergic, metoclopramide and Parkinson’s disease medication, or calcium channel blocker (CCB) and diuretic) over the six-year period from April 1, 2009 to March 31, 2015. In three separate analyses, dispensation of an inciting medication signaled a look back of 365 days from the date of first dispensation to confirm that the second treatment was started after the inciting medication. The prescribing cascade was considered when second treatment was started within 180 days of the inciting treatment. Sex differences in the prescribing cascade were tested using t-tests or chi square tests as appropriate. Both univariate (unadjusted) and multivariate (adjusted) logistic regression (adjusted for age, rurality, and sex) and Cox proportional hazards regression was used to identify risk factors for the prescribing cascade.
Results

In the period from March 1, 2005 to March 31, 2018 28,953 Nova Scotia Seniors Pharmacare beneficiaries with dementia (NSSPBD) were identified. There were 60 cases of bladder anticholinergics following cholinesterase inhibitors, 11 cases of Parkinson’s disease medication following metoclopramide, and 289 cases of a diuretic following CCB. Regression analysis demonstrated that risk of bladder anticholinergics following cholinesterase inhibitors and diuretics following CCBs were associated with female sex. Cox regression analyses suggested that bladder anticholinergics were less often used by those on cholinesterase inhibitors but did not identify CCB use as leading more frequently to diuretic use.
Conclusions

Of the three prescribing cascades investigated, diuretics following CCB was the most common and bladder anticholinergics following cholinesterase inhibitors the second most common. Both these prescribing cascades were more common for women suggesting clinicians need increased attention to monitor for prescribing cascades among women.