bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Field evaluation of COVID‐19 antigen tests versus RNA based detection: Potential lower sensitivity compensated by immediate results, technical simplicity, and low cost
Authors: Matsuda Elaine Monteiro , de Campos Ivana Barros , de Oliveira Isabela Penteriche , Colpas Daniela Rodrigues , Carmo Andreia Moreira dos Santos , Brígido Luís Fernando de Macedo 
Published: March 2021

AbstractOne year into the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) pandemic, diagnostic strategies, although central for contact tracing and other preventive measures, are still limited. To meet the global demand, lower cost and faster antigen tests for severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) detection are a convenient alternative to the gold standard reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay. We tested laboratory‐based RT‐PCR RNA detection and two rapid antigen detection (RAD) tests, based on the immunochromatography test for nucleocapsid protein of SARS‐CoV‐2 (COVID‐19 Ag ECO Test, ECO Diagnóstica, and Panbio COVID‐19 Ag Rapid Test Abbott). Paired collection and testing were done in a small prospective open study in three clinical services in São Paulo, constituted of mostly symptomatic volunteers at collection (97%, 109/112) for a median of 4 days (interquartile range: 3–6), ranging from 1 to 30. Among the 108 paired RT‐PCR/RAD tests, results were concordant in 96.4% (101/108). The test's performance was comparable, with an overall sensitivity of 87% and a specificity of 96%. These observations add to other data that suggest that antigen tests may provide reasonable sensitivity and specificity and deserve a role to improve testing strategies, especially in resource‐limited settings.
Hypothesis of zinc ascorbate as best zinc ionophore for raising antiviral resistance against Covid‐19
Authors: Cingolani Valentino 
Published: March 2021

HighlightsZinc ascorbate could prevent and treat Covid‐19 by raising antiviral resistance to SARS‐CoV‐2 virus via increase of intracellular zinc concentration as a zinc ionophore more than other salts of zinc or zinc with vitamin C.Tests in vitro and clinical trials for Covid‐19 prevention and treatment with zinc ascorbate are strongly recommended and should start as soon as possible.Potential advantages of zinc ascorbate supplementation over vaccines and drugs are also discussed, with supplementation suggestions.
Application of sunflower pectin gels with low glycemic index in the coating of fresh strawberries stored in modified atmospheres
Authors: Muñoz‐Almagro Nerea , Herrero‐Herranz María , Guri Sonia , Corzo Nieves , Montilla Antonia , Villamiel Mar 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThis study reports the use of low glycemic sunflower pectin gel, elaborated with calcium and without or with sweeteners (sucrose, stevia and saccharin) as an edible coating and its possible combination with two modified atmosphere packaging (MAP), in order to extend shelf life, maintaining the quality, of strawberries during the storage at 4 °C.RESULTSThis pectin coating, formed with only calcium and/or stevia or saccharin, extended the shelf life of strawberries with respect to uncoating fruits, up to 12 days, keeping the microbial load constant, the firmness and less weight loss. With the same edible coatings, the shelf life of strawberries was extended up to 23 days when they were combined with MAP [10% carbon dioxide (CO2), 85% nitrogen (N2) and 5% oxygen (O2)], maintaining the quality of strawberries, while the other MAP, with a higher CO2 concentration (20% CO2, 75% N2 and 5% O2), had no effect.CONCLUSIONSThese results highlight the suitability of the combination of edible pectin coating combined with MAP to obtain an important shelf life extension, maintaining the good quality of the fruit. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Propagation and characterization of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores within maize plant (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Fasusi Oluwaseun Adeyinka , Amoo Adenike Eunice , Babalola Olubukola Oluranti 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDThe harmful effect of chemical fertilizer application on human health and the environment as a modern method of meeting the food demand of the increasing world population demands an urgent alternative that is environmentally friendly, which will pose no harm to human health and the environment. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) are beneficial soil microorganisms that provide various ecological functions in increasing soil fertility and enhancing plant growth. This present study aimed to propagate, characterize and examine the effect of viable arbuscular mycorrhizal fungal spores on maize (Zea mays L) hosts using molecular methods. The propagation of AMF in the host plant using sterile soil and vermiculite was conducted in the greenhouse.RESULTThe effect of AMF inoculation revealed a significant difference (P > 0.05) in maize growth, root colonization and AMF spore count when compared with the control. In all the parameters measured in this study, all the AMF spores propagated had a positive effect on the maize plant over the control, with the highest value mostly recorded in Rhizophagus irregularis AOB1. The molecular characterization of the spore using a specific universal primer for Glomeromycota established the success of the propagation process, which enhanced the classification of the AMF species into Rhizophagus irregularis OAB1, Glomus mosseae OAB2 and Paraglomus occultum OAB3.CONCLUSIONThis finding will be a starting point in producing arbuscular mycorrhizal inoculum as a biofertilizer to enhance plant growth promotion. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A laboratory course on information display technologies for remote learning
Authors: Kam Kevin A. , Kumar Vikrant , Lamport Zachary A. , Kymissis Ioannis 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConducting remote laboratory‐based courses in electronics is a major challenge primarily because of the hardware requirements. This paper describes a laboratory course on information display technologies specially designed and implemented for remote learning. The course was successfully offered during the COVID‐19 lockdown and has an online instruction component to introduce the concepts, as well as a laboratory part involving hands‐on work. The course covers experiments on fundamental concepts related to perception and color, liquid crystal displays (LCD), light‐emitting diodes (LEDs), and a final project where a mechanical display is designed and built. Course assessment based on an anonymous survey shows the hands‐on work enhanced the student learning and improved course understanding from an average of 2.5/5 measured at the start of the course to 4/5 at the end.
Childhood cancer survivors face markedly worse overall survival after diagnosis with breast cancer, melanoma, or colorectal cancer
Authors: Lynch Kevin T. , Kane William J. , Fleming Mark A. , Desai Raj P. , Showalter Shayna L. , Slingluff Craig L. , Levin Daniel E. , Hedrick Traci L. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundChildhood cancer survivors (CCS) are at elevated risk of secondary malignancies (SM). Enhanced screening for SM is recommended, but compliance is poor. We hypothesized that CCS with adult‐onset SM (colorectal cancer [CRC], melanoma, or breast cancer [BC]) would present with more advanced disease and have decreased overall survival (OS).MethodsThe Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results Program was queried for patients diagnosed with cancer at age less than or equal to 18 also diagnosed with adult‐onset CRC, melanoma, or BC. A cohort without a history of prior malignancy was likewise identified. Tumor features and clinical outcomes were compared.ResultsCCS with a SM (n = 224) were compared with patients without a childhood cancer history (n = 1,392,670). CCS were diagnosed younger (BC = 37.6 vs. 61.3, p < 0.01, CRC = 35.0 vs. 67.1, p < 0.01, melanoma = 29.6 vs. 61.3 years old, p < 0.01). CCS with BC were more likely to have Stage III or IV disease (25.2% vs. 16.5%, p = 0.01). Hormone‐receptor expression also differed; CCS were less likely to develop Luminal A‐type tumors (48.6% vs. 66.9%, p = 0.01). After age‐adjustment, CCS had worse OS (Hazard ratio: CRC = 2.449, p < 0.01, melanoma = 6.503, p < 0.01, BC = 3.383, p < 0.01).ConclusionCCS were younger when diagnosed with a SM. After age‐adjustment, OS was diminished. Heightened surveillance may be necessary for CCS diagnosed with SM.
Application of augmented reality (AR) technology to locate the cutaneous perforator of anterolateral thigh perforator flap: A case report
Authors: Nuri Takashi , Mitsuno Daisuke , Iwanaga Hiroyuki , Otsuki Yuki , Ueda Koichi 
Published: March 2021

AbstractMulti‐detector row computed tomography (MDCT) makes it possible to visualize the peripheral perforators of the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap. However, to transfer the preoperative MDCT angiography data to the operative field requires effective techniques. In this report, we describe an application of augmented reality (AR) technology to harvest the anterolateral thigh flap. A 36‐year‐old female presented with a T2N2 squamous cell carcinoma of the lateral tongue. The patient underwent hemiglossectomy and microsurgical reconstruction using the left ALT flap. Three dimensional (3D) images the vascular image, vascular with muscles and vascular with outline of the thigh ware prepared. Then these images were exposed to an AR device. The location of the perforator was determined using the 3D vascular image on AR. The intraoperative location of the cutaneous perforator corresponded with the predicted location which was confirmed using the AR technique. A 6 × 15 cm left ALT flap was transferred to the defect. Microsurgical anastomosis was performed on the left superior thyroid artery and the internal jugular vein. There were no complications during the postoperative course. At the 6‐month follow‐up, the patient showed no evidence of flap and donor site complications. Our experience suggests that AR technology may effectively support the transfer of MDCT angiography images onto surgical sites.
An Integrative in silico Drug Repurposing Approach for Identification of Potential Inhibitors of SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease
Authors: Djokovic Nemanja , Ruzic Dusan , Djikic Teodora , Cvijic Sandra , Ignjatovic Jelisaveta , Ibric Svetlana , Baralic Katarina , Buha Djordjevic Aleksandra , Curcic Marijana , Djukic‐Cosic Danijela , Nikolic Katarina 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConsidering the urgent need for novel therapeutics in ongoing COVID‐19 pandemic, drug repurposing approach might offer rapid solutions comparing to de novo drug design. In this study, we designed an integrative in silico drug repurposing approach for rapid selection of potential candidates against SARS‐CoV‐2 Main Protease (Mpro). To screen FDA‐approved drugs, we implemented structure‐based molecular modelling techniques, physiologically‐based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling of drugs disposition and data mining analysis of drug‐gene‐COVID‐19 association. Through presented approach, we selected the most promising FDA approved drugs for further COVID‐19 drug development campaigns and analysed them in context of available experimental data. To the best of our knowledge, this is unique in silico study which integrates structure‐based molecular modeling of Mpro inhibitors with predictions of their tissue disposition, drug‐gene‐COVID‐19 associations and prediction of pleiotropic effects of selected candidates.
Algebraic multigrid methods for saddle point systems arising from mortar contact formulations
Authors: Wiesner Tobias A. , Mayr Matthias , Popp Alexander , Gee Michael W. , Wall Wolfgang A. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractIn this article, a fully aggregation‐based algebraic multigrid strategy is developed for nonlinear contact problems of saddle point type using a mortar finite element approach. While the idea of extending multigrid methods to saddle point systems can already be found, for example, in the context of Stokes and Oseen equations in literature, the main contributions of this work are (i) the development and open‐source implementation of an interface aggregation strategy specifically suited for generating Lagrange multiplier aggregates that are required for coupling structural equilibrium equations with contact constraints and (ii) a review of saddle point smoothers in the context of constrained interface problems. The new interface aggregation strategy perfectly fits into an aggregation‐based multigrid framework and can easily be combined with segregated transfer operators, which allow to preserve the saddle point structure on the coarse levels. Further analysis provides insight into saddle point smoothers applied to contact problems, while numerical experiments illustrate the robustness of the new method. We have implemented the proposed algorithm within the MueLu package of the open‐source Trilinos project. Numerical examples demonstrate the robustness of the proposed method in complex dynamic contact problems as well as its scalability up to 23.9 million unknowns on 480 MPI ranks.
The development of a shortened, Korean version of the Anticipated Turnover Scale for hospital nurses
Authors: Nam Sujin , Kim Heejung , Hong Soyun , Wong Janet Yuen Ha , Fong Daniel Yee Tak 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis study was a psychometric validation of a Korean version of the Anticipated Turnover Scale (ATS) involving translation, transcultural adaptation, and validation. We used data from a cross‐sectional online survey of 287 Korean practicing nurses in hospitals. Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) assessed the validity of the one‐factor structure that was hypothesized in the original version. We removed any items that did not enhance the scale's reliability and validity. Test and retest reliability was performed on 206 of the nurses who completed the survey again two weeks later. The mean age of the 287 nurses was 33 years, and 278 (97%) of them were female. The final 6‐item Korean version of the ATS demonstrated a satisfactory model fit in the CFA (χ2 = 22.67; degree of freedom = 9; goodness‐of‐fit index= 0.97; comparative fit index = 0.98; Tucker–Lewis Index = 0.97; root mean square error of approximation = 0.07; and standard root mean residual = 0.03). The intraclass correlation coefficient with the test–retest reliability for the 2‐week interval was 0.81, with a good internal consistency (Cronbach's alpha = 0.85; McDonald's omega coefficient reliability = 0.92). The 6‐item revised ATS is a reliable and valid scale to assess the turnover intention of Korean nurses who work in hospitals. It can be used in an acute setting and predict the anticipated turnover rate for monitoring purposes.
Regional differences in pediatric asthma hospital admissions: National data from Israel 1996–2017
Authors: Reiter Joel , Karakis Isabella , Grotto Itamar , Novack Lena , Haklai Ziona , Applbaum Yael , Steiman Ada , Gordon Ethel‐Sherry , Riener Eva , Kerem Eitan , Cohen‐Cymberknoh Malena 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBackgroundAsthma is a common chronic childhood illness and frequent cause of hospitalization. A decline in hospital admission rates was noted up to the 1990s, however, trends are not as clear since the turn of the century. This study aimed to assess the rates and regional differences of asthma admissions over more than two decades using the national Ministry of Health database, which registers data from all the hospitals.MethodsA retrospective cohort study, analysis of all pediatric asthma admissions, for Patients 1–14 years old, between 1996 and 2017 as recorded by the National Hospital Discharge Registry, was performed. Asthma admission rates were calculated per 1000 age adjusted residents, using the number of admission cases as the numerator, and age specific population size as the denominator.ResultsThe annual asthma hospitalization rate decreased in the entire pediatric population from 2.14 in 1996–0.89 in 2017. Children in the 1–4 year age group comprised most of the hospital admissions, and most of the decline was attributable to this age group. Significant differences in hospitalizations were found between different regions as well as differences in the rate of decline in asthma hospitalizations with the lowest admission rate in the Jerusalem district, highest in Haifa, northern and southern Israeli regions and the greatest rate of decline in the Tel‐Aviv district.ConclusionThis nationwide study, over more than two decades, shows clear regional differences in the rates of asthma admissions as well as regional differences in the rates of decline.
Multiple sites on SARS‐CoV‐2 spike protein are susceptible to proteolysis by cathepsins B, K, L, S, and V
Authors: Bollavaram Keval , Leeman Tiffanie H. , Lee Maggie W. , Kulkarni Akhil , Upshaw Sophia G. , Yang Jiabei , Song Hannah , Platt Manu O. 
Published: March 2021

AbstractSARS‐CoV‐2 is the coronavirus responsible for the COVID‐19 pandemic. Proteases are central to the infection process of SARS‐CoV‐2. Cleavage of the spike protein on the virus's capsid causes the conformational change that leads to membrane fusion and viral entry into the target cell. Since inhibition of one protease, even the dominant protease like TMPRSS2, may not be sufficient to block SARS‐CoV‐2 entry into cells, other proteases that may play an activating role and hydrolyze the spike protein must be identified. We identified amino acid sequences in all regions of spike protein, including the S1/S2 region critical for activation and viral entry, that are susceptible to cleavage by furin and cathepsins B, K, L, S, and V using PACMANS, a computational platform that identifies and ranks preferred sites of proteolytic cleavage on substrates, and verified with molecular docking analysis and immunoblotting to determine if binding of these proteases can occur on the spike protein that were identified as possible cleavage sites. Together, this study highlights cathepsins B, K, L, S, and V for consideration in SARS‐CoV‐2 infection and presents methodologies by which other proteases can be screened to determine a role in viral entry. This highlights additional proteases to be considered in COVID‐19 studies, particularly regarding exacerbated damage in inflammatory preconditions where these proteases are generally upregulated.
Intercropped Bt and non‐Bt corn with ruzigrass (Urochloa ruziziensis) as a tool to resistance management of Spodoptera frugiperda (JE Smith, 1797) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Authors: Jacques Filipe L , Degrande Paulo E , Gauer Evandro , Malaquias José B , Scoton Ana Maria N 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDCorn intercropped with ruzigrass is common in Brazil, and it can improve the physicochemical features of soils, increase water retention, and suppress the emergence of resistant weeds and soil nematodes. As both corn and ruzigrass are hosts to Spodoptera frugiperda (the main corn pest in South America), the cultivation of both these plants in the same place at one time motivates investigation into the pest population dynamics. We hypothesize that the intercropping system influences S. frugiperda pressure and leaf injury in corn. Considering that if corn hybrids with high dose toxin expression are used, ruzigrass may be a potential host to susceptible S. frugiperda larvae, consequently an alternative refuge and be included as a tool for the resistant management of Bt corn. To test these hypotheses about the use of ruzigrass as an alternative host of S. frugiperda in an intercropping system with corn, we conducted field trials in three seasons to verify S. frugiperda population dynamics and leaf injury to crop systems. In addition to phenotypic evaluation, we also characterized molecularly S. frugiperda strains collected in corn and ruzigrass to identify strain differences.RESULTSThe insects collected in both corn and ruzigrass were identified as corn strains. Ruzigrass was used as a S. frugiperda host during all crop cycles. The intercropped system did not increase the S. frugiperda population or leaf injury on Bt corn.CONCLUSIONThe results suggest that the intercropped system is not prejudicial to Bt corn cultivation since high dose concept applies to all larvae instars. The results also suggest that ruzigrass may be used as a promising alternative refuge in Bt corn agroecosystems, if compliance with management strategies is followed. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Evaluation of sublethal and transgenerational effects of sulfoxaflor on Aphis gossypii via life table parameters and 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Shang Jiao , Yao Yong‐Sheng , Zhu Xiang‐Zhen , Wang Li , Li Dong‐Yang , Zhang Kai‐Xin , Gao Xue‐Ke , Wu Chang‐Cai , Niu Lin , Ji Ji‐Chao , Luo Jun‐Yu , Cui Jin‐Jie 
Published: March 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDAphis gossypii, a polyphagous and recurrent pest induced by pesticides, causes tremendous loss crop yields each year. Previous studies on the mechanism of pesticide‐induced sublethal effects mainly focus on the gene level. The symbiotic bacteria are also important participants of this mechanism, but their roles in hormesis are still unclear.RESULTSIn this study, life table parameters and 16S rRNA sequencing were applied to evaluate the sublethal and transgenerational effects of sulfoxaflor on adult A. gossypii after 24‐h LC20 (6.96 mg L−1) concentration exposure. The results indicated that the LC20 of sulfoxaflor significantly reduced the finite rate of increase (λ) and net reproductive rate (R0) of parent generation (G0), and significantly increased mean generation time (T) of G1 and G2, but not of G3 and G4. Both reproductive period and fecundity of G1 and G2 were significantly higher than those of the control. Furthermore, our sequencing data revealed that more than 95% bacterial communities were dominated by the phylum Proteobacteria, in which the maximum proportion genus was the primary symbiont Buchnera and the facultative symbiont Arsenophonus. Compared to those of the control, the abundance and composition of symbiotic bacteria of A. gossypii for three successive generations (G0–G2) were changed after G0 A. gossypii was exposed to sulfoxaflor: the diversity of the bacterial community was decreased, but the abundance of Buchnera was increased (G0), while the abundance of Arsenophonus was decreased. Contrary to G0, G1 and G2 cotton aphid exhibited an increased relative abundance of Arsenophonus in the sublethal treatment group.CONCLUSIONTaken together, our results provide an insight into the interactions among pesticide resistance, aphids, and symbionts, which will eventually help to better manage the resurgence of A. gossypii. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
A tale of three villages: Local housing policies, well‐being and encounters between residents and immigrants
Authors: Ulceluse Magdalena , Bock Bettina , Haartsen Tialda 
Published: March 2021

AbstractThis article examines how the location, function and quality of immigrant accommodation facilities, regulated by local housing policies, shape the perceived effects of immigration on the well‐being of residents and immigrants in three villages in the Netherlands. Drawing on semistructured interviews with local government representatives, residents and Romanian and Polish immigrants, we show how the different locations of the immigrant accommodations condition social interactions between residents and immigrants and, in this process, reinforce social hierarchies and inequalities. We illustrate how, sometimes unintentionally, spatial policies prepare the stage for conflicts to arise between immigrants and residents, shaping the latter's experiences of migration irrespective of the behaviour of the former. For immigrants, the location of their accommodation sets the limits to what they can do in terms of private behaviour and social relations, exposing them to social control and evaluation.