bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, antioxidants, and/or non‐steroidal inflammatory drugs in the brain of neonatal rats exposed to intermittent hypoxia
Authors: Manlapaz‐Mann Alex , Cai Charles L. , Bodkin Darren , Mustafa Ghassan , Aranda Jacob V. , Beharry Kay D. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractPreterm infants experience frequent arterial oxygen desaturations during oxygen therapy, or intermittent hypoxia (IH). Neonatal IH increases oxidative distress which contributes to neuroinflammation and brain injury. We tested the hypotheses that exposure to neonatal IH is detrimental to the immature brain and that early supplementation with antioxidants and/or omega 3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (n‐3 PUFAs) combined with non‐steroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is protective. Newborn rats were exposed to brief hypoxia (12% O2) during hyperoxia (50% O2) from the first day of life (P0) until P14 during which they received daily oral supplementation with antioxidants, namely coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) or glutathione nanoparticles (nGSH), n‐3 PUFAs and/or topical ocular ketorolac. Placebo controls received daily oral olive oil and topical ocular saline. Room air (RA) littermates remained in 21% O2 from birth to P21 with all treatments identical. At P14 animals were allowed to recover in RA until P21 with no further treatment. Whole brains were harvested for histopathology and morphometric analyses, and assessed for biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as myelin injury. Neonatal IH resulted in higher brain/body weight ratios, an effect that was reversed with n‐3 PUFAs and n‐3 PUFAs+CoQ10 with or without ketorolac. Neonatal IH was also associated with hemorrhage, oxidative stress, and elevations in inflammatory prostanoids. Supplementation with n‐3 PUFAs and nGSH with and without ketorolac were most beneficial for myelin growth and integrity when administered in RA. However, the benefit of n‐3 PUFAs was significantly curtailed in neonatal IH. Neonatal IH during a critical time of brain development causes inflammation and oxidative injury. Loss of therapeutic benefits of n‐3 PUFAs suggest its susceptibility to oxidation in neonatal IH and therefore indicate that co‐administration with antioxidants may be necessary to sustain its efficacy.
Engineering stress culture: Relationships among mental health, engineering identity, and sense of inclusion
Authors: Jensen Karin J. , Cross Kelly J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundStress is commonly experienced by college students, especially engineering students. However, the role of stress within engineering culture and its implications for engineering programs have not been fully explored in the literature.Purpose/HypothesisThe purpose of this study was to measure and examine the relationships among self‐reported stress, anxiety, and depression; engineering identity; and perceptions of inclusion of undergraduate engineering students.Design/MethodWe validated a quantitative survey instrument built on previously published scales and used it to measure self‐reported stress, anxiety, and depression; engineering identity; and perceptions of inclusion.ResultsOur findings indicate that self‐reported levels of stress, anxiety, and depression are high for engineering students. Further, levels of stress and anxiety are significantly higher for female students, while levels of depression are higher for first‐generation students. We find correlations between self‐reported mental health symptoms, engineering identity, and perceptions of inclusion, and these relationships differ by gender. Lastly, we find that students underrepresented in engineering rate their departments as less diverse than their peers.ConclusionsOur results suggest that perceptions of inclusion and engineering identity are related to student mental health, further emphasizing the importance of developing inclusive cultures in engineering programs. The findings suggest that mental health needs greater attention in engineering education, particularly for female and first‐generation students.
Constructive alignment between holistic competency development and assessment in Hong Kong engineering education
Authors: Chan Cecilia K. Y. , Lee Katherine K. W. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBackgroundHolistic competencies comprise various holistic skills (e.g., communication) and positive values and attitudes (e.g., empathy). There have been increasing efforts worldwide to foster students' holistic competency development within engineering curricula. While recent studies indicate a positive shift, it remains unclear whether such efforts are driven by only a handful of individuals or more widely supported by systemic changes to constructively align competency development with the engineering curriculum.Purpose/HypothesisThis study investigates the extent to which endeavors to promote holistic competency development in Hong Kong's tertiary engineering education are supported by a broader, constructively aligned curricular system. The three key components of constructive alignment developed by Biggs in 2003—intended outcomes, teaching activities, and assessment—form the conceptual framework guiding this study.Design/MethodThis study conducted document analysis of 245 engineering courses and interviews with five engineering instructors from three Hong Kong universities.ResultsOnly 34 of 245 syllabi analyzed incorporated holistic competencies in their intended outcomes. These outcomes were associated with both traditional and experiential pedagogies but were not matched with direct or explicit assessments. Data show that program leaders' conceptions of holistic competencies, instructor's limited capabilities, and issues assessing competencies pose challenges to constructive alignment.ConclusionsChallenges for achieving constructive alignment and recommendations for addressing them are discussed. Our findings highlight the need to train all levels of engineering instructors in student holistic competency development, to acquaint instructors with industrial experiences and expectations, to develop top‐down and bottom‐up reforms to refine engineering curricula, and to provide increased recognition for teaching quality and efforts.
Tails of reproduction: Regeneration leads to increased reproductive investment
Authors: Beatty Abby E. , Mote David M. , Schwartz Tonia S. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTrade‐offs between life‐history traits are due to limited resources or constraints in the regulation of genetic and physiological networks. Tail autotomy, with subsequent regeneration, is a common anti‐predation mechanism in lizards and is predicted to trade‐off with life‐history traits, such as reproduction. We utilize the brown anole lizard with its unusual reproductive pattern of single‐egg clutches every 7–10 days to test for a trade‐off in reproductive investment over 8 weeks of tail regeneration on a limited diet. In contrast to predictions, we found that investing in tissue regeneration had a positive effect on reproduction in terms of egg size (11.7% relative to controls) and hatchling size (11.5% relative to controls), and no effect on egg number or survival, with the increase in reproduction starting at peak regeneration. We discuss mechanistic hypotheses that the process of regeneration may cause increased energetic efficiency or utilized shared physiological pathways with reproductive investment.
SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia in children: An Iranian referral hospital‐based study
Authors: Pourakbari Babak , Mahmoudi Shima , Mahmoudieh Yasmine , Eshaghi Hamid , Navaeian Amene , Rostamyan Maryam , Mamishi Setareh 
Published: May 2021

AbstractAlthough severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) RNA is generally detected in nasopharyngeal swabs, viral RNA can be found in other samples including blood. Recently, associations between SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia and disease severity and mortality have been reported in adults, while no reports are available in pediatric patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). The aim of this study was to evaluate the mortality, severity, clinical, and laboratory findings of SARS‐CoV‐2 RNA detection in blood in 96 pediatric patients with confirmed COVID‐19. Among all patients, 6 (6%) had SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia. Out of the six patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia, four (67%) had a severe form of the disease, and two out of the 6 patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia passed away (33%). Our results show that the symptoms more commonly found in the cases of COVID‐19 in the study (fever, cough, tachypnea, and vomiting), were found at a higher percentage in the patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia. Creatine phosphokinase and magnesium tests showed significant differences between the positive and negative SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia groups. Among all laboratory tests, magnesium and creatine phosphokinase could better predict SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAemia with area under the curve levels of 0.808 and 0.748, respectively. In conclusion, 67% of individuals with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia showed a severe COVID‐19 and one‐third of the patients with SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia passed away. Our findings suggest that magnesium and creatine phosphokinase might be considered as markers to estimate the SARS‐CoV‐2 RNAaemia.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19): A systematic review of 133 Children that presented with Kawasaki‐like multisystem inflammatory syndrome
Authors: Keshavarz Pedram , Yazdanpanah Fereshteh , Azhdari Sara , Kavandi Hadiseh , Nikeghbal Parisa , Bazyar Amir , Rafiee Faranak , Nejati Seyed Faraz , Sadabad Faranak Ebrahimian , Rezaei Nima 
Published: May 2021

AbstractKawasaki‐like disease (KLD) and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS‐C) are considered as challenges for pediatric patients under the age of 18 infected with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). A systematic search was performed on July 2, 2020, and updated on December 1, 2020, to identify studies on KLD/MIS‐C associated with COVID‐19. The databases of Scopus, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and Scholar were searched. The hospitalized children with a presentation of Kawasaki disease (KD), KLD, MIS‐C, or inflammatory shock syndromes were included. A total number of 133 children in 45 studies were reviewed. A total of 74 (55.6%) cases had been admitted to pediatric intensive care units (PICUs). Also, 49 (36.8%) patients had required respiratory support, of whom 31 (23.3%) cases had required mechanical ventilation/intubation, 18 (13.5%) cases had required other oxygen therapies. In total, 79 (59.4%) cases had been discharged from hospitals, 3 (2.2%) had been readmitted, 9 (6.7%) had been hospitalized at the time of the study, and 9 (6.7%) patients had expired due to the severe heart failure, shock, brain infarction. Similar outcomes had not been reported in other patients. Approximately two‐thirds of the children with KLD associated with COVID‐19 had been admitted to PICUs, around one‐fourth of them had required mechanical ventilation/intubation, and even some of them had been required readmissions. Therefore, physicians are strongly recommended to monitor children that present with the characteristics of KD during the pandemic as they can be the dominant manifestations in children with COVID‐19.
Testing for differences between two distributions in the presence of serial correlation using theKolmogorov–Smirnovand Kuiper's tests
Authors: Lanzante John R. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractTesting for differences between two states is a staple of climate research, for example, applying a Student'sttest to test for the differences in means. A more general approach is to test for differences in the entire distributions. Increasingly, this latter approach is being used in the context of climate change research where some societal impacts may be more sensitive to changes further from the centre of the distribution. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov (KS) test, probably the most widely‐used method in distributional testing, along with the closely related, but lesser known Kuiper's (KU) test are examined here. These, like most common statistical tests, assume that the data to which they are applied consist of independent observations. Unfortunately, commonly used data such as daily time series of temperature typically violate this assumption due to day‐to‐day autocorrelation. This work explores the consequences of this. Three variants of the KS and KU tests are explored: the traditional approach ignoring autocorrelation, use of an ‘effective sample size’ based on the lag‐1 autocorrelation, and Monte Carlo simulations employing a first order autoregressive model appropriate to a variety of data commonly used in climate science. Results indicate that large errors in inferences are possible when the temporal coherence is ignored. The guidance and materials provided here can be used to anticipate the magnitude of the errors. Bias caused by the errors can be mitigated via easy to use ‘look‐up’ tables or more broadly through application of polynomial coefficients fit to the simulation results.
Skeletal muscle cellular contractile dysfunction after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction contributes to quadriceps weakness at 6‐month follow‐up
Authors: Tourville Timothy W. , Voigt Thomas B. , Choquette Rebecca H. , Failla Mathew J. , Endres Nathan K. , Slauterbeck James R. , Beynnon Bruce D. , Toth Michael J. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMuscle dysfunction following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) may evolve from alterations in muscle contractility at the myofilament protein level. Using a prospective, within‐subject case–control design, we evaluated cellular‐level contractility, cross‐sectional area (CSA), and myosin heavy chain (MHC) isoform expression on single muscle fibers 3 weeks post ACLR, and evaluated their relationship to whole muscle strength and patient‐oriented outcomes 6 months post operation. Biopsies of the vastus lateralis were performed 3 weeks post ACLR in 11 subjects (5 females, mean age ± SD = 24.7 ± 6.5 years, height = 172.7 ± 8.2 cm, mass = 75.7 ± 12.5 kg) following first‐time ACL rupture and whole muscle strength and self‐reported pain, function, and quality of life assessed 6 months post ACLR. At 3 weeks post ACLR, force production was reduced (p < 0.01) in MHC I (−36%) and IIA (−48%) fibers compared with the non‐injured leg. When force production was expressed relative to CSA to account for fiber atrophy, reductions remained in MHC IIA fibers (−40%; p < 0.001), but MHC I fibers showed only a trend toward being lower (−13%; p = 0.09). Finally, skeletal muscle fiber functional deficits at 3 weeks post ACLR were associated with whole muscle weakness and less favorable patient‐reported outcomes at 6‐month follow‐up. Thus, ACLR promotes early cellular contractile dysfunction that may contribute to decreased whole muscle strength and patient function, and increased patient‐reported symptoms, at 6‐month follow‐up.
Human meniscus allograft augmentation by allogeneic mesenchymal stromal/stem cell injections
Authors: Struijk Caroline , Van Genechten Wouter , Verdonk Peter , Krych Aaron J. , Dietz Allan B. , van Wijnen Andre J. , Saris Daniel B. F. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractMeniscus allograft transplantations (MATs) represent established surgical procedures with proven outcomes. Yet, storage as frozen specimens and limited cellular repopulation may impair graft viability. This proof‐of‐concept study tests the feasibility of injecting allogeneic mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) in meniscus allograft tissue. We investigated the injectable cell quantity, survival rate, migration, and proliferation ability of MSCs up to 28 days of incubation. In this controlled laboratory study, seven fresh‐frozen human allografts were injected with human allogeneic MSCs. Cells were labeled and histological characteristics were microscopically imaged up to 28 days. Mock‐injected menisci were included as negative controls in each experiment. Toluidine blue staining demonstrated that a 100‐µl volume can be injected while retracting and rotating the inserted needle. Immediately after injection, labeled MSCs were distributed throughout the injection channel and eventually migrated into the surrounding tissues. Histological assessment revealed that MSCs cluster in disc‐like shapes, parallel to the intrinsic lamination of the meniscus and around the vascular network. Quantification showed that more than 60% of cells were present in horizontally injected grafts and more than 30% were observed in vertically injected samples. On Day 14, cells adopted a spindle‐shaped morphology and exhibited proliferative and migratory behaviors. On Day 28, live/dead ratio assessment revealed an approximately 80% cell survival. The study demonstrated the feasibility of injecting doses of MSCs (>0.1 million) in meniscus allograft tissue with active cell proliferation, migration, and robust cell survival.
Artificial intelligence and carbon footprints: Roadmap for Indian agriculture
Authors: Mor Surender , Madan Sonu , Prasad Kumar Dharmendra 
Published: May 2021

AbstractArtificial intelligence technology in the agricultural sector can reduce carbon emissions from agrarian activities and revitalize the whole industry. The Indian agricultural sector has become costly, time‐consuming, and outdated owing to the global warming process. The deployment of AI technology in Indian agriculture is still a distant dream, given the peculiarities like small‐size farms, traditional farming methods, lack of credit, storage facilities, and the decision maker's risk‐seeking attitude. AI solutions need to be delivered at the farmers' doorstep in their local language, with proper training, input support, and in collective/cooperative manner for realizing sustainable and green agriculture.
Long‐term continuous cropping affects ecoenzymatic stoichiometry of microbial nutrient acquisition: a case study from a Chinese Mollisol
Authors: Chen Xu , Han Xiaozeng , Lu Xinchun , Yan Jun , Biswas Asim , Zou Wenxiu 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDSoil‐ and plant‐produced extracellular enzymes drive nutrient cycling in soils and are assumed to regulate supply and demand for carbon (C) and nutrients within the soil. Thus, agriculture management decisions that alter the balance of plant and supplemental nutrients should directly alter extracellular enzyme activities (EEAs), and EEA stoichiometry in predictable ways. We used a 12‐year experiment that varyied three major continuous grain crops (wheat, soybean, and maize), each crossed with mineral fertilizer (WCF, SCF and MCF, respectively) or not fertilized (WC, SC and MC, respectively, as controls). In response, we measured the phospholipid fatty acids (PLFAs), EEAs and their stoichiometry to examine the changes to soil microbial nutrient demand under the continuous cropping of crops, which differed with respect to the input of plant litter and fertilizer.RESULTSFertilizer generally decreased soil microbial biomass and enzyme activity compared to non‐fertilized soil. According to enzyme stoichiometry, microbial nutrient demand was generally C‐ and phosphorus (P)‐limited, but not nitrogen (N)‐limited. However, the degree of microbial resource limitation differed among the three crops. The enzymatic C:N ratio was significantly lower by 13.3% and 26.8%, whereas the enzymatic N:P ratio was significantly higher by 9.9% and 42.4%, in MCF than in WCF and SCF, respectively. The abundances of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi and aerobic PLFAs were significantly higher in MCF than in WCF and SCF.CONCLUSIONThese findings are crucial for characterizing enzymatic activities and their stoichiometries that drive microbial metabolism with respect to understanding soil nutrient cycles and environmental conditions and optimizing practices of agricultural management. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Effects of vacuum packaging storage of minimally processed cassava roots at various temperatures on microflora, tissue structure, starch extraction by wet milling and granule quality
Authors: Odoch Martin , Buys Elna M , Taylor John RN 
Published: May 2021

AbstractBACKGROUNDVacuum package storage is commonly applied to reduce postharvest deterioration in minimally processed cassava roots. However, the influence of vacuum packaging conditions on root end‐use quality is poorly understood. Hence, the effects of vacuum packaged storage at ambient, refrigerated and freezing temperatures on microflora, cassava tissue structure and starch extraction by wet milling were studied.RESULTSVacuum packaged storage temperature strongly affected cassava root quality. Minimal adverse effects were obtained with frozen storage. With refrigerated storage, there was negligible microbial growth but some disruption of the parenchyma cell wall structure suggestive of chilling injury. With ambient temperature storage, there was considerable Lactobacilli dominated fermentation. This caused substantial cell degradation, probably due to the production of extracellular cellulolytic and other cell wall degrading enzymes. A benefit of this cell wall breakdown was that it substantially improved starch extraction with wet milling from the stored cassava pieces; by 18% with pieces that had been ambient vacuum packaged and wet milled using a 2000 μm opening screen. However, ambient temperature storage resulted in some starch granule pitting due to the action of extracellular amylases from the fermenting microorganisms.CONCLUSIONThe best vacuum packaging storage conditions for minimally processed cassava depends on application and cost. For short‐term storage, refrigeration would be best for vegetable‐type products. For several months storage, freezing is best. For wet milling applications, this could be combined with subsequent short‐term ambient temperature storage as it improves starch extraction efficiency and could reduce distribution energy costs. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Sulfur cycling in oceanic oxygen minimum zones
Authors: Callbeck Cameron M. , Canfield Donald E. , Kuypers Marcel M. M. , Yilmaz Pelin , Lavik Gaute , Thamdrup Bo , Schubert Carsten J. , Bristow Laura A. 
Published: May 2021

AbstractThe sulfur cycle is an important, although understudied facet of today's modern oxygen minimum zones (OMZs). Sulfur cycling is most active in highly productive coastal OMZs where sulfide‐rich sediments interact with the overlying water column, forming a tightly coupled benthic‐pelagic sulfur cycle. In such productive coastal systems, highly eutrophic and anoxic conditions can result in the benthic release of sulfide leading to an intensification of OMZ‐shelf biogeochemistry. Active blooms involving a succession of sulfide‐oxidizing bacteria detoxify sulfide and reduce nitrate to N2, while generating nitrite and ammonium that augment anammox and nitrification. Furthermore, the abiotic interactions of sulfide with trace metals may have the potential to moderate nitrous oxide emissions. While sulfide/sulfur accumulation events were previously considered to be rare, new evidence indicates that events can develop in OMZ shelf waters over prolonged periods of anoxia. The prevalence of these events has ramifications for nitrogen loss and greenhouse gas emissions, including other linked cycles involving carbon and phosphorous. Sulfur‐based metabolisms and activity also extend into the offshore OMZ as a result of particle microniches and lateral transport processes. Moreover, OMZ waters ubiquitously host a community of organosulfur‐based heterotrophs that ostensibly moderate the turnover of organic sulfur, offering an exciting avenue for future research. Our synthesis highlights the widespread distribution and multifaceted nature of the sulfur cycle in oceanic OMZs.