bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Effects of self-isolation and quarantine on loot box spending and excessive gaming—results of a natural experiment
Authors: Hall Lauren C. , Drummond Aaron , Sauer James D. , Ferguson Christopher J. 
Published: February 2021

COVID-19 has prompted widespread self-isolation and citywide/countrywide lockdowns. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has encouraged increased digital social activities such as video game play to counteract social isolation during the pandemic. However, there is active debate about the potential for video game overuse, and some video games contain randomised purchases (loot boxes) that may psychologically approximate gambling. In this pre-registered study, we examined the effects of self-isolation and quarantine on excessive gaming and loot box spending. We recruited 1,144 (619 male, 499 female, 26 other) Australian, Aotearoa New Zealand, and US residents who self reported being quarantined or self-isolating (n = 447) or not (n = 619) during the COVID-19 pandemic to a cross-sectional natural experiment. We compared the associations between problem gambling symptomology, excessive gaming and loot box spending for isolated and non-isolated participants. Participants completed the Kessler-10 Psychological Distress Scale, Problem Gambling Severity Index, Internet Gaming Disorder Checklist, a measure of risky engagement with loot boxes, concern about contamination, and reported money spent on loot boxes in the past month, as well as whether they were quarantined or under self-isolation during the pandemic. Although, in our data, excessive gaming and loot box spending were not higher for isolated (self-isolated/ quarantined) compared to non-isolated gamers, the established association between problem gambling symptomology and loot box spending was stronger among isolated gamers than those not isolated. Concerns about being contaminated by germs was also significantly associated with greater excessive gaming and, to a lesser extent, loot box spending irrespective of isolation status. Gamers might be managing concerns about the pandemic with greater video game use, and more problem gamblers may be purchasing loot boxes during the pandemic. It is unclear whether these relationships may represent temporary coping mechanisms which abate when COVID-19 ends. Re-examination as the pandemic subsides may be required. More generally, the results suggest that social isolation during the pandemic may inflate the effect size of some media psychology and gaming effects. We urge caution not to generalise psychological findings from research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic to be necessarily representative of the magnitude of relationships when not in a pandemic.
Leaf Litter Production and Nutrient Return in Coffee (Coffea canephora) Plantations of Different Ages in Ibadan, Nigeria
Authors: Iloyanomon Cecilia Isibhakhomen , Taiwo Nnenna , Ogbeide Christerbeth Edugie 
Published: February 2021

This study investigates the role of leaf litter and its nutrient input on soil fertility levels in coffee plantations of different ages in Ibadan, Nigeria. Four coffee plantations of 11, 19, 24 and 51 years were selected for the study. Each plantation was divided into four blocks where leaf litter, soil and plant samples were collected and analyzed for nutrient .Results indicated that mean total leaf litter input in these plantations ranged from 2.50 - 3.5 tha-1yr-1 with a minimum in the 11 year old plantation and maximum in the 51 year plantation. Nitrogen input from leaf litter across the coffee plantations ranged from 27.60 – 60.07 kgNha-1year-1, which was insufficient to meet the nitrogen need of coffee trees. This was reflected by the low nitrogen content of soils of the coffee plantation (0.2 g/kg - 0.8 g/kg) which was below the soil critical nitrogen level of 0.9 g/kg recommended for coffee production. Phosphorus input from the leaf litter in the different plantations was also low 0.38 - 1.73 kgPha-1 as evident from the low phosphorus content of the soil 4.49 - 5.94 mg/kg. This was also reflected in the low leaf phosphorus content of 0.14 - 0.23 g/kg. The potassium content of the leaf litter was also insufficient 17- 55.8 kg Kha-1. Calcium, magnesium, iron, and zinc were sufficient. Coffee leaf litter contributes considerable amount of nutrient to natural soil fertility management of coffee plantations but this is inadequate to meet the nutrient requirement of coffee. There is therefore need for application of fertilizer to supply limiting nutrients.
Care of the Covid-19 Patients: Experiences of Health Workers in Rivers State Nigeria
Authors: Uzosike Tondor Cleopatra , Dan-Jumbo Alali , Bob-Manuel Mienye , Alali Aloni A. , Lawson Danagogo S. 
Published: February 2021

Background: Frontline health workers are faced with the overwhelming responsibility of caring for patients infected with the Coronavirus and this has seriously affected their physical and mental health status due to the rapid spread of the disease globally and the unprepared state of health workers who were recruited with little or no skills in infectious disease care. This study describes the experiences of healthcare workers involved in the management of COVID-19 patients.
Methods: A qualitative study design was employed, using a phenomenological approach. In-depth interviews were conducted by telephone on health workers selected purposively from the four COVID-19 treatment centers. The health workers consisted of seven doctors, three nurses, and two hygienists.
Results: Data collected were transcribed and content analysis was done using Atlas. Ti. Some major highlights identified include; the bravery and commitment of health workers despite their proximity to patients, the anxiety and fear of becoming infected, the inconveniencing nature of the PPEs and its effect on their work efficiency, the patients mental and health status on admission (denial, fear, co-morbidities, need for special attention), and other challenges (boredom, shortage of personal protective equipment and medications, the need for special diet and privacy by some patients). Suggestions that emerged were; training, government action, and installing security cameras in patients’ wards.
Conclusion: Findings indicate the need for training health workers to enhance preparedness for future pandemics, provision of psycho-social support for health workers and patients, and government commitment.
Doxorubicin‐induced senescence promotes stemness and tumorigenicity in EpCAM−/CD133− nonstem cell population in hepatocellular carcinoma cell line, HuH‐7
Authors: Karabicici Mustafa , Alptekin Sena , Fırtına Karagonlar Zeynep , Erdal Esra 
Published: February 2021

The therapeutic induction of senescence is a potential means to treat cancer, primarily acting through the induction of a persistent growth‐arrested state in tumors. However, recent studies have indicated that therapy‐induced senescence (TIS) in tumor cells allows for the prolonged survival of a subgroup of cells in a dormant state, with the potential to re‐enter the cell cycle along with an increased stemness gene expression. Residual cells after TIS with increased cancer stem cell phenotype may have profound implications for tumor aggressiveness and disease recurrence. Herein, we investigated senescence‐associated stemness in EpCAM+/CD133+ liver cancer stem cell and EpCAM−/CD133− nonstem cell populations in HuH7 cell line. We demonstrated that treatment with doxorubicin induces senescence in both cell populations, accompanied by a significant increase in the expression of reprogramming genes SOX2, KLF4, and c‐MYC as well as liver stemness‐related genes EpCAM, CK19, and ANXA3 and the multidrug resistance‐related gene ABCG2. Moreover, doxorubicin treatment significantly increased EpCAM + population in nonstem cells indicating senescence‐associated reprogramming of nonstem cell population. Also, Wnt/β‐catenin target genes were increased in these cells, while inhibition of this signaling pathway decreased stem cell gene expression. Importantly, Dox‐treated EpCAM−/CD133− nonstem cells had increased in vivo tumor‐forming ability. In addition, when SASP‐CM from Dox‐treated cells were applied onto hİPSC‐derived hepatocytes, senescence was induced in hepatocytes along with an increased expression of TGF‐β, KLF4, and AXIN2. Importantly, SASP‐CM was not able to induce senescence in Hep3B‐TR cells, a derivative line rendered resistant to TGF‐β signaling. Furthermore, ELISA experiments revealed that the SASP‐CM of Dox‐treated cells contain inflammatory cytokines IL8 and IP10. In summary, our findings further emphasize the importance of carefully dissecting the beneficial and detrimental aspects of prosenescence therapy in HCC and support the potential use of senolytic drugs in HCC treatment in order to eliminate adverse effects of TIS.
Probability of occurrence and phenology of pine wilt disease transmission by insect vectors in the Rocky Mountains
Authors: Atkins David H. , Davis Thomas S. , Stewart Jane E. 
Published: February 2021

Abstract1. Pine wilt disease, caused by pinewood nematode (Bursaphelenchus xylophilus; abbreviated ‘PWN’), is a damaging and globally distributed insect‐vectored forest pathogen. Native forest tree mortality associated with PWN is newly reported from the Front Range of Colorado, but there is no regional information on PWN frequency or biology of local insect vectors, limiting management options.2. A sampling array was established to survey PWN in native pines (Pinus ponderosa) and longhorn beetles (Monochamus clamatorandM. scutellatus) over 2 years and across natural and urban forest landscapes. We developed flight phenology models and evaluated effects of landscape factors on vector abundance and probability of infection.3. Flight phenology was similar for vectors;Monochamusflight initiated in mid‐July and continued into October for both species. We report the firstM. clamator–PWN association in the United States. PWN was distributed in the region at rates lower than reported from its putative native range: 3.6 and 4.2% of sampled pines and beetles, respectively, tested positive for PWN. Many host trees were outwardly asymptomatic; infection frequency in tree populations varied considerably and four epicentres of vector infectivity were identified.4. Epicentres varied in timing of anomalous infective vector frequency – some epicentres had high abundances of infected beetles early in the growing season whereas others had high abundances of infected beetles late in the growing season, though PWN‐positive beetles were captured at all sites.Monochamuspopulations were found primarily in natural forest stands but migrated to urban areas late in the growing season. The only landscape factor positively correlated with abundances of bothMonochamusspecies was distance to previous wildfire.5. PWN epicentres in the southern Rocky Mountains exhibit specific temporal windows of vector activity that differ from proximal sites. Urban forests, where the disease was initially observed in the region, do not support vector populations. Our results suggest that natural forest landscapes in the region are important reservoirs of PWN, and vector populations are especially abundant near burned stands. Collectively, our findings are important for timing disease management activities appropriately and help to distinguish priority areas for mitigation efforts.
Giant and Reversible Barocaloric Effect in Trinuclear Spin‐Crossover Complex Fe3(bntrz)6(tcnset)6
Authors: Romanini Michela , Wang YiXu , Gürpinar Kübra , Ornelas Gladys , Lloveras Pol , Zhang Yan , Zheng Wenkai , Barrio Maria , Aznar Araceli , Gràcia‐Condal Adrià , Emre Baris , Atakol Orhan , Popescu Catalin , Zhang Hu , Long Yi , Balicas Luis , Lluís Tamarit Josep , Planes Antoni , Shatruk Michael , Mañosa Lluís 
Published: February 2021

AbstractA giant barocaloric effect (BCE) in a molecular material Fe3(bntrz)6(tcnset)6 (FBT) is reported, where bntrz = 4‐(benzyl)‐1,2,4‐triazole and tcnset = 1,1,3,3‐tetracyano‐2‐thioethylepropenide. The crystal structure of FBT contains a trinuclear transition metal complex that undergoes an abrupt spin‐state switching between the state in which all three FeII centers are in the high‐spin (S = 2) electronic configuration and the state in which all of them are in the low‐spin (S = 0) configuration. Despite the strongly cooperative nature of the spin transition, it proceeds with a negligible hysteresis and a large volumetric change, suggesting that FBT should be a good candidate for producing a large BCE. Powder X‐ray diffraction and calorimetry reveal that the material is highly susceptible to applied pressure, as the transition temperature spans the range from 318 at ambient pressure to 383 K at 2.6 kbar. Despite the large shift in the spin‐transition temperature, its nonhysteretic character is maintained under applied pressure. Such behavior leads to a remarkably large and reversible BCE, characterized by an isothermal entropy change of 120 J kg−1 K−1 and an adiabatic temperature change of 35 K, which are among the highest reversible values reported for any caloric material thus far.
Evolutionary divergence of potential drought adaptations between two subspecies of an annual plant: Are trait combinations facilitated, independent, or constrained?
Authors: Burnette Timothy E. , Eckhart Vincent M. 
Published: February 2021

PremiseWhether drought‐adaptation mechanisms tend to evolve together, evolve independently, or evolve constrained by genetic architecture is incompletely resolved, particularly for water‐relations traits besides gas exchange. We addressed this issue in two subspecies of Clarkia xantiana (Onagraceae), California winter annuals that separated approximately 65,000 years ago and are adapted, partly by differences in flowering time, to native ranges differing in precipitation.MethodsIn these subspecies and in recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between them, we scored traits related to drought adaptation (timing of seed germination and of flowering, succulence, pressure–volume curve variables) in common environments.ResultsThe subspecies native to more arid environments (parviflora) exhibited slower seed germination in saturated conditions, earlier flowering, and greater succulence, likely indicating superior drought avoidance, drought escape, and dehydration resistance via water storage. The other subspecies (xantiana) had lower osmotic potential at full turgor and lower water potential at turgor loss, implying superior dehydration tolerance. Genetic correlations among RILs suggest facilitated evolution of some trait combinations and independence of others. Where genetic correlations exist, subspecies differences fell along them, with the exception of differences in succulence and turgor loss point. In that case, subspecies difference overcame genetic correlations, possibly reflecting strong selection and/or antagonistic genetic correlations with other traits.ConclusionsClarkia xantiana subspecies’ differ in multiple mechanisms of drought adaptation. Genetic architecture generally does not seem to have constrained the evolution of these mechanisms, and it may have facilitated the evolution of some of trait combinations.
Sleep duration is related to increased mortality risk through white blood cell counts in a large national sample
Authors: Shattuck Eric C. , Sparks Corey S. 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesSleep, like many biological processes, is linked with immunity and inflammation such that “abnormal” sleep is associated with changes in circulating immune cells. These sleep patterns are also associated with increased mortality risk, and it may be that altered immune cell counts are one biological pathway through which sleep affects mortality. We used NHANES survey data to examine the associations between sleep duration, total white blood cell (WBC) count, and mortality from biological causes.MethodsSeveral waves of public NHANES data (2005–2011; n = 11 353, ages 18+) were analyzed using bivariate statistics and causal mediation models including corrections for complex survey design.ResultsDeceased individuals were characterized by higher WBC but lower monocyte counts relative to surviving individuals. Significant associations between sleep duration, total WBC count, monocytes and mortality were found, as were marginally significant relationships between sleep and these cell counts. Significant mediated effects of sleep on mortality were found. Including covariates known to affect mortality, such as BMI, age, and self‐reported health resulted in a nonsignificant mediated effect of sleep on mortality for monocytes, while mediated effects for total WBC count remained.ConclusionsThis large, cross‐sectional analysis suggests that sleep duration is associated with changes in mortality risk through—in part—effects on leukocyte count. These findings support an immunological/inflammatory pathway linking sleep and mortality. Further research in populations with quantitatively different sleep patterns can determine whether this sleep‐immune‐mortality pathway is restricted to Western, industrial samples or is characteristic of humans in general.
Learning in Stereo: The Relationship Between Spatial Ability and 3D Digital Anatomy Models
Authors: Labranche Leah , Wilson Timothy D. , Terrell Mark , Kulesza Randy J. 
Published: February 2021

Three‐dimensional (3D) digital anatomical models show potential to demonstrate complex anatomical relationships; however, the literature is inconsistent as to whether they are effective in improving the anatomy performance, particularly for students with low spatial visualization ability (Vz). This study investigated the educational effectiveness of a 3D stereoscopic model of the pelvis, and the relationship between learning with 3D models and Vz. It was hypothesized that participants learning with a 3D pelvis model would outperform participants learning with a two‐dimensional (2D) visualization or cadaveric specimen on a spatial anatomy test, particularly when comparing those with low Vz. Participants (n = 64) were stratified into three experimental groups, who each attended a learning session with either a 3D stereoscopic model (n = 21), 2D visualization (n = 21), or cadaveric specimen (n = 22) of the pelvis. Medical and pre‐medical student participants completed a multiple‐choice pre‐test and post‐test during their respective learning session, and a long‐term retention (LTR) test 2 months later. Results showed no difference in anatomy test improvement or LTR performance between the experimental groups. A simple linear regression analysis showed that within the 3D group, participants with high Vz tended to retain more than those with low Vz on the LTR test (R2 = 0.31,P = 0.01). The low Vz participants may be cognitively overloaded by the complex spatial cues from the 3D stereoscopic model. Results of this study should inform resource selection and curriculum design for health professional students, with attention to the impact of Vz on learning.
The photon time delay in magnetized medium magnetosphere
Authors: Jorge Adrián William Romero , Rodríguez Querts Elizabeth , Pérez Martínez Aurora , Pérez Rojas Hugo 
Published: February 2021

AbstractWe calculate the time delay for photons propagating in a charged electron‐positron gas at finite temperature and in an external magnetic field with the final aim of studying the effect for photons in a neutron star magnetosphere. The dispersion relations are solved in terms of analytic functions, in the degenerate, strong magnetic field, and ultra‐relativistic limit. For fixed values of frequency, temperature, and chemical potential, we study the dependence of photon time delay with the magnetic field strength, as well as with distance. For the latter, we adopt a magnetic dipole configuration and obtain that, according to the expectation, photons of higher energy experience a minor time delay. Obtained results are compared with the previous ones obtained for the photon time delay in vacuum magnetosphere.
Genomic and Targeted Approaches Unveil the Cell Membrane as a Major Target of the Antifungal Cytotoxin Amantelide A
Authors: Elsadek Lobna A. , Matthews James H. , Nishimura Shinichi , Nakatani Takahiro , Ito Airi , Gu Tongjun , Luo Danmeng , Salvador‐Reyes Lilibeth A. , Paul Valerie J. , Kakeya Hideaki , Luesch Hendrik 
Published: February 2021

AbstractAmantelide A, a polyhydroxylated macrolide isolated from a marine cyanobacterium, displays broad‐spectrum activity against mammalian cells, bacterial pathogens, and marine fungi. We conducted comprehensive mechanistic studies to identify the molecular targets and pathways affected by amantelide A. Our investigations relied on chemical structure similarities with compounds of known mechanisms, yeast knockout mutants, yeast chemogenomic profiling, and direct biochemical and biophysical methods. We established that amantelide A exerts its antifungal action by binding to ergosterol‐containing membranes followed by pore formation and cell death, a mechanism partially shared with polyene antifungals. Binding assays demonstrated that amantelide A also binds to membranes containing epicholesterol or mammalian cholesterol, thus suggesting that the cytotoxicity to mammalian cells might be due to its affinity to cholesterol‐containing membranes. However, membrane interactions were not completely dependent on sterols. Yeast chemogenomic profiling suggested additional direct or indirect effects on actin. Accordingly, we performed actin polymerization assays, which suggested that amantelide A also promotes actin polymerization in cell‐free systems. However, the C‐33 acetoxy derivative amantelide B showed a similar effect on actin dynamics in vitro but no significant activity against yeast. Overall, these studies suggest that the membrane effects are the most functionally relevant for amantelide A mechanism of action.
In‐hospital outcomes of transcatheter mitral valve repair in patients with and without end stage renal disease: A national propensity match study
Authors: Khan Muhammad Zia , Zahid Salman , Khan Muhammad U. , Kichloo Asim , Jamal Shakeel , Minhas Abdul Mannan Khan , Munir Muhammad Bilal , Balla Sudarshan 
Published: February 2021

AbstractObjectivesTo study trends of utilization, outcomes, and cost of care in patients undergoing undergoing transcatheter mitral valve repair (TMVr) with end‐stage renal disease (ESRD).BackgroundRenal disease has been known to be a predictor of poor outcome in patients with mitral valve disease. Outcome data for patients with ESRD undergoing TMVr remains limited. Therefore, our study aims to investigate trends of utilization, outcomes, and cost of care among patients with ESRD undergoing TMVr.MethodsWe analyzed NIS data from January 2010 to December 2017 using the ICD‐9‐CM codes ICD‐10‐CM to identify patients who underwent TMVr. Baseline characteristics were compared using a Pearson 𝜒2 test for categorical variables and independent samples t‐test for continuous variables. Propensity matched analysis was done for adjusted analysis to compare outcomes between TMVr with and without ESRD. Markov chain Monte Carlo was used to account for missing values.ResultsA total of 15,260 patients (weighted sample) undergoing TMVr were identified between 2010 and 2017. Of these, 638 patients had ESRD compared to 14,631 patients who did not have ESRD. Adjusted in‐hospital mortality was lower in non‐ESRD group (3.9 vs. <1.8%). Similarly, ESRD patients were more likely to have non‐home discharges (85.6 vs. 74.9%). ESRD patients also had a longer mean length of stay (7.9 vs. 13.5 days) and higher mean cost of stay ($306,300 vs. $271,503).ConclusionESRD is associated with higher mortality, complications, and resource utilization compared to non‐ESRD patients. It is important to include this data in shared decision‐making process and patient selection.