bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Bioactive glasses and electrospun composites that release cobalt to stimulate the HIF pathway for wound healing applications
Authors: Solanki Anu K. , Lali Ferdinand V. , Autefage Hélène , Agarwal Shweta , Nommeots-Nomm Amy , Metcalfe Anthony D. , Stevens Molly M. , Jones Julian R. 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

Background
Bioactive glasses are traditionally associated with bonding to bone through a hydroxycarbonate apatite (HCA) surface layer but the release of active ions is more important for bone regeneration. They are now being used to deliver ions for soft tissue applications, particularly wound healing. Cobalt is known to simulate hypoxia and provoke angiogenesis. The aim here was to develop new bioactive glass compositions designed to be scaffold materials to locally deliver pro-angiogenic cobalt ions, at a controlled rate, without forming an HCA layer, for wound healing applications.

Methods
New melt-derived bioactive glass compositions were designed that had the same network connectivity (mean number of bridging covalent bonds between silica tetrahedra), and therefore similar biodegradation rate, as the original 45S5 Bioglass. The amount of magnesium and cobalt in the glass was varied, with the aim of reducing or removing calcium and phosphate from the compositions. Electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone)/bioactive glass composites were also produced. Glasses were tested for ion release in dissolution studies and their influence on Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α) and expression of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF) from fibroblast cells was investigated.

Results
Dissolution tests showed the silica rich layer differed depending on the amount of MgO in the glass, which influenced the delivery of cobalt. The electrospun composites delivered a more sustained ion release relative to glass particles alone. Exposing fibroblasts to conditioned media from these composites did not cause a detrimental effect on metabolic activity but glasses containing cobalt did stabilise HIF-1α and provoked a significantly higher expression of VEGF (not seen in Co-free controls).

Conclusions
The composite fibres containing new bioactive glass compositions delivered cobalt ions at a sustained rate, which could be mediated by the magnesium content of the glass. The dissolution products stabilised HIF-1α and provoked a significantly higher expression of VEGF, suggesting the composites activated the HIF pathway to stimulate angiogenesis.
Should all patients with hypertension be worried about developing severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)?
Authors: Hosseinzadeh Ramin , Goharrizi Mohammad Ali Sheikh Beig , Bahardoust Mansour , Alvanegh Akbar Ghorbani , Ataee Mohammad Reza , Bagheri Mehdi , Navidiyan Ensiyeh Shabani , Zijoud Seyed Reza Hosseini , Heiat Mohammad 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundHypertension, the most common comorbidity among coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) patients, is accompanied by worse clinical outcomes, but there is lack of evidence about prognostic factors among COVID-19 patients with hypertension. We have come up with some prognostic factors to predict the severity of COVID-19 among hypertensive patients. In addition, epidemiologic, clinical and laboratory differences among COVID-19 patients with and without underlying hypertension were evaluated.MethodsMedical profiles of 598 COVID-19 cases were analyzed. Patients were divided into two comparative groups according to their positive or negative history of hypertension. Then, epidemiologic, clinical, laboratory and radiological features and also clinical outcomes were compared.Results176 (29.4%) patients had underlying hypertension. Diabetes was significantly higher in hypertensive group [72 (40.9%) vs 76 (18%)] (P-value: 0.001). Cardiovascular and renal disorders were significantly higher in hypertensive patients. (P-value: 0.001 and 0.013 respectively). In COVID-19 patients with hypertension, severe/critical types were significantly higher. [42(23.8%) vs. 41(9.7%)], (P-value: 0.012). In the logistic regression model, Body mass index > 25 (ORAdj: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.2 to 2.42;P-value: 0.027), age over 60 (ORAdj: 1.26, 95% CI: 1.08 to 1.42;P-value: 0.021), increased hospitalization period (ORAdj: 2.1, 95% CI: 1.24 to 2.97;P-value: 0.013), type 2 diabetes (ORAdj: 2.22, 95% CI: 1.15 to 3.31; P-value: 0.001) and chronic kidney disease (ORAdj: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.19 to 2.21; P-value: 0.013) were related with progression of COVID-19.ConclusionHypertensive patients with Age > 60-year-old, BMI > 25 Kg/m2, CVD, diabetes and chronic kidney disease are associated with poor outcomes in those with COVID-19 infection.
Characterization of alphabaculovirus: HearNPV-IIPR05 isolate infecting Helicoverpa armigera (Hubner) larvae
Authors: Bandi Sanjay M. , Shanmugavadivel P. S. , Kumar Lalit , Revanasidda A. 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundThe alphabaculoviruses are lethal pathogens of lepidopteran caterpillars including a polyphagous and globally recognized pest,Helicoverpa armigera(Hubner) infesting economically important agriculture crops worldwide. The biological and molecular characterizations of indigenousnucleopolyhedrovirusof the genusAlphabaculovirusisolated fromH. armigerain chickpea fields are described.ResultsThe virulence of virus isolate was tested in 3rd instarH. armigeralarvae, and LC50(median lethal concentration) was estimated to be 2.69 × 104OBs ml−1. The ST50(median survival time) was 4 days post-inoculation, when the 3rd instarH. armigeralarvae were inoculated by OB (occlusion body) concentration equivalent to LC90. An average incubation period of the virus isolate in 3rd instar ranged between 4 and 6 days post-inoculation. The OBs of a virus isolate appeared irregular in shape and variable in size with diameter ranging from 0.57 to 1.46 μm on the longest edge and average of 1.071 ± 0.068 μm (mean ± SE). On the basis of phylogenetic analysis ofpolh,pif-1, andlef-8genes, the isolate was found to be a member of the genusAlphabaculovirus.The isolate showed a genetic affinity with species of group IIAlphabaculovirusesand appeared to be a group II NPV.ConclusionsOn the basis of molecular phylogeny and associated host insect, this indigenous isolate was designated as HearNPV-IIPR05 isolate, which could be a potential candidate for the biological control ofH. armigerainfesting legumes and other commercial crops.
Improving Access to Self-Expanding Metal Stents for Patients With Esophageal Cancer in Eastern Africa: A Stepwise Implementation Strategy
Authors: Mushi Beatrice P. , Mwachiro Michael M. , Buckle Geoffrey , Kaimila Bongani N. , Mulima Gift , Kayamba Violet , Kelly Paul , Akoko Larry , Mmbaga Elia J. , Selekwa Msiba , Ringo Yona , Pritchett Natalie , White Russell E. , Topazian Mark D. , Fleischer David E. , Dawsey Sanford M. , Van Loon Katherine 
Published: January 2021

PURPOSE The eastern corridor of Africa is affected by a high burden of esophageal cancer (EC), with > 90% of patients presenting with advanced disease. Self-expanding metal stents (SEMS) have been previously reported as safe and effective for palliation of malignant dysphagia in resource-limited settings; however, access is limited throughout Eastern Africa. METHODS In response to demand for palliative interventions for patients with dysphagia because of EC, the African Esophageal Cancer Consortium (AfrECC) partnered with the Clinton Health Access Initiative to improve access to SEMS in Eastern Africa. We undertook a stepwise implementation approach to (1) identify barriers to SEMS access, (2) conduct a market analysis, (3) select an industry partner, (4) establish regulatory and procurement processes, (5) develop endoscopic training resources, (6) create a medical device registry, and (7) establish principles of accountability. RESULTS Following an evaluation of market demand and potential SEMS manufacturers, Boston Scientific Corporation announced its commitment to launch an access program to provide esophageal SEMS to patients in Tanzania, Kenya, Malawi, and Zambia at a subsidized price. Parallel regulatory and procurement processes were established in each participating country. Endoscopy training courses were designed and conducted, using the Training-of-Trainers model. A device registry was created to centralize data for quality control and to monitor channels of SEMS distribution. Principles of accountability were developed to guide the sustainability of this endeavor. CONCLUSION The AfrECC Stent Access Initiative is an example of a multisector partnership formed to provide an innovative solution to align regional needs with a supply chain for a high-priority medical device.
Understanding the influence of climate, genetic variation, and herbivory on aspen (Populus tremuloides) growth in Yellowstone National Park
Authors: Brice Elaine M. , MacNulty Daniel 
Published: January 2021

Predation is commonly cited as a top-down effect that structures food webs, with the reintroduction of wolves to Yellowstone as perhaps the most famous example. However, despite two decades of research, there is still debate as to whether wolves (Canis lupus) have indirectly benefited aspen (Populus tremuloides) by reducing herbivory from elk (Cervus canadensis). As such, the purpose of this study was to investigate the role of top-down and bottom-up forces on aspen recruitment in northern Yellowstone. The UW-NPS grant funds were used to conduct a genetic analysis of 59 aspen stands in an effort to determine whether genetic variation is one control of aspen recruitment. During summer 2018, 122 leaves were collected and sent to the Mock Lab at Utah State University. The samples will undergo DNA extractions at 12 microsatellite loci, which will provide us with genotype and ploidy level, with the genotype at a resolution to distinguish clones. Concurrently, we measured aspen heights and browse rates, as well as soil moisture. The median aspen height in 2018 was 110 cm (SD=135), and the browse rate was 0.45. Stands varied in volumetric water content (VWC), ranging from a mean VWC of 2.7% to 45.2%.

Featured photo by Yellowstone National Park on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/efXLV2
Factors influencing amphibian distributions in Grand Teton National Park and western Wyoming
Authors: Wallace Zach , Tronstad Lusha M. 
Published: January 2021

Predicting the distribution of amphibians can be difficult because habitat suitability may depend on a variety of environmental and anthropogenic factors, including water quality of wetlands, geology of watersheds, and presence of invasive pathogens. Previous studies hypothesized that water chemistry may influence the rate of chytrid infection in amphibians where higher conductivity sites may have less infection. We sampled two watersheds in Grand Teton National Park and 3 watersheds adjacent to the park, and measured amphibian presence, chytrid infection, basic water quality, major ion concentrations and geology of the wetland. This is part of a larger project where we are comparing amphibian presence and infection rate among wetlands in the Gros Ventre, Wind River, and Teton Ranges. We sampled watersheds that were predominately limestone, granite or a mixture. Water quality varied among sites with higher conductivity and ion concentrations for limestone watersheds compared to granite watersheds. This report includes preliminary results of amphibian surveys and water quality analyses. Future analyses will relate occupancy rates of amphibians to environmental factors, including water chemistry, geology, and presence of chytrid fungus, as well as comparing detection rates of amphibians with environmental DNA (eDNA) and visual observation surveys.

Featured photo by Neal Herbert on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/2gv9PJA
A qualitative study on Chinese visitors in Grand Teton National Park
Authors: Li Rui , Pan Bing , Miller Zachary , Taff B. Derrick , Newman Peter 
Published: January 2021

Grand Teton (GRTE) and Yellowstone (YELL) National Parks are experiencing an increase in visitation of Chinese tourists over the last few years, but little is known about the expectations, behaviors, and actual experiences of these new visitors. Cultural differences and language barriers contribute to misunderstanding and confusion between park management and visitors, which may lead to regulation violations and conflicts. A better understanding of Chinese tourists’ expectations and experiences is essential for better communication strategies to facilitate preservation of natural resources. To address this, we interviewed Chinese tourists traveling individually or on tour buses, and tour guides for Chinese tourists in GRTE in summer 2018. Three major themes emerged from our interviews: 1) Factors that influence Chinese tourists’ decision-making process, among those the most significant ones are the reputation of YELL and different information sources in China; 2) Dominant expectations among Chinese tourists and the role these expectations are playing in tourists’ satisfaction; and, 3) Chinese tourists’ actual experience that may be different from those of domestic travelers. Recommendations for park management are provided based on the findings.

Featured photo by Ken Lane on Flickr. https://flic.kr/p/VWD4Sm
Extending epipolar geometry for real-time structured light illumination II: lossless accuracy
Authors: Liu Kai , Ran Xuening , Gong Jun , Song Jianwen , Lau Daniel L. , Zhu Ce , Xu Bin 
Published: January 2021

Structured light illumination is a process of 3D scanning using a digital projector to project a series of striped patterns that sweep a target surface, and based on the warping of the stripes viewed by a camera, the shape of the target can be reconstructed. In the case of scanning stripes separately in both horizontal and vertical directions, algorithms have been proposed that achieve real-time reconstruction through look-up tables; however, these look-up tables implement the inversion of one traditional lens projection matrix. In this Letter, we propose look-up tables constructed using (1) both views of a camera and a projector and (2) basic arithmetic operations rather than complex matrix operations to significantly reduce the total number of computations used to reconstruct a point cloud. Experiments show that, with the same accuracy, the proposed tables improve the computation speed by a factor of

6.66
×

, from 31.00 to 206.61 fps.
Ultra-wideband perfect reflection and tunneling by all-dielectric metamaterials
Authors: Qiu Jinlin , Liu Xueying , Liang Zhongzhu , Zhu Jinfeng 
Published: January 2021

All-dielectric metamaterials are a promising low-loss alternative to plasmonic metamaterials for near-infrared perfect reflection, but the working bandwidth is still limited. Here we propose an ultra-wideband all-dielectric metamaterial perfect reflector that has a compact structure consisting of the subwavelength high-index grating, connection layer, and multilayer stack. Such a perfect reflector combines the advantages of quarter-wave design and resonant leaky mode, and covers an extremely wide wavelength range from 966 to 2203 nm under the normal incidence of transverse magnetic wave. By engineering the connection layer, the reflection band can be split with an ultra-narrowband tunneling of light transmission. These achievements demonstrate the promising potential of all-dielectric metamaterials as ultra-wideband reflectors for extensive applications in optical devices and systems.
Successful conduct of an acute stroke clinical trial during COVID
Authors: Yamal Jose-Miguel , Parker Stephanie A. , Jacob Asha P. , Rajan Suja S. , Bowry Ritvij , Bratina Patti , Wang Mengxi , Nour May , Mackey Jason , Collins Sarah , Jones William , Schimpf Brandi , Ornelas David , Spokoyny Ilana , Im Jenny Fung , Gilbert Greg , Eisshofer Michael , Grotta James C. 
Published: January 2021

Most clinical research stopped during COVID due to possible impact on data quality and personnel safety. We aimed to assess the impact of COVID on acute stroke clinical trial conduct at sites that continued to enroll patients during the pandemic. BEST-MSU is an ongoing study of Mobile Stroke Units (MSU) vs standard management of tPA-eligible acute stroke patients in the pre-hospital setting. MSU personnel include a vascular neurologist via telemedicine, and a nurse, CT technologist, paramedics and emergency medicine technicians on-board. During COVID, consent, 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) and EQ5D were obtained by phone instead of in-person, but other aspects of management were similar to the pre-COVID period. We compared patient demographics, study metrics, and infection of study personnel during intra- vs pre-COVID eras. Five of 6 BEST-MSU sites continued to enroll during COVID. There were no differences in intra- (n = 57) vs pre- (n = 869) COVID enrolled tPA eligible patients’ age, sex, race (38.6% vs 38.0% Black), ethnicity (15.8% vs 18.6% Hispanic), or NIHSS (median 11 vs 9). The percent of screened patients enrolled and adjudicated tPA eligible declined from 13.6% to 6.6% (p < .001); study enrollment correlated with local stay-at-home and reopening orders. There were no differences in alert to MSU arrival or arrival to tPA times, but MSU on-scene time was 5 min longer (p = .01). There were no differences in ED door to CT, tPA treatment or thrombectomy puncture times, hospital length of stay, discharge disposition, or remote vs in-person 90-day mRS or EQ5D. One MSU nurse tested positive but did not require hospitalization. Clinical research in the pre-hospital setting can be carried out accurately and safely during a pandemic. tPA eligibility rates declined, but otherwise there were no differences in patient demographics, deterioration of study processes, or serious infection of study staff.
Trial registration: NCT02190500
Spatial-temporal clustering of notified pulmonary tuberculosis and its predictors in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Asemahagn Mulusew Andualem , Alene Getu Degu , Yimer Solomon Abebe 
Published: January 2021

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a key health menace in Ethiopia and its districts. This study aimed to assess the spatial-temporal clustering of notified pulmonary TB (PTB) cases in East Gojjam Zone, Northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA retrospective study was conducted among all PTB cases reported from 2013–2019. Case notification rates (CNRs) of PTB cases atKebele(the lowest administrative unit),woreda, and zone levels were estimated. The PTB clustering was done using global Moran’s I statistics on Arc GIS 10.6. We used Kulldorff SaTScan 9.6 with a discrete Poisson model to identify statistically significant spatial-temporal clustering of PTB cases atKebelelevel. Similarly, a negative binomial regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with the incidence of PTB cases at kebele level.ResultsA total of 5340 (52%) smear-positive and 4928 (48%) smear-negative PTB cases were analyzed. The overall mean CNR of PTB cases at zone,woredaandKebelelevels were 58(47–69), 82(56–204), and 69(36–347) per 100,000 population, respectively. The purely spatial cluster analysis identified eight most likely clusters (one for overall and one per year for seven reporting years) and 47 secondary clusters. Similarly, the space-time scan analysis identified one most likely and seven secondary clusters. The purely temporal analysis also detected one most likely cluster from 2013–2015. Rural residence, distance from the nearest health facility, and poor TB service readiness were factors (p-value <0.05) to PTB incidence atkebelelevel.ConclusionThe distribution of PTB cases was clustered. The PTB CNR was low and showed a decreasing trend during the reporting periods. Rural residence, distance from the health facilities, and poor facility readiness were factors of PTB incidence. Improving accessibility and readiness of health facilities mainly to rural and hotspot areas is vital to increase case detection and reduce TB transmission.
Associations of intimate partner violence and financial adversity with familial homelessness in pregnant and postpartum women: A 7-year prospective study of the ALSPAC cohort
Authors: Chan Caitlin S. , Sarvet Aaron L. , Basu Archana , Koenen Karestan , Keyes Katherine M. 
Published: January 2021

Objective
To determine whether emotional and physical intimate partner violence (IPV) and financial adversity increase risk of incident homelessness in pregnancy and the post-partum period.

Study design
Data were drawn from the Avon Longitudinal Study of Parents and Children, which starting in 1990 mailed questionnaires to 14,735 mothers in the UK, over 7 years from pregnancy onwards. Marginal structural models and multiple imputation were used to address time-varying confounding of the primary variables, testing for interaction between concurrent emotional/physical IPV and financial adversity, and adjusted for baseline age, ethnicity, education, partner’s alcohol use, parity, depression, and social class.

Results
Emotional IPV (HR 1.44 (1.13,1.84)), physical IPV (HR 2.05 (1.21,3.49)), and financial adversity (HR 1.59 (1.44,1.77)) each predicted a multiplicative increase in the discrete-time hazard of incident homelessness. We identified joint effects for concurrent emotional IPV and financial adversity (HR 2.09 (1.35,3.22)) and concurrent physical IPV and financial adversity (HR 2.79 (1.21,6.44)). We further identified a temporary decline in self-reported physical IPV among mothers during pregnancy and up to 8 months post-partum.

Conclusions
Emotional and physical IPV and financial adversity independently and jointly increase the risk of incident homelessness. The effects of emotional and physical IPV are comparable to or greater than the risk of financial adversity. Homelessness prevention policies should consider IPV victims as high-risk, regardless of financial status. Furthermore, self-reported physical IPV declines temporarily during pregnancy and up to 8 months post-partum. Screening for IPV in this period may miss high-risk individuals.
Alcohol consumption in early adolescence: Associations with sociodemographic and psychosocial factors according to gender
Authors: Pedroni Camille , Dujeu Maud , Lebacq Thérésa , Desnouck Véronique , Holmberg Emma , Castetbon Katia 
Published: January 2021

Introduction
Early alcohol consumption can irreversible damage the adolescents’ brain and may affect their quality of life. In order to better prevent such a deleterious behaviour, knowing its determinants is needed. So far, only few studies among adolescents aged <15 years exist, of which the majority failed to include gender differences. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether gender differences in the association between alcohol use and sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics among 10-14-year olds exist.

Methods
Data came from the 2018 Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children (HBSC) study conducted in French-speaking schools of Belgium. The sample analysed here comprised 4,364 10-14-year olds from the Walloon Region. Associations of the recent alcohol consumption (at least one glass during the past month) with sociodemographic and psychosocial characteristics were estimated using gender-stratified multivariable logistic regression modelling.

Results
Prevalence of early alcohol consumption was 14% (boys: 16%; girls: 12%). Migration status and family affluence scale (FAS) were associated with early alcohol consumption only in boys. Second-generation immigrant boys (vs. natives: OR = 0.66 [0.47–0.92]) and boys from “low” FAS families (vs. “high”: OR = 0.56 [0.32–0.98]) or “medium” FAS (vs. “high”: OR = 0.63 [0.43–0.92]) were less likely to have consumed alcohol in the past month. In both genders, alcohol consumption was positively associated with age and inversely associated with school satisfaction and family support. No association was observed with family structure, peer support and life satisfaction in the multivariable models.

Conclusion
Our findings showed that gender differences may exist in the determinants of alcohol consumption among young adolescents. They will contribute to the development of public health policies and actions for the most vulnerable adolescents, which should take gender differences into account.