bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Obstetric and neonatal outcomes after SARS‐CoV‐2 infection in the first trimester of pregnancy: A prospective comparative study
Authors: Cosma Stefano , Carosso Andrea Roberto , Cusato Jessica , Borella Fulvio , Bertero Luca , Bovetti Marialuisa , Bevilacqua Federica , Mengozzi Giulio , Mazzone Raffaela , Ghisetti Valeria , Di Perri Giovanni , Benedetto Chiara 
Published: November 2021

AbstractObjective(s)This prospective observational cohort study aimed to evaluate whether women with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) infection during the first trimester of pregnancy are at higher risk of adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes compared to negative patients.Study DesignSeromolecular testing for SARS‐CoV‐2 was performed at 12, 16, 21 weeks, and at delivery; the cohort was then subdivided into a first‐trimester SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive (case) group and a SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative (control) group. The primary outcome was a composite adverse obstetric outcome, defined as the presence of either abortion, preterm delivery, preterm prelabor rupture of membranes, preeclampsia, intrauterine growth restriction, stillbirth; and a composite measure of adverse neonatal events, including either 1‐ and 5‐min Apgar score ≤ 7, neonatal intensive care unit admission and congenital birth defects. Maternal symptoms and antibody titer were secondarily assessed.ResultsA total of 17 of 164 women tested positive for SARS‐CoV‐2 (10.3%) in the first trimester. One SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive patient who gave birth at another hospital was excluded. Composite adverse obstetric outcome was observed in 6.2% (1/16) SARS‐CoV‐2‐positive and 10.5% (11/105) SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative women; composite adverse neonatal outcome in 12.5% (2/16) and 7.6% (8/105), respectively. In the newborns of women who had developed IgG antibodies, the same antibodies were detected in arterial cord blood and the nasopharyngeal swab tested negative for SARS‐CoV‐2.No maternal pneumonia or hospital admission due to coronavirus disease‐19 were recorded.ConclusionAsymptomatic or mildly symptomatic women during the first trimester of pregnancy did not experience significantly more adverse events than SARS‐CoV‐2‐negative women.
Big competition for small spots? Conspecific density drives home range size in male and female leopards
Authors: le Roex N. , Mann G. K. H. , Hunter L. T. B. , Balme G. A. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractVariation in home range size exists among and within wildlife populations. Home range size variation may be driven by both intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including sex, food and reproductive resources, density and competition. In this study, we investigated the sex‐specific impacts of prey and reproductive resources, conspecific density and competition on leopard Panthera pardus home range size at two spatio‐temporal scales in the Sabi Sand Game Reserve, South Africa. Male leopard home ranges were more than twice the size of those of females, in line with expectations for a solitary, polygamous species. Both male and female leopard space‐use were primarily driven by short‐term changes in intra‐sexual conspecific density. Females were influenced by both short and long‐term drivers, with long‐term prey availability (home range and core) and refugia (core) further impacting size. Males were almost exclusively influenced by short‐term drivers; home range size was further impacted by short‐term changes in female leopard and prey density, and age. Long‐term prey availability contributed to male leopard core size. The difference in impact of short‐ and long‐term drivers between the sexes likely relates to tenure expectations; males may be forced out of their territories at any time and should therefore optimize their space‐use based on present conditions. Female leopards, however, must secure a home range that maximizes their reproductive success in the short‐ and long‐term in order to raise cubs to independence. Our findings challenge expectations that space‐use is primarily resource‐driven and demonstrate the critical role of social factors in saturated populations of solitary species. Furthermore, we illustrate the importance of considering temporally variable factors across different timescales to fully understand their impact on mammalian spatial organization.
Introduction, spread, and impacts of invasive alien mammal species in Europe
Authors: Tedeschi Lisa , Biancolini Dino , Capinha César , Rondinini Carlo , Essl Franz 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Biological invasions have emerged as one of the main drivers of biodiversity change and decline, and numbers of species classed as alien in parts of their ranges are rapidly rising. The European Union established a dedicated regulation to limit the impacts of invasive alien species (IAS), which is focused on the species on a Union List of IAS of particular concern. However, no previous study has specifically addressed the ecology of invasive alien mammals included on the Union List.

We performed a systematic review of published literature on these species. We retrieved 262 publications dealing with 16 species, and we complemented these with the most up‐to‐date information extracted from global databases on IAS.

We show that most of the study species reached Europe as pets and then escaped from captivity or were intentionally released. On average each year in the period 1981–2020, 1.2 species were recorded for the first time as aliens in European countries, and most species are still expanding their alien ranges by colonising neighbouring territories. France is the most invaded nation, followed by Germany, Italy, and the Russian Federation, and the muskrat Ondatra zibethicus, the American mink Neovison vison, and the raccoon dog Nyctereutes procyonoides are the most widespread species, having invaded at least 27 countries each. Invasive mammals of European Union concern are threatening native biodiversity and human well‐being: worryingly, 81% of the 16 study species are implicated in the epidemiological cycle of zoonotic pathogens.

Containing secondary spread to further countries is of paramount importance to avoid the establishment of new populations of invasive mammals and the related impacts on native communities, ecosystem services, and human health.

We present a compendium on the ecology and impacts of invasive mammals of European Union concern. It can be used to assist environmental policies, identify and subsequently fill knowledge gaps, and inform stakeholders.
COVID‐19 stigma in New Zealand: Are we really a ‘team’ of five million?
Authors: Ergler Christina , Huish Robert , Georgeou Nichole , Simons Jeremy , Eyles Olivia , Li Yi , Deng Tianran , Tame Lilian 
Published: November 2021

AbstractThe New Zealand government has used public health ordinances to impose restrictions on immigration, movement and social gatherings for managing the pandemic. Yet, this response led to unintended consequences, in particular the stigmatisation of some communities and professions as being ‘diseased’. Such discourse ran contrary to the government's own, and very public assertions, that New Zealand was a ‘team of five million’ who should ‘be kind’ to each other. Here, we position stigma as a form of slow violence, which during the pandemic has exploited existing cracks in social cohesion. We then employ an ethics of care approach to suggest some practical responses to healing the rifts created by COVID‐19.
Perspectives and challenges of epigenetic determinants of childhood obesity: A systematic review
Authors: Alfano Rossella , Robinson Oliver , Handakas Evangelos , Nawrot Tim S. , Vineis Paolo , Plusquin Michelle 
Published: November 2021

SummaryThe tremendous increase in childhood obesity prevalence over the last few decades cannot merely be explained by genetics and evolutionary changes in the genome, implying that gene–environment interactions, such as epigenetic modifications, likely play a major role. This systematic review aims to summarize the evidence of the association between epigenetics and childhood obesity. A literature search was performed via PubMed and Scopus engines using a combination of terms related to epigenetics and pediatric obesity. Articles studying the association between epigenetic mechanisms (including DNA methylation and hydroxymethylation, non‐coding RNAs, and chromatin and histones modification) and obesity and/or overweight (or any related anthropometric parameters) in children (0–18 years) were included. The risk of bias was assessed with a modified Newcastle–Ottawa scale for non‐randomized studies. One hundred twenty‐one studies explored epigenetic changes related to childhood obesity. DNA methylation was the most widely investigated mechanism (N = 101 studies), followed by non‐coding RNAs (N = 19 studies) with evidence suggestive of an association with childhood obesity for DNA methylation of specific genes and microRNAs (miRNAs). One study, focusing on histones modification, was identified. Heterogeneity of findings may have hindered more insights into the epigenetic changes related to childhood obesity. Gaps and challenges that future research should face are herein described.
Sterols of the ‘dinotom’ Durinskia baltica (Dinophyceae) are of dinoflagellate origin
Authors: Leblond Jeffrey D. , Vandergrift Stephanie L. 
Published: November 2021

SUMMARY‘Dinotoms’ are a relatively small group of dinoflagellates with aberrant tertiary plastids of diatom origin, thus differing from the majority of photosynthetic dinoflagellates which possess the carotenoid pigment peridinin and have secondary plastids of red algal origin. As part of our laboratory's continuing efforts to examine such unusual dinoflagellates in the search for clues to the evolution of their lipid compositions, we have examined the sterol composition of the dinotom Durinskia baltica. As such, we here compared its sterols to those of the previously examined dinotom, Kryptoperidinium foliaceum, more broadly to other photosynthetic, peridinin‐containing dinoflagellates, and to the diatom genus Nitzschia, which is the presumed ancestor of the D. baltica dinotom plastid. Sterols are ringed lipids, common to eukaryotes, thought to reinforce phospholipid bilayers. Many peridinin‐containing dinoflagellates have sterol compositions which are enriched by the presence of cholesterol (cholest‐5‐en‐3β‐ol) and 4α‐methyl‐substituted sterols such as dinosterol (4α,23,24‐trimethyl‐5α‐cholest‐22E‐en‐3β‐ol); this has also been found to be true for K. foliaceum despite its aberrant plastid ancestry. Our objective was to determine if this is also true for D. baltica as only the second dinotom to have its sterols characterized in detail, and to determine if there is any indication of prominent sterols which are uncommon to dinoflagellates, possibly originating from the diatom endosymbiont, as has been demonstrated previously with K. foliaceum and D. baltica chloroplast‐associated galactolipids of clear diatom origin. Our results demonstrate that like K. foliaceum, the major sterols of D. baltica are cholesterol, dinosterol, and other 4α‐methyl‐substituted sterols common to dinoflagellates. Although there were a number of minor sterols, none were found with obvious origin from the diatom endosymbiont, indicating that most originated with the dinoflagellate host itself, most likely before acquisition of the diatom tertiary plastid.
Discretely innovating: The effect of limited market contestability on innovation and growth
Authors: Bond‐Smith Steven 
Published: November 2021

AbstractI consider the impact of market contestability on innovation and growth. To examine this, I use discrete entry (i.e. an integer number of firms) as a tool to vary contestability in each sector of a disaggregated multi‐sector endogenous growth model. Contestability affects entry, extending results beyond competition. As a result, sectors with lower contestability have lower innovation and sectors characterized by Cournot oligopoly have lower innovation than sectors characterized by Bertrand. The effect of contestability is in addition to the effects of competition. Entry requirements become a consideration for innovation and growth policy, particularly in small or isolated economies.
Education and ignorance in the UK 80 years after Beveridge: The role of government and equality of opportunity
Authors: West Anne 
Published: November 2021

AbstractIn the founding document of the British welfare state, the Beveridge Report, ‘ignorance’ was identified as one of the ‘five giants on the road of reconstruction’. Dealing with ignorance meant developing education and greater equality of education to all children, with local authorities having a vital role to play. This paper focuses on the development of education policy in the UK by analysing legislative provision related to the role played by central and local government, and equality of opportunity. It argues that there have been notable changes across all phases of education. In England, central government plays a greater role than previously, and has created enduring state‐controlled markets in which education institutions operate; local authorities have a reduced role. This contrasts with Scotland and Wales. Ideas about equality of opportunity have also shifted over time and vary not only between different phases of education, but also between the countries of the UK. Whilst equality of access has increased, equality of educational outcome remains elusive.
Complement‐mediated hemolysis persists year round in patients with cold agglutinin disease
Authors: Röth Alexander , Fryzek Jon , Jiang Xiaohui , Reichert Heidi , Patel Parija , Su Jun , Morales Arias Jaime , Broome Catherine M. 
Published: November 2021

AbstractBackgroundCold agglutinin disease (CAD) is a rare autoimmune hemolytic anemia mediated by immunoglobulin M autoantibodies that bind to the “I” antigen on erythrocytes. IgM binding results in either agglutination at ≤37°C, activation of the classical complement pathway, or both. Patients with CAD can have transient agglutination‐mediated circulatory symptoms triggered by exposure to cold conditions. Separately, patients with CAD can experience complement‐mediated symptoms such as anemia, hemolysis, and fatigue, but the effect of the season on these complement‐mediated manifestations of CAD and clinical outcomes is not well understood.MethodsUsing data from the Optum® de‐identified Electronic Health Record dataset, we compared hemoglobin, markers of hemolysis (bilirubin and lactate dehydrogenase [LDH]), and healthcare resource utilization (HRU) between seasons for 594 patients (62% female; 66% aged ≥65 years) with CAD (defined as having CAD‐related terms in their clinical notes on ≥3 separate occasions between December 2008 and May 2016). Laboratory parameters and HRU were compared between seasons using multivariate regression models.ResultsEstimated median hemoglobin (9.87 g/dL in summer and 9.86 g/dL in winter; P = 0.944) and bilirubin (1.04 mg/dL in summer and 1.09 mg/dL in winter; P = 0.257) were similar in winter versus summer. While LDH was statistically significantly higher in winter compared with summer (P < 0.001), the estimated median value was above normal for both seasons (309 U/L in summer and 367 U/L in winter). HRU measures and transfusion and thromboembolism rates were similar across seasons.ConclusionsPatients with CAD had evidence of persistent chronic hemolysis, HRU, and thromboembolism risk year round.
A Decomposition Solution of Variable Thickness Absorber Plate Solar Collectors With Power Law Dependent Thermal Conductivity
Authors: Roy Pranab Kanti 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
We present a mathematical model of flat-plate solar collector whose thermal conductivity is a power law function of temperature, and nondimensional length is governed by a profile index. The rectangular, convex, and triangular shape absorber plates are obtained by changing the value of an index of nondimensional length 0, ½, and 1, respectively. The energy equation governing the temperature of rectangular absorber plate is a nonsingular-type equation, and convex and triangular cross-sectional absorber plates are two different singular-type equations. One nonsingular and two different singular value equations are solved separately by different operators, as explained separately in classical and modified Adomian decomposition method (ADM), respectively. The results obtained for the case of the rectangular, convex, and triangular cross-sectional plates are validated by comparison with the exact analytical solution for special case as available in literature. The effects of various thermophysical parameters such as power law thermal conductivity parameter, Biot number, aspect ratio, absorbed solar heat flux, and overall heat transfer coefficient on the temperature distribution are analyzed.
Tribological Behavior of Alumina Ceramics With Nano-TiO2 as a Sintering Aid in Non-Conformal Contact
Authors: Haldar Partha , Bhattacharya Tapas Kumar , Modak Nipu 
Published: November 2021

Abstract
The study emphasized the sintering behavior and tribo-mechanical properties of alumina ceramics by nano-TiO2 addition as a sintering aid. With increase in sintering temperature, the bulk density of alumina has increased gradually and optimized at 1600 °C. The optimizing effect of densification at 1600 °C is 98.25% by the addition of 1 wt% nano-TiO2. The maximum solid solubility of titania in alumina grains was at 1600 °C and causes optimization of densification by addition of 1 wt%. The excess addition of TiO2 formed low dense Al2TiO5, appearing as a secondary phase at grain boundaries and does not significantly improve densification. Fracture toughness increases and coefficient of friction decreases with the addition of nano-TiO2 in alumina matrix. The addition of 1 wt% nano-TiO2 improved hardness to 8.82% and reduces specific wear-rate to 45.56%. The addition of 1 wt% nano-TiO2 greatly influenced the microstructure of sintered Al2O3. The morphology was sharply changed from hexagonal columnar shape to order sub round orientation which also directly impact the tribo-mechanical properties of sintered alumina. The addition of 1 wt% substantially decreases wear track depth as observed by a 3D surface profilometer. Microscopic observation of the worn-out surface showed that wearing is majorly caused by plastic deformation and abrasion.
Effect of PEP flute self-care versus usual care in early covid-19: non-drug, open label, randomised controlled trial in a Danish community setting
Authors: Mollerup Annette , Henriksen Marius , Larsen Sofus Christian , Bennetzen Anita Selmer , Simonsen Mette Kildevæld , Kofod Linette Marie , Knudsen Jenny Dahl , Nielsen Xiaohui Chen , Weis Nina , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal 
Published: November 2021

Abstract

Objective
To determine whether positive expiratory pressure (PEP) by PEP flute self-care is effective in reducing respiratory symptoms among community dwelling adults with SARS-CoV-2 infection and early stage covid-19.

Design
Non-drug, open label, randomised controlled trial.

Setting
Capital Region and Region Zealand in Denmark from 6 October 2020 to 26 February 2021.

Participants
Community dwelling adults, able to perform self-care, with a new SARS-CoV-2 infection (verified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction tests) and symptoms of covid-19.

Intervention
Participants were randomised to use PEP flute self-care in addition to usual care or have usual care only. Randomisation was based on permuted random blocks in a 1:1 ratio, stratified for sex and age (<60 or ≥60 years). The PEP self-care group was instructed to use a PEP flute three times per day during the 30 day intervention.

Main outcome measures
Primary outcome was a change in symptom severity from baseline to day 30, as assessed by the self-reported COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) assessment test (CAT), which was adjusted for baseline values and stratification factors. Participants completed the CAT test questionnaire every day online. Secondary outcomes were self-reported urgent care visits due to covid-19, number of covid-19 related symptoms, and change in self-rated health, all within 30-days’ follow-up.

Results
378 participants were assigned to the PEP flute self-care intervention (n=190) or usual care only (n=188). In the PEP self-care group, the median number of days with PEP flute use was 21 days (interquartile range 13-25). For the intention-to-treat population, a group difference was observed in changes from baseline in CAT scores of −1.2 points (95% confidence interval −2.1 to −0.2; P=0.017) in favour of the PEP flute self-care group. At day 30, the PEP flute self-care group also reported less chest tightness, less dyspnoea, more vigour, and higher level of daily activities, but these differences were small, and no consistent effects were seen on the secondary outcomes. No serious adverse events were reported.

Conclusions
In community dwelling adults with early covid-19, PEP flute self-care had a significant, yet marginal and uncertain clinical effect on respiratory symptom severity, as measured by CAT scores.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov
NCT04530435
.
Study protocol: establishment of a multicentre pre-eclampsia database and biobank in Sweden: GO PROVE and UP MOST, a prospective cohort study
Authors: Thorgeirsdottir Lilja , Andersson Malin , Karlsson Ove , Thörn Sven-Egron , Oras Jonatan , Sengpiel Verena , Svanvik Teresia , Elden Helen , Linden Karolina , Junus Katja , Lager Susanne , Enskär Ida , van Veen Teelkien , Wikström Johan , Björkman-Burtscher Isabella , Stigsdotter Neely Anna , Wikström Anna-Karin , Bergman Lina 
Published: November 2021

IntroductionPre-eclampsia, a multisystem disorder in pregnancy, is one of the most common causes of maternal morbidity and mortality worldwide. However, we lack methods for objective assessment of organ function in pre-eclampsia and predictors of organ impairment during and after pre-eclampsia. The women’s and their partners’ experiences of pre-eclampsia have not been studied in detail. To phenotype different subtypes of the disorder is of importance for prediction, prevention, surveillance, treatment and follow-up of pre-eclampsia.The aim of this study is to set up a multicentre database and biobank for pre-eclampsia in order to contribute to a safer and more individualised treatment and care.Methods and analysisThis is a multicentre cohort study. Prospectively recruited pregnant women ≥18 years, diagnosed with pre-eclampsia presenting at Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Uppsala University Hospital and at Södra Älvsborgs Hospital, Sweden, as well as normotensive controls are eligible for participation. At inclusion and at 1-year follow-up, the participants donate biosamples that are stored in a biobank and they are also asked to participate in various organ-specific evaluations. In addition, questionnaires and interviews regarding the women’s and partner’s experiences are distributed at follow-up.Ethics and disseminationBy creating a database and biobank, we will provide the means to explore the disorder in a broader sense and allow clinical and laboratory discoveries that can be translated to clinical trials aiming at improved care of women with pre-eclampsia. Further, to evaluate experiences and the psychological impact of being affected by pre-eclampsia can improve the care of pregnant women and their partners. In case of incidental pathological findings during examinations performed, they will be handled in accordance with clinical routine. Data are stored in a secure online database. Biobank samples are identified through the women’s personal identification number and pseudonymised after identification in the biobank before analysis.This study was approved by the regional ethical review board in Gothenburg on 28 December 2018 (approval number 955-18) and by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority on 27 February 2019 (approval number 2019-00309).Results from the study will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.Trial registration numberISRCTN13060768