bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Neuromuscular Performance in Patients Recovered from COVID-19
Authors: Frazão Murillo , da Cruz Santos Amilton , de Assis Pereira Cacau Lucas , Eugênio Silva Paulo , Petrucci Tullio Rocha , Assis Mariela Cometki , de Almeida Leal Rômulo , de Moraes Forjaz Cláudia Lúcia , Brasileiro-Santos Maria do Socorro 
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveCOVID-19 affects cardiorespiratory and muscular systems, causing dysfunctions that may persist after recovery from the acute infection and treatment. The aim of this study was to evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness and neuromuscular performance in these patients.MethodsPatients recovered from mild (n=31) and severe (n=17) COVID-19 were evaluated and compared to healthy subjects (n=15). All volunteers underwent a maximal cardiopulmonary exercise test with simultaneous acquisition of electromyography (EMG). Power output, oxygen uptake (VO2), pulse oxygen (O2Pulse), cardiovascular efficiency (ΔHR/ΔVO2), ventilation (VE), breathing reserve (BR) and ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2 slope) were analyzed. From EMG, power output for type Ia and IIa activation as well as total neuromuscular efficiency (Δwatts/Δ%RMS) were determined.ResultsPatients with severe COVID-19 presented lower VO2, O2Pulse and VE than mild COVID-19 patients and healthy subjects (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). No differences in ΔHR/ΔVO2, BR or VE/VCO2 slope were observed among the groups (p > 0.05 for all comparisons). Type IIa and IIb fibers were activated at lower power output in severe than in mild COVID-19 patients and healthy subjects (p < 0.05). Δwatts/Δ%RMS was lower in severe than in mild COVID-19 patients and healthy subjects (p < 0.05).ConclusionPatients recovered from severe COVID-19 present low cardiorespiratory fitness, activate glycolytic fibers at low power outputs, and show low neuromuscular efficiency; while patients recovered from mild COVID-19 do not present these sequels.
The impact of high dose oral cotrimoxazole in patients with COVID-19 with hypoxic respiratory failure requiring non-invasive ventilation: A Case Control Study
Authors: Singh Saurabh , John Thomas , Kumar Prashant , Quadery Syed Rehan 
Published: January 2021

ABSTRACTBackgroundCOVID-19 can be fatal in a significant proportion of people who develop critical illness, resulting in hypoxic respiratory failure secondary to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) which is thought to be mediated by a cytokine storm syndrome. Steroids have been shown to be of some benefit, but the mainstay of treatment remains supportive.MethodsThe data was collected retrospectively from consecutive, newly diagnosed patients presenting to the critical care facility of I Q City Medical College Hospital, Durgapur, India between June and November 2020 with critical COVID-19 on non-invasive ventilation treated with high dose oral cotrimoxazole (CTX) in addition to standard therapy (ST) and compared with patients with critical COVID-19 receiving standard therapy alone.Results201 patients were identified. Of which 151 patients received CTX in addition to ST (mean age ± SD 59 ± 13 years, 81% male and mean BMI ± SD 28 ± 2) and 50 patients received ST alone (mean age ± SD 63 ± 12, 64% male and mean BMI ± SD 27 ± 2). We observed that the patients with critical COVID-19 receiving CTX in addition to ST had significantly better outcomes including reduced in-patient mortality (13% versus 40%, p <0.001), length of hospital and critical care unit stay (mean, 11 versus 15 days (p <0.001) and 6 versus 11 days (p <0.001) respectively), and the need for mechanical ventilation (16% versus 42%, p <0.001) with improved CRP at day 7 (mean, 38mg/L versus 62mg/L, p = 0.001).ConclusionThese results may be due to the antibiotic and anti-cytokine effects of CTX. Clinical trials are currently underway to test our observations.
The positive side of peer pressure: employees as “enforcers” of positive cultural values
Authors: Lilly Juliana 
Published: January 2021

Purpose
This paper discusses how peer pressure works and how to use it in a positive way to encourage employees to behave in ways that are beneficial to the organization.

Design/methodology/approach
This viewpoint is prepared by an independent writer offering practical suggestions to improve employee compliance by applying academic theory.

Findings
Organizations can create positive peer pressure through institutionalized socialization tactics that set clear expectations for behavior. These expectations become ingrained in culture leading to employees acting as “enforcers” of cultural values.

Originality/value
This article saves executives and researchers hours of reading time by presenting decades of research in a condensed and easy-to-read format.
Regulation of glutamine synthetase activity by transcriptional and posttranslational modifications negatively influences ganoderic acid biosynthesis in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Zhu Jing , Song Shuqi , Sun Zehua , Lian Lingdan , Shi Liang , Ren Ang , Zhao Mingwen 
Published: January 2021

SummaryGlutamine synthetase (GS), a central nitrogen metabolic enzyme, plays important roles in the nitrogen regulation network and secondary metabolism in fungi. However, the mechanisms by which external nitrogen sources regulate fungal GS activity have not been determined. Here, we found that GS activity was inhibited under nitrate conditions in Ganoderma lucidum. By constructing gs‐silenced strains and adding 1 mM GS inhibitor to inhibit GS activity, we found that a decrease in GS activity led to a decrease in ganoderic acid biosynthesis. The transcription of gs increased approximately five fold under nitrate conditions compared with that under ammonia. Electrophoretic mobility shift and yeast one‐hybrid assay showed that gs was transcriptionally regulated by AreA. Although both gs expression and GS protein content increased under nitrate conditions, the GS activity still decreased. Treatment of recombinant GS with SIN‐1 (protein nitration donor) resulted in a strengthened nitration accompanied by a 71% decrease in recombinant GS activity. Furthermore, intracellular GS could be nitrated from mycelia cultivated under nitrate conditions. These results indicated that GS activity could be inhibited by NO‐mediated protein nitration. Our findings provide the first insight into the role of transcriptional and posttranslational regulation of GS activity in regulating secondary metabolism in fungi.
Random forests for predicting species identity of forensically important blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and flesh flies (Diptera: Sarcophagidae) using geometric morphometric data: Proof of concept
Authors: Khang Tsung Fei , Mohd Puaad Nur Ayuni Dayana , Teh Ser Huy , Mohamed Zulqarnain 
Published: January 2021

AbstractWing shape variation has been shown to be useful for delineating forensically important fly species in two Diptera families: Calliphoridae and Sarcophagidae. Compared to DNA‐based identification, the cost of geometric morphometric data acquisition and analysis is relatively much lower because the tools required are basic, and stable softwares are available. However, to date, an explicit demonstration of using wing geometric morphometric data for species identity prediction in these two families remains lacking. Here, geometric morphometric data from 19 homologous landmarks on the left wing of males from seven species of Calliphoridae (n = 55), and eight species of Sarcophagidae (n = 40) were obtained and processed using Generalized Procrustes Analysis. Allometric effect was removed by regressing centroid size (in log10) against the Procrustes coordinates. Subsequently, principal component analysis of the allometry‐adjusted Procrustes variables was done, with the first 15 principal components used to train a random forests model for species prediction. Using a real test sample consisting of 33 male fly specimens collected around a human corpse at a crime scene, the estimated percentage of concordance between species identities predicted using the random forests model and those inferred using DNA‐based identification was about 80.6% (approximate 95% confidence interval = [68.9%, 92.2%]). In contrast, baseline concordance using naive majority class prediction was 36.4%. The results provide proof of concept that geometric morphometric data has good potential to complement morphological and DNA‐based identification of blow flies and flesh flies in forensic work.
The International Federation for Emergency Medicine report on emergency department crowding and access block: A brief summary
Authors: Javidan Arshia P , Hansen Kim , Higginson Ian , Jones Peter , Lang Eddy ,   IFEM Task Force on Emergency Department Crowding and Access Block
Published: January 2021

AbstractObjectiveTo develop comprehensive guidance that captures international impacts, causes, and solutions related to ED crowding and access block.MethodsEmergency physicians representing 15 countries from all the International Federation for Emergency Medicine (IFEM) regions composed the task force. Monthly meetings were held via video‐conferencing software to achieve consensus for report content. The report was submitted and approved by the IFEM Board on June 1, 2020.ResultsA total of 14 topic dossiers, each relating to an aspect of ED crowding, were researched and completed collaboratively by members of the task force.ConclusionsThe IFEM report is a comprehensive document intended to be used in whole or by section to inform and address aspects of ED crowding and access block. Overall, ED crowding is a multifactorial issue requiring systems‐wide solutions applied at local, regional, and national levels. Access block is the predominant contributor of ED crowding in most parts of the world.
Stress response and characterization of oil‐in‐water emulsions stabilized with Kluyveromyces marxianus mannoprotein
Authors: Hajhosseini Ashraf , Doroud Delaram , Sharifan Anousheh , Eftekhari Zohreh 
Published: January 2021

AbstractThis study was intended to investigate physico‐chemical, rheological, and emulsifying properties of oil‐in‐water emulsions prepared from the Kluyveromyces marxianus mannoprotein (KMM). Also, the stress‐response function of the KMM emulsions was compared with that of the whey protein concentrate (WPC) emulsions in terms of zeta potential, size, and rheology. The stress experiments were conducted at different pH (3 to 9), ionic composition (0 to 500 mM NaCl), and temperatures (30 to 90 °C). The extracted KMM with a molecular weight of 107.2 kDa had 28.8% proteins and 68.22% carbohydrates. With increasing the KMM concentration to 1.5% (w/w), the zeta potential, droplet size, and apparent viscosity of the emulsions reached −35 mV, ∼1 μ, and ∼9 mPa·s, respectively. After applying pH, ionic composition, and temperature, the KMM emulsions were more stable than the WPC emulsions. In conclusion, KMM can be used as a bioemulsifier and be more effective in stabilizing emulsions than WPC.Practical ApplicationYeasts are a rich source of natural materials. In this study, we extracted mannoproteins from the yeast cell wall and evaluated their functional properties to be used as an emulsifier in oil‐in‐water emulsions. The results of this study confirm that the yeast‐derived mannoproteins are good at stabilizing these emulsions either in the presence or absence of different environmental conditions.
Large fiber peripheral neuropathy in systemic sclerosis: A prospective study using clinical and electrophysiological definition
Authors: Raja Jasmin , Balaikerisnan Tharshannia , Ramanaidu Letchumy Praba , Goh Khean Jin 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAimThe reported prevalence of peripheral neuropathy in systemic sclerosis (SSc) is variable between 0.01% to 28%, probably due to differences in sample size, study design and population. Our aim is to determine the prevalence of large fiber peripheral neuropathy in SSc and to identify any contributing factors.MethodA prospective cross‐sectional study of 60 SSc patients were evaluated for large fiber neuropathy using the modified clinical Total Neuropathy Score (cTNS) and nerve conduction study (NCS) of the upper and lower limbs. A combination of clinical (cTNS score ≥ 2) and NCS criteria (≥2 abnormal nerves including 1 sural [symmetrical polyneuropathy] and NCS abnormalities consistent with individual nerves/nerve roots [focal neuropathy]) was used to diagnose peripheral neuropathy.ResultsThe majority had limited cutaneous subset (75%). Mean age was 55.73 (SD ± 13.04) years and mean disease duration was 8.61 (SD ± 8.09) years. Twenty‐two (36.7%) had combined clinical and NCS criteria for peripheral neuropathy, 14 (23.3%) with symmetrical polyneuropathy and 8 (13.3%) with focal neuropathy. Symmetrical polyneuropathy patients had significantly lower hemoglobin levels (11.2 vs. 12.35 g/L; P = .047). Serum vitamin B12 levels were normal, therefore excluding vitamin B12 deficiency. No other associations were found for both polyneuropathy and focal neuropathy with demography, co‐morbid diseases and SSc disease factors such as Raynaud's phenomenon and modified Rodnan skin score.ConclusionLarge fiber neuropathy is common in SSc patients, which could contribute to non‐lethal burden in SSc with sensory loss and muscle weakness. Apart from lower hemoglobin in polyneuropathy, there were no associations with disease‐specific features or co‐morbid diseases.
Florence Nightingale and the Spanish nursing school of Santa Isabel De Hungría (1896)
Authors: Santainés‐Borredá Elena , Camaño‐Puig Ramón 
Published: January 2021

AbstractPurposeThe Spanish surgeon Federico Rubio‐Galí worked at St. Thomas Hospital in England at the time when Florence Nightingale founded the Nightingale Training School for Nurses (1860). Apparently, he was quite aware of Nightingale's nursing work and expertise and it is known that founded the first Spanish nursing school, in Madrid, in 1896. This led us to wonder if the emergence of his school was purely by chance or was connected to what its founder learned in England. Likely, this learned knowledge led him to apply Nightingale's ideas and to put them into practice in his institution.MethodsWe used content analysis techniques and developed categories and subcategories to search for ideological similarities between Nightingale and Rubio‐Galí.FindingsThe results reflected similarities and coincidences on several issues, mainly related to ventilation, light, infection, hygiene, food, rest, practical training, and observation, among others.ConclusionsThe concepts listed by Nightingale and Rubio‐Galí are important for the analysis of nursing from an epistemological and ontological perspective. We concluded that Rubio‐Galí was fully aware of Nightingale's ideas and that he implemented several of them in his institution.Implications for nursing practiceHistorical research always implies progress in the field of practice and knowledge, permitting arise new issues. The data presented in this article open new questions for practice and the history of Spanish nursing.
Metformin treatment in late middle age improves cognitive function with alleviation of microglial activation and enhancement of autophagy in the hippocampus
Authors: Kodali Maheedhar , Attaluri Sahithi , Madhu Leelavathi N. , Shuai Bing , Upadhya Raghavendra , Gonzalez Jenny Jaimes , Rao Xiaolan , Shetty Ashok K. 
Published: January 2021

SummaryMetformin, a drug widely used for treating diabetes, can prolong the lifespan in several species. Metformin also has the promise to slow down age‐related cognitive impairment. However, metformin's therapeutic use as an anti‐aging drug is yet to be accepted because of conflicting animal and human studies results. We examined the effects of metformin treatment in late middle age on cognitive function in old age. Eighteen‐month‐old male C57BL6/J mice received metformin or no treatment for 10 weeks. A series of behavioral tests revealed improved cognitive function in animals that received metformin. Such findings were evident from a better ability for pattern separation, object location, and recognition memory function. Quantification of microglia revealed that metformin treatment reduced the incidence of pathological microglial clusters with alternative activation of microglia into an M2 phenotype, displaying highly ramified processes in the hippocampus. Metformin treatment also seemed to reduce astrocyte hypertrophy. Additional analysis demonstrated that metformin treatment in late middle age increased adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase activation, reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels, and the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling, and enhanced autophagy in the hippocampus. However, metformin treatment did not alter neurogenesis or synapses in the hippocampus, implying that improved cognitive function with metformin did not involve enhanced neurogenesis or neosynaptogenesis. The results provide new evidence that metformin treatment commencing in late middle age has promise for improving cognitive function in old age. Modulation of microglia, proinflammatory cytokines, and autophagy appear to be the mechanisms by which metformin facilitated functional benefits in the aged brain.
Changes in a peri‐urban butterfly assemblage over 80 years near Melbourne, Australia
Authors: Braby Michael F , Williams Matthew R , Douglas Fabian , Beardsell Campbell , Crosby David F 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAlthough changes, particularly declines, in Australian terrestrial insects and other invertebrates have long been suspected and well‐documented for some species, the magnitude, rate and spatial extent of decline remain unclear. Here we use a combination of alternative, qualitative approaches (expert opinion, historical records and temporal replication of surveys) to standardised monitoring and mapping programs to investigate the extent of change of a peri‐urban butterfly assemblage. This assemblage, comprising 52 species, of which 46 are residents or seasonal immigrants, was studied at three spatial scales (local ~0.01 km2, intermediate ~9 km2 and regional ~100 km2) in the Eltham district near Melbourne based on presence/absence data over the past 40 (1981–2020) and 80 years (1941–2020). We then consider the causal factors or drivers that have led to changes, and we explore the timing and ecological patterns underpinning extirpations. Long‐term records reveal substantial changes (mostly decline) in composition and species richness of the 46 breeding species at all spatial scales and time frames analysed. Although the magnitude and rate of decline were higher at the smaller, local to intermediate scales (29–43% decline over 40 years, loss rate of 0.20–0.25 species/year) compared with the larger, regional scale (26% decline over 80 years, loss rate of 0.15 species/year), extirpations at the larger scale were more alarming because they are indicative of widespread population collapse. Declines in relative abundance and occupancy were also recorded at the intermediate and regional spatial scales. Further decline (extinction debt) is anticipated for several ecological specialists currently known from very few sites. Historical extirpations mostly involved obligate myrmecophilous lycaenids and appear to have been largely driven by a combination of urbanisation (habitat loss, degradation and fragmentation) and vegetation encroachment. More recent extirpations consist mainly of grass‐feeding and mistletoe‐feeding specialists and are more worrying because they have predominantly occurred within the past 20–30 years. An interaction of urbanisation (tree canopy death and decline of mistletoes and their host trees from ecosystem dysfunction) and climate change (water stress and heat waves) are considered to be the most likely drivers for these ecological guilds.
Geissospermum argenteum (Angiosperma: Apocynaceae): a reservoir of parasitoids of fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) in an upland forest in the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: de Sousa Maria do Socorro Miranda , dos Santos Jhulie Emille Veloso , de Toledo José Julio , Nava Dori Edson , Adaime Ricardo 
Published: January 2021

This work aimed to assess the potential of Geissospermum argenteum Woodson (Apocynaceae) as a reservoir of fruit fly (Diptera: Tephritidae) parasitoids (Hymenoptera) in an upland forest in Brazil.
The study was conducted in a remnant of primary upland forest, in which were distributed 10 plots (0.5 ha each). All individuals of G. argenteum with diameters greater than 5 cm at a height of 1.3 m were inventoried. Two trees per plot were selected to assess the total production of fruit. Collectors were installed under the canopy projection of each tree. The fruits were counted and weighed in the field and were transported to the laboratory, to determine the dry mass. Samples of fruits were collected to investigate their infestation by fruit flies and percentage of parasitism.
A total of 394 specimens of G. argenteum were identified in the 5 ha investigated area, of which only 126 produced fruits during the 12 months of the assessment. Production ranged from 59 to 2478 fruits per plant (0.59 and 19.73 kg of fresh mass, respectively). Fifty‐nine fruit samples were collected from 44 plants, from which 7703 puparia were obtained. Only Anastrepha atrigona Hendel emerged from the puparia. The mean infestation rate was 554.9 puparia/kg of fruit (0.4–1628.6 puparia/kg). Four species of parasitoids were obtained, with mean percentage of parasitism of 2.27% (0.23–9.01%).
Our results show that G. argenteum is a reservoir of fruit fly parasitoids, highlighting the importance of its conservation in native habitats, as well as its multiplication in areas close to commercial orchards.
Large intestine in pheasant (phasianus colchicus) and see‐see partridge (ammoperdix griseogularis). A comparative morphological and histological study
Authors: PourhajiMotab Jalil , Rasouli Babak 
Published: January 2021

AbstractAnatomical and histological studies of the large intestine in birds are essential for necropsy and histopathological examinations. On the other hand, large intestine plays a critical role in the immune system and absorption. The present study's objective was to provide information about the morphological, morphometric and histological characteristics of the large intestine in see‐see partridges (Ammoperdix griseogularis) and pheasants (Phasianus colchicus). These two members of the Galliformes order are found in large areas of Iran. In this study, ten male see‐see partridges and ten male pheasants were randomly selected. Also, the histological studies were carried out on tissue specimens using haematoxylin for staining. In both species, the cecum was visible as two large tubes at the beginning of the rectum. The cecum and rectum's outer surfaces were flat and had no sacculation in both of the birds. Histologically, intestinal villi in all the large intestine parts and increase their height from the base to the apex is remarkable. The muscularis mucosae was distinct, and lymph nodes and Liberkuhn glands were found in all parts of the large intestine, approximately. It can be concluded that the morphology of the large intestine is very similar to the other avian species, but there are more differences in the histological features. These structural features are in full accordance with the bird's habits and diet.