bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identifying Pathways to Peace: How International Support Can Help Prevent Conflict Recurrence
Authors: Mross Karina , Fiedler Charlotte , Grävingholt Jörn
Published: December 2021

This article provides new evidence on how the international community can effectively foster peace after civil war. It expands the current literature's narrow focus on either peacekeeping or aggregated aid flows, adopting a comprehensive, yet disaggregated, view on international peacebuilding efforts. We distinguish five areas of peacebuilding support (peacekeeping, nonmilitary security support, support for politics and governance, for socioeconomic development, and for societal conflict transformation) and analyze which types or combinations are particularly effective and in which context. Applying configurational analysis (qualitative comparative analysis) to all thirty-six post-civil war peace episodes between 1990 and 2014, we find that (1) peacekeeping is only one important component of effective post-conflict support, (2) the largest share of peaceful cases can be explained by support for politics and governance, (3) only combined international efforts across all types of support can address difficult contexts, and (4) countries neglected by the international community are highly prone to experiencing conflict recurrence. Three case studies shed light on underlying causal mechanisms.
Validation of the RIDASCREEN® Peanut for Determination of Peanut Protein in Cookies, Milk Chocolate, Ice Cream, Trail Mix, Puffed Rice Cereals, and Granola Bar: AOAC Performance Tested MethodSM 112102
Authors: Lacorn Markus , Dubois Tina , Gößwein Christian , Kredel Rebecca , Ferkinghoff Bianca , Brunelle Sharon , Théolier Jérémie , Dominguez Silvia , Weiss Thomas
Published: December 2021

Background

Regulations in many countries worldwide prescribe that peanut must be listed on food labels as a cause of food allergies. Re-evaluated voluntary incidental trace allergen labelling (VITAL) values for peanut revealed the eliciting dose (ED01) value—at which 99% of all peanut-allergic individuals will not react—is 0.2 mg peanut protein.

Objective

Validation of a sandwich ELISA based on monoclonal antibodies to detect peanut proteins.

Methods

Non-processed and processed samples are extracted by an easy procedure at 60°C within 10 min. The measurement range is between 0.75 and 6 mg/kg peanut using a national institute of standards and technology (NIST) reference material as calibrator.

Results

The system shows no cross-reactivity against 91 different food commodities. The LOD was 0.15 mg/kg for food matrixes such as cookies, milk chocolate, ice cream, trail mix, puffed rice cereal, and granola bar. LOQ was verified at a level of 0.75 mg/kg. Recovery studies with incurred milk chocolate and ice cream revealed consistent recoveries between 67 and 85%. Mean recoveries for incurred cookies depend on the baking temperature and time and ranged from 60 to 109%. Repeatability was between 5.2 and 12.3%, whereas relative intermediate precision was between 6.4 and 13.0%. The results for incurred cookies and milk chocolate in the independent laboratory study showed mean recoveries between 99 and 104% with RSDs between 3.56 and 19.5% under repeatability conditions.

Conclusion

The results from the in-house validation study and the independent lab confirmed that the method is accurate and in accordance with requirements laid down in Standard Method Performance Requirement 2017.020.

Highlights

RIDASCREEN® Peanut quantifies proteins from peanut in a wide range of food categories.
Socioeconomic Features of Burn Injuries in Southern Iran: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Mohammadi Ali Akbar , Hoghoughi Mohammad Ali , Karoobi Mohammadreza , Ranjbar Keivan , Shahriarirad Reza , Erfani Amirhossein , Modarresi Mahboobeh-Sadat , Zardosht Mitra
Published: December 2021

Burn injuries are among the most traumatic incidences which could be associated with substantial morbidity and mortality. The incidence of these injuries differs based on population socioeconomic characteristics. In this study, we aim to evaluate the distribution of burn injuries based on socioeconomic and causative factors. Relative features from the targeted population were obtained and evaluated. Data were extracted in August 2019 and statistical analysis of the data was conducted from February 2020 to April 2020. This cross-sectional record-based study was conducted from 2008 to 2016 in a main referral center for burn injuries in the southern Iran. Participants included burn survivors and burn patients who were registered as outpatients or inpatients. A total of 4919 burn cases with a mean age of 31.91 ± 17.33, including 2926 (59.5%) males and 1993 (40.5%) females was reported. The majority of our cases had an educational level of under diploma (40.72%). A significant correlation between age, gender, and percentage of burn with the level of education was recorded (P < .001). The most frequent cause of burn injuries was flame with 2537 (51.9%) cases. The most susceptible population to burn injuries were reported to be poorly educated individuals, which emphasizes the preventive role of education.
Interference of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum With Pseudomonas aeruginosa on the Infected Burns in Wistar Rats
Authors: Abootaleb Mohammad , Mohammadi Bandari Narjes , Arbab Soleimani Nazila
Published: December 2021

Burns are the most prevalent type of trauma in the world, and they have a high fatality rate. For cutaneous wound healing, modern and natural therapies, particularly probiotic supplements, have lately been considered. The goal of this study was to see how Lactiplantibacillus plantarum affected wound healing as well as the antibacterial activity of probiotic lactobacilli against Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The glass slide method was used to assess anti-adhesion activity, and the high-performance liquid chromatography method was used to quantify anti-adhesion chemicals in cell-free supernatant. Multidrug-resistant (MDR) P. aeruginosa was administered subcutaneously directly on the burn after induction of second-degree wounds. Three groups of animals were created. Every day, the supernatants were sprayed for therapy, and the wound healing was monitored. Lactobacilli bacteria had good anti-adhesion effects on P. aeruginosa, according to our findings, and high-performance liquid chromatography research revealed that their inhibitory effect could be attributable to four main organic acids: lactic acid, acetic acid, citric acid, and succinic acid. When the effect of treatments on fibroblastic cells was examined, it was discovered that the group treated with L. plantarum supernatants had the most fibroblastic cells when compared to the nontreated group. Furthermore, the bacteria increased the number of fibroblastic cells, re-epithelialization in the wound area, and the thickness of the epidermis and dermis layers. Lactobacilli bacteria’s antimicrobial activity against MDR P. aeruginosa was determined by prevents infection. These findings revealed that L. plantarum can treat a P. aeruginosa infection in a second-degree burn and can significantly reduce inflammation.
Influential Factors in the Recovery Process of Burn Survivors in a Predominately Rural State: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Dukes Kimberly , Baldwin Stephanie , Assimacopoulos Evangelia , Grieve Brian , Hagedorn Joshua , Wibbenmeyer Lucy
Published: December 2021

Navigating the recovery journey following a burn injury can be challenging. Survivor stories can help define recovery constructs that can be incorporated into support programs. We undertook this study to determine themes of recovery in a predominately rural state. Eleven purposefully selected burn survivors were interviewed using a semi-structured format. Consensus coding of verbatim transcriptions was used to determine themes of successful recovery. Four support-specific themes were identified. These included: using active coping strategies, expressing altruism through helping others, finding meaning and acceptance, and the active seeking and use of support. These themes could be incorporated into support programming and would help guide future survivors through the recovery period.
Recent Trends in Screening Breast MRI
Authors: Lee Michelle V , Aharon Shani , Kim Kevin , Sunn Konstantinoff Katerina , Appleton Catherine M , Stwalley Dustin , Olsen Margaret A
Published: December 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess trends in screening breast MRI utilization among privately insured women in the U.S. from 2007 to 2017.

Methods

The utilization of screening breast MRI among women aged 25–64 years from January 1, 2007, to December 31, 2017, was obtained using the MarketScan Commercial Database. We used Current Procedural Terminology codes to exclude breast MRI exams performed in women with a new breast cancer diagnosis and in women imaged to assess response to neoadjuvant therapy in the preceding 90 days. During the 11-year study, 351 763 study-eligible women underwent 488 852 MRI scans.

Results

An overall 55.0% increase in screening breast MRI utilization was observed over the study period, with a steadily increasing trend. The greatest annual increase in percent utilization was from 2007 to 2008 at 16.6%. The highest utilization rate was in 2017, in which 0.4% of women aged 25–64 years underwent screening breast MRI. Of the women who underwent screening MRI with sufficient follow-up, 76.5% underwent only one examination during the study period.

Conclusion

Utilization of screening breast MRI has increased steadily in the past decade to a peak of 0.4% of adult women. However, an estimated 9% of U.S. women are eligible for high-risk breast MRI screening; thus, utilization falls short of optimal compliance. Further studies to evaluate the barriers to screening compliance may help optimize utilization.
Transitioning From Training to Breast Imaging Practice: Building an Academic Career
Authors: Butler Reni , Lee Jiyon , Hooley Regina J
Published: December 2021

Launching an academic career in breast imaging presents both challenges and opportunities for the newly graduated trainee. A strategic plan aligned with one’s personal strengths and interests facilitates career success and professional satisfaction. Academic departments offer multiple tracks to accommodate diverse faculty goals. The specific requirements of various tracks vary across institutions. The clinician-educator track typically encourages a focus on medical education and educational scholarship. The clinician-investigator or clinician-scholar track supports original research and grant-funded clinical trials. Finally, the clinical and clinician-administrator tracks allow for emphasis on clinical program development and leadership. As definitions of scholarship broaden, many opportunities are accessible to demonstrate excellence in the traditional areas of clinical practice, education, and research, as well as the broader fields of leadership and administration. Departmental and national society resources that advance knowledge in one’s chosen area of interest are available and should be explored. Mentorship and sponsorship can provide valuable insight into identifying such resources and devising a plan for sustainable career success and work-life integration.
AnophelineDiversity in Indonesia: An Evaluation of Animal-Baited Sampling Techniques
Authors: Hendri Joni , Astuti Endang Puji , Prasetyowati Heni , Dhewantara Pandji Wibawa , Hadi Upik Kesumawati
Published: December 2021

Indonesia has rich Anopheline (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquito species living in various types of ecosystems. The study was conducted to profile and compare Anopheles diversity, equitability, and dominance in various ecosystems using different animal-based sampling techniques. The present study analyzed a subset of data collected from a nation-wide vector and animal reservoirs survey in 2016. Analyses were restricted to three ecosystem types (forest, nonforest, and coastal areas) in Java and Sumatera Islands. A total of 5,477 Anopheles were collected by using animal-baited (n = 1,909) and animal-baited trap nets (n = 1,978), consisting of 23 Anopheline species. Overall, Anopheles vagus was the most abundant species, followed by An. subpictus and An. barbirostris. Among the three ecosystems, the forest had a higher diversity index (H′ = 1.98), but each ecosystem has its specific predominant species. Compared with the animal-baited method, the Anopheles abundance collected by animal-baited trap nets was two-fold higher. Ecosystem, elevation, and sampling methods were associated with the abundance of female Anopheles (P-value < 0.001). Our findings revealed that Anopheles were found in a different ecosystem, indicating the potential of malaria transmission. This suggests that improved malaria vector surveillance is essential in all types of ecosystem. Furthermore, the study suggested that animal-baited trap nets could be used as the standard method of outdoor resting sampling in Indonesia in addition to the traditional human landing collection approach.
Diaphragmatic hernia as a rare cause of bowel obstruction
Authors: Gaspar Daniela , Constantino Júlio , Sá Milene , Casimiro Carlos
Published: December 2021

Mechanical intestinal obstruction is a common cause of acute abdominal pain that brings patients to the emergency department. One of the main causes is adhesion in the abdomen after abdominal surgery, but rarer causes exist and are a diagnostic challenge due to the similarity of the presenting symptoms. Here, we present a case of intestinal obstruction caused by diaphragmatic hernia.
Heterologous prime–boost strategies for COVID-19 vaccines
Authors: Sapkota Binaya , Saud Bhuvan , Shrestha Ranish , Al-Fahad Dhurgham , Sah Ranjit , Shrestha Sunil , Rodriguez-Morales Alfonso J
Published: December 2021

Background/Objective

Heterologous prime–boost doses of COVID-19 vaccines (‘mix-and-match’ approach) are being studied to test for the effectiveness of Oxford (AZD1222), Pfizer (BNT162b2), Moderna (mRNA-1273) and Novavax (NVX-CoV2373) vaccines for COVID in ‘Com-Cov2 trial’ in UK, and that of Oxford and Pfizer vaccines in ‘CombivacS trial’ in Spain. Later, other heterologous combinations of CoronaVac (DB15806), Janssen (JNJ-78436735), CanSino (AD5-nCOV) and other were also being trialled to explore their effectiveness. Previously, such a strategy was deployed for HIV, Ebola virus, malaria, tuberculosis, influenza and hepatitis B to develop the artificial acquired active immunity. The present review explores the science behind such an approach for candidate COVID-19 vaccines developed using 11 different platforms approved by the World Health Organization.

Methods

The candidate vaccines’ pharmaceutical parameters (e.g. platforms, number needed to vaccinate and intervals, adjuvanted status, excipients and preservatives added, efficacy and effectiveness, vaccine adverse events, and boosters), and clinical aspects must be analysed for the mix-and-match approach. Results prime–boost trials showed safety, effectiveness, higher systemic reactogenicity, well tolerability with improved immunogenicity, and flexibility profiles for future vaccinations, especially during acute and global shortages, compared to the homologous counterparts.

Conclusion

Still, large controlled trials are warranted to address challenging variants of concerns including Omicron and other, and to generalize the effectiveness of the approach in regular as well as emergency use during vaccine scarcity.
The common noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula): population trends from artificial roosts and the effect of biotic and abiotic parameters on the probability of occupation
Authors: Printz Lisa , Tschapka Marco , Vogeler Anna
Published: December 2021

As urbanization and intense forestry management are increasing, natural bat roosting opportunities, e.g. tree cavities, are constantly declining. A common management practice, especially in urban environments, is the installation of bat boxes. We assessed (1) abundance trends inside artificial bat boxes of the noctule bat (Nyctalus noctula) over 11 years in Neu-Ulm, Germany, and identified (2) parameters affecting the occupation rate. Further, we compared (3) abundance of noctule bats in bat boxes between areas with large availability of natural roosts (forests) and urban areas with primarily artificial roosting structures (parks). Our results revealed a severe decline of noctule bats over 11 years. Further, our results indicate that bat boxes cannot fully replace natural tree cavities. Nonetheless, they support roost availability in areas already altered and providing only low amounts of natural bat roosts. The findings of our study have important implications for the conservation of bats in urbanized landscapes and underline the importance of old and intact forests for local biodiversity.
Association Between Self-Reported Sleep Quality and Musculoskeletal Injury in Male Army Rangers
Authors: Ritland Bradley M , Naylor Jacob A , Bessey Alexxa F , Burke Tina M , Hughes Julie M , Foulis Stephen A , Sowden Walter J , Mantua Janna
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Musculoskeletal injuries and insufficient sleep are common among U.S. Army Rangers. There has been limited research into whether indices of sleep differ between injured and uninjured Rangers. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between self-reported sleep and musculoskeletal injury in Rangers.

Materials and Methods

A total of 82 Army Rangers (male, 25.4 ± 4.0 years) were asked if they currently have any musculoskeletal injuries; completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), and the Stanford Sleepiness Scale; and were asked about their average sleep quality/sleep duration over the preceding week. Rangers were then dichotomized into groups, one that reported a current musculoskeletal injury and another that did not.

Results

The reported musculoskeletal injury prevalence was 15.9% (n = 13). The Rangers that reported an injury, compared to those that did not, had a significantly higher Global PSQI score (6.7 ± 3.7 versus 4.5 ± 2.7, P = .012) and ISI score (10.9 ± 3.7 versus 7.2 ± 4.1, P = .003), both indicative of poorer sleep. The group reporting an injury rated their average sleep quality over the preceding week significantly lower compared to those that did not report an injury (50.8 ± 17.5 versus 68.9 ± 18.3, P = .001). There was no significant group difference in the average nightly sleep duration (6.1 ± 1.0 hours versus 6.5 ± 0.9 hours, P = .099).

Conclusion

In this cohort of male Army Rangers, In this cohort of male Army Rangers, those with a musculoskeletal injury reported poorer sleep quality than uninjured Rangers. Sleep duration was not associated with reported injuries; however, both the injured group and uninjured group averaged less than the recommended amounts of sleep. Further investigation into the relationship between musculoskeletal injury and sleep in military personnel is warranted.
Drug efficacy and safety of biologics and Janus kinase inhibitors in elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ebina Kosuke
Published: December 2021

Elderly patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are frequently associated with higher disease activity and impaired physical function, although they show intolerance for conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (csDMARDs), such as methotrexate, because of their comorbidities. However, the present treatment recommendation based on randomized controlled trials is not distinguished by age or comorbidities. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of biological DMARDs (bDMARDs) and Janus kinase inhibitors (JAKi) in elderly patients. Present bDMARDs, including tumor necrosis factor inhibitors (TNFi), cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen-4-immunoglobulin (abatacept), interleukin (IL)-6 receptor antibody (tocilizumab and salirumab), and anti-CD20 antibody (rituximab), may be similarly or slightly less effective or safe in elderly patients compared with younger patients. Oral glucocorticoid use, prolonged disease duration, and very old patients appear to be associated with an increased risk of adverse events, such as serious infection. Some recent cohort studies demonstrated that non-TNFi showed better retention than TNFi in elderly patients. Both TNFi and non-TNFi agents may not strongly influence the risk of adverse events such as cardiovascular events and malignancy in elderly patients. Regarding JAKi, the efficacy appears to be similar, although the safety (particularly for serious infections, including herpes zoster) may be attenuated by aging.
Hydroxychloroquine versus tacrolimus for the treatment of persistently active systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Ayano Masahiro , Kimoto Yasutaka , Mitoma Hiroki , Akahoshi Mitsuteru , Ono Nobuyuki , Arinobu Yojiro , Akashi Koichi , Horiuchi Takahiko , Niiro Hiroaki
Published: December 2021

Objectives

We aimed to reveal the effectiveness of hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) compared with tacrolimus (TAC), an immunosuppressive agent, in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) with persistent activity on standard treatment.

Methods

We retrospectively compared the efficacy and safety of the treatment between 18 patients receiving HCQ and 27 patients receiving TAC. None of the patients were in the lupus low disease activity state (LLDAS) at the beginning of this study. The efficacy end points were the cumulative incidence of LLDAS attainment without additional immunosuppressive agents, drug continuation rate, and treatment failure–free survival. The safety end point was the frequency of adverse events.

Results

Eight (44.4%) patients in the HCQ group and 10 (37.0%) patients in the TAC group achieved LLDAS during the follow-up period; thus, the cumulative incidences of LLDAS attainment of the two treatments were nearly identical. The drug continuation and treatment failure–free survival rates were also not different between the two groups. The frequency of adverse events showed no clear differences between the two groups.

Conclusions

The efficacy and safety of an add-on treatment with HCQ are similar to those with TAC. Patients with persistently active SLE can benefit from HCQ in efforts to achieve at least low disease activity.
Should we reconsider the definition of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis in an ageing society?
Authors: Uchiyama Shunsuke , Takanashi Satoshi , Takeno Mitsuhiro , Gono Takahisa , Kaneko Yuko , Takeuchi Tsutomu , Kuwana Masataka
Published: December 2021

Objectives

The management of elderly-onset rheumatoid arthritis (EORA) is challenging due to progressive functional disability, increased comorbidities, and high drug-related risks. EORA is defined as disease onset after 60 years since 1985. We assessed whether this cut-off age was optimal in a progressively ageing society.

Methods

This study used two cohorts of consecutive rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients: the Nippon Medical School (NMS) cohort (n = 204) and the Keio cohort (n = 296). Clinical findings independently correlated with the age of RA onset were selected as ‘EORA features’ from previously reported EORA characteristics using univariable and multivariable regression analyses. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was conducted to determine the cut-off age that best selected patients with all EORA features.

Results

Acute onset, negative anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody, and high erythrocyte sedimentation rate were selected as ‘EORA features’ in both cohorts. Patients with all EORA features were more numerous with age and almost exclusively older than 65 years. The optimal EORA cut-off age was 73 years with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.82 in the NMS cohort and 68 with an AUC of 0.93 in the Keio cohort. In the NMS cohort, Health Assessment Questionnaire-Disability Index and comorbidities in patients with disease onset between 60 years and the projected cut-off age were similar to those in younger-onset RA, but differed from those in patients with disease onset older than the projected cut-off age.

Conclusion

The optimal EORA cut-off age was greater than the conventional definition, but this needs to be validated in different patient populations.
Chaetophractus villosus (Cingulata: Chlamyphoridae)
Authors: Gallo Jorge Alberto , Superina Mariella , Abba Agustín Manuel
Published: December 2021

Chaetophractus villosus (Desmarest, 1804) is commonly known as the large hairy armadillo. It is one of two living species of Chaetophractus. Like all armadillos, it bears a dorsal carapace of ossified dermal scutes covered by epidermal scales. Dorsal hair is sparse, long, and black and brown. This semifossorial armadillo inhabits grasslands, savannas, steppes, forests, and even degraded areas such as agroecosystems of Argentina, the “Gran Chaco” of Bolivia and Paraguay, and southern Chile. Chaetophractus villosus is omnivorous–carnivorous. It is listed as “Least Concern” (LC) on the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List of Threatened Species, and is mainly affected by hunting, persecution as an agricultural pest, and vehicle collisions.
Induction and maintenance of remission with mycophenolate mofetil in ANCA-associated vasculitis: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Berti Alvise , Alsawas Mouaz , Jawaid Tabinda , Prokop Larry J , Lee Jiwon M , Jeong Gwang Hun , Quintana Luis F , Moiseev Sergey , Vaglio Augusto , Tesar Vladimir , Geetha Duvuru , Shin Jae I l , Kronbichler Andreas
Published: December 2021

Background

Uncertainties exist about the use of mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) in anti-neutrophil cytoplasmatic antibody (ANCA)-associated vasculitis (AAV), particularly for remission maintenance.

Methods

Systematic review and meta-analysis of phase II and III trials assessing the use of MMF in AAV, granulomatosis with polyangiitis and microscopic polyangiitis (MPA). A comprehensive search of several databases (Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane, Web of Science, Scopus) from inception to 5 May 2020 has been conducted. Trial data were extracted to estimate odds ratios (ORs) and estimates (ES) for MMF efficacy (remission-induction and maintenance). Severe adverse effects (SAEs) were collected.

Results

From 565 articles captured, 10 met the predefined criteria, 5 phase II and 5 III trials; 4 assessed remission-induction, 3 remission maintenance and 3 both. The pooled OR for remission-induction at 6 months was 1.06 (95% confidence interval 0.74, 1.52), with no significant difference by subgroup meta-analysis of trials stratified by different study-level features (i.e. kidney disease, MPA, myeloperoxidase-ANCA positivity, newly diagnosed disease) (P > 0.05). The overall ES for remission maintenance at the end of follow-up ranged between 51% and 91% (I2 = 74.8%). Subgroup meta-analysis identified kidney involvement as a possible source of heterogeneity, yielding a significantly higher rate of sustained remission in trials enrolling only patients with kidney involvement (92%, 76–100%) versus those enrolling patients with and without kidney involvement (56%, 45–66%). Results were similar in multiple sensitivity analyses. During follow-up, the frequency of SAEs in MMF-based treatment arms was 31.8%.

Conclusions

In AAV, MMF use was significantly associated with higher sustained remission rates in trials enrolling only patients with kidney involvement. These findings might influence clinical practice.
Cost-effectiveness of Routine Provider-Initiated Testing and Counseling for Children With Undiagnosed HIV in South Africa
Authors: Stanic Tijana , McCann Nicole , Penazzato Martina , Flanagan Clare , Essajee Shaffiq , Freedberg Kenneth A , Doherty Meg , Putta Nande , Myer Landon , Siberry George K , Collins Intira Jeannie , Vojnov Lara , Abrams Elaine , Soeteman Djøra I , Ciaranello Andrea L
Published: December 2021

Background

We compared the cost-effectiveness of pediatric provider–initiated HIV testing and counseling (PITC) vs no PITC in a range of clinical care settings in South Africa.

Methods

We used the Cost-Effectiveness of Preventing AIDS Complications Pediatric model to simulate a cohort of children, aged 2–10 years, presenting for care in 4 settings (outpatient, malnutrition, inpatient, tuberculosis clinic) with varying prevalence of undiagnosed HIV (1.0%, 15.0%, 17.5%, 50.0%, respectively). We compared “PITC” (routine testing offered to all patients; 97% acceptance and 71% linkage to care after HIV diagnosis) with no PITC. Model outcomes included life expectancy, lifetime costs, and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs) from the health care system perspective and the proportion of children with HIV (CWH) diagnosed, on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and virally suppressed. We assumed a threshold of $3200/year of life saved (YLS) to determine cost-effectiveness. Sensitivity analyses varied the age distribution of children seeking care and costs for PITC, HIV care, and ART.

Results

PITC improved the proportion of CWH diagnosed (45.2% to 83.2%), on ART (40.8% to 80.4%), and virally suppressed (32.6% to 63.7%) at 1 year in all settings. PITC increased life expectancy by 0.1–0.7 years for children seeking care (including those with and without HIV). In all settings, the ICER of PITC vs no PITC was very similar, ranging from $710 to $1240/YLS. PITC remained cost-effective unless undiagnosed HIV prevalence was <0.2%.

Conclusions

Routine testing improves HIV clinical outcomes and is cost-effective in South Africa if the prevalence of undiagnosed HIV among children exceeds 0.2%. These findings support current recommendations for PITC in outpatient, inpatient, tuberculosis, and malnutrition clinical settings.
Introduction of a second “Green Revolution” mutation into wheat via in planta CRISPR/Cas9 delivery
Authors: Kumagai Yuya , Liu Yuelin , Hamada Haruyasu , Luo Weifeng , Zhu Jianghui , Kuroki Misa , Nagira Yozo , Taoka Naoaki , Katoh Etsuko , Imai Ryozo
Published: December 2021

Direct delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 ribonucleoproteins into the shoot apical meristem via particle bombardment enabled introduction of a semidwarf1-orthologous mutation into an elite wheat variety.
Killer Incentives: Rivalry, Performance and Risk-Taking among German Fighter Pilots, 1939–45
Authors: Ager Philipp , Bursztyn Leonardo , Leucht Lukas , Voth Hans-Joachim
Published: December 2021

Using newly collected data on death rates and aerial victories of more than 5,000 German fighter pilots during World War II, we examine the effects of public recognition on performance and risk-taking. When a particular pilot is honoured publicly, both the victory rate and the death rate of his former peers increase. Fellow pilots react more if they come from the same region of Germany, or if they worked closely with him. Our results suggest that personal rivalry can be a prime motivating force, and that non-financial rewards can lead to a crowd-in of both effort and risk-taking via social connections.
Hematology parameters as potential indicators of feed efficiency in pigs
Authors: Lindholm-Perry Amanda K , Kuehn Larry A , Wells James E , Rempel Lea A , Chitko-McKown Carol G , Keel Brittney N , Oliver William T
Published: December 2021

The identification of an inexpensive, indirect measure of feed efficiency in swine could be a useful tool to help identify animals with improved phenotypes to supplement expensive phenotypes including individual feed intakes. The purpose of this study was to determine whether hematology parameters in pigs at the beginning and end of a feed efficiency study, or changes in those values over the study, were associated with average daily gain (ADG), average daily feed intake (ADFI), or gain-to-feed (G:F). Whole blood samples were taken at days 0 and 42 from pigs (n = 178) that were monitored for individual feed intakes and body weight gain during a 6-week study. Blood samples were analyzed for blood cell parameters including white blood cell (WBC), neutrophil, lymphocyte, monocyte, eosinophil and basophil counts, red blood cell (RBC) counts, hemoglobin, hematocrit, mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), platelet count, and mean platelet volume (MPV). Feed efficiency parameters were predicted using an ANOVA model including fixed effects of farrowing group and pen (sex constant) and individual hematology parameters at day 0, day 42 or their change as covariates. At day 0, platelet count was positively associated with ADFI (P < 0.05) and negatively associated with G:F (P < 0.1), and lymphocyte count was positively associated with ADFI (P < 0.05). At day 42, neutrophil, RBC counts, hemoglobin and hematocrit were associated with ADFI (P < 10−3). Over the course of the study, changes in RBC measurements including RBC, hemoglobin, MCV, MCH, and MCHC (P < 10−4) which may improve oxygen carrying capacity, were associated with ADG and ADFI. The change in hematocrit over the course of the study was the only parameter that was associated with all three measures of feed efficiency (P < 0.05). Changes in RBC parameters, especially hematocrit, may be useful measurements to supplement feed efficiency phenotypes in swine.
Interaction of early metabolizable protein supplementation and virginiamycin on feedlot growth performance and carcass characteristics of calf-fed Holstein steers
Authors: Carvalho Pedro H V , Latack Brooke C , Flores Ruben , Montano Martin F , Zinn Richard A
Published: December 2021

One hundred sixty-eight Holstein steer calves (133.4 ± 7.9 kg) were used to evaluate the influence of virginiamycin (VM) supplementation on cattle growth performance and liver abscess incidence, and the effect of feeding 100% vs. 87% of metabolizable protein (MP) requirements during the initial 112 d on growth performance, efficiency of energy utilization, and carcass characteristics. Steers were balanced by weight and assigned to 28 pens (6 steers/pen). During the initial 112-d feeding period, dietary treatments consisted of two levels of MP (100% vs. 87% of expected requirements) supplemented with or without 22.5 mg/kg VM in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement. There were no VM × MP supplementation interactions (P ≥ 0.14) on any of the parameters measured in both experiments. Calf-fed Holstein steers supplemented with VM increased (P ≤ 0.03) overall average daily gain (ADG), feed efficiency (G:F), observed/expected net energy (NE) values for maintenance and gain, and final body weight (BW). Cattle fed VM also increased (P ≤ 0.04) carcass weight, dressing percent, and longissimus muscle area. However, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.22) of VM supplementation on any other carcass characteristics. Calf-fed Holstein steers fed 100% MP requirements during the initial 112-d feeding period had greater (P ≤ 0.02) ADG, G:F, observed/expected NE values for maintenance and gain, and live BW compared with steers fed 87% of the expected MP requirements. However, there was no effect (P ≥ 0.17) of MP supply during the initial 112-d period on overall (342 d) growth performance measurements. The incidence of liver abscesses was low (averaging 7.7%) and not affected by dietary treatments. We conclude that, independent of MP supplies, supplemental VM enhances overall growth performance and efficiency of energy utilization of calf-fed Holstein steers.
Scenario planning: a framework for mitigating uncertainty in implementing strategic behavioral medicine initiatives during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Hoerger Michael , Alonzi Sarah , Mossman Brenna
Published: December 2021

“Scenario planned provides a useful framework for scientists proposing and implementing new projects during the COVID-19 pandemic and other uncertain events.”
Increasing standardization for smart(er) contracts
Authors: Aleinieh Tarek Kadour , Zoboli Laura
Published: December 2021

Legal standardization traditionally played an important role in contractual relations. With technological and commercial development and expansion of trade from the individual and collective levels to internationalization, it became necessary to create a set of standards to keep pace with this development and facilitate the contractual process. Although smart contracts are considered a leap in the contractual relationship, it cannot be overlooked that these contracts share many characteristics with traditional contracts. To gain a greater position in the global market, smart contracts also need to be well functioning and efficient. In this context, the article tackles the phenomenon of legal standardization and identifies the main weaknesses of smart contracts—to answer two crucial questions: how can these contracts be smarter, and how should we employ standardization to ensure their efficiency?
A comprehensive evolutionary and epidemiological characterization of insertion and deletion mutations in SARS-CoV-2 genomes
Authors: Liu Xue , Guo Liping , Xu Tiefeng , Lu Xiaoyu , Ma Mingpeng , Sheng Wenyu , Wu Yinxia , Peng Hong , Cao Liu , Zheng Fuxiang , Huang Siyao , Yang Zixiao , Du Jie , Shi Mang , Guo Deyin
Published: December 2021

SARS-CoV-2, which causes the current pandemic of respiratory illness, is evolving continuously and generating new variants. Nevertheless, most of the sequence analyses thus far focused on nucleotide substitutions despite the fact that insertions and deletions (indels) are equally important in the evolution of SARS-CoV-2. In this study, we analyzed 1,099,664 high-quality sequences of SARS-CoV-2 genomes to re-construct the evolutionary and epidemiological histories of indels. Our analysis revealed 289 circulating indel types (237 deletion and 52 insertion types, each represented by more than ten genomic sequences), among which eighteen were recurrent indel types, each represented by more than 500 genome sequences. Although indels were identified across the entire genome, most of them were identified in nsp6, S, ORF8, and N genes, among which ORF8 indel types had the highest frequencies of frameshift. Geographical and temporal analyses of these variants revealed a few alterations of dominant indel types, each accompanied by geographic expansion to different countries and continents, which resulted in the fixation of several types of indels in the field, including the current variants of concern. Evolutionary and structural analyses revealed that indels involving S N-terminal domain regions were linked to the 3/4 variants of concern, resulting in significantly altered S protein that might contribute to the selective advantage of the corresponding variant. In sum, our study highlights the important role of insertions and deletions in the evolution and spread of SARS-CoV-2.
Genetic, environmental and intrinsic determinants of the human antibody epitope repertoire
Authors: Andreu-Sánchez Sergio , Bourgonje Arno R. , Vogl Thomas , Kurilshikov Alexander , Leviatan Sigal , Moreno Angel J. Ruiz , Hu Shixian , Sinha Trishla , Vila Arnau Vich , Klompus Shelley , Kalka Iris N. , de Leeuw Karina , Arends Suzanne , Jonkers Iris , Withoff Sebo ,   Lifelines cohort study, Brouwer Elisabeth , Weinberger Adina , Wijmenga Cisca , Segal Eran , Weersma Rinse K. , Fu Jingyuan , Zhernakova Alexandra
Published: December 2021

Phage-displayed immunoprecipitation sequencing (PhIP-Seq) has successfully enabled high-throughput profiling of human antibody profiles. However, a comprehensive overview of environmental and genetic determinants shaping human adaptive immunity is currently lacking. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of genetic, environmental and intrinsic factors on the variation in human antibody repertoires. We characterized serological antibody repertoires against 344,000 peptides using PhIP-Seq libraries from a wide range of microbial and environmental antigens in 1,443 participants from a population cohort. We demonstrate individual-specificity, temporal consistency and co-housing similarities in antibody repertoire. Genetic analyses showed involvement of the HLA, IGHV and FUT2 regions. Furthermore, we uncovered associations between 48 phenotypic factors and 544 antibody-bound peptides, including age, cell counts, sex, smoking behavior and allergies, among others. Overall, our results indicate that human antibody epitope repertoires are shaped by both host genetics and environmental exposures and highlight unique signatures of distinct phenotypes and genotypes.
A Magnetic Field Prevents Alcoholic Liver Disease by Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Song Chao , Chen Hanxiao , Yu Biao , Zhang Lei , Wang Junjun , Feng Chuanlin , Yang Xingxing , Tian Xiaofei , Fan Yixiang , Ji Xinmiao , Wang Hua , Xie Can , Zhang Xin
Published: December 2021

The radical-pair recombination change will affect the generation of free radicals, which can be regulated by static magnetic fields (SMFs) in a SMF setting dependent way. It is well known that alcohol consumption leads to significantly increased free radical levels and health risks, which lacks effective treatment method besides alcohol abstinence. Here we compared different SMF settings and found that a downward SMF of ∼0.1 T with magnetic flux of ∼4.5×10−3 Wb could effectively alleviate alcohol-induced liver damage and lipid accumulation, and improve liver function. The inflammation, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level and oxidative stress were significantly reduced. EPR (electron paramagnetic resonance) experiments also confirmed the reduced amount of free radical by SMF treatment. Moreover, the lifespan of heavy alcohol drinking mice was also significantly changed due to the SMF effects on liver cell ROS level, DNA synthesis and liver cell regeneration. Our study shows that moderate SMFs with specific parameters have great promises to be developed into a physical method to reduce alcohol-induced liver damage in the future.
MORPHOLOGICAL DETERMINANTS OF CELL-TO-CELL VARIATIONS IN ACTION POTENTIAL DYNAMICS IN SUBSTANTIA NIGRA DOPAMINERGIC NEURONS
Authors: Moubarak Estelle , Inglebert Yanis , Tell Fabien , Goaillard Jean-Marc
Published: December 2021

Action potential (AP) shape is a critical electrophysiological parameter, in particular because it strongly modulates neurotransmitter release. AP shape is also used to distinguish neuronal populations, as it greatly varies between neuronal types. For instance, AP duration ranges from hundreds of microseconds in cerebellar granule cells to 2-3 milliseconds in substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopaminergic (DA) neurons. While most of this variation seems to arise from differences in the subtypes of voltage- and calcium-gated ion channels expressed, a few studies suggested that dendritic morphology may also affect AP shape. However, AP duration also displays significant variability in a same neuronal type, while the determinants of these variations are poorly known. Using electrophysiological recordings, morphological reconstructions and realistic Hodgkin-Huxley modeling, we investigated the relationships between dendritic morphology and AP shape in SNc DA neurons. In this neuronal type where the axon arises from an axon-bearing dendrite (ABD), the duration of the somatic AP could be predicted from a linear combination of the complexities of the ABD and the non-ABDs. Dendrotomy simulation and experiments showed that these correlations arise from the causal influence of dendritic topology on AP duration, due in particular to a high density of sodium channels in the somato-dendritic compartment. In addition, dendritic morphology also modulated AP back-propagation efficiency in response to barrages of EPSCs in the ABD. In line with previous findings, these results demonstrate that dendritic morphology plays a major role in defining the electrophysiological properties of SNc DA neurons and their cell-to-cell variations.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT

Action potential (AP) shape is a critical electrophysiological parameter, in particular because it strongly modulates neurotransmitter release. AP shape (e.g. duration) greatly varies between neuronal types but also within a same neuronal type. While differences in ion channel expression seem to explain most of AP shape variation across cell types, the determinants of cell-to-cell variations in a same neuronal type are mostly unknown. We used electrophysiological recordings, neuronal reconstruction and modeling to show that, due to the presence of sodium channels in the somato-dendritic compartment, a large part of cell-to-cell variations in somatic AP duration in substantia nigra pars compacta dopaminergic neurons is explained by variations in dendritic topology.
Promising or problematic? Perceptions of active learning from STEM students with ADHD and specific learning disabilities
Authors: Pfeifer Mariel A. , Cordero Julio J. , Stanton Julie Dangremond
Published: December 2021

STEM instructors are encouraged to adopt active learning in their courses, yet our understanding of how active learning affects different groups of students is still developing. One group often overlooked in higher education research is students with disabilities. Two of the most commonly occurring disabilities on college campuses are attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and specific learning disorders (SLD). We investigated how the incorporation of active-learning practices influences the learning and self-advocacy experiences of students with ADHD and/or SLD (ADHD/SLD) in undergraduate STEM courses. Semi-structured interviews with 25 STEM majors with ADHD/SLD were conducted and data were analyzed using qualitative methods. Most participants perceived themselves to learn best in a STEM course with at least some elements of active learning. Participants described how they perceived active learning to support or hinder their learning and how active learning affected their self-advocacy. Active-learning barriers could be attributed to a combination of instructional factors. These factors included how a particular active-learning practice was implemented within a STEM course and limited awareness of universal design for learning. Defining the supports and barriers perceived by students with ADHD/SLD is a crucial first step in developing more inclusive active-learning STEM courses. Suggestions for research and teaching are provided.
Whole-brain optical access in small adult vertebrates with two- and three-photon microscopy
Authors: Akbari Najva , Tatarsky Rose L , Bass Andrew H , Xu Chris
Published: December 2021

Although optical microscopy has allowed us to study the entire brain in early developmental stages, access to the brains of live, adult vertebrates has been limited. Danionella, a genus of miniature, transparent fish closely related to zebrafish has been introduced as a neuroscience model to study the entire adult vertebrate brain. However, the extent of optically accessible depth in these animals has not been quantitatively characterized. Here, we show that two- and three-photon microscopy can be used to access the entire depth of the adult wild type Danionella dracula brain without any modifications to the animal other than mechanical stabilization. Three-photon microscopy provides high signal to background ratio and optical sectioning through the deepest part of the brain. While vasculature can be observed with two-photon microscopy, the deeper regions have low contrast. We show that multiphoton microscopy is ideal for readily penetrating the entire adult brain within the geometry of these animals’ head structures and without the need for pigment removal. With multiphoton microscopy enabling optical access to the entire adult brain and a repertoire of methods that allow observation of the larval brain, Danionella provides a model system for readily studying the entire brain over the lifetime of a vertebrate.