bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ultrasonic-electrochemical treatment for effluents of concrete plants
Authors: Alnaimi Hassan , Idan Intidhar Jabir , Al-Janabi Abuduljaleel , Hashim Khalid S. , Gkantou Michaela , Zubaidi Salah L. , Kot Patryk , Muradov Magomed
Published: August 2020

Huge quantities of water are consumed by the construction industry, and consequently huge amount of polluted wastewater is discharged from this industry to the surrounding environment. For example, it was reported that a single 8000 L capacity concrete mixer requires 1,500 litters of water per each shift for washing process and 1,600 litters for concrete preparation. This huge consumption of water results in substantial production of wastewater, which is generally highly contaminated with various contaminates and high pH (≥ 11). Consequently, it exerts serious influence on quality of freshwater and marine lives. Therefore, this research was devoted to examine the efficiency of a new method of wastewater treatment, which combines and applies electrocoagulation and ultra-sonication systems (UL-EC) for remediation of concrete plants’ effluents from chemical oxygen demand (COD) from. The electrocoagulation cell was based on four aluminum electrodes, while ultrasonic treatment was applied using ultrasonic bath. The effect of other major parameters, including initial pH of wastewater (IPHW) (4, 7 and 10), current densities (CDS) (1, 3 and 5 mAcm−2), and electrodes spacing (ES) (5, 10 and 15 mm) on the efficiency of UL-EC were optimized using Box–Behnken Design (B-BD). The results of the present experiments confirmed that 68.14% COD removal was gotten by the electrocoagulation unit, while, the UL-EC removed 87.8% of COD. The optimum removal of COD was achieved at IPHW of 7, CDS of 5 mA.cm−2and ES of 5mm.
Turbidity removal using natural coagulants derived from the seeds of strychnos potatorum: statistical and experimental approach
Authors: Alenazi Majed , Hashim Khalid S. , Hassan Afrah Abood , Muradov Magomed , Kot Patryk , Abdulhadi Bareq
Published: August 2020

Providing sufficient quantity of drinking water to the inhabitants of poor countries and rural areas is one of the difficult challenges for water treatment authorities, where it was reported, by the World Health Organisation (WHO), that nowadays there are more than 800 million people in the poor countries and rural areas do not have sufficient quantity of drinking water, which subjected those people for outbreaks of different water-related diseases. Water companies therefore seek to provide affordable and reliable methods of treatment in order to solve this life-threatening issue. In this vein, the goal of the current study is to develop and analyse the effectiveness of affordable eco-friendly coagulants that derived from the seed of Strychnos potatorum. The applicability of this new type of coagulants for water treatment has been validated by treating turbid water sample, which was synthesized using kaolinites. The experimental work was also focused on optimising the effects of coagulants dosage; retention period and pH of water on turbidity removal by applying the Response Surface Methodology (RSM). The final results demonstrated that the new eco-friendly coagulants are suitable for water treatment as they removed about 93% of kaolinite turbidity when the unit was operated at natural pH (7) for 70.0 min with a dosage of the new coagulants of 40.0 mg.L−1.
Analysis of rainfall intensity-duration-frequency (IDF) curves of Baghdad city
Authors: Mahdi Esraa S. , Mohamedmeki Mohammed Z.
Published: August 2020

An appropriate formula of rainfall data is the Intensity Duration Frequency (IDF) relationship. The rainfall IDF relationship is one of the tools used considerably in water resources engineering, either in planning, designing and operating projects of water resources, or in flood control projects. The purpose of this paper is to update rainfall IDF curves of Baghdad city developed in previously. The frequency analysis of available rainfall data is perform by three statistical methods, namely, the Gumbel Distribution Theory, the Log Pearson Type III and Log Normal Distribution to attain rainfall intensities for various short durations (0.25, 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 12 and 24) in hours and return periods (2, 5, 10, 25, 50 and 100) in years. IDF equation was derived based on Bernard equation and the results of three distributions were compared using Kolmogorov-Smirnov goodness of fit test with help of the Easy fit software 5.6. The results of three methods were close and accepted at 10% significant level. The maximum rainfall intensity of 118.052mm/hr was happened at the duration 0.25hr of the return period 100yr, whereas the minimum rainfall intensity of 1.257mm/hr was happened at the duration 24hr of the return period 2yr.
Behaviour of steel beams with circular web openings under impact loading
Authors: Al-Husainy Alaa S. , Al-Rifaie Ali , Ogaidi Wael
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a 3D nonlinear finite element analysis on simply supported steel beams subjected to impact load. The modelling was developed to simulate the beams and the models developed were validated against the corresponding experimental results with good correlation. Parametric studies were achieved to study the steel beam with web openings and to investigate the effect of several parameters such as the number of openings, impact energy and impact location on the impact response of the steel beams. The numerical predictions show that the opening presence reduced the impact force and increased the displacement. In contrast, increase the number of openings has insignificant effect on the impact behaviour within the conditions of this study. Also, higher impact energy induces the beams to exhibit higher impact force and displacement.
The Sustainable Characteristic of Reinforcement Concrete Slabs Internally Cured with Waste Ceramics
Authors: Abdulrasool Abdulrasool T , Rasheed Laith Sh
Published: August 2020

The concrete durability is a fundamental factor in the investigation of concrete elements which require to long service lives, especially the elements which used in infrastructure systems such as bridges and roads, that have a high construction cost. Internal curing has been becoming extensively used for reducing the external factors of aggressive effect and for improving the behavior of the structural element and increased durability of the structural element. The present research work studies the efficiency of internal curing agent that provided by using a local ceramic waste as a fine aggregate on the high-performance concrete (HPC). Two different high-performance concrete slabs without and with the ceramic fine aggregates with two different replacement percentages (10 and 20) % from the volume at three ages (60, 120, and 180) days have been examined to show the structural properties development. The results of tests have shown high effectiveness of the local fine ceramic waste aggregates as internal curing purposes. It has been shown that the incorporation of 10% of the local fine ceramic waste leads to a noticeable significant increase in the ultimate load by 1.26% while the incorporation of 20% increase in the ultimate load by 6.31% at later age compared with reference mix.
Ultrasonic-Electrocoagulation method for nitrate removal from water
Authors: Al-Marri Saeed , AlQuzweeni Saif Salah , Hashim Khalid S. , AlKhaddar Rafid , Kot Patryk , AlKizwini Rasha Salah , Zubaidi Salah L. , Al-Khafaji Zainab S.
Published: August 2020

Water contamination with nitrates is a serious problem due to the detrimental effects of nitrates on both human life and the global ecosystem; therefore, it is essential to remove nitrates using efficient methods. Accordingly, various methods have been used to treat nitrate-containing solutions, but recent studies focused on electrocoagulation (ELE) as it produces high quality water at low cost and it is environmentally friendly. However, passive layers are growing on the aluminum anodes after short time of treatment, which substantially affects the efficiency of ELE. In this investigation therefore, ultrasonic filed was used to remove these passive layers, and consequently improves the efficiency of ELE. This new method, ultrasonic-assisted ELE (U-ELE), was used to remove nitrates from water under various operational conditions. In particular, the impacts of water initial pH (WIP) (4.0-8.0), applied current densities (ACD) (6.0-9.0 mA/cm2), flow rates (FR) (60-100 ml/min), and initial nitrate concentrations (INC) (100-200 mg/L), which were optimized using the Central Composite Design (CCD). The ultrasonic irradiation time (UT) has been kept at 10 minutes for all experiments. The best possible removal of nitrate using only ELE method was about 77% at WIP of 6, UT of 10 minutes, FR of 40 ml/min, INC of 150 mg/l and ACD of 7.5mA/cm2. However, it was found that exerting ultrasonic for 10 minutes, U-ELE method, has increased nitrates removal to 87.80% under the same conditions of ELE treatment.
Winter temperature measurements in a composite girder segment
Authors: Mussa Faten , Abid Sallal R. , Tayşi Nildem
Published: August 2020

This article presents experimental results from a concrete-steel composite girder. The girder is composed of an I-shape steel beam that is topped by a reinforced concrete slab. The girder was constructed in an open environment so that it is freely subjected to the variation of the atmospheric thermal loads. These loads include the solar radiation, temperature of the surrounding air and speed of the wind. Therefore, a weather station that includes sensors to measure the three aforementioned thermal loads was installed beside the girder. The girder was instrumented with thermocouples that were either embedded in the concrete slab or attached to the steel beam. The thermocouples were distributed across the slab thickness, along its width and along the vertical centerline of the composite girder. The aim of this research is to provide experimental measurements that facilitate better understanding of temperature gradient distributions in composite bridge girders in winter. The test records were continued for approximately two months during the cold season. The test results showed that the negative vertical temperature gradient was higher than the corresponding positive one due to the low intensity of solar radiation. Similarly, the lateral positive temperature gradient along the width of the concrete slab was higher than the vertical positive temperature gradient due to the low altitude of solar radiations.
Experimental study of reinforced concrete beams with elliptical opening under flexural loading
Authors: Majeed Qutaiba G. , Ahmed Q W , Mohammed A H , Sammen Saad Sh.
Published: August 2020

The existing of openings in the structural elements of concrete may be useful in some cases and necessary at other cases. Experimental study on Reinforced Concrete (RC) beams was address in this research to examine the conduct of the opening in RC beams. The target of this study is to evaluate the impact of web elliptical openings in reinforced concrete beams experimentally. Under two-point top loading, four reinforced beams were tested, three of them with openings and one without opening. Test variable included the number of elliptical openings. Test results indicated that incase of the number of opening increased the ultimate load decreased. The ultimate load of CBEH1, CBEH2 and CBEH3 beams are decreased by 12%, 24% and 28% respectively compared with the ultimate load of CB beam.
Kinetics and Isotherms of a Green Method for the Sorption of Metal Ions from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Gzar H A , Kseer K M , Nasir M J
Published: August 2020

Owing to their toxicity, the existence of heavy metals in the environment has become a major global concern. In this study, the ability of albizia-lebbeck tree leaves (ALTL) as green and low cost adsorbent to remove Pb2+, Zn2+ and Cd2+ from Synthetic wastewater by adsorption was investigated. The initial metals’ concentrations of 10-80 mg/l, adsorbent dosage of 0.3-1.0 gm, pH of 3-8, contact time of 30-240 min, and shaking speed of 200 rpm, have been studied by batch adsorption technique. Four ranges of adsorbent particle size were tested: 75-150; 150-300; 300-600; 600-1000 μm. Five different temperatures (20, 30, 40, 50 and 60°C) were selected to demonstrate the influence of temperature on metals’ adsorption onto ALTL. Langmuir and Freundlich models were used to analyze the experimental data. Equilibrium data fitted well with the Freundlich isotherm model with maximum adsorption capacity of 9.124 mg/g at 20°C for metals’ concentration of 40 mg/L. Pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order equations were utilized for analysis of the kinetic data. The second-order model was fitting very well with the experimental data. Thermodynamic parameters like entropy, enthalpy and Gibbs free energy changes were estimated to determine the spontaneity of the sorption process. The results revealed that the ALTL adsorbent performed good removal of metals.
Increasing the Setting Time of Local Gypsum (Joss) by the Use of TGP additive
Authors: AL-Ridha Ahmed S. D. , Abbood Ali A. , Elaiwi Essam H. , Hussein Hussein H. , Dheyab Layth Sahib
Published: August 2020

This research presents a study of using an additive for the objective of increasing the setting time of a material used in several aspects in the constructional field, this material is “Local-Gypsum” which is locally called “Joss”, and the additive used in this study is “Trees Glue Powder” denoted by “TGP”. Nine mixtures of Local-gypsum (joss) had been experimented in the current study to find their setting time, these mixes were divided into three groups according to their water-joss ratios (W/J) (0.3, 0.4 and 0.5), and each group was sub-divided into three sub-groups according to their TGP contents (0.0%, 0.3% and 0.6%). It was found that, when TGP is added with the two contents (0.3% and 0.6%), the setting time of local gypsum (joss) is increased, and the percentage of this increase at (TGP content = 0.6%) is doubly multiplied as compared to the percentage at (TGP content = 0.3%). Moreover, when TGP content is increased from (0.0% to 0.6%), the percentage of increase in the setting times of joss is reduced with the increase of (W/J) ratio from (0.3 to 0.5). It was also found that, when (W/J) ratio is increased, the setting time of joss is increased, and this behavior is applicable for all TGP contents (0.0%, 0.3% and 0.6%). While, when (W/J) is increased from (0.3 to 0.5), the percentage of increase in the setting times of joss is reduced with the increase in TGP contents from (0.0% to 0.6%).
A Comparative Study between the Effect of Steel Fiber on Ultrasonic Pulse Velocity (UPV) in Light and Normal Weight Self-Compacting Concretes
Authors: AL-Ridha Ahmed S. D. , Abbood Ali A. , Al-Chalabi Saeb F. , Aziz Abaa M. , Dheyab Layth Sahib
Published: August 2020

This research presents a comparative study to highlight the differences between the effect of using various contents of steel fibers on the ultrasonic pulse velocity (UPV) in two types of self-compacting concretes (SCC) which are identical in their constituent materials, the only difference between them is the coarse aggregate type (normal in one and light in the other) with various specimen lengths (200mm cylinders and 100mm cubes). In this work, six types of mixes were casted, the first three (Mix1, Mix2 and Mix3) are of normal-weight SCC having steel fiber content (Vf) : 0.0%, 0.4% and 0.8% respectively, and the other three (Mix4, Mix5 and Mix6) are of light-weight SCC with the same aforementioned steel fiber contents respectively. It turns out that, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is smaller in light-weight SCC than in normal-weight SCC, and the percentage of this reduction is higher in cylindrical samples than in cubic samples, and this percentage of reduction is reduced with the increasing in steel fiber contents. It also turns out that, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is increased with the increase in steel fiber contents, and this percentage of increase is higher in light-weight SCC than in normal-weight SCC, and it is also larger in cylindrical samples than in cubic samples. Moreover, when the specimen length has been focused on, it was found that, the ultrasonic pulse velocity is larger in (100mm) cubic specimens than in (100×200mm) cylindrical ones, and the percentage of this rise is also larger in light-weight SCC than in normal-weight SCC, and it is reduced with increasing steel fibers contents.
Modeling of Conceptual Worker Engagement Framework for Construction Projects in Thailand
Authors: Ngowtanasuwan Grit
Published: August 2020

Competition in the Thai construction industry in terms of costs, quality of work and construction time, which has resulted in the continuously increasing demand for construction workers, both skilled and unskilled workers, to be an important resource that contractors must maintain. In order to survive in the construction business, the contractor must understand the factors related to increasing the engagement of the construction workers and using the appropriate strategy to reduce turnover of the construction workers. The objective of this research is to study the factors related to the engagement of Thai construction workers that affect the satisfaction of construction workers and reduce the turnover. A conceptual worker engagement framework was modelled using employee engagement and worker satisfaction concepts. Research methods involved studying, collating and listing the theoretical factors and variables sourced from the available literature. Seven experts in related fields were employed to confirm the factors and framework following the Delphi technique. Results indicated that the factor of worker satisfaction had a positive direct effect on worker engagement that was comprised of two sub-factors as (1) organizational engagement, and (2) personal engagement, while worker satisfaction and worker engagement had negative effects on worker turnover in construction projects. Details of all the factors were summarized in the conclusion of this article.
Coping With COVID-19
Authors: Lieberman Joshua A , Nester Theresa , Emrich Brooke , Staley Elizabeth M , Bourassa Lori A , Tsang Hamilton C
Published: August 2020

Objectives

The first coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) case in the United States was reported in Washington State. The pandemic caused drastic disruptions to medical institutions, including medical education. The Department of Laboratory Medicine at the University of Washington responded by rapidly implementing substantial changes to medical student clerkships.

Methods

In real time, we converted one ongoing case- and didactic-based course, LabM 685, to remote learning.

Results

Fifteen of 17 scheduled sessions proceeded as planned, including two sessions for student presentations. Two didactics were canceled as the functions of the teleconferencing platform were not sufficient to proceed. One grand rounds speaker canceled due to COVID-19 precautions. Elements of an immersive clinical laboratory clerkship, LabM 680, were repurposed to accommodate 40 medical students per class via remote learning, highlighting clinical laboratory activities that continue throughout the outbreak. A new remote clerkship, MedSci 585C, was developed incorporating distance learning and guided small-group sessions. This coincided with parallel efforts to make resident and fellow service work, conferences, and didactics available remotely to comply with social distancing.

Conclusions

The changes in medical education described reflect the dynamic interplay of current events affecting the world of clinical pathology. Throughout this, technology—while with some limitations—has provided the platform for innovative learning.
Genomic and plumage variation across the controversial Baltimore and Bullock’s oriole hybrid zone
Authors: Walsh Jennifer , Billerman Shawn M , Rohwer Vanya G , Butcher Bronwyn G , Lovette Irby J
Published: August 2020

Hybrid zones are powerful natural settings for investigating how birds diversify into distinct species. Here we present the first genomic-scale exploration of the Baltimore (Icterus galbula) and Bullock’s (I. bullockii) oriole hybrid zone, which is notable for its long history of study and for its prominence in debates about avian species concepts and species limits. We used a reduced-representation sequencing approach to generate a panel of 3,067 genetic markers for 297 orioles sampled along the Platte River, a natural west-to-east transect across the hybrid zone. We then explored patterns of hybridization and introgression by comparing variation in genomic and plumage traits. We found that hybridization remains prevalent in this area, with nearly all orioles within the hybrid zone showing some degree of genomic mixing, and 41% assigned as recent-generation (F1/F2) hybrids. The center and width of the genomic and plumage gradients are concordant and coincident, supporting our finding that classically scored plumage traits are an accurate predictor of pure vs. hybrid genotypes. We find additional support for previous suggestions that the center of this hybrid zone has moved westward since it was first intensively sampled in the 1950s, but that this westward movement had slowed or ceased by the 1970s. Considered in concert, these results support previous inferences that some form of ongoing selection is counteracting the potential homogenization of these orioles via hybridization, thereby supporting their continued taxonomic separation as distinct species.
Electronically Available Patient Claims Data Improve Models for Comparing Antibiotic Use Across Hospitals: Results From 576 US Facilities
Authors: Goodman Katherine E , Pineles Lisa , Magder Laurence S , Anderson Deverick J , Ashley Elizabeth Dodds , Polk Ronald E , Quan Hude , Trick William E , Woeltje Keith F , Leekha Surbhi , Cosgrove Sara E , Harris Anthony D
Published: August 2020

Background

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) uses standardized antimicrobial administration ratios (SAARs)—that is, observed-to-predicted ratios—to compare antibiotic use across facilities. CDC models adjust for facility characteristics when predicting antibiotic use but do not include patient diagnoses and comorbidities that may also affect utilization. This study aimed to identify comorbidities causally related to appropriate antibiotic use and to compare models that include these comorbidities and other patient-level claims variables to a facility model for risk-adjusting inpatient antibiotic utilization.

Methods

The study included adults discharged from Premier Database hospitals in 2016–2017. For each admission, we extracted facility, claims, and antibiotic data. We evaluated 7 models to predict an admission’s antibiotic days of therapy (DOTs): a CDC facility model, models that added patient clinical constructs in varying layers of complexity, and an external validation of a published patient-variable model. We calculated hospital-specific SAARs to quantify effects on hospital rankings. Separately, we used Delphi Consensus methodology to identify Elixhauser comorbidities associated with appropriate antibiotic use.

Results

The study included 11 701 326 admissions across 576 hospitals. Compared to a CDC-facility model, a model that added Delphi-selected comorbidities and a bacterial infection indicator was more accurate for all antibiotic outcomes. For total antibiotic use, it was 24% more accurate (respective mean absolute errors: 3.11 vs 2.35 DOTs), resulting in 31–33% more hospitals moving into bottom or top usage quartiles postadjustment.

Conclusions

Adding electronically available patient claims data to facility models consistently improved antibiotic utilization predictions and yielded substantial movement in hospitals’ utilization rankings.
Optimal Testing Choice and Diagnostic Strategies for Latent Tuberculosis Infection Among US-Born People Living with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
Authors: Pettit April C , Stout Jason E , Belknap Robert , Benson Constance A , Séraphin Marie Nancy , Lauzardo Michael , Horne David J , Garfein Richard S , Maruri Fernanda , Ho Christine S ,   Tuberculosis Epidemiologic Studies Consortium (TBESC), Flood Jennifer , Pascopella Lisa , Higashi Julie , Moore Marisa , Garfein Richard , Benson Constance , Belknap Robert , Reves Randall , Stout Jason , Ahmed Amina , Sterling Timothy , Pettit April , Stout Jason , Blumberg Henry M , Lauzardo Michael , Seraphin Marie Nancy , Brostrom Richard , Khurana Renuka , Cronin Wendy , Dorman Susan , Narita Masahiro , Horne David , Miller Thaddeus
Published: August 2020

Background

Increased risk of progression from latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) to tuberculosis (TB) disease among people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV; PLWH) prioritizes them for LTBI testing and treatment. Studies comparing the performance of interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs) and the tuberculin skin test (TST) among PLWH are lacking.

Methods

We used Bayesian latent class analysis to estimate the prevalence of LTBI and diagnostic characteristics of the TST, QuantiFERON Gold In-Tube (QFT), and T.SPOT-TB (TSPOT) among a prospective, multicenter cohort of US-born PLWH ≥5 years old with valid results for all 3 LTBI tests using standard US cutoffs (≥5 mm TST, ≥0.35 IU/mL QFT, ≥8 spots TSPOT). We also explored the performance of varying LTBI test cutoffs.

Results

Among 1510 PLWH (median CD4+ count 532 cells/mm3), estimated LTBI prevalence was 4.7%. TSPOT was significantly more specific (99.7%) and had a significantly higher positive predictive value (90.0%, PPV) than QFT (96.5% specificity, 50.7% PPV) and TST (96.8% specificity, 45.4% PPV). QFT was significantly more sensitive (72.2%) than TST (54.2%) and TSPOT (51.9%); negative predictive value of all tests was high (TST 97.7%, QFT 98.6%, TSPOT 97.6%). Even at the highest cutoffs evaluated (15 mm TST, ≥1.00 IU/mL QFT, ≥8 spots TSPOT), TST and QFT specificity was significantly lower than TSPOT.

Conclusions

LTBI prevalence among this cohort of US-born PLWH was low compared to non-US born persons. TSPOT’s higher PPV may make it preferable for testing US-born PLWH at low risk for TB exposure and with high CD4+ counts.
Vegetation management on private forestland can increase avian species richness and abundance
Authors: Wood Jesse M , Tegeler Amy K , Ross Beth E
Published: August 2020

Conservation efforts on private lands are important for biodiversity conservation. On private lands in South Carolina, in the southeastern United States, forestry management practices (prescribed burning, thinning, herbicide application) are used to improve upland pine habitat for wildlife and timber harvest and are incentivized through U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Bill cost-share programs. Because many forest-dependent avian species have habitat requirements created primarily through forest management, data are needed on the effectiveness of these management activities. We studied privately owned loblolly pine (Pinus taeda) stands in the South Carolina Piedmont region. Our objective was to understand how management practices influence avian species richness and abundance at local (forest stand) and landscape levels in relatively small stands (average ~28 ha). We surveyed 49 forest stands during 2 bird breeding seasons with traditional point counts and vegetation surveys. We evaluated the effects of management on pine stand characteristics, avian species richness, and abundance of state-designated bird species of concern. Repeated burning and thinning shifted stand conditions to open pine woodlands with reduced basal area and herbaceous understories. Stands with lower basal area supported greater avian species richness. Some species increased in abundance in response to active management (e.g., Brown-headed Nuthatch [Sitta pusilla] and Indigo Bunting [Passerina cyanea]), but relationships varied. Some species responded positively to increases in forest quantity at a landscape scale (1–5 km; e.g., Northern Bobwhite [Colinus virginianus]). We found species-rich avian communities and species of conservation concern on working timber lands, indicating that incentivized forest management on private lands can provide valuable habitat for wildlife.
Clinical Predictors of Response to Faecal Microbiota Transplantation in Patients with Active Ulcerative Colitis
Authors: Sood Ajit , Singh Arshdeep , Mahajan Ramit , Midha Vandana , Kaur Kirandeep , Singh Dharmatma , Bansal Namita , Dharni Khushdeep
Published: August 2020

Background

Faecal microbiota transplantation [FMT] has been shown to be effective for induction of remission in patients with active ulcerative colitis [UC]. At present, the clinical factors impacting the response to FMT in UC remain unclear.

Methods

Patients with active UC treated with multisession FMT via colonoscopy at weeks 0, 2, 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 were analysed. Response to FMT was defined as achievement of corticosteroid-free clinical remission at week 30. Patient and disease characteristics were evaluated to determine the predictors of response to FMT.

Results

Of 140 patients with active UC treated with FMT, 93 (mean age 34.96 ± 11.27 years, 62.36% males [n = 58], mean Mayo clinic score 8.07 ± 2.00) who completed the multisession FMT protocol were analysed. Fifty-seven [61.29%] patients achieved clinical remission. Younger age (odds ratio [OR] for age 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.89–0.97, p = 0.001), moderate [Mayo clinic score 6–9] disease severity [OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.12–8.06, p = 0.025] and endoscopic Mayo score 2 [OR 5.55, 95% CI 2.18–14.06, p < 0.001] were significant predictors of remission on univariate analysis. Younger age, disease extent E2 and endoscopic Mayo score 2 [OR 0.925, 95% CI 0.88–0.97, p = 0.002; OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.01–8.25, p = 0.04; and OR 8.43, 95% CI 2.38–29.84, p = 0.001, respectively] were associated with clinical remission on multivariate logistic regression. A mathematical model [nomogram] was developed for estimating the probability of remission with the FMT protocol.

Conclusion

Younger age, disease extent E2 and endoscopic Mayo score 2 significantly predict achievement of clinical remission with FMT in active UC. The prediction model can help in selecting individuals for FMT. Validation in larger cohorts is needed.
Antipredatory Responses of Mosquito Pupae to Non-Lethal Predation Threat—Behavioral Plasticity Across Life-History Stages
Authors: Chandrasegaran Karthikeyan , Sriramamurthy Rasikapriyaa , Singh Avehi , Ravichandran Pooja , Quader Suhel
Published: August 2020

Antipredatory behavioral responses tend to be energetically expensive, and prey species thus need to resolve trade-offs between these behaviors and other activities such as foraging and mating. While these trade-offs have been well-studied across taxa, less is known about how costs and benefits vary in different life-history contexts, and associated consequences. To address this question, we compared responses of the yellow fever mosquito (Aedes aegypti [Diptera: Culicidae]) to predation threat from guppy (Poecilia reticulata [Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae]) across two life-history stages—larvae (data from previous study) and pupae (from this study). Pupae are motile but do not feed and are comparable to larvae in terms of behavior. To understand how physiological costs affect the threat sensitivity of pupae, we used sex (with size as a covariate) as a proxy for stored energy reserves, and quantified movement and space use patterns of male (small-sized) and female (large-sized) pupae when exposed to predation threat. We found that pupae did not alter movement when exposed to predator cues but instead altered spatial use by spending more time at the bottom of the water column. We found no effect of pupa sex (or size) on the behavioral responses we measured. We conclude that pupa behavior, both antipredatory and otherwise, is primarily targeted at minimizing energy expenditure, as compared with larval behavior, which appears to balance energy expenditure between the opposing pressures of foraging and of avoiding predation. We suggest that antipredatory defenses in metamorphosing prey are modulated by varying energetic trade-offs associated with different life-history stages.
Reproduction and Control of the Invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer, Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae), in Three Species of Hardwoods: Effective Sanitation Through Felling and Chipping
Authors: Chen Yigen , Coleman Tom W , Poloni Adrian L , Nelson Lori , Seybold Steven J
Published: August 2020

The invasive ambrosia beetle polyphagous shot hole borer is one member of the cryptic species, Euwallacea nr. fornicatus (Eichhoff), and poses a great ecological and environmental threat to ornamental and native hardwood trees and agriculturally important tree crops in southern California, United States. We monitored the emergence of polyphagous shot hole borer adults from chipped and unchipped cut logs of infested boxelder, Acer negundo L. (Sapindales: Sapindaceae), California sycamore, Platanus racemosa Nutt. (Proteales: Platanaceae), coast live oak, Quercus agrifolia Née (Fagales: Fagaceae), and red willow, Salix laevigata Bebb (Malpighiales: Salicaceae), every week for 4 to 5 mo. No polyphagous shot hole borer adults emerged from chipped or unchipped coast live oak logs, suggesting this species is not a preferred reproductive host. However, following chipping, a small number of polyphagous shot hole borer adults emerged from boxelder (up to 7 wk) and from California sycamore and red willow (both up to 9 wk). A significantly greater number of polyphagous shot hole borer adults emerged from unchipped logs of boxelder (up to 14 wk) and California sycamore and red willow (both up to 5 mo). Chipping of boxelder, California sycamore, and red willow by using common commercially available chippers reduced polyphagous shot hole borer emergence by over 97%. Emerged polyphagous shot hole borer adults were strongly female-biased, regardless of host. Chipping treatments were highly effective, but for the complete elimination of polyphagous shot hole borer from woody material, other sanitation measures such as solarization in conjunction with chipping are recommended. Environmental and ecological impact of polyphagous shot hole borer is reviewed and discussed.
Treatment strategies in ischaemic left ventricular dysfunction: a network meta-analysis
Authors: Gaudino Mario , Hameed Irbaz , Khan Faiza M , Tam Derrick Y , Rahouma Mohamed , Yongle Ruan , Naik Ajita , Di Franco Antonino , Demetres Michelle , Petrie Mark C , Jolicoeur E Marc , Girardi Leonard N , Fremes Stephen E
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVES

The optimal revascularization strategy for patients with ischaemic left ventricular systolic dysfunction (iLVSD) remains controversial. We aimed to compare percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and medical therapy (MT) in a network meta-analysis.

METHODS

All randomized controlled trials and observational studies comparing any combination of PCI, CABG and MT in patients with iLVSD were analysed in a frequentist network meta-analysis (generic inverse variance method). Primary outcome was mortality at longest available follow-up. Secondary outcomes were cardiac death, stroke, myocardial infarction (MI) and repeat revascularization (RR).

RESULTS

Twenty-three studies were included (n = 23 633; 4 randomized controlled trials). Compared to CABG, PCI was associated with higher mortality [incidence rate ratio (IRR) 1.32, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.13–1.53], cardiac death (IRR 1.65, 95% CI 1.18–2.33), MI (IRR 2.18, 95% CI 1.70–2.80) and RR (IRR 3.75, 95% CI 2.89–4.85). Compared to CABG, MT was associated with higher mortality (IRR 1.52, 95% CI 1.26–1.84), cardiac death (IRR 3.83, 95% CI 2.12–6.91), MI (IRR 3.22, 95% CI 1.52–6.79) and RR (IRR 3.37, 95% CI 1.67–6.79). Compared to MT, PCI was associated with lower cardiac death (IRR 0.43, 95% CI 0.24–0.78). CABG ranked as the best revascularization strategy for mortality, cardiac death, MI and RR; MT ranked as the strategy associated with the lowest incidence of stroke. Left ventricular ejection fraction, year of study, use of drug-eluting stents did not affect relative treatment effects.

CONCLUSIONS

CABG appears to be the best therapy for iLVSD, although mainly based on observational data. Definitive randomized controlled trials comparing CABG and PCI in iLVSD are required.

PROSPERO registration ID

132414.
Comparison of physical activity levels in Spanish adults with chronic conditions before and during COVID-19 quarantine
Authors: López-Sánchez Guillermo F , López-Bueno Rubén , Gil-Salmerón Alejandro , Zauder Roksana , Skalska Maria , Jastrzębska Joanna , Jastrzębski Zbigniew , Schuch Felipe B , Grabovac Igor , Tully Mark A , Smith Lee
Published: August 2020

Background

This is the first study analyzing levels of physical activity in a sample of quarantined adults with chronic conditions. The aim of this study was to compare moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels in Spanish adults with chronic conditions before and during coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) quarantine.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was administered during the COVID-19 quarantine in Spain. A total of 163 participants with chronic conditions (113 females and 47 males; age range 18–64 years) completed the survey. A total of 26 chronic conditions were included. Participants self-reported average minutes/day of moderate and vigorous physical activity before and during quarantine. Differences in moderate- and vigorous-intensity physical activity levels before and during COVID-19 quarantine (overall, by gender, by age, by number of chronic conditions and by each chronic condition) were assessed by Wilcoxon-signed rank test.

Results

During COVID-19 quarantine, there was a significant decrease of moderate-intensity physical activity in Spanish people with chronic conditions (in both males and females, in those aged 18–24, 25–34, 35–44 and 55–64 years, in those with multimorbidity, in those with one/two chronic condition/s, and in those diagnosed with asthma/hypercholesterolaemia/chronic skin disease/haemorrhoids). Also, there was a significant decrease of vigorous-intensity physical activity in Spanish males with chronic conditions and in those with multimorbidity.

Conclusions

These results should be considered to develop effective strategies of physical activity promotion targeting these specific groups when new quarantine or restriction measures are implemented, in order to avoid new significant decreases of physical activity in these vulnerable populations.
Race, Obesity, and Mental Health Among Older Adults in the United States: A Literature Review
Authors: Lincoln Karen D
Published: August 2020

Rising rates of obesity among older adults in the United States are a serious public health concern. While the physical health consequences of obesity are well documented, the mental health consequences are less understood. This is especially the case among older adults in general and among racial and ethnic minority older adults in particular. Available studies document a link between obesity and a variety of mental health disorders. However, findings from this body of evidence are inconsistent, especially when race and ethnicity are considered. This article examines research on obesity and mental health among older adults and identifies risk factors, causal mechanisms, and methodological approaches that help clarify the equivocal nature of the literature. Promising research and future directions include studies that consider a wide array of contextual factors and population heterogeneity.
How do Nigerian newspapers report COVID-19 pandemic? The implication for awareness and prevention
Authors: Apuke Oberiri Destiny , Omar Bahiyah
Published: August 2020

This study examined media coverage of COVID-19 in Nigeria with attention to the frequency and depth of coverage, story format, news sources, media tone and themes. Four widely read newspapers were content analysed between February 2020 and April 2020. Focus was on Daily Sun, Vanguard, Daily Trust and Leadership. Results indicated that the Nigerian media performed well in terms of covering the pandemic, which in turn created awareness. However, the coverage was not in-depth as most of the reported stories were short and were predominantly straight news. It was also observed that the media cited more of the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and government officials. Further findings disclosed that most of the stories were alarming and induced panic. Most common topics were coverage of cases in Nigeria, death rates and concerns about Nigeria’s preparedness. Public sensitization and education were sparingly covered. Ethics healthcare workers could adhere to received minimal attention. The media should focus more on sensitizing and educating the public on the necessary steps to take in curbing the virus. They should refrain from over usage of alarming and panic tone in presenting the stories of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.
Cryopreservation in reproductive medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic: rethinking policies and European safety regulations
Authors: Alteri Alessandra , Pisaturo Valerio , Somigliana Edgardo , Viganò Paola
Published: August 2020

Cryopreservation of reproductive cells and tissues represents an essential aspect of ART practices that might be particularly strategic and helpful during severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) emergency. However, recommendations on how and when to preserve reproductive tissues and cells during a novel severe pandemic are scanty. This article uses a SWOT (strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats) analysis to identify favourable and unfavourable factors and to recognize challenges and obstacles related to the use of cryopreservation procedures during the spreading of a new virus. One of the strengths associated with the cryopreservation is represented by the availability of robust European guidelines on storage safety to prevent sample contamination or cross-contamination by pathogens. These recommendations should be deep-rooted in all ART laboratories. Weaknesses include uncertainties regarding the management of COVID-19 affected asymptomatic patients, the suboptimal accuracy of diagnostic tests for the disease, the nebulous prospective regarding the duration of the pandemic and the additional costs. The application of the strategy represents an opportunity to postpone pregnancy in order to avoid a severe infectious disease during gestation while concomitantly counteracting the possible detrimental effect of time. Critical threats, at present still undefined, are represented by potential adverse events for the mother and offspring due to infected gametes or embryos after thawing and, subsequently, the re-spreading of the virus.
The Effect of Psychotherapy on Quality of Life in IBD Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Paulides Emma , Boukema Inge , van der Woude Christien Janneke , de Boer Nanne K H
Published: August 2020

Background

Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) express a need for additional psychotherapy; however, psychological support is not incorporated in the routine care of persons with IBD. This systematic review aims to assess the effect of psychotherapy on quality of life (QoL).

Methods

A systematic search was conducted on October 7, 2019, using Embase, Medline (Ovid), PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, PsycInfo, and Google Scholar to collect all types of clinical trials with psychotherapeutic interventions that measured QoL in patients with IBD aged ≥18 years. Quality of evidence was systematically assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation criteria.

Results

Out of 2560 articles, 31 studies (32 articles) were included with a total number of 2397 patients with active and inactive IBD. Of the 31 eligible studies, 11 reported a significant positive effect and 6 had ambiguous results regarding the impact of psychotherapeutic interventions on QoL. Treatment modalities differed in the reported studies and consisted of cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, stress management programs, mindfulness, hypnosis, or solution-focused therapy. All 4 studies focusing on patients with active disease reported a positive effect of psychotherapy. Trials applying cognitive-behavioral therapy reported the most consistent positive results.

Conclusions

Psychotherapeutic interventions can improve QoL in patients with IBD. More high-quality research is needed before psychological therapy may be implemented in daily IBD practice and to evaluate whether early psychological intervention after diagnosis will result in better coping strategies and QoL throughout life.
IRF5 Acts as a Potential Therapeutic Marker in Inflammatory Bowel Diseases
Authors: Yang Yonghong , Zhang Cui , Jing Dehuai , He Heng , Li Xiaoyu , Wang Yibo , Qin Yufen , Xiao Xiao , Xiong Huabao , Zhou Guangxi
Published: August 2020

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs), including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), are chronic inflammatory disorders. As is well known, interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 5 is closely associated with the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. But the exact role of IRF5 in IBD remains unclear.

Methods

In this study, we detected IRF5 expression in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and inflamed mucosa from IBD patients by immunohistochemistry, western blot, and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Peripheral blood CD4+ T cells were stimulated with inflammatory cytokines and transfected by lentivirus.

Results

In active IBD patients, the expression of IRF5 in PBMCs and inflamed colonic tissues was obviously increased and significantly associated with disease activity. Ectopic overexpression of IRF5 could promote the differentiation of IBD CD4+ T cells into Th1 and Th17 cells by regulating T-bet and RAR related orphan receptor C, whereas knockdown of IRF5 had the opposite effects. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α upregulated expression of IRF5 in CD4+ T cells, but anti-TNF treatment with infliximab could markedly reduce IRF5 expression in CD4+ T cells and intestinal mucosa of CD patients.

Conclusion

Our study reveals a novel mechanism that IRF5 levels are correlated with disease activity in IBD and might function as a possible marker for the management of IBD via regulating Th1 and Th17 immune responses and cytokine production.
The Role of Core and Variable Gene Regulatory Network Modules in Tooth Development and Evolution
Authors: Sadier Alexa , Santana Sharlene E , Sears Karen E
Published: August 2020

Synopsis

Among the developmental processes that have been proposed to influence the direction of evolution, the modular organization of developmental gene regulatory networks (GRNs) has shown particular promise. In theory, GRNs have core modules comprised of essential, conserved circuits of genes, and sub-modules of downstream, secondary circuits of genes that are more susceptible to variation. While this idea has received considerable interest as of late, the field of evo-devo lacks the experimental systems needed to rigorously evaluate this hypothesis. Here, we introduce an experimental system, the vertebrate tooth, that has great potential as a model for testing this hypothesis. Tooth development and its associated GRN have been well studied and modeled in both model and non-model organisms. We propose that the existence of modules within the tooth GRN explains both the conservation of developmental mechanisms and the extraordinary diversity of teeth among vertebrates. Based on experimental data, we hypothesize that there is a conserved core module of genes that is absolutely necessary to ensure tooth or cusp initiation and development. In regard to tooth shape variation between species, we suggest that more relaxed sub-modules activated at later steps of tooth development, for example, during the morphogenesis of the tooth and its cusps, control the different axes of tooth morphological variation.