bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Raffaelea quercivora (Japanese oak wilt).
Authors: Masuya Hayato
Published: March 2021

Raffaelea quercivora, together with ambrosia beetle Platypus quercivorus as a vector, is the causal agent of Japanese oak wilt. P. quercivorus occurs from south to east Asia, including Japan, and is associated with trees in the Fagaceae family. R. quercivora is considered native to Japan, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam. In Japan, Quercus serrata and Q. crispula [Q. mongolica] are particularly susceptible to Japanese oak wilt, with high rates of mortality. Although there have been reports of the co-occurrence of R. quercivora and P. quercivorus outside of Japan, tree mortality caused by this species complex has never been recorded in these cases. R. quercivora is not on an alert list or listed as a regulated pest in any part of its native range. Although R. quercivora/P. quercivorus are not considered invasive, if they were introduced into susceptible oak forests, possibly via international transport of wood products, there is potential for them to cause extensive tree mortality in other geographic regions.
Rosellinia bunodes (black root rot).
Authors: Krauss Ulrike
Published: March 2021

Given the difficulty in attributing crop losses solely to R. bunodes, meaningful economic estimates are rare. In coffee (Coffea arabica) in Colombia, losses of $489 ha-1 yr-1 due to Rosellinia have been reported (Bautista and Magdiel, 2000). They were most likely caused by R. bunodes and/or R. pepo. In potato in the Andes, losses due to Rosellinia spp. vary from 20% to 80% and, in prolonged monoculture, can reach 100% (Orellana, 1978).
Striga asiatica (witch weed).
Authors: Parker Chris
Published: March 2021

S. asiatica is a hemiparasitic plant, native to Africa and Asia. In common with most other parasitic weeds, it is not especially invasive in natural vegetation, but is much feared in crop land where infestations can build up to ruinous levels, especially with repeated growing of susceptible cereal crops. For this reason it is included in almost all lists of noxious, prohibited plant species. It has recently been reported in Queensland, Australia. There is also evidence for its continuing spread and intensification within a number of countries in Africa in particular in rice in Tanzania and maize in Malawi. A study by Mohamed et al. (2006) suggests that on the basis of climatic data, there are many territories into which Striga species, including S. asiatica, could be introduced and thrive. Global warming could further increase this potential.
Urochloa platyphylla (broadleaf signalgrass).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: March 2021

U. platyphylla is a weedy grass species commonly found in disturbed, open and sandy sites such as crop fields, ditches and roadsides. It is considered a troublesome weed because of its tolerance to some herbicides principally in maize plantations (Chamblee et al., 1982; Gallaher et al.,1999). U. platyphylla is highly adaptable and it is able to germinate and grow throughout a wide range of soil and environmental conditions (Burke et al., 2003). Additionally, its seeds may remain on the crop residue until pre-emergence herbicides are no longer effective in controlling the germinating seeds, at which time the seeds fall to the soil surface and germinate (Alford et al., 2005).
Acacia angustissima (prairie acacia).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: March 2021

A. angustissima is a thornless shrub up to 4 m in height. This species is originally from Central America and tolerates a wide range of soils and climates, from high altitude pine-oak forests to extremely dry habitats in the lowlands of Mexico. A. angustissima is a deep-rooted nitrogen fixing pioneer, and is valuable in reducing soil erosion. It is a useful browse species, and may also be planted on acid soils. The species flowers prolifically and is a valuable honeybee plant. A. angustissima has shown great promise in recent alley cropping experiments in lowland Papua New Guinea (Brook, 1992), and may outperform more familiar species of Calliandra and Leucaena in biomass production. It performed best in a multipurpose tree evaluation in a range of sites in the same region from 20-1650 m in altitude (Brook et al., 1992). This species also showed promise in a range of trial sites in Zimbabwe, Ghana to Hawaii. Trials so far have been based on seed collected on an opportunistic basis, and further research is required on genetic improvement of the species throughout its range for international provenance trials. In some regions it may become an aggressive colonizer.
Acacia longifolia (golden wattle).
Authors: Vélez-Gavilán Jeanine
Published: March 2021

A. longifolia has commonly been recognized as having two variants - var. longifolia and var. sophorae. Biochemical and morphological evidence, presented by Murray et al. (1978) and Pedley (1978), suggests that var. longifolia and var. sophorae should be treated as distinct species. However, this view has not been adopted in a number of recent works, notably Whibley and Symon (1992) and Tame (1992). Further research is required to ascertain if differences in habit, morphology and habitat warrant acceptance at a higher taxonomic level. Variety longifolia occurs as a tall shrub or small tree up to 10 m tall, usually with relatively thin, linear-lanceolate phyllodes 6-15 cm long and 3-15 mm wide. Its pods are more or less straight and 3-6 mm wide. Its natural distribution extends from northern New South Wales south to Victoria and South Australia along coastal hinterlands and adjacent ranges. It grows a on range of sites in open forests or woodlands. Variety sophorae is a low spreading, prostrate shrub, 2-5 m and up to 15 m wide, with relatively thick, obovate oblong or oblong elliptic phyllodes, 5-10 cm long and 12-35 mm wide. Its natural distribution extends along the coast in southeast Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria and west to the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia. This variety is restricted to coastal foredunes where it forms dominant stands. A. longifolia has fast growth and is mainly grown for its ability to stabilise sand dunes (e.g. Berenhauser, 1973; Kosmer, 1975; Avis, 1989). However, in a number of countries, notably South Africa, these plantings have resulted in A. longifolia becoming a serious weed species, invading and displacing native vegetation. Integrated control operations to eradicate A. longifolia in South Africa started as early as 1943 and have had variable results (Macdonald et al., 1989). More recently, the introduction of biological controls agents, such as gall-forming wasps, have apparently been effective in locally eradicating the species (Dennill and Gordon, 1990; Dennill and Donnelly, 1991; Moll and Trinder-Smith, 1992; Manongi and Hoffmann, 1995). However, the wasps are reported to have spread to plantations of the commercially important tree species A. melanoxylon (Dennill et al., 1993). A. longifolia is also reported to have established naturalised populations in California and New Zealand (Whibley and Symon, 1992). A. longifolia is planted as an ornamental in Spain and has been trialled for its potential as a source of gum arabic in Corsica (Vassal and Mouret, 1989; Trigo and Garcia, 1990). Recently, it has also been grown as a successful substrate for the production of oyster mushrooms in South Africa (da Serra and Kirby, 1999). The seeds of var. sophorae were traditionally used as food by Australian Aborigines (Isaacs, 1987).
Ficus religiosa (sacred fig tree).
Authors: Datil Marianne Jennifer , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro
Published: March 2021

F. religiosa is best known as a large shade tree grown in villages and locations of religious importance in south Asia. It is relatively fast-growing and deciduous, often an epiphyte when young. It grows well on a wide range of soils in semi-arid regions and is drought-resistant. F. religiosa produces good quality fodder. The leaves are used for miniature paintings. F. religiosa is a host for lac insects and some silkworms (Mabberley, 1997).
Olea europaea subsp. cuspidata (wild olive).
Authors: Popay Ian
Published: March 2021

A medium-sized, evergreen tree which is indigenous in western Himalaya in the Indo-Pakistan sub-continent, ascending to 2000 m. It is a slow growing, shade, drought and fire-tolerant tree, often lopped for fodder. It coppices well, produces root suckers and may also be grown from seed and cuttings. The stem is generally crooked. The wood is used for agricultural implements, turnery articles, tool handles and as a fuel. The root-stock of this species is sometimes used for grafting the European olive, O. europaea subsp. europaea. It is a useful tree for soil conservation and erosion control in its natural habitat.
Aleurites moluccanus (candlenut tree).
Authors: Rojas-Sandoval Julissa , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro , Dixon Christopher J.
Published: March 2021

A. moluccanus is a medium-sized tree, reaching up to 20 m tall and with a diameter at breast height of 90 cm (Elevitch and Manner, 2006), growing in dense stands through much of the humid tropics. It grows on a wide range of sites and has become naturalized after planting in many areas. Best growth is observed in the open in areas with bimodal rainfall (Alambat, 1971). It tolerates drought and can stand moderately strong winds. It is propagated using seeds, which are recalcitrant. More research is needed on vegetative propagation. A. moluccanus is valued for its wood and for oil from the nuts, for which it is grown in plantations and in silvopastoral systems. The dense crown provides good shade for cattle, and it acts as a nurse crop for other agricultural crops. The wood is used for manufactures and in light construction. The oil from the seeds is used in the manufacture of paint, soap, shampoo, varnish and wood preservatives. The juice of the nuts can be taken internally to eradicate worms, while the seeds serve as a mild purgative. The seeds are also used to make palm sugar and as a flavouring. The soot from burnt seeds has been used in tattooing in Tonga (Aguilar, 1917; Alambat, 1971; Mabberley, 1997).
Annona squamosa (sugar apple).
Authors: Datiles Marianne Jennifer , Acevedo-Rodríguez Pedro , Pasiecznik Nick
Published: March 2021

A. squamosa is a popular seasonal fruit with great economic importance in a number of tropical countries. It is also used as an agroforestry species, as a source of food and for honeybee cultivation. Some forms have a tendency to be seedy, which apparently deters some people from eating them. Research is needed to find a strain/provenance that produces larger and sweeter fruit containing less seed.
On the PIV/PTV uncertainty related to calibration of camera systems with refractive surfaces
Authors: Paolillo Gerardo , Astarita Tommaso
Published: March 2021

This paper investigates the calibration and measurement uncertainty related to the use of different camera models in optical systems that include refractive surfaces. A refractive surface is an interface between media with different optical properties which introduces distortions in the imaging process due to the refraction of the lines-of-sight. This is an issue common to all the investigations of fluids flowing around or inside transparent solid geometries and is of relevance for a strong curvature of the solid/fluid interface. Appropriate modelling of the refractive effects is possible by integrating the pinhole camera model with a ray-tracing method, as demonstrated in a previous work (Paolillo and Astarita 2020 IEEE Trans. Pattern Anal. Mach. Intell.). On the other side, analytical camera models with a pure mathematical foundation, like those based on polynomials or rational functions, are classically used in the PIV/PTV community. Due to the non-linear nature of the involved distortions, the accuracy of these models in representing the imaging process in presence of refractive geometries depends strongly on the polynomial order and noise of the data used for the calibration. The current work provides a numerical estimate of the uncertainty inherent to the analytical camera models by using data generated via a reference refractive camera model. The present results show that high accuracy requires high orders, which implies a large number of calibration parameters and high demand for computational resources. In particular, the rational mapping functions exhibit superior performance compared to the polynomials, although their calibration is found to be sensitive to image noise and they might yield large extrapolation errors. An experimental verification is also reported, which shows that for the estimation of the velocity statistics a 7th order polynomial model offers results comparable to those of a refractive camera model.
Preparation and interfacial behavior of superhydrophobic TPV/ graphite fluoride composites
Authors: Zheng Cheng , Wang Xiangyu , Gao Yuyang , Zhuang Yuheng , Guo Weihong
Published: March 2021

The High-density Polyethylene/Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer/Graphite Fluoride (HDPE/EPDM/GF) composites are prepared by dynamic vulcanization technology. The composites with sea-island structure which contributes to excellent mechanical properties can be easily recycled and re-thermoplasticized. A unique processing technology is designed to make graphite fluoride distributed on the phase interface of the material. The prepared phase interface with aggregated GF has very low interfacial energy, and this unique phase interface greatly improves the hydrophobicity of the material. The static WCA reaches 153° with a WSA 12° for composite containing 15 phr graphite fluoride. What’s more, the composite material has relatively good wear resistance, and when the surface of the composite material is damaged, the composite material can still maintain excellent hydrophobicity. Therefore, the superhydrophobic material prepared by this convenient method can be used for potential industrial application.
Rectal cancer management during the COVID-19 pandemic (ReCaP): multicentre prospective observational study
Authors: Clifford R E , Harji D , Poynter L , Jackson R , Adams R , Fearnhead N S , Vimalachandran D ,   the ReCaP Steering Committee and Collaborators, Vallance A , Evans M , Mohan H , Foley N , O’Connell E , Kinross J , Bhangu A , Acheson A , Moug S , Hughes J , Kong K , Fok M , Wilson J , Jayasinghe J D , Minicozzi A , Thaha M A , Patel H , Smith D , Martinez-Iglesias M , Argyropoulos S , Johnston J , Dosis A , Mosley F , Antakia R , Abu-Nayla I , Joshi H , Westwood D , Dixon K , Al-Azzawi M , Howie E , Watt D , Khan A , Ahmed K , Rea W , Nastro P , Williams S , Solanki N , Akritidis G , Bruce C , Dickerson L , Tewari S , Tewari G , Gupta V , Reay-Jones N , Sagar J , Kudchadkar S , Cirocchi N , Rai A , Al Habsha O , Duff S , Poynter L , Boshnaq M , Saeed S , Wright C J , Dickson-Lowe R , Evans M , Harries R , Spencer N , Parkins K , Bevan V , Bodla S , Ghafar A , Yassin N , Mills S , Law J , Lim J , Sarveswaran J , Dasmohapatra S , Worku D , Moug S J , Kourounis G , Alasadi A , Barman S , Battersby N , Ingram S , Arora D , Lund J , Daliya P , Elzawahry M , Abdul-Hamid S , Weenink L , McDermott F D , Daniels I R , Smart N J , Walker E T , Muse S J , Mirnezami R , Chowdhury S , Gilliland J , Williams G , Jones H , Whewell H , Harji D , Griffiths B , Farquharson A , Mashar R , Weerasinghe C , Ransome M , Javed M A , Samad A , Shamim S , Vitovska E , Hall C , Renfigo C , Maitra I , Norman J , Florance C , El-Dhuwaib Y , Clifford R , Vimalachandran D , Manu N , Kumar S , Altaf K , Ahmed S , Wyatt J , Mesri M , Alberts J , Keeling N , Mishra A , Ward N , Lim M , MacDonald L , Elshafey H S , Awad W
Published: March 2021

Concerns over unacceptable high mortality in patients with rectal cancer undergoing surgery or systemic therapy who contract COVID-19 have led to widespread adoption of alternative treatment strategies.The ReCaP study aimed to study these variations and associated outcomes.
A novel method for objectively, rapidly and accurately evaluating burn depth via near infrared spectroscopy
Authors: Yin Meifang , Li Yongming , Luo Yongquan , Yuan Mingzhou , Armato Ubaldo , Prà Ilaria Dal , Zhang Lijun , Zhang Dayong , Wei Yating , Yang Guang , Huang Lixian , Wang Pin , Wu Jun
Published: March 2021

The accurate and objective evaluation of burn depth is a significant challenge in burn wound care. Herein, we used near infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) technology to measure the different depth of thermal burns in ex vivo porcine models. Based on the intensity of the spectral signals and the diffuse reflection theory, we extracted the optical parameters involved in functional (total hemoglobin and water content) and structural (tissue scattered size and scattered particles) features that reflect the changes in burn depth. Next, we applied support vector regression to construct a model including the optical property parameters and the burn depth. Finally, we histologically verified the burn depth data collected via NIRS. The results showed that our inversion model could achieve an average relative error of about 7.63%, while the NIRS technology diagnostic accuracy was in the range of 50 μm. For the first time, this novel technique provides physicians with real-time burn depth information objectively and accurately.
Techniques and strategies for regional anesthesia in acute burn care—a narrative review
Authors: Sheckter Clifford C , Stewart Barclay T , Barnes Christopher , Walters Andrew , Bhalla Paul I , Pham Tam N
Published: March 2021

Burn injuries and their treatments result in severe pain. Unlike traumatic injuries that are characterized by a discrete episode of pain followed by recovery, burn-injured patients endure pain for a prolonged period that lasts through wound closure (e.g. background pain, procedural pain, breakthrough pain, neuropathic pain and itch). Regional anesthesia, including peripheral nerve blocks and neuraxial/epidural anesthesia, offers significant benefits to a multimodal approach in pain treatment. A ‘regional-first’ approach to pain management can be incorporated into the workflow of burn centers through engaging regional anesthesiologists and pain medicine practitioners in the care of burn patients. A detailed understanding of peripheral nerve anatomy frames the burn clinician’s perspective when considering a peripheral nerve block/catheter. The infra/supraclavicular nerve block provides excellent coverage for the upper extremity, while the trunk can be covered with a variety of blocks including erector spinae plane and quadratus lumborum plane blocks. The lower extremity is targeted with fascia iliaca plane and sciatic nerve blocks for both donor and recipient sites. Burn centers that adopt regional anesthesia should be aware of potential complications and contraindications to prevent adverse events, including management of local anesthetic toxicity and epidural infections. Management of anticoagulation around regional anesthesia placement is crucial to prevent hematoma and nerve damage. Ultimately, regional anesthesia can facilitate a better patient experience and allow for early therapy and mobility goals that are hallmarks of burn care and rehabilitation.
Individual-Specific Areal-Level Parcellations Improve Functional Connectivity Prediction of Behavior
Authors: Kong Ru , Yang Qing , Gordon Evan , Xue Aihuiping , Yan Xiaoxuan , Orban Csaba , Zuo Xi-Nian , Spreng Nathan , Ge Tian , Holmes Avram , Eickhoff Simon , Yeo B T Thomas
Published: March 2021

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) allows estimation of individual-specific cortical parcellations. We have previously developed a multi-session hierarchical Bayesian model (MS-HBM) for estimating high-quality individual-specific network-level parcellations. Here, we extend the model to estimate individual-specific areal-level parcellations. While network-level parcellations comprise spatially distributed networks spanning the cortex, the consensus is that areal-level parcels should be spatially localized, that is, should not span multiple lobes. There is disagreement about whether areal-level parcels should be strictly contiguous or comprise multiple noncontiguous components; therefore, we considered three areal-level MS-HBM variants spanning these range of possibilities. Individual-specific MS-HBM parcellations estimated using 10 min of data generalized better than other approaches using 150 min of data to out-of-sample rs-fMRI and task-fMRI from the same individuals. Resting-state functional connectivity derived from MS-HBM parcellations also achieved the best behavioral prediction performance. Among the three MS-HBM variants, the strictly contiguous MS-HBM exhibited the best resting-state homogeneity and most uniform within-parcel task activation. In terms of behavioral prediction, the gradient-infused MS-HBM was numerically the best, but differences among MS-HBM variants were not statistically significant. Overall, these results suggest that areal-level MS-HBMs can capture behaviorally meaningful individual-specific parcellation features beyond group-level parcellations. Multi-resolution trained models and parcellations are publicly available (https://github.com/ThomasYeoLab/CBIG/tree/master/stable_projects/brain_parcellation/Kong2022_ArealMSHBM).
Rituximab in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction: an experimental medicine safety study
Authors: Zhao Tian X , Aetesam-Ur-Rahman Muhammad , Sage Andrew P , Victor Saji , Kurian Rincy , Fielding Sarah , Ait-Oufella Hafid , Chiu Yi-Da , Binder Christoph J , Mckie Mikel , Hoole Stephen P , Mallat Ziad
Published: March 2021

Aims

In pre-clinical models of acute myocardial infarction (MI), mature B cells mobilize inflammatory monocytes into the heart, leading to increased infarct size and deterioration of cardiac function, whilst anti-CD20 antibody-mediated depletion of B cells limits myocardial injury and improves cardiac function. Rituximab is a monoclonal anti-CD20 antibody targeted against human B cells. However, its use in cardiovascular disease is untested and is currently contraindicated. Therefore, we assessed the safety, feasibility, and pharmacodynamic effect of rituximab given to patients with acute ST-elevation MI (STEMI).

Methods and results

Rituximab in patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction (RITA-MI) was a prospective, open-label, dose-escalation, single-arm, phase 1/2a clinical trial, which tested rituximab administered as a single intravenous dose in patients with STEMI within 48 h of symptom onset. Four escalating doses (200, 500, 700, and 1000 mg) were used. The primary endpoint was safety, whilst secondary endpoints were changes in circulating immune cell subsets including B cells, and cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers. A total of 24 patients were dosed. Rituximab appeared well tolerated. Seven serious adverse events were reported, none of which were assessed as being related to the rituximab infusion. Rituximab caused a mean 96.3% (95% confidence interval 93.8–98.8%) depletion of circulating B cells within 30 min of starting the infusion. Maximal B-cell depletion was seen at Day 6, which was significantly lower than baseline for all doses (P < 0.001). B-cell repopulation at 6 months was dose-dependent, with modulation of returning B-cell subsets. Immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgA) levels were not affected during the 6 months of follow-up.

Conclusions

A single infusion of rituximab appears safe when given in the acute STEMI setting and substantially alters circulating B-cell subsets. We provide important new insight into the feasibility and pharmacodynamics of rituximab in acute STEMI, which will inform further clinical translation of this potential therapy.

Clinical trial registration

NCT03072199 at https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/
High-statin adherence over 5 years of follow-up is associated with improved cardiovascular outcomes in patients with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease: results from the IMPRES study
Authors: May Heidi T , Knowlton Kirk U , Anderson Jeffrey L , Lappé Donald L , Bair Tami L , Muhlestein Joseph B
Published: March 2021

Aims 

Despite proven benefits of LDL-C lowering among those with atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), statin adherence remains low. Very little real-world data exist on the effect of long-term statin adherence on cardiovascular outcomes.

Methods and results 

A total of 7339 patients ≥18 years first diagnosed with ASCVD with a statin prescription within 12 months of diagnosis who had 5 years of continuous Select Health insurance or died during Years 2–5, while a member was studied. The proportion of days covered (PDC) was calculated using pharmacy claims for statin use by year, and patients were stratified into pre-defined categories: fully adherent [PDC ≥ 80% for Years 1–5 or until death, n = 353 (4.8%)], short-term-adherent [PDC ≥ 80% for Years 1–3, n = 330 (4.5%)], early-adherent only [PDC ≥ 80% for Year 1, n = 890 (12.1%)], complex-adherent (PDC ≥ 80% in any of Years 2–5, but not Year 1, n = 1292 [17.6%]), and non-adherent [PDC < 80% for Years 1–5 or until death, n = 3942 (72.1%)]. Patients were followed for major adverse clinical events (MACE = death, myocardial infarction, and stroke). Patients averaged 56.4 ± 9.6 years and 76.5% were male. During Year 1, statin adherence was poor, with PDC < 20% in 4007 (54.6%) patients and PDC ≥80% in 1573 (21.4%) patients, which dropped to 16.9% by Year 5. Increased adherence was associated with significantly fewer MACE (11.6%, 17.9%, 21.9%, 21.1%, and 26.4% for those fully adherent, short-term adherent, early-adherent only, complex-adherent, and non-adherent, respectively, P-trend < 0.0001). After adjustment, fully adherent was associated with a significant decrease in MACE (hazard ratio = 0.51, 0.37–0.71).

Conclusion 

Among ASCVD patients with at least 5 years of continuous pharmacy benefits, long-term adherence to statins was associated with decreased long-term MACE in a linear-fashion.
New Responses to the Legitimacy Crisis of International Institutions: The Role of ‘Civil Society’ and the Rise of the Principle of Participation of ‘The Most Affected’ in International Institutional Law
Authors: von Bernstorff Jochen
Published: March 2021

The article offers a description and assessment of the most important discursive strategies used to enhance and justify various models of ‘civil-society participation’ in international institutions since the late 19th century. It starts from the assumption that the two main rationales for, or concepts of, ‘civil-society’ participation are functionalism and democratization. The article also notes that, as an offshoot of the democratization rationale, a new empirical and discursive 21st-century trend has partially replaced classic non-governmental organizations (NGOs) with so-called ‘affected person’s organizations’ in international institutions. In this context, the article claims that the field of international institutional law is currently witnessing the rise of a principle of participation of ‘the most affected’. This shift arguably is an institutional strategy to respond to a profound legitimacy crisis of both international NGOs and the so-called ‘global governance’ structures shaped over the last 30 years. Against the backdrop of various theoretical approaches to the problem of representation and affectedness in political philosophy and international law, the article critically assesses if, and to what extent, the involvement of ‘the most affected’ in international organizations can alter the legitimacy resources of international law and its institutions.
An algorithm to personalise the diagnosis of recurrent implantation failure based on theoretical cumulative implantation rate
Authors: Rozen Genia , Rogers Peter , Teh Wan Tinn , Stern Catharyn J , Polyakov Alex
Published: March 2021

Recurrent implantation failure (RIF) is an imprecisely defined disorder lacking a robust scientific basis. The incomplete understanding of RIF provides significant diagnostic and therapeutic challenges, and a better understanding of the underlying issues is necessary to improve outcomes. We propose a novel concept termed ‘Theoretical Cumulative Implantation Rate’, the calculation of which is based on objective data, to define whether a patient should be diagnosed with RIF. An updated definition to assist with patient counselling and planning research studies, which is more precise and standardised, is well overdue.
The Stability of an Isolate of the SARS-CoV-2 B.1.1.7 Lineage in Aerosols Is Similar to 3 Earlier Isolates
Authors: Schuit Michael , Biryukov Jennifer , Beck Katie , Yolitz Jason , Bohannon Jordan , Weaver Wade , Miller David , Holland Brian , Krause Melissa , Freeburger Denise , Williams Gregory , Wood Stewart , Graham Amanda , Rosovitz M J , Bazinet Adam , Phillips Aaron , Lovett Sean , Garcia Karla , Abbott Elliott , Wahl Victoria , Ratnesar-Shumate Shanna , Dabisch Paul
Published: March 2021

Background

Our laboratory previously examined the influence of environmental conditions on the stability of an early isolate of SARS-CoV-2 (hCoV-19/USA/WA-1/2020) in aerosols generated from culture medium or simulated saliva. However, genetic differences have emerged among SARS-CoV-2 lineages, and it is possible that these differences may affect environmental stability and the potential for aerosol transmission.

Methods

The influence of temperature, relative humidity, and simulated sunlight on the decay of 4 SARS-CoV-2 isolates in aerosols, including 1 belonging to the recently emerged B.1.1.7 lineage, were compared in a rotating drum chamber. Aerosols were generated from simulated respiratory tract lining fluid to represent aerosols originating from the deep lung.

Results

No differences in the stability of the isolates were observed in the absence of simulated sunlight at either 20°C or 40°C. However, a small but statistically significant difference in the stability was observed between some isolates in simulated sunlight at 20°C and 20% relative humidity.

Conclusions

The stability of SARS-CoV-2 in aerosols does not vary greatly among currently circulating lineages, including B.1.1.7, suggesting that the increased transmissibility associated with recent SARS-CoV-2 lineages is not due to enhanced survival in the environment.
Lower Gastrointestinal Syphilis: Case Series and Literature Review
Authors: Ferzacca Elizabeth , Barbieri Andrea , Barakat Lydia , Olave Maria C , Dunne Dana
Published: March 2021

Background

Syphilis infections are increasing globally. Lower gastrointestinal syphilis (LGIS) is a rare manifestation of early syphilis transmitted through anal sexual contact. Misdiagnosis of LGIS as inflammatory bowel disease may result from clinician underawareness.

Methods

We searched the literature for articles describing cases of LGIS, and identified additional cases diagnosed within our institution. Data were extracted from the articles and medical records and analyzed to provide a summative account.

Results

Fifty-four cases of LGIS were identified in 39 articles published between 1958 and 2020. Eight additional cases were diagnosed at our institution between 2011 and 2020, totaling 62 cases. All cases were described in men and transwomen aged 15–73 years. Fifty (93%) individuals reported having sex with men. In 26 cases (52%), the individuals were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) coinfected. LGIS presented most commonly with hematochezia (67%) and anal pain (46%). The most common physical examination findings were rectal mass (38%), lymphadenopathy (31%), and rash (26%). Nontreponemal titers ranged from 1:2 to 1:1024. Of the 52 cases in which endoscopy was reported, 22 (42%) showed anorectal mass and 18 (35%) showed anorectal ulcer. In 44 cases (75%), histopathology revealed a chronic inflammatory infiltrate with a prominent lymphocyte component (45%) and/or plasma cells (36%). Seventy-eight percent of specimens to which a tissue stain was applied were positive for spirochetes.

Conclusions

LGIS should be suspected in men and transwomen presenting with a lower gastrointestinal symptom or mucosal abnormality. A sexual history must be elicited and guide testing. Misdiagnosis can delay treatment and threatens patient and public health.
Defining Fever
Authors: Mackowiak Philip A , Chervenak Frank A , Grünebaum Amos
Published: March 2021

Although the term “fever” is used liberally in clinical publications, we provide evidence that it is rarely defined in terms of the minimum temperature used to qualify as a fever, the type of thermometer employed in measuring patients’ temperatures, or the site at which temperatures are taken. We maintain that in the absence of such information, the term “fever” is meaningless.
Title II Freedoms
Authors: Lock Tobias
Published: March 2021

Title II contains classical civil, political, educational, and cultural rights. These rights primarily impose negative obligations to not interfere with individual conduct, but they may also contain positive obligations. Most of the rights guaranteed in Title II directly correspond to rights in the ECHR. The notable exceptions are Articles 8, 13, 15, 16, 18, and 19 CFR. However, while these provisions may not have direct equivalents in the ECHR, certain aspects of the rights they include may nevertheless be covered by more general provisions of the ECHR as interpreted in the ECtHR’s case law.
Modelling COVID-19 contagion: risk assessment and targeted mitigation policies
Authors: Cont Rama , Kotlicki Artur , Xu Renyuan
Published: March 2021

We use a spatial epidemic model with demographic and geographical heterogeneity to study the regional dynamics of COVID-19 across 133 regions in England. Our model emphasizes the role of variability of regional outcomes and heterogeneity across age groups and geographical locations, and provides a framework for assessing the impact of policies targeted towards subpopulations or regions. We define a concept of efficiency for comparative analysis of epidemic control policies and show targeted mitigation policies based on local monitoring to be more efficient than country-level or non-targeted measures. In particular, our results emphasize the importance of shielding vulnerable subpopulations and show that targeted policies based on local monitoring can considerably lower fatality forecasts and, in many cases, prevent the emergence of second waves which may occur under centralized policies.
Integrating real-time data analysis into automatic tracking of social insects
Authors: Sclocco Alessio , Ong Shirlyn Jia Yun , Pyay Aung Sai Yan , Teseo Serafino
Published: March 2021

Automatic video tracking has become a standard tool for investigating the social behaviour of insects. The recent integration of computer vision in tracking technologies will probably lead to fully automated behavioural pattern classification within the next few years. However, many current systems rely on offline data analysis and use computationally expensive techniques to track pre-recorded videos. To address this gap, we developed BACH (Behaviour Analysis maCHine), a software that performs video tracking of insect groups in real time. BACH uses object recognition via convolutional neural networks and identifies individually tagged insects via an existing matrix code recognition algorithm. We compared the tracking performances of BACH and a human observer (HO) across a series of short videos of ants moving in a two-dimensional arena. We found that BACH detected ant shapes only slightly worse than the HO. However, its matrix code-mediated identification of individual ants only attained human-comparable levels when ants moved relatively slowly, and fell when ants walked relatively fast. This happened because BACH had a relatively low efficiency in detecting matrix codes in blurry images of ants walking at high speeds. BACH needs to undergo hardware and software adjustments to overcome its present limits. Nevertheless, our study emphasizes the possibility of, and the need for, further integrating real-time data analysis into the study of animal behaviour. This will accelerate data generation, visualization and sharing, opening possibilities for conducting fully remote collaborative experiments.
Psychological distress and resilience in a sample of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Jacobson Clare , Mulholland Rebecca , Miller Nicola , Baker Laura , Glazer Daniel , Betts Emily , Brown Louise , Elders Vera , Ogundiran Olufunmilola , Carr Robert , Hudson Lee D
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Adolescents and young people (AYA) with cancer are at greater risk of psychological distress which can impact treatment. COVID-19 has resulted in changes to cancer care delivery and AYA have been disproportionately affected by economic and educational effects of COVID-19, potentially impacting on mental health. Understanding the impact of COVID-19 on AYA with cancer is important to inform care.

METHODS

Online survey of 16-24 year olds receiving cancer treatment at 8 cancer centres in the UK in December 2020. We measured: self-perceived increased anxiety since COVID-19, impact of COVID-19 on treatment, life and relationships and used the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire(PHQ-8), 7-item Generalised Anxiety Disorder Scale(GAD) and the 2-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale(CD-RISC).

RESULTS

112 AYA participated (17.8% of total eligible). 62.8% were female, 67.3% were 21-24 years. 83% were white. 59.8% had previously experienced mental health difficulties. 67.9% received cancer treatment during the pandemic and 33.9% were diagnosed during the pandemic. 78.6% reported COVID-19 having a significant impact on their life, 55.4% on their key relationship and 39.3% on their treatment. 79% reported experiencing some degree of increased anxiety since COVID-19.43.4% had moderate-severe PHQ-8 scores and 37.1% for GADS-7. Self-report of impact on life was associated with greater anxiety during COVID-19 and moderate-severe PHQ-8 score (OR 3.64, 95% CI 2.52 to 19.40, p <0.01; OR 5.23, 95%CI 1.65 to 16.56, p < 0.01). Impact on relationships was associated with greater anxiety and moderate-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 score (OR 2.89, 95% CI 1.11 to 7.54, p = 0,03; OR 3.54, 95% CI 2.32 to 15.17, p<0.01; OR 2.42, 95% CI 1.11 to 5.25, p =0.03). Greater CD-RISC score was associated with lower risk of anxiety and mod-severe GADS-7and PHQ-8 scores (OR 0.58, 95%CI 0.41 to 0.81, p <0.01; OR 0.55 95% CI 0.4 to 0.72, p <0.01; OR 0.52, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.69, p <0.01)

CONCLUSIONS

We found high levels of psychological distress in AYA with cancer, which is important knowledge for clinical teams working with this age group. Perceived impact of COVID-19 on relationships and life was predictive of poorer mental health, with resilience a potential protective factor.
Structure of Λ(δλλ)-[Co(en)3]I3(I)2
Authors: Kollitz Megan R. , Oliver Allen G. , Lappin A. Graham
Published: March 2021

The structure of tris(ethane-1,2-diamine-κ2
N,N')cobalt(III) bis(iodide) triiodide, [Co(C2H8N2)3]I3(I)2, at 120 K has orthorhombic (P212121) symmetry. The diamine nitrogen atoms form N—H...I hydrogen bonds throughout the lattice, resulting in a three-dimensional network, which involves the iodide and all atoms in the triiodide anions.
Hexaaquadodeca-μ2-iodido-octahedro-hexatantalum diiodide tetrahydrate
Authors: Schröder Florian , Köckerling Martin
Published: March 2021

In the crystal structure of the cluster salt, [Ta6I12(H2O)6]I2·4H2O, the octahedral {Ta6} cluster core is μ2-coordinated by twelve iodido ligands (inner ligand sphere) whereas the six aqua ligands coordinate each at the six outer positions. The discrete, inversion-symmetric cluster complex is double-positively charged, and two iodide anions are present in the crystal structure as counter-ions. In addition, four water molecules are co-crystallized. Hydrogen bonds between the cluster unit, the iodide anions and co-crystallized water molecules stabilize the charge-assisted packing in the crystal structure.
Challenges of BIM implementation in GCC construction industry
Authors: Umar Tariq
Published: March 2021

Purpose

In some regions including the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region where construction is one of the main industries, the implementation of BIM is still at a slow rate. This article attempts to know the current situation of BIM and explore the challenges in the BIM implementation in the GCC construction industry.

Design/methodology/approach

A mixed research approach that includes a systematic literature review and a survey questionnaire was adopted to achieve the aim of this research. For the systematic review, four main databases were search considering a period of 2010–2019 to identify the main challenges in the BIM implementation. A total of 39 different challenges from 47 documents were classified into four main categories. A structured questionnaire developed on these challenges was sent to 206 selected from the top construction organizations from all over the GCC region.

Findings

A total of 39 different challenges from 47 documents were classified into four main categories. The respondents for the questionnaire were selected from the top construction organization from all over the GCC region. A large number of the respondents (69.79%) reported that their organizations are planning for BIM implementation in their future projects. The results show that top challenges fall under the main categories of “Organization”, “Technical”, “Government and Legal” and “Environment”.

Research limitations/implications

While the paper provides an overview of BIM in a global context, however, the dynamics and maturity of the construction industry in different regions are quite different from each other. Since the data collected in this research is from the GCC region, the results are more relevant to the GCC region.

Practical implications

The finding of this research identifies the main challenges which GCC construction is facing in the implementation of BIM. The finding will, therefore, be useful for the key stakeholders to develop strategies to overcome these challenges and pave the road to take the advantages of BIM implementation in construction.

Social implications

The BIM implementation in the GCC construction industry will not only improve the performance of the industry but will also open the doors for new opportunities and employment. The BIM implementation in construction will help the region to achieve Goal 9 (industrial innovation and improved infrastructure) of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Originality/value

The results of this study help to understand the overall situation including the challenges in the BIM implementation in the GCC construction industry. This study will be helpful for all the stakeholders to develop strategies for the effective implementation of BIM in the GCC construction industry.
Validation of measurement scores for evaluating vascular anomaly skin lesions
Authors: Yasue Shiho , Ozeki Michio , Endo Saori , Ishihara Takuma , Nishiguchi‐Kurimoto Mana , Jinnin Masatoshi , Kawamura Miho , Seishima Mariko , Ohnishi Hidenori
Published: March 2021

Vascular anomalies comprise a heterogeneous group of disorders caused by abnormal proliferation or development of vascular and/or lymphatic vessels. Vascular anomalies present with various symptoms and complications, but no standardized methods evaluate their severity, and to measure treatment outcomes is difficult. To assess the responsiveness of measurement scores for evaluating vascular anomaly skin lesions, we conducted a validation study to compare these measurement scores with patients’ objective data. In this study, data were collected from treated and untreated patients. Skin lesions were photographed at baseline and after a follow‐up period of 3–6 months. The volume of skin lesions, the degree of red or purple coloration, and color tone were measured objectively. Two external dermatologists evaluated patients’ photographs and determined scores, which represented criteria for improvements in skin lesions (size and color) and 6‐point Physician Global Assessment scores. The correlation between these scores and patients’ objective data (lesion volume and color) was assessed to validate the scores. Twenty‐three cases of vascular anomaly (seven vascular tumors, five lymphatic malformations, three venous malformations, and eight lymphatic–venous malformations) were examined. Scores for improvements in vascular anomaly skin lesions (size and color) correlated with a change in lesion volume, the degree of red or purple coloration, color tone score, and 6‐point Physician Global Assessment score. Our findings suggest that these measurement scores are responsive to changes in vascular anomaly skin lesions after observation.
Ploughed under? Labour's Grassroots post‐Corbyn
Authors: Bale Tim
Published: March 2021

This article uses a survey carried out by the ESRC‐funded Party Members Project in the immediate aftermath of the 2019 election to paint a portrait of Labour's post‐Corbyn membership. They are overwhelmingly white, well‐educated and largely middle class and middle‐aged, with many of them living in southern England. They are also disproportionately likely to work, either currently or previously, in the public or charitable sector. They are left‐wing but also very socially liberal, and they are very pro‐European. This means they have a lot in common with Labour MPs but much less in common with many of the voters Labour desperately needs to win back. A significant number of members, perhaps especially those disinclined to regard antisemitism as a serious problem, could leave as a result of Corbyn being replaced (and possibly removed) by Starmer. Whether this will have much impact on Labour's electoral prospects is debateable.
Effect of dietary concentrate content on feed intake, feed efficiency, and meat quality of Holstein steers fattened in a hot environment
Authors: Alqaisi Othman , Ali Haytham , Al‐Abri Mohammad , Johnson Eugene H. , Al‐Marzooqi Waleed
Published: March 2021

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of feeding high and low concentrate diets on feed intake and feed efficiency, the morphological characteristics of the rumen papillae, and meat quality of Holstein steers fattened under hot climate conditions in Oman. Ten male Holstein calves, of 5 months of age, were selected for the experiment. The animals were fed concentrate and Rhodes grass hay and were divided into two groups of high concentrate (HC, n = 5) and low concentrate diets (LC, n = 5), in which their feed intake, weight gain, and feed efficiency were evaluated across three growing periods. Feed intake and efficiency and average daily gain (ADG) of the HC group were significantly greater than for the LC group and were affected by the diet (p < .01) and the period (p < .001). Across the fattening periods, ADG declined in both groups, with ADG improved by 35% for steers on the HC diet compared to steers on the LC diet. Carcass meat quality was not affected significantly by the dietary concentrate level. In conclusion, our results can be used to make improvements in feed efficiency of Holstein steers under hot climate conditions.