bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of tyrosine kinase inhibitors for paediatric Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Min , Zhu Yiping , Lin Yunzhu , Tengwang Tianzi , Zhang Lingli
Published: January 2021

Objectives

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in the management of paediatric Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (Ph+ALL).

Design

A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Data sources

Electronic searches were conducted on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, SIOP, ASPHO, ASCO, ASH and four Chinese databases from inception to 8 March 2020. Language of publications was restricted in English and Chinese.

Eligibility criteria

Prospective and retrospective comparative studies were included.

Data extraction and synthesis

Two authors independently assessed and extracted data. Quality of studies was assessed by the Cochrane Collaboration’s tool and Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Subgroup analysis was performed by comparing different types of TKIs. Quality of evidence was assessed using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach.

Results

Two randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and four cohort studies enrolling 536 patients were included. For RCTs, the pooled HR was 0.68 (95% CI 0.26 to 1.78) in overall survival (OS), 0.63 (95% CI 0.28 to 1.42) in event-free survival (EFS), respectively, comparing TKI arm with non-TKI arm for treatment of paediatric Ph+ALL. There was significant difference in OS and EFS between imatinib arm and dasatinib arm (HR 2.26, 95% CI 1.02 to 5.01; HR 2.36; 95% CI 1.27 to 4.39, respectively). For cohort studies, the pooled HR was 0.25 (95% CI 0.14 to 0.47) in OS, 0.25 (95% CI 0.12 to 0.56) in EFS, respectively, comparing TKI arm with non-TKI arm. There was no significance difference in adverse drug reaction between TKI group and without TKI group (risk ratio (RR) 0.82, 95% CI 0.63 to 1.08 in RCT; RR 1.01, 95% CI 0.64 to 1.59 in cohort studies; respectively), and imatinib versus dasatinib (RR 0.97, 95% CI 0.77 to 1.23). The quality of evidence was rated as low for OS, EFS and adverse drug reaction (ADR).

Conclusions

The combination of TKIs with chemotherapy is likely to improve the OS and EFS rates in paediatric Ph+ALL, and dasatinib is superior than imatinib. Large sample size and prospective controlled studies are warranted.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42018104107.
Fingertip pulse oximetry prevented premature declaration of death
Authors: Kiedrowski Miroslaw , Kapala Przemyslaw , Deptala Andrzej
Published: January 2021

Objective

We describe a case of persisting readings from a fingertip pulse oximeter (FPO) in an elderly cachectic woman with pancreatic cancer, who fulfilled all classical criteria of death.

Methods

It is an instructive example of a home hospice patient who died during the physician’s intervention. Although all classical signs of death had been confirmed several times, a portable FPO continued to indicate satisfactory saturation and pulse readings for the following 30 min.

Results

Our case report confirms that the classical criteria of death might sometimes be faulty. The application of a portable FPO prevented a premature declaration of death.

Conclusion

In exceptional cases, even the most careful physical examination may erroneously indicate that a person is dead. A residual cardiac output and gas exchange may be preserved and revealed by FPO readings. In doubtful situations, FPO can provide additional information and prevent a premature declaration of death.
Hall conductivity of strained ℤ 2 crystals
Authors: Fialkovsky I. V. , Zubkov M. A.
Published: January 2021

We establish topological nature of Hall conductivity of graphene and other [Formula: see text] crystals in 2D and 3D in the presence of inhomogeneous perturbations. To this end the lattice Weyl–Wigner formalism is employed. The nonuniform mechanical stress is considered, along with the spatially varying magnetic field. The relation of the obtained topological invariant to level counting is clarified.
A classical complex ϕ4 scalar field in a gauge background
Authors: Mohammedi N.
Published: January 2021

We solve the equations of motion of a complex [Formula: see text] theory coupled to some given gauge field background. The solutions are given in both cylindrical and spherical coordinates and have finite energy.
MICRO-FOUNDATIONS OF TECHNOLOGY CLUSTER EMERGENCE: EVIDENCE FROM JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA AND MEDELLIN, COLOMBIA
Authors: GILBERT BRETT ANITRA , VELEZ-CALLE ANDRES , LI YUANYUAN , CREWS MARCUS I
Published: January 2021

Many regions are either without technology clusters or in early stages of their development. This paper uses a micro-foundations perspective to understand the potential for technology development, new venture creation and market creation to occur in these regions. The study surveys people from two city-regions in the Global South — Medellin, Colombia, and Johannesburg, South Africa. The results show that in these two cities that have developed different reputations for innovation, different micro-foundation profiles are present. General support is found for our hypothesis that regional micro-foundations may drive the progress toward technology cluster formation.
Experimental Investigation of Impact Response of RC Slabs with a Sandy Soil Cushion Layer
Authors: Wu Jianli , Ma Guotao , Zhou Zhenhua , Mei Xuefeng , Hu Xiewen
Published: January 2021

The impact response of reinforced‐concrete (RC) slabs covered with a sandy soil cushion layer was investigated using an outdoor rockfall impact test platform. Impact tests were carried out by releasing rockfalls with different weights from different heights to impact a combined structure. Test data included the acceleration duration curve of the rockfall, strain of the concrete slab at multiple measuring points, and midpoint displacement duration curve of the slab. The test results showed an exponential relationship between the impact force acting on the cushion layer surface and cushion layer thickness. An empirical formula was used to calculate the maximum penetration, and the result was in good agreement with the test value. In addition, the attenuation rate of the impact force acting on the cushion layer increased exponentially with the increase in the cushion layer thickness, and the peak impact force could be attenuated by approximately 70% at a thickness of 0.6 m. Finally, the failure process and failure modes of the RC slabs were investigated.
Effect of Tetramethylpyrazine on Neuroplasticity after Transient Focal Cerebral Ischemia Reperfusion in Rats
Authors: Lin Junbin , Hao Chizi , Gong Yu , Zhang Ying , Li Ying , Feng Zhihe , Xu Xiangdong , Huang Hailong , Liao Weijing
Published: January 2021

Tetramethylpyrazine (TMP) has been widely used in ischemic stroke in China. The regulation of neuroplasticity may underlie the recovery of some neurological functions in ischemic stroke. Middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) model was established in this study. Rats were divided into three groups: sham group, model group, and TMP group. The neurological function was evaluated using modified neurological severity score (mNSS). Following the neurological function test, expression of synaptophysin (SYP) and growth-associated protein 43 (GAP-43) were analyzed through immunohistochemistry at 3 d, 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d after MCAO. Finally, the synaptic structural plasticity was investigated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The TMP group showed better neurological function comparing to the model group. SYP levels increased gradually in ischemic penumbra (IP) in the model group and could be enhanced by TMP treatment at 7 d, 14 d, and 28 d, whereas GAP-43 levels increased from 3 d to 7 d and thereafter decreased gradually from 14 d to 28 d in the model group, which showed no significant improvement in the TMP group. The results of TEM showed a flatter synaptic interface, a thinner postsynaptic density (PSD), and a wider synaptic cleft in the model group, and the first two alterations could be ameliorated by TMP. Then, a Pearson’s correlation test revealed mNSS markedly correlated with SYP and synaptic ultrastructures. Taken together, TMP is capable of promoting functional outcome after ischemic stroke, and the mechanisms may be partially associated with regulation of neuroplasticity.
A Study on Making Rigid Polyurethane Foams from Vietnam Rubber Seed Oil-Based Polyol by Using Water as a Single Blowing Agent
Authors: Thuy Nguyen Thi , Lan Pham Ngoc
Published: January 2021

In this work, for making rigid polyurethane foams, only water was used to serve as a blowing agent. Vietnam rubber seed oil-based polyol was also used. Following our previous research results, water content was fixed at 4 wt.% and glycerol content at 3 wt.%, as compared to biopolyol. The effect of the NCO/OH ratio, main catalyst (dibutyltin dilaurate), cocatalyst (triethylamine), and surfactant content as well as the surfactants on performances of foams was investigated through compressive strength, density, cell size, and size distribution. A suitable formulation for making foam by using biopolyol made from rubber seed oil was established. In parallel with it, foam based on commercial polyol derived from petroleum was also manufactured. The characteristics of the foaming process were assessed. The mechanical properties, thermal behavior, water absorption, and dimensional stability of foams were evaluated. The cellular morphology study shows that the cells of foam based on biopolyol were closed and rather uniform; however, cell size was 3% bigger and cell walls were also a bit thicker. The results showed that the properties of foam based on biopolyol were similar to those of petrofoams. This result may open a possibility to replace petropolyol with renewable biopolyol in foam fabrication.
Prenatally Diagnosed Testicular Torsion: A Rare Condition That Causes Dilemma in Management
Authors: Gerbo Michael , Crigger Chad , Samadi Yasamin , Ost Michael C. , Al-Omar Osama
Published: January 2021

Background. Prenatal testicular torsion (PTT) is exceedingly rare in intrauterine development, often diagnosed at the time of birth and very rarely diagnosed in utero during routine gestational ultrasound. As a result, incidence is unknown, and there exists no consensus regarding the pathophysiology of this phenomenon nor universally recognized algorithms and guidelines regarding its diagnosis and management. Case Presentation. We present the case of an antenatally diagnosed torsion and our subsequent management which included ipsilateral orchiectomy and prophylactic contralateral orchiopexy via a scrotal approach. Conclusion. While controversy regarding surgical intervention in patients with unilateral PTT exists due to poor salvage rates—estimated to be less than 1%—the risk of anorchia is higher in affected patients due to limitations in the accuracy of detecting bilateral testicular involvement. Risk of misdiagnosis of bilaterality may lead to lasting sequelae such as infertility and devastating psychological consequences for affected patients, supporting the need for surgical exploration, as was performed in our case.
Tissue Expression of Androgen Receptor Splice Variant 7 at Radical Prostatectomy Predicts Risk of Progression in Untreated Nonmetastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Sciarra Alessandro , Maggi Martina , Salciccia Stefano , Nicolai Alice , Tortorella Elisabetta , Giantulli Sabrina , Magliocca Fabio Massimo , Silvestri Ida , Taglieri Ludovica , Cattarino Susanna , Scarpa Susanna
Published: January 2021

Background: Androgen receptor splice variant V7 (AR-V7) was recently detected in circulating tumor cells of castration-resistant prostate cancer (PC) patients and its expression correlated with resistance to new-generation androgen signaling inhibitors. Objectives: We retrospectively analyzed whether AR-V7 expression was detectable on radical prostatectomy (RP) specimens of untreated nonmetastatic PC cases, and whether it could be associated with progression after surgery. Method: The expression of AR-V7 and AR-FL (full length) was separately evaluated by immunohistochemistry using a streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase system with 2 anti-AR-V7 and anti-AR-FL rabbit monoclonal antibodies. Results: 56 PC cases, classified by their clinical risk, were analyzed. Positive expression was found in 24/32 cases in the high-risk group, 4/13 in the intermediate-risk group, and only 2/11 in the low-risk group. We found a significant correlation between AR-V7 positivity and both risk classification (p < 0.001) and progression after surgery (p < 0.001). Conclusions: In our population of untreated nonmetastatic PC, AR-V7 is detectable by immunohistochemistry in more than 50% of cases. At this early stage, AR-V7 positivity is associated with risk classification and it can predict progression after surgery.
Slavery de jure and de facto: The United Nations’ Definition of Slavery and Its Incomplete Dutch Translation in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Suriname
Authors: Paschke Boris
Published: January 2021

The international legal definition of slavery (Art. 1 Slavery Convention [1926]; Art. 7 Supplementary Convention [1956]) distinguishes between slavery de jure and slavery de facto. The definition puts the emphasis on slavery de facto. However, by letting some words untranslated, the respective Dutch translation prevalent in Belgium, The Netherlands, and Suriname (unintentionally) focuses on slavery de jure. Nowadays, slavery is illegal (Art. 4 udhr; Art. 4 echr) and, thus, only exists de facto. A corrected and completed Dutch translation will increase the awareness of the various forms of slavery de facto. In so doing, it can make an important contribution to the fight against slavery.
A Genealogy of Lust
Authors: Olivero Vladimir
Published: January 2021

In this study I argue that the translator of Prov 24:50–51 LXX (30:15–16 MT) adapts the Hebrew text to his Hellenistic audience by alluding to Hesiod’s Theogony. The core message of these verses—the ineluctability of cosmic greed—remains the same, yet the images employed in the Septuagint are engrained in and originally belong to the Hellenic mythological understanding of how the universe came into being. The use of classical literature to convey the message contained in the texts of the Hebrew Bible speaks to the hybrid character of the Jewish community of the Egyptian diaspora. When the translator quotes or alludes to Greek literature, he is not borrowing foreign material, but rather drawing wisdom from his very own well. In Alexandria, the waters that flowed from the rock at Horeb and from the Hippocrene spring have merged their course.
Genus Stathmopoda Herrich-Schäffer, 1853 (Lepidoptera: Stathmopodidae) from China: Descriptions of ten new species
Authors: WANG AILING , WANG SHUXIA , GUAN WEI
Published: January 2021

Ten new species of the genus Stathmopoda are described: S. basirotata sp. nov., S. bicoloriptera sp. nov., S. bucera sp. nov., S. hamulata sp. nov., S. ochricolorata sp. nov., S. octacantha sp. nov., S. pyriformis sp. nov., S. rhombica sp. nov., S. tetracantha sp. nov. and S. tristriata sp. nov. Also, three species: S. citrinella Sinev, 1995, S. orbiculata Meyrick, 1913 and S. tecticochlea Terada, 2016 are newly recorded for China. Images of both adults and genitalia for the species are provided, along with a map showing the distribution of them in China.
Description and bioecology of two new species of the genus Cryncus (Orthoptera, Gryllidae, Gryllinae) from Cameroon with a key and distribution map of all African species
Authors: NYOBE PHILENE CORINNE AUDE UM , KEKEUNOU SEVILOR , MA LIBIN , ROBILLARD TONY , SIMEU-NOUTCHOM ALAIN , BILONG CHARLES FELIX BILONG
Published: January 2021

The genus Cryncus Gorochov, 1983 composed of African crickets is reported for the first time in Cameroon by the description of two new species collected at Zamakoe, Ongot and Engout’Adjap in the southern Cameroonian plateau during an inventory study of crickets carried out from March 2014 to September 2015. These new species are: Cryncus camerounensis Um Nyobe, Kekeunou & Bilong Bilong sp. nov. and Cryncus desutterae Um Nyobe, Kekeunou & Ma sp. nov. These descriptions bring the total number of species of this genus to 25. Cryncus camerounensis is distinguished by an irregularly shaped mirror, without a dividing vein, with a short apical field, while Cryncus desutterae is characterized by a divided oval mirror and a long apical field. Cryncus camerounensis was more abundant in the forest environment while Cryncus desutterae would exclusively colonize fallow land. This article is divided into two parts. The first part presents a description of the two new species, followed by a revised diagnosis of the genus Cryncus using both male and female characters and an identification key. The second part presents some bioecological data of these new species and a map of the geographical distribution of all known species of this genus.
Two new Kukri Snake species (Colubridae: Oligodon) from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range, and addition of O. ocellatus to the fauna of Thailand
Authors: PAUWELS OLIVIER S. G. , THONGYAI KANOKORN , CHANTONG PAJAPON , SUMONTHA MONTRI
Published: January 2021

We describe two new Kukri snakes of the genus Oligodon from the Nakhon Si Thammarat Mountain Range, southern peninsular Thailand. Oligodon phangan sp. nov., endemic to Pha-Ngan Island, Surat Thani Province, is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 369.1 mm; 12 maxillary teeth, the posterior three enlarged; 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows; 163–166 ventrals; 33–42 divided subcaudals; a single anal; dorsal color brown with a pair of discreet paravertebral and lateral stripes; no dorsal or supracaudal bands, blotches or crossbars; background color of belly pinkish-orange; underside of tail immaculate. Oligodon promsombuti sp. nov., whose type-locality is Khao Phanom Wang, Surat Thani Province, is also found in Trang Province, and is characterized by a maximal known SVL of 552.7 mm; 12 maxillary teeth, the posterior three enlarged; 17-17-15 dorsal scale rows; 177 ventrals; 40 divided subcaudals; a single anal; deeply forked hemipenes lacking spines; dorsal color blackish brown with nearly indistinct paravertebral stripes; no dorsal or supracaudal blotches or crossbars; background color of belly ivory, heavily speckled with subrectangular blackish blotches. We tentatively allocate both new species to the informal Oligodon-cyclurus-group. They are the 5th and 6th Oligodon species endemic to Thailand. We add Oligodon ocellatus, so far known only from Cambodia, southern Laos and southern Vietnam, to the Thai fauna, based on a specimen from Chong Mek, Ubon Ratchathani Province.
Interdecadal Change in the Relationship between the Winter North Pacific Storm Track and the East Asian Winter Monsoon
Authors: Yang Minghao , Li Chongyin , Li Xin , Tan Yanke , Chen Xiong , Zhang Chao
Published: January 2021

Based on the daily NCEP reanalysis, the present study investigates the interdecadal change in the relationship between the winter North Pacific storm track (WNPST) and the East Asian winter monsoon (EAWM), and evaluates the WNPST–EAWM relationship in 17 CMIP6 models. The results show that the out-of-phase WNPST–EAWM relationship underwent an interdecadal change in the mid-1980s. The WNPST–EAWM relationship became less significant during period 2 (P2; 1990–2015). The atmospheric circulation anomaly related to the EAWM during period 1 (P1; 1955–80) is more robust than that during P2. The interdecadal weakening WNPST–EAWM relationship may be attributed to the interdecadal damping WNPST–EAWM interaction. The EAWM-related anomalous baroclinic energy conversion and moisture effects, including meridional and vertical eddy moisture fluxes, contribute to the significant attenuation of the WNPST during P1. The transient eddy-induced dynamic forcing and thermal forcing anomalies, as well as the barotropic process represented by the local Eliassen–Palm flux divergence associated with WNPST, can also significantly manipulate the upper-tropospheric jet during P1. However, the atmospheric circulation and interaction between the WNPST and EAWM during P2 are not as significant as those during P1. The effect of ENSO on the WNPST is significantly different before and after the mid-1980s. After the mid-1980s, the WNPST shows the characteristic of moving equatorward during El Niño events. It seems that ENSO takes over the WNPST from the EAWM after the mid-1980s. In addition, except for BCC-ESM1, CanESM5, and SAM0-UNICON, most of the CMIP6 models cannot reproduce the significant out-of-phase WNPST–EAWM relationship.
Clouds and Vegetation Modulate Shallow Groundwater Table Depth
Authors: Shrestha Prabhakar
Published: January 2021

A 10-yr simulation of shallow groundwater table (GWT) depth over a temperate region in northwestern Europe, using a physics-based integrated hydrological model at kilometer scale, exhibits a strong seasonal cycle. This is also well captured in terms of near-surface soil moisture anomalies, terrestrial water storage anomalies, and shallow GWT depth anomalies from observations over the region. The modeled monthly anomaly of GWT depth exhibits a statistically significant (p < 0.05) moderate positive/negative correlation with non-rain- and rain-affected monthly anomalies of incoming solar radiation. The vegetation cover also produces a strong local control on the variability of shallow GWT depth. Thus, much of the variability in the simulated seasonal cycle of shallow GWT depth could be linked to the distribution of clouds and vegetation. The spatiotemporal distribution of clouds, partly influenced by the Rhine Massif, modulates the seasonal variability of incoming solar radiation and precipitation over the region. Particularly, the southwestern and northern part of the Rhine Massif divided by the Rhine Valley exhibits a dipole behavior with relatively high (low) shallow GWT depth fluctuations, associated with positive (negative) anomaly of incoming solar radiation and negative (positive) anomaly of precipitation.
Optical Investigation of Essential Oils Using Absorbance and Photoluminescence
Authors: Radomski Fernando Aparecido Dias , de Araujo Duarte Celso , Ribeiro Evaldo , de Sá Eduardo Lemos
Published: January 2021

Essential oils are complex mixtures of organic substances with large commercial importance in the pharmaceutical, food, fragrance, and cosmetic industries due to their organoleptic and biological properties. Also, these materials are also luminescent what has taken several studies about its potential uses for the detection and quality control of essential oils, imaging, and for the investigation of the synergies of their constituents. Concerning this, the present work is dedicated to studying the optical properties of selected essential oils: citronella ( Cymbopogon winterianus), Japanese mint ( Mentha arvensis), clove bud ( Syzygium aromaticum), and bergamot ( Citrus bergamia). We carried out a comparative study of the photoluminescence and the ultraviolet–visible optical absorption (abs-UV–Vis) of these essential oils with their typical constituents. To inspect the effects of the intermolecular interactions on the optical response of these systems, mixtures between the essential oils constituents following the expected average percent mass fraction were also studied. From these experiments, the main results were bathochromic effects in the abs-UV–Vis spectra; excimer formation in citral, isopulegol, isomenthone, eugenol, and eugenyl acetate; excimer emission enhancing and specific solvent effect in the essential oils photoluminescence spectra. These results contribute to the knowledge of essential oils’ applications, especially in the evaluation of components’ interactions through a simple abs-UV–Vis assay.
A Real-World Comparative Effectiveness Analysis of Thromboprophylactic Use of Enoxaparin Versus Unfractionated Heparin in Abdominal Surgery Patients in a Large U.S. Hospital Database
Authors: Veeranki S. P. , Xiao Z. , Levorsen A. , Sinha M. , Shah B.
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Little is known about outcomes associated with enoxaparin versus unfractionated heparin (UFH) for venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in abdominal surgery patients in U.S. clinical practice. The purpose of this study was to compare VTE, all-cause mortality, PE-related in-hospital mortality, and hospital costs during abdominal surgery hospitalization and the 90 days post-discharge between patients who received enoxaparin versus UFH prophylaxis. Materials and Methods: Using the Premier Healthcare Database, abdominal surgery patients who received at least 1 day of VTE prophylaxis with enoxaparin or UFH were identified between January 1, 2010 and September 30, 2016. Clinical outcomes were assessed using multivariable logistic regression models and cost outcomes were assessed using generalized linear models. Results: Of 363,669 patients identified, 59% received enoxaparin and 41% UFH. In adjusted analyses, there were statistically significant lower odds of VTE (OR 0.80; 95% CI 0.65-0.97), all-cause mortality (OR 0.67; 95% CI 0.60-0.75), and major bleeding (OR 0.88; 95% CI 0.82-0.94) during the hospitalization for enoxaparin versus UFH, but no differences during the 90-days post-discharge or for PE-related mortality. There was a statistically significant lower total hospital cost with enoxaparin versus UFH during index hospitalization ($8,913 vs $9,017, P < .0001), but not post-discharge ($3,342 vs $3,368, P = .42). Unadjusted rates of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (index:0.1% vs 0.3%; post-discharge: 0.02% vs 0.06%) were reported for enoxaparin and UFH, respectively. Conclusion: In contemporary U.S. hospital practice, statistically significant lower odds of VTE, all-cause mortality and major bleeding with enoxaparin versus UFH prophylaxis were found during abdominal surgery hospitalizations.
Emotional well-being and resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic: Guidelines for social work practice
Authors: Dorado Barbé Ana , Pérez Viejo Jesús M , Rodríguez-Brioso María del Mar , Gallardo-Peralta Lorena P
Published: January 2021

The global COVID-19 pandemic situation has shown the vulnerability of the population. Spain has been one of the most affected countries, given the health, social and economic repercussions. Being resilient and having the ability to adapt allows one to positively face the pandemic. In this essay, a quantitative study was conducted using a social media survey. In total, 3342 respondents participated in this survey. A number of resilience-related variables are analysed using a linear regression model. Furthermore, the potential inclusion of resilience as a transversal skill that can be used at the individual, family and community levels is also discussed.
An in-depth evaluation of personal barriers to technology adoption in irrigated agriculture in South Africa
Authors: de Witt Marlene , de Clercq Willem Petrus , Velazquez Francisco José Blanco , Altobelli Filiberto , Marta Anna Dalla
Published: January 2021

Increasing pressure on water resources is driving the development of technology to improve water-use efficiency in irrigation. Uptake of these technological advances are essential to ensure long-term water security in catchments, particularly in water-scarce regions and where agricultural activities and urban centres compete for the same resources. Research suggests that uptake of technology lags far behind the development of new products. The study presented in this paper interviewed 29 commercial farmers from the water-scarce Central Breede River Valley in South Africa to investigate their reasons behind the use or non-use of irrigation technology for scheduling, and in particular the uptake of a free, government-funded remote-sensing service called FruitLook. Evaluating the uptake of a free service eliminates monetary cost as one key barrier to uptake. In-depth interviews revealed a high uptake of technology (83%), but use of only one type – soil water measurement. Among the farmers that use water-use efficiency technology, 78% use the same probe service provider. Perceived accuracy and ease of use, as well as personalised after-sales service are the key reasons for this probe’s popularity. While 86% of the farmers have heard about FruitLook, only one farmer uses it for irrigation purposes. The non-use of the free service can mainly be attributed to the time cost associated with the product’s initial set-up, use, and interpretation of information. The study revealed that the integration of information from various products is essential for farmers – too much information in different formats is too time-costly. Developers of new technology should focus on these latter two findings to improve the likelihood of new product uptake.
Alcohol Accessibility and Family Violence-related Ambulance Attendances
Authors: Scott Debbie , Ogeil Rowan P. , Maoyeri Foruhar , Heilbronn Cherie , Coomber Kerri , Smith Karen , Miller Peter G. , Lubman Dan I.
Published: January 2021

There is substantial evidence supporting the association between alcohol license density and violent crime. However, the impact of different types of alcohol licenses on intimate partner and family violence is sparse. We explored the associations between access to alcohol outlets, and family and intimate partner violence using paramedic clinical records, given this service is often the first to respond to acute crises. Coded ambulance attendance data from 694 postcodes in Victoria, Australia, from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2018 where alcohol or another drug, mental health or self-harm associated with family or intimate partner violence was indicated were examined. A hybrid model of spatial autoregressive and negative binomial zero-inflated Poisson-based count regression models was used to examine associations with alcohol outlet density and socioeconomic factors. We found that access to a liquor license outlet was significantly associated with family violence-related attendances across all types of outlets, including on-premise (late night) licenses ( β = 1.73, SE: 0.18), restaurant licenses ( β = 0.83, SE: 0.28), and packaged liquor licenses ( β = 0.62, SE: 0.06). Our results demonstrate a significant relationship between alcohol-related harms in the context of family violence and provides evidence of the relationship between alcohol-related family violence in both victims and perpetrators. The findings of this study highlight the need for public health interventions such as licensing policy and town planning changes to reduce these harms by restricting alcohol availability.
The control design of transverse interconnected electronic control air suspension based on seeker optimization algorithm
Authors: Cao Kai , Li Zhiqiang , Gu Yili , Zhang Liuyang , Chen Liqing
Published: January 2021

In this paper, in the light of the problems of the traditional air suspension PID controller in the process of body height adjustment, such as the adjustment time is too long, the overshoot phenomenon is obvious, and the control parameters cannot be adjusted in real time, a PID transverse interconnected electronic control air suspension(TIECAS) system controller based on seeker optimization algorithm (SOA) is designed, the proportion factor of PID is optimized by crowd search algorithm and get the optimal solution of PID controller parameters. The control system model is built in [Formula: see text] simulation software. The simulation results show that the PID lateral interconnected air suspension controller based on SOA has faster response and avoids overshoot than the traditional PID controller. The control system was tested on a self-developed test vehicle with TIECAS structure. The test results show that the root mean square(RMS) values of the roll angle and pitch angle of the test vehicle are reduced from [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] before control to [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text], respectively, by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text]. The RMS values of the vertical acceleration of the center of mass after control are reduced by [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] compared with that without control, effectively improve the ride comfort and operation stability of the vehicle, The research results provide a new idea for the control of the vehicle transverse interconnected electronic air suspension system.
Long-term and recent ecohydrological dynamics of patterned peatlands in north-central Quebec (Canada)
Authors: Robitaille Mylène , Garneau Michelle , van Bellen Simon , Sanderson Nicole K
Published: January 2021

Peatlands are natural ecosystems that provide archives of the hydrological cycle, ecological processes and terrestrial carbon dynamics. In the north-central region of Quebec (eastern Canada), patterned peatlands developed in topographic depressions of the Precambrian Shield following the Laurentide Ice Sheet retreat. These peatlands display characteristics similar to appa mires and other peatlands that developed at the ecotone between the open (taiga) and closed boreal forest biomes of the Northern Hemisphere, and also correspond to the biogeographic limit between ombrotrophic and minerotrophic peatlands. During the Neoglacial cooling period in northeastern Canada, patterned peatlands, mainly oligotrophic fens, registered a hydrological disequilibrium expressed by an increase in surface wetness as aquatic microforms expanded to the detriment of terrestrial surfaces. Ecohydrological trajectories were reconstructed from a detailed study of two patterned peatlands in order to document their sensitivity to climate variations. To do this, plant macrofossil and testate amoeba data were combined with peat carbon accumulation rates, C:N ratios, 210Pb and 14C chronologies. Data show that peatlands initiated ca 6500 cal. y BP as ombrotrophic or minerotrophic systems depending on site-specific conditions, followed by a general increase in surface wetness during the Neoglacial cooling until the end of the Little Ice Age. A relatively synchronous ecosystem state shift from oligotrophic to more ombrotrophic conditions was registered at the beginning of the 20th century in central and lateral cores of both study sites, evoking the likely influence of recent warming on peat accumulation. These results suggest a potential northward migration of the biogeographic limit of the ombrotrophic peatland distribution during the 20th century, which could have implications for the role of these ecosystems as C sinks at the continental scale. Overall, these peatlands have stored a mean carbon mass of ca 100 kg m− 2.
Myositis in systemic lupus erythematosus
Authors: Cotton Thaisa , Niaki Omid Zahedi , Zheng Boyang , Pineau Christian A , Fritzler Marvin , Vinet Evelyne , Clarke Ann E , Bernatsky Sasha
Published: January 2021

Objectives

Myositis is an infrequent feature of SLE and may often be overlooked. We aimed to estimate the incidence of myositis in SLE, and to determine demographic and clinical factors associated with it.

Methods

Within our lupus cohort, we identified potential myositis cases using the SLICC Damage Index for muscle atrophy or weakness, the SLEDAI-2K item for myositis, and annually measured serum creatinine kinase. Cases were confirmed through chart review. We performed descriptive analyses of prevalent myositis cases as of January 2000. From that point onward, we studies patients without myositis to determine risk of incident myositis, using cohort analyses adjusted for demographic variables (age, sex, race/ethnicity).

Results

As of January 2000, there were 5 prevalent myositis cases in our SLE cohort. Among 560 SLE patients with a study visit from January 2000 onward, with no history of myositis at baseline, 5 new cases (4 females, 1 male) were identified over an average follow-up of 8.5 years (incidence 1.05 cases per 1000 person-years). There was a higher proportion of Caucasians in the non-myositis group versus myositis group, with a trend for fewer females in the myositis cases. Arthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and anti-Smith antibodies were common pre-existing features, occurring in all incident myositis cases. In Cox regression analyses adjusting for age, race/ethnicity and sex, non-Caucasian patients had a markedly increased risk of developing myositis.

Conclusion

We found a low incidence of myositis in our SLE cohort. A cluster of variables, particularly non-Caucasian race/ethnicity, arthritis, Raynaud’s phenomenon, and anti-Smith antibodies were associated with risk of developing myositis in SLE. These variables may aid clinicians in identifying SLE patients at highest risk for this important complication.
Association of State-Level Earned Income Tax Credits With Rates of Reported Child Maltreatment, 2004–2017
Authors: Kovski Nicole L. , Hill Heather D. , Mooney Stephen J. , Rivara Frederick P. , Morgan Erin R. , Rowhani-Rahbar Ali
Published: January 2021

Poverty is an important predictor of child maltreatment. Social policies that strengthen the economic security of low-income families, such as the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), may reduce child maltreatment by impeding the pathways through which poverty leads to it. We used variations in the presence and generosity of supplementary EITCs offered at the state level and administrative child maltreatment data from the National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) to examine the effect of EITC policies on state-level rates of child maltreatment from 2004 through 2017. Two-way fixed effects models indicated that a 10-percentage point increase in the generosity of refundable state EITC benefits was associated with 241 fewer reports of neglect per 100,000 children (95% Confidence Interval [CI] [−449, −33]). An increase in EITC generosity was associated with fewer reports of neglect both among children ages 0–5 (−324 per 100,000; 95% CI [−582, −65]) and children ages 6–17 (−201 per 100,000; 95% CI [−387, −15]). Findings also suggested associations between the EITC and reductions in other types of maltreatment (physical abuse, emotional abuse); however, those did not gain statistical significance. Economic support policies may reduce the risk of child maltreatment, especially neglect, and improve child wellbeing.
The utility of teledermatology in the evaluation of skin lesions
Authors: Clarke Emily L , Reichenberg Jason S , Ahmed Ammar M , Keeling Brett , Custer James , Rathouz Paul J , Jambusaria-Pahlajani Anokhi
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Past studies have shown mixed results about the accuracy of store-and-forward (SAF) teledermatology in the evaluation of skin lesions. The objective of this study is to determine the accuracy of SAF teledermatology in the diagnosis of skin lesions and biopsy decision compared to in-person clinical evaluation.

Methods

Histories and photographs of skin lesions gathered at clinic visits were sent as SAF consults to teledermatologists, whose diagnoses and biopsy decisions were recorded and compared statistically to the clinic data. Results and Discussion: We enrolled 206 patients with 308 lesions in the study. The study population was composed of 50% males ( n = 104), and most patients were white ( n = 179, 87%) and not Hispanic/Latino ( n = 167, 81%). There was good concordance for biopsy decision between the clinic dermatologist (CD) and teledermatologist (TD) (Cohen’s kappa (κ) = 0.51), which did not significantly differ when melanocytic lesions were excluded (κ = 0.54). The sensitivity and specificity of teledermatology based on biopsy decision was 0.71 and 0.85, respectively. Overall concordance in first diagnosis between the CD and TD was good (κ = 0.60). While there was no difference between CD and TD in proportion of correct diagnoses compared to histopathology, two skin cancers presentations were missed by TD. Study limitations included sample size, enrolment bias and differing amounts of teledermatologist case experience. Teledermatology has good concordance in diagnosis and biopsy decision when compared to clinic dermatology. Teledermatology may be utilized in the evaluation of skin lesions to expand access to dermatologic care.
Orientated and diameter-controlled fibrous scaffolds fabricated using the centrifugal electrospinning technique for stimulating the behaviours of fibroblast cells
Authors: Norzain Norul Ashikin , Lin Wei Chih
Published: January 2021

Centrifugal electrospinning (CES) was developed by integrating the electrospinning (ES) and centrifugal spinning (CS) concepts to produce oriented and diameter-controlled fibrous scaffolds which were then applied to stimulate the behaviour of fibroblast cells. During the fabrication process, polymer concentrations, rotational speeds, operating voltages, and needle sizes were key parameters to affect the diameters of produced fibres. The mathematical model indicated that the centrifugal force with the power of 2 was the main influence in fabricating thinner fibres, followed by electrostatic force with the power of 1. The developed CES technique could fabricate fibres scaffold ranging from 210 ± 50 nm to 2814 ± 96 nm by only applying low operating voltages and rotation speed which were 10 kV and up to 2000 rpm, respectively. Through optimum parameter, random and aligned nanofibrous were fabricated with the diameter being distributed mainly at 200–400 nm. Aligned nanofibrous demonstrated a high degree of orientation when 88% of the nanofibrous varied at 0°–10°. Compared to random structure, aligned nanofibrous presented high tensile strength, which was approximately 4.35 MPa and appropriate flexibility with 73% of elongation break. Aligned nanofibrous exhibited high cell viabilities with a 2.34 absorbance rate at day 14. The fibroblast cells elongated and accelerated in the orientation of the aligned nanofibrous. Results suggest that fibre aligned scaffolds are possible candidates for wound dressing application.
Recurrent Miller Fisher: A Case Report Along With a Literature and an EMG/NCS Review
Authors: Morena Jonathan , Elsheikh Bakri , Hoyle J. Chad
Published: January 2021

MFS has been reported to recur in 10-12% of patients. There may be a genetic component related to HLA-DR2. Anti-GAD antibodies can be present in MFS along with anti-GQ1b. Common EMG/NCS associations consist of a predominantly axonal, sensory polyneuropathy and absent H reflexes. A 32-year-old female with a history of hypothyroidism presented to our institution twice with symptoms of diplopia, lower extremity weakness and distal paresthesias occurring a year apart. She had ophthalmoplegia, reduced reflexes, and ataxia on exam. CSF showed a borderline elevated protein of 47 and white blood cells <3. She was positive for anti-GQ1b both times. Her anti-GAD65 antibody was elevated during both admissions. EMG/NCS on her first admission revealed comparatively reduced sensory nerve action potentials (SNAPs) and a normal blink reflex. Her SNAPs improved on the second admission, however, the EMG was performed only 2 days after the onset of her symptoms, limiting some early findings that may have not matured electrophysiologically. She was treated with IVIG on both occasions with rapid recovery within 5 days. This case highlights the fact that MFS can be recurrent. It also provides further evidence that anti-GAD antibodies may be associated with MFS. Reported findings of the blink reflex in MFS are diverse and further data is needed to determine if certain findings are more predominant than others. Treatment typically consists of IVIG, though steroids may also be considered for recurrence. Prognosis is generally favorable, regardless of treatment.
Lumbar Disc Herniation and Preoperative Modic Changes: A Prospective Analysis of the Clinical Outcomes After Microdiscectomy
Authors: Kumarasamy Dinesh , Rajasekaran Shanmuganathan , Anand K. S Sri Vijay , Soundararajan Dilip Chand Raja , Shetty T Ajoy Prasad , Kanna P Rishi Mugesh , Pushpa B.T
Published: January 2021

Study design:

Prospective comparative cohort study.

Objectives:

The study aims to elucidate the relationship between Modic endplate changes and clinical outcomes after a lumbar microdiscectomy.

Methods:

Consecutive patients undergoing microdiscectomy for lumbar disc herniation (LDH) were prospectively studied. Pre-operative clinical and radiological parameters were recorded. The pain was assessed by Numeric pain rating scale (NPRS), and functional assessment by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI). Minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in outcome was calculated for both the groups. Complications related to surgery were studied. Follow-up was done at 6 weeks, 3 months, 6 months and 1 year. Mac Nab criteria were used to assess patient satisfaction at 1 year.

Results:

Out of 309 patients, 86 had Modic changes, and 223 had no Modic changes. Both groups had similar back pain (p-value: 0.07) and functional scores (p-value: 0.85) pre-operatively. Postoperatively patients with Modic changes had poorer back pain and ODI scores in the third month, sixth month and 1 year (p-value: 0.001). However, MCID between the groups were not significant (p-value: 0.18 for back pain and 0.58 for ODI scores). Mac Nab criteria at 1 year were worse in Modic patients (p-value: 0.001). No difference was noted among Modic types in the pre-operative and postoperative pain and functional outcomes. Four patients in Modic group (4.7%) and one patient in the non-Modic group (0.5%) developed postoperative discitis (p-value: 0.009).

Conclusions:

Preoperative Modic changes in lumbar disc herniation is associated with less favorable back pain, functional scores and patient satisfaction in patients undergoing microdiscectomy.
Auxin is involved in arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi-promoted tomato growth and NADP-malic enzymes expression in continuous cropping substrates
Authors: Wang Yu , Zhang Wenze , Liu Weikang , Ahammed Golam Jalal , Wen Wenxu , Guo Shirong , Shu Sheng , Sun Jin
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite significant limitations of growth medium reuse, a large amount of organic substrate is reused in soilless cultivation of horticultural crops in China. Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) can promote nutrient absorption and improve plant tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. However, the mechanisms governing the effects of AMF on crop growth in organic continuous cropping substrates have not been elucidated.

Results

In this study, we showed that the inoculation of AMF in continuous cropping substrates promoted growth and root development, and increased the root and NADP-malic enzyme (NADP-ME) activity of tomato seedlings. Root transcriptome analysis demonstrated that the plant hormone signal transduction pathway was highly enriched, and 109 genes that positively correlated with the AMF-inoculated plant phenotype were obtained by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA), which identified 9 genes related to indole acetic acid (IAA). Importantly, the levels of endogenous IAA in tomato seedlings significantly increased after AMF inoculation. Furthermore, the application of AMF significantly increased the expression levels of NADP-ME1 and NADP-ME2, as well as the activity of NADP-ME, and enhanced the root activity of tomato seedlings in comparison to that observed without inoculation of AMF. However, these effects were blocked in plants treated with 2,3,5-triiodobenzoic acid (TIBA), a polar transport inhibitor of IAA.

Conclusions

These results suggest that IAA mediates the AMF-promoted tomato growth and expression of NADP-MEs in continuous cropping substrates. The study provides convincing evidence for the reuse of continuous cropping substrates by adding AMF as an amendment.