bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Growth and Reproductive Performance of Edible Grasshopper (Ruspolia differens) on Different Artificial Diets
Authors: Malinga Geoffrey M , Acur Amos , Ocen Patrick , Holm Sille , Rutaro Karlmax , Ochaya Stephen , Kinyuru John N , Eilenberg Jørgen , Roos Nanna , Valtonen Anu , Nyeko Philip , Roininen Heikki
Published: April 2022

Ruspolia differens (Serville) (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), also known as the ‘edible grasshopper’, ‘African edible bush-cricket’, and ‘nsenene’, is regarded as one of the most promising edible insect species that can be used for food, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa. However, there is insufficient information on suitable diets and their effects on survival, adult weight, fecundity, and developmental time of this species, which are preconditions for large-scale production. In this study, we experimentally evaluated the effects of 12 diets (wheat bran, rice seed head, finger millet seed head, soya bran, maize bran, fresh maize comb, millet flour, chicken feed egg booster, simsim cake, sorghum seed head, powdered groundnut, and germinated finger millet), that are known to be accepted by R. differens, on their growth and reproductive parameters. The survival rate, developmental time, and adult weight varied considerably on the various diets. The highest nymphal survival rates, shortest development times, and highest adult weights were recorded for both sexes when fed fresh maize comb and germinated finger millet diet. Lifetime fecundity of females fed on germinated finger millet also was, on average, more than twice higher compared to other diets. The present study demonstrated that relatively inexpensive and locally available germinated finger millet, fresh maize seed (at the silking stage on the comb), sorghum seedhead, and finger millet seedhead could be successfully used to rear and sustain populations of R. differens. Our findings contribute to the future design of an effective mass-rearing system for this economically important edible insect.
The Acaricidal Potential of a New Agent GC16 for Tetranychus pueraricola (Acari: Tetranychidae) Based on Developmental Performance and Physiological Enzyme Activity
Authors: He Yanyan , Du Guangzu , Xie Shunxia , Long Xiaoming , He Xiahong , Zhu Youyong , Chen Bin
Published: April 2022

The spider mite, Tetranychus pueraricola (Ehara & Gotoh; Acari: Tetranychidae), is a serious pest in agriculture and horticulture. Application of chemical pesticides is the main mode of this pest control. Due to pesticide residues and resistance-induced resurgence of pests, there is a need to discover alternatives for spider mite management. GC16 comprises a mixture of calcium chloride (CaCl2, 45%) and lecithin (55%), which was recently found to have acaricidal properties. We evaluated the sublethal effects of GC16 on T. pueraricola using life table and enzyme [catalase (CAT), peroxidase (POD), superoxide dismutase (SOD), carboxylesterase (CarE), glutathione S-transferases (GST), and Ca2+-ATPase (Ca2+-ATP)] activity assays. The results showed that fecundity of T. pueraricola increased at LC30 but decreased at LC50 of GC16. The intrinsic rate of increase (r) of T. pueraricola decreased under the LC30 and LC50 of GC16. GC16 concentration and exposure time significantly influenced the activities of CAT, POD, CarE, GST, and Ca2+-ATP in adult mites. Twelve hours later after the treatment, GST and Ca2+-ATP activities were significantly inhibited by LC30 but enhanced by LC50. Moreover, the demographic parameter r and enzyme activities were negatively correlated. In sum, sublethal amounts of GC16 had an adverse effect on mites, and there was a trade-off between developmental performance and physiological enzyme activity of mites under GC16 stress, and GC16 showed an acaricidal potential for T. pueraricola. This work provides guidance for the application of GC16 to control T. pueraricola.
Beekeeping Livelihood Development in Nepal: Value-Added Opportunities and Professional Support Needs
Authors: Devkota K , Egan P A , dos Santos C F , Blochtein B
Published: April 2022

Beekeeping contributes to poverty reduction in many developing countries, and in addition, provides pollination services for sustainable crop production. In Nepal, management practices associated with beekeeping are poorly characterized, and so the potential for this sector to further contribute to livelihood development remains unclear. This study sought to examine and identify factors associated with production efficiency and financial profitability of beekeeping with the aim of enhancing economic gains for Nepali beekeepers. Our study included a sample of 150 respondents from more than twenty commercial beekeeping districts across the Terai and mountainous regions of Nepal. Profitability of beekeeping with the European honeybee (Apis mellifera) Linnaeus, 1758 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) and the Asian honeybee Apis cerana Fabricius, 1793 (Hymenoptera: Apidae) was quantified and disaggregated according to several variables, including hive-derived products produced, marketing strategy employed, number of beehives managed, and postharvest management practices. Our results showed that the different types of management practices adopted (such as number of beehives kept, colony multiplication, supplementary feeding, month of honey harvesting, and marketing approach) significantly influenced the productivity and economic profitability of beekeeping. Our results also revealed that professional supports, such as the availability of subsidies and training, were key factors to enhance productivity. As a whole, this study provides insight into the biological factors and management practices associated with higher economic returns from beekeeping. This work can help guide policymakers and professional support agencies to expand commercial beekeeping for sustainable livelihood development in Nepal and beyond.
An Assessment of the Potential Economic Impacts of the Invasive Polyphagous Shot Hole Borer (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) in South Africa
Authors: de Wit M P , Crookes D J , Blignaut J N , de Beer Z W , Paap T , Roets F , van der Merwe C , van Wilgen B W , Richardson D M
Published: April 2022

Studies addressing the economic impacts of invasive alien species are biased towards ex-post assessments of the costs and benefits of control options, but ex-ante assessments are also required to deal with potentially damaging invaders. The polyphagous shot hole borer Euwallacea fornicatus (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) is a recent and potentially damaging introduction to South Africa. We assessed the potential impact of this beetle by working across economic and biological disciplines and developing a simulation model that included dynamic mutualistic relations between the beetle and its symbiotic fungus. We modeled the potential growth in beetle populations and their effect on the net present cost of damage to natural forests, urban trees, commercial forestry, and the avocado industry over 10 yr. We modeled high, baseline, and low scenarios using discount rates of 8, 6, and 4%, and a plausible range of costs and mortality rates. Models predicted steady growth in the beetle and fungus populations, leading to average declines in tree populations of between 3.5 and 15.5% over 10 yr. The predicted net present cost was 18.45 billion international dollars (Int. $), or about 0.66% of the country’s GDP for our baseline scenario ($2.7 billion to $164 billion for low and high scenarios). Most of the costs are for the removal of urban trees that die as a result of the beetle and its fungal symbiont, as has been found in other regions. We conclude that an ex-ante economic assessment system dynamics model can be useful for informing national strategies on invasive alien species management.
Different Binding Affinities of Three General Odorant-Binding Proteins inGrapholita funebrana(Treitscheke) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae) to Sex Pheromones, Host Plant Volatiles, and Insecticides
Authors: Li Lin-Lin , Xu Bing-Qiang , Li Chun-Qin , Li Bo-Liao , Chen Xiu-Lin , Li Guang-Wei
Published: April 2022

Insect general odorant-binding proteins (GOBPs) play irreplaceable roles in filtering, binding, and transporting host odorants to olfactory receptors. Grapholita funebrana (Treitscheke) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae), an economically important pest of fruit crops, uses fruit volatiles as cues to locate host plants. However, the functions of GOBPs in G. funebrana are still unknown. Three GOBP genes, namely, GfunGOBP1, GfunGOBP2, and GfunGOBP3, were cloned, and their expression profiles in different tissues were detected by the method of real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). The binding properties of recombinant GfunGOBPs (rGfunGOBPs) to various ligands were investigated via fluorescence binding assays. The three GfunGOBPs were mainly expressed in the antennae of both male and female moths. All these three rGfunGOBPs could bind to sex pheromones, while having varying affinities toward these pheromones. The three rGfunGOBPs also displayed a wide range of ligand-binding spectrums with tested host odorants. The rGfunGOBP1, rGfunGOBP2, and rGfunGOBP3 bound to 34, 33, and 30 out of the 41 tested odorants, respectively. Three rGfunGOBPs had overlapping binding activities to β-myrcene, (-)-α-phellandrene, and ethyl isovalerate with the Ki less than 3.0 μM. The rGfunGOBP1 and rGfunGOBP3 could selectively bind to several insecticides, whereas rGfunGOBP2 could not. Three rGfunGOBPs had the dual functions of selectively binding to sex pheromones and host odorants. Moreover, the rGfunGOBP1 and rGfunGOBP3 can also serve as ‘signal proteins’ and bind to different insecticides. This study contributed to elucidating the potential molecular mechanism of the olfaction for G. funebrana, and thereby promotes the development of effective botanical attractants or pheromone synergists to control G. funebrana.
Elevated CO2 Increases Overwintering Mortality of Varroa destructor (Mesostigmata: Varroidae) in Honey Bee (Hymenoptera: Apidae) Colonies
Authors: Onayemi Stephen O , Hopkins Brandon K , Sheppard Walter S
Published: April 2022

Indoor storage of honey bees (Apis mellifera L.) during winter months has been practiced for decades to protect colonies from the adverse effects of long, harsh winter months. Beekeepers have recently employed indoor storage to reduce labor, feeding costs, theft, and woodenware degradation. Despite the growing number of colonies stored indoors, national survey results still reveal high losses. Varroa mites (Varroa destructor Anderson and Trueman) are the most critical threat to colony winter survival and health of colonies because they contribute to the transmission of viruses and colony mortality. To investigate the effect of high CO2 on varroa mites during the indoor storage of honey bees, 8-frame single deep colonies were stored in two separate environmental chambers at 4°C each. One environmental chamber was set at 8.5% CO2 (high CO2), while the other was set at low CO2 (0.12%). Dead and falling mites were collected and counted from the bottom of individual colonies weekly during the experiment. There was a significant difference in mite mortality of colonies with high CO2 compared to colonies held at low CO2. These results indicated that high CO2 could increase mite mortality during the period of indoor storage, potentially improving honey bee health coming out of the winter months. Our research offers a critical addition to beekeepers’ tools for managing varroa mite populations.
Macroeconomic Effects of Delayed Capital Liquidation
Authors: Cui Wei
Published: April 2022

This paper studies the macroeconomic effects of capital reallocation with financial shocks. I develop a model in which firms face borrowing constraints, idiosyncratic productivity shocks, and idiosyncratic liquidation costs. The idiosyncratic risks of productivity and liquidation costs generate an option value of staying in business and a liquidation delay for unproductive firms. A new feature arises from the delay. Unproductive firms that are not liquidated increase their leverage over time, pushing them to hit the borrowing limit. I show that adverse financial shocks that tighten borrowing constraints can raise the option value, and equilibrium effects can further delay capital liquidation and reallocation. Capital is thus persistently misallocated, leading to long-lasting economic contractions.
Pāli Studies in Colonial Bengal: Bengali-Speaking Buddhists’ Strategy to Distinguish themselves from Hindus
Authors: Barua D Mitra
Published: April 2022

This article focuses on one of the core strategies used to decouple Buddhism from Hinduism in colonial Bengal. Capitalising on the nineteenth-century enthusiasm in Indo-European languages and public education, marginalised Buddhist minority argued that what Sanskrit meant for Hindus was Pāli for Buddhists to secure grant-in-aid for Pāli studies. With the assistance from Buddhists from Ceylon, they introduced Pāli weekly classes at village temples and primary, secondary, and postsecondary schools with Buddhist students in Chittagong. They convinced the colonial government to fund Pāli Departments at Chittagong College and at the University of Calcutta and more importantly to establish a ‘state scholarship for the scientific study of Pāli in Europe’ in 1915 that produced arguably the first indigenous Buddhologist. I contend that Pāli studies not only gave Bengali-speaking Buddhists access to modern education, but also enabled them to distinguish themselves from Hindus and emerge as a distinct religious community.
The Committee on the Rights of the Child—Size Matters Sometimes, Somewhat: A Comment
Authors: Vandenhole Wouter
Published: April 2022

The Convention on the Rights of the Child is the most widely ratified core United Nations human rights treaty. Does size matter for normativity and compliance? Size does matter sometimes in a positive way: the quasi-universal ratification of the CRC gives that treaty unprecedented normative legitimacy and legal reach. Often, size adds however a layer of complexity: in negotiations, in implementation, in monitoring. Size matters somewhat, although factors other than size matter more: normative loopholes and black holes; underlying normative disagreement; political calculation; capacities; overstated expectations about the role of law in social change; as well as mismatches between legal standards and real-life issues.
The Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities—The Role of National Human Rights Institutions: A Comment
Authors: Uerpmann-Wittzack Robert
Published: April 2022

The role attributed to national human rights institutions is a key factor for the success of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, but it is not the only one. This Comment highlights the unique success of the Convention and its causes: (1) a generalized paradigm shift from a philosophy of care to an individual rights approach that is rooted in domestic law; (2) the establishment of national human rights institutions; and (3) the empowerment of persons with disabilities and their NGOs.
The Human Rights Committee—Challenges and Prospects for Enhanced Effectiveness and Integration
Authors: Jelić Ivana , Mührel Linus
Published: April 2022

As one of the oldest and the most prominent of universal monitoring organs of quasi-judicial nature, the UN Human Rights Committee has greatly contributed to the development of the universal human rights regime. However, challenges remain. These relate particularly to a lack of implementation of the Committee’s decisions in national legal orders and to lack of efficiency in the work of the Committee. From a practitioner’s perspective, this article examines the Committee’s achievements and shortcomings with special regard to the reporting and individual complaint procedures. It considers the state of the Human Rights Treaty Body Review and analyses how the reforms undertaken in its context. The Committee’s cooperation with other human rights treaty bodies is also discussed and the advantages of closer cooperation are presented. The authors conclude that there is still a long way to go and against this background discuss perspectives of a world court of human rights.
Nap judgment: why parties involved in parallel EPO proceedings should inform the Patents Court about scheduling issues
Authors: Strath Janet
Published: April 2022

In the latest chapter of the litigation involving Neurim’s second medical use patent relating to ‘Circadin’ (a prolonged-release formulation of melatonin), the Patents Court has held that Mylan—who had allegedly infringed Neurim’s European patent (‘EP702’) and had counterclaimed for revocation of EP702 on grounds of invalidity unsuccessfully before the UK court but successfully in opposition proceedings before the European Patent Office—was not issue-estopped from challenging the validity in the UK court of Neurim’s divisional patent (‘EP443’) with claims amended into a form ‘patentably indistinct’ from those of EP702.
Sustainable Management of the InvasiveTuta absoluta(Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae): an Overview of Case Studies From Latin American Countries Participating in Plantwise
Authors: Colmenárez Yelitza C , Vásquez Carlos , de Freitas Bueno Adeney , Cantor Fernando , Hidalgo Eduardo , Corniani Natalia , Lagrava Juan José
Published: April 2022

Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) is indigenous to South America. It has invaded several tomato-producing regions worldwide resulting from globalization of commerce and trade. T. absoluta is now considered one of the most devastating pests affecting tomato plants and fresh tomatoes. Although tomatoes are the primary host, T. absoluta can feed and develop on other solanaceous plants as well as plants from other botanical families, including 15 economically important crop species and weeds. Chemical control continues to be the primary management option, even in areas where T. absoluta is an invasive species. This occurs despite the well-documented effects of chemical insecticides on the environment and its low efficacy. In this article, we discuss the biology, ecology, and a more sustainable management for T. absoluta. The management plan includes periodic monitoring program to improve pest management strategies by detecting the presence or arrival of the pest in a given host plant, estimating population levels over time, and studying the distribution of the pest. Lastly, we discuss pest management from the perspective of Plantwise, an innovative global program which aims to contribute to increased food security, based on its implementation in Bolivia and Costa Rica. In both countries, plant clinics have been established to show farmers new ways of managing pests in a sustainable way while maintaining crop productivity. The implementation of the Plantwise program resulted in a reduction in pesticide use via incorporation of less toxic active ingredients and sustainable pest management strategies such as biological control. Plantwise has encouraged the use of cultural end ethological practices by smallholder farmers in participating countries.
Significant impact of a history of prior or concomitant upper urinary tract cancer on the recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer
Authors: Matsushita Yuto , Kawakami Asuka , Sato Ryo , Watanabe Kyohei , Watanabe Hiromitsu , Tamura Keita , Motoyama Daisuke , Ito Toshiki , Sugiyama Takayuki , Otsuka Atsushi , Miyake Hideaki
Published: April 2022

Background

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the prognostic impact of the upper urinary tract cancer status on recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival, and to develop risk stratification systems that include the upper urinary tract cancer status for patients with non-muscle invasive bladder cancer.

Patients and Methods

The present study included 40 (upper urinary tract cancer-non-muscle invasive bladder cancer group) and 285 (non-muscle invasive bladder cancer alone group) patients with and without a history of prior or concomitant upper urinary tract cancer, respectively. Nine clinicopathological findings between the two groups were compared, and risk stratification systems for the recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer were developed.

Results

Recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival in the upper urinary tract cancer-non-muscle invasive bladder cancer group were significantly inferior to those in the NMIBC alone group (P < 0.001 and P = 0.006, respectively). Multivariate analyses identified the following independent prognosticators: multiplicity and upper urinary tract cancer status for recurrence-free survival, and pT category and upper urinary tract cancer status for progression-free survival. Significant differences were noted by the risk stratification systems based on the positive number of independent predictors of recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival (P < 0.001 and P = 0.007, respectively). The concordance indices of recurrence-free survival were 0.627, 0.588 and 0.499 in this study stratification, EORTC risk table and CUETO model, respectively. Those of progression-free survival were 0.752, 0.740 and 0.714, respectively.

Conclusion

The present results suggest the significant impact of a history of prior or concomitant UUTC on recurrence-free survival and progression-free survival in non-muscle invasive bladder cancer patients, and risk stratification systems that include the upper urinary tract cancer status for the recurrence and progression of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer are promising tools for predicting the outcomes of these patients.
Agrochemical bioaccumulation in pitaya cacti (Stenocereus queretaroensis) and its effect on bat interaction and yield
Authors: Zamora-Gutierrez Veronica , Marcos-Zamora Viridiana , Orona-Tamayo Domancar , Quintana-Rodríguez Elizabeth , Cano-Santana Zenón , Hernández-Cumplido Johnattan
Published: April 2022

Bats are among the most valuable pollinators of economically important crops in Mexico including agaves and columnar cacti. High demand for the agricultural products of these crops has resulted in increasing use of agrochemicals, including pesticides and fertilizers, to increase yield and decrease pest damage. However, these compounds can negatively affect crop mutualists such as pollinating bats. In this study, we investigated: (i) how the application of the broad-spectrum pesticide carbamate and/or synthetic fertilizers affect crop yield of the pitaya cacti (Stenocereus queretaroensis); (ii) whether carbamate bioaccumulates in pitaya nectar and fruits; and (iii) whether the application of these agrochemicals affects visitation rates of the pitaya’s most efficient pollinators, nectarivorous bats of the genus Leptonycteris. We designed an experiment consisting of four treatments (pesticide, nutrients, both, or neither) applied to pitaya plants. We estimated the effect of each treatment by quantifying pitaya reproductive structures (flower buds and flowers) and fruit yield and quality, performed trace analysis to detect the pesticide in the nectar and fruits, and estimated bat flower visitation rates using camera traps to determine whether the addition of agrochemicals influenced pitaya–bat interactions. We found that none of the treatments increased yield or fruit sweetness, and they did not affect bat visitation rates. Fruit pulp and floral nectar contained pesticide concentrations above those permitted by international environmental agencies. Thus, our results show that adding these agrochemicals to pitaya crops does not improve yield but could negatively affect their crop pollinators, especially since bats apparently do not avoid visiting flowers containing pesticide residues.
Drivers of activity patterns of two sympatric skunks (Carnivora: Mephitidae)
Authors: Hernández-Sánchez Alejandro , Santos-Moreno Antonio
Published: April 2022

Temporal niche partitioning between ecologically similar species may decrease interspecific competition and facilitate their coexistence, but the temporal interactions between sympatric skunks are still poorly understood. Furthermore, different interacting factors to explain activity patterns and their role in species coexistence in the temporal niche have been overlooked. Using camera traps over 2 years, we evaluated the temporal segregation between Conepatus leuconotus and Spilogale pygmaea and the influence of biotic, abiotic, and anthropogenic factors in shaping their daily and monthly activity patterns in a seasonal tropical forest at the Mexican Pacific slope. Both skunks selected the nocturnal and crepuscular periods, with strong avoidance of daylight hours. We observed partial temporal segregation between species without significant seasonal variation. Spilogale pygmaea was most active when the activity of C. leuconotus decreased, suggesting that S. pygmaea adopts a temporal avoidance strategy to decrease the potential for direct encounters with the dominant species. We found that skunk activity patterns are also determined by the activity of prey and native and exotic predators, as well as relative humidity, precipitation, cloud cover, and night length. Our results showed that these factors differently affect daily and monthly activity between seasons and their effect varies in each species. This study provides evidence that multiple extrinsic factors play an important role in shaping the daily and monthly activity patterns of both skunks and, of course, affect their temporal niche partitioning, possibly promoting coexistence in a seasonal tropical environment.
Morphological disparity in the skull of Amazon River dolphins of the genus Inia (Cetacea, Iniidae) is inconsistent with a single taxon
Authors: Emin-Lima Renata , Machado Fabio A , Siciliano Salvatore , Gravena Waleska , Aliaga-Rossel Enzo , de Sousa e Silva José , Hingst-Zaher Erika , de Oliveira Larissa Rosa
Published: April 2022

The taxonomy of the South American river dolphins of the genus Inia has been a focus of intense debate. While traditionally it is thought to be composed of a single species with three geographically structured subspecies (Inia geoffrensis geoffrensis, I. g. humboldtiana, and I. g. boliviensis), recent molecular studies have highlighted substantial differentiation, suggesting the existence of two species (I. geoffrensis and I. araguaiaensis). Despite this evidence, the recognition of the specific status of these taxa has been hindered by inconsistent morphological diagnoses. Here, we aim to provide evidence for the morphological differentiation (or lack thereof) between subspecies and putative species. We employ geometrics and traditional morphometrics to measure skull variation to support efforts of integrative taxonomy. Our results show that morphometric diversity within the group is inconsistent with a single taxon. Morphometric evidence supports the traditional differentiation of three distinct morphotypes within the analyzed sample. These morphotypes largely correspond to described subspecies I. g. geoffrensis, I. g. humboldtiana—the latter differing from the former by size—and I. g. boliviensis, which differs from the remaining groups by shape. Furthermore, morphometric data show no differences between I. g. geoffrensis and a newly proposed species, I. araguaiaensis. Given the conservation importance of this genus and the different threats they are subject to, we strongly suggest an urgent integrative taxonomic treatment of the group to better protect these singular cetaceans.
Methods and Study Design for Cancer Health Economics Research: Summary of Discussions From a Breakout Session
Authors: Henk Henry J , Shih Ya-Chen Tina , Borah Bijan J
Published: April 2022

The legitimacy of findings from cancer health economics research depends on study design and methods. A breakout session, Methods and Study Design for Cancer Health Economics Research, was convened at the Future of Cancer Health Economics Research Conference to discuss 2 commonly used analytic tools for cancer health economics research: observational studies and decision-analytic modeling. Observational studies include analysis of data collected with the primary purpose of supporting economic evaluation or secondary use of data collected for another purpose. Modeling studies develop a parametrized structure, such as a decision tree, to estimate hypothetical impact. Whereas observational studies focus on what has happened and why, modeling studies address what may happen. We summarize the discussion at this breakout session, focusing on 3 key elements of high-quality cancer health economics research: study design, analytical methods, and addressing uncertainty.
Health Economics Research in Primary Prevention of Cancer: Assessment, Current Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Ekwueme Donatus U , Halpern Michael T , Chesson Harrell W , Ashok Mahima , Drope Jeffrey , Hong Young-Rock , Maciosek Michael , Pesko Michael F , Kenkel Donald S
Published: April 2022

In the past 2 decades, the demand for information on health economics research to guide health care decision making has substantially increased. Studies have provided evidence that eliminating or reducing tobacco use; eating a healthy diet, including fruit and vegetables; being physically active; reducing alcohol consumption; avoiding ultraviolet radiation; and minimizing exposure to environmental and occupational carcinogenic agents should substantially reduce cancer incidence in the population. The benefits of these primary prevention measures in reducing cancer incidence are not instantaneous. Therefore, health economics research has an important role to play in providing credible information to decision makers on the health and economic benefits of primary prevention. This article provides an overview of health economics research related to primary prevention of cancer. We addressed the following questions: 1) What are the gaps and unmet needs for performing health economics research focused on primary prevention of cancer? 2) What are the challenges and opportunities to conducting health economics research to evaluate primary prevention of cancer? and 3) What are the future directions for enhancing health economics research on primary prevention of cancer? Modeling primary prevention of cancer is often difficult given data limitations, long delays before the policy or intervention is effective, possible unintended effects of the policy or intervention, and the necessity of outside expertise to understand key inputs or outputs to the modeling. Despite these challenges, health economics research has an important role to play in providing credible information to decision makers on the health and economic benefits of primary prevention of cancer.
New Data Resources, Linkages, and Infrastructure for Cancer Health Economics Research: Main Topics From a Panel Discussion
Authors: Dusetzina, PhD, Stacie B , Enewold, MPH, PhD, Lindsey , Gentile, PhD, Danielle , Ramsey, MD, PhD, Scott D , Halpern Michael T
Published: April 2022

Although a broad range of data resources have played a key role in the substantial achievements of cancer health economics research, there are now needs for more comprehensive data that represent a fuller picture of the cancer care experience. In particular, researchers need information that represents more diverse populations; includes more clinical details; and provides greater context on individual- and neighborhood-level factors that can affect cancer prevention, screening, treatment, and survivorship, including measures of financial health or toxicity, health-related social needs, and social determinants of health. This article highlights 3 critical topics for cancer health economics research: the future of the National Cancer Institute’s Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results-Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services–linked data resources; use of social media data for cancer outcomes research; and multi-site–linked electronic health record data networks. These 3 topics represent different approaches to enhance data resources, linkages, and infrastructures and are complementary strategies to provide more complete information on activities involved in and factors affecting the cancer control continuum. These and other data resources will assist researchers in examining the complex and nuanced questions now at the forefront of cancer health economics research.
What Are We Talking About When We Talk About Deference in Investment Treaty Arbitration?
Authors: Gao Raymond Yang
Published: April 2022

In Philip Morris v Uruguay, the tribunal split on the standard of review applied to determine a fair and equitable treatment claim. Despite heavy contestation, arbitrators have not identified their root of divergence, missing the opportunity to elaborate on how to accord an appropriate level of deference to sensitive public interest regulations. More than an isolated instance, this problem reflects the conceptual and analytical ambiguities in standards of review analysis in investment arbitral jurisprudence in general. In response, this article identifies and distinguishes three different notions of deference in investment arbitration, in efforts to help clarify standards of review analysis and bridge the divergence in the current debate. This typology of deference can provide analytical guidance for tribunals to determine the appropriate standards of review with respect to complex legal and factual determinations. To enhance analytical clarity, investment tribunals could disaggregate the seemingly unitary, all-encompassing notion of standards of review into various concrete inquiries, instead focused on whether, and to what extent, specific legal or factual determinations at issue may warrant a measure of deference. In this way, arbitrators could improve their reasoning quality, analytical transparency as well as jurisprudential consistency, which are instructive to achieving a more coherent and principled approach to standards of review analysis in investment treaty arbitration.
The negative effects of soil microorganisms on plant growth only extend to the first weeks
Authors: Zhang Jing , Klinkhamer Peter G L , Vrieling Klaas , Bezemer T Martijn
Published: April 2022

Soil biotic communities can strongly impact plant performance. In this paper, we ask the question: how long-lasting the effect of the soil microbial community on plant growth is. We examined the plant growth rates at three stages: early, mid and late growth. We performed two growth experiments with Jacobaea vulgaris, which lasted 49 and 63 days in sterilized soil or live soil. In a third experiment, we examined the effect of the timing of soil inoculation prior to planting on the relative growth rate of J. vulgaris with four different timing treatments. In all experiments, differences in biomass of plants grown in sterilized soil and live soil increased throughout the experiment. Also, the relative growth rate of plants in the sterilized soil was only significantly higher than that of plants in the live soil in the first two to three weeks. In the third experiment, plant biomass decreased with increasing time between inoculation and planting. Overall, our results showed that plants of J. vulgaris grew less well in live soil than in sterilized soil. The negative effects of soil inoculation on plant mass appeared to extend over the whole growth period but arise from the negative effects on relative growth rates that occurred in the first weeks.
Phylogeographic structure ofSyntrichia caninervisMitt, a xerophytic moss, highlights the expanded during glacial period
Authors: Yin Benfeng , Zhang Yuanming , Zhang Hongxiang , Lou Anru
Published: April 2022

The rapid uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and its aridification has significantly affected the distribution and community structure of the plants in these regions. However, most of the studies have focussed on vascular plants, and it has been unclear whether bryophytes, which are haploid plants, had similar historical population dynamics to other vascular plants during the dramatic geological and climatic environment changes of the Quaternary. This study used Syntrichia caninervis Mitt as the research object and investigated its genetic variation, differentiation and population dynamic history in China. We genotyped 27 populations throughout the distributional range of S. caninervis using two chloroplast DNA regions and 19 nuclear microsatellite loci and supplemented these data with ecological niche modelling of the potential distribution areas from the last interglacial period. The results showed that genetic data consistently identified three clades: the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, Pamir Plateau–TienShan and Central Asia. The genetic variation of Syntrichia caninervis mainly occurred within populations and in the populations within a specific region. However, there was a significant gene exchange between the different regions. S. caninervis may have expanded during the glacial period and shrank during the interglacial period. This study provides new evidence for the dynamic population history of drought-tolerant bryophytes in response to severe environmental changes during the Quaternary glacial and interglacial cycles.
The impact of COVID-19 infection on the quality of life of healthcare workers
Authors: Shanshal Sadeel A , Al-Qazaz Harith Kh
Published: April 2022

Objectives

COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the entire world and one of its impacts was the increased level of stress and anxiety, especially among healthcare workers. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the quality of life (QoL) and sleep quality of healthcare workers in Iraq.

Methods

This study assessed the QoL and sleep quality by using World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI), respectively. The questionnaires were administered through an online cross-sectional survey targeted at workers in medical fields in Iraq from 1st to 20th of August 2021.

Key findings

Three hundred healthcare workers participated, and females constituted 75.3%. The two questionnaires had very good internal consistency. The highest scoring domain was social relationships, followed by physical health. A significant difference was found in the mean scores of psychological health domain between males and females, with higher scores observed in males. The mean of the total ISI score was 11.58 ± 6.88 with a range between 0 and 27. Severe insomnia was observed in only 9.7% of the participants. A significant negative correlation (r = −0.118) was found between age and ISI scores of the participants. Significant differences were found between males and females with higher ISI mean scores observed among males.

Conclusions

The QoL and sleep pattern can be affected by COVID-19 infection with the psychological aspect of QoL being the most affected and some degrees of insomnia being observed in many participants.
Hybrid revisional surgery: biliary limb distalization plus endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (eTOR)
Authors: Borjas Guillermo , Sánchez Nestor , Urdaneta Ali , Maldonado Andres , Ramos Eduardo , Fumero Edward , DiGiorgio Jose
Published: April 2022

Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) is one of the best procedures for the treatment of obesity and associated comorbidities. However, the percent of revisional procedures after a gastric bypass by weight regain has been increased, therefore several surgical options are available for the treatment of weight regain. In this case report, we combined a biliary limb distalization with endoscopic transoral outlet reduction (eTOR). The purpose of this case report is to expose the viability to perform combined procedures such as the distalization of the biliopancreatic limb plus eTOR increasing malabsorptive and restrictive components that would represent a secure and efficient weight loss in our patient. We could demonstrate the technical feasibility of the combination of both procedures to increase the restrictive and malabsorptive components at the same time with a low-risk range.
Cardiac tumor in the left ventricular outflow tract: atypical presentation of calcified amorphous tumor
Authors: Endo Toyokazu , Lei Kachon , Ahsan Chowdhury
Published: April 2022

Calcified amorphous tumor (CAT) of the heart is a rare nonneoplastic tumor. A 71-year-old woman presented with a mobile mass within the left ventricular outflow tract during her elective transthoracic echocardiogram. The patient exhibited no symptoms, and intraoperative findings showed the mass originating from the anterior leaflet of the mitral valve. Transthoracic and transesophageal echo failed to diagnose and localize the origin of the tumor. The tumor origin is unclear, but CAT of the mitral valve may be associated with mitral annular calcification. Surgical excision of the mass definitively diagnoses the tumor and reduces the risk of embolization.
Bronchoscopic resection of typical carcinoid tumors: literature review and case series
Authors: Alahmed Salman , Arishi Hassan , Alabdulatif Mohammed , Bamefleh Hana , Alghamdi Raed
Published: April 2022

Carcinoid tumors have been treated with formal oncological surgical resection, which is considered the gold standard approach. In the past two decades, bronchoscopic has gained popularity for treatment of carcinoid tumors. A 34-year-old female with an unresolving chronic cough, underwent a chest CT that showed right endobronchial lesion. Bronchoscopy and a biopsy were taken from the lesion; pathology confirmed the diagnosis to be a typical carcinoid tumor. Forty-six-year-old male, who was a smoker, suffered from hemoptysis. Pathology revealed it to be an endotracheal typical carcinoid tumor at the carina. Uncertainties, such as chances of recurrence, cost-effectiveness and the inability to achieve formal oncological resection have been discussed and challenged in the literature. With gaining use of this treatment approach, tissue-sparing surgery for carcinoids can improve patient quality of life both in the short and long term.
Role of surgery in the management of Crohn’s disease: a case series
Authors: Chandramohan Janaki Krithika , Palaniappan Thangapprakasam , Kalyanasundaram Arun Guru
Published: April 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease is fast becoming a disease of the East. Of all its entities, Crohn’s disease is the most diverse and debilitating due to its nature of transmural granulomatous inflammation. The clinical picture varies according to the disease location and severity. This translates to tailoring the treatment according to individual disease. The management should be predominantly medical since recurrence rates post-surgery are objectionable. But surgery, as a measure to tackle complications under cover of adequate medical and nutritional therapy, can be lifesaving. Herein, we describe a series of seven cases where surgery was crucial in the management of Crohn’s disease.
A large upper abdominal mass in an adolescent with high Ca 19.9: a case report
Authors: O’Connell Robert M , O’Sullivan Adrian
Published: April 2022

Mucinous cystic neoplasms of the liver are uncommon cystic lesions of the liver, most commonly seen in women in the fifth decade of life. We present a case of a 16-year-old girl with an incidentally discovered abdominal mass while undergoing a tonsillectomy. Investigation revealed a multiloculated, septated 17 × 17 × 11 cm cystic lesion arising from the left lobe of the liver, with displacement of the remaining upper abdominal viscera. Serum Ca19.9 was significantly elevated at 2256 U/ml (range 0–37), but other bloods including liver function tests, alphafoetoprotein and carcinoembryonic antigen were within normal limits. We proceeded to open formal left hemi-hepatectomy. Histology was consistent with a diagnosis of mucinous cystic neoplasm with low-grade intra-epithelial neoplasia.
Spontaneous small bowel perforation: a rare GI manifestation of type IV Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
Authors: Gallagher Alexandria M , McGraw Tara L , Toy Fredrick K
Published: April 2022

Isolated small bowel perforation is low in the differential diagnosis of abdominal pain in the young, relatively healthy patient. It is, however, a rare manifestation of type IV (vascular) Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS). In addition, there is no general consensus on the management of GI manifestations in patients with type IV EDS. We present the case of a 31-year-old male with history of type IV EDS, presenting with acute onset abdominal pain. Imaging was notable for intra-abdominal free air and thickened loops of small bowel in the pelvis. The patient underwent exploratory laparotomy with resection of the small bowel perforation with enteroenteric anastomosis. In our literature review, we evaluated gastrointestinal manifestations observed in patients with type IV EDS, management recommendations and potential complications to be mindful of in this population.
Endoscopic electrocauterization for management of chronic perineal sinus following abdominoperineal resection
Authors: Larson Brandon , Azizi Shayan , Ma Truong
Published: April 2022

We present a case of a chronic perineal sinus following abdominoperineal resection with management via endoscopic electrocauterization. This patient presented with 1 year of bloody, mucus drainage from a perineal wound following abdominoperineal resection for anastomotic leak and stricture from a remote low anterior resection for T2N1 rectal cancer. We describe a novel use of endoscopic electrocautery to debride, de-epithelialize and ultimately eliminate the sinus cavity. The patient’s postoperative course was uncomplicated and reported decreased drainage at 2- and 4-week postoperative follow-up. Long-term plans include sequential drain downsizing to facilitate cavity closure. Our findings suggest that endoscopic electrocauterization can safely and effectively reduce chronic perineal sinus drainage to facilitate cavity elimination, while avoiding morbidity associated with more invasive operative interventions.
Superspreading potential of COVID-19 outbreak seeded by Omicron variants of SARS-CoV-2 in Hong Kong
Authors: Guo Zihao , Zhao Shi , Lee Shui Shan , Mok Chris Ka Pun , Wong Ngai Sze , Wang Jingxuan , Jia Katherine Min , Wang Maggie Haitian , Yam Carrie Ho Kwan , Chow Tsz Yu , Chong Ka Chun , Yeoh Eng Kiong
Published: April 2022

Using two early transmission chains in Hong Kong, the estimated R and k were 1.34 [95% credible interval (CrI): 0.94–2.19] and 0.33 (95%CrI: 0.17–0.62), respectively, inferring 20.3% (95%CrI: 12.7–29.6%) cases were responsible for 80% of the transmissions of the Omicron epidemic. Compared with Omicron BA.1, Omicron BA.2 had a greater superspreading potential.
Anabolism and signaling pathways of phytomelatonin
Authors: Liu Ying , Wang Xiaoyun , Lv Hongmei , Cao Meng , Li Yongchong , Yuan Xiaowei , Zhang Xichun , Guo Yang-Dong , Zhang Na
Published: April 2022

Phytomelatonin is a small multifunctional molecule found ubiquitously in plants, which plays an important role in plant growth, development, and biotic and abiotic stress responses. The classical biosynthetic and metabolic pathways of phytomelatonin have been elucidated, and uncovering alternative pathways has deepened our understanding of phytomelatonin synthesis. Phytomelatonin functions mainly via two pathways. In the direct pathway, phytomelatonin mediates the stress-induced reactive oxygen species burst through its strong antioxidant capacity. In the indirect pathway, phytomelatonin acts as a signal to activate signaling cascades and crosstalk with other plant hormones. The phytomelatonin receptor PMTR1/CAND2 was discovered in 2018, which enhanced our understanding of phytomelatonin function. This review summarizes the classical and potential pathways involved in phytomelatonin synthesis and metabolism. To elucidate the functions of phytomelatonin, we focus on the crosstalk between phytomelatonin and other phytohormones. We propose two models to explain how PMTR1 transmits the phytomelatonin signal through the G protein and MAPK cascade. This review will facilitate the identification of additional signaling molecules that function downstream of the phytomelatonin signaling pathway, thus improving our understanding of phytomelatonin signal transmission.