bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Open-Label, Single-Arm, Phase II Study of Pembrolizumab Monotherapy as First-Line Therapy in Patients With Advanced Non–Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: McDermott David F. , Lee Jae-Lyun , Ziobro Marek , Suarez Cristina , Langiewicz Przemyslaw , Matveev Vsevolod Borisovich , Wiechno Pawel , Gafanov Rustem Airatovich , Tomczak Piotr , Pouliot Frederic , Donskov Frede , Alekseev Boris Yakovlevich , Shin Sang Joon , Bjarnason Georg A. , Castellano Daniel , Silverman Rachel Kloss , Perini Rodolfo F. , Schloss Charles , Atkins Michael B.
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE

Programmed death 1 (PD-1) pathway inhibitors have not been prospectively evaluated in patients with non–clear cell renal cell carcinoma (nccRCC). The phase II KEYNOTE-427 study (cohort B) was conducted to assess the efficacy and safety of single-agent pembrolizumab, a PD-1 inhibitor, in advanced nccRCC.

METHODS

Patients with histologically confirmed, measurable (Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors [RECIST] version 1.1) nccRCC and no prior systemic therapy received pembrolizumab 200 mg intravenously once every 3 weeks for ≤ 24 months. The primary end point was objective response rate (ORR) per RECIST v1.1.

RESULTS

Among enrolled patients (N = 165), 71.5% had confirmed papillary, 12.7% had chromophobe, and 15.8% had unclassified RCC histology. Most patients (67.9%) had intermediate or poor International Metastatic RCC Database Consortium risk status and tumors with programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 1 (61.8%). The median time from enrollment to database cutoff was 31.5 months (range, 22.7-38.8). In all patients, the ORR was 26.7%. The median duration of response was 29.0 months; 59.7% of responses lasted ≥ 12 months. The ORR by CPS ≥ 1 and CPS < 1 status was 35.3% and 12.1%, respectively. The ORR by histology was 28.8% for papillary, 9.5% for chromophobe, and 30.8% for unclassified. Overall, the median progression-free survival was 4.2 months (95% CI, 2.9 to 5.6); the 24-month rate was 18.6%. The median overall survival was 28.9 months (95% CI, 24.3 months to not reached); the 24-month rate was 58.4%. Overall, 69.7% of patients reported treatment-related adverse events, most commonly pruritus (20.0%) and hypothyroidism (14.5%). Two deaths were treatment related (pneumonitis and cardiac arrest).

CONCLUSION

First-line pembrolizumab monotherapy showed promising antitumor activity in nccRCC. The safety profile was similar to that observed in other tumor types.
Productive Role of Material Resources in the System of Ensuring the Life and Well-Being of the Population
Authors: Babanov V.
Published: February 2021

The article considers the role of material resources as a productive factor in the system of national and international development goals and ensuring the life and well-being of the population. Material resources, as a substance derived from natural resources, have a unique property of accumulating all the components of utility, the primary source of which is nature and which is further transformed in productive processes into products useful to people, necessary for their life and growth of well-being.
Formation of Information Centers and Information Systems at Enterprises As a Factor of Increasing the Efficiency of Functioning
Authors: Shishkin Andrey
Published: February 2021

The article deals with issues related to the use and implementation of information technologies in the process of functioning of the enterprise. Arguments proving the relevance of informatization processes are presented. The concept of information and communication system is clarified. The issues of relevance of the implementation of information systems depending on the scale of business are considered. The necessity of forming information centers on the basis of enterprises is justified. The issues of differentiation of information flows depending on the level of management in the organization are considered.
Listado de jurados nacionales e internacionales: III Edición del Certamen de Ensayos Blattmann, Odio Benito y Steiner
Authors: Olásolo Alonso Hector
Published: February 2021

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I'm only sweeping
Authors: Madeley Anna
Published: February 2021

Can membrane sweeping before 40 weeks be justified in the absence of evidence?
SARS-CoV-2: do corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation worsen maternal or fetal outcomes?
Authors: Eltaweel Nashwa , Lockley Samuel , Ahmed Irshad , Tan Bee K
Published: February 2021

Immune system changes during pregnancy could make pregnant women more susceptible to SARS-Cov-2 infection. The use of corticosteroids within obstetrics has been shown to reduce the risks of respiratory distress syndrome, intraventricular haemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis and neonatal death in the baby associated with premature delivery. During the COVID-19 pandemic, corticosteroids have been trialled as a treatment to dampen the ‘cytokine storm’ and associated inflammatory processes. Corticosteroids have long been known to have immunosuppressive effects that could hinder the body's ability to mount a defence against COVID-19 and thereby delaying viral clearance. In this clinical case studies, antenatal steroids for fetal lung maturation appear to be of benefit and did not result in a deterioration of maternal disease. Our clinical case studies support the current recommendations from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists ie corticosteroids for fetal lung maturation is appropriate in patients who are suspected or have confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Providing a nurse-led service for patients with liver disease
Authors: Backhouse Dianne
Published: February 2021

Dianne Backhouse, Hepatology Clinical Nurse Specialist, Hull University Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust ( Dianne.Backhouse@hey.nhs.uk ), was runner-up in the Hepatology/Liver Nurse of the Year category in the BJN Awards 2020
Acknowledging the current context
Authors: Foster Sam
Published: February 2021

Sam Foster, Chief Nurse, Oxford University Hospitals, considers the stressful situation of the frontline response to COVID-19, and reflects on a gap between ideal ratios and reality
Developing an OPAT service that meets the ever-changing needs of patients
Authors: Wilson Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

Elizabeth Wilson, Lead Nurse, Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy, Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust ( elizabeth.wilson@mft.nhs.uk ), BJN Awards 2020 Vascular Access Nurse of the Year runner-up
Managing otalgia in general practice
Authors: Perry Margaret Ann
Published: February 2021

Otalgia is a frequent reason for minor illness consultations in general practice. Margaret Ann Perry provides an overview of the common causes, complications and treatments

Otalgia, also known as earache, is a common condition, which has a variety of causes. It is a frequent reason for visits to GP surgeries or walk-in centres and can potentially affect any age. Most of the common causes of otalgia are benign conditions that can be easily treated; however, there are a few more sinister diagnoses that need to be considered in some cases. This article therefore aims to give nurses and non-medical prescribers confidence in assessing and treating patients who present with this common condition.
Health coaching: the role of the practice nurse
Authors: Best Catherine
Published: February 2021

Health coaching can be used to improve the health of patients. Catherine Best looks at the theory behind health coaching and how the nurse can play a role

Health coaching is a concept which focuses on evidence-based clinical interventions, such as motivational interviewing, goal setting, active listening and change management theory, with the aim that patients are supported to self-manage their own health. Health coaching is patient-centred and empowers individuals to make healthcare choices based on what personally matters to them. The practice nurse is in a strong position to utilise their skills, many of which can be attributed to the role of a health coach.
El archivo digital como objeto de estudio para comprender mecanismos de subjetivación que ocurren en la red
Authors: Vallejos Baccelliere Pablo Ignacio
Published: February 2021

Para analizar lo digital como objeto de estudio es necesario establecer una base teórica en las humanidades, de modo que se pueda comprender qué cambios y reconfiguraciones sufren las culturas, las sociedades y el arte. En ese sentido, el presente artículo toma el concepto de la subjetividad y lo sitúa en el contexto de la conexión a Internet masiva y el uso de aparatos electrónicos, para comprender sus condiciones de existencia. Lo que aquí se desarrolla se puede extrapolar a diferentes entramados conceptuales complejos que se reconfiguran en las lógicas de Internet y las nuevas tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, permitiendo así pensar lo digital a un nivel general, comprendiendo una base de conceptos necesarios para analizar las humanidades y el arte en la cultura digital.
Angular micro-vibration of the Micius satellite measured by an optical sensor and the method for its suppression
Authors: Wang Xu , Li Changkun , Jia Jianjun , Wu Jincai , Shu Rong , Zhang Liang , Wang Jianyu
Published: February 2021

Satellite angular micro-vibration has an important impact on the efficiency of space quantum communication links. We measured the micro-vibrations on the Micius satellite in orbit using a high-precision optical sensor mounted on the satellite and analyzed the power spectral density. We designed a compound axis acquisition, tracking, and pointing (ATP) system based on a two-axis turntable and tested its suppressive effect on the micro-vibration through in-orbit experiments. The tracking error caused by the angular micro-vibration was found to be 9.3 µrad, with the energy concentrated primarily in the frequencies below 30 Hz; after suppression by the ATP system, the error was 0.47 µrad.
Design and characterization of a thermally stabilized fiber Fabry–Perot etalon as a wavelength calibrator for high-precision spectroscopy
Authors: Tang Liang , Ye Huiqi , Hao Jun , Wei Ruyi , Xiao Dong
Published: February 2021

Filtering light from a broadband source with a Fabry–Perot etalon generates comb-like peaks in the spectral domain that can serve as calibration reference for precise Doppler shift detection on astronomical spectrographs. Fiber Fabry–Perot etalons are small in size and easily aligned optically. In application, high thermal sensitivity of the fiber core material requires a highly stable temperature control system. Here, we report on the design, characterization, and thermal performance of a fiber Fabry–Perot etalon-based calibrator system insensitive to environmental temperature perturbation, aimed as a reference for

m

⋅

s

−
1

precision radial velocity measurements. A fast and simple method to estimate the etalon finesse and a dual-loop approach to achieve sub-millikelvin temperature fluctuation are proposed and demonstrated.
Digital adaptive optics based on digital lateral shearing of the computed pupil field for point scanning retinal swept source OCT
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Georgiev Stefan , Salas Matthias , Leitgeb Rainer A.
Published: February 2021

A novel non-iterative digital adaptive optics technique is presented in which the wavefront error is calculated using the phase difference between the pupil field and its digital copies translated by a pixel along the horizontal and vertical direction in the pupil plane. This method provides slope data per pixel, thus can generate > 50k local slope data samples for a circular pupil of diameter 256 pixels with high accuracy and dynamic range. It offers more than 12x faster computational speed in comparison to the sub-aperture based digital adaptive optics method. Furthermore, it is independent of any system parameters, the light distribution in the pupil plane, or the intensity of the image. The technique is useful in applications such as interferometric or digital holography based microscopy, metrology, and as digital wavefront sensor in adaptive optics, where focusing of light in the sample is involved that creates a guide star or where the sample itself exhibits guide star-like structures. This technique is implemented in a point scanning swept-source OCT at 1060 nm, and a large wavefront error with a peak to valley of 20 radians and root mean square error of 0.71 waves is detected and corrected in case of a micro-beads phantom sample. Also, human photoreceptor images are recovered from aberrated retinal OCT volumes acquired at eccentricities of 2 and 2.5 degrees from the fovea in vivo.
10 W injection-locked single-frequency continuous-wave titanium:sapphire laser
Authors: Takano Tetsushi , Ogawa Hisashi , Ohae Chiaki , Katsuragawa Masayuki
Published: February 2021

High-power tunable lasers with good longitudinal and transverse modes are fundamental tools for exploring quantum physics. Here we report a high-power continuous-wave injection-locked titanium:sapphire laser with a low-loss cavity configuration, where only a laser crystal was installed in the laser cavity. Although the transverse mode was affected by a thermal lens formed in the laser crystal, the focal length of the thermal lens could be shifted via the temperature of the laser crystal holder or the pump power. As a result, we found a condition that 10 W single-frequency oscillation with a good transverse mode and a slope efficiency of 51% were achieved.
30 GHz GeSn photodetector on SOI substrate for 2 µm wavelength application
Authors: Li Xiuli , Peng Linzhi , Liu Zhi , Zhou Zhiqi , Zheng Jun , Xue Chunlai , Zuo Yuhua , Chen Baile , Cheng Buwen
Published: February 2021

We report the demonstration of a normal-incidence p-i-n germanium-tin (

Ge

0.951

Sn

0.049

) photodetector on silicon-on-insulator substrate for 2 μm wavelength application. The DC and RF characteristics of the devices have been characterized. A dark current density under

−
1
  
V

bias of approximately

125
  
mA/

cm

2

is achieved at room temperature, and the optical responsivity of 14 mA/W is realized for illumination wavelength of 2 μm under

−
1
  
V

reverse bias. In addition, a 3 dB bandwidth (

f

3
 
dB

) of around 30 GHz is achieved at

−
3
  
V

, which is the highest reported value among all group III–V and group IV photodetectors working in the 2 μm wavelength range. This work illustrates that a GeSn photodetector has great prospects in 2 μm wavelength optical communication.
Altered central pain processing in fibromyalgia—A multimodal neuroimaging case-control study using arterial spin labelling
Authors: Müller Monika , Wüthrich Florian , Federspiel Andrea , Wiest Roland , Egloff Niklaus , Reichenbach Stephan , Exadaktylos Aristomenis , Jüni Peter , Curatolo Michele , Walther Sebastian
Published: February 2021

Fibromyalgia is characterized by chronic pain and a striking discrepancy between objective signs of tissue damage and severity of pain. Function and structural alterations in brain areas involved in pain processing may explain this feature. Previous case-control studies in fibromyalgia focused on acute pain processing using experimentally-evoked pain paradigms. Yet, these studies do not allow conclusions about chronic, stimulus-independent pain. Resting-state cerebral blood flow (rsCBF) acquired by arterial spin labelling (ASL) may be a more accurate marker for chronic pain. The objective was to integrate four different functional and structural neuroimaging markers to evaluate the neural correlate of chronic, stimulus-independent pain using a resting-state paradigm. In line with the pathophysiological concept of enhanced central pain processing we hypothesized that rsCBF is increased in fibromyalgia in areas involved in processing of acute pain. We performed an age matched case-control study of 32 female fibromyalgia patients and 32 pain-free controls and calculated group differences in rsCBF, resting state functional connectivity, grey matter volume and cortical thickness using whole-brain and region of interest analyses. We adjusted all analyses for depression and anxiety. As centrally acting drugs are likely to interfere with neuroimaging markers, we performed a subgroup analysis limited to patients not taking such drugs. We found no differences between cases and controls in rsCBF of the thalamus, the basal ganglia, the insula, the somatosensory cortex, the prefrontal cortex, the anterior cingulum and supplementary motor area as brain areas previously identified to be involved in acute processing in fibromyalgia. The results remained robust across all neuroimaging markers and when limiting the study population to patients not taking centrally acting drugs and matched controls. In conclusion, we found no evidence for functional or structural alterations in brain areas involved in acute pain processing in fibromyalgia that could reflect neural correlates of chronic stimulus-independent pain.
Mitigating the impact of COVID-19 on tuberculosis and HIV services: A cross-sectional survey of 669 health professionals in 64 low and middle-income countries
Authors: Khan Mishal S. , Rego Sonia , Rajal Joaquín Benítez , Bond Virginia , Fatima Razia Kaneez , Isani Afshan Khurshid , Sutherland Jayne , Kranzer Katharina
Published: February 2021

Objective

The experiences of frontline healthcare professionals are essential in identifying strategies to mitigate the disruption to healthcare services caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study of TB and HIV professionals in low and middle-income countries (LMIC). Between May 12 and August 6, 2020, we collected qualitative and quantitative data using an online survey in 11 languages. We used descriptive statistics and thematic analysis to analyse responses.

Findings

669 respondents from 64 countries completed the survey. Over 40% stated that it was either impossible or much harder for TB and HIV patients to reach healthcare facilities since COVID-19. The most common barriers reported to affect patients were: fear of getting infected with SARS-CoV-2, transport disruptions and movement restrictions. 37% and 28% of responses about TB and HIV stated that healthcare provider access to facilities was also severely impacted. Strategies to address reduced transport needs and costs–including proactive coordination between the health and transport sector and cards that facilitate lower cost or easier travel—were presented in qualitative responses. Access to non-medical support for patients, such as food supplementation or counselling, was severely disrupted according to 36% and 31% of HIV and TB respondents respectively; qualitative data suggested that the need for such services was exacerbated.

Conclusion

Patients and healthcare providers across numerous LMIC faced substantial challenges in accessing healthcare facilities, and non-medical support for patients was particularly impacted. Synthesising recommendations of frontline professionals should be prioritised for informing policymakers and healthcare service delivery organisations.
Development of a modular stress management platform (Performance Edge VR) and a pilot efficacy trial of a bio-feedback enhanced training module for controlled breathing
Authors: Kluge Murielle G. , Maltby Steven , Walker Nicole , Bennett Neanne , Aidman Eugene , Nalivaiko Eugene , Walker Frederick Rohan
Published: February 2021

This paper describes the conceptual design of a virtual reality-based stress management training tool and evaluation of the initial prototype in a pilot efficacy study. Performance Edge virtual-reality (VR) was co-developed with the Australian Defence Force (ADF) to address the need for practical stress management training for ADF personnel. The VR application is biofeedback-enabled and contains key stress management techniques derived from acceptance and commitment and cognitive behavioural therapy in a modular framework. End-user-provided feedback on usability, design, and user experience was positive, and particularly complimentary of the respiratory biofeedback functionality. Training of controlled breathing delivered across 3 sessions increased participants’ self-reported use of breath control in everyday life and progressively improved controlled breathing skills (objectively assessed as a reduction in breathing rate and variability). Thus the data show that a biofeedback-enabled controlled breathing protocol delivered through Performance Edge VR can produce both behaviour change and objective improvement in breathing metrics. These results confirm the validity of Performance Edge VR platform, and its Controlled Breathing module, as a novel approach to tailoring VR-based applications to train stress management skills in a workplace setting.
Pentraxin 3 is more accurate than C-reactive protein for Takayasu arteritis activity assessment: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Wen Xiaoting , Hou Ruihong , Xu Ke , Han Yunxia , Hu Junping , Zhang Yan , Su Yazhen , Gao Jinfang , Zhang Gailian , Zhang Liyun
Published: February 2021

Aims

Whether the circulating levels of pentraxin 3 (PTX3), an acute phase reactant (APR), are higher in active Takayasu arteritis (TAK), and if so, whether PTX3 is more accurate than C-reactive protein (CRP) in TAK activity assessment has been investigated in this study.

Study design

Research works such as PubMed, Embase, ScienceDirect, Cochrane Library, and two Chinese literature databases (CNKI and WanFang) were searched for studies conducted till August 30th, 2019. Two investigators searched the studies independently, who evaluated the quality of the study using the Newcastle–Ottawa scale (NOS) and extracted data. Pooled standard mean difference (SMD) and diagnostic indexes, with a 95% confidence interval (CI), were calculated using a random-effect model.

Results

Totally, 8 studies involving 473 TAK (208 active and 265 inactive TAK) patients and 252 healthy controls were eventually included in the meta-analysis. PTX3 level in the blood in active TAK patients were found to be higher than that in dormant TAK with pooled SMD of 0.761 (95% CI = 0.38–1.14, p<0.0001; I2 = 68%, p of Q test = 0.003). And there was no publication bias. Among the 8 studies, 5 studies identified active TAK with both PTX3 and CRP. The pooled sensitivity, specificity, and AUC values of PTX3 in active TAK diagnosis were higher than those of CRP (0.78 [95% CI = 0.65–0.87] vs. 0.66 [95% CI = 0.53–0.77], p = 0.012; 0.85 [95% CI = 0.77–0.90] vs. 0.77 [95% CI = 0.56–0.90], p = 0.033; 0.88 [95% CI = 0.85–0.90] vs. 0.75 [95% CI = 0.71–0.79], p < 0.0001). It showed potential publication bias using Egger’s test (p of PTX3 = 0.031 and p of CRP = 0.047).

Conclusions

PTX3 might be better than CRP in the assessment of TAK activity. Yet, it should be cautious before clinical use for moderate heterogeneity and potential publication bias of the meta-analysis.
A PCR plus restriction enzyme-based technique for detecting target-enzyme mutations at position Pro-106 in glyphosate-resistant Lolium perenne
Authors: Ghanizadeh Hossein , Griffiths Andrew G. , Buddenhagen Christopher E. , Anderson Craig B. , Harrington Kerry C.
Published: February 2021

The first step in managing herbicide-resistant weeds is to confirm their resistance status. It is, therefore, crucial to have a rapid, reliable and cost-effective technique to assess samples for herbicide resistance. We designed and evaluated three derived cleaved amplified polymorphic sequence (dCAPS) markers for detecting glyphosate resistance in Lolium perenne. conferred by non-synonymous mutations at codon-106 in the enolpyruvylshikimate-3-phosphate synthase (EPSPS) gene. The dCAPS markers involve amplification of the target region, digestion of the amplified products with restriction enzymes and gel-based visualisation of the digested products. The results showed that all three dCAPS markers could successfully detect mutations at codon-106 in the target enzyme. The dCAPS markers can also inform us of the zygosity state of the resistance allele and was confirmed by sequencing the target region of the EPSPS gene. The markers described here are effective quick tests for the monitoring and evaluation of the target-enzyme mechanism of glyphosate resistance in Lolium perenne.
Combined glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor therapy with ticagrelor for patients with acute coronary syndrome
Authors: Xie Zhi-Jiang , Xin Shuan-Li , Chang Chao , Zhou Hai-Jing , Zhao Xiu-Feng , Jiao Feng-Hui , Chen Chuan , Li Tao
Published: February 2021

This study was to compare the efficacy and safety of combined glycoprotein IIb/IIIa inhibitor (GPI) and ticagrelor versus ticagrelor in patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS). An observational study was conducted using the Improving Care for Cardiovascular Disease in China-ACS project. Totally, 13,264 patients with ACS and received combination therapy or ticagrelor therapy were analyzed. The primary outcome was the composite of major cardiovascular events (MACE: all-cause mortality, myocardial infarction [MI], stent thrombosis, cardiogenic shock, and ischemic stroke), and secondary outcomes included all-cause mortality, MI, stent thrombosis, cardiogenic shock, and ischemic stroke. The multivariable adjusted analysis indicated that combination therapy was associated with an increased risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE) (P = 0.001), any bleeding (P<0.001), and major bleeding (P = 0.005). Moreover, the multivariable adjusted for propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis suggested that combination therapy produced additional risk of MACE (P = 0.014), any bleeding (P<0.001), and major bleeding (P = 0.005). Moreover, PSM analysis suggested that combination therapy was associated with greater risk of stent thrombosis (P = 0.012) and intracranial bleeding (P = 0.020). Combined GPI and ticagrelor therapies did not have any beneficial effects on MACE, stent thrombosis, intracranial bleeding, any bleeding, or major bleeding.
White blood cell count and incidence of hypertension in the general Japanese population: ISSA-CKD study
Authors: Ishida Shintaro , Kondo Seiji , Funakoshi Shunsuke , Satoh Atsushi , Maeda Toshiki , Kawazoe Miki , Yoshimura Chikara , Tada Kazuhiro , Takahashi Koji , Ito Kenji , Yasuno Tetsuhiko , Masutani Kosuke , Nakashima Hitoshi , Arima Hisatomi
Published: February 2021

Objectives

This study aimed to clarify the relationship between the white blood cell (WBC) count and hypertension in the general Japanese population.

Methods

We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study using annual health check-up data of residents of Iki City, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan. A total of 2935 participants without hypertension at baseline were included in the present analysis. WBC counts were classified as tertile 1 (<4700/μL), tertile 2 (4700–5999/μL), and tertile 3 (≥6000/μL). The outcome was incident hypertension (blood pressure ≥140 mmHg). Multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) were estimated using the Cox proportional hazards model.

Result

During an average follow-up of 4.5 years, 908 participants developed hypertension. The incidence (per 100 person-years) of hypertension increased with an elevation in the WBC count (6.3 in tertile 1, 7.0 in tertile 2, and 7.4 in tertile 3). This association was significant, even after adjustment for other risk factors, including age, sex, current smoking habits, current alcohol intake, exercise habits, obesity, elevated blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. The hazard ratios were 1.07 for tertile 2 (95% CI 0.90–1.26) and 1.27 for tertile 3 (95% CI 1.06–1.51) compared with the reference group of tertile 1 (p = 0.009).

Conclusion

The WBC count was associated with future development of hypertension in the general Japanese population.
Cross-effect of TRPV1 and EP3 receptor on coughs and bronchopulmonary C-neural activities
Authors: Gao Xiuping , Zhuang Jianguo , Zhao Lei , Wei Wan , Xu Fadi
Published: February 2021

Prostaglandin E2(PGE2)-induced coughsin vivoand vagal nerve depolarizationin vitroare inhibited by systemic and local administration of prostaglandin EP3 receptor (L-798106) and TRPV1 antagonists (JNJ 17203212). These results indicate a modulating effect of TRPV1 on the EP3 receptor-mediated cough responses to PGE2likely through the vagal sensory nerve. This study aimed to determine whether 1) inhalation of aerosolized JNJ 17203212 and L-798106 affected cough responses to citric acid (CA, mainly stimulating TRPV1) and PGE2; 2) TRPV1 and EP3 receptor morphologically are co-expressed and electrophysiologically functioned in the individual of vagal pulmonary C-neurons (cell bodies of bronchopulmonary C-fibers in the nodose/jugular ganglia); and 3) there was a cross-effect of TRPV1 and EP3 receptor on these neural excitations. To this end, aerosolized CA or PGE2was inhaled by unanesthetized guinea pigs pretreated without or with each antagonist given in aerosol form. Immunofluorescence was applied to identify the co-expression of TRPV1 and EP3 receptor in vagal pulmonary C-neurons (retrogradely traced by DiI). Whole-cell voltage patch clamp approach was used to detect capsaicin (CAP)- and PGE2-induced currents in individual vagal pulmonary C-neurons and determine the effects of the TRPV1 and EP3 receptor antagonists on the evoked currents. We found that PGE2-induced cough was attenuated by JNJ 17203212 or L-798106 and CA-evoked cough greatly suppressed only by JNJ 17203212. Approximately 1/4 of vagal pulmonary C-neurons co-expressed EP3 with a cell size < 20 μm. Both CAP- and PGE2-induced currents could be recorded in the individuals of some vagal pulmonary C-neurons. The former was largely inhibited only by JNJ 17203212, while the latter was suppressed by JNJ 17203212 or L-798106. The similarity of the cross-effect of both antagonists on cough and vagal pulmonary C-neural activity suggests that a subgroup of vagal pulmonary C-neurons co-expressing TRPV1 and EP3 receptor is, at least in part, responsible for the cough response to PGE2.
Conspecific and heterospecific grass litter effects on seedling emergence and growth in ragwort (Jacobaea vulgaris)
Authors: Möhler Henrike , Diekötter Tim , Bauer Geeltje Marie , Donath Tobias W.
Published: February 2021

Jacobaea vulgaris Gaertn. or common ragwort is a widespread noxious grassland weed that is subject to different regulation measures worldwide. Seedling emergence and growth are the most crucial stages for most plants during their life cycle. Therefore, heterospecific grass or conspecific ragwort litter as well as soil-mediated effects may be of relevance for ragwort control. Our study examines the effects of conspecific and heterospecific litter as well as ragwort conditioned soil on seedling emergence and growth. We conducted pot experiments to estimate the influence of soil conditioning (with, without ragwort), litter type (grass, ragwort, grass-ragwort-mix) and amount (200 g/m², 400 g/m²) on J. vulgaris recruitment. As response parameters, we assessed seedling number, biomass, height and number of seedling leaves. We found that 200 g/m² grass litter led to higher seedling numbers, while litter composed of J. vulgaris reduced seedling emergence. Litter amounts of 400 g/m² had negative effects on the number of seedlings regardless of the litter type. Results for biomass, plant height and leaf number showed opposing patterns to seedling numbers. Seedlings in pots treated with high litter amounts and seedlings in ragwort litter became heavier, grew higher and had more leaves. Significant effects of the soil conditioned by ragwort on seedling emergence and growth were negligible. The study confirms that the amount and composition of litter strongly affect seedling emergence and growth of J. vulgaris. Moreover, while conspecific litter and high litter amounts negatively affected early seedling development in ragwort, those seedlings that survived accumulated more biomass and got taller than seedlings grown in heterospecific or less dense litter. Therefore, ragwort litter has negative effects in ragwort germination, but positive effects in ragwort growth. Thus, leaving ragwort litter on pastures will not reduce ragwort establishment and growth and cannot be used as management tool.
Cuttlefish – performing body
Authors: Bågander Linnea
Published: February 2021

This research report discusses and reflects on the development of the costume design and choreography of the performance piece Cuttlefish, 2017–19. In the performance, the costumes played an essential role as they completely transformed the movements and forms of the dancers. To enable this, costumes were designed as temporal forms, garments that contain a particular movement language based on the structural possibilities of the body. The costumes are discussed here from two perspectives: in relation to their role in constructing a narrative for the audience, choreographer and dancers and secondly concerning the practical aspects of their development as temporal forms. The suggestion is that garments constitute material opportunities, designed to provide a system of possible movements and expressions that the choreographer and dancer can explore. The result has implications for both fields of fashion design and costume design as it proposes fundamental parameters for a method of constructing garment as temporal form.
Making Victorian Costumes for Men, Sil Devilly (2019)
Authors: Garland Liz
Published: February 2021

Review of: Making Victorian Costumes for Men, Sil Devilly (2019)

Marlborough: Crowood Press, 160 pp., 232 colour photographs and patterns ISBN 978-1-78500-575-8, p/bk, £25.00
Anthelmintic resistance and prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes infecting sheep in Limpopo Province, South Africa
Authors: Mphahlele Morutse , Tsotetsi-Khambule Ana M. , Moerane Rebone , Komape Dennis M. , Thekisoe Oriel M. M.
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim: Previous studies recorded the prevalence of gastrointestinal nematodes (GIN) in Limpopo Province. However, the studies did not address the seasonal patterns of infection and did not cover all districts of Limpopo Province, namely; Capricorn, Sekhukhune, Waterberg, Mopani, and Vhembe. It is, therefore, important to provide up to date information on the prevalence and seasonal occurrence data of GIN in all districts of Limpopo province. The present study was conducted to determine the occurrence of anthelmintic resistance (AR) and document the prevalence of GIN infecting sheep in five districts of Limpopo Province, South Africa.

Materials and Methods: Forty animals in each district were used for fecal egg count reduction test (FECRT) to determine AR against ivermectin (0.2 mg/kg), levamisole (LEV) (5 mg/kg), and albendazole (7.5 mg/kg). Egg hatch test (EHT) was used to determine AR against thiabendazole (TBZ) and micro-agar larval development test (MALDT) was used for both TBZ and LEV. Naturally, infected sheep (n=780) were sampled for prevalence across five districts of Limpopo. FAMACHA© eye-color score estimations were also performed for each study animal.

Results: FECRT showed occurrence of AR in most of the districts and a few with suspected resistance. EHT results showed AR development against TBZ for all districts, while the MALDT showed no AR against LEV in all districts, but detected AR against TBZ in Sekhukhune, Capricorn, and Waterberg. Haemonchus contortus was the most resistant species. A high nematode prevalence (88-100%) and 1210-1861 eggs per gram (EPG) was observed in all districts during the hot wet season, decreasing to 75-80% (453-1202 EPG) during the cold dry season. The sheep revealed a FAMACHA© mean score of 3, indicating mild anemia during the hot wet season except for Vhembe district that revealed a FAMACHA© mean score of 4 during the hot wet season, indicating anemia.

Conclusion: AR recorded in Limpopo Province may be due to under-dosing caused by lack of weighing equipment and high treatment frequencies due to lack of proper training on anthelmintic use. The detection of AR in Limpopo is an important finding because it will help in outlining effective management systems against GIN.
Elastography for the differential diagnosis of malignant versus benign testicular lesions: a meta-analysis
Authors: Lin Ziwei , Lin Rui , Wu Huaiyu , Wu Linghu , Zeng Jieying , Xu Jinfeng , Dong Fajin
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of elastography in the differential diagnosis of benign versus malignant testicular lesions.Methods: The PubMed, Cochrane Library, and Embase databases were searched for relevant studies. The diagnostic accuracy of elastography was evaluated using pooled sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio, post-test probability, diagnostic odds ratio, and by summarizing the area under the hierarchical summary receiver operating characteristic (HSROC) curve.Results: Seven studies with 568 lesions were included. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 87% (95% confidence interval [CI], 81% to 92%) and 81% (95% CI, 65% to 90%), respectively. The pooled estimates of the positive likelihood ratio, negative likelihood ratio, and diagnostic odds ratio were 4.48 (95% CI, 2.37 to 8.47), 0.16 (95% CI, 0.10 to 0.25), and 28.11 (95% CI, 11.39 to 69.36), respectively. The area under the HSROC curve was 90% (95% CI, 88% to 93%).Conclusion: Elastography is useful for assessing the stiffness of testicular lesions and for differentiating benign from malignant lesions. Elastography can be an effective supplement to conventional ultrasonography.
Optimization Tifton-85 grass cutting for productivity and nutrient value
Authors: Ottoni Daniel , Teixeira Alex de Matos , Gonçalves Lúcio Carlos , Da Silva Naiara Taís Alves , Cruz Diego Soares Gonçalves , Côrtes Isabella Hoske Gruppioni , De Oliveira João Pedro Costa Alves , Jayme Diogo Gonzaga
Published: February 2021

The objective of this work was to determine the impact of cutting Tifton-85 grass at 14, 28, 42, 46, 70, and 80 days of regrowth on its production and nutritional characteristics during the rainy season. The study area of 238 m2 was divided into four sub-area, with 6 plots of 2 × 2 m spaced 1 m between plots and 2 m between sub-area. Random block design was used. The statistical analyses were performed following a randomized block design. Results were obtained as means from evaluations conducted in two consecutive years. The neutral detergent fiber (NDF) and acid detergent fiber (ADF) increased as the cutting age increased. However, crude protein, NDF nitrogen, ADF nitrogen and leaves/stem relationship decreased as the cutting age increased. The production of digestible dry matter increased linearly as the cutting age increased. Similarly, grass height, green matter and dry matter production (DMP) increased as the cutting age increased. The different cutting age did not influence the nitrogen A, B1 + B2, and B3 fractions of the grass. However, the C fraction increased as the cutting age increased. Longer intervals between cuts increased the grass productivity per cut, but compromised its nutritional composition and leaves/stem relationship. For Tifton -85, the regrowth age of 28 days allows greater production of dry matter and greater accumulated production of crude protein and digestive dry matter in the rainy season or over time.
Crop management and its effects on weed occurrences
Authors: Castro Marco Aurelio , Lima Sebastião Ferreira de , Tomquelski Germison Vital , Andrade Maria Gabriela Oliveira de , Martins Jordana Dias
Published: February 2021

The objective was to evaluate weed phytosociology and similarities between crop management systems in the Chapadões region. The experiment was conducted at in agricultural area located in the municipality of Chapadão do Sul, MS, during the 2016/17 harvest. Three crop managements strategies were used: (1) cotton/soybean/Urochloa, (2) millet/soybean/millet and (3) millet/soybean/crotalaria. A phytosociological survey of weeds was carried out during soybean cultivation and cover crops growth, in succession. The evaluation area for each management strategy was 0.5 ha. Soybean surveys were carried out in October and January, while the cover crop surveys were performed in February and May. The relative frequency (RF), relative density (RD), relative abundance (AR), and relative importance (RI) of weeds, Venn diagram, and Jaccard and Sorenson similarity indices were evaluated. The management area represented by the cotton/soybean/Urochloa rotation had fewer weed species than others. The species Cenchrus echinatus, Digitaria insularis, Digitaria sanguinalis, Eleusine indica and Commelina benghalensis had the highest phytosociological indeces among the monocotyledons. Attention is required for managing the dicotyledons Amaranthus deflexus, Conyza canadensis and Senna obtusifolia despite their low indices because of herbicide resistant cases. The highest indeces of similarity were found between managements areas 2 and 3, which did not rely on cotton cultivation prior to soybeans.
Cenários ambientais prospectivos para a gestão da paisagem costeira urbana em Aracaju/SE
Authors: Santos Oliveira Mota Luana , Melo e Souza Rosemeri
Published: February 2021

A construção de cenários ambientais tem sido um instrumento valoroso para fins de planejamento e gestão. Dado a velocidade com a qual tem se processado as mudanças no espaço geográfico, a utilização de uma ferramenta capaz de prognosticar situações futuras a partir de conjunturas hodiernas, pode ser uma importante aliada no estabelecimento de cenários que compatibilizem uso e conservação na zona costeira. À vista disso, o presente estudo tem por escopo a construção de cenários ambientais prospectivos para os bairros costeiros do município de Aracaju/SE. Utilizou-se uma abordagem qualitativa a partir das seguintes etapas: estabelecimento da questão central, identificação das forças motrizes, delimitação das incertezas críticas, determinação dos cenários lógicos e elaboração dos cenários. Foram delineados três cenários: o cenário atual, embasado na avaliação do estado ambiental da paisagem, na analise da espacialização da ocupação e na delimitação das forças motrizes atuantes; o cenário tendencial (pessimista), cujo principal condicionante é a expansão urbana desordenada combinada à supressão das unidades geoecológicas; e o cenário recomendado (otimista), construído em função da compatibilização entre uso/ocupação e capacidade de suporte da paisagem. As análises realizadas apontaram que no cenário atual há instabilidade em parte das unidades naturais, advinda da expansão urbana desordenada, fruto da atuação conjunta entre atores públicos e privados. Diante dessa conjuntura, espera-se no cenário tendencial um agravamento da instabilidade da paisagem, com ruptura da capacidade de suporte e surgimento de situações de riscos. Visando ao planejamento, construiu-se um cenário recomendado o qual busca compatibilizar o crescimento urbano com a preservação das unidades naturais mais suscetíveis, e respeito a capacidade de suporte da paisagem e aos instrumentos legais. Deduz-se, pois, que a cenarização pode ser utilizada não apenas para prever uma situação futura, mas no sentido de impedir que um cenário calamitoso seja repetido.
Flood Hazard Mapping in Residential Area Using Hydrodynamic Model HEC-RAS 5.0
Authors: Al Amin Muhammad Baitullah , Ilmiaty Reini Silvia , Marlina Ayu
Published: February 2021

The flood hazard rating is one of the essential variables in flood risk analysis. The identification of flood-prone areas urgently requires information about flood hazard zones. This research explains the method to develop flood hazard map by using hydrodynamic modeling in the residential areas. The hydrodynamic model used in this research is HEC-RAS 5.0, which can simulate the one- and two-dimensional flow regimes. The study area is Bukit Sejahtera and Tanjung Rawa residences located in Palembang City with a total area of about 200 ha, where the Lambidaro River was frequently overflowing caused flood inundation in the area. There are five indicators of flood hazard being analyzed, i.e., 1) flood depth, 2) flow velocity, 3) energy head, 4) flow force, which is the result of multiplication between flood depth and the square of flow velocity, and 5) intensity, which is the result of multiplication between flood depth and the flow velocity. The simulation results show that the flood hazard rating in the study area ranges from high to low level. The zones with a high flood hazard rating are dominated by the area around or near to the river, whereas the further zones have a moderate and low level of flood hazard rating. The flood depth indicator has a more significant influence than the flow velocity on the flood hazard level in the study area. This research is expected can contribute to the development of flood map and flood control methods in advance.
Utilization of MODIS Surface Reflectance to Generate Air Temperature Information in East Java - Indonesia
Authors: Faisol Arif , Indarto Indarto , Novita Elida , Budiyono Budiyono
Published: February 2021

Ambient air temperature is main variable in climatological and hydrological analysis, however limited number of meteorological stations in Indonesia was becoming a problem to provide air temperature data for large areas.  The objective of this study is to generate air temparature using relationship of land surface temperature and vegetation index. A total of 6 climatological station and 84 MODIS Images for three years (2015 to 2017) were used for the analysis.  Research methods include: image georeferencing, band extraction from modis, derivation of NDVI, gererating ambient air temperature, calibrating using local meteorological station, and image interpretation. Results show that the accuracy of MODIS Surface Reflectance product to generate ambient air temperature in East Java at any periods is 86,37%. So MODIS Surface Reflectance product can be used as alternative solution to generate ambient air temperature.
Mapping of Waste Management Planning Based on Society and Geographic Conditions
Authors: Widyaningsih Niluh , Sasaki Shunsuke
Published: February 2021

Household solid waste is the major environmental issue, not only in big cities but also in the suburban areas. Setia Asih Village location is in Kecamatan Tarumajaya, Kabupaten Bekasi. Bekasi is closed with Jakarta and it has unique characteristics, such as dual market economy; administration system; and social culture of the local people. Setia Asih Village has tremendous unmanaged household solid waste. It covers the land and river. This research paper used qualitative approach due to the limited of statistical data on the village level in Indonesia. The preliminary observation showed that local people do not have any knowledge or information about managing their household solid waste. Their local government does not have any responsibility to manage the household solid waste on the village level. It becomes local people responsibility. There is lack coordination among stakeholders in household solid waste management at Setia Asih Village. I conducted the solid waste management training to 300 people and Focus Group Discussion (FGD) with each Dusun (lower level than village) representatives. I found that local people have solutions to solve their household solid waste problem. Local government builds a new waste bank as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) from one of the state-owned enterprise.