bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Re-collection and identity of Ooencyrtus californicus (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae), and its new synonym, Ooencyrtus lucidus
Authors: TRIAPITSYN SERGUEI V. , RUGMAN-JONES PAUL F. , PERRING THOMAS M.
Published: April 2021

Girault (1917) very briefly described and diagnosed the encyrtid wasp species Ooencyrtus californicus Girault (Hymenoptera: Encyrtidae) with the following limited data (p. 22): “Sacramento, California, from bug eggs on Pinus sabiniana, September”. The first author examined its two syntypes, poorly mounted on a slide, of which only parts of the four antennae and a slightly damaged fore wing remain (Triapitsyn et al. 2020). They concluded that this species was better considered a nomen dubium until fresh specimens could be collected from the same host plant in or near the type locality. In July 2019, an effort was made to re-collect O. californicus from foothill (or gray) pine, Pinus sabiniana (Pinaceae), in the Oakhurst area of Madera County, California, USA, where this pine is abundant, but no specimens were captured. At the same time, a very similar insect was collected from sentinel eggs of the invasive stink bug Bagrada hilaris (Burmeister) in Riverside, California. This insect was cultured in the laboratory as part of a B. hilaris biological control program. Due to the poor preservation of the type specimens and in the absence of genetic evidence, it was impossible to positively and properly attribute specimens of this newly collected parasitoid to O. californicus. Therefore, to provide a much needed scientific name for this native egg parasitoid, it was described as Ooencyrtus lucidus Triapitsyn & Ganjisaffar in Triapitsyn et al. (2020). The two nominal species were separated based on minor differences in the proportions of the scape, pedicel, and first funicular segment of the female antenna (Triapitsyn et al. 2020). John S. Noyes, world expert on Encyrtidae and one of the reviewers of Triapitsyn et al. (2020), disagreed with the erection of O. lucidus as a new taxon based on the morphological similarities of the female antenna with that of O. californicus, so the description was published with the understanding that the two might be conspecific. But to settle this one way or another new specimens of O. californicus had to be collected to allow morphological and molecular analyses.
An extraordinary new fluvial bdelloid rotifer, Coronistomus impossibilis gen. nov., sp. nov., with adaptations for turbulent flow (Rotifera: Bdelloidea: Coronistomidae fam. nov.)
Authors: ÖRSTAN AYDIN
Published: April 2021

A new bdelloid rotifer, Coronistomus impossibilis gen. nov., sp. nov. is described from the Hawlings River in Maryland, USA. The new species is a non-swimming sediment dweller that exceeds 550 µm in body length. Its corona is a weakly bilobed ciliated field on the ventral side of the head with lateral borders continuing into mouth. The species has ramate trophi that have on each half three widely spaced major teeth with two interproximal teeth. The foot lacks spurs and ends with a pair of long, thick ventral toes and a medially positioned caudal appendage. The new species lives in microhabitats exposed to turbulent flow and its morphological idiosyncrasies are interpreted as adaptations to reduce the likelihood of getting dislodged by the water. Although the corona morphology and the caudal appendage of the new species are similar to the corresponding traits of some of the species in the family Philodinavidae, the structure of its nonprotrusible trophi and its possession of only two toes (as opposed to four) separate it from all other members of the Philodinavidae. Therefore, a new family, Coronistomidae fam. nov., is erected for the new genus Coronistomus.
Morphological remarks on Adelphydraena amazonica Perkins & Ribera, 2020 and new records of two other Hydraenidae from Brazil (Coleoptera)
Authors: BENETTI CESAR J. , VALLADARES LUIS F. , DELGADO JUAN A. , HAMADA NEUSA
Published: April 2021

Undescribed morphological features of Adelphydraena amazonica Perkins & Ribera, 2020 are provided based on material collected in the type locality (Amazonas State, northern Brazil). Aedeagus, male sternite X, last female abdominal segments and spermatheca are illustrated and described for the first time. Habitat information on the type locality is also included. New records on two Brazilian Hydraenidae species are provided.
Nomenclatural notes for some Australian Erotylinae (Coleoptera: Erotylidae)
Authors: SKELLEY PAUL E. , LESCHEN RICHARD A. B. , LIU ZHENHUA
Published: April 2021

In the subfamily Erotylinae (Coleoptera: Erotylidae), several nomenclatural concerns in the Australian fauna are corrected for upcoming publications. Spelling and attribution of the genus “Aulacochilus” is discussed and is correctly cited as Aulacocheilus Dejean, 1836. The species Episcaphula tetrastica Lea, 1921, becomes Aulacocheilus leai (Mader, 1934), new combination.                Through a previous synonymy of Tritoma australiae Lea, 1922 with Hedista tricolor Weise, 1927, and the subsequent transfer of T. australiae into Spondotriplax Crotch, 1876, the genus Hedista Weise, 1927 is recognized as a synonym of Spondotriplax Crotch, 1876, new synonymy.                Cosmoscaphula Heller, 1920, a subgenus of Episcaphula Crotch, 1876, is discussed. The type species, E. (C.) tamburinea Heller, 1920, was found to have two new synonyms: Episcaphula (Cosmoscaphula) clatrata Heller, 1920 and Episcaphula rufolineata Wilson, 1921. A lectotype is here designated for E. (C.) tamburinea Heller, 1920.                Two genus-species combinations used in museum and internet-based lists have not been formally published. They are discussed, illustrated, and officially proposed here: Hoplepiscapha laticollis (Carter, 1908) and Neothallis bizonata (Macleay, 1887), new combinations.
Posttransplantation MRD monitoring in patients with AML by next-generation sequencing using DTA and non-DTA mutations
Authors: Heuser Michael , Heida Bennet , Büttner Konstantin , Wienecke Clara Philine , Teich Katrin , Funke Carolin , Brandes Maximilian , Klement Piroska , Liebich Alessandro , Wichmann Martin , Neziri Blerina , Chaturvedi Anuhar , Kloos Arnold , Mintzas Konstantinos , Gaidzik Verena I. , Paschka Peter , Bullinger Lars , Fiedler Walter , Heim Albert , Puppe Wolfram , Krauter Jürgen , Döhner Konstanze , Döhner Hartmut , Ganser Arnold , Stadler Michael , Hambach Lothar , Gabdoulline Razif , Thol Felicitas
Published: April 2021

Next-generation sequencing (NGS)-based measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring in patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is widely applicable and prognostic prior to allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (alloHCT). We evaluated the prognostic role of clonal hematopoiesis–associated DNMT3A, TET2, and ASXL1 (DTA) and non-DTA mutations for MRD monitoring post-alloHCT to refine MRD marker selection. Of 154 patients with AML, 138 (90%) had at least one mutation at diagnosis, which were retrospectively monitored by amplicon-based error-corrected NGS on day 90 and/or day 180 post-alloHCT. MRD was detected in 34 patients on day 90 and/or day 180 (25%). The rate of MRD positivity was similar when DTA and non-DTA mutations were considered separately (17.6% vs 19.8%). DTA mutations had no prognostic impact on cumulative incidence of relapse, relapse-free survival, or overall survival in our study and were removed from further analysis. In the remaining 131 patients with at least 1 non-DTA mutation, clinical and transplantation-associated characteristics were similarly distributed between MRD-positive and MRD-negative patients. In multivariate analysis, MRD positivity was an independent adverse predictor of cumulative incidence of relapse, relapse-free survival, and overall survival but not of nonrelapse mortality. The prognostic effect was independent of different cutoffs (above limit of detection, 0.1% and 1% variant allele frequency). MRD log-reduction between diagnosis and post-alloHCT assessment had no prognostic value. MRD status post-alloHCT had the strongest impact in patients who were MRD positive prior to alloHCT. In conclusion, non-DTA mutations are prognostic NGS-MRD markers post-alloHCT, whereas the prognostic role of DTA mutations in the posttransplant setting remains open.
Role of IVUS in the rectification of angiographically judged ramus intermedius and its clinical significance
Authors: Gong Xue , Huang Zheyong , Sun Zhonghan , Wang Qibing , Qian Juying , Ge Lei , Ge Junbo
Published: April 2021

Background

Due to the technical limitations of coronary artery angiography (CAG), ramus intermedius (RI) is sometimes difficult to distinguish from a high-origin obtuse marginal branch or a high-origin diagonal branch. This study sought to investigate the role of intravascular ultrasonography (IVUS) in the rectification of angiographically judged RI.

Methods

This study retrospectively analyzed 165 patients who were reported to have an RI based on CAG and underwent IVUS implementation from 02/01/2009 to 31/12/2019 in Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University. Taking IVUS as the gold standard, we calculated the accuracy of RI identification by CAG and evaluated the impact of RI on revascularization strategy.

Results

Among the 165 patients, 89 patients (54%) were demonstrated to have an RI on IVUS (IVUS-RI), 32 patients (19%) were identified to have a high-origin diagonal branch on IVUS (IVUS-h-D), and 44 patients (27%) had an actual high-origin obtuse marginal artery on IVUS (IVUS-h-OM). Among 84 patients who underwent one-stent crossover stenting because of left main furcation lesions (48 patients in the IVUS-RI group, 12 patients in the IVUS-h-D group, and 24 in the IVUS-h-OM group), 14.6% of patients in the IVUS-RI group, 33.3% in the IVUS-h-D group and 0% in the IVUS-h-OM group had CAG-RI compromise (P = 0.02), which was defined as severe stenosis of the RI ostium (> 75%) or significant RI flow impairment (TIMI < 3).

Conclusions

Only 54% of CAG-RIs were confirmed by IVUS, which indicates the necessity of preintervention IVUS to distinguish real RIs from other branches in LM furcation lesions.
Impact of donor age on liver transplant outcomes in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma: analysis of the SRTR database
Authors: Zhou Jie , Huang Zhichao , Chen Zheng , Xu Fangshen , Tong Rongliang , Zheng Shusen
Published: April 2021

Background

Donor age is an important predictor for liver transplant recipients. Studies have not fully explored its impact on transplant outcomes in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients as well as its involvement in tumor recurrence.

Methods

HCC patients who received liver transplants during 2010–2017 from the Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients database were included. The recipients were divided into four groups based on donor age: I (≤ 34 years), II (35–49 years), III (50–64 years), and IV (≥ 65 years). Transplant outcomes, including the overall survival (OS), tumor recurrence, and risks, were evaluated.

Results

A total of 13,276 HCC recipients were included in this study. Statistical significant differences were observed in OS among the four groups. The best 5-year survival was 76.0% in group I, followed by 73.5% in group II, 72.8% in group III, and 69.2% in group IV (P < 0.001). However, the liver-specific survival did not differ among these groups (P = 0.260). Donor age was found to be the independent predictor of OS after adjusting for other variables (P < 0.001, ref. group I; 1.087 (0.979–1.208) for group II, P = 0.119; 1.124 (1.015–1.246) for group III, P = 0.025; 1.395 (1.215–1.602) for group IV, P < 0.001). In subgroup analysis, OS was significantly different in recipients with hepatitis C virus (HCV), but there was no significant difference for recipients with hepatitis B virus (HBV), alcoholic liver diseases and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The post-transplant cumulative tumor recurrence rates were similar among the four groups (P = 0.382).

Conclusions

Older donor age was associated with decreased OS but not liver-specific survival as well as post-transplant tumor recurrence in HCC recipients. Donor age also had different effects in patients with different underlying liver diseases.
Survival of colorectal cancer patients in Brunei Darussalam: comparison between 2002–09 and 2010–17
Authors: Lee Shirley H. F. , Abdul Rahman Hanif , Abidin Nadiah , Ong Sok King , Leong Elvynna , Naing Lin
Published: April 2021

Background

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in men and women in Brunei Darussalam in 2017, posing a major burden on society.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study (n = 1035 patients diagnosed with CRC in Brunei Darussalam from 1st January 2002 until 31st December 2017) aims to compare the overall survival rates of CRC patients (2002–2017), to compare survival rates between two study periods (2002–2009 and 2010–2017) and to identify prognostic factors of CRC. Kaplan-Meier estimator and log-rank tests were performed to analyse the overall survival rates of CRC patients. Multiple Cox regression was performed to determine the prognostic factors of CRC with adjusted hazard ratios (Adj. HRs) reported.

Results

The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates of CRC patients are 78.6, 62.5, and 56.0% respectively from 2002 to 2017. The 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of CRC patients for 2002–2009 are 82.2, 69.6, and 64.7%; 77.0, 59.1, and 51.3% for 2010–2017 respectively. A significant difference in CRC patients’ survival rate was observed between the two study periods, age groups, ethnic groups, cancer stages, and sites of cancer (p < 0.05). The Adjusted Hazard Ratios (Adj. HRs) were significantly higher in the 2010–17 period (Adj. HR = 1.78,p < 0.001), older age group ( ≥ 60 years) (Adj. HR = 1.93,p = 0.005), distant cancer (Adj. HR = 4.69,p < 0.010), tumor at transverse colon and splenic flexure of colon (Adj. HR = 2.44,p = 0.009), and lower in the Chinese(Adj. HR = 0.63,p = 0.003).

Conclusion

This study highlights the lower survival rates of CRC patients in 2010–2017, Malays, older patients, distant cancer, and tumors located at the latter half of the proximal colon (transverse colon), and predominantly LCRC (splenic flexure, descending colon, sigmoid colon, overlapping lesion colon and colon (NOS), as well as the rectosigmoid junction and rectum (NOS)). Age, ethnicity, cancer stage, and tumor location are significant prognostic factors for CRC. These findings underscore the importance of public health policies and programmes to enhance awareness on CRC from screening to developing strategies for early detection and management, to reduce CRC-associated mortality.
Updated analysis of pediatric clinical studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov, 2008–2019
Authors: Zhong Yang , Zhang Xingyu , Zhou Lijun , Li Lei , Zhang Tao
Published: April 2021

Background

Since the national clinical trials registry (ClinicalTrials.gov) launched in February 2000, more than 360,000 research studies in the United States and over 200 countries have registered. As the characteristics of pediatric clinical studies keep changing over time and the results-reporting mechanism is under evolving, to know about the relevant updates of data elements and the effect of policies on the quality of reporting results is significant.

Methods

In this research, 53,060 clinical studies related to children registered from January 2008 to December 2019 were downloaded from ClinicalTrials.gov on August 1st, 2020. Different types of studies and critical categorical variables were identified, based on which, Cochran-Armitage test was performed to explore temporal trend of study characteristics and common pediatric clinical conditions in four time subsets. Further, to examine heterogeneity among subgroups (funding sources, funding sites, pediatric clinical conditions,etc), chi-squared test was applied.

Results

A total of 36,136 clinical trials and 16,692 observational studies were identified during the study period. The pediatric clinical trials increased from 7,029 (January 2008–December 2010) to 11,738 (January 2017–December 2019). The number of missing data has declined, with the maximum extent decline from 3.7 to 0.0% (Z = − 15.90, p <  0.001). Drug trials decreased from 48.8 to 28.9% (Z = − 24.68, p <  0.001). Behavioral trials, on the other hand, increased from 12.6 to 20.4% (Z = 12.28, p <  0.001). Most pediatric clinical trials were small-scale (58.9% enrolling 1–100 participants), single-site (61.4%) and funded neither by industry nor by the NIH (59.2%). The proportion of reporting study results varied by study type (χ2 = 1,256.8, p <  0.001), lead sponsor (χ2 = 4,545.6, p <  0.001), enrollment (χ2 = 29.4, p <  0.001) and trial phase (χ2 = 218.8, p <  0.001).

Conclusion

Pediatric clinical studies registered in ClinicalTrials.gov were dominated by small-scale interventional trials, containing significant heterogeneity in funding sources, funding sites, pediatric clinical conditions and study characteristics. Although the results database has evolved in the past decade, efforts to strengthen the practice of systematic reporting must be continued.
Prevalence of dental caries and associated factors among school-aged children in Tripoli, Libya: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alraqiq Hosam , Eddali Ahmid , Boufis Reema
Published: April 2021

Background

In many developing countries, the prevalence of dental caries has increased due to lifestyle changes, lack of preventive services, and inadequate access to dental care. In Arab countries, the increased prevalence of caries has correlated with economic growth over the past decades, resulting in greater access to unhealthy foods and higher consumption of sugar, particularly among children. However, few studies have assessed caries prevalence among pediatric populations in Arab countries. The objective of this study was to assess the prevalence of dental caries and factors associated with caries among children in Tripoli, Libya.

Methods

This cross-sectional study included a convenience sample of 1934 children in first grade (age 6–7 years, n = 1000) and seventh grade (age 11–12 years, n = 934). Four health centers in Tripoli were selected for screening based on location and participation in school-entry health examinations. Data were collected through self-administered parent surveys and visual dental screenings by trained examiners from September 24 to October 15, 2019. The survey comprised questions about socioeconomic characteristics and oral health behaviors, including toothbrushing, sugar consumption, and dental care history. During screenings, untreated decay, missing teeth, and filled teeth (DMFT or dmft) were recorded. Prevalence of tooth decay was calculated as the proportion of children with high DMFT/dmft scores. Binary logistic and negative binomial regression analyses (with significance at p ≤ 0.05) were used to assess factors associated with caries.

Results

Among 1000 first-grade children, 78.0% had decay in their primary teeth, with a mean dmft of 3.7. Among 934 seventh-grade children, 48.2% had caries in their permanent teeth, with a mean DMFT of 1.7. The most significant factors associated with caries prevalence were socioeconomic, such as screening site (first grade, p = 0.02; seventh grade, p < 0.001) and maternal employment (seventh grade, p = 0.02), and behavioral, such as toothbrushing duration (seventh grade, p = 0.01), past dental treatment (both grades, p < 0.001), and past emergency visit (both grades, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Caries prevalence was associated with several behavioral and socioeconomic factors, including screening site, maternal employment, toothbrushing duration, past dental treatment, and past emergency visit. Efforts should be made to address these factors to minimize barriers and improve oral health behavior and care utilization. These findings can be used to evaluate current public health initiatives and inform future planning.
An exploration of the oral health beliefs and behaviors of people living with HIV in Mangalore, India: a qualitative study
Authors: Rodrigues Anisha , Hegde Vijaya , Hegde Adarsh V. , Shastri Suresh G. , Ravikumar D. N. , Rodrigues Rashmi
Published: April 2021

Introduction

People living with HIV (PLWHIV) have increased oral healthcare needs due to an increase in the prevalence of oral and dental diseases. Their oral health is influenced by psychosocial, behavioral and biologic factors. The aim of this study was to explore and obtain a deeper understanding of the oral health beliefs and behaviors of PLWHIV that could potentially affect their oral health.

Methods

We have used the Health Belief Model (HBM) and qualitative methods using in-depth interviews with 16 PLWHIV. Content analysis of the transcribed data was done. The data was grouped under the constructs of the HBM.

Findings

The perceived susceptibility to oral diseases and awareness on the importance of good oral health was low. Regular tooth brushing and traditional methods for oral hygiene maintenance were considered beneficial. Regular dental visits were not considered important. Psychosocial issues, time and financial constraints were the barriers. Participants believed that information on oral health should be provided by the health providers in hospitals and dental clinics. 

Conclusion

The findings on the oral health beliefs and behaviors support the need for education on oral health and preventive healthcare practices among PLWHIV. Oral health promotion should include behavioral change as one of its components.
Myocardial strain analysis using cardiac magnetic resonance in patients with calpainopathy
Authors: Quick Silvio , Winkler Max , Speiser Uwe , Ibrahim Karim , Schäfer Jochen , Linke Axel , Zhang Kun , Christoph Marian , Heidrich Felix M.
Published: April 2021

Background

Limb–girdle muscular dystrophy (LGMD) is a genetically and clinically heterogeneous group of rare muscular dystrophies. Subtype 2A (LGMD2A) also known as “calpainopathy” is an inherited autosomal recessive gene defect. Cardiac dysfunction is common in several forms of LGMD. Cardiac involvement in LGMD2A, however, is not clear. The aim of this study was to perform cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR)-based strain analysis in LGMD2A patients, as this is a diagnostic parameter of subclinical cardiac involvement and a powerful independent predictor of mortality. We conducted the largest prospective cardiac magnetic resonance study to date, including 11 genetically verified LGMD2A patients and 11 age- and sex-matched control subjects and performed CMR-based strain analysis of the left and right ventricles.

Results

Left and right global longitudinal strain (GLS) were not significantly different between the two groups and within normal reference ranges (left ventricle: control − 21.8 (5.1) % vs. patients − 22.3 (3.2) %, p = 0.38; right ventricle: control − 26.3 (7.2) % vs. patients − 26.8 (5.8) %, p = 0.85). Also, global circumferential and radial strains did not significantly differ between the two groups (p = 0.95 and p = 0.86, respectively). LGMD2A patients did not show relevant amounts of late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) or malignant ventricular arrhythmias.

Conclusions

No evidence of even subtle cardiac dysfunction is evident form CMR-based strain analysis in LGMD2A patients. Malignant ventricular arrhythmias were not detected. Thus, in case of non-pathological initial echocardiographic and electrocardiographic examination, a less frequent or even no cardiac follow-up may be acceptable in these patients. However, if there are signs and symptoms that suggest an underlying cardiac condition (e.g. palpitations, angina, shortness of breath), this approach needs to be individualized to account for the unknown.
KLF5-induced BBOX1-AS1 contributes to cell malignant phenotypes in non-small cell lung cancer via sponging miR-27a-5p to up-regulate MELK and activate FAK signaling pathway
Authors: Shi Jiang , Yang Chao , An Jinlu , Hao Dexun , Liu Cong , Liu Jumin , Sun Jing , Jiang Junguang
Published: April 2021

Background

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a major histological subtype of lung cancer with high mortality and morbidity. A substantial amount of evidence demonstrates long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) as critical regulators in tumorigeneis and malignant progression of human cancers. The oncogenic role of BBOX1 anti-sense RNA 1 (BBOX1-AS1) has been reported in several tumors. As yet, the potential functions and mechanisms of BBOX1-AS1 in NSCLC are obscure.

Methods

The gene and protein expression was detected by qRT-PCR and western blot. Cell function was determined by CCK-8, colony forming, would healing and transwell assays. Bioinformatics tools, ChIP assays, dual luciferase reporters system and RNA pull-down experiments were used to examine the interaction between molecules. Subcutaneous tumor models in nude mice were established to investigate in vivo NSCLC cell behavior.

Results

BBOX1-AS1 was highly expressed in NSCLC tissues and cells. High BBOX1-AS1 expression was associated with worse clinical parameters and poor prognosis. BBOX1-AS1 up-regulation was induced by transcription factor KLF5. BBOX1-AS1 deficiency resulted in an inhibition of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT in vitro. Also, knockdown of BBOX1-AS1 suppressed NSCLC xenograft tumor growth in mice in vivo. Mechanistically, BBOX1-AS1 acted act as a competetive “sponge” of miR-27a-5p to promote maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) expression and activate FAK signaling. miR-27a-5p was confirmed as a tumor suppressor in NSCLC. Moreover, BBOX1-AS1-induced increase of cell proliferation, migration, invasion and EMT was greatly reversed due to the overexpression of miR-27a-5p. In addition, the suppressive effect of NSCLC progression owing to BBOX1-AS1 depletion was abated by the up-regulation of MELK. Consistently, BBOX1-AS1-mediated carcinogenicity was attenuated in NSCLC after treatment with a specific MELK inhibitor OTSSP167.

Conclusions

KLF5-induced BBOX1-AS1 exerts tumor-promotive roles in NSCLC via sponging miR-27a-5p to activate MELK/FAK signaling, providing the possibility of employing BBOX1-AS1 as a therapeutic target for NSCLC patients.
Pathogenicity of Pakistani isolates of Steinernema bifurcatum and S. affine (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae) in management of stored grain pests Lasioderma serricorne and Tribolium castaneum (Coleoptera: Ptinidae, Tenebrionidae)
Authors: Khanum Tabassum Ara , Javed Salma
Published: April 2021

Background

Stored grain products suffer a considerable economic loss due to insect infestations. The resistance of pests to insecticide, and residues on crops are produced by the application of insecticide. Nowadays, incremental necessity has been occurred to find out alternatives to chemicals. As biological control agents, entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) attract attention increasingly in the research area recently.

Results

The aim of the study was to evaluate the pathogenicity of Pakistani isolates Steinernema bifurcatum and S. affine against the stored grain pests, Tribolium castaneum and Lasioderma serricorne, under laboratory conditions. Suspensions of nematodes were applied at 4 different concentrations 0, 50, 100, and 200 IJs/ml and 3 variable temperatures 15, 30, and 45°C. Pathogenicity rate was recorded after 48 h of application. The larval stage is found more susceptible than the adult. At 200 IJs, S. bifurcatum showed high mortality of L. serricorne larva (92%) and T. castaneum larva (93%), whereas S. affine showed 90 and 95% mortality of L. serricorne and T. castaneum larva, respectively, at 200 IJs. The results revealed that both species of EPN were able to control and reproduce on L. serricorne and T. castaneum. Maximum mortality was recorded at 45 °C from S. bifurcatum whereas S. affine at 15 °C.

Conclusions

Therefore, S. bifurcatum and S. affine could be suggested as a biological control agent for hot and cold climatic zones, respectively.
Safety planning-type interventions for suicide prevention: meta-analysis
Authors: Nuij Chani , van Ballegooijen Wouter , de Beurs Derek , Juniar Dilfa , Erlangsen Annette , Portzky Gwendolyn , O'Connor Rory C. , Smit Johannes H. , Kerkhof Ad , Riper Heleen
Published: April 2021

Background

Safety planning-type interventions (SPTIs) for patients at risk of suicide are often used in clinical practice, but it is unclear whether these interventions are effective.

Aims

This article reports on a meta-analysis of studies that have evaluated the effectiveness of SPTIs in reducing suicidal behaviour and ideation.

Method

We searched Medline, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Web of Science and Scopus from their inception to 9 December 2019, for studies that compared an SPTI with a control condition and had suicidal behaviour or ideation as outcomes. Two researchers independently extracted the data. To assess suicidal behaviour, we used a random-effects model of relative risk based on a pooled measure of suicidal behaviour. For suicidal ideation, we calculated effect sizes with Hedges’ g. The study was registered at PROSPERO (registration number CRD42020129185).

Results

Of 1816 unique abstracts screened, 6 studies with 3536 participants were eligible for analysis. The relative risk of suicidal behaviour among patients who received an SPTI compared with control was 0.570 (95% CI 0.408–0.795, P = 0.001; number needed to treat, 16). No significant effect was found for suicidal ideation.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first study to report a meta-analysis on SPTIs for suicide prevention. Results support the use of SPTIs to help preventing suicidal behaviour and the inclusion of SPTIs in clinical guidelines for suicide prevention. We found no evidence for an effect of SPTIs on suicidal ideation, and other interventions may be needed for this purpose.
Providing Appropriate Pancreatic Cancer Care for People Experiencing Homelessness: A Surgical Perspective
Authors: Louie Anna D. , Nwaiwu Chibueze A. , Rozenberg Julia , Banerjee Debolina , Lee Gillian J. , Senthoor Dewahar , Miner Thomas J.
Published: April 2021

People experiencing homelessness are particularly vulnerable when diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Patients with lower socioeconomic status have worse outcomes from pancreatic cancer as the result of disparities in access to treatment and barriers to navigation of the health care system. Patients with lower socioeconomic status, or who are vulnerably housed, are less likely to receive surgical treatment even when it is recommended by National Comprehensive Cancer Network guidelines. This disparity in access to surgical care explains much of the gap in pancreatic cancer outcomes. There are many factors that contribute to this disparity in surgical management of pancreatic cancer in people experiencing homelessness. These include a lack of reliable transportation, feeling unwelcome in the medical setting, a lack of primary care and health insurance, and implicit biases of health care providers, including racial bias. Solutions that focus on rectifying these problems include utilizing patient navigators, addressing implicit biases of all health care providers and staff, creating an environment that caters to the needs of patients experiencing homelessness, and improving their access to insurance and regional support networks. Implementing these potential solutions all the way from the individual provider to national safety nets could improve outcomes for patients with pancreatic cancer who are experiencing homelessness.
Creating Intimacy and Curating Borders
Authors: El Khoury Tania
Published: April 2021

Live artist Tania el Khoury reflects on the impact borders have had on her art practice since 2005. She references her own As Far as My Fingertips Take Me (2016, with Basel Zaraa) and Nothing to Declare (2013, with Dictaphone Group) and examines in greater depth her work Cultural Exchange Rate, which was presented at the Fisher Center at Bard’s 2019 lab Biennial, Where No Wall Remains. El Khoury was a cocurator of the biennial and offers additional reflections on that process, which was her first experience curating an arts festival.
Do People Respond to the Mortgage Interest Deduction? Quasi-Experimental Evidence from Denmark
Authors: Gruber Jonathan , Jensen Amalie , Kleven Henrik
Published: April 2021

Using a major reform that scaled back the mortgage interest deduction for middle- and high-income households in Denmark, we study how tax subsidies affect housing decisions. We present four main findings. First, the mortgage deduction has a precisely estimated zero effect on homeownership for high- and middle-income households. Second, the mortgage deduction has a clear effect on housing demand at the intensive margin, inducing homeowners to buy larger and more expensive houses. Third, the deduction has sizeable effects on household financial decisions, inducing them to increase indebtedness. Finally, the reduction of the tax subsidy lowered equilibrium house prices. (JEL G21, G51, H24, K34, R21, R31)
Does the Individual Mandate Affect Insurance Coverage? Evidence from Tax Returns
Authors: Lurie Ithai Z. , Sacks Daniel W. , Heim Bradley
Published: April 2021

We estimate the effect of the ACA’s individual mandate on insurance coverage using regression discontinuity and regression kink designs with tax return data. We have four key results. First, the actual penalty paid per uninsured month is less than half the statutory amount. Second, nonetheless, we find visually clear and statistically signifi-cant responses to both extensive margin exposure to the mandate and to marginal increases in the mandate penalty. Third, we find substantial heterogeneity in who responds; men are especially responsive. Fourth, our estimates imply fairly small quantitative responses to the individual mandate, especially in the Health Insurance Exchanges. (JEL G22, H24, H51, I13, I18)
Effective dose estimation in cone-beam computed tomography for dental use by Monte-Carlo simulation optimizing calculation numbers using a step-and-shoot method
Authors: Ozaki Yoshihiro , Watanabe Hiroshi , Kurabayashi Tohru
Published: April 2021

Objective:

The objective of this study was to perform effective dose estimation in cone-beam CT for dental use (CBCT) using a Monte-Carlo simulation employing a step-and-shoot method as well as to determine the optimal number of steps.

Methods:

We simulated 3DX Accuitomo FPD8 as a CBCT model and estimated the effective doses of a large and a small field of view (FOV) examination against the virtual Rando phantom using a particle and heavy ion transport code system. We confirmed the results compared to those from a thermo-luminescence dosemeter (TLD) system in a real phantom and investigated how the reduced angle calculations could be accepted.

Results:

The effective doses of both FOVs estimated with each one degree were almost the same as those estimated from the TLD measurements. Considering the effective doses and the itemized organ doses, simulation with 5° and 10° is acceptable for the large and small FOV, respectively. We tried to compare an effective dose with a large FOV as well as with multiple small FOVs covering the corresponding area and found that the effective dose from six small FOVs was approximately 1.2 times higher than that of the large FOVs.

Conclusion:

We successfully performed a Monte-Carlo simulation using a step-and-shoot method and estimated the effective dose in CBCT. Our findings indicate that simulation with 5° or 10° is acceptable based on the FOV size, while a small multiple FOV scan is recommended from a radiation protection viewpoint.
BETWEEN REMEMBERING AND FORGETTING - PROCESSES OF CHANGING TOPICALITY OF POLISH HERITAGE IN CONTEMPORARY LITHUANIA
Authors: Pilarczyk-Palaitis Anna Ewa
Published: April 2021

The last century of Lithuanian history and the resulting dynamics of political and demographic change have radically transformed the role, meaning and forms of interpretation of Polish heritage in Lithuania. The purpose of the article is to observe the main directions of changes taking place within the cultural memory of Poles living in Lithuania - the largest national minority group in Lithuania. The report presents the processes of changing topicality of Polish heritage in Lithuania in three main areas of active cultural memory: history, art and religion. The first area is represented by objects related to Józef Piłsudski, the second one by the Pohulanka Theatre (now the Russian Drama Theatre) in Vilnius and objects related to Adam Mickiewicz, and the third one by objects related to the cult of Divine Mercy.The article analyses official communication of these memory objects (published by the objects’ owners or official managers) as well as memory practices and rituals carried out in these objects and described on social media and in news articles published in Lithuania in 2017-2019. Observing various types of storage media, in this case, some selected objects of cultural heritage and rituals and texts accompanying them, it is possible to notice processes of variability, exchange, erasing, redefining memory and hence the dynamics of changes in the Polish collective identity in modern Lithuania.The analysis of the formal ritualization and communication of these objects has enabled noticing several interesting trends, above all an occurrence of the phenomenon of polylogue of narratives and the process of universalization of Polish heritage in Lithuania and thus Lithuanian and Polish collective memory approaching each other.The following analysis is valuable as a starting point for reflection on the transformation of the ethnic identity of Poles in Lithuania. The article is one of the first attempts to show the processes of Lithuanian Poles identity transformations through observations of their collective memory dimension. The article presents the main trends and indicates the further potential research directions.
The Granular Nature of Large Institutional Investors
Authors: Ben-David Itzhak , Franzoni Francesco , Moussawi Rabih , Sedunov John
Published: April 2021

Large institutional investors own an increasing share of the equity markets in the United States. The implications of this development for financial markets are still unclear. The paper presents novel empirical evidence that ownership by large institutions predicts higher volatility and greater noise in stock prices as well as greater fragility in times of crisis. When studying the channel, we find that large institutional investors exhibit traits of granularity (i.e., subunits within a firm display correlated behavior), which reduces diversification of idiosyncratic shocks. Thus, large institutions trade larger volumes and induce greater price impact.

This paper was accepted by David Simchi-Levi, finance.
Association of CXCR4 mRNA Expression with Clinicopathological Aspects of Invasive Breast Carcinoma
Authors: Setyawan Novan Adi , Heriyanto Didik Setyo , Yoshuantari Naomi , Irianiwati Irianiwati
Published: April 2021

ABSTRACT

 

Background

Breast cancer is the most common malignancy in women of which majority histological type is Invasive (Ductal) Carcinoma of No Special Type (NST). The prognosis in breast carcinoma is influenced by many factors such as age, tumor size, degree of histology, and lymph node metastasis. Another factor in the development and metastasis of breast cancer is the chemokine receptor CXCR4 and its ligand, CXCL12. Studies state that the expression of CXCR4 in Breast Invasive Carcinoma associated with clinicopathologic aspects remain unclear. This study aims to determine differences in the level of CXCR4 mRNA expression between clinicopathologic aspects in breast carcinoma..

Method

A total of 50 samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissues diagnosed as invasive breast carcinoma (NST) are used in this study. Samples are divided into groups, namely with and without lymph node metastasis, age <45 years and> 45 years, small and large size, low grade and high grade. CXCR4 mRNA expression is quantitatively examined by qRT-PCR. CXCR4 mRNA expression differences between various clinicopathologic aspects were analyzed by One-Way ANOVA

Result

Of the 50 samples, 26 samples (52%) revealed increased expression of CXCR4 mRNA compared to normal tissue. There were no significant differences in mRNA expression of  CXCR4 between various prognostic factors (p> 0.05) such as the status of lymph node metastasis, histologic grading, size, and age. However, the expression of CXCR4 mRNA is increased in breast carcinoma when compared to normal breast tissue. Nonetheless the level of CXCR4 expression alone is not associated to clinicopathologic aspects in invasive breast carcinoma.

Conclusion

CXCR4 mRNA expression did not differ significantly between the various clinicopathological aspects of invasive breast carcinoma.

 

Keyword: invasive breast carcinoma, mRNA of CXCR4, Clinicopathologic aspects

 
Efek Kardioprotektif Ekstrak Daun Kenikir (Cosmos Caudatus Kunth) pada Tikus Putih (Rattus novergicus) Model Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sholikah Tri Agusti , Wulandari Sri , Kusuma Taufik Ridwan Hadi , Muthmainah Muthmainah
Published: April 2021

Latar Belakang : Diabetes mellitus (DM) merupakan salah satu penyakit degeneratif yang dapat menyebabkan komplikasi serius pada berbagai organ tubuh termasuk pada jantung. Oleh karena itu, DM harus diterapi agar tidak meningkatkan morbiditas dan mortalitas. Salah terapi yang dapat digunakan adalah tanaman herbal daun kenikir (Cosmos Caudatus Kunth). Sayuran ini sering dikonsumsi dan mengandung flavonoid yang cukup tinggi. Flavonoid berperan sebagai antioksidan yang dapat mengurangi kerusakan berbagai organ termasuk jantung.

Tujuan Penelitian : Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk untuk mengetahui apakah ekstrak daun kenikir mempunyai efek protektif terhadap jantung tikus putih model DM.

Metode : Sampel sebanyak 24 ekor tikus putih (Rattus novergicus) dibagi menjadi 4 kelompok yaitu kelompok kontrol normal (KKn) yang tidak diinduksi streptozotosin-nicotinamid (STZ-NA) intraperitoneal; kelompok kontrol negatif (KK-) yang diinduksi STZ-NA; kelompok perlakuan 1 (KP1) diinduksi STZ-NA dan diberi ekstrak daun kenikir 200 mg/kgBB; kelompok perlakuan 2 (KP2) diinduksi STZ-NA dan diberi ekstrak daun kenikir 400 mg/kgBB. Gambaran histopatologi jantung tikus diperiksa dan dinilai dengan skor derajat kerusakan setelah 28 hari pemberian ekstrak daun kenikir yang selanjutnya dianalisis secara statistik.

Hasil : Terdapat perbedaan derajat kerusakan histopatologi jantung tikus yang signifikan pada semua kelompok perlakuan. KP2 mempunyai derajat kerusakan yang lebih ringan daripada KK- dan KP1.

Kesimpulan : Pemberian ekstrak daun kenikir dapat mencegah derajat kerusakan otot jantung tikus putih model diabetes mellitus.
Ischaemic bowel perforation secondary to a gravid uterus in a patient with treated inflammatory bowel disease and an ileoanal pouch: a case report
Authors: Wasson E , Jones MJ , Fazili N , Burn P , Nagabushanam S , Vickery C , Ryan NAJ
Published: April 2021

The diagnosis of visceral perforation during pregnancy is often delayed and the management complex. A 32-year-old primigravid woman in her second trimester presented with abdominal pain and a pre-existing ileoanal pouch. Initial imaging was negative but later imaging was suggestive of serious pathology. At laparotomy, a caesarean section was performed. Peritonitis was encountered secondary to two discrete perforations in the small bowel separate from her pouch. Histology found an ischaemic perforation secondary to a pressure effect from the gravid uterus. In pregnancy, ileoanal pouches may make the interconnected bowel vulnerable to the pressure effect of the gravid uterus and perforation. Pregnant women with such a surgical history who develop symptoms suggestive of bowel perforation should have rapid imaging and their clinical team should consider early definitive surgical intervention.
Melodías para confirmar, preguntar, sugerir o pedir en español
Authors: Mateo-Ruiz Miguel , Font-Rotchés Dolors
Published: April 2021

En aquest article, descriurem quatre melodies /+interrogatives/ de l'espanyol, les quals han estat obtingudes amb el mètode Anàlisi Melòdica de la Parla (AMP), a partir d'un corpus procedent de tot el territori peninsular i de Canàries, amb la finalitat que es puguin utilitzar en l'aprenentatge de llengües. S'han analitzat un total de 282 enunciats-pregunta, produïts per 197 informants, entre homes i dones d'edats diverses, dels quals s'espera una resposta de sí/no. De cada melodia tipus, es descriuen els seus trets melòdics, s'exemplifica i es detallen els seus usos pragmàtics més rellevants trobats en el corpus. Es constata que aquests enunciats no solament es fan servir per preguntar i obtenir una resposta més o menys coneguda, sinó que molt sovint comporten altres accions intencionals, com convidar, confirmar, suggerir, demanar permís, oferir, expressar cortesia, o, simplement, es tracta d'una pregunta retòrica de la qual no s'espera resposta.
Análisis melódico de los patrones interrogativos de habla espontánea del portugués de Brasil-Estado de São Paulo
Authors: Sena Mendes Raquel
Published: April 2021

Aquest article es deriva de la recerca per a l’obtenció del títol de mestrat i té com a objectiu presentar tres models d’entonació interrogativa del portugués de Brasil de parla espontània de l'estat de São Paulo: (1) inflexió final ascendent (+ 20% ~ + 30%); (2a) inflexió final amb nucli elevat i cos pla; (2b) inflexió final amb nucli elevat i cos ascendent; i (3) inflexió final ascendent-descendent. Per a aquesta determinació, es va utilitzar el mètode descrit i presentat com a protocol per Cantero i Font-Rotchés (2009), Anàlisi Melòdica de la Parla (Melodic Analysis of Speech – MAS).
Dielectric function of vanadium oxide thin films by thermal annealing
Authors: Canillas Adolf , Güell Frank , Arteaga Oriol , Martínez-Alanis Paulina R. , Vergnat Michel , Rinnert Hervé , Garrido Blas
Published: April 2021

The dielectric function of

V
O

x

and

V

2

O

5

thin films is determined with the use of a spectroscopic Mueller matrix ellipsometer from 1.5 to 5.0 eV. The complex dielectric function of the films is calculated using the measured Mueller matrices filtered with the Cloude decomposition.

V
O

x

shows high absorption in the UV region, a Tauc–Lorentz gap around 2.4 eV, and non-vanishing absorption in the visible.

V

2

O

5

shows a high absorption band centered at 2.87 eV, an indirect optical band gap at 1.95 eV, and a direct optical band gap at 2.33 eV. The ellipsometric characterization is supported by Raman, x-ray photoelectron, and photoluminescence spectroscopy.
Optimization of multiscale digital speckle patterns for multiscale deformation measurement using stereo-digital image correlation
Authors: Chen Zhenning , Shao Xinxing , Sun Wei , Zhao Jie , He Xiaoyuan
Published: April 2021

Simultaneous monitoring of multiple fields of view (FOVs) by multiscale stereo-digital image correlation (stereo-DIC) can quantify the deformation of a material when localized phenomena occur within a larger FOV or moving object. In multiscale deformation measurement via stereo-DIC, optimization of the digital speckle patterns (DSPs) is essential to achieve high accuracy and efficiency. This work optimizes and fabricates multispectral DSPs used for multiple scales. First, an optimization of the DSP for two FOVs is achieved using both spatial modulation and specified spectra. A spatially modulated DSP is compared with two spectral DSPs achieved by visible and ultraviolet-excited blue light. Then, a spatially modulated visible DSP fabricated by an ultraviolet printer overlaid with an ultraviolet-excited blue DSP fabricated by a photosensitive seal is designed for multiscale stereo-DIC measurements of three FOVs. Experiments were performed to illustrate the functionality and utility of this multiscale DSP. Such experimental analyses can supply adequate full-field data to validate localized or kinetic mechanical behavior.