bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Worldwide water constraints on attainable irrigated production for major crops
Authors: Droppers Bram , Supit Iwan , van Vliet Michelle TH , Ludwig Fulco
Published: April 2021

In order to achieve worldwide food security, there is a focus on sustainable intensification of crop production. This requires sustainable irrigation water use for irrigated croplands, as irrigation withdrawals are already resulting in groundwater exploitation and unmet ecosystem water requirements. Our study aims to quantify attainable wheat, maize, rice and soybean production on currently irrigated cropland under sustainable water use. Attainable production accounts for increases in nutrient application, while limiting irrigation withdrawals to renewable water availability and without compromising river ecosystem water requirements. Attainable production was quantified using a newly developed two-way coupled hydrological model and crop model. This model framework could comprehensively simulate biophysical processes related to water availability and crop growth under water and nutrient limitations. Our results indicate worldwide crop nitrogen uptake should increase by 20%, to achieve production gap closure. However, worldwide irrigation withdrawals should decrease by more than a third in order to ensure sustainable water use. Under these constraints, a total (all crops) production decrease of 5% was estimated, compared to currently achievable production. Moreover, achievable irrigated crop production in the extensively irrigated croplands of northeastern China, Pakistan and northwestern India would be reduced by up to a third. On the other hand, increases in achievable irrigated crop production may be possible in regions such as southern America, eastern Europe and central Africa. However, in these regions currently only a small fraction of crops is irrigated. Our results imply that intensification on currently irrigated croplands is at odds with sustainable water management, and further locally-oriented research is needed to assess suitable water management options and solutions.
More farms, less specialized landscapes, and higher crop diversity stabilize food supplies
Authors: Egli Lukas , Mehrabi Zia , Seppelt Ralf
Published: April 2021

Theoretical and empirical studies show increased diversity in crops, supply chains, and markets helps stabilize food systems. At the same time global commodity markets and industrial agriculture have driven homogenization of local and regional production systems, and consolidated power in fewer larger specialized farms and distributers. This is a global challenge, with no obvious global solutions. An important question therefore, is how individual countries can build their own resilience through maintaining or increasing diversity within their borders. Here we show, using farm level data from Germany, that spreading production risk by growing the same crops across different farms carries stabilizing benefits by allowing for increased spatiotemporal asynchrony within crops. We also find that increasing asynchrony between the year-to-year production of different crops has stabilizing effects on food supply. Importantly, the benefits of increasing crop diversity are lower in specialized landscapes growing the same crop on large patches. Our results illustrate clear benefits of diversified crops, producers, and agricultural landscapes to buffer supply side shocks, and for incorporation in subsidies and other regulatory measures aimed at stabilizing food systems.
Energy Ecology of Disasters of Various Genesis
Authors: Knaub R V , Ignateva A V
Published: April 2021

In recent decades, the United Nations has come up with a number of new concepts and programs for global, regional and national development. They are characterized by an attempt to consider the global development process as a whole, from all sides — economic, social and natural ones. Practice has revealed a need to integrate a huge variety of ideas about the essence, forms, ways and patterns of the global system development. They are interpreted differently by different groups and forces. However, there is a great interest in integrating the concepts of development, since the progress and well-being of future generations depend on them to a certain extent. In some cases, attention is paid to poorly defined fundamental natural and historical laws that underlie the sustainable development. Without this consideration, it will be difficult to justify the objectivity of the selected criteria. The sustainable development of territories is influenced by various risks, threats and disasters that deteriorate the sustainability and sustainable development of territories. There are no justified criteria for assessing consequences of disasters of different origins, as well as for assessing the sustainable development of territories. In this regard, the paper raises the question of the need to develop a methodology for assessing consequences of disasters of different origins and their effects on the sustainable development of territories.
Research of Water Phase Composition in Zeolites
Authors: Kravtsova O N , Tappyrova N I , Ivanov V A
Published: April 2021

The article presents the results of experimental studies of the content of unfrozen water in the zeolite of the Honguruu deposit of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). The initial moisture content ranged from 6,0 to 22,4 %. To determine the amount of unfrozen water, the method of continuous heating of the sample was used. For the studied samples, the content of unfrozen water in the temperature range from -15 to 0 °C does not depend on the initial humidity. In the range from -25 to -15 °C, jumps in the content of unfrozen water were found.
Ecologizing of Treatment Methods of Natural Waters Containing Dissolved Organic Substances
Authors: Golovin V L , Popova T Y , Bezborodov S A
Published: April 2021

Taking into consideration the operating experience of water treatment facilities, we have made an analysis of hazardous consequences of preliminary chlorination for decoloring of natural waters, we have also examined the mechanisms of application of chlorine-containing substances to organic impurities, which are present in an untreated water. It has been determined that there is a necessity of preliminary water treatment before prechlorination as this procedure ensures the required destruction of complex organic compounds. Moreover, we have explained and justified the principles of preliminary treatment of natural waters in biologically active environment, which will allow eradicating the formation of toxic substances and pathogenic microorganisms.
Application of Geophysical Methods in Landslide Danger Assessment within the Slopes of Kremlin in Nizhny Novgorod
Authors: Romanov V V , Shubina D D , Ivanov A I
Published: April 2021

The article discusses the experience of applying a complex of methods of engineering geophysics (seismic exploration and electrical prospecting) in assessing landslide hazard and the opportunities of their use for engineering protection measures on the slopes of Nizhny Novgorod. The article substantiates the urgency of the problem for the slopes of Nizhny Novgorod, provides an example of research and calculations on a slope area subject to deformation due to the activation of landslide processes. The main features of the landslide formation process study on the slopes of historical natural and technical systems are presented. The experience of using the engineering geophysics methods is summarized and the prospects for their use on the studied slopes are assessed.
An active tunable Fano switch in a plasma-filled superlattice array
Authors: FU Tao , YANG Tianbo , AN Yinbing , LI Qi , DENG Zilan
Published: April 2021

We propose a Fano switch arising from the superlattice array of a plasma-filled quartz tube, which can be tuned and reconfigured by the plasma density in the tube. The generation of the switch depends on a Fano band that is induced by the interference between the Mie resonance in an isolated cylinder and Bragg scattering in a periodic array. The underlying dispersion characteristics reveal that a localized tunable flat band corresponding to the Mie resonance plays an important role in the appearance of the Fano resonance. This active tunable switch can be potentially applied to microwave communications as a single-pole multi-throw switch and to monitor environmental variables that impact the plasma density.
Effects of Telmisartan on Myocardial Protein Profiles in Hypertensive Rats
Authors: Feng Yu , Zhou Man-li , Wang Jian-zhang , Zhang Jia-qi , Qian Shu-le , Jian Wei-xiong
Published: April 2021

Background

To investigate the effects of telmisartan on the protein profiles of the left ventricular myocardium in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR).

Methods

Sixteen SHR were randomly divided into control and telmisartan treatment groups. Rats were treated with sterile water (10 ml/kg) or telmisartan (4.33 mg/kg) by gavage for 12 weeks. Wistar-Kyoto (WKY) rats treated with sterile water (10 ml/kg) as controls. At the end of 12 weeks of control or telmisartan treatment, rats were sacrificed, and hearts were collected for protein preparations, isotope labeling, and mass spectrometric analysis.

Results

In total, there were 23 differentially expressed proteins in the left ventricular myocardium between control and telmisartan treatment groups in SHR. Compared with the telmisartan group, the upregulated proteins in the SHR were dual-specificity mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 3-like, transgelin, and haptoglobin subtype 2. The downregulated proteins in the SHR were as follows: von Willebrand factor (fragment), kininogen 1, small ribonucleoprotein-related protein, fibrinogen beta chain, protein mass 3 (fragment), proteasome 26s, heat shock protein 27-related protein 1, tenascin X, fibronectin subtype 2, transferrin receptor protein, platelets 1, cathepsin L1, complement factor B, isoform CRA_b, fibrinogen isomer, immunoglobulin heavy chain (γ polypeptide), and α 1 antiprotease.

Conclusions

Telmisartan differentially regulates myocardial protein expression in hypertensive rats including heat shock protein 27, fibrinogen, fibronectin, proteasome 26s and transgelin, as well as proteins in biochemical, metabolic, and signal transduction pathways. These changes in protein expression may contribute to the antihypertrophic effects of telmisartan in hypertension.
Implementation and evaluation of an IV room technology-assisted workflow system integrated within the electronic medical record at oncology infusion center pharmacies
Authors: Flanagin Connor M , Little Jeff , Brookins Leslie , Wills Meredith
Published: April 2021

Purpose

To describe the implementation of an IV room technology-assisted workflow (TAWF) system integrated within a health system’s electronic medical record (EMR) and compare the TAWF system’s impact in improving workflow at multiple ambulatory infusion pharmacies.

IV room TAWFs help to standardize intravenous admixture operations while incorporating patient safety measures such as ingredient barcode scanning and image capture. The 4 oncology infusion center pharmacies of a large health system implemented a TAWF system integrated within the health system’s EMR software, transitioning to the new TAWF system from an external TAWF system operating outside of the EMR. Considerable planning was required to determine the hardware and workflow processes needed for the new integrated TAWF system to function within pharmacy IV rooms. Several operational challenges were encountered during the initial implementation phase of the project. Frequent occurrence of system malfunctions during the product imaging step was the largest problem, which was overcome by special hardware and a software upgrade. The project also involved an evaluation of the integrated TAWF system after implementation to ensure the pharmacies maintained operational efficiency and patient safety. The evaluation showed that after an initial transition period, the new technology was able to maintain IV admixture efficiency and safety.

Conclusion

This project and subsequent evaluation showed the operational feasibility, efficiency, and safety of a TAWF integrated within the health system’s EMR software.
A single-center cost analysis assessing a change in vasopressin formulation
Authors: Kelly Courtney E , Miller Christopher , Darko William , Cwikla Greg , Mogle Bryan , Featherly Julianna , Marcinak Rebecca , Probst Luke A , Seabury Robert
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Cost savings achieved at an academic medical center by reformulating the institution’s standard vasopressin infusions to reduce waste are described.

After a retrospective review of vasopressin utilization over a 4-month period revealed that only approximately 40% of dispensed vasopressin units were actually administered to patients, pharmacy leaders determined that the institution’s standard vasopressin concentration for continuous infusions (100 units in 100 mL of sodium chloride 0.9% injection) was resulting in substantial waste, as many infusion preparations were not needed within the 18- to 24-hour expiration window. A concentration of 20 units/100 mL was adopted as the new standard formulation for vasopressin continuous infusions, with use of alternative concentrations allowed on a restricted basis. A pre-post study to assess the impact of the formulation change indicated a 38.7% decrease in vasopressin utilization (from 21,900 to 8,480 units) relative to utilization in a retrospective sample of patients who received vasopressin infusions prior to the formulation change. This reduced utilization equated to a cost decrease of $55,656.20 (as calculated on the basis of 2017 cost estimates) or $77,214.23 (as calculated on the basis of 2019 cost estimates) for the time period collected. It was estimated that the new formulations could yield annual cost savings ranging from $222,625 to $308,857.

Conclusion

To our knowledge, this is the first description of cost savings following a change in formulation of vasopressin for continuous infusions. Other institutions could consider employing a similar approach in addition to the previously reported cost-saving interventions, such as lower vasopressin starting doses and vasopressin restriction policies.
Diffuse alveolar hemorrhage associated with ustekinumab treatment
Authors: Gunasekaran Kulothungan , Shukla Anant , Palanisamy Nageshwari , Singh Rahi Mandeep , Wolff Armand
Published: April 2021

Purpose

A case of diffuse alveolar hemorrhage (DAH) occurring as a reaction to ustekinumab therapy is reported.

After starting ustekinumab for treatment of psoriatric arthritis, a 46-year-old female presented with flu-like symptoms and cough with blood-tinged sputum that had begun 1 week previously. Her initial computed tomography scan of the chest demonstrated bilateral ground-glass opacities. On bronchoscopy, the bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) return became bloodier from sample 1 to samples 2 and 3. Her BAL fluid was more than 90% hemosiderin-laden macrophages, a finding consistent with DAH. We ruled out infectious etiologies and other common vasculitis conditions that can cause DAH. A diagnosis of ustekinumab-induced DAH was made due to a temporal relationship between initiation of the drug and the patient’s presentation and the absence of infection and other alternate diagnosis. Prior case reports including ustekinumab-induced pneumonitis, interstitial lung disease with a granulomatous component, and lupus syndrome have been reported, with this being the first case of DAH in a patient undergoing treatment of psoriatic arthritis.

Conclusion

A 46-year-old woman developed DAH during ustekinumab treatment. Symptoms abated after drug discontinuation and supportive treament. Clinicians must remain mindful of this rare complication of ustekinumab use in order to avoid potential delays in appropriate DAH treatment.
Impact of a pharmacist-led, mHealth-based intervention on tacrolimus trough variability in kidney transplant recipients: A report from the TRANSAFE Rx randomized controlled trial
Authors: Fleming James N , Gebregziabher Mulugeta , Posadas Aurora , Su Zemin , McGillicuddy John W , Taber David J
Published: April 2021

Purpose

Nonadherence is a leading cause of death-censored allograft loss in kidney transplant recipients. Strong associations have tied tacrolimus intrapatient variability (IPV) to degree of nonadherence and high tacrolimus IPV to clinical endpoints such as rejection and allograft loss. Nonadherence is a dynamic, complex problem best targeted by multidimensional interventions, including mobile health (mHealth) technologies.

Methods

This was a secondary planned analysis of a 12-month, parallel, 2-arm, semiblind, 1:1 randomized controlled trial involving 136 adult kidney transplant recipients. The primary aims of the TRANSAFE Rx study were to assess the efficacy of a pharmacist-led, mHealth-based intervention in improving medication safety and health outcomes for kidney transplant recipients as compared to usual care.

Results

Patients were randomized equally to 68 patients per arm. The intervention arm demonstrated a statistically significant decrease in tacrolimus IPV over time as compared to the control arm (P = 0.0133). When analyzing a clinical goal of tacrolimus IPV of less than 30%, the 2 groups were comparable at baseline (P = 0.765), but significantly more patients in the intervention group met this criterion at month 12 (P = 0.033). In multivariable modeling, variables that independently impacted tacrolimus IPV included time, treatment effect, age, and warm ischemic time.

Conclusion

This secondary planned analysis of an mHealth-based, pharmacist-led intervention demonstrated an association between the active intervention in the trial and improved tacrolimus IPV. Further prospective studies are required to confirm the mutability of tacrolimus IPV and impact of reducing tacrolimus IPV on long-term clinical outcomes.
Familial Idiopathic Basal Ganglia Calcification: A Father-Son Dyad Demonstrate Heterogeneity of Presentation and Disease Progression
Authors: Zahniser Evan , Bird Thomas D , Chen Dong-Hui , Hu Shu-Ching , Raskind Wendy H , Trittschuh Emily H
Published: April 2021

Objective

Familial idiopathic basal ganglia calcification (FIBGC) is a rare, heritable disease characterized by calcium deposition in the basal ganglia and other brain regions. Clinical presentations are diverse, featuring an array of neurologic, psychiatric, and/or cognitive symptoms. This dyad report presents neurogenetic, neuroimaging, neurological, and serial neuropsychological data from a father (S1) and son (S2) with FIBGC.

Method/Results

The SLC20A2 genetic mutation c.1828-1831delTCCC was identified for each patient, both of whom evidenced similar patterns of brain calcification mainly in the basal ganglia and cerebellum on neuroimaging. S1’s onset was in his late 60s with primary motor abnormalities followed by cognitive decline; S2’s younger onset (late 30s) was characterized by predominant psychiatric symptoms and mild cognitive changes. Our unique, detailed longitudinal study revealed that both subjects demonstrated largely stable performance across most neuropsychological domains assessed.

Conclusions

The subjects’ differences in presentation demonstrate the variable expressivity in FIBGC even with the same pathogenic variant within a single family. Distinct phenotypes may be associated with age of onset even in persons with the same mutation, consistent with past research. Disease progression may feature an initial period of notable change from baseline followed by relative stability, as seen both on imaging and neuropsychological evaluation.
TGFB3 downregulation causing chordomagenesis and its tumor suppression role maintained by Smad7
Authors: Wang Liang , Guan Xiaonan , Hu Qingtao , Wu Zhen , Chen Wei , Song Lairong , Wang Ke , Tian Kaibing , Cao Chunwei , Zhang Dake , Ma Junpeng , Tong Xiangjun , Zhang Bo , Zhang Junting , Zeng Changqing
Published: April 2021

Chordoma is a rare bone tumor arising from notochordal remnants, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. By integrated mRNA and microRNA analyses, we found significant downregulation of TGFB3 along with upregulation of its inhibitor, miR-29 family in chordoma comparing with notochord. Somatic copy number gains of miR-29 loci in chordoma highlighted a mechanism of inactivation of TGFB3 signaling in tumor formation. In zebrafish, knockout and knockdown homologous tgfb3 resulted in a chordoma-like neoplasm. On the other hand, Smad7 negative feedback regulation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling is retentive in chordoma cell UM-Chor1 despite its disruption in most cancer cells (e.g. A549). Therefore, contrary to other cancers, exogenous TGF-β activated Smad7 by downregulating miR-182 and inhibited cell migration and invasion in UM-Chor1. Meanwhile, TGF-β decreased chordoma characteristic protein Brachyury. Altogether, downregulation of TGFB3 causes chordomagenesis, showing a feasible target for therapies. The retention of Smad7 negative regulation may maintain the suppressor role of TGF-β in chordoma.
Reactivation of Resolved Hepatitis B After Daratumumab for Multiple Myeloma
Authors: Lee Soon Kyu , Sung Pil Soo , Park Sung-Soo , Min Chang-Ki , Nam Heechul , Jang Jeong Won , Choi Jong Young , Yoon Seung Kew
Published: April 2021

The risk of reactivation of resolved hepatitis B virus (HBV) in hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-negative multiple myeloma patients after daratumumab has not been reported. Among 93 patients with daratumumab treatment, reactivation occurred in 6 patients (6.5%) with one hepatic failure. This is the first report demonstrating a considerable risk of reactivation of resolved HBV after daratumumab.
Factor-augmented forecasting regressions with threshold effects
Authors: Yan Yayi , Cheng Tingting
Published: April 2021

This paper introduces a factor-augmented forecasting regression model in the presence of threshold effects. We consider least squares estimation of the regression parameters and establish asymptotic theories for estimators of both slope coefficients and the threshold parameter. Prediction intervals are also constructed for factor-augmented forecasts. Moreover, we develop a likelihood ratio statistic for tests on the threshold parameter and a sup-Wald test statistic for tests on the presence of threshold effects, respectively. Simulation results show that the proposed estimation method and testing procedures work very well in finite samples. Finally, we demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed model through an application to forecasting stock market returns.
Britain’s Empire Marketing Board and the failure of soft trade policy, 1926–33
Authors: Higgins David M , Varian Brian D
Published: April 2021

Before 1932, Britain’s essentially free-trade policy left barely any scope for reciprocating the preferential tariffs that the Dominions applied to Britain’s exports. Thus, Britain attempted to reciprocate by means of a “soft” trade policy aimed at increasing Britain’s imports from the empire through wide-reaching publicity coordinated by the Empire Marketing Board (EMB). This article, the first econometric assessment of the EMB, argues that there was not a differential increase in the volume of those imports advertised by the EMB. Principal arguments for this failure are that British consumers were frequently unaware of the geographic origin of many commodities and that they tended to identify company brand more than country of origin.
The Wrapper Model for Multiobjective Forest Monitoring Systems
Authors: Roesch Francis A , Schroeder Todd A
Published: April 2021

Large multiobjective forest monitoring efforts such as the USDA’s Forest Inventory and Analysis Program and other National Forest Inventory (NFI) systems are usually described to the public in terms of the relationship of their sample designs to the land base of interest. Sometimes the third dimension of time is included in the description of the sample design. Additionally, there is a tendency to favor descriptions that arguably support design-based views of the used estimation systems. The accompanying justification usually relies on an assumption that design-based estimators are “objective,” whereas model-based estimators are “subjective.” This article posits that this argument misses the mark because design-based estimation begins with the assumption that a probability sample exists and that the sample observations have been obtained without error. In most large sampling efforts, it is known that violations of the sample design not only might, but will, occur. Additionally, some objectives in a multiobjective inventory require estimation of attributes of tangentially related populations. Here we unify estimation methods into an overall theoretical framework, or “wrapper” model, that allows for the recognition, acknowledgement, and accounting for nonsampling errors and imperfect sample frames into estimation systems capable of combining all observations available to analysts of these large inventory systems.
forked proteins are components of fiber bundles present in developing bristles of Drosophila melanogaster.
Authors: Petersen N S , Lankenau D H , Mitchell H K , Young P , Corces V G
Published: April 2021

The forked (f) gene of Drosophila melanogaster encodes six different transcripts 6.4, 5.6, 5.4, 2.5, 1.9, and 1.1 kb long. These transcripts arise by the use of alternative promoters. A polyclonal antibody raised against a domain common to all of the forked-encoded products has been used to identify forked proteins on two-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis gels and in Drosophila pupal tissues. The antibody stains fiber bundles present in bristle cells for about 15 hr during normal pupal development. Electron microscopy shows that these fibers are present from 40 to 53 hr in bristles of wild-type flies but are absent in the null f36a mutant. The forked protein(s) thus appear to be an essential part of the bristle fibers. The phenotype of the f36a mutation can be rescued by a 13-kb fragment of the forked locus containing the coding regions for the 2.5, 1.9, and 1.1-kb transcripts, suggesting that the proteins encoded by the three large forked RNAs are dispensable during bristle development. Increasing the copy number of a P[w+,f+] construct containing the 13-kb fragment induces a hypermorphic bristle phenotype whose severity correlates with the number of copies of P[w+,f+] present. These results indicate that alterations in the ratios among the forked proteins, or between forked products and other components of the fiber, result in abnormal assembly of the fibrillar cytoplasmic structures necessary for bristle morphogenesis.
Pornography and Sexual Dissatisfaction: The Role of Pornographic Arousal, Upward Pornographic Comparisons, and Preference for Pornographic Masturbation
Authors: Wright Paul J , Paul Bryant , Herbenick Debby , Tokunaga Robert S
Published: April 2021

Research finding that pornography use is associated with lower sexual satisfaction is common; evaluation of the mechanisms hypothesized as underlying the association is not. Informed by multiple theoretical perspectives, the present study tested a conceptual model positing that (a) regularly consuming pornography conditions the user’s arousal template to be particularly responsive to pornographic depictions, (b) this amplified arousal to pornography increases both (c) upward comparisons between one’s own sex life and sex as it is represented in pornography and (d) a preference for masturbation to pornography over partnered sex, which in turn (e) weaken perceptions of how satisfying it is to have sex with one’s partner, and ultimately (f) decreases perceptions of how satisfying one’s relationship is with one’s partner. Path-analytic results were supportive of the hypothesized linkages for both men and women. Discussion focuses on the implications of the present study’s findings for current debates in the literature and theoretical development.
Placental Decidual Arteriopathy and Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A Expression Among Women With or Without Human Immunodeficiency Virus
Authors: Bebell Lisa M , Parks Kalynn , Le Mylinh H , Ngonzi Joseph , Adong Julian , Boatin Adeline A , Bassett Ingrid V , Siedner Mark J , Gernand Alison D , Roberts Drucilla J
Published: April 2021

Background

Women with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) (WHIV) are at higher risk of adverse birth outcomes. Proposed mechanisms for the increased risk include placental arteriopathy (vasculopathy) and maternal vascular malperfusion (MVM) due to antiretroviral therapy and medical comorbid conditions. However, these features and their underlying pathophysiologic mechanisms have not been well characterized in WHIV.

Methods

We performed gross and histologic examination and immunohistochemistry staining for vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGF-A), a key angiogenic factor, on placentas from women with ≥1 MVM risk factors including: weight below the fifth percentile, histologic infarct or distal villous hypoplasia, nevirapine-based antiretroviral therapy, hypertension, and preeclampsia/eclampsia during pregnancy. We compared pathologic characteristics by maternal HIV serostatus.

Results

Twenty-seven of 41 (placentas 66%) assessed for VEGF-A were from WHIV. Mean maternal age was 27 years. Among WHIV, median CD4 T-cell count was 440/µL, and the HIV viral load was undetectable in 74%. Of VEGF-A–stained placentas, both decidua and villous endothelium tissue layers were present in 36 (88%). VEGF-A was detected in 31 of 36 (86%) with decidua present, and 39 of 40 (98%) with villous endothelium present. There were no differences in VEGF-A presence in any tissue type by maternal HIV serostatus (P = .28 to >.99). MVM was more common in placentas selected for VEGF-A staining (51 vs 8%; P < .001).

Conclusions

VEGF-A immunostaining was highly prevalent, and staining patterns did not differ by maternal HIV serostatus among those with MVM risk factors, indicating that the role of VEGF-A in placental vasculopathy may not differ by maternal HIV serostatus.
Public Tolerance of Retributive Violence against Insurgencies
Authors: Mironova Vera , Whitt Sam
Published: April 2021

What drives public support for retributive violence against insurgents, a desire for revenge or security? We consider the case of suspected Islamic State (ISIS) militants in Mosul Iraq. Using survey experiments, we inquire about public support for judicial as well as extrajudicial violence against insurgent combatants. We sample among ordinary civilians in Mosul who lived under ISIS rule as well as ISIS-affiliated families in displacement camps outside Mosul. We find that many Mosul civilians are highly tolerant of retributive violence against insurgents, but this tolerance is driven primarily by security concerns rather than revenge. In contrast, others, especially in displacement camps, oppose the punitive killing of insurgents because they regard such actions as counterproductive to long-term security goals. This tension speaks to potential security dilemmas surrounding retaliatory responses to insurgency. Instead, public security interests may be better served through nonviolent strategies, to include negotiations with insurgent forces and more restorative approaches to justice.
Evaluation of the Clinical Performance of 7 Serological Assays for SARS-CoV-2 for Use in Clinical Laboratories
Authors: Plaga Alexis , Wei Ruhan , Olson Elizabeth , Payto Drew , Harrington John , Nwe-Kissig Pyik That , Strizzi Michelle , Zilka Sarah , Ko Jennifer , Colón-Franco Jessica M
Published: April 2021

Background

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) serological assays have emerged as a response to the global pandemic, warranting studies evaluating their clinical performance. This study investigated 7 commercially available SARS-CoV-2 serological assays in samples from noninfected individuals and hospitalized patients.

Methods

SARS-CoV-2 qualitative serological assays by Abbott (IgG), Beckman (IgG), DiaSorin (IgG), EUROIMMUN (IgG and IgA), Roche and Bio-Rad (Total) were evaluated using specimens collected pre-December 2019 (n = 393), from nucleic acid amplification testing (NAAT) negative patients (n = 40), and from 53 patients with COVID-19 by NAAT collected 3–21 days post-onset of symptoms (POS) (N = 83). Negative agreement (NA), positive agreement (PA), and positive and negative predictive values (PPV and NPV) at prevalences of 5% and 10% were calculated.

Results

The overall %NA; 95% CI in the negative samples were: Roche 99.8%; 99.3–100.2, Beckman 99.8%; 98.7–100.0, Abbott and Bio-Rad 99.3%; 98.0–99.9, DiaSorin 98.4; 97.2–99.6, EUROIMMUN IgG 97.5%; 95.5–98.7, and EUROIMMUN IgA 79.7%; 75.9–83.5), accounting for positive/equivocal results as false positives. The %PA; 95% CI in samples collected 14+ days POS (n = 24) were: Bio-Rad 83.3%; 68.4–98.2, Abbott and Roche 79.2%; 62.9–95.4, EUROIMMUN IgA 70.8%; 52.6–89.0, Beckman 58.3%; 38.6–78.1, DiaSorin 54.2; 34.2–74.1, and EUROIMMUN IgG 50.0%; 30.0–70.0, accounting for negative/equivocal results as false negatives. NPVs ranged from 97.4%–98.9% and 94.7%–97.7% for prevalences 5% and 10%, respectively. PPVs ranged from 15.5%–94.8% and 27.9%–97.4% for prevalences 5% and 10%, respectively.

Conclusion

The Roche and Beckman assays resulted in fewer false positives, followed by the Bio-Rad and Abbott assays. While the Bio-Rad assay demonstrated higher antibody detection in COVID-19-positive patients, PA claims cannot be established with a high level of confidence in our sample population.
Effects of vaccination against brucellosis and clostridia on the intake, performance, feeding behavior, blood parameters, and immune responses of dairy heifers calves
Authors: Diniz Neto Hilton C , Lombardi Mayara C , Campos Mariana M , Lage Andrey P , Silva Rodrigo O S , Dorneles Elaine Maria Seles , Lage Camila Flávia A , Carvalho Wanessa A , Machado Fernanda S , Pereira Luiz Gustavo R , Tomich Thierry R , Ramos Carolina P , Assis Ronnie A , Lobato Francisco Carlos F , Santana Jordana A , Santos Ethiene Luiza S , Andrade Rafaella S , Coelho Sandra G
Published: April 2021

The aim of this study was to identify possible effects of different vaccination strategies (concomitantly or not) against brucellosis and clostridia on intake, performance, feeding behavior, blood parameters, and immune responses of dairy heifers calves. Fifty heifers calves were enrolled [38 Gyr (Zebu, Bos taurus indicus) and 12 5/8 Holstein × Gyr]. At 120 d of age, animals were randomly distributed among 3 groups: B (n = 18), vaccinated against brucellosis; C (n = 14), vaccinated against clostridia and CB (n = 18), vaccinated concomitantly for both. Rectal and thermographic temperatures were evaluated on days −1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7,10, 14, and 28 relatives to the vaccination day. Feed and water intake, body weight (BW), and feeding behavior were monitored daily by an electronic feeding system. Blood was sampled on days 0, 3, 7, 14, and 28, relative to the vaccination day for determination of glucose and β -hydroxybutyrate (BHBA) concentrations. Blood sampled on day 0 (prevaccination) and on days 28 and 42 were used to evaluate the immune response against Brucella abortus and clostridia. There was an increase in rectal temperature between the first and the third day postvaccination in the 3 groups. The thermography revealed an increase of local temperature for 7 d on groups B and CB. Group C had increased local temperature for a longer period, lasting for up to 14 d. Dry mater intake was reduced for groups B and CB, but no alteration was observed for group C. No alterations regarding initial BW, final BW, average daily weight gain, and feed efficiency were observed. No differences were observed for the 3 vaccination groups for blood parameters throughout the evaluation period. The concomitant vaccination against brucellosis and clostridia led to lower neutralizing antibody titers against epsilon toxin of Clostridium perfringens and botulinum toxin type C of C. botulinum (C > CB > B). When cellular proliferation assay and serological tests to B. abortus were evaluated, no differences were observed between groups B and CB. The present results indicate that the concomitant vaccination against brucellosis and clostridia has no relevant impact on the intake, performance, and feeding behavior of dairy calves. However, the concomitant vaccination of vaccines against these 2 pathogens impacts animal immunity against clostridial infections.
Screening Breast MRI Primer: Indications, Current Protocols, and Emerging Techniques
Authors: Samreen Naziya , Mercado Cecilia , Heacock Laura , Chacko Celin , Partridge Savannah C , Chhor Chloe
Published: April 2021

Breast dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI (DCE-MRI) is the most sensitive imaging modality for the detection of breast cancer. Screening MRI is currently performed predominantly in patients at high risk for breast cancer, but it could be of benefit in patients at intermediate risk for breast cancer and patients with dense breasts. Decreasing scan time and image interpretation time could increase cost-effectiveness, making screening MRI accessible to a larger group of patients. Abbreviated breast MRI (Ab-MRI) reduces scan time by decreasing the number of sequences obtained, but as multiple delayed contrast enhanced sequences are not obtained, no kinetic information is available. Ultrafast techniques rapidly acquire multiple sequences during the first minute of gadolinium contrast injection and provide information about both lesion morphology and vascular kinetics. Diffusion-weighted imaging is a noncontrast MRI technique with the potential to detect mammographically occult cancers. This review article aims to discuss the current indications of breast MRI as a screening tool, examine the standard breast DCE-MRI technique, and explore alternate screening MRI protocols, including Ab-MRI, ultrafast MRI, and noncontrast diffusion-weighted MRI, which can decrease scan time and interpretation time.
Illustrated Morphological Keys for Fleas (Siphonaptera) in Madagascar
Authors: Harimalala Mireille , Ramihangihajason Tojo R , Rakotobe Harimanana Ravo , Girod Romain , Duchemin Jean-Bernard
Published: April 2021

Madagascar has an important diversity of fleas (Siphonaptera), which almost species do not exist elsewhere. Scientists have provided huge efforts to improve knowledge on Malagasy fleas since the middle of 1900s particularly by investigating topics such as taxonomy, systematics, biogeography, and flea vector role. Since then, new species discovery has increased and currently, 48 species are recorded which the majority is endemic. Therefore, it becomes necessary to have updated keys to identify species membership. This paper presents morphological-based keys to identify at genus and species levels adult fleas reported as occurring in Madagascar. Illustrations are proposed to make easier the observation of morphological criteria, which may be tricky for sibling species.
Biosurveillance and Research Needs Involving Area-Wide Systematic Active Sampling to Enhance Integrated Cattle Fever Tick (Ixodida: Ixodidae) Eradication
Authors: Showler Allan T , Pérez de León Adalberto , Saelao Perot
Published: April 2021

The one-host cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) annulatus (Say), and southern cattle fever tick, Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) microplus (Canestrini), are important ectoparasitic pests of cattle, Bos taurus L., mostly for transmitting the causal agents of bovine babesiosis. Bovine babesiosis inflicted substantial cattle production losses in the United States before the vectors were eliminated by 1943, with the exception of a Permanent Quarantine Zone in South Texas, a buffer along the Mexico border where the invasive ixodids remain. As suitable hosts, infested white-tailed deer and nilgai antelope populations disperse R. annulatus and R. microplus, which increases the risk for emergence of bovine babesiosis in the United States. A R. microplus incursion first detected in 2016 on the South Texas coastal plain wildlife corridor involved infestations on cattle, nilgai antelope, white-tailed deer, and vegetation. Efforts at passive sampling of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. on hosts are concentrated in the Permanent Quarantine Zone. Hence, a knowledge gap exists on the full extent of the recent incursions. Area-wide, systematic, active sampling and supportive research, involving the Permanent Quarantine Zone, Temporary Quarantine Zone, most of the coastal plain, and other parts of Texas outside of the quarantine zones, are needed to bridge the knowledge gap. Herein, we provide research perspectives and rationale to develop and implement systematic active sampling that will provide an increasingly accurate assessment of Rhipicephalus (Boophilus) spp. distribution in Texas. We suggest that this is essential to advance integrated vector-borne animal disease eradication approaches for keeping cattle free of bovine babesiosis.
How Not to Defend the Unborn
Authors: Hershenov David , Reed Philip A
Published: April 2021

It is sometimes proposed that killing or harming abortion providers is the only logically consistent position available to opponents of abortion. Since lethal violence against morally responsible attackers is normally viewed as justified in order to defend innocent parties, pro-lifers should also think so in the case of the abortion doctor and so they should act to defend the unborn. In our paper, we defend the mainstream pro-life view against killing abortion doctors. We argue that the pro-life view can, in various ways, reject the assumption that defensive violence to save innocent individuals is always permissible. Now even if that assumption is accepted, we contend that defensive violence against abortion doctors still is not justified. Drawing on Frances Kamm’s work, we contend that there are structural similarities between abortion and letting someone die who needs your help to stay alive; and we argue that it is impermissible to kill those who kill in order to avoid giving life-saving aid.
The Impact of Intensifying Prostate Cancer Screening in Black Men: A Model-Based Analysis
Authors: Nyame Yaw A , Gulati Roman , Heijnsdijk Eveline A M , Tsodikov Alex , Mariotto Angela B , Gore John L , Etzioni Ruth
Published: April 2021

Background

Black men in the United States have markedly higher rates of prostate cancer than the general population. National guidelines for prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening do not provide clear guidance for this high-risk population. The purpose of this study is to estimate the benefit and harm of intensified PSA screening in Black men.

Methods

Two microsimulation models of prostate cancer calibrated to incidence from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program among Black men project the impact of different screening strategies (varying screening intervals, starting and stopping ages, and biopsy utilization following an abnormal PSA) on disease-specific mortality and overdiagnosis. Each strategy induces a mean lead time (MLT) for detected cases. A longer MLT reduces mortality according to estimates combining the US and European prostate cancer screening trials but increases overdiagnosis.

Results

Under historical population screening, Black men had similar MLT to men of all races and similar mortality reduction (range between models = 21%-24% vs 20%-24%) but a higher frequency of overdiagnosis (75-86 vs 58-60 per 1000 men). Screening Black men aged 40-84 years annually would increase both mortality reduction (29%-31%) and overdiagnosis (112-129 per 1000). Restricting screening to ages 45-69 years would still achieve substantial mortality reduction (26%-29%) with lower overdiagnosis (51-61 per 1000). Increasing biopsy utilization to 100% of abnormal tests would further reduce mortality but substantially increase overdiagnosis.

Conclusions

Annual screening in Black men is expected to reduce mortality more than that estimated under historical screening. Limiting screening to men younger than 70 years is expected to help reduce overdiagnosis.
Internal carotid artery false aneurysm as a fatal complication of transsphenoidal surgery
Authors: Sumislawski Piotr , Ludwig Carolin , Rotermund Roman , Grzyska Ulrich , Flitsch Jörg
Published: April 2021

False aneurysm of internal carotid artery (ICA) is a rare but serious vascular complication observed after transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. Here, we present a 41-year-old woman with a pseudoaneurysm in the ophthalmic1 segment of the left ICA after exoscopic transsphenoidal pituitary surgery. The initially uneventful procedure was complicated by a subarachnoidal hemorrhage 10 days after the surgery, which was confirmed by cranial computed tomography scan. The emergency angiography revealed a pseudoaneurysm of the ophthalmic1 part of the left ICA. Despite repeated endovascular treatments with a flow diverter and coiling, the patient experienced a re-bleeding with consecutive vasospasms, occlusion hydrocephalus and finally bifrontal intracerebral hemorrhage with fatal outcome. As a conclusion in irregular post-operative courses with for example headache, a post-operative magnetic resonance imaging with vessel presentation using TOF sequence and contrast-enhanced MRA might be recommended in order to detect a possible pseudoaneurysm in an early stage.
Jean Toomer afterCane
Authors: Licato Amanda Mehsima
Published: April 2021

I reassess Jean Toomer’s poetics after the publication of his first novel Cane (1923). Cane’s critical reception has impacted and limited our understanding of his poetry, and of his racial identification, from the late 1920s to 1940s, when Toomer sought inspiration from the Eastern mystic, George Ivanovich Gurdjieff, and later from the Religious Society of Friends, or Quakers. Challenging the neat binary of Toomer’s lyrical and didactic strains in his later work, and spotlighting the complexity of his racial posturing, I argue that the central elements of Toomer’s poetics remained constant, particularly his attention to moral and spiritual enlightenment in order to address the pressing psychosocial and racial issues of his time.
Ketamine Use in Operation Enduring Freedom
Authors: Leslie Eric , Pittman Eric , Drew Brendon , Walrath Benjamin
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Ketamine is a dissociative anesthetic increasingly used in the prehospital and battlefield environment. As an analgesic, it has been shown to have comparable effects to opioids. In 2012, the Defense Health Board advised the Joint Trauma System to update the Tactical Combat Casualty Care Guidelines to include ketamine as an acceptable first line agent for pain control on the battlefield. The goal of this study was to investigate trends in the use of ketamine during Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) and Operation Freedom’s Sentinel (OFS) during the years 2011-2016.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective review of Department of Defense Trauma Registry (DoDTR) data was performed for all patients receiving ketamine during OEF/OFS in 2011-2016. Prevalence of ketamine use, absolute use, mechanism of injury, demographics, injury severity score, provider type, and co-administration rates of various medications and blood products were evaluated.

Results

Total number of administrations during the study period was 866. Ketamine administration during OEF/OFS increased during the years 2011-2013 (28 patient administrations in 2011, 264 administrations in 2012, and 389 administrations in 2013). A decline in absolute use was noted from 2014 to 2016 (98 administrations in 2014, 41 administrations in 2015, and 46 administrations in 2016). The frequency of battlefield ketamine use increased from 0.4% to 11.3% for combat injuries sustained in OEF/OFS from 2011 to 2016. Explosives (51%) and penetrating trauma (39%) were the most common pattern of injury in which ketamine was administered. Ketamine was co-administered with fentanyl (34.4%), morphine (26.2%), midazolam (23.1%), tranexamic acid (12.3%), plasma (10.3%), and packed red blood cells (18.5%).

Conclusions

This study demonstrates increasing use of ketamine by the U.S. Military on the battlefield and effectiveness of clinical practice guidelines in influencing practice patterns.