bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Struvite as seed materials for treatment of heavy metals in wastewater
Authors: Zhangchen Ruobing , Liu Wanning , Guan Qian , Ji Haiyan , Li Yingpeng , Zhang Jiefei , Song Jiatian , Zhong Yun , Zhou Lei
Published: May 2021

Heavy metals (HMs) in the pollutants once discharge into nature without treatment, will easy to destroy the ecological balance. Crystallization is used as a feasible technology for treatment of HMs from wastewater owing to the advantage of obtaining the high purity struvite product, which used as a slow-release fertilizer. After experiments, the results revealed that struvite has a certain feasibility as a seed material to minimize HMs from wastewater. When the condition of pH was 9.5, usage of 2.5g struvite could achieve the removal efficiency of about 95%. The XRD pattern and SEM image analyzed that struvite removes HMs mainly through surface collapse as the adsorption or nucleation growth site for HMs adhering, thereby achieving the aim of removing HMs. This experiment can provide a new channel for the removal of HMs from real wastewater in the future application.
Adsorption of Heavy Metal Ions Copper, Cadmium and Nickel by Microcystis aeruginosa
Authors: Zeng Guoming , He Sijie , Wu Jinliang , Sun Da , Lin Mengyi , Fu Xixian , Tang Longqing , He Yu
Published: May 2021

In this study, the average removal rate of cadmium, copper and nickel ions was used as the response value. The initial concentration of heavy metal, culture temperature and initial pH were used as the influencing factors. The response surface experiment was carried out by Box-Benhnken’s central combination design. Based on this, a quadratic regression equation prediction model was established, and the optimal process conditions for the treatment of three heavy metal ions by Microcystis aeruginosa were obtained. Based on the above experimental results, under the optimal conditions for the removal of three metal ions by Microcystis aeruginosa, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to obtain the changes of surface morphology of algal cells before and after removal of heavy metals by algae cells; fourier infrared was used. Combined with the above physical and chemical indicators, the adsorption kinetics model was used to comprehensively analyze and infer the mechanism of treatment of heavy metal ions by Microcystis aeruginosa, and the actual metal wastewater was collected to verify.
Delimiting Ecological Space and Simulating its Dominant functions in the Perspective of Dynamic Changes in Ecosystem Service Functions: A Case Study in the Qionglai City of Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Wu Nengjun , Li Yuanxi , Ou Dinghua , Zhang Rui , Yang Ziheng , Zhang Qi , Gong Shangqi
Published: May 2021

Demarcating the ecological space scientifically and predicting the spatial change trend of the dominant ecosystem service functions reasonably are of great significance for demarcating the ecological red line, optimizing the pattern of ecological space and promoting the high-quality development of economic and social. This study took Qionglai City as the research area and utilized land-use, satellite remote sensing and other data to demarcate the ecological space from the perspective of the dynamic changes of ecosystem service functions with the support of ESRI ArcGIS and IDRISI. And then we applied the Markov-CA model to simulate the spatial pattern of the dominant ecosystem service functions for the ecological space in 2025 with integrating the change characteristics of the dominant ecosystem service functions. The results showed that: (1) The dynamic change characteristics of ecosystem service functions were obvious. The critical value of comprehensive function value and average annual change rate of ecosystem service functions were 6 and 5% respectively. (2) The ecological space area was 98307hm2, which was intensively distributed in the western and central south of the city. Its distribution was consistent with the ecological space range in the local ecological civilization construction plan, which indicated that the ecological space delineation method based on the dynamics of ecosystem service functions is reliable. (3) The dominant ecosystem service functions had shifted and showed strong non-stationarity during 2003-2019, so the dynamicity of the dominant ecosystem service functions should be fully considered in the ecological space zoning management and other related planning. (4) The Markov-CA model was of high simulation accuracy (Kappa coefficient > 0.95), and the simulation results were consistent with the regional ecological function zoning basically. Therefore, the model can be applied to simulate the spatial layout of dominant ecosystem service functions for ecological space in the future. (5) The dominant ecosystem service functions in Qionglai will still undergo mutual conversions during 2019-2025. The ecological space will still maintain the three dominant functions including primary product production, climate regulation and hydrological regulation in 2025, but the area of them will change into 32793hm2, 52490hm2 and 13024hm2 respectively.
Green synthesis of antimicrobial silver nanoparticles with Brassicaceae seeds
Authors: Perveen Rehana , Shujaat Shahida , Naz Misbah , Qureshi Muhammad Zahid , Nawaz Shaista , Shahzad Khurram , Ikram Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Herein, we demonstrate a facile and green route for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from silver nitrate and seed extracts of different vegetable seeds ofBrassicaceaefamily. All the nanocomposites were fully characterized in the solid-state via various techniques such UV–vis spectrophotometer (UV–Vis); x-ray diffraction (XRD), High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM), energy-dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (EDS), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectrometry. The experimental parameters such as variation in seeds extract concentration, temperature, stirring time and pH were noted and optimum condition of concentration (20 ml), temperature (80 °C) and pH 8.5 was selected for the synthesis of NPs. Optical absorbance of AgNPs at ≈425 nm indicated the formation of metallic silver through surface plasmon resonance. The successful capping of biological macromolecules was confirmed by FTIR spectroscopy. XRD pattern depicted the formation of face-centered cubic silver nano-composite with average crystal size ranges from ≈14–20 nm. Bio-synthesized Ag nanoparticles showed enhanced antibacterial potential against gram-positive (B. safensis,B. subtilis,B. pumilisandS. aureus) and negative gram (E. coliandS.typhi) strains by disc diffusion method. Highest antimicrobial activity was given by sample S3 (17 mm) against B. pumiliswhereas, sample S2 and S5 also showed significant bactericidal potential against B. pumilisthat is 15 mm. While highest zone of inhibition for sample S1 and S4 is 14 mm.
An Energy Internet for India: are we ready for a technology leapfrogging?
Authors: Joseph Akhil , Balachandra Patil
Published: May 2021

Globally, national electricity systems are amid aggressive transitions. The shift from large fossil-fuel based power systems to many small-scale distributed renewable energy systems is a favourable paradigm for a transition to the Energy Internet. Relying on wide spectrum of emerging technologies such as information & communication technologies, the Energy Internet facilitates real-time trade of power through bidirectional flows of electricity, communication, and money. Energy transitions in India are at a fast pace and further transformation to an Energy Internet is an achievable dream. Current structure of expedited energy transition is experienced in the form of transformation in business models of energy utility service companies and energy markets. The objective of this paper is to systematically assess the ongoing transitions, the challenges and the opportunities and examine whether India is ready to leapfrog into a new way of energy transactions which will gradually transform the present electricity system to an Energy Internet. Our findings elaborate a reality check on India’s current transition pathways and answer the question: can an Energy Internet become real in near future?
Smoothed analysis for the condition number of structured real polynomial systems
Authors: Ergür Alperen , Paouris Grigoris , Rojas J.
Published: May 2021

We consider the sensitivity of real zeros of structured polynomial systems to pertubations of their coefficients. In particular, we provide explicit estimates for condition numbers of structured random real polynomial systems and extend these estimates to the smoothed analysis setting.
Probabilistic pointwise convergence problem of Schrödinger equations on manifolds
Authors: Wang Junfang , Yan Wei , Yan Xiangqian
Published: May 2021

In this paper, we investigate the probabilistic pointwise convergence problem of Schrödinger equation on the manifolds. We prove probabilistic pointwise convergence of the solutions to Schrödinger equations with the initial data in

L

2

(

T

n

)

L^{2}(\mathrm {\mathbf {T}}^{n})

, where

T

=
[
0
,
2
π
)

\mathrm {\mathbf {T}}=[0,2\pi )

, which require much less regularity for the initial data than the rough data case. We also prove probabilistic pointwise convergence of the solutions to Schrödinger equation with Dirichlet boundary condition for a large set of random initial data in

∩

s
>

1
2

H

s

(
Θ
)

\cap _{s>\frac {1}{2}}H^{s}(\Theta )

, where

Θ
\Theta

is three dimensional unit ball, which require much less regularity for the initial data than the rough data case.
One-step multiplex toolkit for efficient generation of conditional gene silencing human cell lines
Authors: Yeung Tsz Kwan , Lau Ho Wai , Ma Hoi Tang , Poon Randy Y. C.
Published: May 2021

We have developed a toolkit for rapid generation of multiple-gene conditional inactivation in human cells based on transposon, transcription, and posttranslational control of expression and CRISPR.
TimiRGeN: R/Bioconductor package for time series microRNA–mRNA integration and analysis
Authors: Patel K , Chandrasegaran S , Clark I M , Proctor C J , Young D A , Shanley D P
Published: May 2021

Motivation

The analysis of longitudinal datasets and construction of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) provide a valuable means to disentangle the complexity of microRNA (miRNA)–mRNA interactions. However, there are no computational tools that can integrate, conduct functional analysis and generate detailed networks from longitudinal miRNA–mRNA datasets.

Results

We present TimiRGeN, an R package that uses time point-based differential expression results to identify miRNA–mRNA interactions influencing signaling pathways of interest. miRNA–mRNA interactions can be visualized in R or exported to PathVisio or Cytoscape. The output can be used for hypothesis generation and directing in vitro or further in silico work such as GRN construction.

Availability and implementation

TimiRGeN is available for download on Bioconductor (https://bioconductor.org/packages/TimiRGeN) and requires R v4.0.2 or newer and BiocManager v3.12 or newer.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A novel tumor suppressor role of myosin light chain kinase splice variants through downregulation of the TEAD4/CD44 axis
Authors: Huang Yen-Ju , Lee Tsung-Chun , Pai Yu-Chen , Lin Been-Ren , Turner Jerrold R , Yu Linda Chia-Hui
Published: May 2021

Myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) regulates actinomyosin contraction. Two splice variants of long MLCK are expressed in epithelial cells and divergently regulate gut barrier functions; reduced MLCK levels in human colorectal cancers (CRC) with unclarified significance have been reported. CRC are solid tumors clonally sustained by stem cells highly expressing CD44 and CD133. The aim was to investigate the role of MLCK splice variants in CRC tumorigenesis. We found lower MLCK1/2 and higher CD44 expression in human CRC, but no change in CD133 or LGR5. Large-scale bioinformatics showed an inverse relationship between MYLK and CD44 in human sample gene datasets. A 3-fold increased tumor burden was observed in MLCK(−/−) mice compared with wild-type (WT) mice in a chemical-induced CRC model. Primary tumorspheres derived from the MLCK(−/−) mice displayed larger sizes and higher CD44 transcript levels than those from the WT mice. Bioinformatics revealed binding of TEAD4 (a transcriptional enhancer factor family member in the Hippo pathway) to CD44 promoter, which was confirmed by luciferase reporter assay. Individually expressing MLCK1 and MLCK2 variants in the MLCK-knockout (KO) Caco-2 cells inhibited the nuclear localization of TEAD4 cofactors, VGLL3 and YAP1, respectively, and both variants reduced the CD44 transcription. Accelerated cell cycle transit was observed in the MLCK-KO cells, whereby expression of MLCK1/2 variants counterbalanced the cell hyperproliferation. In conclusion, MLCK1/2 variants are novel tumor suppressors by downregulating the TEAD4/CD44 axis via reducing nuclear translocation of distinct transcriptional coactivators. The reduction of epithelial MLCKs, especially isoform 2, may drive cancer stemness and tumorigenesis.
A Novel Antigen, Otubain Cysteine Peptidase of Leishmania donovani, for the Serodiagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis and for Monitoring Treatment Response
Authors: Kamran Mohd , Ejazi Sarfaraz Ahmad , Choudhury Somsubhra Thakur , Bhattacharyya Anirban , Tanishka Km , Pandey Krishna , Das Vidya Nand Ravi , Das Pradeep , da Silva Fernando Oliveira , Costa Dorcas Lamounier , Costa Carlos Henrique Nery , Rahaman Mehebubar , Goswami Rama Prosad , Ali Nahid
Published: May 2021

Tests for visceral leishmaniasis (VL) are not uniformly effective for all endemic regions. In a serological assay, a novel antigen, otubain cysteine peptidase, compared with rK39, showed comparable sensitivity with Indian VL serum samples and prominently increased sensitivity with Brazilian samples, as well as improved monitoring of the treatment response.
Risk of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Reinfection in a University Student Population
Authors: Rennert Lior , McMahan Christopher
Published: May 2021

We assess protection from previous SARS-CoV-2 infection in 16,101 university students. Among 2,021 students previously infected in Fall 2020, risk of re-infection during the Spring 2021 semester was 2.2%; estimated protection from previous SARS-CoV-2 infection was 84% (95% CI: 78%–88%).
Consumption of penicillins in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997–2017
Authors: Bruyndonckx Robin , Adriaenssens Niels , Hens Niel , Versporten Ann , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Payerl-Pal Marina , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Cavalié Philippe , Schneider Marc , Kontopidou Flora , Benkő Ria , Aspelund Gudrun , Oza Ajay , Fortinguerra Filomena , Rutkovska Ieva , Kuklytė Jolanta , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Herreras Mayte Alonso , Bergfeldt Vendela , Müller-Pebody Berit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Data on consumption of penicillins in the community were collected from 30 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries over two decades. This article reviews temporal trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and changes in the composition of the main subgroups of penicillins.

Methods

For the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of penicillins, i.e. β-lactam antibacterials, penicillins (ATC group J01C), in the community aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology (ATC/DDD index 2019). Consumption was expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. Consumption of penicillins was analysed based on ATC-4 subgroups, and presented as trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and compositional changes.

Results

In 2017, consumption of penicillins in the community expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day varied by a factor of 4.9 between countries with the highest (Spain) and the lowest (the Netherlands) consumption. An increase in consumption of penicillins, which was not statistically significant, was observed between 1997 and 2003 and up to 2010. A decrease, which was not statistically significant, was observed from 2010 onwards. Proportional consumption of combinations of penicillins, including β-lactamase inhibitors (J01CR) increased during 1997–2017, which coincided with a decrease in the proportional consumption of extended-spectrum penicillins (J01CA) and narrow-spectrum penicillins (J01CE).

Conclusions

Considerable variation in the patterns of consumption of penicillins was observed between EU/EEA countries. The consumption of penicillins in the EU/EEA community did not change significantly over time, while the proportional consumption of combinations of penicillins increased.
Consumption of cephalosporins in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997–2017
Authors: Versporten Ann , Bruyndonckx Robin , Adriaenssens Niels , Hens Niel , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Payerl-Pal Marina , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Hider-Mlynarz Karima , Dollen Katja Niepraschk-von , Kontopidou Flora , Matuz Mária , Aspelund Gudrun , Burns Karen , Fortinguerra Filomena , Dimiņa Elīna , Kuklytė Jolanta , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Navas Antonio López , Bergfeldt Vendela , Müller-Pebody Berit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Data on cephalosporin consumption in the community were collected from 30 EU/EEA countries over two decades. This article reviews temporal trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and changes in the composition of the main subgroups of cephalosporins.

Methods

For the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of cephalosporins (i.e. first-, second-, third- and fourth-generation cephalosporins; ATC subgroups J01DB, J01DC, J01DD and J01DE, respectively) in the community and aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology (ATC/DDD index 2019). Consumption was expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. Cephalosporin consumption was analysed based on ATC-4 subgroup, and presented as trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and compositional changes.

Results

In 2017, cephalosporin consumption in the community expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day varied by a factor of 285 between countries with the highest (Greece) and the lowest (the Netherlands) consumption. Cephalosporin consumption did not change significantly between the first quarter of 1997 and the last quarter of 2017. Seasonal variation decreased significantly over time. Proportional consumption of second- and third-generation cephalosporins significantly increased over time compared with that of first-generation cephalosporins, and proportional consumption of fourth-generation cephalosporins significantly decreased compared with that of second- and third-generation cephalosporins.

Conclusions

Despite considerable variation between countries in the composition of cephalosporin consumption and trends over time, a significant shift towards consumption of more broad-spectrum cephalosporins in the community was observed across the EU/EEA during 1997–2017.
Consumption of quinolones in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997–2017
Authors: Adriaenssens Niels , Bruyndonckx Robin , Versporten Ann , Hens Niel , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Andrašević Arjana Tambić , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Hider-Mlynarz Karima , Zawinell Anette , Kontopidou Flora , Matuz Mária , Aspelund Gudrun , Burns Karen , Fortinguerra Filomena , Dimiņa Elīna , Kuklytė Jolanta , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Navas Antonio López , Bergfeldt Vendela , Müller-Pebody Berit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Data on quinolone consumption in the community were collected from 30 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries over two decades. This article reviews temporal trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and changes in the composition of main subgroups of quinolones.

Methods

For the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of quinolones, i.e. ATC group J01M, in the community and aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology (ATC/DDD index 2019). Consumption was expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. Quinolone consumption was analysed by subgroups based on pharmacokinetic profile, and presented as trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and compositional changes.

Results

In 2017, quinolone consumption in the community expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day varied by a factor of 8.2 between countries with the highest (Bulgaria) and the lowest (Norway) consumption. The second-generation quinolones accounted for >50% of quinolone consumption in most countries. Quinolone consumption significantly increased up to 2001, and did not change significantly afterwards. Seasonal variation increased significantly over time. Proportional consumption of third-generation quinolones significantly increased over time relative to that of second-generation quinolones, while proportional consumption of both third- and second-generation quinolones significantly increased relative to that of first-generation quinolones. Levofloxacin and moxifloxacin represented >40% of quinolone consumption in the community in southern EU/EEA countries.

Conclusions

Quinolone consumption in the community is no longer increasing in the EU/EEA, but its seasonal variation continues to increase significantly as is the proportion of quinolones to treat respiratory infections.
Quality appraisal of antibiotic consumption in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 2009 and 2017
Authors: Adriaenssens Niels , Bruyndonckx Robin , Versporten Ann , Hens Niel , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Catry Boudewijn , Sabtcheva Stefana , Andrašević Arjana Tambić , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Cavalié Philippe , Schweickert Birgitta , Kontopidou Flora , Benkő Ria , Aspelund Gudrun , Burns Karen , Fortinguerra Filomena , Dimiņa Elīna , Valintėlienė Rolanda , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Navas Antonio López , Bergfeldt Vendela , Müller-Pebody Berit
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The quality of antibiotic consumption in the community can be assessed using 12 drug-specific quality indicators (DSQIs) developed by the European Surveillance of Antimicrobial Consumption (ESAC) project. We compared quality in 2009 and 2017 in the EU/European Economic Area (EEA) and evaluated the impact of using different DDD values (ATC/DDD indices 2011 and 2019) for the 2009 quality assessment using these DSQIs and a joint scientific opinion (JSO) indicator.

Methods

We calculated the 12 DSQIs and the JSO indicator for 2017 and for 2009 for EU/EEA countries able to deliver values. For each of the indicators we grouped the 2017 and 2009 indicator values into four quartiles. To evaluate changes in quality between 2009 and 2017, we used the quartile distribution of the 2009 indicator values in 30 EU/EEA countries as benchmarks. In addition, we compared the quality assessment for 2009 using the ATC/DDD indices 2011 and 2019.

Results

In 2017, a difference in the quality of antibiotic consumption in the community between northern and southern EU/EEA countries remained, but also several eastern EU/EEA countries shifted towards lower quality. Quality of antibiotic consumption decreased between 2009 and 2017 in particular indicator values for penicillin, quinolone, relative β-lactam and broad- versus narrow-spectrum antibiotic consumption, and seasonal variation. Using different ATC/DDD indices did not substantially change countries’ ranking based on their DSQI values.

Conclusions

The quality of antibiotic consumption in the community as measured by the DSQIs further decreased between 2009 and 2017, especially in Southern and Eastern European countries. A continuous effort to improve antibiotic consumption is essential to reduce antibiotic consumption in general and the use of broad-spectrum antibiotics in particular.
Body and Wing Allometries Reveal Flight-Fecundity Tradeoff in Response to Larval Provisioning in Osmia lignaria (Hymenoptera: Megachilidae)
Authors: Helm Bryan R , Baldwin Maxwell A , Rinehart Joseph P , Yocum George D , Greenlee Kendra J , Bowsher Julia H
Published: May 2021

Variation in body size has important implications for physical performance and fitness. For insects, adult size and morphology are determined by larval growth and metamorphosis. Female blue orchard bees, Osmia lignaria, (Say) provision a finite quantity of food to their offspring. In this study, we asked how provision-dependent variation in size changes adult morphology. We performed a diet manipulation in which some larvae were starved in the final instar and some were given unlimited food. We examined the consequences on adult morphology in two ways. First, allometric relationships between major body regions (head, thorax, abdomen) and total body mass were measured to determine relative growth of these structures. Second, morphometrics that are critical for flight (wing area, wing loading, and extra flight power index) were quantified. Head and thorax mass had hyperallometric relationships with body size, indicating these parts become disproportionately large in adults when larvae are given copious provisions. However, abdominal mass and wing area increased hypoallometrically with body size. Thus, large adults had disproportionately lighter abdomens and smaller wing areas than smaller adults. Though both males and females followed these general patterns, allometric patterns were affected by sex. For flight metrics, small adults had reduced wing loading and an increased extra flight power index. These results suggest that diet quantity alters development in ways that affect the morphometric trait relationships in adult O. lignaria and may lead to functional differences in performance.
Solitary cysticercus in the right temporalis muscle: case report of a rare form of presentation of cysticercosis
Authors: Cheruvu Ved Prakash R , Khan Manal M
Published: May 2021

Solitary cysticercus localized to the head and neck musculature is an unusual form of presentation of cysticercosis. Since it is rare and has non-specific manifestations, it can present a diagnostic challenge to the clinician. Our patient was a 16-year-old female who presented with a gradually increasing, painful swelling over right temple region of 6-month duration. Ultrasound and computed tomography scan revealed the presence of a solitary cysticercus in the right temporalis muscle. Surgical excision of the lesion was combined with a 4-week course of the anti-helminthic drug, Albendazole. Patient had a satisfactory resolution of symptoms and there was no recurrence in a follow-up period of 3 years. We suggest that cysticercosis should be considered as one of the possibilities in the differential diagnosis of swellings in the maxillofacial region, especially in the endemic areas. Imaging studies play an important role in confirmation of the diagnosis.
The post-main-sequence fate of the HR 8799 planetary system
Authors: Veras Dimitri , Hinkley Sasha
Published: May 2021

The noteworthy four-planet HR 8799 system teeters on the brink of gravitational instability and contains an A-type host star that is characteristic of the progenitors of the majority of known white dwarf planetary system hosts. Goździewski & Migaszewski have demonstrated that the system can retain all four planets for at least 1 Gyr along the main sequence if the planets evolve within an externally unperturbed 8:4:2:1 mean motion resonance configuration. Here, we propagate forward their most stable fit beyond the main sequence, and incorporate external effects from Galactic tides and stellar fly-bys. We find that (i) giant branch mass-loss always breaks the resonance, and usually triggers the ejection of two of the planets, (ii) stellar fly-bys and Galactic tides rarely break the resonance during the main-sequence and giant branch phases, but play a crucial role in determining the final planetary configurations around the eventual white dwarf host star, and (iii) the meanderings of the surviving planets vary significantly, occupying regions from under 1 au to thousands of au. The ubiquitous survival of at least one planet and the presence of the debris discs in the system should allow for dynamical pathways for the white dwarf to be metal-polluted.
Magnetohydrodynamic effect on first star formation: pre-stellar core collapse and protostar formation
Authors: Sadanari Kenji Eric , Omukai Kazuyuki , Sugimura Kazuyuki , Matsumoto Tomoaki , Tomida Kengo
Published: May 2021

Recent theoretical studies have suggested that a magnetic field may play a crucial role in the first star formation in the universe. However, the influence of the magnetic field on the first star formation has yet to be understood well. In this study, we perform three-dimensional magnetohydrodynamic simulations taking into account all the relevant cooling processes and non-equilibrium chemical reactions up to the protostar density, in order to study the collapse of magnetized primordial gas cores with self-consistent thermal evolution. Our results show that the thermal evolution of the central core is hardly affected by a magnetic field because magnetic forces do not prevent the contraction along the field lines. We also find that the magnetic braking extracts the angular momentum from the core and suppresses fragmentation depending on the initial strength of the magnetic field. The angular momentum transport by the magnetic outflows is less effective than that by the magnetic braking because the outflows are launched only in a late phase of the collapse. Our results indicate that the magnetic effects become important for the field strength $B\gt 10^{-8}(n_{\rm H}/1\ \rm cm^{-3})^{2/3}\ \rm G$, where nH is the number density, during the collapse phase. Finally, we compare our results with simulations using a barotropic approximation and confirm that this approximation is reasonable at least for the collapse phase. Nevertheless, self-consistent treatment of the thermal and chemical processes is essential for extending simulations to the accretion phase, in which radiative feedback by protostars plays a crucial role.
Cloud busting: enstatite and quartz clouds in the atmosphere of 2M2224-0158
Authors: Burningham Ben , Faherty Jacqueline K , Gonzales Eileen C , Marley Mark S , Visscher Channon , Lupu Roxana , Gaarn Josefine , Fabienne Bieger Michelle , Freedman Richard , Saumon Didier
Published: May 2021

We present the most detailed data-driven exploration of cloud opacity in a substellar object to-date. We have tested over 60 combinations of cloud composition and structure, particle-size distribution, scattering model, and gas phase composition assumptions against archival 1–15 μm spectroscopy for the unusually red L4.5 dwarf 2MASSW J2224438-015852 using the Brewster retrieval framework. We find that, within our framework, a model that includes enstatite and quartz cloud layers at shallow pressures, combined with a deep iron cloud deck fits the data best. This model assumes a Hansen distribution for particle sizes for each cloud, and Mie scattering. We retrieved particle effective radii of $\log _{10} a {\rm (\mu m)} = -1.41^{+0.18}_{-0.17}$ for enstatite, $-0.44^{+0.04}_{-0.20}$ for quartz, and $-0.77^{+0.05}_{-0.06}$ for iron. Our inferred cloud column densities suggest ${\rm (Mg/Si)} = 0.69^{+0.06}_{-0.08}$ if there are no other sinks for magnesium or silicon. Models that include forsterite alongside, or in place of, these cloud species are strongly rejected in favour of the above combination. We estimate a radius of 0.75 ± 0.02 RJup, which is considerably smaller than predicted by evolutionary models for a field age object with the luminosity of 2M2224-0158. Models which assume vertically constant gas fractions are consistently preferred over models that assume thermochemical equilibrium. From our retrieved gas fractions, we infer ${\rm [M/H]} = +0.38^{+0.07}_{-0.06}$ and ${\rm C/O} = 0.83^{+0.06}_{-0.07}$. Both these values are towards the upper end of the stellar distribution in the Solar neighbourhood, and are mutually consistent in this context. A composition towards the extremes of the local distribution is consistent with this target being an outlier in the ultracool dwarf population.
WALLABY pilot survey: first look at the Hydra I cluster and ram pressure stripping of ESO 501−G075
Authors: Reynolds T N , Westmeier T , Elagali A , Catinella B , Cortese L , Deg N , For B-Q , Kamphuis P , Kleiner D , Koribalski B S , Lee-Waddell K , Oh S-H , Rhee J , Serra P , Spekkens K , Staveley-Smith L , Stevens A R H , Taylor E N , Wang J , Wong O I
Published: May 2021

We present results from neutral atomic hydrogen (H i) observations of Hydra I, the first cluster observed by the Widefield ASKAP L-band Legacy All-sky Blind Survey (WALLABY) on the Australian Square Kilometre Array Pathfinder. For the first time, we show that WALLABY can reach its final survey sensitivity. Leveraging the sensitivity, spatial resolution, and wide field of view of WALLABY, we identify a galaxy, ESO 501−G075, that lies near the virial radius of Hydra I and displays an H i tail. ESO 501−G075 shows a similar level of morphological asymmetry as another cluster member, which lies near the cluster centre and shows signs of experiencing ram pressure. We investigate possible environmental processes that could be responsible for producing the observed disturbance in the H i morphology of ESO 501−G075. We rule out tidal interactions, as ESO 501−G075 has no nearby neighbours within ∼0.34 Mpc. We use a simple model to determine that ram pressure can remove gas from the disc at radii r ≳ 25 kpc. We conclude that, as ESO 501−G075 has a typical H i mass compared to similar galaxies in the field and its morphology is compatible with a ram pressure scenario, ESO 501−G075 is likely recently infalling into the cluster and in the early stages of experiencing ram pressure.
Structural basis for the dynamics of human methionyl-tRNA synthetase in multi-tRNA synthetase complexes
Authors: Kim Dong Kyu , Lee Hyun Joo , Kong Jiwon , Cho Ha Yeon , Kim Sunghoon , Kang Beom Sik
Published: May 2021

In mammals, eight aminoacyl-tRNA synthetases (AARSs) and three AARS-interacting multifunctional proteins (AIMPs) form a multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC). MSC components possess extension peptides for MSC assembly and specific functions. Human cytosolic methionyl-tRNA synthetase (MRS) has appended peptides at both termini of the catalytic main body. The N-terminal extension includes a glutathione transferase (GST) domain responsible for interacting with AIMP3, and a long linker peptide between the GST and catalytic domains. Herein, we determined crystal structures of the human MRS catalytic main body, and the complex of the GST domain and AIMP3. The structures reveal human-specific structural details of the MRS, and provide a dynamic model for MRS at the level of domain orientation. A movement of zinc knuckles inserted in the catalytic domain is required for MRS catalytic activity. Depending on the position of the GST domain relative to the catalytic main body, MRS can either block or present its tRNA binding site. Since MRS is part of a huge MSC, we propose a dynamic switching between two possible MRS conformations; a closed conformation in which the catalytic domain is compactly attached to the MSC, and an open conformation with a free catalytic domain dissociated from other MSC components.
Impact of Opioid Prescribing Guidelines on Postoperative Opioid Prescriptions Following Elective Spine Surgery: Results From an Institutional Quality Improvement Initiative
Authors: Krauss William E , Habermann Elizabeth B , Goyal Anshit , Ubl Daniel S , Alvi Mohammed Ali , Whipple Daniel C , Glasgow Amy E , Gazelka Halena M , Bydon Mohamad
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

With a dramatic rise in prescription opioid use, it is imperative to review postsurgical prescribing patterns given their contributions to the opioid epidemic.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the impact of departmental postoperative prescribing guidelines on opioid prescriptions following elective spine surgery.

METHODS

Patients undergoing elective cervical or lumbar spine surgery between 2017 and 2018 were identified. Procedure-specific opioid prescribing guidelines to limit postoperative prescribing following neurosurgical procedures were developed in 2017 and implemented in January 2018. Preguideline data were available from July to December 2017, and postguideline data from July to December 2018. Discharge prescriptions in morphine milliequivalents (MMEs), the proportion of patients (i) discharged with an opioid prescription, (ii) needing refills within 30 d, (iii) with guideline compliant prescriptions were compared in the 2 groups. Multivariable (MV) analyses were performed to assess the impact of guideline implementation on refill prescriptions within 30 d.

RESULTS

A total of 1193 patients were identified (cervical: 308; lumbar: 885) with 569 (47.7%) patients from the preguideline period. Following guideline implementation, fewer patients were discharged with a postoperative opioid prescription (92.5% vs 81.7%, P < .001) and median postoperative opioid prescription decreased significantly (300 MMEs vs 225 MMEs, P < .001). The 30-d refill prescription rate was not significantly different between preguideline and postguideline cohorts (pre: 24.4% vs post: 20.2%, P = .079). MV analyses did not demonstrate any impact of guideline implementation on need for 30-d refill prescriptions for both cervical (odds ratio [OR] = 0.68, confidence interval [CI] = 0.37-1.26, P = .22) and lumbar cohorts (OR = 0.95, CI = 0.66-1.36, P = .78).

CONCLUSION

Provider-aimed interventions such as implementation of procedure-specific prescribing guidelines can significantly reduce postoperative opioid prescriptions following spine surgery without increasing the need for refill prescriptions for pain control.
HIV Treatment Outcomes in Rural Georgia Using Telemedicine
Authors: Lawal Folake J , Omotayo Moshood O , Lee Tae Jin , Srinivasa Rao Arni S R , Vazquez Jose A
Published: May 2021

Background

The increasing shortage of specialized health care services contributes to the ongoing HIV epidemic. Telemedicine (TM) is a potential tool to improve HIV care, but little is known about its effectiveness when compared with traditional (face-to-face [F2F]) care in rural populations. The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of HIV care delivered through TM with the F2F model.

Methods

We conducted a retrospective chart review of a subset of patients with HIV who attended a TM clinic in Dublin, Georgia, and an F2F clinic in Augusta, Georgia, between May 2017 and April 2018. All TM patients were matched to F2F patients based on gender, age, and race. HIV viral load (VL) and CD4 count gain were compared using t test and Mann-Whitney U statistics.

Results

Three hundred eighty-five patients were included in the analyses (F2F = 200; TM = 185). The mean CD4 in the TM group was higher (643.9 cells/mm3) than that of the F2F group (596.3 cells/mm3; P < .001). There was no statistically significant difference in VL reduction, control, or mean VL (F2F = 416.8 cp/mL; TM = 713.4 cp/mL; P = .30). Thirty-eight of eighty-five patients with detectable VL achieved viral suppression during the study period (F2F = 24/54; TM = 14/31), with a mean change of 3.34 × 104 and –1 to 0.24 × 104, respectively (P = 1.00).

Conclusions

TM was associated with outcome measures comparable to F2F. Increased access to specialty HIV care through TM can facilitate HIV control in communities with limited health care access in the rural United States. Rigorous prospective evaluation of TM for HIV care effectiveness is warranted.
Inoculation now or later? Lower efficacy and vaccine passport concerns
Authors: Brazal Agnes M
Published: May 2021

This correspondence explores other reasons for vaccine hesitancy especially among the educated sector, as expressed in the decision to delay inoculation because of the lower efficacy of currently available vaccines and/or the lack of access to European Medicines Agency-approved jabs that are required for an European Union vaccine passport. The challenge to promote the common good is posed not only to individuals, but also to governments and international agencies.
Development and Clinical Uses of a Mobile Application for Smart Wound Nursing Management
Authors: Zhang Qijian , Huang Weihong , Dai Weiwei , Tian Hanzhang , Tang Qiongfang , Wang Shihui
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE

Establishing a smart platform for wound nursing management is imperative to accelerating the development of this specialty. A mobile application (app) was created based on the clinical needs of wound care to improve working efficiency and wound management, as well as enable information sharing and categorical retrieval of patient records.

METHODS

Supported by the National Mobile Laboratory of China, the authors’ wound care center collaborated with information technology engineers and user interface designers to establish a multidisciplinary team of experts in wound nursing information management and develop a digital app. Electronic tablets were chosen as a convenient clinical method to collect complete information in a standardized format. In the app, case records are synchronously cataloged for rapid retrieval. The app was designed such that practicing nurses could quickly learn how to use the various functions of the app. Through constant iterative optimization, the relevant functional modules have been further improved.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

After a 1-year clinical trial, app functions have stabilized, fulfilling the expectations of technicians and boosting the operating efficiency of clinical practices. In comparison with traditional methods, the app allows for easy access to patient information; rapidly reviewed, synchronous cataloguing; and convenient retrieval. Further exploration is warranted.
Twenty years of clinical trials in axial spondyloarthritis: what can we learn for the future?
Authors: Sieper Joachim , Poddubnyy Denis
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

We have now about 20 years of experience with the treatment of axial spondyloarthritis with biologics, which raises the question what we can learn from past experience, and which open questions should be addressed in future investigations.

Recent findings

Many studies have shown that axSpA patients – both patients in their nonradiological and radiological stage – respond similarly well to biologic treatment and these patients should be seen as having the same disease at different stages. AxSpA respond best to TNF-blocker – and probably also to other biologics – if the disease duration is short and if objective parameters of inflammation, such as C-reactive protein or MRI are positive. Primary aim of treatment is to reach and maintain clinical remission. Once remission is achieved, it can be maintained by continuing treatment, and in a proportion of yet not well defined patients the drug dose can be reduced without inducing a flare. The recent demonstration of a good efficacy, in addition to TNF blockers, also of IL-17 inhibitors and JAK-inhibitors in axSpA patients raises the question how to select the best patients for the best treatment. Radiographic progression can best be stopped by effectively suppressing inflammation, whether different drugs have here a different effect has still to be defined. More sensitive measurements of radiographic progression are urgently needed.

Reaching and maintaining clinical remission and preventing structural bony damage is the primary treatment target in patients with axSpA. How to reach this aim best has to be further explored in the future.
The use of artificial intelligence for the diagnosis of bladder cancer: a review and perspectives
Authors: Chan Erica On-Ting , Pradere Benjamin , Teoh Jeremy Yuen-Chun
Published: May 2021

Purpose of review

White light cystoscopy is the current standard for primary diagnosis and surveillance of bladder cancer. However, cancer changes can be subtle and may be easily missed. With the advancement of deep learning (DL), image recognition by artificial intelligence (AI) proves a high accuracy for image-based diagnosis. AI can be a solution to enhance bladder cancer diagnosis on cystoscopy.

Recent findings

An algorithm that classifies cystoscopic images into normal and tumour images is essential for AI cystoscopy. To develop this AI-based system requires a training dataset, an appropriate type of DL algorithm for the learning process and a specific outcome classification. A large data volume with minimal class imbalance, data accuracy and representativeness are pre-requisite for a good dataset. Algorithms developed during the past two years to detect bladder tumour achieved high performance with a pooled sensitivity of 89.7% and specificity of 96.1%. The area under the curve ranged from 0.960 to 0.980, and the accuracy ranged from 85.6 to 96.9%. There were also favourable results in the various attempts to enhance detection of flat lesions or carcinoma-in-situ.

AI cystoscopy is a possible solution in clinical practice to enhance bladder cancer diagnosis, improve tumour clearance during transurethral resection of bladder tumour and detect recurrent tumours upon surveillance.
Male
Carollia perspicillata
bats call more than females in a distressful context
Authors: González-Palomares Eugenia , López-Jury Luciana , Wetekam Johannes , Kiai Ava , García-Rosales Francisco , Hechavarria Julio C.
Published: May 2021

Distress calls are a vocalization type widespread across the animal kingdom, emitted when the animals are under duress, e.g. when captured by a predator. Here, we report on an observation we came across serendipitously while recording distress calls from the bat species
Carollia perspicillata
, i.e. the existence of sex difference in the distress calling behaviour of this species. We show that in
C. perspicillata
bats, males are more likely to produce distress vocalizations than females when hand-held. Male bats call more, their calls are louder, harsher (faster amplitude modulated) and cover lower carrier frequencies than female vocalizations. We discuss our results within a framework of potential hormonal, neurobiological and behavioural differences that could explain our findings, and open multiple paths to continue the study of sex-related differences in vocal behaviour in bats.