bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Utility of a pediatric observation unit for the management of children admitted to the emergency department
Authors: Gatto Antonio , Rivetti Serena , Capossela Lavinia , Pata Davide , Covino Marcello , Chiaretti Antonio
Published: January 2021

Background

Observation Units (OU), as part of emergency department (ED), are areas reserved for short-term treatment or observation of patients with selected diagnoses to determine the need for hospitalization or home referral.

Methods

In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed similarities and differences of children admitted to the pediatric ED of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS hospital in the first 2 years of OU activity, analyzing general patient characteristics, access modalities, diagnosis, triage, laboratory and instrumental examinations, specialist visits, outcome of OU admission and average time spent in OU. Furthermore, we compared total numbers and type of hospitalization of the first 2 years of OU activity with those of previous 2 years.

Results

The most frequent diagnoses were abdominal pain, minor head injury without loss of consciousness, vomiting, epilepsy and acute bronchiolitis. The most performed laboratory examinations were blood count. The most commonly performed instrumental examination was abdominal ultrasound. Neurological counseling was the most commonly requested.

Average time spent in OU was 13 h in 2016 and 14.1 h in 2017. Most OU admissions did not last longer than 24 h (90.5% in 2016 and 89.5% in 2017).

In the years 2014–2015, 13.4% of pediatric patients accessing the ED were hospitalized, versus 9.9% the years 2016–2017 reducing pediatric hospital admissions by 3.6% (p <  0.001).

Conclusions

This study demonstrate that OU is a valid alternative to ordinary wards for specific pathologies. In accordance with the literature, our study showed that, in the first 2 years of the OU activity, admissions to hospital ward decreased compared with the previous 2 years with an increase of complex patients.
Prediction and mechanistic analysis of drug-induced liver injury (DILI) based on chemical structure
Authors: Liu Anika , Walter Moritz , Wright Peter , Bartosik Aleksandra , Dolciami Daniela , Elbasir Abdurrahman , Yang Hongbin , Bender Andreas
Published: January 2021

Background

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major safety concern characterized by a complex and diverse pathogenesis. In order to identify DILI early in drug development, a better understanding of the injury and models with better predictivity are urgently needed. One approach in this regard are in silico models which aim at predicting the risk of DILI based on the compound structure. However, these models do not yet show sufficient predictive performance or interpretability to be useful for decision making by themselves, the former partially stemming from the underlying problem of labeling the in vivo DILI risk of compounds in a meaningful way for generating machine learning models.

Results

As part of the Critical Assessment of Massive Data Analysis (CAMDA) “CMap Drug Safety Challenge” 2019 (http://camda2019.bioinf.jku.at), chemical structure-based models were generated using the binarized DILIrank annotations. Support Vector Machine (SVM) and Random Forest (RF) classifiers showed comparable performance to previously published models with a mean balanced accuracy over models generated using 5-fold LOCO-CV inside a 10-fold training scheme of 0.759 ± 0.027 when predicting an external test set. In the models which used predicted protein targets as compound descriptors, we identified the most information-rich proteins which agreed with the mechanisms of action and toxicity of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), one of the most important drug classes causing DILI, stress response via TP53 and biotransformation. In addition, we identified multiple proteins involved in xenobiotic metabolism which could be novel DILI-related off-targets, such as CLK1 and DYRK2. Moreover, we derived potential structural alerts for DILI with high precision, including furan and hydrazine derivatives; however, all derived alerts were present in approved drugs and were over specific indicating the need to consider quantitative variables such as dose.

Conclusion

Using chemical structure-based descriptors such as structural fingerprints and predicted protein targets, DILI prediction models were built with a predictive performance comparable to previous literature. In addition, we derived insights on proteins and pathways statistically (and potentially causally) linked to DILI from these models and inferred new structural alerts related to this adverse endpoint.
Diabetes management intervention studies: lessons learned from two studies
Authors: Petersen Bettina , Vesper Iris , Pachwald Bernhild , Dagenbach Nicole , Buck Sina , Waldenmaier Delia , Heinemann Lutz
Published: January 2021

Introduction

Several clinical studies investigated improvements of patient outcomes due to diabetes management interventions. However, chronic disease management is intricate with complex multifactorial behavior patterns. Such studies thus have to be well designed in order to allocate all observed effects to the defined intervention and to exclude effects of other confounders as well as possible.

This article aims to provide challenges in interpreting diabetes management intervention studies and suggests approaches for optimizing study implementation and for avoiding pitfalls based on current experiences.

Main body

Lessons from the STeP and ProValue studies demonstrated the difficulty in medical device studies that rely on behavioral changes in intervention group patients. To successfully engage patients, priority should be given to health care professionals being engaged, operational support in technical issues being available, and adherence being assessed in detail.

Another difficulty is to avoid contamination of the control group with the intervention; therefore, strict allocation concealment should be maintained. However, randomization and blinding are not always possible. A limited effect size due to improvements regarding clinical endpoints in the control group is often caused by the Hawthorne effect. Improvements in the control group can also be caused with increased attention paid to the subjects. In order to reduce improvements in the control group, it is essential to identify the specific reasons and adjust study procedures accordingly. A pilot phase is indispensable for this. Another option is to include a third study arm to control for enhanced standard of care and study effects. Furthermore, retrospective data collection could be a feasible option. Adaptive study designs might reduce the necessity of a separate pilot study and combine the exploratory and confirmatory stages of an investigation in one single study.

Conclusion

There are several aspects to consider in medical device studies when using interventions that rely on changes in behavior to achieve an effective implementation and significant study results. Improvements in the control group may reduce effect sizes and limit statistical significance; therefore, alternatives to the traditional randomized controlled trials may be considered.
Molecular detection of Leishmania donovani, Leishmania major, and Trypanosoma species in Sergentomyia squamipleuris sand flies from a visceral leishmaniasis focus in Merti sub-County, eastern Kenya
Authors: Owino Barrack O. , Mwangi Jackline Milkah , Kiplagat Steve , Mwangi Hannah Njiriku , Ingonga Johnstone M. , Chebet Alphine , Ngumbi Philip M. , Villinger Jandouwe , Masiga Daniel K. , Matoke-Muhia Damaris
Published: January 2021

Background

Visceral leishmaniasis (VL) and zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) are of public health concern in Merti sub-County, Kenya, but epidemiological data on transmission, vector abundance, distribution, and reservoir hosts remain limited. To better understand the disease and inform control measures to reduce transmission, we investigated the abundance and distribution of sand fly species responsible for Leishmania transmission in the sub-County and their blood-meal hosts.

Methods

We conducted an entomological survey in five villages with reported cases of VL in Merti sub-County, Kenya, using CDC miniature light traps and castor oil sticky papers. Sand flies were dissected and identified to the species level using standard taxonomic keys and PCR analysis of the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) gene. Leishmania parasites were detected and identified by PCR and sequencing of internal transcribed spacer 1 (ITS1) genes. Blood-meal sources of engorged females were identified by high-resolution melting analysis of vertebrate cytochrome b (cyt-b) gene PCR products.

Results

We sampled 526 sand flies consisting of 8 species, Phlebotomus orientalis (1.52%; n = 8), and 7 Sergentomyia spp. Sergentomyia squamipleuris was the most abundant sand fly species (78.71%; n = 414) followed by Sergentomyia clydei (10.46%; n = 55). Leishmania major, Leishmania donovani, and Trypanosoma DNA were detected in S. squamipleuris specimens. Humans were the main sources of sand fly blood meals. However, we also detected mixed blood meals; one S. squamipleuris specimen had fed on both human and mouse (Mus musculus) blood, while two Ph. orientalis specimens fed on human, hyrax (Procavia capensis), and mouse (Mus musculus) blood.

Conclusions

Our findings implicate the potential involvement of S. squamipleuris in the transmission of Leishmania and question the dogma that human leishmaniases in the Old World are exclusively transmitted by sand flies of the Phlebotomus genus. The presence of Trypanosoma spp. may indicate mechanical transmission, whose efficiency should be investigated. Host preference analysis revealed the possibility of zoonotic transmission of leishmaniasis and other pathogens in the sub-County. Leishmania major and L. donovani are known to cause ZCL and VL, respectively. However, the reservoir status of the parasites is not uniform. Further studies are needed to determine the reservoir hosts of Leishmania spp. in the area.

Graphical Abstract
RNAi gene knockdown in the poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer 1778), a tool for functional genomics
Authors: Chen Wan , Bartley Kathryn , Nunn Francesca , Bowman Alan S. , Sternberg Jeremy M. , Burgess Stewart T. G. , Nisbet Alasdair J. , Price Daniel R. G.
Published: January 2021

Background

The avian haematophagous ectoparasite Dermanyssus gallinae, commonly known as the poultry red mite, causes significant economic losses to the egg-laying industry worldwide and also represents a significant welfare threat. Current acaricide-based controls are unsustainable due to the mite’s ability to rapidly develop resistance, thus developing a novel sustainable means of control for D. gallinae is a priority. RNA interference (RNAi)-mediated gene silencing is a valuable tool for studying gene function in non-model organisms, but is also emerging as a novel tool for parasite control.

Methods

Here we use an in silico approach to identify core RNAi pathway genes in the recently sequenced D. gallinae genome. In addition we utilise an in vitro feeding device to deliver double-stranded (ds) RNA to D. gallinae targeting the D. gallinae vATPase subunit A (Dg vATPase A) gene and monitor gene knockdown using quantitative PCR (qPCR).

Results

Core components of the small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA) pathways were identified in D. gallinae, which indicates that these gene silencing pathways are likely functional. Strikingly, the P-element-induced wimpy testis (PIWI)-interacting RNA (piRNA) pathway was absent in D. gallinae. In addition, feeding Dg vATPase A dsRNA to adult female D. gallinae resulted in silencing of the targeted gene compared to control mites fed non-specific lacZ dsRNA. In D. gallinae, dsRNA-mediated gene knockdown was rapid, being detectable 24 h after oral delivery of the dsRNA, and persisted for at least 120 h.

Conclusions

This study shows the presence of core RNAi machinery components in the D. gallinae genome. In addition, we have developed a robust RNAi methodology for targeting genes in D. gallinae that will be of value for studying genes of unknown function and validating potential control targets in D. gallinae.

Graphical Abstract
Insecticide resistance status of malaria vectors Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) of southwest Burkina Faso and residual efficacy of indoor residual spraying with microencapsulated pirimiphos-methyl insecticide
Authors: Soma Dieudonné Diloma , Zogo Barnabas , Hien Domonbabele François de Sales , Hien Aristide Sawdetuo , Kaboré Didier Alexandre , Kientega Mahamadi , Ouédraogo Anicet Georges , Pennetier Cédric , Koffi Alphonsine Amanan , Moiroux Nicolas , Dabiré Roch Kounbobr
Published: January 2021

Background

The rapid spread of insecticide resistance in malaria vectors and the rebound in malaria cases observed recently in some endemic areas underscore the urgent need to evaluate and deploy new effective control interventions. A randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted with the aim to investigate the benefit of deploying complementary strategies, including indoor residual spraying (IRS) with pirimiphos-methyl in addition to long-lasting insecticidal nets (LLINs) in Diébougou, southwest Burkina Faso.

Methods

We measured the susceptibility of the Anopheles gambiae (s.l.) population from Diébougou to conventional insecticides. We further monitored the efficacy and residual activity of pirimiphos-methyl on both cement and mud walls using a laboratory susceptible strain (Kisumu) and the local An. gambiae (s.l.) population.

Results

An. gambiae (s.l.) from Diébougou was resistant to DDT, pyrethroids (deltamethrin, permethrin and alphacypermethrin) and bendiocarb but showed susceptibility to organophosphates (pirimiphos-methyl and chlorpyrimiphos-methyl). A mixed-effect generalized linear model predicted that pirimiphos-methyl applied on cement or mud walls was effective for 210 days against the laboratory susceptible strain and 247 days against the local population. The residual efficacy of pirimiphos-methyl against the local population on walls made of mud was similar to that of cement (OR = 0.792, [0.55–1.12], Tukey’s test p-value = 0.19).

Conclusions

If data on malaria transmission and malaria cases (as measured trough the RCT) are consistent with data on residual activity of pirimiphos-methyl regardless of the type of wall, one round of IRS with pirimiphos-methyl would have the potential to control malaria in a context of multi-resistant An. gambiae (s.l.) for at least 7 months.

Graphical Abstract
Serum biomarker panel for the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Mun Sora , Lee Jiyeong , Park Mira , Shin Jieun , Lim Mi-Kyoung , Kang Hee-Gyoo
Published: January 2021

Background

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease of inflammatory joint damage, wherein C-reactive protein and autoantibodies including rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (anti-CCP) are rapidly elevated. These serological factors are diagnostic markers of RA; however, their sensitivity and specificity for prediction warrant improvement for an early and accurate diagnosis.

Methods

We aimed to identify alternative biomarkers by serum protein profiling using LC-MS/MS. We performed statistical and functional analysis of differentially expressed proteins to identify biomarker candidates complementing conventional serological tests.

Results

Seven biomarker candidates were verified through multiple reaction monitoring-based quantitative analysis, of which angiotensinogen (AGT), serum amyloid A-4 protein (SAA4), vitamin D-binding protein (VDBP), and retinol-binding protein-4 (RBP4) had an area under the curve over 0.8, thus distinguishing RA patients, including seronegative (RF- and anti-CCP-negative) RA patients, from healthy controls.

Conclusions

Therefore, among seronegative RA patients, a four-biomarker panel (AGT, SAA4, VDBP, and RBP4) can prevent false negatives and help diagnose RA accurately.
Is gene expression among women with rheumatoid arthritis dysregulated during a postpartum flare?
Authors: Wright Matthew , Smed Mette K. , Nelson J. Lee , Olsen Jørn , Hetland Merete L. , Zoffmann Vibeke , Jawaheer Damini
Published: January 2021

Background

To evaluate our hypotheses that, when rheumatoid arthritis (RA) flares postpartum, gene expression patterns are altered compared to (a) healthy women, (b) RA women whose disease activity is low or in remission postpartum, and (c) pre-pregnancy expression profiles.

Methods

Twelve women with RA and five healthy women were included in this pilot study. RA disease activity and postpartum flare were assessed using the Clinical Disease Activity Index (CDAI). Total RNA from frozen whole blood was used for RNA sequencing. Differential gene expression within the same women (within-group) over time, i.e., postpartum vs. third trimester (T3) or pre-pregnancy (T0), were examined, using a significance threshold of q < 0.05 and fold-change ≥ 2.

Results

Nine of the women with RA experienced a flare postpartum (RAFlare), while three had low disease activity or were in remission (RANoFlare) during that time frame. Numerous immune-related genes were differentially expressed postpartum (vs. T3) during a flare. Fold-changes in expression from T3 to postpartum were mostly comparable between the RAFlare and healthy groups. At 3 months postpartum, compared to healthy women, several genes were significantly differentially expressed only among the RAFlare women, and not among the RANoFlare women. Some of these genes were among those whose “normal” expression was significantly modulated postpartum, and the postpartum expression patterns were significantly altered during the RA flare. There were also some genes that were significantly differentially expressed in RAFlare compared to both healthy and RANoFlare women, even though their expression was not significantly modulated postpartum. Furthermore, while postpartum expression profiles were similar to those at pre-pregnancy among healthy women, significant differences were found between those time points among the RAFlare women.

Conclusions

The large majority of gene expression changes between T3 and 3 months postpartum among RA women who flared postpartum reflected normal postpartum changes also seen among healthy women. Nonetheless, during a postpartum flare, a set of immune-related genes showed dysregulated expression compared to healthy women and women with RA whose disease activity was low or in remission during the same time frame, while other genes demonstrated significant differences in expression compared to RA pre-pregnancy levels.
Uncertainty in the impact of liver support systems in acute-on-chronic liver failure: a systematic review and network meta-analysis
Authors: Ocskay Klementina , Kanjo Anna , Gede Noémi , Szakács Zsolt , Pár Gabriella , Erőss Bálint , Stange Jan , Mitzner Steffen , Hegyi Péter , Molnár Zsolt
Published: January 2021

Background

The role of artificial and bioartificial liver support systems in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is still controversial. We aimed to perform the first network meta-analysis comparing and ranking different liver support systems and standard medical therapy (SMT) in patients with ACLF.

Methods

The study protocol was registered with PROSPERO (CRD42020155850). A systematic search was conducted in five databases. We conducted a Bayesian network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of artificial or bioartificial liver support systems on survival in patients with ACLF. Ranking was performed by calculating the surface under cumulative ranking (SUCRA) curve values. The RoB2 tool and a modified GRADE approach were used for the assessment of the risk of bias and quality of evidence (QE).

Results

In the quantitative synthesis 16 trials were included, using MARS®, Prometheus®, ELAD®, plasma exchange (PE) and BioLogic-DT®. Overall (OS) and transplant-free (TFS) survival were assessed at 1 and 3 months. PE significantly improved 3-month OS compared to SMT (RR 0.74, CrI: 0.6–0.94) and ranked first on the cumulative ranking curves for both OS outcomes (SUCRA: 86% at 3 months; 77% at 1 month) and 3-month TFS (SUCRA: 87%) and second after ELAD for 1-month TFS (SUCRA: 76%). Other comparisons did not reach statistical significance. QE was moderate for PE concerning 1-month OS and both TFS outcomes. Other results were of very low certainty.

Conclusion

PE seems to be the best currently available liver support therapy in ACLF regarding 3-month OS. Based on the low QE, randomized trials are needed to confirm our findings for already existing options and to introduce new devices.
Evaluation of the hepato-renal functions and antimicrobial activity of fatty amido benzoic acid synthesised from Citrullus colocynthis seed oil
Authors: Adewuyi Adewale , Otuechere Chiagoziem A. , Ellah Nkechi H. , Kaki Shiva Shanker , Fayemi Scott O. , Adeosun Charles B.
Published: January 2021

Rapid progression in resistance to antimicrobial agents by pathogenic organisms is a serious concern. This study aimed to synthesize fatty amido benzoic acid (FBA) fromCitrullus colocynthisseed oil (CCO) and evaluate its safety profile as an alternative bioactive agent for combating drug-resistant pathogens. FBA was synthesised through simple chemical reaction route and examined for its antioxidant activity and antimicrobial capacity against selected drug-resistant microorganisms. Effect of FBA on hepato-renal function makers and oxidative stress was also examined using Wistar rats. Density functional theory (DFT) approach was employed to understand the action of FBA with the aid of lowest unoccupied molecular orbital (LUMO) and highest occupied molecular orbital (HOMO). Gas Chromatography (GC) revealed the most abundant fatty acid in CCO to be C18:2 (55.88%). Results from Fourier transformed infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and proton nuclear magnetic resonance (1HNMR) confirmed the synthesis of FBA with a yield of 97.10%. FBA exhibited antioxidant potential (IC50of 1.96 µg mL−1) as well as antimicrobial potency. Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of FBA was 0.026 mg mL−1. Biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), creatinine, hydrogen peroxide, and lipid peroxidation were significantly elevated in rats administered high dose FBA (100 mg kg−1). Histology of the liver and kidney confirmed the biochemical results. Furthermore, mechanism of action of FBA could be described by quantum chemical analysis to be via nucleophilic interaction, which may be viewed electronically as donor–acceptor interaction. The study presents FBA as a promising antimicrobial agent for combating drug-resistant pathogenic organisms.
Surgical treatment of a complex craniocervical malformation combined with posterior cranial fossa teratoma: a case report and literature review
Authors: Liu Jiang , He Rui , Wang Chao
Published: January 2021

Background

Basilar invagination (BI) with atlantoaxial dislocation (AAD) is not uncommon in patients with scoliosis, Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), and other bone deformities. Cases with combinations of the abovementioned dislocations and deformities with posterior cranial fossa teratoma are rare in the clinic and difficult to handle.

Case presentation

This case presents a 34-year-old woman diagnosed with atlantoaxial dislocation and posterior cranial fossa mass. After two surgeries, the posterior cranial teratoma was completely removed with satisfactory atlantoaxial reduction. The postoperative 1-year follow-up examination showed that the bone graft fusion was successful, without remaining significant dysfunction.

Conclusions

The surgical risk of irreducible atlantoaxial dislocation combined with posterior cranial fossa tumor is huge. Thus, it needs to be fully preoperatively evaluated and managed carefully in accordance with sound surgical principles.
Development and content validation of the Satisfaction and Experience Questionnaire for Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor (SEQ-G-CSF)
Authors: Yucel Aylin , Skalicky Anne , Eseyin Olabimpe Ruth , Yucel Emre , Belani Rajesh , Bensink Mark
Published: January 2021

Background

Several options for granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) prophylaxis of chemotherapy-induced febrile neutropenia are available to patients worldwide. We have developed a novel patient-reported outcome measure, the Satisfaction and Experience Questionnaire for G-CSF (SEQ-G-CSF), to help understand patients’ perspectives of and satisfaction with different G-CSF options.

Results

Three oncology nurses and 40 adult oncology patients in the United States were enrolled and participated in focus group discussions to develop and refine the SEQ-G-CSF. Nurses had ≥ 5 years of experience treating oncology patients and were currently involved in the management of oncology patients receiving G-CSF prophylaxis. The patients had breast cancer, lung cancer, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or prostate cancer (10 patients in each group) and were receiving G-CSF prophylaxis via injection or the on-body injector (OBI) device. The preliminary SEQ-G-CSF contained an item relevance questionnaire and three SEQ modules (sociodemographic, medical history, and G-CSF–related healthcare characteristics questionnaires). Twenty-one patients (53% of total sample size) discussed their experience and satisfaction with G-CSF. Their most common experiences were G-CSF effectiveness, convenience and benefits of the OBI, and relationships with healthcare providers. Side effects and having to undergo additional treatment were also reported. Satisfaction with aspects of G-CSF included the OBI and effectiveness of G-CSF treatment; dissatisfaction included inconvenience (having to return to the clinic the next day and administration of the injection) and the insurance approval process. The SEQ-G-CSF was finalized after three rounds of cognitive interviews and includes five domains related to general satisfaction (one item), treatment burden (four items), travel burden (two items), time burden (four items), and treatment compliance (two items).

Conclusions

The SEQ-G-CSF is a novel instrument that quantifies a patient’s experience and satisfaction with different G-CSF options using 13 easy-to-understand items. This study provides evidence for the content validity of SEQ-G-CSF. Although further psychometric testing is required, the SEQ-G-CSF may be a useful addition to clinical trials, observational studies, and clinical practice.
Efficacy of biopesticides against the whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), on parthenocarpic cucumber grown under protected environment in India
Authors: Ghongade Dilip Shriram , Sangha K. S.
Published: January 2021

Background

The whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae), is one of the most damaging pests of crops grown in open field and under protected conditions. Owing to the indiscriminate use of insecticides, whitefly has developed resistance against various insecticides belonging to different chemical groups. Use of microbial biopesticides (entomopathogenic fungi) can be an effective alternate to chemical insecticides.

Results

This study was planned for the evaluation of entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) formulations, namely, Beauveria bassiana Balsamo (Vuillemin), Lecanicillium lecanii (Zimmerman) Viegas and Metarhizium anisopliae (Metschnikoff) Sorokin and botanical pesticide, Neem Baan, for the management of different life stages of B. tabaci on parthenocarpic cucumber grown under protected conditions. The liquid formulations of Neem Baan at 10 and 15 ml/l were the most effective (90.7 to 93.3% in eggs, 93.3 to 97.1% in nymphs, and 92.4 to 94.2% reduction in whitefly adults after 3rd spray, respectively) as compared to EPF. Among the EPF, L. lecanii and B. bassiana at 10 and 15 ml/l (80.6 to 86.5% in eggs, 85.7 to 91.5% in nymphs, and 58.5 to 69.2% in whitefly adults after 3rd spray, respectively) were found to be more effective than M. anisopliae at 10 and 15 ml/l (78.4 to 82.8% in eggs, 82.5 to 85.9% in nymphs, and 57.7 to 62.8% in whitefly adults after third spray, respectively) in reducing different life stages of B. tabaci on cucumber. Significantly high yield of cucumber fruits was obtained from the plot where Neem Baan at 10 and 15 ml/l (2337.5 to 2420.8 g/plant) was used. Minimum fruit yield were recorded in untreated control plots.

Conclusions

The integration of these biopesticides in the management schedule of the whitefly under protected conditions will enhance the quality and market value of parthenocarpic cucumbers.
Relationship between cotton planting date and two bollworms associated with their natural enemies
Authors: Attia Zakaria Abdelhalim , Ebada Laila , Abdelmaksoud Nasr Mohamed
Published: January 2021

Background

Cotton is the most widespread, profitable non-food crop in the world. Egypt is one of the greatest countries in producing cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) in the world. Many pests attacked cotton which reduced the quality and quantity of the cotton yield such as pink bollworm (Pectinophora gossypiella) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) and the spiny bollworm (Earias insulana) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae).

Results

The insect infestation increased significantly by delaying planting date. The fewest numbers of pests attacked cotton recorded in the earliest planting date (March 23rd) with highest weight of cotton yield. The results showed that the mean rates of infestation with pink bollworm were (2.11, 3.5, 2.33 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively, while the mean rates of infestation with bollworm were (1.60, 2.79, 1.67 individuals/boll) for March 23rd, April 17th and May 6th, respectively.

Conclusion

It was concluded that planting cotton as early as on March 23rd reduces the rate of infestation of E. insulana and P. gossypiella and increases the population of its natural enemies as well. Then, it is resulting a significant increase in the quality and quantity of the yield of cotton.
Update China geodetic coordinate frame considering plate motion
Authors: Cheng Pengfei , Cheng Yingyan , Wang Xiaoming , Xu Yantian
Published: January 2021

China Geodetic Coordinate System 2000 (CGCS2000), as the formal national coordinate reference frame, has been used for 20 years. The coordinates of all Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations in China need referring to this system. To this end, the first step is to align the coordinates of all stations, usually included in a regional GNSS network, with a given International Terrestrial Reference Frame (ITRF), then these coordinates are corrected to the CGCS2000 in consideration of plate movement. For a better alignment result, regional control stations are needed and their coordinates were estimated from the combination of constraint-free normal equation systems provided by several International GNSS Service (IGS) analysis centers. The effect in using these refined coordinates, which determine a regional coordinate datum, on the alignment result should be evaluated by the coordinate corrections of the regional control stations to the regional coordinate datum, i.e. smaller corrections mean better alignments of the two associated frames. The test results show that the refined coordinates are more accurate than the ones calculated from the station's velocity, and are well aligned with the ITRF2005. Moreover, for obtaining the coordinates of GNSS stations in an updated CGCS2000 frame, a gridded linear velocity field based on the estimated velocities at 1025 CGCS2000 stations was generated for mainland China using the optimal interpolation method, the inverse distance weighting, which is selected from five interpolation methods. The overall precisions of the constructed velocity field at all stations in the East (E) and, North (N) directions are 0.78 mm/a and 0.95 mm/a, respectively. For evaluating the accuracy of the updated CGCS2000 frame, monthly solutions for the coordinates of some CGCS2000 CORS stations in the ITRF2014 during the period from 2000.0 to 2018 were obtained and the Root Mean Square (RMS) of the differences between the coordinates corrected to the CGCS2000 and the known coordinates at these stations are about 2–3 cm.
A prospective investigation of depression and adverse outcomes in patients undergoing vascular surgical interventions: A retrospective cohort study using a large mental health database in South London
Authors: Kuruppu Sajini , Ghani Marvey , Pritchard Megan , Harris Matthew , Weerakkody Ruwan , Stewart Robert , Perera Gayan
Published: January 2021

Background

Patients with depression are more susceptible to cardiovascular illness including vascular surgeries. However, health outcomes after vascular surgery among patients with depression is unknown. This study aimed to investigate associations of depression with post-operative health outcomes for vascular surgical patients.

Methods

A retrospective observational study was conducted using data from a large mental healthcare provider and linked national hospitalization data for the same south London geographic catchment. OPCS-4 codes were used to identify vascular procedures. Health outcomes were compared between those with/without depression including length of hospital stay (LOS), inpatient mortality, and 30 day emergency hospital readmissions. Predictors of these health outcomes were also assessed.

Results

Vascular surgery was received by 9,267 patients, including 446 diagnosed with depression. Patients with depression had a higher risk of emergency admission for vascular surgery (odds ratio [OR] 1.28; 1.03, 1.59), longer index LOS (IRR 1.38; 1.33–1.42), and a higher risk of 30-day emergency readmission (OR 1.82; 1.35–2.47). Patients with depression had higher inpatient mortality after adjustment for sociodemographic status (1.51; 1.03, 2.23) but not on full adjustment, and had longer emergency readmission LOS (1.13; 1.04, 1.22) after adjustment for sociodemographic factors and cardiovascular disease. Correlates of vascular surgery hospitalization among patients with depression included admission through emergency route for longer LOS, inpatient mortality, and 30-day hospital readmission.

Conclusion

Patients with depression undergoing vascular surgery have substantially poorer health outcomes. Screening for depression prior to surgery might be indicated to target preventative measures.
Zebrafish model for spondylo-megaepiphyseal-metaphyseal dysplasia reveals post-embryonic roles of Nkx3.2 in the skeleton
Authors: Smeeton Joanna , Natarajan Natasha , Naveen Kumar Arati , Miyashita Tetsuto , Baddam Pranidhi , Fabian Peter , Graf Daniel , Crump J. Gage
Published: January 2021

The regulated expansion of chondrocytes within growth plates and joints ensures proper skeletal development through adulthood. Mutations in the transcription factor NKX3.2 underlie spondylo-megaepiphyseal-metaphyseal dysplasia (SMMD), which is characterized by skeletal defects including scoliosis, large epiphyses, wide growth plates and supernumerary distal limb joints. Whereas nkx3.2 knockdown zebrafish and mouse Nkx3.2 mutants display embryonic lethal jaw joint fusions and skeletal reductions, respectively, they lack the skeletal overgrowth seen in SMMD patients. Here, we report adult viable nkx3.2 mutant zebrafish displaying cartilage overgrowth in place of a missing jaw joint, as well as severe dysmorphologies of the facial skeleton, skullcap and spine. In contrast, cartilage overgrowth and scoliosis are absent in rare viable nkx3.2 knockdown animals that lack jaw joints, supporting post-embryonic roles for Nkx3.2. Single-cell RNA-sequencing and in vivo validation reveal increased proliferation and upregulation of stress-induced pathways, including prostaglandin synthases, in mutant chondrocytes. By generating a zebrafish model for the skeletal overgrowth defects of SMMD, we reveal post-embryonic roles for Nkx3.2 in dampening proliferation and buffering the stress response in joint-associated chondrocytes.
Stem cells in pulmonary alveolar regeneration
Authors: Wu Huijuan , Tang Nan
Published: January 2021

The lungs are constantly exposed to the external environment and are therefore vulnerable to insults that can cause infection and injury. Maintaining the integrity and barrier function of the lung epithelium requires complex interactions of multiple cell lineages. Elucidating the cellular players and their regulation mechanisms provides fundamental information to deepen understanding about the responses and contributions of lung stem cells. This Review focuses on advances in our understanding of mammalian alveolar epithelial stem cell subpopulations and discusses insights about the regeneration-specific cell status of alveolar epithelial stem cells. We also consider how these advances can inform our understanding of post-injury lung repair processes and lung diseases.
Tissue-resident macrophages regulate lymphatic vessel growth and patterning in the developing heart
Authors: Cahill Thomas J. , Sun Xin , Ravaud Christophe , Villa del Campo Cristina , Klaourakis Konstantinos , Lupu Irina-Elena , Lord Allegra M. , Browne Cathy , Jacobsen Sten Eirik W. , Greaves David R. , Jackson David G. , Cowley Sally A. , James William , Choudhury Robin P. , Vieira Joaquim Miguel , Riley Paul R.
Published: January 2021

Macrophages are components of the innate immune system with key roles in tissue inflammation and repair. It is now evident that macrophages also support organogenesis, but few studies have characterized their identity, ontogeny and function during heart development. Here, we show that the distribution and prevalence of resident macrophages in the subepicardial compartment of the developing heart coincides with the emergence of new lymphatics, and that macrophages interact closely with the nascent lymphatic capillaries. Consequently, global macrophage deficiency led to extensive vessel disruption, with mutant hearts exhibiting shortened and mis-patterned lymphatics. The origin of cardiac macrophages was linked to the yolk sac and foetal liver. Moreover, the Cx3cr1+ myeloid lineage was found to play essential functions in the remodelling of the lymphatic endothelium. Mechanistically, macrophage hyaluronan was required for lymphatic sprouting by mediating direct macrophage-lymphatic endothelial cell interactions. Together, these findings reveal insight into the role of macrophages as indispensable mediators of lymphatic growth during the development of the mammalian cardiac vasculature.
SMAD2 promotes myogenin expression and terminal myogenic differentiation
Authors: Lamarche Émilie , AlSudais Hamood , Rajgara Rashida , Fu Dechen , Omaiche Saadeddine , Wiper-Bergeron Nadine
Published: January 2021

SMAD2 is a transcription factor, the activity of which is regulated by members of the transforming growth factor β (TGFβ) superfamily. Although activation of SMAD2 and SMAD3 downstream of TGFβ or myostatin signaling is known to inhibit myogenesis, we found that SMAD2 in the absence of TGFβ signaling promotes terminal myogenic differentiation. We found that, during myogenic differentiation, SMAD2 expression is induced. Knockout of SMAD2 expression in primary myoblasts did not affect the efficiency of myogenic differentiation but produced smaller myotubes with reduced expression of the terminal differentiation marker myogenin. Conversely, overexpression of SMAD2 stimulated myogenin expression, and enhanced both differentiation and fusion, and these effects were independent of classical activation by the TGFβ receptor complex. Loss of Smad2 in muscle satellite cells in vivo resulted in decreased muscle fiber caliber and impaired regeneration after acute injury. Taken together, we demonstrate that SMAD2 is an important positive regulator of myogenic differentiation, in part through the regulation of Myog.
Rab11fip5 regulates telencephalon development via ephrinB1 recycling
Authors: Yoon Jaeho , Garo Jerlin , Lee Moonsup , Sun Jian , Hwang Yoo-Seok , Daar Ira O.
Published: January 2021

Rab11 family-interacting protein 5 (Rab11fip5) is an adaptor protein that binds to the small GTPase Rab11, which has an important function in endosome recycling and trafficking of cellular proteins to the plasma membrane. Rab11fip5 is involved in many cellular processes, such as cytoskeleton rearrangement, iron uptake and exocytosis in neuroendocrine cells, and is also known as a candidate gene for autism-spectrum disorder. However, the role of Rab11fip5 during early embryonic development is not clearly understood. In this study, we identified Rab11fip5 as a protein that interacts with ephrinB1, a transmembrane ligand for Eph receptors. The PDZ binding motif in ephrinB1 and the Rab-binding domain in Rab11fip5 are necessary for their interaction in a complex. EphrinB1 and Rab11fip5 display overlapping expression in the telencephalon of developing amphibian embryos. The loss of Rab11fip5 function causes a reduction in telencephalon size and a decrease in the expression level of ephrinB1. Moreover, morpholino oligonucleotide-mediated knockdown of Rab11fip5 decreases cell proliferation in the telencephalon. The overexpression of ephrinB1 rescues these defects, suggesting that ephrinB1 recycling by the Rab11/Rab11fip5 complex is crucial for proper telencephalon development.
Caenorhabditis elegans establishes germline versus soma by balancing inherited histone methylation
Authors: Carpenter Brandon S. , Lee Teresa W. , Plott Caroline F. , Rodriguez Juan D. , Brockett Jovan S. , Myrick Dexter A. , Katz David J.
Published: January 2021

Formation of a zygote is coupled with extensive epigenetic reprogramming to enable appropriate inheritance of histone methylation and prevent developmental delays. In Caenorhabditis elegans, this reprogramming is mediated by the H3K4me2 demethylase SPR-5 and the H3K9 methyltransferase, MET-2. In contrast, the H3K36 methyltransferase MES-4 maintains H3K36me2/3 at germline genes between generations to facilitate re-establishment of the germline. To determine whether the MES-4 germline inheritance pathway antagonizes spr-5; met-2 reprogramming, we examined the interaction between these two pathways. We found that the developmental delay of spr-5; met-2 mutant progeny is associated with ectopic H3K36me3 and the ectopic expression of MES-4-targeted germline genes in somatic tissues. Furthermore, the developmental delay is dependent upon MES-4 and the H3K4 methyltransferase, SET-2. We propose that MES-4 prevents crucial germline genes from being repressed by antagonizing maternal spr-5; met-2 reprogramming. Thus, the balance of inherited histone modifications is necessary to distinguish germline versus soma and prevent developmental delay.

This article has an associated ‘The people behind the papers’ interview.
Dynein-dynactin segregate meiotic chromosomes in C. elegans spermatocytes
Authors: Barbosa Daniel J. , Teixeira Vanessa , Duro Joana , Carvalho Ana X. , Gassmann Reto
Published: January 2021

The microtubule motor cytoplasmic dynein 1 (dynein) and its essential activator dynactin have conserved roles in spindle assembly and positioning during female meiosis and mitosis, but their contribution to male meiosis remains poorly understood. Here, we characterize the G33S mutation in the C. elegans dynactin subunit DNC-1, which corresponds to G59S in human p150Glued that causes motor neuron disease. In spermatocytes, dnc-1(G33S) delays spindle assembly and penetrantly inhibits anaphase spindle elongation in meiosis I, which prevents the segregation of homologous chromosomes. By contrast, chromosomes segregate without errors in the early dnc-1(G33S) embryo. Deletion of the DNC-1 N-terminus shows that defective meiosis in dnc-1(G33S) spermatocytes is not due to the inability of DNC-1 to interact with microtubules. Instead, our results suggest that the DNC-1(G33S) protein, which is aggregation prone in vitro, is less stable in spermatocytes than the early embryo, resulting in different phenotypic severity in the two dividing tissues. Thus, the dnc-1(G33S) mutant reveals that dynein-dynactin drive meiotic chromosome segregation in spermatocytes and illustrates that the extent to which protein misfolding leads to loss of function can vary significantly between cell types.
The Murphy number: how pitch moment of inertia dictates quadrupedal walking and running energetics
Authors: Polet Delyle T.
Published: January 2021

Many quadrupedal mammals transition from a four-beat walk to a two-beat run (e.g. trot), but some transition to a four-beat run (e.g. amble). Recent analysis shows that a two-beat run minimizes work only for animals with a small pitch moment of inertia (MOI), though empirical MOI were not reported. It was also unclear whether MOI affects gait energetics at slow speeds. Here, I show that a particular normalization of the pitch moment of inertia (the Murphy number) has opposite effects on walking and running energetics. During walking, simultaneous forelimb and hindlimb contacts dampen pitching energy, favouring a four-beat gait that can distribute expensive transfer of support. However, the required pitching of a four-beat walk becomes more expensive as Murphy number increases. Using trajectory optimization of a simple model, I show that both the walking and slow running strategies used by dogs, horses, giraffes and elephants can be explained by work optimization under their specific Murphy numbers. Rotational dynamics have been largely ignored in quadrupedal locomotion, but appear to be a central factor in gait selection.
Efficient high-voltage protection in the electric catfish
Authors: Welzel Georg , Schuster Stefan
Published: January 2021

For thousands of years, starting with detailed accounts from ancient Egypt, the African electric catfish (Malapteruridae) has been renowned for its ability to hunt and to defend itself with powerful electric shocks. Surprisingly, the degree to which electric catfish are protected against their own or external electric shocks, how specific any protection would be to the species-specific waveform and whether a discharging catfish has to actively prepare for the onset of its high-voltage discharges has never been analysed. Here, we used digital high-speed video to record catfish during their own discharges or as they were exposed to external discharges, employing goldfish to carefully calibrate the efficiency of all discharges. Electric catfish show a remarkable degree of protection against high voltages: both self-produced and external electric shocks that heavily affected control goldfish failed to evoke involuntary muscle contraction or to affect sensorimotor processing. Even a commercial electrofishing device, set to efficiently immobilise and narcotise fish, failed to have any effect on the electric catfish. Our findings rule out several protective mechanisms and demonstrate a highly efficient and versatile shielding whose nature is presently unclear.
Τόπος, πατρίδα, χώρα, Μια ανάγνωση του Ήρωα της Μαρίνας Αμπράμοβιτς
Authors: Ζουμπούλη Μαρία
Published: January 2021

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Σιτουασιονισμός και δημιουργία καταστάσεων σε ψηφιακά περιβάλλοντα τέχνης
Authors: Συλαίου Στέλλα , Λαγούδη Έλενα , Χουντάση Μαρία
Published: January 2021

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Το field των Πρεσπών ή η originalité του πεδίου
Authors: Ζιώγας Γιάννης
Published: January 2021

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Περιβαλλοντική Εκπαίδευση και Τέχνη
Authors: Δαϊκόπουλος Γιάννης
Published: January 2021

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Τοπίο και Εθνική Ταυτότητα
Authors: Παναγιωτόπουλος Νίκος
Published: January 2021

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Εισαγωγή GLOBAL LANDSCAPES / ΠΑΓΚΟΣΜΙΑ ΤΟΠΙΑ
Authors: Durden Mark
Published: January 2021

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