bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Associations between state intimate partner violence-related firearm policies and injuries among women and men who experience intimate partner violence
Authors: Willie Tiara C. , Kershaw Trace , Perler Rachel , Caplon Amy , Katague Marina , Sullivan Tami P.
Published: February 2021

Background

Comprehensive state firearm policies related to intimate partner violence (IPV) may have a significant public health impact on non-lethal IPV-related injuries. Research indicates that more restrictive firearm policies may reduce risk for intimate partner homicide, however it is unclear whether firearm policies prevent or reduce the risk of non-lethal IPV-related injuries. This study sought to examine associations between state-level policies and injuries among U.S. IPV survivors.

Methods

Individual-level data were drawn from the National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey, a nationally-representative study of noninstitutionalized adults. State-level data were drawn from a firearm policy compendium. Multivariable regressions were used to test associations of individual policies with non-fatal IPV-related injuries (N = 5493). Regression models were also conducted to explore differences in the policy-injury associations among women and men survivors.

Results

Three categories of policies were associated with IPV-related injuries. The odds of injuries was lower for IPV survivors living in states that prohibited firearm possession and require firearm relinquishment among persons convicted of IPV-related misdemeanors (aOR [95% CI] = .76 [.59, .97]); prohibited firearm possession and require firearm relinquishment among persons subject to IPV-related restraining orders (aOR [95% CI] = .81 [.66, .98]); and prohibited firearm possession among convicted of stalking (aOR [95% CI] = .82 [.68, .98]) than IPV survivors living in states without these policies. There was a significant difference between women and men survivors in the association between IPV-related misdemeanors policy and injuries (B [SE] = .60 [.29]), such that the association was stronger for men survivors (aOR [95% CI] = .10 [.06, .17]) than women survivors (aOR [95% CI] = .60 [.48, .76]).

Conclusions

Restrictive state firearm policies regarding IPV may provide unique opportunities to protect IPV survivors from injuries.
Material utilization of green waste: a review on potential valorization methods
Authors: Langsdorf Alexander , Volkmar Marianne , Holtmann Dirk , Ulber Roland
Published: February 2021

Considering global developments like climate change and the depletion of fossil resources, the use of new and sustainable feedstocks such as lignocellulosic biomass becomes inevitable. Green waste comprises heterogeneous lignocellulosic biomass with low lignin content, which does not stem from agricultural processes or purposeful cultivation and therefore mainly arises in urban areas. So far, the majority of green waste is being composted or serves as feedstock for energy production. Here, the hitherto untapped potential of green waste for material utilization instead of conventional recycling is reviewed. Green waste is a promising starting material for the direct extraction of valuable compounds, the chemical and fermentative conversion into basic chemicals as well as the manufacturing of functional materials like electrodes for electro-biotechnological applications through carbonization. This review serves as a solid foundation for further work on the valorization of green waste.
The Use of Global Positioning and Accelerometer Systems in Age-Grade and Senior Rugby Union: A Systematic Review
Authors: Bridgeman Lee A. , Gill Nicholas D.
Published: February 2021

Background

Global positioning systems (GPS) imbedded with accelerometer systems (AS) are used in rugby union (RU) to collect information on absolute and relative distances, distances in different speed zones, high-speed running (HSR) distances, repeated high-intensity efforts (RHIE) and collisions and impacts. This information can be used to monitor match play which can then be used to plan training sessions. The objective of this review was to conduct a systematic review of studies which have reported the use of GPS and AS.

Methods

A systematic review of the use of GPS and AS in both age-grade and senior rugby was conducted. The authors systematically searched electronic databases from January 2010 until March 2020. Keywords included rugby union, GPS, global position* and microtechnology.

Results

A total of 51 studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in this review. There was a total of 34 studies utilising GPS and AS in senior RU players (mean ± SD; age 26.2 ± 1.9 years; height 185.7 ± 2.6 cm; mass 101.3 ± 4.2 kg) and 17 studies in age-grade RU players (mean ± SD; age 17.6 ± 1.5 years; height 182.1 ± 3.3 cm; mass 87.1 ± 8.6 kg). The results of this review highlighted that there are differences between backs and forwards and within these positions in these groups during both match play and training sessions. The backs covered greater total absolute, relative and HSR distance compared to forwards. Forwards are involved in more collisions and impacts than backs. When investigating the most intense periods of match play, studies in this review highlighted that the demands during these periods outweigh the average demands of the game. It was proposed that a rolling average over different time epochs is the best way to assess this and ensure that the most intense periods of play are assessed and monitored.

Conclusions

The information highlighted in this review can be used to help coaches assess performances in match play, allow them to plan appropriate training sessions and monitor training load.
Delays and Disruptions in Cancer Health Care Due to COVID-19 Pandemic: Systematic Review
Authors: Riera Rachel , Bagattini Ângela Maria , Pacheco Rafael Leite , Pachito Daniela Vianna , Roitberg Felipe , Ilbawi Andre
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE

There has been noteworthy concern about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health services including the management of cancer. In addition to being considered at higher risk for worse outcomes from COVID-19, people with cancer may also experience disruptions or delays in health services. This systematic review aimed to identify the delays and disruptions to cancer services globally.

METHODS

This is a systematic review with a comprehensive search including specific and general databases. We considered any observational longitudinal and cross-sectional study design. The selection, data extraction, and methodological assessment were performed by two independent reviewers. The methodological quality of the studies was assessed by specific tools. The delays and disruptions identified were categorized, and their frequency was presented.

RESULTS

Among the 62 studies identified, none exhibited high methodological quality. The most frequent determinants for disruptions were provider- or system-related, mainly because of the reduction in service availability. The studies identified 38 different categories of delays and disruptions with impact on treatment, diagnosis, or general health service. Delays or disruptions most investigated included reduction in routine activity of cancer services and number of cancer surgeries; delay in radiotherapy; and delay, reschedule, or cancellation of outpatient visits. Interruptions and disruptions largely affected facilities (up to 77.5%), supply chain (up to 79%), and personnel availability (up to 60%).

CONCLUSION

The remarkable frequency of delays and disruptions in health care mostly related to the reduction of the COVID-19 burden unintentionally posed a major risk on cancer care worldwide. Strategies can be proposed not only to mitigate the main delays and disruptions but also to standardize their measurement and reporting. As a high number of publications continuously are being published, it is critical to harmonize the upcoming reports and constantly update this review.
TRANSFORMER: A Randomized Phase II Study Comparing Bipolar Androgen Therapy Versus Enzalutamide in Asymptomatic Men With Castration-Resistant Metastatic Prostate Cancer
Authors: Denmeade Samuel R. , Wang Hao , Agarwal Neeraj , Smith David C. , Schweizer Michael T. , Stein Mark N. , Assikis Vasileios , Twardowski Przemyslaw W. , Flaig Thomas W. , Szmulewitz Russell Z. , Holzbeierlein Jeffrey M. , Hauke Ralph J. , Sonpavde Guru , Garcia Jorge A. , Hussain Arif , Sartor Oliver , Mao Shifeng , Cao Harry , Fu Wei , Wang Ting , Abdallah Rehab , Lim Su Jin , Bolejack Vanessa , Paller Channing J. , Carducci Michael A. , Markowski Mark C. , Eisenberger Mario A. , Antonarakis Emmanuel S.
Published: February 2021

PURPOSE

Prostate cancer (PCa) becomes resistant to androgen ablation through adaptive upregulation of the androgen receptor in response to the low-testosterone microenvironment. Bipolar androgen therapy (BAT), defined as rapid cycling between high and low serum testosterone, disrupts this adaptive regulation in castration-resistant PCa (CRPC).

METHODS

The TRANSFORMER (Testosterone Revival Abolishes Negative Symptoms, Fosters Objective Response and Modulates Enzalutamide Resistance) study is a randomized study comparing monthly BAT (n = 94) with enzalutamide (n = 101). The primary end point was clinical or radiographic progression-free survival (PFS); crossover was permitted at progression. Secondary end points included overall survival (OS), prostate-specific antigen (PSA) and objective response rates, PFS from randomization through crossover (PFS2), safety, and quality of life (QoL).

RESULTS

The PFS was 5.7 months for both arms (hazard ratio [HR], 1.14; 95% CI, 0.83 to 1.55; P = .42). For BAT, 50% decline in PSA (PSA50) was 28.2% of patients versus 25.3% for enzalutamide. At crossover, PSA50 response occurred in 77.8% of patients crossing to enzalutamide and 23.4% to BAT. The PSA-PFS for enzalutamide increased from 3.8 months after abiraterone to 10.9 months after BAT. The PFS2 for BAT→enzalutamide was 28.2 versus 19.6 months for enzalutamide→BAT (HR, 0.44; 95% CI, 0.22 to 0.88; P = .02). OS was 32.9 months for BAT versus 29.0 months for enzalutamide (HR, 0.95; 95% CI, 0.66 to 1.39; P = .80). OS was 37.1 months for patients crossing from BAT to enzalutamide versus 30.2 months for the opposite sequence (HR, 0.68; 95% CI, 0.36 to 1.28; P = .225). BAT adverse events were primarily grade 1-2. Patient-reported QoL consistently favored BAT.

CONCLUSION

This randomized trial establishes meaningful clinical activity and safety of BAT and supports additional study to determine its optimal clinical integration. BAT can sensitize CRPC to subsequent antiandrogen therapy. Further study is required to confirm whether sequential therapy with BAT and enzalutamide can improve survival in men with CRPC.
AlfacalcidolvsCalcitriol in the Management of Patient With Hypoparathyroidism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Saha Soma , Sreenivas Vishnubhatla , Goswami Ravinder
Published: February 2021

Context

Alfacalcidol and calcitriol are commonly used for managing hypoparathyroidism. Their relative merits have not been systematically assessed.

Objective

We compared the effect of alfacalcidol and calcitriol on phosphatemic control, hypercalciuria, and associated factors in idiopathic-hypoparathyroidism (IH).

Design and Setting

Open-label randomized controlled trial, tertiary care center.

Subjects and Methods

IH patients with optimal calcemic control on alfacalcidol were continued on the same (n = 20) or switched to calcitriol (n = 25) at half of the ongoing alfacalcidol dose. The dose was adjusted during follow-up to maintain serum total calcium between 8.0 and 9.5 mg/dL. Serum calcium, phosphorus, 25-hydroxyvitamin D, 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, 24-h urine calcium-to-creatinine ratio, and fractional excretion of phosphorus (FEPh) were measured at baseline and 6 months. Plasma intact-FGF23 was measured at final follow-up.

Result

Patients receiving alfacalcidol and calcitriol had comparable serum calcium at 6 months (8.7 ± 0.4 vs 8.9 ± 0.4 mg/dL, P = 0.13). Their median [interquartile range (IQR)] dose at 6 months was 2.0 (1.0-2.5) and 0.75 (0.5-1.0) µg/d, respectively. Serum 1,25(OH)2D levels were physiological in both (35.3 ± 11.6 and 32.3 ± 16.9 pg/mL). Serum phosphate and calcium excretion were comparable in 2 arms. A majority had hyperphosphatemia (75% vs 76%), hypercalciuria (75% vs 72%), and elevated FGF23 (116 ± 68 and 113 ± 57 pg/mL). Age showed significant independent association with plasma FGF23 (β = 1.9, P = 0.001). Average FEPh was low despite high FGF23.

Conclusion

At optimal calcium control, both alfacalcidol and calcitriol lead to comparable but high serum phosphate levels, hypercalciuria, physiological circulating 1,25(OH)2D, and elevated FGF23. Further studies are required to systematically investigate other treatment options.
Fat Mass Accretion from Birth to 5 Years and Metabolic Homeostasis in Childhood: the Healthy Start Study
Authors: Sauder Katherine A , Perng Wei , Palumbo Michaela P , Bloemsma Lizan D , Carey John , Glueck Deborah H , Dabelea Dana
Published: February 2021

Context

It is unclear how fat mass accretion in early life is related to glucose–insulin homeostasis.

Objective

Examine associations of fat and fat-free mass accretion from birth to early childhood with glucose–insulin homeostasis in early childhood in a multi-ethnic cohort.

Methods

Observational Healthy Start study with data collection from 2010 to 2020. Air displacement plethysmography at birth and 4.8 (SD 0.7) years estimated fat mass percent (FMP, %), fat mass index (FMI, kg/m2), and fat-free mass index (FFMI, kg/m2). General population recruited from academic obstetrics clinics in Denver, Colorado, consisting of 419 mother/offspring dyads. The main outcome measures were fasting glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-2 insulin resistance (HOMA2-IR), and beta-cell function (HOMA2-B) at 4.8 years.

Results

Greater fat mass accretion from birth to early childhood was associated with higher fasting glucose (ΔFMP β = 0.20 [95% CI 0.06-0.34], ΔFMI β = 0.90 [0.30-1.50]) in participants of Hispanic, Black, and Other races/ethnicities, while greater fat-free mass accretion was associated with higher fasting glucose in non-Hispanic White participants (ΔFFMI β = 0.76 [0.21-1.32]). Overall, greater fat, but not fat-free, mass accretion was also associated with higher insulin (ΔFMP β = 0.14 [0.09-0.18], ΔFMI 0.71 [0.51-0.92]), HOMA2-IR (FMP β = 0.02 [0.01-0.02], ΔFMI β = 0.09 [0.06-0.12]), and HOMA2-B (ΔFMP β = 0.92 [0.18-1.36], ΔFMI β = 4.76 [2.79-6.73]).

Conclusion

Greater fat mass accretion in infancy and childhood is associated with shifts in fasting glucose in children of Hispanic, Black, and Other races/ethnicities at 5 years of age. Body composition beginning in early life is relevant for metabolic health, and precise assessments of adiposity in pediatric research are needed.
Peripartum Considerations for the Transgender Parturient: A Case Report
Authors: Taylor Michael G. , Scott Paul M. , Premkumar Ashish , Barton Julie L. , Bavaro J. Brad , Lange Elizabeth M.
Published: February 2021

Despite efforts by medical and social activists, transgender parturients encounter barriers to adequate and gender-inclusive health care, resources, and support. We present a case of a 38-year-old transgender man presenting for induction of labor at term. Our case highlights the importance of multidisciplinary planning, appropriate gender-related language, and interventions that may ameliorate gender dysphoria during childbirth. Because some transgender men may desire childbirth, we recommend that health care providers become familiar with and respectful of the unique considerations for this patient population in the peripartum setting.
The Effect of Schooling on Women's Overweight and Obesity: A Natural Experiment in Nigeria
Authors: Barlow Pepita
Published: February 2021

An extensive social scientific literature has documented the importance of schooling in preventing overweight and obesity among women. However, prior quasi-experimental studies investigating the causal effect of schooling on women's overweight and obesity have focused almost exclusively on high-income countries (HICs). Schooling effects may differ in low- or middle-income countries (LMICs), where information about the harms of being overweight is often sparse and where larger body sizes can be socially valued. Here I evaluate the causal impact of schooling on women's probability of being overweight or obese in an LMIC, Nigeria, using data from the 2003, 2008, and 2013 Demographic Health Surveys. In 1976, the Nigerian government abolished primary school fees and increased funding for primary school construction, creating quasi-random variation in access to primary school according to an individual's age and the number of newly constructed schools in their state of residence. I exploit both sources of variation and use a two-stage instrumental variables approach to estimate the effect of increased schooling on the probability of being overweight or obese. Each additional year of schooling increased the probability of being overweight or obese by 6%, but this effect estimate was not statistically different from zero. This finding differs from the protective effect of schooling documented in several HICs, suggesting that contextual factors play an important role calibrating the influence of additional schooling on overweight or obesity. Furthermore, my findings contrast markedly with the positive correlation between schooling and overweight/obesity identified in previous studies in Nigeria, suggesting that studies failing to account for selection bias overestimate the causal effect of schooling. More robust causal research is needed to examine the effect of schooling on overweight and obesity in LMIC contexts.
Cardiovascular phenotype of the Dmdmdx rat – a suitable animal model for Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Authors: Szabó Petra Lujza , Ebner Janine , Koenig Xaver , Hamza Ouafa , Watzinger Simon , Trojanek Sandra , Abraham Dietmar , Todt Hannes , Kubista Helmut , Schicker Klaus , Remy Séverine , Anegon Ignacio , Kiss Attila , Podesser Bruno K. , Hilber Karlheinz
Published: February 2021

Besides skeletal muscle abnormalities, Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients present with dilated cardiomyopathy development, which considerably contributes to morbidity and mortality. Because the mechanisms responsible for the cardiac complications in the context of DMD are largely unknown, evidence-based therapy approaches are still lacking. This has increased the need for basic research efforts into animal models for DMD. Here, we characterized in detail the cardiovascular abnormalities of Dmdmdx rats, with the aim of determining the suitability of this recently established dystrophin-deficient small animal as a model for DMD.

Various methods were applied to compare cardiovascular properties between wild-type and Dmdmdx rats, and to characterize the Dmdmdx cardiomyopathy. These methods comprised echocardiography, invasive assessment of left ventricular hemodynamics, examination of adverse remodeling and endothelial cell inflammation, and evaluation of vascular function, employing wire myography. Finally, intracellular Ca2+ transient measurements, and recordings of currents through L-type Ca2+ channels were performed in isolated single ventricular cardiomyocytes. We found that, similar to respective observations in DMD patients, the hearts of Dmdmdx rats show significantly impaired cardiac function, fibrosis and inflammation, consistent with the development of a dilated cardiomyopathy. Moreover, in Dmdmdx rats, vascular endothelial function is impaired, which may relate to inflammation and oxidative stress, and Ca2+ handling in Dmdmdx cardiomyocytes is abnormal.

These findings indicate that Dmdmdx rats represent a promising small-animal model to elucidate mechanisms of cardiomyopathy development in the dystrophic heart, and to test mechanism-based therapies aiming to combat cardiovascular complications in DMD.
Evaluación antibacteriana del peróxido de hidrógeno comparado con hipoclorito de sodio sobre cepillos dentales inoculados con Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Cayo-Rojas César Félix , Rojas-Zubizarreta Estefany Hilda , Nicho-Valladares Miriam Kelly , Ladera-Castañeda Marysela Irene , Aliaga-Mariñas Ana Sixtina
Published: February 2021

Objetivo: evaluar el efecto antibacteriano del peróxido de hidrógeno (H2O2) al 6 % comparado con hipoclorito de sodio (NaClO) al 1 % y al 2 %, sobre cepillos dentales inoculados con Streptococcus mutans atcc® 25175™. Materiales y métodos: estudio experimental in vitro, transversal y comparativo. Se utilizaron 60 cepillos dentales, divididos en 4 grupos de 15 cepillos cada uno. El número de muestra lo determinó la fórmula de comparación de medias, después de realizar un estudio piloto, y se seleccionaron por muestreo aleatorio simple. Se aplicaron las pruebas de normalidad de Shapiro-Wilk, y para la prueba de hipótesis, la U de Mann-Whitney. Resultados: el H2O2 al 6 % presentó una media de crecimiento de 2 × 109 UFC/mL, lo que indica que su efectividad es mayor comparada con el NaClO al 1 %, que presentó una media de crecimiento de 4 × 109 UFC/mL, y esta es menor al NaClO al 2 %, que tuvo 0 UFC/mL de Streptococcus mutans (p = 0,004). Conclusión: el H2O2 al 6 % y el NaClO al 1 % y al 2 % evidenciaron efectividad antibacteriana, aun cuando fue el NaClO al 2 % el más efectivo.
The Reference Effect of Delay Announcements: A Field Experiment
Authors: Yu Qiuping , Allon Gad , Bassamboo Achal
Published: February 2021

We explore whether customers are loss averse in time and how delay information may impact such reference-dependent behavior using observational and field experiment data from two call centers of an Israeli bank. We consider settings with no announcements and announcements of different accuracy levels. We face two key challenges: (1) we do not observe the reference points customers use in our data, as any other field studies, and (2) it is difficult to separate the reference-dependent behavior from the potential nonlinear waiting cost of customers. To address these challenges, we develop a dynamic decision model with consumer learning, through which we infer the reference point each customer used during any given call. The reference points may be different across different customers and evolve across different calls of the same customers. We also exclude the alternative explanation by showing that our main reference-dependent models better explain the observed customer abandonment than models where customers have nonlinear waiting cost. Our results indicate that customers are loss averse regardless of the availability or accuracy of the announcements when their waiting time is relatively long (≥ 90s). Although delay announcements do not alter the nature that customers are loss averse, accurate announcements may affect customers’ belief about the offered waiting time and thus, impact the reference points. Through counterfactual studies, we demonstrate that providing delay announcements improves the call center performance given the loss aversion behavior observed in our data. Interestingly, as customers become more loss averse, the value of providing delay announcements decreases.

This paper was accepted by Terry Taylor, operations management.
Middle Managers, Personnel Turnover, and Performance: A Long‐Term Field Experiment in a Retail Chain
Authors: Friebel Guido , Heinz Matthias , Zubanov Nikolay
Published: February 2021

In a randomized controlled trial, a large retail chain’s Chief Executive Officer (CEO) sets new goals for the managers of the treated stores by asking them to “do what they can” to reduce the employee quit rate. The treatment decreases the quit rate by a fifth to a quarter, lasting nine months before petering out, but reappearing after a reminder. There is no treatment effect on sales. Further analysis reveals that treated store managers spend more time on human resources (HR) and less on customer service. Our findings show that middle managers are instrumental in reducing personnel turnover, but they face a trade-off between investing in different activities in a multitasking environment with limited resources. The treatment does produce efficiency gains. However, these occur only at the firm level.

This paper was accepted by Joshua Gans, business strategy.
Predicting Behavior of Steel-Clad, Wood-Framed Shear Walls under Cyclic Lateral Loading
Authors: Mai Khoi D. , Cofer William F. , Bender Donald A.
Published: February 2021

Highlights

A finite element analysis (FEA) model was developed to predict behavior of steel-clad, wood-framed (SCWF) shear walls under cyclic loading.

This FEA model will be useful in determining post-frame building response to seismic forces.

The model will save time and money in developing design coefficients and planning experiments for SCWF shear walls.

Abstract. This article presents finite element (FEA) model results of steel-clad, wood-framed (SCWF) shear walls under cyclic lateral loading. The shear wall model consists of beam elements to model framing members, equivalent orthotropic plane stress elements to model corrugated steel cladding, linear spring elements to model nail connectors between framing members, and nonlinear hysteresis spring elements to model screw connectors. Screw connectors attaching steel panels to wood framing and steel panels to steel panels at lap joints were tested under cyclic loading to provide the constitutive relationships needed. A modified Bouc-Wen-Barber-Noori (BWBN) model was developed to capture slack, pinching, and strength and stiffness degradation of screw connectors under cyclic loading. The finite element models were validated by comparing them with experimental test results of six different SCWF shear wall configurations. Predicted peak shear strengths for most load cycles were slightly higher than those from the experimental tests, especially for stitched shear walls. Visual inspection of the FEA predicted hysteretic load curves demonstrated that pinching, and strength and stiffness degradation were well captured. The results of this study demonstrate the utility of the FEA model for comparative studies of different SCWF shear wall constructions under cyclic lateral loading. Keywords: Cyclic lateral loading, Diaphragm design, Post-frame building, Steel-clad wood-frame diaphragm.
Quantitative investigation of abrasive grit size dependency of subsurface damages for the metal-bonded abrasives on Zerodur glass-ceramic
Authors: Karci Özgür , Beldek Tuğba B.
Published: February 2021

We present a quantitative evaluation of abrasive grit size dependency of subsurface damages on Zerodur glass-ceramic substrates induced by precision grinding. The depths of subsurface damages are evaluated for the metal-bonded grinding cup tools with four different grit sizes, D126, D64, D35, and D15, for the fixed nominal grinding process parameters. The micro-crack depth is driven by the mechanism between the abrasive grit and brittle glass, which generates median or radial cracks through the bulk material. The initiation and propagation of subsurface damages beneath the brittle glass-ceramic substrate of Zerodur are explored by the cross-sectional polishing method, which takes advantage of the optical contact bonding method without any adhesive, and are imaged by scanning electron microscopy. A novel hybrid methodology, which comprises both destructive and non-destructive subsurface evaluation tools, is developed and employed for evaluating the micro-cracks quantitively. The procedure is based on a repetitive and consecutive chemical acid etching after the surface is grounded, flat substrate polishing with a conventional polishing machine, a white light interferometer, and an image analysis. The four grit sizes, D126, D64, D35, and D15, correspond to the rough cut through to the complete precision grinding’s fine cut. The subsurface damages are measured to be 71 µm, 35 µm, 25 µm, and 7 µm from rough to fine grit sizes. The results are consistent with the theoretical model and previous work.
Holmium-doped fiber amplifier for pumping a ZnGeP2 optical parametric oscillator
Authors: Holmen Lars G. , Fonnum Helge
Published: February 2021

We present a holmium-doped all-fiber master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) system operating at 2108 nm targeting optical frequency conversion applications. The MOPA delivers pulses of 0.52 mJ energy at 10 kHz repetition rate after three amplification stages, with a close to square-shaped temporal profile of 50 ns duration, diffraction-limited beam quality and linear polarization. Challenges with achieving high gain and efficiency in the final amplification stage are discussed and attributed to quenching effects inferred from measurements of non-saturable absorption in the holmium fibers. Using this MOPA, we demonstrate a mid-IR conversion efficiency of 59% by direct pumping of a ZnGeP2 optical parametric oscillator.
Defining the need for public health control of scabies in Solomon Islands
Authors: Lake Susanna J. , Engelman Daniel , Sokana Oliver , Nasi Titus , Boara Dickson , Grobler Anneke C. , Osti Millicent H. , Andrews Ross , Marks Michael , Whitfeld Margot J. , Romani Lucia , Kaldor John M. , Steer Andrew C.
Published: February 2021

Pacific Island countries have a high burden of scabies and impetigo. Understanding of the epidemiology of these diseases is needed to target public health interventions such as mass drug administration (MDA). The aim of this study is to determine the prevalence of scabies and impetigo in Solomon Islands as well as the relationship between them and their distribution. We conducted a prevalence study in 20 villages in Western Province in Solomon Islands. All residents of the village were eligible to participate. Nurses conducted clinical assessments including history features and skin examination. Diagnosis of scabies was made using the 2020 International Alliance for the Control of Scabies diagnostic criteria. Assessments were completed on 5239 participants across 20 villages. Overall scabies prevalence was 15.0% (95%CI 11.8–19.1). There was considerable variation by village with a range of 3.3% to 42.6%. There was a higher prevalence of scabies in males (16.7%) than females (13.5%, adjusted relative risk 1.2, 95%CI 1.1–1.4). Children aged under two years had the highest prevalence (27%). Overall impetigo prevalence was 5.6% (95%CI 4.2–7.3), ranging from 1.4% to 19% by village. The population attributable risk of impetigo associated with scabies was 16.1% (95% CI 9.8–22.4). The prevalence of scabies in our study is comparable to previous studies in Solomon Islands, highlighting a persistent high burden of disease in the country, and the need for public health strategies for disease control.
Human infection with Seoul orthohantavirus in Korea, 2019
Authors: Kang Changmin , Kim Jin Il , Lee Jungmin , Bae Seongman , Kim Min Jae , Song Ki-Joon , Song Jin-Won , Kim Sung-Han , Park Man-Seong
Published: February 2021

Of various rodent-borne hantaviruses, Seoul orthohantavirus (SEOV) causes haemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome (HFRS), as does Hantaan orthohantavirus (HTNV). Given global-scale of cases of human infection with SEOV, it is of great clinical importance to distinguish SEOV from other HFRS-causing hantaviruses. In May 2019, a middle-aged patient who had lived in a suburban area of Chungcheong Province, Republic of Korea and enjoyed outdoor activities was transferred to Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Republic of Korea with HFRS; his symptoms included high fever and generalized myalgia. The rapid diagnostic test performed immediately after his transfer detected HTNV-specific antibodies, and the patient was treated accordingly. However, two consecutive IFAs performed at ten-day intervals showed no HTNV-specific immunoglobulin (Ig) G. During continuous supportive care, next-generation sequencing successfully identified viral genomic sequences in the patient’s serum, which were SEOV and not HTNV. Phylogenetic analysis grouped the L, M, and S genes of this SEOV strain together with those of rat- or human-isolated Korean strains reported previously. Given global outbreaks and public health threats of zoonotic hantaviruses, a causative pathogen of hantavirus HFRS should be identified correctly at the time of diagnosis and by point-of-care testing.
2-aminobenzimidazoles for leishmaniasis: From initial hit discovery to in vivo profiling
Authors: Ferreira Rafael Augusto Alves , Junior Celso de Oliveira Rezende , Martinez Pablo David Grigol , Koovits Paul John , Soares Bruna Miranda , Ferreira Leonardo L. G. , Michelan-Duarte Simone , Chelucci Rafael Consolin , Andricopulo Adriano D. , Galuppo Mariana K. , Uliana Silvia R. B. , Matheeussen An , Caljon Guy , Maes Louis , Campbell Simon , Kratz Jadel M. , Mowbray Charles E. , Dias Luiz Carlos
Published: February 2021

Leishmaniasis is a major infectious disease with hundreds of thousands of new cases and over 20,000 deaths each year. The current drugs to treat this life-threatening infection have several drawbacks such as toxicity and long treatment regimens. A library of 1.8 million compounds, from which the hits reported here are publicly available, was screened against Leishmania infantum as part of an optimization program; a compound was found with a 2-aminobenzimidazole functionality presenting moderate potency, low metabolic stability and high lipophilicity. Several rounds of synthesis were performed to incorporate chemical groups capable of reducing lipophilicity and clearance, leading to the identification of compounds that are active against different parasite strains and have improved in vitro properties. As a result of this optimization program, a group of compounds was further tested in anticipation of in vivo evaluation. In vivo tests were carried out with compounds 29 (L. infantum IC50: 4.1 μM) and 39 (L. infantum IC50: 0.5 μM) in an acute L. infantum VL mouse model, which showed problems of poor exposure and lack of efficacy, despite the good in vitro potency.
New circulation of genotype V of Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus in humans from Spain
Authors: Monsalve Arteaga Lia , Muñoz Bellido Juan Luis , Negredo Ana Isabel , García Criado Jorge , Vieira Lista Maria Carmen , Sánchez Serrano Jesús Ángel , Vicente Santiago María Belén , López Bernús Amparo , de Ory Manchón Fernando , Sánchez Seco María Paz , Leralta Nuria , Alonso Sardón Montserrat , Muro Antonio , Belhassen-García Moncef
Published: February 2021

Background

Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever (CCHF) is a widespread tick-borne viral disease caused by the Crimean-Congo haemorrhagic fever virus (CCHFV). CCHFV has been implicated in severe viral haemorrhagic fever outbreaks. During the summer of 2016, the first two cases with genotype III (Africa 3) were reported in Spain. The first objective of our study was to determine the presence of CCHFV among patients with febrile illness during the spring and summer periods in 2017 and 2018. Finally, we perform a phylogenetic analysis to determine the genotype of the virus.

Methodology

We prospectively evaluated patients aged 18 years and older who came to the emergency department at the Salamanca’s University Hospital (HUS) with fever. Specific IgM and IgG antibodies against CCHFV by ELISA and one immunofluorescence assay against two different proteins (nucleoprotein and glycoprotein C) was done. Moreover, molecular detection by Real Time PCR was performed in all collected samples. A phylogenetic analysis was carried out to genetically characterize CCHFV detected in this study.

Principal findings

A total of 133 patients were selected. The mean age was 67.63 years and 60.9% were male. One-third of the patients presented an acute undifferentiated febrile illness. Three patients had anti-CCHFV IgG antibodies, suggesting a previous infection. One patient had anti-CCHFV IgM antibodies and a confirmatory RT-PCR. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that the virus corresponds to the European genotype V. This patient came to the emergency department at HUS in August 2018 presenting an acute febrile syndrome with thrombopenia and liver impairment.

Conclusions

We describe a new circulation of European genotype V CCHFV in Spain. Moreover, this study suggests that CCHFV is an identifiable cause of febrile illness of unknown origin in Spain. Thus, CCHF could be suspected in patients with fever, liver damage, and/or haemorrhagic disorders, particularly in people with risk activities who present in the spring or summer.
Speed regulation strategy and algorithm for the variable-belt-speed energy-saving control of a belt conveyor based on the material flow rate
Authors: Ji Jianhua , Miao Changyun , Li Xianguo , Liu Yi
Published: February 2021

As an important transportation, the belt conveyor has been widely used and researched. It is urgent to solve the problem of energy saving and consumption reduction of belt conveyor. Aiming at reducing high energy consumption in the rated-speed operation of a belt conveyor, the present paper establishes an energy-saving belt-speed model of a belt conveyor using a polynomial regression-fitting algorithm and a small number of sample observations, and proposes a speed regulation strategy and particle swarm optimization–proportional–integral–derivative algorithm for the variable-belt-speed energy-saving control of a belt conveyor based on the material flow rate. The control strategy and algorithm adjust the running speed of the belt conveyor accurately according to changes in the material flow rate, thus reducing damage of frequent speed regulation to the belt conveyor and saving energy. Simulation analysis of a practical case shows that energy-saving belt-speed model, speed regulation strategy, and algorithm effectively reduce the energy consumption of a belt conveyor, and they thus have high application value in coal, ports, power, mine, metallurgy, chemical, and other industries. Further work in this field can be focused on the prediction of material flow rate of belt conveyor, the controllable adjustment duration of algorithm and the reduction of overshoot.
A model of infection in honeybee colonies with social immunity
Authors: Laomettachit Teeraphan , Liangruksa Monrudee , Termsaithong Teerasit , Tangthanawatsakul Anuwat , Duangphakdee Orawan
Published: February 2021

Honeybees (Apis mellifera) play a significant role in the pollination of various food crops and plants. In the past decades, honeybee management has been challenged with increased pathogen and environmental pressure associating with increased beekeeping costs, having a marked economic impact on the beekeeping industry. Pathogens have been identified as a contributing cause of colony losses. Evidence suggested a possible route of pathogen transmission among bees via oral-oral contacts through trophallaxis. Here we propose a model that describes the transmission of an infection within a colony when bee members engage in the trophallactic activity to distribute nectar. In addition, we examine two important features of social immunity, defined as collective disease defenses organized by honeybee society. First, our model considers the social segregation of worker bees. The segregation limits foragers, which are highly exposed to pathogens during foraging outside the nest, from interacting with bees residing in the inner parts of the nest. Second, our model includes a hygienic response, by which healthy nurse bees exterminate infected bees to mitigate horizontal transmission of the infection to other bee members. We propose that the social segregation forms the first line of defense in reducing the uptake of pathogens into the colony. If the first line of defense fails, the hygienic behavior provides a second mechanism in preventing disease spread. Our study identifies the rate of egg-laying as a critical factor in maintaining the colony’s health against an infection. We propose that winter conditions which cease or reduce the egg-laying activity combined with an infection in early spring can compromise the social immunity defenses and potentially cause colony losses.
Mental disorders following electrical injuries—A register-based, matched cohort study
Authors: Biering Karin , Vestergaard Jesper Medom , Kærgaard Anette , Carstensen Ole , Nielsen Kent J.
Published: February 2021

Introduction

Electrical injuries happen every day in homes and workplaces. Not only may these injuries cause physical damage and disability, they may also cause mental disorders. The aim of this study was to investigate if persons with an electrical injury suffer from mental disorders in the following years.

Material and methods

In a prospective matched cohort design, we identified 14.112 electrical injuries in two Danish registries and matched these with persons with dislocation/sprain injuries or eye injuries, respectively, as well as with persons from the workforce from the same occupation, using year of injury, sex and age as matching variables. We identified possible outcomes in terms of mental diagnoses in the Danish National Patient registry, based on literature, including reviews, original studies and case-reports as well as experiences from clinical praxis. The associations were analyzed using conditional cox- and logistic regression.

Results

We found that the following of the examined outcomes were associated with exposure to an electrical injury compared to the matched controls. Some of the outcomes showed the strongest associations shortly after the injury, namely ‘mental disorders due to known physiological condition’, ‘anxiety and adjustment disorders’, and especially the ‘Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)’ subgroup. The same pattern was seen for ‘Depression’ although the associations were weaker. Other conditions took time to develop (‘Somatoform disorders’), or were only present in the time to event analysis (‘other non-psychotic mental disorders’ and ‘sleep disorders’). The findings were consistent in all three matches, with the highest risk estimates in the occupation match.

Conclusion

Electrical injuries may result in mental disorders, both acute and several years after. However, the absolute risk is limited as most of the outcomes are rare.
Predicting the effects of reservoir water level management on the reproductive output of a riparian songbird
Authors: Hepp Mathew , Palsson Eirikur , Thomsen Sarah K. , Green David J.
Published: February 2021

Dams and reservoirs alter natural water flow regimes with adverse effects on natural ecosystems. Quantifying and reducing these effects are important as global demands for energy and water, and the number of dams and reservoir, increase. However, costs and logistic constraints typically preclude experimental assessment of reservoir effects on the environment. We developed a stochastic individual-based model (IBM), parameterized using empirical data, to estimate the annual productivity of yellow warblers that breed in riparian habitat within the footprint of the Arrow Lakes Reservoir in British Columbia, Canada. The IBM incorporated information on breeding phenology, nest site selection, brood parasitism, daily nest survival, re-nesting probabilities and post-fledging survival. We used the IBM to estimate the effect of four different water management scenarios on annual productivity. We found that the IBM accurately estimated average nest success (0.39 ± 0.10 SD), the proportion of females that produced at least one fledgling during a breeding season (0.56 ± 0.11), and annual fledging success (2.06 ± 0.43) under current conditions. The IBM estimated that reservoir operations currently reduce the annual productivity of this population by 37%, from an average of 1.62 to 1.06 independent young/female. Delaying when reservoir water levels reach 435m asl (the minimum elevation occupied by yellow warblers) by approximately 2 weeks was predicted to increase annual productivity to 1.44 independent young/female. The standardized effect on annual productivity of reducing the maximum elevation of the reservoir so that yellow warbler habitat is not inundated (Cohen’s d = 1.52) or delaying when water is stored (Cohen’s d = 0.83) was primarily driven by inundation effects on post-fledging survival. Reservoir operation effects on breeding birds will be species specific, but this IBM can easily be modified to allow the environmental impacts on the entire breeding bird community to be incorporated into water management decisions.
Magnetic ligand fishing using immobilized DPP-IV for identification of antidiabetic ligands in lingonberry extract
Authors: Lima Rita de Cássia Lemos , Böcker Ulrike , McDougall Gordon J. , Allwood J. William , Afseth Nils Kristian , Wubshet Sileshi Gizachew
Published: February 2021

In this work, a new magnetic ligand fishing probe for discovery of DPP-IV inhibitory ligands was developed and it was tested as a proof of concept on the fruit extract of Vaccinium vitis-idaea (lingonberry). The ligands were shown to have appreciable dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV) inhibitory activity (IC50: 31.8 μg mL-1).) Inhibition of DPP-IV is a well-known therapeutic approach for management of type 2 diabetes (T2D). DPP-IV was successfully immobilized onto magnetic beads and was shown to retain its catalytic activity and selectivity over a model mixture. A total of four ligands were successfully fished out and identified as cyanidin-3-galactoside (2), cyanidin-3-arabinoside (3), proanthocynidin A (4), and 10-carboxyl-pyranopeonidin 3-O-(6″-O-p-coumaroyl)-glucoside (5) using HPLC/HRMS.
Molecular characterization and antibiotic resistance of Acinetobacter baumannii in cerebrospinal fluid and blood
Authors: Shi Xiaohong , Wang Hong , Wang Xin , Jing Huaiqi , Duan Ran , Qin Shuai , Lv Dongyue , Fan Yufeng , Huang Zhenzhou , Stirling Kyle , Zhang Lei , Wang Jiazheng
Published: February 2021

The increasing prevalence of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) caused nosocomial infections generate significant comorbidity and can cause death among patients. Current treatment options are limited. These infections pose great difficulties for infection control and clinical treatment. To identify the antimicrobial resistance, carbapenemases and genetic relatedness of Acinetobacter baumannii isolates from cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood, a total of 50 nonrepetitive CSF isolates and 44 blood isolates were collected. The resistance phenotypes were determined, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to examine the mechanisms of carbapenem resistance. Finally, multilocus sequence typing (MLST) was conducted to determine the genetic relatedness of these isolates. It was observed that 88 of the 94 collected isolates were resistant to imipenem or meropenem. Among them, the blaOXA-23 gene was the most prevalent carbapenemase gene, with an observed detection rate of 91.5% (86/94), followed by the blaOXA-24 gene with a 2.1% detection rate (2/94). Among all carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (CRAB) observations, isolates with the blaOXA-23 gene were resistant to both imipenem and meropenem. Interestingly, isolates positive for the blaOXA-24 gene but negative for the blaOXA-23 gene showed an imipenem-sensitive but meropenem-resistant phenotype. The MLST analysis identified 21 different sequence types (STs), with ST195, ST540 and ST208 most frequently detected (25.5%, 12.8% and 11.7%, respectively). 80 of the 94 isolates (85.1%) were clustered into CC92 which showed a carbapenem resistance phenotype (except AB13). Five novel STs were detected, and most of them belong to CRAB. In conclusion, these findings provide additional observations and epidemiological data of CSF and blood A. baumannii strains, which may improve future infection-control measures and aid in potential clinical treatments in hospitals and other clinical settings.