bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of pipe type and Emitters discharge on performance criteria of surface drip irrigation system
Authors: AL-Dulaimi B A , AL-Mehmdy Sh M
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was conducted in Jazeerah Al-Ramadi/Al-Hamidiyah research station (latitude33^o 27^’ 〖 11.9 〗 ^(՚՚)N, longitude 43^o 23^’ ^(՚՚) E (duration 2020. This study was conducted to investigate the effect of pipe types and emitters discharge on performance criteria of surface drip irrigation system. Therefore, a two factorial experiment was set as randomized complete block design with three replications. The first factor included the type of pipes and emitters, namely Turbo, GR and T-Tape. While the second factor involved the emitters discharge which consist of two levels i.e., 4 (D4) and 8 (D8) L.h-1. The irrigation system was initially evaluated in the field before planting by testing three operating pressures (50, 100 and 150 Kpa) to determine the actual discharge of the emitters closed to their design discharge (4 and 8 L.h-1) for each emitter to calculate the manufacturing coefficient of variation (CV), distribution uniformity and the discharge variation ratio at each operating pressure. Results showed that the best discharge (Closed to design discharge of 4 L.h-1) was obtained at the 50 Kpa operating pressure which gave 3.99,3.90 and 3.81 L.h-1 when using the T-Tape pipe and GR and Turbo emitter compare when the discharge of 8L.h-1 has been used which gave 7.96, 7.84 and 7.59 L.h-1 when the former pipe and emitters were used. The best coefficient of variation was observed when the T-Tape pipe and GR and Turbo emitter were used with discharge of 4 L.h-1 up to 0.1300, 0.2200 and 0.2600 compare to 0.1300, 0.2700 and 0.3500 when the same former pipe and emitters were used with discharge of 8L. h-1. Similarly, the best distribution uniformity was obtained when the T-Tape pipe and GR and Turbo emitter has been used with discharge of 4 L.h-1 which gave 94.68, 91.74 and 90%. Likewise, the most acceptable variety discharge ratio was observed when the same prior pipe and emitters were used with discharge of 4 L.h-1 by giving 7.23, 11.90 and 12.19 %.
The Aquatic Environment and Its Protection From Pollution (Marshes of Southern Iraq as a Model)
Authors: Karim I Y , Makki M M , Salman A H , Al-Jassani N A A
Published: November 2021

The decrease of the marshes of southern Iraq represents a major problem as result of climatic changes and human conditions, especially the decrease in the water revenue of the Tigris and Euphrates rivers, which has resulted in the expansion of soil problems from waterlogging, desertification and salinity in the soil of the governorates of Basra, Maysan and Dhi Qar. Al-Hawizeh [11 billion m3 annually], and the decline of the marshes contributed to reducing the work of the Basra Paper Mill, which was previously working with about 168 tons of reed material, which had economic and social effects from 2002 to 2010 and now the marshes are fed with surface water, provided that this return The region with a wealth of fish and tourism represents the beating heart of Iraq.
Parents’ Performance and F1 Crosses For Several Bread Wheat Cultivars Under Varying Levels of Nitrogen Fertilization
Authors: Abdel-Moneam M A , Sultan M S , Dehaina E S
Published: November 2021

Six bread wheat varieties representing different traits were crossed in a half-diallel in 2017/2018 season. The 6 parents and its 15 F1 crosses were evaluated under normal and N-stress conditions in 2018/2019 season, to study the mean performance and the combining ability for earliness and morpho-physiological traits and biomass yield of wheat under normal and N-stress conditions. Mean squares of genotypes, parents, crosses, and parents versus crosses were significant or highly significant for most of the studied traits and biological yield under both conditions, reflecting a sort of heterosis for these characters. Mean squares of GCA and SCA were significant or highly significant for most of the studied traits under both conditions, indicating the presence of both additive and non-additive types of genes in the genetic system controlling these traits. The best general combiners were P1 (Giza 168) and P2 (Sakha 94) at both conditions, P3 (Shandweel 1) at N-stress, and P4 (Gemmeiza 11) at normal condition for earliness and P6 (Misr 1) at both conditions and P5 (Sids 12) at N-stress and P3 (Shandweel 1) at normal condition for biomass yield plant-1. The best cross combinations were crosses No.3 (P1xP4), No.5 (P1xP6), No.6 (P2xP3), No.7 (P1xP2), No.8 (P2xP5) and No.11 (P3xP5) under N-stress for earliness; and crosses No.3 (P1xP4), No.7 (P2xP4), No.8 (P2xP5), No.12 (P3xP6), No.14 (P4xP6) and No.15 (P5xP6) at both conditions, and cross No.2 (P1xP3) under N-stress for biomass yield plant-1.
Three New Species of Convolvulus L. Records to The Flora of Western Desert, Iraq
Authors: Mousa M O , Alkubaisy S A , Abood N M , Shahatha S S
Published: November 2021

Three species belong to the genus Convolvulus L. from the Convolvulaceae family, new to Flora of Western Desert District were recorded. These species were Convolvulus cantabrica L., Convolvulus reticulatus Choisy and Convolvulus stachydifolius Choisy. Species were photographed, their taxonomical and ecological characters, as well as their geographical distribution in the Western Desert were demonstrated. Plant samples were collected, precisely identified, dried and herbarium specimens were prepared and deposited at Anbar University Herbarium (AUH). Some notes on habitat, flowering and fruiting periods were provided. The means and reasons that helped these species to be distributed in new places within the Western Desert District of Iraq were realistically discussed, it was found that there was no sample of the three mentioned species that were collected from the Western Desert District at all.
Using of Temporal Variability for Monitoring Change of Vegetation via Remote Sensing in Anbar Province
Authors: Gharbi M A , Mukhlif H N
Published: November 2021

The use of spectral indicators and evidence based on remote sensing and the results of space data is one of the most important means of detecting changes in vegetation and land cover. Three space scenes were selected to assess vegetation changes in Anbar governorate, consisting of 33 satellite shots in different dates for the years 1999, 2009 and 2019, captured by the Landsat 5 and Landsat 8 for the two sensors TM and OLI. Spectral data were used to calculate NDVI normal vegetative variation index values. The results showed that the area of barren land continued to increase by 24,809. 19 km2 by 11.47, 11.98 and 30.56% for 1999, 2009 and 2019 respectively and the area of dense vegetation decreased by 857.73 km2 by 0.30, 0.17 and 1.40% for the same years respectively.
Statistical Modelling of Drought Indicators and Evaporation/Transpiration and Their Impact on Determining the Erosion Ability of Winds in Iraq
Authors: Ali M F , Salman A H
Published: November 2021

Geographical studies are concerned with analyzing and interpreting its most important phenomena, especially those related to climate, which in one way or another affect the provision of harsh environmental conditions such as drought, desertification, and others, as well as being one of its prominent manifestations. As these studies are interested in one way or another in determining the mechanism of action in life, as they are interested in determining the various human activities, and in this research, the researchers were interested in adopting (10) Iraqi climatic stations to find and calculate the values of the phenomena referred to from drought, evaporation/transpiration, wind erosion and the strength of wind pressure in Iraq, using an applied quantitative-statistical method to determine the monthly and annual ranges of wind erosion for the period (1986-2018), and by applying the correlation, regression and determination coefficients. As well as cartographic representation using Excel techniques and geographic information systems (GIS).
Effect of Tillage Systems on the Growth and Productivity of Eight Wheat Cultivars
Authors: Ziydan B A , Al-Enzy A F , Almehemdi A F
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out in one of the agricultural fields in Abu Ghraib region during the winter season of 2018-2019 in order to study the effect of plowing systems on the growth and productivity of eight cultivars of wheat crop in a silty clay loam, field land which was not sown in the previous season. Two tillage systems were used (no-tillage and tillage) to grow the wheat crop, moldboard plows and harrow (local made). The cultivars were (Wafia, Adena, Araz, Erratum, Pura, Spelta, Doru, and Cymto). Randomized complete blocks design (RCBD) was used in a split plot arrangement with three replications. Results revealed that Adena predominated in plant height (87.77 cm), spike length (10.68 cm) tillers (4.695 tiller plant-1), whereas Cymto was superior in plant dry weight (80.00 g), thousand grains weight (54.80 g), grains yield per unit (5.535 Kg). Genetic material of Azar, Adena and Cymto cultivars was the best, as it was clearly manifested in the phenotypic components of wheat.
Response of Oats Cultivars to Spraying with Nano and Mineral Zinc and Potassium on Yield and its Components
Authors: Al-Rawi D S , Abood N M
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out at Al-Hamidhiya research station of the College of Agriculture - University of Anbar, located within 43.39 longitude, 33.44 latitude and 53 m heights above sea level during Winter seasons 2018-2019 and 2019-2020, with aim of studying the effect of levels of potassium fertilizer, nano and mineral zinc on the yield of three oat cultivars. The split-split-plot arrangement was used according to a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The main plots included potassium concentrations (0, 6000, 3000 nm, and 6000 nm) mg K l-1, while the subplot included zinc concentrations (0, 50 and 50 nm) mg Zn l-1, while the cultivars were in the sub-sub plots (Hamel, Carrolup and Genzania). The results of the study indicate that the varieties differed significantly in all studied traits. Genzania cultivar outperformed in terms of grain yield (6.25 and 6.19 ton ha-1) and biological yield (16.37 and 16.26 ton ha-1) the two seasons, respectively. In addition, spraying zinc on the plant had a positive role in improving the yield and its components, as the treatment 50 mg Zn L-1 gave grain yield of 6.24 and 6.06 tons’ ha-1 for both seasons respectively, adding potassium improved the components of the yield, which was reflected in the yield in which the treatment 6000 nm mg K L-1 was superior with seed yield of 7.05 and 6.84 ton ha-1 for the two seasons respectively. Also, the two-way interaction between the concentrations of potassium and zinc, potassium and cultivars, and zinc and cultivars had a significant effect on most of the studied traits. The three-way interaction between the study factors had a significant effect on the studied traits, which was evident in seed yield, as the combination (Genzania sprayed with 3000nm K + 50 mg Zn L-1) gave the highest grain yield of 8.30 for the first season, while the plants of the variety Hamel sprayed with 6000nm K + 50 mg Zn L-1 gave the highest grain yield of 7.440 ton ha-1 for the second season.
Effect of Short Term Management of Soil Organic Carbon Build up and Organic Residues Types on Some Soil Properties and Barleys Yield Under Saline Stress
Authors: Dwenee S J H , Falih A S , Alghrairi F O K , Hassan A F , Khudair S A , Farhan Y A , Mughir H Ch. , Kh Yas A , Bajai S M
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out for three season 2017, 2018 and 2019 to investigate the role of some types of organic field residues (crop, tree and shrubs and orchard residues) in soil organic carbon built up and improving the soil fertility within conditions of salt stresses. Treatments were added based on their organic carbon content, to reach 1.0%, supplementing the organic carbon already present in the soil. The results showed that the percentage of loss in organic carbon differs according to the added organic residues. The percentage of the organic carbon remaining in the soil for season 2017 after harvest was 0.542%, 0.794%, 0.728% and 0.642% for control, crop residues, tree residues and shrubs and residues of orchards, respectively. In order to maintain the organic carbon ratio up to 1.0%, it was necessary to add organic residues in the following season 2018 in quantities of 0.742, 1.074 and 1.537 kg/m2, down from the initial addition in 2017 by 55.79%, 41.63% and 23.18%. In the 2019 season, the addition amounted to 0.537, 0.691 and 1.108 kg/m2, down from the initial addition in 2017 by 68.03%, 62.44% and 44.64% for the treatments, crop, tree and shrubs and orchard residues, respectively. The addition of orchard residue treatment showed a significant difference in the yield of straw and grains in all years of implementation of the experiment, at a rate of 18.67%, 7.38% and 11.22% in 2017, with a rate of 13.68%, 1.74% and 8.67% in 2018, at a rate of 17.11%, 3.44% And 6.59% in 2019 for control, tree and shrubs residues and crop residues, respectively. The addition of organic wastes improved the soil fertility for three years of study, as the salinity decreased by 16.65% and the total nitrogen, organic carbon, available nitrogen, available potassium and available phosphorus increased by 22.91%, 42.36%, 33.01%, 30.86% and 32.95%, respectively.
Effect Variation in Agricultural System on Some Alluvial Soil Characteristics in Abu Ghraib Region - Iraq
Authors: Yaqub M T , Hassan M A , Aljaberi S A
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out to determine the effect of the type of agricultural system as a result of exploitation on the characteristics of alluvial soil morphology, physically and chemically, as the study was carried out in the fields of College of Agriculture - Abu Ghraib, during which four agricultural systems were identified, namely, the Crop alfalfa, palms, Cereal, Cowpea as well as the land that is not exploited agricultural. After determining the sites of the examination, pedons were excavated for a representative of each type of agricultural system and their horizons were identified.. The results showed that there are differences in the morphological, chemical and physical properties of soils from one site to another, horizontally and from one horizon to another vertically, due to the effect of the different management method used in each agricultural system in terms of plowing and fertilization compared to soil that is not agricultural utilized.
Response of Strawberry CV. Festival to Culture Media and Foliar Application of Nano and Normal Micronutrients
Authors: Mahmood M M , Al-Dulaimy A F
Published: November 2021

The study was done in a greenhouse at the department of Horticulture and Landscape Gardening, College of Agriculture, University of Anbar for the growing season 2019-2020. It was designed to study the effect of the agricultural media and spraying with nano and normal zinc and iron on the traits of flowers and yield of Strawberry (CV. Festival) under the protective environment conditions. Three agricultural media were used for the first factor included: (River soil and Peat moss 3:1), (River soil and “50% Coantail + 50% Alfalfa” 3:1) and (River soil and poultry waste 3:1), presented with symbols (M1, M2, M3), respectively. The second factor consisted of spraying with zinc and iron nano and normal with the following concentrations (normal-Zn 50 mg L-1, nano-Zn 10 and 20 mg L-1, normal-Iron 150 mg L-1, and nano-iron 20 and 40 mg L-1) in addition to the control treatment (distilled water), mentioned as (S0, S1, S2, S3, S4, S5, S6), respectively. The results revealed that planting Strawberry in different media had a significant effect on flower traits and yield especially the media culture (M3) which presented the best results for the traits (number of flowers, percentage of flowers set, number of fruits, weight, length and diameter of fruit, and yield), which reached (34.4 flower plant-1, 77.5%, 28.4 fruit plant-1, 21.50 g, 4.28 cm, 3.37 cm and 628.1 g plant-1). On the other hand, the media culture (M3) caused a reduction in the percentage of the fruits malformation to a minimum value of (14.9%). Spraying with nano-zinc and iron and normal zinc and iron achieved significant effect, especially (S5), that gave the highest values for the traits ( number of flowers, percentage of flowers set, number of fruits, weight, length and diameter of fruit, and yield) which were (32.8 flower plant-1,76.5%, 25.6 fruit plant-1, 21.12 g, 4.20 cm, 3.42 cm, and 554.4 g plant-1) respectively. On the other hand, (S5) concentration caused a reduction in the percentage of the fruits malformation to a minimum value of (14.2%). The interaction between the two factors of the study in all of the responses studied. The treatment interaction (M3S5) gave the best results for traits (number of flowers, percentage of flowers set, percentage of the fruits malformation, number of fruits, weight and length of fruit, and yield), which reached (42.0 flower plant-1, 83.4%, 11.8%, 31.2 fruit plant-1, 25.58 g, 4.72 cm and 782.4 g plant-1), respectively. On the other hand, the treatment interaction (M2S4) showed the highest value of fruit diameter (3.84 cm).
Effect of Concentration and Period of Seed Soaking with Atonik on Some Quantitative Traits of Mung Bean
Authors: Al-Rawi A R M , Al-Ani M H I , Al-Falahi A M
Published: November 2021

A field experiment was carried out during spring season of 2016 and 2017 in the field of the Department of Field Crops - College of Agriculture - University of Anbar (Alternative Site – Abu Ghraib), to study the effect of concentration and Period of seed soaking with the Atonik growth regulator on the some quantitative traits of the mung bean (Al-Khadhrawi variety). Split plots arrangement according to randomized complete block design (RCBD) at three replications was used. The concentrations of soaking with Atonik (0, 2.5, 5- and 7.5-ml L-1) were the main plots, while the soaking period (0, 2, 4 and 6 hours) occupied the sub plots. The results showed that the seeds soaking with Atonik growth regulator at a 7.5 ml L-1recorded the highest plant height (54.05 and 47.10 cm), number of pods (15.83 and 11.58 pods plant-1) and number of seeds (10.81 and 8.48 seeds pod-1) for both seasons respectively, and number of branches (14.33 branch plant-1) in the first season only. The soaking period for 6 hours was significantly superior and gave the highest plant height (54.23 and 46.59 cm), number of branches (14.00 and 12.80 plant branch-1), number of pods (16.75 and 14.08 pod plant-1) and number of seeds (10.80 and 8.80 seed pod-1) for both seasons respectively. The interaction between concentrations of soaking at 7.5 ml L-1and soaking period for 6 hours had highest values for more the studied traits and both seasons. We can bw conclude that the quantitative characteristics of the mung It can be improved by using seed soaking treatment before planting with Atonik growth regulator.
The Politics of Non-State Security Provision in Burkina Faso: Koglweogo Self-Defence Groups’ Ambiguous Pursuit of Recognition
Authors: Frowd Philippe M
Published: November 2021

This article examines the rise of the koglweogo self-defence groups in Burkina Faso, developing an empirical analysis of their practices and a conceptual approach to their ambiguous status. The article describes the ‘koglweogos’’ rise since 2014, their growth across urban and rural areas in Burkina Faso, and their involvement in tasks from crime-fighting to counterterrorism. The article builds on the existing literature on vigilantism and security provision in African states and outlines a conceptual framework highlighting the koglweogos’ pursuit of recognition. The koglweogo toggle between overlapping ‘amateur’ and ‘professional’ repertoires of security discourse and practice, pursuing recognition as security professionals but also the autonomy and flexibility of working in the margins. This emphasizes the symbolic value, social and political contestability, discursive construction, and imaginaries of security whilst eschewing a state/non-state binary. The article draws on fieldwork carried out with multiple koglweogo groups to highlight their role as auxiliaries in global security governance, their production of security claims in the absence of recognition, their production of public authority, and their relationship of collaboration with and contestation of the state. The article concludes with reflections on the broader utility of the concept of ‘security amateur’ in Africa and further afield.
New horizons in the perioperative care of older adults
Authors: Thillainadesan Janani , Hilmer Sarah N , Fleury Aisling M , Naganathan Vasi
Published: November 2021

Older adults undergoing surgery have high perioperative morbidity and mortality. Age-related physiological changes and prevalence of geriatric syndromes such as frailty increase the risk of adverse postoperative outcomes. Geriatricians utilise comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) and management to identify and manage geriatric syndromes, and deliver patient-centred perioperative care. Perioperative models of CGA are established for older patients undergoing hip fracture surgery. Recent trials support the benefits of perioperative models of CGA for non-orthopaedic surgery, and have influenced current care recommendations for older surgical patients. Areas for further action include addressing the implementation gap between recommended evidence-based perioperative care and routine perioperative care, evaluating the clinical and cost-effectiveness of perioperative models of CGA for patients living with frailty, and embedding routine use of patient-reported outcome measures to inform quality improvement.
Barriers and enablers to deprescribing in long-term care facilities: a ‘best-fit’ framework synthesis of the qualitative evidence
Authors: Heinrich Clara H , Hurley Eoin , McCarthy Suzanne , McHugh Shenna , Donovan Maria D
Published: November 2021

Introduction

older adults are at risk of adverse outcomes due to a high prevalence of polypharmacy and potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs). Deprescribing interventions have been demonstrated to reduce polypharmacy and PIMs. However, deprescribing is not performed routinely in long-term care facilities (LTCFs). This qualitative evidence synthesis aims to identify the factors which limit and enable health care workers’ (HCWs) engagement with deprescribing in LTCFs.

Methods

the ‘best-fit’ framework approach was used to synthesise evidence by using the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) as the a priori framework. Included studies were analysed qualitatively to identify LTCF barriers and enablers of deprescribing and were mapped to the TDF. Constructs within domains were refined to best represent the LTCF context. A conceptual model was created, hypothesising relationships between barriers and enablers.

Results

of 655 records identified, 14 met the inclusion criteria. The ‘best-fit’ framework included 17 barriers and 16 enablers, which mapped to 11 of the 14 TDF domains. Deprescribing barriers included perceptions of an ‘established hierarchy’ within LTCFs, negatively affecting communication and insufficient resources which limited HCWs’ engagement with deprescribing. Enablers included tailored deprescribing guidelines, interprofessional support and working with a patient focus, allowing the patients’ condition to influence decisions.

Discussion

this study identified that education, interprofessional support and collaboration can facilitate deprescribing. To overcome deprescribing barriers, change is required to a patient-centred model and HCWs need to be equipped with necessary resources and adequate reimbursement. The LTCF organisational structure must support deprescribing, with communication between health care systems.
COVID-19 and Immune-Mediated RBC Destruction
Authors: Jacobs Jeremy W , Booth Garrett S
Published: November 2021

Objectives

To summarize the epidemiologic, clinical, and laboratory characteristics of autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) secondary to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection or vaccination.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review using standardized keyword search to identify all reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection or vaccination and AIHA across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar through September 24, 2021.

Results

Fifty patients (mean [SD] age, 50.8 [21.6] years) diagnosed with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and AIHA were identified. AIHA subtypes and number of patients were as follows: cold AIHA (n = 18), warm AIHA (n = 14), mixed-type AIHA (n = 3), direct antiglobulin test (DAT)–negative AIHA (n = 1), DAT-negative Evans syndrome (n = 1), Evans syndrome (n = 3), and subtype not reported (n = 10). Mean (SD) hemoglobin at AIHA diagnosis was 6.5 [2.8] g/dL (95% confidence interval, 5.7-7.3 g/dL). Median time from COVID-19 symptom onset to AIHA diagnosis was 7 days. In total, 19% (8/42) of patients with COVID-19–associated AIHA with reported outcomes were deceased. Four patients (mean [SD] age, 73.5 [16.9] years) developed AIHA following SARS-CoV-2 vaccination: Pfizer-BioNTech BNT162b2 vaccine (n = 2); Moderna mRNA-1273 vaccine (n = 1); undisclosed mRNA vaccine (n = 1). AIHA occurred after 1 dose in 3 patients (median, 5 days).

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 infection and vaccination are associated with multiple AIHA subtypes, beginning approximately 7 days after infectious symptoms and 5 days after vaccination.
Solitary Fibrous Tumor With Extensive Epithelial Inclusions
Authors: Zhao Ming , He Huiying , Cao Dengfeng , Fan Dage , Xu Mingxin , Zhang Xin , Ru Guoqing
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) harboring extensive epithelial inclusions is rare and can stimulate a biphasic neoplasm composed of epithelial and stromal elements.

Methods

Three cases of SFT with extensive epithelial inclusions were retrieved. H&E stain, immunohistochemical stain, and targeted next-generation sequencing were performed.

Results

There were two male patients and one female patient aged 54, 32, and 68 years. All tumors were located in abdominopelvic sites involving the kidney (case 1), omentum (case 2), and prostate (case 3), respectively. Microscopically, all tumors were circumscribed and composed of a background of SFT admixed with randomly embedded glands or cysts, organizing sometimes in a phyllodes-like architecture. The covered epithelium displayed a range of morphologies from simple cystic to stratified and to complex papillary proliferation. Immunohistochemically, both STAT6 and CD34 were expressed in the spindle cells but not in the epithelial inclusions. RNA sequencing revealed fusions involving NAB2~STAT6 in all cases. DNA sequencing demonstrated TERT c.-124C>T mutation in case 1. Prognostic stratification scores were intermediate in case 1 and low in cases 2 and 3.

Conclusions

SFT with extensive epithelial inclusions represents a rare but potentially underrecognized variant of SFT and shows compatible molecular features with conventional SFT.
The nature of privilege: intergenerational wealth in animal societies
Authors: Smith Jennifer E , Natterson-Horowitz B , Alfaro Michael E
Published: November 2021

Wealth inequality is widespread across human societies, from pastoral and small-scale agricultural groups to large modern social structures. The intergenerational transfer of wealth privileges some individuals over others through the transmission of resources external to an individual organism. Privileged access to household wealth (e.g., land, shelter, silver) positively influences the destinies of some (and their descendants) over others in human societies. Strikingly parallel phenomena exist in animal societies. Inheritance of nongenetic commodities (e.g., a nest, territory, tool) external to an individual also contributes greatly to direct fitness in animals. Here, we illustrate the evolutionary diversity of privilege and its disparity-generating effects on the evolutionary trajectories of lineages across the Tree of Life. We propose that integration of approaches used to study these patterns in humans may offer new insights into a core principle from behavioral ecology—differential access to inherited resources—and help to establish a broad, comparative framework for studying inequality in animals.
Sample size calculations in high-profile surgical trials that use patient-reported outcome measures: systematic review
Authors: Jacklin Chloe , Rodrigues Jeremy N. , Collins Joanna , Cook Jonathan , Harrison Conrad J.
Published: November 2021

Sample size calculations from high-profile surgical RCTs that used a patient-reported outcome measure as primary outcome were reviewed systematically against Difference ELicitation in TriAls (DELTA2) standards, with a focus on target differences. In this sample of trials, there was frequent use of suboptimal methods to determine the target difference, and sample size calculations were generally not reported to DELTA2 standards. This risks over-recruitment and/or erroneous trial conclusions, which clinicians should be aware of when interpreting published trials.
Wittgenstein, neurology, and neuroscience
Authors: Larner Andrew J
Published: November 2021

To coincide with the 100th anniversary of the publication of Ludwig Wittgenstein's Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus, Andrew Larner considers some of the implications of philosophical themes in this and his posthumously published works, chiefly the Philosophical Investigations, for the disciplines of neurology and neuroscience.
Preferential in vivo inhibitory action of serotonin in rat infralimbic versus prelimbic cortex: relevance for antidepressant treatments
Authors: López-Terrones Elena , Celada Pau , Riga Maurizio S , Artigas Francesc
Published: November 2021

The infralimbic (IL) cortex is the rodent equivalent of human ventral anterior cingulate cortex (vACC), which plays a key role in the pathophysiology and treatment of major depressive disorder (MDD). The modulation of glutamatergic neurotransmission in IL [but not in the adjacent prelimbic (PrL) cortex] evokes antidepressant-like or depressive-like behaviors, associated with changes in serotonin (5-HT) function, highlighting the relevance of glutamate/serotonin interactions in IL for emotional control. 5-HT modulates neuronal activity in PrL and cingulate (Cg) cortex but its effects in IL are largely unknown. We therefore compared the in vivo effects of 5-HT on pyramidal neuron activity in IL (n = 61) and PrL (n = 50) of anesthetized rats. IL pyramidal neurons were more responsive to physiological dorsal raphe stimulation (0.9 Hz) than PrL neurons (84% vs. 64%, respectively) and were inhibited to a greater extent (64% vs. 36%, respectively). Orthodromic activations (8% in PrL) were absent in IL, whereas biphasic responses were similar (20%) in both areas. Excitations were mediated by 5-HT2A-R activation, whereas inhibitions involved 3 different components: 5-HT1A-R, 5-HT3-R and GABAA-R, respectively. The remarkable inhibitory action of 5-HT in IL suggests that 5-HT-enhancing drugs may exert their antidepressant action by normalizing a glutamatergic hyperactivity in the vACC of MDD patients.
Premature infants display discriminable behavioral, physiological, and brain responses to noxious and nonnoxious stimuli
Authors: van der Vaart Marianne , Hartley Caroline , Baxter Luke , Mellado Gabriela Schmidt , Andritsou Foteini , Cobo Maria M , Fry Ria Evans , Adams Eleri , Fitzgibbon Sean , Slater Rebeccah
Published: November 2021

Pain assessment in preterm infants is challenging as behavioral, autonomic, and neurophysiological measures of pain are reported to be less sensitive and specific than in term infants. Understanding the pattern of preterm infants’ noxious-evoked responses is vital to improve pain assessment in this group. This study investigated the discriminability and development of multimodal noxious-evoked responses in infants aged 28–40 weeks postmenstrual age. A classifier was trained to discriminate responses to a noxious heel lance from a nonnoxious control in 47 infants, using measures of facial expression, brain activity, heart rate, and limb withdrawal, and tested in two independent cohorts with a total of 97 infants. The model discriminates responses to the noxious from the nonnoxious procedure with an overall accuracy of 0.76–0.84 and an accuracy of 0.78–0.79 in the 28–31-week group. Noxious-evoked responses have distinct developmental patterns. Heart rate responses increase in magnitude with age, while noxious-evoked brain activity undergoes three distinct developmental stages, including a previously unreported transitory stage consisting of a negative event-related potential between 30 and 33 weeks postmenstrual age. These findings demonstrate that while noxious-evoked responses change across early development, infant responses to noxious and nonnoxious stimuli are discriminable in prematurity.
Colectomy Rates did not Decrease in Paediatric- and Adult-Onset Ulcerative Colitis During the Biologics Era: A Nationwide Study From the epi-IIRN
Authors: Atia Ohad , Orlanski-Meyer Esther , Lujan Rona , Ledderman Natan , Greenfeld Shira , Kariv Revital , Daher Saleh , Yanai Henit , Loewenberg Weisband Yiska , Gabay Hagit , Matz Eran , Nevo Daniel , Ollech Jacob , Zittan Eran , Israeli Eran , Schwartz Doron , Chowers Yehuda , Dotan Iris , Turner Dan
Published: November 2021

Background

It is still of debate whether the advent of biologics has been associated with a change in the natural history of ulcerative colitis [UC]. In this nationwide study we evaluated trends of long-term outcomes in all patients diagnosed with UC in Israel during the biologic era.

Methods

Data in the epi-IIRN cohort were retrieved from the four Israeli Health Maintenance Organizations covering 98% of the population, and linked to the Ministry of Health prospective registry on surgeries and hospitalizations. Joinpoint Regression and Kaplan–Meier survival analyses were used, reporting annual average percentage change [AAPC] for each outcome.

Results

A total of 13 231 patients were diagnosed with UC since 2005 (1426 [11%] paediatric-onset, 10 310 [78%] adults, 1495 [11%] elderly) with 93 675 person-years of follow-up. The probabilities of surgery after 1, 3 and 5 years from diagnosis were 1.1, 2.3 and 4.1%, respectively, and the corresponding rates of hospitalizations were 22, 33 and 41%. The overall utilization of biologics in UC increased from 0.1% in 2005 to 9.6% in 2019 [AAPC 22.1%] and they were prescribed earlier during the disease course (median of 5.6 years [interquartile range 2.8–9.1] in 2005–2008 vs 0.8 years [0.4–1.5] in 2015–2018; p < 0.001]. Annual rates of surgeries [AAPC −1.3; p = 0.6] and steroid-dependency [AAPC −1.2; p = 0.3] remained unchanged, while rates of hospitalizations slightly decreased [AAPC −1.2; p < 0.001]. Outcomes were consistently worse in paediatric-onset disease than in adults, despite higher utilization of biologics [28% vs 12%, respectively; p < 0.001].

Conclusion

During the biologic era rates of surgeries and steroid-dependency have remained unchanged in patients with UC, while rates of hospitalizations have slightly decreased.
Theophylline in patients with syncope without prodrome, normal heart, and normal electrocardiogram: a propensity-score matched study verified by implantable cardiac monitor
Authors: Brignole Michele , Iori Matteo , Strano Stefano , Tomaino Marco , Rivasi Giulia , Ungar Andrea , Carretta Domenico , Solari Diana , Napoli Paola , Deharo Jean Claude , Guieu Regis
Published: November 2021

Aims

Syncope without prodromes in subjects with normal heart and normal electrocardiogram (ECG) is classified as non-classical neurally mediated syncope and is characterized by low adenosine plasma levels (APLs) and frequent asystolic syncope. We assessed the efficacy of theophylline, a non-selective adenosine receptor antagonist, in preventing syncopal events.

Methods and results

Participants received an implantable cardiac monitor, underwent APL measurement, and received oral theophylline at maximum tolerated dose (starting dose 300 mg b.i.d.). They were compared with a historical cohort of untreated patients with implantable cardiac monitor who had the same inclusion criteria and were balanced with the propensity score (PS) method as regard age, sex, lifetime syncopal episodes, APL, and antihypertensive drugs. Primary endpoint was time to first syncopal recurrence at 24 months. There were 76 patients in the theophylline group and 58 in the control group. Syncope recurred in 25 (33%) patients in the theophylline group and in 27 (47%) patients in the control group, with an estimated 2-year recurrence rate of 33% and 60%, respectively, and a hazard ratio of 0.53 [95% confidence interval (CI), 0.30–0.95; P = 0.034]. Most of the benefit of theophylline is derived from reduction of syncope due to asystolic atrioventricular (AV) block (hazard ratio of 0.13; 95% CI, 0.03–0.58; P = 0.008). Thirty (39%) patients discontinued theophylline after a median of 6.4 (interquartile range 1.7–13.8) months due to side effects.

Conclusion

Theophylline was effective in preventing recurrences in patients with syncope without prodromes, normal heart, and normal ECG. The benefit was greater in patients with syncope due to asystolic AV block.

ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier

NCT03803215.
Meanings and mechanisms of One Health partnerships: insights from a critical review of literature on cross-government collaborations
Authors: Abbas Syed Shahid , Shorten Tim , Rushton Jonathan
Published: November 2021

Complex health policy challenges such as antimicrobial resistance and other emerging infections are driven by activities in multiple sectors. Therefore, addressing these also requires joint efforts from multiple sectors as exemplified in the One Health approach. We undertake a critical review to examine the different ways in which multisector partnerships have been conceptualized across multiple disciplines and thematic areas. We started with a set of six articles from the disciplines of health, nutrition and public administration that reviewed conceptual frameworks within their respective fields. We conducted backward citation tracing using the bibliography of the six articles to identify other articles in the same and related fields that conceptualized multisector partnerships. We identified 58 articles published from 1967 to 2018 from the fields of global health, infectious diseases, management, nutrition and sustainability sciences indicating that multisector partnerships have been a topic of study across different fields for several decades. A thematic analysis of the 58 articles revealed that multisector partnerships assume a variety of forms and have been described in different ways. Partnerships can be categorized by scope, scale, formality and strength. Multisector partnerships emerge in conditions of dynamic uncertainty and sector failure when the information and resources required are beyond the capacities of any individual sector. Such partnerships are inherently political in nature and subsume multiple competing agendas of collaborating actors. Sustaining collaborations over a long period of time will require collaborative approaches like One Health to accommodate competing political perspectives and include flexibility to allow multisector partnerships to respond to changing external dynamics.
Downstream thoracic endovascular aortic repair following zone 2, 100-mm stent graft frozen elephant trunk implantation
Authors: Kreibich Maximilian , Siepe Matthias , Berger Tim , Kondov Stoyan , Morlock Julia , Pingpoh Clarence , Beyersdorf Friedhelm , Rylski Bartosz , Czerny Martin
Published: November 2021

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to analyse outcomes of downstream thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) following the frozen elephant trunk (FET) procedure.

METHODS

Sixty-six patients underwent downstream TEVAR following the FET procedure to treat thoracic aortic dissections (n = 42, 64%), aneurysms (n = 19, 29%) or penetrating aortic ulcers involving the aortic arch (n = 5, 8%). Patient and outcome characteristics were analysed.

RESULTS

Downstream TEVAR was performed 7 [interquartile range: 2–18] months after the FET procedure in 39 male (59%) and 27 female (41%) patients aged 68 [interquartile range: 56, 75] years, including 11 patients (17%) with a connective tissue disease. Before TEVAR, cerebrospinal fluid drainage was put in place in 61 patients (92%). Patients were treated with 1 stent graft (n = 28, 42%), 2 stent grafts (n = 37, 56%) or 3 stent grafts (n = 1, 2%). The femoral artery was accessed through surgical cut-down (n = 15, 23%) or percutaneously (n = 49, 74%). One patient (2%) developed a temporary spinal cord injury that resolved spontaneously. No case of permanent spinal cord injury, stroke or death was observed. After 12 [interquartile range: 2–23] months, 15 patients required an additional aortic reintervention (endovascular: n = 6; surgical: n = 9).

CONCLUSIONS

Downstream TEVAR following the FET procedure is associated with excellent clinical outcomes. We thus maintain that staging thoracic aortic repair—FET and secondary TEVAR—is a very successful and safe strategy. Certain patients might need a tertiary procedure to fix their entire aortic pathology; therefore, they will require long-term continuous follow-up, ideally in a dedicated aortic clinic.
Relative Orbifold Pandharipande–Thomas Theory and the Degeneration Formula
Authors: Lin Yijie
Published: November 2021

We construct relative moduli spaces of semistable pairs on a family of projective Deligne–Mumford stacks. We define moduli stacks of stable orbifold Pandharipande–Thomas pairs on stacks of expanded degenerations and pairs and then show they are separated and proper Deligne–Mumford stacks of finite type. As an application, we present the degeneration formula for the absolute and relative orbifold Pandharipande–Thomas invariants.
Decreasing Incidence and Determinants of Bacterial Pneumonia in People With HIV: The Swiss HIV Cohort Study
Authors: Balakrishna Suraj , Wolfensberger Aline , Kachalov Viacheslav , Roth Jan A , Kusejko Katharina , Scherrer Alexandra U , Furrer Hansjakob , Hauser Christoph , Calmy Alexandra , Cavassini Matthias , Schmid Patrick , Bernasconi Enos , Battegay Manuel , Günthard Huldrych F , Kouyos Roger D ,   Swiss HIV Cohort Study, Anagnostopoulos A , Battegay M , Bernasconi E , Böni J , Braun D L , Bucher H C , Calmy A , Cavassini M , Ciuffi A , Dollenmaier G , Egger M , Elzi L , Fehr J , Fellay J , Furrer H , Fux C A , Günthard H , Haerry D , Hasse B , Hirsch H H , Hoffmann M , Hösli I , Huber M , Kahlert C R , Kaiser L , Keiser O , Klimkait T , Kouyos R D , Kovari H , Ledergerber B , Martinetti G , de Tejada B Martinez , Marzolini C , Metzner K J , Müller N , Nicca D , Paioni P , Pantaleo G , Perreau M , Rauch A , Rudin C , Scherrer A U , Schmid P , Speck R , Stöckle M , Tarr P , Trkola A , Vernazza P , Wandeler G , Weber R , Yerly S
Published: November 2021

Background

Bacterial pneumonia is a leading reason for hospitalization among people with HIV (PWH); however, evidence regarding its drivers in the era of potent antiretroviral therapy is limited.

Methods

We assessed risk factors for bacterial pneumonia in the Swiss HIV Cohort Study using marginal models. We further assessed the relationship between risk factors and changes in bacterial pneumonia incidence using mediation analysis.

Results

We included 12927 PWH with follow-ups between 2008 and 2018. These patients had 985 bacterial pneumonia events during a follow-up of 100779 person-years. Bacterial pneumonia incidence significantly decreased from 13.2 cases/1000 person-years in 2008 to 6.8 cases/1000 person-years in 2018. Older age, lower education level, intravenous drug use, smoking, lower CD4-cell count, higher HIV load, and prior pneumonia were significantly associated with higher bacterial pneumonia incidence. Notably, CD4 cell counts 350–499 cells/μL were significantly associated with an increased risk compared to CD4 ≥ 500 cells/µL (adjusted hazard ratio, 1.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.01–1.89). Decreasing incidence over the last decade can be explained by increased CD4-cell counts and viral suppression and decreased smoking frequency.

Conclusions

Improvements in cascade of care of HIV and decrease in smoking may have mediated a substantial decrease in bacterial pneumonia incidence.
COVID-19 Vaccination Rates in a Global HIV Cohort
Authors: Fulda Evelynne S , Fitch Kathleen V , Overton Edgar T , Zanni Markella V , Aberg Judith A , Currier Judith S , Lu Michael T , Malvestutto Carlos , Fichtenbaum Carl J , Martinez Esteban , Umbleja Triin , Douglas Pamela S , Ribaudo Heather J , Grinspoon Steven K
Published: November 2021

Little is known regarding coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination rates in people with HIV (PWH), a vulnerable population with significant morbidity from COVID-19. We assessed COVID-19 vaccination rates among 6952 PWH in the Randomized Trial to Prevent Vascular Events in HIV (REPRIEVE) compared to region- and country-specific vaccination data. The global probability of COVID-19 vaccination through end of July 2021 was 55% among REPRIEVE participants with rates varying substantially by Global Burden of Disease (GBD) superregion. Among PWH, factors associated with COVID-19 vaccination included residence in high-income regions, age, white race, male sex, body mass index, and higher cardiovascular risk.

Clinical Trials Registration. NCT02344290.
Short-cycle therapy in HIV-infected adults: rilpivirine combination 4 days on/3 days off therapy
Authors: Luise Dora , Lattuada Emanuela , Rizzardo Sebastiano , Nicolè Stefano , Lambertenghi Lorenza , Coledan Ilaria , Gambino Silvia , Gottardo Rossella , Lanzafame Massimiliano , Vento Sandro
Published: November 2021

Background

Short-cycle therapy (SCT) is the administration of ART for 4 or 5 consecutive days a week, followed by 3 or 2 days off therapy. Its benefits include improving patient satisfaction and reducing ART toxicity and costs.

Methods

In this observational study we included HIV-infected adults with a three-drug ART containing rilpivirine, a history of long-term virological suppression and no evidence of resistance to previous drug regimens. Patients switched to a SCT of 4 days on/3 days off and were followed for 48 weeks with regular check-ups. The primary outcome was virological suppression; secondary outcomes were changes in CD4+ cells and rilpivirine plasma concentration, the occurrence of adverse events and resistance in the case of failure, and patient satisfaction.

Results

At week 48 no virological failure was observed, with a virological suppression rate of 30/30 (100%). Three patients switched back to continuous therapy for other reasons, with an overall success rate of SCT of 30/33 (90.9%, 95% CI = 81.24% to 100%). The CD4+ mean value increased by +64 cells/mm3 (95% CI = −59 to +187 cells/mm3; P = 0.052). No adverse events were observed and the mean total score in the satisfaction questionnaire was 57.7/60 (96.22%). Rilpivirine plasma concentration was below the efficacy threshold in 71.3% of the samples, suggesting that the patients’ characteristics, more than the drug’s pharmacokinetics, played a role in maintaining virological suppression.

Conclusions

SCT with rilpivirine-containing regimens could be an effective alternative to continuous therapy in selected HIV-infected patients with previous long-term virological suppression.