bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Influence of Nurses’ Characteristics on Medication Administration Errors: An Integrative Review
Authors: Kerari Ali , Innab Adnan
Published: June 2021

Background

Medication administration errors (MAEs) are a frequent cause of morbidity and mortality in acute care settings and can result in a prolonged hospital stay. The WHO estimated that medication errors cost up to $42 billion globally per a year. Therefore, MAEs was among the most common medical errors to occur in acute care settings. Studies of medication error usually focus on system factors, thus creating a gap between what researchers know about the causes of MAEs, and what frontline nurses actually do in the clinical setting. The purpose of this review is to fill a gap in the existing literature by focusing on the relationship between nurses’ characteristics and MAEs.

Methods

Online databases were accessed, including CINAHL, PsycINFO, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar from 2007–2020 period. This review was guided by the methods described by Whittemore and Knafl. Studies that addressed the occurrence of medication errors based on RN demographics were included in this review. The included studies were reviewed and analyzed by the two authors.

Results

Of the 1141 publications retrieved, 19 studies met inclusion criteria. The result provided strong evidence that nurses’ level of education, length of experience, and attendance at training courses, are directly associated with the occurrence of MAEs. There is weak evidence of MAEs being influenced by the age and gender of nurses. Other nurse characteristics, such as cognitive load, frustration with technology, negligence, lack of attentiveness, and nurse ethnicity, are not adequately examined across the reviewed studies necessitates further research.

Conclusion

Focusing on nurses’ characteristics might facilitate other researchers to suggest appropriate interventions that may reduce the incidence of MAEs. Interventional studies may provide convincing evidence as to whether one variable has a causal effect on another variable, and control the influence of confounding variables to enhance the generalizability of the findings.
Epigenetic deregulation in myeloid malignancies
Authors: Huang Hsuan-Ting , Figueroa Maria E.
Published: June 2021

Epigenetic deregulation is now a well-recognized although not yet fully understood mechanism that contributes to the development and progression of myeloid malignancies. In the past 15 years, next-generation sequencing studies have revealed patterns of aberrant DNA methylation, altered chromatin states, and mutations in chromatin modifiers across the spectrum of myeloid malignancies. Studies into the mechanisms that drive these diseases through mouse modeling have helped identify new avenues for therapeutic interventions, from initial treatment to resistant or relapsed disease. This is particularly significant when chemotherapy with cytotoxic agents remains the general standard of care. In this review, we will discuss some of the recent findings of epigenetic mechanisms and how these are informing the development of more targeted strategies for therapeutic intervention in myeloid malignancies.
RNA modifications in hematopoietic malignancies: a new research frontier
Authors: Qing Ying , Su Rui , Chen Jianjun
Published: June 2021

Protein-coding and noncoding RNAs can be decorated with a wealth of chemical modifications, and such modifications coordinately orchestrate gene expression during normal hematopoietic differentiation and development. Aberrant expression and/or dysfunction of the relevant RNA modification modulators/regulators (“writers,” “erasers,” and “readers”) drive the initiation and progression of hematopoietic malignancies; targeting these dysregulated modulators holds potent therapeutic potential for the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies. In this review, we summarize current progress in the understanding of the biological functions and underlying mechanisms of RNA modifications in normal and malignant hematopoiesis, with a focus on the N6-methyladenosine modification, as well as discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting RNA modifications for the treatment of hematopoietic malignancies, especially acute myeloid leukemia.
Posttransplant cyclophosphamide as GVHD prophylaxis for peripheral blood stem cell HLA-mismatched unrelated donor transplant
Authors: Al Malki Monzr M. , Tsai Ni-Chun , Palmer Joycelynne , Mokhtari Sally , Tsai Weimin , Cao Thai , Ali Haris , Salhotra Amandeep , Arslan Shukaib , Aldoss Ibrahim , Karras Nicole , Karanes Chatchada , Zain Jasmine , Khaled Samer , Stein Anthony , Snyder David , Marcucci Guido , Forman Stephen J. , Nakamura Ryotaro
Published: June 2021

Efficacy of PTCy after mismatched unrelated donor (MMUD) HCT is unknown. In this pilot clinical trial, we enrolled 38 patients with hematologic malignancies scheduled to undergo MMUD-HCT (≥6/8 HLA-matched donors) onto 1 of 2 conditioning strata: myeloablative using fludarabine and fractionated total body irradiation (n = 19) or reduced intensity with fludarabine/melphalan (n = 19). Graft source was peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs), and GVHD prophylaxis was PTCy, tacrolimus, and mycophenolate mofetil. Patients’ median age was 53 years (range, 21-72 years). Median number of HLA mismatches was 2 (range, 1-4) of 12 loci. Twenty-three patients (61%) were considered racial (n = 12) or ethnic (n = 11) minorities. Median time to neutrophil engraftment was 16 days (range, 13-35 days). With a median follow-up of 18.3 months (range, 4.3-25.0 months) for surviving patients, 1-year overall survival (OS) and GVHD-free/relapse-free survival (GRFS) were 87% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 71-94) and 68% (95% CI: 51-81), respectively. Cumulative incidence of nonrelapse mortality at 100 days and 1 year were 0% and 11% (95% CI: 4-27), respectively, whereas relapse/progression was 11% (95% CI: 4-27). Cumulative incidence of 100-day acute GVHD grades 2-4 and 3-4 and 1-year chronic GVHD were 50% (95% CI: 36-69), 18% (95% CI: 9-36), and 48% (95% CI: 34-68), respectively. The rate of moderate/severe chronic GVHD was 3% in the entire cohort. We showed highly promising OS/GRFS rates with an acceptable risk profile after PBSC-MMUD-HCT with PTCy. This trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov as #NCT03128359.
Agreement in breast lesion assessment and final BI-RADS classification between radial and meander-like breast ultrasound
Authors: Brasier-Lutz Pascale , Jäggi-Wickes Claudia , Schaedelin Sabine , Burian Rosemarie , Schoenenberger Cora-Ann , Zanetti-Dällenbach Rosanna
Published: June 2021

Background

This study prospectively investigates the agreement between radial (r-US) and meander-like (m-US) breast ultrasound with regard to lesion location, lesion size, morphological characteristics and final BI-RADS classification of individual breast lesions.

Methods

Each patient of a consecutive, unselected, mixed collective received a dual ultrasound examination.

Results

The agreement between r-US and m-US for lesion location ranged from good (lesion to mammilla distance ICC 0.64; lesion to skin distance ICC 0.72) to substantial (clock-face localization κ 0.70). For lesion size the agreement was good (diameter ICC 0.72; volume ICC 0.69), for lesion margin and architectural distortion it was substantial (κ 0.68 and 0.70, respectively). Most importantly, there was a substantial agreement (κ 0.76) in the final BI-RADS classification between r-US and m-US.

Conclusions

Our recent comparison of radial and meander-like breast US revealed that the diagnostic accuracy of the two scanning methods was comparable. In this study, we observe a high degree of agreement between m-US and r-US for the lesion description (location, size, morphology) and final BI-RADS classification. These findings corroborate that r-US is a suitable alternative to m-US in daily clinical practice.

Trial registration

NCT02358837. Registered January 2015, retrospectively registered https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=&term=NCT02358837&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=
Fetal growth standards for Chinese twin pregnancies
Authors: Chen Jianping , Zhang Jun , Liu Yang , Wei Xing , Yang Yingjun , Zou Gang , Zhang Yun , Duan Tao , Sun Luming
Published: June 2021

Background

The common use of singleton fetal growth standard to access twin growth might lead to over-monitoring and treatment. We aimed to develop fetal growth standards for Chinese twins based on ultrasound measurements, and compare it with Zhang’s and other twin fetal growth charts.

Methods

A cohort of uncomplicated twin pregnancies were prospectively followed in 2014–2017. Smoothed estimates of fetal growth percentiles for both monochorionic (MC) and dichorionic (DC) twins were obtained using a linear mixed model. We also created growth charts for twins using a model-based approach proposed by Zhang et al. Our twin standards were compared with Hadlock’s (singleton) in predicting adverse perinatal outcomes.

Results

A total of 398 twin pregnancies were included, with 214 MC and 582 DC live-born twins. The MC twins were slightly lighter than the DC twins, with small differences throughout the gestation. Our ultrasound-based fetal weight standards were comparable to that using Zhang’s method. Compared with previous references/standards from the US, Brazil, Italy and UK, our twins had very similar 50th percentiles, but narrower ranges between the 5th and 95th or 10th and 90th percentiles. Compared with the Hadlock’s standard, the risks of neonatal death and adverse perinatal outcomes for small for gestational age (SGA) versus non-SGA were substantially elevated using our standards.

Conclusions

A normal fetal growth standard for Chinese twins was created. The differences between MC and DC twins were clinically insignificant. The 50th weight percentiles of the Chinese twins were identical to those in other races/ethnicities but the ranges were markedly narrower. Our standard performed much better than the Hadlock’s in predicting low birth weight infants associated with adverse perinatal outcomes in twin pregnancies. The present study also indicated that Zhang’s method is applicable to Chinese twins, and other areas may use Zhang’s method to generate their own curves for twins if deemed necessary.
Prevalence of lead toxicity in adolescents in Kuwait
Authors: Jallad Reem , Rao Muddanna S. , Rahman Abdur
Published: June 2021

Background

Elevated blood lead level (EBLL) is a public health problem in both developing and industrialized countries. Being a petrochemical-based economy, lead (Pb) levels are expected to be high in Kuwait, but systematic data on population exposure are lacking. This study aimed at determining the prevalence of EBLL in adolescents in Kuwait.

Methods

Adolescents (N = 1385; age range 11–16 years) were cross-sectionally selected from public middle schools from all Governorates of Kuwait, utilizing multistage cluster random sampling. Pb in whole blood was analyzed by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Distribution of blood Pb levels (BLL) among Governorates and sexes were compared by non-parametric tests and the prevalence of EBLL (defined as BLL above the CDC reference level of ≥5 μg/dL) was estimated by χ2 test. Binary logistic regression was used for assessing the association between EBLL and Governorate.

Results

Median (IQR) BLL was 5.1(3.6–7.1) μg/dL [4.9 (3.8–6.5) μg/dL in males and 5.4 (3.3–7.6) μg/dL in females; p = 0.001]. In the overall sample, 51% had BLL ≥5 μg/dL; 13% had ≥10 μg/dL and 3% > 20 μg/dL. Prevalence of EBLL was 47% in males and 56% in females (p < 0.001). EBLLs were clustered in Al-Asima, Al-Ahmadi (in both sexes); Al-Jahra (in males) and Mubarak Al-Kabeer (in females) Governorates.

Conclusions

EBLL is a significant public health problem in adolescents in Kuwait. Urgent public health intervention is required in areas with EBLL, and the sources of exposure need to be identified for prevention.
Challenges and lessons learnt from the ENJOY project: recommendations for future collaborative research implementation framework with local governments for improving the environment to promote physical activity for older people
Authors: Levinger Pazit , Dunn Jeremy , Panisset Maya , Dow Briony , Batchelor Frances , Biddle Stuart J. H. , Duque Gustavo , Hill Keith D.
Published: June 2021

Background

The physical environment has been shown to have a positive effect on the promotion of physical activity of older people. Outdoor environments that incorporate specialised exercise equipment suitable for older people are uniquely placed to promote physical activity and social connectedness amongst older people. The ENJOY project included the installation of specialised outdoor exercise equipment (the Seniors Exercise Park) and the delivery of a physical and social activity program for older people as part of a prospective pre-post research design. The installation of the specialised equipment in public sites and an aged care facility was also aimed at increasing usage of the equipment by older people from the wider community and to increase physical and social activities.

Method

A conceptual framework for implementation and several engagement methods were utilised to guide the research and to support the participating partners throughout the project. This paper is a reflective narrative describing the collaborative process and approach utilised to engage local governments and community, and reports the challenges and the lessons learnt to inform future strategies for implementation.

Results

The conceptual framework for the implementation process that guided the conduct and delivery of the ENJOY project included the core elements of the Interactive Systems Framework and the ecologic framework. These models incorporate elements of research-to-practice and community-centred implementation to accommodate the unique perspectives of a range of stakeholders.

Conclusion

Partner characteristics such as local governments’ structure and policy as well as community factors can impact on implementation. Partnership with local governments with effective communication, strategic planning and community and seniors engagement approaches are recommended for successful implementation. The lessons learnt can further assist public health research design around changes to the built environment to positively impact on older people’s physical activity levels.

Trial registration

Trial registration number ACTRN12618001727235. Date of registration 19th October 2018,https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?id=375979
Mechanisms of reduced peak oxygen consumption in subjects with uncomplicated type 2 diabetes
Authors: Nesti Lorenzo , Pugliese Nicola Riccardo , Sciuto Paolo , De Biase Nicolò , Mazzola Matteo , Fabiani Iacopo , Trico Domenico , Masi Stefano , Natali Andrea
Published: June 2021

Background

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2D) increases the risk of incident heart failure (HF), whose earliest fingerprint is effort intolerance (i.e. impaired peak oxygen consumption, or VO2peak). In the uncomplicated T2D population, however, the prevalence of effort intolerance and the underpinning mechanistic bases are uncertain. Leveraging the multiparametric characterization allowed by imaging-cardiopulmonary exercise testing (iCPET), the aim of this study is to quantify effort intolerance in T2D and to dissect the associated cardiopulmonary alterations.

Methods

Eighty-eight adults with well-controlled and uncomplicated T2D and no criteria for HF underwent a maximal iCPET with speckle tracking echocardiography, vascular and endothelial function assessment, as well as a comprehensive biohumoral characterization. Effort intolerance was defined by a VO2peak below 80% of maximal predicted oxygen uptake.

Results

Forty-eight patients (55%) had effort intolerance reaching a lower VO2peak than T2D controls (16.5 ± 3.2 mL/min/kg, vs 21.7 ± 5.4 mL/min/kg, p < 0.0001). Despite a comparable cardiac output, patients with effort intolerance showed reduced peak peripheral oxygen extraction (11.3 ± 3.1 vs 12.7 ± 3.3 mL/dL, p = 0.002), lower VO2/work slope (9.9 ± 1.2 vs 11.2 ± 1.4, p < 0.0001), impaired left ventricle systolic reserve (peak S’ 13.5 ± 2.8 vs 15.2 ± 3.0, p = 0.009) and global longitudinal strain (peak-rest ΔGLS 1.7 ± 1.5 vs 2.5 ± 1.8, p = 0.03) than subjects with VO2peak above 80%. Diastolic function, vascular resistance, endothelial function, biohumoral exams, right heart and pulmonary function indices did not differ between the two groups.

Conclusions

Effort intolerance and reduced VO2peak is a severe and highly prevalent condition in uncomplicated, otherwise asymptomatic T2D. It results from a major defect in skeletal muscle oxygen extraction coupled with a subtle myocardial systolic dysfunction.
Therapeutic efficacy of artesunate-amodiaquine and artemether-lumefantrine and polymorphism in Plasmodium falciparum kelch13-propeller gene in Equatorial Guinea
Authors: Riloha Rivas Matilde , Warsame Marian , Mbá Andeme Ramona , Nsue Esidang Salomón , Ncogo Policarpo Ricardo , Phiri Wonder Philip , Oki Eburi Consuelo , Edú Maye Corona Eyang , Menard Didier , Legrand Eric , Berzosa Pedro , Garcia Luz , Lao Seoane Angela Katherine , Ntabangana Spes Caritas , Ringwald Pascal
Published: June 2021

Background

Artesunate-amodiaquine (ASAQ) and artemether-lumefantrine (AL) are the currently recommended first- and second-line therapies for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum infections in Equatorial Guinea. This study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of these artemisinin-based combinations and detect mutations in P. falciparum kelch13-propeller domain gene (Pfkelch13).

Methods

A single-arm prospective study evaluating the efficacy of ASAQ and AL at three sites: Malabo, Bata and Ebebiyin was conducted between August 2017 and July 2018. Febrile children aged six months to 10 years with confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum infection and other inclusion criteria were sequentially enrolled first in ASAQ and then in AL at each site, and followed up for 28 days. Clinical and parasitological parameters were assessed. The primary endpoint was PCR-adjusted adequate clinical and parasitological response (ACPR). Samples on day-0 were analysed for mutations in Pfkelch13 gene.

Results

A total 264 and 226 patients were enrolled in the ASAQ and AL treatment groups, respectively. Based on per-protocol analysis, PCR-adjusted cure rates of 98.6% to 100% and 92.4% to 100% were observed in patients treated with ASAQ and AL, respectively. All study children in both treatment groups were free of parasitaemia by day-3. Of the 476 samples with interpretable results, only three samples carried non-synonymous Pfkelch13 mutations (E433D and A578S), and none of them is the known markers associated with artemisinin resistance.

Conclusion

The study confirmed high efficacy of ASAQ and AL for the treatment of uncomplicated falciparum infections as well as the absence of delayed parasite clearance and Pfkelch13 mutations associated with artemisinin resistance. Continued monitoring of the efficacy of these artemisinin-based combinations, at least every two years, along with molecular markers associated with artemisinin and partner drug resistance is imperative to inform national malaria treatment policy and detect resistant parasites early.

Trial registration ACTRN12617000456358, Registered 28 March 2017; http://www.anzctr.org.au/trial/MyTrial.aspx
Individual heterogeneity screened umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stromal cells with high Treg promotion demonstrate improved recovery of mouse liver fibrosis
Authors: Xie Yuanyuan , Liu Shuo , Wang Liudi , Yang Hui , Tai Chenxu , Ling Li , Chen Libo , Liu Shanshan , Wang Bin
Published: June 2021

Background

To investigate the heterogeneities of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stromal cells (HUCMSCs) derived from different donors and their therapeutic variations when applied to mouse liver fibrosis model.

Methods

The characteristics of HUCMSCs derived from multiple donors were comprehensively analyzed including expressions of surface markers, viability, growth curve, karyotype analysis, tumorigenicity, differentiation potentials, and immune regulation capability. Then, the HUCMSCs with distinct immunomodulatory effects were applied to treat mouse liver fibrosis and their therapeutic effects were observed.

Results

The HUCMSCs derived from multiple donors kept a high consistency in surface marker expressions, viability, growth curve, and tumorigenicity in nude mice but had robust heterogeneities in differentiation potentials and immune regulations. In addition, three HUCMSC lines applied to mice liver fibrosis model had different therapeutic outcomes, in line with individual immune regulation capability.

Conclusion

The HUCMSCs derived from different donors have individual heterogeneity, which potentially lead to distinct therapeutic outcomes in mouse liver fibrosis, indicating we could make use of the donor-variation of MSCs to screen out guaranteed general indicators of MSCs for specific diseases in further stromal cell therapy.
Aging and respiratory viral infection: from acute morbidity to chronic sequelae
Authors: Wu Yue , Goplen Nick P. , Sun Jie
Published: June 2021

The altered immune response in aged hosts play a vital role in contributing to their increased morbidity and mortality during respiratory virus infections. The aged hosts display impaired antiviral immune response as well as increased risk for long-term pulmonary sequelae post virus clearance. However, the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms driving these alterations of the immune compartment have not been fully elucidated. During the era of COVID-19 pandemic, a better understanding of such aspects is urgently needed to provide insight that will benefit the geriatric patient care in prevention as well as treatment. Here, we review the current knowledge about the unique immune characteristics of aged hosts during homeostasis and respiratory virus infections.
Equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 inhibition rescues energy dysfunction and pathology in a model of tauopathy
Authors: Chang Ching-Pang , Chang Ya-Gin , Chuang Pei-Yun , Nguyen Thi Ngoc Anh , Wu Kuo-Chen , Chou Fang-Yi , Cheng Sin-Jhong , Chen Hui-Mei , Jin Lee-Way , Carvalho Kevin , Huin Vincent , Buée Luc , Liao Yung-Feng , Lin Chun-Jung , Blum David , Chern Yijuang
Published: June 2021

Tau pathology is instrumental in the gradual loss of neuronal functions and cognitive decline in tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Earlier reports showed that adenosine metabolism is abnormal in the brain of AD patients while consequences remained ill-defined. Herein, we aimed at investigating whether manipulation of adenosine tone would impact Tau pathology, associated molecular alterations and subsequent neurodegeneration. We demonstrated that treatment with an inhibitor (J4) of equilibrative nucleoside transporter 1 (ENT1) exerted beneficial effects in a mouse model of Tauopathy. Treatment with J4 not only reduced Tau hyperphosphorylation but also rescued memory deficits, mitochondrial dysfunction, synaptic loss, and abnormal expression of immune-related gene signatures. These beneficial effects were particularly ascribed to the ability of J4 to suppress the overactivation of AMPK (an energy reduction sensor), suggesting that normalization of energy dysfunction mitigates neuronal dysfunctions in Tauopathy. Collectively, these data highlight that targeting adenosine metabolism is a novel strategy for tauopathies.
Knowledge and perception of biosimilars in ambulatory care: a survey among Belgian community pharmacists and physicians
Authors: Barbier Liese , Vandenplas Yannick , Simoens Steven , Declerck Paul , Vulto Arnold G. , Huys Isabelle
Published: June 2021

Background

With the approval of biosimilars for subcutaneously administered products, such as adalimumab, etanercept and insulin, biosimilars become increasingly available in ambulatory care. Little is known about the knowledge and attitudes of healthcare providers who are in charge of dispensing and prescribing biosimilars in this context. This study aims to assess the knowledge and perception about biosimilars among community pharmacists and physicians.

Methods

Belgian community pharmacists (n = 177) and physicians (n = 30) were surveyed on their knowledge, experience with dispensing/prescribing biologicals including biosimilars, perception regarding interchangeability, switching and substitution and informational and educational needs. Descriptive and statistical analyses were performed.

Results

Only 32% of community pharmacists and 52% of physicians had yet dispensed/prescribed a biosimilar. Approximately 35% of community pharmacists felt insufficiently trained to counsel patients with biosimilar therapy, which was significantly higher compared to their self-assessed competence to counsel patients with biological therapy in general (p = 0.023). Community pharmacists experienced questions about similarity between reference products and biosimilars (47%) and their interchangeability (42%). Over 40% of physicians found patient uncertainty about efficacy and safety challenging when prescribing biosimilars. A similar proportion of physicians would only prescribe a biosimilar in indications for which the biosimilar has been tested clinically. The majority of pharmacists (58%) was in favor of substitution of biologicals, on the condition that the prescriber would be contacted. Also over 40% of physicians was open to this approach in case of substitution. Educational support, budget for additional staff and transparency about savings were considered suitable stimuli to incentivize biosimilar use. The need for information about biologicals including biosimilars was nearly unanimous among community pharmacists. Also 67% of physicians requested more information. Both community pharmacists and physicians preferred to be informed by their respective professional associations.

Conclusions

This study showed a substantial need for targeted educational measures to increase the knowledge and confidence about both biological medicines in general and biosimilars in particular among Belgian community pharmacists and physicians. The results may inform educational and policy measures to stimulate biosimilar use in ambulatory care.
Seasonal and long-term vertical land motion in Southwest China determined using GPS, GRACE, and surface loading model
Authors: Su Guangli , Zhan Wei
Published: June 2021

Owing to the intense tectonic activity and significant seasonal surface mass change, Southwest China is characterized by noticeable vertical land movement. We determined the vertical movement of Southwest China using 10 years of data from 41 continuous global positioning system (GPS) stations, gravity recovery and climate experiment (GRACE), and surface loading model (SLM). The annual variation in hydrological loading is the main factor causing the seasonal oscillation of surface deformation in Southwest China. Seasonal deformations captured by GPS, GRACE, and SLM are consistent to a certain extent, and the correlation coefficients between GPS/GRACE, and GPS/SLM are 0.82 and 0.81, respectively. After deducting the results yielded by GRACE and SLM from the GPS time series, the average reductions in root mean square were 41.3% and 38.0%, respectively. However, some systematic differences were observed among the annual amplitudes and phases of the seasonal deformations among the three products. For example, the average amplitudes estimated by GRACE and SLM were 7.4 mm and 6.1 mm, respectively, which were smaller than the amplitude deduced from GPS (9.7 mm). Furthermore, mean phase delays of 16, 22, and 6 days were observed between GPS/GRACE, GPS/SLM, and GRACE/SLM. The data processing errors and local geophysical signals in GPS and the underestimation of land water storage in GRACE and SLM were jointly responsible for the systemic differences. The simulated data show that the misestimating of hydrological loading can explain approximately 50%, 64%, and 83% of the phase delays between GPS/GRACE, GPS/SLM, and GRACE/SLM, respectively. In addition, we obtained long-term vertical crustal motion rates by subtracting the loading deformation rates estimated by GRACE from the linear rates of the GPS. The vertical crustal motion in this region is block-dependent. The Central Yunnan block and its eastern boundary are uplifted; meanwhile, the Southwest Yunnan block, which features stretching in the horizontal direction, appears to be subsiding. The aforementioned results can provide data support for the study of water resource utilization and geodynamics in Southwest China.
Coupled DNA-labeling and sequencing approach enables the detection of viable-but-non-culturable Vibrio spp. in irrigation water sources in the Chesapeake Bay watershed
Authors: Malayil Leena , Chattopadhyay Suhana , Mongodin Emmanuel F. , Sapkota Amy R.
Published: June 2021

Nontraditional irrigation water sources (e.g., recycled water, brackish water) may harbor human pathogens, including Vibrio spp., that could be present in a viable-but-nonculturable (VBNC) state, stymieing current culture-based detection methods. To overcome this challenge, we coupled 5-bromo-2′-deoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling, enrichment techniques, and 16S rRNA sequencing to identify metabolically-active Vibrio spp. in nontraditional irrigation water (recycled water, pond water, non-tidal freshwater, and tidal brackish water). Our coupled BrdU-labeling and sequencing approach revealed the presence of metabolically-active Vibrio spp. at all sampling sites. Whereas, the culture-based method only detected vibrios at three of the four sites. We observed the presence of V. cholerae, V. vulnificus, and V. parahaemolyticus using both methods, while V. aesturianus and V. shilonii were detected only through our labeling/sequencing approach. Multiple other pathogens of concern to human health were also identified through our labeling/sequencing approach including P. shigelloides, B. cereus and E. cloacae. Most importantly, 16S rRNA sequencing of BrdU-labeled samples resulted in Vibrio spp. detection even when our culture-based methods resulted in negative detection. This suggests that our novel approach can effectively detect metabolically-active Vibrio spp. that may have been present in a VBNC state, refining our understanding of the prevalence of vibrios in nontraditional irrigation waters.
Biological control of Phaseolus vulgaris and Pisum sativum root rot disease using Trichoderma species
Authors: Ketta Hammad Abdelwanees , Hewedy Omar Abd El-Raouf
Published: June 2021

Background

Root rot pathogens reported to cause considerable losses in both the quality and productivity of common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) and pea (Pisum sativum L.). It is an aggressive crop disease with detriment economic influence caused by Fusarium solani and Rhizoctonia solani among other soil-borne fungal pathogens. Destructive plant diseases such as root rot have been managed in the last decades using synthetic pesticides.

Main body

Seeking of economical and eco-friendly alternatives to combat aggressive soil-borne fungal pathogens that cause significant yield losses is urgently needed. Trichoderma emerged as promising antagonist that inhibits pathogens including those inducing root rot disease. Detailed studies for managing common bean and pea root rot disease using different Trichoderma species (T. harzianum, T. hamatum, T. viride, T. koningii, T. asperellum, T. atroviridae, T. lignorum, T. virens, T. longibrachiatum, T. cerinum, and T. album) were reported both in vitro and in vivo with promotion of plant growth and induction of systemic defense. The wide scale application of selected metabolites produced by Trichoderma spp. to induce host resistance and/or to promote crop yield, may represent a powerful tool for the implementation of integrated pest management strategies.

Conclusions

Biological management of common bean and pea root rot-inducing pathogens using various species of the Trichoderma fungus might have taken place during the recent years. Trichoderma species and their secondary metabolites are useful in the development of protection against root rot to bestow high-yielding common bean and pea crops.
Elimination of nasal obstruction improves pulmonary functions and oxygenation
Authors: Sobh Eman , Elhussieny Fatma , Ismail Taghreed
Published: June 2021

Background

Nasal obstruction is a significant medical problem. This study aimed to examine the effect of nasal obstruction and nasal packing on arterial blood gases and pulmonary function indices, and the impact of the elimination of nasal obstruction on preoperative values.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 26.6 ± 10.1 years, males represented 50.8%. Spirometric indices showed statistically significant improvement (preoperative forced expiratory volume in 1st second 66.9 ± 13.9 vs 79.6 ± 14.9 postoperative and preoperative forced vital capacity 65.5 ± 12.7 vs 80.4 ± 13.8 postoperative). Oxygen saturation was significantly lower during nasal packing (95.6 ± 1.6 preoperative vs 94.7 ± 2.8 with nasal pack), and significant improvement (97.2 ± 1.4) was observed after removal of the nasal pack. Nasal obstruction scores significantly improved.

Conclusion

The results of this study indicate that either simple nasal obstruction or nasal packing may cause hypoxemia and abnormalities in lung function tests. Hypoxemia was more evident with nasal packing.
Distribution of Genomic Testing Resources by Oncology Practice and Rurality: A Nationally Representative Study
Authors: Gardner Brittany , Doose Michelle , Sanchez Janeth I. , Freedman Andrew N. , de Moor Janet S.
Published: June 2021

PURPOSE

Oncologists are increasingly using molecular profiling to inform personalized patient treatment decisions. Despite its promising utility, the integration of genomic testing into diverse clinical health care settings across geographic settings has been understudied.

METHODS

We used data from the National Survey of Precision Medicine in Cancer Treatment, a nationally representative sample of practicing US oncologists, to assess the availability of six genomic testing resources, including on-site pathology, contracts with outside laboratories, on-site genetic counselors, internal policies or protocols for using genomic and biomarker testing, electronic medical record alerts, and genomic or molecular tumor boards. We used multivariate logistic regression models to examine differences in the availability of each genomic testing resource by practice type and rurality while adjusting for payer mix and patient volume.

RESULTS

A larger proportion of multispecialty group and academic practices had genomic testing resources available compared with solo and nonacademic practices. Electronic medical record alerts were the least available resource, whereas contracts with outside laboratories were the most available resource. Compared with urban practices, there were significantly fewer practices located in rural areas that had on-site pathology, on-site genetic counselors, protocols for genomic tests, and molecular tumor boards.

CONCLUSION

Genomic testing resources varied by practice type and geography among a nationally representative sample of practicing oncologists. This variation has important implications for the development of interventions and policies to support the more equitable delivery of precision oncology to patients with cancer.
The Historian and the Sexologist
Authors: Libby C.
Published: June 2021

This article investigates how twentieth-century historians' reliance on pathologizing discourses about transvestism produced the distorted historical account of the premodern “transvestite saint.” The essay begins with a critical historiography aimed at unraveling the intertwined writings of historians and sexologists. European sexological writing on Christian saints rendered them little more than pathologized subjects stripped of their religious context, and historical narratives that drew on pathologizing sexological paradigms frequently interpreted these religious figures as premodern examples of transhistorical sex-gender transgression. After examining the development of the interpretive model of the transvestite saint and its dependence on tropes of disguise and deception, the author argues that this framework should be abandoned. Considering the limitation of this interpretation, the essay proposes a more capacious historical method termed the apophasis of transgender.
July 4, 1980
Authors: Arfini Elia A.G.
Published: June 2021

This historical vignette recounts the first trans protest in Italy, which occurred on July 4, 1980, and provides an impressionistic reflection on a trans experience from the location of Southern Europe. This location invites us to think of trans liberation according to an epistemology that dispels the dichotomy between a perverse sexual past and a civilized modern sexual citizenship, and between a liberated North and a backward South.
Baugeschichtliche Untersuchungen im Jahre 2000
Authors: Brandenberger Rebekka , Jaggi Bernard , Reicke Daniel , Ritzmann Hans
Published: June 2021

Im Jahr 2000 waren insgesamt 28 Fälle zu bearbeiten. Es waren vorwiegend Teiluntersuchungen erforderlich; sieben Mal genügte eine Begehung und an zwei Adressen mussten neue Pläne bereitgestellt werden.
Das Marthastift bzw. Haus «Zum Grossen Keller» Baugeschichtliche Untersuchungen 1988-91 und 1999/2000
Authors: Reicke Daniel
Published: June 2021

Das Gebäude enthält Bausubstanz aus der Zeit vor dem Basler Erdbeben und liegt an einer Schlüsselstelle der Basler Altstadt, am Abhang des Petersbergs gegen den Fischmarkt hin. Die mehrgeschossigen Kellerräume wurden als Lagerhaus genutzt. In den untersten Etagen ist das Innere weitgehend original erhalten und weist zweigeschossige spätromanische Holzsäulen auf. Besonderheiten in der Gestaltung des Hauses sind eine grosse strebepfeilerartige Stützmauer mit Spitzbogendurchgang, ein tonnengewölbter Vorraum zu den Kellern und ein spitzbogig überwölbter Annexraum, der ev. als Fragment von einer nicht zu Ende geführten Erweiterung zeugt.

Der ursprüngliche Bau wurde gemäss Dendrochronologie in den Jahren 1260-1275 erstellt. Vom ersten Obergeschoss bis zum Dach wurde das Haus 1421/22 erneuert oder ergänzt und mit dem heutigen, einseitig gewalmten Dach gedeckt (nach dem Basler Stadtbrand von 1417).
Tätigkeitsbericht der Archäologischen Bodenforschung Basel-Stadt für das Jahr 2000
Authors: Schwarz Peter-A.
Published: June 2021

Der Tätigkeitsbericht des Kantonsarchäologen bietet einen Überblick über die wichtigsten Kennzahlen und die Arbeiten in den verschiedenen Abteilungen der Archäologischen Bodenforschung im Jahr 2000.

Mit Beiträgen zur Fundchronik im Jahr 2000.
Ein spätrömischer Geweihkamm mit Futteral vom Basler Münsterhügel
Authors: Deschler-Erb Sabine
Published: June 2021

Kamm und Futteral kamen dank der Untersuchungen und Grabungen in der Liegenschaft Münsterplatz 1 und 2 zum Vorschein. Die Objekte lagen im Bauschutt eines grossen steinernen Gebäudes, welches im 3./ 4. Jahrhundert n. Chr. an der Hauptstrasse auf dem Münsterhügel errichtet worden war.
Fleischkonsum auf dem Münsterhügel
Authors: Stopp Barbara
Published: June 2021

Grundlage des Projektes bildet die wissenschaftliche Bearbeitung und Auswertung von etwa 30 000 späteisenzeitlichen und frührömischen Tierknochen vom Basler Münsterhügel. Die Untersuchung dieser Funde aus der Zeit zwischen ca. 50 v. Chr. und 50 n. Chr. soll die Voraussetzung schaffen für eine Beschreibung der wirtschaftlichen und ernährungsspezifischen Umwälzungen während der römischen Okkupationsphase in der Nordwest-Schweiz.
Vorbericht über die Grabungen 2002 im Bereich der spätlatènezeitlichen Siedlung Basel-Gasfabrik
Authors: Hecht Yolanda , Rissanen Hannele , Schaltenbrand Katrin , Spichtig Norbert , Stelzle-Hüglin Sophie , Weber Eva
Published: June 2021

Berichte zu den archäologischen Untersuchungen in der Fundstelle «Basel-Gasfabrik» im Jahr 2002.
Die Archäologie macht Kleinhüninger Dorfgeschichte
Authors: Springer Anita V. , Deschler-Erb Sabine , Hüster-Plogmann Heide , Brombacher Christoph
Published: June 2021

Das Fischerhaus an der Schulgasse - seinen Namen verdankt es dem Beruf früherer Bewohner - war ein Kleinbauernhaus aus dem 18. Jahrhundert. Es zeugte bis 1999 als eines der letzten alten Häuser vom 1907 in die Stadt Basel eingemeindeten Dorf Kleinhüningen.

Die Grabung lieferte eine Menge an Informationen zur Dorfgeschichte und zur Sachkultur, insbesondere in Bezug auf neuzeitliche Keramik. Beiträge zur Archäobotanik und Archäozoologie bieten wertvolle Ergänzungen, die Aussagen bezüglich Landschaftsbild sowie Lebensweise und Ernährungsgewohnheiten vom Mittelalter bis ins 19. Jahrhundert ermöglichen.
Public opinion in the management of social processes
Authors: Bunov Egor , Tihonova Elena
Published: June 2021

The monograph is devoted to the analysis of the theoretical and methodological foundations of the study of the place and role of public opinion in the management of social processes in modern society. The author's structural and functional concept of public opinion occupies a central place in the work. The article presents a large theoretical material based on the results of the author's research, which allows us to formulate and justify a number of new scientific positions that open up a promising direction in the study of public opinion issues in the context of the sociology of management.
It is intended for a wide range of specialists in the field of management sociology, heads of sociological services, teachers, postgraduates, students, and anyone interested in public opinion and its role in the life of modern society.
The meaning of Fair Trade for wild plants
Authors: Makita Rie
Published: June 2021

Where the Fair Trade initiative is applied to wild plants, two contradictory objectives may arise: that of conserving a target plant species (conservation) and that of increasing income from it for collectors (poverty alleviation). As identified through my fieldwork in India, a Fair Trade certification for wild plants has been introduced for different purposes, including (a) to teach the local community the forgotten value of natural resources (conservation), (b) to make current collection practices more sustainable in exchange for better prices (both conservation and poverty alleviation), and (c) to help the most vulnerable collectors with better prices (poverty alleviation). A review of my past study (Makita, 2018) suggests that when there is a single primary objective, such as (a) or (c), certification can more obviously contribute to the achievement of this objective. Given the uniqueness of wild plants as an income source, it is important to clarify which one of the two contradictory objectives will be prioritised, rather than pursuing both.
Gaps in expectations of a cotton producer: the case of Rwenzori cotton farmers in Uganda
Authors: Abainenamar Yorokamu K.
Published: June 2021

The plight of the smallholder cotton farmer in the Rwenzori region of western Uganda starts with the unfair terms of hiring land for cultivation. The next hurdle is the loss of ownership of the cotton at the earliest stage of the value chain after delivering the produce to the ginner. Even the Fairtrade standards base the minimum price for the farmer on delivery of seed cotton at the ginnery, implying that the farmer is not expected to participate in the value chain and share the accruing value additions further up the chain. However, members of the Rwenzori Farmers' marketing Co-operative Society decided to move a step up the value chain by hiring the ginning services and, hence, retained the ownership of both the lint and cotton seed, which improved their income by at least 30 per cent. The strategy is to find investors to enable them to spin the cotton and manufacture the final products.
Framing the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the Icelandic media: What were the key concerns and who could raise them?
Authors: Gylfadóttir Adda Guðrún , Ólafsson Jón Gunnar , Ólafsdóttir Sigrún
Published: June 2021

The worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of reliable and relevant information dissemination. How well a crisis like COVID-19 is handled depends, in many ways, on how the public perceives the crisis and risks related to it, through the media. Therefore, how the situation is framed, what are seen as key issues, and who is perceived to be in charge, can have implications for the outcome. This article analyses Icelandic news media content about COVID-19 at the onset of the pandemic by using theories of agenda-setting and framing. The objective is to examine how the pandemic was framed, which topics were highlighted and who was given a voice in the media. We specifically investigate what kind of leadership was present during the earliest stages of the pandemic. Using content analysis, we examined media content about COVID-19 from 21 Icelandic media outlets from January 1st to March 31st, 2020. Our conclusions show that from the start of the pandemic, health related subjects, such as disease prevention, COVID-19 statistics and the health care system were salient in the media, though tourism and economic factors were also quite prominent. Furthermore, experts were at the helm of communication whilst politicians remained more in the background. The dissemination of instructions and rules illuminates the relationship between the experts and politicians, as the experts were given a voice in the media to communicate such information. The politicians, however, directly cited the experts, thanked them or endorsed them, when they spoke on instructions and rules in the media.
Plasmonic metamaterial absorbers with strong coupling effects for small pixel infrared detectors
Authors: Li Junyu , Li Jinzhao , Zhou Haoran , Zhang Guangzu , Liu Huan , Wang Shaowei , Yi Fei
Published: June 2021

Here we report a metal-insulator-metal (MIM) based infrared plasmonic metamaterial absorber consisting of deep subwavelength meander line nanoantennas. High absorption composed of two-hybrid modes from 11 μm to 14 μm is experimentally demonstrated with a pixel pitch of 1.47 μm corresponding to a compression ratio of 8.57. The physical mechanisms responsible for novelty spectral absorption, including the strong coupling between the plasmon resonances and the phonon vibrations, material loss from the dielectric spacer, localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), and Berreman mode excited by oblique incidence, have been systematically analyzed by finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) method, Fabry-Perot resonance model and two-coupled damped oscillator model. At oblique incidence, a spectral splitting related to the strong coupling between LSPR mode and Berreman mode is also observed. The distribution of local electromagnetic fields and ohmic loss are numerically investigated. Moreover, we evaluate the absorption performances with finite-sized arrays. We also show that the absorber can maintain its absorption with a 2 × 2 nanoantenna array. Such a miniaturized absorber can adapt to infrared focal plane arrays with a pixel size smaller than 5 μm, and thermal analysis is also performed. Our approach provides an effective way to minimize the antenna footprint without undermining the absorber performances, paving the way towards its integration with small pixels of infrared focal plane arrays for enhanced performances and expanded functionalities.