bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Air heating in an air heat pump installation in the expander -generator set
Authors: Mukolyants A A , Buranov M D , Sotnikova I V , Taubaldiev A A
Published: June 2021

The article touches upon the actual problem of the use of secondary energy resources in the transport and distribution of natural gas. Excess gas pressure as the main component of secondary energy resources for technological processes is practically not used at gas distribution stations, where throttling devices are used. The proposal to use excess gas pressure in turboexpanders both at gas distribution stations and at compressor stations of main gas pipelines without preheating has not yet found widespread use, and therefore the replacement of throttling devices with turboexpander units will be determined by energy and economic efficiency. Expander-generator technology is one of the effective technologies that allows to reduce the consumption of fuel and energy resources. In combination with heat pump units, expandergenerator units make it possible to create highly efficient power generating complexes that are capable of generating electricity without burning fuel. The possibility of using heat pumps is considered, in which air is used as a working medium, the purpose of which is to increase the temperature potential of heat to ensure the possibility of heat exchange when transferring this heat to the heated medium. An analytical dependence of the electric power of the heat pump installation on the difference between the total power consumption of the compressor and the power of the air turbine is obtained.
Ecological engineering as a way to reduce industrial waste
Authors: Sheveleva O B , Slesarenko E V , Zonova O V , Mamzina T F , Vagina N D
Published: June 2021

The annually increasing volume of human consumption entails a constant increase in the volume of consumption waste and industrial waste as a result of the need to meet the growing demand. The commodity dependence of the Russian economy only aggravates this problem, since the mining industry is the main source of industrial waste generation. The share of recycled waste tends to decrease, and the share of waste disposed in the territories owned by enterprises is growing. One of the modern methods for solving environmental problems is ecological engineering, which promotes environmentally friendly decision-making and is accompanied by the development of environmental programs as part of industrial enterprise engineering, which, along with increasing the production efficiency and performance, reduce the generation of harmful and hazardous waste. Therefore, in order to achieve production goals, it is necessary to identify the needs of target markets and ensure that demand for them is met through the use of more efficient, cost efficient and environmentally friendly means of production.
Development of a thermal comfort management system in heat-protective clothing for people with disabilities
Authors: Babenko L G , Yu Saveliefa N
Published: June 2021

The article deals with the development of a thermal comfort control system in thermal protective clothing for people with limited motor capabilities. In particular, the stages of forming the thermal comfort control system are described, and testing of the proposed system in real environmental conditions is carried out. The aim of the work is to develop and scientifically substantiate a thermal comfort control system used in thermal protective clothing for people with limited motor capabilities. The relevance of the paper is conditioned by the increased need for special heat-protective products with the function of control and monitoring of thermal comfort for people with limited motor abilities, who use a wheelchair as a means of transportation in everyday life. The work is based on the use of a systematic approach to the design of heat-protective adaptive clothing for people with limited motor capabilities. To solve a set of tasks the methods of mathematical modeling and experimental research were applied. The methods of system analysis and the basics of digital circuitry were used in theoretical research. The algorithm of the thermal comfort control system operation was substantiated and software for a smart phone was developed to control and monitor the temperature of under clothing space in a heat protective product for people with limited motor capabilities and findings are presented in the research work.
Model predictive control for path planning of UAV group
Authors: Vinokursky D L , Mezentseva O S , Samoylov Ph V , Ganshin K Y , Baklanova O A
Published: June 2021

This paper addresses a predictive control strategy for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. The goal is to guarantee tracking capabilities with respect to a reference trajectory which is predefined using Gradient descent method. The proposed method provides effective performance validated through flight experiment using micro-UAVs.
Influence of plasma power on the size distribution of deposited zinc oxide nanorods
Authors: Sazanova T S , Mochalov L A , Logunov A A , Fukina D G , Vorotyntsev I V
Published: June 2021

Zinc oxide nanopowders were obtained by plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) with optical emission spectrometry control at different plasma discharge powers (30, 50, and 70 W). Dimensional and morphological characteristics of the zinc oxide nanoparticles were studied by scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The received SEM data were statistically processed. The zinc nanoparticles had a rod-like shape with different transverse diameters depending on the plasma power. With an increase in the plasma power, the diameter of the zinc oxide rods decreased with a simultaneous narrowing of the variability for their size range. The transverse size of the zinc oxide rods decreased by 2 and more than 15 times with an increase in the plasma discharge power to 50 and 70 W, respectively.
Pro-definability of spaces of definable types
Authors: Cubides Kovacsics Pablo , Ye Jinhe
Published: June 2021

We show pro-definability of spaces of definable types in various classical complete first order theories, including complete o-minimal theories, Presburger arithmetic,

p
p

-adically closed fields, real closed and algebraically closed valued fields and closed ordered differential fields. Furthermore, we prove pro-definability of other distinguished subspaces, some of which have an interesting geometric interpretation.

Our general strategy consists of showing that definable types are uniformly definable, a property which implies pro-definability using an argument due to E. Hrushovski and F. Loeser. Uniform definability of definable types is finally achieved by studying classes of stably embedded pairs.
Fruit softening: evidence for pectate lyase actionin vivoin date (Phoenix dactylifera) and rosaceous fruit cell walls
Authors: Al Hinai Thurayya Z S , Vreeburg Robert A M , Mackay C Logan , Murray Lorna , Sadler Ian H , Fry Stephen C
Published: June 2021

Background and Aims

The programmed softening occurring during fruit development requires scission of cell wall polysaccharides, especially pectin. Proposed mechanisms include the action of wall enzymes or hydroxyl radicals. Enzyme activities found in fruit extracts include pectate lyase (PL) and endo-polygalacturonase (EPG), which, in vitro, cleave de-esterified homogalacturonan in mid-chain by β-elimination and hydrolysis, respectively. However, the important biological question of whether PL exhibits action in vivo had not been tested.

Methods

We developed a method for specifically and sensitively detecting in-vivo PL products, based on Driselase digestion of cell wall polysaccharides and detection of the characteristic unsaturated product of PL action.

Key Results

In model in-vitro experiments, pectic homogalacturonan that had been partially cleaved by commercial PL was digested to completion with Driselase, releasing an unsaturated disaccharide (‘ΔUA–GalA’), taken as diagnostic of PL action. ΔUA–GalA was separated from saturated oligogalacturonides (EPG products) by electrophoresis, then subjected to thin-layer chromatography (TLC), resolving ΔUA–GalA from higher homologues. The ΔUA–GalA was confirmed as 4-deoxy-β-l-threo-hex-4-enopyranuronosyl-(1→4)-d-galacturonic acid by NMR spectroscopy. Driselase digestion of cell walls from ripe fruits of date (Phoenix dactylifera), pear (Pyrus communis), rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) and apple (Malus pumila) yielded ΔUA–GalA, demonstrating that PL had been acting in vivo in these fruits prior to harvest. Date-derived ΔUA–GalA was verified by negative-mode mass spectrometry, including collision-induced dissociation (CID) fragmentation. The ΔUA–GalA:GalA ratio from ripe dates was roughly 1:20 (mol mol–1), indicating that approx. 5 % of the bonds in endogenous homogalacturonan had been cleaved by in-vivo PL action.

Conclusions

The results provide the first demonstration that PL, previously known from studies of fruit gene expression, proteomic studies and in-vitro enzyme activity, exhibits enzyme action in the walls of soft fruits and may thus be proposed to contribute to fruit softening.
Humanization of antibodies using a machine learning approach on large-scale repertoire data
Authors: Marks Claire , Hummer Alissa M , Chin Mark , Deane Charlotte M
Published: June 2021

Motivation

Monoclonal antibody (mAb) therapeutics are often produced from non-human sources (typically murine), and can therefore generate immunogenic responses in humans. Humanization procedures aim to produce antibody therapeutics that do not elicit an immune response and are safe for human use, without impacting efficacy. Humanization is normally carried out in a largely trial-and-error experimental process. We have built machine learning classifiers that can discriminate between human and non-human antibody variable domain sequences using the large amount of repertoire data now available.

Results

Our classifiers consistently outperform the current best-in-class model for distinguishing human from murine sequences, and our output scores exhibit a negative relationship with the experimental immunogenicity of existing antibody therapeutics. We used our classifiers to develop a novel, computational humanization tool, Hu-mAb, that suggests mutations to an input sequence to reduce its immunogenicity. For a set of therapeutic antibodies with known precursor sequences, the mutations suggested by Hu-mAb show substantial overlap with those deduced experimentally. Hu-mAb is therefore an effective replacement for trial-and-error humanization experiments, producing similar results in a fraction of the time.

Availability and implementation

Hu-mAb (humanness scoring and humanization) is freely available to use at opig.stats.ox.ac.uk/webapps/humab.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
A new HCN1 channelopathy: implications for epilepsy
Authors: Shah Mala M
Published: June 2021

This scientific commentary refers to ‘Cation leak underlies neuronal excitability in an HCN1 developmental and epileptic encephalopathy’ by Bleakley et al. (doi:10.1093/brain/awab145).
Integrating Multilevel Functional Characteristics Reveals Aberrant Neural Patterns during Audiovisual Emotional Processing in Depression
Authors: Li Rong , Yang Jiale , Li Liyuan , Shen Fei , Zou Ting , Wang Hongyu , Wang Xuyang , Li Jiyi , Deng Chijun , Huang Xinju , Wang Chong , He Zongling , Lu Fengmei , Zeng Ling , Chen Huafu
Published: June 2021

Emotion dysregulation is one of the core features of major depressive disorder (MDD). However, most studies in depression have focused on unimodal emotion processing, whereas emotional perception in daily life is highly dependent on multimodal sensory inputs. Here, we proposed a novel multilevel discriminative framework to identify the altered neural patterns in processing audiovisual emotion in MDD. Seventy-four participants underwent an audiovisual emotional task functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning. Three levels of whole-brain functional features were extracted for each subject, including the task-evoked activation, task-modulated connectivity, combined activation and connectivity. Support vector machine classification and prediction models were built to identify MDD from controls and evaluate clinical relevance. We revealed that complex neural networks including the emotion regulation network (prefrontal areas and limbic-subcortical regions) and the multisensory integration network (lateral temporal cortex and motor areas) had the discriminative power. Moreover, by integrating comprehensive information of local and interactive processes, multilevel models could lead to a substantial increase in classification accuracy and depression severity prediction. Together, we highlight the high representational capacity of machine learning algorithms to characterize the complex network abnormalities associated with emotional regulation and multisensory integration in MDD. These findings provide novel evidence for the neural mechanisms underlying multimodal emotion dysregulation of depression.
An Experimental Approach to Exact and Random Boolean-Widths and Their Comparison with Other Width Parameters
Authors: Sharmin Sadia
Published: June 2021

Parameterized complexity is an exemplary approach that extracts and exploits the power of the hidden structures of input instances to solve hard problems. The tree-width ($tw$), path-width ($pathw$), branch-width ($bw$), clique-width ($cw$), rank-width ($rw$) and boolean-width ($boolw$) are some width measures of graphs that are used as parameters. Applications of these width parameters show that dynamic programming algorithms based on a path, tree or branch decomposition can be an alternative to other existing techniques for solving hard combinatorial problems on graphs. A large number of the linear- or polynomial-time fixed parameter tractability algorithms for problems on graphs start by computing a decomposition tree of the graph with a small width. The focus of this paper is to study the exact and random boolean-widths for special graphs, real-world graphs and random graphs, as well as to check their competency compared with several other existing width parameters. In our experiments, we use graphs from TreewidthLIB, which is a set of named graphs and random graphs generated by the Erdös–Rényi model. Until now, only very limited experimental work has been carried out to determine the exact and random boolean-widths of graphs. Moreover, there are no approximation algorithms for computing the near-optimal boolean-width of a given graph. The results of this paper demonstrate that the boolean-width can be used not only in theory but also in practice and is competitive with other width parameters for real graphs.
GP preferences for discussing statin deprescribing: a discrete choice experiment
Authors: Thompson Wade , Jarbøl Dorte , Nielsen Jesper Bo , Haastrup Peter , Pedersen Line Bjørnskov
Published: June 2021

Background

Deprescribing (planned, supervised discontinuation) of statins may be considered in some older persons. This should be carefully discussed between patients and GPs.

Methods

We examined GPs’ preferences for discussing statin deprescribing by conducting a discrete choice experiment (DCE) sent to a stratified random sample of 500 Danish GPs. Attributes were discussion topics (goals of therapy, evidence on statin use in older persons, adverse effects, uncertainty), and levels were the depth of the discussion topics (none, brief, detailed). We used mixed logistic regression for analysis.

Results

A total of 90 GPs (mean age 48, 54% female, mean 11 years in practice) completed the DCE. There was substantial variability in which topics GPs felt were most important to discuss; however, GPs generally preferred a brief discussion of topics to detailed ones. The most important discussion topic appeared to be goals of therapy. GPs felt a brief discussion of evidence was important but not a detailed one, while adverse effects and uncertainty were felt to be less important to discuss.

Conclusion

GPs prefer brief discussions on a range of topics when discussing statin deprescribing but have differing views on which topics are most important. For deprescribing communication tools to be useful to GPs in clinical practice, they may need to focus on brief coverage of the range of relevant topics. Future work should evaluate patient preferences, and opportunities for education and training for GPs on deprescribing communication.
Improving Care for Older Prisoners Living With Dementia in Australian Prisons: Perspectives of External Organizations
Authors: du Toit Sanetta , Ng Shermaine
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives

The care and well-being of an increasing number of older prisoners living with dementia require an adequate care continuum. Longstanding barriers, including limited resources and relevant expertise, necessitate an interdisciplinary approach and incorporation of external organizations in supporting prisoners with dementia. However, little is known about their perspectives and experiences. This study aimed to explore the role of external organizations in providing care for prisoners with dementia in Australia.

Research Design and Methods

In this qualitative descriptive study, 27 participants from legal, health, and social services rendering services in Australian prisons were recruited. Qualitative data were generated by applying the Nominal Group Technique in research group discussions. Demographic/background data were used to generate descriptive statistics through Qualtrics.

Results

Inductive thematic analysis of qualitative data revealed challenges and opportunities for future dementia care in Australian prisons. Six research discussion groups represented participants from Victoria, Queensland, New South Wales, Western Australia, and Tasmania. Identified themes included (a) possible models of care for prisoners with dementia, (b) uncovering the invisible issues of dementia care in prisons, and (c) proposed next steps for improved care of prisoners with dementia.

Discussion and Implications

This study provided recommendations for multiple stakeholders to overcome barriers in providing dementia care to prisoners. Increased collaboration between corrective services and external organizations was recommended, with a clear delineation of custodial and care priorities. External organizations highlighted the wider community’s responsibility to care for older prisoners and the need to explore emerging areas of practice in this regard.
Prevention of partner violence: virtual case simulation for religious leaders of Korean American immigrant communities
Authors: Orpinas Pamela , Choi Y Joon , Kim ChanMin , Li Tong , Kim Eunhye
Published: June 2021

The project ‘Religious Leaders for Healthy Families’ aims to prevent intimate partner violence (IPV) and increase access to resources for immigrant victims by enhancing the capacity of religious leaders. Due to cultural and psychosocial barriers, immigrant women prefer to exhaust informal resources, including religious leaders, before seeking help from professional service providers. This study reports the development of a virtual case simulation in which Korean American (KA) religious leaders living in the USA practice how to prevent and address IPV in their congregation. Intervention mapping (IM) guided the development of the simulation. This process was informed by theory, research and expertise in prevention and virtual case simulation. We partnered with victim service organizations and received feedback from religious leaders. The simulation was pilot tested with nine KA religious leaders and three community leaders with IPV expertise in the KA community. The resulting intervention consists of 4 behavioral outcomes and 24 performance objectives. We identified the knowledge, attitudes, outcome expectations and self-efficacy needed to accomplish each objective. The most creative phase was the development of four modules, as interactive virtual case simulations, that address all performance objectives. IM and social cognitive theory provided a useful framework for developing this virtual case simulation. With culturally responsive modifications, the intervention has the potential to be adapted for religious leaders from other immigrant communities.
Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 negatively regulates and inhibits lipopolysaccharide-induced sepsis by targeting transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 activity
Authors: Hu Bin , Ge Chunhua , Zhu Chunqing
Published: June 2021

Sepsis is an inflammatory disease with exacerbated inflammation at early stages. Inflammatory cytokines play critical roles in the pathophysiology of sepsis. Ubiquitin-specific peptidase 18 (USP18), a deubiquitinating enzyme, has been shown to modulate transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) activity. However, the precise role of USP18 in sepsis is not clear. Here, we investigated the potential effect of USP18 on inflammation in sepsis. We generated mice with USP18 or/and TAK1 deficiency in macrophages (USP18MKO mice, TAK1MKO mice and USP18MKO-TAK1MKO mice) and established a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model in mice. Bone marrow-derived macrophages were isolated from wild-type (WT), USP18MKO or TAK1MKO mice and treated with LPS or CpG, and the expression of cytokines including IL-6, IL-10, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) was measured. The activation of NF-κB, ERK and p38 signaling pathways and ubiquitination of TAK1 were detected. We induced sepsis in WT, USP18MKO, TAK1MKO or USP18MKO-TAK1MKO mice and evaluated the survival rate, lung pathology and inflammatory cytokine levels in serum. Macrophages deficient in USP18 produced significantly increased IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α post-LPS or -CpG stimulation. Macrophages deficient in USP18 had promoted activation of NF-κB, p38 and ERK, and increased ubiquitination of TAK1. Mice with TAK1 deficiency in macrophages had increased survival rates, decreased immune cell infiltration in lung and decreased pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum. In contrast, mice with USP18 deficiency in macrophages had decreased survival rates, increased cell infiltration in lung and increased pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum. USP18 alleviated LPS-induced sepsis by inhibiting TAK1 activity.
Effects of protein sources and inclusion levels on nitrogen metabolism and urea kinetics of Nellore feedlot steers fed concentrate-based diets
Authors: Carneiro de Souza Vinícius , Duarte Messana Juliana , Darlisson Batista Erick , Larissa Gomes Carvalho Alves Kênia , Titgemeyer Evan C , Vaz Pires Alexandre , Vinícius Ferraz Junior Marcos , Galoro Silva Lorrayny , Alberto Negrão João , Eliodoro Costa Vladimir , Generoso Ganga Maria Júlia , Detogni Colovate Paulo Henrique , Teresinha Berchielli Telma
Published: June 2021

Urea recycling occurs in all mammalian species and represents an important source of ruminal nitrogen (N) for ruminants fed protein-restricted diets. However, its importance for cattle fed adequate amounts of protein and energy remains unclear. Six Nellore feedlot steers fed concentrate-based diets were used in a 6 × 6 Latin square design with a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments to evaluate ruminal fermentation, urea kinetics, and N excretion. Treatments consisted of 3 protein sources (PS: soybean meal plus urea [SU], corn gluten meal [CGM], and dry distillers grains [DDG]) and 2 inclusion levels (PL; 11% and 14%). Steers were adapted to the diets for 14 d followed by 8 d of sample collection. Feed intake, fecal output, and urine production were measured from day 18 to day 22 of each period. Blood samples were collected every 6 h on day 18. [15N-15N]-urea was infused into the jugular vein for 82 h over day 19 to day 22, and measurement of 15N in background (day 18) and enriched feces and urine (day 21) were used to evaluate urea kinetics. To evaluate the incorporation of recycled urea N into microbial protein (MICP), ruminal and duodenal fluid were collected on day 22. Steers fed SU diets had lower (P < 0.05) nitrogen use efficiency (NUE), greater (P < 0.05) urea-N entry rate (UER), and tended (P < 0.10) to have greater gastrointestinal entry rate of urea-N (GER) compared with those fed CGM or DDG. In addition, steers fed SU had greater (P < 0.05) urea-N returned to ornithine cycle (ROC) compared with those fed CGM or DDG. Increasing PL tended (P < 0.10) to increase UER. The proportion of total microbial N from recycled urea-N was greater (P < 0.05) for steers fed CGM compared with those fed SU and also greater for steers fed diets with 11% CP than for those fed with 14% CP. Diets with 11% CP can be used for Nellore feedlot cattle fed concentrate-based diets without negatively affecting intake, digestibility, and ruminal fermentation. Moreover, diets containing rumen undegradable protein (RUP) feed sources (CGM or DDG) compared with diets with SU markedly increased NUE, while maintaining microbial protein (MICP) synthesis. Results from this study suggest that the equation adopted by NASEM (NASEM. 2016. Nutrient requirements of beef cattle. 8th revised ed. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press) was not accurate in estimating the urea-N used for anabolism (UUA) in Nellore feedlot cattle fed concentrate-based diets.
Wildfire Burn Patients: A Unique Population
Authors: Stokes Sarah C , Romanowski Kathleen S , Sen Soman , Greenhalgh David G , Palmieri Tina L
Published: June 2021

In the past 10 years, wildfires have burned an average of 6.8 million acres per year and this is expected to increase with climate change. Wildfire burn patient outcomes have not been previously well characterized. Wildfire burn patients from the Tubbs or Camp wildfires and non-wildfire burn-matched controls were identified from the burn center database and outcomes were compared. The primary outcome was mortality. Secondary outcomes included length of stay (LOS), intensive care unit (ICU) LOS, readmission, and development of wound infections. Time of presentation and operating room use after wildfires was evaluated. Sixteen wildfire burn patients were identified and matched with 32 controls. Wildfire burn patients trended toward higher mortality (19% wildfire vs 9% non-wildfire, P = .386), longer LOS (18 days wildfire vs 15 days non-wildfire, P = .406), longer ICU LOS (17 days wildfire vs 11 days non-wildfire, P = .991), increased readmission (19% wildfire vs 3% non-wildfire, P = .080), and higher rates of wound infection (31% wildfire vs 19% non-wildfire, P = .468). The majority of wildfire patients (88%) presented within 24 hours of the wildfire reaching a residential area. Operating room time within the first week was 13 hours 44 minutes for the Tubbs Fire and 19 hours 1 minute for the Camp Fire. Patients who sustain burns in wildfires are potentially at increased risk of mortality, prolonged LOS, wound infection, and readmission.
In the Eye of the Beholder: The Interplay of Numeracy and Fluency in Consumer Response to 99-Ending Prices
Authors: Hodges Brady T , Chen Haipeng (Allan)
Published: June 2021

Across three laboratory studies, a biometric eye tracking and facial recognition experiment, and a secondary data analysis, we reveal the unique interaction of consumer numeracy and numerical processing fluency as a significant determinant of consumer response to 99-ending prices. We argue that less numerate individuals create mental analog representations around 99-ending prices’ left digits, whereas highly numerate individuals encode 99-ending prices as their one-cent neighbor, with consumers responding more favorably to prices when they mentally encode them around a fluent number. Specifically, highly numerate individuals respond more favorably when 99-ending prices (e.g., 17.99) border a fluent number (i.e., 18). Conversely, less numerate individuals respond more favorably when 99-ending prices (e.g., 16.99) contain fluent left digits (i.e., 16). We provide empirical evidence for the effects of this processing difference on liking, purchase intentions, and actual sales. We also obtain evidence for the underlying process using eye tracking and facial recognition that reveals that highly (vs. less) numerate individuals exhibit less anxiety when processing multi-digit prices, and consequently fixate sooner, more frequently, and for longer durations on the right digits of a price. The findings contribute significantly to the price processing literature and yield substantial managerial implications.
Forced Egg Laying Method to Establish F1 Progeny from Field Populations and Laboratory Strains of Anopheles Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in Thailand
Authors: Panthawong Amonrat , Sukkanon Chutipong , Ngoen-Klan Ratchadawan , Hii Jeffrey , Chareonviriyaphap Theeraphap
Published: June 2021

Successful monitoring of physiological resistance of malaria vectors requires about 150 female mosquitoes for a single set of tests. In some situations, the sampling effort is insufficient due to the low number of field-caught mosquitoes. To address this challenge, we demonstrate the feasibility of using the forced oviposition method for producing F1 from field-caught Anopheles mosquitoes. A total of 430 and 598 gravid Anopheles females from four laboratory strains and five field populations, respectively, were tested. After blood feeding, gravid mosquitoes were individually introduced into transparent plastic vials, containing moistened cotton balls topped with a 4 cm2 piece of filter paper. The number of eggs, hatching larvae, pupation, and adult emergence were recorded daily. The mean number of eggs per female mosquito ranged from 39.3 for Anopheles cracens to 93.6 for Anopheles dirus in the laboratory strains, and from 36.3 for Anopheles harrisoni to 147.6 for Anopheles barbirostris s.l. in the field populations. A relatively high egg hatching rate was found in An. dirus (95.85%), Anopheles minimus (78.22%), and An. cracens (75.59%). Similarly, a relatively high pupation rate was found for almost all test species ranging from 66% for An. minimus to 98.7% for Anopheles maculatus, and lowest for An. harrisoni (43.9%). Highly successful adult emergence rate was observed among 85–100% of pupae that emerged in all tested mosquito populations. The in-tube forced oviposition method is a promising method for the production of sufficient F1 progeny for molecular identification, vector competence, insecticide resistance, and bioassay studies.
Seasonality regulates the effects of resource addition on plant diversity and ecosystem functioning in semi-arid grassland
Authors: Xu Feng-Wei , Li Jian-Jun , Su Ji-Shuai , Lu Xiao-Ming , Wang Yang , Wu Li-Ji , Wang Chao-Nan , Chen Di-Ma , Bai Yong-Fei
Published: June 2021

Aims

Seasonal variations in species richness, aboveground net primary productivity (ANPP) and stability under resource enrichment are frequently ignored. This study explores how the impacts of resource enrichment on species richness, ANPP and stability vary among seasons in semi-arid grasslands.

Methods

We conducted a 3-year experiment in an Inner Mongolia grassland to determine the effects of resource input (water [W], nitrogen [N]) on species richness, community ANPP and stability using seasonal sampling during the growing season (2013–2015). Structural equation modeling (SEM) was used to examine the relative importance of resource input on community stability via mechanistic pathways in each month and the whole growing season.

Important Findings

Resource inputs did not affect community ANPP in May and June, while N and/or NW enhanced ANPP in July and August. Resource inputs generally did not affect species richness, asynchrony or community stability in most of the time. Positive responses of perennial bunchgrasses (PB) to N and/or NW treatments contributed to the increased community ANPP in July and August. Species asynchrony may be the major mechanism contributing to community stability in May and June and the entire growing season, and PB stability is potentially the primary factor controlling community stability in July and August under resource enrichment. Our results indicate that season and resource availability could interact to regulate species richness, community ANPP and stability in semi-arid grasslands. These findings have important implications for management practices in semi-arid grasslands in order to mitigate the impact of land use and global change.
Dry Needling Versus Trigger Point Injection for Neck Pain Symptoms Associated with Myofascial Trigger Points: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Navarro-Santana Marcos J , Sanchez-Infante Jorge , Gómez-Chiguano Guido F , Cleland Joshua A , Fernández-de-las-Peñas César , Martín-Casas Patricia , Plaza-Manzano Gustavo
Published: June 2021

Objective

To examine the effects of dry needling against trigger point (TrP) injections (wet needling) applied to TrPs associated with neck pain.

Methods

Electronic databases were searched for randomized clinical trials in which dry needling was compared with TrP injections (wet needling) applied to neck muscles and in which outcomes on pain or pain-related disability were collected. Secondary outcomes consisted of pressure pain thresholds, cervical mobility, and psychological factors. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool, the Physiotherapy Evidence Database score, and the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach were used.

Results

Six trials were included. TrP injection reduced pain intensity (mean difference [MD ] –2.13, 95% confidence interval [CI] –3.22 to –1.03) with a large effect size (standardized mean difference [SMD] –1.46, 95% CI –2.27 to –0.65) as compared with dry needling. No differences between TrP injection and dry needling were found for pain-related disability (MD 0.9, 95% CI –3.09 to 4.89), pressure pain thresholds (MD 25.78 kPa, 95% CI –6.43 to 57.99 kPa), cervical lateral-flexion (MD 2.02°, 95% CI –0.19° to 4.24°), or depression (SMD –0.22, 95% CI –0.85 to 0.41). The risk of bias was low, but the heterogenicity and imprecision of results downgraded the evidence level.

Conclusion

Low evidence suggests a superior effect of TrP injection (wet needling) for decreasing pain of cervical muscle TrPs in the short term as compared with dry needling. No significant effects on other outcomes (very low-quality evidence) were observed.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1a.
Political Distinctiveness and Diversity Among LGBT Americans
Authors: Jones Philip Edward
Published: June 2021

At least partly due to data limitations, academic analyses of public opinion rarely acknowledge lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) identities. Our models of political attitudes almost always overlook respondents’ sexual orientation and gender identities, and targeted research on the views of LGBT people is uncommon. This omission has obscured both the distinctiveness of LGBT Americans and the diversity within the group. Using recent large-N surveys, this article shows that LGBT Americans are distinctively liberal compared to otherwise similar straight and cisgender respondents—in their general political predispositions, electoral choices, and attitudes on a wide range of policy matters. At the same time, there is substantial diversity within the community—bisexual and transgender respondents are frequently less liberal than lesbians and gay men. Analysis of intersecting identities reveals substantial differences between bisexual men and bisexual women, but little evidence of diversity based on gender within lesbian/gay and transgender subgroups. Given these findings, public opinion scholars should routinely incorporate measures of LGBT identities in their analyses, alongside race, gender, class, and other politically salient respondent characteristics.
Public health workers’ knowledge, attitude and practice regarding COVID-19: the impact of Field Epidemiology Training Program in the Eastern Mediterranean Region
Authors: Samy Sahar , Lami Faris , Rashak Hiba Abdulrahman , Al Nsour Mohannad , Eid Alaa , Khader Yousef S , Afifi Salma , Elfadul Maisa , Ghaleb Yasser , Letaief Hajer , Alaya Nissaf Ben , Ikram Aamer , Akhtar Hashaam , Barkia Abdelaziz , Taha Hana Ahmad , Adam Reema , Saeed Khwaja Mir Islam , Almudarra Sami S , Hassany Mohamed , El Sood Hanaa Abu , ur Rahman Fazal , Saaed Falah Abdul-kader , Hlaiwah Mohammed Sameer
Published: June 2021

Background

This study aimed to compare knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) regarding COVID-19 between public health workers (PHWs) attended field epidemiology training program (FETP-trained) and those who did not attend FETP (non-FETP trained).

Methods

Multi-country cross-sectional survey was conducted among PHWs who participated in COVID-19 pandemic in 10 countries at EMR. Online questionnaire that included demographic information, KAP regarding COVID-19 pandemic was distributed among HCWs. Scoring system was used to quantify the answers, bivariate and Multivariate analysis performed to compare FETP-trained with non-FETP trained PHWs.

Results

Overall, 1337 PHWs participated, with 835 (62.4%) < 40 years of age, and 851 (63.6%) males. Of them, 423 (31.6%) had FETP, including that 189 (44.7%) had advanced level, 155 (36.6%) intermediate and 79 (18.7%) basic level training. Compared with non-FETP trained, FETP trained were older, having higher KAP scores. FETP participation was low in infection control, and PH laboratories. KAP mean scores for intermediate level attendees are comparable to advanced level.

Conclusions

FETP-trained are having better KAP than non-FETP PHWs. Expanding the intermediate level, maintain the Rapid Response training and introduce the laboratory component are recommended to maximize the benefit from FETP. Infection control, antimicrobial resistance and coordination are areas where training should include.
Exchange Rate Exposure and Firm Dynamics
Authors: Salomao Juliana , Varela Liliana
Published: June 2021

This article develops a heterogeneous firm-dynamics model to jointly study firms’ currency debt composition and investment choices. In our model, foreign currency borrowing arises from a dynamic trade-off between exposure to currency risk and growth. The model endogenously generates selection of productive firms into foreign currency borrowing. Among them, firms with high marginal product of capital use foreign loans more intensively. We assess econometrically the model’s predicted pattern of foreign currency borrowing using firm-level census data from the deregulation of these loans in Hungary, calibrate the model, and quantify the aggregate impact of this financing. Our counterfactual exercises show that understanding the characteristics of firms borrowing in foreign currency is critical to assess the aggregate consequences of this financing.
ASSESSMENT OF ANNUAL EFFECTIVE DOSE DUE TO INHALATION AND INGESTION OF RADON FROM GROUNDWATER AT THE SOUTHEAST COASTAL AREA, BANGLADESH
Authors: Deeba Farah , Rahman Syed Hafizur , Kabir Mohammad Zafrul
Published: June 2021

Naturally occurring radon-222 was evaluated for its use in estimating annual effective dose exposure in groundwater samples of the southeast coastal area of Bangladesh. On-site radon concentration was measured in groundwater using AlphaGUARD PQ2000 PRO (Saphymo, Germany) radon monitor. The measured values range 0.36–15.70 Bq per l, which lies within the safe limit of 4–40 Bq per l recommended by UNSCEAR. On the contrary, few samples show radon concentration above the safe limit of 11.1 Bq per l recommended by USEPA. The mean annual effective doses due to ingestion and inhalation resulting from radon in groundwater vary from 0.99 to 42.87 μSv per y with an average value of 12.45 μSv per y, which is far below the safe limit 100 μSv per y recommended by WHO and EU. Results reveal that there is no significant public health hazard due to radon ingestion and inhalation from groundwater in the study area.
Classic and Novel Histopathologic Risk Factors for Lymph Node Metastasis in T1 Colorectal Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Dykstra Mark A. , Gimon Tamara I. , Ronksley Paul E. , Buie W. Donald , MacLean Anthony R.
Published: June 2021

BACKGROUND:

Treatment of endoscopically resected T1 colorectal cancers is based on the risk of lymph node metastasis. Risk is based on histopathologic features, although there is lack of consensus as to what constitutes high-risk features.

OBJECTIVE:

The purpose of this study was to conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of histopathologic risk factors for lymph node metastasis.

DATA SOURCES:

A search of MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane controlled register of trials for risk factors for lymph node metastasis was performed from inception until August 2018.

STUDY SELECTION:

Included patients must have had an oncologic resection to confirm lymph node status and reported at least 1 histopathologic risk factor.

INTERVENTION:

Rates of lymph node positivity were compared between patients with and without risk factors.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

We report the results of the meta-analysis as ORs.

RESULTS:

Of 8592 citations, 60 met inclusion criteria. Pooled analyses found that lymphovascular invasion, vascular invasion, neural invasion, and poorly differentiated histology were significantly associated with lymph node metastasis, as were depths of 1000 µm (OR = 2.76), 1500 µm (OR = 4.37), 2000 µm (OR = 2.37), submucosal level 3 depth (OR = 3.08), and submucosal level 2/3 (OR = 3.08) depth. Depth of 3000 µm, Haggitt level 4, and widths of 3000 µm and 4000 µm were not significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. Tumor budding (OR = 4.99) and poorly differentiated clusters (OR = 14.61) were also significantly associated with lymph node metastasis.

LIMITATIONS:

Included studies reported risk factors independently, making it impossible to examine the additive metastasis risk in patients with numerous risk factors.

CONCLUSIONS:

We identified 1500 μm as the depth most significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. Novel factors tumor budding and poorly differentiated clusters were also significantly associated with lymph node metastasis. These findings should help inform guidelines regarding risk stratification of T1 tumors and prompt additional investigation into the exact contribution of poorly differentiated clusters to lymph node metastasis.
A systematic review on the management of pruritus in patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma
Authors: Farrah Georgia , Spruijt Odette , McCormack Chris , Buelens Odette , Lazarakis Smaro , Prince Miles
Published: June 2021

Introduction:

Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCLs) represent a rare group of primary cutaneous lymphomas. Pruritus is common in patients with CTCL and is severe and intractable in the subtypes Sézary syndrome (SS) and folliculotropic mycosis fungoides (MF).

Materials and methods:

We conducted a systematic review on interventions demonstrating efficacy in reducing pruritus in patients with CTCL. The primary aim of our study was to identify disease-directed and itch-directed therapies effective in reducing CTCL-associated pruritus. Our secondary aim was to outline various tools used to quantify itch in clinical studies.

Results:

Our study identified multiple disease-directed therapies effective in reducing CTCL-associated pruritus. Most evidence supported the use of histone deacetylase inhibitors. For the agents romidepsin, vorinostat, and quisinostat, reduction in pruritus was achieved in both disease responders and nonresponders. Various therapies were effective in managing pruritus associated with SS and folliculotropic MF. Vorinostat is effective in reducing pruritus in patients with SS. Extracorporeal photophoresis, total skin electron beam therapy, and romidepsin are effective in reducing pruritus in patients with folliculotropic MF. The antiemetic aprepitant is an effective targeted treatment of CTCL-associated pruritus. Aprepitant demonstrated efficacy in reducing pruritus in patients with all stages of MF, including patients with SS. Lignocaine administered via continuous subcutaneous infusion is effective in reducing pruritus in patients with advanced-stage MF, including patients with SS. The most frequently used tools to quantify itch were the Visual Analogue Scale and Numerical Rating Scale. Definitions of a significant reduction in pruritus were extremely varied between studies.

Discussion:

To our knowledge, this is the first systematic review specifically addressing the management of itch in patients with CTCL. Patients with all stages of CTCL were represented across included studies, including patients with folliculotropic MF and SS. A wide range of treatment options were identified, including options appropriate for patients with end-stage disease.
Impact of Subclinical and Clinical Kidney Allograft Rejection Within 1 Year Posttransplantation Among Compatible Transplant With Steroid Withdrawal Protocol
Authors: Owoyemi Itunu , Tandukar Srijan , Jorgensen Dana R. , Wu Christine M. , Sood Puneet , Puttarajappa Chethan , Sharma Akhil , Shah Nirav A. , Randhawa Parmjeet , Molinari Michele , Tevar Amit D. , Mehta Rajil B. , Hariharan Sundaram
Published: June 2021

Background.

Early acute kidney rejection remains an important clinical issue.

Methods.

The current study included 552 recipients who had 1–2 surveillance or indication biopsy within the 1 y posttransplant. We evaluated the impact of type of allograft inflammation on allograft outcome. They were divided into 5 groups: no inflammation (NI: 95), subclinical inflammation (SCI: 244), subclinical T cell–mediated rejection (TCMR) (SC-TCMR: 110), clinical TCMR (C-TCMR: 83), and antibody-mediated rejection (AMR: 20). Estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) over time using linear mixed model, cumulative chronic allograft scores/interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IFTA) ≥2 at 12 mo, and survival estimates were compared between groups.

Results.

The common types of rejections were C-TCMR (15%), SC-TCMR (19.9%), and AMR (3.6%) of patients. Eighteen of 20 patients with AMR had mixed rejection with TCMR. Key findings were as follows: (i) posttransplant renal function: eGFR was lower for patients with C-TCMR and AMR (P < 0.0001) compared with NI, SCI, and SC-TCMR groups. There was an increase in delta-creatinine from 3 to 12 mo and cumulative allograft chronicity scores at 12 mo (P < 0.001) according to the type of allograft inflammation. (ii) Allograft histology: the odds of IFTA ≥2 was higher for SC-TCMR (3.7 [1.3-10.4]; P = 0.04) but was not significant for C-TCMR (3.1 [1.0-9.4]; P = 0.26), and AMR (2.5 [0.5-12.8]; P = 0.84) compared with NI group, and (iii) graft loss: C-TCMR accounted for the largest number of graft losses and impending graft losses on long-term follow-up. Graft loss among patient with AMR was numerically higher but was not statistically significant.

Conclusions.

The type of kidney allograft inflammation predicted posttransplant eGFR, cumulative chronic allograft score/IFTA ≥2 at 12 mo, and graft loss.