bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial distribution of educational services in the city of Faw
Authors: Mahdi Hala Falh , Al-Rawe Moheb Kamel
Published: January 2023

This topic is concerned with the field study and the spatial signature of educational services in the city of Al-Faw for all levels of study so that the researcher can apply the tools of spatial analysis using the GIS ARC MAP10 to use it in smart cities. The Research problem is the lack of spatial organization of educational services in the city of Faw. The Research Hypothesis There is an imbalance in the distribution of educational services in the city of Faw. The aim of the research is to study the reality of educational services in the city of Faw and to activate the role of the spatial organization method in planning policies, and in aspects related to urban planning in general and the distribution of educational services in the Faw region in particular, and to determine the actual need for educational services. Research Methodology: The study adopted an analytical approach using geographic information systems and spatial analysis tools. Geographical information systems in topics related to urban planning and the study of services save time and cost and give accurate results that support decision-makers in reaching treatments and planning alternatives and come up with analytical results through spatial maps that show the applied analysis methods and through which Putting the most important conclusions reached by the research through the results of the analysis and thus supporting the research and verifying its hypothesis, leading to the most important proposals that would make the best use of educational services to meet the needs of the population.
Smart neighborhood as a sustainable neighborhood: a comparative study of Al-Ghadeer village (Najaf-Iraq)
Authors: Alshemerty Masa Adil , Albasri Naseer AbdulRazak Hasach
Published: January 2023

The concept of neighbourhood planning has emerged as a new trend in our community and the emphasis has been of utmost importance on districts in cities as the basic independent units of metropolitans in a way similar to that of community formation. Improving neighbourhood structure can improve the standards of living through the introduction of a smart neighbourhood model, making it more suitable for being walked and enhancing the life quality of residents that leading to the upgrading of communal and territory sketch. This work focuses on the problems where neighbourhoods lack aspects that allow the use of technology and affect workable distance and social relations, which are the main pillars of liveability. The hypothesis was to evaluate the neighbourhoods constructed by Najaf Investment Commission, whether the standards for the neighbourhood were applied according to the standards of the United Nations Organization (UN-Habitat) using gap analysis, The study found a gap between the standards adopted in the planning and design of the studied residential complexes (Al Ghadeer Residential Complex) and the criteria and indicators for planning smart neighbourhood model, particularly in the effectiveness of traffic network and the occupied residential area which was greater than the commercial model and less than the specified standards.
Sustainable development of historical areas: study of one of the global experiences
Authors: Al-Ameedee Raghad Mahdi Muoslim , Rashid Abdul Sahib Naji
Published: January 2023

This research included some concepts of historical areas that were exposed to the concepts of sustainable development to deal with historical areas, to derive from them the benefit that we are trying to apply to historical areas in our Iraqi cities. By reviewing the concepts of sustainable development in the field of historical areas, we find alternative solutions or policies that have already been applied, and they aim to develop historical areas, especially those located in city centres and also aim to achieve various concepts of urban and environmental development in these areas (such as preservation, restoration and rehabilitation). This is in addition to realizing the concepts of economic and social development (such as Al-Aziz, social cohesion, economic growth, and others). Accordingly, the research problem is the lack of knowledge regarding the application of the concepts of sustainability in projects and programs for historical areas locally. While the hypothesis was that sustainable development provides the basic capabilities to solve projects and programs for historical areas that have been exposed to the concepts of sustainability to deal with them for some experiences through which we can benefit and try to apply them in our cities and line with the Iraqi nature. The research aims to review some of the Arab and international experiences of dealing with historical areas in light of the concepts of sustainability. The methodology was following the functional, analytical approach to know the most important indicators related to reaching the objectives of the research. The research found that the best mechanisms or policies in dealing with historical areas are those that deal with the concepts of urban sustainability. It was found through sustainable global experiences that the most important results are the general planning of sustainable development projects, the financing needed to complete sustainable projects, the role of popular participation in this project, institutional thought factors to complete sustainable environmental projects, technical and urban factors necessary for these projects, and the most important tools used in the research is a descriptive analysis by analysing the results of sustainable global experiences.
Continuity of paths as a measure of transformation in urban fabric: a study in the old centre of Hila
Authors: Abbas Ghadeer H , Khafaji Rashaa Al
Published: January 2023

Cities are exposed to transformations in their urban fabric over time as a result of urban renewal projects and new requirements. These transformations can have negative consequences, especially for traditional cities. Traditional cities are characterized by their historical continuity over the years, so these transformations lead to the destruction of some of their characteristics, such as connectivity or hierarchy of the city. The destruction of the characteristics of the ancient city leads to the production of a hybrid city. Al-Hila city centre is one of the areas that have undergone several aspects of transformations, for example, a change in functional uses, the construction of new roads for cars, a change in the pattern of fabric and others. Therefore, the research problem was represented in the interruption of paths continuity as a result of unstudied transformations in the urban fabric, and by adopting a hypothesis that the continuity of the urban fabric is affected by changing the ease of access and hierarchy of a part of the region that leads to an imbalance in integration. So, the research aims to find out the differences in the continuity of paths that occur in city centres when they are transformed by comparing them temporally and identifying some of the main indicators of spatial analysis theories. Hypothesis quantitative indicators emerged from the research vocabulary and were represented by (connectivity, depth, axis length, choice and integration). The most important conclusions and recommendations that were extracted from the research for spatial analysis (Space syntax) by using the (Depth map) program are that the continuity of paths in the urban fabric has been destroyed as a result of unplanned and inappropriate transformations for the place in several respects.
Resilient cities to mitigate effects of climate change
Authors: Al-Sayed Muna M N , Alanizi Arshad
Published: January 2023

The concept of resilient cities can be considered as a way of enabling not only dealing with added and severe shocks but also tackling the many challenges that constrain businesses, jobs and livelihoods. Hence, a major part of the building is resilience, which aims to find solutions to reduce poverty levels and find more general solutions to improve the quality of human life. There are more interventions in urban areas - conducted by stakeholders everywhere to achieve a certain level of resilience through the development of housing, infrastructure and services. The objectives are to develop knowledge about the contributions of cities to mitigating the impacts of climate change for urban planners and all those interested in urban development, climate change, environmental sciences and engineering. This research shows the most important factors that cities take, and what actions are taken to mitigate and adapt to climate change. It also identifies promising mitigation and adaptation strategies that promote sustainable development and are geared towards resilience.
The role of community participation in the spatial development of deteriorated residential areas Al-Imam neighborhood in the city of Nasiriyah: a case study
Authors: Abbas Yasmin Khudheir , Motlak Jamal B
Published: January 2023

Iraqi cities in general face a slew of issues, including deterioration of the internal and external residential environment for some residential districts, deterioration of major infrastructure services, and bad economic, living, and construction conditions. As a result, the Ministry of Construction and Housing took the initiative, in collaboration with the Habitat Organization, to carry out a project to upgrade a number of deteriorated residential neighbourhoods, including Al-Imam neighbourhood in Nasiriyah, as a local experiment aimed at achieving spatial development with community participation. The research problem was established by not incorporating community engagement and activating the mechanisms of intrusion towards sustainable spatial development when conversing with residents as one of the strategies for creating and upgrading civilized places. The following hypothesis guided the research: Adoption of effective community participation policies aids in the rehabilitation of damaged residential areas and the achievement of long-term development. The study contained a theoretical component dealing with the notion of community participation and upgrading, as well as a practical component including the identification of the study area and the processes used in the process of upgrading community participation. The study also included a questionnaire for a random sample of residents to complete regarding the type of community participation in upgrading, and the study found that there is a larger need for a process of awareness, education, and training of people to participate in upgrading. Housing unit improvements were not at the required level due to a lack of funding and poor participation of residents in the construction and restoration process, and improvements to educational services were simple and included school frontispieces, green areas were not allocated, and infrastructure services were not established. The study came to a number of conclusions and recommendations regarding the need to rehabilitate human and material resources, stimulate community participation in the planning and management of residential areas, and achieve long-term spatial development.
Measuring equity in spatial development investments for the provincial development program in Wasit governorate
Authors: Farhan Sabeeh Lafta , Mutaz T , Altaie K , Zubaidi Salah L
Published: January 2023

To access the range of achieved equity in the spatial distribution for the investment by the region’s development program in Wasit province, the Gini coefficient, and Lorenz curve were utilized. Previously mentioned methodologies were used in the quantitative analysis. To measure the disparity and the optimal allocation of investments, a comparison is implemented. This comparison was between the percentage of allocating investment in development programs in the basic service sectors (municipal, sewage, water, roads, and education) and between the three components of (population, area, and level and disability). Findings showed that the local authorities depend on population (the municipal sector, sewage, urban water) and urban land area in allocating investments. Findings also showed a lack of interest by authorities in two factors. These factors are rural land area and the deficit in providing services. This deficit is reflected in the variation of equity in determining the number of investment allocations between different counties of Wasit province.
Minimizing the environmental impacts of traffic in Al-Mada’an city using rerouting technique
Authors: Abdulhameed Al-Bayati Muthanna M , Mohammed Haider Razzaq , Fattah Mohammed Y
Published: January 2023

The geographic information systems are applied in the transportation analysis of AlMada’an city about 30 km southeast of Baghdad city in Iraq. Cities suffer from traffic jams, especially during peak hours. These traffic jams increase in special circumstances such as blocking a certain road for maintenance, security reasons, or during religious events. The work required the establishment of the street layers of AlMada’an city and addressing all the problems and errors that accompany the work to reach the construction of an integrated transport network with all network details. Alternatives and hypotheses included the blocking of a particular road and searching for an alternative road that represents the easy path between two ends. Geomedia Transportation analysis software is used in this application to solve the problems and achieve the aims of the study. Many cases and trials were applied for different road segments in the network to check the application efficiency. The test reflects excellent results everywhere, so we suggest using the application to help local government to find alternatives before blocking any road to avoid crowds. Also, we suggest using the software when entering the street layers into a GIS where its techniques help builds a network.
Evaluation of solid waste disposal service management and its impact on the environment using the SR index in AL Karrada district and AL Shua’la district
Authors: Alwan Kareem Hassan , Bachai Qasim Mohammed
Published: January 2023

Solid waste poses a great challenge to the countries of the world, due to its impact on human life, whether health, environmental or economic, and solid waste management is one of the most important of those challenges (generation, collection, transportation, treatment, and final disposal) and it requires sustainable environmental planning, and effort Mechanical and human (mechanics and workers), which are linked in a direct relationship with a group of variables, including demographic factors such as population size. This research deals with the evaluation of solid waste disposal service management and its impact on the environment. Districts were selected from the city of Baghdad from the Karkh side and the Rusafa side, which are (AL Karrada district and AL Shua’la district) trying to answer the research problem, which included the efficiency and adequacy of the waste disposal service and its impact on the environment in study area The research relied on field surveys, personal interviews with stakeholders, and data analysis to find out the reality of the study. The research found through the index of the total ranks that there is a clear disparity between AL Karrada district and AL Shua’la district area in the management of solid waste, and environmental pollution, Where Karrada district achieved a high level and achieved rank 5, while Al-Shula neighbourhood achieved a low level, achieving a rank of 4. The research concluded that the Shula area suffers from environmental pollution, while the Karrada district is less polluted. The reasons for this discrepancy are attributed to weak administrative experience, lack of financial allocations, poor planning and failure to keep pace with technical developments for sustainable solid waste management. The research found a relationship between population size and waste volume in the two study areas.
Efficient motional-mode characterization for high-fidelity trapped-ion quantum computing
Authors: Kang Mingyu , Liang Qiyao , Li Ming , Nam Yunseong
Published: January 2023

To achieve high-fidelity operations on a large-scale quantum computer, the parameters of the physical system must be efficiently characterized with high accuracy. For trapped ions, the entanglement between qubits are mediated by the motional modes of the ion chain, and thus characterizing the motional-mode parameters becomes essential. In this paper, we develop and explore physical models that accurately predict both magnitude and sign of the Lamb–Dicke parameters when the modes are probed in parallel. We further devise an advanced characterization protocol that shortens the characterization time by more than an order of magnitude, when compared to that of the conventional method that only uses mode spectroscopy. We discuss potential ramifications of our results to the development of a scalable trapped-ion quantum computer, viewed through the lens of system-level resource trade offs.
Anode-less all-solid-state batteries: recent advances and future outlook
Authors: Lee Nohjoon , Oh Jihoon , Choi Jang Wook
Published: January 2023

While all-solid-state batteries have built global consensus with regard to their impact in safety and energy density, their anode-less versions have attracted appreciable attention because of the possibility of further lowering the cell volume and cost. This perspective article summarizes recent research trends in anode-less all-solid-state batteries (ALASSBs) based on different types of solid electrolytes and anticipates future directions these batteries may take. We particularly aim to motivate researchers in the field to challenge remaining issues in ALASSBs by employing advanced materials and cell designs.
Protein-to-genome alignment with miniprot
Authors: Li Heng
Published: January 2023

Motivation

Protein-to-genome alignment is critical to annotating genes in non-model organisms. While there are a few tools for this purpose, all of them were developed over 10 years ago and did not incorporate the latest advances in alignment algorithms. They are inefficient and could not keep up with the rapid production of new genomes and quickly growing protein databases.

Results

Here, we describe miniprot, a new aligner for mapping protein sequences to a complete genome. Miniprot integrates recent techniques such as k-mer sketch and vectorized dynamic programming. It is tens of times faster than existing tools while achieving comparable accuracy on real data.

Availability and implementation

https://github.com/lh3/miniport.
JBrowse Jupyter: a Python interface to JBrowse 2
Authors: De Jesus Martinez Teresa , Hershberg Elliot A , Guo Emma , Stevens Garrett J , Diesh Colin , Xie Peter , Bridge Caroline , Cain Scott , Haw Robin , Buels Robert M , Stein Lincoln D , Holmes Ian H
Published: January 2023

Motivation

JBrowse Jupyter is a package that aims to close the gap between Python programming and genomic visualization. Web-based genome browsers are routinely used for publishing and inspecting genome annotations. Historically they have been deployed at the end of bioinformatics pipelines, typically decoupled from the analysis itself. However, emerging technologies such as Jupyter notebooks enable a more rapid iterative cycle of development, analysis and visualization.

Results

We have developed a package that provides a Python interface to JBrowse 2’s suite of embeddable components, including the primary Linear Genome View. The package enables users to quickly set up, launch and customize JBrowse views from Jupyter notebooks. In addition, users can share their data via Google’s Colab notebooks, providing reproducible interactive views.

Availability and implementation

JBrowse Jupyter is released under the Apache License and is available for download on PyPI. Source code and demos are available on GitHub at https://github.com/GMOD/jbrowse-jupyter.
Sizing up the samples: evaluating packaging waste generated by cosmeceutical products
Authors: Duff Eimear , Gilhooley Eimear , Feighery Cliona
Published: January 2023

We examined the avoidable plastic waste generated by miniature samples of nonprescription topical cosmeceutical products. Smaller samples may not offer patients an adequate trial of a product, may relate to products that are more expensive for patients, and create proportionally more waste than full-size products. In light of the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, companies should be proactive in reducing plastic waste, while dermatologists should consider the environmental, ethical and economic impact of the cosmeceutical products they may offer as samples to patients.
Transgenerational epigenetic inheritance of axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury
Authors: Madrid Andy , Alisch Reid S , Rizk Elias , Papale Ligia A , Hogan Kirk J , Iskandar Bermans J
Published: January 2023

Human epidemiological studies reveal that dietary and environmental alterations influence the health of the offspring and that the effect is not limited to the F1 or F2 generations. Non-Mendelian transgenerational inheritance of traits in response to environmental stimuli has been confirmed in non-mammalian organisms including plants and worms and are shown to be epigenetically mediated. However, transgenerational inheritance beyond the F2 generation remains controversial in mammals. Our lab previously discovered that the treatment of rodents (rats and mice) with folic acid significantly enhances the regeneration of injured axons following spinal cord injury in vivo and in vitro, and the effect is mediated by DNA methylation. The potential heritability of DNA methylation prompted us to investigate the following question: Is the enhanced axonal regeneration phenotype inherited transgenerationally without exposure to folic acid supplementation in the intervening generations? In the present review, we condense our findings showing that a beneficial trait (i.e., enhanced axonal regeneration after spinal cord injury) and accompanying molecular alterations (i.e., DNA methylation), triggered by an environmental exposure (i.e., folic acid supplementation) to F0 animals only, are inherited transgenerationally and beyond the F3 generation.
No evidence for sex chromosomes in natural populations of the cichlid fish Astatotilapia burtoni
Authors: Lichilín Nicolás , Salzburger Walter , Böhne Astrid
Published: January 2023

Sex determination (SD) is not conserved among teleost fishes and can even differ between populations of the same species. Across the outstandingly species-rich fish family Cichlidae, more and more SD systems are being discovered. Still, the picture of SD evolution in this group is far from being complete. Lake Tanganyika and its affluent rivers are home to Astatotilapia burtoni, which belongs to the extremely successful East African cichlid lineage Haplochromini. Previously, in different families of an A. burtoni laboratory strain, an XYW system and an XY system have been described. The latter was also found in a second laboratory strain. In a laboratory-reared family descending from a population of the species’ southern distribution, a second XY system was discovered. Yet, an analysis of sex chromosomes for the whole species distribution is missing. Here, we examined the genomes of 11 natural populations of A. burtoni, encompassing a wide range of its distribution, for sex-linked regions. We did not detect signs of differentiated sex chromosomes and also not the previously described sex chromosomal systems present in laboratory lines, suggesting different SD systems in the same species under natural and (long-term) artificial conditions. We suggest that SD in A. burtoni is more labile than previously assumed and consists of a combination of non-genetic, polygenic, or poorly differentiated sex chromosomes.
Myxozoans (Cnidaria) do not Retain Key Oxygen-Sensing and Homeostasis Toolkit Genes
Authors: Graham Allie M , Barreto Felipe S
Published: January 2023

For aerobic organisms, both the hypoxia-inducible factor pathway and the mitochondrial genomes are key players in regulating oxygen homeostasis. Recent work has suggested that these mechanisms are not as highly conserved as previously thought, prompting more surveys across animal taxonomic levels, which would permit testing of hypotheses about the ecological conditions facilitating evolutionary loss of such genes. The Phylum Cnidaria is known to harbor wide variation in mitochondrial chromosome morphology, including an extreme example, in the Myxozoa, of mitochondrial genome loss. Because myxozoans are obligate endoparasites, frequently encountering hypoxic environments, we hypothesize that variation in environmental oxygen availability could be a key determinant in the evolution of metabolic gene networks associated with oxygen-sensing, hypoxia-response, and energy production. Here, we surveyed genomes and transcriptomes across 46 cnidarian species for the presence of HIF pathway members, as well as for an assortment of hypoxia, mitochondrial, and stress–response toolkit genes. We find that presence of the HIF pathway, as well as number of genes associated with mitochondria, hypoxia, and stress response, do not vary in parallel to mitochondrial genome morphology. More interestingly, we uncover evidence that myxozoans have lost the canonical HIF pathway repression machinery, potentially altering HIF pathway functionality to work under the specific conditions of their parasitic lifestyles. In addition, relative to other cnidarians, myxozoans show loss of large proportions of genes associated with the mitochondrion and involved in response to hypoxia and general stress. Our results provide additional evidence that the HIF regulatory machinery is evolutionarily labile and that variations in the canonical system have evolved in many animal groups.
Disruption of the sensor kinasephoQgene decreases acid resistance in plant growth-promoting rhizobacteriumRahnella aquatilisHX2
Authors: Peng Jing , Xu Zhongnan , Li Lei , Zhao Bingjie , Guo Yanbin
Published: January 2023

Aims

Rahnella aquatilis HX2, a promising plant growth-promoting rhizobacterium (PGPR) in the field, contains genes homologous to the PhoP/PhoQ two-component regulatory system. Although this system regulates stress response in numerous pathogens, PhoP/PhoQ characterization in a PGPR has not received in-depth exploration.

Methods and Results

The phoQ gene was mutated in strain HX2 using an in-frame deletion strategy. Compared to the wild type, the phoQ mutant exhibited increased sensitivity to acidic conditions (pH 4.0) in a chemically defined medium and in mild acidic natural soil (pH 5.7). The phoQ mutant also exhibited increased swimming motility under acidic conditions. Acid resistance was restored in the mutant by introducing the phoQ gene on a plasmid. Three acid resistance genes, add, cfa, and fur were downregulated significantly, whereas the chaperone encoding gene, dnak, was upregulated when the phoQ mutant was exposed to acid stress.

Conclusions

This study suggested that the PhoP/PhoQ system positively regulates the acid resistance of R. aquatilis HX2.
Natural Philosophy
Authors: McGrath Alister E.
Published: January 2023

This final chapter weaves the arguments of earlier chapters in Part II of this work to give a coherent account of a retrieved and reimagined vision of natural philosophy. The chapter opens by distinguishing this approach from that of the philosopher Nicholas Maxwell. The strategy of retrieval set out in this volume deals with the question of the disciplinary location of a retrieved and renewed natural philosophy, which is one of the most significant problems to face such an exercise. Natural philosophy is here conceived as a ‘disciplinary imaginary’, offering an expanded vision of the human engagement with nature, paralleling that of early modern natural philosophy. This chapter also offers examples of how such a retrieved natural theology can be put into practice, developing a discipline of attentiveness and respect which enables a deeper and richer engagement with the natural world.
A Case on Contract Labour
Authors: Pachpande Priti , Bachhav Sham
Published: January 2023

This case is about Ms Vanita Chemical Ltd., which is located at Thane—Belapur Road, Maharashtra. The Company is engaged in manufacturing of various chemicals since 1991. The total manpower of the Company is 450. It had provided canteen for the employees and it was running on contract basis. Mr Rama Shetty was a canteen contractor. The canteen contract was registered by the company under The Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition, 1970). An agreement was also signed by Rama Shetty as a canteen contractor and on behalf of company a factory manager, Mr Kulkarni. The case focuses on the issues related to making contract labours ‘permanent’ in the Canteen of Vanita Chemicals Limited. The canteen employees who were on contract, with the pressure of internal union, demanded the management to make them permanent employee of the company. Retaliating, management issued a letter of termination of canteen contract which was delivered to the canteen contractor immediately. The issue was raised to the Labour Commissioner’s Office by the canteen employees. The canteen employees started giving slogans against the company. Further they used abusive language against the management. They were doing the same activity every day.
Advance drug delivery and combinational drug approaches for hepatoprotective action of berberine: A progressive overview with underlying mechanism
Authors: Sardana Satish , Gupta Rupa , Madan Kumud , Bisht Dheeraj , Rana Vijay Singh , Bhargava Samir , Sethiya Neeraj Kumar
Published: January 2023

Objectives

Berberine has attracted prominent interest recently due to its wide pharmacological actions in management and treatments of several disease including liver. However, restricted bioavailability and permeability makes this drug as better choice to develop several value added products for improvement of both safety and efficacy. Many of research already conducted in this direction using several approaches to fix this issue. Therefore, current article was designed to summarize all approaches taking together to enhance hepatoprotection by berberine including molecular mechanism.

Methods

Online scientific databases from PubMed was assessed for collecting information on berberine. All the collected informations were classified and incorporated into different sections such as recent progress of research on advance drug delivery systems and combinational approaches addressing above issue for improvement of hepatoprotective action of berberine.

Key finding

The electronically PubMed database search yielded 7454 articles from different countries in several languages. Out of them two seventy articles published between 1932 and 2022 were included, corresponding to all detailed overview on berberine including research pertaining on toxicity and safety, biodistribution, pharmacokinetics, biopharmaceutics classification system (BCS), hepatoprotection against various hepatotoxicant agent, advance drug delivery system, combinational drug approaches, clinical Trial for hepatoprotection and patents. The review of the literature reveals that berberine exhibits a potent hepatoprotective action with several molecular action mechanisms. Additionally, current trends of formulation technology for enhancement of hepatoprotective action of berberine in terms of safety and efficacy are well co-related with present work.

Conclusion

It was well established and concluded from present work that both advance drug delivery system and combinational drug approaches may serve for enhancement of restricted hepatoprotective action of berberine due to poor bioavailability, solubility and permeability. Additionally, berberine based advance delivery system including in combination with bioavailability and permeability enhancer may provide an added advantage in near future to meet the objectives.
Presence of Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum (Phylotype I) in Aquatic Environments in the Netherlands
Authors: Vogelaar M. A. W. , van de Bilt J. L. J. , Blom N. I. , Pel M. J. C. , van Doorn B. J. A. , Landman N. M. , Gorkink-Smits P. P. M. A. , Raaymakers T. M. , Vreeburg R. A. M. , Bergsma-Vlami M.
Published: January 2023

Ralstonia pseudosolanacearum, a European Union quarantine organism, was until recently absent in the aquatic environments and outdoor cultivation systems of the region. This bacterium was only sporadically reported in restricted greenhouse cultivation systems in some EU countries. In this paper, we report the first findings of R. pseudosolanacearum (phylotype I) in surface water in two distinct geographic locations in the Netherlands in 2020. In 2021, the population of R. pseudosolanacearum in surface water ranged from 104 to 106 CFU/liter. An inoculum reservoir for R. pseudosolanacearum in these aquatic environments was the wild bittersweet plant where population densities ranged from 105 to 107 CFU/ml concentrated bittersweet extract. The virulence of the R. pseudosolanacearum isolates from surface water and bittersweet was confirmed by a pathogenicity test on Solanum lycopersicum cv. Moneymaker plants, resulting in wilting and necrosis of the plants. Sequence analysis of the egl locus of R. pseudosolanacearum isolates from surface water and bittersweet revealed that these isolates are closely related to R. pseudosolanacearum (phylotype I) isolates found previously in the Netherlands on rose. R. pseudosolanacearum (phylotype I) has a very broad host plant range, including potato, many ornamentals, and other economically important crops. This highlights the risk for various host plants grown in the vicinity of the geographic locations where R. pseudosolanacearum has been found and shows the importance of unraveling the epidemiological parameters of the survival, establishment, and spread of R. pseudosolanacearum in temperate climates.
Emerging Themes and Approaches in Plant Virus Epidemiology
Authors: Jeger Mike , Hamelin Fred , Cunniffe Nik
Published: January 2023

Plant diseases caused by viruses share many common features with those caused by other pathogen taxa in terms of the host–pathogen interaction, but there are also distinctive features in epidemiology, most apparent where transmission is by vectors. Consequently, the host−virus−vector−environment interaction presents a continuing challenge in attempts to understand and predict the course of plant virus epidemics. Theoretical concepts, based on the underlying biology, can be expressed in mathematical models and tested through quantitative assessments of epidemics in the field; this remains a goal in understanding why plant virus epidemics occur and how they can be controlled. To this end, this review identifies recent emerging themes and approaches to fill in knowledge gaps in plant virus epidemiology. We review quantitative work on the impact of climatic fluctuations and change on plants, viruses, and vectors under different scenarios where impacts on the individual components of the plant−virus−vector interaction may vary disproportionately; there is a continuing, sometimes discordant, debate on host resistance and tolerance as plant defense mechanisms, including aspects of farmer behavior and attitudes toward disease management that may affect deployment in crops; disentangling host−virus−vector−environment interactions, as these contribute to temporal and spatial disease progress in field populations; computational techniques for estimating epidemiological parameters from field observations; and the use of optimal control analysis to assess disease control options. We end by proposing new challenges and questions in plant virus epidemiology.
Postoperative Complications of Appendectomy in Gynecologic Laparoscopic Surgery for Benign Indications
Authors: O'Brien M. Shea , Gupta Ankita , Quevedo Amira , Lenger Stacy M. , Shah Vishwa , Warehime Jenna , Gaskins Jeremy , Biscette Shan
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To assess whether concomitant appendectomy in patients who undergo laparoscopic surgery for benign gynecologic indications is associated with increased rates of complications in the 30-day postoperative period.

METHODS:

The American College of Surgeons National Surgical Quality Improvement Program database was used to identify patients who underwent laparoscopic surgery by a gynecologist. Patients were excluded if they underwent open abdominal surgeries, bowel resections, urogynecologic surgeries, or if diagnoses of cancer or appendicitis were present. There were 246,987 patients included in the population cohort from 2010 to 2020. Demographic information and postoperative outcomes of patients who underwent concomitant appendectomy were compared with patients who did not undergo appendectomy. A matched cohort was created by computing propensity scores, and outcomes were again compared between groups. All patients undergoing appendectomy were 1:1 matched to a unique patient who did not undergo appendectomy using a greedy matching based on the propensity score calculated from demographic and surgical characteristics.

RESULTS:

A total of 1,760 patients (0.7%) underwent concomitant appendectomy. There was an 8.0% complication rate in the appendectomy group, compared with 5.5% in the group of those without appendectomy (P<.001), and this was similar to the results in the propensity-matched sample. Patients who underwent appendectomy had significantly higher rates of readmission (4.3% vs 2.3%), which remained significant in the propensity-matched sample. There were no differences in the rates of postoperative thromboembolic events, blood transfusion, or reoperation.

CONCLUSION:

Patients who are undergoing concomitant appendectomy have an increased risk of any complication and hospital readmission. Additional studies may be conducted to identify patients with optimal risk benefit profiles when considering performing concomitant appendectomy at time of gynecologic surgery.
Disparities in Fertility-Sparing Treatment and Use of Assisted Reproductive Technology After a Diagnosis of Cervical, Ovarian, or Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Jorgensen Kirsten , Meernik Clare , Wu Chi-Fang , Murphy Caitlin C. , Baker Valerie L. , Jarmon Peiton , Brady Paula C. , Nitecki Roni , Nichols Hazel B. , Rauh-Hain Jose Alejandro
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To assess the presence of sociodemographic and clinical disparities in fertility-sparing treatment and assisted reproductive technology (ART) use among patients with a history of cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer.

METHODS:

We conducted a population-based cohort study of patients aged 18–45 years who were diagnosed with cervical cancer (stage IA, IB), endometrial cancer (grade 1, stage IA, IB), or ovarian cancer (stage IA, IC) between January 1, 2000, and December 31, 2015, using linked data from the CCR (California Cancer Registry), the California Office of Statewide Health Planning and Development, and the Society for Assisted Reproductive Technology. The primary outcome was receipt of fertility-sparing treatment, defined as surgical or medical treatment to preserve the uterus and at least one ovary. The secondary outcome was fertility preservation, defined as ART use after cancer diagnosis. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to estimate odds ratios and 95% CIs for the association between fertility-sparing treatment and exposures of interest: age at diagnosis, race and ethnicity, health insurance, socioeconomic status, rurality, and parity.

RESULTS:

We identified 7,736 patients who were diagnosed with cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer with eligible histology. There were 850 (18.8%) fertility-sparing procedures among 4,521 cases of cervical cancer, 108 (7.2%) among 1,504 cases of endometrial cancer, and 741 (43.3%) among 1,711 cases of ovarian cancer. Analyses demonstrated nonuniform patterns of sociodemographic disparities by cancer type for fertility-sparing treatment, and ART. Fertility-sparing treatment was more likely among young patients, overall, and of those in racial and ethnic minority groups among survivors of cervical and ovarian cancer. Use of ART was low (n=52) and was associated with a non-Hispanic White race and ethnicity designation, being of younger age (18–35 years), and having private insurance.

CONCLUSION:

This study demonstrates that clinical and sociodemographic disparities exist in the receipt of fertility-sparing treatment and ART use among patients with a history of cervical, endometrial, or ovarian cancer.
Changes to Prenatal Care Visit Frequency and Telehealth
Authors: Konnyu Kristin J. , Danilack Valery A. , Adam Gaelen P. , Friedman Peahl Alex , Cao Wangnan , Balk Ethan M.
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To systematically review patient, partner or family, and clinician perspectives, preferences, and experiences related to prenatal care visit schedules and televisits for routine prenatal care.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, the Cochrane databases, EMBASE, CINAHL, ClinicalTrials.gov, PsycINFO, and SocINDEX from inception through February 12, 2022.

METHODS OF STUDY SELECTION:

This review of qualitative research is a subset of a larger review on both the qualitative experiences and quantitative benefits and harms of reduced prenatal care visit schedules and televisits for routine prenatal care that was produced by the Brown Evidence-based Practice Center for the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. For the qualitative review, we included qualitative research studies that examined perspectives, preferences, and experiences about the number of scheduled visits and about televisits for routine prenatal care.

TABULATION, INTEGRATION, AND RESULTS:

We synthesized barriers and facilitators to the implementation of reduced care visits or of televisits into 1 of 14 domains defined by the Theoretical Domains Framework (TDF) and a Best Fit Framework approach. We summarized themes within TDF domains. We assessed our confidence in the summary statements using the GRADE-CERQual (Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation—Confidence in Evidence from Reviews of Qualitative research) tool. Four studies addressed the number of scheduled routine prenatal visits, and five studies addressed televisits. Across studies, health care professionals believed fewer routine visits may be more convenient for patients and may increase clinic capacity to provide additional care for patients with high-risk pregnancies. However, both patients and clinicians had concerns about potential lesser care with fewer visits, including concerns about quality of care and challenges with implementing new delivery-of-care models.

CONCLUSION:

Although health care professionals and patients had some concerns about reduced visit schedules and use of televisits, several potential benefits were also noted. Our synthesis of qualitative evidence provides helpful insights into the perspectives, preferences, and experiences of important stakeholders with respect to implementing changes to prenatal care delivery that may complement findings of traditional quantitative evidence syntheses.

SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION:

PROSPERO, CRD42021272287.
State Perinatal Quality Collaborative for Reducing Severe Maternal Morbidity From Hemorrhage
Authors: Wiesehan Erik C. , Keesara Sirina R. , Krissberg Jill R. , Main Elliott K. , Goldhaber-Fiebert Jeremy D.
Published: January 2023

OBJECTIVE:

To evaluate the cost effectiveness of California's statewide perinatal quality collaborative for reducing severe maternal morbidity (SMM) from hemorrhage.

METHODS:

A decision-analytic model using open source software (Amua 0.30) compared outcomes and costs within a simulated cohort of 480,000 births to assess the annual effect in the state of California. Our model captures both the short-term costs and outcomes that surround labor and delivery and long-term effects over a person's remaining lifetime. Previous studies that evaluated the effectiveness of the CMQCC’s (California Maternal Quality Care Collaborative) statewide perinatal quality collaborative initiative—reduction of hemorrhage-related SMM by increasing recognition, measurement, and timely response to postpartum hemorrhage—provided estimates of intervention effectiveness. Primary cost data received from select hospitals within the study allowed for the estimation of collaborative costs, with all other model inputs derived from literature. Costs were inflated to 2021 dollars with a cost-effectiveness threshold of $100,000 per quality-adjusted life-year (QALY) gained. Various sensitivity analyses were performed including one-way, scenario-based, and probabilistic sensitivity (Monte Carlo) analysis.

RESULTS:

The collaborative was cost effective, exhibiting strong dominance when compared with the baseline or standard of care. In a theoretical cohort of 480,000 births, collaborative implementation added 182 QALYs (0.000379/birth) by averting 913 cases of SMM, 28 emergency hysterectomies, and one maternal mortality. Additionally, it saved $9 million ($17.78/birth) due to averted SMM costs. Although sensitivity analyses across parameter uncertainty ranges provided cases where the intervention was not cost saving, it remained cost effective throughout all analyses. Additionally, scenario-based sensitivity analysis found the intervention cost effective regardless of birth volume and implementation costs.

CONCLUSION:

California's statewide perinatal quality collaborative initiative to reduce SMM from hemorrhage was cost effective—representing an inexpensive quality-improvement initiative that reduces the incidence of maternal morbidity and mortality, and potentially provides cost savings to the majority of birthing hospitals.
Redo Ileocolic Resection is Not an Independent Risk Factor for Anastomotic Leak in Recurrent Crohn’s Disease
Authors: Yang Songsoo , Prien Christopher , Jia Xue , Hull Tracy , Liska David , Steele Scott R. , Lightner Amy L. , Valente Michael , Holubar Stefan D.
Published: January 2023

BACKGROUND:

Redo ileocolic resection for recurrent Crohn’s disease is associated with increased technical complexity and higher complication rates compared to primary resection. Literature concerning redo surgery for recurrent Crohn’s disease is scarce and no studies have identified risk factors for postoperative anastomotic leak.

OBJECTIVE:

We hypothesized redo ileocolic resection for Crohn’s disease is an independent risk factor for anastomotic leak.

DESIGN:

Retrospective, case-control study from 1994 – 2019 with multivariate analysis and propensity-score weighting.

SETTING:

Quaternary, inflammatory bowel disease-referral center.

PATIENTS:

Adult patients >18 years old.

INTERVENTIONS:

Primary or redo ileocolic resection with an anastomosis, with or without diverting ileostomy.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES:

30-day anastomotic leak rate.

RESULTS:

A total of 991 patients (56% primary and 44% redo ileocolic resections) were included. Redo patients were significantly older with more comorbidities, fewer medications, and less fistulizing disease compared to the primary group. On univariate analysis, redo patients had more overall complications (50.5% vs. 36.2%, p < 0.001) and the cumulative number of prior ileocolic resections was significantly associated with increased risk for overall morbidity (p < 0.001). There were 31 (3%) anastomotic leaks; leak rates did not differ between groups (p = 0.60). Multivariable analysis indicated extensive adhesiolysis (p < 0.001), ileostomy omission (p = 0.009), and intraoperative abscess/fistula (p = 0.02) were independently associated with leaks, but not redo resection (p = 0.27). Patients with 0, 1, 2, or 3 of these risk factors had observed leak rates of 1.1%, 1.3%, 6.0%, and 11.6.% (p = 0.03), respectively.

LIMITATIONS:

Selection bias, Referral bias, Single quaternary center

CONCLUSION:

Compared to primary procedures, redo ileocolic resection for recurrent Crohn’s disease is associated with increased overall morbidity, but not anastomotic leak. See Video Abstract at http://links.lww.com/DCR/C132.