bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Embryogenic Callus Induction of Todolo Toraja Coffee Leaf Cells (Coffea arabica Var. Typica) with the Addition of 2, 4-DichlorophenoxyaceticAcid (2, 4-D) and Furfurylaminopurine (Kinetin) in Vitro
Authors: Damayanti Putri , Latunra Andi Ilham , Johanes Eva
Published: May 2021

Somatic embryogenesis is a way to produce large numbers of seeds according to the parent, so it is very profitable in the effort to conserve Arabica coffee, which has reduced number of trees and is not productive. This study uses Todolo arabica coffee (Coffea arabica Var. Typica) which is the oldest commercial coffee found in Toraja, South Sulawesi and is threatened with extinction. This study aims to obtain the best composition in administering zpt 2,4-D and kinetin in forming embryogenic callus from explants of arabica coffee leaves. This research was conducted at the Tissue Culture Laboratory of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Hasanuddin University. The experimental range used was a completely randomized design with 2 factorials, namely the concentration of 2,4-D 1 ppm, 2 ppm, and 3 ppm and kinetin concentration of 0.1 ppm, 0.5 ppm and 1.0 ppm so that there were 9 treatments with 3 replications. The parameters observed were callus formation time, callus structure, and callus color. The results showed that the fastest time for callus appearance was 17.00 HSK with 1 ppm 2,4-D and 0.5 ppm kinetin. The callus texture formed is a crumb-textured callus with several color variations that are formed.
Environmental Factors for Holothuria scabra Sea Cucumber Cultivation
Authors: Tua Rahantoknam Santi Penina , Beruatjaan Mariana Yermina , Rahantoknam Meyske Angel , Ohoiwutun Maria Kristina
Published: May 2021

Sea cucumber cultivation is an alternative to anticipate the continuity of production due to overfishing. Maintenance environmental factors are important factors to consider in sea cucumber cultivation. A suitable location really supports the success of sea cucumber cultivation. This study aims to identify the main habitat and indicators in determining a suitable location for cultivation of Holothuria scabra. The study was located in the intertidal zone of the Watuar village seagrass ecosystem during May 2020 to October 2020. The results showed that the location of the Watuar village seagrass beds was suitable to be developed as a sea cucumber cultivation location with three main indicators, namely 35 cm depth (at low tide) and 195 cm (at the highest tide), the condition of the seagrass vegetation is moderate and is the natural habitat of H. scabra with the dominance of the seagrass Enhalus acoroides, Cymodocea rotundata, Cymodocea serrulata, Thalassia hemprecchii with moderate density and the bottom substrate is muddy sand with particle size 100 µm of 96.7%.
The Use of Bioremediation Technology on Oil-Contaminated Soil
Authors: Alvernia Putri , Utomo Suyud , Budhi Soesilo Tri Edhi , Herdiansyah Herdis
Published: May 2021

The demand of oil not only has contributed the economy and foreign exchange of a country, it has also caused environmental pollution. The negative impact caused by the oil spills were due to the hydrocarbon compound or Total Petroleum Hydrocarbon (TPH) contaminates the environment. Oil contamination, despite of low concentration of hydrocarbon, affects the smell and taste of the groundwater. One of the alternatives to overcome environmental contamination from oil that is environmental-friendly is with bioremediation technology. The rehabilitation efforts of the oil-contaminated environment biologically with the bioremediation technology has an advantage as it is more environmental-friendly and the operational cost is more affordable than physics and chemical recovery techniques. This research utilizes study of literature and SWOT analysis to comprehend the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of the use bioremediation. The outcome of analysis illustrated that bioremediation could reduce the TPH value as the bacteria could decompose the oil where it generally is difficult to be degraded. However, there is also potential use of microorganism utilized on bioremediation to mutate thus creating a new and unknown product that could harm the environment. The implementation of bioremediation technology examined by sustainable indicators still have weaknesses and threats that could be further examined so that the use of bioremediation could be implemented as one of the ways to have a sustainable oil spill cleanup.
Literature Review: Potential Pharmacological Activity of Luffa cutangula L. Roxb
Authors: Harfiani Erna , Pradana Dhigna Citra
Published: May 2021

Indonesia is a fertile country with various kinds of herbal plants that can grow in it. This situation has led to the widespread use of herbs in society and has even become part of Indonesian culture. There are various empirical results from the use of herbal plants in Indonesia. Luffa acutangula (gambas) is one of the many plants found in Indonesia. This plant has been widely used in helping to treat various diseases. A journal search was conducted on the pharmacological activity of Luffa acutangula in the early stages of pre-clinical trials (in vitro and in vivo) and then presented in a literature review to prove the empirical benefits of this herb. The results of potential pharmacological activities of Luffa acutangula include antimicrobial, antiparasitic, anticancer, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antithyroid, hypoglycemic treatment, analgesic, immunomodulatory, hepatoprotective, and gastroprotective. The results of a literature review study on the pharmacological activity of Luffa acutangula show evidence of pre-clinical empirical benefits. It is hoped that by obtaining more comprehensive data like this literature study, it is hoped that it will serve to collect information on the use of Luffa acutangula as a medicinal preparation.
Sustainable Development Through the One Village One Product (OVOP) Approach for Local Commodities
Authors: Miagina Aveanty , Biso Hernansi , Kembauw Esther
Published: May 2021

One Village One Product (OVOP) approach becomes one of society’s movement that is integrated and aims to increase the sociaty’s awarness towards the potential and the richness of their local or region’s commodities. The research aims to identifie local commodities in the West Tobelo Municipality especially the agriculture commodities. The reason of choosing this region for this research due to the fact that it has better quality of commodities compare to other region on the North Halmahera Region. Therefore, the aim of this research is to further identify and then acknowledge which of these local commodities that have the potential to become the “premier or superior commodity”. The methode used in this research is Location Quotient (LQ). The result shows that OVOP program is applicable in the West Tobelo Municipality, and this relates to many of the regions’s potential sectors, thus, Wes Tobelo can be the platform for developing these commodities. The result also suggest, however, the lack of coordination involving the society and the local government on the importance of policy making that supports the development of local commodities, also the efforts to empower the society’s human resources.
The Role of Diffusion of Innovation in Agricultural to Compete in Asean Community
Authors: Mardiana Harisa , Kembauw Esther
Published: May 2021

Diffusion of innovation is one of the most needed in agribusiness farming. Many farmers failed to increase their income. Besides, they lost their income and even their land because they couldn’t be able to solve their problems which the national development of agriculture business seemed impossible to overcome the problems and the obstacles to resolving thoroughly as the requirement needed more serious attention. The innovation was a key factor for agribusiness growth, development and the welfare of chili pepper farmer. Diffusion of chili pepper farming had given differences in innovativeness to determine the characteristic of the adopter categories. But the communication and adoption process could explain the need of diffusion of innovation. The important in diffusion was the time dimension in chronology and not as history. Innovation was treated as both products of contradiction and caused of new contradiction and the process of adoption as both being structured was changed after all. When a new idea adopted, the innovations required in the period of time to become available. A new technology as a smart technology adopted and transformed in a learning process. By having to identify and examining the WHY and HOWs of the interface the farmer and innovation systems would, therefore, create a very good intervention ground to make a rational use of resources and knowledge for the development of agribusiness farming systems.
Risk of Heat Stroke due to Extreme Heat Changes: A Review
Authors: Mirnawati  , Nurnaningsih  , Asriani Rina , Amirullah I , Tosepu Ramadhan
Published: May 2021

Temperatures higher that in the environment of work for workers diuar room very influential given the risk of the occurrence of an attack of fever Temperature High or known Heat Stroke. In the article is, do observation observation of patients with cases of heat stroke. This material and method Keyword “Heat Stroke”, “handling patient heat stroke”, “Hypothermia”, “Injury Heart due to Heat Stroke” is used through a combination of “OR” and “AND” By conducting electronic searches on Google and Google Scholar and Pubmed. The search was carried out with a publication year limitation between January 2013 and October 2020. Results: 10 articles were collected and met the inclusion criteria. The literature review shows that, most of the research has been done in countries advanced, and is found in the article mentioned that the cases of heat stroke are still still high with cases penatalaksanan are different in each country.
Literature Review: Impact Of Temperature And Rainfall On Incident Malaria
Authors: Tiu Ladjumadil Ahmad , Wahid Waode Elfianti , Andriani Waode Yuli , Mirnawati  , Tosepu Ramadhan
Published: May 2021

Malaria is a dangerous infectious disease that is transmitted through the bite of a female Anopheles mosquito. Malaria transmission is closely related to climatic conditions including temperature and rainfall. This article aims to review the impact of temperature and rainfall on the incidence of malaria. The method of this article is a systematic review. The search strategy was developed using the Pubmed, Google, and Google Scholar databases through the combination, terms and keywords “Temperature and malaria” and “Rainfall and malaria”. The results obtained 14 articles that were reviewed. It can be conclude that high temperature and rainfall have an effect on the increase in malaria cases within a certain period of time. The results of the study support the need for an early warning system designed as a form of malaria prevention preparedness. Environmental factors, geographic conditions and regional spatial stratification, socio-economic factors and public health interventions related to incidents of malaria need to be investigated further.
Fertilizer Application, Climate Change and Rice Production in Rural Java
Authors: Irawan Suko , Antriyandarti Ernoiz
Published: May 2021

Increasing rice production has always been the target of the Indonesian government in maintaining food security. Fertilizer application is a widely accepted strategy to sustain or improve rice production. The use of fertilizers can also have an impact on climate change and decrease soil fertility. This study aims to examine whether the fertilizer application and climate change affect rice production in rural Java. This study applies Ordinary Least Square (OLS) model to analyze the primary data collected from 4 main rice producer areas in Central Java and East Java Province. The results show that the current seed use and organic fertilizer have positive impact on rice production. The current use of pesticide and chemical fertilizer has negative effect. Rainfall shock as a proxy of climate change does not have any effect to rice production. This is due to farmers in the study area already having mitigation strategy to avoid the negative impact of climate change, particularly rainfall shock.
A Systematic Literatur The Impact Of The Climate To The Case Of Tuberculosis (TB): A Review
Authors: Dawu Al Edy , Pratiwi Resti Nur , Winda Samsiah , Suparno Agus Supriyanto , Tosepu Ramadhan
Published: May 2021

One of the factors that has an impact on life and threatens human health is climate. so has been significant climate change in recent decades. Infectious disease variety can be affected by climate change and will increase when risk of transmission. One of them is (TB)Tuberculosis has become equally interesting monitoringalongsympathizer data from various studies in various contruction and arrangement. (TB) Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacteria complex tuberculosis mycobabterium that can spread through tiny airborne droplets, which affect the lungs and spread by coughing or sneezing from one person to another. Tuberculosis can spread to other human organs classified the skin, intestines, sexual organs, urinary tract, and bones. With recent advances in case detection, diagnosis, treatment and follow-up care, tuberculosis is still commitments for an estimated 8.6 million new infections and 1.3 million deaths annually worldwide. The WHOassumptions that around 10 million people will have Tuberculosis worldwide in 2019. WHO sets a goal of reducing Tuberculosis morbidity and mortality by 90% and 95%, respectively, between 2015-2035. accurately predicts this epidemic trend. can help estimate peak likelihood and provide a reference for Tuberculosis prevention and control. The purpose of writing this review article is to determine the impact of climate change with the incidence of tuberculosis. The method in this study is a systematic review. The 10 articles obtained the combination, terms and keywords “climate, weather and disease” the result is that climate change creates new transmission opportunities for airborne infections in warm temperature. so that there is a relationship between air temperature and tuberculosis. Solutions to efforts to improve living standards and cutinterna air pollution may be as important as TB-specific observation. This broad public health and ecological emphasis provides broad and synergistic benefits to individuals and communities driven by tuberculosis. The new focus on the importance of Tuberculosis prevention will serve to receive both the profound social nature of the disease and the nature of our response which must be holistic.
Study of the Use of Block Compos on the Growth of Teak (Tectona grandis) in Used Lands of Kapur Stone Mine
Authors: Nurtjahyani Supiana Dian , oktafitria Dwi , Sriwulan  , Arifin Ahmad Zaenal , Purnomo Eko , Santoso Aris , Mustofa Ali
Published: May 2021

The limestone mining area is a karst area that has an important ecological function as a water conservation area. After the mining process, the ex-mining area becomes critical land that is poor in nutrients, decreases soil microbial diversity, increases soil pH and temperature. This study aimed to examine the use of conventional and block compost based on plant height parameters and stem diameter. Block compost was made using the bokashi method with the ingredient of teak leaf litter (Tectona grandis). The composition of leaf litter (30%), manure (40%), and sawdust (30%). Block compost is made by adding adhesive and it is made using a pressing device. Block compost application on plants is very effective compared without block compost. The average plant height with block compost is 163.2 cm, while without block compost is 27 cm. the average of stem growth diameter of plants with block compost of 1.61 cm, while without block compost was 0.71 cm. This shows that block compost is a solution in mining land reclamation.
Synthesis of photocatalytic TiO2-Eu2O3 for phenol decomposition in wastewater
Authors: Tien Mai Van , Hai Le Le Thi
Published: May 2021

Photocatalytic technology has many new applications and great potential in providing clean energy and decomposing organic pollutants in the environment. Among them, TiO2 is a good photochemical catalyst, but has a limitation that is only shown in ultraviolet light. To expand the application of photocatalytic materials using solar radiation in visible light, this research focuses on the semiconductor photochemical transformation process. In this study, TiO2-Eu2O3 nanomaterial was synthesised by the sol-gel method with polyvinyl alcohol used as gelling agent. The effects of the contents of TiO2, Eu2O3 and the sintering temperature of the gel were investigated. The obtained material samples were analysed for characteristics and properties by the surface analysis techniques SEM, EDX, TEM, XRD, the infrared spectrum and the UV–vis molecular absorption spectrum. Analysis of modified TiO2 according to EDX, XRD showed the formation of crystalline and evenly dispersed Eu2O3 particles in TiO2 phases with an average particle size of 20–50 nm. The photocatalytic activity of TiO2-Eu2O3 nanoparticles was determined by the phenol decomposition efficiency in the hypothetical water sample and the actual wastewater samples with a concentration of 10 ppm under ultraviolet light and visible light. The resulting phenol decomposition was more than 90% efficient after about 150 min.
Let’s go green
Authors: McKenzie James
Published: May 2021

James McKenzie believes the UK government’s ambitious 10-point-plan for a “green industrial revolution” can deliver – if we put our collective minds to the problem
Your minds on free will
Authors: Calverd Alan M , Hossenfelder Sabine , Palmer Tim , Allison John
Published: May 2021

In response to Philip Ball’s Forum article “Why free will is beyond physics” (January p17) in which he argues that “free will” is not ruled out by physics – because it doesn’t stem from physics in the first place.
Of life and death
Authors: Day Geraint
Published: May 2021

In response to Peter Wright’s Lateral Thoughts article “Doomsday numbers” (January p52) in which he proposes a set of numbers that are as significant as R, the number of secondary infections produced by a single infected person, but could disrupt the integrity and wellbeing of our planet.
The beams at the edge of physics
Authors: Chapman Kit
Published: May 2021

Creating a new cutting-edge accelerator isn’t cheap or easy. But as Kit Chapman discovers, the upcoming Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) in Michigan promises great things for nuclear physicists especially those with applications in mind
Care-home outbreaks of COVID-19 in Scotland March to May 2020: National linked data cohort analysis
Authors: Burton Jennifer Kirsty , McMinn Megan , Vaughan James E , Fleuriot Jacques , Guthrie Bruce
Published: May 2021

Background

understanding care-home outbreaks of COVID-19 is a key public health priority in the ongoing pandemic to help protect vulnerable residents.

Objective

to describe all outbreaks of COVID-19 infection in Scottish care-homes for older people between 01/03/2020 and 31/05/2020 with follow-up to 30/06/2020.

Design and setting

National linked data cohort analysis of Scottish care-homes for older people.

Methods

data linkage was used to identify outbreaks of COVID-19 in care-homes. Care-home characteristics associated with the presence of an outbreak were examined using logistic regression. Size of outbreaks was modelled using negative binomial regression.

Results

334 (41%) Scottish care-homes for older people experienced an outbreak, with heterogeneity in outbreak size (1–63 cases; median = 6) and duration (1–94 days, median = 31.5 days). Four distinct patterns of outbreak were identified: ‘typical’ (38% of outbreaks, mean 11.2 cases and 48 days duration), severe (11%, mean 29.7 cases and 60 days), contained (37%, mean 3.5 cases and 13 days) and late-onset (14%, mean 5.4 cases and 17 days). Risk of a COVID-19 outbreak increased with increasing care-home size (for ≥90 beds vs <20, adjusted OR = 55.4, 95% CI 15.0–251.7) and rising community prevalence (OR = 1.2 [1.0–1.4] per 100 cases/100,000 population increase). No routinely available care-home characteristic was associated with outbreak size.

Conclusions

reducing community prevalence of COVID-19 infection is essential to protect those living in care-homes. More systematic national data collection to understand care-home residents and the homes in which they live is a priority in ensuring we can respond more effectively in future.
A novel antibacterial peptide recognition algorithm based on BERT
Authors: Zhang Yue , Lin Jianyuan , Zhao Lianmin , Zeng Xiangxiang , Liu Xiangrong
Published: May 2021

As the best substitute for antibiotics, antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have important research significance. Due to the high cost and difficulty of experimental methods for identifying AMPs, more and more researches are focused on using computational methods to solve this problem. Most of the existing calculation methods can identify AMPs through the sequence itself, but there is still room for improvement in recognition accuracy, and there is a problem that the constructed model cannot be universal in each dataset. The pre-training strategy has been applied to many tasks in natural language processing (NLP) and has achieved gratifying results. It also has great application prospects in the field of AMP recognition and prediction. In this paper, we apply the pre-training strategy to the model training of AMP classifiers and propose a novel recognition algorithm. Our model is constructed based on the BERT model, pre-trained with the protein data from UniProt, and then fine-tuned and evaluated on six AMP datasets with large differences. Our model is superior to the existing methods and achieves the goal of accurate identification of datasets with small sample size. We try different word segmentation methods for peptide chains and prove the influence of pre-training steps and balancing datasets on the recognition effect. We find that pre-training on a large number of diverse AMP data, followed by fine-tuning on new data, is beneficial for capturing both new data’s specific features and common features between AMP sequences. Finally, we construct a new AMP dataset, on which we train a general AMP recognition model.
Development of a LAMP assay using a portable device for the real-time detection of cotton leaf curl disease in field conditions
Authors: Rafiq Amna , Ali Waqas Rafique , Asif Muhammad , Ahmed Nasim , Khan Waheed S , Mansoor Shahid , Bajwa Sadia Zafar , Amin Imran
Published: May 2021

Cotton production is seriously affected by the prevalent cotton leaf curl disease (CLCuD) that originated from Nigeria (Africa) to various parts of Asia including Pakistan, India, China and Philippines. Due to CLCuD, Pakistan suffers heavy losses approximately 2 billion USD per annum. Numerous reports showed that CLCuD is associated with multiple species of begomoviruses, alphasatellites and a single species of betasatellite, that is ‘Cotton leaf curl Multan betasatellite’ (CLCuMuB). The most prevalent form of CLCuD is the combination of ‘Cotton leaf curl Kokhran virus’-Burewala strain (CLCuKoV-Bur) and CLCuMuB. Thus, the availability of an in-field assay for the timely detection of CLCuD is important for the control and management of the disease. In this study, a robust method using the loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) assay was developed for the detection of CLCuD. Multiple sets of six primers were designed based on the conserved regions of CLCuKoV-Bur and CLCuMuB-βC1 genes. The results showed that the primer set targeting the CLCuMuB-βC1 gene performed best when the LAMP assay was performed at 58°C using 100 ng of total plant tissue DNA as a template in a 25 µl reaction volume. The limit of detection for the assay was as low as 22 copies of total purified DNA template per reaction. This assay was further adapted to perform as a colorimetric and real-time LAMP assay which proved to be advantageously applied for the rapid and early point-of-care detection of CLCuD in the field. Application of the assay could help to prevent the huge economic losses caused by the disease and contribute to the socio-economic development of underdeveloped countries.
Social Work in the Time of COVID-19: A Case Study from the Global South
Authors: Henley Lee John , Henley Zoey Allen , Hay Kathryn , Chhay Yary , Pheun Sonthea
Published: May 2021

This article explores the experiences of social workers at a non-governmental organisation (NGO) involved in disaster responses to COVID-19 in a rural and resource-challenged region of Cambodia. The views of Khmer and international social workers in the NGO were gathered through an internal auditing process utilising survey and structured conversation methods. Key themes related to the importance of prioritising the safety of staff and clients, effective communication methods, responsiveness of case management systems, public health responses and adapting to emerging needs. To ensure responsiveness to future disaster events consideration should be given in strengthening partnerships, ensuring case management systems are effective for current use but able to be adapted in new circumstances, and that preparation incorporates a focus on diversified funding streams and open communication channels between staff and management. These elements will enable social workers to continue their practice, reassured and with the flexibility required in the post-disaster context.
Being a Parent after a Disaster: The New Normal after the 2009 Victorian Black Saturday Bushfires
Authors: Kosta Lauren , Harms Louise , Gibbs Lisa , Rose David
Published: May 2021

This article explores parental experiences over nearly seven years that followed catastrophic Australian bushfires in 2009. Principles of pragmatism and the constructionist tradition guided the use of semi-structured interviews with parents (nineteen mothers and three fathers) and inductive thematic analysis to distil what participants said about the trauma, loss and disruption caused by the fires, and ways in which they responded as parents. Changes described in their parenting role and family life were themed as ‘losing normal’ which encompassed managing additional exposures, losing fun and living at their capacity. Parents then evinced the struggle of settling and seeking to regain a sense of normal. This theme highlighted tensions, pressures and expectations they faced (their own and external) in trying to get back to normal, along with extended recovery timeframes. Participants valued strategies to provide stability, familiarity and manage their own emotions. The analysis highlights the influence of the parental role on an experience of trauma, the range of losses and the extended experience of disaster recovery for parents. Insights for social work practice are discussed, including the potential to inform expectations of recovery timeframes and supporting parents and their families to reconstruct their sense of normal in their new, post-disaster context.
Adapting Service Delivery during COVID-19: Experiences of Domestic Violence Practitioners
Authors: Cortis Natasha , Smyth Ciara , valentine Kylie , Breckenridge Jan , Cullen Patricia
Published: May 2021

COVID-19 rapidly altered patterns of domestic and family violence, increasing the complexity of women’s needs, and presenting new barriers to service use. This article examines service responses in Australia, exploring practitioners' accounts of adapting service delivery models in the early months of the pandemic. Data from a qualitatively enriched online survey of practitioners (n = 100) show the ways services rapidly shifted to engage with clients via remote, technology-mediated modes, as physical distancing requirements triggered rapid expansion in the use of phone, email, video calls and messaging, and many face-to-face interventions temporarily ceased. Many practitioners and service managers found that remote service delivery improved accessibility and efficiency. Others expressed concerns about their capacity to assess risk without face-to-face contact, and were unsure whether new service modalities would meet the needs of all client groups and reflect best practice. Findings attest to practitioners' mixed experiences during this period of rapid service innovation and change, and underline the importance of monitoring emerging approaches to establish which service adaptations are effective for different groups of people, and to determine good practice for combining remote and face-to-face service options in the longer term.
Colonization With Fluoroquinolone-Resistant Enterobacterales Decreases the Effectiveness of Fluoroquinolone Prophylaxis in Hematopoietic Cell Transplant Recipients
Authors: Satlin Michael J , Chen Liang , Douglass Claire , Hovan Michael , Davidson Emily , Soave Rosemary , La Spina Marisa , Gomez-Arteaga Alexandra , van Besien Koen , Mayer Sebastian , Phillips Adrienne , Hsu Jing-Mei , Malherbe Rianna , Small Catherine B , Jenkins Stephen G , Westblade Lars F , Kreiswirth Barry N , Walsh Thomas J
Published: May 2021

Background

Levofloxacin prophylaxis is recommended to prevent gram-negative bloodstream infections (BSIs) in patients with prolonged chemotherapy-induced neutropenia. However, increasing fluoroquinolone resistance may decrease the effectiveness of this approach.

Methods

We assessed the prevalence of colonization with fluoroquinolone-resistant Enterobacterales (FQRE) among patients admitted for hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) from November 2016 to August 2019 and compared the risk of gram-negative BSI between FQRE-colonized and noncolonized patients. All patients received levofloxacin prophylaxis during neutropenia. Stool samples were collected upon admission for HCT and weekly thereafter until recovery from neutropenia, and underwent selective culture for FQRE. All isolates were identified and underwent antimicrobial susceptibility testing by broth microdilution. FQRE isolates also underwent whole-genome sequencing.

Results

Fifty-four of 234 (23%) patients were colonized with FQRE prior to HCT, including 30 of 119 (25%) allogeneic and 24 of 115 (21%) autologous HCT recipients. Recent antibacterial use was associated with FQRE colonization (P = .048). Ninety-one percent of colonizing FQRE isolates were Escherichia coli and 29% produced extended-spectrum β-lactamases. Seventeen (31%) FQRE-colonized patients developed gram-negative BSI despite levofloxacin prophylaxis, compared to only 2 of 180 (1.1%) patients who were not colonized with FQRE on admission (P < .001). Of the 17 gram-negative BSIs in FQRE-colonized patients, 15 (88%) were caused by FQRE isolates that were genetically identical to the colonizing strain.

Conclusions

Nearly one-third of HCT recipients with pretransplant FQRE colonization developed gram-negative BSI while receiving levofloxacin prophylaxis, and infections were typically caused by their colonizing strains. In contrast, levofloxacin prophylaxis was highly effective in patients not initially colonized with FQRE.
Role of Epithelial–Endothelial Cell Interaction in the Pathogenesis of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) Infection
Authors: Hui Kenrie Pui-Yan , Cheung Man-Chun , Lai Ka-Ling , Ng Ka-Chun , Ho John Chi-Wang , Peiris Malik , Nicholls John Malcolm , Chan Michael Chi-Wai
Published: May 2021

Background

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic caused by the novel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) continues to threaten public health globally. Patients with severe COVID-19 disease progress to acute respiratory distress syndrome, with respiratory and multiple organ failure. It is believed that dysregulated production of proinflammatory cytokines and endothelial dysfunction contribute to the pathogenesis of severe diseases. However, the mechanisms of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and the role of endothelial cells are poorly understood.

Methods

Well-differentiated human airway epithelial cells were used to explore cytokine and chemokine production after SARS-CoV-2 infection. We measured the susceptibility to infection, immune response, and expression of adhesion molecules in human pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (HPMVECs) exposed to conditioned medium from infected epithelial cells. The effect of imatinib on HPMVECs exposed to conditioned medium was evaluated.

Results

We demonstrated the production of interleukin-6, interferon gamma-induced protein-10, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 from the infected human airway cells after infection with SARS-CoV-2. Although HPMVECs did not support productive replication of SARS-CoV-2, treatment of HPMVECs with conditioned medium collected from infected airway cells induced an upregulation of proinflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and vascular adhesion molecules. Imatinib inhibited the upregulation of these cytokines, chemokines, and adhesion molecules in HPMVECs treated with conditioned medium.

Conclusions

We evaluated the role of endothelial cells in the development of clinical disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 and the importance of endothelial cell–epithelial cell interaction in the pathogenesis of human COVID-19 diseases.
Risk Factors for Infection and Health Impacts of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic in People With Autoimmune Diseases
Authors: Fitzgerald Kathryn C , Mecoli Christopher A , Douglas Morgan , Harris Samantha , Aravidis Berna , Albayda Jemima , Sotirchos Elias S , Hoke Ahmet , Orbai Ana-Maria , Petri Michelle , Christopher-Stine Lisa , Baer Alan N , Paik Julie J , Adler Brittany L , Tiniakou Eleni , Timlin Homa , Bhargava Pavan , Newsome Scott D , Venkatesan Arun , Chaudhry Vinay , Lloyd Thomas E , Pardo Carlos A , Stern Barney J , Lazarev Mark , Truta Brindusa , Saidha Shiv , Chen Edward S , Sharp Michelle , Gilotra Nisha , Kasper Edward K , Gelber Allan C , Bingham Clifton O , Shah Ami A , Mowry Ellen M
Published: May 2021

Background

People with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions taking immunomodulatory/suppressive medications may have higher risk of novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Chronic disease care has also changed for many patients, with uncertain downstream consequences.

Methods

We included participants with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions followed by specialists at Johns Hopkins. Participants completed periodic surveys querying comorbidities, disease-modifying medications, exposures, COVID-19 testing and outcomes, social behaviors, and disruptions to healthcare. We assessed whether COVID-19 risk is higher among those on immunomodulating or suppressive agents and characterized pandemic-associated changes to care and mental health.

Results

In total, 265 (5.6%) developed COVID-19 over 9 months of follow-up (April–December 2020). Patient characteristics (age, race, comorbidity, medications) were associated with differences in social distancing behaviors during the pandemic. Glucocorticoid exposure was associated with higher odds of COVID-19 in models incorporating behavior and other potential confounders (odds ratio [OR]: 1.43; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.08, 1.89). Other medication classes were not associated with COVID-19 risk. Diabetes (OR: 1.72; 95% CI: 1.08, 2.73), cardiovascular disease (OR: 1.68; 95% CI: 1.24, 2.28), and kidney disease (OR: 1.76; 95% CI: 1.04, 2.97) were associated with higher odds of COVID-19. Of the 2156 reporting pre-pandemic utilization of infusion, mental health or rehabilitative services, 975 (45.2%) reported disruptions therein, which disproportionately affected individuals experiencing changes to employment or income.

Conclusions

Glucocorticoid exposure may increase risk of COVID-19 in people with autoimmune or inflammatory conditions. Disruption to healthcare and related services was common. Those with pandemic-related reduced income may be most vulnerable to care disruptions.
Localized Induced Defenses Limit Gall Formation by Eriophyid Mite Against Invasive Lygodium microphyllum (Schizaeales: Lygodiaceae)
Authors: David Aaron S , Carmona Cortes Andrea , Wheeler Gregory S , Lake Ellen C
Published: May 2021

A potential barrier to the establishment of weed biological control agents is interference from other management tactics that induce plant defenses. Methods that suppress the weed such as feeding by other biological control agents or mechanical removal are especially disposed to inducing plant defenses and potentially limiting agent establishment. Here, we focused on the invasive weed Lygodium microphyllum (Cav.) R. Br. (Schizaeales: Lygodiaceae, Old World climbing fern) and one of its biological control agents, the mite Floracarus perrepae Knihinicki and Boczek (Acariformes: Eriophyidae). We experimentally induced plant defenses in potted plants via damage or application of jasmonic acid, a hormone typically involved in plant defenses, and measured the responses of the mite in a screenhouse. Localized damage to the pinnae (e.g., leaflets) via cutting or larval feeding from a second biological control agent, Neomusotima conspurcatalis (Warren) (Lepidoptera; Crambidae), reduced F. perrepae gall formation, but not the number of mites per gall. In contrast, damage to rachises (e.g., stems) did not affect galling, likely because plant defense responses were not systemic. Application of jasmonic acid reduced gall formation but not the numbers of mites within galls. Taken together, we found that localized damage interfered with gall formation but not within-gall reproduction. However, these effects on the mite from induced plant defenses are likely short-lived, and therefore interference between management tactics is unlikely to affect F. perrepae establishment and performance.
Dimensionality of Party Politics of Foreign Policy: Spatial Modeling of Slovakia's National Council
Authors: Onderco Michal , Joosen Rik
Published: May 2021

Recent scholarship on parties and foreign policy argues that foreign policy preferences seem to be split along the same lines as the general policy disputes. We use spatial modeling to analyze whether this is indeed the case. Drawing on the unique complete sample of all votes in the Slovakia's National Council from 2002 through 2019, our results suggest that the split over foreign policy is much smaller than the general policy divide. Contrary to expectations, this split does not follow the left–right distinction. The results suggest that the government–opposition split remains in the foreign policy as well.
Cardiometabolic Therapy and Mortality in Very Old Patients With Diabetes Hospitalized due to COVID-19
Authors: Ramos-Rincón Jose Manuel , Pérez-Belmonte Luis M , Carrasco-Sánchez Francisco Javier , Jansen-Chaparro Sergio , De-Sousa-Baena Mercedes , Bueno-Fonseca José , Pérez-Aguilar Maria , Arévalo-Cañas Coral , Bacete Cebrian Marta , Méndez-Bailón Manuel , Fiteni Mera Isabel , González García Andrés , Navarro Romero Francisco , Tuñón de Almeida Carlota , Muñiz Nicolás Gemma , González Noya Amara , Hernández Milian Almudena , García García Gema María , Alcalá Pedrajas José Nicolás , Herrero García Virginia , Corral-Gudino Luis , Comas Casanova Pere , Meijide Míguez Héctor , Casas-Rojo José Manuel , Gómez-Huelgas Ricardo ,   SEMI-COVID-19 Network
Published: May 2021

Background

The effects of cardiometabolic drugs on the prognosis of diabetic patients with COVID-19, especially very old patients, are not well known. This work was aimed to analyze the association between preadmission cardiometabolic therapy (antidiabetic, antiaggregant, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering drugs) and in-hospital mortality among patients ≥80 years with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) hospitalized for COVID-19.

Method

We conducted a nationwide, multicenter, observational study in patients ≥80 years with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19 between March 1 and May 29, 2020. The primary outcome measure was in-hospital mortality. A multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between preadmission cardiometabolic therapy and in-hospital mortality.

Results

Of the 2 763 patients ≥80 years old hospitalized due to COVID-19, 790 (28.6%) had T2DM. Of these patients, 385 (48.7%) died during admission. On the multivariate analysis, the use of dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.502, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.309–0.815, p = .005) and angiotensin receptor blockers (AOR 0.454, 95% CI: 0.274–0.759, p = .003) were independent protectors against in-hospital mortality, whereas the use of acetylsalicylic acid was associated with higher in-hospital mortality (AOR 1.761, 95% CI: 1.092–2.842, p = .020). Other antidiabetic drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins showed neutral association with in-hospital mortality.

Conclusions

We found important differences between cardiometabolic drugs and in-hospital mortality in older patients with T2DM hospitalized for COVID-19. Preadmission treatment with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers could reduce in-hospital mortality; other antidiabetic drugs, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, and statins seem to have a neutral effect; and acetylsalicylic acid could be associated with excess mortality.
Galectin-1 impacts on glucose homeostasis by modulating pancreatic insulin release
Authors: Sundblad Victoria , Garcia-Tornadu Isabel A , Ornstein Ana M , Martínez Allo Verónica C , Lorenzo Rodrigo , Gatto Sabrina G , Morales Rosa M , Gambarte Tudela Julián A , Manselle Cocco Montana N , Croci Diego O , Becu-Villalobos Damasia , Rabinovich Gabriel A
Published: May 2021

Type-2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is an expanding global health problem, involving defective insulin secretion by pancreatic β-cells and peripheral insulin resistance, leading to impaired glucose regulation. Galectin-1—an endogenous lectin with affinity for N-acetyllactosamine (LacNAc)-containing glycans—has emerged as a regulator of inflammatory and metabolic disorders. However, the role of galectin-1 in glucose homeostasis and pancreatic β-cell function, independently of hypercaloric diets, has not been explored. Here, we identified a phenotype compatible with T2DM, involving alterations in glucose metabolism and pancreatic insulin release, in female but not male mice lacking galectin-1 (Lgals1−/−). Compared with age-matched controls, Lgals1−/− female mice exhibited higher body weight and increased food intake ad libitum as well as after fasting and acute re-feeding. Although fasted serum insulin levels and insulin sensitivity were similar in both genotypes, Lgals1−/− female mice presented altered glucose tolerance and higher basal glucose levels depending on the fasting period. Insulin response to glucose overload was impaired, while pancreatic insulin content was enhanced in the absence of galectin-1. Accordingly, recombinant galectin-1 enhanced glucose-stimulated insulin release in vitro. Our study identifies a role for galectin-1 in regulating glucose metabolism through modulation of pancreatic insulin secretion, highlighting novel opportunities to control T2DM.
A Tail of Four Fishes: An Analysis of Kinematics and Material Properties of Elongate Fishes
Authors: Naughton Lydia F , Kruppert Sebastian , Jackson Beverly , Porter Marianne E , Donatelli Cassandra M
Published: May 2021

Synopsis

The elongate body plan is present in many groups of fishes, and this morphology dictates functional consequences seen in swimming behavior. Previous work has shown that increasing the number of vertebrae, or decreasing the intervertebral joint length, in a fixed length artificial system increases stiffness. Tails with increased stiffness can generate more power from tail beats, resulting in an increased mean swimming speed. This demonstrates the impacts of morphology on both material properties and kinematics, establishing mechanisms for form contributing to function. Here, we wanted to investigate relationships between form and ecological function, such as differences in dietary strategies and habitat preferences among fish species. This study aims to characterize and compare the kinematics, material properties, and vertebral morphology of four species of elongate fishes: Anoplarchus insignis, Anoplarchus purpurescens, Xiphister atropurpureus, and Xiphister mucosus. We hypothesized that these properties would differ among the four species due to their differential ecological niches. To calculate kinematic variables, we filmed these fishes swimming volitionally. We also measured body stiffness by bending the abdominal and tail regions of sacrificed individuals in different stages of dissection (whole body, removed skin, and removed muscle). Finally, we counted the number of vertebrae from CT scans of each species to quantify vertebral morphology. Principal component and linear discriminant analyses suggested that the elongate fish species can be distinguished from one another by their material properties, morphology, and swimming kinematics. With this information combined, we can draw connections between the physical properties of the fishes and their ecological niches.
Endovascular treatment of the dissected proximal aortic arch: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Changtian , von Segesser Ludwig Karl , Berdajs Denis , Ferrari Enrico
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES

Surgical repair of aortic dissection involving the proximal aortic arch is associated with higher morbidity and mortality, in particular when elderly high-risk patients are concerned. Endovascular treatments for this disease are under evaluation and some reports exist. We investigated the current use of catheter-based treatments for the dissected proximal aortic arch repair.

METHODS

We searched in PubMed and MEDLINE databases up to the end of June 2020 for studies on endovascular treatment of the dissected proximal aortic arch. Data on demographic, procedure and stent graft (SG) details, access route, mortality with cause of death, complications and follow-up were extracted. A systematic review on the employed technology, procedure and outcome was performed.

RESULTS

A total number of 15 articles (13 retrospective reports and 2 case reports) were deemed eligible and were included in the study. In total, 140 patients (mean age: 56.7 years in 106 cases) received endovascular treatments for the dissected proximal aortic arch (unspecific aortic dissection: 14; acute and subacute type A aortic dissection: 88; chronic type A aortic dissection: 23; type B aortic dissection with retrograde type A dissection: 15). The procedure strategy included unspecific thoracic endovascular aorta repair (TEVAR) (n = 8), TEVAR + supra-aortic debranching (n = 2), TEVAR + cervical bypass (n = 8), TEVAR + periscope SG (n = 12), TEVAR + chimney graft (n = 8), TEVAR + branched SG (n = 21) and TEVAR + fenestration (n = 81). Procedural success rate was 95.6% for 116 reported cases. Complications included endoleaks (postoperative: 2; late: 5), stroke (n = 4), late SG-induced new entry (n = 3) and new false lumen formation (n = 1). Hospital mortality was 5% (6 cases) in 13 reports (120 patients). The mean follow-up time was 26.2 ± 29.4 months and 2 patients died during follow-up.

CONCLUSIONS

As an alternative to surgery for high-risk patients with a dissected proximal aortic arch, the endovascular treatment seems to be promising in highly selected cases. Further studies with long-term results and specifically designed devices are required to standardize this approach.
Domes over Curves
Authors: Glazyrin Alexey , Pak Igor
Published: May 2021

A closed piecewise linear curve is called integral if it is composed of unit intervals. Kenyon’s problem asks whether for every integral curve $\gamma $ in ${\mathbb{R}}^3$, there is a dome over $\gamma $, that is, whether $\gamma $ is a boundary of a polyhedral surface whose faces are equilateral triangles with unit edge lengths. First, we give an algebraic necessary condition when $\gamma $ is a quadrilateral, thus giving a negative solution to Kenyon’s problem in full generality. We then prove that domes exist over a dense set of integral curves. Finally, we give an explicit construction of domes over all regular $n$-gons.