bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence of anterior uveitis in patients with axial spondyloarthritis treated with anti-TNF or anti-IL17A: a systematic review, a pairwise and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Roche Damien , Badard Martin , Boyer Laurent , Lafforgue Pierre , Pham Thao
Published: July 2021

Background

Anterior uveitis (AU) is the most frequent extra-articular feature of axial spondyloarthritis (axSpA). We aimed to assess and compare the incidence of AU in axSpA patients treated with anti-TNF or anti-IL17A.

Methods

We systematically reviewed PubMed, EMBase, and Cochrane from inception to May 3, 2020, and searched for placebo-controlled and head-to-head randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing anti-TNF monoclonal antibodies (mAb) or soluble receptor fusion protein or anti-IL17A in patients with axSpA according to ASAS criteria and reporting safety data on AU. Data were extracted following a predefined protocol. We did pairwise and network meta-analyses for the primary outcome of AU flares (relapse or de novo) incidence and estimated summary odds ratios (ORs). We assessed the quality of evidence using the Cochrane risk-of-bias 2.0 tool. We ranked treatments according to their effectiveness in preventing AU flare using the P-score.

Results

We identified 752 citations and included 33 RCTs, comprising 4544 treated patients (anti-TNF mAb 2101, etanercept [ETN] 699, anti-IL17A 1744) and 2497 placebo-receiving patients. Incidence of uveitis was lower with anti-TNF mAb versus placebo (OR = 0.46; CI 95% [0.24; 0.90]) and versus anti-IL17A (OR = 0.34; CI 95% [0.12; 0.92]. According to the P-score, the ranking from the most to the least preventive treatment of uveitis flare was as follows: anti-TNF mAb, ETN, placebo, and anti-IL17A.

Conclusion

In RCTs assessing anti-TNF and anti-IL17A in axSpA, incident uveitis are rare events. However, this network meta-analysis demonstrates that anti-TNF mAb are associated with a lower incidence of uveitis compared to placebo and anti-IL17A.
The dynamics of a Leslie type predator–prey model with fear and Allee effect
Authors: Vinoth S. , Sivasamy R. , Sathiyanathan K. , Unyong Bundit , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Vadivel R. , Gunasekaran Nallappan
Published: July 2021

In this article, we discuss the dynamics of a Leslie–Gower ratio-dependent predator–prey model incorporating fear in the prey population. Moreover, the Allee effect in the predator growth is added into account from both biological and mathematical points of view. We explore the influence of the Allee and fear effect on the existence of all positive equilibria. Furthermore, the local stability properties and possible bifurcation behaviors of the proposed system about positive equilibria are discussed with the help of trace and determinant values of the Jacobian matrix. With the help of Sotomayor’s theorem, the conditions for existence of saddle-node bifurcation are derived. Also, we show that the proposed system admits limit cycle dynamics, and its stability is discussed with the value of first Lyapunov coefficient. Moreover, the numerical simulations including phase portrait, one- and two-parameter bifurcation diagrams are performed to validate our important findings.
Tropospheric dispersive phase anomalies during heavy rain detected by L-band InSAR and their interpretation
Authors: Setiawan Naufal , Furuya Masato
Published: July 2021

The split-spectrum method (SSM) can largely isolate and correct for the ionospheric contribution in the L-band interferometric synthetic aperture radar (InSAR). The standard SSM is performed on the assumption of only the first-order ionospheric dispersive effect, which is proportional to the total electron content (TEC). It is also known that during extreme atmospheric events, either originated from the ionosphere or in the troposphere, other dispersive effects do exist and potentially provide new insights into the dynamics of the atmosphere, but there have been few detection reports of such signals by InSAR. We apply L-band InSAR into heavy rain cases and examine the applicability and limitation of the standard SSM. Since no events such as earthquakes to cause surface deformation took place, the non-dispersive component is apparently attributable to the large amount of water vapor associated with heavy rain, whereas there are spotty anomalies in the dispersive component that are closely correlated with the heavy rain area. The ionosonde and Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) rate of total electron content index (ROTI) map both show little anomalies during the heavy rain, which suggests few ionospheric disturbances. Therefore, we interpret that the spotty anomalies in the dispersive component of the standard SSM during heavy rain are originated in the troposphere. While we can consider two physical mechanisms, one is runaway electron avalanche and the other is the dispersive effect due to rain, comparison with the observations from the ground-based lightning detection network and rain gauge data, we conclude that the rain dispersive effect is spatiotemporally favorable. We further propose a formulation to examine if another dispersive phase than the first-order TEC effect is present and apply it to the heavy rain cases as well as two extreme ionospheric sporadic-E events. Our formulation successfully isolates the presence of another dispersive phase during heavy rain that is in positive correlation with the local rain rate. In comparison with other dispersive phases during Sporadic-E episodes, the dispersive heavy rain phases seem to have the same order of magnitude with the ionospheric higher order effects.
Forest management for optimizing soil protection: a landscape-level approach
Authors: Rodrigues Ana Raquel , Marques Susete , Botequim Brigite , Marto Marco , Borges José G.
Published: July 2021

Background

Soil erosion is still identified as the main cause of land degradation worldwide, threatening soil functions and driving several research and policy efforts to reverse it. Trees are commonly associated to some of the most successful land-use systems to achieve soil protection goals, but the extent to which forest ecosystems reduce erosion risks can largely depend on management decisions and associated silvicultural practices. Optimization tools can assist foresters in solving the complex planning problem they face, concerning the demand for different, and often conflicting, ecosystem services. A resource capability model (RCM), based on a linear programming approach, was built and solved for a forest landscape management problem in Northwest Portugal, over a 90-years planning horizon, divided in 10-years periods.

Results

Timber provision and soil erosion were found to be in trade-off. The management alternatives included in the model were proven to be sufficiently flexible to obtain the desired level of timber yield, both in volume and even distribution along the planning horizon, while ensuring lower levels of soil loss estimates (below 35 Mg∙ha− 1∙year− 1). However, under climate change conditions, compatible with an increasing greenhouse gases emission scenario, potential landscape soil erosion may be enhanced up to 46 Mg∙ha− 1∙year− 1 in critical periods.

Conclusions

Soil conservation concerns in landscape-level forest management planning can be addressed by LP-based optimization methods. Besides providing an optimal management solution at landscape level, this approach enables a comprehensive analysis of the RCM, possible trade-offs and potential changes towards uncertainties.
Metabolism and biomarkers of heterocyclic aromatic amines in humans
Authors: Bellamri Medjda , Walmsley Scott J. , Turesky Robert J.
Published: July 2021

Heterocyclic aromatic amines (HAAs) form during the high-temperature cooking of meats, poultry, and fish. Some HAAs also arise during the combustion of tobacco. HAAs are multisite carcinogens in rodents, inducing cancer of the liver, gastrointestinal tract, pancreas, mammary, and prostate glands. HAAs undergo metabolic activation by N-hydroxylation of the exocyclic amine groups to produce the proposed reactive intermediate, the heteroaryl nitrenium ion, which is the critical metabolite implicated in DNA damage and genotoxicity. Humans efficiently convert HAAs to these reactive intermediates, resulting in HAA protein and DNA adduct formation. Some epidemiologic studies have reported an association between frequent consumption of well-done cooked meats and elevated cancer risk of the colorectum, pancreas, and prostate. However, other studies have reported no associations between cooked meat and these cancer sites. A significant limitation in epidemiology studies assessing the role of HAAs and cooked meat in cancer risk is their reliance on food frequency questionnaires (FFQ) to gauge HAA exposure. FFQs are problematic because of limitations in self-reported dietary history accuracy, and estimating HAA intake formed in cooked meats at the parts-per-billion level is challenging. There is a critical need to establish long-lived biomarkers of HAAs for implementation in molecular epidemiology studies designed to assess the role of HAAs in health risk. This review article highlights the mechanisms of HAA formation, mutagenesis and carcinogenesis, the metabolism of several prominent HAAs, and the impact of critical xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes on biological effects. The analytical approaches that have successfully biomonitored HAAs and their biomarkers for molecular epidemiology studies are presented.
Is fast-food consumption a problem among adolescents in Malaysia? An analysis of the National School-Based Nutrition Survey, 2012
Authors: Man Cheong Siew , Hock Lim Kuang , Ying Chan Ying , Cheong Kee Chee , Kuay Lim Kuang , Huey Teh Chien , Baharudin Azli , Aziz Nur Shahida Abdul
Published: July 2021

Background

Fast-food consumption is an unhealthy dietary behaviour because it increases the risk of diet-related chronic diseases. We aimed to investigate factors associated with fast-food consumption, namely sociodemographic characteristics, body mass index-for-age, meal away from home habit, and intake of various food groups among adolescents in Malaysia.

Methods

We analysed data from the National School-Based Nutrition Survey (NSNS). The NSNS was a nationwide, cross-sectional survey. Multiple-stage stratified cluster random sampling method was applied to obtain a representative sample of adolescents’ population. This study recruited adolescents aged 10–18 years who were attending schools. Pre-tested self-administered questionnaires in Malay language were used to obtain relevant information. Frequency of fast-food consumption per week was classified into three groups: “consumed fast-food four to seven days”, “consumed fast-food one to three days”, and “did not consume fast-food”. Intake of food groups was assessed by self-administered food frequency questionnaire. Descriptive and complex sample multinomial logistic regression analyses were performed in data analysis.

Results

A total of 26,383 from 40,012 selected adolescents completed all the relevant questions for this study. Of those surveyed, 13.5% of the respondents consumed fast-food 4 to 7 days, 69.3% of the respondents consumed fast food 1 to 3 days, and 17.2% of them did not consume fast-food in a typical week. Frequency of fast-food consumptions (4 to 7 days and 1 to 3 days per week) was significantly associated with age; sex; ethnicity; locality of schools; frequency of eating out; and not consuming recommended intake of cereals or grains, vegetables, and meat or poultry or eggs.

Conclusion

In conclusion, age; sex; ethnicity; locality of schools; frequency of eating out per week; imbalanced intake of cereals or grains, meat, or poultry or eggs; and inadequate vegetable intake were significantly associated with fast-food consumption among adolescents in Malaysia. The findings of this study will be useful for policy makers in promoting healthy food choices among adolescents in Malaysia.
Analysis of outcomes of endovascular embolisation: A cross-sectional two-center study on 46 visceral artery pseudoaneurysms
Authors: Omar Mohammad Koriem Mahmoud , Othman Moustafa H M , Morgan Robert , Abdallah Abdelkarem Hasan , Seif Hany , Zidan Mohamed , Khairallah Mahmoud , El-Aleem Reham Abd
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Visceral artery pseudoaneurysms (VAPAs) are uncommon in clinical practice but may have serious clinical outcomes up to death. Endovascular management is a safe effective alternative option to traditional surgical procedures. This study assesses the outcome of different embolic materials and techniques used in the endovascular management of VAPAs.

Materials and methods

This is a two-center retrospective analysis of endovascular embolisation of 46 VAPAs, with a mean pseudoaneurysm size of 13 ± 11.35 mm, that were urgently managed between July 2018 and March 2020. Patients’ presentations were GIT hemorrhage, intrabdominal hemorrhage, hematuria, and abdominal pain in 34.78%, 30.43%, 23.91%, and 10.87% respectively. Management using coils only was done in 28/46 patients (60.87%), NBCA glue only in 16/46 patients (34.78%), combined coils and NBCA glue in 1/46 patient (2.17%), and Amplatzer plugs only in 1 patient (2.17%). The management techniques were sac packing in 9/46 patients (19.57%), inflow occlusion in 28/46 patients (60.87%) and trapping in 9/46 patients (19.57%). All patients were followed-up for 1 year after the procedure.

Results

The overall clinical success and periprocedural complication rates were 93.48%, and 15.22% respectively, and 30-day mortality was zero. Clinical success was 92.86% in the coil subgroup (n = 28), and 93.75% in the NBCA glue subgroup (n = 16). The technical success rate was 100%. Effectiveness of the procedures during the follow-up was 97.83%. Target lesion re-intervention rate was 2.17%.

Conclusion

Transarterial embolisation can provide high technical and clinical success rates with low periprocedural complication and re-intervention rates, as well as satisfactory procedure effectiveness in the management of VAPAs.
Suicide reattempt in a population-wide brief contact intervention to prevent suicide attempts: The VigilanS program, France
Authors: Fossi Larissa D. , Debien Christophe , Demarty Anne-Laure , Vaiva Guillaume , Messiah Antoine
Published: July 2021

Objective

Among the postcrisis suicide prevention programmes, brief contact interventions (BCIs) have been proven to be efficient. VigilanS generalizes to a whole French region a BCI combining resource cards, telephone calls, and sending postcards, according to a predefined algorithm. However, a major problem in suicide prevention is the suicide reattempt, which can lead to final suicide. Here, we analyze the suicide reattempt in VigilanS.

Methods

The study concerned patients included in VigilanS over the period from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2018, with an end of follow-up on July 1, 2019. We performed a series of descriptive analyses, survival curves, and regressions. The outcome was the suicide reattempt, and the predictive variables were the characteristics of the patient at entry and during follow-up in VigilanS. Age and sex were considered as adjustment variables.

Results

A total of 11,879 inclusions occurred during the study period, corresponding to 10,666 different patients, among which 905 reattempted suicide. More than half were primary suicide attempters (53.4%). A significant relationship with suicide reattempt was identified for the following characteristics: being a non-primary suicide attempter, having attempted suicide by voluntary drug intoxication and phlebotomy, alcohol consumption among primary suicide attempters, and having no companion at the emergency room visit among non-primary suicide attempters. Hanging (as suicide method), having made no call to VigilanS were protective factors.

Conclusion

This study provides us with a valuable insight into the profiles of patients repeating a suicide attempts, which is important for suicide prevention in general.
H4K20me3 marks distal intergenic and repetitive regions in human mature spermatozoa
Authors: Ozturk Nihan , Dansranjavin Temuujin , Gies Sabrina , Calay Damien , Shiplu Shanjid , Creppe Catherine , Hendrickx Jan , Schagdarsurengin Undraga
Published: July 2021

Sperm histones represent an essential part of the paternally transmitted epigenome, but uncertainty exists about the role of those remaining in non-coding and repetitive DNA. We therefore analyzed the genome-wide distribution of the heterochromatic marker H4K20me3 in human sperm and somatic (K562) cells. To specify the function of sperm histones, we compared all H4K20me3-containing and -free loci in the sperm genome. Sperm and somatic cells possessed a very similar H4K20me3 distribution: H4K20me3 peaks occurred mostly in distal intergenic regions and repetitive gene clusters (in particular genes encoding odorant-binding factors and zinc-finger antiviral proteins). In both cell types, H4K20me3 peaks were enriched in LINEs, ERVs, satellite DNA and low complexity repeats. In contrast, H4K20me3-free nucleosomes occurred more frequently in genic regions (in particular promoters, exons, 5′-UTR and 3′-UTR) and were enriched in genes encoding developmental factors (in particular transcription activators and repressors). H4K20me3-free nucleosomes were also detected in substantial quantities in distal intergenic regions and were enriched in SINEs. Thus, evidence suggests that paternally transmitted histones may have a dual purpose: maintenance and regulation of heterochromatin and guidance towards transcription of euchromatin.
Single-cell transcriptome profiling of the human developing spinal cord reveals a conserved genetic programme with human-specific features
Authors: Rayon Teresa , Maizels Rory J. , Barrington Christopher , Briscoe James
Published: July 2021

The spinal cord receives input from peripheral sensory neurons and controls motor output by regulating muscle innervating motor neurons. These functions are carried out by neural circuits comprising molecularly distinct neuronal subtypes generated in a characteristic spatiotemporal arrangement from progenitors in the embryonic neural tube. To gain insight into the diversity and complexity of cells in the developing human neural tube, we used single-cell mRNA sequencing to profile cervical and thoracic regions in four human embryos of Carnegie stages (CS) CS12, CS14, CS17 and CS19 from gestational weeks 4-7. Analysis of progenitor and neuronal populations from the neural tube and dorsal root ganglia identified dozens of distinct cell types and facilitated the reconstruction of the differentiation pathways of specific neuronal subtypes. Comparison with mouse revealed overall similarity of mammalian neural tube development while highlighting some human-specific features. These data provide a catalogue of gene expression and cell type identity in the human neural tube that will support future studies of sensory and motor control systems. The data can be explored at https://shiny.crick.ac.uk/scviewer/neuraltube/.
Factors associated with knowledge, attitudes and preventive practices towards COVID-19 in health care professionals in Lima, Peru
Authors: Rivera-Lozada Oriana , Galvez Cesar Augusto , Castro-Alzate Elvis , Bonilla-Asalde Cesar Antonio
Published: July 2021

Background: Nowadays, we are facing a disease caused by SARS-CoV-2, known globally as COVID-19, which is considered a threat to global health due to its high contagiousness and rapid spread. Methods: Analytical cross-sectional study in 302 health professionals. An online questionnaire consisting of questions about knowledge, attitudes and practices (KAP) towards COVID-19 was applied. Socio-demographic, occupational and comorbidities factors were explored. Simple and multiple logistic regression models were used to identify factors associated with KAP. Results: Of the total, 25.2%, 31.5% and 37.4% had high levels of knowledge, preventive practices and risk perception attitudes respectively. Being married (aOR=6.75), having a master's degree (aOR= 0.41), having a working day with less than ten hours (ORa=0.49) and obesity (aOR=0.38) were associated with a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. The variables associated with preventive practices were being over the age of 50 (aOR=0.52), working in the hospitalization area (aOR=1.86) and having comorbidities such as arterial hypertension (aOR=0.28) and obesity (aOR=0.35). In relation to negative attitudes towards COVID 19, it was found that physical contact with patients with a confirmed diagnosis (aOR=1.84) and having asthma (aOR=2.13) were associated with these attitudes. Conclusion: Being married, having a master's degree, working less than ten hours were associated with having a low level of knowledge of COVID-19. Being older than 50, working in the hospitalization area were associated with preventive practices. Physical contact with COVID-19 patients was associated with negative attitudes.
Regulating Related Party Transactions During the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Toniolo Anna
Published: July 2021

Related party transactions ("RPTs") are frequently used as a tool for siphoning off value from a company, but they can also be an efficient instrument for assisting firms. The trade-off between stopping value-decreasing RPTs and promoting value-increasing RPTs requires lawmakers to seek an optimal balance, relying on several contingent factors. This paper highlights the strong interdependency between RPTs regulation and economic changes. After the 2008 crisis, policymakers have enhanced minority shareholders' control over RPTs, considering their involvement as the most effective safeguard against tunnelling. During the COVID-19 crisis, governments have introduced exemptions to the rules on RPTs, even if they might weaken minority shareholders' protection. The reason is that firms face dramatic liquidity shortfalls due to the pandemic, and RPTs can be a vehicle for providing finance to distressed companies, avoiding a wave of bankruptcies that would be dangerous for the economy. Thus, RPTs regulation has been tweaked for adapting to the new economic environment, and these legal changes, in turn, could affect the economic recovery.
Clinical Ambiguity and Conflicts of Interest in Interventional Cardiology Decision Making
Authors: Dai Tinglong , Wang Xiaofang , Hwang Chao-Wei
Published: July 2021

Problem definition: Among the most vexing issues in the U.S. healthcare ecosystem is inappropriate use of percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures, also known as overstenting. A key driver of overstenting is physician subjectivity in eyeballing a coronary angiogram. Advanced tests such as fractional flow reserve (FFR) provide more precise and objective measures of PCI appropriateness, yet the decision to perform these tests is endogenous and not immune to clinical ambiguity associated with eyeballing. Additionally, conflicts of interest, arising from revenue-generating incentives, play a role in overstenting. Academic/practical relevance: Conventional wisdom suggests more precise diagnostic testing will help reduce overtreatment. However, the literature rarely recognizes that the testing decision is itself endogenous. Our research highlights the role of endogeneity surrounding interventional cardiology decision making. Methodology: This study uses stochastic modeling and simulation. Results: Under a low conflict-of-interest level, the physician performs the advanced test for intermediate lesions. Under a high conflict-of-interest level, however, the physician would perform the advanced test only for high-grade lesions, because of a financial disincentive: Performing the advanced test may lower PCI revenue if the test results argue against the procedure. Surprisingly, despite this disincentive, a more revenue-driven physician can be more inclined to perform the advanced test. Managerial implications: Our model leads to implications for various efforts aimed at tackling overstenting: (1) Attention should be paid not only to the sheer quantity of FFR procedures but to which patients receive FFR procedures; (2) reducing the risk of the advanced test has a behavior-inducing effect, yet a modest risk reduction may lower patient welfare; and (3) offering a bonus to the physician for performing FFR procedures equal to a third of its reimbursement rate will cause only a 5% increase in average physician payment while inducing a 26% decline in overstenting. In addition, we show implementing a bundled payment scheme may discourage the use of FFR procedures and lead to more salient overstenting.
From ‘no further action’ to taking action: England’s shifting social work responses to extra-familial harm
Authors: Firmin Carlene , Lloyd Jenny , Walker Joanne , Owens Rachael
Published: July 2021

In 2018, England’s safeguarding guidelines were amended to explicitly recognise a need for child protection responses to extra-familial harms. This article explores the feasibility of these amendments, using quantitative and qualitative analysis of case-file data, as well as reflective workshops, from five children’s social care services in England and Wales, in the context of wider policy and practice frameworks that guide the delivery of child protection systems and responses to harm beyond families. Green shoots of contextual social work practice were evident in the data set. However, variance within and across participating services raises questions about whether contextual social work responses to extra-familial harm are sustainable in child protection systems dominated by a focus on parental responsibility. Opportunities to use contextual responses to extra-familial harm as a gateway to reform individualised child protection practices more broadly are also discussed.
Ultrahigh sensitive long-period fiber grating-based sensor for detection of adulterators in biofuel
Authors: Dandapat Krishnendu , Kumar Indrajeet , Tripathi Saurabh Mani
Published: July 2021

An ultra-sensitive sensor based on dual resonance long-period fiber gratings has been fabricated for the detection of methanol and water content in ethanol. The developed sensor is compact in size and light weight and employs a highly accurate spectral interrogation technique for adulterant detection, increasing its applicability compared to conventional surface plasmon resonance based sensors, which are generally expensive, as they require metal film deposition. We demonstrate that the sensor is capable of achieving sensitivity of 802.66 pm/V% methanol and 749.06 pm/V% water in the ethanol solution. The estimated detection limit using the experimental data and spectral resolution of the interrogator is found to be

∼

1.3
×

10

−
3

V

%

in the 1300–1700 nm wavelength range. We also present the sensor’s theoretical study, and good agreement is found between theoretical and experimental results.
Compact scanning confocal chromatic sensor enabling precision 3-D measurements
Authors: Wertjanz Daniel , Kern Thomas , Csencsics Ernst , Stadler Gerhard , Schitter Georg
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a compact and lightweight scanning confocal chromatic sensor (SCCS) for robot-based precision three-dimensional (3-D) surface measurement applications. The integrated system design includes a 2-D fast steering mirror (FSM) to manipulate the optical path of a high precision 1-D confocal chromatic sensor (CCS). A data-driven calibration procedure is used to accurately combine the FSM deflection angles and the correspondingly measured distances to the sample surface in order to obtain a correctly reconstructed 3-D image. Lissajous scan trajectories are applied to enable efficient scans of the sample surface. The SCCS provides 3-D images at frame rates of up to 1 fps and a measurement volume of

0.35
×
0.25
×
1.8

m
m

3

, as well as the measurement of arbitrary regions of interest. Using a calibration standard including structures with defined sizes, the lateral and axial resolutions are determined to 2.5 µm and 76 nm, respectively.
Quantitative blood flow estimation in vivo by optical speckle image velocimetry
Authors: Qureshi Muhammad Mohsin , Liu Yan , Mac Khuong Duy , Kim Minsung , Safi Abdul Mohaimen , Chung Euiheon
Published: July 2021

Speckle-based methods are popular non-invasive, label-free full-field optical techniques for imaging blood flow maps at single vessel resolution with a high temporal resolution. However, conventional speckle approaches cannot provide an absolute velocity map with magnitude and direction. Here, we report an optical speckle image velocimetry (OSIV) technique for measuring the quantitative blood flow vector map by utilizing particle image velocimetry with speckle cross-correlations. We demonstrate that our OSIV instrument has a linearity range up to 7 mm/s, higher than conventional optical methods. Our method can measure the absolute flow vector map at up to 190 Hz without sacrificing image size, and it eliminates the need for a high-speed camera/detector. We applied OSIV to image the blood flow in a mouse brain, and as a proof of concept, imaged real-time dynamic changes in the cortical blood flow field during the stroke process in vivo. Our wide-field quantitative flow measurement OSIV method without the need of tracers provides a valuable tool for studying the healthy and diseased brain.
Detection of hemoglobin in blood and urine glucose level samples using a graphene-coated SPR based biosensor
Authors: Mostufa Shahriar , Paul Alok Kumar , Chakrabarti Kisalaya
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we have presented a design and simulation of a graphene-coated surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based biosensor for targeting specific biological components. We have explicitly shown the detection of the hemoglobin level in blood samples and the glucose concentration level in urine samples by using the finite element method (FEM) based numerical simulation. In the blood component, the 0.001 refractive index increment causes a 6.1025 g/l hemoglobin (HB) level increment, which has been detected using this SPR based sensor with 200 deg/RIU angular sensitivity. Moreover, we have also detected the presence or absence of diabetes using the glucose concentration level in urine samples with this SPR sensor. Therefore, the novelty of this paper is detecting the blood hemoglobin level and glucose concentration levels in urine samples more accurately than the previously proposed whispering gallery mode (WGM) and photonic crystal nanocavity based optical sensors.
One hundred years of zoonoses research in the Horn of Africa: A scoping review
Authors: Cavalerie Lisa , Wardeh Maya , Lebrasseur Ophélie , Nanyingi Mark , McIntyre K. Marie , Kaba Mirgissa , Asrat Daniel , Christley Robert , Pinchbeck Gina , Baylis Matthew , Mor Siobhan M.
Published: July 2021

Background

One Health is particularly relevant to the Horn of Africa where many people’s livelihoods are highly dependent on livestock and their shared environment. In this context, zoonoses may have a dramatic impact on both human and animal health, but also on country economies. This scoping review aimed to characterise and evaluate the nature of zoonotic disease research in the Horn region. Specifically, it addressed the following questions: (i) what specific zoonotic diseases have been prioritised for research, (ii) what data have been reported (human, animal or environment), (iii) what methods have been applied, and (iv) who has been doing the research?

Methodology/principal findings

We used keyword combinations to search online databases for peer-reviewed papers and theses. Screening and data extraction (disease, country, domain and method) was performed using DistillerSR. A total of 2055 studies focusing on seven countries and over 60 zoonoses were included. Brucellosis attracted the highest attention in terms of research while anthrax, Q fever and leptospirosis have been comparatively under-studied. Research efforts did not always align with zoonoses priorities identified at national levels. Despite zoonoses being a clear target for ‘One Health’ research, a very limited proportion of studies report data on the three domains of human, animal and environment. Descriptive and observational epidemiological studies were dominant and only a low proportion of publications were multidisciplinary. Finally, we found that a minority of international collaborations were between Global South countries with a high proportion of authors having affiliations from outside the Horn of Africa.

Conclusions/significance

There is a growing interest in zoonoses research in the Horn of Africa. Recommendations arising from this scoping review include: (i) ensuring zoonoses research aligns with national and global research agendas; (ii) encouraging researchers to adopt a holistic, transdisciplinary One Health approach following high quality reporting standards (COHERE, PRISMA, etc.); and (iii) empowering local researchers supported by regional and international partnerships to engage in zoonoses research.
Severe undernutrition in children affects tuberculin skin test performance in Southern India
Authors: Reddy Divya , Ma Yicheng , Lakshminarayanan Subitha , Sahu Swaroop , White Laura F. , Reshma Ayiraveetil , Roy Gautam , Salgame Padmini , Knudsen Selby , Cintron Chelsie , Ellner Jerrold J. , Horsburgh C. Robert , Sarkar Sonali , Hochberg Natasha S.
Published: July 2021

Background

Undernutrition impairs immunity to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is a risk factor for tuberculosis disease (TB). We aim to investigate if severe undernutrition affects the tuberculin skin test (TST) response among household contacts (HHCs) of pulmonary TB cases.

Methods

We analyzed data from HHCs (> five years) of pulmonary TB cases in Southern India. Undernutrition was defined as per World Health Organization based on body mass index (BMI) for adults (undernutrition 16–18.4 and severe undernutrition <16 kg/m2) and BMI relative to the mean for children (undernutrition 2SD-3SD and severe undernutrition < 3SDs below mean). Univariate and multivariate models of TST positivity (> five mm) were calculated using logistic regression with generalized estimating equations.

Results

Among 1189 HHCs, 342 were children (age 5–17 years) and 847 were adults. Prevalence of TST positivity in well-nourished, undernourished and severely undernourished children was 135/251 (53.8%), 32/68 (47.1%), and 7/23 (30.4%) respectively; among adults, prevalence of TST positivity was 304/708 (42.9%), 43/112 (38.4%) and 12/26 (46.2%), respectively. Severe undernutrition in children was associated with decreased odds of TST positivity (adjusted odds ratio 0.3; 95%CI 0.1–0.9).

Conclusion

Severe undernutrition in children was associated with decreased odds of TST positivity. False-negative TSTs may result from undernutrition; caution is warranted when interpreting negative results in undernourished populations.
Microbially induced calcite precipitation performance of multiple landfill indigenous bacteria compared to a commercially available bacteria in porous media
Authors: Rajasekar Adharsh , Moy Charles K. S. , Wilkinson Stephen , Sekar Raju
Published: July 2021

Microbially Induced Carbonate Precipitation (MICP) is currently viewed as one of the potential prominent processes for field applications towards the prevention of soil erosion, healing cracks in bricks, and groundwater contamination. Typically, the bacteria involved in MICP manipulate their environment leading to calcite precipitation with an enzyme such as urease, causing calcite crystals to form on the surface of grains forming cementation bonds between particles that help in reducing soil permeability and increase overall compressive strength. In this paper, the main focus is to study the MICP performance of three indigenous landfill bacteria against a well-known commercially bought MICP bacteria (Bacillus megaterium) using sand columns. In order to check the viability of the method for potential field conditions, the tests were carried out at slightly less favourable environmental conditions, i.e., at temperatures between 15-17°C and without the addition of urease enzymes. Furthermore, the sand was loose without any compaction to imitate real ground conditions. The results showed that the indigenous bacteria yielded similar permeability reduction (4.79 E-05 to 5.65 E-05) and calcium carbonate formation (14.4–14.7%) to the control bacteria (Bacillus megaterium), which had permeability reduction of 4.56 E-5 and CaCO3 of 13.6%. Also, reasonably good unconfined compressive strengths (160–258 kPa) were noted for the indigenous bacteria samples (160 kPa). SEM and XRD showed the variation of biocrystals formation mainly detected as Calcite and Vaterite. Overall, all of the indigenous bacteria performed slightly better than the control bacteria in strength, permeability, and CaCO3 precipitation. In retrospect, this study provides clear evidence that the indigenous bacteria in such environments can provide similar calcite precipitation potential as well-documented bacteria from cell culture banks. Hence, the idea of MICP field application through biostimulation of indigenous bacteria rather than bioaugmentation can become a reality in the near future.
Comparison of efficacy and safety of complementary and alternative therapies for essential hypertension with anxiety or depression disorder
Authors: Han Xueyan , Liu Xinxin , Zhong Fengxing , Wang Yiguo , Zhang Qiming
Published: July 2021

Background

Essential hypertension (EH) with anxiety or depression belongs to the category of psycho-cardiology. Hypertension is closely related to anxiety and depression. The adverse reactions of Western medicine are apparent and the compliance is poor. Supplementary and replacement therapies have accumulated rich experience in clinical practices, which can reduce side effects and improve clinical efficacy. This study intends to use the Bayesian network meta-analysis (NMA) analysis method for the first time to gather randomized controlled trials (RCTs) related to complementary and alternative therapies in the treatment of hypertension with anxiety or depression disorder and rank efficacy and safety, to provide a reference basis for the treatment of hypertension with anxiety or depression disorder.

Methods

All randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and registered and ongoing trials of Chinese and English databases, related to supplementation and replacement therapies of EH with anxiety or depression disorder, published from initial state to February 2021, will be collected in the form of computer retrieval. Two researchers will independently screen the literature, extracting data, assessing bias risk and assessing heterogeneity. We will use software WinBUGS 1.4.3 and Stata 16.0 for pairwise meta-analysis and NMA to comprehensively evaluate various interventions. The quality of evidence will be evaluated through the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation (GRADE).

Results

This NMA will comprehensively compare and rank the efficacy and safety of a series of complementary and alternative therapies in treating EH with anxiety or depression disorder.

Conclusion

Supplementary and replacement therapies have accumulated rich experience of clinical practices in improving EH with anxiety or depression disorder. We expect that this NMA will guide practice and research by providing reliable evidence of evidence-based medicine for the treatment of EH with anxiety or depression disorder.

Protocol registration number

INPLASY202120068.
Beyond the new normal: Assessing the feasibility of vaccine-based suppression of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Stoddard Madison , Sarkar Sharanya , Yuan Lin , Nolan Ryan P. , White Douglas E. , White Laura F. , Hochberg Natasha S. , Chakravarty Arijit
Published: July 2021

As the COVID-19 pandemic drags into its second year, there is hope on the horizon, in the form of SARS-CoV-2 vaccines which promise disease suppression and a return to pre-pandemic normalcy. In this study we critically examine the basis for that hope, using an epidemiological modeling framework to establish the link between vaccine characteristics and effectiveness in bringing an end to this unprecedented public health crisis. Our findings suggest that a return to pre-pandemic social and economic conditions without fully suppressing SARS-CoV-2 will lead to extensive viral spread, resulting in a high disease burden even in the presence of vaccines that reduce risk of infection and mortality. Our modeling points to the feasibility of complete SARS-CoV-2 suppression with high population-level compliance and vaccines that are highly effective at reducing SARS-CoV-2 infection. Notably, vaccine-mediated reduction of transmission is critical for viral suppression, and in order for partially-effective vaccines to play a positive role in SARS-CoV-2 suppression, complementary biomedical interventions and public health measures must be deployed simultaneously.
Avaliação da utilização de um ponto de coleta de resíduos eletroeletrônicos na universidade
Authors: Lucas Tamiris Teixeira , Maia Amanda Alves Domingos , Moris Virgínia Aparecida da Silva , Paiva Jane Maria Faulstich de
Published: July 2021

O esgotamento de recursos naturais é um assunto recorrente e uma das formas de recuperar os recursos é através do aproveitamento de resíduos no final do ciclo de vida dos produtos. Essa prática, no Brasil, tem recebido destaque com a Política Nacional dos Resíduos Sólidos (PNRS), que incentiva as organizações a se esforçarem para atingir indicadores sustentáveis. Nesse contexto, o campus de Sorocaba da Universidade Federal de São Carlos tem se dedicado a desenvolver projetos de logística reversa, reaproveitamento de materiais e reciclagem de resíduos de equipamentos eletroeletrônicos (REEEs). O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar e analisar os resultados da utilização de um ponto de coleta de REEEs através de uma Survey. O projeto foi desenvolvido em parceria com um centro de inovação de uma empresa de Sorocaba, que realiza a reciclagem de REEEs coletados. Como resultados, o estudo apresentou a importância da manutenção física do ponto de coleta, da realização de campanhas de divulgação do ponto de coleta para fomentar a conscientização ambiental da comunidade e, também, apontou a sazonalidade dos materiais coletados. Adicionalmente, revelou o comportamento do consumidor, no sentido de colaboração no descarte adequado de REEE, quando há disponibilidade de um ponto de coleta específico.
Existence and concentration of positive solutions for a critical p&q equation
Authors: Costa Gustavo S. , Figueiredo Giovany M.
Published: July 2021

We show existence and concentration results for a class of p&q critical problems given by

−
d
i
v

a

ϵ

p

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∇
u

|

p

ϵ

p

|

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u

|

p
−
2

∇
u

+
V
(
z
)
b

|

u

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p

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u

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p
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2

u
=
f
(
u
)
+

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u

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,

$$-div\left(a\left(\epsilon^{p}|\nabla u|^{p}\right) \epsilon^{p}|\nabla u|^{p-2} \nabla u\right)+V(z) b\left(|u|^{p}\right)|u|^{p-2} u=f(u)+|u|^{q^{\star}-2} u\, \text{in} \,\mathbb{R}^{N},$$

where u ∈ W
1,p
(ℝ
N
) ∩ W
1,q
(ℝ
N
), ϵ > 0 is a small parameter, 1 < p ≤ q < N, N ≥ 2 and q
* = Nq/(N − q). The potential V is positive and f is a superlinear function of C
1 class. We use Mountain Pass Theorem and the penalization arguments introduced by Del Pino & Felmer’s associated to Lions’ Concentration and Compactness Principle in order to overcome the lack of compactness.
Association of muscle mass and fat mass on low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol and triglyceride plasma concentration in children and adolescents
Authors: Martakis Kyriakos , Stark Christina , Rehberg Mirko , Jackels Miriam , Schoenau Eckhard , Duran Ibrahim
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Obesity has often been associated with high low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) and triglyceride plasma concentrations, known risk factors for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease. Study objective was to evaluate the association of LDL-C and triglyceride plasma concentration with muscle and fat mass in children and adolescents.

Methods

We analyzed data of the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1999–2004) to estimate lean muscle and fat mass assessed by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) of participants whose lipid profiles had been examined. Fat mass was operationalized by DXA-determined fat mass index (FMI). Muscle mass was assessed by appendicular lean mass index (aLMI). High LDL-C and triglyceride concentration was defined as above 130 mg/dL.

Results

For the evaluation of the association of LDL-C and triglyceride plasma concentration with LMI and FMI Z-scores, the data of 2,487 children and adolescents (age 8–19 years) (984 females) were eligible. High aLMI showed no association with LDL-C or triglyceride concentration, but high FMI showed significant association with LDL-C and triglyceride plasma concentration in the bivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

Isolated muscle mass increase may not be protective against high LDL-C and triglycerides plasma levels in children and adolescents. Thus, exercise may lead to risk factor reduction mainly through fat mass reduction.
Crystal structure of catena-poly[diaqua-bis(μ2-1,3-di(1H-imidazol-1-yl)propane-κ2
N:N′)cobalt(II)] dinitrate, C18H28N10O8Co
Authors: Liu Jie , Jiang Peng , Yang Xiao-Ming , Lu Jiu-Fu
Published: July 2021

C18H28N10O8Co, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 9.2248(5) Å, b = 13.3140(8) Å, c = 10.6132(6) Å, β = 109.348(7)°, V = 1229.89(13) Å3, Z = 2, R

gt
(F) = 0.0336, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.1078, T = 293(2) K.
Bildung im Anthropozän
Authors: Wulf Christoph
Published: July 2021

Der Beitrag untersucht, welche Rolle Glaubenssysteme im Anthropozän spielen. Behandelt wird einmal das Glaubenssystem, auf dessen Grundlage alle Fakten und Argumente so organisiert und interpretiert werden, dass sie dazu beitragen, die negativen Auswirkungen des Anthropozäns zurückzuweisen. Der Schwerpunkt des Artikels liegt jedoch auf den Glaubenssystemen, in deren Rahmen umfangreiche Forschungen nachweisen, dass große Teile der Menschheit für die Fehlentwicklungen im Anthropozän verantwortlich sind. Eine „dunkelgrüne Religion“ beeinflusst die Wahrnehmung, Untersuchung und Interpretation der Natur und begründet die Kritik an den negativen Entwicklungen unter Bezug auf religiöse Glaubens- und Referenzsysteme. Sodann werden sakralen Formen der Kritik beschrieben, wie sie z.B. in der Bewegung „Fridays for Future“ sichtbar werden. Deutlich wird dabei, dass grundlegende Veränderungen gesellschaftlichen Verhaltens in Glaubenssystemen verankert sein müssen, um die intendierte Wirksamkeit zu entfalten.
Forebrain Neural Precursor Cells Are Differentially Vulnerable to Zika Virus Infection
Authors: Shelton Samantha M. , Soucy Alexandra R. , Kurzion Ronni , Zeldich Ella , Connor John H. , Haydar Tarik F.
Published: July 2021

Prenatal exposure to Zika virus (ZIKV) can result in microencephaly and congenital Zika syndrome, although some brain cells and structures are spared by the virus for unknown reasons. Here, a novel murine model of fetal ZIKV infection incorporating intraventricular infection and cell type-specificin uteroelectroporation (IUE) was used to identify the time course of ZIKV infection and to determine the identity of cells that are initially infected or spared during neocortical neurogenesis.In vivotime course studies revealed the presence of ZIKV in apical radial glial cells (aRGCs) at early time points following virus exposure, while basal intermediate progenitor cells (bIPCs) became maximally (ZIKV+) after 3 d of virus exposure. ZIKV-infected fetal brains exhibited microencephaly as early as 1 d following infection, regardless of developmental age. This change in brain size was caused in part by apoptosis and reduced proliferation that persisted until birth. While 60% of aRGC basal fibers were perturbed during infection, 40% retained normal morphology, indicating that aRGCs are not uniformly vulnerable to ZIKV infection. To investigate this heterogeneous vulnerability, we performed genetic fate mapping using cell type-specific probes derived from a mouse embryonic day (E)15.5 neocortical wall single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) dataset. The results indicate that one class of aRGCs preferentially express the putative ZIKV entry receptorAXLand that these cells are more vulnerable to ZIKV infection than other aRGC subtypes with lowAXLexpression. Together, these data uncover crucial temporal and cellular details of ZIKV fetal brain infection for prevention strategies and for management of congenital Zika syndrome.