bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of circulating tumor cells in diagnosis of lung cancer: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhao Qingtao , Yuan Zheng , Wang Huien , Zhang Hua , Duan Guochen , Zhang Xiaopeng
Published: March 2021

Objective

We systematically reviewed the literature relating to the diagnostic accuracy of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) for the clinical determination of lung cancer.

Methods

This meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of CTCs for the clinical determination of lung cancer. The PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched for relevant studies up to 31 May 2020. The numbers of patients with true positive, false positive, false negative, and true negative results were extracted from each individual study. Pooled sensitivity, specificity, and area under the curve values were calculated with 95% confidence intervals (CI).

Results

Twenty-one studies with 3997 subjects met the inclusion criteria. The overall diagnostic accuracy was assessed. The pooled sensitivity and specificity were 0.72 (95%CI: 0.65–0.79) and 0.96 (95%CI: 0.91–0.98), respectively, and the pooled positive and negative likelihood ratios were 16.86 (95%CI: 7.65–37.12) and 0.29 (95%CI: 0.23–0.37), respectively. The combined diagnostic odds ratio was 58.12 (95%CI: 24.82–136.09).

Conclusion

This meta-analysis indicated that CTCs had good diagnostic value for detecting lung cancer.
Prognostic value of the albumin–globulin ratio and albumin–globulin score in patients with multiple myeloma
Authors: Cai Ying , Zhao Yu , Dai Qiuxin , Xu Maozhong , Xu Xin , Xia Wenkai
Published: March 2021

Objective

The albumin–globulin ratio (AGR) has been identified as a promising prognostic predictor of mortality in patients with hematological malignancies. This study investigated the prognostic significance of AGR in patients with multiple myeloma.

Methods

Two hundred patients diagnosed with multiple myeloma from January 2010 to October 2018 were retrospectively analyzed and followed up until December 2019. Kaplan–Meier curves and multivariate Cox regression analysis were applied to detect the prognostic value of AGR.

Results

The median follow-up period was 36 months. The optimal cutoff of AGR was 1.16 according to receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. High AGR was significantly correlated with better overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Multivariate analysis revealed that low AGR was an independent prognostic factor for worse OS (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.82, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.15–2.94) and PFS (HR = 1.53, 95% CI = 1.09–2.17).

Conclusions

AGR may represent a potential prognostic biomarker in patients with multiple myeloma. Mini Abstract: We demonstrated that high AGR was associated with a favorable overall survival and progression-free survival in patients with multiple myeloma.
Post-traumatic Growth: Longitudinal Study on Battered Women in Close Relationships after Both They and Their Partners Undergo Therapy
Authors: Dyjakon Dorota , Rajba Beata
Published: March 2021

Violence in intimate relationships is a major problem worldwide. Many women, despite having experienced violence from a partner, decide to remain in a relationship with the perpetrator. A special premise for such a decision is that the abusive partner undertakes therapy that serves to build security in the family. An important indicator of dealing with violence is post-traumatic growth (PTG), a concept introduced by Calhoun and Tedeschi (1998) to describe positive changes as a result of traumatic experiences. The purpose of the research was to assess PTG changes in the course of relationships in which the woman had experienced violence from her partner, but both her partner and she had undertaken therapy and changed their behavior ( N = 48). The conducted research used a demographic survey and two questionnaires: The Polish version of the Impact Event Scale-Revised (IES-R, Weiss, Marmara prepared by Juczyński and Ogińska-Bulik [2009]) examining three dimensions of trauma (intrusion, hyperarousal, and avoidance) and the Post-traumatic Growth Inventory ( Tedeschi & Calhoun [2004] ; Polish version prepared by Ogińska-Bulik & Juczyński [2010] ). The studies showed that over a period of one and half years, significant changes in PTG had taken place. Reportedly, changes in self-perception and changes in relating to others have decreased, while appreciation of life increased but spiritual life remained the same. The research also allowed us to distinguish several groups of corelates in changes in individual PTG categories. The studies also indicate that building a close relationship with the person who caused the harm can limit the victim’s PTG.
Young children’s information-seeking practices in center-based childcare
Authors: Barriage Sarah
Published: March 2021

Many children in the USA spend a significant amount of time in center-based childcare. However, research has yet to explore their information practices in this setting. This study investigates young children’s perceptions of the concept of information and their own information-seeking practices within the context of their day care classroom. The participants included 13 children between three and five years of age. Data was collected using participant observation, semi-structured interviews, child-led photo tours, and photo-elicitation interviews. The findings indicate that the children did not perceive the concept of information in a manner consistent with adult understandings of the term, and that they engaged in information-seeking related to finding out new things on their own, through interactions with others, and through classroom resources, activities, and routines. The findings have implications for both researchers and practitioners working with young children.
Mechanical characterization of hydrolysis effects on the stiffness of bioabsorbable polymeric filaments: An experimental and modeling approach based on a simple constitutive damage model
Authors: Carniel Thiago André , de Castro Paulo Bastos , Santos André Luiz Grando , de Mello Roesler Carlos Rodrigo , Breitenbach Everton Rafael , Salmoria Gean Vitor , Morozo Mário Augusto , Colaço Pablo Antônio , Fiori Márcio Antônio , Fancello Eduardo Alberto
Published: March 2021

This manuscript presents an experimental and modeling approach in order to characterize the stiffness loss of bioabsorbable polymer filaments due to hydrolysis. In this regard, bioabsorbable suture yarns (poly(lactic-co-glycolic) acid—PLGA) were chosen as a representative material for the present investigation. The observed mechanical response was characterized by means of a thermodynamically consistent constitutive variational framework. Usually, two different damage variables are assumed to take place in this class of materials: a hydrolytic damage (long-term degradation) and a strain-driven damage (short-term degradation). This work concerns the proposition of a constitutive model that only considers the hydrolytic damage, in which a specific strain energy and a proper dissipation damage potential were tailored to model the tested material. A nonlinear curve fitting procedure based on Particle Swarm Optimization was performed to identify the constitutive parameters. A set of numerical simulations demonstrates the effectiveness of the proposed constitutive model to predict damage-induced creep and damage-induced stress relaxation, behaviors that can be used as design criteria in absorbable implants. The main achieved results show that the proposed constitutive approach leads to a simple but effective model capable to drive the first steps in the design of absorbable biomedical devices. The present variational framework can be extended to study the constitutive response of other bioabsorbable polymers, accounting for viscous and/or plastic behaviors.
Association Between Successful Aging Activities and Perceived Health Among Older Adults With Hearing and/or Vision Impairments
Authors: Lee Othelia , Park Junghyun
Published: March 2021

Due to the high prevalence of age-related sensory impairment (SI), this study examined the relative strength of the association between successful aging activities and perceived health among older adults with SI. A sample of adults aged 65 and older who experienced SI in vision and/or hearing was drawn from the 2015–2017 National Survey on Drug Use and Health ( N = 2,084). Two aspects of successful aging were considered: employment status and religious participation. Of the total sample, 1,370 (65.7%) reported hearing impairment; 440 (21.1%), vision impairment; and 274 (13.1%) dual sensory impairment. Among the covariates, female gender, higher educational attainment, non-Hispanic White race, fewer chronic diseases, alcohol use, non-hospitalization, non-cigarette use, and no mobility challenges were associated with greater perceived health status. Working older adults with SI are more likely to perceive their health status as good compared with their unemployed counterparts (odds ratio [OR] = 2.43, p < .01). Religious participants with SI also perceive greater health (OR = 1.58, p < .01). For older adults with SI, ensuring that they participate in productive activities, such as employment or religious activities, may be important for their perceived health status and may lead to better overall health outcomes.
Moaning and Eye Contact: Men’s Use of Ambiguous Signals in Attributions of Consent to Their Partners
Authors: Bedera Nicole
Published: March 2021

In recent years, there has been increasing pressure on men to prevent sexual violence. This study uses data from 25 semi-structured interviews to explore how heterosexual undergraduate men have responded to cultural and organizational pressure to seek consent. Participants answered questions about their recent sexual experiences and attitudes toward campus sexual consent policies. Findings indicate that while participants condone key elements of sexual consent, they do not consistently apply reliable strategies to seek consent. Instead, they use ambiguous social cues that are common in both consensual and nonconsensual sexual interactions, which reinforce the notion that consent is unclear.
Immunosuppression medication adherence after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant: Impact of a specialized clinical pharmacy program
Authors: Charra Florent , Philippe Michael , Herledan Chloé , Caffin Anne-Gaëlle , Larbre Virginie , Baudouin Amandine , Schwiertz Vérane , Vantard Nicolas , Labussiere-Wallet Hélène , Ducastelle-Leprêtre Sophie , Barraco Fiorenza , Balsat Marie , Larcher Marie Virginie , Salles Gilles , Rioufol Catherine , Ranchon Florence
Published: March 2021

This study aims to evaluate the impact of implementing a specialized clinical pharmacy program in patients with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) on their adherence to the immunosuppression treatment after discharge. A prospective open interventional design using a retrospective control group was used. The intervention was based on pharmaceutical consultations: the first was performed the day before discharge of HSCT unit and the next consultations during day-care follow-up (weeks 2 and 4 after discharge). Proactive medication reconciliation was implemented with a complete list of medications before the discharge prescription. The discharge prescription summarized on a personalized drug schedule was explained to the patient. The importance of optimal adherence and the potential problems related to self-medication were explained to the patient. Immunosuppression drug adherence was assessed by a direct method using serum levels of calcineurin inhibitors. The potential impact on acute GvHD, and infection was investigated. Twenty-six patients were included in the specialized clinical pharmacy program and 35 patients were in the control group. Seventy-nine pharmaceutical consultations were conducted in the intervention group, lasting a mean 25 min and 16 min for the first and following consultations, respectively. Serum levels in the therapeutic target range were higher in the intervention group (61.5% versus 53.0%, p = 0.07), with greater intra-individual variation (p = 0.005). There was no significant intergroup difference in acute GvHD (53.8% versus 50.3%, p = 0.85) or infection (26.9 versus 22.8%, p = 0.72). The implementation of a specialized clinical pharmacy program for patients who have received allogeneic HSCT seems to be beneficial for immunosuppression drug adherence; this now needs to be confirmed in a multicenter study involving a larger number of patients.
Identity cues influence sexual minorities’ anticipated treatment and disclosure intentions in healthcare settings: Exploring a multiple pathway model
Authors: Cipollina Rebecca , Sanchez Diana T
Published: March 2021

The present work experimentally examines how identity cues that signal minority inclusion contribute to sexual minorities’ (SM) healthcare visit expectations. We find that minority representation cues reduced SM’s ( N = 188) expectations of a healthcare provider’s bias and increased perceived provider cultural competency which was, in turn, associated with lower anticipated identity-based devaluation and greater sexual orientation disclosure comfort. Providers’ diversity-valuing statements had mixed effects highlighting the importance of more concrete indicators of inclusion in this context. This work suggests that a lack of identity safety cues in healthcare settings may contribute to disparate health outcomes for sexual minority populations.
Performing and challenging gendered walls in leadership spaces in single sex schools: Lessons from a male-led girls’ basic school in Ghana
Authors: Tangonyire Raymond Chegedua
Published: March 2021

Women and men are capable of effectively discharging school leadership roles. However, in Ghana, people are socialised to expect females to lead girls’ schools and vice versa. Appointing a female or male to lead a single sex school that is opposite to their gender elicits gender stereotyping, protests and exclusion. While researchers have explored these dynamics in co-educational basic schools, they have not extended them to single sex schools. This case study investigated how the leadership practice of a male-led girls’ school in the Central Region of Ghana has challenged gendered walls. The study engaged 23 multiple stakeholders and gathered data through semi-structured interviews, observations and document analysis. Intra- and cross-case analyses of data revealed that loyalty to gender walls in single sex schools reflects the desire to respect and maintain the tradition of female headteachers in girls’ schools and male headteachers in boys’ schools. Overall, Ghana is still a traditional and patriarchal society that is characterised by gender inequity in leadership spaces. However, men and women who exhibit professional integrity and leadership competence could convert critics to supporters in a range of school settings. The Ghana Education Service should provide leadership preparation for practitioners to improve their leadership competence.
Vibrational Circular Dichroism Absolute Configuration of Natural Products From 2015 to 2019
Authors: del Río Rosa E. , Joseph-Nathan Pedro
Published: March 2021

Although demonstrated in 1975, vibrational circular dichroism (VCD) finally started to popularize during this century as a reliable tool to determine the absolute configuration (AC) of organic molecules. This research field continues to be a very dynamic one, in particular for the study of natural products which are a unlimited source of chiral molecules. It therefore turns of interest to summarize the accomplishments published in recent years and to comment on some eventual difficulties that emerged in rare cases to complete the AC determination task. Therefore the aim of this review is to update VCD results for the AC assignment of natural products published from 2015 to 2019, a period in which VCD was reported in some 126 publications involving almost 300 molecules. They are organized according the type of studied metabolite allowing an easily search. The molecules correspond to 28 monoterpenes concerning 17 papers, to 42 sesquiterpenes in 14 papers, to 51 diterpenes in 19 publications, to 5 other terpenoids in three papers, to 48 aromatic molecules in 15 reports, to 20 polyketides in 10 publications, to 27 miscellaneous formulas also in 10 papers, and to 76 nitrogen containing compounds, which include alkaloids and their synthetic analogs, in 38 articles. The landscape of reviewed molecules is quite wide as it goes from simple monoterpenes, like borneol or camphor, to very relevant biological molecules like the alkaloid cocaine or tadalafil samples to distinguish genuine and counterfeit Cialis®. In addition, 5 natural products and a simple derivative published outside the reviewed period, were used to illustrate some aspects of density functional theory calculations.
Correction to: Nectar-dwelling microbes of common tansy are attractive to its mosquito pollinator, Culex pipiens L.
Authors: Peach D. A. H. , Carroll C. , Meraj S. , Gomes S. , Galloway E. , Balcita A. , Coatsworth H. , Young N. , Uriel Y. , Gries R. , Lowenberger C. , Moore M. , Gries G.
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Correction to: Radiological evaluation of malignant pleural mesothelioma - defining distant metastatic disease
Authors: Collins Dearbhaile Catherine , Sundar Raghav , Constantinidou Anastasia , Dolling David , Yap Timothy Anthony , Popat Sanjay , O’Brien Mary E. , Banerji Udai , de Bono Johann Sebastian , Lopez Juanita Suzanne , Tunariu Nina , Minchom Anna
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Evaluation of static and dynamic Pupillometry changes in men using Silodosin for benign prostatic hypertrophy
Authors: Karaca Umut , Kaya Engin , Ayyildiz Onder , Ozge Gokhan , Kucukevcilioglu Murat , Usta Gulsah , Mutlu Fatih Mehmet
Published: March 2021

Background

Intraoperative floppy iris syndrome is a variant of the small pupil syndrome that has been observed during cataract surgery in some patients currently or previously treated with α1 adrenergic blockers. It is important for cataract surgeons to predict the probable complications preoperatively. Our study aims to evaluate the static and dynamic pupil characteristics of patients treated with silodosin—a selective α1 adrenergic blocker—for benign prostate hypertrophy (BPH) and to compare these values with healthy subjects using an automatic quantitative pupillometry system.

Methods

A total of 74 BPH patients treated with silodosin for six months (group 1) and 30 healthy subjects (group 2) were enrolled in this prospective multidisciplinary cross-sectional study. Static and dynamic pupillometric measurements were obtained under optimized conditions, and the results were compared between the two groups.

Results

Seventy-four male patients with a mean age of 63,35 ± 7,21 (46–77) years with BPH treated with silodosin and 30 normal male subjects with a mean age of 63,07 ± 4,73 (52–71) years were analyzed. There were statistically significant differences between the groups with regard to scotopic pupil diameter (PD), high photopic PD, and low photopic PD (p < 0.001, for each one). The patient group had statistically significant higher values of amplitude and velocity of pupil contraction and lower values of duration of pupil contraction and latency as well as duration and velocity of pupil dilation.

Conclusion

The static and dynamic pupil characteristics of subjects treated with silodosin for BPH are different from those of healthy eyes. In addition, our results may have shed light on the risk for intraoperative floppy iris syndrome (IFIS) before cataract surgery; thus, surgeons can be alert and take precautions.
The volume of general surgery emergency cases in a government hospital during the COVID-19 pandemic and two other periods: a comparative, retrospective study
Authors: Abu Shakra Ibrahim , Bez Maxim , Ganam Samer , Francis Rola , Muati Amir , Bickel Amitai , Merei Fahed , Talmi Ziv , Kamal Khatib , Kakiashvili Eli
Published: March 2021

Background

During March and April 2020, reductions in non-COVID-19 hospital admissions were observed around the world. Elective surgeries, visits with general practitioners, and diagnoses of medical emergencies were consequently delayed.

Objective

To compare the characteristics of patients admitted to a northern Israeli hospital with common surgical complaints during three periods: the lockdown due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the Second Lebanon War in 2006, and a regular period.

Methods

Demographic, medical, laboratory, imaging, intraoperative, and pathological data were collected from electronic medical files of patients who received emergency treatment at the surgery department of a single hospital in northern Israel. We retrospectively compared the characteristics of patients who were admitted with various conditions during three periods.

Results

Patients’ mean age and most of the clinical parameters assessed were similar between the periods. However, pain was reportedly higher during the COVID-19 than the control period (8.7 vs. 6.4 on a 10-point visual analog scale, P < 0.0001). During the COVID-19 outbreak, the Second Lebanon War, and the regular period, the mean numbers of patients admitted daily were 1.4, 4.4, and 3.0, respectively. The respective mean times from the onset of symptoms until admission were 3, 1, and 1.5 days, P < 0.001. The respective proportions of surgical interventions for appendiceal disease were 95%, 96%, and 69%; P = 0.03.

Conclusions

Compared to a routine period, patients during the COVID-19 outbreak waited longer before turning to hospitalization, and reported more pain at arrival. Patients during both emergency periods were more often treated surgically than non-operatively.
Correction to: The global summit on the efficacy and effectiveness of spinal manipulative therapy for the prevention and treatment of non-musculoskeletal disorders: a systematic review of the literature
Authors: Côté Pierre , Hartvigsen Jan , Axén Iben , Leboeuf-Yde Charlotte , Corso Melissa , Shearer Heather , Wong Jessica , Marchand Andrée-Anne , Cassidy J. David , French Simon , Kawchuk Gregory N. , Mior Silvano , Poulsen Erik , Srbely John , Ammendolia Carlo , Blanchette Marc-André , Busse Jason W. , Bussières André , Cancelliere Carolina , Christensen Henrik Wulff , De Carvalho Diana , De Luca Katie , Du Rose Alister , Eklund Andreas , Engel Roger , Goncalves Guillaume , Hebert Jeffrey , Hincapié Cesar A. , Hondras Maria , Kimpton Amanda , Lauridsen Henrik Hein , Innes Stanley , Meyer Anne-Laure , Newell David , O’Neill Søren , Pagé Isabelle , Passmore Steven , Perle Stephen M. , Quon Jeffrey , Rezai Mana , Stupar Maja , Swain Michael , Vitiello Andrew , Weber Kenneth , Young Kenneth J. , Yu Hainan
Published: March 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
Long-term outcome of a patient with Transcobalamin deficiency caused by the homozygous c.1115_1116delCA mutation in TCN2 gene: a case report
Authors: Martino Francesco , Magenta Alessandra , Troccoli Maria Letizia , Martino Eliana , Torromeo Concetta , Putotto Carolina , Barillà Francesco
Published: March 2021

Background

Transcobalamin deficiency is a rare autosomal recessive inborn error of cobalamin transport (prevalence: < 1/1000000) which clinically manifests in early infancy.

Case presentation

We describe the case of a 31 years old woman who at the age of 30 days presented with the classical clinical and laboratory signs of an inborn error of vitamin B12 metabolism. Family history revealed a sister who died at the age of 3 months with a similar clinical syndrome and with pancytopenia. She was started on empirical intramuscular (IM) cobalamin supplements (injections of hydroxocobalamin 1 mg/day for 1 week and then 1 mg twice a week) and several transfusions of washed and concentrated red blood cells. With these treatments a clear improvement in symptoms was observed, with the disappearance of vomiting, diarrhea and normalization of the full blood count. At 8 years of age injections were stopped for about two and a half months causing the appearance of pancytopenia. IM hydroxocobalamin was then restarted sine die. The definitive diagnosis could only be established at 29 years of age when a genetic evaluation revealed the homozygous c.1115_1116delCA mutation of TCN2 gene (p.Q373GfsX38).

Currently she is healthy and she is taking 1 mg of IM hydroxocobalamin once a week.

Conclusions

Our case report highlights that early detection of TC deficiency and early initiation of aggressive IM treatment is likely associated with disease control and an overall favorable outcome.
Coupling azo dye degradation and biodiesel production by manganese-dependent peroxidase producing oleaginous yeasts isolated from wood-feeding termite gut symbionts
Authors: Ali Sameh Samir , Al-Tohamy Rania , Koutra Eleni , Kornaros Michael , Khalil Maha , Elsamahy Tamer , El-Shetehy Mohamed , Sun Jianzhong
Published: March 2021

Background

Textile industry represents one prevalent activity worldwide, generating large amounts of highly contaminated and rich in azo dyes wastewater, with severe effects on natural ecosystems and public health. However, an effective and environmentally friendly treatment method has not yet been implemented, while concurrently, the increasing demand of modern societies for adequate and sustainable energy supply still remains a global challenge. Under this scope, the purpose of the present study was to isolate promising species of yeasts inhabiting wood-feeding termite guts, for combined azo dyes and textile wastewater bioremediation, along with biodiesel production.

Results

Thirty-eight yeast strains were isolated, molecularly identified and subsequently tested for desired enzymatic activity, lipid accumulation, and tolerance to lignin-derived metabolites. The most promising species were then used for construction of a novel yeast consortium, which was further evaluated for azo dyes degradation, under various culture conditions, dye levels, as well as upon the addition of heavy metals, different carbon and nitrogen sources, and lastly agro-waste as an inexpensive and environmentally friendly substrate alternative. The novel yeast consortium, NYC-1, which was constructed included the manganese-dependent peroxidase producing oleaginous strains Meyerozyma caribbica, Meyerozyma guilliermondii, Debaryomyces hansenii, and Vanrija humicola, and showed efficient azo dyes decolorization, which was further enhanced depending on the incubation conditions. Furthermore, enzymatic activity, fatty acid profile and biodiesel properties were thoroughly investigated. Lastly, a dye degradation pathway coupled to biodiesel production was proposed, including the formation of phenol-based products, instead of toxic aromatic amines.

Conclusion

In total, this study might be the first to explore the application of MnP and lipid-accumulating yeasts for coupling dye degradation and biodiesel production.
Do No Harm in refugee humanitarian aid: the case of the Rohingya humanitarian response
Authors: Khaled Abu Faisal Md.
Published: March 2021

The article broadly examines how humanitarian aid for Rohingya refugees inadvertently harmed poorer hosts and adversely affected local capacities for peace. The article also discusses possible ways of easing tension and improving social cohesion in the refugee-hosting areas, while also highlighting how policy- and mandate-related constraints hinder a humanitarian response anchored in the "Do No Harm" principle. Finally, the article concludes with the argument that the humanitarian agencies should not just limit themselves to identifying the unintended consequences and lapses in the intervention. Instead, the Do No Harm principle should lead humanitarian aid agencies to make an active effort to accept responsibility for the harm while taking all necessary steps to mitigate or avoid harming in future interventions.
Effect of the native strain of the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter and the entomopathogenic fungi Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium muscarium against Bemisia tabaci (Genn.) under greenhouse conditions in Tunisia
Authors: Assadi Besma Hamrouni , Chouikhi Sabrine , Ettaib Refki , M’hamdi Naima Boughalleb , Belkadhi Mohamed Sadok
Published: March 2021

Background

The misuse of chemical insecticides has developed the phenomenon of habituation in the whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) causing enormous economic losses under geothermal greenhouses in southern Tunisia.

Results

In order to develop means of biological control appropriate to the conditions of southern Tunisia, the efficacy of the native strain of the predator Nesidiocoris tenuis Reuter (Hemiptera: Miridae) and two entomopathogenic fungi (EPF) Beauveria bassiana and Lecanicillium muscarium was tested against Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). Indeed, the introduction of N. tenuis in doses of 1, 2, 3, or 4 nymphs per tobacco plant infested by the whitefly led to highly significant reduction in the population of B. tabaci, than the control devoid of predator. The efficacy of N. tenuis was very high against nymphs and adults of B. tabaci at all doses per plant with a rate of 98%. Likewise, B. bassiana and L. muscarium, compared to an untreated control, showed a very significant efficacy against larvae and adults of B. tabaci. In addition, the number of live nymphs of N. tenuis treated directly or introduced on nymphs of B. tabaci treated with the EPF remained relatively high, exceeding 24.8 nymphs per cage compared to the control (28.6).

Conclusions

It can be concluded that the native strain of N. tenuis and the EPF tested separately were effective against B. tabaci. Their combined use appears to be possible.
A critical review of intrusion detection systems in the internet of things: techniques, deployment strategy, validation strategy, attacks, public datasets and challenges
Authors: Khraisat Ansam , Alazab Ammar
Published: March 2021

The Internet of Things (IoT) has been rapidly evolving towards making a greater impact on everyday life to large industrial systems. Unfortunately, this has attracted the attention of cybercriminals who made IoT a target of malicious activities, opening the door to a possible attack on the end nodes. To this end, Numerous IoT intrusion detection Systems (IDS) have been proposed in the literature to tackle attacks on the IoT ecosystem, which can be broadly classified based on detection technique, validation strategy, and deployment strategy. This survey paper presents a comprehensive review of contemporary IoT IDS and an overview of techniques, deployment Strategy, validation strategy and datasets that are commonly applied for building IDS. We also review how existing IoT IDS detect intrusive attacks and secure communications on the IoT. It also presents the classification of IoT attacks and discusses future research challenges to counter such IoT attacks to make IoT more secure. These purposes help IoT security researchers by uniting, contrasting, and compiling scattered research efforts. Consequently, we provide a unique IoT IDS taxonomy, which sheds light on IoT IDS techniques, their advantages and disadvantages, IoT attacks that exploit IoT communication systems, corresponding advanced IDS and detection capabilities to detect IoT attacks.
Review of porous asphalt pavements in cold regions: the state of practice and case study repository in design, construction, and maintenance
Authors: Zhang Kun , Kevern John
Published: March 2021

Porous asphalt pavement is a sustainable infrastructure tool used to benefit urban resilience. This paper summarizes the design, construction, and maintenance practices of porous asphalt pavements (PAPs) specific to cold regions. It includes discussions on the structural design considering frost depth and frost heave of subgrade soils, material selection and design for adequate freeze-thaw durability, construction of PAPs in cold weather, winter maintenance of PAPs for snow and ice control, and performance deterioration caused by other winter activities such as studded tires. Distinguished from other review works on this topic, the major contributions of this review paper employ case studies of PAPs to address design, construction, and maintenance concerns of PAPs in cold regions. These projects have demonstrated the success of using PAPs in cold regions and design practitioners can refer to these case studies for the new design and installation of PAPs in cold regions.
Directed Search and Competitive Search Equilibrium: A Guided Tour
Authors: Wright Randall , Kircher Philipp , Julien Benoît , Guerrieri Veronica
Published: March 2021

This essay surveys the literature on directed search and competitive search equilibrium, covering theory and a variety of applications. These models share features with traditional search theory, but also differ in important ways. They share features with general equilibrium theory, but with explicit frictions. Equilibria are often efficient, mainly because markets price goods plus the time required to get them. The approach is tractable and arguably realistic. Results are presented for finite and continuum economies. Private information and sorting with heterogeneity are analyzed. While emphasizing issues and applications, we also provide several hard-to-find technical results. (JEL D50, D83)
Relative CT number of periappendiceal fat stranding may be an applicable index for estimating the severity of acute appendicitis
Authors: Song Xinhong , Shi Mingqi , Liu Wei , Ge Yansong , Wang Peiyuan
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

To investigate the feasibility of relative CT numbers to periappendiceal fat attenuation as an applicable index for estimating the severity of acute appendicitis.

Methods:

In total, 308 consecutive surgery-confirmed acute appendicitis patients and 243 controls with available preoperative CT were analyzed retrospectively. The radiological parameters were appendix diameter, length, and wall thickness as concurrent appendicitis signs. CT numbers of periappendiceal fat, mesenteric fat, subcutaneous fat in the anterior and posterior abdominal wall, retroperitoneal fat, gluteal subcutaneous fat and psoas major muscle were measured, as well as the relative CT numbers of periappendiceal fat compared with other locations.

Results:

There were 287 suppurative acute appendicitis (SAA) and 21 gangrenous or perforated acute appendicitis (GPAA) cases confirmed by pathology. The CT number of periappendiceal fat was significantly higher in patients than in controls (P＜0.01) although there was a wide overlap (−72.33 HU–117.43 HU). Significant differences in relative CT numbers were observed between the groups in gluteal subcutaneous fat (RCTgl) and psoas major muscle (RCTps) (P＜0.01). The AUCs of RCTgl and RCTps showed high accuracy to discriminate acute appendicitis from controls (AUC = 0.803, 0.761; 0.854, 0.847) and GPAA from SAA (AUC = 0.905, 0.851).

Conclusions:

Attenuation of periappendiceal fat on CT is related to the severity of appendicitis, and relative CT numbers (RCTgl and RCTps) could be an applicable index for severity determination.

Advances in knowledge:

Periappendiceal fat infiltration is related to the severity of acute appendicitis (especially relative CT number). Other clinical and CT features also need to be considered in the evaluation of inflammation.
Radiographic changes in the temporomandibular joint related to medication in rheumatic diseases
Authors: Şirin Gamze , Amuk Mehmet
Published: March 2021

Objectives:

The purpose of this study was to assess radiographical changes on temporomandibular joint (TMJ) in relation the autoimmune rheumatic diseases and the medicines that treat this diseases with cone beam computed tomography(CBCT).

Methods:

65 people with rheumatoid diseases were included in the study and divided into five subgroups according to drugs they used. Condyle height (CH), anteroposterior dimension (APD), mesiolateral dimension (MLD) and superior joint space (SJS) were measured in order to evaluate mandibular condyle dimensions. Further, were evaluated in terms of osteoarthritic changes such as erosion, flattening, osteophyte and subchondral cyst in the mandibular condyle. TMJ measurements were compared between study-control groups and subgroups by using Student’s t-test, Mann-Whitney-U test, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Kruskal-Wallis test. The association between osteoarthritic features, rheumatoid status was tested by using χ2 test. Observers were blinded to all groups. Cohen κ values (0853–0945) and Spearman’s correlation coefficient (0.959–0.997) indicated high interexaminer reliability.

Results:

Condylar dimentions were significantly lower in CH and SJS in rheumatic diseases group (p < 0.001), however APD (p = 0,681) and MLD (p = 0,757) was not different significantly. Osteoarthritic changes such as erosion (p < 0.001), flattening (p = 0.005), osteophyte (p = 0.001) and subchondral cyst (p = 0.001) were significantly higher in the patient group. None of the parameters were different significantly according to subgroups determined according to drugs used(p > 0.05).

Conclusions:

Degenerative changes may cause decrease in condyle size and changes in condyle position. It is a process that can continue despite the use of antirheumatic or immunosuppressive drugs. All of these can become the source of possible TMJ problems.
Division of Labor Through Self-Selection
Authors: Raveendran Marlo , Puranam Phanish , Warglien Massimo
Published: March 2021

Self-selection–based division of labor has gained visibility through its role in varied organizational contexts such as nonhierarchical firms, agile teams, and project-based organizations. Yet, we know relatively little about the precise conditions under which it can outperform the traditional allocation of work to workers by managers. We develop a computational agent-based model that conceives of division of labor as a matching process between workers’ skills and tasks. This allows us to examine in detail when and why different approaches to division of labor may enjoy a relative advantage. We find a specific confluence of conditions under which self-selection has an advantage over traditional staffing practices arising from matching: when employees are very skilled but at only a narrow range of tasks, the task structure is decomposable, and employee availability is unforeseeable. Absent these conditions, self-selection must rely on the benefits of enhanced motivation or better matching based on worker’s private information about skills, to dominate more traditional allocation processes. These boundary conditions are noteworthy both for those who study as well as for those who wish to implement forms of organizing based on self-selection.
Arc Routing with Time-Dependent Travel Times and Paths
Authors: Vidal Thibaut , Martinelli Rafael , Pham Tuan Anh , Hà Minh Hoàng
Published: March 2021

Vehicle routing algorithms usually reformulate the road network into a complete graph in which each arc represents the shortest path between two locations. Studies on time-dependent routing followed this model and therefore defined the speed functions on the complete graph. We argue that this model is often inadequate, in particular for arc routing problems involving services on edges of a road network. To fill this gap, we formally define the time-dependent capacitated arc routing problem (TDCARP), with travel and service speed functions given directly at the network level. Under these assumptions, the quickest path between locations can change over time, leading to a complex problem that challenges the capabilities of current solution methods. We introduce effective algorithms for preprocessing quickest paths in a closed form, efficient data structures for travel time queries during routing optimization, and heuristic and exact solution approaches for the TDCARP. Our heuristic uses the hybrid genetic search principle with tailored solution-decoding algorithms and lower bounds for filtering moves. Our branch-and-price algorithm exploits dedicated pricing routines, heuristic dominance rules, and completion bounds to find optimal solutions for problems counting up to 75 services. From these algorithms, we measure the benefits of time-dependent routing optimization for different levels of travel-speed data accuracy.
Improving Gerotor Pump Performance Trough Design, Modeling and Simulation
Authors: Ivanović Lozica , Matejić Miloš
Published: March 2021

Gerotor pumps are well known by a compact design, simple structure and low noise level, which makes them suitable for use in the automotive industry, and especially in hydraulic systems for engine lubrication. One of the main disadvantages of gerotor pumps is the inability to adjust to wear, which significantly reduces the pump efficiency. In order to mitigate the negative effect of the inevitable wear process, this paper presents a methodology for determining the optimal combination of trochoid gears design parameters for a defined aspect. An appropriate mathematical model has been developed to analyze the effect of changes in gear design parameters in relation to maximum contact stresses, pressure changes in gerotor pump chambers and wear rate proportional factor (WRPF). Verification of the developed models was performed by realizing physical pairs of gears and laboratory experiments with simulation of pump operating conditions. The results and conclusions presented in this paper, with an emphasis on the actual work processes, bring very important perspectives for the gerotor pumps design with improved performance.
Internal Leakages in a Water Hydraulic Pump with Gears From Plastic
Authors: Banaś Michał
Published: March 2021

Plastics are used more and more in hydraulic systems. The chemical properties of the plastics favour the use of working fluids alternative to mineral oil, e.g. water. The conditions in the manufacturing process, e.g. injection moulding, limit the achievement of high working pressures in the hydraulic elements. Internal leakage reduces the efficiency of the hydraulic pump with plastic gears. The article presents the results of internal leakage tests of a water-supplied hydraulic pump. Gears made of various materials (PPS+GF40 and PEEK) have been used in the research, made by two methods: injection moulding and machining. A simplified mathematical model of the dependence of leakages on pressure and rotational speed has been developed. The influence of the materials and manufacturing methods used on the pump operation is discussed.
Is it safe yet? Patient readiness and perceptions about returning to hospital for planned orthopaedic care
Authors: Kinghorn AF , Mercer ST , Yasin T , John A , Trickett RW
Published: March 2021

Introduction

COVID-19 has necessitated significant changes to healthcare delivery but little is known regarding patient opinions of risks compared with benefits. This study investigates patient perceptions concerning attendance for planned orthopaedic surgery during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials and methods

A total of 250 adult patients from the elective orthopaedic waiting list at Cardiff and Vale University Health Board were telephoned during lockdown. They were risk stratified for COVID-19 based on British Orthopaedic Association guidance and a discussion was held to determine patient willingness to proceed with surgery. The primary outcome measure was patients’ willingness to proceed.

Results

Of the total number telephoned, 196 patients were included in the study, with a mean age of 57.4 years; 129 patients were willing to attend for surgery, leaving over one-third wishing to cancel or defer. The most frequent reason given for not wishing to attend was fear of contracting COVID-19. There was a statistically significant difference in the willingness to proceed observed with increasing clinical risk (χ2(3) = 50.073, p = .000) with almost double the expected count of unwilling to proceed in the high and very high risk groups, equalled by half the expected count in the low risk group.

Discussion

This study illustrates the variable and personal decisions that patients are making about orthopaedic care because of COVID-19. It highlights the need for change to departmental processes regarding recommencement of planned surgical lists. It also reconfirms the importance of regular communication and shared decision making between a well-informed patient and a holistic orthopaedic team.
Psammomatous melanotic schwannoma – a rare neck lump
Authors: Morgan RV , Simpson A , Vaghela KR , Quick T
Published: March 2021

This case report discusses a cervical psammomatous melanotic schwannoma – a rare form of peripheral nerve sheath tumour – which may be highly vascular and is often associated with the Carney complex. Significant intraneural bleeding, which was encountered intraoperatively, was controlled successfully with a gelatine-based thrombin haemostatic agent (Floseal®, Baxter International, Deerfield, IL, USA) without complication.
Use of anterolateral thigh free flap for reconstruction and salvage of thoracic limb caused by an arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Banegas-Ruiz R , Román-Hernández R , Gómez-Mendoza FF , Mendoza-Aceves RA , Baca-Domínguez CR , Caprielova YJ , Pérez-Ortega E , Torres JPE , Valderrama-Treviño AI
Published: March 2021

Vascular arteriovenous malformations originate during the early stages of embryonic development and generally grow progressively, especially during adolescence and pregnancy. Limb salvage using microsurgery is presented, in a patient with an arteriovenous malformation who was initially a candidate for limb amputation. En bloc resection of the arteriovenous malformation of all segments with extended brachial approach and the cutaneous component was performed, with an anterolateral thigh free flap for the lateral reconstruction of the hand.
Where have all the appendicectomies gone?
Authors: Mowbray NG , Hurt L , Powell-Chandler A , Reeves N , Chandler S , Walters E , Cornish J.
Published: March 2021

Introduction

The COVID-19 pandemic stimulated a national lockdown in the UK. The public were advised to avoid unnecessary hospital attendances and health professionals were advised to avoid aerosol-generating procedures wherever possible. The authors hypothesised that these measures would result in a reduction in the number of patients presenting to hospital with acute appendicitis and alter treatment choices.

Methods

A multicentred, prospective observational study was undertaken during April 2020 to identify adults treated for acute appendicitis. Searches of operative and radiological records were performed to identify patients treated during April 2018 and April 2019 for comparison.

Results

A total of 190 patients were treated for acute appendicitis pre-lockdown compared with 64 patients treated during lockdown. Patients treated during the pandemic were more likely to have a higher American Society of Anesthesiology (ASA) score (p = 0.049) and to have delayed their presentation to hospital (2 versus 3 days, p = 0.03). During the lockdown, the use of computed tomography (CT) increased from 36.3% to 85.9% (p < 0.001), the use of an antibiotic-only approach increased from 6.2% to 40.6% (p < 0.001) and the rate of laparoscopic appendicectomy reduced from 85.3% to 17.2% (p < 0.001). The negative appendicectomy rate decreased from 21.7% to 7.1% during lockdown (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

The COVID-19 lockdown was associated with a decreased incidence of acute appendicitis and a significant shift in the management approach. The increased use of CT allows the identification of simple appendicitis for conservative treatment and decreases the negative appendicectomy rate.