bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mass Transfer in a Layer of Aluminized Glass-Fiber Material in the Treatment of Chrome-Containing Wastewater
Authors: Gudkov A G , Pavlov M V , Karpov D F
Published: March 2021

It is possible to use column-type devices with the loading of composite material - thin glass fibres partially coated with an aluminium layer (AGFM) to purify low-concentrated wastewater on plating plant containing chromium compounds. The main physical characteristics of this material are given. For the mass transfer research, current-potential curves obtained by reducing the chromium forms Cr(VI) to trivalent on a thin copper yarn placed in a layer of aluminum-removed fiberglass were studied. Dependence of effective mass-transfer coefficient on solution flow rate is obtained. Taking into account the ionic strength of the solution, the diffusion coefficient of the reducing anion Cr(VI) was calculated, which allowed to move to the criterion equations of the form Nu = f (Pr, Re). Coefficients are found in the criteria mass-transfer equation at different degrees of filling of the filter volume with a AGFM material.
Ciliofauna Species Wealth of the Khabarovsk Central City Pond
Authors: Tribun M M , Zhukov A V , Nikitina L I
Published: March 2021

The paper describes the composition of the Ciliata species of the Khabarovsk Central Pond. In the course of the inventory, 43 Ciliata species belonging to 2 subtypes and 11 classes have been identified, the most numerous of which are Spirotrichea and Oligohymenophorea. Also, 20 species have not previously been recorded on the territory of the Middle Amur Region. By the frequency of occurrence, the vast majority of species (23 representatives) are observed in the solitary samples (up to 15 %). The background species include ciliates such as Coleps hirtus, Strombidium viride, Stylonychia mytilus complex, Paramecium caudatum, and Uronema marinum. It has been found that in the reservoir being studied, the average size (up to 200 μm) ciliates dominate. By the ecotope preferred, the ‘transitional’ cluster representatives prevail, which indicates the possible widespread colonization of the reservoir by protozoa. This is due to the shallow depth of the Central Pond and, therefore, the lack of clear boundaries between individual zones.
Technique of Assessment of Environmental Damage Caused by Electroplating Production Facilities (by the Example of Chromium Plating Process Lines)
Authors: Fomichev V T , Savchenko A V , Gubarevich G P
Published: March 2021

The use of galvanic chromium plating is accompanied by negative consequences related to considerable damage caused to the environment. The authors have developed new chromium plating electrolytes and methods to obtain chromium-based galvanic alloys which allow reducing the environmental harm and decreasing the morbidity rate of occupational diseases among operating personnel. A technique of assessment of environmental damage caused by electroplating production facilities, which is based on the ecological compatibility criterion has been suggested.
Decreasing Emissions of PM by Vehicles through Brake Energy Recovery
Authors: Rakov V A
Published: March 2021

A significant contribution to the formation of PM 10 and PM 2.5 in the atmosphere of large cities is made by frequent braking by friction brake mechanisms. The author considers electrodynamic regenerative braking as one of the advantages of hybrid and electric vehicles, which can significantly reduce the formation of PM during braking. Using experimental studies, the author estimates the wear of the brake pads of the same vehicle during regenerative and mechanical braking. During the experiment, a series of acceleration and braking cycles was performed from a given speed to a complete stop, after which the friction brake pads were dismantled and their weight was measured. Then, during the calculation and comparison, the PM emission reduction is determined in a test with braking energy recovery.
Geological and Economic Monitoring and Assessing the Prospective Expansion of Graphite Deposits in New Development Areas
Authors: Dadykin B C , Dadykina O V , Gerashchenkova T M
Published: March 2021

This article discusses the results of the geological and economic monitoring of graphite and apatite deposits in the south of the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia) conducted by the authors. These deposits differ in initial technical and economic indicators and development conditions, therefore, calculating the aggregated geological and economic indicators is required. The estimator results will allow, on the one hand, determining the investment attractiveness of each mineral resource facility, on the other hand, evaluating the sequence of their operational commissioning. In the development prospect of the southern Yakutia mining regions, exploiting the Birikeen apatite deposit is seen, which also needs a geological and economic evaluation. As a tool for assessing the technical and economic indicators of these deposits, it is recommended to use the methodology for assessing the mineral potential while conducting geological and economic monitoring. This work was financially supported by the grant of the President of the Russian Federation No. MD-2409.2020.5.
Ways of the Freight Turnover Increasing of the Far Eastern Northern Latitudinal Railway
Authors: Larchenko Yu G , Shusharina G A , Muravskaya E I
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the main tasks of ensuring the efficient use of rolling stock, approved by the Government of the Russian Federation in the strategic program for the development of railway transport until 2030. One of the key tasks in this field of activity is to increase freight turnover within the country and beyond due to the modernization of the fleet of freight main locomotives and the reconstruction of individual sections of the railway. In this regard, the results of a comparative analysis of two series of locomotives - 3TE25KM and 3TE10MK according to the main technical characteristics are proposed for consideration, main indicators of the operational work of diesel locomotives that affect the amount of cargo turnover are described. The implementation of the cargo turnover plan of the Far Eastern northern latitudinal railway is analyzed - these are Komsomolsk-na-Amure-Volochaevka II and Komsomolsk-na-Amure-Sovetskaya Gavan. In conclusion, results of testing a new locomotive are presented, based on their technical and economic characteristics, such as the amount of work performed, technical speed, average daily productivity of the locomotive and a number of other indicators.
Perspective Technologies for the Disposal of Spent Adsorbents Based on Zeolites in Building Materials
Authors: Obuzdina M V , Rush E A
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the results of investigations and substantiation of the possibility of disposal of spent adsorbents created on the basis of the modification of natural zeolite tuffs of the Holinsky deposit of East Transbaikalia, and used in industrial wastewater treatment technology, in building materials are presented. Effective technological methods of using zeolites and zeolite-like materials are considered: non-firing technologies (an extensive class of mixed binders), concretes, autoclave-free silicate products, ash-zeolitive compositions; firing technologies (high-temperature: 1100-1200 °C artificial porous aggregates), ceramic materials of a wide range of applications, aluminosilicate component in the preparation of Portland cement clinker and binders, foams.
Integrated Method for Assessing Occupational Risks at Oil and Gas Production Facilities
Authors: Gorlenko N V , Murzin M A
Published: March 2021

Today, the problem of ensuring safe working conditions in the workplace is relevant for any employer. At the moment, despite the introduction of advanced technologies and equipment at oil and gas production facilities, personnel are exposed to a set of adverse production factors having an industry-specific nature and features. These features influence the reliability of the results of the occupational risk assessment. The methods existing today do not fully reflect the whole picture of risk in the workplace, but give only their fragmented values. The aim of this work is to develop an integrated methodology for assessing occupational risks for oil and gas production companies. In this work, from the variety of methods, we selected four methods that together take into account a significant number of risk-generating aspects, namely: the method of assessing the individual occupational risk level, the Fine-Kinney method, the method of scoring occupational risks, and the method of sociological survey of workers. The study on the assessment of occupational risks using an integrated method was carried out at the facilities for the development of three fields - the Yarakta, Iktekh, and Markovo fields belonging to Irkutsk Oil Company LLC. According to the results of applying the integrated assessment of occupational risks, most positions had a “medium” risk level, but for occupations engaged in manual labor and having a lower degree of automation of labor a “high” risk level was established. For these workplaces, it is necessary first of all to implement measures to improve working conditions.
Process Water Production for Oil and Gas Utility Systems at High Water Color Index Conditions
Authors: Lokshina E A , Kolchin A V , Lokshin A A
Published: March 2021

The article is devoted to the water treatment of high water color index waters for oil and gas utility systems at low temperatures conditions. The relevance of the article is justified by the development of pipeline transport in the regions of Eastern Siberia and the Far East. The purpose of the article is to provide an empirical presentation of the feasibility and efficiency of reactant treatment of high water color index waters at low temperatures by the example of real waters of the Lena River (Eastern Siberia) and the Zeya River (Far East).
Frequency Analysis of the Occurrence and Development of Accidents at Oil and Gas Facilities under Abnormal Weather Conditions in the North
Authors: Zakharova M I
Published: March 2021

In the article the climatic features of the North are analyzed, anomalous weather conditions characterized by the formation of powerful temperature inversions are identified. The influence of adverse anomalous weather conditions on the nature of accidents is justified, and significant changes in the development of gas pipeline accidents in the North than in conditions with a moderate climate are shown. Based on the results of the analysis of gas pipeline accidents that occurred at low temperatures, the main causes of gas pipeline accidents were identified, and “event trees” of gas leakage from the gas pipeline was developed with an assessment of the frequency of emergency scenarios taking into account the abnormal conditions of the North. The most dangerous scenarios of gas pipeline accident evolution have been identified and their risk levels in the zone of the damage factors have been assessed on the basis of acceptable risk criteria.
Formation of an Agricultural Cluster Based on the Ranking of Enterprises
Authors: Simdiankin A A , Probin P S , Yukhin I A , Rembalovich G K
Published: March 2021

The article deals with the formation of the cluster core and its environment with the clarification of the organizational structure. Much attention is paid to the necessity and sufficiency of including organizations in the cluster at the time of its formation and initial stage of operation. The authors suggest to use a ranking method based on the significance of the cluster’s areas of work as well as the organizations that belong to each of them. At the same time, the cluster’s work areas are related to the its missions in the destination: industrial; innovative; satisfying the requirements inside the cluster; satisfying the requirements outside the cluster; social; territory development; cluster development. Within each of the directions the minimum number of organizations sufficient for the effective operation of the cluster was determined. Then the cluster organizations were ranked according to the allocated missions. Based on the ranking organizations of primary importance at the initial stage of the cluster are identified: organizations that provide financial services, supply machinery, equipment, production lines and knowledge as well as bulk buyers. The cluster has a “zone of necessary organizations” for starting the cluster as well as a “zone of efficiency increasing” that can be expanded and replenished as necessary.
Comparison of Different Methods for Preliminary Separation of Free Grain When Hatcheling Standing Plants
Authors: Ozherelyev V N , Nikitin V V , Komogortsev V F
Published: March 2021

The article presents the results of laboratory studies, confirming the possibility of preliminary separation of free grain from the hatchelled grain heap before it enters the combine harvester threshing chamber. It has been established that the most promising methods for performing this technological process are a mesh conveyor mounted in front of the thresher and an inclined chamber equipped with a grating bottom with oblong holes. The experimental results indicate that the maximum passage of free grain through the openings of the mesh conveyor 2000mmlong is 94.66%, and for an inclined chamber with a grating bottom 950mmlong – 68.7%. To ensure the passage of 99% free grain, the length of the mesh conveyor separating surface should be at least 2.69 m, and the length of the inclined chamber should be 1.17 m. The practical implementation of the first separation method requires shifting the threshing drum back and drastically shortening the straw walker. The second method of separation is more acceptable, since it does not require a substantial rearrangement of the serial harvester.
Development Trends of World Commercial Fleet during 2001-2018
Authors: Lazarev V A
Published: March 2021

The article analyzes the development of maritime commercial fleet during the period of 2000 - 2018. The four largest segments of the commercial marine fleet, the oil tankers, the bulkers, the container ships, and the general cargo ships have been considered. These segments formed 85% to 90% of the total deadweight of the world commercial fleet in different years. The peculiarities of development of these four segments of commercial fleet were determined. A special period in the development of oil tankers segment in 2012-2013 is highlighted when under the influence of MARPOL 73/78 huge tonnage of the single hull oil tankers was phased out. The correlation analysis between the development of world commercial fleet and world seaborn trade was carried out. Strong correlations between the tonnage of oil tankers and oil and gas trade, tonnage of bulkers and bulk and other dry cargo trade, tonnage of container ships and container transportation were determined.
Veterinary and Sanitary Assessment of Sheep Slaughter Products for Dermatitis
Authors: Aygubov M R , Gorchakov E V , Dyachenko Yu V , Sokolova E A , Bagamaev B M
Published: March 2021

The work is devoted to assessing the quality of livestock slaughter products, taking into account skin diseases of various etiologies. This criterion sometimes makes a significant contribution to the quality of livestock products, so it must be taken into account during veterinary and sanitary examination in laboratories. To assess the state of health and predict changes in the quality of products of the slaughter of sheep, great importance belongs to the study of patterns in the clinical, anamnestic, morphological, metric, and anatomical indicators of the body of the sheep. The use of these patterns and their dynamic changes characteristics helps to find out certain patterns that made it possible to develop several rules for the modern veterinary and sanitary assessment of sheep slaughter products. These rules allow not only to indicate the premisses for the occurrence of dermatitis of various etiologies but also to improve existing developments, as well as improve the quality of preventive remedies to prevent and eliminate these types of diseases. It should also be noted that for the start of preventive steps, the strict observance of elementary rules is important when grazing the number of sheep. This includes their movement in compliance with certain periods, the seasonality of the use of forage land, and the mandatory inspection of the livestock of animals and their parking places. In the case of the detection of infected animals with signs of damage to the skin, the animals are immediately isolated with subsequent diagnosis and treatment.
The New Areas of the Ice Cover Modeling Using the Composite Model Ice “GP-ice”
Authors: Sebin A S , Dvoichenko Yu A
Published: March 2021

To assess the vessels ice qualities in various ice experimental model basins, the active use of a large number of various methods of the ice cover modeling indicates that there is no single approach to this issue. In this work the fundamental contradiction underlying mentioned methods is pointed. And the new method of the model ice cover testing based on the consideration of the ice failure actual process is proposed. The method of using composite model ice “GP-ice” is proposed. It is also shown that the mechanical properties of the model ice field are in the range of values required to ensure the modeling conditions. The experimental investigation results are presented and the areas for further work are planned.
Estimation of the Crack Faces Interaction When Ice Beams are Destroyed by a Transvers Vertical Load
Authors: Knyazkov V V , Semenova N M , Sebin A S
Published: March 2021

In the paper the mechanism of the conservation of the ice cover bearing capacity under the influence of transverse loads if there are cracks in it was considered. Experimental and theoretical study of the main aspects of this mechanism was performed on the ice beams obtained by sawing two parallel wide slits in the ice cover. At its ends, the beam was one with the entire ice plate. The obtained diagrams of beam failure made it possible to interpret cracks as hinges connecting separate blocks of ice cover in the lines of their axes. The finite element method for the subsequent evaluation of the proposed method of accounting for interaction on the crack faces was used. The research results can be used in the mathematical model making of the ice deformation and ice failure taking into account cracking, as well as in the development of simulation mode of ice cover.
The Influence of the Area Size and the Method of Transverse Load Application to the Ice Cover Surface on the Ice Failure Efficiency
Authors: Dvoichenko Yu A , Semenova N M
Published: March 2021

The vertical load application to the ice cover for the purpose of its failure for the passage of the transport vessels in the ice is considered. The energy comparison consumed by the technical vehicles with the volume of the destroyed ice is made when the area size of the application of the failure load increases. The specific work of the external forces (per 1 m3 of the destroyed ice) is shown to significantly decrease with the increasing area of the imposed load. In addition, the additional reduction mechanism of the energy expenditure is shown in case when the failure is performed by the moving distributed load compared with the impact of the load applied on a rigid contour.
Prediction Basics of Oil Products Transport and Storage Facilities Exploitation Risk
Authors: Prokhorov V A , Prokhorov D V
Published: March 2021

It is shown that Technological safety ensuring is in demand in the modern world, protecting the interests of man and society is impossible without preserving the environment. The security problem of social, natural and technological systems is relevant in the Republic of Sakha (Yakutia). Technological hazard specificity of the region is determined by the characteristics of the extreme climate. Common technogenic hazardous facilities were established on the territory of the republic: industries associated with the production, transportation and storage of oil and oil products. Main oil and gas pipelines and oil products storage tanks represent a real danger for the environment as an economic and energy determining objects are shown. Examples of oil facilities damages are given where the scale of destructions and oil spills are shown. Analysis of accidents shows that they are accompanied with significant material, environmental and social damage. It is shown that the main property of the system is security, and the determining parameter is risk. The basis of forecasting is risk as the likely damage, which is a technical and economic indicator and allows you to calculate the integral risk from the effects of several dangerous factors, various objects of the technosphere and territories. The safety problem can be solved by minimizing accident damage, which should be based on forecasting and timely warning of upcoming risks.
SMART-technologies in Irrigation Management of a Remote Land Plot
Authors: Matukhina O V , Votyakova L R , Zakharova I N
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this work is to design an automatic irrigation system on a remote land plot. Along with this the objectives of the designed system were the requirement of intelligence and interactivity. In other words the automation system should not only open the solenoid valves according to the schedule, but also control the separate zones taking into account the temperature, soil humidity, weather, etc., while notifying the user of events. The result of this work is the project of an interactive irrigation management system with the possibility of remote interaction. Besides there is a developed client-server application that implements this remote interaction in a simple and familiar way through a mobile application for a smartphone running the Android operating system. It is easy to configure flexibly or to expand the system to suit any needs, to use completely different sensors and actuators, to receive reports on stable operation and planned actions set by algorithms, or on abnormal situations, such as device failure. It is worth noting as an advantage the flexibility and scalability of the developed system in terms of integration with any information management system and digitalization of agriculture.
The Main Directions of Milk Production and its Processing Products Volume Increasing in the Russian Federation
Authors: Magomedov M D , Karabanova O V , Stroev V V , Moiseev V V
Published: March 2021

The article presents the current state of milk production in the Russian Federation (RF). The reasons for its decline are identified. In a difficult economic situation, an important role policy of import substitution. The problems of import substitution become even more urgent in connection with the Western sanctions imposed against Russia in connection with the events in Ukraine. In this regard, there has been a decline in food imports from abroad and an increase in the growth rate of food production, oriented to the domestic market. The authors make a valid conclusion that an economically literate policy of import substitution in the agro-industrial complex and other sectors of the economy can become a catalyst for overcoming the technical gap, reviving the investment climate, and increasing its own production of food in necessary quantities in accordance with medical norms of consumption. The main directions of milk production volume increase and its processing products in the Russian Federation are presented. Each direction is considered separately and recommendations for its improvement are given. A new approach of commercial loan allocation for entrepreneurs engaged in milk production and its processing products is proposed.
Echocardiography Predictors of Survival in Hypertensive Patients With Left Ventricular Hypertrophy
Authors: Guzik Bartlomiej M , McCallum Linsay , Zmudka Krzysztof , Guzik Tomasz J , Dominiczak Anna F , Padmanabhan Sandosh
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is a well-known target organ damage. Concentric hypertrophy is the strongest predictor of increased risk of cardiovascular events, but the predictive value of individual echocardiographic parameters remains unclear.

The aim of this study was to search for echocardiographic and hemodynamic variables associated with concentric and eccentric remodeling and their association with long-term cardiovascular outcomes.

METHODS

Patients with echocardiography performed within 1 year prior to the initial clinic visit were included into the study. Logistic regression and multivariable Cox-proportional hazards were calculated according to several risk factors and variables. Additionally, cubic spline interpolation was used.

RESULTS

We observed 690 patients for 10 years. There was a total of 177 major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE) and 90 deaths over a 10-year period. Left ventricular concentric hypertrophy is associated with worse outcomes than eccentric hypertrophy in hypertensive subjects. Interestingly, different echocardiographic parameters contributed to risk depending on type of hypertrophy. In concentric hypertrophy, relative wall thickness provides linear prediction of risk for all-cause mortality (ACM) and composite endpoint. Systolic blood pressure is a significant predictor of MACCE. Blood pressure variability also showed significant predictive value for MACCE and ACM.

CONCLUSIONS

These data indicate risk stratification based on LVH need to consider different measures based on the type of remodeling.
Scaling-Down Mass Ivermectin Treatment for Onchocerciasis Elimination: Modeling the Impact of the Geographical Unit for Decision Making
Authors: Stolk Wilma A , Blok David J , Hamley Jonathan I D , Cantey Paul T , de Vlas Sake J , Walker Martin , Basáñez María-Gloria
Published: March 2021

Background

Due to spatial heterogeneity in onchocerciasis transmission, the duration of ivermectin mass drug administration (MDA) required for eliminating onchocerciasis will vary within endemic areas and the occurrence of transmission “hotspots” is inevitable. The geographical scale at which stop-MDA decisions are made will be a key driver in how rapidly national programs can scale down active intervention upon achieving the epidemiological targets for elimination.

Methods

We used 2 onchocerciasis models (EPIONCHO-IBM and ONCHOSIM) to predict the likelihood of achieving elimination by 2030 in Africa, accounting for variation in preintervention endemicity levels and histories of ivermectin treatment. We explore how decision making at contrasting geographical scales (community vs larger scale “project”) changes projections on populations still requiring MDA or transitioning to post-treatment surveillance.

Results

The total population considered grows from 118 million people in 2020 to 136 million in 2030. If stop-MDA decisions are made at project level, the number of people requiring treatment declines from 69–118 million in 2020 to 59–118 million in 2030. If stop-MDA decisions are made at community level, the numbers decline from 23–81 million in 2020 to 15–63 million in 2030. The lower estimates in these prediction intervals are based on ONCHOSIM, the upper limits on EPIONCHO-IBM.

Conclusions

The geographical scale at which stop-MDA decisions are made strongly determines how rapidly national onchocerciasis programs can scale down MDA programs. Stopping in portions of project areas or transmission zones would free up human and economic resources.
Breast Milk Antibody Levels in Tdap-Vaccinated Women After Preterm Delivery
Authors: Orije Marjolein R P , Larivière Ynke , Herzog Sereina A , Mahieu Ludo M , Van Damme Pierre , Leuridan Elke , Maertens Kirsten
Published: March 2021

Background

Enrichment of breast milk (BM) with immunoglobulin (Ig) A and IgG through maternal vaccination could help infants combat targeted pathogens. However, evidence on this effect after preterm delivery is lacking. In this study, we investigated the total and anti-pertussis toxin (anti-PT)–specific IgA and IgG production in BM after term and preterm delivery in the presence of maternal Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, acellular pertussis) vaccination.

Methods

Serum and BM samples of lactating women who delivered at term or prematurely and did or did not receive Tdap vaccine (Boostrix, GSK Biologicals) during pregnancy were collected as part of a clinical study (N = 234). Anti-PT IgA/IgG (IBL assay; Meso Scale Discovery assay) and total IgA/IgG (Thermofisher, on BM samples only) immunosorbent assays were performed on all samples collected at 72 hours and 4, 8, and 12 weeks postpartum.

Results

BM after preterm delivery contained anti-PT IgA and IgG geometric mean concentrations (GMCs) comparable to those after term delivery (eg, colostrum anti-PT IgA, 5.39 IU/mL vs 6.69 IU/mL, respectively). Maternal Tdap vaccination induced significantly higher anti-PT IgG GMCs in colostrum of vaccinated compared with unvaccinated women who delivered at term (0.110 IU/mL vs 0.027 IU/mL, P = .009). Anti-PT antibodies persisted up to 12 weeks postpartum.

Conclusions

This study provides evidence that maternal Tdap vaccination induces high Ig levels in BM after both term and preterm delivery and that these antibodies remain abundantly present throughout lactation, possibly offering additional mucosal protection during the most vulnerable period in early life.

Clinical Trial Registration

NCT02511327.
Single Dose of an mRNA Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov-2) Vaccine Is Associated With Lower Nasopharyngeal Viral Load Among Nursing Home Residents With Asymptomatic Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: McEllistrem M Catherine , Clancy Cornelius J , Buehrle Deanna J , Lucas Aaron , Decker Brooke K
Published: March 2021

In nursing home residents with asymptomatic COVID-19 diagnosed through twice-weekly surveillance testing, single-dose BNT162b2 vaccination (Pfizer-BioNTech) was associated with −2.4 mean log10 lower nasopharyngeal viral load than detected in absence of vaccination (P = .004). Since viral load is linked to transmission, single-dose mRNA SARS-CoV-2 vaccination may help control outbreaks.
Do Beijing’s Capital Controls Bind Hong Kong? Reality or Illusion
Authors: Fu Jiangyuan , Mercurio Bryan
Published: March 2021

The ongoing impact of COVID-19 on global economic growth is likely to result in a retreat from financial globalization, including restrictions on capital movements. This concern arises from the experience of short-term capital control policies being implemented by countries in past financial crisis. This trend, together with China’s long history of using capital controls, has further sparked fears in Hong Kong regarding the extent to which the capital control restrictions from Beijing could impact Hong Kong’s open financial policy on capital transfers. With this context, this article evaluates situations where concerns have been raised and seeks to ascertain whether Hong Kong could be legally liable for the implementation of capital controls in Beijing.
Review of intravitreal VEGF inhibitor toxicity and report of collapsing FSGS with TMA in a patient with age-related macular degeneration
Authors: Phadke Gautam , Hanna Ramy M , Ferrey Antoney , Torres Everardo Arias , Singla Anjali , Kaushal Amit , Kalantar-Zadeh Kamyar , Kurtz Ira , Jhaveri Kenar D
Published: March 2021

Intravitreal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) receptor blockade is used for a variety of retinal pathologies. These include age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic macular edema (DME) and central retinal vein obstruction. Reports of absorption of intravitreal agents into systemic circulation have increased in number and confirmation of depletion of VEGF has been confirmed. Increasingly there are studies and case reports showing worsening hypertension, proteinuria, renal dysfunction and glomerular disease. The pathognomonic findings of systemic VEGF blockade, thrombotic microangiopathies (TMAs), are also being increasingly reported. One lesion that occurs in conjunction with TMAs that has been described is collapsing focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (cFSGS). cFSGS has been postulated to occur due to TMA-induced chronic glomerular hypoxia. In this updated review we discuss the mechanistic, pharmacological, epidemiological and clinical evidence of intravitreal VEGF toxicity. We review cases of biopsy-proven toxicity presented by our group and other investigators. We also present the third reported case of cFSGS in the setting of intravitreal VEGF blockade with a chronic TMA component that was crucially found on biopsy. This patient is a 74-year-old nondiabetic male receiving aflibercept for AMD. Of the two prior cases of cFSGS in the setting of VEGF blockade, one had AMD and the other had DME. This case solidifies the finding of cFSGS and its association with chronic TMA as a lesion that may be frequently encountered in patients receiving intravitreal VEGF inhibitors.
Human-induced pluripotent stem cells in cardiovascular research: current approaches in cardiac differentiation, maturation strategies, and scalable production
Authors: Thomas Dilip , Cunningham Nathan J , Shenoy Sushma , Wu Joseph C
Published: March 2021

Manifestations of cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) in a patient or a population differ based on inherent biological makeup, lifestyle, and exposure to environmental risk factors. These variables mean that therapeutic interventions may not provide the same benefit to every patient. In the context of CVDs, human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes (iPSC-CMs) offer an opportunity to model CVDs in a patient-specific manner. From a pharmacological perspective, iPSC-CM models can serve as go/no-go tests to evaluate drug safety. To develop personalized therapies for early diagnosis and treatment, human-relevant disease models are essential. Hence, to implement and leverage the utility of iPSC-CMs for large-scale treatment or drug discovery, it is critical to (i) carefully evaluate the relevant limitations of iPSC-CM differentiations, (ii) establish quality standards for defining the state of cell maturity, and (iii) employ techniques that allow scalability and throughput with minimal batch-to-batch variability. In this review, we briefly describe progress made with iPSC-CMs in disease modelling and pharmacological testing, as well as current iPSC-CM maturation techniques. Finally, we discuss current platforms for large-scale manufacturing of iPSC-CMs that will enable high-throughput drug screening applications.
Dissecting the transcriptome in cardiovascular disease
Authors: Robinson Emma L , Baker Andrew H , Brittan Mairi , McCracken Ian , Condorelli G , Emanueli C , Srivastava P K , Gaetano C , Thum T , Vanhaverbeke M , Angione C , Heymans S , Devaux Y , Pedrazzini T , Martelli F ,   EU-CardioRNA COST Action CA17129
Published: March 2021

The human transcriptome comprises a complex network of coding and non-coding RNAs implicated in a myriad of biological functions. Non-coding RNAs exhibit highly organized spatial and temporal expression patterns and are emerging as critical regulators of differentiation, homeostasis, and pathological states, including in the cardiovascular system. This review defines the current knowledge gaps, unmet methodological needs, and describes the challenges in dissecting and understanding the role and regulation of the non-coding transcriptome in cardiovascular disease. These challenges include poor annotation of the non-coding genome, determination of the cellular distribution of transcripts, assessment of the role of RNA processing and identification of cell-type specific changes in cardiovascular physiology and disease. We highlight similarities and differences in the hurdles associated with the analysis of the non-coding and protein-coding transcriptomes. In addition, we discuss how the lack of consensus and absence of standardized methods affect reproducibility of data. These shortcomings should be defeated in order to make significant scientific progress and foster the development of clinically applicable non-coding RNA-based therapeutic strategies to lessen the burden of cardiovascular disease.
Size matters in atrial fibrillation: the underestimated importance of reduction of contiguous electrical mass underlying the effectiveness of catheter ablation
Authors: Hartley Adam , Shalhoub Joseph , Ng Fu Siong , Krahn Andrew D , Laksman Zachary , Andrade Jason G , Deyell Marc W , Kanagaratnam Prapa , Sikkel Markus B
Published: March 2021

Evidence has accumulated over the last century of the importance of a critical electrical mass in sustaining atrial fibrillation (AF). AF ablation certainly reduces electrically contiguous atrial mass, but this is not widely accepted to be an important part of its mechanism of action. In this article, we review data showing that atrial size is correlated in many settings with AF propensity. Larger mammals are more likely to exhibit AF. This is seen both in the natural world and in animal models, where it is much easier to create a goat model than a mouse model of AF, for example. This also extends to humans—athletes, taller people, and obese individuals all have large atria and are more likely to exhibit AF. Within an individual, risk factors such as hypertension, valvular disease and ischaemia can enlarge the atrium and increase the risk of AF. With respect to AF ablation, we explore how variations in ablation strategy and the relative effectiveness of these strategies may suggest that a reduction in electrical atrial mass is an important mechanism of action. We counter this with examples in which there is no doubt that mass reduction is less important than competing theories such as ganglionated plexus ablation. We conclude that, when considering future strategies for the ablative therapy of AF, it is important not to discount the possibility that contiguous electrical mass reduction is the most important mechanism despite the disappointing consequence being that enhancing success rates in AF ablation may involve greater tissue destruction.
Optimal breeding-value prediction using a sparse selection index
Authors: Lopez-Cruz Marco , de los Campos Gustavo
Published: March 2021

Genomic prediction uses DNA sequences and phenotypes to predict genetic values. In homogeneous populations, theory indicates that the accuracy of genomic prediction increases with sample size. However, differences in allele frequencies and linkage disequilibrium patterns can lead to heterogeneity in SNP effects. In this context, calibrating genomic predictions using a large, potentially heterogeneous, training data set may not lead to optimal prediction accuracy. Some studies tried to address this sample size/homogeneity trade-off using training set optimization algorithms; however, this approach assumes that a single training data set is optimum for all individuals in the prediction set. Here, we propose an approach that identifies, for each individual in the prediction set, a subset from the training data (i.e., a set of support points) from which predictions are derived. The methodology that we propose is a sparse selection index (SSI) that integrates selection index methodology with sparsity-inducing techniques commonly used for high-dimensional regression. The sparsity of the resulting index is controlled by a regularization parameter (λ); the G-Best Linear Unbiased Predictor (G-BLUP) (the prediction method most commonly used in plant and animal breeding) appears as a special case which happens when λ = 0. In this study, we present the methodology and demonstrate (using two wheat data sets with phenotypes collected in 10 different environments) that the SSI can achieve significant (anywhere between 5 and 10%) gains in prediction accuracy relative to the G-BLUP.
Gender, Recruitment and Medicine at Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, 1939–1942
Authors: Docking Kate
Published: March 2021

This article sheds light on how gender intersected with the recruitment of three female doctors to Ravensbrück, a concentration camp in the Third Reich designated to intern only women prisoners. The favourable pay on offer, the prospect of permanent positions and their pre-existing affiliation with Nazi organizations led the female doctors to take jobs at the camp. While these women were hired to work at Ravensbrück as a result of the contemporary belief that women physicians were better suited to treating female patients than were male doctors, this gendered medical ideal was increasingly usurped in the camp hospital. Herta Oberheuser, one of the doctors, performed cruel experiments on female prisoners with venereal diseases and conducted humiliating gynaecological examinations on women arriving at the camp. Ultimately, we cannot fully understand the descent into medical malpractice in the hospital—including the types of medical atrocities enacted, who was subjected to them and who perpetrated them—without a detailed gendered analysis that incorporates the female doctors. In demonstrating how contemporary gendered medical ideals were actively violated, this article also asks how significant gender was in a women’s concentration camp.
Strengthening data collection and use for quality improvement in primary care: the case of Costa Rica
Authors: Pesec Madeline , Spigel Lauren , Granados José María Molina , Bitton Asaf , Hirschhorn Lisa R , Brizuela Jorge Arturo Jiménez , Pignone Michael , Sáenz María del Rocío , Schwarz Dan , Villegas del Carpio Oscar , Wilson Ira B , Zamora Méndez Eduardo , Ratcliffe Hannah L
Published: March 2021

Costa Rica is a bright spot of primary healthcare (PHC) performance, providing first-contact accessibility and continuous, comprehensive, coordinated, and patient-centered care to its citizens. Previous research hypothesized that strong data collection and use for quality improvement are central to Costa Rica’s success. Using qualitative data from 40 interviews with stakeholders across the Costa Rican healthcare system, this paper maps the various data streams at the PHC level and delineates how these data are used to make decisions around insuring and improving the quality of PHC delivery. We describe four main types of PHC data: individual patient data, population health data, national healthcare delivery data, and local supplementary healthcare delivery data. In particular, we find that the Healthcare Delivery Performance Index—a ranking of the nation’s 106 Health Areas using 15 quality indicators—is utilized by Health Area Directors to create quality improvement initiatives, ranging from education and coaching to optimization of care delivery and coordination. By ranking Health Areas, the Index harnesses providers’ intrinsic motivation to stimulate improvement without financial incentives. We detail how a strong culture of valuing data as a tool for improving population health and robust training for personnel have enabled effective data collection and use. However, we also find that the country’s complex data systems create unnecessary duplication and can inhibit efficient data use. Costa Rica’s experience with data collection, analysis, and use for quality improvement hold important lessons for PHC in other public sector systems.
The Use of Arthropod-Borne Challenge Models in BSL-3Ag and BSL-4 Biocontainment
Authors: Higgs Stephen , Vanlandingham Dana L , Huang Yan-Jang S , Thangamani Saravanan
Published: March 2021

The study of many arthropod-borne pathogens requires high biosafety considerations, including the use of specialized facilities and equipment for arthropod containment. Mosquito- and tick-borne viruses such as yellow fever, West Nile, and Crimean Congo hemorrhagic fever viruses require facilities that are suitable for housing vertebrates. Multidisciplinary studies that incorporate the vector, vertebrate, and pathogens are essential for a complete understanding of the interactions between these transmission cycle components, especially if they aim to evaluate and model relative susceptibilities of different arthropods and vertebrates to infection and transmission between these. Under laboratory conditions, these studies can be relatively simple, for example, involving colonized arthropods, small animals, and attenuated viruses. Other studies are complex with large animals, high-biocontainment pathogens, and field-collected arthropods. These require a higher level of containment and special design considerations. Both of these types of experiments have their relative merits. A thorough understanding of the issues related to these types of studies and the benefits and drawbacks to using various challenge models will enable the researcher to develop realistic goals for various experiments. This review examines the varied issues that should be considered prior to starting these experiments and covers the basics from the procurement of various arthropods, rearing, high-containment facilities and operational issues specific to work with arthropods, types of infection experiments, and specific issues with arthropod and animal experiments in biosafety levels 3 and 4.
Midwives and Humanitarian Bureaucracy: Managing Migration at a Postcolonial Border
Authors: Sahraoui Nina
Published: March 2021

Drawing on Foucauldian biopolitics, Max Weber's and Hannah Arendt's understandings of bureaucracy, and Achille Mbembe's theoretical insights into necropolitical power, I propose the notion of humanitarian bureaucracy to account for the involvement of medical personnel in the summary deportations of pregnant Comorian women in Mayotte, a French overseas department in the Indian Ocean. In addition to their usual consultations, hospital midwives are asked to assess the health of pregnant women arrested at sea in order to state whether they can be lawfully detained, while deportations happen within hours owing to the specificities of this postcolonial migration regime. The notion of humanitarian bureaucracy traces how a series of bureaucratic acts, duly sanctioned by qualified professionals, performs a minimal and fragmented biopolitical surveillance that neutralizes the question of responsibility and rejects the racialized Other into a liminal space between failing to “make live” and avoiding to “let die.” The article argues that humanitarian bureaucracy represents an ambivalent power, stemming from biopolitics yet producing necropolitics through processes of racialization. The article draws on three months of fieldwork conducted in Mayotte in 2017 and analyzes midwives’ discourses and bureaucratic practices as materialized by the medical certificates they deliver in the context of these assessments.