bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Generalized Γ-n-Derivations on Prime Γ-Near-Rings
Authors: Ahmed Hiba A. , Majeed Abdulrahman H.
Published: July 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to define generalized Γ-n-derivation, study and investigate some results of generalized Γ-n-derivation on prime Γ-near-ring G and K be a nonzero semi-group ideal of G which force G to be a commutative ring.
Asymptotic Behavior Criteria for Solutions Second Order Half Linear Neutral Differential Equation
Authors: Ketab Sattar Naser , Abdullah Banen Wafaa
Published: July 2021

In this paper the we study the oscillation and asymptotic behavior of second-order Half linear neutral differential equations. some basic and necessary and sufficient condition are established for every solution of

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Comparison of tow two cryptocurrencies: Bitcoin and Litecoin
Authors: Jumaili Mustafa Lateef Fadhil , Karim Sulaiman M.
Published: July 2021

The increasing daily use of virtual currency (cryptocurrency) is being adopted worldwide for many legal and illegal transactions. Cryptocurrency technology operates on a network that allows people to make payments around the world without any middleman. Since the technology was first developed, it became popular, and the price of cryptocurrencies started to rise and became unstable. In terms of the returns gained from investing in cryptocurrencies, they have been huge in recent times, but there has always been a question about their existence and reliability. A cryptocurrency is a digital process that relies on the use of an encryption system for security primarily. Despite the challenges and problems facing cryptocurrencies, the success of Bitcoin has led several companies to search for alternative digital currencies. This paper tries to compare two cryptocurrencies - Bitcoin (BTC) and Litecoin (LTC) with respect to their stability and understanding its trends in the recent period.
Energy-Efficient Load Balancing Technique to optimize Average response time and Data Center Processing Time in Cloud Computing Environment
Authors: Jeyalaksshmi S. , Anita Smiles J. , Akila D. , Mukherjee Dibyendu , Obaid Ahmed J.
Published: July 2021

Cloud infrastructure is a modern computing system in which pooled services are made available to users at various times depending on their demands. The process of distributing workload among computing system nodes is known as load balancing. Loads include things like CPU power; ram capacity, and network traffic. A well-balanced load avoids the situation when some nodes are fully loaded while others are inactive or not working. Where there are many tasks in a virtual machine (VM), these tasks are delegated to underutilize VMs in the same or a separate datacenter. Modified Round Robin and Modified Honey Bee Algorithms are proposed in this article for effective load balancing based on honey bee and Round Robin foraging activity to control load through VMs. Tasks taken from VMs that are crowded are viewed as honey bees. In the suggested method which is a circular ribbon, filled VMs are considered. In order to ensure a fast responding time and a minimum number of task migrations, the planned protocol also explores the aims of tasks in VM queues. The results of the test indicate that the quality of service has improved considerably (QoS).
Ion Trajectory Analysis in FIB Microscope to Study the Dielectric Constant using Mirror Method
Authors: Hazime Luna Basil , Zoory Muayyed Jabar
Published: July 2021

The current work used the same mathematical model that was used to study the behavior of an accelerated probing electron in order to create electron-mirror images [1]. Using straightforward trigonometry, this mathematical model was used to investigate the properties of the polymer PMMA as a result of the ion mirror effect phenomenon. This work also considers determining the influence of dielectric constant, which is one of the most important electrical properties of the material by using MATLAB simulation to help the practical results that we obtained and comparing it to the findings obtained for the electron mirror. The obtained results indicate that the presented methodology can be used to explain, interpret, and add further detail to the understanding of the ion mirror effect for future studies.
Replicating the MAP Kinase Cascade in Membrane Computing
Authors: Mohan Bareq Shaalan , Mahmood Ali A. , Mohammed Mohammed Q. , Zaki Nashwan Dheyaa
Published: July 2021

Membrane Computing (MC) is defined as one of the main areas in computer sciences; MC has the aim of discovering novel computational models from studying biological cells, specifically the cellular membranes. Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (MAPK) cascade was the subject of research in the areas of modeling and simulation. Various software tools such as Performance Evaluation Process Algebra (PEPA) have been used to solve the MAPK cascade for the purpose of improving the effectiveness of signaling. In this study, the MAPK cascade is modeled by using MC. The models of Membrane Computing could be totally fully utilized by applying parallel computing platforms. P-Lingua can be defined as a programming language for MeCoSim and MC, where MC simulators are used to model and simulate MAPK. P-Lingua will be applied to structure, develop and examine the implementation of MAPK cascades in membrane computing. MeCoSim supports charts, outputs, and inputs which have been adapted to MC. The simulation results have been put to comparison with PEPA model. The results indicate that MC improves the MAPK implementation compared to PEPA. This study showed that MC, with its biological characteristics, could improve the implementation regarding biological processes including MAPK.
Effects of The Rotation and A Magnetic Field on The Mixed Convection Heat Transfer Analysis for The Peristaltic Transport of Viscoplastic Fluid Through A Porous Medium in Asymmetric Channel
Authors: Mohaisen Hatem Nahi , Abdalhadi Ahmed M.
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we study the impact of the variable rotation, magnetic field and different variable such as the rate flow, Grashof number, Bingham number, Brinkman number, density, viscosity and …etc, on the mixed convection heat transfer analysis for the peristaltic transport of viscoplastic fluid through the porous medium, consideration small Reynolds number and long wavelength, peristaltic transport in asymmetric channel tapered horizontal channel and possess to different amplitude and phases difference. Series solutions for the axial velocity, stream function, stress at the upper and lower channels, temperature and pressure gradient. The impact of parameters discussion and illustrated graphically through the set of figures.
SOME RESULTS ON T_PURE SUBMODULES RELATED TO SUBMODULE
Authors: Al-Hassani Uhood S. , Mohammed Ali Muna Jasim
Published: July 2021

The aim of this work is studying many concepts of a pure submodule related to sub-module L and introducing the two concepts, T_pure submodule related to submodule and the crossing property of T_pure related to submodule. Another characterizations and study some properties of this concept.
Multivariable analysis for selection of natural fibers as fillers for a sustainable food packaging industry
Authors: Ali Hafiz T , Alghtani Abdulaziz H , Felemban Bassem F , Abd El-Aziz Kh , Saber D , Ahmed Emad M , Megahed M , Fotouhi Mohamad
Published: July 2021

There is a rising demand for advanced new materials in food packaging to meet the growing economic and sustainability requirements. Natural fibers have excellent mechanical and thermal isolation properties and lower production costs than synthetic fibers, making them suitable candidates for the development of sustainable food packaging. Other characteristics of natural fibers, i.e., low cost, easy availability, and low impact on the environment, making these materials a promising option for food packaging. The primary focus of this study is to utilize multivariable analysis, an analytic hierarchy process and a multi-criteria decision analysis to select appropriate natural fiber reinforcement for food packaging from commonly used plant fibers (coir, date palm, hemp, sisal, jute, flax, corn stalk, banana, bamboo, cotton). The multivariable selection system is used to compare crucial food packaging materials’ requirements and production parameters gathered different properties including density, Young modulus, elongation to break, moisture content, thermal conductivity, cost, availability, etc, to help identify appropriate natural fibers. From the results, selecting the most appropriate natural fiber depends on the design requirements, cost, and availability; all these parameters are also affected by the geological conditions and customer needs. Single parameter comparison is used to compare the investigated natural fiber; then analytic hierarchy process is used to rank the highest priority parameters for the natural fiber selection process. The results showed that density (22%), cost (13.6%), moisture content (11.7%), thermal conductivity (10.7%), elongation at break (7.7%), and Young modulus (7.4%) are rated in the order of priority. Hemp, banana and sisal fibers are ranked as the best choices for the food packaging by the multi-criteria decision analysis, i.e. TOPSIS. Examples are presented considering the multivariable analysis using radar charts to identify the best natural fibers source for countries such as Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and India. Date palm is a preferred natural fiber source for food packaging reinforcement in Saudi Arabia and Pakistan, whereas bamboo and jute are better choices for India and Bangladesh.
Efficacy and Safety of Anticonvulsants for the Inpatient Treatment of Alcohol Withdrawal Syndrome: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Rojo-Mira Jenny , Pineda-Álvarez Mateo , Zapata-Ospina Juan P
Published: July 2021

Aim

To examine the efficacy and safety of antiepileptic drugs (AED) for the inpatient treatment of patients with moderate to severe alcohol withdrawal syndrome (AWS).

Methods

We searched in databases and gray literature to include randomized controlled clinical trials in adults that compare the use of AED versus placebo or any other medication. Studies that did not specify severity or were performed on an outpatient basis were excluded. The outcomes were improvement of symptoms, delirium tremens, seizures and adverse events. Two researchers independently selected the references, extracted the data and assessed the risk of bias. A qualitative synthesis was made and, when the heterogeneity was mild or moderate, a meta-analysis was performed. The quality of the evidence obtained was evaluated with the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation tool.

Results

In total, 26 studies with 1709 patients were included. No benefit is described in withdrawal syndrome severity measured by scales or in the development of delirium tremens. The only possible meta-analysis showed that there are no differences in the incidence of seizures (risk ratio [RR] = 1.0; confidence interval (CI) 95% 0.76–1.33), even when compared with placebo (RR = 0.95; CI95% 0.57–1.57). There were also no differences in adverse events, although a higher proportion of some mild cases were described with the use of carbamazepine and valproic acid.

Conclusions

The routine use of AED is not suggested in the treatment of patients with moderate or severe AWS unless indicated for comorbidity (weak recommendation against using moderate quality of evidence).
FROGS: a powerful tool to analyse the diversity of fungi with special management of internal transcribed spacers
Authors: Bernard Maria , Rué Olivier , Mariadassou Mahendra , Pascal Géraldine
Published: July 2021

Fungi are present in all environments. They fulfil important ecological functions and play a crucial role in the food industry. Their accurate characterization is thus indispensable, particularly through metabarcoding. The most frequently used markers to monitor fungi are ITSs. These markers are the best documented in public databases but have one main weakness: polymerase chain reaction amplification may produce non-overlapping reads in a significant fraction of the fungi. When these reads are filtered out, traditional metabarcoding pipelines lose part of the information and consequently produce biased pictures of the composition and structure of the environment under study. We developed a solution that enables processing of the entire set of reads including both overlapping and non-overlapping, thus providing a more accurate picture of fungal communities. Our comparative tests using simulated and real data demonstrated the effectiveness of our solution, which can be used by both experts and non-specialists on a command line or through the Galaxy-based web interface.
Snapshots Quiz
Authors: Arredondo Montero J , Guillén Redondo P , Bronte Anaut M
Published: July 2021

A 14-year-old female presented with progressive abdominal distension and constipation. An MRI was performed and the patient taken to the operating theatre. What is the diagnosis from these intra-operative images
Platelet-rich plasma versus steroids injections for greater trochanter pain syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Migliorini Filippo , Kader Nardeen , Eschweiler Jörg , Tingart Markus , Maffulli Nicola
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS) is characterized by a persistent and debilitating pain around the greater trochanter. GTPS can be caused by a combination of gluteus medius or minimus tendinopathy, snapping hip or trochanteric bursitis.

Source of data

Recent published literatures identified from PubMed, EMBASE, Google Scholar, Scopus.

Areas of agreement

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and corticosteroids (CCS) injections are useful options to manage symptoms of GTPS.

Areas of controversy

Whether PRP leads to superior outcomes compared to CCS injections is unclear.

Growing points

A systematic review and meta-analysis comparing PRP versus CCS in the management of GTPS was conducted.

Areas timely for developing research

PRP injections are more effective than CCS at approximately 2 years follow-up.
Garcinia kola improves cognitive and motor function of a rat model of acute radiation syndrome in the elevated plus maze
Authors: Ahidjo Nene , Ngarka Leonard , Seke Etet Paul F , Njamnshi Wepnyu Y , Nfor Leonard N , Mengnjo Michel K , Basseguin Atchou Jonas G , Mouofo Edmond N , Tatah Godwin Y , Dong A Zok Faustin , Ngadjui Bonaventure T , Ngwa Wilfred , Njamnshi Alfred K
Published: July 2021

We reported recently that the elevated plus maze is a good tool for evaluating cognitive and motor functional changes in gamma-irradiated rats as a model for new drug evaluation and monitoring. The capacity of Garcinia kola to mitigate radiation-induced brain injury is currently unknown. We therefore assessed the effects of the neuroprotective medicinal plant Garcinia kola, on the cognitive and motor changes in this murine model of acute radiation syndrome. Wistar rats exposed once to an ionizing dose of Tc99m-generated Gamma radiation were treated with an ethyl acetate fraction of methanolic extract of Garcinia kola seeds (content of 100 mg/kg of extract) for 9 weeks. Cognitive and motor function indicators were assessed in the elevated plus maze in these animals and compared with irradiated control groups (vitamin C- and vehicle-treated groups) and the non-irradiated control rats. The irradiated control group displayed cachexia, shaggy and dirty fur, porphyrin deposits around eyes, decreased exploratory activity, reduced social interactions and a loss of thigmotaxis revealed by a marked decrease in rearing episodes and stretch attend posture episodes close to the walls of elevated plus maze closed arm, an increased central platform time, and decreases in open arm time and entries. This group further displayed a decrease in head dips and grooming episodes. Treatment with Garcinia kola, and in a lesser extent vitamin C, significantly prevented the body weight loss (P < 0.001) and mitigated the development of elevated plus maze signs of cognitive and motor affections observed in the irradiated control group (P < 0.05). Altogether, our data suggest for the first time that Garcinia kola seeds have protective properties against the development of cognitive and motor decline in the acute radiation syndrome-like context. Future studies are warranted to characterize the molecular mechanisms and neuronal networks of this action.
Vaccine-Preventable Disease Incidence Based on Clinically, Radiologically, and Etiologically Confirmed Outcomes: Systematic Literature Review and Re-analysis of Pneumococcal Conjugate Vaccine Efficacy Trials
Authors: Bollaerts Kaatje , Fletcher Mark A , Suaya Jose A , Hanquet Germaine , Baay Marc , Gessner Bradford D
Published: July 2021

Background

Vaccine regulatory decision making is based on vaccine efficacy against etiologically confirmed outcomes, which may underestimate the preventable disease burden. To quantify this underestimation, we compared vaccine-preventable disease incidence (VPDI) of clinically defined outcomes with radiologically/etiologically confirmed outcomes.

Methods

We performed a systematic review of efficacy trials for several vaccines (1997–2019) and report results for pneumococcal conjugate vaccines. Data were extracted for outcomes within a clinical syndrome, organized from most sensitive to most specific. VPDI was determined for each outcome, and VPDI ratios were calculated, with a clinically defined outcome (numerator) and a radiologically/etiologically confirmed outcome (denominator).

Results

Among 9 studies, we calculated 27 VPDI ratios; 24 had a value >1. Among children, VPDI ratios for clinically defined versus vaccine serotype otitis media were 0.6 (95% CI not calculable), 2.1 (1.5–3.0), and 3.7 (1.0–10.2); the VPDI ratios comparing clinically defined with radiologically confirmed pneumonia ranged from not calculable to 2.7 (1.2–10.4); the VPDI ratio comparing clinically suspected invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) with laboratory-confirmed IPD was 3.8 (95% CI not calculable). Among adults, the ratio comparing clinically defined with radiologically confirmed pneumonia was 1.9 (−6.0 to 9.1) and with vaccine serotype–confirmed pneumonia was 2.9 (.5–7.8).

Conclusions

While there is substantial uncertainty around individual point estimates, there is a consistent trend in VPDI ratios, most commonly showing under-ascertainment of 1.5- to 4-fold, indicating that use of clinically defined outcomes is likely to provide a more accurate estimate of a pneumococcal conjugate vaccine’s public health value.
The rescue snared wire technique for challenging transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation: a case series of two patients
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Massussi Mauro , Nai Fovino Luca , Sirico Domenico , Castaldi Biagio
Published: July 2021

Background

Transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation (TPVI) is an effective treatment for right ventricular outflow tract (RVOT) dysfunction. Patients affected by congenital heart disease requiring TPVI may have difficult anatomies, thus making the intervention technically demanding.

Case summary

We report a case series of two patients affected by RVOT dysfunction. Both the cases were characterized by difficulty to advance the valve over the wire, which was successfully overcome by the application of the snared wire technique (SWT) to TPVI.

Discussion

Various technical pitfalls and tips have been described to facilitate the delivery of the transcatheter Edwards Sapien valve in the pulmonary position. The SWT described by the authors may be a helpful tool to gain supportiveness and stability of the guidewire during the procedure.
An adult patient with previously undiagnosed sinus venosus atrial septal defect presenting with brain abscess: a case report
Authors: Mathew Navin , Hegde Nischal N
Published: July 2021

Background

Brain abscess is a common complication in children with cyanotic congenital heart disease. The presence of an underlying acyanotic congenital heart disease is usually not suspected in an adult patient presenting with brain abscess.

Case summary

A 51-year-old male patient with no known co-morbidities came with complaints of recent onset right lower limb weakness needing support while walking and on evaluation was found to have brain abscess. He underwent robotic endoscope assisted endoport excision of the brain abscess. Two-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography showed right atrial and right ventricular dilatation with mild low-pressure tricuspid regurgitation. Transoesophageal echocardiography (TOE) revealed sinus venosus atrial septal defect (ASD) with left-to-right shunt with the right upper pulmonary vein draining into superior vena cava. Contrast echocardiography revealed a small transient right-to-left shunt. He has been advised to undergo elective surgical closure of ASD with partial anomalous pulmonary venous connection repair.

Discussion

Right-to-left shunting in ASDs can occur in the early systole even in the absence of raised pressures in the right side of the heart, even when the predominant shunt is left to right, but the magnitude of such a shunt is small and transient and is easily missed. Contrast echocardiography and TOE should be done as a part of evaluation of patients presenting with brain abscess.
Spatial localization beyond steady states in the neighbourhood of the Takens–Bogdanov bifurcation
Authors: Alrihieli Haifaa , Rucklidge Alastair M , Subramanian Priya
Published: July 2021

Double-zero eigenvalues at a Takens–Bogdanov (TB) bifurcation occur in many physical systems such as double-diffusive convection, binary convection and magnetoconvection. Analysis of the associated normal form, in 1D with periodic boundary condition, shows the existence of steady patterns, standing waves, modulated waves (MW) and travelling waves, and describes the transitions and bifurcations between these states. Values of coefficients of the terms in the normal form classify all possible different bifurcation scenarios in the neighbourhood of the TB bifurcation (Dangelmayr, G. & Knobloch, E. (1987) The Takens–Bogdanov bifurcation with O(2)-symmetry. Phil. Trans. R. Soc. Lond. A, 322, 243-279). In this work we develop a new and simple pattern-forming partial differential equation (PDE) model, based on the Swift–Hohenberg equation, adapted to have the TB normal form at onset. This model allows us to explore the dynamics in a wide range of bifurcation scenarios, including in domains much wider than the lengthscale of the pattern. We identify two bifurcation scenarios in which coexistence between different types of solutions is indicated from the analysis of the normal form equation. In these scenarios, we look for spatially localized solutions by examining pattern formation in wide domains. We are able to recover two types of localized states, that of a localized steady state (LSS) in the background of the trivial state (TS) and that of a spatially localized travelling wave (LTW) in the background of the TS, which have previously been observed in other systems. Additionally, we identify two new types of spatially localized states: that of a LSS in a MW background and that of a LTW in a steady state (SS) background. The PDE model is easy to solve numerically in large domains and so will allow further investigation of pattern formation with a TB bifurcation in one or more dimensions and the exploration of a range of background and foreground pattern combinations beyond SSs.
Generalizing Stretch Lines for Surfaces with Boundary
Authors: Alessandrini Daniele , Disarlo Valentina
Published: July 2021

In 1986, William Thurston introduced the celebrated (asymmetric) Lipschitz distance on the Teichmüller space of closed or punctured surfaces. We extend his theory to the Teichmüller space of surfaces with boundary endowed with the arc distance. We construct a large family of geodesics for the Teichmüller space of a surface with boundary, generalizing Thurston’s stretch lines. We prove that the Teichmüller space of a surface with boundary is a geodesic and Finsler metric space with respect to the arc distance. As a corollary, we find a new class of geodesics in the Teichmüller space of a closed surface that are not stretch lines in the sense of Thurston.
Antiviral Response Induced by Toll-Like Receptor (TLR) 7/TLR8 Activation Inhibits Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Infection in Cord Blood Macrophages
Authors: Pietrobon Anna J , Yoshikawa Fábio S Y , Oliveira Luana M , Pereira Natalli Z , Matozo Tais , de Alencar Bruna C , Duarte Alberto J S , Sato Maria N
Published: July 2021

Vertical transmission is the main mechanism of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection in infants, who may develop high viremia and rapidly progress to AIDS. Innate immunity agonists can control HIV-1 replication in vitro, but the protective effect in the neonatal period remains unknown. Herein, we evaluated the immunomodulatory and antiviral effects of type I interferon (IFN-I) adjuvants on cord blood monocyte-derived macrophages upon HIV-1 infection. Despite the phenotypic and transcriptional similarities between cord blood and adult macrophages, cord blood cells were prone to viral replication when infected with HIV-1. However, treatment with CL097 efficiently promoted the antiviral and inflammatory responses and inhibited HIV-1 replication in cord blood cells in an NF-κB and autophagy activation-independent manner. Our data suggest that cord blood macrophages are able to establish antiviral responses induced by IFN-I adjuvants similar to those of their adult counterparts, revealing a potential adjuvant candidate to enhance the neonatal immune response.
Drosophila suzukii (Diptera: Drosophilidae): A Decade of Research Towards a Sustainable Integrated Pest Management Program
Authors: Tait Gabriella , Mermer Serhan , Stockton Dara , Lee Jana , Avosani Sabina , Abrieux Antoine , Anfora Gianfranco , Beers Elizabeth , Biondi Antonio , Burrack Hannah , Cha Dong , Chiu Joanna C , Choi Man-Yeon , Cloonan Kevin , Crava Cristina M , Daane Kent M , Dalton Daniel T , Diepenbrock Lauren , Fanning Phillip , Ganjisaffar Fatemeh , Gómez Miguel I , Gut Larry , Grassi Alberto , Hamby Kelly , Hoelmer Kim A , Ioriatti Claudio , Isaacs Rufus , Klick Jimmy , Kraft Laura , Loeb Gregory , Rossi-Stacconi Marco Valerio , Nieri Rachele , Pfab Ferdinand , Puppato Simone , Rendon Dalila , Renkema Justin , Rodriguez-Saona Cesar , Rogers Mary , Sassù Fabiana , Schöneberg Torsten , Scott Maxwell J , Seagraves Michael , Sial Ashfaq , Van Timmeren Steven , Wallingford Anna , Wang Xingeng , Yeh D Adeline , Zalom Frank G , Walton Vaughn M
Published: July 2021

Drosophila suzukii (Matsumura) (Diptera: Drosophilidae) also known as spotted-wing drosophila (SWD), is a pest native to Southeast Asia. In the last few decades, the pest has expanded its range to affect all major European and American fruit production regions. SWD is a highly adaptive insect that is able to disperse, survive, and flourish under a range of environmental conditions. Infestation by SWD generates both direct and indirect economic impacts through yield losses, shorter shelf life of infested fruit, and increased production costs. Fresh markets, frozen berries, and fruit export programs have been impacted by the pest due to zero tolerance for fruit infestation. As SWD control programs rely heavily on insecticides, exceedance of maximum residue levels (MRLs) has also resulted in crop rejections. The economic impact of SWD has been particularly severe for organic operations, mainly due to the limited availability of effective insecticides. Integrated pest management (IPM) of SWD could significantly reduce chemical inputs but would require substantial changes to horticultural management practices. This review evaluates the most promising methods studied as part of an IPM strategy against SWD across the world. For each of the considered techniques, the effectiveness, impact, sustainability, and stage of development are discussed.
Behavioral Response of the Tropical Bed Bug,Cimex hemipterus(Hemiptera: Cimicidae) to Carbon Dioxide
Authors: Zhang Jingsheng , Liang Qiling , Xia Yanwei , Kong Delong , Wang Changlu , Mo Shujie , He Yurong , Wang Desen
Published: July 2021

Bed bugs (Cimex spp.) (Hemiptera: Cimicidae) are obligatory blood-sucking insects. Research on their behavioral response to host-derived olfactory cues will be helpful for designing more effective management tools. However, previous studies mainly focused on Cimex lectularius L., while the related studies on Cimex hemipterus (F.) have been rarely reported. In this study, we evaluated the behavioral responses of C. hemipterus to one of the crucial host-derived cues – carbon dioxide (CO2), at various concentrations. Pitfall traps baited with CO2 captured significantly more C. hemipterus (72%) than unbaited ones (28%). In the Y-tube test, bed bugs’ exploratory activity (response rate) gradually decreased (from 70 to 27%) as the CO2 concentration increased (from 0.9 to 14.5%); and bed bugs exhibited a significant attraction to CO2 when the tested CO2 concentrations were between 0.9 and 7.3%. Cimex hemipterus were no longer attracted to CO2 after their antennae or mouthparts or both antennae and mouthparts were removed. In conclusion, C. hemipterus are attracted to CO2, and both antennae and mouthparts are important for CO2 perception.
An Adaptive Mode Adjustment for Multimode Household Surveys
Authors: Brick J Michael , Kennedy Courtney , Cervantes-Flores Ismael , Mercer Andrew W
Published: July 2021

Multimode data collection has emerged as a common approach for conducting household surveys in the United States. A number of different data collection schemes have been investigated, with an emphasis on collecting as many respondents by the Web prior to going to paper data collection to reduce costs. Despite this, little research has been conducted on the approaches to weighting data from multimode surveys. The typical approach assumes that all respondents should be treated the same regardless of mode even though it is well known that the response patterns by mode vary substantially. We examine an adaptive mode adjustment to address these differences and propose an imbalance measure to help determine the adjustment factor using ideas from responsive design. We then compare the effects of the alternative weighting method in two recent sequential mixed-mode surveys and show it appears to reduce bias while only slightly increasing variances of the estimates.
Experiences with pre-travel diagnostic PCR testing for SARS-CoV-2: challenges and opportunities
Authors: Schneitler Sophie , Gülker Jana , Alhussein Farah , Bub Florian , Halfmann Alexander , Klein Lisa , Roth Sophie , Jung Philipp , Becker Sören L
Published: July 2021

This study explores challenges and opportunities arising from pre-travel severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 diagnostics for the conduct of travel medicine clinics. We found that such testing might offer huge opportunities to reach individuals who would otherwise not present to travel medicine clinics, such as individuals visiting friends and relatives in malaria-endemic countries.
Evolution-Based Protein Engineering for Antifungal Peptide Improvement
Authors: Gu Jing , Isozumi Noriyoshi , Yuan Shouli , Jin Ling , Gao Bin , Ohki Shinya , Zhu Shunyi
Published: July 2021

Antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) have been considered as the alternatives to antibiotics because of their less susceptibility to microbial resistance. However, compared with conventional antibiotics they show relatively low activity and the consequent high cost and nonspecific cytotoxicity, hindering their clinical application. What’s more, engineering of AMPs is a great challenge due to the inherent complexity in their sequence, structure, and function relationships. Here, we report an evolution-based strategy for improving the antifungal activity of a nematode-sourced defensin (Cremycin-5). This strategy utilizes a sequence-activity comparison between Cremycin-5 and its functionally diverged paralogs to identify sites associated with antifungal activity for screening of enhanceable activity-modulating sites for subsequent saturation mutagenesis. Using this strategy, we identified a site (Glu-15) whose mutations with nearly all other types of amino acids resulted in a universally enhanced activity against multiple fungal species, which is thereby defined as a Universally Enhanceable Activity-Modulating Site (UEAMS). Especially, Glu15Lys even exhibited >9-fold increased fungicidal potency against several clinical isolates of Candida albicans through inhibiting cytokinesis. This mutant showed high thermal and serum stability and quicker killing kinetics than clotrimazole without detectable hemolysis. Molecular dynamic simulations suggest that the mutations at the UEAMS likely limit the conformational flexibility of a distant functional residue via allostery, enabling a better peptide–fungus interaction. Further sequence, structural, and mutational analyses of the Cremycin-5 ortholog uncover an epistatic interaction between the UEAMS and another site that may constrain its evolution. Our work lights one new road to success of engineering AMP drug leads.
Are all dietary fibers equal for patients with inflammatory bowel disease? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Peters Vera , Dijkstra Gerard , Campmans-Kuijpers Marjo J E
Published: July 2021

Context

Conflicting practice-based dietary recommendations are sometimes given to patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD); whereas intake of fiber should increase during remission, it should be avoided during relapse. Moreover, European countries set daily requirements of total fiber and do not specify any types.

Objective

This systematic review appraised data from randomized clinical trials (RCTs) of the types of fibers beneficial for patients in the treatment of IBD to guide dietary fiber advice.

Data Sources

The PubMED database was searched following PRISMA guidelines.

Data Extraction

RCTs evaluating the effects of any type of fiber on clinical and physiological outcomes in patients with IBD were assessed. Quality assessment of the selected full-text articles was conducted using the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool.

Data Analysis

Eight studies were included reporting on 5 types of fibers. In 2 RCTs, germinated barley foodstuff (GBF) was shown to lower pro-inflammatory cytokines and clinical disease activity scores. Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS) were demonstrated to lower IBD Questionnaire scores (lower well-being), in contrast to inulin, which decreased disease activity scores. An RCT could not find lower remission rates in the psyllium treatment group, while another RCT reported that administration led to less symptoms in patients. In RCTs, no concrete evidence was found that wheat bran improves disease course.

Conclusions

Although the evidence is sparse, GBF and inulin seem propitious and merit further exploration. Evidence on wheat bran and psyllium is still too limited. Adequately powered long-term human RCTs with objective outcomes are needed to improve dietary advice on types of fiber in IBD.
Understanding the predictive value and methods of risk assessment based on coronary computed tomographic angiography in populations with coronary artery disease: a review
Authors: Li Yiming , Jia Kaiyu , Jia Yuheng , Yang Yong , Yao Yijun , Chen Mao , Peng Yong
Published: July 2021

Risk assessment in coronary artery disease plays an essential role in the early identification of high-risk patients. However, conventional invasive imaging procedures all require long intraprocedural times and high costs. The rapid development of coronary computed tomographic angiography (CCTA) and related image processing technology has facilitated the formulation of noninvasive approaches to perform comprehensive evaluations. Evidence has shown that CCTA has outstanding performance in identifying the degree of stenosis, plaque features, and functional reserve. Moreover, advancements in radiomics and machine learning allow more comprehensive interpretations of CCTA images. This paper reviews conventional as well as novel diagnostic and risk assessment tools based on CCTA.
An Improved PCR Method for Rapid and Accurate Identification of Mating Types in the Late Blight Pathogen Phytophthora infestans
Authors: Mabon Romain , Guibert Michèle , Corbière Roselyne , Andrivon Didier
Published: July 2021

Mating type is a critical trait in heterothallic organisms. In plant pathogenic oomycetes, like the late blight pathogen Phytophthora infestans, it is usually identified through pairing between tester and candidate isolates, a method that is both laborious and applicable to live isolates only. Therefore, developing simple and fast PCR tests to reliably identify P. infestans mating types is of great interest for population genetic studies. A multiplex PCR assay combining the amplification of a locus diagnostic for P. infestans and of one diagnostic for the A1 mating type was developed and validated on a collection of 1,441 samples, covering the current and past diversity of European P. infestans populations. These samples were obtained from either freeze-dried mycelium or FTA cards on which diseased leaflets had been pressed. The multiplex assay correctly identified mating types in 97.4% of these samples. The main source of incorrect assignment was the lack of amplification of the A1 diagnostic allele, due to insufficient DNA quality and/or quantity in the reaction mix. This multiplex PCR, applicable to both live and stored material, thus constitutes a useful addition to the set of molecular tools available for population typing in P. infestans.
Organizational Capacity of Hospitals Co-Participating in Accountable Care Organizations and Bundled Payments
Authors: Liao Joshua M. , Clodfelter Ryan P. , Huang Jack J. , Zhou Lingmei , Bhatt Jay , Kupferman Gloria , Kralovec Peter D. , Navathe Amol S.
Published: July 2021

Building organizational capacity is critical for hospitals participating in payment models such as bundled payments and accountable care organizations, particularly “co-participant” hospitals with experience in both models. This study used a national survey of American Hospital Association member hospitals with bundled payment experience, with (co-participant hospitals) or without (bundled payment hospitals) accountable care organization experience. Questions examined capacity in 4 domains: performance feedback, postacute care provider utilization, care management, and health information technology. Of 424 hospitals, 38% responded. Both co-participant and bundled payment hospitals reported high capacity for performance feedback and risk stratification and predictive risk assessment using health information technology systems. The hospital groups did not differ in care management capacity, but bundled payment hospitals reported higher postacute care provider utilization capacity. Experience with multiple payment models may prompt hospitals to make different investments or adopt different strategies than hospitals with experience in a single model.
Integrating Physicians Into Lean Quality Improvement Through a Structured Educational Program
Authors: Patel Ajanta , Adili Hasime , Rojas Juan C. , McKinnon Marie R. , Norenberg Allison , Millard Steven , O’Rourke Amanda , Bonomo Mahira Z. , Weber Stephen , Albert Debra , Blanchard Anita K. , Arora Vineet , Horner Gregory
Published: July 2021

In the increasingly complex health care system, physicians require skills and knowledge to participate with multidisciplinary team members in quality improvement (QI) that adds value to health care organizations. The Educational and Clinical Leaders Improving Performance with Structured E3L training (ECLIPSE) program was developed to address this challenge. Clinically relevant components of lean management were leveraged to create an online, flipped-classroom curriculum, and this was paired with Kaizen adapted specifically for physicians and multidisciplinary clinicians to promote experiential skills utilization. The focus of each adapted Kaizen was a topic of institutional QI priority, such as improving patient throughput or reducing readmission rates. Participants were awarded certification in the E3 Leadership management system—a patient-centered, equity-focused system based on lean principles. After 4 years, 50 E3 Leadership certificates were awarded to multidisciplinary clinicians, including 30 to physicians; participants scored an average 85% on module quizzes. The ECLIPSE program has improved physician participation in multidisciplinary QI projects with institutional alignment.
A Qualitative Exploration of Challenges Experienced by Online MSN Nurse Educator Students
Authors: Scott Melissa D.
Published: July 2021

Institutions of higher learning offer flexible online master of science in nursing education (MSN NE) programs to increase the number of available nursing faculty. Such programs are a viable option to degree completion; however, online programs create challenges that impact student success. This qualitative pilot study describes challenges experienced by seven enrolled or recently graduated MSN NE students. Technology, scheduling, group behaviors, faculty, curricula, and personal barriers emerged as themes. The results underscore the need to create an effective community of inquiry that fosters an environment online to promote student success.
A Comparison of Collaborative Testing and Alternative Test-Taking Methods on Content Retention in Baccalaureate Nursing Students
Authors: Witt Amy J. , Gerdin Bethany J. , De Haan Julie A. , Bergman Lauren K.
Published: July 2021

Nursing faculty look for ways to promote the retention of content so that students can build on that content and apply it to nursing practice. A study was designed to determine differences in content retention between testing collaboratively, which involves students taking an exam collectively within a small group, using an individual notecard, and including written rationale for test answers during collaborative testing. Students who tested collaboratively had significantly higher long-term content retention than students who tested with the other methods.
Skeletal Maturity Using Knee X-rays: Understanding the Resilience of 7 Radiographic Parameters to Rotational Position
Authors: Castillo Tafur Julio C. , Benedick Alexander , Knapik Derrick M. , Janes Jessica L. , Delozier Sarah J. , Liu Raymond W.
Published: July 2021

Background:

Recently, a skeletal maturity system using knee radiographs, named the modified Roche-Wainer-Thissen (RWT) system, has been developed using 7 discrete radiographic parameters. While the system has been shown to significantly outperform the Greulich and Pyle atlas, the effect of rotational variation of the knee radiograph on skeletal maturity determinations has not been studied.

Methods:

Normal knee computed tomography scans of 12 male children ages 10 to 16 years and 8 female children ages 8 to 14 years were obtained retrospectively, converted into 3-dimensional reconstructions, and then used to simulate knee radiographs in 5 different rotational positions. Images were graded using the modified RWT system, and 1-way repeated measures analysis of variance was used to compare skeletal age in the patella centered view versus the other positions. We next retrospectively found 85 pediatric patients with both bilateral standing anteroposterior hip to ankles and separate knee radiograph within 6 months of each other. The skeletal maturity values from the 2 different radiographs were compared in 39 males between the ages of 10 and 16 years and 46 females between 8 and 14 years of age using paired t test and Wilcoxon-signed rank test.

Results:

On the computed tomography scan-based images, there was no statistically significant effect of rotational position on the modified RWT score using repeat measures analysis of variance (P=0.210). Only the width ratio of the tibial epiphysis and metaphysis and the width ratio of the fibular epiphysis and metaphysis were statistically different between rotational positions (P<0.05). Comparing clinical full length versus knee radiographs, we found a small difference of 0.069 years which trended towards a statistically significant difference (P=0.009).

Conclusions:

This retrospective study supports the resilience of the RWT model to rotational variation, reassuring clinicians that bone age estimation can be performed in a slightly rotated knee x-ray within a reasonable margin of error. These results can minimize the number of radiographs needed to assess skeletal maturity limiting radiation exposure and expedite clinical flow.

Level of Evidence:

Level-III—diagnostic study.
Examination of Adult Spinal Deformity Patients Undergoing Surgery with Implanted Spinal Cord Stimulators and Intrathecal Pumps
Authors: Daniels Alan H. , Durand Wesley M. , Steinbaum Alyssa J. , Lafage Renaud , Hamilton D. Kojo , Passias Peter G. , Kim Han Jo , Protopsaltis Themistocles , Lafage Virginie , Smith Justin S. , Shaffrey Christopher , Gupta Munish , Klineberg Eric O. , Schwab Frank , Gum Jeffrey L. , Mundis Gregory , Eastlack Robert , Kebaish Khaled , Soroceanu Alex , Hostin Richard A. , Burton Doug , Bess Shay , Ames Christopher , Hart Robert A.
Published: July 2021

Study Design.

Retrospective cohort study of a prospectively collected multi-center database of adult spinal deformity (ASD) patients.

Objective.

We hypothesized that patients undergoing ASD surgery with and without previous spinal cord stimulators (SCS)/ intrathecal medication pumps (ITP) would exhibit increased complication rates but comparable improvement in health-related quality of life.

Summary of Background Data.

ASD patients sometimes seek pain management with SCS or ITP before spinal deformity correction. Few studies have examined outcomes in this patient population.

Methods.

Patients undergoing ASD surgery and eligible for 2-year follow-up were included. Preoperative radiographs were reviewed for the presence of SCS/ITP. Outcomes included complications, Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), Short Form-36 Mental Component Score, and SRS-22r. Propensity score matching was utilized.

Results.

In total, of 1034 eligible ASD patients, a propensity score-matched cohort of 60 patients (30 with SCS/ITP, 30 controls) was developed. SCS/ITP were removed intraoperatively in most patients (56.7%, n = 17). The overall complication rate was 80.0% versus 76.7% for SCS/ITP versus control (P > 0.2), with similarly nonsignificant differences for intraoperative and infection complications (all P > 0.2). ODI was significantly higher among patients with SCS/ITP at baseline (59.2 vs. 47.6, P = 0.0057) and at 2-year follow-up (44.4 vs. 27.7, P = 0.0295). The magnitude of improvement, however, did not significantly differ (P = 0.45). Similar results were observed for SRS-22r pain domain. Satisfaction did not differ between groups at either baseline or follow-up (P > 0.2). No significant difference was observed in the proportion of patients with SCS/ITP versus control reaching minimal clinically important difference in ODI (47.6% vs. 60.9%, P = 0.38). Narcotic usage was more common among patients with SCS/ITP at both baseline and follow-up (P < 0.05).

Conclusion.

ASD patients undergoing surgery with SCS/ITP exhibited worse preoperative and postoperative ODI and SRS-22r pain domain; however, the mean improvement in outcome scores was not significantly different from patients without stimulators or pumps. No significant differences in complications were observed between patients with versus without SCS/ITP.

Level of Evidence: 3