bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Postharvest Bee Diversity is High but Declines Rapidly with Stand Age in Regenerating Douglas-Fir Forest
Authors: Rivers James W , Betts Matthew G 
Published: March 2021

AbstractConcerns about long-term pollinator declines have made assessing bee communities a priority in nonagricultural ecosystems, including managed forests. We assessed wild bee communities in Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii [Mirb.] Franco) stands one to 15 years after clearcut harvest in western Oregon, USA, testing the hypothesis that bee diversity would be high initially and then decline with time-dependent reductions in floral resources. We captured 2,009 individual bees that represented 67 distinct species/morphospecies in 20 genera and five families. Asymptotic estimators of bee diversity representing Shannon and Simpson diversity were greater in communities during the second half of the early seral period, indicating older early seral stands were less diverse and contained more common and dominant bee species. In addition, observed species richness and bee abundance peaked at approximately three years postharvest and declined thereafter by 20% and 30% per year, respectively. Because floral resources declined in concert with reductions in bee diversity as stands aged, food appears to be a key driver of forest bee communities. Our results indicate that postharvest Douglas-fir stands supported a diversity of bees, including important crop pollinators, but their value to bees was restricted to a relatively short window at the beginning of the early seral period.
Older Adults’ Loneliness in Early COVID-19 Social Distancing: Implications of Rurality
Authors: Fuller Heather R , Huseth-Zosel Andrea 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Objectives
Older adults face greater health risks due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), yet preventative social distancing measures may cause increased social isolation, potentially heightening risk of loneliness. In this mixed-methods study we examine changes in older adults’ loneliness due to social distancing, explore variability in perceptions, and identify whether such changes differ by rurality.

Methods
A Midwestern sample of 76 older adults aged 70–97 (mean age = 82; 74% female; 95% White; 39% rural) completed a phone interview about their experiences with social distancing due to COVID-19. Interviews were conducted during early weeks of regional social distancing. Participants completed retrospective and current assessments of loneliness, including providing explanations of their responses.

Results
On average, loneliness increased during early social distancing, yet variability was evident. Those experiencing increased loneliness described a feeling of loss or lack of control, whereas those experiencing stability in loneliness identified adaptability in social connection modes or feeling accustomed to social isolation. Rural older adults experienced a significantly smaller increase in loneliness than their nonrural counterparts.

Discussion
These findings suggest nuanced experiences among older adults, but generally negative implications for loneliness. Interventions to address older adults’ social isolation and loneliness during COVID-19 are warranted.
Education-related inequalities in cause-specific mortality: first estimates for Australia using individual-level linked census and mortality data
Authors: Welsh Jennifer , Joshy Grace , Moran Lauren , Soga Kay , Law Hsei-Di , Butler Danielle , Bishop Karen , Gourley Michelle , Eynstone-Hinkins James , Booth Heather , Moon Lynelle , Biddle Nicholas , Blakely Antony , Banks Emily , Korda Rosemary J 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Background
Socioeconomic inequalities in mortality are evident in all high-income countries, and ongoing monitoring is recommended using linked census-mortality data. Using such data, we provide the first estimates of education-related inequalities in cause-specific mortality in Australia, suitable for international comparisons.

Methods
We used Australian Census (2016) linked to 13 months of Death Registrations (2016–17). We estimated relative rates (RR) and rate differences (RD, per 100 000 person-years), comparing rates in low (no qualifications) and intermediate (secondary school) with high (tertiary) education for individual causes of death (among those aged 25–84 years) and grouped according to preventability (25–74 years), separately by sex and age group, adjusting for age, using negative binomial regression.

Results
Among 13.9 M people contributing 14 452 732 person-years, 84 743 deaths occurred. All-cause mortality rates among men and women aged 25–84 years with low education were 2.76 [95% confidence interval (CI): 2.61–2.91] and 2.13 (2.01–2.26) times the rates of those with high education, respectively. We observed inequalities in most causes of death in each age-sex group. Among men aged 25–44 years, relative and absolute inequalities were largest for injuries, e.g. transport accidents [RR = 10.1 (5.4–18.7), RD = 21.2 (14.5–27.9)]). Among those aged 45–64 years, inequalities were greatest for chronic diseases, e.g. lung cancer [men RR = 6.6 (4.9–8.9), RD = 57.7 (49.7–65.8)] and ischaemic heart disease [women RR = 5.8 (3.7–9.1), RD = 20.2 (15.8–24.6)], with similar patterns for people aged 65–84 years. When grouped according to preventability, inequalities were large for causes amenable to behaviour change and medical intervention for all ages and causes amenable to injury prevention among young men.

Conclusions
Australian education-related inequalities in mortality are substantial, generally higher than international estimates, and related to preventability. Findings highlight opportunities to reduce them and the potential to improve the health of the population.
Evaluation of the Mawid mobile healthcare application in delivering services during the COVID-19 pandemic in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alanzi Turki M , Althumairi Arwa , Aljaffary Afnan , Alfayez Asma , Alsalman Demah , Alanezi Fahad , Alhodaib Hala , AlShammari Maha M , AL-Dossary Reem , Al-Rayes Saja , Hariri Beyan , AlThani Bashair 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

Purpose
The purpose of this study is to evaluate MAWID mobile application developed by the Ministry of Health, Saudi Arabia, which is used for primary care hospitals appointments management and for tracking and tracing COVID-19.

Participants and Methods
An online questionnaire-based survey was used for collecting data related to three major factors including Ease of Use, Satisfaction, and Benefits of MAWID application among its users. Out of total 2542 participants, 345 participants completed only a part of the survey, and 204 participants did not use the application. After removing, 549 invalid responses, a final sample of 1993 was included for the data analysis.

Results
82.1% of the participants referred MAWID as easy to use application, 79.8% were highly satisfied with the application, and majority of the participants reflected potential benefits of using the application. T-test results have revealed that significant differences existed between males and females, and young and older participants in relation to the Ease of Use and Satisfaction levels associated with MAWID application.

Conclusion
Mobile applications can be very effective in delivering the healthcare services during pandemics. However, there is a need for regular evaluation and assessment to trach the change in users′ needs and update the app according to the changing requirements.
Barriers to using clinical decision support in ambulatory care: Do clinics in health systems fare better?
Authors: Shi Yunfeng , Amill-Rosario Alejandro , Rudin Robert S , Fischer Shira H , Shekelle Paul , Scanlon Dennis P , Damberg Cheryl L 
Published: March 2021

AbstractObjectiveWe quantify the use of clinical decision support (CDS) and the specific barriers reported by ambulatory clinics and examine whether CDS utilization and barriers differed based on clinics’ affiliation with health systems, providing a benchmark for future empirical research and policies related to this topic.Materials and MethodsDespite much discussion at the theoretic level, the existing literature provides little empirical understanding of barriers to using CDS in ambulatory care. We analyze data from 821 clinics in 117 medical groups, based on in Minnesota Community Measurement’s annual Health Information Technology Survey (2014-2016). We examine clinics’ use of 7 CDS tools, along with 7 barriers in 3 areas (resource, user acceptance, and technology). Employing linear probability models, we examine factors associated with CDS barriers.ResultsClinics in health systems used more CDS tools than did clinics not in systems (24 percentage points higher in automated reminders), but they also reported more barriers related to resources and user acceptance (26 percentage points higher in barriers to implementation and 33 points higher in disruptive alarms). Barriers related to workflow redesign increased in clinics affiliated with health systems (33 points higher). Rural clinics were more likely to report barriers to training.ConclusionsCDS barriers related to resources and user acceptance remained substantial. Health systems, while being effective in promoting CDS tools, may need to provide further assistance to their affiliated ambulatory clinics to overcome barriers, especially the requirement to redesign workflow. Rural clinics may need more resources for training.
Dietary taurine attenuates hydrogen peroxide-impaired growth performance and meat quality of broilers via modulating redox status and cell death signaling
Authors: Xing Tong , Chen Xiangxing , Li Jiaolong , Zhang Lin , Gao Feng 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Oxidative stress seriously affects poultry production. Nutritional manipulations have been effectively used to alleviate the negative effects caused by oxidative stress. This study investigated the attenuating effects and potential mechanisms of dietary taurine on the growth performance and meat quality of broiler chickens challenged with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Briefly, a total of 192 male Arbor Acres broilers (28 d old) were randomly categorized into three groups: non-injection of birds on basal diets (control), 10.0% H2O2 injection of birds on basal diets (H2O2), and 10.0% H2O2 injection of birds on basal diets supplemented with 5 g/kg taurine (H2O2 + taurine). Each group consisted of eight cages of eight birds per cage. Results indicated that H2O2 administration significantly reduced growth performance and impaired breast meat quality by decreasing ultimate pH and increasing shear force value (P &lt; 0.05). Dietary taurine improved the body weight gain and feed intake and decreased feed/gain ratio of H2O2-challenged broilers. Meanwhile, oxidative stress induced by intraperitoneal injection of H2O2 suppressed the nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and initiated autophagy and apoptosis. Compared with the H2O2 group, taurine supplementation restored the redox status in the breast muscle by decreasing levels of reactive oxygen species and contents of oxidative products and increasing antioxidant capacity (P &lt; 0.05). Moreover, upregulated mRNA expression of NF-κB signaling-related genes, including NF-κB subunit 1 (p50) and B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and enhanced protein expression of NF-κB were observed in the H2O2 + taurine group (P &lt; 0.05). Additionally, dietary taurine decreased the expression of caspase family, beclin1, and microtubule-associated protein 1light chain 3 beta (LC3-II; P &lt; 0.05), thereby rescuing autophagy and apoptosis in breast muscle induced by H2O2. Collectively, dietary supplementation with taurine effectively improves growth performance and breast meat quality of broilers challenged with H2O2, possibly by protecting against oxidative injury and modulating cell death signaling.
Alteration of Termite Locomotion and Allogrooming in Response to Infection by Pathogenic Fungi
Authors: Hassan Ali , Huang Qiuying , Mehmood Nasir , Xu Huan , Zhou Wei , Gao Yongyong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Termites, being vulnerable to parasitic or pathogenic infections due to large number of individuals living together in colonies, have evolved various behavioral and physiological tactics to resist the infections by those pathogens. Locomotion can help termites collect information on parasites and accordingly exhibit hygienic behaviors. Termites inevitably encounter entomopathogenic fungi during nesting and foraging. However, how these fungal pathogens influence locomotion of termites and how hygienic behavior benefits their survival remains unknown. Here, we examined locomotion alteration of the termite Reticulitermes chinensis (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) after infections with different concentrations of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Hypocreales: Clavicipitaceae). When R. chinensis was isolated, the low concentration (5 × 103 conidia/ml) significantly increased termite locomotion after 6, 12, and 24 h compared with control. However, the high concentrations (5 × 107, 5 × 109 conidia/ml) significantly decreased termite locomotion after 48 h, and termite survival was also significantly lower at 5 × 107 and 5 × 109 conidia/ml compared with the low concentrations and the control. When R. chinensis was in group, however, the locomotion significantly increased 24 h after exposure to 5 × 103 and 5 × 109 conidia/ml but was normalized after 48 h of exposure compared with the control. Allogrooming was significantly higher at 5 × 103 and 5 × 109 conidia/ml compared with the control. The fungal infection did not result in significantly higher mortality of the group termites probably owing to their allogrooming. These findings enhance our understanding on how a termite species copes with biotic stress (i.e., fungal infections) via adaptive behaviors.
The Past, Present, and Future of Special Economic Zones and Their Impact
Authors: Zeng Douglas Z 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
Special economic zones (SEZs) have been used by many developing countries as a policy tool to promote industrialization and economic transformation. Since the initiation of the first modern zone in Shannon, Ireland, special economic zones have evolved in many ways, from an initial ‘enclave’ nature towards today’s ‘Economic Zone 5.0’, which is built on emerging digital technologies and well integrated with urban development. The special economic zones represents a new unilateral compromise between the state and market, while still contributing to economic globalization, by presenting itself as a complementary or as an alternative approach to integrate with the global market in addition to the international economic law instruments. Despite the prevalence of special economic zones worldwide, their performance and impact on the economy and structural transformation are quite mixed. Among the many lessons learned from successful special economic zone programmes, the key elements include a strategic location, integration of zone strategy with the overall development strategy, understanding the market and leveraging comparative advantage, and, most importantly, ensuring that zones are ‘special’ in terms of a business-friendly environment—especially a sound legal and regulatory framework and an embodiment of sustainability and resiliency towards various external shocks like today’s COVID-19 pandemic.
Sudden Mortality in Captive White-Tailed Deer With Atypical Infestation of Winter Tick
Authors: Machtinger Erika T , Springer Hayley R , Brown Jessica E , Olafson Pia U 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
In October 2020, three captive male white-tailed deer, Odocoileus virginianus [Zimmermann] (artiodactyla: Cervidae), were found dead in central Pennsylvania and a fourth was euthanized due to extreme lethargy. The deer presented with high burdens of Dermacentor albipictus (Packard) (Ixoda: Ixodidae) (winter tick). There were no other clinical symptoms and deer were in otherwise good physical condition with no observed alopecia. Winter tick epizootics have been associated with mortalities of moose, Alces alces [Linnaeus] (artiodactyla: cervidae), and more recently elk, Cervus canadensis [Erxleben] (artiodactyla: cervidae), in Pennsylvania, but have not been reported in white-tailed deer. Mild winters are favorable to winter ticks and deer producers and managers should be aware of possible infestations as a result.
Persistence of the Swiss Needle Cast Outbreak in Oregon Coastal Douglas-Fir and New Insights from Research and Monitoring
Authors: Shaw David C , Ritóková Gabriela , Lan Yung-Hsiang , Mainwaring Doug B , Russo Andrew , Comeleo Randy , Navarro Sarah , Norlander Daniel , Smith Ben 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Swiss needle cast (SNC), caused by Nothophaeocryptopus gaeumannii, is a foliage disease of Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii), that reduces growth in native stands and exotic plantations worldwide. An outbreak of SNC began in coastal Oregon in the mid-1990s and has persisted since that time. Here we review the current state of knowledge after 24 years of research and monitoring, with a focus on Oregon, although the disease is significant in coastal Washington and has recently emerged in southwestern British Columbia. We present new insights into SNC distribution, landscape patterns, disease epidemiology and ecology, host-pathogen interactions, trophic and hydrologic influences, and the challenges of Douglas-fir plantation management in the presence of the disease. In Oregon, the SNC outbreak has remained geographically contained but has intensified. Finally, we consider the implications of climate change and other recently emerged foliage diseases on the future of Douglas-fir plantation management.
Lyman-alpha radiation pressure: an analytical exploration
Authors: Tomaselli G M , Ferrara A 
Published: March 2021

ABSTRACT
We study radiation pressure due to Ly α line photons, obtaining and exploring analytical expressions for the force-multiplier, MF(NH, Z) = Fα/(Lα/c), as a function of gas column density, NH, and metallicity, Z, for both dust-free and dusty media, employing a WKB approach for the latter case. Solutions for frequency offset emission to emulate non-static media moving with a bulk velocity v have also been obtained. We find that, in static media, Ly α pressure dominates over both photoionization and dust-mediated UV radiation pressure in a very wide parameter range (16 &lt; log NH &lt; 23; −4 &lt; log [Z/Z⊙] &lt; 0). For example, it overwhelms the other two forces by $\lower.5ex\hbox{$\,\, \buildrel\gt \over \sim \,\,$}10$ (300) times in standard (low-Z) star-forming clouds. Thus, in agreement with previous studies, we conclude that Ly α pressure plays a dominant role in the initial acceleration of the gas around luminous sources, and must be implemented in galaxy formation, evolution and outflow models and simulations.
BIMG-07. PHARMACOLOGICAL ASCORBATE ENHANCES RADIATION AND TEMOZOLOMIDE EFFECTIVENESS IN GLIOBLASTOMA BY A MECHANISM MEDIATED BY REDOX ACTIVE IRON
Authors: Allen Bryan , Petronek Michael , Monga Varun , Bodeker Kellie , Smith Brian , Buettner Garry , Greenlee Jeremy , Smith Mark , Spitz Douglas , Cullen Joseph , Magnotta Vincent , Buatti John 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Pharmacological ascorbate (P-AscH-; high dose intravenous infusions of vitamin C generating milli-molar plasma concentrations) has re-emerged as an anti-cancer therapy. Phase 1 clinical trials combining P-AscH- with chemotherapy and ionizing radiation demonstrate safety and promising clinical outcomes in a variety of malignancies. In a first-in-human trial, subjects with newly diagnosed glioblastoma (GBM) and undetectable MGMT promoter methylation were treated with P-AscH-, ionizing radiation, and temozolomide. Results demonstrate median progression-free survival (PFS) of 10 months and median overall survival (OS) of 23 months, comparing favorably to historical GBM patients expressing MGMT. P-AscH-‘s anti-cancer mechanism is dependent upon the presence of redox active labile iron. In the presence of redox active iron, the formation of hydrogen peroxide, which causes oxidative stress and eventual cell death, selectively forms in cancer cells. Treatment with P-AscH- increased cancer cells’ labile iron pool, further enhancing sensitivity to P-AscH-. We investigated the capability of MR imaging (T2* relaxation time) to measure the redox active iron and predict response to P-AscH-. T2* relaxation time is influenced by in-field inhomogeneities, such as redox active paramagnetic iron. The active phase 2 trial evaluating P-AscH-, radiation, and temozolomide for GBM, obtains T2* imaging prior to (baseline) and immediately after ascorbate infusion (NCT02344355). A preliminary analysis of the baseline scan for the first 15 subjects suggests those with faster GBM T2* relaxation times (≤ 58 ms) have more redox active labile iron pools as well as an improved median PFS (11.4 months) compared to those with slower T2* relaxation times (&gt; 58 ms; median PFS of 8.5 months). Pre-clinical studies evaluating the effectiveness of iron nano-particle supplementation in GBM animal models are on-going. (Supported by P01 CA217797, R01 CA169046, U01 CA140206, T32 CA078586, P30 CA086862, as well as the Gateway for Cancer Research grant G-17–1500.)
BIMG-13. A NOVEL RADIOPHARMACEUTICAL ([18F]DASA-23) TO MONITOR PYRUVATE KINASE M2 INDUCED GLYCOLYTIC REPROGRAMMING IN GLIOBLASTOMA
Authors: Beinat Corinne , Patel Chirag , Haywood Tom , Murty Surya , Naya Lewis , Hayden-Gephart Melanie , Khalighi Mehdi , Massoud Tarik , Iagaru Andrei , Davidzon Guido , Thomas Reena , Nagpal Seema , Recht Lawrence , Gambhir Sanjiv 
Published: March 2021

Abstract

BACKGROUND
Pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) catalyzes the final step in glycolysis, a key process of cancer metabolism. PKM2 is preferentially expressed by glioblastoma (GBM) cells with minimal expression in healthy brain, making it an important biomarker of cancer glycolytic re-programming. We describe the bench-to-bedside development, validation, and translation of a novel positron emission tomography (PET) tracer to study PKM2 in GBM. Specifically, we evaluated 1-((2-fluoro-6-[18F]fluorophenyl)sulfonyl)-4-((4-methoxyphenyl)sulfonyl)piperazine ([18F]DASA-23) in cell culture, mouse models of GBM, healthy human volunteers, and GBM patients.

METHODS
[18F]DASA-23 was synthesized with a molar activity of 100.47 ± 29.58 GBq/µmol and radiochemical purity &gt;95%. We performed initial testing of [18F]DASA-23 in GBM cell culture and human GBM xenografts implanted orthotopically into mice. Next we produced [18F]DASA-23 under current Good Manufacturing Practices United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) oversight, and evaluated it in healthy volunteers and a pilot cohort of patients with gliomas.

RESULTS
In mouse imaging studies, [18F]DASA-23 clearly delineated the U87 GBM from the surrounding healthy brain tissue and had a tumor-to-brain ratio (TBR) of 3.6 ± 0.5. In human volunteers, [18F]DASA-23 crossed the intact blood-brain barrier and was rapidly cleared. In GBM patients, [18F]DASA-23 successfully outlined tumors visible on contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The uptake of [18F]DASA-23 was markedly elevated in GBMs compared to normal brain, and it was able to identify a metabolic non-responder within 1-week of treatment initiation.

CONCLUSION
We developed and translated [18F]DASA-23 as a promising new tracer that demonstrated the visualization of aberrantly expressed PKM2 for the first time in human subjects. These encouraging results warrant further clinical evaluation of [18F]DASA-23 to assess its utility for imaging therapy-induced normalization of aberrant cancer metabolism.