bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Climate change and conflict in the Sahel: the acacia gum tree as a tool for environmental peacebuilding
Authors: Kalilou Ousseyni 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Environmental stress contributes to food insecurity, poverty, forced migration and violent conflict in the Sahel, with climate change aggravating the situation. The production of gum arabic from the acacia tree increasingly aligns with the community stakeholders’ efforts to promote climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience. Based on expert interviews and field observations in Niger, and a reading of relevant documents, I found that gum arabic production is valuable for conflict mitigation because it helps tackle the root causes of violent conflicts. The acacia gum tree is a natural soil fixer and multinational companies have coveted the resin from the tree, which is a rising commodity and a promising source of revenue for the local inhabitants. As different communities work together and cooperate with outside actors (government agencies, international partners, NGOs and businesses), the opportunities to build social cohesion around the tree increase. By facilitating ecological improvement, social inclusion and poverty alleviation, the promotion of gum arabic production, despite other issues such as bad natural resource governance, is a critical environmental peacebuilding strategy. Hence, suitable funding of massive afforestation with the acacia tree fits with community-based natural climate solutions to global humanitarian issues by protecting and restoring the local environment.
Formalization as a tool for environmental peacebuilding? Artisanal and small-scale mining in Liberia and Sierra Leone
Authors: Ankenbrand Christina , Welter Abrina , Engwicht Nina 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Artisanal and small-scale mining (ASM) has long been a vital source of livelihoods for rural populations in the global South. Yet, it has also been linked to a host of social, political and environmental adversities, including violent conflict. As environmental peacebuilding increasingly stresses the importance of livelihood improvement as a means of fostering peace in conflict-affected extractive societies, ASM formalization has been identified as a solution to mitigate the sector's challenges, thereby addressing underlying causes of conflict. This article critically investigates the contribution of ASM formalization to sustainable peace by focusing on its impact on the livelihood dimension of peacebuilding. It analyses the livelihood impact of three formalization interventions in the diamond sectors of two countries: cooperatives in Liberia, and, in Sierra Leone, ethical sourcing schemes and a community-based natural resource management initiative. In line with calls for a paradigm shift from a narrow legalization-centred understanding of formalization to a broader approach that accounts for livelihood quality, the analysis presented here focuses on interventions that were informed by the ideal of improving the well-being of ASM workers and communities. We propose three pathways through which ASM formalization could potentially contribute to livelihood enhancement: income security, working conditions and community benefits. Based on fieldwork, this article highlights the challenges of generating livelihood improvements through formalization. Even when specifically designed to address the needs of ASM communities, during implementation, they risk prioritizing a narrow conceptualization of formalization and thus failing to become a conductor of transformative change.
E. H. Carr, Chatham House and Nationalism
Authors: Cox Michael 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
A great deal has been written about the intellectual sources of E. H. Carr's most famous book in International Relations, The twenty years’ crisis, published on the eve of the Second World War. However, very little attention has been paid to the contribution which Chatham House made to the book after having appointed Carr to chair a study group on ‘Nationalism’ in 1936. The volume which appeared three years later was not the most scintillating of studies, bearing as it did all the hallmarks of having been composed by a committee whose members held sharply differing views. On the other hand, the deep research that went into the volume (published in 1939 under the somewhat unimaginative title of Nationalism) contributed in significant ways—as Carr himself confessed at the time—to informing his ideas about the critical role played by nationalism and the nation-state in the crisis of the inter-war system. As this review essay shows, Carr's long journey towards rethinking world order began in Paris in 1919, as he grappled with the problem posed by nationalism in central and eastern Europe; continued through the 1930s with further work on the subject; and reached a resolution in his own work with the appearance of The twenty years’ crisis, followed in 1945 with the publication of his best-selling volume, Nationalism and after.
Real-time intraoperative co-registration of transesophageal echocardiography with fluoroscopy facilitates transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve implantation in cases of invisible degenerated bioprosthetic valves
Authors: Wamala Isaac , Unbehaun Axel , Klein Christoph , Kukucka Marian , Eggert-Doktor Dirk , Buz Semih , Stein Julia , Sündermann Simon , Falk Volkmar , Kempfert Jörg 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Transcatheter mitral valve-in-valve (TMViV) implantation is an alternative treatment to surgery for high-risk patients with degenerated bioprosthetic mitral valves. Some types of bioprostheses are fluoroscopically translucent, resulting in an ‘invisible’ target deployment area. In this study, we describe the feasibility and outcomes of this procedure using intraoperative fusion of transoesophageal echocardiography (TEE) and live fluoroscopy to facilitate valve deployment in cases of invisible bioprosthetic valves.

METHODS
We reviewed all TMViV implantations at our centre from July 2014 to July 2019. Patient, procedure and outcome details were compared between those with a visible bioprosthesis (N = 22) to those with an invisible one (N = 12). Intra-operative TEE and live Fluoroscopy co-registration were used for real-time guidance for all invisible targets.

RESULTS
All valve implantations were completed successfully in both groups without cardiovascular injury, valve migration or left ventricular outflow-tract obstruction. Technical success was 100% in both groups. One-year survival was 83% [95% confidence interval (CI) 70–96] for the entire cohort, with 79% (95% CI 63–100) survival for the visible group and 92% (95% CI 77–100) for the invisible group. Probability of 1-year survival free from mitral valve reintervention, significant valve dysfunction, stroke or myocardial infraction was 78% (95% CI 63–93) for all patients whereby the probability was 72% (95% CI 54–97) in the visible group and 80% (95% CI 59–100) for the invisible group.

CONCLUSIONS
The use of intraoperative TEE and live fluoroscopy image fusion facilitates accurate TMViV among patients with a fluoroscopically invisible target-landing zone.
Does erector spinae plane block result in improved postoperative analgesia and enhanced recovery in adult patients after cardiac surgery?
Authors: Misra Satyajeet , Awal Shikha 
Published: January 2021

Summary
A best evidence topic in cardiac surgery was written according to a structured protocol. The question addressed was whether erector spinae plane block (ESPB) resulted in improved postoperative analgesia and enhanced recovery in adult cardiac surgical patients. A total of 333 papers were found using the reported search of which, 7 papers represented the best evidence to answer the clinical question. The authors, journal, date and country of publication, patient groups studied, study type, relevant outcomes and results of these papers are tabulated. The cardiac surgical procedures included off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery (1 study), mitral/tricuspid valve repair (1 study), robotic minimally invasive coronary artery bypass surgery (1 study) and other cardiac surgeries (4 studies). ESPB was compared to intravenous analgesia (5 studies), thoracic epidural analgesia (1 study) and serratus anterior plane block and paravertebral block (1 study). With ESPB, there was significant improvement in postoperative pain scores (4 studies), decreased opioid requirement/rescue analgesia (3 studies), increased duration of analgesia (1 study), decreased time to extubation (3 studies), less increase in postoperative Troponin T (1 study), earlier ambulation (2 studies), earlier oral intake (1 study), earlier chest drain removal (1 study), better patient satisfaction (1 study), reduced adverse events (1 study) and decreased intensive care unit stay (3 studies). We conclude that ESPB may be associated with improved postoperative analgesia and enhanced recovery after adult cardiac surgery based on the available evidence. However, there is a need for better quality randomized controlled trials to consolidate these findings.
Internal thoracic artery graft ipsilateral to the arteriovenous fistula in haemodialysis patients
Authors: Hachiro Kohei , Kinoshita Takeshi , Suzuki Tomoaki , Asai Tohru 
Published: January 2021

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of in situ internal thoracic artery (ITA) grafting ipsilateral to the arteriovenous fistula (AVF) on postoperative outcomes in haemodialysis patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG).

METHODS
We reviewed 132 haemodialysis patients who underwent isolated CABG between January 2002 and December 2019. With a difference between the left and right upper arms blood pressure measurement of ≥20 mmHg, we did not use the ITA on the lower value side. We categorized patients into 55 patients (41.7%, ipsilateral group) whose left anterior descending artery was revascularized using the in situ ITA ipsilateral to the AVF, and 77 patients (58.3%, contralateral group) whose left anterior descending artery was revascularized using the ITA opposite the AVF. We compared patients’ postoperative outcomes after adjusting for their backgrounds using weighted logistic regression analysis and inverse probability of treatment weighting.

RESULTS
No patients developed coronary steal postoperatively, and there was no significant difference in 30-day mortality between the groups (P = 0.353). The adjusted 5-year estimated rates of freedom from all-cause and cardiac death in the ipsilateral vs contralateral groups were 52.3% vs 54.0% and 78.2% vs 88.6%, respectively; survival curves were not statistically significantly different (P = 0.762 and P = 0.229, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS
In situ ITA grafting ipsilateral to the AVF was not associated with postoperative early and mid-term worse outcomes in haemodialysis patients undergoing isolated CABG.
Challenges and Opportunities in the Use of High and Maximum Biocontainment Facilities in Developing and Licensing Risk Group 3 and Risk Group 4 Agent Veterinary Vaccines
Authors: Brake David A , Kuhn Jens H , Marsh Glenn A , Beer Martin , Fine Joshua B 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
New solutions are necessary for the singular global health security threat formed by endemic, epidemic, and emerging/re-emerging zoonoses, coupled with epizootic and enzootic transboundary animal diseases (TADs). This One Health issue is related to the daily interactions between wildlife, domesticated and indigenous livestock, and humans primarily associated with global trade, transboundary co-movement of humans and diverse livestock/livestock products, and agriculture production intensification and penetration into previously uninhabited areas. The World Health Organization defines Risk Group 3 (RG-3) and RG-4 pathogens as mainly viruses but also bacteria that serve as the foundation for approximately 60% of emerging infectious diseases that are zoonoses. The World Organisation for Animal Health defines trade-notifiable TADs, and subsets of these are zoonotic. Livestock vaccination policies mainly focus on TADs that are promulgated by the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization and government agriculture agencies. The development, licensure, and product manufacturing of next-generation molecular-based RG-3 and RG-4 veterinary vaccines largely ignored by the global animal health biopharmaceutical sector can have an important positive impact on food security and One Health. There have been sharp increases in the global demand for livestock meat and milk products, especially in low- and middle-income countries in Africa and Asia. This relatively recent market driver—coupled with scientific advances in human EID and zoonotic disease vaccine platform technologies and increases in the number of high (US biosafety level 3 agriculture) and maximum (US animal biosafety level 4) biocontainment facilities with supporting workforce capabilities—offers new investment opportunities to the animal health biopharmaceutical sector. Moreover, a growing number of One Health public-private partnerships have moved the net present value calculus in favor of the financial feasibility of RG-3 and RG-4 veterinary vaccine product development and licensure. This article highlights the challenges and opportunities in the use of high and maximum biocontainment facilities in developing and licensing RG-3 and RG-4 veterinary vaccines that are safe and effective against epizootic and enzootic TADs and zoonotic diseases.
Novel in vitro microfluidic platform for osteocyte mechanotransduction studies
Authors: Xu Liangcheng , Song Xin , Carroll Gwennyth , You Lidan 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Osteocytes are the major mechanosensing cells in bone remodeling. Current in vitro bone mechanotransduction research use macroscale devices such as flow chambers; however, in vitro microfluidic devices provide an optimal tool to better understand this biological process with its flexible design, physiologically relevant dimensions and high-throughput capabilities. This project aims to design and fabricate a multi-shear stress, co-culture platform to study the interaction between osteocytes and other bone cells under varying flow conditions. Standard microfluidic design utilizing changing geometric parameters is used to induce different flow rates that are directly proportional to the levels of shear stress, with devices fabricated from standard polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS)-based softlithography processes. Each osteocyte channel (OCY) is connected to an adjacent osteoclast channel (OC) by 20-μm perfusion channels for cellular signaling molecule transport. Significant differences in RANKL levels are observed between channels with different shear stress levels, and we observed that pre-osteoclast differentiation was directly affected by adjacent flow-stimulated osteocytes. Significant decrease in the number of differentiating osteoclasts is observed in the OC channel adjacent to the 2-Pa shear stress OCY channel, while differentiation adjacent to the 0.5-Pa shear stress OCY channel is unaffected compared with no-flow controls. Addition of zoledronic acid showed a significant decrease in osteoclast differentiation, compounding to effect instigated by increasing fluid shear stress. Using this platform, we are able to mimic the interaction between osteocytes and osteoclasts in vitro under physiologically relevant bone interstitial fluid flow shear stress. Our novel microfluidic co-culture platform provides an optimal tool for bone cell mechanistic studies and provides a platform for the discovery of potential drug targets for clinical treatments of bone-related diseases.
Cefazolin versus ceftriaxone as definitive treatment forKlebsiella pneumoniaebacteraemia: a retrospective multicentre study in Singapore
Authors: Lee I Russel , Thein Tun-Linn , Ang Li Wei , Ding Ying , Lim Jonathan J , Bok Chwee Fang , Mukherjee Shilpa , Titin Christina , Kalimuddin Shirin , Archuleta Sophia , Lye David C 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundCeftriaxone is the preferred treatment for bacteraemia caused by non-MDR (antibiotic-susceptible) Klebsiella pneumoniae. Excessive and widespread ceftriaxone use creates selection pressure for ESBLs. Cefazolin is an alternative, although there are theoretical concerns that SHV-1 β-lactamase in K. pneumoniae may inactivate cefazolin in an inoculum-dependent manner.ObjectivesIn this retrospective study, we investigated the outcomes in K. pneumoniae bacteraemia patients treated with IV cefazolin versus IV ceftriaxone as definitive therapy.MethodsA total of 917 patients infected with K. pneumoniae from 1 January to 31 December 2016 in three public acute care hospitals in Singapore were screened for study eligibility. Consecutive unique episodes of monomicrobial bacteraemia caused by cefazolin- and/or ceftriaxone-susceptible K. pneumoniae were analysed (n = 284).ResultsThere were 143 patients (50.4%) in the cefazolin group and 141 patients (49.6%) in the ceftriaxone group. Demographics, baseline illness severity and risk factors for healthcare-associated bacteraemia were comparable in the two treatment groups. The primary outcome of 28 day all-cause mortality was not significantly different between the cefazolin and ceftriaxone groups (10.5% versus 7.1%, P = 0.403). Both in the crude analysis and using a multivariable logistic regression model with inverse probability weighting based on propensity score, cefazolin treatment was not associated with increased risk of 28 day mortality (OR 1.51 with ceftriaxone as the reference group, 95% CI 0.67–3.53; adjusted OR 1.55, 95% CI 0.33–7.40).ConclusionsCefazolin may be a ceftriaxone-sparing alternative treatment for antibiotic-susceptible K. pneumoniae bacteraemia. This observation may provide sufficient clinical equipoise for a randomized controlled trial.
Point prevalence survey of antibiotic consumption across three hospitals in Ghana
Authors: Amponsah Obed Kwabena Offe , Buabeng Kwame Ohene , Owusu-Ofori Alex , Ayisi-Boateng Nana Kwame , Hämeen-Anttila Katri , Enlund Hannes 
Published: January 2021

AbstractBackgroundActionable data on antimicrobial use is important when planning strategic interventions such as antimicrobial stewardship to address the challenge of drug resistance, particularly in resource-constrained settings.ObjectivesTo assess the prevalence of antibiotic use, the pattern of commonly used antibiotics and patient factors that may be associated with the increased use of antibiotics in the study hospitals.MethodsThis was a cross-sectional study conducted using the WHO Methodology for Point Prevalence Surveys in hospitals. Chi-squared analysis, Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were employed to analyse statistically the data obtained.ResultsThe overall prevalence of antibiotic use in the hospitals was 60.5%. The commonest indications for antibiotic recommendations were community-acquired infections (36.5%), surgical prophylaxis (26.1%) and hospital-acquired infections (15.7%), among others. Very few (2.7%) of the patients had their samples taken for culture and susceptibility testing to guide therapy. Penicillins (48.7%), cephalosporins (23.5%) and fluoroquinolones (17.4%) were the most commonly prescribed antibiotics. Concurrent malaria infection [adjusted OR (AOR) 0.33, 95% CI 0.11–0.94, P = 0.04] and increasing age (AOR 0.98, 95% CI 0.96–1.00, P = 0.02) were associated with lower risk of antibiotic use.ConclusionsThe prevalence of antibiotic consumption in the hospitals was lower than that reported in similar studies in Ghana, but high relative to some reports from high-income countries. Most antibiotic therapy was empirical and not guided by culture and susceptibility testing. There is the need for application of the WHO AWaRe classification for the selection of antibiotics and increased use of culture and susceptibility data to guide infectious disease therapy.
Plant Resistance in Some Modern Soybean Varieties May Favor Population Growth and Modify the Stylet Penetration ofBemisia tabaci(Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae)
Authors: Almeida Mauricélia F , Tavares Clébson S , Araújo Euires O , Picanço Marcelo C , Oliveira Eugênio E , Pereira Eliseu José G 
Published: January 2021

AbstractComplaints of severe damage by whiteflies in soybean fields containing genetically engineered (GE) varieties led us to investigate the role of transgenic soybean varieties expressing resistance to some insects (Cry1Ac Bt toxin) and to herbicide (glyphosate) on the population growth and feeding behavior of Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) MEAM1 (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). In the laboratory, the whiteflies reared on the GE Bt soybeans had a net reproductive rate (R0) 100% higher and intrinsic rate of population increase (rm) 15% higher than those reared on non-GE soybeans. The increased demographic performance was associated with a higher lifetime fecundity. In electrical penetration graphs, the whiteflies reared on the GE soybeans had fewer probes and spent 50% less time before reaching the phloem phase from the beginning of the first successful probe, indicating a higher risk of transmission of whitefly-borne viruses. Data from Neotropical fields showed a higher population density of B. tabaci on two soybean varieties expressing glyphosate resistance and Cry1Ac Bt toxin. These results indicate that some GE soybean varieties expressing insect and herbicide resistances can be more susceptible to whiteflies than non-GE ones or those only expressing herbicide resistance. Most likely, these differences are related to varietal features that increase host-plant susceptibility to whiteflies. Appropriate pest management may be needed to deal with whiteflies in soybean fields, especially in warm regions, and breeders may want to consider the issue when developing new soybean varieties.
Sealed and concealed: the uses of Hans Sloane’s collection of ‘Vegetable Substances’
Authors: Pickering Victoria R M 
Published: January 2021

Abstract
Between the late seventeenth and mid-eighteenth centuries, the physician Hans Sloane (1660–1753) formed a botanical collection, which he termed the ‘Vegetable Substances’. It comprised over 12,500 specimens and corresponding catalogue descriptions. These bits of plants were sealed into small glass boxes so that viewers could examine them closely without damaging them. While Sloane never described the use of this collection, it formed part of his method of understanding and ordering the world around him. This method included writing descriptions of plant specimens that acknowledged their context: the people who collected them, where they came from and their local uses. This paper also suggests a more fluid concept of use by examining the uses of the plants in the collection in terms of medicine and gardening.