Single immunization with genetically attenuated Pf∆mei2 (GA2) parasites by mosquito bite in controlled human malaria infection: a placebo-controlled randomized trial.

Malaria vaccines consisting of metabolically active Plasmodium falciparum (Pf) sporozoites can offer improved protection compared with currently deployed subunit vaccines. In a previous study, we demonstrated the superior protective efficacy of a three-dose regimen of late-arresting genetically attenuated parasites administered by mosquito bite (GA2-MB) compared with early-arresting counterparts (GA1-MB) against a homologous controlled human malaria infection. Encouraged by these results, we explored the potency of a single GA2-MB immunization in a placebo-controlled randomized trial.

Correction: Different cadences and resistances in sub-maximal synchronous handcycling in able-bodied men: Effects on efficiency and force application.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.

Effective realization of abatement measures can reduce HFC-23 emissions.

HFC-23 is a potent greenhouse gas, predominantly emitted as an undesired by-product during the synthesis and processing of HCFC-22 (ref. ). Previously, the Clean Development Mechanism and national efforts called for the implementation of abatement technology for reducing HFC-23 emissions.

Utilizing the 'Iowa Model Revised: Evidence-Based Practice' to Develop an Intervention for Use in a Hemodialysis Setting.

The development of nursing evidence within hemodialysis is challenged by the vast numbers of specialized tasks clinicians undertake. Developing an evidence base is complex and multi-faceted, requiring a collaborative and well-defined process. Commonly, a process of quality improvement is initially undertaken, whereby nurses develop a plan, undertake action, study outcomes, and review results.

Forest tree growth is linked to mycorrhizal fungal composition and function across Europe.

Most trees form symbioses with ectomycorrhizal fungi (EMF) which influence access to growth-limiting soil resources. Mesocosm experiments repeatedly show that EMF species differentially affect plant development, yet whether these effects ripple up to influence the growth of entire forests remains unknown. Here we tested the effects of EMF composition and functional genes relative to variation in well-known drivers of tree growth by combining paired molecular EMF surveys with high-resolution forest inventory data across 15 European countries.

The fingerprint of the summer 2018 drought in Europe on ground-based atmospheric CO measurements.

During the summer of 2018, a widespread drought developed over Northern and Central Europe. The increase in temperature and the reduction of soil moisture have influenced carbon dioxide (CO) exchange between the atmosphere and terrestrial ecosystems in various ways, such as a reduction of photosynthesis, changes in ecosystem respiration, or allowing more frequent fires. In this study, we characterize the resulting perturbation of the atmospheric CO seasonal cycles.

Biomechanical and physiological differences between synchronous and asynchronous low intensity handcycling during practice-based learning in able-bodied men.

Background: Originally, the cranks of a handcycle were mounted with a 180° phase shift (asynchronous). However, as handcycling became more popular, the crank mode switched to a parallel mounting (synchronous) over the years. Differences between both modes have been investigated, however, not into great detail for propulsion technique or practice effects.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia and the risk of recurrent venous thrombosis: results from the MEGA follow-up study.

The measurement of homocysteine is still part of routine thrombosis or thrombophilia work-up in many thrombosis centres in the world. Previous observational studies have shown that hyperhomocysteinaemia is associated with an increased risk of first and recurrent venous thrombosis (VT). Randomised trials, however, showed no benefit of homocysteine-lowering therapy on the risk of first or recurrent VT.

Different cadences and resistances in sub-maximal synchronous handcycling in able-bodied men: Effects on efficiency and force application.

Background: With the introduction of an add-on handcycle, a crank system that can be placed in front of a wheelchair, handcycling was made widely available for daily life. With it, people go into town more easily, e.g.

The uncertain climate footprint of wetlands under human pressure.

Significant climate risks are associated with a positive carbon-temperature feedback in northern latitude carbon-rich ecosystems, making an accurate analysis of human impacts on the net greenhouse gas balance of wetlands a priority. Here, we provide a coherent assessment of the climate footprint of a network of wetland sites based on simultaneous and quasi-continuous ecosystem observations of CO2 and CH4 fluxes. Experimental areas are located both in natural and in managed wetlands and cover a wide range of climatic regions, ecosystem types, and management practices.

Integrated analysis of the effects of agricultural management on nitrogen fluxes at landscape scale.

The integrated modelling system INITIATOR was applied to a landscape in the northern part of the Netherlands to assess current nitrogen fluxes to air and water and the impact of various agricultural measures on these fluxes, using spatially explicit input data on animal numbers, land use, agricultural management, meteorology and soil. Average model results on NH(3) deposition and N concentrations in surface water appear to be comparable to observations, but the deviation can be large at local scale, despite the use of high resolution data. Evaluated measures include: air scrubbers reducing NH(3) emissions from poultry and pig housing systems, low protein feeding, reduced fertilizer amounts and low-emission stables for cattle.

Deposition monitoring networks: what monitoring is required to give reasonable estimates of ammonia/ammonium?

Deposition is one of the main loss terms for ammonia and ammonium from the atmosphere. It is also the input for ecosystems that can lead to drastic changes and effects. Deposition networks are needed to evaluate the need and the effect of policies to reduce nitrogen emissions, but also for studying deposition parameters and for developing deposition models.

Monitoring and modelling of biosphere/atmosphere exchange of gases and aerosols in Europe.

Monitoring and modelling of deposition of air pollutants is essential to develop and evaluate policies to abate the effects related to air pollution and to determine the losses of pollutants from the atmosphere. Techniques for monitoring wet deposition fluxes are widely applied. A recent intercomparison experiment, however, showed that the uncertainty in wet deposition is relatively high, up to 40%, apart from the fact that most samplers are biased because of a dry deposition contribution.

NitroGenius: a nitrogen decision support system. A game to develop the optimal policy to solve the Dutch nitrogen pollution problem.

A nitrogen decision support system in the form of a game (NitroGenius) was developed for the Second International Nitrogen Conference. The aims were to: i) improve understanding among scientists and policy makers about the complexity of nitrogen pollution problems in an area of intensive agricultural, industrial, and transportation activity (The Netherlands); and ii) search for optimal policy solutions to prevent pollution effects at lowest economic and social costs. NitroGenius includes a model of nitrogen flows at relevant spatial and temporal scales including emissions of ammonia and nitrogen oxides and contamination of surface- and groundwaters.

Positive or negative symptoms--which are more appropriate as diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia?

For over a decade there has been a consensus that the diagnosis of schizophrenia should rest upon the presence of positive symptoms. Recently it has been suggested to give negative symptoms, which have played a prominent role in research, more diagnostic importance again. This study investigated the usefulness of that suggestion.

The rectus abdominis cardiomyoplastic procedure: preliminary results.

The rectus abdominis myofascial flap (RAMF) was investigated as a viable alternative to the latissimus dorsi flap for dynamic cardiomyoplasty. In human and animal cadaver experiments and live sheep, it was possible to use the RAMF for innervated intrathoracic use. The RAMF was stimulated by a specially designed cardiomyostimulator (Medtronic Inc.

[Positive or negative symptoms. Which are more reliable in the diagnosis of schizophrenia?].

Due to the anticipated revisions concerning diagnostic criteria for schizophrenia in DSM-IV, recent Anglo-American research has been particularly concerned with the controversial problem whether positive or negative symptoms are more suited for the determination of these criteria. We addressed this problem in an empirical study. A total of 489 consecutive admissions to the Department of Psychiatry at the RWTH University, Aachen were assessed for the distribution of positive, negative and basic symptoms according to six ICD-10 double-digit diagnostic categories.

A dose-escalation study of recombinant interferon-alpha in patients with a metastatic carcinoid tumour.

The efficacy of interferon alpha-2b in doses up to 12 x 10(6) IU three times weekly was studied in 21 patients with a metastatic carcinoid tumour. Of these 21 patients, 19 were evaluable for response. Patients were treated with escalating dosages of interferon alpha-2b: 3 x 10(6) IU, 6 x 10(6) IU and 12 x 10(6) IU.