bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
No time to rest: How the effects of climate change on nest decay threaten the conservation of apes in the wild
Authors: Bessone Mattia , Booto Lambert , Santos Antonio R. , Kühl Hjalmar S. , Fruth Barbara
Published: June 2021

Since 1994, IUCN Red List assessments apply globally acknowledged standards to assess species distribution, abundance and trends. The extinction risk of a species has a major impact on conservation science and international funding mechanisms. Great ape species are listed as Endangered or Critically Endangered. Their populations are often assessed using their unique habit of constructing sleeping platforms, called nests. As nests rather than apes are counted, it is necessary to know the time it takes for nests to disappear to convert nest counts into ape numbers. However, nest decomposition is highly variable across sites and time and the factors involved are poorly understood. Here, we used 1,511 bonobo (Pan paniscus) nests and 15 years of climatic data (2003–2018) from the research site LuiKotale, Democratic Republic of the Congo, to investigate the effects of climate change and behavioural factors on nest decay time, using a Bayesian gamma survival model. We also tested the logistic regression method, a recommended time-efficient option for estimating nest decay time. Our climatic data showed a decreasing trend in precipitation across the 15 years of study. We found bonobo nests to have longer decay times in recent years. While the number of storms was the main factor driving nest decay time, nest construction type and tree species used were also important. We also found evidence for bonobo nesting behaviour being adapted to climatic conditions, namely strengthening the nest structure in response to unpredictable, harsh precipitation. By highlighting methodological caveats, we show that logistic regression is effective in estimating nest decay time under certain conditions. Our study reveals the impact of climate change on nest decay time in a tropical remote area. Failure to account for these changes would invalidate biomonitoring estimates of global significance, and subsequently jeopardize the conservation of great apes in the wild.
Fatigue life analysis for 6061-T6 aluminum alloy based on surface roughness
Authors: Yang Yali , Chen Hao , Feng Wang , Xu Sha , Li Yongfang , Zhang Ruoping
Published: June 2021

Surface condition is one of the dominant factors affecting fatigue life. Considering the complexity of surface condition, a relatively efficient and economic approach based on surface reconstruction and interpolation method was proposed. The effect of surface roughness on the fatigue life of 6061-T6 aluminum alloy is studied to analyze the fatigue life by surface roughness parameters. Surface topography was simplified into a series of elliptic micro notches, and empirical formula for stress concentration factor is established based on simulation work. Then the extraction method of surface curve is proposed to effectively represent the real surface roughness through 3D model reconstruction. Experiment of surface roughness verified the correctness of the model. The relationship between surface roughness and fatigue life is established and the calculated value of the fatigue life is compared with the test results. The maximum error is 15.65%, indicating that the formula established is reasonable and effective.
Multi-site, multi-platform comparison of MRI T1 measurement using the system phantom
Authors: Keenan Kathryn E. , Gimbutas Zydrunas , Dienstfrey Andrew , Stupic Karl F. , Boss Michael A. , Russek Stephen E. , Chenevert Thomas L. , Prasad P. V. , Guo Junyu , Reddick Wilburn E. , Cecil Kim M. , Shukla-Dave Amita , Aramburu Nunez David , Shridhar Konar Amaresh , Liu Michael Z. , Jambawalikar Sachin R. , Schwartz Lawrence H. , Zheng Jie , Hu Peng , Jackson Edward F.
Published: June 2021

Recent innovations in quantitative magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurement methods have led to improvements in accuracy, repeatability, and acquisition speed, and have prompted renewed interest to reevaluate the medical value of quantitative T1. The purpose of this study was to determine the bias and reproducibility of T1 measurements in a variety of MRI systems with an eye toward assessing the feasibility of applying diagnostic threshold T1 measurement across multiple clinical sites. We used the International Society of Magnetic Resonance in Medicine/National Institute of Standards and Technology (ISMRM/NIST) system phantom to assess variations of T1 measurements, using a slow, reference standard inversion recovery sequence and a rapid, commonly-available variable flip angle sequence, across MRI systems at 1.5 tesla (T) (two vendors, with number of MRI systems n = 9) and 3 T (three vendors, n = 18). We compared the T1 measurements from inversion recovery and variable flip angle scans to ISMRM/NIST phantom reference values using Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) to test for statistical differences between T1 measurements grouped according to MRI scanner manufacturers and/or static field strengths. The inversion recovery method had minor over- and under-estimations compared to the NMR-measured T1 values at both 1.5 T and 3 T. Variable flip angle measurements had substantially greater deviations from the NMR-measured T1 values than the inversion recovery measurements. At 3 T, the measured variable flip angle T1 for one vendor is significantly different than the other two vendors for most of the samples throughout the clinically relevant range of T1. There was no consistent pattern of discrepancy between vendors. We suggest establishing rigorous quality control procedures for validating quantitative MRI methods to promote confidence and stability in associated measurement techniques and to enable translation of diagnostic threshold from the research center to the entire clinical community.
Deep-sea biodiversity at the extremes of the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges with implications for conservation
Authors: Friedlander Alan M. , Goodell Whitney , Giddens Jonatha , Easton Erin E. , Wagner Daniel
Published: June 2021

The Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are underwater mountain chains that stretch across 2,900 km in the southeastern Pacific and are recognized for their high biodiversity value and unique ecological characteristics. Explorations of deep-water ecosystems have been limited in this region, and elsewhere globally. To characterize community composition of mesophotic and deep-sea demersal fauna at seamounts in the region, we conducted expeditions to Rapa Nui (RN) and Salas y Gómez (SyG) islands in 2011 and Desventuradas Islands in 2013. Remote autonomous baited-cameras were used to conduct stationary video surveys between 150–1,850 m at RN/SyG (N = 20) and 75–2,363 m at Desventuradas (N = 27). Individual organisms were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level and relative abundance was quantified with the maximum number of individuals per frame. Deployments were attributed with associated environmental variables (temperature, salinity, dissolved oxygen, nitrate, silicate, phosphate, chlorophyll-a, seamount age, and bathymetric position index [BPI]). We identified 55 unique invertebrate taxa and 66 unique fish taxa. Faunal community structure was highly dissimilar between and within subregions both for invertebrate (p < 0.001) and fish taxa (p = 0.022). For fishes, dogfish sharks (Squalidae) accounted for the greatest dissimilarity between subregions (18.27%), with mean abundances of 2.26 ± 2.49 at Desventuradas, an order of magnitude greater than at RN/SyG (0.21 ± 0.54). Depth, seamount age, broad-scale BPI, and nitrate explained most of the variation in both invertebrate (R2 = 0.475) and fish (R2 = 0.419) assemblages. Slightly more than half the deployments at Desventuradas (N = 14) recorded vulnerable marine ecosystem taxa such as corals and sponges. Our study supports mounting evidence that the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges are areas of high biodiversity and high conservation value. While Chile and Peru have recently established or proposed marine protected areas in this region, the majority of these ridges lie outside of national jurisdictions and are under threat from overfishing, plastic pollution, climate change, and potential deep-sea mining. Given its intrinsic value, this region should be comprehensively protected using the best available conservation measures to ensure that the Salas y Gómez and Nazca ridges remain a globally unique biodiversity hotspot.
Significantly higher atherosclerosis risks in patients with obstructive sleep apnea and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Sukahri Samshol , Mohamed Shah Fatimah Zaherah , Ismail Ahmad Izuanuddin , Koshy Marymol , Johari Bushra , Mohd Razali Mazuin , Abdul Rahman Thuhairah Hasrah , Isa Mohamad Rodi , Abdul Ghani Rohana
Published: June 2021

Introduction

There is limited data on the relationship between Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA) and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD), each associated with increased cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to determine the relationships between severity of OSA, degree of steatosis in NAFLD and cardiovascular risk via CIMT and atherosclerosis markers ie intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) an Lipoprotein-a (Lp(a)) in a group of patients with OSA.

Materials and methods

This was a cross-sectional, single center study. A total of 110 subjects between 18 to 65 years of age and diagnosed with OSA following sleep study examinations were recruited. Exclusion criteria included seropositive Hepatitis B or Hepatitis C, and significant alcohol intake.

Result

The prevalence of NAFLD was 81.8%. The mean CIMT (0.08±0.03 vs 0.06±0.01 cm, p = 0.001), ICAM-1 (334.53±72.86 vs 265.46±102.92 ng/mL, p = 0.001) and Lp(a) (85.41±52.56 vs 23.55±23.66 nmol/L, p<0.001) were significantly higher in the NAFLD group compared to the non-NAFLD group. Comparisons between the different groups showed significantly increasing levels of CIMT, ICAM-1 and Lp(a), lowest within the non-NAFLD, followed by the NAFLD 1 and NAFLD 2+3 groups. There was a significant positive correlation between degree of steatosis and the severity of OSA (r = 0.453, p<0.001). Logistic regression analysis revealed that patients with apnea/hypopnea index (AHI) of >30 were 52.77 (CI 6.34, 439.14) times more likely to have NAFLD compared to those with mild AHI (p<0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of NAFLD is alarmingly high in this group of OSA patients. The degree of steatosis in patients with NAFLD was significantly correlated with severity of OSA, CIMT measurements, ICAM-1 and Lp(a). Our findings underscore screening for NAFLD in patients with OSA to ensure prompt risk stratification and management.
Positive impact of a faecal-based screening programme on colorectal cancer mortality risk
Authors: Ibáñez-Sanz Gemma , Milà Núria , Vidal Carmen , Rocamora Judith , Moreno Víctor , Sanz-Pamplona Rebeca , Garcia Montse ,   on behalf of the MSIC-SC research group
Published: June 2021

Introduction

The effectiveness of colorectal cancer (CRC) screening programs is directly related to participation and the number of interval CRCs. The objective was to analyse specific-mortality in a cohort of individuals invited to a CRC screening program according to type of CRC diagnosis (screen-detected cancers, interval cancers, and cancers among the non-uptake group).

Material and methods

Retrospective cohort that included invitees aged 50–69 years of a CRC screening program (target population of 85,000 people) in Catalonia (Spain) from 2000–2015 with mortality follow-up until 2020. A screen-detected CRC was a cancer diagnosed after a positive faecal occult blood test (guaiac or immunochemical); an interval cancer was a cancer diagnosed after a negative test result and before the next invitation to the program (≤24 months); a non-uptake cancer was a cancer in subjects who declined screening.

Results

A total of 624 people were diagnosed with CRC (n = 265 screen-detected, n = 103 interval cancers, n = 256 non-uptake). In the multivariate analysis, we observed a 74% increase in mortality rate in the group with interval CRC compared to screen-detected CRC adjusted for age, sex, location and stage (HR: 1.74%, 95% CI:1.08–2.82, P = 0.02). These differences were found even when we restricted for advanced-cancers participants. In the stratified analysis for type of faecal occult blood test, a lower mortality rate was only observed among FIT screen-detected CRCs.

Conclusion

CRC screening with the FIT was associated with a significant reduction in CRC mortality.
COVID RADAR app: Description and validation of population surveillance of symptoms and behavior in relation to COVID-19
Authors: van Dijk Willian J. , Saadah Nicholas H. , Numans Mattijs E. , Aardoom Jiska J. , Bonten Tobias N. , Brandjes Menno , Brust Michelle , le Cessie Saskia , Chavannes Niels H. , Middelburg Rutger A. , Rosendaal Frits , Visser Leo G. , Kiefte-de Jong Jessica
Published: June 2021

Background

Monitoring of symptoms and behavior may enable prediction of emerging COVID-19 hotspots. The COVID Radar smartphone app, active in the Netherlands, allows users to self-report symptoms, social distancing behaviors, and COVID-19 status daily. The objective of this study is to describe the validation of the COVID Radar.

Methods

COVID Radar users are asked to complete a daily questionnaire consisting of 20 questions assessing their symptoms, social distancing behavior, and COVID-19 status. We describe the internal and external validation of symptoms, behavior, and both user-reported COVID-19 status and state-reported COVID-19 case numbers.

Results

Since April 2nd, 2020, over 6 million observations from over 250,000 users have been collected using the COVID Radar app. Almost 2,000 users reported having tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Amongst users testing positive for SARS-CoV-2, the proportion of observations reporting symptoms was higher than that of the cohort as a whole in the week prior to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test. Likewise, users who tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 showed above average risk social-distancing behavior. Per-capita user-reported SARS-CoV-2 positive tests closely matched government-reported per-capita case counts in provinces with high user engagement.

Discussion

The COVID Radar app allows voluntarily self-reporting of COVID-19 related symptoms and social distancing behaviors. Symptoms and risk behavior increase prior to a positive SARS-CoV-2 test, and user-reported case counts match closely with nationally-reported case counts in regions with high user engagement. These results suggest the COVID Radar may be a valid instrument for future surveillance and potential predictive analytics to identify emerging hotspots.
Cleroda-4(18),13-dien-15,16-olide as novel xanthine oxidase inhibitors: An integrated in silico and in vitro study
Authors: Nguyen Ha Thi , Vu Thien-Y , Dakal Tikam Chand , Dhabhai Bhanupriya , Nguyen Xuan Hong Quan , Tatipamula Vinay Bharadwaj
Published: June 2021

In the present study, in silico predictions and molecular docking were performed on five clerodane diterpenes (1–5) from Polyalthia longifolia seeds to evaluate their potential as xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitors. The initial screening was conducted by target prediction using TargetNet web server application and only compounds 3 and 4 showed a potential interaction with XO. Compounds 3 and 4 were subsequently subjected to in silico analyses on XO protein structure (PDB: 1N5X) using Schrödinger Release 2020–3 followed by structural modeling & molecular simulation studies to confirm the initial prediction result and identify the binding mode of these compounds to the XO. Molecular docking results revealed that compounds 3 (-37.3 kcal/mol) and 4 (-32.0 kcal/mol) binds more stably to XO than the reference drug allopurinol (-27.0 kcal/mol). Interestingly, two residues Glu 802 and Thr 1010 were observed as the two main H-bond binding sites for both tested compounds and the allopurinol. The center scaffold of allopurinol was positioned by some π-π stacking with Phe 914 and Phe 1009, while that of compounds 3 and 4 were supported by many hydrophobic interactions mainly with Leu 648, Phe 649, Phe 1013, and Leu 1014. Additionally, the docking simulation predicted that the inhibitory effect of compounds 3 and 4 was mediated by creating H-bond with particularly Glu 802, which is a key amino acid for XO enzyme inhibition. Altogether, in vitro studies showed that compounds 3 and 4 had better inhibitory capacity against XO enzyme with IC50 values significantly (p < 0.001) lower than that of allopurinol. In short, the present study identified cleroda-4(18),13-dien-15,16-olide as novel potential XO inhibitors, which can be potentially used for the treatment of gout.
A Hessian-based decomposition characterizes how performance in complex motor skills depends on individual strategy and variability
Authors: Tommasino Paolo , Maselli Antonella , Campolo Domenico , Lacquaniti Francesco , d’Avella Andrea
Published: June 2021

In complex real-life motor skills such as unconstrained throwing, performance depends on how accurate is on average the outcome of noisy, high-dimensional, and redundant actions. What characteristics of the action distribution relate to performance and how different individuals select specific action distributions are key questions in motor control. Previous computational approaches have highlighted that variability along the directions of first order derivatives of the action-to-outcome mapping affects performance the most, that different mean actions may be associated to regions of the actions space with different sensitivity to noise, and that action covariation in addition to noise magnitude matters. However, a method to relate individual high-dimensional action distribution and performance is still missing. Here we introduce a decomposition of performance into a small set of indicators that compactly and directly characterize the key performance-related features of the distribution of high-dimensional redundant actions. Central to the method is the observation that, if performance is quantified as a mean score, the Hessian (second order derivatives) of the action-to-score function determines how the noise of the action distribution affects performance. We can then approximate the mean score as the sum of the score of the mean action and a tolerance-variability index which depends on both Hessian and action covariance. Such index can be expressed as the product of three terms capturing noise magnitude, noise sensitivity, and alignment of the most variable and most noise sensitive directions. We apply this method to the analysis of unconstrained throwing actions by non-expert participants and show that, consistently across four different throwing targets, each participant shows a specific selection of mean action score and tolerance-variability index as well as specific selection of noise magnitude and alignment indicators. Thus, participants with different strategies may display the same performance because they can trade off suboptimal mean action for better tolerance-variability and higher action variability for better alignment with more tolerant directions in action space.
The role of internal transcribed spacer 2 secondary structures in classifying mycoparasitic Ampelomyces
Authors: Prahl Rosa E. , Khan Shahjahan , Deo Ravinesh C.
Published: June 2021

Many fungi require specific growth conditions before they can be identified. Direct environmental DNA sequencing is advantageous, although for some taxa, specific primers need to be used for successful amplification of molecular markers. The internal transcribed spacer region is the preferred DNA barcode for fungi. However, inter- and intra-specific distances in ITS sequences highly vary among some fungal groups; consequently, it is not a solely reliable tool for species delineation. Ampelomyces, mycoparasites of the fungal phytopathogen order Erysiphales, can have ITS genetic differences up to 15%; this may lead to misidentification with other closely related unknown fungi. Indeed, Ampelomyces were initially misidentified as other pycnidial mycoparasites, but subsequent research showed that they differ in pycnidia morphology and culture characteristics. We investigated whether the ITS2 nucleotide content and secondary structure was different between Ampelomyces ITS2 sequences and those unrelated to this genus. To this end, we retrieved all ITS sequences referred to as Ampelomyces from the GenBank database. This analysis revealed that fungal ITS environmental DNA sequences are still being deposited in the database under the name Ampelomyces, but they do not belong to this genus. We also detected variations in the conserved hybridization model of the ITS2 proximal 5.8S and 28S stem from two Ampelomyces strains. Moreover, we suggested for the first time that pseudogenes form in the ITS region of this mycoparasite. A phylogenetic analysis based on ITS2 sequences-structures grouped the environmental sequences of putative Ampelomyces into a different clade from the Ampelomyces-containing clades. Indeed, when conducting ITS2 analysis, resolution of genetic distances between Ampelomyces and those putative Ampelomyces improved. Each clade represented a distinct consensus ITS2 S2, which suggested that different pre-ribosomal RNA (pre-rRNA) processes occur across different lineages. This study recommends the use of ITS2 S2s as an important tool to analyse environmental sequencing and unveiling the underlying evolutionary processes.
Implication of β2-adrenergic receptor and miR-196a correlation in neurite outgrowth of LNCaP prostate cancer cells
Authors: Guerriero Ilaria , Ramberg Håkon , Sagini Krizia , Ramirez-Garrastacho Manuel , Taskén Kristin A. , Llorente Alicia
Published: June 2021

The β2-adrenergic receptor has been shown to be involved in neuroendocrine differentiation and to contribute to the development of aggressive prostate cancer. In this study we have investigated whether miR-196a plays a role in the regulation of the β2-adrenergic receptor in the LNCaP prostate cancer cell line. Our results show that the expression of miR-196a is elevated in LNCaP prostate cancer cells with reduced levels of β2-adrenergic receptor after stably transfection with three different shRNAs. Furthermore, treatment with β-blockers showed that this upregulation is strictly related to the low levels of β2-adrenergic receptor and not to the inhibition of the receptor signaling activity. Finally, we found that the reduced ability of LNCaP cells with low levels of β2-adrenergic receptor to initiate neuroendocrine differentiation under androgen depletion conditions is mediated by miR-196a. In conclusion, this study provides the rational for a role of miR-196a in the β2-adrenergic receptor mediated neuroendocrine differentiation of LNCaP prostate cancer cells.
Factors driving the compositional diversity of Apis mellifera bee venom from a Corymbia calophylla (marri) ecosystem, Southwestern Australia
Authors: Scaccabarozzi Daniela , Dods Kenneth , Le Thao T. , Gummer Joel P. A. , Lussu Michele , Milne Lynne , Campbell Tristan , Wafujian Ben Pan , Priddis Colin
Published: June 2021

Bee venom (BV) is the most valuable product harvested from honeybees ($30 - $300 USD per gram) but marginally produced in apiculture. Though widely studied and used in alternative medicine, recent efforts in BV research have focused on its therapeutic and cosmetic applications, for the treatment of degenerative and infectious diseases. The protein and peptide composition of BV is integral to its bioactivity, yet little research has investigated the ecological factors influencing the qualitative and quantitative variations in the BV composition. Bee venom from Apis mellifera ligustica (Apidae), collected over one flowering season of Corymbia calophylla (Myrtaceae; marri) was characterized to test if the protein composition and amount of BV variation between sites is influenced by i) ecological factors (temperature, relative humidity, flowering index and stage, nectar production); ii) management (nutritional supply and movement of hives); and/or iii) behavioural factors. BV samples from 25 hives across a 200 km-latitudinal range in Southwestern Australia were collected using stimulatory devices. We studied the protein composition of BV by mass spectrometry, using a bottom-up proteomics approach. Peptide identification utilised sequence homology to the A. mellifera reference genome, assembling a BV peptide profile representative of 99 proteins, including a number of previously uncharacterised BV proteins. Among ecological factors, BV weight and protein diversity varied by temperature and marri flowering stage but not by index, this latter suggesting that inter and intra-year flowering index should be further explored to better appreciate this influence. Site influenced BV protein diversity and weight difference in two sites. Bee behavioural response to the stimulator device impacted both the protein profile and weight, whereas management factors did not. Continued research using a combination of proteomics, and bio-ecological approaches is recommended to further understand causes of BV variation in order to standardise and improve the harvest practice and product quality attributes.
HbA1c is inversely associated with thyroid cysts in a euthyroid population: A cross-sectional study
Authors: Shimizu Yuji , Kawashiri Shin-Ya , Noguchi Yuko , Nagata Yasuhiro , Maeda Takahiro , Hayashida Naomi
Published: June 2021

Anti-thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPO-Ab) is revealed to be inversely associated with thyroid cysts among euthyroid population. TPO-Ab causes autoimmune thyroiditis by bolstering thyroid inflammation. Therefore, at least partly, absence of thyroid cysts could indicate latent thyroid damage. Since participants with subclinical hypothyroidism are reported to have higher HbA1c than normal healthy controls, HbA1c could be inversely associated with thyroid cysts through a mechanism reflecting latent thyroid damage. To investigate the association between HbA1c and thyroid cysts among a euthyroid population, a cross-sectional study was conducted on 1,724 Japanese individuals who were within the normal range of thyroid function [i.e., normal range of free triiodothyronine (T3) and free thyroxine (T4)] and aged 40–74 years. Among this study population, 564 were diagnosed with thyroid cysts. Independently of thyroid related hormones [thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, and free T4] and known cardiovascular risk factors, HbA1c was found to be significantly inversely associated with the presence of thyroid cysts. This association remained significant even after this analysis was limited to participants within a normal range of TSH. The fully adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of thyroid cysts for 1 standard deviation (SD) increment of HbA1c were 0.84 (0.74, 0.95) for total participants and 0.80 (0.70, 0.92) for participants within a normal range of TSH. Among participants with normal thyroid function, HbA1c was inversely associated with the presence of thyroid cysts. The absence of thyroid cysts and higher levels of HbA1c could indicate the latent functional damage of the thyroid.
Bias in comparisons of mortality among very preterm births: A cohort study
Authors: Boutin Amélie , Lisonkova Sarka , Muraca Giulia M. , Razaz Neda , Liu Shiliang , Kramer Michael S. , Joseph K. S.
Published: June 2021

Background

Several studies of prenatal determinants and neonatal morbidity and mortality among very preterm births have resulted in unexpected and paradoxical findings. We aimed to compare perinatal death rates among cohorts of very preterm births (24–31 weeks) with rates among all births in these groups (≥24 weeks), using births-based and fetuses-at-risk formulations.

Methods

We conducted a cohort study of singleton live births and stillbirths ≥24 weeks’ gestation using population-based data from the United States and Canada (2006–2015). We contrasted rates of perinatal death between women with or without hypertensive disorders, between maternal races, and between births in Canada vs the United States.

Results

Births-based perinatal death rates at 24–31 weeks were lower among hypertensive than among non-hypertensive women (rate ratio [RR] 0.67, 95% CI 0.65–0.68), among Black mothers compared with White mothers (RR 0.94, 95%CI 0.92–0.95) and among births in the United States compared with Canada (RR 0.74, 95%CI 0.71–0.75).

However, overall (≥24 weeks) perinatal death rates were higher among births to hypertensive vs non-hypertensive women (RR 2.14, 95%CI 2.10–2.17), Black vs White mothers (RR 1.86, 95%CI 184–1.88;) and births in the United States vs Canada (RR 1.08, 95%CI 1.05–1.10), as were perinatal death rates based on fetuses-at-risk at 24–31 weeks (RR for hypertensive disorders: 2.58, 95%CI 2.53–2.63; RR for Black vs White ethnicity: 2.29, 95%CI 2.25–2.32; RR for United States vs Canada: 1.27, 95%CI 1.22–1.30).

Conclusion

Studies of prenatal risk factors and between-centre or between-country comparisons of perinatal mortality bias causal inferences when restricted to truncated cohorts of very preterm births.
Characterization of clopyralid resistance in lawn burweed (Soliva sessilis)
Authors: Ghanizadeh Hossein , Li Fengshuo , He Lulu , Harrington Kerry C.
Published: June 2021

Soliva sessilis is a troublesome annual weed species in New Zealand turfgrass. This weed has been controlled selectively in New Zealand turfgrass for many years using pyridine herbicides such as clopyralid. However, in some golf courses, the continuous application of pyridine herbicides has resulted in the selection of S. sessilis populations that are resistant to these herbicides. This study focuses on a clopyralid-resistant population of S. sessilis collected from a golf course with a long history of clopyralid applications. The resistant phenotype of S. sessilis was highly resistant to clopyralid (over 225-fold). It was also cross-resistant to dicamba, MCPA and picloram but not mecoprop. The level of resistance to dicamba was high (7-14-fold) but much lower (2-3-fold) for both MCPA and picloram. The phenotype was morphologically distinct from its susceptible counterpart. Individuals of the clopyralid-resistant phenotype had fewer lobes on their leaves and were slightly larger compared to the susceptible phenotype. Resistant individuals also had a larger leaf area and greater root dry weight than the susceptible plants. An evaluation of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions confirmed that clopyralid-resistant phenotypes are conspecific with S. sessilis. In summary, the cross-resistance to several auxinic herbicides in this S. sessilis phenotype greatly reduces chemical options for controlling it; thus, other integrated management practices may be needed such as using turfgrass competition to reduce weed germination. However, the morphological differences between resistant and susceptible plants make it easy to see, which will help with its management.
The impact of the SARS-COV2 infection on the disorder of consciousness rehabilitation unit
Authors: Marino Silvia , Ciurleo Rosella , Todaro Antonino , Alagna Antonella , Logiudice Anna Lisa , Corallo Francesco , Formica Caterina , Rifici Carmela , Pollicino Patrizia , Caminiti Fabrizia , Morini Elisabetta , Bramanti Placido
Published: June 2021

Background and objective

Disorders of consciousness include coma (cannot be aroused, eye remain closed), vegetative state—VS (can appear to be awake, but unable to purposefully interact) and minimally conscious state—MCS (minimal but definite awareness). The objective of this study is to assess the impact of the SARS-CoV-2 infection on the Disorder of Consciousness (DOC) Rehabilitation Unit.

Methods

This is a retrospective, longitudinal, descriptive, observational, pilot study. We consecutively enrolled 18 patients (age range: 40–72 years, 9 females and 9 males), from three to five months after a brain injury. They were grouped into VS (n = 8) and MCS (n = 10). A confirmed case of COVID-19 was defined as a positive result on high-throughput sequencing or real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction analysis of throat swab specimens. We collected data of lung Computed Tomography (CT) and laboratory exams. DOC patients who were positive for SARS-CoV-2 were classified into severe and no severe infected group, according to the American Thoracic Society guidelines.

Results

A total of 18 hospitalized patients with (16) and without confirmed (2) SARS-CoV-2 infection were included in the analysis. After one month, a follow-up clinical evaluation reported that one patient died, one patient was transferred from Covid Unit to Emergency Unit and 3 patients were resulted negative to double swab and they returned to Rehabilitative Unit. Significant differences were reported about hypertension, cardiac disease and respiratory problems between the patients with severe infection and patients without severe infection (P< 0.001). The laboratory findings, such as blood cell counts (P < 0.001), C-reactive protein, D-dimer, potassium and vitamin D levels, seemed to be considered as useful prognostic predictors.

Conclusions

To our knowledge, this is the first longitudinal study on a sample of chronic DOC patients affected by SARS-CoV-2. This study may offer important new clinical information on COVID-19 for management of DOC patients. Our findings showed that for the subjects with severe infection due to COVID-19, rapid clinical deterioration or worsening could be associated with clinical and laboratory findings, which could contribute to high mortality rate. During the COVID-19 epidemic period, the clinicians should consider all the reported risk factors to avoid delayed diagnosis or misdiagnosis and to prevent the infection transmission in DOC Rehabilitation Unit.
Imbalanced dietary intake alters the colonic microbial profile in growing rats
Authors: Jung Tae-Hwan , Han Kyoung-Sik
Published: June 2021

An imbalanced dietary intake is associated with alteration of intestinal ecosystem. We investigated the impact of imbalanced diets on colonic microbiota, concentrations of short chain fatty acid in colonic digesta and serum immunoglobulins (Igs) of growing rats. Compared to the control diet, consuming diets high in fat, sucrose, or processed meat, or low in iron, increased the abundance of the pathogenic bacteria such as Clostridium, Escherichia coli, and Salmonella species, and decreased the beneficial bacteria, like Bifidobacteria, Lactobacillus, Akkermansia, Phascolarctobacterium, Alistipes, and butyrate producing species of bacteria in the colon of growing rats. The heatmap of metagenomics indicated that each group was separated into distinct clusters, and the ID group in particular, showed significantly (P < 0.01) reduced alpha diversity of colonic microbiota in comparison to the control group. All experimental groups showed significantly (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01) decreased concentration of acetate and butyrate in the colonic digesta and lower levels of serum IgG or IgA, compared to the control. These results indicated that the imbalanced dietary intake negatively altered intestinal ecosystem and immunity.
Selective monitoring of the protein-free ADP-ribose released by ADP-ribosylation reversal enzymes
Authors: Kasson Samuel , Dharmapriya Nuwani , Kim In-Kwon
Published: June 2021

ADP-ribosylation is a key post-translational modification that regulates a wide variety of cellular stress responses. The ADP-ribosylation cycle is maintained by writers and erasers. For example, poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation cycles consist of two predominant enzymes, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerases (PARPs) and poly(ADP-ribose) glycohydrolase (PARG). However, historically, mechanisms of erasers of ADP-ribosylations have been understudied, primarily due to the lack of quantitative tools to selectively monitor specific activities of different ADP-ribosylation reversal enzymes. Here, we developed a new NUDT5-coupled AMP-Glo (NCAG) assay to specifically monitor the protein-free ADP-ribose released by ADP-ribosylation reversal enzymes. We found that NUDT5 selectively cleaves protein-free ADP-ribose, but not protein-bound poly- and mono-ADP-ribosylations, protein-free poly(ADP-ribose) chains, or NAD+. As aproof-of-concept, we successfully measured the kinetic parameters for the exo-glycohydrolase activity of PARG, which releases monomeric ADP-ribose, and monitored activities of site-specific mono-ADP-ribosyl-acceptor hydrolases, such as ARH3 and TARG1. This NCAG assay can be used as a general platform to study the mechanisms of diverse ADP-ribosylation reversal enzymes that release protein-free ADP-ribose as a product. Furthermore, this assay provides a useful tool to identify small-molecule probes targeting ADP-ribosylation metabolism and to quantify ADP-ribose concentrations in cells.
Development of type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance in people with HIV infection: Prevalence, incidence and associated factors
Authors: Bratt Göran , Brännström Johanna , Missalidis Catharina , Nyström Thomas
Published: June 2021

Background

Diabetes and insulin resistance is an emerging issue in people with HIV. HIV-related mortality and morbidities have decreased markedly over the last few decades, while co-morbidities including type 2 diabetes (T2D) have increased.

Setting

This study investigated the incidence of T2D and insulin resistance in a cohort of HIV-patients on effective treatment.

Methods

Prevalence and baseline predictors of T2D were assessed in a cohort of 570 HIV-positive patients 50 years or older. Patients without diabetes (n = 505) were followed prospectively over a median period of 7.25 year (2012–2020) until T2D development, death or end of the study. T2D was defined as repeated fasting glucose values ≥7.0 mmol/L. Insulin resistance was defined as HOMA-IR ≥3.0. Predictors of T2D development (HIV-related parameters, lipids, hypertension, central obesity, inflammation, smoking and use of statins) were assessed using logistic regression analysis.

Results

30% (153/505) had insulin resistance. During follow up (3485 patient-years) 9% (43/505) developed T2D and 7% (36/505) insulin resistance. Thus, at follow up the prevalence of either T2D or insulin resistance was 46% (232/505). T2D incidence was 1.2/100 patient-years. In multivariate analysis, after adjustment for age, T2D development was associated with baseline insulin resistance, hypertriglyceridemia, central obesity and statin treatment, but no HIV-related factors.

Conclusion

The incidence of T2D in this cohort of patients with well controlled HIV-infection was high. The predictive factors associated with the development of T2D were not unique for HIV positive patients. The findings underline the importance of lifestyle changes in avoidance of T2D in people with HIV.
A relevância da interpretação para a experiência turística em áreas protegidas: proposta de valorização para a Serra da Lousã
Authors: Tomás Paulo Manuel Carvalho , Alves Luiz
Published: June 2021

A interpretação ocupa um lugar cada vez mais importante no processo de mediação entre o património e a sociedade tendo em vista a partilha de informação relevante sobre o contexto geográfico, o desenvolvimento de atitudes de apreciação face aos recursos patrimoniais e a vivência de experiências turísticas singulares no território.

No caso das áreas protegidas de Portugal, mais de três dezenas de estruturas gravitam em torno do conceito de centro de interpretação, com o propósito de acolher visitantes; disponibilizar informação e conhecimento sobre as características dessas áreas; proporcionar um conjunto alargado de atividades, designadamente as de educação ambiental; e constituir o ponto de partida para a descoberta e fruição do território.

É neste contexto que situamos o projeto “Lousã: Feel & Live Nature Tourism in Mountain” (elaborado pelos autores, em meados de 2019) com o propósito de explicitarmos a relevância da interpretação para a experiência turística na Serra da Lousã (Rede Natura 2000).
Zonificación agroecológica del partido de Tandil (Argentina): aportes para gestión de servicios ecosistémicos.
Authors: Ailín Somoza , Vazquez Patricia , Mónica Sacido , Zulaica Laura
Published: June 2021

La intensificación de la actividad agrícola aumenta la productividad y rentabilidad a la vez que incrementa los costos ambientales. La comprensión de la problemática demanda un cambio de enfoque que promueva el sostenimiento de los sistemas ambientales y los servicios ecosistémicos (SE) que proveen. En este escenario, aportar al conocimiento de los sistemas ambientales y los SE que brindan los territorios constituye una preocupación central en distintos ámbitos de gestión. En ese marco, surge como objetivo realizar una Zonificación Agroecológica (ZAE) del partido de Tandil e identificar el potencial de cada unidad territorial para proveer servicios de abastecimiento y regulación. Mediante la utilización de un SIG se definieron trece Unidades Agroecológicas (UAE´s): zonas homogéneas en cuanto a sus principales características ecológicas y agrarias. La ZAE introduce una base metodológica útil, transferible y necesaria para el desarrollo de una agricultura sostenible que considere las potencialidades y limitaciones para la provisión de SE.
Student Articulations of Critical Multicultural Education Concepts from One Study Abroad Experience in New Zealand
Authors:   Brigham Young University, Feinauer Erika , Feinauer Whiting Erin ,   Brigham Young University
Published: June 2021

This study examines how six teacher candidates in one U.S. based teacher preparation program articulate understandings of critical multicultural education concepts after a field experience in a study abroad program in New Zealand. Teacher candidates were interviewed about their understandings of culture, privilege, and social inequality. Field placements were in high poverty elementary schools with high numbers of linguistic and ethnic minority students. Teacher candidate responses revealed development of cultural appreciation but a lack of engagement with issues related to privilege and social inequality. Teacher candidates further had difficulty articulating issues of power and systemic privilege enacted either in the New Zealand context, or in their home cultural context in the United States. This study calls for more explicit support for teacher candidates as they grapple with recognizing and practicing a Culturally Relevant Pedagogy in order to realize the potential of diverse study abroad field experiences for teacher preparation.
EFEITO MODERADOR DA EXPERTISE FINANCEIRA NA RELAÇÃO ENTRE O EXCESSO DE CONFIANÇA E A QUALIDADE DA EVIDENCIAÇÃO CONTÁBIL
Authors: Lunardi Micheli Aparecida , Beuren Ilse Maria , Klann Roberto Carlos
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: A pesquisa busca analisar o efeito moderador da expertise financeira do conselho deadministração na relação entre o excesso de confiança dos executivos e a qualidade da evidenciaçãocontábil.Método: Foi realizada uma pesquisa documental, considerando dados relativos ao período temporalde 2011 a 2017, e aplicação de técnicas estatísticas de correlação e regressão linear múltipla. A amostracompõe-se das 146 companhias abertas com dados disponíveis para operacionalizar as variáveis.Resultados: Os resultados revelaram que nas empresas em que o conselho de administração possuiexpertise financeira, o excesso de confiança dos executivos é minimizado. A expertise financeira moderapositivamente a relação entre o excesso de confiança e a qualidade da evidenciação contábil. Osresultados sugerem que o conhecimento financeiro do conselho de administração reflete na qualidadeda evidenciação contábil, mesmo que o executivo denote excesso de confiança e minimize a qualidadeda evidenciação contábil.Contribuições: O estudo contribui ao auxiliar os investidores e reguladores contábeis no entendimentode como os traços de personalidade dos executivos e o conhecimento do conselho de administraçãopodem interferir na qualidade dos relatórios contábeis.
CICLO ORÇAMENTÁRIO POLÍTICO: UMA ANÁLISE NOS MUNICÍPIOS BRASILEIROS
Authors: Crispim Gilberto , Flach Leonardo , Alberton Luiz , Ferreira Celma Duque
Published: June 2021

Objetivo: o estudo investiga o comportamento das despesas empenhadas, gastos com investimento e captação de empréstimo em período eleitoral nos municípios brasileiros com população igual ou superior a 50 mil habitantes, bem como, se esses mesmos municípios cumprem as exigências legais a respeito da fonte e limite de recursos orçamentários em ano de eleição, conforme preconiza a Lei nº 11.300/06, no período de 2000-2016.Método: A amostra da pesquisa representa 66% da população brasileira. O método aplicado para análise dos dados foi regressão tobit em dados em painel, agrupados por municípios, correspondentes a 353 municípios, 5 regiões e 6001 observações.Resultados: Os achados indicam que não há mudanças das despesas empenhadas antes, durante e após o período eleitoral, independente de igualdades partidárias e eleição em dois turnos. Já no que tange aos gastos com investimentos e captação de empréstimos em período eleitoral, o estudo sugere aumento médio em 9% e 68% respectivamente, com maior intensidade quando há igualdade partidária entre governos municipais e estaduais, principalmente em processo de reeleição. Quanto ao cumprimento das exigências legais sobre uso de recursos orçamentários em ano eleitoral, o estudoindica que os governos locais não cumprem as instruções normativas vigentes.Contribuições: Considerando que não há consenso na literatura especializada sobre o comportamento dos gastos públicos, este estudo contribui para a literatura e futuras pesquisas porquê inova por meio de método estatístico robusto e eficaz, a evidenciação do comportamento dos gastos nos governoslocais em período eleitoral.
Encontros virtuais de leitura na EJA
Authors: Martins Bocasanta Daiane , Bertaco dos Santos Isabelle
Published: June 2021

Este artigo objetivou historicizar e problematizar parte do itinerário pedagógico realizado por professoras e alunos de uma turma de Anos Iniciais da EJA de uma escola pública federal de Porto Alegre-RS no período de fechamento das escolas em razão da pandemia de COVID-19. A questão que guiou a investigação foi: como promover práticas de leitura na EJA, num contexto de estudos remotos? Como desdobramento desta questão, discute-se a leitura em voz alta como estratégia de aproximação dos alunos a textos literários. Como referencial teórico foram utilizados estudos recentes produzidos acerca do entrecruzamento pandemia e Educação, bem como, autores que discutem práticas de leitura, como Michèle Petit (2008; 2009). A metodologia utilizada foi a pesquisa-ação. O material de pesquisa produzido constituiu-se de entrevistas, observações e anotações em diário de campo. Os resultados indicaram limites e possibilidades para a implementação de encontros virtuais de leitura na EJA. Assim, foi possível registrar dificuldades encontradas pelo público da EJA num contexto de invisibilização da modalidade e de exclusão digital. Ao mesmo tempo, observou-se a potencialidade desses encontros na manutenção do vínculo dos estudantes com a escola, bem como a leitura em voz alta como estratégia de aproximação de leitores iniciais a diferentes gêneros literários.