bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long-term Hyperandrogenemia and/or Western-style Diet in Rhesus Macaque Females Impairs Preimplantation Embryogenesis
Authors: Ravisankar Sweta , Murphy Melinda J , Redmayne-Titley Nash , Davis Brett , Luo Fangzhou , Takahashi Diana , Hennebold Jon D , Chavez Shawn L
Published: February 2022

Hyperandrogenemia and obesity are common in women with polycystic ovary syndrome, but it is currently unclear how each alone or in combination contribute to reproductive dysfunction and female infertility. To distinguish the individual and combined effects of hyperandrogenemia and an obesogenic diet on ovarian function, prepubertal female rhesus macaques received a standard control (C) diet, testosterone (T) implants, an obesogenic Western-style diet (WSD), or both (T + WSD). After 5 to 6 years of treatment, the females underwent metabolic assessments and controlled ovarian stimulations. Follicular fluid (FF) was collected for steroid and cytokine analysis and the oocytes fertilized in vitro. Although the T + WSD females exhibited higher insulin resistance compared to the controls, there were no significant differences in metabolic parameters between treatments. Significantly higher concentrations of CXCL-10 were detected in the FF from the T group, but no significant differences in intrafollicular steroid levels were observed. Immunostaining of cleavage-stage embryos revealed multiple nuclear abnormalities in the T, WSD, and T + WSD groups. Single-cell DNA sequencing showed that while C embryos contained primarily euploid blastomeres, most cells in the other treatment groups were aneuploid. Despite yielding a higher number of mature oocytes, T + WSD treatment resulted in significantly reduced blastocyst formation rates compared to the T group. RNA sequencing analysis of individual blastocysts showed differential expression of genes involved in critical implantation processes between the C group and other treatments. Collectively, we show that long-term WSD consumption reduces the capacity of fertilized oocytes to develop into blastocysts and that the addition of T further impacts gene expression and embryogenesis.
Development and characterization of cell models harbouring mtDNA deletions for in vitro study of Pearson syndrome
Authors: Hernández-Ainsa Carmen , López-Gallardo Ester , García-Jiménez María Concepción , Climent-Alcalá Francisco José , Rodríguez-Vigil Carmen , García Fernández de Villalta Marta , Artuch Rafael , Montoya Julio , Ruiz-Pesini Eduardo , Emperador Sonia
Published: February 2022

Pearson syndrome is a rare multisystem disease caused by single large-scale mitochondrial DNA deletions (SLSMDs). The syndrome presents early in infancy and is mainly characterised by refractory sideroblastic anaemia. Prognosis is poor and treatment is supportive, thus the development of new models for the study of Pearson syndrome and new therapy strategies is essential. In this work, we report three different cell models carrying an SLMSD: fibroblasts, transmitochondrial cybrids and induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). All studied models exhibited an aberrant mitochondrial ultrastructure and defective oxidative phosphorylation system function, showing a decrease in different parameters, such as mitochondrial ATP, respiratory complex IV activity and quantity or oxygen consumption. Despite this, iPSCs harbouring ‘common deletion’ were able to differentiate into three germ layers. Additionally, cybrid clones only showed mitochondrial dysfunction when heteroplasmy level reached 70%. Some differences observed among models may depend on their metabolic profile; therefore, we consider that these three models are useful for the in vitro study of Pearson syndrome, as well as for testing new specific therapies.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Enforced tethering elongates the cortical endoplasmic reticulum and limits store-operated Ca2+ entry
Authors: Henry Christopher , Carreras-Sureda Amado , Demaurex Nicolas
Published: February 2022

Recruitment of STIM proteins to cortical endoplasmic reticulum (cER) domains forming membrane contact sites (MCSs) mediate the store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) pathway essential for human immunity. The cER is dynamically regulated by STIM and tethering proteins during SOCE, but the ultrastructural rearrangement and functional consequences of cER remodeling are unknown. Here, we express natural (E-Syt1 and E-Syt2) and artificial (MAPPER-S and MAPPER-L) protein tethers in HEK-293T cells and correlate the changes in cER length and gap distance, as measured by electron microscopy, with ionic fluxes. We found that native cER cisternae extended during store depletion and remained elongated at a constant ER-plasma membrane (PM) gap distance during subsequent Ca2+ elevations. Tethering proteins enhanced store-dependent cER expansion, anchoring the enlarged cER at tether-specific gap distances of 12-15 nm (E-Syts) and 5-9 nm (MAPPERs). Cells with artificially extended cER had reduced SOCE and reduced agonist-induced Ca2+ release. SOCE remained modulated by calmodulin and exhibited enhanced Ca2+-dependent inhibition. We propose that cER expansion mediated by ER-PM tethering at a close distance negatively regulates SOCE by confining STIM-ORAI complexes to the periphery of enlarged cER sheets, a process that might participate in the termination of store-operated Ca2+ entry.
Filtration-histogram based texture analysis and CALIPER based pattern analysis as quantitative CT techniques in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: head-to-head comparison
Authors: AlDalilah Yazeed , Ganeshan Balaji , Endozo Raymond , Bomanji Jamshed , Porter Joanna C , Machado Maria , Bertoletti Linda , Lilburn David , lyasheva Maria , Groves Ashley M , Fraioli Francesco
Published: February 2022

Objective

To assess the prognostic performance of two quantitative CT (qCT) techniques in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) compared to established clinical measures of disease severity (GAP index).

Methods:

Retrospective analysis of high-resolution CT scans for 59 patients (age 70.5 ± 8.8 years) with two qCT methods. Computer-aided lung informatics for pathology evaluation and ratings based analysis classified the lung parenchyma into six different patterns: normal, ground glass, reticulation, hyperlucent, honeycombing and pulmonary vessels. Filtration histogram-based texture analysis extracted texture features: mean intensity, standard deviation (SD), entropy, mean of positive pixels (MPPs), skewness and kurtosis at different spatial scale filters. Univariate Kaplan–Meier survival analysis assessed the different qCT parameters' performance to predict patient outcome and refine the standard GAP staging system. Multivariate cox regression analysis assessed the independence of the significant univariate predictors of patient outcome.

Results

The predominant parenchymal lung pattern was reticulation (16.6% ± 13.9), with pulmonary vessel percentage being the most predictive of worse patient outcome (p = 0.009). Higher SD, entropy and MPP, in addition to lower skewness and kurtosis at fine texture scale (SSF2), were the most significant predictors of worse outcome (p < 0.001). Multivariate cox regression analysis demonstrated that SD (SSF2) was the only independent predictor of survival (p < 0.001). Better patient outcome prediction was achieved after adding total vessel percentage and SD (SSF2) to the GAP staging system (p = 0.006).

Conclusion:

Filtration-histogram texture analysis can be an independent predictor of patient mortality in IPF patients.

Advances in knowledge:

qCT analysis can help in risk stratifying IPF patients in addition to clinical markers.
Organizational behavior
Authors: Balabanova Evgeniya
Published: February 2022

The textbook presents the main classifications of people's behavior in the workplace and consistently examines groups of factors that affect labor behavior in the organization. These factors are grouped into individual-personal, organizational-managerial and institutional-cultural. Particular attention is paid to the contradictions between the economic and social efficiency of organizations. The results of modern research devoted to the search for a balance between the economic efficiency of management activities and the social well-being of employees are presented.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It is addressed to students studying in the direction of "Management", as well as to students of sociology to study the courses "Sociology of Labor" and "Sociology of Management". It may also be of interest to a wide range of readers whose professional activity involves working with people.
Merchandising
Authors: Ivanov Gennadiy , Aleksina Svetlana
Published: February 2022

The tutorial discusses merchandising as one of the progressive methods of sales promotion in trade.
Meets the requirements of the federal state educational standards of higher education of the latest generation.
It can be used in secondary vocational education in the specialty "Commerce", as well as in bachelor's degree programs of universities in the areas of "Economics", "Management", "Trade".
Coordination of the activities of legal entities in a crisis
Authors: Maksurov Aleksey
Published: February 2022

The monograph is devoted to the search for ways to improve the efficiency of public administration in crisis situations. The interrelation of the crisis situation with the problems of legal uncertainty and legally significant risks is traced. The article considers the substantive characteristics of the crisis as a social phenomenon, the causes and types of crisis situations, the problems of their legal definition, as well as the impact of the crisis on changes in the activities of public authorities and local self-government. A universal means of coordinating the activities of authorities and their officials in a crisis period is proposed - a mechanism of legal coordination.
The analysis of the main shortcomings of the work of public authorities in a crisis, including in the situation of a pandemic of coronavirus infection, is made. The issues of the legality of restricting the constitutional rights of citizens in a crisis, the introduction of special legal regimes providing for other than usual ways, forms and limits of citizens' realization of their subjective rights are studied. Developed full-fledged detailed recommendations for improving law-making (proposed drafts of the necessary regulatory legal acts), the practice of interpretation and systematization of law, law enforcement, as well as control (supervisory) legal practice.
For a wide range of readers interested in public administration issues in crisis situations. It can be useful for students, postgraduates and teachers of law schools.
Sawmilling and woodworking industries of logging enterprises
Authors: Azarenok Vasiliy , Men'shikov Boris , Kosheleva Nadezhda
Published: February 2022

The textbook discusses the features of the organization of sawmilling and woodworking industries at logging enterprises in various natural production conditions, provides recommendations on the choice of processing directions, provides typical technological schemes of sawmilling and woodworking sites and workshops.
It is intended for undergraduate and graduate students studying in the areas of training "Technology of logging and wood processing industries", "Forestry", postgraduate students of full-time and correspondence forms of training in the areas of training "Technologies, means of mechanization and energy equipment in agriculture, forestry and fisheries", "Forestry" and specialty "Technologies, machinery and equipment for forestry and wood processing".
Speak the language of schemes
Authors: Isakov Vladimir
Published: February 2022

Schematization and visualization are the necessary means to ensure the activity of a modern specialist. Schematization allows you to highlight the main thing in an object, to discover its constituent elements, to show their relationship, gives impetus to the construction of conceptual approaches. Visualization "dresses" schematic concepts in a bright, expressive artistic and graphic form. The handbook provides descriptions of the most popular means of analytical graphics - maps, graphs, tables, graphs, diagrams, flowcharts (algorithms), chronolents, maps, methodological schemes, etc. The ways of using schemes for analyzing goals, causes, problems, versions are considered. A thematic dictionary of terms and definitions, a "hot twenty" useful schematization are given.
For students, undergraduates, postgraduates, teachers of law schools and faculties, as well as for representatives of other specialties - everyone who draws diagrams and works with them.
Enterprise value assessment and management
Authors: Vertakova Yuliya , Pirogova Oksana , Plotnikov Vladimir
Published: February 2022

The textbook discusses the legal framework, information support, types of value and principles on which the valuation of the enterprise is based, as well as the main approaches and methods used in the valuation of the enterprise. Modern approaches to enterprise development management, in particular the cost approach, are presented.
It is intended for bachelor's and master's students, specialists studying in the disciplines of "Business Valuation", "Company Value Management", "Enterprise value assessment".
Zoom fatigue and its risk factors in online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Salim Jonathan , Tandy Sutiono , Arnindita Jannatin Nisa , Wibisono Jacobus Jeno , Haryanto Moses Rizky , Wibisono Maria Georgina
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Global nations have enforced strict health protocols because of the COVID-19’s high transmission, infectivity, and mortality. As shown by increased online learning and video conferencing, the employment and education sectors are shifting to home-based activities. Video conferencing as a communication medium has subtly led to zoom fatigue. This study aimed to analyze the risk factors of zoom fatigue for early prevention and treatment.

METHODS This cross-sectional study was conducted on 335 Indonesian university students selected by purposive sampling in July 2021. Data were collected using a demographic questionnaire including online courses duration during the COVID-19 pandemic; Pittsburgh sleep quality index; depression, anxiety and stress scale-21; and zoom & exhaustion fatigue (ZEF) scale through Google Form (Google LLC, USA) distributed via social media and student forums. Association and correlation tests were used, and the model was developed using linear regression.

RESULTS The respondents were aged 21.3 (1.8) years with 12.8 (5.1) months of online courses during the COVID-19 pandemic and a ZEF scale of 2.8 (0.9). Students with higher ZEF had irregular physical exercise, poorer sleep quality, longer video conferencing sessions, longer months of courses during the COVID-19 pandemic, and higher mental illness (i.e., stress, anxiety, and depression). Smoking negatively correlated with fatigue (r = −0.12). The model for ZEF showed good predictability for zoom fatigue (p<0.001, R2 = 0.57).

CONCLUSIONS Daily exposure to video conferencing in educational settings throughout the pandemic has drastically increased zoom fatigue. The stakeholders must act immediately to minimize the risks while providing maximum benefits.
On-chip polarization-division multiplexing link assisted with triple-waveguide couplers
Authors: Xu Shuangye , Hu Jinzhu , Zhang Hanyu , Mao Siqiang , Jiang Weifeng
Published: February 2022

An on-chip silicon polarization-division multiplexing link assisted with triple-waveguide couplers is proposed and experimentally demonstrated on a silicon-on-insulator platform. It consists of a polarization beam splitter, a trunk waveguide, and a polarization beam combiner. The coupling strength can be reinforced with the help of the middle waveguide. The proposed device is optimized with a 7 µm coupling length, insertion losses of 0.12 and 0.64 dB, and polarization extinction ratios of 31.2 and 15 dB for the TM and TE polarizations, respectively, at 1550 nm. The fabrication tolerances of the device are also analyzed with the fabrication errors of

±
20

n
m

. Over a 100 nm bandwidth from 1500 nm to 1600 nm, the measured polarization extinction ratios are above 15.4 dB and 10.6 dB for TM and TE polarizations, respectively. The corresponding measured insertion losses are below 2 dB and 2.4 dB. The proposed polarization-division multiplexing link can be applied in optical communications and interconnects for signal routing.
Double-sided polishing photonic crystal fiber biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance for cancer single cell detection
Authors: Zhang Zhiwen , Liu Chi , Liu Xin , Feng Yue , Wang Shaofeng , Shen Tao , Wei Han
Published: February 2022

In this paper, we propose a high sensitivity double-sided polishing photonic crystal fiber biosensor based on surface plasmon resonance. The performance of the sensor was analyzed by the finite element method, including the influence of different pore sizes and positions, polishing depth, pore spacing, metal thickness, refractive index (RI), and manufacturing error (5%) on the sensing performance. And the performance of practical application in cancer detection was analyzed. The use of a double-sided polishing structure and coating with a gold layer not only increases the contact area between the analyte and gold layer but also provides a large-enough space for the analysis channel, which is conducive to the actual manufacture and use. The sensor has a detection range of 1.35–1.39, maximum wavelength sensitivity of 21,500 nm/RIU, average wavelength sensitivity of 9550 nm/RIU, amplitude sensitivity of

−

1057.1756 RIU

−
1

,

R

2

of 0.98265, figure of merit of 250, and maximum resolution of

4.68

×

1

0

−
6

, which can be used in cancer detection and other biological areas.
High-power narrow-linewidth fiber lasers using optical spectrum broadening based on high-order phase modulation of inversion probability-tuning sequence
Authors: Shi Mengyue , Wu Zhangli , Li Jie , Wu Yong , Yu Minghai , Sun Yinhong , Hu Weisheng , Yi Lilin
Published: February 2022

Continuous fiber laser with ultra-high power and narrow linewidth is one of the key devices in the field of high-precision industrial processing, beam combining, and nonlinear frequency conversion. Under the premise of ensuring the signal quality, continuously increasing the output power is the focus of high-power narrow-linewidth fiber lasers. Driven by the white noise or pseudo-random binary sequence (PRBS), using cascaded phase modulations to broaden the spectrum of the seed source to suppress the stimulated Brillouin scattering (SBS) effect in the master oscillator power amplifier (MOPA) structure is an effective solution to increase the output power. However, this type of optical spectrum needs to be optimized, and the randomness of the driving signal causes a self-pulsing effect, which limits the further increase of the output power. In this paper, the influence of the frequency interval and randomness of the driving signal on the SBS effect in the laser system is analyzed. The modulated spectral type can be simply adjusted through changing the bit rate and inversion probability. Combining with high-order phase modulation, an approximate rectangular spectral broadening of the seed source with a tunable bandwidth up to 30 GHz is achieved. Compared with the cascaded white noise case, the output power of this scheme is increased by 600 W under the extended bandwidth of 27 GHz. It is fully verified that the seed source spectrum with high in-band flatness and low randomness can effectively suppress the SBS effect in the fiber laser and increase the output power.
Steady optical beam propagating through turbulent environment
Authors: Kang Xingwang , Yang Xiuting , Ma Jian , Ren Yuhang , Liang Xinli , Wang Huahua , Liu Yang , Ming Zhizi , Du Haoran , Zhong Xinglin , Chen Zhigang , Gao Lu , Zhang Ze
Published: February 2022

A steady optical beam (SOB) propagating stably in a disorder medium is constructed by using a specially designed aspherical lens. Our theoretical and experimental results show that the generated SOB exhibits much better propagation features with small divergence and long Rayleigh length, as well as weak deformation through turbulent environment as compared with a conventional Gaussian beam. The beam parameter product of the SOB reaches 49.40% of the Gaussian beam by multiple measurements within a certain distance range. The SOB may find applications in optical communications and optical detection in turbulent transmission conditions.
Nonvolatile modulation of luminescence in perovskite oxide thin films by ferroelectric gating
Authors: Dou Qingqing , Mo Junyao , Xu Beibei , Gong Nan , Man Tao , Li Zicheng , Bai Gongxun , Ma Chonggen , Qiu Jianrong , Hao Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Nonvolatile and giant modulation of luminescence can be realized by the ferroelectric gating effect in a Ga3+/Pr3+ co-doped BaTiO3 ultra-thin film epitaxially grown on a [Pb(Mg1/3Nb2/3)O3]0.7-[PbTiO3]0.3 single-crystallized substrate. The change behavior of the emission intensity matches that of the ferroelectric polarization hysteresis loop with a giant enhancement of over 13 times with negative polarization orientation. The interaction of O2− at the O2p orbital in the valence band and Pr3+ with injected holes by the ferroelectric gating effect promotes the formation of excited state O−, Pr4+, or Pr3+q. This ferroelectric gating method can promote the development of controllable photo-, electroluminescent, and other optoelectronic devices for display, sensing, communication, and so on.
The noncoding RNA CcnA modulates the master cell cycle regulators CtrA and GcrA in Caulobacter crescentus
Authors: Beroual Wanassa , Prévost Karine , Lalaouna David , Ben Zaina Nadia , Valette Odile , Denis Yann , Djendli Meriem , Brasseur Gaël , Brilli Matteo , Robledo Garrido Marta , Jimenez-Zurdo Jose-Ignacio , Massé Eric , Biondi Emanuele G.
Published: February 2022

Bacteria are powerful models for understanding how cells divide and accomplish global regulatory programs. InCaulobacter crescentus, a cascade of essential master regulators supervises the correct and sequential activation of DNA replication, cell division, and development of different cell types. Among them, the response regulator CtrA plays a crucial role coordinating all those functions. Here, for the first time, we describe the role of a novel factor named CcnA (cell cycle noncoding RNA A), a cell cycle–regulated noncoding RNA (ncRNA) located at the origin of replication, presumably activated by CtrA, and responsible for the accumulation of CtrA itself. In addition, CcnA may be also involved in the inhibition of translation of the S-phase regulator, GcrA, by interacting with its 5′ untranslated region (5′ UTR). Performing in vitro experiments and mutagenesis, we propose a mechanism of action of CcnA based on liberation (ctrA) or sequestration (gcrA) of their ribosome-binding site (RBS). Finally, its role may be conserved in other alphaproteobacterial species, such asSinorhizobium meliloti, representing indeed a potentially conserved process modulating cell cycle inCaulobacteralesandRhizobiales.
The role of high-risk geographies in the perpetuation of the HIV epidemic in rural South Africa: A spatial molecular epidemiology study
Authors: Cuadros Diego F. , de Oliveira Tulio , Gräf Tiago , Junqueira Dennis M. , Wilkinson Eduan , Lemey Philippe , Bärnighausen Till , Kim Hae-Young , Tanser Frank
Published: February 2022

In this study, we hypothesize that HIV geographical clusters (geospatial areas with significantly higher numbers of HIV positive individuals) can behave as the highly connected nodes in the transmission network. Using data come from one of the most comprehensive demographic surveillance systems in Africa, we found that more than 70% of the HIV transmission links identified were directly connected to an HIV geographical cluster located in a peri-urban area. Moreover, we identified a single central large community of highly connected nodes located within the HIV cluster. This module was composed by nodes highly connected among them, forming a central structure of the network that was also connected with the small sparser modules located outside of the HIV geographical cluster. Our study supports the evidence of the high level of connectivity between HIV geographical high-risk populations and the entire community.
Identification of tolerance levels on the cold-water coral Desmophyllum pertusum (Lophelia pertusa) from realistic exposure conditions to suspended bentonite, barite and drill cutting particles
Authors: Baussant Thierry , Arnberg Maj , Lyng Emily , Ramanand Sreerekha , Bamber Shaw , Berry Mark , Myrnes Hansen Ingrid , Van Oevelen Dick , Van Breugel Peter
Published: February 2022

Cold-water coral (CWC) reefs are numerous and widespread along the Norwegian continental shelf where oil and gas industry operate. Uncertainties exist regarding their impacts from operational discharges to drilling. Effect thresholds obtained from near-realistic exposure of suspended particle concentrations for use in coral risk modeling are particularly needed. Here, nubbins of Desmophyllum pertusum (Lophelia pertusa) were exposed shortly (5 days, 4h repeated pulses) to suspended particles (bentonite BE; barite BA, and drill cuttings DC) in the range of ~ 4 to ~ 60 mg.l-1 (actual concentration). Physiological responses (respiration rate, growth rate, mucus-related particulate organic carbon OC and particulate organic nitrogen ON) and polyp mortality were then measured 2 and 6 weeks post-exposure to assess long-term effects. Respiration and growth rates were not significantly different in any of the treatments tested compared to control. OC production was not affected in any treatment, but a significant increase of OC:ON in mucus produced by BE-exposed (23 and 48 mg.l-1) corals was revealed 2 weeks after exposure. Polyp mortality increased significantly at the two highest DC doses (19 and 49 mg.l-1) 2 and 6 weeks post-exposure but no significant difference was observed in any of the other treatments compared to the control. These findings are adding new knowledge on coral resilience to short realistic exposure of suspended drill particles and indicate overall a risk for long-term effects at a threshold of ~20 mg.l-1.
An epigenomic shift in amygdala marks the transition to maternal behaviors in alloparenting virgin female mice
Authors: Seward Christopher H. , Saul Michael C. , Troy Joseph M. , Dibaeinia Payam , Zhang Huimin , Sinha Saurabh , Stubbs Lisa J.
Published: February 2022

Adults of many species will care for young offspring that are not their own, a phenomenon called alloparenting. However, in many cases, nonparental adults must be sensitized by repeated or extended exposures to newborns before they will robustly display parental-like behaviors. To capture neurogenomic events underlying the transition to active parental caring behaviors, we analyzed brain gene expression and chromatin profiles of virgin female mice co-housed with pregnant dams during pregnancy and after birth. After an initial display of antagonistic behaviors and a surge of defense-related gene expression, we observed a dramatic shift in the chromatin landscape specifically in amygdala of the pup-exposed virgin females compared to females co-housed with mother before birth, accompanied by a dampening of anxiety-related gene expression. This epigenetic shift coincided with hypothalamic expression of the oxytocin gene and the emergence of behaviors and gene expression patterns classically associated with maternal care. The results outline a neurogenomic program associated with dramatic behavioral changes and suggest molecular networks relevant to human postpartum mental health.
Association of serum fibroblast growth factor 21 with diabetic complications and insulin dose in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Taniguchi Hirokazu , Nirengi Shinsuke , Ishihara Kengo , Sakane Naoki
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 21 is an important regulator of glycemic control, but the association between circulating FGF21 and diabetic complications is poorly understood. Moreover, basal FGF21 secretion, especially in response to insulin dose, in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), has not been well examined. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the association of circulating FGF21 levels with diabetic complications and insulin dosage in middle-aged and elderly patients with T1DM.

Materials and methods

A total of 127 middle-aged and elderly patients with T1DM, including 68 patients with diabetic complications, and 106 non-diabetic individuals were analyzed in this cross-sectional study. Information on demographic characteristics and T1DM was extracted from their electronic medical records. Serum FGF21 levels were determined using ELISA.

Results

Serum FGF21 levels were significantly lower in T1DM patients (75.2 [37.4–135.1] pg/mL) than in non-diabetic participants (151.6 [92.0–224.6] pg/mL; P < 0.001). No diabetic complications were associated with serum FGF21 concentrations. Both basal and bolus insulin doses were significantly and positively correlated with serum FGF21 levels (P < 0.05). Stepwise multiple regression analysis showed that FGF21 level was associated with age and body mass index (P < 0.05), while the basal insulin dose was an independent positive predictor of serum FGF21 levels (β = 0.197, P = 0.032).

Conclusions

Circulating FGF21 levels are reduced in patients with T1DM; however, they are not associated with diabetic complications. In addition, aging, obesity, and insulin dosage are positive determinants of circulating FGF21.
Factors influencing antimicrobial resistance in the European food system and potential leverage points for intervention: A participatory, One Health study
Authors: Lambraki Irene Anna , Cousins Melanie , Graells Tiscar , Léger Anaïs , Henriksson Patrik , Harbarth Stephan , Troell Max , Wernli Didier , Søgaard Jørgensen Peter , Desbois Andrew P. , Carson Carolee A. , Parmley Elizabeth Jane , Majowicz Shannon Elizabeth
Published: February 2022

Introduction

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a global crisis that evolves from a complex system of factors. Understanding what factors interact is key to finding solutions. Our objective was to identify the factors influencing AMR in the European food system and places to intervene.

Materials and methods

We conducted two workshops involving participants with diverse perspectives to identify the factors influencing AMR and leverage points (places) to target interventions. Transcripts were open coded for factors and connections, then transcribed into Vensim 8.0.4 to develop a causal loop diagram (CLD) and compute the number of feedback loops. Thematic analysis followed to describe AMR dynamics in Europe’s food system and places for intervention. The CLD and themes were confirmed via participant feedback.

Results

Seventeen participants representing human, animal and agricultural sectors identified 91 CLD factors and 331 connections. Seven themes (e.g., social and economic conditions) describing AMR dynamics in Europe’s food system, five ‘overarching factors’ that impact the entire CLD system (e.g., leadership) and fourteen places for intervention (e.g., consumer demand) emerged from workshop discussions. Most leverage points fell on highly networked feedback loops suggesting that intervening at these places may create unpredictable consequences.

Conclusions

Our study produced a CLD of factors influencing AMR in Europe’s food system that implicates sectors across the One Health spectrum. The high connectivity between the CLD factors described by participants and our finding that factors are connected with many feedback mechanisms underscores the complexity of the AMR problem and the challenge with finding long-term solutions. Identifying factors and feedbacks helped identify relevant leverage points in the system. Some actions, such as government’s setting AMU standards may be easier to implement. These actions in turn can support multi-pronged actions that can help redefine the vision, values and goals of the system to sustainably tackle AMR.
Proportion and seasonality of blood parasites in animals in Mosul using the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Lab data
Authors: Alimam Hussam M. S. , Moosa Dhiyaa A. , Ajaj Eva A. , Dahl Mohammad O. , Al-Robaiee Israa A. , Allah Semaa F. Hasab , Al-Jumaa Zahraa M. , Hadi Eman D.
Published: February 2022

Several local studies have examined evidence of blood parasites in different animals in Mosul; however, information about the most prevalent parasite and the seasonality of the infection remains limited. The objective of the study conducted here was to investigate the proportion and seasonality of blood parasites in animals in Mosul using the Veterinary Teaching Hospital Lab data. Laboratory records for a period of 25 months were used for data retrieval. In all included animals, Giemsa-stained blood smears were examined by an attending clinical pathologist for the presence of parasites. Seasons were assigned on a basis of examination date, and the seasonality was quantified by estimating season-to-season ratio. The results indicated that 61.77% of examined animals were tested positive for blood parasites. The most evident parasites wereTrypanosomaspp.,Theileriaspp.,Babesiaspp., and thenAnaplasmaspp., with evidence of mixed infection. The odds of the infection did not significantly vary in different age groups. There was a marked linear pattern in the seasonality of the infection withTrypanosomaspp. andAnaplasmaspp. An increase of the infection during spring and autumn withTheileriaspp. andBabesiaspp. was also evident. In conclusion, infection with blood parasites in different animals in Mosul is common with substantial burden, the effect of age-related infection is negligible, and the seasonality of the infection is evident.
Can training on ex-vivo models increase neurointerventionalists’ subjective self-confidence in the operating room?
Authors: Mathern Nathalie , Sandmann Johanna , Sichtermann Thorsten , Ridwan Hani , Riabikin Alexander , Stockero Andrea , Nikoubashman Omid , Wiesmann Martin ,   German Stroke School Group
Published: February 2022

In a changing learning environment where young neurointerventionalists spend less time in the operating room, computer simulators have been established as a new training model. Our aim was the comparison of silicone models and computer simulators, and the evaluation of their influence on subjective self-confidence of operators. Pre- and postquestionnaires of 27 participants and 9 tutors were evaluated after the participation in a three-days interventional stroke course using silicone models and computer simulators. Training on computer simulators was considered as more realistic and important before patient contact than training on silicone models. Participants rated their own abilities as significantly better after participation in the course and felt significantly better prepared for patient care. Training on computer simulators can increase the subjective self-confidence of trainees. We suggest a stepwise training program, comprising both ex-vivo and the porcine in-vivo model, finished by conventional operating room teaching, to prepare neuroradiologists for optimal patient care when performing interventions.
Prevalence, acceptability, and cost of routine screening for pulmonary tuberculosis among pregnant women in Cotonou, Benin
Authors: Adjobimey Mênonli , Ade Serge , Wachinou Prudence , Esse Marius , Yaha Lydia , Bekou Wilfried , Campbell Jonathon R. , Toundoh Narcisse , Adjibode Omer , Attikpa Geoffroy , Agodokpessi Gildas , Affolabi Dissou , Merle Corinne S.
Published: February 2022

Objectives

We sought to evaluate the yield, cost, feasibility, and acceptability of routine tuberculosis (TB) screening of pregnant women in Cotonou, Benin.

Design

Mixed-methods, cross-sectional study with a cost assessment.

Setting

Eight participating health facilities in Cotonou, Benin.

Participants

Consecutive pregnant women presenting for antenatal care at any participating site who were not in labor or currently being treated for TB from April 2017 to April 2018.

Interventions

Screening for the presence of TB symptoms by midwives and Xpert MTB/RIF for those with cough for at least two weeks. Semi-structured interviews with 14 midwives and 16 pregnant women about experiences with TB screening.

Primary and secondary outcome measures

Proportion of pregnant women with cough of at least two weeks and/or microbiologically confirmed TB. The cost per pregnant woman screened and per TB case diagnosed in 2019 USD from the health system perspective.

Results

Out of 4,070 pregnant women enrolled in the study, 94 (2.3%) had a cough for at least two weeks at the time of screening. The average (standard deviation) age of symptomatic women was 26 ± 5 years and 5 (5.3%) had HIV. Among the 94 symptomatic women, 2 (2.3%) had microbiologically confirmed TB for a TB prevalence of 49 per 100,000 (95% CI: 6 to 177 per 100,000) among pregnant women enrolled in the study. The average cost to screen one pregnant woman for TB was $1.12 USD and the cost per TB case diagnosed was $2271 USD. Thematic analysis suggested knowledge of TB complications in pregnancy was low, but that routine TB screening was acceptable to both midwives and pregnant women.

Conclusion

Enhanced screening for TB among pregnant women is feasible, acceptable, and inexpensive per woman screened, however in this setting has suboptimal yield even if it can contribute to enhance TB case finding.
Birth cohort relative to an influenza A virus’s antigenic cluster introduction drives patterns of children’s antibody titers
Authors: Brouwer Andrew F. , Balmaseda Angel , Gresh Lionel , Patel Mayuri , Ojeda Sergio , Schiller Amy J. , Lopez Roger , Webby Richard J. , Nelson Martha I. , Kuan Guillermina , Gordon Aubree
Published: February 2022

An individual’s antibody titers to influenza A strains are a result of the complicated interplay between infection history, cross-reactivity, immune waning, and other factors. It has been challenging to disentangle how population-level patterns of humoral immunity change as a function of age, calendar year, and birth cohort from cross-sectional data alone. We analyzed 1,589 longitudinal sera samples from 260 children across three studies in Nicaragua, 2006–16. Hemagglutination inhibition (HAI) titers were determined against four H3N2 strains, one H1N1 strain, and two H1N1pdm strains. We assessed temporal patterns of HAI titers using an age–period–cohort modeling framework. We found that titers against a given virus depended on calendar year of serum collection and birth cohort but not on age. Titer cohort patterns were better described by participants’ ages relative to year of likely introduction of the virus’s antigenic cluster than by age relative to year of strain introduction or by year of birth. These cohort effects may be driven by a decreasing likelihood of early-life infection after cluster introduction and by more broadly reactive antibodies at a young age. H3N2 and H1N1 viruses had qualitatively distinct cohort patterns, with cohort patterns of titers to specific H3N2 strains reaching their peak in children born 3 years prior to that virus’s antigenic cluster introduction and with titers to H1N1 and H1N1pdm strains peaking for children born 1–2 years prior to cluster introduction but not being dramatically lower for older children. Ultimately, specific patterns of strain circulation and antigenic cluster introduction may drive population-level antibody titer patterns in children.
Maternity beyond metaphor: Painting, the studio and the lived experience of sexual difference in the work of Virginia Bodman
Authors: Corby Vanessa
Published: February 2022

This article attends to the practice of painter Virginia Bodman (1954) to illuminate the gap between the operations of the maternal body as a metaphor for painting in phenomenology, and the lived experience of that body inside and outside the painter’s studio. Structured in three sections, it offers close readings of works made by Virginia Bodman over a period of 26 years. Bodman had been a painter of considerable professional standing by the time she became pregnant with her first child in 1988. This article considers the way in which the push and pull of liquid matter reveals a becoming-mother’s negotiation of the transformation of the self and history in paint. In so doing, it mobilizes Griselda argument that the mother/Other can be a site of political agency. To consider the complex questions of immersivity, professional identity and time in the context of maternal experience is to enable a reappraisal of the radical conceptual value that and Merleau-Ponty (1961) assigned to the maternal body as a metaphor of painting and studio practice. This article argues that the tangle of matter, movement and memory in Bodman’s dialogues with Picasso and Vaughan illuminate strategies to overcome this professional displacement.
New frontier: Three painters from Shenzhen and their relation with the Hong Kong art market
Authors: Vigneron Frank
Published: February 2022

Drawn towards Hong Kong because of what appears to be a thriving art market, many artists from the People’s Republic of China are now looking towards Shenzhen, the Special Economic Zone created nearby in the 1980s, for conducting their practices. Launched as an economic testing ground by Deng Xiaping, Shenzhen is now experiencing new and profound changes. The development of new art institutions has been the reason for the emergence of an art scene that is fostering the creation of original art practices, especially in the field of painting. This article takes as example three practitioners and explains the reasons why they have chosen to live there and how they are negotiating their position from this city within the local art ecology as well as the art market of Hong Kong. The first of these artists, Liang Quan (梁铨), has lived in Shenzhen since the 1990s and is a representative of contemporary forms of literati painting, while the other two, Zhou Li (周力) and Xue Feng (薛峰), are more recent arrivals who are both abstract painters engaging sometimes in the creation of installations and public art projects. To better understand the position of these artists towards the demands of an art market, this article will also explain how the idea of commoditization, which was so repellent to the practitioners of institutional critique in the Euro-American context of the 1960s and 1970s, has not been experienced in Mainland China in quite the same way.
INCONSTITUCIONALIDADE DA EC 103/2019 QUANTO À FIXAÇÃO DE IDADE MÍNIMA PARA A APOSENTADORIA ESPECIAL: UMA ABORDAGEM À LUZ DO DIREITO FUNDAMENTAL AO MEIO AMBIENTE DE TRABALHO EQUILIBRADO
Authors: Serafin Gabriela Pietsch , Reupke Erika Giovanini , Jacobsen Gilson
Published: February 2022

RESUMOEste trabalho apresenta uma reflexão acerca do direito à aposentadoria especial e da fixação de idade mínima à sua fruição pela Emenda Constitucional 103/2019. A abordagem do tema explora o Estado Social, a dignidade humana e proteção social, trilhando pelo direito fundamental ao ambiente de trabalho equilibrado e à aposentadoria especial, benefício previdenciário que busca, na redução de tempo à inativação, a proteção da saúde e da vida do trabalhador-segurado sujeito a agentes nocivos em seu labor. Analisa a constitucionalidade da fixação de idade mínima à aposentadoria especial no que toca à proteção da saúde e da vida. A investigação, o tratamento dos dados e a elaboração do relato desta pesquisa são realizados com base no método indutivo. PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Direito Social. Direito Previdenciário. Aposentadoria Especial. Emenda Constitucional 103/2019. Constitucionalidade.
SUSTENTABILIDADE: MATERIAIS PLÁSTICOS, O GREAT PACIFIC GARBAGE PATCH E PROPOSTAS SUSTENTÁVEIS NO CONTEXTO DA GLOBALIZAÇÃO CONTEMPORÂNEA
Authors: Cavalcanti Rodrigo de Camargo , Lorencini Bruno César , Castilho Ricardo dos Santos
Published: February 2022

O presente trabalho analisa propostas políticas de sustentabilidade em torno do problema do plástico enquanto poluidor do meio ambiente e causador de problemas fisiológicos aos seres humanos. Utiliza a metodologia exploratória, dedutiva e qualitativa, com exame em legislações e bibliografias nacionais e internacionais de acordo à temática analisada. Primeiramente discorre sobre as legislações brasileiras e o problema midiático dos canudos de plástico. Em seguida, desenvolve sobre a questão do plástico e do Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Posteriormente, analisa o plástico e as proposições internacionais, especialmente as europeias, em torno de sua contínua utilização e produção industrial. Por fim, conclui pela impossibilidade de qualquer programa efetivo para a exclusão do plástico e de quaisquer outros resíduos de amplo consumo sem uma real imposição de parâmetros não estatais de instituições ou movimentos que sejam alheios aos interesses corporativos dessas empresas diretamente ou indiretamente vinculadas à produção do plástico.
INTERNACIONALIZAÇÃO DAS INDICAÇÕES GEOGRÁFICAS E A SUA INFLUÊNCIA NO MERCOSUL
Authors: Pereira Marta Carolina Gimenez , Boff Salete Oro , Britto Emilio Elias Melo de
Published: February 2022

As Indicações Geográficas – IGs certificam a procedência e os padrões técnicos de produtos e serviços, com características distintas de outros. A distinção pode ser resultante de fatores naturais (solo, clima, vegetação etc) e/ou humanos (como o saber fazer que passa de geração em geração). Sobre este tema, pretende-se demonstrar o protagonismo das Indicações Geográficas e o processo de internacionalização no MERCOSUL, especialmente tomando em conta o novo Acordo para a Proteção Mútua das Indicações Geográficas Originárias nos Territórios dos Estados-partes do Mercado Comum do Sul – MERCOSUL, o qual reconhece que as IGs são fundamentais no desenvolvimento das economia dos Países-parte e estabelece critérios para termos de uso comum e regras gerais para a obtenção de reconhecimento e proteção jurídica. O método utilizado é o dedutivo e a técnica de pesquisa bibliográfica.
Predicting Thailand Electricity Load Demand with Modified Fourier Series and Seasonal-Trend Decomposition Methods Using LOESS Transformation
Authors: Saengngam Nikorn , Tonggumnead Unchalee
Published: February 2022

Accurate long-term and midterm electricity load forecasting play an essential role in electric power system planning. Drawing on the seasonal-trend forecasting capacity of Fourier series and LOESS transformation, this paper applies modified Fourier series transformation (MFST) and modified seasonal-trend decomposition using LOESS transformation (MSTLT) to electricity load forecasting and compares the performance of two alternative models: the ARIMA(p,d,q) SARIMA(P,D,Q) model and the support vector regression (SVR) model. The data comprise monthly electricity consumption volumes between 2002 and 2019. The data between 2002 and 2018 are utilized to construct the forecasting model, while those in 2019 are employed to test the accuracy of the predicted values. The results confirm the validity of the proposed model in terms of forecasting accuracy and interpretability.