bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Europe’s Forgotten Unfinished Revolution: Peasant Power, Social Mobilization, and Communism in the Southern Italian Countryside, 1943–45
Authors: Forlenza Rosario
Published: May 2021

Between 1943 and 1945, groups of peasants took over dozens of villages and small towns in southern Italy and proclaimed the birth of independent republics. During their brief existence—sometimes just a few days—the peasant republics implemented revolutionary measures, including the redistribution of land and the establishment of people’s courts. This article draws attention to these forgotten episodes and suggests that they can best be understood by adopting an anthropological perspective and viewing social mobilization through an experiential lens. It draws on court documents and personal accounts to examine the quasi-revolutionary experiences of the southern Italian peasantry. Revolutions in general can be seen as social dramas and political rites of passage in which the successive phases of rupture, liminality, and reaggregation are the distinct stages of a total process that generates a transformation. This approach makes it possible to disentangle the conceptualization of revolutions from structures as well as from ideology, culture, and agency; to comprehend revolutions that unfold unscripted or without the decisive leadership of a vanguard whose ideas and expectations pre-exist the revolution and therefore teleologically determine its development; and to initiate comparative analysis in regard to symbolism, morphology, and the dynamics of social action.
Efficacy, Safety and Tolerability of Pyronaridine-artesunate in Asymptomatic Malaria-infected Individuals: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Dabira Edgard D , Hachizovu Sebastian , Conteh Bakary , Mendy Alieu , Nyang Haddy , Lawal Bolarinde , Ndiath Mamadou Ousmane , Mulenga Joyce M , Mwanza Sydney , Borghini-Fuhrer Isabelle , Arbe-Barnes Sarah , Miller Robert , Shin Jangsik , Duparc Stephan , D’Alessandro Umberto , Manyando Christine , Achan Jane
Published: May 2021

Background

Pyronaridine-artesunate (PA) is a registered artemisinin-based combination therapy, potentially useful for mass drug administration campaigns. However, further data are needed to evaluate its efficacy, safety and tolerability as full or incomplete treatment in asymptomatic Plasmodium falciparum-infected individuals.

Methods

This phase II, multi-center, open label, randomized clinical trial was conducted in The Gambia and Zambia. Participants with microscopically confirmed asymptomatic P. falciparum infection were randomly assigned (1:1:1) to receive a 3-day, 2-day, or 1-day treatment regimen of PA (180:60 mg), dosed according to bodyweight. The primary efficacy outcome was polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-adjusted adequate parasitological response (APR) at day 28 in the per-protocol population.

Results

A total of 303 participants were randomized. Day 28 PCR-adjusted APR was 100% for both the 3-day (98/98) and 2-day regimens (96/96), and 96.8% (89/94) for the 1-day regimen. Efficacy was maintained at 100% until day 63 for the 3-day and 2-day regimens but declined to 94.4% (84/89) with the 1-day regimen. Adverse event frequency was similar between the 3-day (51.5% [52/101]), 2-day (52.5% [52/99]), and 1-day (54.4% [56/103]) regimens; the majority of adverse events were of grade 1 or 2 severity (85% [136/160]). Asymptomatic, transient increases (>3 times the upper limit of normal) in alanine aminotransferase/aspartate aminotransferase were observed for 6/301 (2.0%) participants.

Conclusions

PA had high efficacy and good tolerability in asymptomatic P. falciparum-infected individuals, with similar efficacy for the full 3-day and incomplete 2-day regimens. Although good adherence to the 3-day regimen should be encouraged, these results support the further investigation of PA for mass drug administration campaigns.

Clinical Trials Registration

NCT03814616.
Azithromycin and Ciprofloxacin Treatment Outcomes During an Outbreak of Multidrug-Resistant Shigella sonnei Infections in a Retirement Community—Vermont, 2018
Authors: Gharpure Radhika , Friedman Cindy R , Fialkowski Veronica , Collins Jennifer P , Strysko Jonathan , Marsh Zachary A , Chen Jessica C , Meservey Elizabeth H , Adediran Azizat A , Schroeder Morgan N , Wadhwa Ashutosh , Fullerton Kathleen E , Francois Watkins Louise
Published: May 2021

Background

In 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Vermont Department of Health investigated an outbreak of multidrug-resistant Shigella sonnei infections in a retirement community that offered a continuum of care from independent living through skilled nursing care. The investigation identified 24 culture-confirmed cases. Isolates were resistant to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ampicillin, and ceftriaxone, and had decreased susceptibility to azithromycin and ciprofloxacin.

Methods

To evaluate clinical and microbiologic response, we reviewed inpatient and outpatient medical records for treatment outcomes among the 24 patients with culture-confirmed S. sonnei infection. We defined clinical failure as diarrhea (≥3 loose stools per day) for ≥1 day after treatment finished, and microbiologic failure as a stool culture that yielded S. sonnei after treatment finished. We used broth microdilution to perform antimicrobial susceptibility testing, and whole genome sequencing to identify resistance mechanisms.

Results

Isolates contained macrolide resistance genes mph(A) and erm(B) and had azithromycin minimum inhibitory concentrations above the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute epidemiological cutoff value of ≤16 µg/mL. Among 24 patients with culture-confirmed Shigella infection, 4 were treated with azithromycin; all had clinical treatment failure and 2 also had microbiologic treatment failure. Isolates were susceptible to ciprofloxacin but contained a gyrA mutation; 2 patients failed treatment with ciprofloxacin.

Conclusions

These azithromycin treatment failures demonstrate the importance of clinical breakpoints to aid clinicians in identifying alternative treatment options for resistant strains. Additionally, these treatment failures highlight a need for comprehensive susceptibility testing and systematic outcome studies, particularly given the emergence of multidrug-resistant Shigella among an expanding range of patient populations.
The Keynes Plan and Bretton Woods debates: the early radical criticisms by Balogh, Schumacher and Kalecki
Authors: Faudot Adrien
Published: May 2021

The prestige of John Maynard Keynes, as well as the smart design of his plan, made the proposal for an International Clearing Union particularly worthy of interest when it was released. Economists with orthodox views on international adjustment criticised the plan, but less well known criticisms also came from within Keynesian circles. Several economists in J. M. Keynes’ professional milieu provided comments and asked for amendments to the draft plan in order to improve his scheme for the clearing union. This paper analyses the published responses of Ernst F. Schumacher, Thomas Balogh and Michal Kalecki to the Keynes Plan. These authors provide early, radical criticisms of his plan, targeting the sustainability and efficiency of the proposed international monetary reform.
Application of beta and gamma carbonic anhydrase sequences as tools for identification of bacterial contamination in the whole genome sequence of inbred Wuzhishan minipig (Sus scrofa) annotated in databases
Authors: Zolfaghari Emameh Reza , Hosseini Seyed Nezamedin , Parkkila Seppo
Published: May 2021

Sus scrofa or pig was domesticated thousands of years ago. Through various indigenous breeds, different phenotypes were produced such as Chinese inbred miniature minipig or Wuzhishan pig (WZSP), which is broadly used in the life and medical sciences. The whole genome of WZSP was sequenced in 2012. Through a bioinformatics study of pig carbonic anhydrase (CA) sequences, we detected some β- and γ-class CAs among the WZSP CAs annotated in databases, while β- or γ-CAs had not previously been described in vertebrates. This finding urged us to analyze the quality of whole genome sequence of WZSP for the possible bacterial contamination. In this study, we used bioinformatics methods and web tools such as UniProt, European Bioinformatics Institute, National Center for Biotechnology Information, Ensembl Genome Browser, Ensembl Bacteria, RSCB PDB and Pseudomonas Genome Database. Our analysis defined that pig has 12 classical α-CAs and 3 CA-related proteins. Meanwhile, it was approved that the detected CAs in WZSP are categorized in the β- and γ-CA families, which belong to Pseudomonas spp. and Acinetobacter spp. The protein structure study revealed that the identified β-CA sequence from WZSP belongs to Pseudomonas aeruginosa with PDB ID: 5JJ8, and the identified γ-CA sequence from WZSP belongs to P. aeruginosa with PDB ID: 3PMO. Bioinformatics and computational methods accompanied with bacterial-specific markers, such as 16S rRNA and β- and γ-class CA sequences, can be used to identify bacterial contamination in mammalian DNA samples.
Variable posttranslational modifications of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 nucleocapsid protein
Authors: Supekar Nitin T , Shajahan Asif , Gleinich Anne S , Rouhani Daniel S , Heiss Christian , Chapla Digantkumar Gopaldas , Moremen Kelley W , Azadi Parastoo
Published: May 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), which causes coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), started in 2019 in China and quickly spread into a global pandemic. Nucleocapsid protein (N protein) is highly conserved and is the most abundant protein in coronaviruses and is thus a potential target for both vaccine and point-of-care diagnostics. N Protein has been suggested in the literature as having posttranslational modifications (PTMs), and accurately defining these PTMs is critical for its potential use in medicine. Reports of phosphorylation of N protein have failed to provide detailed site-specific information. We have performed comprehensive glycomics, glycoproteomics and proteomics experiments on two different N protein preparations. Both were expressed in HEK293 cells; one was in-house expressed and purified without a signal peptide (SP) sequence, and the other was commercially produced with a SP channeling it through the secretory pathway. Our results show completely different PTMs on the two N protein preparations. The commercial product contained extensive N- and O-linked glycosylation as well as O-phosphorylation on site Thr393. Conversely, the native N Protein model had O-phosphorylation at Ser176 and no glycosylation, highlighting the importance of knowing the provenance of any commercial protein to be used for scientific or clinical studies. Recent studies have indicated that N protein can serve as an important diagnostic marker for COVID-19 and as a major immunogen by priming protective immune responses. Thus, detailed structural characterization of N protein may provide useful insights for understanding the roles of PTMs on viral pathogenesis, vaccine design and development of point-of-care diagnostics.
Universal adaptive stabilization for a class of multivariable Markovian jump linear systems with partially unknown transition rates
Authors: Berdouzi Driss , El Hadri Kamal , El Bouhtouri Abdelmoula
Published: May 2021

In this paper, the problem of universal adaptive stabilization is investigated for a class of multi-input multi-output Markovian jump linear systems (MJLSs) with partially unknown transition rates (TRs). The class of systems that we are considering is characterized only by some structural assumptions. Firstly, we show the high-gain stochastic stabilizability, that is, any system belonging to this class can be stabilized by a mode-dependent output feedback controller, provided that the proportional gain for every mode is sufficiently large. Moreover, a universal adaptive high-gain controller, which is not based on identification or any estimation algorithms, is presented. It is shown that this controller ensures the convergence and the boundedness of the closed-loop system signals in the mean square sense. Finally, simulation results are given to illustrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed approaches. MJLSs, high-gain stabilizability, universal adaptive control, output feedback, partially unknown TRs.
Ileal Perforation and Enteric Fever: Implications for Burden of Disease Estimation
Authors: Njarekkattuvalappil Swathi Krishna , Thomas Maria , Kapil Arti , Saigal Karnika , Ray Pallab , Anandan Shalini , Nagaraj Savitha , Shastri Jayanthi , Perumal Sulochana Putli bai , Jinka Dasaratha Ramaiah , Thankaraj Shajin , Ismavel Vijayanand , Zachariah Pradeep , Singh Ashita , Gupta Madhu , Ebenezer Sheena Evelyn , Thomas Mathew Santosh , Ghosh Dhruva , Kataria Kamal , Senger Mamta , Balasubramanian Sundaram , Kang Gagandeep , John Jacob
Published: May 2021

Background

Ileal perforation occurs in about 1% of enteric fevers as a complication, with a case fatality risk (CFR) of 20%–30% in the early 1990s that decreased to 15.4% in 2011 in South East Asia. We report nontraumatic ileal perforations and its associated CFR from a 2-year prospective enteric fever surveillance across India.

Methods

The Surveillance for Enteric Fever in India (SEFI) project established a multitiered surveillance system for enteric fever between December 2017 and March 2020. Nontraumatic ileal perforations were surveilled at 8 tertiary care and 6 secondary care hospitals and classified according to etiology.

Results

Of the 158 nontraumatic ileal perforation cases identified,126 were consented and enrolled. Enteric fever (34.7%), tuberculosis (19.0%), malignancy (5.8%), and perforation of Meckel diverticulum (4.9%) were the common etiology. In those with enteric fever ileal perforation, the CFR was 7.1%.

Conclusions

Enteric fever remains the most common cause of nontraumatic ileal perforation in India, followed by tuberculosis. Better modalities of establishing etiology are required to classify the illness, and frame management guidelines and preventive measures. CFR data are critical for comprehensive disease burden estimation and policymaking.
Morbidity and Mortality Among Adults Experiencing Homelessness Hospitalized With COVID-19
Authors: Cha Susan , Henry Ankita , Montgomery Martha P , Laws Rebecca L , Pham Huong , Wortham Jonathan , Garg Shikha , Kim Lindsay , Mosites Emily ,   COVID-NET Surveillance Team, Chai Shua J , Kawasaki Breanna , Meek James , Anderson Evan J , Weigel Andrew , Ryan Patricia , Kim Sue , Como-Sabetti Kathryn , Torres Salina , Muse Alison , Bennett Nancy M , Billing Laurie M , Sutton Melissa , Talbot H Keipp , Risk Ilene
Published: May 2021

People experiencing homelessness (PEH) are at higher risk for chronic health conditions, but clinical characteristics and outcomes for PEH hospitalized with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) are not known. We analyzed population-based surveillance data of COVID-19–associated hospitalizations during 1 March to 31 May 2020. Two percent of the people hospitalized with COVID-19 for whom a housing status was recorded were homeless. Of 199 cases in the analytic sample, most were of racial/ethnic minority groups and had underlying health conditions. Clinical outcomes such as ICU admission, respiratory support including mechanical ventilation, and deaths were documented. Hispanic and non-Hispanic black persons accounted for most mechanical ventilation and deaths. Severe illness was common among persons experiencing homelessness who were hospitalized with COVID-19.
Monoclonal Antibody Requires Immunomodulation for Efficacy Against Acinetobacter baumannii Infection
Authors: Nielsen Travis B , Yan Jun , Luna Brian M , Talyansky Yuli , Slarve Matthew , Bonomo Robert A , Spellberg Brad
Published: May 2021

Monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are gaining significant momentum as novel therapeutics for infections caused by antibiotic-resistant bacteria. We evaluated the mechanism by which antibacterial mAb therapy protects against Acinetobacter baumannii infections. Anticapsular mAb enhanced macrophage opsonophagocytosis and rescued mice from lethal infections by harnessing complement, macrophages, and neutrophils; however, the degree of bacterial burden did not correlate with survival. Furthermore, mAb therapy reduced proinflammatory (interleukin-1β [IL-1β], IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α]) and anti-inflammatory (IL-10) cytokines, which correlated inversely with survival. Although disrupting IL-10 abrogated the survival advantage conferred by the mAb, IL-10–knockout mice treated with mAb could still survive if TNF-α production was suppressed directly (via anti–TNF-α neutralizing antibody) or indirectly (via macrophage depletion). Thus, even for a mAb that enhances microbial clearance via opsonophagocytosis, clinical efficacy required modulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. These findings may inform future mAb development targeting bacteria that trigger the sepsis cascade.
Consumption of tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials in the community, European Union/European Economic Area, 1997–2017
Authors: Versporten Ann , Bruyndonckx Robin , Adriaenssens Niels , Hens Niel , Monnet Dominique L , Molenberghs Geert , Goossens Herman , Weist Klaus , Coenen Samuel ,   the ESAC-Net study group, Strauss Reinhild , Vandael Eline , Sabtcheva Stefana , Andrašević Arjana Tambić , Kyriakidou Isavella , Vlček Jiří , Sönksen Ute Wolff , Linask Elviira , Sarvikivi Emmi , Hider-Mlynarz Karima , Blank Hans-Peter , Kontopidou Flora , Benkő Ria , Aspelund Gudrun , Oza Ajay , Fortinguerra Filomena , Rutkovska Ieva , Valintėlienė Rolanda , Bruch Marcel , Zarb Peter , Natsch Stephanie , Blix Hege Salvesen , Olczak-Pieńkowska Anna , Silva Ana , Popescu Gabriel Adrian , Tesař Tomáš , Čižman Milan , Herreras Mayte Alonso , Bergfeldt Vendela , Andrews Amelia
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Data on consumption of tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials were collected from 30 EU/European Economic Area (EEA) countries over two decades. This article reviews temporal trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and changes in the composition of main subgroups of tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim and other antibacterials.

Methods

For the period 1997–2017, data on consumption of tetracyclines (ATC group J01A), sulphonamides and trimethoprim (ATC group J01E), and other antibacterials (ATC group J01X) in the community and aggregated at the level of the active substance, were collected using the WHO ATC/DDD methodology (ATC/DDD index 2019). Consumption was expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day and in packages per 1000 inhabitants per day. Consumption of tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials was analysed based on ATC-4 subgroups and presented as trends, seasonal variation, presence of change-points and compositional changes.

Results

In 2017, consumption of tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials in the community expressed in DDD per 1000 inhabitants per day varied considerably between countries. Between 1997 and 2017, consumption of tetracyclines did not change significantly, while its seasonal variation significantly decreased over time. Consumption of sulphonamides and trimethoprim significantly decreased until 2006, and its seasonal variation significantly decreased over time. The consumption of other antibacterials showed no significant change over time or in seasonal variation.

Conclusions

Consumption and composition of tetracyclines, sulphonamides and trimethoprim, and other antibacterials showed wide variations between EU/EEA countries and over time. This represents an opportunity to further reduce consumption of these groups in some countries and improve the quality of their prescription.
A prospective surveillance study to determine the prevalence of 16S rRNA methyltransferase-producing Gram-negative bacteria in the UK
Authors: Taylor Emma , Bal Abhijit M. , Balakrishnan Indran , Brown Nicholas M. , Burns Phillipa , Clark Marilyn , Diggle Mathew , Donaldson Hugo , Eltringham Ian , Folb Jonathan , Gadsby Naomi , Macleod Mairi , Ratnaraja Natasha V. D. V. , Williams Cheryl , Wootton Mandy , Sriskandan Shiranee , Woodford Neil , Hopkins Katie L.
Published: May 2021

Objectives

To determine the prevalence of 16S rRNA methyltransferase- (16S RMTase-) producing Gram-negative bacteria in patients in the UK and to identify potential risk factors for their acquisition.

Methods

A 6 month prospective surveillance study was conducted from 1 May to 31 October 2016, wherein 14 hospital laboratories submitted Acinetobacter baumannii, Enterobacterales and Pseudomonas aeruginosa isolates that displayed high-level amikacin resistance according to their testing methods, e.g. no zone of inhibition with amikacin discs. Isolates were linked to patient travel history, medical care abroad, and previous antibiotic exposure using a surveillance questionnaire. In the reference laboratory, isolates confirmed to grow on Mueller-Hinton agar supplemented with 256 mg/L amikacin were screened by PCR for 16S RMTase genes armA, rmtA–rmtH and npmA, and carbapenemase genes (blaKPC, blaNDM, blaOXA-48-like and blaVIM). STs and total antibiotic resistance gene complement were determined via WGS. Prevalence was determined using denominators for each bacterial species provided by participating hospital laboratories.

Results

Eighty-four isolates (44.7%), among 188 submitted isolates, exhibited high-level amikacin resistance (MIC >256 mg/L), and 79 (94.0%) of these harboured 16S RMTase genes. armA (54.4%, 43/79) was the most common, followed by rmtB (17.7%, 14/79), rmtF (13.9%, 11/79), rmtC (12.7%, 10/79) and armA + rmtF (1.3%, 1/79). The overall period prevalence of 16S RMTase-producing Gram-negative bacteria was 0.1% (79/71 063). Potential risk factors identified through multivariate statistical analysis included being male and polymyxin use.

Conclusions

The UK prevalence of 16S RMTase-producing Gram-negative bacteria is low, but continued surveillance is needed to monitor their spread and inform intervention strategies.
PROMIS Global-10 poorly correlates with legacy outcomes for patients undergoing hip arthroscopy
Authors: Bido Jennifer , Sullivan Spencer W , Dooley Matthew S , Nawabi Danyal H , Ranawat Anil S , Kelly Bryan T , Nwachukwu Benedict U
Published: May 2021

The Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Global-10 assesses generic-related quality of life, but has not been well studied in the orthopaedic literature. The purpose was to compare PROMIS Global-10 and legacy hip-specific patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAIS). This study included patients who underwent primary hip arthroscopy with complete preoperative and 6-month post-operative follow-up. PROMIS Global-10 Physical (PROMIS-P) and Mental (PROMIS-M) components, as well as the modified Harris hip score (mHHS) and International Hip Outcome Tool-33 (iHOT-33) were assessed. PROM analysis included: post-operative changes, correlations, floor and ceiling effects and responsiveness. Final analysis included 112 patients. Average age and body mass index were 36.1±11.7 years and 24.8±3.9 kg/m2, respectively. All 6-month PROMs, except PROMIS-M, were significantly improved compared to preoperative level (P<0.02). Preoperatively, PROMIS-P was poorly correlated with mHHS and iHOT-33 (rs <0.4) whereas PROMIS-M was only poorly correlated with iHOT-33 (rs <0.4, 95% CI of 0.02–0.37). Post-operatively, the iHOT-33 was poorly correlated with both PROMIS measures (rs <0.4). The mHHS was fairly correlated with both PROMIS measures (rs <0.6) post-operatively. The effect sizes for mHHS and iHOT-33 were high (d=1.2 and 1.40, respectively), whereas the effect sizes for PROMIS Global-10 were small (d<0.3). PROMIS Global-10 demonstrated lower effect sizes and poor to fair correlation with legacy hip-specific PROMs, and appears to have a limited role in the assessment of patients undergoing hip arthroscopy for FAIS. Therefore, the PROMIS Global-10 may have a limited role in assessing patients with FAIS.
Modal Logic With Non-Deterministic Semantics: Part II—Quantified Case
Authors: Coniglio Marcelo E , Fariñasdelcerro Luis , Peron Newton Marques
Published: May 2021

In the first part of this paper we analyzed finite non-deterministic matrix semantics for propositional non-normal modal logics as an alternative to the standard Kripke possible world semantics. This kind of modal system characterized by finite non-deterministic matrices was originally proposed by Ju. Ivlev in the 70s. The aim of this second paper is to introduce a formal non-deterministic semantical framework for the quantified versions of some Ivlev-like non-normal modal logics. It will be shown that several well-known controversial issues of quantified modal logics, relative to the identity predicate, Barcan’s formulas and de re and de dicto modalities, can be tackled from a new angle within the present framework.
Up-regulation of chemokine receptor type 4 expression in the ischemic reperfused heart by alcoholic extract of Cichorium intybus rescue the heart from ischemia injury in male rat
Authors: Sedighi Mehrnoosh , Ghorbanzadeh Vajihe , Abaszadeh Saber , Karimi Arash , Cheraghi Mostafa , Rafieian-Kopaei Mahmoud , Moghimian Maryam , Mohammadi Asghar , Veiskarami Saeid , Mokhayeri Yaser , Nazari Afshin
Published: May 2021

Objectives

Cichorium intybus is used in traditional medicine for various diseases including heart disease. This study aimed at evaluating the chemokine receptor type 4 up-regulation and cardioprotective effects of hydroalcoholic extract of C. intybus in a rat model of ischemic reperfusion.

Methods

Animals in four groups of eight rats each received vehicle or one of three doses of C. intybus (50, 100 or 200 mg/kg/d) for 14 days. Then they were subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 7 days of reperfusion. At the end of the experiment, blood specimens were prepared for serum assays. The level of myocardium chemokine receptor type 4 was also measured using RT-PCR.

Key findings

Cichorium intybus (CI-50) improved infarct size, episodes of the ventricular ectopic beat, ventricular tachycardia, and duration of ventricular tachycardia, QTc shortening. It also stabilized the ST segment changes and increased heart rate during ischemia. The blood pressure decreased in CI-50 group in comparison to the control and CI-200 group. C. intybus increased serum superoxide dismutase and reduced lactate dehydrogenase activity, Cardiac Troponin I and malondialdehyde levels. C. intybus led to an increase in the expression of chemokine receptor type 4.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that C. intybus administration before ischemia is able to induce cardioprotective effect against ischemic reperfusion injury, probably through chemokine receptor type 4 over-expression and antioxidant activity.
Comparative Analyses of Gibbon Centromeres Reveal Dynamic Genus-Specific Shifts in Repeat Composition
Authors: Hartley Gabrielle A , Okhovat Mariam , O’Neill Rachel J , Carbone Lucia
Published: May 2021

Centromeres are functionally conserved chromosomal loci essential for proper chromosome segregation during cell division, yet they show high sequence diversity across species. Despite their variation, a near universal feature of centromeres is the presence of repetitive sequences, such as DNA satellites and transposable elements (TEs). Because of their rapidly evolving karyotypes, gibbons represent a compelling model to investigate divergence of functional centromere sequences across short evolutionary timescales. In this study, we use ChIP-seq, RNA-seq, and fluorescence in situ hybridization to comprehensively investigate the centromeric repeat content of the four extant gibbon genera (Hoolock, Hylobates, Nomascus, and Siamang). In all gibbon genera, we find that CENP-A nucleosomes and the DNA-proteins that interface with the inner kinetochore preferentially bind retroelements of broad classes rather than satellite DNA. A previously identified gibbon-specific composite retrotransposon, LAVA, known to be expanded within the centromere regions of one gibbon genus (Hoolock), displays centromere- and species-specific sequence differences, potentially as a result of its co-option to a centromeric function. When dissecting centromere satellite composition, we discovered the presence of the retroelement-derived macrosatellite SST1 in multiple centromeres of Hoolock, whereas alpha-satellites represent the predominate satellite in the other genera, further suggesting an independent evolutionary trajectory for Hoolock centromeres. Finally, using de novo assembly of centromere sequences, we determined that transcripts originating from gibbon centromeres recapitulate the species-specific TE composition. Combined, our data reveal dynamic shifts in the repeat content that define gibbon centromeres and coincide with the extensive karyotypic diversity within this lineage.
Seasonal variability in non-consumptive mortality of Arctic zooplankton
Authors: Daase Malin , Søreide Janne E
Published: May 2021

Recent observations from high-latitude marine ecosystems indicate that non-consumptive mortality may be particularly high in Arctic zooplankton during the polar night. Here we have estimated the contribution of dead organisms to the mesozooplankton community in the high Arctic (Svalbard 78–81oN) during the polar night (January), in spring (May) and in late summer (end of August). To identify in situ dead organisms, we used Neutral Red Stain. The dead zooplankton fraction consisted mainly of copepods, while the contribution of dead non-copepods was low in all seasons. The absolute abundance of dead copepods varied little between seasons; however, the relative contribution of dead copepods was highest in January with 11–35% of the copepods classified as dead, in contrast to 2–12% in spring and summer. Furthermore, there were species-specific differences: copepods of the genus Calanus contributed more to the dead fraction of the copepod community during the polar night compared to spring and summer, leading to a higher “dead” biomass in winter. We conclude that non-consumptive winter mortality is considerable in calanoid copepods in the Arctic and an important but so far neglected component of the passive carbon flux, providing carbon in larger portions for higher trophic level consumers during the low-productive winter.
DeepLearnMOR: a deep-learning framework for fluorescence image-based classification of organelle morphology
Authors: Li Jiying , Peng Jinghao , Jiang Xiaotong , Rea Anne C , Peng Jiajie , Hu Jianping
Published: May 2021

The proper biogenesis, morphogenesis, and dynamics of subcellular organelles are essential to their metabolic functions. Conventional techniques for identifying, classifying, and quantifying abnormalities in organelle morphology are largely manual and time-consuming, and require specific expertise. Deep learning has the potential to revolutionize image-based screens by greatly improving their scope, speed, and efficiency. Here, we used transfer learning and a convolutional neural network (CNN) to analyze over 47,000 confocal microscopy images from Arabidopsis wild-type and mutant plants with abnormal division of one of three essential energy organelles: chloroplasts, mitochondria, or peroxisomes. We have built a deep-learning framework, DeepLearnMOR (Deep Learning of the Morphology of Organelles), which can rapidly classify image categories and identify abnormalities in organelle morphology with over 97% accuracy. Feature visualization analysis identified important features used by the CNN to predict morphological abnormalities, and visual clues helped to better understand the decision-making process, thereby validating the reliability and interpretability of the neural network. This framework establishes a foundation for future larger-scale research with broader scopes and greater data set diversity and heterogeneity.
Short-Term Effect of Fesoterodine on Physical Function Relevant to Fall Risk in Older Women With Overactive Bladder
Authors: Chu Christine M. , Harvie Heidi , Arya Lily A. , Andy Uduak U.
Published: May 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study was to measure the effect of treatment with fesoterodine on physical function relevant to fall risk in older women with overactive bladder.

Materials and Methods

This was a prospective cohort study of women aged 65 years or older with overactive bladder. Urinary symptoms and physical function were measured at baseline and 8 weeks after treatment with fesoterodine. Physical activity and sedentary behavior were measured subjectively using questionnaires and objectively using an accelerometer. Physical function was measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery test.

Results

We enrolled 75 women with a median age of 76 years. At baseline, bothersome urgency urinary incontinence and nocturia were reported by 55% and 81%, respectively. At baseline, participants were highly sedentary with a median of 2,118 steps daily. After treatment, urinary symptom severity and health-related quality of life subscale scores of the Overactive Bladder Questionnaire improved significantly (−22.3±24 and 17.5±19.7, respectively; P < 0.0001). The proportion of participants who self-reported a moderate-to-high level of physical activity increased from 27% to 35% after treatment (P = 0.86). However, daily steps decreased significantly (−420.2±949, P < 0.001), whereas daily sedentary time increased by 36.6±88 minutes (P < 0.001). There was no significant change in the Short Physical Performance Battery score (−0.3±2.3, P = 0.6).

Conclusions

In older women with overactive bladder, short-term treatment with fesoterodine decreased objectively measured physical activity with no significant change in physical function. Treatment with anticholinergics may need to be supplemented with other therapies to address fall risk in older women with overactive bladder.
Serum MicroRNA Transcriptomics and Acute Rejection or Recurrent Hepatitis C Virus in Human Liver Allograft Recipients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Muthukumar Thangamani , Akat Kemal M. , Yang Hua , Schwartz Joseph E. , Li Carol , Bang Heejung , Ben-Dov Iddo Z. , Lee John R. , Ikle David , Demetris Anthony J. , Tuschl Thomas , Suthanthiran Manikkam
Published: May 2021

Background.

Acute rejection (AR) and recurrent hepatitis C virus (R-HCV) are significant complications in liver allograft recipients. Noninvasive diagnosis of intragraft pathologies may improve their management.

Methods.

We performed small RNA sequencing and microRNA (miRNA) microarray profiling of RNA from sera matched to liver allograft biopsies from patients with nonimmune, nonviral (NINV) native liver disease. Absolute levels of informative miRNAs in 91 sera matched to 91 liver allograft biopsies were quantified using customized real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) assays: 30 biopsy-matched sera from 26 unique NINV patients and 61 biopsy-matched sera from 41 unique R-HCV patients. The association between biopsy diagnosis and miRNA abundance was analyzed by logistic regression and calculating the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve.

Results.

Nine miRNAs—miR-22, miR-34a, miR-122, miR-148a, miR-192, miR-193b, miR-194, miR-210, and miR-885-5p—were identified by both sRNA-seq and TLDA to be associated with NINV-AR. Logistic regression analysis of absolute levels of miRNAs and goodness-of-fit of predictors identified a linear combination of miR-34a + miR-210 (P < 0.0001) as the best statistical model and miR-122 + miR-210 (P < 0.0001) as the best model that included miR-122. A different linear combination of miR-34a + miR-210 (P < 0.0001) was the best model for discriminating NINV-AR from R-HCV with intragraft inflammation, and miR-34a + miR-122 (P < 0.0001) was the best model for discriminating NINV-AR from R-HCV with intragraft fibrosis.

Conclusions.

Circulating levels of miRNAs, quantified using customized RT-qPCR assays, may offer a rapid and noninvasive means of diagnosing AR in human liver allografts and for discriminating AR from intragraft inflammation or fibrosis due to R-HCV.
Structural performance of a climbing cactus: making the most of softness
Authors: Bastola Anil K. , Soffiatti Patricia , Behl Marc , Lendlein Andreas , Rowe Nick P.
Published: May 2021

Climbing plants must reach supports and navigate gaps to colonize trees. This requires a structural organization ensuring the rigidity of so-called ‘searcher’ stems. Cacti have succulent stems adapted for water storage in dry habitats. We investigate how a climbing cactusSelenicereus setaceusdevelops its stem structure and succulent tissues for climbing. We applied a ‘wide scale’ approach combining field-based bending, tensile and swellability tests with fine-scale rheological, compression and anatomical analyses in laboratory conditions. Gap-spanning ‘searcher’ stems rely significantly on the soft cortex and outer skin of the stem for rigidity in bending (60–94%). A woody core contributes significantly to axial and radial compressive strength (80%). Rheological tests indicated that storage moduli were consistently higher than loss moduli indicating that the mucilaginous cortical tissue behaved like a viscoelastic solid with properties similar to physical or chemical hydrogels. Rheological and compression properties of the soft tissue changed from young to old stages. The hydrogel–skin composite is a multi-functional structure contributing to rigidity in searcher stems but also imparting compliance and benign failure in environmental situations when stems must fail. Soft tissue composites changing in function via changes in development and turgescence have a great potential for exploring candidate materials for technical applications.
Tutors do not facilitate rapid resource exploitation in temporary tadpole aggregations
Authors: Tóth Zoltán , Jaloveczki Boglárka
Published: May 2021

The utilization of social cues is usually considered an important adaptation to living in social groups, but recent evidence suggests that social information use may be more prevalent in the animal kingdom than previously thought. However, it is debated whether such information can efficiently diffuse in temporary aggregations of non-grouping individuals where social cohesion does not facilitate information transmission. Here, we provide experimental evidence that a simple social cue, the movement of conspecifics in a structured environment affected individuals' spatial decisions in common frog (
Rana temporaria
) tadpoles and thereby facilitated the discovery rate of a novel food patch. However, this was true only in those tadpole collectives that consisted solely of untutored individuals. In those collectives where tutors with prior experience with the presented food type were also present, this social effect was negligible most probably due to the difference in activity between naive and tutor individuals. We also showed that the proportion of tadpoles that discovered the food patch was higher in the control than in the tutored collectives, while the proportion of feeding tadpoles was only marginally higher in the latter collectives. Our findings indicate that social information use can influence resource acquisition in temporary aggregations of non-grouping animals, but individual differences in satiety may hinder effective information spread associated with exploitable food patches.
Modelling the impact of shutdowns on resurging SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Canada
Authors: Ng Victoria , Fazil Aamir , Waddell Lisa A. , Turgeon Patricia , Otten Ainsley , Ogden Nicholas H.
Published: May 2021

Background: Shutdowns are enacted when alternative public health measures are insufficient to control the epidemic and the population is largely susceptible. An age-stratified agent-based model was developed to explore the impact of shutdowns to control SARS-CoV-2 transmission in Canada under the assumption that current efforts to control the epidemic remains insufficient and in the absence of a vaccine. Methods: We estimated the current levels of interventions in Canada to generate a baseline scenario from 7 February to 7 September 2020. Four aspects of shutdowns were explored in scenarios that ran from 8 September 2020 to 7 January 2022, these included the impact of how quickly shutdowns are implemented, the duration of shutdowns, the minimum break (delays) between shutdowns and the types of sectors to shutdown. Comparisons among scenarios were made using cases, hospitalizations, deaths and shutdown days during the 700-day model runs. Results: We found a negative relationship between reducing SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the number of shutdown days. However, we also found that for shutdowns to be optimally effective, they need to be implemented fast with minimal delay, initiated when community transmission is low, sustained for an adequate period and be stringent and target multiple sectors, particularly those driving transmission. By applying shutdowns in this manner, the total number of shutdown days could be reduced compared to delaying the shutdowns until further into the epidemic when transmission is higher and/or implementing short insufficient shutdowns that would require frequent re-implementation. This paper contrasts a range of shutdown strategies and trade-offs between health outcomes and economic metrics that need to be considered within the local context. Interpretation: Given the immense socioeconomic impact of shutdowns, they should be avoided where possible and used only when other public health measures are insufficient to control the epidemic. If used, the time it buys to delay the epidemic should be used to enhance other equally effective, but less disruptive, public health measures.
Varicella outbreak at a nursery school under routine immunization
Authors: Sakaue Tomoko , Sugawara Tamie , Sugisita Yoshiyuki , Kurita Junko , Nohara Michiko , Ohkusa Yasushi
Published: May 2021

Background and objective

In Japan, routine administration of two-dose immunization for varicella to one-year-old children was introduced in October, 2014. The objective of this study was measurement of the effectiveness of routine two-dose immunization for varicella to onset and assessment of severity in a nursery school setting.

Method

The study period extended from the beginning of April, 2017 through March, 2018. The study area was Nursery school B in a city A. Subjects were 120 children in all. We analyzed vaccine efficacy (VE) as an observational study and assessed severity using Fisher’s exact test. We also assessed VE for severity using linear regression. Severity was defined as the length of school absence attributable to varicella infection.

Results

For one dose or more, VE was 48.1% for all ages and 49.2% among children three years old and older. No significant VE was found. Vaccination using one dose or more can reduce severity significantly.

Discussion and conclusion

Low VE was found in a nursery school setting, although results were not significant. VE for severity was confirmed, but a second dose might not reduce severity.
Incidence and Epidemiological study of COVID-19 in Nagpur urban region (India) using Molecular testing
Authors: Tanna Jay , Singha Bishwadeep , Nayak Amit R. , Husain Aliabbas A. , Raje Dhananjay V. , Desai Shubhangi A. , Deshmukh Madhavi , Mundhada Shailendra , Kashyap Rajpal S
Published: May 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus-2 (SARS CoV-2) virus has emerged as public health emergency affecting 206 countries worldwide. India is second highest currently worst effected by Covid 19 pandemic with close to 12.6 million cases and 1.6K deaths reported till date. Maharahstra is the highest Covid-19 burden state in India reporting quarter of overall cases. The city of Nagpur, in Maharashtra state, ranks 4th in terms of reported COVID-19 cases, with 2.5 lakh incidences and more than 4,000 deaths As the transmission rate of COVID-19 is high, it is imperative to study its disease epidemiology in regions of high endemicity to bolster our understanding of its spread, transmission dynamics and contact tracing to undertake appropriate public health control measures.. The present study was undertaken to study the incidence and trend of COVID-19 infection from various zonal regions of Nagpur city, using real time PCR (RT PCR). A retrospective study was carried out at Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved private molecular diagnostic laboratory in Nagpur from period of 4th May 2020 to 14th November 2020. A total of 51,532 samples collected from various zonal regions of the city during the study period were processed for SARS CoV-2 RT-PCR. Patient information was collected using a pre-defined study proforma which included demographic details such as name, age, gender, address, along with other information, like details of sample collected, kits used and date of sample collected and processed. The study reports an overall Covid-19 positivity of 34% in Nagpur region. The zone wise distribution of positive cases indicated high rate of COVID-19 in endemic regions of Nagpur such as Satranjipura (49%), Ashi nagar (44%), Gandhibagh (43%) & Lakadganj (43%). Rates of infection were high in economically productive age group (21-40) with males being more vulnerable than females. The result of present epidemiology study highlights important data with respect to regions of endemicity within Nagpur city zones. The present data has high public health importance and will be useful for local civic bodies and other community stake holders to undertake appropriate control measures in future epidemic waves of Covid 19. Interestingly, the Government’s reduction in testing rates has been helpful in increasing testing per day. The authorization of private laboratories has also increased testing.
“Start-up Nation” vs “the Republic of Samsung”: power and politics in the partner choice discourse in Israeli–Korean business collaboration
Authors: Lyan Irina
Published: May 2021

Purpose

This paper aims to propose to politicize partner choice as a discourse that rationalizes, legitimizes and justifies the choice of partners by underlining economic, cultural and institutional differences to (re)create power relations. By reconceptualizing partner choice as a discourse, the paper challenges the established view of partner choice according to international business and management studies as a rational and strategic behavior based on resource complementarity, best practices and win–win situations.

Design/methodology/approach

Based on the longitudinal study of Israeli–Korean business collaboration, which includes in-depth interviews, observations and media texts, this paper uses critical discourse analysis (CDA) to demystify partner choice as neither a neutral nor an objective behavior to unveil its discursive construction and embeddedness in power relations.

Findings

The actors on both sides of the Israeli–Korean business collaboration evoke resource complementary discourse between “Israeli innovation” and “Korean productivity” to rationalize their partner choice as a win–win situation. CDA demonstrates how both sides are engaged in a “borrowing” process from east-to-west and head-to-hands postcolonial images to (re)produce hierarchy between the parties. While east–west mapping remained almost unchallengeable, the reversal, crossing and blurring of the Israel-to-Korea knowledge transfer direction provides a counter-narrative to resource complementarity discourse.

Originality/value

The resource complementarity discourse supported by east–west mapping and “head–hands” justifications for partner choice reveals the lingering presence of postcolonial images, imagery and imagination. By taking two nations without substantial troubled memories, histories and relations, the paper broadens the picture beyond national contexts, emphasizing the importance of borrowing and translation from postcolonial vocabulary to non-colonial situations.