bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sacral incidence to pubis: a novel and alternative morphologic radiological parameter to pelvic incidence in assessing spinopelvic sagittal alignment
Authors: Takahashi Yasuhito , Watanabe Kei , Okamoto Masashi , Hatsushikano Shun , Hasegawa Kazuhiro , Endo Naoto
Published: December 2020

Background: Although pelvic incidence (PI) is a key morphologic parameter in assessing spinopelvic sagittal alignment, accurate measurements of PI become difficult in patients with severe hip dislocation or femoral head deformities. This study aimed to investigate the reliability of our novel morphologic parameters and the correlations with established sagittal spinopelvic parameters.Methods: One hundred healthy volunteers (25 male and 75 female), with an average age of 38.9 years, were analysed. Whole-body alignment in the standing position was measured using a slot-scanning X-ray imager. We measured the established spinopelvic sagittal parameters and a novel parameter: the sacral incidence to pubis (SIP). The correlation coefficient of each parameter, regression equation of PI using SIP, and regression equation of lumbar lordosis (LL) using PI or SIP were obtained. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated as an evaluation of the measurement reliability.Results: Reliability analysis showed high intra- and inter-rater agreements in all the spinopelvic parameters, with ICCs > 0.9. The SIP and pelvic inclination angle (PIA) demonstrated strong correlation with PI (R = 0.96) and pelvic tilt (PT) (R = 0.92). PI could be predicted according to the regression equation: PI = –9.92 + 0.905 * SIP (R = 0.9596, p < 0.0001). The ideal LL could be predicted using the following equation using PI and age: ideal LL = 32.33 + 0.623 * PI – 0.280 * age (R = 0.6033, p < 0.001) and using SIP and age: ideal LL = 24.29 + 0.609 * SIP – 0.309 * age (R = 0.6177, p < 0.001).Conclusion: Both SIP and PIA were reliable parameters for determining the morphology and orientation of the pelvis, respectively. Ideal LL was accurately predicted using the SIP with equal accuracy as the PI. Our findings will assist clinicians in the assessment of spinopelvic sagittal alignment.
Comprehensive analysis of miRNA-mRNA/lncRNA during gonadal development of triploid female rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss)
Authors: Huang Tianqing , Gu Wei , Liu Enhui , Shi Xiulan , Wang Bingqian , Xu Gefeng , Yao Zuochun
Published: December 2020

Background: Chromosomal ploidy manipulation is one of the means to create excellent germplasm. Triploid fish could provide an ideal sterile model for the mechanism research of abnormality in meiosis. The complete understanding of the coding and noncoding RNAs regulating sterility caused by meiosis abnormality is still not well understood.Results: By high-throughput sequencing, we compared the expression profiles of gonadal mRNA, long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), and microRNA (miRNA) at different developmental stages [65 days post fertilisation (dpf), 180 dpf, and 600 dpf] between the diploid (XX) and triploid (XXX) female rainbow trout. A majority of differentially expressed (DE) RNAs were identified, and 22 DE mRNAs related to oocyte meiosis and homologous recombination were characterized. The predicted miRNA-mRNA/lncRNA networks of 3 developmental stages were constructed based on the target pairs of DE lncRNA-miRNA and DE mRNA-miRNA. According to the networks, meiosis-related gene of ccne1 was targeted by dre-miR-15a-5p_R+1, and 6 targeted DE lncRNAs were identified. Also, RT-qPCR was performed to validate the credibility of the network.Conclusions: This study explored the potential interplay between coding and noncoding RNAs during the gonadal development of polyploid fish. It provides full insights into polyploidy-associated effects on fertility of fish. These differentially expressed coding and noncoding RNAs provide a novel resource for studying genome diversity of polyploid induction.
Lung ultrasound score assessing the pulmonary edema in pediatric acute respiratory distress syndrome received continuous hemofiltration therapy: A prospective observational study
Authors: Wang Fei , Wang Chunxia , Shi Jingyi , Shan Yijun , Miao Huijie , Sun Ting , Zhou Yiping , Zhang Yucai
Published: December 2020

Background: Lung ultrasound score is a potential method for determining pulmonary edema in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) has become the preferred modality to manage fluid overload during ARDS. The aim of this study was to evaluate the value of lung ultrasound (LUS) score on assessing the effects of CRRT on pulmonary edema and pulmonary function in pediatric ARDS. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study in 70 children with moderate to severe ARDS in a tertiary university pediatric intensive care unit from January 2016 to December 2019. 37 patients received CRRT (CRRT group) and 33 patients treated by conventional therapy (Non-CRRT group). LUS score was measured within 2 hours identified ARDS as the value of 1st，and the following three days as the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th. We used Spearman correlation analysis to develop the relationship between LUS score and parameters related to respiratory dynamics, clinical outcomes as well as daily fluid balance during the first four days after ARDS diagnosed.Results: The 1st LUS score in CRRT group were significantly higher than Non-CRRT group (P < 0.001), but the LUS score decreased gradually following CRRT (P < 0.001). LUS score was significantly correlated with Cdyn (1st: r =-0.757, 2nd: r =-0.906, 3rd: r =-0.885, 4th: r =-0.834), OI (1st: r =0.678, 2nd: r =0.689, 3rd: r =0.486, 4th: r =0.324) based on 1st to 4th values (all P <0.05). Only values of the 3rd and 4th LUS score after ARDS diagnosed were correlated with duration of mechanical ventilation [1st: r = 0.167, P = 0.325; 2nd: r = 0.299, P = 0.072; 3rd: r = 0.579, P < 0.001; 4th: r = 0.483, P = 0.002]. LUS score decreased from 22 (18 - 25) to 15 (13 - 18) and OI decreased from 15.92 (14.07 -17.73) to 9.49 (8.70-10.58) after CRRT for four days (both P < 0.001).Conclusions: LUS score is significantly correlated with lung function parameters in pediatric ARDS. The improvement of pulmonary edema in patient with ARDS received CRRT can be assessed by the LUS score.Trial registration: CCTR, ChiCTR-ONC-16009698. Registered 1 November 2016, prospectively registered, http://www.chictr.org.cn/edit.aspx?pid=16535&htm=4. This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.
Fatigability is closely associated with discoordination between heart rate variability and physical acceleration during free-moving days in younger women
Authors: Taniguchi Kentaro , Shimouchi Akito , Jinno Naoya , Seiyama Akitoshi
Published: December 2020

Objects: Fatigability is related to several diseases and the autonomic nervous system. We investigated whether fatigability is associated with the coordination between the physical acceleration (PA) and heart rate variability (HRV) in women. Methods: Overall, 95 adult women were divided into younger group (n=50; age: 22–59 years) and older group (n=45; age: ≥ 60 years). HRV and PA data were simultaneously obtained every minute for 24 h. We defined %lag0 as the percent ratio of lag=0 min between HRV and PA in 1 h. Cornell Medical Index was used to determine the degrees of physical and psychological symptoms. Results: In the younger group in the hour before sleep, the participants with high fatigability scores had significantly lower (p<0.05) %lag0 than did those with low fatigability %lag0. Additionally, those with higher fatigability combined with exhaustion in the morning had significantly lower %lag0 than did those without exhaustion in the hour before sleep but not in the hour after waking up (p<0.05). Conclusions: These results suggest that the coordination between HRV and PA in younger women was closely associated with their fatigability in the hour before sleep. Additionally, exhaustion in the morning may be related to the discoordination of HRV and PA the previous night.
New view on the organization and evolution of Palaeognathae mitogenomes poses the question on the ancestral gene rearrangement in Aves
Authors: Urantowka Adam Dawid , Kroczak Aleksandra , Mackiewicz Pawel
Published: December 2020

BackgroundBird mitogenomes differ from other vertebrates in gene rearrangement. The most common avian gene order, identified first in Gallus gallus, is considered ancestral for all Aves. However, other rearrangements including a duplicated control region and neighboring genes have been reported in many representatives of avian orders. The repeated regions can be easily overlooked due to inappropriate DNA amplification or genome sequencing. This raises a question about the actual prevalence of mitogenomic duplications and the validity of the current view on the avian mitogenome evolution. In this context, Palaeognathae is especially interesting because is sister to all other living birds, i.e. Neognathae. So far, a unique duplicated region has been found in one palaeognath mitogenome, that of Eudromia elegans. ResultsTherefore, we applied an appropriate PCR strategy to look for omitted duplications in other palaeognaths. The analyses revealed the duplicated control regions with adjacent genes in Crypturellus, Rhea and Struthio as well as ND6 pseudogene in three moas. The copies are very similar and were subjected to concerted evolution. Mapping the presence and absence of duplication onto the Palaeognathae phylogeny indicates that the duplication was an ancestral state for this avian group. This feature was inherited by early diverged lineages and lost two times in others. Comparison of incongruent phylogenetic trees based on mitochondrial and nuclear sequences showed that two variants of mitogenomes could exist in the evolution of palaeognaths. Data collected for other avian mitogenomes revealed that the last common ancestor of all birds and early diverging lineages of Neoaves could also possess the mitogenomic duplication.ConclusionsThe duplicated control regions with adjacent genes are more common in avian mitochondrial genomes than it was previously thought. These two regions could increase effectiveness of replication and transcription as well as the number of replicating mitogenomes per organelle. In consequence, energy production by mitochondria may be also more efficient. However, further physiological and molecular analyses are necessary to assess the potential selective advantages of the mitogenome duplications.
Optimized sequential method assisting design and implementation of electro-pneumatic/hydraulic circuit
Authors: Marques Vinicius Abrão da Silva , Rodrigues Felipe Nascimento Cerqueira , Tavares José Jean-Paul Z. de S.
Published: December 2020

Electro-pneumatic circuits returned to be an important topic of research after the need of ventilator due COVID-19. Not only for this type of device but to assist economy restarting, the electro-pneumatic/hydraulic systems will be one of the industrial automation cornerstones after COVID pandemic. Programmable Logic Controllers (PLC) are one of the main components of these circuits and the standard of industrial automation; however, its application is highly dependent on programmers skills. Usually, electro-pneumatic/hydraulic solutions rely on sequential circuits. Different methods are found in the literature to design that systems, but they involve complex analyzes and intuitive strategies in cases that the actuators extend and retract more than once within the cycle of movements, and within simultaneous movements. As consequence, the resulting circuits mostly require a large number of valves and electronic components in order to be implemented. The objective of this work is to describe a novel method that can be applied in the design and implementation of optimized circuits using PLC's, eliminating intuitive solutions. Examples are presented to illustrate the theoretical procedures and experimental tests performed to validate the method. The results prove the generality of this work, the simplicity of its implementation, and introduce a bridge between design and implementation of electro-pneumatics and electro/hydraulics circuits with PLC's.
Association of PICK1 and BDNF variations with increased risk of methamphetamine dependence among Iranian population; a case-control study
Authors: Tajbakhsh Amir , Alimardani Maliheh , Asghari Mahla , Abedini Soheila , Khadem Sohrab Saghafi , Bajestani Abolfazl Nesaei , Alipoor Forough , Alidoust Maryam , Savardashtaki Amir , Hashemian Peyman , Pasdar Alireza
Published: December 2020

Background: Genetic factors play an important role in susceptibility to methamphetamine dependency. In this line, protein that interact with C-kinase-1 (PICK1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes are linked to methamphetamine dependence (substance use disorder). Thus, in a case-control study, we investigated the association between polymorphisms of PICK1 and BDNF genes and methamphetamine dependence in an Iranian population.Methods: Total of 235 cases and 204 controls were recruited in a period between 2015 to 2018. The PICK1-rs713729, -rs2076369 and BDNF-rs6265 genotypes were determined via ARMS-PCR assay. Statistical analysis was performed, using SPSS 20.0, PHASE 2.1.1 program as well as SNP Analyzer 2.0.Results: In the present study, two polymorphisms including PICK1-rs713729 (OR: 1.38 (CI: 1.08-1.52; P-value: 0.004) in multiplicative and dominant models, and PICK1-rs2076369 (OR: 1.31 (CI: 1.10-1.56; P-value: 0.002) in multiplicative, dominant and co-dominant models were associated with the risk of methamphetamine abuse. Moreover, haplotype analysis showed a significant association of haplotype AG (OR: 2.50 (CI: 1.50-4.16; P-value: 0.0002) in dominant, recessive and co-dominant models, and haplotype TT (OR: 0.67 (CI: 0.50-0.91; P-value: 0.009) in dominant and co-dominant models with the risk of methamphetamine abuse. None of the polymorphisms in this study had a high level of linkage disequilibrium. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that the PICK1 gene polymorphism might affect the risk of methamphetamine dependency in our population.
Identification of globin switching-related genes and RNAs via transcriptomic profiling of nucleated red blood cells isolated from the cord blood of preterm and full-term newborns 
Authors: Han Yuanyuan , Huang Ling , Zhou Man , Tan Xiaoyu , Gong Shangjin , Zhang Zhaojun , Jin Tingting , Liu Juan , Hu Li , Zhang Wenqiu , Fang Xiangdong , Jia Yankai , Huang Shengwen
Published: December 2020

Background: β-thalassemia and sickle cell disease (SCD) are chronic hemolytic anemias caused by mutation or deletion of the β-globin gene. Reactivation of fetal γ-globin gene (HBG) expression can ameliorate the clinical course of β-hemoglobinopathies. Our current understanding of the globin switching mechanism is not comprehensive, and research into the roles of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in this process remains limited. Results: We collected umbilical cord blood samples from preterm and full-term infants, from which we enriched and isolated nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) for transcriptome sequencing. We identified mRNAs, lncRNAs, and microRNAs that were differentially expressed in the preterm and full-term samples, and constructed hub gene network of differentially expressed transcription factors. Gene Ontology analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed the biological significance of differentially expressed mRNAs and the targets of differentially expressed lncRNAs and microRNAs. Our analyses revealed that the Fanconi anemia pathway may be involved in the regulation of globin switching at birth. Using quantitative polymerase chain reaction, we confirm that BCL11A is more highly expressed in full-term samples than in preterm samples and is statistically differentially expressed based on biological sex. Results of RNA sequencing and quantitative polymerase chain reaction demonstrated that the lncRNA H19 was expressed at a statistically lower level in full-term samples than in preterm samples. Furthermore, we established the H19‑related lncRNA/miRNA/mRNA network to reveal the potential regulatory mechanisms of H19.Conclusions: Our results suggest that the Fanconi anemia pathway and the H19/let-7/LIN28B axis may be involved in globin switching in umbilical cord blood. The differentially expressed transcripts and related pathways may constitute novel therapeutic targets for β-thalassemia.
Metabolic Bone Disease in Chronic Kidney Disease Patients (CKD-MBD) and its Associated Factors at Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es salaam, Tanzania: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Mungulluh Felix Faustin , Ruggajo Paschal , Furia Francis Fredrick
Published: December 2020

Background: Metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease patients is associated with high morbidity and mortality, and it has been reported to start early in the course of the disease and worsen as the kidney damage progresses. However, the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic bone disease in chronic kidney disease patients in our setting has not been established, so we aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with metabolic bone disease among patients with chronic kidney disease at a tertiary Muhimbili National Hospital in Dar es salaam, Tanzania so as to help physicians recognize the patients at risk, diagnose the problem and prevent complications sooner. Methods: This was a hospital based cross-sectional study involving adult patients with chronic kidney disease attending renal unit Muhimbili National Hospital, a tertiary referral center in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. Systematic sampling technique was employed to get study participants after being given informed consent. In this study, CKD-MBD was defined basing on the abnormality of serum calcium, phosphate or parathyroid hormone level. Data analysis was done using the SPSS version 23.0 software. Results: A total of 300 participants with chronic kidney disease stage 3 and above were included in this study. Majority were male, 198 (66.0%), with a mean age of 53 years. The prevalence of metabolic bone disease was found to be 75.0%. The most common form of metabolic bone disease was hyperparathyroidism 196 (87.1%), followed by hypocalcemia 174 (77.3%) and hyperphosphatemia 82 (36.4%), which was the least common. Factors which were found to be significantly associated with CKD-MBD were the use of calcium supplements, use of phosphate binders, being on dialysis, a calcium rich diet and a low phosphate diet. Conclusion: Metabolic bone diseases are common in patients with CKD at Muhimbili National Hospital. Patients with CKD should undergo serial assessment of phosphate, calcium and parathyroid hormone level, considered together, so as to diagnose metabolic bone disease early and treat those patients who will be found to have persistently or prolonged abnormalities in these bone mineral biomarkers.
Improving CLIP-seq data analysis by incorporating transcript information
Authors: Uhl Michael , Tran Van Dinh , Backofen Rolf
Published: December 2020

Background: Current peak callers for identifying RNA-binding protein (RBP) binding sites from CLIP-seq data take into account genomic read profiles, but they ignore the underlying transcript information, that is information regarding splicing events. So far, there are no studies available that closer observe this issue. Results: Here we show that current peak callers are susceptible to false peak calling near exon borders. We quantify its extent in publicly available datasets, which turns out to be substantial. By providing a tool called CLIPcontext for automatic transcript and genomic context sequence extraction, we further demonstrate that context choice affects the performances of RBP binding site prediction tools. Moreover, we show that known motifs of exon-binding RBPs are often enriched in transcript context sites, which should enable the recovery of more authentic binding sites. Finally, we discuss possible strategies on how to integrate transcript information into future workflows. Conclusions: Our results demonstrate the importance of incorporating transcript information in CLIP-seq data analysis. Taking advantage of the underlying transcript information should therefore become an integral part of future peak calling and downstream analysis tools.
What interferes with conducting free lists? A comparative ethnobotanical experiment
Authors: Meireles Melise Pessôa Araujo , de Albuquerque Ulysses Paulino , de Medeiros Patrícia Muniz
Published: December 2020

Background: The free list, also written “freelist”, or “free recall”, is an ethnographic method that characterizes the local knowledge of a population about a given cultural domain. However, there is still much to elucidate about the variables that can influence the number of items that participants cite using this technique. This study applied a casual-comparative experiemental design to analyze whether three months’ time, age and external stimuli influence the similarity of plant free lists applied at different times.Methods: Data was collected from 103 farmers from the rural community Alto dos Canutos, in the municipality of Picos, Piauí state, Brazil.Two free lists were conducted at two different times, with an interval of three months between them. Subsequently, the similarity between the first and second free lists of each participant was calculated using the Jaccard Similarity Index. The Generalized Linear Model (GLM) with binomial errors and stepwise approach was used to analyze the effects of age and external stimuli on information collection when comparing free lists applied at different times.Results: Participants’ age influenced the information that the free lists collected, demonstrating that the older the participants, the lower the similarity among the free lists. Among the external stimuli analyzed, only the presence of third parties influenced the content of the free lists at the time of the interview. However, contrary to expectations, third-party presence positively influenced the similarity of the lists. Conclusion: The results show that the studied variables age and third-party presence can influence the capture of knowledge. These findings warrant future research into the influences' causes and their potential mitigation, e.g., by isolation or by breaking the medicinal plant domain into focused sub-domains and conducting simpler, successive free-lists, which can mitigate memory issues.
“Stroke-Stop” Formula: A Tool for Risk Index Determination in Development of Acute Cerebrovascular Disease in Patients with Asymptomatic Internal Carotid Artery Stenosis
Authors: Kopolovets Ivan , Berek Peter , Stefanic Peter , Lotnyk Dmytro , Mucha Rastislav , Hertelyova Zdenka , Toth Stefan , Boyko Nadiya , Sihotsky Vladimir
Published: December 2020

Background: Extracranial carotid artery disease is considered a risk factor for developing acute cerebrovascular diseases. The paper presents the “Stroke-Stop” formula proposed for the determination of the risk of developing stroke in patients with asymptomatic internal carotid artery (ICA) stenosis. The formula is based on a mathematical calculation of the major risk factors for stroke: the degree of ICA stenosis, the morphological structure of the atherosclerotic plaque and the level of lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) concentration.Methods: The study included 70 patients with atherosclerotic ICA stenosis. Among vascular inflammatory markers, Lp-PLA2 was determined with concentration 252.7-328.6 mg/l. The obtained results were evaluated using descriptive statistics (the frequency, percentage ratio) as well as the one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and chi-square test. Results: The risk of stroke development is eminently increasing with the progression of ICA stenosis and elevation of Lp-PLA2 levels. In patients with soft atherosclerotic plaque, the risk of stroke development was significantly higher in correlation with patients with hard atherosclerotic plaque. Based on calculations using “Stroke-Stop” formula, three main groups were generated: low (<70 points), medium (70 – 100 points) and high (>100 points) risk of stroke development. Conclusions: The “Stroke-Stop” formula may serve as an additional criterion for individual selection of patients with asymptomatic ICA stenosis for carotid endarterectomy. This model could be used as a diagnostic and prognostic tool to identify patients with potentially high risk development of ischemic stroke in clinical praxis.
Chronic pain after breast surgery: incidence, associated factors and impact on quality of life, an observational prospective study
Authors: Villa Gianluca , Mandarano Raffaele , Calabrisotto Caterina Scirè , Rizzelli Valeria , Duca Martina Del , Montin Diego Pomarè , Paparella Laura , De Gaudio A. Raffaele , Romagnoli Stefano
Published: December 2020

Background. Chronic pain after breast surgery (CPBS) has a disabling impact on postoperative health status. Mainly because of the lack of a clear definition, inconsistency does exist in the literature concerning both the actual incidence and the risk factors associated to CPBS. The aim of this prospective, observational study is to describe the incidence of and risk factors for CPBS, according to the definition provided by the IASP taskforce. The impact of CPBS on patients’ function and quality of life is also described. Methods. Adult female patients scheduled for oncological or reconstructive breast surgery at the Breast Unit of Careggi Hospital (Florence, Italy) were prospectively observed. Postoperative pain was evaluated at 3 months (CPBS) after surgery. Preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative factors were compared in CPBS and No-CPBS groups through multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results. Among the 307 patients considered in this study, the incidence of CPBS was 28% [95%CI 23.1%-33.4%]. Results from the logistic regression analysis suggest that axillary surgery (OR [95%CI], 2.99 [1.13-7.87], p=0.03), preoperative use of pain medications (OR [95%CI], 2.04 [1.20-3.46], p=0.01), and higher dynamic NRS values at 6 hours postoperatively (OR [95%CI], 1.28 [1.05-1.55], p=0.01) were all independent predictors for CPBS. Conclusions. Chronic pain after breast surgery is a frequent complication. In our cohort, long-term use of analgesics for preexisting chronic pain, axillary surgery, and higher dynamic NRS values at 6 hours postoperatively were all factors associated with increased risk of developing CPBS. The possibility to early detect persistent pain, particularly in those patients at high risk for CPBS, might help physicians to more effectively prevent pain chronicisation.Trial registration: clinicalTrials.gov registration NCT04309929
A nonsense mutation of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15) causes both infertility and increased litter size in pigs.
Authors: Flossmann Gabriele , Wurmser Christine , Pausch Hubert , Tenghe Amabel , Dodenhoff Jörg , Dahinten Günther , Götz Kay-Uwe , Russ Ingolf , Fries Ruedi
Published: December 2020

Background Atypical external genitalia are often a sign of reproductive organ pathologies and infertility with both environmental or genetic causes, including karyotypic abnormalities. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) provide a means for identifying chromosomal regions harboring deleterious DNA-variants causing such phenotypes. We performed a GWAS to unravel the causes of incidental cases of atypically small vulvae in German Landrace gilts.Results A case-control GWAS involving Illumina porcine SNP60 BeadChip-called genotypes of 17 gilts with atypically small vulvae and 1,818 control animals (fertile German Landrace sows) identified a significantly associated region on the X-chromosome (P = 8.81 × 10-43). Inspection of whole-genome sequencing data in the critical area allowed us to pinpoint a likely causal variant in the form of a nonsense mutation of bone morphogenetic protein-15 (BMP15; Sscrofa11.1_X:g.44618787C>T, BMP15:p.R212X). The mutant allele occurs at a frequency of 6.2% in the German Landrace breeding population. Homozygous gilts exhibit underdeveloped, most likely not functional ovaries and are not fertile. Male carriers do not seem to manifest defects. Heterozygous sows produce 0.41±0.02 (P=4.5 × 10-83) piglets more than wildtype animals. However, the mutant allele’s positive effect on litter size accompanies a negative impact on lean meat growth.Conclusion Our results provide an example for the power of GWAS in identifying the genetic causes of a fuzzy phenotype and add to the list of natural deleterious BMP15 mutations that affect fertility in a dosage-dependent manner, the first time in a poly-ovulatory species. We advise eradicating the mutant allele from the German Landrace breeding population since the adverse effects on the lean meat growth outweigh the larger litter size in heterozygous sows.
Examining Supports and Barriers to Breastfeeding through a Socio-Ecological Lens: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Snyder Kailey , Hulse Emily , Dingman Holly , Cantrell Angie , Hanson Corrine , Dinkel Danae
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Early breastfeeding cessation is a societal concern given the massive benefits associated with breastfeeding for mother and child. More effective interventions are needed to increase breastfeeding duration. Prior to developing such interventions more research is needed to examine breastfeeding supports and barriers from the perspective of breastfeeding stakeholders. One such framework that can be utilized is the Socio-Ecological Model which stems from Urie Broffenbrenner’s early theoretical frameworks (1973-1979). The purpose of this study was to examine supports and barriers to breastfeeding across environmental systems. METHODS: A total of 49 representatives participated in a telephonic interview. Interviewees represented various levels of the model based on their current breastfeeding experience (i.e., mother or significant other) or occupation. A direct content analysis was performed as well as a constant comparative analysis to determine differences between level representatives. RESULTS: Common supports identified by all interviewees were in-hospital breastfeeding education (organizational level) and the existence of breastfeeding protection legislation (policy level). Barriers identified by all interviewees included a lack of support (interpersonal level), lack of hospital resources (organizational level) and lack of specificity within the existing breastfeeding protection legislation (policy level). Other identified supports and barriers varied by representatives for each level of the model. CONCLUSION: Future efforts should target multiple levels of the SEM to eliminate the disparities between breastfeeding mothers’ perceptions and the stakeholders working to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rate.
Translational landscape and protein biogenesis demands of the early secretory pathway in Komagataella phaﬃi
Authors: Alva Troy R , Riera Melanie , Chartron Justin
Published: December 2020

Background: Eukaryotes use distinct networks of biogenesis factors to synthesize, fold, monitor, traffic, and secrete proteins. During heterologous expression, saturation of any of these networks may bottleneck titer and yield. To understand the flux through various routes into the early secretory pathway, we quantified the global and membrane-associated translatomes of Komagataella phaffii . Results: By coupling Ribo-seq with long-read mRNA sequencing, we generated a new annotation of protein-encoding genes. By using Ribo-seq with subcellular fractionation, we quantified demands on co- and posttranslational translocation pathways. During exponential growth in rich media, protein components of the cell-wall represent the greatest number of nascent chains entering the ER. Transcripts encoding the transmembrane protein PMA1 sequester more ribosomes at the ER membrane than any others. Comparison to Saccharomyces cerevisiae reveals conservation in the resources allocated by gene ontology, but variation in the diversity of gene products entering the secretory pathway. Conclusion: A subset of host proteins, particularly cell-wall components, impose the greatest biosynthetic demands in the early secretory pathway. These proteins are potential targets in strain engineering aimed at alleviating bottlenecks during heterologous protein production.
Maternal Folic Acid Impacts DNA Methylation Profile in Male Rat Offspring implicated in Neurodevelopment and Learning/Memory Abilities
Authors: Wang Xinyan , Li Zhenshu , Zhu Yun , Yan Jing , Liu Huan , Huang Guowei , Li Wen
Published: December 2020

Background: Periconceptional folic acid (FA) supplementation not only reduces the incidence of neural tube defects, but also improves cognitive performances in offspring. However, the genes or pathways that are epigenetically regulated by FA in neurodevelopment were rarely reported. Methods: To elucidate the underlying mechanism, the effect of FA on the methylation profiles in brain tissue of male rat offspring was assessed by methylated DNA immunoprecipitation chip. Differentially methylated genes (DMGs) and gene network analysis were identified using DAVID and KEGG pathway analysis. Results: Compared with the folate-normal diet group, 1939 DMGs were identified in the folate-deficient diet group, and 1498 DMGs were identified in the folate-supplemented diet group, among which 298 DMGs were overlapped. The pathways associated with neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities were differentially methylated in response to maternal FA intake during pregnancy, and there were some identical and distinctive potential mechanisms under FA deficiency or supplemented conditions. Conclusions: In conclusion, genes and pathways associated with neurodevelopment and learning/memory abilities were differentially methylated in male rat offspring in response to maternal FA deficiency or supplementation during pregnancy.
"Running myself ragged": Stressors Faced by Peer Workers in Overdose Response Settings
Authors: Mamdani Zahra , McKenzie Sophie , Pauly Bernadette , Cameron Fred , Conway-Brown Jennifer , Edwards Denice , Howell Amy , Scott Tracy , Seguin Ryan , Woodrow Peter , Buxton Jane
Published: December 2020

Background: Peer workers or ‘peers’ (workers with past or present drug use experience) are at the forefront of overdose response initiatives and their role is essential in creating safe spaces for people who use drugs (PWUD). Working in overdose response settings has benefits for peer workers but is also stressful, with lasting emotional and mental health effects. Yet, little is known about the stressors peer workers face and what interventions can be implemented to support them in their roles. Methods: This project used a community-based sequential mixed methods research design. Eight peer researcher-led focus groups (n=31) were conducted between November 2018 and March 2019 to assess needs of peer workers. The transcripts were thematically coded and analyzed using interpretative description. These results informed a survey which was conducted (n=50) in September 2019 to acquire quantitative data on peer workers’ perception of health, quality of life, working conditions and stressors. Frequency distributions were used to describe characteristics of participants. X 2 distribution values with Yates correction were conducted to check for association between variables. Results: Five themes emerged from the focus groups that point to stressors felt by peer workers: (1) Financial insecurity; (2) lack of respect and recognition at work; (3) housing challenges; (4) inability to access and/or refer individuals to resources; and (5) constant exposure to death and trauma. Consistent with this, the factors that survey participants picked as one of their “top three stressors” included financial situation, work situation, and housing challenges. Conclusion: Peer workers are faced with a diversity of stressors in their lives which often reflect societal stigmatization of drug use. Recognition of these systemic stressors is critical in designing interventions to ease the emotional, physical and financial burden faced by peer workers.
Investigation of Kluyveromyces marxianus as a novel host for large-scale production of porcine parvovirus virus-like particles
Authors: Yang Deqiang , Chen Lei , Duan Jinkun , Yu Yao , zhou Jungang , Lu Hong
Published: December 2020

Background: Porcine Parvovirus (PPV) is a Parvovirinae virus that can cause embryonic and fetal loss and death and mummification in affected fetal pigs. Unlike conventional vaccines, virus-like particles (VLPs) inherit the natural structure of their authentic virions and highly immunostimulatory that can induce strong humoral immune and T cell responses with no risk of pathogenicity. The production of PPV VLPs is still a challenge based on traditional expression platforms due to their low yields and high culture costs. Kluyveromyces marxianus is a safe and fast-growing eukaryote that can get high biomass with low-cost cultures. In this study, we investigated the expression and downstream processes of PPV VLPs in K. marxianus, and the potential for effective stand-alone vaccines.Results: After optimization according to the codon bias of K.marxianus, the VP2 protein from Kresse strain was highly expressed. In a 5 L fermentator, the yield of PPV VLPs reached 2.5 g/L, quantified by HPLC, using a defined mineral medium after 48 h fermentation. Two strategies were established to purify intracellular PPV VLPs: i) Using the cation exchange chromatography coupled with Sephacryl® S-500 HR chromatography to purify VLPs from the supernatants of pH adjusted cell lysates. ii) Using anion exchange chromatography followed by cross-flow diafiltration to recover the VLPs precipitated in pH adjusted cell lysates. The purity of PPV VLPs reached about 95%, and total recovery was more than 60%. Vaccination of mice with the purified PPV VLPs induced high titers of specific IgG antibodies in sera, and showed hemagglutination inhibitions on both swine and guinea pig erythrocytes. Spleen lymphocyte proliferation and cytokines detection suggested the PPV VLPs produced by K.marxianus provoked the cellular immune and humoral immunity responses in mice.Conclusion: This is the highest production of recombinant PPV VLPs achieved to date. The superiorities, Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS), high production, short lead time, and low cost, make K. marxianus a greatly competitive platform for bioproduction of PPV VLPs vaccine.
Das Allgemeine der Bildung in der digitalen Welt
Authors: Verständig Dan
Published: December 2020

Digitale Bildung stellt einen zentralen Ansatz dar, um eine zeitgemässe Antwort auf die Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung zu formulieren sowie zukunftsorientierte Handlungsfähigkeit und gesellschaftliche Teilhabe zu gewährleisten. Dabei erweist sich das Zusammenspiel von Mensch und digitalen Technologien über einen instrumentell-qualifikatorischen Blick hinausgehend als überaus komplex, was die grundlegende Frage danach aufwirft, wie Bildung im Sinne der Menschwerdung unter den Bedingungen des Digitalen überhaupt gedacht werden kann. Der Beitrag geht der Frage nach, wie sich die besondere Qualität des Digitalen zu einem bildungstheoretisch fundierten Verständnis von Digitalität verhält und welche Bedeutung das Allgemeine im Zusammenspiel von Bildung und Digitalität spielt. Dabei wird das Verhältnis des Besonderen zum Allgemeinen vor dem Hintergrund digital vernetzter Infrastrukturen diskutiert, um so zu Aussagen über die meist unsichtbaren Abhängigkeiten und deren sichtbare Auswirkungen auf Bildung und den Menschen zu diskutieren.
Diskurse und Materialität als epistemische Orte der Gewinnung von Orientierungswissen der Medienpädagogik in einer digitalen Welt
Authors: Wunder Maik
Published: December 2020

Im Beitrag wird eine anthropozentrische Epistemologie zur Gewinnung von Orientierungswissen der Medienpädagogik in einer digitalen Welt problematisiert. Es werden zwei alternative Zugänge, nämlich die diskurstheoretische Perspektive von Michel Foucault und die Perspektive des agentiellen Realismus von Karen Barad, vorgestellt. Hier wird jeweils gefragt, welchen Mehrwert besagte Zugänge zur Generierung von Orientierungswissen in einer digitalen Welt für die Medienpädagogik haben. Hierzu werden für die diskursanalytische Perspektive fünf Thesen zur Diskussion gestellt, welche Überlegungen zur Entschleunigung und Selbstreflexion des Forschungsprozesses sowie der Sichtbarmachung und dem Vergleich von verschiedenen diskursiven Arenen wie auch zur Diskurshaftigkeit von digitalen Daten anstellen. Für die Perspektive des agentiellen Realismus werden vier Thesen entfaltet, die sich mit dem grundlegend sich weitenden Blick durch die materialistische Perspektive und deren Verschränkung mit Diskursen sowie mit einer Erweiterung der Forschungsmethoden befassen und sich schliesslich dem Einbezug der ökologischen Dimension widmen.
(Wie) Medien umwelten
Authors: Holze Jens
Published: December 2020

Dieser Beitrag beschäftigt sich aus einer bildungstheoretisch-strukturalen Perspektive mit den gegenwärtigen gesamtgesellschaftlichen Herausforderungen der Digitalisierung oder der digitalen Revolution. Es wird dazu auf den Medienbegriff des kanadischen Literatur- und Medienwissenschaftlers Marshall McLuhan zurückgegriffen, der Medien als Erweiterungen des Menschen in die Welt begreift und den Fokus in den 1960er-Jahren erstmalig und unter grosser öffentlicher Resonanz auf mediale Umgebungen gelenkt hatte. Mit dem Begriff der digitalen Medialität nach Jörissen wird eine Modernisierung dieses Konzeptes vorgestellt, die insbesondere die digitalen Medien der Gegenwart in den Blick nimmt. Ziel ist es, einerseits die mcluhansche Rhetorik als pädagogisch motiviert zu lesen, andererseits damit für eine Strukturanalyse von Medienformen zu plädieren, die als empirischer Ansatz einen zentralen Beitrag dazu leisten kann, unsere Medienumwelten systematisch in den Blick zu nehmen.
Subjektorientierte Softwareentwicklung als medienpädagogische Herausforderung
Authors: Burgfeld-Meise Bianca , Meister Dorothee M. , Senft Björn
Published: December 2020

Die Medienpädagogik öffnet sich zunehmend interdisziplinären Zugängen und wird von unterschiedlichen Bereichen wie den Digital Humanities angefragt, ihre Expertise einzubringen. Dabei kennzeichnet die Digital Humanities eine intensive interdisziplinäre Zusammenarbeit und innovative wissenschaftliche Fragstellungen. Die Forschungssoftware, mit der diese innovativen Fragestellungen bearbeiten werden sollen, muss entsprechend flexibel sein, um sich mit den evolvierenden Aufgaben zu entwickeln. Dies birgt für die Softwareentwicklung in diesem Bereich vielfältige Unwägbarkeiten. Komplexitätssteigernd wirkt, dass hier nicht einfache Software für den Alltag erarbeitet werden muss. Vielmehr gilt es, digitalen Umgebungen für sich stetig weiterentwickelnde Forschungen gerecht zu werden und je nach Projektkontext unterschiedlichen Anforderungen zu genügen. Diese Anforderungen sind für Nicht-Softwareentwickler häufig nicht leicht zu verbalisieren. In diesem Beitrag stehen die interdisziplinäre Bearbeitung und Bündelung unterschiedlicher Expertisen im Vordergrund, um subjektorientierte Lösungen für solch komplexe Fragestellungen zu entwickeln. Der Beitrag diskutiert diese Themen beispielhaft anhand der interdisziplinären Projektarbeit der Medienforschung, der Medienpädagogik und der Informatik zur Softwareunterstützung digitaler Musikeditionen und somit der Verarbeitung von textuellen und nichttextuellen Daten. Hierbei steht die Methode zur Erforschung impliziten Wissens und deren Transfer für die Softwareentwicklung im Mittelpunkt der Diskussion. Daraus werden abschliessend medienpädagogische Empfehlungen für die Softwareentwicklung und für die Bildungsbedarfe in diesen Bereichen formuliert.
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Authors: Rummler Klaus , Grabensteiner Caroline , Schneider Stingelin Colette
Published: December 2020

Das Forschungsteam im Projekt «Hausaufgaben und Medienbildung» fragt nach dem Medienhandeln jugendlicher Schülerinnen und Schüler der Sekundarstufe I im Kontext der Erledigung ihrer Hausaufgaben. Im Herbst 2018 wurde die Haupterhebung mit 250 Deutschschweizer Schülerinnen und Schülern aus 9 Kantonen durchgeführt. Dieser Bericht widmet sich dem Lernprozess innerhalb des Projekts, der Dokumentation erster abduktiver Schlüsse und damit auch der Präsentation von Ergebnissen aus einem Work in Progress. Dabei wird vor allem auf den Codierprozess und die Strategien der Auswertung im Zuge eines hypothesengenerierenden Vorgehens eingegangen. Diese lässt die Entwicklung von Fragestellungen aus dem Material heraus zu. Anhand ausgewählter Beispiele wird gezeigt, welche Begrifflichkeiten mit bestimmten Diensten und Praktiken im Medienhandeln von Schülerinnen und Schülern auffindbar sind (Kollokationen) und welche Hardware und Anwendungen Schülerinnen und Schüler zur direkten Bearbeitung der Hausaufgaben verwenden. Dabei werden Hinweise darauf diskutiert, dass «Hausaufgaben» als Praxis des schulbezogenen häuslichen Lernens eine Transformation erfahren, welche durch die Art und Weise, wie Schülerinnen und Schüler zum Ergebnis der «fertigen Hausaufgabe» kommen, mit Fokus auf die genutzten medialen Ressourcen ihrerseits diskutiert werden kann.
Economic and environmental aspects of Smart Grid technologies implementation in Ukraine
Authors: Kubatko Oleksandra V. , Yaryomenko Diana O. , Kharchenko Mykola O. , Almashaqbeh Ismail Y. A.
Published: December 2020

Interruptions in electricity supply may have a series of failures that can affect banking, telecommunications, traffic, and safety sectors. Due to the two-way interactive abilities, Smart Grid allows consumers to automatically redirect on failure, or shut down of the equipment. Smart Grid technologies are the costly ones; however, due to the mitigation of possible problems, they are economically sound. Smart grids can't operate without smart meters, which may easily transmit real-time power consumption data to energy data centers, helping the consumer to make effective decisions about how much energy to use and at what time of day. Smart Grid meters do allow the consumer to track and reduce energy consumption bills during peak hours and increase the corresponding consumption during minimum hours. At a higher level of management (e.g., on the level of separate region or country), the Smart Grid distribution system operators have the opportunity to increase the reliability of power supply primarily by detecting or preventing emergencies. Ukraine's energy system is currently outdated and cannot withstand current loads. High levels of wear of the main and auxiliary equipment of the power system and uneven load distribution in the network often lead to emergencies and power outages. The Smart Grid achievements and energy sustainability are also related to the energy trilemma, which consists of key core dimensions– Energy Security, Energy Equity, and Environmental Sustainability. To be competitive in the world energy market, the country has to organize efficiently the cooperation of public/private actors, governments, economic and social agents, environmental issues, and individual consumer behaviors. Ukraine gained 61 positions out of 128 countries in a list in 2019 on the energy trilemma index. In general, Ukraine has a higher than average energy security position and lower than average energy equity, and environmental sustainability positions. Given the fact that the number of renewable energy sources is measured in hundreds and thousands, network management is complicated and requires a Smart Grid rapid response.

Keywords: economic development, Smart Grid, electricity supply, economic and environmental efficiency.