bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genome-wide identification, structural and gene expression analysis of the nitrate transporters (NRTs) family in potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Zhang Jingying , Han Zhijun , Lu Yue , Zhao Yanfei , Wang Yaping , Zhang Jiayue , Ma Haoran , Han Yu Zhu
Published: October 2021

Nitrogen (N2) is the most important source of mineral N for plant growth, which was mainly transported by nitrate transporters (NRTs). However, little is known about the NRT gene family in potato. In this study, StNRT gene family members were identified in potato. In addition, we performed StNRT subfamily classification, gene structure and distribution analysis, and conserved domain prediction using various bioinformatics tools. Totally, 39 StNRT gene members were identified in potato genome, including 33, 4 and 2 member belong to NRT1, NRT2, and NRT3, respectively. These 39 StNRT genes were randomly distributed on all chromosomes. The collinearity results show that StNRT members in potato are closely related to Solanum lycopersicum and Solanum melongena. For the expression, different members of StNRT play different roles in leaves and roots. Especially under sufficient nitrogen conditions, different members have a clear distribution in different tissues. These results provide valuable information for identifying the members of the StNRT family in potato and could provide functional characterization of StNRT genes in further research.
Capacity to provide care for common childhood infections at low-level private health facilities in Western, Uganda
Authors: Mwanga-Amumpaire Juliet , Ndeezi Grace , Källander Karin , Obua Celestino , Migisha Richard , Nkeramahame Juvenal , Stålsby Lundborg Cecilia , Kalyango Joan Nakayaga , Alfvén Tobias
Published: October 2021

Background

Low-level private health facilities (LLPHFs) handle a considerable magnitude of sick children in low-resource countries. We assessed capacity of LLPHFs to manage malaria, pneumonia, diarrhea, and, possible severe bacterial infections (PSBIs) in under-five-year-olds.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey in 110 LLPHFs and 129 health workers in Mbarara District, Uganda between May and December 2019. Structured questionnaires and observation forms were used to collect data on availability of treatment guidelines, vital medicines, diagnostics, and equipment; health worker qualifications; and knowledge of management of common childhood infections.

Results

Amoxicillin was available in 97%, parental ampicillin and gentamicin in 77%, zinc tablets and oral rehydration salts in >90% while artemether-lumefantrine was available in 96% of LLPHF. About 66% of facilities stocked loperamide, a drug contraindicated in the management of diarrhoea in children. Malaria rapid diagnostic tests and microscopes were available in 86% of the facilities, timers/clocks in 57% but only 19% of the facilities had weighing scales and 6% stocked oxygen. Only 4% of the LLPHF had integrated management of childhood illness (IMCI) booklets and algorithm charts for management of common childhood illnesses. Of the 129 health workers, 52% were certificate nurses/midwives and (26% diploma nurses/clinical officers; 57% scored averagely for knowledge on management of common childhood illnesses. More than a quarter (38%) of nursing assistants had low knowledge scores. No notable significant differences existed between rural and urban LLPHFs in most parameters assessed.

Conclusion

Vital first-line medicines for treatment of common childhood illnesses were available in most of the LLPHFs but majority lacked clinical guidelines and very few had oxygen. Majority of health workers had low to average knowledge on management of the common childhood illnesses. There is need for innovative knowledge raising interventions in LLPHFs including refresher trainings, peer support supervision and provision of job aides.
Going out for dinner—The consumption of agriculture pests by bats in urban areas
Authors: Aguiar Ludmilla M. S. , Bueno-Rocha Igor D. , Oliveira Guilherme , Pires Eder S. , Vasconcelos Santelmo , Nunes Gisele L. , Frizzas Marina R. , Togni Pedro H. B.
Published: October 2021

Insectivorous bats provide ecosystem services in agricultural and urban landscapes by consuming arthropods that are considered pests. Bat species inhabiting cities are expected to consume insects associated with urban areas, such as mosquitoes, flying termites, moths, and beetles. We captured insectivorous bats in the Federal District of Brazil and used fecal DNA metabarcoding to investigate the arthropod consumed by five bat species living in colonies in city buildings, and ascertained whether their predation was related to ecosystem services. These insectivorous bat species were found to consume 83 morphospecies of arthropods and among these 41 were identified to species, most of which were agricultural pests. We propose that bats may roost in the city areas and forage in the nearby agricultural fields using their ability to fly over long distances. We also calculated the value of the pest suppression ecosystem service by the bats. By a conservative estimation, bats save US$ 94 per hectare of cornfields, accounting for an annual savings of US$ 390.6 million per harvest in Brazil. Our study confirms that, regardless of their roosting location, bats are essential for providing ecosystem services in the cities, with extensive impacts on crops and elsewhere, in addition to significant savings in the use of pesticides.
Themes, communities and influencers of online probiotics chatter: A retrospective analysis from 2009-2017
Authors: Vijaykumar Santosh , Raamkumar Aravind Sesagiri , McCarty Kristofor , Mutumbwa Cuthbert , Mustafa Jawwad , Au Cyndy
Published: October 2021

We build on recent examinations questioning the quality of online information about probiotic products by studying the themes of content, detecting virtual communities and identifying key influencers in social media using data science techniques. We conducted topic modelling (n = 36,715 tweets) and longitudinal social network analysis (n = 17,834 tweets) of probiotic chatter on Twitter from 2009–17. We used Latent Dirichlet Allocation (LDA) to build the topic models and network analysis tool Gephi for building yearly graphs. We identified the top 10 topics of probiotics-related communication on Twitter and a constant rise in communication activity. However the number of communities grew consistently to peak in 2014 before dipping and levelling off by 2017. While several probiotics industry actors appeared and disappeared during this period, the influence of one specific actor rose from a hub initially to an authority in the latter years. With multi-brand advertising and probiotics promotions mostly occupying the Twitter chatter, scientists, journalists, or policymakers exerted minimal influence in these communities. Consistent with previous research, we find that probiotics-related content on social media veers towards promotions and benefits. Probiotic industry actors maintain consistent presence on Twitter while transitioning from hubs to authorities over time; scientific entities assume an authoritative role without much engagement. The involvement of scientific, journalistic or regulatory stakeholders will help create a balanced informational environment surrounding probiotic products.
Case Study Using Recommended Reference Genes Actin and 18S for Reverse-Transcription Quantitative Real-Time PCR Analysis in Myzus persicae
Authors: Rahman Saqib , Zhao Zhenzhen , Umair Sial Muhammad , Zhang Yanning , Jiang Hongyun
Published: October 2021

Myzus persicae is a globally important pest with the ability to adjust to a wide range of environmental situations, and many molecular technologies have been developed and applied to understand the biology and/or control this pest insect directly. Reverse-transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR) is a primary molecular technology that is used to quantify gene expression. Choosing a stable reference gene is significantly important for precisely clarifying the expression level of the target gene. Actin and 18S have been recommended as stable compounds for real-time RT-qPCR in M. persicae under the tested biotic and abiotic conditions. In this study, we checked the stability of Actin and 18S by analyzing the relative expression levels of the cytochrome 450 monooxygenase family member genes CYP6CY3 and CYP6-1, carboxylesterase gene E4 and vacuolar protein sorting gene VPS11 via RT-qPCR under various conditions. The expression levels of these four target genes were normalized using both Actin and 18S individually and the combination of these two genes. Our results confirmed that Actin and 18S can be used as reference genes to normalize the expression of target genes under insecticide treatment and starvation in M. persicae. However, at the developmental stages of M. persicae, the expression of the four tested target genes was normalized stably by Actin but not 18S, with the latter presenting a problematic change with the developmental stages. Thus, the stability of reference genes in response to diverse biotic and abiotic factors should be evaluated before each RT-qPCR experiment.
Application of the entropy-DEMATEL-VIKOR multicriteria decision-making method in public charging infrastructure
Authors: Dong Hua , Yang Kun
Published: October 2021

As an energy-saving and environmentally friendly means of transportation, electric vehicles have been advocated and promoted by various countries, resulting in an increase in the number of electric vehicles. The improvement of public charging infrastructure not only drives the development of the electric vehicle industry but also solves the problems of user difficulty in charging and the low utilization rate of charging piles. From the perspective of electric vehicle (EV) user experience, this research establishes a framework of indicators, including the reputation level, service quality, convenience, economy and safety. Second, the objective entropy weight method and the subjective decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method are combined to weight the indicators. Among the indicators, the comprehensive weights of market share (C2), app operation interface (C3), and charging mode (C5) are 0.107, 0.088, and 0.090, respectively, ranking in the top three. These three indicators should be given more attention by public charging infrastructure operators. Finally, three alternative public charging infrastructures are sorted by using the VlseKriterijuska Optimizacija I Komoromisno Resenje (VIKOR) method. Since the positive ideal solution Si of h1 (state grid) is 0.084, the negative ideal solution Ri is 0.248, and the comprehensive index Qi is 0.000. All ranking first, this finding indicates that the public charging infrastructure of this operator has strong competitiveness in the market. In addition, the results are consistent with actual news reports, which also proves the effectiveness of the index system and model.
Cost-effectiveness of mandatory folic acid fortification of flours in prevention of neural tube defects: A systematic review
Authors: Rodrigues Viviane Belini , Silva Everton Nunes da , Santos Maria Leonor Pacheco
Published: October 2021

Background

Neural tube defects (NTDs) constitute the most frequent group among congenital malformations and are the main cause of neonatal morbimortality. Folic acid (FA) can reduce the risk of pregnancies affected by NTDs.

Objective

We aimed to investigate whether mandatory folic acid (FA) fortification of flours is cost-effective as compared to non-mandatory fortification, and to verify whether FA dosage, cost composition, and the quality of economic studies influence the cost-effectiveness of outcomes.

Methods

We conducted a systematic review. The protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD 42018115682). A search was conducted using the electronic databases MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, and EBSCO/CINAHL between January 2019 and October 2020 and updated in February 2021. Eligible studies comprised original economic analyses of mandatory FA fortification of wheat and corn flours (maize flours) compared to strategies of non-mandatory fortification in flours and/or use of FA supplements for NTD prevention. The Drummond verification list was used for quality analysis.

Results

A total of 7,859 studies were identified, of which 13 were selected. Most (77%; n = 10) studies originated from high-income countries, while three (23%) were from upper-middle-income countries. Results of a cost-effectiveness analysis showed that fortification is cost-effective for NTD prevention, except for in one study in New Zealand. The cost-benefit analysis yielded a median ratio of 17.5:1 (0.98:1 to 417.1:1), meaning that for each monetary unit spent in the program, there would be a return of 17.5 monetary units. Even in the most unfavorable case of mandatory fortification, the investment in the program would virtually payoff at a ratio of 1:0.98. All FA dosages were cost-effective and offered positive health gains, except in one study. The outcomes of two studies showed that FA dosages above 300 μg/100 g have a higher CBA ratio. The studies with the inclusion of “loss of consumer choice” in the analysis may alter the fortification cost-efficacy ratio.

Conclusion

We expect the findings to be useful for public agencies in different countries in decision-making on the implementation and/or continuity of FA fortification as a public policy in NTD prevention.
The predictors of adaptive and maladaptive coping behavior during the COVID-19 pandemic: The Protection Motivation Theory and the Big Five personality traits
Authors: Pilch Irena , Wardawy Paulina , Probierz Eryka
Published: October 2021

The aim of this study was to evaluate the predictive value of the constructs proposed by two influential theoretical frameworks: the Protection Motivation Theory (PMT) and the Big Five (B5) model of personality in predicting health-related coping behavior during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Both adaptive (i.e., preventive) and maladaptive (i.e., avoidant behavior and wishful thinking) coping behavior was measured. The study was conducted during the first wave of the pandemic. The sample consisted of 397 persons from the general Polish population. The findings provided strong support for the PMT constructs’ predictive value, especially with regard to pandemic-related adaptive behavior. The B5 personality traits accounted for a small proportion of the variability of coping behavior, especially when maladaptive behavior was the outcome. The PMT model showed incremental validity over and above demographic variables and personality traits in predicting preventive behavior, avoidant behavior, and wishful thinking; however, the patterns of relationships differ across the types of coping behavior. According to the current results, to increase adherence to preventive measures during an epidemic, all the PMT constructs should be considered while persuasive communication to the public is formulated.
Landscape fragmentation of the Natura 2000 network and its surrounding areas
Authors: Lawrence Alexandra , Friedrich Fabian , Beierkuhnlein Carl
Published: October 2021

Habitat loss from anthropogenic development has led to an unprecedented decline in global biodiversity. Protected areas (PAs) exist to counteract this degradation of ecosystems. In the European Union, the Natura 2000 (N2k) network is the basis for continent-wide conservation efforts. N2k is the world’s largest coordinated network of protected areas. However, threats to ecosystems do not stop at the borders of PAs. As measured by a landscape fragmentation metric, anthropogenic development can affect the interiors of PAs. To ensure the long-term viability of the N2k network of PAs, this paper attempts to quantify the degree to which N2k sites are insulated from development pressures. We use a comprehensive dataset of effective mesh density (seff) to measure aggregate fragmentation inside and within a 5 km buffer surrounding N2k sites. Our results show a strong correlation (R² = 0.78) between fragmentation (seff) within and around N2k sites. This result applies to all biogeographical regions in Europe. Only a narrow majority (58.5%) of N2k sites are less fragmented than their surroundings. Remote and mountainous regions in northern Europe, the Alps, parts of Spain, and parts of eastern Europe show the lowest levels of fragmentation. These regions tend to hold the largest N2k sites as measured by area. In contrast, central and western Europe show the highest fragmentation levels within and around N2k sites. 24.5% of all N2k sites are classified as highly to very-highly fragmented. N2k PA age since initial protection does not correlate with the difference in exterior and interior fragmentation of N2k PAs. These results indicate that PAs in Europe are not sheltered from anthropogenic pressures leading to fragmentation. Hence, we argue that there is a high potential for improving PA efficacy by taking pre-emptive action against encroaching anthropogenic fragmentation and by targeting scarce financial resources where fragmentation pressures can be mitigated through enforced construction bans inside PAs.
Top-down resolution of visual ambiguity – knowledge from the future or footprints from the past?
Authors: Kornmeier Jürgen , Bhatia Kriti , Joos Ellen
Published: October 2021

Current theories about visual perception assume that our perceptual system weights the a priori incomplete, noisy and ambiguous sensory information with previous, memorized perceptual experiences in order to construct stable and reliable percepts. These theories are supported by numerous experimental findings. Theories about precognition have an opposite point of view. They assume that information from the future can have influence on perception, thoughts, and behavior. Several experimental studies provide evidence for precognition effects, other studies found no such effects. One problem may be that the vast majority of precognition paradigms did not systematically control for potential effects from the perceptual history. In the present study, we presented ambiguous Necker cube stimuli and disambiguated cube variants and systematically tested in two separate experiments whether perception of a currently observed ambiguous Necker cube stimulus can be influenced by a disambiguated cube variant, presented in the immediate perceptual past (perceptual history effects) and/or in the immediate perceptual future (precognition effects). We found perceptual history effects, which partly depended on the length of the perceptual history trace but were independent of the perceptual future. Results from some individual participants suggest on the first glance a precognition pattern, but results from our second experiment make a perceptual history explanation more probable. On the group level, no precognition effects were statistically indicated. The perceptual history effects found in the present study are in confirmation with related studies from the literature. The precognition analysis revealed some interesting individual patterns, which however did not allow for general conclusions. Overall, the present study demonstrates that any future experiment about sensory or extrasensory perception urgently needs to control for potential perceptual history effects and that temporal aspects of stimulus presentation are of high relevance.
Urinary proteomics investigations into contrast-induced acute kidney injury
Authors: Zhu Hong , Chu Wenwen , Han Shuai , Gao Bihu , Wang Xin
Published: October 2021

Some patients have a decline in renal function after contrast medium injection, and this phenomenon is called contrast-induced acute kidney injury (CI-AKI); a small number of people even suffer severe renal failure. To date, the mechanism of CI-AKI remains unclear. We aimed to identify novel potential biomarkers in the urine of patients with CI-AKI through LC-MS/MS and bioinformatics analysis. We enrolled patients who underwent coronary angiography (contrast agent: iohexol). The CI-AKI group included 4 cases, and the non-CI-AKI group included 20 cases. We mixed the 4 CI-AKI samples and 20 non-CI-AKI samples. Then, a 0.6 ml urine sample was used for proteome analysis with LC-MS/MS approach. Metascape, ExPASy, and the Human Protein Atlas were utilized for bioinformatics analysis. We obtained 724 and 830 urine proteins from the CI-AKI and non-CI-AKI groups, respectively. The distribution of the pI values and molecular weights (MWs) of postoperative urine proteins showed no significant difference between the CI-AKI group and the non-CI-AKI group. A total of 99differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were detected, among which 18 proteins were detected only in tubule cells, and 19 proteins were detected in both tubule cells and glomeruli. With GO analysis, the GEPs were mainly associated with immune response and inflammation. Although biomarkers cannot be asserted from this single pilot study, our results may help advance the understanding of the mechanisms of CI-AKI and identify potential novel biomarkers for further investigation.
Academic student satisfaction and perceived performance in the e-learning environment during the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence across ten countries
Authors: Keržič Damijana , Alex Jogymol Kalariparampil , Pamela Balbontín Alvarado Roxana , Bezerra Denilson da Silva , Cheraghi Maria , Dobrowolska Beata , Fagbamigbe Adeniyi Francis , Faris MoezAlIslam Ezzat , França Thais , González-Fernández Belinka , Gonzalez-Robledo Luz Maria , Inasius Fany , Kar Sujita Kumar , Lazányi Kornélia , Lazăr Florin , Machin-Mastromatteo Juan Daniel , Marôco João , Marques Bertil Pires , Mejía-Rodríguez Oliva , Méndez Prado Silvia Mariela , Mishra Alpana , Mollica Cristina , Navarro Jiménez Silvana Guadalupe , Obadić Alka , Raccanello Daniela , Rashid Md Mamun Ur , Ravšelj Dejan , Tomaževič Nina , Uleanya Chinaza , Umek Lan , Vicentini Giada , Yorulmaz Özlem , Zamfir Ana-Maria , Aristovnik Aleksander
Published: October 2021

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically shaped higher education and seen the distinct rise of e-learning as a compulsory element of the modern educational landscape. Accordingly, this study highlights the factors which have influenced how students perceive their academic performance during this emergency changeover to e-learning. The empirical analysis is performed on a sample of 10,092 higher education students from 10 countries across 4 continents during the pandemic’s first wave through an online survey. A structural equation model revealed the quality of e-learning was mainly derived from service quality, the teacher’s active role in the process of online education, and the overall system quality, while the students’ digital competencies and online interactions with their colleagues and teachers were considered to be slightly less important factors. The impact of e-learning quality on the students’ performance was strongly mediated by their satisfaction with e-learning. In general, the model gave quite consistent results across countries, gender, study fields, and levels of study. The findings provide a basis for policy recommendations to support decision-makers incorporate e-learning issues in the current and any new similar circumstances.
Effect of immune modulation on the skeletal muscle mitochondrial exercise response: An exploratory study in mice with cancer
Authors: Buss Linda A. , Hock Barry , Merry Troy L. , Ang Abel D. , Robinson Bridget A. , Currie Margaret J. , Dachs Gabi U.
Published: October 2021

Cancer causes mitochondrial alterations in skeletal muscle, which may progress to muscle wasting and, ultimately, to cancer cachexia. Understanding how exercise adaptations are altered by cancer and cancer treatment is important for the effective design of exercise interventions aimed at improving cancer outcomes. We conducted an exploratory study to investigate how tumor burden and cancer immunotherapy treatment (anti-PD-1) modify the skeletal muscle mitochondrial response to exercise training in mice with transplantable tumors (B16-F10 melanoma and EO771 breast cancer). Mice remained sedentary or were provided with running wheels for ~19 days immediately following tumor implant while receiving no treatment (Untreated), isotype control antibody (IgG2a) or anti-PD-1. Exercise and anti-PD-1 did not alter the growth rate of either tumor type, either alone or in combination therapy. Untreated mice with B16-F10 tumors showed increases in most measured markers of skeletal muscle mitochondrial content following exercise training, as did anti-PD-1-treated mice, suggesting increased mitochondrial content following exercise training in these groups. However, mice with B16-F10 tumors receiving the isotype control antibody did not exhibit increased skeletal muscle mitochondrial content following exercise. In untreated mice with EO771 tumors, only citrate synthase activity and complex IV activity were increased following exercise. In contrast, IgG2a and anti-PD-1-treated groups both showed robust increases in most measured markers following exercise. These results indicate that in mice with B16-F10 tumors, IgG2a administration prevents exercise adaptation of skeletal muscle mitochondria, but adaptation remains intact in mice receiving anti-PD-1. In mice with EO771 tumors, both IgG2a and anti-PD-1-treated mice show robust skeletal muscle mitochondrial exercise responses, while untreated mice do not. Taken together, we postulate that immune modulation may enhance skeletal muscle mitochondrial response to exercise in tumor-bearing mice, and suggest this as an exciting new avenue for future research in exercise oncology.
Using a Deliberative Poll on breast cancer screening to assess and improve the decision quality of laypeople
Authors: Jensen Manja D. , Hansen Kasper M. , Siersma Volkert , Brodersen John
Published: October 2021

Balancing the benefits and harms of mammography screening is difficult and involves a value judgement. Screening is both a medical and a social intervention, therefore public opinion could be considered when deciding if mammography screening programmes should be implemented and continued. Opinion polls have revealed high levels of public enthusiasm for cancer screening, however, the public tends to overestimate the benefits and underestimate the harms. In the search for better public decision on mammography screening, this study investigated the quality of public opinion arising from a Deliberative Poll. In a Deliberative Poll a representative group of people is brought together to deliberate with each other and with experts based on specific information. Before, during and after the process, the participants’ opinions are assessed. In our Deliberative Poll a representative sample of the Danish population aged between 18 and 70 participated. They studied an online video and took part in five hours of intense online deliberation. We used survey data at four timepoints during the study, from recruitment to one month after the poll, to estimate the quality of decisions by the following outcomes: 1) Knowledge; 2) Ability to form opinions; 3) Opinion stability, and 4) Opinion consistency. The proportion of participants with a high level of knowledge increased from 1% at recruitment to 56% after receiving video information. More people formed an opinion regarding the effectiveness of the screening programme (12%), the economy of the programme (27%), and the ethical dilemmas of screening (10%) due to the process of information and deliberation. For 11 out of 14 opinion items, the within-item correlations between the first two inquiry time points were smaller than the correlations between later timepoints. This indicates increased opinion stability. The correlations between three pairs of opinion items deemed theoretically related a priori all increased, indicating increased opinion consistency. Overall, the combined process of online information and deliberation increased opinion quality about mammography screening by increasing knowledge and the ability to form stable and consistent opinions.
Comparison of EUS and ERCP-guided tissue sampling in suspected biliary stricture
Authors: Chung Hye Gyo , Chang Jong-In , Lee Kwang Hyuk , Park Joo Kyung , Lee Kyu Taek , Lee Jong Kyun
Published: October 2021

Background

Endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS) are commonly used diagnostic modalities in biliary strictures. We compared the diagnostic yield of EUS and ERCP-based tissue sampling in intrinsic biliary strictures without extrinsic mass outside the bile duct.

Methods

A total of 85 patients who underwent ERCP and EUS for diagnosis of suspected biliary strictures confined to the bile duct were analyzed retrospectively at Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Korea, between 2010 and 2018.

Results

Seventy-one patients were diagnosed with malignancy and 14 patients were diagnosed with benign strictures. EUS-based tissue sampling was more sensitive and accurate than ERCP-based tissue sampling (p = 0.038). The overall sensitivity and accuracy were 67.6% (95% confidence interval (CI) 56.1–77.3) and 72.9% (95% CI 62.7–81.2) for ERCP-based sampling, and 80.3% (95% CI 69.6–87.9) and 83.5% (95% CI 74.2–89.9) for EUS-based sampling, respectively. EUS-based sampling was superior to ERCP-based sampling in distal bile duct strictures (accuracy: 87.0% vs. 72.5%, p = 0.007), but not in perihilar strictures. In cases without intraductal mass, EUS-based tissue sampling was also superior to ERCP-based sampling (accuracy: 83.3% vs. 69.7%, p = 0.029), but not in cases with mass.

Conclusion

EUS-based tissue sampling was superior to ERCP-based method in intrinsic biliary stricture with no mass outside the bile duct, particularly in those without intraductal mass or those with strictures located in distal bile duct. Therefore, EUS-based sampling should be considered for making a pathological diagnosis of suspected distal bile duct strictures even in lesions without definite mass.
The influence of maternal blood glucose during pregnancy on weight outcomes at birth and preschool age in offspring exposed to hyperglycemia first detected during pregnancy, in a South African cohort
Authors: Chivese Tawanda , Haynes Magret C. , van Zyl Hetta , Kyriacos Una , Levitt Naomi S. , Norris Shane A.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

Little is known about the influence of hyperglycemia first detected in pregnancy (HFDP) on weight outcomes in exposed offspring in Africa. We investigated the influence of maternal blood glucose concentrations during pregnancy on offspring weight outcomes at birth and preschool age, in offspring exposed to HFDP, in South Africa.

Research design and methods

Women diagnosed with HFDP had data routinely collected during the pregnancy and at delivery, at a referral hospital, and the offspring followed up at preschool age. Maternal fasting, oral glucose tolerance test 1 and 2-hour blood glucose were measured at diagnosis of HFDP and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose during the third trimester. Offspring were classified as either those exposed to diabetes first recognized in pregnancy (DIP) or gestational diabetes (GDM). At birth, neonates were classified into macrosomia, low birth weight (LBW), large for gestational age (LGA), appropriate (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA)groups. At preschool age, offspring had height and weight measured and Z-scores for weight, height and BMI calculated.

Results

Four hundred and forty-three neonates were included in the study at birth, with 165 exposed to DIP and 278 exposed to GDM. At birth, the prevalence of LGA, macrosomia and LBW were 29.6%, 12.2% and 7.5%, respectively, with a higher prevalence of LGA and macrosomia in neonates exposed to DIP. At pre-school age, the combined prevalence of overweight and obesity was 26.5%. Maternal third trimester 2-hour postprandial blood glucose was significantly associated with z-scores for weight at birth and preschool age, and both SGA and LGA at birth.

Conclusion

In offspring exposed to HFDP, there is a high prevalence of LGA and macrosomia at birth, and overweight and obesity at preschool age, with higher prevalence in those exposed to DIP, compared to GDM. Maternal blood glucose control during the pregnancy influences offspring weight at birth and preschool age.
Mortality in association with antipsychotic medication use and clinical outcomes among geriatric psychiatry outpatients with COVID-19
Authors: Austria Bienvenida , Haque Rehana , Mittal Sukriti , Scott Jamie , Vengassery Aninditha , Maltz Daniel , Li Wentian , Greenwald Blaine , Freudenberg-Hua Yun
Published: October 2021

Objectives

Older adults are particularly vulnerable to the negative consequences of antipsychotic exposure and are disproportionally affected by higher mortality from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Our goal was to determine whether concurrent antipsychotic medication use was associated with increased COVID-19 mortality in older patients with preexisting behavioral health problems. We also report on findings from post-COVID follow-ups.

Design

Retrospective observational study.

Participants

Outpatients at a geriatric psychiatric clinic in New York City.

Measurements

Demographic and clinical data including medication, diagnosis and Clinical Global Impression Severity (CGI-S) scales on outpatients who had COVID-19 between February 28th and October 1st 2020 were extracted from the electronic health records (EHR) from the hospital.

Results

A total of 56 patients were diagnosed with COVID-19 (mean age 76 years; median age 75 years) and 13 (23.2%) died. We found an increased mortality risk for patients who were prescribed at least one antipsychotic medication at the time of COVID-19 infection (Fisher’s exact test P = 0.009, OR = 11.1, 95% confidence interval: 1.4–96.0). This result remains significant after adjusting for age, gender, housing context and dementia (Logistic regression P = 0.035, Beta = 2.4). Furthermore, we found that most patients who survived COVID-19 (88.4%) recovered to pre-COVID baseline in terms of psychiatric symptoms. Comparison of pre- and post-COVID assessments of CGI-S for 33 patients who recovered from COVID-19 were not significantly different.

Conclusion

We observed a higher COVID-19 mortality associated with concurrent antipsychotics use in older patients receiving behavioral health services. The majority of patients in our geriatric clinic who recovered from COVID-19 appeared to return to their pre-COVID psychiatric function. More precise estimates of the risk associated with antipsychotic treatment in older patients with COVID-19 and other underlying factors will come from larger datasets and meta-analyses.
Comparative transcriptional profiling of the early host response to infection by typhoidal and non-typhoidal Salmonella serovars in human intestinal organoids
Authors: Abuaita Basel H. , Lawrence Anna-Lisa E. , Berger Ryan P. , Hill David R. , Huang Sha , Yadagiri Veda K. , Bons Brooke , Fields Courtney , Wobus Christiane E. , Spence Jason R. , Young Vincent B. , O’Riordan Mary X.
Published: October 2021

Salmonella entericarepresents over 2500 serovars associated with a wide-ranging spectrum of disease; from self-limiting gastroenteritis to invasive infections caused by non-typhoidal serovars (NTS) and typhoidal serovars, respectively. Host factors strongly influence infection outcome as malnourished or immunocompromised individuals can develop invasive infections from NTS, however, comparative analyses of serovar-specific host responses have been constrained by reliance on limited model systems. Here we used human intestinal organoids (HIOs), a three-dimensional “gut-like”in vitrosystem derived from human embryonic stem cells, to elucidate similarities and differences in host responses to NTS and typhoidal serovars. HIOs discriminated between the two most prevalent NTS,Salmonella entericaserovar Typhimurium (STM) andSalmonella entericaserovar Enteritidis (SE), and typhoidal serovarSalmonella entericaserovar Typhi (ST) in epithelial cell invasion, replication and transcriptional responses. Pro-inflammatory signaling and cytokine output was reduced in ST-infected HIOs compared to NTS infections, consistent with early stages of NTS and typhoidal diseases. While we predicted that ST would induce a distinct transcriptional profile from the NTS strains, more nuanced expression profiles emerged. Notably, pathways involved in cell cycle, metabolism and mitochondrial functions were downregulated in STM-infected HIOs and upregulated in SE-infected HIOs. These results correlated with suppression of cellular proliferation and induction of host cell death in STM-infected HIOs and in contrast, elevated levels of reactive oxygen species production in SE-infected HIOs. Collectively, these results suggest that the HIO model is well suited to reveal host transcriptional programming specific to infection by individualSalmonellaserovars, and that individual NTS may provoke unique host epithelial responses during intestinal stages of infection.
Bile acid-independent protection against Clostridioides difficile infection
Authors: Aguirre Andrea Martinez , Yalcinkaya Nazli , Wu Qinglong , Swennes Alton , Tessier Mary Elizabeth , Roberts Paul , Miyajima Fabio , Savidge Tor , Sorg Joseph A.
Published: October 2021

Clostridioides difficile infections occur upon ecological / metabolic disruptions to the normal colonic microbiota, commonly due to broad-spectrum antibiotic use. Metabolism of bile acids through a 7α-dehydroxylation pathway found in select members of the healthy microbiota is regarded to be the protective mechanism by which C. difficile is excluded. These 7α-dehydroxylated secondary bile acids are highly toxic to C. difficile vegetative growth, and antibiotic treatment abolishes the bacteria that perform this metabolism. However, the data that supports the hypothesis that secondary bile acids protect against C. difficile infection is supported only by in vitro data and correlative studies. Here we show that bacteria that 7α-dehydroxylate primary bile acids protect against C. difficile infection in a bile acid-independent manner. We monoassociated germ-free, wildtype or Cyp8b1-/- (cholic acid-deficient) mutant mice and infected them with C. difficile spores. We show that 7α-dehydroxylation (i.e., secondary bile acid generation) is dispensable for protection against C. difficile infection and provide evidence that Stickland metabolism by these organisms consumes nutrients essential for C. difficile growth. Our findings indicate secondary bile acid production by the microbiome is a useful biomarker for a C. difficile-resistant environment but the microbiome protects against C. difficile infection in bile acid-independent mechanisms.
Child therapist’s play: Reconsidering the developmental appropriateness of Developmental Transformations
Authors: Buckley Meaghen
Published: October 2021

Developmental Transformations (DvT) has been presented as a developmentally appropriate therapy approach for children. This conceptual article explores the foundational elements of DvT practice in relation to children’s specific needs in therapy. The article argues for a heightened ethical responsibility to apply core concepts such as encounter, embodiment, mutuality and reversibility in the context of children’s developmental processes, and to acknowledge the power differentials between child clients and adult therapists.
Garapen Iraunkorrerako Helburuei so hizkuntzen betaurrekoekin
Authors: Garcia-Azkoaga Ines Mª , Idiazabal Itziar
Published: October 2021

Lan honen helburua 2030 Agendako Garapen Iraunkorrerako Helburuen (GIH) eta hizkuntza-aniztasunaren arteko loturaz gogoeta egitea da. Hizkuntzak Nazio Batuen Erakundeak zehaztu dituen 17 helburuak besarkatzen ditu halabeharrez, baina 2030 Agendan ez da formulazio espliziturik egiten horri buruz. Hutsune hori agerian jartzeko, «17+1» aldarrikapena egin da, hizkuntzen helburuari buruzko (18. helburua) argudioak erakutsiz. Hizkuntza-aniztasunaren eta eleaniztasunaren gogoeta erdigunera ekarri, eta, garapen iraunkorrerako 4. helburua (hezkuntza) adibidetzat hartuta, hizkuntzak garapenaren eragile moduan duen garrantzia aztertu da artikulu honetan. 18. helbururako zerrendatxo bat ere eskaini da, «17+1» deritzon aldarrikapena nabarmentzeko. Ondorio zenbait ere atera dira, eta haien artean garrantzizkoena da hizkuntza bere horretan helburu guztietan agertu beharko litzatekeela jomuga moduan, hura delako helburu horiek erdiesteko dagoen tresna bazterrezina eta ga- rrantzizkoena.
Estatísticas agrícolas regionais em Portugal (séculos XIX a XXI): fontes, problemas e historiografia
Authors: Faísca Carlos Manuel , Freire Dulce
Published: October 2021

Nos últimos anos, seguindo uma tendência europeia com várias décadas, a historiografia portuguesa tem construído séries estatísticas de longa duração para diversos indicadores económicos e sociais. Ainda que a agricultura seja uma das atividades historicamente mais relevantes, esses indicadores continuam a faltar. Resultando de uma longa pesquisa que tem tentado colmatar algumas das lacunas identificadas, apresentam-se as primeiras séries de produção agrícola regional para Portugal Continental. A análise começa no século XIX, quando os serviços oficiais passaram a recolher sistematicamente alguns dados estatísticos. O artigo está focado no processo de produção destas fontes históricas, avaliando como as mudanças no enquadramento institucional e nos objetivos do Estado podem ter influenciado a qualidade dos dados existentes para cada região. Seguidamente, traça um roteiro dos fundos documentais guardados e disponíveis nos arquivos nacionais e distritais, facilitando o desenvolvimento de futuras investigações.
Assistência na doença: as boticas monásticas beneditinas no século XVIII
Authors: Ramos Anabela
Published: October 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho é analisar as determinações da Congregação de São Bento para promover o tratamento e cuidado do doente, nas comunidades monásticas beneditinas. Em especial, observam-se as ações desenvolvidas nos Mosteiros de São Martinho de Tibães e no de São Miguel Refojos de Basto. O primeiro, localizado junto à cidade de Braga, onde havia um bom serviço médico-farmacêutico, com as boticas do Carmo e da Companhia de Jesus, só vai instituir botica em 1797. Porém, mesmo sem boticário residente, o monge enfermeiro desenvolvia já muitas ações terapêuticas sob prescrição dos médicos que atendiam os doentes. Por outro lado, no Mosteiro de São Miguel de Refojos de Basto, localizado longe dos centros urbanos e sem serviços médicos de relevo, vai-se fundar uma botica em 1745, pelo impulso de Frei João de Jesus Maria, monge boticário com curso aprovado pela Universidade de Coimbra. A partir daí fazemos o percurso deste boticário e a importância que teve na disponibilização de serviços farmacêuticos nos mosteiros da Congregação. Em 1834, no momento de extinção daquele mosteiro percebemos ainda a intensa atividade farmacêutica aí desenvolvida e o papel social que desempenhava na comunidade envolvente e na formação de novos boticários.
Cura Psicossomática e Cura Política em Platão
Authors: Coutinho Luciano
Published: October 2021

Embora Platão tenha vivido há mais de dois mil e trezentos anos antes de nossa data atual no séc. xxi, suas teorias em torno do processo de cura surpreendem pela profundidade e atualidade com que se sustentam, intuem e revelam certos mistérios ainda para nossos dias. É bastante frequente encontrarmos imagens míticas associadas aos temas e às reflexões empreendidas pelo filósofo. Esse diálogo entre mito e filosofia é uma estratégia mais que didática, na medida em que Platão busca o que, nos mitos, é conhecimento válido para suas teorias e o que, neles, precisa ser alterado ou substituído. Com o tema da cura não é diferente, ele recorre a um almanaque mítico, impressionantemente, rico, a fim de naturalizar os processos de cura considerados, via de regra, mágicos. Para se perceber essa nuance, é preciso so verificar como as imagens míticas encantadas têm seus elementos alterados e/ou substituídos por elementos psicológicos. Esta é a chave para a compreensão do processo de cura psicossomática e de cura política em Platão que Luciano Coutinho coloca em diálogo com a atualidade filosófica e científica e com seu leitor.
PRODUÇÃO DO ESPAÇO GEOGRÁFICO: PROBLEMAS AMBIENTAIS E SEGREGAÇÃO SOCIOESPACIAL EM RONDONÓPOLIS (MT)
Authors: Alves Rodrigues Kelbiane , dos Santos Caio Augusto Marques , César Zandonadi Júlio , Silva Érika Cristina Nesta
Published: October 2021

Os problemas ambientais acontecem na esteira da produção do espaço. De tal modo, se o espaço produzido é diferencial e desigual entre (e para) as classes e frações de classes sociais, supõe-se que assim também são os problemas ambientais decorrentes. Desdobra-se, portanto, da ideia aventada o objetivo do presente trabalho, ou seja, discutir a relação entre problemas ambientais urbanos e a segregação socioespacial em três bairros de Rondonópolis (MT): Jardim Carlos Bezerra I e II e Parque Residencial Buriti. Para tal, em trabalhos de campo, a partir de registro fotográfico, foram identificados problemas ambientais nessas áreas. As seguintes questões nortearam a reflexão: a) agentes distintos de produção do espaço urbano decorrem em quantidade/qualidade de problemas ambientais? b) loteamentos em que há predomínio de populações com menores rendimentos possuem maior volume de problemas ambientais e esses são mais graves? c) as causas dos problemas ambientais estão relacionadas ao segmento social que ocupa os espaços ou às fragilidades do meio natural frente ao uso e ocupação da terra? Por meio dos resultados alcançados, percebeu-se que os problemas ambientais são somados às condições sociais e econômicas constitutivas da segregação socioespacial derivada da produção capitalista do espaço.
AGRICULTORES FAMILIARES, AGROINDÚSTRIAS DE DENDÊ E A INTEGRAÇÃO PRODUTIVA NA AMAZÔNIA PARAENSE
Authors: Lima Gomes Dérick , Schmitz Heribert , Maria da Mota Dalva
Published: October 2021

Desde 2004, o Estado subsidia a produção conjunta de dendê entre empresas e agricultores familiares no Pará, iniciativa cujo propósito oficial é a produção de biodiesel e a inclusão social desses agricultores. Hoje, contudo, a destinação da produção das empresas ao mercado de biodiesel é ínfima, o que contraria a finalidade inicial do projeto; quanto aos agricultores, as pesquisas divergem sobre os benefícios por eles adquiridos nesse sistema produtivo. O objetivo do artigo é analisar a relação de integração entre as duas partes, empresas e agricultores, segundo seus interesses e as mudanças nas condições de produção desses últimos. A pesquisa foi realizada por meio de um estudo de caso. Contou-se com entrevistas abertas, baseadas em um roteiro, e questionários semiestruturados. Os dados também foram analisados segundo o Teste “T” de Student pareado e estatísticas descritivas, com o auxílio da revisão de literatura e de dados secundários. Os resultados demonstram que as opções de ambos pela integração estão diretamente conectadas, o que não significa uma relação harmoniosa nem uma subordinação passiva dos agricultores. Estes sopesam pontos negativos e positivos na relação contratual, que permitem compreender por que optaram pela integração e suas percepções sobre as mudanças vivenciadas.
Mobile Application for the Identification of Street Dogs Using Image Recognition Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Rojas Miñan Michelle Stephanie , Rodriguez Dávila Juan Jhair , Wong Portillo Lenis Rossi
Published: October 2021

La población de canes callejeros aumenta cada año, por ello se han implementado tecnologías, protocolos y proyectos legislativos en los países para frenarlo. El objetivo de la presente investigación es hacer uso del reconocimiento de imágenes aplicando AutoML para optimizar la identificación de canes callejeros que se encuentran en estado de pérdida. La metodología implementada consta de 4 fases: planteamiento de las preguntas de investigación, generación del modelo usando aprendizaje automático, desarrollo del aplicativo móvil donde se integró el modelo generado y, validación de la propuesta con 2 casos de estudio. De los resultados en la validación, se obtuvo que nuestra propuesta logró optimizar el tiempo y precisión en la identificación de canes perdidos en un 45% en comparacion con otras plataformas web.