bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Caracterización de sistemas de alimentación de ovinos en el departamento de Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Mestra L.I. , Santana M.O. , Rios D.A. L. , Mejia L.J. , Ortiz C.R. , Paternina S.E.
Published: February 2021

El objetivo de este estudio fue caracterizar los sistemas de alimentación de ovinos y los recursos alimenticios en 26 unidades productivas (UP) de 13 municipios de Córdoba, Colombia. La información se recopiló mediante cuestionarios semiestructurados, conformados por las áreas temáticas: a) Ubicación geográfica de las UP, b) Características de infraestructura y componente animal, c) Manejo animal y control productivo, d) Composición nutricional de alimentos, e) Caracterización de dietas utilizadas y f) Manejo de la alimentación. En los análisis descriptivos, se encontró que la mayoría de las UP eran extensivas con predominio de rebaños bovinos y ovinos (84,6%), uso de varias razas de ovinos (61,1%), verificación del consumo de calostro (88%), uso de Botrhriocloa pertusa en pastoreo continuo (69.2%) y ocasionalmente suplementan los animales (53.9%). Con el análisis de conglomerados y la evaluación interna realizada, se encontró que la mejor estructura de agrupamiento se obtuvo con el método de las k medias, el cual concentró las 26 UP en dos grupos G1 y G2, el G1 con 3 UP, caracterizado por rebaños con más de 400 animales, mientras que, el G2 con 23 UP, mostró un inventario promedio menor a 100 animales; ambos grupos con pastoreo continuo y uso de suplementos, con adecuada estructura de los rebaños. Se concluye que, en Córdoba, la producción ovina se basa en el pastoreo, en transición desde un nivel tecnológico medio a semi-intensivo; similar a la producción nacional colombiana, asociada con una inadecuada gestión de los alimentos y con oportunidades de mejora debido a la disponibilidad de recursos alimentarios de buena calidad.
Análise de componentes principais de medidas morfométricas de equinos da raça Pônei Brasileiro
Authors: Bartholazzi Junior A. , David C.M.G. , Rua M.A.S. , González A.R.M. , Maretto V. , Matos L.F. , Quirino C.R.
Published: February 2021

O Pônei Brasileiro é uma raça recente que iniciou o registro dos animais a partir do ano de 1970, e vem sendo selecionada continuamente principalmente na sua morfologia para aperfeiçoamento e padronização racial. O objetivo do estudo foi avaliar através da análise componentes principais medidas morfométricas de garanhões e éguas pôneis da raça Pônei Brasileiro para identificar as que mais contribuem para a explicação da variância total em cada sexo. Foram tomadas 14 medidas lineares de um total de 281 animais adultos e foram realizadas a análise descritiva, análise de variância, correlações e análise de componentes principais. As medidas morfométricas dos animais apresentaram grande variação nos dois sexos. As correlações entre as variáveis foram positivas e, em geral, de alta magnitude. Para os garanhões foram necessários apenas dois componentes e para as fêmeas foram necessários apenas três componentes para explicar pelo menos 80% da variação total. Após metodologia para descarte de variáveis foram identificadas as variáveis largura da cabeça, comprimento do pescoço e altura do tórax como as medidas que explicam a maior parte da variação dos animais da raça Pônei Brasileiro e devem ser utilizadas para seleção e controle racial.
El diseño audiovisual de lo siniestro en la serie Dark
Authors:   Universidad de Alicante, Alaminos Fernández Antonio , Alaminos Antonio ,   Universidad de Alicante
Published: February 2021

La producción audiovisual establece una relación con la audiencia que pretende producir una reacción en ella. Sea humor, terror, compasión u otros sentimientos, alcanzar con éxito su objetivo requiere del diseño de unos procesos constructivos que implican tanto múltiples elementos como son tema, argumento, diálogos, tratamiento visual o sonoro… El estudio de lo siniestro, debido al interés de Freud por su uso artístico, ha encontrado en el enfoque psicoanalítico una de las propuestas más elaboradas. Tras su trabajo, ofrece una propuesta que utilizarían directores como Hitchcock. Esta investigación estudia como la serie Dark recurre al psicoanálisis para elaborar un discurso audiovisual esencialmente siniestro. Dark es una serie ampliamente conocida por el empleo de elementos filosóficos, científicos y religiosos aplicados a conceptos como el tiempo, el ser, la muerte, la identidad, la libertad o el deseo. En ese sentido, no nos ocupa conocer cuáles son las bases psicológicas de lo siniestro, y sí conocer cómo el psicoanálisis facilita el diseño y el discurso. El análisis textual muestra como se aplican de forma sistemática los elementos destacados por Freud en su análisis, formando el armazón esencial sobre el que se inscriben los demás registros tanto de contenido, como narrativos y audiovisuales.
Coyunturas éticas y estéticas en el cine documental contemporáneo. Testimonios sobre la guerra contra el narcotráfico en México
Authors:   Universidad de Guadalajara, Alcalá Anguiano Fabiola
Published: February 2021

La representación del dolor, la violencia y la pérdida en el cine de lo real implica tomar en consideración una serie de estatutos éticos que suelen estar ligados a recursos estéticos que permiten este cuidado y posicionamiento del cineasta frente a sus historias y a las personas que las relatan. En México, la guerra contra el narcotráfico ha sacudido al país y el cine documental ha tenido que dar cuenta de ello, pero ¿cómo lo hace? ¿De qué forma se relata un levantamiento? ¿Cómo se puede dar voz a un torturador? ¿Cómo se muestra lo invisible o cómo se habla de lo innombrable? ¿Cómo se da cuenta de la estética de lo siniestro? Este texto pretende responder a estas interrogantes mediante el análisis de dos documentales mexicanos contemporáneos: Geografía del dolor (2012) de Mónica González y La libertad del diablo (2017) de Everardo González.
Las transiciones hacia la sostenibilidad como procesos de final abierto: Dinamización Local Agroecológica con horticultores convencionales de l’Horta de València
Authors: López-García Daniel , Benlloch Calvo Lluís , Calabuig Tormo Vanessa , Carucci Piergiuseppe , Diez Torrijos Ignacio , Herrero Garcés Alba , López Nicolás Mireia , Pérez Sánchez Josep Manuel , Vicente-Amazán Lola
Published: February 2021

En los últimos años la reflexión científica acerca de las transiciones hacia la sostenibilidad en el sistema agroalimentario ha recibido una atención creciente, y se han desarrollado aproximaciones en distintos contextos y escalas territoriales. Sin embargo, las posibles trayectorias de transición emprendidas desde situaciones y actores convencionales han sido menos estudiadas. El presente artículo analiza tres estudios de caso en los que se ha aplicado la metodología de la Dinamización Local Agroecológica para impulsar transiciones hacia la sostenibilidad en grupos de agricultores convencionales de regadío en el término municipal de València. La discusión aporta reflexiones empíricas relevantes en aspectos hasta ahora poco desarrollados, como son la dialéctica entre las visiones deterministas y las de final abierto en torno a las trayectorias y contenidos específicos de cada proceso de transición; la naturaleza y rasgos del sujeto de la transición; o el papel del enfoque agroecológico en la conceptualización de las transiciones hacia la sostenibilidad de los sistemas alimentarios. El artículo señala la importancia del trabajo desde enfoques no-deterministas para aprehender situaciones complejas, y la necesidad de profundizar en el análisis de los sujetos de las transiciones hacia la sostenibilidad agroalimentaria en el desarrollo de marcos metodológicos adaptados a cada perfil concreto.
Managing Nontechnical Risk in Offshore Projects
Authors: Whitfield Stephen
Published: February 2021

In recent years, offshore projects have increased in size, scope, and cost, expanding into deeper waters and new frontiers. Alongside this growth, the negative potential for nontechnical issues relating to health, safety, security, environment, and social responsibility (HSSE-SR) on a project’s timeline has also increased. Projects are under more intense scrutiny from the companies that own and operate them.

In an effort to better understand the value of nontechnical risk (NTR) at the project and portfolio level, companies are searching for the proper systems and processes to deliver quality HSSE-SR performance. The elements of NTR assessment, the methodologies of managing NTR, and how they relate to offshore projects will be examined.
Diagnostic Accuracy Of Spect/CT Arthrography In Patients With Suspected Aseptic Joint Prostheses Loosening
Authors: Bao Bo , Liu Crystal Sixian , Masson Edward C.O , Abele Jonathan
Published: February 2021

Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of SPECT/CT arthrography in patients with suspected aseptic prosthesis loosening following hip and knee arthroplasty. Methods A retrospective review of 63 SPECT/CT arthrogram studies (36 knees and 27 hips) between February 1, 2013 and July 1, 2018 was conducted. All patients underwent clinical and radiologic evaluation as part of their assessment for persistent pain following hip and knee arthroplasty. The detection of tracer activity along the bone-prosthetic interface on SPECT/CT suggests aseptic loosening. Operative assessment as well as clinical/ radiologic follow-up at a minimum of one year were used as the reference standard. Results The sensitivity and specificity of SPECT/CT for detection of aseptic loosening was 6/7 (86%) and 55/56 (98%) respectively. This gives a positive predictive value (PPV) of 6/7 (86%), a negative predictive value (NPV) of 55/56 (98%), and a diagnostic accuracy of 61/63 (97%). Conclusion SPECT/CT arthrography has a high diagnostic accuracy (97%) in the evaluation of loosening of both hip and knee arthroplasties in patients with persistent post-procedural pain.
Public Health Preparedness and Response Synergies between Institutional Authorities and the Community: A Qualitative Case Study of Emerging Tick-borne Diseases in Spain and the Netherlands
Authors: Vries Daniel de , Kinsman John , Cremers Anne , Angrén John , Tsolova Svetla , Wiltshire Emma , Takacs Judit , Ciotti Massimo
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCommunities affected by infectious disease outbreaks are increasingly recognised as partners with a significant role to play during public health emergencies. This paper reports on a qualitative case study of the interactions between affected communities and public health institutions prior to, during, and after two emerging tick-borne disease events in 2016: Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever in Spain, and Tick-Borne Encephalitis in the Netherlands. The aim of the paper is to identify pre-existing and emergent synergies between communities and authorities, and to highlight areas where synergies could be facilitated and enhanced in future outbreaks.MethodsDocumentary material provided background for a set of semi-structured interviews with experts working in both health and relevant non-health official institutions (13 and 21 individuals respectively in Spain and the Netherlands), and focus group discussions with representatives of affected communities (15 and 10 individuals respectively). Data from all sources were combined and analysed thematically, initially independently for each country and then for both countries together.ResultsStrong synergies were identified in tick surveillance activities in both countries, and the value of pre-existing networks of interest groups for preparedness and response activities was recognised. However, authorities also noted that there were hard-to-reach and potentially vulnerable groups, such as hikers, foreign tourists, and volunteers working in green areas. While the general population received preventive information about the two events, risk communication or other community engagement efforts were not seen as necessary specifically for these sub-groups. Post-event evaluations of community engagement activities during the two events were limited, so lessons learned were not well documented.ConclusionsA set of good practices emerged from this study, that could be applied in these and other settings. They included the potential value of conducting stakeholder analyses of community actors with a stake in tick-borne or other zoonotic diseases; of utilising pre-existing stakeholder networks for information dissemination; and of monitoring community perceptions of any public health incident, including through social media. Efforts in the two countries to build on the community engagement activities that are already in place could contribute to better preparedness planning and more efficient and timely responses in future outbreaks.
Research on Improved DS Evidence Theory
Authors: Lin Zhen , Xie Jinye
Published: February 2021

In view of the lack of effective information fusion model for heterogeneous multi-sensor, an improved DS evidence theory algorithm is designed to fuse heterogeneous multi-sensor information. The algorithm first introduces the compatibility coefficient to characterize the compatibility between the evidence, obtains the weight matrix of each proposition, and then redistributes the BPA of each focal element to obtain a new evidence source. Then, the concept of credibility is introduced, and the synthetic rules are improved by using the credibility of evidence and the average support of evidence focal elements, so as to obtain the fusion results. The results show that compared with other algorithms, this algorithm can solve the problems of DS evidence theory in dealing with highly conflicting evidence to a certain extent, and the fused results are more reasonable and converge faster.
Relationship Between Body Composition and the Histology of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Cross-sectional Study 
Authors: Miyake Teruki , Miyazaki Masumi , Yoshida Osamu , Kanzaki Sayaka , Nakaguchi Hironobu , Nakamura Yoshiko , Watanabe Takao , Yamamoto Yasunori , Koizumi Yohei , Tokumoto Yoshio , Hirooka Masashi , Furukawa Shinya , Takeshita Eiji , Kumagi Teru , Ikeda Yoshio , Abe Masanori , Toshimitsu Kumiko , Matsuura Bunzo , Hiasa Yoichi
Published: February 2021

Background: Causes of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and its progression include visceral fat accumulation and loss of muscle mass; however, which is more critical is unclear. To clarify this, we examined the relationship between body composition and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression as indicated by fibrosis and the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score.Methods: This cross-sectional study comprised 139 patients (54 men; age, 20–76 years) treated for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease between December 2010 and January 2020. Body composition measurements, histological examinations of liver samples, and comprehensive blood chemistry tests were performed. The relationship between body composition and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease histology findings was analyzed using the logistic regression model.Results: Fibrosis was significantly and inversely correlated with muscle mass and appendicular skeletal muscle mass and significantly and positively correlated with fat mass, fat mass/height squared, visceral fat area, and waist-hip ratio (P <0.05). After adjustment for sex, blood chemistry measurements, and body composition indices, fibrosis remained associated with appendicular skeletal muscle mass, fat mass, fat mass/height squared, and visceral fat area (P <0.05). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease activity score ≥5 significantly correlated with fat mass and fat mass/height squared in a univariate but not multivariate analysis.Conclusions: Fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, an indicator of unfavorable long-term outcomes, is associated with more indices of fat mass than of those of muscle mass. Hence, fat mass should be controlled to prevent non-alcoholic fatty liver disease progression.
Research and Experimental Verification on Coupling Mechanical Characteristics of Surrounding Rock of Hydraulic Support Group in Comprehensive Working Face
Authors: Zhang Kun , Chi Xian , Ma Ying , Li Xia , Feng Long , Li Da , Xu Jun , Chen Yue , Zhang Sheng , Huang Song
Published: February 2021

The hydraulic support group and the surrounding rock in fully mechanized mining faces often do not exist in isolation; rather, they compose in a mutually coupled system. Research on the mechanical characteristics of roofs under the support of group supports can lay a foundation for the determination of the ideal support strength of group support equipment. This paper establishes a coupled mechanical model of the surrounding rock of hydraulic support groups in a fully mechanized mining face. Through variable parameter calculations, the influence of different roof elastic moduli, mining heights, working face lengths, end face distances, support stiffnesses, coal wall stiffnesses and direct roof thicknesses on roof deformation is analyzed, and the corresponding ideal support strength of a hydraulic support is given. The results show that: the deformation of the roof and the ideal support strength of the hydraulic support group decrease as the elastic modulus of the roof increase; the deformation amount of the roof and the ideal support strength of the hydraulic support group increase as the mining height increases; the deformation amount of the roof and the ideal support strength of the hydraulic support group increase as the working face length increases; the deformation amount of the roof and the hydraulic support group also increase. The results also show that the ideal support strength of the support group decreases as the face distance of the top beam end increases; the deformation of the roof decreases significantly as the equivalent stiffness of the hydraulic support group increases, but the ideal support strength of the hydraulic support group increases significantly; the deformation amount of the roof and the ideal support strength of the hydraulic support group decrease significantly as the equivalent stiffness of the coal wall increases; and the deformation amount of the roof and the hydraulic support are significantly reduced. The ideal support strength of the support group decreases as the thickness of the direct roof increases, especially in the middle of the working face. Finally, by setting the ideal support strength in the 12401 working face of the Shangwan Coal Mine of Shendong Group, the accuracy of the calculation results is verified by the multisensor measurement method. The research results provide theoretical support for the development of coal resources for deep mining and intelligent directions on Earth.
Robot-Assisted Thoracic Surgery Versus Video-Assisted Thoracic Surgery for Lung Lobectomy or Segmentectomy in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Ma Jianglei , Li Xiaoyao , Zhao Shifu , Wang Jiawei , Zhang Wujia , Sun Guangyuan
Published: February 2021

Background: It remains no clear conclusion about which is better between robot-assisted thoracic surgery (RATS) and video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) for the treatment of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to compare the short-term and long-term efficacy between RATS and VATS for NSCLC.Methods: Pubmed, Cochrane Library, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Medline and Web of Science databases were comprehensively searched for studies published before December 2020. The quality of the articles was evaluated using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) and the data analyzed using the Review Manager 5.3 software. Fixed or random effect models were applied according to heterogeneity. A sensitivity analysis was conducted. A funnel plot of the overall complication was used to assess the potential publication bias. Results: A total of 18 studies including 11247 patients were included in the meta-analyses, of which 5114 patients were in the RATS group and 6133 in the VATS group. Compared with VATS, RATS was associated with less blood loss (WMD = -50.40, 95% CI -90.32~-10.48, P = 0.010), lower conversion rate (OR = 0.50, 95% CI 0.43~0.60, P < 0.001), more harvested lymph nodes (WMD = 1.72, 95% CI 0.63~2.81, P = 0.002) and stations (WMD = 0.51, 95% CI 0.15~0.86, P = 0.005), shorter duration of postoperative chest tube drainage (WMD = -0.61, 95% CI -0.78~-0.44, P < 0.001) and hospital stay (WMD = -1.12, 95% CI -1.58~-0.66, P < 0.001), lower overall complication rate (OR = 0.90, 95% CI 0.83~0.99, P = 0.020), and lower recurrence rate (OR = 0.51, 95% CI 0.36~0.72, P < 0.001). There was no significant difference between RATS and VATS in operative time, mortality, overall survival (OS), and disease-free survival (DFS). Sensitivity analysis showed that no significant differences were found between the two techniques in conversion rate, number of harvested lymph nodes and stations, and overall complication. Conclusions: The results revealed that RATS is a feasible and safe technique compared with VATS in terms of short and long term outcomes. Moreover, more randomized controlled trials comparing the two techniques with rigorous study designs are still essential to evaluate the value of the robotic surgery for NSCLC.
Predicting Mortality in Critically Ill COVID-19 Patients in A Low-Resources Setting
Authors: Vélez-Paez Jorge , Montalvo Mario , Jara Fernando , Aguayo-Moscoso Santiago , Tercero-Martínez Wendy , Saltos Lenin , Jiménez-Alulima Glenda , Irigoyen-Mogro Estefanía , Castro-Reyes Evelyn , Mora-Coello Christian , Vásconez-González Eduardo , Ortiz-Prado Esteban
Published: February 2021

Background

Since its molecular isolation on January 7, 2020, the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 has spread rapidly, taking governments worldwide off-guard. The virus arrived in low and middle-income countries violently, especially in Latin America. Ecuador received the worst outbreak in the world if we count excess mortality per capita. Although one study has reported the epidemiological impact of COVID-19 in Ecuador, there is no clinical course or outcome data among intensive care patients with COVID-19 in Ecuador. This study describes the clinical, epidemiological, and therapeutical features of 89 patients hospitalized in a secondary-level hospital in Quito, Ecuador.
Methods

We did a retrospective cohort study. We collected health records data from adult patients with severe COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) in Quito, Ecuador, during the first five months of the SARS-CoV-2 outbreak in Ecuador. All patients had a confirmed SARS-CoV-2 RNA infection diagnostic, a positive real-time RT-PCR, and pulmonary imaging suggesting COVID-19. We used the Chi-square test or a Fisher's exact statistic to analyze risk and associations between survivors and non-survivors due to COVID-19. We used the ROC curve analysis to predict mortality, determining cut-off points for the parameters related to mechanical, analytical, and cytometry ventilation. At the multivariate level, we used the Wald test to evaluate model categorical predictors during the regression analysis.
Results

89 patients with COVID-19 were recruited during the study. The average age of the patients was 54.72 years. Man represented 68.54% (n = 61) and women 31,46% (n = 28). Significant differences were observed in terms of mortality (men 40.98% vs. women 17.76%). Serological parameters demonstrated that LDH and IL-6 at 24 hours were higher among non-survivors when compared with survivors. Persistent hypercapnia ( > > 45 mmHg), a PaFiO2 ratio of less than 140 mmHg, and a positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) titration greater than nine mmHg were also associated with higher mortality.
Conclusions

Increased levels of LDH at 24 hours, IL-6, the lymphocyte and platelet count at 48 hours, the neutrophil count at 48 hours, and the INL are factors associated with higher motility, increased risk of failed extubation and reintubation
Pediatric Ocular Trauma From A Tertiary Public Hospital in Colombia: Epidemiological Characterization
Authors: D'Antone Valeria , Flórez Diana Palencia , García Claudia Lopez , Manrique Flor Cáceres , Barbosa Nahyr Lopez
Published: February 2021

BackgroundEye injury is a serious public health problem being in the world, that causes unilateral blindness, a particular condition in children due to the functional impact and psychosocial implications. The eye injury can be prevented thanks to the identification of risk factors associated with the socio-cultural context, this aspect has motivated studies in the pediatric population in United States, India, Australia, Cuba, Egypt, United Kingdom, Brazil, Colombia, Marathwada and Canada, among others. So the objetive of the present study is to describe the sociodemographic and epidemiological characteristics of pediatric eye injury and its effects on ocular structures in a tertiary public hospital from Colombia.MethodA retrospective cross-sectional study was carried out between January 1, 2015, and December 31, 2017, in a tertiary public hospital of a medium-sized city located in the Northeast of Colombia. Children under 15 years old with trauma to the eyeball or its adnexa were included. The Birmingham Eye Trauma Terminology System (BETTS) was used. Eye burns and Ocular adnexa were also included.Results61 cases of eye injuries were recorded, 67.21% (41 cases) of which were males. 57.37%(35 of the cases) corresponded to closed-globe injuries both contusion and lamellar laceration. Visual acuity fluctuated between 20/20 and 20/40. 14.75% (9 cases) were Open-globe injuries while 50% (4 cases) were penetrating trauma. 27.86% of the injuries (17 cases) did not directly compromise the eyeball, 58.82% (10 of these cases) of which corresponded to eyelid wounds, and neither of those had the visual acuity informationConclusionThe study showed that the majority of eye traumas are closed globe, caused by
Analyzing The Gap Between Perceptions And Expectations Of Students About The Quality Of Educational Services In Southern Of Iran: Servqual Model
Authors: Rafati Foozieh , Arbabisarjou Azizollah , Dastyar Neda
Published: February 2021

Background

Universities should be sensitive to the needs and expectations of students. This study aimed to analyze the gap between perceptions and expectations of students of Jiroft University of Medical Sciences about the quality of educational services.
Methods

This descriptive-analytical study was conducted on 213 medical, nursing, and midwifery students. Census method was used to sampling. The data were collected using a multi-dimensional questionnaire (SERVQUAL-22 items). Finally, the data were analyzed by T-test, ANOVA, and correlation coefficient. the significance level was considered as 0.05.
Results

The mean age of the participants in this study was 21.62 ± 1.79. Of students 132 (62%) were female and 186 (87.3%) were single. There was a quality gap in all dimensions of the quality of educational services (empathy, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and tangibility). The highest quality gap was observed in the empathy dimension − 8.66 (4.2) and the smallest gap was observed in the tangibility dimension − 4.18 (4.4). Average score of educational services gap in reliability dimension in terms of education of mothers (p = 0.01), and average score of educational services gap in reliability dimension (p = 0.009), tangibility dimension (p = 0.015) and overall score (p = 0.039) in terms of their fathers’ education were significant.
Conclusions

The results indicate that the expectations of the students in all aspects of the quality of educational services (empathy, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and tangibility) are more than their perceptions. Thus, the authorities must take the necessary measures to meet the expectations of students.
Molecular Remodeling of Cardiac Mitochondria in Mice with Sepsis-Induced Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Shimada Briana K. , Boyman Liron , Zhu Jing , Yang Yang , Huang Weiliang , Kane Maureen A. , Yadava Nagendra , Polster Brian M. , Zou Lin , Lederer W. Jonathan , Chao Wei
Published: February 2021

Sepsis-induced cardiomyopathy (SIC) is a major contributing factor for morbidity and mortality in sepsis, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Previous work has suggested that mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation is altered in mice with SIC, but the molecular mechanisms remain unidentified. Here, we performed a proteomic analysis of cardiac mitochondria isolated from sham and SIC mice. Of the 665 mitochondrial and metabolically coupled proteins identified in the proteomics assay, 36 were significantly altered in septic mice. The mitochondrial remodeling involved various energy metabolism pathways including subunits of the electron transport chain (ETC), fatty acid catabolism enzyme, and carbohydrate oxidative metabolism. We also identified a significant increase of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH) kinase 4 (PDK4) and inhibition of PDH activity in septic hearts. Furthermore, oxygen consumption by mitochondria from septic hearts was reduced when pyruvate was provided as a substrate but was unchanged in the presence of the Complex II substrate succinate, or the beta-oxidation substrate palmitoylcarnitine, both of which do not require PDH. Our data suggest that PDK4-mediated PDH inactivation and ETC molecular remodeling may contribute to the reduced mitochondrial oxidative metabolism during SIC and provide a molecular framework for future work.
Medicinal Plant Iris Japonica as Histidine Kinase Inhibitor Candidate Can Enhance Antibiotic Susceptibility of Escherichia Coli Resistant to β-Lactam Antibiotics 
Authors: Xu Zhangkai , Wang Yinhuan , Chen Jiang , Huang Nan , Cheng Dongqing
Published: February 2021

Background

Bacteria can respond to antibiotics in the environment by histidine kinase (HK) sensor then induce drug-resistance. In this article,antibiotic susceptibility and ESBLs genes of β-lactam-resistant E. coli interfered by I. japonica were investigated to reveal I. japonica can be HK inhibitor candidate[1].
Methods

E-test were applied to measure the MIC of E. coli to penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium according to 2017CLSI. Microplate dilution methods were applied to explore sensitivity variation of penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium of Escherichia coli, which contain only one single β-lactamase gene. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR were performed to determine the inducing effects of penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium to E. coli TEM, SHV, CTX-M and KPC single gene expression, and the interrupting effect of I. japonica extracts. Immobilized metal ion affinity chromatography and bacterial protein phosphorylation detection kit were performed to determine the change of bacterial protein phosphorylation concentration of Escherichia coli, after the induction of 1/4 penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium, and the interrupting effect of I. japonica extracts,HK inhibitor closantel was used as the positive control.
Results

1/4 MIC penicillin G or cefotaxime sodium could induce more than 10 times elevation of TEM, SHV and CTX-M mRNAs. While, I. japonica aqueous extracts (250 mg/mL) and ethanol extracts (100 µg/mL or 50 µg/mL) could decreased more than 40% of gene expression induced by antibiotics. I. japonica extracts could significantly enhance the sensitivity of β-lactam antibiotic-resistant E. coli strains to penicillin G or cefotaxime sodium, and could block the TEM, CTX-M and SHV mRNA induced by 1/4 MIC concentration antibiotics. Penicillin G and cefotaxime sodium at 1/4 MIC induced the protein phosphorylation of TEM, SHV and CTX-M promoted. Closantel (132.5 µg/mL), I. japonica aqueous extracts (250 mg/mL) and ethanol extracts (100 µg/mL) could inhibit the protein phosphorylation induced by above mentioned antibiotics.
Conclusion

I. japonica extracts can enhance the sensitivity of β-lactam antibiotic-resistant Escherichia coli. The mechanism may be that I. japonica extracts can be used as the inhibitor of HK phosphorylation, inhibit the transmission of antibiotic signal in TCSS, and reduce the expression of ESBLs gene.
Health-Related Quality of Life, Functional Decline, and Long-Term Mortality in Older Patients Following Hospitalisation Due to COVID-19
Authors: Walle-Hansen Marte , Ranhoff Anette , Mellingsæter Marte , Wang-Hansen Marte , Myrstad Marius
Published: February 2021

Background
Older people are particularly vulnerable to severe COVID-19. Little is known about long-term consequences of COVID-19 on health-related quality of life and functional status in older people, and the impact of age in this context. We aimed to study age-related change in health-related quality of life (HR-QoL), functional decline and mortality among older patients six months following hospitalisation due to COVID-19.
Methods
This was a cohort study including patients aged 60 years and older admitted to four general hospitals in South-Eastern Norway due to COVID-19, from March 1 up until July 1, 2020. Patients who were still alive were invited to attend a six-month follow-up. Change in HR-QoL and functional status compared to before the COVID-19 hospitalisation were assessed using the EuroQol 5-dimensional-5 levels questionnaire (EQ 5D-5L). A change in visual analogue scale (VAS) score of 7 or more was considered clinically relevant.
Results
Out of 216 patients aged 60 years and older that were admitted to hospital due to COVID-19 during the study period, 171 were still alive 180 days after hospital admission, and 106 patients (62%) attended the six-month follow-up. Mean age was 74.3 years, 27 patients (26%) had experienced severe COVID-19. 57 participants (54%) reported a decrease in the EQ5D-5L VAS score after six months, with no significant difference between persons aged 75 years and older compared to younger. 70 participants (66%) reported a negative change in any of the dimensions of the EQ-5D-5L, with impaired ability to perform activities of daily life (35%), reduced mobility (33%) and having more pain or discomfort (33%) being the most commonly reported changes. 46 participants (43%) reported a negative change in cognitive function compared to before the COVID-19 hospitalisation. Six-month mortality was 21%, and increased with increasing age.
Conclusions
More than half of the patients reported a negative change in HR-QoL six months following hospitalisation due to COVID-19, and one out of three experienced a persistently impaired mobility and ability to carry out activities of daily living. The results suggest awareness of long-term functional decline in older COVID-19 patients.
Reframing the climate policy game
Authors: Mercure Jean-Francois , Bravo Pablo Salas , Vercoulen Pim , Semieniuk Gregor , Lam Aileen , Pollitt Hector , Holden Philip , Vakilifard Negar , Chewpreecha Unnada , Edwards Neil , Viñuales Jorge
Published: February 2021

A key aim of climate policy is to progressively substitute renewables and energy efficiency for fossil fuel use. The associated rapid depreciation and replacement of fossil fuel-related physical and natural capital may entail a profound reorganisation of industry value chains, international trade, and geopolitics. Here, we present evidence confirming that the transformation of energy systems is well under way, and we explore the economic and strategic implications of the emerging energy geography. We show specifically that, given the economic implications of the ongoing energy transformation, the framing of climate policy as a prisoner’s dilemma is a poor description of strategic incentives. Instead, a new climate policy game emerges in which fossil fuel importers are better off decarbonising, competitive fossil fuel exporters are better off flooding markets, and uncompetitive fossil fuel producers – rather than benefitting from ‘free-riding’ – suffer from their exposure to stranded assets and lack of investment in decarbonisation technologies.
The Determinant of Smoking Behaviour Among Female Worker in Southeast Asia: A Case Study Among The Philippines and Indonesian
Authors: Megatsari Hario , Laksono Agung Dwi , Ifroh Riza Hayati
Published: February 2021

Background

The prevalence of tobacco use in Southeast Asia communities is 56% which 15% of them are female active smokers. Several studies explain that working status, neighborhood, marital status, and education are factors that cause smoking behavior in women. A scientific study is needed to obtain valid assumptions regarding the relationship of these determinants. This study aimed to analyze the determinant of smoking behavior among female workers in the Philippines and Indonesia.
Methods

The data is processed from 2017 PDHS and use female workers in the Philippines and Indonesia as the study population. The sample size is 11,375 female workers in the Philippines and 26,712 female workers in Indonesia. Apart from smoking behavior as the dependent variable, other variables analyzed were the place of residence, age, marital, education, parity, currently pregnant, and wealth status. The analysis in the final stage uses binary logistic regression.
Results

The results show that female workers in both countries from urban areas have a higher likelihood of becoming smokers than those who live in rural areas. Age group is finding as one of the smoking behavior determinants among female workers in both countries. Female workers with long-distance marriage and married / living with a partner have a lower probability of becoming a smoker than those who have marital status in the widowed/divorced category. Education level and parity are also finding as one of the smoking behavior determinants among them. Meanwhile, pregnancy found to be a protective factor for them to become a smoker. Finally, the multivariate test results found that wealth status is also a determinant of smoking behavior for female workers in both countries.
Conclusions

It was concluded that the seven variables analyzed are the determinants of smoking behavior among female workers in the Philippines and Indonesia. The seven variables are type of place, age, marital, education, parity, pregnancy, and wealth status.
Histological Impact on Follicular Lymphoma Grade 3 Treated With Frontline RCHOP Regimen
Authors: Chen Feifei , Maihemaiti Aziguli , Wei Zheng , Cheng Luya , Wang Weiguang , Zhuang Jingli , Yuan Ling , Cheng Zhixiang , Wang Zhimei , Ji Lili , Ge Xiaowen , Liu Peng
Published: February 2021

Background

Histologically, follicular lymphoma (FL) grade 3 is subdivided into grade 3A and 3B. However, there are limited studies on outcomes of FL grade 3A and 3B treated with frontline of RCHOP treatment.
Methods

We retrospectively analyzed 61 patients of FL grade 3 treated with frontline RCHOP regimen between January 2009 and December 2019. We divided them into FL grade 3A (n = 42) and aggressive FL (n = 19). Aggressive FL included grade 3A with an additional 3B component (n = 2), grade 3B (n = 8), and grade 3 with areas of diffuse large B cell lymphoma (n = 9).
Results

The baseline characteristics were similar between FL grade 3A and aggressive FL. The 3-year overall survival (OS) was 97.1% in FL grade 3A and 81.9% in aggressive FL (P = 0.041). The 3-year progression free survival (PFS) was not significantly different between two groups, with 69.1% and 71.1%, respectively (P = 0.546). However, patients of aggressive FL reached a plateau in the PFS curve after 2 years.
Conclusions

Compared with patients of aggressive FL, FL grade 3A patients presented an uncurable feature but associated with a better OS with frontline RCHOP treatment.
Common Concerns, Barriers to Care, and the Lived Experience of Individuals with Hepatitis B: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Freeland Catherine , Farrell Sean , Kumar Priyanka , Kamischke Maureen , Jackson Michaela , Bodor Sierra , Block Timothy , Frasso Rosemary , Cohen Chari
Published: February 2021

Background & Aims: An estimated between 257 and 292 million people live with chronic HBV globally. While much is known about the causes, and epidemiology of HBV, little is understood about the quality of life and impact of HBV on those living with the infection. Approach and Results: A random sample of HBV-related email queries sent to the Hepatitis B Foundation, a U.S.-based non-profit organization, over a 12-month period in 2018-2019 were retrieved, tabulated, and analyzed qualitatively to highlight information needs and explore the experiences of people living with HBV and their families and loved ones. Codebook development was informed by the literature and through line-by-line reading of a sub-sample of queries. Data analysis was facilitated by NVivo12 software. Data were coded independently by two members of the research team and intercoder reliability was assessed to assure coding accuracy throughout the coding phase. A total of 338 queries from people around the globe were identified and analyzed. The analysis revealed three thematic groups: 1) health-specific challenges associated with diagnosis and treatment, 2) emotional needs related to experiences with HBV stigma, discrimination, fear, social isolation, and distress and 3) informational needs related to HBV prevention and transmission, and interpretation of laboratory tests.Conclusions: People living with HBV are in need of information to manage their disease and prevent its spread. Analysis of queries uncovered significant misconceptions about HBV transmission and treatment. Additionally, the emotional and psychological impact of an HBV diagnosis on those living with the infection is significant. There is a clear need for patient and community education to expand knowledge and awareness of HBV globally to achieve 2030 WHO HBV elimination goals.
Integrative Analysis of miRNA and mRNA Expression Profiles in Mammary Glands of Holstein Cows Artificially Infected with Staphylococcus Aureus
Authors: Wang Xiaolong , Fan Yongliang , Han Ziyin , Gong Zaicheng , Peng Yalan , Mao Yongjiang , Yang Zhangping , Yang Yi
Published: February 2021

Background: Staphylococcus aureus- induced mastitis is one of the most intractable problems for dairy industry, which causes loss of milk yield and early slaughter of cows worldwide. Few study used a comprehensive approach based on the integrative analysis of miRNA and mRNA expression profiles to explore molecular mechanism in bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus. Results: In this study, S. aureus and sterile phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were introduced to different quarters of breasts of three individuals, and transcriptome sequencing and microarrays were utilized to detected miRNA and gene expression in mammary gland from the challenged and control groups. A total of 77 differentially expressed microRNAs (DE miRNAs) and 1,625 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that multiple DEGs were enriched in significant terms and pathways associated with immunity and inflammation. Integrative analysis between DE miRNAs and DEGs proved that miR-664b, miR-23b-3p, miR-331-5p, miR-19b and miR-2431-3p were potential factors regulating the expression levels of CD14 Molecule (CD14), G protein subunit gamma 2 (GNG2), interleukin 17A (IL17A), collagen type IV alpha 1 chain (COL4A1), microtubule associated protein RP/EB family member 2 (MAPRE2), member of RAS oncogene family (RAP1B), LDOC1 regulator of NFKB signaling (LDOC1), low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) and S100 calcium binding protein A9 (S100A9) in bovine mastitis caused by S. aureus. Conclusions: These findings could enhance the understanding of underlying immune response in bovine mammary glands against S. aureus infection, and provide a useful foundation for future application of the miRNA-mRNA based genetic regulatory network in the breeding cows resistant to S. aureus.
A Multidisciplinary Evaluation of Spatial Heterogeneity in the Puquios of the Salar de Llamara, Atacama Desert, Northern Chile
Authors: Reid R. Pamela , Oehlert Amanda , Suosaari Erica , Demergasso Cecilia , Chong Guillermo , Escudero ‪Lorena , Piggot Alan , Lascu Ioan , Palma Alvaro
Published: February 2021

The Atacama Desert, Central Andes of Northern Chile, is an extreme environment characterized by high UV radiation, wide temperature variation, minimum precipitation and is reputed as the driest desert in the world. Scarce lagoons associated with salt flats (salars) in this desert are the surface expression of shallow groundwater which serve as refugia for life, and often host microbial communities associated with evaporitic mineral deposition. Recent investigations of the Puquios of the Salar de Llamara in the Atacama Desert based on multidisciplinary field studies provide unprecedented detail regarding the spatial heterogeneity of physical, chemical, and biological characteristics of such saline lake environments. Four main lagoons (‘Puquios’) and more than 400 smaller ponds, occur in an area less than 5 km2, are characterized by high variability in electrical conductivity, benthic and planktonic biota and microbiota, lagoon bottom type, and style of mineral deposition. The heterogeneity of system parameters as observed spatially in the Puquios is likely to be expanded with temporal observations incorporating seasonality. Results provide new insight into the complexity of these Andean ecosystems, which may be key to resilience in extreme environments at the edge of habitability.
T Cell Reactivity to Regulatory Factor X4 in Type 1 Narcolepsy
Authors: Luo Guo , Yogeshwar Selina , Lin Ling , Mignot Emmanuel
Published: February 2021

Type 1 narcolepsy is strongly (98%) associated with human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II DQA1*01:02/DQB1*06:02 (DQ0602) and highly associated with T cell receptor (TCR) alpha locus polymorphism as well as other immune regulatory loci. Increased incidence of narcolepsy was detected following the 2009 H1N1 pandemic and linked to Pandemrix ® vaccination, strongly supporting that narcolepsy is an autoimmune disorder. Although recent results suggest CD4+ T cell reactivity to neuropeptide hypocretin/orexin and cross-reactive flu peptide is involved, identification of other autoantigens has remained elusive. Here we study whether autoimmunity directed against Regulatory Factor X4 (RFX4), a protein co-localized with hypocretin, is involved in some cases. Studying human serum, we found that autoantibodies against RFX4 were rare. Using RFX4 peptides bound to DQ0602 tetramers, antigen RFX4-86,-95, and-60 specific human CD4+ T cells were detected in 4/10 patients and 2 unaffected siblings but not in others. Following culture with each cognate peptide, enriched autoreactive TCRαβ clones were isolated by single-cell sorting and TCR sequenced. Homologous clones bearing TRBV4-2 and recognizing RFX4-86 in patients and one twin control of patient were identified. These results suggest the involvement of RFX4 CD4+ T cell autoreactivity in some cases of narcolepsy.