bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of optimum exclusive breastfeeding duration in rural India: a mixed method approach using cohort and content analysis design
Authors: Debnath Falguni , Mondal Nilanjan , Deb Alok Kumar , Chakraborty Debjit , Chakraborty Subhrangshu , Dutta Shanta
Published: January 2021

Background

Despite established benefits, exclusive breastfeeding (EBF) rate remains poor in India. This study measured the rate of early initiation of breastfeeding and EBF up to 42 days postpartum period and the reasons associated with early interruption of it.

Methods

In this study we followed a cohort 319 mother-newborn dyads, on a scheduled day of each week for six postpartum weeks (42 postpartum days), during May 2017 – March 2019. We used standard maternal 24 h recall method to collect data on newborn feeding practices. Additionally, using content the analysis method, we analysed the data captured through open ended question on current breastfeeding practice and reasons to identify the sociocultural facilitators/barriers of exclusive breastfeeding .

Results

Of the retained 306 newborns, early initiation of breastfeeding rate was 60% (184/306), whereas, EBF rate was 47% (143/306). Mothers’ educational level did not emerge as a risk for unsuccessful breastfeeding practices, whereas, father being not the major earner of the family (Relative risk [RR] 2.4; 95% Confidence interval [CI] 1.7,3.3), mothers who did not believe that effect of breastfeeding is longstanding (RR 1.8; 95% CI 1.3, 2.1) emerged as a risk for unsuccessful EBF practices. Lack of self-conviction about EBF among mothers; significant family members’ influence; cultural beliefs; emerged as major socio-environmental barriers of early interruption of exclusive breastfeeding. Repeated counselling by the healthcare provider particularly focusing on exclusive breastfeeding, supportive family environment in terms of the elders being aware of the positive health outcomes of it, and prior positive experience emerged as the socio-environmental facilitators for successful EBF until 42 postpartum days.

Conclusions

We conclude that the socio-environmental causes need to be addressed through the present healthcare delivery system for ensuring better infant feeding outcome.
Risk factors for rapid progressive neurological deterioration in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy
Authors: Zhong Weiyang , Wang Lin , Huang Tianji , Luo Xiaoji
Published: January 2021

Background

The rapid progressive cervical spondylotic myelopathy (rp-CSM) which had a course of CSM less than 1 month and suffered rapidly progressive neurological deterioration had few reports. Therefore, it is important for us to recognize the pathophysiology of CSM especially the rp-CSM. The study aimed to investigate the risk factors for rapidly progressive (rp) neurological deterioration in patients with cervical spondylotic myelopathy (CSM).

Methods

A total of 159 patients were reviewed and divided into an rp-CSM group and a chronic-CSM (c-CSM) group. Various clinical indexes, including age, sex, Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, intramedullary MR T2-hyperintensity, congenital/degenerative spinal stenosis, and local type of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL), were analyzed, and independent risk factors were investigated.

Results

Thirty-four of 159 patients (21.4%) were diagnosed with rp-CSM. All patients were followed up for a mean of 68.56 ± 14.00 months in the rp-CSM group and 62.66 ± 19.95 months in the c-CSM group. No significant difference was found in sex, mean age, smoking and drinking status, diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension, surgery time, blood loss, JOA score, degenerative spinal stenosis, or OPLL (local). Univariate analyses demonstrated that rp-CSM patients tended to have MR T2-hyperintensity, longer hospital stay, shorter waiting time for surgery, more congenital spinal stenosis, and worse neurological function and to prefer more posterior surgeries than c-CSM patients. A multiple logistic regression analysis showed that congenital spinal stenosis and MR T2-hyperintensity were independently related to the presence of rp-CSM.

Conclusions

MR T2-hyperintensity and congenital spinal stenosis were risk factors for rp-CSM. Although neurological function deteriorates rapidly, early surgical decompression is recommended and can achieve good neurological recovery after surgery, indicating that rp-CSM could be a reversible condition.
Lobectomy for lung cancer with a displaced left B1 + 2 and an anomalous pulmonary vein: a case report
Authors: Sakamoto Shinichi , Takizawa Hiromitsu , Kawakita Naoya , Tangoku Akira
Published: January 2021

Background

A displaced left B1 + 2 accompanied by an anomalous pulmonary vein is a rare condition involving complex structures. There is a risk of unexpected injuries to bronchi and blood vessels when patients with such anomalies undergo surgery for lung cancer.

Case presentation

A 59-year-old male with suspected lung cancer in the left lower lobe was scheduled to undergo surgery. Chest computed tomography revealed a displaced B1 + 2 and hyperlobulation between S1 + 2 and S3, while the interlobar fissure between S1 + 2 and S6 was completely fused. Three-dimensional computed tomography (3D-CT) revealed an anomalous V1 + 2 joining the left inferior pulmonary vein and a branch of the V1 + 2 running between S1 + 2 and S6. We performed left lower lobectomy via video-assisted thoracic surgery, while taking care with the abovementioned anatomical structures. The strategy employed in this operation was to preserve V1 + 2 and confirm the locations of B1 + 2 and B6 when dividing the fissure.

Conclusion

The aim of the surgical procedure performed in this case was to divide the fissure between S1 + 2 and the inferior lobe to reduce the risk of an unexpected bronchial injury. 3D-CT helps surgeons to understand the stereoscopic positional relationships among anatomical structures.
Ultrasonography of kidney and spleen in clinically healthy llamas and alpacas
Authors: Eibl Cassandra , Franz Sonja
Published: January 2021

Background

The ultrasonographic examination technique is a well-established, non-invasive diagnostic tool for diverse conditions in humans and different animal species. The purpose of our study was to describe ultrasonographic localisation, sonographic appearance and dimensions of the kidneys and spleen of clinically healthy llamas and alpacas. Differences between llamas and alpacas and the influence of sex and ages were investigated. Results of this study may aid veterinarians performing ultrasonography in diseased animals and the technique can be used for routine protocol screening.

Results

Ultrasonography was performed in 135 clinically healthy, non-sedated llamas and alpacas. Screening was performed with a 6.6 MHz curve linear transducer with only alcohol as contact medium between the probe and unclipped skin. The kidneys could be imaged from the paralumbar region. The right kidney only was visualized when scanning from the right and the left kidney only from the left. While the left kidney appeared in sagittal view as an oval shape in most llamas and alpacas, in one third of animals the left kidney had a triangular shape. The L-shaped base of the spleen, with its homogeneous, echoic pattern, could be seen craniolateral to the left kidney. Anechoic areas displaying vessels inside the spleen and a thin echoic capsule surrounding the splenic tissue could be differentiated. While sonographic appearances of the examined organs showed no differences between llamas and alpacas, selected dimensions of both of kidney and spleen showed significant differences between species. In terms of age and sex, significant differences in respect of kidney size could be found only in alpacas. Sex seemed to have no influence on kidney and spleen sizes in llamas.

Conclusions

The present study provides species-specific information on ultrasonographic appearance and reference values for kidney and spleen dimensions of clinically healthy llamas and alpacas. Results show differences in organ sizes between llamas and alpacas and in alpacas of different sex and age. The results of this study can be used as references for veterinarians performing ultrasound examinations in diseased animals.
Mechanistic modeling of the SARS-CoV-2 disease map
Authors: Rian Kinza , Esteban-Medina Marina , Hidalgo Marta R. , Çubuk Cankut , Falco Matias M. , Loucera Carlos , Gunyel Devrim , Ostaszewski Marek , Peña-Chilet María , Dopazo Joaquín
Published: January 2021

Here we present a web interface that implements a comprehensive mechanistic model of the SARS-CoV-2 disease map. In this framework, the detailed activity of the human signaling circuits related to the viral infection, covering from the entry and replication mechanisms to the downstream consequences as inflammation and antigenic response, can be inferred from gene expression experiments. Moreover, the effect of potential interventions, such as knock-downs, or drug effects (currently the system models the effect of more than 8000 DrugBank drugs) can be studied. This freely available tool not only provides an unprecedentedly detailed view of the mechanisms of viral invasion and the consequences in the cell but has also the potential of becoming an invaluable asset in the search for efficient antiviral treatments.
Correction to: Anti-CD40 antibody KPL-404 inhibits T cell-mediated activation of B cells from healthy donors and autoimmune patients
Authors: Marken John , Muralidharan Sujatha , Giltiay Natalia V.
Published: January 2021

An amendment to this paper has been published and can be accessed via the original article.
A blockchain-based service for inviolable presence registration of mobile entities
Authors: Leal Matheus , Pisani Flávia , Endler Markus
Published: January 2021

Several applications can benefit from recording information about the places a mobile entity visits and the length of time it spends there (e.g., shoppers, employees, buses, portable equipment, autonomous robots). This paper presents our approach to recording spatio-temporal presence information in a secure and inviolable way using a Distributed Ledger Technology. We implemented this solution as a middleware service that uses Complex Event Processing on smartphones to record beacon-smartphone proximity data in a blockchain efficiently. We have built upon the previous version of our service to include access control to the stored information. We analyzed the impact of this addition on the service’s performance and observed that it introduced very little overhead while significantly increasing user privacy. Furthermore, we compared the effect of using different blockchain technologies on overall service performance and characterized scenarios where using either IoTeX or Ethereum can be suitable for this type of application.
A preliminary clinical trial to evaluate 64Cu-NOTA-Trastuzumab as a positron emission tomography imaging agent in patients with breast cancer
Authors: Lee Inki , Lim Ilhan , Byun Byung Hyun , Kim Byung Il , Choi Chang Woon , Woo Sang-Keun , Kim Kwang Il , Lee Kyo Chul , Kang Joo Hyun , Seong Min-Ki , Kim Hyun-Ah , Noh Woo Chul , Lim Sang Moo
Published: January 2021

Background

The purpose of this study was to evaluate both the biodistribution and safety of 64Cu-1,4,7-triazacyclononane-1,4,7-triacetic acid (NOTA)-Trastuzumab, a novel 64Cu-labeled positron emission tomography (PET) tracer for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) in patients with breast cancer.

Methods

PET images at 1, 24, and 48 h after 296 MBq of 64Cu-NOTA-Trastuzumab injection were obtained from seven patients with breast cancer. Both the primary tumors’ and metastatic lesions’ maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) was evaluated. The mean SUVmax (SUVmean) was evaluated in the other organs, including the blood pool, liver, kidney, muscle, spleen, bladder, and the lungs, as well as the bones. Moreover, the internal radiation dosimetry was calculated using the OLINDA/EXM software. Safety was assessed based on feedback regarding adverse reactions and safety-related issues within 1 month after 64Cu-NOTA-Trastuzumab administration.

Results

64Cu-NOTA-Trastuzumab PET images showed that the overall SUVmean values in each organ negatively correlated with time. The liver’s average SUVmean values were measured at 5.3 ± 0.7, 4.8 ± 0.6, and 4.4 ± 0.5 on 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after injection, respectively. The average SUVmean blood values were measured at 13.1 ± 0.9, 9.1 ± 1.2, and 7.1 ± 1.9 on 1 h, 24 h, and 48 h after injection, respectively. The SUVmax of HER2-positive tumors was relatively higher than HER2-negative tumors (8.6 ± 5.1 and 5.2 ± 2.8 on 48 h after injection, respectively). Tumor-to-background ratios were higher in the HER2-positive tumors than in the HER2-negative tumors. No adverse events related to 64Cu-NOTA-Trastuzumab were reported. The calculated effective dose with a 296 MBq injection of 64Cu-NOTA-Trastuzumab was 2.96 mSv. The highest absorbed dose was observed in the liver (0.076 mGy/MBq), followed by the spleen (0.063 mGy/MBq), kidney (0.044 mGy/MBq), and heart wall (0.044 mGy/MBq).

Conclusions

64Cu-NOTA-Trastuzumab showed a specific uptake at the HER2-expressing tumors, thus making it a feasible and safe monitoring tool of HER2 tumor status in patients with breast cancer.

Trial registration

CRIS, KCT0002790. Registered 02 February 2018, https://cris.nih.go.kr
Insulin sensitivity in critically ill patients: are women more insulin resistant?
Authors: Uyttendaele Vincent , Chase J. Geoffrey , Knopp Jennifer L. , Gottlieb Rebecca , Shaw Geoffrey M. , Desaive Thomas
Published: January 2021

Background

Glycaemic control (GC) in intensive care unit is challenging due to significant inter- and intra-patient variability, leading to increased risk of hypoglycaemia. Recent work showed higher insulin resistance in female preterm neonates. This study aims to determine if there are differences in inter- and intra-patient metabolic variability between sexes in adults, to gain in insight into any differences in metabolic response to injury. Any significant difference would suggest GC and randomised trial design should consider sex differences to personalise care.

Methods

Insulin sensitivity (SI) levels and variability are identified from retrospective clinical data for men and women. Data are divided using 6-h blocks to capture metabolic evolution over time. In total, 91 male and 54 female patient GC episodes of minimum 24 h are analysed. Hypothesis testing is used to determine whether differences are significant (P < 0.05), and equivalence testing is used to assess whether these differences can be considered equivalent at a clinical level. Data are assessed for the raw cohort and in 100 Monte Carlo simulations analyses where the number of men and women are equal.

Results

Demographic data between females and males were all similar, including GC outcomes (safety from hypoglycaemia and high (> 50%) time in target band). Females had consistently significantly lower SI levels than males, and this difference was not clinically equivalent. However, metabolic variability between sexes was never significantly different and always clinically equivalent. Thus, inter-patient variability was significantly different between males and females, but intra-patient variability was equivalent.

Conclusion

Given equivalent intra-patient variability and significantly greater insulin resistance, females can receive the same benefit from safe, effective GC as males, but may require higher insulin doses to achieve the same glycaemia. Clinical trials should consider sex differences in protocol design and outcome analyses.
Efficacy and safety of CD22 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy in patients with B cell malignancies: a protocol for a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Adeel Komal , Fergusson Nathan J. , Shorr Risa , Atkins Harold , Hay Kevin A.
Published: January 2021

Background

Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has had great success in treating patients with relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies, with CD19-targeting therapies now approved in many countries. However, a subset of patients fails to respond or relapse after CD19 CAR T cell therapy, in part due to antigen loss, which has prompted the search for alternative antigen targets. CD22 is another antigen found on the surface of B cells. CARs targeting CD22 alone or in combination with other antigens have been investigated in several pre-clinical and clinical trials.

Given the heterogeneity and small size of CAR T cell therapy clinical trials, systematic reviews are needed to evaluate their efficacy and safety. Here, we propose a systematic review of CAR T cell therapies targeting CD22, alone or in combination with other antigen targets, in B cell malignancies.

Methods

We will perform a systematic search of EMBASE, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials, clinicaltrials.gov, and the International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Ongoing and completed clinical trials will be identified and cataloged. Interventional studies investigating CD22 CAR T cells, including various multi-antigen targeting approaches, in patients with relapsed or refractory B cell malignancies will be eligible for inclusion. Only full-text articles, conference abstracts, letters, and case reports will be considered. Our primary outcome will be a complete response, defined as absence of detectable cancer. Secondary outcomes will include adverse events, overall response, minimal residual disease, and relapse, among others. Quality assessment will be performed using a modified Institute of Health Economics tool designed for interventional single-arm studies. We will report a narrative synthesis of clinical studies, presented in tabular format. If appropriate, a meta-analysis will be performed using a random effects model to synthesize results.

Discussion

The results of the proposed review will help inform clinicians, patients, and other stakeholders of the risks and benefits of CD22 CAR T cell therapies. It will identify gaps or inconsistencies in outcome reporting and help to guide future clinical trials investigating CAR T cells.

Systematic review registration

PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020193027
Long-time behavior of solutions for a fractional diffusion problem
Authors: Qi Ailing , Hu Die , Xiang Mingqi
Published: January 2021

This paper deals with the asymptotic behavior of solutions to the initial-boundary value problem of the following fractional p-Kirchhoff equation: $$ u_{t}+M\bigl([u]_{s,p}^{p}\bigr) (-\Delta )_{p}^{s}u+f(x,u)=g(x)\quad \text{in } \Omega \times (0, \infty ), $$

u
t

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(

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]

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)

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−
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)

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,
where $\Omega \subset \mathbb{R}^{N}$
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is a bounded domain with Lipschitz boundary, $N>ps$
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is a nondecreasing continuous function, $[u]_{s,p}$

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and $g\in L^{2}(\Omega )$
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(
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. With general assumptions on f and g, we prove the existence of global attractors in proper spaces. Then, we show that the fractal dimensional of global attractors is infinite provided some conditions are satisfied.
Modified different nonlinearities for weakly coupled systems of semilinear effectively damped waves with different time-dependent coefficients in the dissipation terms
Authors: Mohammed Djaouti Abdelhamid
Published: January 2021

We prove the global existence of small data solution in all spaces of all dimensions $n\geq 1$
n
≥
1
for weakly coupled systems of semilinear effectively damped wave, with different time-dependent coefficients in the dissipation terms. Moreover, we assume that the nonlinearity terms $f(t,u) $
f
(
t
,
u
)
and $g(t,v) $
g
(
t
,
v
)
satisfy some properties of parabolic equations. We study the problem in several classes of regularity.
New quantum boundaries for quantum Simpson’s and quantum Newton’s type inequalities for preinvex functions
Authors: Ali Muhammad Aamir , Abbas Mujahid , Budak Hüseyin , Agarwal Praveen , Murtaza Ghulam , Chu Yu-Ming
Published: January 2021

In this research, we derive two generalized integral identities involving the$q^{\varkappa _{2}}$qϰ2-quantum integrals and quantum numbers, the results are then used to establish some new quantum boundaries for quantum Simpson’s and quantum Newton’s inequalities forq-differentiable preinvex functions. Moreover, we obtain some new and known Simpson’s and Newton’s type inequalities by considering the limit$q\rightarrow 1^{-}$q→1−in the key results of this paper.
Whole microbial community viability is not quantitatively reflected by propidium monoazide sequencing approach
Authors: Wang Ya , Yan Yan , Thompson Kelsey N. , Bae Sena , Accorsi Emma K. , Zhang Yancong , Shen Jiaxian , Vlamakis Hera , Hartmann Erica M. , Huttenhower Curtis
Published: January 2021

Background

High-throughput sequencing provides a powerful window into the structural and functional profiling of microbial communities, but it is unable to characterize only the viable portion of microbial communities at scale. There is as yet not one best solution to this problem. Previous studies have established viability assessments using propidium monoazide (PMA) treatment coupled with downstream molecular profiling (e.g., qPCR or sequencing). While these studies have met with moderate success, most of them focused on the resulting “viable” communities without systematic evaluations of the technique. Here, we present our work to rigorously benchmark “PMA-seq” (PMA treatment followed by 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing) for viability assessment in synthetic and realistic microbial communities.

Results

PMA-seq was able to successfully reconstruct simple synthetic communities comprising viable/heat-killed Escherichia coli and Streptococcus sanguinis. However, in realistically complex communities (computer screens, computer mice, soil, and human saliva) with E. coli spike-in controls, PMA-seq did not accurately quantify viability (even relative to variability in amplicon sequencing), with its performance largely affected by community properties such as initial biomass, sample types, and compositional diversity. We then applied this technique to environmental swabs from the Boston subway system. Several taxa differed significantly after PMA treatment, while not all microorganisms responded consistently. To elucidate the “PMA-responsive” microbes, we compared our results with previous PMA-based studies and found that PMA responsiveness varied widely when microbes were sourced from different ecosystems but were reproducible within similar environments across studies.

Conclusions

This study provides a comprehensive evaluation of PMA-seq exploring its quantitative potential in synthetic and complex microbial communities, where the technique was effective for semi-quantitative purposes in simple synthetic communities but provided only qualitative assessments in realistically complex community samples.
Decoding the RNA viromes in rodent lungs provides new insight into the origin and evolutionary patterns of rodent-borne pathogens in Mainland Southeast Asia
Authors: Wu Zhiqiang , Han Yelin , Liu Bo , Li Hongying , Zhu Guangjian , Latinne Alice , Dong Jie , Sun Lilin , Su Haoxiang , Liu Liguo , Du Jiang , Zhou Siyu , Chen Mingxing , Kritiyakan Anamika , Jittapalapong Sathaporn , Chaisiri Kittipong , Buchy Phillipe , Duong Veasna , Yang Jian , Jiang Jinyong , Xu Xiang , Zhou Hongning , Yang Fan , Irwin David M. , Morand Serge , Daszak Peter , Wang Jianwei , Jin Qi
Published: January 2021

Background

As the largest group of mammalian species, which are also widely distributed all over the world, rodents are the natural reservoirs for many diverse zoonotic viruses. A comprehensive understanding of the core virome of diverse rodents should therefore assist in efforts to reduce the risk of future emergence or re-emergence of rodent-borne zoonotic pathogens.

Results

This study aimed to describe the viral range that could be detected in the lungs of rodents from Mainland Southeast Asia. Lung samples were collected from 3284 rodents and insectivores of the orders Rodentia, Scandentia, and Eulipotyphla in eighteen provinces of Thailand, Lao PDR, and Cambodia throughout 2006–2018. Meta-transcriptomic analysis was used to outline the unique spectral characteristics of the mammalian viruses within these lungs and the ecological and genetic imprints of the novel viruses. Many mammalian- or arthropod-related viruses from distinct evolutionary lineages were reported for the first time in these species, and viruses related to known pathogens were characterized for their genomic and evolutionary characteristics, host species, and locations.

Conclusions

These results expand our understanding of the core viromes of rodents and insectivores from Mainland Southeast Asia and suggest that a high diversity of viruses remains to be found in rodent species of this area. These findings, combined with our previous virome data from China, increase our knowledge of the viral community in wildlife and arthropod vectors in emerging disease hotspots of East and Southeast Asia.
Efficacy of alcohol/sugar aqueous biphasic system on partition of bovine serum albumin
Authors: Chow Yin Hui , Sahlini Alagan , Ng Hui-Suan , Lan John Chi-Wei
Published: January 2021

The efficacy of alcohol/sugar aqueous biphasic (ABS) system on protein extraction was investigated. A model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA), was adopted to evaluate the effects of types and concentration of phase-forming components, protein concentration, and system pH on the protein partition efficiency. The 1-propanol/maltose ABS exhibited an overall better partition efficiency of BSA to the alcohol-rich top phase. A maximum partition coefficient (K) of 20.01 ± 0.05 and recovery yield (Y) of 95.42% ± 0.01% of BSA were achieved with 35% (w/w) 1-propanol/22% (w/w) maltose ABS at pH 5.0 for 10% (w/w) BSA load. The K and Y of BSA in 1-propanol/maltose ABS was slightly improved with the addition of 3% (w/w) of ionic liquid, 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide ([Bmim]Br) as the adjuvant that could provide protein stabilizing effect. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectrum (FTIR) analysis revealed that the protein structure remained unaltered upon the separation process.
Effects of three coniferous plantation species on plant‐soil feedbacks and soil physical and chemical properties in semi‐arid mountain ecosystems
Authors: Han Chun , Liu Yongjing , Zhang Cankun , Li Yage , Zhou Tairan , Khan Salman , Chen Ning , Zhao Changming
Published: January 2021

Background

Large-scale afforestation can significantly change the ground cover and soil physicochemical properties, especially the soil fertility maintenance and water conservation functions of artificial forests, which are very important in semi-arid mountain ecosystems. However, how different tree species affect soil nutrients and soil physicochemical properties after afforestation, and which is the best plantation species for improving soil fertility and water conservation functions remain largely unknown.

Methods

This study investigated the soil nutrient contents of three different plantations (Larix principis-rupprechtii, Picea crassifolia, Pinus tabuliformis), soils and plant-soil feedbacks, as well as the interactions between soil physicochemical properties.

Results

The results revealed that the leaves and litter layers strongly influenced soil nutrient availability through biogeochemical processes: P. tabuliformis had higher organic carbon, ratio of organic carbon to total nitrogen (C:N) and organic carbon to total phosphorus (C:P) in the leaves and litter layers than L. principis-rupprechtii or P. crassifolia, suggesting that higher C:N and C:P hindered litter decomposition. As a result, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved soil nutrients and clay components, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. Furthermore, the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia plantation forests significantly improved the soil capacity, soil total porosity, and capillary porosity, decreased soil bulk density, and enhanced water storage capacity, compared with the P. tabuliformis plantation forest. The results of this study showed that, the strong link between plants and soil was tightly coupled to C:N and C:P, and there was a close correlation between soil particle size distribution and soil physicochemical properties.

Conclusions

Therefore, our results recommend planting the L. principis-rupprechtii and P. crassifolia as the preferred tree species to enhance the soil fertility and water conservation functions, especially in semi-arid regions mountain forest ecosystems.
Chronic photoperiodic manipulation induced chronodisruption upregulates HSP60 during early pro-atherogenic remodeling in thoracic aorta of C57BL/6J mice
Authors: Shirsath Kavita , Joshi Apeksha , Vohra Aliasgar , Devkar Ranjitsinh
Published: January 2021

Background

Circadian disruption is often associated with aggravation of atherosclerosis; however, the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying atherogenic initiation in normolipidemic diet remains unclear. Most of the studies done for understanding circadian disruption induced atherosclerosis have been carried out in murine model of hyperlipidemia induced atherosclerosis. The present study investigates pro-atherogenic events in response to chronic photoperiodic manipulation induced chronodisruption (PMCD) in C57BL/6J mice fed with laboratory chow diet.

Results

The results were compared with atherogenic initiation induced by high fat high fructose (HFHF) diet. The combined effects of HFHF and PMCD on atherogenic initiation were also investigated for possible synergy of both variants. The HFHF and HFHF+PMCD groups recorded increments in body weight gains and serum lipid parameters (TC, TG, LDL-cholesterol, VLDL) and a decrement in HDL-cholesterol as compared to the control group. However, PMCD group recorded body weight gain similar to that of the control group, but the serum lipid parameters (TG and VLDL) were significantly elevated and the HDL levels were lowered. However, prominent hypertrophic remodeling, higher collagen deposition, and elastin derangement, along with endothelial dysfunction, its activation, and macrophage infiltration, were observed in thoracic aorta of all the three experimental groups. But the mRNA and immunoblots of heat shock protein 60 (HSP60) in thoracic aorta was found to be maximum in PMCD followed by HFHF and HFHF+PMCD groups.

Conclusion

Laboratory chow feeding coupled with photoperiodic manipulation mediated chronodisruption overexpress HSP60 that in turn plays a central role in PMCD mediated pro-atherogenic remodeling in thoracic aorta of C57BL/6J mice.
Monoassociation with bacterial isolates reveals the role of colonization, community complexity and abundance on locomotor behavior in larval zebrafish
Authors: Weitekamp Chelsea A. , Kvasnicka Allison , Keely Scott P. , Brinkman Nichole E. , Howey Xia Meng , Gaballah Shaza , Phelps Drake , Catron Tara , Zurlinden Todd , Wheaton Emily , Tal Tamara
Published: January 2021

Background

Across taxa, animals with depleted intestinal microbiomes show disrupted behavioral phenotypes. Axenic (i.e., microbe-free) mice, zebrafish, and fruit flies exhibit increased locomotor behavior, or hyperactivity. The mechanism through which bacteria interact with host cells to trigger normal neurobehavioral development in larval zebrafish is not well understood. Here, we monoassociated zebrafish with either one of six different zebrafish-associated bacteria, mixtures of these host-associates, or with an environmental bacterial isolate.

Results

As predicted, the axenic cohort was hyperactive. Monoassociation with three different host-associated bacterial species, as well as with the mixtures, resulted in control-like locomotor behavior. Monoassociation with one host-associate and the environmental isolate resulted in the hyperactive phenotype characteristic of axenic larvae, while monoassociation with two other host-associated bacteria partially blocked this phenotype. Furthermore, we found an inverse relationship between the total concentration of bacteria per larvae and locomotor behavior. Lastly, in the axenic and associated cohorts, but not in the larvae with complex communities, we detected unexpected bacteria, some of which may be present as facultative predators.

Conclusions

These data support a growing body of evidence that individual species of bacteria can have different effects on host behavior, potentially related to their success at intestinal colonization. Specific to the zebrafish model, our results suggest that differences in the composition of microbes in fish facilities could affect the results of behavioral assays within pharmacological and toxicological studies.
Explaining Divergent Observations Regarding Osteocalcin/GPRC6A Endocrine Signaling
Authors: Pi Min , Nishimoto Satoru Kenneth , Darryl Quarles L
Published: January 2021

A new schema proposes that the bone-derived osteocalcin (Ocn) peptide hormone activates the G-protein–coupled receptor GPRC6A to directly regulate glucose and fat metabolism in liver, muscle, and fat, and to stimulate the release of metabolism-regulating hormones, including insulin, fibroblast growth factor 21, glucagon-like peptide 1, testosterone, and interleukin 6. Ocn/GPRC6A activation has also been implicated in cancer progression. GPRC6A is activated by cations, amino acids, and testosterone. The multiligand specificity, the regulation of energy metabolism in diverse tissues, and the coordinated release of metabolically active hormones make the GPRC6A endocrine networks unique. Recently, the significance of Ocn/GPRCA has been questioned. There is a lack of metabolic abnormalities in newly created genetically engineered Ocn- and Gprc6a-deficient mouse models. There are also paradoxical observations that GPRC6A may function as a tumor suppressor. In addition, discordant published studies have cast doubt on the function of the most prevalent uniquely human GPRC6A-KGKY polymorphism. Explanations for these divergent findings are elusive. We provide evidence that the metabolic susceptibility of genetically engineered Ocn- and Gprc6a-deficient mice is influenced by environmental challenges and genetic differences in mouse strains. In addition, the GPRC6A-KGKY polymorphism appears to be a gain-of-function variant. Finally, alternatively spliced isoforms of GPRC6A may alter ligand specificity and signaling that modulate oncogenic effects. Thus, genetic, post-translational and environmental factors likely account for the variable results regarding the functions of GPRC6A in animal models. Pending additional information, GPRC6A should remain a potential therapeutic target for regulating energy and fat metabolism, hormone production, and cancer progression.
Changes in Biceps Femoris Long Head Fascicle Length after 10-d Bed Rest Assessed with Different Ultrasound Methods
Authors: SARTO FABIO , MONTI ELENA , ŠIMUNIČ BOŠTJAN , PIŠOT RADO , NARICI MARCO V. , FRANCHI MARTINO V.
Published: January 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to investigate the changes in fascicle length (Lf) of biceps femoris long head (BFlh) after 10 d of bed rest (BR) by comparing four different ultrasound (US) methods.

Methods

Ten healthy men participated in 10-d BR. Before (BR0) and after (BR10) the BR period, BFlh Lf values were obtained using 1) extended-field-of-view (EFOV) technique, 2) the manual linear extrapolation (MLE) method, and 3) two trigonometric equations (equations A and B) from a single US image.

Results

After BR10, decreased Lf values were observed by EFOV (P < 0.001; Hedges’ g = 0.29) and MLE (P = 0.0082; g = 0.22) methods, but not with equations A and B. Differences between equation A and the other US methods were detected at both time points. The percentage of changes in Lf between BR0 and BR10 was influenced by the US methods applied, with difference detected between the changes measured by EFOV and the ones estimated by equation A (P = 0.04; g = 0.53). Bland–Altman analyses revealed relevant average absolute biases in Lf between EFOV and other methods at both time points (range BR0–BR10: MLE, 0.3–0.37 cm (3.4%–4.32%); equation B, 0.3–0.48 cm (3.24%–5.41%); equation A, 2.44–2.97 cm (24.05%–29.2%)). A significant correlation (r = 0.83) in percentage of change in Lf values was observed only between EFOV and MLE.

Conclusions

We showed that four distinct US methods lead to different results in the assessment of BFlh Lf changes after a short-term period of unloading. The implementation of EFOV technique (or alternatively MLE) to assess Lf changes in BFlh during longitudinal studies is warranted.
Synthesis and application of cationised cellulose for removal of Cr(VI) from acid mine-drainage contaminated water
Authors: Etale Anita , Nhlane Dineo S. , Mosai Alseno K. , Mhlongo Jessica , Khan Aaliyah , Rumbold Karl , Nuapia Yannick B.
Published: January 2021

Background:Acid mine drainage (AMD) leads to contamination of surface and ground water by high levels of toxic metals including chromium. In many cases, these waters are sources of drinking water for communities, and treatment is therefore required before consumption to prevent negative health effects.

Methods:Cationised hemp cellulose was prepared by etherification with two quaternary ammonium salts: 3-chloro-2-hydroxypropyl trimethyl ammonium chloride (CHPTAC) and glycidyltrimethylammonium chloride (GTMAC) and examined for (i) the efficiency of Cr(VI) removal under acid mine-drainage (AMD) conditions, and (ii) antibacterial activity. Adsorbents were characterised by electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), CP-MAS13C nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy, elemental composition and surface charge.

Results:FTIR and solid state13C NMR confirmed the introduction of quaternary ammonium moieties on cellulose.13C NMR also showed that cationisation decreased the degree of crystallisation and lateral dimensions of cellulose fibrils. Nevertheless, 47 %  - 72 % of Cr(VI) ions were removed from solutions at pH 4, by 0.1 g of CHPTAC and GTMAC-cationised cellulose, respectively. Adsorption kinetics followed the pseudo-second order model and isotherms were best described by the Freundlich and Dubinin-Radushkevich models. When GTMAC-modified cellulose was applied to AMD contaminated water (pH 2.7); however, Cr(VI) removal decreased to 22% likely due to competition from Al and Fe ions. Cationised materials displayed considerable antibacterial effects, reducing the viability ofEscherichia coliby up to 45 % after just 3 hours of exposure.

Conclusions:Together, these results suggest that cationised cellulose can be applied in the treatment of Cr(VI)-contaminated mine water particularly if pre-treatments to reduce Fe and Al concentrations are applied.
Case Report: Bilateral mandibular buccal bifurcation cysts
Authors: Aloyouny Ashwag , Albagieh Hamad , Mansour Soad , Mobarak Fahmy
Published: January 2021

Buccal bifurcation cyst (BBC) is a rare inflammatory odontogenic cyst, which commonly affects children in the first decade of life. We report a case of a seven-year-old healthy boy with bilateral BBC, which involved unerupted incomplete permanent mandibular first molars. A review of the literature in English language revealed few similar cases. We reviewed 16 manuscripts of bilateral mandibular BBC, reporting a total of 20 cases since 1970. The clinical features of bilateral mandibular BBC summarized here could assist specialists with an accurate diagnosis and provide patients with optimal management.
Making healthcare accessible for single adults with complex needs experiencing long-term homelessness: A realist evaluation protocol
Authors: Siersbaek Rikke , Ford John , Ní Cheallaigh Clíona , Burke Sara , Thomas Steve
Published: January 2021

Background: Over the last several years, homelessness has increased in Ireland and across Europe. Rates have recently declined since the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, but it is unclear whether emergency housing measures will remain in place permanently. Populations experiencing long-term homelessness face a higher burden of multi-morbidity at an earlier age than housed populations and have poorer health outcomes. However, this population also has more difficulty accessing appropriate health services. A realist review by the authors found that important health system contexts which impact access are resourcing, training, funding cycles, health system fragmentation, health system goals, how care is organised, culture, leadership and flexibility of care delivery. Using a realist evaluation approach, this research will explore and refine key system-level factors, highlighted in our realist review, in a local health care system.

Aim: The aim of this study is to understand how funding procedures and health system performance management impact service settings, staff, providers and their ability to make services accessible to populations experiencing homelessness.

Methods: A realist evaluation will be undertaken to explain how funding and health system performance management impact healthcare accessibility for populations experiencing homelessness. Data will be collected using qualitative and realist interview techniques and focus group methodology. Secondary data such as policy documents and budgets will utilised. The analysis will follow Pawson and Tilley’s iterative phases starting with building an Initial programme theory, then data collection, data analysis, synthesis and finally building a refined programme theory.

Conclusion: Building on a realist review conducted by the same research team, this study will further test and refine findings that explain how health system factors impact healthcare accessibility for populations experiencing homelessness. The study has the potential to inform policy makers, health planners and managers of contextual factors that can be modified to increase healthcare accessibility.
Raincloud plots: a multi-platform tool for robust data visualization
Authors: Allen Micah , Poggiali Davide , Whitaker Kirstie , Marshall Tom Rhys , van Langen Jordy , Kievit Rogier A.
Published: January 2021

Across scientific disciplines, there is a rapidly growing recognition of the need for more statistically robust, transparent approaches to data visualization. Complementary to this, many scientists have called for plotting tools that accurately and transparently convey key aspects of statistical effects and raw data with minimal distortion. Previously common approaches, such as plotting conditional mean or median barplots together with error-bars have been criticized for distorting effect size, hiding underlying patterns in the raw data, and obscuring the assumptions upon which the most commonly used statistical tests are based. Here we describe a data visualization approach which overcomes these issues, providing maximal statistical information while preserving the desired ‘inference at a glance’ nature of barplots and other similar visualization devices. These “raincloud plots” can visualize raw data, probability density, and key summary statistics such as median, mean, and relevant confidence intervals in an appealing and flexible format with minimal redundancy. In this tutorial paper, we provide basic demonstrations of the strength of raincloud plots and similar approaches, outline potential modifications for their optimal use, and provide open-source code for their streamlined implementation in R, Python and Matlab (https://github.com/RainCloudPlots/RainCloudPlots). Readers can investigate the R and Python tutorials interactively in the browser using Binder by Project Jupyter.
On the controllability of Hilfer-Katugampola fractional differential equations
Authors: Abbas Mohamed I.
Published: January 2021

By employing Kuratowski's measure of noncompactness together with Sadovskii's fixed point theorem, sufficient conditions for controllability results of Hilfer-Katugampola fractional differential equations in Banach spaces are derived.
Archetypowe i sakralne podstawy rosyjskiej kultury politycznej
Authors: Wasilenko Irina
Published: January 2021

Archetypal and sacred grounds of the Russian political culture

The article provides the analysis of the basic archetypal and sacred symbols of Russian political culture. The author emphasizes that the archetypes and codes of culture, national traditions have had and continue to have a major influence on the formation of social and cultural identity of Russians and their worldview.
Przemiany tożsamości postradzieckich w Rosji
Authors: Kapicyn Władimir
Published: January 2021

Changes of post‑Soviet identities in Russia

Having introduced the term „identifying method”, the author deals with changes of social and political identities in post‑Soviet Russia. Referring to cognitive model, comprising horizontal and vertical, as well as domestic and external components of national identity the paper analyzes the ways of perceiving the term „post‑Soviet identity”. Two parts are discerned in the sphere of joining national identity: modified axiological core and protective „covering”.
Interesy i wartości we współczesnych konfliktach międzynarodowych: ewolucyjna zmiana paradygmatu
Authors: Manojło Andriej
Published: January 2021

Interests and values in contemporary international conflicts: evolutionary paradigm alternations

The paper deals with contemporary modernizing proposals of international conflicts resolution theories, based on axiological approach with reference to a paradigm guided by patterns of culture and civilization. A comparative analyses of Anglo‑Saxon, French‑German, Near‑Eastern and Far Eastern models of conflict resolution reveals insufficiency of these systems. Because of that insufficiencies some problems emerge during attempts to apply the above mentioned patterns in contemporary peacemaking operations. The author stresses the necessity of modernization of existing patterns. Revealed malfunction raises new requirements for the Russian model of conflicts resolution, based on civilizational patterns.
Trójkąt „Krym–Rosja–Ukraina": analiza polityczno‑prawna rozwoju wydarzeń
Authors: Jarulin Ildus , Jarulin Konstantin , Baszarymowa Dana
Published: January 2021

The triangle: Crimea–Russia–Ukraine: political‑legal analysis of the developments

The article analyzes the events connected with the conduct in Crimea referendum on March 30, 2014, by results of which the Republic of Crimea became part of the Russian Federation. The authors present historical background and discuss the political and legal developments concerning the relations between the involved parties.
„Wewnętrzna” rusofobia i „kwestia polska” w Rosji w XIX w.
Authors: Szyrinianc Aleksandr , Myrikowa Anna
Published: January 2021

The „internal” Russophobia and „the Polish issue” in 19th century Russia

The article is devoted to the phenomenon of Russophobia in Russia in XIX century. Outstanding Russian thinker and poet F. I. Tyutchev, who introduced the word Russophobia, characterized it as a multifaceted phenomenon. He drew attention to the fact that, apart from the western Russophobia there was an „internal” Russian Russophobia. An important part of it became the so‑called „Polish elements” as the result of the unresolved of the most accurate issues of the internal policy of Russia – the Polish question. The article presents the views of Russian journalism of those times on this topic. The works of F. H. Duhinski and J. Piłsudski are presented as examples of Polish Russophobia.