bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hidden in Plain Sight
Authors: Linrothe Rob
Published: November 2020

This is a review article of Janet Gyatso's 2015 award-winning book, Being Human in a Buddhist World: An Intellectual History of Medicine in Early Modern Tibet. The art-historical aspects of the book—mainly confined to the first chapter, “Reading Paintings, Painting the Medical, Medicalizing the State” and based on a perceptive art-historical reading of a set of medical paintings and its copies—had yet to be reviewed by an academically-trained art historian. This review underscores the fine art-historical insights deserving the attention of art historians working in parallel contexts of the often tense relationship between religious and empirical epistemologies. At the same time, the evaluation of certain readings of the visual record lead to suggested revisions in the support they provide to Gyatso's primary argument. In addition, other precedents of depictions “from life” in Tibetan art history are offered to help contextualize claims of originality or uniqueness. Finally, an analysis is presented of less formal, freehand painting versus more formalized, iconometric execution, calibrated with vernacular subject matter versus iconographically predetermined themes. Both of the painting modes and subject types are combined in the painting set analyzed by Gyatso supporting her assessment of the innovation of the artists selected by the patron, Desi Sangyé Gyatso (1653–1705).
Grafting of Fluorescence-labeled ssDNA onto Inorganic Nanosheets and Detection of a Target DNA
Authors: Anraku Shinya , Kaneko Yoshiro , Miyamoto Nobuyoshi
Published: November 2020

A single stranded DNA (ssDNA) labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC) was grafted on hexaniobate nanosheets as confirmed by infrared spectra, X-ray diffraction, and confocal laser scanning microscopy; this is the first case that a ssDNA was grafted on nanosheets. The grafted ssDNA retained the capability of hybridization with complementary ssDNA to form double stranded DNA so that the fluorescence of FITC was effectively quenched by hybridization with the target ssDNA having a quencher moiety.
14N NMR Evidence for Initial Production of NH3 Accompanied by Alcohol from the Hydrolysis of Ethylamine and Butylamine in Supercritical Water
Authors: Yoshida Ken , Yoshioka Haruka , Ushigusa Natsuko , Nakahara Masaru
Published: November 2020

A 14N and 1H NMR spectroscopic study was carried out to shed light on microscopic aspects of the reaction of model alkylamines at a supercritical temperature of 400 °C. It is disclosed that NH3 and ROH (R = CH3CH2 and CH3 (CH2)3) are initially produced from the hydrolysis of ethylamine and butylamine, respectively. When the water density is doubled from 0.2 g cm−3, the pseudo-first-order reaction rate is markedly enhanced beyond the linear response. It suggests that the transition state of the C-N bond cleavage is in a dipolar (ionic) state that can be more stabilized due to the many-body solvation by highly polar water molecules at a higher density.
Effect of herbicides on soil respiration: a case study conducted at Debrecen-Látókép Plant Cultivation Experimental Station
Authors: Sándor Zsolt , Kincses Ida , Tállai Magdolna , Lowy Daniel A. , Melendez Jesus R. , Guananga Diaz Nelly Ivonne , Guevara Iñiguez Luis Elias , Cuenca Nevarez Gerardo , Talledo Solórzano Viviana , Kátai János
Published: November 2020

Measuring the effect of herbicides on the natural environment is essential to secure sustainable agriculture practices. Amount of carbon dioxide released by soil microorganisms (soil respiration) is one of the most important soil health indicators, known so far. In this paper we present a comprehensive quantifying study, in which we measured the effect of 14 herbicides on soil respiration over 16 years, from 1991 to 2017, at Debrecen-Látókép Plant Cultivation Experimental Station. Investigated herbicides contained different active ingredients and were applied in various doses. It was found that 11 out of the examined 14 herbicides had a detrimental effect on soil respiration.
Integration of health solutions into government systems: a tool for assessing readiness
Authors: Lawrence Emily , Pain Amanda , Crawford Jessica , Baker Kim , Bechtel Ruth , Coelho Aida L. , Ofumane Alvo , Roussel Joseph , Magadzire Bvudzai
Published: November 2020

Government partnerships are essential for many health solutions to sustain impact at scale, particularly in low-resource settings where strengthening health systems is critical for Universal Health Coverage. Many non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and funders ultimately want solutions to be integrated into public health systems by transitioning solution ownership, management and/or operation to government. However, NGOs and their government partners have limited guidance on how to effectively determine when a solution is ready to transition in a way that will maintain impact long term. To address this need, VillageReach developed the Transition Readiness Assessment (TRA) based on our transition to government theoretical framework. The framework was developed to define both factors related to a solution, as well as external influences that affect a solution’s success.  The framework identifies seven dimensions of solution readiness: the political, economic, and social context; solution design; resource availability; financial management; government strategy; government policy and regulations; and organizational management. The TRA measures those dimensions and assigns each one a readiness score. We developed the framework and TRA for VillageReach solutions, as well as to share with government partners and stakeholders.

This Open Letter outlines the TRA development, details empirical examples from applying the tool on two VillageReach solutions, and presents recommendations based on our lessons learned. Stakeholders working to transition solutions to government can utilize both the TRA and our lessons.
Linking death registration and survey data: Procedures and cohort profile for The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA)
Authors: Ward Mark , May Peter , Briggs Robert , McNicholas Triona , Normand Charles , Kenny Rose Anne , Nolan Anne
Published: November 2020

Background: Research on mortality at the population level has been severely restricted by an absence of linked death registration and survey data in Ireland. We describe the steps taken to link death registration information with survey data from a nationally representative prospective study of community-dwelling older adults. We also provide a profile of decedents among this cohort and compare mortality rates to population-level mortality data. Finally, we compare the utility of analysing underlying versus contributory causes of death.

Methods: Death records were obtained for 779 and linked to individual level survey data from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (TILDA).  

Results: Overall, 9.1% of participants died during the nine-year follow-up period and the average age at death was 75.3 years. Neoplasms were identified as the underlying cause of death for 37.0%; 32.9% of deaths were attributable to diseases of the circulatory system; 14.4% due to diseases of the respiratory system; while the remaining 15.8% of deaths occurred due to all other causes. Mortality rates among younger TILDA participants closely aligned with those observed in the population but TILDA mortality rates were slightly lower in the older age groups. Contributory cause of death provides similar estimates as underlying cause when we examined the association between smoking and all-cause and cause-specific mortality.

Conclusions: This new data infrastructure provides many opportunities to contribute to our understanding of the social, behavioural, economic, and health antecedents to mortality and to inform public policies aimed at addressing inequalities in mortality and end-of-life care.
Screening of cardiovascular risk assessment accuracy of anthropometric indices in Indian children and adolescents
Authors: Aggarwal Mohit , Singh Shailendra , Bansal Anubhuti , Desiraju Bapu Koundinya , Agrawal Anurag
Published: November 2020

Background: Body mass index (BMI) is the most popular anthropometric marker to define obesity and cardiometabolic risk. BMI is limited in its ability to discriminate central adiposity and other indices such as waist circumference (WC), and waist to height ratio (WHtR) could be a better choice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the relative accuracy of these indices for the prediction of hypertension in Indian children and young adults.

Methods: Anthropometric indices and blood pressure measurements were obtained in 2609 adolescent children and young adults (10-20 years) across a national residential school system. Z-scores were calculated for anthropometric parameters using the Box-Cox-Cole-Green method and World Health Organization (WHO) growth charts. Hypertension was defined using the sex, age and height specific cutoffs for systolic blood pressure. Receiver operator curve (ROC) analysis was performed to examine the predictive ability. 

Results: Girls had higher BMI for age in our dataset (p < 0.001), along with higher odds for stunting (95% CI: 1.21 – 1.88) as well as central obesity (95% CI: 2.44 – 3.99). Hypertension was seen in 10.6% of the subjects, with higher age, and higher BMI or WHtR as the predictors. Prehypertension was higher in males (p <0.001). WHtR had acceptable but modest discrimination ability for hypertension (AUC > 0.6) in boys (AUC=0.62) and girls (AUC=0.66). Performance of BMI was better in boys (AUC = 0.67) but poor in girls (AUC = 0.55)

Conclusion: WHtR was a better predictor of hypertension in Indian adolescent girls and could be used as an augmented parameter to BMI for a better assessment of cardiovascular risk.
Adjustment of the Accounting Policy of the Agricultural Holding for Reliable Tax Accounting
Authors: Zabaznova D.
Published: November 2020

Th e article presents an algorithm for the formation of the taxable base for the purposes of tax accounting when drawing up a tax return on the profi t of an agricultural holding. It is recommended to monitor settlements with the budget in terms of calculable tax payments for each participant of the agricultural holding. Corrections are proposed to be introduced into the accounting policy for the purposes of tax accounting, which make it possible to adapt accounting to the requirements of tax accounting.
The Process of Implementation of International Financial Reporting Standards in the Countries of the Eurasian Economic Union
Authors: Dmitrieva I. , Kharakoz Yu.
Published: November 2020

Th e article discusses the practice of applying International fi nancial reporting standards in the EAEU member States and the development of national accounting systems. In particular, the process of applying IFRS in Armenia, Kazakhstan, Belarus, Kyrgyzstan and Russia was studied.
The Assessment and Minimally Invasive Management of Existing Restorations
Authors: Blum Igor R
Published: November 2020

This article provides an overview of current knowledge and understanding of existing criteria for the assessment of dental restorations and encourages dental practitioners to shift, if not already doing so, to considering minimally invasive interventions for manging deteriorating restorations. The repair of restorations in such a way extends longevity of the restoration without sacrificing intact, healthy tooth tissue, and is in the best interest of patients in terms of biological and economic costs. The replacement of a restoration should be only considered as a last resort, when there are no other viable alternatives.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Standardised assessment of dental restorations, using established criteria for clinical judgement and decision-making, is particularly important when managing deteriorating restorations in clinical practice. Minimally invasive management of such restorations, in terms of restoration repair strategies, should be viewed as a safe, viable and effective alternative to other more invasive treatments. The reader should understand the clinical evaluation of dental restorations based on reported standardised parameters and appreciate the benefits of minimally invasive management of deteriorating, yet serviceable, dental restorations in clinical practice.
Cheek teeth diastemata
Authors: Townsend Neil
Published: November 2020

Cheek teeth diastemata are the most common cause of quidding in the horse. They most commonly affect the most distal mandibular interdental spaces (09/10s and 10/11s) and they begin with impaction of food material, which may progress to gingivitis and periodontitis. They are diagnosed during a thorough oral examination, given under sedation. The initial assessment should include removal of the food from the diastema, which is also therapeutic. Many cases may be resolved by removing the impacted food and with good quality routine dentistry. Other proposed treatments include packing or stenting of diastemata, removing teeth from occlusion, diastema widening and extraction of cheek teeth.
Neonatal maladjustment syndrome in foals
Authors: Floyd Emily
Published: November 2020

Neonatal maladjustment syndrome is one of the most common neonatal foal diseases. It affects foals in the first 48 hours of life and causes a variety of clinical signs including loss of affinity for the mare, poor suck reflex and seizures. Many foals recover fully with supportive care. This article discusses the aetiology, clinical signs and treatment of the condition.
Know your patient: an introduction to the nursing care of donkeys
Authors: Middlecote Lucy
Published: November 2020

With approximately 44 million of them worldwide, it is important that veterinary professionals can treat and care for donkeys effectively. In the UK, a decreased workload and nutrient-rich diet can cause donkeys to become metabolically unstable and develop debilitating disease. Donkeys are very resilient and have the ability to mask signs of pain and distress. This often results in veterinary surgeons being presented with donkeys that are already compromised and require high levels of intervention. Most donkeys living in temperate climates are working animals, so there is little research specific to donkeys kept as companion animals, which can be problematic for veterinary professionals working in farm or equine practice in the UK. To deliver the most appropriate diagnoses, treatments and care for donkeys, and to fully support owners, veterinary surgeons and nurses must understand the physiological differences and management requirements of donkeys, compared to horses or ponies. Appropriate care is essential when nursing donkeys and should include all aspects of a holistic approach.
PHYSIOLOGICAL CHANGES IN WHEAT SEEDS DURING THE ARTIFICIAL DRYING PROCESS
Authors: Berghetti Juliano , Padilha Matheus Santin , Borba Paulo Tarcísio Domatos de , Coelho Cileide Maria Medeiros
Published: November 2020

The desiccation tolerance presented by orthodox species is a characteristic that allows the loss of water keeping the seed viable. However, the reduction of the moisture content by drying, has a critical limit, and a loss beyond this limit results in a reduction in the physiological quality of the seeds, TBIO Sossego cultivar. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physiological changes resulting from the reduction of moisture percentage in the artificial drying process of wheat seeds. The seeds used were of the cultivar TBIO Sossego with initial water content of 14.7%. The seeds were dried at 40 ± 2 °C until reaching 12, 10 and 8% moisture. The evaluated variables were germination, seedling length, electrical conductivity, field emergence, shoot length and root length. Drying of wheat seeds can be performed up to 8% moisture without affecting the physiological quality of the seeds.
Outcome Measures for Core Symptoms of Intellectual Disability: State of the Field
Authors: Thurm Audrey , Kelleher Bridgette , Wheeler Anne
Published: November 2020

Intellectual disability (ID) is defined by impairments in intellectual and adaptive functioning. As such, tools designed to assess these domains would theoretically be ideal outcome measures for treatment trials targeting core symptoms of ID. However, measures of intellectual and adaptive functioning have rarely been used as primary outcome measures to date and further study is needed regarding their usefulness to measure change. This area of inquiry is important because promising, mechanism-modifying treatments for conditions leading to ID are being initiated. To show efficacy, these treatments need to demonstrate an impact on core features of ID. After reviewing literature on this topic, we suggest solutions to several problems outlined, including use of out-of-age-range testing, alternative metrics, and development of new measures.
Dual GRIN lens two-photon endoscopy for high-speed volumetric and deep brain imaging
Authors: Chien Yu-Feng , Lin Jyun-Yi , Yeh Po-Ting , Hsu Kuo-Jen , Tsai Yu-Hsuan , Chen Shih-Kuo , Chu Shi-Wei
Published: November 2020

Studying neural connections and activities in vivo is fundamental to understanding brain functions. Given the cm-size brain and three-dimensional neural circuit dynamics, deep-tissue, high-speed volumetric imaging is highly desirable for brain study. With sub-micrometer spatial resolution, intrinsic optical sectioning, and deep-tissue penetration capability, two-photon microscopy (2PM) has found a niche in neuroscience. However, the current 2PM typically relies on a slow axial scan for volumetric imaging, and the maximal penetration depth is only about 1 mm. Here, we demonstrate that by integrating a gradient-index (GRIN) lens and a tunable acoustic GRIN (TAG) lens into 2PM, both penetration depth and volume-imaging rate can be significantly improved. Specifically, an ∼ 1-cm long GRIN lens allows imaging relay from any target region of a mouse brain, while a TAG lens provides a sub-second volume rate via a 100 kHz ∼ 1 MHz axial scan. This technique enables the study of calcium dynamics in cm-deep brain regions with sub-cellular and sub-second spatiotemporal resolution, paving the way for interrogating deep-brain functional connectome.
Histopathology for Mohs micrographic surgery with photoacoustic remote sensing microscopy
Authors: Ecclestone Benjamin R. , Bell Kevan , Abbasi Saad , Dinakaran Deepak , Taher Muba , Mackey John R. , Haji Reza Parsin
Published: November 2020

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a precise oncological technique where layers of tissue are resected and examined with intraoperative histopathology to minimize the removal of normal tissue while completely excising the cancer. To achieve intraoperative pathology, the tissue is frozen, sectioned and stained over a 20- to 60-minute period, then analyzed by the MMS surgeon. Surgery is continued one layer at a time until no cancerous cells remain, meaning MMS can take several hours to complete. Ideally, it would be desirable to circumvent or augment frozen sectioning methods and directly visualize subcellular morphology on the unprocessed excised tissues. Employing photoacoustic remote sensing (PARS) microscopy, we present a non-contact label-free reflection-mode method of performing such visualizations in frozen sections of human skin. PARS leverages endogenous optical absorption contrast within cell nuclei to provide visualizations reminiscent of histochemical staining techniques. Presented here, is the first true one to one comparison between PARS microscopy and standard histopathological imaging in human tissues. We demonstrate the ability of PARS microscopy to provide large grossing scans (>1 cm2, sufficient to visualize entire MMS sections) and regional scans with subcellular lateral resolution (300 nm).
Remote GaN metalens applied to white light-emitting diodes
Authors: Su Vin-Cent , Gao Chia-Chun
Published: November 2020

In this work, a gallium nitride (GaN) metalens as a remote device has been applied to a commercially available white light-emitting diode (LED). We show the successful demonstration in fabricating the high-aspect-ratio GaN metalens capable of diffraction-limited focusing with an experimentally focusing efficiency up to 89% at the wavelength of 450 nm. The metalens can also resolve the subwavelength features as imaging. For the proof of concept, the rainbow-like phenomenon can be observed by using the remote GaN metalens to disperse the white light radiated by the white LED. The diode lasers working at various wavelengths have been employed to carefully verify the positions of colors in the rainbow-like profile. The results in this study can inspire the semiconductor manufacturing industry at integrating metalenses of various kinds and functionalities into the package of LED modules in the near future and prospect widespread applications in advanced solid-state lighting.
Suspension and transfer printing of ZnCdMgSe membranes from an InP substrate
Authors: Chappell George A. , Guilhabert Benoit , Garcia Thor , Zhao Kuaile , Watson Ian M. , Dawson Martin D. , Tamargo Maria C. , Hastie Jennifer E.
Published: November 2020

Wide bandgap II-VI semiconductors, lattice-matched to InP substrates, show promise for use in novel, visible wavelength photonic devices; however, release layers for substrate removal are still under development. An under-etch method is reported which uses an InP substrate as an effective release layer for the epitaxial lift-off of lattice-matched ZnCdMgSe membranes. An array of 100-µm-square membranes is defined on a ZnCdMgSe surface using dry etching and suspended from the InP substrate using a three-step wet etch. The ZnCdMgSe membranes are transfer-printed onto a diamond heatspreader and have an RMS surface roughness < 2 nm over 400 µm2, similar to the epitaxial surface. Membranes on diamond show a photoluminescence peak at ∼520 nm and a thermal redshift of 4 nm with ∼3.6 MWm−2 continuous optical pumping at 447 nm. Effective strain management during the process is demonstrated by the absence of cracks or visible membrane bowing and the high brightness photoluminescence indicates a minimal non-radiative defect introduction. The methodology presented will enable the heterogeneous integration and miniaturization of II-VI membrane devices.
Transmissible cancers and the evolution of sex under the Red Queen hypothesis
Authors: Aubier Thomas G. , Galipaud Matthias , Erten E. Yagmur , Kokko Hanna
Published: November 2020

The predominance of sexual reproduction in eukaryotes remains paradoxical in evolutionary theory. Of the hypotheses proposed to resolve this paradox, the ‘Red Queen hypothesis’ emphasises the potential of antagonistic interactions to cause fluctuating selection, which favours the evolution and maintenance of sex. Whereas empirical and theoretical developments have focused on host-parasite interactions, the premises of the Red Queen theory apply equally well to any type of antagonistic interactions. Recently, it has been suggested that early multicellular organisms with basic anticancer defences were presumably plagued by antagonistic interactions with transmissible cancers and that this could have played a pivotal role in the evolution of sex. Here, we dissect this argument using a population genetic model. One fundamental aspect distinguishing transmissible cancers from other parasites is the continual production of cancerous cell lines from hosts’ own tissues. We show that this influx dampens fluctuating selection and therefore makes the evolution of sex more difficult than in standard Red Queen models. Although coevolutionary cycling can remain sufficient to select for sex under some parameter regions of our model, we show that the size of those regions shrinks once we account for epidemiological constraints. Altogether, our results suggest that horizontal transmission of cancerous cells is unlikely to cause fluctuating selection favouring sexual reproduction. Nonetheless, we confirm that vertical transmission of cancerous cells can promote the evolution of sex through a separate mechanism, known as similarity selection, that does not depend on coevolutionary fluctuations.
Ten simple rules for increased lab resilience
Authors: Rillig Matthias C. , Bielcik Milos , Chaudhary V. Bala , Grünfeld Leonie , Maaß Stefanie , Mansour India , Ryo Masahiro , Veresoglou Stavros D.
Published: November 2020

When running a lab we do not think about calamities, since they are rare events for which we cannot plan while we are busy with the day-to-day management and intellectual challenges of a research lab. No lab team can be prepared for something like a pandemic such as COVID-19, which has led to shuttered labs around the globe. But many other types of crises can also arise that labs may have to weather during their lifetime. What can researchers do to make a lab more resilient in the face of such exterior forces? What systems or behaviors could we adjust in ‘normal’ times that promote lab success, and increase the chances that the lab will stay on its trajectory? We offer 10 rules, based on our current experiences as a lab group adapting to crisis.
Prevalence and antibiotic resistance of Salmonella spp. in South Punjab-Pakistan
Authors: Qamar Aftab , Ismail Tariq , Akhtar Saeed
Published: November 2020

Present study aimed at investigating the magnitude of the prevalence and antibiotic resistance among fourSalmonellaspp. i.e.,S.typhi,S.paratyphiA,S.paratyphiB andS.typhimurium. Raw milk and environment samples were collected from the five districts of southern part of the province of Punjab in Pakistan i.e.,Multan,Bahawalpur,Lodhran,Dera Ghazi KhanandMuzaffargarh. Extent of antibiotic resistance was also determined and classified as resistant, intermediate and susceptible. District–wise prevalence data onSalmonellaspp. in milk and environmental samples indicated higherS.typhi,S.paratyphiBand S.typhimuriumcount inBahawalpur,D.G.KhanandMuzaffargarhdistricts, respectively. Amongst 13 tested antibiotics, chloramphenicol and ofloxacin were found to be the most susceptible againstSalmonellaspp. Increased emergence of antibacterial resistance was noted with respect to the type of antibiotics amongSalmonellaspp. isolates. The study suggests serious interventions to be practiced by the farmers and raw milk vendors in animal husbandry and milk marketing, respectively to curb the burden ofSalmonellaspp. prevalence in milk. Further, active engagement of animal health division and enforcement agencies to ensure sagacious use of antibiotics at farm level may also help in containment of antimicrobial resistance inSalmonellaspp.
In silico and in vitro studies on the anti-cancer activity of andrographolide targeting survivin in human breast cancer stem cells
Authors: Wanandi Septelia Inawati , Limanto Agus , Yunita Elvira , Syahrani Resda Akhra , Louisa Melva , Wibowo Agung Eru , Arumsari Sekar
Published: November 2020

Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) express high levels of the anti-apoptotic protein, survivin. This study aimed to discover a natural active compound with anti-cancer properties that targeted survivin in human breast cancer stem cells. From the seven examined compounds, andrographolide was selected as a lead compound through in silico molecular docking with survivin, caspase-9, and caspase-3. We found that the affinity between andrographolide and survivin is higher than that with caspase-9 and caspase-3. Human CD24-/CD44+ BCSCs were treated with andrographolide in vitro for 24 hours. The cytotoxic effect of andrographolide on BCSCs was compared to that on human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). The expression of survivin, caspase-9, and caspase-3 mRNA was analyzed using qRT-PCR, while Thr34-phosphorylated survivin and total survivin levels were determined using ELISA and Immunoblotting assay. Annexin-V/PI flow cytometry assays were performed to evaluate the apoptotic activity of andrographolide. Our results demonstrate that the CC50 of andrographolide in BCSCs was 0.32mM, whereas there was no cytotoxic effect in MSCs. Moreover, andrographolide decreased survivin and Thr34-phosphorylated survivin, thus inhibiting survivin activation and increasing survivin mRNA in BCSCs. The apoptotic activity of andrographolide was revealed by the increase of caspase-3 mRNA and protein, as well as the increase in both the early and late phases of apoptosis. In conclusion, andrographolide can be considered an anti-cancer compound that targets BCSCs due to its molecular interactions with survivin, caspase-9, and caspase-3, which induce apoptosis. We suggest that the binding of andrographolide to survivin is a critical aspect of the effect of andrographolide.
Altered shear stress on endothelial cells leads to remodeling of extracellular matrix and induction of angiogenesis
Authors: Russo T. A. , Banuth A. M. M. , Nader H. B. , Dreyfuss J. L.
Published: November 2020

Endothelial cells (ECs) are subjected to physical forces such as shear stress (SS) induced by blood flow that leads to significant changes in morphology, physiology and gene expression. The abnormal mechanical forces applied in the cardiovascular system can influence the development of conditions and diseases such as thrombosis, hypertension and atherosclerosis. This study investigated the expression of glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), proteoglycans and extracellular matrix molecules in ECs exposed to normal and altered SS. ECs were exposed to SS of 12 dyn/cm2 (artery physiological condition) and 4 dyn/cm2 (artery pathological condition). Subsequently, ECs were subjected to immunofluorescence, qPCR, GAG biosynthesis analyses and cell-based assays. SS induced changes in ECs morphology. There were other pathological consequences of altered SS, including inhibited adhesion, stimulation of migration and capillary-like tube formation, as well as increases of GAG synthesis. We observed higher expression of syndecan-4, perlecan, decorin, fibronectin and collagen III α1 and growth factors, including VEGF-A and TGFβ-1. ECs exposed to SS displayed extracellular matrix remodeling as well as expression of cell-matrix and cell-cell interaction molecules. This study contributes to the understanding of how vascular biology is affected by mechanical forces and how these molecules can be affected in cardiovascular diseases.
Transgender fathering: Children’s psychological and family outcomes
Authors: Condat Agnès , Mamou Grégor , Lagrange Chrystelle , Mendes Nicolas , Wielart Joy , Poirier Fanny , Medjkane François , Brunelle Julie , Drouineaud Véronique , Rosenblum Ouriel , Gründler Nouria , Ansermet François , Wolf Jean-Philippe , Falissard Bruno , Cohen David
Published: November 2020

Medical advances in assisted reproductive technology have created new ways for transgender persons to become parents outside the context of adoption. The limited empirical data does not support the idea that trans-parenthood negatively impacts children’s development. However, the question has led to lively societal debates making the need for evidence-based studies urgent. We aimed to compare cognitive development, mental health, gender identity, quality of life and family dynamics using standardized instruments and experimental protocols in 32 children who were conceived by donor sperm insemination (DSI) in French couples with a cisgender woman and a transgender man, the transition occurring before conception. We constituted two control groups matched for age, gender and family status. We found no significant difference between groups regarding cognitive development, mental health, and gender identity, meaning that neither the transgender fatherhood nor the use of DSI had any impact on these characteristics. The results of the descriptive analysis showed positive psycho-emotional development. Additionally, when we asked raters to differentiate the family drawings of the group of children of trans-fathers from those who were naturally conceived, no rater was able to differentiate the groups above chance levels, meaning that what children expressed through family drawing did not indicate cues related to trans-fatherhood. However, when we assessed mothers and fathers with the Five-Minute Speech Sample, we found that the emotions expressed by transgender fathers were higher than those of cisgender fathers who conceived by sex or by DSI. We conclude that the first empirical data regarding child development in the context of trans-parenthood are reassuring. We believe that this research will also improve transgender couple care and that of their children in a society where access to care remains difficult in this population. However, further research is needed with adolescents and young adults.
Factors associated with mechanical device-related complications in tube fed patients: A multicenter prospective cohort study
Authors: Gimenes Fernanda Raphael Escobar , Baracioli Flávia Fernanda Luchetti Rodrigues , Medeiros Adriane Pinto de , Prado Patricia Rezende do , Koepp Janine , Pereira Marta Cristiane Alves , Travisani Camila Baungartner , Rabeh Soraia Assad Nasbine , Souza Fabiana Bolela de , Miasso Adriana Inocenti
Published: November 2020

Aims

To identify the types of nasogastric/nasoenteric tube (NGT/NET)-related adverse events and to analyze the degree of harm and the factors associated with mechanical device-related complications.

Materials and methods

A prospective cohort study was conducted from October 2017 to April 2019 in seven Brazilian hospitals. Data from 447 adult patients with NGT/NET were collected through electronic forms. Three methods were used to assess the NGT/NET-related adverse events: (1) encouraging spontaneous reports; (2) regular visits to the wards; and (3) review of medical records. The events were classified as mechanical device-related complications and other events. The degree of harm was classified according to the World Health Organization’s International Classification for Patient Safety. Data were analyzed using the R program, version 3.5.3. The following tests were applied to identify associations between the explanatory and response variables: Cochran-Armitage Chi-Square test, Fisher’s exact test, and Linear-by-linear Chi-Square test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to verify the predictors of mechanical device-related complications. All analyses were performed considering a 5% significance level.

Results

191 NGT/NET-related adverse events were identified in 116 patients; the majority were mechanical device-related complications and resulted in mild harm to the patient. At the moment of the event, patients had a mean of 3.27 comorbidities, were highly dependent on nursing care, with high risk of death and altered level of consciousness. There was no association between the degree of harm and the care complexity, disease severity or level of consciousness. Intensive care was the strongest predictor for mechanical device-related complications and critical patients had a four times greater likelihood of presenting this type of event when compared to patients receiving minimal care.

Conclusion

Intensive care patients should receive special attention as the complexity of care is an important predictor for mechanical device-related complications in tube fed patients.
Cultural variation in young children’s social motivation for peer collaboration and its relation to the ontogeny of Theory of Mind
Authors: Stengelin Roman , Hepach Robert , Haun Daniel B. M.
Published: November 2020

Children seek and like to engage in collaborative activities with their peers. This social motivation is hypothesized to facilitate their emerging social-cognitive skills and vice versa. Current evidence on the ontogeny of social motivation and its’ links to social cognition, however, is subject to a sampling bias toward participants from urban Western populations. Here, we show both cross-cultural variation and homogeneity in three- to eight-year-old children’s expressed positive emotions during and explicit preferences for peer collaboration across three diverse populations (urban German, rural Hai||om/Namibia, rural Ovambo/Namibia;n= 240). Children expressed more positive emotions during collaboration as compared to individual activity, but the extent varied across populations. Children’s preferences for collaboration differed markedly between populations and across ages: While German children across all ages sought collaboration, Hai||om children preferred to act individually throughout childhood. Ovambo children preferred individual play increasingly with age. Across populations, positive emotions expressed selectively during collaboration, predicted children’s social-cognitive skills. These findings provide evidence that culture shapes young children’s social motivation for dyadic peer collaboration. At the same time, the positive relation of social motivation and social cognition in early ontogeny appears cross-culturally constant.
Ion concentration measurement using synthetic microfluidic papers
Authors: Kamiya Haruka , Yasuga Hiroki , Miki Norihisa
Published: November 2020

Non-invasive diagnosis on biological liquid samples, such as urine, sweat, saliva, and tears, may allow patients to evaluate their health by themselves. To obtain accurate diagnostic results, target liquid must be precisely sampled. Conventionally, urine sampling using filter paper can be given as an example sampling, but differences in the paper structure can cause variations in sampling volume. This paper describes precise liquid sampling using synthetic microfluidic papers, which are composed of obliquely combined micropillars. Sampling volume accuracy was investigated using different designs and collection methods to determine the optimal design and sample collecting method. The optimized protocol was followed to accurately measure potassium concentration using synthetic microfluidic paper and a commercially available densitometer, which verified the usefulness of the synthetic microfluidic papers for precision sampling.
Time-lapse imaging derived morphokinetic variables reveal association with implantation and live birth following in vitro fertilization: A retrospective study using data from transferred human embryos
Authors: Sayed Shabana , Reigstad Marte Myhre , Petersen Bjørn Molt , Schwennicke Arne , Wegner Hausken Jon , Storeng Ritsa
Published: November 2020

The purpose of this retrospective time-lapse data analysis from transferred preimplantation human embryos was to identify early morphokinetic cleavage variables that are related to implantation and live birth following in vitro fertilization (IVF). All embryos were monitored from fertilization check until embryo transfer for a minimum of 44 hours. The study was designed to assess the association between day 2 embryo morphokinetic variables with implantation and live birth based on Known Implantation Data (KID). The kinetic variables were subjected to quartile-based analysis. The predictive ability for implantation and live birth was studied using receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curves. Three morphokinetic variables, time to 2-cells (t2), duration of second cell cycle (cc2) below one threshold and cc2 above another threshold had the highest predictive value with regards to implantation and live birth following IVF treatment. The predictive pre-transfer information has little divergence between fetal heartbeat and live birth data and therefore, at least for early morphokinetic variables up to the four-cell stage (t4), conclusions and models based on fetal heartbeat data can be expected to be valid for live birth datasets as well. The three above mentioned variables (t2, cc2 below one threshold and cc2 above another threshold) may supplement morphological evaluation in embryo selection and thereby improve the outcome of in vitro fertilization treatments.
Molecular assessment and transcriptome profiling of wild fish populations of Oryzias mekongensis and O. songkhramensis (Adrianichthyidae: Beloniformes) from Thailand
Authors: Ngamniyom Arin
Published: November 2020

Among the fish of the genus Oryzias, two species are frequently used as model animals in biological research. In Thailand, Oryzias mekongensis is usually found in natural freshwater near the Mekong Basin in the northeast region, while O. songkhramensis inhabits the Songkhram Basin. For differential morphological identification, the coloured bands on the dorsal and ventral margins of the caudal fin are used to distinguish O. mekongensis from O. songkhramensis. However, these characteristics are insufficient to justify species differentiation, and little molecular evidence is available to supplement them. This study aimed to investigate the molecular population and transcriptome profiles of adult O. mekongensis and O. songkhramensis. In the molecular tree based on cytochrome b sequences, O. mekongensis exhibited four clades that were clearly distinguished from O. songkhramensis. Clade 1 of the O. mekongensis population was close to the Mekong River and lived in the eastern portion of the upper northeast region. Clade 2 was far from the Mekong River and inhabited the middle region of the Songkhram River. Clade 3 was positioned to the west of the Songkhram River, and clade 4 was to the south of the Songkhram River Basin. After RNA sequencing using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform, the gene category annotations hardly differentiated the species and were discussed in the text. Based on the present findings, population dispersal of these Oryzias species might be associated with geographic variations of the upper northeast region. Molecular genetics and transcriptome profiling might advance our understanding of the evolution of teleost fish.
Evaluation of coatings for application in raffia big bags in conditioned storage of soybean cultivars in seed processing units
Authors: Coradi Paulo Carteri , Lima Roney Eloy , Alves Charline Zaratin , Teodoro Paulo Eduardo , Cândido Ana Carina da Silva
Published: November 2020

Different regions have different environmental conditions, which may be unfavorable for the preservation of the quality of stored soybean seeds over time. Thus, it is necessary to adopt specific technologies to control the storage environment conditions. Big raffia bags are widely used for the storage of soybean seeds, however these consist of a porous, permeable material that allows the exchange of gases between the packaging and the storage environment. In an effort to find a solution to this problem, in this study we evaluated low cost big bag coating alternatives, in order to minimize the effects of temperature and intergranular humidity on stored seeds. Thus, the aim of this work was to evaluate the quality of soybean cultivars subjected to different temperature and storage duration conditions and stored in raffia bags with or without internal coating. We used a completely randomized, three-factor (10 × 6 × 5) experimental design. We assessed 10 soybean cultivars, six storage environments, and five evaluation periods. Our results showed that seeds of the M-SOY 8866, M7110 IPRO, CD 2737 RR, and BMX DESAFIO 8473 RSF soybean cultivars preserved their physiological quality better in different storage environments. The storage duration had a cumulative effect on the negative factors that favor the deterioration of the quality of the stored seeds. The storage temperature was the main factor that affected the physiological quality of the stored seeds. The use of coated packaging was beneficial in preserving the physiological quality of stored soybean seeds; however, its effect was greater at ambient temperature than in a cold environment. The best storage environment for the preservation of the quality of the seeds was characterized by 10°C temperature conditions and the use of coated packaging, while the worst storage environment was characterized by ambient temperature conditions without the use of coated packaging. Thus, it was concluded that the use of coatings in raffia big bags can be an alternative for maintaining the quality of seeds of different soybean cultivars during storage in seed processing units.
Adequately iodized salt is an important strategy to prevent iodine insufficiency in pregnant women living in Central Java, Indonesia
Authors: Kusrini Ina , Farebrother Jessica , Mulyantoro Donny Kristanto
Published: November 2020

Iodine is an essential micronutrient for cognitive development and growth. Optimal intakes are critical during pregnancy. We report the iodine status and thyroid function of pregnant women living in areas previously affected by severe iodine deficiency and in longstanding iodine sufficient areas in Java, Indonesia. This cross-sectional study was conducted in Magelang, Java, from July to November 2015, in four sub-districts; two previously affected by severe iodine deficiency (area 1) and two that were iodine-sufficient (area 2). Iodine intake was estimated using median urinary iodine concentration in spot samples and mean urinary iodine excretion in 3 x 24-hour samples, thyroid hormones (thyroid-stimulating hormone and free thyroxine) were measured in venous blood samples, and iodine content of household salt samples was estimated by titration. We recruited a total of 244 pregnant women, 123 in area 1 and 121 in area 2. Urinary iodine results suggested adequate habitual iodine intakes in both areas (median urinary iodine concentration in area 1: 222 μg/l (interquartile range 189, 276 μg/l), area 2: 264 μg/l (interquartile range 172, 284 μg/l), however, the risk of inadequate intakes increased with advancing trimester (Odds Ratio = 2.59 (95% CI 1.19–5.67) and 3.85 (95% CI 1.64–9.02) at second and third trimesters, respectively). Estimated prevalence of thyroid function disorders was generally low. Salt was iodized to approximately 40 ppm and foods rich in native iodine did not contribute significantly to dietary intakes. Adequately iodized salt continues to prevent iodine insufficiency in pregnant women living in areas previously affected by severe iodine deficiency in Java, Indonesia. Monitoring and surveillance, particularly in vulnerable groups, should be emphasized to ensure iodine sufficiency prevails.
Antibody profiling and prevalence in US patients during the SARS-CoV2 pandemic
Authors: Krishnamurthy Hari Krishnan , Jayaraman Vasanth , Krishna Karthik , Rajasekaran Karenah E. , Wang Tianhao , Bei Kang , Rajasekaran John J. , Yaskin Inna , Rai Alex J. , Choung Rok Seon , Murray Joseph A.
Published: November 2020

Background

Antibody diagnostics play an important role in disease detection and can potentially aid in monitoring of the immune responses to see if an individual has developed immunity. Developing high throughput diagnostics which does not involve handling of infectious material becomes imperative in the case of pandemics such as the recent outbreak of SARS-CoV2.

Methods

A protein microarray technology was used to detect the plurality of antibody response to four novel antigens namely S1 glycoprotein, Receptor binding domain (RBD), S2 glycoprotein and Nucleoprotein of the novel coronavirus named SARS-CoV2 using serum samples. A DBS card was additionally used to compare its performance with a venipuncture-based serum separator tube (SST) draw.

Results

The three main subclasses of antibodies IgM, IgA and IgG were analyzed to see the variations in immune responses in the affected population and compared to their microbial RT-PCR based NP swab results. The clinical sensitivity and specificity were determined to be 99.67% and 99.77%. In the matrix comparison study, which would enable patients to test without risk of transmitting the virus, DBS (Dried Blood Spot) matched with higher than 98% accuracy to a venipuncture-based SST collection.

Conclusion

Multiplex testing enables higher sensitivity and specificity which is essential while establishing exposure on a population scale. This flexible platform along with a discrete collection methodology would be crucial and broadly useful to scale up testing in current and future pandemics. Minimum sample volume that can be collected using DBS cards can be processed in this multiplex pillar plate format enabling the capacity to provide the reliability of high throughput analyzers while having the ease of collection similar to rapid tests.