bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STAT4 targets KISS1 to promote the apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells
Authors: Jiang Yao , Xin Xiaoping , Pan Xiangchun , Zhang Ailing , Zhang Zhe , Li Jiaqi , Yuan Xiaolong
Published: November 2020

Background

In mammals, it is known that the estradiol-17β (E2) is mainly synthetized in ovarian granulosa cells (GCs), and the excessive apoptosis of GCs induces the follicular atresia. Many studies have implicated the essential role of KISS1, with the pro-synthetic effect of E2 and the anti-apoptotic effect on GCs, in the mammalian folliculogenesis, and several STAT4 potential binding sites were previously predicted on the promoter of KISS1 in pigs. However, the biological effects of STAT4 on GCs and the molecular regulation between STAT4 and KISS1 remained largely unknown.

Methods

Using the porcine GCs as the cellular model, the overexpression plasmid, small interfering RNA, 5′-deletion and luciferase assay were applied to investigate the molecular mechanisms for STAT4 regulating the expression of KISS1.

Results

In this study, the STAT4 negatively regulated the mRNA and protein levels of KISS1 in porcine GCs, and the mRNA level of STAT4 was observed to significantly decrease from immature to mature follicles, which was inversed with that of KISS1. The relative luciferase activity of KISS1 promoter was significantly increased with deletion of the fourth potential binding site (− 305/− 295), and ChIP further confirmed that the STAT4 bound at − 305/− 295 region of KISS1. Besides, the STAT4 significantly regulated the mRNA levels of PDK1, FOXO3 and TSC2 of PI3K signaling pathway to promote the cell apoptosis and the percentage of cells at G0/G1 phase of cell cycle in GCs. Alternatively, the STAT4 significantly decreased the mRNA levels of CYP17, 3B-HSD, 17B-33 HSD, ESR1, and ESR2, as well as the concentration of E2 in GCs. Furthermore, interfering with the expression of STAT4 was observed to significantly stimulate the pro-synthetic effect of E2 and anti-apoptotic effect of KISS1 in GCs.

Conclusions

Collectively, the STAT4 might directly target at − 305/− 295 region of KISS1 to negatively regulate the transcription of KISS1, promote the cell apoptosis via PI3K signaling pathway, suppress the synthesis of E2 through the estrogen signaling pathway in porcine GCs. These proposed works could provide useful insight in further investigations on the molecular functionalities of STAT4 and KISS1 in the folliculogenesis of mammals.
Transparency, trust, and community welfare: towards a precision public health ethics framework for the genomics era
Authors: Juengst Eric T. , Van Rie Annelies
Published: November 2020

Infectious disease control is experiencing a paradigm shift, as pathogen sequencing technologies and digital applications are increasingly implemented for control of diseases such as tuberculosis, Ebola, and COVID-19. A new ethical framework should be a critical part of this emerging paradigm to ensure that the benefit of precision public health interventions based on advances in genomics research is not outweighed by the risks they pose to individuals, families, and vulnerable segments of the population. We suggest that the ethical framework guiding practice in this domain combines standard precepts from public health ethics with emerging ethics principles from precision medicine.
Cabozantinib as the causative agent of high-grade fever in a patient with a background of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma: a case report
Authors: Chen H. M. N. , Morris M. , Manders P. M.
Published: November 2020

Background

Fever, as an adverse event, is well documented in a wide array of drugs including multiple tyrosine kinase inhibitors however, it is not a previously well described consequence of the novel multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor, cabozantinib.

Case presentation

In this paper we document the first detailed review of high-grade fevers in a 54 year old male (Caucasian) with a background of metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma recently commenced on cabozantinib. After detailed investigation, we exclude infection and other common causes of fever as the causative agent and further, definitively resolve the recurrent fever by ceasing cabozantinib and starting a short course of oral corticosteroids.

Conclusions

We have demonstrated that cabozantinib should always be considered in the aetiology of high-grade fever in relevant patients. Further, we demonstrate that temporary cessation of cabozantinib and a course of short-term steroids can induce resolution of fever and allow for recommencement of cabozantinib safely thereafter.
Bisphenol A disrupts inflammatory responses via Nod-like receptor protein 3 pathway in macrophages
Authors: Lee Hee-Weon , Ha Sang Keun , Kim Yoonsook
Published: November 2020

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a harmful endocrine disruptor that is found in polycarbonate plastics such as plastic food containers and in epoxy resins such as dental resins. In the current study, we investigated the effect of BPA on function of inflammatory responses involving activation of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Treatment with BPA decreased nitric oxide (NO) production and expression levels of inducible NO synthase (iNOS), prostaglandin E2(PGE2), and cyclooxygenase (Cox)-2 in RAW 264.7 macrophages. BPA also suppressed activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-kappa B activity (NF-κB). BPA significantly down-regulated the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and IL-18. The decreased production of IL-1β and IL-18 induced by BPA was associated with inactivation of the activity of the NLRP3 inflammasome. Collectively, these data suggested that BPA could act as a disruptor of the inflammation activity by regulating the NF-κB/MAPK pathways and NLRP3 inflammasome activation.
Misperception of sleep in bipolar disorder: an exploratory study using questionnaire versus actigraphy
Authors: Ihler Henrik Myhre , Meyrel Manon , Hennion Vincent , Maruani Julia , Gross Gregory , Geoffroy Pierre A. , Lagerberg Trine Vik , Melle Ingrid , Bellivier Frank , Scott Jan , Etain Bruno
Published: November 2020

Background

The concept of misperception of sleep refers to the estimated discrepancy between subjective and objective measures of sleep. This has been assessed only in a few prior studies in individuals with Bipolar Disorder (BD) as compared to Healthy Controls (HC) and with mixed results.

Methods

We assessed a sample of 133 euthymic individuals with BD and 63 HC for retrospective subjective (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index) and objective (21 days of actigraphy recording) measures of total sleep time, sleep latency and sleep efficiency. We first investigated the correlations between these subjective and objective measures in the two groups. We then compared individuals with BD and HC for the absolute values of the differences between subjective and objective sleep parameters, used as a proxy of the magnitude of misperception of sleep. Finally, we undertook regression analyses to assess associations between clinical groups, core demographics, clinical factors and misperception of sleep.

Results

The correlation coefficients between subjective and objective measures of sleep did not differ between groups (total sleep time: rho = .539 in BD and rho = .584 in HC; sleep latency: rho = .190 in BD and rho = .125 in HC; sleep efficiency: rho = .166 in BD and rho = .222 in HC). Individuals with BD did not differ from HC in the magnitude of misperception of total sleep time, sleep latency nor sleep efficiency. Individuals with BD type 1 misperceived their sleep efficiency significantly more than individuals with BD type 2, with no further difference between BD type 1 and BD type 2 regarding sleep latency and sleep duration misperceptions. Three factors (age, symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea, and mild depressive symptoms), were the main contributors to the magnitude of misperception of sleep.

Conclusions

Misperception of sleep was not associated with a diagnosis of BD. In this sample, mild depressive symptoms, older age, or symptoms of obstructive sleep apnea may be related to greater sleep misperception. In that case, the reliability of subjective measures may decrease as the misperception of sleep increases. This study may help guide clinicians in selecting the best approach for assessing sleep (objective versus subjective measures) in individuals with BD.
Defining phenotypes of long-term lithium and valproate response, including combination therapy: a modified application of the Alda scale in patients with bipolar disorders
Authors: Lee Jinyoung , Baek Ji Hyun , Lee Dongbin , Ahn Sung Woo , Yang So-Yung , Choi Yujin , Bahk Yong Chun , Hong Kyung Sue
Published: November 2020

Background

When evaluating the long-term treatment response to mood stabilizers using the Alda scale, mood stabilizer combination therapy is typically considered a confounding factor, and patients receiving combination therapy are excluded from the analysis. However, this may result in bias if those under combination therapy are worse treatment responders. This study aims to explore whether the Alda scale is applicable to patients taking lithium and valproate combination therapy. We compared long-term treatment response in patients receiving monotherapy and combination therapy of the two drugs, and investigated clinical correlates of the responses to each drug.

Methods

The study subjects consisted of 102 patients with bipolar I (BD-I) or bipolar II (BD-II) disorder who had been undergoing maintenance treatment with lithium and/or valproate for more than 2 years at a single specialized bipolar disorder clinic. Long-term treatment response was measured using the Alda scale and compared among the lithium monotherapy group, the valproate monotherapy group, and the mood stabilizer combination group. Clinical correlates of long-term treatment response were evaluated in lithium users and valproate users separately.

Results

There were no significant differences in terms of baseline illness characteristics among groups. The combination group showed the worst treatment response for all the response measurements applied. This group also had the higher rate of ‘poor responder’ with a statistically significant difference compared to valproate group. Older age at onset and (hypo)manic episode at onset showed significant positive associations with total Alda score in lithium users, while comorbid anxiety disorders, obsessive–compulsive disorder and mixed episode showed significant negative associations in valproate users.

Conclusions

The combination group had poorer long-term treatment response but did not show distinct clinical characteristics compared to the monotherapy groups. When exploring the long-term effects of mood stabilizers, excluding patients undergoing combination treatment could result in bias because they may represent a poor response group. The long-term treatment responses of lithium and valproate had different clinical correlates.
A portrait of Italian ‘Family houses’: diversified heritage in a redefined territorial and demographic context
Authors: Zanfi Federico , Merlini Chiara , Giavarini Viviana , Manfredini Fabio
Published: November 2020

The ‘family house’ has played a major role within the urbanisation processes that have been transforming the Italian landscape since the 1960s. It is a common feature of the widespread settlements that are part of what has been labelled the ‘diffuse city’ and was the subject of numerous studies during the 1990s. More than 20 years later, this paper returns to the topic of the Italian family house using a renewed methodological approach to describe relevant changes. The hypothesis here is that in order to grasp the tensions affecting ‘family houses’ in today’s context of demographic transition and increased imbalances between dynamic and declining areas, and to contemplate their future, the qualitative gaze adopted by scholars in the 1990s must be integrated with other investigative tools, focusing on demographic change, uses, and the property values of buildings. Using this perspective, the paper provides a series of ‘portraits’ rooted in four meaningful territorial contexts, portraits which may help scholars to redefine their imagery associated with family house and be useful for dedicated building policies.
Safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients on prior antiplatelet therapy in the WAKE-UP trial
Authors:   on behalf of the WAKE-UP investigators, Frey Benedikt M. , Boutitie Florent , Cheng Bastian , Cho Tae-Hee , Ebinger Martin , Endres Matthias , Fiebach Jochen B. , Fiehler Jens , Ford Ian , Galinovic Ivana , Königsberg Alina , Puig Josep , Roy Pascal , Wouters Anke , Magnus Tim , Thijs Vincent , Lemmens Robin , Muir Keith W. , Nighoghossian Norbert , Pedraza Salvador , Simonsen Claus Z. , Gerloff Christian , Thomalla Götz
Published: November 2020

Background

One quarter to one third of patients eligible for systemic thrombolysis are on antiplatelet therapy at presentation. In this study, we aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of intravenous thrombolysis in stroke patients on prescribed antiplatelet therapy in the WAKE-UP trial.

Methods

WAKE-UP was a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial to study the efficacy and safety of MRI-guided intravenous thrombolysis with alteplase in patients with an acute stroke of unknown onset time. The medication history of all patients randomized in the WAKE-UP trial was documented. The primary safety outcome was any sign of hemorrhagic transformation on follow-up MRI. The primary efficacy outcome was favorable functional outcome defined by a score of 0–1 on the modified Rankin scale at 90 days after stroke, adjusted for age and baseline stroke severity. Logistic regression models were fitted to study the association of prior antiplatelet treatment with outcome and treatment effect of intravenous alteplase.

Results

Of 503 randomized patients, 164 (32.6%) were on antiplatelet treatment. Patients on antiplatelet treatment were older (70.3 vs. 62.8 years, p <  0.001), and more frequently had a history of hypertension, atrial fibrillation, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, and previous stroke or transient ischaemic attack. Rates of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage and hemorrhagic transformation on follow-up imaging did not differ between patients with and without antiplatelet treatment. Patients on prior antiplatelet treatment were less likely to achieve a favorable outcome (37.3% vs. 52.6%, p = 0.014), but there was no interaction of prior antiplatelet treatment with intravenous alteplase concerning favorable outcome (p = 0.355). Intravenous alteplase was associated with higher rates of favorable outcome in patients on prior antiplatelet treatment with an adjusted odds ratio of 2.106 (95% CI 1.047–4.236).

Conclusions

Treatment benefit of intravenous alteplase and rates of post-treatment hemorrhagic transformation were not modified by prior antiplatelet intake among MRI-selected patients with unknown onset stroke. Worse functional outcome in patients on antiplatelets may result from a higher load of cardiovascular co-morbidities in these patients.
Role of interleukins 12B and 17A genetic variation in house dust mites allergy
Authors: Ammar Asmaa Mostafa , EL. Zayyat Elham Abbas , Khayyal Amira EL. Saady , Hamdy Dina Mamdouh , EL-Gendy Aya , Elleboudy Noha Abdel Fattah
Published: November 2020

Background

The house dust mites (HDM) constitute a major cause of allergic diseases all over the world. Genes encoding interleukins 12B and 17A which determine the course of T cell-mediated immune response are prime candidates as allergic disease susceptibility. The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether a single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of interleukins 12B + 1188A/C (rs3212227) and 17A −197G/A (rs2275913) confers susceptibility to HDM allergic diseases. Through a case-control study, 120 subjects served as 60 dust mites' allergic patients and 60 healthy non-allergic controls. Total immunoglobulin (Ig) E level, eosinophilic count, serum interleukins 4, 10, 12B, and 17A levels for the studied subjects were measured. Then, genotyping of single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) at +1188A/C for IL12B and −197G/A for IL17A gene were conducted using restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLP-PCR).

Results

The present study showed that in HDMs' allergic subjects there was a significant increase in IL12B (+1188 A/C) and IL17A (−197 G/A) genotype variants compared to that of the controls. There was a significant increase in total IgE levels, eosinophil counts, and the levels of both IL-4 and IL-17A, while IL12B was significantly lower in patients compared to that of the controls. There was no significant difference in IL-10 levels between patients and controls.                                                                            

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that IL12B (+1188 A/C) and IL17A (−197G/A) might be associated with an increase in the susceptibility to dust mites’ allergic patients.
Arterial spin labeling in the grading of brain gliomas: could it help?
Authors: ElBeheiry Ahmed A. , Emara Doaa M. , Abdel-Latif Amany Abdel-Bary , Abbas Mohamed , Ismail Amal S.
Published: November 2020

Background

Gliomas are characterized by high morbidity and mortality with low cure and high recurrence rates, which depends to a great degree on the angiogenesis of the tumor. Assessment of such angiogenesis by perfusion techniques is of utmost importance for the preoperative grading of gliomas. The purpose of this study was to assess the role of arterial spin labeling (ASL) perfusion as a non-contrast MRI technique in the grading of brain gliomas, in correlation with the dynamic susceptibility contrast perfusion imaging (DSC-PI). The study was carried out on 35 patients admitted to the Neurosurgery Department with MRI features of gliomas and sent for further perfusion imaging. Non-contrast ASL followed by DSC-PI was done for all cases. The final diagnosis of the cases was established by histopathology.

Results

Fourteen patients (14/35) had low-grade gliomas while twenty-one (21/35) had high-grade gliomas. In low-grade gliomas, four cases out of 14 were falsely graded as high-grade tumors showing hyperperfusion on ASL, three of which showed DSC-PI hypoperfusion. In high-grade gliomas, two cases out of 21 were interpreted as an indeterminate grade by ASL showing isoperfusion, however showed hyperperfusion on DSC-PI. ROC curve analysis showed ASL-derived rCBF > 2.08 to have 80.95% sensitivity, 85.71% specificity, and overall accuracy of 82.86% compared to 100% sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of DSC-PI-derived rCBV and rCBF of > 1.1 and > 0.9, respectively. A significant positive correlation was noted between ASL and DSC-PI with correlation coefficient reaching r = 0.80 between ASL-rCBF and DSC-rCBF (p < 0.01) and r = 0.68 between ASL and DSC-rCBV (p < 0.01).

Conclusions

ASL is a relatively recent non-contrast perfusion technique that obtains results which are in fair agreement with the more established DSC perfusion imaging making it an alternative method for preoperative assessment of perfusion of gliomas, especially for patients with contraindications to contrast agents.
EDUCATING BORDER DWELLERS TO PROMOTE PEACE AND SECURITY IN AN ELECTORAL PROCESS: PERCEPTION OF COMMUNITY MEMBERS’
Authors: Muhinat Bello Bolanle
Published: November 2020

This study examined the perception of border community members on educating border dwellers so as to promote peace and security in an electoral process in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a target population of This study examined the perception of border community members on educating border dwellers so as to promote peace and security in an electoral process in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a target population of Zamfara state’s Zurmi Local Government Areas border communities of Gurbin Bore. Researcher’s designed questionnaire with psychometric properties of content validity of 0.61 and a reliability index of 0.87 was used to elicit the needed data from the respondents. A multistage sampling technique was used to sample 384 respondents. The research questions and hypotheses were analyzed using mean score and t-test. The finding revealed that all the community members perceive educating them as a welcome development that would help in breeding youth that is needed in an electoral process. It was thus, recommended among others that, the government should provide qualitative education for people residing in the international border areasThis study examined the perception of border community members on educating border dwellers so as to promote peace and security in an electoral process in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a target population of This study examined the perception of border community members on educating border dwellers so as to promote peace and security in an electoral process in Nigeria. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, with a target population of Zamfara state’s Zurmi Local Government Areas border communities of Gurbin Bore. Researcher’s designed questionnaire with psychometric properties of content validity of 0.61 and a reliability index of 0.87 was used to elicit the needed data from the respondents. A multistage sampling technique was used to sample 384 respondents. The research questions and hypotheses were analyzed using mean score and t-test. The finding revealed that all the community members perceive educating them as a welcome development that would help in breeding youth that is needed in an electoral process. It was thus, recommended among others that, the government should provide qualitative education for people residing in the international border areas.
SISTEM INFORMASI PELAYANAN MASYARAKAT BERBASIS ANDROID PADA KANTOR DESA KALIBA MAMASE
Authors: Ritnawati Ritnawati , Suppa Rinto , Muhallim Muhlis
Published: November 2020

The problem in this thesis research is how to design an Android-Based Community Service Information System at the KalibaMamase Village office. Information Systems for Community Services are based on the system using Black Box Testing and the accuracy of the information system is based on user testing.  The research objective is to design and build a Village-level Community Service Information System in order to improve the quality of services for village staff and the use of services for local villagers.  The benefit obtained from this research is to make a new innovation for each village to be able to facilitate serving residents or residents in the application for letters. This research uses the life cycle model of the Waterfall system development and the design of an Android-based population service information system.  Data collection methods in this study use the method of observation,  interviews,  and data analysis. The conclusion of the research is that the Community Service Information System can facilitate the process of correspondence services in the Village apparatus as well as the use of services for the community in managing population and obtaining information at the Village Office.   In the Android-Based Community Service Information System at the Kaliba Mamase Village Office
Fast method for computing a system matrix using a polar-coordinate
pixel model with concentric annuluses of different radial widths
Authors: Zhang Shuang , Zhou Peng , Pan Kai , Liu Zhiguo , Li Yude , Sun Tianxi
Published: November 2020

Despite better reconstruction quality for incomplete or noisy
projection data compared to analytic reconstruction, computed
tomography iterative techniques are time-consuming, mainly due to high
system matrix computation. A polar-coordinate pixel model with
concentric annuluses of different radial widths was established and a
fast method for computing the system matrix was presented based on
characteristics of this model. Compared with the Siddon algorithm and
an efficient Cartesian algorithm introduced by Zhang, the proposed
algorithm based on the simultaneous algebraic reconstruction technique
shows speed advantages for both numerical simulation and experiment,
without noticeable loss of image quality.
Quantitative laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy for discriminating neoplastic tissues from non-neoplastic ones
Authors: Al-Salihi Mahmoud , Yi Rongxing , Wang Shiqi , Wu Qiang , Lin Fangrui , Qu Junle , Liu Liwei
Published: November 2020

In this paper, we present a method to distinguish neoplastic tissues from non-neoplastic ones using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS). For this propose, plasma emission was collected from neoplastic and non-neoplastic tissues taken from the ovarian cancer mice models. Results were obtained by utilizing the characteristic plasma emission lines of different elements that have been confirmed in the investigated samples. From the temporal evolution of plasma emission, the optimum temporal-observation-windows are identified for LIBS investigation. The concentrations of the detected elements in tissues were measured by a calibration-free approach based on data process of plasma parameters at the local thermodynamic equilibrium. The neoplastic specimens provided more energetic plasma than non-neoplastic ones that resulting in higher peaks intensities, electron density and electron temperature especially in the early windows (between 0.1 µs to 0.8 µs). Results demonstrated higher concentrations of major and trace elements such as Mg, Fe, Ca, Na, and K in the neoplastic tissues. Finally, the results using CF-LIBS method were found to be in good agreement with that of Inductive coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES).
Ethane detection with mid-infrared hollow-core fiber photothermal spectroscopy
Authors: Chen Feifan , Jiang Shoulin , Jin Wei , Bao Haihong , Ho Hoi Lut , Wang Chao , Gao Shoufei
Published: November 2020

We report a compact mid-infrared (MIR) photothermal spectroscopic ethane (C2H6) sensor with a hollow-core negative-curvature-fiber (HC-NCF) gas cell. The HC-NCF supports low-loss transmission of an MIR pump (3.348 µm) and a near-infrared (NIR) probe (1.55 µm). The pump and probe laser beams are launched into the gas cell from the opposite ends of the HC-NCF, allowing independent MIR pump delivery and NIR fiber-optic probe circuitry. The use of Fabry-Perot as the probe interferometer simplifies the sensor design and suppresses the common-mode noise in the lead in/out single-mode fiber. With a 14-cm-long HC-NCF, an ethane sensor system with the limit of detection (LOD) of 13 parts-per-billion (ppb) is achieved with 1 s lock-in time constant. The LOD goes down to 2.6 ppb with 410 s average time, which corresponds to noise equivalent absorption (NEA) of 2.0×10−6 and is a record for the hollow-core fiber MIR gas sensors. The system instability is 2.2% over a period of 8 hours.
Nonlinear resolution enhancement of an FBG based temperature sensor using the Kerr effect
Authors: Krarup Ole , Baker Chams , Chen Liang , Bao Xiaoyi
Published: November 2020

We demonstrate the enhancement of the resolution of a fiber optical sensor using all-optical signal processing. By sweeping the frequency of a tunable laser across a fiber Bragg grating, a signal corresponding to the reflection spectrum of the FBG is generated. If another laser with fixed power and frequency is launched into a highly nonlinear fiber along with the FBG-shaped signal, the Kerr effect gives rise to a number of frequency sidebands, where the power in each of the sidebands is proportional an integer exponent of the signal and pump powers. By filtering out particular sidebands, this potentiation effect reduces the width of the FBG-shaped signal, making shifts in its central wavelength easier to distinguish. We report a maximum resolution enhancement factor of 3.35 obtained by extracting the n = −4 order sideband, and apply resolution enhancement to improve the resolution of an FBG based temperature sensor. The method described in this paper can be applied to existing fiber based sensors and optical systems to enhance their resolution.
Widely tunable Er:Yb fiber laser using a fiber Bragg grating embedded in a 3D printed beam
Authors: Liu Chunxin , Yang Xiong , Laurell Fredrik , Fokine Michael
Published: November 2020

A narrow linewidth (Δλ < 0.07 nm), low noise, widely tunable Er:Yb ring fiber laser is demonstrated using a fiber Bragg grating mirror embedded in a 3D printed polymer beam. By bending the polymer beam, continuous tuning of the laser was achieved over 30 nm, from 1543 nm to 1574 nm, with power variation below 1 dB, showing high temporal and spectral stability and a signal-to-background value exceeding 50 dB. These results present a versatile and simple method for tailoring tunable narrow-linewidth lasers.
Breaking planar symmetries by a single layered metasurface for realizing unique on-chip chiroptical effects
Authors: Naeem Taimoor , Rana Ahsan Sarwar , Zubair Muhammad , Tauqeer Tauseef , Mehmood Muhammad Qasim
Published: November 2020

Chiroptical effects are instrumental for various intriguing applications like chiro-optical spectroscopy and chiral imaging. Their on-chip realization can open novel avenues for the demonstration of these applications at a miniaturized scale. One can leverage the unprecedented flexibility of metasurfaces to tailor the spinning light meticulously for realizing these chiroptical effects at a compact scale. Here, we present a unique methodology to effectively achieve such chiroptical effects by a single-layered metasurface consisting of a two-dimensional array of C2-symmetric meta-atoms. These meta-atoms are carefully engineered to break the mirror and n-fold (n=2) rotational symmetries. The optimized meta-atoms reflect 84% (cross-polarized light) under right circularly polarized illumination and transmit 80% (cross-polarized light) when left circularly polarized light is impinged. Such optical responses result in a giant asymmetric transmission (AT) of 80% in the reflection and 74% in the transmission mode along with full phase control (of 0-2π). To verify this asymmetric behavior in transmission and reflection, we implemented holograms both in the forward and backward directions. The proposed design methodology enables the realization of chiroptical effects via compact on-chip which can find promising applications in chiral sensing and imaging.
Structure of the Lifeact–F-actin complex
Authors: Belyy Alexander , Merino Felipe , Sitsel Oleg , Raunser Stefan
Published: November 2020

Lifeact is a short actin-binding peptide that is used to visualize filamentous actin (F-actin) structures in live eukaryotic cells using fluorescence microscopy. However, this popular probe has been shown to alter cellular morphology by affecting the structure of the cytoskeleton. The molecular basis for such artefacts is poorly understood. Here, we determined the high-resolution structure of the Lifeact–F-actin complex using electron cryo-microscopy (cryo-EM). The structure reveals that Lifeact interacts with a hydrophobic binding pocket on F-actin and stretches over 2 adjacent actin subunits, stabilizing the DNase I-binding loop (D-loop) of actin in the closed conformation. Interestingly, the hydrophobic binding site is also used by actin-binding proteins, such as cofilin and myosin and actin-binding toxins, such as the hypervariable region of TccC3 (TccC3HVR) fromPhotorhabdus luminescensand ExoY fromPseudomonas aeruginosa. In vitro binding assays and activity measurements demonstrate that Lifeact indeed competes with these proteins, providing an explanation for the altering effects of Lifeact on cell morphology in vivo. Finally, we demonstrate that the affinity of Lifeact to F-actin can be increased by introducing mutations into the peptide, laying the foundation for designing improved actin probes for live cell imaging.
Metacognitive preserved generation strategy benefits for both younger and elderly participants with schizophrenia
Authors: Izaute Marie , Thuaire Flavien , Méot Alain , Rondepierre Fabien , Jalenques Isabelle
Published: November 2020

Cognitive memory and introspection disturbances are considered core features of schizophrenia. Moreover, it remains unclear whether or not participants with schizophrenia are more cognitively impaired with ageing than healthy participants. The aims of this study were to use a metacognitive approach to determine whether elderly participants with schizophrenia are able to improve their memory performance using a specific generation strategy and to evaluate the memory benefits for them using this strategy. 20 younger and 20 older participants with schizophrenia and their comparison participants matched for age, gender and education learned paired associates words with either reading or generation, rated judgment of learning (JOL) and performed cued recall. Participants with schizophrenia recalled fewer words than healthy comparison participants, but they benefited more from generation, and this difference was stable with ageing. Their JOL magnitude was lower than that of healthy comparison participants, but JOL accuracy was not affected by either age or the pathology. In spite of their memory deficit, elderly and younger participants with schizophrenia benefited remarkably from the memory generation strategy. This result gives some cause for optimism as to the possibility for participants with schizophrenia to reduce memory impairment if learning conditions lead them to encode deeply.
Communicating the risk of contracting Zika virus to low income underserved pregnant Latinas: A clinic-based study
Authors: Ramisetty-Mikler Suhasini , Boyce LeAnn
Published: November 2020

Objective

Frequent travel between the Southern border states in the USA, Mexico, and Latin American countries increases the risk of the Zika virus (ZIKV) spread. Patient education on virus transmission is fundamental in decreasing the number of imported cases, particularly among pregnant women.

Methods

The study used cross-sectional methodology to investigate information sources and knowledge concerning the ZIKV virus among 300 under-served pregnant Latinas recruited from prenatal care clinics in the North Texas region. Bivariate and multiple logistic regression models were used to investigate associations between the primary outcomes and patient characteristics.

Results

Physicians, nurses, and families are the major sources for pregnancy information, while media/internet (65%) and physician/nurse (33%) are the main sources for ZIKV information. Less than one-half of the mothers reported that their physician/nurse did not discuss safe sexual practices or inquired about their sexual practices. A considerable proportion of women from the community clinic were neither warned nor queried about travel to ZIKV risk countries. There is an overall understanding of Zika virus transmission, symptoms, complications, and recommended guidelines. Younger age and single mother status are risk factors for lack of ZIKV knowledge. Foreign-born mothers are 2.5–3.0 times more likely to have knowledge on disease transmission, symptoms, and microcephaly condition. While, younger mothers (18–24) are less likely to have knowledge of ZIKV infection symptoms (fever, rash and pink eye) and transmission of infection via unprotected sexual (vaginal, anal, or oral) behavior, compared to older mothers.

Conclusions

Interventions are needed to heighten the knowledge of ZIKV, particularly among women of reproductive age and their male partners in the community health care setting. Our study underscores the need for health care providers to be trained in delivering messages to enhance risk perception during health emergencies to vulnerable and underserved families (lower economic background, language ability, and culture). During health emergencies, clinics must disseminate crucial information via multi modalities to ensure messages reach the targeted patients.
The long-term effect of short point of care ultrasound course on physicians’ daily practice
Authors: Tuvali Ortal , Sadeh Re'em , Kobal Sergio , Yarza Shaked , Golan Yael , Fuchs Lior
Published: November 2020

Background

The benefits of Point of Care Ultrasound (POCUS) are well established in the literature. As it is an operator-dependent modality, the operator is required to be skilled in obtaining and interpreting images. Physicians who are not trained in POCUS attend courses to acquire the basics in this field. The effectiveness of such short POCUS courses on daily POCUS utilization is unknown. We sought to measure the change in POCUS utilization after practicing physicians attended short POCUS courses.

Methods

A 13-statements questionnaire was sent to physicians who attended POCUS courses conducted at the Soroka University Medical Center between the years 2014–2018. Our primary objective was to compare pre-course and post-course POCUS utilization. Secondary objectives included understanding the course graduates’ perceived effect of POCUS on diagnosis, the frequency of ultrasound utilization and time to effective therapy.

Results

212 residents and specialists received the questionnaire between 2014–2018; 116 responded (response rate of 54.7%). 72 (62.1%) participants were male, 64 (55.2%) were residents, 49 (42.3%) were specialists, 3 (2.5%) participants did not state their career status. 90 (77.6%) participants declared moderate use or multiple ultrasound use six months to four years from the POCUS course, compared to a rate of ‘no use at all’ and ‘minimal use of 84.9% before the course. 98 participants [84.4% CI 77.8%, 91.0%] agree and strongly agree that a short POCUS course may improve diagnostic skills and 76.7% [CI 69.0%, 84.3%] agree and strongly agree that the POCUS course may shorten time to diagnosis and reduce morbidity.

Conclusions

Our short POCUS course significantly increases bedside ultrasound utilization by physicians from different fields even 4 years from course completion. Course graduates strongly agreed that incorporating POCUS into their clinical practice improves patient care. Such courses should be offered to residents and senior physicians to close the existing gap in POCUS knowledge among practicing physicians.
Hospital admissions during Covid-19 lock-down in Germany: Differences in discretionary and unavoidable cardiovascular events
Authors: Stöhr Elisabeth , Aksoy Adem , Campbell Meghan , Al Zaidi Muntadher , Öztürk Can , Vorloeper Julia , Lange Jonas , Sugiura Atsushi , Wilde Nihal , Becher Marc Ulrich , Diepenseifen Christian , Heister Ulrich , Nickenig Georg , Zimmer Sebastian , Tiyerili Vedat
Published: November 2020

Background

A decline in hospitalization for cardiovascular events and catheter laboratory activation was reported for the United States and Italy during the initial stage of the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020. We report on the deployment of emergency services for cardiovascular events in a defined region in western Germany during the government-imposed lock-down period.

Methods

We examined 5799 consecutive patients who were treated by emergency services for cardiovascular events during the Covid-19 pandemic (January 1 to April 30, 2020), and compared those to the corresponding time frame in 2019. Examining the emergency physicians’ records provided by nine locations in the area, we found a 20% overall decline in cardiovascular admissions.

Results

The greatest reduction could be seen immediately following the government-imposed social restrictions. This reduction was mainly driven by a reduction in discretionary admissions for dizziness/syncope (-53%), heart failure (-38%), exacerbated COPD (-28%) and unstable angina (-23%), while unavoidable admissions for ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and stroke were unchanged. There was a greater decline in emergency admissions for patients ≥60 years. There was also a greater reduction in emergency admissions for those living in urban areas compared to suburban areas.

Conclusions

During the Covid-19 pandemic, a significant decline in hospitalization for cardiovascular events was observed during the government-enforced shutdown in a predefined area in western Germany. This reduction in admissions was mainly driven by “discretionary” cardiovascular events (unstable angina, heart failure, exacerbated COPD and dizziness/syncope), but events in which admission was unavoidable (CPR, STEMI and stroke) did not change.
Cidade, branqueamento e colonialidade
Authors: Aparecida dos Santos Panta Mariana , Da Silva Maria Nilza
Published: November 2020

O objetivo deste artigo é analisar, do ponto de vista sociológico, o início da formação de Londrina, décadas de 1920-1950, situando-a no cenário nacional, e a construção dos matizes de sua identidade com seus impactos sobre a população negra na atualidade. Para estudar esse problema, realizamos uma pesquisa bibliográfica mobilizando como principais conceitos a ideologia do branqueamento e a colonialidade em articulação com a história da cidade. Os resultados desse estudo evidenciam que a lógica do colonialismo, persistente sob a forma de colonialidade, articulada às especificidades do racismo no Brasil, alicerçado na ideologia do branqueamento e no mito da democracia racial, serviu para, além de tantos outros infortúnios, obstruir o reconhecimento das contribuições dos negros e a sua própria existência. Outra face dessa dinâmica é a segregação urbana com evidente marca racial, que faz com que os negros ocupem, em sua maioria, os territórios pobres e estigmatizados de diversas cidades brasileiras e Londrina encontra-se inscrita nessa realidade.
El racismo y la expansión de las fronteras del autoritarismo en América latina
Authors: Ocoró Loango Anny
Published: November 2020

El presente artículo reflexiona sobre cuatro fronteras de la exclusión que hoy ocupan un lugar central en nuestra región, y que se relacionan y retroalimentan entre sí: las fronteras de la desigualdad y la exclusión; las fronteras del racismo en América Latina; el avasallamiento de las fronteras de los territorios y culturas de los pueblos indígenas y afrodescendientes; y las fronteras del autoritarismo en expansión.  En el contexto actual, se está expandiendo en algunos países de la región un discurso autoritario de la mano de la extrema derecha, y de sectores conservadores y religioso-evangélicos, que se sirve del racismo para blindar sus privilegios y para intentar construir hegemonía cultural a través de la propagación de discursos de odio. Con el fin de discutir estos cuatro ejes, priorizaré una perspectiva étnico-racial que partirá de una mirada a las poblaciones negras o afrodescendientes que habitan en América Latina, y que constituyen, junto a los pueblos indígenas, las poblaciones más castigadas por la desigualdad en esta región.
Acoustic Investigation of Textile Fabrics
Authors:   Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany, Tuvshinbayar Khorolsuren , Ehrmann Andrea ,   Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences, Faculty of Engineering and Mathematics, 33619 Bielefeld, Germany
Published: November 2020

Why is it possible to distinguish between different textile fabrics by just touching them and moving your hand over them and listening to the sound? Particularly for high-quality woven fabrics, e.g. used for tailor-made suits, it is quite common that the dressmaker listens to the sound as their hand rubs the fabric. Can this approach be translated into a technical measurement? What could a sound analysis tell us about the fabric properties? As a first simple approach, we used a record player to rotate different cotton fabrics, and tested fine tips from diverse materials, such as plastic pipettes, pens, glass tips, etc. Our results show clear differences between the textile fabrics, which can be attributed to different yarn, knitted or woven structures. While the rotational mode of investigation impedes fully automated fast Fourier transform (FFT) evaluations, our first results suggest de¬veloping this promising method further.
Regional Tau Effects on Prospective Cognitive Change in Cognitively Normal Older Adults
Authors: Chen Xi , Cassady Kaitlin E. , Adams Jenna N. , Harrison Theresa M. , Baker Suzanne L. , Jagust William J.
Published: November 2020

Studies suggest that tau deposition starts in the anterolateral entorhinal cortex (EC) with normal aging, and that the presence of β-amyloid (Aβ) facilitates its spread to neocortex, which may reflect the beginning of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Functional connectivity between the anterolateral EC and the anterior-temporal (AT) memory network appears to drive higher tau deposition in AT than in the posterior-medial (PM) memory network. Here, we investigated whether this differential vulnerability to tau deposition may predict different cognitive consequences of EC, AT, and PM tau. Using18F-flortaucipir (FTP) and11C-Pittsburgh compound-B (PiB) positron emission tomography (PET) imaging, we measured tau and Aβ in 124 cognitively normal human older adults (74 females, 50 males) followed for an average of 2.8 years for prospective cognition. We found that higher FTP in all three regions was individually related to faster memory decline, and that the effects of AT and PM FTP, but not EC, were driven by Aβ+ individuals. Moreover, when we included all three FTP measures competitively in the same model, only AT FTP significantly predicted memory decline. Our data support a model whereby tau, facilitated by Aβ, transits from EC to cortical regions that are most closely associated with the anterolateral EC, which specifically affects memory in the initial stage of AD. Memory also appears to be affected by EC tau in the absence of Aβ, which may be less clinically consequential. These findings may provide clarification of differences between normal aging and AD, and elucidate the transition between the two stages.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTau and β-amyloid (Aβ) are hallmarks of Alzheimer's disease (AD) but are also found in cognitively normal people. It is unclear whether, and how, this early deposition of tau and Aβ may affect cognition in normal aging and the asymptomatic stage of AD. We show that tau deposition in the entorhinal cortex (EC), which is common in advanced age, predicts memory decline in older adults independent of Aβ, likely reflecting normal, age-related memory loss. In contrast, tau in anterior-temporal (AT) regions is most predictive of memory decline in Aβ+ individuals. These data support the idea that tau preferentially spreads to specific cortical regions, likely through functional connections, which plays a primary role in memory decline in the early stage of AD.
Doing Bodhisattva’s Work
Authors: Thu Le Hoang Anh
Published: November 2020

This paper explores the charitable work of Buddhist women who work as petty traders in Hồ Chí Minh City. By focusing on the social interaction between givers and recipients, it examines the traders’ class identity, their perception of social stratification, and their relationship with the state. Charitable work reveals the petty traders’ negotiations with the state and with other social groups to define their moral and social status in Vietnam’s society. These negotiations contribute to their self-identification as a moral social class and to their perception of trade as ethical labor.
Comparendo o multa por incumplir el aislamiento: ¿abuso de autoridad o prevaricato?
Authors: Moreno Ramírez Marco Antonio
Published: November 2020

Este artículo propone reflexiones jurídicas acerca de la aplicación de normas expedidas con motivo del aislamiento preventivo obligatorio, que pretenden evitar la propagación del virus Covid-19. Así mismo, refiere la problemática que surge tras la inadecuada aplicación del concepto de órdenes de policía, por medio de las cuales se impone un comparendo o una multa, tras incumplir los parámetros establecidos en los decretos. Al momento de establecerse la aplicación práctica de los decretos presidenciales o de los alcaldes, en el contexto municipal, las autoridades de policía se encuentran en un estado de incertidumbre a la hora de cumplir los parámetros propios de su ejercicio profesional, pues con ello se puede estar violando principios y vulnerando derechos.