bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Patterns of reproductive isolation in a haplodiploid mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis: prezygotic isolation, hybrid inviability and hybrid sterility
Authors: Sato Yukie , Fujiwara Satoshi , Egas Martijn , Matsuda Tomoko , Gotoh Tetsuo
Published: February 2021

Background

Evolution of reproductive isolation is an important process, generating biodiversity and driving speciation. To better understand this process, it is necessary to investigate factors underlying reproductive isolation through various approaches but also in various taxa. Previous studies, mainly focusing on diploid animals, supported the prevalent view that reproductive barriers evolve gradually as a by-product of genetic changes accumulated by natural selection by showing a positive relationship between the degree of reproductive isolation and genetic distance. Haplodiploid animals are expected to generate additional insight into speciation, but few studies investigated the prevalent view in haplodiploid animals. In this study, we investigate whether the relationship also holds in a haplodiploid spider mite, Amphitetranychus viennensis (Zacher).
Results

We sampled seven populations of the mite in the Palaearctic region, measured their genetic distance (mtDNA) and carried out cross experiments with all combinations. We analyzed how lack of fertilization rate (as measure of prezygotic isolation) as well as hybrid inviability and hybrid sterility (as measures of postzygotic isolation) varies with genetic distance. We found that the degree of reproductive isolation varies among cross combinations, and that all three measures of reproductive isolation have a positive relationship with genetic distance. Based on the mtDNA marker, lack of fertilization rate, hybrid female inviability and hybrid female sterility were estimated to be nearly complete (99.0–99.9% barrier) at genetic distances of 0.475–0.657, 0.150–0.209 and 0.138–0.204, respectively.
Conclusions

The prevalent view on the evolution of reproductive barriers is supported in the haplodiploid spider mite we studied here. According to the estimated minimum genetic distance for total reproductive isolation in parent population crosses in this and previous studies, a genetic distance of 0.152–0.210 in mtDNA (COI) appears required for speciation in spider mites. Due to a lack of hybrid males, we could not address Haldane’s rule, which can be extended to haplodiploids, even though we focused on a young diverging group of spider mites. Our results highlight the importance of cytonuclear interactions for reproductive isolation in haplodiploid spider mites.
Predictive Study of Pharmacological Reversal for Residual Neuromuscular Blockade, Early and Late Postoperative Pulmonary Complications: A Prospective, Observational, Cohort Study
Authors: Aragón-Benedí Cristian , Pascual-Bellosta Ana , Ortega-Lucea Sonia , Visiedo-Sanchez Sara , Martinez-Ubieto Javier
Published: February 2021

Background
The primary objective was to assess the incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade and postoperative pulmonary complications according to spontaneous or pharmacological neuromuscular reversal, comparing neostigmine and sugammadex. The secondary objective was to present a prognostic model to predict the probability of having residual neuromuscular blockade depending on patient's comorbidities and intraoperative neuromuscular blocking agents management.
Methods
Single-center, prospective, observational, cohort study including patients undergoing surgical procedures with general anaesthesia divided into four groups: cisatracurium, cisatracurium with neostigmine antagonism, rocuronium, and rocuronium with sugammadex antagonism. A binomial generalized linear model was used to predict the residual neuromuscular blockade analyzing patients demographic data, comorbidities, intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring and pharmacological reversal for each patient group.
Results
A total of 714 patients were analyzed. According to our model, none of the studied comorbidities were a predisposing factor for an increase in residual neuromuscular blockade. However, the use of rocuronium, pharmacological reversal with sugammadex, and, particularly, neuromuscular monitoring during surgery markedly decreased the probability. When using rocuronium, avoidance of neuromuscular monitoring and pharmacological reversal led to an incidence of residual neuromuscular blockade of 41.27%; conversely, the use of neuromuscular monitoring and pharmacological reversal with sugammadex decreased the probability to 2.17%.
Conclusions
In our study, intraoperative neuromuscular monitoring and pharmacological reversal with sugammadex, unlike neostigmine, were the factors that most effectively reduced the risk of residual neuromuscular blockade as well as early postoperative pulmonary complications in PACU (upper airway obstruction and desaturation) and late postoperative pulmonary complications (pneumonia or atelectasis) within 30 days.
Development of a Bile Acid-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Survival in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Gang , Guan Jun , Yang Qin , Wu Fengtian , Shao Junwei , Zhou Qihui , Guo Zixuan , Ren Yanli , Zhu Haihong , Chen Zhi
Published: February 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common diseases, threatening millions of patients annually. Increasing evidence supports that bile acid (BA) has an impact on HCC through inflammation, DNA damage or other mechanisms. Methods: With the data from The Cancer Genome Atlas portal, a total of 127 BA-associated genes were analyzed in HCC tumor and non-tumor samples, and then, using univariate and multivariate Cox regression, genes with correlations to the prognosis of HCC patients were identified. Then, a prediction model with identified genes was constructed for evaluating the risk of HCC patients for prognosis. Results: Twenty-six genes with differential expression between HCC and control tissue samples were identified, of which 19 genes had up-regulated expression and 7 genes had down-regulated expression in tumor samples. Three genes, NPC1, ABCC1 and SLC51B, were extrapolated to construct a prediction model for prognosis of HCC patients. Conclusion: The three-gene prediction model was more reliable than the pathological staging characters of the tumor for the prognosis and survival of HCC patients. Additionally, the up-regulated genes facilitating the transport of BAs are associated with poor prognosis of HCC patients and genes of de novo synthesis of BAs benefits HCC patients.
Dose Modifications of Ribociclib and Endocrine Therapy for Treatment of ER+ HER2- metastatic Breast Cancer 
Authors: Kristensen Kristoffer Bøss , Thomsen Ida Marie Nedergaard , Berg Tobias , Kodahl Annette R. , Jensen Anders B.
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Treatment for estrogen receptor positive (ER+), human epidermal receptor 2 negative (HER2-) metastatic breast cancer (MBC) has improved with the approval of CDK 4/6 inhibitors. Clinical trials with the CDK4/6 inhibitor ribociclib, suggest that between 35% to 57.5% of the patients experience a dose reduction during treatment. Information on the possible consequences of dose reduction concerning efficacy is needed. Methods: A retrospective cohort study on patients with ER+ HER2- MBC from three Danish oncology departments. Data on tolerability and progression-free survival were collected from electronic health records. Results: 128 patients with ER+ HER2- MBC who initiated ribociclib treatment between 1st January 2018 to 31st March 2020 were included in our analysis. Of these patients, 48.4% required one or more dose reductions. Overall median PFS was 19.2 months (CI-95%: 14.3-NR). Patients with one or more dose reductions did not have decreased median PFS (19.2 months, CI-95%: 14.3-NR compared to 12.2 months, CI-95%: 7.3-NR. p=0.078). Frequency of adverse events were as previously reported, with grade III and IV neutropenia occurring in 45.3% and 7% of patients, respectively. Patients treated with fulvestrant versus an aromatase inhibitor and patients with lymph node involvement at baseline had lower odds of requiring dose reduction (ORa = 0.30, CI-95%: 0.18-0.89 & ORa = 0.41, CI-95%: 0.12-0.73, respectively). Conclusion: Our results indicate that dose reduction of ribociclib is safe and do not compromise the efficacy of the treatment. Furthermore, the study supports translation of results from the MONALEESA trials to patients treated in real-world clinical settings.
Field trial of an automated batch chlorinator system at two shared shallow tubewells among camps for forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN) in Cox's Bazar, Bangladesh
Authors: Amin Nuhu , Rahman Mahbubur , Alam Mahbub-Ul , Shoab Abul Kasham , Alome Md. Kawsar , Amin Maksudul , Huda Tarique Mohammad Nurul , Unicomb Leanne
Published: February 2021

Background: There are considerable benefits of point-of-use water chlorination programmes in emergencies but remaining challenges include lack of standard dosing recommendations for water treatment, inappropriate chlorination technologies, and limited published evaluations. We conducted a small-scale before-and-after field trial to assess the accuracy and consistency of an automated chlorinator named Zimba in camps housing forcibly displaced Myanmar nationals (FDMN), Cox's Bazar.
Methods: From August-September 2018, we selected two shallow tubewells [one with high (6.5 mg/L) and one with low (1.5 mg/L) iron concentration), and enrolled 20 households (10 having access to each tubewell) to participate in household surveys and water sampling. At baseline, field-team tested tubewell, and household stored water for iron, turbidity, free and total chlorine from using digital field-test kits. At baseline, the team collected water samples from selected tubewells (N=2), from Zimba chlorinators immediately after chlorination. (N=8) and household stored drinking water (N=20). Over four weeks, they collected post-treated water stored in household vessels (N=84), and post-treated household stored water in a project provided safe storage container (N=15). Water samples were tested for E. coli.
Results: At baseline, 12 (60%) samples of water stored in household vessels were contaminated with E. coli (mean log10 E. coli=0.62 MPN/100mL). After installing the Zimba, all water samples (100%) collected immediately after chlorination and project provided safe storage containers were free from E. coli, but 41% of post-treated water stored in household were contaminated with at least one E. coli/100mL. Log10 mean E. coli concentrations storage containers water stored in household vessels at baseline were similar to the post-treated water stored in the household vessels. E. coli concentrations were significantly lower in the project-provided safe storage containers [(log10 mean difference=0.92 MPN, 95% CI 0.59-1.14)] compared to baseline and to post-treated water stored in household vessels [(log10 mean difference=0.57 MPN, 95% CI 0.32-0.83)].
Conclusions: The Zimba is a potential water treatment technology for groundwater extracted through tubewells with different iron concentrations in humanitarian settings. Future research should address the low chlorine residual in household stored water and its impact on water contamination.
Effectiveness of Community-Based Interventions for Patients with Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders: A Study Protocol for a Systematic Review
Authors: Kim Soo-Yeon , Kim Ah Rim
Published: February 2021

Background: Schizophrenia requires a community-based intervention approach combined with standard treatment to prevent relapses. A literature review is required to understand the effectiveness of community-based interventions and to enhance quality in countries where they have not been fully established. This is a protocol for a systematic review of the effectiveness of community-based interventions for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders. Methods: Studies on community-based interventions for patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders that were published any time until January 2021 will be searched in six databases, using the primary words: “schizophrenia” and “community mental health services.” The comparison groups will include patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders who are only receiving the usual care and those who also receive community-based interventions. The schizophrenia spectrum disorders referred to in this study are defined according to the DSM-5; delusional disorders, schizophrenic disorders, and schizoaffective disorder will be included. Relapse/re-hospitalization rates (primary outcome) and quality of life (secondary outcome) will be identified for each group. The study design will consider only randomized controlled trials (RCT). To assess bias, RCTs will be analyzed via the Cochrane RoB 2.0. Results will be descriptively synthesized and statistically analyzed, and will be structured according to patients’ characteristics, intervention type and exposure, and outcome type. Discrete variables will be calculated via odds ratio, and continuous variables will be calculated via standardized mean difference using RevMan 5.3 software. Discussion: We will provide a summary of the available evidence on the effectiveness of community-based interventions and specific guidelines to improve their outcomes. Systematic review registration: The protocol for this systematic review was registered on PROSPERO database; https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?ID=CRD42019145660.
Utility of Abdominal Drain in Gastrectomy (ADiGe) Trial: study protocol for a multicenter non-inferiority randomized trial
Authors: Weindelmayer Jacopo , Mengardo Valentina , Veltri Alessandro , Baiocchi Gian Luca , Giacopuzzi Simone , Verlato Giuseppe , de Manzoni Giovanni
Published: February 2021

Background: Prophylactic use of abdominal drain in gastrectomy has been questioned in the last 15 years and a 2015 Cochrane meta-analysis on four RCTs concluded that there was no convincing evidence to the routine drain placement in gastrectomy. Nevertheless, the Authors evidenced the moderate/low quality of the included studies and highlighted how 3 out of 4 came from Eastern countries. After 2015 only retrospective studies have been published, all with inconsistent results.Methods: ADiGe (Abdominal Drain in GastrEctomy) Trial is a multicenter prospective randomized non-inferiority trial with a parallel design. It aimed to verify whether avoiding routine use of abdominal drain is burdened with complications, particularly an increase in postoperative invasive procedures. Patients with gastric cancer, scheduled for subtotal or total gastrectomy with curative intent, are eligible for inclusion, irrespective of previous oncological treatment. The primary composite endpoint is reoperation or percutaneous drainage procedures within 30 postoperative days. The primary analysis will verify whether the incidence of the primary composite endpoint is higher in the experimental arm, avoiding routine drain placement, than control arm, undergoing prophylactic drain placement, in order to falsify or support the null hypothesis of inferiority. Secondary endpoints assessed for superiority are overall morbidity and mortality, Comprehensive Complications Index, incidence and time for diagnosis of anastomotic and duodenal leaks, length of hospital stay, readmission rate.Assuming one-sided alpha of 5%, and cumulative incidence of the primary composite endpoint of 6.4% in control arm and 4.2% in the experimental one, 364 patients allow to achieve 80% power to detect a non-inferiority margin difference between the arm proportions of 3.6%. Considering a 10% drop-out rate, 404 patients are needed. In order to have a balanced percentage between total and subtotal gastrectomy, recruitment will end at 202 patients for each type of gastrectomy. The surgeon and the patient are blinded until the end of the operation, while postoperative course is not blinded to patient and caregivers.Discussion: ADiGe Trial could contribute to critically re-evaluate the role of prophylactic drain in gastrectomy, a still widely used procedure.Trial registration: Prospectively registered (last updated on October 29, 2020) at Clinicaltrials.gov with the identifier NCT04227951, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04227951.
Mask decontamination methods (model N95) for respiratory protection: a rapid review
Authors: Probst Livia Fernandes , Guerrero Ana Tereza Gomes , Cardoso Andréia Insabralde de Queiroz , Grande Antônio José , Croda Mariana Garcia , Venturini James , Fonseca Maria Cristina de Camargo , Paniago Anamaria Mello Miranda , Barreto Jorge Otávio Maia , de Oliveira Sandra Maria do Valle Leone
Published: February 2021

Background: N95 respiratory protection masks are used by healthcare professionals to prevent contamination from infectious microorganisms transmitted by droplets or aerosols.Methods: We conducted a rapid review of the literature analyzing the effectiveness of decontamination methods for mask reuse. The database searches were carried out up to September 2020. The systematic review was conducted in a way which simplified the stages of a complete systematic review, due to the worldwide necessity on reliable fast evidences on this matter.Results: A total of 563 articles were retrieved of which 48 laboratory-based studies were selected. Fifteen decontamination methods were included in the studies. A total of 19 laboratory studies used Hydrogen peroxide, 21 studies used ultraviolet germicidal irradiation,4 studies used ethylene oxide, 11 studies used dry heat, 9 studies used moist heat, 5 studies used ethanol, two studies used isopropanol solution, 11 studies used microwave oven, 10 studies used sodium hypochlorite, seven studies used autoclave, three studies used electric rice cooker, one study used cleaning wipes, one study used bar soap, one study used water, one study used multi-purpose high-level disinfection cabinet and another one used chlorine dioxide. Five methods promising: hydrogen peroxide vapor, ultraviolet irradiation, dry heat, wet heat/pasteurization, and microwave ovens.Conclusions: We have presented the best available evidence on masks decontamination, nevertheless, its applicability are limited due to few studies on the topic and lack of studies on real environments.
Graphene Oxide Exacerbates Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Colitis via ROS/AMPK/p53 Signaling to Mediate Apoptosis
Authors: Liu Siliang , Xu Angao , Gao Yanfei , Xie Yue , Liu Zhipeng , Sun Meiling , Mao Hua , Wang Xinying
Published: February 2021

Background: Graphene oxide (GO), a novel carbon-based nanomaterial, has promising applications in biomedicine. However, it induces potential cytotoxic effects on the gastrointestinal (GI) tract cells, and these effects have been largely uncharacterized. The present study aimed to explore the toxic effects of GO on the intestinal tract especially under pre-existing inflammatory conditions, such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), and elucidate underlying mechanisms.Results: Our findings indicated that oral gavage of GO worsened acute colitis induced by 2.5% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in mice. In vitro, GO exacerbated DSS-induced inflammation and apoptosis in the FHC cell line, an ideal model of intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). Further, the potential mechanism underlying GO aggravated mice colitis and cell inflammation was explored. Our results revealed that GO treatment triggered apoptosis in FHC cells through the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS)/AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)/p53 pathway, as evidenced by the upregulation of cytochrome c (Cytc), Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 (c-cas3) and the downregulation of Bcl-2. Interestingly, pretreatment with an antioxidant, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, and a specific inhibitor of AMPK activation, Compound C (Com.C), effectively inhibited GO-induced apoptosis in FHC cells.Conclusions: Our data demonstrate that GO-induced IECs apoptosis via ROS/AMPK/p53 pathway activation accounts for the exacerbation of colitis in vivo and aggravation of inflammation in vitro. These findings provide a new insight into the pathogenesis of IBD induced by environmental factors. Furthermore, our findings enhance our understanding of GO as a potential environmental toxin, which helps delineate the risk of exposure to patients with disturbed intestinal epithelial barrier/inflammatory disorders such as IBD.
Comparison of Shiraz Trauma Transfusion Score (STTS) Potency With Common Scoring Systems for Trauma in Predicting the Short and Long Term Mortality of Injured Patients
Authors: Rahbari Sepideh Vosooghi , Hosseinpour Hamidreza , Karoobi Mohamadreza , Abolghasemi Hojat , Shahabinezhad Ali , Paydar Shahram
Published: February 2021

Background: Trauma is the leading cause of death in people under 40 years of age worldwide. Various studies have been conducted focused on reducing the annual mortality rate due to trauma. One of the most important measures is reducing the time between the incident and the treatment set up, therefore estimation of the severity of trauma and progressing to mortality before further evaluation is justified. Numerous trauma scoring systems have been apllied worldwide as models for predicting mortality of trauma patients in short and long term periods based on clinical and laboratory data. In this study we aim to compare different trauma scoring systems (such as GAP, MGAP, RTS, TRISS) with a relatively new model – Shiraz Trauma Transfusion Score (STTS) – and to discribe the best qualities of these scoring systems for trauma patients in short (less than 24 hours) and long (more than 24 hours) term.Methods: In this cross-sectional study, data from hospitalized trauma patients in Rajaei hospital (center B) of Shiraz, Iran from May to November 2016 were collected and analyzed. Collected data consisted of age, sex, hospital admission duration, mechanism of trauma along with clinical data for calculating different trauma scoring systems, were recorded. Results: while RTS and STTS were the best predictors of mortality in trauma patients in the first 24 hours (sensitivity of 100.00%), GAP and MGAP were the best predictors of the patients’ survival (specificity of 93.83% and 92.59%). GAP and ISS were the best predictors of mortality in trauma patients for more than 24 hours (sensitivity of 82.02%). On the other hand, TRIS and RTS was the best predictors of patients' survival (specificity of 82.59% and 80.26%).Conclusions: Our study findings suggest that the utility and applicability of Shiraz Trauma Transfusion Score(STTS) in predicting mortality is not only comparable with other commonly used scoring methods but it may be of more value in short term mortality prediction.
Examining Supports and Barriers to Breastfeeding through a Socio-Ecological Lens: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Snyder Kailey , Hulse Emily , Dingman Holly , Cantrell Angie , Hanson Corrine , Dinkel Danae
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND: Early breastfeeding cessation is a societal concern given the massive benefits associated with breastfeeding for mother and child. More effective interventions are needed to increase breastfeeding duration. Prior to developing such interventions more research is needed to examine breastfeeding supports and barriers from the perspective of breastfeeding stakeholders. One such framework that can be utilized is the Socio-Ecological Model which stems from Urie Broffenbrenner’s early theoretical frameworks (1973-1979). The purpose of this study was to examine supports and barriers to breastfeeding across environmental systems. METHODS: A total of 49 representatives participated in a telephonic interview. Interviewees represented various levels of the model based on their current breastfeeding experience (i.e., mother or significant other) or occupation. A direct content analysis was performed as well as a constant comparative analysis to determine differences between level representatives. RESULTS: Common supports identified by all interviewees were in-hospital breastfeeding education (organizational level) and the existence of breastfeeding protection legislation (policy level). Barriers identified by all interviewees included a lack of support (interpersonal level), lack of hospital resources (organizational level) and lack of specificity within the existing breastfeeding protection legislation (policy level). Other identified supports and barriers varied by representatives for each level of the model. CONCLUSION: Future efforts should target multiple levels of the SEM to eliminate the disparities between breastfeeding mothers’ perceptions and the stakeholders working to increase breastfeeding initiation and duration rate.
Effect of family-centered care interventions on motor and neurobehavior development of very preterm infants: a protocol for systematic review
Authors: Raghupathy Manasa Kolibylu , Rao Bhamini Krishna , Nayak Shubha R , Spittle Alicia J , Parsekar Shradha S
Published: February 2021

Background: Globally, very preterm birth is a health concern leading to various developmental difficulties such as poor motor and/or cognitive function. For infants born very preterm, Family-Centered Care (FCC) might promote developmental skills over the time in an appropriate enriched environment. The purpose of this study is to systematically review and assess the evidence of FCC interventions on the motor and neurobehavioral development in very preterm infants. Additionally, this review aims to determine the factors that might affect infant development.Methods: Systematic review will be carried out by including a) quasi-randomized controlled trials and randomized controlled trials b) of very preterm born infants (born < 32 weeks of gestation) and their primary caregivers will be included in the review c) who received FCC based interventions such as collaborative interaction between a healthcare professional and a parent, home program, home visits, and parent education and d) measure motor and neurobehavioral function. Electronic databases such as Scopus, PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CINAHL, and PsycINFO will be searched using database-specific terms. Additionally, searches will be carried out in ProQuest, and references of included studies will be searched. Two review authors, independently, will conduct the screening, data extraction, and critical appraisal of included studies. If possible, a meta-analysis will be undertaken to assess the effect of the FCC on the motor and neurobehavior of premature infants.Conclusion: The review will provide insights regarding the effect of the FCC on preterm infants. This systematic review will guide the clinicians on the feasibility of practicing FCC that might support and promote the integration of parents into various rehabilitation settings.Systematic review registration: Protocol has been registered in PROSPERO on August 26, 2020.
Hsp90 modulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways
Authors: Sun Peibei , Wang Yayan , Gao Tian , Li Kun , Zheng Dongwang , Liu Ajuan , Ni Ya
Published: February 2021

Background: Heat shock protein 90 (Hsp90) is a highly abundant eukaryotic molecular chaperone that plays important roles in client protein maturation, protein folding and degradation, and signal transduction. Previously, we found that both Hsp90 and its co-chaperone cell division cycle protein 37 (Cdc37) were expressed in human sperm. Hsp90 is known to be involved in human sperm capacitation via unknown underlying mechanism(s). As Cdc37 was a kinase-specific co-chaperone of Hsp90, Hsp90 may regulate human sperm capacitation via other kinases. It has been reported that two major mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (Erk1/2) and p38, are expressed in human sperm in the same locations as Hsp90 and Cdc37. Phosphorylated Erk1/2 has been shown to promote sperm hyperactivated motility and acrosome reaction, while phosphorylated p38 inhibits sperm motility. Therefore, in this study we explored whether Hsp90 modulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Methods: Human sperm was treated with the Hsp90-specific inhibitor 17-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin (17-AAG) during capacitation. Computer-assisted sperm analyzer (CASA) was used to detect sperm motility and hyperactivation. The sperm acrosome reaction was analyzed by using fluorescein isothiocyanate-conjugated Pisum sativum agglutinin (PSA-FITC) staining. The interactions between Hsp90, Cdc37, Erk1/2 and p38 were assessed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) experiments. Western blotting analysis was used to evaluate the levels of protein expression and phosphorylation. Results: Human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction were inhibited by 17-AAG, suggesting that Hsp90 is involved in human sperm capacitation. In addition, Co-IP experiments revealed that 17-AAG reduced the interaction between Hsp90 and Cdc37, leading to the dissociation of Erk1/2 from the Hsp90-Cdc37 protein complex. Western blotting analysis revealed that levels of Erk1/2 and its phosphorylated form were subsequently decreased. Decreasing of Hsp90-Cdc37 complex also affected the interaction between Hsp90 and p38. Nevertheless, p38 dissociated from the Hsp90 protein complex and was activated by autophosphorylation. Conclusions: Taken together, our findings indicate that Hsp90 is involved in human sperm hyperactivation and acrosome reaction. In particular, Hsp90 and its co-chaperone Cdc37 form a protein complex with Erk1/2 and p38 to regulate their kinase activity. These results suggest that Hsp90 regulates human sperm capacitation via the Erk1/2 and p38 MAPK signaling pathways.
Medienbildung als Herausforderung für die Behindertenpädagogik
Authors: Schluchter Jan-René
Published: February 2021

Ausgabe 12 / 2009Themenschwerpunkt: Medien in der Lehrerbildung
E-Learning – Ein Aufgabenfeld in kommunalen Medienzentren? E-Learning in der Schule – ein Politikum
Authors: Antritter Wolfgang
Published: February 2021

Ausgabe 12 / 2009Themenschwerpunkt: Medien in der Lehrerbildung
Digitale Medien im Englischunterricht in der Grundschule.
Authors: Jokiaho Annika , Keßler Jörg-U. , Rymeš Robert
Published: February 2021

Die Nutzung digitaler Medien in der Schule wird zunehmend wichtig. Oftmals fehlen Lehrerinnen und Lehrern jedoch sowohl notwendige Kompetenzen im Umgang mit digitalen Medien als auch Kenntnisse über sinnvolle didaktische Ansätze. Jedoch können diese neuen Technologien neue Chancen vor allem Hinblick auf die schulische Förderung von Schülern und Schülerinnen mit Migrationshintergrund bieten. Vor diesem Hintergrund wird in diesem Beitrag aufgezeigt, wie Lehramtsstudierende den Umgang mit digitalen Medien im Englischunterricht in der Grundschule im Rahmeneines praxisorientierten Seminars aus nächster Nähe kennenlernen und die im Seminar entwickelten Unterrichtskonzept ein einer Grundschule erproben können.
Die erkenntnistheoretische Dimension des konstitutiven Charakters des gegenwärtigen Mediensettings.
Authors: Schmitt Peter
Published: February 2021

Die Frage nach Wissen und Erkenntnis geht heute Hand in Hand mit der nach einem Internetzugang. Tatsächlich erübrigen sich die meisten inhaltlichen Diskussionen mit dem Aufrufen der passenden Website. Das Internet der Dinge verheißt zudem eine Welt der implementierten Information. Die Smartphones, Smartcars, Smartwatches etc. sind für viele bereits eine dem Leben apriorisch zukommende intelligente Umwelt, der man sich wiederum zu bedienen wissen muss. Sie stehen insofern für eine Zäsur des informationellen Selbstverständnisses des Menschen. Nicht mehr der Mensch weiß, sondern die Geräte um ihn herum. Der Studiengang "Digital Humanities" steht paradigmatisch für eine Zeitenwende in den universitären Geisteswissenschaften. Es heißt, der Mensch der Zukunft wird ein digitales Wesen sein. Doch wird tatsächlich unser Verstand digitalisiert? Sind -mit Kants Worten gesprochen -die Untersuchungen der "eigentlichen Grundsätze des Verstandes"(Kant 2003, S. 589) nicht mehr eine Analyse menschlichen Vermögens, sondern eine der Technik, der Cloud? Im Folgenden wird der Weg zu einer umfassenden Quantifizierung des Wissens nachgezeichnet. Diese stellt die Grundlage für die heutige Annahme von auslagerbarem Wissen dar. Zur Einleitung und Veranschaulichung habe ich eine kurze Episode aus Michail Bulgakows "Arztgeschichten" gewählt. Danach wird das eigenartige Phänomen des "digitalen Fakts" beschrieben. Daraufhin wird auf die Möglichkeit der Digitalisierung unseres Geistes eingegangen. In diesem Zusammenhang ist von den "extended minds" die Rede. Der Mensch selbst erscheint in der Ära der Digitalisierung als "augmented human", der ohne seine smarte Umwelt scheinbar nur noch ein verkürztes intellektuelles Dasein fristet.
DigitalPakt und Bildungsplan 2016: Perspektiven der Medienbildung in Baden-Württemberg.
Authors: Sosna Anette
Published: February 2021

„Kein Medium alleine erzeugt gute Bildung“ (BMBF 2019) – so formuliert das Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung eine Antwort auf die Frage zum DigitalPakt, ob Whiteboards und schnelles Internet automatisch zu besserer Bildung führen. Das „Primat der Pädagogik“ (ebd.) allerdings wird dabei an Länder und Schulen delegiert. Die baden-württembergische Bildungslandschaft bein-haltet bereits grundlegende Bausteine im Bereich der Medienbildung, die jedoch – so das Votum dieses Beitrags – angesichts der zu erwartenden Veränderungen einer Zusammenführung und Systematisierung in Form eines ‚Rahmenkonzepts Medienbildung‘ bedürfen.
Individual and Combined Use of Sawdust and Weed Mat Mulch in a New Planting of Northern Highbush Blueberry. III. Yield, Fruit Quality, and Costs
Authors: Strik Bernadine C. , Davis Amanda J.
Published: February 2021

A 4-year trial was established in Oct. 2016 in western Oregon to evaluate the effects of various in-row mulch treatments on yield, fruit quality, and costs of installation and maintenance during establishment of northern highbush blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L. ‘Duke’). The treatments included douglas fir [Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco] sawdust, black weed mat (woven polypropylene groundcover), green weed mat, and sawdust covered with black or green weed mat. Fruit were harvested during 2018–20 (second through fourth growing seasons). Weed mat color had no effect on yield or fruit quality. In 2018, yield was higher with black weed mat over sawdust mulch than with black weed mat alone, whereas mulch had no effects during 2019 and 2020, or on cumulative yield. Percent total soluble solids in the berries was highest with sawdust and weed mat alone compared with weed mat over sawdust mulches, whereas berry weight, diameter, and firmness were unaffected by mulch. Sawdust was the most expensive mulch over the lifespan of the planting because it required replenishment after 2 years. Black weed mat over sawdust resulted in the highest net profit when fruit sales and cost of materials and labor were considered.
Reclaiming Identity: Women, Social Exclusion, and Resistance in Bumi Manusia
Authors: Sofi Muhammad Jauhari , Basiri Nasim
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to unveil the gender-based prejudice and the colonial state's policies that systematically exclude Native women by considering Pramoedya A. Toer's Bumi Manusia. It focuses on how women are excluded from useful social life participation and resist such unfair treatment to reclaim their own identity. A close textual analysis with postcolonial and feminist discourses was used in this literary study to interpret particular feelings, experiences, and events in the novel. After a comprehensive examination, the study found that women during the Dutch occupation in Java were denied their rights, freedom, and opportunities crucial to their social integration; they had to live their lives according to the interests of the ruling classes, i.e., the men and the white Europeans. Various forms of resistance, ranging from the lowest opposition mode to open rebellions, have been articulated as a response to the said social exclusion. In this sense, the novel exposes a female character that can take on a new form of existence. The insights gained from this study might be of assistance to confirm the awakening of women's conscious­ness in struggling against the oppressive power of sexism and racism in early twentieth century Java.
Nitrogen and phosphorus flux in wastewater from three productive stages in a hyperintensive tilapia culture
Authors: Félix-Cuencas Leticia , García-Trejo Juan Fernando , López-Tejeida Samuel , de León-Ramírez Jesús Josafat , Gutiérrez-Antonio Claudia , Feregrino-Pérez Ana Angélica
Published: February 2021

In this research, effect of productive stages in nitrogen and phosphorus excretion in wastewater from hyperintensive tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) culture was evaluated. Fish were cultivated considering three development stages (fingerling of 1.79 g, juvenile of 36.13 g, and adult of 72.96 g). Nitrite, nitrate, ammonium, and phosphorus concentration were determined in order to know the amount of nutrients excreted per productive stage of the fish at a high stocking density. Biometric data were recorded during the experiment with the purpose of determining the growth behavior of fish, as well as the measurement of the aerobic metabolism. Results showed that survival, growth, and health of fish are not affected by hyperdensity of culture; as well, combined catabolism of proteins and lipids was presented as substrates for energy with value for O:N ratio ranging between 20 and 60. In addition, higher concentration in excretion of nitrogen compounds and phosphorus per gram of fish was recorded in wastewater from a hyperintensive culture in fingerlings than in juveniles and adults. These results suggest the use of this wastewater in the early stages of fish growth, aiming to enhance sustainable systems with maximum use of the resources, such as aquaponics systems.
The Yin and Yang of High-density Lipoprotein and Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease: Focusing on Functionality and Cholesterol Efflux to Reframe the HDL Hypothesis
Authors: Ganjali Shiva , Watts Gerald F. , Banach Maciej , Reiner Željko , Nachtigal Petr , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: February 2021

The inverse relationship between low plasma high-density lipoprotein cholesterol
(HDL-C) concentrations and increased risk of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
(ASCVD) is well-known. However, plasma HDL-C concentrations are highly variable
in subjects with ASCVD. In clinical outcome trials, pharmacotherapies that increase
HDL-C concentrations are not associated with a reduction in ASCVD events. A causal
relationship between HDL-C and ASCVD has also been questioned by Mendelian randomization
studies and genome-wide association studies of genetic variants associated
with plasma HDL-C concentrations. The U-shaped association between plasma HDL-C
concentrations and mortality observed in several epidemiological studies implicates both
low and very high plasma HDL-C concentrations in the etiology of ASCVD and non-
ASCVD mortality. These data do not collectively support a causal association between
HDL-C and ASCVD risk. Therefore, the hypothesis concerning the association between
HDL and ASCVD has shifted from focus on plasma concentrations to the concept of
functionality, in particular cellular cholesterol efflux and HDL holoparticle transport. In
this review, we focus on these new concepts and provide a new framework for understanding
and testing the role of HDL in ASCVD.
Recent Patents on Overflow Valve for Pressure Control
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Wang Yi , Zeng Zhaoqi , Gou Haoliang , Zhang Bing
Published: February 2021

Background:

The overflow valve, as an essential pressure control element, is widely applied in various hydraulic transmission systems because of its characteristics of constant pressure overflow, stable pressure, system unloading and safety protection. The research on the structure and working principle of the overflow valve are beneficial to improve the working efficiency and operating stability of pressure control of the hydraulic transmission. Therefore, the development trend of the overflow valve for pressure control has been paid more and more attention.

Objective:

To meet the growing demands for the working efficiency and operating stability of hydraulic transmission, the structure of the overflow valve for pressure control such as direct-acting overflow valve and pilot-operated overflow valve is being improved continuously.

Methods:

This paper retraces various current representative patents relative to the structural device of direct-acting overflow valve and pilot-operated overflow valve for pressure control.

Results:

Through investigating a large number of patents on the overflow valve for pressure control, the main current existing problems such as low working efficiency and poor operating stability are summarized and analyzed. Moreover, the development tendency of the overflow valve for pressure control in the future is also discussed.

Conclusion:

The optimization of the structure of the overflow valve for pressure control is conducive to improve working efficiency and operating stability. More correlative patents will be invented in the future.
Вихревая структура ВТСП в неоднородном магнитном поле
Authors: Максимова А.Н. , Кашурников В.А. , Мороз А.Н. , Руднев И.А.
Published: February 2021

Численно исследовано проникновение магнитного потока в слоистый анизотропный сверхпроводник, помещенный в градиентное магнитное поле, эквивалентное полю постоянного магнита. Рассчитаны вихревые конфигурации, возникающие как в бездефектном сверхпроводнике, так сверхпроводнике, содержащем дефекты. Показано, что проникновение неоднородного магнитного поля в слоистый сверхпроводник происходит через формирование неполных вихревых нитей на границе, что означает появление параллельной слоям компоненты магнитного поля. Рассчитаны зависимости намагниченности и энергии в магнитном поле для трехмерного образца ВТСП, показано существование минимумов на графике энергии, соответствующих устойчивым положениям магнита относительно сверхпроводника. Ключевые слова: ВТСП, вихри Абрикосова, метод Монте-Карло, магнитная левитация.
О термодинамических параметрах адиабатически изолированного тела
Authors: Горобей Н.Н. , Лукьяненко А.С.
Published: February 2021

The definition of the main thermodynamic functions for an adiabatically isolated body with constant internal energy is proposed in the framework of the formalism of the covariant quantum theory with reparametrization invariance of proper time. The modification does not change the dynamic content of the theory at the classical level, but it allows one to define the unitary evolution operator in quantum theory. In this operator, proper time is a measure of the internal movement of the body. The transition to statistical mechanics is carried out by the Wick rotation of proper time in the complex plane. As a result, a representation of the partition function of an isolated body in the form of a Euclidean functional integral on the space of closed trajectories in the configuration space is obtained.
For a given internal energy, the average return temperature and free energy are determined, which under lie the thermomechanics of an adiabatically isolated body.
Fast and Accurate Detection of COVID-19 Along With 14 Other Chest Pathologies Using a Multi-Level Classification: Algorithm Development and Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Albahli Saleh , Yar Ghulam Nabi Ahmad Hassan
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

COVID-19 has spread very rapidly, and it is important to build a system that can detect it in order to help an overwhelmed health care system. Many research studies on chest diseases rely on the strengths of deep learning techniques. Although some of these studies used state-of-the-art techniques and were able to deliver promising results, these techniques are not very useful if they can detect only one type of disease without detecting the others.

OBJECTIVE

The main objective of this study was to achieve a fast and more accurate diagnosis of COVID-19. This study proposes a diagnostic technique that classifies COVID-19 x-ray images from normal x-ray images and those specific to 14 other chest diseases.

METHODS

In this paper, we propose a novel, multilevel pipeline, based on deep learning models, to detect COVID-19 along with other chest diseases based on x-ray images. This pipeline reduces the burden of a single network to classify a large number of classes. The deep learning models used in this study were pretrained on the ImageNet dataset, and transfer learning was used for fast training. The lungs and heart were segmented from the whole x-ray images and passed onto the first classifier that checks whether the x-ray is normal, COVID-19 affected, or characteristic of another chest disease. If it is neither a COVID-19 x-ray image nor a normal one, then the second classifier comes into action and classifies the image as one of the other 14 diseases.

RESULTS

We show how our model uses state-of-the-art deep neural networks to achieve classification accuracy for COVID-19 along with 14 other chest diseases and normal cases based on x-ray images, which is competitive with currently used state-of-the-art models. Due to the lack of data in some classes such as COVID-19, we applied 10-fold cross-validation through the ResNet50 model. Our classification technique thus achieved an average training accuracy of 96.04% and test accuracy of 92.52% for the first level of classification (ie, 3 classes). For the second level of classification (ie, 14 classes), our technique achieved a maximum training accuracy of 88.52% and test accuracy of 66.634% by using ResNet50. We also found that when all the 16 classes were classified at once, the overall accuracy for COVID-19 detection decreased, which in the case of ResNet50 was 88.92% for training data and 71.905% for test data.

CONCLUSIONS

Our proposed pipeline can detect COVID-19 with a higher accuracy along with detecting 14 other chest diseases based on x-ray images. This is achieved by dividing the classification task into multiple steps rather than classifying them collectively.