bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-mannose type N-glycans with core fucosylation and complex-type N-glycans with terminal neuraminic acid residues are unique to porcine islets
Authors: Nanno Yoshihide , Shajahan Asif , Sonon Roberto N. , Azadi Parastoo , Hering Bernhard J. , Burlak Christopher
Published: November 2020

Objectives

Islet transplantation is an emerging treatment option for type 1 diabetes but its application is limited by the shortage of human pancreas donors. Characterization of theN- andO-glycan surface antigens that vary between human and genetically engineered porcine islet donors could shed light on targets of antibody mediated rejection.

Methods

N- andO-glycans were isolated from human and adult porcine islets and analyzed using matrix-assisted laser-desorption time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF-MS) and electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS).

Results

A total of 57 porcine and 34 humanN-glycans and 21 porcine and 14 humanO-glycans were detected from cultured islets. Twenty-eight of which were detected only from porcine islets, which include novel xenoantigens such as high-mannose typeN-glycans with core fucosylation and complex-typeN-glycans with terminal neuraminic acid residues. Porcine islets have terminalN-glycolylneuraminic acid (NeuGc) residue in bi-antennaryN-glycans and sialyl-TnO-glycans. No galactose-α-1,3-galactose (α-Gal) or Sdaepitope were detected on any of the islets.

Conclusions

These results provide important insights into the potential antigenic differences ofN- andO-glycan profiles between human and porcine islets. Glycan differences may identify novel gene targets for genetic engineering to generate superior porcine islet donors.
Trials of the Automated Particle Counter for laboratory rearing of mosquito larvae
Authors: Benedict Mark Q. , Bascuñán Priscila , Hunt Catherine M. , Aviles Erica I. , Rotenberry Rachel D. , Dotson Ellen M.
Published: November 2020

As a means of obtaining reproducible and accurate numbers of larvae for laboratory rearing, we tested a large-particle flow-cytometer type device called the ‘Automated Particle Counter’ (APC). The APC is a gravity-fed, self-contained unit that detects changes in light intensity caused by larvae passing the detector in a water stream and controls dispensing by stopping the flow when the desired number has been reached. We determined the accuracy (number dispensed compared to the target value) and precision (distribution of number dispensed) of dispensing at a variety of counting sensitivity thresholds and larva throughput rates (larvae per second) using < 1-day old Anopheles gambiae and Aedes aegypti larvae. All measures were made using an APC algorithm called the ‘Smoothed Z-Score’ which allows the user to define how many standard deviations (Z scores) from the baseline light intensity a particle’s absorbance must exceed to register a count. We dispensed a target number of 100 An. gambiae larvae using Z scores from 2.5–8 and observed no difference among them in the numbers dispensed for scores from 2.5–6, however, scores of 7 and 8 under-counted (over-dispensed) larvae. Using a Z score ≤ 6, we determined the effect of throughput rate on the accuracy of the device to dispense An. gambiae larvae. For rates ≤ 98 larvae per second, the accuracy of dispensing a target of 100 larvae was - 2.29% ± 0.72 (95% CI of the mean) with a mode of 99 (49 of 348 samples). When using a Z score of 3.5 and rates ≤ 100 larvae per second, the accuracy of dispensing a target of 100 Ae. aegypti was - 2.43% ± 1.26 (95% CI of the mean) with a mode of 100 (6 of 42 samples). No effect on survival was observed on the number of An. gambiae first stage larvae that reached adulthood as a function of dispensing.
Survey of metaproteomics software tools for functional microbiome analysis
Authors: Sajulga Ray , Easterly Caleb , Riffle Michael , Mesuere Bart , Muth Thilo , Mehta Subina , Kumar Praveen , Johnson James , Gruening Bjoern Andreas , Schiebenhoefer Henning , Kolmeder Carolin A. , Fuchs Stephan , Nunn Brook L. , Rudney Joel , Griffin Timothy J. , Jagtap Pratik D.
Published: November 2020

To gain a thorough appreciation of microbiome dynamics, researchers characterize the functional relevance of expressed microbial genes or proteins. This can be accomplished through metaproteomics, which characterizes the protein expression of microbiomes. Several software tools exist for analyzing microbiomes at the functional level by measuring their combined proteome-level response to environmental perturbations. In this survey, we explore the performance of six available tools, to enable researchers to make informed decisions regarding software choice based on their research goals. Tandem mass spectrometry-based proteomic data obtained from dental caries plaque samples grown with and without sucrose in paired biofilm reactors were used as representative data for this evaluation. Microbial peptides from one sample pair were identified by the X! tandem search algorithm via SearchGUI and subjected to functional analysis using software tools including eggNOG-mapper, MEGAN5, MetaGOmics, MetaProteomeAnalyzer (MPA), ProPHAnE, and Unipept to generate functional annotation through Gene Ontology (GO) terms. Among these software tools, notable differences in functional annotation were detected after comparing differentially expressed protein functional groups. Based on the generated GO terms of these tools we performed a peptide-level comparison to evaluate the quality of their functional annotations. A BLAST analysis against the NCBI non-redundant database revealed that the sensitivity and specificity of functional annotation varied between tools. For example, eggNOG-mapper mapped to the most number of GO terms, while Unipept generated more accurate GO terms. Based on our evaluation, metaproteomics researchers can choose the software according to their analytical needs and developers can use the resulting feedback to further optimize their algorithms. To make more of these tools accessible via scalable metaproteomics workflows, eggNOG-mapper and Unipept 4.0 were incorporated into the Galaxy platform.
Dynamic hyperinflation induced by the 6-minute pegboard and ring test in hospitalized patients with exacerbated COPD
Authors: Barros Cassia Fabiane de , Felisberto Rosimeire Marcos , Nucci Kelly Cristina Albanezi , Albuquerque Andre Luis Pereira de , Paulin Elaine , Brito Christina May Moran de , Yamaguti Wellington Pereira
Published: November 2020

Background

The six-minute pegboard and ring test (6-PBRT) has been used to evaluate functional capacity of the upper limbs in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) patients. To the best of our knowledge, no studies have evaluated dynamic hyperinflation (DH) during exercise with upper limbs in the hospital setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate physiological responses and DH induced by 6-PBRT in hospitalized patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD).

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted in a tertiary hospital enrolling patients who were hospitalized due to AECOPD. All included participants underwent an evaluation of lung function and 6-PBRT when they reached minimum clinical criteria. Ventilatory and hemodynamics parameters were monitored during 6-PBRT and until 6 minutes of rest after the test. Symptoms of dyspnea and upper limb fatigue were also measured.

Results

Eighteen patients (71.3±5.1 years) with a mean FEV1 of 43.2±18.3% were included in the study (11 females). Prevalence of DH after 6-PBRT was 50% (considering the drop of 150 ml or 10% of inspiratory capacity, immediately after the end of the test). There was a significant increase in respiratory rate, minute volume, dyspnea, and upper limb fatigue after the end of 6-PBRT (p<0.05). Dyspnea recovered more precociously than the perception of fatigue, being reestablished within four minutes of rest. An increase in heart rate, systolic and diastolic blood pressures was also induced by 6-PBRT (p<0.05), requiring 6 minutes of recovery to return to baseline. No adverse events were observed during 6-PBRT. We concluded that 6-PBRT induces physiological changes during its execution, at safe levels, requiring a maximum of 6 minutes for recovery. Finally, the test proved to be safe and applicable for patients hospitalized due to AECOPD.
Non-consumptive effects stabilize herbivore control over multiple generations
Authors: Ingerslew Kathryn S. , Finke Deborah L.
Published: November 2020

Understanding the factors that influence predator-prey dynamics requires an investigation of oscillations in predator and prey population sizes over time. However, empirical studies are often performed over one or fewer predator generations. This is particularly true for studies addressing the non-consumptive effects of predators on prey. In a previous study that lasted less than one predator generation, we demonstrated that two species of parasitoid wasps additively suppressed aphid populations through a combination of consumptive and non-consumptive effects. However, the non-consumptive effects of one wasp reduced the reproductive success of the other, suggesting that a longer-term experiment may have revealed antagonism between the wasps. The goal of our current study is to evaluate multi-generation consumptive and non-consumptive interactions between pea aphids (Acyrthosiphon pisum) and the wasps Aphidius ervi and Aphidius colemani. Aphidius ervi is a common natural enemy of pea aphids. Aphidius colemani is a non-consumptive enemy that does not consume pea aphids, but negatively affects pea aphid performance through behavioral disturbance. Large field cages were installed to monitor aphid abundance in response to the presence and absence of both species of wasp over four weeks (two parasitoid generations). We found that the non-consumptive enemy A. colemani initially controlled the pea aphid population, but control in the absence of parasitism was not sustainable over the long term. Aphidius ervi suppressed pea aphids through a combination of consumptive and non-consumptive effects. This suppression was more effective than that of A. colemani, but aphid abundance fluctuated over time. Suppression by A. ervi and A. colemani together was complementary, leading to the most effective and stable control of pea aphids. Therefore, promoting a diverse natural enemy community that contributes to pest control through consumptive and non-consumptive interactions may enhance the stability of herbivore population suppression over time.
How does age affect personal and social reactions to COVID-19: Results from the national Understanding America Study
Authors: Kim Jung Ki , Crimmins Eileen M.
Published: November 2020

The COVID-19 pandemic has had tremendous impact on Americans’ lives including their personal and social behaviors. While people of all ages are affected in some way by the pandemic, older persons have been far more likely to suffer the most severe health consequences. For this reason, how people have responded to mitigating behaviors to COVID-19 may differ by age. Using a nationally representative sample from the longitudinal data of the Understanding America Study (UAS), we examined differentials in behavioral responses to COVID-19 by age and how they changed over the first three months of the pandemic. Behavioral responses and changes in behavior over time differed by age, type of behaviors and time reference. At the beginning of the pandemic (March, 2020), older and younger people were similar in their likelihood of engaging in preventive personal behaviors when controlling for other influences. As the pandemic progressed, however, older people adopted mitigating personal behavioral changes more than younger people, such that about 1–2 months after the pandemic started, older people were more likely to comply with suggested behaviors and regulations including practicing better hygiene, quarantining, and social distancing. One month into the pandemic, older people were less likely than younger people to engage in two of four risky behaviors. The change in risky behavior over time did not differ by age; but both younger and older people were more likely to engage in risky behaviors after two months. Being female, a member of a racial/ethnic minority group, higher socioeconomic status, having more COVID-19 cases in one’s state of residence, a higher perceived risk for infection and dying, and a more left-leaning political orientation were related to adopting more pandemic mitigating behaviors.
Using interpersonal communication strategies to encourage science conversations on social media
Authors: Martin Curtis , MacDonald Bertrum H.
Published: November 2020

Today, many science communicators are using social media to share scientific information with citizens, but, as research has shown, fostering conversational exchanges remains a challenge. This largely qualitative study investigated the communication strategies applied by individual scientists and environmental non-governmental organizations on Twitter and Instagram to determine whether particular social media practices encourage two-way conversations between science communicators and citizens. Data from Twitter and Instagram posts, interviews with the communicators, and a survey of audience members were triangulated to identify emergent communication strategies and the resulting engagement; provide insight into why particular practices are employed by communicators; and explain why audiences choose to participate in social media conversations with communicators. The results demonstrate that the application of interpersonal communication strategies encourage conversational engagement, in terms of the number of comments and unique individuals involved in conversations. In particular, using selfies (images and videos), non-scientific content, first person pronoun-rich captions, and responding to comments result in the formation of communicator-audience relationships, encouraging two-way conversations on social media. Furthermore, the results indicate that Instagram more readily supports the implementation of interpersonal communication strategies than Twitter, making Instagram the preferred platform for promoting conversational exchanges. These findings can be applicable to diverse communicators, subjects, audiences, and environments (online and offline) in initiatives to promote awareness and understanding of science.
Effects of the degree of freedom and assistance characteristics of powered ankle-foot orthoses on gait stability
Authors: Choi Ho Seon , Baek Yoon Su
Published: November 2020

We studied the use of powered ankle-foot orthoses (PAFOs) and walking stability of the wearers, focusing on the ankle joint, which is known to play a critical role in gait stability. Recognizing that the subtalar joint is an important modulator of walking stability, we conducted the walking experiment on a treadmill by applying varying assistance techniques to the 2-degree-of-freedom (DOF) PAFO, which has the subtalar joint as the rotating axis, and the commonly used 1-DOF PAFO. The participants were 8 healthy men (mean±SD: height, 174.8±7.1 cm; weight, 69.8±6.5 kg; and age, 29.1±4.8 years) with no history of gait abnormality. Center of pressure (COP) was measured with an in-shoe pressure sensor, and stability was estimated on the basis of the angular acceleration measured with the inertial measurement unit attached to the trunk. The experimental results of the 2-DOF PAFO, with or without assistance, showed a significantly higher stability than those of the 1-DOF PAFO (up to 23.78%, p<0.0326). With the 1-DOF PAFO, the stability deteriorated with the increase in the degree of assistance provided. With the 2-DOF PAFO, this tendency was not observed. Thus, the importance of the subtalar joint was proven using PAFOs. The mean position analysis of the COP during the stance phase confirmed that the COP highly correlated with stability (Pearson correlation coefficient: −0.6607). Thus, we conclude that only the 2-DOF PAFO can maintain walking stability, regardless of the assistance characteristics, by preserving the COP in the medial position through eversion. Awareness regarding the role of the subtalar joint is necessary during the manufacture or use of PAFOs, as lack of awareness could lead to the degradation of the wearer’s gait stability, regardless of effective assistance, and deteriorate the fundamental functionality of PAFO.
Poverty in the time of epidemic: A modelling perspective
Authors: Sahasranaman Anand , Jensen Henrik Jeldtoft
Published: November 2020

We create a network model to study the spread of an epidemic through physically proximate and accidental daily human contacts in a city, and simulate outcomes for two kinds of agents—poor and non-poor. Under non-intervention, peak caseload is maximised, but no differences are observed in infection rates across poor and non-poor. Introducing interventions to control spread, peak caseloads are reduced, but both cumulative infection rates and current infection rates are systematically higher for the poor than for non-poor, across all scenarios. Larger populations, higher fractions of poor, and longer durations of intervention are found to progressively worsen outcomes for the poor; and these are of particular concern for economically vulnerable populations in cities of the developing world. Addressing these challenges requires a deeper, more rigorous understanding of the relationships between structural poverty and epidemy, as well as effective utilization of extant community level infrastructure for primary care in developing cities. Finally, improving iniquitous outcomes for the poor creates better outcomes for the whole population, including the non-poor.
Hematologic alterations and early mortality in a cohort of HIV positive African patients
Authors: Ciccacci Fausto , Lucaroni Francesca , Latagliata Roberto , Morciano Laura , Mondlane Elisa , Balama Moises , Tembo Dyna , Gondwe Jane , Orlando Stefano , Palombi Leonardo , Marazzi Maria Cristina
Published: November 2020

Introduction

Infection with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is highly prevalent worldwide, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa, where anaemia is also widespread. HIV infection is known to be associated with anaemia and various other haematologic alterations, but little data on correlation with immunological and virologic conditions in treatment-naïve patients and impact on mortality are available. Our study aims to investigate hematologic features in HIV-infected individuals in Malawi and Mozambique and assesses possible correlations with early morality.

Material and methods

We conducted a retrospective analysis of baseline data (general details, nutritional status, full blood count and HIV infection progress data) and 12 months follow-up status for HIV+ adult patients in 22 health facilities in Malawi (11 sites) and Mozambique (11 sites) run by DREAM program. Anagraphic details, anthropometric characteristics, full blood count, CD4+ count and Viral Load data were collected from electronical medical records (EMR) for all the HIV-positive, treatment-naïve patients starting care in the sites in the period January 2007 –December 2016. Follow-up status after one year since enrolment in care was also considered. All the data extracted from the EMR were included in a dataset and then analysed. Univariate and multivariate analysis were conducted through logistical regression to investigate associations, and survival analysis analysed in a Cox regression model.

Results

On the whole, 22.657 patients were included; severe and moderate anaemia were observed in 1.174 (8,2%) and 4.703 (21,9%) patients respectively. Gender, nutritional status, CD4+ count, and viral load (VL) were associated with anaemia, leukopenia, and thrombocytopenia. Among 21.166 fully evaluable patients, 8.494 (40,1%) had at least one cytopenia. Any cytopenia was present in 1/3 of patients with normal nutritional status and less advanced HIV infection, and it wouldn’t be diagnosed in a basic HIV care setting. During the first year of treatment, 1.725 subjects (7,6% of the entire sample) died. Anaemia, lower Red blood cells and platelets counts correlated with mortality in the first year of care, independently by body mass index, haemoglobin, CD4+ count and VL.

Conclusions

Notwithstanding anaemia is known to be associated with HIV infection at diagnosis, full blood count is not routinely performed in many African countries. Our results emphasize that including the study of a broader set of parameters in the routine HIV care services in Sub-Saharan Africa would provide significant clinical information able to predict other alterations and poor outcomes.
Participation in collaborative projects as a precursor of trust in organizations for individuals with intellectual disability
Authors: Vidal Naiara , Martínez-Tur Vicente , Pătraș Luminița , Gracia Esther , Moliner Carolina , Ramos José
Published: November 2020

The present study focuses on organizations delivering services to individuals with intellectual disability, where trust relations between professionals and family members are required. More specifically, we examine the existence of significant differences in the degree to which family members and professionals trust each other. We also propose that their joint participation in collaborative teams (VI) will improve trust (VD). Specifically, our teams (experimental condition) designed and implemented collaborative projects with the participation of professionals and family members. Participants in the control condition did not participate in the collaborative projects. Our results confirmed that family members trust professionals more than professionals trust family members. Their joint participation in collaborative projects improved professionals’ trust in family members over time, compared to the control condition. The effect of collaborative projects was not significant for family members’ trust in professionals.
Stakeholder perspective on barrier to the implementation of Advance Care Planning in a traditionally paternalistic healthcare system
Authors: Hiu Stellar , Su Alex , Ong Samantha , Poremski Daniel
Published: November 2020

Background

Advance psychiatric agreements could guide medical teams in providing care consistent with the incapacitated service user’s wishes. However, these types of agreements are rarely completed in Asian settings. What challenges can a traditionally paternalistic healthcare system expect to encounter when attempting to implement psychiatric advance directives?

Methods

We answered this research question by exploring the cultural, administrative and logistical challenges that might impede the implementation of the system supporting the service. We interviewed key stakeholders, 28 service users and 22 service providers, to seek their views and interests in the implementation of directives. We structured our analyses along a literature-review-based framework designed to guide further implementation studies, proposed by Nicaise and colleagues (2013). Accordingly, we divided our inductively generated themes into four longitudinal categories: pre-development stage, development stage, implementation stage, post-implementation stage.

Results

Overall, the findings indicated that many service users and service providers are interested in advance care planning. They believed that foreseeable challenges could be overcome with appropriate measures. However, the multiple challenges of implementation led some service providers to be ambivalent about their implementation and led service users to dismiss them. Specifically, factors related to the local culture in Singapore necessitated adjustments to the content and structure of the directives. These include language barriers in a multicultural society, conflicting wishes in a collectivist society, taboos for speaking about undesirable outcomes in a traditionalist society, and time limitations in a fast-paced society.

Conclusion

While culture-specific changes may be required to enable service users in a small Asian country to employ existing advance psychiatric agreement approaches, service providers and service users see their benefits. However, service providers must be mindful not to assume that service users are willing to defer every decision to their physician.
Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids from linseed oil decrease methane production by altering the rumen microbiome in vitro
Authors: Sato Yoshiaki , Tominaga Kento , Aoki Hirotatsu , Murayama Masayuki , Oishi Kazato , Hirooka Hiroyuki , Yoshida Takashi , Kumagai Hajime
Published: November 2020

Calcium salts of long-chain fatty acids (CSFA) from linseed oil have the potential to reduce methane (CH4) production from ruminants; however, there is little information on the effect of supplementary CSFA on rumen microbiome as well as CH4production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of supplementary CSFA on ruminal fermentation, digestibility, CH4production, and rumen microbiomein vitro. We compared five treatments: three CSFA concentrations—0% (CON), 2.25% (FAL) and 4.50% (FAH) on a dry matter (DM) basis—15 mM of fumarate (FUM), and 20 mg/kg DM of monensin (MON). The results showed that the proportions of propionate in FAL, FAH, FUM, and MON were increased, compared with CON (P < 0.05). Although DM and neutral detergent fiber expressed exclusive of residual ash (NDFom) digestibility decreased in FAL and FAH compared to those in CON (P < 0.05), DM digestibility-adjusted CH4production in FAL and FAH was reduced by 38.2% and 63.0%, respectively, compared with that in CON (P < 0.05). The generaRuminobacter,Succinivibrio,Succiniclasticum,Streptococcus,Selenomonas.1, andMegasphaera, which are related to propionate production, were increased (P < 0.05), whileMethanobrevibacterand protozoa counts, which are associated with CH4production, were decreased in FAH, compared with CON (P < 0.05). The results suggested that the inclusion of CSFA significantly changed the rumen microbiome, leading to the acceleration of propionate production and the reduction of CH4production. In conclusion, although further in vivo study is needed to evaluate the reduction effect on rumen CH4production, CSFA may be a promising candidate for reduction of CH4emission from ruminants.
Prognostic value of the common tumour-infiltrating lymphocyte subtypes for patients with non-small cell lung cancer: A meta-analysis
Authors: Chen Benchao , Li Heng , Liu Chao , Xiang Xudong , Wang Shuting , Wu Anhao , Shen Yan , Li Gaofeng
Published: November 2020

Background

Many previous studies have revealed that tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are significantly associated with prognosis in various tumours. However, this finding remains controversial in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We performed this meta-analysis systematically to evaluate the prognostic value of TILs in NSCLC.

Methods

The references were collected by searching the PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science databases. The pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were summarized using random or fixed effects models to evaluate the association between TILs and NSCLC survival outcomes.

Results

A total of 45 interrelated studies were eligible that included 11,448 patients. Pooled analysis showed that a high density of TILs indicated a better overall survival (HR = 0.80, 0.70–0.89) and progression-free survival (HR = 0.73, 0.61–0.85) for patients with NSCLC; a high density of CD3+ TILs in the tumour nest indicated a better overall survival (HR = 0.84, 0.69–0.99) and disease-specific survival (HR = 0.57, 0.34–0.80); a high density of CD4+ TILs in the tumor nest indicated a favourable overall survival (HR = 0.86, 0.76–0.96); a high density of CD8+ TILs indicated a favourable overall survival (HR = 0.995, 0.99–1.0), progression-free survival (HR = 0.52, 0.34–0.71), disease-free survival (HR = 0.64, 0.43–0.85), relapse/recurrence-free survival (HR = 0.42, 0.18–0.67) and disease-specific survival (HR = 0.56, 0.35–0.78); and a high density of CD20+ TILs in the tumour nest indicated a favourable overall survival (HR = 0.65, 0.36–0.94). However, a high density of Foxp3+ TILs in the tumour stroma indicated a worse relapse/recurrence-free survival (HR = 1.90, 1.05–2.76) in NSCLC.

Conclusions

Our meta-analysis confirmed that high densities of TILs, CD3+TILs, CD4+TILs, CD8+TILs and CD20+TILs in the tumour nest are favourable prognostic biomarkers for patients with NSCLC, and Foxp3+TILs in the tumour stroma are a poor prognostic biomarker.
Estudio de suceptibilidad genética a la degeneración macular asociada a la edad (DMAE)
Authors: González Cabero Tomás , González Sarmiento Rogelio
Published: November 2020

La degeneración macular asociada a la edad es la principal causa de pérdida de visión central severa e irreversible en personas mayores de 50 años en los países desarrollados.

Esta enfermedad se puede clasificar en dos grupos, seca y húmeda, siendo esta última objeto de estudio en este trabajo, la cual se caracteriza por el desarrollo de neovascularización coroidea. Debido a la importancia de los SNPs en el desarrollo de esta enfermedad, se estudiarán tres polimorfismos pertenecientes al gen que codifica la endoglina (rs1998923, rs1330683 y rs1330684) y un polimorfismo perteneciente al gen que codifica la presenilina-1 (rs165932). Por tanto, el objetivo de este trabajo es determinar si el desarrollo de esta enfermedad está relacionado con estos polimorfismos. Para ello, se seleccionaron un total de 326 muestras de ADN de pacientes del Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, de los cuales 175 estaban diagnosticados de DMAE húmeda (casos) y 151 de cataratas (controles) y se analizaron los distintos genotipos mediante discriminación alélica con sondas Taqman®. Tras realizar el test chi-cuadrado para comprobar si existía una diferencia estadísticamente significativa (p < 0.05), se concluye que el desarrollo de degeneración macular asociada a la edad húmeda no va a estar relacionado con estos polimorfismos.
Hematological profile of blood parasitic infected dogs in Southern Thailand
Authors: Thongsahuan Sorawat , Chethanond Usa , Wasiksiri Siriwat , Saechan Vannarat , Thongtako Wichaya , Musikacharoen Tipayaratn
Published: November 2020

Background and Aim: Tick-borne pathogens such as Babesia canis, Hepatozoon canis, and Ehrlichia canis can cause serious disease in canines. Each blood parasite can be associated with different hematological characteristics in infected dogs. Identification of hematological alterations during routine laboratory screening of blood samples from dogs displaying clinical signs is essential for diagnosing blood parasitic infections. This study aimed to evaluate parasitic infections and hematological alterations in blood samples of infected dogs in Southern Thailand.

Materials and Methods: A total of 474 blood samples were collected from dogs presented at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital of the Prince of Songkla University between 2016 and 2019. An automatic hematology analyzer was used to establish hematological values; peripheral blood films were screened for blood parasites and their detection was associated with hematological alterations to determine the odds ratio (OR).

Results: This study found that E. canis (n=127) was the most common blood parasite infecting dogs in southern Thailand, followed by H. canis (n=100) and B. canis (n=24). Hematological alterations caused by Ehrlichia infections included anemia, thrombocytopenia, monocytosis, and eosinophilia (OR=14.64, 17.63, 20.34, and 13.43, respectively; p<0.01). The blood samples of Hepatozoon-infected dogs were characterized by anemia, thrombocytopenia, leukocytosis, neutrophilia, and monocytosis (OR=6.35, 3.16, 12.80, 11.11, and 17.37, respectively; p<0.01). Anemia, thrombocytopenia, eosinopenia, and lymphopenia (OR=10.09, 33.00, 20.02, and 66.47 respectively; p<0.01) were associated with B. canis-infected dogs.

Conclusion: These data support the fact that hematological abnormalities are a hallmark for the identification of tick-borne infections. The hematological values, hereby reported, can be used as a guideline for the clinical diagnosis of canine blood parasitic infections in Southern Thailand.
Monitoreo comunitario participativo del agua en la periferia suroeste de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Perevochtchikova Maria , Sandoval-Romero Gabriel Eduardo
Published: November 2020

En este trabajo se presenta la experiencia de Monitoreo Comunitario Participativo (MCP) del agua en una comunidad forestal de la periferia suroeste de la Ciudad de México, realizado durante 2015-2017 por un equipo colaborador (academia-comunidad). Apoyándose en el marco conceptual de MCP, se desarrollan varias etapas del estudio: i) el monitoreo del agua en la zona forestal (fuentes de abastecimiento de agua potable), ii) las mediciones en la parte urbana de la comunidad (domicilios y tanques de almacenamiento), iii) la aplicación de una encuesta sobre percepción social del servicio del agua, y iv) la toma de muestras de la calidad del agua para el laboratorio (para corroborar la rigurosidad de los datos tomados mediante el MCP). Se observa una tendencia de preservación de una buena calidad físico-química del agua, con una severa problemática bacteriológica; por otro lado, existe conciencia social sobre la deficiencia del recurso y la necesidad de conservación forestal. Finalmente, se reflexiona sobre la necesidad de implementar medidas de control de contaminación y sobre la utilidad del MCP para el empoderamiento social y la toma de decisiones comunitarias para planeación territorial a escala local.
Subsidized housing and school segregation: Examining the relationship between federally subsidized affordable housing and racial and economic isolation in schools
Authors: Holme Jennifer Jellison , Frankenberg Erica , Sanchez Joanna , Taylor Kendra , De La Garza Sarah , Kennedy Michelle
Published: November 2020

Each year, the federal government provides billions of dollars in support for low-income families in their acquisition of housing. In this analysis, we examine how several of these subsidized housing programs, public housing and Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) financed housing, relate to patterns of school segregation for children. We use GIS to examine the location of subsidized housing vis-à-vis district boundaries and school attendance boundaries in four Texas counties. We then examine patterns of segregation between schools with and without subsidized housing in their attendance zones, as well as the extent of economic and racial isolation experienced by students in those schools. Our results illustrate that public housing and LIHTC housing developments are zoned to racially and economically isolated schools, and that developments are associated with especially high levels of economic and racial isolation for Black and Latinx students. We conclude by discussing implications for housing and education policy to ameliorate these patterns.
Study of mineral and nutritional composition of some seaweeds found along the coast of Gulf of Mannar, India
Authors: Xavier Jobi , Jose Joel
Published: November 2020

The presence of Algae on the Earth is ubiquitous. The industry that widely uses algae is food industry, where the algae are used as a food supplement and also as an addition to the nutrient rich food. This study emphasizes on the mineral and nutritional composition of the selected fourteen algal species which are abundantly found along the coast of the Gulf of Mannar. The selected species of algae belong to different algal families such as Chlorophyta, Phaeophyta and Rhodophyta. The amount of minerals such as Ca, Zn, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, and Cu were estimated by employing the method of acid digestion followed by atomic absorption spectroscopy. We estimated the nutritional content based on the assessment of total protein, carbohydrate, phenol, ash and moisture contents of the algal species. The results based on the analysis of the mineral content in the algal seaweeds depicted that the seaweeds comprised of high amount of the macro minerals and trace minerals. Estimation of nutritional composition revealed that these algal species are rich in protein and carbohydrate. The ash contents were found to be very high in Jania rubens (86.66%), Padina boergesenii (85%) and Valoniopsis pachynema (84%). Based on the present study we infer that the algal seaweeds contained high amount of the nutritional compounds, which might pave the way for a higher standard of nutritional supply to the humans in the future.
Medical Students Views on Continuous Assessment
Authors: Elfaki Omer Abdelgadir , Alamri Abdulaziz , Salih Karimeldin A , Alyafi Mahdi Abdullah Mohammad , Barkoot Maram Mubarak , Dkheelalla Iama Ayed Abdullah , Aseeri Arwa Abdullah , Alhadthi Ahmed
Published: November 2020

The importance of assessment in the educational process is well emphasized in medical education. The system of continuous assessment (CA) used in the College of medicine, KKU can be described as frequent summative assessments in each course since there was no regular feedback. The CA adopted carries 50% of the total marks. Achievement of students in CA is critical to their pass or failure of any course. Excessive use of summative assessment was identified as problematic by some research work. But, at the same time a single terminal summative assessment is not recommended. The objective of this study was to examine the students' perception of learning and its relation with performance in CA.

 Methods

The target population of this study was the 4th, 5th and 6th year students of the college of medicine, KKU. Non-probability convenience sampling was used aiming at 25% - 30% of the total. A correlational design was adopted. A structured self-administered questionnaire was developed. This was based on four constructs: performance on CA: 3 items, feedback: 6 items, students' perception of learning: 12 items and gender.

A 5-point Likert scale was used ranging from strongly agree to strongly disagree to the stated statements in the instrument. The questionnaire was validated before use. Pearson’s correlation coefficient (r) was computed using SPSS.  P value of <0.05 was considered significant.

 Results and discussion

This is a cross sectional study where correlational design was used. The total number of respondents was 128 with 58% of them males and 42% females. The computed r for the perception of learning with performance in CA was .741 and for feedback with performance in CA was .766. This clearly indicated a significant positive correlation between them. Gender had no significant correlation with performance in CA. Although profound evidence does exist on the positive effect of CA on academic performance and motivation of students, this effect seems to be dependent on how the assessment system is used. In one experimental study, it was found that CA had positive effect on students' academic performance, learning and satisfaction compared to summative assessment. On the other hand, when continuous assessment was done in form of frequent summative assessment, the positive effect was lost and in fact a negative effect was evident.

 Conclusion

The respondents viewed their perception of learning and feedback strongly and positively correlated with their performance in CA, while gender had no significant correlation
Wyprawy na Wschód – literatura współczesna wobec problemu tożsamości
Authors: Czyżak Agnieszka
Published: November 2020

Artykuł zawiera rozważania dotyczące przemian w kreowaniu obrazów Wschodu w powojennej literaturze polskiej. W latach 80. XX wieku pisarze zaczęli w rozmaity sposób naruszać istniejące stereotypy, przede wszystkim przez wprowadzanie intertekstualnych gier oraz subiektywizację obrazu (m.in. Igor Newerly Zostało z uczty bogów, Eustachy Rylski Stankiewicz. Powrót, Władysław Terlecki Drabina Jakubowa). W XXI wieku tendencje te zaczęły narastać – wyrazistym przykładem może być Sońka Ignacego Karpowicza, powieść, która zdobyła popularność także wśród młodych czytelników.
Students with special educational needs in distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic – parents’ opinions
Authors: Trzcińska-Król Maria
Published: November 2020

This article focuses on how children with special educational needs, psychological and pedagogical opinions and advice and guidance on how to work with them, and their parents are coping in a distance learning situation. Four research problems have been formulated, i.e., What changes do parents notice in the child’s motivation to learn during distance learning education? What limitations and difficulties arise with distance learning education? What are the attitudes of children during distance learning in the opinions of their parents? Do parents notice any progress in their children’s learning during distance learning education? For research on the key methods used and interview technique. The research was conducted on the basis of the opinions of parents, who during distance learning education were stronglyinvolved in the educational processes of their children, and often took on the role of a teacher. Self-study for children is limited by the challenge, cannot be met, and remote learning evokes great emotions in them. In the opinion of parents, distance learning education tools are not conducive to the focus of attention on the part of their children.
Alternatywny scenariusz biografii muzyka rockowego – o życiu i twórczości Jasona Beckera
Authors: Kosek Jakub
Published: November 2020

The article focuses on the analysis of the biography of an American rock guitarist, namely Jason Becker. The main object of this study was the documentary „Jason Becker. Not Dead Yet” (2012) and some selected press news and information available on social media. The original biography of the musician, who within a few years has become famous in the world of rock music and since the age of 19 has had to confront the incurable disease – amyotrophic lateral sclerosis – is an interesting example of the alternative model of a biography in popular culture. It is also an educational story that teaches fundamental values, such as altruism, love, respect and friendship.
Career in the narratives of early adolescents
Authors: Piorunek Magdalena
Published: November 2020

IIn the paper “Career in the narratives of early adolescents” I set out to describe the selected aspects of constructing an identity during adolescence in the context of prospective professional development among young individuals, who seek to define their future selves. The paper also outlines the social and cultural context of constructing a career, which should potentially be addressed by young individuals long before they enter the labour market. The paper also describes the selected findings of my own concerning career narratives constructed by early adolescents, descriptions of selected career aspects provided by middle school students, and their personal predictions and plans on their prospective life as professionals.
Uczenie się jako przestrzeń dyskursywnie konstruowana
Authors: Popow Monika
Published: November 2020

The aim of this paper is to present the conception of learning as a discursive space. It presents the existing research in the field of critical discourse theory, cultural processes of learning as well as dialogic theory of learning. Different aspects of discourse of learning are discussed, including learning as a space for identity creation processes. Furthermore the issues of empty signifiers in a discourse of learning as well as cultural aspects of the discourse of learning and its consequences for identity creation processes are raised.
Notes on liberal (arts) education discourse
Authors: Kontowski Daniel
Published: November 2020

The following essay discusses liberal (arts) education from critical discourse analysis perspective. After a historical and philosophical introduction, three examples of liberal education discourse are discussed: 1) ‘liberal arts’ vs. ‘liberal education’, 2) ‘liberal arts’ and ‘neoliberal arts’ and 3) descriptions of liberal education at Wagner College in 1970 and 2013. The article concludes with a general reflection on liberal education in the current educational landscape and a tentative agenda for using the critical discourse analysis toolbox in further studies.
Naród, gender, popkultura. Nacjonalistyczne konstrukcje płci i seksualności w popkulturowej odsłonie
Authors: Zamojska Eva
Published: November 2020

The paper is a short theoretical summary of relationships between the notions of nation, gender and sexuality in a nationalistic discourse. It is also an attempt at applying this knowledge for analyzing selected artifacts of pop culture. In the first part of the paper, theoretical and research findings on the constructs of gender and sexuality in a nationalistic discourse are presented. In the second part these findings are used for a discursive analysis of gender and sexuality constructs in selected songs / stage acts presented at the Eurovision Song Contest 2014 and a pastiche cover version of one of them.
Potencjał badawczy kategorii kognitywistycznych. W poszukiwaniu nowej formuły dyskursu edukacyjnego
Authors: Wiśniewska-Kin Monika
Published: November 2020

In order to describe in detail the differences between the discourse of a textbook and the discourse of children I used categories - applied in the area of cognitive considerations - concerning the language image of the world and the text image of the world, as well as selected sub-categories: point of view and perspective, type of rationality, method of categorizing, stereotypical and axiological overview of the reality. I assumed that the choice of categories and subcategories will not only allow to investigate the imposed meanings of the textbook discourse, but – above all – will make it possible to notice the very process of formation, the emergence of the image of the world from the perspective of children. The adopted analysis model launches reflection on the necessary changes, exposes the oppressiveness of the language of the textbook and encourages exploring the conditions to initiate the language of children.
O NIEKTÓRYCH ASPEKTACH TRADYCJI CZYTANIA I PRZEKŁADANIA LITERATURY DLA DZIECI. NA KANWIE RECENZJI KSIĄŻKI JOANNY DYBIEC- -GAJER, ZŁOTA RÓŻDŻKA – OD KSIĄŻKI DLA DZIECI PO DRESZCZOWIEC RACZEJ DLA DOROSŁYCH
Authors: Pieciul-Karmińska Eliza
Published: November 2020

Artykuł poświęcony jest recenzji książki Joanny Dybiec-Gajer pt. Złota różdżka – od książki dla dzieci po dreszczowiec raczej dla dorosłych (Kraków 2017), w której autorka analizuje polską historię przekładu i recepcji światowego bestselleru Heinricha Hoffmanna pt. Struwwelpeter. W dalszej części artykułu zaprezentowany został nowy polski przekład dzieła Hoffmanna pt. Złota różdżka (Egmont 2017). Rezultaty badań Dybiec-Gajer stają się następnie asumptem do refleksji nad tradycją czytania i przekładania literatury dla dzieci w Polsce przy szczególnym uwzględnieniupolskojęzycznej recepcji baśni braci Grimm i związanego z nimi stereotypowego przekonania o ich szczególnym „okrucieństwie”.
„Oswajanie” nowych technologii na lekcjach języka polskiego
Authors: Świtała Sabina Waleria
Published: November 2020

Nowe technologie na gruncie edukacji mają swoich przeciwników i zwolenników. Autorka artykułu przekonuje, że należy je „oswoić”, aby w pełni wykorzystać ich potencjał w nauczaniu. Model SAMR opracowany przez Rubena Puentedurę definiuje cztery poziomy integracji technologii w procesie edukacji. W tekście przedstawiono, w jaki sposób na zajęciach języka polskiego można wykorzystać nowe media. Część zasadniczą artykułu stanowi przedstawienie przykładowych narzędzi (m.in. Aurasma, Classcraft, Blogger) oraz możliwości ich zastosowania w pracy z uczniami.
Hosier and Rutledge Lanes—where anyone can go and make art and other stories
Authors: Qadri Debbie
Published: November 2020

Hosier and Rutledge Lanes in Melbourne are concentrated areas of street art, widely understood as places where anyone is free to add art to the wall. During a group installation to celebrate International Women’s Day, the lanes revealed their darker sides, challenging the author’s rosy view. This encounter led research to find other stories of the lanes in relation to inclusion and exclusion. The lanes revealed themselves as a place where current issues and contradictions of public lifeand public art are brought into the spotlight. Because Hosier and Rutledge lanes are controversial sites of beauty, fame, and vice they draw the limelight of the media and act as pedagogical sites which stimulate debate and argument.