bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the effectiveness of stepwise swallowing training on dysphagia in patients with Alzheimer’s disease: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Wu Chenxin , Zhang Kun , Ye Junrong , Huang Xingxiao , Yang Hang , Yuan Lexin , Wang Haoyun , Wang Ting , Zhong Xiaomei , Guo Jianxiong , Yu Lin , Xiao Aixiang
Published: June 2022

Background

The high prevalence of dysphagia among Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients has become a public health and economic concern. Therefore, effective and accessible dysphagia treatments are needed. As a fundamental rehabilitation of dysphagia, swallowing muscle exercises have received increased attention. Stepwise swallowing training (SST), integrated with all swallowing organs movement, is expected to improve swallowing dysfunction among AD patients. By using a randomized controlled trial design, we propose a multi-center research to evaluate the effectiveness of SST program among AD patients.

Methods

A multi-center exploratory randomized controlled trial, with a 4-week follow-up period, will be conducted in three major public psychiatric hospitals in Guangdong, China. Participants in the control group will be assigned to routine dysphagia care, while participants in the intervention group will undergo the same nursing care and additionally receive the SST program. The SST program includes five sections of swallowing organs training: lip movement, facial movement, tongue movement, mandibular movement, and neck movement. Primary outcomes evaluate the swallowing function, namely, Water Swallowing Test (WTS) and Standard Swallowing Assessment (SSA). Secondary outcomes aim at measuring the improvement of negative impacts of dysphagia, namely eating behavior, ability of daily activity, and nutritional status. Data will be collected at baseline (T1), at 2 weeks (T2, intervention), and 4 weeks after intervention (T3, follow-up).

Discussion

This study will offer trial-based evidence of the effectiveness of SST in relieving dysphagia among AD patients. SST program is expected to improve both the swallowing function and reduce the negative impacts of dysphagia, with an exploration of acceptability in the SST program.

Trial registration

Chinese Clinical Trial Registry, ChiCTR2200056481. Prospectively registered on 6 February 2022.
Population genetic structure and phenotypic diversity of Aspidodera raillieti (Nematoda: Heterakoidea), a parasite of Didelphini marsupials in Brazil’s South and Southeast Atlantic Forest
Authors: Varella Karina , Vilela Roberto do Val , Gentile Rosana , Cardoso Thiago dos Santos , da Costa-Neto Sócrates Fraga , Maldonado Júnior Arnaldo
Published: June 2022

Background

The population genetics of parasites may be influenced by host specificity, life cycle, host geographical range, evolutionary history, and host population structure. The nematodeAspidodera raillietiinfects different marsupial and rodent hosts in the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, implying a gene flow among populations. However, niche diversification of the main hosts ofA. raillietiin superimposed areas may provide conditions for population genetic structuring within this parasite species. We examined the genetic structuring ofA. raillietiinfecting three marsupial species co-occurring along the South and Southeast Brazilian Atlantic Forest, a hotspot of biodiversity.

Methods

We employed morphometric analyses and partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I gene sequences (MT-CO1) to characterize populations via phylogenetic and phylogeographic analyses.

Results

Among 175A. raillietispecimens recovered from the marsupial hostsDidelphis aurita,D. albiventris, andPhilander quica, we identified 99 MT-CO1 haplotypes forming four haplogroups and four clades in networks and phylogenetic trees, respectively. Clades I and II encompassed parasites ofD. albiventrisfrom the South region, clade III comprised parasites ofD. auritafrom the South and Southeast regions, and clade IV encompassed parasites ofD. auritaandD. albiventrisfrom the South and Southeast regions and parasites ofP. quicafrom the South region. High genetic differentiation between clades, with a high fixation index and greater genetic variation in the analysis of molecular variance (AMOVA), indicated low gene flow between clades. Haplotypes shared among host species revealed a lack of host specificity. A significant correlation in the Mantel test suggested parasite isolation by distance, while there was no evidence of geographical structure between populations. Negative neutrality test values for clades III and IV suggested recent population expansion. Morphometric differentiation betweenA. raillietispecimens recovered from different host species, as well as from different localities, was more evident in males.

Conclusion

The genetic structure ofA. raillietipopulations in the South and Southeast Atlantic Forest resulted from historical events rather than from current geographical distribution or host specificity. We also demonstrate morphometric variation associated with host species and localities, suggesting phenotypic plasticity to host attributes and to spatial variables.

Graphical Abstract
Leishmania exposure in dogs from two endemic countries from New and Old Worlds (Brazil and Portugal): evaluation of three serological tests using Bayesian Latent Class Models
Authors: Maia Carla , Fraga Deborah Bittencourt Mothé , Cristóvão José , Borja Lairton Souza , da Silva Solcà Manuela , Campino Lenea , Veras Patrícia Sampaio Tavares , Gonçalves Luzia
Published: June 2022

Background

Zoonotic leishmaniosis caused by Leishmania infantum is endemic in several countries of the Mediterranean Basin, Latin America, and Asia. Dogs are the main hosts and reservoirs of human infection. Thus, from a One Health perspective, early diagnosis of Leishmania infection in dogs is essential to control the dissemination of the parasite among other dogs and to humans. The aim of this study was to estimate the diagnosis accuracy of three serological tests to detect antibodies to Leishmania in dogs from two endemic settings using Bayesian latent class models (BLCM).

Methods

A total of 378 dogs from two Portuguese and Brazilian endemic areas of leishmaniosis (194 animals from Portugal and 184 from Brazil) were screened. Detection of anti-Leishmania antibodies was performed using two commercial ELISA (L. infantum IgG-ELISA® and EIE-LVC®) and a rapid immunochromatographic test (DPP-LVC®). Bayesian latent class models were used to estimate Leishmania infection prevalence, together with sensitivities and specificities of the three diagnostic tests, in the two dog populations simultaneously. Predictive values were also calculated. Credibility intervals (CI) were obtained, considering different types of prior information.

Results

A posterior median Leishmania seroprevalence of 13.4% (95% CI 9.0–18.7) and of 21.6% (15.0–28.3) was estimated to the Portuguese and Brazilian dog subpopulations, respectively. The Bayesian analysis indicated that all tests were highly specific (specificity above 90%), and that the DPP-LVC® was more sensitive (96.6%; 83.1–99.9) than both ELISAs in the Portuguese subpopulation, while in the Brazilian subpopulation, EIE-LVC® and L. infantum IgG-ELISA®, had the highest sensitivity (88.2%; 73.7–97.0) and specificity (98.7%; 95.1–99.9), respectively.

Conclusions

In general, the levels of diagnosis accuracy of the three serological tests to detect Leishmania antibodies assessed by BLCM indicate their utility in canine epidemiological studies. The same approach should be used to assess the performance of these techniques in the clinical management of infected and sick dogs using representative samples from the wide spectrum of clinical situations, namely from subclinical infection to manifest disease. The low positive predictive value of the serological tests used in the current protocol of the Brazilian Ministry of Health suggests that they should not be used individually and may not be sufficient to target reservoir-based control interventions.

Graphical Abstract
Laboratory breeding of two Phortica species (Diptera: Drosophilidae), vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda
Authors: Bernardini Ilaria , Poggi Cristiana , Manzi Sara , Bezerra-Santos Marcos Antonio , Beugnet Frédéric , Fourie Josephus , Otranto Domenico , Pombi Marco
Published: June 2022

Background

Some species of drosophilid flies belonging to the genus Phortica feed on ocular secretions of mammals, acting as biological vectors of the zoonotic eyeworm Thelazia callipaeda. This study describes an effective breeding protocol of Phortica variegata and Phortica oldenbergi in insectary conditions.

Methods

Alive gravid flies of P. oldenbergi, P. variegata and Phortica semivirgo were field collected in wooded areas of Lazio region (Italy) and allowed to oviposit singularly to obtain isofamilies. Flies were maintained in ovipots (200 ml) with a plaster-covered bottom to maintain high humidity level inside. Adult feeding was guaranteed by fresh apples and a liquid dietary supplement containing sodium chloride and mucin proteins, while larval development was obtained by Drosophila-like agar feeding medium. The breeding performances of two media were compared: a standard one based on cornmeal flour and an enriched medium based on chestnut flour. All conditions were kept in a climatic chamber with a photoperiod of 14:10 h light:dark, 26 ± 2 °C and 80 ± 10% RH.

Results

From a total of 130 field-collected Phortica spp., three generations (i.e. F1 = 783, F2 = 109, F3 = 6) were obtained. Phortica oldenbergi was the species with highest breeding performance, being the only species reaching F3. Chestnut-based feeding medium allowed higher adult production and survival probability in both P. oldenbergi and P. variegata. Adult production/female was promising in both species (P. oldenbergi: 13.5 F1/f; P. variegata: 4.5 F1/f).

Conclusions

This standardized breeding protocol, based on controlled climatic parameters and fly densities, together with the introduction of an enriched chestnut-based feeding medium, allowed to investigate aspects of life history traits of Phortica spp. involved in the transmission of T. callipaeda. Obtaining F3 generation of these species for the first time paved the road for the establishment of stable colonies, an essential requirement for future studies on these vectors in controlled conditions.

Graphical abstract
Mediating role of sensory differences in the relationship between autistic traits and internalizing problems
Authors: Tsuji Yurika , Matsumoto Satoko , Saito Aya , Imaizumi Shu , Yamazaki Yoko , Kobayashi Tetsuyuki , Fujiwara Yoko , Omori Mika , Sugawara Masumi
Published: June 2022

Background

Sensory differences are related to the autistic traits, and previous studies have shown a positive correlation between sensory differences and internalizing problems. In this study, we hypothesized that sensory differences and suffering due to sensory differences mediates the relationships between autistic traits and internalizing problems.

Methods

A total of 346 female Japanese university students completed questionnaires regarding their autistic traits, suffering due to sensory differences, and internalizing problems. Moreover, 114 participants completed a questionnaire related to sensory differences.

Results

Autistic traits were correlated with Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding. These sensory differences were also correlated with suffering due to sensory differences and internalizing problems. Moreover, path analysis indicated that the higher the suffering due to Low Registration and Sensation Avoiding was, the greater the internalizing problems in those who showed these sensory differences.

Conclusions

Female university students with serious suffering due to sensory differences may need support in managing their suffering and internalizing problems. Further research will help suggest support that these people require, at school and elsewhere.
Hemorrhage semantic segmentation in fundus images for the diagnosis of diabetic retinopathy by using a convolutional neural network
Authors: Skouta Ayoub , Elmoufidi Abdelali , Jai-Andaloussi Said , Ouchetto Ouail
Published: June 2022

Because retinal hemorrhage is one of the earliest symptoms of diabetic retinopathy, its accurate identification is essential for early diagnosis. One of the major obstacles ophthalmologists face in making a quick and effective diagnosis is viewing too many images to manually identify lesions of different shapes and sizes. To this end, researchers are working to develop an automated method for screening for diabetic retinopathy. This paper presents a modified CNN UNet architecture for identifying retinal hemorrhages in fundus images. Using the graphics processing unit (GPU) and the IDRiD dataset, the proposed UNet was trained to segment and detect potential areas that may harbor retinal hemorrhages. The experiment was also tested using the IDRiD and DIARETDB1 datasets, both freely available on the Internet. We applied preprocessing to improve the image quality and increase the data, which play an important role in defining the complex features involved in the segmentation task. A significant improvement was then observed in the learning neural network that was able to effectively segment the bleeding and achieve sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of 80.49%, 99.68%, and 98.68%, respectively. The experimental results also yielded an IoU of 76.61% and a Dice value of 86.51%, showing that the predictions obtained by the network are effective and can significantly reduce the efforts of ophthalmologists. The results revealed a significant increase in the diagnostic performance of one of the most important retinal disorders caused by diabetes.
Evidence for presence of a global quasi-resonant mode of oscillations during high-intensity long-duration continuous AE activity (HILDCAA) events
Authors: Rout Diptiranjan , Singh Ram , Pandey K. , Pant T. K. , Stolle C. , Chakrabarty D. , Thampi S. , Bag T.
Published: June 2022

The responses of two High-Intensity Long-Duration Continuous AE Activity (HILDCAA) events are investigated using solar wind observations at L1, magnetospheric measurements at geosynchronous orbit, and changes in the global ionosphere. This study provides evidence of the existence of quasi-periodic oscillations (1.5–2 h) in the ionospheric electric field over low latitudes, total electron content at high latitudes, the magnetic field over the globe, energetic electron flux and magnetic field at geosynchronous orbit, geomagnetic indices (SYM-H, AE, and PC) and the Y-component of the interplanetary electric field (IEFy) during the HILDCAA events at all local times. Based on detailed wavelet and cross-spectrum analyses, it is shown that the quasi-periodic oscillation of 1.5–2 h in IEFy is the most effective one that controls the solar wind–magnetosphere–ionosphere coupling process during the HILDCAA events for several days. Therefore, this investigation for the first time, shows that the HILDCAA event affects the global magnetosphere–ionosphere system with a “quasi-resonant” mode of oscillation.

Graphical Abstract
Detailed S-wave velocity structure of sediment and crust off Sanriku, Japan by a new analysis method for distributed acoustic sensing data using a seafloor cable and seismic interferometry
Authors: Fukushima Shun , Shinohara Masanao , Nishida Kiwamu , Takeo Akiko , Yamada Tomoaki , Yomogida Kiyoshi
Published: June 2022

The S-wave velocity (Vs) structure of sediments and the uppermost crust in the landward slope of a subduction zone are important for determining the dynamics of the overriding plate. Although distributed acoustic sensing (DAS) measurements have improved the horizontal resolution of Vs structure in marine areas, the estimations have been limited to the uppermost sedimentary layers. In the present study, we applied seismic interferometry to DAS data of 13 h duration to image the sedimentary and crustal structure offshore of Sanriku, Japan with a spatial horizontal resolution of 2.5 km and > 3.0 km depth. We grouped the DAS data into 10 km long subarrays with 75% overlaps. We first applied a frequency-wavenumber filter to the DAS data to remove DAS instrumental noise and to allow effective extraction of surface waves from short-time records. We then applied a seismic interferometry method and estimated the phase velocities at each subarray. The estimated phase velocities of the fundamental-mode and first higher-mode Rayleigh waves were then used to determine one-dimensional Vs structures for each subarray. The resultant 2-D Vs structure was interpreted as representing sediments and crust. The upper sedimentary layers thicken seaward, while the entire sedimentary unit shows complex lateral variations in depth. The boundary between the sedimentary layers and the uppermost crust varies in depth from 1.8 to 6.8 km and is the deepest in the middle of the profile. Combining this result with the P-wave velocity (Vp) structure along the nearest survey line, determined in previous studies, allowed us to estimate Vp/Vs = 3.12, on average, for the lower sedimentary layers. Our method of applying seismic interferometry to marine DAS data broadens the techniques for estimating Vs and Vp/Vs structure of sedimentary layers and the upper crust across subduction zones. These results show that application of the frequency-wavenumber filtering and seismic interferometry to marine DAS data can estimate the Vs structure and the Vp/Vs structure, together with standard marine geophysical surveys of sedimentary layers and the upper crust across subduction zones.

Graphical Abstract
Dynamic networks of psychological symptoms, impairment, substance use, and social support: The evolution of psychopathology among emerging adults
Authors: Crouse Jacob J. , Ho Nicholas , Scott Jan , Parker Richard , Park Shin Ho , Couvy-Duchesne Baptiste , Mitchell Brittany L. , Byrne Enda M. , Hermens Daniel F. , Medland Sarah E. , Martin Nicholas G. , Gillespie Nathan A. , Hickie Ian B.
Published: June 2022

Background

Subthreshold/attenuated syndromes are established precursors of full-threshold mood and psychotic disorders. Less is known about the individual symptoms that may precede the development of subthreshold syndromes and associated social/functional outcomes among emerging adults.

Methods

We modeled two dynamic Bayesian networks (DBN) to investigate associations among self-rated phenomenology and personal/lifestyle factors (role impairment, low social support, and alcohol and substance use) across the 19Up and 25Up waves of the Brisbane Longitudinal Twin Study. We examined whether symptoms and personal/lifestyle factors at 19Up were associated with (a) themselves or different items at 25Up, and (b) onset of a depression-like, hypo-manic-like, or psychotic-like subthreshold syndrome (STS) at 25Up.

Results

The first DBN identified 11 items that when endorsed at 19Up were more likely to be reendorsed at 25Up (e.g., hypersomnia, impaired concentration, impaired sleep quality) and seven items that when endorsed at 19Up were associated with different items being endorsed at 25Up (e.g., earlier fatigue and later role impairment; earlier anergia and later somatic pain). In the second DBN, no arcs met our a priori threshold for inclusion. In an exploratory model with no threshold, >20 items at 19Up were associated with progression to an STS at 25Up (with lower statistical confidence); the top five arcs were: feeling threatened by others and a later psychotic-like STS; increased activity and a later hypo-manic-like STS; and anergia, impaired sleep quality, and/or hypersomnia and a later depression-like STS.

Conclusions

These probabilistic models identify symptoms and personal/lifestyle factors that might prove useful targets for indicated preventative strategies.
Extraction of Treatment Information From Electronic Health Records and Evaluation of Testosterone Recovery in Patients With Prostate Cancer
Authors: Guin Sunny , Jun Tomi , Patel Vaibhav G. , Ayers Kristin L. , Deitz Matthew , Cai Yuqin , Zhou Xiang , Tsao Che-Kai , Oh William K. , Chen Rong , Liaw Bobby C.
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

Data quality and standardization remain a challenge when analyzing real-world clinical data. We built a clinical research database, using machine learning and natural learning processing, and investigated factors influencing testosterone recovery (T-recovery) in patients with localized prostate cancer (LPC) after initial androgen deprivation therapy (ADT).

METHODS

Medication and treatment-associated dates missing in structured tables were extracted from patient notes using ConceptMapper, an automated data extraction tool, standardized and curated in Sema4 clinical research database. ADT usage duration was evaluated, and T-recovery in patients with LPC was analyzed by the Kaplan-Meier method and multivariable Cox proportional hazards models. We assessed the prognostic value of post-ADT T-recovery with prostate-specific antigen progression-free survival and failure-free survival.

RESULTS

In total, 4,125 of 30,832 (13.4%) patients with prostate cancer had medication exclusively from notes with high precision and recall, F1 score ≥ 0.95. Association of dates with medication usage had a F1 score of 0.76. ADT duration estimation had higher accuracy combining information from notes to tables from electronic medical record (70% v 45%). Baseline testosterone was the strongest predictor of T-recovery in these patients. Patients with a baseline testosterone ≥ 300 ng/dL recovered in 9.79 versus 38 months for patients with baseline testosterone < 300 ng/dL ( P < .0001). Shorter prostate-specific antigen progression-free interval was observed for patients with T-recovery (≥ 300 ng/dL) at 6 months after ADT cessation compared with patients without T-recovery (< 300 ng/dL; 13.7 v 25.1 months; P = .055).

CONCLUSION

We augmented structured electronic medical record data with data extracted from notes and improved the accuracy of medication information for patients. ADT exposure and T-recovery in patients with LPC produced results consistent with the literature and clinical experience and illustrates the power of applying machine learning methods to enhance the quality of real-world evidence in answering clinically relevant questions.
Light-to-Moderate Alcohol Consumption Increases the Risk of Biliary Tract Cancer in Prediabetes and Diabetes, but Not in Normoglycemic Status: A Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Park Joo-Hyun , Hong Jung Yong , Han Kyungdo , Park Young Suk , Park Joon Oh
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

To determine whether the dose-response association between alcohol consumption and the risk of biliary tract cancer (BTC), including cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and gallbladder cancer (GBC), differs according to glycemic status.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

This nationwide cohort study included 9,520,629 individuals age ≥ 20 years without a history of cancer who underwent national health screening under the Korean National Health Insurance Service in 2009. The participants were followed up until December 2018 for BTC development. Cox proportional hazard regression analysis was performed to estimate risk.

RESULTS

During the 78.3 million person-years of follow-up, 21,079 patients were newly diagnosed with BTC. In individuals with prediabetes and diabetes, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption increased the risk of CCA (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.20; 95% CI, 1.13 to 1.28 and aHR, 1.58; 95% CI, 1.47 to 1.69) and GBC (aHR, 1.18; 95% CI, 1.07 to 1.31 and aHR, 1.45; 95% CI, 1.28 to 1.64). In normoglycemic individuals, light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was not associated with CCA or GBC risk. When heavy alcohol consumption was combined with diabetes, CCA and GBC risk increased synergistically (aHR, 2.04; 95% CI, 1.83 to 2.26; and aHR, 1.65; 95% CI, 1.33 to 2.04, respectively; all P < .001). Prediabetes and heavy alcohol consumption had a synergistic interactive effect on CCA and GBC risks (all P < .001). Comparable results were obtained for intrahepatic and extrahepatic CCA analyses.

CONCLUSION

Even light-to-moderate alcohol consumption was associated with an increased risk of BTC in individuals with prediabetes and diabetes, but not in normoglycemic individuals. Complete avoidance of alcohol consumption may help reduce the risk of BTC in patients with prediabetes and diabetes, suggesting the need for individualized prevention strategies for BTC.
Inequities in Alliance Acute Leukemia Clinical Trial and Biobank Participation: Defining Targets for Intervention
Authors: Hantel Andrew , Kohlschmidt Jessica , Eisfeld Ann-Kathrin , Stock Wendy , Jacobson Sawyer , Mandrekar Sumithra , Larson Richard A. , Stone Richard M. , Lathan Christopher S. , DeAngelo Daniel J. , Byrd John C. , Abel Gregory A.
Published: June 2022

PURPOSE

Representativeness in acute leukemia clinical research is essential for achieving health equity. The National Cancer Institute's mandate for Comprehensive Cancer Centers (CCCs) to define and assume responsibility for cancer control and treatment across a geographic catchment area provides an enforceable mechanism to target and potentially remediate participatory inequities.

METHODS

We examined enrollee characteristics across 15 Cancer and Leukemia Group B/Alliance cooperative group adult acute leukemia clinical trials (N = 3,734) from 1998 to 2013, including participation in optional companion biobanks. We determined enrollment odds by race-ethnicity for all participants adjusted for national incidence, and for those enrolled at CCCs adjusted for catchment area incidence. We modeled biobank participation by sociodemographics using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Non-Hispanic (NH)-White patients were more likely to be enrolled than NH-Black, NH-Asian, or Hispanic patients (odds ratio [OR], 0.75, 0.48, and 0.44, respectively; all P < .001), but less likely than NH-Native American patients (OR, 1.91; P < .001), adjusted for national incidence. Enrollment odds were lower for NH-Black, NH-Asian, and Hispanic patients at CCCs adjusted for catchment area incidence (OR, 0.57, 0.26, and 0.32, respectively; P < .001); differences were driven by overenrollment of NH-White patients from outside self-defined catchment areas (18.1% v 12.3%; χ2 P = .01) and by CCCs with less absolute enrollee diversity (rank sum P = .03). Among all enrollees, NH-White race-ethnicity and lower neighborhood deprivation correlated with biobank participation (OR, 1.81 and 1.45, respectively; P = .01 and .03). For CCC enrollees, the correlation of race-ethnicity with biobank participation was attenuated by a measure accounting for their site's degree of enrollment disparity but not neighborhood deprivation.

CONCLUSION

Acute leukemia clinical research disparities are substantial and driven by structural trial enrollment barriers at CCCs. Real-time CCC access and enrollment monitoring is needed to better align research participation with local populations.
Global Higher Education in 2050
Authors: Escobar Arturo
Published: June 2022

This article outlines an onto-epistemic perspective for the transformation of the university, an institution currently at the service of an unsustainable and defuturing mode of social and ecological existence, into a pluriversity attuned to the imperatives of being, life, and the Earth. It argues that the key to constructing livable worlds lies in the cultivation of ways of knowing, being, and acting based on a profound awareness of the fundamental interdependence of everything that exists. This shift in vision is seen as necessary for healing our bodies, ecosystems, cities, and the planet at large—in short, for much-needed civilizational transitions, in which a redesigned academy could be a fundamental factor.
Monetary Authorities
Authors: Lumba Allan E. S.
Published: June 2022

In Monetary Authorities Allan E. S. Lumba explores how the United States used monetary policy and banking systems to justify racial and class hierarchies, enforce capitalist exploitation, and counter movements for decolonization in the American colonial Philippines. Lumba shows that colonial economic experts justified American imperial authority by claiming that Filipinos did not possess the racial capacities to properly manage money. Financial independence, then, became a key metric of racial capitalism by which Filipinos had to prove their ability to self-govern. At the same time, the colonial state used its monetary authority to police the economic activities of colonized subjects and to curb movements for decolonization. It later offered a conditional form of decolonization that left the Philippines reliant on U.S. financial institutions. By showing how imperial governance was entwined with the racialization and regulation of monetary systems in the Philippines, Lumba illuminates a key mechanism through which the United States securitized the imperial world order.
DLX1 and the NuRD complex cooperate in enhancer decommissioning and transcriptional repression
Authors: Price James D. , Lindtner Susan , Ypsilanti Athena , Binyameen Fadya , Johnson Jeffrey R. , Newton Billy W. , Krogan Nevan J. , Rubenstein John L. R.
Published: June 2022

In the developing subpallium, the fate decision between neurons and glia is driven by expression of Dlx1/2 or Olig1/2, respectively, two sets of transcription factors with a mutually repressive relationship. The mechanism by which Dlx1/2 repress progenitor and oligodendrocyte fate, while promoting transcription of genes needed for differentiation, is not fully understood. We identified a motif within DLX1 that binds RBBP4, a NuRD complex subunit. ChIP-seq studies of genomic occupancy of DLX1 and six different members of the NuRD complex show that DLX1 and NuRD colocalize to putative regulatory elements enriched near other transcription factor genes. Loss of Dlx1/2 leads to dysregulation of genome accessibility at putative regulatory elements near genes repressed by Dlx1/2, including Olig2. Consequently, heterozygosity of Dlx1/2 and Rbbp4 leads to an increase in the production of OLIG2+ cells. These findings highlight the importance of the interplay between transcription factors and chromatin remodelers in regulating cell-fate decisions.
Natural history of a mouse model of X-linked myotubular myopathy
Authors: Sarikaya Ege , Sabha Nesrin , Volpatti Jonathan , Pannia Emanuela , Maani Nika , Gonorazky Hernan D. , Celik Alper , Liang Yijng , Onofre-Oliveira Paula , Dowling James J.
Published: June 2022

X-linked myotubular myopathy (XLMTM) is a severe monogenetic disorder of the skeletal muscle. It is caused by loss-of-expression/function mutations in the myotubularin (MTM1) gene. Much of what is known about the disease, as well as the treatment strategies, has been uncovered through experimentation in pre-clinical models, particularly the Mtm1 gene knockout mouse line (Mtm1 KO). Despite this understanding, and the identification of potential therapies, much remains to be understood about XLMTM disease pathomechanisms, and about the normal functions of MTM1 in muscle development. To lay the groundwork for addressing these knowledge gaps, we performed a natural history study of Mtm1 KO mice. This included longitudinal comparative analyses of motor phenotype, transcriptome and proteome profiles, muscle structure and targeted molecular pathways. We identified age-associated changes in gene expression, mitochondrial function, myofiber size and key molecular markers, including DNM2. Importantly, some molecular and histopathologic changes preceded overt phenotypic changes, while others, such as triad structural alternations, occurred coincidentally with the presence of severe weakness. In total, this study provides a comprehensive longitudinal evaluation of the murine XLMTM disease process, and thus provides a critical framework for future investigations.
Haspin participates in AURKB recruitment to centromeres and contributes to chromosome congression in male mouse meiosis
Authors: Berenguer Inés , López-Jiménez Pablo , Mena Irene , Viera Alberto , Page Jesús , González-Martínez José , Maestre Carolina , Malumbres Marcos , Suja José A. , Gómez Rocío
Published: June 2022

Chromosome segregation requires that centromeres properly attach to spindle microtubules. This essential step regulates the accuracy of cell division and must therefore be precisely regulated. One of the main centromeric regulatory signaling pathways is the haspin-H3T3ph-chromosomal passenger complex (CPC) cascade, which is responsible for the recruitment of the CPC to the centromeres. During mitosis, the haspin kinase phosphorylates histone H3 at threonine 3 (H3T3ph), an essential epigenetic mark that recruits the CPC, in which the catalytic component is Aurora B kinase (AURKB). However, the centromeric haspin-H3T3ph-CPC pathway remains largely uncharacterized in mammalian male meiosis. We have analyzed haspin functions by either its chemical inhibition with LDN-192960 in cultured spermatocytes, or the ablation of the Haspin gene in Haspin−/− mice. Our studies suggest that haspin kinase activity is required for proper chromosome congression both during meiotic divisions and for the recruitment of Aurora B and kinesin MCAK (also known as KIF2C) to meiotic centromeres. However, the absence of H3T3ph histone mark does not alter borealin (or CDCA8) and SGO2 centromeric localization. These results add new and relevant information regarding the regulation of the haspin-H3T3ph-CPC pathway and centromere function during meiosis.
Çocuklarda Oksidatif Stres ile Adenotonsiller Hipertrofi Arasındaki İlişki
Authors: ALYAR Gülşah , ÖZTÜRK Nurinnisa , YÖRÜK Özgür , TÜRKERİ Özge Nur , BAKAN Nuri
Published: June 2022

Objective: In this study, it was aimed to evaluate the preoperative and postoperative oxidative stress levels of children
with obstructive adenotonsillar hypertrophy and to compare the obtained data with healthy children.
Material and Methods: 25 patients and 25 healthy controls were included in the prospective study conducted between
March and September 2015. In the study sample, children who were diagnosed with adenotonsillar hypertrophy due
to chronic tonsillitis, snoring and mouth breathing and who were planned for adenotonsillectomy were included in
the patient group. Control group included 25 healthy volunteers with the same demographic characteristics. Serum
and urine samples were collected from the patient group twice, before and after surgery, and once from the control
group. 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine levels of all samples were determined by EIA method, protein carbonyl levels were
determined by ELISA method and malondialdehyde levels were determined by manual spectrophotometric method.
Results: In the study, it was found that the serum malondialdehyde levels of children with adenotonsillar hypertrophy
were significantly higher than the control group (p=0.003) and that there was no difference in terms of other parameters
(p>0.05). After the operation, it was determined that the levels of all three parameters evaluated significantly decreased
compared to before (p<0.05). It was determined that there was a statistically significant and weak correlation between
malondialdehyde and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine values before the operation (p=0.003, r=0.566).
Conclusion: Hypertrophic adenotonsillar, which is common in the pediatric population, causes many clinical conditions
and adversely affects the health and quality of life of children. In line with our findings, we can say that serum and urine MDA
levels and tissue PCO levels are useful markers in the evaluation of oxidative damage in children with obstructive ATH and
may help to elucidate the etiopathogenesis of the disease. Considering the effects of ATH on health, it is recommended
to be considered as an important health problem and to examine the clinical, biochemical and histopathological studies
of the disease in a larger sample group.
International Students' Experiences of Content Language Integrated Learning in a Korean University: Focusing on Korean as a Medium of Instruction
Authors: Lee Yong-Jik , Kim Hyunjin Jinna , Li Yue
Published: June 2022

This study explores international graduate students' experiences of content-language integrated learning (CLIL) at a university in Korea. This study focuses on a course that allows international students to simultaneously learn the Korean language and content knowledge. Korean as a medium of instruction (KMI) was applied to 16 international graduate students in two graduate courses during the 2021 Fall semester. The survey examines the perception and satisfaction of students' experiences in the KMI classes. Among survey participants, interview applicants were selected for in-depth interviews. Study results showed that international graduate students developed content knowledge through KMI classes. They also improved their Korean language ability. Overall, international students were generally satisfied with KMI classes. However, it is difficult for international students to dramatically enhance their Korean academic proficiency within one semester. Recommendations are provided on effectively conducting CLIL classes, such as KMI for international students in higher education.
Failure analysis of articulating polymethyl methacrylate spacers in two-stage revision total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Jaubert Maxime , Le Baron Marie , Jacquet Christophe , Couvreur Antoine , Fabre-Aubrespy Maxime , Flecher Xavier , Ollivier Matthieu , Argenson Jean-Noel
Published: June 2022

Aims

Two-stage exchange revision total hip arthroplasty (THA) performed in case of periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) has been considered for many years as being the gold standard for the treatment of chronic infection. However, over the past decade, there have been concerns about its safety and its effectiveness. The purposes of our study were to investigate our practice, collecting the overall spacer complications, and then to analyze their risk factors.

Methods

We retrospectively included 125 patients with chronic hip PJI who underwent a staged THA revision performed between January 2013 and December 2019. All spacer complications were systematically collected, and risk factors were analyzed. Statistical evaluations were performed using the Student's t-test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher's exact test.

Results

Our staged exchange practice shows poor results, which means a 42% mechanical spacer failure rate, and a 20% recurrent infection rate over the two years average follow-up period. Moreover, we found a high rate of spacer dislocation (23%) and a low rate of spacer fracture (8%) compared to the previous literature. Our findings stress that the majority of spacer complications and failures is reflecting a population with high comorbid burden, highlighted by the American Society of Anesthesiology grade, Charlson Comorbidity Index, and Lee score associations, as well as the cardiac, pulmonary, kidney, or hepatic chronic conditions.

Conclusion

Our experience of a two-stage hip exchange revision noted important complication rates associated with high failure rates of polymethylmethacrylate spacers. These findings must be interpreted in the light of the patient’s comorbidity profiles, as the elective population for staged exchange has an increasing comorbid burden leading to poor results. In order to provide better results for this specific population, our conclusion suggests that comparative strategy studies are required to improve our therapeutic indication. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2022;3(6):485–494.
Development and Performance Evaluation of Improved Clay Porous Pipes for Subsurface Irrigation
Authors: Wayayok Aimrun , Salisu Abdullahi , Abdallah Ahmad Fikri , Kamal Rowshon Md. , Nasidi Nuraddeen Mukhtar , E. Al-Esawi Jabbar Sh.
Published: June 2022

Highlights

Clay and clay combined with zeolite was utilized for the production of clay pipes for subsurface micro-irrigation.

Various modelling approaches are mathematically complex and require computational and technical skills, hence the need for other simpler approaches.

Non-contact imaging and supervised classification (ArcGIS) techniques are utilized for wetting pattern study.

The Plexiglas soil column experiment and incorporated techniques provide a visual understanding of soil-water movement interaction.

Abstract. The increasing prominence of clay pipes in irrigation water application in drier regions and the importance of soil wetting pattern information requires a better understanding of subsurface irrigation system design and management. This article reported findings on two different porous clay pipes made up of 100% clay, and 25% zeolite as an additive to the 75% clay developed and produced. A new method was proposed to evaluate their performance. A non-contact thermal imaging technique and maximum likelihood supervised classification algorithm on ArcGIS software methods were used for wetting pattern dimensions determination. A Plexiglas soil column filled with homogeneous sandy textured soil profile was used in laboratory experiments. The non-contact thermal imaging technique was used to capture thermal and digital images at different water application times. The images were then classified using a maximum likelihood supervised classification algorithm on the ArcGIS software interface. The results revealed that cumulative water applied increased with an increase in application time. The maximum predicted depth and width for modified pipes were 12.4 and 18 cm, respectively. For the non-modified pipes, the dimension was 11.2 and 17 cm for depth and width, respectively. The maximum recorded wetted area was 46.56% under modified pipes compared with 41.01% for non-modified pipes. The higher uniform area coverage was achieved under modified clay pipes rather than in the clay porous pipes. The study concluded that the proposed imaging technique predicted the soil wetting pattern dimension with acceptable accuracy and provided for a simple and visual approach. Keywords: ArcGIS, Subsurface irrigation, Supervised classification system, Thermal imaging camera, Wetted depth, Wetted width.
Design and Development of Fertilizer Point-Applied Device in Root-Zone
Authors: Du Xin , Liu Cailing , Jiang Meng , Yuan Hao
Published: June 2022

Highlights

We proposed an intermittent fertilization device driven by a Geneva mechanism.

We explored fertilizer particles distribution performance by DEM-MBD simulation.

We studied the factors affecting the distribution length of fertilizer particles in the FPAD.

It showed that the mechanical implementation of RZF is effective in improving fertilizer utilization.

Abstract. Root-zone fertilization (RZF) can improve fertilizer utilization, but effective mechanical implementation methods are lacking. This article innovatively proposes an intermittent fertilization device driven by a Geneva mechanism, which can discharge fertilizer into points. The fertilizer discharge uniformity of the fertilizer feeder device was studied. The DEM-MBD method examined the factors affecting the distribution length of fertilizer particles in the fertilizer point-applied device. When the height of the fertilizer discharged is lower, the amount of fertilizer released from the hole is smaller. The operating speed is slower, the distribution of fertilizer particles is more concentrated, and the concentration of fertilizer particles discharged by the 5-slot fertilizer discharging device is better than that of the 6-slot fertilizer discharging device. Field experiments show that the average plant height and diameter of RZF is higher than Banding fertilization (BF) in different growth periods, which can increase the yield by 4.57%. It shows that the mechanical implementation of RZF is effective in improving fertilizer utilization. Keywords: DEM-MBD, Fertilizer point-applied device, Particles distribution, Root-zone fertilization.
Effect of Internal Insect Infestation on Single Kernel Mass and Particle Density of Corn and Wheat
Authors: Boac Josephine M. , Casada Mark E. , Pordesimo Lester O. , Arthur Frank H. , Maghirang Ronaldo G. , Mina Christian D.
Published: June 2022

Highlights

Single kernel mass and particle density were not significantly affected by the number of rice weevils feeding within a corn kernel and lesser grain borers feeding within a wheat kernel.

In both corn and wheat, single kernel mass decreased after the larval stage of internally feeding insects.

Particle density increased linearly with insect age for both rice weevils in corn and lesser grain borer in wheat.

The increasing particle density while the kernel mass was being eroded indicates that the kernel internal void was detected by the gas pycnometer employed for measurement of the true volume of grain kernels.

Abstract. To model the dynamics of insect infestation in a grain handling system using the discrete element method (DEM), physical properties of the infested kernels compared to their sound counterparts are needed, specifically particle density and single kernel mass of infested kernels. Thus, the objective of this study was to determine the particle density and single kernel mass of internally infested kernels as affected by insect age. Corn and wheat were infested with internal feeders: rice weevil (RW), Sitophilus oryzae (L.), in corn and lesser grain borer (LGB), Rhyzopertha dominica (F.), in wheat. The internal feeders were allowed to grow and mature inside the kernels and properties were measured for representative samples selected using X-ray imaging approximately 14, 28, 35, and 42 days after the end of a 4-day oviposition period. The measured kernel physical properties were not affected by the number of internal insects per kernel. In both corn and wheat, single kernel mass decreased after the larval stage of internally feeding insects. Single kernel mass decreased from 374 mg in sound corn to 346 mg in corn with pre-emerged RW adults and from 31.4 mg in sound wheat to 25.9 mg in wheat with pre-emerged LGB adults. Particle density increased with insect age for both RW in corn and LGB in wheat with a linear trend. The increasing particle density while the kernel mass eroded indicates that kernel internal void was detected by the gas pycnometer employed for measurement of the true volume of grain kernels. Data obtained from this study enables effective DEM modeling of grain commingling of insect-infested and sound grain kernels in grain handling systems. Keywords: Corn, Insect age, Internal feeders, Insect infestation, Lesser grain borer, Particle density, Rice weevil, Single kernel mass, Wheat.
Novel and simple method using cable ties to induce intestinal strangulation in a rat model
Authors: Putranto Agi Satria , Suyatna Fransiscus Dhyanagiri , Soetikno Vivian , Moenadjat Yefta
Published: June 2022

BACKGROUND The pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis after strangulation in abdominal surgery is not fully understood. Developing an experimental and reliable method is needed to overcome this problem. This study aimed to develop an effective method for intestinal strangulation leading to fibrosis, which might induce intestinal obstruction.

METHODS This study was conducted from 2018 to 2019 at the Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Indonesia. A total of 24 Sprague Dawley rats were used in this study. Artificial intestinal strangulation using cable ties made of durable plastic, which is generally used to ligate objects, was applied, and rats were further classified into control, 6-hour, and 24-hour strangulation groups. At the end of the study, the rats were sacrificed, intestinal tissues were collected, and histomorphological changes were observed using hematoxylin and eosin stain. Moreover, Masson’s trichome staining was used to assess collagen density.

RESULTS Median collagen density score of the 24-hour strangulation group was higher than the control. A significant difference in collagen density was found between the submucosal layer of the 24-hour strangulation group and the control (45.4 [11.4] versus 32.4 [14.0], p<0.001) and between the mucosa of the 6- and 24-hour strangulation groups and the control (26.9 [17] versus 6.46 [4.3], p = 0.01 and 24.9 [8] versus 6.46 [4.3], p = 0.004, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS The simple use of cable ties adequately promotes intestinal strangulation.