bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Constitutive G protein coupling profiles of understudied orphan GPCRs
Authors: Lu Sumin , Jang Wonjo , Inoue Asuka , Lambert Nevin A.
Published: April 2021

A large number of GPCRs are potentially valuable drug targets but remain understudied. Many of these lack well-validated activating ligands and are considered “orphan” receptors, and G protein coupling profiles have not been defined for many orphan GPCRs. Here we asked if constitutive receptor activity can be used to determine G protein coupling profiles of orphan GPCRs. We monitored nucleotide-sensitive interactions between 48 understudied orphan GPCRs and five G proteins (240 combinations) using bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET). No receptor ligands were used, but GDP was used as a common G protein ligand to disrupt receptor-G protein complexes. Constitutive BRET between the same receptors and β-arrestins was also measured. We found sufficient GDP-sensitive BRET to generate G protein coupling profiles for 22 of the 48 receptors we studied. Altogether we identified 48 coupled receptor-G protein pairs, many of which have not been described previously. We conclude that receptor-G protein complexes that form spontaneously in the absence of guanine nucleotides can be used to profile G protein coupling of constitutively-active GPCRs. This approach may prove useful for studying G protein coupling of other GPCRs for which activating ligands are not available.
3D-Fast Gray Matter Acquisition with Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery Magnetic Resonance Imaging at 3 Tesla: Application for detection of spinal cord lesions in patients with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Goujon Adrien , Mirafzal Sonia , Zuber Kevin , Deschamps Romain , Sadik Jean-Claude , Gout Olivier , Savatovsky Julien , Lecler Augustin
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose

To compare 3D-Fast Gray Matter Acquisition with Phase Sensitive Inversion Recovery (3D-FGAPSIR) with conventional 3D-Short-Tau Inversion Recovery (3D-STIR) and sagittal T1-and T2-weighted MRI dataset at 3 Tesla when detecting MS spinal cord lesions.

Material and methods

This prospective single-center study was approved by an institutional review board and enrolled participants from December 2016 to August 2018. Two neuroradiologists blinded to all data, individually analyzed the 3D-FGAPSIR and the conventional datasets separately and in random order. Discrepancies were resolved by consensus by a third neuroradiologist. The primary judgment criterion was the number of MS spinal cord lesions. Secondary judgment criteria included lesion enhancement, lesion delineation, reader-reported confidence and lesion-to-cord-contrast-ratio. A Wilcoxon’s test was used to compare the two datasets.

Results

51 participants were included. 3D-FGAPSIR detected significantly more lesions than the conventional dataset (344 versus 171 respectively, p<0.001). Two participants had no detected lesion on the conventional dataset, whereas 3D-FGAPSIR detected at least one lesion. 3/51 participants had a single enhancing lesion detected by both datasets. Lesion delineation and reader-reported confidence were significantly higher with 3D-FGAPSIR: 4.5 (IQR 1) versus 2 (IQR 0.5), p<0.0001 and 4.5 (IQR 1) versus 2.5 (IQR 0.5), p<0.0001. Lesion-to-cord-contrast-ratio was significantly higher using 3D-FGAPSIR as opposed to 3D-STIR and T2: 1.4 (IQR 0,3) versus 0.4 (IQR 0,1) and 0.3 (IQR 0,1)(p = 0.04). Correlations with clinical data and inter- and intra-observer agreements were higher with 3D-FGAPSIR.

Conclusion

3D-FGAPSIR improved overall MS spinal cord lesion detection as compared to conventional set and detected all enhancing lesions.
Long-term dietary nitrate supplementation does not reduce renal cyst growth in experimental autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease
Authors: Zhang Jennifer Q. J. , Saravanabavan Sayanthooran , Cheng Kai Man , Raghubanshi Aarya , Chandra Ashley N. , Munt Alexandra , Rayner Benjamin , Zhang Yunjia , Chau Katrina , Wong Annette T. Y. , Rangan Gopala K.
Published: April 2021

Augmentation of endogenous nitric oxide (NO) synthesis, either by the classical L-arginine-NO synthase pathway, or the recently discovered entero-salivary nitrate-nitrite-NO system, may slow the progression of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD). To test this hypothesis, the expression of NO in human ADPKD cell lines (WT 9–7, WT 9–12), and the effect of L-arginine on anin vitromodel of three-dimensional cyst growth using MDCK cells, was examined. In addition, groups of homozygousPkd1RC/RCmice (a hypomorphic genetic ortholog of ADPKD) received either low, moderate or high dose sodium nitrate (0.1, 1 or 10 mmol/kg/day), or sodium chloride (vehicle; 10 mmol/kg/day), supplemented drinking water from postnatal month 1 to 9 (n = 12 per group).In vitro, intracellular NO, as assessed by DAF-2/DA fluorescence, was reduced by >70% in human ADPKD cell lines, and L-arginine and the NO donor, sodium nitroprusside, both attenuatedin vitrocyst growth by up to 18%. In contrast, inPkd1RC/RCmice, sodium nitrate supplementation increased serum nitrate/nitrite levels by ~25-fold in the high dose group (P<0.001), but kidney enlargement and percentage cyst area was not altered, regardless of dose. In conclusion, L-arginine has mild direct efficacy on reducing renal cyst growthin vitro, whereas long-term sodium nitrate supplementation was ineffectivein vivo. These data suggest that the bioconversion of dietary nitrate to NO by the entero-salivary pathway may not be sufficient to influence the progression of renal cyst growth in ADPKD.
Gm14230 controls Tbc1d24 cytoophidia and neuronal cellular juvenescence
Authors: Morimune Takao , Tano Ayami , Tanaka Yuya , Yukiue Haruka , Yamamoto Takefumi , Tooyama Ikuo , Maruo Yoshihiro , Nishimura Masaki , Mori Masaki
Published: April 2021

It is not fully understood how enzymes are regulated in the tiny reaction field of a cell. Several enzymatic proteins form cytoophidia, a cellular macrostructure to titrate enzymatic activities. Here, we show that the epileptic encephalopathy-associated protein Tbc1d24 forms cytoophidia in neuronal cells both in vitro and in vivo. The Tbc1d24 cytoophidia are distinct from previously reported cytoophidia consisting of inosine monophosphate dehydrogenase (Impdh) or cytidine-5’-triphosphate synthase (Ctps). Tbc1d24 cytoophidia is induced by loss of cellular juvenescence caused by depletion of Gm14230, a juvenility-associated lncRNA (JALNC) and zeocin treatment. Cytoophidia formation is associated with impaired enzymatic activity of Tbc1d24. Thus, our findings reveal the property of Tbc1d24 to form cytoophidia to maintain neuronal cellular juvenescence.
Oxazepam and cognitive reappraisal: A randomised experiment
Authors: Nilsonne Gustav , Tamm Sandra , Golkar Armita , Olsson Andreas , Sörman Karolina , Howner Katarina , Kristiansson Marianne , Ingvar Martin , Petrovic Predrag
Published: April 2021

Background

Cognitive reappraisal is a strategy for emotional regulation, important in the context of anxiety disorders. It is not known whether anxiolytic effects of benzodiazepines affect cognitive reappraisal.

Aims

We aimed to investigate the effect of 25 mg oxazepam on cognitive reappraisal.

Methods

In a preliminary investigation, 33 healthy male volunteers were randomised to oxazepam or placebo, and then underwent an experiment where they were asked to use cognitive reappraisal to upregulate or downregulate their emotional response to images with negative or neutral emotional valence. We recorded unpleasantness ratings, skin conductance, superciliary corrugator muscle activity, and heart rate. Participants completed rating scales measuring empathy (Interpersonal Reactivity Index, IRI), anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Inventory, STAI), alexithymia (Toronto Alexithymia Scale-20, TAS-20), and psychopathy (Psychopathy Personality Inventory-Revised, PPI-R).

Results

Upregulation to negative-valence images in the cognitive reappraisal task caused increased unpleasantness ratings, corrugator activity, and heart rate compared to downregulation. Upregulation to both negative- and neutral-valence images caused increased skin conductance responses. Oxazepam caused lower unpleasantness ratings to negative-valence stimuli, but did not interact with reappraisal instruction on any outcome. Self-rated trait empathy was associated with stronger responses to negative-valence stimuli, whereas self-rated psychopathic traits were associated with weaker responses to negative-valence stimuli.

Conclusions

While 25 mg oxazepam caused lower unpleasantness ratings in response to negative-valence images, we did not observe an effect of 25 mg oxazepam on cognitive reappraisal.
Birth cultures: A qualitative approach to home birthing in Chile
Authors: Rodríguez-Garrido Pía , Goberna-Tricas Josefina
Published: April 2021

Background

Birth cultures have been transforming in recent years mainly affecting birth care and its socio-political contexts. This situation has affected the feeling of well-being in women at the time of giving birth.

Aim

For this reason, our objective was to analyse the social meaning that women ascribe to home births in the Chilean context.

Method

We conducted thirty semi-structured interviews with women living in diverse regions ranging from northern to southern Chile, which we carried out from a theoretical-methodological perspective of phenomenology and situated knowledge. Qualitative thematic analysis was used to analyse the information collected in the field work.

Findings

A qualitative thematic analysis produced the following main theme: 1) Home birth journeys. Two sub-categories: 1.1) Making the decision to give birth at home, 1.2) Giving birth: (re)birth. And four sub-categories also emerged: 1.1.1) Why do I need to give birth at home? 1.1.2) The people around me don’t support me; 1.2.1) Shifting emotions during home birth, 1.2.2) I (don’t) want to be alone.

Conclusion

We concluded that home births involve an intense and diverse range of satisfactions and tensions, the latter basically owing to the sociocultural resistance surrounding women. For this reason, they experienced home birth as an act of protest and highly valued the presence of midwives and their partners.
iBLAST: Incremental BLAST of new sequences via automated e-value correction
Authors: Dash Sajal , Rahman Sarthok Rasique , Hines Heather M. , Feng Wu-chun
Published: April 2021

Search results from local alignment search tools use statistical scores that are sensitive to the size of the database to report the quality of the result. For example, NCBI BLAST reports the best matches using similarity scores and expect values (i.e., e-values) calculated against the database size. Given the astronomical growth in genomics data throughout a genomic research investigation, sequence databases grow as new sequences are continuously being added to these databases. As a consequence, the results (e.g., best hits) and associated statistics (e.g., e-values) for a specific set of queries may change over the course of a genomic investigation. Thus, to update the results of a previously conducted BLAST search to find the best matches on an updated database, scientists must currently rerun the BLAST search against the entire updated database, which translates into irrecoverable and, in turn, wasted execution time, money, and computational resources. To address this issue, we devise a novel and efficient method to redeem past BLAST searches by introducing iBLAST. iBLAST leverages previous BLAST search results to conduct the same query search but only on the incremental (i.e., newly added) part of the database, recomputes the associated critical statistics such as e-values, and combines these results to produce updated search results. Our experimental results and fidelity analyses show that iBLAST delivers search results that are identical to NCBI BLAST at a substantially reduced computational cost, i.e., iBLAST performs (1 + δ)/δ times faster than NCBI BLAST, where δ represents the fraction of database growth. We then present three different use cases to demonstrate that iBLAST can enable efficient biological discovery at a much faster speed with a substantially reduced computational cost.
When and how does the number of children affect marital satisfaction? An international survey
Authors: Kowal Marta , Groyecka-Bernard Agata , Kochan-Wójcik Marta , Sorokowski Piotr
Published: April 2021

The present global study attempts to verify the links between marital satisfaction and the number of children as well as its moderators in an international sample. Data for the study was obtained from our published dataset and included 7178 married individuals from 33 countries and territories. We found that the number of children was a significant negative predictor of marital satisfaction; also sex, education, and religiosity were interacting with the number of children and marital satisfaction, while there were no interactions with economic status and individual level of individualistic values. The main contribution of the present research is extending our knowledge on the relationship between marital satisfaction and the number of children in several, non-Western countries and territories.
Barriers and facilitators to implementation of oral rehydration therapy in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review
Authors: Ezezika Obidimma , Ragunathan Apira , El-Bakri Yasmine , Barrett Kathryn
Published: April 2021

Background

Oral rehydration therapy (ORT) is an effective and cheap treatment for diarrheal disease; globally, one of the leading causes of death in children under five. The World Health Organization launched a global campaign to improve ORT coverage in 1978, with activities such as educational campaigns, training health workers and the creation of designate programming. Despite these efforts, ORT coverage remains relatively low. The objective of this systematic review is to identify the barriers and facilitators to the implementation of oral rehydration therapy in low and middle-income countries.

Methods

A comprehensive search strategy comprised of relevant subject headings and keywords was executed in 5 databases including OVID Medline, OVID Embase, OVID HealthStar, Web of Science and Scopus. Eligible studies underwent quality assessment, and a directed content analysis approach to data extraction was conducted and aligned to the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) to facilitate narrative synthesis.

Results

The search identified 1570 citations and following removal of duplicates as well as screening according to our inclusion/exclusion criteria, 55 articles were eligible for inclusion in the review. Twenty-three countries were represented in this review, with India, Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, and South Africa having the most representation of available studies. Study dates ranged from 1981 to 2020. Overarching thematic areas spanning the barriers and facilitators that were identified included: availability and accessibility, knowledge, partnership engagement, and design and acceptability.

Conclusion

A systematic review of studies on implementation of ORT in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) highlights key activities that facilitate the development of successful implementation that include: (1) availability and accessibility of ORT, (2) awareness and education among communities, (3) strong partnership engagement strategies, and (4) adaptable design to enhance acceptability. The barriers and facilitators identified under the CIFR domains can be used to build knowledge on how to adapt ORT to national and local settings and contribute to a better understanding on the implementation and use of ORT in LMICs. The prospects for scaling and sustaining ORT (after years of low use) will increase if implementation research informs local applications, and implementers engage appropriate stakeholders and test assumptions around localized theories of change from interventions to expected outcomes.

Registration

A protocol for this systematic review was developed and uploaded onto the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews database (Registration number: CRD420201695).
COVID-19 seroprevalence in military police force, Southern Brazil
Authors: Pasqualotto Alessandro C. , Pereira Paula de Castro , Lana Daiane F. Dalla , Schwarzbold Alexandre V. , Ribeiro Marco S. , Riche Cezar V. W. , Castro Cristiani Pilati P. , Korsack Paula L. , Ferreira Paulo Emilio B. , Domingues Guilherme de C. , Ribeiro Giorgia T. , Carneiro Marcelo , Caurio Cassia Ferreira B. , Vasconcellos Izadora Clezar da S. , Knebel Lidiana M. , Zamberlan Lucas , Stolz Andressa P. , Vilanova Macarthur , Watte Guilherme , Kalil Antonio N.
Published: April 2021

Background

Limited data is available regarding the frequency of COVID-19 in populations that are highly exposed to SARS-CoV-2. In this cross-section study we evaluated COVID-19 seroprevalence in military police forces of 10 major cities in Rio Grande do Sul, South of Brazil.

Methods

Sampling was randomly performed in clusters, in respect to the number of professionals at service per city and military unit. Research subjects were evaluated on July 23, 2020 (first wave peak in Brazil). Clinical information was obtained, and venous blood was taken for ELISA testing (IgA, and IgG antibodies). Sample size consisted of 1,592 military workers (33.6% of study population). They were mostly man (81.2%) and young (median 34 years-old). Most had been asymptomatic (75.3%) during pandemic, and 27.5% reported close contact with COVID-19 cases (after a median time of 21 days). Antibodies were detected in 3.3% of the participants, mostly IgA (2.7%), and IgG (1.7%). After 3 weeks, 66.7% of IgA and IgG results turned negative, in addition to 78.3% and 100% of borderline IgA and IgG results, respectively.

Conclusion

The seroprevalence of COVID-19 amongst military police was at least 3.4 higher than the findings of other studies performed in the general population, in the same cities and dates. Most detectable antibodies were of IgA class, which implies recent exposure. Asymptomatic people were more prone to have negative antibody titters in the second run.
Long-term effects of maize straw return and manure on the microbial community in cinnamon soil in Northern China using 16S rRNA sequencing
Authors: Liu Zhiping , Zhou Huaiping , Xie Wenyan , Yang Zhenxing , Lv Qianqian
Published: April 2021

Excessive use of chemical fertilizers in agricultural practices have demonstrated a significant impact on microbial diversity and community in soil by altering soil physical and chemical properties, thereby leading to a certain degree of soil salinization and nutritional imbalances. As an organic amendment, maize straw has been widely used to improve soil quality; however, its effect on the soil bacterial community remains limited in Calcarie-Fluvie Cambisols soil in semi-humid arid plateau of North China. In the present experiment, we investigated the effects of continuous straw utilization and fertilization on bacterial communities in Shouyang, Shanxi province, China. Soil samples were collected from 5 different straw utilization and fertilization modes in the following ways: straw mulching (SM), straw crushing (SC), cattle manure (CM), in which way straw is firstly used as silage and then organic fertilizer, control with no straw return (NSR), and control without fertilizers (CK), same amount of N+P fertilizer was applied to the regimes except CK. High-throughput sequencing approaches were applied to the V3-V4 regions of the 16S ribosomal RNA for analysis of the bacterial abundance and community structures. Different long-term straw returning regimes significantly altered the physicochemical properties and bacterial communities of soil, among which CM had the most significant effects on soil fertility and bacterial diversity. Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, Chloroflexi, Acidobacteria, and Gemmatimonadetes were consistently dominant in all soil samples, and Redundancy analysis (RDA) showed significant association of total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP) and available potassium (AK) with alternation of the bacterial community. Cattle manure had the most beneficial effects on soil fertility and bacterial diversity among different straw utilization and fertilization modes.
Saturated free fatty acids induce placental trophoblast lipoapoptosis
Authors: Natarajan Sathish Kumar , Bruett Taylor , Muthuraj Philma Glora , Sahoo Prakash K. , Power Jillian , Mott Justin L. , Hanson Corrine , Anderson-Berry Ann
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Obesity during pregnancy increases the risk for maternal complications like gestational diabetes, preeclampsia, and maternal inflammation. Maternal obesity also increases the risk of childhood obesity, intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and diabetes to the offspring. Increased circulating free fatty acids (FFAs) in obesity due to adipose tissue lipolysis induces lipoapoptosis to hepatocytes, cholangiocytes, and pancreatic-β-cells. During the third trimester of human pregnancy, there is an increase in maternal lipolysis and release of FFAs into the circulation. It is currently unknown if increased FFAs during gestation as a result of maternal obesity cause placental cell lipoapoptosis. Increased exposure of FFAs during maternal obesity has been shown to result in placental lipotoxicity. The objective of the present study is to determine saturated FFA-induced trophoblast lipoapoptosis and also to test the protective role of monounsaturated fatty acids against FFA-induced trophoblast lipoapoptosis usingin vitrocell culture model. Here, we hypothesize that saturated FFAs induce placental trophoblast lipoapoptosis, which was prevented by monounsaturated fatty acids.

Methods

Biochemical and structural markers of apoptosis by characteristic nuclear morphological changes with DAPI staining, and caspase 3/7 activity was assessed. Cleaved PARP and cleaved caspase 3 were examined by western blot analysis.

Results

Treatment of trophoblast cell lines, JEG-3 and JAR cells with palmitate (PA) or stearate (SA) induces trophoblast lipoapoptosis as evidenced by a significant increase in apoptotic nuclear morphological changes and caspase 3/7 activity. We observed that saturated FFAs caused a concentration-dependent increase in placental trophoblast lipoapoptosis. We also observed that monounsaturated fatty acids like palmitoleate and oleate mitigates placental trophoblast lipoapoptosis caused due to PA exposure.

Conclusion

We show that saturated FFAs induce trophoblast lipoapoptosis. Co-treatment of monounsaturated fatty acids like palmitoleate and oleate protects against FFA-induced trophoblast lipoapoptosis.
Ballistic, maximal strength and strength-endurance performance of male handball players: Are they affected by the evaluator’s sex?
Authors: Janicijevic Danica , Mao Haijiao , Gu Yaodong , Pérez-Castilla Alejandro , González-Hernández Jorge M. , García-Ramos Amador
Published: April 2021

This study aimed to elucidate whether ballistic, maximal strength and strength-endurance performances are affected by the sex of the evaluator. Sixteen young male handball players attended two testing sessions that only differed in the sex of the evaluators (2 women vs. 2 men). The two sessions were performed in a counterbalanced order. Ballistic performance (countermovement jump height and throwing velocity), maximal strength performance (squat and bench press [BP] one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and strength-endurance performance (number of repetitions-to-failure in BP and average velocity of the set in the squat) were assessed in both sessions. BP 1RM was greater in the presence of women evaluators (p = 0.036, ES = 0.09), whereas no differences were observed for the remaining variables (p ≥ 0.254, ES ≤ 0.19). Low correlations (r median [range] = -0.074 [-0.693, 0.326]) were observed between the different performance tests for the percent differences between both testing sessions. The sex of the evaluators has minimal influence on a number of physical traits in young male handball players when they are tested in the presence of other members of the team, while the low correlations indicate that a higher performance in one test under the presence of women does not imply a higher performance under the presence of women in other performance tests.
Prevalence of congenital septal defects among congenital heart defect patients in East Africa: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zikarg Yossef Teshome , Yirdaw Chalachew Tiruneh , Aragie Teshome Gebremeskel
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Congenital heart defects (CHDs) are the most common congenital defects and accounts for nearly one-third of all major congenital anomalies. It is the leading causes of birth defect-associated morbidity, mortality, and medical expenditures. Of all CHD types, ventricular septal defect (VSD) and atrial septal defect (ASD) accounted 51% of cases with an increasing trend over time.

Objective

The aim of this review is to estimate the pooled prevalence of ventricular septal defect and congenital atrial septal defect among congenital heart diseases patients in East African context.

Methods

Using PRISMA guideline, we systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed studies that examined the prevalence of Ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect in East Africa, from Medline (PubMed), Cochrane Library, HINARI, and Google Scholar. A weighted inverse variance random-effects model was used to estimate the pooled prevalence of ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect.

Results

A total of 2323 studies were identified; 1301 from PubMed, 12 from Cochrane Library, 1010 from Google Scholar and 22 from other sources. The pooled prevalence of ventricular septal defect and atrial septal defect in East Africa was found to be 29.92% (95% CI; 26.12–33.72; I2 = 89.2%; p<0.001), and 10.36% (95% CI; 8.05–12.68; I2 = 89.5%; p<0.001) respectively.

Conclusions and future implications

Based on this review, the pooled prevalence of VSD and ASD is still high and alarming; this signifies that the emphasis given for congenital heart defect in East African countries is limited. Special attention and efforts should be applied for early detection to prevent serious complications and for a better prognosis of all forms of CHD. A screening program for CHD should be instituted during the perinatal period. Furthermore, early referral of suspected cases of congenital cardiac anomalies is mandatory for better management till the establishment of cardiac centers in different regions of the continent.
ELISA detection of MPO-DNA complexes in human plasma is error-prone and yields limited information on neutrophil extracellular traps formed in vivo
Authors: Hayden Hubert , Ibrahim Nahla , Klopf Johannes , Zagrapan Branislav , Mauracher Lisa-Marie , Hell Lena , Hofbauer Thomas M. , Ondracek Anna S. , Schoergenhofer Christian , Jilma Bernd , Lang Irene M. , Pabinger Ingrid , Eilenberg Wolf , Neumayer Christoph , Brostjan Christine
Published: April 2021

Over the past years, neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) were shown to contribute to states of acute and chronic inflammatory disease. They are composed of expelled chromatin and decorated by neutrophil-derived proteins. Therefore, the analysis of DNA complexes with myeloperoxidase (MPO) by ELISA has become an attractive tool to measure NET formation inin vitroandin vivosamples. When we used a published MPO-DNA ELISA protocol and included an isotype control for the anti-MPO coating antibody, we observed high assay specificity forin vitroprepared NET samples, whereas the specificity forin vivoplasma samples was low. In addition, the assay failed to detectin vitrogenerated MPO-DNA complexes when spiked into plasma. Therefore, we set out to improve the specificity of the MPO-DNA ELISA for plasma samples. We found that the use of Fab fragments or immunoglobulins from different species or reversal of the antibody pair led to either a high background or a low dynamic range of detection that did not improve the specificity for plasma samples. Also, the use of higher plasma dilutions or pre-clearing of plasma immunoglobulins were ineffective. Finally, we found that a commercial reagent designed to block human anti-mouse antibodies and multivalent substances increased the detection window between the MPO antibody and isotype control for highly diluted plasma. We applied this modified ELISA protocol to analyze MPO-DNA complexes in human blood samples of acute and chronic inflammatory conditions. While markers of neutrophil activation and NET formation such as MPO, elastase and citrullinated histone H3 correlated significantly, we observed no correlation with the levels of MPO-DNA complexes. Therefore, we conclude that ELISA measurements of MPO-DNA complexes in human plasma are highly questionable regarding specificity of NET detection. In general, plasma analyses by ELISA should more frequently include isotype controls for antibodies to demonstrate target specificity.
Effects of “fresh mechanically deboned meat” inclusion on nutritional value, palatability, shelf-life microbiological risk and digestibility in dry dog food
Authors: Meineri Giorgia , Candellone Alessia , Tassone Sonia , Peiretti Pier Giorgio , Longato Erica , Pattono Daniele , Russo Natalia , Pagani Elena , Prola Liviana
Published: April 2021

Fresh mechanically deboned meat (MDM) is usually claimed as high-quality ingredient on dry pet food recipes and this aspect may positively influence consumer choice. It is important to determine the scientifically sustainability of this claim and to assess the microbiological safety of MDM inclusion in dry pet food. Objectives were: 1) to evaluate the effect of inclusion of MDM in dry dog food on fatty acid profile and in vivo and in vitro digestibility, proposing a new system (DaisyII Incubator) to measure the in vitro digestibility for dogs; 2) to compare palatability of dry dog food containing MDM with dry dog food in which meat by-products (MBP) are the only animal protein sources; 3) to determine, whether or not, the inclusion of that ingredient changes the microbiology and the storage quality. Results indicated that MDM product was characterized by significant higher nutritional value in terms of fatty acids profile, in vitro digestibility (HV-IVD method) and lower palatability than the MBP product. Microbiological risk assessment showed no microbiological hazards for either product. After 6-months storage, the total mesophilic bacterial count ranged between 1.77 and 2.09 log CFU/g feed, while polyamine values were higher in the MDM (0.37 g/kg) than in the MBP (0.27 g/kg). The DaisyII Incubator was found to be a valid instrument for studying in vitro digestibility also for dogs, providing data simply, quickly, with less variability and costs than in vivo trials. In conclusion, MDM inclusion in dry dog food is microbiologically safe and it can improve its nutritional quality, at the expense of a reduced palatability. The higher polyamine levels fount in MDM-enriched petfood after 6-months storage, however, may represent a possible hazard, and further studies are still warranted.
Added value of anxiolytic benzodiazepines in predictive models on severe delirium in patients with acute decompensated heart failure: A retrospective analysis
Authors: Kawada Kei , Fukuda Hitoshi , Kubo Toru , Ohta Tsuyoshi , Ishida Tomoaki , Morisawa Shumpei , Kawazoe Tetushi , Okamoto Manami , Fujita Hiroko , Jobu Kohei , Morita Yasuyo , Ueba Tetsuya , Kitaoka Hiroaki , Miyamura Mitsuhiko
Published: April 2021

Background

Delirium in patients with acute decompensated heart failure (ADHF) is associated with poor clinical outcomes. Although some medications have been reported as risk factors for delirium, their impact on patients with ADHF is still unclear. This study aimed to determine the association of specific medication use with delirium and their additive predictive value in models based on conventional risk factors.

Methods and results

In this single-center, retrospective study, 650 patients treated for ADHF were included. Fifty-nine patients (9.1%) had delirium. In multivariate analysis, anxiolytic benzodiazepines [odds ratio (OR): 6.4, 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.8–15], mechanical ventilation or noninvasive positive pressure ventilation (OR: 6.0, 95% CI: 2.9–12), depression (OR: 3.2, 95% CI: 1.5–6.5), intensive care or high care unit admission (OR: 2.9, 95% CI: 1.5–5.6), male sex (OR: 2.0, 95% CI: 1–3.7), and age (OR: 1.1, 95% CI: 1–1.1) were independently associated with severe delirium. The predictive model that included anxiolytic benzodiazepines had a significantly better discriminatory ability for the incidence of severe delirium than the conventional model.

Conclusions

The use of anxiolytic benzodiazepines was independently correlated with severe delirium, and their use in models based on conventional risk factors had an additive value for predicting delirium in patients with ADHF.
Imbalance and breakout in the post-epidemic era: Research into the spatial patterns of freight demand network in six provinces of central China
Authors: Huang Yin , Liu Runda , Huang Shumin , Yang Gege , Zhang Xiaofan , Qin Yin , Mao Lisha , Sheng Sishi , Huang Biao
Published: April 2021

This study aims to explore the freight demand network spatial patterns in six provinces of central China from the perspective of the spread of the epidemic and the freight imbalance and breakout. To achieve this purpose, the big data of “cart search” demand information provided by small and medium freight enterprises on the freight information platform are analyzed. 343,690 pieces of freight demand big data on the freight information platform and Python, ArcGIS, UCINET, and Gephi software are used. The results show that: (1) The choke-point of unbalanced freight demand network is Wuhan, and the secondary choke-points are Hefei and Zhengzhou. (2) In southern China, a chain reaction circle of freight imbalance is formed with Wuhan, Hefei, and Nanchang as the centers. In northern China, a chain reaction circle of freight imbalance is formed with Zhengzhou and Taiyuan as the centers. (3) The freight demand of the six provinces in central China exhibits typical characteristics of long tail distribution with large span and unbalanced distribution. (4) The import and export of freight in different cities vary greatly, and the distribution is unbalanced. This study indicates the imbalance difference, chain reaction, keys and hidden troubles posed by the freight demand network. From the perspectives of freight transfer breakout, freight balance breakout, freight strength breakout, and breakout of freight periphery cities, we propose solutions to breakouts in the freight market in six provinces of central China in the post-epidemic era.
Modeling the spread of fake news on Twitter
Authors: Murayama Taichi , Wakamiya Shoko , Aramaki Eiji , Kobayashi Ryota
Published: April 2021

Fake news can have a significant negative impact on society because of the growing use of mobile devices and the worldwide increase in Internet access. It is therefore essential to develop a simple mathematical model to understand the online dissemination of fake news. In this study, we propose a point process model of the spread of fake news on Twitter. The proposed model describes the spread of a fake news item as a two-stage process: initially, fake news spreads as a piece of ordinary news; then, when most users start recognizing the falsity of the news item, that itself spreads as another news story. We validate this model using two datasets of fake news items spread on Twitter. We show that the proposed model is superior to the current state-of-the-art methods in accurately predicting the evolution of the spread of a fake news item. Moreover, a text analysis suggests that our model appropriately infers the correction time, i.e., the moment when Twitter users start realizing the falsity of the news item. The proposed model contributes to understanding the dynamics of the spread of fake news on social media. Its ability to extract a compact representation of the spreading pattern could be useful in the detection and mitigation of fake news.
Silicon fertigation and salicylic acid foliar spraying mitigate ammonium deficiency and toxicity in Eucalyptus spp. clonal seedlings
Authors: de Souza Junior Jonas Pereira , Prado Renato de Mello , de Morais Thaís chagas Barros , Frazão Joaquim José , dos Santos Sarah Marcilene Machado , de Oliveira Kevein Ruas , de Paula Rinaldo César
Published: April 2021

Nitrogen deficiency and toxicity, primarily in its ammonium form (NH4+), can suppress plant growth and development. The use of silicon (Si) or salicylic acid (SA) may be an alternative to minimize the harmful effects of nutrient imbalances caused by NH4+, thereby improving the photosynthetic efficiency of plants. The aim of the present study was to assess the action of fertigation-applied Si and SA foliar spraying in mitigating NH4+ toxicity and deficiency in eucalyptus clonal seedlings. Two experiments were performed with eucalyptus clonal seedlings (Eucalyptus urophylla x Eucalyptus grandis), in a greenhouse. Both were carried out using a 4x2 factorial design and four concentrations of NH4+ (5, 15, 30 and 60 mmol L-1), in the absence and presence of Si (2 mmol L-1), in experiment I; or with and without SA foliar application (10−2 mmol L-1), in experiment II, with six repetitions. Nitrogen content rose as a result of increasing N-NH4+ concentration in the nutrient solution, and Si supplied via the nutrient solution was efficient in increasing the Si content in eucalyptus seedlings. The rise in N-NH4+ concentration favored the maintenance of the photosynthetic apparatus, but high N-NH4+ concentration increased energy loss through fluorescence and decreased the efficiency of photosystem II. The addition of Si to the nutrient solution proved to be beneficial to the photosynthetic apparatus by decreasing F0 at 15 and 30 mmol L-1 of NH4+; and Fm at all NH4+ concentrations studied. In addition, the beneficial element also increases Fv/Fm at all NH4+ concentrations studied. SA foliar application was also efficient in reducing photosynthetic energy losses by decreasing F0 and Fm at all NH4+ concentrations studied. However, SA only increased the Fv/Fm at the high concentrations studied (30 and 60 mmol L-1 of NH4+). Nitrogen disorder by deficiency or N-NH4+ toxicity reduced shoot dry mass production. The addition of Si to the nutrient solution and SA foliar application increased shoot dry mass production at all N-NH4+ concentrations studied, and benefitted the photosynthetic apparatus by decreasing fluorescence and improving the quantum efficiency of photosystem II as well as dry mass production.
Improved privacy preserving method for periodical SRS publishing
Authors: Huang Wei , Yi Tong , Zhu Haibin , Shang Wenqian , Lin Weiguo
Published: April 2021

Spontaneous reporting systems (SRSs) are used to collect adverse drug events (ADEs) for their evaluation and analysis. Periodical SRS data publication gives rise to a problem where sensitive, private data can be discovered through various attacks. The existing SRS data publishing methods are vulnerable to Medicine Discontinuation Attack(MD-attack) and Substantial symptoms-attack(SS-attack). To remedy this problem, an improved periodical SRS data publishing—PPMS(k, θ, ɑ)-bounding is proposed. This new method can recognize MD-attack by ensuring that each equivalence group contains at least k new medicine discontinuation records. The SS-attack can be thwarted using a heuristic algorithm. Theoretical analysis indicates that PPMS(k, θ, ɑ)-bounding can thwart the above-mentioned attacks. The experimental results also demonstrate that PPMS(k, θ, ɑ)-bounding can provide much better protection for privacy than the existing method and the new method dose not increase the information loss. PPMS(k, θ, ɑ)-bounding can improve the privacy, guaranteeing the information usability of the released tables.
Examining elevated blood pressure and the effects of diabetes self-management education on blood pressure among a sample of Marshallese with type 2 diabetes in Arkansas
Authors: McElfish Pearl A. , Long Christopher R. , Bursac Zoran , Scott Aaron J. , Chatrathi Harish E. , Sinclair Ka‘imi A. , Nagarsheth Nirav , Calcagni Mikaila , Patolia Jay , Narcisse Marie-Rachelle
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Hypertension is a leading risk factor for heart attack and stroke. Undiagnosed hypertension increases the risk of heart attack and stroke. The risk of hypertension is increased for those with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Diabetes self-management education (DSME) has been shown to be effective at improving clinical outcomes, including reducing blood pressure, but few studies have evaluated the effects of DSME for Native Hawaiians and Pacific Islanders.

Methods

This study examined the baseline prevalence of diagnosed hypertension and undiagnosed high blood pressure and differences in health care access between those with diagnosed hypertension versus undiagnosed high blood pressure. The sample consisted of 221 Marshallese adults with T2DM participating in a DSME randomized controlled trial in northwest Arkansas. The study also examined the effects of DSME interventions on participants’ blood pressure, comparing an Adapted-Family DSME with a Standard DSME.

Results

Nearly two-thirds of participants had blood pressure readings indicative of hypertension, and of those, over one-third were previously undiagnosed. The frequency of doctor visits was significantly lower for those with undiagnosed high blood pressure. There were no differences in health insurance coverage or forgone medical care between those with undiagnosed high blood pressure versus diagnosed hypertension. Across all participants, a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure occurred between baseline and post intervention, and a significant reduction in diastolic blood pressure occurred between baseline and post-intervention, 6 months, and 12 months post-intervention. No differences were observed by study arm.

Conclusion

This study is the first to document the prevalence of diagnosed hypertension and undiagnosed high blood pressure, as well as the effects of DSME on blood pressure among a sample of Marshallese adults with T2DM.
Methylomic analysis identifies C11orf87 as a novel epigenetic biomarker for GI cancers
Authors: Tran Mita T. M. T. , Yeh Kun-Tu , Chuang Yu-Ming , Hsu Po-Yen , Low Jie-Ting , Kumari Himani , Lee Yu-Ting , Chen Yin-Chen , Huang Wan-Hong , Jin Hongchuan , Lin Shu-Hui , Chan Michael W. Y.
Published: April 2021

Gastric cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death worldwide. Previous studies demonstrated that activation of STAT3 is crucial for the development and progression of gastric cancer. However, the role of STAT3 in neuronal related gene methylation in gastric cancer has never been explored. In this study, by using DNA methylation microarray, we identified a potential STAT3 target, C11orf87, showing promoter hypomethylation in gastric cancer patients with lower STAT3 activation and AGS gastric cancer cell lines depleted with STAT3 activation. Although C11orf87 methylation is independent of its expression, ectopic expression of a constitutive activated STAT3 mutant upregulated its expression in gastric cancer cell line. Further bisulfite pyrosequencing demonstrated a progressive increase in DNA methylation of this target in patient tissues from gastritis, intestinal metaplasia, to gastric cancer. Intriguingly, patients with higher C11orf87 methylation was associated with better survival. Furthermore, hypermethylation of C11orf87 was also frequently observed in other GI cancers, as compared to their adjacent normal tissues. These results suggested that C11orf87 methylation may serve as a biomarker for diagnosis and prognosis of GI cancers, including gastric cancer. We further postulated that constitutive activation of STAT3 might be able to epigenetically silence C11orf87 as a possible negative feedback mechanism to protect the cells from the overactivation of STAT3. Targeted inhibition of STAT3 may not be appropriate in gastric cancer patients with promoter hypermethylation of C11orf87.
Corpus documental de Carlos V
Authors: Fernández Álvarez Manuel
Published: April 2021

Tras una ingente labor llevada a cabo en los archivos de Viena, Bruselas, la Biblioteca de París, el Archivo de Simancas, etc., se ha logrado recopilar toda la documentación emanada desde el Emperador. Dividido en seis grandes apartados cronológicos, tan prolija reproducción documental se ve completada con numerosas notas a pie de página y, sobre todo, por un último volumen de más de 300 páginas dedicado todo él a índices, sin los cuales podría resultar una labor ímproba la de acercarse al epistolario real. De evidente trascendencia para el conocimiento de una personalidad única, arroja la luz necesaria para completar el conocimiento de las instituciones, de los avatares militares e incluso de la vida cotidiana.
Új utak, új módszertani megoldások a felsőoktatásban – O & TUMEN, a kompetenciaalapú képzés tudásmenedzselési módszere
Authors: Noszkay Erzsébet
Published: April 2021

A szerző a Szt. István Egyetemen alkalmazott oktatási módszerét mutatja be. A szerző több éves menedzserképzésben szerzett gyakorlata alapján elemzi és prezentálja azt a módszert, amelynek célja minél életszerűbb képzésben részesíteni a hallgatókat.
CORRELAÇÃO ENTRE O PONTO DA INCIDÊNCIA DA FALTA E A EFICÁCIA DO MÉTODO DE IDENTIFICAÇÃO DA ORIGEM DAS VTCDS VIA FATOR DE DESEQUILÍBRIO
Authors: Ferreira Adrian Ribeiro
Published: April 2021

As Variações de Tensão de Curta Duração (VTCDs) são distúrbios comumente encontrados nos sistemas elétricos, e, embora ocorram por curtos períodos de tempo, podem ocasionar significativos prejuízos operacionais e financeiros tanto para as concessionárias de energia, quanto para os consumidores, principalmente, aqueles com instalações industriais de alta tecnologia empregada e cargas e processos sensíveis. O ideal seria ao máximo evitar e atenuar as ocorrências desses eventos, para que não ocorram nenhum tipo de dano. Porém, quando há um prejuízo financeiro, surge a questão de quem deverá arcar com o mesmo. O presente artigo busca aprimorar uma metodologia para identificação da responsabilidade da ocorrência de uma VTCD, concessionária ou cliente, baseada no fator de desequilíbrio de tensão e a análise do método diante de diferentes localizações da falta que ocasionou a VTCD.
Überwachen und konsumieren
Authors: Zurawski Nils
Published: April 2021

Die Digitalisierung unserer Lebenswelten ist allgegenwärtig und ermöglicht die Überwachung unseres Alltages in bisher ungekannten Formen. Warum aber gibt es dagegen so wenig Widerstand, obwohl Datenschützer immerzu warnen und Whistleblower wie Edward Snowden das ganze Ausmaß der Massenüberwachung öffentlich machen? Nils Zurawski konstatiert, dass solche Fragen am Phänomen selbst vorbeigehen, wenn sie nicht die Bedeutung des Konsums als elementares gesellschaftliches Element ernst nehmen. Er zeigt, welche symbolische Kraft Technologien haben und wieso Digitalisierung zu einer Re-Feudalisierung von Lebenswelten führt. In dieser Perspektive wird Überwachung zu einem Teil des Konsums und wirkt identitätsstiftend. Das Buch stellt Alternativen für andere Wege bereit, mit Digitalisierung umzugehen, und neue Möglichkeiten, Überwachung zu diskutieren.
Anders lernen, arbeiten und leben
Authors: Bröcher Joachim
Published: April 2021

Die Zunahme der durch die »Neue Steuerung« des Bildungssystems produzierten emotionalen und sozialen Problematiken in Schule und Gesellschaft ist evident. Die Antwort darauf liegt jedoch nicht in einer präziseren sonderpädagogischen Diagnostik, Förderung und Intervention, sondern im Umbau von Schule, Universität und Gesellschaft. Joachim Bröcher plädiert für eine selbstgestaltete Bildungspflicht, ein bedingungsloses Grundeinkommen, die Gründung von selbstbestimmten Community-Projekten (in denen gearbeitet, gelernt und gelebt wird) sowie eine handlungsorientierte, philosophische Pädagogik. Die »Kontrollgesellschaft« (Gilles Deleuze) verwandelt sich so in eine Zivilgesellschaft der Entrepreneur*innen.