bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cash transfers for HIV prevention: A systematic review
Authors: Stoner Marie C. D. , Kilburn Kelly , Godfrey-Faussett Peter , Ghys Peter , Pettifor Audrey E.
Published: November 2021

Background

Given the success of cash programs in improving health outcomes and addressing upstream drivers of HIV risk such as poverty and education, there has been an increasing interest in their potential to improve HIV prevention and care outcomes. Recent reviews have documented the impacts of structural interventions on HIV prevention, but evidence about the effects of cash transfer programs on HIV prevention has not been systematically reviewed for several years.

Methods and findings

We did a systematic review of published and unpublished literature to update and summarize the evidence around cash programs for HIV prevention from January 2000 to December 17, 2020. We included studies with either a cash transfer intervention, savings program, or program to reduce school costs. Included studies measured the program’s impact on HIV infection, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), or sexual behaviors. We screened 1,565 studies and examined 78 in full-text review to identify a total of 45 peer-reviewed publications and reports from 27 different interventions or populations. We did not do a meta-analysis given the range of outcomes and types of cash transfer interventions assessed. Most studies were conducted in sub-Saharan Africa (N = 23; South Africa, Tanzania, Malawi, Lesotho, Kenya, Uganda, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and eSwatini) followed by Mexico (N = 2), the United States (N = 1), and Mongolia (N = 1)). Of the 27 studies, 20 (72%) were randomized trials, 5 (20%) were observational studies, 1 (4%) was a case–control study, and 1 (4%) was quasi-experimental. Most studies did not identify a strong association between the program and sexual behaviors, except sexual debut (10/18 finding an association; 56%). Eight of the 27 studies included HIV biomarkers, but only 3 found a large reduction in HIV incidence or prevalence, and the rest found no statistically significant association. Of the studies that identified a statistically significant association with other STIs (N = 4/8), 2 involved incentives for staying free of the STI, and the other 2 were cash transfer programs for adolescent girls that had conditionalities related to secondary schooling. Study limitations include the small number of studies in key populations and examining interventions to reduce school costs and matched saving programs.

Conclusions

The evidence base for large-scale impacts of cash transfers reducing HIV risk is limited; however, government social protection cash transfer programs and programs that incentivize school attendance among adolescent girls and young women show the greatest promise for HIV prevention.
Verification of our empirical understanding of the physiology and ecology of two contrasting plantation species using a trait database
Authors: Osone Yoko , Hashimoto Shoji , Kenzo Tanaka
Published: November 2021

The effects of climate change on forest ecosystems take on increasing importance more than ever. Information on plant traits is a powerful predictor of ecosystem dynamics and functioning. We reviewed the major ecological traits, such as foliar gas exchange and nutrients, xylem morphology and drought tolerance, ofCryptomeria japonicaandChamaecyparis obtusa, which are major timber species in East Asia, especially in Japan, by using a recently developed functional trait database for both species (SugiHinokiDB). Empirically,C.obtusahas been planted under drier conditions, whereasC.japonica, which grows faster but thought to be less drought tolerant, has been planted under wetter conditions. Our analysis generally support the empirical knowledge: The maximum photosynthetic rate, stomatal conductance, foliar nutrient content and soil-to-foliage hydraulic conductance were higher inC.japonicathan inC.obtusa. In contrast, the foliar turgor loss point and xylem pressure corresponding to 50% conductivity, which indicate drought tolerance, were lower inC.obtusaand are consistent with the drier habitat ofC.obtusa. Ontogenetic shifts were also observed; as the age and height of the trees increased, foliar nutrient concentrations, foliar minimum midday water potential and specific leaf area decreased inC.japonica, suggesting that nutrient and water limitation occurs with the growth. InC.obtusa, the ontogenetic shits of these foliar traits were less pronounced. Among the Cupressaceae worldwide, the drought tolerance ofC.obtusa, as well asC.japonica, was not as high. This may be related to the fact that the Japanese archipelago has historically not been subjected to strong dryness. The maximum photosynthetic rate showed intermediate values within the family, indicating thatC.japonicaandC.obtusaexhibit relatively high growth rates in the Cupressaceae family, and this is thought to be the reason why they have been selected as economically suitable timber species in Japanese forestry. This study clearly demonstrated that the plant trait database provides us a promising opportunity to verify out empirical knowledge of plantation management and helps us to understand effect of climate change on plantation forests by using trait-based modelling.
Prediction of the importance of auxiliary traits using computational intelligence and machine learning: A simulation study
Authors: da Silva Júnior Antônio Carlos , Silva Michele Jorge da , Cruz Cosme Damião , Sant’Anna Isabela de Castro , Silva Gabi Nunes , Nascimento Moysés , Azevedo Camila Ferreira
Published: November 2021

The present study evaluated the importance of auxiliary traits of a principal trait based on phenotypic information and previously known genetic structure using computational intelligence and machine learning to develop predictive tools for plant breeding. Data of an F2 population represented by 500 individuals, obtained from a cross between contrasting homozygous parents, were simulated. Phenotypic traits were simulated based on previously established means and heritability estimates (30%, 50%, and 80%); traits were distributed in a genome with 10 linkage groups, considering two alleles per marker. Four different scenarios were considered. For the principal trait, heritability was 50%, and 40 control loci were distributed in five linkage groups. Another phenotypic control trait with the same complexity as the principal trait but without any genetic relationship with it and without pleiotropy or a factorial link between the control loci for both traits was simulated. These traits shared a large number of control loci with the principal trait, but could be distinguished by the differential action of the environment on them, as reflected in heritability estimates (30%, 50%, and 80%). The coefficient of determination were considered to evaluate the proposed methodologies. Multiple regression, computational intelligence, and machine learning were used to predict the importance of the tested traits. Computational intelligence and machine learning were superior in extracting nonlinear information from model inputs and quantifying the relative contributions of phenotypic traits. The R2 values ranged from 44.0% - 83.0% and 79.0% - 94.0%, for computational intelligence and machine learning, respectively. In conclusion, the relative contributions of auxiliary traits in different scenarios in plant breeding programs can be efficiently predicted using computational intelligence and machine learning.
Antipredator behavior of newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster) against snakes
Authors: Mochida Koji , Mori Akira
Published: November 2021

Newts and salamanders show remarkable diversity in antipredator behavior, developed to enhance their chemical defenses and/or aposematism. The present study reports on the antipredator behavior of newts (Cynops pyrrhogaster) in response to snakes. Newts displayed a significant amount of tail-wagging and tail-undulation in response to a contact stimulus from the snake’s tongue, which is a snake-specific predator stimulus, as compared to a control stimulus (behavioral scores: tongue, 1.05 ± 0.41; control, 0.15 ± 0.15). Newts that were kept in warm temperature conditions, 20°C (at which snakes are active in nature), performed tail displays more frequently than newts kept in low-temperature conditions, 4°C (at which snakes are inactive in nature). Our results suggest that the tail displays of C. pyrrhogaster could function as an antipredator defense; they direct a snake’s attention to its tail to prevent the snake from attacking more vulnerable body parts. We also discussed the reason for inter-populational variation in the tendency of newts to perform tail displays.
Incubation temperature and physiological aging in the zebra finch
Authors: Berntsen Henrik H. , Bech Claus
Published: November 2021

In birds, incubation temperature has received increased attention as an important source of phenotypic variability in offspring. A lower than optimal incubation temperature may negatively affect aspects of nestling physiology, such as body growth and energy metabolism. However, the long-term effects of sub-optimal incubation temperature on morphology and physiology are not well understood. In a previous study, we showed that zebra finches from eggs incubated at a low temperature (35.9°C) for 2/3 of the total incubation time suffered a lower post-fledging survival compared to individuals that had been incubated at higher temperatures (37.0 and 37.9°C). In the present study, we investigated whether these variations in incubation temperature could cause permanent long-lasting differences in body mass, body size, or basal metabolic rate. Furthermore, we tested whether the observed differences in survival between treatment groups would be reflected in the rate of physiological deterioration, assessed through oxidative damage and decreased metabolic rate with age (i.e. ‘metabolic aging’). Incubation temperature did not significantly affect embryonic or nestling body growth and did not influence final adult body mass or body size. Nor was there any long-term effect on basal metabolic rate. Birds from eggs incubated at the lowest temperature experienced an accumulation of oxidative damage with age, although this was not accompanied by an accelerated rate of metabolic aging. The present results suggest that the low survival in these birds was possibly mediated by increased oxidative stress, but independent of body growth and the basal metabolic rate.
H19- and hsa-miR-338-3p-mediated NRP1 expression is an independent predictor of poor prognosis in glioblastoma
Authors: Liu Yong , Liu Yuelin , Gao Yong , Wang Lei , Shi Hengliang , Xuan Chengmin
Published: November 2021

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and also the most invasive brain cancer. GBM progression is rapid and its prognosis is poor. Therefore, finding molecular targets in GBM is a critical goal that could also play important roles in clinical diagnostics and treatments to improve patient prognosis. We jointly analyzed the GSE103227, GSE103229, and TCGA databases for differentially expressed RNA species, obtaining 52 long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), 31 microRNAs (miRNAs), and 186 mRNAs, which were used to build a competing endogenous RNA network. Kaplan–Meier and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analyses revealed five survival-related lncRNAs: H19, LINC01574, LINC01614, RNF144A-AS1, and OSMR-AS1. With multiple optimization mRNAs, we found the H19-hsa-miR-338-3P-NRP1 regulatory pathway. Additionally, we noted high NRP1 expression in GBM patients, and Kaplan–Meier and ROC analyses showed that NRP1 expression was associated with GBM prognosis. Cox analysis indicated that NRP1 is an independent prognostic factor in GBM patients. In conclusion, H19 and hsa-miR-338-3P regulate NRP1 expression, and this pathway plays an important role in GBM.
Effects of Salmonella enterica ser. Enteritidis and Heidelberg on host CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cell suppressive immune responses in chickens
Authors: Shanmugasundaram Revathi , Acevedo Keila , Mortada Mohamad , Akerele Gabriel , Applegate Todd J. , Kogut Michael H. , Selvaraj Ramesh K.
Published: November 2021

Poultry infected with Salmonella mount an immune response initially, however the immune responses eventually disappear leading the bird to be a carrier of Salmonella. The hypothesis of this study is that Salmonella infection induces T regulatory cell numbers and cytokine production and suppress host T cells locally in the gut to escape the host immune responses. An experiment was conducted to comparatively analyze the effect of S. enterica ser. Enteritidis (S. Enteritidis) and S. enterica ser. Heidelberg (S. Heidelberg) infection on CD4+CD25+ T regulatory cell properties in chickens. A total of 144 broiler chicks were randomly distributed into three experimental groups of non-infected control, S. Enteritidis infected and S. Heidelberg infected groups. Chickens were orally inoculated with PBS (control) or 5x106 CFU/mL of either S. Enteritidis or S. Heidelberg at 3 d of age. Each group was replicated in six pens with eight chickens per pen. Chickens infected with S. Enteritidis had 6.2, 5.4, and 3.8 log10 CFU/g, and chickens infected with S. Heidelberg had 7.1, 4.8, and 4.1 log10 CFU/g Salmonella in the cecal contents at 4, 11, and 32 dpi, respectively. Both S. Enteritidis and S. Heidelberg were recovered from the liver and spleen 4 dpi. At 4, 11, and 32 dpi, chickens infected with S. Enteritidis and S. Heidelberg had increased CD4+CD25+ cell numbers as well as IL-10 mRNA transcription of CD4+CD25+ cells compared to that in the control group. CD4+CD25+ cells from S. Enteritidis- and S. Heidelberg-infected chickens and restimulated with 1 μg antigen in vitro, had higher (P < 0.05) IL-10 mRNA transcription than the CD4+CD25+ cells from the non-infected controls Though at 4dpi, chickens infected with S. Enteritidis and S. Heidelberg had a significant (P < 0.05) increase in CD4+CD25- IL-2, IL-1β, and IFNγ mRNA transcription, the CD4+CD25- IL-2, IL-1β, and IFNγ mRNA transcription, were comparable to that in the control group at 11 and 32dpi identifying that the host inflammatory response against Salmonella disappears at 11 dpi. It can be concluded that S. Enteritidis and S. Heidelberg infection at 3 d of age induces a persistent infection through inducing CD4+CD25+ cells and altering the IL-10 mRNA transcription of CD4+CD25+ cell numbers and cytokine production in chickens between 3 to 32 dpi allowing chickens to become asymptomatic carriers of Salmonella after 18 dpi.
Analysis of chemical compositions and larvicidal activity of nut extracts from Areca catechu Linn against Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae)
Authors: Bharathithasan Madhuri , Ravindran Darvin R. , Rajendran Dinesh , Chun Sim Ka , Abbas S. A. , Sugathan Sandheep , Yahaya Zary Shariman , Said Abd Rahman , Oh Wen-Da , Kotra Vijay , Mathews Allan , Mohd Amin Mohamad Faiz , Ishak Intan H. , Ravi Rajiv
Published: November 2021

Background

There is a growing need to use green alternative larvicidal control for Aedes larvae compared to chemical insecticides. Substantial reliance on chemical insecticides caused insecticide resistance in mosquito populations. Thus, research for alternate chemical compounds from natural products is necessary to control Aedes larvae. This study explores the analysis of chemical compositions from Areca catechu nut as a potential larvicide for Aedes (Diptera: Culicidae).

Methods

The Areca catechu nut collected from Ipoh, Perak, Malaysia was grounded into powder and used for Soxhlet extraction. The chemical analysis of the extracts and their structures were identified using the GCMS-QP2010 Ultra (Shimadzu) system. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Chemistry WebBook, Standard Reference Database 69 (https://webbook.nist.gov/chemistry/) and PubChem (https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/), the two databases used to retrieve the synonyms, molecular formula, molecular weight, and 2-dimensional (2D) structure of chemical compounds. Next, following WHO procedures for larval bioassays, the extracts were used to asses larvicidal activity against early 4th instar larvae of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

Results

The larvicidal activities were observed against early 4th stage larvae with different concentrations in the range from 200 mg/L to 1600 mg/L. The LC50 and LC95 of Aedes aegypti were 621 mg/L and 2264 mg/L respectively; whereas the LC50 and LC95 of Aedes albopictus were 636 mg/L and 2268 mg/L respectively. Mortality was not observed in the non-target organism test. The analysis using gas chromatography and mass spectrometer recovered several chemical compounds such as Arecaidine, Dodecanoic acid, Methyl tetradecanoate, Tetradecanoic acid , and n-Hexadecanoic acid bioactive components. These chemical constituents were used as additive formulations in pesticides, pest control, insect repellent, and insecticidal agents.

Conclusions

Our study showed significant outcomes from the extract of Areca catechu nut and it deserves further investigation in relation to chemical components and larvicidal actions between different species of Aedes mosquitoes. Even though all these findings are fundamental, it may have some interesting potentials to be developed as natural bio-larvicidal products.
Modelling welfare estimates in discrete choice experiments for seaweed-based renewable energy
Authors: Mariel Petr , Demel Simona , Longo Alberto
Published: November 2021

We explore what researchers can gain or lose by using three widely used models for the analysis of discrete choice experiment data—the random parameter logit (RPL) with correlated parameters, the RPL with uncorrelated parameters and the hybrid choice model. Specifically, we analyze three data sets focused on measuring preferences to support a renewable energy programme to grow seaweed for biogas production. In spite of the fact that all three models can converge to very similar median WTP values, they cannot be used indistinguishably. Each model is based on different assumptions, which should be tested before their use. The fact that standard sample sizes usually applied in environmental valuation are generally unable to capture the outcome differences between the models cannot be used as a justification for their indistinct application.
Green urbanization
Authors: Eeckhout Jan , Hedtrich Christoph
Published: November 2021

Large cities are more productive and generate more output per person. Using data from the UK on energy demand and waste generation, we show that they are also more energy-efficient. Large cities are therefore greener than small towns. The amount of energy demanded and waste generated per person is decreasing in total output produced, that is, energy demand and waste generation scale sublinearly with output. Our research provides the first direct evidence of green urbanization by calculating the rate at which per capita electricity use and waste decrease with city population. The energy demand elasticity with respect to city output is 83%: as the total output of a city increases by one percent, energy demand increases less than one percent, and the Urban Energy Premium is therefore 17%. The energy premium by source of energy demand is from households (13%), transport (20%), and industry (16%). Similarly, we find that the elasticity of waste generation with respect to city output is 90%. For one percent increase in total city output, there is a less than one percent increase in waste, with an Urban Waste Premium of 10%. Because large cities are energy-efficient ways of generating output, energy efficiency can be improved by encouraging urbanization and thus green living. We perform a counterfactual analysis in a spatial equilibrium model that makes income taxes contingent on city population, which attracts more people to big cities. We find that this pro-urbanization counterfactual not only increases economic output but also lowers energy consumption and waste production in the aggregate.
High salt exacerbates acute kidney injury by disturbing the activation of CD5L/apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM) protein
Authors: Wang Ching-Ting , Tezuka Tetsushi , Takeda Naoki , Araki Kimi , Arai Satoko , Miyazaki Toru
Published: November 2021

The influence of excess salt intake on acute kidney injury (AKI) has not been examined precisely except for some clinical data, unlike in chronic kidney disease. Here, we addressed the influence of high salt (HS) on AKI and its underlying mechanisms in terms of the activity of circulating apoptosis inhibitor of macrophage (AIM, also called CD5L) protein, a facilitator of AKI repair. HS loading in mice subjected to ischemia/reperfusion (IR) resulted in high mortality with advanced renal tubular obstruction and marked exacerbation in biomarkers of proximal renal tubular damage. This AKI exacerbation appeared to be caused mainly by the reduced AIM dissociation from IgM pentamer in serum, as IgM-free AIM is indispensable for the removal of intratubular debris to facilitate AKI repair. Injection of recombinant AIM (rAIM) ameliorated the AKI induced by IR/HS, dramatically improving the tubular damage and mouse survival. The repair of lethal AKI by AIM was dependent on AIM/ kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) axis, as rAIM injection was not effective in KIM-1 deficient mice. Our results demonstrate that the inhibition of AIM dissociation from IgM is an important reason for the exacerbation of AKI by HS, that AIM is a strong therapeutic tool for severe AKI.
Gene expression signatures as candidate biomarkers of response to PD-1 blockade in non-small cell lung cancers
Authors: Aiba Tomoiki , Hattori Chieko , Sugisaka Jun , Shimizu Hisashi , Ono Hirotaka , Domeki Yutaka , Saito Ryohei , Kawana Sachiko , Kawashima Yosuke , Terayama Keisuke , Toi Yukihiro , Nakamura Atsushi , Yamanda Shinsuke , Kimura Yuichiro , Suzuki Yutaka , Niida Atsushi , Sugawara Shunichi
Published: November 2021

Although anti-PD-1/PD-L1 monotherapy has achieved clinical success in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), definitive predictive biomarkers remain to be elucidated. In this study, we performed whole-transcriptome sequencing of pretreatment tumor tissue samples and pretreatment and on-treatment whole blood samples (WB) samples obtained from a clinically annotated cohort of NSCLC patients (n = 40) treated with nivolumab (anti-PD-1) monotherapy. Using a single-sample gene set enrichment scoring method, we found that the tumors of responders with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD, n = 20) are inherently immunogenic to promote antitumor immunity, whereas those with lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC, n = 18) have a less immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. These findings suggested that nivolumab may function as a molecular targeted agent in LUAD and as an immunomodulating agent in LUSC. In addition, our study explains why the reliability of PD-L1 expression on tumor cells as a predictive biomarker for the response to nivolumab monotherapy is quite different between LUAD and LUSC.
Spatiotemporal elements in a poisoned bait strategy against the long-tailed silverfish (Lepismatidae: Zygentoma)
Authors: Rukke Bjørn Arne , Hage Morten , Aak Anders
Published: November 2021

The long-tailed silverfishCtenolepisma longicaudatum(Lepismatidae: Zygentoma) is a nuisance problem in buildings and a major concern in museums, libraries and archives where it cause damage to historical and priceless items. We used laboratory bioassays and two field studies of infested buildings to evaluate spatial and temporal elements of a poisoned bait strategy. In both laboratory experiments and field studies, the efficiency of poisoned bait with indoxacarb as the active ingredient was significantly improved by placing many small bait droplets evenly distributed along all edges of the treated area compared to more clustered distributions. Extended duration of bait presence and removal of competing food sources improved the control effect significantly in the laboratory bioassays. Bait-treated populations also showed a significant decline in the number of eggs deposited and emergence of new nymphs. The study supports poisoned bait as an efficient and low risk approach against the long-tailed silverfish in which extended duration of bait presence, wide distribution of bait droplets in combination with sanitation was crucial for control in the infested premises.
The effect of spironolactone on cardiac and renal fibrosis following myocardial infarction in established hypertension in the transgenic Cyp1a1Ren2 rat
Authors: Leader C. J. , Wilkins G. T. , Walker R. J.
Published: November 2021

Aims

The renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis plays a key role in mediating cardiac and kidney injury. Mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism has beneficial effects on cardiac dysfunction, but effects are less well quantified in the cardiorenal syndrome. This study investigated cardiac and kidney pathophysiology following permanent surgical ligation to induce myocardial infarction (MI) in hypertensive animals with or without mineralocorticoid receptor antagonism.

Methods

Hypertension was induced in adult male Cyp1a1Ren2 rats. Hypertensive animals underwent MI surgery (n = 6), and were then treated daily with spironolactone for 28 days with serial systolic blood pressure measurements, echocardiograms and collection of urine and serum biochemical data. They were compared to hypertensive animals (n = 4), hypertensive animals treated with spironolactone (n = 4), and hypertensive plus MI without spironolactone (n = 6). Cardiac and kidney tissue was examined for histological and immunohistochemical analysis.

Results

MI superimposed on hypertension resulted in an increase in interstitial cardiac fibrosis (p<0.001), renal cortical interstitial fibrosis (p<0.01) and glomerulosclerosis (p<0.01). Increased fibrosis was accompanied by myofibroblast and macrophage infiltration in the heart and the kidney. Spironolactone post-MI, diminished the progressive fibrosis (p<0.001) and inflammation (myofibroblasts (p<0.05); macrophages (p<0.01)) in both the heart and the kidney, despite persistently elevated SBP (182±19 mmHg). Despite the reduction in inflammation and fibrosis, spironolactone did not modify ejection fraction, proteinuria, or renal function when compared to untreated animals post MI.

Conclusion

This model of progressive cardiorenal dysfunction more closely replicates the clinical setting. Mineralocorticoid receptor blockade at a clinically relevant dose, blunted progression of cardiac and kidney fibrosis with reduction in cardiac and kidney inflammatory myofibroblast and macrophage infiltration. Further studies are underway to investigate the combined actions of angiotensin blockade with mineralocorticoid receptor blockade.
Family context and individual characteristics in antenatal care utilization among adolescent childbearing mothers in urban slums in Nigeria
Authors: Akinyemi Akanni Ibukun , Erinfolami Temitope Peter , Adebayo Samuel Olinapekun , Shah Iqbal , Elewonbi Reni , Omoluabi Elizabeth
Published: November 2021

Introduction

Adolescent pregnancy contributes significantly to the high maternal mortality in Nigeria. Research evidence from developing countries consistently underscores Antenatal Care (ANC) among childbearing adolescents as important to reducing high maternal mortality. However, more than half of pregnant adolescents in Nigeria do not attend ANC. A major gap in literature is on the influence of family context in pregnant adolescent patronage of ANC services.

Methods

The study utilized a cross-sectional survey with data collected among adolescent mothers in urban slums in three Nigerian states namely, Kaduna, Lagos, and Oyo. The survey used a multi-stage sampling design. The survey covered a sample of 1,015, 1,009 and 1,088 childbearing adolescents from each of Kaduna, Lagos, and Oyo states respectively. Data were analyzed at the three levels: univariate, bivariate and multivariate.

Results

Overall, about 70 percent of female adolescents in our sample compared with 75 percent in the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) had any antenatal care (ANC) visit. About 62 percent in our sample compared with 70 percent in the DHS had at least 4 ANC visits, and, about 55 percent in our sample compared with 41 percent of the DHS that had 4 ANC visits in a health facility with skilled attendant (4ANC+). Those who have both parents alive and the mother with post-primary education have higher odds of attending 4ANC+ visits. The odds of attending 4ANC+ for those who have lost both parents is almost 60% less than those whose parents are alive, and, about 40% less than those whose mothers are alive. The influence of mother’s education on 4ANC+ attendance is more significant with large disparity when both parents are dead.

Conclusion

The study concludes that identifying the role of parents and community in expanding access to ANC services among adolescent mothers is important in improving maternal health in developing countries.
Body image in patients with different types of cancer
Authors: Brederecke Jan , Heise Anja , Zimmermann Tanja
Published: November 2021

Background

Cancer can cause physical changes and affect satisfaction with a persons’ physical appearance, which in turn can affect overall quality of life. Previous studies have primarily focused on women with breast cancer and few is known about body image in patients with other cancers and especially men. The present study compares satisfaction with body image of patients with different types of cancer with the general population and across sexes and identifies risk factors for diminished body image. Additionally, patients that were diagnosed within the last year and those living with cancer for longer are compared.

Methods

In this cross-sectional study,N= 531 cancer patients answered the German Self-Image Scale to assess body image. One samplet-tests are utilized to compare the body image of cancer patients with the general population. Stepwise regression analyses were used to identify factors associated with body image and ANOVAs with posthoc tests as well ast-tests were used to examine group differences.

Results

Cancer patients showed diminished body image compared to the general population. For men, higher relationship satisfaction and lower cancer-specific distress were associated with more positive body self-acceptance (SA), whereas younger age, higher relationship satisfaction, and lower cancer-specific distress resulted in better perceived partner-acceptance of one’s body (PA). In women, higher education, lower anxiety and cancer-specific distress were associated with more positive SA. Female cancer patients with breast/gynecological cancer reported better SA than those with visceral cancers. Higher relationship satisfaction and lower cancer-specific distress were found to be associated with more satisfactory PA in females. Time since diagnosis did not affect body image in this study.

Conclusions

Results indicate that cancer patients regardless of sex tend to have decreased body image satisfaction. Future research directions include examination of additional entities of cancer, deeper research in men and the role of time since diagnosis.
Impact of COVID-19-related knowledge on protective behaviors: The moderating role of primary sources of information
Authors: Kim Sooyoung , Capasso Ariadna , Cook Stephanie H. , Ali Shahmir H. , Jones Abbey M. , Foreman Joshua , DiClemente Ralph J. , Tozan Yesim
Published: November 2021

This study assessed the modifying role of primary source of COVID-19 information in the association between knowledge and protective behaviors related to COVID-19 among adults living in the United States (US). Data was collected from 6,518 US adults through an online cross-sectional self-administered survey via social media platforms in April 2020. Linear regression was performed on COVID-19 knowledge and behavior scores, adjusted for sociodemographic factors. An interaction term between knowledge score and primary information source was included to observe effect modification by primary information source. Higher levels of knowledge were associated with increased self-reported engagement with protective behaviors against COVID-19. The primary information source significantly moderated the association between knowledge and behavior, and analyses of simple slopes revealed significant differences by primary information source. This study shows the important role of COVID-19 information sources in affecting people’s engagement in recommended protective behaviors. Governments and health agencies should monitor the use of various information sources to effectively engage the public and translate knowledge into behavior change during an evolving public health crisis like COVID-19.
Ringed seal (Pusa hispida) breeding habitat on the landfast ice in northwest Alaska during spring 1983 and 1984
Authors: Hauser Donna D. W. , Frost Kathryn J. , Burns John J.
Published: November 2021

There has been significant sea ice loss associated with climate change in the Pacific Arctic, with unquantified impacts to the habitat of ice-obligate marine mammals such as ringed seals (Pusa hispida). Ringed seals maintain breathing holes and excavate subnivean lairs on sea ice to provide protection from weather and predators during birthing, nursing, and resting. However, there is limited baseline information on the snow and ice habitat, distribution, density, and configuration of ringed seal structures (breathing holes, simple haul-out lairs, and pup lairs) in Alaska. Here, we describe historic field records from two regions of the eastern Chukchi Sea (Kotzebue Sound and Ledyard Bay) collected during spring 1983 and 1984 to quantify baseline ringed seal breeding habitat and map the distribution of ringed seal structures using modern geospatial tools. Of 490 structures located on pre-established study grids by trained dogs, 29% were pup lairs (25% in Kotzebue Sound and 33% in Ledyard Bay). Grids in Ledyard Bay had greater overall density of seal structures than those in Kotzebue Sound (8.6 structures/km2and 7.1 structures/km2), but structures were larger in Kotzebue Sound. Pup lairs were located in closer proximity to other structures and characterized by deeper snow and greater ice deformation than haul-out lairs or simple breathing holes. At pup lairs, snow depths averaged 74.9 cm (range 37–132 cm), with ice relief nearby averaging 76 cm (range 31–183 cm), and ice deformation 29.9% (range 5–80%). We compare our results to similar studies conducted in other geographic regions and discuss our findings in the context of recent declines in extent and duration of seasonal cover of landfast sea ice and snow deposition on sea ice. Ultimately, additional research is needed to understand the effects of recent environmental changes on ringed seals, but our study establishes a baseline upon which future research can measure pup habitat in northwest Alaska.
Top-down proteomic identification of plasmid and host proteins produced by pathogenic Escherichia coli using MALDI-TOF-TOF tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Fagerquist Clifton K. , Dodd Claire E.
Published: November 2021

Fourteen proteins produced by three pathogenic Escherichia coli strains were identified using antibiotic induction, MALDI-TOF-TOF tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and top-down proteomic analysis using software developed in-house. Host proteins as well as plasmid proteins were identified. Mature, intact protein ions were fragmented by post-source decay (PSD), and prominent fragment ions resulted from the aspartic acid effect fragmentation mechanism wherein polypeptide backbone cleavage (PBC) occurs on the C-terminal side of aspartic acid (D), glutamic acid (E) and asparagine (N) residues. These highly specific MS/MS-PSD fragment ions were compared to b- and y-type fragment ions on the C-terminal side of D-, E- and N-residues of in silico protein sequences derived from whole genome sequencing. Nine proteins were found to be post-translationally modified with either removal of an N-terminal methionine or a signal peptide. The protein sequence truncation algorithm of our software correctly identified all full and truncated protein sequences. Truncated sequences were compared to those predicted by SignalP. Nearly complete concurrence was obtained except for one protein where SignalP mis-identified the cleavage site by one residue. Two proteins had intramolecular disulfide bonds that were inferred by the absence of PBC on the C-terminal side of a D-residue located within the disulfide loop. These results demonstrate the utility of MALDI-TOF-TOF for identification of full and truncated bacterial proteins.
Establishment of quantitative RNAi-based forward genetics in Entamoeba histolytica and identification of genes required for growth
Authors: Bettadapur Akhila , Hunter Samuel S. , Suleiman Rene L. , Ruyechan Maura C. , Huang Wesley , Barbieri Charles G. , Miller Hannah W. , Tam Tammie S. Y. , Settles Matthew L. , Ralston Katherine S.
Published: November 2021

While Entamoeba histolytica remains a globally important pathogen, it is dramatically understudied. The tractability of E. histolytica has historically been limited, which is largely due to challenging features of its genome. To enable forward genetics, we constructed and validated the first genome-wide E. histolytica RNAi knockdown mutant library. This library allows for Illumina deep sequencing analysis for quantitative identification of mutants that are enriched or depleted after selection. We developed a novel analysis pipeline to precisely define and quantify gene fragments. We used the library to perform the first RNAi screen in E. histolytica and identified slow growth (SG) mutants. Among genes targeted in SG mutants, many had annotated functions consistent with roles in cellular growth or metabolic pathways. Some targeted genes were annotated as hypothetical or lacked annotated domains, supporting the power of forward genetics in uncovering functional information that cannot be gleaned from databases. While the localization of neither of the proteins targeted in SG1 nor SG2 mutants could be predicted by sequence analysis, we showed experimentally that SG1 localized to the cytoplasm and cell surface, while SG2 localized to the cytoplasm. Overexpression of SG1 led to increased growth, while expression of a truncation mutant did not lead to increased growth, and thus aided in defining functional domains in this protein. Finally, in addition to establishing forward genetics, we uncovered new details of the unusual E. histolytica RNAi pathway. These studies dramatically improve the tractability of E. histolytica and open up the possibility of applying genetics to improve understanding of this important pathogen.
Activism in a time of pandemic: The impact of COVID-19 in Chilean citizen movement after the uprising of October 2019
Authors: Bronfman Paulina
Published: November 2021

Chile, unlike other countries in the region, is facing two major crises: one of a large social nature and the other in public health, which is in its form of the pandemic that is currently affecting the entire world. In October 2019, secondary-school and university students organized a massive evasion of the Santiago metro fare. The reason was to protest the 30 pesos increase in the cost of the ticket. This apparently small issue detonated the greatest protest movement of the last 30 years. By January 2019, the uprising had left 31 dead and 5,558 people who reported human rights violations, including 331 with ocular trauma or injury to their eyes and 21 suffered damage or loss of the eyeball. In March 2019, protests were eradicated from the streets and the development of the movement was slowed down by the powerful action of the Coronavirus. This article explores the impact that the COVID-19 crisis had on citizen movement, and the functionality of the health crisis to establish the de facto authoritarian hyper-controlled state in order to freeze the social crisis. Also, this work identifies the strategy that the Chilean citizen movement developed to survive during 2020, applying model of analysis of activism under pandemic as a starting point.
From Galileo to Navier and Clapeyron
Authors: Pons Josep Maria
Published: November 2021

Galileo (1564-1642), in his well-known Discorsi (Galileo, 1638), briefly turning his attention to the fracture of a beam, starts an interesting discussion on the beam’s breakage as well as its location. Could the section and breaking point of a beam have been determined beforehand? Furthermore, is it specific to the material? What Galileo did was not merely challenge a physics problem, but the prevailing knowledge of his time: namely, Aristotelianism on one hand, and Nominalism on the other. As a matter of fact, must the breakage of an element be treated as a universal or is it particular to a given material?

The present essay aims to prove how Galileo, confronting the structural problem and bringing it into the realm of science, was not just raising a problem but, using Salviati’s words, he also established what actually takes place. Many years later, with the progress of physics, strength of materials and theory of structures, figures such as Claude Navier (1785-1836) and Benoît Clapeyron (1799-1864) confirmed once again that the Pisan turned out to be right.

This article intends to combine technical fields such as strength of materials and theory of structures with others like the history of science and philosophy proper. A cooperative approach to these disciplines can be doubtlessly helpful to improve the knowledge, learning and teaching of their different curricula, giving the reader a global, holistic perspective.
Effect of novel natural feed additive containing Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on growth performance and meat characteristics of broilers
Authors: Sugiharto Sugiharto , Pratama Anugrah R. , Yudiarti Turrini , Ayasan Tugay
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim: In the post-antibiotic era, consumer demand for healthy and safe meats has prompted poultry producers to seek alternative effective feed additives. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a novel natural feed additive based on a mixture of Averrhoa bilimbi L. fruit filtrate, wheat bran, and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on the growth rate, internal organ weight, and breast meat characteristics of broilers.

Materials and Methods: A total of 280 1-day-old chicks were divided into one control (CNTRL; feed without additives) and three treatment groups: NOV25, feed with 2.5 g/kg novel additive; NOV50, feed with 5.0 g/kg novel additive; and NOV100, feed with 10 g/kg novel additive. The body weight (BW), feed intake (FI), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured weekly. On day 35, the chickens from each group were slaughtered, and their internal organs and breast meat samples were collected.

Results: The BW of broilers in NOV100 was greater (p=0.016) than that in the other groups. The FCRs in the treatments groups were lower (p<0.001) than that in the control group. Elevated levels of the novel additive increased (p=0.051) the relative weight of the duodenum. The pH values in the breast meat of broilers receiving the novel additive were higher (p<0.001) than that in control. The C20:3n-6 of the NOV100 breast meat was lower (p=0.012) than that of NOV25 and NOV50, but it did not differ from that of the control. The unsaturated fatty acid-to-saturated fatty acid ratio in the breast meats of the treatments was higher (p=0.032) than that in control. The L-tyrosine content in NOV50 breast meat was higher (p=0.036) than that in CNTRL and NOV100 but did not differ from that in NOV25.

Conclusion: The proposed feed additive improved the live BW and FCR of broilers and the physical and nutritional qualities of broiler breast meat.
Prevalence of the MDR1 gene mutation in herding dog breeds and Thai Ridgebacks in Thailand
Authors: Lerdkrai Chommanad , Phungphosop Nuch
Published: November 2021

Background and Aim: A canine multi-drug resistance 1 (MDR1) nt230(del4) is a well-known inherited disorder that primarily affects collies and various herding breeds. The most recognized clinical implication for affected dogs is associated with an increased risk of multiple drug toxicity. To date, MDR1 gene mutations have been identified globally, especially in dogs from the USA and European countries. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of MDR1 nt230(del4) in herding dog breeds and Thai Ridgebacks in Thailand. Materials and Methods: We clarified the prevalence of MDR1 nt230(del4) in 263 dogs of eight purebred dog breeds in Thailand using an allele-specific multiplex polymerase chain reaction method and direct DNA sequencing. Results: Rough Collies, Australian Shepherds, Shetland Sheepdogs, and Old English Sheepdogs were affected by the mutation with mutant allelic frequencies of 57.14%, 12.82%, 11.28%, and 8.33%, respectively. Among these populations, the prevalence of the MDR1 (+/–) genotype was 57.14% (12/21) for Rough Collies, 25.64% (10/39) for Australian Shepherds, 16.13% (15/93) for Shetland Sheepdogs, and 16.67% (2/12) for Old English Sheepdogs, whereas the MDR1 (–/–) mutation was only identified in Rough Collies and Shetland Sheepdogs, with prevalences of 28.57% (6/21) and 3.22% (3/93), respectively. However, the MDR1 nt230(del4) was not identified in Border Collies, German Shepherds, White Swiss Shepherds, or Thai Ridgebacks. Conclusion: This study provides the current situation regarding MDR1 nt230(del4) in herding dog breeds in Thailand. In this survey, we investigated for the first time the status of MDR1 genotype in Thai Ridgebacks. These results are helpful for veterinarians managing effective therapeutic plans for commonly affected dog breeds, and these results will encourage all breeders to improve their selective breeding programs based on the MDR1 nt230(del4) status.
Soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 levels and severity of dengue hemorrhagic fever in children
Authors: Nolitriani Nolitriani , Mariko Rinang , Mayetti Mayetti
Published: November 2021

Background The clinical manifestations of dengue infection vary widely, ranging from asymptomatic to severe forms that can cause death. In severe infections, the expression of soluble vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (sVCAM-1) in endothelial cells is reportedly excessive, causing endothelial cell gaps through VE-cadherin and plasma leakage, which is the basic mechanism for shock in dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF).

Objective To determine the association between sVCAM-1 levels and severity of dengue hemorrhagic fever in children.

Methods This cross-sectional study was done in children with DHF at Dr. M. Djamil Hospital, Padang, West Sumatera. Subjects were diagnosed according to the 2011 WHO criteria and selected by consecutive sampling. They were grouped as DHF with or without shock. Examination of sVCAM-1 levels was done by ELISA method. Mann-Whitney test with a significance of P<0.05 was used for statistical analysis.

Results A total of 66 patients were collected from January 2018 to December 2019, but 2 patients were excluded. The 64 subjects who met the inclusion criteria consisted of 32 (50%) DHF without shock and 32 (50%) DHF with shock. Median sVCAM-1 was significantly higher in the DHF with shock group (840 ng/mL) than in DHF without shock group (598 ng/mL) (P<0.05).

Conclusion There was a significant association between higher sVCAM-1 levels and greater severity of dengue hemorrhagic fever in children.
INNOVATION POTENTIAL OF NATIONAL ECONOMIES: A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Tarasov D. O. , Dubina I. N.
Published: November 2021

Currently, with the expansion of technological innovations, the economy of the Russian Federation is being transformed. For this reason, it becomes necessary to assess its innovation potential and compare it with the level of innovation potential of other countries. The economies of the BRICS countries were selected for the study, and the United States was also considered as an example of a developed innovation economy. To assess the innovation potential of these countries, groups of indicators were identified that determine the degree of innovation development. The study used data from the Science and Technology section of the World Bank site and applied the methods of correlation and regression analysis. The results of the analysis make it possible to identify and compare the key factors in the development of innovation potential in the countries under consideration.