bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Up-down biphasic volume response of human red blood cells to PIEZO1 activation during capillary transits
Authors: Rogers Simon , Lew Virgilio L.
Published: March 2021

In this paper we apply a novel JAVA version of a model on the homeostasis of human red blood cells (RBCs) to investigate the changes RBCs experience during single capillary transits. In the companion paper we apply a model extension to investigate the changes in RBC homeostasis over the approximately 200000 capillary transits during the ~120 days lifespan of the cells. These are topics inaccessible to direct experimentation but rendered mature for a computational modelling approach by the large body of recent and early experimental results which robustly constrain the range of parameter values and model outcomes, offering a unique opportunity for an in depth study of the mechanisms involved. Capillary transit times vary between 0.5 and 1.5s during which the red blood cells squeeze and deform in the capillary stream transiently opening stress-gated PIEZO1 channels allowing ion gradient dissipation and creating minuscule quantal changes in RBC ion contents and volume. Widely accepted views, based on the effects of experimental shear stress on human RBCs, suggested that quantal changes generated during capillary transits add up over time to develop the documented changes in RBC density and composition during their long circulatory lifespan, the quantal hypothesis. Applying the new red cell model (RCM) we investigated here the changes in homeostatic variables that may be expected during single capillary transits resulting from transient PIEZO1 channel activation. The predicted quantal volume changes were infinitesimal in magnitude, biphasic in nature, and essentially irreversible within inter-transit periods. A sub-second transient PIEZO1 activation triggered a sharp swelling peak followed by a much slower recovery period towards lower-than-baseline volumes. The peak response was caused by net CaCl2 and fluid gain via PIEZO1 channels driven by the steep electrochemical inward Ca2+ gradient. The ensuing dehydration followed a complex time-course with sequential, but partially overlapping contributions by KCl loss via Ca2+-activated Gardos channels, restorative Ca2+ extrusion by the plasma membrane calcium pump, and chloride efflux by the Jacobs-Steward mechanism. The change in relative cell volume predicted for single capillary transits was around 10−5, an infinitesimal volume change incompatible with a functional role in capillary flow. The biphasic response predicted by the RCM appears to conform to the quantal hypothesis, but whether its cumulative effects could account for the documented changes in density during RBC senescence required an investigation of the effects of myriad transits over the full four months circulatory lifespan of the cells, the subject of the next paper.
Quality of life and associated factors among HIV positive patients after completion of treatment for Cryptococcal meningitis
Authors: Kitonsa Jonathan , Kiwanuka Julius , Anywaine Zacchaeus , Kansiime Sheila , Katumba Kenneth , Aeron Namirembe , Beardsley Justin , Kibengo Freddie , Gray Alastair , Kaleebu Pontiano , Day Jeremy
Published: March 2021

Background

Cryptococcal meningitis (CCM) remains one of the leading causes of mortality among HIV infected patients. Due to factors such as the severity of CCM pathology, the quality of life (QOL) of patients post-treatment is likely to be poor. Few studies have reported on QOL of CCM patients post treatment completion. We used data collected among patients in the CryptoDex trial (ISRCTN59144167) to determine QOL and associated factors at week 10 and six months from treatment initiation.

Methodology

CryptoDex was a double-blind placebo-controlled trial of adjunctive dexamethasone in HIV infected adults with CCM, conducted between 2013 and 2015 in six countries in Asia and Africa. QOL was determined using the descriptive and Visual Analog Scales (VAS) of the EuroQol Five-Dimension-Three-Level (EQ-5D-3L) tool. We derived index scores, and described these and the VAS scores at 10 weeks and 6 months; and used linear regression to determine the relationship between various characteristics and VAS scores at both time points. VAS scores were interpreted as very good (81–100), good (51–80), normal (31–50) and bad/very bad (0–30).

Results

Of 451 patients enrolled in the trial, 238 had QOL evaluations at week 10. At baseline, their mean age (SD) was 35.2(8.5) years. The mean index scores (SD) were 0.785(0.2) and 0.619(0.4) among African and Asian patients respectively at week 10, and 0.879(0.2) and 0.731(0.4) among African and Asian patients respectively at month six. The overall mean VAS score (SD) at 10 weeks was 57.2 (29.7), increasing significantly to 72(27.4) at month six (p<0.001). At week 10, higher VAS score was associated with greater weight (p = 0.007) and being African (p<0.001), while lower VAS score was associated with positive yeast culture at day 14 (p = 0.026). At month six, higher VAS score remained associated with African origin (p = 0.006) while lower VAS score was associated with positive yeast culture (p = 0.006). Lower VAS scores were associated with higher number of inpatient days at 10 weeks and 6 months (p = 0.003 and 0.002 respectively).

Conclusion

QOL was good among patients that had completed therapy for CCM, but below perfect. Strategies to improve QOL among CCM survivors are required.
A multicenter, community-based, mixed methods assessment of the acceptability of a triple drug regimen for elimination of lymphatic filariasis
Authors: Krentel Alison , Basker Nandha , Beau de Rochars Madsen , Bogus Joshua , Dilliott Daniel , Direny Abdel N. , Dubray Christine , Fischer Peter U. , Ga Adriani Lomi , Goss Charles W. , Hardy Myra , Howard Cade , Jambulingam Purushothaman , King Christopher L. , Laman Moses , Lemoine Jean Frantz , Mallya Shruti , Robinson Leanne J. , Samuela Josaia , Schechtman Ken B. , Steer Andrew C. , Supali Taniawati , Tavul Livingstone , Weil Gary J.
Published: March 2021

Background

Many countries will not reach elimination targets for lymphatic filariasis in 2020 using the two-drug treatment regimen (diethylcarbamazine citrate [DEC] and albendazole [DA]). A cluster-randomized, community-based safety study performed in Fiji, Haiti, India, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea tested the safety and efficacy of a new regimen of ivermectin, DEC and albendazole (IDA).

Methodology/Principal findings

To assess acceptability of IDA and DA, a mixed methods study was embedded within this community-based safety study. The study objective was to assess the acceptability of IDA versus DA. Community surveys were performed in each country with randomly selected participants (>14 years) from the safety study participant list in both DA and IDA arms. In depth interviews (IDI) and focus group discussions (FGD) assessed acceptability-related themes. In 1919 individuals, distribution of sex, microfilariae (Mf) presence and circulating filarial antigenemia (CFA), adverse events (AE) and age were similar across arms. A composite acceptability score summed the values from nine indicators (range 9–36). The median (22.5) score indicated threshold of acceptability. There was no difference in scores for IDA and DA regimens. Mean acceptability scores across both treatment arms were: Fiji 33.7 (95% CI: 33.1–34.3); Papua New Guinea 32.9 (95% CI: 31.9–33.8); Indonesia 30.6 (95% CI: 29.8–31.3); Haiti 28.6 (95% CI: 27.8–29.4); India 26.8 (95% CI: 25.6–28) (P<0.001). AE, Mf or CFA were not associated with acceptability. Qualitative research (27 FGD; 42 IDI) highlighted professionalism and appreciation for AE support. No major concerns were detected about number of tablets. Increased uptake of LF treatment by individuals who had never complied with MDA was observed.

Conclusions/Significance

IDA and DA regimens for LF elimination were highly and equally acceptable in individuals participating in the community-based safety study in Fiji, Haiti, India, Indonesia, and Papua New Guinea. Country variation in acceptability was significant. Acceptability of the professionalism of the treatment delivery was highlighted.
Reassessment of the risk of birth defects due to Zika virus in Guadeloupe, 2016
Authors: Funk Anna L. , Hoen Bruno , Vingdassalom Ingrid , Ryan Catherine , Kadhel Philippe , Schepers Kinda , Gaete Stanie , Tressières Benoit , Fontanet Arnaud
Published: March 2021

Background

In the French Territories in the Americas (FTA), the risk of birth defects possibly associated with Zika virus (ZIKV) infection was 7.0% (95%CI: 5.0 to 9.5) among foetuses/infants of 546 women with symptomatic RT-PCR confirmed ZIKV infection during pregnancy. Many of these defects were isolated measurement-based microcephaly (i.e. without any detected brain or clinical abnormalities) or mild neurological conditions. We wanted to estimate the proportion of such minor findings among live births of women who were pregnant in the same region during the outbreak period but who were not infected with ZIKV.

Methods

In Guadeloupe, pregnant women were recruited at the time of delivery and tested for ZIKV infection. The outcomes of live born infants of ZIKV non-infected women were compared to those of ZIKV-exposed live born infants in Guadeloupe, extracted from the FTA prospective cohort.

Results

Of 490 live born infants without exposure to ZIKV, 42 infants (8.6%, 95%CI: 6.2–11.4) had mild abnormalities that have been described as ‘potentially linked to ZIKV infection’; all but one of these was isolated measurement-based microcephaly. Among the 241 live born infants with ZIKV exposure, the proportion of such abnormalities, using the same definition, was similar (6.6%, 95%CI: 3.8–10.6).

Conclusions

Isolated anthropometric abnormalities and mild neurological conditions were as prevalent among infants with and without in-utero ZIKV exposure. If such abnormalities had not been considered as ‘potentially linked to ZIKV’ in the original prospective cohort in Guadeloupe, the overall estimate of the risk of birth defects considered due to the virus would have been significantly lower, at approximately 1.6% (95% CI: 0.4–4.1).

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT02916732)
Inhibition of innate immune response ameliorates Zika virus-induced neurogenesis deficit in human neural stem cells
Authors: Xu Pei , Gao Junling , Shan Chao , Dunn Tiffany J. , Xie Xuping , Xia Hongjie , Zou Jing , Thames Beatriz H. , Sajja Amulya , Yu Yongjia , Freiberg Alexander N. , Vasilakis Nikos , Shi Pei-Yong , Weaver Scott C. , Wu Ping
Published: March 2021

Global Zika virus (ZIKV) outbreaks and their strong link to microcephaly have raised major public health concerns. ZIKV has been reported to affect the innate immune responses in neural stem/progenitor cells (NS/PCs). However, it is unclear how these immune factors affect neurogenesis. In this study, we used Asian-American lineage ZIKV strain PRVABC59 to infect primary human NS/PCs originally derived from fetal brains. We found that ZIKV overactivated key molecules in the innate immune pathways to impair neurogenesis in a cell stage-dependent manner. Inhibiting the overactivated innate immune responses ameliorated ZIKV-induced neurogenesis reduction. This study thus suggests that orchestrating the host innate immune responses in NS/PCs after ZIKV infection could be promising therapeutic approach to attenuate ZIKV-associated neuropathology.
Plasma trimethylamine N-oxide and its metabolic precursors and risk of mortality, cardiovascular and renal disease in individuals with type 2-diabetes and albuminuria
Authors: Winther Signe Abitz , Øllgaard Jens Christian , Hansen Tine Willum , von Scholten Bernt Johan , Reinhard Henrik , Ahluwalia Tarunveer Singh , Wang Zeneng , Gæde Peter , Parving Hans-Henrik , Hazen Stanley , Pedersen Oluf , Rossing Peter
Published: March 2021

Aims

The trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) pathway is related to intestinal microbiota and has been associated to risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). We investigated associations between four plasma metabolites in the TMAO pathway and risk of all-cause mortality, CVD and deterioration in renal function in individuals with type 2-diabetes (T2D) and albuminuria.

Materials and methods

Plasma concentrations of TMAO, choline, carnitine, and betaine were measured by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry at baseline in 311 individuals with T2D and albuminuria. Information on all-cause mortality and fatal/non-fatal CVD during follow-up was obtained from registries. The association of each metabolite, and a weighted sum score of all four metabolites, with the endpoints were examined. Serum creatinine was measured at follow-up visits and the renal endpoint was defined as eGFR-decline of ≥30%. Associations were analysed using proportional hazards models adjusted for traditional risk factors.

Results

Baseline mean(SD) age was 57.2(8.2) years and 75% were males. Follow-up was up to 21.9 years (median (IQR) follow-up 6.8 (6.1–15.5) years for mortality and 6.5 (5.5–8.1) years for CVD events). The individual metabolites and the weighted sum score were not associated with all-cause mortality (n = 106) or CVD (n = 116) (adjusted p≥0.09). Higher choline, carnitine and the weighted sum score of the four metabolites were associated with higher risk of decline in eGFR (n = 106) (adjusted p = 0.001, p = 0.03 and p<0.001, respectively).

Conclusions

In individuals with T2D and albuminuria, higher choline, carnitine and a weighted sum of four metabolites from the TMAO pathway were risk markers for deterioration in renal function during long-term follow-up. Metabolites from the TMAO pathway were not independently related to risk of all-cause mortality or CVD.
Measuring psychological capital: Revision of the Compound Psychological Capital Scale (CPC-12)
Authors: Dudasova Ludmila , Prochazka Jakub , Vaculik Martin , Lorenz Timo
Published: March 2021

This article provides information about the psychometric limitations of the original Compound Psychological Capital Scale (CPC-12) and suggests a revised version CPC-12R, a free-to-use measure of Psychological Capital. The investigation consisted of three studies: two of these identified psychometric limitations of the original scale, and the third presented the revised version of the scale. The first study did not confirm the hypothesized four-factor structure of the CPC-12 on a sample of Czech teachers (n = 282) and found psychometric limitations in the resilience subscale. The second study identified the same problem using secondary analyses of the original data from two samples of German employees (n = 202 and 321 respectively). The third study proposed a revised version of the scale with new items for resilience, and provided support for reliability and factorial validity of the new CPC-12R on a sample of Czech employees (n = 333). CPC-12R demonstrated a better fit to the theoretically supported model of Psychological Capital than CPC-12, and further displays adequate psychometric properties to be recommended for application in both research and practice.
Common international trends in football stadium attendance
Authors: van Ours Jan C.
Published: March 2021

This paper examines long-term developments in stadium attendance in professional football in the Netherlands. As in many other European countries attendance had a U-shaped development with the lowest numbers in the mid-1980s. The developments in the Netherlands do not seem to have been affected by hooliganism but by socioeconomic factors. Furthermore, the association with stadium attendance in other European leagues in particular the English Premier League is very high. This suggests that stadium attendance is affected not only by national developments but also by common international trends in the interest in football matches.
Analysis of (co) variance components and estimation of breeding value of growth and production traits in Dahlem Red chicken using pedigree relationship in an animal model
Authors: Rajkumar U. , Prince L. Leslie Leo , Rajaravindra K. S. , Haunshi S. , Niranjan M. , Chatterjee R. N.
Published: March 2021

Variance and covariance components of growth and production traits were analyzed employing REML animal model to assess theDahlem Red(PD-3) chicken population for direct additive genetic, maternal effects and to estimate the estimated breeding value (EBV), genetic parameters, genetic trends and rate of inbreeding (ΔF) utilizing seven generation’s data. The generation and hatch had significant (P≤0.01) effect on the body weight at 0 day (BW0), 2 (BW2), 4 (BW4) and 6 weeks (BW6) and shank length at six weeks of age (SL6). The average least squares means (LSM) for BW6 and SL6 were 273.93±0.62 g and 53.97±0.05 mm, respectively. All the production traits were significantly (P≤0.01) influenced by generation and hatch. The average LSM for age at sexual maturity (ASM), egg production up to 40 weeks (EP40) and egg mass up to 40 weeks (EM40) were 168.82±0.25 d, 72.60±0.41 eggs and 4.21±0.07 kg, respectively. Model 5 with additive direct, maternal genetic, maternal permanent environmental and residual variance components was the best for BW0, BW2 and BW4 based on the AIC values obtained in WOMBAT. Model 4 was the best model for BW6, SL6, ASM, EP40 and EM40 with additive direct, maternal permanent environmental and residual variance components. Maternal effects were higher during early age, decreased with age, and remained present until 20 weeks of age. The heritability (h2) estimates were low to moderate in magnitude for all the growth traits and ranged from 0.02±0.03 to 0.19±0.03. The maternal heritability was high at hatch (0.35±0.06), decreased gradually until 4thweek (0.02±0.01) and ceased afterwards. The heritabilities of EP40 (0.11±0.03) and EM40 (0.12±0.04) were low. The direct additive genetic correlations (ra) between BW2, BW4, BW6 and SL6 were high and positive (P≤ 0.05). The additive genetic and maternal permanent environmental correlation between EP40 and EM40 were high and positive (P≤ 0.05). The EBV of EM40 was significant (P≤ 0.05) with 0.48 kg/generation in PD-3 chicken at the end of the seventh generation. The EBV of EP40 showed an increasing trend with a genetic gain of 1.87 eggs per generation. The average inbreeding coefficient of the population was 0.019 and average ΔF was 0.007 over the last seven generations of selection. The EBV trends for primary and associated traits showed linear trends in the desired direction and negligible inbreeding.
Clustering patterns mirror the geographical distribution and genetic history of Lemnos and Lesvos sheep populations
Authors: Kominakis Antonios , Tarsani Eirini , Hager-Theodorides Ariadne L. , Mastranestasis Ioannis , Hadjigeorgiou Ioannis
Published: March 2021

Elucidating the genetic variation and structure of Lemnos and Lesvos sheep is critical for maintaining local genetic diversity, ecosystem integrity and resilience of local food production of the two North Aegean islands. In the present study, we explored genetic diversity and differentiation as well as population structure of the Lemnos and Lesvos sheep. Furthermore, we sought to identify a small panel of markers with the highest discriminatory power to assign animals across islands. A total number of n = 424 (n = 307, Lemnos and n = 117, Lesvos) ewes, sampled from n = 24 herds dispersed at different geographic regions on the two islands, were genotyped with the 50K SNP array. Mean observed heterozygosity was higher (but not statistically significantly different) in Lesvos than in Lemnos population (0.384 vs. 0.377) while inbreeding levels were higher in Lemnos than Lesvos herds (0.065 vs. 0.031). Results of principal components along with that of admixture analysis and estimated genetic distances revealed genetic clusters corresponding to Lesvos and Lemnos origin and the existence of infrastructure within islands that were associated with geographical isolation and genetic history of the studied populations. In particular, genetic analyses highlighted three geographically isolated herds in Lemnos that are located at mountainous areas of the island and are characterized as representatives of the local sheep by historic data and reports. Admixture analysis also showed a shared genetic background between Lemnos and Lesvos sheep attributable to past gene flow. Little overall genetic differentiation was detected between the two island sheep populations, while 150 discriminatory SNPs could accurately assign animals to their origin. Present results are comparable with those reported in the worldwide sheep breeds, suggesting geography related genetic patterns across and within islands and the existence of the local Lemnos sheep.
Ecological niche modeling as an effective tool to predict the distribution of freshwater organisms: The case of the Sabaleta Brycon henni (Eigenmann, 1913)
Authors: Valencia-Rodríguez Daniel , Jiménez-Segura Luz , Rogéliz Carlos A. , Parra Juan L.
Published: March 2021

Ecological niche models (ENMs) aim to recreate the relationships between species and the environments where they occur and allow us to identify unexplored areas in geography where these species might be present. These models have been successfully used in terrestrial organisms but their application in aquatic organisms is still scarce. Recent advances in the availability of species occurrences and environmental information particular to aquatic systems allow the evaluation of these models. This study aims to characterize the niche of the SabaletaBrycon henniEigenmann 1913, an endemic fish of the Colombian Andes, using ENMs to predict its geographical distribution across the Magdalena Basin. For this purpose, we used a set of environmental variables specific to freshwater systems in addition to the customary bioclimatic variables, and species’ occurrence data to model its potential distribution using the Maximum Entropy algorithm (MaxEnt). We evaluate the relative importance between these two sets of variables, the model’s performance, and its geographic overlap with the IUCN map. Both on-site (annual precipitation, minimum temperature of coldest month) and upstream variables (open waters, average minimum temperature of the coldest month and average precipitation seasonality) were included in the models with the highest predictive accuracy. With an area under the curve of 90%, 99% of the species occurrences and 68% of absences correctly predicted, our results support the good performance of ENMs to predict the potential distribution of the Sabaleta and the utility of this tool in conservation and decision-making at the national level.
Could forage peanut in low proportion replace N fertilizer in livestock systems?
Authors: Longhini Vanessa Z. , Cardoso Abmael S. , Berça Andressa S. , Boddey Robert M. , Reis Ricardo A. , Dubeux José C. B. , Ruggieri Ana C.
Published: March 2021

Palisadegrass [Urochloa brizantha(Hochst. ex A. Rich.) R. D. Webster cv. Marandu] is widely used in Brazil and is typically managed with little or no N fertilizer, which often leads to pasture decline in the long-term. The current relationship between beef price and fertilizer cost in Brazil does not favor fertilizer use in pastures. Legume inclusion is an alternative to adding fertilizer N, but often legumes do not reach a significant proportion (> 30%) in pasture botanical composition. This study evaluated herbage responses to N inputs and pasture species composition, under intermittent stocking. Treatments included palisadegrass-forage peanut (Arachis pintoiKrapov. & W.C. Greg. cv. Amarillo) mixture (mixed), unfertilized palisadegrass (control), and palisadegrass fertilized with 150 kg N ha-1yr-1(fertilized). Treatments were applied over two rainy seasons with five growth cycle (GC) evaluations each season. Response variables included herbage biomass, herbage accumulation, morphological components, total aboveground N of forage peanut (TAGNFP), and contribution of biological N2fixation (BNF). Herbage biomass was greater for fertilized palisadegrass [5850 kg dry matter (DM) ha-1] than for the palisadegrass-forage peanut mixture (3940 kg DM ha-1), while the unfertilized palisadegrass (4400 kg DM ha-1) did not differ from the mixed pasture. Nitrogen fertilizer increased leaf mass of palisadegrass (2490 kg DM ha-1) compared with the control and mixed treatments (1700 and 1310 kg DM ha-1, respectively). The contribution of BNF to the forage peanut ranged from 79 to 85% and 0.5 to 5.5 kg N ha-1cycle-1. Overall, benefits from forage peanut were minimal because legume percentage was less than 10%, while N input in the system by N-fertilizer increased palisadegrass herbage biomass.
Association between meteorological factors and the prevalence dynamics of Japanese encephalitis
Authors: Tu Taotian , Xu Keqiang , Xu Lei , Gao Yuan , Zhou Ying , He Yaming , Liu Yang , Liu Qiyong , Ji Hengqing , Tang Wenge
Published: March 2021

Japanese encephalitis (JE) is an acute infectious disease caused by the Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) and is transmitted by mosquitoes. Meteorological conditions are known to play a pivotal role in the spread of JEV. In this study, a zero-inflated generalised additive model and a long short-term memory model were used to assess the relationship between the meteorological factors and population density of Culex tritaeniorhynchus as well as the incidence of JE and to predict the prevalence dynamics of JE, respectively. The incidence of JE in the previous month, the mean air temperature and the average of relative humidity had positive effects on the outbreak risk and intensity. Meanwhile, the density of all mosquito species in livestock sheds (DMSL) only affected the outbreak risk. Moreover, the region-specific prediction model of JE was developed in Chongqing by used the Long Short-Term Memory Neural Network. Our study contributes to a better understanding of the JE dynamics and helps the local government establish precise prevention and control measures.
Plxdc family members are novel receptors for the rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV)
Authors: Großkopf Anna K. , Schlagowski Sarah , Fricke Thomas , Ensser Armin , Desrosiers Ronald C. , Hahn Alexander S.
Published: March 2021

The rhesus monkey rhadinovirus (RRV), a γ2-herpesvirus of rhesus macaques, shares many biological features with the human pathogenic Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). Both viruses, as well as the more distantly related Epstein-Barr virus, engage cellular receptors from the Eph family of receptor tyrosine kinases (Ephs). However, the importance of the Eph interaction for RRV entry varies between cell types suggesting the existence of Eph-independent entry pathways. We therefore aimed to identify additional cellular receptors for RRV by affinity enrichment and mass spectrometry. We identified an additional receptor family, the Plexin domain containing proteins 1 and 2 (Plxdc1/2) that bind the RRV gH/gL glycoprotein complex. Preincubation of RRV with soluble Plxdc2 decoy receptor reduced infection by ~60%, while overexpression of Plxdc1 and 2 dramatically enhanced RRV susceptibility and cell-cell fusion of otherwise marginally permissive Raji cells. While the Plxdc2 interaction is conserved between two RRV strains, 26–95 and 17577, Plxdc1 specifically interacts with RRV 26–95 gH. The Plxdc interaction is mediated by a short motif at the N-terminus of RRV gH that is partially conserved between isolate 26–95 and isolate 17577, but absent in KSHV gH. Mutation of this motif abrogated the interaction with Plxdc1/2 and reduced RRV infection in a cell type-specific manner. Taken together, our findings characterize Plxdc1/2 as novel interaction partners and entry receptors for RRV and support the concept of the N-terminal domain of the gammaherpesviral gH/gL complex as a multifunctional receptor-binding domain. Further, Plxdc1/2 usage defines an important biological difference between KSHV and RRV.
Monitoring and Evaluating the Impact (Post-Legislative Scrutiny) of Emergency Regulation in Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Onoge Elohor Stephanie
Published: March 2021

The threat posed by passing emergency laws and policies in response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic can be said to be a critical precursor of human rights abuses. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Nigerian President issued the COVID-19 REGULATION 2020 exercising his powers under the Federal Quarantine Act, CAP Q2 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004. Based on this, the Nigerian Federal Government has undertaken stringent measures, enforced restrictions and cessation of movement, social and economic activities in Nigeria to curtail the pandemic. Nigeria has employed human control to stop the disease's spread, including travel bans, quarantine orders, social distancing, and lockdowns. The measures applied to curtail the spread of COVID-19 have an undoubted impact on human rights.The Nigerian government implemented these restrictive measures which impinge on human rights and democratic processes with authoritarian provisions. This study analyses the emergency measures implemented by the Nigerian government and human rights' infractions and considers Post-Legislative Scrutiny to mitigate the government's legislative actions as a safeguard for human rights and democracy in Nigeria.To ensure true democracy, Nigerian regulations, laws, and policy response to COVID-19 must align with international human rights commitments. And the temporarily imposed restrictions on rights are reviewed by the Legislature and do not become permanent. Questions to be addressed in this paper are: (1) Is the breadth of powers currently enjoyed by executive bodies, such as Public Health authorities and security forces under scrutiny and review of the Legislature? (2) Are there safeguards put in place by the Legislature, as an oversight to ensure democratic rule and respect for human rights in Nigeria?The paper uses the qualitative research method. It relies on content analysis of COVID-19 regulatory and legislative provisions, academic literature, articles, journals, and newspaper publications.
The comparative efficiency of denosumab treatment in patients with postmenopausal osteoporosis, primary hyperparathyroidism and glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in real clinical practice
Authors: Rozhinskaya Liudmila Ya. , Gronskaia Sofya A. , Mamedova Elizaveta O. , Belaya Zhanna E. , Melnichenko Galina A.
Published: March 2021

Background: Denosumab is a highly effective and safe first-line treatment for osteoporosis. Primary hyperparathyroidism is a prevalent condition found in patients with osteoporosis. However, data regarding effectiveness of denosumab treatment in patients with PHPT are scarce.

Aims: To estimate the comparative effects of denosumab to treat postmenopausal osteoporosis (PMO) and osteoporosis caused by primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) or glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) in postmenopausal women in routine clinical practice. Materials and methods: Retrospective study based on the medical card records. Patients over 50 years of age with verified osteoporosis (based on bone mineral density (BMD) T-score ≤ -2.5 SD and/or low-trauma fracture), who had at least 3 denosumab injections were included in the study.

Results: 162 patients were included and divided into three groups according to the etiology of osteoporosis. The first group consisted of postmenopausal women with osteoporosis (PMO) [(n=85); median age 70 [64;78]]. Patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) were enrolled in the second group [(n=16); male to female ratio =1:15; median age 60 [57,8; 66,3]]. The third group consisted of patients with PHPT and osteoporosis [(n=61); male to female=2:59; median age 68 [63; 75]]. Among all patients, denosumab treatment significantly increased BMD and decreased serum levels of calcium and CTx compared with baseline. PMO: the median increase in BMD according to the T-score was L1-L4 0,6 (p<0,001), femoral neck 0,2 (p<0,001); serum calcium -0,04 (p=0,004). PHPT: the median increase in BMD according to the T-score was L1-L4 0,6 (p<0,001), femoral neck 0,2 (p<0,001); radius 33% 0,25 (p=0,002), serum calcium -0,04 (p<0,001). In patients with GIOP, denosumab increased BMD in the lumbar spine L1-L4 0,5 (p=0,004). There was no difference in BMD increase or in levels of bone turnover suppression between the groups. A marked decline in levels of serum calcium was noted among patients with GFR less than 60 ml / min / 1.73 m2 (median Δ Са serum=0,24 p<0,001), compared to patients without CKD (median Δ Са serum=0,08 p<0,001).

Conclusion: Denosumab treatment is similarly effective for increasing BMD and decreasing bone turnover markers in patients with PMO and PHPT among postmenopausal women. The hypocalciemic effect of denosumab is most significant in subjects with PHPT.
Summary of the draft federal clinical guidelines for osteoporosis
Authors: Belaya Zhanna E. , Rozhinskaya Lyudmila Y. , Grebennikova Tatiana A. , Kanis John A. , Pigarova Ekaterina A. , Rodionova Svetlana S. , Toroptsova Natalya V. , Nikitinskaya Oksana A. , Skripnikova Irina A. , Drapkina Oksana М. , Ershova Olga V. , Biryukova Elena V. , Lesnyak Olga М. , Tsoriev Timur Т. , Belova Kseniya Y. , Marchenkova Larisa А. , Dzeranova Larisa K. , Dreval’ Aleksandr V. , Mamedova Elizaveta O. , Tkacheva Olga N. , Dudinskaya Ekaterina N. , Nikankina Larisa V.  , Farba Leonid Y. , Chernova Tatyana O. , Yureneva Svetlana V. , Yakushevskaya Oksana V. , Ilyukhina Ol’ga B. , Kryukova Irina V. , Tarbaeva Natalya V. , Petryaykin Alexey V. , Zagorodniy Nikolay V. , Mel’nichenko Galina А. , Dedov Ivan I.
Published: March 2021

A summary of the draft federal clinical guidelines on osteoporosis developed by members of the Russian Association of  Endocrinologists, the Russian Association for Osteoporosis, the Association of Rheumatologists of Russia, the Association of Traumatologists and Orthopedists of Russia, the Russian Association for Menopause and the Russian Association of Gerontologists and Geriatrics is presented. The recommendations were developed from the perspective of evidence-based medicine, in accordance with the requirements for compiling clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of Russia published in 2019. A significant place is given to screening of primary osteoporosis in adults, differential diagnosis with other metabolic diseases of the skeleton, modern methods of diagnosing osteoporosis, principles of prescribing pathogenetic treatment, features of sequential and combination therapy, disease prevention and rehabilitation. Clinical recommendations will be useful both to general practitioners and physicians, as well as to narrow specialists, primarily endocrinologists, rheumatologists, orthopedic traumatologists, nephrologists, obstetrician-gynecologists and neurologists, since osteoporosis is a multifactorial and multidisciplinary disease.
Gilles Deleuze und die Anyone Corporation
Authors: Lausch Frederike
Published: March 2021

Der US-amerikanische Architekturdiskurs der 1990er Jahre ist entscheidend von den Theorien Gilles Deleuzes geprägt. Die Aneignung seiner philosophischen Konzepte und jener, die er gemeinsam mit Félix Guattari entwickelt hat, findet vor allem innerhalb des architekturtheoretischen Netzwerks der »Anyone Corporation« statt: In ihren Diskursen wimmelt es von glatten Räumen, organlosen Körpern, Rhizomen, Falten, abstrakten Maschinen und Diagrammen. Frederike Lausch zeigt auf, wie sich die »Anyone Corporation« durch die Bezugnahme auf Deleuze als intellektuelle Elite der Architekturdisziplin inszeniert und wie im Zuge der Entpolitisierung seiner Theorien die »Post-Criticality«-Bewegungen entstehen.
Intergeschlechtlichkeit als Kategorie zur Reflexion von Geschlechtlichkeit in der Sozialen Arbeit
Authors: Gregor Joris Atte
Published: March 2021

Im Artikel wird die Relevanz von Intergeschlechtlichkeit für das kulturelle System der Zweigeschlechtlichkeit - und damit nicht zuletzt für die Soziale Arbeit - aus theoretischer Perspektive vermessen. Das System der Zweigeschlechtlichkeit stabilisiert sich - neben den im zweiten Abschnitt genannten sozialen Konstruktionen - auch über die Erforschung, Vermessung, Versehrung und Tabuisierung intergeschlechtlicher Körper. Dabei beschränkt sich die Wirkmächtigkeit schulmedizinischer Kolonialisierungen von inter* Körpern gerade nicht auf den »westlichen« Raum, sondern wirkt in »nicht-westlichen« Kulturkreisen doppelt kolonialisierend, indem westliche und damit letztlich weiße Normen den Maßstab für den Umgang mit Inter* bilden. Der Artikel zeigt, dass Intergeschlechtlichkeit einen bedeutenden sozialen Gehalt im »westlichen« kulturellen System der Zwei(körper)geschlechtlichkeit aufweist und deshalb in seiner Komplexität in geschlechtssensible Reflexionen einfließen sollte. Dass wir heute ein derart tiefgehendes Verständnis von der Unterschiedlichkeit der zwei sozial relevanten Geschlechter männlich-weiblich haben, ist auch ein Produkt medizinischer Wissensproduktion zur Einordnung zwischengeschlechtlicher Körper in dieses System.
Rivalling Disaster Experiences
Authors: Orlowski Benedikt M.
Published: March 2021

People experience disasters very differently. Conflicts about a »correct« interpretation of the risks might arise. The side-by-side of different truths lead to people seeing mismanagement and disinformation. The volcanic crisis of El Hierro shows how rivalling interpretations amongst affected islanders, the media, sciences, and disaster response institutions cause great social tensions and scepticism towards scientific information. Thus, to fully understand disaster risk, the focus must shift to the rifts between established convictions and the individuals' creativity to overcome them, taking into account their embeddedness in various fields of practice, each with their own rationales and ruptures.
Choreographien der Homogenisierung
Authors: Riepe Valerie
Published: March 2021

Der Umgang mit scheinbar gegebenen, weiter zunehmenden Heterogenitäten in schulischen Lerngruppen wird wirkmächtig diskutiert. Valerie Riepe fragt - komplementär dazu - nach der praxeologisch zu untersuchenden Hervorbringung von stillschweigend vorausgesetzten Gleichheiten in der Schule und ihrer kulturell konstruierten, machtvollen Gestalt. Mit einer starken Fokussierung der Körperlichkeit untersucht sie Praktiken grundschulspezifischer Gleichheiten unter Kindern, wie sie sich in routinisierten Bewegungsordnungen manifestieren und beobachten lassen. Die Konzentration auf Bewegungsmuster eröffnet dabei einen für die Erziehungswissenschaft neuen und ungewöhnlichen Zugang.
Reprezentacja aktorów niepaństwowych w Unii Europejskiej a polska racja stanu
Authors: Czub Jarosław Filip
Published: March 2021

Głównym celem artykułu jest pokazanie deficytów związanych z obroną interesów przez aktorów niepaństwowych związanych z polską racją stanu. Ponadto artykuł przedstawia wyartykułowane i promowane interesy Polski na poziomie Unii Europejskiej. Artykuł koncentruje się także na podmiotach niepaństwowych zaangażowanych w lobbing na poziomie europejskim i krajowym. W artykule podjęto również próbę ustalenia miejsca podmiotów niepaństwowych w systemie instytucjonalnym Unii Europejskiej w kontekście wzrostu promowania polskiej racji. Oprócz wymiarów teoretycznych, artykuł ten oferuje praktyczny wgląd w funkcjonowanie polskich podmiotów niepaństwowych na poziomie europejskim, który rozwijał się w ostatnich latach.
Properties of a bovine collagen type I membrane for guided bone regeneration applications
Authors: Brum Igor S. , Elias Carlos N. , de Carvalho Jorge J. , Pires Jorge L. S. , Pereira Mario J. S. , de Biasi Ronaldo S.
Published: March 2021

Dental implant treatment requires an available bone volume in the implantation site to ensure the implant’s mechanical stability. When the bone volume is insufficient, one must resort to surgical means such as guided bone regeneration (GBR). In GBR surgery, bone grafts and membranes are used. The objective of this work is to manufacture and characterize the in vitro and in vivo properties of resorbable collagen type I membranes (Green Membrane®) for GBR. Membrane surface morphology was characterized by SEM and roughness was measured using an interferometric noncontact 3D system. In vivo skin sensitization and toxicity tests have been performed on Wistar rats. Bone defects were prepared in 24 adult male rats, filled with biomaterials (Blue Bone® and Bio Oss®) and covered with collagen membranes to maintain the mechanical stability of the site for bone regeneration. The incisions were closed with simple stitches; and 60 days after the surgery, the animals were euthanized. Results showed that the analyzed membrane was homogeneous, with collagen fiber webs and open pores. It had no sign of cytotoxicity and the cells at the insertion site showed no bone morphological changes. There was no tissue reaction and no statistical difference between Blue Bone® and Bio Oss® groups. The proposed membrane has no cytotoxicity and displays a biocompatibility profile that makes it suitable for GBR.
Writing a compelling integrated discussion: a guide for integrated discussions in article-based theses and dissertations
Authors: Lewis Krystina B. , Graham Ian D. , Boland Laura , Stacey Dawn
Published: March 2021

Article-based theses and dissertations are increasingly being used in nursing and the health sciences as an alternate format to the traditional five-chapter monograph. A unique chapter in the article-based thesis is the integrated discussion, which differs in breadth and depth as compared to the discussion for a traditional thesis monograph or journal article. For many students and faculty, the integrated discussion is a challenging chapter to write, with minimal or no published guidance available. In this article, we offer a four-step approach with templates for planning and writing an integrated discussion. We also share several lessons learned with examples from published theses and dissertations. Writing an integrated discussion can be facilitated and written more efficiently by developing a clear and detailed outline of the chapter and broad discussion points prior to drafting the text, to achieve a higher-level synthesis, analysis, and interpretation of the overall significance of the thesis findings.
Short-term effects of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue treatment on leptin, ghrelin and peptide YY in girls with central precocious puberty
Authors: Wijarn Piyathida , Poomthavorn Preamrudee , Khlairit Patcharin , Pongratanakul Sarunyu , Chailurkit Laor , Mahachoklertwattana Pat
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To determine appetite-regulating hormone levels in girls with central precocious puberty (CPP) before and after 20 weeks of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analogue (GnRH-A) treatment.

Methods

Eighteen newly diagnosed CPP girls were enrolled. Body composition measured by bioelectrical impedance analysis and GnRH-A test were performed with fasting serum leptin, ghrelin and peptide YY (PYY) measurements at baseline (before) and after 20 weeks of GnRH-A treatment.

Results

Following GnRH-A treatment, all patients had prepubertal gonadotropin and estradiol levels. Mean (SD) fat mass index (FMI) was significantly increased from 4.5 (1.7) to 5.0 (1.8) kg/m2 after treatment. Also, median (IQR) serum leptin level was significantly increased from 6.9 (4.2–8.6) to 7.4 (5.3–13.1) ng/mL. FMI had a positive correlation with serum leptin level (r=0.64, p=0.004). In contrast, no significant changes of serum ghrelin and PYY levels were observed.

Conclusions

Decreased estrogen following short-term GnRH-A treatment in CPP girls may cause an increase in appetite and consequently an elevation of FMI. Increased serum leptin may be a result of having increased FMI secondary to an increase in appetite.
Substance Use and Sexual Risk Behavior Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men in New York City: Evidence for Increased Risk During Young Adulthood
Authors: Aivadyan Christina , Lee Yong Gun , El-Bassel Nabila , Wu Elwin
Published: March 2021

This study evaluated whether the association between substance use and sexual risk behavior varies as a function of age among 1,009 Black men who have sex with men (BMSM) in New York City. Hierarchical linear regression was used to examine the relationship between age (18–26 vs. 27+), substance use, and number of sexual partners and acts of condomless anal sex (CAS) in the past 90 days. Age moderated the relationship between substance use and sexual risk behavior, such that positive associations among binge drinking, marijuana, cocaine, and party drug use and number of male sexual partners and cocaine use and acts of CAS were significantly stronger among young adults than adults. BMSM may engage in more sexual risk behavior during young adulthood, and those who use substances may be at increased risk for HIV transmission—particularly through multiple sex partners. HIV prevention interventions targeting BMSM may benefit from being tailored to age and addressing sexual risk behavior and substance use concurrently.
Police Interactions, Perceived Respect, and Longitudinal Changes in Depression in African Americans
Authors: Leib Sophie I. , Faith Emma C. , Vincent Samuel R. , Miller Steven A.
Published: March 2021

Introduction: We examined police exchanges' and feelings of discrimination's impact on changes in adolescent depression symptoms. Relative to other races, police speak more disrespectfully to African Americans and often exert unnecessary force. We investigated the impact of these exchanges on depression.

Methods: Adolescent Health Study data were analyzed. Latent growth curve modeling with mediation illustrated relationships between police exchanges, perceived discrimination, and depression changes.

Results: African American adolescents had significantly higher levels of initial depression than other racial/ethnic identity groups. For African Americans, police exchanges predicted depression changes. Perceived respect predicted levels and changes of depression for both groups, but mediated the relationship between police exchanges and depression changes only in the “other” racial/ethnic identity group.

Discussion: Police stoppings impacted depression changes for African Americans independent of perceived respect. Findings highlight a potentially unique relationship between depression and police exchanges among African Americans. Future studies may investigate roles of individual differences.
Moral Psychology as a Necessary Bridge Between Social Cognition and Law
Authors: Dunlea James P. , Heiphetz Larisa
Published: March 2021

Coordinating competing interests can be difficult. Because law regulates human behavior, it is a candidate mechanism for creating coordination in the face of societal disagreement. We argue that findings from moral psychology are necessary to understand why law can effectively resolve co-occurring conflicts related to punishment and group membership. First, we discuss heterogeneity in punitive thought, focusing on punishment within the United States legal system. Though the law exerts a weak influence on punitive ideologies before punishment occurs, we argue that it effectively coordinates perceptions of individuals who have already been punished. Next, we discuss intergroup conflict, which often co-occurs with disagreements related to punishment and represents a related domain where coordination can be difficult to achieve. Here, we underscore how insights from moral psychology can promote equality via the law. These examples demonstrate how contributions from moral psychology are necessary to understand the connection between social cognition and law.