bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis of COVID-19 exit strategies in an individual-based transmission model
Authors: Gugole Federica , Coffeng Luc E. , Edeling Wouter , Sanderse Benjamin , de Vlas Sake J. , Crommelin Daan
Published: September 2021

Many countries are currently dealing with the COVID-19 epidemic and are searching for an exit strategy such that life in society can return to normal. To support this search, computational models are used to predict the spread of the virus and to assess the efficacy of policy measures before actual implementation. The model output has to be interpreted carefully though, as computational models are subject to uncertainties. These can stem from, e.g., limited knowledge about input parameters values or from the intrinsic stochastic nature of some computational models. They lead to uncertainties in the model predictions, raising the question what distribution of values the model produces for key indicators of the severity of the epidemic. Here we show how to tackle this question using techniques for uncertainty quantification and sensitivity analysis. We assess the uncertainties and sensitivities of four exit strategies implemented in an agent-based transmission model with geographical stratification. The exit strategies are termed Flattening the Curve, Contact Tracing, Intermittent Lockdown and Phased Opening. We consider two key indicators of the ability of exit strategies to avoid catastrophic health care overload: the maximum number of prevalent cases in intensive care (IC), and the total number of IC patient-days in excess of IC bed capacity. Our results show that uncertainties not directly related to the exit strategies are secondary, although they should still be considered in comprehensive analysis intended to inform policy makers. The sensitivity analysis discloses the crucial role of the intervention uptake by the population and of the capability to trace infected individuals. Finally, we explore the existence of a safe operating space. For Intermittent Lockdown we find only a small region in the model parameter space where the key indicators of the model stay within safe bounds, whereas this region is larger for the other exit strategies.
Envelope reconstruction of speech and music highlights stronger tracking of speech at low frequencies
Authors: Zuk Nathaniel J. , Murphy Jeremy W. , Reilly Richard B. , Lalor Edmund C.
Published: September 2021

The human brain tracks amplitude fluctuations of both speech and music, which reflects acoustic processing in addition to the encoding of higher-order features and one’s cognitive state. Comparing neural tracking of speech and music envelopes can elucidate stimulus-general mechanisms, but direct comparisons are confounded by differences in their envelope spectra. Here, we use a novel method of frequency-constrained reconstruction of stimulus envelopes using EEG recorded during passive listening. We expected to see music reconstruction match speech in a narrow range of frequencies, but instead we found that speech was reconstructed better than music for all frequencies we examined. Additionally, models trained on all stimulus types performed as well or better than the stimulus-specific models at higher modulation frequencies, suggesting a common neural mechanism for tracking speech and music. However, speech envelope tracking at low frequencies, below 1 Hz, was associated with increased weighting over parietal channels, which was not present for the other stimuli. Our results highlight the importance of low-frequency speech tracking and suggest an origin from speech-specific processing in the brain.
Trypanosome SL-RNA detection in blood and cerebrospinal fluid to demonstrate active gambiense human African trypanosomiasis infection
Authors: Ngay Lukusa Ipos , Van Reet Nick , Mumba Ngoyi Dieudonné , Miaka Erick Mwamba , Masumu Justin , Patient Pyana Pati , Mutombo Wilfried , Ngolo Digas , Kobo Vincent , Akwaso Felix , Ilunga Médard , Kaninda Lewis , Mutanda Sylvain , Muamba Dieudonné Mpoyi , Valverde Mordt Olaf , Tarral Antoine , Rembry Sandra , Büscher Philippe , Lejon Veerle
Published: September 2021

Background

Spliced Leader (SL) trypanosome RNA is detectable only in the presence of live trypanosomes, is abundant and the Trypanozoon subgenus has a unique sequence. As previously shown in blood from Guinean human African trypanosomiasis (HAT) patients, SL-RNA is an accurate target for diagnosis. Detection of SL-RNA in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has never been attempted. In a large group of Congolese gambiense HAT patients, the present study aims i) to confirm the sensitivity of SL-RNA detection in the blood and; ii) to assess the diagnostic performance of SL-RNA compared to trypanosome detection in CSF.

Methodology/Principal findings

Blood and CSF from 97 confirmed gambiense HAT patients from the Democratic Republic of Congo were collected using PAXgene blood RNA Tubes. Before RNA extraction, specimens were supplemented with internal extraction control RNA to monitor the extraction, which was performed with a PAXgene Blood RNA Kit. SL-RNA qPCR was carried out with and without reverse transcriptase to monitor DNA contamination. In blood, 92/97 (94.8%) HAT patients tested SL-RNA positive, which was significantly more than combined trypanosome detection in lymph and blood (78/97 positive, 80.4%, p = 0.001). Of 96 CSF RNA specimens, 65 (67.7%) were SL-RNA positive, but there was no significant difference between sensitivity of SL-RNA and trypanosome detection in CSF. The contribution of DNA to the Cq values was negligible. In CSF with normal cell counts, a fraction of SL-RNA might have been lost during extraction as indicated by higher internal extraction control Cq values.

Conclusions/Significance

Detection of SL-RNA in blood and CSF allows sensitive demonstration of active gambiense HAT infection, even if trypanosomes remain undetectable in blood or lymph. As this condition often occurs in treatment failures, SL-RNA detection in blood and CSF for early detection of relapses after treatment deserves further investigation.

Trial registration

This study was an integral part of the diagnostic trial "New Diagnostic Tools for Elimination of Sleeping Sickness and Clinical Trials: Early tests of Cure" (DiTECT-HAT-WP4, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT03112655).
Pupillary fluctuation amplitude before target presentation reflects short-term vigilance level in Psychomotor Vigilance Tasks
Authors: Yamashita Jumpei , Terashima Hiroki , Yoneya Makoto , Maruya Kazushi , Koya Hidetaka , Oishi Haruo , Nakamura Hiroyuki , Kumada Takatsune
Published: September 2021

Our daily activities require vigilance. Therefore, it is useful to externally monitor and predict our vigilance level using a straightforward method. It is known that the vigilance level is linked to pupillary fluctuations via Locus Coeruleus and Norepinephrine (LC-NE) system. However, previous methods of estimating long-term vigilance require monitoring pupillary fluctuations at rest over a long period. We developed a method of predicting the short-term vigilance level by monitoring pupillary fluctuation for a shorter period consisting of several seconds. The LC activity also fluctuates at a timescale of seconds. Therefore, we hypothesized that the short-term vigilance level could be estimated using pupillary fluctuations in a short period and quantified their amplitude as the Micro-Pupillary Unrest Index (M-PUI). We found an intra-individual trial-by-trial positive correlation between Reaction Time (RT) reflecting the short-term vigilance level and M-PUI in the period immediately before the target onset in a Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). This relationship was most evident when the fluctuation was smoothed by a Hanning window of approximately 50 to 100 ms (including cases of down-sampled data at 100 and 50 Hz), and M-PUI was calculated in the period up to one or two seconds before the target onset. These results suggest that M-PUI can monitor and predict fluctuating levels of vigilance. M-PUI is also useful for examining pupillary fluctuations in a short period for elucidating the psychophysiological mechanisms of short-term vigilance.
Network assessment and modeling the management of an epidemic on a college campus with testing, contact tracing, and masking
Authors: Hartvigsen Gregg
Published: September 2021

There remains a great challenge to minimize the spread of epidemics, especially in high-density communities such as colleges and universities. This is particularly true on densely populated, residential college campuses. To construct class and residential networks data from a four-year, residential liberal arts college with 5539 students were obtained from SUNY College at Geneseo, a rural, residential, undergraduate institution in western NY, USA. Equal-sized random networks also were created for each day. Different levels of compliance with mask use (none to 100%), mask efficacy (50% to 100%), and testing frequency (daily, or every 2, 3, 7, 14, 28, or 105 days) were assessed. Tests were assumed to be only 90% accurate and positive results were used to isolate individuals. The effectiveness of contact tracing, and the effect of quarantining neighbors of infectious individuals, was tested. The structure of the college course enrollment and residence networks greatly influenced the dynamics of the epidemics, as compared to the random networks. In particular, average path lengths were longer in the college networks compared to random networks. Students in larger majors generally had shorter average path lengths than students in smaller majors. Average transitivity (clustering) was lower on days when students most frequently were in class (MWF). Degree distributions were generally large and right skewed, ranging from 0 to 719. Simulations began by inoculating twenty students (10 exposed and 10 infectious) with SARS-CoV-2 on the first day of the fall semester and ended once the disease was cleared. Transmission probability was calculated based on an R0 = 2.4. Without interventions epidemics resulted in most students becoming infected and lasted into the second semester. On average students in the college networks experienced fewer infections, shorter duration, and lower epidemic peaks when compared to the dynamics on equal-sized random networks. The most important factors in reducing case numbers were the proportion masking and the frequency of testing, followed by contact tracing and mask efficacy. The paper discusses further high-order interactions and other implications of non-pharmaceutical interventions for disease transmission on a residential college campus.
MiR-200c-3p maintains stemness and proliferative potential in adipose-derived stem cells by counteracting senescence mechanisms
Authors: Anastasiadou Eleni , Ceccarelli Simona , Messina Elena , Gerini Giulia , Megiorni Francesca , Pontecorvi Paola , Camero Simona , Onesti Maria Giuseppina , Trivedi Pankaj , Faenza Mario , Coscioni Enrico , Nicoletti Giovanni Francesco , Napoli Claudio , Marchese Cinzia
Published: September 2021

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ASCs) are promising therapeutic tools in regenerative medicine because they possess self-renewal, differentiation and immunomodulatory capacities. After isolation, ASCs are passaged multiple times in vitro passages to obtain a sufficient amount of cells for clinical applications. During this time-consuming procedure, ASCs become senescent and less proliferative, compromising their clinical efficacy. Here, we sought to investigate how in vitro passages impact ASC proliferation/senescence and expression of immune regulatory proteins. MicroRNAs are pivotal regulators of ASC physiology. Particularly, miR-200c is known to maintain pluripotency and targets the immune checkpoint Programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). We therefore investigated its involvement in these critical characteristics of ASCs during in vitro passages. We found that when transiently expressed, miR-200c-3p promotes proliferation, maintains stemness, and contrasts senescence in late passaged ASCs. Additionally, this miRNA modulates PD-L1 and Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase (IDO1) expression, thus most likely interfering with the immunoregulatory capacity of ASCs. Based on our results, we suggest that expression of miR-200c-3p may prime ASC towards a self-renewing phenotype by improving their in vitro expansion. Contrarily, its inhibition is associated with senescence, reduced proliferation and induction of immune regulators. Our data underline the potential use of miR-200c-3p as a switch for ASCs reprogramming and their clinical application.
Dosage individualization proposed for anti-gout medications among the patients with gout
Authors: Sapkota Binaya , Chaudhary Suraj , Gurung Prakash , Humagain Anisha , Sapkota Sujan
Published: September 2021

Background

The conventional one-size-fits-all approach has been criticized for almost all drugs used especially for chronic diseases, including gout. The present study was aimed to explore the need of individualization and optimization of the dose of anti-gout medications among gout patients.

Methods

Cross-sectional study was carried out among 384 randomly selected new gout patients visiting two gout treatment centers at Lalitpur Metropolitan City, Nepal and who were taking antigout medications. Patients not taking anti-gout medications and not showing willingness to participate were excluded. The eGFR was calculated with the CKD Epidemiology Collaboration (CKD-EPI) creatinine equation (2009). Doses to be individualized were decided based on the Renal Drug Handbook and verified with the BNF 80. Data were analyzed via R 4.0.3 by applying the multinomial logistic regression to analyze statistical significance of risk with various predictors, and considering a p-value <0.05 statistically significant. Comorbidities were coded as per the ICD-11 coding and medicines were coded according to the WHO Guidelines for ATC classification and DDD assignment 2020.

Results

The high risk of progression to CKD increased in the age range 54–63 and ≥84 years by 17.77 and 43.02 times, respectively. Also, high risk increased by 29.83 and 20.2 times for the overweight and the obese respectively. Aceclofenac 100mg was prescribed for maximum patients (30.5%). Need of dose individualization was realized in 30 patients, with maximum (7) in case of etoricoxib 90mg. Various glucocorticoids were prescribed for 36.9% patients, out of whom 3.8%required dose individualization and 15.9% patients with xanthine oxidase inhibitors, out of whom 1.3% required dose individualization.

Conclusion

Thirty cases required dose individualization, which was although minimal but could have meaningful impact on the clinical success of the individual patient. Based on the recommendation on dose individualization, those patients could be optimized on their therapy on future follow ups.
Verification of Thai ethnobotanical medicine “Kamlang Suea Khrong” driven by multiplex PCR and powerful TLC techniques
Authors: Yanaso Suthira , Phrutivorapongkul Ampai , Hongwiset Darunee , Piyamongkol Sirivipa , Intharuksa Aekkhaluck
Published: September 2021

Kamlang Suea Khrong (KSK) crude drug, a traditional Thai medicine used for oral tonic and analgesic purposes, is obtained from three origins: the inner stem bark of Betula alnoides (BA) or the stems of Strychnos axillaris (SA) or Ziziphus attopensis (ZA). According to the previous reports, SA contains strychnine-type alkaloids that probably cause poisoning; however, only organoleptic approaches are insufficient to differentiate SA from the other plant materials. To ensure the botanical origin of KSK crude drug, powerful and reliable tools are desperately needed. Therefore, molecular and chemical identification methods, DNA barcoding and thin-layer chromatography (TLC), were investigated. Reference databases, i.e., the ITS region and phytochemical profile of the authentic plant species, were conducted. In case of molecular analysis, multiplex polymerase chain reaction (PCR) based on species-specific primers was applied. Regarding species-specific primers designation, the suitability of three candidate barcode regions (ITS, ITS1, and ITS2) was evaluated by genetic distance using K2P model. ITS2 presented the highest interspecific variability was verified its discrimination power by tree topology. Accordingly, ITS2 was used to create primers that successfully specified plant species of authentic samples. For chemical analysis, TLC with toluene:ethyl acetate:ammonia (1:9:0.025) and hierarchical clustering were operated to identify the authentic crude drugs. The developed multiplex PCR and TLC methods were then applied to identify five commercial KSK crude drugs (CK1-CK5). Both methods correspondingly indicated that CK1-CK2 and CK3-CK5 were originated from BA and ZA, respectively. Molecular and chemical approaches are convenient and effective identification methods that can be performed for the routine quality-control of the KSK crude drugs for consumer reliance. According to chemical analysis, the results indicated BA, SA, and ZA have distinct chemical profiles, leading to differences in pharmacological activities. Consequently, further scientific investigations are required to ensure the quality and safety of Thai ethnobotanical medicine known as KSK.
The role of vicariance and dispersal on the temporal range dynamics of forest vipers in the Neotropical region
Authors: Pontes-Nogueira Matheus , Martins Marcio , Alencar Laura R. V. , Sawaya Ricardo J.
Published: September 2021

The emergence of the diagonal of open/dry vegetations, including Chaco, Cerrado and Caatinga, is suggested to have acted as a dispersal barrier for terrestrial organisms by fragmenting a single large forest that existed in South America into the present Atlantic and Amazon forests. Here we tested the hypothesis that the expansion of the South American diagonal of open/dry landscapes acted as a vicariant process for forest lanceheads of the genus Bothrops, by analyzing the temporal range dynamics of those snakes. We estimated ancestral geographic ranges of the focal lancehead clade and its sister clade using a Bayesian dated phylogeny and the BioGeoBEARS package. We compared nine Maximum Likelihood models to infer ancestral range probabilities and their related biogeographic processes. The best fitting models (DECTS and DIVALIKETS) recovered the ancestor of our focal clade in the Amazon biogeographic region of northwestern South America. Vicariant processes in two different subclades resulted in disjunct geographic distributions in the Amazon and the Atlantic Forest. Dispersal processes must have occurred mostly within the Amazon and the Atlantic Forest and not between them. Our results suggest the fragmentation of a single ancient large forest into the Atlantic and Amazon forests acting as a driver of vicariant processes for the snake lineage studied, highlighting the importance of the diagonal of open/dry landscapes in shaping distribution patterns of terrestrial biota in South America.
Barriers and facilitators to the access to specialized female genital cutting healthcare services: Experiences of Somali and Sudanese women in Norway
Authors: Ziyada Mai Mahgoub , Johansen R. Elise B.
Published: September 2021

Background

Girls and women subjected to female genital cutting (FGC) risk experiencing obstetrical, gynecological, sexual, and psychological health problems. Therefore, Norway has established low-threshold specialized healthcare services where girls and women with FGC-related health problems can directly seek medical attention. Nevertheless, we lack data about access to these services, especially for non-maternity-related purposes. In this article, we explore experiences of seeking medical attention for health problems that are potentially FGC-related, aiming to identify factors that hinder or facilitate access to FGC-specialized services.

Methods

We conducted a qualitative study in three Norwegian cities employing semi-structured repeat interviews with 26 girls and women subjected to FGC, participant observation, and three validation focus group discussions with 17 additional participants. We thematically analyzed the data and approached access as a dynamic process of interactions between individuals and the healthcare system that lasts from an initial perception of need until reception of healthcare appropriate to that need.

Findings

We identified several barriers to healthcare, including 1) uncertainty about FGC as a cause of experienced health problems, 2) unfamiliarity with FGC-specialized services, 3) lack of assessment by general practitioners of FGC as a potential cause of health problems, and 4) negative interactions with healthcare providers. In contrast, factors facilitating healthcare included: 1) receiving information on FGC-related health problems and FGC-specialized services from a non-profit immigrant organization, 2) referral to gynecologists with good knowledge of FGC, and 3) positive interactions with healthcare providers.

Conclusion

Assessing whether FGC is the cause for experienced health problems requires diagnostic competency and should not be left entirely to the patients. We recommend that Norwegian policymakers acknowledge the central role of GPs in the clinical management of patients with FGC-related health problems and provide them with comprehensive training on FGC.
Study protocol of the PEruvian Registry of ST-segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction II (PERSTEMI-II) study
Authors: Chacón-Díaz Manuel , Hernández-Vásquez Akram , Vargas-Fernández Rodrigo , Bendezu-Quispe Guido
Published: September 2021

Background

Myocardial infarction (MI) is the most prevalent cardiovascular disease globally and is considered a public health problem. In Peru, MI is the second leading cause of death at the national level, with a mortality rate that exceeds 10% in the hospital setting. The study aims to determine the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) in tertiary care facilities belonging to the Peruvian public health system.

Methods and analysis

This will be a prospective, observational, multicenter study, with baseline and two follow-up assessments: at admission to the health service, and 30 days and 12 months after admission. This multicenter study will be conducted in 27 hospitals located in the main cities of Peru. The patients included in the study will be over 18 years of age, of either sex, and will have been admitted to the health facility with a diagnosis of acute coronary syndrome with ST-segment elevation. The Kaplan-Meier method will be used to estimate the cumulative in-hospital mortality of patients at 30 days and 12 months of follow-up, and the log-rank test will be used to evaluate the differences between the survival curves between reperfused and non-reperfused patients. Subsequently, to evaluate the risk factors for successful reperfusion and cardiovascular adverse events, generalized linear models of the binomial family with log link function will be used to estimate the bivariate and multivariate relative risk (RR) with their respective 95% confidence intervals. This project was approved by the Ethics and Research Committee of the National Cardiovascular Institute (Instituto Nacional Cardiovascular “Carlos Alberto Peschiera Carrillo”—INCOR [in Spanish]; Approval report 21/2019-CEI).

Discussion

Among the strengths, the observational design will allow the inclusion of a large sample of patients, which will significantly contribute to the knowledge base on STEMI in Peru. It should be noted that this study is the first to examine the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of STEMI in high-resolution hospital centers in Peru with follow-up one year after the event, providing knowledge of these observable characteristics in daily clinical routine. Likewise, the multicenter nature of the study will increase the external validity of the findings. In terms of limitations, the observational design of the study can only describe associations and not causality. Furthermore, since data from medical records will be used, there could be imprecision in the data.
The inhibitory effects of toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients on the interaction between the SARS-CoV-2 spike protein and ACE2, and the protease activity of TMPRSS2 in vitro
Authors: Tateyama-Makino Riho , Abe-Yutori Mari , Iwamoto Taku , Tsutsumi Kota , Tsuji Motonori , Morishita Satoru , Kurita Kei , Yamamoto Yukio , Nishinaga Eiji , Tsukinoki Keiichi
Published: September 2021

SARS-CoV-2 enters host cells when the viral spike protein is cleaved by transmembrane protease serine 2 (TMPRSS2) after binding to the host angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). Since ACE2 and TMPRSS2 are expressed in the tongue and gingival mucosa, the oral cavity is a potential entry point for SARS-CoV-2. This study evaluated the inhibitory effects of general ingredients of toothpastes and mouthwashes on the spike protein-ACE2 interaction and the TMPRSS2 protease activity using anin vitroassay. Both assays detected inhibitory effects of sodium tetradecene sulfonate, sodium N-lauroyl-N-methyltaurate, sodium N-lauroylsarcosinate, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and copper gluconate. Molecular docking simulations suggested that these ingredients could bind to inhibitor-binding site of ACE2. Furthermore, tranexamic acid exerted inhibitory effects on TMPRSS2 protease activity. Our findings suggest that these toothpaste and mouthwash ingredients could help prevent SARS-CoV-2 infection.
In vitro selection of Remdesivir resistance suggests evolutionary predictability of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Szemiel Agnieszka M. , Merits Andres , Orton Richard J. , MacLean Oscar A. , Pinto Rute Maria , Wickenhagen Arthur , Lieber Gauthier , Turnbull Matthew L. , Wang Sainan , Furnon Wilhelm , Suarez Nicolas M. , Mair Daniel , da Silva Filipe Ana , Willett Brian J. , Wilson Sam J. , Patel Arvind H. , Thomson Emma C. , Palmarini Massimo , Kohl Alain , Stewart Meredith E.
Published: September 2021

Remdesivir (RDV), a broadly acting nucleoside analogue, is the only FDA approved small molecule antiviral for the treatment of COVID-19 patients. To date, there are no reports identifying SARS-CoV-2 RDV resistance in patients, animal models orin vitro. Here, we selected drug-resistant viral populations by serially passaging SARS-CoV-2in vitroin the presence of RDV. Using high throughput sequencing, we identified a single mutation in RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (NSP12) at a residue conserved among all coronaviruses in two independently evolved populations displaying decreased RDV sensitivity. Introduction of the NSP12 E802D mutation into our SARS-CoV-2 reverse genetics backbone confirmed its role in decreasing RDV sensitivityin vitro. Substitution of E802 did not affect viral replication or activity of an alternate nucleoside analogue (EIDD2801) but did affect virus fitness in a competition assay. Analysis of the globally circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants (>800,000 sequences) showed no evidence of widespread transmission of RDV-resistant mutants. Surprisingly, we observed an excess of substitutions in spike at corresponding sites identified in the emerging SARS-CoV-2 variants of concern (i.e., H69, E484, N501, H655) indicating that they can arisein vitroin the absence of immune selection. The identification and characterisation of a drug resistant signature within the SARS-CoV-2 genome has implications for clinical management and virus surveillance.
Myokines and adipomyokines: inflammatory mediators or unique molecules of targeted therapy for obesity?
Authors: Vasyukova O. V. , Kasyanova Yu. V. , Okorokov P. L. , Bezlepkina O. B.
Published: September 2021

Skeletal muscles make up about 25% of the total mass in children and more than 40% in adults. Studies of the last twenty years have shown that along with the main functions, muscle tissue has hormonal activity. It was found that myocytes are able to release signaling molecules-myokines. They act auto-and paracrine within the muscle, and at a high level-through the systemic circulation, carrying out interactions between skeletal muscles and various organs and tissues, such as the liver, bone and adipose tissue, the brain. It is proved that the key factor in the expression of myokines is physical activity, and their level largely depends on physical fitness, the amount of skeletal muscle mass and its composition (the ratio of fast and slow fibers), on the intensity and duration of physical activity. Myokines have a wide range of physiological effects: myostatin suppresses the growth and differentiation of muscle tissue, and decorin, acting as its antagonist, promotes muscle hypertrophy. Interleukin 6 provides an energy substrate for contracting muscle fibers, fibroblast growth factor 21 activates the mechanisms of energy production during fasting and improves tissue sensitivity to insulin; irisin stimulates thermogenesis, glucose uptake by myocytes, and also contributes to an increase in bone mineral density. The study of myokines is one of the key links in understanding the mechanisms underlying obesity and metabolic complications, the consequences of a sedentary lifestyle, as well as the implementation of the action of physical activity. Taking into account the physiological effects of myokines in the body, in the future they can become therapeutic targets for the treatment of these conditions.
The Symmetry and Asymmetry of Bidder and Target Termination Fees in Acquisitions
Authors: Bannier Christina E. , Ewelt-Knauer Corinna , Khaled Mohamed Amin , Kölling Jan-Philipp
Published: September 2021

Termination fees have become a frequently employed non-price term in acquisition contracts. They allow the breaking party to walk-away from the transaction after paying a fee to the remaining party. While the inclusion of termination fees has been shown to increase contracting efficiency, the fee size has received only scant academic interest. This is surprising as termination fees are often asymmetric, i.e., of unequal magnitude for the bidder and the target. Based on an international dataset of 25,026 global acquisitions between 2012 and 2015, we find that bidder and target characteristics influence the structure of termination fees. More precisely, we show that target termination fees are higher if the target is insolvent. Bidder termination fees are higher, in contrast, if the bidder is an institutional investor. Our study thus contributes to understanding the influence of bargaining power on non-price terms by examining the structure of termination fees.
The perceptions of translanguaging through English as a lingua franca among international students in Korean higher education
Authors: Ra Jaewon Jane
Published: September 2021

This article explores how translanguaging is perceived by a group of international students at a Korean university where not only different first languages (L1) and English (L2) are involved in the students’ daily lives but also the local language (L3) holds an important role in the community. Using ethnographic methods, four participants from Japan, Lithuania, Malaysia and South Africa were regularly observed and interviewed in-depth during one academic semester. The findings reveal that the participants had conflicting views towards translanguaging pertaining to their underlying ideologies, that is, whether they considered it as a struggle to use a language or as something natural, fun and cosmopolitan. However, it has been confirmed from this study that whether the participants were positive or negative about translanguaging, it inevitably happened in their daily lives which tells us that the multilingual phenomenon in the field of ELF is worth researching further.
English as an Academic Lingua Franca: discourse hybridity and meaning multiplicity in an international Anglophone HE institution
Authors: Alhasnawi Sami
Published: September 2021

Factors of globalization have led to a constant rise of English as an academic lingua franca (ELFA). This is evidenced not only by the increasing use of English in scientific publications, but also in the attraction held by Anglophone countries as destinations of high-achieving international students and the rise of English-medium instruction (EMI) outside of Anglophone institutions. While ongoing research in ELF has shown that the native-only norms are being challenged through the changed realities of English use, little attention has so far been paid to how similarly or differently ELFA is conceptualized and practiced across academic disciplines within the same international Anglophone University. For this end, this work presents data on the English for Special Purposes/English for Academic Purposes and content teachers’ perceptions on English and how this, in turn, shapes their classroom discourse as a shared practice among members of the same academic discipline in a highly international UK-based university. Findings suggest that ELFA is characterized with its versatility and volatility as part of the dynamic nature of disciplinary norms for meaning-making and knowledge-construction practices.
Peptide-conjugated nanoparticles for targeted photodynamic therapy
Authors: Dhaini Batoul , Kenzhebayeva Bibigul , Ben-Mihoub Amina , Gries Mickaël , Acherar Samir , Baros Francis , Thomas Noémie , Daouk Joël , Schohn Hervé , Hamieh Tayssir , Frochot Céline
Published: September 2021

Cancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide after cardiovascular disease. Depending on the type and the location of the tumor, several cancer treatments are implemented. Among these, the three most conventional therapies are surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, there are other therapeutic approaches such as photodynamic therapy (PDT). PDT relies on the combined action of light, a photoactivable molecule called photosensitizer (PS) and molecular oxygen. Most of the PSs used for clinical applications are not cancer-cell specific. One of the solutions to overcome this problem is the use of nanoparticles (NPs) to induce a passive targeting. It is also possible to graft a vector onto the NPs to specifically target membrane receptors overexpressed in the tumor cells or neovessels surrounding the tumor. In this review, we focus on the NPs loaded with PSs and coupled to peptides for targeted PDT. We described nanosystems that targeted Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1), αvβ3 integrins, nucleolin membrane receptor, epidermal growth factor (EGF) receptor, protein-glutamine-gamma-glutamyltransferase (TGM2), p32, transferrin, PD-1, and mitochondrial membrane. The use of a cell absorbing-peptide is also described.
Maximizing student learning through the use of demonstrations
Authors: Canal John P.
Published: September 2021

As society becomes more technologically complex, post-secondary institutions have responded by incorporating science-based courses in the non-science curriculum. As chemist, we are often called upon to teach these courses and explain complex concepts to learners with limited science background. An effective method to engage students with the material is using demonstrations. In this study, we examine the use of science-based demonstration in our third-year science course for non-science students.
Exploring the frontier between polar intermetallics and Zintl phases for the examples of the prolific ALnTnTe3-type alkali metal (A) lanthanide (Ln) late transition metal (Tn) tellurides
Authors: Eickmeier Katharina , Steinberg Simon
Published: September 2021

Understanding electronic structures is important in order to interpret and to design the chemical and physical properties of solid-state materials. Among those materials, tellurides have attracted an enormous interest, because several representatives of this family are at the cutting edge of basic research and technologies. Despite this relevance of tellurides with regard to the design of materials, the interpretations of their electronic structures have remained challenging to date. For instance, most recent research on tellurides, which primarily comprise post-transition elements, revealed a remarkable electronic state, while the distribution of the valence electrons in tellurides comprising group-I/II elements could be related to the structural features by applying the Zintl-Klemm-Busmann concept. In the cases of tellurides containing transition metals the applications of the aforementioned idea should be handled with care, as such tellurides typically show characteristics of polar intermetallics rather than Zintl phases. And yet, how may the electronic structure look like for a telluride that consists of a transition metal behaving like a p metal? To answer this question, we examined the electronic structure for the quaternary RbTbCdTe3 and provide a brief report on the crystal structures of the isostructural compounds RbErZnTe3 and RbTbCdTe3, whose crystal structures have been determined by means of X-ray diffraction experiments for the very first time.
Synthesis, crystal and electronic structure of BaLi2Cd2Ge2
Authors: Baranets Sviatoslav , Ovchinnikov Alexander , Bobev Svilen
Published: September 2021

A new quaternary germanide has been synthesized and structurally characterized. BaLi2Cd2Ge2 adopts the rhombohedral CaCu4P2 structure type (Pearson code hR7; space group

R

3
‾

m

$R‾{3}m$

, Z = 3) with unit cell parameters a = 4.5929(6) and c = 26.119(5) Å. Structure refinements from single-crystal X-ray diffraction data demonstrate that the layered crystal structure can be regarded as an ordered quaternary variant of the ternary archetype; structural parallels to layered pnictides and binary germanides can also be drawn. The layered crystal structure is characterized by the absence of direct Ge–Ge and Cd–Cd homoatomic bonds, which suggests that BaLi2Cd2Ge2 should be classified as a Zintl phase, according to the formulation (Ba2+)(Li+)2(Cd2+)2(Ge4−)2. Electronic structure calculations show that the Fermi level crosses a distinct peak in the DOS, although the presence of an electronic band gap or a dip in the electronic density of states at the Fermi level is expected based on the electron partitioning.
Solving the puzzle of the dielectric nature of tantalum oxynitride perovskites
Authors: Kikkawa Shinichi , Masubuchi Yuji
Published: September 2021

The dielectric properties of tantalum oxynitride perovskites are of interest because of the unique optical characteristics of these compounds based on their visible light absorption. Unfortunately, such perovskites are thermally metastable, which makes it challenging to prepare high-quality bulk samples for the study of dielectric properties. Recently, studies of small single crystals of BaTaO2N showed the compound to be ferroelectric, and this can be well explained based on the non-centrosymmetric crystal structure proposed previously using first-principles and molecular dynamic investigations.
estudio exploratorio sobre el impacto del neuromarketing en entornos virtuales de aprendizaje
Authors: Cerdá Suárez Luis Manuel , Cristófol Rodriguez Carmen
Published: September 2021

El neuromarketing es un tópico fundamental en el mundo tecnológico actual y ha experimentado un crecimiento explosivo en los últimos años como herramienta de la comunicación. Últimamente, las asignaturas de neuromarketing han mejorado mucho cuando la enseñanza está respaldada por cursos y experimentos de laboratorio siguiendo el paradigma de "aprender haciendo", que proporciona a los estudiantes una comprensión más profunda de su aprendizaje. Sin embargo, muchos programas educativos no enseñan a los estudiantes sobre el uso y las aplicaciones del neuromarketing. Bajo el supuesto de que los avances en neuromarketing cambiarán las prácticas tradicionales en el aula, el objetivo de este trabajo es proponer una combinación de tecnologías para convertir un proyecto de neuromarketing en una actividad de laboratorio, haciendo que este sea más atractivo para los estudiantes al mejorar la aplicación de los planes de estudio en postgrados de administración de empresas. Este proyecto ha sido evaluado con éxito sobre la base de respuestas a cuestionarios de estudiantes y expertos que calificaron positivamente la actividad de laboratorio, encontrando el aprendizaje como muy bueno y/o excelente, alcanzándose además buenos resultados académicas. En el contexto específico de una universidad privada virtual, este trabajo se orientó al diseño de un taller de neuromarketing para desarrollar determinadas competencias genéricas en la mejora de los procesos educativos en las universidades. Los hallazgos de esta investigación resultan relevantes en las decisiones de política educativa, pero también en la teoría y práctica pedagógica en el ámbito de este estudio.
The mycobiota of needles and shoots of silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) with symptoms of Herpotrichia needle browning in the Tatra Mts. (Poland)
Authors: Pusz Wojciech , Baturo-Ciesniewska Anna , Kaczmarek-Pienczewska Agata , Zwijacz-Kozica Tomasz , Patejuk Katarzyna
Published: September 2021

The European silver fir (Abies alba Mill.) has the largest distribution area of all the European species of fir. It is the only species of this type found in the Carpathian Mts., including their highest range - the Tatras, where it constitutes one of the main components of lower montane forests. In certain sections of the Carpathian Mountains fir stands are affected by the competitive pressure of beech. This may be due to climate change, as well as biotic factors such as plant diseases. One such disease is Herpotrichia needle browning. The goal of the present research was to assess the occurrence of Herpotrichia needle browning in the Tatra National Park and determine the species composition of fungi colonizing symptomatic needles and shoots. Symptoms of the disease were observed across the entire research period, i.e., from May to mid-September 2019. They included the wilting of the needles with subsequent mycelial growth on the remains, as well as shoot deformation. The mycological analysis of the needles and shoots of A. alba resulted in the isolation of 22 fungal taxa. In the case of the needles and shoots, which showed symptoms of infection, the most frequent species of fungus was Sydowia polyspora (Bref. & Tavel) E. Müll., followed by Alternaria alternata (Fr.) Keissl. and Rhizosphaera macrospora Gourb. & M. Morelet. Herpotrichia needle browning seems to be triggered by a complex disease resulting from synergistic interaction of several fungal pathogens
Diversity and prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi (Ascomycota, Hypocreales) in epidemic populations of bark beetles (Coleoptera, Scolytinae) in spruce forests of the Tatra National Park in Slovakia
Authors: Hyblerová Silvia , Medo Juraj , Barta Marek
Published: September 2021

Bark beetles are serious forest pests in Slovakia. Their outbreaks may have significant ecological and economic impacts on spruce forests. There is a variety of natural enemies that activate themselves during population outbreaks of insects and entomopathogenic fungi belong to important antagonists with a potential to regulate populations of their hosts. In 2014–2016, species richness and prevalence of entomopathogenic fungi were evaluated during the bark beetle outbreaks in spruce forests affected by windstorms in the Tatra National Park in Slovakia. Three Beauveria species, B. bassiana, B. caledonica and B. pseudobassiana, with Metapochonia bulbillosa were identified from 271 specimens of three bark beetle species, Ips typographus, Ips amitinus and Pityogenes chalcographus. Beauveria bassiana was the dominant pathogen and infected all three bark beetle species. Phylogenetic analysis identified three phylogenetic groups of B. bassiana in the evaluated host populations. M. bulbillosa was reported for the first time from bark beetle hosts and Slovakia. The prevalence of fungal infection in natural populations of I. typographus was low, varied between 0.07 and 0.72%, and have little influence on the bark beetle abundance.
El principio de la didáctica de la ciencia. Una investigación narrativa
Authors: Amar-Rodríguez Víctor
Published: September 2021

Objetivo. La didáctica de la ciencia ha experimentado una considerable evolución. Y, en este sentido, el objetivo es explicar de otra manera, si cabe, los principios de la ciencia para lo cual se vale de la didáctica, la filosofía de la ciencia y, también, la narrativa. Metodología. La opción para conocer y comprender lo que el personal docente universitario, vinculado a esta área de conocimiento, piensa, vive o siente en relación con la ciencia y su didáctica es la narrativa. Con todo, la información de corte cualitativa inspirada en el diálogo y la subjetividad explica la experiencia profesional de este profesorado. Análisis de resultados. De este modo, se hace imprescindible saber interpretar el conocimiento científico para comprender el mundo y que los sujetos no se conviertan en neoexcluidos del siglo XXI. Se presenta una propuesta de didáctica de la ciencia de manera integral y que no establezca separación entre ciencia y humanidades, ya que la propia ciencia es una construcción humana y no un producto. Y, es por ello, que se plantea la necesidad de alfabetizar y educar, científicamente, a la ciudadanía de forma proactiva y participativa en conexión con la vida actual. Conclusión. Se presenta la necesidad de desarrollar un modelo de cultura científica para crecer como persona y que sea capaz de generar un conocimiento cercano a los valores (sociales y ambientales), alejado de la educación instrumental o de la instrucción. Se aboga por una educación y saber científico que supere el modelo transmisible por otro más comprensivo y cotidiano.
Comparação epidemiológica entre as fraturas de fêmur proximal atendidas em um hospital secundário e um terciário
Authors: Mizael Weby Delsin , Vilela Leandro Campos , Buainain Ronaldo Parissi , Nonose Nilson
Published: September 2021

Objetivo: comparar a ocorrência de fraturas de fêmur proximal atendidas em um hospital secundário e em um terciário.Método: a amostra deste estudo foi composta por todos os pacientes que apresentaram fratura de fêmur proximal atendidos em dois serviços hospitalares, no período de 2015 a 2017, sendo realizada a avaliação dos prontuários.Resultados: embora um maior número de cirurgias tenha sido realizado no hospital terciário, os pacientes atendidos no hospital secundário apresentaram maior número de complicações, provavelmente em decorrência de mais tempo de espera pelo procedimento, incluindo as cirurgias que precisaram ser remarcadas. É provável, também, que esse fato tenha implicado em maior tempo de internação e necessidade de encaminhamento para UTI no período pós-operatório imediato, fenômenos também observados no hospital secundário.Conclusão: estes resultados chamam atenção para a necessidade de reformulação dos protocolos de atendimento a pacientes com fratura proximal de fêmur, visando sanar os problemas aqui apresentados.